This is a work of Fiction. The characters of the Mummies Alive are the Property of DIC international. The Princess Kara and Princess Mennehotep are my own creations. Their feud is my own story-line. The Character of Lyris is property of the Goddess Mia, which I use out of respect and admiration for her.

I do this for fun. If you wish to use Kara and Mennehotep in your stories, feel free. But give credit where credit is due. Enjoy

-Theresa E. Meyers aka Trynia Merin

Part Two of Sibling Storm Rising

"I suggest we split into two teams," said Ja-Kal. "And fan out. There's no way Scarab can find all of us . . . "

"But what about Kara and Arak?" asked Mennehotep.

"Alone each of us can handle one of them. Kara won't let Arak around if she's with Scarab. I'm betting on that. And my thought is that Kara will want the amulet for herself . . . "

"Dissension in the ranks . . . " said Nefer-Tina.

"Remember. Our strength is in our teamwork. They don't have that advantage. So use it well. Nefer-Tina, you and Armon go with Rapses and Khati. Lyris, Rath, Mennehotep, come with me to the park. We'll all don clothes. We must get as far from the Sphinx as possible."

"But Ja-Kal . . . " said Presley.

"It must be only for a short time, my Prince," said Ja-Kal, laying a hand on his shoulder.

"But if anything were to happen to you . . . "

"Don't think of it that way, Exalted Ancestor," said Mennehotep, standing near the Prince. "I will make sure it won't . . . "

Both the Princess and the Hunter lay their hands on Presley's shoulders. If he closed his eyes, he could almost pretend they were his Mom and Dad, together again. But they weren't. At least not like his mother and Father. But they were looking out for him in a similar way that made him feel a bit confused.

Like family.

* * *

As they readied themselves for entry into public, Rath thought back in his mind. To a conversation he'd had with Nefer-Tina only a few hours ago when the whole business had started. He had been inside of his lab, struggling to find a spell to counter the talisman.

Nefer-Tina had dropped into the lab as she often did. To bother him. And she'd wondered if Ja-Kal was all right.

"Our leader seems cheerful and all," she said. "When you consider how intense it's been."

"I cannot believe it," Rath had muttered. "Ja-Kal was actually having fun with someone else."

"Why is that so surprising?" Nefer-Tina demanded.

"Well, you know . . . it's just that he's the leader . . . "

"And?" said Nefer-Tina. "He's not allowed to have fun?"

"No. But not with the princess," said Rath, folding his arms.

"Wait, let me get this. You can play and flirt with the Princess, and Ja-Kal can't?"

"What in the name of Osiris are you implying?"

"Oh come on. Ja-Kal actually has feelings for someone else. You think that's impossible. I think you're jealous."

"Jealousy is a petty emotion," Rath snorted.

"You can't stand the fact that she'd be more attracted to him than you . . . "

"But, but . . . "

"You are so dense that you aren't grateful for what's right in front of you," laughed Nefer-Tina ironically. "You're unbelievable!"

"She did express her emotions quite clearly . . . on a few occasions," said Rath.

"How so?"

"Well, you know . . . err romantic interplay of a physical nature . . . "

"She kissed you once, and you think that's it?"

"Well, yes . . . "

"Get real Rath!" sighed Nefer-Tina. "How many times have you been kissed by a girl? Hasn't the thought occurred to you that she might have just been sorry for you . . . or not sure of how her own feelings?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"You have to kiss a few people to know what a real kiss of love is. Just because someone kisses you and hugs you doesn't mean they're madly in love. You being a man should know all about the love games people play! How kissing is just for fun sometimes. Then the two people might change their minds . . . "

"Are you suggesting she's toying with my affections?"

"Perhaps Ja-Kal is right. Maybe you're playing with hers."

"Preposterous!"

"Another bit of experience with someone you know you haven't the guts to commit to fully . . . "

"I'd never be so puerile . . . "

"When is the last time you took her out, or read her poetry, or gave her flowers?"

"Err . . . "

"As I recall, you've been spending a lot of time with someone else lately," said Nefer-Tina.

"Err, well, that's different . . . "

"Sure it is," grumbled Nefer-Tina. "Lyris isn't as exciting as she is . . . "

"What are you on about now?"

"You drool over her just the same when she's not around. And now she's attracted to someone else, and you can't stand it . . . "

Rath snorted, and flicked his nose into the air. "Whatever you say, Nefer-Tina. But we will see who loves whom . . . "

"For your sake I hope so," said Nefer-Tina. "And for Lyris'," she added quietly.

* * *

Mennehotep pulled on the purple raincoat she'd picked out. She put on a matching purple hat with an attractive broad brim. Over her face she smoothed the special cosmetics to conceal her mummified flesh. Lyris stood nearby, smearing the same stuff on Rath's face. He protested, but shut up when Ja-Kal regarded him sternly.

Ja-Kal's own ensembles were getting closer to normal. The fine suit beneath the long black overcoat was far better than the sports jacket and baseball cap he normally wore. The wide brimmed hat did a good job hiding his bandaged face. It took time to get a sense of fashion.

Rath still insisted on his bizarre hats. Lyris and he made a strange pair, he in a blue double-breasted blue coat and grey scarf, and she in loose bell bottom jeans and sweatshirt. She grabbed a leather sport jacket and jammed a baseball cap over her head backwards.

They headed out from the Sphinx, under the overcast sky. Rath turned up his collar at the chilly wind. All four of them hurried along and blended with the throng of people out on Friday night.

"But our sarcophagi . . . " said Lyris.

"We won't use as much power if we don't armor up," said Rath. "Unless absolutely necessary."

"And I have the elixir and natrium should we need them," said Mennehotep.

"Good luck to you all," said Ja-Kal.

* * *

Presley shivered as they all hurried down the street. Several people bustled about, having suffered cabin fever at the last storm's uprising. But the strange depression had vanished, merely replaced by high winds. There seemed a sinister nature to the air, which permeated the warmth of the flickering neon signs.

Armon was in wonderland. His brown eyes darted to and fro as he took in the various sights. Nefer-Tina also enjoyed the bustle and hustle of the crowd that propelled the three of them on. Under his jacket, Khati squirmed and miaued her discontent. "Stop it, girl," he complained. "It's warmer under there than out here . . . "

"Meow," Khati complained. Then settled down as Presley shifted his arm.

"So where is he already?" asked Armon. "We've been walking for hours . . . "

"Don't knock it," said Presley. "I'd rather not see Scarab at all tonight."

"But that means he could attack Ja-Kal . . . and Rath . . . "

"But Kara could be after them," said Nefer-Tina. "And not to mention Arak . . . "

"I thought Ja-Kal said he'd be the target . . . " said Armon.

"Brr. Don't even go there," said Nefer-Tina.

"Where are we going?" asked Armon.

"It' s just a figure of . . . oh forget it," sighed Presley.

"Ya know, I know we're supposed to be looking out for danger. But I think we might as well make the most of it . . . "

"You mean?" asked Armon, face lighting up.

"You bet!" laughed Nefer-Tina. "Let's go party . . . "

"But guys, I can't go into that dance club," Presley groaned.

"OH, I forgot," said Nefer-Tina.

"How 'bout we go for pizza?" Armon suggested.

"Now you're talkin!" laughed Presley.

* * *

Ja-Kal, Mennehotep, Lyris, and Rath all raced in the same direction. Faster and faster the wind whipped up.

"Here we go again," muttered Mennehotep, wincing at the thought of a repeat performance of yesterday's battle.

"Not necessarily," said Ja-Kal. "This is part of the plan."

"What, to let them blow us off, literally?" snorted Rath.

"Scarab's right behind us!" Mennehotep gasped. "I can feel it!"

Rath nodded grimly, realizing that another aspect of his training was asserting itself very strongly. The tails of Rath's blue coat sailed behind him as he ran, Lyris behind him. "Quick, this way!"

"Why don't we face him . . . " Menne asked.

"We cannot reveal ourselves . . . "Ja-Kal gasped. "Not yet!"

"We've got to fight him sometime!" huffed Lyris.

"Ja-Kal's right," Rath shouted to her. "As long as he has Net's talisman, he can control Net's wrath at will . . . "

"Of all the stupid things . . . " she snapped.

"This way . . . " said Ja-Kal.

