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Prelude To A KISS -- Part I
(Disclaimer: KISS and Paul Stanley are actual persons, and their makeup is copyright of KISS catalogue. The character of Mennehotep belongs to Theresa Meyers, and the character of Sohkarra belongs to Jaime Clough. The character Nefertina comes from Mummies Alive, owned by DIC. This story is written out of an appreciation for KISS and Paul Stanley.)
Prologue: KISS is worshipped by a myriad of fans. Their images are everywhere, from lunch boxes to posters to pinball machines. They are known to most living people today. A similar situation of worship existed in ancient Egypt among the royal families that ruled throughout the centuries. From the 18th dynasty during the reigns of two great pharaohs, Amenhotep and Hapshetsut come two princesses that were loved by their people. Their images were known far and wide to their loyal subjects.
Reborn by ancient prophecies into this new time, Princesses Sohkarra and her guardian, the charioteer Nefertina, (from the reign of Amenhotep), and Princess Mennehotep (from the reign of Tuthmosis III) now face the modern world. All three are mummies, gifted with unique powers that equip them to deal with the evils of this modern world that threaten others of their kind. Yet Sohkarra was not prepared in the traditional manner of mummification. Not a single sign of decay threatens her body, due to the intervention of her teachers from long ago, the Dark Masters. They honed and shaped her telepathic powers to equip her to defend her younger brother, Prince Rapses. Unfortunately he was slain before he could reign, and Sohkarra and her guardian Nefertina both died trying to avenge his murder. In the modern world her duty is to help the spirit of her brother, reborn in a 12-year-old boy, stay away from a long-lived sorcerer who seeks his soul to make himself immortal. This sorcerer awakened Mennehotep from her sleep in order to stop her reborn sister, who threatens to rule the world with her insanity.
Blessed with her own powers of alchemy, and the sorcery of air and fire, Mennehotep can disguise her appearance with the powders and potion called the Elixir of Life, at her disposal. Sohkarra disguises herself and Nefertina with an incantation called the Blush of Life. This spell must be renewed daily by Sohkarra herself, or Nefertina will become a bandaged mummy again.
All three mummies awakened amidst their fellow reborn, the Guardians of Rapses, the reborn prince. Among them they found love and comfort in familiar surroundings at the San Francisco Museum. A major rift between Sohkarra and her lover, JaKar, the head guardian, soon disrupted their world. Blinded when trying to save Rapses, JaKar refused all help and comfort from his Princess. This act of pride caused her to reject him, and seek a job in the modern world. Her telekinesis and telepathy suited her well for employment at the Women's Crisis Center.
Two of her friends there, Casey and Shelby, won tickets to a KISS concert. To them, Sohkarra was known as Jaime Garret, a counselor. Despite the warnings of the Guardians, Sohkarra accompanied them to the concert. Unknown to her, she caught the attention of lead guitarist Ace Frehley, who sent his roadie to bring her backstage. Sohkarra would only meet him if her friends could join her. Instantly Ace was smitten with Sohkarra, yet she was unsure of him. A visit by the Egyptian god of mischief placed a spell on Sohkarra to loosen her inhibitions. She and her friends experienced an encore with KISS that night. However, unfortunately for Ace, his Princess left the morning after, like Cinderella.
Depressed, Ace refused to play for the rest of the week. Paul and Gene were concerned, and sought to reason with him. All attempts to bring him out of his depression failed. Before she left him, Sohkarra promised Ace, "If you should ever need me, just call..." Ace sent out a mental cry, not thinking Sohkarra would answer. The tour ground to a halt, Ace unable to play a single riff out of his depression. This Princess had left an indelible mark on him. In the meantime Sohkarra could not and would not explain to her Guardians and brother where she had been that night. Mennehotep and Nefertina, were concerned about her strange behavior and attraction to Ace. They kept a careful eye on her in the next few weeks. Now Sohkarra must face whether to defend her brother, or help Ace. Long ago, when training with the Masters, they had her promise to use her powers responsibly. She often used her abilities to heal the sick and depressed. Ace is another such person who needs her help.
Paul Stanley is intrigued with the stories of this strange woman Ace pines for. How could one woman affect his band mate and friend so much? He fears the breakup of the band might happen if this woman enters into Ace's life again. Yet he cannot help but hope she will return to help his friend. When Sohkarra does return, against the wishes of her Guardians and reborn brother, Nefertina and Mennehotep closely follow her. Their encounters with Paul Stanley and KISS are the subject of these stories. Sohkarra does return to Ace... but who are the two strange women with her? Paul cannot help but be floored by the beautiful and silent Mennehotep, another ancient Princess with her own secrets. He loves her for who he sees, her modern secret identity as Menne Curie, a science teacher who is simply concerned for her friend, Jaime. How can he keep this elusive beauty at his side? What secrets does she hold in those dark eyes that seem so sad. Paul must know. When she first saw the black Star on his face, Menne knew Paul was not the usual sort of man who seeks fortune and fame. In ancient Egypt the symbol of the star represented the human soul, for it was believed that ancient Egyptian souls climbed to the heavens to spend eternity there as stars. Menne was truly intrigued. An ancient legend spoke of one who would bear souls and save them with the force of his loveÖ
Can a rock star and an ancient princess find love in a modern world? Can Paul's love save Menne from an eternity of guilt? Will the love of the Starchild bring an ancient heart to life in love's fire? There is a slim chance that his love will bring her back to life fully, if his intentions are pure....
Chapter 1
Menne and Nefertina rode on the next flight to New York City. Both concealed their mummified forms with the special potion that Mennehotep had brought with her, the Elixir of Life. They'd been reading several magazine articles about KISS suddenly performing again. Nefertina had called one of the musicians from Skid Row, whom she knew from her modeling career, to give her an inside lead as to where KISS was staying. Menne couldn't help but feel jealous of the ease with which Nefertina moved about in the modern world. Compared to the Cat Guardian, Menne felt as if she would be hopelessly lost if she would be prevailed upon to venture beyond San Francisco. Little did she know what was in store! Nefertina made the observation. "Karra's already there," she told Menne as they flew across the country.
"How do you know this?" asked Menne. Nefertina still held the Rolling Stone article about the group. "If they're all of a sudden practicing again, that means they're getting ready to go back out. That means Ace suddenly feeling better. So where have we heard this before?" Menne saw the logic in Nefertina's statement. Sohkarra had mentioned that she had felt Ace's silent summons within her spirit. All indications seemed to point to the fact that the younger Princess was making her presence felt for sure.
"I've got the name of the place right here," Nefertina announced and pulled out a slip of paper she had scribbled the words, 'Plaza Hotel' upon. "How are we going to get in?" Menne asked. "From what you have told me, it's a clandestine affair..."
"See this bag?" Nefertina giggled as they disembarked from the plane at Kennedy Airport. "I have our admission tickets here!î Menne felt a sinking feeling in her stomach at the thought of this strange new city with its lights and sounds blaring around her. As soon as they stepped out of the airport's hissing double doors, they were on the edge of a loud bustling parking lot.
"Taxi!" Nefertina shouted.
"What now? Where are we going?" Menne asked.
"Someplace where we can map out our strategy," Nefertina grinned. Menne managed to keep up with her friend before the wind blew them into the waiting cab. As they roared off towards the huge forest of glass and stone mountains, Menne felt the feeling of dread and uncertainty flood her. San Francisco was a large city, but New York seemed ten times brighter and bigger. Around her the buildings and honking horns swirled into a noisy mass of confusion...
"Menne," Nefertina patted her shoulder, rousing Menne out of deep thought. "We're here..."
"Hmm... I think you're a miniskirt gal," Nefertina held up a small black dress.
"No... I am not going as a trollop..." Menne retorted.
"Look, the only way we can have a prayer of getting in is to blend in! We'll be two members of the KISS Army just out to see the band, okay? Now pick something before I pick it for you!"
Nefertina chose the spandex mini-dress and costume jewelry. Around her waist she wrapped a doubled belt with metal studs. She wrapped a studded cat collar on her neck, and puffed her hair out. Menne's hair dyes were working well. Then Menne saw Nefertina extract several jars of black and white paint and place them on the dresser, like an artist assembling a palate. "Can you mix these with your usual cocktail..."
"You don't mean..." Menne groaned, fumbling with garter stockings under a leather skirt she had decided upon. It wasn't as short as Nefertina's, just above the knee, with a slit up the back. Nefertina tossed a colorful T-shirt at Menne, who saw the words, "Psycho Circus" and the KISS logo splashed on its front. A half-nude woman swathed in tattoos was on the back. Platform boots, sandals and fishnet tights completed their ensembles.
"And...here's the icing on the cake," Nefertina giggled, pushing Menne onto a chair.
"Tell me again why we have to put this on?" Menne asked, as Nefertina began to mix the black and white with Menne's "Elixir of Life".
"So we can get into the band party, silly," Nefertina grinned, blotching her face white with a base coat. She mixed the black and began to paint cat whiskers, a mouth and nose. Over her eyes were two black patches that gave her the air of a feline. Mennehotep sighed, and started to blend the special cosmetics with the liquid that gave them both the illusion of life. Nefertina giggled as she finished her handiwork, and looked at Menne. "So how do I look?"
"Like your totem namesake..." Menne nodded.
"And now you... hmm... something...well...Hmm..." Nefertina began to paint slowly, and smudged Menne's face with white. Around her left eye she painted a black star, and outlined Menne's other eye in black. The lips were rouged red, and her own hair left to fall wild and free about her shoulders. "There you go! Two KISS groupies that will blend right in."
"I fear Rath and JaKal might have more problems..." she said. "Waiting for the word..."
"It was a good idea for us to go. I mean who could get closer to the band then a couple of girls wanting one of their encores. And if Karra is with the band, we'll know..."
"What is an encore again?" Menne asked.
"You'll see," Nefertina giggled. She put a small lace choker around Menne's neck, studded with silver beads, just above her Ibis amulet. The two women gave themselves a final once-over in the room's full view mirror and strode out the door.
Chapter 2
THE PLAZA HOTEL
"Hey, all right! That was one hell of a rehearsal there!" Peter laughed. He had to admit 'Jaime' was having the best effect on his friend since yesterday. He still found it hard to believe that a single woman could cause this type of reaction. He had to wonder what it was about her. But there was no denying the miraculous recovery. Before her untimely arrival, Ace would not so much as lift his guitar to play a chord. Gene's grumbling, Paul's attempts to chat, and Peter's attempts to party things up all met in failure. KISS was a whole, of which the sum of its parts was no greater than. If one member was in a funk it disrupted the balance.
"We were hot, I tell you, hot!" Paul laughed. "They've never screamed that loud..."
"And I owe it all to my Princess," Ace muttered dreamily with his arm casually draped over Karra's shoulders. Normally their spaced-out friend was not so much of a deterrent, but that lovelorn look on his face struck Peter as awfully strange and disturbing. What was it about her? He couldn't quite place his paw on it.
