This is a work of fiction. Mummies Alive and its characters are the property of DIC international. The story you are about to read in no way is intended to infringe upon copyright, and is for fan entertainment purposes only. The characters of Karen Roman, Princess Kara, Princess Mennehotep are my own creations. If you wish to use them in your fanfic, please inform me and give me credit where it is due. :) The character of Lyris and Avaris are property of the Goddess Mia, and her website the Tomb. I use these with her permission...

Enjoy. This story has some "sappy love scenes", not for the faint of heart, and contains some violence, so I'd probably give it a PG-13 rating.

Or What happened to Damia?

A thunderstorm rent the serene San Francisco night. Two figures faced off as if in a Wild West showdown. Energy blazed around their forms as they turned energy to matter, resulting in armor with Egyptian motifs. Jackal and Rhino circled. Lyris leapt first, staff whirling in the moonlight. Avaris raised his head, and snorted. A massive horn smashed into her leg. She swung her scythe downwards upon his neck. Only to have the blade bounce harmlessly off.

"At last, we meet again," Lyris hissed. "Now I will have my revenge..."

"I have waited a long time for this, fool," he rumbled. "I shall crush you like the insect you are..."

The man in sliver and black rhino armor charged. Under her turquoise hood the jackal snarled. Laughing he caught her as she reposted. She screamed, claws ripping into his arm. A pair of hands enclosed around her throat. "Is that the best you can do?" he jeered. "I am disappointed in you..."

"No!" she cried, and vanished from his grasp. In surprise, Avaris turned. As he was distracted, Lyris leapt onto his back, claws ripping into his armor. He couldn't throw her off. But he simply rolled over atop her, and she released in pain.

Princess Mennehotep heard the cries and roars in the park. It couldn't be? For she saw a figure in midnight black and silver. The desert Rhino. Fear chilled her spine.

Lyris fought with every once of her strength. She wanted to rip the leering grin from Avaris face forever. After what he had done to her at their last meeting. Denying her the chance for revenge by putting the prince between them. There was no such limitation now.

"I am ready for your tricks, insect," he laughed. "You have lost...."

Her staff was the only thing between the two of them. Her feet raked against the armor on his stomach. Raising her he hurled her away, and slammed his arm into her helpless body.

"No!" screamed Mennehotep, racing forwards. Her bandages were soaked in the falling rain. "Leave my friend alone, you wretch!"

"And who have we here?"

"With the wisdom of Isis!" shouted Mennehotep bravely, blazing into ibis armor. She brandished the twin clef blades she recently learned to use. "Face me... if you dare..."

"It cannot be..." he gasped, then laughed. "The granddaughter of Thuthmoses I! Princess Nefru-re? Or should I say Mennehotep? Is that what that old fool who dared love your mother called you?"

"Sorry, but that cheap shot won't rile me," said Mennehotep. "Princess all too well know when word battles cease to be useful!"

He charged, horns down. The ibis simply leapt skyward, as Avaris crashed headlong into a tree. Then she dove, beak pointed at his unprotected throat. Silver horns crashed against her beak, stopping her. A mighty massive arm swung toward her. But she brought up her clawed toes to block the massive arm with a mighty kick. "My you are strong, but can you survive much longer?"

"Shut up and fight, you coward," she shrilled. "To slay a Muse..."

"You know nothing... spoiled brat of a princess. Who had every bit of power, but it wasn't good enough for her. You weakling, wanting to 'heal your people' I know how you betrayed your sister's plot to overthrow that tyrant of a husband..."

Menne ignored him, and somersaulted. She produced her clef blades, brandishing both weapons before her. Avaris continued to swing as the many nettles of the flail wrapped around his massive legs. He toppled as she threw herself to the ground. Avaris recovered quickly, leaping towards her. She rolled, and blocked his punch with her left blade. Her own strength was as nothing as he lunged for her throat.

"Foolish move, child," he laughed.

Her sharp toed claws scraped into his legs, and he snarled, breaking his hold. The clef blades raked across his unprotected jaw.

Menne slipped away, and jumped to her feet, clef blades crossed before her. Avaris loosed a blast of energy toward her. The weapons smashed from her hands. "Enough of your toys..."

