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By Theresa Meyers and Jaime Clough
Chapter 1
Marcy MacLaren pushed a bit of wood into the fire, watching the sparks fly heavenwards as the sun sloped low over the mountains. Sohkarra wandered up with a large pot she had just filled from the creek. They had pitched a small tent to one side of the Dodge, and small pieces of geology equipment had already been set out. Other geologists at the local site had pitched other tents further down the river.
"I could stay here forever," Sohkarra sighed, setting the large pot on the edge of the fire. She tipped a few peeled vegetables from the large plastic bowl into the waiting water. Marcy added a bit of chicken, skinned and defatted, with the baby carrots.
"Same here," Marcy nodded. "Strange that this is where many of the quakes have been centered. However it's where the geologists have been studying the changes in the San Andreas Fault..."
"There is much natural magic here," Sohkarra said slowly, her blue eyes sparking momentarily. "Geb's power is intenseÖ"
"They often say that along fault lines there are strong electromagnetic readings," Marcy nodded. "Considering how strong your psychic powers are, I'm not surprised you're sensing the changes in EM radiation..."
"So many words of this new time I must learn," Sohkarra nodded. "I truly admire your love of nature and desire to live in harmony with it...as the people of my time did."
"Yeah..." Marcy sighed, putting the coffee pot on the large rock to heat more water for coffee later on. Already the soup was heating nicely, as Sohkarra added a measure of flour to bulk up the broth.
"Strange that the others could not appreciate this..." Sohkarra muttered. "When I took Ace up to the mountains he blossomed...it's only a shame that it was not to last..."
"He hasn't touched a drop since you both got back," Marcy corrected her. "Gene told me. There isn't any alcohol at the mansion to even tempt him."
"True...but..."
"How long are we going to stay here?" Marcy asked. "We can't hide here forever from our problems. Sooner or later you and I are gonna have to face reality..."
"We will face it when the time comes..."
"What if that isn't good enough?" Marcy asked. "Sooner or later this will bite us on the backside, when we least expect it. Believe me, I know from experience that if they want us badly enough they'll find a reason for us to return..."
"Why do I sense that your words mean more than just the battle we must fight with our enemies?" Sohkarra asked.
"When are you going to confront Ace about your feelings?" Marcy asked.
"I made it clear to him how he hurt me..." Sohkarra said firmly, indicating the matter was closed.
"That was then. I mean long term. You need closure. Is this it for both of you, or is there some chance you can work it out and remain a couple?"
"Why must I make such a decision now? I'm so tired of this..." Sohkarra snorted.
"Yeah, so am I..." Marcy added. "Like it or not I'm stuck with more responsibility now then before. So are you. There's nobody else who can do what we are about to do. Are we going to continue to stay here till the danger is on top of Menne and Tina, your best friends?"
"No. But they know if they need us..."
"I'm not talking about in battle. Menne needs you and me now. She's facing a very uncertain future, as is Nefertina. And they want to help you through your problems too...just like you and I are trying to help one another now."
"I know, but..."
"I've learned a lot about you, Princess," Marcy said. "In these last two days. And it would seem you live for your duty. To your father Amenhotep, and to your brother. Why not use this reason to help you decide what you're going to do about you and Ace?"
"What do you mean?"
"Whether you go or stay with Ace, you promised your brother you'd be there for him if he needed you. After this is over...the mission for the Elder, well you might remind Ace that your duty might supercede any claim he has to you and Celestial...unless I'm mistaken. Wasn't that why you were resurrected to begin with? To help your brother in this new time?"
"Yes...that is true. But Celestial..."
"Screw Celestial," Marcy whispered. "When this is over, what ties does he have to you? Once this menace is faced you should have the choice to leave or go. The Demon told me that I only had to do this one more time for him."
"How can you be sure?" Sohkarra asked.
"Remember that the Demon said I would get a reward? Well since I'm pregnant thatís a clear indication my duty is coming to an end. All this time I was alive I never was able to bear children, but now that this is happening I can't help wonder if I'm going to live and die as a normal woman..."
"My duty to my father...perhaps that is an answer," Sohkarra murmured, brightening up.
"Doesn't that supercede all? Celestial borrowed you to help me. But when we defeat this enemy, you can remind him that you swore as a Daughter of Egypt...that you have fealty to your Masters' teachers before the Elder..."
"But the Masters did not want me to have anything to do with the Avatar," Sohkarra pointed out. "If they were that afraidÖPlus there is always the fact they lied to me as well about certain things."
"Perhaps it's time to think about releasing yourself from all of their holds. But for now..."
"Yes. My brother and my guardian need me." Suddenly Sohkarra emitted a strange cry, clutching her waist as if in great pain. It hit her like a tidal wave, her eyes flooding sapphire light as bright as a supernova. Waves of energy misted from her body, lashing out to the campsite around them. Blue lightening crackled as her back arched and she stood bold upright, hair frizzing with energy at the influx of visions flooding her mind. "No!" she shouted. "Nefertina!"
Marcy felt the backlash slam into her full force, and pushed hard against it to grab Sohkarra about the waist. Energy surged from Sohkarra to Marcy, fusing into her skin and cells of her body. Like a sponge she siphoned off the excess power that quaked Sohkarra. It was as if all the doors to Sohkarra's perceptions had burst wide open to loose a torrent of information as well as vivid images from all aspects of her life, before and after. In the presence of the fault it was overloading the Princess with a level she could barely handle. Sohkarra gasped as the blue light faded, and she felt the visions tumble into something coherent. Slowly she caught her breath, steadying herself against the other woman. It seemed easier to sort out the jumble now, and shut her power to a level that was more comfortable.
"Thank you...but how..." Sohkarra gasped, before she remembered the strange facet of Marcy's power.
"Just a little drain of your powers. They must have increased for a minute because we're so close to the faultline...and to a source of high natural energy. You got overloaded."
"I saw Nefertina...and Menne. They were in grave peril, especially Menne. Karahamnon wants to destroy her...but she's not the true foe, only an accomplice."
"I gathered you had a premonition...but what..."
"It was as if someone sent me a challenge," Sohkarra whispered. "This has happened once before. When Scarab put back one on me. When I was scanning for my brother's spirit and he flooded me with information. Our foe...he has done the same thing..."
"He?"
"I tried to learn who he was. And I know...I've made a terrible mistake...and if we don't return soon, my friends will pay for it..."
"A mistake?"
"I resurrected someone and I did not fully comprehend the magnitude of what I had accomplished. "
"Who did you resurrect? Menne?"
"No. Her husband. It was he who had sent me the vision just now. Of what he would do if we defied his will..."
"Wait...who is Karahamnon? Her sister right?"
"Yes. The original Queen, and older sister. Also wife to Tuthmosis III..."
"As in Tuthmosis III...Pharaoh?" Marcy breathed.
"Yes. And I fear that he may be our true threat...and Karahamnon as well. But why would she work for him? We have to return..."
"The usual way I hope. With all due respect you're in no shape to take us back by your misting teleportation..." Marcy said, helping her to the truck. They began to gather up the camp and break it down. Now was the time to take action.
Chapter 2
"You can come in now, Mr. Stanley," the obstetrician said, leaning her head out into the hallway. Anxiously Paul sat up, throwing down his magazine.
"Is she okay?"
"She's more then that. Why don't you come in and she can tell you herself?" the doctor asked with a smile.
Paul
wrung his hands, following the doctor into the rear of the clinic in Beverly
Hills. It was one of the best, naturally, and the doctor was an old friend
of his, having dated him at one time.
Menne sat on the
examining table, in the hospital gown that tied up the back. Wax paper
shifted as she saw Paul entering.
"She's got something to tell you...or should I, Menne?"
"Paul..." she said, taking his hand. "I...well...I think you should sit down for this..."
"Are you okay?" Paul asked, getting very nervous. "You're not sick are you...and I hope to God you don't have cancer..."
"No Paul it's not that," Menne said, taking his hands in hers. "It's something else..."
"What?" he asked eyes dark with concern.
"I'm going to have a baby," she said slowly, lowering her head.
"You're going to what?" Paul asked, voice going up in pitch.
