The Forever Friends
by LadiSwan

Summary: Evy's American penpal arrives in Egypt with her young daughter and younger brother.  But as she sets foot on Egyptian soil, she becomes haunted by dreams of a past life, of a handsome prince, a young concubine, and the concubine's best friend. . .a beautiful girl named 'Anck-su-namun.'  As an ancient evil arises once more, Anck-su-namun finds herself in a Place-in-Between, and while there, she also discovers a chance at redemption. . .if she can look past Ardeth Bey's Med-jai markings.

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Ardeth spent that night, barely able to sleep.  He knew he should be sleeping, since he would face Khaldun, but his mind wouldn't let him rest.  When he wasn't thinking about Celia, he was thinking about his father, searching his memories for what his mother had told him the previous night.  He was still thinking about that the following morning as he was preparing his horse for the ride to Hamunaptra, and himself to say farewell to Celia.

"I love you."

Ardeth turned to face the owner of the voice, thinking that his musings on Celia was leading him to imagine her voice even when she was not there.  Instead, he discovered that very special young American woman.  He had not seen Celia since she left his mother's tent, the previous night.  He started to tell her that she didn't have to say that, but Celia put her hand to his lips, saying softly, "I love you.  And yes, it is necessary for me to say that, because it is true."

Ardeth didn't know what to say, even if Celia didn't have her fingers over his lips.  Besides, she made it unnecessary, for she continued, "I thought about this all night. I will be the first to admit, I'm not real sure how love between a man and a woman goes.  I thought I was in love with Carstairs, but what I felt for him before I realized he had betrayed me, doesn't even approach the way I feel with you."

"How do you feel?  When you are with me?" Ardeth questioned hoarsely.  She gave him a smile of such sweetness, Ardeth felt his heart knocking about in his chest like a runaway horse.  As it was, he couldn't believe that she truly felt for him as he felt for her.  He knew that it was so soon after they met, not even two full weeks.  By nature, both he and Celia were very cautious people, for their own reasons.

"Safe. . .protected.  I feel. . .beautiful.  Strong.  Intelligent.  I. . .I want to take care of you, even as you take care of me.  And you do take care of me, Ardeth, as much as you take care of your people.  Loving anyone is a risk, whether they're the Med-jai chieftain or just another person.  The question becomes, do the benefits outweigh the risks?  And you are worth any risk I could take, Ardeth.  My only fear is that I'll somehow fail you," Celia answered.

"You would risk this, even knowing that I cannot make you my first priority, as Evelyn and Alex are first with O'Connell?  You are willing to accept that?  You deserve only the best, Celia," Ardeth told her.  He was graced with another sweet smile as he led her to her own horse.  This smile almost made his knees turn to water.  He vaguely noted that O'Connell was watching him rather impatiently, but it was not that American who was important to him now.

"You are worth the risk, Ardeth, and I do not need to be a first priority.  Only a priority.  I would never ask you to place my life above the lives of thousands.  I'm not strong enough to handle those consequences or that guilt," Celia replied.  She cupped his face in her hand, saying softly, "All I wish is that you love me and my daughter.  And you do.  I believe you could not possibly love Miranda more if she was your own."

"It will not be easy, Celia," he warned softly, his eyes never leaving hers.  His logical mind was telling him that he was crazy.  There was no way he could love this woman after so short a time.  In his thirty-three years, he had never fallen in love before.  How was it possible, even knowing that they had loved each other in past lives?  And yet, his heart was more certain of that than almost anything else in his life.

"I know.  I realized that last night, but Ardeth, you'll not frighten me off.  I love you.  And I will fight for you, in any way I can," Celia replied firmly, determinedly.  Ardeth started to say something more, one more chance to warn her, but for the second time in as many days, Celia took things into her own hands.  She stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissed him quite firmly.

Ardeth folded her into his arms, returning the kiss passionately.  He could not get enough of this woman, and he groaned softly at the way his body reacted to her touch.  She was perhaps not a skilled kisser, but there was one thing Ardeth had realized, when he was capable of conscious thought.  When Celia kissed, it was with her entire heart and soul.  And that was how she seduced him, with her honesty.

"Oh, would you two get a room?  Sheesh!" O'Connell protested loudly.  Ardeth groaned again as he broke off the kiss.  He looked down at Celia, who reluctantly stepped back.  O'Connell continued muttering under his breath, adding a "HEY!" when Evelyn smacked his shoulder.  He said, "I don't know what you're hitting me for, Evy, when he's the one who wouldn't let your best friend up for air."

"If you do not wish to see, O'Connell, then do not look.  We do not require an audience," Ardeth fired back as he helped Celia to mount behind her daughter.  Miranda, however, evidently decided that if Ardeth would kiss her mother, then he would have to kiss her as well. 

She leaned precariously over the side of the horse, her lips puckered in a kiss.  Ardeth had no trouble with that, and accepted her kiss to his cheek, responding with one of his own against her forehead.  O'Connell retorted, now laughing, "Hey buddy, you're the one who was kissing my houseguest in front of me!  I figure I'm entitled to look!"  Ardeth helped Celia to right her daughter on the horse, then looked at O'Connell.

"And how many times have you kissed your wife in front of me?" Ardeth inquired.  Evy grinned at him impishly, obviously pleased with his answer.  O'Connell looked rather disgruntled, especially when Ardeth continued, "You may do the same thing I did and close your eyes."  He turned to Nicodemus, whom Ardeth had chosen for this task.  The young man had been among those who witnessed Ardeth and Celia's kiss, and had not shown disgust.  Ardeth said softly, "Protect her with your life, Nicodemus.  Protect her. . ."

"I will, my chieftain.  I will protect her as if she was my queen," Nicodemus replied.  He looked at Hanif, Kaphiri, and Garai, adding, "We all will."  Ardeth nodded, first to the boy, then to the other three members of the honor guard.  Ardeth knew, without a word being said, that Garai would protect Celia and Miranda with his life.  His memories of being Sennefer would allow him to do nothing less.

