Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Road
Author's note:
Here we go! The next main story entry for my Animal Crossing story series. This time we're taking an original route instead of making reference to The House of The Dead or a cross over with Monster Hunter. Well...technically every idea in the world is used by everyone in a different shape or form, but regardless this is going to be something new. Also we're no longer going to delay the evitable, Ankha's duty as a chosen immortal is going to be the main focus of this story and boy I can't wait to get this story going. Anyway, let's get this story started, read, review but most importantly enjoy the read.
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Ankha's P.O.V.
Life has been good since the Immortal Shagaru incident. Not only did Nacho and I take our relationship to the next level, but with Isabelle in the relationship things have been interesting. Frankly, I was shocked that Isabelle declared that not only was she in love with Nacho, but also with me. Little N and I really didn't know how to react other than let her join the relationship and see what happens. While this is a normally bad idea and can ruin relationships, I can safely say this isn't the case with Isabelle as we're both close with her and know her quite well. It also helped that she and I had some girl talk so we can settle what can be considered the main problems we will have to face.
One, sharing Nacho, we both love this danger prone mayor and as such we made sure that we will both love him equally and not get jealous when one of us has his attention more than the other. When dates are involved then it's a group outing unless one of us is unable to join, if this happens then a make up date with Nacho will take place with the person who missed out. Two, dating each other, sometimes Nacho himself is either too tired or too busy and date night is still date night so we may have to go out by ourselves. It's an experience if I say so myself as I never had really considered in my life that I may go on a date with another woman. I do my best as I do like Isabelle but it feels to me more like a friends with benefits relationship. Don't get me wrong, I do give her the loving hug and kiss on the cheek with her sometimes catching me off guard with the lip to lip contact. It's kinda cute how embarrassed she gets sometimes as she still can't get over the fact, I was Patri. Finally, sex, there is no getting past the fact that we all had sex with each other after our last adventure. It was all our first time and it was truly an experience none of us is going to forget. Of course, this open the flood gates for us to have sexual encounters when the mood arises. Now we all do our best to gather at either my or Nacho's house during the night as we are still experimenting with the whole threesome thing along with sex in general. The internet has been helpful in this regard but knowing and putting into practice is two different things. Regardless, we made it work and I can say with confidence we had some very intimate encounters. Normally, when we want to mate like animals, we do it together, but of course there is the chance that one of us will be unavailable. This usually cancels plans but sometimes we just need that sweet release. When that happens then the one left out get's a solo session with a partner of their choice; the one left out must watch the show. I did this to Isabelle when she had a romp with Nacho in the town hall and I stumbled upon them in the aftermath. Later that day, I had Isabelle tied to a chair as I had my turn with Nacho in front of her. Poor girl was beyond turned on and couldn't do anything about it. I'm not without mercy though and after I was done having my fun, we helped her get off through foreplay.
Our system has proven to work, and we all managed to stay happy in this relationship. Which is why I'm waking up this morning next to Nacho under his right arm with Isabelle on his left. We had an intense sex session last night in my beloved mate's home and it was quite intense. Waking up to this sight has been the highlight of my eternal life, as it's among the happiest things I experienced thus far. To be wrapped around in the warm embrace of a lover true to your heart. I cannot think of a better feeling than this. Sadly, as much as I wanted to stay cuddled up to the man I love, there are things to be done.
Slowly I lifted his arm over my head and gently placed it on his chest as I slowly left the bed. He moved slightly from this, but he did not wake much to my relief. Isabelle didn't seem to react at all as she was sleeping soundly with the cutest smile on her face. I blew a kiss to both of them as I headed off to do what I planned to do this morning; making breakfast. Isabelle is the first one who came up with the idea as I woke up one morning to the smell of eggs and flapjacks. Another morning, it was Nacho trying to surprise us with breakfast, but since he is often in the middle of the bed, he woke us up and ruined the surprise. So today I decided it's my turn to return the kindness.