They blundered into a darkened stand of trees. A narrow path led through a parkway past a fountain. The mighty winds temporarily abated. "He doesn't recognize us," Rath breathed with relief. "Quickly now . . . "

"The best place for the gazelle to hide is among the herd," Ja-Kal said to everyone. "Let's try and blend in . . . "

"We'd better stop running then . . . " muttered Rath.

For her eyes landed on several pairs of people. Quietly they strode down the path around the fountain. "What strange ritual is this?" Rath asked.

Lyris caught Mennehotep's eye and smiled. "A lover's lane, I think they'd call it . . . " said the Muse.

"What nonsense is that?" snorted Rath. Lyris felt like she wanted to kick him in his insensitivity. Yet her infinite patience checked her urge.

"Actually, it's beautiful," sighed Ja-Kal, glancing all over the shadowed trees. "So peaceful. Someone has taken the forest and brought its wonders to the middle of a city . . . "

"Sentimental drivel," Rath said dismissively. This time he felt a sharp elbow in his ribs from Lyris.

"Come on," urged Mennehotep. "I have a feeling Scarab's not far behind . . . "

"She's right. Try to blend in . . . " said Ja-Kal. "Until we can face Scarab himself . . . "

"Blend in, how?" asked Rath, folding his arms across his chest.

"Easy," said Lyris. She held out a small hand in his direction. "Let's just do what everyone else is doing . . . "

"Er, and that would be . . . " Rath coughed.

"Just look. At the people in pairs . . . "

"Quite right," he nodded, and reluctantly extended one gauntleted hand in her direction. Her partially bandaged hand enclosed around his. Slowly they followed one particular couple as they meandered along. Lightly the tones of dripping water cut through the now silent air. Moonlight peeked through the canopy of trees overhead.

"Perhaps you should take my hand as well, your Glory," Ja-Kal suggested to Mennehotep, as they followed the first pair of mummies at a ten-cubit distance. "Excuse me . . . I mean Menne . . . "

"Right," she nodded, extending her hand toward his. As his hand grasped hers, she realized that she had not before noticed its strength and size at such close quarters. A sense of strength and security exuded from Ja-Kal, reassuring her that whatever happened, things would turn in their favor.

The wind had died to a gentle night breeze. Stiffly Rath walked next to the Muse. "Relax," she urged him. "You're moving like an ushabti."

"This is rather unusual," he admitted. "All these people here, doing nothing except walking. It's as frivolous as that dancing you tried to teach me . . . "

"Ja-Kal said blend in," said Lyris. "So blend already . . . "

The hunter and the princess seemed to fare better, the Muse noted. Ever vigilant Ja-Kal glanced out of the corner of his sharp eyes for any sign of danger. Nevertheless, he put on an air of complete relaxation to mask his alertness. He noticed how some of the pairs walked with arms intertwined, beyond the mere hand holding. Slowly and deliberately he draped his own arm around Menne's graceful shoulders. At first she seemed a bit surprised, but didn't push him away.

As for Rath, it seemed as if Lyris was pulling him along. "That idiot," Ja-Kal chuckled. "He's going to call more attention to himself at that rate."

"So much for hiding in the herd," she laughed in return.

At intervals along the path were junctions to other routes. Occasional park benches stood off to the perimeter. Some people sat on them, snuggling close. Rath's eyes glanced with genuine curiosity. "What a peculiar ritual this must be," he muttered. "Why are those people sitting?"

Mennehotep smiled with mirth. "Perhaps it's a courting ritual . . . " she said, loud enough for Rath to hear. He stiffened, green eyes widening in horror at the prospect.

"Do you sense anything, Rath?" Ja-Kal asked.

He fished in his pocket with his free hand, removing his mystic ankh. "Er, there are multiple traces at a distance. Too diffuse yet to pinpoint accurately . . . "

"We'd better keep moving . . . or else hide here . . . " said Ja-Kal.

They at last came to the fountain. Stone carved infants with wings bore their stone pitchers of water. "What strange beasts are these?" Ja-Kal wondered, indicating them to Mennehotep.

"I remember seeing pictures like them on folded papyri at what Presley called a Gift shop. He said they were 'mushy'."

"Mushy?" Ja-Kal repeated, just as confused as before. "What a queer word to describe such a creature."

"I know what they are," said Lyris, still clinging to a reluctant Rath. "They are Cupids."

"Cupids?"

"I heard about them in Greek stories I memorized. Except the name they used was Eros. Eros was the Greek god of romantic love. He would shoot an arrow into the heart of a lover, and the first person they lay eyes upon they'd fall helplessly in love with."

"Arrows, eh?" Mennehotep mused, glancing sidelong at Ja-Kal. "Sounds like something you could well relate to, Ja-Kal."

"It makes sense," he agreed. "Often the stag must hunt for the doe of his choice . . . chasing her across the entire forest . . . "

"Oh nonsense," Rath snorted. "Sentimental twaddle."

Just then the wind picked up. Cool air whipped their long coats around their legs, and penetrated even their bandages. "Split up," said Ja-Kal, leading Mennehotep to one side of the fountain. Rath was pulled along after Lyris on the opposite side. Rath's ankh wailed softly beneath his jacket. "I've got another trace of Scarab's shabti," he said.

"Sit down?" Lyris suggested.

"That seems to be an activity in which most of these pairs are participating."

"Whatever you say," she smiled. Side by side the Scribe and the Muse sat on a nearby bench. It was somewhat comfortable. Rath kept two palm's distance from her.

"I think it would be better if we scooted closer together," said Lyris.

"Whatever for?"

"Oh, use your mind," she said. Both inched closer, till their hips touched. "Now turn around and face me."

"Oh, right," he coughed. Out of the corner of one eye he observed Ja-Kal and Mennehotep, who had just sat. The male mummy was extending his arm and draping it over the female. The wind picked up. Mennehotep and Ja-Kal shivered at the drop in temperature, and huddled closer. Despite himself Rath could feel his skin crawling with anticipation and fear.

"What are you waiting for?" Lyris urged. "Put your arms around me."

"Are . . . you certain this is what everyone else is doing?" he stammered.

"Oh, come on Rath," she said, and grabbed his right wrist. As if positioning a doll she placed his one hand at her hip, the other across her back.

"This is hardly dancing," he complained. Her hands folded behind his neck, bringing her face about half a cubit from his.

"Er, this is rather . . . unusual proximity . . . "

"You have to get used to it sometime," said she, with a mischievous smile.

On the other bench the couple's faces were only inches apart. Ja-Kal brought his nose mere inches from Mennehotep's, and stopped. "Er . . . I think this is how it is done," he coughed.

"Are you certain?" she laughed softly as one of his bandages tickled her own nose. Her cheek caressed his.

"Yes," he nodded.

"Is it really?" she asked, eyes half shut. Leaning over, he brushed his nose against hers ever so gently. As if she would shatter if he moved incorrectly.

"You're shivering," she whispered.

"The hawk quivers with anticipation before its first flight out of the nest," said Ja-Kal, steadying his voice. There was a softness to his normally piercing blue eyes. A gentleness that she'd seen when he regarded the Prince. The scent of her rich perfume wafted into his nostrils, provoking him to shiver all the more. Menne often covered herself with myrrh and frankincense, to mask the scent of the dead. It seemed a prudent precaution. Yet Ja-Kal's sense of smell was far more acute than most people, alive or dead.

"Stop trembling like that," Rath scolded Lyris. "You're making me nervous."

"Seems that's mutual," she giggled, brushing her nose lightly against his cheek. As if he'd been stung, the Scribe flinched.

"What?" Lyris asked, somewhat distracted, and understandably so.

"Shabti," he whispered, into her ear. "Dead ahead."

"Did you have to use that phrase?" she winced.

"Don't let them see your fear," Ja-Kal hissed with alarm Mennehotep froze. His mouth was extremely close to Mennehotep's ear as she sat with her head on his shoulder. Ever closer the footsteps approached, as the two mummies grasped each other more tightly. "It's too soon to give away our position," he added, with a gentle whisper, the tone of a sweet nothing.

Out of the corner of her eyes, Mennehotep saw another couple. Their faces were extremely close. And the strange ritual they were performing was very surprising. Both their faces were close together. Naturally they were rubbing noses. Not only that, but their mouths were actually together. Ja-Kal slipped his hand around her waist, and the other supported her head. She in turn placed a hand on his cheek, and leaned forwards. Through her lashes she noted he also leaned toward her, his own eyes closed.

