User blog:Parzival12/Desert Flower- A Pharaoh Fan Fiction- Chapter 2

I would like to give my thanks to  HoundTheDestroyer93  for all his help in editing! Along with all the other pharaoh lovers out there who want more fanfics of this amazing monster girl! Without further ado. Here comes chapter 2!!

The Ruins
The Colonel and his men weren’t big on talking. Andre felt the need to communicate with them in some way. It’s not like he was expecting a hugfest, but he would like to know what the people who were risking their lives for him were really like. Right now he was riding alongside Arnold 2. Or was it Arnold 1? Terminator and The Colonel were up front. I turn to one of my compatriots. “So.. I never got your name.”

 He just looks at me for a second, then after a while says. “ Terry.”

 Progress! Never took him for a terry though. Now that I had a better look at him he seemed like your average army soldier. He had the standard buzz cut. Blonde hair, packed with muscles. Nothing too interesting or of import jumped out at me about him. Nevertheless, I am determined to form some sort of connection with Arno- *Ahem* Terry. “So Mr.Terry. What do you like to do in your free time?” I put on the friendliest voice I can muster without sounding pathetic.

 “I like to raise animals.”

 Two sentences in one day? Oh my goodness. “Did you say raise animals?”

 He puts a slightly defensive tone in his voice. “That’s right, my family owns a ranch down south. We often find stray animals of all kind. A lot of times their injured. We raise them back to health and release them. Of course we own a few animals of our own.”

 This was completely unexpected. Not a bad surprise just. Here I painted him as the cooky cutter variety of mercenary. For all I know he could enjoy knitting and own a small cafe that sells excellent bagels

 “Stop!” The gruff voice of The Colonel cuts off our blooming conversation

 <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Listen Colonel, I know you feel a need to be professional but I would at least like to hold a conversation with-” I try to say but once again he cuts me off.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Shut it! Look.” The Colonel points off into the distance.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">At first I don’t see anything, but all of a sudden I can see the outline of a building.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“No way..” I can’t help but stare in amazement. As we start to move closer and closer we can see more and more of the small clump of buildings. It’s obvious most of it has been buried by the sand over the years.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Alright everyone let’s move! This is what we all came here for a we need to-” The Colonel started to say something but all of a sudden the ground began to shake.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I look around frantically until I see a large mound rising in the middle of the four of us.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What in the-” The Colonel doesn’t get to finish as a giant sandworm emerges from the ground. “Everybody fan out! Defensive positions!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">My camel makes a sprint towards the ruins. That’s the fastest I think it’s ever moved.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">The worm dives in and out of the sand, moving from one target to the next. It just nearly grazes me and I’m thrown into the sand. I see the sandworm burrowing its way to me. Just when it seems like the end I get yanked away by the Terminator.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“GET UP!” He yanks me onto his camel and rides fast towards the ruins, The Colonel and Terry following close behind.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Just when it appears we are about to make it the sandworm emerges right below us once again. Throwing both the Terminator and I off his camel.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">We start a dead sprint, our legs pumping their way closer and closer to safety. All of a sudden the sandworm comes towering right in front of Terminator, its shadow looming over him menacingly. Than its large mouth comes crashing down right on top of The Terminator. I can’t help but stare for a few seconds. That is until Terry grabs me and pulls me up onto his camel in a hurry. We charge into the entrance to the ruins. Fortunately the sandworm seemed to give up its chase. I guess it got the prize it wanted.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">______________________________________________________________________________

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Come on. We came this far, time to do what we came here for.” The Colonel says while we are catching our breath.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Alright kid, time to stop being useless. What are we looking for here?” Says The Colonel looking at me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I look around for a bit, looking for any possible signs saying “Hey mysterious happenings this way!” Unfortunately I see no such signs. Right now we are just in the middle of a long and dark hallway. There is still some light coming in through the entrance, but as we go deeper we will need our flashlights. Or just make some torches to conserve battery.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Truth be told I didn’t know exactly what it was we were looking for myself. Not that I was about to tell them that.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Well, let’s just continue forward for now. We’re bound to run into something eventually.” It’s now I realize just how completely in the dark we are about this whole thing. My uncle sent me here expecting to fix everything. I don’t even know where to begin looking. What if I don’t have the proper tools? Not to mention the load of supplies I lost when my camel went down. And if The Colonel and Terry went down too…

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Best to focus your mind on the positive. At least we made it all the way here.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I believe the next step should be for us to carefully explore the ruins and map out along with documenting any landmarks or other interesting finds along the way. Maybe we will even find the source of all the monstergirls migrating here.” I tell The Colonel with as much confidence as I can muster.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Sounds like as good a plan as any. Terry, you take point. Kid you stay in the middle. Don’t want any nasty surprises.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">He just had to go and jinx it like that.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">____________________________________________________________________________