"Whoa, listen to you, Spaceman," Peter laughed, trying to get over the feelings he had when in the presence of this woman that had so captivated their lead guitarist. "Don't tell me you're thinking of missing the encores tonight..." He knew that Ace had yet to show his true colors to her. What would she feel when he did? His problems had been controlled for a while, but things were again coming to a head.
"No way!" Ace laughed, snapping back to reality. "It's the same as before. Only I have my own little encore here... hehehehe," he added with his infamous cackle.
they'd met in San Francisco. And still he got the feeling there was more to her than met the eye. The Starchild was beginning to wish he had such a unique woman in his own company. How had Ace gotten so lucky this time?
Reporters swarmed the press area where the band members were ready to answer their curious questions. The buzz centered around three areas of concern: 1. Was Ace finally over his illness?
The three met up with Gene, who was busy posing for the forest of cameras, his celebrated tongue wagging mercilessly. Doubtless the tabloids would eat this up as always, just as they would Ace's miraculous recovery. When the Spaceman came into view, camera flashes exploded in unison. Then it was off to the wrap party, where all the girls would be waiting. Peter couldn't help but hope that one certain young lady might be there, especially since his little fainting episode in San Francisco. Yet he shrugged it aside for the thoughts of others. Paul couldn't help but hope a woman with a nice figure might let him get up close and personal. He loved the feel of skin against his own, a fetish he could not explain.
"Take a look at that," Gene muttered to his band mates as his eyes fell on two girls mingling with the crowd. One was stunning -- a model-type -- and the other was a most unusual woman. Her onyx eyes darted about nervously from the mask of Starchild makeup, almost as if she seemed to be searching for someone. Nice curves and lines, the kind you'd find on a mature woman, Gene noticed. Not the usual twenty-something, but a broad with a few years ahead of the rest. Maybe she was an older fan who might prove a bit of a challenge...
Paul noticed her too, as she and the female Peter Criss clone had pushed to the front, intent on their search for whomever it was they sought. Out of the crowd, Doc McGhee brought the figure in dazzling copper and gold to Ace's side. Sohkarra had separated herself from them when the press hoarded around the band earlier. Now the Spaceman folded his Princess into his arms as she gave him a supportive hug to the delight of the paparazzi cameras.
"I knew you could do it!" Sohkarra grinned. "And you said you'd never play the guitar again! You have a talent which few can boast."
"Karra, you're my good luck charm," Ace grinned. Again, Sohkarra could feel the intense envy emanating from the army of women wishing they were in her place.
"No, you did it yourself," Sohkarra insisted. "You've got the talent and desire within you to play. It would be a crime if you were not to do what your heart tells you. You play much too well to keep it hoarded within yourself."
"What's with him?" Peter asked, muttering sidelong to Paul.
"His own private rocket ride now that she's backÖjeez, you even have to ask?" Paul shook his head.
"Hey babes!" laughed Chuck as he spotted the two new women who had walked in.
"Look out...Roadie alert!" Nefertina laughed.
"Hey, aren't you that model Nefertina? I saw your magazines...I'd know that face anywhere! Even if it is covered up in Pete's makeup," Chuck laughed.
"Why, yes! Yes I am Nefertina. You are such a clever man," she lied. "Hey, listen cutie...could you take me to see the guys in the band?"
"Well... it is unusual..."
"Pleeease?" Nefertina begged sweetly.
"But what about..." Menne began.
"There's the Cat Man!" Nefertina said, grinning, as she moved past the roadie, shrieking to Peter Criss who was thoughtfully watching the assembled crowd.
"But Soh-I mean, Jaime... that's why we're here... to find her...," Menne called out after her friend, but it was no use. Nefertina's attention was obviously devoted elsewhere.
"So, split up, and meet back at breakfast," Nefertina shrugged and answered. "If you find her, send a signal..."
"A flash? In this group?" Menne asked.
"Hey, with KISS fireworks are nothing," Nefertina said, as Chuck continued drooling over her.
"Nefertina," Menne sighed. "You are rude!"
"Peter! Hey, pussycat what's new?" Nefertina shouted, waving her hand. The drummer turned abruptly in the crowd that had already clustered around him. "Me-ow! Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," Peter smiled and moved over to stand between Nefertina and Chuck.
"She's that model, Peter!" Chuck laughed.
"You bet... hey I know you said you owed me one, Chuck, but this babe is incredible! Let's go meow and sing under the stars," he said, grinning at Nefertina, while dozens of jealous fans watched the duo head off towards the piano bar. "Remember," she called back to Menne, who was watching the entire affair in disgust. "Meet up at breakfast, Menne! Have fun, but don't do anything I wouldn't!" With that, Nefertina and Peter quickly ducked inside the lounge entrance.
"But what about me?" Menne cried softly to herself. "I'm not used to this!" She had been left to wander about the hotel banquet room, confused and alone.
"Hello there gorgeous," another roadie had spoken to Mennehotep, who started moved away nervously. "Want a tour of the Big Apple?"
"Uh... I...Uh..." she stammered. "I'm not interested thank you..."
"Hey, what have they got that I don't, hon?" he laughed as he saw her staring towards the piano lounge that the feline couple had retreated to.
"Privilege," came a gruff voice. "As in. . . first dibs on the merchandise?"
The roadie backed off as Gene and Paul came into full view. Menne stared up into the painted faces, one resembling her own, in wonder. The other scared her half to death, for he had the piercing eyes and blood dripping from his fangs as a Khabit. She scolded herself, saying it was just fake blood she'd seen on stage. Still this brought up unpleasant memories of her foray into vampirism.
"Er... hello..." Menne squeaked. She cleared her throat and tried to sound courageous. "I was wondering... if either of you have you seen my friend Jaime..."
"She's gone off with Ace...somewhere private," Gene grinned. "But don't worry, you won't go to waste sweetheart. Coming back for our Psycho Circus tour?"
"Well, to be honest, this is my first... KISS concert..." she choked out.
"Missed us first time around, eh? I like a chick who's brutally honest. What do you say I fill you in on what ya missed?"
"That... would be nice... but I really would like to see my friend..."
"Babe, if you come with me, I'll be more then happy to let you see your gal pal," Gene lowered his voice to a rumbling seductive growl. "But what say we have a little fun first?" The tongue licked against white teeth, his eyes hungry. Menne shivered. Something about Gene unsettled her. She started a hasty retreat, and without looking, collided into the Starchild himself! A strong slender hand protectively rested on her shoulder.
"Gene put that thing away," Paul laughed. "The lady is clearly more in the mood for someone less... feral..."
Menne glanced over her shoulder at the other fellow, whose bared chest was neatly outlined by the black spandex suit he wore. A black mane of curls rippled around his white painted face, which was bedecked with a solitary black star over his right eye. Menne made a quick mental note of Nefertina's makeup error. His ruby lips parted into a gentle but sexy smile for her.
"I saw her first, Paul," Gene growled. "A damn fine woman like her deserves the best..."
"Oh gimme a break! You might be able to pull that bellowing crap with everybody else, but this is me you're talking to Gene," Paul replied, standing his ground. "Look, there are lots of chicks here," he added, trying to bring a better mood to this conversation. Besides, I think this lady has her eyes on the stars..." Menne didn't know whether to be flattered or insulted. She had never been called a "damn fine woman" before -- by anyone! Usually she was addressed as Princess or Queen, or Daughter of Isis. Yet these two men thought her attractive without knowing a thing about her. It was something she rather liked, and feared.
"Please...have you seen Jaime? She's supposed to be with Ace... the Spaceman...," she asked, looking up into the soulful mahogany eyes of the Starchild.
"Sure thing," Paul nodded. "But I should tell you that he does seem pretty taken with her. She seems to like him too...for some strange reason," he said with a light chuckle.
Menne glanced from one tall figure to the other. Granted they were both commoners, musicians who had risen to soaring heights of privilege, but they were still much affected by their roots. Lives of privilege had failed to smooth off their rough edges. Except for this man named Paul Stanley, with the black star covering his right eye. He seemed a bit different, and that strange tingling sensation that shot through her when he touched her hand was unlike anything she had sensed in three thousand years. Even the man he called Gene was strangely invigorating. He looked at her with eyes that appreciated beauty, even though she could guess what he really wanted from her.
Demon, who seemed very approving of her beauty despite his lustiness, or with the Starchild, whose smooth ways seemed almost too debonair. The two men regarded each other tensely, until Menne moved toward Paul.
"I want to go with him," Menne said firmly, and slipped her arm around Paul's slender waist. Protectively his arm curled around her shoulders.
"You don't know what you're missing!" Gene shouted to her, taunting.
"I don't even care to consider that possibility," Menne shot back. Somehow a strange boldness had overcome her, and she felt the need to let these odd characters know where she stood.
"The lady has impeccable taste, what can I say?" Paul added with a smirk, his fingers lightly stroking her hip. Menne let him lead her out of the throng of fans and onlookers that had assembled by now.
Gene shrugged and glanced down. His gaze met that of a lascivious-looking woman, whose face was also painted in the Demon mode. And she was already beginning to rub up against him in a rather delicious way. "Ah, what the hell?" Gene laughed as he draped an arm around her. "Come on baby, let's do it to it!"
Chapter 3
Paul conducted Menne to a small lounge off the main banquet hall. For the moment, Menne was simply glad to be out of the company of that frightening creature, who looked as if would devour her alive. "Is he... human?" she choked out as she glanced up at Paul.
Even with the platform sandals she wore, he towered over her like a ceremonial statue. His black tuxedo jacket clung snugly around his slim, lithe frame. It had silvery sequined and rhinestone stars over the sides and back. Long, black spandex tights contoured to slender yet muscular legs, which tapered into two black boots with silver platform soles. A choker encrusted with rhinestones and sequins adorned his sensuous neck. Around his slender waist glittered a belt, also of sequins and silver rhinestones, adding the final touch to his ensemble. Strangely, his hairy chest was bare under the jacket, and Menne remembered seeing pictures of him pulling off his jacket routinely till he was only clad in the silver guitar strap and his tight spandex tights.
"Good one," he grinned, showing a set of pleasantly white teeth. "I wouldn't lay odds..."
"You are Paul, then... Paul Stanley, what they call a rhythm guitarist?"
"Let me guess, you're a new fan," he said, crossing his arms.
"Uh... unfortunately yes," Menne sighed, feeling her stomach slowly sinking into her feet.
"Hey, don't get me wrong, I don't mind," Paul squeezed her hand. "Want a quick and dirty rundown on the band's history?"
"Excuse me?" Menne looked at him rather pointedly, raising her eyebrows beneath the markings that mirrored Paul's. "What precisely did you mean by that?"
"Easy, don't bite my head off," he laughed. "I was just thinking you might want to know more about what makes KISS what is today..."
"Yes, that would be good of you," Menne nodded.
"Can I get you a drink?" Paul asked, walking her over to the small cash bar to one side. Several groupies milled about, giving their drink choices to the two harried bartenders.
"That would be... fine," Menne bit her tongue, unsure of the odd sensations claiming her. Paul sensed her tenseness, and racked his brains about what her uneasiness meant. She had chosen him over Gene, which showed she had refinement, but why was she here if she wasn't into the scene? Was she just using him to get to Ace and to her friend? Paul felt an odd pang he had never before, about what it was like to be used for some selfish end purpose. But didn't he and the others use the women that threw themselves at KISS merely to satiate their hungers?
