Disclaimer: The characters of Mummies Alive are the Property of DIC Inc. The character of Marianne Ellis, Cameron Ellis, and Princess Mennehotep and Trynia are the property of Me, Trynia Merin. The character of Princess Sohkarra I use with the permission of Naomi, out of respect for a unique character. If you wish to use any of them in fanfic, please ask permission and give credit where it is due. The similarities between plots on the show are in no way meant to infringe upon copywright, and this story is written out of concern for carrying on the enjoyment of a great cartoon show!
A Special Chemistry
by Trynia Merin & Sohkarra
"Where is Dr. Marianne Ellis?" the auburn haired woman asked at the information desk at the San Francisco museum. Sohkarra had heard about this scientist on the spirit box's news. A biochemist who could extract DNA from ancient Mummies. She shivered upon hearing this latest development, for Sohkarra had learned much about the science of this time. Something about this woman seemed to trigger a sense that Scarab could strike. Somehow she had to warn this woman, or intercept her before the Fates moved.
Deep in the innards of the museum stood the lab. A mix of ultramodern and ancient equipment was housed here, most of it put to constant use for carbon 14 dating and restoration. Today's inhabitant was no different from the usual comers, save the fact she was a renown biochemist and forensic scientist who researched ancient Egyptian artifacts.
From her vial she pulled the bit of sample. Carefully she injected it into one of the one hundred wells on the top of the transparent frame. One after the other she did in succession. "Ah, we will know soon from whence this bit of hair comes," she laughed.
Two wire clips were attacked to electrodes on either side of the one foot square glass frame. The gel sandwiched between the two glass sheets held the precious DNA samples. it was electrophoresis, a tool only recently used for such a purpose. DNA isolation and extraction was routine nowadays. What made this sample unique was that it came from a person long dead, not alive. An ancient Egyptian Mummy to be exact. Marianne wiped sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her white labcoat. At last she could take a break.
The door swung open, admitting a blonde haired gentleman. Marianne smiled as he stepped in, and folded her into his arms. "Hullo sis," he laughed. "Figured that sample out yet?"
"It takes rather a longer time than just a few minutes..." she said. "First I must pour the gel, then cross link it... then inject the samples and the dye... then I turn on the juice. Next comes the staining and the audio radiograph..."
"All right all right," he laughed. "I get the message. It's just that when I tell Amanda Carnarvon the results, she can let the other Egyptologists know..."
"But this must be properly written up in a journal... and I still have more tests."
"Come on sis," he laughed. "You were the one who proved that latest mummy was the sister of Tuthmosis..."
"Yes, Nefer-re was the half sister," said Marianne, shoving her hands into her labcoat pockets. "Yet again I have proved how tangled familial relations were in ancient Msir..."
"You can say Egypt," he laughed. "I won't be insulted. But the results of the test weren't the only reason I came. I wanted to show you the latest part of the Mennehotep exhibit..."
"But I..."
"Come on out of the lab for once! And experience what you're testing!" he urged, grabbing her hand. "You'll love this!"
"Now we are entering the Mennehotep gallery of the museum," said Amanda Carnarvon to the tour group. At the back of the line, a young woman hastily joined the tour. She pushed her auburn mane of hair behind her ears as she secured her camera. Two others, a woman in a white labcoat, and a blonde haired fellow in a casual shirt and tie almost bumped into her.
"Oh, pardon me," Marianne said to the newcomer. "I didn't see where I was going..."
"It's no problem," grinned the auburn haired woman. "I was late too."
"Come along, let's not loose Amanda," said Cameron with a cheerful smile.
"Hey, I know you," said the auburn haired woman. "I've seen your picture in a magazine... you're that famous Egyptologist right? Professor Cameron Ellis?"
"Ah, I see I cannot remain incognito for long," he smiled ruefully as the line filed into the Mennehotep gallery.
"As you see here before you, here are all the artifacts excavated from the tomb of Princess Nefru-Re, also known to her people as Queen Mennehotep. Well loved by her subjects, this daughter of Hapshetsup lived but a brief time after she was crowned. But her impact on civilization was no less important than that of her husband Tuthmosis III..."
"You can say that again," muttered the auburn haired woman.
"I beg your pardon?" Cameron Ellis asked.
"Sorry," the girl muttered.
"Today we are fortunate to have with us the very man responsible for discovering her tomb, just two years ago. Cameron Ellis, will you please step forwards?"
All eyes turned to Marianne's brother as he raised up his hands in greeting. "Lovely to be here! I am the fellow responsible... but I could not have done it without the help of my colleagues Karen Romano and my lovely sister whom you also see before you... Dr. Marianne Ellis... biochemist and the lovely lady responsible for untangling the messy family tree of the 18th dynasty..."
Marianne sighed as she now shared the limelight. "As long as I am here, are there any questions anyone would care to have answered about the mystery of Queen Mennehotep?"
All sorts of hands went up. "I have one," said the auburn haired woman to their left.
"Yes, fire away, miss..."
"Jamie," she smiled. "Professor Ellis, is it not true that there is a legend that Queen Mennehotep had an older sister?"
There was murmuring in the halls. "Quite true there were some accounts in legend. There are possible connections between stories of a Princess Kara and Mennehotep. But we have never found more conclusive proof than those stories..."
Another hand went up. "Yes?"
"Was it true that Mennehotep was a healer as well as a queen?"
"She was every bit both, and then some. Quite a busy lady," he smiled. "She founded a school of Alchemy whereby priestesses would learn the healing arts..."
"But didn't this museum loose her mummy?" asked another person, a smart alecky child.
"That's hardly true," he laughed. "That part of the display was on loan to a Hollywood movie. It was subsequently returned to the Cairo museum of antiquities..."
Other questions swarmed around him and he held up his hands to calm the crowd of onlookers. Marianne turned to Jaime with some interest. "How did you know about Princess Kara?" she asked her.
"I have quite an interest in Egyptology..." Jaime admitted. Those sapphire eyes were rather unusual. Two toned, and bright as a pair of stars. "And I also believe you do as well? Being one of the foremost scientists who studies mummies and their ancestry?"
"I take it you didn't just hear of me?" Marianne smiled as they walked along in the gallery.
"I read about you in the archaeology magazine. You actually do experiments?"
"I isolate the DNA of the mummies," said Marianne. "Among other things. Finding the DNA helps me to determine which mummy was related to whom. But that's not all. I also study the causes of death... and the way in which the mummification process was done..."
"Cool," said Jaime. "But didn't you guys recently find something that could prove there was a Princess Kara?"
"Er?"
"Princess Kara was named after Princess Sohkarra. The daughter of Amenhotep."
"But there is no such proof..." said Marianne.
"There is. Hapshetsup had another daughter. And there were rumors in the archaeology... and I was just intrigued by it. I knew Cameron Ellis would be here... and I just figured I could ask. You see, I've done some research of my own... and I thought I'd share what I'd figured out."
"I am sorry to be so suspicious," Marianne said. "What exactly did you figure out?"
"For instance, I know there was an amulet found in the sarcophagus of the mummy of Mennehotep. That wasn't her animal sign, which was the ibis. And the inscription on it was a dedication to a Princess Kara. The same dedication was written on some of the artifacts. Another artifact that had that written on it was a gold arm bracelet known to belong to Mennehotep. It was given to her by Kara, when she first learned magic..."
"How do you know?"
"I love archaeology. Plus... I know how to read hieroglyphics. I'm originally from Egypt..."
"It's unbelievable what you know," she breathed. "But you seem sincere enough."
"I'd show you the evidence, but I"m not allowed near the collection..."
"Ah, but I know someone who is," said Marianne Ellis.
They emerged to the main museum. Cameron Ellis was just taking some pieces out of one display case. "Oh, hi," he said to them. "And you are the young lady who asked that rather revealing question?"
"She's harmless," Marianne smiled. "You wouldn't believe what she knows. Tell him Jamie..."
When she had finished, Cameron looked at her with new respect. "So you know about the bracelet? The one that has the dedication to Kara on it," he said quietly.
"I was wondering, can I look at her arm ring?" asked Sohkarra. "I couldn't get a good look through the glass of the display case. I had seen the display before, and I thought I saw the hieroglyphics spell out Kara."
"Careful. Put on this cotton glove. Now... here..."
Her fingers probed the strange gold. The amethyst seemed to sparkle with its own light. Her eyes were drawn right into it. Somehow it seemed familiar. "There it is. Here it says 'Presented to Mennehotep, beloved by her sister Kara, who masters magic..."
"So it does," Cameron said, as she turned it over in her hands. Slowly Marianne took it from him, and examined it as well. A strange tingling sensation shot up her arms, through the cotton gloves.
"Sister, are you all right..." asked Cameron.
"Yes... I'm fine."
"Better put it back, now," said Jaime, taking the arm ring from her, and stuffing it back into the display case.
"But why..."
"Some things are better left alone," said Jaime. "Believe me..."
"I think I know what you mean," Cameron said, eyes meeting hers. As if they had a silent revelation of understanding. "There was a... certain incantation written on the inner surface. Everyone tried to sense what it meant... and were confused. I have a theory it is ancient magic that best not be disturbed..."
"You're right," said Jaime. "More than you know."
They gasped all of a sudden as they heard a terrific crash. "Get out of here..." gasped Jaime as she pushed both people behind her.
"What?" asked Marianne, before Cameron pushed her aside.
A series of strange figures tramped in. Marianne shrieked as her brother protected her. Quickly he reached beneath his shirt to produce a wadjet, or Eye of Horus. He raised the wadjet in his hands, and chanted in ancient Egyptian.
"What are you doing?" Marianne asked him.
"Trust me!" he cried. "This is something better left unknown!"
Jaime suddenly came to a decision. "Get back, I command you! In the name of Princess Sohkarra!"
They stopped, and raised their arms. Marianne gasped, and peered out from behind her brother. "What is going on here..." she gasped.
"I'm getting you out of here..." said Cameron, taking her wrist. Pulling her along he brandished the wadjet before him as they raced to the nearest exit.
Suddenly another statue cut them off. Sohkarra raised her amulet again, as he raised the wadjet. Avoiding him, the statue's hand clamped on Marianne. As he angrily punched at the statue, the wadjet fell from his grasp. Marianne grabbed it, holding it before her as the Shabti backed away. Sohkarra blocked them from the right. Cameron was suddenly grabbed from behind. Marianne kicked the statue with one foot, but it refused to release him.
Sohkarra's hand found the arm ring from the Mennehotep display. "Marianne! Take this... it will protect you..."
"This is crazy!" she cried. "I can't believe it..."
She took the arm ring, tossing the wadjet to Cameron. Instantly the Shabti released him, and backed away. The three of them headed towards the door. Only to hear a sizzling as red rays streaked past them. Each Shabti held a rod, with a crystal stone set in its top. Emanating from the crystals were red rays that resembled lasers. Sohkarra raised her amulet, and the ray deflected harmlessly away.
"Sohkarra!" boomed a laugh. "So there you are, you minx!"
"Begone, ancient demon!" shouted Cameron. "In the name of..."
A sight choked the words from his throat. On massive legs strode a figure, swathed in bandages and ancient armor. A jeweled eyepiece covered the left eye, attached to a cylindrical helmet mask. Two scorpion claws extended, snapping. "I am hurt that you don't recognize your Araq," he laughed.
"You murderer!" Sohkarra screamed, raising her hand. Araq flew back against the wall.
