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This is a work of Fiction. The characters of the Mummies Alive are the Property of DIC international. Princess Kara and Princess Mennehotep are my own creations. Their feud is my own story-line. Hemrata is property of Javagoddess, and I have her permission to use this character. 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. My characters mean no harm to this wonderful show

-Theresa E. Meyers

by Trynia Merin

It had been some time since she had the mettle to return to the Museum. Yet Kara summoned her courage. Through the dark hallways worth of exhibits she tiptoed. No one had bothered to change the security codes that Karen Romano once owned. The persona served Kara well these past few days. However, it was only a matter of time before the theft of the Mennehotep mummy would be connected with the Romano name. And she would have to go into hiding as she had done many centuries before. "Exile and I are old companions," she laughed bitterly as she recalled.

"You have one last chance," said Pharaoh Tuthmosis III, with a wide fanning of his mighty white sleeved arm. "Will you submit to my will? My judgement.

The Princess bowed her head, and showed no tears. All around her were gathered the Subjects of Memphis. The stairs of the grand throne room were replete with the Pharaoh's court. A court that had changed its complexion in only a few short years.

She glared at the mighty Falcon throne, where the Pharaoh sat. His red and white crown was well framed by the talons of Horus. Beside him stood her image, with eyes of onyx instead of emerald. The eyes that filled with pity and sorrow.

"I want not the sorrows or pity of the queen," said Princess Kara coldly.

"You insult your Queen, oh brash one," Tuthmosis hissed. "That is a final retribution I cannot bear. Go, and never darken this land again!"

"My husband..." The Queen began, tears forming in her onyx eyes.

"Peace. I am not unmerciful. She will still live..."

"Kara," whispered the Queen. "Where will you go?"

"It is no concern of yours, your Majesty," said Kara, proudly holding high her head. Bowing in mild deference, she turned her back tot he throne. A pillar of guards flanked her as she retreated. "I submit to no man, be he Pharaoh or beggar!" she turned and shouted one last time. An angry murmur marred the silence as the assembled court made their anger known.

Having dispensed his judgement, the Pharaoh sat once more between the talons of Horus. "Let it not be said, Scribe, that I am an unjust ruler. Strike the name of Kara forever from every reference of mine. She will be remembered for her service to this land. But she will never be remembered as a Queen..."

At these words, tears fell down the cheeks of the Queen. In her high crown she stood at her husband's side. Tightly she gripped the shoulder of her son, the Prince. "Mother, you are hurting me," he said.

"Quiet, Amenophis," she whispered. "I grieve for your aunt..."

"Do not cry tears for her," said Tuthmosis, fingering his wife's chin. "You should be happy. You have saved all of Egypt this day."

"Have I?" she whispered, inclining her head. "Oh, that I could forget..."

"That can be arranged," whispered the High Priestess as she glanced at the scene in her crystal. Her pupil had failed. But she had plenty of time on her side. Yes, there was still time, Chontra thought to herself.

************************************************************************

Now, three thousand years later, her pupil stopped in the Mennehotep exhibit on loan to the Museum of San-Francisco. Carefully she had masked her mystic presence with whispered wards. Yet it may only be a matter of time before she was discovered.

There would be no sign of the other half of the Scroll here. Why should there be? All that remained of her sister's tribute was the outer sarcophagus, Death mask, and piles of jewelry. Most of the scrolls were missing.

Yet that was not a problem. Kara peered at the flat papyrus scroll of Rath on display in the case. This volume held ancient summoning spells. Names that had not been spoken in three thousand years were there in all their hieroglyphic splendor.

"From beyond the Western gate I call you," she chanted. Without Set and Anubis, this would normally be impossible. But she had a special rapport with the spirit she sought. "Beloved Teacher, from beyond the times I your pupil call you. Enter this realm and grant me a shred of your wisdom, that I may find my sister and reclaim my destiny..."

Violet energy surged into the room. Crackling light arched from the sphere that now floated in the center of the chamber. Dropping to her face, she felt the chill of many centuries fall. A presence was contained in the light, familiar and strong. It had to be the Enchantress, she thought. Who else could it be? She had not sensed that presence for thousands of years.

"Chontra," she breathed, dropping to her knees. "At last."

The violet energy dissipated, forming into a dazzlingly beautiful woman. Stripes of purple and violet festooned her mane of hair. Her long graceful gown flowed about her shapely legs as she stepped forwards. "Do rise, child," she chuckled as her hand rested on Kara's head.

"Oh high priestess, I did not hope that I would be worthy to see you again..."

"At least you show me the proper obeisance. But do not grovel. It is not worthy of a Princess of Egypt to do so, even in my presence."

"I never thought..."

"You have made me proud, my student. Save one tiny detail. You allowed your sister to escape..."

"That was a victory," she hissed. "And I recall your record was not exemplary..."

"You dare to question me..."

"Even the best are subject to error," said Kara, standing up.

"Excellent," murmured Chontra. "Your heart is still cold and strong. The centuries in the world of men have not made you soft as I had feared."

"Never will I submit to their whims," said Kara. "For I am my own self apart from their needs."

"Even so, they have their uses," Chontra laughed.

"I need no man..."

"You are foolish to overlook the possibilities of enslaving them. For love they do the most endearingly obedient things..."

"I hate men," Kara snapped. "And their ridiculous ways. It is a waste of your talent to..."

"YOU have much to learn, young one. And let me remind you to countermand your teacher..."

"I am not so young anymore," snapped Kara. "I have learned much magic since our last meeting!"

"You have failed to rid yourself of Mennehotep," Chontra repeated. "I would think that a simple task... for my student..."

"The guardians of Rapses got in my way," she protested. "You try fighting five mummies,..."

"I have, my dear child," said Chontra.

"Stop calling me a child," sulked Kara. "I am well learned."

"To me you are a child. With much to learn..."

"If you treat me thus, perhaps I will not share the secret of immortality..."

"What?" asked Chontra, eyes gleaming with interest.

"Nothing. Not anything a child could teach you..." said Kara.

"Do not toy with me, young one. I can easily put you in your place..."

"And what would that be? Your servant..." asked Kara. "I am the daughter of Hapshetsut. You should bow to me..."

"When you prove yourself worthy of that honor, child, I shall consider it. But tell my of your secret. Perhaps I could be lenient. Together we could take the guardians of Rapses..."

"I hold immortality in my grasp," said Kara. "And that is more than you have don..."

"Careful. Why have you not used it for yourself?"

"I have only half the formula. Without a sorceress, I cannot recreate the rest. I require you, my teacher."

"I see. How good is this formula?"

"It is that very one my dear sister had labored lifelong to master. It requires not the soul of a Pharaoh to use it. And the ingredients are simple. It can even grant youth and beauty... if that is your vain wish..."

"Beauty is the right of any woman," said Chontra, with anger.

"I have no need for physical beauty," said Kara. "Only power which is mine by birthright..."

"But beauty can get you more power," said Chontra. "For that is the key to the control of men."

"Will you then admit I am your equal?" asked Kara. "If we succeed in crushing Mennehotep..."

"Very much so. But I must be sure she is destroyed..."

"It would prove most interesting an experiment," Rath said, laying his own hand on her shoulder.

