Gathering around the table that the mummies used for eating meals, Rath's friends watched as he reread the note Jade had left him.
"Rath, you need to calm down and let us see that note." Nefer-Tina commented though when the scholar didn't answer she sighed moving quickly and he yelped as she snatched it out of his hand.
"Nefer-Tina, that was uncalled for." He scolded, momentarily forgetting why he was so upset as she fixed him with a tiny smile. "Look I have every right to be upset. Jade has run away."
Shaking her head Nefer-Tina read the note her eyebrows shooting towards her forehead as Ja-Kal and Armon watched. After handing it off to them she crossed her arms looking towards Rath who had resumed pacing.
"Dear Rath To my friends,
By the time you find this note I will be far away from the sphinx. I've been thinking about this for a while now and I finally realized that I am putting too much pressure on you all. You are the guardians of the reincarnated prince and that is your duty, not to watch out for me and keep me safe.
So this is goodbye and I am sorry that I can't stay but even with my armor I wasn't up to protecting my friends. I know that I can never measure up to your skills and experience and I was kidding myself when I thought I could ever be a guardian like you all. Signed, Jade Price."
After Ja-Kal finished reading the note out aloud he frowned looking towards his friends who stared at him.
"I checked the whole sphinx and Jade took her clothes. I'm not sure how long she's been gone but it must have happened before sunrise as her bed has not been touched." Rath explained, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I knew she was upset about what Chontra tried to make her do but I didn't think she'd run away. If I had known she was having these thoughts I could have tried to stop her."
"Rath, this isn't your fault. Jade probably just needs sometime to herself. She'll be back." Ja-Kal suggested and Rath nodded, brightening as Ja-Kal handed him back the note. "While we wait for Prince Rapses you should find something to occupy your time."
Rath wasn't completely positive that Jade would return but without knowing exactly where she went after leaving the sphinx, staying put was his best option. Though that didn't make it any easier knowing that Jade was out there somewhere in the city, alone and miserable.
"Hey guys!" Presley called out and Rath looked up as the reincarnated prince walked into the room. Ja-Kal, Nefer-Tina and Armon greeted him but when Rath turned back to his studies Presley frowned, wondering what had happened during the time he'd been home. "Did something happen, Rath?" He asked and Rath just sighed, nodding towards Jade's sarcophagus where Kahti had curled up.
"Jade's run away?" Presley asked once he read the note Rath handed him. "Shouldn't we be looking for her?"
"I am sure she will return." Rath replied, trying for calm but the way he kept fiddling with a loose bandage his eyes on the floor made Presley see how worried he was. "Eventually." He finally added, tucking the loose bandage behind his wrist.
Right now I was wandering the streets, my hands pushed into my pockets of my jacket as I tried to work out where I should go.
"I need to go somewhere but where? Wish I'd spent a little more time reading a map though the time I wasted was pretty well spent." I muttered to myself, not caring if anyone heard me. "No I can't think about him now. I'm running away from the sphinx and if I keep thinking about my friends it'll make me even more homesick." I mumbled, forcing myself to keep walking but as I turned a corner I bumped right into someone and I yelped unable to stop myself from falling onto my backside.
Frustrated I rubbed at my eyes though as I raised my head when a hand was offered I found myself staring into a few faces I knew very well.
"Jade, what are you doing wandering around here?" Theo asked, helping me to my feet and after I dusted my bandages off I just sighed.
"If you really want to know I...left my friends." When Theo, Max, Rosie and Wilcox just stared at me I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "I ran away." I admitted and Theo just shook his head clamping a hand on my shoulder before he started to pull me in one direction. Confused I planted my feet and he raised an eyebrow at me until Rosie finally spoke.
"You should come with us to the Mission District homeless shelter. I know there's more you're not telling us, Jade." Rosie explained and with a shrug I followed my friends secretly pleased that someone had found me before I had gotten hopelessly lost in the city.
An hour passed and as I sat around an empty table with my friends I pinched the bridge of my nose, finishing my story with a frown on my face. "I just knew I was a trouble magnet when Scarab and Chontra used magic to control me. If Rath hadn't broken through to me I don't even want to know what I would have done to him." I finished, staring at the bowl of tomato soup in front of me.