Magical blasts rained on her. But she crossed her arms over her chest, erecting her protective purple sphere. Harmlessly Avaris' bolts crashed into them.

"By the houses I summon my power," he said towards the heavens. "Rain disaster upon this fool..."

Strange mists soared from the heavens, like starlight. The blue fingers arched over the sphere, disrupting its power. Between her hands she hurled a violet sphere, sending it into his chest. He grunted as the blast contacted.

"At last, a worthy opponent..." he said, with appreciation in his voice. "This makes the hunt all the more stimulating..."

Menne leapt into he air, wings outspread. Along the ground Avaris charged, chasing her. She hoped to lead him away from Lyris. How much longer could she hold up under his assault?

From beneath her belt she hurled her vials. Magnesium flashes crashed into the ground, but Avaris dodged each one with a nimbleness that rivaled Lyris. His own bolts snaked up towards her. One singed her wing, she lost altitude. Reigning in her wings, she dove, beak first towards him. Her helmet crashed mightily against his. Avaris lay there, stunned.

"The gravity... of the situation... has caught up to you..." she huffed, regaining her strength. Opening a vial, she downed its contents. Avaris grabbed her throat with lightening speed.

"Never let your guard down, for a second..." he snarled, squeezing. "Now I shall disconnect that lovely head from its body..."

Her head flew back, as she dropped to her knees. And the Ibis mask slipped off. Onyx eyes glanced upwards with the grim resolve. From her amulet blazed a crackling purple lightening as she channeled all her remaining power into her mummified body.

"Great Osiris," he gasped. "What a lovely creature you are..."

In that moment, Avaris was lost. Her hands grabbed his amulet, and her body arced. Lightening thundered down on the astrologer. He howled in anger, hurling her aside. Menne's armor fizzled away with the rest of her strength.

"Fool. You have made the ultimate mistake. It was a good fight, but sadly the outcome was never in doubt. You have Avaris' respect, but I must take your life..."

"I will not yield in fear," she said, hand outstretched. "I died once, I can die again." A weak purple blast cracked toward his face, and he laughingly warded it off.

"Then you have earned a swift death. Farewell, Mennehotep, wife of Thuthmoses III..."

She reached for her last vial, and pulled the stopper. Avaris' fist headed toward her face. She doused him with the contents of the vial. Acid ate into his flesh, hissing and steaming. "What... sorcery is this..."

"I drained away enough energy to weaken your armor," said she, in triumph.

"Meet science," she said, and ripped his mask from his face. She dumped the remainder of the vial of acid right onto his hair, and his grasp on her loosed.

"Wretched woman!" he howled. "You shall die!"

"I think not," said a voice nearly identical to Menne's.

"Who dares?"

"Let her go, Avaris," said the voice, with no fear.

"Princess Kara," he laughed. "So long, and yet so short a time."

"You have no argument with my sister. Her life is not yours to take..."

"Gladly," he laughed, and aimed a blast her way.

She transformed into a golden lioness, and pounced. Placing herself between Mennehotep and Avaris, she roared mightily. A wind battered the rhino.

"Kara," gasped Mennehotep. "Why?"

"You are my sister," said Kara, impassively. "And your life is mine to take, or defend. This star seer has not that privilege. And... part of me loves you still."

"I love you... Kara," choked Mennehotep, tears in her eyes.

"Weak and foolish emotions..." said Avaris, climbing to his feet. "I command the power of the stars."

"And I command the earth itself," laughed Kara, waving her claws. A thunderous quake shook Avaris to his knees. He summoned tiny meteorites, raining down on her. Kara leapt as blasts sizzled around her. In her arms she carried the fallen form of her sister to safety. The streak of gold leapt from smoking blaze to another, just out of reach of Avaris' power. "Fear not, sister," she urged. "You shall not die by his hands."

"Animate," she commanded of a huge statue nearby. Thunder rumbled as the midnight blue rhino charged toward them. Kara flung her sister to the base of the statue, and roared. Lioness charged into rhino, ramming her golden body into his.

