The morning sun cast a golden hue over the desert sands as Hiroshi, Aiko, and the rest of the team prepared for their next steps.
Dr. Kenjiro Sato gathered the team around for a briefing. "We have set a meeting at a village not far from here. We have already done what's supposed to be done by mapping the area, but as our occupation dictates, we must also respect that it's their land, and the rituals must be done in respect to their country and sand. It's crucial we approach this with respect and sensitivity."
"At least you could have said something at breakfast," said William, one of the guys we had from the organization. He was among the crew we had gotten from the org since archaeological digging doesn't need just any person but experts who know how to handle brushes and shovels in digging data.
"Cut the crap and let us hear it." Aiko slapped his head as the team roared with laughter.
"Breakfast as usual is already catered for and is in that tent, but you have half an hour to prepare yourself as the desert is tough and doesn't give room for any weak shitters that may exist in it. Beware that the desert is full of creatures that may just be damned enough to swallow you alive or poison you to a heap of manure. There are the rumored acid lakes, and one shortcoming could transform you into a pile of bones, so beware..." Mr. Sato had a knack for creating a critical air, but most of it was surely just to tell us to be careful. Last year it was in India, and we were meeting a potential buyer of a relic piece we had rescued in Taiwan, but all the same, he came talking about the Indian gods that could feed on human flesh if provoked.
We were all so used to it, Aiko and I, but the newbies had tensed up.
Ahmed Hassan, their local guide, nodded in agreement. "The site is considered sacred by the locals. There's a long-standing belief that it is enchanted, protected by powerful black magic capable of harming whoever dares to enter."
"So do we prepare ourselves with a bag of contraceptives as it's gonna fuck us right?" Layla said, laughing.
"You really do have a weak sense of humor," Aiko said to Layla.
"Such beliefs are not uncommon in places with rich histories. They often serve as warnings or protections for valuable or dangerous sites that are yet to be added as mysteries to man."
"Okay, enough of the group talk. Forty minutes of refreshment and we are off the camp," Mr. Sato finally concluded.
As they approached the small village near the excavation site, the team was greeted by a group of locals, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. Ahmed introduced them to an elderly man named Farouk, who had been instrumental in bringing attention to the site.
Farouk spoke in a low, reverent tone as he recounted the story of the site's discovery. "It was my great-grandmother who first told me about the place," he said. "She spoke of an old tomb, hidden beneath the sands, that held the secrets of the ancients. Many believed it was cursed, protected by dark magic."
Dr. Sato listened intently, his interest piqued. "We would like to understand more about this tomb and its significance. Can you tell us who has the knowledge to guide us safely?"
Farouk nodded solemnly. "There is one person who can help you. An old woman named Najwa. She is the last remaining guardian of the tomb, the only one allowed to enter without fear."
A murmur went through the group as they absorbed this information. Hiroshi felt a shiver run down his spine. The description of Najwa reminded him of the old man from his dream. Could there be a connection?
The team followed Farouk through the village to a modest hut on the outskirts. The air was thick with anticipation as they approached the home of Najwa. Farouk knocked gently on the door, and after a moment, it creaked open to reveal an elderly woman with sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to look right through them.
"This is Najwa," Farouk introduced. "She is the keeper of the tomb's secrets."
Najwa stepped forward, her gaze falling on Hiroshi. There was an unsettling familiarity in her eyes, and Hiroshi felt a strange sense of déjà vu. She looked exactly like the old man from his dream, but in female form.
"Welcome," Najwa said, her voice raspy yet strong. "I have been expecting you."
Hiroshi's heart raced as he tried to process the uncanny resemblance. "Expecting us?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Najwa nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. "The sands speak of your coming. Especially you, favored one. The tomb you seek is both a treasure and a curse. It holds secrets that can change the world, but it is guarded by forces beyond your understanding."
Aiko, sensing Hiroshi's unease, stepped closer to him. "We need to know how to safely explore the tomb," she said. "We don't want to disrespect your traditions or put anyone in danger."
Najwa's eyes softened as she looked at Aiko. "The tomb is a place of great power. It is said that those who enter without the proper rituals will face terrible consequences. I will guide you, but you must follow my instructions precisely."
The team exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. They knew they were venturing into unknown territory, both physically and metaphysically.
Najwa led them through the desert to the entrance of the tomb, a hidden passageway partially covered by shifting sands. The air grew cooler as they descended, the oppressive heat of the desert replaced by an eerie chill.
As they entered the tomb, Najwa began to chant softly, her voice echoing off the ancient stone walls. The team followed her lead, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation. The walls were adorned with hieroglyphics and symbols, telling stories of gods, pharaohs, and mysterious rituals. But as they dug deeper, they suddenly changed form into more words, and the deeper they entered, the fewer symbols and hieroglyphics there were.
Hiroshi couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The shadows seemed to move, and whispers echoed faintly in the distance. He glanced at Layla, who was intently studying the inscriptions, her beauty almost hypnotic under the dim torchlight. Aiko noticed Hiroshi's distraction and felt a pang of jealousy, her protective instincts flaring up.
