Facets of Fate

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in The Mummy (1999) except for my OCs.

Terms to Know:

Duat: The Ancient Egyptian underworld.

Isis: Goddess of healing, protection, and magic. She was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus.

Netjeru: Kemetic term for the Gods.

Osiris: Egypt's first pharaoh (according to myths) and the God of the world. Once Set killed him, he became the God of the Underworld.

They that are guided go not astray,
but they that are lost cannot find a straight path.
If thou go among men, make for thyself,
Love, the beginning and end of the heart.
~Emerald Tablets of Thoth.

Waiting until sunset to depart, Ancksunamun left her village for the first time in her life. Her head was racing with thoughts of her family and leaving them behind. Part of her felt like she was betraying them, leaving them here while she went to live in the palace. The other part of her was terrified. Terrified of what awaited her. Terrified that she wouldn't be able to hold her tongue around the Pharaoh. The thought of him made her boil with anger. She imagined him sitting there on his throne. His bulbous stomach hung over his waistband as he was surrounded by piles of food and jewels. The thought of it made her sick. Shaking her head, she realized she had been walking in no particular direction.

She had waited until after sunset to spend as much time in her family's warm presence as possible. Her heart gave a pang at the thought of leaving them once again. Now she wasn't sure it had been a good idea to go. Her feet coming to a halt, she swirled around, looking around her. The last of the sun was dipping below the horizon, leaving just enough light to see where she needed to go.

Walking up a slight bank on the river, she surveyed her surroundings. To the west, she spotted it. Thebes.

"Oh, you've done it this time," Ancksunamun said aloud. The fear gripped her insides. Looking behind her in the direction she'd come, she contemplated going home into her mother's arms. Thinking of her father's disappointment, she thought better of it. Squaring her shoulders, she turned again back to Thebes, feeling the wind tickle the sides of her face.

Something on the breeze whispered, Ancksunamun… shivering, she pulled her shawl closer to her to stave off the sudden chill that went through her.

It's now or never, she thought and made her way down the river bank.

The trek was arduous. Ancksunamun weaved through small towns and villages up and down the river valley. Her bones ached from sleeping on the cold, hard ground. Many nights she slept in the back alleys of shops along the way, careful not to draw attention. Her mother's food supply was running low. Ancksunamun did not know how much longer the journey would be.

She mostly kept along the banks of the Nile, weaving to and fro on the desert landscape. The water brought her comfort. It reminded her of home. The calm, soft waves and the rough, powerful undercurrent made her feel connected to the river. It flowed in her veins, guiding her along.

Her thoughts felt like a tidal wave of confusion. Thoughts of her family and of the Pharaoh rushed through her. She did not want to disappoint her family. And by now, her anger toward the Pharaoh was starting to lose steam. Now she wondered what she was even doing here. She felt like a fool. What did she have to offer the Pharaoh? She was but a lowly farm girl from a town of servitude. But the real question is…what can he offer me that would be worth my while?

The moon above her hung heavy in the sky, lending her its light. She looked up at it and sighed. The moon and the river were her closest friends on this journey. Her feet aching, she continued walking until the last of the stars twinkled out. She watched as the moon dipped below the horizon.

The lavender sky brought with it a light floral breeze. Ancksunamun inhaled deeply, savoring it. Flopping down on the nearest river bank, she watched as the sun rose in the sky. The breeze swirled around her, intoxicating her. Ancksunamun…it seemed to whisper. The voice was deep and sensual, sending shivers down her spine. She could almost feel the air caressing her as it flowed past her face.

The sound of men yelling in the distance broke her from her reverie. Startling up, Ancksunamun stood on the sandbank, her footing unstable, and looked around. Drowsy, she peered down into the valley. Up ahead, she could spot the limestone walls of Thebes.

There it is, the beginning of my end, she thought.

The sand was beginning to give away as she stood there, looking uncertain toward the city. A lump grew in her throat as tears pricked her eyes. Anger and sadness battled out within her. It wasn't fair that she had to give up her freedom. But as she thought of her family, she knew she had to. Swallowing down the lump, she thought of submitting to the Pharaoh, having him ogle her, and the anger grew. She did not want to be near him.

He's taken our food! Our livelihoods! Stolen more lives than he can imagine! And I'm supposed to be sexy for him? How can I do this?

