VI

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BASE CAMP- NIGHT

I walked onwards our campfire as I stepped past O'Connell,
"Excuse me O'Connell."

"Rick." He said, sat down next to him as I raised an eyebrow.

He cleared his throat,
"Just call me Rick."

I smiled as I cleared my throat and said,
"Then call me Arianna."

He smirked, Evelyn came back over and sat down in front of the fire. I saw her shudder before she asked,
"What do you think killed him?"

"Did anyone see him eat?" Jonathan said, I reached over and smacked him upside the head.

Jonathan groaned as Rick said,
"The Americans had there own misadventure today too. Three diggers died, some ancient booby trap. Pressurized Salt Acid."

"Maybe this place is really cursed." Jonathan said before a strange burst of wind flew by.

Everyone went silent causing me to roll my eyes, Evelyn scoffed,
"Oh you two! Stop it!"

I saw Jonathan reach his hand in the Wardens bag. He suddenly screamed causing Evelyn to as well as I jumped back and Rick pulled out a gun. Jonathan grinned like a mad man before pulling out a bottle of liquor,
"Broken bottle! Glenvilet! 12 years old."

I scoffed as he took a large swig of the alcohol. My eyes widened as I heard gunfire break out. Rick looked at me as he grabbed his gun,
"Stay here."

I narrowed my eyes at him as he rushed towards the fighting,
"O'Connell!"

I grabbed my pistol and followed after him as I yelled at Evelyn and Jonathan,
"Stay here!"

I ran into the fighting, which was pure and utter chaos. I raised my pistol and I shot at the men in all black. I heard Henderson scream, I turned around a shot the man attacking him. He nodded to me as I heard a battle cry from behind me. I quickly turned around to see a man holding his sword above his head ready to attack me.

I quickly ducked and moved out of the way. I shot the sword out of the mans hand. He glared at me and before I could shoot again he tackled me on he ground. My heart thudded against my chest as he tried to pry the gun out of my hand. I locked my finger around the trigger as I tried to aim for him and not myself. I screamed in frustration as I fired the gun. I felt his body go limp on top of me as I heard horses riding out of the city.

I groaned as I gave one last push and the body was finally off of me. I let out a breath of relief as I heard footsteps coming towards me. I looked up and saw Rick looking down at me in concern. He gently took my hand in his and placed one hand on my back as he helped me up. He wrapped an arm around my waist and he ran his thumb across my cheek,
"Are you alright?"

I nodded as my eyes met his as he asked,
"Are you sure?"

I softly smiled at him as I said,
"Yes."

He sighed but pulled me closer nonetheless. I placed my hands on his chest as I let out a sigh of relief.

"See that proves it Old Seti's fortunes gotta be down there." Daniels said crossing his arms over his chest.

Henderson scoffed,
"For them to protect it like this, means there's gotta be treasure."

I looked away from Rick and towards the Americans,
"Or from something."

Rick sighed as his grip tightened on my waist,
"These men are desert people they value water, not gold."

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I held my palm up for Evie as she got in a fighting stance,
"Right here hit it like you mean it."

"Like I mean it." Evelyn said determined as she sung but stumbled and fell into my arms.

My gaze met Ricks as he watched us with an amused look. I rolled my eyes as I laid her down next to Jonathan who was cuddling the liquor.

"Unlike our brother, I know when to say no!" Evelyn said drunkenly before she passed out.

I laughed at her as I walked over and sat next to Rick. I leaned against the log as I said,
"I never thought i would see the day where she got shitfaced drunk."

He chuckled before saying,
"You know, I get him and I get her but you, I don't get you."

I raised my eyebrows as I said,
"You're wondering what a girl like me is doing in a place like this."

He nodded his head,
"Something like that."

I reached into my band and pulled out a photo,
"Egypt is in my blood. My father was a famous explorer, he married my mother. Who was an Egyptian, and quite an adventurer herself."

I showed him the picture before putting the it away. He looked at me and said,
"I get your mother. I get your father. I get your brother and sister, but I still don't get you."

I smiled softly,
"Ever since I started exploring I've been drawn to this place, like I was meant to be here. I came to protect my family, they're all I got left these days. And I feel like when I'm here I'm at a second home, and when we were inside something kept calling me Ashara. I need to be here to complete something, and I'm proud of what I am." 

He smirked and raised an eyebrow at me,
"And that is?"

I smiled proudly,
"An explorer a thrill seeker."

I met his gaze, I blushed and looked down at my feet. I felt Rick place a finger under my chin causing me to look up at him. He began to lean in towards me as my eyes fluttered shut. I felt his lips brush against mine and I was about to press my lips to his jus as Jonathan let out a loud snore.

I groaned as I mumbled,
"He is so fucking dead."

Rick chuckled before cupping my face and bringing my lips to his. I rested my hands on his biceps as they tensed under my fingertips. I smiled against his lips before i pulled away to breathe. I let out a breath as my eyes opened to see him watching me. I softly smiled before I said,
"Goodnight O'Connell."

I pulled away from him as I walked over towards my siblings and laid down next to Evie.

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