**You like it! YEAH! I was a little shy on printing the story but now I'm glad I did! Thanks for the support it means a lot and OH MY GOD! All the review are great! It makes me smile! Anyway, here's the next chapter, I'm sorry I was a little slow on posting it, I apologize. Remember the three R's. Reading, Relaxing and Reviewing!!!**
**Disclaimer-refer to first chapter**
Chapter 4- The Duty of a Friend
It had been three days since Presley's abrupt departure and although the tension had lessened it still hung over all of them like a veil. Of the group, Prince Rapses was the one who seemed to be the least distracted by this strain. While the others tended to keep to themselves and preferred silence Prince Rapses asked an infinite amount of questions involving this new world of which he was fascinated.
As had been the pattern for the past three days, the prince continually had lessons from each of his guardians. Just as Presley had planned, the young prince had a guardian around him at all times.
Prince Rapses and Armon sat infront of the television eating pizza of which they had received from a terrified delivery boy who forgot to ask for payment after seeing the large, burly and dead man take the cardboard box from his hands. The prince had been watching the television for several hours now trying to absorb everything that he was viewing. He had only been out of the Sphinx several times and on these occasions he had never let the giant monument out of his sight. He had seen the flashing lights, cars and people dressed in strange garments of this modern day world and although he was enthralled but it all it frightened him as well. If a mother had seen the young boy sitting only inches from the screen she would have scolded him that he was going to permanently damage his eyes. Rapses watched intently as ESPN played last seasons NASCAR races. He smiled as he watched the cars fly around the track going over one hundred and sixty miles per hour and was awed by the magic
that these horseless chariots had about them.
When a commercial for Goodyear tires came on the young prince ripped his eyes away from the television to look at his eating companion. "Armon, I want to go for a ride in a horseless chariot."
Swallowing a huge mouthful of pepperoni pizza Armon glanced at the boy on the floor. "Nefer-tina would be a better person to ask about horseless chariots `o prince."
Prince Rapses got to his feet excitedly. "Do you think she would take me for a ride in Hot-Ra?"
Armon shrugged and raised his hand palms up. "Go and ask her my prince. She will probably give you a tour of the city."
"Okay!" Prince Rapses ran out of the room elated by the discovery that he would be seeing this new world with his own eyes rather than the televisions.
Armon sighed and returned to the one thing that had never before failed in making him happy, food. But even when he looked at the pizza he was reminded of the person who had first introduced him to this wonderful dish. He sighed again while eating the pizza that, for once in his lifetime, did not satisfy him as it had always seemed to. He watched with little interest as the voice coming from the television narrated what has happening to the racecars on the screen. He was slightly startled when a tall figure came into the room and glanced at the mess of pizza boxes in distaste.
"Ja-Kal has said that we are all going on a tour with Prince Rapses." The scribe looked around again at the mess that was covering the sofa table. It was messy even for Armon. He turned to walk away. "We have to teach the prince what we know about this world." Rath gaze fell to the floor and he murmured into the air. "We know so little of what is actually out there."
Armon nodded his head in agreement not bringing up the fact that Rath had just done something that he never does. He had admitted that even he didn't know everything. The normal friendly bickering that had always taken place had been put aside as they all came to grips with what they had supposedly lost. Armon came over to Rath and the two friends walked side by side in silence to the garage where the other two members of the team and Prince Rapses waited.
Prince Rapses, Ja-Kal and Nefer-tina were already seated inside of Hot-Ra. The prince fidgeted with impatience, his eagerness hardly being contained despite the seatbelt that was strapped across his chest.
The prince spotted Rath and Armon. "Come on guys!" If he hadn't have been sitting down strapped into the Hot-Ra the young prince would have been jumping from one foot to the other. "By the gods, can't you walk a little faster?!"
By then both Rath and Armon had reached the dragster style car and were sitting down themselves. Rath turned to the young prince. "Please forgive us for inconveniencing you `o prince."
The prince stopped squirming and smiled. "That's alright, you're here now." He looked expectantly at Nefer-tina. "Well what are we waiting for?!" He mimicked a saying that he had heard on the magic box. "Let's rock `n roll!"
With a slight bob of her head Nefer-tina revved the engine of the Hot-Ra and in a flash the car was speeding down the streets and into the cool air of the San Francisco night.
* * * * * *
The air was cool and carried the heavy, wet feeling of an approaching rain, despite the fact that the weatherman had forecasted sunny mild days for the next week. The once white fluffy clouds were now black and swollen, churning with the winds of the high atmosphere. These condensed forms of water now covered the moons' mysterious face that had previously lit the ground. Now only the streetlights let any travelers see the way infront of them adding a cautious sense to those outside. The breeze continued to be gentle but it still carried the threat of a stronger front that would cause the tree leaves to rustle and stray pieces of litter to be tossed around as if they were mere playthings in the hands of the gods. In a way they would be, for nature's powers were unrivaled and contained the fury, tenderness and nurturing of the earth. A gentle rain would cause plants to be nourished and provide animals with liquid but a monsoon could destroy countless trees and kill innocent
animals. Nature was a force that changed temperaments as often and as quickly as one person blinks an eye.
