Chapter 12: The Truth
Present.
Suez, Egypt
As the water continued to rise, the temperature grew increasingly unbearable, akin to a boiling cauldron. Elizabeth felt the oppressive heat enveloping her, intensifying her struggle for survival. The water had now reached the ceiling, eliminating the only pocket of air she had managed to cling to. Panic surged within her as the oxygen supply dwindled, her body weakening under the strain.
In her dire predicament, a comforting voice resonated within her mind. It was Kurtis, reaching out to her telepathically. "Elizabeth, hold on. I'm going to get you out of there," he assured her with unwavering determination.
Grateful for the lifeline amidst her suffocating enclosure, Elizabeth responded, her voice tinged with desperation. "Please, hurry. The water has reached the top, and there's no air left."
Kurtis relayed a glimmer of hope, informing her of their discovery. "We found a staircase, leading up somewhere. Just stay with us," he urged, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.
Elizabeth mustered a weary sigh, determination blending with her fading strength. "I'll try," she replied, her resolve solidifying despite the ever-present threat of drowning. She clung to the flicker of hope, trusting in Kurtis and the team to deliver her from the watery abyss.
They ascended the narrow staircase, their steps echoing in the confined space, anticipation building with each passing moment. As they reached the top, their excitement turned to bewilderment. Instead of a grand chamber or a passage leading to their goal, they found themselves in a small, cramped room. The walls were bare except for one peculiar feature—a set of three levers positioned against one of the walls. Intrigued, Lara approached them and noticed a small inscription underneath.
"Drown the water with one or fight a monster with another, the third one will see your doom," Lara read aloud, her voice resonating in the enclosed space. She glanced at Kurtis, who stood beside her, trying to decipher the cryptic message. "So basically, only one of them opens the door."
Just then, a voice pierced Kurtis's mind, sending a wave of urgency through his veins. It was Elizabeth, their companion, reaching out to him telepathically. "Kurtis, I can't hold on much longer," she pleaded.
"Hold on, Elizabeth. Chris will never forgive me if I let you die," Kurtis replied silently in his mind, his determination fueling his response. He glanced at Chris, their mutual friend, who seemed equally concerned. With a resolute nod, Kurtis stepped forward and grasped the right lever, pulling it downward. However, instead of the desired effect, the ground beneath them began to tremble violently.
"Pull it back up!" Lara shouted, her voice filled with urgency. Responding quickly, Kurtis heeded her advice, pushing the lever back to its original position. The tremors ceased, leaving them on edge.
Realizing they had two more levers left to choose from, Kurtis's mind raced. He understood the consequences of his next decision. Bracing himself, he reached for the middle lever and pulled it down. Immediately, a noise emanated from behind them, drawing their attention. The wall opposite them swung open, revealing a fearsome monster with three menacing heads.
"Kurtis, you must pull the last lever!" Chris exclaimed, his voice laced with urgency. Lara and Chris readied themselves, preparing for the imminent battle with the formidable creature.
Elizabeth's voice echoed in Kurtis's mind once again, filled with a mix of fear and resignation. "Kurtis, I'm sorry. Tell Chris I love him." These words struck Kurtis deep within his heart, stirring a torrent of emotions. He turned his gaze toward the final lever, his hand trembling as he pulled it down.
In that very moment, before the full consequences of his action could unfold, the monster's colossal tail struck Kurtis with a force that sent him hurtling towards a nearby wall. The impact was jarring, and Lara's anguished cry filled the air. Undeterred by his injuries, Kurtis fought to regain his composure.
"Lara!" he managed to shout, his voice strained. He saw her engaged in combat with the monster, while Chris provided support from another angle. Determined to protect Lara, Kurtis pushed through the pain, drawing his weapons—a BoranX and his trusted Chirugai.
The battle ensued, the trio relentlessly attacking the monster. They weaved, dodged, and fired their weapons in a synchronized dance of survival. Kurtis aimed a fatal blow, severing one of the creature's heads, but in response, the remaining head exhaled a torrent of searing flames, forcing him to evade the deadly onslaught just in time. Meanwhile, Lara faced imminent danger as the monster's tail zeroed in on her. Without hesitation, Kurtis leaped forward, using his own body as a shield to push her out of harm's way. The monster's tail struck him with brutal force, sending him crashing to the ground.
