Chapter 3
"It's not pleasant being left in the dark, it is?" Layla mused, sitting on the longboat with both Avatars.
Dabria held the small bowl just under her mouth, quickly eating the hot food. It was rice-stuffed vegetables and it was heavenly.
"Where the hell did you get food from on a boat?" Marc asked, turning his head to her as she stopped eating for a second.
"Them." She gestured to the small group on the other side of the boat, all celebrating something. She shrugged, "The woman just handed me a plate and said to eat. Who's gonna complain about free food? And it's vegetarian."
Marc hummed, "Steven is a vegan."
She nodded, "Nice. Never could get into being a vegan. So what's the plan, Layla? You're the one who actually thought this shit through. So this Mogart guy?"
"He has the sarcophagus, yes," Layla confirmed, nodding. "I asked around. His collection is prime gossip for those of us who deal in antiquities."
"Cool," Dabria ate some more of her food, making Layla look over in jealousy. "Want any, Layla? It's good."
She shook her head, "No thanks."
Marc lifted a hand towards the plate but she pulled it away, jabbing the fork in his direction.
"I swear to the fucking gods, if you put your hands into my plate, I'm gonna kill you myself," Dabria snapped, handing him the fork. "There's a fork. Use it."
He used it, eating some of the flavoured rice and hummed in agreement before giving it back. "It is good. Finish it. We're almost there."
"Have the rest," She said, passing it over. "I had a lot already. Plan again, Layla?"
"You both are newlyweds coming back from your honeymoon," She said, looking at the Avatars curiously to see their reactions. "You're curious and have money. I'm here as your guide and friend."
Dabria made a confused face, "Why aren't you two the married couple? You've known each other longer."
Layla laughed as Marc tried to hide his own laughter, they both shook their heads.
"God no," Marc said, almost laughing as he leaned forward. "We're friends, not lovers."
"Well, we haven't seen each other for ages," Layla said. "But it was mostly due to Steven's reappearances and his unwillingness to tell me about his DID. It was one of the things Marc wouldn't tell me, even after all these years."
"Thanks for standing up for me in the pyramid," He said, putting a hand on Dabria's knee as he finished the plate and stood to hand back the plate to the people. He sat down again. "You didn't have to but you did. Thank you."
"No problem," Dabria half-smiled, quirking one side of her lip up so a single dimple showed. "Harrow kept lying and his heart grew heavier and heavier. I didn't like it."
She grew quieter now, remembering the fear of watching everyone's scales tip and sway.
)(-)(
"Mr Mogart will be with you shortly," The man said, bringing over the three of them to the small performance of men on horses.
Dabria crossed her arms as she observed the horses as Marc tutted.
"So what? This joker just puts on El-Mermah games in his backyard for fun?" He commented.
"No," Layla said. "He gets private lessons by the best in his backyard."
"Him," Dabria nodded to the one who was getting off a horse and had his guard help put on a red robe. "Isn't it?"
"Layla!" He called out. "Come in. Come in."
Layla was first to get into the paddock, but Marc opened it to let her through before gesturing for Dabria to go in too. He closed it behind him, tucking his hands into his back pockets.
"Such a delight to see you," Anton Mogart said.
"You too," She raised a hand for him to kiss, watching him carefully as he did so.
"Who is this?" He asked, looking to Dabria who stood next to her.
"A good friend," Layla smiled. "This is Diane and her husband Rufino."
"Diane," this time he smiled, lifting a hand and Dabria felt like she needed to take it, letting him put a kiss on her black and silver ring, looking at the dark gem. "A pleasure to meet a friend of Layla's."
Marc made a face, squinting his eyes at him to give him an expression of acknowledgement before he stuck out his hand.
"Pleased to meet you," Marc said, letting his hand fall before Anton could take it. He tucked it into Dabria's, making sure that Anton saw it.
Dabria had to try not to laugh, squeezing Marc's hand as they began to walk. She looked at him and then Anton, making a fair enough expression before she continued to walk hand in hand with him. It was a nice comfort.
