Return of the Old World
Chapter 4: The Final Plague
Inside the Museum of Natural in Downtown San Francisco, Amanda Carnovan, Jackie Chan, and her boss Mr. Hepplewhite are standing at the front hall patiently waiting for a prominent donor to stop by for a meeting. Amanda seems almost giddy but her boss is looking at his watch as if he has been greatly inconvenience
Mr. Hepplewhite: Mister Stone should be here any minute. Thank you for coming on such short notice Jackie.
Jackie: Not a problem at all!
Jackie then turns to Amanda and smiles, she returns the smile. She looks at the front door to see Scarab's modern form of famed Archeologist Harris Stone and standing with him is a tall bald Asian man, his pupils are a bright yellow, and he wears clothes akin to a priest. Unbeknownst to the group this is actually Ming; the Yellow Shadow and leader of the Shin-Tan.
Scarab: Apologies for our tardiness. The Titans thought it was a good idea to hold traffic in downtown.
Mr. Hepplewhite: Its quite alright Mister Stone, I hope you don't mind but I am bringing Miss Amanda Carnovan and an archeologist who has done a lot of work for our museum, Mister Jackie Chan.
Scarab: Its nice to meet you Mister Chan! I've heard so much about you!
Jackie unknowingly shakes the hand of Scarab and despite his warm expressions Jackie can't help but feel that something is off.
Scarab: Please allow me to introduce my associate Count Orloff of Mongolia.
Ming smiles and extends his hand to Amanda first before making his way Jackie.
Ming: Miss Carnovan, I have heard great things about what you have done for this museum. You must be so proud that you are held in such high esteem.
Amanda: Thank you! I appreciate that!
Ming's robotic hand is covered by a glove and firmly grasps her hand. Amanda feels a coldness from the hands she can tell the hand is a prosthetic but she has never felt a prosthetic limb like this before. Ming then walks over to Jackie and the good natured archeologist can't help but feel a little uneasy by his presence. Despite hiding this feeling with his body language Ming's telepathy picks up on this so he smiles at Jackie to put him at ease.
Ming: Mister Chan, I've heard a great deal about you and your work.
Ming's mind is then flooded with visions of Jackie's many archeological exploits and the countless battles against people such as Shendu, Daolon Wong, and The Dark Hand. Ming also sees the memory of Jackie and Amanda at the Flaming Dragon and how they kissed before Jackie ran back into action.
Jackie: Thank you sir.
Jackie is smiling as he thanks the "Count" but based on his thoughts Ming still know he's uneasy but doesn't care.
Scarab: I have brought Count Orloff to help decipher the piece your team has found.
The group all looks at Jackie so he begins to lead them way towards the storage area in the back of the Museum. Once they arrive in the back they see a large panel leaning up against the wall which is covered by a large sheet. Jackie pulls the sheet off the panel to reveal a large stone panel with carvings of the Pyramids of Giza with a young man in royal garbs hovering over the top of one them with a strange energy around him with flying Lovecraftian Monsters flying towards the Pyramids. On the ground there are handful of warriors looking upward one is a man in oriental clothes with a bamboo hat, a muscular man with pointed ears and lighting bolt on his chest, a tall viking warrior who's eyes look like jewels, a hooded man wielding an axe, and finally what another man that appears to be the Black Panther of that time. Inscribed on the sides of the carvings are a language not known to humans. Ming is in absolute awe of what he sees.
Ming: Truly remarkable…
The Yellow Shadow steps forward resisting the urge to touch the carving.
Mr. Hepplewhite: We were told by the team that found this the carbon date is almost thousands of years older than any Egyptian piece we have on record but I'm under the impression this is a very well done forgery…
Ming: I can assure you there is nothing fake about this. Where was this found exactly?
Amanda: An expedition team found this in a collection of Catacombs outside of Shiruta, Kahndaq. Professor Aristide Clairembart lead the expedition-
Ming: Clairembart was here?!