The chieftain then looked at the woman whom he loved one last time, committing her face to memory.  She smiled at him softly, gently blowing a kiss to him as she mouthed, 'I love you.'  Then she carefully turned her horse and followed Nicodemus from the encampment.  Ardeth stared after her, whispering, "I love you, my Celia, and may the gods protect you until we are together again."  He sensed, rather than saw, his mother at his side and stated quietly, "She will be my wife.  I have chosen her."

"I know," came the simple reply, "I feared that she would be unable to see the man for the chieftain.  You have ever been set apart by being the chieftain's son, then the chieftain's brother, and then the chieftain.  But she sees my son, the man, and accepts that she cannot come first.  I will fight for her at your side, my son.  You have my blessing."  Ardeth turned to face his mother, surprised by this.  He had never thought that his mother would agree so quickly. 

Altair Bey smiled up at him tenderly and said, "Oh my son.  You are so much like your father.  I should have realized you would find solace in a woman not of our people.  Just as Suleiman did.  Many will not make it easy for her.  But she is a strong woman, and she will see this through.  I have faith in her, and in you."  Ardeth closed his arms around his mother, understanding the words she did not say.  When it came time for the Council of Elders to acknowledge his marriage to Celia, his mother would speak on her behalf.  He could not have asked for anything more.

They held onto each other for a long moment, then Ardeth released his mother, whispering in Greek, "I must go, Mother."  Altair nodded as the three men who would accompany Ardeth to Hamunaptra joined them, bringing with them Ardeth's horse.  Ardeth had not wanted them to come.  He did not want more men to die, and nine Med-jai were already dead.  But they had insisted. . .they would not let their chieftain go without a fight, and in the end, Ardeth had agreed.

No good-byes were spoken.  That was not the way of the Med-jai when they went into battle.  And that was exactly what this was.  As the four men rode to Hamunaptra, not a word was said.  Ardeth was well aware that the three men with him were among those who disapproved of his relationship with Celia.  But he was also aware that they were too honorable to allow that to stop them from doing their duty.

As they entered Hamunaptra, the world around Ardeth shimmered and he felt as if a strong wind blew across his face.  He closed his eyes reflexively, and when he opened them, he was still in Hamunaptra.  But he was no longer in 1933.  Rather, a man hung in front of him, his black eyes blazing with hatred.  To his right, Ardeth heard chanting and recognized the voice of the Creature.  Then still Imhotep, High Priest and Rameses' friend.

"So, my dear cousin," a familiar voice said, dripping with hatred, "you have finally returned to the scene of the crime, a crime which you committed with the aid of that whore-loving Imhotep."  Ardeth blinked, and found himself back in his own time.  Before him stood Jason Ferguson.  Or rather, stood his body, but the eyes belonged to Khaldun.  The other three Med-jai closed around Ardeth protectively, but it was all for naught.  Khaldun clenched his fist, then opened it, sending all three men flying.

Ardeth flinched as one by one, each man was impaled on stakes which surrounded them.  But he kept up his guard, keeping one eye on Khaldun at all times, even as he said a quiet prayer for the three men who had just died.  He said very softly, "I have come to end this, Khaldun, and to ensure that you never harm Lady Ardath, or any of her reincarnations, again."  As these evil ones were wont to do, Khaldun threw back his head and laughed.

"And who will stop me?  You, the Med-jai spawn who carries the spirit of my dear cousin Rameses?  You, who have failed to stop Imhotep from rising twice, and will shortly fail a third time?  You, who cannot even protect your own men from me?  You have become even more of a fool, you. . .you BASTARD!" Khaldun screamed suddenly.  Ardeth found himself flying through the air, before slamming hard into a pillar of stone.

The chieftain shook his head, wondering a bit dazedly if Khaldun had taught Rick O'Connell how to do that.  Then Khaldun was screaming in rage, "YOU BASTARD!  You have her smell all over you!  You found her again, you found that little bitch!  I will rip your heart out, and then I will rip out hers!"  But as Khaldun reached down, Ardeth kicked out, one gray riding boot catching Khaldun solidly in the chest.

Ardeth bounded quickly to his feet, his body assuming the defensive stance automatically, and he growled out, "I. . .think. . .not!"  Khaldun rushed him again, and Ardeth moved swiftly out of the way, adding, "I will never allow you to harm her again!  The memories of your host body should tell you that!"  This time, Khaldun took a blind swing, and Ardeth caught his fist with his open palm, then backhanded Khaldun, sending him sprawling.  Khaldun had never been as good a fighter as any of the magic circle, and he was currently housed in a body which had no experience in battle at all.  Which meant Ardeth had to watch out for cheating.  That was, after all, what Khaldun was best at.

"I will kill you, Ardeth Bey!  I will kill you slowly, and that little bitch will watch!  Oh gods, I can smell her on you!  I could always smell her on you, and she should have been mine!  But oh no, the great prince Rameses had to have her!" Khaldun spat from his position on the ground.  Ardeth didn't allow his guard to drop.  Partly because it would end with his death, and partly because he knew from the distant memories of Rameses, slowly pushing forward, that Khaldun only desired Lady Ardath because she belonged to Rameses.  And. . .

"She was with the man who deserved her more than you," Ardeth fired back, dodging another clumsy rush, "you would have hurt her, because you enjoyed causing pain and because she had humiliated you.  Do you think Rameses did not know, that it was your man who pushed his beloved and caused her to lose their daughter?  He knew!  He knew, and it took Imhotep, Terumun, and Nassor to keep him from killing you!" 

Khaldun screamed in rage and bolted forward, this time tackling Ardeth.  But instead of fighting it, Ardeth allowed himself to fall, even as he gasped at the pain in his ribs.  However, that punch was the last one Khaldun would get in.  Using the momentum he had in falling, Ardeth propelled his legs from the ground, sending Khaldun flying.  He hit hard against the stone pillar opposite the one he had thrown Ardeth into.

The chieftain slowly got to his feet, his hand going automatically to the medicine bag which hung around his neck.  He rasped out, totally unaware that his scars from his battle with the Mummy Warrior in London were now visible, "I told you, you will never be able to harm her again.  Her, or anyone else.  I know not what your plans are.  But I will tell you this.  So long as I draw breath, you will not pass these walls."