Rath froze. His amulet silently wailed disaster. Lyris shrieked as they leaned into the shadow to hide themselves. Desperately she put her hands on Rath's shoulders, and pressed her lips to his. With surprise and alarm he gave a muffled cry. His eyes widened as he took in the strange scene across the fountain. He glimpsed the Princess and the Hunter engaged in a similar exchange. That's what everyone else was doing, ran through his mind. Why was he so nervous?

Ja-Kal covered Mennehotep's face with his own, out of view of the Shabti as they walked past. The noises of her surprise at his kiss dwindled to silence. It was nothing like when she'd kissed Rath the one time in view of his homeless friends. No awkwardness, just an expression that seemed genuine. Was it was only to blend in, as he'd had said? He'd been married once. And held his own wife in his arms. He'd had experience with romance that Rath lacked. Only the reserve that perhaps a servant would have for a master existed now.

Rath couldn't comprehend the etymology of this sort of kiss, but suddenly felt swept away by the flood of pleasure that washed over him at her gesture. Normally reserved, the Scribe succumbed to the strange urge to return the kiss just as fondly to Lyris. There was an odd rhythm to this way of expressing affection that seemed pleasurable. Like an infant being rocked by its mother.

Menne sighed through Ja-Kal's contact, and her hands folded behind his neck as his other arm pulled her closer to himself. Another row of shabti trampled by. Ja-Kal peered past Mennehotep's cheek with one half-opened eye to watch.

Protectively Rath hugged Lyris against himself, sheltering her from any view and from the chilling wind that sprang up around them. His kiss intensified, causing him to make a noise rather like a child enjoying rich chocolate. Normally such abandon would be extremely embarrassing. But who could see them here? Rath now saw it was like listening to a fine poem or glancing at lovely artwork. Food for the soul. But such frivolous activity seemed a waste of time, but no less a waste of time if it brought amusement and pleasure.

His amulet no longer alerted any danger. He pushed Lyris aside, and stood up. "I think the danger is past," he announced.

Lyris sighed, and kicked the air in disappointment. Even her patience was taxed at this. To partly console herself she looked at Ja-Kal and Mennehotep. Apparently their mood had not been spoilt. The look of surprise on Rath's face was almost worth his lack of interest in continuing the kiss with her. Lyris wished she could scribe his expression on a wall. Her hand gripped his arm as he moved forwards to interrupt Ja-Kal and Menne.

"Leave them be," she whispered.

"But we don't have time for . . . "

"You had time enough to keep kissing me," she grumbled. "Let Ja-Kal have some peace for a change . . . "

"But . . . "

"Come on. Let's give them some privacy for even a few precious moments. They may be our last . . . "

"But . . . but . . . "

"Oh, shake a leg, Rath," she urged. "They'll catch up . . . "

Menne's fingers caressed Ja-Kal's back, and he felt his own fingers as they traced over the fine curves of her cheek and the smooth texture of her hair. What was there to be afraid of? This was quite enjoyable.

Except the pangs of memory that suddenly welled up from his mind. Reluctantly he pulled away. "Tia, "he whispered. "How I'd almost not remembered the sweetness of your touch . . . "

In the same space of time Mennehotep had also uttered, "Tuthmosis, my husband . . . I almost forgot how gentle he could be . . . "

Their eyes opened, and met for a brief instant. Was that surprise and shock that their respective spouses were not there before them? It was as if for an instant time and space had folded, returning them to their lost love's side. She could tell the expression of sadness on his face. It mirrored her own. Guilt racked both of them. How could they find pleasure when their minds were full of the past?

"I... am sorry," said she.

"As am I," he sighed. "But we must not think of that now. We have a mission . . . "

"I know," she said. Tears formed in her eyes. Ja-Kal gently swept them away with his own bandages. She was afraid that she would lose composure entirely. Grimly the Hunter and the Princess rose from the bench. Neither of them spoke of the pain that stabbed through them now.

* * *

"Where is that amulet?!" Scarab cursed, as he searched among his clothes.

"Face it boss," said Heka, firmly clenched in Scarab's hand. "You've lost it."

"But someone must have it!" he snapped. "Net's Talisman is being used this moment."

"Aw, tough luck," said she. "Want a balloon and a sucker for your pain?"

"That's not funny," he snapped, squeezing hard. She choked.

"But Scarab, didn't you say you had another talisman?" she coughed.

"That's right," he muttered. "Shabti! Bring me the collection! On the double . . . "

Soon his eyes were feasting on the remaining three amulets. They all glittered in their casings. "Geb, no . . . Kiasta . . . no . . . Ah! Nun should be good for our purposes . . . " he replied.

"Any logic in your choice?" asked Heka. "Or should I bother to ask?"

"I've dealt with this stupid water spirit before," laughed Scarab. "That Net talisman was nothing but a lot of hot air . . . "

"So what now?"

"I think a full scale monsoon will work to our advantage," Scarab replied. "Shabti, return the other amulets to my office. Make sure no one gets hold of them . . . "

He held aloft the accompanying scroll, and chanted. Soon Heka gurgled and gasped as she felt her once metal body beginning to melt.

"Stop . . . we're evaporating!" she cried.

"Ah, all the better!" Scarab laughed. He vanished in a vaporous cloud. "Now I can really travel in style."

The grey mass of liquid moved, and flowed outward. Now with the aspect of Nun, Scarab and Heka pushed forward at an alarming pace.

* * *

Rath still held Lyris' hand as they traveled deeper into the park. She shivered at the fast blowing wind. In his other hand Rath clenched his ankh, to which his gaze was firmly fixed. "I think they are behind us now," he said.

"Shabti? Or Ja-Kal and the Princess?"

"Er, the latter," said Rath, looking up at her. Still he looked as if his mind were a million cubits away.

"Rath," gulped Lyris, stopping suddenly.

"What in the name of Thoth is it now?" he asked. Her hand squeezed his tightly. "Ow, do be careful, young lady!"

"Sorry. I'm just feeling very strange."

"An overwhelming sense of dread?" he asked.

"Right. You feel it too?"

"Er, quite. But it's nothing I cannot deal with, my dear girl."

"Are you so sure?" she asked, placing herself before him.

"What's coming over you?" he asked.

"What if we don't survive?" she asked.

"I would advise caution in such negative thought . . . "

"Have you ever stopped to think about it?"

"Not entirely," said Rath, nose in the air. "We exist to protect Rapses. When he no longer needs us . . . "

"That's not what I meant . . . " she said softly, resting her other hand on his jacket. "But those amulets, are so powerful. We could be wiped out!"

"Is that what's troubling you," he sniffed. "Why . . . "

"Rath, I'm serious . . . "

"You . . . really are frightened, aren't you?" he realized, huffiness evaporating to genuine concern. Still, her hand squeezed his tightly. He lowered his eyes to gaze into those two pools of liquid turquoise.

"If anything . . . were to happen . . . I don't know what I'd . . . "

"Hush," said Rath, putting a hand over her mouth. That same hand slipped under her chin, tilting it up. "We must not even consider that possibility, dear girl."

Lyris stood on her tip toes to reach him, and Rath leaned over. Their noses almost touched.

Suddenly they were hit with a cold blast of wind. Lyris crashed into Rath, knocking him over. They landed in a heap, not knowing what hit them.

"What in the name of Osiris!" Rath spluttered with extreme irritation. "What is the meaning of this intrusion? ..."

"I am hurt," said a familiar voice. "That you do not recognize me, old fool."

"Where are you?!" Lyris shouted. "Show yourself!"

Wind swirled around them, whipping at their clothes. Protectively Rath blocked Lyris from the cutting swath of air. It almost seemed solid. "Great Ra!" he exclaimed.

"What is it?" asked Lyris, voice raised over the storm. Her baseball cap flew off her head, revealing her auburn dyed mane of hair.

"The talisman of Net . . . in its full power!" Rath explained, arms raised to shield both their faces. Desperately he hugged Lyris close to his body with his other arm. She might blow away if the wind picked up anymore.

"It isn't Net herself?"

"Not at all!" he shouted. "The talisman has given the aspect of Net to the wearer! And the wearer is none other than . . . "

"Kara!" screamed Lyris in anger.

