This is a work of Fiction. The characters of the Mummies Alive are the Property of DIC international. The character of Lyris belongs to the Goddess Mia, which I use with great joy. I hope to do her better honor in this second chapter of my Rath of Two Princess Saga. Princess Kara and Princess Mennehotep are my own creations. Their feud is my own story-line.
I do this for fun. If you wish to use Kara and Mennehotep in your stories, feel free. But give credit where credit is due.
The Rath of two Princesses, Part II, or The Song of True Power
by Trynia Merin
It had been some time since she had the mettle to return to the Museum. Yet Kara summoned her courage. Through the dark hallways worth of exhibits she tiptoed. No one had bothered to change the security codes that Karen Romano once owned. The persona served Kara well these past few days. However, it was only a matter of time before the theft of the Mennehotep mummy would be connected with the Romano name. And she would have to go into hiding as she had done many centuries before. "Exile and I are old companions," she laughed bitterly as she recalled.
"You have one last chance," said Pharaoh Tuthmoses III, with a wide fanning of his mighty white sleeved arm. "Will you submit to my will? My judgement?"
The Princess bowed her head, and showed no tears. All around her were gathered the Subjects of Memphis. The stairs of the grand throne room were replete with the Pharaoh's court. A court that had changed its complexion in only a few short years.
She glared at the mighty Falcon throne, where the Pharaoh sat. His red and white crown was well framed by the talons of Horus. Beside him stood her image, with eyes of onyx instead of emerald. The eyes that filled with pity and sorrow.
"I want not the sorrows or pity of the queen," said Princess Kara coldly.
"You insult your Queen, oh brash one," Tuthmosis III hissed. "That is a final retribution I cannot bear. Go, and never darken this land again!"
"My husband..." The Queen began, tears forming in her onyx eyes.
"Peace. I am not unmerciful. She will still live..."
"Kara," whispered the Queen. "Where will you go?"
"It is no concern of yours, your Majesty," said Kara, proudly holding high her head. Bowing in mild deference, she turned her back to the throne. A pillar of guards flanked her as she retreated. "I submit to no man, be he Pharaoh or beggar!" she turned and shouted one last time. An angry murmur marred the silence as the assembled court made their anger known.
Having dispensed his judgement, the Pharaoh sat once more between the talons of Horus. "Let it not be said, Scribe, that I am an unjust ruler. Strike the name of Kara forever from every reference of mine. She will be remembered for her service to this land. But she will never be remembered as a Queen..."
At these words, tears fell down the cheeks of the Queen. In her high crown she stood at her husband's side. Tightly she gripped the shoulder of her son, the Prince. "Mother, you are hurting me," he said.
"Quiet, Amenhotpe," she whispered. "I grieve for your aunt..."
"Do not cry tears for her," said Tuthmosis III, fingering his wife's chin. "You should be happy. You have saved all of Egypt this day."
"Have I?" she whispered, inclining her head. "Oh, that I could forget..."
"That can be arranged," whispered the High Priestess as she glanced at the scene in her crystal. Her pupil had failed. But she had plenty of time on her side. Yes, there was still time, Chondra thought to herself.
Now, three thousand years later, her pupil stopped in the Mennehotep exhibit on loan to the Museum of San-Francisco. Carefully she had masked her mystic presence with whispered wards. Yet it may only be a matter of time before she was discovered.
There would be no sign of the other half of the Scroll here. Why should there be? All that remained of her sister's tribute was the outer sarcophagus, Death mask, and piles of jewelry. Most of the scrolls were missing.
Yet that was not a problem. Kara peered at the flat papyrus scroll of Rath on display in the case. This volume held ancient summoning spells. Names that had not been spoken in three thousand years were there in all their hieroglyphic splendor.
"From beyond the Western gate I call you," she chanted. Without Set and Anubis, this would normally be impossible. But she had a special rapport with the spirit she sought. "Beloved Teacher, from beyond the times I your pupil call you. Enter this realm and grant me a shred of your wisdom, that I may find my sister and reclaim my destiny..."
Violet energy surged into the room. Crackling light arched from the sphere that now floated in the center of the chamber. Dropping to her face, she felt the chill of many centuries fall. A presence was contained in the light, familiar and strong. It had to be the Enchantress, she thought. Who else could it be? She had not sensed that presence for thousands of years.
"Chondra," she breathed, dropping to her knees. "At last."
The violet energy dissipated, forming into a dazzlingly beautiful woman. Stripes of purple and violet festooned her mane of hair. Her long graceful gown flowed about her shapely legs as she stepped forwards. "Do rise, child," she chuckled as her hand rested on Kara's head.
"Oh high priestess, I did not hope that I would be worthy to see you again..."
"At least you show me the proper obeisance. But do not grovel. It is not worthy of a Princess of Egypt to do so, even in my presence."
"I never thought..."
"You have made me proud, my student. Save one tiny detail. You allowed your sister to escape..."
"That was a victory," she hissed. "And I recall your record was not exemplary..."
"You dare to question me..."
"Even the best are subject to error," said Kara, standing up.
"Excellent," murmured Chondra. "Your heart is still cold and strong. The centuries in the world of men have not made you soft as I had feared."
"Never will I submit to their whims," said Kara. "For I am my own self apart from their needs."
"Even so, they have their uses," Chondra laughed.
"I need no man..."
"You are foolish to overlook the possibilities of enslaving them. For love they do the most endearingly obedient things..."
"I hate men," Kara snapped. "And their ridiculous ways. It is a waste of your talent to..."
"YOU have much to learn, young one. And let me remind you to countermand your teacher..."
"I am not so young anymore," snapped Kara. "I have learned much magic since our last meeting!"
"You have failed to rid yourself of Mennehotep," Chondra repeated. "I would think that a simple task... for my student..."
"The guardians of Rapses got in my way," she protested. "You try fighting five mummies,..."
"I have, my dear child," said Chondra.
"Stop calling me a child," sulked Kara. "I am well learned."
"To me you are a child. With much to learn..."
"If you treat me thus, perhaps I will not share the secret of immortality..."
"What?" asked Chondra, eyes gleaming with interest.
"Nothing. Not anything a child could teach you..." said Kara.
"Do not toy with me, young one. I can easily put you in your place..."
"And what would that be? Your servant..." asked Kara. "I am the daughter of Hapshutsep. You should bow to me..."
"When you prove yourself worthy of that honor, child, I shall consider it. But tell my of your secret. Perhaps I could be lenient. Together we could take the guardians of Rapses..."
"I hold immortality in my grasp," said Kara. "And that is more than you have don..."
"Careful. Why have you not used it for yourself?"
"I have only half the formula. Without a sorceress, I cannot recreate the rest. I require you, my teacher."
"I see. How good is this formula?"
"It is that very one my dear sister had labored lifelong to master. It requires not the soul of a Pharaoh to use it. And the ingredients are simple. It can even grant youth and beauty... if that is your vain wish..."
"Beauty is the right of any woman," said Chondra, with anger.
"I have no need for physical beauty," said Kara. "Only power which is mine by birthright..."
"But beauty can get you more power," said Chondra. "For that is the key to the control of men."
"Will you then admit I am your equal?" asked Kara. "If we succeed in crushing Mennehotep..."
"Very much so. But I must be sure she is destroyed..."
Longingly Lyris glanced at the harps in the music store window. At her side, Rath couldn't help but glance at the gleaming brass of the saxophone nearby. "What I wouldn't give to pluck those worthy strings," she sighed, flattening her hands against the glass of the shop.
"It would prove most interesting an experiment," Rath said, laying his own hand on her shoulder.
"You'd laugh for certain, would you not?" she asked, turning to face him.
"Not without cause," said he. It was a beautiful day in downtown San-Francisco. The Scribe and the Muse were taking their time, window shopping. This experience was new to Rath, who normally avoided what he deemed such common activities. Yet Lyris' gentle persuasion coaxed him out of his usual activity of scroll reading. Especially when she mentioned the market with the musical instruments.
Lately Rath was beginning to show signs of mellowing out. He had been visibly more relaxed and actually wore a smile on his thin countenance. Lyris delighted at this sudden change. Maybe he could let his hair down once and a while, metaphorically that is. It was certainly a better alternative to his frowning all the time.
Further up the street walked Presley and his mother Amanda Carnavon. Rath and Lyris kept one eye on him at a distance, while simultaneously appearing as just another couple peering into the shop windows. Ja-Kal had warned them about keeping extra vigilant for Kara, Mennehotep's sister. This was a warning Lyris took to heart. After all, Lyris had been sympathetic to their latest enemy, and the others had paid the price dearly. She was determined not to make the same mistake twice. Besides, she owed the Alchemist her very life.