"You'd laugh for certain, would you not?" she asked, turning to face him.

"Not without cause," said he. It was a beautiful day in downtown San-Francisco. The Scribe and the Charioteer were taking their time, window shopping. This experience was new to Rath, who normally avoided what he deemed such common activities. Yet Nefertina's insistent persuasion coaxed him out of his usual activity of scroll reading. Especially when she mentioned the market with the musical instruments.

Lately Rath was beginning to show signs of mellowing out. He had been visibly more relaxed and actually wore a smile on his thin countenance. Nefertina delighted at this sudden change. Maybe he could let his hair down once and a while, metaphorically that is. It was certainly a better alternative to his frowning all the time.

Further up the street walked Presley and his mother Amanda Carnavon. Rath and Nefertina kept one eye on him at a distance, while simultaneously appearing as just another couple peering into the shop windows. JaKal had warned them about keeping extra vigilant for Kara, Mennehotep's sister. This was a warning Nefertina took to heart. After all, Nefertina had been sympathetic to their latest enemy, and the others had paid the price dearly. She was determined not to make the same mistake twice. Besides, she owed the Alchemist her very life

"You gotta be kidding me," sighed Presley to his mother, nearby. Both glanced at the large grand piano in the lobby of a nearby department store. People threw coins into the woman's glass as her fine brown fingers caressed ivory white keys.

"I think piano lessons are a great idea. It should teach you some discipline..." said Presley's mother.

"Aw, Mo-om," he moaned.

"I only said it was an idea," said Mrs. Carnavon. "Give it a little thought will you?"

"Okay," he relented. "But I won't make any promises."

"I've got to run, dear. Have fun this afternoon, and don't stay out too late with your friends," his mother called to him as she kissed him goodbye. Both mummies moved closer to mother and son. Presley winced at his mother's display of affection.

"You don't make faces when Cynthia Lu kisses you," Nefertina teased Presley, when Mrs. Carnavon was out of sight.

"That's different," said Presley.

"Ah, for the innocence of youth," Rath said reflectively.

"Why Rath, that sounded almost sentimental," said Nefertina, teasing him again.

"What? Me? Sentimental?" Rath babbled. "Why, of all the nerve... I'll have you know..."

"Like... forget it," said Presley. "I get enough from Mom already."

Nefertina winked at the young Prince as they walked down the street in the direction opposite of the music store. Left behind, Rath fumed. Would this charioteer never have any respect for true knowledge? He shoved down his doubts as he glanced up at the fast darkening sky. Small traces of pink and blue began to paint themselves on the enormous canvas that was Net. He hurried to catch up to the Muse and the Prince.

"No way," laughed Armon, opening his own sarcophagus. A pile of snack bags and soda cans tumbled out. "That is the alarm!"

"Alarm," muttered Mennehotep. "Couldn't they use a simple trumpet instead?" Grumbling and muttering about being woken up so suddenly, she shuffled after Armon towards JaKal.

"Good, you are all up. Did you sleep well, your Majesty?"

"Yes, apart from that horrible klaxon," she said, shaking her head. "Is it customary for the Guardians to rouse themselves with that alarum each night?"

"No," said Armon. "That's just the museum alarm..."

"It means the museum is being broken into. We must hurry."

"With the Strength of Ra!" cried the two Mummies as they grasped their amulets. Instantly they stood in their armored forms.

"With the Wisdom of Isis!" said Mennehotep, transforming also. Together the guardians and the Princess raced down the narrow stone passageways to the museum's rear entrance. Since the Sphinx was part of the museum, any attempts for robberies were avoided due to the Guardian's presence. Hawk, Ram, and Ibis all took in the situation. Dark shadows moved in among the display cases, smashing them open.

"It's coming from my exhibit!" Mennehotep gasped. "Of all the nerve!"

"Get ready to attack!" JaKal instructed, raising an azure gauntlet. Mennehotep readied her wings, and Armon pounded his gloved fist into the palm of his golden arm in anticipation.

"Ware intruders!" Mennehotep screeched, leaping into view of the offenders. "There is a curse on those that interfere in the treasure of the princess!"

The surprised robbers stopped cold. But then a familiar laugh echoed in the chambers. "You are a fool, Princess," it said.

"Attack!" JaKal cried, and all three mummies raced into the open. To find a figure floating ten feet above the floor. Violet and pink striped hair crowned her otherwise bald head.

"Chontra!" spat Mennehotep. "After three thousand years..."

"Get back, you fools," she laughed, throwing violet fire at them. Armon hurled a vase toward the enchantress. With but a gesture it shattered mere feet before her .

JaKal fired his arrows. Harmlessly they bounced off her barriers. "You disappoint me, guardians! I had hoped for more of a fight.."

Again she gestured, and various objects in the room flew about. Armon and Menne dodged as pots and bits of statue crashed toward them. JaKal took to his wings. Yet a mighty wind blew him back toward the walls.

Mennehotep crossed her arms, and hurled a magical bolt toward the sorceress. It impacted her chest, throwing he to the floor. "Not bad, child," she grunted, picking herself up. JaKal crashed to the floor himself as the wind dissipated.

"You'll love this," smiled Mennehotep, reaching for her amulet. "Choke on sand..."

Chontra brought her hands up into a defensive position. Yet nothing happened. Puzzlement spread over her face. "What silliness is this?" she laughed.

Astonishment crossed Mennehotep's face. "I don't understand..." she gasped, looking at her hands. In that moment she was lost. A bolt from Chontra crashed into her, knocking her into a nearby sarcophagus.

"No!" cried Armon.

JaKal placed himself between the princess and the enchantress. Her magic bolts sizzled off his gauntlets as he shielded Mennehotep.

Armon hurled another vase. This time it crashed inches from her foot. Distracted, she turned away from JaKal. He snared Chontra in his wide net.

"You stupid fool!" she snarled, struggling as JaKal jerked the net tighter. "Release me..."

"Not quite, you witch!" JaKal shouted. "Tell us why you are here..."

"I have what I came for!" she laughed. "And you are too late!"

So saying, she gestured, and JaKal's net caught fire. The heat caused him to release his hold. Armon moved to grab the Enchantress, but was thrown aside with the force of her blast. JaKal leapt from his defense of the Princess, soaring toward Chontra with claws outstretched. To grasp nothing. Hollowly her departing laughter echoed in the darkness of the gallery as she vanished.

Then they heard a whimper. The lights flared up as JaKal found the emergency switch. On the floor huddled a mass of amethyst armor that slowly fizzled out. Mennehotep sat there on the floor in shock, hugging her knees to her chest. Armon and JaKal went to her side.

"What's wrong?"

"Care to explain what happened back there?" asked JaKal, of the Princess.

"I can't..." she shivered, oblivious. "Can't use it anymore... it's all gone... like a dream in the night."

"Your majesty," JaKal asked, temper flaring away as he realized how vulnerable she appeared. "Are you unharmed?"

"I... failed you all," she said softly, as JaKal helped her to her feet. Her onyx eyes looked past Armon blankly as if she could stare right through them. Taking her hand, JaKal lead her away to the Sphinx. He exchanged worried glances with his friends. Just what had happened?

