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Heaven's on Fire

By Theresa Meyers
 

Disclaimer: KISS are their own organization, and the fictional portrayal here is not meant to be demeaning to them. Mennehotep is my own character, and Sohkarra is Jaime Clough's. Nefertina is the property of Mummies Alive.
 

Author's Note: One of Gene's old girlfriends from the 1970's pays a visit while they are still in concert. They share a memorable night, and Gene realizes just why he remembered her so well. Even though having pictures of his past conquests did jog his memory; there was something more about her that made the experience memorable. Her name is Dr. Raina MacLaren, a planetary geology professor from NYC. She met Gene years ago when he was a public school teacher with her in NYC. Later, when the band was just making it big they shared a number of "encores" together. She shows up at a concert with three of her students in makeup, and meets him backstage, because her student Keith wanted to meet Ace.  This first reunion takes place around the time when Ace has his crisis that Sohkarra attempts to help him with in the story "Tonight You Belong To Me".

Chapter 1: San Francisco Concert on Psycho Circus Tour

 "You got tickets?" asked a guy in an orange T-shirt to the four KISS fans in the large 1976 Mustang, painted a shade of electric green.

"To park?" Raina asked, as she leaned next to Keith.  The scalper inwardly wondered at the contrast in their ages, for the woman with feathered brown hair, shoulder length, appeared to be in her thirties.  A pair of vivid green eyes fixed upon him behind the thick glasses. Maybe she was this kid's mother, for all he knew.  Yeah.  That was it.  Judging by the Destroyer T-shirt she wore, and the bluejean vest with the KISS Army patch, she must be an old time fan bringing her kids for the KISS experience.  The slender fellow behind the driver's wheel had those oval framed glasses with amber lenses, a chain choker around his neck.  Blond hair fringed his face in a short cut that was long on the top and shaved in the back.  His own jacket neatly framed the Reunion Tour shirt with the four telltale figures across it, brand new next to her faded shirt.

The blonde in the back seat had on a black minidress, and what looked like a cat collar with a large silver cross around her neck, while the Hispanic-looking guy next to her with the baseball cap and the Skid Row T-shirt looked more like normal teenagers.  College students, probably here to see Skid Row and grumble about why Sebastian Bach was no longer in the lineup.

"Nah...for the concert," Keith grumbled, set off by the tongue bar that clattered against his teeth as he talked. "No man we're cool..."

"I can upgrade ya..."

"Keith, let's haul ass or we'll miss Skid Row!" Sharon blared into his ear.

"Like who gives a crap as long as we see the guys," Keith muttered back over his shoulder.

"Guys, let's just go," Carlos chimed in.

"Thanks but no thanks," Raina spoke clearly to the disappointed scalper.

"But I can fix ya up..."

"I pledge allegiance to the state...of rock and roll!" blared over the ancient stereo system while Keith rolled up the window on a less than savory ticket scalper.

"I still can't believe you of all people are a fan!" Carlos muttered as they pulled into the log. He fished in the cooler in the back seat of Keith's '76 Mustang, and pulled out a Storm. Why Keith had this obsession with 70's stuff was beyond him; it was far more then the retro fashions that had just come out recently.

"Got the makeup?" Keith asked Sharon. She opened the makeup case that sat next to her, and began to extract the various components Keith had put together.

"All right kids, this is it," Raina laughed excitedly from the front seat of the car. Keith selected silver and white pancake makeup, and Carlos fumbled for the black.

"Nice of the Drama guys to part with this," Sharon nudged Carlos.

"Best stuff," Carlos nodded. "If you wanna be like authentic. At least the way you plaster it on Keith..."

Sharon grinned as Carlos smirched her face with a foundation base coat. Raina did the same to Keith, who waited patiently. As the first coat dried a bit, he started with Raina's application. The windows were rolled down slightly to let a cooling breeze into the large boat of a car. Three, then four base coats later Raina began to paint blue around Keith's eyes, as he started with the black upon her face.

"Hold still Sharon," Carlos urged. Baby powder wafted into a considerable cloud in the car, making Sharon sneeze. Keith bit his lip as he finished the final touches to Raina's own makeup, and she touched up his own.

"Perfect," Keith nodded. "Absolutely perfect..."

Raina glanced in the rear view mirror at her two other students, who were busily painting on their lipstick. Sharon fluffed out her short blond hair around her cheeks, while Carlos spritzed her with hair spray. He tugged on a long black wig from the makeup case, and tilted his head back as he shook the curls out.

"All right! WE ready to rock?" Raina asked Keith.

"Right on!" he lifted his thumb in the thumbs up sign.

"I still think we look silly," Sharon muttered.

"Too bad the Cat doesn't have your tongue, chica," Carlos laughed. "Relax. I still can't believe we're actually... here!"

"Enough talk, guys! Let's move before the best spots get taken!" Keith urged them. Nodding to Raina he passed the makeup back to Carlos who stowed it into he large makeup kit. He shoved it under the back seat while Sharon and the others got out of the car.

"Whoa!" came a reaction from a passer by. "Killer makeup!"

"Thanks man," Keith laughed. A flash of silver surrounded his blue eyes.

"Can I take a picture?" asked the person to their left.

Keith pulled Sharon's hands away from her face while Carlos grinned winningly through his mask of Starchild makeup. Raina playfully shot out her tongue for a second as the three college students posed around her. Carlos gripped her shoulder as he pulled his lips into a seductive pout. Sharon was maneuvered to crouch in front of their geology professor, as Keith lay his arm over Raina's shoulders with a whimsical spaced out look worthy of the Space Ace himself.

"Thanks!" she laughed, and moved off. Sharon glanced up to Raina with a less nervous look from behind the cat whiskers.

"Not so bad, eh, kitty cat?" Keith nudged her.

"Don't start. This doesn't mean it will stay on throughout the show... what if it runs?" Sharon asked.

"It shouldn't. I mean like that's what the powder is for," Carlos said. "Now relax, would ya? Let's pick up the tickets..."

"ALL RIGHT SAN FRANCISCO!! YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST! THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD...KISS!!!"

Tension knotted in Sharon's stomach to fever pitch. The three had rocked on to the two opening acts, but this was the highlight of the evening. Raina leapt up with a shriek when the black curtain dropped away. Light and sound exploded with the rumbling bass and guitar chords that ripped through. From above a platform dropped to reveal three figures in glittering silver and black.

"Detroit Rock City!" Sharon screamed with joy, grabbing Keith's waist. He laughed, and gave her an excited hug. Carlos gripped Raina's hand and gave it a thumbs up shake.

The rest of the experience erupted into an excited tangle of music, fireworks, and screams. Not for a minute did Sharon's adrenaline rush cease.  "Peter!" she screamed, almost jumping onto her seat.  Carlos pulled her down when he noticed the disgruntled security guard approaching.  Periodically she would hug Keith or Raina in her excitement as they all sung along. The trio played mean air guitars while Sharon drummed on the back of her seats. She could almost imagine herself tucked behind that drum set like Peter Criss. So far the makeup had not run a lick from her sweating face. They were perhaps 15 rows from the stage.

"Wait! Catch it! Catch it!" Keith shouted. Small bits of plastic catapulted from the stage, landing amidst the scrambling fans. Raina leapt up nearly a foot, grasping a pick in midair while astonished people watched.

"You got it! No way!" Carlos muttered, and opened his own hand. A small blue pick glistened there with Gene's signature. Raina opened her clenched fist and passed a silvery lettered pick to Keith, who gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

"All right, Raina! But try not to show off. Most people aren't used to a high jumper!"

"I'll attempt to restrain myself," Raina shouted over the end of Cold Gin.

Keith noticed that Gene Simmons had suddenly done a double take when his eyes had happened to sweep across the audience.  It was odd.  Had the basssist really noticed them sitting there three rows back?  Paul was busy swiveling his hips to the cameraman in the security pit as Sharon drooled over the Starchild.

"He's hot for a guy in his forties!" she commented.

"Damn, don't' they ever age?" Carlos laughed as he saw Ace trotting backwards across the stage without missing a beat.  "He rips that axe like you wouldn't believe!"

"He's still the man!" Keith nodded in silent appreciation.

"If ya say Ace is God one more time, hombre..." Carlos warned him.  "You'll be looking high and low for that Les Paul..."

"You sure you can get us backstage?" Carlos asked Keith somewhere near the end of the set.

"Relax, my uncle's head of road security," Keith said as he gripped Sharon and Raina's hands. "Now come on.  We haven't got much time before they pull their disappearing act..."  The foursome threaded their way around the mess of chairs littered with confetti from Rock and Roll All Night.  To the back of the arena they wandered, till they reached a set of double doors.  "Who do you think introduced me to KISS in the first place?" Keith laughed.

"If I didn't see your room at home man I would have thought it was you, Raina," Sharon joked to their professor, who was as excited as her students as they moved past the taped off line.

"No way, he's been a fan since age 7!" Raina smiled.

Keith made an odd gesture, and walked up to one of the guards.  They didn't blink.  However Raina suddenly strode up to them, looking cool and casual in Demon makeup.  She whispered something to one of them and they nodded with a wink. Just then one of them gave her a thumbs up.

"All right.  Good luck gal.  But don't say we didn't warn ya..." he laughed.

"Thanks gentleman," she laughed.

"They aren't as young as they were," said the other.  "They're a bunch of old guys..."

"They can still play you under the table any day," Keith shot back.

"Peter's still hot!" Sharon added as she flounced past them into the world beyond.

Chapter 2

Roadies bustled about like ants in a hill, taking down pieces of the set.  The four fans clutched hands, feeling like Dorothy going to see the wizard.  Was this really happening, Sharon wondered.  Nervous butterflies almost made her want to empty the nachos and draft beer she had shared with Keith.  Gulping, she noticed as Keith hugged one of the road crew.

"Hey, Keith!" he laughed.  "Thought you'd never make it!"

"Hey Uncle Jack!  Yeah, these are my friends all right.  So can you fix it for us?"

"Not a problem.  Ace owes me a favor," he laughed.  "You'll see him soon enough.  But I can't do more then two hours, and they have to hit the road.  Say, who is your lovely fan club?"

"He's Carlos, and that's Sharon...and that's the Professor..."

"Haven't we met?" Jack asked her, shaking Raina's hand.

"Depends," she smiled.

"I could swear I saw you before..."

Meanwhile the guys were wondering at the four fans who had made it backstage as they came out from the green room towards their dressing rooms.  Photographers snapped their pictures as each member of KISS strode past.  Larger then life they moved as a unit towards the newcomers.  Ace had mentioned something about a favor.

Gene inwardly hoped it would have nothing to do with a certain redhead that had come to share their company lately.  He had heard she had gone away on a side trip to take care of some unfinished business.  Ace was not exactly thrilled to see her go, but managed to hold himself together...for now.  But the signs were all in place.  The last few concerts when Ace had shown up late to the performance made him suspicious.  Was Ace turning back to old habits yet again?  Paul wondered the same thing.  They shared a mutual look of concern when Ace almost tripped over a nearby extension cord.

"Whoops," the Space Ace muttered, with a silly grin.  Peter shook his head and helped his friend before he tottered over on his silver platforms.

"Ahoy gentleman, the fans approach," Paul joked.

"Nice gal, a little young," Peter muttered to Ace when he saw the blonde who couldn't be more then 21 at the most standing near the two guys.

"Remember you're going steady," Ace scolded him.  "What would Tina say if she found she wasn't the top kitten anymore..."

"Hey I can look at the merchandise even if I don't want to buy," Peter nudged him.

"Guys behave," Paul gave them both a gentle shove.

Gene did a double take as the woman in makeup that mirrored his own moved in close. "Hey Gene! Long time no see!"

"Holy crap..." Gene muttered, and glanced into a pair of emerald green eyes that sparkled from the black patches that were identical to his own. That melodic alto voice seemed damned familiar.  It had been years...but...

"Just a minute..." he said, and moved off. "Stay there! There's something I need to check. Don't move!"

"Whatever you say, Dr. Love," she laughed. Keith and Sharon looked oddly at Raina, as their friend Carlos giggled.

"Don't tell me...You know him?"

"Sure do," Raina chuckled. Gene returned in a moment, a photo in his gloved hand.

"Raina MacLaren? Holy shit it's been... ages..." Gene said, shaking his head. "How the hell are ya, babe?"

"Doing quite well," she smiled.

"I've heard that line before."

"Think what you like," Raina shook her head. "You haven't changed a bit."

"Don't I know it..."

"So you're here with friends, eh?" Gene asked, with a suspicious look towards Keith and Sharon.

"They're good kids," Raina said. "Sharon and Keith are trying the relationship thing..."

"Really?" Gene drawled, and then a mischievous sparkle came into his dark eyes.

"What did you think made me bring them?" Raina rested a hand on her hip.

"I know ya have this rather interesting preference once in a while," Gene grinned.

"So you do remember me," Raina teased.

"Don't just stand there, come here you!" Gene laughed, and pulled her to himself with a strong arm.  "Aren't you going to give me a proper welcome?"

"Depends on what you had in mind," Raina shot back with a deep laugh. Gene towered over her laughably so, but effortlessly he lifted the sturdy geologist into his arms as he plastered a kiss on her makeup that mirrored his own. Arms wrapped around his neck as Raina heated up what seemed like a simple peck at first. Her students looked on in wonder as the kiss continued for the better part of five minutes. Finally Gene had to surface for air, still holding her off her feet in his strong arms. Which was no small effort, Keith realized. She was definitely far from the bits of fluff Gene had known in the past.

"Oh yeah," Gene gasped as he breathed in and out, a little bit winded. "You've still got it babe..."

"As have you," Raina laughed. "Still don't know when to quit, do you?"

"Since when was that a problem," he shot back, setting her on her feet again.

"You said it, not me," she retorted, stepping back a moment.

"What brings ya here, other then to bask in my glory?"

"My students want to meet your illustrious group," she said. "Meet Keith Polasky, Carlos Garcia, and Sharon Mitchell."

"Students? Don't tell me your some damned teacher..."

"You didn't have a problem with that as I recall, till they caught you using a comic book as a teaching aid?" Raina quipped.

"Couldn't stand the ankle biters," Gene snorted. "They don't know how to teach shit in those public schools... no offense..."

"None taken," Raina said with a laugh. "I'm at NYU. Professor of Geology..."

"Holy crap," Gene shook his head. "You don't look a day over... man... has it been 20 years?"

"Close to it," Raina said. "Been counting the minutes and seconds? Or is that being overly optimistic..."

"How do you two know each other?" Keith asked.

"Simple. I was one of his encores," Raina said. Gene was still amazed with her bluntness before her students, but gave what seemed to pass for a look of pride.

"And he remembered you?" was the first words out of Carlos' mouth before he realized he had said it aloud.

"I have a good memory, kid," Gene bragged.

"That he does," Raina nodded. Keith seemed surprised she didn't seem the least bit offended in any manner. Yet he was too excited when Ace Frehley caught sight of him and gave a chuckle.

"Hey Paul!" Paul Stanley smiled when he caught sight of Carlos in full makeup. The two shook hands, and Sharon nearly lost her voice when Peter Criss smiled winningly at her.

"Uh... hi..." she choked out. He stroked her back as he moved close to whisper, "Great to see some younger fans... for a change..."

For the next few minutes they entertained the teenagers with questions and autographs.  Jokes were exchanged as Ace signed something for Keith, and they played with his Gibson Les Paul for the better part of an hour.  Sharon almost fainted when Peter sat very close and personal to her with his arm draped around her shoulders.  Carlos and Paul shared their own questions and answers.

The rest of the world had momentarily ceased to exist as Gene took Raina's arm and moved her over to a less prominent spot. "So why did ya come here?" he laughed. "Memorabilia?"

"You could say that," Raina glanced back. "Actually those three students were struggling to scrape money together on their own. Their fourth member backed out, and I was more then happy to take the ticket and come myself..."

"Damn, you haven't changed much after all these years," Gene whispered under his breath at her.

"I could say the same for you. How have you been..."

"Borderline crappy actually," he lowered his voice. "And if I know you, you already have figured out why..."

"Ace's illness," Raina completed. "Keith was devastated at the possibility that Ace had gone back to the bottle. He's his hero, you know..."

"Kid could do better, but that's his business," Gene muttered.

"How is Ace? He seemed pretty clear headed..."

"That's the problem. He's held his shit together for this last performance... but now..."

"Betty Ford?" Raina raised an eyebrow.

"No. Some dame he's been seeing is playing 'therapist.'"

"That red head?" Raina raised an eyebrow as she indicated the red-haired woman whom Ace had suddenly folded into his arms.  Her three students had been moved off to one side, while two more women joined the other members of the band.  She wondered who the bronze skinned beauty with the straight black hair was that Paul pulled onto his boot tops with a grin.  They shared a heated kiss for the better part of two minutes.  Peter sheepishly backed away from Sharon when a brunette model moved over to him with a questioning glance.  A strange tingle seemed to come over Raina, and she shivered with familiarity. Gene raised an eyebrow at this.  Who were these three women?

"That's the one," Gene muttered to Raina.  Her three students were being maneuvered out towards the Green Room, waving towards her with thumbs up and winks while the other band members vanished towards their dressing rooms with the three strangers.

"Something very unusual about her," Raina kept her voice low.  Gene moved closer to Raina, his breath hot in her ear.  "But what are you doing for your time off? Or will it be any time off?"

"Hmm," Gene muttered, stroking his chin. "Producing... a little business... a little pleasure..."

"Party hard and play harder, eh?" Raina said, resting her hands on her hips. "If I know this Demon..."

"Since your students seem really into mixing it up with the guys..." Gene muttered, and took a long hard look at Raina, who fixed her gaze on the strange women who had joined the other three. Already they were emerging from the dressing area, their faces free of the makeup now.  The Demon appeared to be considering something deeply while he glanced over at them as well.  He grabbed a guard and whispered something to him, and the man nodded as he moved away.

"Interested in taking some time off your busy schedule?" Gene asked moving close.

"Depends on my course load..." Raina said. "As it stands I'm on a semester break..."

"Why don't we get reacquainted," Gene whispered, rubbing his hand along her hip.  "I told my man to look after the kids."

"My students need to get home," she said with a slight laugh.

"NYU's not far, babe," Gene whispered into her ear, moving her hair aside.

"Gene, we are two thousand miles from New York!!!"

"So, KISS has a custom 747, and there's nothing that can stop us from sending true fans home in style, isn't there? I'm sure they'll be able to get by for a night on their own... they are legal age, aren't they?"

"No doubt. But..."

"It's all taken care off.  They're getting the royal treatment, and I said you were 'occupied'.  The usual story."

"Gene Simmons, what are you doing?" Raina raised an eyebrow.

"You didn't come here to play chaperone, babe," Gene laughed. "Don't screw with me on that line. You're a diehard member of the Army, and couldn't resist a last look at the guys!"

"Is that a crime?" Raina laughed, her hand pushing him away slightly as he moved up close and personal.

"Not the last time I looked," Gene mumbled, leaning close as he inhaled the earthy scent of her sweat mingled with the simple deodorant she wore. No frills, just the basics she used. Not cheap, but pragmatic and no nonsense. With a good bit of flesh on her to boot. This could be a very good night indeed. Not every chick came back for a second, third or fourth encore. Especially not after 20 years! Yet it was something more about her that pulled him like a magnet to north. A sort of deep instinctual affinity he couldn't explain. Nothing silly like love, but more of a mutual need. Like wanting steak instead of junk food. Leaning over he pressed his lips to hers, almost bent double. Her lips tasted of fresh air and pine freshness. Her tongue was still sweet with the diet soda she must have drained in a single gulp out of the cup she still carried.

"Great to see ya baby," he muttered against her lips. "Wanna get reacquainted?"

"That would be very interesting..." she laughed. Slowly they wrapped arms around each other's waists, and headed off in the direction of the limos to the hotel.

As they were walking together, Gene continued to speak, "So feel like tagging along like last time?" he whispered in her ear.

"I'm afraid a one night show is all I can manage at this point with my course load. It's not till the semester break when they can let me go..."

"When's that?"

"In a couple weeks..."

"Say, I have a week off coming up after the San Francisco concert, about that time. You wanna meet me there? And then come with me to LA? Keep me company while I make nice-nice with the recording labels? I'm leaving next morning... if you catch my drift..."

Raina gave him a slight bat on the side of his head as she added, "Now you ask me... even before the encore! That's a new one. You really must have missed me then..."

"Let's just say some things change..."

Chapter 3:

Only a few hours after his memborable meeting in San Francisco, Gene could hardly wait to get home to his place in Beverly Hills. It had been a long and grueling few months. Yet he had about a week to kick back and relax according to Doc. Just what that meant to the guys in the band differed.

"Come get your cute ass over here, you little stinker," he said, reaching to her in the limosine as they rolled along.

"I do have a name Eugene. I suggest you use it from time to time," Raina lifted an eyebrow. He winced, because she knew how he hated being called that!

"Don't even go there..." he shook a finger at her.

"Be lucky I didn't call you by your real name, Chaim Witz!" she chuckled, and the sound of his original name on her lips shivered him with an odd jolt of ancient reality.

"All right, already! People have been rubbing me the wrong way all this damned tour," Gene held up his hands. "About time someone rubbed me the right way...and it looks like you're elected, Ray..."

"So how have people been rubbing you the wrong way, Gene?"

"Paul had almost gone into a hissy fit when Menne had turned up missing, and then there was that business with Ace and Sohkarra. Just how she had convinced him to let them run off for a week to God knows where was beyond him. I sure as hell hoped it would clean Ace's act up."

She let him draw her to his side as he slipped an arm around her. He couldn't help but sense he was forgetting something very important in the rush and fluster of dealing with Ace's drinking problem rebounding. Paul's worry over Menne's disappearance had the security guards in a tizzy trying to track her down.

"Gene, let it go. You're on vacation, right?" Raina sighed, and he shook his head.

"God it would be damned good to get back to Beverly Hills and do something quiet, like lining up studio musicians for the new album. Just in case..."

"In case what?" Raina asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Gene muttered, and then changed the subject, "Here we are gal, home sweet home."

Gene climbed out of the limo, and helped Raina out. They strode up the familiar walkway to his place. It was a tudoresque mansion, medium sized with pleasant landscaping. There was the usual bustle of activity of house staff and others that seemed to have shown up on his doorstep, the usual reporters and hangers on. He laughed past them as he closed the front gate and headed in.  There was a dry dragging scrape that made his head turn quickly.

"What the hell?" he wondered, looking abruptly around. Nothing.

"What's wrong?" Raina asked.

"I could swear I heard someone...out front...but it's probably just the gardner..."

Shrugging, he entered the front door and set about relaxing. Which meant a few phone calls from inside while his personal house staff busied themselves with making dinner and bringing him and Raina ice cold Fresca. She laughed when their luggage was brought into the place with his other possessions, the Punisher guitars he hardly let out of his sight lately.

"What is all this?" she laughed when one of them insisted on taking her bluejean jacket from her. Gene still had his ear glued to the cell phone with a last minute conversation to Doc McGhee.

"Hey, why not? I've got the money.  Speaking of which, want something to eat while we go get into something a little more...comfortable?" he asked slyly, clicking off his cell phone for a moment.

"Sounds good..."

"Well you go freshen up, and make yourself at home.  Ask the help if there's anything you want...and meet me down here in an hour, okay baby?"  He leaned over to brush his lips to hers, before he snapped his fingers and summoned a maid to lead Raina to a guestroom where she could change.   Dinner was already prepared and on the table for them. In contented silence Gene ate his meal and delighted in the absence of a crowd of people hoarding around him, except for the calming presence of the woman at his left. Yet it dawned on him as nice as it was to be waited on by his help, he still felt the need to be alone once in a while. Now was one of these nights he wasn't sure if he wanted to be spoiled or left alone.

"Wanna have a little fun?" Gene asked her, clutching her hand across the table.

"Depends on what you have in mind..."
 

Chapter 4

Gene was just done dismissing the help for the night when he had that odd sense that he wasn't alone in the large mansion. Muttering to himself he wondered if someone had mucked up the security system again, or if one of the staff was working late.

"I can't shake it..." Gene muttered to Raina when they left the dining room.

"What?" Raina asked.

"The feeling we're not alone," Gene shook his head.

"Oh good grief, Gene, this is Beverly Hills! Why should you be suprised to..."

However, he saw no one as he wandered from room to room. Gene took his soda, and led Raina into the vast sitting room. Both of them sat down, a bit apart from each other.

"Dammit, strange shit has been happening throughout this entire tour, that's why! So why the hell would I not be suprised if some psycho was trailing me?"

"Gene, get a grip," Raina shook her head. "Isn't this your house for crying out loud?"

Gene glanced into the green eyes behind the glasses, centering his reality there. She had such a calming effect on him sometimes. He suddenly realized why, and what he needed now was a jolt of reality: somenone down to earth that wasn't caught up in the strange paranormal activities or odd unreality that frequented their tour.

"Shit, who would have thought Psycho Circus was the way this tour was, not just some damned gimmick," Gene grumbled, knocking back the rest of his Fresca. Raina eased her way close to him on the sectional sofa.

"Leave it go, Gene," she urged. "I am."

Dark brown eyes met green ones in a tense moment that evaporated into a look of mutual desire. Hunger fixed into her gaze, the need apparent. "I've got a man sized predicament. And it's a big one too..." he said with a wink.

"Give me a break," she laughed, hand on her hip. "I'm not bending over... and if you call me 'bitch' I swear you'll not know your head from a hole in the..."

Gene leaned over, his hand slipping over her cheek as his lips brushed against hers. Raina's next comment vanished at the feel of his other hand slipping up her thigh. Her own hands traveled to his legs, slipping over the bluejeans he had changed into after stripping off his Demon costume.

"You are a bad habit," she shook her head.

"What can I say?"

"You're terrible, absolutely rotten," Raina laughed.

"Doesn't mean spit to you, does it doll?" he laughed. "Admit it. You're hot for me, as I am for you. So lets cut the crap and let ourselves go, okay?"

"That is much preferable to verbal sparring," Raina nodded. They came towards each other, their arms outstretched. Gene pulled her close, as his hungry mouth closed over hers. She did not bend against him, but reached up to match his forceful kiss with one that nearly singed his lips with its strength.

"Oh yeah, that's more like it," he gasped when the kiss broke. Again Gene leaned over, pressing ever closer to her as he felt her pressing against his chest invitingly. The softness of her tempered with her muscle thrilled and teased him simultaneously as his tongue attempted the same within her moist mouth. He felt her hands moving all up and down his back and his thighs with strong fingers that knew exactly how to knead out the tension in every fiber. She was equally pleasing under his hands that returned the physical caresses.

He stood up off the sofa, and moved before her, grasping her hands as he pulled her to her feet. Strong arms crushed her to him. Reaching up to kiss a man that towers over you is quite an onerous task, but Raina joked often that being a rock climber had its advantages. Especially when that man was more then willing to accommodate by holding onto your ample backside with a pair of extremely strong hands.

Gene had to admit he was enjoying the hell out of himself. Not all the women he had bedded had proved an interesting challenge. Raina gave, but only on her terms. Rarely had he met a woman with quite the same vigor and enthusiasm tempered with caution.  Humming with delight, he pulled her off her feet into his arms. Her solid strong weight wrapped round his hips, he carried up the main staircase towards the extensive bedroom that many  women had the privilege of seeing.

"Next time it's my turn to sweep you off your feet," she joked.

"Are you freaking serious?"

"Put me down and you'll see," Raina laughed. Gene set her on her feet as he turned to shut the door.

"What's the matter, afraid some paparazi's going to snap a shot?" she asked. "Closing a door in your own house... really!"

Gene hadn't ever stopped to think about why he wasted time closing a door in his own place. It seemed like the natural thing to do. Before he could think further, he felt a set of hands close around his waist, and lift him well off his feet. To his amazement Raina lifted him effortlessly and shifted him over her shoulder.

"Holy shit! You aren't kidding?" Gene gasped.

"Scientific proof," Raina smiled.

"Speaking of that, I've got visual proof that you have one nice ass from here..."

"Really? I would think you were more into the smaller models. Judging from the pictures on your one wall.."

Gene groaned. "Gimmie a freaking break, okay?"

"Only if you stop the cheap one liners," she shrugged, standing him up again. "I'm already in your bedroom. No need to impress me with your 'prowess' or machismo."

"Is there something wrong with me thinking you have a nice ass?"

"I'm flattered," Raina turned to him. "But let's level with each other. Stop the macho garbage, and be yourself. You're good at that too, you know."

"And I thought you liked me," he laughed.

"You're a terrible man, and an obnoxious flirt. But you're honest. That's what I like most..."

"I don't bullshit with my friends, gal. You know well enough, unless..."

"Unless what?"

"There was some other reason why you're here," Gene said, glancing at her. "Don't get me wrong, babe, it's great seeing you again. But..."

"Is it a bad thing to check up on someone you haven't seen for a long time?" Raina shrugged.

"Some weird shit has been going on lately," Gene lowered his voice, glancing around. "It's just that the last time you showed up...all hell broke loose..."

"I see.  And you're afraid that your little routine's gonna get shaken up because of me?"

"Well, yeah. I mean first this Sohkarra chick shows up, and then two of her friends. Now you...out of freaking left field..."

"Gene, I admit I'm surprised that she even hooked up with all of you in the first place. But considering who and what she is..."

"Wait, you mean you know about her?"

"I've heard legends about her..." said Raina. "Rumors."

"You? What have you heard? Level with me babe..."

"I take it then you know about her true origins, if you know her real name," Raina said.

"The stuff about her being an ancient princess, and having weird ass powers?  If that's what you mean, then yeah. But how the hell do you know all this?"

"If she has found you, then you must know that you and your band mates have rather unusual abilities. It's just like last time..."

"Raina, what the hell is going on?" Gene gripped her arms more tightly then he would have liked. She seized his hands, and gripped them with a strength that got his attention. Those small fingers closed on his wrists with a grip of iron.

"If you'll just stop shouting I'll explain," Raina snapped back at him. That look in her emerald eyes stopped his next outburst in sullen silence.   "Thank you.  Now I know this is scary, and you are out of your depth, but I'm here to sort things out. Sohkarra is with you all for a reason."

"So you haven't a lick about what's going on any more then me?"

"To tell the truth, no. But that's why I'm here. To find out. Because you're one of my friends... and because you and the guys are out of your depth...otherwise..."

"Out of our depth, you're not kidding on that one," Gene snorted. "Ever since that broad arrived it's been trouble."

"Sohkarra...or at least from what I've known, this isn't the first time she'd appeared in history. But it's the first time she's been awake for longer then a few days."

"What?"

"How else do you think she's been able to look so young over time?" Raina asked. "That's part of her secret. At least the way in which she's transcended time."

"How do you know about her?"

"I make it my business to know about other unusual people...especially those with psychic powers. Sohkarra is  powerful indeed. But there have been many unusual individuals who have materialized lately, with unique abilities far above and beyond those of normal human beings..."

"How much do you know?" Gene shook his head. "I know there are secrets you've got to keep for whatever reason, and I've never questioned before. But this time... look...I know for damn sure you're not a normal woman, considering you haven't hardly aged in 20 years..."

"You know by now that I don't age like ordinary human beings..."

"I've never met a broad with your sheer strength for sure..." Gene said, taking her hand. "And you can't tell me it's from mountain climbing. So stop screwing with me and level. You're sure as hell not an ordinary woman, and don't think I haven't noticed other inconsistencies. I'm far from stupid, and you're not the only one whose been a teacher, if you get my drift...so if there is something you're holding back because you think I can't get my brain around it..."

"I'm sorry Gene. It's just that there is only so much I think you all would understand. There are secrets I must keep, being what I am..."

"And what is that? Raina, look, considering all the weird shit that's been going down, one more revelation isn't going to kill me. So you're not like ordinary people, I've known that.  I never bothered to ask till now, cause I know we've all got secrets to keep. But if it has something to do with Sohkarra, I need to know. Ever since she's been around Ace, he hasn't acted himself. Now she's trying to cure him of his drinking... and what's to stop him from crapping out this time and wrecking his place in the band?"

"You already noticed I don't age, Gene. Neither have you, very much in the past 20 years. Did you ever stop to question why?"

"Superior genetics?" he asked with a snort.

"More then that. You and your band mates are not normal people either. This goes far and beyond the fact of your talents and luck. Something that sets you above and beyond ordinary people. You see that the women with you have unusual powers. Well, to tell the truth you and the guys do as well. You aren't just Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter. There was a reason beyond KISS that the four of you are together now."

"And what does this have to do with you? Are you some broad from ancient Egypt too? Are you immortal or something?"

"Heh, I've been around for a long time, Gene. But not that long. Yes, I could well be immortal, and I have seen several centuries in my long life..."

"Say what?" Gene asked, almost ready to lose his temper.  "If this is some joke it sure as shit isn't funny, Raina!"

"I'm not joking Gene Simmons," she shook her head.  "God knows I wish I was."

"Wait, if you really are several centuries old, then just how old are you, sister?"

"Seven hundred of your earth years," she looked up at him. "Long enough to see and hear many legends, and learn much about humans... and human civilization. To have seen the preservation of thought in the native Americans, and the rebirth of music and art in backwards Europe. Long enough to see your own people as they traveled from place to place across the planet. To see you nearly blow yourselves up with atomic devices, and thank the Creators that you are still here to live another day."

Gene sank down on the bed, going rather pale. He glanced up at Raina, whose emerald green eyes suddenly held a depth of sadness that he had seen in few people, save those who had perhaps witnessed great atrocities.  Infinite sadness was all he could think was mirrored in the veridian depths. She came over to stand near his knees, not touching him. "That's why I held all this back, Gene. You're level headed at some realities, but I figured you'd think I was as you say, 'bullshitting you,' if I did tell the truth."

"I'm glad you did," Gene said, still looking as if he had seen a ghost.  Moist tears threatened to form in the green eyes that he suddenly could not see his reflection in, their intensity was such that it riveted into his soul.  In that instant he knew she wasn't joking, for the veneer of her physical form fell away to reveal something terrifying.

"Damn..." Gene repeated, and fell back on the bed.  Hands splayed out on either side of his body in resignation that the weirdness of the universe had hit him upside the head once more.   "This is freaking crazy.  Everything tells me this can't be real, that it's bullshit, but it isn't, is it?  I don't get what makes me want to believe you..."

"You know that what I say is true, because you're starting to remember.  You of all the Four hosts are most attenuated to your avatar.  You've embraced the Demon as part of who you are, and that makes it all the more easier for him to communicate with your subconscious mind."

"That might be, sweetheart.  But what is all this about me and the guys being unusual?  Who the hell are these four  you keep talking about?  And who is this Demon, other then my onstage persona?"

"Over the years I've been alive, there have been certain forces that exist which are awakened when the need arises. Sohkarra is but one of the unusual beings who awakens periodically. Once every hundred years I sensed her presence in my own mind, which can pick up other ancient minds. But you... and your friends have existed before, in different bodies, in different lives. As hosts for ancient souls.  Do you believe in reincarnation?"

"Don't know. There's been a lot of crap about it lately..."

"You have lived before, Gene. You and Ace, Peter, and Paul. Time and again your souls have been reborn into different bodies, as the hosts for four ancient beings."

"Wait, you mean, I've lived before? That reincarnation is real?"

"Yes, Gene. That's one of the reasons you and Paul clicked so well. You knew each other in a past life. And Ace and Peter came to be with you as well. That sense of familiarity of souls was what made you click at first. But it was that ancient knowledge that drove you apart in the eighties. You've been friends, been enemies for each time you've been reborn. Four ancient souls that come together when needed, to become the vehicle to channel four primal immortal beings from an extradimensional source."

"Mother f---," Gene repeated, shaking his head. It was too much to take in. Yet something instinctively made him trust Raina, and entreated him to believe what she was saying. What reason would she have to lie? Was it just his hormones that suspended his disbelief, or was it an ancient trust?  "What is this crap about extra dimensional beings?"