Peter Criss fiddled about on the lounge's grand piano, singing "Beth" in his gravelly yet mellow voice. Nefertina was perched beside him, joining in the chorus with several roadies who had gathered around and draped themselves here and there over the sleek black wood. Nefertina had her hand around a mug of cold beer, and her piercing laugh rang like small bells in the enclosed space. She was mixing and mingling so easily.
"A glass of white wine for me, and whatever the lady wants," Paul told the woman bartender, who seemed halfway between drooling over him, and keeping her cool as she looked at the long line forming behind them. Menne tracked through the drink list in her mind. Somehow that spy flick with Timothy Dalton that she had seen with Nefertina came to mind, triggered by the sight of all these costumed types. Not wishing to appear too out of place, she muttered, "Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred..."
"Right," the blonde bartender nodded, and Paul grinned. Once they had their drinks he slipped a $100 bill into the woman's hand. Her face lit up for the first time that night.
"Sit your bottom here, and take a load off," Paul offered, taking Menne's drink in hand as she sat down. Gracefully he moved up beside her, his hip brushing up close and warm next to hers. No man would dare be so familiar with a royal person, but Menne found she liked the sensation of a man so close to her physically. He had not let go of her waist or hand since she moved off with him. Curling his arm around her shoulders he handed her the martini, clinking his own wine glass to hers. "To a new fan of KISS," he toasted. Menne took a measured sip of the drink, feeling it burn as it slipped down. Thank Ra it wasn't tainted with blood. She shivered momentarily at the memories that bubbled up. Paul pulled her a bit closer, stroking her shoulder lightly with his other hand as he sampled his own drink. "So, what brings you here to New York, other then to see little old us? You said you had a friend..."
"Can I please see her... I've been worried sick about her and..." Menne blurted out, then shut up when she realized she had lost her composure. "I must apologize, I'm being quite rude, Mr. Stanley. I do appreciate the conversation, and the drink..."
"Hey, call me Paul," he lightly gripped her shoulder, giving it a teasing shake. "Everyone else does... what's your name?"
"Menne..." she began, clipping off the last syllables. "Menne... Curie."
"And what's your line," he asked.
"I... am...a science teacher," she automatically responded. It was partly true, for she had substituted once or twice in Mr. Huxley's class to protect the reborn Prince. Once Sohkarra had her job at the Women's Crisis Center, and Nefertina her modelling job, Menne had moved out into the modern world to attempt her own work. Substitute teaching seemed a likely outlet for her growing knowledge of modern chemistry. "I teach...chemistry..." she further clarified.
"Cool," Paul nodded. "Maybe you can help explain the phenomenon of static attraction..."
"Pardon?"
"Why don't we practice a little chemistry now?" he asked. Menne groaned inwardly. This man was no different in his outward suaveness then his vampire buddy.
"Whoa Paul, who's this knockout?" asked Peter, who had just made his way into the banquet hall with Nefertina. They had seen the couple sitting in the secluded corner and decided to come over for a quick hello.
"Tina..." Menne got out, as Nefertina winked at her.
"Menne," he laughed. "Meet my comrade in arms, Peter Criss..."
"Drummer and cat man extraordinare, sweetness," Peter took her hand, and kissed it.
"Paul, I hate to be rude, but have you seen my friend... Jaime..." she asked him, a pleading look on her face. "Not that I haven't had fun but..."
"Okay I get the message," Paul nodded. "Peter, where's Ace?"
"Damned if I know," Peter shrugged.
"Hey, Doc!" Paul shouted across the room. "Have you seen Ace?"
"He and his lady just went back to his room," came the answer. "With a bottle of champagne."
"Thanks!" Paul called back. "There, you see? No problem, Menne. I'm sure he and his lady won't mind a little company, eh Peter?"
"Let's find out," Peter nodded. Nefertina and Menne looked soberly at one another as Peter and Paul took their arms and strode off with them to find Ace.
Chapter 4
Ace and Sohkarra just settled down on the sofa before the television, an ice bucket of pink champagne at elbowís length when a knock sounded at the door. "Excuse me Karra," Ace said, rising from the sofa as he went to answer it. He could call her by her nickname when not in the company of the others. Chuck poked his head in the room.
"Sorry to bug you Ace, but some of the boys want to know if they can stop by for a chat...and a drink before the encores?"
"Okay... but make it quick," Ace said as he winked over to his feminine companion. The gesture was not lost on the roadie. Ace saw Peter and Paul coming down the hall, each with a woman on their arm. One was a tall model sort he could swear he'd seen on television two years back. Despite the Peter Criss makeup she sported he would know her face in a second. But who was that new woman with Paul, with the darkest eyes he had ever seen? She had the same royal bearing as Sohkarra, but appeared to be middle-aged in comparison to the others, who both appeared to be women in their twenties.
"Hey Ace, mind if we crash the party?" asked Peter. "We got our dates for the night..."
"They say your lady is a friend of theirs..." said Paul.
"Sure. Come on in," Ace grinned, and let his two fellow band mates into the suite. The main room was comfortably furnished with a sectional sofa, and a digital television with DVD player. Highlights from their 1996 performance in Indianapolis blared on the screen in full colored glory. Both sets of eyes went to the copper haired beauty sitting there on the sofa, her face smirched with white. The Eye of Horus decked her right eye, the ankh just under her left. If they didn't know her by now they would not have recognized her.
"Menne...Tina?" she gasped, rising from the sofa in momentary panic. Menne winced as those sapphire blue eyes fixed on her with an icy stare. She felt a bit faint, and leaned heavily on Paul, who was more than glad to slip a supporting arm snugly around her hips. Paul felt her lean into him.
"Are you all right?" he whispered to her. She only nodded, her eyes still on the younger princess. She experienced a momentary pang of doubt as to whether she and Nefertina had done the right thing by following Sohkarra here.
"Hey babe, why didn't ya tell me you had some friends who wanted to visit?" Ace teased her, as he waved Chuck away. Peter and Nefertina planted themselves on one side of the sofa, downside from Karra and Ace who also returned to his place. Sohkarra didn't take her eyes off the new arrivals even as she answered Ace. "I didn't know they were coming. Their arrival is a surprise to me as well."
"Champagne?" asked Peter, whisking the bottle out of the bucket as he sensed a potentially explosive situation brewing. Ace's lady was clearly not happy with seeing the two women who claimed to be her ìfriendsî.
"I've only had one glass," Ace shot back. He saw the wisdom of staying out from between the women. Menne sank to the love seat, putting as much distance as she dared between the Princess and herself. Paul settled breezily beside her, arm draped over her shoulders. She didn't give it a second thought, as her mind was buzzing with the telepathic reproach she knew would only intensify.
"What the hell are you two doing here?" were Sohkarra's next words. Nefertina and Menne didn't fail to notice the golden earring hanging from Ace's ear that matched Sohkarra's own. Or Sohkarra's use of the more colorful metaphors often heard in this new time. Her tone even made Ace look at her curiously.
"Miss us?" Nefertina shot out before she knew she would get shot down.
"We were worried sick about you." Menne came out.
"Excuse me, boys, but would you mind if I had a few private words with my friends?" Sohkarra asked, and nodded her head in the direction of the bedroom in back.
"Sure babe," Ace said. "We'll chill here..." He looked at his two band mates. Silence ensued until the three women left the room. Once Nefertina and Menne followed Sohkarra into the bedroom, she turned and shut it harder than she intended. The sound was not lost on the three rockers sitting in the other room. But they knew better than to inquire. Calmly they continued to work on the champagne. Ace only took a second glass, while Peter knocked back half the bottle.
"Oh...kay, that was interesting," Paul commented. He picked up his champagne glass and stared into it thoughtfully.
"What's with her?" asked Peter. "She didn't sound very friendly just then, did she?"
Ace only shrugged. "I don't know what that's about. She didn't even tell me they were
coming.""Maybe she didn't know," supplied Peter. "She sure didn't act like it, anyway. Hey…you don't suppose she's some law-breaking chick on the run or something, do you? We've met up with that type before you know."
"Don't even go there," Paul warned, not thrilled at his own thought that the new lady he had claimed might be a cop in disguise. She seemed too innocent and bewildered by the bright lights and big city to be a serious threat. He'd met many women, and Menne Curie was unlike any of them. He began to think of a way that she might be convinced to stick around. She had the darkest eyes he had ever seen! Peter turned up the volume on the television so as to not intrude on the women's privacy in the next room. Paul thoughtfully regarded his confused friends as he nursed his champagne...
"Now Karra, before you say anything..." Nefertina started. Sohkarra whirled to face her then.
"Nefertina, don't say a word unless it is to tell me what you two are doing here." Then she looked at Menne, who hadn't yet had a chance to speak.
"And I don't have to ask how you knew about all of this."
Menne had to say something. "Nefertina did indeed tell me about what had happened to you because of Bes, with him putting that un-inhibition spell on you. We've all had a run-in with him at one time or other. But even you have to admit that you are acting way of character in this matter. Nefertina is your friend just as I am. We are concerned about you."
"Yeah!" Nefertina piped up. Sohkarra gave them both a scathing look. She looked slightly more ominous with the face makeup she hadn't bothered to take off yet. "Well as you can see, I am fine. You can both leave now," she said brusquely. "I'll go back when I am ready; not before. You can tell JaKal I said so."
"We are not returning without you, young one," Menne told her matter-of-factly. "These people are not yours. Their ways are not your own."
"As this time is not ours Menne?" Sohkarra interrupted her. "I know all the lines. I have heard them often enough in my relatively short afterlife. But I have decided that I am staying. I find that I like this way of life -- at least for the moment. I'm not treated as some piece of fragile crystal here. I can let my inner energies out. There is someone here who appreciates me for who I am and does not try to keep me close to the ground."
"You know me, Karra." Nefertina interjected. "I like to have fun as much as you do. But Menne is right. We must limit our contacts.î
"That is a cold argument Nef," Sohkarra answered her." Go sell that one somewhere else. I have made my decision. I am staying until I no longer wish to." With that comment, she put her hand to her face to banish the makeup she had been wearing. Then looking to her friends, she cast her Blush of Life spell, which would enable them to maintain their human forms till the next morning.
"No wonder you were able to get by everyone with those makeup jobs of yours."
"Hey, it got the job done, didn't it?" Nefertina asked. "We found you didn't we? Plus, have you forgotten the fact that these guys are rock-and-rollers? They never have a thing with a woman that lasts longer than a few days. I know we talked about that before. Plus Ace has other things going on with him too."
"What things are those?" Menne inquired. "You told me nothing about that."
Nefertina looked sheepishly at her. "This is something Sohkarra knows to be true. There is much more to the Spaceman besides the way he plays the guitar. We've spoken of this before." She looked to Menne. "But let me put it this way. Karra's taking her responsibility of protecting these modern people to extreme." It was clear that Nefertina would say no more than what she already had. Sohkarra's face also told a story of its own.
