Warning of language, blood, and *wiggle eyebrows* adult themes!
The Mummy's Curse
The phone was tossed onto the wooden desk, wrinkled hands combing through gray hair as he paced. What little hope he'd had earlier when the call had gone through was threatening to die as the only thing he heard now from the electronic device was static or the busy signal. Across from him wearing an equally stressed expression were the directors of the University as well as several government officials. Beneath his feet were worn tracks of his paces within the beige carpet that were testimony to how long he had been repeating this action. A clear path was now visible thanks to the weight of his steps repeatedly meeting the same areas, causing intentions of his polished leather shoes to appear within the plush carpet.
"There was a connection earlier, Arthur, we all were present to hear it." Solomon assured his old friend.
His palms met the desk with a sigh. "I am relieved to hear that she is alive, but that does not change the fact that she is somewhere out there in the middle of nowhere!"
A knock sounded, earning the snap of an official, but it opened anyway to reveal a scrub dressed individual. Words were exchanged between them and though they kept their voices lowered both guidance counselor and Egyptologist were fluent enough to pick up what was being said. Neither protested as they hurried from the room with broken promises to return shortly.
The door opened once more before they could confirm what the other had heard and both blinked in surprise as a dark skinned black haired woman accompanied by a much fairer skinned female with long platinum hair entered the room. As if they were polar opposites, two sides of the same coin, they regarded the elderly men with indifference then bowed their heads. "Your fears for the girl must be put at ease. Where she is now, now harm will come to her."
Solomon was the first to break out of the reverie that had been cast when the women had spoken; one in higher timbre while the other lower. "Pardon?"
Twin azure gazes met briefly before shifting to meet those of the curious filled visitors'. The dark haired woman gestured for the chairs, a silent invitation for them to sit, and took her own once they had after several seconds. She wore a long linen dress the color of eucalyptus leaves that had a small belt that accentuated her waist and matched the simple headdress that she wore made of braided sun bleached leather embellished with various small stones that shone against her dark hair. Her presence was calming, tranquil even, and caused the men's being to slowly release the tension that had been plaguing their muscles since their journey's twisted turn of events. "I am Ishizu and this is Kisara." Even her voice that was deeper than most women's soothed their frayed nerves as one would use their hands or fingers to smooth out wrinkles in fabric. "I understand that my brothers were your pilots and have told me of the events you witnessed."
"You wouldn't believe how talkative they were once we met up with them in the airport!" Kisara, the fair skinned woman, clapped her hands while smiling. Her attire consisted of a long flowing chiffon cardigan the color of eggshells that accentuated the floor length sheath dress patterned with gray lace and looked to have a faint pattern of pastel blue clouds that seemed to drift lazily when she moved. Unlike her accompanying partner, her voice was light and high in pitch that reminded one of when a crystal glass was struck by a fingernail; not unpleasant but it was a bit on their tired minds which longed for rest. "And to think that I had the pleasure of running into her before you took off in Japan! I knew something was going to happen to-" Her words cutoff the moment Ishizu's hard gaze fell on her. "Sorry."
Arthur held up a hand, unable to contain a chuckle that rose up his chest. This young woman's enthusiasm reminded him of how Anzu Mazaki had been in her younger days. "You spoke to her before she boarded?"
"Of course I did!" Like butterflies, her hands fluttered for a moment. "Okay, long story short my ancestors were once divinity users who could predict the future via visions or readings. Obviously that kind of power no longer is in use or needed but sometimes I have these vivid dreams that lead me to people or places. I had this really great one that just refused to leave me alone so I traveled to Japan hoping that I could meet the woman I saw and just when I had given up hope there she was waiting to board a plane that was heading towards my home!"
"Say that we believe you. Why were you so driven to seek her out?" Arthur's gaze narrowed in suspicion.
Slender brows furrowed. "I try not to share visions with those who are not directly involved or concerned, but I can see that you worry greatly for her so I suppose an exception can be made." Her pointing finger extended towards Solomon. "Your ancient ancestor I believe was an ancient king, yes?"
"I- Yes, an ancestry report that we did several years back revealed something of the sort."
"And Ishizu's brothers, the pilots, they say you saw a younger version of yourself approaching your wreckage?"