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">We continue walking for a good thirty minutes, taking different passageways. We did find the odd hieroglyph now and again, which I did translate to the best of my ability. Most of them just talked about everyday life. Nothing in particular jumped out at me. Everyone and again we would reach a dead end or a cave in and would simply turn back. We had yet to encounter any monster or traps of any sort. That at the least I was thankful of.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">After a while we walked into a large and empty square room. There was only a slightly raised dias with a sphinx statue on it. As soon as the three of us walked in a stone door slid down blocking us in.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Fantastic.” Terry says after unsuccessfully trying to break down a stone wall with his shoulder. Genius.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Eyes front” The Colonel directs our attention to the statue. It begins to make a slight humming noise. After a few seconds it begins to crack and crumble. Then it seems to burst open! Revealing a fully grown, and very alive, sphinx where the statue once was.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Hello <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;font-style:italic;white-space:pre-wrap;">intruders. <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;"> How nice of you to stop by. It has been so long since any have dared to venture through the harsh desert.” The sphinx says, now standing on top of her platform.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I will give you three simple questions. One for each of you. If you can answer it correctly then you may pass.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I know I shouldn’t, but I have to ask. “And what happens if we don’t pass?” Probably my stupidest question ever. She simply looked at us with a wolfish grin.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Now let’s get started!” She said with surprising cheerfulness.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh wonderful, I always loved Jeopardy.” Terry says, exasperated.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">She directed her attention to Terry. “Sense you seem so eager, you shall answer first.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Now for your question! <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Take away my first letter, and I still sound the same. Take away my last letter, I still sound the same. Even take away my letter in the middle, I will still sound the same. I am a five letter word. What am I?” She seemed very smug at her own riddle.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Was she serious? I think I read this one on a popsicle once. “Uhh. Empty?” Terry answered.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Her eyes shot open. She seemed shocked that Terry was able to answer so effortlessly. “Grrrr...FINE! You pass!” Her eyes quickly darted to The Colonel. “YOU! You’re next.” Her eyes seemed to narrow now, her earlier jovialness completely gone. “ What is so delicate that saying it’s name breaks it.” Her gaze pierced into him. Daring him to guess wrong.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Silence?” The Colonel simply shrugged when he gave his answer. That was another easy one too.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“AAAGGHHHH!!!” THATS IT!!” She seemed pretty upset by now. She stared directly at me, baring her teeth. “YOU!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes?” I answer. I feel pretty confident at this time that I will be able to easily answer any question she gives me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“WHAT IS AT THE END OF A RAINBOW!?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Ah, I learned this in science class. You see a rainbow is a circle - it doesn't have an end. When you see the arc in the sky, it's only a partial rainbow. From a plane, you can see the entire rainbow circle.” I feel pretty good about myself. Her last question was a bit different from the other two. Probably just to throw me off. But I managed with ease.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">However, she seemed rather surprised at my answer. I took this as a good sign. But then she starts to laugh. “Ha.. Haha...HAHAHAHAHA. YOU FOOL!” She screams down at me. I look over and can see The Colonel giving me a menacing stare and Terry facepalming.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Then The Colonel reveals the truth to me. “Andre you moron! The end of a rainbow is the letter W! This ain’t science class kid!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Just then we see a section of the stone wall open up behind the Sphinx.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You two can go on through. You however will be staying with me my little plaything!” She seemed to really grin when she said this. “And don’t even try making a run for it! The door will only allow two through and deeper into the tomb! After you two leave it will shut immediately!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I can’t believe how badly I’ve messed up. My own arrogance screwed me. I should have meditated on her question. Terry leans over to me and quietly says, “Andre, when I make my move, bolt towards the door.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Huh?” Is the best I can manage before Terry goes charging straight at the Sphinx. She’s caught by surprise as he manages to tackle her. I try to run over and hel Terry, but The Colonel grabs me by my collar and starts dragging me to the door. “WAIT! WE have to help him!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“His choice kid!” The Colonel doesn’t break his stride. I can hear Terry struggling with the enraged Sphinx. He has a tight hold on her as she continues to try to lung at the door before we pass through.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Right as she breaks free of his grip and makes a final leap towards us, The Colonel shoves the both of us through the door.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” I hear the Sphinx scream, cut off by the sound of the stone sliding back into place. Sealing both Terry and her inside.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?” I yell at The Colonel.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“WRONG WITH ME?! I just saved our skins you ingrate!” He shouts back.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Terry is dead because of you! We could have helped him!” I’m incensed at this point. There have been too many lives lost on this trip already.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“BECAUSE OF ME?!?!? YOU’RE THE IDIOT THAT GOT THE QUESTION WRONG.” He starts screaming in my face, jabbing his finger into me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“SO IF YOU WANT TO BLAME SOMEBODY! BLAME YOURSELF!” She shoved me to the ground with that last part.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I can’t help but feel that he’s right. Thanks to me Terry is dead.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Get up! We have places to go.” He says looking down at me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I start to pick myself up when I see a figure behind The Colonel.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Well? You’re not going to just sit there and mop all day are you?” The Colonel is talking to me, but I can’t even respond. I’m frozen in fear by what I see behind him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“C-Colonel..B-Behind…” I manage to get that bit out trying to warn him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What?” He annoyedly looks behind him. Sure enough, he comes face to face with a mummy.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“WHAT THE HELL!?!” He shoves the mummy to the ground, all of a sudden we notice more and more starting to surround us. He picks me up off the ground and shoves me toward the closest hallway. “MOVE!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">We start running around wildly, often coming to dead ends and packs of mummies around each corner. After a while we are caught in another dead end, the mummies closing in on us. The Colonel spots a small tunnel that leads God knows where.