Mennehotep watched helpless as her sister fought him savagely, blow for blow. Her two foot claws racked into his armor, and his horns drew her mortal blood. Snarling she rolled over and over with him. "I will not yield!" she roared, again and again.

"Infernal woman!" he shouted. "Will you not be silent?"

"I will never submit to a man, much less you..."

"Why do you fight me? After all, your heart is full of evil..."

"Perhaps. But I still have a sense of family."

"A weakness easily rectified," he laughed. Suddenly the rhino changed into a mighty griffon, its beak snapping at her throat.

"Child's play, to a disciple of Chandra," laughed Kara. "I am insulted by such a base trick."

So saying, she morphed into an enormous sphinx, hissing and snapping. There was no end to the shrieks and howls that ensued. Both of them parted, breathing intensely. Avaris morphed back to his own form, and so did Kara, nose bleeding. For a time she was stunned.

Avaris advanced upon Mennehotep, who lay helpless. Yet his advance was blocked by the large marble statue overtop the alchemist. Kara's animate creatures suddenly sprang to life around Avaris. He switched to rhino form, charging and butting heads with the large stone elephants. Stone birds swooped down upon him, pecking at his eyes and hose. Through the blood she commanded the lifeless stone.

Reaching heavenward, Avaris summoned lightening. Blue energy snaked between sky and earth, shattering Kara's magic. But the damage had been done. His armor was fast cracking with stone. Kara pounced again, roaring. Avaris back away, his horns aimed at her underbelly.

Kara snapped around, and slashed at him with her claws. The rhino helmet came off in he hands. His black eyes and olive skin glistened with sweat. In her fingers the mask shattered into a million stone fragments. Avaris hurled a concealed dagger at her, which slit at her own helmet. Now her green eyes blazed. Blood seeped from her nose. "I see you are as lovely as your sister," said Avaris, eyes blazing. "But that will not dissuade me."

Feebly she crawled to Mennehotep, and lay her head on her sister's chest. Still the mummified sister did not move. But Kara could hear her whispers. From beneath her robes she grabbed two vials. As Avaris staggered to his own feet she drained the contents of one, them smeared the other on her face.

"You are far more worthy to face me," he said. "Beg for mercy, and I may yet spare you."

"I... yield..." said Kara, turning.

"Why do I not believe you..." he smiled, standing over her now.

"Because my heart is as black as yours," she smiled, a wicked look in her green eyes. How they sparkled. Despite himself, Avaris advanced upon her, face inches from her own.

"By Osiris you are a worthy opponent. But I much would prefer a mate such as you. Never have I met my equal till this moment."

"I never realized how handsome you are," smiled Kara, eyes bright.

"Surrender to me, and rule at my side."

"I will crush Rapses, and the mummies," she laughed.

"And Scarab?"

"The fool," laughed Avaris. "For together we can rule this miserable world..."

"Why stop here?" laughed Kara, her lips inches from his now. "There is a universe that will fall to your mercies."

He drew her to her feet. "Submit to my whims, and you will be immortal..."

Kara leaned over, as he pulled her face to his. Lips pressed against hers. For a moment she shivered in a overwhelming sense of lust that came from corrupt power.

Avaris choked, and pushed her away. "What..."

"Poison," she laughed. "That mortal form cannot last."

"You... tricked me..."

"As you would have done to me," she laughed. "Had you grown tired of me. You are like all men, weak and easily beguiled. Your heart is weak, and not fit."

"I will destroy..."

"You will destroy nothing," she said. "For my sister has won. What you just kissed was the disenchantment potion... that sends all magic back to its source."

Avaris crackled into blue flame. "Nooo!" he cried as he became light, and blazed into the heavens.

"Be at one with the stars," laughed Kara. "Astronomer."

Suddenly her body arched with pain. She collapsed, and lay across her fallen sister. "We, have won," she gasped.

"This is Avaris' work," said Rath, bitterly. All around they saw bits of bandages, and splats of congealed blood.

"Where's Mennehotep?" asked Armon, glancing around.

"This way," said Ja-Kal, following the trail of blood.

"By Ra!" gasped Rath as he raced towards a large pedestal. Huge mounds of rubble littered the park. Still the rain fell. Two figures lay in a heap.