The city below her seemed innocent enough as she looked on. Taking a deep breath, she quelled her anger and looked on in curiosity. She had never seen a city before. The houses that lined the streets were painted with bright murals. Heavy tassled curtains lined each doorway, and gauzy awnings covered the walkways. Exotic plants in pots decorated the city.

They take plants from the desert? That's so unnatural!

Ancksunamun had never seen such decadence before. She was used to her simple mudbrick house on the banks of the Nile. The plants stayed in the ground, living and breathing alongside the village. Back home, they coexisted with nature; they didn't need to bring it to them. This is so strange…

Looking to the courtyard outside the city walls, Ancksunmaun watched the Pharaoh's army. The commander stood, yelling, as the men answered in a series of remarks. That was the yelling I heard!

Tearing her gaze away from the tired, sweaty men, Ancksunamun looked toward the center of the city. There it was, the crown jewel of Thebes. Oh no. The expansive palace glittered in the early morning sun, beckoning her forward.

She looked at the millions of steps leading up to the gilded doors and swallowed. With a sigh, Ancksunamun readied herself and began her journey once again.

Giant statues of the Pharaoh flanked the walls of the city, towering over her. The sardonic faces stared down at her as she passed, mocking her. Ancksunamun felt shame wash through her. She was here to be a whore for the Pharaoh. The thought of it almost made her run back home. Shaking her head to clear it, she felt nauseous. A strange feeling was brewing in her gut, getting stronger with each step she took into the city limits.

Guards stood on either side of the walls leading to the city. Looking down at her derisively, they led her inside with a bit of haggling. Ancksunamun had given them what little gold she possessed. Her pockets lighter, she looked around her in wonder. The city was unlike anything she had ever seen. Merchants sat, their bodies soft and unworked. They sold exorbitant amounts of textiles, food, and pottery. Many yawned as they relaxed in their rattan chairs, awaiting their first customers of the day. Most gave her looks of disgust as she passed by.

Anxious, she knew she appeared to be a street rat, skinny and tattered from her long trek across the desert. I'm a slave now, not far off from what they think. Fear gripped her insides once more. The anger and sadness roiled within her, making her feel sour. Finding herself at the foot of the palace, Ancksunamun gulped as she looked up the staircase.

"Here we go," Ancksunamun whispered to herself.

A mother with her son passed by, giving her a strange look. Grabbing her son's arm, the mother led him away, muttering under her breath. "Those street urchins are ruining our beloved city. Let's go, Nofre."

Stiffening her shoulders, Ancksunamun felt more self-conscious than she'd ever felt. She had never worried about her appearance at home. She was happy to be alive and grateful for each day she could spend in the sun. Here she felt woefully out of place. Gripping her shawl tight, she huffed and began ascending the steps.

Thoughts raced through her mind as she struggled up the steps. Sweat pricked her brow, and she had to stop for breath more than once. The weariness in her bones was settling in. What was she supposed to do? What was she supposed to say? "Hi, I'm here to give myself to the Pharaoh."? Humiliation coursed through her at the thought.

Two stone-faced men came into view on either side of the gilded doors. Their faces were half in shadow, but she could not mistake their looks of disapproval.

"Who are you?" The man on the left demanded, his posture rigid.

Stuttering, she replied, "I am Ancksu–"

"Not your name, girl! What business do you have with the Pharaoh this early in the morning?" The other guard inquired.

Her head swirling, she choked out, "I am here to join Pharaoh Seti's…entertainers." Shame colored her face. She wished she could curl up and die right there.

The two guards turned to one another and smirked. "Ahh, one of the dancing girls. Yes, go inside." They waggled their eyebrows at her, mocking her.

Opening the golden doors for her, she could feel their eyes on her backside as they laughed behind her. Her eyes were on the floor, and she stepped past them inside.

The shrouded gloom that hung over the palace enveloped her. Jumping as the doors slammed shut behind her, she walked further into the room. Her fate was sealed. The room was dark, with cavernous ceilings that spanned eons above her. Dim-lit torches lined the walls, emitting little light. She was utterly alone.

Where is everyone? It seems that the Pharaoh is still in bed. She almost snorted. Lucky him.

Spinning around, she looked for any indication of where to go. Shivering, she walked forward across the cold tile floor. The stairs to the throne room were ahead, as denoted by the sign.

