The Games Gods Play
Notes: WHY IN THE HECK CAN'T I UPDATE THIS ANY FASTER?!
Chapter 4
It was as if a spell came over them the moment they crossed waters. The water out in sea was dark, but this water was indeed bluer than sapphire diamonds and yet clear enough to see the aquatic creatures and plants that inhabited it. It paired well with the sparkling sand that blanketed the beach's shore. From the boat, the trees and other vegetation could be viewed, showcasing vibrant colors and unique shapes. The housing the island held didn't disappoint from outside sighting. Built with strong bark and stone, different cabins spread out that made the landscape appear more like a village than a vacation spot.
It was all so... mesmerizing.
"Amazing!", Evy praised, taking a whiff of the air that was dominated by honey and fruits. The wind that came brought more comfort than a chill. "I can already tell we'll enjoy this!"
"I hope so.", Rick replied, following her as they boarded off the boat with their luggage. Sisi was accompanying the family, admiring the view just as much as they were.
"It is beautiful, no? I think I will be spending most of my time here sunbathing.", the older woman smiled. "I always enjoyed the sun."
"It's interesting that it doesn't feel too hot out here despite the sun being out and there are rarely clouds in the sky.", Alex remarks. "Right, Dad?"
Rick nodded, even though he felt hotter than ever. He hoped he was hiding his sudden discomfort, including from his husband. Imhotep would throw a fit.
"We should be getting checked in. The sooner we do, the sooner we can start exploring the island, right?", Jonathan suggests. He blushes when Ardeth gives him a quick kiss to the temple.
"Right, love."
Sisi coos at the couple. "Love, how beautiful! You know, there's this restaurant here that is perfect for couples. Gives the amazing seats under the moonlight. It's called Hapi's Cove."
"We have to go there when we get the chance, Ardeth.", Jonathan says.
"And we shall."
No one notices that Sisi's smile grows with naughtiness.
"It's like a little house!"
The group had found themselves climbing up the stairs to their cabin, named Serket's House, being the seventh house. The outside was decorated with deep browns and golds with flowers. There was even small scorpion statues and Alex was sure he counted seven of them.
Terence unlocked the door and leading the others inside. The next few minutes was spent exploring the cabin. They discovered the kitchen, the dining room, a den area, the backyard that also had a picnic table, patio and shady trees. There was also three bathrooms, two king bedrooms, and three queens bedrooms. Each room even had a balcony.
"Little? Evy, I think you might have to find a better word.", Rick joked when they regathered in the kitchen. He hadn't noticed his hand was rubbing at his stomach. "So we get settled in and lunch?", he suggested.
"Sounds good. I take the room at the end of that hall!", Alex claimed, running to said room.
"The two rooms with the biggest beds should go to our married couples here.", Terence pointed out, giving the four men a look over. "Please do remember a child is among us.", he reminded once more.
Jonathan blushed, feeling Ardeth's arm hug his waist. Man, he's been really touchy-feely lately.
"Terence.", Rick had whined. "You really think we're that careless?"
"Yes.", came the blunt reply.
"Wow. Rude."
"Dad!", Alex shouted, coming back into the kitchen. "We should go to the beach later!" He was excited and Rick wouldn't blame him. They were finally on vacation. They were finally here. He wasn't going to deny his son, or anyone, to have a good time.
"Alright, Alex. The beach isn't going anywhere. But going to the beach sounds nice."
"There's a couple of food stands there. Lunch and beach?", Jonathan suggested, holding up a brochure that no one had a clue where he got it from. "It felt nice earlier. Hopefully, it's still like that if we hurry."
"Well, let's not lolly gag anymore!", Alex pouted.
"Alex, you would think you're five again with how you're acting right now.", Evy teased, pinching her nephew's cheek.
The blond giggled. "Well, Aunt Evy, I'm still a kid. And sandcastles! I have to build sandcastles and I have a goal of making at least thirty of them while we're here."
"At least?", Rick questioned.
"Yes."
