Ok, more filler, more pov. It has been kinda hard writing this, having to run back and forth from the living room and my bedroom, between the TV and computer. Um....it has been a strage 2 weeks, with all that has happened to America. My deepest heart felt prayers go out to any one and every one involved. It is times like this that it is nice to have an escape. So...I hope to provide you all an escape. Lime jello.
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For what seemed like hours, Ardeth and Dr. Bay went over every Med-jai scroll, book on Hamunaptra, book on Seti, or anything else pertaining to the creature that they could find.
"It says nothing on how to kill the creature!" Dr. Bay said finally, throwing his hands up in a huff. Ardeth looked at his uncle with concerned eyes. A sight that did not pass the elder man by.
With a smile, Dr. Bay crossed to his nephew, placing his hand on the back of the young man's neck.
"Ardeth, I am proud of you. Very proud. I don't know if I tell you that enough. You are like a son to me, the son I never got. You be sure and stop this creature for me, yes? You be sure that you do not let him win."
"Uncle?" Ardeth's eyes grew confused.
Dr. Bay sighed through a sad smile. "My son, the creature's rebirth will be the death of me. I know it to be true. I will not live through tonight."
"How can you say that?"
"It is something I know, in my heart. Do not worry, my son, it will all be ok."
Ardeth's confused, warrior eyes turned down in sadness. This couldn't be happening; he would not lose his beloved uncle. Then who would be there for him? To be the father figure in his life?
"I will not let you die, uncle. You can count on that. I will not let that happen. I have lost my father, I have lost my brother, I am close to losing my mother, I will not lose you."
To his surprise, his uncle laughed. "You are a brave man, Ardeth. A strong a true leader. Omar and Tarek would be so proud…" the name sent a shiver through Ardeth's soul. "But you needn't worry. Those damn Americans and Brits may have caused this, but the Med-jai will finish it."
Uncle and nephew stared at each other for a moment; both lost in the thought of Dr. Bay's upcoming death.
"It won't happen." Ardeth said finally, "I won't let you die."
Dr. Bay smiled. "So be it…"
Something caught both their attentions, as both men turned towards the large window. A swarm of flies had filled the air, turning the dusk completely black.
"He's gotten another." Dr. Bay said, turning back to his scrolls and books. "They have been gone for 45 minutes, we need to find something before they get back."
Ardeth nodded and turned back to the scrolls and books as well.
~~
Just over twenty minutes later, Ardeth and Dr. Bay heard a car driving up to the museum. They both looked at each other, a way to kill the creature still hiding from them. The Med-jai met up with the group, now one American short, in the entrance.
By the look on the O'Connell man's face, Ardeth knew they had lost two more to the creature.
"Dr. Bay?" Ms. Carnahan said, shooting the warrior a look of fear, before stepping past him to talk to the curator. "That stone…that the Bembridge scholars left here. The one that tells of The Book of the Living? Is it still here?"
"Yes, it is up stairs, why?"
"I think it may give us a clue."
"What do you mean?" O'Connell asked as the group now ascended the stairs. Ardeth having to keep up with his surprisingly quick uncle.
"Well, according to legend, the black book we found at Hamunaptra is supposed to bring people back to life. Until now, that was a notion I was unwilling to believe." Ms. Carnahan said.
"Believe it sister, that's what brought our buddy back to life." O'Connell said.
Buddy? Ardeth thought. What a strange thing to call this evil creature. Buddy. Those damn Americans and their words.
"Yes, and I'm thinking that if the black book can bring people back to life…"
"Maybe the gold book can kill him." O'Connell finished the sentence.
"Yes, well, that's the myth."
At this point, Ardeth zoned out their words. The stupid people had discovered a way to kill the creature, even though he and Dr. Bay had been searching for an hour to find a way. Ardeth was not happy at the thought, of having these people go back to the city, and from the looks of his uncle, he was to pleased either.
"IMHOTEP! IMHOTEP!" the chanting reached into his ears, as Ardeth and the rest of them turned towards a large window at the end of the hall. They all rushed to it, staring out at the massive horde of people coming their way; chanting.
"And last my favorite plague, boils and sores." Mr. Carnahan said.
These people have favorite plagues? Ardeth thought, looking down below. Silly breed.
"The have become his slaves, so it had begun. The beginning of the end." Ardeth said, his voice low and urgent.
"Not quite yet is hasn't, come on." The British woman said, as she turned back and headed for the stone. Ardeth and Dr. Bay shared a look but followed. The latter kneeling down and searching the large stone, that was covered in hieroglyphics, for any clues on the location of the golden book.
