Destroyer of Worlds

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

Words to Know:

Ammit: Demon present in the Temple of Two Truths. She appears as a demon with the head of a crocodile, the mane and body of a lion, and the back legs of a hippo. She eats the hearts of the evil.

Bes: God of fertility, motherhood, childbirth, music, and merriment.

Hathor: Goddess of love, beauty, music, dancing, fertility, and pleasure. Protector of women. Represented with the head of a cow.

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.

Thoth: Ibis headed God of writing, knowledge, wisdom, the moon, and science. He is one of the oldest Gods of the Egyptian pantheon. Thoth himself claims to be of Atlantean origin in his fabled Emerald Tablets.

All eyes do not see with the same vision,
for to one, an object appears of
one form and color
and to a different eye of another.
So also, the infinite fire,
changing from color to color,
is never the same from day to day.
~ Thoth, The Emerald Tablets.

Thebes, Early Winter, 1295~

Ancksunamun shivered in the cold night air. She found herself yet again in the temple garden. Wandering through its winding pathways. Stopping at the bejeweled bench under a carob tree, she sunk onto the bench. Thoughts of Imhotep ran through her mind. She had been avoiding him for months, unable to meet his eyes. Hatred and curiosity were battling out within her, and she didn't want either one to win.

There was an odd pull to him that she did not like. It started way down in her gut, ending in her heart, leaving it a raw, throbbing mess of chaos. She didn't know why he made her feel this way. Ancksunamun had never even been near a man in that manner, so why did she crave the feeling of his hands on her? His eyes pierced into her soul, making her feel undressed before him. It was more than she could handle, so she was eager not to be in his presence.

As her body melded into the cool stone bench, she sighed. She was tired, as always. The long days of dancing were beginning to take their toll on her. Safiya and the other girls had been playing a game of Sennet when she had left earlier that evening. It was not Ancksunamuns favorite game. So here she found herself, thoughts of the Priest running through her mind.

"What does he even do that is so special anyways?" Ancksunamun grumbled to herself. Looking up at the clear night sky, she stared at the sickle of the moon that hung there. Her eyes were beginning to feel heavy as she mused the question.

The fresh garden air was seductive. Its heavy scent of flowers washed over her. Tamarisk, Jasmine, and rose floated on the breeze. She was becoming tired…so tired… the hands of sleep were just within her grasp. Sighing, she fell into a deep sleep, the leaves of the carob tree rustling above her.

Ancksunamun dreamed that she was floating through the clouds. Pink, orange, blue, and purple puffs of condensation floated past her. Running her hands along them, they fell away with a twinkling sound. Just beyond them, if she looked further, she could see the dark expanse of the night sky. The mist from the clouds swirled around her. It obscured the darkness from her view until all she could see was the heavenly landscape before her. Her whole body felt electrified with the scent of rain that filled her senses.

Walking forward, she found that she was afloat in the air, and she laughed. The sound reverberated around her, growing in strength until it disappeared.

"Where am I?" Ancksunamun said aloud.

There was a faint sound up ahead in response. Ancksunamun listened for it again, finding it silent.

"Hello?" She called out. The sound came again in response, louder this time. Ancksunamun…the breeze seemed to whisper.

Shivering, she ignored the voice, not wanting to follow it. Floating forward, she felt tiny drops of water on her skin. They felt cool to the touch as she passed. The air smelled sweet, almost confectionary. It was unlike anything she'd ever experienced.

In a clearing up ahead, all she saw was white. White puffy clouds that appeared like tufts of cotton drifted by. Ancksunamun swirled around, looking in all directions. But where she had come from was out of sight. All of a sudden, the odd sound came again, like a scratching at the surface of the clouds. Ethereal in nature.

Ancksunamun…my darling…Her eyes fluttered closed at the sound of the voice. It filled her from within, going into all of the cracks and crevices of her soul. She was unable to fight against it this time. It left her feeling flushed. The scratching sound came again.

Tsk…tsk…tsk…

Eyes snapping open, Ancksunamun balked. The clouds beneath her feet began fading away, a dark abyss beneath them. Letting out a scream, Ancksunamun had no time to think about it before she fell through the sky.

Hitting the ground with a thud, she rubbed her head and looked up. A sky with millions of stars glimmered above her. The clouds she had fallen from were nowhere to be seen. In fact, she had never seen a sky so clear. A large yellow moon hung in the sky, and Ancksunamun saw that she was back in the garden. But it appeared strange. Pushing herself up to a sitting position, she looked around. The pomegranate grove appeared like a chasm before her. Standing up fully, she walked toward it, curiosity brimming within her.

