Moonbeams of Desire

Disclaimer: I own no characters in The Mummy (1999) except for my OCs.

Terms to Know:

Nunu: Term of endearment meaning "baby" in Ancient Egyptian.

Set(h): The God of war, chaos, and storms. He is the brother of Isis and Osiris and was to blame for the death of Osiris. His punishment was to guard Ra as he made his way through the underworld each night against the demon Apep.

"Most beautiful of all!
Rising like the morning star
At the start of a happy year.
Shining bright, fair of skin,
Lovely the look of her eyes,
Sweet the speech of her lips."
~Sister without Peer, from the Papyrus Chester Beauty.

Seth sat, a malicious gleam in his eyes. Licking his lips in anticipation, he watched Imhotep make his journey across time. Inching closer and closer to his destiny. He knew this boy would be perfect for instituting his plan of chaos. The name Imhotep, He Who Brings Peace, sent shivers down his spine. He had chosen that name for the irony.

"Oh, how wicked I am!" Seth cackled, his oily laugh turning to a heavy cough.

He had waited for eons for the right moment, the right time to enact his revenge. He was tired of waiting. Tired of being a slave to Osiris and Ra. Feeling his suppressed powers bubbling, he took a heady drink from his stout. Seth watched from his perch in the Duat as Imhotep moved into his thirty-first year. The sun edged closer to his fate. It would be just a bit longer now.

Imhotep was always pious and reverent towards Osiris. But couldn't help but feel something wrong with him. Seth smiled; for he knew deep within Imhotep's heart lay a seed of darkness. He had planted it there upon his conception, marking him from his first breath to be the bringer of chaos.

Sitting back in his chair, he templed his fingers together; tonight, he would devise the rest of his plan. He would create a curse that would destroy the world...extinguish the sun... and allow the forces of death and chaos to prevail once more. He no longer needed Anubis' army to do that.

Turning in his chair, he watched as the other part of his plan inched closer to her destiny. A young girl was leaving home for the first time on her twenty-first birthday. Her parents waved, so naive as to what would take place. Smiles on their faces, they watched proudly as their little girl left home. Toward her destiny to become a dancer in the Pharaoh's harem.

The gleam grew more potent, and he laughed, a crackling sound of oil and tar. Still having a bit of magic, Seth placed a seed of darkness within her heart, too, intertwining their fate.

Thebes, 1295

Awaking to the commotion coming from the room next to her, Ancksunamun groaned. Rolling over on her straw mat, she closed her eyes against the sun's attempt to say good morning. Cracking open her eyes against its rays, she was surprised to see her parents standing there. Their weather-worn faces wore bright smiles.

"Happy birthday, little one!" Her mother said, rushing to hug Ancksunamun.

Oh no, what have they got planned? She groaned.

"Good morning, mother…thank you" She hugged her mother back. Nuzzling into her mother's embrace, she relaxed in her arms. Taking a deep breath, she savored her mother's scent of roses and kyphi. The comfort was short-lived, however, as her mother pulled back and looked her in the eyes.

"Today's the big day! The day you journey to Pharaoh Seti's palace! Oh, what an honor this is!" Her mother gushed.

"Mother…he does not even know who I am. This is not something to celebrate." Dodging her mother's hands, she stood up, angry. "I will not be part of his harem!"

Her father had not said much, but he entered the room. Looking tired, the creases in his sun-worn face crinkled as he looked at her with austerity.

"Ancksunamun…" He gestured for her to sit on the dirt floor. "You know that this is a great honor to our family. To be chosen by the Pharaoh is no small feat. Dancing for Seti in the palace could bring about even bigger changes…."

Ancksunamun knew what he implied, and she knew how important this would be for their family. When a girl reached the age of twenty-one, she could be invited to join the Pharaoh's team of entertainers. What an honor, she thought.

Her parents were the kingdom's top suppliers of emmer wheat and barley. They worked from the moment the great floods came to when the ground became barren and cold. Her mother, father, older brother, and two younger sisters all struggled for food. Ancksunamun chose not to eat much and saved it for them. Becoming a slave to the Pharaoh…is that all it would take?