"You gotta be kidding me," sighed Presley to his mother, nearby. Both glanced at the large grand piano in the lobby of a nearby department store. People threw coins into the woman's glass as her fine brown fingers caressed ivory white keys.
"I think piano lessons are a great idea. It should teach you some discipline..." said Presley's mother.
"Aw, Mo-om," he moaned.
"I only said it was an idea," said Mrs. Carnavon. "Give it a little thought will you?"
"Okay," he relented. "But I won't make any promises."
"I've got to run, dear. Have fun this afternoon, and don't stay out too late with your friends," his mother called to him as she kissed him goodbye. Both mummies moved closer to mother and son. Presley winced at his mother's display of affection.
"You don't make faces when Cynthia Lu kisses you," Lyris teased Presley, when Mrs. Carnavon was out of sight.
"That's different," said Presley.
"Ah, for the innocence of youth," Rath said reflectively.
"Why Rath, that sounded almost sentimental," said Lyris, teasing him again.
"What? Me? Sentimental?" Rath babbled. "Why, of all the nerve... I'll have you know..."
"Like... forget it," said Presley. "I get enough from Mom already."
Lyris winked at the young Prince as they walked down the street in the direction opposite of the music store. Left behind, Rath fumed. Would this Muse never have any respect for true knowledge? He shoved down his doubts as he glanced up at the fast darkening sky. Small traces of pink and blue began to paint themselves on the enormous canvas that was Net. He hurried to catch up to the Muse and the Prince.
Inside the Sphinx, the alarms blared. Mennehotep opened the lid of her sarcophagus. "What is going on?" she asked, poking her head out. "Are there demons loose?"
"No way," laughed Armon, opening his own sarcophagus. A pile of snack bags and soda cans tumbled out. "That is the alarm!"
"Alarm," muttered Mennehotep. "Couldn't they use a simple trumpet instead?" Grumbling and muttering about being woken up so suddenly, she shuffled after Armon towards Ja-Kal and Nefer-Tina.
"Good, you are all up. Did you sleep well, your Majesty?"
"Yes, apart from that horrible klaxon," she said, shaking her head. "Is it customary for the Guardians to rouse themselves with that alarum each night?"
"No," said Nefer-Tina. "That's just the museum alarm..."
"It means the museum is being broken into," Ja-Kal explained. "We must hurry."
"With the Strength of Ra!" cried the three Mummies as they grasped their amulets. Instantly they stood in their armored forms.
"With the Wisdom of Isis!" said Mennehotep, transforming also. Together the guardians and the Princess raced down the narrow stone passageways to the museum's rear entrance. Since the Sphinx was part of the museum, any attempts for robberies were avoided due to the Guardian's presence. Hawk, Ram, Panther, and Ibis all took in the situation. Dark shadows moved in among the display cases, smashing them open.
"It's coming from my exhibit!" Mennehotep gasped. "Of all the nerve!"
"Get ready to attack!" Ja-Kal instructed, raising an azure gauntlet. Nefer-Tina crouched, and Armon pounded his gloved fist into the palm of his golden arm in anticipation.
"Ware intruders!" Mennehotep screeched, leaping into view of the offenders. "There is a curse on those that interfere in the treasure of the princess!"
The surprised robbers stopped cold. But then a familiar laugh echoed in the chambers. "You are a fool, Princess," it said.
"Attack!" Ja-Kal cried, and all three mummies raced into the open. To find a figure floating ten feet above the floor. Violet and pink striped hair crowned her otherwise bald head.
"Chondra!" spat Mennehotep. "After three thousand years..."
"Get back, you fools," she laughed, throwing violet fire at them. Nefer-Tina's whip snaked out, toward her wrists. A crackled of purple lightening singed its tip. Armon hurled a vase toward the enchantress. With but a gesture it shattered mere feet before her .
Ja-Kal fired his arrows. Harmlessly they bounced off her barriers. "You disappoint me, guardians! I had hoped for more of a fight.."
Again she gestured, and various objects in the room flew about. Armon and Nefer-Tina dodged as pots and bits of statue crashed toward them. Ja-Kal took to his wings. Yet a mighty wind blew him back toward the walls.
Mennehotep crossed her arms, and hurled a magical bolt toward the sorceress. It impacted her chest, throwing her to the floor. "Not bad, child," she grunted, picking herself up. Ja-Kal crashed to the floor himself as the wind dissipated.
"You'll love this," smiled Mennehotep, reaching for her amulet. "Choke on sand..."
Chondra brought her hands up into a defensive position. Yet nothing happened. Puzzlement spread over her face. "What silliness is this?" she laughed.
Astonishment crossed Mennehotep's face. "I don't understand..." she gasped, looking at her hands. In that moment she was lost. A bolt from Chondra crashed into her, knocking her into a nearby sarcophagus.
"No!" cried Nefer-Tina, leaping at Chondra. Her claws scraped at the sorceress' throat. Barely she managed to throw the guardian aside. Ja-Kal placed himself between the princess and the enchantress. Her magic bolts sizzled off his gauntlets as he shielded Mennehotep. Armon hurled another vase. This time it crashed inches from her foot. Distracted, she turned away from Ja-Kal. Nefer-Tina's whip cracked, wrapping around her hands.
"You stupid cow!" she snarled, struggling as Nefer-Tina jerked the whip tighter. "Release me..."
"Not quite, you witch!" roared Nefer-Tina. "Tell us why you are here..."
"I have what I came for!" she laughed. "And you are too late!"
So saying, she gestured, and Nefer-Tina's whip caught fire. The heat caused her to release her hold. Armon moved to grab the Enchantress, but was thrown aside with the force of her blast. Ja-Kal leapt from his defense of the Princess, soaring toward Chondra with claws outstretched. To grasp nothing. Hollowly her departing laughter echoed in the darkness of the gallery as she vanished.
Then they heard a whimper. The lights flared up as Ja-Kal found the emergency switch. On the floor huddled a mass of amethyst armor that slowly fizzled out. Mennehotep sat there on the floor in shock, hugging her knees to her chest. Nefer-Tina and Armon went to her side.
"What's wrong?" asked Nefer-Tina.
"Care to explain what happened back there?" asked Ja-Kal, of the Princess.
"I can't..." she shivered, oblivious. "Can't use it anymore... it's all gone... like a dream in the night."
"Your majesty," Ja-Kal asked, temper flaring away as he realized how vulnerable she appeared. "Are you unharmed?"
"I... failed you all," she said softly, as Ja-Kal helped her to her feet. Her onyx eyes looked past Armon and Nefer-Tina blankly as if she could stare right through them. Taking her hand, Ja-Kal lead her away to the Sphinx. He exchanged worried glances with his friends. Just what had happened?
Lyris and Rath rushed into the Sphinx. Everyone was clustered around Mennehotep. With a look Lyris could tell something was terribly wrong.
"I cannot use them anymore!" Mennehotep lamented, dropping to her knees.
"What's the matter, Minnie?" asked Nefer-Tina, coming over to her with concern.
"My powers... they are gone..." she gasped.
"But how?"
"I tried to summon lightening, and I could do nothing. You could have been killed..."
"We are already dead," said Armon. "It did not matter. We are all right, Princess..."
"But she could have destroyed you... because I failed..." Mennehotep cried, brushing tears of shame from her eyes.
"You tried," said Nefer-Tina.
"I would not worry, Majesty," said Ja-Kal, gripping her hand. "What is done is done."
Menne held her hands to her head, and Nefer-Tina placed an arm around her shoulders.
"Whatever is the problem, your Majesty?" asked Rath, extending a hand in her direction. Lyris stayed in the background, listening carefully to each event as it unfolded, like the observant Muse she was. How would the almighty Mennehotep function without her powers, the Muse wryly observed with a hint of irony.
"I... cannot use my powers..." she sobbed, trying to regain her composure.
"What?" asked Rath. "Which powers..."
"Give her some breathing room, Rath," said Nefer, shooing him away.
"Perhaps if you tell..."
"Please, let us help," said Ja-Kal, his hands only inches from her shoulders now. "Which powers are you referring to?"
"I... cannot perform spells," she stammered, visibly shaking. Rath looked shocked.
"Would you permit me to examine you?" Rath asked, voice softening.
"Please..." she sniffed, as Nefer-Tina continued to sooth her.
Presley remained silent. He had not seen the Princess this upset before. It was as disturbing as watching his own mother cry. He let Ja-Kal draw him aside as Rath and Nefer-Tina bracketed the Princess. Armon wrinkled his brow as he watched the threesome depart. Lyris noted his expression with puzzlement. Never had he looked so angry before.