Am I still dreaming? Nothing seems real… Coming to a dainty purple flower, she felt its edges. It was harsh and sharp, like glass. Breaking off a petal, she turned it over in her hands, marveling at it in the moonlight. The sweet smell of sugar wafted into her nostrils, and she sniffed the petal. Is this…made of honey? She felt an irrational desire to taste it, and so she did.

Her head all of a sudden felt fizzy like she was made of wine. Ancksunamun…the heavenly voice called again. Intoxicated, she stumbled toward the forest of pomegranates. Standing at the edge, she stared inside, uncertainty filling her.

The darkness before her fizzled, effervescent in quality. A large hand with elegant fingers reached out from the chasm, beckoning her forward. Head fuzzy, she obeyed, her feet moving not of her own accord. Her fingers connecting with the flesh of the other, she felt a jolt through her. The hand felt hauntingly familiar…so right…

"My Darling…My Ancksunamun…" a deep voice reverberated through the gloom.

She murmured at the sound of the voice. Its baritone felt delicious on her eardrums. The hand moved up her face, caressing the sides of it, and she melted. Every touch of the strange hand felt euphoric.

"Come with me." The deep voice commanded. Ancksunamun was powerless to say no.

Following the disembodied voice, she felt as if she was back in the clouds, floating on air. Something about this presence made her feel dreamy. Her eyes closed, and she allowed the man to take her where he pleased.

Light flittered across her eyelashes as she came to, finding herself in a dim light clearing. A man sat, his face half in shadow. Dark eyes, brimming with unbridled love and passion, looked out at her. She gasped. For the life of her, she could not recall why they felt so intimate.

The man held her hand, and she looked down at their entwined fingers. Spotting rings on each of their fingers, she inhaled. What is this? Looking up in fear, she was drawn into the mysterious aura. It felt like they were lovers.

His plump lips were half in shadow. Ancksunamuns eyes were drawn to them, noting how soft they looked. She leaned forward without thinking. As their lips connected, she felt the whole world fall away. The ground beneath her seemed to cease to exist, and all that was there was him, tethering her to reality. Or whatever this was.

The lips moved against hers, growing in fever. His hands roamed her body, stopping on her breasts before cupping them. Ancksunamun moaned at the contact, pushing them further into his deft fingertips. He squeezed them, eliciting another moan from her. She pulled her lips away, the haziness in her head growing stronger.

Running his fingers up and down her body, he teased her endlessly. Kissing up and down her neck, he left small bites along the side. Ancksunamun felt her eyes roll back in pleasure. The way this man touches me… it's as if he knows exactly what to do.

Sighing in pleasure, Ancksunamun felt a growing heat in her abdomen. It pooled between her legs, throbbing with need. The man's calloused hands grazed her inner thighs. Her head fell back in pleasure as he teased his fingers there, brushing against the front of her.

"You are mine." The man growled in her ear, lightly biting it.

Ancksunamun had no idea how to answer. All she knew was that her need to feel him was growing stronger. The man stopped all of a sudden and looked at her, panting. Ancksunamun felt as if her skin was burning where he had touched her, and she waited in anticipation.

His lips parted, and his eyes intense; he held her gaze as he slowly pushed down her shoulders and laid her to the ground. Above her, he was imposing, his face in shadow. She could feel him rub against her, poised at her opening, tormenting her. Ancksunamuns head was so fuzzy that the rest of the dream went by in a series of pants, exhales, and sweat. She recalled their bodies moving together in unison, his moans of pleasure in her ear. Her body felt electric, alive, frenzied.

The man pulled back, stroking her face. Ancksunamun swore she felt her heart flutter in her dream. This man is so perfect. Something about him is eerily familiar…

The man pushed himself up, pulling away from her. The warmth of his body, now gone, left her feeling cold without his presence. His hands pulled her up into a sitting position, and he kissed the back of them as he did so.

Two crystal glasses appeared out of nowhere. Ancksunamuns eyes widened, and she blinked. Red liquid filled the chalices, and the man looked into her eyes, holding them.

"Drink, my love. For we must celebrate."

Holding his eyes, Ancksunamun put her lips to the rim of the glass. She felt transfixed. She would do anything this man said. Taking a sip, she recoiled.

"This isn't wine!" She sputtered.

"No, why should it be?" The man asked, perplexed.

Ancksunamun looked down at the glass, swirling it around. Its dark purple hue was viscous around the rim.

