Desert Heat by cjsplace

Desert Heat ~ 4 [PG-13]

Fate, destiny, karma, whatever one chose to call the force pushing events toward an inevitable outcome had worked overtime. People were about to face life changing choices. They had to decide where they stood in the battle between good and evil; and their choices would not only affect them, but would reach far beyond the mortal world into the ether to determine the fate of all worlds - past, present and future.

Battle lines drawn eons before man walked the Earth were about to be crossed. Each side chose their warriors carefully; each determined to win, no matter the cost. The Guardians of the Light and the Dark knew it would come down to the human condition, their propensity for change and freewill.

Even devoted followers had fallen when faced with what seemed like unbeatable odds, while others rose from the ashes to triumph because of the obstacles placed in their path providing them strength they never knew existed.

Though powerful and thought omniscient, each understood the game must play out without further interference from either side.

The keyholder stood safe within the valiant's strong embrace, while the fool dragged himself from the river's cool water.

Shouts sounded out from the opposing bank as the traitor heckled in joy at seeing the bedraggled figures without food or transport. The joy soon faded when the valiant pointed out the river stood between him and the intended goal.

Flames had eaten the map to the Beast's Lair. But, and the keyholder had escaped. The key must not reach Hamunaptra.

Dark eyes watched and followed those who dared reveal the City of the Dead's secrets. They had shown mercy once, never again.

Deep underground far from prying eyes, a beautiful woman lay still on a stone altar. Her long black hair hung off the edge like a spill of ink. She appeared dressed in ancient Egyptian clothing. Light from the surrounding candles glistened off her well-oiled golden skin, revealing that her clothes were in fact intricate designs of body paint. The pupils beneath her lids moved rapidly as men dressed in vibrant red and black robes chanted quietly within the chamber. Her name was Suni, and she was the reincarnation of Anck-su-namun.

Suni had known since she was a small child that she was different, special. When she turned seven, the 'priests' came and took her from her father's house. She never learned what they said to her father and she never asked. Suni lived with every luxury imaginable as she waited for the day her love would return to her. The priests prepared her mind and body for that day, promising it was fast approaching. They claimed that her birth was another sign in a long list they had faithfully watched for many years.

Imhotep's followers had watched and waited as patiently as the Medjai. The desert warriors trained each generation to carry their sacred duty, so too had Imhotep's priests. They followed the signs, searched for the reincarnations of their lord's friends, enemies and love, knowing when these people came together in one time. It would bring about his return.

They worked diligently to improve their skills in the dark arts, passing along their knowledge as the years rolled by with the endless waiting. And now, the wait was finally over. The lover had returned, as had the keyholder and the fool. The events were unfolding.

And, this time Lord Imhotep would rule over them all, as was his right. He would punish those who had opposed, with Anck-su-namun beside him as his queen. Those who had diligently prepared the way would reap rewards from his benevolence; everyone else would feel his wrath, starting with the Medjai.

The murmurs grew louder. "Imhotep…Imhotep…Imhotep."

Two separate caravans raced across the desert desperate to reach their goal, before the other. Neither noticed the growing darkness as they focused on the ancient City of the Dead. The animals fought for control as the sky continued to grow ever darker.

Riders drove their mounts across the desert sands. Minds raced with conflicting thoughts as their intended destination drew closer.

Riches…Fame…Freedom…Proof…History…Annihilation…Armageddon…Prophecy.

These thoughts took shape and form at journey's end, becoming separate from their creator as an unseen force gathered them close like wayward goslings.

Two riders on camels breached Hamunaptra's stone entrance seconds before thundering horse hooves joined them.

"You cheated, O'Connell," Beni complained, his voice sounding like a high-pitched whine.

"It was a race, Beni," Rick answered, with a heavy sigh as he helped Evy from her camel.

The teams separated to set up their respective camps. The weary travelers chose to rest for an hour, before setting off to explore their surrounding. Evy and Dr. Chamberlain, the Egyptologist traveling with the group, had staked out their entry points.

Night came quickly with everyone agreeing to enter the main structure at first light. Neither team trusted the other, but each knew attempting to traverse the narrow passageways by torchlight was foolhardy.