"Kara and Mennehotep," he gasped, pulling Kara off of her sister. Her green eyes looked glassily up at him, smiling.

"What have you done to her, you witch?" snarled Nefer-Tina, advancing on Kara.

"Stop," croaked Menne weakly. Instantly Rath was at her side, cradling her form in his arms. "She... saved me. She saved us all...."

Lyris lay in Armon's arms as he carried her. "Menne... you saved me again..." she said.

"I am so sorry," Kara said, stumbling over to Ja-Kal. She prostrated herself at the mummy's feet. "My life... is yours to do with as you will.."

"No," said Ja-Kal. "That's not the way we work."

"It's... time... for me to leave," said Menne, with a faint smile. Her hand extended to Kara. Tears in her mortal eyes, Kara grabbed her sister's hand.

"What about Karen Romano?" asked Ja-Kal.

"It is time for my daughter to take her rightful place beyond the western Gate," said Kara. "To live as she should have in this mortal body."

"And where will you go?" Rath asked Kara.

"I will join my sister in the Western Gate," said Kara, gripping Menne's hand. "At last we will be together..."

Kara sighed, and her body arched. A blue specter rose from it, and in a blaze of fire Kara became Karen once more. Gone were the clothes of a princess, replaced by the simple white gown Rath had first seen the woman in. Hovering over her was an astral form of Kara, beautiful. She extended her hand, and gestured to Mennehotep.

Rath and the mummies watched as Mennehotep's spirit rose. In Rath's arms Menne was simply a body swathed in wrappings once more. As dead as it had been for centuries. A violet figure joined the blue one, clasping hands together as they addressed the guardians.

"I thank you all for your help," Menne said to Ja-Kal.

"AT last you can be at peace," he said, calmly. She lowered her spectral lips, and bestowed a kiss upon the brave leader. Sadly Ja-Kal lowered his head, pushing back the tears that wanted to form.

"But you can't go..." said Rath extending a hand to Menne's spirit. "What will happen...."

"Dearest Rath, I have my duty, as you do yours."

"But you'll be all alone."

"I'll be with my sister," the spirit smiled, turning to look at her sister. "That's what I've always wanted."

"Ra be with you both," said Ja-Kal.

"Give the Prince my greetings, and my apology," said Kara, bowing her head.

"Farewell, Lyris, gentle muse," said Menne, touching her hand to Lyris. Light fused into the muse, healing her wounds. "You are the best friend I ever had..."

"Goodbye, Menne..."

"Please, write a ballad to tell the world of my mother's glory," said Kara, eyes fixed on Lyris.

"I shall..."

"Ja-Kal," she said, turning to the leader. "You know how I cared for you... in the times of loneliness. But always remember how much I love you..."

"I knew your heart was that of a Queen," he said, blue eyes sparkling moist with tears. "To love and return love. I never thought I could love anyone again as much as Tia. But you opened the door to my heart... so others may come in... That favor I will never forget..."

Menne turned to Rath, and the spirit form caressed his cheek. "I only knew you a short time... Great Scribe. I never stopped loving you..."

"And I you," he sighed, extending a hand to touch nothing but crackling energy. The astral form lowered her lips, and a soothing purple energy washed over Rath as he closed his eyes.

"Rath, Ja-Kal, I will never forget you. I loved you both, and loved you well..."

Then, Kara and Mennehotep faced the Western Gate. The first rays of the sun barely lit the western sky. Then, the forms dispersed into spheres of light as they blazed toward the gate. Violet and blue energy merged with laughter as the lights danced. For a moment the mummies could see the joyous arms of their husband as he welcomed them back to his side. And the glistening tears of their mother as she enfolded her daughters with love.

Then the sun rose, its rays dissolving the apparition. In Rath's arms lay the mummy of Mennehotep. Karen Romano coughed back to life, bewildered as she regarded the guardians.

"What happened?" she wondered, glancing anxiously at Ja-Kal. There was more curiosity than fear in her eyes. "I feel like I woke from a big sleep."

Nefer-Tina walked over to the Egyptologist, and helped her to sit. "In a way you have," she laughed. Karen smiled weakly, and dabbed at her nose. All injuries were gone from the time she'd spent as Kara.