Both mummies were forced from their position as Rath's coat billowed out like a sail. Desperately he threw his bandage around a tree trunk. "Don't let go of me!" he shouted to the muse. "I... need both arms to hang on!"

Lyris wrapped her arms around his neck, and her legs about his waist like a small child hanging onto his parent for dear life. Rath grunted and strained as the wind tore at both of them mercilessly.

Mennehotep and Ja-Kal hurried to keep up with Rath and Lyris. Neither spoke of the kiss that they had shared only minutes before. Despite his guilt and sadness, Ja-Kal still felt a giddiness that he hadn't felt since his first date with Tia. Somehow the burden of what was to come was lightened. Perhaps when this adventure was over they might . . .

If they survived. If she survived. Why did she have to bear the sole burden. But she was as willing as he to yield her life for Rapses. As much as a mother would for her own son. As much as Ja-Kal would lay down his own life in the service of Pharaoh.

"Menne," he said softly.

"Yes, Ja-Kal?" she asked. He'd stopped walking. Both mummies faced each other, hands resting on respective shoulders.

"I was just thinking. Presley said that more than one amulet was in the collection that was stolen . . . He said amulets, plural, not singular."

"That's right," said Menne, eyes widening in horror. "And Scarab must have access to all of them . . . "

"We are in more danger than I thought!" said Ja-Kal.

"But Scarab hasn't used all at once. No one can . . . " said Mennehotep. "If we can get our hands on just one of them . . . "

"We don't know where he keeps them. With him . . . or in a secret location . . . " said Ja-Kal.

"Maybe I can sense them . . . "

"Yes, that's right. But how . . . "

"The amulets are elemental. I am trained to use such magic . . . and . . . "

"But didn't your powers disappear?"

"I have been learning . . . and those spells that involve fire come the most easy to me . . . "

"I take your word for it, majesty," said Ja-Kal, resting a hand on her arm. "After your performance earlier today . . . "

Suddenly the ground shook. Ja-Kal and Menne grasped each other for support on the rocky soil. "Geb," he gritted.

"No. It's an elemental . . . "

Stones flew in their general direction. Ja-Kal and Menne leapt to dodge them as they were pelted with the objects.

"Eat rocks!" shouted a voice.

"Arak?" gasped Ja-Kal. "How in the name of Horus . . . "

"It's the amulet with the aspect of Geb!" shouted Menne. "He can control the earth . . . "

"And I will bury you with it, dear brother!" shouted Arak's voice. A mound of earth rose from the park, in the form of a scorpion-armored figure. Earth spewed from its clawed hand, burying Ja-Kal, before he could shout his incantation.

Menne shouted, "With the Wisdom of Isis!" just before she was too covered in soil. She gasped and the earth dribbled to mud with a blast of purple energy. She summoned lightening, and hurled it at Arak. He howled as lightening sizzled his muddy body.

She desperately scrabbled at the earth encasing Ja-Kal's face. "With the Strength of Ra!" he gasped, just in time. The force of the transformation blasted the encrustation of clay that imprisoned him.

"Are you all right?" she asked him.

"I am fine . . . look out!" he shouted, throwing her to one side as a boulder rolled past. Arak's figure now reformed in another mound of stone and clay. He cackled with laughter. Huge clay hands formed themselves around Menne, encasing her. She grunted as they squeezed.

"There is no escape, dear brother!" Arak gloated. "See how your paramour will be crushed."

"I don't give up that easily!" Ja-Kal shouted, summoning his bow. The fire arrows sizzled toward Menne.

"You would destroy her . . . "

"I don't miss, either," said Ja-Kal, as his arrows burned away the dirt. Arak howled in pain. Somehow any damage done to the soil affected him as well.

Sprouting wings, Ja-Kal took to the air. He grabbed the Princess in his arms on his next pass. "Oh no you don't, brother!" shouted Arak, and spewed a fountain of earth from his mouth.

Ja-Kal banked to the side, Menne still under his arm. He hurled her ahead, and she activated her wings. Both guardians soared away, well out of reach of Arak.

* * *

Rath meanwhile gritted his teeth as his strength ebbed away. He felt as if his arms would be pulled out of his sockets. "Can't . . . hold on much longer . . . " he huffed.

Lyris still clung to him, not knowing what to do. How did you fight something as insubstantial as the air?

Suddenly the ground became fluid, like water. "Oh no!" Rath moaned. "Now what?"

"Look! Ja-Kal and Menne!" cried Lyris, nodding to the sky.

Mercifully the wind's direction turned. Rath gasped as he and Lyris fell to the ground, Lyris beneath him. "Oh, pardon me," he gasped, as she was pressed beneath his weight.

"Are you all right?" she grunted, as he pushed himself up, then winced in pain.

Rath closed his eyes, and chanted a quick spell. Then a sense of relief fell over him. "Ah, that' s better . . . "

Lyris squirmed. At first Rath tried to get up, and then realized it wasn't her discomfort at his weight, but the ground itself that was moving once more. "With the Strength of Ra!" they both shouted. Cobra and Jackal replaced the two.

"Geb?" she wondered, as he helped her to stand.

"No, even worse," he breathed, as a hillock formed itself into the shape of Arak. Rath somersaulted, shrieking as he brandished his sword. Lyris too propelled herself into the air, staff arcing. Rath's sword cut a swath right through Arak's body. He howled in pain.

* * *

Above, Ja-Kal and Menne felt the quickening wind. It became more and more difficult to control their flight. Laughter echoed all around them.

"Tremble in fear sister!" shouted Kara's voice, in the tones of the wind. "You cannot escape the sky!"

Around and around she whirled, till a large cyclone swirled into being. Both ibis and falcon were tossed in the dizzy maelstrom. Desperately Ja-Kal struggled to keep near Menne. He was better able to negotiate the crazy winds than she. Due to experience. Soon he grabbed the top of a steel building.

Only mere feet from her he extended one clawed hand. "Try . . . to grab my hand!" he called out.

"I cannot reach . . . almost there . . . " she strained, extending her own gauntlet. Their claws touched. But a sudden burst of wind hurled her away.

"Menne! Nooo!" shouted Ja-Kal as her grasp slipped from his.

"Jaaa-Kaaaallll!" she wailed, as the wind swallowed her. Enraged, Ja-Kal fired arrow after arrow into the heart of the cyclone. The fire was harmlessly dissipated by the air.

"At last you are alone, mighty hunter!" came Kara's reply. "And you could not protect her . . . "

Bitterly Ja-Kal clung to the spire, eyes burning with rage. He could do nothing against the wind elemental. Or could he. Sick of running, he let go. "Face me if you dare, Kara!" he shouted. "I will not run anymore!"

As Ja-Kal threw himself to Kara's mercy, she lost concentration. Just long enough for Menne to break free. She managed to soar beyond the radius of the amulet's effect.

Weakened as she was, she could barely follow the trace of her mystic sense. One of the amulets was nearby. If only she could get to it before her own powers faded. There were mere minutes left. Her strength fizzled in and out. Menne crashed through a window in a nearby skyscraper. Dazed, she shook off the glistening particles of glass. They scattered like stars on the plush carpet on which she lie. All around her were the strange shapes of furniture that was from this Pharaoh's new time.

Her face stung. Luckily the armor had kept her protected from the impact. She had seen Ja-Kal's despairing face as she was separated from him. And how he'd bravely tried to sacrifice himself to the storm. This had distracted Kara, long enough for Menne to break free.

Literally. She marshaled her strength, and focused. Had to find that amulet that remained. Oddly enough she felt its resonance only mere feet away. It took her a moment to recognize the surroundings. Large statues of Anubis and Sutek rose overhead. The whole room had an evil green glow to it. Several display cases gleamed with the scant light.

"Isis, assist your servant," she thought and prayed. Then she felt the resonance. On the oaken table with the strange front. Sheets of modern papyrus lay scattered across its surface. She thumbed through them, struggling to see their inscriptions. Then her eyes fells on the arm ring.

Why had Scarab not used it? The last one, dedicated to fire. Perhaps it was too dangerous?

It had been long ago. Since the choice was made. She recalled Tharankhenat's face when she first mastered the fire spell. How easily it had come to her . . .