"Every one hundred years, there are four beings, from beyond this third dimension, call them the Elder if you like, who desire to experience human civilization, and alter its course for the betterment of human development.  But in their extradimensional forms they cannot safely interact with those in the third dimension.  So they must chose human hosts to focus their abilities through.  You and your friends in KISS are the hosts for the Elder."

"Wait a minute!  You mean some alien mind is possessing me and the guys?  No way!"

"Gene, it's not as bad as it seems.  Every time they have picked the same souls which have been reborn time and again, and give  the use of their powers to you when the need is greatest.  You and your human souls retain possession of the power and control of it.  The Elder exist in many times and places at once.  They have many worlds which they use hosts through, and Earth is but one realm of importance in the scheme of reality..."

"But where the hell do you fit in, Raina?  Are you from some extradimensional world too?"

"My race is from another time, the future of your world.  A distant century in Earth's future.  My real name is Rayna Vitreum. I was programmed, sent back by the Elder, to observe human civilization.  I did not choose this task.  I  was...chosen by the Demon, one of the Elder that controls the source of kinetic transition, known to the ancients as the element of Fire.  Remember the song 'God of Thunder' that you sing so proudly?"

"No way, that can't have anything to do with this too..." Gene shook his head. "This is unreal!!!"

"And I was also chosen by the Celestial, for I have an understanding of the nature of time travel," she admitted.  "On my world we use time travel to study the past.  In that distant future I am a temporal physicist.  My experimental time module went wrong, and nearly stranded me in the Void.  But the Celestial in his wanderings through space-time found me, and offered me a deal.  If I would serve the Elder, they would allow me to continue to exist in this reality.  But in exchange I would lose my freedom to traverse time as I pleased.  I would retain my knowledge of my life in the future, and how to traverse time, but I would only do so on their terms."

"Let me get this straight chick, you're from the future?  But how come..."

"I don't erase my own existence Gene?" she smiled sadly.  "And I thought Ace watched too many science fiction movies. It's because of the power of the Elder, making me able to exist in any time they see fit to deposit me in.  Any lifetime they see fit to place me into."

"You mean you do that quantum leap thing? Jumping into other people's bodies?"

"Not quite. My body was transformed by the Beast King... to adapt to where and when I am needed.  My appearance has changed over the centuries before people ask too many questions why I don't seem to age. This is the nature of what power he has granted me. To alter my physical form once every seventy years or so into another's appearance. However slight it is enough to make me seem like a child of my former self."

"So you're their slave? Shaped in their image like a piece of clay?"

"No.  I owe them my existence, Gene.  In their own way they have given me much to be grateful for.  Four masters I have not more willingly served."

"So...these Elder... they like... take on human form?"

"They use human hosts, Gene.  You are the host of the Demon.  Your soul, reborn many times now, is the perfect avatar for his power."

"If I have lived before, and you've been alive for 700 years, did you happen to run into me, in one of my past lives?" Gene asked her. "Is that why you hung with us in the past?"

"Yes," she nodded. "I have encountered you several times over the centuries. But it only seems to be once every hundred years when we do encounter each other. Each time you are needed, you don't seem to remember your past life, and what powers you each have. Sometimes I've had to remind you..."

"You mentioned other beings with telepathic powers. I know Sohkarra is one, but are you?"

"Yes to the first, and no to the second. The Star Bearer gave me the ability to sense psychics, and to resist their attacks and mind probes. The Elder must have known that she would be here as well. They have every intention that you and your fellow members of KISS learn all you need to know about what is to come this round..."

"What's the point in us having such powers... if we indeed do? Are we some damned superheroes or some crap like that?"

"As I said you come when you are needed.  Just who and what would determine that, I don't know. All I know is that this isn't the first time that you have been born into this world, and you meet with three other individuals. The four come into a strong unit, and must work as a team. Sooner or later your powers manifest, and some great threat faces this world. We've been through this at least six times before, Gene. And each time because your soul is reborn into a different body, I have to tell you what's what. It's not always me, but the last three times..."

"This is just so hard to swallow..." Gene muttered, and took both her hands. "But somehow I trust you. Is it that ancient soul of mine?"

"Yes..."

"How many times have you said you've known me, in past lives? And how exactly have you... reminded me of what's going down?" Gene asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Gene gently pulled her down on the bed next to him, saying, "Who the hell was I before?"

"Well I recall during the eighteenth century... there were four of you that made a hash of Cardinal Richelous' regime, for the sake of the Queen."

"Holy crap, you don't mean I was a Musketeer!" Gene groaned.

"I'm relieved you were a teacher in this life. I doubt your friends now have any penchant for knowing any history..."

"There is something for education after all."

"I doubt Ace nor even Peter would really know  what I am referring to," Raina laughed, as Gene gently nuzzled her cheek. "So I take it you believe me..."

"It's a lot to take in..." he nodded, his hands working over her arms. "But yeah, if you like I sure as hell do. Damned if I know why.  But the Three Musketeers, eh?"

"Plus D'Artangnion."

"Let me guess, that was Paul...right?"

"Yes."

"Who else were we... in the past?"

"Hmm..." Raina fingered her chin as they lay opposite each other.

"Wait, save it for later," Gene pressed a kiss to her lips. She did not resist as he tasted her for the first time in hours.

"Nice," she muttered, green eyes fixing into his.

"I'm in the need for some reminding... about how you once knew me..."

"Still haven't changed after all these centuries. No matter the host," Raina laughed aloud. Wrapping arms around his neck, she returned his kiss. Gene felt a hot surge as her breath moved into his mouth, and the doubts seemed to evaporate in its heat. The touch of her hands cascaded into warm caresses that both burned and soothed simultaneously. Hungrily he pulled her close into the circle of his arms, this time implementing the infamous tongue. She did not faint or swoon in his arms, nor melt into a mass of nerves as he moved his hands up and down her muscled back, but devoured his ministrations that grew in their fevered pitch.

Chapter 4: What Was Once Given...

The bandaged figure prostrated before the carved stone wall. Ancient images of power were scribed in faded primary colors, depicting Osiris, god of the underworld. Opposite the green skinned image was the dog-headed god Anubis, preparing to weigh the heart against the feather of Maat while Thoth recorded the observations.  A blue and golden striped hood could be seen from behind as the bandaged figure prostrated himself three times before the painted image.

"Mighty Osiris, I, your incarnation in this New World hereby ask your aid. Grant me the favor of an interview. I Tuthmosis, third of this name hereby demand your ear!"

 At first nothing happened, save the whispering of the stale air in the ancient space. Pieces of this tomb and temple were placed within the museum. Silver threads of moonlight wafted down through the strategically placed skylights to paint the reconstructed temple in their ethereal radiance. It seemed like time stood still in this place, stopping for a moment to pause at the Pharaoh's command. From the surface of the painted image came a faint silver glow and the flicker of movement. Invisible to anyone but he, the image of Osiris rose from its painted throne.

"I have heard your plea, and hereby grant your request to listen. Why do you call me, Son of Ra, and reborn ancient one?"

"Mighty one who rules the land of the Departed, I, your incarnation on Earth now ask a favor. She who was once my Great Wife had been fated to awaken at my side. Yet she has spurned and rejected me for the land of the living. I ask that she be given her just punishment for her transgressions..."

"Of which Great Wife do you speak?" asked Osiris. "As it has once been written, there were two. Both walk among the land of the living..."

"I speak of the younger sister... the daughter of she whose name I restored to its proper place, my lord. The princess Mennehotep, whom I took to Great Wife when her sister spurned me..."

"What has she done..."

"I had cast her from my sight. But she still has the ancient powers at her fingertips. She has not returned, and I demand a favor..."

"Being?"

"Either that she be returned to my side...Or..."

"Did you banish her, or did she leave of her own free will?"

"She was seduced by the modern world. In my haste I banished her from my site, hoping that she would have the wisdom to see her folly. But she has not returned, and I desire her by my side..."

"And if she will not return?"

"I ask that she have whatever punishment that is due a disobedient Wife..."

"Did you not say that she was no longer as Wife to you?"

"I demand retribution!!! She must see the error of her ways! If she is to live among the living... she must learn what she leaves behind..."

"Very well then. The blessing of Anubis and Weparet is thereby undone. May she rejoin you if she so wishes. But understand she may not..."

"Thank you my Lord..." Tuthmosis smiled, bowing in respect...

Mennehotep tossed and turned in her sleep, shivering though the night was warm. Within the large canopy bed she rolled, almost on the edge of the mattress. Within her mind the visions curled and spilled, of a world she had left far behind.

"You have disobeyed me, daughter," came a voice in her ears.

"How so... my lord Thoth...god of Wisdom and my Patron?" Mennehotep mumbled.

Out of a deep sleep, Paul heard her faint mumbling. Rolling over he reached beside him to find that she had moved. For a moment he panicked, sitting bold upright in the king-sized bed. To his relief he saw that she had merely rolled towards the edge, huddled on her side. What was she saying? He could not understand the strange words that spilled from her lips, for they did not resemble any language he could comprehend. Whatever it was, he felt the rush of fear and confusion so tangible he could almost touch it. Lately people's emotions seemed to flood him in his waking state. Mennehotep had told him it was part of his "powers" which were awakening and stretching.

"My lord... no... do not..." Menne sobbed, shivering all over.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Paul whispered, reaching out to grasp her shoulders as he tried to roll her over towards him. She could fall off the bed and rudely hit the floor at this rate. Gingerly he rolled her onto her back, towards him.

"Thoth! I have done nothing wrong! He banished me!" She cried in ancient Egyptian, which to Paul sounded like a cascade of meaningful gibberish.

"Menne, wake up...it's only a bad dream!" Paul said, shaking her gently. Whatever she was dreaming he sensed the anguish when his hands made contact, a spear of it stabbing through his own heart.  Purple energy surged from the amulet she never took off, even to make love with him. The flash was blinding and from within Paul momentarily sensed an alien mind; other then hers and his own. Incredible power seared his brain, and he found himself pushing it away. He threw himself over her as her body arched and shuddered.  So powerful was her kicking that she threw him off her, and he barely caught the sheets before he tumbled off the bed himself. Just as suddenly as it had started, she fell limp across the mattress when he moved up beside her.

"What the hell was that all about?" he wondered, and shook her again. Slowly she breathed, seemingly at peace in a deep sleep. Paul decided not to wake her, and did the next best thing. Slowly he turned her towards him, wrapping her protectively in his arms as he pressed his front to hers under the sheets. She seemed to settle down with her head pillowed on his chest...

"Rayna..." came a voice through the dark. She stirred, muttering as she wriggled out of the confines of Gene's strong arms. While she savored the close contact as he drew her possively close to his hot body, she felt the need to separate herself from him for this.

"Yes," she yawned, working her way out of Gene's grasp. "What... do you want this time?"

"You've done well...thus far," said the voice with an etherial tinge.

Raina glanced up to see a spectral form hued in blue energy, resembling Ace in his Spaceman outfit. Blue pools of bottomless energy fixed into hers, with a look of dispassionate indifference. "Are you checking up on me?" she asked.

"As you say," he responded. "But don't amuse yourself too much. There is too much at stake this time..."

"Haven't I always done my best?" Raina glanced up at Celestial.

"We have always been pleased. But the stakes are much higher..."

"I know... but I can't help but wonder if this will be the last time you need me..."

"You have always served us well as our watcher..."

"But why these four again? Havent' they already done enough the last time?"

"They are our best hosts. You chose well. A rock band is a perfect focus and cover for our energies..."

"But who are the others this time?"

"Three ancient ones. You will need their help, for the threat you face this time is one of their time..."

"Ancient ones?"

"Three women from ancient Egypt, a realm where mind and body were one. Two are of royal blood, and the other is a servant of them. But all three are most powerful. One masters the powers of the mind, another masters the feral ways of the cat, and the other guards the realms of alchemy and water..."

"The stakes must be very high indeed for you to choose three with such powers," Raina sighed. "Why even consider me?"

"You underestimate yourself again," came a low voice, tinged with brimstone. The Demon appeared, his tongue licking invitinglly across darkened lips.

"Why me, Demon...Celestial? You plucked me out of time, when my time machine went wrong..."

"You acted to save your fellow colonists on that distant world, three centuries from this time. Your selfless act caught all our attentions. For you to give up your own life to save the others was notable... and that is where I found you, lost in the void..." said the Celestial.

"And gave me the choice, to live to serve you, or die," she sighed. "What choice could I make? To live or die? You didn't give me much of a chance to think on it..."

"Still you chose life over death. And what a life it has been," the Celestial said. "And we gave you the gifts to do your work...did we not?"

"Not knowing what I will look like if I come close to dying," Raina shook her head. "My thanks to the Beast King for this body..."

"It enabled you to survive, didn't it?" the Demon asked. "So why are you complaining?"

"I don't know... I just don't know..." Raina said. "I often asked why you chose me... out of all the others you could have in space and time..."

"Your passion to explore, to discover the truth was not unnoticed," said the Demon. "Your zeal and will to live caught this Demon's attention..."

"But sending me back seven centuries... to live seven hundred years," Raina sighed, and lowered her head. "When will this duty end?"

"Were you not changed, given every chance to see history unfold?" asked the Celestial.

"You tasted things most humans do not," the Demon added, slipping a claw under her chin and lifting it to peer into his eyes of flame. "Had your taste of lovers, and all of the riches this world has to offer...along with its sorrows..."

"I'm so tired," Raina said, drawing her knees into her chest.

"I know," the Demon nodded. "But this time will be different. There may be a dividend for you yet, little one... a personal compensation..."

"What sort of compensation?"

"You will know. And rest assured we are watching you, and we are pleased," the Celestial said, and drifted off into the recess of darkness...

"Do you always have to speak in damned riddles?" Raina snapped at the Demon.

"Aw come on, you love a challenge," he laughed, bringing his face near hers. His warmth spread into her being, the gentle flames licking over her body with warmth, not burning fire.

"I know... I could never say no to you," she shook her head.

"For me baby, one more time...and I swear you will have your reward," the Demon whispered in her ear as he brushed his tongue across her cheek in a rush of flame.

"But this Princess Sohkara..."

"You can handle her. You always did before, with the other helpers. But she's tough. Don't underestimate her, and don't let them underestimate you."

Before she could open her mouth to protest, the Demon's spectral lips cut off her last remark. A hot kiss singed her lips into a soothing burn that shuddered her whole body. Flames licked over her, surging her with their strength and rebirth. Her mind surged into blackness and the gentle embrace of sleep.
 

Chapter 5: Heaven's on Fire!

Why did her throat feel so dry, Menne wondered. Slowly she lifted her head from his well-muscled chest, smelling an oddly smoky odor in the room. Odd, for she didn't recall Paul making a fire downstairs. Surely he had put it out. Still he lay next to her, his warm breath wafting into her face as he slumbered.  Half of her wanted to dismiss the odd sensation that claimed her now, the other half wanted to investigate. Gingerly she pushed herself to a sitting position and moved away from him. Unfortunately, the movement had awakened Paul, and he sat bold upright in bed, startling her.

"Menne..." he whispered, touching her shoulder.

"Paul, I smell smoke..." she whispered.

"We've got to get out of here," he said, his voice rising out of a whisper. "Now..."

"What are you talking about..."

"Come on!" Paul urged, pulling her hand roughly. He tossed her a bathrobe, and approached the door as he hunted for something, anything to put on. Menne noticed him working his way into a pair of leather pants and jerking on a pair of leather boots. Curls of gray smoke were wafting in from above the door.

"Wait..." he whispered, and reached out to touch the door. He winced when his hand touched the knob.

Menne coughed, gasping as she saw the stream of smoke increasing in magnitude. Wrapping a cloth around his hand, Paul urged her to his one side, and yanked the door. Instantly he vanished into a huge billow of smoke that poured in. Menne covered her mouth with a fold of robe to block out the smoke.

"Paul... fire!" she gasped.

"Get down!" he shouted, pushing her to the floor. Paul grabbed a silk shirt from a pile and tied it around his mouth and nose. "Hang onto me!"

The crackle of flames rose to one side in the hall. Close to the floor the air was enough to breathe as she kept hold of the waistband on his pants. Paul crawled along with Menne after him.  They stumbled down the stairs, coughing. Paul grabbed Menne's hand and led her through the sitting room to the outside. A blazing beam crashed inches from them as they jumped. All around them the flames burst into life, licking around the curtains, the drapery in a crimson embrace. Heat blasted their faces. It wouldn't be long before the whole place succumbed. Scooping Menne into his arms, Paul made a mad dash for the front door. Under her side his chest heaved when the night air blasted cool against their bodies.

"Paul," she choked, clinging to his neck. "Your home..."

"It's all right, sweetheart. We're okay," he soothed, tipping her head as her eyes blinked up into his. Turning his head he glanced back at the blazing inferno. Anger darkened the mahogany eyes. How the hell had this happened?
Gently he carried her to the car, and set her down inside. All they had were the clothes on their backs, and that wasn't much. Paul stabbed buttons on the car phone, ringing up the police. Within minutes the sirens gathered thick about the beach house. Curly hair frizzed into a bedraggled halo as Paul ran anxious fingers through it. Billowing smoke rose in a burnt offering to the starry night above.

"Paul...you saved my life," she whispered to him as he turned to her. Still she was shaking.

"You saved mine. If you hadn't woken up when you did..."

"But where do we go? All your stuff..."

"My stuff can be replaced. It's only a vacation home, not my villa. It can be rebuilt. You can't," Paul whispered, leaning close to her. In one hand he still clutched his cell phone while he reached out to caress her smoke darkened cheek with his other.

"Excuse me Mr. Stanley..." came a grizzled yet kindly voice. Menne shifted in Paul's arms as their faces turned towards the fire cheif.

"I woke up right in the middle of this," Paul said, running a hand through his hair.

"Good thing you did," the fire marshal said. "A few more minutes and the whole top floor would have been consumed... and you'd not be here to be answering my questions. You're one lucky man..."

"I know," Paul said, stroking Menne's shoulders as she huddled against him.

So bright was the blaze that it still painted its flickering across their faces in an amber radiance. Waves lapped on the beach, sending their salty kiss to the night air.

"Anything you think of that could have caused that?"

"No idea," he said. "I'm surprised the smoke detector didn't go off..."

"It looks suspicious. Look, do you have a place we can contact you at for possible questions...your house..."

"I already called the police, and here's the number at my main house in Beverly Hills," Paul said. He scribbled on a pad of paper the investigator handed him. Menne rubbed her eyes, fighting the sleep that claimed her. Still her mind was wide-awake, and she listened to the blur of conversation going on between Paul and the others.  She jerked awake at the movement of the car. Paul was pulling the car out to a safe distance, glancing over his shoulder while he backed out.

"Paul, where are we going to go..." she asked, snapping up in her seat. "That other home you spoke of?"

"I'm taking you to Gene's place. The fire chief suspects it might be arson..."

"What?" Menne asked.

"The way the place went up so fast... it looked a hell of a lot like several other fires that broke out earlier in the week. Either way I've got a bad feeling about this. We have to go somewhere safe..."

"Gene would be any safer?" she asked. "Didn't you say you lived somewhere not far from here... I mean in your home in Beverly Hills?"

"If what you said is true about me being the Starchild, the fact that he's the Demon will make us safe from any more of these little... fires. Damn... I should have paid attention to my dreams..."

"You... dreamed about this?"

"I didn't want to worry you..."  Paul shook his head. Pulling the thin robe about her, Menne shivered in the night air. Even with the top on the convertible, it failed to warm her sudden coldness.
 

Chapter 6: Gene's Mansion

In the depths of sleep, she could hear the phone blaring through the dark. Raina sleepily stumbled to her feet, and almost tripped. Slowly she pushed herself up off the floor where she had come to lay beside Gene's master bed. Still the phone rang shrilly in the large dark room.  Gene jerked awake at the sound, patting the bed next to him. "Raina, where are you girl..." he asked through the dark. Strangely enough he made out her silhouette on the floor, gripping the telephone. It never ceased to amaze him how she ended up on the floor fast asleep after making love.

Grumbling various other galactic obscenities to herself she gripped the phone, muttering, "Hello?"

"What are you doing on the floor doll?" he asked, reaching down to caress her shoulder as she sat with the phone held to her cheek. "Plenty of room in this bed, trust me!"

A frenzied voice, with an undercurrent of panic amidst the calm chattered something. "Hang on, slow down..."

"Hmm, if you'd prefer the floor..." Gene chuckled, and slipped down to kneel at her side. Gently he kissed her on the neck, working his way to her bared shoulder.

"Gene knock it off..." Raina grumbled, pushing him away. "Yes, he's here... who am I... yes it does matter... I'll get him.."

"You could have let the machine get it," Gene grumbled rudely. Raina held up a hand to shush him, then thrust the phone into his hand.

"It's Paul. He sounds worried sick."

Immediately Gene snapped the light on, scalding her eyes. Angrily he bellowed into the phone, "What the hell are you doing calling at this hour... damn don't you know it's near one in the morning..." Gene's tirade was just beginning. Raina gave him a rude shove for being insensitive, but she too was rather annoyed at the sudden awakening. However anger gave way to shock and fear in the next minute.

"What... you what? Get your butt over here then. No don't go home!"

Raina's questioning look met Gene's look of outrage. He got up and began to pace agitated, struggling into his bathrobe as he fumbled with the phone. Finally Raina simply held it up to his ear as she helped him into the garment.

"They might target you there next, Paul! No, don't worry about a damn hotel! Get your ass over here and let me know what the hell's going on!"

Gene strode over to a pile of shirts, and tossed one towards Raina as he headed out the door of his master bedroom. She slipped it on, hurrying after him as he raced down the stairs.

"No, it's no trouble! Damn it Paul... why didn't you tell me from the beginning..."

The black Mercedes pulled up near a modest sized mansion in Beverly Hills. A set of wrought iron gates swung open, and Paul pulled up into a large driveway. The architecture had a flavor of Tudor, mingled with Gene's personal taste.

"Odd place," Menne commented. "I wouldn't have figured he liked that style."

"Yeah, Gene built this place when he was dating Cher," Paul laughed, trying to divert her attention from the last few hours.

"Why are we at Gene's home, again?" Mennehotep asked him sleepily. "Will he not be angry we awakened him at this late hour?"

"His idea. When I told him what went down... he insisted. If it turns out this was arson, then he's afraid whoever set it might try at my villa. And that's precisely where we don't' want to be... till they find out who the hell did this!"

A light snapped on, and they climbed out of the car. Slowly they walked up the course of stairs, Paul in his leather pants and boots with his hand clenched around Menne's. All she had was Paul's bathrobe around her shivering body.  Speaking of bathrobes, Mennehotep saw a tall figure in a robe, red silk move out in silhouette towards them.

"Paul, what the hell happened?" came Gene's gruff voice, edged with concern. "You all right man?"

A female figure poked her head and shoulders out the door within the square of light behind Gene.

"The whole place went up like a damned Christmas tree," Paul shook his head. "If Menne here hadn't woken me up..."

"Oh God!" Gene shook his head. "Well, don't just stand out there like a dope! Get in here and tell me what you know!"

"What's going on?" came a woman's voice. Paul gave a wry grin. As usual Gene had female companionship for the night. No telling that if this was any other reason Gene would have given him holy hell for interrupting this little matter. Yet the woman didn't appear to be a model type or a Hollywood bit of fluff. She pushed glasses up the bridge of her nose, and peered at Paul and Menne with concern.

"Are you okay?" she asked, moving over to where Menne stood next to Paul. "I was the one that answered the phone, and then heard Gene bellowing about a fire... but..."

"I'm... all right," Menne shivered in Paul's arms.

"Name's Raina," she said, extending a hand. "Come on in..."

"Sorry Queenie... my manners are shot to hell," Gene muttered an apology as he noticed the two.

"I'll help her, if it doesn't cramp your style," Raina shot him a glare. Mennehotep noticed what a vivid shade of green those eyes were, almost metallic in nature. They reminded her of the intensity in her friend Sohkarra's sapphire gaze. Gene continued to exchange frenzied words with Paul, who looked exhausted.

Menne was moved into the warmth and comfort of a large living area with Raina's hands on her shoulders. Still her mind spun a million miles a minute even when she was given a drink of hot chocolate in a kitchen and left to sit by the concerned woman.  Veridian green eyes fixed kindly into Menne's face, urging her to sip the drink slowly. Paul and Gene moved into the sitting room as they exchanged information.

A yawn nearly split Menne's head in two. "Can I tear you away for a moment?" Raina yelled across the room.

"What is it doll?" Gene asked, looking up from his conversation with Paul.

"She's half exhausted. Look, where can they crash?" Raina asked.

"Main guestroom, where do ya think?" Gene shot back.

"It is three am, Gene we'd better get some sack time in," Paul looked to his friend, and then apologetically at Menne who was about ready to bury her head in the kitchen table.

"Look man you can stay here as long as you need to... till they find out what the hell went wrong..." came Gene's voice. "I'd sue the bastards whose smoke alarm putted out..."

"Later, Gene," Paul held up a hand. "Once that investigator calls, I'm going home. This has been one crazy vacation..."

"You sure you wanna go back tomorrow..."

"I'll sleep on it, Gene. Thanks..."

"No problem. You get some sleep..."

"I couldn't sleep in a million years," Menne groaned. Raina slipped an arm around her waist as she helped Menne to stand. Such words sounded strange to herself when Menne heard them, because she realized how much of the modern slang she was absorbing from her time with the guys.

"Just rest if you can't," she urged.

"I'll be back soon, sweetheart, I promise," Paul said. "You go on ahead..."

Menne let Raina lead her up a flight of stairs to a stretch of hallway. Past the most bizarre memorabilia she strode, half-wondering if she saw a load of preserved spiders to one side in a side room. It was like that odd museum she had seen with Sohkarra called Ripley's Believe it or Not. Right now she wasn't sure what was real and what was a dream. Save the fact that she and Paul had nearly perished in flames.

No, she couldn't possibly banish the memory of the hot flames as she let Raina sit her on the edge of the bed. Not a wink would dispel the questions.

"Lay down, relax," Raina urged.

"I can't... what if..."

"You're safe here, Menne," Raina soothed, rubbing her shoulders. "I promise no harm will come. You're with friends here... now just try to close your eyes..."

Something about her voice seemed dastardly familiar, Menne marveled. Still she couldn't stop her mind from spinning. Even when she heard Paul's voice and the vibration of his footsteps into the bedroom she was still tensed.

"Thanks Raina," Paul's voice came. "You're something else. Gene was just telling me the story..."

"No doubt with his usual flares," Raina's chuckle came. "Question is did he remember before or after the picture..."

"I never could remember the early days," Paul's sad laugh came. "I don't have Gene's compulsion to collect trophies..."

"But your lady. She's lovely Paul. Simply stunning..."

"Yes, she's something else all right..."

"I'll leave you two alone..."

"Thanks..."

Menne feigned sleep till she felt Paul's delicious weight drop next to her on the bed. Slowly she rolled over, glancing into his soft brown eyes.

"You're awake?" he asked.

"I can't fall asleep," Menne lamented. "I'm so tired and cold... but yet... my mind... won't rest..."

"It's shock," Paul whispered, rubbing her cold hands. "Let me warm you up, love."  Laying alongside of her he slipped under the sheets next to her. Slowly his delicious warmth seeped over to her body when he pressed close.  Menne wrapped herself in his loving embrace.  Paul did not move much at first, but felt her body's response to his own before increasing his comfort. It wasn't long before she fell limp in his arms and soft sounds of sleep merged into his breathing.

Chapter 7: Next Morning Revelations

Gene muttered and stirred as he felt the plush carpet under his back. Beside him loomed the large king-sized bed, stripped of its top blankets that now cocooned him and his lover. He drew the sleeping figure possessively close in his arms. Slowly she turned over, dark eyes fluttering open to glance into his. They laughed at the look they gave each other, their hair tangled into matted messes over their faces. He had even taken the pillows from the bed to rest under their necks and heads.

"One question, doll. Why do you always sleep on the floor after we do it?" he asked. "You have something against sleeping next to me?"

"No way Gene," she said. "I just hate sleeping on beds... that's all. Besides, since you're on the floor with me now I don't think you'd care if we were in the road."

"One hell of a way to a stiff back," he grumbled, shifting up to his elbow. "How do you stand it?"

"It's a comfort thing. I'm not really into beds. I miss feeling the earth under me."

"Some nature thing?"

"Sort of," Raina said, as he shifted his arm under her neck and shifted her partway under him. "But it's more accurate to say, I like to feel the earth moving under me," she said, glancing up at him.

"Why the hell didn't you say so," Gene laughed, and pinned her to the floor under his muscled leg. For a man of his age he still had awfully great thighs, Raina inwardly reflected. Her next explanation evaporated in the force of his lips pressing to hers. He moved invitingly between her legs, pulling one over her hip.

"That's not what I meant, Gene," she shook her head with a wry grin when he surfaced for breath.

"Then what did ya mean, Ray?" he asked, stroking her cheek with his finger. He stopped what he was doing, curious as to what she meant.

"What I meant was, that I can actually hear the crust of the earth moving... and sense the minute vibrations of the San Andreas Fault..."

"No way, you mean to say you can hear earthquakes?" Gene asked, at long last realizing the meaning of her words.

"Exactly..."

"Is there any other little thing you haven't filled me in on?" Gene quipped. "Or shall I do some filling in for you this time?"

"If there is I'll let you know then, all right?" Raina laughed.

Slowly he ran a thoughtful finger down the massive burn scar on the outside of her right thigh. "Still there too, eh," he said softly. "Some things never do change...do they?"

"I suppose not," she said.

Leaning over he traced a delicate line of kisses along it with reverence that made Raina melt inside. Gene had never really questioned her on the burn, even though he had been one of the few humans alive who had laid eyes on it. He always assumed it was from her climbing on a volcano and getting burned by hot lava in some daring escape attempt. If only he knew the real reason.

"Hope Starchild got to sleep," Gene suddenly muttered. "Man when I get my hands on the bastard that torched his house..."

"We don't know it was arson," Raina took his chin, and guided his face to hers. "So let's not get ticked off till we really know who and what caused the fire... okay? Don't go breaking any arms or kicking any backsides yet, all right?"

"You got it babe," Gene said as he felt her fingers dancing down his bare chest. Ever so gently they worked their way to his shoulders and strong back.

"And do try to remember this is supposed to be a vacation," Raina reminded him, kissing him as she settled onto his thighs. Gene drew her fully into his lap on those marvelous legs of his.

"I will if you will.  Now enough talk, let's fly like we've never flown before..."

"Best idea you've had yet..." she gasped, before he firmly sealed his lips to hers. They merged as one being for a time, sharing the warmth between them that seemed molten hot. The earth seemed to shift slightly with the force of the head-rush, and Gene half wondered if it was just his adrenaline pumping, or was the earth actually moving?

In another room, another couple lay peacefully amidst rumpled sheets, upon their bed, not beside it. Lazily she stretched between soft sheets, and lay on her back. They yielded only slightly to her spreading arms and legs, however the solid warm body beside her didn't. Narrowly she missed socking her lover in the face. Paul stretched awake when he felt her move next to him, and turned over on his side, the sheets drawn up to his furry chest.
"Sleep well, sweetheart?" he asked her.

"Mmm...Definitely," she sighed, the tingling delights of the past night lying thick on her muscles. It seemed she could never get enough of what he had to offer. Even now her hands stroked over his chest as they lay opposite each other with only the sheets between them. That didn't' remain a barrier for long however. Warm skin pressed close for the next few minutes when he lay a soft firm morning kiss on her, his arms folding her in close to him.

"If we keep this up we'll never get to meet with the others," Paul joked.

"Perhaps we should continue this the following evening," she said.

"I'll hold you to that," he said, tweaking her nose playfully. They rolled over, leaving the tangle of sheets behind them.

"I was wondering when you two would get up!" Gene laughed as he saw the couple exit the bedroom, Menne wearing a silken bathrobe, which was a lovely shade of purple. He noted the initials P and S embroidered there in white cursive stitches.

"This is coming from Mr. Sleep In." Paul wisecracked.

"Hey, I've got to get the backup artists lined up for the recording sessions!" Gene shrugged.

Paul wandered into the kitchen, noticing that Gene had at least taken the initiative to flip the switch on the coffee machine last night. It was one of those contraptions on a timer, providing the fresh brew like an alarm clock. Where was his staff?

"So now that you got us both here, what's up?" Paul asked.

"Damn good thing you two woke up before that fire fried you to a crisp!" Gene joked. "I'd hate to have barbecued Starchild..."

"Gene, it's not funny," Menne shivered. Paul came to her side, bringing a cup of coffee for her.

"It's all right," he said, putting an arm around her. "You're safe here... with me..."

Gene gave a sigh as he joined her on her other side. "Sorry, it's just that it's crazy to believe after all this time some nut actually went through with it..." he muttered. "I mean you've had that beach house for how many years?"

"Ever since the bankruptcy I've taken vacations there," Paul said, still keeping a hand on Menne's shoulder. All his attempts to calm her down seemed to have departed in one fell swoop. He shoulders shook a little.

"Gene are you being a putz again?" came a female voice as its owner walked out into the dining area.

"Sorry babe, just the nature of my beast," Gene laughed as Raina came out in one of his oversized shirts that buttoned up the front.

"Menne, are you okay? Good to see you up..." Raina said, moving over to Menne who was still trying to sip at her coffee.

"I was..." she sighed. "It's just so hard to fathom. There were attempts made on my life..."

"But somehow in modern day America you didn't expect it?" Raina said, folding arms across her chest.

"Not many people know who I am," Menne looked up at her. "Or you for that matter."

"It's nice to be anonymous... but sometimes that isn't always the case..."

Raina lay a hand on Menne's shoulder, and glanced concernedly at the two musicians. "So any news about the jerks who pulled this stunt?"

"Nothing," Paul muttered crossly. "It's still, under investigation."

"Better go over there and get a gander if I were you... if there's anything left," Gene suggested.

"Makes me glad all I need is a floor to lay on, and a campfire to cook by," Raina muttered. "All this preoccupation with material possessions..."

She shut up when she realized the look of angst on Paul's face. "Sorry," she apologized.

"Gal's got a point," Gene said, moving over to Raina and giving her a playful whack on the behind. "But her timing stinks..."

"Not where it counts, eh Dr. Love?" Raina shot back, giving him a pinch in the ribs that made him jump nearly a foot.

"Score one for you, doll," Gene laughed. He towered over her at least a head and shoulders, but Raina being larger framed herself oddly looked in proportion. Gene always did have a thing for more well endowed women. Raina wasn't necessarily fat, but large figured and muscled. A size 20 and about five foot four, with large muscled thighs, full hips and bust. What Paul would deem a "generously built" woman.

Paul wandered into the kitchen, and set about whipping up a breakfast. He knew if he left it to Gene it would be either waiting for his personal "chef" or some other thing. Not that he didn't' trust Raina to make a good job of it, but somehow the idea of what geologists ate for breakfast didn't seem like something he'd risk. He'd heard a few stories about the health food Raina often chowed down on, and right now he was in the mood for something a little more decadent and substantial. Raina MacLaren settled down opposite Menne, and next to Gene. She took a sizable swig of hot coffee, and gripped Menne's hand in a show of support.

"Hey, it will be all right. It's not the first time that a celebrity has been under danger. At least you're hear to talk about it..."

"I know," Menne sighed. "But it was just so nice not to worry..."

"About real life for a change, eh Queenie?" Gene put in. "Well don't worry. If anyone tries that stunt here they'll seriously get their asses kicked..."

"One way or another," Raina nodded gravely.