Lara quickly regained her footing, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. Her gaze fixated on Kurtis, lying wounded on the ground. Meanwhile, Chris seized the opportunity and retrieved a shard from his pocket, catching Lara's attention.
"Where did you get that?" Lara asked, her voice brimming with curiosity and concern as she continued to fend off the monster.
"Elizabeth picked them up after you left them behind," Chris replied, diverting the monster's attention toward himself.
Lara's focus shifted back to Kurtis, her worry mounting. She rushed to his side, keeping one eye on the ongoing battle. Assessing his wound, she took a deep breath and retrieved bandages from her backpack, expertly applying them to his injuries. Kurtis winced in pain, his eyes meeting hers.
"Lara," he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude and affection.
"Why did you risk yourself like that for me?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "You could've been killed."
His lips curved into a faint smile as he locked eyes with her. "And I'll do it again, knowing you're safe," he replied, his voice laced with unwavering determination.
Lara's attention shifted momentarily to Chris and the fallen monster. The creature lay lifeless on the ground, while Chris, exhausted and out of breath, knelt nearby. Glancing back at Kurtis, she completed the bandaging process and extended her hand to help him up.
"We should check if the door downstairs is open," Kurtis suggested, his voice filled with resilience as he started to walk away.
"Why does he risk himself like that?" Lara whispered to Chris, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern.
"Elizabeth used to get angry with him every time they went on missions together," Chris explained as they hurried to catch up with Kurtis. "He always tried to play the hero, even if it meant putting his life on the line."
A wave of realization washed over Lara as she pondered Chris's words. "Doesn't he know that there are people who care for him?" she thought, a touch of sadness clouding her features.
"Well, I think he's being stubborn," Lara voiced her thoughts aloud, her determination resurfacing.
Chris smiled at her, acknowledging her empathy and resolve, as they continued their pursuit to rescue Elizabeth from the room she had been trapped in.
The tension in the room reached its peak as Kurtis rushed inside, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of Elizabeth. Lara followed closely behind, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. Meanwhile, Chris stood near the door, on high alert, ready to protect them from any lurking danger. His voice trembled as he called out for Elizabeth, his worry palpable in the air.
"Elizabeth!" Chris's voice echoed through the room, filled with desperation. "Please, be okay," he pleaded, his voice laced with an overwhelming sense of fear.
Kurtis's attention was caught by a particular spot, and he gestured for Lara to join him. Together, they moved a large boulder aside, revealing Elizabeth lying underneath. Chris, hearing Kurtis's call, rushed to their side, his eyes widening with concern as he took in the sight of Elizabeth's battered form.
"No!" Chris exclaimed, his voice filled with anguish and disbelief as he saw the cuts and bruises on Elizabeth's body. Kurtis and Lara knelt beside her, their hands checking for a pulse, their expressions heavy with worry. "No... No... Is she...?"
"I can't feel a pulse," Kurtis uttered, his voice heavy with sorrow. Without hesitation, he started administering CPR, his hands pressing firmly against Elizabeth's chest. "Chris, pull yourself together and help with mouth-to-mouth."
Chris, his emotions in turmoil, joined Kurtis by Elizabeth's side, awaiting his signal to begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The room fell into an anguished silence, broken only by Lara's heartfelt plea.
"Come on, Elizabeth, breathe," Lara pleaded, her eyes locked on Kurtis's efforts to revive their friend.
"Elizabeth, wake up. Please, don't leave me now," Chris whispered, tears streaming down his face. "I love you, you hear me? I love you, damn it."
Kurtis paused, a flicker of despair crossing his face. "I think it's too late," he reluctantly admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of the truth.
"No, it can't be," Chris sobbed, his grip on Elizabeth tightening as he cradled her fragile body in his arms. "Please, don't leave me," he pleaded, his voice breaking with grief.
Feeling the need to give Chris some space, Lara and Kurtis rose to their feet, their hearts heavy with the weight of the situation. As Chris wept, consumed by his sorrow, Lara's gaze fell upon Elizabeth's chest, and she noticed a slight movement—a rise and fall. Hope sparked within her.