Before long, Rath had assembled his various talismans upon his ancient table. Menne sat before the Great pyramid, as Rath waved his mystic ankh before her. Concerned, Nefer-Tina watched from a discreet distance. Rath chanted ancient wards of probing, frowning as he gestured all around her.
"What's wrong with me..." she said, having calmed down.
"It's as I feared," said Rath.
"What are you talking about?" asked Nefer-Tina. "Was there something you knew that you didn't tell us?"
"It's difficult to explain..." began Rath.
"I must know..." she said. "Have I lost my powers forever?"
Rath glanced at his ankh. "Apparently I read no trace of the magical energy that was once present..."
"In English, Rath," sighed Nefer-Tina.
"All sorcerers possess a certain aura that is distinct from those who do not use magic..." said Rath.
"But aren't our amulets magic..." asked Nefer.
"Correct. But this energy is more intense then that which animates us as mummies," Rath explained. He waved his ankh near Nefer-Tina's amulet. It gave a pleasant chiming, low and melodious. "Your amulet has this intensity. But when I bring it near a magical source... such as my own amulet..."
An eerie wail split the silence, making Nefer-Tina and Mennehotep clamp hands over their ears. "That is the sound made from a sorcerer's magical trace. But when I bring it near the Princess..." Only a faint hum resonated.
"So my mystical energy is gone..." she sighed.
"Not entirely. You are still capable of animate speech and movement, as any mummy recalled from the Western Gate. But your ability to channel mystic energy to cast spells is no longer present..."
"Bummer," muttered Nefer-Tina. "That stinks."
"So I can never use my powers again," said Menne, face setting.
"Not entirely," said Rath. "There is a chance that some force has temporarily drained you of the power. The potential is still there, but there is no mystic energy..."
"So her battery's dead," said Nefer-Tina.
"To put it crudely, yes," said Rath, with a sigh.
"What could cause her to fizzle?" asked Nefer-Tina. "Our powers recharge in our sarcophagi..."
"I know what..." said Menne. "It must have been in my last battle with my sister. I did not realize how much power it took to fight her..."
"Exactly," Rath nodded. "When you were... immobile, the mystic light in your amulet died. I could no longer sense your magical powers. But then when your armor faded, the feedback caused you to reanimate. Yet there was a price to be paid..."
"My sorcery..." she said, still calm.
"So there is a chance she could get better, right?" said Nefer-Tina. "Right? Can't you make her a spell or something to give her power?"
"It's more complicated. But I will do what I can," said Rath. Crossing over to his table, he poured through scrolls. "In the meantime, I would suggest rest for you, your Majesty..."
"C'mon. Let's go," said Nefer, taking Menne's hand.
"The noble vulture returned with the suits of all the birds from the Sky Spirit. All were pleased with the lovely garments he had brought. For now each once naked bird had the loveliest of raiments," chanted Lyris.
"But the Vulture could not remove the last suit he had tried on. 'I told you could wear each suite but once,' said the Sky Spirit, amusement in his eyes..."
Lyris strummed her lyre in the small spaces near the spirit box. With contentment Presley and Armon listened intently.
"And so that is why the vulture wears the shabbiest suit of all the birds. For he could wear each suit but once. Proudly he bears his honor."
"Another, please," said Armon, tucking into a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
"Too much fun and you'll get sick," laughed Presley. He quieted down when the Princess approached. All eyes automatically went to her as Nefer-Tina escorted her along.
"Why does everyone stare at me," said Menne, with anger. "I am not an invalid..."
"I am so sorry," Lyris said, reaching a hand out to her.
"I don't want your pity," snapped Mennehotep, brushing her hand aside. "Leave me be..."
"I simply wished to offer my help," Lyris said, a bit annoyed at the Princess' attitude. "There's no need to bite my head off!"
"But Minnie," said Presley, coming up to her. "We're just trying to help..."
"It is hardly help when you speak of me behind my back, in whispers, like thieves in the Pharaoh's court!" she cried.
"We're just worried about you..." said Lyris.
"Your words are so cruel that I cannot hear them?" demanded Mennehotep. "You think I cannot handle my role. That I am a crippled bird to be sorry for..."
"Please, it's not what you think," said Nefer-Tina. Mennehotep pushed her aside forcefully.
Lyris moved before the Princess, a hint of anger in her eyes, "Why are you treating us like this? We only want to help and this is how you treat your friends in your time of need?"
"Spare me, oh knowing Muse. You have no idea what I'm feeling inside! How useless, and how guilty I feel! All of you, leave me alone!" she cried, running away.
"Minnie, come back," said Nefer-Tina. But Armon suddenly rose to his feet, and stood before everyone.
"Leave her alone," he said calmly.
"But she needs us..." said Nefer-Tina.
"She needs to be alone," he said firmly. "She wants not your sorrow...."
"How do you know..." began Nefer-Tina, before a warning look from Lyris quieted her. It was obvious, when she recalled Armon was actually missing an arm.
"Well, duh," Presley said, hands on his hips.
"I have traveled that path that she takes," said Armon, glancing at everyone. "And you cannot follow her for this stretch. This is what she must face now. Alone."
"But we're her friends," said Lyris. "Why does she act like this? She's being a spoiled brat!"
"Trust me. I know," he said again. "She will let know when she wants our help."
"Sometimes, Armon, you are the wisest of us," said Lyris, nodding slowly as she understood.
Presley absently chewed his food. "What's wrong, honey?" his mother asked him.
"Aw, there's this girl I know... at school. She had an accident..."
"Is she all right?" asked Amanda Carnavon, with concern in her features. "Whatever happened?"
"Yeah. But its like... she lost a talent or something. And she doesn't want any help..."
"That's typical," sighed his Mother. "The last thing a person who loses their sight or their hearing wants is for people to feel sorry for them..."
"Why Mom? I think I'd love having everyone fuss over me..."
"It makes them feel like less of a person when people feel sorry for them. After a while, people start to whisper and act differently around you. As if you were a freak show. Some people even make fun of you..."
"Gee. Never thought about that. Even if your friends started to..."
"Especially your friends. How would you like it if you broke your arm, and couldn't play baseball again? Or if you lost your ability to run and play? Your friends would be overprotective of you... or else stop including you in their lives because they're afraid..."
"This handicapped stuff is sure confusing.," muttered Presley.
"That reminds me. I found you a piano teacher," said Mrs. Carnavon.
"Mom... I don't..."
"Give it a try, Presley, for my sake, please?" said Amanda. "This teacher I know is really good. Besides, you might even play in a rock band some day..."
"I guess," muttered Presley, his mind still a million miles away.
The very next night, he returned to the Sphinx. As he slipped in he could hear Ja-Kal conversing with Rath, in hushed voices. Presley stood at a distance, trying to overhear. "It's worse than I thought, Ja-Kal," said Rath, shielding his face with his hand.
"How so?"
"Her power is gone. I read no energy from her amulet. Save that which animates her..."
"Can you not work a spell to retrieve it?" asked Ja-Kal, eyes sternly taking in the Scribe.
"I can work the enchantments to restore some of her power. That which gives us the power to armor is simple enough. But the rest... may be beyond even my great abilities..."
"Why?"
"I cannot be sure of the enchantments that were placed upon her when she was entombed," said Rath. "Remember, she is from a more recent time than are we..."
"You must do something..." said Ja-Kal. His hands formed into fists. "Without her power, she will feel helpless...."
"I am aware of that," sniffed Rath. "Now more so than ever, we must not let her know how bleak things may be. I might never be able to restore her full powers. What magic I know I can easily teach her once more. But any special spells she once knew... she no longer knows."
"How can you?" asked Ja-Kal. "Expect me to lie to her? And how can you be so certain she has completely forgotten her magic?"
"Come now, by Osiris. I know the marks of a magician, or an enchantress. Their knowing is written in their eyes. When I looked into hers, all I saw was blankness, like a sheet of papyrus that is ready to receive ink. She can no longer remember her spells."
"We must protect her at all costs. She could be a liability... if she is captured..."
Presley heard their words, and shrugged. What was that? The princess a liability? How could Ja-Kal and Rath say such things about Mennehotep, the wise and beautiful? Who had saved his life with her elixir when he was close to dying in that hospital from food poisoning. Or the woman who had saved Lyris, when all Lyris wanted to do was yield the Alchemist to her evil sister, Kara.
Presley slipped away, backpack in hand. His mother's words rang in his head. He thought about the golden arm. Maybe he could do something for her. "She doesn't want help. But Armon said that she would let us know when she wants our help... I know, I'll ask Armon what to do..."