Suddenly a black robed figure stepped inside the room. His skin was wrinkled finely like a wizened prune. Red eyes gleamed evilly from the sunken sockets. In his hand he gripped a golden serpent staff, which moved of its own accord. "What is taking so long?" he complained. Then his eyes met Sohkarra's. He released a bolt of energy, which crashed into Sohkarra.
Undaunted, Cameron raced to help her. He slammed a fist into the black robed sorcerer, but was brushed aside with ease. Marianne raced to her brother's side as he fell. Somehow something had slipped itself upon her arm. To her horror the Egyptian bangle had slipped up there. She could not remember putting it on. Worse, she could not slip it off!
"Monster!" she cried, running at Scarab with anger in her eyes. "Leave him alone!"
"Ah, a spirited female," he laughed. "You pick your allies well, Sohkarra..."
"Leave her out of this," said Sohkarra, with cold fury as she raised her hand.
But Scarab seized Marianne by the neck, skeletal fingers enclosing around her.
The newcomer waved a staff, suspending Marianne and her brother in its glow.
Scarab's eyes twitched with anticipation as he waved his staff again. "Wait... I sense you possess the knowledge I at last need," he cackled, peering deep into her eyes.
"What could I possibly know that would be of interest to you?" she snapped, hoping anger would keep her from screaming in fear.
"You have extracted the essence of life! And I have need of that knowledge. You are coming with me, my lovely," Scarab leered, drawing her closer to him. "You shall make me immortal!"
"No, let her go!" cried Sohkarra, unable to act. At the sound of her voice, Scarab turned his attention to the Egyptian woman.
"Surrender to me, and I will not harm them..." Scarab said. "If I have you, I will have no need of the biochemist..."
"All right," Sohkarra sighed, lowering her hand. "But I warn you..."
"Take them all outside. But leave the man. He is of no use to us!"
Clay hands clamped upon Marianne and Sohkarra. Out of the museum they were marched, across a parking lot. Scarab held up a hand, and the Shabti stopped.
Sohkarra was maneuvered to his left, and Marianne to his right. He said, "Now I will take your living spirit, and live forever. Why should I fuss with that boy prince, when the essence of a princess will suffice?"
"What is he babbling about?" demanded Marianne.
"He thinks I'm an ancient Egyptian Princess..." said Sohkarra. She was fumbling for something in her pocket.
"What nonsense is that?" said Marianne, dubiously. Sohkarra shrugged.
"As a matter of fact..."
"It happens to be the case, Dr. Ellis," Scarab laughed. "Your limited mind is bounded by science..."
Marianne kicked at the one statue with her feet. Her high heeled shoe punched a hole in the Shabti's foot. It released her, and she scrambled away. Sohkarra drew something out of her pocket. A sapphire gleamed in the mouth of a golden horse's head as she raised her amulet, and chanted an incantation, "By the Power of Isis!"
Suddenly she was awash in blue energy as she began to transform. "Oh no you don't!" laughed Scarab, reaching for the amulet at her throat. But it was too late! Blue light fizzled from her fingertips, and he released her. She raced towards her friend. The same blue energy sizzled around the Shabti that held Marianne, and it released her. "Get behind me," she said. For now she wore a gold and black horse armor.
"What's going on!" wailed Marianne.
As the scorpion man advanced, she brought up her amulet, and fired a blaze of blue energy at him. He countered, with a laser blast. Marianne rolled away.
Scarab rushed towards her, eyes eager. Marianne held up her hands before her face, terrified. Suddenly it was as if electricity shot from her fingertips as she raised her hand. Instantly the sleeve on his robe crackled as it changed to glass and shattered.
"You cannot have power," he gasped. Then his eyes darkened as he saw the silver arm ring on her arm. How had it gotten there? "Wait, I recognize that bangle! I must have it!"
"I cannot believe this superstitious mumbo-jumbo!" she cried.
"You carry the Alchemy bracelet of Nefer-re," he said, advancing upon her again. Two skeletal hands rent his robes in two. From his chest sizzled purple lightening that seeped around his form. It precipitated into shiny black armor. Two fierce claws snapped towards her.
"You have the wrong woman," insisted Marianne. "I'm a scientist! I only study the mummies!"
"Your experiments can extract life's blueprint! And that can make me immortal!"
"Oh, come on Marianne wake up," she gasped, clutching at her hair. "Of all the jobs I had to take as a forensic chemist! I should have seen this was coming when I started working with ancient Msyrian mummies!"
"With the strength of Ra!" shouted four voices in unison. Marianne turned to see four figures in bandages blazing into energy. Slightly behind them stood a small boy, about age thirteen, with a mummified cat at his feet. The strangers all seemed to have animalistic armor, that reminded Marianne of the painted tombs she had seen so long ago in a trip to Egypt where her Father was an archaeologist. So long ago it had been on a school tour to the valley of the Kings...She'd scampered down the miserable shafts of tomb 54, to see the odd paintings of Anubis and Horus. And now the figures were right there in real life... just like their ancestors would have been during ceremonies.
"Eughgah!" shouted a tenor voice. Out of nowhere a figure spun, and tumbled feet first as it brandished a gleaming blade. Two bandaged feet landed inches from her face, as the figure placed himself between her and Scarab.
"Get away from her!" he snarled.
"Make me, you miserable excuse for a wizard..." he said, in a slightly British accent. A long golden tail seemed to snake from the center of a green battle harness. Like a cobra it swished around his white kilted thighs. She glimpsed the back of a headdress, that curved like a cobra. Her rational mind recognized it as a aspect of Wadjet, but her emotions didn't know what to make of it all.
"Release the Princess!" shouted a fellow in Horus armor, aiming a fiery arrow at the scorpion man. He had Sohkarra by the throat. She recalled that in Arabic, Araq meant Scorpion. An apt name.
The arrow sizzled into his chest, and he dropped her. The Horus masked figure caught her in his gauntleted hand as she fell.
"Are you all right?" he asked her as she continued to hold her throat, a little sore at where it had been grabbed.
"Oh sure, Scarab knows how to show a girl a real good time." she answered, a little put out that she had been caught at all.
Scarab released a bolt, but the Thoth armored one raised his sword to deflect it. He leaned over, and took Marianne's hand in his. Carefully a slender hand slipped around her fingers, its own fingertips cased in emerald green tips. "Are you all right, miss?" he asked softly. Impossibly green eyes peered out from beneath the snake visor at her. She shivered.
"What... in the name of Reason is going on here?" she gasped as he helped her to her feet. "Who... what... are you? Some nightmare?"
"Great Ra, I cannot believe the similarity," Rath breathed, glancing at her rather oddly. Despite the fact she seemed minutes from death, Marianne felt her heart pounding with a shivering sensation. She liked the way he was looking at her, with those green eyes that seemed to sparkle with intense light.
Another blast crashed into his chest, knocking him over. Marianne saw the black robed man, holding the staff. "Leave him alone!" she cried, suddenly feeling very bold.
"Good night my dear," he sneered, raising his own hand. Marianne reached Scarab as a blast of fire hit her. Screaming she felt the blaze of heat as her hand seared with horrid pain. Why did the pain all of a sudden subside to a dull ache? For now somehow the fire didn't effect her. She actually managed to make her way to him, and wrenched the staff from his hands. Angrily he hurled her away, and the serpent staff twisted around her wrists. Fire burned her arms as she backed away from the golden serpent that had showered her thus.
Scarab raised his claw, and aimed. Red energy shot towards the suffering scientist as she grasped her hand. Suddenly a blade flashed before her, and she felt a solid presence behind her as the blast zinged off the blade. Someone scooped her into his arms, and she felt the world drop from beneath her as she sailed into the air. One arm supported her knees, the other around her back as she clung to his bandaged shoulder. The Thoth figure was carrying her in his arms as he fought. A long band of segmented metal wrapped about her waist and thighs, holding her to him as he flipped and jumped. It was the serpent tail on that fellow's battle harness. Still he kept his right hand under her back, his left free to use his wicked looking sword.
"Put me down!" she shouted, squirming so much he almost dropped her. "What's going on here..."
"Trust me, I'm simply attempting a rescue..." he said, as suddenly they were hemmed in by the strange Shabti. She shrieked, and threw her arms around his neck all the more.
"Do be careful, young lady," he chided, backing away, still holding her in his arms. Adrenaline pounded in her system, neutralizing the pain of her burns.
A huge figure in Khumn armor pounded several of the clay men to dust. She heard the crack of a whip as a panther seemed to leap out of nowhere. Indeed it was clad in Bastet armor.
Marianne's head reeled, and she felt herself going faint in the Thoth fellow's arms. Her hand was badly charred. Blackness overwhelmed her... "Miss..." came the British accented voice. "Miss?"
"Ooh, my head," she moaned, as she felt a cool hand gently resting against her forehead. Something bitter was put to her lips.
"Here, swallow this," said the voice. "It should clear your head..."
She swallowed a bitter liquid. And coughed. The hand slipped behind her head, supporting it as she downed the concoction. It tasted like aspirin, in powder form. Figures swam before her head as she blinked. She saw a bright green blob atop a mass of brown, but couldn't properly focus. On her arms were long wrapped linen strips, like wrappings!
Then the light flared, and she saw a bandaged figure. Instantly she screamed, throwing up her hands. Panic struck her, and she felt her body grow cold.
"Calm yourself," said a voice. From the shadows emerged a pale skinned woman with auburn hair. "It's gonna be okay."
Sapphire eyes glanced into hers, and she felt sleep overwhelm her. As she drifted off she could hear two people talking:
"Nice going Rath! Scaring her half to death..."
"I had to bring her here... to save her..."
"I know. But let me help you change first..."
Her head swum as she came around again. This time she saw she lay on a strange bed.
"Where are my glasses?" she asked. A hand slipped them on her nose once more...
And she gasped at what she saw. For leaning over her was a familiar figure. Only his green eyes were no longer peering at her from beneath a snake head. He wore rather ordinary looking clothes: a green Nehru style shirt with a cylindrical cap. His tanned skin was quite attractive, but she recognized the eyes. Perhaps it had been a bad dream, about those clay Shabti and that wicked sorcerer. For all she knew he was some sort of EMT she'd seen in a delusion her brain had confabulated to fill in the gaps.
"Easy now," he said, pushing her down with one slim hand. It was encased in a green gauntlet, set off by golden disks. Then she saw nothing but an ordinary sleeve, and a tanned hand.
"What's going on..." she gasped. "Why haven't I awakened form this nightmare?"
"You're safe now,' he urged, softening his voice as he pressed both her
shoulders to the bed. "You're suffering from what they call shock in this time..."
"Who... what are you?"
"For starters... My name is Rath," said he, with a slight bow. "And you are safe. Lie still... and rest..."
"Rath?" she gasped. "What sort of a name is that..."
"Er... it's Egyptian," he coughed hastily.
"What's going on here? Am I in hospital?"
"No. You were too badly hurt. There was little time. I had to bring you here to help you..."
"Why? What's going on? What is this place?" she gasped, grabbing his slim hand and turning it over. Why was his hand cold? Perhaps he was just one of those people who had abnormally cold hands. Something in his touch made her shiver.
Still her arms were swathed in linen bandages. Slowly she recalled the massive pain from a fire burn, third degree. She looked around the room. Huge stone blocks were painted with hieroglyphics all around. The high ceiling seemed far away. Torches laminated the space. Under her head she felt a carved wooden rest, and a firm strong mat. Much like an Egyptian bed she'd seen in a museum.