"I cannot use them anymore!" Mennehotep lamented, dropping to her knees.

"What's the matter, Minnie?" asked Nefer-Tina, coming over to her with concern.

"My powers... they are gone..." she gasped.

"But how?"

"I tried to summon lightening, and I could do nothing. You could have been killed..."

"We are already dead," said Armon. "It did not matter. We are all right, Princess..."

"But she could have destroyed you... because I failed..." Mennehotep cried, brushing tears of shame from her eyes.

"You tried," said Nefer-Tina.

"I would not worry, Majesty," said JaKal. "What is done is done."

Menne held her hands to her head, and Armon placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Whatever is the problem, your Majesty?" asked Rath, extending a hand in her direction.

"I... cannot use my powers..." she sobbed, trying to regain her composure.

"What?" asked Rath. "Which powers..."

"Give her some breathing room, Rath," said Armon, shooing him away.

"Perhaps if you tell..."

"Please, let us help," said JaKal. "Which powers are you referring to?"

"I... cannot perform spells," she stammered, visibly shaking. Rath looked shocked.

"Would you permit me to examine you?" Rath asked, voice softening.

"Please..." she sniffed, as Armon continued to sooth her.

Presley remained silent. He had not seen the Princess this upset before. It was as disturbing as watching his own mother cry. He let JaKal draw him aside as Rath and Nefer-Tina bracketed the Princess. Armon wrinkled his brow as he watched the threesome depart. Presley noted his expression with puzzlement. Never had he looked so angry before.

"What's wrong with me..." she said, having calmed down.

"It's as I feared," said Rath.

"What are you talking about?" asked Nefer-Tina. "Was there something you knew that you didn't tell us?"

"It's difficult to explain..." began Rath.

"I must know..." she said. "Have I lost my powers forever?"

Rath glanced at his ankh. "Apparently I read no trace of the magical energy that was once present..."

"In English, Rath," sighed Nefer-Tina.

"All sorcerers possess a certain aura that is distinct from those who do not use magic..." said Rath.

"But aren't our amulets magic..." asked Armon.

"Correct. But this energy is more intense then that which animates us as mummies," Rath explained. He waved his ankh near Nefer-Tina's amulet. It gave a pleasant chiming, low and melodious. "Your amulet has this intensity. But when I bring it near a magical source... such as my own amulet..."

An eerie wail split the silence, making Nefer-Tina and Mennehotep clamp hands over their ears. "That is the sound made from a sorcerer's magical trace. But when I bring it near the Princes..." Only a faint hum resonated.

"So my mystical energy is gone..." she sighed.

"Not entirely. You are still capable of animate speech and movement, as any mummy recalled from the Western Gate. But your ability to channel mystic energy to cast spells is no longer present..."

"Bummer," muttered Nefer-Tina.

"So I can never use my powers again," said Menne, face setting.

"Not entirely," said Rath. "There is a chance that some force has temporarily drained you of the power. The potential is still there, but there is no mystic energy..."

"So her battery's dead," said Nefer-Tina.

"To put it crudely, yes," said Rath, with a sigh.

"What could cause her to fizzle?" asked Nefer-Tina. "Our powers recharge in our sarcophagi..."

"I know what..." said Menne. "It must have been in my last battle with my sister. I did not realize how much power it took to fight her..."

"Exactly," Rath nodded. "When you were... immobile, the mystic light in your amulet died. I could no longer sense your magical powers. But then when your armor faded, the feedback caused you to reanimate. Yet there was a price to be paid..."

"My sorcery..." she said, still calm.

"So there is a chance she could get better, right?" said Armon. "Right? Can't you make her a spell or something to give her power?"

"It's more complicated. But I will do what I can," said Rath. Crossing over to his table, he poured through scrolls. "In the meantime, I would suggest rest for you, your Majesty..."

"Come along, your majesty," JaKal said to Menne as he lead her to her room.

"Too much of those cookies and you'll get sick," laughed Presley. He quieted down when the Princess approached. All eyes automatically went to her.

"Why does everyone stare at me," said Menne, with anger. "I am not an invalid..."

"I am so sorry," Nefertina said, reaching a hand out to her.

"I don't want your pity," snapped Mennehotep, brushing her hand aside. "Leave me be..."

"But Minnie," said Presley, coming up to her. "We're just trying to help..."

"It is hardly help when you speak of me behind my back, in whispers, like thieves in the Pharaoh's court!" she cried.

"We're just worried about you..." said Nefertina.

"Your words are so cruel that I cannot hear them?" demanded Mennehotep. "You think I cannot handle my role. That I am a crippled bird to be sorry for..."

"Please, it's not what you think," said Nefer-Tina. Mennehotep pushed her aside forcefully.

"Spare me. You have no idea what I'm feeling inside! How useless, and how guilty I feel! All of you, leave me alone!" she cried, running away.

"Minnie, come back," said Nefer-Tina. But Armon suddenly rose to his feet, and stood before everyone.

"Leave her alone," he said calmly.

"But she needs us..." said Nefer-Tina.

"She needs to be alone," he said firmly. "She wants not your sorrow...."

"How do you know..." began Presley, before a warning look from Nefertina quieted him. It was obvious, when she recalled Armon was actually missing an arm.

"Well, duh," Presley said, hands on his hips.

"I have traveled that path that she takes," said Armon, glancing at everyone. "And you cannot follow her for this stretch. This is what she must face now. Alone."

"But we're her friends," said Nefertina.

"Trust me. I know," he said again. "She will let know when she wants our help."

"Sometimes, Armon, you are the wisest of us," said Nefertina, nodding slowly as she understood.

"Aw, there's this girl I know... at school. She had an accident..."

"Is she all right?" asked Amanda Carnavon, with concern in her features. "Whatever happened?"

"Yeah. But its like... she lost a talent or something. And she doesn't want any help..."

"That's typical," sighed his Mother. "The last thing a person who loses their sight or their hearing wants is for people to feel sorry for them..."

"Why Mom? I think I'd love having everyone fuss over me..."

"It makes them feel like less of a person when people feel sorry for them. After a while, people start to whisper and act differently around you. As if you were a freak show. Some people even make fun of you..."

"Gee. Never thought about that. Even if your friends started to..."

"Especially your friends. How would you like it if you broke your arm, and couldn't play baseball again? Or if you lost your ability to run and play? Your friends would be overprotective of you... or else stop including you in their lives because they're afraid..."

"This handicapped stuff is sure confusing.." muttered Presley.

"That reminds me. I found you a piano teacher," said Mrs. Carnavon.

"Mom... I don't..."

"Give it a try, Presley, for my sake, please?" said Amanda. "This teacher I know is really good. Besides, you might even play in a rock band some day..."

"I guess," muttered Presley, his mind still a million miles away.

"It's worse than I thought, JaKal," said Rath, shielding his face with his hand.

"How so?"

"Her power is gone. I read no energy from her amulet. Save that which animates her..."

"Can you not work a spell to retrieve it?"

"I can work the enchantments to restore some of her power. That which gives us the power to armor is simple enough. But the rest... may be beyond even my great abilities..."

"Why?"

"I cannot be sure of the enchantments that were placed upon her when she was entombed," said Rath. "Remember, she is from a more recent time than are we..."