Menne felt a surge of familiarity entering her once more. She could sense the ancient magic at work. Whenever she glimpsed Paul or Gene as of late, she could discern their Avatars broiling beneath the surface. They were so much more aware of themselves now, and their human hosts were becoming used to the notion that they were vessels of great power.  Another essence of strong Fire mingled with Earth magic wafted her way for just a moment before it snapped tightly behind barriers. Yet she realized it wasn't coming from Gene, but from another source.  The sturdy geologist tucked away a plate of Paul's omelet, complete with cheese, onions, and bamboo shoots. Gene fed her a piece of buttermilk biscuit, which she took from his fingers with a gentle nibble. In turn she fed him a forkful of omelet. Then it hit her. That ancient avatar that resonated in Gene spilled over into Raina. Like attracting like.

The Four Who Were One. It became so much clearer to her now, the ancient pieces of the legends. No longer torn between Gene and Paul, she heaved a sigh of relief. Gene had found one of a similar fire, and Menne sensed the ancientness of this one's spirit. As if she defied the bonds of time.  Had she found the Fourth woman? When the Star Bearer had mentioned something about passing on the avatars she wasn't sure. What was the purpose of their being chosen? A balance of energies, or rather an equaling of the scales?

"What is to be done now?" Mennehotep asked Paul, who gripped her hand across the table.

"We hear what the police have to say, and then head over to my house."

"You sure, Paul?" Gene asked. "I mean if someone's out to get you..."

"Gene, don't go there!" Raina snapped.

"He's right, but I can't live in fear," Paul sighed, stroking Menne's hand. "Sooner or later they'll strike, and when they do..."

"Just when I thought things were safe, and our enemies would not pursue us... your life is threatened again!" Menne despaired.

"Menne, being famous makes me a target for any sort of kook out there!" Paul assured her. "This is nothing new!"

"Not to mention that Paul and Gene are much more then they seem," Raina suddenly added. Gene and Paul shot her a strange glance. Both seemed as if they had hit upon an uncomfortable truth.

"What would you know about that?" Paul asked, levelly.

"Raina..." Mennehotep asked, raising her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"Surely you must know, Queen Mennehotep, daughter of Hapshetsut," Raina leveled her gaze on her. Menne's breath came in ragged gasps, and she blanched almost to Paul's skin tone.

"What the hell are you talking about!" Paul suddenly cried.

"Listen to her, man," Gene said quietly, taking his friend's arm. "She knows."

"Knows what?" Paul demanded. "Gene what the f..."

"That's my line, or was my reaction at first," Gene said. "But the chick is on the level..."

"Jeez! And you accuse me of seeing through my hormones," Paul shot back.

"Guys, I am being honest with you," Raina held out her hands. "I know that he's really the Demon host for the Elder of the same name, as much as you are the Starchild, host for the Star Bearer! As you are Mennehotep, wife of Tuthmosis III from over 35 centuries ago."

"She... is right," Mennehotep took Paul's arm. "Just how, I don't know. Who are you really?"

"Raina MacLaren, also known as Rayna Vitreum to others of my own time, my own century."

"She says she can travel through time," Gene said, and glanced to Raina who nodded.  "And I believe her.  She knows all about these ancient beings, she calls Elder..."

"Elder," Mennehotep breathed.  "You know of them?"

"Yes, Menne," Raina nodded.  "And I suspect you and I have a lot to discuss..."

Menne licked her lips and looked to Paul who exchanged mutual looks of confusion with Gene.

"You are the fourth one..." Mennehotep muttered reverently. "The one the Star Bearer spoke of..."

"What the f..." Gene asked, and Paul shared his look of puzzlement.

"I suggest you sit down gentlemen, because this is going to take a while to explain..."

"Gene, who the hell is she and what is... did you know about this all along?"

"Paul, please, I want to know what she has to say!" Menne cut him off.

"All right, let's hear it... but it had better be good," Paul muttered.

"Let's go into the living room," Raina said.

"Let me get this straight," Paul shook his head, when Gene settled next to Raina.  "You know all about these... Elder... and didn't tell Gene till now?"

"It wasn't the right time," Raina said simply.

"I'm not stupid," Paul said.  "Damn it Gene, why didn't..."

"Paul, shut up already," Gene snapped.  "She's trying to explain.  Look, I didn't the hell believe this crap at first.  But what other explanation have we got?"

"Why haven't you revealed yourself before?" Menne demanded.  "If you know of the ancient legends?"

"You of all people should know the importance of keeping secrets, Mennehotep," Raina leveled her gaze on her.  "Because of those you are sworn to protect..."

"All right," Paul held up a hand.  "Enough of the pissing contest.  What does this all mean?  Menne, are you really an ancient Egyptian Queen?"

"Yes," she admitted, glancing at a very shocked Paul.

"How in the world then are you alive now?" Paul asked her, holding out a hand to her.

"Is she like you, able to live a long time because of those Elder?" Gene asked.

"She has been transformed by ancient powerful beings, that the ancient Egyptians knew as their gods.  They're cousins to the Elder, known as the Osirian.  Many of the ancient gods--or what you called the ancient gods--were extradimensional beings that affected human history through suitable hosts... like ancient priests or clerics."

"You mean religion is just crap then?" Gene raised an eyebrow.

"Some religions are, some aren't. There is one Creator--one source, if you like--that exists beyond space and time as we know it," Raina corrected him.  "But that's not the issue here."

"What are you?" Paul asked Menne.

"I am an ancient reborn," she lowered her gaze.  "Alive through the powers of ancient magic.  Brought back to life by the Gods of ancient Egypt to right an ancient wrong.  To stop my sister, Queen Karahammon, from conquering the world with her insanity.  And to restore my mother Hapshetsut's name to its rightful place in history.  When Tuthmosis was awakened in this time... to stop our sister Karahammon, I was awakened as well with others like myself.  Princess Sohkarra and Nefertina are as I am..."

"Say what?"

"They are mummies," Raina said matter of fact. "But Princess Sohkarra wasn't preserved as I was in the usual way. Her preservation was so perfect, it was legendary. She has the appearance of a living woman all the time. It isn't known just how this was done, though."

"Holy shit no way," Paul shuddered.  "You mean I've been... I've been making love to... Ace has..."

"No," Raina shook her head.  "Somehow the bandaged ones are able to give themselves the illusion of life.  When they move in the human world they appear and act as alive as you and me. Perhaps due to the sorcery of the Princess Sohkarra they can temporarily take on this illusion of life. But unlike her it is only temporary, and they must renew the spell."

"But how do you know this?" Mennehotep demanded, her voice rising in pitch.

"I am an observer, of history..." she said quietly, her voice calm. "From a time as remote as your own, Mennehotep. But from yet to come instead of centuries past."

"Like I said, she's a chick from the future," Gene shrugged.  Already he seemed to have accepted the reality.  "Those Elder saved her butt when some time experiment of hers screwed up, and zapped her into this world seven centuries ago."

"And you believe her," Paul shook his head.

"And you were sleeping with an ancient Egyptian Queen," Gene countered.  "No weirder then my deal, dude."

"How much do you know about my kind?" Menne asked Raina. "Those who are mummies as I am?"

"Mostly from observation of the ancient texts, and tapes of history.  My people in the future never thought mummies could be animated by your century's magic.  But ancient Egyptian magic was far advanced of many technologies today, and even in my society in the distant future.  Great mental abilities were harnessed in ancient Egypt.  You and your friend Sohkarra are evidence of that.  I've been aware of Sohkarra's powers for quite some time.  In the future, we have developed telepathy to a fine degree.  Not all of us have the gift, but we are taught to recognize it in others.  My parents were sadly disappointed when I was not a telepath. Like in the host of the Star Bearer, the Starchild, you, Paul Stanley, also have the gifts.  But you don't know how to use them like Sohkarra does. She will be much help to you in the training of their use, except I don't know if she's ever had a pupil before... hmm..."

"So now that you know about us, what does that mean?" Menne asked.

"Only that you and I have a responsibility to help Gene and Paul learn to use the powers the Elder have loaned them.  You, Sohkarra, Nefertina and I have a large and complicated job to do.  To help four men learn to use their powers the best they can."

"You sound like you have done this before," Paul muttered.

"She has," Gene said.  "Seven times before was it?"

"Well close to it.  But I haven't done it alone.  There were always three other women to help me with my job.  Sometimes they would be three others that had various abilities that were similar to those of the four hosts for the Elder. Sometimes the helpers have been ordinary people with open minds and hearts who knew enough about such abilities and how they could be used.  In their own ways they combined forces to help the hosts control their abilities till they were no longer needed, and inspire them to use them in the right manner. And if the hosts couldn't control their powers, then it was our job to find four others who could."

"So what you're saying is, that if you guys blow it, then you've gotta find someone else to take the power," Gene said.

"That's essentially it," Raina nodded.

"But what 'powers' do we all have?" Paul asked.

"You'll find out in time.  They aren't going to hit you all at once.  The Elder chose the time and place to reveal them.  We can only advise and help you through it once we've seen them in action."

"Great," Paul muttered.

"It's not that bad," Raina smiled.  "Your avatar, the Star Bearer, would never throw all your powers onto you at once.  It's only as much as you can handle at one time."

"So what now?  Can we still continue the tour, live our normal lives, or is this where we get some crazy superhero..." Paul asked sarcastically.

"The worst thing would be to reveal your powers and draw any more undue attention to yourselves.  The best thing I always suggested to your hosts before was to live life as you have been living it.  The better to keep out of sight of the threat this world faces, till the time you're ready to fight it."

"So we lie low till the call, eh?" Gene snickered. "Like the Justice League or some shit like that?"

"This isn't funny Gene," Paul snapped irritably.

"It's damned funny in some ways," Gene laughed.  Was it whistling in the dark, or hysteria, Paul wondered?  Either way he seemed unusually resigned to this unusual turn of events.

"Paul, to be granted such power is a privilege," Menne took his arm.  "And it is even more a greater privilege to be able to help you..."

"Yeah, right," Paul grumbled.

"So just keep on living as we were huh?" Gene asked Raina.

"That's right.  Go on with your lives, even if they are rather unusual.  And as the powers manifest themselves, we'll see what is what.  There is of course a chance that your powers won't even awaken any time soon. Or that the Elder might decide the threat won't require your powers to intercede."

"Really?" Gene asked.

"Also there is another possibility. New hosts might become available that you can give your power to, and if so, you can choose to pass on your inheritance to them if you deem them worthy, or if the Elder do so."

"Wait, we have a choice?" Paul asked.

"Yes.  But good hosts are not easy to find.  It doesn't usually happen, yet there was one century where the Four were awakened, but they used the power in a corrupt manner, and it was taken away by the Elder themselves.  I had to find four other hosts.  And it was next to impossible... but I did. Last time before you were even born this happened, and I despaired new hosts would never surface. Then I learned that you four had been born, and I knew you would be the latest ones."

"Why you?" Menne asked. "What made the Elder choose you for this duty? Why a woman from the future instead of one from the long past, more aquainted with the ancient legends?"

"I ask myself that often," Raina said.  Silence fell tensely among the two couples, while tense looks were exchanged.

"Perhaps that is why this time you and your two other ancient friends were chosen to help me. The choice of helper often reflects the enemy the Four hosts will face. Last time three normal women helped me, and they were a source of inspiration rather than teachers for the hosts."

"Wait, you don't mean that last time..." Gene's voice trailed off. Paul's eyes widened discernibly.

"God, I do remember you," Paul said, racking his brains. "You and those others, almost twenty years ago...why am I only remembering now? In little bits and pieces?"

"When the threat had passed that time, you, the Starchild decided it would be best to make KISS forget they had fought such an enemy. So you yourself used your psychic powers to suppress the memories of what happened twenty years ago, and alter the memories of the other three helpers. Now you're starting to remember because it's time for you to prepare to face another threat. The memories will become clearer as your powers develop."

"Enough of this," Gene muttered.  "You said we go on like we were, right?  So why don't we do something normal, and get you some decent duds, gal! Even though you'd look best in nothing at all!"

"Gene Simmons..." Raina started. "As they would say in this century, you are cruisin' for a bruisin'!"

"Wrong decade doll," Gene shot back. "That lingo went out with Happy Days!"

"She's right," Menne said.  "If she is our ally, then what better way to learn trust then to get to know each other better?"

Paul bit his lip, distrust still present in his dark eyes.  "Are you sure, Menne?"

"Yes.  She knows the ancient legends. Sohkarra and I had discussed this before, and realized that you were really the Four. But neither of us knows you as well as this Raina...or Rayna Vitreum...seems to."

"Why didn't you tell me what you really were?" Paul asked, hurt spreading into his eyes. Raina and Gene slipped out the door to leave the two alone.

"I was afraid you would not want me," Menne looked to him, tears forming in her eyes.  "If you knew what I really was... what I am..."

"You could have given me a chance to get used to it," Paul muttered.

"I love you so much Paul, I was afraid of losing you..." Menne said, tears threatening to form.  "If this means you don't want me anymore..."

The words hit Paul full force when he realized what she had said. Fear and joy mated inside his heart, tempered with the realization of what she really was. Could it work, and could he really adjust to life with someone who had only the illusion of life, however sweet and real that illusion seemed?

"No... no..." Paul sighed, going over to her and taking her hands.  "Look, can you blame me for being weirded out?  I mean it's not every day that a guy finds out his girl is an ancient... well..."

"As long as I have my potion, I am alive as you.  Contact with my body will not harm you if I'm in my alive state. For that time I am as real as you wish," Menne looked to him as he fingered her chin. As real as he wished, Paul mused. Did that relate to his power as the Starchild, to influence reality? A very strange paralell indeed, and one that was really creeping him out.

"Look, this is gonna take even more getting used to," Paul sighed deeply.  "But it doesn't change how I feel.  I can't stop that.  You've gotta give me a chance to take it in, that's all."

"That is all I ask," Menne said as he took her in his arms.  "I care for you so much, Paul.  The last thing I want is to see you hurt because of me..."

"Hey, don't go there," Paul shushed her, putting a finger on her lips.  "I...love you too...and I know you'd never hurt me intentionally..."

"Paul," she stammered, her eyes glancing up into his.  He lifted a graceful eyebrow, lowering his lips to hers as he drew her close in his arms.  She was glad at that moment he wasn't wearing his blasted costume that put him seven inches more over her.  It was hard enough to lean up to kiss him without the infamous seven inch leather heels, even though she loved it when she stood on his boot tops just before a show to share a kiss for good luck.

Gene gave a short percussive cough that made them jump.  "So are we gonna go get our gals some decent threads or what, Casanova?  I have a little get together with some of the producers coming up tomorrow night, and we don't want them to think we mistreat our women, do we?"

"Hey!  Has anyone ever told you your timing stinks?" Paul shot back at him.

"Hey, what can I say?  I'm not the one whose house caught fire in the middle of the night," Gene shrugged.  Menne gave him a watery smile, never so glad to have that Demon break the tension as he did that moment, yet never so tempted to belt him one in the side of the head.

Raina gave him a good swat on the ear on her behalf though.  The two women shared a secret grin, knowing that this was the first step in a very difficult road ahead.
 

Part 2

Chapter 1: A shopping center in L.A.

Few people would have expected Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley to be caught dead in a woman's boutique, other then to check out the girls coming and going.  Still fewer would have expected them to actually enjoy shopping, which many a man would consider a woman's most favorite past-time. Would wonders never cease, the store manager giggled to herself.

Yet as always they proved that they did things the hard way, and enjoyed the ride that fate had given them.  Whatever tension first existed amongst them had begun to lessen a bit in the laughter and verbal pot shots Gene and Paul exchanged.  Raina and Menne got into the act too, setting up a verbal banter worthy of Politically Incorrect.  The staff of the woman's clothing store was struggling to hide their laughter behind forced smiles.  After all, they did not want to risk losing the biggest possible commissions of their careers.  Rock stars always bought the most lavish things for their women, or sent them with credit cards with astronomical limits.

"Look it's for a party. Money's no issue," Gene explained. "Don't be shy! Pick something already!"

"What do you think I've been doing, Gene?"

"Well you sure as hell aren't trying anything on... and as I remember you were saying something about dragging me along on this..."

"It was originally your idea, remember?  And as for your suggestions in wardrobe, I'm not a Barbie doll.  That's why these choices of yours just don't cut it! Somehow that fact isn't penetrating your thick skull," Raina laughed into his face when he held up one particular micro skirt that barely left anything to the imagination. "Not unless you stretched me out on the rack..."

"Don't tempt me," Gene mumbled, but felt like laughing his ass off inside. Shopping always made him impatient, unless it was leering at ladies underwear or sexy outfits. This gal never failed to make him crazy. Yet that was the fun in having her around.  She delighted in seeing his expectations of how most women should behave crumble into dust.  There was never a dull moment with Raina, and she did not throw herself at his feet like the cheap floozies who swarmed over him by the dozen. It was refreshing to have to chase after a woman for a change.

Mennehotep and Paul exchanged a knowing chuckle as Paul held something long and purple in soft velvet up to her. He stood behind her and draped the dress over her shoulders to check it for length while he whispered, "How about this little number?"

"You're one of the few men who actually enjoys shopping... for women's clothes," Menne observed. Paul almost burst out laughing.

"You've never heard of transvestites, have you?" he chuckled, and in response to her blank look realized this was yet another new thing she had no exposure to.

"Trans... what?"

"Tell you later. But it seems like Gene's having the time of his life," Paul laughed lightly. "That must be the tenth outfit he's suggested to Raina."

"Why do they all tend to be low cut and high cut at the same time?" she wondered. "As if she is the sort that would be caught dead in it?"

"I remember Gene mentioning one time she showed up at a cocktail party in t-shirt and jeans," Paul chuckled. "He almost threw a shit fit, but then realized it wasn't worth getting so upset about because it reminded him of how he used to dress before Hollywood tamed him..."

"I can't imagine anyone taming Gene," she said.

"The Gene you know now is a bit rough, but you should have seen him back in the early days of the band. Hollywood's taken some edges off the diamond in the rough, and put a few sharp ones back on."

    Finally Raina found a few outfits she was satisfied with that Gene realized were quite attractive without the flashy sex appeal he had become accustomed to in the business. A few business suits and a lovely red silk strapless gown with matching shoes,  went into a zip up bag as the cashier swiped his credit card away.

"No way, put the cash away, girl! This one's on me..." he scolded her when he saw her reaching for her backpack slung over one shoulder. Today she was cool and casual in blue jeans, T-shirt and a comfortable leather coat that came to her mid thighs. Quite a contrast still to all the other gals walking around in miniskirts and platform boots, Raina refused to be conventional among the flash and glitter.

"We'll stop by the jewelry store and get you something nice to wear with this," Paul said to Menne when they gave their purchases to the clerk while Gene and Raina waited for them.

"But this is so much already..."

"I told you not to worry, remember?" he squeezed her hand. "Let yourself be spoiled for a change. You'll find it's not so bad..."

"Sometimes it's more then material possessions..."

"There's such a thing as being gracious, and letting your man prove his love to you. That's something that goes on a lot in the good ol' USA," Paul put his hands on his hips. "I don't know what it was like where you come from..."

"I was given many a gift of 'love' by... in my culture women receive many gifts from intended husbands to seal a marriage contract..."

"Well this is different. It's called dating, and it's a custom for a man to give his girl presents. At least women hope most men think so. It's got nothing to do with buying a woman's love, but proving how much a man loves his woman."

"It's just very different then I'm accustomed to..."

"Please let me give," Paul came close and whispered in her ear. "I have so much to offer, and so much I want to give you... and no, I'm not buying your love. Don't underestimate me for a minute or think that I'm doing any less then loving you in the way I know how ..."

"Paul I didn't mean to insult you I just..."

"Look, let's drop it okay? Just enjoy yourself. You can do that right? If not for you, then for my sake. I said before I only want you to be happy."

"Don't take too long, dude," Gene laughed. "Someone may think you want to try the stuff on for your lady!"

"And wouldn't you like to see that!" Paul shot back. "We're almost done here..."

Suddenly there came a series of shouts and clunking shoes outside the boutique entrance, followed by a shout of surprise from Gene. Menne whirled around to see Gene batting off several dozen young women and men who clustered around.

"Paul! Groupie alert!" Gene shouted back through the store.

"Is there a way we can get out of here unseen?" Paul asked the store clerk.

"I'll call security," she said, and picked up her phone. With a nod from her, several of the clerks store pulled Gene and Raina to one side when the glass doors began to descend. Normally they were reserved to close the store after hours, but they had to prepare for a possible mob. Every second more people seemed to rush up to the store.

"Paul, get the hell outta here!" Gene shouted. "I'll hold them off!"

"Really?" Raina sniffed, and yanked Gene away by the arm. "Don't get any grandiose macho ideas!"

"Look out!" Menne cried. The swarm of people seemed to close in from all sides like a tidal wave. Paul shoved Menne before him as he struggled to keep away from the groping hands and screams of the excited crowd. Where the hell was security when you needed them?  He watched out of the corner of his eye while Gene and Raina shoved their way through the crowd with surprising force. Raina's strength amazed him as she simply pushed people aside as if they were nothing.

"Does this happen every time?" Menne asked him.

"Not all the time! This is nuts!" Paul shouted, running quickly as he took her hand in his. The security people in the store had struggled to keep the crowd away from the retreating couple. "Bring the limo around!" Paul shouted over his cell phone as they rushed out the freight entrance of the boutique. Back and forth he glanced, but there was no sign of the transportation. It was the back lot of the asphalt, where all the trucks pulled around. They would just have to wait it out, he guessed.

"Maybe we should split up..." Menne suggested.

"No way. You're not getting out of my site again," Paul teased half seriously. "Just keep those shades on, love..."

Menne heard what sounded like a car engine pulling up. Before Paul could stop her she moved off towards it, in hopes that their getaway had arrived.

"Menne, wait!" he shouted, rushing after her. However, it was not the limo, but a private car.  Someone aimed something out the window, which looked distinctively like a camera.  She held her hands before her face, and rushed back. Paul jumped in front, and all the shutterbug got a shot of was the back of his long leather coat. A muttered curse came from the driver, as Paul pushed his hand in the way of the guy's camera lens.  "Take a hike!" Paul snapped at him, shoving his sunglasses on his face. "Wait for the photoshoot!"

"Hey pal, you're in the public domain... what about my First Amendment rights?" came the curt reply.

"Can you not leave us alone?" Menne said angrily. "What has he done to you?"

"Nothing but be famous. Who's the new gal, Mr. Stanley? Is she your girlfriend, mistress, fiancée..."

"Okay, you want up close and personal? Here's a statement: No comment!" Paul said, his voice low. Paul lifted his sunglasses, and got right into the man's face. "Now, am I going to have to sue you for harassment?"

"Surely we can come to an agreement," the first reporter said. "You have to understand that we gotta eat too! Just one picture..."

"Then wait for the photoshoot!" Paul snapped irritably.

A second photographer in the driver's seat snapped a picture in the resulting confusion of Mennehotep, who Paul had shoved behind him protectively. Both of them winced at the flash.

"Hand the camera over," Paul held out his hand, reaching into the stopped car.

"No way!" came the answer. If looks could kill, Paul would have slain the man. Suddenly there came a sizzling flash of red light, and everyone jumped as the camera exploded in the man's hand.

"What the..."

Menne pulled Paul behind her, running further into the alley as the two reporters stared in confusion at the smoking remains of their livelihood. She could swear she had seen Paul's eyes flare purple in that split second. Was it another power?

"Maybe I should fly us out of here!" Menne muttered, reaching for her amulet.

"They'd see us for sure..." Paul muttered.

"With the wisdom of Isis!" she chanted, grabbing her amulet. All of a sudden there was a fizzle of power, which went nowhere.

"What on Earth..." she gasped.

"Quick... run..." Paul urged her, when he heard the sound of footsteps and chattering people.

They rounded the building, to find one set of reporters to one side and the screaming fans to the other. There seemed no way out, till Paul whirled around on the advancing line with their litter of questions.

"Back off!" Paul shouted. Suddenly there was that odd purple glow again, and everyone froze.

"Leave us alone!" Paul said angrily. A dozen, glazed eyes fixed into his, and momentarily Paul froze in the silence. What had happened? They seemed transfixed into his gaze. Slowly they moved backwards as he moved forwards.

"Paul... it's you..." Menne said to him. "They're under your control..."

"No way..."

"Yes," she said.

"But...what do I do..."

"Whatever you want them to do. They're following your command."

"Uh..." Paul muttered, fishing for something. "Everyone, forget that you saw me and the lady here. When you see us leave, you'll... come back to your senses... okay?"

Just then the limo pulled up, and Paul gingerly took Menne's hand. Still he cast a glance over his shoulder at the frozen group. They had been stopped stone cold.

"Go on, get out of here!" Paul shouted at them, snapping his fingers. The purple light flashed again, and the people turned around, walking the opposite way with not a single backward glance.

"Let's get out of here," he breathed to his driver. "Pronto..."

As they rode away, Paul said nothing to Mennehotep. Clearly the experience had shaken him; his hands felt cold with shock under her touch. She too was flabbergasted. It was the first time her power had failed.

"What just happened back there?" he muttered.

"My power... it's... gone all wrong," she shook her head. "That's never happened before..."

"You're not kidding! What did I just do?"

"Mind control," Menne said softly. "Your powers... they're developing faster then I thought."

"What powers... what can I do? That guy's camera exploded when I looked at it!"

"I cannot summon my armor," Menne shook her head.

"Maybe it was just a fluke," Paul said, on the verge of panic himself. Focusing his attention on her dilemma seemed to take his mind from his.  "Hasn't it ever happened before that you couldn't summon it?"

"Never, unless I am tired or out of energy. But Paul, my armor... if I cannot use my powers... that means..."

"Means what?"

"I have been released..." she muttered softly. "Released from my duty..."

"Menne what are you going on about?"

"Thoth, the god of wisdom has taken his blessing from me," she said slowly, gripping his hands.

"I don't understand..." Paul shook his head. Too many revelations surged his overtaxed brain. Reality seemed to have become a strange dream with no sign of him waking up.

"The powers were granted to me under certain conditions, by a being known to ancients as Thoth, God of Scribes and Science, from Ancient Egypt," she said reverently. "But now that they are no longer happening... that means... he has taken back his blessing. I no longer have the powers granted me by the armor..."

"Wait...you mean you have no powers?" Paul asked.

Menne shook her head. "I don't know... all I know is that I cannot summon the power of my armor to protect you...or myself. I... I'm an ordinary person..."

"But is that so bad?" Paul asked her.

"I... don't know..." she breathed, heaving in deep breaths. "I just don't know..."

Tears sprang at the corners of the shapely almond eyes that were framed in kohl liner. She made no sound when she inclined her head and gripped the edge of the limousine seat, but her chest heaved in and out with silent cries. Slowly she lifted her chin with her eyes fast shut. It was then that she realized she had forgotten to take her elixir for that day. By all rights she should have reverted to a bandaged, wizened figure. Why had that not happened? Could it really be? More tears seeped through her long dark lashes down her tanned cheeks. Gently Paul wiped away the tear with a finger as he gripped her shoulder.

"Aw, come on now, I hate to see my lady cry," Paul sighed, slipping an arm around her shoulders. He hated the sight of her tears, and had no idea what all of these revelations meant, except the sensations of great loss that flooded his heart now. Whatever loss she was suffering he felt its emptiness at something great coming to an end. Relief mingled with the deep sadness, and Paul continued to hold her close, shushing her with gentle noises.

"It's over," she sobbed. "After so long it's truly over..."

"What is this 'it' that's over?" Paul wanted to know, grasping her shoulders as he held her out at arm's length. He sure hoped she wasn't talking about their relationship.

"The sleep of thirty five centuries," she breathed, looking into his eyes with her tear bright ones. "I am alive. Alive and living as you are, Paul Stanley."

"Wait, you're... really alive?" Paul asked, dumbstruck. "Are... you sure?"

"Yes. The mystic armor only works for the ancient reborn who were preserved in mummification rituals. Osiris has taken away the blessing of the preserved.... and made me as one of the living again."

"But Menne... that's... that's wonderful!" Paul exclaimed as he suddenly realized the weight of her words. If she was really alive then perhaps... perhaps she was forever free of that cursed Tuthmosis. And then...

"I never thought I would see this day, that it would end like this..."

"No, it's just begun," Paul whispered, kissing her palm gently. Their gazes locked in that instant, and Menne truly felt the beating of her own heart, without the need for the potion.

"Paul, what are you saying?" Menne raised an eyebrow, surprised at his gaze. "I may not be able to help you when..."

"Let's talk about that later. C'mere you," Paul grinned, lifting her chin as his hot breath wafted against her face. With his other hand he wiped away the remaining tears. There seemed no reason anymore to stop him from crushing her close in a firm embrace this time. Or no need to stop the encroachment of warm firm lips that moved over hers, gently at first, but with more intensity when she leaned into the kiss. Paul's moan stopped in his throat at the force of her lips on his, till she echoed his sentiment. He leaned forwards till she rested along the length of the padded leather seat, his muscular form sandwiching hers beneath his. Against her chest his heart beat strong and firm, and she knew that her own heart was as alive as this one. Still their kiss remained unbroken as Paul's hands caressed her body. The limo driver allowed himself a small smile as he pressed the button controlling the shaded partition, and banished the view of the passionate embrace that grew more heated with each passing moment.
 
 

Chapter 2

"Where the hell did these people come from?" Gene demanded as he pulled Raina behind him. They just couldn't shake this crowd loose. Already mall security packed close around them in a living wall to keep the groupies away from Gene and his companion. Unfortunately it didn't stop the cameras and groping hands.  Suddenly the ground began to shift under their feet. Small bits of plaster landed out people's heads as the floor pitched forwards and backwards. Everyone parted in the resulting screams and shouts when the earthquake knocked everyone off their feet.

"Come on!" Raina shouted to Gene, steadying him against her as they danced over the skittering ground. Cracks snaked on the tile mall floor. That was the one thing Gene hated about living in California: the constant threat of earthquakes at a moment's notice.

"Talk about timing," Gene muttered as he almost tripped. Raina continued to pull him along, as they rushed to stand in the shelter of a doorway. Long forgotten, the mall security attended to the groupies who scattered in panic.

All too soon it was over, and the fluorescent lights and potted plants still swayed gently.

"San Andreas, I love you," Gene laughed. "C'mon gal, before they notice we've split..."

"This time I'm with you," Raina grinned, and let him take her hand to lead her to the mall exit. By then a limousine had pulled around to meet them, responding to a hasty call Gene made minutes earlier on his cell phone.  Still laughing they got in and slammed the door shut. Gene flipped on the television inside to see what the news had to say about the sudden tremor that came out of nowhere. Something seemed all too convenient about it when he gave the matter second thought. Slowly his eyes turned to Raina.

"Did you... have something to do with that?" he asked.

"Who me?" Raina shrugged.

"You told me you could hear earthquakes moving. Before they happened. Did you know this one was coming?"

"As a matter of fact... yes," she said.

"Gotta keep you around a little longer," Gene grinned.

Suddenly the phone rang, and Gene reached into his jacket pocket muttering, "Its probably Casanova calling to say he and his lady got out okay..."

"So is it him?" Raina began, but then stopped when Gene shushed her. He did not say hi at first, which was very bizarre. A puzzled look came over his face as he waited nearly five minutes. Traffic had slowed to a crawl while ambulances and fire trucks whizzed by in the fire lane.  A limousine identical to theirs coasted alongside, and Gene glanced out the side of the tinted window. Still he said nothing as he continued to hold his cell phone up. Then a slow grin spread over his face, and he lowered the cell phone.

"What?" Raina asked. Gene glanced sidelong with a massive grin on his face. Slowly he held the phone to her ear and she heard strange sounds coming from the phone.

"Good grief!" she laughed aloud, and leaned for the phone. Gene held it up over his head.

"You're nuts, give me that!" she laughed, and dove for it.

"No way this is too good to miss..." Gene continued to laugh as he held the phone just out of her reach. Raina shoved him flat against the seat under her as she retrieved the phone and clicked the off button.

"You're horribly rotten to spy on your friend like that!" Raina scolded him. "Honestly!"

"Hey, don't look at me! Not my fault the dumb ass left his cell phone on and hit send!" Gene chuckled, his chest heaving up and down under hers.

"What am I going to do with you, honestly..." Raina shook her head. Instantly she regretted her comment when she saw that mischief spring into Gene's dark eyes.

"Hey, if you wanted to horse around, all you had to do was ask," Gene said, glancing up into her face. "Shame to waist a good opportunity like this, eh? Especially since this traffic isn't going to move five freaking inches in the next hour or so... if I know LA..."

"Only you would suggest something like that at a time like this," she laughed.

"Why should Casanova have all the fun?" he shrugged, and pulled her face down towards his.

Chapter 3

    Both Paul and Menne echoed sighs of contentment while they straightened their disarrayed garments. At last the traffic had begun to move again, and took them to a more remote part of the city. Paved streets lined with apartments gave way to the mansions she was accustomed to seeing now.

"You had said before about proving one's love," Menne giggled. "I think you are beginning to see that there are more interesting ways then just the giving of material possessions..."

"Don't start that again or I'll have to teach you some manners," Paul threatened, a teasing twinkle in the dark eyes. His hand slipped up her leg invitingly.

"The exuberance of you modern men never ceases to amaze me," she blushed, and gripped his wrist inches from its eventual destination. "I have only just composed myself after our last escapade."

"Almost there," Paul nudged her, as she slipped on her jacket again, and he fastened a few of the buttons on his shirt. Both straightened up, and glanced out the windows. He brushed a flyaway bit of hair out of her eyes.

"Isis, it is much like mighty Memphis," she breathed, glancing at all the stately homes. She had seen Gene's neighborhood only at night, and she had been too absorbed in her pensive mood to really notice the surroundings on the way to the shopping mall till now.

"It's nothing like Tennessee," Paul began, before he realized she must be referring to the original Memphis in Egypt. This sure was going to take some getting used to.

When they pulled up into a driveway, Menne's breath stopped in her throat at the beauty of the building nearby. She had seen pictures on the "spirit box" of faraway places like Europe. Ancient kingdoms that had risen and fallen in the time she had been at rest in her tomb had left their imprint on the architecture of many cities such as Venice and Rome. She had even seen the familiar lines of Egypt in many of the mansions thus far. This home was no exception, for it resembled those places they called "villas" she and Nefertina had seen in a "travels of the Mediterranean" program on the Vacation channel.

"Be it ever so humble," Paul joked, when he saw her reaction. Taking her hand he led her out of the limo and down the path towards the front entrance. The driver took their purchases from the trunk and followed at a discreet distance.

"I would have expected a palace such as in Thebes, but this is far nicer," she commented, when he stopped to let her drink in the first view of his home. "There is a warmth here..."

"You like it?" he asked, slipping an arm around her waist. "I didn't want someplace too big. I don't want to feel like I'm living in a museum like some of my friends..."

He seemed pleasantly surprised as they reached the garden to one side, and she slipped from him to drop to her knees beside the rosebushes. She stopped to run her fingers over the soft velvety petals on the nearest bush, and drink in their heady aroma.

"It's okay to pick them," he laughed, stroking a hand against her cheek. "After all, I do own the place..."

Reaching down with dexterous fingers between the thorns, he broke the blossom off its stem. Over his shoulder he nodded to the limo driver to leave the bags and parcels on the front veranda. With a smile he passed the single rose to her as he did that first night they had met. Just above the first thorn he broke off the blossom, and tucked it behind her ear. "You look good in red too, sweetheart."

"Paul," she laughed. An air of dreaminess settled over Menne, tinged with the unreality of it all. Memories of her past life in ancient times began to surface, and she could no longer push them aside. At Paul's side she strode with the natural grace and bearing of her station when they entered the front door for the first time. He picked up all the purchases and insisted on opening the door for her.

The driver had brought the strange box from Gene into the house.  Paul didn't bother to ask what it was till he saw Mennehotep carrying it into the room he said was all hers when she wanted some time alone. Out of all the men she had known, he seemed to understand the need to withdraw for contemplation. After all he needed such time for himself, away from her even. He was delighted she understood this far better then most of his women.  Still he couldn't help but wonder about the noises coming from her room. It sounded like a faint plucking noise. Despite her need for privacy he couldn't help snooping to discover what Gene had sent her.  She was fumbling with the strings on a small glossy Punisher bass. The fingers were a bit clumsy, but the patterns of her left hand actually looked like she knew what she was doing. Could it be?

