Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Leaning back into his chair and putting down his cup of coffee slowly back on his desk, professor Hank continued reading the research papers Fares gave him just a few minutes ago.

Opposite to him on the comfy couch sat Fares upright, looking nervously at the professor hoping he didn't miss anything, since it was his first time researching anything. On top of that, he did all the work alone since everyone gave up long ago.

"I see..... hmm..... oh!" professor Hank kept muttering to himself for a while.

"Umm…. Professor? What do you think?" Fares asked nervously, as he couldn't make out heads or tails from the professor's mutterings.

"Well I have got to say, this is brilliant! The concept itself sounded too absurd, to the point that I thought they gave me this research topic just to shake me off my main research topic! I even had to give it up along with my main research since it was already a dead end. But who could've thought, my brilliant student would solve it!" Professor Hank answered as he got up from his seat excitedly and bear-hugged Fares.

"Kuh…. Pro… Professor…. Can't… can't breathe" Fares said as he tapped the professor's hand a few times.

"Oh sorry about that." said the Professor embarrassed on losing his composure.

"Back to the topic, aside from a few changes here and there, I think it'll be ready to be published. And with a topic like that who could ever say you will lose any awards for it?" continued the professor as he gave Fares a thumbs up.

"So can you help me correct the errors and publish it, professor?"

"Of course, since my proud student asked me to, I have to comply. The thing is though, it is winter break the day after tomorrow, and I have to return and spend it with my family or else I won't hear the end of it from my granddaughter.

Which reminds me she is around the same age as you, what do you think about spending winter break with me this year, we could even work on your paper if we got the time." said the professor as he wrapped his large arms around Fares' shoulder, if anyone were to see this they'd be sure he's a professional scammer.

"But I have to return to Egypt this year I haven't seen my family in ages." Fares answered innocently.

"Tch, too bad then. I'll keep your paper with me now and correct the errors if I have the time." said the professor looking dejected that he couldn't get someone to share the scolding with when he's back.

"Well then professor, I'll go back first and prepare my bags. I'll be taking the first flight back to Egypt." said Fares leaving the professor deep in his thoughts, thinking 'I wonder when the next flight's going to be, I hope I don't have to wait for a few days as I did last time.'

'This kid did something crazy again without realizing it. I hope he doesn't get involved in bad stuff because of this.' thought the professor while packing Fares' research papers into his bag before sitting back on his chair and sipping his coffee peacefully.

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Returning to his room, Fares packed his bags, which wasn't a lot since he didn't care about much except his studies.

He came from a mediocre family in Egypt. His parents worked all day every day, so they could send him to the US to study well. And he did.

From there on though, he kept pushing himself more, swearing to himself that one day he will make them live the life of a king and queen. He wasn't far off now, all he had to do is wait for the day he receives the awards and prize money for his discovery and he will be famous and have enough money to spend for the rest of his life.

After Fares finished packing, he grabbed his phone searching for the first flight back to Egypt. Luckily, he found one at 7 p.m. so he booked it immediately.

Feeling tired after one hectic day, he decided to take a nap till time for his flight.

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Somewhere in an underground basement, "Honey, are you sure it is the right time?" Said a woman with dark brown hair.

"Of course I am not sure! Who in their right mind would decide to do something like this, but there isn't another choice. It has been like this for generations and will probably stay the same, all we can do to help us give him a warning. And he is a smart kid, he will be fine. Did you forget who his father is?" said the guy proudly trying to ease the tension, before feeling a chill running down his spine.

Looking back he found the woman glaring daggers at him.

Clearing his throat he said, "Of course he's smart, he has got both your brains and beauty my lovely wife."

Yes, that guy's name is Malek Adam he's Fares' father. He is a tall man in his late forties with black combed hair, brownish-green eyes, wide jaw bone, nicely trimmed beard, but stress took a toll on him in the form of wrinkles all over his face.

"I thought so too," said Samira with an evil smile on her face.

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7 p.m. at Logan international airport.

"I am almost there, I missed my family dearly. Luckily, I have finished right before winter break." said Fares as he got off the cab.

'But no matter, half a day at most, and I'll be there.' He thought to himself carrying his bags and entering the airport terminal.

After being done with the required procedures, Fares went to the waiting area and was about to sit down when he saw a familiar figure sitting alone in a corner.

He went to sit down beside her and greeted her saying "Oh hello there Ms. Hojo!"

Hojo Yuna was a Japanese-American and pretty black-haired girl with bright brown eyes and also his senior in human biology, though he didn't spend a lot of time in human biology lectures, as it was too easy for him, She had a vibe around her that simply attracts people. This is why he was wondering why would she be sitting alone.

After jumping a little in surprise, Yuna turned around and was more surprised to see Fares as he usually went to class than left for another and doesn't even go to any social gathering.

"O-oh, H-hey their Fares. What are you doing here ?" Yuna said stuttering a little.

"It is weird asking people that at the airport." Fares said not having a clue at what's up with her.

"Sorry, it is my first time flying, and I am a little nervous," Yuna replied apologetically.

"Don't be, I was just stating the matter. So tell me, are you going to Egypt too?"

"Oh yes, I heard its climate was a little cool this time of the year and has many great places to visit during this time. I am so curious about the mummies I have never seen one, and I heard even though they lacked advanced technology they achieved greatness in many things." Yuna kept on going on and on about stuff like that, and Fares let her go on seeing how her mind was off the topic of the flight.

"By the way, that's a pretty nice ring you've got there. Where did you get it from?" Fares couldn't help but ask.

"So you've noticed? It is nothing big I got it cheap from some antique store, I thought it would look good in Egypt and that I would feel more at ease there." Yuna replied with a smug smile.

The ring was a beautiful bronze color with green jade in the shape of a lioness' head. The handle has some engravings in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs of an upright spear, followed by a half-circle topped with a full stripped one, then lastly is a human-shaped figure with a lioness head sitting with their knee to the chest.

"Just so you know, nobody understands hieroglyphic nowadays, I doubt people would even know what does that ring symbolizes." Fares replied as a matter-of-factly.

"Way to go, throwing my hopes down the drain," Yuna replied dejectedly.

"Sorry. Tell you what, if you need, anything there just gives me a call alright ?" Fares replied with concern.

With a bright smile on her pretty face, Yuna extended her pinky where the ring was and said "Promise?"

"Promise." Fares played along and crossed his pinky to hers. As he touched the ring, he felt a slight heat coming from the ring, surprising him and causing him to return his hands quickly.

When Yuna saw this, she was a little confused but didn't comment on it.

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