The night was dark and it gave people a sense of foreboding preventing them from walking aimlessly through the city. Because of this, the streets were empty save for one boy who was as gloomy as the weather around him and didn't notice this warning. He had been skateboarding from his friend Walter's house and had refused a ride from Walter's mother. Presley had not enjoyed himself at his friends like he used too but he had become very good at acting as if he were happy. It was only when he was alone that he opened up to his sorrow for the world to see.
It had been three days since he had left them. Three days that he had perfected the technique of hiding his painful emotions from others. His mother had at first suspected something but she didn't say anything to her son in fear of making him more depressed then he was. So she had left him to his own devices, however, still keeping a concerned eye on him because her motherly intuition told her to.
Presley had fled out of the Sphinx running until he could run no longer and his tired muscles gave out from underneath him. Then he had cried. He cried, for the loss of his friends and the realization that with the power that he had once came a responsibility. Presley knew deep down in his heart that he had done the right thing and although he knew that it wouldn't be soon that he would be happy for them.
As he walked now, carrying the forgotten skateboard under his arm, he thought of them and what he had done for his friends. He had not just preformed his duty as a prince, of which he was no longer; he had preformed his duty and loyalties as a friend. He stopped, looking up at the clouds and watched as the shadows of lightning danced across their surfaces. Presley sighed. `Why did they still call me their prince? Didn't they realize that I'm just Presley Carnovan now?' A smirk crossed his face. `Back to my old self. I don't have to worry about Shapties or mad gods or greedy advisors. I can play wherever I want, whenever.' Presley looked down from study of the clouds to the sidewalk that was under his feet. He swallowed and emotions that was from his past. `I lost another one. My real father left years ago and he's never been around enough to watch me grow. Now I've lost another, Ja-Kal.' Presley snorted and spoke into the darkness that seemed to be thickening. "I'm probably
destined never to have a real father." He resumed his walk home. `I know I did the right thing but why do I feel so bad?' He remembered his mother telling him that a woman had called for him and that she had, had a strange name, Nefer-tina. She had tried to call Presley but he hadn't returned the call. `I'm not ready to talk to them, not yet. Maybe later when they get their prince settled into his new life even if it is temporary. I hope that they will be happy whatever happens to them.' As he walked he felt pain, sorrow, remorse, and miserable all at once and he had never thought that in such a short time he would ever learn to care about these people so much. They were like a family to him. Armon with his carefree and friendly personality was a big brother and an uncle rolled into one. Rath with his sharp mind and arrogance and yet deep down caring ways was also like an uncle. Nefer-tina with her playful, fun and friendly manner was like a sister and an aunt. Finally there
was Ja-Kal. He was the resourceful, calm, silent man who had shown Presley that he was proud of the young boy. The outings that they had been on together and the experiences they had shared. Ja-Kal, his surrogate father, whom Presley loved as if he was his real father. They were going to be memories, their time here only to be remembered by the memories in his heart. Presley's eyes glistened with tears as he mourned for the loss of his friends that had been part of his family.
Walking down the street wallowing in his own emotions Presley didn't notice the figures that moved silently from shadow to shadow watching and waiting for the order that would make them jump out of their concealment. Watching the boy in his misery didn't affect these silent forms. They were Shapties and felt no emotions; they only had one desire, to carry out their masters' wishes. As a rhythm of thunder shook the earth the stone servants were given the command to move in. Leaping out of the black shades they pounced on their prey who didn't realize what was happening until it was too late.
When Presley was grabbed by stone like grasps he realized that he was in danger and the last thing that he thought before a sharp pain in the back of his head caused him to slip into the dark void of unconsciousness was, `Who's going to protect me now?'
As the mobile statues carried away their subdued victim, the clouds that had been threatening, opened up covering the ground in a gentle rain that would cause one to wonder if for some strange reason the heavens were crying.
* * * * * *
After answering what seemed to be the two thousandth question from the boy prince Ja-Kal sighed. `Where we this curious when we first arrived here?' He smiled slightly when he remembered then that it was Presley who had been unfortunate person who had answered their seemingly endless amount of question. `I know how he feels.' Ja-Kal stopped smiling and felt a pang of pain. `I only wish I knew how he felt now.' As Ja-Kal looked around now at the other guardians he saw deep in their eyes the same questions and worry that were reverberating in his own mind.
The ever-curious prince continued to ask questions. "Oh, Ja-Kal what's that?" He pointed out the window to a laundry mat and when he didn't get an answer he looked at his quiet keeper. "Ja-Kal?" When he again received no response he glanced at the others in the car. He saw what he had seen for the past three days, a pain and an anguish of not knowing. Not knowing what had happened to the first and only real person that they had known in this modern world, Presley. Prince Rapses knew what the boy had done and why. He knew because he had been part of Presley for his entire life. Presley was a part of him just as he was a part of Presley. He decided that it was time that his four sullen guardians discover the same answer.