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Through here kid!.” He looks back at me as he shines his flashlight through the tunnel. I can’t see an end to it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Won’t work Colonel, they’ll just crawl in after us and drag us out. For all we know that could lead nowhere. We won’t make it.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Colonel looks back at me again. “Not together we won’t. Sorry kid.” All of a sudden he sweeps my legs and proceeds to grab my ankle in a tight lock.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” I realize with cold understanding what he was about to do.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Nothing personal.” He proceeds to break my ankle at the joint, leaving me writhing in pain.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“YOU!! I WILL NOT FORGET THIS!!” I cried out my rage as The Colonel crawled through the hole. Which I was desperately hoping led to a den full of cobras. But I had bigger things to focus on right now.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">The mummies were by no means fast, but I wasn’t going anywhere with my ankle the way it was. I could hardly crawl. By the time I got a foot into the hole they would just pull me out. I quickly looked around the room, looking for <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;font-style:italic;white-space:pre-wrap;">anything <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">that I could use to defend myself. Or even possibly escape.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">There isn’t much in the small area. A few torches line the wall, along with plenty of spiderwebs. The mummies slowly edge closer, seemingly in no hurry.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Then I notice a particular torch. It’s not just attached to the wall, but seems to go inside it. I painstakingly make my over to it. “Come on...Come to Andre…”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I know this isn’t some Indiana Jones movie, but it’s my best shot.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Finally I reach the torch. I pick myself up, leaning on the wall. I try pulling the torch down. At first I feel nothing but despair, but then all of a sudden the wall starts to part. I fall through the opening tumbling down a bit. I Look back up and see the opening close once more as the mummies attempt to make their way through.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“So streak of fortune continues.” I turn on my flashlight and take a look around. I’m in yet another small room. This one however is bereft of torches. I do see a number of items. All of them covered in dust and spiderwebs.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">There are different types of pottery and vases, along with a few scrolls on a shelf. When my eyes continue scanning the room, I do a double take on a particular object on the far side of the room.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">It appeared to be some sort of statue, but upon closer inspection I realize what it truly is. It is a large sarcophagus, with a cloth slightly draped over it. I walk closer to get a better look.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">There isn’t much on the outside in way of decoration. This was probably simply due to wear and tear over the ages. I’m certain that when it was first made it was beautiful.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Now of course, you know what I had to do next. Now this was probably not one of my best ideas, but as long as I was stuck here, might as well do some intrusive investigating. I attempt to open the casket, but it’s a bit heavy. I look for something around the room to help me pry it open. I find a gold rod, it is curved at the end like a shepherd's staff.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I begin to slowly pry the casket open. My foot is still killing me but finally it gives way. Inside I see a slightly shriveled corpse wrapped in toilet paper. Okay it wasn’t toilet paper, obviously, but you get what I mean.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I’m honestly not sure what I was expecting to find inside besides a corpse. The body seemed to be female. She must have been the Pharaoh of this long forgotten kingdom. I look at the staff in my hands. It is gold with intricate carvings on it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I believe this belongs to you.” I begin to place the rod next to her. The staff begins to glow abruptly. Without warning the corpse's hand unravels and grabs hold of it. I’m so astounded I jerk back and land on my bottom.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I can see a bright glow coming from the casket now, but I’m too perplexed to peer inside. Then a bright flash from the casket blinds me for a few moments. When my vision finally clears, I’m startled at what I see. At this point I doubted anything could catch me by surprise anymore, but lo and behold.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">The corpse starts to slowly sit up. It seems much different from before, it’s no longer shriveled and dry. In fact the wrappings that were covering it before now seem to barely be able to hold to the body. Especially around the, *Ahem*, chest area.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Pharaoh slowly turns it’s head towards me. At this point I’m at my wits end. Once again I find myself scrambling for some sort of weapon or escape route. She is currently holding the only staff like object in the room. I grab a ceramic jug, and hoist it over my head. Prepared to either throw it or bring it down on her head if need be.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Lady or not, I was not interested in getting in a fight with a 800 year old Pharaoh. I watched the mummy.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Unexpectedly I hear a loud boom from where I first entered. In came what seemed to be some sort of dog girl mix. She was short and rather petite, followed closely by four mummies. I heard of her type before. She was a  Anubis. They were in a position of authority among the ruins. Commanding forces under the Pharaoh.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Seize him!” She said in an authoritative voice to her entourage.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Two of the mummies grab me. One on each arm. They drag me before the head Anubis.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What do you think you are doing here intruder? This is the sacred final resting place of the-” She was in the middle of gesturing to the sarcophagus with her paw but stopped eyes wide when she saw the mummy looking in her direction. It’s head was slightly tilted. Although her face was still completely covered, she seemed to have a quizzical aura about her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">All the guards including the head Anubis immediately dropped to the ground, dragging me with them.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“MISTRESS ARIA! You have awakened! Please forgive my insolence in not noticing you! This was so unexpected!” The head Anubis continued begging for forgiveness, her head touch the ground with her arms out, prostrating before the Pharaoh. Apparently Aria was her name.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Aria began to slowly lift herself out of the casket and began to stand on the stone floor. She slowly begins to unravel the wrapping around her face. I can start to see parts of her face, as her hair is let loose from its confines.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Finally when her head is completely revealed, I am utterly astounded. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Her hair flowed down her back and gave her face a nice frame. Not to mention the rest of her was enrapturing as well. (Although I hate in chapter notes, here's one: I left the appearance vague so the reader can decide what she looks like for herself. Most of you know what the Pharaoh looks like, mold her to your tastes or how you see fit.)