I don't think anyone would be there this early…

Behind a large pillar was an alcove that flickered with candlelight. Walking forward, she entered the dark cavity. As she came into the light, she was met with the sight of servants bustling around a large fire pit. The wafting smell of grilled fish, meats, stews, and baked bread assaulted her nose. Stomach growling, she looked at the large baskets overloaded with fruit and vegetables. There was such a surplus that many sat rotting in piles on the floor.

This is where our crops go? To be wasted? She seethed.

Servants ran to and fro, filling up large golden trays. No doubt to feed the palace elite. Clenching her stomach, Ancksunamuns anger was overtaken by the thought of eating.

As she eyed a pile of grilled fish, Ancksunamuns feet carried her forward without thought. Her mouth was watering, and the smells around her were intoxicating. A loud crash resounded, and Ancksunamun let out a loud squeak. Heart pounding, she watched as all the eyes in the room turned on her. The room went silent.

Wanting nothing more than to skitter back home with her tail between her legs, she was mortified. She couldn't imagine how she appeared to these people. A skinny, disheveled mess from her long trip across the kingdom. Summoning all the courage she could muster, she straightened her back and offered a weak smile.

"Hello…." she said. "I'm one of the new dancers that have been summoned to the palace. I wasn't sure where to go…."

When she received no answer, she wanted to shrivel up and die. The silence dragged on. The crowd parted as a large bosomed woman walked forward, her eyes shrewd.

Shrinking back against the limestone wall, Ancksunamuns eyes widened in fear.

The woman stopped and huffed. "This is what they sent to seduce the Pharaoh, huh? You will have to do better than that, girl."

A flash of anger coursed through her, and Ancksunamun didn't think before speaking. "Well, at least I could even make it as a dancer!"

Eyes wide, the woman responded, "Nasty viper! You will know your place before the month is out, don't worry." Turning away, the woman beckoned her to follow. "Come harem, girl. We will teach you some respect. And if you are to meet the Pharaoh this morning, we'll have to fatten you up. Come."

With that, she exited the kitchen, not waiting for Ancksunamun to respond. Ancksunmun followed without another word. She worried about what the future held for her here; she had already made an enemy.

Ancksunamun had not felt this full in many moons. Her nerves, mixed with her fullness, made her feel nauseous. After eating, she had been whisked off to the servant's baths.

She stood staring down at the murky water in the servant's tub. Bile filled her throat. It seemed that they all shared bathwater here. Tears pricking the corners of her eyes, she thought of home. She thought of bathing in the crisp, clean waters of the Nile and then lazing on the river banks to dry off. Looking over at the crinkled and stiff towel they had given her, she gaged. She tried not to think too much as she climbed into the lukewarm water.

Quickly rinsing off with soap and scrubbing out the dried reeds and mud from her hair, she got out of the tub. I thought palace life was supposed to be glamorous? She thought in disgust.

Rubbing herself down with the scratchy linen towel, she shivered. She felt dirtier now than she did before. Looking in the dingy mirror to the right of the door, she took in her appearance. Her scrawny figure stared back at her. Dark limp hair hung to her shoulder blades as it dripped onto the floor. Turning away, she grabbed the beaded dress the large bosomed woman had left for her.

Donning the beaded garment, she stared at herself in wonder. She had never owned something so bedazzled before. Her linen farm clothes sat on a heap near her, looking sad. Twirling in the mirror, Ancksunamun couldn't take her eyes off herself.

"Maybe this isn't too bad." She said aloud.

A brisk knock sounded behind the door. Startled, she lept behind the tub and hid.

"Hurry, girl! We must not keep the Pharaoh waiting!" A gruff voice said.

Clearing her throat, Ancksunamun answered. "I'll be there in a moment."

There was a huff behind the door as heavy footsteps padded away. Shrinking back against the cool tub, Ancksunamun attempted to stay calm. She would have to meet her most hated enemy soon. It was almost too much to bear. She took a few deep breaths and felt the scratchy linen and beads inside the dress graze her skin. Grimacing, she stood up and looked in the mirror again.

She fussed with the beaded dress, wishing it didn't cling so snugly to her hips and breasts. Her wet hair dripping down her back, she sighed and went out the door.

Sensual music overwhelmed her senses. Girls contorted their bodies into sexual positions. Twisting and twirling for the Pharaoh's pleasure. Bells jingled around their ankles as they swayed. It all felt very exotic to Ancksunamun as she entered the throne room.