Armon was watching the latest tape of his fight with Talos. "Come on! Go!" he shouted.
"Hey, Armon. Can I ask you a big favor?"
"What is it, oh Prince..."
"The Princess. Y' gotta talk to her. She's been shut up in that upper room for days, and hasn't come out. That's what Nefer-Tina said."
"She needs her space," said Armon.
"Yeah, but what if she's so upset that she..."
"I will talk to her," said Armon. "She may need to eat something..."
"How can you think of food when she's flaking out..."
But Armon had already left. Shaking his head with confusion, Presley sat down before the TV.
Mennehotep sighed as she returned to her chamber. All the carefully learned spells were locked behind a veil of forgetfulness. That shining radiance of confidence had faded to a minimum. To console herself she began to mix another batch of healing salve. Somehow making new potions always helped her out of a blue mood.
There was a heavy thumping of footsteps in the hallway. "Your Majesty," boomed a deep voice.
"Oh, come in Armon," she sighed.
"Are you okay?" Armon asked, peering around the heavy stone door.
"I... will be..." sighed Menne.
"It takes a while," said Armon. "But then you learn to live without it."
"They don't understand," said she. "But you do."
Armon smiled, and shrugged.
"I cannot stand the way their eyes look at me. The pity I do not want. I just...."
"Want to be treated like everyone else, huh?"
"Rath is the worst," said she.
"That's Rath for you," he said. "I think he likes you..."
"Perhaps, but I wish he would not treat me like a gem that could shatter if one so much as breathed on it. That is why there is something else about me I don't want him to know..."
"What?"
"I cannot... remember any of my spells," she said, voice low.
"What? Why did you not tell any one?"
"I didn't want him to feel sorry for me," said Mennehotep.
"But you already admitted you can't use your powers. Big deal. Maybe he can bring them back."
"But even if I had access to the power, I have not the knowledge anymore to use it..."
"How soon did you forget?"
"When I recovered from our last victory," said Mennehotep. "I would have said something sooner, but you were all so proud of me. I didn't want to let you down."
"Your powers do not make you who you are," said Armon. "It is your heart. That is what really matters."
"I know. But I am of no use to fight Kara without my sorcery..."
"As Presley says, 'Gimmie a Break,'" snorted Armon with disgust. "It was no magic tricks that made me a fighter. And you can really kick Tut with those potions of yours..."
"But I am just an Alchemist..." she sighed.
"Do not say such things. I will not let you give up," rumbled Armon. "You can learn those spells again."
"What do I do now? Till I learn? I am a liability..."
"You know Egypt-su, right?"
"Yes..."
"Then I will teach you more tricks to fight without magic," Armon winked at her. "And we will tell no one..."
"I am grateful for your friendship, good Fighter," said Mennehotep, laying a hand on his.
Grudgingly, Presley sat in front of the grand piano at the music store. Lyris sat in the waiting area. He shook his head, hardly believing he was here. It was his mother's fault. He'd let her coerce him into saying yes. And yes, Lyris was partly responsible.
"Music is an important discipline for a Prince," she said.
"But Piano," protested Presley, staring at the keys. "How uncool..."
"Is it not like a synth?" asked Lyris.
"Yeah. But can't mom just get me one and..."
"One cannot play a symphony without knowing one simple melody," said Lyris, winking encouragingly at him. "I think that's your teacher..."
"Aw man," grumbled Presley, then turned. A strange long haired man tapped a white cane before him. It was an odd sight. Not bad. Stevie Wonder was blind, and played the piano.
"Presley Carnavon?" said the man, facing towards the piano. The cane tapped at his sneakered toe.
"Yeah, that's me," he said. "Nice to meet, you, I guess..."
"Your mother's idea?" laughed the man.
"How did you know?"
"I could tell by your voice." said the man. "Name's Joey Rubenstien."
"I guess.. I didn't expect..."
"That's okay. Shall we start..."
Things were going to be interesting, Presley thought. Especially when he glanced at the other rooms. He saw two people gesturing animatedly at each other. It was a mother and a little girl. The little girl made a slight whispered grunt, and turned to the piano teacher, pointing.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Wait a minute," said the teacher, and rose to meet her. His hands extended, he made contact. The girl put her hands under his, and made finger signs, which the man felt the shapes of. He smiled and nodded, speaking to her and her mother. At last the girl gave a satisfied grunt, and walked towards Presley.
"Presley, there's someone I'd like you to meet. You may think your mother made you come here for another boring lesson. But I just want you to listen."
He rose from the piano bench. The little girl sat down, smiling towards him. She looked about his age, with her jet black hair and slightly oriental features. Sort of like Cynthia Lu... Walter's sister. But younger.
The teacher signed to her. It struck Presley at that moment that she was deaf. And here she was sitting at a piano going to play something!!! Fingers moved on the keys as Beethoven's Moonlight sonata came from the piano. Presley's jaw dropped to the floor. Each intonation was perfect, with the delicate touch of her articulate fingers. How could she control the volume so well?
Having completed her performance, the girl rose, and bowed to Presley. Still he stood there, shocked. "Presley, this is Michelle Nguyen. Michelle, Presley Carnavon. He's considering taking piano lessons here..."
Vigorously she signed. Presley shook his head, trying to not say something dumb. The teacher seemed to anticipate his awkwardness. Michelle smiled disarmingly and ran to meet her mother. She waved goodbye.
"Shall we start?" asked the Teacher. "Or do you still want to go home?"
An hour later, Presley did go home. Lyris walked at his side, shivering in the evening air. Why did she get that sense of overwhelming dread?
The answer came soon enough. As soon as she and Presley caught a trolley, the source of the sensation appeared. Cautiously she made her way into the music store. A silver bell tinkled, alerting the shopkeepers to her presence.
"Can I help you?" asked a woman sweetly, from the showroom.
"Yes. I'm looking for a particular instrument."
"We have hundreds in stock. What did you have in mind?"
"Do you have any flutes?" asked Kara.
"Come this way." Kara followed the shop clerk to a series of shelves. Many black cases were opened with their instruments on display. Her eyes rested on a shiny silver flute.
"That one," she breathed. "Is it real silver?"
"No that's nickel plated with silver."
"I must have one made from silver," she said.
"Ah, wait a moment. They're in the back."
Kara's eyes lit up as she saw the three silver tubes resting on black velvet. In its convex surface she saw her own reflection. "Care to try it out?" asked the storekeeper.
"No. This is perfect. I will purchase it..."
"Cash or charge?"
"Cash, of course," smiled Kara, reaching into her jacket pocket.
If Menne was still human, she'd be dripping buckets of sweat by now. Stripped to a simple knee length skirt dress, she circled the room, putting equal distance between herself and her opponent. Her dark hair was not visible, for her head was covered with a multicolored bandanna. It was a good idea not to let her adversary have anything to grab onto.
"Now, look right in my face," Armon boomed. "Always look at what I'm doing."
She raised her hands, one extended forwards as the other protected her chest. Armon shouted, rushing toward her. Mennehotep shrieked, and thrust her hand forwards.
Armon dodged her blow, but she managed to block his punch.
"Good your Highness!" he cried. "Now... think fast..."
Armon high-kicked. Menne dropped, hands over her head as her chin hit the stone floor. Instinctively she rolled over, to see Armon swinging down his one remaining arm. His fist smashed inches where she'd lain. Menne stuck her hand out, and thrust it between his advancing ankles. With a mighty crash he toppled.
"I did not think of that," he said.
"All the moves... went out of my head," said she. "I... just acted without thinking..."
"You see," said Armon. "You are a good fighter... Did you not say that your brother taught you and your sister?"
"Yes. Before he was killed in the war with the Hittites," said Mennehotep, as Armon helped her to stand.
"I am sorry," said Armon. "I did not know..."
"That's okay," said she, retying her bandages that had loosed themselves in her sparring. Already the hours had slipped away in their training. "You know, Armon, it's been a long time since I had new lessons. I thank you for your understanding and patience..."
"Hey, any time, your Majesty. Armon is always ready to teach. And eat. And I'm starving. Let us take a break..."
She laughed. For the first time in hours. They trotted off to the kitchen, to rustle up food. Armon had a strange taste for the foods of this new time. Mennehotep, despite her initial reservations, managed to find the strange food, called burritos to be quite satisfying. Nefer Tina was already there, pouring herself a glass of that strange brown beverage that fizzled with bubbles. However did the people stand to drink it?
"Hey Minnie," said Nefer-Tina. "How's it hanging?"