"Isis help us," Menne looked guiltily at the carpet. Had she done the right thing by coming along? She was starting to see the sense of Sohkarra's words. Was JaKal wrong? The alchemist began to think that she wasn't the best choice to accompany Nefertina on a mission to bring the Princess back, when she was so easily thrilled with these new sights and sounds. Especially when she was beginning to think Sohkarra had a point after all. They had much to learn from the modern world, and staying holed up in the musum's Sphinx exhibit was nowhere near as interesting as this!
"If you tell that damned Wicked Lester story one more time Paul..." Peter cautioned, gripping the third bottle of champagne, which was half empty. By now the three women had rejoined them in the sitting room. Sohkarra nestled up to Ace on the love seat, while Paul held an arm out to Menne.
"Have a seat, beautiful," he patted beside himself. "Been keeping it warm for you..." She sat down again, grateful for the distraction. "Want a little something different?" Paul asked her as she glanced at her emptied champagne glass.
"Any ale?" she asked.
Paul rummaged through the well-stocked refrigerator. Nefertina settled beside Peter, who placed a pink bottled beverage before her. "Wanna try a wine cooler, kitty cat?"
"Ooh neat," Nefertina grinned.
"Here's to the future, even though some of us are caught up in the past," Peter toasted, shooting a glare at Paul as he clinked his champagne bottle to Nefertina's glass.
"But it's for the chicks, Pete," Paul protested, and handed a bottle of Guinness to Menne. "Come on now!"
Menne giggled, sipping at the new beverage when Paul took his place next to her again. "It would seem that this is a subject of controversy..."
"Well just because some of us weren't' there at the beginning," Ace laughed.
"Maybe you could tell me who Wicked Lester is some other time," Menne said diplomatically, and winced at the cutting sound of the guitarist's laugh along with Nefertinaís.
"I knew I liked this girl," Paul smiled, and pressed his lips to her cheek in a smacking kiss. Menne shivered with strange delight. Peter had wound his arms around Nefertina, extending one leg to rest on the sofa. Nefertina leaned against his chest, reclining on her hip as she got more comfortable. They had the one side of the sectional to themselves, as Paul and Menne had the other length. Ace plunked down a bottle of Jack Daniel's, and proceeded to mess with the screw top on it. He passed a wine cooler to Sohkarra, who, having seen what Nefertina was enjoying, seemed to long for a taste herself.
"So what are we gonna rap about guys?" Peter reminded him pragmatically.
"This reminds me of the time we were in Las Vegas..." Ace began.
"Oh buckle up here he goes again," Paul joked as he carefully rubbed his forehead so as not to smudge the makeup.
"If one piece of furniture gets so much as tossed out the window, you will follow it," Sohkarra stated firmly to Ace, grabbing his arm.
"Hey it was in fun!" Peter protested.
"Just how old are you boys anyway?" Sohkarra scolded, her words slurring together.
"Old enough to know better?" Menne supplied. "Is it a typical pursuit of rock bands to pitch furniture out windows?"
Paul had the good grace to look a bit ashamed. "Well, we were blitzed..."
"No excuse," Sohkarra plunked her bottle down.
"So, where are you guys headed next?" Nefertina asked conversationally, valiantly trying to change the subject.
"West Coast," Peter answered. "Las Vegas actually..."
"Road trip?" Nefertina asked.
"Nope, not till Colorado!" Ace said. "Hitting the stratosphere till then..."
"We used to have a custom 747 when we went to Europe," said Paul. "But that kinda died after a while."
"Yeah, like scaring the crap outta the Air National Defense," Peter laughed. Nefertina grinned as Sohkarra winced at the crude language. She hadn't assimilated as much as they would have thought.
"Air national what?" Menne giggled.
"I love this girl!" Paul stroked her shoulder. "Doesn't take anything for granted."
"It seems you are some sort of royalty, with all this pageantry," Menne turned to him. "I would say if anyone took anything for granted..."
"Rank has its privileges," Paul smiled at her, and took a small sip of the champagne he had been nursing for the past half hour.
"Just like the bloody royal court of my husband," Menne blurted out. "Life... all one big party... eh?"
Sohkarra and Nefertina froze. "Say what?" Peter asked.
"Tuthmosis III, long may he reign," Menne giggled. "Since he smashed the garbage out of my mother's statues!"
"Hey, what gives?" Paul asked.
"She's always like this when she's wasted," Nefertina supplied. "That ancient Egyptian thing. Menne, knock it off girl!" A telepathic rebuke from Sohkarra stung Menne, who knocked back another sip of beer to finish off her bottle. Plunking it down, she giggled.
"Yes, your Royal Highness," she saluted at Sohkarra.
"Does her majesty want another beer?" Paul asked, and rose to fetch something else for everyone.
"Toss me another Jack D," Ace laughed.
"Lemon or cherry? Or straight?"
"Need you ask?" Peter laughed. "Oh, while you're up, any more champagne?"
"You slammed down half the third bottle," Paul said.
"Enough of that frou-frou crap. Gimmie a Bacardi," Peter called out. A bottle sailed through the air, landing neatly in Peter's outstretched hand. "And you, kitten?"
"Another one of... whatever this was." she glanced at her bottle.
Paul handed Menne a fresh Guinness, and fished out a fourth bottle of champagne. Drinks were sipped yet again amidst laughter. Menne was feeling her toes vanishing fast. She settled against Paul a little shakily when he sat down, and draped his arm around her again. Peter punched the remote control for the CD player, laughing, "So what tunes did you schlep here, Ace? Anything make-out wise?"
"Make-out... wise?" Menne giggled.
"Don't give him any ideas," Sohkarra lifted a warning finger, and glanced wickedly at Menne. A smile formed itself on her friend's lips.
"Light my fire!" Ace laughed. "Here's to you, Jimmy boy!"
A track from the Doors popped on, and the lyrics of Jim Morrison echoed in the suite. "Perfect," Paul nodded.
"I'm surprised you aren't blaring your own music," Menne said.
"Hell I play it often enough, what's the point?" Paul laughed.
Ace had taken Sohkarra's face gently between his hands when they sat knee to knee. Tentatively she stroked her fingers through his hair, still keeping her distance. Nefertina felt Peter draw her closer, slowly running his tongue along her ear when he lifted her dark hair aside. She had to admit, it felt delicious. Long, deliberate strokes and hot breath fanned her ear making her lose a loud gasp of pleasure. He slipped off the drummer's gloves, tossing them onto the table. Paul turned Menne to face him, those eyes twinkling oddly in the patch of black that nearly was eclipsed by his dark wavy hair. She glanced to one side to see what the others were doing: Ace gently kissed Sohkarra, leaning across both their laps to do so, his hand lightly slipping up her thigh. Peter had Nefertina on his lap, continuing to press firm kisses along her neck to her throat.
"That's our cue," he leaned to whisper close in her ear. Hair tickled her nose, as Paul gripped her arms, slipping one around his neck, the other around his waist.
"Er..." she stammered, shivering. In vain she glimpsed on either side, for some sort of cue. There was no way she would get out of this one anytime soon. Peering around Ace's painted face, Sohkarra's eye twinkled mischievously at her. Time you had a taste of what Rock and Roll is about, came Sohkarra's telepathic jab to Mennehotep. Paul gripped Menne's neck, pressing a kiss to her lips. It was firm, strong, and strange. With an odd movement his head shifted from side to side, increasing the pressure to firmness. Menne gasped in protest when his tongue flickered over her lips, trying to slip in her mouth. Another sidelong glance took her vision past Paul's tangle of hair to the two cat avatars. Nefertina must have gotten that kiss from a movie, for her tongue lightly met Peter's in an odd caress before their lips met. Shrugging, Menne pulled back. Paul cast her a questioning look as she hesitated. "I... need to catch my breath... I'm not used to this," she explained, eyes shut.
"And I thought you dug me," he teased lightly.
Ace and Karra's kisses had grown more steamy and heated on the love seat. He tossed a glance in the direction of the bedroom in back, and rose, taking her hand in his. "Excuse me guys, but the place is yours... if you wanna sack out here... feel free. Me and the lady have some business elsewhere..."
"It's cool," Paul nodded, turning his attention back to Mennehotep.
"Have fun you two," Karra cast a wicked glance at Menne, tinged with mischief. Ace turned the lights down, leading Sohkarra into the back room.
"Alone at last," Paul looked to Menne, his red lips puckering in a pouting kiss. "Finally..."
"What about them..." Menne whispered to him, jerking her head in the direction of Peter and Nefertina. They seemed quite oblivious to anyone around them, since their face makeup was getting more and more smudged as Peter rubbed his cheeks against Nefertina's. A low growl of pleasure escaped Nefertina's throat as she lay across him. Both fell lengthwise across the couch, Peter wrapping her close in his arms.
"Don't mind them," Paul assured her.
"I am sorry," she said, and seized his hair.
"Don't apologize for anything baby," he cooed. "Just relax and go with what's in your heart..."
"Er... er... what if you get... chilly..."
"No harm in that, the way this is going," he laughed, working her arms around his waist again.
"Hey, what gives... you're looking like a scared rabbit in front of a Dodge truck..."
"Paul... I don't know if this is such a good idea," Menne said. "There are things about me you don't know..."
"Let's keep the mystery for now, gorgeous. Don't worry, I don't bite... hard..."
"Oh Ra," she muttered.
"Hey, easy," he laughed. "It's cool, okay... if you want we'll take it a little slower..."
"Thank you," Menne nodded. "It's just been a while since... since..."
"Hey, I can understand," he nodded. Menne fingered his chest, feeling the firm smoothness under the thick hair. Tuthmosis never had such abundance, for it was always cleanly shaved. She lightly fingered the choker around his neck...anything to distract the racing of her heart under the blush of life. Paul's strong fingers caressed lightly up her chest, making her shiver. Thankfully in the darkness' cover, she could not see the sources of the low mewling sound she heard suddenly.
There came a loud thump accompanied by giggling, which sounded suspiciously like Nefertina's laugh. Menne began to chuckle nervously, and felt her chest heaving under Paul's. Hot breath wafted against her face as he shifted atop her. "What baby," he whispered into her ear, liking the sound of her laughter.
"The cats... will play, while the mice are away..."
"I think it's the other way around," Paul pursed his lips with amusement. "While the cat's away the mice will play..."
"But those two cats are right in here with us... It's... damned distracting," she giggled again, unable to stop her laughter. "Do you always... have others in the room when..."
"Making out?" Paul completed, lightly breathing in her ear. "Want to go someplace more private?"
"I think... it would be best if we stay here..." she stammered out.
"Whatever you want, but Ace isn't the only one of us with a private suite..." Paul smiled, his white cheeks visible in the gleam of the light from the sliding door, which perhaps led to a balcony. "I don't even think the Spaceman and his Princess even know we're still here." It disturbed Menne to hear Sohkarra referred to as 'princess', even if they didn't know how close to the truth they were. How would they react if they knew the truth?
"Hey, if you want the place to yourselves, just ask. It's cool," came Peter's voice. There came the rustling of someone getting up, and a muted laugh. Menne winced at the cheap one-liner he used next. "Let's go out and see the stars, baby..."