Rick slept armed with an ear aimed in Beni's direction. He didn't trust the little desert rat farther than he could throw him. Rick hoped Evy knew what she was doing, because frankly this place gave him the heebie jeebies. He knew what he had seen underneath the sand all those years ago. It wasn't his imagination or adrenaline. Evil. It was evil and he had seen its face staring back at him.

Evy hated the very idea of sharing this find with Allen Chamberlain. The man was a cretin, who had left the Metropolitan Museum under scandalous circumstances. She knew the information she needed to prove her theories lay mere yards away from her.

Buffy stared at the glowing symbols tattooed across her knuckles. She had all but forgotten about the strange markings. They had worked their way pretty far down on her list of weird. The waking up in the desert, meeting some desert sheikey, way hot guy who keeps an ultra-cool hawk for a pet, meeting the freaky old dudes and topping it off with quadruple helpings of Slayer dreams, well she had reached her weird limit. Things were bound to slip off toward the bottom or go unnoticed, until they came back to bite her in the butt.

Like, oh say, fingers that looked like glow worms.

Ardeth Bay stared down in amazement at the symbols illuminated across her fingers. His training included that of the supernatural, both light and dark. The Medjai believed defending the world against Imhotep included understanding every aspect about him. But this, had him wondering what the gods intended for this small woman-child.

Buffy flexed her hands open and close, watching the symbols flicker under the desert sun. She bent her pointer finger and drew it up to eye-level for closer inspection.

"What manner of magic is this?" Ardeth Bay asked softly from where he stood, as hypnotized by the wavering patterns as she was.

His voice startled her. She dropped her hands, hiding them within the folds of clothes like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Buffy shifted to the left, putting distance between them. She wasn't sure how to answer his question, mostly because she wasn't too sure who was captaining this crazy voyage.

Were the freaky tattoos party favors from the First Slayer and her voice coach, Tara, or was someone else in charge?

Was there someone or something higher up the cosmic chain than the First Slayer? Giles had never mentioned it. Maybe, he didn't know.

Urgh, the thoughts filled her head, until she felt ready to pull out her hair, or slay something - anything.

Buffy sent Ardeth Bay a wide-eyed innocent look as she said, "Would you believe Day-Glo paint?"

The confused and incredulous look he sent her way was answer enough.

"Didn't think so. Truth is I'm not sure and it's wigging me out, too. This whole little Alice-like journey 'Through the Looking Glass' hasn't been my idea of a FunJet Vacation."

He knew she was talking, but the words made no sense. His eyes automatically glanced up to check the sun's path, thinking she suffered from the heat. Ra's ever-present glowing globe still hung low in the horizon, marking the early morning. Perhaps, he had overlooked an injury to her head, which would explain the strange mish mash of words.

Buffy noticed his furrowed brow and recognized it as the same one Giles had worn, until he had learned to interpret Buffy-speak. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. Not only had she landed in some freaky desert dimension, but also no one here understood her.

Oh, they spoke English, just not California slang with a side of Buffy.

"Everything that's happened since I woke up yesterday until now is like nothing I've ever seen before," she explained.

There, he ought to understand that.

Buffy almost cracked up at Ardeth Bay's expression when he put the pieces together.

His dark hair flew back from his face as he shook his head in disbelief. "You are a very strange woman."

Her eyes narrowed at the implied insult, until she caught the humor smiling back at her from within his dark eyes.

"It's part of my charm."

She sent him a full-blown Buffy smile, which he was powerless against as he returned it in kind. Buffy reluctantly drew her eyes from the desert chieftain's handsome face to stare back down at her mysterious tattoos.

A hearty sigh escaped her lips as she asked, "Do we have to tell the old geezers about this? They kinda freak me out with the questions that I have no answers for."

She lifted her head to stare at him once more, allowing him to see just how much this new discovery had unsettled her. Ardeth Bay knew from experience how overbearing the council, most especially his grandfather, was once they took the bit. He had already seen how rattled and angry Buffy became when pressed.

No, this situation required finesse. Of course, how could I have forgotten?

Buffy watched her companion have some inner battle with himself, which was rather amusing since she thought she was the only one who did that. It was refreshing to see it was timeless and universal. She knew the exact instant he came to his decision. Buffy only hoped it was something far less painful than those domineering old men, then again, almost anything was preferable.

"Come, I know someone who may know the answers we seek. If not, she will at least know where to start looking."