Ming practically spins his neck around, his eyes pierce into Amanda's memory's. He sees an older man with greying hair, mustache with a goatee, and a pair of small round glasses alongside what appears to be a young Amanda with her now ex husband Paul at what appears to be some sort of holiday party at the museum. This Professor is a close associate of Ming's arch nemesis Bob Morane a French spy who has thwarted Ming's plans time and time again. In the real world however Amanda is confused at the "Count's" reaction.
Amanda: Umm… Y-yes, him and his team dropped this off earlier this morning. It was a brief visit, they're probably back in the air right now going back the UK if I'm not mistaken.
Ming solemnly turns back to the large stone carvings angry that he missed Professor Clairembart and possibly his nemesis Bob Morane. Amanda looks at Jackie confused but he just shrugs unsure why he seems off.
Jackie: Do you know the professor?
Ming: You could say I'm an admirer of both his and his associates' work.
Amanda: We'll give the Professor your regards then Count Orloff.
There is a moment of pause in the group, Ming turns back at the carvings to try and hide is adverse reaction. Scarab in the form of Harris Stone looks confused unsure of how he could spin this. Jackie then decides to break the tension and offer to have Uncle translate the carvings.
Jackie: Anyways, my uncle has knack for transcribing things like this. I will-
Scarab: Actually Mister Chan that won't be necessary. The museum called me for my expertise in all thing ancient Egyptian and lucky for us, the count is an expert on all things… Well, older than even that.
Ming: We will take it from here. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I will be sure to bring my findings to your attention.
Ming then nods at the group and they all go their separate ways. Jackie and Amanda are walking down the halls of the museum and into her office.
Jackie: Count Orloff seemed weird no?
Amanda: He was a little weird but so is Harris Stone! One of the richest men on planet Earth and he builds himself a Pyramid in downtown?! That's normal people stuff!
Jackie: To be fair to Mister Stone a handful of the billionaires in America either are superheroes or think they are.
Amanda: That's a fair point. Hey are we still on for those "lessons"?
Jackie: Yes of course! I can come by-
Jackie then feels his phone vibrating in his pocket. He takes it out of his pocket to see that Uncle is calling. The screen is lit up with a picture of the two of them from the Christmas they fought Daolon Wong. Jackie answers the call and puts the phone to his ear.
Jackie: Hel-
Uncle: JACKIEEEEE! I NEEDED YOU AT THE SHOP HOUR AGO!
Uncle then promptly hangs up and Jackie looks on confused. Amanda is confused as to what just happened, her face is perplexed as she doesn't know what the conversation was about.
Amanda: What's wrong?
Jackie: Uncle needs me at the shop but that's in China Town and then I have to comeback to the side of town to get Jade and-
Amanda: Don't worry I can get her! I'm picking up Presley today anyway, I can bring her back to my place… If- if that's ok?
Jackie: Honestly you would be a life saver!
Meanwhile back at the school, Presley and Jade stand in the hallway cornered by Celia and Heka. Unsure of what to do the two heroes look on petrified. The two minions inch closer and closer to he young heroes.
Heka: Nowhere to run little Pharaoh!
Jade turns to Presley "Now would be a good time for one of your mummies to pop up!". Presley retorts with "I could say the same about your uncles!". When suddenly a blur crashes through from the ceiling throwing Heka into the wall. This is Nefertina, she breathes heavily in anger and cracks her whip on the floor with her other gauntlet has claws fully extended.
Nefertina: I've had enough of you!
The mummified warrior then bum rushes the conduit assassin, with a swift spinning kick to the face Celia is knocked down cold. Nerfertina then turns to her Prince and newfound ally.
Nefertina: My prince, are you injured?
Presley: I'll be better once I get out of here. Scarab's never attacked me at school before but why?
The familiar voice of Uncle can be heard behind them telling Nefertina "Another question added to the list of riddles…". The three heroes look behind the projection of Uncle standing behind them.
Jade: Uncle, you'e going to have to show me how you're doing that!
Uncle: I have learned a great many spells since I have detected this newfound evil.