"Congratulations Mr. Stanley, you're going to be a father!" said the doctor.
"She...she..." Paul got out, gasping as he stammered. "Oh my God!"
"You're not...angry..." Menne asked.
"Are you shitting me?" Paul laughed, beaming with excitement. "Whooo! This is...this is awesome!!!" He caught her up in his arms, whirling her around with an ear splitting whoop worthy of his onstage persona. Menne felt the flood of relief and her excitement mingled with his.
"Paul..." she whispered shyly. "You can put me down now..."
"I'm holding my baby, both of them," Paul joked, setting her down again on the table. Turning to the doctor he asked, "So is it healthy and everything?"
"Only two months along by the look of it. I ran all the tests, and she's perfectly healthy...and so is the baby. I'm going to schedule an ultrasound."
"Wow this is awesome! I'm gonna be a father!" Paul laughed, hugging Menne gently. "Wait till Gene hears about this!!!"
"I'm so happy Paul," Menne began to cry with joy. "I never thought I'd have this chance again...ever..."
"Well that settles it, baby! We've got only nine...no seven months to get the deal done. So we've got a lot of plans to make..."
"What for?"
"Our wedding," Paul said with a slow smile. "And for the baby. I'm gonna make an honest woman of you, remember? We gotta get you a dress, figure out what kind of ceremony to have... I'm gonna do this right!"
"I know nothing of marriage in your ti--your society," Menne groaned.
"We'll learn together, okay?" Paul laughed, touching his forehead to hers...
Nefertina pensively rode next to Peter in his rented Jeep Cherokee, toward the source of Sohkarra's mindcast. They pulled up to a roadside stop, and waited. Before too long they saw the Dodge Dakota sport pull up beside them, its two occupants climbing out soon after the engine stopped. Quickly Nefertina leaped out of the Jeep and bounded over to Karra. The two women hugged tightly while Peter trudged up to a concerned Marcy. The look on her face make the hairs on his neck stand on end.
"Nefertina, so glad to see you..." Karra said.
"We were worried! Are you two all right?"
"Yes. But we must get back. Where's Menne?" Sohkarra asked.
"She's uh...well, she had to see the doctor," said Nefertina.
"There's been a tiny problem," Peter clarified.
"Isis what happened?"
"She's gonna have a baby," Peter finally announced. "Boy have you two missed the fun!"
"And she and Paul are going to get married..." Nefertina blurted out.
"Wait, slow down!" Sohkarra held up a hand. "Menne's with child?"
"Yeah, is she ever!" Peter nodded. "We heard the news yesterday! Paul handed out cigars to all of us! She almost passed out at this benefit Paul was asked to speak at...but that was after Paul fell off the balcony..."
"Oh man," Marcy shook her head. Peter's nose wrinkled, as he smelled a peculiar scent from the geologist. Was it possible?
"Wait...Paul fell?" Sohkarra asked.
"It wasn't an accident," Nefertina snarled. "Peter and I smelled a familiar scent. It was Karahamnon!"
"The game is afoot," Marcy whispered.
"What about Ace?" Peter asked.
"That matter will be dealt with in its own time," Sohkarra announced curtly. Peter, would you mind terribly if I rode with Nefertina in your car, and you could ride with Marcy...there is much we must catch up on..."
"Sure," Peter nodded, and tossed the keys to Nefertina. "See you guys back there!"
Marcy and Sohkarra exchanged glances, and nodded. Each climbed into their respective vehicles and pulled away onto the highway. They had no choice now. As they rode along, Nefertina updated Sohkarra on the events of the last few days, and Sohkarra shared her own revelations of the vision. In the pit of her stomach Nefertina knew that things were coming to a climax, and that her time with Peter might be shorter than she could have wanted.
"So what is going on with you and Ace, anyway?" Nefertina asked her straight out.
"I can't let it go," Sohkarra sighed. "He hurt me, and I can't let him forget it."
"Like you did with JaKal?" Nefertina asked. "Bastet's whiskers, Sohkarra! He loves you!"
"I know..." Sohkarra shook her head, shutting her eyes. "But you and me...when all of this is over with the Avatar and the threat we must face...we have a decision to make..."
"Decide? Oh shit I knew this was coming up!" Nefertina grumbled.
"Yes. Will we stay with the men we have come to know...or will we leave? Along which path does our destiny lie?"
"I freaking hate this!" Nefertina exploded. "I'm happy for the first time in ages, and you bring up duty? Well aren't we doing our duty helping the Avatar?"
"You forget our first duty to Amenhotep. You are my guardian."
"Dammit this isn't fair!" Nefertina smacked the steering wheel. Tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Nefertina, I wish you had never come after me. This whole thing could have been avoided..."
"Well that doesn't mean shit now, does it, Karra?" Nefertina snapped.
"I know. And I'm sorry. But we must go back. To JaKal. To my brother. I never should have left him in the first place."
"Aren't you just using this as another excuse to run away?" Nefertina
yelled at her, furious now.
"So you don't
have to face what you and Ace have? When are you gonna grow
up?"
"Who's running away now?" Sohkarra countered. "I didn't ask you and Menne to follow me!"
"Wait!" Nefertina breathed, her chest heaving in and out. "Aren't we missing the point here? I mean we have to fight this threat, not tear into each other! Woulda, coulda, shoulda doesnít help! I'm sorry I ever brought up the subject of you and Ace...jeez!"
"I'm sorry too," Sohkarra apologized. "It's just that what I choose to do with Ace is my decision alone..."
ìDamn Karra, you make it sound as if you're playing some game or something; moving chess pieces around on a board. You of all should know the frailties of these modern humans. I also happen to know that you care for Ace more than you let on. Otherwise he wouldn't be able to get to you like this.î
ìSometimes I think you're the one with the gift of sight,î Sohkarra mumbled. ìYou see more than you should.î
ìBe that as it may, like you said, I'm still your guardian. If you leave him does that mean I have to go?" This was a question Sohkarra hadn't considered. As she saw the unhappy look on Nefertina's face, she instinctively knew that she would not stand in the way of Nefertina's happiness if she really wished to stay with the drummer.
"No I wouldn't expect you to return with me if you did not wish to. As your Princess I have the power to release you from that duty. I just want to know one thing...do you love Peter?"
"Yes..." Nefertina let a tear slip down her cheeks. "Ra help me!"
"Well, that makes it harder. And Menne..." Sohkarra had always known the risks inherent with contact with these rockers. It now seemed that she had not been the only one to fall under their spell. In fact, who had fallen under who's spell? When had things gotten so complicated?
"She's gonna marry Paul. Since she no longer has any ties to Egypt...she's free, right?"
"Yes...but unfortunately Tuthmosis doesn't share this view," Sohkarra sighed.
"Tuthmosis...the Pharaoh?"
"Whom I resurrected, one and the same." Sohkarra sighed. "To keep Menne company. Little did I know that Menne would come to love the present so, and grow apart from him. Or that he would come to refuse her desires to learn about the New World as JaKal had done with me. I wish I had never brought him back...and now his anger at her 'rejection' of him endangers us all...I should have sent him back right after the Ramses incident which made me have to bring him back at all!"
"Why is he so bullheaded about this since he divorced her in the first place?"
"It's his stubborn male pride," Sohkarra snorted. "His ego is the size of the Pyramids. He thinks that she has wronged him, and needs to be put into her place. His tunnel vision won't let him see the truth for how things really are here. He never even agreed with JaKal wishing to be with me. Even after my father---î
"Why is Karahamnon helping him? They hate each other, cause he exiled her from Egypt remember?"
"Her hatred of Menne is far greater than her hatred of him. It is said that Menne supposedly sided with Tuthmosis years ago, and was responsible for telling him about her rebellion, when Karahamnon offered Menne to join her in overthrowing his rule. Many saw Tuthmosis III as a tyrant and wanted Karahamnon to overthrow him. But she only wanted his Throne for her own nefarious purposes. She was cruel and wicked..."
"Man don't I know it!!" Nefertina shivered. "And now she's back and it's been nothing but trouble..."
