บท 44: **Chapter 44: Night Swimming**
An Evening Conversation
As evening fell, the riverboat's deck grew quieter, the chatter of passengers giving way to the gentle lapping of the Nile against the hull. In Evelyn's cabin, a small oil lamp cast a warm glow across the room. Evelyn sat at the edge of her bed, a book in her lap, while Kris leaned casually against the cabin wall, his arms crossed, a relaxed smile on his face.
"So," Evelyn began, closing her book and fixing Kris with an inquisitive look, "you've heard the stories of Hamunaptra. What do you hope to find there? Gold? Glory? Or is it just a matter of getting me and Jonathan safely back?"
Kris chuckled, his smile widening. "Honestly, I don't think there's much gold left. If there is, it's probably cursed or guarded by something unpleasant." He gave her a pointed look, which made her roll her eyes. "Glory? I've never cared much for fame, Evie. But helping you find that Book of Amun-Ra?" He shrugged. "That, I'll admit, has its charm."
Evelyn grinned, sitting up straighter. "The Book of Amun-Ra could be the greatest archaeological find of the century. If it's real, it's more than just treasure—it's knowledge, history, and mystery all wrapped in one." Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, the passion for discovery evident in every word.
Kris nodded, a soft smile on his face. "I know, Evie. That's why we're doing this. To chase the impossible."
For a moment, silence settled between them, comfortable yet thoughtful. Then Evelyn's expression shifted, a glimmer of curiosity dancing in her eyes.
"Kris," she began cautiously, "isn't it a bit odd that we have both a governess and a chaperone on this trip? Especially when, well…" She trailed off, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "You've already seen what there is to see and all that."
Kris blinked, then burst out laughing, the sound deep and rich. "Ah, you're talking about Mrs. Poppins," he said, shaking his head. "She used to be my nanny, you know. Back when I was a boy. But she wasn't just a nanny—she was more like a bodyguard. And now?" He gave a wry grin. "Now she handles my finances and keeps me from doing anything too stupid."
Evelyn's brows knit together in mock confusion. "But she looks so… proper. Not exactly the type I'd picture as a bodyguard."
"That's the thing about her," Kris replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "She might look dainty, but she's a spry old goat. Always has been. And get this—she hasn't aged a day since I first met her." He paused, leaning in conspiratorially. "There's a rumor that back when she accompanied my father on his adventures, she learned magic. That's why she doesn't age."
Evelyn's eyes widened slightly, her attention completely fixed on him. "Magic?" she asked, half-intrigued, half-skeptical.
Kris nodded solemnly but then broke into a laugh. "Hahaha! Can you believe that? Magic! The household staff loved their tall tales."
Evelyn let out a laugh, shaking her head. "You almost had me there, Kris."
As their laughter subsided, Evelyn shifted the conversation to a more serious note. "You know, you didn't have to come on this trip," she said softly. "You had your own plans—your cartouche, your research. And yet, here you are, going to the City of the Dead with me."
Kris smiled, his voice turning warm. "Evie, it's alright. The cartouche can wait. Besides…" He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "It gave me a perfect excuse to catch the attention of a pretty librarian."
Evelyn's cheeks flushed as she gave him a playful smack on the chest. "Oh, you're insufferable!" she said, though her smile betrayed her amusement.
Kris laughed, rubbing the spot where she'd hit him. "See? Totally worth it."
Evelyn stood, crossing the small cabin to a table where the puzzle box rested. She picked it up and turned back to Kris, holding it out to him. "If this is how well you take care of me," she said with a teasing smile, "then I suppose you won't do such a bad job keeping this safe."
Kris accepted the box with a mock bow, his expression turning serious for just a moment. "I'll guard it with my life, Evie."
Evelyn's smile softened as she sat back down, and for a while, the two of them simply enjoyed the quiet comfort of each other's company.
---
A Bet and a Poker Game
The ship's bar was lively that evening, the soft hum of the Nile outside barely audible over the laughter, chatter, and clinking of glasses. At the center of it all was Jonathan, who was, as usual, reveling in the camaraderie of good company and free drinks.