Sighing, she bowed her head in respect to her father. Her eyes trained on the floor, she replied. "Yes…father. I know it is a great honor for our family. I will serve Seti if that is what you wish." Her voice cracked, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes. She would be giving away her freedom for theirs. She would be one of many, a pretty decoration in the palace for the Pharaoh to oogle.

Her father's eyes softened, and he hooked a finger beneath her chin. "My beautiful Ancksunamun. You always make your family proud. You are destined for great things."

Wanting to look away, she was held there. Her father's eyes were kind as they scrutinized her. She knew she could not fail him now, no matter how much it shattered her soul to do it.

"You could be chosen as the Pharaoh's favorite."

Ancksunamun looked away, eyes trained on the floor once again. Tears pricked the corners as she felt humiliation fill her, her emotions almost too much to bear.

"I will never submit to that man!" She wept, standing up abruptly. "I want more than that life! I want to be free! I would rather work myself to death in the fields than be held down by that fat old man!" Tears flowed down her face. "Can't you understand that? I want to frolic in the fields. I want to feel the sun on my face as I laze on the riverbanks! Not stuck in the palace under Pharaoh Seti!" She crumpled to the dirt floor.

"My darling." her father kneeled on the floor next to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Let us celebrate your birthday today! Rejoice in this decision! For you never know where it could lead you."

Ancksunamun knew that they wouldn't suffer as much if she lived at the palace and sent home money to her family. She would have to put aside her own wants for them. Maybe she could get a taste of royal life for herself, too; perhaps it would lead to the freedom she craved. Or maybe…it would be her shackles. She would have to wait and see.

Sighing, she sat up and crossed her knees under her. "Yes, I know this could lead to more opportunities…for all of us." Peeking through her eyelashes at her father, she hoped she was making the right decision. "I will do it if I must. I will make you proud." Her chest felt tight, and she found it hard to swallow. A strange feeling took hold in her gut.

Her father smiled, his wrinkled face animated for the first time in many years. Standing, he offered her his hand and encased her in a tight hug. "Good choice, little one." He kissed her forehead, looking into her eyes as he pulled back. "You will be okay. You are always okay. You are my little Nunu." Nudging her chin, he made to leave, hesitating in the doorway before he was gone.

Her mother stood watching, tears in her eyes. She took out an old handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "I have already packed for you! And I have made food for your journey!"

Ancksunamun laughed. "Thank you, mother." She felt defeated, but this was what she had to do to ensure her family's survival.

Her mother smiled and hurried from the room in a whirlwind. She was alone for the first time all morning. Running her hands through her messy hair, she looked out the small window next to her. Her little sisters played as the sun rose over the Nile, the river sending light through the tiny house. Frustrated tears came to her eyes. She watched them dance along the banks, dodging the crocodiles that lay in the morning sun. Ancksunamun felt wistful as she stood there. She remembered when she had felt so carefree. The simpler times of her life revolved around the love of her family. They often worshipped the sun, filling their bellies with bread and beer. Those times were gone.

Now all that was left was a barren wasteland of dreams. The drought had come and wiped her small village clean of its resources. The townspeople struggled to make ends meet. On top of that, the Pharaoh and the royals demanded more than eighty percent of all crops harvested.

The rest was enough to barely feed their small village and accompanying towns. Anger burned below the surface as Ankcsunamun thought of having to be near the Pharaoh. She thought of all he had taken from her while keeping his belly and pockets full. If I have to be his slave, perhaps I can do something about this? Maybe father is right…I could become Seti's mistress. Then I could make things right…I don't know how, but I have to try!

Imhotep stared at a candle deep in his chambers. The cold night air chilled his skin, leaving him clammy. The ground was cool, and the air from his warm lungs came out in puffs of condensation. There was not much warmth when the ground was still desolate and cold this time of year. He shivered as the night air tickled his ears. The hands of fate were drawing nearer, unbeknownst to him. Imhotep... the breeze whispered. Shivering again, he pulled his black robe closer to his torso.