Ardeth Bay unconsciously grabbed her hand to lead her toward a tent she hadn't noticed before. It sat hidden behind the more elaborate one Ardeth had given her.

This ten sat a little further back from the others. It seemed strange to Buffy that she couldn't remember seeing the small, yet intricately marked tent. As she drew closer, the markings became clearer and information she wasn't even aware she held tumbled into place. Research wasn't her strong suit. She was a creature of action, the forward motion of stake, thrust, jab, hit and punch were things that she excelled at and which she could provide assistance in the fight against the darkness. Sitting still and struggling to read indecipherable books seemed like a waste of time to Buffy. Perhaps by sheer osmosis, something had rubbed off from her merely sitting close to the books, or spending all that time in the library for so many years. Because wonders of wonders, she recognized nearly every symbol decorating the tent's opening. Though, she had to admit they were rudimentary.

Wow, go Buffy with the big word usage even if it's was only in my head. Word thinkage still counted.

Her head bobbed up and down as she continued her internal conversation. Buffy was immune to the strange looks Ardeth Bay kept sending her way.

He stopped just outside the opening. Buffy waited beside him still eyeing the symbols, which were a strange mix of Egyptian and mystical symbols. A triple crown decorated the center of the entry, which she knew meant the Three Worlds: Heaven, Hell and Earth.

Whoever was inside knew their business, because the remaining symbols covered the elements, the solar bodies and other positive and protective entities. Perhaps, that's why she recognized them, like called to like. Each mark alone or working with another provided protection to the caster when used with the "light" in mind. The thought gave her a warm feeling as she entered after hearing the soft voice welcoming them from the inner chamber.

Buffy stopped to stare slack-jawed at the tent's interior. The simplistic symbols decorating the exterior gave way to elaborate arcs, swirls and lines that mapped the owner's journey into the arcane world of magics and mystics.

"Come closer, Chosen Warrior, you have questions for me," the soft voice beckoned softly.

Ardeth Bay gently placed his hand on her lower back to guide her toward the voice. His teeth gleamed white in the dimly lit tent. "Buffy, I would like you to meet, Ruya. She is the wisest person I know." His smile grew wider as he bowed his head toward the darkened corner. A soft cackle erupted from that general direction.

Buffy's eyes easily adjusted to the darkened tent. But, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't see into the corner. Her Slayer senses had sharpened over the years, even her ability to sense vampires, thanks to Giles' never-ending admonishment to meditate, but especially her night vision and hearing.

She started to step closer to the mysterious corner when the smallest woman, and coming from her that was saying allot, she had ever seen stepped forward. She was as tiny and delicate as a hummingbird. Her hands fluttered about her as she walked toward Buffy, while watching her with crystalline eyes as pale as a robin's egg. Silver hair glowed dully like finely polished pewter, and it only made her eyes more striking in their intensity.

It actually gave Buffy an odd feeling to look down at someone. She was unused to having any type of height advantage over anyone who wasn't still in elementary school. What freaked her out even more was that the woman looking up at her somehow still had the advantage.

"Tell me what you seek, Chosen One?"

Buffy wasn't sure where to start; so, she simple stretched out her hands then clenched her fists. The tattoos flared to life, fitting seamlessly into the mystical pattern that surrounded her. Taking on a life of their own, the golden images seemed to glow even brighter for its audience.

"Can you…" Buffy trailed off uncertainly, swallowing when she found her throat had become as dry as the desert outside. Her frustration level continued to grow with no release in sight. Pulling herself together, she asked, "Do you know what these mean?"

Calloused, boney fingers danced across her knuckles. It was an odd feeling rather like tiny padded sticks with roughed edges walking across her skin. The hair on her arms stood on end as her skin pickled with Goosebumps. The old woman's fingers ran over every line and curve as if memorizing it by touch alone.

Ruya's silent probing drove Buffy's already frayed nerves that much closer to the shattering point. She felt the tiny hand squeeze hers and some of the stress left her in one huge rush.

"Come child, sit. We have much to speak about, much you must know and much you must seek out," Ruya said, while she gently pulled Buffy toward the same dark corner she had emerged from earlier.

Buffy allowed the tiny woman to guide her to the mysterious corner. She was pleasantly surprised to find large pillows piled high surrounded by brass burners filled with exotic oils. Buffy sunk down onto the nearest pillow, feeling completely exhausted.