Zheng and his group had made themselves right at home, cozying up to Jonathan in a way that only a generous tab and clever flattery could manage. Zheng sat to Jonathan's left, offering a mild, agreeable smile, while Jie shuffled cards with deft precision. Kampa leaned back in his chair, appearing relaxed, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. Zero, quiet but attentive, observed the scene, occasionally nudging Jonathan toward bold moves in the poker game.
Jonathan, feeling invincible after his fourth drink, slammed his cards onto the table with a flourish. "Ha! A full house! Read it and weep, gentlemen!" he declared, scooping up the small pile of winnings.
The group chuckled, feigning defeat with good humor. Zheng leaned forward, refilling Jonathan's glass. "You're quite the card player, Mr. Carnahan. Luck seems to follow you."
"Oh, it's not just luck, my friend," Jonathan replied, puffing out his chest. "It's skill, charm, and a bit of daring. A Carnahan trademark!"
As Jonathan regaled the group with another one of his embellished tales—this time about single-handedly outsmarting a band of desert raiders—Zheng subtly steered the conversation.
"Your group must be an interesting one," Zheng said, his tone casual. "I heard you're headed to Hamunaptra. Fascinating place. But I couldn't help but notice—Christopher Reynolds. He's… an intriguing fellow."
Jonathan took a long sip from his drink, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "Ah, Kris. Quite the enigma, isn't he? Always so calm, so collected. But let me tell you, he's a good lad. Evelyn trusts him, and that's good enough for me."
Zheng nodded thoughtfully, glancing at his companions. What Jonathan didn't notice, of course, was the subtle exchange of glances between the members of Zheng's group. The name Christopher Reynolds was still a point of contention among them. In the original timeline they remembered, Evelyn had been single, and her romantic arc centered entirely on Rick O'Connell. Reynolds' presence was an anomaly—one they suspected god had thrown into the mix to complicate matters.
And complicate it did.
"We're just curious," Zheng pressed gently, "how he fits into all this. Seems like quite the deviation from what we… expected."
Jonathan blinked, momentarily confused. "Deviation? What are you on about?"
"Never mind," Zheng said with a placating smile, raising his glass. "To new friends and shared adventures."
"To new friends!" Jonathan cheered, raising his own glass high.
Some time later, the door to the bar swung open, and Rick O'Connell strode in, looking for a drink to take the edge off. His sharp gaze swept the room and landed on the table where Jonathan, the group of Asian tourists, and three familiar Americans were gathered around a game of poker.
Rick frowned slightly as he approached the table, leaning on the edge. "Well, what do we have here?"
One of the Americans, a burly man named Henderson, grinned up at him. "O'Connell! Looks like you're not the only one looking for treasure, huh? So… you're also headed to the City of the Dead?"
Rick raised an eyebrow, his tone casual but guarded. "What makes you think I'm going there?"
There was a pause, and then all eyes turned to Jonathan, who was busy reshuffling his cards with far too much enthusiasm.
Rick's lips twitched in mild amusement. "Let me guess—Carnahan here spilled the beans?"
"Only a little," Daniels, another American, teased. "Seems like your guy can't help but talk. Told us all about your plans—though I think some of the details were a bit… embellished."
Jonathan gave a sheepish laugh but didn't deny it. "Well, you know, got to keep the story entertaining!"
Rick shook his head, leaning closer. "Jonathan, you really need to learn when to keep your mouth shut."
Before Jonathan could respond, Daniels smirked and slapped a hand on the table. "How about this? A little wager. We'll bet that we reach the City of the Dead before you do."
Rick raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And what exactly are you putting on the table?"
"The gold, of course," Henderson chimed in. "Winner takes the lion's share. Loser gets scraps."
Rick chuckled, a glint of challenge in his eye. "Alright, you're on. But don't come crying to me when you're left with nothing."
The Americans laughed, raising their glasses. "To the race!"
As the toast echoed through the bar, Rick shot Jonathan a look that was equal parts amusement and exasperation. "Seriously, Carnahan. If we win, you owe me more than a drink."
Jonathan grinned. "Deal!"