Unexpectedly, Khaldun began to laugh once more and Ardeth looked around warily.  What trickery was he up to now?  He couldn't help the unease which made his heart skip a beat. The thing inhabiting Jason Ferguson's body observed, "I see that you have been touched with evil, Ardeth Bey."  As he spoke, he closed his eyes and Ardeth felt those scars burning.  His chest, his arms, his wounded shoulder.  Ardeth forced the burning out of his mind, forced himself to focus only on this threat to his people and to the woman whom he loved.

"Oh, you fight me so hard!  I must admit, you are stronger than Rameses.  Much stronger.  But then, you would not have the rank you do, among the Med-jai, if you were not.  I always had respect for the Med-jai, which is why I enjoyed corrupting Hamadi Bey so much.  You know, of course, that the hom-dai was my idea.  I whispered it to Hamadi, and he listened.  He was already angry.  He had failed to protect your precious Ardath, and now the Pharaoh was dead by the hand of his worthless whore," Khaldun hissed.

The burning gave way to pain, and still Ardeth fought.  He had survived worse wounds before.  He had almost died several times before he even became chieftain, he did not know how to give up.  And this time, the stakes were much, much higher.  This time, he had a woman who awaited him.  Celia.  Focus on Celia.  Focus on her smile, on the way she had held his hand during his mother's stories the previous night.  Focus on her voice, on her lips.  The pain was excruciating, and the world began to dim at the edges.  But still he fought. 

Khaldun said, as if from far away, "You are valiant, Med-jai.  I will give you that.  But in the end, you are doomed.  You are losing consciousness.  And as hard as you fight, you cannot prevent yourself from surrendering to the oblivion.  You are just a man, Ardeth Bey, and that will be your doom.  For once you lose consciousness, you will be mine, and so will your precious Celia."

Ardeth tried to cry out, to scream in denial.  But his exhausted, pain-riddled body could handle no more.  Slowly, black waters closed over his head and he found himself sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.  He never heard Khaldun's laugh of delight and triumph.  Did not see Jason Ferguson's body slump to the ground.  Did not feel Khaldun trade that body for his own. Ardeth Bey was no longer aware of anything except that blackness.

.                    .                         .

NIYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

The scream of pain and rage and fear ripped through In-Between as Anck-su-namun saw that vile creature cheat.  She would have lunged forward, into the world of the mortals, but Mathayus caught her around the waist.  They both saw Ardeth's soul, still bright within his body despite Khaldun's trickery.  And Mathayus whispered, There is nothing we can do.  Nothing has been lost, though Khaldun thinks he has won.

Thinks he has won?  Anck looked at her companion, who inclined his head and continued, Even now, though he is unconscious, Ardeth Bey continues to fight Khaldun.  He will not remain in control for long.  Do you remember the favor which Celia granted to her love and champion? Anck thought back to the kisses on the cliff top, then nodded slowly.  Mathayus explained, It is fulfilling its intended purpose, the protection of Ardeth Bey's soul.  Even now, Khaldun is being led toward Ardeth's salvation.

Anck looked reluctantly back to the pool, and realized what Mathayus meant.  Ardeth's body, currently housing his own soul as well as Khaldun's, was mechanically making its way toward the exit of the city.  Ardeth was fighting Khaldun every step of the way.  And as he got on his horse, Anck was astonished to realize that he was heading not for the Med-jai encampment, but for Cairo.  She looked at Mathayus, who said softly, I told you.  He is being led toward Ardeth's salvation.

Or Celia's doom, Anck replied bitterly, and Mathayus shook his head, smiling.  As if there was something he knew, and she did not.  When she stopped and thought about it, though, there was a lot which he knew.  Which was why she asked, Why do you smile like that?

You forget, time passes much differently here.  In the last few moments, more than a day has passed.  Ardeth Bey was unconscious for several hours.  It took those hours for Khaldun to gain control of his muscles.  He fights him every step of the way, as I already told you.  And in Cairo, Celia is protected by the four Med-jai, as well as O'Connell.  And they will know there is something not right, Mathayus answered.

But would not the Med-jai people know it as well? Anck asked in confusion.  Then she realized what she was saying.  The Med-jai would not take any chances; if they had to kill their chieftain, in order to drive the evil from his body, they would do so.  There was no other choice.  Anck repeated, What are you trying to tell me, Mathayus?  There is something very important about Cairo which you are not telling me.

Cairo is not important at the moment.  When it is time to see what comes next, then we will see.  But for now, there is something else which requires your attention.  Watch, Mathayus said, waving his hand over the pool.  The picture changed, now revealing a very familiar sight.  Imhotep, or rather his murdered double, lay in state at what the ruins of Thebes, his hands resting at his sides.

Mathayus intoned, You are not the only one who is being given a second chance.  For the spells to awaken the victim of the hom-dai were found in more than one Book.  Guilt-ridden by his inability to prevent the hom-dai from being cast, Terumun copied those spells which cast the hom-dai, which awakened the victim, and which would break the hom-dai.  It was his hope  that the evil done that day could be undone.

He paused as the men surrounding the man who was not Imhotep began to chant the spell which would bring Imhotep back into the world, drawing his tortured spirit from the Underworld and back into the body which they had stolen for him.  Anck's breath caught in her throat as she listened, and if she could have, she would have shivered.  She had a vague memory of hearing those words chanted over her once, twice, three times.

And now, it began once more.  A black shape burst forth from the sands of Thebes before diving into Imhotep.  No, he was not Imhotep.  He was a Dutch businessman who resembled Imhotep, who now carried his soul.  His chest heaved as he took a breath, and his brown eyes flew open.  Anck cringed in sympathy, remembering her own difficulty in breathing, her disorientation, then her joy when she saw Imhotep.

But there was no joy in this man, for he saw only strangers.  They bowed down to him, telling him that they were his servants, men who were held in reserve.  They were here to make sure he received his just revenge against the Med-jai.  He needed to regain his strength, for his powers would be needed.  Anck felt another shiver pass through her, fearing suddenly for her forever friend.  She knew these men to serve Lock-nah. . .

They also serve Khaldun, Mathayus said simply.  Anck's hand flew to her mouth as she watched Imhotep reorient himself.  He asked how much time had passed since he had been betrayed, and Anck flinched at the reminder. 