Ruya smiled at the small warrior, before sneaking a quick glance over at her great grandnephew. Her gifts had relegated her to spinsterhood. Unfortunately, Bedouins were superstitious by nature. She had known from the earliest of memories that she was different. Her teacher had taught her to embrace her gifts and use them for the betterment of her people.

She had done exactly that for the past eighty years. This opportunity excited her in a way she hadn't felt since she was many years younger with no silver in her hair. Ruya knew her time on this plane was ending, but with this child's help, she could help her people one last time.

"You know you are out of your time, yes?"

Buffy's head whipped up to look into the pale blue eyes. Her own green eyes had grown wide with surprise and a small shiver of fear raced down her spine. Buffy had known that she was somewhere else, but somehow she found it easier to believe it was another dimension. The idea that she might have traveled back through time in her own world terrified her. She knew she could so screw up everything for the future.

A soft, warm breeze encompassed her body, and Buffy's eyes grew even wider as she realized it was coming from Ruya. It was her magic, but it was unlike any magic Buffy had ever experienced before, including the Enjoining Spell. Ruya's magic felt alive, almost as if it breathed and walked beside her. Something shimmered effervescent between them for the briefest moment then disappeared.

"Can you tell me why I'm here? Or, what these mean?" Buffy asked, working hard to speak plainly.

She extended her hands toward the wise woman, hoping she could help her. Ruya accepted the offered hands, but simple placed them in her lap. She placed her tiny, fragile hands over the golden marking as she stared at Buffy's face. Her eyes roamed over the soft pink lips, slightly upturned nose, smooth golden skin accented with rose against delicate cheekbones and large expressive green eyes. The total picture, even individually, was attractive and pleasing to the eye, any man would feel proud to have this one for his woman.

Fools, men were fools. Ruya couldn't help the sly smile that teased her lips. The pretty picture this one presented hid much more than perhaps even she knew. Pale blue eyes peered harder, delving deeper into the depths of soul, spirit and mind, searching for answers. And, perhaps those answers lay elsewhere. Hidden from the world, but held tightly against the small warrior's heart lay the answers Ruya sought. This ones heart and soul had felt the tempering of Hell's fire, and she had journeyed through and come out, but was she stronger for it?

She was a warrior, the Light's blade to strike fear into the darkness. Ruya shook her head. Any good bladesmith knew there's more involved to creating the perfect blade than simply applying heat then allowing it to cool. Though, this process allowed the blade to strengthen, if not performed properly stress builds and the blade shatters. This child, for to Ruya's ancient eyes she was little more than that, would not last in this world much longer if she continued down this path.

"You have much to learn, and much to teach," Ruya said, squeezing Buffy's hand in equal parts comfort and command for her to sit quietly. "There is great evil coming, but this you already know." Ruya's blue eyes held Buffy's much the same way a cobra would its prey. "Your dreams will provide the keys to the puzzle. It is only a matter of trusting them and yourself."

Buffy's nose scrunched up as she tried to decipher everything Ruya had just said. The soft gentle hand that had held hers so comfortingly suddenly smacked her. Buffy rubbed the side of her head as she stared at the tiny woman in confusion and an edge of anger.

"What the heck was that for?"

"Do not squish your face up like a child who does not understand my words," Ruya snapped.

Ardeth Bay had chosen to remain quiet throughout the interchange with Buffy and his distant relative. Ruya had always hovered in the background as he grew up, there but not, yet Ardeth Bay knew she watched over him and loved him from afar. He remembered her gentle touch when his father died as she sent the nightmares fleeing into the dark. Neither ever mentioned her midnight vigils at his bedside during the daylight hours, nor the multitude of charms he discovered and hidden upon his person throughout his formative years.

Their bond was private, never spoken about, yet it was something Ardeth Bay realized even now that he depended on when faced with an unimaginable obstacle. Or, should he change that to two? He started forward to intervene, he was uncertain on whose behalf, but to sooth feelings, the best he could. His steps faltered with Ruya's next words.

"It is time for you to stop hiding, child," the old woman admonished.

