"I hope they're alright in there." Ja-Kal commented, standing just inside the entrance and Nefer-Tina just nodded looking towards the back of the building.
"Don't worry, Ja-Kal. We haven't heard any shouting or loud crashes so Jade and Rath must be working things out." Nefer-Tina commented though when Jade and Rath didn't return she sighed, heading inside though as she neared the staircase leading up into the building she caught sight of someone standing at the very top of the stairs.
"Hello? Can someone please give me some assistance?" Rath called out, shifting his grip on me when I leaned heavily against his shoulder.
"Ugh this is a pain." I muttered, one hand pressed to my forehead as I struggled to even keep my feet under me. "Rath, maybe you should just leave me on one of those beds."
"Nonsense, Jade. I did not spend the day searching for you only to leave you behind the moment I find you again." Rath commented and that brought a tired smile to my face as he kept one arm wrapped securely around my shoulders and the other around my waist. "There must be someone who can help us navigate these stairs."
"Rath, Jade?" I heard Nefer-Tina's voice calling out from somewhere below us and I let out ab breath as Nefer-Tina stepped into view staring up at us as Rath shifted his grip on me making sure I wasn't going to topple off the landing. "There you two are. We've been looking everywhere for you." She called out and Rath rolled his eyes, waiting until she finally climbed up to where we were standing.
"Apparently you didn't look far enough." Rath grumbled and I just sighed, resting my head on his shoulder to distract him. "Jade is too exhausted to negotiate these stairs and I cannot carry her on my own. Is Armon with you?" He asked, letting his frustration go when he saw me running my right hand over my eyes.
"Did someone call my name?" Armon called out, moving into view and Rath nodded waiting until he climbed the stairs. When he didn't make a move to help instead staring up at the scholar I groaned, knowing exactly what was coming. "How did you get up there?"
"Climbing the stairs obviously." Rath muttered through gritted teeth and I managed a weak giggle finding the whole situation funny despite how tired I felt. "Jade, we really should be getting back to the sphinx." He added with a sigh and I nodded, gripping the handrail as Armon joined us on the landing.
"Rath was trying to get me down the stairs but I'm too tired to even walk. Armon, could you carry me back to the Hot-Ra?" I asked as Rath grasped my arm, worried that I would trip and end up at the bottom of the stairs.
"No problemo, Jade." Armon said, lifting me into his arms without any effort and as he started to walk back down Rath quickly followed keeping his eyes on me the entire time just in case.
"Rath, she's fine with Armon so quit worrying so much." Nefer-Tina told him but the scholar wasn't as convinced not letting me out of his sight as Armon rejoined our friends.
"I am sorry, Nefer-Tina but Jade is only weary because I allowed her to run away." Rath answered, not giving Nefer-Tina a chance to respond as he hurried after Armon.
"Sorry about Rath." Nefer-Tina answered as she rejoined her friends looking on with a faint smile as Rath caught up with Armon, the scholar reaching out before he gave my hand a squeeze which I returned. "He's not quite himself."
"He's just worried about Jade. After she disappeared he's been beside himself with worry." Ja-Kal commented as they followed the mummies outside in time to see Rath standing next to the Hot-Ra.
"Now be very gentle with her, Armon." Rath advised and I snorted as Armon gently lifted me into the passenger-side seat of the Hot-Ra. "I think I should be the one to drive." He added, climbing into the driver's seat.
"He's being awfully protective of Jade." Theo commented once they stood beside the vehicle and I sighed giving Rath a raised eyebrow as he fiddled with my seat-belt.
"Rath, I can put my own seat-belt on you know. I'm tired not helpless." I complained as the seat-belt clicked shut and he lifted his head in time to see me frowning at him. Once he lowered his head slightly I sighed, reaching over before I gave his shoulder a pat. "Look I appreciate the help but I'm perfectly fine, Rath. I'll just be glad to get back to the sphinx."
"I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself but I still don't want anything to happen to you." Rath replied and I cracked a tiny smile, leaning in. He felt his cheeks burn as I pressed a kiss to his cheek and he cleared his throat when everyone started to laugh. "Yes well if everyone is through laughing at me maybe we should be going." He grumbled, unable to hide a tiny smile when I leaned over resting my head on his shoulder.