I made my way to Nacho's kitchen and put on the only cloth I'm bothering to put on, an apron. I've seen Isabelle dress like this when she made breakfast and I thought I should do the same. Frankly, there is something odd about walking around in nothing but an apron, yet Nacho seems to like it, so I guess there is no harm in dressing like this.
"Time to start cooking!" I proudly declared to myself.
I gather what I need for the simple breakfast ensemble I was going for: a breakfast platter that includes scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. After gathering what I need I went to work, and I can say with certainty that I'm a decent cook. I'm not the best, but when you spent some time surviving in the wild, cooking your meals is second nature. So, when I was able to pick up more modern cooking techniques and recipes, I considered it an investment that is paying off. It took a few minutes to fully cook two of the breakfast platters for my sleeping lovers and set them on the table in the kitchen; forks, knives and napkins included. I was about to get started on my own until my feline senses picked up on someone sneaking up behind me. I only smiled as I pretended to be ignorant just to feed into the fantasy just as two masculine arms went under my apron and hugged me from behind.
"Good morning Ankha!"
I of course faked my surprise, "Ah! Nacho, I wasn't expecting you to up so soon!"
He kissed my neck, which I'll admit made me shiver a bit in arousal, before responding, "Heh heh, well food has that effect on me. It also helps that there is a beautiful cook in the kitchen."
"Really now? If I'm beautiful then what does that make Isabelle?"
"Ah…uh…adorably cute?"
"Good save love. Speaking of Isabelle is she awake? Those platters are for you two by the way, I was about to work on mines."
"Yeah, she's awake, she's the one who picked up on your cooking. Unfortunately, she was still asleep when she picked up the smell and bit me on my arm. That's what woke me up, but I was able to hold back my exclamation of pain."
"I said I was sorry Nacho, mayor, sir," As on time, the canine secretary walked into the kitchen but due to my position I couldn't see her.
"I already forgiven you Isa. Besides it's kinda cute…if you get pass the pain."
"Well it wouldn't be the first-time love. As I recall my nails became very well acquainted with your back."
"Oh yeah…don't remind me. If it wasn't for our supped-up regeneration, then I would have a bunch of scars on my back at this point."
"Aw…I thought you enjoyed it?" I said with fake hurt before breaking into light snickering. Even Isabelle held back her giggles as Nacho groaned from the teasing.
"I'm not a masochist…" he mumbled.
"You're not one Nacho, I'm just teasing. Now go eat your breakfast, you held me up long enough from cooking mines."
"Aw…can't I just cuddle my favorite cat a little longer?"
"You could, but then I will have to add cooked sausage to my plate," My playful threat caused him to freeze up for a second before wrapping his arms from my body.
"Uh, right…I'll go sit down now," He kissed me on the cheek before taking a seat at the table with Isabelle joining him shortly.
The two got started on their breakfast as I got to work on mines. The two got into a conversation about work and what needed to be done for today. I rolled my eyes as I believe such talk should be saved in the office, but what do I know? I eventually finished cooking my meal and put it on a plate and joined the two at the table. To most normal people, it would be strange to be eating breakfast naked, but we aren't exactly normal. I'm an immortal cat, Nacho's the world's most durable human, and Isabelle is a very determined puppy.
"So, what's on the agenda? Considering both of you are talking about work this early in the morning."
"Heh, sorry Ankha but lately the work has been piling in. Usually Isabelle is able to take of these things, but I don't like the look of it."
"Nacho, it's okay. I'll get it done…it's just going to take a while."
"Don't give me that Isabelle, I'm helping you with your work load whether you like it or not."
"Fine…if you say so."
I held back my laughter as the exchange between the two is somehow professional and cute. Makes me wonder what it would be like to work under him, but then again, I like to be my own boss. I used to have some jobs in the past, the two most notable being an actor and a singer. I had to give all that up no thanks to Aten who some how managed to track me down despite me taking different identities. I had no idea it was Aten, but after seeing what he has become after our latest adventure then I don't doubt he may have a hand in it.