Presley: How about a spell that banishes all the Shabtis, assassins, and evil spirits from our school!?
Uncle: Getting to that! My spells are keeping Kan-Ra's projection trapped in the library but they will not hold much longer. You all must cause distraction while we prepare final ingredients to spell at the shop.
The projection of Uncle then fades away and the group of heroes run down the hallway looking for the fire alarm.
Meanwhile back in Scarab's Pyramid in Downtown San Francisco, Ming and Scarab walk out of the elevator into Scarab's inner sanctum they walk towards Kan-Ra is hovering with legs crossed while levitating. The mummified sorcerer is very clearly in a deep meditative state. Scarab transforms back into his decrypt form and Ming is so angry that he missed one of Morane's closest associates he punches a hole into the marble wall with his robotic hand. Kan-Ra then opens his eyes.
Kan-Ra: What troubles you Ming?
The two undead sorcerers look to see their living comrade leaning into the marvel wall he just he punched, the hole is deep where you can see the support beams and circuits. If Ming were to have punched a human being instead of a wall they would've had a gaping hole where the heart would be.
Ming: Morane is now involved, we do not need anymore players in this game of chess!
Scarab: I'm sorry who is this Morane character? I thought Chan and the Mummies were our only concern?!
Ming: Far from it I'm afraid.
Ming pulls his hand out from the wall, using his robotic hand he creates a hologram of a tall man with jet black hair, a red jacket, and work pants. Beside this man are an older version of Professor Clairembart, a much taller man with ginger beard and long hair with a machine gun in hand, another woman who appears to be wearing a camera around her neck with her fiery ginger hair in a pony tail, and finally a slender Asian woman with a katana sheathed that is also strapped to her side.
Ming: This is Robert Morane, a foe of mine. Standing beside him are his associates: The Professor, Bill Ballantine, Sophie Paramount, and my own niece Tania Orloff. He is a spy for the French Government, he is the reason why my hand is now a mechanical marvel. While I must admit I enjoy the chase, I cannot afford any unwanted disturbances.
Kan-Ra: Do you think Morane knows we have the Summoning Key?
Ming: It doesn't matter if he knows or not, what matters is the Professor knows of the carvings and is more likely than not working on translating them as we speak!
Scarab: Has there been any word from Heka or Celia?
Kan-Ra: Nothing yet I'm afraid. But the young Prince knows not his true powers yet. The Chi Wizard has dispatched one of the mummies to protect the boy. He currently has my psychic form trapped in the school library. I shall go there if it means-
Ming: No Kan-Ra you are needed here. Your presence could cause an unwanted disturbance from other heroes who call Sam Francisco home.
Scarab: I will help you break free of the prison the Chi Wizard has created.
Scarab and Kan-Ra begin to meditate together mumbling ancient Babylonian incantations. Back in the library, Kan-Ra's psychic form manifests with armor matching that of Scarab's covered in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Children in the library begin to run for their lives, Kan-Ra flies through the walls like a ghost searching the halls for Presley.
Back in the shop Uncle, Tohru, and Rath paint a white circle on the floor at the center is the Eye of Horus. On the outside of the circle Chinese Characters each representing peace, hope, and protection. The walls and shelves are lined with candles while Tohru' and Rath walk around burning incense around the back office. Jackie then walks into the door.
Jackie: Uncle! I have-
Jackie looks on at the three sorcerers and the ritual they are performing.
Uncle: Jackie you are just in time!
The old Chi Wizard hands Uncle a long wooden staff. Uncle then walks into the center of the circle with his puffer fish in hand, Tohru approaches the one of the outer circles with a shield barring resemblance Pharaoh's soldier's, while Scarab activates his powers summoning his sword. The three sorcerers all nod at each other and begin to chant.
Uncle: Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fi Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fi Di Zao!
The painted circle begins to glow under their feet. Tohru and Rath begin to join Uncle in the chant while Jackie looks on confused at what's going on. He then turns to Uncle who while chanting is scowling at Jackie.
Jackie: OH! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fi Di Zao!