Something in the air pricked her nose. There was that scent of natron and resin that permeated her nostrils, thick with heavy frankincense and other embalming spices. A scent similar to the smell of ancient Mummies which she carbon tested.
She'd seen her share of them as they were unwrapped, and she'd take small minute shavings for DNA testing.
"There's no need for alarm, Milady," he said. "I have no intention of inflicting harm upon your person... in fact..."
"Rath..." she said. "Where are we..."
"Safe. And I am not allowed to tell you any more than that. At least not until you are on your feet again..."
"Give me a break," she moaned. "Not allowed? By whom?"
"By the leader..." he said. And stopped in mid sentence.
"Please... Rath..." she implored him. "I have no idea what is going on here...and I'm scared half to death... I don't know if I'm suffering from some delusion..."
"I am not a delusion," he sniffed mildly. The arms folded across his chest, much in the manner of someone who was miffed. "Whatever would give you that idea?"
"Well, if someone came and attacked you in a museum... and someone else who you thought you knew claimed she was an Egyptian princess under attack, wouldn't you be scared?"
"Er, point taken," said Rath, arms sliding to his sides again.
"I just cannot believe this is possible," said Marianne. "I am a scientist... who studies biochemical decomposition... and I just don't believe the dead can come back to life..."
"Believe me they can," said Rath. Then something made him change the subject.
"Excuse me, did you say you were a scientist..."
"Yes," said Marianne. "A forensic chemist. I worked in a museum in London... till I was called to work at the San Francisco new museum..."
"London?" Rath said.
"You know... England?"
"Ah yes," Rath smiled. "Of course."
"But I learned about mummies in Cairo, when I was there for a master's degree in Egyptology..."
"Then you are from the same land as I?"
"Er... perhaps not the same ethnicity or race as you... but I was born within sight of the Pyramids of Giza... oddly enough. My father was an Egyptologist...and I always was interested in studying the mummies..."
"This is most interesting!" Rath said, his eyes widening. "You... are from our fair kingdom... in this time..."
"What are you on about?" asked Marianne. "You keep using that phrase... my time..."
"Er, there are some explanations in order," Rath coughed.
"Who was that weirdo in that museum who attacked me and my brother... my brother... he's hurt..."
"He's safe," said Rath, grasping her hand again, bandaged though it was.
Something in his gentle grasp was rather reassuring, even if he had cold hands.
"The chariot with lights... oh I mean the ambulance came for him..."
Other voices entered the room. Marianne breathed shallow as she started to shiver with fear. But what met her eyes was simply a 13 year old boy, with lovely green eyes and tanned skin. The same boy she'd seen at the museum!
"Hiya..." he said, glancing at her.
"Good grief," she shook her head. "It's Presley, isn't it?"
"Yeah," he said with a small laugh. "Guess you know my mom, huh?"
"Know her?" said Marianne. "Why... my brother introduced us when I first came..."
"She said your name a few times. Look... you look real... like freaked. I know it's crazy... but don't get wigged out... it's okay..."
"What... are you doing here? I recognize this place! It's where they were going to house the Rapses exhibit!"
"You're never gonna believe this... but there's a good reason...."
"And there is a reason why I'm here?"
"It's the only safe place for you now," said Presley. "Cause Scarab is after you..."
"Who the deuce is scarab?" asked Marianne. "And what would he want with me?"
"My sis... Sohkarra said something about you being a scientist who studies mummies," said Presley. "So it's gotta be something you were working on..."
"What does he mean?" asked Marianne.
"Uh, look, this is gonna sound real weird. But have you ever heard of reincarnation..."
"Yes."
"Well, Scarab's a 3500 year old man, who's reincarnated himself 50 times," said Presley. "And he thinks you have the secret to help him do it again..."
"That's insane," said Marianne. "I only extract the DNA of mummies. And study it for ancient diseases..."
"DNA?" asked Rath. Presley gave him a sharp look.
"Sohkarra thinks he might get you to get a DNA sample... from a Pharaoh... and try to clone it..."
"There's no way it could be done..." said Marianne. "It's sheer fantasy."
"Maybe not," said Rath. "If he acquired living essence from a Pharaoh... he could become immortal..."
"It's not that insane," said Presley. "Cause I've got this spirit of a Pharaoh inside me... These guys all call me Prince Rapses..."
"Rapses, as in the son of Amenhotep?" asked Marianne. "That's..."
"Totally whacked," said Presley. "But it's true..."
"And those figures I saw..."
"They're my guardians," said Presley. "They're protecting me... from Scarab."
"And now he wants me," said Marianne angrily. "Oh, my head's spinning!"
"Can't you whip up some headache stuff or something, Rath?" Presley asked.
"It depends on what you mean, oh Prince," said Rath, turning to an ornately carved table. "The mere shock of seeing us has sent her into a considerable panic. It's remarkable that she's this calm..."
Marianne felt cold, and shivered. Presley threw another blanket over her, and grabbed her hand. "Hey, chill. It'll be okay... just lay there. Rath will protect you... won't you Rath?"
"If that is your command, my Prince," said Rath, inclining his head to the boy. Presley lay a hand on hers, and slipped out of the room. Marianne felt sleep come over her, and she was out before she knew it.
"How's our friend, by the way?"
"She's fine," said Presley, running in. "In fact, she's woken up..."
"I'd better go to her," said Sohkarra. "I look the most normal..."
"She must've been burned real bad," Presley said. "I remember seeing her after the fight..."
"Rath had to bring her here," sighed Sohkarra. "It was the only way. Pity that JaKal doesn't understand that..."
"Why not?" asked Presley.
"He's in the guardian mode 101 again." Sohkarra answered. "He does that every now and then and it really can be frustrating. But he is adamant about this. Sometimes I cannot even talk to him about it."
"Yeah, I know how that can be." Presley said.
"We certainly cannot fault him for his loyalty." Sohkarra laughed. Presley joined her.
The two of them continued walking.
As she came in, she saw Rath speaking to Marianne. "How are you doing?" she asked them.
"Ah," said Rath. "Your majesty..."
"Please," said the Princess, holding up a hand. "Just Sohkarra is fine."
"Another ancient Egyptian name," Marianne breathed, shaking her head. "I don't know when I was well off."
"Hey, take it easy. You had a really bad scare. But we're safe here..."
"But how long must I stay here?" asked Marianne. "My brother will be worried sick about me!"
"That is a good question," said JaKal, as he walked in. Marianne noticed how handsome those blue eyes appeared from his pale skinned face. If his features didn't slightly look Mediterranean, she'd almost think he was British as she. That blue shirt and tan pants seemed to suit him quite well. Two other figures followed them, of a huge man and a woman with brown hair and grey eyes. She wore a red dress and tall black boots, while the large African looking man wore a purple sports jersey and blue jeans.
Marianne Ellis stood in the main room of the Sphinx. Her eyes flickered over the displays with great wonder. "I know where this is," she said.
"Do you?" asked JaKal.
"Yes. This was the annex the museum built to house the Rapses exhibit. I always wondered what happened to the four mummies that were stolen..."
Nefer-Tina giggled. "Right under everyone's noses..."
"What is all this about anyway?" Marianne demanded. All four figures glanced at each other, at a loss for words. It was Sohkarra that spoke next.
"Er, I am an Egyptian Princess," she said. And at Marianne's astonished look, continued. "It's true. And he's a Prince." She said, bringing Presley to her side. "And these handsome individuals are our guardians."
"How... what?" Marianne stammered. "This just cannot be!"
"Let me clarify myself; I am Princess Sohkarra. Sister to Prince Rapses and daughter of Amenhotep I." she said.
"Good Grief," gasped Marianne. "Then... you must be... oh this is just too much! I must be going mad! But you were the woman from the museum... It cannot be so... but that would explain why you knew so much about those artifacts... why you could read Hieroglyphics..."
"We're from the past..." said Armon, before Rath shot him a warning look.
"Are.... you time travelers?" asked Marianne. Suddenly Presley got an idea.
"Yeah," he said. "That's it. They're from the past, sent here to protect me from Scarab. He wants my soul in the future, so he can live forever.
"What sort of method brought you to our time?" Marianne asked. Rath thought it ironic that she'd so readily accept such a tale. But Rapses had his reasons for such a fabrication. If she was a scientist of this time, she might not accept that mummies could come to life...
"We are pledged to protect friends of the Princess," said Armon to Sohkarra.
"Yes," said JaKal. "But we cannot divide ourselves between her and Presley for long..."
"Can I not just leave you, and promise not to tell of your existence?" Marianne asked.
"That may be," said JaKal. "But you are still as much a target as ever..."
"And what is Marianne supposed to do?" asked Rath, folding his arms. "Someone is bound to ask questions when a prominent scientist goes missing for more than one day..."
"He's right," Presley said. "My mom's gonna go nuclear if she doesn't show up Friday to give that lecture..."
"That's right!" said Marianne, folding her own arms. "You cannot just keep me here... wherever it is... like some sort of a prisoner..."
"But you are not a prisoner," said JaKal. "You have learned too much, and I must decide what is to be done..."
"She must be trained," said Sohkarra. "To protect herself against Scarab."
"That is a good idea," said JaKal.
"I still cannot believe I am talking to actual ancient Egyptians," she gasped, shaking her head. Rath rested a hand upon her shoulders. Somehow he felt compelled that this action might calm her down. After all, he had been responsible for bringing her here.
"One of you could do it..." said Presley. "Right? Like give her Egypt-su lessons..."
"Actually I had magic in mind," said Sohkarra. "We could teach her spells she could use against Scarab..."
"But her mind is tainted by modern Science," said Rath. "She might not be able to learn..."
"I resent that," she said, pulling out of his grasp. "I can learn anything... if I put my mind to it!"
Nefertina stifled a giggle as Rath seemed a bit taken aback. He'd met his match, yet again, and then some!
"Someone must teach her... someone who knows the science of this time, and ancient magic," said JaKal.
"I could," Sohkarra said.
"No," said JaKal. "There is a much better choice. Someone who has taught pupils before. Someone who is responsible for this happening..."
"Somebody who helped her out of a jam," said Armon.
All eyes fell on Rath. "What's everyone looking at me for," he spluttered.
"You're the most logical choice," said JaKal.
"I er... don't think that's the best idea," said Rath, backing away.
"You're responsible for this situation, bringing her here," said JaKal sternly.
"The Princess was there as well!" Rath protested. "She gave her permission to bring this woman here!"
"So I will speak for the Princess when I say you are solely responsible for making certain Marianne is safe. At least till Scarab loses interest in her, or till she can defend herself..."
"Can't you?" Rath asked, appealing to Sohkarra. "After all, you said you retained your magic."
"I could," said Sohkarra. "But I am not as good a teacher as you are, Rath. And I agree with JaKal in this." She couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her face. Rath didn't miss it either, and gave her a very unpleased look. Sohkarra only shrugged and gave Rath a very innocent look.
"Please?" asked Marianne, looking at Rath and Sohkarra. "Whatever it takes to fight back. After all, he hurt my brother! I don't care if you teach me how to raise an obelisk with whatever lost skills you have! If it helps save Cameron...and stop that madman... I will do whatever it takes!"
Rath went to her, and took her hand. "Don't worry. We will avenge this."
Later, the magic lessons progressed. Marianne was quite frustrated at first at her failed attempts to duplicate simple spells. Rath did his best to soothe her nerves.
"But I am a chemist! I don't have any hocus pocus up my sleeves!"