"You can't believe that, Jade. Like Rath keeps telling you you're pretty strong." Theo answered and I just shrugged, picking up my spoon though I just picked at my soup too busy wondering how my friends were doing now that I was gone to have any sort of an appetite.
"I know it's not really my fault but I just can't stand causing any trouble for them." I answered in a small voice, pushing the bowl away from me. "They would be better off not having to constantly watch out with me."
While I spent time away from my friends Rath tried to find something to occupy his time though as the hours ticked by he grew more and more worried. Unable to concentrate on his studies he leaned against his worktable instead, shaking his head.
"Rath, face it. You're worried about Jade." Nefer-Tina commented and Rath just shrugged, crossing his arms against his chest before he raised an eyebrow at the cat guardian. "Oh really? Is that why the floor's littered with your apology letters?" She replied and he raised his other eyebrow at her as she snatched up a scrunched up piece of papyrus near her feet.
"Dear Jade, I am sorry that I messed up and made you think that I...," She began until he quickly crossed the room but Nefer-Tina just pulled it away from him giving the older mummy a grin as he frowned at her, "Didn't love you." She finished, handing him back the note which he took and as he fiddled with it she sighed. "Rath, you need to tell her that yourself."
"It might already be too late for words, Nefer-Tina. Jade walked away from what we could have had and all because I was too stubborn to admit that I loved her like I thought I loved Chontra." Rath answered and Nefer-Tina grinned, lightly patting the mummy on his back. "Why are you smiling?"
"Rath, Jade's probably on her way back here right now." Nefer-Tina commented and Rath just snorted, arms at his sides as he glanced at the many notes crumbled up all over the floor near the table. "Hey if you're that worried about her let's go for a ride in the Hot-Ra and look for her." She suggested and when he finally managed a weak smile she grinned at him.
"Finally." Armon said, clapping his friend on the back and Rath blinked confused as Ja-Kal and Armon grinned at him. "We were wondering how long it would take you to finally search for her."
"Yes, Rath. We knew you could not wait for Jade to return." Ja-Kal agreed and Rath nodded, quickly heading for the Hot-Ra parked in the garage. As they headed into the city I lay back on one of the empty beds, staring at the ceiling.
"He's probably on his way now, Jade." Rosie told me and I just nodded, pushing up before I crossed my legs under me. "So what happened to...Chontra was it?"
"She's long gone hopefully. Woman can certainly hold a grudge against Rath." I explained, rubbing at my eyes. "Unlike her I actually care about Rath."
"So I can see, Jade. You really care about him that much?" Rosie answered and I nodded, lying back when my head started to ache. "You feeling okay?"
"Just a little tired. I left during the night so I didn't really get any sleep last night." I replied, barely covering my mouth when I yawned. "But I want to keep searching for Rath."
"You can't do that if you collapse, Jade. I'll keep a lookout in case Rath comes past if you want." Rosie offered and I nodded, barely even seeing her leave the room as my eyes drifted shut.
"Can't you drive any faster, Nefer-Tina?" Rath called out from just behind Ja-Kal's seat and everyone turned to see him chewing his lip a habit he'd picked up from Jade. Seeing everyone staring at him he sighed, sitting back. "I am sorry but I am just worried that Jade has come to harm." He answered and Ja-Kal reached over patting his shoulder.
"I know, Rath. We're all worried about Jade." Ja-Kal answered as Rath looked through the window. "But getting upset won't find her any faster."
"I am aware of that, Ja-Kal." Rath muttered, focusing all of his attention on the street but as he looked around he frowned. "Nefer-Tina, stop the Hot-Ra!" He called out and Nefer-Tina quickly stepped on the brake, looking on puzzled as Rath quickly jumped out of the vehicle.
"Rath, what is it?" Ja-Kal called out but the scholar didn't respond quickly racing towards a group of three people. Shaking his head the hunter raced after him only slowing once he realized he knew them.
"Rath, there you are. We've been looking all over for you." Theo said and Rath let out a breath, looking on with a faint smile as his friends followed him back to the Hot-Ra. "Nice lookin' vehicle." He commented, looking it over.
