Disclaimer: This is a fanfiction Tomb Raider story. I do not own the characters originally from Tomb Raider, they belong to their respectable owners. This is just for entertainment reading.

Prologue: It's No Game

"Look! We're getting closer to our goal!" An excited Christian announced to his partner Marie, as they delved deeper into the darkness.

'This is my chance…To show the world that I could take my place among the greatest archaeologist-adventurers…It would be a discovery of a lifetime!' He happily thought to himself, though he could see the fear on Marie's face.

"Maybe…but I've got a bad feeling about this. We've made it this far, let's turn back…particularly after seeing that ghastly warning." She warned, remembering what was roughly etched on the stone wall near an alcove.

"Heed our danger to all those who dare enter the realm of the lost tormented souls…for you will be trapped and become one of them." Marie had translated the ancient language from before and recited to her spouse.

"Blah nonsense! Don't believe in that ancient superstitious hocus-pocus, it's designed to scare those who love a challenge to venture into the unknown. Come on, we're almost there... "

With their flashlights shining the path up ahead, Christian and Marie ventured further along the underground tunnel, ever wondering what wonderous mysteries they will uncover or even better yet what hypothetical reward awaits them at the end. Suddenly, a strange sound out of the blue stopped them dead in their tracks.

"What was that!?" They both clenched each other's hands in that moment of panic from the eerie noise.

"Why are you here? What do you seek? Leave this place, you don't belong here." These were the creepy voices that echoed faintly around the couple. Adamant that they were not going to be dissuaded, Christian pressed onwards through the dreaded passage.

"What are you doing! There have been numerous warnings thus far and hearing these voices certainly takes the biscuit…to continue forward would be madness." Marie stated having been shook by what they seen and heard during this journey.

"No, we promised each other that we will stick together and see this though. The treasure is within our grasp. I will never forgive you if you leave me now." He argued back with a passion that even she could see the full serious determination in his eyes despite the poor lighting around them.

"Very well, a promise is a promise…but on your head be it Christian."

"You won't regret it my love."

Regardless of the continuous hints of alleged doom up ahead, they managed to ignore the ever-increasing loudness of the troubled voices and eventually entered a circular chamber. Flame torches were lit up as the pair walked towards the platform which was covered in puzzling symbols. However, what really caught their attention was the object that was placed on the centre pedestal... so illuminating and desirable.

"There it is Marie! We were right in taking no notice of such petty threats."

"We should still proceed with caution, who knows what traps are awaiting to be set off."

Carefully, watching every step they took the duo paved the way forwards with no immediate hazards to prey upon them. A sigh of relief was breathed out as they were within arm's reach of the glorious artefact that was waiting to be taken.

'At long last, the power and glory shall be ours!' Christian smiled as he reached out for the unknown ornament that will change both of their lives…

"Oh look! Two wanderers from the outside world have entered our domain! Sorry to disturb this precious moment that you have both been waiting for." A high-pitched loud voice filled the hall.

"Who's that, show yourself!" Christian frantically scanned around the room to find the source of the voice. Marie concentrated at the entrance and saw an outline of an individual approaching them.

"Who are you?" She questioned the enigmatic character as it began to show its true colours after blending with the surroundings like camouflage.

"Numbra is the name. In my previous life I was a gambler and sought out that very thing your partner was about to reach out for till I made my grand arrival."

"Who cares what it has to say Marie, let's grab what we came here for and get out of here."

"Tut tut, now don't be so hasty you fool. I can tell who the more patient one is in this relationship." Numbra sneered.

"How dare you!" An offended Christian shouted. He couldn't believe what was happening at that moment, it was meant to play out differently. Marie was too stunned to make any movement and remained still to see how this would play out.

"Haha! Hit a nerve, did I? You'll regret venturing down to our lair. Now let's play a little game shall we…"

"We have no time for stupid games, stand aside now!" He confidently ordered the phantom, although it was simply unphased by the empty threat.

"You'll see, watch this. Goodbye Marie!" Numbra gave a darting look to the victim and unbeknownst to them a chain dangled next to the sinister figure and within a second that very chain was pulled…it was very magician-esque.

"Ta-da!" Within that moment all Christian could hear was the heart-wrenching scream of his beloved partner.

"MARIE! What have you done with her? Answer me now!" He demanded.

"Haha! Winding you up is such fun! Oh, don't get so angry, you should be thanking me saving both of your pathetic lives."

"Humph, what do you mean?"

"That thing is mesmerising isn't it? But looks can be deceiving, it's definitely got a nasty trick up its sleeve…can you guess what that is?"

"I've had enough of this, tell me now!" Christian yelled, becoming even more frustrated of the current circumstances.

"Geez, when is humanity ever going to learn not to take things too seriously!? Well you have a choice to make, save the person you love or obtain the power that from that trinket there?"

"What happens if I want both!?"

"Hmmm, you are a greedy one…first you need to seek the gauntlet that allows you to control the immersive power that it holds."

"Where would I find it?"

"Use your head to figure that one out, but alas the clue I'll give you is that the gauntlet has been lost for centuries within the sands of Ancient Egypt."

"So that's where I'll need to go…"

"You better get a move on though, as we can't hold your significant other's soul in captivity forever and if time runs out…she will meet an unpleasant end. It's an easy game, get the gauntlet within 7 days and I'll guide you on what you will need to do next. Do we have a deal?"

With little to no choice, the adventurer could only utter this word…

"Deal."

'I know I can't do this alone…' Christian thought as the deal had been made with Numbra, he started to plan what his next move will be.