When told only three and a half months had passed since the destruction of Ahm Shere, his next question gave Anck hope.  He asked these men why he should take revenge on the Med-jai and the O'Connells.  It was then that Anck's rage truly burst free, for it was then that she finally saw the true colors of both Hafez and Lock-nah.  Imhotep was told that the O'Connells had kidnapped a child, the reincarnation of Rameses' lost daughter.

She looked at Mathayus, and he said softly, No.  Miranda is not the reincarnation of Rameses and Ardath's daughter Miriam.  Her soul is far too young to be Miriam.  But that matters not, for Imhotep's memories are jumbled.  And he will see this as a way to atone for his failure to save Miriam. Anck swallowed hard, and Mathayus put his hand on her shoulder, saying, Be not afraid, Anck, for Khaldun is paving the way to his own destruction.  You know as well as any that Imhotep will not allow himself to be used.

Hope once more began to peek through.  Anck whispered, And that is why you keep telling me not to despair.  No matter how bad things look, there is always hope. Mathayus inclined his head.  Anck sighed deeply.  If only she had known that three thousand years earlier.  Things might have been so different!  Yes, Mathayus had told her that things played out for a reason, because they were meant to.  She still wished she had realized several things many years earlier.  She could have avoided so much hurt, for so many, if she had simply thought before she acted, instead of reacting.

Just so, dear child, just so.  Things look grim now, but there is always hope.  That should have been the greatest lesson you learned from your forever friend.  Ardath never lost hope, did she? Mathayus asked quietly.  Anck stopped and thought about it.  She realized he was right.  There was only one time when she despaired, and that was after Miriam died.  Not even when she herself was dying did Ardath lose hope.  She swore to Rameses that she would find him again.  And she had carried out that promise.

There is nothing I can do for Imhotep, or Ardeth Bey.  What can I do for Celia? Anck asked as the picture changed once more, to show both Ardeth's progress toward Cairo, and Celia's arrival back in the O'Connell house.  She swallowed the lump in her throat, as Evelyn O'Connell wrapped her arms around Celia from behind, offering her own strength to the worried young woman. Comfort her for me, Nefertiri, Anck thought.

Simply watch over her, Anck-su-namun.  There is nothing more you can do.  Just give willingly of your strength and your love.  You cannot face what comes for her, you can only love her and be strong for her, Mathayus answered.  Not the answer she wanted to hear, but it was the one she had to accept.  She. . .oh gods!  What was wrong with him?  Anck's eyes flew from Celia to Ardeth, who had doubled over in his saddle, before falling from his horse entirely.

Ardeth is fighting Khaldun again. . .excellent!  The more he fights Khaldun, the weaker Khaldun becomes.  You see, Anck, Ardeth could not prevent himself from losing consciousness, therefore, he could not protect his body from Khaldun.  However.  He continues to fight Khaldun, so he has not lost hope.  There is some desperation, yes, he fears for Celia, and rightly so.  But he will not yield to despair.  Khaldun will not have his soul, Mathayus explained.

A long, anguished moan broke free of the man on the ground, but the voice was not Ardeth's.  If she closed her eyes and focused, Anck could feel the pain now tearing through Khaldun as Ardeth continued to fight for control of his own body.  The same pain she herself had fought when Meela had taken over just long enough to stab the reincarnation of Nefertiri and wave mockingly to Nefertiri's small son.

A second moan tore through the desert night, and Khaldun, still in Ardeth's body, curled into a little ball.  Mathayus whispered, Each time he forces Khaldun to stop, Ardeth Bey manages to buy a little more time for O'Connell and the Med-jai in Egypt.  As I said, things are far from lost, my dear Anck-su-namun. Yes.  She could see that.  But in spite of herself, she had slowly allowed her guard to drop where this particular Med-jai was concerned, and every scream drove a knife into her heart.  Anck prayed that he would soon be free once more.

.                    .                         .

Rick paced, sighing occasionally. They'd arrived back in Cairo the previous evening, and he couldn't shake the annoying feeling that something was wrong. Why, he didn't know.  Ardeth had said that he wouldn't join them for at least a week.  But something was wrong.  He could feel it. Just as he could feel that the problem was with Ardeth somehow.  He was a grown man, and perfectly able to take care of himself.

Hell, he took care of his people and Rick's family even when he was half dead.  There was no reason to worry about him.  Was there?  Turning to pace in the other direction, Rick jumped when he saw his wife standing where she hadn't been a minute earlier.  The American blinked in surprise, and Evy said quietly, "You're worried about Ardeth, too, aren't you?"  Rick started to deny it, but Evy continued in that voice which would tolerate no argument, "You are.  Celia insists there's something wrong, and I feel it, too."

Celia?  Evy continued with a sigh, "She's staring out into the backyard, where Ardeth taught her to fight.  I put my arms around her just now, from behind, and she didn't even jump.  She's worried sick about him, Rick, and I don't blame her.  This is Khaldun we're talking about.  At least Imhotep fought fairly, more or less!" Rick just stared at his wife in astonishment.  Imhotep?  Fight fair?  Was she serious?

Evy stamped her foot in annoyance, blurting, "OOOH!  Rick, for all that Imhotep did to us, he would have never killed an innocent woman just to hurt the man who loved her.  He did have a sense of fair play, and a sense of honor.  Khaldun had neither!  He killed Lady Ardath, and he also killed her daughter.  We just happened to get in Imhotep's way, there is a large difference between them!"

"Whatever you say, honey," Rick answered, shaking his head.  He had almost lost his wife and son to that bastard, there was no way he could be convinced there was anything good about that man.  A mocking voice which was his and not his at the same time observed in the back of his mind, is this not the same criteria by which you judge Ardeth Bey?  Because he saved your wife, almost dying himself, it is his fault that she was in danger in the first place?

Rick turned away from his wife, barely hearing her assertion that she would check on Miranda.  He turned away not in anger, but in shame, for he had done just that.  So many times.  The second time they had met Ardeth Bey, and when they actually learned his name, Evy had unwittingly released a spirit which tried to claim her life.  Ardeth had heard about the foreigners and came out to investigate.