"How would you even notice them..." Menne shot at them.
"Ouch, she nailed me," Peter laughed.
"Good one," Paul grinned, and kissed away her next remark. His teeth gently clamped down on her tongue, nibbling it lightly. There came a rasping scrape as Peter opened the patio door, and led Nefertina out onto the balcony. She saw them in silhouette reclining on the chaise lounge outside, which didn't' cure her embarrassment much. At least she couldn't hear the noises. That was some consolation.
In the delicious depths of Paul's kiss she heard a cry, much like a woman's. In ancient Egyptian no less, followed by a low cry that sounded distinctly like Ace saying, "I need you now woman! The real you!"
"Ace!!!!" came her cry.
"Please baby!" his voice returned, and there came a blinding blue flash that seemed to momentarily flash through the cracks of the door to the bedroom. This was entirely too much, and Menne squirmed under Paul. Both of them sat up in the dimness.
"You okay?" he asked. "I know that Ace loves fireworks, but that is maximum, even for him. That Jaime chick must have some neat tricks of her own."
"I... this... is just too weird... knowing that... that... but let me assure you that Jaime does indeed know how to do some strange things. She's showing off now."
"It sounds to me like she is making the spaceman happy." Paul commented casually. Indeed he'd never heard this kind of commotion when he'd been with any of the women who normally hung with them on the road.
"It does indeed," answered Menne cryptically. She was feeling embarrassed by the sounds coming from the room. Sohkarra had truly become bolder since being with these people. She could only imagine how much bolder she would become before this was done. They had to get her home to the sphinx, to her guardians, and brother Rapses,...and soon.
"Let's go back to my room now," Paul nodded, grasping her hand, interrupting her thoughts. Leaning over, he scooped up his discarded jacket, and gently pulled Menne to her feet. Leaving all hopes for some share in odd guilt behind them, they picked their way through the room to the door.
"Please... anywhere but here," Menne muttered when his arm moved around her waist, and the other gripped the fourth bottle of champagne.
Chapter 5
Paul let go of Menne's waist for a moment when he slipped the key card into the door, and it clicked open. Lights snapped on, revealing rich furniture much the same as in Ace's suite. Setting the bottle down on the coffee table, Paul fished for some glasses. "Shame to let this go to waste, especially since we rescued it from Peter..." he laughed. Menne half wondered how much more of the effervescent wine would pass her lips that night. Paul slipped the glass into her hand, and twined his wrist around hers. At least Menne had seen this odd gesture in a movie, and knew the simultaneous sipping from her glass and his was the correct way to do it. Glancing around, she noticed a full bouquet of roses standing on the table before a mirror. Plucking out one, Paul stroked it against Menne's cheek. Still she had not moved very far from the door.
"A rose for a fair flower," he murmured, dark eyes sparkling at her. Menne's fingers enclosed around the thorny stem, and she inhaled the fresh fragrance. Slowly she took another sip of
"Oh I feel like I'm floating..."
"There's more fun yet to be had, sweetness," Paul said, gently shutting the door behind them both. He took both glasses and set them aside by the bouquet. As she caressed smooth petals against her face again, she felt Paul sweep her up into his strong arms.
"Paul!" she exclaimed, as he kicked open the door to the back bedroom with one platform foot.
Into the room beyond he carried her without difficulty. The pillow was soft under her neck when Paul laid her on the large bed. With a thump he landed beside her, on his side. Jauntily he cocked an eyebrow at her, puckering red lips in a seductive pout, as he often did for the pictures she'd seen of them. "Feel better now?" he asked, reaching for her. "Now...where were we..."
"I don't know..." Menne sighed, still clutching the rose.
"Relax... I think we were right... here..." Paul urged, kissing her ear lightly. He eased her hands down to his chest again, inviting her to caress there.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," she muttered.
"Believe it, hon," he sighed deeply, twining arms around her as he pressed her close. A strong lean leg sheathed in spandex and rhinestones pinned her there. Those gemstones caught on her nylon stockings, his greased cheek against hers. "Let's get a little more comfortable," he suggested. Menne shuddered to think what he meant by that, when he started to pull at her T-shirt, and guided her hands to his hip. Resignedly she realized there was no way out of this, but straight through. As he helped her remove her clothing, he covered her bare flesh in kisses that seemed firm yet tender. "Your turn," he nodded. Menne helped him take off his boots at least, scared to even try helping off with those spandex tights doused in stellar glitter. His ministrations were maddeningly slow, yet delicious. Menne found herself tracing his chest in her own kisses, guessing his makeup was leaving a mark.
"Paul... I have a question..." she whispered, as he stroked the rose sensually over her stomach.
"Hmm?" he asked, nosing his way into her hair.
"What does the Starchild hide beneath that makeup?" She asked. "I would like to know what Paul Stanley looks like, in real life..."
"Good question. I'll show you mine if you show me yours..." he smiled. "Wait here..." The bed shifted under his weight as he got up and disappeared into the adjoining bathroom. There came a light clanking noise, and he produced a small glass jar and a box of facial tissue. "The unmasking begins." He smeared cold cream on his face, and wiped off his makeup one stroke at a time before her. She was pleased to see how his face was just as handsome without his stellar markings, his skin smooth, his chin cleft. Paul seemed pleased when she fingered his face all over. Sohkarra had said Ace looked quite different without the makeup, almost as if she was at first disappointed at the wrinkles on his jowls. When Paul lifted tissues to her face she let him wipe her makeup off.
"Oh you are gorgeous under that," he smiled, fingering her dark skin. "Shame to hide it under the makeup... not that I mind at all... considering that it brought you to me..." Reaching around her he fumbled at the hooks of her bra, and it fell away, despite Menne's squeak of protest. Her bare skin against his was odd, and frightening. "Man, baby you are something else," he cooed with delight. The sensation of his hair against hers was like a thousand needles of fiery ice. Passionate kisses and an unending embrace led them to the bedroom again. The sheets enfolded them both when he grabbed under her and rolled beneath them. He positioned her on his knee, tangling his legs in hers. Paul was surprised when she made no effort to grope him as the women before had, but simply cuddled her head against his chest.
"Ah, that's awesome," he breathed, his chest rising and falling under her cheek. "Perfect..."
"You wish to take me now?" she asked soberly.
"God you're blunt," he laughed.
"I just... I just haven't done this... for so long..."
"It's like riding a bike. You don't forget once you've learned... and don't worry, I've got protection. But right now, let me just feel you... against me...hmm...."
Under her ear his heart thumped soothingly, and Paul kissed her forehead lightly. He stroked his thigh under hers, creating a delicious friction that made her gasp. Paul kissed her full on the mouth.
"You're not like any girl I've been with," he marveled.
"You don't mind, do you?"
"Hell if I did, would you be here now in my arms?" he asked, with a slight laugh. "You seem a lot more relaxed now..."
"I half expected you to make love to me here and now... and much quicker..."
"Well this Starchild takes his own sweet time with those who desire it...and it's worth the wait," he said. So saying he rolled over, till she was atop him, the sheets falling around them. Lips mingled as they shared a breath in a steamy kiss. He nuzzled her upper chest with his cheeks, his hair. Even as she let him coax her along, she found her mind drifting away in wonder at what the others were doing, until at last her thoughts deserted her and Menne felt sleep claim her in its darkness...
It was the distant beeping in the haze that made her wince next. Under her temples the headache pounded fiercely. Bright red numerals blinked just before her eyes. Groaning from behind her, a long arm snaked out and slapped the attached hand atop the box. Thankfully the noise stopped. Menne jarred into full alertness when she felt a nude form wrapped around her. Still a thigh pinned her to the bed; an arm draped over her front as a toned, masculine body lay flush against her with its weight.
"Stupid alarm clock," mumbled a male voice. Menne started in his arms when she realized it was familiar.
"P... Paul?" she stammered out, when she turned over to face him.
"Good morning foxy lady," he whispered. Gathering her into his arms he planted a moist wet kiss on her mouth, choking off any further protest. A warm heartbeat thudded from his chest to hers.
"You're nothing like I expected," she answered shyly. If only he could be... if only... Hungrily her lips found his, her kisses nibbling lightly down his jaw to his ear.
"Oh, I like that," Paul drew in his breath. "Mmmm!"
"Heheh... Mmmm!" Menne giggled between kisses.
"Paul! Wake up!" Something pounded sharply against the door, rudely shattering their lovely moment of passion. Menne could have almost believed she was still asleep if not for that intrusion. Reality surged in when she realized her hands were truly tangled in his thick hair, her body tangled with his under a mess of sheets.
"Dammit Doc, I'm coming!" Paul shouted, breaking his kiss with Menne. "Man, can't you give a guy a break?"
"Doc??? No it's Gene! Wrap up your encore and haul butt!" came a voice, which sounded damned familiar. That awful Khabit she had heard earlier. "We're due at practice in forty five!"
"Stick it up your butt, Gene!" Paul grumbled rudely. "Son of a B..." Embarrassment flushed Menne, and she gathered the sheets around her uncomfortably. Paul rubbed his aching head, and then his gaze registered on Menne again. "Hey, sorry about that..." he apologized, catching hold of her shoulder, when she tried to stiffly get up. "Wait here a minute... I'll just get the light first..."
"Ow," she winced, when they snapped on. Instantly the hotel room was visible in all its luxurious glory. A rhinestone costume lay draped over one chair, amidst various other paraphernalia and Paul's platform boots. Even a guitar rested on its stand, a custom Washburn with a five-pointed star glistening at the base of the board. Her T-shirt had caught on the neck of the instrument.
"Uh oh," came his apology. "Forgot to tell you to cover your eyes..."
"Paul, what now..." she muttered, and glanced at her sweat-soaked garments. Quickly before Paul glanced over in her direction she grabbed a small vial from her purse in the pile of clothing. She sipped a dose of the Elixir of Life, to make certain for this day she would continue to appear alive. Already he was moving towards the light of the bathroom, grabbing some clothes out of a suitcase.
"Not to worry," Paul said. "Wanna get a shower? And breakfast before we head over?"
"I think that would be... prudent..." she hitched the sheet around her, and moved past him, almost tripping. He caught her.
"Thanks for a great time, hon," he whispered into her ear. "Hop in the shower and I'll see what I can rustle up for you..."
Chapter 6
A limousine ride later, Menne and Paul arrived at the stadium. Wearing a borrowed T-shirt and spandex leggings, she glanced out the windows. He had apologized he didn't exactly have a change of clothing, and offered to have someone bring something to the room so she could change. But Menne thought it best just to leave things as they were. Still the leggings, rolled up considerably with the little sequined stars up and down were cute with the extra-large T-shirt. Strikingly casual next to his leather pants, T-shirt, and blazer, she dreaded to think what the paparazzi would say about this little matter. But it was better then that tight skirt she had worn last night. About all she wore from her previous outfit were the black leather platform sandals that Nefertna had brought, and the black choker. He helped her out of the limousine, and clutched his guitar case.
"Now what?" Menne asked.
"That's my line," he smiled. "Say, you need a little something else with that outfit..."