Paul then remembered some comment Gene had made early on in the tour about "the gal has a hidden talent". It never occurred to her that he was actually teaching her to play. Doc mentioned there were times she didn't hang with the other people, but would slip away into the sound stage. All those times he thought Gene was playing --  had it been her as well? Then there were the Band-Aids on fingers of her right hand, and the gloves she often wore.

"You know it would sound a hell of a lot better with an amplifier," Paul said as he leaned his head into the room. Menne almost dropped the guitar when she leapt off the bed.

"Paul... you scared the life out of me... I mean uh... I didn't see you there..."

"Sorry," he chuckled, and sat down on the bed next to her. "Why didn't you tell me you played?"

"It was a surprise," she said, and blushed. "I'm not that good really. Gene saw me following along one time with Skid Row, and asked if I played. For the last few weeks he's been giving me bass lessons, in my spare time."

"I wondered why your fingers were toughening up," Paul said, taking her hands and running fingers over the calluses that were already forming on her left hand.

"I'm sorry to hide something from you..."

"Hey, if this is the last of the secrets you're revealing, then I'm relieved. I wish all were like this," he joked, laying a hand on her thigh. "But if you want to play, I've got a better place then this..."

    The small plug clicked firmly into one of the round sockets on the amplifier as she played out the cord to her instrument. Experimentally she tried the rumbling bass which seemed to spill into the small space with a low cut of thunder. Quickly she plugged in a pair of headphones and the sound was confined to her own space. On the walls all around her, Menne admired Paul's collection of various guitars hanging neatly, much like the swords in a weaponry hall. She recognized the names Ibanez and BC Rich on the various bridges as she set up a practice line. Decorations varied from lovely painted roses on one to another that was fronted entirely with panes of mirror glass in a fragmented pattern. Each unique, and each priceless beyond belief.

    Menne closed her eyes, and slowly lost herself in the bassline. She could almost imagine herself jamming there in the small studio with Scotti Hill and Nefertina that one session, where they had all gotten together just to jam. It had been incredible fun. Nefertina pounded away on the drums like a true veteran while Menne struggled to pin down the steel strings that bit into her fingers. Gene Simmons had even poked his head in and pulled Menne aside to show her what a "real" bass would do. It became their secret quickly, where both would steal away to a smaller studio and the Demon would give her lessons in laying down a solid substantial bassline. Before long she had made the mental switch in her mind from the ancient modes of Egyptian music to the modern drone of bass. Centuries ago as part of her princess training she was drilled on playing the harp. Menne became quite good, unlike her sister Karahammon who was too impatient to learn the stringed instrument. Oftentimes she would entertain in court with her prowess in the strings. A guitar was the same in principle, and some rules of harmony did not change with the centuries.

    Paul reappeared with one of his Washburns, a simple wooden gloss one decorated with his trademark star at the base. Immediately his eyes were drawn to the sight of her swaying hips as she moved with her strumming. He plugged in next to her, and started to play a simple riff. She smiled as he swung into view before her, and gave a winning smile. Of course she couldn't really hear him and imagined he had his own "jamming" he wanted to do. Paul in his latest riff trotted over to the amp, and pulled out her headphone jack.

Two streams of music joined. Menne thought her headphones were still plugged in, and delighted at the sound of his guitar chords spilling over into her bassline. Paul smiled again, and pointed to the end of her cord, and she almost died with embarrassment. The bassline died in a tense moment.

"Don't stop now," he urged.

"I couldn't presume to play with one so talented as you..."

"Aw come on! Let's make some beautiful music together..." he chuckled. Thinking for a moment, she began a simple three-note progression. Paul jumped in after a few bars and added his own flourishes to the mix. It was all she could do to keep up, distracted by the sensual swaying of his own hips in sync with his guitar pressed to his abdomen.

"You play so well," she sighed in appreciation.

"You're not so bad yourself," Paul said.

"You flatter me..."

"No, I mean it. You're pretty darn good for a beginner. Are you sure you haven't played much before this?"

"I played the harp long ago. Gene had been giving me bass lessons for the last few months on the tour..."

"Say, how'd you like to surprise him a little?" Paul stroked his chin. How appetizing it was to be able to share a part of his creative side with one he loved. Not every woman he had loved could touch this side of him. Along with the disturbing secrets he had discovered about this woman were many pleasant ones that seemed to balance the scales towards sheer pleasure. They eclipsed the doubts that sprang up from his mind, reassuring him that perhaps fate was inexorably drawing him to her like the tug of the moon on the ocean's swells. Some things were just meant to be, and he secretly hoped this would prove to be the case with this fabulous woman from a distant time.

"What are you thinking?"

"Come over here. Put that down for a minute and try something..."

"I couldn't play six string very easily..."

"Try," Paul grinned. "If you can learn bass, you can learn a six string. Not too hard if you picked bass up so easily from playing the harp... but the guitar.... hmm..."

    He swung his own instrument to his back, and glanced over the ones on the wall. That white linen vest glided over well defined pectorals and abdominasl with each breath. Earlier she had seen him "pumping iron" in his personal weight-room, but she disappeared minutes before he noticed her admiring the glistening sweat on his body. Black leather pants sheathed those legs that seemed poured into them, with a backside as firm as ripe pomegranate which rippled under the tight material when he strode over to lift a guitar down from the collection on the wall. Not many men in ancient Egypt were as tall as he, she reflected. None of them had his curly silky locks, even if the onyx hair was typical for a man of her time.  Carefully he lifted down an Ibanez with glossy black finish, and approached her with it. "Give this a shot. It's probably the same weight as that bass..."

    Menne rested her Punisher on a rack to one side, and lifted her arm so Paul could slip the guitar around her shoulder. He ran the line from the amp, and showed her where to plug the other end into the guitar's base with a decisive click. The hum rose in pitch as she strummed a few experimental notes. The strings were a little lighter then the heavy steel of the bass.  Paul stood beside her, and nodded as he showed her a few basic chords. She pressed her fingers to the board, her callused tips pressing down with a sensitivity that Paul had rarely seen.  Her hands were so much smaller then his, her delicate, long fingers attractive with their dark, hennaed fingernails. She picked up the fingering quickly, much to his delight.  Yet that look of strain on her face disturbed and fascinated him.  Rarely had he seen one person so in tune and so into what they were doing that it seemed to be forced labor.  Music didn't need to be painful.

"You don't have to work so hard," Paul chuckled, and shifted his guitar to his back.  He stood right behind her, and slipped his arm around her waist to rest on her hand that strummed the guitar, while his other hand rested on hers on the frets.  "That's all the tension you need.  Jeez, what did Gene teach you?"

It did not help matters that his chest pressed into her back, his front to her rear while he showed her the chords with his fingers wrapped around hers.  "Paul you're not helping," she giggled when his breath tickled her ear.  "I'm... a little distracted..."

"Well playing the guitar can be a sensual experience," he said innocently, glancing at her with those dark eyes.  "You have to let go once in a while and loosen up..."

"You're not fooling me for a minute.  You like seeing me flustered..." she stammered, trying to hold onto her self control.  To hold back the urge to turn around and do something extremely delicious but not related to the guitar at all.

"You look cute when you are, but what I mean is this: music is fun, not so damned serious all the time. Want to learn a new chord progression?" he asked. Large hands with long strong fingers reached around and posed hers to the right places on the glossy black Ibanez.

"Diminished seventh, C, then FÖ" he instructed, pressing her fingers down.

While he strummed along with her she delighted in the sense of oneness. "So that's how it's done, eh?" she whispered back, stroking her nose against his cheek.

"Mm hmm," Paul nodded, kissing her forehead lightly. "You're getting much better. But there are a few tricks of the trade that only a well-seasoned veteran can conveyÖ"

"Such asÖ"

"It's great to see you have such intense concentration, but you have to let yourself go once in a while...because that concentration makes your hands tense and cramp, and you need to loosen up those wrists more," he nuzzled into her ear. She wondered where his right hand had suddenly disappeared to when she saw just his left guiding her fingers on the guitar frets.

"What are you saying?" she asked.

"What you're feeling now...take a deep breath and don't hold back.  Put that feeling into your music.  Rock-n-Roll is loose and intense at the same time.  You have so much passion bottled up inside that's begging to be released.  It's a sin to hold it back any longer..."

"I thought we did this before. It's sounding like a broken...broken..."

"Record?" he supplied helpfully. "Now change to F, then B flat. That's it...just slow and easy. Now riff a little...and slide..."

Menne did just as he indicated, till he released her hand and she realized she was playing on her own. Suddenly the strap of her guitar caught on her collar awkwardly and she winced. To her relief Paul's fingers slipped it to a more comfortable position lower on her shoulder. She heaved a sigh of relief.  Yet Paul's fingers danced lightly down her shoulder to her collar, then began to work at the top button of her blouse. Pure disbelief shocked her till he had unfastened the fourth one down, and she realized what was going on. A sheer wave of thrill shot over her into surprise as she stammered, "Paul...what are you...doing..."

"Keep your mind on the progression," he chuckled. "Let yourself go. Have fun..."

"Sounds...like I'm not the only one..." she gasped, feeling his warm breathing chest against her back. Menne leaned her head back, pressing closer while his left and right hands slowly pulled apart the separate halves of her shirt. Pulling the material aside he let it drop to the floor, and kicked it aside with one booted toe. Now the guitar strap lay on her bared shoulder while Paul's hands stroked their way across her chest.

"Good, you've got into it now..." he cooed into her ear as she trembled from a massive wave of sensation. Her fingers wandered on the strings, almost losing whatever beat she had, and the right hand brushed past one of the distortion knobs, increasing the tone to a shrill cry. Paul's hands danced down to her waist and slowly unbuttoned her Levi's, before gently undoing the zipper.

"Isis," she choked out, her moan disappearing in the shrill cutting sound of the Ibanez. Paul steadied the tone, blending on one knob as he positioned her sweating fingers to another progression. All she could sustain was one single tone as he tugged her pants down to her knees, bending over to do so. His dark hair brushed against the backs of her thighs. Menne lost her place in the music, leaning back into Paul who had stood up behind her again.

"Relax baby," he urged, kissing her neck lightly. Cold varnished wood of the guitar's back pressed into her belly now, without any material between it and her bare skin.

"You...are awful, but sweet Isis don't stop..." she moaned, almost unable to stand as he continued to kiss a path down over her shoulder now. Her knees gave way, and he steadied her, slipping an arm around her waist while he pinned the shucked Levi's down with his shoe. He lifted her for a moment, and kicked the jeans far away.

"There's still something else this instrument can do," Paul whispered yet again, guiding her hands to the other knobs and experimenting with them as he melded her fingers to the strings. "You try now..."

"I don't...know...how..." she gritted, trying to control and focus on the music. Yet what he was doing to her was maddening and so invigorating.

"Don't think..." he urged, raining kisses down her shoulder, up her neck, and down her shoulderblades. Now beyond her control her fingers had their own will, just as his seemed to. His hands kneaded and caressed her breasts through the purple satin fabric, until they both closed over the center, slowly undoing the fastenings and letting the material fall away. Now his hands and fingers explored simultaneously, doing things that she found herself doing in turn on the Ibanez.

"Paul, that's incredible," she moaned, before he choked off her next words with a deep firm kiss. Desperately she wanted to turn around, but his hands held her firmly positioned before him, sandwiched between himself and the guitar. One hand released to slip downwards between the guitar and her gasping belly, working deliberately south. A shudder trembled through her entire body, tossing her against him. Her whimper behind his kiss made him withdraw.

"Paul...please...wait a minute..." she gasped.

"What's wrong, baby?" he asked, pulling his hand away.

"It's not that...this damned strap is cutting into me..." she complained.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, kissing her ear. "Let me loosen that for you..."

"You've done more then that already," she panted, as he unfastened the strap from its base. In the momentary delay of moving to set it down, she whirled on him and caught him about the neck. Menne trapped his lips with hers, stroking herself against his body as her one arm kneaded down his back. The sheer force of her throwing herself into his arms almost knocked him over in surprise. Still he clenched the Ibanez in one hand and the other guitar long forgotten was still slung across his back. Her hand moved from behind his neck to plunge into his dark mass of curls.

"Whoa," he gasped, pulling back for breath. The look of delight and sheer surprise in the dark eyes was priceless. Her hands busied themselves almost ripping at the buttons of his vest in her effort to get it off him.  "I think I'd better put this down, don't you?" he said, holding the guitar out.

"Definitely, right now," she nodded, already unfastening the other from around him. No sooner had both instruments been placed in floor racks then she moved into his arms again. His vest joined her clothing on the floor, and she began to work her hands to his waist, stroking them down over his backside with strong firm caresses. His moan of delight was priceless as he arched against her. In turn his hands found her own bottom, and pulled her up, working her thighs around his waist.

"So much for teaching me the guitar," she raised an eyebrow at him. "You stinkerÖ"

"Plenty of time for a little of both," Paul purred, his eyes filled with the desire that matched her own. "And now, to make up for lost time..."

    Still pressing kisses to her he carried her effortlessly out of the studio, and into the living area beyond. She knew he was strong, but didn't imagine he'd attempt something quite like this. Her mind's eye flickered an image of Gene sweeping Raina or some other girl up into his arms in the same way, which somehow she imagined took a lot more physical strength then carrying the traditional love cradle style under the back and knees. The feel of cold air on her bare skin chilled and thrilled her far less then his ministrations on the way to his master bedroom. Their remaining garments did not make it into the doorway with their owners. Their desires merged into one as they rolled onto the expansive bed together. Each time seemed as surprising as the first as she moaned at the force of his passion. Their cries blended seamlessly into the vast bedchamber as she climbed to new heights of sheer joy. Violet energy erupted at the base of his spine, shooting up towards his brain as the world exploded into a flash of pleasure. The glow enveloped both of them, misting into a gentle radiance that soothed their hungers simultaneously. Within his mind Paul suddenly felt her joys, her passions, and desires as if they were his own. They were one, for that split second when her essence seemed to merge into his, and both hearts beat in a single space and time.

Reluctantly they slipped apart mentally, still entwined in an intimate embrace. "Oh God, you're incredible sweetheart..." Paul gasped, unwilling and unable to leave her even had he desired.

"Isis preserve me, I love you so much my beloved brother. Till in the next life we are one...as Isis and Osiris," she moaned, in ancient Egyptian, wrapping him close to her with arms that would not release her. To call one 'brother' who was not related to her by blood was a sign of endearment only an ancient Egyptian woman would reserve for a husband. And in her time, all that was needed for the commoners to be joined in marriage was a contract and for the woman to move into the man's house. Royalty had ceremonies of marriage before priests, but the concept was the same. She had been staying with Paul for the better part of the week now, sharing food and bed with him much in the same manner. In ancient Egypt she would be for all intents and purposes married to this man. How could she explain that to him now, in the throws of passion?

"What did you say, sweetheart?" Paul pleaded against her lips as he fought the encroaching exhaustion. "Please tell me...in English..."

"I love you Paul," she repeated, trying to put it in words that he would understand, in terms that this man of the modern world would comprehend. "I wish you at my side for eternity..."

"I love you too, Mennehotep, and I don't want to let you go now...not ever..." he kissed her soundly. She shivered with joy at the sound of her full name on his lips. Weariness set in both lovers, sending them inexorably into the embrace of sleep, and each other's arms...

    Later she stretched, feeling sleep tumble off her. Something was missing, and she realized Paul was not with her in the large king-size bed. Pushing hair out of her face, she glanced at the angle of the sunlight and noticed the rumple of the sheets where he had been. Just how long had she slept? Disappointment filled her when she wondered why he had left her side.  However the sound of footsteps perked up the momentarily sagging hopes. The door quietly swung open to reveal him there with a tray in hands. He was fully dressed again, and his hair seemed moistly drying.

"Where did you go?" she asked, pushing herself up to sit up in bed.

"I'm sorry love. Thought you'd like some coffee."

"Coffee... what time is it...did I sleep the day away?" Menne momentarily panicked.

"I think we both slept into the next day," Paul laughed lightly.

"Oh Ra--I mean God..." she moaned, and noticed the clock behind him reading eleven am. "Why didn't you wake me? Did we miss Gene's party?"

"I'm sorry. You looked so peaceful, I hated to disturb you," Paul said. "And no, we didn't miss anything. The party's this afternoon."

"But still it's most of the morning gone! I hate wasting time..."

"It seemed a sin to wake you up, and don't worry about wasting time. And anyway here's breakfast. Don't know about you but I couldn't wait...I was starving."

She let him feed her a few forkfuls of omelet with some sips of fresh hot coffee. "I thought he didn't like his guests to be late..."

"Well Gene'll just have to wait," Paul laughed. "He only lives two minutes from here, and I am thinking he's probably taking his own sweet time getting there too."

"How do you..."

"Funny thing happened. It's like I can sense his thoughts. And yours too. Believe me when I say that recording is the furthest thing on his mind this morning..."

"Why am I not surprised," she shook her head, laughing. Paul sensed her thoughts, and shared the laughter.

"Well not multiples," Paul laughed. "Just one in particular..."

"Isn't that unusual for him?" she giggled. "Having the same woman more then one night in a row?"

"Been known to happen. Raina's still there," Paul said.

"You're as bad as the paparazzi, spying on your friend," she laughed.

"He's probably flattered as hell," Paul grinned. "If there is one thing I know about him he'd be bragging to me anyway about his nighttime activities. So I'm just saving him the trouble of telling me when he sees me..."

Chapter 4: The Cocktail Party

    "Refreshments in the main lounge people, while I fire up the VCR," Gene laughed as he waved to the throng of guests. Already a dozen close friends, a handful of producers, and many social climbers had gathered in his large sitting room. They milled about, chattering about this and that. Nearby, a bit of distance away stood a stunning figure in a red silk strapless gown. Her matching satin pumps gave her ankles just enough of the illusion of being slender, and added two inches to her height. The glasses were absent from the emerald green eyes, and her light brown hair teased around her face in a new hairstyle. The dress' bodice pushed the waist in ever so slightly, just enough to slim the waist a bit, but not cut her in two, as Raina inwardly rejoiced. Gene was amazed how a size 20 could look so damned good out of the baggy shorts and battered t-shirts. She sported the pearl choker Gene insisted she wear when he first saw her try the dress on. Normally she hated excessive bangles, but this was a nice simple addition.

"Looking good, doll," he whispered into her ear as he drifted over, and offered her a glass of diet coke. She took it gladly, and sipped a sizable drought with relief.

"Thanks. Just how many people did you invite to this affair anyway? And just how many are people you actually know?"

"A good dozen," he shrugged. "The rest are producers, studio musicians, and lord, the rest probably social climbers or escortsÖ which reminds me, where the hell is Paul?"

Just then the doorbell rang, and Gene's ears perked up as he glanced over to the hired help admitting two more guests. Sure enough Raina recognized Paul in a lovely suit, like something out of GQ, long hair slicked back into a stylish ponytail. She could see the eyes of the gentlemen in the room riveted to the attractive figure in purple velvet at his side. Jet black hair was swept up into a bun with a few gentle strands framing her cinnamon bronze face. Kohl set off the dark onyx eyes that took in the surrounding gentry. Raina saw the transformation take place in an instant, the nervous woman vanished at the door to admit a glamorous woman. Straight and regal she strode at Paul's side, her posture perfect, each step falling gracefully on the stiletto heeled black velvet shoes she wore. Some conditioning never stopped, Raina laughed to herself. Menne could not deny that part of herself that was the trained Queen, for in a high class setting all the old social graces rose to the surface instantly.

"Damn," Gene breathed when his eyes drank in the site of Menne. Gripping Raina's hand he wandered over to greet his friend and his lady.

Around her neck glistened an amethyst pendant, framed by a small row of diamonds. Purple velvet gloves matched the dress, and her right hand carried a small black clutch purse. Worked into her hair were several purple roses that set against her jet black hair.

"She's quite attractive, isn't she?" Raina commented, noticing the look in Gene's dark eyes.

"Babe, that's a freakin understatement!" Gene muttered under his breath to Raina. "Damn, she looks like she's ready to star in her own freakin movie..."

"Knowing you it'd probably be something like Debbie Does Dallas," Raina muttered. Gene glanced at her with some surprise.

"What kind of man do you think I am?" he returned.

"Do you really want me to answer something you already know?"

"Hey dude, glad to see you and the lady made it," Gene quipped, shaking Paul's hand. "Good job bringing him here Queenie. You really came through. And damn, may I say you're looking extraordinarily ravishing tonight..."

"Er...one may say so," Menne responded, with a hint of amused detachment.

"Excuse me a minute gal. Gotta talk some business... make yourself at home. Mix and mingle and all that good bs..."

"Want something to drink?" Raina asked, and took Menne's arm. "All sorts of good beverages. Leaded and unleaded, if you get my meaning..."

"What?"

"Non alcoholic are included," she clarified. "Let's let the boys mingle..."

"Go on," Paul urged her, as Menne seemed unsure as if were proper to leave his side.

Gene pulled Paul aside to a quiet corner, placing a hand aside of his mouth as he whispered, "Holy shit, she's a knockout..."

That look suggested a best friend who was seeing his other friend's kid sister for the first time in grown up clothing. Of course Gene tended to make a pass at any woman of the two legged variety, he certainly had an appreciation for the extremely attractive ones.

"And she's spoken for," Paul grinned with a look of satisfaction. "So no ideas, okay, man?"

"Who me?" Gene pretended to look innocent. He wore what could pass for a striking black suit, which looked somehow out of place on him.

"Champagne, cocktails, sir?" the attractive server broke into their conversation. Paul took a glass of white wine and exchanged it for a winning smile. Trust Gene to serve up class with the sexy, Paul chuckled to himself when he noticed the brief skirt with the plunging neckline of her black and white outfit. Most of the female servers had on the brief outfits that were part tasteful, part of something out of a movie he and the guys had seen when they were particularly hammered. His friend never could quite give up that overactive and sometimes raunchy side.

Doc McGhee moved over to Paul and Gene, who were just about to pick up their conversation when the doorbell again rang. Raina and Gene moved over to answer, almost colliding with each other in their haste to play host and hostess. Paul hid his mirth behind his hand as Doc shook his head.

"Wonder why he even tries playing this game," Paul laughed.

"You of all should know about appearances. Speaking of which, heard anything from Ace or his lady? Considering the tour resumes this coming week..."

"Well, actually, no," Paul admitted.

"You know that I can't stall the promoters much longer," said Doc, voice low amidst the background chatter. "Gene was just telling me he had a few backups lined up in case..."

Paul's stomach turned. This wasn't something he particularly wanted to talk about right now. Half of him wanted to believe that Sohkarra could work a miracle. Suddenly that buzzing in his head seemed to increase. It became more and more difficult to focus on what Doc was saying. As if everyone was starting to talk louder and louder.

"Don't even think it," Paul muttered.

"What?" Doc asked.

"Ace has a chance...she promised us herself."

"I didn't say..."

Paul suddenly realized that Doc hadn't said anything, but he had heard the thought as clear as day. A cold chill shivered his spine.

"Excuse me," Paul muttered, and wandered away, feeling the increasing buzz of voices overwhelming him.

"Peter! How the hell are you!" Gene laughed, as his fellow bandmate stood at the door with his date, Tina. She was exquisite in the green silk minidress which set off her tanned skin and gray eyes. Tall black boots topped off her ensemble.

"Was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by. So what's with all the black ties and skirts? Playing Hollywood again?"

"Didn't Doc let you know?" Gene asked. "Some of these suits are producers, and a few of them are some of the best studio musicians I could scrape together..."

"Don't tell me you're still thinking he might not..." Peter said.

"Where's Paul and Menne?" Nefertina broke in, trying to change the tense subject.

"Raina, where did Paul get off to?" Gene asked, shouting across the room. Raina wandered over, from a group of people she had been talking intently to.

"How should I know?" she asked. "This is your party, remember?"

"But you're the hostess..."

"Since when?" Raina asked, folding arms across her chest.

"Gimme a break," Gene groaned.

"All right I'll find him," Raina said. She wandered off into the midst of people, leaving Gene to dab sweat out of his face.

"Who's the chick?" Peter teased Gene. "Or should I ask?"

"She seems to have a backbone," Nefertina commented. "Not the usual, eh?"

"Her name's Raina MacLaren," Gene said. "An old...acquaintance..."

"Uh huh," Nefertina laughed.

"How's the fashion industry?" Gene asked.

"The same," Nefertina waved her hand. Menne suddenly came over to her friend, arms outstretched.

"Tina!"

"Menne! How are you, girl?" she cried, embracing as they exchanged words.

"Holy..." Peter drew in his breath at the sight of Mennehotep in full evening wear. "Menne is that you?"

"I've been getting a lot of that," said Menne, drawing out of Nefertina's embrace.

"You look great! Where did you get that gown...or do I need to ask?"

"Well don't just stand there you people, mingle," Gene cut in, with a laugh as he gave Menne a bit of a brotherly shove. "Get your lady a drink, Peter!"

"But what about Paul?" Menne asked. "I haven't seen him since..."

"Raina'll find him. Don't worry Queenie. There's still plenty of mingling time till the talks..."

    Raina had seen Paul wandering off, a look of intense pain on his face. He sat slumped over by the pool, hands to his head when she found him.

"Paul...are you okay?"

"Make it stop..." he moaned. "Too many...shut up!"

"Paul," Raina said clearly. "Focus on my voice. Shut everything else out..."

She moved to his side, putting her hands on either side of his head as she cleared her throat. Tilting Paul's head to force his eyes to gaze into hers, she continued, "Look into my eyes. Focus on what you see..."

"Can't think..."

"Look me in the eye. Now!"  Raina repeated clearly, but firmly as if it were a command. "Don't think about what you hear around you.."

Taking every ounce of his concentration, Paul forced himself to fix his mahogany gaze into her emerald ones. Their pupils locked, and his concentration fixed as he struggled to shut out the cacophony in his head. A soothing presence filled his mind, almost dampening out the flux of screams.

"What's going on?" Paul asked her, moaning.

"Your powers are waking up," Raina said, still keeping her hands on the side of his head. "That noise you're hearing are the thoughts of everyone at the party..."

"I can't stop them..."

"You can. Dammit, I wish Sohkarra were here. I can dampen them enough to help you at least shut it down...Let me help you, Paul! Trust me..."

"How do I turn it off?"

"You can't completely. But you can shut the floodgate to a crack. Form a wall around your thoughts. Built it brick by brick. Picture yourself doing this...now...piece by piece put it up. Imagine the sea of thoughts lapping against it. It must be high enough to keep the thoughts at bay...soon you will learn to let them pass through. But for now..."

Paul did as he was told, focusing all his concentration on the mental images she seemed to be broadcasting into his brain. Focusing on her thoughts, which were a slow ooze behind a thick wall he suddenly realized what she meant. Nobody but her had the wall.

"Yes, read my thoughts. See how I have my wall, and duplicate the conditions in your mind..."

Slowly the tide of mindchatter ebbed and stopped to a dull background roar. Paul was able to at least think straight now.

"God," he gasped, shaking his head. "That was too weird...I don't know how you did it, but thanks."

Raina offered Paul a sip of water from the glass she had set down on the table. For a minute his gaze still fixed into hers. Her thoughts were calming, gentle, almost pulling off the mad rush.

"You're not a telepath are you?"

"I can dampen telepathy if I'm in physical contact with a telepath. Even though I'm not one myself..."

"How do I turn it off...like you did? If you're not..."

Raina explained. "Part of my training to resist it. Most of my people in the future are psychics, but some of them are the opposite. We soak up mental energy like a sponge, which allows us to detect the faintest traces of telepathic probes."

"So you're like some psychic vampire?"

"Sort of," Raina sighed. "You make that sound so negative. Yes, in a way I am. But not enough to deplete a telepath as powerful as you, all of the time. Just enough to shield my mind from the probes, and from the listening ears of one. However if I was under attack, I could siphon off enough to stop those with the intermediate level of power. But against powerful ones like Sohkarra...I am not sure."

"So you block them?"

"Yes," she nodded. "As I am blocking your power now so you can at least think normally."

"Can you help me learn to use this?"

"Only the mere basics. Enough to stop you from frying your brain by listening, and stop you from frying others' brains. But you will soon need a far better teacher then me. But I'll teach you what I can..."

"I'm scared..." he admitted.

"Good. That means you're taking what I say seriously," Raina said, gripping his hand. "Now...I am going to have to speak to your avatar. I want you to do exactly as I say. Look me in the eyes again..."

"What are you doing?"

"I need to talk to the Star Bearer. Get him to shut down the damper on the power. I had said he shouldn't give you any more power then you can handle, but I don't think he quite gets it."

"No shit," Paul shook his head.

"Trust me. It's just hypnosis. That's something I can handle. Just look at me again, and let your mind follow the sound of my voice..."

Paul let his gaze wander into hers again. The green seemed to expand and fill his mind as he lost himself on her words.

"Star Bearer," she said. "Talk to me. What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Really, Rayna, must you be so forward?" came the voice of many, through Paul's lips.

"And do you have to be so clumsy? Thanks to you, your host almost lost his mind! I thought you said you were going to introduce him to the power gradually!"

"I apologize for that. The affairs of mortals are not always within the capacity to judge..."

"Don't tell me, you're distracted. With the host's love interest again..."

"As ever you are one step ahead, Rayna," said the Star Bearer, Paul's eyes glowing purple.

"Why didn't you come forward a little more like you did last time? Merge with them? Why give these mortals such control over your gifts? As I recall, the last time you merged your thoughts with theirs they had some clue of how to use the powers..."

"The foe we face will have the power to chain the Avatars," said the Star Bearer. "I have seen ahead that this is possibly so. Yet such binding spells cannot stop mere mortals, who are considered beneath the consideration of the control spells we may face.  And it is all the more that we can be detected, and endanger our hosts if we place our own consciousness awake fully within them. Even now you might endanger Paul, my host, by communicating thusly with me..."

"Tough. But ease up okay? Not so much power at once...not till someone else can help him...and you know who I mean, right? Didn't you say Sohkarra was a powerful telepath herself?"

"Trained by the Masters, who know the workings of human telepathy, yes. But the beloved of this one will soon face dangers she is no longer equipped to control. I have seen this and have no wish to see her perish before she can complete her mission..."

"What did you see?"

"I saw Mennehotep...possibly facing death," said the Star Bearer quietly. "This must not happen. Paul must learn to use my powers soon, if he is to protect her...against the first threat. For another of great power has stripped Mennehotep of that which is rightfully hers..."

"Shit," Raina muttered...

    Menne stood off to one side with a drink in one hand, and Nefertina's hand clasped in hers. Both women exchanged their news in hushed whispers.

"So did you..." Nefertina asked Menne.  Blushing, Menne slowly nodded. "Whoah..." Nefertina giggled. "But what about...I mean like Karra filled me in...but Bastet...he really threw you out..."

"Yes, but I prefer not to discuss that. What could I do, Tina? I no longer love him, and he only wishes to dominate me."

"I don't blame you for a second. Paul's such a sweetie, what woman wouldn't love him? Forget about the other. If he threw you out, it's as good as divorce in this time. Royal or no, you deserve to be happy. Hasn't Sohkarra taught us that with this whole thing?"

"You know as well as I do that perhaps there is a chance that..."

"Yeah, but like you said, we'll worry about it when it happens. And so far..."

"The fire at Paul's beachhouse, Nefertina. That is what worries me. You know that in our time an unfaithful wife was burned..."

"No way, Menne. It's just a coincidence...he wouldn't try that...not after he himself threw you out.  Didn't he say that you weren't his wife anymore? It's not like this time where you gotta get a judge to sign a form to say divorce."

"You who are of my time have lost sight of the ancient magics," said Menne with a sigh of regret. "And he in his pride might not be capable of letting me go..."

"Who is that gal?" Nefertina asked as she saw Paul entering with a woman in a long red dress.

"Raina MacLaren. She is an ally to us," said Menne. "She knows all about us...about Sohkarra even..."

"How in the name of Bastet..."

"It's the prophecy. She is the fourth one."

"Refresh my memory about that?" Nefertina narrowed her eyes.

"It was written in the scrolls of my teacher, Tharakenat, Court Wizard, about the Elder. That whenever they are needed, their beloved sisters would arise, and aid them, as Isis aided Osiris. Four in number as they are numbered, of like mind and spirit, hearts dedicated to the purpose. Three united as friends, and the fourth to lead them, who knows the ancient ones, whose hidden strengths shall tip the balance of Maat. 'Beloved sister' in our language means wife, or in this modern time, lover. All of us have found ourselves in such situations with the men, the hosts. And Sohkarra, you, and I are all friends. But the fourth one has been found, and she knows the ancient ones."

"I thought Sohkarra was that fourth or you were, the one to lead I mean."

"No. Raina is the fourth. She who is the least seeming in power, but the greatest in hidden strengths and secrets. I suspect there is much more to her then she lets on."

"She's not an Egyptian like we are..."

"No. She claims she is from a time distant in the future of this world. And that she has seen the Four come into hosts before. She says the Elder themselves, the Four who are One had sent her."

"As Peter would say, pretty heavy," Nefertina shook her head. "Unbelievable..."

    "It's unbelievable," Gene said to Peter. "The shit that's been going down in the last week. But I finally have the answers to what the hell has been going on..."

"Chicks from the future...no way," Peter shook his head. "This just gets better and better."

"You're not kidding," Gene laughed half seriously. "But it makes sense. Don't you think she looks familiar?"

Raina entered the room, holding Paul's arm. He glanced at her with a thankful smile as they moved over to where Gene stood with Peter.

"Take a good look at her, Peter. Doesn't she look familiar?"

"You're the one that remembers every chick you bedded," Peter muttered. "Not this cat..."

"Paul, you okay dude? You look like hell," Peter commented as they joined them.

"I feel like it..."

"He's okay," Raina said to Gene. "Just his powers, coming into focus..."

"Oh great," Gene muttered.

"Peter Criss, it's been a long time," Raina said, suddenly noticing Peter standing there. She extended a hand to him.

"Do I know you?" Peter asked, confused and unsure of all this.

"Think 20 years ago," Paul said, rubbing his head. "New York City? Back when we were still playing clubs? But when we had just cut Hotter then Hell?"

"Think just before Destroyer," Gene further clarified.

"Shit that was ancient history," Peter shook his head.

"Liz...you remember a girl called Liz?" Raina asked him. "Drummer for a band...you called them a chick band? She was a friend of mine..."

"And Carol," Paul muttered, glancing at him. "Showed up at the same time with another gal named Pat who Ace was sweet on. For more then just a few encores..."

Recognition slowly sparked in Peter's eyes. "No freaking way," he whispered.

"Just as you were making it big," said Raina, with a knowing smile.

Gene summoned all those in the sitting room towards the large entertainment viewing area. With a wave of his hand he said, "Time for some video highlights of the tour."

"Here he goes again with the damn home movies," Peter joked to Nefertina. She cast him a sympathetic smirk.

Paul stilled seemed a bit hazy when he and Raina rejoined the others. "What is wrong my love?" Menne asked him, laying a hand on his arm.

"I had a little talk with his avatar," Raina whispered to Menne. "Seems the mindchat got to him..."

"I'll be fine," Paul muttered irritably, shooing them away. "Just give me a minute..."

"Paul, there's no need to be rude. She is just trying to assist you," Menne nudged him.

"I know...but how would you like it if--" Paul grumbled.

"I do know something of what it is like," Menne hushed him. "And so does she, for she is from a society where such abilities are commonplace. You would do well to show her respect.  For my sake as much as hers..."

"I'm sorry," Paul sighed. "This isn't easy for me..."

"Star Bearer should back it off a bit. Can you still hear any thoughts not your own?"

"As long as you're nearby I think I'll be alright..."

"Here's something else that may help," Raina said, and reached for something in her purse, which hung over her shoulder. She had gone to retrieve it after a moment of thought.