The spirit, angered when it could not take Evy, had taken a Med-jai instead.  One of the Med-jai who had accompanied Ardeth during his investigation, and the spirit had turned his weapon against Evy.  Ardeth put himself between Evy and his man, just as the trigger was pulled.  Rick had heard the gun shot, and ran to investigate.  When he arrived, it was to find his fiancée cradling a familiar, black-clad form.

Rick knew he would never truly be able to forgive himself for what he did next. . . once he was able to think clearly at least.  But at that moment, he only saw a Med-jai holding a still smoking gun, and a Med-jai in his fiancée's arms.  Rick tore the half conscious, bleeding Ardeth from Evy's arms and slammed him into the wall.  Just as he had only months earlier, when Evy was kidnapped.  He was unprepared for Ardeth Bey to faint dead away in his arms, or for Evy to suddenly attack him, screaming at him to leave their new friend alone.

Stunned by her attack, Rick had released Ardeth, and the Med-jai slumped to the ground.  Evy caught him and held him, whispering, "It will be all right, I won't let him hurt you again.  He saved my life, Rick!  He saved my life, you had no right to do that! None at all!"  Rick finally took notice of the bullet wound in Ardeth's left shoulder and fell to his knees, sick with guilt.  The shot would have killed Evy, had it struck home.  As it was, they would be lucky to save Ardeth, especially if infection set in.

Over the next few days, as a sandstorm ravaged the ruins, Rick and Evy had cared for their Med-jai friend, cleaning his wound and removing the bullet.  The Med-jai who had pulled the trigger gained a moment of sanity, of clarity, when he had control over his body.  And when he saw what he had done, he had taken his own life, unable to handle the guilt and shame of shooting his chieftain.  It was thus that they learned that the warrior wasn't merely a Med-jai, but the leader of the desert tribe.

And during one of Ardeth's lucid periods, when the fever relaxed its grip on him, he made an observation which told his two caretakers that he was their own age.  He had been seventeen when he took over leadership of the Med-jai, around the same time as the entry of the Americans into the Great War.  Rick realized with a shock that meant the warrior was only twenty-six years old at the time of Imhotep's rising.  He had seemed much older during that first meeting, when he had led the raid on Hamunaptra.

"Have you enjoyed your trip down Memory Lane, my friend?" a familiar voice asked, pulling Rick from his reverie.  The American looked up to find Ardeth Bey standing there.  But there was something very, very wrong.  Rick didn't answer, and a smile appeared.  But it wasn't Ardeth's smile.  Any of his smiles.  It was cold and cruel.  And for all that Ardeth could be harsh, he was not a cruel man.  Not someone who enjoyed causing pain.

He wanted to ask what had been done to his friend, but the man in front of him continued, "I must admit, Ardeth Bey is much stronger than his previous incarnation.  Still not strong enough to fight me and win, but a most valiant effort was made to protect his precious lady."  Now Rick's blood ran cold.  He was starting to realize whom this was, but didn't want to believe that his friend was lost to him.

"Oh, surely you remember me, Terumun.  You and my dear cousin were among those who tortured me.  Though I admit, I am surprised by the level of your concern for Ardeth Bey.  You make a very convincing argument that you care nothing for him.  Even now, he tells me that I will not get what I wish from you.  You care only for your wife and son, is that right?  What a pity.  I had truly hoped I would have the pleasure of torturing Ardeth in front of someone who cared for him.  But you. . .you will have your purpose as well," the thing hissed.

And Rick knew.  It wasn't Ardeth. . .oh, it was his body.  But his body was being driven by Khaldun's spirit.  But before he had a chance to process that, he found himself flying across the room, with just a wave of the hand which belonged to Ardeth Bey.  Rick hit the bookcase, hard, and prayed none of the women would investigate what they were hearing.  He pushed himself to his feet, saying, "Ardeth knows I care for him."

And again, he was airborne, only this time, he hit the opposite bookcase, face first, and a voice directly behind his ear rasped, "You think so, do you?  Why should he believe that?  I can see his memories, Rick O'Connell.  I can feel the pain in his already aching body when you slammed him into the pillar of stone outside your home.  Did anyone ever tell you, how rude it is, to attack someone who just saved your son's life, who attempted to protect your meddling wife?"

He was spun around, and Rick steeled himself to see Khaldun, rather than Ardeth.  It worked, and Rick drove his fist hard into his attacker's midsection.  Khaldun doubled over briefly, then gave a growl of rage and pain, and grabbed Rick's throat, slamming him hard into the wall a second time.  But Rick didn't care, for he had seen a flash of pain.  And had sensed Ardeth fighting desperately to take back his body.

Through the haze of pain and dizziness, as Khaldun continued to cut off his oxygen, Rick saw something.  Khaldun leaned in forward as if he intended to kiss Rick.  Ugh.  Over Rick's dead, lifeless body!  If pushed to admit it (as he was from time to time by his wife), Rick could acknowledge that he did love Ardeth.  But not like that!  Khaldun whispered, his eyes dark with madness, "I do not know whether I should punish Ardeth Bey for what you just did, or you.  What do you think, Rick O'Connell?  Should I punish the Med-jai, your brother in arms, for your arrogance?  No, you do that enough.  You punish him for being stupid enough to care about what happens to you and your family."

Khaldun's grip tightened around Rick's throat, and now Rick was sure he saw something behind the thing wearing his friend's face.  But Khaldun was totally unaware, as he continued, "Yes, he should have let your wife and brat die.  I would have been free so much sooner!  I could have drawn upon the rage and the pain of those who died at Hamunaptra, and I would have lived forever with the despair it caused!"

Rick felt his world go white with blinding rage.  And now, he understood Evy's assertion that Imhotep was a better man than Khaldun.  Imhotep never gloried in causing pain, the way this thing did.  Rick whispered, barely able to talk much less breathe, "Yeah?  Well, you just proved one thing to me, Khaldun old buddy."  Dark brows raised, and Rick hissed, "You ain't nothing!  You were nothing three thousand years ago, and you're nothing now.  And you sure as hell don't deserve to be breathing the same air as Ardeth Bey, much less inhabiting his body!"