"I see neither of you wear wedding rings," Anton mentioned, looking at their hands.
"Why should we?" Dabria smiled innocently at him, "We wear something a little more intimate than rings."
Anton nodded in understanding, "To each their own. I hope you all understand this is more than a mere collection to me. Preserving history is a responsibility I take very seriously."
"A self-appointed responsibility that you alone were able to enjoy?" Layla said. "No?"
"Well," He agreed, "I prefer to see it as a philanthropic effort at preservation."
Dabria could feel the way Marc carefully looked around, surveying their surroundings and every exit and entrance and person here and weapon there. She had to tug his hand to give him a look that said stop it, since it wasn't a very discrete way of looking around.
"Now, if I may ask," Anton asked. "Why such interest in Senfu in particular?"
Dabria was first to speak, "My guardian brought me up on Egyptian lore so it is part of me. I like to know as much as I can. While it might not be in my blood, it is part of my life. If you don't mind, could we have a look at it now? I've been waiting such a long time for this, after all."
"Of course." He gestured to one of the glass buildings. "Take your time to observe the beauty."
She smiled softly, feeling Marc tug her towards the building as Layla led. He let go of her, letting her go in first as he muttered into her ear, "Steven says he doesn't like his vibe."
"Nor do I," She hissed back, beginning to observe the sarcophagus. She scanned the whole thing, seeing funeral practises. "Steven? Do you think it's a code?"
She looked at her watch, seeing his face.
"He nodded, "I do think so. We'll need to unlock it somehow."
"You do that," Layla said, "And I'm going to distract Mogart for a bit. Be quick about it. I don't know how long I can keep him talking."
"Thanks, Layla," He nodded to her as she walked away. "How the hell are we gonna figure this out?"
"You're gonna give me the body and piss off!" Steven half snapped.
Dabria had to hiss under her breath, "Steven we do not have the time with this. Suck it up and you can discuss this with marc later. But right now, we need to figure this out."
She opened the sarcophagus, letting the bottom fall open to show the mummy off. If Anubis had been here, he would have berated her for doing this, but he would hopefully understand why she was doing this.
On the mummy lay a few pieces of old papyrus. When she pointed to it, Steven nodded. Marc began to follow Steven's orders, folding the pieces where needed and as instructed.
It took them a moment to realise that they were caught. Marc turned around instantly, taking the gun from Bek and getting Dabria behind him in the process. She was powerless at the moment, just as human as Layla.
"Marc," Layla shook her head, two guns trained at her. "Don't."
He looked back at Dabria, who nodded once. He reluctantly gave the gun back, still standing in front of Dabria, who quickly stuffed the new chart down into her pocket.
"Get onto your knees," Anton glared at them, "both of you."
Marc did so where he stood but another of Anton's men pulled Dabria so she was in line with Marc, now kneeling with her hands up. Marc could see the rage behind her eyes, dark and feral like the way he saw in Anubis and Khonshu, the god-like rage ready to fight and destroy.
"Layla, I was so ready to make peace with you," Anton said, gesturing so the man with the gun pointed at Layla made her come into the glass enclosure too.
The second man aimed a gun at Marc while the third kept his tightly against Dabria's head, threatening both him and her if either of them moved.
Layla shook her head, "You don't understand. We're trying to save many lives."
"You think this is only about us?" Dabria said, half glaring at the man with the gun pointed at her head before she turned her harsh gaze to Anton. "This is so much bigger than just us."
Bek, Anton's main man, whispered something in Anton's ear, careful to still have his gun pointed at Marc.
Anton grinned, "Well, that's interesting. It appears we have a concerned third party here."
"Get up." Bek gestured with his gun at both kneeling parties.
Marc was slow to get up, watching the guns pointed at both Layla and Dabria. If he made the wrong move, they would shoot them.
"Whatever they've told you," The dreaded voice of Harrow said as he came forward with two of his lackeys. He lifted the scarab, letting it float above his hand in the fact of impressing Anton. "Whatever they've told you, I'm sure I can offer you something much more settle for a clue when you can have the treasure?"