The woman and her friends chatted away about something, but the Med-jai chieftain paid little attention. Every so often, a word or to would slip past his ears. "Statue of Anubis, Golden Book, Bembridge something or another."
Ardeth stared over the edge of the balcony, as the horde of people tried to crash into the large doors. The chanting never ending. Looking back, he caught O'Connell's eyes, and they shared a strange look. Both men knew now that they were in this, together, till the end. It was a strange look the American gave him, a look of friendship almost.
With a loud noise, the large crowd busted into the doors, screaming and yelling, rushing around like ants. O'Connell rushed to Ardeth's side and stared down at the sight.
"Not right now it isn't." The American said, in response to something the woman had said.
In a panic, the brother ran off down the hall, after saying something about a car. Coward. Ardeth thought, can't trust any of them.
"We need to get out of here." O'Connell said, grabbing Ms. Carnahan's hand and pulling her down the hallway. Ardeth looked down quickly at the horde of people, who were now rushing the stairs. He pushed his uncle ant the last American forward, rushing them down the hall as well.
~~
In lighting speed, they all rushed out of the side doors of the museum, O'Connell and Ms. Carnahan in the front, the American, Dr. Bay, and finally Ardeth, keeping one eye on the people following them, and the other protectively on his uncle. They all jumped into the now started car, as Mr. Carnahan turned the car around and sped off. A small man in a red fez ran out and yelled something, to which O'Connell yelled back. Ardeth, Dr. Bay, and the American, all sitting in the back, turned and watched as the horde now chased after the car.
Ardeth's mind flew a million miles a second, he knew that if the creature got the last American, much hope is stopping him would be lost. He knew he had to protect his uncle, no matter what. And he knew that now he would have to trust the people he was with, because they were in this together.
Before he knew it, the car had stopped, and looking ahead, a large group of the creature's slaves stood in front of them, swords raised, waiting. Suddenly, with a yelp of pain from the driver, the car rushed forward, right into the group of madmen. They started to jump on the car; grabbing and attacking all those whom sat in it.
Ardeth, in the back, began to fight off men as they climbed onto the side of the car. And though he knocked many off, more kept coming. In the frenzy, none of them saw the final American being pulled from the back of the car by two of the slaves.
"O'CONNELL!!!!" He had screamed, his voice fading.
Ardeth punched another fiend off the car, as O'Connell turned around and cussed viciously. Looking around, the warrior realized they were, for the most part, ruining the street markets of Cairo. More fists flew, and more boil covered freaks jumped on, and fell off, the car.
Suddenly, the car hit something, sending the Med-jai lurching forward. Barley thinking, he jumped from the car, turning swiftly to see in his uncle had done the same, grabbing the older man, he forced him forward. And with a little hop over a body, he joined the others in a small bunch, as the horde of boil covered freaks closed in on them.
Ardeth, keeping himself between danger and his uncle, looked around franticly, body poised to strike, at the ready for anything. But the horde, still chanting the creature's name, stopped and spread. All at once, he and his comrades saw a tall man coming towards them, an odd look on his smiling face. Ardeth had never seen this man before, but knew in an instant who he was.
"It's the creature, he is fully regenerated." Dr. Bay said urgently. Ardeth watched closely as the creature came closer to them, his eyes dead still on Ms. Carnahan.
"Keetah mi pharos, aja nilo, isirlan." Imhotep cooed, taking a few more steps towards the small group.
"Come with me, my princess, it is time to make you mine, forever." The red fez man said, walking next to his mummy master.
Ardeth looked over at Ms. Carnahan, to see how she would react. But was rather amused at her expression.
"For all eternity, idiot." She spat.
"Koontash dai na." The creature said, reaching out his hand.
"Take my hand, and I will spare your friends." Red fez…Beni maybe?…said.
Standing behind O'Connell and the woman, he missed the looked passed between them.
"Oh dear." Ms. Carnahan said softly, fear in her voice. Ardeth looked at her, and her face betrayed her feelings. "You got any bright ideas?" She said, turning to O'Connell.
"I'm thinking, I'm thinking." O'Connell held a torch in front of him as a weapon.
Ardeth looked back to his uncle, whose face was strangely calm.
"Well, you better think of something fast, because if he turns me into a mummy, you're the first one I'm coming after." He heard the woman said, and turning his head back, he saw her take a step forward, to the creature.
"NO!" O'Connell called out, pulling out a gun and pointing it at the creature and woman.
"DON'T!" Ardeth heard her say, as he lunged forward and grabbed O'Connell's wrist, forcing the gun over a few inches. The American struggled under Ardeth's weight, but the Med-jai wouldn't give up or in. And he only forced on more power.