As the night wore on, the stakes were set, and the rivalry was born—a race to the City of the Dead that none of them would soon forget.
---
Old Friends, New Tensions
The Nile's night breeze was cool against Rick O'Connell's face as he sat on the deck, meticulously cleaning his pistols. His sharp, practiced movements showed the ease of a man who had done this hundreds of times before. The soft sound of the river was interrupted only by the faint hum of the ship's engine and the occasional laughter from the bar below deck.
As he worked, Rick's instincts pricked—a sensation he couldn't shake, like eyes boring into the back of his head. He stopped mid-clean, his hand casually drifting toward the revolver at his side.
"Alright, come out," Rick said, his voice calm but edged with authority.
There was a moment of silence before a familiar voice called from the shadows.
"Rick, my old friend, so sharp, so cautious. You haven't changed a bit."
Rick's expression hardened as a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Beni Gabor, his once-fellow Legionnaire, now looking as sly and greasy as ever. Dressed in mismatched clothes that barely hid his opportunistic nature, Beni gave Rick a toothy, insincere grin.
"Beni," Rick muttered, his tone laced with disdain. "Figures you'd crawl out of the woodwork."
"Crawl?" Beni feigned offense, placing a hand on his chest. "Rick, is that any way to greet an old comrade?"
"You're no comrade of mine," Rick shot back, standing to his full height. "Last time I saw you, you were cowering behind a column, leaving me to deal with a dozen armed raiders."
Beni shrugged, unapologetic. "What can I say? Survival is my greatest talent."
Rick took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here, Beni? And don't even think about feeding me some lie."
Beni hesitated, then sighed theatrically. "Fine, fine. If you must know, I'm working."
"Working?" Rick repeated, unimpressed.
"Oui, I am guiding a group of Americans," Beni explained with a smug grin. "They're very interested in Hamunaptra. You remember Hamunaptra, don't you, Rick?"
Rick stiffened slightly, his jaw tightening. "You're leading them there?"
Beni chuckled. "Well, someone has to. And let's be honest, Rick, you never believed in Hamunaptra. So why the sudden interest?"
Rick crossed his arms, his eyes cold. "I've got my reasons."
Beni leaned against the railing, his expression turning sly. "Ah, let me guess. It has something to do with that group of misfits you're traveling with? Or maybe it's the money. They must be paying you well. Handsomely, even."
Rick's lips twitched in irritation but he didn't respond.
Beni's grin widened. "Oh, Rick, you've never been a good liar. You're double-booking, aren't you? Two groups, one destination. What happens when they find out? Hmm? Might get a little awkward."
Rick's patience snapped. Grabbing Beni by the collar, he yanked him forward. "You're testing my patience, Beni."
"Oh, Rick, come now," Beni said with a nervous laugh, his hands raised defensively. "It was just a joke!"
Rick didn't find it funny. With one swift motion, he shoved Beni over the railing and into the Nile with a loud splash.
The commotion drew the attention of a few passengers on deck, but Rick ignored the stares, dusted off his hands, and went back to cleaning his guns as if nothing had happened.
Unseen by either man, Tengyi's ghosts observed the entire exchange, its invisible presence floating silently above the deck. Though Tengyi's spectral servants couldn't interfere directly, it made mental notes about the tensions brewing onboard. Beni's treachery and Rick's volatile reaction were just more pieces in an ever-complicating puzzle.
The ghost drifted back toward the lower decks, where Zheng and the others were still mingling with the passengers. Tengyi would need to report this encounter—it seemed alliances and rivalries were shifting, and the journey to Hamunaptra was becoming more unpredictable by the hour.
---
Night Raid, Fire, Abandon Ship
The peaceful quiet of the night was shattered by a sudden chaos that rippled through the ship. A group of Medjai had boarded under the cover of darkness, slipping quietly through the halls and rooms of the riverboat. Their mission was clear: retrieve the puzzle box and the map Evelyn held, relics that held the secrets to Hamunaptra's hidden treasures.
But Kris had anticipated their arrival long before they set foot on the deck.