Once we said our goodbyes to Theo, Rosie, Max and Wilcox Rath drove us back as carefully as he could, aware of any speed bumps in the road. Tired of how slowly he was driving Nefer-Tina wanted to take the wheel instead until she saw that Jade had fallen asleep during the drive back and she sighed, for once not arguing about Rath's much safer driving.
"Jade, sorry to wake you from your nap but we're home." Rath's voice called from nearby and I cracked open an eye to find him leaning over me.
"That's okay, Rath. I can't stay in the Hot-Ra all day." I replied as he reached over and after I took his hand in mine he helped me from the vehicle. "Thanks for driving so carefully. I don't think we hit a single speed bump." I added as I leaned on Rath's shoulder.
"I tried to make the ride back as smooth as I could, Jade." Rath answered as he walked me back to our sarcophagi. "But I'm surprised you noticed since you slept the entire trip back." He told me with a faint smile chuckling softly as we reached my sarcophagus first.
"Oh hah hah, Rath. I did spend most of the night and the next day away from my sarcophagus so of course I'm exhausted. Still I'm glad to be back." I countered as I sat on the blanket still spread out.
"I am glad you are back safe and sound as well, Jade." Rath told me, kneeling beside me and after he draped his arm around my shoulders I couldn't help the small smile I had.
"I didn't really get to say it but thanks for coming to find me. I wasn't thinking clearly and I just..." I trailed off when Rath shook his head, lightly patting my shoulder.
"As long as you are safe, Jade that is all that matters. Though next time if something is troubling let me know and I will do my best to help you." Rath said and I grinned covering his hand with my own before I leaned in and Rath copied me, our lips barely touching before Rath remembered that we had company and I giggled at the frown on his face.
"Maybe tomorrow we can go on a date." I suggested, hoping that would make him feel better and Rath smiled at me, brushing a kiss against my forehead that left me with a goofy smile on my face. "Hopefully this time no one interrupts us."
The next morning Rath found me already up and eating breakfast with Ja-Kal, Nefer-Tina and Armon and I waved at him getting a wave in return. "Nice to see you up so early, Jade." Rath commented, taking a seat beside me when I shifted over.
"I'm feeling a lot better, Rath. Besides I wanted to be up bright and early for our date today." I explained, pushing the bowl of fruit towards him and he nodded at me.
"I was thinking about going to the park." We both suggested and I giggled as he laughed.
"Great minds think alike I believe." Rath commented and I grinned as he took an apple from the bowl. "Hopefully this time Scarab will leave us alone."
While we discussed the date in the park Scarab paced back and forth, Heka rolling her eyes at her master. "Scarab, face it. The mummies aren't going to let you just take Prince Rapses spirit without a fight. Besides they have that fifth mummy helping them now too."
"That's the problem, Heka. If Rath hadn't stopped me we would have destroyed him and the rest of those accursed mummies." Scarab grumbled as he walked over to where Heka was coiled around a book.
"Maybe you should try getting rid of Rath instead of their friend. Even Chontra couldn't turn her against them." Heka commented, flicking through the pages of the book until Scarab stopped pacing. When he suddenly grinned she shook her head. "You have a plan don't you? Tell me it's not to control that woman again. You do remember how well that worked don't you?"
"How could I forget? That was a dead end. Clearly Rath is the problem in this case. Without his brilliant mind he'd be a failure as a guardian." Scarab replied, scratching at his chin with a cold smile. "So if I take away his mind..." He trailed off when Heka stared at him.
"How exactly are you going to do that? Rath isn't going to just sit back and let you make him stupid." Heka answered but Scarab ignored her, crossing the room to the cauldron in the middle of the room.
"He won't even know he's losing his mind until it's too late, Heka. Once I find the right spell all I need is a distraction." Scarab replied, chuckling as he started to search his scrolls and books. It didn't take him long to find a spell similar to the one he used on Armon to steal his strength and as he gathered the ingredients he needed Heka slithered over to the cauldron, peering at her master with a frown. Filling the cauldron with water he dropped the ingredients into the cauldron a small grin on his face as the water began boil.