"He still has to take me to Hamunaptra to perform the ritual."
"She is right," Ardeth said through gritted teeth, holding the other man back. "Live today, fight tomorrow."
O'Connell, much to Ardeth's joy, put his gun down. And the American and the British woman shared a look…a look Ardeth had seen many times when warriors leave their wives…a look of love.
The gleeful look on the mummy never faded as he held on to the woman, almost protectively. Ardeth repositioned his hands to get a better hold on the American, as O'Connell motioned forward with the torch.
"I'll be seeing you again." He said, very slowly, very clearly, at the creature. Imhotep just smiled.
Off to the side of them, a small commotion came from the Red Fez and Mr. Carnahan. But what about, the Med-jai did not know.
As the creature led the woman away, he called out something, and in response, Ms. Carnahan screamed a fearful, "NO!" The horde began to chant again and move in, and the Red Fez stopped.
"Good bye, my friend." He snickered, before running off.
O'Connell, no free of Ardeth's grasp, stepped after the man but stopped. The four men were now trapped, and the horde moved closer. Ardeth stepped back into the protective path of his uncle, waiting to see what O'Connell would do. In response, he tossed his torch into the incoming crowd and pulled something up of the ground. Ardeth didn't really see, he was to worried about his uncle who, with a mad glint in his eye, pulled out his sword and walked towards the horde. Ardeth, eyes wide, began to go after his uncle, but a hand stopped him.
"You next." O'Connell said, and before Ardeth knew what happened, he got a last look at his uncle before being thrown down a smelly hole. Landing in a heap at the bottom. With a grunt, he pushed himself up and found Mr. Carnahan at his side, one hand on the Med-jai's arm, helping him up. He smiled a 'thanks' before someone else dropped into the hole, landing on his feet this time.
"We have to get out of here." O'Connell said, pushing past Ardeth and Mr. Carnahan and heading down the empty sewer. The brother followed, but Ardeth stayed. He looked up through the porthole sadly; the echo's of his uncle's dying screams reaching his ears. Ardeth wanted to break down; he wanted to kill them all. He wanted to do what his uncle had asked, and stop Imhotep.
Looking over, he realized that the two other men were staring at him. Ardeth just stared back at the cover above him, his uncle's screams now gone, and silent prayed to Allah for help and strength. And for his beloved uncle, Dr. Tariff Bay.
Silent, he pushed past O'Connell and the other, making his way down the long pipe they were in. he knew where they were going, and he knew the quickest way out.
~~
As they walked, Ardeth thought of everything that had happened. He was one of the first Med-jai to ever see the creature in over 3,000 years. He had seen him, heard him, stared into his cold eyes. He had lost his uncle, like Dr. Bay had said, and he was sad because of it. Ardeth knew that death was a constant thing in the Med-jai life, but he felt heart broken. His father was gone, and now so was his other father. But in the silence, he made a vow to stop this creature, to honor his fallen men.
Looking back he saw in the dark the solemn faces of the two other men, both lost in their thoughts of, Ardeth had to assume, Ms. Carnahan. They both looked up at him, but stayed silent.
The three men pressed on.
~~
Together, Ardeth and O'Connell kicked a large sewer grate out of a wall, it landing in the street of the ally with a loud clang. The three climbed out, Ardeth, of all them, the most relieved to be out of the damn smelly tube.
(I got the next bit from the script of The Mummy)
"We gotta get her back." O'Connell said, head searching up and down the ally.
"I'm with you, old man. No one touches my sister like that and gets away with it." Mr. Carnahan said, his hands forming fists at his side.
O'Connell looked at Ardeth; "You know where he's taking her?"
"Yes. To Hamunaptra. To perform the ritual."
The brother looked worried, "And what ritual would that be?"
"The ritual to bring the body of Anck-su-namun back to life."
"And how does one do that?"
"By reading the Book of the Dead."
"Oh yes, of course."
Ardeth couldn't help but have fun with the man, though he knew it was not the time. "And then killing your sister."
The man nearly fell over. "Excuse me?"
Ardeth ignored this and turned to O'Connell. "Imhotep is now able to cross the desert with great haste." He felt a tap on his shoulder, and turning his head, Ardeth saw the smaller shape of Mr. Carnahan, "Begging your pardon, but I wasn't quite clear on that last part."
The warrior ignored him still. "If he arrives before us, it will be too late."
"Did you say 'kill' my sister?"
O'Connell seemed to smile, as he stared off into space. "I know how to beat him to it."