"I saw the whole thing...how Menne lost her powers. Osiris himself was asked to revoke them... and it was Tuthmosis who asked this to happen. And when Menne almost died, she refused to let her soul be judged by Thoth. That was the ultimate rejection. So Tuthmosis thinks he has a score to settle with Menne."
"And that ties in with who would have the power to enslave Pep," Nefertina nodded. "Man...but Karahamnon and Tuthmosis together are two seriously big menaces!"
"A Pharaoh of Egypt has great powers," said Sohkarra. "I may be a Princess and a Daughter of Ra, but I alone cannot be a full match for him. He is still a Pharaoh with a Pharaoh's powers. But I can send him back to where he comes from...I have a few tricks of my own."
"I know you can. But what about the rest of us?"
"I have a plan. My powers lately have been drained from helping Ace, but with sufficient rest, I will have enough to do what I must do. However, Tuthmosis must be distracted when I cast the spell, so he cannot block me. If an unwilling spirit is sent back it makes it all the more difficult...That is where all of you will come into the equation."
"Just let us know what to do..."
"I will. It is imperative that we all work as one..." Sohkarra nodded. ìOnly then can we prevail.î
"You've always been born to lead, Princess." said Nefertina. "I just hope the others will agree..."
"Yes. I don't want Menne or Marcy put in any danger, for the children they bear..."
"Wait...hold on...you mean Marcy's also expecting?"
"Yes..." said Sohkarra slowly. "But you didn't hear it from me. She must choose her own time and place to reveal this to Gene..."
"Gene is the father, right?" Nefertina asked. ìWait, how did you know?î
"Yes. I can sense the psychic similarities of the young mind," Sohkarra nodded. "That's how she came to know..."
"Man...this is really gonna be one big mess if we don't watch it..." Nefertina sighed.
"Indeed, I think it has already become a big mess. But I swear I will let no harm come to either unborn child. Now more than ever we must triumph," Sohkarra said firmly.
"Do we go looking for them, or have them find us?"
"Knowing Tuthmosis, he will come after us. We want to surprise him first; lure him out of hiding. If he brings us to the battle, the element of surprise will be lost; we will have lost the advantage. So the others must be ready to take him and his allies on when they get the word..."
"Do you think you can work with Ace...given what has happened..."
"I have no choice," Sohkarra nodded. "I can only pray that this dispute can be overlooked..."
"But after the fight, and before..."
"That's what scares me," Sohkarra admitted in a quick confession, ìI do care for him. I'm just not sure what to do about him.î
Nefertina reached over and grabbed Sohkarra's hand in a show of support. "It will become clear in time Karra," she said quietly.
"There you go with the reading of feelings again my friend," Sohkarra said sadly.
"I had a good teacher," Nefertina replied. "I've been listening to you."
"Ra help you then." The two couldn't help but grin over that.
Chapter 3
"You're what?" Peter asked, shifting in his seat.
"Pregnant. Just like Menne," Marcy admitted. "I figured from the look on your face you deduced it with your enhanced senses. I figured I might as well be the one to approach you..."
"Man...does Gene know?" Peter asked.
"I only just found out, courtesy of the Princess Sohkarra," Marcy laughed slowly. "She sensed its developing mind with her psychic powers..."
"Boy, will Gene be surprised when you tell him," Peter began, then tapered off when he saw the look of anguish in Marcy's eyes. "That is...you are gonna tell him, right?"
"I don't know..." Marcy sighed.
"What do you mean?" Peter asked, looking scandalized. "You gotta tell him! I hope you're gonna keep it, 'cause you know if he found out and then you didn't..."
"That would be my decision to make, even if it was an option. But I am keeping this baby, trust me. It's just that I don't want it growing up in Hollywood under public scrutiny..."
"But it's Gene's baby too," Peter pointed out. "And don't you think he has every right to know his own daughter or son? Dammit, fathers wanna be fathers!"
"I know...but I can't get married..."
"Neither will Gene," Peter laughed. "If that's what you're worried about, I don't think he's gonna ever walk down that aisle and say 'I do'...but he will want you to let him be part of the kid's life, most definitely!"
"I know...but his career, KISS is everything..."
"Did you ever ask him how he felt about kids?" Peter challenged her. "For all you know he'd make a great dad!"
"Perhaps..."
"Give him a chance, Marcy. He can be a jerk, but when it comes to protecting what's his..."
"That's what worries me. I knew that eventually the chance might come when I would have children. I just didn't expect it to be Gene's."
"What do you mean?"
"I left behind a lover," Marcy said slowly. "Someone who misses me very much. But now..."
"Don't you love Gene?"
"I do, honestly. But I don't know if I could commit to a relationship any more than friendship..."
"Still he needs to be part of that kid's life. That's all any father would want, that is. And if you don't tell him, he'll find out sooner or later..."
"I will tell him, but at the right time," Marcy said. "And it will be me who reveals it...got it?"
"Okay, whatever you say...just make sure you do tell him!" Peter agreed, reluctantly. She reached for the hands free phone, and put the earpiece into one ear, dialing Gene's number.
"Hello?" Came Gene's voice on the other end.
"We're coming back," she said.
"Are you okay hon?" Gene asked, his voice rising in anxiousness. "Is Sohkarra coming back too?"
"Yes she is. Something's happened. She knows who's behind all the attacks. And she thinks the time is at hand for the big battle...she's just not sure of when though. Gene...is Ace there?"
"Yeah, he's been sulking around the place while you've been gone. I've tried to talk to him..."
"Yeah...well at least he's there..." Marcy sighed.
"Has Sohkarra said anything about whether or not they're splitsville?" Gene asked slowly.
"She's uncertain. I'm worried Gene, I can see her point of view, but then again...I have known Ace for as long as the rest of you guys and I feel badly for him. He may lose the best thing that has ever happened to him."
"I know what you mean.î Well, let's just say I have a plan..."
"I knew you would. Why does that worry me?"
"Gimme a break," Gene groaned. "Look, work with me. Could you and I go over to Paul's tonight, and leave the place to them?"
Marcy glanced over at Peter. As if Gene knew what she was doing, said, "Peter is already in on this..."
"Good," Marcy nodded. "And that will give us a chance to talk too. There's something I have to tell you, Gene."
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"It's nothing terrible," she said carefully. "But I want a few minutes alone with you, okay?"
"Not a problem. Those are some of my favorite words, doll," came Gene's sly answer. He clicked off the phone, and considered the next part of his plan. Secretly he hoped Ace could pull a major miracle and get in good with Sohkarra again. It had been a challenge to deal with the moody Space Ace moping around the house the last two days. However, Gene was certain Ace was up to the challenge to fight constructively for Sohkarra. His only concern was for whether she would forgive him for his transgressions and remain with her space man when this was over. He really hoped she would. She was the perfect balance for Aceís sometimes spacey antics. Two sides of the coin, so to speak. Wandering into the kitchen, he found Ace tossing a salad. Gene slapped him on the back heartily. "So stud, are you ready?"
"I sure as hell hope so," Ace cackled nervously. "I spent a whole damned hour in the bathroom..."
"Good. And donít forget that sweet smelling stuff you told me she likes. Everything has to be perfect, so she'll not suspect anything. And even though it might drive you nuts, tell your little friend to hold off till the last minute. Cause I guarantee the last thing she wants is you all over her. Play it cool, and see what she's gonna do..."
"Man I can't believe you're making me do this," Ace shook his head.
"Hey, Paul isn't the only one who's pampered a woman," Gene grinned. "Just clear your mind and keep your thoughts hidden from her. I know you can."
"So where are you gonna be?" Ace asked.
"Over at Paul's where the girls are throwing her a wedding shower. They're gonna ooh and ahh over china patterns and crap like that..."
"But won't Sohkarra wanna..."
"She won't know about it. Peter and his lady will be staying there tonight, and so will my woman and me. So you'll have plenty of room...and so we don't cramp your style."
"You guys are all the smooth operators," Ace sighed.
"Yeah, but you have the tools too now, man. And you gotta show her that you're willing to say you're sorry and treat her right..."
"What if she hates me?"