"You must do something..." said JaKal. "Without her power, she will feel helpless...."

"I am aware of that," sniffed Rath. "Now more so than ever, we must not let her know how bleak things may be. I might never be able to restore her full powers. What magic I know I can easily teach her once more. But any special spells she once knew... she no longer knows."

"How can you?"

"Come now, by Osiris. I know the marks of a magician, or an enchantress. Their knowing is written in their eyes. When I looked into hers, all I saw was blankness, like a sheet of papyrus that is ready to receive ink. She can no longer remember her spells."

"We must protect her at all costs. She could be a liability... if she is captured..."

Presley heard their words, and shrugged. What was that? The princess a liability? How could JaKal and Rath say such things about Mennehotep, the wise and beautiful? Who had saved his life with her elixir when he was close to dying in that hospital from food poisoning. Or the woman who had saved Nefertina, when all Nefertina wanted to do was yield the Alchemist to her evil sister, Kara.

Armon was watching the latest tape of his fight with Talos. "Come on! Go!" he shouted.

"Hey, Armon. Can I ask you a big favor?"

"What is it, oh Prince..."

"The Princess. Y' gotta talk to her. She's been shut up in that upper room for days, and hasn't come out. That's what Nefer-Tina said."

"She needs her space," said Armon.

"Yeah, but what if she's so upset that she..."

"I will talk to her," said Armon. "She may need to eat something..."

"How can you think of food when she's flaking out..."

But Armon had already left. Shaking his head with confusion, Presley sat down before the TV.

There was a heavy thumping of footsteps in the hallway. "Your Majesty," boomed a deep voice.

"Oh, come in Armon," she sighed.

"Are you okay?" Armon asked, peering around the heavy stone door.

"I... will be..." sighed Menne.

"It takes a while," said Armon. "But then you learn to live without it."

"They don't understand," said she. "But you do."

Armon smiled, and shrugged.

"I cannot stand the way their eyes look at me. The pity I do not want. I just...."

"Want to be treated like everyone else, huh?"

"Rath is the worst," said she.

"That's Rath for you," he said. "I think he likes you..."

"Perhaps, but I wish he would not treat me like a gem that could shatter if one so much as breathed on it. That is why there is something else about me I don't want him to know..."

"What?"

"I cannot... remember any of my spells," she said, voice low.

"What? Why did you not tell any one?"

"I didn't want him to feel sorry for me," said Mennehotep.

"But you already admitted you can't use your powers. Big deal. Maybe he can bring them back."

"But even if I had access to the power, I have not the knowledge anymore to use it..."

"How soon did you forget?"

"When I recovered from our last victory," said Mennehotep. "I would have said something sooner, but you were all so proud of me. I didn't want to let you down."

"Your powers do not make you who you are," said Armon. "It is your heart. That is what really matters."

"I know. But I am of no use to fight Kara without my sorcery..."

"As Presley says, 'Gimmie a Break,'" snorted Armon with disgust. "It was no magic tricks that made me a fighter. And you can really kick Tut with those potions of yours..."

"But I am just an Alchemist..." she sighed.

"Do not say such things. I will not let you give up," rumbled Armon. "You can learn those spells again."

"What do I do now? Till I learn? I am a liability..."

"You know Egypt-su, right?"

"Yes..."

"Then I will teach you how to fight without magic," Armon winked at her. "And we will tell no one..."

"I am grateful for your friendship, good Fighter," said Mennehotep, laying a hand on his.

"Music is an important discipline for a Prince," she said.

"But Piano," protested Presley, staring at the keys. "How uncool..."

"Is it not like a synth?" asked Nefertina.

"Yeah. But can't mom just get me one and..."

"Ya can't play a symphony without knowing one simple melody," said Nefertina, winking encouragingly at him. "I think that's your teacher..."

"Aw man," grumbled Presley, then turned. A strange long haired man tapped a white cane before him. It was an odd sight. Not bad. Stevie Wonder was blind, and played the piano.

"Presley Carnavon?" said the man, facing towards the piano. The cane tapped at his sneakered toe.

"Yeah, that's me," he said. "Nice to meet, you, I guess..."

"Your mother's idea?" laughed the man.

"How did you know?"

"I could tell by your voice." said the man. "Name's ------

"I guess.. I didn't expect..."

"That's okay. Shall we start..."

Things were going to be interesting, Presley thought. Especially when he glanced at the other rooms. He saw two people gesturing animatedly at each other. It was a mother and a little girl. The little girl made a slight whispered grunt, and turned to the piano teacher, pointing.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Wait a minute," said the teacher, and rose to meet her. His hands extended, he made contact. The girl put her hands under his, and made finger signs, which the man felt the shapes of. He smiled and nodded, speaking to her and her mother. At last the girl gave a satisfied grunt, and walked towards Presley.

"Presley, there's someone I'd like you to meet. You may think your mother made you come here for another boring lesson. But I just want you to listen.

He rose from the piano bench. The little girl sat down, smiling towards him. She looked about his age, with her jet black hair and slightly oriental features. Sort of like Cynthia Lu... Walter's sister. But younger.

The teacher signed to her. It struck Presley at that moment that she was deaf. And here she was sitting at a piano going to play something!!! Fingers moved on the keys as Beethoven's Moonlight sonata came from the piano. Presley's jaw dropped to the floor. Each intonation was perfect, with the delicate touch of her articulate fingers. How could she control the volume so well?

Having completed her performance, the girl rose, and bowed to Presley. Still he stood there, shocked. "Presley, this is Michelle Nugyen. Michelle, Presley Carnavon. He's considering taking piano lessons here..."

Vigorously she signed. Presley shook his head, trying to not say something dumb. The teacher seemed to anticipate his awkwardness. Michelle smiled disarmingly and ran to meet her mother. She waved goodbye.

"Shall we start?" asked the Teacher. "Or do you still want to go home?"

"Now, look right in my face," Armon boomed. "Always look at what I'm doing."

She raised her hands, one extended forwards as the other protected her chest. Armon shouted, rushing toward her. Mennehotep shrieked, and thrust her hand forwards.

Armon dodged her blow, but she managed to block his punch.

"Good your Highness!" he cried. "Now... think fast..."

Armon high-kicked. Menne dropped to her feet, hands over her head as her chin hit the stone floor. Instinctively she rolled over, to see Armon swinging down his one remaining arm. His fist smashed inches where she'd lain. Menne stuck her foot out, and thrust it between his advancing ankles. With a mighty crash he toppled.

"I did not think of that," he said.

"All the moves... went out of my head," said she. "I... just acted without thinking..."

"You see," said Armon. "You are a good fighter... Did you not say that your guardian Hemrata taught you and your sister?"

"Yes. Before she was killed in the war with the Hittites," said Mennehotep, as Armon helped her to stand.

"I am sorry," said Armon. "I did not know..."

"That's okay," said she, retying her bandages that had loosed themselves in her sparring. Already the hours had slipped away in their training. "You know, Armon, it's been a long time since I had new lessons. I thank you for your understanding and patience..."

"Hey, any time, your Majesty. Armon is always ready to teach. And eat. And I'm starving. Let us take a break..."