With a sparkle of energy her armor fizzled out. Menne dropped to her knees, hands pressed flat against the floor. "Oh, by Isis not a moment too soon," she sighed.

Her hands caressed the strangely carved object. Gold and copper flames twisted into a circlet that gleamed with unnatural light. Eagerly she slipped it upon her own arm. There were very few who had the privilege of wearing such a charm. She must not let the inrush of power corrupt her.

Fire flowed through once dead veins. Her skin and bandages seemed to spontaneously ignite. Eerily the room was bathed in the radiance of her flames. A massive surge of power invigorated her. The radiance of ancient knowledge opened its doors to her perception. Once forgotten spells poured out in an endless stream like the Nile. The ibis had become a phoenix. How could she hope to defeat the other three elements? At least she had a chance, energized as she was.

The tongue of fire pushed itself through the glass, vaporizing it. Then on into the night. Passers by would cower in fear at the flaming bird that graced their skies.

* * *

Meanwhile, a Pizza Shack was in full operation. Armon could barely restrain himself as he watched the cooks tossing large discs of dough into the air. "I wonder how they manage to catch them," he marveled.

"Simple grace," said Nefer-Tina.

"I'll get us a booth," said Presley, rushing into the main room. Before long, the three of them sat around an imitation wood table. Drinks were ordered, and they awaited their food. Armon made short work of three orders of mozzarella cheese sticks.

"You're supposed to dip those in the sauce," Presley said, struggling to stop Armon from tipping the fourth basket into his mouth.

"They taste fine, oh Prince," Armon mumbled.

"Figures he won't talk with his mouth empty," said Nefer-Tina, resting her head on her hand.

"I hope Rath and the others are okay," said Presley. He stabbed at his ice in the empty soda glass with his straw.

"They can handle it," said Armon, who had put the mozzarella sticks down again. "Whoa, here's our pizza!"

"How can you eat at a time like this," snapped Nefer-Tina. "Our Prince is worried sick!"

"I need all the food I can get then," said Armon. "So I can gather all my strength."

"Can't argue with that," Presley said. His face brightened up as he reached for a slice.

"Whatever," sighed Nefer-Tina. She glanced out the window. "I hope they're okay, wherever they are . . . "

* * *

Ja-Kal tumbled head over wings in the wind. "Now that my sister is gone . . . I have no reservations about destroying you!"

"I don't care!" Ja-Kal shouted, struggling to stabilize. Fire arrows sailed into the air mass, burning brightly.

"Why don't you surrender!" came Kara's voice. "I can promise a swift and painless end to your existence . . . "

"Leave him alone!" shouted another voice. Ja-Kal's face felt the warmth of a large bonfire that hovered into the midst of the air storm. In fact the flames seemed to increase in intensity, fanned by the air itself.

"You can do nothing!" shouted Kara's voice.

"Mm Menne?" Ja-Kal breathed, hardly able to believe that the flaming bird was the Princess transformed. At first he feared it was the spirit of Alcatraz. Yet when he saw the form was that of an ibis, he knew for certain.

"I will extinguish you!"

"That's not your best element," said Menne. Suddenly she began to burn brighter, and brighter. "Hang on, Ja-Kal!"

He dug his claws into the steel of a nearby building, and waited. The wind intensified. Brighter and brighter Menne burned. Till she was white hot.

There was a loud shriek of pain that rattled the atmosphere. Then Ja-Kal saw a shape plummeting toward the ground. He let go of the building, and raced to catch it. It was the unconscious form of Kara. Only fifteen feet from the pavement he enveloped her in his net.

The fire phoenix descended. Eagerly Ja-Kal raced over . . . then stopped. "Not so fast," she said. "I don't want to burn you . . . "

Seconds later the fire stopped. Menne stood before him, her usual self. Dragging the net, Ja-Kal approached. "What . . . how . . . "

His clawed hand gripped hers with excitement. She steeled herself against the pressure. "Easy, I just went through a window . . . "

"I am glad you are well . . . "

"Get her talisman, quickly . . . "

Slipping his hands into the net, he pulled off the amulet on her neck. Just then her eyes flickered open. She roared with anger. Claws extended to scrape him. They only succeeded in ripping his net to shreds. It was all they could do to get out of the way as she fought free.

They took to the skies, putting as much distance between themselves and Kara as she blasted them with energy. Once they were out of range, Ja-Kal confronted Menne.

"How did you defeat her? Surely I thought your flames would be extinguished," said Ja-Kal.

"I simply burned so hot I used up most of the surrounding air. Since she's in a human host, she couldn't breathe . . . "

"And she lost consciousness for a moment, breaking the enchantment," Ja-Kal realized. "My congratulations . . . "

"What do we do now?" asked Menne.

"Back to the park! We must rescue Rath and Lyris. And give the talisman to Rath. He'll be able to use it . . . "

* * *

Rath meanwhile swung his weapon over his head. In a glistening arc it contacted the hummock shaped like Arak. He shouted, and dissipated to mud.

Lyris too swung, scythe flashing down. Caught high and low, the hummock dissipated to mud. Quickly Rath glanced around. The hummock reformed behind him.

"Spirits of the ground, resist your master," Rath chanted, raising his hand. Green energy flowed from his green armored fingertips toward Arak. For a moment, Arak faltered.

"Lyris, now!" he shouted. It seemed as if Arak were temporarily frozen. "Get the talisman!"

Lyris leapt, and grasped at the form of the bracers he wore. Desperately she tugged at them, wrenching hard. Snarling, Arak tried to cuff her off. Rath grunted as he continued his jamming spell. Painfully slowly the bracers were wrenching free.

Till at last Arak punched Lyris in the stomach, and hurled her away. In her clawed hands the bracelet came away from his wrist. Neatly Rath caught both Muse and charm in his outstretched hands.

"Well done, my girl!" Rath nodded.

Arak roared, and aimed a laser blast toward them. Rath simply deflected the ray with his outstretched sword. Still, he held the Muse in his arms.

"Give me that bracelet!" roared Kara, pouncing from the bushes. She cannoned into Rath and Lyris, knocking them over. Before either could recover, she snatched the talisman from Lyris's hands.

Rath sat up. Just in time to see Kara slipping the bracelet on her hand. "Quickly, run away," he choked to Lyris.

With Rath still beneath her, Lyris could think of one possible escape. "Hold on," she croaked. There was a quick snatching sensation as both mummies phased out, to reappear behind Kara. Desperately they raced away into the park.

* * *

Nefer-Tina raised her glass to down her last bit of soda. To her surprise, the soda seemed to rise in the glass. "Hey," she shouted as her face was doused in the carbonated beverage.

Presley giggled. Until the approaching waiter with a water pitcher suddenly tripped. The water flew forwards, cascading right onto their table. All three of them raised their hands in protest.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," gasped the waiter.

"I already took a bath . . . three weeks ago!" protested Armon.

"Hey, wait a minute," said Presley. "Look at that!"

All three gazed in horror as the water rose from the tabletop. It seemed to flow into a column at a great rate to the center of the room. A grey puddle had formed, and slowly rose into the shape of a man.

"Oh great, it's that drip Nun," snapped Nefer-Tina. She leapt onto her chair.

"Wait, you can't in here . . . " said Presley.

Armon wrenched the table out, and hurled it at the shape. It passed right through.

"It's not Nun," Presley cried. "It's scarab!"

"Right you are, boy," gurgled a familiar voice. "And now you're mine . . . "

"With the strength of Ra!" shouted Nefer-Tina and Armon, transforming. Armon grabbed Presley, while Nefer-Tina distracted Scarab.

A sluice of grey liquid doused them. Armon slipped on water, almost dropping the Prince. The entire floor turned to slick ice. Customers slipped and slid within the pizza Shack. Nefer-Tina snapped her whip at the door handle. She tugged, swinging free the door. With a kick she pushed off from the wall, and slipped across the ice toward the door. Armon followed her example.

"You're not getting away so easily," laughed Scarab. Ice formed before the doorway, blocking it. But Armon crashed right through it.

"So much for your brilliant control of the elements," Heka laughed, a golden puddle to Scarab's right.

"Oh shut up," he grumbled. Collecting his liquid form he flowed out the door after them.

They'd just reached the Hot Ra as Scarab flowed after them. Nefer-Tina jammed her foot on the accelerator. "Let's burn rubber!" she shouted as they roared off.