"Perhaps we should try something simpler," said Rath. "One spell an apprentice often learns is to summon lightening."
"I remember I did make some in the parking lot, when that awful man attacked me..."
"What precisely was going through your head at the time."
"I was scared half to death..." said Marianne.
"Well, I could teach you the sphere of protection," said Rath. "That is one of the simplest spells... now what was the incantation... ah, yes..."
She watched his series of gestures, and marveled at the grace. His words flowed freely, and suddenly he brought both arms across his chest in the Osiris position. Instantly a green sphere rose around him, expanding outwards to a distance of five feet. His eyes closed tightly as he continued the effect for a few seconds.
"Now," said he, leaning on his serpent sword. "You try..."
"I feel ridiculous," said Marianne, as she extended her arms. Then she brought them into her chest, chanting the same words he did. Purple energy radiated from her chest... weak at first, but growing in intensity. Slowly it solidified into a sphere.
"Excellent. Now expand it. In your mind... concentrate!"
Marianne's eyes squeezed tightly shut. Had to expand the sphere. As they fluttered open, she saw the effect had spread almost to Rath himself. "Very good," he said. "Now dissipate it."
"That wasn't so bad," said she. "Except I have a bit of a headache."
"That will pass," smiled he. "There are many spells to learn. And I have a feeling you may be quite good..."
"But why teach me magic at all?"
"Good question," he coughed. "And I have an answer. The threat of Scarab is one that you cannot deal with on modern terms. All of your technology cannot save you from his threat. So teaching you magic as a form of defense makes sense..."
"Well, it must take years. And it's hard to believe in it..."
"That may be the problem. Your science. Letting go of your doubts and disbeliefs..."
She sighed, and turned again to him. "What is the next spell?"
Rath watched as Marianne sparred with Armon in the main chamber of the Sphinx. It had been a few days since she had come to stay in the sphinx. Somehow her spirits sank as she saw the news out of the corner of one eye. It reminded her of the outside world's continued existence.
"Throw your weight into it! That's it. Use my size against me..." Armon patiently explained to her. Again she sighed, struggling to perfect the simple throw.
"Really I am grateful to you all for helping to protect me. But I must know how my brother is doing! And my friends must know I'm safe!"
"But it is not safe as long as Scarab suspects who you are. And it is the desire of Princess Sohkarra to make sure you are protected. At least till you are able to protect yourself."
"You are safer here," Armon said. "And already you have learned much Egypt-su."
"But how much longer?" she asked. "My brother... I don't even know how badly hurt he was! And he's probably in the hospital now and I haven't been able to visit!"
"Please be patient," JaKal said. "The Prince is doing what he can to provide a story... that will satisfy your ... masters..."
"Can't I just go out for a little while, with one of you? At least to my home? To answer my mail, or at least see if it's still in one piece? Send a letter there to my brother. Scarab may suspect more if I am gone for too long. He might connect me with you..."
JaKal sighed. "I will discuss it with the Princess. Perhaps if you went out in the company of Rath, you would be better protected. But you must return here soon..."
"Thank you," she sighed, and walked away towards the room she'd been staying. Momentarily she turned to say, "Thank you very much Armon, for the lesson."
"Hey, no problem," he laughed, smiling cheerfully at her. "Before you know it, you'll be able to protect yourself no matter what Shabti Scarab throws at you."
Rath saw her as she left the chamber, and discretely entered to speak with JaKal. "I... could not help but overhear your conversation," he said.
"Ah Rath. Would you be up to a little excursion? With our guest?"
"Er, very well," he said. "But I do not think it is a good idea...."
"Nevertheless she is your responsibility. And it might arouse less suspicion if she at least made some contact with the outside world," JaKal said. "A test ground for what we have taught her."
Cameron sat fitfully in the hospital. He was frustrated with the fact that he had heard no news of his sister Marianne. Somehow those live Shabti had captured her, and there was no word since. He'd only just awakened from his fitful comatose state to see Amanda Carnarvon and his boss Mr. Hepplewhite.
"What... where's Marianne?" he gasped, blinking awake again.
"It's going to be all right, Cam..." Amanda said, gripping her friend's hand tightly. "You're okay. You're in the hospital..."
"But the bracelet was stolen from the museum... and that poor girl and my sister... were kidnaped!"
"I assure you everything's being done to help," said Mr. Hepplewhite. "The police are investigating this fully. And Mr. Stone has agreed to reimburse us for all damages..."
"But my sister!" cried Cameron.
"Please, you just concentrate on getting better," Amanda urged him. "It will all work out okay! They have some good leads..."
"Somehow the police won't be able to help her," he despaired, as he slipped back into fitful sleep.
Rath was astounded at Marianne's progress. In the short few days she had mastered quite a few basic spells. With her living body, she could supply the vast mental control required. She was not limited by requiring recharging. Each spell was being written on a tabula rosa, a blank wall. He had total control over what spells she would learn, and those she would not...
Sometimes she looked so much like Mennehotep it spooked him. Living, not mummified. But the way she stood, and the sound of her voice was rather disconcerting. Feelings stirred up within him, that had gone long unrequited. As he was teaching her the spell of levitation, he got a most brilliant idea.
Marianne was following every gesture he indicated.
The chamber door was open to the rest of the Sphinx. If he looked out of the corner of one emerald eye he could glimpse as JaKal and Sohkarra were sparring. How JaKal mischievously wrestled Sohkarra to the floor. Sohkarra simply twisted over, and grabbed him by the neck. Suddenly the Princess started to tickle him voraciously. JaKal had no recourse but to surrender to her.
"Do you yield?" she laughed, pinning his legs so he could not rise.
"I yield!" he laughed, holding his side. Rath discretely positioned himself in front of Marianne when he noticed JaKal was in his mummified form. How could Sohkarra be so careless as to have forgotten to cast her spell?
What had come over the Hunter? Those sudden bursts of physical activity he engaged in with the Princess were hardly dignified behavior. That was what Presley called "flirting". An art he had never mastered. No self respecting Scribe would behave in such a manner. Yet to win the affections of one from this time, he might make an exception.
"Raise your arms like this," he said. Marianne followed his every move. A mischievous look crept into his green eyes.
"How am I doing?"
"Er, for this next bit, you must close your eyes..."
"How can I know the gesture if I can't see you," she asked.
"Just do as I instruct, and you will be fine. Now. Close your eyes."
Marianne squeezed shut her eyes. "Raise your arms. Good. Over your head..."
Rath wandered over towards her as she raised her arms above her head. Still they were swathed in the linen bandages. "Now, very slowly bring them down, arching them in front of you..."
For this, he stood right before her, his own arms folded. "Keep them two cubits distance apart... Good, that's right. Excellent."
"This is absolutely ridiculous..." said she.
"Those are the basic gestures of levitation. Now, take two steps towards the sound of my voice... hold your arms out straight... good. Lean forwards...yes..."
Marianne's eyes were still shut, and she seemed to shake her head with the idiocy of the spell. What was the incantation? Some of the spells had spoken words coupled with gestures. Others did not. She looked so lovely there, walking right towards him, following the sound of his voice. He extended his own arms in a similar fashion. "Good. Raise them a bit higher." They stood opposite each other, with only a cubit betwixt them.
When she took her next step forwards, she tripped. Instinctively Rath grabbed her arms as she fell forwards, with a slight gasp. Then, she was looking up into his face as he gripped her arms. "Are you all right?" he asked, gently lifting her up again to her feet. This action positioned her thus so she braced her hands against his chest for support.
"Oh, that was not good," she said, feeling a bit flush as she stood there, leaning against him. The sensation of his arms around her waist was rather pleasant. She'd become accustomed to the feeling of his hands on hers, cold though they were. Automatically he coughed, and glanced down at her. Neither seemed to want to let go of the other.
"Uh, I take it this is not part of the spell," said she, hands now resting on his shoulders.
"Not exactly the levitation spell," said Rath. "But it seems we have fallen under another..."
"And that would be what?" she asked. Since he was a scribe, sometimes he had a rather witty turn of phrase for certain situations.
"In your science, is there not a law of attraction..."
"Yes. Magnetism. By which two bodies are inextricably pulled together by magnetic forces..." her voice trailed off. "Er, is this going where I think it is..."
"It... depends upon what you mean..." he said, coughing. "I had... better redress those burns..."
She felt the shivers in her skin as his fingers enclosed around her bandaged arms. Gently they probed the wrappings to see if they were too tight. Through his shaking hands, she could feel his nervousness. Those green eyes regarded her with a mix of fear and confusion.
"Thank you... for catching me," she said. A smell of myrrh mingled with her perfume as his face was close to hers. Rath hardly knew what to expect next, as those blue eyes glanced up into his own. Then Marianne and Rath flinched, and pulled away for a moment. It was craziness itself.
"I am dreadfully sorry," he apologized. "To take advantage of this arrangement..."
"Don't be," said she. "I... liked it..."
"Often times a pupil is attracted to their teacher," said Rath, looking down at his feet with guilt. Slowly he proceeded to unwrap the bandages on her hand. Marianne gasped as the charred skin seemed only a faint shade of pink.
"How... what? Those must have been third degree burns," said she, touching the skin. It was only slightly tender now.
"Healing has set in sufficiently," he nodded, glancing over her hand, running his fingers over hers to check the skin texture. "Can you move your fingers?"
Amazed she flexed and extended the fingers of her right hand, which was gently within his. "I don't know how this can be. But I can feel... touch..."
For the briefest second her fingers closed around his, and she felt electricity there. Her heart pounded within her chest. This… was crazy. She had never felt this excited since… her first date back in grammer school. But she was a scientist, a careerwoman. She had no time for these feelings… or did she? "I can feel your hand in mine…" she murmured. The scars were slowly beginning to receed.
The scribe coughed and slipped his hand out of hers. Quickly Rath smeared more poultice upon the hand, and deftly twisted the lengths of bandages upon her wrist and hand once more. As she watched him wrap, she said, "It's happened to you before. I can see it in your eyes."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Flirting... with a student," she giggled. Rath stiffened, and let go of the hand he'd been dressing. That awkwardness set in once more.
"Unfortunate side effect of my excellent teaching skills," he coughed. "Still, it was rather delightful."
"Uh huh," she said, rubbing her nose. Still the smell of myrrh was thick upon her nostrils. As if she'd inhaled a cloud of incense. Strange, for no men's cologne ever smelled like that spice. It was almost like the sort of spice burned during a religious service at her church back in England.
"All these strange spells... I am trying to make sense of them. Just when I think I have them sorted out..."
"Don't try so hard," said he.
"I should remember the spells..." she muttered. "If I can learn chemical formulae, I should be able to…"
"Magic is not well remembered in your case," said Rath. "Not all is retained."
JaKal and the others came into their laboratory. "How go the magic lessons?" he asked. Presley followed, backpack over one arm.
"She is making substantial progress," said Rath, folding his arms across his chest.
"That's good, I take it?" said JaKal, nodding his head.
"I still can't believe some of it," said Marianne, brushing herself down.
"I need to ask a favor," said JaKal. "I have heard the spirit box speak of many strange break ins at local dwellings. I suspect Scarab is behind them... in his search for the scientist...hoping to draw us and our young royals out."
Marianne came up to them, and rested a hand on Rath's arm. He did not move away, but continued to stand there as he listened. "I see," said Rath. "The great pyramid should show us..."
"What 'great pyramid'?" she wondered.
"One of Rath's inventions, he'll show you soon," JaKal said.