A young, determined voice cried out, "I couldn't agree more!"  Then there was the sound of something shattering, and Rick was free.  He slid down the bookshelf as Ardeth's body collapsed against him.  Rick closed his arms around his friend protectively, his blue eyes flying to the ceiling as a cry of anguish and rage exploded from a black thing hovering over them all.  And Rick's unlikely rescuer cried out, "I reject you, Khaldun!  I command you, in the names of Isis and Horus, to release all claim on Ardeth Bey!  Begone, evil one!"

The black cloud dispersed with another cry and Celia Ferguson looked down at the remnants of a large vase Evy had purchased at the bazaar only weeks earlier.  She looked next at Ardeth, still cradled protectively against Rick's chest and said weakly, "Evy's gonna kill me for that."  She fell to her knees in front of them, closing her eyes, and added, "I just didn't know what else to do."  Rick freed one hand to put it on Celia's knee.  She had done the only thing she could.  Evy would see that.  He hoped.

.                    .                         .

Evy O'Connell was furious, but not with her best friend or her brother.  She had liked the vase, but she loved Ardeth.  And if breaking that thing over his head was their best chance to save him, then it was well worth the price.  No, Evy O'Connell was angry with Khaldun.  He had violated one of the people whom Evy loved most in the world, and he had forced Celia to strike the man she loved.

Those two sins were not things she would forgive any time soon.  Even as Ardeth lay unconscious once more on the davenport, an eerie reminder of what had happened the week before, Evy silently swore to finish what Rameses, Imhotep and the others had started three thousand years earlier. 

She gently bathed Ardeth's face with cold water, anxiously noting that he was still unconscious after three hours.  She knew that the vase connected in the same place the club had struck Ardeth, but there was more to it than that.  Worse yet, Celia stayed far away from him.  Evy could clearly read the guilt on her friend's face, and it didn't seem to matter what they said, she still struggled with her emotions.

"I really don't think there's anything to worry about, honey," Rick said quietly.  Evy didn't look up from what she was doing.  Many times, she had felt guilty for her family's tendency to endanger Ardeth's life, but nothing like she felt now.  They should have never allowed him to face Khaldun alone.  They knew that monster wanted revenge on Rameses, and for once, they should have stayed united.  Hadn't they learned yet that they were stronger together than apart?

Apparently not.  Rick tried again, saying, "Listen, I could see Ardeth in there, fighting.  He's got to be exhausted from fighting Khaldun the last few days."  Well, yes.  Evy could believe that.  But still, she washed Ardeth's face and watched any sign that he was waking up.  She combed his black hair back from his eyes with her fingers, then leaned forward to gently kiss his forehead, as if he was no more than Alex's age.

"I'll just feel better when he wakes up, and I know for certain that it's our Ardeth.  And I know Celia feels the same way, the poor girl.  Oh, Rick, it's as if someone wants to make sure we never take Ardeth for granted again.  He's been hurt so often during the last few months, and part of that was due to us.  You told me once that you'd never forgive yourself if something happened to me or Alex, that we were the only things that mattered in the world to you," Evy said, looking up at her husband.

Rick remembered that conversation clearly, it seemed, and Evy continued, "I won't say that Ardeth is the only person in the world who matters to me.  But I will say that I'll never forgive myself if we end up costing him his life.  Especially since he's risked so much to help us over the years.  All I want. . .I just want to give back to him, what he's given to us so many times.  Another chance.  Especially now!  He's in love with a wonderful young woman, who is in love with him.  I won't let Khaldun ruin that!"

"He's still unconscious?" a soft voice inquired and Evy looked around to find Jonathan leaning against the banister.  He had helped to carry Ardeth to the davenport, when he and Evy ran into the sitting room to investigate the crashing sound they heard.  The siblings found an unconscious Ardeth cradled against Rick, and Celia on her knees in front of them, all three surrounded by pieces of the vase Evy had just bought a few weeks earlier.

While Rick and Jonathan tended to Ardeth, Evy had gently steered Celia to one of the overstuffed chairs, because the American woman seemed to be on the verge of going into shock.  After seeing the cuts on her hands, it wasn't so surprising that she would go into shock from blood loss alone.  From Celia, Evy heard the entire story, culminating in Celia bashing Ardeth over the head with the vase, and it served to distract both women from the examination which the men were conducting.  Especially when she heard Rick growl in a low voice, "If I ever get my hands on Khaldun, the hom-dai's gonna look like nothing compared to what I'll do to him!"

At first, Evy was grateful that Ardeth was unconscious through the examination.  He would have been so terribly embarrassed, especially since there were women in the room.  But as the hours passed, and Ardeth remained unconscious, she grew more frightened.  Jonathan continued, "I say, I almost hate to bring this up.  But when do you think was the last time he ate?"  It was on the tip of Evy's tongue to berate her brother for speaking of food, when she stopped and thought about it. 

"That would explain a lot.  In addition to whatever Khaldun did to him, the knock on his head, and the exhaustion, I'll bet he hasn't eaten in days.  Evy, we've been back since yesterday, and we left the Med-jai camp two days before that.  If Ardeth confronted Khaldun the same day, then it's possible he hasn't eaten in at least two days, honey, and maybe even three.  His body is fresh out of reserves," Rick observed.  Evy looked back at Ardeth.

She didn't know if she would say he was fresh out of reserves.  But if Rick was right, and there was no reason to think he wasn't, then it would explain a lot.  Well.  Like her husband, Evy always was at her best when she had a focus, a purpose.  She rose to her feet and said, "I will find something light for him to eat, we don't want him getting sick after all.  Rick, please stay with him.  Jonathan, is Alex still with Miranda?"

When her older brother nodded, Evy continued, "Then I'd like to see if you can do anything for Celia."  Evy had noticed a bond strengthening between her older brother and Celia during the last few days, and while it intrigued her, she could wait to find out the reason for it.  Jonathan nodded, and headed outside to where Celia had retreated after Ardeth remained unconscious.  Before she started something, perhaps soup, for Ardeth, Evy wanted to check on the two children.

Trusting Rick to look after their friend, Evy raced lightly up the stairs.  She found Alex once more telling Miranda stories.  While the children didn't know what happened, Miranda sensed something was terribly wrong.  Hmm.  That was an idea.  She would have to pass that along to Jonathan.  Celia had shut everyone else out, maybe it was time to remind her that she couldn't shut out her little girl.

