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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..."