One of his hands rose to scratch the back of his neck. "I'm sure it was a simple slip of my mind-"
"What would you think if I told you that it wasn't?" The sudden dip in the high pitched woman's voice caused both elderly men to feel the hairs across their beings to rise. Kisara's once shining eyes and smile had now darkened in seriousness that rivaled the cloudy sky outside the nearby window and the air surrounding the dark haired woman beside her. "My visions are often vague, no clearer than dreams, but this one shook me to my core for weeks before I decided to search for the brunette I saw."
Ishizu held up a hand, causing the fair skinned woman to pause. "Perhaps we should start with the city."
"You are speaking of the sunken city of Aten." Solomon nodded, folding his hands. "Yes, I have read many texts on the lost civilization and the pilots also mentioned it while we were being rescued."
"Ages ago, when the sands of Egypt were still young, ancient kings and sorcerers waged battles wielding powers unlike any this world has ever seen. Several tomes refer to a plane opposite of our own where great beasts and shadow magic flourish yet none in this modern age have managed to find it to be true. Paintings and writings though reveal that monsters and warriors clashed on blood stained battlefields, either at odds with each other or against themselves. Lives were lost and countless nations fell into ruin but there is one that was different from all the rest." Ishizu drew their attention to the necklace she wore. "This is a replica of an ancient relic that many believe the king of Aten and his royal court had used to harness this strange power but instead of enslaving the creatures they formed bonds with them that grew into companionship. When one's home was threatened the other would assist in defending it. Mankind and beasts lived in harmony within the kingdom's walls."
"However something heinous happened that caused the glorious city to sink below the sands and out of existence." Kisara's chin rose slightly, gaze fixating on Solomon's. "Some legends claim that the king was betrayed, other texts surmise that he met his end by the fangs or claws of a beast, but there are others who hypothesize that he never died."
A lump formed in Solomon's throat. If they were suggesting what he thought, then this may just end up becoming bigger than any of them could ever dream of. Something was bothering him though. "And what do you say, ladies? It is clear that you both know far more than you are letting on."
"Shrew as you are sharp." The women chorused, rising to stand as heavy footfalls approached from the hallway. "Unfortunately, that answer will have to wait. We are about to be graced with more visitors."
The door was nearly blown off its hinges as a furious man with slanted eyes burst through. Anger blazed brightly within his gaze as it locked on each in turn, several other suited personal assistants and officials appearing behind him as he entered the room. "I demand to know what has happened to my son! Why has no one told me who is responsible and if they have been detained?!"
"If you wish for answers, then I must ask if you are a descendant of Emperor Xioa Chang Lee." The women chorused, taking stances between the newcomer and the elderly gentlemen who had remained seated as if to prevent any physical acts of violence between them.
"And what would that matter?! How would that be in any relation to the death of my son?!"
"Is he your only?" Kisara asked, gaze narrowing. "If not, I suggest you prepare yourself."
He roared with anger, several people interfering when he made to retaliate against her by taking steps that would place them inches apart. "Are you threatening my family, woman?!"
"A warning you best heed." They chorused, fingers rising to point at the man's chest. "Crimes committed from ancient days are soon to be brought to light, paid by the innocent blood from your children if you are not careful."
. . . .
Screams permeated her being like knives as she recoiled, rendered to pacing in an endless circle as hands of various sizes tore at her clothing. They were speaking in languages she didn't understand and only heightened her fear as their blurred faces swam before her in an ocean of flesh; men, women, children, elderly, infants all cried out to her as if she were capable of saving them from whatever had them so afraid. Wet droplets rained down on her from above as silence rang loudly like a bell, each toll causing those who had been clinging to her like a pillar to withdraw until they vanished into darkness, a small faint light that she identified as the one on her cell appearing from her forehead. Horror filled her as it revealed that those who had been crowding her now lay in unmoving piles beneath her feet with glazed eyes staring up at her with tears spilling down their soiled cheeks. A step backwards caused her to stumble, hands rising to break her fall, and screamed shrilly when finding that the droplets that had showered her were crimson. From the darkness came a rumbling sound, almost like a growl, rows of teeth rising from the depths until they came together inches from her being that was followed by the telltale crunch of bones as soft growls filled the air. Her back met what she realized was a sandstone wall as beady eyes flashed brightly in the faint light of the cell phone. She couldn't see its outline but the teeth that were now stained with blood were more than enough to cause fear to pound through her system like a narcotic drug as it seemed to study her for a moment with its maw opened wide enough for her to see the back of its throat where a golden hilt could be faintly seen from the lingering mass of flesh and bone.