"Just fine," said Mennehotep. "Armon's been teaching me some moves..."
"I know. You were great."
"Neff, I'm sorry how I acted before. You were just trying to help me..."
"Hey, forget it," said Nefer-Tina, patting her shoulder. "I've had worse from Rath..."
Mennehotep picked up her hairpiece, and slipped the Cleopatra style wig over her bandaged head. "Excuse me," she said to her friends.
"So that's your secret," laughed Nefer-Tina. "To hair loss."
"Yes. I had many such wigs buried with me for the Afterlife. I had a feeling my hair would not preserve well, unlike yours..."
Armon did not notice. He was too busy with his own business of eating. "There's something else I wanted to show you, Neff," said Mennehotep. "If you will come with me..."
"Sure. See ya, Armon," she said. His response was a muffled 'bye.'
Into Rath's laboratory they wandered. Mennehotep had a small side table there, covered with powders in silver dishes. She held one up, and gestured to her friend. "What's that goup?" Nefer-Tina asked.
"My latest invention. You know how Ja-Kal worries that we don't blend in?"
"Yeah."
"Put this on your face. See what you think..."
Cautiously Nefer-Tina let Mennehotep smear the cream on her mummified flesh. All over her cheeks and chin she spread it. Till finally Mennehotep held up a polished bronze plate. "Take a look."
"Wow!" Nefer-Tina gasped. "I can't believe it..."
For in the reflection was a girl with pale fair skin. In some patches the mummified flesh still peered through, but the areas on her cheeks looked almost young and supple. "I thought the diamond dust was gone..."
"This is not that," said Mennehotep. "Its effects are temporary. It's a special cosmetic blend, designed to let our skin be covered. It comes in several different colors."
"I thought your magic was..."
"This is simple alchemy," smiled Mennehotep. "Magic has nothing to do with it..."
"I'm impressed," said a voice from behind them. "Most intriguing."
"Lyris!" said Mennehotep, whirling about. For in the doorway stood Lyris and Presley, in street clothes. Lyris' burly sweat shirt and baggy jeans gave her a rather youthful look.
"I'm sorry I treated you so badly," Mennehotep said, hands fumbling.
"Wow Nefer-Tina!" gasped Presley. "You look pretty..."
"We should sell these," laughed Nefer-Tina, giving the cream to Lyris. "I wonder what we could call it..."
Lyris smeared some cream on her own cheeks. "I know. Ancient Egyptian Secret..."
"That sounds like a detergent," said Presley. "By the way, Menne," he said, turning to the Alchemist. "I just wanna apologize for the way I was feeling sorry for you. I guess I understand that just because someone loses a talent doesn't mean they shouldn't be treated just like anyone else..."
"I am glad to hear so, Prince," said Mennehotep, eyes bright.
"Why the change of heart, young Prince?" asked Lyris, amused.
"Well, it's like I was blind or something. And something made me listen real good..."
"We saw someone without hearing playing music," Lyris explained.
"That is truly amazing," said Mennehotep.
"So is this beauty cream," said Lyris. "Now we can go party without having to worry so much. Thank you, Minnie."
"No. Thank you," said Mennehotep, bowing to the Muse. Still Lyris felt a sense of tension from her.
"Ah, there you are, my dear," said Rath, peering in. Lyris nearly jumped a foot. He glanced at her, beauty cream and all, and blinked. "Did... you do something different with your hair..." he asked.
Lyris grinned. "Just about," she laughed.
"May I say you look exceptionally lovely right now?" Rath said, hardly able to look away from her face. Those green eyes were riveted to her turquoise ones in a way that made Lyris shiver with delight.
"Talk about being blind and finally seeing," Nefer-Tina muttered to Mennehotep. The Alchemist nodded, and winked at her friend.
Rath then glanced towards Mennehotep. "Er... your Majesty... I was just looking for you..."
"Yes, Scribe?" she said, eyebrows raised.
"I have the solution to your... situation. With a bit of skill, you should have your powers back soon..."
"Perfect," smiled Chondra as Kara opened the case before her. In the flicker of torchlight the silver shone like a captured piece of the moon.
"How will you work this?" asked Kara.
"You learn many things from Beyond the Western gate. Are you familiar with the legend of Orpheus?"
"Of course, mistress. His voice was so irresistible that none could resist his command."
Chondra opened a scroll. "I have here the magic to summon any attribute I wish. Do you have the copy of the story?"
"Yes," she said, withdrawing the copy of "Jason and the Argonauts."
"Put it into the spirit box. And press play."
Chondra lay the flute on eh table before her. She gestured and chanted from the scroll. "Come, I require your powers as well," she said to Kara. "The essence of a commanding spirit is needed..."
"What do I..."
"Speak words of command, and this shall obey when it's voice is heard..."
Kara dug deep into the recesses of her memory. All the command and presence of a Princess echoed in her voice as she spoke. Chondra's violet energy caressed her lips, converting each command into drops which she placed into a bowl.
Then with a further command, she immersed each piece of the flute in the bowl's liquid. A fine powder fused with the base metal, covering it with a fine laquer.
"Now, it is ready," laughed Chondra.
"And I thought you had no appreciation for music," laughed Kara.
"I learned much at your Pharaoh's court," said Chondra, raising the flute to her lips. "Now, for the second part of our plan. You know what to do, Kara?"
"Without a doubt," smiled Kara, reaching for her amulet. In a blaze of power she transformed into her usual street outfit again.
Menne stood resolute and nervous. Rath slipped an amulet over her head and neck, gently trying not to touch her physically. The other mummies stood near the door, concern in their eyes.
He'd poured the mystic metals around the amulet, to enhance its power. The amethyst stone no longer shone with its usual radiance. Yet the silver and copper bordering the ibis blazed with hot molten fire. Carefully Rath gestured, and a glowing sphere of green energy materialized between his hands.
"Oh Mighty Ra! Restore the powers of that who has none.... grant her this worthy daughter of Egypt your protective fire..."
He hurled the sphere at Menne. As it crashed into her mummified body, she winced, body arcing. Momentarily her eyes blazed as the green energy transmuted to purple. A loud bird's screech was heard as the amulet's amethyst winked on.
"Now repeat after me, your Majesty," said Rath. "We will see if this works..."
"With... the Strength of Ra!"
"With... the... Strength of Ra," she gasped. Amethyst blazing, she was wrapped in purple fire. Instantly the sacred Ibis mask rose over her face. Gauntlets and boots covered her hands and feet. What was missing was the mystic belt and cloak.
"Yeah Ra!" cried Armon and Nefer-Tina.
"All right!" cried Presley.
"How do you feel, your Majesty?" Rath asked, turning to her.
"I... feel strange... and strong," she said. "But... I don't feel myself..."
"I did not know the magic of Isis, that gave you your unique powers," Rath explained. "But you will still have the fighting abilities you once possessed...."
"But I see no trace of my flying cloak..."
"I... have prepared for that eventuality," Rath explained, crossing over to an ornate Egyptian cabinet. "There was a project I was working on for a few days. I noticed your ability to fly... or rather hover."
"Yes. That was the distinction of my Ibis armor..."
"Well, here is my glorious invention. Behold, the new improved wings of the Ibis," Rath said, and withdrew a small magenta pack. It slightly resembled Ja-Kal's, except it was smaller. Rath fitted the unit to her back, and gestured to Ja-Kal. The leader raised his amulet, and aimed it toward her. Blue fire rushed out and hit the pack. Purple wings sprouted from Menne's shoulders, rigid and fixed unlike the winged cloak she once had.
"I... don't know what to say," said Menne, speechless. "This... is better than I could have hoped."
"It may take time for you to learn their use," said Rath. "For you are only acquainted with simply hovering..."
Then he was cut off by an urgent chiming from the adjoining main chamber. Everyone raced out of Rath's lab. The pyramid suddenly glowed fiercely. "Ah, it must be Kara," said Mennehotep.
"Right. I set the pyramid to track her mystic energy," said Rath. "Thanks to your device."
Mennehotep felt a pang of guilt. She had not sensed her sister's re-emergence. All she had to clue her was the pyramid. Ja-Kal's eyes darkened at the mention of the name.
"Do you think there is a connection between what happened in the museum, and this?" asked Nefer-Tina. Discreetly none of them had mentioned that it was Chondra that they saw there, for Rath's sake.
"I would say so," said Ja-Kal. "We must confront Kara, before she strikes here..."
"Great, payback time," said Presley.
"You will remain here, oh Prince," said Ja-Kal. "Is it safe to assume, Princess, that your sister may still see Rapses as a threat?"