Lyris walked over to Rath, who stared longingly at the western Gate. "I... am sorry," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. Gently he raised his hand, and lay it upon hers.

Ja-Kal summoned his bow. Pressing the arrow to his heart, he let his feelings infuse the arrow with a golden radiance. Then raising the weapon, he aimed right for the heart of the Western gate. Straight as a sunray it burst forth, blazing like a shooting star into the Gate seconds before it vanished in the morning sun.

Tears formed in his eyes as well. But he stared ever forwards, not back.

Amanda sighed, and turned to Presley. "I knew she didn't do it, Mom," he said.

"I know honey," she said. "But I thought she did."

"We can sure be wrong about people, sometimes," said Presley, taking another bite of cereal.

"And do you know what? A whole pile of statues and artifacts showed up along with it... and the missing amulet from Hapshetsup too!"

"What was Hapshetsup like, Mom?"

"We've only just rediscovered her place in history," said Amanda. "She was quite a beloved ruler. Her daughter Mennehotep..."

"Was there ever a Princess Kara?" asked Presley.

"How did you know?" she asked. "Only just this morning archaeologists discovered a set of old papyri speaking of a Princess Kara, the lost sister of Mennehotep. She was married to the Pharaoh at the same time..."

"I... er know some people from Egypt," he said.

"Those exchange students, again?" she asked, and shook her head.

"The tests were inconclusive..." said Presley.

Lyris carried a bowl of figs, and a pitcher of pomegranate juice. It stabbed at her heart to see Rath so somber. With Mennehotep gone, she thought there was a remote chance that she and the scribe might... But was she wrong? It was like what Presley called the Rebound. To expect someone who had just ended a major relationship to so quickly start another. Rath had accepted her company as of late. He made little attempt to push Lyris away. That at first had delighted the Muse. Yet the strain was beginning to show. His gentle words had none of their former fire. Just a dull acceptance of the reality that impinged.

Anger set her face. How dare the Alchemist steal his heart! In her own mind she knew it was no one's fault. But her heart ached for Rath. If Mennehotep had never shown up, she might have a chance. Yet, if not for Menne, she would not be here now for the Scribe. Twice had Mennehotep saved her, a debt she could not repay. But it seemed so unfair that she had no chance. Even though she did, and in the heat of battle the relationship was stretched to the breaking point. And she suspected his real feelings of indecision.

"Please, try to eat something," she urged him, setting the tray near his workbench. "You have worked non-stop without so much as a bite of food."

"I have little appetite for such things," he said stiffly.

"For my sake, at least try," she urged, lowering her voice.

"Dear, don't fuss over me," he snorted. "It's embarrassing."

"Who's around to watch me fuss?" she laughed, pouring him pomegranate juice.

"Well taken," said he, a faint smile tracing his lips. The turquoise eyes smiled into his, and somehow the emptiness was not so overwhelming. He reached for the glass.

Nefer-Tina put a hand on his shoulder, and he gripped her hand tightly. "You can tell, me, I'm your friend..."

"I did not think I would ever love anyone other than Tia again," sighed Ja-Kal. "By Ra, it hurts so much. I don't know what I will do without her..."

Self control left him, and he found a tear in the blue eyes, soaking into his bandages. Nefer-Tina turned him towards herself, and guided his head to rest on her shoulder. "It's okay," she shushed him. "I'm here for you..."

"Hey, it's okay, leader man," Armon said. "Let it out..."

Armon also wrapped his arm around Ja-Kal's shoulders. He lowered his own head and tried to force back the tears he too would weep for Mennehotep. All three mummies comforted each other as best as they could. Ja-Kal's cries came in silent gasps on Nefer-Tina and Armon's shoulders...

"Yah yah Hiya!" shouted Nefer-Tina, flipping over Ja-Kal's head. The Hunter failed to catch her with his punch.

Amusement sparkled in Ja-Kal's blue eyes. He whirled to face the Charioteer. She was so fast and so graceful. But he had one trick up his sleeve. Nefer-Tina leapt again, foot aimed at him. Ja-Kal sidestepped, and she tumbled into a heap on the floor. Dropping to his knees, he pinned her there. She struggled to roll over, but his greater weight made it difficult.