"Yes it is isn't it?" Rath answered, shaking his head when he remembered that he was supposed to be searching for Jade. "Never mind that now. You haven't seen Jade in the city have you?"
"Actually that's what we needed to tell you. Jade's safe and sound at the homeless shelter you helped set up." Max told Rath and Rath ran a hand over his face, unable to believe that Jade was safe. "Something wrong?"
"Thank Ra she's safe. Jade left during the night and we have not heard from her since. I was afraid that something terrible had happened to her." Rath explained as Nefer-Tina parked the car on the side of the road. "Tell me. Is she well?"
"Tired and missing you, Rath. Everyone really but especially you." Rosie answered as she reached her friends. "She's inside right now resting." She added, blinking as Rath quickly muttered a thank you before he started to jog towards the homeless shelter leaving everyone a little shocked.
"Guess he's just worried about Jade. Never usually see him this worried unless Prince Rapses is in danger." Armon replied as everyone watched Rath turn the corner. "Should we follow him?"
"Actually I think it's better that we not interfere. Rath and Jade need to work this out for themselves." Ja-Kal answered, hoping that they would reconcile soon.
Rath found the Mission District homeless shelter soon afterwards and as he made his way inside he noticed that no one seemed to give him a second glance. Which normally would suit him fine but when he reached the far end of the first floor he frowned, suddenly aware he didn't know where Jade could be.
Shaking his head he searched the room until he found a young woman who reminded him of Jade serving soup from a large saucepan and when he cleared his throat she looked up to see a bandaged man wearing a snake amulet staring at her. "I am sorry to interrupt but I need to know if you have seen a woman with bandages like mine." Rath asked, waiting until she blinked at him.
"Though she has been seen wearing a black jacket and jeans I believe they're called." He added, feeling very out of place until she finally pointed towards a set of stairs. Nodding at her Rath quickly rushed back the way he'd come, finding the stairs and after taking deep breath he hurried up towards the floor where he hoped Jade was waiting.
He'd just walked into the nearest room, his eyes searching the beds until he spotted someone he knew all too well. "There you are." Rath whispered, slowly making his way towards the bed as he wondered just what he could say to her. "I am sorry I did not see how badly you were affected when Chontra controlled your mind. If you had told me you wanted me to teach you magic I would have become your teacher." He muttered as he reached Jade's side, his left hand moving to her shoulder but then he hesitated when he saw how peaceful she looked. Deciding not to wake her Rath sat on the empty bed beside her instead, content when he saw she looked tired but unharmed.
"I am glad that our friends found you again. I must admit I was afraid that something terrible would befall you if you continued to wander the streets alone." Rath said, closing his eyes so he didn't catch my eyes slowly opening. "Jade, I never wanted you to think that my duty always came first. I know I did make a pledge to protect Prince Rapses all those years ago but that doesn't mean I can't look after you too."
"Rath?" I whispered, pushing myself up by my elbows and as I rubbed at my eyes to clear them he gave me a tiny smile. "When did you get here? How did you get here?" I asked, yawning and he sighed. Seeing him looking at me with a slightly down-turned face I shook my head, lightly patting the bed and after some hesitation he finally sat beside me.
"Why would you run away like that, Jade?" Rath asked and I frowned at him, crossing my arms against my chest until he cleared his throat. "Jade, I did not mean it like that. When I found your note it was already morning. You have been gone for hours and I was worried that something might have happened to you." He added, placing a hand on my shoulder and I turned my head my lips pressed together.
"You just won't admit I can take care of myself, Rath. You went looking for me only to prove I couldn't look after myself and I guess you were right." I shot back, turning my head to see him staring at me silently. "Well let's hear it, Rath. You were right and I was wrong."
"Jade, I came looking for you because I was afraid that I wouldn't get another chance to tell you how sorry I am." Rath started and as I watched he took a deep breath, both hands now resting on my shoulders. "You mean as much to me as the young prince and I am deeply sorry if I made you think that our time together meant nothing. When I felt myself growing attached to you I was scared. It is not easy for me to get attached to someone when I know I am risking giving away my heart to someone who may not feel the same way about me."