Looking around, she spotted the Pharaoh himself. Heart pounding and nausea rising, she took him in. The Pharaoh's face was a mask of boredom as he watched the girls dancing in front of him. His muscular arms sat on either side of his throne, and his dark beady eyes surveyed the room. There was no life in them. His advisor's words seemed to fall on deaf ears as he zoned out, lost in his own world. A small round belly sat on his lap, but no piles of food or jewels were in sight. Ancksunamun almost laughed.

Standing there, she felt more awkward than she ever had in her entire life. There sat the man she hated more than anything, and here she was, presenting herself to him. Humiliation burned through her as she thought of having to degrade herself for this man.

She wished she could run back home for the umpteenth time that day. She wanted to be free and frolic in her father's fields under the sun. She didn't want to be here. Stuck under this man's rule, his own personal whore.

The large bosomed woman from the kitchen had had enough waiting and pushed her forward. "Well, go, harem girl. I haven't got all day."

Scoffing at the woman, Ancksunamun walked slowly toward the Pharaoh. An odd mixture of hatred, humiliation, and reticence filled her with each step she took. Swallowing down her words, Ancksunamun bowed at the Pharaoh's feet. Disgust filled her as she glanced upon the hairs sprouting from each toe.

The Pharaoh took some time to notice she was there. He was engrossed in a papyrus scroll that had been set before him. Finally seeing her, he straightened up and handed the scroll to one of his advisors.

"Ah, what have we here?" The Pharaoh inquired.

She felt ill at the sound of his voice. It grated her eardrums with each word. Calming herself, she relaxed her face into a mask of arrogance and looked up at him. As their eyes connected, a deep sense of fear shot through her, rendering her breathless. His eyes were so dark they appeared unnatural. Though he smiled at her, a darkness in his eyes never left the depths.

Struggling to answer, she sputtered, "My King. It is I, Ancksunamun. Daughter of Nassor. At your service." She peeled her eyes away, downcast at the floor. "I was summoned by your court to be of service to you." Her voice cracked at the end, unable to bear the shame she felt.

The Pharaoh laughed, a soft boyish sound that reverberated through the hall. "Yes, yes! Anck Sun Amun! Your presence here is greatly needed. It is a fortuitous day indeed!" The way he pronounced her name completely wrong made her grit her teeth.

"My dear, please, stand so that I may look at you."

Humiliation coursed through her once more. Here it comes, she thought. Cheeks burning, she stood so he could look at her. His eyes roved over her hungrily, stopping on her breasts one too many times.

"Turn around," He commanded.

Turning away, she felt the prickle of his eyes on her backside. I'm worth less than a common cow to this man!

"Good…good." He mused. "Turn back around. You shall do." He said with a toothy smile.

Ancksunamun wanted to punch the smile right off his smug face. She couldn't help finding flaws within him. She hated him with every fiber of her being. The crow's feet that crinkled at the corner of his eyes when he smiled made her cringe.

Clapping his hands together roughly, he called for another dancer to come forth. A young woman around her age skittered forward.

"Yes, my King?" She said, her voice syrupy.

"Kesi, my darling." The Pharaoh said back, just as sweet. "Would you do me the honor of teaching the lovely Anck Sun Amun her place? Teach her what is expected of her here?" He batted his eyelashes at the girl.

Kesi looked over at Ancksunamun, her eyes hard and cold. Turning back to the Pharaoh, she replied, "It would be my pleasure, my Lord." She bowed, kissing his gross feet.

"Splendid! I look forward to seeing what you can do for me, Ancksunamun." He said as he dismissed them. His dark eyes bored into hers, undressing her with his eyes.

Nausea threatening to overcome her, she tore her eyes away and bowed in respect. Running after Kesi, she wanted nothing more than to be out of his presence.

Walking down the winding halls, Ancksunamun felt her anxiety grow with each step. Kesi had not said two words to her the entire time. She didn't even know where they were going.

Stopping at a dark alcove, Ancksunamun didn't have time to think as she was pinned to the wall. Dark, hateful eyes bore into her own as Kesi held her there.

"Who are you? Some farm girl that thinks she's special because she was chosen to dance for the Pharaoh?"

Ancksunamuns mouth opened and closed, not knowing what to say.