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">My eyes strain to focus on her face. She seems to smile slightly

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">After a while of smiling down at me she looks to the Anubis. “Why hello Estet, how have you been after all these years?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Estet glances up at Aria and says “I am doing most wonderfully mistress! Everyday serving and protecting your great kingdom brings me the utmost joy!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I am glad to hear you are doing well. And who do we have here?” She once again directs her gaze towards me. I can’t help but be captivated by her eyes.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“He is nothing mistress! Just some filthy graverobber who has come to steal away the tombs fortunes!” The Estet points an accusing finger at me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh my, that seems rather upsetting.” Aria frowns slightly at Estets comment.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“WHOAH! Wait a second. I am not here to steal anything. There has been a mass migration of monster girls, all converging to this area of the desert. I was sent with a team to investigate.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Do not believe this rats lies my liege! He seeks only harm!” Aria simply raises her hand at Estets outburst.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I shall discern for myself what he truly intends Estet. You and your cohorts may leave us for now. If I am in need of anything I shall call for you.” The Pharaoh states evenly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“But Mistress I-” Estet begins.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That will be <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;font-style:italic;white-space:pre-wrap;">all <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">Estet, you may <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;font-style:italic;white-space:pre-wrap;">leave <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">.” Aria says with a bit more authority and force to her voice this time.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes Mistress…” Estet rises and begins to make her way to the exit, mummies intow. She sends one last glare at me before finally leaving the two of us.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It appears you are injured. I shall take care of that for you." She then extends her staff towards my broken ankle, and all of a sudden I feel better, now able to stand. "I apologize for Estet. She means well, but she can be a bit...Abrasive, at times.” I turn my attention back to Aria.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">I’m not sure what the proper procedure is at this point. I mean she is the Pharaoh. Should I get down on one knee and kiss her hand? I settle for simply shaking it instead. “Oh, no problem at all. She seems to care for you very much. Oh! My name is Andre. It’s uhh.. A pleasure to meet you.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Pleasure...Yes… Perhaps, we can discuss matters privately.. How about we dine together Mr.Andre. You seem quite the intellectual, and a reasonable man. I would be delighted to have your company tonight. I have been asleep for <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;font-style:italic;white-space:pre-wrap;">sooo <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;"> long, and am in need of a bit of attention.” She said that last part with a slight pout, leaning closer to me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Ahah. Yes, I believe we have much to discuss. Very well then! Lead the way!” She smiles and makes her way out the busted open entrance.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14.6667px;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;">This would certainly be interesting.

________________ EDIT: Some pointed out Andre's foot miraciously healed. So I kinda sorta lazily fixed that.

Well that's all for now! Please give your feedback on how you think I've done with this story so far. The next chapter will probably be the last. After that I'll just do a bunch of one shots and prompts about Aria and Andre. A few 'a day in the life of' short stories.

Goodbye for now!