Scarab coalesced into mist over the windshield. She wove and dodged, unable to see.

"Turn on the defogger!" Presley shouted. "There is one on here . . . I hope . . . "

Nefer-Tina punched a switch. Soon Scarab's mist dissipated. But it was soon replaced by pounding hailstones. "OH, this is gonna leave a mark for sure," Nefer-Tina groaned.

* * *

Rath and Lyris huffed as they raced along. The earth began to rumble once more beneath their feet. "Here we go again," she moaned.

"Not necessarily," Rath said.

"What do you mean . . . "

"Look . . . " he pointed. Two shapes descended from the skies. A gold form and a scarlet form swooped down upon the two. Rath was grasped up by Ja-Kal, and Lyris by Mennehotep.

"What in Ra's name took you so long?" Rath snorted.

"You're welcome too," Ja-Kal laughed. "Glad to see you're still in one piece."

"We've got something for you," Menne said. She held out the Net talisman.

"By Thoth, well done!" Rath exclaimed, eying the amulet.

"Do you think you could control it?" asked Ja-Kal.

"I can manipulate many sacred artifacts . . . " Rath sniffed. He snatched the charm from Menne's fingers.

"Kara's catching up with us," Lyris breathed, pointing to the ground below.

As Rath slipped the amulet over his neck, a huge fountain of earth spewed toward Ja-Kal. Suddenly Rath chanted, and aimed a blast. The earth blew quickly away on a burst of wind.

Menne summoned a burst of fire, aiming it at the earth. It melted into molten slag.

"You have the other?" Rath realized.

"No fooling," Lyris laughed.

"Forgive my hastiness," he apologized.

All their amulets wailed disaster. "The Prince," Ja-Kal gasped.

"I'm on it, as Presley says," Rath said. Gesturing once more, the mummy disappeared. A burst of wind sprang from Ja-Kal's empty hands.

"I'll handle Kara," said Mennehotep. She handed Lyris to Ja-Kal.

"Ra be with you both," said Ja-Kal, nodding to the Princess. Both mummies banked in opposite directions. A phoenix ignited from the scarlet and amethyst ibis. Lyris watched in amazement as fire fountains rained down upon the liquid earth.

* * *

Scarab cackled with glee. The Hot Ra was completely immobilized. "What are we going to do," Presley shivered.

"I...I'm open . . . to s.. suggestion . . . " chattered Nefer-Tina, hugging herself.

A fierce wind sprang out of nowhere. Ice was hammered by wind. Warm moist air from the San-Francisco bay quickly melted the ice.

"What . . . who dares?" snarled scarab.

"I do!" shouted Rath. Wind continued to blow. This time Scarab raised his hands to hurl water at Rath.

Rath gestured. Cold arctic winds buffeted Scarab. He began to freeze. Barely he managed yet another gesture as he summoned more water. Water to surround the mass of air that was Rath. And force the air to dissolve into the water itself.

Earth rose up around the firebird shape. Menne was pummeled by sand that formed a coating. Her flames were quickly smothered. With no air to fan her flames, she was helpless. Or was she?

Then the sand started to melt. And fuse. A glass casement surrounded Menne.

"No!" shouted Ja-Kal.

"Drop me here, I know what to do," Lyris shouted. The Jackal nimbly leapt from rising rock to rising rock that erupted from the ground. Till she reached Menne. Lyris swung her staff at the glass casement, shattering it. Now, exposed to the air, Menne flared into life again.

Rath bubbled helplessly through the glob of water. Now he was at Scarab's mercy. For gas dissolved into water is trapped.

"Rath!" Presley shouted. "Pull yourself together. Now!"

From deep in the water Rath heard the voice of his prince. He strained, pulling the individual bubbles of his airy body into small clumps. Multiple bubbles merged in a steaming mass that exploded outside of Scarab's waterlogged body.

"You'll have to do better than that!" Rath's airy voice came. Again the wind resumed, hitting Scarab in all its fury. The friction of the fast-moving air generated lightening. Stroke after stroke hit Scarab. Soon he began to vaporize.

Ja-Kal flew up, and landed near the Prince.

"Are you all right, your highness?" he asked.

"Whew, just about," he breathed. "Look at Rath go . . . "

Menne hurled fireblast after fireblast at the gelatinous earth. But there was little she could do to stop it from surrounding her again. And Lyris was in danger of drowning in the mud. The flaming figure temporarily stopped, and grabbed up Lyris to safety.

"Don't worry about me. Stop Kara . . . "

"I can't just leave you," said Menne, as they soared along. The earth cracked and rumbled only mere cubits behind them. Lyris grabbed tightly to the Princess as she wove in and out to avoid rock spires that suddenly sprang out of nowhere.

"Only one chance," said Mennehotep. "We must reach Rath in time . . . "

"How can air defeat earth?"

"Earth can be blown away by wind," said Mennehotep. "And fire can vaporize water . . . "

"There must be a way to stop them," said Lyris to Mennehotep. "We can't just keep running forever. Isn't there some spell you know . . . that could cancel the others . . . "

"That's where you're right with me," said Mennehotep. "There's one slim chance left. If we bring all four charms into close proximity, then their effects should cancel."

"How are we going to . . . oh, that's why you're headed . . . "

"Exactly. And Kara will chase right after us . . . "

"But won't the force of the elements be dangerous?"

"Only for those who wear the amulets," said Mennehotep.

"But unless I'm mistaken, such canceling out creates great out rushes of power . . . whenever Rath released a spell, there was a great flash . . . and if the Prince is near . . . "

Ja-Kal ushered his colleagues into the Hot-Ra. While Rath and Scarab dueled, they roared away.

"We can't just leave them," said Presley.

"Rath's given us a chance to keep you safe. And you know our duty . . . "

"Yeah," sighed Presley. "Protect the Prince . . . "

Menne's voice crackled over their amulets. "I know how we can stop this," she said.

"Menne, are you all right . . . " asked Ja-Kal, excited.

"Yes. I'm headed your way. And Kara's right behind me . . . "

"But Scarab and Rath are . . . "

"That's great . . . "

"Huh?" everyone asked, totally confused.

"Trust me. I'm bringing Lyris. When you see me, you'll have one chance to pull her out and get as far away as you can . . . "

"But what about . . . "

"As soon as I release Lyris to you, get away. I'm going to put a stop to this . . . "

"There she is!" Nefer-Tina shouted, pointing to a distant shape on the horizon.

"Open the hood!" Ja-Kal shouted. "Armon, get ready . . . "

Menne's shadow passed over the speeding Hot-Ra. Once, twice she circled. A turquoise shape plummeted toward them. Neatly Armon caught the falling Lyris in his mighty arms.

"Get out of here!" Lyris gasped to Nefer-Tina. "Kara's almost here."

"I'm gone!" Nefer-Tina shouted, as she turned onto a side street. If they glanced at the read view mirror, they could see a huge wave of earth spilling down the hill after Menne.

Ja-Kal squeezed shut his eyes as Menne vanished into the sprays of soil and rock. Flames shot up from molten lava.

"It's the only way," Lyris said, taking his hand.

"Back to the Sphinx," Ja-Kal gritted.

As the Hot-Ra roared past the park, a dark shadow watched. "The fools," it sneered. "Now is my chance."

A laser blast snaked out, neatly contacting with the rear tire. It exploded, causing the vehicle to weave dangerously.

Inside, the passengers were buffeted and tossed as Nefer-Tina struggled to regain control.

"Hang on. It's getting bumpy!" she shrilled.

"Hit the brakes!" yelled Presley, gripping his seat tightly.

Nefer-Tina swung the controls hard, and the Hot-Ra swerved 180. It slid back the way it came. Another jolt threw everyone against their seatbelts, hard. "That came from outside," Ja-Kal realized.

Seconds later, the Hot-Ra skidded up onto the sidewalk. Nefer-Tina winced as she heart the side scrape against building walls. Her foot stabbed the brakes. Just in time as the vehicle slid neatly into the park.

* * *

Scarab and Rath noticed the huge pillar of flame as it blazed forth from the ground. Their concentration broke momentarily with the wonderment of the sight. Coalescing into liquid form, Scarab disengaged from combat with Rath.

For the firebird was a far easier target. Immediately rain pummeled the fire.