Kesi continued, her fingernails pressing into Ancksunamuns skin. "Well, you're not special, little viper, you got that? I'm next in line, and no stinky farmer's daughter will ruin that for me, got that?" She dug her fingernails in deeper.

Ancksunamun felt anger boil up at those words. There was nothing wrong with being a farmer's daughter, but she kept quiet and nodded.

Kesi released Ancksunamuns wrists from their iron grip and smoothed out her dress. "Good, because if you get in my way, I won't be as nice next time."

Turning away and walking down the hallway, Kesi disappeared, leaving Ancksunamun shaken.

Groaning, Imhotep pushed himself from bed. His head pounded with the exertion. All night he had twisted and turned, unable to find solace in his dreams. His dreams haunted him with flashes of the elusive goddess. Each night, they became more dark and frantic, leaving him terrified upon waking.

Rubbing his stiff neck, he stood and grimaced at the sun beaming in his chambers. Bending down for his loin cloth, his body felt ancient. As he donned his white robes, he thought of going to the river for a swim before joining the Pharaoh. Sighing, he rubbed his neck once more and made to leave his chambers.

"Oof!" Imhotep said as he collided with Kher-heb. "Father, forgive me! I didn't see you there." His head began to pound more and more with each word spoke. He stood there like a broken man, his eyes cracked against the sun.

Brushing himself off, Kher-heb replied. "Oh, it is alright, my boy!" He walked into the room, fiddling with this and that, looking for something. "Hmmm…." Kher-heb scratched his chin.

"What is it?" Imhotep asked, leaning against the door for support.

Kher-heb peered closer at Imhotep, his eyes searching his face. "It seems to me that you are not yourself this morning."

Imhotep snorted. "What gave that away?"

Kher-heb gestured to the room, which was in disarray. "For one, this place looks as if you've fought off a crocodile! What is the matter, my son?"

Imhotep sighed, his head ready to explode. "It is just my head…it is of no matter."

Kher-heb peered closer at him, making him feel scrutinized.

"What?' Imhotep asked. "You obviously want to ask me something!"

Kher-heb continued to stare until he sighed and hobbled over to his gilded bed. "Come here and sit, boy. We will talk."

Imhotep's head pounding, he sat next to his aging father on the bed Seti had gifted him. He waited for Kher-heb to speak.

Kher-heb inspected his face, scrutinizing it for clues. Finally, he spoke, his narrow eyes suspicious. "You never miss a day at the palace, and you seem quite unwell. For quite sometime now."

An apt observation, he almost snorted. "What gave that away?" Imhotep said, feigning innocence.

"A father notices these things," Kher-heb said, his eyes shrewd. The look in his eyes said, "I'm not stupid!"

Imhotep wanted to groan aloud. I don't want to explain these godforsaken dreams to him! How would I even begin? Feeling Kher-heb's eyes on him, Imhotep swallowed. The amount of vulnerability this required was not something he currently possessed. He wanted to lie down in his bed and go to sleep. I can't even do that now! He thought. Ugh.

After what seemed an eternity, Imhotep finally spoke.

"Well…to start. I have a headache right now that rivals the time I was charged by that Hippo."

Kher-heb chuckled and waited for Imhotep to continue.

Imhotep grimaced, recalling the memory like it was yesterday. After Seti's ill-fated campaign with the Kushites, Imhotep had been in charge of getting the rest of the men home. As they had been crossing the banks of the river, a family of Hippos charged their boats. Both he and Seti had been knocked into the fast current. All Imhotep could remember was hitting his head on a rock and then waking up in agony. That headache had lasted him months and months of misery. Just at the recollection, Imhotep's current headache began to throb harder.

Swallowing back his nausea. Imhotep began to speak once more. "For months now, I have been plagued with dreams. Visions. Visions of a Goddess of whom I do not know her name." Putting his head in his hands, he sat there for a few moments as the dreams flooded his mind. "I have asked the Gods for their assistance on this matter…and I have turned up short. I have received no help."

"Curious," Kher-heb said, rubbing his chin. "Very curious. Tell me more about this woman? This…goddess, you say?"

"Yes…a woman. A goddess. I do not know who she is or why she haunts my dreams each night without fail…but I do know this. With the dreams come these headaches, and I cannot seem to shake them when I wake. Especially recently. They have increased."

"Increased…. My son, are you sure you're eating enough? Drinking enough? You know you do not take care of yourself well."