Imhotep had been trying to meditate for hours to no avail. He did not often spend time in his chambers; they felt barren and lifeless. He spent most of his time tending to the needs of the Pharaoh and the royal family. His duties as High Priest of Osiris, and Vizier to Seti, left him with nary time to breathe. Seti seemed to trust his advice more than anyone and wanted Imhotep by his side at a moment's whim.

The Pharaoh's wife, Tua-re, had become obsessed with Imhotep being around as well. She was eternally grateful to him for saving her life five years prior. She wanted him to train Nefertiri in the ancient fighting style of Tahtib. It consumed much of his free time, and the young princess learned that the sun rose and set for her.

His mind racing, he gave up on trying to meditate. Standing up, his joints creaked in protest. Looking around at his lavish chamber, he sighed. The Pharaoh was intent on bestowing Imhotep with gifts every chance he got. The walls were adorned with silk tapestries from far-off lands. They fluttered in the winter breeze as he passed by. His gilded bed sat awkwardly in the far corner, unused. Imhotep still preferred his straw mat of youth on the floor. The lushness of the gifts made him uncomfortable. He had given the bed to his aging father instead. Brushing past the tassled curtains, he stepped into the crisp desert air.

The grains of sand beneath his toes felt cold, and he took a deep breath. The fresh air caressed his face, and he felt the tension in his shoulders melt away. Imhotep…the breeze whispered once more. Opening his eyes and looking around, there was no one in sight. His eyes drifted to the yellow moon in the sky, its light bathing the desert in a warm glow. A shiver went down his spine as a heavy aura washed over him. The feeling was erotic, sensual, and saccharine all at once. Squinting, he peered deeper into the night. Spotting a dark figure some feet away, he watched as the silhouette moved toward the palace.

Blinking at the strange feeling in his stomach, he watched, intrigued. The figure was short in stature, a woman, perhaps? The emotions in his chest that arose confused him. A lump grew in his throat as he watched the stranger retreat. Why am I feeling this way? He tore his eyes away toward the moon, trying to make sense of it. Running his hands over his scalp, the stubble brushed past his fingertips. Time for another bath and a shave, he thought with a sigh. Turning away, his head was a mess of thoughts. He had come outside for a respite from his thoughts, not to add to his torment. Now he felt more confused than ever. His joints felt ancient and stiff, and a relentless pounding began in his temples.

"I guess you want me to ask you why, don't you?" Imhotep looked up to the sky and rolled his eyes.

Making his way back to his chambers, he sat down again on his stiff straw mat, feeling ill. He noticed his father was not back from his nightly stroll through the gardens. After his temple duties were finished each night, Kher-heb disappeared into the gardens. He did so without so much as a word. Imhotep had grown used to the solitude. Kher-heb had grown rather eccentric in his age. Spending much of his days in the royal library, pouring over scrolls on curses. Kher-heb's answer when asked why was always, "Just in case we ever need to avoid one." Imhotep did not know what to make of it. He did not much believe in curses, only what the Gods put before him. He trusted their logic on most things. Kher-heb, not so much.

Shaking his head to clear it, Imhotep allowed his eyes to adjust to the warm glow of the room. Crossing his legs, he leaned against the cool stone wall behind him. The odd feeling in his stomach was fading, albeit slowly. There was a lingering mixture of exhilaration and confusion within him. The sensation reminded him of the dreams that haunted him each night. Slumping further against the wall, Imhotep slipped into a deep, accidental sleep.

Imhotep found himself in the temple garden. The warm night air caressed his face. It carried intoxicating scents of jasmine, frankincense, and exotic spices. Lifting his eyes to the sky, the moon appeared closer than ever. Its soft heavenly light lit his way down the sandy path as he walked forward, his feet floating on air. Ahead lay a grove of pomegranate trees, which seemed to sparkle as he lay eyes on it.

His head felt hazy and drunk, and his heart felt giddy with excitement. His feet whispering on the soft ground, he walked further into the grove, swallowed up by its magical aura. As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, his breath caught in his throat. There she was, the goddess of his dreams.