"But why have we not heard these before?" asked Presley.
"I did not wish to worry you, my Prince," said JaKal. "Or our other two charges..."
"With all due respect," said Marianne. "I think I deserve to know when my life is under threat!"
"We must protect you, and so far we have done so," said JaKal. "At least until you are capable of protecting yourselves..."
"Please," said Rath, taking her shoulders. "Don't be offended. Feeding you with fear would serve no purpose..."
"I may not be as easily taught as your Sohkarra," said Marianne. "But I am a grown woman. I have lived with the threat of terrorism when I traveled around the world, for there are those who hate and fear what religion I ascribe to...and those who would destroy..."
"That may be, but what you do not know is that Sohkarra was born with her abilities, so her teaching by Rath was minimal. You being mortal requires more extensive training, no matter how adept you are. Plus the Princess received training from the 'Dark Masters', so she is now better equipped to deal with the threat. And that does not take from your talent that you're showing." said JaKal, defending his Princess. "But the wolf does not send out her cub without the rest of the pack.. On her first hunt..."
For a moment Marianne wore an expression that looked almost like one Princess Mennehotep would have given their leader. Rath was visibly shaken, as was JaKal.
"Please be patient," said Rath. "In no time you'll be able to leave without fear once I've prepared you for new life outside the sphinx, then you will no longer require our assistance.."
"I hope so," said Marianne, as she glanced anxiously at Presley.
"Just sit tight here," he said. "It'll be okay..."
Holding scrolls in his arms he happened to walk back towards his lab. Perhaps there was yet another defensive spell he could teach her. Or perhaps there was another set of words that would prove more useful to him. Gentle words that would express the myriad of feelings that suddenly welled up from him as she came into his presence.
As he perused the scroll, he wasn't aware of his trajectory. Straight into Princess Sohkarra he bumped. "Oh, I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, as they bent to pick up the scrolls together.
"The fault is entirely mine, Your highness," he coughed, wrapping the scroll of interest around its stick once again. "I was not aware of my path..."
"You like her, don't you," Sohkarra said, glancing right into his green eyes.
"I beg your pardon," Rath coughed.
"Come on. I see the way you look at her whenever she enters the room. If you were alive you'd be blushing now!"
"What are you talking about, Princess?" he shrugged, slipping the scrolls under his arm.
"You know. Your latest project. Don't worry. I won't tell JaKal. But you like her, don't you? And that's making you worried about her!"
"Don't be ridiculous," he coughed, feeling all awkward and trapped. As if he wanted the stone floor to entomb him.
"Now come on. I'm empathic, remember. And I wouldn't even have to be that to realize how you feel. You're giving off those vibes all over the place."
"Er, yes, to tell you the truth... I am rather... fond of her..." he coughed awkwardly.
"So," she giggled, nudging him playfully in the side. "What are you going to do about it?"
"What do you mean what am I going to do about it?" he snorted. "What is there to be done?"
Sohkarra still held the last scroll, which she glanced at more closely. "Ah, these are your poems, aren't they?" she said, mischief in her eyes.
"That's personal," he said, holding out his hand. "If you don't mind..."
"Poetry is a good start, but..."
"You would suggest something else?" he said, catching the look in her sapphire eyes. "Er... judging from the fact you are a woman... in a romantic relationship... what would you recommend?"
"There's other customs in this time," Sohkarra smiled. "A bit of poetry will go far, but maybe some flowers, or..."
"Take her to a movie," laughed someone else. Rath was horrified when Nefertina poked her head from around his shoulder.
"Is my personal life the subject of popular scrutiny?" he snorted. "Really, I ask you!"
"I couldn't help but notice," Nefertina said. "I was following the Princess to the spirit box, for our workout!"
"Oh really," he said, still suspicious as he took the poetry scroll from
Sohkarra. But Nefertina grabbed it first, and read it...
"Whoa, this is great stuff..."
"Do you mind?" he snorted, snatching it away from her. "I don't see your name inscribed upon it!"
"What?" Nefertina teased. "Take it easy! We wanna help you!"
Rath sighed, and relented. "Very well. But I don't think frivolity will work in this case," he murmured. His arms crossed over his chest as he scratched his chin thoughtfully with his gauntleted hand. "She is a learned scholar. A scientist..."
"Lighten up!" Nefertina laughed. "She wants to have fun! Take her to a movie... or out dancing..."
"Dancing," he said. "No, that's rather common..."
"It wouldn't hurt," Nefertina laughed. "You or her."
"Flowers seem to be popular as a gift," said Sohkarra. "Or chocolates. That's usually what you give a girl when you first ask her out, before you go on the date..."
"Oh really this is hopeless," he sighed. "She is no ordinary person. I doubt such trinkets would convince her of my... sincerity..."
"Rath it's not the temple wall," said Sohkarra. "For Isis sake, just do something nice for her. That's the best place to start..."
"That's it!" he said, with a smile. "Thank you very much your majesty!"
"What?" Nefertina asked, glancing at Sohkarra with confusion. Sohkarra shrugged.
The whitewashed walls seemed so blank to him. He could envision them filled with colorful hieroglyphics. Maybe Marianne would like his work, for she loved Msyrian art. His eyes fell upon a few reproductions of Egyptian scrolls framed in those strange wooden boxes as they hung on the blank bare walls. He was glad Armon was teaching her Egypt-su right now. He'd gone on ahead, to find out where she lived, and assess whatever potential hazards could exist. Wards of protection might suffice. Slowly he reached into the box he carried. Blue, red and black inks sang out from the small wooden pots in their rack. He'd not done a work like this for 3500 years. But it felt good to be putting his scribes skills to use once more.
Carefully he dipped his brush into the black ink, and raised it to the wall. White walls received ink that had been older than time itself. Inside his heart he felt a sense of joy he'd not received for so long. Doing something nice for her, indeed. It was amazing how wonderful he felt at this altruistic undertaking. The Princess was wise for one so young and new to the romance game.
Sohkarra walked along with Marianne. She shivered in the chilling air as she glanced at her apartment complex street. "Rath said he'd meet us there," Sohkarra told her.
"I'm so glad you convinced JaKal to let me out of that stone contraption," Marianne said gratefully. "I swear if I spent one more day there I'd start to feel... like a... like a..."
"A what?" Sohkarra asked, as they approached her apartment. Already the sun was going down. Pink bands crossed the aqua blue sky as it faded to darker navy.
"A mummy!" she laughed. "It felt so much like a tomb in there! No light!"
Sohkarra laughed nervously. "That is funny," she said. "Considering you say you work with mummies... extracting their DNA?"
"That's right!" said Marianne. "This is the place."
"That's what they call a town house," said Sohkarra. "Really nice. Do you live here alone?"
"I share it with my brother Cameron," she said. "He lives in the downstairs room, and I live upstairs... Also, I'd like to apologize to you for downplaying your powers when I said I could be as easily taught as you. I'd never heard of anyone being born with such awesome abilities before, for Rath assures me they are great indeed. And also JaKal straightenend me out on that matter forwith."
"That's okay. I don't even understand it myself." Sohkarra laughed. "Sometimes they're, how do you say? Really cool? And as for JaKal, he tends to be a little overprotective of me sometimes."
"He seems very fond of you." Marianne observed.
"Well, that is a very long story indeed." Sohkarra said a little evasively.
"Tell me about it sometime?" Marianne inquired.
"Perhaps." Suddenly Sohkarra stopped. She shivered. And let out a strange noise.
"What's the matter?" Marianne asked, a little startled, for this was the first time she'd seen the Princess in the midst of something "otherworldly".
"Oh... just one of my spells," she said. "It will pass."
"Spells?"
"Nothing to worry about." Sohkarra answered. Again, Marianne felt a little frustrated. But then she remembered she had known these people for so little time, and they had yet to fully trust her. Perhaps Rath could help smooth the way for her in their trust. Especially the head guardian and his Princess. For some reason she didn't understand, it was important to have the trust of these two. Nefertina and Armon and Presley had seemed to accept her readily. But the trust of the former would not come as easily, for as friendly they were, their reserve was still intact. Their trust would not be so easily won. And one thing Marianne had noticed was that the Princess and Hunter seemed to think and act as a single unit. Almost as a couple. Could it be? Had they defied Egyptian custom and become a couple, or even lovers? Maybe someday she'd have the opportunity to find out, for it was a fascinating thought.
Marianne was momentarily distracted by concern for her brother, Cameron. Sohkarra sensed the sudden shift in her friend's emotions.
"What bothers you?" Sohkarra asked quietly.
"My brother…." Marianne answered. "I feel I'm being selfish wishing my own happiness when I should be at his side in his time of need."
"But if you were with him, his safety would be compromised." Sohkarra reminded her.
Marianne sighed again. "I suppose, but I still feel guilty, for he is my only brother."
"Would it make you feel more at ease to know that he can be checked on without your presence?"
"What do you mean?"
Evasively Sohkarra answered, "I can check on him for you and I can tell you now that he is in no immediate danger. And he is free of pain."
"How do you know this?" Marianne asked.
Sohkarra looked at her again in that evasive way, "I have my ways, and remember what JaKal told you."
Marianne realized that was going to be all the answer she would get and proceeded to fish out her keys. And both were amazed to note that the door swung open before she could put the keys in the lock. Up a flight of stairs they climbed cautiously, to a landing. There, Marianne stopped speechless. Her mouth dropped wide as her eyes increased in size. Sohkarra too noticed her surprise, and drew in her own breath.
For all around them rose a strange sight. It should have been an ordinary living room, of a small townhouse apartment. Under their feet was thick soft carpet.
Simple mission style furniture sat around a fireplace. Yet it was not that which caught their eyes. But the walls. Instead of the whitewashed blank surfaces, the entire wall and ceiling sang alive with primary colors. In the midst of it on a ladder stood his majesty's scribe, Rath. Reds, blues, and yellows laughed as they merged into powerful hieroglyphics that lined the living room walls. Overhead he'd painted a scene of stars in a heavenly sky. And along the walls were ceremonial friezes dedicated to Amenhotep, Rapses, and other Pharaohs of ancient history. Images of Thoth-Amon, and Isis stood watch by the library nook. Over the kitchen arch was an image of Sobek.
"Great Scott," she gasped, glancing over the entire room. "Oh... my word..."
"By Isis," Sohkarra breathed. She'd not seen such stunning work since the paintings in her own bedroom, or her Father's tomb. Rath had really outdone himself this time!
Marianne felt as if she'd been transported back in time. She'd seen recreations of the artwork, but never anything like this. Chipped paints on ancient tomb walls hinted the Egyptians liked bright colors. But she'd never envisioned them this beautiful. It was true magic.
"Ah, your Majesty," he said, glancing down at them with a look of surprise. "And... Marianne..."
"Rath... what have you done?" Sohkarra asked him.
"A spot of redecorating," Marianne breathed. Rath climbed down, his clothes speckled with ink and paint.
"What is the matter?" he asked, concern in his green eyes. "Do you not like it?
I... did not mean to offend you..."
"It's... its..." Marianne gasped.
Sohkarra was still in shock. "Do something nice," she muttered to herself. This certainly was... interesting. If JaKal saw this spectacle, he would burst his bandages in rage at Rath's carelessness. However, when she recalled that Cameron, Marianne's brother was an Egyptologist, the solution presented itself quite well. Perhaps Cameron had it done out of his love for ancient Egypt. Plus she just wouldn't tell JaKal.