(Here endeth the bit I got from the script, I now return you to my own words.)
Ardeth looked at the two men, and knew that it was time for the inevitable. And with a small sigh, he reached out his hand in greeting.
"My name is Ardeth Bay, so you know."
This seemed to catch both men off guard, but they to stuck out their hands and shook the warrior's hand.
"Rick O'Connell."
"Jonathan Carnahan."
"And you sister?"
"Evelyn." Jonathan said, sadly. Ardeth could only wonder how he felt.
"This…creature?"
"Imhotep. The man in the red fez?"
"Beni."
"We should get the car back…" O'Connell…Rick…was saying.
"When we get back, I wish to take my uncles body someplace where my men can get him." Ardeth said, softly. He regretted opening his mouth as both men turned to him.
"Uncle?" Rick…O'Connell…gasped.
"Oh…terribly sorry ol'chum." Jonathan said. Ardeth shook both them off.
"Lets us return to the…car…we need to get to the City of the Dead as quickly as possible." He started down the street, leaving the two others behind.
~~
In the strange stillness of the night, the three men, Warrior, American, Brit, walked side by side. Ardeth studied the two men fully, finally, for the first time since he was in their full company.
The one, O'Connell, Rick-what ever he went by-seemed ready for just about anything. He walked like a warrior, was alert like a warrior, and seemed to have an air around him that said one thing, warrior. Ardeth, though he disliked this man, respected him just the same. The Med-jai had to respect him…he knew that this O'Connell man was supposed to be there, helping. Though why, he did not know. Maybe he never would.
Jonathan…on the other hand…had more of a coward air around him then that of a warrior, but he was looking out for his sister, and Ardeth had to respect that as well. But he had to wonder what use the little man would pose to them. Another enigma.
It took them a little under an hour to get back to where the beat up car was sitting. The other two men went to the car, to see if it was working, while Ardeth walked slowly to the body of his uncle. The man lie still in the darkness, a torch burning low nearby. His hand still grasped around a bloody scimitar, his eyes still open in horror and pain. But his face held the strong, determined look of a warrior, in defiance to those who had taken his life.
Ardeth looked at the body sadly, happy his back was turned to the two other men. It was the third time he had truly lost someone so close, and he felt heart broken. But he knew he could not act on it. His grief would have to come later; he had work to do. Things to get done. Someone to catch, stop, and kill.
But he couldn't help himself from picking up his uncles hand, and pressing his thumb deeply into the skin on the back of his hand, and dragging it over, removing the make-up and revealing the pointed tattoos all Med-jai had on their hands. He was sad, yes. And the now dull tattoos only made him sadder. But there was wok to be done.
Slowly, carefully, he pulled the scimitar out of the cold hand of his uncle, and sat it off to the side. Then, he gently slid his arms under the body and with a tiny grunt, lifted his now dead uncle off the ground, holding him close. Still protectively.
By this time, the other two had gotten the car started and ready, and watched on as Ardeth placed the body in the back of the car, went back and retrieved the fallen scimitar, then returned to the car.
"Ready, then?" Jonathan asked softly.
Ardeth just nodded.
"Where do you want to…um…go?"
"Back to the museum."
O'Connell jumped into the car and was followed closely by Jonathan, who started and drove off. Ardeth didn't say another word, just kept a protective hand on his uncle.
~~
They got to the museum and found it half-destroyed but empty. The horde of fools who had been there now long gone. Ardeth told the other two to wait as he picked up Dr. Bay's body and carried it into the museum. He wanted to be heartbroken and he wanted to, in part, cry. But the Med-jai did not as he carried the body into the man's office. He gently laid the man down, and covered him with a blanket he had found in a nearby closet.
He knew that the Med-jai in Cairo had to hear of the destruction of the museum, but he had to get word to them quickly anyhow.
In Med-jai fashion, he lit a fresh torch and carried it to the large window upstairs; that they had all looked out of just hours before. There, he carefully placed the torch in the window. Then he placed the fallen scimitar across the torch, so they would form an 'x' in the window. A Med-jai sign of distress and death.
Looking down, he saw that O'Connell and Jonathan were staring up at what he was doing. But he didn't care. He then returned to his uncle's office and knelt down next to the body.
"Allah take you in, my uncle, my friend. May peace find you now, in this next stage of life." He said softly, in Arabic.
Then, Ardeth stood and left the room left the broken museum. And looking up one last time to make sure his signal was right, he jumped into the back of the car.
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Thank God for the script to this movie. Is it good so far? A special thanks to Deana. You rock girl, thanks for your help. Cant wait for your next fic. More coming, the next will most likely be the last chapter. No More Goat Soup! Thanks for your reviews....peace to all.