"Even the Lion's pride goeth before a fall," said he.

"Give me a break," she laughed. Then her wrists flashed up, and twisted against his arms. Still his greater strength was more than she could overcome.

Then her fingers went for his flank, and Ja-Kal's laughter echoed in the room. Mercilessly she began to tickle him so he had to let her go. They rolled over in a heap, tickling each other with all the aggression of their former sparring.

"I'm glad that's resolved," Rath said, with a sigh of relief as he peered from around a stone pillar at the couple.

"Shame on you," Lyris scolded. "Eavesdropping."

"Admit it. You're worried about him as well."

"Well, maybe a little," admitted Lyris. "He's just not been his usual self lately."

"You mean the way he wants to actually have fun?" asked Armon. Who had just joined them.

"Armon," said Rath, sternly.

"What?"

"Oh, all right, I am worried," said Rath. "But not without reason. This sudden affection for Nefer-Tina..."

"You know how he feels about her," said Lyris.

"But is it healthy to start a new relationship so soon after the other has ended?" asked Rath. "He has not the proper time to mourn the loss of the Alchemist..."

"Oh for Ra's sake," Lyris groaned. "He's just realizing that he really needs somebody... and Nefer-Tina is more than willing..."

"Ja-Kal might say something like, 'A fruit which is had in your hand is not as sweet as that which was hunted for in the wilds...'" began Rath.

"I like any fruit I can get..." said Armon.

"Give me a break," laughed Lyris. "You're such a pessimist, Rath. What could be wrong with them?"

"Let's give them some privacy," said Rath, pushing them away. "If indeed it is true affection he feels for our Charioteer let us pray no one will be hurt."

Two glasses of red wine sat on the end table next to them. Slowly Lyris reached for hers. Rath watched her graceful fluid movements. Like a song. He had been so filled with the Princess's charms that...

A stain of red juice fell on his bandaged knee. Lyris immediately tried to sponge it away with her own bandages. "Oh, let me help..." she said.

"That's not necessary..." said he.

Their faces were only inches from each other. "You have a little juice on your cheek," said she, dabbing at his face with her hand.

His long nimble fingers grasped her wrist. "Don't..." said he, softly.

"Don't what?" she asked.

"I might be sorely tempted to..."

"What?" she asked, mischief in her eyes. Rath shivered as she brushed her nose against his. "That?"

"It can be very dangerous," said he, seriousness in his features. But his green eyes sparkled.

"That being..."

"You know perfectly well," he sniffed, and brushed his own nose against hers this time. At last he was well and truly hers. No competition from Mennehotep. They both rubbed noses for a good five seconds before Rath suddenly drew away. There he was at arm's length, all hers for the taking. Why did she suddenly feel so guilt ridden?

Something about the far away look in his green eyes alerted her to a problem. As if a portion of his mind was miles away. Lyris wondered if he felt as if he were deluding himself, seeking her love totally now that she was available? His words of the other day, when they had seen Ja-Kal and Nefer-Tina together rang in her head. The rebound. Rath had once loved the Princess. For some reason they had split apart after she lost her powers. Lyris thought it was because he truly loved her, not the Princess. Now she was beginning to doubt that. Had Rath put a wall between himself and Mennehotep because she was a Princess? And sought Lyris's love instead because he had less to loose? Lyris dared not contemplate it. For she would always love the Scribe, no matter what may happen. Or how much they may hurt each other. She couldn't help it. Love was strange that way.

"What is wrong, my dear?"

"I... cannot do this to you," she sniffed. For they had gotten together rather quickly after Rath and the Princess had their first major argument.

"Cannot do what?" he asked, puzzled.

"It's so soon, after... she is gone," Lyris stammered, feeling the guilt consume her. "You said you loved her... And she never stopped loving you..."

"Whatever are you on about?" he demanded, reaching a hand out to her. "You know my feelings for you..."

"I don't," she sniffed, rushing out of the room. "And I don't think you do either..."

Rath drew in an enormous sigh. Love was once more in his grasp, only to slip away again. Would he ever shake the curse of Chontra?