Her dark figure lay sprawled out on the sandy ground, seductive and inviting. Moonbeams bathed her body in a heavenly glow, making her golden skin sparkle. His breath caught in his throat, and he dared not move. The moment felt sacred. He didn't want to break the magic spell.

She lay there, her eyes closed, her face a mystery. All Imhotep could make out was the soft curve of her breasts as they rose and fell with each breath. The crisp night air rustled past his face, and her eyes snapped to meet his.

Sitting up, the goddess spoke. "You've made it!"

Imhotep watched her pouty lips form the words, feeling something stir deep within him. His eyes slowly drifted up to hers. Obsidian met gold. The fire that had been kindling within him began to grow in intensity. Her musky scent carried on the breeze, infiltrating his senses and locking him in place.

Imhotep dared not breathe. What is happening? "I cannot be away from you for long, my love." He spoke, wanting nothing more than to touch her. The passion grating at his insides was burning a hole within him.

She smiled, her lips curving around her pearly teeth. Imhotep bit his lip, fighting the urge to reach out and touch her. Giving in, he reached for her hand. A jolt of recognition shot through him as they touched. His skin tingled with the familiarity. His breath hitching, he stared down at their entanglement. She began to speak again, and he was left drunk on the melodic sound of her voice.

"I wish it could always be this way…." She said, reaching up her lips to kiss him, the contact sizzling and burning into his memory.

The feel of her soft, warm lips on his sent waves of passion through his body, paralyzing him where he stood. I don't know who this woman is, but I would do anything for her. The kiss lasted for only a few seconds, and when she pulled away, the harshness of reality was shocking. Something about this woman felt like a piece of his soul, coming together as one when their lips met.

"Me too, my love." He said, brushing back a piece of hair from her face. The moon beams partially illuminating her face, hinting at her beauty.

She leaned into his arms and put her head against his chest, her small hand splaying across it. "Imhotep," the way she said his name was electrifying. "What if we are caught? What are we to do?" The woman looked up at him, searching his face for answers. He did not know what she spoke of, but he knew he wanted to hold her forever.

Stroking her soft, ebony hair, he kissed the top of her head, "We will always be together, no matter what happens." He said, matter of fact. "Now come, let us not worry about what the future holds. Let us enjoy the present." Imhotep said as he backed up and kissed her hand, holding her eyes with an intense stare, daring her to defy his words.

He took off his robe, leading her to a patch of soft grass. Exposing his bronzed and toned physique to the cool night air, he felt her eyes rove over him. Smiling, he laid his robe on the ground and pulled her down. She fell into him, knocking him over. Giggling, they both hit the ground and stared at each other. He felt that intoxicating lull of their souls connecting once again. I don't know who this goddess is, but I love her. All he wanted to do was bury himself in her, forever connecting as one, never to be apart.

Her skin was velvet as he drifted his fingertips across it. Catching his hand, she pulled him closer, capturing his lips in a feverish passion. Their tongues danced, and her hands roamed down his chest agonizingly slow. She broke away and began to kiss down his neck, electricity shooting through him.

Moaning softly, he fought to keep control. Her hand drifted over his loincloth, sending waves of longing through him. Growling, he cupped her perky breasts, rubbing her nipples to elicit a reaction. Everything about her felt so good.

Her breathy moans in his ears awakened something primal within him. Her satiny skin meddled with his own, and he wanted nothing more than to become one with her.

As the dream wore on, the scenes became fuzzier and fuzzier, fading in and out of consciousness. The vague feelings of intoxication, love, and lust were all that permeated his senses. The sweet smell of jasmine and erotic musk mixed and clouded his senses. His mind was filled with images of obsidian eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Feminine sighs and whispers carried on the Nile breeze as the dream faded from view.

Imhotep woke up, startled in his chambers. The warmth of the woman's body was gone and replaced with the feeling of cold stone on his back. Opening his eyes, the dream faded into oblivion, and he was painfully alone once more.

A/N: Leaving a review will inspire me to write more! I appreciate each and every one! Also, there will be heavier NSFW scenes in the future to forewarn any of you.