"My darling…" The man said, pulling her closer once more. He stroked the sides of her face, gentle in his ministrations. "It is blood. For we are to become one."

A chill went through her at his words. He smiled, and she saw his face for the first time. She knew this man's name, and her heart thudded in her chest. Within him, there was nothing. His soul was marred and black, an abyss of darkness.

Ancksunamun awoke on the bench in a cold sweat. Her dream played through her mind again and again, terrifying her to her core. Parts of her were still warm from the man's touch, electrified by his presence. Grimacing, she pushed herself up on the bench and sat huddled to conserve warmth.

A cold wind whipped through the garden, shaking the leaves on the carob tree above her. Looking up, she saw that the moon was no longer visible in the sky. She was so confused. Her body was confused. Running her hands through her hair, she stood. It was just a dream. A very….sexy….scary…dream. Get a grip, Ancksunamun!

Ancksunamun felt she knew who the man in her dream was. But the longer she was awake, the more it seemed to slip away from her. All that was left was the feeling of his hands on her body. She shivered and decided that she needed to sleep in her actual bed. Nights in the garden were always strange.

Stumbling a bit, Ancksunamun left through the garden gate. Medjai stood watch at the front of the palace, and Ancksunamun cursed her luck. She had been out too long, and they would for sure question why she was out at the break of dawn.

Slipping through the servants' quarters, she made her way down the tunnels. Lost in thought, she all at once found herself knocked backward.

"Oh!" Ancksunamun said. "Kesi! What are you doing here?"

Kesi stood there in a thin white dress. Her hair matted and snarled, and her eyes wild, she panted for breath.

"Ancksunamun! Thank Gods! I found you! I found somebody…." Kesi said, leaning up against the wall. It was then Ancksunamun saw her distended belly, and her eyes widened.

"Why were you looking for me?" Ancksunamun asked, alarmed. She does not look right…

Kesi gasped for breath, hungry for air. Deep purple marks covered her face and shoulders. As if seeing Ancksunamuns eyes, she huddled in on herself, trying to appear smaller.

Ancksunamun swallowed, panic beginning to fill her. "Seti did this, didn't he?" Ancksunamun asked, knowing full well the answer. Hatred flowed through her veins.

Reaching out gently, she grabbed for Kesi's hand, and the girl shied away, her eyes fearful. Looking into Ancksunamuns eyes, Kesi relaxed and allowed her to take her hand.

"Come…let us sit somewhere…" Ancksunamun said, her voice low. A lump was beginning to form in her throat. Of course, Seti did this! This man is despicable!

Finding the same alcove that Kesi had pinned her up against when she had first arrived, they sat. Tucked away from sight. Ancksunamun found it ironic.

Kesi sat, his eyes closed, breathing shallow. Dark rings outlined her eyes, and Ancksunamun had to look away again. Tears sprang to her eyes. What we women go through for our families.

Brushing back the hair from Kesi's face, Ancksunamun looked at her. "Kesi, why have you come here? To this side of the palace?"

Kesi took a shaky breath and looked up with eyes full of tears. "I need your help. Please…"

"With what?" I wish I could do something about the Pharaoh…Ancksunamun thought. But I can't do anything. Hatred filled her once again.

Looking down, Ancksunamuns eyes widened. A thin trickle of blood was dripping down Kesi's leg.

"Kesi! How long have you been with child? We must get you to the doctor!"

"For quite sometime now…." Kesi replied, vague. Standing up, she leaned heavily on Ancksunamun's shoulder. Her eyes appeared sunken, and her breathing became shallow. Ancksunamun felt fear overtake her.

"We'll get you help, don't worry. Everything will be alright…" Ancksunamun wasn't so sure. Holding onto Kesi, the two girls made their way slowly toward the infirmary.

Panting from exertion, Ancksunaun heaved Kesi's frail body up the steps leading to the Temple. There has got to be an easier way. Stopping halfway to catch her breath, she looked off into the distance. She didn't believe in the Gods, but she prayed for their strength now.

Finally reaching the top of the steps, she became more nervous about Kesi's condition. Medjai ran to meet her as she approached. They blanched as they saw the state that Kesi was in.

"Infirmary is this way. Here. We'll help you." One of the Medjai said. He smiled at her, his eyes kind.

"Thank you," Ancksunamun said, blushing. She was unused to kindness in these parts. Snapping back to reality, she allowed them to help her carry Kesi's limp body. A trail of blood followed in their wake.