Bitterly Lyris remembered one of the prevalent themes in many Greek tragedies. One of the hearts of desire was the desire of something forbidden. Having and wanting were two different fruits. One was sour, the other sweet. And the anticipation of wanting was sometimes greater than the receiving... Was it so with Rath. All this time Mennehotep had a hold on his heart, and she had to fight for the Scribe's affection. Now, with the way clear, she felt sullen and sad. As if he was settling for her as a consolation prize.

She threw herself onto her art table, sobbing. The aching void filled her heart once more. She realized how much she missed her friend. "Menne," she sobbed. "Why did you leave us?"

"It should have been me that Avaris destroyed..." she continued, wiping her tears. "I... cannot believe this is happening!"

"Oh, I love you Rath, but why do you make me hurt so?"

There was a small cough, that made her raise her head. Slowly Lyris looked up into the eyes of Damia, the Amazon. Her own eyes were red, and her own cheeks tear-stained. "Lyris," she said, walking towards the Muse. Holding out her arms, Lyris folded Damia into them. For a time both women held each other tightly.

"I can't believe she's gone," sobbed Damia. "And I was not here to help defend her..."

"You mustn't blame yourself," sobbed Lyris, patting her back. "She and her sister were at last reconciled. And they are in the Western Gate..."

"But she was my friend," said Damia. "I promised Trynia I'd protect her..."

"Damia, it's not anyone's fault," said Lyris, holding her at arm's length. "The last thing she would want is for us to feel guilty for a choice she made herself! I should have been the one of all of us..."

"We must do something."

"What?" asked Lyris.

"Avenge her," said Damia. "Where is this creep Avaris?"

"He vanished to beyond the Western Gate," said Lyris. "Or else that's what Rath thought. But he went to the Stars. And I am sure, knowing how vast his powers are, he will return soon enough!"

"We must avenge Mennehotep," said Damia. "Or else..."

"What?"

"In my people is a custom to go on a quest, to honor the memory of a fallen comrade," said Damia. "Mennehotep was like a sister to me. And she deserves such honor. And besides..."

"You mean the Mummies should go on a quest?"

"Yes. To Ilkan," said Damia.

"But Ja-Kal would never agree to any of us leaving now..."

"It would be me... and whoever else wanted to join..."

"To tell you the truth, I could use a vacation," sighed Lyris. "Just some time away..."

"I'm sure Ja-Kal could do without you or me for just a few weeks. After all, you weren't always around before. But wait, that's not the reason is it..."

"I'm so confused," said Lyris. "I just need to sort some things out..."

"With you and him?"

"That, and other things. It just seems to be so senseless when one of us leaves like that! I can't shake the feeling of emptiness... but is it selfish to want to leave my friends when they may need my help?"

"No. You must do what you must. Let's go talk to Ja-Kal now. Put it up to him... We could all use a break..."

"Ja-Kal, can we talk to you?" asked Lyris, brushing tears out of her eyes.

"Of course," he said, letting go of Nefer-Tina's hand. He rose and went to the two women. There was still sadness in his eyes that mirrored how all of them felt inside.

"I want... to ask you a favor," said Lyris.

"Anything..."

"I want to go away for a while, with Damia. You see, there's this Amazon ritual she wants to perform in Menne's honor, and she needs another warrior..."

"But we may need you here," said Ja-Kal. "There's no telling when Scarab will strike."

"You were able to get along without me before..."

"Lyris, we need your help to protect Presley..."

"Please. I am begging you. There are some things I need to sort out. I'm just as upset as you are... and I just need a break..."

"Ja-Kal, we'll be okay," said Nefer-Tina, grabbing his arm and pressing it. "It doesn't seem too much to ask..."

"If you need us you can summon us with your amulet," said Lyris. "And we'd be back in a heartbeat..."

The look in her turquoise eyes implored him. A need that echoed his own. Something inside him gave up, and nodded yes. "All right," he sighed. "I suppose we can manage. It's the least we can do for Mennehotep... performing Damia's ritual. Ra be with you..."

"Thank you," she breathed. Her eyes met those of Nefer-Tina, who gave her a sympathetic look. As if she could read the real reason behind the Muse's request.

