Cairo  

XXXIII  

Before I can even make a guess about why Jasmine’s dead body wouldn’t be there, the door swings open, and Tashe steps in.  

“See, boss? She’s not-” He stares in disbelief at the empty space where Jasmine's body used to be.  

Well, I better use this to my advantage while I can. I grab Tashe by the arm, and wrap my arms around his neck. He tries to push back against me, but I at least have one thing, if not intelligence.  

Strength.  

I use my height to my advantage, and drag him back, and push him to the floor. At this point, Calipso and the other guard have also made their way to the door, and the other guard charges at me.  

I wait until he’s close enough, and shove Tashe forward.  

Unfortunately, my plan doesn’t work, and Tashe catches his balance before he knocks into the other guard, instead of plowing him down, how I wanted him to.  

Suddenly, they both turn and begin charging towards me, as Calipso shrieks and runs out of the door for reinforcement.  

Oh god. I begin backing up, farther and farther away. What do I do now? I can’t die, not now! I can’t let them get away with Jasmine's death! I.. I  

Why did I think I could do this? I can’t make up a plan, Jasmine’s the only one good at that!  

I feel my back hit the wall. This is the end.  

I... I’m nothing without her.  

Jasmine, I’m sorry. Jasmine, -  

I close my eyes, and await a sorry death.  

Moments pass, and nothing happens, until I hear two “clang” noises, and two loud thuds.  

I open my eyes, and see Jasmine, with a frying pan, looking as gorgeous and as amazing as ever.  

Jasmine  

XXXIV  

Cairo looks at me with emotion filled eyes.  

“... Jasmine?” he says in a broken tone.  

“Yes, it’s me.” Oh god. I feel so bad.  

It was necessary for the plan, but...  

The broken look in his eyes is enough to tell me this plan wasn’t my best.  

Before I can apologize, or explain the emotion, he runs to me, and swoops me up in a hug. I can hear him sobbing as he clutches me tightly.  

“Jas.... I thought I lost you... please... don’t ever do that again.”  

I hug him back.  

“Never again, Cairo. I promise.”  

Explanations will have to wait for another day. For now, we have to get out of here.