    Paul felt her slip something into his hand, and it looked to be a small crystal, almost like an amethyst crystal, perfect and six sided, about the thickness of two fingers, and the length of his palm. It seemed to glitter with the same inner fire as Menne's amulet. "What's this?"

"A Mantissan Amethyst," she explained. "Regulates mental energy into a specific frequency, and enhances telepathic control for its user. It's basically a cheap way of regulating a beginning telepath's energies. It soaks up the excess, dampening the abilities and releasing them. You'll need something a little more complicated, but it's a perfect crystal lattice. It works in much the same way your talisman would have if it still existed."

"You mean to say that cheesy story about talismans is true? They really existed?" Paul scratched his head.

"Yes, but they were destroyed in our last battle...and it was necessary for the power to be encrypted in the genetic codes of the next hosts. That way they could not be lost or stolen. Still, a regulator is needed until you learn the control of your avatar's powers."

"It appears much as my amulet is...or did," Menne said, examining it. Paul felt a gentle glow spreading up his hand into his busy mind. Slowly the haziness was beginning to evaporate.

    Raina held up a small, embroidered leather pouch. "This will enable you to carry it. It must be worn close to the heart. For that is the seat of your powers. I strongly suggest you keep it with you at all times..."

"Looks like you have plenty of time to become accustomed to it, since Gene is rambling..." Menne laughed.

    Suddenly Peter sniffed the air, wincing as if he smelled something foul. At the same time he pricked up his ears as if listening to some distant sound. Nudging Nefertina he asked, "Hey kitty cat, do you hear that?"

"Hear what? How can I hear a damn thing with Gene's videos blaring in my ears?" she complained. Peter pulled her away to the windows. Gene's stereophonic system on his six-foot screen digital television effectively blared so loud that it drowned out most other sounds. Yet Peter seemed serious, and Nefertina knew better then to question that look on his face.

Peeling back a corner of the drapes, Peter peered out the window. "Donít see anything," he muttered.

"What do you hear?"

"Motorcycle engines," he muttered. "And the sound of shouts...I could swear it wasn't far off now..."

Raina too had separated herself from the crowd and joined them, whispering, "You sense it too, don't you?"

"What?" Nefertina demanded.

"I feel the vibrations of many engines rattling the ground," Raina said.

"I can hear them, they're coming closer and closer..." Peter said. "Something makes me smell trouble..."

"Your instincts are awakening," Raina said quietly. "It's the Beast King's powers...your senses are many times that of an ordinary person...like those of the cat..."

"How can you hear it?"

"I can't hear it, but I can feel the vibrations through the earth," Raina said. "My sense of touch is so sensitive in my feet that I can feel the minutest vibrations in the earth's crust. That includes things that cause vibrations other then natural earthquakes...and it's coming right towards us..."

"I smell the gasoline and exhaust now..." Peter winced. "And the hairs on my neck are standing on end...this isn't good...I can just feel it..."

"What is wrong about motorcycles?" Nefertina demanded. "There are lots of gangs that mean no harm..."

"Gene didn't invite any motorcycle people...at least not any friends of his that I know of on the guest list.  Dammit maybe I should tell him...I hope to hell it isn't latecomers..."  Raina stormed off, a look of annoyance on her face. Striding right up to Gene she tapped him on the shoulder, saying, "Excuse me, can I have a word with you?"

"Later doll, I'm busy," Gene whispered back to her. He was deep in discussion with Doc McGhee and two or three other high profile suits.

"This is important. Did you invite any friends on motorcycles?"

"What?" Gene asked, suddenly realizing her question. "How the hell should I know, you made out the guest list..."

"I went over it, after you insisted..." she said. "And I don't know anything about such people coming...but knowing you, you probably will have unexpected guests turn up at the last minute..."

"This is a private party," Gene whispered, pushing her away. "Now if it is someone you just make nice-nice with them and show them where the refreshments are..."

"Just why is that my responsibility? I'm not your damned hostess..." Raina snapped.

A few pairs of eyebrows raised at this, and Gene said, "Excuse me," while he took Raina's arm and walked her over to a discreet distance.

"This is no place to argue over this, doll," he snapped. "Right in front of the people is not a good time! Now will you just cooperate and help me out here? I've got a lot on my mind, and the last thing I need to hear about is bitching about uninvited people. So what? Just make them at home!"

"I never agreed to be your 'hostess'!" she snapped back. "You said something about me hanging around here and having free reign. I'm not your damned social director!"

"Now come on you said you'd help! What the hell brought this on? I was right in the middle of sealing a deal when you interrupted me with this! Can't it wait till later?"

"No it can't," she said firmly. "And there is another issue. If you didn't invite any motorcycle friends, then can you explain to me why I heard several go by?"

"Are you crazy? I can't hear a damned thing!"

"Peter did, and you know I can sense vibrations..."

"Give me a freaking break! This is stupid! I can't the hell believe you interrupted a conversation for this shit!"

"Fine then!" Raina shouted. "You deal with it!"

"Shh! Keep it down," Gene winced, pushing his palms down as he mimicked turning down imaginary volume. "What crawled up your ass all of a sudden?"

"You aren't listening to a word I say! Can't you stop playing Hollywood for one minute and listen to me seriously?"

"This isn't the time or place for that...not when I've got deadlines to meet, and negotiations..."

"Which may be academic if you get your behind into trouble dealing with the enemies you must prepare to face..."

    Paul winced as a sudden influx of violent emotions flooded him. Menne grabbed his arm, supporting him as she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Could you get me some water?" he choked, trying to clear his mind. Then it was gone. Menne nodded and moved off through the observing group of guests. When she reached the kitchen she asked the help for water. She had to pass through a set of double doors that exited the main room, and down a short hallway that had doors leading out to the back swimming pool.

Just then she collided with a tall figure headed the opposite way. "Excuse me," she said.

"Not a problem. Say...you look familiar. Is your name Menne?" he asked, taking her hand.

"Yes..." she said, glancing into a pair of bright eyes. The blonde hair and blue eyes looked familiar, but the leather jacket seemed out of place compared to the suits and evening gowns of the other guests. Even social climbers had gaudy suits or gowns. "Who are you?"

"An admirer of Paul Stanley. Are you his new lady? I mean I've seen your picture with his...there was this charity auction a week ago, and you were right next to him, planting a hell of a smooch on him..."

"Who...wants to know," she laughed, and shrugged. "It might or might not have been me..."

"But your name is Menne? Menne Curie?"

"Er, I have to go back to join the others..." she said.

"Why in such a rush?" he asked, putting a hand to stop her.

"Excuse me..." she said trying to push past him.

    Suddenly a hand clamped over her mouth from behind, and the water glass tumbled to the carpet. Reaching for her amulet made no difference, for even if she had grasped it, it wouldn't have done her any good. Still she struggled and kicked, her shoe cracking into the assailant's knee. Between them they sandwiched her and bundled her out the door towards the pool.

"Let me go!" she screamed, but her cries were muffled in her throat.

"Oh no, you're coming with us, Mennehotep. Someone has promised me a great reward for your capture..." he laughed. Suddenly she recognized him. It was Pep, an old enemy of the Guardians. He was the living incarnation of the Desert Serpent, Apep, an ancient monster of Egyptian myth that was enemy to the Royal Family.

There was one chance. Gathering all her mental strength she formed a single thought in her mind. Paul! Help me!

Chapter 6: Time of Reckoning

    In the next room Paul heard her as if she had screamed right into his ear. He pushed his way past the other guests as he rushed out of the room. Peter and Nefertina noticed him vanish, and looked at each other. There was a stench that made Peter wince.

"Someone's here, and man! Do they reek!" he said in a hushed whisper.

"What do you mean?" Nefertina asked.

"There's an intruder in here..." Peter whispered. "We gotta tell Gene..."  Both of them started over towards Gene, but Nefertina pulled Peter back from joining them. Gene and Raina were arguing fiercely in a corner of the room and their voices were rising steadily in volume.

"Oh great..." Nefertina groaned. "Now what?"

"Get down...now..." Peter suddenly grabbed her arm. He pulled her away, shoving her behind the shelter of the sofa as he shouted to the people, "Look out!"  A crash of glass burst inward as a loud sound like a dozen chainsaws slammed into the room. The staccato percussion of machine gun fire cut into the wall, taking out the TV in an explosion of blue sparks. Raina threw herself onto Gene, knocking him to safety on the floor a few feet away. Everyone scattered, screaming and shouting in the confusion, till gunshots made them stop still. Peter leaped behind a chair, blending into the shadows.

 "Cooperate and nobody gets hurt," came the voice of their leader.

"What the hell is this all about! How dare you barge in here!" Gene bellowed.

"Gene, shut up!" Raina hissed, clapping a hand over his mouth.

"What do you want?" she asked, looking up into a pair of watery blue eyes and stringy hair that ringed the freckled face.

"Simple sweet cheeks! Everyone move over to that far wall. Hands up where we can see them. We're taking up a collection...for higher education..." he sneered, gesturing with the muzzle of his submachine gun. The others carried Uzzis, trained on the tense group.  Nefertina and Peter glanced anxiously at each other from behind their sofa. Raina peered out of the corner of her eye to notice the movement behind the three-gang members. Guns were aimed at the guests who were clustered to the far wall before the ruined TV set. Still Gene was pinned under Raina.

"So what's it gonna be, Mister?"

"Kiss my..." Gene was about to say before Raina stopped him yet again.

"What are you doing?" he whispered.

"Look over my shoulder," she whispered back. "Eter-pay is iding-hay..."

"Everyone do as they say," Gene called.

"Honey, get off the big shot, slowly," the leader said, pointing with his gun. "Lift those hands where I can see them...easy now..."

Slowly Raina got up off of Gene, who climbed to his feet. Both backed towards the crowd. The other two thugs were already forcing people to drop wallets, purses and other jewelry into large garbage bags. Ever so slowly Gene moved closer to Raina out of a sense of protectiveness, when he pulled her towards him. His hand gripped her opposite one as his arm curled around her waist tightly.

"You have a lot of balls coming in here and breaking up the party," Gene gritted. "What makes you think you can get away with this, smart guy?"

"Shut up, and drop your contribution, bright eyes. None of your mouth..." the leader said, covering them with his gun.

"Don't piss them off Gene," Raina urged him.

"Listen to your lady, dumbass, and these suits and broads might not get hurt," he laughed.

"Let me guess," Gene smirked. "You're studying a correspondence course in how to fleece us Hollywood types to give to the poor...Are you some freaking Robin Hood or something with a vigilante complex?"

"I said shut up!" he screamed, and rushed forwards to grab Raina. Roughly he tore her from Gene's grasp. Shoving his gun muzzle against her head he pulled her before him. "You think I'm shitting you? One more word outta you and I blow her head off!"

"Let her go," Gene growled low in his throat. He reached within his jacket and pulled out his wallet. With a look of disgust he tossed it down at the man's feet.

"Got your attention, didn't I, jackass?" he laughed in a mocking cackle. "How does it feel to be behind the gun, you stuffed shirt? Pretty different eh?"

"That's not necessary. You think you know me just from a look, kid?"

"You're all the same. Making money off the consumers, just so you can get your house done. All the same..."

"Whatever," Gene shook his head. "Take my damn money...and choke on it. Rob the whole damned joint for all the hell I care. Just let the lady go...and everyone else when you've done your work..."

"That's more like it...now no more smartass remarks or the bitch here gets her brains spattered all over the room..."

A low growl escape Gene's throat when he curled his lips in distaste. Fingers clenched into fists but he could do nothing. Raina did not look frightened, or else she was putting on a hell of a show, he realized. That look in her green eyes was more of concern for him and the others who were frozen in terror.
 

    Paul returned, unable to find Menne, but what he did find was most disturbing. A gang that was fleecing every one of their valuables was holding Gene and all his guests at gunpoint. Raina had a gun forced to her temple, with Gene unable to do a thing. However Paul noticed the mind traces of Peter and his lady nearby, concealed. He froze, racking his brains about what to do.

"Paul," came Raina's voice in his head. He could pick up her thoughts easily.

"What do I do?"

"I'm going to try something. You stay back. Peter and Nefertina know what to do. When they move, make your move..."

Behind the sofa Peter shook his head at Nefertina. They had to wait till the gunmen moved towards the window so they could make their move. Within their minds they heard a voice saying, "Stay cool, I'm going to try something..."

"Paul?" Peter almost spoke aloud.

"Shh," Nefertina hissed.

"I know you've got a plan. If Raina is going to do what I think she's going to do..."

    Finally everyone had divested themselves of all valuables, including the string of pearls around Raina's neck, much to Gene's chagrin. Roughly the lead thief had seized it by the front and yanked it off her neck with a snap before tossing it into his sack.  With a satisfied smirk, the leader laughed, "Thanks folks. It's been fun, but we must be going. And in case you get any bright ideas about reporting this to the police...we're taking insurance..."

So saying he wrestled Raina before him, motioning to the other gunmen to back away with him. "Where are you going with her?" Gene demanded.

"Don't be stupid. She's taking a little ride with us...and maybe a little fun later..." he cackled, and lifted aside a lock of her brown hair with his gun muzzle.

"You touch one hair on her head, prick, and I'll nail your ass to the wall!" Gene snapped, poking the air with an index finger.

"Save it for the press, dipshit! And if you squeal, you might not find her back in one piece..."

"Give me a break...intimidation is so overrated," Raina sighed. "You don't scare me with that pathetic line..."

"Shut up, bitch!" he barked, and smacked her face with a sickening crack. A line of blood dripped from the corner of her lips.

 "You damn coward, hitting a hostage," she spat the blood back in his face. "Be very lucky you're holding that gun right now or you'd be up to your ears in trouble..."

"I said shut it! Now!"

"Go ahead and pull the trigger...since you're so inclined...I bet you don't have the nerve to do it!" she cried.

"Raina shut the hell up!" Gene shouted, his hand reaching out toward her.

"I'm not scared of this vermin," she whispered.

"I'll kill you if you don't shut up now!!!" the man almost squealed.

"Gene... Fire in the hole!" she screamed. At that moment she shouldered the man's gun up, dropping. Simultaneously the other gunmen were pinned by a duo of snarling, growling creatures that sprung out of nowhere.  Gene launched himself at the lead gunman, knocking him over. Raina grabbed at the gun, struggling to wrestle it out of his hand. He kicked Gene away, his foot cracking into the man's jaw. Quickly he aimed the gun towards her, but she wrenched it out of his hand and hurled it across the room. Snarling he leapt on her, and they rolled over and over. Sharply his fists cracked into her jaw till she shoved him off her with a sharp knee in his stomach.

"You'll pay for that bitch!" he snarled, blood dribbling from his mouth this time.

"I don't think so," she laughed, her kick landing in his groin. He squealed in pain, immobilized for the time being. Raina stood up and backed away from him, grabbing up the discarded gun.  Peter and Nefertina continued to battle their assailants. Nefertina's black whip snapped around them while Peter's claws slashed the guns from their hands. They both had moved so fast that ordinary gunfire was less then effective.

"That about wraps it up," Peter joked in a low meowing yowl.

"All right!" Nefertina laughed. "We did it!"

Gene glanced up at Raina, rubbing his jaw with a smile as he saw her covering the gunmen with her weapon. "Okay now. It's your turn to listen to me..." she said firmly, face glowing with the flush of her activity. Up and down her chest heaved under the red strapless bodice, her hair slightly mussed into a brown cloud about her face. Sweat streaked her arms and bare back. At that moment she was so beautiful he could have kissed her then and there, and started to move towards her side when he climbed to his feet.  Suddenly two others who fired their weapons towards Raina and Gene rushed into the room. But where was Gene? He seemed to have vanished. Guns leveled on Raina, who now held the assailant at gunpoint with his own weapon. Before Gene could reach her there was a spatter of bullets that made them both jump.

"Drop it, bitch!" came the sharp command. "Throw the gun down now!"

"I'm getting really tired of being called bitch," Raina muttered. "Even though in this case it's less then a derogatory term..."  Raina dropped the gun, shaking her head. "This just isn't my day..."

Slowly, painfully the leader climbed up from the fetal position before the large smoking remains of Gene's TV set. He stared daggers at Raina and Gene when he moved close to them towards the reinforcements. Stabbing the air just before her he snarled, "That wasn't smart...and now because you had to be a hero, you're gonna pay. Put the bitch down, boys..."

Raina drew in her breath when Peter and Nefertina looked desperately at each other. What could they do now? All hope seemed lost as they looked to Paul, who just moved into the room. A gun was leveled on him as well.

"Uh uh, bright eyes," the leader laughed. "Say your prayers and prepare to meet your makerÖ"

"Like the lady said, I don't think so!" a deep voice growled. The two gunmen's eyes widened as they saw something in Raina's direction. A loud roar split the room, and they opened fire. However their bullets never reached their target, for a wall of fire sprung up between Raina and them. Their bullets melted to slag in seconds.  Another tongue of fire swept out, heating their guns to molten metal. Screaming, the men backed away holding their scalded hands.  Everyone panicked when their eyes met the sight that had unnerved the men. A loud roar echoed in the room, and Raina's eyes fell upon it herself. Instead of fear, a rush of excitement filled her face as the powerful figure in glittering armor and midnight black leapt upon the two reinforcements. Claws slashed as they were easily vanquished and pushed towards the back of the room where Peter and Nefertina were able to seize them. In a living mass of cries and screams the party guests raced towards the door and windows.

"Paul, you must stop them," Raina shouted to him. "Or they'll trample each other trying to get out of the room!"

"What do I do?"

"Do what you did before. Just tell them!" she shouted.

He moved into the midst of the retreating group. Inches from trampling him they stopped stark still when a purple flash blared the room in a second. Everyone stood transfixed as a figure in dazzling rhinestone and black moved into their midst.

"Everyone, remain calm," he said, in a voice of many. It was taking most of his concentration to fix his hold on them. In his efforts he missed ensnaring the mind of the assailants, especially the one who was the leader. Stringy blonde hair dripping with sweat, he moved out towards the rear entrance to make his escape. Raina moved to block his escape, and he set to pounce upon her with a look of rage in his face.  A claw reached down, grasping the man about the throat from behind. Slowly it lifted him off his feet, and he gasped into two blazing red eyes. Fangs dripped with venom, a long tongue flickering over them.

"You made one mistake, ass-wipe. Never screw with my friends, or my woman...Now, pay the price..."

"What the hell are you?" the man squeaked, his blood draining out of his pallid face. Fire singed his hair, searing at his skin. Twin black spans furled in the living space as the Demon flexed large membranous wings. Gleaming armor encased him, closely resembling the Destroyer costume in its design with many wicked spikes.

"You aren't as stupid as you look after all! I am your worst nightmare..." the Demon growled.

"Oh shit..." the man blabbered, quivering.

"What's to stop me from snapping your neck from your spine and spitting down your neck...you waste of skin?"

"Gene...don't do it," Raina said, coming to his side. Slowly she lay a hand on the massive arm. Now more then ever he towered over her to a height of seven feet. A look of pity was on her face for the wasted youth, mingled with disgust.

"For what they did that would be merciful," the Demon laughed, the red glare fixing into hers.

"I would love to stand in line to waste this kid, but he's just a pathetic example of someone who went wrong. And this night is already bad enough as it is...so just let the cops deal with him okay?"

"But for your sake I'll spare this human trash. Now bastard, I wanna know some answers now!  Who the hell sent you...before I rip you to pieces..."

Peter and Nefertina finished tying the others up with her whip. Paul moved out, looking towards where the Demon stood. "Leave him to me, Demon," came the calm clear voice. "I sense this one is partly responsible for Menne's disappearance..."

"Where is Menne?" the Demon demanded. "What do you mean, Paul?"

"She cried out to me in fear...but I can no longer sense her thoughts," the Starchild said. Raina noticed the change in him as well, for he was now clad in glittering midnight black, irridescent stars spreading down his arms as a diaphanous sheer cloak was belted around his form. It resembled his Dynasty costume. Pools of bottomless amethyst regarded the deep red ones of fire.

"Tell me, you ass wipe," Gene growled. "Either you answer the question or the Starchild here fries your brain!"

"I don't know anything!" he gibbered. "The boss man took her! He was called Pep! Of the Desert Princess..."

"Ra damn it!" Nefertina cursed.

"You know these clowns?" Peter asked. Peter, too, stood transformed, glittering black claws, obsidian sharp sprouting from panther paws. Green cat eyes fixed the other two in a feral stare. Fur graced his sleek form, clad in a vest form that allowed him all the freedom of movement a feline could want. A silky black tail swished impatiently when he rose off of all fours to his hind legs.

"Yes! Pep is an old enemy. I hate to say it...but he's bad news...he's had it in for us for a long time!"

"Where is he now?" the Demon hissed. "Tell me..."

"I don't know...I don't know..." he wailed.

"I smell that same stench on these ones...and it extends into the hall..." Peter suddenly sniffed, his muzzle moving over the man's leather clothing.

"Do you think you could follow it?" Nefertina suddenly asked. "If you are a Cat now..."

"Sure thing, Kitty Cat," Peter nodded.

"True we can sniff them out, but we need to know the nature of our foe," the Demon answered him. "And this little shit will talk or lose a finger, one by one..."

"Nothing so crude," Paul said. "But I do not know how to use these vast powers...I fear that I might burn his brain out trying to find her..."

"It's what they deserve," Nefertina spat.

"No Nefertina," said Raina. "That's stooping to Pep's level."

"So what now?" Peter asked.

"Lead us, Cat Man," the Demon said. "It's up to you, if you have the trail. And as for these trash..."

"They will wait for the authorities. And remember nothing. That is all I dare do..." Paul answered

"Can't you call the Princess Sohkarra?" Raina asked him. "Gene and the others will go on ahead, and you stay here..."

"Will you stay with me?" Paul asked.

"Sohkarra is best suited to help you. As long as you hold that crystal, your powers will not get out of hand, but you might burn the minds of these men with your lack of skill. It is up to you..."

"All right then," the Starchild nodded. "Please...hurry...Menne might be in serious danger..."

"We won't let you down, man. We'll find your woman," the Demon promised. Throwing the terrified thug down before Paul, he turned to Raina. She moved towards him, without fear as he extended a claw.

"Ray," he said, his voice softening. "Look, about what I said before...I shouldn't have underestimated you, doll..."

"We'll talk about that later. But now..."

"I'm assuming I can fly with these..." he looked at her.

"Yes."

"Need a lift?" he asked, trying to shed some humor on the situation. Of all the Hosts, he was the most at home in this new transformation. Somehow the Demon and Cat Man had easily adapted to the transitions, their Avatars already in touch with them.

"Thanks," she nodded, walking up to his side. Was she still steamed at him, Gene internally wondered. After all he certainly did take her for granted a few hours ago, and now here they all were experiencing a slice of weirdness out of some bad B movie.

"Lead on Cat Man," Gene growled. Picking up the scent, the Cat Man rushed out into the night. Nefertina grabbed one of the motorcycles and revved it up. Through the open hole of the room she roared off after him.

"Let's get the son of a jackal," Nefertina called behind her over the noise of the motorcycle engine.

With great care, the Demon swept Raina into his arms. She showed no fear to see him in this form, Paul noticed. Even though he knew it was still Gene, Paul couldn't help but feel a bit of fear at the sight of his powerful alter ego. Inwardly he laughed seeing the Demon trudge through the rubble of his living room, cursing to himself.

"Sons of bitches when I get my hand on their leader..." he muttered.

"Can it Gene, and let's go!" Raina told him with a laugh in her voice.

Paul fought down his fears, and moved to the assembly. There was much to do. All he dared was keep them all in a trance till he could contact the princess. A sickness spread into the pit of his stomach. He glimpsed his reflection in the mirror and lost his breath for a moment. Within the glass stood the tall figure haloed in soft purple light, his amethyst pools gazing in sheer surprise. It seemed as if doors were slowly opening in Paul's mind to reveal hidden things beyond normal sight, far removed from the limits of five senses.

"Menne, I will find you...I swear to God that I will..." he whispered to the night. Slowly he sat down on the sofa, attempting to clear his mind to contact Sohkarra. Anger filled his thoughts at the question that arose: Just who sent these men to do this? Was it Pep, or someone else? Visions flickered before his mind's eye, and Paul got the impression Pep was not their true foe, yet someone far different and far more powerful. Intimately connected to Menne at one time?

Will Paul be able to contact Sohkarra for help finding Menne, or will Peter sniff her out first? Who is responsible for kidnapping Menne? Find out in the next installment!

Part 3

Chapter  1: A small cabin in the mountains

Sohkarra was with Ace, in one of the periods between his bouts of recovery. Both of them were sleeping deeply; Ace on the large king-sized bed, Sohkarra curled up in a large comfortable chair. Her mind wandered astrally, keeping her defenses wide open. Yet there was a disturbance; one she couldn't quite pinpoint. What was it that the Celestial had said about being able to communicate with the "others"? Could this be one of them she sensed? She had never meet the Star Bearer, Demon or Beast King yet. Was one of them attempting to make contact?

Ace had just dropped of to sleep again with Sohkarra's help. They had just gone through what had become a regular deal with them. Though she never knew quite what to expect; except to expect the unexpected. This time Ace had accused her of being in league with the devil because she would not bring him more of the drugs and liquor that his body still craved. Nor would she go a round with him on the large king-sized bed. She had done with him whatever she had needed to.  Now she lay back on the huge papa-son chair, completely exhausted. She had finally gotten him to rest again. She reveled in the slight victory of finally having gotten him to eat a little something. At this point she would take what she could get.

Then it hit! A force within her mind so powerful that it caused the most excruciating pain she had hoped never to experience. Through the murkiness of pain, she could see an image of Paul. What was he doing? He had no real grasp of how to use his newfound powers. She fought down the pain in order to answer his naive summons. "Paul, stand down now!" she called back to him. "Stand down before you blow my mind apart! What you're sending is too much without your knowing how to handle it. Let me come to you."

She half thought she could hear the word, 'sorry'. She took a couple of minutes to recover. The trace of his mind waves still were strong. She was able to easily follow them. "What is it you need?" she asked Paul. "Don't you realize what you almost caused?"

"I'm sorry Karra," he answered. "But I didn't know what else to do. She's gone!"

Where she was, Sohkarra shook her head, "Who is missing?", she asked.

"Menne, that's who!" Paul called back to her. "I need you to help me find her. You're the only one I could think of who can."

"I can, but it will be difficult." Sohkarra told him. "And I cannot do it now."

"What do you mean?" Paul demanded.

"Excuse me? Look, I'm very tired, and have been working very hard lately..." Sohkarra returned. She liked Paul and wanted to help where Menne was concerned, but she would tolerate none of Paul's tone. "You may ask how it is I cannot help now, instead of demanding like some spoiled child!"

Paul realized he had overstepped with her. He knew from personal experience that dealing with Ace could be trying. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you. But will you please tell me? I really need your help. Your friend's life could be in danger..."

"Very well," Sohkarra answered as she slunk down further in the papa-son chair. She thought to herself that she needed an unlisted number. Then giggled at her own comparison. Mind telepathy and communication had nothing to do with the phone book.  Slowly she reached for her amulet and lifted it.  Perhaps its power could tune into that of Menne's. Yet when she held it up, and thought of her friend, she saw no response.

"Isis curse it..." Sohkarra groaned.  Had her power depleted so much that she couldn't do something as simple as pick up a signal from her friend's amulet? For a moment she tried to home in on Nefertina's, and the horsehead sapphire gave a faint glow in response. Nefertina's amulet was still linked to hers magically, for Nefertina was her guardian. If anything ever happened to Sohkarra, or likewise, either's amulet would wail in alarm. The same should happen with Menne's amulet, because she was a close friend and member of the royal family. Why was there no answer or chime of confirmation? Paul sensed her frustration through the link, and wondered what was wrong.

"This is terrible," Sohkarra shook her head. "Has something happened to Menne's amulet...the necklace she wears?"

"She can't use her powers, if that's what you mean," came Paul's answer. "She said it was something about her powers being taken away...a curse or something..."

"Ra damn it!" Sohkarra cursed allowed, almost waking Ace up. Sill he muttered and turned over as he slept under her spell. "This makes it even more difficult..."

"What do you mean?"

"Without her powers, I cannot track her amulet. I can no longer sense the magic of ancient Egypt when I think of her, like I can with my other friend! How has this happened?"

"I don't know!" Paul responded, equally frustrated.  "It just... happened one night... and when she tried to summon that armor of hers... it wouldn't work!"

"Then, I can't help you now..."

"What? What are you saying?"

"What I mean is that until I can fully regain my strength, I cannot help you. But when I have been able to do so, I can act as a channel between you and Menne. With my help I can help you find her. Conditions must be just right."

"Why is that?" Paul asked. "I thought you had unlimited mind power."

He could hear her laugh in his mind. "Hardly." she told him. "Dealing with Ace has cost me much in the last several days. His own mind is full of demons. I must help him keep them at bay in order for him to recover. The channeling I speak of takes all my concentration. There is no telling how far Menne is from you and how far you and I will have to reach out to find her. Do you understand?"

Paul thought about that. "Yes, I think I do. You are going to act as kind of go-between to help me find Menne."

"That is exactly what I mean." was the answer. "You are learning."

"How long do you think it will be before we can make the attempt?" Paul was anxious, but didn't dare alienate the ancient Princess who was his only hope of finding Menne. At least until he figured out how to use these strange abilities he found himself blessed with.

"I will let you know soon," Sohkarra answered. "But let me contact you."

"There is the chance that Peter and Nefertina can find her," Paul suddenly said. "But I'm just worried if they don't succeed."

"What do you mean?" Sohkarra asked.

"Peter's powers...he's got the senses of a feline.  Already he and Nefertina set off after the culprits, with Gene and Raina..."

"Raina?" came the question. "Who is she?"

"Someone else who knows about us," was all Paul would tell her. "Gene met this chick at a concert in LA, and she knows all about the Four...all about us and our powers, and she even knows about you..."

"How is this possible?"

"We can't figure it out.  But she was able to help me at least shut my powers down.  But she knows that you're the only one who can really help me learn to use them."

"Paul, you must rely upon Nefertina and Peter to locate Menne for now. In my present condition I cannot say how long it will take me to be well enough to help you.  How much does Raina know about telepathy?  You said she helped you 'shut your powers down'?"

"She gave me a crystal that she said would help me control them..."

"Then use it by all means. Listen to what she has to say. She sounds like one who knows about the ways of the mind..."

"She said she is from a place where telepathy is common.  But she doesn't have the gift, but she says she knows how to sense telepathy..."

"You must rely upon her help, for now Paul.  I cannot take another pounding like you gave me earlier. I will have to work with you to show you how to correctly use them. But that will be after Ace has recovered and we have found Menne.  And not before. You must trust that this Raina can be enough help to you till I can..."

That answer was pretty final.  Paul knew he would have to wait for Sohkarra to contact him. He knew she was right that he needed to learn how to use his powers. Sohkarra wondered if this "Raina" Paul mentioned was the fourth one of whom Celestial spoke. Even though she didn't know who and what Raina was, she had a sense that Raina so far meant no immediate danger. At least from what her powers could tell her. Paul seemed apprehensive about her, with a mingle of grudging respect.  If this woman was the fourth, then she was their best hope now to find Menne.

"I'll be waiting," he answered her. Almost as an afterthought, added, "Take care of Ace."

"I will.  And do not underestimate Peter's powers.  I think that he might be your best chance now...till I contact you again."

Paul reached out carefully with his thoughts towards the only other person who could help him now...

"Raina... please hear me..." he almost blasted, before he stood down.

"Stop shouting Paul. I hear you. I take it Sohkarra wasn't able to help..."

"She is exhausted helping Ace..."

"Damn. I was afraid of that..." Raina's thoughts muttered. "Stay close there. Those people at the party... well just let them go and well...convince them that they need to go home.  Just suggest it to them gently with your voice. That's the easier way..."

"And the men who are here?"

"Peter is doing his best to try and take the trail. Don't worry about us. I think we might be able to find Menne after all... if Sohkarra cannot help..."

"She said something about acting as a channel between me and Menne..."

"Good idea. But we don't have time. We must find her now.  Peter and Nefertina are on it..."

"What should I do?"

"Deal with the cops for now. I'm going to have to think about this..."

"But if I cannot control my powers..."

"You can, Paul. If you follow the thoughts like a homing beacon. You're already attenuated to my thoughts. Use the Crystal to help you clear your head. It may be now that you can at least try to think positively..."

Part 2: Above LA, on Wing

Gene continued to soar through the night, wings extended.  The simple feat of flying seemed almost instinctive to him. He could almost forget the horrifying transformation if he focused on the sheer sensation of open air on his cheeks. Far below they watched as Peter and Nefertina vanished into the night.

"They're getting too far ahead," Gene muttered.

"Paul contacted Sohkarra.  He said she cannot help us yet...she's too exhausted helping purge Ace's problems..."

"Shit," Gene muttered under his breath. "Now what?"

"We improvise," Raina sighed. "What would you suggest? If only Sohkarra could help..." she sighed. "But she's busy with Ace. That's what Starchild relayed to me..."

"Dammit," Gene muttered. "It freaking figures. When we need her the most she's occupied."

"Peter is our best hope now," Raina said. "His instincts are more then up to the task..."

"Or else more conventional approaches," Gene muttered.

"What are you thinking Gene?"

"We're so wrapped up in this stuff... we're forgetting something. All those damned guests at my place... damn...and any minute Paul's there with the freaking police... and my insurance is going to make me have to pay out the goddamn nose. How am I gonna explain this? I need to go back to my place and deal with things there..."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. And since you helped Paul with his powers before, you're the only one who can help him now, since Karra's indisposed. And since I don't have Peter's senses, or Paul's powers... I think a little more common sense will work wonders here... not some badass powers that we can't freaking use..."  Still holding her in his claws he circled back towards his home, swooping downwards. Wings folded as he came to a running stop in his own backyard. The strange fire leached out of his body, and he felt himself dropping to his knees, Raina tumbling to the side as he felt his strength leave.

"Easy," she whispered, slipping an arm under him. "It's not easy coming down off it..."

"I don't want to talk about it, right now," Gene said gruffly.

"Gene?" Raina said. "You sure?"

"I just don't want to talk about it. No sharing, nothing. Just drop itÖ"

"Whatever you say," Raina shook her head. Sometimes Gene could be so damned stubborn! She felt like she wanted to give him a good swift kick, but decided against it, for now.

"Now let's see what those damned police have to say..." Gene muttered, as they headed to the ruined wall of his home. Already flashing lights and sirens rolled up the driveway.

Raina next to him, Gene wandered into the room, seeing Paul sitting there, half exhausted. People muttered and moved around, confused and dazed. Several police officers were asking lots of questions, and Paul was trying his best not to lose his composure.

"Mr. Simmons...where were you?"

"Going after those bastards...some of them got away," Gene huffed, feeling the strange drain on his energies. Whatever had happened had taken much out of him.  "If it wasn't for Raina here we'd all be dead," Gene added, right within earshot of her. Raina grumbled to herself. One minute Gene was being a total jerk, and the next struggling to make up for it in his own way without directly coming through and apologizing. This drove her crazy sometimes.  Several party guests came up, looking spooked and spacey eyed. They littered Gene with all sorts of questions. Yet they had to stay around and give whatever statements could be given.

"What now?" Paul asked, feeling very exhausted and very ill. "Menne..."  The phone rang as the police finished collecting evidence. Paul seized the receiver, asking quickly, "Yeah...who is this?"  Gene and Raina moved towards him at the confused glance that flickered over his face. "It' s Tina," he whispered. "Peter's found something..."

"What?" Gene whispered, moving close to Paul.

"They've traced the trail, but wherever they are, it's heavily guarded..."

"Any sign of Menne?"

"Peter says he can't smell her anymore. Wherever she is, her scent's not there. He's going to try another trail.  Dammit!" Paul snapped, almost throwing the phone down in disgust. Gene gripped his hand, shaking his head.
Raina took the phone from him as Gene maneuvered Paul away. That look of anger in his mahogany eyes made them both shiver.