"We are stardust, we are golden, We are billion year old carbon. And we got to get ourselves back to the garden."
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For what seemed like hours, Ardeth and Dr. Bay went over every Med-jai scroll, book on Hamunaptra, book on Seti, or anything else pertaining to the creature that they could find.
"It says nothing on how to kill the creature!" Dr. Bay said finally, throwing his hands up in a huff. Ardeth looked at his uncle with concerned eyes. A sight that did not pass the elder man by.
With a smile, Dr. Bay crossed to his nephew, placing his hand on the back of the young man's neck.
"Ardeth, I am proud of you. Very proud. I don't know if I tell you that enough. You are like a son to me, the son I never got. You be sure and stop this creature for me, yes? You be sure that you do not let him win."
"Uncle?" Ardeth's eyes grew confused.
Dr. Bay sighed through a sad smile. "My son, the creature's rebirth will be the death of me. I know it to be true. I will not live through tonight."
"How can you say that?"
"It is something I know, in my heart. Do not worry, my son, it will all be ok."
Ardeth's confused, warrior eyes turned down in sadness. This couldn't be happening; he would not lose his beloved uncle. Then who would be there for him? To be the father figure in his life?
"I will not let you die, uncle. You can count on that. I will not let that happen. I have lost my father, I have lost my brother, I am close to losing my mother, I will not lose you."
To his surprise, his uncle laughed. "You are a brave man, Ardeth. A strong a true leader. Omar and Tarek would be so proud…" the name sent a shiver through Ardeth's soul. "But you needn't worry. Those damn Americans and Brits may have caused this, but the Med-jai will finish it."
Uncle and nephew stared at each other for a moment; both lost in the thought of Dr. Bay's upcoming death.
"It won't happen." Ardeth said finally, "I won't let you die."
Dr. Bay smiled. "So be it…"
Something caught both their attentions, as both men turned towards the large window. A swarm of flies had filled the air, turning the dusk completely black.
"He's gotten another." Dr. Bay said, turning back to his scrolls and books. "They have been gone for 45 minutes, we need to find something before they get back."
Ardeth nodded and turned back to the scrolls and books as well.
~~
Just over twenty minutes later, Ardeth and Dr. Bay heard a car driving up to the museum. They both looked at each other, a way to kill the creature still hiding from them. The Med-jai met up with the group, now one American short, in the entrance.
By the look on the O'Connell man's face, Ardeth knew they had lost two more to the creature.
"Dr. Bay?" Ms. Carnahan said, shooting the warrior a look of fear, before stepping past him to talk to the curator. "That stone…that the Bembridge scholars left here. The one that tells of The Book of the Living? Is it still here?"
"Yes, it is up stairs, why?"
"I think it may give us a clue."
"What do you mean?" O'Connell asked as the group now ascended the stairs. Ardeth having to keep up with his surprisingly quick uncle.
"Well, according to legend, the black book we found at Hamunaptra is supposed to bring people back to life. Until now, that was a notion I was unwilling to believe." Ms. Carnahan said.
"Believe it sister, that's what brought our buddy back to life." O'Connell said.
Buddy? Ardeth thought. What a strange thing to call this evil creature. Buddy. Those damn Americans and their words.
"Yes, and I'm thinking that if the black book can bring people back to life…"
"Maybe the gold book can kill him." O'Connell finished the sentence.
"Yes, well, that's the myth."
At this point, Ardeth zoned out their words. The stupid people had discovered a way to kill the creature, even though he and Dr. Bay had been searching for an hour to find a way. Ardeth was not happy at the thought, of having these people go back to the city, and from the looks of his uncle, he was to pleased either.
"IMHOTEP! IMHOTEP!" the chanting reached into his ears, as Ardeth and the rest of them turned towards a large window at the end of the hall. They all rushed to it, staring out at the massive horde of people coming their way; chanting.
"And last my favorite plague, boils and sores." Mr. Carnahan said.
These people have favorite plagues? Ardeth thought, looking down below. Silly breed.
"The have become his slaves, so it had begun. The beginning of the end." Ardeth said, his voice low and urgent.
"Not quite yet is hasn't, come on." The British woman said, as she turned back and headed for the stone. Ardeth and Dr. Bay shared a look but followed. The latter kneeling down and searching the large stone, that was covered in hieroglyphics, for any clues on the location of the golden book.
The woman and her friends chatted away about something, but the Med-jai chieftain paid little attention. Every so often, a word or to would slip past his ears. "Statue of Anubis, Golden Book, Bembridge something or another."