Ancksunamun nerves were growing. Kesi was growing paler by the minute, her dark skin ashy. As they entered the infirmary, Ancksunamun was hit with the smell of sickness. Wrinkling her nose against the smell, she felt panic course through her. Though she did not like Kesi, she did not want her to die. Especially here in this place, far from her family.

The two Medjai laid Kesi on a bed in the room's far corner. Ancksunamun stroked Kesi's hair, murmuring to her. "It's going to be okay. I'm here."

The Medjai, with kind eyes, nodded to her once again as they finished. "Your friend will be in good hands here. The healers are the best in the kingdom."

"Thank you for the reassurance," Ancksunmaun said, unsure if she could believe him.

The Medjai bowed, kissing the back of her hand. "It is my duty. Especially to someone as pretty as you."

Ancksunamun blushed. "Is this really the time for this?" She said, regretting her rudeness.

The Medjai laughed. "No, perhaps not. I will take my leave now. My lovely….?"

"Ancksunamun." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Amenhemti." The Medjai said. He nodded and left the room, leaving her stunned.

Ancksunamun chuckled and then immediately subdued. Brushing back the sweaty hair from Kesi's face, she was taken aback. Kesi appeared so skeletal. She grasped Kesi's hands and rubbed them between her own in an attempt to return some blood flow. Blood was pooling between her thighs on the mat. Ancksunamun looked around in vain, looking for someone to help. A rush of air whisked past her, and a small, portly man kneeled beside her, tsking.

"She is not long for this world." The man said, tsking once more. He was writing on a scroll, his face a slate of boredom.

"What? You cannot mean that?" Ancksunamun said, pulling her hands from Kesi's wide-eyed at the strange man.

"Well, she is with child, and it does not seem viable." The man said again, reaching into a small satchel across his waist. "I can give her some herbs to be comfortable, but that is all I can do until her body decides it is time."

"Time for what?" She asked, not wanting to hear the answer.

"Time for the baby, or time for her to meet Osiris, one or the other." He said, shrugging.

Ancksunamun felt anger rising within her at the man's blasé tone. "Can't you do something more than just some herbs?" She hissed at him, mindful of the other patients in the room.

The stout young man looked almost bored at her question and stood. "I will see what more I can do. Wait here." He said, and he walked away, disappearing behind a gauzy curtain.

Ancksunamun waited. Keeping vigil for Kesi, she prayed to the Gods she did not believe in. She hoped they would spare some compassion, at least for Kesi. Looking up, she stared at the candle flames across from her, mesmerized by their flicker. Healers came to and fro, offering more herbs to help Kesi. They all reassured Ancksunamun that the master healer would be there soon.

Hours passed. Feeling herself dozing off, Ancksunamun felt her body grow warm and fuzzy. As the soft tendrils of sleep began to take hold, Ancksunamun felt a presence near her. Tensing up, she opened her bleary eyes and gasped. A haunting pair of dark eyes met her own. It's him! They seemed to see into the depths of her soul. His eyes held her there, captivated.

Swallowing, she tore her gaze away and looked forward. The feelings from her dreams came back in full force and slammed into her, almost keeling her over. A mixture of acute fear, revulsion, and desire fought for dominance within her. She recalled the feeling of his textured hands and how they had possessed her. The feeling of his body against hers was engrained in her memory. Looking back at him, her eyes flickered from his eyes to his lips and back again. She remembered how they had said her name. Ancksunamun…

"Hello…" she said, choking on the word. Stupid! She cursed.

"Hello." Was the simple reply, his voice deep and strong, almost shy in nature.

That voice! It sent shivers down her spine, turning it into custard. Its timbre ignited feelings in her that she wasn't sure she should be having. It is the man from my dream! But why? And why must it be him?

Her head was spinning. The words, "You're mine." Reverberated through her skull. It couldn't be him! Could it…?

Imhotep awoke that morning with one of his infamous headaches. He rolled over on his small mat, his eyes crusted shut, and groaned. The pounding in his head was relentless. It had not stopped since he had seen the Goddess in the throne room. His throat dry, he coughed and pushed himself up, cracking open his tired eyes. He felt as if he had aged one hundred years overnight. Struggling to his feet, he looked out the window and grimaced, the sun burning his eyes.

Turning away, he noticed that his father had already left for the day and shook his head, smiling. The man was either reading up on curses, meditating, or tending to the Temple. Imhotep never knew what to expect from Kher-heb. He danced to the beat of his own drum.