"You losing your cool isn't going to help Menne," Gene said firmly to his friend.

"Dammit Gene don't even get me started..."

"Listen! Whoever kidnapped her wants us to feel like we're the victims," Gene said calmly, though the anger was mirrored in his own eyes. "The last thing we should do right now is give into that anger and fear. We have to think about this. Whoever it is who kidnapped her, they must have a damned good reason. We might even be hearing a ransom call soon..."

"Sons of bitches," Paul squeezed his eyes shut, his hands closing on the back of a rather expensive chair. Between his fists the wood cracked with the force of his strong hands.

"Tina, look, this is Raina. What exactly does he mean he can't smell Menne anymore?"

"He had her trail, but it ran cold. We're at the waterfront right now. Peter says he smells that same sour smell up and down the whole road, but no hint of Menne. It's like she's vanished."

"What sour smell? The bikers?"

"Yes, and another smell he recognized just before they came in..."

"Another smell? You mean just before Paul left the room?"

Gene's ears perked up at the sound of their conversation. "What was that?" he asked.

"Tina says they can't smell Menne, but they can smell something else..."

"Give me that... you stay with Paul..." he whispered, and urged her over to sit with their friend.

"Hello, Gene here. Tell me what the deal is. What is the Cat man sniffing out?"

"A whole mess of senses he says. Not only the bikers' smell, but something else. I'll put him on..."

"This is crazy, totally crazy," came Peter's gravelly voice. "It's the same smell at the party. Everywhere."

"The bikers?"

"Not just them but something else. A sort of smell like you'd get if you went past the pet store...near the fish and the snake cages. A sour smell."

"And that's not the bikers' smell?"

"No way. They smelled like gasoline and gunpowder. This smells like leather and something else, something that isn't human...but its mingled with Menne's smell, and then it stops. But along the waterfront, this sour smell's still reeking."

"When did you last smell it?" Gene asked. "I need to know the exact time...and place."

"Well it was sort of like when Paul rushed out of the room," said Peter.

"So there were two different groups," Gene said. "Whoever grabbed her came in some other way.  Hey, officer!" he shouted as he moved off into the group of guests who were still being held for statements. He clicked the speaker volume up so Nefertina could hear what was being said over the cordless phone in his hand.

"We're almost done here, Mr. Simmons..."

"Did your boys find another point of forced entry?" Gene asked.

"Yes...through the back kitchen area.  Your waitress said she saw Menne asking for a glass of water. That was the last person who saw her..."

"Thanks," Gene said. "Can you show me where that is?"

"This way. We're pretty much done collecting evidence, and we have the guys in our hands. We'll let you know if they talk or not..."

"Okay, cool. Can everyone go home now?"

"Yeah, we've collected all the statements."

"Thanks," he nodded, and let the investigator leave to gather his men and women. People were escorted home one by one in the company of police to their separate houses.  Raina continued to sit with Paul, her hand on his shoulders while he buried his head in his hands. Softly she spoke to him, trying to keep him calm. Gene returned to the cordless phone in his hand, "Did you hear that, gal?"

"Yeah," she said.

"Get Peter back here. Tell him I need him to sniff this place here. And let me know if the two smells are one and the same..."

"I will. But what about where I am? These guys might come back here, if we're lucky. I'm pretty well hidden."

"Can you doll, without being seen?" Gene asked her.

"Sure thing. I'll send Peter back with the motorcycle to join you again. I'm gonna keep watch here for a while..."

Gene chuckled as he heard a note of protest from Peter in the background. There came the sound of a hushed argument, and finally a grunt of affirmation when Tina's voice returned to say, "Okay. He's on his way back."

When Peter reached Gene's home, he found Paul an emotional wreck and Gene anxiously waiting. His bandmate led him to the back door where the window was slightly ajar.

"I know the cops have been here, but can you detect that sour smell that you said you did?"

Peter inhaled deeply for a moment. Slowly his eyes seemed to take on that odd green hue, even though he was now in human form. He nodded, nose wrinkling in distaste, "Do I ever. It still reeks..."

"Good. So we now know whoever took Menne wasn't the same group as the cops arrested. Where were you and Tina when you called?"

"By the bay. That's where the trail of those biker guys ran cold. But this smell is still there. And Menne's smell was with it, but it just stops abruptly. Hey, what are we gonna do? Tina's still there. I don't like her being there alone. I'm gonna go back there with her just in case something happens..."

"Will you two be okay?"

"Sure. We'll keep close to that place in case those guys show up again. Tina said she recognized the name Desert Princes. They're a gang she's run into before. Apparently she and their leader had a fling way back..."

"A motorcycle gang," Gene muttered. "And these other guys with them?"

"They didn't have the same scent. My guess is they were just hired thugs to create a lure," Peter said, thinking for a moment. "That's what seems the deal anyway. Look, I gotta split. Tina says she thinks they might come back to the spot we were watching. I gotta go make sure she doesn't get hurt, or try anything stupid..."

"What do you mean?" Gene asked.

"She's got this grudge against their leader. He's called Pep. She was freaking pissed the whole way there...I don't know but she's one tough gal when she's mad. I'm afraid of what she'll do, or what will happen to her if I don't..."

"Look, you do what you gotta do. But keep in touch. If you guys have any chance of finding out where Menne is, this might be it. If you need anything..."

"What just happened when we changed?" Peter said soberly. "What the hell was about that? I was some...some cat thing! At first I didn't question it...but now..."

"Say nothing about it now," Gene muttered, glancing at him with a warning look before Peter could ask anything more. Slowly he rose from the sofa.  "I don't want to talk about it..."

"Typical," Raina muttered. She could tell Gene was totally frightened inside of the sheer potential of that which he faced.

"But when are we gonna face..." Peter asked.

"Never," Gene turned around, looking out the French windows to the back yard. Moonlight flickered and danced in his outdoor pool.

"Gene you can't just ignore it," Peter said.

"Suits me fine! I never want to go through that again!" he snapped at no one in particular.

"Now you're being ridiculous!" Raina snapped, her nerves frayed.

"Don't go there," Paul said, putting a hand on her shoulder, his own nerves shot to pieces worrying about Menne. "If he wants to he'll talk about it. Just drop it okay?"

Raina moved towards Gene, standing there as she glanced at him. He still stood silent, not wishing to make eye contact with anyone.

"We aren't the same," Paul whispered back to his friends, who were now as human as he.

"No shit Sherlock," Peter muttered. "What does this mean?"

"The first trial has been passed," Raina said ominously. "You were in the forms that best suited the gifts of power the Elder bestowed upon you, their hosts. They come and go as needed. But this is the first time in a long time you've fully transformed into them."

"Terrific. What do I do next? I end up killing someone and drinking their blood! Dammit you didn't tell me how freaking powerful I was! How easy it was to lose control..."

"But you didn't, Gene," said Raina calmly. "This Demon is not evil. He is the avenger, the creative force as well as a destroyer! If anything you should not misjudge his power! You yourself will learn to wield it... or else pass it on to someone else."

"What if I don't want the power?" Gene asked.

"Then don't use it. It's your decision," Raina folded arms across her chest. She turned away from Gene, and walked towards where Paul sat, head in his hands.

"Look, I gotta go..." Peter said, rushing out with a hurried goodbye. Taking the motorcycle, he roared off into the night, first checking for something in his back pocket.

Raina clenched Paul's hand, as he glanced up at her with a look of thanks. "I don't know about you Paul, but I'm turning in...see you tomorrow..."  She said nothing to Gene, except giving him a sharp look before she trotted up the stairs. Paul shook his head, feeling the reality settling in.

"We should all get some sleep," Gene muttered, stifling a yawn.

"How can you sleep at a time like this?" Paul asked.

"Hey, if we're gonna find Menne we gotta rest. And we will. If the police and our other friends have anything to say about it..."

"I hope so. Damn..." Paul muttered. Before he got up, he nudged Gene's arm, whispering, "Do me a favor Gene, and do something nice for your lady. I mean you kind of took her for granted back there...at the party before all this happened. She's kinda sore about it, if you catch my drift."

"And you tell me I'm thinking of something at the weirdest time?" Gene shot back.

"You're still lucky she's around," Paul retorted. "See you tomorrow."

Carefully Gene considered his friend's words. Yes, Menne was possibly facing an uncertain fate. Yet if they did not rest and regain their own strength, what hope was there to find her? Then there was the other matter of ruffled feathers. Even at a time like this some things were still extremely important. Approaching the master bedroom, he pulled at the confines of the tuxedo. Damn he hated wearing such monkey suits sometimes when he'd be most comfortable in leather or jeans. He passed by Paul's guestroom, and noticed his friend laying there with the door partway open. The sounds of muttering and tossing and turning could be heard.

Raina lay face down in the bed, her cheek buried in the pillow. She flinched when she felt a soft sensation pressing  against her back, followed by a soft voice, "You awake Ray?"

"Would I be asleep if I was answering you?" she grumbled.

"There's something I gotta say to you."

"What?" she muttered crossly. "I'm half dead to the world if you don't mind, Eugene..."

"Don't be that way," Gene pleaded. "I...I'm sorry. For being an ass earlier at the party..."

"You were a major jerk," she mumbled to the pillow, still face down. A pair of hands slowly kneaded at her back in soothing strokes. Powerful fingers massaged her tight muscles while a pair of muscular thighs straddled her back.

"I am sorry," he repeated, soft lips kissing a path from her mid back to her neck.

"How sorry are you?" she asked, finally lifting her head from the pillow.

"Very..." came the low growl as he breathed into her ear.

"I don't want to talk about it," she answered, mimicking his answer hours ago.

"Okay, I deserved that," he relented. "But it's not every day I turn into some freakish monster..."

"Oh really?" she asked. "You do every time you go on stage during a concert, don't you?"

"It's not the same doll, and you know it," he muttered, moving off her back.

"Isn't it? You are comfortable enough with your on stage act, so how is this so different?"

"Come on now...it is..."

"Really? Tell me how, Eugene," she responded, turning on her side.

"Hon, you know damn WELL that's not my name!" His response was a groan when he realized he wasn't going to get anywhere anytime soon. Putting a hand to his head he said, "Well look, I just turned into a seven foot creature with a badass attitude, who just so happens to fly and is able to tear a guy to shreds as easily as a piece of paper! And you lay there and tell me it's no big deal?"

"Listen to you," she said. "You scare the hell out of people when you're on stage, spitting blood and breathing fire in that costume of yours. Most people would consider that pretty unusual...This is just a further manifestation of your persona...except the transformation was physical."

"But that's just makeup and a costume..."

"You can turn it off when you walk offstage Gene. The same thing happens with this transformation."

"Don't you see what I'm trying to say," he snapped, exasperated.

"Yes and no. Paul and Peter, and eventually Ace are facing the same situation. Like it or not you are what you are..."

"It's fucking unreal, that's what it is..."

"Yes it is. But is it any more or less then me, or Menne or the others?"

"No...but if people know what I'm capable of...hell if it gets out of control..."

"It won't, if you don't let it. And I'm here to help you make sure it doesn't," Raina said firmly. "That is, if you're willing to listen to what I have to say..."

"But you and the others are used to this shit. You're different..."

"True. And you think we never had faced what you are now?"

"Aw hell, you know what I mean!"

"Do you want your world destroyed?"

"No way, of course not...but look, why does it have to be me, us?"

"I ask the same thing, Gene. For seven centuries. I still don't have a better answer than when Celestial first plucked me out of space. So don't give me that crap about 'why me'," she shot back.

"Fine," Gene muttered, folding arms across his chest. For a time they both sat there in silence, Gene chewing his lip at the tension he faced from her and himself.

"Look," he sighed. "I can see that someone has to do it. But can't someone else?"

"I told you before if you don't want the power, you can give it up. But you must find another host if you do. And that's close to impossible sometimes.  Not everyone is suited to bear it."

"Why can't you take it on?"

"Because of this," she said, pointing to the scar on her leg. "I once did bear the Demon's full power Gene. It's a terrible responsibility. So everything you are facing I did as well. Last century, the Demon's host took the power and used it for his own personal gain. The Elder decided to split the power if necessary into a male and female host. I fought the Demon head on, and sucked all the power into myself. But the power burned me as light raged with dark within. I almost died, because I thought I could handle it. So it wouldn't get out of control this time, it must be shared..."

"You didn't say that before..."

"Just how it's shared I can't say, Gene. Sometimes the secondary host shares only a tiny fraction, but just enough to stop the other from having full power. So the responsibility is shared between you and me. Between lovers."

"So you're telling me you have part of the Demon inside of you?"

"Yes," she said. "For seven centuries."

"Damn," he muttered. "That bad huh?"

"Yes, and no," she sighed, rubbing her own forehead.

"This really is my night to apologize," Gene sighed, slipping an arm under her neck. Slowly he kissed it, drawing her close in his arms into an embrace.

"Apology accepted," Raina said.

"Glad to hear it," Gene nodded, laying a gentle kiss on her lips. "You drive a hard bargain sometimes..."

"So do you, but just how sorry were you before?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe a little more then you expected," he winked back.  "You are sweet," he cooed, lips close to her ear when he moved up next to her. "And if you sit in my driver's seat I'll tell you more, baby..."

"Your cheesy come-ons never cease to amaze me," she laughed, throaty and deep.

"You know you love it, sweetheart."

"You're damned lucky I do," she laughed. They merged into a passionate embrace, anger momentarily forgotten as Raina let herself be lured and given to his whims. In turn he let himself be subservient to hers.

Dreamless sleep fell upon the restless Paul, and he finally yielded to its embrace. It was very difficult to get used to sleeping alone again after sharing his space for the last week with the woman he had come to love. Turning over he felt himself surface from sleep once more, in that twilight stage between sleep and wakefulness.

"All these damned powers I suddenly have, and I can't use them..." Paul muttered. Slowly he reached under his pillow and felt his hand close around something. Flat surfaces and rigid points told him it was that crystal Raina had given him. As his hand closed around it he felt a charge moving up into his arm, which assaulted the spinning thoughts.

"Whoever the hell this Star Bearer is, why can't I ask him what to do?" Paul muttered as he felt himself drifting off.

Within sleep he felt himself not alone. The crystal's slow, steady gaze soothed his brain, suddenly making it easier to think straight. A pure harmonious note sung out of the darkness, Images swirled, and he was standing on stage, slamming home chords for the song Love Gun on his Washburn before a large crowd. In the distance he saw the purple spotlight shining upon him as the trapeze swung down and he hooked his boot through the ring and grasped the rope as he had so many times before.

"Paul!" came a voice out of the darkness. How he came to be here, he didn't have time to question. That voice sounded familiar as he soared off into the depths of the spotlight, his hand extended over the crowds to touch something intangible.

"Who are you?" he asked, his guitar over his shoulder as he felt the purple light flood his eyes with its radiance. His movements he could not longer direct for each action in this dream he felt as if someone else were guiding his choreography.

"I have been told you are having difficulties. You and I are not in harmony," came the voice again. Paul shivered when he recognized it as his own, echoed as if through the whole stack of Marshal amplifiers.

"No shit! Just what is this anyway? Are you this Star Bearer I've heard is inside of me?" Paul demanded, the trapeze stopping before the source of the radiance, which was all throughout the darkness now. A single spotlight fell upon him and he peered upward into it.

"Yes, Paul," said the voice which echoed his own. "I must apologize for all the subterfuge. I had hoped things would be different this time. That your powers would come more easily. But your doubt is holding them back..."

"What do you mean? If you are the Star Bearer, why am I not able to use this...thing you've given me! The woman I love is in trouble, and I can't do shit to help her! What's the use if the only person who can help me learn to use these powers is with someone else? And the only other person says she doesn't have the experience! You gave me these powers, you should sure as hell give me a clue about what they're for and what they are! Jeez, how do you expect me to do it on my own?"

"You're a very stubborn and independent man Paul. You've always done things your way. I tried to respect that when you became my host. But I see that I was in error. I did not think you would allow me to move any further inside your mind to let you join with me because of your independent spirit. That if you actually heard my voice you would not be amenable to the powers I have granted you. I thought perhaps learning their use through a teacher would be best..."

"Like I said before..."

"I can merge with your soul, give you a taste of what you must do. I should have done this from the start, but I did not wish to challenge your independent spirit..."

"Whatever, just help me help Menne! That woman...if anything were to happen to her, I don't know what I'd do... I'll do whatever it takes, just help me!"

"That's all you had to ask, Paul Stanley," came the answer. "Embrace my radiance, and let me speak freely. I cannot help you with all the nuances without completely taking you over, but I can open for you the way of dreams. With them you can connect with her. One of your powers is to travel in dreams. Since you are asleep this is easiest now...merge with me and I will show you the way..."

"Merge?"

"Let me enter your spirit, and guide you. This was not what I wished, for you hate to lose control..."

"Menne," Paul whispered. "Just help me find her..."

The light merged with him, flowing into his mind and body. Instantly the odd doors opened as they did before, but it was much easier to sort through the flow of thoughts. Star Bearer's energy merged into his own, pulling him along as he felt the spheres of dreams pass him by. "Focus on her...on something common to you..."

Paul glanced into the distance of the void, seeing the thousands upon thousands of glistening spheres floating like bubbles around him. Each seemed to have its own vibration. He reached out, responding to hidden instructions as he snared one in his grasp. There she was, the Egyptian princess within its walls, running from some hidden terror.

"Yes, good. Speak to her...enter the dream... become one with it..."

Paul pushed himself through the small bubble, emerging in a large palace decked with many colors of the rainbow. A bright sun shone blazing through large shadowed pillars. Before him ran a dazzling princess, her shapely body gliding beneath a white linen sheath dress. Glittering golden wings splayed over her dark coifed hair, the gold beads splaying around her shoulders as she came past him. Dozens of guards seemed on her trail, and Paul ducked behind a pillar out of sight till she rushed past.

It was Mennehotep, in full queenly glory, with her crown of Isis, complete with gold and amethyst worked collar. Kohl and makeup decked her face, and gold bands fastened around her wrists and arms with traces of lapis and other rich stones. For a minute he almost didn't recognize her with the long thick braided wig that trailed behind and bounced on her shapely shoulders, but it was her. He knew every curve of that face, every inch of the graceful body that shifted under the translucent gauze dress. Reaching out his hand he grasped her arm as she rushed past again, pulling her behind the pillar. In turn she was most surprised to see the tall figure in midnight spandex and glittering jewels like stars, his white painted face closing near hers as he pulled her to his body. He towered head and shoulders above her in those strange sandals that seemed molded to his slender muscled legs. How odd that one eye was adorned with the traditional markings of an Egyptian man, outlined brow and eye in black, while the opposite was lost in a five pointed patch of black which curved over the side of his nose, like a half mask. Red lips descended upon hers, his kiss shot through her like hungry soothing fire.

"What...are you doing here?" she gasped, breathless as she pulled away in shock and confusion. He looked very out of place in the dream, she felt. Like the Egyptian men his tanned chest was bare, but there was such an abundance of hair upon it. Yet she could not resist running her hands over the fine muscles framed by the open tight jacket he wore.

"At last I found you," he whispered, holding onto her hands tightly although she was just a dream. "Where are you...did they hurt you?"

"I am unharmed for now...But you..."

"It's Paul," he said, stroking her cheek. "Don't tell me you don't remember me. I'm pretty hard to forget..."

"This is but a dream..." she drew away from him, trembling.

"Even if it is, I won't give up till I find you. Where are you?"

"In the royal palace..." she stammered, looking around. "Can you not see? In Memphis...Jewel of the Nile...how can you not know that you are in the Royal House?"

"This is a dream, my love," he said patiently. "When you last remembered, where did they take you?"

"They will find me if we do not run...we must get away..." she whispered, taking his hand in hers as she tried to pull him further behind the pillars. He let her take him away from the searching guards, along a long corridor illuminated by flickering torchlight.

"Menne...please...try and think. I need to know where to look for you...in reality. This is just a dream and you're asleep as I am. I must know where you are when you wake up."

"By the river," she breathed. "I heard the water rushing. Like the Mighty Nile. And the smell of salt as the port in Memphis. Was I on the royal barge... for I felt movement and the noise of some great machine, throbbing and pulsing...and there was a voice. A voice I remember...that I wished to forget. It was there and then gone..."

"The voice of the man who captured you?"

"Yes, and another. A conspirator, whom I most hate. But he was gone, and those that held me laughed. I cannot see where I am... for they hide my eyes."

Voices made her start in his grasp, and she pushed him behind the pillar. "Quickly, we must hide or they will find us! The Pharaoh will kill you if he finds you with me..."

"But it's only a dream..." he said, and pulled her close. "It cannot hurt you."

"You must not lay hands upon the Great Wife. The punishment is death..." she whispered, as he slipped arms around her and pulled her flush with his body, his hands in her hair. Spandex rubbed up against the sheer linen of that gown that seemed almost translucent. In ancient Egypt men and women didn't wear undergarments.

"Don't be frightened," he said softly, putting a finger on her lips. "I won't let any harm come to you...I miss you so much my love. This world is but a dream now...and I am here...and I'm as real as you..."

"How is this possible?"

"I seem to have the power to enter dreams..." he said. "It's so easy...once I learned how..."

"You must go...If you were to be discovered..."

"I swear wherever you are I will find you, Menne. I won't stop looking," he promised, tracing her lips with his own soft ones. As the voices came closer he drew her up into his arms, kissing her hard and deep. Protectively his arms held her to him, his hands moving over her back. In turn she latched arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly as if he would dissolve into nothingness. She did not want to lose him again...

Menne jerked awake, darkness before her eyes. She could swear she still felt the sweet taste of Paul's lips on hers as she licked them. It had seemed so real, his kiss in the dream. Again she tugged at the fibers that snared her calves and wrists behind her back. Under her she felt something soft like a bed and pillow. If only she could see.
Rubbing her face against the pillow, she finally managed to slip the cloth from her face. It was still dark, and she could see the faint radiance of some light shining. A rocking sensation stirred her for a moment, and she heard the faint humming of some strange machinery. She indeed lay on a bed, in an enclosed chamber. Before her was a square of light which reflected light coming in from another source, a window or a hallway. She rolled off the bed with a thump, and inched to a sitting position. slowly she pushed herself up against the bed's side and glanced ahead of her. Moonlight shone in from a high window, placed in the roof of the room. She could not see out any windows to the sides, for there was nothing but fancy dim paintings and mirrors. It was a bedchamber. Yet she could see the moon shining brightly through the ceiling skylight. A few stars winked on, and she realized it was perhaps still the middle of the night.

Chapter 3: Gene's Mansion, the Next Morning

Raina opened her eyes to see Gene rummaging through his closet. He pulled on comfortable Levis, and was buttoning a black denim shirt when he turned around. Coming over to the bed, he sat down on his side and tugged on a pair of alligator skinned cowboy boots.

"Where's your Harley Davidson?" Raina asked, leaning up on the one arm and giving him a once over with those incredible green eyes. She had to admit he was hot in those tight jeans which encased those marvelous legs. As handsome as he had appeared in the tux last night, this ensemble was by far more stunning and flattering to the Gene she knew under the fame and fortune.

"Sleep well, doll?" he asked, leaning up beside her on the bed. Fully clothed, he brushed up close to her night gowned form. Silk against denim transmitted her heat to his cool clothes.

"One could say so," she winked, and kissed the tip of his nose. "Trying to sneak out before I woke up?"

"I got the impression Nefertina has some connections to this Desert Princes motorcycle gang. So I figured it would make logical sense to try and 'infiltrate' their operations myself. Using my contacts of course..."

"I should have figured you'd keep some of them open... after all these years..."

"You're not kidding. I've got some good friends in one of the major groups in LA. They keep me informed of how the fandom goes with the biker crowd. And I just called my contact Joe in the Bay City Angels. There's been a lot of rivalry going on between his gang and these Desert Princes. He gave me quite a lowdown on what's been shaking. This Pep guy has been making real trouble for most of the other biker groups. He's not on their popularity list, that's for sure..."

"Do they know where and how to find him?"

"I'm gonna meet with him sometime today. If I can get a lead, I'll act on it. And try and meet up with Peter and his chick."

"Want some company?" she asked.

"You wouldn't mind staying here with Paul, would you? He was pretty upset last night... and anyway... I need someone to hold down the fort..."

"If you say one word about this being man's work..." she waved a warning finger. She then pressed it to his lips, stifling his next sentence.

"Who me?" he finally answered, enclosing her hand with his own. Lightly he pressed kisses to that hand, and its inside palm.

"Look," he finally said, stroking her cheek with one finger. "Let's just say that I think Paul needs you here..."

"Paul?" she lifted an eyebrow.

"Okay...I need you here," he relented. "Just in case Sohkarra tries to contact him. And if that doesn't happen, maybe you two can figure out that psychic thing and track Menne down..."

"Be careful then," Raina said, shifting to get out of the bed when he rolled to stand up. Taking her hand he pulled her to stand before him. For a moment he leaned over her and turned his head to the side to lay a kiss on her forehead. Hands shifted down to her backside, giving it an affectionate squeeze.  He was fully surprised when she did the same to him.

"You can't get rid of me that easily," he turned to say, brushing his lips to hers.

"I sure as hell hope not..." she smiled back. Turning from her, he picked up his leather jacket. Over his eyes he placed his black shades. She helped him on with his jacket, and they trotted downstairs together, his hand in hers for moral support. It seemed like Gene was drawing strength from her for the search ahead.

"Make sure to give my secretary my notes, okay? There are some calls I want her to make. And if Doc stops by... or the police, let them know my pager number okay? Sorry that I'm dumping this crap on you, doll. But..."

"Just get out of here already," she squeezed his hand urgently. "Find Menne..."

"I promised Paul I would..." Gene nodded gravely, and rushed out the door. She heard a door click open upstairs, and Paul leaned his head and shoulders out. Quickly he trotted downstairs and gripped Raina's arm.

"Where the hell is he going?" Paul asked, rubbing his eyes.

"To use his 'contacts' to look for Menne," Raina explained.

"I wanted to tell him the dream I had!" Paul snapped, trying to rush out after Gene, but Raina got in his way, restraining him.

"What the hell are you doing..." he demanded. He could easily throw her aside, but she was at least as strong as he, if not stronger.

"Paul, calm down! Gene told me to make sure you stayed here!" Raina gritted, pinning his arms behind his back as she held him in a grip of steel.

"What the hell..."

"Just use your brain and think about it for a minute!" Raina snapped. "I know Menne's gone, and you're worried sick! We all are, but if you go out there half cocked you might cause more trouble... and you're not in your right mind..."

"Dammit, let me go... or so help me... I never hit a woman... but if you push me..."

"Knock it off now!" Raina snapped, her grip intensifying. "You keep this up, and I'll not hesitate to knock you flat myself! Don't force me to hurt you..."

Paul suddenly realized how stupid this was. Just how strong was this woman, and would it be worth it to break free of her? Number one, she was a trusted friend who only wanted to help, and number two... well he didn't want to start a bad habit of laying his hands on a woman, any woman. It just wasn't right...

"I'm sorry," he shook his head, no longer straining against her. His anger turned to despair, and she let him go. He whirled around, and at first she feared he would do something foolish, but instead of what she expected he simply lay his head on her shoulder and started to cry in frustration. She held him close, patting his back as he buried his head on her shoulder and cried.

"I feel so goddamned helpless," Paul sobbed, as Raina shushed him. "She might be hurt or killed... and there's nothing I can do..."

"That's not true," Raina said, and let him continue to cry. "You can do plenty. Tell me about that dream you had..."

"I... got in contact with Menne," Paul mumbled into her neck.

"What?" Raina asked, and held him at arm's length. "You actually made mental contact? That's excellent!"

"But she couldn't tell me where she was... only that it had something to do with being on water on a boat..."

"Well that narrows it down," Raina nodded. "She's probably scared and confused. Tell me exactly what happened in the dream, and don't be shy.  And I'll get you something to eat..."

"I'll make it," Paul said, leading the way to the kitchen. "Gotta do something myself in this mess..."

In the morning air he roared off full throttle down the expressway. It was much earlier then he would normally like to get up, but this was no usual circumstance. Fully geared up, Gene cut an impressive figure on his own cycle. Out of the corner of his eye he kept watch for any sign of Joe and his little band, who had said they would be out motoring this morning.

He had gotten a call from Peter that morning, early, and Peter had mentioned that he and Nefertina had set up a watching post on the harbor in an old warehouse. Hoping to get some sight of the gang members. Would they return to the scene of the crime? And why had there been no ransom phone call, Gene inwardly wondered. Peter had mentioned that Nefertina figured this Pep must want her to make the contact. She had stayed up most of the night hoping for some sign, walking up and down the docks while Peter kept a close eye on her, his hand on the trigger of his automatic in his pocket should she need backup.  Gene could imagine in his mind's eye what that night vigil must have been like: Peter sitting by the bikes, concealed behind trash bins as he peered at Nefertina's solitary figure wandering up and down. How he hated having her put herself in such a dangerous predicament, but Nefertina wouldn't have it any other way. This was a personal feud, Peter had mentioned that she said.

Peter remembered when Tina had told him about Pep.  It seemed she had dated a motorcyclist when she was pursuing her modelling career.  The two shared a love of motorcycles, partying, and the fast life.  He was the leader of a motorcycle gang, the Desert Princes, who held much wealth and power in San Francisco.  Pep and his gang were popular stunt artists, gaining much money for their death defying stunts on television, and many other business dealings. Nefertina at first never suspected that he was in reality an ancient Egyptian like herself.  Not until at last she showed him her true form, and he had revealed his nature to her as well.  He also claimed to be from her time, saying that his human form as a motorcycle gang member was but a disguise like hers.  He feared his true form
would frighten her.

That was when the trouble had started, for Pep was the Desert Serpent, enemy to the Royal Family.  Ages ago the first Pharaoh had banished him to the deep desert, and thus Pep swore revenge upon all Pharaohs to come.  Including the Princess Sohkarra, daughter of a Pharoah herself.  Some Pharaohs had the power to summon the serpent Pep to do their bidding, if they paid the right price...

Pep found in Nefertina his true match.  He offered her a chance to rule at his side, as the Queen of the Desert.  She would have power and freedom to pass from the real world to that of the Underworld as Pep did.  However she refused, saying her duty to be the guardian of Princess Sohkarra was more important.  Pep decided to capture Sohkarra and force Nefertina to choose:  if he released Sohkarra, Nefertina would join him forever.  If she refused, then Sohkarra would remain his prisoner.  However he underestimated Sohkarra's powers of the mind, and both women escaped.  Her heart broken, Nefertina pined over the loss and betrayal of her first love.  She loved him, and hated him for betraying her so.  Yet she had never known him as deeply as she had Peter.  However, Nefertina failed to tell Peter about what Pep's true form was. All he knew was that he was Nefertina's ex boyfriend...

Come the late hour, she returned to their hiding place, where he had a sleeping bag and a few blankets. He had taken the first watch, taking her head and shoulders into his lap as she slept and he kept his eyes and ears open. Then for four hours he dozed, and she kept the vigil, perched on the lid of the garbage bin. Till the morning sun rose in shades of rainbow bands, when she had gently pressed a kiss to Peter and nudged him awake.

Nefertina must be dozing now, Gene hoped. Sounded like whatever that girl had gone through with Pep, it was an ugly situation. Especially if Pep would resort to kidnaping Menne as a hostage, then leave them all waiting all night for some sign of contact. The police had no leads, and it was clear they were dealing with someone who was far different from any ordinary leader of a gang bent on extortion.  Yes, Gene decided to himself, the robbery at his home had been a cover. An alibi. While he pondered all the pieces of this puzzle, two bikers had pulled onto the highway, flanking his left and right. One looked sideways at him, and Gene lifted his sunglasses to meet the bearded man's gaze with his. An attractive blonde in a leather skirt and thigh high boots perched up behind the other man who was clean shaven except for a handlebar mustache, his leather boots set up in the cruising position. Her hair splayed out from under her helmet, and she winked at Gene, who winked back.

"Got your message..." the first biker indicated. Then nodded to a side pullover where they could stop and talk. Gene nodded, and the second biker with his girlfriend nodded to the first, and fell back as the first and Gene continued on.  They pulled over to a picnic area to one side, and stopped their bikes. Dismounting, they regarded each other. Joe, the name of the first biker, pulled off his helmet to reveal his long hair, wrapped in a red bandanna which kept it out of his face. Gene removed his helmet as well, placing it on the seat of his bike. "Good to see you man," Gene nodded, as they gripped hands in their own distinctive shake.

"Your friend doing okay? If someone took my woman... I'd be chewing ceiling..."

"What have you got for me?" Gene asked. "Who is this character Pep anyway? And what's the take on him from your angle?"

"This Pep puke... he's really smooth, but the rest of us would love to take him out of the picture. He's got all these connections to the fine stuff. Makes me wonder what he's doing. Word has it that he's got a snow line all the way up from the Gulf Coast that's fueling his ammo. Has his own yacht that he uses for the runs from Rico..."

"Drug operation," Gene shook his head.

"He's got half of my guys scared stiff, the rest wanting to burn him. He's got the other gangs in line, and loves to work with the teenagers in the street crowds for his muscle. Not sure how he does it. But I wouldn't wanna touch him now. But I figure you can."

"Any word on where he's got his latest piece?" Gene asked.

"He's holding a high class lady somewhere. Holding her for the highest price, or for his old girlfriend returned to him. Word is that he'll deal with Nefer-Tina, and Nefertina alone.  My guys have seen them putting a really nice piece onto his yacht..."

"Where's the yacht now?"

"Saw it last night in the Bay.  But it's not there now."

"Can I count on some help here, or am I on my own?" Gene asked him.

"We'll keep our eyes open. We'd love to see this Pep out of the picture, but I can't risk any more of my bros on this... till you get the chick. But if you need us to share the fight... we'll help. Only if you have the upper hand..."

"I got you, " Gene said. "Thanks."

"No problem. Give that Pep a right from me. And let Paul know I'm hoping his chick gets back to him, safe... and in one piece..."

Just then, there came a jangling noise from Gene's pocket. Excusing himself, he pulled out the slim compact Nokia and flipped open the phone. "Yeah?"

"Gene, man! Glad I got hold of you! I went to get coffee, and Tina... she's split!" came Peter's frantic voice.

"What do you mean? I thought you were keeping an eye on your girl!" Gene snapped into the phone.

"I tried to, but she slipped away. She took her bike, and split! I found this goddamn note that says she made contact... but she didn't finish it! There was blood on the note..."

"Wait there, I'm coming to meet you," Gene.

"No way! I'm going after her!" came Peter's reply.

"Peter, wait!" Gene shouted into the phone. "Keep your phone open man! Don't hang up... tell me where you are!"

"Waterfront!" came Peter's last words, drowned out by the sound of a motorcycle engine. Gene heard the sound of someone mounting up, and turned to Joe.

"Problem?" Joe asked, perking up.

"Tina's gone to them," Gene snapped.

"I'll tell my guys to keep a lookout for Pep's guys," said Joe. "What about you?"

"I've got some calls to make. I'm gonna try and meet up with Peter before he does something stupid, shit, why couldn't he wait!" Gene snapped, putting on his helmet and firing up his bike.

The two cycles roared off onto the freeway once more...

It had all happened so suddenly that she could hardly react, Nefertina realized. One moment she had been perched on the bin, eyes peeled for Peter's return. He had promised to get them something to 'nosh' and be right back. Five minutes after Peter disappeared to find a dunkin donuts, she had seen the black jacketed men riding up in their cycles. Her eyes discerned the cobra logos with the words "Desert Princes," on their backs, and a low growl had escaped her throat.  Why had they waited till now? Quickly she began to scribble a note to Peter with some paper and a pen she found in her purse.