Ardeth stared over the edge of the balcony, as the horde of people tried to crash into the large doors. The chanting never ending. Looking back, he caught O'Connell's eyes, and they shared a strange look. Both men knew now that they were in this, together, till the end. It was a strange look the American gave him, a look of friendship almost.
With a loud noise, the large crowd busted into the doors, screaming and yelling, rushing around like ants. O'Connell rushed to Ardeth's side and stared down at the sight.
"Not right now it isn't." The American said, in response to something the woman had said.
In a panic, the brother ran off down the hall, after saying something about a car. Coward. Ardeth thought, can't trust any of them.
"We need to get out of here." O'Connell said, grabbing Ms. Carnahan's hand and pulling her down the hallway. Ardeth looked down quickly at the horde of people, who were now rushing the stairs. He pushed his uncle ant the last American forward, rushing them down the hall as well.
~~
In lighting speed, they all rushed out of the side doors of the museum, O'Connell and Ms. Carnahan in the front, the American, Dr. Bay, and finally Ardeth, keeping one eye on the people following them, and the other protectively on his uncle. They all jumped into the now started car, as Mr. Carnahan turned the car around and sped off. A small man in a red fez ran out and yelled something, to which O'Connell yelled back. Ardeth, Dr. Bay, and the American, all sitting in the back, turned and watched as the horde now chased after the car.
Ardeth's mind flew a million miles a second, he knew that if the creature got the last American, much hope is stopping him would be lost. He knew he had to protect his uncle, no matter what. And he knew that now he would have to trust the people he was with, because they were in this together.
Before he knew it, the car had stopped, and looking ahead, a large group of the creature's slaves stood in front of them, swords raised, waiting. Suddenly, with a yelp of pain from the driver, the car rushed forward, right into the group of madmen. They started to jump on the car; grabbing and attacking all those whom sat in it.
Ardeth, in the back, began to fight off men as they climbed onto the side of the car. And though he knocked many off, more kept coming. In the frenzy, none of them saw the final American being pulled from the back of the car by two of the slaves.
"O'CONNELL!!!!" He had screamed, his voice fading.
Ardeth punched another fiend off the car, as O'Connell turned around and cussed viciously. Looking around, the warrior realized they were, for the most part, ruining the street markets of Cairo. More fists flew, and more boil covered freaks jumped on, and fell off, the car.
Suddenly, the car hit something, sending the Med-jai lurching forward. Barley thinking, he jumped from the car, turning swiftly to see in his uncle had done the same, grabbing the older man, he forced him forward. And with a little hop over a body, he joined the others in a small bunch, as the horde of boil covered freaks closed in on them.
Ardeth, keeping himself between danger and his uncle, looked around franticly, body poised to strike, at the ready for anything. But the horde, still chanting the creature's name, stopped and spread. All at once, he and his comrades saw a tall man coming towards them, an odd look on his smiling face. Ardeth had never seen this man before, but knew in an instant who he was.
"It's the creature, he is fully regenerated." Dr. Bay said urgently. Ardeth watched closely as the creature came closer to them, his eyes dead still on Ms. Carnahan.
"Keetah mi pharos, aja nilo, isirlan." Imhotep cooed, taking a few more steps towards the small group.
"Come with me, my princess, it is time to make you mine, forever." The red fez man said, walking next to his mummy master.
Ardeth looked over at Ms. Carnahan, to see how she would react. But was rather amused at her expression.
"For all eternity, idiot." She spat.
"Koontash dai na." The creature said, reaching out his hand.
"Take my hand, and I will spare your friends." Red fez…Beni maybe?…said.
Standing behind O'Connell and the woman, he missed the looked passed between them.
"Oh dear." Ms. Carnahan said softly, fear in her voice. Ardeth looked at her, and her face betrayed her feelings. "You got any bright ideas?" She said, turning to O'Connell.
"I'm thinking, I'm thinking." O'Connell held a torch in front of him as a weapon.
Ardeth looked back to his uncle, whose face was strangely calm.
"Well, you better think of something fast, because if he turns me into a mummy, you're the first one I'm coming after." He heard the woman said, and turning his head back, he saw her take a step forward, to the creature.
"NO!" O'Connell called out, pulling out a gun and pointing it at the creature and woman.
"DON'T!" Ardeth heard her say, as he lunged forward and grabbed O'Connell's wrist, forcing the gun over a few inches. The American struggled under Ardeth's weight, but the Med-jai wouldn't give up or in. And he only forced on more power.
"He still has to take me to Hamunaptra to perform the ritual."
