Sitting in the park and dressed in their disguises Nefer-Tina and Armon watched as Presley practiced throwing the Boomer-Ra under Ja-Kal's guidance. A few feet away I sat at Rath's side as he went over our last lesson.
"Rath seems to spending a lot of time with Jade." Nefer-Tina commented and Armon nodded, watching with a smile as I laughed at something Rath had said.
"Yeah she seems to really like him." Armon agreed as Rath asked me a series of questions about the amulets each of the mummies wore.
"Isn't it obvious, Armon?" She asked and when he shook his head she smiled. "He's fallen in love with her."
"Okay so from what you've taught me Ja-Kal's amulet is a falcon, Nefer-Tina's amulet is a panther or a cat anyway, Armon's is a ram and yours is a snake." I replied and he nodded, looking at me with a smile.
"Very good, Jade. Now how about Presley's amulet? What can you tell me about it?" Rath asked next and I grinned at him, actually enjoying his quiz.
"It has the eye of Ra on it and he can use it to call for help from his four guardians. You created the amulet for him too." I answered after a pause, crossing my arms with a smug smile on my lips. "Anything else, Rath?"
"Hmm you have been paying attention to my lessons. Unlike someone I will not mention." Rath commented as we sat together on the grass. "You would have made a fine student."
"Really? Thanks, Rath. Wish I'd met you sooner." I told him, wondering if I could blush when he reached for my hand. "So...um...what else did you want to ask me?" I found myself stammering and he chuckled.
"You could ask me something, Jade." Rath suggested and I tried to think of something, anything to ask but I found myself getting distracted when he wrapped his fingers around mine. When I cleared my throat he raised an eyebrow at me. "Yes, Jade?"
"You know that is really distracting, Rath." I muttered nodding towards his hand and he laughed making me even more lost when he covered both of my hands with his. "Th...that doesn't help." I complained and he kept smiling liking the way I turned my head away, seeing the grey skin along my cheeks darkening.
"That was the idea, Jade. I was wondering if you would like to..." He started until something flew towards us and Rath pushed me down, shielding me. "Jade, that almost hit you!" He said, looking around for the source until he saw the tree behind us topple over.
"Rath, what was that?!" I cried out as he helped me to my feet, blocking me when I started to walk towards my friends. "Scarab!" I heard him say and as I looked on he gently pushed me further behind him.
"Stay here with the prince. We can handle this." Rath said as Ja-Kal led Presley over to our hiding place.
"But I could help...somehow." I answered and Rath just shook his head, rushing over with Ja-Kal to help Armon and Nefer-Tina against Scarab and his shabtis.
"Better get used to this, Jade. They never let me fight." Presley told me and I sighed, standing near the broken tree.
"Yeah I want to help but how?" I replied looking around until I saw a rock and with a grin I knelt, picking it up. "Hmm this gives me an idea." I muttered as I aimed at one of the shabtis as they advanced on Rath and Ja-Kal.
Once I saw Scarab advancing on my friends I changed my target before I quickly pulled back my hand, aiming before I threw the stone. I realized straight away that I was too far away to actually hit Scarab when the stone hit one of the shabtis, which turned its attention to me.
"You really shouldn't have done that, Jade." Presley said as the Shabti started to run towards us and I cringed, staying in front of Presley as I quickly thought back to my Eygpt-Tsu lessons with Armon. As the Shabti reached us I kicked out with my heel with all of my strength, striking the Shabti in the chest.
It didn't break and I swallowed, backing away as it aimed its specter at me. "Presley, run!" I yelled blocking his path as the Shabti advanced on us. I tried to kick it a second time but it fired at me, hitting me in the chest and I cried out as the blast threw me into a nearby tree.
I slammed into the tree back first sliding to the grass with a groan as Presley caught up to the mummies. The Shabti just walked past me, intent on capturing Presley as I groaned trying to stand finding that my legs wouldn't support me and I slid back to the ground.