Uncle then points his pufferfish to the ceiling and the items in their hands all begin to shoot out some kind of strange energy until it forms into a Crane made of white light. The crane then flies into the ceiling but as it makes contact it phases through it like a ghost. The crane flies to Presley's school back there however the group of heroes finally found a discreet location with a fire alarm.
Jade: Alright this is it! We just gotta pull that sucker and they won't be able to follow us in all the confusion?
A voice from behind them says "Are you sure about that?". They turn around the see the armored spirit of Kan-Ra. His decayed mouth grinning wickedly at the group of them. Nefertina jumps at the spirit only go right throw the spirit and but he levitates her before she can touch the ground.
Kan-Ra: Foolish girl! You should have had the Chi Wizard or my old pupil enchant that armor!
Using his powers Kan-Ra slams Nefertina into the wall knocking her out cold. The undead sorcerer turns around to the cowering children heroes. Jade quickly flips the switch turning on the fire alarm.
Jade: Back up won't be here anytime soon!
Kan-Ra: Oh I can manage without the Shabti's and the snake for a little bit longer!
Using his powers he levitates both of them in the air choking the pair when suddenly a bright white light can be seen down the hall. The crane has made it to the school, it explodes and its light goes down every hall in the school. Causing the remaining Shabti's to disintegrate and even Heka to catch fire. The snake screams out in pain and quickly breaks open a water fountain sliding into the pipe, the spell however teleports the unconscious Celia back to Scarab's pyramid while the projection of Kan-Ra fades away but back in the pyramid Kan-Ra's are burning as steam comes out of them. The sorcerer grabs his eyes in pain and cries out.
Kan-Ra: AHHHHHHHHH!
Scarab: Master what has happened?!
Kan-Ra: AAAAAAHHHHHH! IT BUUUUURRRNS! AAAAAAAAHHHHH!
Back the school however Nefertina is perched on the rooftop while the faculty and staff all stand outside of the school with the sound of sirens blaring down the road. She turns to see Presley and Jade standing by one of their teachers. Nefertina discretely jumps down into the cockpit of the Hot Ra, the mystically empowered vehicle speeds off. Presley and Jade look off in the direction of a loud engine firing off in the distance.
Jade: This just a regular day for you and your friends?
Presley: Believe it or not, Heka was the only one I recognized.
Jade: Who was the ghost mummy and the Peter Cottontail wannabe?
Presley: According to Rath that's Kan-Ra. He said that's the dude who taught him and Scarab everything they know, as for the rabbit lady… Your guess is as good as mine.
Jade nods but she feels vibration from her hoodie pocket. She pulls out her phone to see a text from Jackie on the screen saying "I understood today was challenging. Are you and Presley ok? His mom will be picking u up after school." Jade texts back "Some1 seems to be moving a lil fast! Can't wait 2 meet your gf!". Jade then nudges Presley showing him the text which results in face scrunching up in anger.
Presley: Greaaaat…
Jade just shrugs it off and the Principal of the school waves the faculty and students back into the school. The two of them walk in expecting to be pulled by the school resource officers due to security camera footage but instead they walk by police officers Joe Pendleton and Bob Flesch who are speaking with Miss Hartman.
Officer Bob: I don't know what happened but these cameras didn't record diddly!
Miss Hartman: But what about the dust piles and the broken fountain?
Officer Joe: Well, I have a few ideas. I'm thinkin'-
Officer Bob: Don't you dare say it!
Officer Joe: What?! Mummies are covered in dust!
Both of the young heroes look at each other but have different reactions to the conversation. Jade smirks at Presley but the reincarnated Pharaoh just shrugs it off like it's nothing. The day ends and Presley sits on a bench waiting for his mom to come pick him up when a familiar voice asks him "Anybody sitting here?". Presley turns around to see the person he's absolutely sick of seeing, Jade Chan. She stands there with a big smile on her face but Presley can barely contain his disgust. Presley however reluctantly agrees to let her sit with him.