"Chris, she's breathing," Lara exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and awe. Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open, and she began coughing, expelling water from her lungs.
"I thought I lost you back there," Chris whispered, his voice filled with a potent mix of love, relief, and disbelief. He continued to hold Elizabeth tenderly, kissing her forehead with a gentle affection.
Elizabeth mustered a weak smile, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "You're not gonna get rid of me that easily," she managed to say, her voice laced with a hint of humor despite her weakened state.
Tears of relief streamed down Chris's face as he embraced her tightly, grateful beyond words for her miraculous return. The room was filled with a bittersweet mix of emotions—joy, gratitude, and the lingering specter of the danger they had faced. Together, they embraced the fragile yet resilient threads of hope that bound them, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Chris's smile lingered on his face as he held Elizabeth, relishing the warmth and safety of their embrace. In that moment, he wished he could protect her forever, shield her from any harm that might come her way. But deep down, he knew that he couldn't always be there for her. Life had a way of throwing unexpected challenges their way.
Elizabeth's gaze shifted towards Lara and Kurtis, her determination pushing her to regain her footing. She attempted to stand up, but her weakened body betrayed her, causing her to stumble. Chris quickly caught her in his arms, ensuring she wouldn't fall back to the ground.
"Take it easy. Your body is still in shock," Kurtis advised, a gentle smile playing on his lips. With Chris's support, they helped Elizabeth to her feet, providing her the stability she needed to stand.
As Elizabeth surveyed her surroundings, she couldn't help but wonder how she had become trapped in the first place. Her eyes returned to the painting, her gaze drawn to the image of the Angel hovering above the water, wielding a sword. However, as she glanced at the statue, she noticed that the water had completely vanished.
"What did you guys do?" Elizabeth questioned, her curiosity piqued. She walked over to the statue and took hold of the sword, triggering a secret door to open. The group exchanged glances before venturing into the newly revealed secret room, their steps echoing in the confined space. In the center, they discovered a stone tablet devoid of any markings, except for the inscription.
"Only the three golden daggers can destroy Karel forever, but only wielded by Klara herself can it be done, RJC," Elizabeth read aloud, the words resonating in the air. Lara's mind raced as she recognized the initials RJC, realizing they stood for her father's name. Memories flooded her thoughts—similar inscriptions in Thailand and Cairo, leading to her grandfather's crypt.
"So, whatever was here is now at your home, back in England?" Kurtis inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Lara nodded, her gaze fixed on the stone tablet. "It looks that way," she confirmed, a hint of weariness in her voice. She brushed her fingers across the ancient stone, pondering the implications of her father's actions.
As they made their way back to the main room, the final sword was placed in its rightful position, causing the last door to open, unveiling the prized ramble stone piece. Lara retrieved it, carefully securing it in her backpack. A triumphant smile graced her face as she looked at her companions.
"We did it," she said, her voice filled with a mix of satisfaction and relief.
They began their journey towards the exit, anticipation building within them. However, Elizabeth's attention was momentarily diverted when her phone rang. She paused, answering the call, her brow furrowing as she listened intently to the voice on the other end of the line.
Elizabeth's heart raced as she absorbed the shocking information from Charle Aircard, delivered through the urgent phone call. The revelation sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly relayed the details to Kurtis and the others, putting the call on speaker for everyone to hear.
"It's Charle Aircard," Elizabeth informed them, her voice tinged with concern. She continued the conversation, her mind racing to process the gravity of the situation.
Charle's words struck Kurtis deeply. "They need Karel's sister's DNA to continue the Nephilim race," Charle revealed. Kurtis couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension at the mention of Klara, realizing they were inching closer to finding her.
Kurtis inquired about their knowledge of Klara's whereabouts, his eyes locked on Elizabeth, searching for answers. Charle's response only added to their mounting concerns.
"Yes, they say that she's with you guys," Charle admitted. "And that Karel is on his way to capture her with the chosen one."
Elizabeth swiftly clarified their situation to Charle. "She's not with us, Charle," she reassured him. "Do they know who the chosen one is, yet?"