"Yes, I have been! But this woman…she plagues me. I do not know if she is a Demon of Despair or if she is a Goddess of Light. It is confounding me."

Kher-heb leaned forward in interest. "What does this woman do in your dreams?"

Imhotep's cheeks burned with embarrassment. "That is the thing…." He swallowed. "Every night, the dreams start off with us. It feels as if we know each other. Like we are connected somehow. But you know me, father, I don't talk to many women."

Kher-heb laughed and ushered him to continue.

Sighing, he continued. "The dreams become dark, twisted, and nightmarish each night without fail. But sometimes, they are of a more…carnal nature." Imhotep's face darkened, and he looked down at his lap. Oh, Gods, how am I supposed to talk to my father about this? This is mortifying.

Clearing his throat, he continued. "The dreams are not always convoluted and dark. But there are always the themes of us being together. Connected. Our souls know each other. And I do not understand it. And…there are times when…in these dreams…I feel hollow. Empty. It feels as if I don't have a soul."

Kher-heb inhaled sharply and looked away. He began digging around in his robes.

"What is it?' Imhotep asked, his anxiety rising. Something was not right. What does he know?

"My boy, this is grave," Kher-heb finally answered.

"Grave? Why?"

"I am not sure…." Kher-heb said. His eyes were downcast, and he fiddled with a papyrus scroll in his hands.

Eyeing it, Imhotep asked, "What is that?"

"Oh! This? This is what I came to speak with you about. It seems this is all tied together by fate."

A chill went down Imhotep's spine. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I have been studying curses, as you very well know. And something appears to be afoot here." He shuffled his hands around, untying the string from the scroll. "Here, I think you could make better sense of this than me."

As Kher-heb handed him the scroll, the pounding in Imhotep's head reached a crescendo. Stars exploded behind his eyes, and he put his head between his knees. Waiting out the waves of pain and nausea that ripped through him, he held his head in anguish. When the last of the migraine faded away, he opened his blurry eyes to see his father rubbing his back.

"Thank you…" Imhotep said, sitting up in a more dignified position. He shivered and drew his robes closer to him. Embarrassed, he changed the subject. "Here, let me see the scroll again."

Dubious, Kher-heb handed him the scroll, his eyes trained on Imhotep's face.

As the scroll made contact with his skin, it sizzled, leaving behind marks on his flesh. Magical things often did things like that, but never to this extent. Eyes widening, Imhotep looked down at it. The words jumbled and mashed together, swimming before his eyes. Blinking, he held it further away, trying to make sense of the mishmash before him.

"That is the issue I have been having too. But I kept dreaming of this particular scroll. A God told me where to find it. But I do not know who it was…." Kher-heb said, looking between Imhotep and the scroll. "It is very curious. It called out to me, and to me, its energy reminded me of you."

"Me? Why?" Imhotep asked, taken aback.

"It felt important somehow…. I don't know…." Kher-heb reached out and took the scroll back from him, tucking it into his robes. "But, Imhotep, I will do more research on this. On curses. And we will figure this out together. Promise to tell me of any more dreams that you have." Kher-heb stood and looked at him with intensity.

"Yes…of course. I will do that." Imhotep said, his head spinning. He felt frozen in place as he watched Kher-heb hobble away toward the door.

Kher-heb turned and nodded at him. "A wash in the river might do you good, my boy." With that, he disappeared, leaving Imhotep with his thoughts.

By midmorning, Imhotep found himself at the river. It had often been his sanctuary when life in the palace became too hectic. It ran along the city walls, rendering it almost unseeable from Thebes. And here, he knew, he was alone.

The sand burned his feet to the touch as he walked down the banks to the beach amidst the reeds. The palm trees swayed in the breeze, protecting him from the midday sun. Removing his robes, he scanned the water for Crocodiles and Hippos. Seeing nothing, he dove into the water. The cool water was a stark contrast to the already stuffy air.

Goosebumps on his arms, the last of his headache melted away, leaving him serene. He floated on his back, the sunlight warming his face. Thanking the Gods for taking away his pain, he enjoyed his moments of solitude.

Swimming for close to an hour, Imhotep made his way to the soft beach and laid out to dry. The sun was overhead, shining into his eyes. The droplets of water that spattered across his skin dried in the hot air. Closing his eyes, he took in the sun's healing rays. He knew that he would have to tend to Seti quite soon, and he sighed, shielding his eyes from the sun as he got up to get dressed.