He sighed knowing that this would be a long story. "Guys?" None of them gave the slightest recognition that they had heard him. He was beginning to become frustrated that he was being ignored. There was only so much patience that a prince could give his subordinates even if they were his friends. "How dare you all ignore your prince!"
This forceful statement snapped them all back to attention. They looked at eachother but it was Rath who spoke first. "We are sorry your highness. Please be gracious enough to accept our most humble of apologies."
Prince Rapses smiled at finally getting his attention although he had to be slightly mean to them. "I'm not mad or anything I was concerned because you all seem so sad."
Ja-Kal realized their folly and tried to cover it. "We are not sad my prince. Where did you get such an idea?"
The young prince let out an exasperated sigh. He had known them all long enough to be able to tell when they were lying or trying to cover up something. "You lie to me Ja-Kal." Ja-Kal looked down at the floor of the Hot-Ra. "I know you all to be concerned about Presley." He paused. "Nefer-tina you better stop this horseless chariot because I think it's about time I explain what Presley did and why."
Nefer-tina looked back at her prince and with a surprised expression apparent on her face. She nodded her head and parked the Hot-Ra in the empty mall parking lot they had happened to been passing by at that moment. The four companions regarded eachother unsure of how to respond.
When the car had stopped and the prince saw their unsure faces he reasoned it best to start without waiting to ask if they were ready. "You all understand how much duty means to most people do you not?" He paused, waiting for their response. When they all nodded he continued. "We all have our duties whether it be to our families, our pharaoh or ourselves. Most may not realize this but a pharaoh or prince has a duty that is hard and requires a tireless obedience. My father told me of this duty as soon as I was old enough to understand it. He told me that regardless of how old you are, how preoccupied or how weary you might become that I must remember this duty. It is the duty to the people. He told me that without the people there would be no pharaoh because there would be no country or people to rule over and guide. If the people suffer so does the pharaoh. If the people go to war so does the pharaoh. His people's problems are his problems. My father was trying to teach me
to respect those who were lower then I because they were all important in the grand scale of the kingdom. He showed me that without farmers we wouldn't have had anything to eat, without doctors we would be unhealthy. When a pharaoh or general gave out an order during war it was the soldiers that carried it out. I learned all of these things and never forgot them and because I was a part of Presley he learned them as well. He saw what you all gave up in order to perform your duties and he knew what you sacrificed through me. But he also saw this through the emotions that you all expressed. He knew that you hurt and felt pain over the losses of these things but he could only imagine the quantities because he hadn't lived them himself." He looked at Ja-Kal. "He knew that you Ja-Kal gave up your family." He looked at each of them in turn. "He knew that you all gave up loved ones, friends and years of your lives to protect him or us thousands of years ago and were required to do
it again. He knew that your afterlives had been interrupted so that you could protect him. The more that he understood this the worse that he felt until he knew that he had to perform his duty to his people or more importantly to him, his friends. He had to make his people happy. So he formulated a plan. He knew that it was only Prince Rapses spirit, my spirit that was preventing you from joining your friends, families and loved ones in the other realm. He thought that it would be easier if he or I could stay at the Sphinx constantly so that you could guard him, er me, all the time. But he knew that couldn't be done because he had a life to lead in this world. He thought that if his plan could happen then his guardians could hunt down Scarab, destroy him then go back beyond the western gate. So he engrossed himself in his studies and found a spell that would separate my spirit from his and allow me to stay here and he did just that. It made him extremely un-happy to do this
but it was the only way he knew and he knew deep down that your happiness came before his own. You are his friends and just as you would do anything to make your friends happy and take away their pain he did the same. The reason that he got angry at you was because he was trying to say good-bye and you were making it harder than it had to be." Rapses gave an affectionate smile to the mummies when he saw their sober faces. "It's not your fault though because none of you understood what he was doing. Nefer-tina he probably didn't return you message because he wasn't ready to face you because he..." The young prince broke off suddenly and clutched a hand to his stomach as a pain abruptly developed.
The guardians who had been listening to every word that their prince uttered watched as the face of Prince Rapses turned milky white and he breathed heavily as if he had just been struck in the stomach.
Armon leaned over the prince anxiously. "What is the matter `o prince?"
They watched in concern and apprehension as the boy prince straightened and his face resumed its natural tan shade. When he answered them it was in a voice that was calm but was betrayed by a worried tone underneath. His eyes were distressed and a worry line appeared on his brow. "He's in trouble. Something horrible has happened to him."
Ja-Kal was relieved when he saw that his prince was no longer in any physical discomfort but when he heard the words that were uttered from Prince Rapses mouth Ja-Kal was afraid to ask the response in fear that he already knew the answer. "Who is in trouble my prince? What has happened?"
Prince Rapses fixed his eyes on to Ja-Kal and quietly said the answer that the falcon guardian had been dreading to hear. "Presley. Something terrible has happened to Presley."