Layla tried to convince him but it wasn't working, "Anton. Anton, don't listen to this man. He's trying to stop us from reaching…"
"Please, stop," Anton sneered at her.
"He's gonna kill millions, trust me!"
" Are you seriously talking about trust?"
Dabria rolled her eyes, "Do you believe a stranger over an old friend of yours?"
"You," He pointed at her. "Shut up."
The gun barrel pressed into her head, tempting her to say something but she kept her mouth shut.
"Please, there's no need to descend into violent accusations," Harrow said, hobbling forward with his cane. "Each one of you has so much more in common than you know."
Marc shifted on his feet, his hands low but wide near his hips. When Dabria tried to do a similar stance, the gun head was jabbed into her, making her lift her hands right up by her head again.
"Layla, you keep thinking that distance will prevent the wounds from your father's murder from reopening." He tutted. "But something stands in your way. Your best friend doesn't tell you the truth. "
Marc shook his head when Layla looked at him but Harrow just continued to step forward as he spoke.
"And Marc, you don't tell her because you know that if you do, she'll see you exactly as you see yourself, as unworthy of love."
Dabria hackled out a laugh, "Why don't you psychoanalyse yourself, Harrow? You pain yourself so you can try to repent for all of your sins. It won't work, even if you do release her. You'll still be thrown into the sands as soon as those scales decide you're unworthy."
"Dear Dabria," He gave her a pitiful look. "You think your god is all-powerful? He keeps things from you, many things that would change your view."
"Until he does," She spat at his feet, sneering at him. "I won't believe anything you say."
Harrow lifted his cane, showing off the two crocodile heads on it as they glowed a faint purple. "The lore surrounding these relics, I offer proof that it's real."
Anton was entranced by it, wanting to know more as Harrow turned to pass the others.
"This sarcophagus doesn't belong to anyone."
The whistle of wind was the first sign of Khonshu, making both Avatars look up to see him in the rafters of the building, The moonlight surrounded him, letting him lounge on the roof as he gave orders.
"Do it. Summon the suit!"
Marc refused to do it while there were still guns trained on the heads of his companions.
"Give them what they deserve!"
Harrow brought Anton over to the sarcophagus, letting him observe him destroy it without a care. Harrow left him with only a few words, "That's just a taste of the godly power I offer."
With that happening and taking the attention of the others, Marc glanced at Dabria, watching her wink and nod once before he disappeared like a shadow in the night.
That scared the guards, "Hey, he's gone. Where is he?"
She could only beam a smile onto her lips, her fingers itching to grab the knife in her boots.
The guards surrounded both of them quickly, but Anton's guard took him away and Moon Knight threw down his crescent weapons and hit the armed guards square in the chest. When the other began to shoot at him, he jumped down and got him unconscious.
"I've got the map already," Dabria said quickly, letting them know, watching Layla grab the gun from the floor and begin to shoot at Anton's retreating back.
"Good," Layla said. "Come on, we need to leave. Shit! There's more of them!"
More men ran across the paddock, shooting at them both as Layla tugged Dabria closer to Moon Knight. He opened his cape, covering them from the gunshots.
"You both okay?" He asked, "Dabria, you don't have your powers. Act like it."
"How the fuck am I supposed to?" She snapped, "I've had them since I was sixteen. I don't remember a time I was without them!"
"Layla, keep her safe," He said, spinning back after the gunshots were done, sending the bullets back after he jumped and spun. It hit several of the men, shooting them but not fatally so they could still get up afterwards. "Both of you, get out of here. I've got them."
Both women began to run towards the exit that harrow went through, skidding against the sand a little but otherwise they were fine. Only until they got to the end and saw some of Harrow's men still there. The men began to chase them back into the paddock area where Moon Knight was fighting.
When Layla ran out of bullets, Dabria kicked up a crescent that Moon Knight had dropped, throwing it at the men and getting one in the chest. It stopped the crowd for a second but it was long enough for her to grab the sharp dagger she held in her boots.
