His Lotus Bloom: The Return

Chapter 8: Memoirs of The Past

Jean only remembered the panic set in as the creature from nine years ago stalked towards her before whispering something in her ear and everything going beyond black. She felt herself be whirled into a past civilization that no longer existed, Ancient Egypt. Jean nearly screamed as she felt herself plummet from the mystic blue sky and land softly into a sand dune. She looked around and brushed off the sand that was encasing itself in her clothing. She looked around before she heard noises and followed them. Over the dune was the Nile River. Across from it was what appeared a young woman picking blue lotus flowers. Jean squinted and drew closer before gasping. Th-The woman's face was her own! How was that possible! Confusion and panic swirled in Jean's head and she wondered for a second if she died. Then she heard someone call out the woman's name. 

"Asernath! Princess Asernath where are you?" 

Jean nearly choked on her breath, it was the creature Imhotep. She had to admit, he looked quite attractive. Especially with his sun-kissed skin, deep hazel eyes, and sculpted body. What was he doing here, and how did he know Asernath? And is this why people kept calling her this princess? She intently watched as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a kiss upon her brow. This Asernath seemed so happy with him, so, in love with him, like he was the stars and earth and moon above, her own personal solar system that brightened her in every way. She couldn't help but feel guilty at screaming at the current mummified Imhotep. He looked so in love with her as well. Like she was the very essence that brought him life, his breath, that brought the pounding in his heart, and marked his very soul. Jean wondered exactly what happened between the two, was the Medjai right? Did Imhotep kill her and try to revive her for the throne? Or was there more to this ancient story? Jean gasped as she felt herself falling in the river and end up in a garden, of the palace? This time Asernath was giving a dish of milk to the kittens that were roaming and playing. She didn't seem to hear or notice Imhotep sneaking up behind her before shouting "Boo"! Asernath jumped and shrieked while the kittens fluffed up and spat at the laughing Imhotep whose broad shoulders were quivering with each breath and laugh he took. Asernath looked at him crossed, similar to how Jean looked at her brother when she scolded him. Asernath couldn't help but chuckle. She noted how Asernath accepted his apology before looking out onto the Nile, a single tear going down her cheek. Imhotep wrapped his arms around Asernath's pale waist before nuzzling her neck. However, that quickly changed when he saw the tears going down her pale face. He gently grabbed her shoulders and turned her around, 

"My Lotus Bloom, what is the matter?" and gently caught the tears that were streaming from her Nile blue eyes. She turned back to the water and let out a soft sob, 

"Once I become the High Priestess of Asa I'll never be able to see you again. You know as well as I since the rarity of my gifts we are never allowed to marry. " before she turned and softly cried in his chest. Jean felt a single tear go down her cheek and a deep ache in her chest. It was almost as if she could feel Asernath's pain at that moment. Another flash and she was walking along Asernath to change the law with the Pharaoh's permission. The Pharaoh knew of course of this romance for some time and abolished that law so she and others may finally marry. Jean couldn't help but grin at the pharaoh, who reminded her of her late father. If she wasn't a ghost-like image in this world she would have joined Asernath in the hug of the Pharaoh. 

Jean followed Asernath again, only this time it was different. It was like she had merged together with Asernath and there was a horrid pain in her stomach and chest. She could hear herself asking someone why before collapsing to the ground. When she opened her eyes it was Imhotep. She could hear Asernath, or herself say she loved him before going completely limp. This time she was floating in the air as she saw a figure on the throne, only they were blacked out. They were accusing Imhotep of everything and sentenced the Hom-Dai. NO, Jean thought, it was all wrong, and she tried fighting whatever force was dragging her back, it was wrong, he loved her, Asernath and her today, Jean. 

"Imhotep!" she wailed out before waking with a start. Jean looked around frantically, confused and dazed. She was back on the train, but she was in some Egyptian form of a bed. She gently peeled the gauze back and looked around. It was like ancient Egypt all over again, but modernized. Jean wavered slightly as she got up to walk around before she froze mid-step. Imhotep, he looked just as he did in Ancient Egypt. 

"Imhotep," Jean whispered, with tears sparkling in her eyes before throwing herself in his arms. Asernath had finally remembered her past life, now she had to figure out who wanted to keep her away from Imhotep.