Presley: Yeah... Sure thing.
Jade sits on the bench with Presley and there is an awkward silence, if she had a knife she could cut through the tension. She looks at the line of cars and then turns to Presley who's trying his best to ignore Jade's presence. She decides to do what she does best, pester those around her.
Jade: Sooo... Anything exciting today?
Presley turns to Jade giving her the stank eye while doing so. He replies with "Oh you know just my nemesis from thirty five hundred years ago sent a platoon of his Shabtis along with his sorcerer teacher and a ninja assassin to kill me. That was fun and then the niece of the guy my mom I guess is dating now won't stop bothering me or not so subtly asking me about how cool my life must be.", Jade looks at Presley but she just shakes it off. Jade decides to quip back at Presley letting him that she can dish it out just the same.
Jade: Well you seem to be handling the stress well! You'd think a former pharaoh would be more adjusted.
Presley: Rapses died when he was twelve. He never made it to full fledged pharaoh...
He looks down on the ground in defeat which causes Jade to raise an eye brow. Despite only personally knowing Presley for a short amount of time she knew who he was before he came to the shop. She would see Presley in the hallways with a chipper demeanor and always walking confidently throughout the hallways so this was somewhat concerning.
Jade: What's wrong Pres?
Presley: I think I finally figured out why Scarab has been after me all this time.
Jade: Really?! What'd you think the reason is?!
The reincarnated pharaoh begins to rummage through his backpack to show Jade the book he found in the library but before he can pull it out the two of them hear the sound of a car horn lightly honking. They both look up to see Amanda in her car, she waves at them from the drivers seat. The two kids get up from the bench and get into the car. Presley takes shotgun while Jade jumps in the passenger seats, Amanda drives off from the school and in the direction of home.
Amanda: Hey Pres, what is with all the police here? Everything good?
Presley: Uh I'm not really-
Jade: Someone pulled the fire alarm!
Amanda then looks into rearview mirror and smiles at Jade, she responds to the young Chan by saying "Oh wow it wasn't either of you was it?". Jade smirks and decides to play along saying "We will neither confirm nor deny!". The two share a laugh but Presley doesn't find this humorous in the slightest. He glares at Jade, his mom doesn't catch on but Jade does she stops laughing.
Amanda: You must be Jade! I'm Amanda, I'm glad Jackie gave you a heads up. I love him but he seems a little spacey sometimes!
Jade: Do you now?
Amanda realizing what she said begins to awkwardly trying to retract that statement but only trips over her words. She starts off with "Oh, well I mean... Uhh not like that but he's a good guy you know! Today he got a call from your other Uncle just out of nowhere and- uh", Jade has a big smile on her face but Presley can't stand what he's hearing so he puts in his headphones and drowns them out. They arrive back at the house and set up shop, as the two get out of the car Amanda tells them "I ordered pizza while we wait for Jackie!" to which Presley responds with "Okay thanks mom! We'll be here in the kitchen doing homework!". The two of them set up in the kitchen where Presley begins to pull out books from his bag ready and slams the mythology book he found in the library today.
Presley: I think I figured it out today! The reason why Scarab has been after me all this time!
Presley opens the book to the chapter about Rapses and shows Jade the pictures of the carvings of Rapses hovering over the pyramids. Jade begins to skim through the chapter, her eyes widen with each excerpt she reads. After reading about how the gods blessed Rapses with unfathomable powers she looks up at Presley.
Jade: So like, should I be bowing?
Presley: If it were up to my I would've gotten ride of these powers I supposedly have! Don't get me wrong the mummies have been cool and having Ja-Kal when my dad isn't around has been great but-
Jade: I'm gonna stop you right there buddy! I know we haven't really known each other known each other for that long but it doesn't take a royal advisor or a chi wizard to see that those guys very clearly care about you! Ya know, whenever we were going up against baddies for a long time there were definitely days were I just wanted to be a normal kid, but then I thought "If I was normal would I have all these friends I've made?" and that really stuck with me!