Ja-Kal blinked and tore his eyes away from those of his prince. He felt a surge of emotions that flooded his mind and he didn't know which one to let take control. Anger, concern, pain, sorrow, anxiety, fury, desolation, grief and many more that he couldn't name struggled to seize control and render him helpless. Though there was a whirling battle waging in his body, Ja-Kal listened as the other guardians questioned the prince.
Nefer-tina who was initially shocked by his answer reconfigured herself quickly. "Who has him my prince and why would they want to?" Nefer-tina was becoming more worried as time went by as were the rest of them.
Prince Rapses looked at her with a sad smile. "I believe it is Scarab and it is because he does not know that my spirit no longer dwells inside of Presley."
Armon who was leaning awkwardly out of his front seat twisted around to a more comfortable position. "He won't hurt him, will he?"
Rath who had said nothing for a time finally spoke. "I hope not Armon but Scarab is known to do anything so that he can get what he wants." He ended in sad tones that showed that the scribe was more concerned and worried than his manner portrayed.
There was an uncomfortable silence as they sat there. The guardians wanted to go and help their friend but they knew that their first obligation was to their prince. Prince Rapses knew that they wouldn't go and help Presley without his consent and he wanted to save his counterpart because Presley was a part of him and he knew that if anything ever happened to the boy his guardians would never be able to forgive themselves.
The ancient Egyptian prince cut the tension with his voice. "What are you all waiting for? Didn't any of you just listen to what I finished saying? What about a persons' duty to a friend?" Prince Rapses smiled mentally knowing that the mummies would understand his meaning.
Finally getting the rush of emotions under control Ja-Kal resumed his role as leader. "Thank you `o prince for your generosity." He turned to Rath and began to assert his authority. "Rath, can you find him?"
Rath tilted his head to one side, which was a sure sign that he was in deep thought. "I could find him, if he still had Prince Rapses spirit to track but he no longer does." He looked at Ja-Kal his face a blend of sadness and frustration.
Ja-Kal sighed. "Well, we have to take the prince back to the safety of the Sphinx so we will do that first then we can--"
"I can find Presley." Prince Rapses interrupted with his own suggestion.
The four mummies looked at their prince with puzzlement and disbelief. Ja-Kal's first reaction was to put aside the boys' suggestion but when the falcon guardian realized that it was probably the only lead that they had he decided to take it. "How can you find him my prince?"
Prince Rapses smiled at finally being able to join in fighting a known enemy. "With your eyes closed can you touch the tip of your nose with your thumb?" He chuckled when he saw Armon try it. "Presley was a part of me just as I was a part of him. So, just as I can sense he is in trouble I can guide you to where he is."
Rath, Armon and Nefer-tina exchanged glances. The decision was up to their leader. Even though they knew that they couldn't risk their prince they wanted to help their young friend more than anything else. They waited while their leader sat quietly for a moment while he came up with an answer.
Ja-Kal uncrossed his arms having made up his mind and he was determined to go through with it. "Lead us to him my prince." He saw the boy princes' face light up at the prospect that he would have a chance at this venture. Ja-Kal spoke sternly. "But as soon as we reach him you must stay in the Hot-Ra." The mummy saw the princes' face fall and explained. "You must stay safe my prince we cannot have anything happen to you." Ja-Kal placed a hand on the boy' shoulder. "Besides the lion must know when to withdraw from a stronger enemy so that he can return to fight again."
Prince Rapses nodded his head in agreement and the four guardians slouched suddenly as if a weight was lifted off their shoulders. Nefer-tina turned the Hot-Ra back on they all resumed their positions in silence. They all knew that they were heading off to a battle where they didn't know what to expect.
Ja-Kal's body was tense and he couldn't shake the feeling that they wouldn't reach Presley in time. He swallowed that knowing that he would be of little help if he couldn't control his feelings. He looked up to the sky that had just recently stopped its gentle shower but the clouds still retained its threat of a tremendous storm. He begged to all the gods to listen to his prayers. `Let us not be too late and protect Presley until we come. Please Presley be strong, we're coming to save you. Be strong. I don't want to lose you too.' Ja-Kal stifled the lump when he remembered why Presley was in this predicament in the first place. It was because the youth didn't want any of his mummified friends to feel any pain. Then it dawned on Ja-Kal as if a light had suddenly been turned on. `Presley thinks that it was only because of Prince Rapses spirit that we cared for him.' The ancient hunter cursed himself inwardly at his failure for not recognizing it earlier. `I am Ja-Kal his
guardian and friend, I should have known. If only he knew how wrong he was.' As he sat in the Hot-Ra, the car racing through the empty streets following the princes' directions, Ja-Kal felt as if every second that went by was wasted time that they didn't have. Even though the turmoil in his heart managed to remain composed, though for how much longer he could not tell.
