"You've almost got it, Jade." Rath said as I aimed at the wall behind me, releasing the daggers towards the wooden dummy that vaguely resembled Scarab. The daggers bounced off the moment they struck the dummy, one ending up on the floor while the other bounced off the floor nearly hitting my feet. I quickly stumbled back and Rath sighed as I landed heavily on my backside. "That was a good try." He encouraged as he knelt, gently helping me to my feet.
"Not even close, Rath but thanks for saying that. I've been at this for hours and I still can't manage to get the daggers to stick." I muttered, walking over to the daggers and as I retrieved them Rath saw the frown on my face.
"You should not let yourself get so discouraged. The pyramids were not built in a day, Jade." Rath added, patting my shoulder when I straightened and that finally made me smile. "I think now would be a good time to take a break and I cannot think of a perfect time for that date I was planning."
"I was so caught up in practicing with you I forgot about that. Just give me a few minutes to get ready." I told Rath as I started to walk away until he cleared his throat, nodding towards the daggers in my hands. "Oh yeah. Probably shouldn't walk around in public with these." I commented, handing them back to Rath who made sure to set them down with his own sword.
"Take your time, Jade. I will be getting ready myself." Rath replied as I wandered away to grab my clothes from my sarcophagus leaving Rath alone. "I wish you would understand that it takes years of practice to be able to use a weapon efficiently. I wasn't an expect overnight."
"How did it go, Rath?" Ja-Kal asked and Rath just shook his head. "That bad huh?"
"Jade is getting better, Ja-Kal but she could not knock down or even damage the training dummy we made. I think she is feeling a little down at the moment." Rath explained as he thought back to the moment I struck the dummy.
"She'll feel better when you take her out for her date, Rath." Nefer-Tina offered and Rath nodded. "I can't believe I just said that." She added and Rath crossed his arms, staring at her with two raised eyebrows.
"She meant no offense, Rath. How long has it been since you went on a date?" Ja-Kal asked and Rath mumbled something under his breath as he quickly headed off to retrieve his disguise. "Did anyone catch that?" He asked and Nefer-Tina and Armon just shook their heads.
"If I didn't know better I'd think he's never been out on a date." Nefer-Tina pointed out with a shrug as they waited for Rath and Jade to return.
"I never did see him with anyone back in Egypt so it is possible. I would not count Chontra as she was his student and not his girlfriend." Ja-Kal replied and Armon started laughing at that realization.
Rath returned now dressed in his disguise in time to find Armon rolling around the floor and he blinked, concerned until he saw Nefer-Tina with a hand over her mouth and Ja-Kal shaking his head. "Is...is something wrong with Armon?" He asked Ja-Kal who just slowly shook his head.
"It doesn't matter, Rath. Have you decided where you're going to take Jade?" Ja-Kal asked, changing the subject and Rath sighed this time chewing his lip.
"I am not sure. I am hoping that I can come up with something on the drive." Rath replied, his mood lifting once I entered the room and he blinked, unable to hide a growing smile. "You look...beautiful." He told me as soon as I stood before my possible boyfriend, fiddling with the sleeves of my jacket hoping I wasn't blushing. Even my friends didn't tease Rath for once as he took me by the hand.
"Thanks, Rath. So should we be going?" I asked him as we headed for the garage though when I saw his eyes wandering over my outfit I found myself grinning. "Like what you see huh?"
"Very much so, Jade. You look almost human in that outfit." Rath commented and I frowned slightly remembering once again that I wasn't myself. Once he saw my eyes moving to the floor as we stepped up to the Jetcycle he sighed. "I was trying to compliment you but clearly it had the opposite effect."
"It's alright, Rath. I just keep forgetting that I'm not like everyone else." I said and when he raised an eyebrow at me I continued. "I mean you and the rest of our friends came from Egypt or are reincarnated pharaohs while I'm...not."
"Jade, you are one of us and our friend no matter where you came from." Rath reassured me and I brightened at that, standing on my toes and he blinked at the kiss I brushed against his cheek. "Yes well...I am glad you are feeling better."
"You really know what to say to a woman, Rath." I answered as he handed me a helmet, helping me onto the Jetcycle before he climbed on himself. "What about you?" I asked, nodding towards his own head and he just smiled at me.
"With the strength of Ra!" He called out and I blinked as his amulet glowed green, armor covering his body as I watched on. "I believe I am properly protected now."