The hand clamped over her mouth just as she dropped the pen. Bringing up both hands she slammed them on either side of her assailant's face. Leaning forwards she somersaulted off the garbage bin and onto the ground to roll clear to safety.  A second assailant stood at the ready, his knife gleaming in the late morning sunlight. Quickly she disarmed him with a sweeping kick from her boot. Grasping her amulet she started to chant, "With the Strength of..."

The world went black when a sack was dropped over her head, and her next words muffled. The amulet was ripped from her throat and confiscated in the next second. Still she kicked and spat, her high heeled boots slashing in a frenzy to get free. Something tight was wrapped around her legs and arms, snaring her. The whole world shifted to the side when she felt herself being lifted and carried somewhere.

Now she was quiet, her face still covered with the sack. Sitting in what felt like a chair, and desperately screaming help to Sohkarra in her mind. Even though she knew Sohkarra was probably busy with Ace, she knew that the Princess and best friend might hear her and act in some way.

"Karra!" she said mentally, focusing her thoughts. Sohkarra kept a light mental rapport with most of her guardians, knowing her amulet would wail in alarm if anything should happen to her. But since her amulet was confiscated, she would have to trust that Sohkarra's powers could pick up her thoughts of distress.

All she could do was wait. Wait and hope they would free her from this sack.

Chapter 4: Gene's Mansion, 1 PM

"I hate waiting," Paul snapped, as he stabbed into the omelette he had cooked for himself. Angrily he chewed the forkful as he regarded Raina.

"I know, but Gene said something about knowing some friend in a biker gang... that might know what was going on in this Pep's gang. Since when did Gene..."

"Of course," Paul nodded, his face brightening up. "I totally forgot. He had this bodyguard on our Love Gun tour who was a member of a biker gang in LA. After the tour Gene offered him a full-time job, but he turned it down at the time. But since then they've kept in touch, and if Gene needs some quick security for a road tour he asks Joe. He's come along on our Reunion and Psycho Circus tours, but he had to go and spend some time with his kids the last leg of the tour..."

Just then the phone rang again, and Paul nearly jumped out of his seat to try and grab it. "Hello?" he asked, voice urgent.

"Is this Mr. Simmons?" asked the voice at the other end.  It sounded muffled.

"No, this is Paul Stanley... what's this about?" Paul asked.

"We've got something that belongs to you," came the voice, cold.

"If anything's happened to her..." Paul began, before Raina's eyes caught his with a look of caution. Take it easy, they seemed to implore.

"Nothing has, yet..."

"Please,  I'll pay you anything you want.  Just give her back," Paul's voice pleaded. "I can work out anything you want..."

"I knew you'd be reasonable. I'm going on a little trip, and I need some spending money. Say ten million dollars in cash? I might be persuaded to let the little lady go if you bring it to me at the waterfront in say... three hours..."

"It will take me some time to get it," Paul said. "You have to understand with the fire..."

"Of course. Perhaps you can ask your friend Gene for a loan. But make no mistakes. If I see any police or any security other then yourself, your girlfriend will pay the price for your stupidity. Is that clear?"

"Yes... crystal," Paul said softly. Raina nodded with approval.

"Good. I hope to see you soon, Mr. Stanley..."

"But how do I know she's still alive?" Paul asked.

Suddenly there was some noise as someone muttered something in the background, and Raina leaned close to listen with Paul. It was faint, but they could make out the sound of ocean waves distantly, and the ding of what sounded like a buoy.

"Say a few words, honey. But if you say anything stupid..."

"Paul," came a panicked voice on the line.

"Menne!" Paul gasped, heart leaping at the sound of her voice. "Are you okay sweetheart?"

"I... am alive... and... well..." she said slowly. "The Nile... is beautiful this time of year. Especially from the Royal City... of the winged ones of Isis..."

"What?" Paul was all set to ask, but then silenced himself. She must be giving some hint of where she was. "Sweetheart, I promise I'm coming for you..."

"Paul you mustn't... they..."

Suddenly her voice was interrupted, and the other voice returned, "Strange woman. Quite crazed. But unharmed. If you want her to stay that way, it's up to you. Ciao..."

"Wait a minute!" Paul shouted into the phone before it clicked off. He leaned over the table, his hand pressed to its top as he continued to shout.

"Paul..." Raina said, gripping his shoulders.

"Dammit!" Paul shouted, tossing the phone into the wall. It smashed into small pieces upon impact, Paul pressing a hand to his face as he felt hot tears that threatened to form once again...

The cloth was pulled away from Nefertina's face, and she saw the appearance of several gang members slowly untying her.

"Sorry about that. We thought you belonged to that gang of thugs..."

"What the hell are you doing!" she spat.

"Saving you. You realize that if you were that other gang, you would be dead now?" the one said.

"What other gang?"

"The one that broke into Gene Simmons' home last night," he said.

"I want to see Pep, now!" Nefertina demanded.

"He's anxious to see you too," the gang member nodded. "Come this way..."

They led her along a hallway, out of the tiny room she had first seen when the sack was removed from over her head. Lush carpet yielded under her high heeled boots, the walls around her lined with modern swirled wallpaper and brass light fixtures. It was a hotel or cruise boat, she deduced, for she felt the motion of water slowly pitching the floor beneath her feet. Those fancy furnishings continued when they knocked at a white painted door, with a brass doorknob. Turning it, the lead thug opened it into a sumptuous cabin. Windows looked out onto a view of Los Angeles along the coast, the hills rising to the horizon with blue water separating them from the land ahead. How far out had they gone? For it seemed as if LA was retreating to the bank of windows out the right, as the bank of windows to the left showed open sea.

"Nefertina! What a pleasant surprise!" Pep grinned, rising from the sofa. It was pink, satin plush which matched the armchairs in French design, and the walnut tables just under the mirror and other rich modern paintings on the wall. Very weird taste for Pep, because she remembered he liked ancient Egyptian art which reminded him of home. He must have stolen this yacht from someone else... she decided.

"You slimy snake! What the hell have you done with Menne?"

"Who me? Absolutely nothing!"

"Liar! Don't B.S. me!" Nefertina spat, jabbing a finger in his face. The slang she picked up from Peter came quite in handy dealing with this ex-lover. She felt little need to be polite to him now.

"My you have changed. Quite the little badass, aren't you?" he laughed. "Hanging with KISS has definitely improved your disposition, making you even more desirable..."

"Cut the crap!" she snapped. "I wanna know where she is, and I wanna know now, before I tear you and this place to Chinese noodles!"

"She is safe right now. In fact you should thank me for rescuing her from a fate worse then any you could imagine..."

"What does that mean?" Nefertina demanded.

"Another who wants her dead. Her own dear sister..."

"No way!"

"Yes way.  Princess Karahammon, I believe you know her as. Or in this modern world she goes by Karen Romano, Egyptologist. Oh, that surprises you, does it? She has made her way as I have, beyond the Western gate. Quite an unusual young lady..."

"I know all about how she stole Karen's body," Nefertina spat.

"You have no idea. Karen chose the ancient powers to be bestowed on her when she unearthed Karahammon's missing tomb, and took the Amulet of Power. Now she has taken up life in the modern world. I must regret our little partnership soured..."

"You were in league with her!"

"No longer. I only wish to have you as my prize. Money and power are nice, but world domination is a little bit tiresome. I like the world the way it is already, so why change a good thing," Pep laughed. "Which is why I only wanted to get to Menne before she did."

"Why kidnap her? Her friends are worried sick!"

"Because Karahammon might suspect her true nature. If I could figure out who Mennehotep really is, don't you think she could? No, the safest place for Menne is to be in hiding."

"Dammit you could have told me! But Paul and Gene..." she blurted out before stopping.

"My my, first name basis with the guys in the band..." he laughed. "How much more than their manner of dress and fandom have you absorbed?"  At his words she blushed, and Pep tried to hide his leering grin. "Well, you aren't exactly as pure as driven snow anymore, are you? Don't worry, I like a woman with a little experience. It is far better that you should taste what being female is like in this world then hiding as you did as a man in the ancient times..."

"So what?" she asked.

"I had hoped that perhaps we could go together to tell them," said Pep. "After all, they don't trust me, but they trust you...and I myself did not lie when I told Mennehotep I was a fan of Paul Stanley..."

"You, a KISS fan?" she laughed. "Get outta here!"

"They have a certain appeal to my...minions...or rather, as you would say, dudes in the Princes."

"Look, that's great, but you still majorly screwed up by doing what you did! You've got the police after you, and when Paul finds out what you pulled he'll kill you!"

"Not if you speak on my behalf. Then I will be willing to tell them where Menne is, so that she can continue to be safe.  Her powers are not what they used to be..."

Nefertina felt his hand on her cheek, so warm. For a moment she wanted to believe the sincerity in those blue eyes. he was handsome in a tom cruise sort of way, his blond hair slicked back and falling over one eye. Yet something held her back, making her skin shiver at his touch. When she had last known him, she had just awakened to this new  world, with no experience with a man. She had never known one, and Pep had never gotten beyond this stage.

Things had moved nicely with Cameron, an Egyptologist who worked at the museum, who didn't know her secret. With him she had begun to taste what it was like to be a woman in a relationship. Still, she had not known a man before. Not in the way she had with Peter. Thoughts of him made her shiver and pull away from Pep's touch. He must be worried sick by now.

"Join me, and help protect your friend.  It will be as it should have been..."

"What do you mean?"

"You and me, riding with the Desert Princes. You at my side...as it was meant to be..."

"Pep,  I can't," she said, pulling away.

"Why not? I know I've given you less then any reason to trust me. But let me prove myself..."

"It wouldn't make any difference. I can't be what you want me to be..."

"You are my match and more, Nefertina.  We are from the same time, we love the same things...let me give myself a chance to prove it."

"Pep...I can't...You don't know anything about me," she turned on him.

"No, you are wrong, I have seen you from afar. Followed your modeling career. Seen your pictures with those of the devoted fans. I have kept track of you for a long time..."

"Why wait till now?"

"Your duties to protect the Princess.  Now that you have separated yourself from that, you and I can have a shot. Be my queen. I only ask that you let me prove my love..."

"But I can't...I just can't," she said, pulling away as she turned.

"Why...what has taken my place in your heart? Is there another?"

"Yes..." she said.

"Who?" Pep raised an eyebrow.

"Someone I met on the road with KISS," she said. "Look, he and I...we're what you'd call going steady..."

"I'm not surprised to hear this. After all the road crew enjoy their women well. But don't think that the first man that has bedded you would show you loyalty and devotion as I would. It is good that you have tasted the pleasures of the flesh since last we met...but..."

"There you go, jumping to conclusions! For Bastet's sake who the hell do you think you are?"

"The man that loves you."

"You're not a man! Just a serpent of the desert pretending to be one!" she hissed. "You're a liar, and a cheat, and you broke my trust. Why should I believe you again?"

"Because! You must!" he cried, grabbing her shoulders. "I will make you mine! I swear no matter how long it takes..."

"Get away from me you bastard!" she snapped, kicking his knee. He grabbed her as she struggled to move, slipping from under his grasp and tossing him to the side rudely. But he moved fast, darting in front of her to hide the door. His hands snared hers, his body pinning her up against the wall as he shot forwards.  Suddenly there came a crash of glass, and someone opened the door as his gloved fist shot through. Nefertina opened her mouth but Pep shot his hand over it, snaring her wrists in his hands as he pinned her legs between his.

"Let her go, creep," came a gravelly voice. Pep turned his head to see a figure about his height, with blond hair streaked with some encroaching gray. John Lennon sunglasses covered the stranger's eyes, and his corduroy jacket covered his paisley shirt. Cowboy boots decked his feet, and his face contorted into a snarl. In his hand he held a revolver, its muzzle trained on Pep.

"Who the hell are you?" Pep wondered.

"Let the lady go, now!" Peter demanded, moving closer.

Pep noticed the gun in his hand, aimed precariously at him. Slowly he released Nefertina. She broke free, sharply kneeing him in the stomach as she rushed to Peter's side.

"Peter..." she gasped with relief, as he put his arm around her waist. Still he leveled the gun on Pep.

"It's okay kitten. I'm getting you the hell out of here. Now, where is Menne?"

"Kitten?" Pep spat, hugging his stomach. Two and two added up to four behind the blue eyes which flashed in anger. An angry laugh escaped his throat as he sneered, "This is the man you're seeing? He's twice your age! How can he compare with me?"

"He's twice the man you are, and more!" Nefertina snapped. "You slimy snake!"

"Hate to bust this up, but the lady and I are going now. And if you're smart, you'll tell us where the hell Menne is, or I'll start seeing how well you can do the electric slide..."

"What makes you think I know?  And even if I did, why should I tell you? Who the hell are you?"

"Boy are you in for a surprise," Peter muttered. "But enough of the small talk. Are you gonna sing or not? Or do you want a few more holes in your head? You got close to three extra in those ears and tongue already..."

A low hiss escaped his throat, as he blurred and merged. Nefertina and Peter backed away as he lengthened, merged and spilled into a large coiled shape. Pink flesh shot through with green, a long tongue rivaling Gene's flickering past the fanged lips. Red snake eyes fixed them in his gaze. Before Peter could think the gun was swept from his hands by the swiping tail.  From behind, two hands gripped Peter, then Nefertina. "Shit," Peter gritted. "You sure have a strange taste in men..."

"I said he was a low down snake, didn't I?" she quipped back, wriggling in the grasp of Pep's thugs.

"Now that I have your attention, fool, you will do as I say," said Pep, his tongue flickering precariously close to Peter's nose. He wrinkled it in disgust, turning his head away.

"Don't you dare hurt him!" Nefertina snapped.

"Brave when you have a gun in your hand, but you would be dead if not for Nefertina's sake. Though what she sees in you I cannot fathom..."

"What can I say? Some guys got it, some guys don't," Peter laughed, despite the fact he might end up dead.

"Really? We shall see. Can you hope to keep Mennehotep safe, little man? What do you truly offer my lady Nefertina that I cannot?"

Nefertina winced as Peter let a low snarl escape his throat. If there was one thing he hated, it was being picked on for size. Especially when she knew more then anyone else the truth.

"And you think you're some badass because you can turn into a snake? Big freaking deal! Do you have the courage to fight for the gal if you're so hopped up to get her?"

"I wouldn't waste my time on you..."

"What's the matter, chicken shit?" Peter asked. That did it, for Pep hissed low under his serpent breath.  "You and me, mano-e-mano. No powers, just our fists. Fighting for the broad. Are you man enough to do it?"

"Put her with the other!" Pep hissed, as he shifted to human form. "See how I will fight for you, m'lady..."

She was rudely shoved into the room, her arms tied behind her back. High on a television screen she saw as Pep and Peter circled, eyes fixed into a stare at each other. The door clanged shut, and she saw a familiar face laying trussed up on the bed. Still she was in the beautiful evening gown that Paul had bought for her, but her hair was in disarray, the bun loose with more strands of hair over her face and eyes.

"Menne!" she cried. "You're okay!"

"Hmmmm!" Menne moaned against her gag. Quickly Nefertina leaned over and pulled Menne's gag out with her own teeth.

"Nefertina... how did you... Paul and the others..."

"Shh, we're looking for you. Gene's probably onto the trail soon, and Paul's been trying to contact Sohkarra... to help find you. But where's your amulet... why haven't you used your powers to try and get out of this?"

"I can't use my powers," Menne said bitterly. "They're gone."

"What?" Nefertina demanded. "What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly that. I have no powers to get us out of this. We've got to untie these ropes. I don't have my powers but my amulet still may be of use. Can you reach it? The edge of the wing might just be sharp enough to cut through these ropes...

"You're kidding me," Nefertina snapped. "Try the knife in my boot..."

Menne twisted around, and reached for Nefertina's high topped boot. She felt the handle of the knife sheathed there, and worked it out of the scabbard. Holding it between her teeth, she urged Nefertina to back up and rub her ropes against its blade. At last they fell free.

"Good going," Menne smiled. "Now me..."

Nefertina's knife made short work of Menne's ropes, and both women moved to the door to try and unlock it. Menne reached under her dress, and found the small stash of powders in her garter belt. She thanked Thoth that she had the forethought to carry some emergency potions on her just in case...when she realized her powers were no longer working.  She mixed two powders together, and plastered them to the door knob. "Get down," she urged Nefertina, pulling her behind the bed.

"Why? What is that?"

A muffled bang blew out the doorknob in a flash of sparks. The door swung free, and both girls scrambled to their feet. Mennehotep ripped her gown to try and make it easier to move, putting her shoes into her hands. Nefertina took her knife, and nodded appreciatively at the open door they rushed through.

"Plastic explosives. My own brand," Menne said. "I've been playing with some stuff at Paul's house..."

"Really? You gotta tell me about it sometime girlfriend..."

"Only if you tell me about you and Peter," she winked.

"Now let's go help Peter!" Nefertina nodded gravely. Already two henchmen noticed both women sneaking free of their prison on their security cameras. Both women looked around them, unaware that they were being watched. It was a lovely cabin of a boat, for both could feel the motion back and forth of waves gently tossing. They were in the main room of a suite, lined in oak and lush silk covered furniture. Paintings decorated the walls, the windows looking out onto an expanse of shoreline.

"We're going out to sea!" Menne shouted. "We've gotta stop this thing..."

"And find my amulet!" Nefertina nodded. "But let's help Peter first..."

They moved to the main door, which was strangely unlocked. Easing the door open, Nefertina looked left and right. Nothing. Nodding to Menne, they moved out along the deck towards the ladder that would take them to the main deck up top, where the control cabin must be. It was a fairly good sized yacht, for they looked up and down to see the extent of it.

A figure sneaked after both women, advancing quickly on them...

Gene and Joe reached the waterfront, to see several large yachts pulling out into the bay. Other members of Joe's own gang were watching carefully, and noticed the two men pulling up.

"You mean they're pulling out?" Gene asked.

"Yes..." said the leader of the small band. "They're cruising up the coast."

"Which one is Pep's yacht?"

"That one there..." said Joe's second, a younger man called Eagle. He held the binoculars up for Gene to see. A large white and green craft was cruising at a steady pace out from the docks. It had been hidden behind several of the large freight ships, so little wonder Nefertina and Peter had not seen it the night before. Yet Joe's guys, clued into the Desert Princes activities, had known exactly where it was.

"Where are they heading, you think?" Eagle asked Joe.

"Not out to sea," Gene muttered. "But somewhere else. Joe, can you do me a favor?"

"What's up?"

"You guys have access to any boats?" Gene asked. "If not I can fix it up for you. Go after them, a little bit. See where they're going. I'm gonna head off along the shoreline with some of your guys... and get a boat myself..."

"Cut 'em off?" he asked.

"Exactly. But if they open fire, you get your guys out," Gene said. "I've got a plan..."

Just then he heard his cell phone ring yet again, and heard Raina's anxious voice, "Gene... you there?"

"Glad you called! What's going on gal, I've been paging you for the last half hour!"

"We had a call from the kidnappers! They want Paul to meet them with ten million dollars in cash at sundown... for Menne's release! Paul's gone to get some money now... but he was asking if you could loan him..."

"Where is he? Still out?" Gene asked. "I know where Menne is!"

"What?" Raina's voice came through. "You what?"

"Listen to me carefully doll! I want you to take my car, drive your ass out here to the waterfront as soon as you can! And have my secretary call my guys up at the docks to get my powerboat ready. We've got a chase on our hands here!"

"What? Okay sure...but what about Paul?"

"No time! He'll be the cover we need!"

"And Peter and Nefertina?"

"Chances are they've been wrapped up by the gang already! Meet me at the docks, as soon as you can!"

Paul's Mercedes roared off from the bank, a suitcase containing the money in small bills. It had taken a while to get it together, but Doc was more then willing to advance them the profits from the last tour, plus some of Paul's Washburn guitar sales.

Suddenly he heard the strange summons at the back of his thoughts, unmistakable in their source: Paul...Paul Stanley! I need to communicate with you!

"Sohkarra! Thank God! Are you well enough to do this?"

"Yes... I have rested. Paul, you need to act fast. Nefertina and Menne are in great danger..."

Paul relayed the information from the last twenty four hours in his mind, carefully clearing it as Star Bearer had shown him how to do. In a steady stream he broadcasted it, not too loud, but strong enough that she could pick it up without too much effort from her end. He could sense her relief in the slow control he was gaining with his powers.

"Good, you've learned some control since our last conversation. But I just sensed Nefertina's thoughts, distant. They reach me, but her amulet is not with her. And I also can sense that Peter Criss is in deadly danger..."

"I must let them know what's happened..."

"Open your thoughts to me," Sohkarra said. "I know it's scary, but you must trust me..."

"I trust you," he nodded, pulling the Mercedes over. He had two hours before sunset to deliver his money, and he hoped he would not have to use it if things worked out. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the amethyst crystal Raina had given him. Slowly he reached deep into his mind, clearing it off all extraneous thoughts. In his mind's eye he could sense Sohkarra's astral image forming, faint but present.  As he had searched for Menne's dream he searched for Sohkarra's, seeing the spheres of energy, and a blue one that drifted forth. He pushed through, seeing her there before his inner eyes.

"Very good Paul. I am impressed that you reached me," Sohkarra said, very surprised. "And now we must form a bridge between us. I must use your powers... your potential if I am to do this..."

Mentally her hands took his, and he felt a flow of power from him into her, purple energy surging over to hers, and becoming sapphire. She took what seemed a little to him, but it was just enough to recharge her depleted powers. Nodding, she merged her energies with his, taking his hands in hers as she lead him the rough the spheres.

"This is like entering someone's dreams at night. You know how to reach someone's sleeping mind. But this will show you how to reach someone's waking mind..."

"Cool," Paul nodded.

Peter's fist crashed into Pep's jaw with a sickening crack. Instead of falling down, Pep shrugged off the blow, and stood up, hitting Peter with a left hook which winded him.

"Damn, can't you fall!" Peter snarled. He leapt at Pep's torso, tackling him as he pinned him. The two men rolled over and over, punching at each other and kicking desperately. Already Peter had given him a black eye, and felt his own cheek swelling with the blows Pep had rained on him. This was street fighting, dirty, and Peter was pulling no punches.

His next kick pushed Pep off of him, and his arms wrapped around Pep's throat, slowly choking him. His hands tightening, leaving nasty bruises on Pep's windpipe. A few more minutes and the jerk would be unconscious, or dead.

"You... cannot win... mortal," Pep wheezed. Suddenly Peter felt the morphing of shape shifting, as the figure in his grasp merged and lengthened in shape. He squeezed tighter, his own arms bursting into red spasms of pain.

"Oh shit, not now," Peter groaned, feeling white hot fire up and down his arms. It was the neuromuscular condition in his hands, or was it?  He had black silky paws now, his senses exploding into a spectrum of smells and sounds. His claws dug into what was now Pep's hooded neck, two serpent eyes blazing into his. In their surface he saw himself reflected, a beast with a shaggy black mane and white patches and black like his stage makeup. It dawned on him that every time the pain had struck him, it was tied to this transformation. Except last night when it had just... happened.

A low snarl escaped Peter's throat, and he sank his claws deep. Yet the figure struggled out of his grasp, slithering away from his grip. Dropping on his hands and knees, which were paws now, Peter sprang after him. Each move seemed instinctive, natural, and he wasn't going to question it now. For it would keep him alive...

Especially against a twenty foot serpent who reared up on his coiled tail like a Naga, fangs bared with eyes blazing. A low voice hissed, "So, you have bested me in mortal form. Now see if you can fight as you really claim, King of Beasts..."

"You're on, snake man!" Peter snarled, baring his claws as he pounced to the attack...

Joe's party had been keeping a close watch on the yacht, which had left the harbor by now. Along a lonely stretch of beach it cruised to a stop. Fifty miles north of LA by now. The group of bikers had gone ahead to follow it, and track its heading.

Gene had already met with Raina, and they were heading out by boat to intercept the yacht. Gene's own craft was sizable, more like a souped up powerboat then a true yacht or cruiser. It delivered the horsepower to keep them up with the yacht's course.

But the strange tingling in their brains stopped them short. For it seemed like they could hear Paul's voice in their brains, echoing.

"What the hell," Gene asked, holding his head.

"He's done it," Raina muttered. "Paul... what's going on?"

"Sohkarra is ready... to find Menne..."

"That's not necessary, we know where she is!" Gene thought in his brain. "We've got the yacht in our sights now..."

"We must act quickly! Menne and Nefertina are in danger!" Paul's voice came into both of their brains. "Even now they fight for their lives..."

"What? Why didn't you say so?" Gene demanded.  "How can we reach them in time?"

"I'm coming now," Paul's voice came. "Along the coast. You've got to get to them now..."

"What's going on?" Gene asked. Mental images of Mennehotep and Nefertina flickered before his eyes...

Suddenly two figures leaped at the two women, and they spun about just in the nick of time. Nefertina's kick lashed out, slamming into her assailant. Menne cartwheeled out of the way of the other, then slashed at the other's jaw with her shoe. A cut sprang into existance on the man's face.

"Take that!" she hissed. She blocked his punch, and her other arm forced the stiletto heeled shoe near his chest. He slapped it from her wrist, catching hold of her hand. Twisting her body, she dropped, then threw him over her shoulder.

Nefertina reached up her sleeve, her whip dropped into her hand. They had not found it on her body. A black leather line snapped out as she cracked it with deadly accuracy at her attacker. Before he knew what hit him, he felt the trickle of blood at his cheek, and the sting of the whip on his legs and hands, followed by a kick to his jaw which knocked him flat.

"Good night, jerkwad!" Nefertina laughed. Menne tore off strips of her dress, using them to tie their two atatckers up. They moved on, glad that they could still kick butt, powers or no powers.

"You go help Peter..."

"Menne..." came a set of thoughts. Mennehotep put a hand to her head, hearing Paul's voice in her mind.

"Paul..." she gasped, clearing her thoughts. This wasn't the first time someone had spoken to her telepathically, for often Sohkarra used this method of communication in battle.  Even now her voice seemed to underlie Paul's attempts as Nefertina too heard her friend in her mind.

"Nefertina... you must help Peter. He is in mortal danger..."

"He's fighting Pep, I know..."

"Gene and Raina are coming to rescue you..." Paul thought. "Try and stop the boat... before it can sail away."

"But Peter..."

"He can hold his own. Till Gene gets there... You gotta trust him. He's the King of Beasts remember?"

"Paul..." Menne thought in her mind when they reached the control deck. Only one thug was at the helm, controlling the speed of the yacht. He had already turned it out to sea when he saw them approach.

"Menne... hang in there sweetheart! I'm coming to get you..."

"I thank you..." she whispered. Knowing that Sohkarra could hear her thoughts, and that Paul at last knew where she was...

"They're doing okay..." Gene commented. "But Peter..."

"We're at least a half mile from them and they're heading out to sea!" Raina gritted, at the controls on the boat. "We'll take at least fifteen minutes to close the gap."

"I've got to get to them first," Gene muttered, sensing that Peter might be in mortal danger. He saw mental images Paul relayed of his friend fighting a green serpent creature. Holding his own, but barely. Other images flickered through Menne's eyes as she and Nefertina attacked the lone pilot of the yacht. Only to find reinforcements closing in on them from nowhere.

Joe and the others piled into another motorboat and looked to them with questioning eyes. "What do we do then?"

"I need to get to them, now," Gene decided, standing up.

"You know there's only one way you can do that," Raina said somberly. Already the sun was beginning to set on the horizon in crimson bands mingled with blue.

"I know..." Gene said and slowly took off his sunglasses. Looking at the brilliant fire of the setting sun, he glanced to Raina. They were close, very close, but it wasn't fast enough. For at that moment he saw through Menne's eyes, as someone rasied a gun to cover her, and Nefertina was seized. He caught a glimpse through Peter's feral gaze as a tail closed around him, and forced him down to the floor. How he was caught in snake coils slowly constricting...

A low growl escaped Gene's throat, and he struggled to clear his head. It was as natural as breathing, when he felt the fire surging into him, and shooting along every nerve and vein. Joe and the others gasped when they saw the figure towering in glittering silver and midnight black. Two wings spanned, catching the ocean breeze as the Demon turned to face Raina. It had not been easy for him to admit he needed these powers, but he had no alternitive now.

"Let's get those sons of bitches," his growl rumbled.

"Us?" she asked.

"I need you doll," Gene's voice rumbled. "I can't do this alone..."

"Gene..." Joe gasped. "What the hell is this..."

"Something I should have done a long time ago. Wait for me, and get your men clear..." the Demon said calmly, fixing his gaze on his friend, who was halfway between fear and amazement witnessing this transformation.  Raina seemed to stare in awe. She did not flinch or scream when the Demon scooped her up, and leapt off the boat, catching a wind towards the yacht ahead of them. Quickly the black shape hurtled towards the distant yacht, which they were steadily gaining on.

Part 6: Back on the Yacht

Slowly Peter focused his strength, when he heard Paul's voice in his mind, "Peter... man... you gotta listen..."

"Paul... what the hell..."

"You can beat this guy," Paul urged, his voice between Peter's ears. Pep leered over the Cat Man, tightening his coils.  Peter contracted his body, his ribs flexible as his feline host, slowly wriggling out of the coils. Teeth clamped down on a scaley coil, sinking deep. The taste of blood filled Peter's mouth, and somehow he enjoyed it! What was this, he inwardly thoguht.

"Give into your animal side," Paul's voice urged. "It's the only way, man..."

"Yesss...." Peter hissed, biting deeper. The coils loosened as Pep hissed in pain. Beating his way free, the Cat Man bounded to safety. Pep was close to follow, out of the cabin and onto the deck where Nefertina and Mennehotep were being carried towards the side.

"I oughta throw you ladies overboard," Pep's second in command laughed. "Now, no funny business or I'll splatter her brains all over the deck..."  He held a gun to Menne's temple, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Paul's thoughts moved into hers, and she silently pleaded.

"Don't be scared," Paul's thoughts sounded in her mind.  Suddenly somthing slammed into the man from behind. He dropped Menne, who grabbed the gun and tossed it out of his hand. A claw seized the man by the throat, lifting him off his feet and hurling him to the side like a sack of groceries.  Raina slammed into the other assailant, who let go of Nefertina. Menne got to the yacht's controls, and pulled the key out of the ignition. The engines clattered to a hault.

"Good going!" Nefertina gave her the thumbs up.

"You've lost..." the second in command leered.

"What do you mean, puke?" the Demon asked, holding him up by his neck.

"You'll find out," the man said, and suddenly morphed into a strange creature, a cross between an alligator and a crocodile. His teeth clambed down on Gene's claw, and the Demon dropped him. Hissing to his other cronies, they grabbed Nefertina who was standing near the edge of the boat. Holding her, kicking and screaming, she was dragged overboard.

"Let her go!" Menne shouted. Before the Demon or Raina could react, Menne jumped into the sea after them. The remaining thugs leaped into the water, changing into strange reptilian creatures.

"Menne!" the Demon shouted, rushing over to the side with Raina.

"What's with them?" Raina asked as all the thugs seemed to be jumping ship.

Suddenly the Demon saw a flashing red light over Raina's left shoulder. Something was stuck to the wall, and he recalled one of the thugs pressing a a button on a control panel as they fought. Little numbers flashed 20... 18...."

"Raina!" Gene roared, leaping towards her. There came an urgent beeping as he leaped off with her in his grasp....

Pep leaped off the side of the yacht, morphing into human form just before he hit the water. "Come back you coward!" Peter hissed.

"You are too late, mortal!" came his laugh from the sea. Peter suddenly leaped after him, and that is when all hell broke loose. From behind him a massive wall of hot air slammed into his back, knocking him sensles. He pitched towards the water with a mighty splash.  Instantly the world exploded into an inferno. Raina felt something hitting her head, and she saw the flames licking around her. Slowly she stumbled towards her friends, separated from them by a wall of flame. Someone grabbed her about the waist and leaped off with her. Was it her imagination, or was she flying?

"Gene," she muttered and glanced up into his face. "The explosion...the fire...the others..."

"I don't know what happened...I saw the gals jumping off the boat just as I saw the bomb about to detonate...I'm sure they got clear in time..."

Seizing his hair she pressed a firm kiss on the Demon's lips. He was totally flabbergasted she would display any such affection to him in this form. Slowly he alighted on the beach, folding his wings around them both cloak-like as he held her closer. He struggled against the urge to nip her with those sharp fangs in his mouth when he returned her kiss.

"What was that for?" he rumbled. "Not that I mind in the least..."

"For not getting killed, and...for saving my life," she said, catching her breath. Those wings held her close to his armored body, warm against the oncoming cold of the encroaching night.

"And to prove I'm not revolting in this form?" he added, picking up on another reason.

"For overcoming your damned macho pride and letting your powers come through," Raina added.

"If I didn't know you better I'd say you were turned on with me looking this way..."

"One could say so," she said, stroking his hair. As the Demon regarded her he saw there was no fear in her eyes, only a strange darkening like he would see when they were about to make love. Seeing this acceptance he couldn't resist the urge to kiss her again, Demon form or not. His mouth closed over her, demanding and warm against her soft lips. Cradling her in his massive arms he held her close, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, fingers plunged into the mass of hair that flowed free in the wind, so much like his onstage persona, but one step beyond.

From some corner of his mind he wondered about what it would be like to make love in this form... flying perhaps? Would he hurt her possibly? She was strong but this would be one hell of a trust issue. A low rumbling shot into his throat as he felt her tonge slip into his mouth, and he responded by easing his own into hers, causing her to moan.

"Oh damn...the others..." she gasped, pulling away from him.

"Hold on doll, let's find them..." he nodded, flipping his wings back as he ran along the beach. Before long they were again airborne in slow curves that circled the beach. Fire licked around the bare bones of the yacht now, the smoke slamming full force around them with its heat. Yet the flames and fire did not bother either of them as the Demon circled through and around.

"Where are they? Peter! Tina! Menne!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the dull roar of the inferno in a loud roar.

"Over there!" she interrupted. "I see Paul on the beach...that purple glow...and it looks like that snake Pep is crawling up to face him...and there's Peter!"

"But where the hell are the chicks?" Gene wondered, circling around. "Menne! Where are you?"

Cursing and spitting, the Desert Princes all hauled themselves up onshore.  Pep swam easily, washing up onto the beach. So far there was no sign of the woman he desired, or the other. This was not going to bode well.  Slowly he reverted to his human guise, wiping his forehead. It was only a matter of time before his minions would bring the motorboat around. Suddenly a black shape crossed over the flames, circling around. He instantly knew who it was, and rushed down the beach away from it. The apperance of the Cat Man had seemed disturbing enough, but if his allies were indeed also aware of thier powers... he was in for quite a rough time.

Pep knew of the Elder, the ancient Four Who Are One. He had heard from his master that they were awakeneing in this time. Yet he had not suspected they had any inkling of how to use their powers. Now, he was painfully aware this was not the case. He had underestimated them badly.  At his side the tide lapped the beach, and he heard a snarling spitting mass of fur drag itself up out of the foaming waves. Again he broke into a run, heading inland. Where was the motorboat with his relief? Ahead of him in the distance he saw a purple glow split the darkness. Closer and closer it moved, and Pep sensed the aura of tremendous energies he had only recalled from one other source, the Princess Sohkarra.  A chopping sound came from the surf when he heard the motorboat finally gunning its way to shore. He waded out into the water to meet it when a huge spurt of flame crashed down from above, sending him diving to safety. Fire met sea in a hiss of steam, and Pep cried out as he was half scalded. When his head broke water he saw the winged shape circling back, a burst of fire streaming towards the motorboat. Mystical beams ripped heavenwards to counterattack, but the figure dodged them easily.

"Curse you, Demon," he hissed, floundering his way back to shore. Another stream of fire cascaded over the boat, and his cronies abandoned it before it burst into a fountain of fire adrift on the waters.  Pep scrambled once again on the surf, watching his minions swimming frantically towards the shore. The Demon swooped down, his roar splitting the night as his fiery breath slammed into the sea, hemming them towards the beach.

