The Mummy Returns . . . Again?

SW: We do not own The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, or their characters. However, the elementals and the plot are mine and Krenya's, so do not touch them unless you wish to be tortured for the next century.

KA: Only a century?

SW: *shrugs* I'm feeling lazy today.

KA: *shakes head* We do appreciate reviews, so feel free to send in comments, what you dislike and what you think could be improved. No flames, though, please.

SW: Or else—

KA: Or else I'll do some serious damage.

SW: Krenya?

KA: I never said it would be to the reader.

SW: Hey!

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Chapter 5

Sylv paced in front of Pyr and their charge. "You're sure they know?" Pyr asked.

"Yes. I heard them give the message to Ardeth himself. He's going now."

Pyr frowned. "This is my fault."

Sylv shook her head. "It was a noble effort, Pyr. It's not your fault that the dark ones found out what we were doing. They would have realized that our activities were centered on Hamunaptra; it was only a matter of time for them to put the puzzle together. Power surges around Hamunaptra: Imhotep being brought back to life."

Pyr sighed. "Well, what will we do?"

Sylv looked at Imhotep. "Take care of him. I'll follow Ardeth and find out what exactly the dark ones are up to."

* * *

Rick checked the last rifle and snapped the barrel into place. "At least I've taught Alex how to shoot," he said.

"Rick, you wouldn't let that boy anywhere near a battle," Jonathan said.

"You have a point." Rick looked out the window. "But why hasn't Imhotep attacked us yet?"

"Maybe he doesn't know where we are. He only saw from the museum to the railroad station last time." Evie entered the room.

"Where's Alex?"

"In his bedroom, but I doubt he'll get to sleep anytime soon. You saw the newspapers, Rick. They think it's just larcenists."

"Do you think he's avoiding attention?" Jonathan said. Evie and Rick looked at him, their eyebrows raised. "Well, he hasn't attacked today. Maybe he doesn't want them to know it's him."

"You have a point. Either way, I want to be ready," Rick said.

Evie sighed. "Why couldn't he just stay dead?" She left.

Jonathan shrugged. Rick frowned. "You realize, every single time so far this guy has come back, it's been because of a woman?"

"Don't let Evie hear you say that."

"Say what?" Evie came back in, carrying the book.

"How . . . radiant you look when you're worried. Rick was just telling me."

Evie smiled. "Oh, Rick. Why did you say not to let me hear that?" she asked Jonathan.

"Oh, well, who wants to be worried? Ah, I'll get us all something to drink, shall I?" He left.

"What's going on?" Evie said.

"Nothing, sweetie. I think Jonathan has a good idea. I'll get you a drink."

"But, Rick—"

He left. The last thing he was about to do was tell Evie that she'd been to blame.

* * *

Sylv watched the black-robed man step off of the train. He looked around the station and strode off into the night. Sylv left the shadows to follow him.

They entered the streets of London. The Med-jai looked back; Sylv ducked behind a piece of machinery. She glanced around her. Rubble littered the street, and the ruined remnants of a building stood across from her. Some of the rock had already been removed, but much remained. "So this is what you did." She looked after the Med-jai; he was gone. Sylv snorted and jogged softly down the street. He was just down the next one.

They continued weaving their way down the streets of London, Sylv followed the dark man's quiet strides with silent feet and hiding whenever he glanced around. He skirted an open, lamp lit marketplace; she stopped short in the shadows.

* * *

Ardeth paused at the far side edge of the market. He looked over his shoulder; nothing but a stray dog moved in the twilight. He continued. It was another fifteen minutes before he reached the O'Connells' mansion. Through the iron gates, up the gravel drive—

He really hoped this visit did not end like the last one.

Lights blazed in the study window. Ardeth tried the door; it was locked. He sighed and knocked. A minute passed, and the door opened. Suddenly Ardeth found himself enveloped in a hug. "Ardeth. You're alive." Rick suddenly released the Med-jai and stepped aside to let him enter.

Ardeth looked at Rick, one eyebrow raised. "Yes, I'm alive."

"Sorry." Rick locked the door behind Ardeth. "Alex had a dream about two women raising Imhotep and killing you in a cave-in. At least part of that wasn't true."

Ardeth stopped in the passage. "This dream. When did Alex have it?"

"About eight days ago. Why?"

"That same day the sentinels saw lightning hit the sand outside Hamunaptra. It formed a glowing orb and entered the city. It apparently tunneled in to one of the passageways. We went in, but as we were approaching the sanache, the tunnel caved in."

Rick's eyebrows knitted. "It was partly true."

"So it would seem."

"And the women?"

"We saw no women."

Rick sighed and continued down the hall. "Jonathan identified them as two of a group of four demons called elementals."

"I do not know that name."

"Well, here's the passage."

"Rick, who's—Ardeth." Evie ran to Ardeth and hugged him briefly. "We didn't know if—"

Ardeth nodded. "I am still alive." He started scanning the page as he spoke. "I came as soon as possible. Something was happening in Hamuna—" He stopped, rereading the passage. "Apparently I am fortunate to still be alive. I know of these demons."