"Leave her be!" cried Rath, summoning a gale force gust of wind. The onrushing air fanned her flames, and blew back the rain.

Dirt swirled up within the wind, whirling about. Rath felt himself choked by the onslaught of sand.

Menne surged fire at the water, heating Scarab to the boiling point. Another jet of flame she sent at the sand. Soon it fused to solid glass, paralyzed. Rath was now free to blow the droplets of Scarab far apart.

"No Rath . . . we must bring them together . . . " came Menne's voice.

"Why . . . " he asked.

"When all four elements combine . . . there will be an end . . . "

"Of course, why didn't I think of it!" he gasped. "But are you surely . . . "

"To save the Prince, I am," she responded. The flaming fire was gently caressed by the mighty winds. In a last gentle embrace her flames were fanned by the breezes. And the warmth of the flames raised the heat of the air so gently.

"May Ra be with you," came Rath's voice gently.

"And the wisdom of Isis with you, my dear Scribe," said she.

"You are truly a master of magic in your own way . . . "

"I wanted to learn more . . . "

"I... am sorry for how foolish I have been . . . "

"As am I," she responded. "But this is not the place . . . "

"Yes. Duty before pleasure . . . "

Scarab mingled his water into Kara's earth, forming a thick gel. The mixture flowed toward the flaming firestorm that was air and fire.

"Goodbye Rath," she said. "My love always . . . "

"Farewell my Princess . . . and my . . . L.."

The fire hissed under the contact with the wet earth. Both fire and air were swallowed in the brown waves.

* * *

Slowly Ja-Kal and the other mummies crawled from the wreck of the hot-Ra. Miserable, Nefer-Tina glanced back at the car. "My baby," she sniffed. "All mangled."

"Better it than us," muttered Presley.

"Rath's not gonna like this," said Armon.

"Rath . . . " gasped Lyris. "I hope . . . "

Ja-Kal nodded grimly.

"Of all the time to get a flat," muttered Presley. "I wonder . . . "

Ja-Kal glanced at the tire. "Strange."

"What's to wonder," snapped Nefer-Tina.

"Don't you notice," said Ja-Kal, examining the tire more closely. "That tire wasn't punctured with a sharp object. It looks like it was burned . . . "

"Burned?" said Armon, scratching his bandaged head.

"Right. And who do we know that can do that . . . "

"You finally figured it out, you slow-witted fool," laughed Arak, as he emerged from the bushes.

Everyone raced to attack.

But the earth shook them from their feet. Arak stumbled and tumbled with the rest of the mummies and Presley as the ground heaved up and down like a breathing animal.

Wind tore at them, and a great blast of heat caused everyone to huddle face down. Ja-Kal raised his head slightly, and peered at the horizon. A blaze of light shimmered into blinding radiance. The heat had just been the initial shockwave of an explosion.

A sluice of water splashed them on the heads. IT was boiling hot. Arak howled as the water scalded him.

"Look!" Lyris cried. "It came from the direction . . . of the street where Menne . . . "

Everyone threw hands over their eyes as the light further intensified. Like Ra himself the radiance burned at their eyes, through their skin. They could almost see the outlines of their bones in the fierce blaze.

Then as suddenly as it had arisen, there was silence. Cool darkness set in once more. Only a light breeze kissed their bodies. Ja-Kal lowered his hands from his eyes, and saw nothing. The night skies twinkled with stars overhead. He should be badly burned from the fire, but he was intact. All around him lay the bodies of his fellow guardians.

"No," he gasped. Presley lay at his feet, eyes fast shut.

"It's over, Brother," laughed Arak's voice. Quickly he whirled around to face his brother.

From beneath his helmet his blue eyes stared daggers at the fiend who had once been close to him. A pale emptiness spread from his heart. He moved toward the prince.

"Why do you not face me," asked Arak.

"Oh shut up," Ja-Kal sighed. "You've won. The Prince is dead . . . "

"You lie," said Arak. "For you are still here . . . "

Clutching Presley to him, Ja-Kal let fly with a kick. Arak crumbled to the ground. He threw Presley aside, and grabbed his brother by the throat. His claws tightened.

"Go on . . . finish me," he sneered. "It's what you've always wanted . . . "

Out of the side of his vision Ja-Kal saw the Prince stirring. Slowly Presley pushed himself up by his hands. He was alive!

"You have tormented me for the last time you wretch," Ja-Kal gritted. "You destroyed two of my best friends . . . "

All the while his hands tightened around Arak's throat. He was a mummy, but if the head was severed from the body . . .

He hesitated when he heard a gasp. Turning his head again, his eyes met those of Presley. The look of shock and surprise in the prince's face stabbed right into his heart. Did the Prince really want him to spare Arak, even after all the evil that he'd done?

Ja-Kal's hands tore, and ripped. But not to strangle. His fingers enclosed around Arak's amulet. He hurled it aside into the bushes. Immediately Arak's scorpion armor fizzled away. "What are you doing . . . " Arak wondered. "Why do you not kill me?"

Slowly Ja-Kal rose, and pulled Arak to his feet. "You have two minutes to get out of my sight," he snapped, and pushed Arak away.

"Weakling," sneered Arak, as he tumbled into the bushes. Presley breathed again, and slowly climbed to his feet. He rushed over to Ja-Kal.

"Are you all right, my Prince," Ja-Kal asked gently, extending a hand to him.

"I'm fine . . . " he said. "Wow, I thought you were really gonna . . . "

"Why didn't you kill him?" Nefer-Tina asked. Ja-Kal whirled around to see his friends stirring. Nefer-Tina had swung her helmet piece up, so her face was visible.

"The young Prince did not wish it," said Ja-Kal simply.

"Why, Presley?" asked Armon.

"I... don't know," said Presley. "It . . . just didn't seem . . . right . . . "

"We'll kick his tut next time," said Armon.

"I don't get it," said Nefer-Tina, as she helped Lyris to stand."

"There is a right time and place for such actions," said Ja-Kal. "And now we must return to the Sphinx . . . "

"What about . . . " Lyris asked, before Nefer-Tina shushed her.

"That was one big explosion," said Armon. "Lots of fire . . . "

"Ja-Kal . . . you don't think they're . . . Rath and Menne . . . "

"I do not know, my Prince," said Ja-Kal.

"Not Rath . . . " said Lyris. "He can't be.

"Rath . . . " said Presley. "Menne . . . "

Ja-Kal's hand squeezed Presley's shoulder as tears formed in the boy's green eyes. Despite himself he fell against Ja-Kal, sobbing. Gently JA-Kal picked up Presley in his arms, something he normally wouldn't dare do. Yet somehow it seemed right. Like a small child he lay his head on Ja-Kal's shoulder as Ja-Kal carried him toward the Sphinx.

Lyris sobbed into Nefer-Tina's arms as the two women walked along. Armon put his other arm around Lyris and Nefer-Tina. He couldn't stop his own tears. Together they moved into the park.

* * *

Morning had broken by the time they all entered. All was silent and still as the morning rays of Ra penetrated the structure. The stones were painted in orange and gold hues. Yet the absence of two of their numbers was painfully obvious.

Still Ja-Kal carried the Prince in his arms. He carefully set Presley onto the couch nearby. Lyris sat by Presley, wrapping her arms around him as he sobbed. What little comfort she could give him she offered. All Ja-Kal could do was to back away in stern silence.

"What do we do without them," said Armon simply.

"Yeah, who's gonna fix the Hot Ra . . . " sniffed Nefer-Tina, wiping a tear from her eyes.

"I cannot begin to say how sorry I am . . . " Ja-Kal began. Words could not express the anger and emptiness within his heart.

"Not again," came a voice. They all jumped a foot in their bandages. "What?" gasped Presley, looking up from his crying.

"It's a ghost!" Armon shouted as a figure walked toward them. Blinding light framed a tall spindly figure. He raised his arm to block his eyes in fear.

"Rath!" cried Ja-Kal. "What in Ra's name?"

"Of course it's I," he huffed indignantly as he stood there. Presley ran over and hugged the scribe tightly. "Ah, young Prince, it's good to see you are safe and well."

Lyris was in shock, and simply sat there. She couldn't move from her spot. All the worry and fret over him washed away in disappointment. It seemed like she didn't know whether to slap his face for making him worry her so, or race to his arms with relief to see him still existing.