She woke with a start, sweat covering her being from head to toe as faint roars and flashes of teeth lingered within her psyche, hands clutching at anything within reach and earning a series of clicks from the gryphon who nuzzle her cheek. "I'm okay," she whispered while petting its side, "just nightmares."
It slowly rose to stand, keeping one of its wings along her back in case it needed to catch her, and nudged her chin in the direction of the sky with a click of its beak.
Sleepy cerulean cleared the moment they rose to the darkened sky. Just how long had she been asleep?! "I swear to you I don't normally sleep this much." They fell upon the empty chair as she stretched, arms cracking loudly when they were drawn behind her back with a grown. "Where'd the mighty pharaoh run off to?"
The gryphon shook itself, also dipping into a stretch while yawning widely, then straightened with flap of its wings when she took a step towards the vacant throne.
"You know what? He's a big boy and can take care of himself…at least I hope he can…so I'm going to go and enjoy a nice long soak in that hot spring." Her hand met its side. "Guess that means I gotta go back to my room to get my stuff-" A laugh rose up her throat as it gave her a shove towards the staircase. It gave her another gentle push when she spoke again about retrieving the bag of belongings. She wasn't sure why it was being so insistent but she relented with a giggle as its beak nuzzled her neck. "Alright, alright, you win. I'll go on ahead but you gotta promise to bring my clothes right to me, okay? I don't like the idea of running around naked."
There was no mistaking the gryphon's laugh as it took to the air with a series of mighty flaps of its wings, quickly disappearing from sight among the dark sky above.
"I've heard of wise cracking owls but this is just hilarious."
The young brunette descended the stairs with careful steps and wide eyes as she gazed in wonderment of the darkened city. Seeing it from high above was one thing, a completely different comparison though to what she found while walking along the torchlit streets. Gone were all the debris of deteriorated stalls or wagons that were instead replaced by plants with vivid colored petals or pottery large pottery pieces painted with symbols that she was sure would interest several archeologists judging from how calligraphic and ancient they looked. Every so often she would come across one of the Horus soldiers but they paid her no mind as she quickly plastered herself against the nearest wall so they could march past with ample room. The flickering light coming from the torches not only seemed to hold off the darkness of night but also the chill that would surely have caused her exposed skin to pucker or rise with goosebumps. It wasn't the same temperature as during the daytime, what with the sun high in the sky being the main cause of it, yet this was favorable as she surveyed her pinkened skin. Hopefully it wouldn't burn as bad as it felt when she touched it and a tan was in her near future.
Earbuds were retrieved from her pocket that were slipped within her ear, a flick of her finger upon the cell's screen causing music to fill her ears as she walked. Relaxed steps soon took up the rhythm that played until her upper body was soon swaying and moving to the song's notes. It was much faster than any of the others that she often opted for but she felt the need for something with a bit of playfulness when the nightmare refused to leave her mind. Lips began to move in time the lyrics, quickening when the chorus gave way to the first verse that was full of fast paced recitations, shoulders shimmying as cerulean lit up brightly when catching sight of a familiar building that had soft clouds of steam coming from its interior.
"It's critical, cause you're body's gonna rock just like a chemical," she sang lowly while shedding each layer of clothing with excited fingers, a flirtatious smile raising her lips as she struck a pose. "guess who's on the night shift?" Slender fingers deposited the earbuds back in their case as she turned on the phone's speaker, mentally making the note to use the Bluetooth speaker once the gryphon had returned, and licked her lips as thrills passed down her spine when surveying the water. This was going to feel so good and she couldn't wait another second. The rest of her clothing was shed until she was left bare. "Who you gonna call?" Her body arched through the air then slipped beneath the water's surface in a dive as the chorus filled her ears.
"Don't wanna be your lover — oh no"
From the shadows of the far side of the room rose a being with a torso thicker than the palm trees outside, flexible scales catching the flickering torchlight and causing them to glitter like gems as it slipped beneath the water's surface.
"But I could be your remedy — oh oh"
It's body swayed back and forth as it reached the bottom where it coiled itself in preparation as its unknowing prey approached.
"I don't wanna be your lover — oh no"
Rainbow hued scales became iridescent, nearly iridescent and mirror-like as its camouflage ability passed over its being.