"Hah hah, Rath." I replied, wrapping my arms around his waist and as we shot down the ramp that brought us outside I leaned close. Rath felt me resting my head on his back and he smiled to himself the Jetcycle speeding towards the city and I smiled, enjoying finally getting to spend a few hours away from my friends.
I can't believe we're on a date. I have no idea where we're going but as long as we're safe from Scarab I don't care where he takes me.
While I was lost in my thoughts Rath was considering where to take me and he found himself getting a little worried.
I cannot believe that I did not plan this date before we left. I have been so preoccupied with making Jade weapons and helping her train that I gave so little thought to this date. Whatever will I do now?
When I felt the Jetcycle slow at a red light I lifted my head, shifting forward until I caught Rath staring straight ahead chewing his lip. "Rath, is something the matter? You look kind of flushed and I didn't think that was possible." I asked him and he turned his head forcing a smile onto his face. "Rath, just relax okay? Even if we don't have a plan we can just wing it."
"But I do not 'wing it', Jade." Rath protested barely registering that the light had turned green until several drivers honked their horns at us and he quickly shot into the traffic. "That was a little rude." He muttered and I just sighed, keeping a firm grip on Rath's waist as we headed further into the city.
"Rath, you shouldn't get so worked up. It doesn't matter where we go as long as we're together." I told him after we drove to the bay and now standing on the sand I knelt as he paced the sand, his arms behind his back. The armor vanished though Rath barely even noticed too busy pacing back and forth.
"But I wanted our first date to be special." Rath answered and I shook my head, scooping up a handful of sand. He jerked when something struck the back of his head and I just sniggered as sand trickled off his neck. "Oh really?"
"Come on, Rath. You really need to lighten up and have a little fun." I told him, climbing to my feet and after joining him on the beach I grinned. When I stepped into the water he raised his eyebrows at me as I kicked my feet towards him sending a spray of water at his face which hit him full force.
Coughing he wiped at his eyes blinking at me and I sniggered at him my eyes widening when he suddenly smiled at me. "I was just having some fun." I protested as he knelt dipping his hands into the water and then I was coughing as he threw a handful of water at me.
"I know how to have fun, Jade." Rath laughed ducking when I tried to throw a handful of water back at him and as we raced across the sand Rath felt better about not having a plan.
After spending time trying to soak each other we sat on the sand together and when I rested my head on his shoulder Rath wrapped an arm around my waist. "You were right, Jade. Sometimes it is nice not to have a plan."
"I told you so, Rath. It was a nice idea to come out here." I whispered as I reached over and he intertwined his fingers through mine both of us looking up at the night sky.
"Yes it is a wonderful night." Rath answered, silent as he looked at the stars. After a few minutes of silence Rath cleared his throat and I raised my head when he gave me a sheepish smile. "Jade, would it be al...alright...if...I..." He started to ask and I giggled, kissing him directly on the lips before he had time to finish. He blinked back at me as I sat back still holding his hand.
"Was that what you wanted to ask, Rath?" I said giggling when he nodded so fast he upset his hat which I pushed back into place. Still smiling he leaned over and I melted into the kiss, draping my arms around his neck. Hearing a faint moan from my lips Rath broke off the kiss staring at me as I turned my head to hide my blush. "S...sorry just a little overwhelmed." I stammered and he nodded at me, gently cupping my chin.
"It is alright, Jade. If my heart was still in my chest and not in a jar it would be beating faster." Rath replied and I giggled again as we leaned in together.
"Rath, don't take this the wrong way but this sand is making me kind of itchy." I muttered a short time later and Rath raised his head from my throat, giving me a tiny smile.
"Yes I did not want to mention it but sand and bandages do not mix very well." Rath agreed, helping me off the sand and after we brushed the sand from each other's clothes we walked hand and hand towards the Jetcycle.
We had barely climbed back onto the Jetcycle when I heard my stomach growl and I blinked as Rath sniggered. "I believe I know where Miss Price would like to go next." He teased and I swatted his arm, wrapping my arms around his waist holding on tight as he drove back onto the road.
We ended up in a coffee and as I sipped at my hot chocolate Rath took a seat opposite me, picking up his own cup. "This was a good idea, Jade. Thank you for suggesting it." He said as I swallowed, holding the cup between my hands to warm them.
"You should thank my stomach for that instead, Rath." I answered and he just smiled behind his cup. "For once we can have sometime alone without Scarab showing up."
"Thankfully he wasn't made a move since we defeated him in the park. At least he does not know the prince's identity or our base." Rath agreed, sipping at the hot chocolate he had ordered for us. "This is very good."