"Then it's her loss. Just don't give up so easily and go down fighting, Ace. She's a good woman, and the best thing that has happened to you in a long time, since you quit your drinking because of her. So let her know that. Now, that last touch..."
Ace patted his pockets, and nodded. A slow smile came over his face as he put the two bowls of salad in the fridge, and wandered upstairs.
"Good luck, Tiger!" Gene shouted to him. "I just saw them pulling up now..." It was then that Ace came the closest he had in a long time to praying.
Chapter 4
Sohkarra wearily climbed out of the car, and wandered over to the door. She was dreading what she would find, but was surprised not to see Ace rushing out to greet her. Even so his car was still there in the driveway, so he must still be around. Peter hugged Nefertina, and took her hand as he led her into the house. He gripped Sohkarra's hand in support before leaving. Gene rushed out of the house, and grabbed Marcy into his arm in a big hug. Then he turned to Sohkarra, holding out his hand to her.
"Karra, I'm glad you're okay. I was worried..."
"Your concern is much appreciated," Sohkarra nodded, letting him kiss her hand. She really did mean it, and wasn't being patronizing. Then she breached the taboo subject by saying, "I heard you had talked to Ace...where is he?"
"Oh, around somewhere," Gene shrugged. "But just listen to me for a minute before you jump to any conclusions, okay? Give him another chance. Look, I know you're gonna tell me it's your decision, and I respect that. But don't give up on him."
"Thank you for your help," Sohkarra said. "And for remembering it is my decision."
"Of course. You deserve it," Gene agreed. Sohkarra had the feeling he was up to something, but couldn't tell what. Somehow he had become quite adept at hiding his thoughts from her. Anyway, she was too weary to try probing any harder.
"Are Paul and Menne..."
"They're fine. But Menne said to tell you as soon as you got back to just wait till tomorrow to talk to her. Because you'd most likely be tired," Gene said quickly.
"She is most considerate, but..."
"Go in and get some sleep. We'll let her know you're back okay," Gene asked.
"But aren't you..."
"Marcy and I have some unfinished business," Gene winked.
ìI know that to be true,î Sohkarra answered quietly.
Gene looked at her strangely. ìWhat are you talking about?î
ìYou will see.î
Gene could see he would not get an answer from her. But she obviously knew something. Maybe Marcy would be more open. ìOh-kay...well then...later, babe.î
ìSure, later.î Sighing, Sohkarra let her bag drop to the floor as she felt Marcy's encouraging hug. She returned the gesture, silently hoping Marcy and Gene could work out their situation to the most favorable advantage. Already Gene had something packed in a duffel bag, and gave the thumbs up to Sohkarra. He slipped a door key into her hand. Sohkarra smelled ocean breeze and raspberries drifting down from upstairs. The same scent floated in from the kitchen. She carried her bag upstairs, wondering if Ace was up there. When she reached the room they shared, she saw the bathroom door had been left open. All the scattered things that were Ace's had been neatly picked up and put away for a change, his guitar in its case, and his papers stacked to one side on the desk. His laptop computer was also closed, and stashed on the desktop by the music papers and folders with his personal papers. She drew in a breath at the sight of blue roses and lotus blossoms lying on the bed, with a silver robe made of soft silk. The door to the bathroom was ajar, and she noticed the flicker of what appeared to be candlelight inside. Interested, she walked over to investigate.
Here the scent was strongest, and she saw an incense burner smoking on the floor of the bathroom. The water was running slowly, and she saw the dozens of votive candles ringing the bathtub. It was a constellation of stars that pointed the way to paradise, for she peered into the bubbling water thick with suds and bath salts. Fresh soap and shampoo had been put out, with soft blue towels. "Oh Isis," she sighed deeply. "He didn't..." Still, she was hot, dusty and tired. Surely it wouldn't hurt to take a bath. She began to disrobe, her clothes dropping to the floor. One foot stepped in, and she felt the warm sudsy water work its spell. Slowly she lowered herself into the waiting waters, and let the heat soak into her tired muscles. Her head leaned back, dipping into the heat that worked itself all over her tired body. How nice it would be to lay down and sleep here. Slowly she reached out with her mind to seek his presence. Strangely she could not sense his thoughts, even though she could tell he was inside the house. What power was blocking her from him? Was it Celestial, interfering yet again in her affairs? Peter and Nefertina had already left, with Gene and Marcy. Everyone was leaving...leaving her alone with him. She well knew how the others felt she should handle this. Something she couldn't explain was driving her, but toward what?
She sighed at the game he was playing. It wouldn't change how she felt. She had already made her decision. But for the sake of the team, could she afford to break his spirit? For now she would play along, for the sake of teamwork. Then afterwards, she would see. That inner feeling again...
Eventually she felt her stomach growling, and realized it had been a long time since she'd last eaten. Sohkarra decided to leave the tub, when she saw her skin beginning to wrinkle. Reluctantly she pushed up and rose, letting the water drip off of her relaxed body. She grabbed towels and wrapped them around herself. On the back of the door she had left the silvery blue robe, and put it on as she went out into the bedroom. Her long hair she wrapped in one towel and glanced back and forth for any sign of Ace, knowing him he'd probably jump out at her or something silly like that. A faint smell of roasted meat drifted up from downstairs, and perked her attention. Slowly she crossed the thick piled carpet and thrust her feet into the pair of fuzzy blue slippers she saw there. This was getting more and more interesting. How far would Ace go to try and win her back, she wondered.
Sohkarra strode downstairs, rubbing her damp hair. The silvery
blue robe felt luxuriously soft on her skin, and reminded her of the dresses she
had worn long ago in Egypt. It was as sheer and light as one of the linen
gowns, letting her move freely. Pure silk no doubt, from the soft feel of
it.
"Ace?" she asked, calling out. There was no
answer. She followed the smell to the kitchen, where she drew in her
breath. At first she noticed the warm flicker of two blue candles, letting
off an ocean breeze scent, her favorite. Two places were set, complete
with wineglasses and two bowls of Cesar salad. She saw Ace from behind,
his hair freshly washed, and his clothes matching for a change! At the
sound of her he turned very serenely, and gave her a warm
smile.
"Hey there, Karra. Hope you enjoyed your bath...hope you're hungry..."
"Where are Peter and Nefertina?" she asked, moving over so slightly toward the one chair.
"Oh...just out..." he shrugged, putting the covered dishes on the center of the kitchen table. He pulled out one chair, indicating she should sit. She did, and he gently pushed it in.
"You went to a lot of trouble," she said slowly, keeping her voice neutral as possible.
"Thought you might be hungry. Believe it or not I'd hate to eat all this myself..."
"I was thinking of going over to Menne and Paul's..."
"They're probably asleep by now," Ace grinned. "It is kinda late. Do you want your steak now?"
"Steak?" she asked, baffled that he had actually cooked! He placed one juicy portion on her plate from the small grill pan he tugged out of the oven. Clumsily he tried to tip a portion of potatoes onto her plate next to the steak, but almost sent the pan flying. Just in time he regrouped and spooned several boiled potatoes slathered in butter and parsley onto her plate. Ace then sat down opposite her, and grabbed a bottle from an ice bucket. Sohkarra sighed, and put out her hand to stop him from pouring her a glass as she said, "I'm not thirsty..."
"It's sparkling grape juice," he said. "I haven't drunk anything leaded all week, baby..."
"Oh, sorry," she apologized. His soft brown eyes met hers as he poured her some, and then some for himself. It did look like champagne, but she was secretly glad he had honored his promise to stay sober, even in her absence. "Ace...you and I have to talk," she said.
"Why don't you enjoy your dinner first?" Ace asked. "You've had a long trip, babe. And I don't want you to miss enjoying a bite of this meal..."
"You actually cooked this yourself?"
"Gene suggested how it would be easiest to make it, so I didn't burn it. Slow even heat for two hours," Ace admitted with a blush. Indeed she tried a bite of steak and found it moist and medium rare, dripping with tasty juices. The potatoes were a little soft, but still good and the baby carrots were perfect. For a time they simply ate in silence, listening to soft music in the background.
"Eric's CD?" she asked.
"Rockology," Ace nodded with a slow smile. "You like?"