**So...what did you think?! Did you like it? Again, PLEASE take just a moment to review and the same drill as always...I need at least three! But hey, more is always welcome. I don't care if it just...Lilianna-hi! Or whatever but take the time out of your busy lives. Thanks!
Your Bud,
Lilianna
**Disclaimer-refer to first chapter**
Chapter 4- The Duty of a Friend
It had been three days since Presley's abrupt departure and although the tension had lessened it still hung over all of them like a veil. Of the group, Prince Rapses was the one who seemed to be the least distracted by this strain. While the others tended to keep to themselves and preferred silence Prince Rapses asked an infinite amount of questions involving this new world of which he was fascinated.
As had been the pattern for the past three days, the prince continually had lessons from each of his guardians. Just as Presley had planned, the young prince had a guardian around him at all times.
Prince Rapses and Armon sat infront of the television eating pizza of which they had received from a terrified delivery boy who forgot to ask for payment after seeing the large, burly and dead man take the cardboard box from his hands. The prince had been watching the television for several hours now trying to absorb everything that he was viewing. He had only been out of the Sphinx several times and on these occasions he had never let the giant monument out of his sight. He had seen the flashing lights, cars and people dressed in strange garments of this modern day world and although he was enthralled but it all it frightened him as well. If a mother had seen the young boy sitting only inches from the screen she would have scolded him that he was going to permanently damage his eyes. Rapses watched intently as ESPN played last seasons NASCAR races. He smiled as he watched the cars fly around the track going over one hundred and sixty miles per hour and was awed by the magic
that these horseless chariots had about them.
When a commercial for Goodyear tires came on the young prince ripped his eyes away from the television to look at his eating companion. "Armon, I want to go for a ride in a horseless chariot."
Swallowing a huge mouthful of pepperoni pizza Armon glanced at the boy on the floor. "Nefer-tina would be a better person to ask about horseless chariots `o prince."
Prince Rapses got to his feet excitedly. "Do you think she would take me for a ride in Hot-Ra?"
Armon shrugged and raised his hand palms up. "Go and ask her my prince. She will probably give you a tour of the city."
"Okay!" Prince Rapses ran out of the room elated by the discovery that he would be seeing this new world with his own eyes rather than the televisions.
Armon sighed and returned to the one thing that had never before failed in making him happy, food. But even when he looked at the pizza he was reminded of the person who had first introduced him to this wonderful dish. He sighed again while eating the pizza that, for once in his lifetime, did not satisfy him as it had always seemed to. He watched with little interest as the voice coming from the television narrated what has happening to the racecars on the screen. He was slightly startled when a tall figure came into the room and glanced at the mess of pizza boxes in distaste.
"Ja-Kal has said that we are all going on a tour with Prince Rapses." The scribe looked around again at the mess that was covering the sofa table. It was messy even for Armon. He turned to walk away. "We have to teach the prince what we know about this world." Rath gaze fell to the floor and he murmured into the air. "We know so little of what is actually out there."
Armon nodded his head in agreement not bringing up the fact that Rath had just done something that he never does. He had admitted that even he didn't know everything. The normal friendly bickering that had always taken place had been put aside as they all came to grips with what they had supposedly lost. Armon came over to Rath and the two friends walked side by side in silence to the garage where the other two members of the team and Prince Rapses waited.
Prince Rapses, Ja-Kal and Nefer-tina were already seated inside of Hot-Ra. The prince fidgeted with impatience, his eagerness hardly being contained despite the seatbelt that was strapped across his chest.
The prince spotted Rath and Armon. "Come on guys!" If he hadn't have been sitting down strapped into the Hot-Ra the young prince would have been jumping from one foot to the other. "By the gods, can't you walk a little faster?!"
By then both Rath and Armon had reached the dragster style car and were sitting down themselves. Rath turned to the young prince. "Please forgive us for inconveniencing you `o prince."
The prince stopped squirming and smiled. "That's alright, you're here now." He looked expectantly at Nefer-tina. "Well what are we waiting for?!" He mimicked a saying that he had heard on the magic box. "Let's rock `n roll!"
With a slight bob of her head Nefer-tina revved the engine of the Hot-Ra and in a flash the car was speeding down the streets and into the cool air of the San Francisco night.
* * * * * *
The air was cool and carried the heavy, wet feeling of an approaching rain, despite the fact that the weatherman had forecasted sunny mild days for the next week. The once white fluffy clouds were now black and swollen, churning with the winds of the high atmosphere. These condensed forms of water now covered the moons' mysterious face that had previously lit the ground. Now only the streetlights let any travelers see the way infront of them adding a cautious sense to those outside. The breeze continued to be gentle but it still carried the threat of a stronger front that would cause the tree leaves to rustle and stray pieces of litter to be tossed around as if they were mere playthings in the hands of the gods. In a way they would be, for nature's powers were unrivaled and contained the fury, tenderness and nurturing of the earth. A gentle rain would cause plants to be nourished and provide animals with liquid but a monsoon could destroy countless trees and kill innocent
animals. Nature was a force that changed temperaments as often and as quickly as one person blinks an eye.