"Going somewhere?" came a low feral growl. Pep felt something slam into his stomach, pushing him over. Green eyes blared into his face, hot breath following their piercing stare. Obsidian claws pinned him down. With a hiss he transformed, his tail coiling round his new adversary.

"So, you have mastered your transformation," he hissed, as they rolled over and over.

"You're catfood, asswipe," came the King of Beast's roar. "When I'm finished with you..." Sand coated his black mane, the white patches and black standing out in sharp contrast. However Pep's tail flicked him off easily, tossing him into the foaming surf.

"You still are a beginner to this," he laughed.

By now his minions had reached shore, transforming into their true forms to face the Demon. The glittering figure in silver armor landed, his midnight black wings furling onto his back. Close to his chest he clutched the woman in blue jeans and a t-shirt. Fire streamed from his throat when he erected a wall of flame to keep them at bay.

The Cat Man staggered onto the beach, shaking wet salt and sand from his matted fur. An angry snarl contorted the silver muzzle. A black tail swished as he leaped on the nearest lizard minion, felling him with swiping blows. Pep slithered forwards, towards the higher beach, and possible freedom. He would perhaps find Nefertina later...for he could swear she was still alive when she leaped off the boat with Menne.

The large reptilian creature rolled through the flames towards Raina and the Demon. A dragon boot kicked him aside easily, and the Demon swung out with a massive slash of his claw when another alligator creature came at him from the side. Raina squirmed out of his arms, cartwheeling as she slammed her feet into the first creature, who had recovered.

"Stop right there," came a voice of many out of the purple radiance, which had reached them by now. A tall figure arrayed in midnight black, and a translucent purple robe advanced upon them. His aura extended for nearly twenty feet of shimmering amethyst light. Captured bits of stardust glittered on his lithe, midnight-clothed body. Both adversaries stopped cold, transfixed by the purple gaze of the newcomer. They peered into the face, white and decked with a solitary black star over his right eye.

"Cease your battle, and trouble us no more, monsters. We are not your enemy..." came the calming voice. They shifted to their human forms, entranced. Energy crackled the Starchild's hair into an onyx halo in the purple light.

"No fun," the Demon muttered. "Showoff..."

The Cat Man hurled himself onto the escaping serpent, pinning him. Starchild and Demon soon closed in, their purpose clear. Pep glanced three different places, even seeing a fourth figure, the Demon's woman, advancing to close off his escape from three sides.

"Now, you pay," the Cat Man snarled. "Because of you, Menne and Nefertina are gone!"

"WE don't know that!" came Raina's voice.

"If she is dead, you will soon follow," the Demon gritted.

"Menne..." Paul gasped, and then fell into a strange trance. His eyes seemed to peer inwards, the force of his newfound powers reaching out into the darkness. Within him the Star Bearer had come fully awake, to rise to the surface. Now he retreated, leaving Paul Stanley there in human form, dropping to his knees.

"What the f..." Gene wondered.

Pep shivered from the bottom of his ancient soul. The Four were indeed alive, yet only three of them were here now. If Celestial was with them he would be doomed. Even now he knew his time was limited.

Chapter 7: Somewhere Between This Life and the Next

"Menne..." whispered a voice that seemed through the dark depths.

"Who..." she whispered.

"Mennehotep...Wake up, I implore you..."

 A purple radiance seemed to shine from all around her. She found she could move without the heaviness, and seemed to be floating. It would feel so good to just lay and sleep the sleep of forever in the vast cool depths.

 "Please...don't leave me..." the voice implored. "I need you..."

 "Paul?" she asked, and then opened her eyes. Where was the source of the voice? It seemed to come from all around and deep within her being. Suddenly the world was shot through with brilliant gentle lavender energy edged with amethyst.

"I'm so tired..." she said. "So hard to move..."

"I cannot reach you alone. You must come to me willingly if I am to help you from the brink..." came his voice.

"The brink of what?" she asked.

"Of your own mortal existence," came the answer, tempered with sadness.

"What?" she gasped.

"You are caught between life and death," came the voice filled with the sorrow of many. "I have the power to retrieve your soul so far, but part of you resists me..."

"I...am dead?" she gasped.

"Yes...almost..." he said softly. "Your light burns so low, little one..."

"No... I don't want to die...not again!" she gasped, with fear, then realized she wasn't afraid. She had after all died before, and passed on. Before her she heard a voice of thunder booming:

"Mennehotep, Daughter of Hapshetsut, Great Wife to Thuthmosis, third of that nameÖYou must be judged, ancient one! Prepare to face the Scales of Maat..."

"Not now... not now!" she cried. "There is so much to do...I want to live..."

Something grasped her, and pulled her down, and she fought with all her strength against it, kicking and protesting towards a golden radiance caught before pools of dark and the next realm of the dead. A glimmering balance materialized, and she drew in her breath sharply. She could swear she saw Anubis at the ready, and Thoth nearby, his stylus raised to record the tally.

"Your heart is heavy, Daughter of Isis," Thoth shook his ibis beak. "I fear that Maat's feather will not prevail..."

She gasped and saw her own heart pulled from her chest, and ready to be placed on the balance once more.

"No... I'm not ready!" she wailed. "My task is not yet done!"

"Don't dare question me," came the voice of Anubis. "It is almost done..."

"I think that this is premature," came a voice that made her gasp. Turning about she saw a purple radiance.

"Do not interfere, Star Bearer," came the voice of Thoth impatiently. "This is not your concern, Elder..."

"It is very much my matter. You judge a heart that no longer belongs to you..."

"How is this so?" asked Thoth. "She is a daughter of Egypt, in this world and the next, for eternity. Her heart is of Ra."

"No, her heart belongs to another, now, for you have forsaken her," Star Bearer inclined his head.

"To whom does it belong then, if not to me? If not to Mother Isis, or Ra himself?" asked Thoth.

"It belongs to Me," said the Star Bearer, inclining his head. "I have claimed it for my own use. She has the strong heart and soul that I require for my purpose. Even now her body is fighting to stay alive though it fights in vain..."

"Be very careful. I could dispute this claim, take it before Osiris himself, and if he will not listen, then perhaps Ra," Thoth said.

"You revoked your claim when you stripped her of her powers, that you yourself had granted her," Star Bearer said. "That is ancient law..."

"She has still pledged loyalty to my service..."

"Not now that you have forsaken her, and retracted your blessing. Long ago when she was in the Great Pyramid, I myself bestowed upon her the blessing of the Star Bearer, planting the seed of my power into her soul. She stood and said the rituals by the light of the Star of the Evening. You did not know this...but your own power has superceded it till now. My claim is as ancient as your own."

"Not so, for when she first learned the science of Magic, she served me, for her master had said a prayer in my honor..."

"She can learn to serve another. We are alike, opposites of the same...Thoth."

"I am wisdom. You are passion. We are not of the same at all."

"Perhaps, but the fundamental drive of Humanity to learn and discover stems from me," Star Bearer clarified.

"What do you wish, little one?" asked Thoth, turning to Menne.

"I wish to return to him...to the land of the living..."

"Once you go back, I cannot guarantee you will see my countenance again, little one..." Thoth sighed. "You are one of my brightest stars... I cannot give you back your powers to aid he whom you claim to love in this life, the host of the Star Bearer..."

"Can you not?" Star Bearer asked. "Is there no undoing of this curse. Why did you bestow it upon her to begin with?"

"It is not permitted. Osiris himself asked they be taken away. I cannot act against his will, nor can I question it..."

"Very well then, I shall claim her all the same," Star Bearer said. "If she is willing..."

"Please... I want to live..."

"So be it," said Thoth. "She is yours now. To do with as you will. Yet I do not think her Ka will rest with us for eternity in the Land of the Dead should she die again. It will go to Another place--another eternal realm--once her mortal life is ended."

Drawing in a gasp she felt the tendrils of sheer passion enveloping her, pulling her out of the dark depths towards the surface.

"Where am I now?"

"The realm of dreams..." Star Bearer said, taking her hand. "But before you are to return, I have for you a gift..."

"I will have no powers...ever again..."

"Not so, little one. I can change that, so you may still help my Host..."

"Is there a price?" she asked.

"Always there is for those things that are worth possessing. If you accept my gift, be prepared for pain and pleasure beyond belief. To help Paul and your friends fight the enemies they must. Few mortals have taken on my power. But I know that you have the strength to bear it."

"But Paul is your host..."

"He requires a helpmate. To give my powers to another is not unheard of. For the Demon has granted a portion of his power to the one you know as Raina. But your powers will not be the same as my primary hosts, but a different aspect of my element more suited to your soul."

"But...how can I be sure I can even use these powers?"

"Decide or not decide. Even now your friend Nefertina clings to life. She may live, or she may die. You might help sway the balance in favor of her living..."

Images pixilated within her third eye of Nefertina gasping and struggling. Her blush of life form gulped more and more water. Soon it would desert her, and the necrotic state would set in. Normally that would not be a problem, but the brine of the Los Angeles bay was lethal to the wrappings that preserved her mummified form. If wet with brine it would weaken her wrappings and make it more difficult for her to survive.

"No..." Menne gasped. "I must save her! Hurry then! I'll take your gift, your power, if it will save my friend!"

"There is time between seconds...time that takes no time as we wait..." he said. "Are you ready? Even now I can return you to your rest, to the Land of the Dead to live with those that you loved in your past life. Nefertina may yet survive the brine of the bay, for she will not drown in her mummified form."

"But Thoth said I couldn't go back to the Land of the Dead..."

"Within his pantheon he is the representation of Wisdom. I control the realm of Souls. I can advocate your return. But I want you to have the choice, eternity with those you love most, or life with my host and your friends, and your soul entrusted to another place..."

"Thank you. But I want to live, and help my friends in their work."

 "Join with me then. Accept my essence. I will not harm you, for you are in your soul form now. Take my power as Paul has done, and be forever bound to it in this mortal life..."

She arched her back, feeling the soothing tingle creeping towards her as she held her arms out to him. Lavender energy mingled with amethyst seeped out to envelop her in its aura. Achingly close to warmth that seared souls she found she could bear his embrace. A million emotions flooded her at once and she choked and laughed for the sheer joy.

"You cannot take the mind power for it is granted to Paul, but you can bear the kiss of water," he murmured, drawing her close in his arms of light. Spectral lips lowered to hers, brushing against her own. It seemed she drank in pure light, which spread to every corner of her soul. Wisps of sensation flooded her with the essence she tasted when she had loved Paul. Every smell, every feeling of his body against hers exploded in an instant. Was this Star Bearer's reward?

"What are you doing?" she gasped as she felt the sheer pleasure climaxing to a plateau. It entered in a hard delicious thrust that made her moan, imbuing her with new strength.

"Joining as we were prophesied to, little one," came the soft soothing tones. "I can at last taste your essence, and let it merge freely with my own, and not hurt you."

"What...will this joining accomplish?"

"You and Paul have joined in flesh, and now you and I must join soul to soul, so that you may take that which I have to offer."

"Why...ohhh...this way?" she moaned with the mounting of strange happiness mingled with sadness she felt she did not deserve. "You said you couldn't give your heart away..."

"Let me show you the depth of my affection even if it is for this one moment of eternity, little one. For that one instant my heart will be yours alone. Take what I have to offer, for it is freely mine to give..."

"Star Bearer..." she gasped, her cries becoming light and passion itself. She contained him till the power shot through to infinity and back. For eternity it seemed they locked in an embrace that embodied passion, as Isis and Osiris had joined so long ago.

"My precious one," he whispered.

"Ohhh I don't want to leave you," she whispered. "But is this right? Because Paul and I...have given our hearts to each other..."

 "Paul is everything that I am, and part of me is contained within him. I am love itself and passion. To love me is to love Paul, and to love Paul my human host is to love me. But to taste the soul merge free of flesh... that is what I desired for you to experience at least once. To thank you..."

 "Mm," she felt herself stretching though she knew she had no physical body. A sense of completeness such as few have known filled her now, and fortified her strength.

 "Go now," he whispered, withdrawing from her. As he moved away she could see herself mirrored within his thoughts. His gift glistened over her left eye, a shimmering star to match his own, in pale lavender.

 "Isis," she gasped, touching her cheek, though she knew she was but an astral form.

 "Your friend needs you now. Bear the kiss of water, and the piece of my essence that I give to you, to replace that which was taken wrongfully from you..."

 "But the powers...what are they and how will I possibly know how to use them?"

 "They will come in time...I promise... when you most need them..."

Her eyes popped open to murky depths. Menne panicked, flailing desperately as she felt water in her throat and mouth. Gasping she realized she was breathing, but this was insane! For water passed into her mouth and down her throat without choking her. How could this be? Her questions would have to wait, for she saw something flailing desperately at the surface of the water. Flickering light played across the barrier between water and air that she rushed towards now.

"Nefertina!" she cried, but it was muffled and echoed by the denser medium around her. Water held life like air for her now. Was she as the fishes that breathed it as people breathed air?  She thrust herself towards her friend, who was slowly starting to sink. She grasped her and thrust her towards the surface, shoving her head up above the rippling mirror that undulated far above them. Dare she try to breathe herself?

Menne thrust her own head and shoulders above the surface, and inhaled a sweet gasp of air. Water spurted from her throat, and insides into a spectacular cascaded that came crashing back into her face. Flicking hair out of her face she saw the flickering catastrophe afloat on the water nearby. Then she remembered the yacht exploding, and the men screaming in fear. To her Nefertina clung, her bandaged form reverted to its necrotic state.

"Oh Isis!" she gasped, noticing the change. She had to get her to the shore quickly before the salt water would ruin her wrappings and further endanger her friend. Quickly she pulled the bandaged form behind her. They washed up onshore, Mennehotep laying Nefertina to the side. She opened her friend's mouth and let the water drain from her chest in a stream. What was worse? Letting her possibly die by drowning from the water that may still be in her lungs and bring her to life, or risking losing her in mummified form by disintegration? A rapid examination proved Nefertina's bandages were fully soaked, and losing the protective resin. While Nefertina and she had been sopping wet before in their bandages and dried out without too much damage, it had been in fresh water. Normally the enchantments that brought them to a second life would counteract the effects of water damage. Yet they had been able to get to their sarcophagi to recharge soon after their dunking. Far from her sarcophagus without a recharge, Nefertina could soon be forever immobilized.

Quickly she looked in vain for her elixir. She found a small vial around her own neck, which she slipped out of the ibis amulet and into her palm. This was the secret supply that she never thought she would have to use now that she was fully alive. It would serve her friend just as well. She tipped Nefertina's head back, pouring the vial's shimmering contents into her friend's necrotic lips. Radiance spread over her form, as she took on the appearance of life. "Come on, live!" she cried. "Don't take my friend from me, Anubis!"

Still Nefertina did not move, and Menne guessed her lungs must still have water in them. Mennehotep suddenly remembered what Paul had shown her a while back. He called it mouth to mouth resuscitation. Quickly she tipped Nefertina's head back, and let the water dribble from her now living throat. Taking a deep breath she sealed her lips to her friends and blew hard. Accordingly the chest rose and fell. Again and again Menne bestowed the breath of life till under her Nefertina shuddered. Water spewed out as she coughed alive again.

"Nefertina, it's okay...we're alive," Menne gasped, holding her friend on her knees.

"Menne...what in the name of Ra? I saw the boat blow up and you and I jumped at the last minute..."

"We're alive..." Menne laughed, holding Nefertina close. Both wore the tattered remains of their evening garments.

"Paul, we're alive," she whispered in her mind, hoping he could hear...

"Menne! She's alive!" Star Child gasped, and broke out of his stupor. The Demon and Raina turned to see his eyes pop open.

"Nefertina..." the Cat asked.

"She's alive too...I can sense her thoughts..." said Paul.

"They must have been thrown clear of the blast," Gene rationalized. "Or else they jumped just in time..."

"Who cares how? I smell her...this way..." Peter said, and ran off along the beach on all fours.

"What about him?" the Demon asked, holding the serpent within his claws.

"Stand guard on him, and bring him when I signal you," Paul whispered. "I'm going to see if Menne is all right..."

"You got it, Paul," the Demon nodded. "Ray?"

"I'm going with Paul in case they need help."

"You're coming with me, pal," the Demon growled, picking up the desert serpent in his claws.

"You really think you have won?" he asked, reverting to his human form.

"Shut up or I drop you, dipshit," was his answer. Ebony wings spread open upon the beach as the Demon picked him up in his claws, and let the breezes of the ocean carry him after his friends.

The Cat reached them first, and then Starchild. Taking his girl in his arms, the Cat held her close, cradling her to his furry chest. Seconds later Peter Criss, very much human and not very much Cat Man was holding his love across his knees.  "Kitty-cat! Sweet mother of Mercy I thought I'd lost you..." he moaned, rocking her in his arms.

"Peter..." she sobbed, clinging to his neck. Menne realized that this was one of the few times she had seen Nefertina come completely apart in a man's arms, let alone cry.

A figure clad in purple radiance strode quickly up to Menne, his arms outstretched. The part of his body she could see from under the purple velvet cloak was covered in midnight, spangled with silvery stars. As if composed of light itself the cloak fluttered in the night wind. He towered over her to nearly a hight of seven feet, larger then life, somewhere between a god and a man.

"Menne my love...come here..."

"Paul!" Menne cried, reaching her hands up to him. His arms went right around her, holding her close to his chest, which was still human. A soothing warmth that mirrored that of the Star Bearer surged through her skin as his lips met hers in a firm kiss. Violet light surged through her soul, and assured her that she was protected and safe now. He held her close in his arms, lifting her off her feet effortlessly pressing a hard kiss to her mouth that seared her soul with love.

"Isis, I missed you..." she moaned against his lips.

"Oh God, baby," he whispered. "Don't ever scare me like that again..."

The Demon landed, dropping Pep roughly as he strode over towards the touching scene. Starchild glanced up with amethyst eyes as deep as the sea, regarding Pep when he said, "Bring him here..."

"Paul, what are you going to do to him?" Menne asked, looking up at him. Starchild held her in his arms, one hand under her back and the other under her knees.

"This was your fault, you bastard, you almost killed Tina," Peter growled low in his throat as he suddenly changed once more into the glistening panther.

"No, let me handle this," Starchild said ominously, putting Mennehotep down. Leaving Menne in Raina's care, he strode towards where the Demon still clenched Pep prisoner.

"So, you have me now, mortal. What do you intend to do with me?"

"I want answers. Who sent you?" Starchild asked, eyes blazing more intently as he fixed his gaze upon Pep. "I know you're not human..."

"You fool you don't have the experience to ask that question..."

"Want to try me?"

"Easy," Raina urged. "He's powerful..."

Tendrils of energy surrounded Pep as he was transfixed by Starchild's gaze. For a moment he reverted to his serpent form, slithering in the Demon's grasp. "What possessed you to take the woman I love?"

"He was after me," Nefertina spat, as she rose from the beach. "Weren't you?"

"I swore you would be my queen, my precious one," he said. "You could have made this much simpler if you had cooperated..."

"Never if this is what you do, you slimy snake," Nefertina hissed at him.

"You almost killed her, bastard," the Cat spoke, challenge present in the green eyes that fixed into Pep's. "I ought to tear you to shreds..."

"I wanted Nefertina for my own. She is mine by right..."

"You forfeited your right to me when we last met..." Nefertina reminded him. "And I don't want anything more to do with you ever again after this...its over!"

"I swear I will make you mine..." Pep repeated.

"Try and take her now," Peter yowled, a low snarl present like that of a lion. Pep met his challenge in the serpent eyes, which fixed into the feline ones. For a tense moment Pep's tail slapped against the sands of the beach when both creatures exchanged feral hisses.

"Uh uh, don't even try it..." the Demon snarled, his grip tightening.

"You have made bitter enemies this night," Starchild said dispassionately. "It would be better if you told us for what purpose you attacked my friend's home, and kidnapped my lady..."

"It was a deal I struck with my master," Pep said. "But you will never know his identity..."

"I say we take it out on this bastard," said the Demon. "He'll talk once I'm done with him..."

"Let me have him," the Cat snarled eagerly. "For what he did to Tina...and your woman, Paul."

"Either tell me and my friends who's after us, or else I can pull it from your mind..." Paul urged, anger fixing into his white face. The energy contracted, fingers of power surging into Pep's immortal mind. "I sense fear keeping you from the answer. What is it you fear more then us..."

"Don't try it..." Pep warned.

"I must know...what it is you fear more then us? Wait...another of even greater power then you. Someone who is ancient...who once...banished you? Or is it someone in this modern time who summoned you?"

"No..." the serpent hissed, and suddenly reverted to his human form before their eyes. A look of fear passed into his face as Starchild's eyes glistened brighter. Eyes widened in sheer terror within minutes and a horrid scream split their ears.

"Paul..." Menne gasped. Confusion came over Starchild's face when he tracked through the jumble of images he had just pulled from the creature's mind. Pep panted as he fought the Demon's grip no longer.

"You cannot prevail against him," he whimpered. "Not even with your vast powers. You still don't know what you face...even now..."

"It matters not. We will find him with our without you..." Peter snarled.

"Guys, I think it's best to let Sohkarra come back before we even think of going after this elusive guy," said Nefertina, who finally started to calm down. Seeing her erstwhile love in the grip of these three, she felt nothing but pity for him now.

"Please, don't," Menne implored. "He is powerful if he enslaved the desert servant Pep. For all we know it could be a god..."

"We're powerful too," the Demon added. "In case you've forgotten..."

"You still don't know the full use of your powers," Raina cautioned.

"If that is the case, I say we wait and see what else he tries to throw at us. We can send him a message... with snake boy here..."

"Yeah," Peter says. "That's more my style. You do that Paul..."

"I want you to deliver a message to your master. Tell him his challenge has been met. If he tries to take Menne from us again, he will personally answer to the Starchild," Paul said.

"You cannot win against my master," Pep hissed, his face twisted with anger. "He will crush you, dreamer... As severe as his punishment for me is...it will be ten times the worse if you defy him...or stand against him when he next strikes."

"Dreams can be as effective as cold reality," Paul said ominously. "And here is a sample of my power..."

Pep suddenly felt invisible hands tracing into his mind. They reached deep into his soul, rifling and seeking. Again he fed back the images into Pep's mind that he had extracted before. Fear crept fast into his face as he beheld the countenance of his ancient enemy, the first Pharaoh.

"No!" he screamed, raising a hand to shut out the vision.

"Begone, and trouble us no more! Deliver my message!" Paul shouted. Pep vanished in a sparkle of energy and smoke before their eyes.

One by one they shifted back to their human forms. Gene rubbed his eyes, as he suddenly found himself feeling much different. Gone was the shining armor and the vast wings, to be replaced by his leather jacket, Levis and black denim shirt, battered but intact. He glanced over to Peter, whose fists were knotted with rage. He was just coming down off the strange killer instincts that coursed through his veins. Paul was last to revert, the fairytale costume vanishing from his body in a flash of purple light. He stood before them now in his leather pants and red sleeveless vest, in normal clothes as Gene and Peter did. Gene came over and knelt by them in the sand, laughing. "Queenie, glad you didn't make an exit."

Menne hugged Gene close, tears in her eyes as she still held Paul in her other arm. Raina stood by them, smiling as she wiped what appeared to be a tear from an emerald eye. "Come here, you," Paul said, holding his hand out to her. "Without you I never would have found her..."

She let Paul draw her into a hug of thanks as he let Gene and Menne continue their friendly embrace. Then they switched places. Paul's hand remained on Raina's shoulder while Gene pulled her to sit on his bent knee. His warm kiss on her cheek, plus his arm tight about her waist, was welcome. Still Menne kept Gene's hand clasped around hers.

Paul turned to shake Peter's hand, saying, "Thanks man...you really came through..."

Menne shivered and felt Paul's arms close around her. "God I'm so glad you're all right," he whispered, taking her face in his hands.

She tried to fight the tears as she felt him raise her chin to look into his dark eyes. "I did lose hope for a time... that you would perhaps meet death... but you triumphed... and rescued me as true champions."

"Not bad for a first round," Raina said, glancing at them all. "But I hate to bring this up. This is only the tip of the iceberg..."

"Great," Gene muttered sarcastically. "I actually didn't kill the son of a bitch. I must be doing pretty well then..."

"Gene, you saved Menne's life, helped to rescue her with your powers," Paul said, appealing to him. "You think it's easier for me with the things I can do? Jeez, I could warp people's minds to insanity! You think you have it tough? All you do is breath fire, fly and scare the crap outta people!"

"You can turn it off whenever you want, for your control is far better then the others," Raina said. "You of all your friends are most comfortable with who and what you are. Extend that to embrace this part of you. Isn't it you yourself that once told me that when you put on the makeup on stage, and took on your persona, that it didn't control you... you used it... it didn't use you..."

"Your words exactly man," Peter nodded. "And they say your memory is good..."

"That Demon helped save my life," Menne whispered to him, and pressed a kiss to his cheek gratefully. "And for that you have my gratitude, Gene..."

"Still doesn't make it any easier doll," Gene shook his head, touching his cheek where she kissed it.

"What now?" Paul asked, his arm around Menne. Gene came over to stand near Raina, finally accepting her hand as she held it out to him.

"That's precisely what I want to know," Gene growled low in his throat. "Why Menne?"

"So what about this Pep guy?" Peter asked them. "You sent him away, back to his master... but who the hell is that?"

"I have no idea," Paul said. "But whoever it is, I say we face him, and make him answer for this..."

"Later," Raina cautioned him. "You all need to rest for what may happen next. There's no sense rushing into the unknown. After all, you are not four without Ace and Sohkarra..."

"Terrific," Peter muttered. Nefertina came to join him, slipping her arm into his.

"Come on, you always told me you wanted a change of pace right?"

"You're trained to fight these things. I'm not, little girl," Peter grumbled.

"Not bad for a beginner," Nefertina teased him. "But this one's sticking by you..."

"Great, Kitty Litter 101," Peter joked back. His sense of humor was beginning to return.

"Okay then. We rest, recuperate, and learn more about our enemy, and wait for Karra and Ace to come back," Gene finally said, slapping his fist into his palm.

"This isn't over..." Peter said, eyes flaring green temporarily.

"Not by a long shot," Paul added.

"Let's get the hell out of here," Gene said, reaching for a cell phone. It was battered, but had survived the transformation from Demon to human. Before long he had summoned his driver to take them all back to his place.

Chapter 8: Later that Night

All six weary people rode away in Gene's limo. Already the women were fast asleep in their lovers' arms. It was a long, winding trek back from the waterfront to Beverly Hills, where the mansion awaited them.

Within his mind Paul Stanley felt the thoughts of another move into his. "Well done, Paul," came Sohkarra's approval. "You did very well..."

"For a beginner?" he completed telepathically.

"For a beginner you showed remarkable control..."

"But Pep..."

"Got what he rightly deserved..."

"But who sent him?" asked Paul. "I could not get the information from his mind. Part of it was hidden from me... all I saw was a man holding a golden sword, like an ancient king. That was his worst fear..."

Sohkarra paused. Paul sensed there was something she didn't wish to tell him. He respected this for now as he telepathed, "Thanks... I'm sorry about nearly burning you before..."

"Love makes us do strange things. Look, you just take care. I must return to Ace... he needs me now. But listen to the other among you. I will join you when I can. If you require my aid for another lesson, don't hesitate to think my name. Just don't yell it... please..."

"I got it," Paul said.

"Menne is fortunate to have one such as you who cares for her," came Sohkarra's response. "Do not disappoint her..."

"I won't," Paul said. "And you come back! I know you'll help Ace. You've got to..."

Slowly he opened his eyes, and regarded his friends. Gene had gathered Raina's head and shoulders onto his lap, and already she was fast asleep in his arms. Nefertina lay curled up against Peter, the events of the last twenty four hours having totally worn her out.

Gene's limo stopped before Paul's home, and he asked, "You sure you wanna stay hereÖ"

"Jeez do you have to ask?" Paul lifted an eyebrow at him.

"Okay, whatever," Gene lifted his hands. "Just call me in the morning okay? What about you, Peter?"

"Tina and I'll crash at your place for the night. But tomorrow...we gotta split."

"Peter..." Paul asked. "Where are you going?"

"To see if we can meet up with Ace and Karra. Make sure everything's going okay," Peter said slowly. "It's not far to NYC. She had sent a letter to my hotel saying something about us meeting up. And bringing them here to meet you all in LA when she was done..."

"Really?" Gene asked, a little miffed that Peter hadn't told him about this little matter till now. "And what makes you so freaking special all of a sudden? Why didn't she tell us about it?"

"Gene, geez do you have to ask?" Paul muttered at him. "Considering you almost kicked him out of the band...."

"Guys, can we talk about this later?" Peter asked. "It's late at night, and we don't wanna say shit we can't take back. We kicked some major ass tonight, and the last thing we need is to start fighting and bitching with each other."

"He's right, Gene," Paul said to his friend. "We're tired and need a break. So what if Ace'll meet up with Peter first. We have to trust Karra to do this her way. Even if we don't agree with it. And you know that Ace and Peter relate like you and me. It's just the way it is... man..."

"Whatever you say, Paul," Gene nodded. "I'm too freaking tired to argue with you. Take care Peter. And tell Karra I'm waiting for her. I'll be satisfied if... no... when she brings him to my home, in Beverly Hills, clean and sober. Got it?"

"Clear as crystal, Gene," Peter nodded. "And we are coming back, with Karra and Ace. Got that?"

"Right," Paul nodded. They all gripped hands, shaking them.

"Later guys. Have fun," Peter nudged him. "You and your lady have a lot to talk about too..."

Paul shook Menne gently, waking her. "Remember, you might wanna do some talking of your own to a certain special someone," he winked at Gene.

"I'll take care of it, Romeo," Gene said, gripping his friend's hand as Paul opened the door to get out. Menne sleepily followed, bidding them all goodbye. Taking her in his arms, Paul carried her to the front door in the waning night. As if to guarantee nothing else would happen to her...

Paul stood on the balcony, looking out over Los Angeles. It was a city of great tragedy and a city of great promise. Many had come here to have dreams shattered or come true in mere days. Sohkarra's astral form smiled as she saw Menne wandering up to lay a hand on Paul's shoulder.

"Karra, I thought I heard you. It is good to see you," Menne whispered. It was the first time she had seen the younger woman since she had gone off with Ace to attempt to exorcise the guitarist of his inner demons.

"I'm so glad you're safe.  Paul has told me of what has occurred," Sohkarra telepathed. She was drawing strength from Paul's fledgling Starchild powers to keep the link open. But she was fast growing weary.

"How goes it?"

"Most difficult. But I cannot keep the link for long... I must rest... Ace is a dynamic individual. Even as he wants to purge himself of his demons, they are still ever present; still waiting to surface again. I must be on guard," she tried to explain. "But I have faith all will be well ... with a little more time."

"Isis protect you," Menne whispered as Sohkarra vanished.

"Take care of each other," came Sohkarra's last words as she finally could not hold the link open any longer.

Paul, too, had heard the exchange, and said, "I'm glad she contacted us both. It was something she had been waiting to do."

"She's still got a big  job ahead of her," Menne answered. "But she feels Ace is well worth the effort."

"As we all do. And just what are you doing out of bed, young lady?" Paul pretended to scold, hand on his hip. "You've had one busy day..."

"Mm, so have you," she said, tracing a finger over his chest. In the darkness her white satin gown glowed as if made of moonbeams itself against her dark skin. He never tired of drawing her close in his embrace, resting his chin in the grove of her shoulder as he stroked her back. Menne held him tightly as if he would evaporate.

"Come to bed now?" she asked, innocently enough.

With a grin he stroked her hip laughing, "My four favorite words, where you're concerned..."

She was swept up as on that first night, carried in strong arms into the master room. The moonlight was left to spread its mystery upon the two lovers who rejoiced in the fact of being alive. As Paul lay her on the bed he kissed her forehead gently. The weight shifted on the mattress as he moved up beside her.

"What's wrong, are you still thinking about what happened back there?" he asked when she suddenly seemed a million miles away.

"Yes, I can't help it..." Menne whispered. "I'm so..."

Paul's gentle kiss stopped her apology. "You should know by now that no apologies are necessary, sweetheart. I would be really worried if you weren't still shaken up... I mean... I thought I had lost you..."

"As did I," she choked, and felt the tears coming that she had bravely held back for so long.

"Oh baby, cry it out... I'm right here," Paul said, holding her shaking body close to his.

"You said you hate to see me cry..."

"Oh no... don't think... hey... I only said that cause I was trying to make you cheer up... this is something totally different..."

For a time he held her, till her cries calmed and she seemed ready to continue talking. "That bastard Pep wont bother you anymore... I saw to it personally..."

"He wasn't my main enemy..." she said. "All he wanted was Nefertina..."

"I know. He said he worked for another, who was willing to pay a lot to have you delivered somewhere... and just as I was about to find out who it was... my powers... failed..."

"You are so new to this Paul. You must not blame yourself. Sohkarra will teach you more, and then..."

"When I do find out who his 'master' is, he'll have a lot of explaining to do. Kidnapping you and scaring the hell out of so many innocent bystanders was totally uncool. Not to mention borderline terrorist. Didn't you say something about whoever could control a bastard like Pep could be a god?"

"Yes," she sighed.

"Man, that's heavy," Paul shook his head. "But I can't really believe in the gods you do... I mean no offense... I'm sure they exist... but they're not..."

"They are not as the God your society reveres," Menne looked up at him. "But there is one source in my society for all the gods and goddesses. Ra himself."

"All these powers that these Elder... our avatars have. Aren't they pretty much up there on par with your gods?"

"I would say they were demigods. Long ago they were spawned by another place far beyond this one. They were first known by the ancient first ones of Atlantis, when the gods came down and gave their heritage. There were many, but the Four were the embodiment of the Elements, and the elements united to the substance of mankind. The first hosts... their father was akin to Osiris, and their mother the Queen of the First Race. Four brothers they are, but became spirit form. These were the first hosts. But when Atlantis fell, they were killed in the ensuing battle of good versus evil. Only fragments of that ancient civilization survived, and we held to the knowledge. It was passed down by word of mouth and eventually written and shared among our high priests, the first Egyptians. And for many dynasties we remembered their words in our hieroglyphics..."

"Wow... but was this some of that lost ancient knowledge?"

"Yes Paul. There are caches of it all over this world. One is within the mighty Sphinx itself. And in all the ancient cities that were old when I was alive... they carried pieces of the knowledge of Atlantis with them."

"So it is real..."

"Yes it is. My magic is living proof of it. So is Sohkarra's."

"I wonder if these gods that gave this knowledge to Atlantis, were alien beings, from other planets," Paul muttered.

"That is what Raina claims," said Menne with a laugh. "As if we could not come up with such knowledge on our own. It wasn't the knowledge of Atlantis that built the pyramids. That was our own ingenuity. But the ideas for mind powers and control of mind and matter that is what we took from Atlantis."

Paul smiled as she continued, her lids drooping with weariness. Slowly he drew her close, pressing a kiss to the corner of her cheek as he whispered, "Sounds very interesting love, but right now there's something else I'd like to tell you about..."

"Really?" she chuckled, picking up the cue. "I seem to recall you showing up in my dreams. That was quite a surprise..."

"Was to me too, but please explain what you meant when you said they were after you?"

"To touch the Great Wife unbidden invited death," Menne shook her head.

"So if I were to do this..." Paul said, his hand stroking along her arm. "it would be forbidden?"

"Yes..."

"Or this... perhaps," he teased, and she gasped as his hands moved over her chest, lightly massaging as his other hand slipped aside the strap of her gown.

"Mm, very forbidden," she chuckled.

"Or this..." came his chuckle, and her laughter and gasp of delight. The gown slipped to the floor in a puddle of liquid silver. Sheets rustled as the two lovers found a new game in the night.

"Mm, Paul," she purred deeply.

"You're not getting away from me again," he laughed. "C'mere you..." 

Now that Paul and Menne have been reunited, will Peter return with Ace and Karra? Will Ace also get in touch with his avatar, Celestial? Find out in the next part!