"How's the paperwork for Lucky?"
"Got that done yesterday, he should be moving in after a few days."
"You hear that Ankha? Lucky is moving in!"
I broke out of my thoughts when heard this, "That's wonderful news! He was quite worried for me after what happened in our last adventure, so him moving in should help make him feel better."
"Well he is your guardian so it makes sense he should live close where you are."
"Indeed, and with Aten looking for me it's best to be prepared should he rear his unwanted head around."
I felt a tinge of rage emit from Nacho when I brought up his name. Make sense as the fallen chosen did nothing by try to kidnap me and do who knows what to me. Although, I'm pretty sure it's him that's going to be furious as there is no doubt, he wanted me while I was still 'pure' as some may say.
"Yeah…Aten, I don't care if he is a chosen immortal. I'm going to hand him his butt for all the damage he did and for trying to kidnap you."
"I wouldn't stop you Nacho, but still I feel like something else made him the way he is today."
"Whatever, anyway, changing the subject. If he is also a chosen immortal, does that mean there are others?"
"Oh yeah! You did say you're a chosen immortal yourself Ankha, so that must mean there are others," Isabelle said with realization.
I nodded my head as I finished off my bacon, "Indeed, there are others, each one chosen by a different god of the pantheon. However, I never met any of them save for a few including Aten."
"Wow, that's a lot of immortal people walking around. I wonder how they adapted with the passage of time?"
"Beats me, but one thing I do know is that they are out there somewhere. Who knows? Perhaps we met one without even realizing it."
"Now that's some food for thought," Nacho joked which earned a smile from me and a giggle from Isabelle.
I decided not to feed the conversation further as we refocused our attention to our meals and finish up our plates. Isabelle volunteered to clean the dishes as Nacho and I went to use the shower to clean ourselves and get ready for the day. It was a steamy experience if I say so myself as the tubular enclosed shower barely had enough room for the both of us. Our bodies rubbed against each other which was stimulating the senses. Despite our original intentions to just get clean and just enjoy each other's company in the shower, Nacho developed a hard on to which I had to help relieve him of. Eventually we finished up in the shower and dried ourselves before getting some new clothes to wear.
Just in time too as Isabelle was already done with the dishes and wanted to use the shower herself. Although, before she got in, she told me that next time she will be sharing the stall with Nacho. I simply shrugged as I left the room. I dressed myself in the clothes I was wearing before last night's sexual romp which was made up of a shirt, beige shorts, my underwear, and sandals. The shirt itself is the most stand out of my attire as it has a design made by Nacho himself, he called it the love shirt as it has the male and female symbols joined together and colored blue and red respectively on the front. On the back it has a large heart outlined with purple all on a white shirt. It's a bit basic for my tastes, but I like the meaning behind it as it is a celebration of love itself.
Nacho himself is taking it more casual and has forgo his usual attire for a blue aloha shirt, brown shorts, sneakers, and of course his signature white mask. As if it wasn't obvious already, summer is creeping around, and we had to dress to match the warmer weather. Summer is my favorite season as it reminds me of home with the heat which I both tolerate and made sure to protect myself from.
I just got done putting on the last of my clothes when a knock came from Nacho's front door. However, I found it quite strange that someone wanted to visit the mayor during this time of the day. It must be urgent for them.
"I got it!" Nacho shouted out as I watched him make his way to the door. He checked the peep hole gave a puzzled look before opening the door.
"Morning Mayor!"
"Morning Diva, what brings you knocking on my door?"
Diva? The local purple frog of our town. She's an interesting character to say the least, she likes to wear make up yes, but she is a tough cookie which would take most by surprise. We met and talked a few times since she moved into town, but I wouldn't call us friends. Acquaintance's is the more accurate description of our relationship. What could she want with the Mayor?
"I'm looking for Ankha, and the last I checked before turning in for the night I saw her with you and Isabelle as you made your way to your house."
"Um…yeah, it was date night. So, um…sorry if we made too much noise."