The night was dark and it gave people a sense of foreboding preventing them from walking aimlessly through the city. Because of this, the streets were empty save for one boy who was as gloomy as the weather around him and didn't notice this warning. He had been skateboarding from his friend Walter's house and had refused a ride from Walter's mother. Presley had not enjoyed himself at his friends like he used too but he had become very good at acting as if he were happy. It was only when he was alone that he opened up to his sorrow for the world to see.
It had been three days since he had left them. Three days that he had perfected the technique of hiding his painful emotions from others. His mother had at first suspected something but she didn't say anything to her son in fear of making him more depressed then he was. So she had left him to his own devices, however, still keeping a concerned eye on him because her motherly intuition told her to.
Presley had fled out of the Sphinx running until he could run no longer and his tired muscles gave out from underneath him. Then he had cried. He cried, for the loss of his friends and the realization that with the power that he had once came a responsibility. Presley knew deep down in his heart that he had done the right thing and although he knew that it wouldn't be soon that he would be happy for them.
As he walked now, carrying the forgotten skateboard under his arm, he thought of them and what he had done for his friends. He had not just preformed his duty as a prince, of which he was no longer; he had preformed his duty and loyalties as a friend. He stopped, looking up at the clouds and watched as the shadows of lightning danced across their surfaces. Presley sighed. `Why did they still call me their prince? Didn't they realize that I'm just Presley Carnovan now?' A smirk crossed his face. `Back to my old self. I don't have to worry about Shapties or mad gods or greedy advisors. I can play wherever I want, whenever.' Presley looked down from study of the clouds to the sidewalk that was under his feet. He swallowed and emotions that was from his past. `I lost another one. My real father left years ago and he's never been around enough to watch me grow. Now I've lost another, Ja-Kal.' Presley snorted and spoke into the darkness that seemed to be thickening. "I'm probably
destined never to have a real father." He resumed his walk home. `I know I did the right thing but why do I feel so bad?' He remembered his mother telling him that a woman had called for him and that she had, had a strange name, Nefer-tina. She had tried to call Presley but he hadn't returned the call. `I'm not ready to talk to them, not yet. Maybe later when they get their prince settled into his new life even if it is temporary. I hope that they will be happy whatever happens to them.' As he walked he felt pain, sorrow, remorse, and miserable all at once and he had never thought that in such a short time he would ever learn to care about these people so much. They were like a family to him. Armon with his carefree and friendly personality was a big brother and an uncle rolled into one. Rath with his sharp mind and arrogance and yet deep down caring ways was also like an uncle. Nefer-tina with her playful, fun and friendly manner was like a sister and an aunt. Finally there
was Ja-Kal. He was the resourceful, calm, silent man who had shown Presley that he was proud of the young boy. The outings that they had been on together and the experiences they had shared. Ja-Kal, his surrogate father, whom Presley loved as if he was his real father. They were going to be memories, their time here only to be remembered by the memories in his heart. Presley's eyes glistened with tears as he mourned for the loss of his friends that had been part of his family.
Walking down the street wallowing in his own emotions Presley didn't notice the figures that moved silently from shadow to shadow watching and waiting for the order that would make them jump out of their concealment. Watching the boy in his misery didn't affect these silent forms. They were Shapties and felt no emotions; they only had one desire, to carry out their masters' wishes. As a rhythm of thunder shook the earth the stone servants were given the command to move in. Leaping out of the black shades they pounced on their prey who didn't realize what was happening until it was too late.
When Presley was grabbed by stone like grasps he realized that he was in danger and the last thing that he thought before a sharp pain in the back of his head caused him to slip into the dark void of unconsciousness was, `Who's going to protect me now?'
As the mobile statues carried away their subdued victim, the clouds that had been threatening, opened up covering the ground in a gentle rain that would cause one to wonder if for some strange reason the heavens were crying.
* * * * * *
After answering what seemed to be the two thousandth question from the boy prince Ja-Kal sighed. `Where we this curious when we first arrived here?' He smiled slightly when he remembered then that it was Presley who had been unfortunate person who had answered their seemingly endless amount of question. `I know how he feels.' Ja-Kal stopped smiling and felt a pang of pain. `I only wish I knew how he felt now.' As Ja-Kal looked around now at the other guardians he saw deep in their eyes the same questions and worry that were reverberating in his own mind.
The ever-curious prince continued to ask questions. "Oh, Ja-Kal what's that?" He pointed out the window to a laundry mat and when he didn't get an answer he looked at his quiet keeper. "Ja-Kal?" When he again received no response he glanced at the others in the car. He saw what he had seen for the past three days, a pain and an anguish of not knowing. Not knowing what had happened to the first and only real person that they had known in this modern world, Presley. Prince Rapses knew what the boy had done and why. He knew because he had been part of Presley for his entire life. Presley was a part of him just as he was a part of Presley. He decided that it was time that his four sullen guardians discover the same answer.