"Yes, very much," Sohkarra nodded, mouth full of delicious steak. "He was quite a unique man... from what you said..."
"He was one of my best buds," Ace nodded. "I know you would have liked him if you met him. And I know he would have loved to meet you..."
"Don't you remember?" she asked quietly. At his look of curiosity, she continued. "I did meet him after the incident with your virtual reality game." Sohkarra looked off as she remembered her meeting with the late drummer. "We met in the place that divides this realm and the land of the dead."
"That's right, I'd forgotten," Ace concurred. "Then you know what a neat guy he was."
She nodded that she did indeed know. She had come away from her meeting with Eric with a feeling of loss that they had not met while he had lived. "I'm only sorry he died when he did. What a tragic waste...a wonderful man whose talent is deprived the world. But at least Bruce brought this CD to life for the people who cared for him."
"He's still here," Ace said slowly, putting his one hand over his heart. "In spirit. I like to think the guy's having a hell of a time watching all of us down here on Earth!"
"I know you miss him. All of you..." said Sohkarra slowly. "He watches over all of you from where he is."
"I sure do miss him. And I miss you..." Ace whispered, slowly laying his hand over hers. "Do you think you might have rather stayed with him in the middle land?"
"Ace..." she got out, seeing the look in his eyes. Up till now he had kept a distance, waiting for the right moment to move. She didn't shrink from his touch. "Yes, at first I did. But he reminded of what I'd be giving up if I didn't come back."
"He
meant me, didn't he, Ace Lady?" Ace asked directly. "He always did hope
I'd find one woman to make me give up the wanderlust. So you see, you're
just what the doctor ordered."
Sohkarra wouldn't
answer him in words, but her eyes spoke volumes that only he could feel.
He knew that in spite of her words, her heart told her otherwise. But
would she listen? He needed to drive on with what he needed to tell
her. Okay, Gene, here goes...he thought to himself. "Baby, I'm so
sorry I was such an asshole before. I had no right to be jealous...can you
forgive me?" Ace asked, a pleading look in his eyes.
"It's not that simple Ace," she said, pulling her hand away.
"Baby...I love you," Ace said. "I want you to be with me. Whatever it takes to prove myself to you I'll do it! I know I don't deserve you, but..."
"Please don't make it any harder than it has to be," Sohkarra shook her head. She felt her own stomach sinking. Why did he have to make this so difficult? Why couldnít she bring her own warring emotions under control?
"Why is it so hard?" Ace asked.
"Because. We must focus on the task ahead..."
"I know. I've been practicing my teleportation really hard," Ace said. "I bet we'll kick ass when it comes to fighting that Karahamnon chick!"
"No doubt," Sohkarra said. She was glad he had changed the subject so well.
"And after we kick ass, then we can..."
"Ace...please don't say anymore. I don't want to spoil this moment..." she said. "Can we wait till later to talk about that?"
"Okay, that's fair," he nodded, a hopeful sparkle coming into his eyes. "How about dessert?"
"I really couldn't...this is so much already."
"Just a little for me?" Ace asked. "It's mint chocolate chip..." The look in his brown eyes made it hard to say no. Did she really want to? He put down a saucer and began to slowly eat it, licking the edge of the spoon. She looked at it intently, till he held up a spoonful for her, across the table. Smirking, Sohkarra let him feed her a little bit from his saucer. It was hard to stifle the yawn that came next, and Ace pulled the spoon away. "Tired?" he asked.
"Yes, so if you don't mind I really would like to get some sleep..."
"Sure..." Ace said. "I'll just clean up down here..."
Sohkarra wandered upstairs to the bedroom, and found a blue nightgown lying across her side of the bed. The sheets had since been changed, and the bed freshly made up. She changed into the nightgown, and proceeded to brush her long copper locks.
"Hello baby, ready for bed?" Ace asked her, and she spun around. He stood right before her, in his own pajamas and bathrobe. How in hell had he gotten up here so fast unless he himself had teleported?
"Yes but..."
"That nightgown looks so pretty on you," he whispered, gently taking her hand and kissing it. Slowly he reached around her and kissed her lightly on the neck, working to her lips. "But actually what would really look best on you is me..."
"Ace, I can't..." Sohkarra cautioned. Ace didn't heed her as he continued to whisper in her ear, taking her in his arms. She felt his sweet soft kiss take her lips, his hands working up and down her back with a clumsy yet gentle touch. She also felt him start to pull the strap of the nightgown down her one shoulder.
"I missed you so much," he whispered into her ear, lightly kissing it. He was so gentle, blast him, it was making it difficult to stay angry with him.
"No...Ace I can't do this..." she said, breaking his hold as she stepped back, pulling the shoulder strap back into place.
"You need some space...I get it..." Ace said, holding up his hands. "If you want me to leave you alone, that's cool...I can go and sleep in another room tonight. Let you have the place to yourself if you want me to..."
"It's not just that," she choked. "I...can't lead you on."
"Why, what's going on. Are you still mad at me?"
"Yes...and no..." she stammered out. "Ace I have to tell you...that after the battle...I can't stay with you..."
"What?" Ace asked, his jaw dropping. "If it's because of the fight we had..."
"There are so many reasons why," she said, as he took her hand. "Ace, I have my duty. A duty I had long before all this happened. When the time comes, I have to leave."
"You can't go..." Ace got out.
"There are things I've ignored for far too long...and my friends have suffered because of it. My brother needs me."
"Well you can go back and visit him can't you?" Ace asked. "San Francisco isn't so far away..."
"But you live in New York City...and I can't spend much longer away from him."
"I need you!' Ace cried. ìI could move to the West Coast.î
"I can't be with a man who does not trust me..."
"I was stupid! Damn it can't I make a mistake?" Ace asked. "When I thought of you with Paul I lost it, because I love you so much!" Sohkarra turned away, moving to leave the room. Ace suddenly teleported in front of her blocking her way.
"Please Ace, get out of my way," she said calmly.
"Baby, you heard Celestial! You are my other half! I can't let you slip away, not again!" he pleaded, taking her face in hands.
"Ace, I care for you greatly but..." she tried to say. ìCelestial has no more hold on me than you do. Iím only here to help combat a common foe. One that endangers us all.î
"Baby, don't you love me?" Ace almost shouted, trying another tact. If he couldn't get through her tough outer defenses, heíd go for her heart. "Please...I want to be with you...what do I have to do to prove to you how I feel? Just tell me!"
"Let me go," she whispered. "That is how you can prove it."
"But you and I...we gotta be in sync, so we can fight!" Ace protested. "You're also asking me to do the one thing I can't. It's your fault too, you know. You made me love you without even meaning to. You're the first woman I ever had to work to get. Don't tell me that means nothing to you."
"Fight together, but not be together..." Sohkarra corrected him, deliberately ignoring the last part of his statement, as she pushed him away none too gently with the force of her mind. He flew backwards onto the bed, landing safely if not undignified.
"So you're just gonna run away like you did with that guy JaKal?" Ace shouted, scrambling to get up. "Run and hide your heart when things get serious? Is that it?"
"That is not what this is about!" Sohkarra shouted back. "How dare you!"
"How dare you!" Ace almost hollered. "That's what it looks like from here!!! Tina told me about you and how you're afraid of what is in your heart."
"Then I will have to speak to her of what is and what is not open for public discussion!" Sohkarra stormed. "There are some things I have no desire to speak to you about!" Again she moved to leave, but he teleported before her, grabbing her arms in his hands. Her eyes flared blue as the mist moved around them both. In a low, angry voice she said, "Let me go...now..."
"Not till you face the truth, babe!" Ace snapped. "Are you gonna use those badass powers to shove me away again? I can keep this up all night..."
"Speak quickly before I lose my patienceÖ" Sohkarra whispered angrily. "I don't wish to hurt you."
"So you're taking that royal tone, huh?" Ace snapped. "Real cool."
"I warn you..."
"Sohkarra, I love you," Ace said firmly. He got down on one knee, taking her hand and kissing it.
"Oh no..." Sohkarra got out when she saw him reaching into his bathrobe pocket. He extracted a small velvet box, and slowly opened it before her. Why, she wondered, did he have to do this now? If only he'd asked her before when she...