"Haven't I already told you that my feelings for you aren't a trick?" I told him and Rath nodded, unsure what to say next as I stared directly at his face. "If you want the truth I only left the sphinx because I wanted to make sure no one else got hurt. You couldn't know how much it hurt to walk away like that, from my friends and someone I want to spend more time getting to know."
"You honestly think that when Scarab or Chontra hunt us down it's your fault?" Rath asked, blinking when I nodded at him. Resting my head on my knees I wrapped my arms around my legs with a sigh, lowering my head so Rath couldn't see my eyes. "Why would you think that, Jade?"
"Explain why they always show up when I'm hanging out with you guys?" I asked, lifting my head when I felt an arm on my shoulder.
"They're after Prince Rapses' soul and because you just happen to be protecting him..." He trailed off when I chewed my lower lip, thinking before I rested my head on his shoulder. "Well you understand now don't you?" He asked me and I closed my eyes mentally kicking myself for being so stubborn.
"You're right, Rath. Since I've been helping you guys Scarab keeps trying to destroy me too." I admitted and Rath nodded, secretly pleased when I finally rested my legs on the bed. "Wish I'd stopped and thought about it more."
"Instead of running away you need to think, Jade." Rath answered and I lifted my head lightly smacking his chest with my fist. "Was that supposed to hurt?" He teased and I snorted at him.
"I was trying to make a point, Rath." I replied and when he lifted his head looking at me with one raised eyebrow I managed a weak laugh. "You make mistakes just like I do, Rath so stop acting so high and mighty."
"High and mighty?" Rath asked, blinking at me with a slight frown on his lips. "I'll have you know I think before I act unlike a certain someone I will not mention." He commented, clearing his throat once I shifted away from him. "That came out all wrong." He added when I sniffed, looking away as he reached down wrapping his fingers around mine.
"Like you've never made a mistake, Rath." I whispered in a small voice, coughing when I felt tears threaten. "Is that why you came looking for me? To point out my mistakes?" I asked him and he sighed, squeezing my hand without offering any answer. Though it didn't take him long to answer me so I stayed silent.
"Jade, at first I waited for you to return but as the hours passed I grew more and more anxious. You were upset by what happened yesterday and I only wanted to help you see that none of it was your fault. I know that you can look after yourself but I just needed to know you were safe. If you don't want to continue living with us in the sphinx...I...I will understand." Rath told me not believing his own words as he gave my hand a final squeeze.
"I don't want to leave you or my friends. I was just confused and upset by everything that's happened and I thought it was the best way of keeping everyone safe." I muttered, tears leaking down my cheeks. "I know I made a huge mistake but I was just so scared and I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me."
"It was never your fault, Jade. Being a guardian is never going to be easy but I know that given time and practice you will make a fine guardian for Prince Rapses." Rath told me and I lifted my head finding him looking at me with a smile on his face. "If that's what you still want."
"You...you really think so, Rath?" I asked him though after he gave me a slow nod, frowning slightly as tears trickled down my cheeks I shifted closer and he blinked as I buried my face in his chest. Without hesitating he wrapped his arms around my back holding me as I broke down.
"There, there. Everything will be alright." Rath said, rubbing my back as I sobbed. Once my tears stopped I gripped his back worried that I might still be dreaming and he'd vanish if I relaxed my grip. "Jade, you don't need to worry. I will not vanish as you are not dreaming." He pointed out, half joking as I finally released my hold on him looking at Rath with two raised eyebrows.
"Okay how on earth did you figure out that's what I was thinking?" I asked him and he shrugged, silent as I rested my head under his chin. "You know what? I'm just going to be grateful that you found me." I muttered and he chuckled softly, draping his arm around my shoulders. Silence filled the room for the next few minutes though when I let out a breath, still not sure why I felt the need to, Rath reached up gently tousling my hair.
"You need to rest, Jade but not here. Do you think you can make it back to the Hot-Ra?" Rath suggested, helping me stand when I started to climb from the bed. "One foot in front of the other." Rath chuckled and I rolled my eyes as he draped his arm around my shoulders carefully walking me towards the stairs only to pause. "This...is a problem."