Ardeth Bay stared at his kinswoman wondering if perhaps age had finally caught up with her. It was true he hadn't known Buffy long. One thing he could say with some small amount of certainty was that she didn't hide who she was; perhaps, it would be better if she were not quite so, he searched his mind for the right word to describe the young woman's demeanor - uhm, blunt.

"Aunt Ruya, I'm sure you have misunderstood…."

He smiled down at the tiny woman right before he stepped back, and stepped back again. She came at him like a linebacker from the NFL. Were it possible for the ground to shake with each angry stomp of her embroidered khussas (slippers), it wouldn't have warned him of his imminent demise or the blistering about to occur to his eardrums. But, the sympathetic look on Buffy's face should have told him he should have left sleeping camels, well, sleeping.

"You, you who I have watched over since the day he was born. You, who I wiped his runny nose and held as he cried out in the night is going to tell me what I know and do not know?! You. You, who only know or do not know what is to be or not be from what I read for you and our people, is this not true? Has this not been true since I took my fate into my hands and did what the gods asked of me? Do not dare stand there and attempt to tell me I do not understand…"

Those same tiny, delicate hands used for magical healing and soothsaying were currently drilling holes into Ardeth Bay's stomach. Mainly the index finger was taking a direct route straight through his belly button or there about, since that was about as high as his great great aunt could reach. He wasn't exactly sure whether she was trying to create the twin to his belly button, or not. Ardeth Bay carefully and gently removed the offending appendage.

"Please, Aunt, forgive me," he begged for mercy in the manner men through the ages have come to understand.

Ruya's eyes narrowed as she glared up at her impertinent kinsman. She had watched over him as he grew into a fine man, but that did not mean he was too old know his place, or that she was too old to teach him. Her head nodded when she saw the apology and respect clearly reflected in the dark eyes pleading for her forgiveness. She turned her back, working to hide her smile when she heard the relieved sigh released from behind her.

Now, to get back to the child who had started this entire mess in the first place?

Ruya watched Buffy look for somewhere to hide, when she realized their conversation wasn't over. With each step Ruya took, Buffy seemed to shrink back into the pillows. She stopped when their feet were touching and she simply stared down at the Slayer without saying a word.

Buffy looked up at the soothsayer, wondering why she didn't say anything. She felt stupid hiding halfway underneath the pillows from a little old lady, but there was something about this lady that scared the crap out of her. Knowing it was time to face the music, she tried to nonchalantly slide back into a seated position.

This so didn't work. In her mind, Buffy saw herself pulling this move off perfectly. No problem, right, Slayer's have enhanced eye hand coordination with the added strength and agility, the whole enchilada. Right. Well, that's all great, but none of that takes into account silk pillows. Buffy had placed her hand on the pillow next to her intending to push herself up and out in one smooth move. Well, she went up and out all right, only not in the direction she wanted.

The pillow underneath her hand went in one direction, while her body went out in a forward trajectory, which landed her in a belly flop directly at Ardeth Bay's feet. Ruya turned around to trail after her wayward visitor. She shook her head at the stubbornness of the young.

"Uh, I guess you want to continue our conversation?" Buffy asked as her segue.

She sent Ruya one of best Buffy Summers' smiles, hoping it would somehow ease the way. It helped - some. Ruya returned the smile. She took Buffy by the hand as she helped her to her feet and 'helped' her back to the corner.

"I learned many years ago Fate waits for no one. This is your lesson to learn."

Buffy started to struggle upward from the silken 'nest' and although what Ruya said was truthful, it wasn't something Buffy had wanted to hear or necessarily face. Yes, she had dealt with the reality of actually being the Slayer long ago, well not that long ago.

But, there was always a 'but' wasn't there? She knew Ruya was going to ream her out about not 'taking on' the full responsibility of what her fate entailed. Buffy had twisted Fate's nose by allowing other's to know her secret, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. But, there was that 'but' again. Yes, it gave her a reason to fight and kept her grounded in the real world.

It also allowed her to spread her duties around without taking them all on herself. She knew that she played down her intelligence. The old habit had its place when faced with an unknown enemy. It had outgrown its cuteness factor, as she had just learned from her still stinging scalp, when faced with the reality of her future life. Buffy hated to face it, but it was time for her to man up or in her case woman/Slayer up and take responsibility for her life.

From the look on Ruya's face, she was about to find out what that meant in all the possible gory details.

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Desert Heat ~ 4 [PG-13]