"Baby I need you and I want you with me. I want to give you a reason to stay here..with me."
"Please don't do this...don't ask me..." she pleaded, feeling tears sting her eyes.
"Will you..."
"I can't..." Sohkarra interrupted him, and suddenly a blue mist flared into his face as she willed her armor around her. The force of it threw him backwards, still clutching the ring.
"Please..." Ace got out.
"I can't...I can't...It's too late..." came Sohkarra's anguished reply as she vanished before his eyes. He heard her footsteps pounding on the hallway. Ace struggled to his feet and rushed out after her. Anger and despair filled him, and he felt the silvery sensations rise as he clutched the ring in his hand. In a flash of blue fire and lightening he stood transformed; the power of Celestial surging through him.
"Baby, wait!" he shouted, voice tinged with an astral chime. Energies surged as he jerked his thumb and materialized in the back yard. Sohkarra stood there, her golden armor resplendent in the night as she looked at the house.
"You...transformed," she said slowly, almost unbelievingly. "Into your Avatar..."
Ace saw himself in the reflection of her polished helmet, designed after her own beloved Kiya; the silver makeup over his face, the glitter of a million stars on his midnight cloaked form. Silver stardust covered his legs, sheathed in tall boots just like those he wore onstage. A liquid silver cape floated around his form like a cloud of moonlight, his soft brown hair blowing in the midnight breeze. It was just like his Dynasty costume, he reflected.
"You can't deny it...we're made for each other..." he pleaded, holding his hand out to her. "It's been preordained by something more powerful than either of us."
Spanning her arms wide, Sohkarra's form was swathed in the radiant blue
mist. Why did this sudden foresight have to come so late? Ace saw
her rise slowly, and he himself rose to follow her, his boots leaving the ground
with relative ease. It seemed so simple, so easy to mimic her
actions.
"I am happy for
you. You have reached your full potential," she said soberly. "I
knew you had the ability...It also clearly signals the completion of my duty
where you are concerned. I will now be able to return to that which I was
reawakened for."
"Baby, please...don't change the subject!" Ace begged. His voice seemed so powerful, so somber in its astral chill. "You've got to stay with me. Only together can either of us be complete."
"I cannot...I cannot marry you..." she repeated. "You will not see me again...till we must join our strengths for the good of all...till then...farewell..." Even as she fled, she couldn't help but wonder how much truth there was in his words. Could it really be? Could there really be a way she could stay with him and still fulfill her duty to her brother? But she still felt the need to get away from him so she could think clearly.
"No!" Ace cried out, as she vanished from his view. "Don't go!" Anger filled him, and he felt the wind slowly pick up in its volume. Lightening flared fast and furious, splitting the air with its ozone stench. With an anguished cry, Ace took the ring and hurled it as far as he could throw it, box and all. "God damn it," he got out, burying his head in his hands. The sky itself, touched by his sorrow, wept, rain pounding the ground all around him. Silver tears flooded his cheeks, dropping into luminescent drops earthward as the Space Ace cried his heart out. In his pain, he couldn't help but also blame her. "Damn you Karra!" he called out again. "Damn you for what youíve made me feel!"
Even as she left, she could hear his heartfelt cries. What had she done?
Chapter 5
"You can still find her," came a voice in his mind. Ace's head snapped up, and he realized he had heard it from inside his head.
"Whoah...wait...are you..."
"Celestial," came the voice's answer. It sounded just like his own, and he saw the astral form drifting in front of him. Still they levitated in the heart of the new storm, lightening surging about them both as wind howled and shrieked in ever-growing intensity.
"I've lost her...she doesnít want me..."
"That is not so. Did I not say you were two halves of the same whole?"
"She doesn't get it..." Ace shouted. "She is determined to leave me. She is afraid of what she feels for me and how we are together. She won't risk her soul against eternity."
"How much are you willing to fight for her, then? She is not like any other woman you have ever come across. In the case of the Princess, unlike many of your mortal females, the possessing will be as much, if not more, pleasing as the wanting." Celestial demanded. "You have the power to know where she is. You can render the invisible visible, because your element is Air. Do it!" Ace grumbled with protest as he listened to Celestial's instructions. He reached out with his perceptions, and suddenly sensed the blue sapphiric power signature. The signature that belonged to her alone. All invisible things were revealed, and he could see her floating distantly over the city of Los Angeles. Heading northwards, to San Francisco perhaps. With a slow smile he made himself invisible, and wrapped himself in the clouds as he misted after her. Celestial allowed himself a small smile as he watched his host pursue the Princess. Ace would not give her up without a fight. "This is not over yet Princess," he told himself. "Don't force me to use another method to show you." Mysterious words indeed...
"This
isn't over by a damn long shot, Ace Lady. You're mine now and Iím not letting
you go," Ace told himself as he rode the airwaves. This new ability was so
much less taxing on him than his teleportation. Not nearly as much fun
either, he realized. He thought about Celestial's words. The avatar was
right. He would have to fight for her to convince her of his
sincerity. It seemed it may be the only way to get through to this ancient
princess who had herself been trained in warfare.
As
it turned out, Sohkarra didn't want to go to San Francisco either. She
deliberately strayed from her original destination and journey when she found a
spot where she thought she could be alone for awhile. She settled down
amongst a piece of greenery that sat next to a small flowing brook. The sound of
the rustling water was a comfort for her as nature always was. She sat
with her back against a tree trunk and closed her eyes. In her thoughts,
another presence sought for her attention.
"Princess, we must speak now..." came the astral voice she recognized only too well. But there was another as well.
"Awaken Princess..." was the second voice, a cat-like sound. Purring and growling combined in a gravely sounding voice. "We have much to speak of..."
Sohkarra awoke with a start. "Celestial, can you not leave me in peace for just once in my afterlife?" she asked the avatar. "What is it you want now anyway?" There was no mistaking the mistrust and defiance in her voice.
"It is I who would speak with you, young sister..." came the second voice.
"Who are you?" Sohkarra asked. She knew there were additional avatars, but had yet to come into one-on-one contact with them. "I've no desire to talk to any of you. Iíve grown tired of your interference in my and my friend's lives."
"I speak to you of what must be."
"Are you speaking of JaKal or Ace?" came the question. "I'll make my own decision in that matter if you donít mind."
"You must not desert the guitarist, the host of my fellow avatar now. He needs you even as you now need him. Your female companions have found their way of destiny, yet you fight your own. As we speak, the next generation is waiting to be born. You yourself have sensed them with your inner eye."
The
reminder that two of her friends had managed that which had long eluded her
brought a momentary sadness. She was about to speak again when Celestial
joined the conversation.
"He acted as he
did out of his own inexperience with the emotion known as love. Humans
often act foolishly and step on their own good intentions. Even as you
yourself have on occasion. Human frailty knows no boundaries, royal or
mere human."
"What should I do?" Sohkarra asked. "Just let him think he can..."
"No, little one, you must let him behave as the human he is," Celestial intervened. "It is through you that he can connect with us for what lies ahead. I have enabled him to follow you now. He will be here shortly. You must resolve your conflict before that which is to come. On this all depends. Do not deny that which you feel."
"The strength of that which you now deny will see you through what is to come," the one known as the Beast King told her.
Sohkarra thought for a moment. She was not ready to do that which they asked of her. "I'll tell you what," she told them, hands defiantly on her hips as she had risen when she knew they were there. "I'll make it okay with Ace for now, for the sake of what you say is coming. This is something I also know to be true, for it involves my own. But you must back away from the rest of it."
"You cannot deny what is in your heart," the Beast King told her.
"He is your destiny," Celestial added in his singularly astral voice.
"I will do what I must for now," Sohkarra stayed her ground. "After that, I will decide what is to be! Do you hear me? I WILL DECIDE!"
"It will be as you wish, young one," Celestial told her. At that comment, both the avatars left her to her own devices. She thought it was rather an uneasy victory, but she would take it. But she couldn't help but wonder what they really intended. Then she heard his voice.
"Karra," he said quietly.
"Ace..."