"I wish I had my clothes... but thanks for the loan of these..."
"Hey there's no dress code, beautiful. And you would look hot in anything..." he said, encircling her hips with his hands. He unfastened the belt from around his, and slipped it around her waist.
"What are you doing... I can't take this..."
"Goes with what you're wearing better then what I am," he said. Menne choked when she fingered the segmented star belt, which glittered like a thread of captured Milky Way. "Gotta jam with the guys. Chuck here will take you on a tour. See you for lunch babe..." Paul whispered, and pressed a brief yet steamy kiss to her lips.
"But my friends... oh damn..." she muttered when he gave her a last kiss good-bye, and hurried off to join the others who had just arrived.
"This way, Miss..." Chuck offered, not even giving her a second glance at her outfit. "The canteen's this way if you want a cup of coffee..." How would she tell Pharoah Tuthmosis, who served to educate the young Prince Rapses, about all this? Or should she? Applying the values of the 20th century, Tuthmosis had his share of wives and concubines so why shouldn't she? Yet the old-fashioned Egyptian values screamed in her mind that this was forbidden and wrong. Why had Sohkarra allowed this to happen? Was it revenge for coming after her? "That's ridiculous," Menne muttered. "Such a selfish lack of responsibility doesn't become you, Mennehotep. You could have backed out at any stage of it last night..." Satisfied with her self-rebuke, Menne sipped a sizable drought of steamy coffee. This 20th century beverage seemed just the right solution for the haze collecting on her mind since last night. Curse that blush of life spell, for it effectively counteracted the normal efforts to achieve intoxication. She had far more then her usual amount to achieve the same results that two beers might have. Still, did she or didn't she go all the way? All she could really recall was falling asleep in his arms. Nothing moreÖand she didn't ache in the characteristic ways that would suggest anything further. Let Sohkarra think what she wants, Menne decided. If this is a little bit of revenge, or light-hearted prank, let her have some back in kind...
"This seat taken?" Nefertina asked. The Cat guardian had a grin on her face that suggested she had ingested a sizable canary.
"Feel free to take it," Menne offered. Taking her hot chocolate, Nefertina tossed herself into the seat. There seemed an extra swish in her hips this morning.
"Good morning all," she grinned.
"You're chipper," Menne said. "Have fun singing under the stars?"
"Hmm," Nefertina gave a saucy worldly-wise wink, which wasn't there before. "Let's just say it was the cat's meow..."
"You mean you..."
"Uh huh, did I ever," Nefertina purred low in her throat, licking off a bit of hot cocoa that collected on her upper lip.
"I'm glad one of us passed an agreeable evening," Menne muttered, rubbing her forehead. "Those damned beers...and Gene that stupid pain in the..."
"Menne, I thought you went off with Paul. What has Gene to do with..."
"Mr. wake-up service is what that horrible Gene Simmons is!" Menne growled, low in her throat. "Has a rotten sense of timing..."
"But you and Paul..." Nefertina gave her a sharp look, and noticed Menne's leggings with the little stars in silver sequins running down either side. Plus that silver belt with the star buckle slung around her T-shirted hips looked suspiciously Paul Stanley in motif. As if he had worn it with one of his costumes from earlier on.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," Menne said.
"You're just as bad as Sohkarra, and you're married," Nefertina put her hands on her hips. "At least Sohkarra is not married. Only gives off the impression."
"Don't give me that holier-then-thou attitude," Menne pleaded. "I'm still trying to make sense of where I stand with him..."
"But I thought you two were..."
"So did I. But after last night... do you realize how long it's been since a man spoke softly to me? Or held me close in his arms? It's been too long, Nefertina..."
"But you...and the Pharaoh..."
"Has been preoccupied with finding my sister, and catching the latest episodes of the soaps, WCW, and films by the Duke. He spends most of his time in his sarcophagus... alone..." Nefertina shivered when she sensed the icy emphasis Menne placed on that word.
"Gosh," she muttered. "I had no idea it had gotten... like that..."
"I wanted to deny it too. But I don't think you'd understand what it's like to want to love someone, because everyone around you thinks that you should be in love. Yet you have to keep convincing yourself you are still in love..."
"I do, as a matter of fact. Remember Kenna?"
"All right," Menne sighed.
"Menne, why didn't you tell us you two were having problems... for Ra's sake we could have done something..."
"What?" Menne asked, bitterly. "My problems are my own."
"But Sohkarra..."
"What could she have done? Other then when she reunited us in the first place. She has no experience with marriage..."
"She is wise..."
"And young," Menne added. "Karra is an intelligent, precocious woman, but she cannot solve the problems of us all, nor should she try always. Especially when her own house is currently in such disarray."
"But you could have at least talked to us..."
"It doesn't' become a Queen to complain," Menne argued.
"Bull," Nefertina said rudely. "Sohkarra is a Princess and she has no qualms about talking to me. You wanna live in the modern world, right? Well then you should have known better then to assume you could pretend everything was hunky-dory in front of your friends! For Bastet's sake, that's unfair to us..."
"Let me tell you something about fairness, young one..." Menne began, but cut off her next biting comment when Sohkarra joined them. She was silent and contemplative, as if she had spent an equally troubled night.
"Menne, Tina..." she said. "Good morning..."
"I'm surprised to see you're up at all, after how much you drank," Nefertina began, slipping into guardian mode.
"No more then you two," Sohkarra raised an eyebrow. "You've lots of room to talk."
"Not so loud, please," Menne begged, putting her hands over her ears.
"Menne, are you okay..." Sohkarra asked, and extended a hand to her friend's brow. A healing blue energy seethed.
"Please don't," Menne sighed, turning away. "You've got your own issues to deal with..."
"What?" Sohkarra asked, stopping her query as a sudden flash of realization hit her. She didn't need to be a telepath to recognize the tension in the air. She could identify with the feeling, as Gene was capable of making people feel edgy with that blasted makeup he chose to wear. Even without it, he looked quite foreboding.
"You know full well what I'm talking about, young one. I fully heard the sounds coming from the room you are apparently sharing with the guitarist. You were not acting like the royal daughter that you are."
"No, I was acting like a woman enjoying herself." Sohkarra countered. Then she looked Menne straight in the eyes. "Don't try to tell me about not acting royal when I know you have a thing for Paul. Now, do you wish me to take away your headache or not?"
"I'll be fine. And considering the place we are... it's not wise to use one's abilities in public..."
"Oh," Sohkarra said, and caught Menne's meaning. "I suppose you are right on that score. But don't presume to tell me how to act with Ace. That is my own affair."
"Karra..." Nefertina started to intervene on this conversation that was deteriorating more by the second.
"You two have much to discuss..." Menne said, rising, realizing she was getting nowhere with Sohkarra.
"No, I wanted to talk to both of you," Sohkarra said, pleading Menne to sit.
"Is it wise to do so here?" Menne asked.
"I will be general enough," Sohkarra said, sipping a bit of steamy amaretto cream-laced coffee. "I know you two came here to drag me back, kicking and screaming if necessary to JaKal..."
"Well that was the general idea," Nefertina said.
"I take it you are still intent upon staying," Menne guessed.
"Yes. Which was why I had you with me last night. I wasn't very happy to see you, I admit. Because the last thing I want to do now is leave these people. I've found such freedom with them. I wanted you to both have a taste of it along with me... to show you what you wanted to take me from."
"So that's why you let those guys put their hands all over us?" Nefertina lowered her eyebrows. And on a married woman? Karra, you've pulled some stupid stunts, but this is the worst..."
"What happened was my choice," Menne suddenly cut in, agreeing. "Just like it was your choice to put us in that circumstance. I didn't see you bending over backward to prevent anything from happening... more then me... so don't start..."
"Menne..." Sohkarra started. "You could have controlled your own circumstance. I only created the means. Plus you came hunting me down. That goes for you as well Nef."
"Don't even say it Karra. I know what was going through your mischievous mind. I tasted what you have, and I know now. So let's leave it at that..."
"But I didn't think..."
"No. None of us did," Menne said pointedly.
"Guys, what are we going to do now? Are you staying or going?" Nefertina held up her hands, trying to prevent a further argument.
"I'm not leaving, and that's that," Sohkarra said firmly.
"Then neither are we," Nefertina announced.
"Excuse me?" Sohkarra asked.
"I'm still your guardian. And that means that I am duty-bound to look out after you..." Nefertina said.
"Even if I chose to stay?" Sohkarra asked.
"Yes," Menne said. "And I'm staying too, as a friend who is concerned..."
"And I can't convince either of you otherwise..."
"You wanted us to see why you're staying," Menne said. "What better way then for both of us to continue this 'experience' along with you. Since you seemed so intent upon having us share it firsthand..." The significance of Menne's remark was not lost on Sohkarra. She sensed the strange emotional fragility behind hers words, and inwardly shuddered. How could she have let things get so bad between her friend and her friend's beloved husband whom she had brought over from the after life. All she had meant to happen was a harmless prank by letting things develop between Paul and an unsuspecting Menne. Yet Menne could have walked out at any time. Did she? As her mind probed, the images of sheets, and bedrooms and hot kisses flooded her brain. Menne sensed what she was doing, and rose sharply from her chair.
"Knock it off this minute! I didn't give you permission to poke in my head, thank you very much!" she snapped angrily.
"I was just trying to help..." Sohkarra said, with a bit of shock.
"If you'll excuse me, I am supposed to have a tour," Menne coughed, and moved out of range of her friends.
"Wait, we'll come along..." said Sohkarra.
"No," Menne said. "I would rather... be alone for a while... to better experience this new... situation..."
Nefertina stopped Sohkarra from following her. "Don't," she urged. "She's got a lot on her mind right now..."
"But she is clearly disturbed..."
"Karra, butt out," Nefertina sighed. "I think you know what she's upset about, since you were obviously poking around in her head instead of asking..."
"Look, how I use my powers is not up for discussion here," Sohkarra snapped irritably. "Can you blame me for wanting to know why she's upset... and how to help?"
"There's such a thing as minding one's own business," said Nefertina.
"You should talk, coming out here after me and dragging Menne with you," Sohkarra responded. "So don't lecture me about privacy, when you two should have left well enough alone... left me alone."
"What is your deal?" Nefertina asked. "Look, you know that we have our duties to you... and it's not something we can just walk away from..."
"Nefertina I thought you of all the guardians would most understand what I'm going through now," Sohkarra said with dismay. "Weren't you the one that left the Guardians for a modeling career?"
"Yes... but I learned they needed me. There was more at stake then having fun... and now that there are two of you to protect..."
Sohkarra started her customary pacing of the room. This was always a sure sign that she was more than a little excitable. "I am living for the first time in centuries. We can't just stay in the Sphinx forever," Sohkarra answered pertly. "If we are to learn about this world we should be living in it, not apart from it. That means we must have contact with these modern people. See what it is that makes them what they are."
"Yeah I agree totally..." Nefertina answered. "But you make it sound like a scientific experiment."
"It is," Sohkarra answered. "A biology experiment." She smiled at her own thoughts.
"And since I'm the Princess I'm not allowed to have a life, is that it?" Sohkarra asked.