Presley just hits her with "Yeah... I guess" but deep Presley knows that Jade sneaking along with spy missions and fighting demons from ancient Asia is not the same thing as being a reincarnated pharaoh with a mummified entourage and just now finding out the REAL reason why. The doorbell rings and from the top of the stairs Amanda says "Coming!". She walks down the stairs with money in hand, once she gets to the door she mindless opens it and goes to hand the wad of cash over only to realize that it's Jackie at the door. Jackie has a wide gleeful smile on his face when he sees Amanda realize who is at the door.
Jackie: For me?! You shouldn't have!
Amanda: Hey there! I thought you were helping your Uncle still!
Jackie: He just needed my help with some work around the shop that's all.
Amanda: Okay, well I'll go get-
Jade's voice can be heard from around the corner saying "Way ahead of you!". Jade walks up to the front door with her belongings. Presley remains at the table not really trying to talk to Jackie or anyone else for that matter. He quietly packs up his bag and goes to his room where Khati is waiting for him but his mom stops him, he turns to the door to see that Jade and her uncle are gone
Amanda: Everything okay Presley? You seem stressed out.
Presley: I'm fine mom.
He then tries to walk past her by walking around her but she steps in front of her son. Presley rolls his eyes and looks up to see his mom's face, she seems somewhat concerned but her eyes convey that she's dour because she thinks she knows the real reason Presley is upset.
Amanda: Is this about Jackie?
Presley: I mean no, but it doesn't help that you're dating basically Dad 2.0 AND almost reverting to a girl my age.
Amanda: Excuse me! Jackie is nothing like-
Presley: Like what? Go ahead finish that sentence!
Amanda: Look I've been single for awhile now and me and your dad tried to make things work last time he was in town but it just didn't work.
Presley: So you go for another globe trotting, goofy archeologist?
Amanda: I thought you said this wasn't about dad?
Presley: It's not!
Amanda: Then tell me what's wrong!
Presley then shouts at the top of his lungs "I CAN'T! YOU WOULDN'T GET IT ANYWAY! YOU'RE TOO BUSY DEALING WITH RICH SNOBS LIKE HARRIS STONE OR HEPPLEWHITE TO CARE NORMALLY SO WHY DO YOU CARE NOW?!". Presley is shaking in anger and his mom stands there with a petrified look of sorrow on her face. Presley walks by her but she does not step in front of her this time. Presley storms up the stares but Amanda sits at the first stair step trying to hold back the tears but fails. Presley opens his door expecting Khati or one of the mummies to be there waiting for him but nobody is there.
Presley: Khati? You there? Sorry you had to hear that...
Presley feels that something is off, he looks around but he can't shake the feeling. He drops his back pack on the floor to begin his search. He opens his closet doors and looks at every corner of his room looking for his mummified cat. He gets up after looking under his bed only grabbed from behind, a hand covering his mouth and cold razor sharp steel around his throat. Celia has infiltrated the Carnovan house.
Celia: Easy kid, don't make any sudden moves.
From a portal made of shadow on the ground Scarab, Kan-Ra, Heka, and at the feet of Scarab a incapacitated Khati. Presley's eyes widen in fear and anger causing Scarab to smirk in triumph.
Scarab: Celia, bring him here!
The conduit assassin does just that and moves her hand from his mouth and brings him closer to the evil sorcerer and his newfound allies.
Presley: What did you to Khati?! And how do you know where I live?
Scarab: It took sometime but I eventually discovered several important details in your life but I have never had the resources to challenge you until recently!
The dark sorcerer then pulls out the Summoning Key from his purple garbs and showing it off to Presley like a trophy. Scarab then kicks Khati away from the group but the cat begins to wake and goes to lunge at Scarab and his allies but they are then magically teleported away. Khati begins to look around confused but something catches the cat's eye, the mythology Presley found today in the library. The book also almost miraculously opened to the chapter about Prince Rapses. Using her mouth and paws Khati closes the book and grabs it, jumping up to the open roof window and headed towards the Sphinx to alert the others.