Chapter 6
Meanwhile in that realm between dimensions where the avatars ruled supreme, the two known as Celestial and Beast King quandried.
"What can you be thinking?" asked the Beast King. "It is not like you to be so secretive in your intentions."
Celestial's eyes were glowing in the same sapphire glaze that Sohkarra's own did, and appeared to be pondering more than just the upcoming battle and the eventual outcome. "I have a plan that will bring the Princess around to realizing her own destiny."
"She seems reluctant to accept that which is in front of her," the Beast King had observed. "Her independence and strength of spirit are a credit to any of our realms. I cannot help but be intrigued by her."
"She is for another, never doubt it," Celestial told his companion. "But there is a way."
"It will not break her noble spirit?"
"It will not," was the mysterious answer. "It will strengthen it..."
Chapter 7
"Surprise!" Everyone shouted as they tossed confetti on Menne. She opened her eyes and held her hands to her heart when she saw her friends gathered in Paul's living room.
"Oh Isis!" she gasped. "You didn't...you shouldn't have..."
Her gaze turned accusingly to Paul, who played dumb with a look that mirrored that on the infamous "Got Milk" ad that KISS had done a few months back.
"Good grief, he wasn't in this alone," Marcy grinned, clapping Menne on the back.
"We helped a little," Nefertina smiled.
"Where's Karra?" Menne asked.
"She's got some unfinished business with the Spaceman," Gene said.
"Oh," Menne said, catching Gene's knowing look. A whole pile of presents wrapped in pastel pink was placed on the table. Gene, Peter, and Paul glanced at each other, then rose to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"This is ladies' night," Peter grinned.
"Are you going to a 'bachelor party'?" Marcy asked.
"That comes later. Have a good time..." Paul grinned. He pressed a kiss to Menne's lips and wandered out with his two friends.
"Oh God I wish Sohkarra were here," Menne gushed.
"She left her gift here too. And anyway, we're gonna make sure we have a proper bachelorette party for you," Marcy winked. "Karra will be here for your bachelorette party though! She wanted me to let you know."
"No way you're getting out of the fun," Nefertina added, with a wink.
"I'm doomed," Menne laughed.
Just before Ace could move toward Sohkarra, something slammed into his back. Hard ground slammed against his chest, his face hitting moist dirt. A great weight pressed down from above to squeeze the breath from his lungs. Before Sohkarra could help, something slammed into her midriff and cut her down as well. Over and over the momentum carried her and the object. Her fingers felt cold stone. Blue energy surged between her and the massive stone paws. Quickly she expanded her nimbus to lever the stone figure up off of her. It was a stone lion, about the size of one she would see in the zoo, snarling and spitting alive in gray marble. Her nimbus levitated it right across to slam into the one trapping Ace. Karra rolled to her feet, and Ace shook himself off, standing on shaky moon boots.
"What the hell was that baby..." he got out.
"Aha, at last you are out in the open, Celestial...you will be mine now!" came a voice that made Sohkarra flame in anger.
"Karahmmon!" she shouted. "What is the meaning of this..."
"Young one, I thought I made it clear you should not interfere..." the exotic voice continued. Ace found himself ringed by four stone lions, animate marble streaked figures. Moonlight traced over their smooth hewn forms.
"Ace, teleport!" came a voice in his mind. Quickly he shoved down his fear, and pressed his mind into the ground. Silver boots rose quickly, carrying the Space Ace nearly ten feet into the air above the ring of lions. He hovered there, amazed at what he had done. Now he could see the slender form, wreathed in amber energies that painted up and down her lithe form. How like Mennehotep she seemed, from the build of her body to the set of her features on the exotic face. A white silk gauze gown flowed around her body as moonlight, her face framed by the large tall crown of a Queen. An ornate semicircular collar curved around her long neck, worked with radiant garnets and gold. She raised manicured fingernails, opening her palm to reveal the tongue of fire that blazed present.
"Not
so easy to escape, you fool," she laughed at Ace. A fireball blazed past
him. Another slammed past Sohkarra, cutting her off from the duo.
Two of the stone lions leaped toward the levitating Ace, powerful coiled muscles
of stone bearing them into ten-foot arcs of glistening assault.
Reflexively he jerked his thumbs back, and exploded into silver glitter. Both
lions landed, turning to their mistress. The other two leaped at Sohkarra
as her attention was caught on the blazing firewall that suddenly sprung
up. Her blue nimbus spread out into a sphere that batted both back.
Unfortunately she did not account for the other two lions that sprang from
either side.
Ace materialized
behind Karahamnon, grabbing her wrists in his hands. Momentarily her
concentration was disrupted, for the firewall suddenly died down.
Unfortunately the stone lions still advanced upon Sohkarra. She had
managed to hurl one off, but the other was not far behind. Her body rose
on a pillar of sapphire energy into the night, carrying her safely out of range
for the moment. She hovered there, watching the lions circle
below.
Under his hands, Karahamnon's body surged with gold light. Suddenly he heard a hissing and snapping, and his hold was broken with two elbows slamming into his midriff. Ace rolled over and over into the thicket with the force of the rebuff. Hard wood cracked against his back sharply, knocking the breath from his body.
"I hate teleporters," she snapped.
"Ace!" Sohkarra shouted. Raising her hand she formed a long spike of sapphire power. Her hand threw back and thrust forwards, propelling the spear toward Karahmnon. A golden armored figure whirled, to block the spear with a shield of fire.
"So. You would interfere, would you, young daughter of Amenhotep?"
came a low growl. Ace blinked into consciousness to see a golden armored
Lioness advancing upon his Princess. What was the goddess in ancient Egypt
that was a lioness? Bastet? No...more like
Sekhmet.
Sekhmet, the
Lioness of Sickness and Health. Mistress of Earth and Fire. Ace
watched the exchange between them when a fireball crashed into Sohkarra's blue
nimbus. She easily countered, generating a spear of blue sapphire mental
might. Spear after spear she hurled toward Karahamnon, who simply blocked
each blow. Beneath Sohkarra's feet the ground shook, and she simply
levitated. She turned her head just as a stone lion pounced toward
her. A fireball blazed to her left, and another stone creation leapt
toward her. Just in time she raised her blue shield, the lion's claws
glancing off it harmlessly. How long could she keep up the combined
assault?
"Nice, Princess,
but you insult my intelligence," Karahamnon laughed. Suddenly Sohkarra
vanished from view, along with her blue nimbus. Yet Karahamnon was not
phased in the slightest. Slowly a windstorm began to rise in strength, and
Ace could swear he saw sand and dust rising up from the earth itself. Dust
pelted Sohkarra, slamming into her. For a moment her form was rendered
visible against the dust. Unfortunately the lions could then see to
strike.
Ace felt anger build inside him to fever
pitch. He couldn't stand back and do nothing when she was in dire
peril! From deep inside he felt his power flare silver. A wind began
to blow from his direction at the sandstorm. Battering back the sand that
swirled and tore at his Princess. He rose to his feet quickly, and focused
the power of his mind. Blue lightening flared angrily from his fingertips,
surging toward Karahamnon.
She blocked barely in time. Ace narrowed his eyes, and teleported into the heart of the still raging sandstorm. He materialized to drift right next to Sohkarra. Grabbing her waist he thumbed with his free hand and they both vanished in a burst of silver sparklers. Sand battered and clattered to a halt. When they came out of the teleport they were at the edge of the woods. "Karra, baby you okay?" Ace asked her. She shook in his arms, and turned her head to look at him. Still she wore the horse visor.
"I think so. She just winded me..."
"Who the hell is she? She looks just like Menne! Is she that chick who's supposed to be Menne's long lost sister?"
"That is right..."
"Damn, why is she po'd at us?" Ace asked, still holding her close. Just then they whirled about, to see the stone lions had caught up with them.
"Hold on," Sohkarra instructed. Ace gripped her as she wrapped then both in her blue nimbus. Slowly they rose together on a pillar of her mind's power.
"Let me take over babe," Ace whispered in her ear. Slowly her power was eluding her, for they faltered. He took her in his arms despite her protests, and pushed down with a nimbus of silver power that surged from under his silver boots. They began to rise again, drifting just before the lions that bounded below.