"No...It's just that JaKal thinks..."
"Ra, I'm sick of what JaKal thinks!" Sohkarra exploded. "Nefertina, you and I are friends, like sisters! Why are you against me on this?"
"I'm trying to understandÖI am, Karra," Nefertina said. "But you at least need to call him and tell him that you are not coming back..."
"All right, since it's your idea, you go ahead and let him know his precious...princess is alive and well!" Sohkarra threw up her hands and left the room. But for where she wasn't sure. One thing for certain was the fact that she did indeed have her own issues to mull over.
Chapter 7
Now Mennehotep had a free tour of the sound stage, she being a friend of Ace's "therapist". She could not help but be amazed at the scale of it all. Roadies were packing things into crates, as the massive soundstage was disassembled before her eyes. It would take most of the day, and lunch was not far off. "Hey, I've got a coffee break in a few minutes. Want to come?" Chuck asked Menne, as he set down the amp he was carrying.
"No thank you," she said.
"But it's only coffee..."
"Please, I am not interested..." Suddenly a spark flew out of nowhere, arcing out as it fizzled the main amplifier near Mennehotep. Chuck almost freaked when he saw the small explosion. What he failed to see, however, was that her finger had sent the charge in the first place. Menne moved away, quickly, as she brooded over Sohkarra's predicament. This situation had gone from bad to worse. Ace's miraculous recovery seemed due to the presence of this mystery woman who was never far from his side. Worse yet, she refused to speak to JaKal when Nefertina had gone off to call the lead guardian to tell him what was going on. Yet after the past few days, Menne was beginning to see the appeal in this strange new lifestyle. Sohkarra could move about freely among the men here, enjoying herself at the side of a glamorous celebrity. Parties and endless fun were coupled with the odd roughness she had only seen in the spirit box. The younger princess fit in so well here. It was as if she'd been born to this new time as opposed to being a newcomer. Menne envied Sohkarra for her ability to adjust so well. Had she not been the first of the re-born Msirians to venture out and find a job?
Inside her heart she ached for the change. At the party the night before, she had actually enjoyed sitting next to another man, quaffing champagne till the sun rose. All they did was talk about chemistry, and fireworks, as Paul brought her up to speed on the latest special effects. Not to mention the better stories of KISS' past exploits. It was actually fun, and Menne was getting into this colorful stranger's tales. Certainly this was preferable to spending time with a brooding soldier who felt his glory days had come and gone. But she was married. Or did it matter? Tuthmosis had been dutiful, yet increasingly distant. Princess Karahammon, Mennehotepís sister and greatest enemy, had not manifested herself for months. Nor had the evil sorcerer Scarab, made an appearance. Yet this was their primary reason for existing here. Granted they had helped many a time with Rapses' care and tutelage, but Menne was getting the distinct impression Tuthmosis felt as if he were redundant with Sohkarra and JaKal's ever-protective presence about the young lad. Sometimes he slept in his sarcophagus, not waking for days at a time. When he would emerge, he would be bleary eyed and irritable. Menne closed her eyes in shame. Nefertina had reminded her that she was a Queen. Queen of what? Menne began to ask. Egypt's glory only existed in the past, to be excavated. Her forays from the museum increased until she spent most of her days in the outside world in search for Karahammon, who eluded her ever still. While deep in her musings she collided with a solid figure.
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
"Hey Menne, what's shaking? Admiring the stage?"
"Paul... uh... yes..." she stammered.
"How would you like to be our next pyrotechnic advisor?" Paul asked Mennehotep. Without his makeup he looked even more handsome, she reflected. The casual white shirt unbuttoned under the Armani jacket and leather pants still showed off his muscular, trim chest.
"Excuse me?" she stammered.
"I saw that little stunt you pulled on Chuck. How did you do it? Electricity from your fingertips?"
"It's... a secret," she whispered. "A little something I learned a long time ago."
"If we could do that for our show... damn, they'd really roar," Paul laughed. "Say, if you could show our special effects coordinator... hmm..."
"What does a pyrotechnics advisor do?" she asked Paul.
"Well, you do that awesome cool stuff in our next show," Paul said. "Like those bright purple flashes..."
"But Paul it's not what you think..."
"Hey we all have our secrets," Paul insisted. "Like, you see when I bust up that guitar... it's not really a good one... but one I keep backstage while the smoke starts to fly from Ace's... and then it's the old switch..."
"That's all very nice but..."
"I'm offering you a job Menne," he said, realizing she wasn't getting the gist of his words. ìHow would you like to take this on the road?"
"I don't know how long I could commit... to such a thing..." she stammered out, floored at his request.
"As long as you want," Paul smiled. "You'd have a good salary, room and board expenses paid. Seeing as Ace told us he asked your lady friend to stick with us, or rather, with him, for a while..."
"Who... what..."
"Didn't she tell you? Ace talked Jaime into traveling back with us as we head to the West Coast... by bus of all things. We haven't traveled like that for years!" Paul laughed as if in thought. "And Ace is supposed to be the Spaceman! Seems like he's being pulled back to Earth lately. Maybe she will be able to help. He's been in need of a regrounding for awhile. She seems to have a calming affect on him."
"Er... excuse me..." Mennehotep groaned, feeling a little faint again. Paul caught her about the waist as she pitched forward.
"Does this happen often?" Paul asked with a slight hint of humor in his voice as he supported her once again.
"No... just... lately..." she whispered, dark eyes fixing into his.
Chapter 8
"Hey what's new pussycat?" came a gravely, sexy voice from behind the brooding Nefertina. Playfully a low purr sounded against her ear, which felt delicious. Sohkarra stifled a giggle at the two, while Peter hugged Nefertina from behind.
"Who in the world!" Nefertina stammered, when a warm kiss pressed to her cheek. "Peter... you stinker! I didn't... recognize you without the makeup..."
"Excuse me," Sohkarra said, getting up. "Have you seen Ace?"
"He's jamming right now. In the back," Peter nodded his head towards the soundstage. As they watched her leave, Peter took Sohkarra's place opposite Tina.
"Hey, what's up, beautiful?" he asked her.
"Oh, just some stuff..." she muttered, thrusting her hands into her blue jean pockets.
"Oh," Peter said, trying to guess what the cause of her troubled expression was. "You in trouble or something, like with the law?"
"Well, sorta... yes and no..." she said. Peter gripped her hand.
"Hey, if you need to call someone... I have something for you..." he said, and reached into his jacket pocket. Nefertina felt him slip a flat oblong card into her hand.
"What's this?"
"A calling card. There's a pay phone downstairs. I figured you might wanna call someone and let them know where you crashed... if I know what that troubled face means..."
"Thanks, you're a doll," she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Hey, come here," Peter said, grabbing her hand. He pulled her onto his knee, wrapping his arms around her. Nefertina sighed deeply through their resulting kiss. Safely tucked onto his lap she allowed herself a few more moments of his comforting warmth. She couldn't help but realize what Sohkarra had, enough to break with her own standards and come here. That next day, Nefertina tensely broke the news to JaKal that they wouldn't be coming back quite as soon as she had hoped. Silently she was thankful to Bastet that this conversation was through a pay phone, and not face to face. She could feel the hostile vibrations through the receiver.
"Where are you, and what is going on?" asked a very upset JaKal to a patient Nefertina.
"We're fine, and Sohkarra's fine," said Nefertina. "Menne and I are staying with her."
"Where are you?"
"Oh, in New York City. Sohkarra's got some situation here that needs her special attention, and we're keeping an eye on her, don't worry..."
"What sort of a situation?"
"Oh, just a patient from the Crisis Center," Nefertina boldly lied. "Someone was sick, and needed her help. But we'll come back as soon as we can, okay?"
"But her duty to her brother..."
"It's been quiet, right? And besides, you have old Tuthmosis as a backup. We'll be fine!"
"But I would have you back here..."
"Uh, I don't think that would be wise, JaKalÖ"
"Nefertina, what is going on?"
"It's all under control. MenneÖwell, she got a job here...and she's helping Sohkarra with the situation... with that patient. It's all covered..."
"We would join you..."
"No, you just sit tight. I'll let you know when we'll be coming back," Nefertina fumbled. "Besides the young Prince still needs you there. Tell him Karra is fine!"
"Why will she not speak to me?"
"Can you blame her after what happened between you two last time? How you treated her when she only wanted to help you? Have you forgotten what you said to her?" Nefertina suddenly snapped. "Look, just leave it to us, and we'll bring her back... but let us do it our way!" Nefertina slammed the phone down in disgust. She hated lying to the lead guardian, but this was a desperate situation. Ace still wanted Sohkarra's company and seemed to really desire her as a woman. At least he was not denying his desire for her as JaKal had recently. What was she to do?
"Not good, huh?" came a voice from behind her.
"Peter...oh, I didn't see you there..."
"Babe, you look a little scared. Something wrong?"
"No... it's just... well, someone who doesn't get why I'm out here," Nefertina fumbled.
"Maybe they should lay off," Peter shook his head. "Me and the guys are going to rehearse soon. Want to sit in?"
"Sure. I'll be right there..." said Nefertina, rushing off after Peter. She gave one last look at the phone.
"I sure hope you appreciate this, Karra," Nefertina muttered to herself. "I'm sticking my neck out for you this time..." She stood there biting her lip unconsciously. How had everything gotten so screwed up? Was there no end to the responsibility of a royal guardian? She was beginning to wish none of them had ever heard of the rock group KISS.
Part II
Chapter 1: Philadelphia, one week later
Once the band finished their Philadelphia gig (their latest concert since New York), things were falling into a nice routine. Or as routine as rock and roll tours can ever be. They had reached Pittsburgh by bus, and preparations for that night's concert were well underway.
"How's the new recruit doing?" Paul asked regarding Menne, striding onstage with his rhinestone-studded Washburn guitar hanging over his shoulder.
"Fine enough," Chuck announced. "She knows more about pyro then we ever could teach... but she's a little spacey..."
"Careful... that's Ace's department," Paul teased.
"No, it's like she's got her mind somewhere else... but she's doing a good job. Pretty chick, too..."
"Where is she?" Paul asked, and Chuck pointed to a figure leaning over with several other black- shirted individuals. Both men and women, they swarmed about the KISS set like ants at a picnic. Some assembled the huge stack of speakers, while others set up the relays and flash pots.
"Hot damn!" Chuck coughed. "What the hell was that!"
"Whoa!" Paul exclaimed, batting aside smoke. "Wicked! This'll kick butt for sure!" he said with a laugh.
"Holy crap that was something..." Chuck muttered.
"I told you that only needed one tenth of that!" Menne's despairing wail came as she trotted to Chuck's side. Paul nodded appreciatively at her shapely figure, clad in the black T-shirt with the band logo across one breast. The silver belt hung about her hips, over the bluejeans she wore today with hightopped sneakers.
"What did you put in that?" Doc McGhee's voice came from offstage.
"My own mixture," Menne said nervously, as she saw Paul was standing right there with an amused look on his face.
"That was something else, alright," Paul said, striding over to her.
"I take it you're pleased..."