Dressing in a hurry, he didn't bother to go to the Palace kitchens for breakfast. Instead, Imhotep made his way to the infirmary to check on his patients. Upon entering, he donned his leopard pelt, splashed his face with moon water, and began to tend to the sick. Many who came to the Temple for healing were lazy merchants who pretended to be ill. They wanted a day off work, and Imhotep normally did not grant it to them. But sometimes, on rare occasions, someone requiring medical attention did appear. Today was one of those days. He entered the room and was met with chaos.

Priests and scribes ran to and fro across the space, tending to the sick and cataloging each deed done. Imhotep looked to the far corner and saw that the embalmers had come today. That's never a good sign.

Sighing, Imhotep walked over to an old man lying prone on one of the many beds. His gnarled hands covered his ribs, and he took shallow breaths. The man had come in just before he had arrived, complaining about a sore rib and weakness that would not go away. Imhotep walked over to the man's mat and kneeled beside him.

Not wanting to scare him, Imhotep cleared his throat. "Ahem."

The old man cracked open his tired eyes and looked up at Imhotep. Sitting up, the old man turned to face him.

"What ails you today?" Imhotep asked, his eyes looking over the old man for any outward signs of trauma.

The man coughed and hunched over from where he sat, holding his side. Catching his breath, he answered. "I have not been able to feel my right side all morning." He gestured to his side and continued, "And my ribs have been hurting on the left side."

Imhotep nodded, gestured for the man to lie down again as best as he could, and began his evaluation. He noticed that only the fifth and sixth ribs seemed bruised and not broken. Imhotep relaxed his shrewd gaze and took a deep breath.

"What happened to cause this?" Imhotep asked, continuing to feel along the man's rib cage in a gentle manner.

The man coughed again and grimaced in pain before responding. "I work in the fields outside of the city walls. I fell while doing the morning chores. I have been coughing since."

Imhotep nodded again, "You will be fine, do not fret. Here, I have some herbs here to help ease the pain."

He reached into his satchel and procured some herbs. Mixing them on the small table in his mortar and pestle, he bruised the herbs to release their juices. Saying a quick incantation, Imhotep added some fresh water and handed the mixture to the man to drink.

"Good," Imhotep said, "Now…you should take the day off and rest."

"I cannot do that, my Lord." The man said, and he sat up. "I must finish the harvest for the Pharaoh before the next full moon."

Imhotep touched the man's shoulder and laid him back down in a prone position. "I will talk to the Pharaoh on your behalf, and you shall be granted an extra two weeks of preparation, do not worry."

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you!" The man said with joy. He sat up again and broke into a coughing fit.

"It is my duty," Imhotep replied. "You will rest for the day." He said, his eyes serious. Nodding at the old man, Imhotep stood up and turned around. Without delay, he was besieged by one of his priests.

"Lord Imhotep," the Priest bowed. "There is a severe case that I wish for you to assist with."

Imhotep lifted his hand and beckoned for him to show the way, following the younger man. Nodding at the old man once again, Imhotep was led away. The headache was growing stronger and stronger by the minute. He swallowed as they weaved through the infirmary, wishing for the day to be over.

The Priest stopped at a mat in the far corner and beckoned Imhotep to come over. His eyes widened in fear. The girl on the mat was indeed in grave trouble. A layer of blood stained the front of her dress, and she took shallow, rattling breaths. A girl with long dark hair sat vigil over the sick girl, her head bowed in silent prayer.

Imhotep immediately halted. A prickling on the back of his neck signified danger. The girl with the long hair all of sudden looked up at him. The world halted. It was her!

It is the Goddess! She is here!

He gulped, all of the blood in his face rushing away. He remembered all of the times he had seen her in his dreams. Haunting him, taunting him. He remembered her taut body at the river and her twirling visage in the throne room. His mouth opened and closed numerous times, like a fish, not knowing what to say. The Goddess broke the silence.

"Hello," she said, avoiding eye contact with him. Her voice was like the twinkling of the stars reflecting on the Nile. It was heavenly…lilting, and feminine.

A shiver ran down his spine, and his mouth dry. He responded, "Hello." Stupid! He thought to himself. You finally meet the woman who has haunted your dream for months, and that's all you can say? His mind flashed back to when she had sighed in pleasure in his dreams…her pert breasts in his hands…

They stared at one another for a moment, his mouth dry. Tearing his eyes away, he realized he had important work to do. Breaking eye contact, Imhotep kneeled down and sucked in a quick breath. It was the Pharaoh's mistress! I cannot touch this woman!