"But what about . . . " began Ja-Kal.

"I'm fine!" came the answer to his question. In the rays of Ra, a second figure silhouetted the light. The familiar black gauze dress and glittering amethyst serpent crown graced her brow. Never did the glints of sunlight in her straight dark hair look so lovely, Ja-Kal thought.

Rath held out his arms as the Princess rushed up. To his surprise she raced past him. Lyris leapt into them instead, nearly knocking him over with the force of her greeting. "Rath!" she cried. "I was so worried!"

"My dear girl, an elemental spell is hardly a complicated feat for a sorcerer of my caliber," he snorted. Still he held Lyris in his arms as she hugged him tightly. Armon grabbed the couple together and gave him a big hug. Grunting, Rath pushed him away.

The Princess hugged Armon, and planted a kiss on his cheek. He fainted. Nefer-Tina laughed, and threw her arms around the Princess herself.

"What happened?" Ja-Kal demanded, still in shock and disbelief.

Nefer-Tina and Armon backed away, with a warning glance from Lyris. It somehow seemed inappropriate to intrude. As if there was a huge amount of tension that was about to release itself they kept their distance from the two sets of mummies.

"It was a simple case of powers canceling," Rath explained. Lyris still held him tightly.

Ja-Kal grabbed the Princess eagerly, almost sweeping her off her feet. "You're all right!" he exclaimed, as he lifted her high into the air. Her dark hair brushed his face as she lowered her head. At last the shock was replaced with pure unalloyed joy.

"Yes," Menne continued, as Ja-Kal whirled her about. The room spun into her dizzy brain.

"After all," Rath remarked. "I had the situation well under . . . mm mph!"

Eager lips choked off Rath's protest. Menne's face wrinkled with momentary confusion. Rath's eyes opened briefly, then flickered shut as she smiled. Lyris' feet rose off the ground as Rath embraced the Muse soundly in return.

"You saved us all!" Ja-Kal exclaimed, still clutching the Princess. "Well done! And Rath . . . you did well too . . . "

She put a hand over his mouth to quiet him. Carefully he set her on her feet once more. Both of them glanced sidelong at Rath and Lyris. Still the Scribe grasped the Muse tightly in his arms, his angular face lowered as he returned her kiss. Like a statue they did not move, save the gentlest of rocking. Her arms hung round his neck as her one leg was lifted off the floor. She was so short, and he was so tall, there was something comedic and endearing about the sight. Never had Ja-Kal seen Rath look so content, nor Lyris either.

"We'd better leave before Rath comes to his senses," Ja-Kal whispered, air tickling her ear. Both stifled off a giggle and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind them. Rath and Lyris did not abandon their passionate embrace as the door shut discreetly upon the couple.

Armon and Nefer-Tina slipped out of the room after them. Nefer-Tina hid her face in her hands as laughter racked her body. Presley was grinning too. It wasn't even valentine day, and people seemed to have been hit by cupid's arrows left and right.

"I can't understand it, by Osiris," Ja-Kal said, his arm slipped around Menne's waist. "I thought you consumed by the earth . . . "

"Once the powers had canceled themselves out . . . " she said. Automatically her own arm had slid around his waist too. It just seemed natural and comfortable. Even though he was a mere Hunter. Below her station.

"The talismans lost all energy when they were brought together."

"Whatever happened, they are destroyed?"

"Yes. No one can use them for evil again."

"And your powers?"

"Spent with the talisman," she said. "Except for the spells Rath taught me . . . "

"You sound as if that is a bad thing . . . "

"I suppose I became accustomed to having the powers once more, which I had before I lost my memory," she sighed, looking away at the floor. "I felt the equal to my sister, and a better asset to the group. I had strength, and could do anything . . . "

Ja-Kal took her shoulders in his clawed hands. Still, he had not transformed out of his Horus armor. Turned her to face him. "Please, Menne. That doesn't matter to me," he said calmly. The blue eyes sparkled with that same softness as in the park.

"I suppose not," she said, choking back her nervous chills that shivered all over her at his touch.

"What does matter is your spirit and your dedication. And that, like the woman before me, is beautiful . . . "

"Why, Ja-Kal, that sounds so poetic," she gasped, feeling his words eat through her reserve like acid through metal. "I thought Rath had the monopoly on such phrases."

It was tricky to maneuver past the visor of his helmet to kiss his cheek. He turned his head to one side, and slipped a hand gently under her chin. With the precision of a true marksman he guided her lips to his face. Menne felt the cool metal of his armor as she was pressed up against him in a strong firm embrace.

"That was delightful," he sighed. He folded her in the crook of his elbow with one arm. The other hand he again positioned under her chin, guiding her face to his once more.

"Wait . . . Lyris put you up to this, didn't she?" Menne said, suddenly.

Firmly yet gently his lips found hers. Menne's reservations melted away as she returned his kiss. Her arms rested on his shoulders as she embraced him as well. Somehow the sight of Rath and Lyris vanished into forgetfulness.

"Aw, isn't that sweet," Armon said quietly as he peeked into the room. He couldn't help but watch the Princess and the Hunter in their embrace.

"Yeuch," grumbled Presley. "I hate watching kissing. Let's go do something else."

"In a few years you won't be able to wait for a girl to kiss you," said Armon.

Nefer-Tina watched and sighed. "Someday . . . I wish I would find a love like that . . . "

"Just as long as he isn't green and scaley," said Presley. She winced, and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Let's leave them alone . . . " Nefer-Tina cautioned. "I feel like a Beefy Burger about now . . . "

"That's weird," said Armon. "You're always telling me . . . "

"C'mon already. I'm buying," said Nefer-Tina, tugging at his arm.

"You mean I'm buying," said Presley, with a laugh to his friends.

"Ja-Kal," she gasped in surprise as he temporarily broke off the contact. "That was well aimed, good Hunter."

He simply smiled, and held her all the more, with both gauntleted arms twined around her waist. As if she would evaporate from them should he not hold her tightly enough. She sighed, "Are you certain this prey is in season?"

"A prize not to let slip from the net," he said cleverly.

"What about Rath's point . . . that I am a Princess . .." said she, pulling away. A strange reserve set over Mennehotep, as if she suspected something else was going on. Ja Kal also felt a need to stop before things developed any further. Slowly they disengaged from their embrace.

"I... am sorry," Ja Kal said, turning away.

"I am as well. It.. Things are happening too fast for me..."

"I was afraid you wouldn't understand," Ja Kal said, realizing that she was wrestling with feelings just as he was.

"But I do. I know I was married, just as you were. And I can remember my husband only in pieces. When I first awoke I noticed those gaps. Now I feel as if I am rushing into another relationship... without being able to clearly see what I last enjoyed."

"I am glad that I am not the only one who feels... hesitation about this," Ja Kal sighed. "When I hold you in my arms I cannot help but be reminded of Tia. Forgive me for my hastiness and display of affection... it will not happen again."

"Why don't we just take our time. And see what happens. Rath and Lyris may be together, but that does not mean that we must follow their example..."

"You mean much to me, Mennehotep," he said.

"As you do to me, Ja Kal, brave hunter. Why not just enjoy our newfound friendship for a time... if we are to have what Rath and Lyris have, it must grow... naturally..."

"You are right. For there is a saying, that the wolf who has lost her mate cannot run with just any male..."

Both friends embraced, and agreed that time was needed for this newfound set of feelings to be resolved. Certainly they had both almost lost each other. Yet both needed time for the feelings to grow and be explored. Old loves still had their strong hold upon their hearts. And apologies to Tia for Ja Kal, and Menne for her husband she could not remember seemed very much foremost in their minds. Who could say whether the affection would blossom into love. Now each had a more intimate understanding of the other, and what they were willing to sacrifice. And that seemed to help ease the loss and pain. The two new friends smiled shyly at each other as they parted company. A deep sigh spread over Ja Kal as he disengaged his armor. Dare he love again?

Mennehotep returned to her chamber. Tears filled her eyes as she struggled to remember the man named Tuthmosis. But she could rest no images from the hazy spots that perforated her memory. It might take time to remember. Yet she knew that if she ever needed comfort, her friends would not desert her. They had shared life and death. Fate had given Menne and Ja Kal a second chance. What either the Princess or the Hunter would do with this opportunity neither could say. At least they had time.... for now...

End.