"I will always remember, Khenembre," she whispered. Rath stiffened at the mention of that name, for where had he heard it before?

Should he say something to her? Stop her from leaving? Tell her that...

No, said a voice in his head. This is right. Not the chosen path for him and her to move together. The Muse must walk alone on this journey.

Almost as if she had heard him, she turned her head to stare out the door. "I know you're there, Rath," she said softly.

"You are really... leaving?" he said to her.

"Yes... Damia is waiting with the Swords of Ilkan..." she nodded sadly. Drawing up the bag she slung it over her shoulder, and picked up her brother's staff in her other hand. The emptiness in her eyes he couldn't comprehend, yet it mirrored the emptiness in his own heart.

"Must you?" he asked.

"Yes... I must... for you sake as well as my own..." she stammered, the chin wobbling.

"I think... perhaps that is right," he sighed deeply, folding hands behind his back. He didn't try to stop her as she strode past him, her head held high. Momentarily she stopped, turning back to look over her shoulder at him. Disappointment filled her face.

"You... do not object?" she asked.

"No. It is for the best," he said softly. "You were right. We both need time... to morn... to heal..."

"Strange words coming from you," she shook her head.

"Not at all," he said, moving up behind her softly. "May you find what you are searching for...."

"As you are..." she muttered, hiding the appearance of tears in her eyes as she quickly moved away from him. Rath shook his head, and turned to walk the lonely path back to his lab. He felt nothing but numbness, even though one of the guardians was about to leave on a journey she might well not come back from for a long time.

Damia stood, both swords in her hands as she wore her Amazon traveling costume. Lyris walked somberly, glancing to each of her friends with those woeful eyes. Nefer-Tina wondered why Rath hadn't bothered to see them both off. JaKal stood resolute, arms at his side.

"Goodbye, Armon," Damia said, as she glanced at him across the room. Slowly she raised her sword, cutting to the side. A large shimmering rip appeared, as the dimensional portal to Ilkan was activated.

"Fare well, Amazon," JaKal nodded. "May the journey be light, and the road be short to your destination.."

She was surprised he knew the honorific for bidding farewell. Glancing at Lyris, the Muse shrugged. "May your stay be one filled with many peaceful days from war."

Everyone bowed to her, and she stepped one foot inside the portal. "Lyris?" she asked. "Coming?"

Presley felt the tears as Lyris hugged him close. "Stay well, and mind your guardians," she whispered to him.

"We won't forget you," he sniffed, as she wiped his tears away.

"Rys..." Nefer-Tina said, as Lyris moved close to the portal after the vanishing Amazon. The Charioteer raced up, flinging her arms around her friend in one last crushing hug.

"Bye Neff..." she whispered. "Tell the others someday..."

Then at that last minute Rath's slender form appeared int eh doorway. Lyris glanced back one moment, and stepped through the portal the next. Everyone watched as the shimmering rip dwindled down to nothing but a faint spark in the hanging air.

"She's really gone, isn't she? Both of them?" Presley asked, wiping away a tear.

"Yes," JaKal said, resting a hand on his shoulder. No flowery animal speeches, just a simple affirmation was all he could give.

"I miss them already," Armon sniffed. Nefer-Tina, tears in her grey eyes glared at Rath, who stood silently on.

"Well, why weren't you even here to say goodbye?" she demanded of him.

"Because... I had already said goodbye... a long time ago," he said cryptically.

"After all this how can you be so calm?" Armon growled at him. The scribe shook his head.

"Don't you even shed a tear that's she's gone, possibly forever, you heartless jerk?" Nefer-Tina asked him.

Rath eyed her with nothing but sadness in his green eyes. "And you are upset because it did not happen as you wished it would, with me and the Muse? Is that it? No..." he laughed sadly. "It was not to be. And even now she realizes it, as I have, and everyone but me is loathe to admit it!"

"Rath, what are you talking about?" JaKal asked.

"Presumptions," he shook his head. "About what seems to be is not always how it really is..."

"What?" Armon scratched his head.

"It's far too complicated to explain right now," he choked as he turned about face and left the main chamber. And four very perplexed mummies indeed.