Imhotep turned to look at the other Priest, his eyes signifying that this should be kept secret. The Priest nodded solemnly. Pulling a gauzy curtain for privacy, the Priest went to stand watch on the other side.

His nerves were wracked. He knew the girl was not allowed to be there. The Pharaoh's women were off limits, and that included medical care. Usually, when one of his concubines fell ill, they were disposed of and left on the outskirts of the city. Imhotep felt sadistic at the thought of all he had done for Seti.

Shaking his head, he noticed his headache was again gone. In the presence of her…how curious. Sneaking a glance at her, he noticed she appeared to be green. Shaking his head, he turned back to the concubine. Kesi, he recalled. Assessing her injuries, he noted her distended stomach. Blanching, he froze. I am definitely not allowed to tamper with this woman! The growing red stain on the front of her dress told him otherwise.

Imhotep looked to the Goddess and said, "Where did you happen upon her?" He couldn't help but feel distracted by her presence. He wanted to hear her voice once more.

The Goddess was startled. "Kesi? She was down in the servants' quarters. Though… I'm not sure why." She replied, not making eye contact.

A concubine down in the servants' quarters? That could not be right. Concubines were not even allowed to leave Seti's side of the palace.

Imhotep's mind was a mess. Parts of him were focused on the Goddess sitting close to him. He could smell the sweet smell of Jasmine tickling the air. Parts of him were focused on figuring out how to help the Pharaoh's concubine... He knew he needed to focus. Shutting off his emotions, he got to work again, the Pharaoh's rules be damned.

Pulling up Kesi's dress, he almost cried at how much blood was pooling on the mat beneath the poor girl. He pulled out two amulets: one of Bes and one of Hathor. Placing Bes on Kesi's forehead, he placed Hathor in her hands. Folding her hands over her abdomen, he sent up a quick prayer. She appears too close to death…Imhotep began to sweat.

Grabbing for his herbs, he took out rush, khep-wer, arnica, nettle, carob, honey, and a small vial of moon water. Mixing up the herbs, Imhotep opened Kesi's mouth and encouraged her to drink the mixture. Kesi's eyes fluttered. She was not very responsive. Imhotep paled; she was fading fast. He hoped the nettle and arnica would reduce her heavy blood loss soon.

Waiting for the herbs to take effect, he prayed to Osiris, asking him to spare her from the Netherworld. He prayed to Bes and Hathor next, asking for their assistance in the birthing process. Imhotep knew that Kesi was pregnant with Seti's child, but it was too soon for the baby to come. If he had to guess, it had only been a few months. It was his fault for mentioning to Seti what Thoth had told him.

Imhotep was sick with guilt. What those girls go through at his hands…he was terrified of what would happen to Kesi if she did make it through this. It would not be pretty. Imhotep felt his head swirling with shame. The things I do for Seti…I should be fed to Ammit…

Without warning, the girl on the mat began to scream in agony, and Imhotep knew the herbs were working. Holding the girl's hands, he assisted her the best he could with the process.

It was over before it had started. Kesi lay back on the mat, pale and spent. Her breathing was more even, and she dozed off. Imhotep turned to his Priest on the other side of the curtain, tears pricking his eyes.

"It is a girl," Imhotep said, his eyes betraying nothing. His heart was breaking.

Without words, the Priest took the baby girl and disappeared from sight.

~Somewhere between time~

Thoth sat deep in meditation, levitating upon a cloud of selenite. His brow furrowed as strange voices intercepted his visions. His faithful quill began to quiver beside him in the blustery air.

Eyes still closed, he grabbed his quill and began writing on his emerald scroll. Opening his eyes, he saw his scroll glowing a deep, vibrant red. He saw rivers of blood flowing. He heard people screaming. He saw the Gods running.

Deeply unsettled, Thoth shook his large head to clear it. Feathers drifted down onto the cloud on which he sat. They were absorbed by the hunk of crystal he sat upon. Snowflakes falling onto his back, he breathed heavily. What could this mean? What kind of omen was this?

His quill bounced up and down, desperate to be used once more. Grabbing for the quill, it emanated a green light. It extinguished the horrid vision that had been before his eyes. Looking down upon the paper, Thoth choked. Thereupon the pages of his scroll were the words, He Who Comes In Peace Shall Be The Destroyer Of Worlds.

A deep feeling of fear settled in Thoth's gut, and he swallowed. This was not divine interference. Something in the ether had been tampered with. With a wave of his hand, his scroll and quill dissipated, and Thoth stood. He must convene with his brothers.

A/N: Updated January 24, 2023!