"Yeah, I don't care about your sex life mayor, ya know? I just want to talk to Ankha, if she's available that is."
Nacho looked back to me and frankly I was surprised that Diva wanted to talk to me about something. What that thing is I don't know, but I suppose I can give her the time. I nodded to Nacho and he look back to Diva.
"Sure, she's available, come on in."
"Thanks, also is there another room that we can use to talk? This is some private information for our ears only, ya know?"
"Well you can use the second bedroom just past this room or you can take the third bedroom which is upstairs."
"Three bedrooms? Mayor you really need to think of a better way to set up your house."
"Yeah I been told that many times."
"I'll just take the upstairs dude."
The short-sized frog person walked into Nacho's house and immediately spotted me. She pointed to up stairs and gestured me to follow her. I rolled my eyes as I did follow her wordlessly upstairs into the third bedroom. There were some questions forming in my head, but they simply boil down to asking why she is here and why she needs to talk to me. Something that is most likely to be answered once she starts chatting. Once we were finally in the third bed room, the fancy room, as Nacho likes to call it, we both took a seat on the couch and immediately she started the conversation.
"Whew wee…I can smell the sex in that room, ya know? You should get the mayor to clean it before anyone else decides to visit."
"I assure you he does his best to make sure our scents don't over power the air in the main room, but you're not here to talk about such things are you?"
"Yikes, straight to the point eh? You sure you don't want to ease the air first before we get into the meat of the matter?"
"I rather not have my time be wasted Diva. If what you have to say is important then out with it."
"Geez, with that attitude someone could have mistaken you for a royal."
"I'm sorry what? A royal, what do you mean by that?" Truly an odd choice of words for someone like her.
"Queen, Princess, Nobel, yadda yadda and the like."
"Excuse me? What are you getting at?"
"Nothing important, it's just that you seem more at home as an Egyptian royal than a priestess, ya know?"
"I don't know what you're talking about Diva. I mean sure I been compared to an Egyptian princess or queen a few times in my life, but what you are saying doesn't make sense."
Diva grew frustrated with me as I continue to deny or act like that it has nothing to do with me. However, eventually, she had enough of me playing stupid, "Okay, you are really making me angry Ankha."
"Well I'm not the one comparing people to royals or priests of Egypt. Why even say such things?"
"Guuuh…how about you look at this?" Diva pull down her shirt a bit to reveal what looks to be the tattoo of an ankh but looking closer I noticed that it was part of her skin. It was here that I realized I was talking to another immortal.
"Are you…chosen too?"
"Yep, just like you Ankha. Although, unlike you, I'm not walking around using my real name."
"I see…then do you mind introducing yourself then? I don't know you other than being a neighbor in this town."
"Certainly, my name is Massika, chosen immortal of Heqet, one of the goddesses of fertility in the Egyptian pantheon."
Meeting another chosen immortal is something I didn't expect to happen today much less learning that one of our neighbor's was indeed one of them. Interesting to think that I was just talking about this earlier with Nacho and Isabelle, "Nice to meet you, Massika."
"Please, you can call me Diva. I spent such a long time with that name it has long since grown on me."
"Okay, Diva, this may surprise you but it's okay to talk about our chosen status with Nacho and Isabelle. I told them about our kind and it's no secret between us that I have lived a very long time."
Diva looked at me with shocked eyes, "Say whaaat! That's nuts! Your lovers do know that you will outlive them, right?"
"Yes, they are aware and have accepted it despite me wishing it wasn't this way."
"Okay…let's get back to the topic on hand as we have strayed far off course."
"Indeed, what is the reason why you seek me out? Knowing now that it's another chosen tells me it must be something really important."
"It is! My goddess told me to inform you that you need to get on your duty. As it stands, you have been neglecting your duties in creating a place of worship for your goddess."
"I know…so much has happened up to this point. From a clone zombie attack to slaying giant monsters and to knowing that one of our own has fallen."