"It's gorgeous, amazing... I love it!" Marianne breathed, and gleefully jumped into Rath's arms. Despite the fact he was covered in paint.
"I... am glad it meets with your approval," he coughed, and steadied himself as the force almost knocked him over. Those arms wrapped around his waist, and her cheek pressed against his chest. Rath gently slipped his arm around her as well.
This felt... rather nice. As pleasant as the last time she'd accidentally fallen into his arms. Yet this time she was genuinely interested. Her warmth convicted into him, warming his own body as if he were still alive.
"Thank you Sohkarra, for letting me out of there," said Marianne. "I promise I won't go from this place tonight. It means so much to me just to spend at least a few hours in my own home once more..."
The Princess laughed. "I think my work here is done," she winked.
"Whatever do you mean?" Rath asked.
"Have a good time, you two. But watch for Scarab. JaKal said he'd be out surely tonight."
"Very well," Rath said.
"Guard her well," Sohkarra said, with a mischievous wink. Rath sighed, and suddenly realized he'd gotten paint all over Marianne as she'd hugged him.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he remarked, as they broke apart.
"No, it's quite all right," she laughed, pulling off her coat. "It will come off... Meantime, let's order out for dinner! I know a great Chinese take out place that delivers..."
Sohkarra giggled to herself as she stepped lightly down the stairs. Already Ra had slipped between the sky and earth as she got on her Jetcycle.
Rath got a sense of deja-vu as they sat on her couch before her spirit box. The remnants of Chinese food lay on the coffee table before them. Thankfully it suited his palate far better than Beefy burgers. And the red wine in the tall thin glasses washed it down quite nicely. Still he tried not to kick the paper cartons over with his shoed foot as he rested it on the table as she did.
His green eyes returned to the movie on the recorder of Tales. It was a black and white film entitled "Casablanca." Most of it seemed to take place in a desert location, in the midst of what Marianne called World War II. Marianne slowly leaned against him, laying her head on his shoulder. He couldn't help but cough. "I'm sorry," said she. "Am I making you uncomfortable..."
"Er, no," Rath said, shifting his position as he slipped his arm around her shoulders. "Your comfort supersedes my own..."
"Is that so?" she asked him, glancing up into his face. He nodded, and she rested her head against his chest.
Upon the spirit box he saw the two people sharing an argument. Rath wasn't quite sure what to make of it. He's seen such things before, that they called soap operas. Was this one? Where people seemed to spend a great deal of time facing each other in staring matches or confrontation. Everything seemed like those tragedies that he'd seen performed so long ago. Strangely the subjects of their interpretation were accurate representations of life's drudgeries. Love never came easily. Not for a Scribe who had to put personal feelings second to his duty. On that fateful day when he'd left her, his star pupil, far behind.
Thoughts of her made him shiver uncomfortably. How could he explain this situation to her? How he felt? Now more than ever why would she want to get involved with him? Rath's brilliant mind could not think of any reasoning to justify his actions. "As you were previously discussing, you maintain that DNA is a plan... for life itself?" Rath said, trying to switch to a rather intellectual topic.
"That's exactly it," she said, glancing at him. "The double helix is the blueprint code... the language of life. By which nature reads the correct sequence, and makes proteins..."
"It still seems remarkably complex," said he, as he glanced at the flickering of her spirit box. Slowly he sipped more wine from his slender glass. It felt smooth and slick to his fingers.
"I always thought it remarkably complex," said she, snuggling closer to him.
"How on Earth you could remember so many symbols of hieroglyphics... and write them..."
"That," he sniffed mildly, setting down his empty wine glass. "Is why I attended school for the better part of my childhood."
"I feel as if I have been in school most of my life," she laughed. "Slaving away for the glory of science."
Rath could not help but laugh softly. All her life she'd been in school. From what he could gather, scientists of this time spent extensive amounts of time getting their degrees. "How long, precisely does a scientist attend school?"
"Let's see... in Britain... where I am from... it's the better part of 10 years. Then a qualifying set of a levels... a test... and it's off to University. Then four years later, I qualify to attend for a PHD... then it's one or two years of post doc... then..."
"Post doc?" Rath said, a bit puzzled.
"Apprenticing," she laughed. "That's probably what you'd think of it as..."
"Er, may I beg your leave to ask a question?" said Rath, looking down at her.
"You sound so official," laughed she.
"JaKal and Princess Sohkarra charged me responsible for your safety and comfort... And that is a position of deference..."
"Why is it that they act so distant, even though they are friendly towards me?"
"The Princess's trust is not so easily won, my lady. But rest assured, you have a few of us all ready that have begun to trust you…but rest assured they will not waver in their responsibility towards you."
"I don't know whether to be flattered, or ashamed that I know things now that few others would… and there is so much I don't understand," sighed she.
"Rest assured that we will protect you, as will these spells I have inscribed upon your walls… that when you slumber, you will be protected…"
"That is… so nice of you…"
"Now may I ask you a question?"
"Ask away," said she. As they sat on the sofa, Marianne sighed. That was the first smile in a long time that had appeared on his angular face. Why did he seem so relieved at such a revelation?
"If there was someone, say a friend that had been in a relationship... and that person's life ended... and he'd had a rather awkward time of it with a past love... and suddenly gained interest in another romantic entanglement... what would that someone do... hypothetically..."
"Sounds like a soap opera," said she. "Don't take them so seriously."
Rath coughed. "Of course not. They are hardly a true reflection upon your society..."
"Rath, if you don't put your arm around me this minute I think I would do something that would cause a very poor reflection of our society..."
"Is that a command?" asked he, a mischievous look in his eyes.
"If you have to ask my permission..." said she.
"I am under your orders," said Rath.
"Oh really," said she. "Then I command you to put your arms around me this minute..."
"Ahem... I suppose... I cannot refuse a command," he sighed. They faced each other, arms extending out to draw the other in. For a slender fellow, he seemed to have good musculature. Not as brawny perhaps as JaKal or Armon, but still very strong. Those arms pulled her closer as she was enveloped in them. She felt the need to be close to someone, in this waiting of danger. He wore that Nehru style green shirt, with a matching hat. But those were outer trappings for what was hidden. What secret reservation held him back, she wondered? She could sense the conflict written on his face. Was it because she was a scientist, not from his time?
"Do you have to do everything I tell you?"
"Within reason. Nothing that may endanger your safety, or compromise you..." Rath clarified, face inches from hers. Again she smelled that pungent incense smell. When this was over... she'd have to find him a less heavily scented cologne, like Old Spice, or Musk.
"So if I commanded you to kiss me, you'd have no choice but to obey," she joked. But the look on his face was deadly serious.
"If it is your pleasure, would you not feel compromised?" he said simply, leaning forwards. Inches from her face he hesitated, as if not certain what to do next. "Er, this is rather unprecedented."
Despite her reservations at his awkwardness, she folded arms behind his neck. "Rath, what precisely is going on here?" she asked him. "Every time it seems you are about to tell me, but you cannot put it in words…"
"Er... it's difficult to explain..." he stammered. "I... have not been in this predicament for quite a long time." Out of the corner of his eye he glanced at the spirit box for guidance. Fortunately Humphrey Bogart and Catharine Hepburn were in a similar position.
"Who requires words," asked she, folding arms behind his neck as she covered his mouth with hers.
"Are you quite sure this is... mmph!" he protested, before her mouth pressed firmly against his own. The sensation of her own lips to his was far different than he'd imagined. Moist and warm and alive. As her own fingers touched the side of his face he shivered. The slight dryness of his mouth mingled with the perfumed taste of the red wine he'd drank. His touch of his lips to hers was brief and timid, like a child kissing before he realizes it is bearable. She sighed at the gentleness, closing her eyes to blissful darkness that blurred with the rush of emotion. He felt her hot breath as her mouth opened, and a moist living tongue sought to investigate further. The feelings inside him churned as he pulled away.
"What's the matter?" she asked him, concern in her eyes. "You... don't quite kiss that way, do you?"
Confusion crossed his face. "It is rare in Msir that one opens their mouths during such a display," he stammered. "And it is a rather… personal gesture to me…"
"It... is usual here in this country..." said she, rather surprised. "But we British are somewhat more restrained... even so we are less restrained by societal norms concerning public displays of affection."
"If it is to what you are accustomed," said he, holding her out at arms length.
By now the thirty second kiss typical of old movies had come and gone. "But it is still rather bizarre... for I have only known you a short time."
She smiled, and couldn't help but laugh, "That is so. But sometimes there are forces in nature that cannot be denied, or phenomenon that cannot be explained by science…"
Perhaps he had been sorely wounded in a previous relationship, closing off his affections till now. When he could at last dust off old rusty skills of romance that had long lay dormant. Who had hurt him so badly? Had he once shared great affection with one who was separated from him in death? Or was it the result of a "bad breakup". There was more to each of their lives that they must discover in time. Yet she respected his need for privacy. For there were dark skeletons in her own closet she would not even reveal to her own flesh and blood, Cameron. But would there be time for such discovery for she had no idea how long she would be associated with these five ancient ones.
They broke apart with great regret as Marianne and Rath heard a faint musical shrilling. On the table, a silver ankh gleamed urgently. It seemed the equivalent of a pocket pager, for he scooped it up in one hand.
"What's wrong?" she asked, still feeling completely relaxed, more so than she had in weeks.
"It's Shabti," he remarked. "We had best return to the Sphinx... immediately."
"Can we not just hide here?" she asked him.
"I am sorely tempted," said he, regret in his green eyes. "But the Shabti, although rather lacking in intelligence, are attuned to the signature from my...and my companions' amulets."
"Is this a case where my wishes would lead to my being endangered..."
"Sadly, yes," said Rath, gripping her hands in his own. She shivered there, despite the fact the room was well heated.
"Then I give one last command that can be obeyed... would you... kiss me again... for good luck," she asked.
"Your wish is my command," he said softly, leaning forwards. Rath placed one hand under her chin cautiously, gently touching his lips to hers. It felt to Marianne as if someone was brushing a feather gently against her mouth. For a minute they remained that way, his fingers slipping through her dark hair as his other hand slid around her shoulders, drawing her in close. Her own breath was halted by the firm pressure of his mouth on hers.
"That was for courage, in addition to luck," said he, pulling back after but a minute. Yet the sweetness in that brief tentative contact sent a wave of thrill over her body. Such a simple gesture was filled with all the promise of a new love? Dare she hope that romance had found her in such an odd situation? A meeting of past and future.
"I thank you," she said, choking back tears that welled up. They helped each other on with their coats. He pulled on the long blue overcoat with a matching hat, and wound his grey woolen scarf about his neck. She grabbed her own raincoat and gloves. Holding her hand, he lead her out the door. They tripped lightly down the stairs towards the Jet cycle. Rath got on first, and Marianne second, wrapping her arms around his waist and clasping her hands across his chest. The feeling of her arms there was rather delightful, thought the Scribe. However pleasant, he had to push such thoughts aside for the upcoming battle...
As the Shabti reached the low dwelling, Scarab glanced through the crystal pyramid he kept on his desktop. It enabled him to see through the eyes of his clay creations. Over his shoulder Heka watched unimpressed. "Sorry boss," she laughed. "I think you struck out again!"
"I didn't ask for a running commentary," he snapped, pushing her aside with one hand. "I wanted to flush them out into the open. Then I can strike!"
"So what's the next part of your brilliant plan, o evil one?" she asked. Scarab pushed himself out from the desk, wheeled chair rolling quickly. He almost slipped off the plush cushions. Rising to his feet, he paced up and down.