"Pleased?! Hey that's not the word!" he laughed, gripping her upper arms.
"Uh..."
"This... is one hell of a fireworks display..." he nodded. "Wait till the other guys see it..."
"The next thrill..." Chuck muttered.
Chapter 2: Indianapolis, a week later:
The band had stopped at Market Square Arena, and was completing the laborious process of a pre-concert last minute check. Pittsburgh and Columbus had been choked with the last minute rush of shows, and Menne had little time between to actually stop and breathe. Between the fans and press she saw little of Paul. Her life consisted of the breaking down and setting up of the stage, or hours perfecting the right combination of fireworks to lighting mixtures. It was one show, and one party, after another. She would not have traded any of it for the world. Yet she couldn't help but wonder when would this strange musical tour end?
She also thought of the fact that Sohkarra was flourishing under the fast paced schedule. Ace was playing better than ever. Even the critics had something to say about the even higher quality of play that made the band sound better than ever. Sohkarra was still the subject of questions. And she, the younger Princess, was loving every moment of it. It was in the middle of the flash pot check when Mennehotep felt someone's presence behind her as she straightened up. "What the..."
"Admiring the view, that's all," came a familiar voice that sent chills over her.
"Gene, knock it off..." she turned on him, when she realized he had been standing there for perhaps a few minutes. He was in full costume, the Demon makeup painted in fresh black and white on his face. A mischievous smile came over his painted lips while he leaned on an amplifier.
"Depends on what you're asking," he shot back. "I see that blush, gal..."
"I am not blushing!" she protested, then caught her reflection in his highly polished guitar that he held up. Somehow the appearance of her in that hideous axe didn't inspire self-confidence. Even though the Love Gun T-shirt she sported with the black jeans and silver belt Paul had given her sutied her well. "Why don't you take a long walk off a short pier?" she asked.
"Cause there aren't any in Indianapolis," Gene grinned. "Unless you count the White River, and those pioneers couldn't even get a drunk horse to swim in it backwards..."
"Don't you have some encores to see to?" Menne asked, turning her back to him again.
"That's after the concert, sweetness," he corrected her. "Can't wait?"
"You are impossible!" Mennehotep shouted, whirling on him. "Can't you just leave me alone? I am not interested in your... encores!" she snapped.
"Baby, don't knock it till you try it," came Gene's answer. "Fine piece like you..."
"I am not a 'piece', Mr. Simmons," she shot back. "Or a babe, or a sister. I'm Menne...get it?"
"All right, Menne," he said distinctly, folding arms across his chest as he shifted his axe to his shoulder. "And believe me I do get it..."
"Then why don't you go sign some autographs or gross someone else out with that blasted tongue of yours?" Menne shot back. "Honestly I don't see what is so...appealing about that maneuver!"
"I can tell you about several thousand fans who think otherwise," he quipped. "What's made you so uptight lately? You look like you're ready to burst a lovely blood vessel! Is the tour a little too hot for you, sweetness... I mean Menne?"
"The day that this 'tour' is too hot for me is the day I order my own fire extinguisher," she said. "And my first target will be right down your bloody throat if you don't back off!"
"Ooh I'm scared now... if looks could kill you'd have slain this Demon," he laughed. "Keep 'em coming..."
"Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, but we were wondering if you were ready for that photo shoot now... since you're in full costume..." one of the PR people asked.
"Later!" he muttered. "I was just getting into this..."
"Gene, please knock it off with the flirting..." Paul shook his head. "I gotta work out the cues with our technical advisor..."
"Dirty rotten..." Gene muttered as he was maneuvered off into the spotlight of photos and other paparazzi.
"Thank you," Menne breathed as she saw Gene occupied to one side of the stage. Indeed it looked quite grander since she was standing on it. Nervously she checked Ace's guitar to one side. It was already rigged with special powder.
"Is he getting on your nerves because if he is..."
"He's just being annoying... but really I think it's an ego thing..."
"Got that right," Paul nodded. "Gene's a go-getter. But don't let him rattle you..."
"I have the flash powder ready. Ace's old guitar is almost ready to fall apart. But with this setup you don't need to worry about any electrical fires. Just a lot of nice smoke and sparkle..."
"Check mine?" Paul asked, and held his Washburn up.
"The cartridge is under the right string. When you move into the syncopation for the fourth riff... just scratch it with your fingernail...and instant magnesium flare... for four seconds..."
"Great stuff. This'll knock their socks off." Unfortunately his hand caressed the underside of the primed guitar.
"Wait... don't do that... the phosphor--" A bright flash sizzled into red, then green then blue. Paul laughed as he jumped back, dropping the instrument.
"I forgot to tell you. Are you unharmed?"
"A little singed," he muttered, and brushed at his chest, which was quite visible with the plunging neckline of his costume. Menne noticed a burn, and reached for the salve she kept, slowly rubbing it on his chest.
"This should help..." she said, hands moving over his chest.
"Next time," he laughed, and grinned. "That was epic!" From beneath the makeup, his eye winked at hers, and he gripped her hand. Menne inwardly groaned, and felt the intake of breath as she shivered at his touch. "You're something else, Menne," he laughed. "First a fireworks expert, and now a first aider?"
"Well..." she said, and felt his hand enclose around hers. Impetuously Paul tugged her by her hand and pressed a firm kiss to her mouth. Caught off guard, Menne's gasping turned into a muffled sigh of delight. He had to lean over to kiss her.
"Your makeup..." she laughed, when the steamy kiss broke. Paul fingered her lips stained with his red paint, keeping one arm firmly around her back.
"Looks stunning on your lovely lips," he whispered. Slowly his other hand slipped down her face to her shoulder, then traced along her arm with light feather touches. When it reached her hip his fingers lightly tickled along the belt about her waist that he'd given her two weeks ago.
"Everyone's getting in on the act, eh?" came Gene's voice. Caught like guilty teenagers the couple leapt apart.
"What's it to you?" Paul whirled on him. Menne began to rub Paul's lipstick off of hers with some odd guilt.
"Rotten trick Paul! Only a dumb butt like me would fall for it, eh? Paparazzi when you're moving in on my chick! I saw her first a whole week ago, and you didn't even give me a fair shot!"
"Excuse me, I don't see your name on her, pal," Paul moved up to him.
"Gentlemen knock it off!" Menne groaned. Gene growled low in his throat, and Paul put hands on his hips. Both men moved to within six inches of each other, their hands balling into fists. "Enough!" Menne snapped, and a phosphor flare burst between them.
"What?" Paul and Gene asked simultaneously as they picked themselves up off the concert stage.
"I'm not some trophy the winner gets!" Mennehotep snapped. "Stop this childish male game at once..."
"Easy baby we were only fooling," Gene protested.
"Yeah, busting each other's chops," Paul put in. Menne groaned.
"Oh please! I'm not interested in... this flirtation..." she sighed.
"Gene, get it through your skull, she's not interested..." Paul sighed exasperated.
"Where the hell is everyone?" Gene glanced around suddenly. Where were all the other roadies and technicians? There were no paparazzi, and the distant sounds of shouts and cries met their ears.
"You didn't let those autograph hounds in I hope," Paul muttered.
Gene whirled around, his metal armor clinking on his platform boots. "What the hell are those things?" he asked. Several clay figures had suddenly moved in towards the stage. "Another special effect you didn't tell us about?"
"That's no special effect," Menne breathed.
"Damned if I know..." muttered Paul, who moved near Mennehotep.
"Get back gentleman..." she cautioned.
"What the f..." Gene got out before a red light sizzled inches from his boot. "Watch it..."
"Run away!" Menne cried.
"Holy crap these things are for real!" Gene realized, leaping out of the way as another shot fizzled a smoking crater where he had stood moments before.
"Paul! Get help!" Menne shouted.
"Hell no!" Paul cried, as he grabbed his microphone stand. It tripped the Shabti, sending it headlong. Paul dodged the next blow from a laser, pulling Mennehotep behind him. He grabbed his Washburn, holding it before him defensively. "Stop right there, pal!" he snapped, slamming his guitar into the next Shabti with a sickening crack. It broke into a million pieces, while the guitar snapped cleanly at the neck.
"Not your instrument!" Menne despaired.
"Not a problem! I've got a dozen of these things!"
Not to be left out of the action, Gene grabbed his celebrated bass and sent it smashing into one of the Shabti. The axe was solid frame construction, and it easily cracked through clay. "Hah! Mine's built to last! Prepare to be punished, rejects," Gene grinned, swinging his bass before him. Menne suppressed a gasp when the axe quickly reduced two Shabti into headless statues. She then cartwheeled, slamming her feet into a Shabti who had jumped down from a stack of speakers. Near her, Paul kicked at another with a platform boot, cracking the hand from its arm. "All right dipshits, who's next?" Gene growled low in his throat, brandishing his axe in ever-broadening arcs.
"Now what?" Paul asked, when the lines of clay figurines kept advancing. They backed the trio towards a side rise, Gene beating off their advance.
"We dish it out, till they can't take it anymore!" Gene snarled.
"No, now what!" Paul pointed to a robed figure that advanced upon them in a purple mist. "Tell me what we're gonna do about him..." Gene's hand slammed into the electronic control, and the platform began to rise, taking the trio with them.
"Scarab!" Menne choked out, grabbing Paul for stability when they shot up ten feet.
"Wait, you know this guy, sister?" Gene asked.
"Yes... he's totally crazy, and deadly serious..."
"I don't know who you two characters are...but you won't stop me from getting the princess!" Scarab snarled at both of the suited figures.
There came a blast that zinged at their feet. Gene glanced to Paul, who grabbed Mennehotep as he leaped down from the slowly lowering platform onto another that had just risen from the stage. Gene leaped to the drum set after them, backed up on the stage.
"Hold on, wait a minute, what Princess?" Paul demanded, holding up a hand. "Are you playing with a full deck, mister?"
"Speaking of that, who the hell are you?" Gene snarled. Mennehotep threw herself onto Gene, knocking him to safety just before Scarab's blasts rained on them. They fell perhaps five feet with a thump.
"Get back you stupid idiot!" she shouted at him, his massive form under her. She was sprawled across him bodily, her front pressed to his.
"Hey baby," he glanced up at her with an amused look. "Normally I love it when chicks throw themselves at me...but what the hell did you stop me for?"
"It's so simple even you can understand it! He's got magical powers, and you don't!" Mennehotep said, as she glanced up. Quickly she tossed a lightening spell at the two Shabti on either side. Gene rubbed his head, and Menne sighed as she scrambled up off of him.
"Look out!" Paul shouted, and pushed Menne aside. The three costumed figures stood back to back, as the Shabti circled them.
"Ah, now care to try this again, gentlemen?" asked Scarab.
"With the Wisdom of Isis," she chanted, thrusting them behind her. She knew it was bad news to transform in front of mortals, but Paul could get hurt; even Gene, who she would just as soon see knocked out for his stupidity and chauvinism.
"Holy crap!" Gene gasped as they saw the purple swirls enveloping Mennehotep.
"Wicked! We could use that in our next concert!" Paul muttered.
"Only you would think of something