"Oh right, that news spread like wild fire among the pantheon and no doubt the other chosen as well. Never did I think one of our fellow's could have fallen, but why though?"
"If I had an answer then I wouldn't be scared of trying to act on my duty."
"What do you mean?"
"Aten is obsessed with me for some reason, but not under normal circumstances. He once had a crush on me back in ancient Egypt, but I rejected his feelings and he has since moved on the last I saw him from that time. I've seen men and women alike not take the high road and become obsessed with the one who rejected them, but Aten's obsession is not natural. He would drop absolute victory if he saw me and he would destroy anything that got in his way."
"Wait, so you're saying something is influencing him?"
"Yes, I know Aten, I may not return his feelings, but he is an intelligent person and has high respect for his duty. For him to forsake his sacred duty out of pure obsession is simply out of character for him. I am confident in believing that something did this to him, but why I don't know."
"Yikes, and he's still running around loose out there."
"Unfortunately, and because of that I'm afraid I cannot make the steps to fulfill my duty. For I fear that he may find this town and threaten it along with its inhabitants. Despite his obsession he is still quite powerful and there is no doubt in my mind he is training his power for our next encounter."
"Dang…that's ruff. Hmm…maybe there is a way for you to fulfill your duty while staying under the radar."
"Really? How?"
Diva paused for a moment while looking away from me. Whatever it is she knows it must be something that is kept a tight secret even from us, "Well…there is another world stacked on this one."
"Excuse me? Another world? What do you mean?"
"It's something suuuper secret and something I stumbled upon on accident. I want to say more, but I think we should do so in the presence of the gods. This has to go through them first and I rather not do things behind their backs."
"Agree, but where should we go?"
"Do you know a nice isolated place where we can set up a large campfire?"
"I don't but maybe Isabelle does."
Diva only smiled at me as we both got up from the couch and made our way back downstairs where Nacho and Isabelle were chatting up a conversation of their own. We quickly explained them that Diva is another chosen immortal and is up to speed with current events concerning Aten. Then we also explained that there is a way for me to set up a place of worship, but it would require their help. Not surprisingly, they're all in for helping me and already Isabelle had an idea.
"I think I know a place where we can do that, but it isn't isolated though. There are plans on converting a plot of land outside our town into a campsite. Unlike the one already established here, it's much bigger and open for development," Isabelle explained.
I was skeptical, sure the land was open for development but the fact it's going to be in a place open for the public has her worried, "I'm not sure if that's a good idea. If we set up a place of worship in a camp ground, then we might bring some unwanted attention. More specifically, Aten's attention. In other words, the complete opposite of what we're trying to accomplish."
"Perhaps, but maybe we can disguise it. You know, like hiding in plain sight," Nacho's idea was interesting, but I was still quite unsure. At least I thought so, until Diva spoke up.
"Actually…yeah! That could work, we don't need it to look like an Egyptian temple anyway. Just a place we can walk into and meet the gods in private and away from prying eyes. What do you think Ankha?"
"Mmm…I have my reservations, but I would be remissive to say the idea doesn't have some merit to it. However just how are we going to pull it off?"
"You two, don't need to worry about anything. Just leave it to us, right Isabelle?"
"Yup! Plus, we get to knock out two birds with one stone. We make the campground and we get to help you Ankha, so it's a win win!"
I'll have to admit, Isabelle's smile inspired some confidence in me about the idea. While I still have my doubts and fears, I have confidence my lovers can pull this off. I just hope nothing happens along the way.
"Alright then, how soon can you get to work on it?"
"We can start working on it today; the camp ground, in a few days, the temple in maybe a few months," Isabelle said as she started making mental notes.
"That sounds fair, these things take time after all. Although that leaves the question on what to do in the meantime."
"Actually, there is one thing we can do. C'mon, there is someone I want you all to meet," Diva said with growing excitement.
"Who would that be?" Nacho asked with confusion, Isabelle was confused as well but I had a good idea already who this person might be.
