Gen 8 Ch 2

Topaz was sad to see Jojo and her brother move out of the family home. But Coal and Raven had bought them a sprawling ranch house in the hills across the bridge - perfect for the large family that they both dreamed of.

Even though he was off on his own now, Agate would often meet the family at Coal's now very popular Community Garden.

He never failed to pack along one of his favorite cars, just in case he got too bored.

The day after Topaz returned from Egypt, she eagerly headed over to the consignment store to check on the paintings she had dropped off before she left.

"Your paintings are selling quite well, Ms. Moonstone. We'll be happy to take as many as you can provide. You have considerable talent."

Topaz blushed at the compliment. Soon she would have enough money saved to continue her adventures.

It was such a gorgeous day, she decided to walk the few blocks home from the consignment store. As she passed by the local tattoo parlor, she was intrigued by the colorful designs on display. On the spur of the moment, she  walked in to investigate further. Her recent trip had not cured her restlessness at all, and she had a sudden urge to do something wild and crazy.

"What can I get for you? This butterfly is popular with our female customers. Or perhaps a small rose on your ankle?"

Topaz frowned at the selections. She was not going for cute. "No, I want this one. On my shoulder."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Topaz smiled, pleased with the result. Every time she looked in the mirror, it would remind her of her adventure in the Pyramid of Burning Sands. She could still feel the heat radiating from the walls, and the flames almost catching her as she leaped over the fire traps.

But returning to Egypt meant more paintings for the consignment shop. She was even getting some commissions now. Why anyone would want a rainbow zebra was beyond her, but she happily obliged.

When she wasn't painting, she was checking out the various clubs around town.

She always ended up back at Eugi's, though. There was something about her mom's place that was friendlier that most. Occasionally she would meet  Jojo there for a drink. It had been Jojo's idea to let her hair grow again.

"You always looked so good in that side braid. I don't know why you cut it all off."

"I know. I was mad at Eva, I shouldn't have let her get to me that way."

Everyone was thrilled when Jojo and Agate announced they were expecting their first baby.

"Hehe! I felt her kick!"

"Hehe! When are you gonna have one, Topaz? It would be so cool to be pregnant together!"

Topaz just laughed and shook her head.

"Who am I going to have kids with? I don't think I'll ever have kids."

"Aw, you'll find someone, I just know."

Topaz wasn't convinced. Sure, it would be great to have a kid or two, but with her traveling, and lack of a love life, it wasn't going to happen.

At last! This one should do it. Once it sells, it's off to Egypt again!

As soon as she arrived, Topaz checked in with the relic merchant again. Unfortunately she had not seen any mummitomium come into her shop recently. And when Topaz on an impulse asked after the strange woman she had met on her last trip, she was only met with silence. She thought she heard the merchant mutter something that sounded a lot like 'witch', as she turned away.

At a dead end where the mummitomium was concerned, she decided to investigate the Great Sphinx. Rumors she had picked up in the market spoke of a shrine deep inside, that would grant a boon to whomever might discover it.

As she entered the last room in the maze that was the Sphinx's interior, Topaz felt a sudden peace come over her. For a few moments everything was clear. She knew not only where to find the mummitomium, but also how she must tame the restlessness inside of her.

As soon as she left the glow of the Soulpeace Statue, however, the vision dissipated, and she found herself heading out into the desert. She walked, trying to clear her head, until she noticed the sun setting. It was getting dark, and she was out in the middle of nowhere.

"Still searching, I see."

Topaz glanced up in surprise. She had arrived at a small oasis, and there before her was the mysterious woman, the one the merchant had labeled 'witch'.

Before Topaz could say a word, she continued, " Come, sit with me a while. I rarely get company."

Intrigued, Topaz complied. It was so..peaceful here. It reminded her of something, right at the edge of her memory, but she couldn't quite place it.

After a while, the woman leaned over and whispered, "I can help you, if you wish it. A cure for your restlessness, so to speak."

She took Topaz' hand in hers and pulled her to her feet.

"Will you let me help you?" She whispered again.

Lost in her expressive lavender eyes, her heart now pounding in her throat, Topaz swallowed hard, and nodded ever so slightly.

"Come then, stay with me tonight."

Afterward, Topaz could never quite recall the details of that night; the sweet, intoxicating smell of incense filled her mind and blurred her thoughts.

She sleep dreamlessly, and woke the next morning before the sun. Tabitha - she had at last learned her name - sent her off with a gentle kiss and two pieces of mummitomium.

It was an easy task to bypass the traps into the Morcucorp headquarters, drop off the bribe, and acquire the location of the coveted relic.

The map showed a location deep inside the Pyramid of the Sky. She carefully checked the area for Morcucorp agents before venturing inside. After all that trouble, it wouldn't do to be followed.

The place was a maze of swamps and pools. Now she had to find her way through before the Morcucorp agents did.

Every second she was inside, she expected to see enemy agents creeping up behind her, but she managed to make it through, and claimed the relic for the people of Al Simhara. This was one piece that wouldn't be heading for the black market.

Back in Bridgeport, the whole episode at the oasis seemed like a distant dream. She certainly didn't feel any less restless than before. And the image of the mysterious Tabitha was fast fading from her memory. Before it faded completely, she stopped at the tattoo parlor. The tattoo artist eyed her strangely when she ordered a tattoo of a woman with long dark purple hair, but Topaz was pleased to have a permanent reminder of her second trip to Egypt.

After finishing at the tattoo parlor, she headed over to Eugi's, to meet up with the old crowd and relax a little. She was surprised to find Eva waiting in the lobby.

"I heard you were back. I was hoping I would find you here."

Topaz wasn't sure quite what to make of this.

"Uh, Hi Eva. What did you want?"

"I.. well, first I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you in high school. I was so afraid my parents would find out that I liked you. They don't approve of that kind of thing. And also.... have a drink with me? Can we talk?"

"Sure, I'll have a drink with you."

"Thanks, Topaz," Eva leaned closer. "This means so much to me."

Before Topaz realized what was happening, Eva's lips brushed against hers. She thought she had been over Eva for a long time now, but in that moment all the old feelings came rushing back, and she surprised herself by returning the kiss.

"I've never gotten over you, you know," Eva whispered seductively as Topaz hit the button for the lower level, and the doors closed behind them.