Layla went to try and find another gun while Dabria distracted them.
They didn't have knives or guns on them, using their scales as weapons instead.
It made Dabria's job much easier.
She leapt forward, blade in hand as she swung it around. The edge caught the arms of some of the men, making them flinch back. When one wasn't quick enough, she got them into a quick headlock, stabbing them in the chest with ease before taking out her knife.
A grinning face appeared on the face of the bloodied blade, but she didn't have time to dwell on it.
Taking out five men by herself was difficult, especially when they worked together. She dispatched two of them easily, getting one in the neck and the other in the thigh, letting them bleed out on the sand.
The final three worked together. One grabbed her other hand, getting stabbed in the arm by her knife before her legs were swept from under her. One of them stepped on her hand, making her let go of the knife. They picked it up, letting the other grab her other arm so two of them held her.
The one with the knife laughed at her, touching her jaw before he held the knife under her chin. She didn't show fear, knowing her fate already. She knew it for years now.
Pain blared in her shoulder, bright and stark as he embedded the knife in her shoulder before he pulled it out.
He stopped in shock, looking down at the crescent moon in his chest before he staggered backwards and fell on his back.
Moon Knight appeared next to her, pulling one of the men away from her before stabbing him with his weapons before going for the other one. This time, he went for the throat, slicing it easily to get him away from her.
"Mi querida, are you alright?"
That wasn't Marc's voice. It was too deep with a slight Brooklyn twang but she didn't mention it as she used his arm to stand up.
"I'm fine," She said. "It's just a little wound."
She could feel the way it pulsed, letting out more blood. The Ankh was hot against her skin, infusing her with a tiny bit of magic, just enough to start up her healing process. It wouldn't do much besides keeping her alive, keeping away infection and complete blood loss.
He tutted before he turned back to the men approaching them. Reaching for his chest, he gave her one of his crescent weapons.
"Use that," He said, looking at her through the white eyes of his mask. "It will work much better at cutting 'em."
"Thanks," She licked her dry lips, watching him leave, "Whichever one you are."
He didn't react to it, only looking back at her once and returning to the others.
It seemed like Marc and Steven weren't the only alters in the body anymore. This one was a little more blood-thirsty than the others but she liked him just as much, especially watching him dispatch the others with ease until he gave control back to Marc at an appropriate time.
Bek was back. He approached her quickly, his gun high aimed at her but she didn't care as she came forward, dodging as her instincts told her until she could get her hands near his throat.
She sliced his throat with ease, staining her hands with blood without care. Dabria let him fall, grabbing his gun before she shouted at Layla to catch it.
"Just kill them!" Dabria yelled out, "What's the point when they keep getting up?"
"Because we're not monsters, Dabria," Layla said, shooting a man who approached them again.
She was almost hurt by the comment, even though she didn't even know Layla that well anyway. It was the principle of things. Being called a monster wasn't nice but neither was her life so Dabria accepted it.
Dabria would rather be a monster than dead.
When one appeared behind Layla without her noticing, Dabria was quick to step forward, anchoring her foot as she punched the moon crescent through his jugular and made it spray a little.
"Better a living monster than a dead human," She said, watching Layla's expression turn to horror as she felt the blood on her back. "Watch your back instead of arguing with me. I'm not gonna change my methods because you disapprove."
Dabria left her there, running over to the group fighting Moon Knight before getting some of their attention onto her. She held bloodlust within her now, and she wanted to hurl some souls out. What better than doing that to the enemy?
Dabria and Moon Knight fought like they danced, Layla thought as she watched them. If only Dabria was dressed in her ceremonial garbs, then it would have been a magical experience to watch them fight. Moving like the wind and shadows, they worked together to dispatch the rest of the group.
She handed back the crescent moon, watching him put it away as the mask fell.
"Are you alright?" Marc asked, concern lacing his features. "You were stabbed."
"I'm fine," She insisted. "It's just a flesh wound."
"Come on," Layla called. "We need a car."