"But I could be your remedy — your cure"
Twisting while swimming through the water, Anzu peered through the clouded water's depths while searching for a bit of sand that would assist in cleaning her being when a flash of color caught her attention from the farthest end of the pool. Curiosity filled her as it came again, as if beckoning her to come closer. Something lashed out from the shadowed depths too quick for her to react and with a kick rose to the surface.
She broke through with a deep exhale, moaning as the water that was just toying with the borderline of being too hot caressed her being as if it were welcoming her back within its embrace, shifting to float on her back as the song finished. Her hand rose to the side of her neck where she could have sworn something had brushed her but found the skin uninjured. Whatever it was must have been some sort of trick of the torchlight and water. Tingling passed down her spine as a pleasant numbness slowly spread throughout her body, the song's lyrics lingering within her ear as if teasing her. It had been one that was so buried within her music that honestly she was surprised her library hadn't removed it by now. A new one began to play, its bass causing her heart to change from its natural rhythm to match it, and shivered as cerulean drifted closed in response to her hands slowly drifting across sun kissed skin to wash away any dirt or sweat residue.
Something rose from the water's depths slowly like a predator as the young woman's motions slowed as her gaze fell upon its mesmerizing being as the camouflage flickered. Like a spiral it began to coil through the water so that its scales would catch the torchlight just right and farther lure its future meal closer. The multitude of colors within its scale covered body often served the beast well in causing its prey to lose focus if the bite had been unsuccessful but it was not mistaking the faint taste of delicious blood that lingered upon its forked tongue. It was delicious with the undernotes of fruit unlike any it has ever come across, an oat of some sort, and heavy hints of fat that were causing its bowels to writhe with anticipation. This was about to be one of its most delicious meals but it knew patience well. Prey often tasted best when it was relaxed and became marinated in various hormones.
"…something is creeping through my veins…" the brunette sang. Her voice was much different than how it had been earlier. It was deeper, sensual even, as her body swayed to the music. The sand and stone walls did little to stem the sounds of her singing as the nearby torchlight that danced across the shifting water glistened off her now slick skin as a bag was placed beside the pool's brim.
Blood was racing through her veins as new sensations flittered across her being. A hunger she wasn't familiar began twisting her stomach as the feeling of her own slender fingers were replaced by another's as the fog within the room seemed to intensify, threatening to carry the young woman along the misty clouds into dreamland if she wasn't careful, but this sort of daze that she'd found herself in was more of a pleasant dream than anything else. Warmth, longing, and something else stirred within her chest as she allowed the image within her head to enclose around her by means of a pair of lean arms. "…I must confess, a thousand degrees bring out the beast inside of me…" She wasn't in the habit of imagining anyone else being this close, let alone picturing that they were touching her like this, yet somehow it felt as though the little piece of her that had been locked away for fear of denial or betrayal that was too shy to reach out and let anyone get close to her was pleading to be released as the hands drifted upwards to grasp her shoulders.
"It would be wise to not drift off to sleep here of all places, Anzu," a deep baritone whisper tickled her ear, "I do not wish for you to drown."
Cerulean cracked open, fair cheeks reddened by the water's higher temperature, and felt the oxygen in her lungs abandon her as the haze cleared just enough for a pair of ruby pomegranate eyes to come into focus. They were a bit darker than she'd ever seen them, probably because they were slightly hooded, but they glittered in the nearby torchlight as the hands preventing her from slipping beneath the water's surface gently caressed her skin with calloused pads. She blinked for a few seconds then deciding that this was nothing more than her drowsy mind's dream brought her arms upwards until they slid around his neck to bring him closer. "Where I come from, people who surprise women in the baths get severely punished and labeled 'peeping tom's." One of her hands rose to tangle slim fingers within the fine hairs at the nape of his, earning a catch of his breath as her fingertips teased the sensitive skin there. "Since it's you though, I'm going to let you off this one time."
A deep chuckle rumbled within his chest, the lids of his eyes that had risen in response to her sudden embrace falling slightly once more when she didn't respond to his presence by the means he had come to know that signaled her alarm. "You are most merciful, Anzu, you have my thanks for sparing me from the strange culture you hail from."
"It's not everyday that a king graces one's presence especially in a situation like this," she teased with the briefest of appearance of a bright pink tongue from between her lips. "I'm the one that should feel honored, right?"