"I hope this works, Scarab because it didn't exactly work on Armon." Heka commented, watching with some interest as Scarab waved his hands above the cauldron.
"Oh this time it will work, Heka and with Rath out of the picture we'll be one step closer to stealing Prince Rapses spirit." Scarab laughed and after a pause Heka just grinned, not completely convinced as she watched on as the potion glowed. Picking up a small bowl he filled it and as he headed over to a table Heka slithered along the floor following him in time to see him picking up a small scarab beetle.
Opening a small compartment he filled the beetle with the potion, closing the compartment before he set down the bowl. "There now I just need to hit Rath with this and the potion will do its work." He said, thinking about how best to bring the mummies into the open.
Just over an hour later I wrapped my arms around Rath's waist, my head resting on his back as the Jet-Cycle shot across the ramp. As we drove onto the road Rath gave me a tiny smile and I grinned back as he sped up moving fast through the streets. "To the park, Jade?" Rath asked and I nodded, content as the Jet-Cycle raced towards the park.
Later I helped Rath spread the blanket over the grass and after I straightened I watched as Rath picked up the picnic basket. "It is a perfect day." Rath commented and I nodded, helping him unpack before he sat beside me on the blanket. "No Scarab or Chontra to interrupt us."
"Yes it is perfect, Rath. Thanks for suggesting it." I replied and he chuckled, draping an arm around my shoulders.
"If I recall we both suggested it. Still it was a wonderful idea and for once we don't have to worry about Scarab showing his face. Since Prince Rapses is safe and far from here we don't have to worry about being interrupted." Rath answered, smiling at me when I rested my head on his lap.
"There they are, Scarab. Didn't think it would be this easy to find them." Heka commented as Scarab flew towards the park and he chuckled, circling the area as he made sure the area was clear of witnesses. "Well?"
"Neither did I but Ra for once is smiling down on me. We need to draw them out first, Heka." Scarab answered, narrowing his eyes as Rath handed me a grape. "But I know exactly how to do that." He added, aiming at the grove of trees we were lying under. I'd barely even swallowed the grape when something struck the trees around us and as the leaves covered us I scrambled to my feet, staring up in time to see the trees shaking. "There, that should be enough."
"Jade, look out!" Rath called while I was distracted as one of the trees started to topple towards me. Racing towards me Rath grabbed me, diving out of the way as the trunk struck the ground. Shaking my head I looked up as Rath held out his hand, pulling me to my feet and as I cleaned grass from my legs he looked around. "Trees don't just topple over on their own."
"Of course not, Rath. I thought you were the smart one too." Heka chuckled as Scarab landed on the grass a few feet from us and I narrowed my eyes as Rath stepped forward looking just as angry. "That got their attention." She commented as Scarab sent his shabti soldiers dressed this time as civilians towards us and I smiled, looking forward to putting my Egypt-Su training to good use.
"That was the plan of course, Heka." Scarab muttered, aiming Heka at Rath and he blinked as the fireball flew at him.
"With the strength of Ra!" We called out, our armor appearing and Rath's hands glowed as he called his sword. Swinging his sword Rath blocked the fireball and I grinned, aiming before I threw a dagger at Scarab who dodged to one side.
As they shattered Rath swung his sword cleaving two more into pieces. "You're doing wonderfully, Jade. Just keep your head up more when you aim." Rath called out and I laughed, kicking another shabti directly in the chest before I drove my daggers into another one's face. As I ducked a blast from one of the shabtis' specters I narrowed my eyes at Scarab.
"You ruined our picnic, Scarab. Now I'm really mad!" I yelled and Heka sniggered as Scarab laughed. Rath looked up in time to see me racing towards Scarab who took to the sky and Rath's eyes widened as Scarab aimed his hand at me.
"Jade, look out!" He yelled as I pulled back my arm, aiming one of my daggers at Scarab's face. Just as I let go of the dagger Scarab fired at me and Rath shot forward, knocking me out of the way just in time. As the blast hit him he cried out, falling to one knee.
I rushed towards him only to catch the second blast of energy Scarab sent my way and I yelped, tumbling to the grass below. Dazed, Rath didn't see what Scarab threw at his armor but after he shook his head to clear it Rath pushed himself up using his sword.