I heard the battle from my spot on the grass unable to stand to see how my friends were faring until I saw something fly into the air and I briefly saw a purple flash before someone grasped my hand. "Whoa..that wasn't fun." I groaned as someone helped me to my feet, wrapping an arm around my shoulders to steady me.
"Yes so I can see. Jade, that looked very painful." Rath told me, holding me upright as I shook my head.
"Yeah that was, Rath. How did the battle with Scarab go? I couldn't stand up so I kind of missed it." I asked and he gave me a tiny smile, sheathing his sword. "Nice armor by the way."
"Thank you. Scarab will not try to ambush again. At least not for a while anyway." Rath answered as we walked back to join our friends. "Whatever made you try something so reckless?"
"Oh the rock? I couldn't just stand by and watch Scarab hurt my friends." I explained and he paused looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah it was a dumb idea."
"A reckless move, Jade but not an unwelcome one. Though it will take some more Egypt-Tsu lessons with Armon before you are ready to take on Shabtis." Rath told me and I nodded as he rested a hand on my shoulder. "Still I appreciate your willingness to help."
"Thanks, Rath. Nice to be appreciated. You didn't get hurt did you?" I asked Rath and he shook his head with a smile, his armor disappearing. "Oh yeah. We've been outside for hours."
"Yes so now would be a good time to return home." Ja-Kal agreed as we headed back to the Hot-Ra. Once Rath noticed that I'd fallen behind he slowed waiting for me to catch up.
"Jade, is something the matter?" Rath asked and I quickly shook my head noting the way he studied my face. "If you are sure but you can talk to me about anything you know."
"Yeah I'm alright just wish I could do more to help out. Couldn't even take on one shabti without getting smacked around." I answered and he sighed, guiding me towards the Hot-Ra. "I mean I know I'm not a guardian but I wish..."
"You were one?" Rath asked and I nodded, silently grateful when he wrapped his fingers around mine as we walked behind our friends. "You would make a wonderful protector but it is not possible. Even with training."
"I know I shouldn't let it bother me but it would be so cool to have armor like yours." I pointed out and he smiled, giving my hand a squeeze which sent goosebumps along my arm.
"If you had been born in our time you would have an amulet like ours." Rath agreed and I blinked leaning against him when he stopped walking.
"Thank you for saying that, Rath. At least I can study with you as my teacher." I answered and he smiled, blinking at me when I stood on my toes and his cheeks actually darkened when I kissed his cheek. "Come on. Let's head back." I added, giggling when he stared blankly ahead a slight smile on his lips.
"You are right. Let us head back to the sphinx." Rath stammered as I pulled him in the direction of the Hot-Ra. Due to the fact that six people were present Rath drove the Jetcycle and as the Hot-Ra took off we followed on the Jetcycle. We made a stop at Presley's house and after we dropped off the prince we headed back to the sphinx.
With my arms wrapped tightly around Rath's waist I leaned forward resting my head on his back noting that he didn't seem to mind. "I never thought that the Hot-Ra would need an extra seat." Rath commented and I laughed, giving him a tiny grin as he sped up.
"Never thought I'd be transformed into a mummy but here we are." I added and he laughed, expertly dodging traffic until we arrived back at the sphinx. "Still the last few days have been fun. Well except for Scarab. That man just doesn't get it. We're not giving up the Prince Rapses' spirit or Presley for anything."
"Yes he does not seem to understand that we are a formidable team. You are right. It would be wonderful to have you on our team." Rath said as he drove into the sphinx and I sighed, enjoying our closeness.
"Aren't I already a part of the team, Rath?" I replied as he slowed, parking the Jetcycle in the garage before he helped me from the vehicle.
"Most definitely, Jade." He told me and I grinned, both of us leaning in until we remembered that we were not alone.
"I believe we have company." Rath muttered and I just shrugged leading him away from our friends who were grinning at us.