A strange feeling came over him, the same feeling that plagued him time and time again. Shaking his head and huffing, he redressed and made his way toward the city of Thebes.

Entering the palace, Imhotep mentally prepared himself. He was sure there would be an onslaught of questions from Seti.

The pounding in his head began to come back in a whisper. With each step closer to Seti's throne room, it grew stronger until it was almost blinding. Hesitating outside the heavy doors, Imhotep debated whether or not to go inside. The odd aura washed over him once again, making him nauseous.

Steeling himself, Imhotep opened the doors and walked inside. Seti sat on this throne, appearing bored. Half-naked girls twirled around the room for his amusement. None even garnered a glance from the Pharaoh himself. Seti brightened as he saw Imhotep and gestured for him to come closer.

Just behind Seti was a flash of black hair. The pounding in his head stopped almost as soon as it had started. The nausea he had felt all morning seemed to drop away, leaving him feeling close to normal. What was that? Imhotep thought, confused. This day is nothing but riddles. Looking up at the heavens, Imhotep rolled his eyes at the Gods. They liked to test him.

"Imhotep! You dog! Where have you been?" Seti said, annoyance coloring his tone. "We've been lost without you here today."

Reeling from the morning events, Imhotep stepped back into his role of Vizier. He had to shut off his emotions. "I am sorry for not attending court this morning. I had some personal matters to attend to." He said, his eyes betraying nothing. Seti did not need to know Imhotep was being tormented day and night.

"Personal matters, ha! What's more personal than the matters of your dear Pharaoh?" Seti said, a hint of displeasure evident.

"Nothing, my Lord, it will not happen again," Imhotep replied. He had whiplash from all that had occurred that day. Sitting to the right of Seti, Imhotep sighed and felt more exhausted than ever.

"Imhotep! What have I said about calling me that?" Seti said, exasperated. "I have only been teasing you. Now let's get down to business. I have matters to discuss."

The Duat

Osiris sat on his gilded throne, displeasure evident on his furrowed brow.

"How could this happen?" Osiris mused, looking down into his green scepter, its images swirling about.

To his left, his wife Isis sat, her posture rigid. When she didn't answer, Osiris cleared his throat. "My love?"

"Yes?" She huffed. Her anxiety was evident. "I don't know! But something terrible will happen, and you know it!"

Osiris looked over at her, perplexed. Does she not think that I could handle it? To come up with a good plan if things went awry?

He frowned and looked at his scepter, enraptured by the images within. A man and a woman came together, their hands clasped and their hearts full of love. Then the vision changed and became dark and twisted. The two lovers separated, their faces contorted and decayed.

"It can't be that bad, my darling Isis. Look, it speaks of love and then of death! What could be so bad about that? It's how you and I came to be." Osiris said, grasping for her hand and kissing it, his dark eyes looking lovingly at her. "It seems like a case of star-crossed lovers to me."

Isis chewed on her painted gold lip, "There's something wrong. Wait and see." She said, taking back her hand and crossing her arms over her chest, avoiding his gaze.

Osiris huffed and looked down at his scepter once again. The images swirled about, forever changing between life and death. All of a sudden, the images changed. Osiris peered closer. The lovers' faces were obscured, and the visions stopped tragically. Fading into oblivion, they ceased to exist. Perplexed, he tapped the glass, waiting for them to return.

Hearing a gasp, Osiris looked over at his wife in question. Her forehead crinkled and distressed, and she rubbed her temples in pain.

"My queen, what's wrong?" Osiris asked, the images in the scepter forgotten.

Eyes wide with fear, she looked at him and replied, "I see terrible, terrible things in the lover's future."

Gripping his scepter, Osiris waited for her to elaborate, but she did not. "'What have you seen, my dear?" He asked. Isis had a tendency towards dramatics with her premonitions.

Shaking her head, she choked out. "Something is very wrong, Osiris." Her eyes crazed, she turned to him and whispered, "When I looked upon the lovers, they had no future. There were black gaping holes where their souls should have been."

A/N: Thank you so much for all the reviews! It really inspires me to write more! What does everyone think about the Gods? Are there any specific Gods you'd like to see? Any specific tropes or scenes? Let me know in the comments!