As they delved deeper into the tomb, Najwa stopped and turned to the group. "We must perform a ritual to ensure our safe passage," she said. She instructed them to form a circle and handed each of them a small vial of an unknown liquid.
"Drink this," Najwa commanded. "It will protect you from the tomb's dark magic."
The team hesitated but eventually followed her lead, each taking a sip of the bitter liquid. Najwa began to chant, her voice rising and falling in a melodic rhythm that seemed to resonate with the very walls of the tomb.
As the ritual concluded, Najwa looked at each member of the team, her eyes lingering on Hiroshi. "You are now under the tomb's protection. But remember, any misstep could be fatal."
Feeling a mix of relief and apprehension, the team continued their exploration. They reached a large chamber where the sarcophagus lay at the center, its lid intricately carved with depictions of ancient deities and scenes of the afterlife. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding.
"Finally, our calling." Dr. Sato grinned and almost stumbled on a jar.
One of the team members, a young archaeologist named Daniel, hesitated at the entrance of the chamber. "I don't feel so good," he muttered, clutching his stomach and his glasses in the other hand.
Najwa's eyes narrowed. "He did not fully accept the ritual," she said gravely. "The tomb is rejecting him."
Suddenly, Daniel collapsed, his body convulsing violently. Blood began to seep from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, staining the ancient stone floor. The team watched in horror, paralyzed by fear.
Hiroshi sprang into action, rushing to Daniel's side. "We need to get him out of here!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Layla! Aiko! Sato!"
Aiko and Ahmed quickly moved to help, their faces pale with shock. Together, they lifted Daniel's limp body and hurried out of the tomb, Najwa chanting urgently to ward off the tomb's wrath.
As they emerged into the harsh desert sunlight, Daniel's convulsions subsided, but he remained unconscious, his breathing shallow. Hiroshi and the others laid him gently on the sand, their hearts pounding with adrenaline and fear.
Najwa approached, her expression somber. "He is lucky to be alive. The tomb's magic is not to be taken lightly. He must rest and recover before we can continue."
Aiko looked at Najwa, her eyes filled with concern. "Will he be okay?"
Najwa nodded slowly. "He will, but he must not re-enter the tomb. The spirits have marked him."
"Where's Layla?" Hiroshi asked.
"No idea."
"I'm going back."
"But..."
"But what?"
"What if you get hurt?"
"Najwa has already said the tomb has accepted me," and with no further talk, he rushed back into the tomb.
"He sure must be very brave," said Najwa.
"Yeah. Will he make it out?"
"I told you about this shitty place," said a proud Sato. In moments like this, as grotesque
as it is, proud Sato would go drunk and beat his chest like a goddamn gorilla, ask for some liquor to boast his words, and get drunk as he was one hell of an addict. People often thought him to be clean, but his girlfriends knew him too well to figure out how much cocaine he took per visit.
The chamber was dimly lit by flickering torches, casting eerie shadows on the ancient walls. Hiroshi felt a pull, an invisible force guiding him deeper into the tomb.
As he walked, he heard a soft, melodic voice calling his name. It was soothing, almost hypnotic. He followed the sound until he reached a large chamber he hadn't seen before. In the center of the room stood a sarcophagus, its lid partially open.
With a sense of trepidation, Hiroshi approached the sarcophagus. As he peered inside, his breath caught in his throat. Lying within was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, her features striking and perfect. Despite being mummified, her body retained a curvaceous and alluring form, wrapped in delicate, ancient linens that hinted at her once-living beauty.
Her eyes opened, revealing a mesmerizing gaze that seemed to penetrate Hiroshi's very soul. Instead of fear, he felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and attraction. The enchantress rose from the sarcophagus, her movements graceful and fluid. She stepped towards him, her presence filling the chamber with a warm, enticing aura.
"Who are you?" Hiroshi asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"I am she who was to return," she replied, her voice like a sweet melody. "I have been waiting for you, Hiroshi," she said as she touched his face. She gave him a kiss.
"Waiting for me?" he repeated, captivated by her beauty, still recovering from the shock.
"Yes," Neferet said, her eyes locking onto his. "You are the one destined to uncover the secrets of this tomb. But be warned, the path ahead is fraught with danger and sacrifice."
As she spoke, Hiroshi felt a surge of emotions—desire, curiosity, and a strange sense of destiny. He reached out to touch her, and the moment his hand made contact, a vision flashed before his eyes. He saw himself standing before a vast treasure, ancient artifacts of unimaginable value, but also visions of peril, betrayal, and darkness.
Neferet leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. "Remember, Hiroshi, the power within this tomb is both a gift and a curse. Choose your path wisely."
The vision faded, and Hiroshi jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest. It was a weak, stifled cry that took his attention rather.
"Layla!"
"Hiroshi, where are you?"
"Up here."
The dream had felt so real, and the memory of Neferet's kiss lingered on his skin.