"Yeah I don't really drink coffee but I love hot chocolate." I admitted as we sipped at our drinks, unaware that someone was watching from outside the cafe. As we were finishing our drinks Rath glanced towards the window of the cafe his eyes widening when he saw someone standing there. Once they stepped back into the shadows he narrowed his eyes and I frowned as he climbed from his seat.
"Rath, what's wrong?" I asked him, standing when he stepped towards the front entrance only stopping when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"I thought I saw someone watching us. Wait here and I will return shortly." Rath answered, heading for the door without giving me time to argue. Rubbing the bridge of my nose I headed towards the door once Rath hurried outside knowing he wouldn't be happy with me.
I don't care who's out there. They ruined our date and they're going to get an earful from me.
Now outside Rath wandered around looking for any sign of our observer though once he headed around the side of the building he reached an alleyway. "Where did you go?" He whispered immediately hearing laughter and he frowned as Chontra appeared, arms crossed against her chest. "Chontra. I thought it was you watching us." Rath muttered and she just laughed, waving her hand.
"Of course it was, Rath." Chontra answered as he narrowed his eyes his attention moving to the cafe when he heard faint footsteps. "It looks like your little friend has followed us. This will be fun."
"Don't you dare hurt her, Chontra. Your quarrel is with me and not Jade." Rath growled just as I peeked around the corner and Rath groaned, shaking his head as I ran to his side. "By the strength of Ra!" He shouted and Chontra waited, giving him a faint smile when his amulet flickered green.
"Now that is funny. You're out of power. But I'm not, Rath." Chontra commented, her hands glowing and as she aimed them at Rath I rushed forward not even thinking about how dangerous she was. The moment I felt twin blasts of energy strike me I cried out, thrown backwards straight into Rath who barely managed to catch me.
"Chontra, she did nothing to you." Rath growled at Chontra who just laughed, hovering off the ground as I groaned. "Why are you here?"
"Oh I always have a good reason to get a little payback on you, Rath. Besides I do have a reason for being here. Catch." She called out, tossing something casually at him. He snatched it out of midair opening his fist to find an amulet lying there and as he blinked at it Chontra just sniggered. "You know what it is don't you, Rath?"
"Do not take me for a fool, Chontra. Are you working for Scarab again? After last time I thought you would be a little more cautious." Rath answered, clutching the amulet in one hand as he lay my head in his lap.
"Scarab didn't have a hand in this, Rath. No one would dare cheat me twice." Chontra commented, smiling when I groaned my eyes fluttering open to find Rath looking down at me. "She's not too bright but I don't need her intelligence just her spirit. Have fun you two. I certainly have." She added disappearing as I tried to sit only to lay back when my head spun.
"Ohhh what happened?" I mumbled and Rath sighed, giving me a tiny smile as he slipped something into his pocket. Helping me to my feet Rath wrapped an arm around my shoulders to steady me as I rubbed my eyes.
"Chontra happened. Jade, I told you to stay inside the cafe but did you listen? Of course not." Rath complained, keeping a firm grip on my shoulders as we made our way slowly towards the Jetcycle.
"Wasn't going to let you get hurt, Rath." I mumbled, barely aware we had reached the Jetcycle until I bumped into it. Getting me onto the vehicle took longer than normal but in the end Rath managed to keep me upright long enough to sit on the bike and I leaned forward, still woozy as he revved the engine.
"We will discuss this later, Jade when we are safely back at the sphinx." Rath replied as I wrapped my arms around his waist resting my head on his back. "Hold on tight." He added as he drove back to the sphinx occasionally glancing back at me to make sure I was still seated.
I barely remembered the ride back too busy keeping a firm grip on Rath, who slowed as we reached the sphinx. He had just pulled into the garage and after parking the Jetcycle he turned his head in time to see me sway. Losing my grip on Rath I slipped from the seat and Rath reacted fast catching me as I started to fall.
"Jade, can you hear me?" He called as I cracked open my eyes, my vision blurred as I peered up at him. "Jade?" He repeated, my head resting on his lap.
"Is that you, Rath?" I mumbled, trying to stand until he shook his head. "Y...yeah. Bad idea." I agreed as I rested my head against his chest.
"Very bad idea. Jade, I don't think you should try and walk right now. Here, I will carry you." Rath suggested, wrapping an arm around my shoulders though as soon as he managed to help me stand I swayed, pitching forward and he reached out grasping my shoulder before he steadied me against his chest.
