It was early, and Indy had returned to the ruins one last time with the tiger cub in tow. He had gone to the veterinary office to see Angelina and check on the cub and she felt that the cub was well enough to be released into the wild.
Indy picked up the cub from the back of the jeep and placed him on the ground. The cub cautiously looked around, gathering its surroundings and began to cry out. Moments later, a full grown tiger appeared in the bushes and the cub ran towards the tiger.
Indy was relieved that the tiger had found its cub.
Whilst exploring the ruins one last time, and was stood by the pedestal in the courtyard area, when a familiar figure appeared.
"Well, a good morning to you, Doctor Jones", said Morgan Stillwater.
"Good morning", replied Indy.
"Any luck on finding that mask?" he asked.
"None whatsoever", admitted Indy. "You?"
"Sadly I have not found a darn thing."
"Sorry to hear that", said Indy. "Well, I'm just about ready to give up and head back to the States", said Indy sadly.
"Don't give up", beckoned Stillwater. "There's still a chance."
Indy was just about to say something else when another familiar face appeared. It was Julian and this time, he had snuck up behind Stillwater and held a knife to his throat.
"Hey pal, take it easy!" yelled Indy.
"Don't tell me what to do!" he yelled back. "This is all your fault! All I hear is 'Doctor Jones' this or 'Indiana' that!"
Indy looked confused. "Morgan, what is he talking about?"
"My dear Doctor Jones. I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet."
"You mean, he doesn't know?" asked Julian. "You never told him?"
"Told me what?" asked Indy, now even more confused.
"Doctor Jones, in these times we live in, it would be unwise for me to, let's just say, to openly advertise my feelings for you."
"Hah!" scoffed Julian. "More like his desires for you!"
Indy's eyes widened. Sure, he knew that Stillwater admired him and had followed his career closely, but he had no idea that he felt that way about him.
Julian removed the knife away from the man's neck and stepped away from him.
"You see. His feelings are not reciprocated!" he cried, falling to his knees.
"I can see that, you idiot!" shouted Stillwater.
Indy was having some trouble wrapping his brain around the idea that a man could be in love with him. Sure, he had spent many years travelling the world and had experienced many different cultures and ideas, and even though he was a very open minded individual, the idea of a man falling in love with another man was alien to him.
"Mr Stillwater", began Indy. "I, uh, I had no idea you, uh, felt that way about me. I'm flattered, really I am, but I just don't lean towards that kind of persuasion. The truth is, I love women. Always have, always will."
"Well", said Stillwater. "I sure can appreciate that. I'm very sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, Doctor Jones", he apologized.
"It's fine", said Indy, "But I think there is someone who isn't uncomfortable when it comes to your affections", he said, glancing at Morgan.
Stillwater's eyes widened. "Julian, I had no idea that you felt that way. I admire you and our friendship a great deal, but I only consider you to be a friend. I…"
"No!" yelled Julian. A gun was now pointed at Stillwater. "After everything I did for you, and all you can do is…"
Suddenly, out of nowhere a deep rumbling sound filled the courtyard. The three men looked up at the sky, which was now growing dark. Forked lightening littered the sky which was now turning a dark purple. Clouds began to form and quickly moved across the landscape.
Then Indy saw it.
The drawings of the tigers surrounding the pedestal were beginning to move coming to life. They began moving around in a circle, jumping and leaping. They glowed bright orange as they moved.
"What is going on?!" cried Julian, his gun still pointed on Stillwater.
"Are you crazy?!" yelled Stillwater. "Put that thing away! Can't you see there are bigger things to worry about right now?!"
Julian put the gun away and tears began to form in his eyes. He pulled out a dagger. "If I can't have you, then nobody can!" he yelled.
Indy had un-holstered his gun and was just about to shoot Julian, when one of the tigers pounced on him and began to bite at him within an inch of his life. Julian screamed as the tiger went for his jugular. Moments later, Julian's limp body fell to the ground.
More rumbling came from the sky and a female voice boomed.
"Indiana Jones, you are pure of heart. Please accept this token from us!"
Indy's mouth was agape and the storm, which had been so violent, had now begun to subside. Indy glanced at the pedestal and slowly, the carving of the mask turned into a real mask.
Stillwater was crouched by Julian, muttering words of regret. He then followed Indy's gaze and found himself staring at the mask.
Indy slowly approached the mask, and gently took it from the pedestal, examining it carefully.
"Well, Doctor Jones, it appears that you found the mask", began Stillwater. He now had Julian's gun at which was pointed straight at Indy.
"Aw, you gotta be kidding me!" exclaimed Indy. "What about that gentleman's agreement?"
"Well, let's just say I changed my mind. If I can't have you, I'll at least get to keep something to remind me of…" he screamed in terror.
Stillwater was so engrossed with the mask, that he never saw the tiger slowly approaching him. It was the same tiger that Indy had seen earlier. The tiger had jumped on Stillwater's back and now the animal had him pinned to the ground. Stillwater scrambled to get away and landed on his back.
Indy unhitched his whip and cracked it, trying to scare the tiger away but it was too late. The damage was done.
Indy had to momentarily look away as the man was mauled to death.
When he looked back, the tiger was slowly walking away from the dead body. The tiger glanced at Indy as if to say a 'Thank you' for taking care of the cub. The animal and then disappeared into the bushes.
Indy picked up the mask from the ground and examined it once more.
Marcus is gonna love this! He thought.