He sighed knowing that this would be a long story. "Guys?" None of them gave the slightest recognition that they had heard him. He was beginning to become frustrated that he was being ignored. There was only so much patience that a prince could give his subordinates even if they were his friends. "How dare you all ignore your prince!"
This forceful statement snapped them all back to attention. They looked at eachother but it was Rath who spoke first. "We are sorry your highness. Please be gracious enough to accept our most humble of apologies."
Prince Rapses smiled at finally getting his attention although he had to be slightly mean to them. "I'm not mad or anything I was concerned because you all seem so sad."
Ja-Kal realized their folly and tried to cover it. "We are not sad my prince. Where did you get such an idea?"
The young prince let out an exasperated sigh. He had known them all long enough to be able to tell when they were lying or trying to cover up something. "You lie to me Ja-Kal." Ja-Kal looked down at the floor of the Hot-Ra. "I know you all to be concerned about Presley." He paused. "Nefer-tina you better stop this horseless chariot because I think it's about time I explain what Presley did and why."
Nefer-tina looked back at her prince and with a surprised expression apparent on her face. She nodded her head and parked the Hot-Ra in the empty mall parking lot they had happened to been passing by at that moment. The four companions regarded eachother unsure of how to respond.
When the car had stopped and the prince saw their unsure faces he reasoned it best to start without waiting to ask if they were ready. "You all understand how much duty means to most people do you not?" He paused, waiting for their response. When they all nodded he continued. "We all have our duties whether it be to our families, our pharaoh or ourselves. Most may not realize this but a pharaoh or prince has a duty that is hard and requires a tireless obedience. My father told me of this duty as soon as I was old enough to understand it. He told me that regardless of how old you are, how preoccupied or how weary you might become that I must remember this duty. It is the duty to the people. He told me that without the people there would be no pharaoh because there would be no country or people to rule over and guide. If the people suffer so does the pharaoh. If the people go to war so does the pharaoh. His people's problems are his problems. My father was trying to teach me
to respect those who were lower then I because they were all important in the grand scale of the kingdom. He showed me that without farmers we wouldn't have had anything to eat, without doctors we would be unhealthy. When a pharaoh or general gave out an order during war it was the soldiers that carried it out. I learned all of these things and never forgot them and because I was a part of Presley he learned them as well. He saw what you all gave up in order to perform your duties and he knew what you sacrificed through me. But he also saw this through the emotions that you all expressed. He knew that you hurt and felt pain over the losses of these things but he could only imagine the quantities because he hadn't lived them himself." He looked at Ja-Kal. "He knew that you Ja-Kal gave up your family." He looked at each of them in turn. "He knew that you all gave up loved ones, friends and years of your lives to protect him or us thousands of years ago and were required to do
it again. He knew that your afterlives had been interrupted so that you could protect him. The more that he understood this the worse that he felt until he knew that he had to perform his duty to his people or more importantly to him, his friends. He had to make his people happy. So he formulated a plan. He knew that it was only Prince Rapses spirit, my spirit that was preventing you from joining your friends, families and loved ones in the other realm. He thought that it would be easier if he or I could stay at the Sphinx constantly so that you could guard him, er me, all the time. But he knew that couldn't be done because he had a life to lead in this world. He thought that if his plan could happen then his guardians could hunt down Scarab, destroy him then go back beyond the western gate. So he engrossed himself in his studies and found a spell that would separate my spirit from his and allow me to stay here and he did just that. It made him extremely un-happy to do this
but it was the only way he knew and he knew deep down that your happiness came before his own. You are his friends and just as you would do anything to make your friends happy and take away their pain he did the same. The reason that he got angry at you was because he was trying to say good-bye and you were making it harder than it had to be." Rapses gave an affectionate smile to the mummies when he saw their sober faces. "It's not your fault though because none of you understood what he was doing. Nefer-tina he probably didn't return you message because he wasn't ready to face you because he..." The young prince broke off suddenly and clutched a hand to his stomach as a pain abruptly developed.
The guardians who had been listening to every word that their prince uttered watched as the face of Prince Rapses turned milky white and he breathed heavily as if he had just been struck in the stomach.
Armon leaned over the prince anxiously. "What is the matter `o prince?"
They watched in concern and apprehension as the boy prince straightened and his face resumed its natural tan shade. When he answered them it was in a voice that was calm but was betrayed by a worried tone underneath. His eyes were distressed and a worry line appeared on his brow. "He's in trouble. Something horrible has happened to him."
Ja-Kal was relieved when he saw that his prince was no longer in any physical discomfort but when he heard the words that were uttered from Prince Rapses mouth Ja-Kal was afraid to ask the response in fear that he already knew the answer. "Who is in trouble my prince? What has happened?"
Prince Rapses fixed his eyes on to Ja-Kal and quietly said the answer that the falcon guardian had been dreading to hear. "Presley. Something terrible has happened to Presley."