"Don't worry about it, Rath. I actually wanted to ask you something while I have the chance." I said to him as we headed back towards our sarcophagi and he tilted his head slightly to one side, curious. "Would you teach me how to use a weapon?"
"That would not be a problem but may I ask why?" Rath said once we reached the table he kept his scrolls on. "Is this about Scarab?"
"Mostly but it's about you and everyone really." I answered and Rath blinked at me as I rubbed my arm. "I know that sounds weird but I was watching everyone fighting Scarab and the shabtis and I wanted to be out there fighting alongside you. Everyone else too."
"Jade, you should have told me you felt so strongly. I can train you but I do not want you to put yourself in danger." Rath agreed and I sighed as he draped an arm around my waist. "I have become rather fond of you these last few days and if anything were to happen to you..." He trailed off when I draped my arms around his neck.
"I promise if you train me I won't rush out there until you're sure I can handle myself." I told Rath and after a few seconds of thinking he finally nodded. "Awesome! Thank you, Rath!" I laughed, giving him a hug.
"Y...you are most welcome." He stammered and I giggled loving the fact that his cheeks were darker. "Now we should really get some rest."
"Yes I guess we should. I know I didn't fight Scarab but I'm beat." I admitted and he nodded, walking me to my sarcophagus though before I climbed into it he leaned forward giving me a quick hug. My cheeks burning I climbed into my sarcophagus as he walked away still smiling to himself at how bold he had been.
Waking the next day Nefer-Tina yawned, climbing from her sarcophagus walking over when she saw Rath standing at the stone table. "Good morning, Rath. What are you working on?" She asked and he just sighed, looking at the bandage in front of him before he screwed up his face.
"I am trying to figure where to take Jade but I am having some trouble." Rath answered, Nefer-Tina peering over his shoulder as he looked at the list he'd made. When she realized what he was talking about she started to laugh and he frowned, turning his head as she giggled. "Yes what is so amusing?"
"You're talking about taking Jade on a date aren't you, Rath?" She asked and he sighed again, giving her a tiny nod. "Good for you. I was wondering how long it was going to take. I win."
"You told us two days, Nefer-Tina." Armon told her and Rath groaned, running a hand over his face as Armon walked in holding a plate and what could only be described as a sandwich mountain perched on it.
"Actually I suggested it would be before noon today so I win, Armon." Ja-Kal added as he walked in with Presley and the Boomer-Ra between his fingers.
"If everyone has quite finished making fun of me I would like some assistance. What does one do on a date?" Rath finally asked and everyone just stared at him until he sighed. "Yes you heard me."
"When you're asking for advice that is strange, Rath" Ja-Kal commented and Rath snorted, crossing his arms against his chest when their leader gave his shoulder a pat.
"What do you have so far?" Nefer-Tina asked as she peered at the bandage that Rath had been writing on. "Beach, park, coffee shop? Rath, do you even drink coffee?"
"No but Jade might. I am not completely sure if this is something she enjoys." Rath answered and Nefer-Tina sighed, getting a slow frown from Rath. "I will admit I do not know as much about Jade as I wish."
"Jade always seems happy when she spends time with you. Why don't you go for a ride on the Jetcycle and see where you end up?" Ja-Kal suggested and Rath raised both of his eyebrows at that suggestion looking back to his writing for a few seconds.
"Yes I have noticed that Jade does seem to like riding around on the Jetcycle. Plus the park is quiet and peaceful or at least it was until Scarab showed his face." Rath finally agreed, rolling up the bandage before he slipped it between the bandages on his chest. "So we will ride around and go from there. Thank you everyone for the advice."
"No problem, Rath. We can see how much you like Jade." Armon answered and Rath raised an eyebrow looking surprised until he finally chuckled.
"I suppose we have been spending many hours together." Rath replied as he looked over at Jade's sarcophagus with a faint smile on his lips. "She seems to really take my lessons to heart. Unlike a certain prince I will not mention."
"Not just your lessons, Rath but you as well." Nefer-Tina said, nudging him with her elbow. "Jade doesn't seem to worry about being sent home."