"Just follow me and all will be answered," The purple frog said cryptically as she left the house. We all shrugged at each other as we followed her out of Nacho's home and to her home which isn't too far away.
She happily skipped along in front of us until we reached her front door and she unlocked it for us. We entered her room and it was quite a sight. It was small, but surprisingly well decorated as it almost resembled a small oasis with a desert floor, column wall paper, a whirlpool bath, rococo table, dresser, two sofas, a phonograph, a harp, two genie lamps, a weeping fig, and of course two sarcophaguses.
"Wow, you really live in style Diva," Nacho said as he awed at the home, "But uh…where do you sleep?"
"In the left sarcophagus of course!"
"Er what now? You sleep in a sarcophagus?"
"Well duh, all Egyptian's sleep in a fancy coffin. Don't you know that?"
"Uh…no, Ankha is proof of that."
I rolled my eyes, "She's joking Nacho. They're meant for the dead, no one in the right mind would sleep in those things."
"Not unless you're me!" Diva exclaimed as she walked over to her suppose sleeping arrangements and opened it effortlessly to show padded bedding on the inside.
"I stand corrected…"
"Yep, custom made to be an actual bed! It was expensive, but I like to think it was worth it. I mean Amr is sleeping in the one next to it!"
*Amr?* The three of us said in unison as the second Sarcophagus slowly opened to reveal a large and imposing crocodile man step out. Just as I thought, he's her guardian. The man eyed all of us as we got a good look at him. He is definitely a Nile Crocodile and has seen plenty of battle judging by the scars on his body. This also meant he has experience, which is a perfect quality for a guardian.
"Everyone, meet Amr! My guardian!"
"Uh hi?" Nacho said awkwardly
"Greetings, you must be the mayor lady Massika has been talking about. It's a pleasure that we get to meet face to face for the first time."
"Uh…yeah, quick question. How did you hide from everyone in town? Surely you don't spend all your time in Diva's house."
"No, I usually swim in the river or stay next to the beach. Years of battle experience has allowed me to blend in to your surroundings and sneak pass you all without notice."
"That's the general gist of it!" Diva added.
"Ah huh…that explains a few things."
As Nacho adjusts his brain to the fact that Amr was hiding under our noses the entire time Diva was in town. The guardian looks over to me before having his eyes widen and taking a knee in front of me in respect.
"Lady Ankha; daughter of Jeqmat, High priest of the temple of Anubis and Ratah, High Priestess of the temple of Bastet. Chosen of Bastet, it is truly an honor to be in your presence."
I shook my head lightly, "You may rise guardian."
He does what I say and returns to Diva's side with the frog girl giving me a bemused look, "Looks like your heritage precedes you Ankha."
"Only for those who are aware of it."
"Yeah, lucky you, but I guess I shouldn't complain since I was born into a fishermen family and still was chosen by the gods."
"I was chosen while I was still inside my mother. So, I was literally born to be a chosen immortal."
"Huh, well that's uh…something. Anyway, where's your guardian Ankha? Shouldn't they be around?"
"It's a he, and no they're not here right at the moment. However, Lucky should be moving in soon."
"Lucky? Is that really his name?"
"No, it's his nick name, but like you he grew to like it as his real name. His real name is Masud."
"Wait Masud? Little farmer boy Masud? Wow, I ran into him a couple of times on some trips. I can't wait to see him again."
"Oh, he has changed…quite a bit."
"Really? How?"
"Oh, you'll know it when you see him. Anyway, let's all catch up with each other, shall we?"
We all spend a good chunk of time getting to know each other. We had to as now the beginning of a new journey is on the horizon. My destiny is calling and now I will be able to answer the call and fulfill my duty to Bastet. No doubt there will be dangers along the way but considering our history so far in dealing with danger, I believe we can handle it. However, just what is this world the gods kept secret even from us? They must have their reasons, but I could only imagine what those reasons can be. Only time will tell, but for now I'll just enjoy the time before the journey begins.