"She is right," Ardeth said through gritted teeth, holding the other man back. "Live today, fight tomorrow."
O'Connell, much to Ardeth's joy, put his gun down. And the American and the British woman shared a look…a look Ardeth had seen many times when warriors leave their wives…a look of love.
The gleeful look on the mummy never faded as he held on to the woman, almost protectively. Ardeth repositioned his hands to get a better hold on the American, as O'Connell motioned forward with the torch.
"I'll be seeing you again." He said, very slowly, very clearly, at the creature. Imhotep just smiled.
Off to the side of them, a small commotion came from the Red Fez and Mr. Carnahan. But what about, the Med-jai did not know.
As the creature led the woman away, he called out something, and in response, Ms. Carnahan screamed a fearful, "NO!" The horde began to chant again and move in, and the Red Fez stopped.
"Good bye, my friend." He snickered, before running off.
O'Connell, no free of Ardeth's grasp, stepped after the man but stopped. The four men were now trapped, and the horde moved closer. Ardeth stepped back into the protective path of his uncle, waiting to see what O'Connell would do. In response, he tossed his torch into the incoming crowd and pulled something up of the ground. Ardeth didn't really see, he was to worried about his uncle who, with a mad glint in his eye, pulled out his sword and walked towards the horde. Ardeth, eyes wide, began to go after his uncle, but a hand stopped him.
"You next." O'Connell said, and before Ardeth knew what happened, he got a last look at his uncle before being thrown down a smelly hole. Landing in a heap at the bottom. With a grunt, he pushed himself up and found Mr. Carnahan at his side, one hand on the Med-jai's arm, helping him up. He smiled a 'thanks' before someone else dropped into the hole, landing on his feet this time.
"We have to get out of here." O'Connell said, pushing past Ardeth and Mr. Carnahan and heading down the empty sewer. The brother followed, but Ardeth stayed. He looked up through the porthole sadly; the echo's of his uncle's dying screams reaching his ears. Ardeth wanted to break down; he wanted to kill them all. He wanted to do what his uncle had asked, and stop Imhotep.
Looking over, he realized that the two other men were staring at him. Ardeth just stared back at the cover above him, his uncle's screams now gone, and silent prayed to Allah for help and strength. And for his beloved uncle, Dr. Tariff Bay.
Silent, he pushed past O'Connell and the other, making his way down the long pipe they were in. he knew where they were going, and he knew the quickest way out.
~~
As they walked, Ardeth thought of everything that had happened. He was one of the first Med-jai to ever see the creature in over 3,000 years. He had seen him, heard him, stared into his cold eyes. He had lost his uncle, like Dr. Bay had said, and he was sad because of it. Ardeth knew that death was a constant thing in the Med-jai life, but he felt heart broken. His father was gone, and now so was his other father. But in the silence, he made a vow to stop this creature, to honor his fallen men.
Looking back he saw in the dark the solemn faces of the two other men, both lost in their thoughts of, Ardeth had to assume, Ms. Carnahan. They both looked up at him, but stayed silent.
The three men pressed on.
~~
Together, Ardeth and O'Connell kicked a large sewer grate out of a wall, it landing in the street of the ally with a loud clang. The three climbed out, Ardeth, of all them, the most relieved to be out of the damn smelly tube.
(I got the next bit from the script of The Mummy)
"We gotta get her back." O'Connell said, head searching up and down the ally.
"I'm with you, old man. No one touches my sister like that and gets away with it." Mr. Carnahan said, his hands forming fists at his side.
O'Connell looked at Ardeth; "You know where he's taking her?"
"Yes. To Hamunaptra. To perform the ritual."
The brother looked worried, "And what ritual would that be?"
"The ritual to bring the body of Anck-su-namun back to life."
"And how does one do that?"
"By reading the Book of the Dead."
"Oh yes, of course."
Ardeth couldn't help but have fun with the man, though he knew it was not the time. "And then killing your sister."
The man nearly fell over. "Excuse me?"
Ardeth ignored this and turned to O'Connell. "Imhotep is now able to cross the desert with great haste." He felt a tap on his shoulder, and turning his head, Ardeth saw the smaller shape of Mr. Carnahan, "Begging your pardon, but I wasn't quite clear on that last part."
The warrior ignored him still. "If he arrives before us, it will be too late."
"Did you say 'kill' my sister?"
O'Connell seemed to smile, as he stared off into space. "I know how to beat him to it."
(Here endeth the bit I got from the script, I now return you to my own words.)
Ardeth looked at the two men, and knew that it was time for the inevitable. And with a small sigh, he reached out his hand in greeting.