She was getting ready to leave, when Miranda caught sight of her, and whispered, "Is Mommy okay, Aunt Evy?"  Evelyn melted at the fear in the little girl's voice, and came back into the room.  She held her arms out to Miranda, who had been napping at the time of the incident, and the little girl flew right into the open arms, connecting solidly with Evy's chest.  The Englishwoman sat down with the little girl.

"Your mum is just fine, sweetheart.  Something happened while you were asleep, and it upset your mum a lot.  She need some time to calm down," Evy replied.  Now she was starting to understand why Celia had retreated within herself.  How, exactly, did she explain to a four year old girl that her mother had coshed a man with a vase to drive out an evil spirit?  Especially when that man was someone both mother and daughter loved?  How could Celia explain to her daughter what had happened, when she was still struggling to come to terms with what happened herself?  And that was exactly what would trouble Celia.

"Something happened to Ardeth," Alex said with certainty, and Evy looked up at her son quickly.  The boy continued, "I heard that Miranda's mum yelling something about leaving Ardeth alone.  Was it like when Meela stabbed you, Mum?"  Evy's mind raced as she tried to figure out what Alex meant.  But in the end, she just accepted the explanation her son had just given to her, without even realizing it.

"Exactly, darling.  You see, Miranda, a very bad man brought Ardeth to the house and was holding him hostage.  He wanted to use Ardeth to hurt us, and your mum stopped him.  But she was very upset, because she hurt him and he hurt Ardeth at the same time. Your mum doesn't like to hurt people, not even when she has to.  And she feels very guilty because Ardeth was hurt," Evy explained.

"Oh.  Like when I am bad.  I try not to be, 'cause Uncle Jason's bad all the time.  But some times, I'm bad, and Mommy's gotta discipline me, and it hurts her?  She sometimes cries.  And I don't wanna be bad no more, 'cause I don't like it when Mommy cries," Miranda asked.  Evy thought about that for a moment, then nodded, realizing it was the best way the little girl could understand what had happened.  Miranda continued, "Will you take me to Mommy, Aunt Evy, so I can make her feel better?"

"Well, I don't think she's really ready to feel better yet.  I think she still feels too guilty for Ardeth being hurt.  But, if you really want to help, you can help me make some soup for Ardeth.  How does that sound?" Evy asked, and Miranda nodded eagerly.  Evy looked at Alex, asking, "Would you like to check on Ardeth?"  This time, it was Alex's turn to nod eagerly, and Evy continued, "Well, then we have work to do!"

.                     .                         .

He was being drawn toward brightness, which slowly cleared away the nothingness into which Ardeth Bey had fallen after Khaldun's attack in Hamunaptra.  And he was being drawn forth by a soft voice.  A woman's voice.  If he concentrated, perhaps he could figure out to whom the voice belonged and what she wanted.  Ardeth concentrated on doing just that, and slowly, he could make out words.

"Come along, proud warrior, your fight is not yet done.  My granddaughter has finally found a man worthy of her love, I'll not allow you to break her heart now.  Come, Ardeth Bey, Celia needs you," the woman said.  Celia.  Celia needed him.  Had Ardeth failed?  Had the woman he loved fallen victim to that monster?  Now he could make out the outline of the woman as he drew ever closer.  She smiled at him as her face became visible, and said, "Is that better?  Are you satisfied that you are not succumbing to a demon?"

Ardeth inclined his head in acknowledgment and apology, and the woman continued, "There is no need to apologize to me.  You have been violated, as no man or woman should ever be violated.  You do not trust easily, and that has kept you alive.  Allow me to introduce myself. I am Annabelle, mother of Madeleine, grandmother of Celia and Jason, great-grandmother of Miranda.  You may call me 'Grandma,' since you will be my grandson."

Ardeth just blinked at the strange woman, trying to figure out whether he had lost his mind, or if she had lost hers, since she didn't look any older than eighteen or nineteen.  Or maybe he was sane, but dead.  The woman looked down at herself and added, "On second thought, maybe you should call me 'Annabelle,' since I don't look like anyone's grandmother, and I don't want you questioning your sanity or your continued existence."

This time, Ardeth inclined his head in acceptance, and Annabelle continued, "You have become one of mine, not just because of your love for my granddaughter, but because Celia gave you the remembrance pouch which I left for her.  That's why you have only seen blackness, and why Khaldun was incapable of taking you and keeping you.  I gave you my strength to fight him during the last few days."

Days?  Iciness spread through Ardeth's body.  What had he done in those days?  Annabelle continued before he could ask, saying, "No one is dead, and you're the only one who has been seriously hurt.  Well, aside from the Med-jai whom that nasty piece of work Khaldun killed inside Hamunaptra, but that's hardly your fault.  I want you to listen to me, son.  You need to wake up.  Right now.  You're driving that sweet girl Evy absolutely insane with worry, and my girl Celia is having a very hard time forgiving herself.  You need to wake up, Ardeth."

Ardeth started to ask her a question, then moaned as pain exploded in his head.  Not this again.  Brightness overwhelmed him, then he heard a very different voice asking, "Ardeth?  Can you hear me?  C'mon, buddy, I need you to wake up."  O'Connell?  There was something about O'Connell, something important.  Ardeth fuzzily reached for it, to find his hand captured and held by two big hands.

He forced his eyes open, to see Rick O'Connell leaning over him, his eyes bright with worry.  The worry dissipated as his old friend smiled, and O'Connell said softly, "Well, it's about time you opened your eyes, you were starting to scare us.  How do you feel?"  Ardeth tried to catalogue where all he hurt.  If he was truly honest with himself and with O'Connell, there wasn't a part of his body which didn't hurt right now.

"Awful," Ardeth answered bluntly, not having the energy to deny just how badly he felt.  His head ached, his ribs hurt, and as he shifted on the sofa, trying to get more comfortable, a spasm of pain tore through his abdomen.  Ardeth gasped, curling into a ball as he tried desperately to breathe.  By the gods, what had hit him?  O'Connell grasped his shoulders, whispering something which Ardeth couldn't understand.