"Rath, there you are." Ja-Kal said and Rath turned slightly, holding onto me as I ran the fingers of my right hand over the bridge of my nose. "What happened to Jade?"
"Chontra happened, Ja-Kal." Rath replied as he started to guide me towards my sarcophagus which worked until I stumbled and he barely caught me. "I could use some assistance, Ja-Kal." He added and Ja-Kal nodded, each mummy taking an arm.
"Wh...where are we going?" I whispered and Rath nodded towards the bed that Presley used. "Oh but I sleep in a sarcophagus now don't I?" I questioned as Rath and Ja-Kal carefully helped me onto the bed.
"Normally yes but you can barely stay on your feet, Jade. For now you will rest here until I can be sure you are not injured." Rath explained as I rested my head on a pillow.
"Alright, Rath." I agreed as he crossed the room to his table of potions and scrolls. "Sorry." I added once he returned to my side and he blinked at me.
"Why are you sorry, Jade?" Ja-Kal asked as Rath lightly touched my forehead with his fingers.
"I tried to stop Chontra from hurting Rath." I answered, wincing when Rath touched a bump on my forehead. "Be careful."
"You have a bump on your forehead, Jade." Rath told me and I rolled my eyes which did nothing to help my aching head. "Here I will make you something to help your headache." He added, returning to his potions.
"Rath knows what he's doing, Jade." Ja-Kal explained as I stared at the ceiling. "Jade, is something wrong?"
"Chontra tried to attack me outside a cafe we stopped in and Jade stepped in taking the blow meant for me." Rath told Ja-Kal as he mixed up a potion. "I tried to transform but my power's are exhausted."
"Jade protected you, Rath. She is brave for someone who isn't a guardian." Ja-Kal commented and I cleared my throat, turning my head slightly to stare at him.
"I heard that, Ja-Kal. I might not be a guardian but I can still fight...just not Chontra obviously." I answered, giving Rath a lopsided grin when he returned with a cup. "That cup's smoking."
"Of course it is, Jade. It is supposed to be doing that." Rath sighed as he sat on the edge of the bed, placing a hand on my shoulder before he helped me sit. "Here now drink this."
Taking the cup from him I stared at it for long enough to get a faint smile from Rath. "Just trust me alright?" He asked and I nodded, not doing much for my aching head and as they watched I brought the cup to my lips, ignoring the smoke as I drank the entire contents. As soon as I finished it I started coughing quickly pushing the cup back into Rath's hand and he reached around, patting me on the back until I could breathe again.
"W..wow. That was strong." I coughed, taking a deep breath. Once I stopped coughing I relaxed. "Still I do feel a little better."
"That's the point. What in the name of Ra possessed you to take the energy blast from Chontra?" Rath scolded and I shrugged the headache started to fade.
"I was trying to protect you, Rath. You're mad at me aren't you?" I asked and when he saw me chewing my lip he sighed, patting me on the shoulder.
"Of course not, Jade but you could have been seriously hurt or worse." Rath sighed and I snorted, lying back when I began to feel sleepy.
"Don't think you can get worse than dead, Rath." I pointed out closing my eyes as he climbed from the bed, returning the cup back to the table. It only took him two minutes but as he turned around he found Jade had fallen asleep and he smiled at her.
"Hopefully that medicine will make her feel better by the time she wakes. Speaking of rest I should get back to my sarcophagus and recharge." Rath said, removing his disguise and after he set it down neatly folded on the table he remembered something important. After digging around in his jacket's pocket he removed something and once Ja-Kal saw what it was he blinked.
"Is that an amulet?" Ja-Kal asked and Rath nodded, the amulet resting in his palm. "Where do you find that?"
"Chontra gave this to me before she vanished. Where she found it is anyone's guess." Rath explained, peering at the animal engraved on it. "This looks like a jackal."
"Do you think this belongs to Jade? Her sarcophagus has a jackal on it too." Ja-Kal asked and Rath shook his head, clutching the amulet tightly between his hand.
"I gave her the patron god Anubis on a whim. She could not have known about Jade until they crossed paths tonight." Rath muttered, staring at the amulet clutched in his hand.
"This could be a plot by Scarab, Rath. You should keep that amulet away from Jade until we can be sure it does not have anything to do with him." Ja-Kal agreed and Rath nodded, slipping it back into his jacket's pocket. "We will worry about why it's here in the morning."
"Good idea, Ja-Kal. Trust Chontra to spoil our evening." Rath muttered as he headed for his sarcophagus unable to shake the feeling that Scarab had something sinister in store for him and his friends as well as for their pharaoh.