"Undoubtedly," said Mennehotep, still transformed. She waved a hand near her amulet, and the wings automatically retracted. "We may have a chance to defeat her, if she is alone... otherwise..."
"She almost creamed you guys last time if..." said Presley.
"I think she must have had the same drain in power as... certain people we know," said Rath, coughing as he caught himself. Mennehotep winced.
"Let us go to her."
As Mennehotep made to follow, Rath glanced at Ja-Kal. "I think it would be best if you remain here, Your Majesty," said Rath.
"Why?" she asked. "Am I not restored?"
"Someone needs to protect the Prince," said Armon quickly.
"And you know your sister the best, if she wants to attack here..."
"I am perfectly capable..."
"Please, it is for your own safety," said Ja-Kal. "Our oath to protect the Prince extends to you as well, Princess. For your blood is the blood of Rapses..."
"I resent this," cried Mennehotep. "How can I test my new power if you don't give me a chance..."
"Please, don't argue," said Ja-Kal. "You must rest, and learn to use your new powers. We cannot afford..."
"You mean you don't want to risk me failing you again," snapped Mennehotep.
"Your majesty, Ja-Kal intended no offense," said Rath.
"Please, Your majesty," said Ja-Kal. "Just this once, listen to my advice."
"Fine. As you wish," she snorted, and deactivated her armor. Sullenly she walked away.
"Way to go, fearless leader," Nefer-Tina snorted, as they hurried to the Hot-Ra.
"I have my reasons," said Ja-Kal sternly. "If Kara suspects that Mennehotep has lost her powers, than we will be especially vulnerable."
"I quite agree," said Rath. "Even though she has the Strength of Ra, I doubt it will be enough to fend off her sister's magic."
"What about us?" asked Lyris. "As I recall, our powers were not much use against hers..."
"Ah, but I have learned since then," said Rath. "And we know what to expect. Besides, Kara used so much energy last time fighting us, it may be safe to assume that she won't be at her prime. Or else she would have attacked."
"But what about..." Armon started, before Ja-Kal clapped a hand over his mouth.
"He means she might have enlisted the help of certain allies since our last battle," Ja-Kal said hastily.
"Scarab?" asked Lyris.
"Anyone," muttered Nefer-Tina, as the Hot-Ra roared away down the stone ramp of the sphinx. Riding her motor bike, Lyris followed. Ja-Kal soared on ahead of the rest, keeping a sharp eye to the road.
Kara wandered down the street, pulling her jacket more firmly about her neck. The wind whipped at her nylon clad legs as she shivered. It wouldn't be long, she thought to herself.
Her reflection flashed over the window of the music store. Kara smiled meanly as she remembered a distant time ago. And it would all be as simple as a lullaby. She smiled as she heard the approach of engines. So close and yet so far from victory. Kara's hand went to her throat as she whispered a silent spell. Her eyes fell on the grand piano in the shop window.
"Music is everywhere," she remarked. Then her eyes narrowed as she saw the strange man sitting on the bench with the glasses over his eyes. There was no sheet music laid out before him. The sightless eyes behind shades made no contribution to the performance. Even her hardened heart leapt at the beauty of the melodious strains of Rachmaninov.
"That is it, "she smiled. Simple and melodious.
Raising her hands, she summoned her energy. Nothing happened. Kara shook her head incredulously. The spell always worked before. Panic spread across her green eyes for the first time in centuries. Quickly she ran away from the store, shoes pounding the cement pavement.
The blind man stopped playing, and frowned. An overwhelming sense of evil seized him. As if ambition had crossed with extreme hatred in the pit of his stomach. Gasping, he stopped his recitation.
Kara reached the end of the block, when her power suddenly fizzled to life. She stood transformed in her lioness armor. Left and right she glanced. There was the signs for the Golden Gate park. Only ten blocks away. And in the park there were plenty of statues. Dropping to all fours, she raced ahead through the empty streets.
Meanwhile, back at the Sphinx, Mennehotep puttered about Rath's laboratory. Presley had searched everywhere for her, except this one most obvious place.
"Hey, Minnie," he called, wandering into the lab.
"Yes Rapses," she said, turning around. "What is it exalted ancestor?"
"Brother, I wish you wouldn't call me that," Presley sighed. "I feel like some old..."
"I am sorry," she apologized. "That is how I was brought up to think of those souls that lived before me..."
"Hey, no prob. I was just wondering, are you still mad at Ja-Kal for making you stay behind... I know it's a pain... but..."
"But you think he was wrong?"
"He's just overprotective..." said Presley. "But his heart's in the right place. I get sick of him always hovering over me... and..."
"You have an idea that we should somehow follow?" asked Mennehotep, hands on her hips.
"I was... well... yeah. Maybe if you prove to them you can hack it... then he won't be so cautious... and I really want to fight sometimes..."
"That's a dangerous wish, Rapses," she said, concern in her face.
"Aw, bummer," he grumbled, snapping his fingers.
"But that does not mean I don't agree. Why should I stay here when I am every bit as good as a fighter as they. And they don't have any way to protect against Kara's magic."
"But Ja-Kal thinks you don't either..."
"That's what he thinks. But I know my own sister. And I have a few surprises for her..."
"Awesome," said Presley. "Let's go... that is, unless you think I'd be safer here or something like that..."
"Come with me. I've been aching to test these new wings..."
"We'll take the motorcycles..." said Presley.
"I'm not sure I know how.."
"C'mon, I do," laughed Presley, grabbing her wrist. "It's like riding a horse."
"Wait. I need some things. Warm up the cycle for me."
Menne picked up a strange wide belt from one bench with long narrow segments. Just as they exited her eyes fell on a ceremonial frieze of a Pharaoh. Her eyes lit up as she registered the crook and flail scepter.
"Come on already! Before we miss the action!" came Presley's voice.
"Coming, Rapses!" she cried, before running after him.
The huge stone ramp of the Sphinx slid down. It was all she could do to keep from shouting in alarm as the Nile-Ator cycle sped down the pavement at breakneck speed. Presley's short legs just about reached the footrest of the cycle. But there was no other choice. It was either him or her. And the lesser of two evils was to trust the cycling skills of a small boy over her own inexperience. Mennehotep hugged Presley for dear life as he whooped, "Wahoo! Alright man! What a kick!"
"By Isis, can you not go more slowly?" she shouted as the wind slashed at their faces.
"Are you kidding me?" he cried. "They may need our help this minute!"
"This is nothing like riding a horse!" she shouted.
"It's the coolest!"
She groaned inwardly. "So how are we going to track them, without my power..."
"I've got a trace on my own amulet," said Presley. "We'll follow that."
In Golden Gate park, the Mummies assembled. The sun was reaching the horizon, as Ja-Kal glanced anxiously about. "Are you sure this is where the trace of Kara is?"
"Yes. But now it's more diffuse. As if it's coming from all around us..."
"Well, if it isn't the Guardians of Rapses," said a familiar voice.
"Show yourself, Princess Kara!" shouted Ja-Kal. "Face us if you dare!"
"Very well, I shall. But even now you have a chance to retreat. Leave me in peace, and I might let you continue to exist..."
"As long as you are here, you threaten our Prince," said Rath. "And that we cannot allow..."
"You always were sentimental," laughed another voice haughtily.
Rath's eyes widened discernibly beneath his snake helmet. "It... it's..."
"I'm so touched you remember me," came her laughter. All five mummies stood in a circle, backs inward with weapons facing outwards.
"Show yourself, you witch!" shouted Lyris.
Two figures formed in the air above them. A blue and a violet. They flared into flesh as Chondra and Kara both materialized. Rath's blood froze as his eyes fell on his former lover. And she appeared to know Kara. Of course.
"You see, old fool," she laughed. "I too have my students. But unlike you, they wish to remain so!"
"Double Jeopardy," muttered Nefer-Tina under her breath to Ja-Kal.
"Get ready," he whispered to Rath. "You know what to do."
"Absolutely."
"Lyris?"
"I'm ready as I'll ever be..."
Suddenly Lyris phased from sight. Chondra's blast rained down. Rath's hands flew up, deflecting her bolts. The Mummies spread out in five different directions. Ja-Kal leapt to the sky, Armon and Nefer-Tina raced to the north and south. Rath stood his ground against Chondra. Green and violet energy blazed back and forth with the force of their combat.
While he kept the Enchantress busy, Lyris materialized behind Kara, swinging her scythe. Caught off guard, Kara fell. Her catlike instincts cut in, and she rolled over. Nefer-Tina leapt from a bush, ready with her claws out.