Ja-Kal blinked and tore his eyes away from those of his prince. He felt a surge of emotions that flooded his mind and he didn't know which one to let take control. Anger, concern, pain, sorrow, anxiety, fury, desolation, grief and many more that he couldn't name struggled to seize control and render him helpless. Though there was a whirling battle waging in his body, Ja-Kal listened as the other guardians questioned the prince.
Nefer-tina who was initially shocked by his answer reconfigured herself quickly. "Who has him my prince and why would they want to?" Nefer-tina was becoming more worried as time went by as were the rest of them.
Prince Rapses looked at her with a sad smile. "I believe it is Scarab and it is because he does not know that my spirit no longer dwells inside of Presley."
Armon who was leaning awkwardly out of his front seat twisted around to a more comfortable position. "He won't hurt him, will he?"
Rath who had said nothing for a time finally spoke. "I hope not Armon but Scarab is known to do anything so that he can get what he wants." He ended in sad tones that showed that the scribe was more concerned and worried than his manner portrayed.
There was an uncomfortable silence as they sat there. The guardians wanted to go and help their friend but they knew that their first obligation was to their prince. Prince Rapses knew that they wouldn't go and help Presley without his consent and he wanted to save his counterpart because Presley was a part of him and he knew that if anything ever happened to the boy his guardians would never be able to forgive themselves.
The ancient Egyptian prince cut the tension with his voice. "What are you all waiting for? Didn't any of you just listen to what I finished saying? What about a persons' duty to a friend?" Prince Rapses smiled mentally knowing that the mummies would understand his meaning.
Finally getting the rush of emotions under control Ja-Kal resumed his role as leader. "Thank you `o prince for your generosity." He turned to Rath and began to assert his authority. "Rath, can you find him?"
Rath tilted his head to one side, which was a sure sign that he was in deep thought. "I could find him, if he still had Prince Rapses spirit to track but he no longer does." He looked at Ja-Kal his face a blend of sadness and frustration.
Ja-Kal sighed. "Well, we have to take the prince back to the safety of the Sphinx so we will do that first then we can--"
"I can find Presley." Prince Rapses interrupted with his own suggestion.
The four mummies looked at their prince with puzzlement and disbelief. Ja-Kal's first reaction was to put aside the boys' suggestion but when the falcon guardian realized that it was probably the only lead that they had he decided to take it. "How can you find him my prince?"
Prince Rapses smiled at finally being able to join in fighting a known enemy. "With your eyes closed can you touch the tip of your nose with your thumb?" He chuckled when he saw Armon try it. "Presley was a part of me just as I was a part of him. So, just as I can sense he is in trouble I can guide you to where he is."
Rath, Armon and Nefer-tina exchanged glances. The decision was up to their leader. Even though they knew that they couldn't risk their prince they wanted to help their young friend more than anything else. They waited while their leader sat quietly for a moment while he came up with an answer.
Ja-Kal uncrossed his arms having made up his mind and he was determined to go through with it. "Lead us to him my prince." He saw the boy princes' face light up at the prospect that he would have a chance at this venture. Ja-Kal spoke sternly. "But as soon as we reach him you must stay in the Hot-Ra." The mummy saw the princes' face fall and explained. "You must stay safe my prince we cannot have anything happen to you." Ja-Kal placed a hand on the boy' shoulder. "Besides the lion must know when to withdraw from a stronger enemy so that he can return to fight again."
Prince Rapses nodded his head in agreement and the four guardians slouched suddenly as if a weight was lifted off their shoulders. Nefer-tina turned the Hot-Ra back on they all resumed their positions in silence. They all knew that they were heading off to a battle where they didn't know what to expect.
Ja-Kal's body was tense and he couldn't shake the feeling that they wouldn't reach Presley in time. He swallowed that knowing that he would be of little help if he couldn't control his feelings. He looked up to the sky that had just recently stopped its gentle shower but the clouds still retained its threat of a tremendous storm. He begged to all the gods to listen to his prayers. `Let us not be too late and protect Presley until we come. Please Presley be strong, we're coming to save you. Be strong. I don't want to lose you too.' Ja-Kal stifled the lump when he remembered why Presley was in this predicament in the first place. It was because the youth didn't want any of his mummified friends to feel any pain. Then it dawned on Ja-Kal as if a light had suddenly been turned on. `Presley thinks that it was only because of Prince Rapses spirit that we cared for him.' The ancient hunter cursed himself inwardly at his failure for not recognizing it earlier. `I am Ja-Kal his
guardian and friend, I should have known. If only he knew how wrong he was.' As he sat in the Hot-Ra, the car racing through the empty streets following the princes' directions, Ja-Kal felt as if every second that went by was wasted time that they didn't have. Even though the turmoil in his heart managed to remain composed, though for how much longer he could not tell.
**So...what did you think?! Did you like it? Again, PLEASE take just a moment to review and the same drill as always...I need at least three! But hey, more is always welcome. I don't care if it just...Lilianna-hi! Or whatever but take the time out of your busy lives. Thanks!
Your Bud,
Lilianna