She laughed. For the first time in hours. They trotted off to the kitchen, to rustle up food. Armon had a strange taste for the foods of this new time. Mennehotep, despite her initial reservations, managed to find the strange food, called burritos to be quite satisfying. Nefer Tina was already there, pouring herself a glass of that strange brown beverage that fizzled with bubbles. Nefertina' burly sweat shirt and baggy jeans gave her a rather youthful look, for she had just gotten back with Presley. However did the people stand to drink it?

"Hey Minnie," said Nefer-Tina. "How's it hanging..."

"Just fine," said Mennehotep. "Armon's been teaching me some moves..."

"I know. You were great."

"Neff, I'm sorry how I acted before. You were just trying to help me.."

"Hey, forget it," said Nefer-Tina, patting her shoulder. "I've had worse from Rath..."

Mennehotep picked up her hairpiece, and slipped the Cleopatra style wig over her bandaged head. "Excuse me," she said to her friends.

"So that's your secret," laughed Nefer-Tina. "To hair loss."

"Yes. I had many such wigs buried with me for the Afterlife. I had a feeling my hair would not preserve well, unlike yours..."

Armon did not notice. He was too busy with his own business of eating. "There's something else I wanted to show you, Neff," said Mennehotep. "If you will come with me..."

"Sure. See ya, Armon," she said. His response was a muffled 'bye.'

Into Rath's laboratory they wandered. Mennehotep had a small side table there, covered with powders in silver dishes. She held one up, and gestured to her friend. "What's that gook?" Nefer-Tina asked.

"My latest invention. You know how JaKal worries that we don't blend in?"

"Yeah."

"Put this on your face. See what you think..."

Cautiously Nefer-Tina let Mennehotep smear the cream on her mummified flesh. All over her cheeks and chin she spread it. Till finally Mennehotep held up a polished bronze plate. "Take a look."

"Wow!" Nefer-Tina gasped. "I can't believe it..."

For in the reflection was a girl with pale fair skin. In some patches the mummified flesh still peered through, but the areas on her cheeks looked almost young and supple. "I thought the diamond dust was gone..."

"This is not that," said Mennehotep. "Its effects are temporary. It's a special cosmetic blend, designed to let our skin be covered. It comes in several different colors."

"I thought your magic was..."

"This is simple alchemy," smiled Mennehotep. "Magic has nothing to do with it..."

"I'm impressed," said a voice from behind them. "That's like, seriously wicked!"

"Rapses!" said Mennehotep, whirling about. For in the doorway stood Presley. Armon had come wandering after him, having eaten his fill.

"I'm sorry I treated you so badly," Mennehotep said, hands fumbling.

"Wow Nefer-Tina!" gasped Presley. "You look pretty..."

"But I thought she got rid of the diamond dust!" Armon said.

"That's not it," Mennehotep said. "That spell is much too dangerous..."

"We should sell these," laughed Nefer-Tina. "I wonder what we could call it..."

Mennehotep smeared some cream on her own cheeks. "I know. Ancient Egyptian Secret..."

"That sounds like a detergent," said Presley. "By the way, Menne," he said, turning to the Alchemist. "I just wanna apologize for the way I was feeling sorry for you. I guess I understand that just because someone loses a talent doesn't mean they shouldn't be treated just like anyone else..."

"I am glad to hear so, Prince," said Mennehotep, eyes bright.

"Why the change of heart, my Prince?" asked Armon.

"Well, it's like I was blind or something. And something made me listen real good..."

"We saw someone without hearing playing music," Nefertina explained.

"That is truly amazing," said Mennehotep.

"So is this beauty cream," said Nefertina. "Now we can go party without having to worry so much. Thank you, Minnie."

"No. Thank you," said Mennehotep, bowing to the Charioteer.

"Ah, there you are, my dear," said Rath, peering in. Nefertina nearly jumped a foot. He glanced at her, beauty cream and all, and blinked. "Did... you do something different with your hair..." he asked.

Nefertina grinned. "Just about," she laughed.

"May I say you look exceptionally lovely right now," Rath said, hardly able to look away from her face. Those green eyes were riveted to her grey ones in a way that made Nefertina shiver with delight.

"Talk about being blind and finally seeing," Armon muttered to Mennehotep. The Alchemist nodded, and winked at her friend.

Rath then glanced towards Mennehotep. "Er... your Majesty... I was just looking for you..."

"Yes, Scribe?" she said, eyebrows raised.

"I have the solution to your... situation. With a bit of skill, you should have your powers back soon..."

He'd poured the mystic metals around the amulet, to enhance its power. The amethyst stone no longer shone with its usual radiance. Yet the silver and copper bordering the ibis blazed with hot molten fire. Carefully Rath gestured, and a glowing sphere of green energy materialized between his hands.

"Oh Mighty Ra! Restore the powers of that who has none.... grant her this worthy daughter of Egypt your protective fire..."

He hurled the sphere at Menne. As it crashed into her mummified body, she winced, body arcing. Momentarily her eyes blazed as the green energy transmuted to purple. A loud bird's screech was heard as the amulet's amethyst winked on.

"Now repeat after me, your Majesty," said Rath. "We will see if this works..."

"With... the Strength of Ra!"

"With... the... Strength of Ra," she gasped. Amethyst blazing, she was wrapped in purple fire. Instantly the sacred Ibis mask rose over her face. Gauntlets and boots covered her hands and feet. What was missing was the mystic belt and cloak.

"Yeah Ra!" cried Armon and Nefer-Tina.

"All right!" cried Presley.

"How do you feel, your Majesty?" Rath asked, turning to her.

"I... feel strange... and strong," she said. "But... I don't feel myself..."

"I did not know the magic of Isis, that gave you your unique powers," Rath explained. "But you will still have the fighting abilities you once possessed...."

"But I see no trace of my flying cloak..."

"I... have prepared for that eventuality," Rath explained, crossing over to an ornate Egyptian cabinet. "There was a project I was working on for a few days. I noticed your rather unique ability to fly... or rather hover."

"Yes. That was the distinction of my Ibis armor..."

"Well, here is my glorious invention. Behold, the new improved wings of the Ibis," Rath said, and withdrew a small magenta pack. It slightly resembled JaKal's, except it was smaller. Rath fitted the unit to her back, and gestured to JaKal. The leader raised his amulet, and aimed it toward her. Blue fire rushed out and hit the pack. Purple wings sprouted from Menne's shoulders, rigid and fixed unlike the winged cloak she once had.

"I... don't know what to say," said Menne, speechless. "This... is better than I could have hoped."

"It may take time for you to learn their use," said Rath. "For you are only acquainted with simply hovering..."

Then he was cut off by an urgent chiming from the adjoining main chamber. Everyone raced out of Rath's lab. The pyramid suddenly glowed fiercely. "Ah, it must be Kara," said Mennehotep.

"Right. I set the pyramid to track her mystic energy," said Rath. "Thanks to your device."

Mennehotep felt a pang of guilt. She had not sensed her sister's re-emergence. All she had to clue her was the pyramid. JaKal's eyes darkened at the mention of the name.

"Do you think there is a connection between what happened in the museum, and this?" asked Armon. Discreetly none of them had mentioned that it was Chontra that they saw there, for Rath's sake.