Ja-Kal fired his arrows at Chondra. She erected her purple sphere, and they harmlessly deflected. Armon hurled a park bench at her, and she simply dematerialized in purple smoke. Rath shrieked as the bench crashed inches from where he stood.
Kara managed to fight both the Panther and the Jackal with surprising ferocity. Both noticed how she wasn't using any sorcery. "Ja-Kal was right," laughed Nefer-Tina. "YOU have lost your powers..."
"Don't be so sure," said Kara. She began to chant.
Nefer-Tina wrapped her whip around Kara's mask, and Lyris held her hands to stop her gestures.
"Too late," came Chondra's laughter as she completed her pupil's spell. A deafening noise spread out over the park, and everyone clamped their hands over their ears. Chondra hovered above, holding a strange device, like a flute. The melodies screeched through and over, numbing their minds. Instantly Ja-Kal dropped to the ground, senseless. Rath and Armon groaned, freezing still in their tracks.
Lyris however recovered her wits. She started to sing, as loudly as she could to block out the noise. Slowly she rose to her feet. Kara freed herself and leapt to the attack. Still Lyris struggled to sing, as her staff crashed against Kara's claws. But Ja-Kal, Armon, and Rath were helpless.
Nefer-Tina heard Lyris' counter-song. She began to sing along. Now she could move.
"Animate!" Kara screamed, unable to fight both at once. A stone man on a stone horse leapt off its pedestal and sped towards the two. Nefer shrieked, and leapt. Lyris went down as Kara attacked her. Lioness and Jackal rolled over and over.
"What... is that thing..."Nefer-Tina shouted to Lyris.
"It's a magic pipe. I never thought Chondra could conjure something like that up. Or that she could play anything."
"What do we do?"
"We gotta sing as loud as we can."
"And fight at the same time?" asked Nefer-Tina, whip cracking. The stone horse reared in fear as its animate rider tried to control it.
"I know it's as bad as Scylla and Charybdis..." said Lyris.
"Or the sirens," grunted Nefer-Tina.
"That's it. Plug your ears!" cried Lyris. Both mummy girls grabbed bandages, and stuffed them into their ears. Grabbing turf she hurled it at Kara. The dirt fell smack into her eyes. She swung her staff at the Lioness. Nefer-Tina's whip cracked again. The sound spooked her stone horse, and its rider was flung clear overhead. Whooping, Nefer-Tina leapt onto its back, turning it to face Kara.
Lyris ducked, and Kara flew. Then her staff connected with Kara's abdomen, knocking the wind from her. Stunned, she lay still. Nefer-Tina's whip cracked, wrapping around the Princess.
On the back of the stone stallion, they raced towards Chondra. "Give it up. You're no match for us..." laughed Lyris.
"And your playing is awful..." laughed Nefer-Tina.
"So you don't like my performance," asked Chondra, lowering her flute. "Never mind. You will die for this melody..."
So saying she piped another tune. Ja-Kal, Armon, and Rath turned around from their trance like states. Instantly they faced Lyris and Nefer-Tina.
Ja-Kal's arrow sizzled past her ear. Nefer-Tina's stone horse reared and threw the Muse off. Armon pounded the ground, knocking Lyris off her feet. Nimbly Nefer-Tina rode past, scooping her friend up onto the horse. Rath leapt before them, sword shining in the sunlight. He hissed with delight as the horse again reared. Lyris leapt from her position, and came to face Ja-Kal and Armon.
"Destroy them!" laughed Chondra, and continued to play. "I don't even have to lift a finger... save on my pipe..."
Nefer Tina's stone horse reared. The hooves slashed at Ja-Kal. Lyris phased back and forth between Armon and Rath.
Rath's sword swung, chopping the horse's legs from under it. Nefer-Tina leapt free, and rolled over. Her descent slammed her into Ja-Kal's legs, knocking him off balance. Armon roared, charging at her. He crashed right into Ja-Kal.
Rath faced Lyris, sword upraised. "Rath... don't," Lyris cried, raising her staff. "I don't want to hurt you..."
"That is unfortunate," he hissed. "For I do wish to hurt you..."
She leapt, claws upraised. Rath's sword scraped against them.
Armon and Ja-Kal exchanged blows with Nefer-Tina. Only her great agility saved her now. Forgotten, Kara struggled out of the Charioteer's whip and rose to her feet. She watched with glee as the Mummies tore into each other.
"Now for my dear sister," she laughed, and Chondra nodded her approval.
"Look at that!" Presley pointed to the floating Chondra. To their combined horror they watched as Nefer-Tina and Lyris fought for their lives against Ja-Kal, Armon, and Rath.
"Why are they attacking each other?" asked Presley.
"That flute... Chondra's enchanting them. Here, put this wax in your ears," she said, handing a plug to Presley from her belt.
"Thanks. You go high, and I'll go low."
"Good luck my Prince," she said. Menne leapt from the bike as Presley rode into the park. Her purple wings extended, and she flew towards Chondra. Kara snarled, and leapt to attack. But she could not touch her. Presley gunned his cycle in her direction, and she had little choice but to jump out of the way as he roared past.
Ja-Kal spread his own wings and took to the air, to fight Mennehotep. His arrows sizzled past her. Raising her gauntlets, she intercepted the fire arrows. As they zinged into the amethyst metal, they exploded before they hit her. Menne hurled a flask towards him, and a smoke capsule exploded in the mummy's face. He dropped his bow with surprise.
Now Nefer-Tina was free to fight Armon. Kara snarled as Presley swung his bike around to make another pass at Kara. She leapt. Presley raised his own amulet, and fired. The blast caught her by surprise, and she crumpled in mid pounce. Nefer-Tina leapt, and Armon caught her as she sailed overhead. She grunted, and her claws raked harmlessly against his golden arm.
In the skies, Ja-Kal soared round to attack Mennehotep, talons outstretched. She raised her feet, and parried his swings with her ibis boots.
Kara recovered, leaping to her feet and racing after Presley's bike. He cut the gas, and leapt into a bush. The Nile-Ator bike exploded in flames.Nefer-Tina twisted, and kicked Armon's head. Grunting, he let her drop.
Meanwhile, Lyris blocked each swing of Rath's blade with her staff. She could not bear to attack him offensively. Yet he had not the same reservations. How soon would he tire? It was not for sure. Rath spun around as she phased behind him. Her scythe flashed downwards.
Kara swiped the bush apart with her claws. No Prince. "Hey, you dumb cat!" he shouted, from behind. "Get a clue!"
She turned, racing at him with her claws flashing. Presley ducked, and tackled her knees. She crumpled, as the Prince would not let go...
With surprising agility Armon seized Nefer-Tina's foot. She yelped, and pounded his stomach with her fists. Grunting, he dropped her once more.
Menne's flail and crook crossed before her chest. Ja-Kal swung, and the hook blocked. Then the flail snaked in to ensnare his other arm. Seconds later, her foot swung upward to connect with his solar-plexus. Ja-Kal grunted, and forced his hands down. One slipped free of the hook. Menne whapped his jaw with the hook, and grabbed for his amulet. Instantly Ja-Kal clenched her throat, with his free hand. Desperately Menne kicked him again and again with her boots. Yet his blue eyes gleamed as his hand tightened.
Even though she didn't need to breath, he could sever her head from her body. Menne shoved the hook into her belt and reached for a capsule. Crushing it between her fingers, it popped with a powerful astringent odor. Ja-Kal blinked awake.
"What?" he gasped.
"Smelling salts," said she. "Welcome back from the realm of dreams. Quick, fly higher... before Chondra's spell reactivates."
Both ibis and hawk sailed up, up out of sight. Chondra frowned as she saw Ja-Kal and Menne vanish. Little matter though. Ja-Kal would perhaps destroy her yet.
"Rath, no!" cried Lyris. "You must not do this! You're a scribe... you abhor killing..."
"I must obey Chondra... I must..." he gasped, eyes blinking in confusion.
"But she hates you..." said Lyris. "She is making you try to kill me..."
"You are her enemy... and must be eliminated..."
Lyris swung her scythe, and Rath parried. Then he kicked the weapon from her hands. Lyris blocked with her claws. Rath's tail twined around her legs, pulling them from under her. Now she lay helpless on the ground, the point of his sword at her throat.
"Please, Rath, listen to me... I.. lo..." her words were choked off as his sword point pressed inwards. Closing her eyes, she began to hum. Rath stopped in surprise at the surprisingly sweet sound from her lips. He withdrew his blade.
There was a whistling sound, and a blue streak and a purple one descended. Ja-Kal screamed as he soared towards her, talons out stretched. For a moment, Chondra stopped playing to loose a magic bolt.