The fine hairs across her body rose in a suppressed shiver. There was nothing but genuine sincerity within his gaze and tone as he slowly released her so that she floated a few inches away from him, the remaining hand upon her shoulder drifting downward until the tips of their fingers were all that connected them. Their gazes never wavered as the water lapped at their chins, bobbing slightly as the pebbles and fine textured sand beneath their feet shifted in correspondence when either moved, time itself ebbing away as the music coming from her device gave way to plucks of harps and swaying of other string instruments that rose then fell like the gentle waves of water against their beings.
He had been caught by surprise when a Horus guard had informed him that a beast had infiltrated the city but he had been more concerned when returning to find the young woman missing from where he'd left her beside the throne he'd occupied earlier. She had been sleeping so soundly that it would have been a shame for him to interrupt her slumber so he opted to leaving her within the care of Wasiaaslama. It had turned out to be a fantastic choice as he was making final checks upon the warding when the mighty gryphon passed with a bag within its beak and had opted to follow it. The ancient pharaoh had not intended to intrude upon the young woman but fate had other plans, making his timing accurate enough for him to witness her shed the last of her clothing. The flickering torchlight danced upon her skin as the music coming from her digital device rose in volume, making to turn away when she struck a pose, but that was when he felt the presence of something sinister within the room stir. Atem had called out to her several times but it was as if she couldn't hear him even when her head had broken through the surface of the water. What he was sure would incur her alarm or wrath, possibly both he shed the cape attached to his shoulders along with the tunic and decorative jewelry and slowly ventured into the water towards the brunette as she appeared to be drifting. He spoke lowly within her ear so as not to startle her while taking a gentle hold of her shoulders but what the monarch had not bee prepared for was how she seemed to welcome his presence and even proceeded to wrap her arms around his neck. Her fair skin was tinted pink, a sign that she was not used to as much sunlight as what she'd been experiencing, yet it seemed to subtly glow against his own as they fell into silence.
"I assure you that the pleasure is all mine."
Azure eyes were rare within their society. Often priests or oracles were gifted such oceanic colors as a sign of the ancient god's blessing of sight beyond the physical plane. Even so, those of his time were nowhere near as vivid in hue nor as beautiful as those belonging to the young woman who had pulled the dagger from his chest. Brunette hair like chocolate, skin fairer than ivory, soft features that spoke of foreign ethnicity, feminine body that would make even the palace dancers and past queens jealous. However there was the telltale ring of green within them that told him she was not fully conscious or aware of what was occurring, a sign that the beast had begun its advance upon the girl. The fact that she was talking though was a good indicator that her mind was not so easily taken over and was testimony to her strong will where others had failed to resist.
One of his hands shifted, fingers gently cupping her chin and raising it so that their noses were brushing. "After all, a beauty such as yourself comes only once in a millennium."
The words that had come from his lips were unconscious but they were nonetheless true.
How long they remained like statues mattered little to either until his fingers clasped her own, bringing her forward with a tug, and embracing her tightly against his chest as the momentum carried them backwards as he spotted the shadow beneath the water lashed out towards the young woman. He had given his word that no harm would come to her so long as she was under his protection and he was a man who fulfilled every promise he made. It was clear to him now which beast had slipped past the warding and guards: a vile sinister serpent whose venom was as dangerous as its scales were beautiful. The pharaoh himself had encountered this being long ago when it had claimed one of the nearby villages as its territory and the people had begun to disappear so he knew exactly how to handle such a creature. First thing to do was break the near hypnosis-like hold it had upon Anzu.
Her being startled when the snap of fingers interrupted the music as it lulled to silence, the harsh sound nearly too much for her sensitive ears, and gasped as the fog that had been filling her mind vanished. One of his hands rose to the back of her head, keeping it from rising as the thrashing sounded from the far side of the pool, his head bending until his chin rested atop of her wet hair. It was a silent command for her to not fight against him or to turn to look at whatever was happening behind her and she obeyed by resting her head upon his shoulder so that her burning face was nestled within the side of his neck. The scent of the warm water accentuated the sandalwood and amber that came from his being as she attempted to drown out the sounds that filled her head with renewed fear as the nightmare replayed like a broken record.
Anger flitted through his chest as he felt the trembling of the young woman's being but he tightened his hold upon her in hopes of providing some form of comfort. It seemed to have been effective judging from how she slowly relaxed against his being with each passing second. His gaze that was locked upon the now foaming water where Wasiaaslama was wagging battle against the giant serpent who had been about to swallow the girl whole. A spell leapt from his lips when it managed to slip away from the gryphon and caught it within midair and with a shrill shriek it disappeared in a flash of light.