"I would say so," said JaKal. "We must confront Kara, before she strikes here..."

"Great, payback time," said Presley.

"You will remain here, oh Prince," said JaKal. "Is it safe to assume, Princess, that your sister may still see Rapses as a threat."

"Undoubtedly," said Mennehotep, still transformed. She waved a hand near her amulet, and the wings automatically retracted. "We may have a chance to defeat her, if she is alone... otherwise..."

"She almost creamed you guys last time if..." said Presley.

"I think she must have had the same drain in power as... certain people we know," said Rath, coughing as he caught himself. Mennehotep winced.

"Let us go to her."

As Mennehotep made to follow, Rath glanced at JaKal. "I think it would be best if you remain here, Your Majesty," said Rath.

"Why?" she asked. "Am I not restored?"

"Someone needs to protect the Prince," said Armon quickly. "And you know your sister the best, if she wants to attack here..."

"I am perfectly capable..."

"Please, it is for your own safety," said JaKal. "Our oath to protect the Prince extends to you as well, Princess. For your blood is the blood of Rapses..."

"I resent this," cried Mennehotep. "How can I test my new power if you don't give me a chance..."

"Please, don't argue," said JaKal. "Time is short. For this once, let me..."

"Your majesty, JaKal intended no offense," said Rath.

"Fine. As you wish," she snorted, and deactivated her armor. Sullenly she walked away.

"Way to go, fearless leader," Nefer-Tina snorted, as they hurried to the Hot-Ra.

"I have my reasons," said JaKal sternly. "If Kara suspects that Mennehotep has lost her powers, than we will be especially vulnerable."

"I quite agree," said Rath. "Even though she has the Strength of Ra, I doubt it will be enough to fend off her sister's magic."

"What about us?" asked Nefertina. "As I recall, our powers were not much use against hers..."

"Ah, but I have learned since then," said Rath. "And we know what to expect. Besides, Kara used so much energy last time fighting us, it may be safe to assume that she won't be at her prime. Or else she would have attacked."

"But what about..." Armon started, before JaKal clapped a hand over his mouth.

"He means she might have enlisted the help of certain allies since our last battle," JaKal said hastily.

"Scarab?" asked Armon.

"Anyone," muttered Nefer-Tina, as the Hot-Ra roared away down the stone ramp of the sphinx. Riding her motor bike, Nefertina followed. JaKal soared on ahead of the rest, keeping a sharp eye to the road.

Her reflection flashed over the window of the music store. Kara smiled meanly as she remembered a distant time ago. And it would all be as simple as a lullaby. She smiled as she heard the approach of engines. So close and yet so far from victory. Kara's hand went to her throat as she whispered a silent spell. Her eyes fell on the grand piano in the shop window.

"Music is everywhere," she remarked. Then her eyes narrowed as she saw the strange man sitting on the bench with the glasses over his eyes. There was no sheet music laid out before him. The sightless eyes behind shades made no contribution to the performance. Even her hardened heart leapt at the beauty of the melodious strains of Rochmananoff.

"That is it, "she smiled. Simple and melodious.

Raising her hands, she summoned her energy. Nothing happened. Kara shook her head incredulously. The spell always worked before. Panic spread across her green eyes for the first time in centuries. Quickly she ran away from the store, shoes pounding the cement pavement.

The blind man stopped playing, and frowned. An overwhelming sense of evil seized him. As if ambition had crossed with extreme hatred in the pit of his stomach. Gasping, he stopped his recitation.

Kara reached the end of the block, when her power suddenly fizzled to life. She stood transformed in her lioness armor. Left and right she glanced. There was the signs for the Golden Gate park. Only ten blocks away. And in the park there were plenty of statues. Dropping to all fours, she raced ahead through the empty streets.

"Hey, Minnie," he called, wandering into the lab.

"Yes Rapses," she said, turning around. "What is it exalted ancestor..."

"Brother, I wish you wouldn't call me that," Presley sighed. "I feel like some old..."

"I am sorry," she apologized. "That is how I was brought up to think of those souls that lived before me..."

"Hey, no prob. I was just wondering, are you still mad at JaKal for making you stay behind... I know its a pain... but..."

"But you think he was wrong?"

"He's just overprotective..." said Presley. "But his heart's in the right place. I get sick of him always hovering over me... and..."

"You have an idea that we should somehow follow?" asked Mennehotep, hands on her hips.

"I was... well... yeah. Maybe if you prove to them you can hack it... then he won't be so cautious... and I really want to fight sometimes..."

"That's a dangerous wish, Rapses," she said, concern in her face.

"Aw, bummer," he grumbled, snapping his fingers.

"But that does not mean I don't agree. Why should I stay here when I am every bit as good as a fighter as they. And they don't have any way to protect against Kara's magic."

"But JaKal thinks you don't either..."

"That's what he thinks. But I know my own sister. And I have a few surprises for her..."

"Awesome," said Presley. "Let's go... that is, unless you think I'd be safer here or something like that..."

"Come with me. I've been aching to test these new wings..."

"We'll take the motorcycles..." said Presley.

"I'm not sure I know how.."

"C'mon, I do," laughed Presley, grabbing her wrist. "It's like riding a horse."

"Wait. I need some things. Warm up the cycle for me."

Menne picked up a strange wide belt from one bench with long narrow segments. Just as they exited her eyes fell on a ceremonial frieze of a Pharaoh. Her eyes lit up as she registered the crook and flail scepter.

"Come on already! Before we miss the action!" came Presley's voice.

"Coming, Rapses!" she cried, before running after him.

The huge stone ramp of the Sphinx slid down. It was all she could do to keep from shouting in alarm as the Nile-Ator cycle sped down the pavement at breakneck speed. Presley's short legs just about reached the footrest of the cycle. But there was no other choice. It was either him or her. And the lesser of two evils was to trust the cycling skills of a small boy over her own inexperience. Mennehotep hugged Presley for dear life as he whooped, "Wahoo! Alright man! What a kick!"

"By Isis, can you not go more slowly?" she shouted as the wind slashed at their faces.

"Are you kidding me?" he cried. "They may need our help this minute!"

"This is nothing like riding a horse!" she shouted.

"It's the coolest!"

She groaned inwardly. "So how are we going to track them, without my power..."

"I've got a trace on my own amulet," said Presley. "We'll follow that."

"Yes. But now it's more diffuse. AS if it's coming from all around us..."

"Well, if it isn't the guardians of Rapses," said a familiar voice.

"Show yourself, Princess Kara!" shouted JaKal. "Face us if you dare!"

"Very well, I shall. But even now you have a chance to retreat. Leave me in peace, and I might let you continue to exist..."

"As long as you are here, you threaten our Prince," said Rath. "And that we cannot allow..."

"You always were sentimental," laughed another voice haughtily.

Rath's eyes widened discernable beneath his snake helmet. "It... it's..."

"I'm so touched you remember me," came her laughter. All five mummies stood in a circle, backs inward with weapons facing outward.

"Show yourself, you witch!" shouted Nefertina.

Two figures formed in the air above them. A blue and a violet. They flared into flesh as Chontra and Kara both materialized. Rath's blood froze as his eyes fell on his former lover. And she appeared to know Kara. Of course.