At last, the pain eased and O'Connell muttered, "I'm sorry, Ardeth, that's my fault."  Ardeth barely paid attention; he was just relieved to have survived whatever happened to him. 

His confusion was stronger than anything else at this moment, and he didn't care who had done what to him.  He asked hoarsely, remembering the blackness and Khaldun's attack, "What did I do?  Whom did I hurt?" He slowly forced his legs to relax, then returned his eyes to O'Connell.  Curiously, the American was having a hard time meeting his eyes, but Ardeth was in too much pain to really think about that.

"You didn't do anything wrong, buddy, and you didn't hurt anybody," O'Connell answered.  He hadn't hurt anyone, that was good to know.  So why did he have the feeling that O'Connell wasn't leveling with him?  Ardeth took a deep breath, then released it.  He felt as he did a few months earlier, when Jonathan's sharp turn had slammed him into the bus window and away from the Mummy Warrior.

"You did not answer my question, O'Connell.  Khaldun took control of me.  I remember that.  I remember nothing after.  Nothing until I heard your voice just now.  What did I do while that thing had control of me?" Ardeth asked hoarsely.  Then something occurred to him, and he bolted upright, ignoring the fire in his head, chest, and the rest of his body.  He gasped, "Celia!  Did I hurt Celia?"

"Celia?  No!  No, no, no, no!  Celia is fine.  Look, yes, that bastard gave us all a scare, but you didn't hurt anyone.  The only one who was hurt was you. . .okay?  Now just relax, or Evy is gonna kick my ass," O'Connell replied.  He continued to gently push Ardeth back against the pillows.  The Med-jai had no strength and he lay back, closing his eyes.  He had no doubt that the American could push him back every time he tried to get up.

Once he was satisfied that Ardeth would remain in a reclining position, O'Connell continued, "Now, if you'll lay here like a good little Med-jai chieftain, I'll go see if Evy's finished with your soup.  We figure you haven't eaten in a few days, and you've used a lot of energy, fighting against Khaldun's possession.  You need to eat, and you need to rest."  Ardeth opened his eyes, glaring at O'Connell for all he was worth.  That was when he noticed it.

"If that is true, O'Connell, then how did you get those bruises on your neck?" the Med-jai asked.  For the moment, he would ignore the reference to him being 'little.'  He was only somewhat shorter than O'Connell, no more than an inch or an inch and a half.  O'Connell raised his hand to his throat, a slightly panicked look appearing in his blue eyes, and Ardeth once more tried to get up.

"Stay. . .put!" O'Connell growled.  He put both hands on Ardeth's shoulders and physically pushed him back against the pillows once more.  Flashing blue eyes met defiant brown, and O'Connell glowered down at him, his hands still gripping Ardeth's shoulders.  He continued, "You didn't do this!  That was Khaldun!  Okay?  And the reason you have a headache is because Celia decided to drive Khaldun out of you, with Evy's new vase, the big one."

Evy's big vase?  The one she had just bought a few weeks earlier?  No wonder his head felt the way it did!  Ardeth sighed, closing his eyes until O'Connell released his shoulders.  Once his head stopped spinning once more, Ardeth tested the strength of his body.

Once he was satisfied with his ability to walk on his own, Ardeth surged up a third time.  He wanted to lie on something other than this bloody davenport and he desperately needed a bath.  O'Connell yelped and grabbed his shoulders, shoving him back down a third time.  This time, he didn't let go, pinning Ardeth to the pillows, as he snarled, "Goddammit, Ardeth, either you stay put, or I swear I will kick your ass clear to Karnak!"

"RICHARD O'CONNELL!  You will do no such thing!  Release him immediately!" came Evy's familiar, incensed voice.  Ardeth was released as O'Connell spun to face his wife.  Ardeth closed his eyes and leaned back his head as Evy spent the next five minutes berating her husband.  During that time, the only words he heard from O'Connell were, 'yes, dear.  Of course, honey.  I'll run a bath for him immediately.'  Then feet tromping upstairs, as O'Connell still muttered under his breath about a certain stubborn Med-jai and stubborn wives.

"You can open your eyes, Ardeth, he's gone.  I'm guessing you were trying to get up for a bath?" Evy asked softly.  Ardeth opened his eyes and nodded sheepishly.  He was filthy, in more ways than one.  Evy continued, "He'll run a bath for you while you're eating.  I'll have Jonathan fix up one of the spare bedrooms for you.  I'm sure you'd be more comfortable there than on this uncomfortable davenport."

"Thank you, Evelyn, I must apologize.  It was not. . .oh, Allah.  Tell me honestly, Evelyn.  Did I hurt anyone?" Ardeth asked as Evy situated the tray of food across his lap.  The Englishwoman looked at him compassionately and shook her head as she handed him a wash rag to clean his hands before eating.  Ardeth smiled at her thoughtfulness, then accepted the spoon once his hands were reasonably clean.

"No, dear heart, you did not.  While you were unconscious, Kaphiri sent out a message to the Med-jai, questioning what happened after you left for Hamunaptra.  We were all frightened, but we were frightened for you, not of you.  Now.  I want you to eat, and then get some rest.  That will be the best medicine Celia could have," Evy replied.  Ardeth looked at the kitchen door, sensing that Celia was in the back.  Evy was silent for a long moment, then asked, "Well.  I suppose the bath and bed could wait, until you had a word with Celia?"

Ardeth returned his eyes to her face, giving her a grateful smile, and Evy touched his cheek gently.  She smiled back at him, her eyes warm with her obvious love for him.  And that was when he understood.  Nefertiri had been Rameses' sister, until now, that part hadn't occurred to him.  In the days since he remembered being Rameses, that wasn't something that really struck home for him.

He whispered, wanting her to know that he remembered, "Shukran, Evy.  Shukran, sughayyar ukht."  He saw tears well up at his acknowledgment as his little sister.  But her smile grew brighter, and she kissed his cheek, then rose to her feet.  He knew, without further conversation, that Evy would retrieve Celia.  He was still regaining his strength, so she would bring Celia to him.  Ardeth drank down the soup, trying to figure what to say to his beloved when she returned to his side.