He'd been lying next to Evelyn, his arms wrapped around her as she slept soundly in her nightgown, her hair cascading over his lap. His senses were sharp, attuned to the smallest disturbance. Using his observation haki, he detected their movements the moment they neared the ship.
The Medjai silently infiltrated Evelyn's cabin, the flickering light from the bedside lamp casting shadows across the room. They were careful, not wanting to alert anyone to their presence. But they hadn't counted on Kris.
As one of the Medjai crept closer, his dark eyes scanning the room for the valuables, he never saw the gleam of the knife hurled with deadly precision. It embedded deep into his chest with a sickening thud. The intruder crumpled instantly to the floor, lifeless before he could even cry out.
The other Medjai on board, sensing something was wrong, broke into full chaos as they rushed to search for the puzzle box.
Kris didn't waste time. Swiftly, he gathered the sleeping Evelyn into his arms. He draped a thick, cozy robe over her, shielding her from the chill of the night air, her slumber undisturbed. With a fluid motion, he bent low and ran, his movements too quick for anyone to spot. He used Soru, vanishing from sight in an instant, then propelled himself across the dark waters with Geppo, leaping gracefully, heading for the safety of the riverbank.
By the time the Medjai had caused enough mayhem for the riverboat to catch fire, Kris had found a secluded spot along the bank. He laid out a plush carpet from his bag of holding, propping up pillows to create a perfect viewing spot. He sat there with Evelyn nestled comfortably in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder as she slept soundly. Despite the chaos unfolding in the distance, Kris remained calm, watching the ship burn from afar as the flames lit up the sky.
Meanwhile, on the riverboat, Jonathan had woken to the sounds of shouting and the clash of metal. He barely had time to react when a Medjai sword aimed for his chest. O'Connell, ever the soldier, had noticed the attack in time, springing into action. With a practiced hand, Rick drew his own weapon, blocking the blow and engaging in the chaos that had now engulfed the boat.
The Medjai, though fierce, were no match for O'Connell's brawler instincts. He fought with ruthless efficiency, cutting down one of the attackers before another emerged from the shadows. Meanwhile, Zheng and his group—already on alert—drew their guns, firing on the remaining Medjai. The Americans joined in, their revolvers blazing. But the Medjai had caused enough destruction to make the boat unstable. With fires breaking out and the ship listing dangerously, it became clear that staying aboard was no longer an option.
O'Connell, Zheng, and the others scrambled to jump overboard. They plunged into the cold river waters, swimming toward the shore as the ship burned behind them, the orange glow of flames illuminating the night sky.
Back on the riverbank, Kris, Evelyn, and Biscuit, who joined them shortly after the chaos started, remained untouched by the chaos. They had watched from their safe vantage point, Kris's canon knowledge already knowing that the fire was inevitable. As the group swam ashore, dripping wet and clearly bewildered by the turn of events, Jonathan was the first to speak up, his tone dry with sarcasm.
"Well, this was a fun night," he said, coughing up a bit of water as he staggered onto the shore. "What, you didn't think of me when you guys went on your little picnic under the stars?"
Rick, still dripping wet, shot him a half-smile. "Funny, isn't it? We get the invitation just in time for the fire."
Zheng and his team were equally frustrated, but there was nothing they could do. The Medjai's sabotage had left them stranded without the resources they needed to continue their journey.
But Beni and his employers had been far more prepared. As the others scrambled, Beni's group had successfully commandeered the horses and camels from the ship, already making their way toward the nearest Bedouin trading post. They had the advantage now.
Rick, watching the figures of Beni's group recede into the distance, grumbled. "They've got the horses. We're stuck buying our own."
"Not that it'll help them," Zheng muttered, squinting at Beni's group. "They're on the wrong side of the river."
Beni, for all his opportunism, had made one fatal error. By crossing the river ahead of them, he had unwittingly delayed his own journey. They'd have to find a way to cross back over, which would only slow them down further.
And somewhere in the midst of the confusion, Tenyi and Yanwei had seamlessly blended into Beni's group, slipping unnoticed into the shadows as always, one step behind Rick and his allies. Their mission remained clear, so they kept watching. Always watching.
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