" I have not even thought about sending her back since I became her teacher." Rath said looking up when my sarcophagus creaked open and Rath felt a smile on his lips as I climbed out, stretching my arms above my back.
"Good morning, Jade. How did you sleep?" Rath asked and I grinned as I walked over to join my friends, very tempted to wrap my arms around his waist though when I noticed everyone watching us I decided against it knowing just how embarrassed he would be.
"Like the dead, Rath." I replied, getting a blank stare from Rath. "Sorry figure of speech. So what are you working on now?"
"My plan for our date, Jade." He replied, waiting patiently for my reaction. I nodded until it dawned on me what he had just told me and I blinked, staring at him with darkened cheeks until he cracked a grin. "Unless you are uncomfortable with that plan?"
"N...no I'm fine with that idea. Just a little surprised, Rath. So where exactly are you planning on taking me?" I asked and he just shrugged leaving me very lost.
"It is a secret, Jade but you can trust that I have the details already worked out. Now about what you asked me last night..." He started and I quickly nodded getting a smile in return. "So you are sure you want to learn to fight with weapons?"
"Of course. I want to learn as much as I can so the next time Scarab shows his ugly face I can help." I replied and he nodded, leading me over to the spot where I trained with Armon in Egypt-Tsu.
"Just be warned that I will not go easy on you just because you are my friend." Rath warned, picking up his sword only to pause, frowning. "This is a problem."
"What's wrong, Rath?" I asked him the words barely out of my mouth when I figured out the answer. "Oh yeah. You only have one sword. Do you think you could make one for me? Just something basic would be fine."
"Actually I can do better than that, Jade. I was working on a new weapon design until you dropped in." He explained and I blinked as he reached up, grabbing one of the scrolls and as I watched on he unrolled it. "Here we are. Would this work for you?" He asked me and I leaned over staring at the sketches on the papyrus.
"Wow they would be amazing. Exactly what I was thinking of." I responded and he nodded, rolling up the scroll. "But are you sure it won't be a problem? I don't want you to go to too much trouble for me. I mean the prince, sorry Presley, comes first."
"Presley has his Boomer-Ra and I doubt very much it would be appropriate to give a child daggers to practice with." Ja-Kal answered for Rath and Rath nodded, in agreement.
"Awesome! Do you need me to help? I've never made a weapon before though." I asked and with a smile Rath slowly shook his head. "Well if you're sure."
"How about practicing with Armon and Nefer-Tina? You could use the practice." Rath answered chuckling softly when I snorted at him. "You know it is true. Remember the shabti?"
"How could I forget getting my rear handed to me? Okay let's go train." I said as Armon walked over to the other side of the floor. "Bring it on, Armon."
"Bring what on, Jade?" Armon asked and I giggled, taking a fighting stance.
"Never mind. Take your best shot at me." I said and he grinned, rushing me as I stood still. This time I managed to dodge, going for a leg sweep to knock him off-balance but Armon leapt over me and I blinked as he landed behind me. He kicked out and I blocked with my arm not seeing his palm until he pushed me backwards. I managed to stay upright blocking the next punch before I grabbed his arm and Armon yelled as I threw him.
"That...was impressive." Rath muttered forgetting all about the weapons he was supposed to be making until Ja-Kal cleared his throat. "Yes I will be right there, Ja-Kal." He quickly followed giving me one more look as I waiting for Armon to launch his next attack.
We spent the next hour practicing Egypt-Tsu though when I landed on my back Armon winced, rushing over to me along with Nefer-Tina as I stared up at the ceiling. "Well...at least I almost blocked that last kick." I muttered, helped to my feet by Armon.
"Are you alright, Jade?" Armon asked and I nodded, ignoring the ache in my backside. "That's good."
"See, Armon? Jade's tougher than she looks. Let's take a break." Nefer-Tina agreed and I grinned following them when they headed for the TV.