A purple streak flashed past, grabbing the pipe. "Looking for this?" asked Menne, brandishing the pipe aloft.
Armon rubbed his eyes as he stared at what he held in his hands. Nefer-Tina gurgled as he released his hold. "What in Ra am I doing?" he wondered.
"I... was wondering that too..." Nefer-Tina grunted, as he helped her to stand.
Rath lowered his weapon, eyes clearing. "Great Ptah... Lyris... are you all right..." he gasped, dropping to one knee to her side. His hands slipped around hers.
"I am now," she breathed, managing to smile. Unnoticed, Kara grabbed the Prince.
"Ja-Kal, somebody... help!" cried Presley as Kara put him under her arm and raced away.
"Surrender or be eliminated," said Ja-Kal, recovering his bow. The tip of the arrow aimed right at the Enchantress' heart.
"Are you blind?" asked Chondra. "I would look there..."
"What trick is this..." began Ja-Kal, then stopped when he saw where Chondra indicated.
Kara ran with the Prince, her claws near his throat. "Ja-Kal!" he howled. "Now would be a good time to help..."
"You are helpless, fool!" laughed Chondra. "You'll never see the Prince again. You there, sister of Kara. Give me that pipe..."
Mennehotep looked at Ja-Kal, her onyx eyes meeting his own clear blue ones. They did not need to speak a single word. He nodded. "Very well, I shall," she laughed, and threw it to Chondra.
"Now, before I was so rudely interrupted," she said. "I believe you were about to destroy each other..."
Her focus was on Mennehotep. Ja-Kal dropped out of site into the bushes. As Chondra raised her lips to play, she winced. And spat. Mennehotep grabbed a cartridge from her belt, and hurled it at Chondra. There was a magnesium flash as Chondra's hand went to her eyes. The instrument fell from her fingers.
Rath noticed, and raised his hand. A magic bolt sizzled into her stomach. "Return!" he shouted. "To beyond the Western Gate from whence you came..."
"Never!" shouted Chondra, raising her hands. Bolts flew randomly at everyone. Yet blinded by the magnesium flare, she could not aim.
Rath shielded the muse with his body. But she squirmed away. Lyris grabbed the discarded flute, and began to play. "No!" cried Chondra, clamping hands over her ears.
"Oh yes," laughed Rath. "Return, I command you! Plague us no longer!"
Unable to resist the pipe, Chondra gestured, and transmuted to violet energy. The violet sphere sizzled as it blazed westward towards the Gate from whence it came.
On his Horus wings, Ja-Kal caught up with Kara. "Surrender the Prince, or die!" he cried.
"As you wish," she roared, and hurled the Prince at him. Safe, Presley landed into his guardian's arms. As they looked up, Kara was nowhere to be found.
Everyone regrouped in the park. By now the stars shone overhead. Ja-Kal lowered Presley to the ground, and turned to Mennehotep. Rath carefully helped Lyris up, and slipped his arm around her waist protectively. Armon and Nefer-Tina completed the group, still shaking their heads.
"You all did very well," Ja-Kal said to the group.
"What was that?" asked Nefer-Tina.
"I said..."
"Hey Neff, why you got bandages in your ears?" asked Armon, pulling them out. Nefer-Tina turned to face him.
"As I was saying," repeated Ja-Kal.
"What?" asked Mennehotep.
"Oh, for Ra's sake," groaned Ja-Kal. "Not you too..."
"I can hear fine," she laughed. Everyone, even Rath joined in.
"Then hear what I say now," said Ja-Kal. "I am sorry I underestimated your strengths, your Majesty. I should have realized that your other abilities far surpassed your sorcery..."
"That's okay," she said, resting a hand on his arm. "You made me angry enough to want to prove myself to you. So in reality, you did me a huge favor. I must thank you..."
Ja-Kal grasped her hand, and dropped to one knee. Respectfully he kissed her gauntlet. Rising, he turned to Rath and Lyris. "And as for you, well done, Muse. You really earned your dues today..."
"Certainly," said Rath, arm around her waist. "I was definitely impressed. I had no idea you could play the pipes..."
"I'm not just another pretty harpist," she shrugged, and then winced. She coughed, and choked as Rath slapped her on the back.
"Whatever did you do to that flute?" asked Ja-Kal to the Alchemist.
"Cayenne pepper," said Mennehotep. "I hope you don't mind, Armon, but I borrowed a bit from those burritos."
"Cool!" laughed Presley.
"No, its really hot," coughed Lyris, as Rath hovered over her protectively.
"Here, ingest this, Muse," said the Alchemist. From her belt she took a small white packet, and ripped it open. She poured the powder into her hand, and rubbed it into Lyris's mouth. A sign of relief crossed the face of the Muse and the Scribe.
"Let's go home," said Ja-Kal.
Everyone gathered in Rath's laboratory once more. On the ornate ancient table before him lay the strange flute that Lyris had taken from Chondra.
"Apparently this flute is made of ordinary silver, impregnated with heavy enchantments," said Rath, carefully tapping it with his serpent wand. "And it could be used to command anyone that the player wished."
"But how did Chondra know how to make one?" asked Mennehotep. "I thought that musical spells were not her strong point."
"No. But remember she has access to strange and powerful spells beyond the Western Gate. And all it would take is a special enchantment on an ordinary flute to make the magic work."
"So what's to stop her from using the same spell again?" asked Ja-Kal.
"I think she rather got a bad taste in her mouth from this experience. I doubt whether she'll ever want to hear music for a long time," said Rath.
"But Kara escaped," said Mennehotep. "I have yet again failed."
Ja-Kal's hand rested lightly on her shoulder. "Hardly, Your majesty."
"Hey guys," said Presley. "I noticed that she hardly used her sorcery. Like, when I used my amulet, she didn't do squat to protect herself."
"She did animate a stone statue," said Nefer-Tina. "And I can tell you all about that."
"It's no matter," said Ja-Kal. "For the next time she attacks, we are ready. Thanks to our Alchemist."
"Hail Mennehotep, Princess of Alchemy!" cried Lyris clapping.
Armon and Ja-Kal raised Mennehotep over their heads. "Put me down, you two," she laughed softly.
"Hail Mennehotep! Great is the power of Alchemy!" Ja-Kal and Armon chanted.
"And great is the power of our Muse!" laughed Rath, bowing to Lyris.
"Get up, you idiot," she laughed.
"Well, that's a fine response to a compliment," snorted Rath, his hands on his hips.
"Hoo boy, it's back to normal," sighed Presley, shaking his head.
"So guys, like what do we do with that flute thing?" asked Nefer-Tina. "I mean, if you think about it, it could be a great weapon."
Lyris raised it to her lips. And blew. Only a simple melody emerged. No one moved. "Hey, nothing is happening," said Armon.
Rath took it from her, and examined it. "I am afraid that the cayenne pepper has burned out any other trace of the incantation."
"That is some strong spice," said Armon.
"For once, you are right," Rath said. "It's a delayed reaction. This flute has no more magic now than... an ordinary stick."
"So you say," said Lyris, snatching it back. A sweet sound made everyone stop still.
"I think it's working how it should all along," said Mennehotep, with a sigh.
"Where are you going, oh Prince," Ja-Kal asked Presley.
"I'm gonna be late for my piano lesson. Mom will kill me..." he said, waving goodbye.
"Speaking of lessons, I may yet be able to help you with your magic," Rath said to Mennehotep.
"I thought you couldn't guarantee that I would regain my sorcery," said Mennehotep.
"I didn't say that," said Rath. "What I meant is that your current knowledge could not be restored. Yet that doesn't mean that you cannot be taught magic again."
"You mean..." said Menne. "Oh, would you?"
"I would be honored to educate you in the ways of sorcery, your Majesty," said Rath, with a bow.
"When can we start?" asked Mennehotep.
"Well... immediately if you like," said Rath, flattered with her enthusiasm.
"There's just one thing," said Lyris. "I think it's time that she has her own room..."
Everyone looked at the Muse with surprise. "Whatever for?" asked Nefer-Tina.
"She is a princess, and she is entitled," said Lyris, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. This did not go unnoticed by Mennehotep.
"After all, she did save the day. And she is an alchemist. Just look at how cluttered this place is. I'd hate to see Rath's latest invention go kaboom..."
"She is right," said Ja-Kal. "We must give her the space to work, since she is an alchemist. Perhaps that small room with the nice view of the Bay."
"Guys, you don't have to..." said Mennehotep, rasing her hands in protest.
"We insist, your majesty," said Ja-Kal, with a bow.
"Ah well, who am I to question your noble advice, First guardian," she laughed.
End.