"My name is Ardeth Bay, so you know."
This seemed to catch both men off guard, but they to stuck out their hands and shook the warrior's hand.
"Rick O'Connell."
"Jonathan Carnahan."
"And you sister?"
"Evelyn." Jonathan said, sadly. Ardeth could only wonder how he felt.
"This…creature?"
"Imhotep. The man in the red fez?"
"Beni."
"We should get the car back…" O'Connell…Rick…was saying.
"When we get back, I wish to take my uncles body someplace where my men can get him." Ardeth said, softly. He regretted opening his mouth as both men turned to him.
"Uncle?" Rick…O'Connell…gasped.
"Oh…terribly sorry ol'chum." Jonathan said. Ardeth shook both them off.
"Lets us return to the…car…we need to get to the City of the Dead as quickly as possible." He started down the street, leaving the two others behind.
~~
In the strange stillness of the night, the three men, Warrior, American, Brit, walked side by side. Ardeth studied the two men fully, finally, for the first time since he was in their full company.
The one, O'Connell, Rick-what ever he went by-seemed ready for just about anything. He walked like a warrior, was alert like a warrior, and seemed to have an air around him that said one thing, warrior. Ardeth, though he disliked this man, respected him just the same. The Med-jai had to respect him…he knew that this O'Connell man was supposed to be there, helping. Though why, he did not know. Maybe he never would.
Jonathan…on the other hand…had more of a coward air around him then that of a warrior, but he was looking out for his sister, and Ardeth had to respect that as well. But he had to wonder what use the little man would pose to them. Another enigma.
It took them a little under an hour to get back to where the beat up car was sitting. The other two men went to the car, to see if it was working, while Ardeth walked slowly to the body of his uncle. The man lie still in the darkness, a torch burning low nearby. His hand still grasped around a bloody scimitar, his eyes still open in horror and pain. But his face held the strong, determined look of a warrior, in defiance to those who had taken his life.
Ardeth looked at the body sadly, happy his back was turned to the two other men. It was the third time he had truly lost someone so close, and he felt heart broken. But he knew he could not act on it. His grief would have to come later; he had work to do. Things to get done. Someone to catch, stop, and kill.
But he couldn't help himself from picking up his uncles hand, and pressing his thumb deeply into the skin on the back of his hand, and dragging it over, removing the make-up and revealing the pointed tattoos all Med-jai had on their hands. He was sad, yes. And the now dull tattoos only made him sadder. But there was wok to be done.
Slowly, carefully, he pulled the scimitar out of the cold hand of his uncle, and sat it off to the side. Then, he gently slid his arms under the body and with a tiny grunt, lifted his now dead uncle off the ground, holding him close. Still protectively.
By this time, the other two had gotten the car started and ready, and watched on as Ardeth placed the body in the back of the car, went back and retrieved the fallen scimitar, then returned to the car.
"Ready, then?" Jonathan asked softly.
Ardeth just nodded.
"Where do you want to…um…go?"
"Back to the museum."
O'Connell jumped into the car and was followed closely by Jonathan, who started and drove off. Ardeth didn't say another word, just kept a protective hand on his uncle.
~~
They got to the museum and found it half-destroyed but empty. The horde of fools who had been there now long gone. Ardeth told the other two to wait as he picked up Dr. Bay's body and carried it into the museum. He wanted to be heartbroken and he wanted to, in part, cry. But the Med-jai did not as he carried the body into the man's office. He gently laid the man down, and covered him with a blanket he had found in a nearby closet.
He knew that the Med-jai in Cairo had to hear of the destruction of the museum, but he had to get word to them quickly anyhow.
In Med-jai fashion, he lit a fresh torch and carried it to the large window upstairs; that they had all looked out of just hours before. There, he carefully placed the torch in the window. Then he placed the fallen scimitar across the torch, so they would form an 'x' in the window. A Med-jai sign of distress and death.
Looking down, he saw that O'Connell and Jonathan were staring up at what he was doing. But he didn't care. He then returned to his uncle's office and knelt down next to the body.
"Allah take you in, my uncle, my friend. May peace find you now, in this next stage of life." He said softly, in Arabic.
Then, Ardeth stood and left the room left the broken museum. And looking up one last time to make sure his signal was right, he jumped into the back of the car.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank God for the script to this movie. Is it good so far? A special thanks to Deana. You rock girl, thanks for your help. Cant wait for your next fic. More coming, the next will most likely be the last chapter. No More Goat Soup! Thanks for your reviews....peace to all.
"We are stardust, we are golden, We are billion year old carbon. And we got to get ourselves back to the garden."