Charle's voice carried a sense of urgency. "Liz, that's what these guys just said to each other. They say years ago Karel and his sister went to war, and Karel apparently changed her into a baby, and he also created a curse. They think it's Kurtis."
Kurtis couldn't fathom the idea that he could be the chosen one. Doubt clouded his thoughts, but before he could voice his concerns, Elizabeth exchanged a meaningful glance with Chris. A realization struck Kurtis — there was something she hadn't shared with anyone, except for Chris.
Elizabeth addressed Charle once more, her voice firm. "Listen, Charle, it's only me, Kurtis, Chris, and Lara here. No one else," she emphasized. "So, if they think Klara is with us, they have another thing coming. And they won't be taking Kurtis."
After concluding the call, Elizabeth pocketed her phone, her gaze fixed on Kurtis. Uncertainty loomed, and they needed to decide on their next course of action.
"So, what do you think we must do now?" Elizabeth asked, her voice laced with determination.
Kurtis's eyes narrowed, his resolve unwavering. "We get out of here. If Karel is on his way, we fight our way out," he declared, his voice laced with authority. "I may not be the chosen one, but I'm still the leader of this order, and I'll make sure everyone gets out alive."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement, a mixture of worry and trust in her eyes. She and Chris made their way towards the exit, their steps filled with a sense of urgency. Lara lingered behind for a moment, her hand resting on Kurtis's shoulder.
"Kurtis, whatever happens, I'm with you until this is over," she declared, her voice filled with unwavering support. With those words, she joined Elizabeth and Chris, leaving Kurtis to contemplate the weight of the impending battle.
As he watched Elizabeth and Lara depart, a surge of foreboding washed over Kurtis. A sinking feeling settled in his gut, and he silently prayed that his ominous intuition would prove unfounded. With determination etched on his face, he followed his allies, ready to face the unknown and confront the challenges that lay ahead, praying that their bond and strength would see them through to the end.
As the group emerged from the canal, they found themselves greeted by the deafening sound of a helicopter landing before them. Kurtis observed the scene, his eyes narrowing as Karel, their relentless adversary, emerged from the aircraft with a sinister smile adorning his face. Tension hung thick in the air, and the group remained motionless, knowing that a confrontation was imminent.
With a hint of sarcasm in his voice, Karel addressed Lara, his words laced with a twisted sense of familiarity. "Lara, are you going to join?" he taunted, seemingly unfazed by the pistol that Lara defiantly brandished. Elizabeth and Chris quickly followed suit, their guns trained on Karel, their united front signaling their unwavering determination. Kurtis stood by their side, his stance displaying readiness for whatever awaited them.
Annoyed by Karel's presence, Kurtis's anger surged, his voice laced with barely contained fury. "Karel, what do you want?" he demanded, his gaze piercing into the soul of their nemesis.
A chilling smirk crossed Karel's face as he responded, his voice dripping with sinister intent. "I want you and Lara to give yourselves up," he declared, his words resonating with malice. "The rest of you, I will leave be."
Elizabeth couldn't help but let out a scornful laugh at his audacity. "Not in this lifetime," she retorted, her voice laced with determination and defiance.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, Karel's laughter filled the air, echoing off the surrounding walls. "Oh, you silly Lux Veritatis," he mocked. "Do you really think you can stop me again? My sister, who remains blissfully unaware of her true identity, will be of no help to you this time around."
The group exchanged glances, a mixture of concern and resolve etched on their faces. The revelation that Lara shared a familial connection with Karel sent shockwaves through her, her eyes widening in disbelief and confusion. The weight of their shared history intensified the gravity of their current predicament.
As the group stood poised to face the impending battle, the realization dawned upon them that this confrontation would be their most challenging yet. The stakes were higher, the danger more palpable, and the enemy more determined than ever before. Yet, united in their unwavering bond and armed with their unwavering spirit, they remained resolute.
With their weapons at the ready and their spirits aflame, they prepared to face Karel head-on. The turbulent journey that had brought them to this moment had forged them into a formidable force. Together, they stood against the darkness, ready to protect one another and confront the demons that threatened their existence.