"Well, speak of the devil!" Heka laughed.
His eyes glimpsed the image in the pyramid as it changed. A cruel smile crossed his ancient features. For in the images was Rath. And seated behind him on the bike was a girl.
"Who is that with him?"
"Are you blind?" she asked. "It's that girl from the museum! He's with her! What do you say now?"
"It's obvious. I take the girl, and the bracelet in one fell swoop! That idiot Rath will fall into my hands like the penny ante magician he is! But I want to be there to see the look on his face when I get my hands on that bracelet!"
Quickly he rushed to his private helicopter. "Track them down! But don't reveal yourselves yet..." he ordered through the glass pyramid.
Marianne's arms still hugged Rath's chest from behind as the wind whipped by them. "Quite a sprightly little bike this!" she called over the roar of the engine.
"I take it that means you admire my handiwork," said he.
"You constructed this?" she asked. "Wonders never cease? But how would you, an ancient Egyptian... possibly know how to make an internal combustion engine..."
"Naturally I observed the machines of this time!" he called back.
"But how could you possibly understand them?" asked Marianne, still amused at their lighthearted debate.
"I'll have you know I can figure anything out, my dear…"
Then his ankh gave a piercing shriek that sent chills down Marianne's spine. If she glanced back she could see other lights on the hilltops behind them.
Distantly the sound of engines crescendoed as they encroached. "Shabti traces," he announced. "I'm going to try and loose them through the park! Hang on!"
Marianne did just that as he swerved. It was all she could do not to be thrown from the cycle. Rath veered into Golden Gate Park, full throttle. Unfortunately the gap was fast closing betwixt them and their pursuers.
"Are you balmy?" she asked, holding him tighter. "They won't allow this sort of machine in here!"
"That's what I'm hoping," said Rath. "Trust me..."
Already night had fallen full upon the city of San Francisco. In the depths of the park they wound their cycle, hoping to elude their pursuers in the many curves and windings of the path. Marianne felt a strange sense of deja vu. As if her life itself had taken curves just as unpredictable.
They burst out of the trees into a clearing. Rath stopped the motor, and cut the lights. Several headlights zoomed past, the pitch rising and falling in the typical Doppler shift of sound. She held her breath as there were no more. "I think we have eluded them..." Rath said, glancing over his shoulder.
"I have a bad feeling," said she. "That you are mistaken…"
As if on cue they heard a loud laugh. From above. Glancing overhead they both saw a purple armored shape hovering fifty feet up. Rath gunned the engine to life, hoping to escape. Marianne left her stomach behind as they seemed to race off, and slowly rise into the air. Was it her imagination?
"You won't get away from me that easily, Rath!" laughed the voice again.
Marianne shivered when she realized it belonged to the same man who had attacked she and Sohkarra at the museum. But those bandaged figures she remembered who had come to their rescue. How were they connected to the time travelers. And she recalled Jaime's strange discussion with someone who didn't resemble the living. When she had first awakened, she recalled a visage wizened with great age. Had it been dream or reality. The boundaries between both had merged with her learning of magic.
Red flashes crashed against their craft. Rath tried his best to elude them, but to no avail. One inevitable laser shot through the wings, causing them to loose altitude. Grabbing Marianne, Rath tossed something from beneath his sleeve. It seemed to be a flat band, like a length of rope that snaked around a nearby light pole. She choked as the rope arrested their fall, Rath's arm around her waist. In a blaze of fire the cycle crashed somewhere beyond the park walls Rath's "rope" seemed to lengthen, lowering them tot he ground. Marianne was grateful to have pavement beneath her feet once more. Barely did they have a chance to catch their breath when more blasts rained from above.
"Quickly!" he called to Marianne. "Try the sphere of protection spell!"
Marianne crossed her arms over her chest, and chanted ancient words. Immediately the air seemed to solidify around her. All blasts crashed harmlessly against the barrier as she ran along after Rath.
Rath turned, and stopped. Between his fingertips he formed a small sphere of light. It grew to basketball size in his nimble fingers before he at last hurled it towards Scarab. Unfortunately it did no good.
"Surrender the girl, or be destroyed!" Scarab said, landing before them. Still Marianne kept up her barrier. Scarab's force beams could not penetrate it. But how long could she sustain it before she grew weary?
Rath came to a decision. Scarab couldn't split his attention between them. As he hammered at Marianne's barrier, he rushed into the bushes. "I'll get help!" he cried to her. "Hang on there!"
Marianne still struggled to keep up her barrier. At last it fizzled. But she was ready with the next shot. For raising her hand she seemed to hurl something at Scarab. A basic magic missile. It harmlessly crashed against his armor. "Foolish girl," he cackled. "You have not the belief for such magic. Your mind is tainted too much with the science of the time!"
Marianne tried another spell. Gesturing she summoned lightening. A few feeble strokes canceled out his immobilize ray. At least it held him at bay.
"With the Strength of Ra!" shouted a voice from the side. Green energy snaked about his form, and he wore his cobra armor. Brandishing his sword, he hurled it at Scarab. The wizard turned as the blade bounced off his armored form. Rath noted that Sohkarra's blush of life spell worked in concert with his armor, rendering him alive in it's use.
"Ah Rath!" he laughed. "At last I fight a real wizard? But in your case that's not the case!"
"Face someone your equal, evil one!" he said. Quite forgotten, Marianne backed away. Where had she seen that figure in cobra armor before? She recognized it as Rath, but he appeared in egyptian kilt as an ancient one. Yet there had been a figure in identical armor who had saved her from this same sorcerer, swathed in bandages. What was the connection here? And why did she think of the horse figure that had replaced Jaime Garret at the museum. How did Jaime connect with these people?
Rath summoned fire, blazing towards Scarab. The evil ex-vizier sent his own flames towards Rath. It seemed as if they were evenly matched. Rath was concerned. Usually he didn't rely upon magic, for to use it would drain his strength far more quickly. But if he could hold scarab's attention... he might relax his control on his Shabti.
He'd called for help. And perhaps he could hold his own... till then.
Marianne fumed. All that magic seemed for naught. What could she do? She was a scientist from the future. Why could she not accept that there were some things that could be unexplained. Such as ancient Egyptian magic?
As she watched the two battle spell for spell she realized Rath had a disadvantage. His spells seemed to grow weaker by the moment. Not to mention the fact that those strange Shabti were ringing in upon him. How could she help, with her feeble grasp of something she hardly believed in?
It wasn't fair. But perhaps there was something she could do. She was a scientist of this time, of their future. Had to think like one of their time, instead. Fight magic with magic. What did she understand of their magic? Rath said the bracelet could transform things into elements. But he only knew of four.
Elements were understood far differently in this time. Yet perhaps she could apply her own definition to save Rath. For she knew elements as one would understand them in modern science, those 92 on the Periodic Table. A much more different paradigm. Quickly she rushed at the first Shabti as it reached Rath. Clearing her mind as she had been taught she felt the clay. Sillicacious earth... and other components. Had to think of something less hazardous to her own body. For many elements were poisonous, such as lead and mercury. Carbon was far less harmless...
Instantly a patch of blackness spread from her fingertips. The Shabti started to turn to carbon before her eyes. But it seemed little help. She tried again. Some other element. Oxygen? No. Nitrogen. That was harmless. Holding her breath she touched it again. Instantly it dissipated to the four winds as it dispersed. Carbon became nitrogen as it disintegrated. She rushed to the next Shabti. There were far too many for this approach. Another gas. Oxygen.
Two Shabti saw her, and grabbed her arms. Carefully she concentrated, resting her hand upon one, and the other. Thought of Oxygen, and Hydrogen. Pushed the one against the other, and nothing happened. For the Hydrogen seemed to vanish.
"What is going on here?" Scarab gasped, realizing his Shabti, which were supposed to attack Rath, were disintegrating before his eyes.
"Get away from here!" Rath called to her.
"I cannot leave you!" she shouted. Another Shabti grabbed her from behind. Dropping to her knees, she recalled the move Armon had taught her. She levered, and hurled. The figure was far too heavy for her own strength. Then she thought of mercury, and a silver puddle dripped to the ground harmlessly. Rath and Scarab watched despite their own battle.
"What sorcery is this?" Scarab snarled. Rath swung his blade down. Only to have it blocked by Scarab's claw. The claw pushed down, as Rath struggled to lever it up. Suddenly Scarab stunned him with an immobilize blast. Rath froze stiff.
"Let him go!" Marianne cried to Scarab.
"Why should I, my dear?" he asked, advancing upon her.
"Because... I can make you rich," said she.
"I already have much money," said he.
"You have seen my power," said she. "I can turn things into gold for you..."
"Hah, that spell would not work. But I must admit, I am interested..."
But Scarab failed to notice that Rath was not as immobile as he first thought. As his back was turned, Rath suddenly moved. Marianne noticed this, but tried to keep her own interest on Scarab.
"Prove it," Scarab said, holding up his hand. "Turn my armor to Gold!"
Marianne concentrated, and suddenly the armor seemed to glow. But all too soon the luster vanished as the metal became dull. "That is worthless," he snarled. "You foolish girl! That is nothing to me..." he snarled. The claw closed around her throat, tightening. Marianne's hand struggled to reach his armor, but he held her out at arm's length, just out of reach. Magic shackles snaked from his other fingers, incarcerating her wrists. "Your abilities are nowhere near the level of she who rescued you." Something bounced off his armor. It was Rath's sword. The strange metal blade imbedded within the soft grey metal. "Huh?" Scarab asked turning his head. An evil gleam came in his eye. This metal seemed quite effective of a defense. For it absorbed the weapon itself!
Rath gestured, and the sword became a serpent, twining about Scarab's arm. It slithered to the ground, towards its master. "Release her!" he cried aloud.
"I do believe this girl means something to you," Scarab laughed. "I rather think you would not like her to be damaged. One move, and I break her neck..."
"That would be foolish of me to do so," he sighed, throwing down his sword. "For I... cannot... move against you..."
"It is quite a foolish thing to believe that the living could love one such as you," he continued, as his wings extended from the casing on his back. As he leapt to take off, he found he could not! Marianne noted this phrase with some question, despite the fact she was close to death herself.
"What madness is this?" he shouted. "I cannot fly!"
"That... is because you are too heavy..." Marianne choked, laughing despite the hand on her neck.
Angrily he hurled her aside. Rath raced forwards, arms outstretched to catch her. For a moment she lay there stunned in his arms. Red bolts flew in their general direction. "Shabti, destroy them both!" he ordered, transforming out of his armor.
As Rath set her on her feet, he asked, "What did you transmute his armor to?"
"Lead," she giggled. "And when he tried to fly... he could not..."
Shabti ringed them all around. Standing back to back, they were hemmed in.
"Shall we?" she asked.
"My pleasure..."
Rath's sword swung in glistening arcs. Marianne lashed out with a defensive kick, that smashed the arm off one Shabti. As another swung, she ducked, and reached forwards. Her fingers contacted its surface. A strange blackness closed over its surface as it became charcoal. Then she summoned a small burst of electricity, catching fire to the carbon. Another she grabbed, transmuting it to inert helium which seemed to drift away on the breeze.
But it seemed hopeless. A question of numbers. Both were separated in the writhing mass of clay. Marianne struggled to turn more and more into other elements. But she was rapidly growing weary. All the mental concentration it took made her dizzy. So dizzy that she did not notice as Scarab's magic blast stunned her. Rath spun about, and rushed towards her. But Scarab raised his staff high above her.