No more would it terrorize or threaten anyone.
"It is alright now," he whispered, lowering the hand that had risen to cast the spell back down into the water. "You are no longer in danger."
Silence fell on them once again, soon replaced by a song coming through the device's speaker that contained no vocals but various instruments that played in slow harmony with each other, yet neither paid it any attention. Ruby pomegranate eyes blinked as she didn't move away, nor did she give any indication that want him to release his hold. The heat of her breath against his moistened skin was causing the heart in his chest to pound a little harder. His lips parted but then closed once more when instead of pulling away her arm that wasn't still around his neck slowly enclosed around his torso, their bare chests brushing as she inhaled sharply when feeling his much harder being meet her softness.
Borderline hot water surrounding her upon entering its depths now felt chillingly cold compared to the heat she found herself seeking within his hold. She had seen his upper torso while removing the bandages the other night yet here she was feeling them with something far more sensitive than her hands. A brief flare of embarrassment rose within her that nearly compelled her to pull away but it was stamped out by something new rising to whisper within her ear that instead encouraged the young brunette to act farther. Her hand that was still resting upon the nape of his neck twitched, tentatively moving slender fingertips over the fine hairs and skin that rose in response to her touch, swallowing the lump in her throat that had formed as his breath ghosted past the sensitive shell of her ear. Pink hued water slicked skin brushed along tanned again as the pulse in his neck that was inches from her face missed a beat as her other hand that had rested against his back shifted to instead place itself against the left side of his chest. His hands remained upon her shoulders even as his back met the pool's border, but one slipped to find the curve of her waist as the sand and pebble covered floor rising beneath them while the level of water lowered to reach their chests.
The hot spring had a few shelves scattered along the edges for those who had wanted to sit within the waters without having to submerge their entire beings. She didn't startle when his hand had changed positions nor did she react upon feeling the floor rise up beneath her knees. What did earn a reaction from the young woman was the sight laid out before her as she slowly withdrew from the sanctuary she'd found. Water formed small rivers down the planes of his chest between the muscles that she'd failed to admire fully before. Tanned skin was practically shining as her fingers lightly traced the water's path across his upper torso that was visible, careful to lightly brush across each scar that she came across.
So transfixed was the brunette that she failed to notice how her motions were affecting him. The nymphs and other humanoid beasts who lured unsuspecting humans for trickery or forms of play now appeared pale in comparison to the sight of the young woman. Her bent knees rested on either side of his right, the water lapping at their high waistlines occasionally receding low enough to reveal the peaks of her hanging breasts that were inches from meeting his chest. He was not in the habit of looking upwards at people, being as he was king and was often seated higher than those who entered his presence, but in this moment he didn't wish to be anywhere else as their faces hovered inches apart. His hand that had been on her shoulder fell and earned a catch of her breath when it fell to rest upon her thigh. The ring of green within her azure gaze meant that the hypnosis was still lingering but the cerulean hue had darkened to a near lapis color as the blush within her cheeks grew rosier. His voice had been lost to him as the hand resting upon his chest rose to cup his cheek.
As king, it was not out of the ordinary for palace dancers or visiting female nobles to attempt to gain his attention by using their feminine whiles and charms. Most had little to no affect upon him being as he had no interest besides forming close acquaintances with those whom would assist in the aid of his subjects. So concerned had he been in the state of his empire that he'd spared little thought on finding himself a companion of the opposite gender. Plenty of fair princesses and such had been paraded under his nose by others but none had caused as much of a stir within him as the woman before him.
Fate had brought her to this place, allowed her to befriend his mount who had been cursed to the lowly form of a common bird, farther moving her to remove the dagger that had been plunged into his chest all those years ago that had pinned him within the sarcophagus that was not to be used until his death. Gravity took hold of the pair, bringing their faces closer with each breath as eyelids slowly drifted downwards in unison.