"You see, old fool," she laughed. "I too have my students. But unlike you, they wish to remain so!"

"Double Jeopardy," muttered Nefer-Tina under her breath to JaKal.

"Get ready," he whispered to Rath. "You know what to do."

"Absolutely."

"Nefertina?"

"I'm ready as I'll ever be..."

Chontra's blast rained down. Rath's hands flew up, deflecting her bolts. The Mummies spread out in four different directions. JaKal leapt to the sky, Armon and Nefer-Tina raced to the north and south. Rath stood his ground against Chontra. Green and violet energy blazed back and forth with the force of their combat.

While he kept the Enchantress busy, Nefertina leapt from a bush, ready with her claws out. Caught off guard, Kara fell. Her catlike instincts cut in, and she rolled over.

JaKal fired his arrows at Chontra. She erected her purple sphere, and they harmlessly deflected. Armon hurled a park bench at her, and she simply dematerialized in purple smoke. Rath shrieked as the bench crashed inches from where he stood.

Kara managed to fight both the Panther and the Ram with surprising ferocity. Both noticed how she wasn't using any sorcery.

"JaKal was right," laughed Nefer-Tina. "YOU have lost your powers..."

"Don't be so sure," said Kara. She began to chant.

Nefer-Tina wrapped her whip around Kara's mask, and snaring her hands to stop her gestures.

"Too late," came Chontra's laughter as she completed her pupil's spell. A deafening noise spread out over the park, and everyone clamped their hands over their ears. Chontra hovered above, holding a strange device, like a magic pipe. The melodies screeched through and over, numbing their minds. Instantly JaKal dropped to the ground, senseless.

Nefertina however recovered her wits. She started to sing, as loudly as she could to block out the noise. Slowly she rose to her feet. Kara freed herself and leapt to the attack. Still Nefertina struggled to sing, as her claws crashed against Kara's claws. But JaKal, Armon, and Rath were helpless.

"Animate!" Kara screamed, unable to fight both at once. A stone man on a stone horse leapt off its pedestal and sped towards the two. Nefer shrieked, and leapt as Kara attacked her. Lioness and Cat rolled over and over.

"What... is that thing..."Nefer-Tina wondered. Then it hit her. It was a magic pipe. She never thought Chontra could conjure something like that up. Or that she could play anything for that matter.

Nefer-Tina sang aloud, whip cracking. The stone horse reared in fear as its animate rider tried to control it.

Nefer-Tina's whip cracked again. The sound spooked her stone horse, and its rider was flung clear overhead. Whooping, Nefer-Tina leapt onto its back, turning it to face Kara. She stuffed her bandages in her ears. Mercifully the singing stopped.

Nefer-Tina's whip cracked, wrapping around the Princess.

She raced towards Chontra. "Give it up. You're no match for me..." laughed Nefertina.

"And your playing is awful.."

"So you don't like my performance," asked Chontra. "Never mind. You will die for this melody..."

So saying she piped another tune. JaKal, Armon, and Rath turned around form their trance-like states. Instantly they faced Nefertina.

JaKal's arrow sizzled past her ear. Nefer-Tina's stone horse reared and nearly threw her off. Armon pounded the ground. Nimbly Nefer-Tina rode past on her surefooted mount.

Rath leapt before them, sword shining in the sunlight. He hissed with delight as the horse again reared. Nefertina leapt from her position, and came to face JaKal and Armon.

"Destroy them!" laughed Chontra, and continued to play. "I don't even have to lift a finger... save on my pipe..."

Nefer Tina's stone horse attacked JaKal, and Armon was constantly off balance with Nefertina' leaping between him and Rath. She leapt onto her stone horse once more.

Rath's sword swung, chopping the horse's legs from under it. Nefer-Tina leapt free, and rolled over. Her descent slammed her into JaKal's legs, knocking him off balance. Armon roared, charging at her. He crashed right into JaKal.

Rath faced Nefertina, sword upraised. "Rath, Armon... don't," Nefertina cried, raising her whip. "I don't want to hurt you..."

"That is unfortunate," he hissed. "For I do wish to hurt you..."

She leapt, claws upraised. Rath's sword scraped against them. She leapt out of his way, only to land before Armon and JaKal. Only her great agility saved her now. Kara struggled out of her whip and rose to her feet. She watched with glee as the Mummies tore into each other.

"Now for my dear sister," she laughed, and Chontra nodded her approval.

JaKal spread his own wings and took to the air, to fight Mennehotep. His arrows sizzled past her. Raising her gauntlets, the arrows sizzled into the amethyst metal, exploding before they hit her. Menne hurled a flask towards him, and a flash of magnesium powder exploded in the mummy's face. He dropped his bow with surprise.

Now Nefer-Tina was free to fight Armon. Kara snarled as Presley swung his bike around to made another pass at Kara. She leapt. Presley raised his own amulet, and fired. The blast caught her by surprise, and she crumpled in mid pounce. Nefer-Tina leapt, and Armon caught her as she sailed overhead. She grunted, and her claws raked harmlessly against his golden arm.

In the skies, JaKal soared round to attack Mennehotep, talons outstretched. She raised her feet, and parried his swings with her ibis boots. Kara recovered, leaping to her feet and racing after Presley's bike. He cut the gas, and leapt into a bush. The Nile-Actor bike exploded in flames.

Nefer-Tina twisted, and kicked Armon's head. Grunting, he let her drop. Meanwhile, she also had to dodge each swipe of Rath's blade. She could not bear to attack him offensively. Yet he had not the same reservations. How soon would he tire, or Armon? It was not for sure. Rath spun around as she phased behind him. His tail flicked the staff from her hands, and the sword flashed down. Nefertina blocked with her foot claws. Rath's tail twined around her legs, pulling them from under her. Now she lay helpless on the ground, the point of his sword at her throat. Growling she kicked the weapon from his hands.

Kara swiped the bush apart with her claws. NO Prince. "Hey, you dumb cat!" he shouted, from behind. "Get a clue!"

She turned, racing at him with her claws flashing. Presley ducked, and tackled her knees. She crumbled, as the Prince would not let go...

As Nefertina leapt away from Rath, she faced Armon again. With surprising agility Armon seized Nefer-Tina's foot. She yelped, and pounded his stomach with her fists. Grunting, he dropped her once more. She rushed away from him at top speed.

Menne's flail and crook crossed before her chest. JaKal swung, and the hook blocked. Then the flail snaked in to ensnare his other arm. Then her foot swung upward to connect with his solar-plexus. JaKal grunted, and forced his hands down. Menne whipped his jaw with the hook, and grabbed for his amulet. Instantly JaKal grabbed her throat, his one arm slipping free. Desperately Menne kicked him again and again with her boots. But his blue eyes gleamed as his hand tightened. She shoved the hook into her belt and reached for a capsule. Crushing it between her fingers, a purple smoke seeped into their faces. Then another capsule exploded with a powerful astringent odor. JaKal snapped awake.

"What?" he gasped.

"Smelling salts," said she. "Welcome back from the realm of dreams. Quick, fly higher... before Chontra's spell reactivates."

Both ibis and hawk sailed up, up out of sight.