"Let Alex have his fun. Let him build all the sandcastles he likes.", Imhotep encouraged, ruffling Alex's hair. "It's an architectural gift."
"See? Father gets it."
"Of course, he would."
The weather was still nice by the time they made it to the beach. The sun didn't blaze too much and the wind lightly caressed their skin, cooling them from the heat that was present. Sitting in a lounge chair under an umbrella laid Rick. He watched the others splash around the water, engaged in some game that he was sure either Alex or Jonathan thought up. He would have partaken, but his body just wouldn't allow it. He didn't have the energy to get up. When asked, he played it off with the excuse of just wanting to sit out. Of course, his husband suspected something else.
"Are you sure you're felling well, Rick?"
Imhotep came to stand to Rick's left, hand going to rub at his shoulder. He didn't have to look up to know that those browns were scanning him over.
"I'm fine."
"You're not lying, are you?"
"No." He tried to make his answer sound playful and assuring. It works, supposedly, since Imhotep doesn't question him more. Instead, he leans down and kisses him on the forehead then his lips. It's chaste and quick, but Rick still feels nothing but love from it. It makes him feel a little guilty about lying to his husband, but he just didn't want to worry him. Imhotep should enjoy their vacation just as he and the others should be.
"So far, this is going as expected. They certainly taken the bait.", she praises. She watches the image in the bowl, gears tur
ning and turning in her head. "Now for our next course of action!"
"I can't believe you are going through with this, Mother."
She looks up at him, smirking. "And why shouldn't I, dear one?"
"I didn't say you shouldn't. I am just beyond disbelief you are doing such a thing."
She chuckles, welcoming the black sleek cat that comes and jumps into her lap. She stands, holding the cat as she approaches the other. She reaches out and plucks at a stray feather. "Abn, I want to bestow them a gift. Of course, they show they are worthy of it, as I said before. Also, it's quite entertaining."
"Nothing too exciting has happened yet. Should I take the reins this time?", another goddess suggests, arms crossing over her chest. "I'm sure I can get this moving along. With the rate you're going, this 'game' will continue on centuries from now. They're still mortals. We don't have that time."
"Oh, shush. I'm handling this as I like." Another enters the room. Her gold eyes land on the cat in the other goddess' arms and claps for the feline. It jumps out her arms and makes over to her, purring against the other's legs.
"I reckon you're still going on with this?", she chuckles.
"Of course! Now if you'll excuse me."
They watch as she leave before exchanging glances of amusement and concern.
Alex runs over to Rick who just finished his lunch that Evy brought him earlier. The youngest O'Connell waves a hand in front of his face and then points to the further left of them.
"I have made a masterpiece.", he self-praises. He's grinning, much how Imhotep does. He sees why. Right there in the sand was a little kingdom of pyramids and a palace that Alex formed with precision, focus and time with just water and sand. "Amazing, isn't it?"
"My kid really has a gift, huh?" Rick ruffles his wet hair, making it a mess. "Hey! Did you see what Alex did?"
"It's magnificent!", Evy marvels, bending down to inspect the sandy structures.
"You're getting better.", Ardeth comments.
Alex strikes a pose of confidence. "Why, thank you, Uncle!"
"My, I wasn't aware that the young man had such a talent!"
"Miss Sisi!"
The older woman gave a wave as she approached closer to the group. No one had noticed her on the beach before, but they just figured she probably just shown up. She's adorning a swimsuit, but it's dry as the rest of her, indicating she hasn't touched the water yet. As before, she's smiling.
"Here for a little beach time, Miss Sisi?", Jonathan asked, clinging to Ardeth.
She nods. "Of course. I told you I love the sun. By the way, I wanted to invite you a little get-together tonight. If you don't have plans, that is!"
"Oh, well, that sounds nice.", Evy agrees. She turns to Terence who was already nodding in acceptance. The others are onboard, however, Rick feels a little light headed at that moment. He isn't sure if it was a sudden sign he was getting sick or his instincts was telling him something wasn't right.
Whatever it may be, he knows it's going to hard to ignore.