Fair colored fingers that rested upon the nape of the pharaoh's neck rose higher to tangle themselves within his wild hair…
Bodies moving closer, causing hearts to beat faster…
Noses brushed as their breaths wafted the other's face…
Breaths hitched as parted lips brushed…
Both recoiled as the water erupted like a geyser, clear cerulean and narrowed ruby pomegranate locked upon the gryphon who floated lazily by with what they swore was a satisfied smirk on its beak. A wing extended, ensnaring the still startled Anzu, and swept her away towards the far side of the pool where it nuzzled her vigorously. She blinked with confusion when it placed itself between her and the pool's edge that would allow her to exit it. A familiar towel was hanging from the beast's beak, which she quickly accepted and wrapping it tightly around her frame as heat erupted within her face as she caught sight of a figure wearing a deep frown. "A-Atem?!"
He blinked, facial features relaxing from the scowl it had settled into when she'd been pulled away, humming to signify that he'd heard her call.
"When did you get here?!" Her arms rose and wrapped around herself protectively, eyes filling with tears. Tremors wracked her being as a flood of memories assaulted her mind.
The gryphon stared pointedly at Atem, earning a twitch of his brow as he crossed his arms. His own mount had plotted against him? What a devious creature indeed.
His recount of discovering the invasive beast stalled on his lips when he caught sight of her watering eyes from over her shoulder. It didn't appear that she needed him to explain anything. "Anzu?"
"Something was in the water!"
Concern filled him as the arms that she'd wrapped around herself grew taunt enough to cause her underlying skin to change color due to lack of circulation. He moved forward as a shaking hand rose from the water to press against her mouth. The gryphon readily moved to allow him to approach, clicking its beak softly as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Anzu, you are alright now." he said lowly while taking gentle hold of her shoulders once more when she began to splash wildly. "The danger has passed and you are no longer in danger."
Fear filled cerulean widened when they met his gaze. "There was a giant snake-" Her words were cutoff by one of his hands rising to wipe away her falling tears.
"There was an intruder, Anzu, but it is no longer a threat." Gentleness radiated from his words and gaze as he carefully cupped her face between his hands. "It has been dealt with accordingly and you have nothing more to fear."
"But-" The blush that had disappeared from her cheeks returned full force as he raised her hands to his lips, brushing them across her knuckles, then bristled as he drifted closer. "W-what are you doing?"
No answer came though his gaze never lingered from hers.
"H-hey, that's close enough!" Her hand lashed out, palm meeting his forehead with a wet impact when he came closer still, slender brows twitching when he still came closer. The fine hairs across her being prickled when spotting a glint of mischief within his exotic colored eyes. Blood pounded loudly within her ears when he bypassed her hand and used it instead to bring her close enough so that their faces were inches apart. Calloused fingers entwined with slender ones as his other hand rose to brush a thumb along her jawline that encouraged her head to tilt upwards to that their noses brushed. Just what was he planning to do besides give her a heart attack?!
Two could play at this game though.
A smirk lifted her lips, earning a blink from the monarch as instead of withdrawing she eased herself close enough to feel the warmth coming from his being, causing their hips to meet in a slow sensual grind. Long lashes fluttered innocently when he made to withdraw with an expression of surprise but she kept tight hold on his hand and prevented him from escaping. Her other hand rose to the nape of his neck once more to tease the fine hairs and skin that effectively brought him back against the young woman's being in another meeting of hips. Though she had wrapped a towel around herself there was no mistaking the affect her closeness was having upon him as his breathing became uneven and cheeks dusting with what she realized was a dark blush.
Fire sparked within his veins. Within the heat of battle he would feel something similar or when angered by another's actions but this was entirely new for him as her hips moved against his own. From within his being stirred a foreign emotion that quickly rose to chase every logical thought he possessed, thundering heart in his chest nearly drowning out any other sound, other than the one that rose up his throat when her now covered being fully met his own.
Cerulean widened as she allowed him to withdraw, jaw dropping when he hurried to turn his back and sunk beneath the water's surface. Did he just moan?! Before she could dive after him though was when he appeared near the end of the pool where one could exit and felt the blood in her body drain away as he rose from the water. She was not in the habit of seeing the male body, at least not when they were alive, but the slow revealing of his bare being stoked an ember that she herself wasn't aware of existing as trails of water cascaded down the muscular planes of his back to disappear from sight within the defined space between chiseled buttocks.