"You cannot escape me, Celestial!" cackled a voice loudly through the trees.
"Why does she want me?" Ace asked Sohkarra.
Sohkarra only had a moment to answer, her eyes darting everywhere, ever watchful. "It's not you that she wants per se. It's your avatar that interests her. She wants the power!" Spires of rock rose up just before them. Ace teleported quickly, holding Sohkarra close to his body. Unfortunately each teleport brought him dangerously close to porting in front of a spire of rock that would rise out of nowhere! Sohkarra's nimbus of power wrapped around Ace's, supporting them both. "What quarrel do you have!" Sohkarra's challenge came to her old nemesis.
"I want him! Leave him to me and it will be all the better for you!" came Karrahamon's answer.
"Why, for what purpose?" Sohkarra called back out. "He is also under the protection of my father's house!"
"It is not for you to know, Princess. Except that if you get in my way, Menne will suffer! I know she has no powers! It will be all the more worse for her if you continue to interfere..."
"You cannot have him!" Sohkarra's angry reply came. "Or that which he possesses! I will not allow it!"
"Then you will suffer all the more...and share his fate!" came her angry cry. "You can only protect him for so long."
"What is your deal!" Ace shouted. "You are one psycho broad!"
"You, human...Ace Frehley...are the host of Celestial. You might save both Princess and Queen if you give up your powers to me. My master wants Mennehotep, but I might be willing to stop his wrath if you yield Celestial's powers to me, Karhamnon."
"And if I don't?"
"Menne must give herself up. She will suffer. And all those you love! The choice is yours! You have two passings of Ra through the heavens to decide. Let it be known that we know of your weakness in regards to Amenhotepís daughter!"
"I cannot sanction such a deal!" Sohkarra shouted.
"You have two days. I suggest you consider your options well," Karahamnon's voice came. A last wind buffeted them before fading. Both of them were left alone in the night. Slowly Sohkarra's power lowered them to the forest floor.
"That's no decision..." Ace muttered. Still he held Sohkarra in his arms, tightly against his chest.
"I cannot sense her mind anywhere near. Wherever she was, she is now gone, or hidden herself..." Sohkarra whispered. She felt so weary that she scarcely cared that Ace was holding her up off her feet now. Sapphire power flared all around her form as her armor dissipated, no longer needed. Tired sapphire eyes looked up into his soft brown ones, still framed by the silver explosion about his face.
"I'd better get you home, baby. You look exhausted," Ace whispered.
"Ace...I..." she got out.
"Shh," he whispered. "I'm not letting you out of my sight, Space Lady...lets go home..."
"Why do you use those names that are not my own?" she asked quietly. It had always amazed her that Ace had called her by other than her name.
He had to smile slightly at that. "I only do that with ladies I love."
She was too exhausted to reply slipping into sleep while the world exploded into silver streamers.
Chapter 8
When she next awoke she blinked. A dull yellow light shone dimly from the hallway, and she felt the softness of the bed under her body. Along with something else, snoring soundly. Her fingers felt soft flannel, and she realized it was Ace, holding her securely to him, fully clothed in his pajamas in bed next to her nightgowned form. Her head was pillowed on his chest, lying on her side next to him under the covers.
"Ace..." she whispered, trying to separate herself from him. Arms tightened around her as Ace muttered in his sleep.
"Don't leave me Karra..." he muttered. "Please. I'll give myself to that princess if it'll save you all. She can have these damned powers. I just don't want you hurt...I don't wanna lose you."
"Ace..." she gasped. "You can't be serious."
"I am, baby," he whispered, blinking awake. How long had he been awake?
"Ace..." she got out again. "If she gets the powers of Celestial..."
"She can have them. I don't give a crap about them," Ace repeated. "I want you..."
"There is more at stake here than you realize..." she tried to tell him, but her reply was cut off by his lips coming down on hers.
"I don't want to talk now lady..." was his muffled response. "I need you."
Part of her wanted to push him away; part of her wanted to let him become part of her and welcomed the feel of his touch. "I don't think..." she tried to tell him even as she started to push him off her. To her surprise, this time he wouldn't give way. In fact she could feel a true determination in the possessive way he held her. He lifted his mouth from hers to look into her sapphire pools. "I don't want you to think now lady. Every time you do, I suffer for it. I want you to feel what I can do for you and know that I'm the only one who can complete you."
She could only stare back up at him. She searched her mind for a reason to deny him now. But could not find a single reason. Not when the future was so uncertain. Hadn't she lived her after-life in the belief that there may not be a tomorrow? To live each moment as if it were the last? "What have you got in mind?" she asked with a slightly mischievous glint in spite of herself. "What can you do for a royal daughter?"
He smiled down into her face, thankful that she was not trying to get away from him. "Her Highness' wish is my command. Remember, I'm into encores." With that, his lips found hers again. This time she didn't try to push him away. In fact, much to his pleasant surprise, she returned the kiss with an urgency of her own. "Then play for me," she whispered.
"Damn lady, I thought you'd never ask."
This changes nothing... the nagging thought in her mind reminded her. But for now she would take what comfort she could. She'd deal with the consequences later, Isis help her.
Chapter 9
Menne's wedding shower had wound down. Now the expectant couple was alone again. They sat on the couch holding one another close as they talked about the day's events. Then the phone rang. It was Ace. "Hey Curly, what's shakin'? How was the shower?" he asked when Paul answered the phone.
"It was cool man," Paul answered him. "But where are you and Sohkarra? Are you two all right? Marcy told us you were meeting with Karra."
A feminine voice picked up on the phone. "Weíre fine."
Paul turned the speaker portion of his phone as Ace did on his end. Menne was glad to hear Sohkarra's voice. "Why do I not quite believe you're as fine as you say, young one?" she asked the younger woman. She could hear Ace and Sohkarra momentarily having a difference of opinion as they argued over whether or not to tell Menne about the confrontation with Karahamnon.
"She has to know," they heard Sohkarraís voice tell Ace.
"Know what?" was Menneís question. She had a feeling she already knew. Her sister was once again within striking distance and was plotting.
"I had a little run-in with your sister Menne," was Sohkarra's reply.
"How did it go?" Menne asked. "Are you alright?"
"It went about normal," Sohkarra told her. "She threatened Ace and I with your downfall and I told her to pound sand. At any rate, the time is near. You know what needs to be done. You were there when it began; you will be there when it ends. It will be your last duty as wife of Pharaoh. After that you will be free. It is our royal and ancient law. You must perform this one last duty." She said this last part to reiterate in the unlikely event that Menne would balk. She said it more for Paulís benefit.
Paul had been listening until he heard the last part of this. "What do you mean, it will be her last duty as wife?"
It was Sohkarra and Ace's turn to listen to Menne and Paul disagree. "She's right Paul," she tried to placate him. He was not sure he wanted his future wife and mother of his child to have any more to do with any of what was happening. He also felt down inside that his feelings in this would go unheeded. "I was there when she resurrected Tuthmosis. It is my duty to be there when she sends him back. Then I will be free to be with you. I will be yours completely." His dark gaze settled on her.
Sohkarra's voice once again came over the speaker. "It must be this way Paul," she told him. "It is our way. Menne knows this to be true. I'm sorry if this isn't compatible with your feelings, but it cannot be helped or changed."
Menne looked at Paul with a softened look in her dark eyes. "Her words can be trusted fully my love," she told him. "Even though I'm mortal now, I still have a duty to close out my past life."
"Why is that?" Paul demanded. "Karra, you said you brought him back, so why can't you send him back?"
Ace entered the fray. "Hey man, you need to back off here. Karra knows what's gotta be done. She's going to send Menne's sister back with the Pharaoh dude. That way, we'll be rid of all of them."
"Is this true?" Paul asked. "It can't be as easy as all that."
"That is true," Sohkarra answered. "The fact still remains that Menne needs to be there when Tuthmosis is returned to the Land of the Dead. She was his wife. Only by witnessing his return will she be completely free of him and out of the reach of his Pharaohnic powers. Then she will be completely free to be your own. However, I regret to tell you her sister will be a different story; one that will be much more difficult to d