"I must obey Chontra... I must..." he gasped, eyes blinking in confusion.

"But you hate her..." said Nefertina. "She is making you try to kill me..."

"You are her enemy... and must be eliminated..."

Armon grabbed Nefertina from behind. She had forgotten all about him. So tightly did he hold her as Rath advanced, khepesh gleaming in the sunlight.

"Please, Rath, listen to me... I.. l..." her words were choked off as his sword point pressed against her throat. Closing her eyes, she began to hum. Rath stopped in surprise at the surprisingly sweet sound from her lips. He withdrew his blade. Armon was also entranced.

Chontra frowned as she saw JaKal and Menne vanish. There was a whistling sound, and a blue streak and a purple one descended. JaKal screamed as he soared towards her, talons out stretched. For a moment, Chontra stopped playing to loose a magic bolt.

A purple streak flashed past, grabbing the pipe. "Looking for this?" asked Menne, brandishing the pipe aloft.

Kara grabbed the Prince. Armon rubbed his eyes as he stared at what he held in his hands. Nefer-Tina gurgled as he released his hold. "What in Ra am I doing?" he wondered.

"I... was wondering that too..." Nefer-Tina grunted, as he helped her to stand.

Rath lowered his weapon, eyes clearing. "Great Ptah... Nefertina... are you all right..." he gasped, dropping to one knee to her side. His hands slipped around hers.

"I am now," she breathed, managing to smile.

"JaKal, somebody... help!" cried Presley as Kara put him under her arm and raced away.

"Surrender or be eliminated," said JaKal.

"Are you blind?" asked Chontra. "I would look there..."

"What trick is this..."

Kara ran with the Prince, her claws near his throat. "JaKal!" he howled. "Now would be a good time to help..."

"You are helpless, fool!" laughed Chontra. "You'll never see the Prince again... now give me that pipe..."

Mennehotep looked at JaKal, mouthing words. He nodded. "Very well, I shall," she laughed, and threw it to Chontra. "Now, before i was so rudely interrupted," she said. "I believe you were about to destroy each other..."

Her focus was on Mennehotep. JaKal dropped out of site into the bushes. As Chontra raised her lips to play, she winced. And spat. The instrument fell from her fingers as she clapped her hands to her mouth. Mennehotep grabbed a cartridge from her belt, and hurled it at Chontra. There was a magnesium flash as Chontra's hand went to her eyes.

Rath noticed, and raised his hand. A magic bolt sizzled into her, and she dissipated into energy. "Return!" he shouted. "To beyond the Western Gate from whence you came..."

"Never!" shouted Chontra, raising her hands. Bolts flew randomly at everyone. Yet blinded by the magnesium flare, she could not aim.

Nefertina grabbed the discarded flute, and began to play. "No!" cried Chontra, raising her hands over her ears.

"Oh yes," laughed Rath. "Return, I command you! Plague us no longer!"

Unable to resist the pipe, Chontra gestured, and transmuted of violet energy. The violet sphere sizzled as it blazed westward towards the Gate from whence it came. JaKal caught up with Kara. She hurled the Prince at him. Presley landed into his guardian's arms. As they looked up, Kara was nowhere to be found.

"You all did very well," JaKal said to the group.

"What was that?" asked Nefer-Tina.

"I said..."

"Hey Neff, why you got bandages in your ears?" asked Armon, pulling them out. Nefer-Tina turned to face him.

"As I was saying," repeated JaKal.

"What?" asked Mennehotep.

"Oh, for Ra's sake," groaned JaKal. "Not you too..."

"I can hear fine," she laughed. Everyone, even Rath joined in.

"Then hear what I say now," said JaKal. "I am sorry I underestimated your strengths, your Majesty. I should have realized that your other abilities far surpassed your sorcery..."

"That's okay," she said, resting a hand on his arm. "You made me angry enough to want to prove myself to you. So in reality, you did me a huge favor. I must thank you.."

JaKal grasped her hand, and dropped to one knee. Respectfully he kissed her gauntlet. Rising, he turned to Rath and Nefertina. "And as for you, well done, Nefertina. You really earned your dues today..."

"Certainly," said Rath, sliding his arm around her waist. "I was definitely impressed. I had no idea you could play the pipes..."

"I'm not just another pretty face.." she shrugged, slipping her own arm around his waist, then winced.

"Whatever did you do to that flute?" asked JaKal to her.

"Cayenne pepper," said Mennehotep. "I hope you don't mind, Armon, but I borrowed a bit from those burritos."

"Cool!" laughed Presley.

"No, its really hot," coughed Nefertina, as Rath patted her on the back.

"Here, ingest this, Charioteer," said the Alchemist, as she handed her a small white packet, and ripped it open. She poured the powder into her hand, and rubbed it into the Charioteer's mouth. A sign of relief crossed her face.

"Let's go home," said JaKal.

"Apparently this flute was made of a very special wood," said he, holding it up. "And it could be used to command anyone that the user wished."

"But how did Chontra know how to make one?" asked Mennehotep. "I thought that musical spells were not her strong point."

"No. But remember she has access to strange and powerful spells beyond the Western Gate. And all it would take is a special enchantment on an ordinary flute to make the magic work."

"So what's to stop her from using the same spell again?" asked JaKal.

"I think she rather got a bad taste in her mouth from this experience. I doubt whether she'll ever want to hear music for a long time," said Rath.

"But Kara escaped again," said Mennehotep.

"Yes. But I noticed that she hardly used her sorcery," said Presley. "When I used my amulet, she didn't do squat to protect herself."

"She did animate a stone statue," said Nefer-Tina.

"It's no matter," said JaKal. "For the next time she attacks, we are ready. Thanks to our Alchemist."

"Hail Mennehotep, Princess of Alchemy!" cried Armon.

Armon and JaKal raised Mennehotep over their heads. "Put me down, JaKal," she laughed softly.

"Hail Mennehotep! Great is the power of Alchemy!" JaKal and Armon chanted.

"And great is the power of our charioteer!" laughed Rath, bowing to Nefertina.

"Get up, you idiot," she laughed.

"Well, that's a fine response to a compliment," snorted Rath, his hands on his hips.

"Hoo boy, it's back to normal," sighed Presley, shaking his head.

"So guys, what do we do with that flute thing?" asked Armon. "I mean, if you think about it, it could be a great weapon."

Nefertina raised it to her lips. And blew. Only a simple melody emerged. No one moved. "Hey, nothing 's happening," she said.

Rath took it from her, and examined it. "I am afraid that the cayenne pepper has fused with the wood. It's a delayed reaction. This has no more magic than a stick."

"So you say," said Nefertina, snatching it back. A sweet sound made everyone stop still.

"I think it's working how it should all along," said Mennehotep, with a sigh.

"Where are you going, oh Prince," JaKal asked Presley.

"I'm gonna be late for my piano lesson. Mom will kill me..." he said, waving goodbye.

Nefertina smiled to herself with satisfaction. Presley was learning to broaden his horizons ever more and more. Yet would Mennehotep's powers return ever? She was still pensive, and quite ill at ease. Today had shown that Menne could fight well enough. Nevertheless one fight proved little in the long run regarding Menne's mental health. It would be a long road ahead of the Alchemist Princess.