He could feel her gaze upon him but he refused to turn around fully not because the thought of exposing himself fully to her was tempting but the fact that the burning sensation within his face had grown tenfold as the physical memory of her body ghosted over his own. Nudity was something that ancient society deemed to be artful, honestly several of his subjects and those of other ethnicity had practiced nudism. It often was entertaining as it was scarring when he'd first encountered it himself as a child but learning to appreciate the physical body in all of its forms was something their culture practiced greatly. His form was not overly built in particular compared to other warriors or soldiers employed by the palace yet he carried himself with pride being as he had honed his skills both as a monarch within the throne and a capable fighter when he was needed upon the battlefield. A smirk did raise his lips however when he heard a sound similar to the one that had come from him moments ago. "Enjoying the view, are we?"
Anzu bristled when catching sight of his lidded gaze watching her from over his shoulder. "I- You-" She gave up on words as he chuckled lowly and averted her gaze when he stepped out of the pool to stand near the entrance. Lips falling into a pout as she turned her back, she was none prepared for the gryphon who suddenly took hold of the towel wrapped around her being and all but tossed her towards the end of the pool where she landed with a splash. "Alright, feather butt, you asked for-" The rest of her retort was lost when surfacing and finding herself clinging not only to the stone that was the pool's border but staring up at something that reminded her of a bag containing round object caused the virgin to gape then crab pedal backwards until her back collided with the chuckling beast.
"You take your jokes too far, Wasiaaslama." He quickly dressed and prepared to collect the floating and unconscious Anzu who had knocked herself out from the impact against the gryphon's side, tucking her within his cape as one would an infant all the while glaring daggers at the beast who had sheepishly made its way over. The day's events replayed within his mind as he sympathetically brushed the wet locks of chocolate from her face. "You have had quite an eventful day. I shall return you to your chamber."
It was as he stood that a flare of pain erupted within his chest, nearly forcing him to take a knee as it caused spots to fill his vision. The gryphon immediately appeared at his side ready to catch them both if he were to lose his balance. An appreciative smile raised the corners of his mouth as he leaned against the mighty mount for a moment while catching his breath, biting back a grunt of pain when the tunic that rested against the wound where the dagger had been slowly stained red. Copper and iron tickled his tongue, bringing to his attention of how his lip that was suffering between his teeth was now split and leaking blood. He steeled himself with deep inhale as the pain ebbed then disappeared as he exited the building. Horus soldiers standing on either side of the entryway quickly fell into step behind the mount who closely followed its master and refused to part until they were replaced by those who were awaiting their arrival at the palace entrance.
It wasn't long until he had placed her beneath silken sheets, opting to leave her within the confines of his cape when discovering that she would not waken no matter how many times he called out to her. His hand rested for a moment against her cheek as he paused to ensure that she was comfortable. "I wish you pleasant dreams, Anzu, sleep deeply and rise come morn as Ra bathes this land in gold." He departed once ensuring that Wasiaaslama was settled to guard her for the night.
A change came over the pharaoh as he passed through the archway that would lead him down below the ground's surface. The same pain had flared up as the sun had begun its descent upon the horizon, a different much more ominous power filling his being as he watched the sun disappear from sight. As if he had blacked out, Atem had found himself standing within the palace's throne room with blood staining his tunic. He had no recollection of where it had come from nor of what the source of this newfound power that took over him at each sunset since his awakening. It flooded his veins as he descended the darkened staircase, not bothering to light the torches as he walked until barred cages and cells came into view.
Fangs snapped shut repeatedly inches from his face but the man didn't even blink as the serpent strained to reach him.
"You dared to enter my city."
Rainbow scales stood upright as from the man came a voice colder than a winter's night that rivaled the blazing infernos that were his eyes. The giant snake's instincts demanded that it show its belly, to show it was more than willing to submit, but so frozen was the reptile that it could only tremble as his shadow that was blacker than the space's darkness stretched across the stone floor. All beasts who were against humans and deemed them lesser beings had heard several tales of what would happen if one were to be caught.
"And you dared to set your sights upon one who is under my protection." Blazing crimson flashed with anger a split second before the air filled with the sound of shrill pain-filled hiss that was more like a scream as it writhed. "For your crimes, I sentence you to a Penalty Game." Sinister violet flames erupted from the serpent's body as it slammed itself repeatedly against the bars of its cell, wide green eyes locked upon brilliant crimson until silence fell. The flames extinguished, leaving only a burnt outline of the cell's former occupant. "Anubis has passed his judgement upon you, beast, may your journey into the afterlife be as he pleases."
Chao for now! See you next time!
Song references: "Night Nurse" and "Pyromania" by Casccada