"Now, an end to this foolishness," he said. "I will take the girl..."
"No!" shouted Rath, hurling energy towards him. Scarab raised his hands to fend off the blow, but found himself catapulted backwards.
"What... how..." he stammered, rising to his feet. Shabti positioned themselves between Scarab and the advancing Cobra guardian. "You... cannot have that power... to knock me down! It's not possible... Unless..."
"That's right!" shouted a female voice. Rubbing his jaw Scarab saw a golden figure at the controls of a Jetcycle. The characteristic horse armor indicated it was the Princess herself. Mental bolts crashed against his Shabti.
Fire arrows rained all around. Sohkarra's spell had rendered them all in living forms beneath their armor. For it was the nature of her magic to work in concert with the enchantments of Amenhotep. As long as her spell lasted, they would remain with the illusion of life even in armored form.
JaKal was at his true love's side, backing her up as she landed. Nefertina and Armon raced in, smashing their way to Rath, who, after breathing a sigh of relief that they had finally arrived, grabbed Marianne in his arms as he ran.
As JaKal and Nefertina and Armon fell upon Scarab, Sohkarra turned. Somehow she felt she was needed. Quickly she rushed to Rath's side as he hovered over Marianne.
"I'll take care of her," she said, gently pressing her hand to the scientist's brow. "It's just a small concussion..."
The world seemed to blur out as Marianne slipped into unconsciousness. When she at last came around she saw a small figure in horse armor leaning over her. "Oh, what hit me," she gasped, rubbing her head.
"Too much magic," Sohkarra smiled, glad her telekinetic push had brought Marianne around. "It happens to the best of us when we try to overexert ourselves...." She realized that she recognized the voice, as that of Jaime Garret! Could it be possible they were one and the same?
"As I recall, it happened to you a number of times, your Majesty," came a deep voice. Slowly Sohkarra helped Marianne to her feet. She blinked, and looked around. Still they were in the park. A golden Hawk had landed, folding his wings as he came towards Sohkarra and the prostrate scientist.
"Is she..."
"She's fine," said Sohkarra. Then Marianne realized it must be so; that Jaime was Sohkarra! It would explain much. But still she wasn't sure what was real anymore.
"Where is Scarab?" Marianne asked. "Rath... is he all right..."
"I am fine," came Rath's voice. Slowly he came towards Marianne. Rath shivered.
What if she should see what he really was? Marianne raced to him, her arms flung wide. "Rath, you're all right," she breathed. Gently he pushed her back with one gauntleted hand as she struggled to embrace him. At first she thought it was because he didn't want her to harm herself on his armor. For metal was difficult and uncomfortable to embrace.
"There... is something you should know," he coughed, holding her out at arm's length. "Stand back a moment."
"Rath, whatever is the matter?" she asked. She could not see his face save his eyes shadowed beneath the cobra hood.
"I cannot lie to you. My companions and I are not only from the past... we are the past..." said he.
"Of course. You told me you came forwards in time. Sohkarra was telling me about the existence of a time machine... and naturally I had assumed you had used it to come to our time…"
"That is not the complete explanation..." said he. "I feel... I owe you the truth. For we both know how we feel..."
"Rath whatever it is, I will understand," said she.
"You might not. However I must risk it. Please understand I hold you in the highest regard, no matter what your reaction will be..."
"Rath, trust me..." said she.
His hand went to his chest. Instantly the green light returned, and enveloped his form. An eerie wail split her ears as his armor vanished. Before her stood a figure, bandage swathed. The angular face was slightly wizened and grey of flesh. Still those impossibly green eyes glanced at her with concern. Around his hips was wrapped an ancient Msirian kilt. And a matching green and gold headdress graced his bandaged head, giving him greater height. Those green eyes seemed mysteriously shaded beneath it's front, giving him a wise and mystical appearance. He still clenched the sword in his one hand, the blade pointed down. A flap of bandage protruded from beneath his hat, flapping like the tail of a bishop's miter in the breeze.
"This is what I truly am," said he. "One of the exhibits that you study so diligently."
For a moment her blue eyes were filled with disbelief. Tears slipped into them. For that bandaged figure who had rescued her those weeks ago and the man she had come to love were one and the same!
Rath turned away, head lowered. "I will comprehend if you cannot feel the same for me... as I do for you..."
"Are you all... what I think you are?" she asked, appealing to JaKal and the others assembled there. All around her the others transformed, hands going to their chests. Energy crackled and blazed as four other figures stood before her. All but the Princess were swathed in bandages, resin thick with the centuries past. She recognized the smell of mummification, well acquainted as she was with these odors.
"Good grief," she breathed, trying to take in the truth. For JaKal, Armon, and Nefertina glanced cautiously, as if alerted for another enemy. She shivered, at the sight of what should have been relegated to a glass display case in a museum.... or a laboratory bench top. Cameron had been right. The ancient magic of Msir was far greater than many miracles of modern science. Here was living...or undead proof of that fact.
Looking at Sohkarra, asked, "Why do you look 'normal'? You don't look as though you've aged at all!"
"The magics of ancient Msir are powerful indeed. Someday I will explain all to you." Sohkarra answered, not yet ready to reveal the most important of their secrets.
"We are sorry to have deceived you," JaKal apologized. "But we have our reasons. Only a few may know of our existence here. And you can understand why..."
"Why you must hide from the modern world. I can imagine why. At the first instance you'd become a subject upon the lab bench..." she sighed, pressing her eyes shut with shame.
Sohkarra moved closer. "I hope... we can still be friends."
"Always. And your secret will stay within me," said she, quietly as she hugged herself.
Sohkarra coughed gently under her breath, intimating to the others to withdraw. Laying an arm on JaKal's shoulder, she led him a distance from the scribe and the scientist. Nefertina and Armon also slipped to one side. Then she withdrew to talk to Marianne privately.
"Do you wish that I wipe the events of the past few days from your mind.? IT is within my power to make you forget and thus your safety would be insured. And you would have no memory of us."
"No, I've grown fond of all of you, and the risk is worth continuing our association. I would risk death itself to claim you as friends, and become an ally in your cause. For I as a scientist strive to learn the truth, and I can take the responsibility with that knowledge. But I respect the fact that you asked before you wiped my mind…"
"I would do no less that do so, my friend," said Sohkarra, inclining her head.
Marianne went over to Rath; her emotions still in turmoil. A feeling came over her quite unlike anything she had ever experienced before. She was not about to let this opportunity slip away. No matter the cost.
"It... has been a pleasure, having you as a student," Rath said quietly, still with his back to her. Those eyes closed fast beneath his shaded brow. "I can imagine... what you must be thinking..."
Would he have to face the same pain of rejection as he had so many times before? How a student would grow to love him, as he them. Yet there was always a line that would never be crossed. No matter what the feelings in his heart. For he had crossed that line with Chontra, and the feelings were mutual. Only now he knew they weren't real, for she only saw the power not the man. And Marianne had learned much power from him, but he had seen such lines could be crossed, for hadn't Sohkarra and JaKal proven this to be so?
"There is a saying... in my people. The truth will set you free," she said, voice low. Rath could not see her face. Why was she still there? Why had she not run in fear?
"I had to risk telling you. Even if it means we cannot be..."
He felt her hand on his bandaged shoulder. "Rath... please turn and face me," she implored. "I cannot deny how I feel... no more than you..."
He turned about, and saw a mix of surprise, and a bit of fear. But the softness and sadness was there too in her eyes. A hope sprang within him, and he could not believe the next thing she did! Screwing up her courage she threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him tightly. Gently she brushed her nose against his. She dared not think what possible germs or diseases could come from necrotic flesh. That was one possible explanation for the death of those who opened king Tutankhamen's sarcophagus. Strange germs that had not seen the light of day for centuries suddenly attacking living bodies.
Rath gently encircled her waist with his arms. Still he clenched his serpent sword in one hand as it closed behind her back. "I... do believe... this is the customary way... to show affection in your time," she said, choking back her voice as it broke with mingled joy and sadness.
"It is to what I am accustomed," he breathed, hardly able to suppress his own joy as he held her closer. His arms pulled her in more firmly, as if she'd vanish like the elusive dream love seemed for him.
"You... it is astonishing to me," he said. "You did not react... as I anticipated. Did not run in fear... are you not frightened now that I have revealed my true nature to you?"
"I... know the consequences.. and I am frightened. But know this... in this time we try not to judge by appearance, race or creed. For you have a heart and a soul, as I do, and they are both noble and capable of great kindness," she said, and this time kissed him full on the mouth. This time she felt the dryness of his nose as it slid against hers. A taste of rich myrrh and incense stung her mouth and her own tongue, but the sudden shivers invoked seemed well worth it.
Rath's protests of surprise softened as with equal tenderness he returned the kiss again. Small fingers touched the texture of the wrappings on his neck, trying to caress them as if they were his own skin. She relaxed totally, going limp in his arms as she leaned backwards. Her moist breath seemed to tickle his mouth in quite a lovely way. Marianne felt she was becoming accustomed to the taste of myrrh. Delicious. Ever more tightly he clung to her, increasing the gentle pressure of his lips upon hers. For what seemed like a long time they returned kiss after kiss that way, each more sincere than the last. As he clutched her tightly to himself she was literally lifted off her feet. The love he had once had so long ago for his one true beloved was alive… not the same way, but hadn't she long ago said that love for each was different? Just as JaKal had once loved Tia, then come to love Sohkarra in a different way. So could this be with him.
Sohkarra, in JaKal's arms saw the couple as they kissed. She had to admit she hadn't been sure that Rath should pursue a living woman. But perhaps it wasn't so wrong. For Marianne looked beyond the exterior to the beauty of Rath's soul beneath. And in response to that thought, softly said the blush of life spell, and immediately saw that Rath was once again bathed in the color of life. Neither of them even noticed, so occupied were they.
"Does that inspire you, or what?" she said, fingering JaKal's smooth visored helmet, they had all once again armored up in the event someone saw them. She pushed back the visor on her own to reveal her face.
"Hmm," he smiled. "I do believe they have a show in this time... called 'The Odd Couple'..."
"Was that a joke I heard, JaKal?" she teased him gently, as his blue gauntleted arms pulled her closer to his bandaged form.
"It is in season, a prey not to let slip the net," he joked. "For you are quite a catch Princess, for a guardian like myself."
"You're quite the catch yourself," she laughed, and their lips met eagerly.
Nefertina and Armon smiled at each other as they watched the Scribe and the Scientist. Somehow things were going to get very interesting indeed.
"She finally shut him up," Armon laughed. "Now that's amazing..."
"Yeah," Nefertina sighed to herself with a wistful expression on her face. When would it be her time to find love? She could only pray to Ra that she would be so fortunate. That the Fates would smile upon her as they had upon JaKal, Rath , and her Princess.
She had no idea how soon that wish would come to fruition. And from where it would come.
There was still the threat of discovery, looming in the distance. It took the form of Cameron Ellis, Marianne's own brother. For in her pursuit of Rath, and their eventual acceptance, she put them all at risk. Sohkarra knew this to be a possibility, yet she trusted that Marianne would remain true to their cause and their need for secrecy. For as in ancient Egypt, knowledge was kept secret among those who dared find the truths of the universe. Marianne knew this to be so, as the priests and priestesses of old. One could not anticipate the conflict that would arise in their lives now that past had touched future and were trying to find common ground on which to meet.