"Jade, are you alright?" Rath asked me, helping me up and I coughed rubbing my chest before I glared up at Scarab. "You'll pay for that, Scarab!" He yelled, aiming his sword only to blink as Scarab just laughed flying away and Rath blinked.
"Okay that was too easy. Why attack us if he's just going to run away? I mean he's not even outnumbered." I asked, helping Scarab dispatch the last of the shabtis.
"Yes that is unusual for him but at least Prince Rapses is safe. Well our latest date is a bust." Rath answered and I sighed, looking around at the blackened leaves scattered around the blanket. "You know if we can salvage the blanket I have an idea." He said and I raised an eyebrow moving to grab the blanket out from under the fallen trunk.
Sometime later I sat beside Rath, the blanket lying beside my sarcophagus. With my head resting on one of Rath's shoulders I grinned. "Okay this is perfect. No way would Scarab find us here." I sighed and Rath nodded, a book resting on his lap. "So what's that book about?"
"I'm glad you asked, Jade." Rath answered, showing me some sketches on each page. "It is a book that contains knowledge on the gods and goddesses of Egypt."
"Hmm which god is that?" I asked, pointing to a crocodile-headed god.
"Sobek, god of the Nile." He answered without a pause and I grinned, pointing to another god with a jackal head. "That one is easy, Jade. That is...his name is..." He paused, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. "That is strange. I can't seem to recall his name."
"Rath, are you feeling alright? Maybe that blast from Scarab did more damage to you than we thought." I asked but Rath just shook his head offering me a tiny smile.
"Nonsense, Jade. I am perfectly fine but thank you for your concern." Rath answered and I shrugged, looking back at the book. "Anubis. That is what I meant to say."
"If you say so, Rath." I finally sighed but as he flicked through the book I noticed Rath taking longer than usual to name each of the gods I pointed to.
Rath's probably tired from the battle. Maybe after he rests in his sarcophagus he'll be back to his old self.
What I didn't know was as Rath showed me the gods and goddess in the book he was thinking something similar.
That was very strange. I know these gods as well as I know my magic. Why did I have trouble answering Jade? Maybe I do need to rest.
When our friends returned I told them about the battle between us and Scarab and Ja-Kal frowned, looking a little worried as Rath set down the book on his worktable.
"I know Rath won't admit but he's been acting strange." I said, glancing over at Rath who rubbed at his eyes.
"Strange how exactly?" Ja-Kal asked and after I looked over to see Rath unrolling a scroll I sighed.
"When Rath was showing me a book all about the gods he had trouble telling me their names. Plus he keeps rubbing his forehead." I explained in time to see Rath wincing, his gaze on the scroll and as I watched he seemed to pause staring at the scroll.
"Hmm now what exactly was I doing?" Rath muttered not even noticing when I walked over to him though he looked up when I touched his shoulder. "Yes, Jade?"
"Rath, you know you can tell if something's bothering you right?" I asked him and he just sighed, shaking his head at me. "But before you couldn't..." I trailed off when he shrugged off my hand crossing his arms against his chest with one eyebrow raised at me.
"Jade, I know more about the god and goddesses of Egypt in one of my fingers than you do in your whole hand. I believe that's how the saying goes anyway." Rath shot back and I rubbed at my eyes, walking away with my arms at my sides and my head down.
"Rath, that was uncalled for. Jade is just trying to help you." Ja-Kal told the scholar and after a few seconds Rath pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I don't know what came over me, Ja-Kal. Jade, wait for me." Rath called out, hurrying after me and I just snorted at him when he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You didn't have to snap at me, Rath. I wasn't the one who attacked you remember?" I grumbled and he sighed, reaching down before he gave my hand a squeeze.
"I know, Jade and I am very sorry. Maybe I should rest in my sarcophagus for a while. I do feel awfully strange right now." Rath apologized and I nodded walking him back to his sarcophagus. I didn't leave him until he closed the lid and when I returned to my friends Armon patted my back.
"Don't worry about him, Jade. Rath just needs a nap." Armon suggested and I nodded but I couldn't shake the feeling that Rath's odd behavior had only just started.