Chapter 8: Truth

Author's notes:

Finally, another chapter for this story and it's a long one. Here you'll have another flash back to the past and if you played the arcade or watched the game play then you should know which boss is coming up in this chapter. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter and even more hopefully that you'll tell me what you think so far dear readers, but of course that part is optional. I already wasted enough of your time as it is, so read on and enjoy.

/

Normal P.O.V (Don't expect to see this very often)

The quiet humming of the elevator gave Ankha and Lucky a sense of ease and calm ever since the feline vented her full wrath on the creature that killed Nacho. But, now as she waited she began to wonder what direction her life will take now, "Lucky?..."

Hearing his name the mummified guardian turned to his sworn sister and responded, "Yes Ankha?"

The Egyptian feline gave a deep breath, "…When this is all over. Can you stay in town around awhile longer? I need someone who can understand…" she asked which surprised Lucky considering it wasn't a command.

"Ankha…if need be I will move to your town and stay as a resident just to help you through these tough times."

"Thanks Lucky, it really means a lot to me."

"No problem sis…"

Silence returned to the elevator as the duo got themselves ready for the fights ahead.

Ten minutes passed as the elevator finally came to a stop. With a ding, the doors opened and along with this the duo got their weapons ready as moaning was heard from beyond the doors.

Lucky's P.O.V

Ankha and I stepped off the elevator only to be met with three zombies. I would have described what they looked like, but shortly after we seen them we quickly dispatched them reducing them to green puddles. Passing those puddles we noticed that we're in some sort of pipe like hallway with odd sciency lights trailing across the walls. We are definitely heading in the right direction since I can't really understand all of this techy stuff. We walked down the hall way passing dried puddles of green blood along the way.

"Just follow the trail of carnage" I heard Ankha said as she started to follow the trail. I followed her lead as these dried puddles must have been left behind by our allies who are currently ahead of us.

As we followed the trail we found ourselves again assaulted by more zombies, this time more monkey zombies, but something was different about them. Instead of the ones in suits that attacked us before, these ones have these robot parts attached to their bodies.

"By the gods, what are those things?" I asked as I readied my spear.

"Nothing good" Ankha responded as she got her swords ready as one of the cyborg zombies lunged at my sister trying to slash her with its metal claw, but she quickly sidestepped the attack and sliced the monster in half splitting it into separate pieces of meat and metal.

*Screech!*

Hearing the hiss, I instinctively thrust my spear in the direction of the noise immediately impaling the zombie. I turned to face the creature, but before I could see the creature I had to pull my head back as a flying claw just whizzed pass my face barely catching the bandages covering my face. With the danger gone I looked at the zombie as it finally died causing its organic part to melt while the cyborganic part just fell off and hit the floor with a clang, "Clone cyborg zombies?! Just what's going on down here?" I asked to no one in particular. Honestly, the mere idea of it is already ridiculous in its own right, but the thought that some madman or woman created these beasts.

"From what I seen so far, nothing good and I feel it's just going to get worse." Ankha said as she entered the door the two zombies were blocking. As she opened the door I noticed that there used to be a window to the right of us, but it appears to be broken as shards are scattered across the ground.

Entering into the room we found a decently size room filled with sciencey equipment and what I think some sort of computer system in the middle of it all. Too bad most of it seemed worse for wear and it didn't help that there was dried green blood on some of the walls, "Our friends definitely went through here" I comment as I examined the carnage, the trail of green blood seem to lead to another door in the area we used to be, but the door was closed. "And it would seem that managed to get pass that door over there." I exited the room and checked the door, but after some fruitless attempts to open it I realize quickly that it needed something to open it. I put my brain to work trying to figure out how to open and upon closer observation I found that there is a panel that requires a card of some sorts.

*Password accepted*

My ears perked at the sudden noise, it would seem that Ankha was doing an investigation of her own. Gaining my attention I returned to the room and to my surprise I found her going through files in the system.

"Uh sis? How do you understand any of this?" I asked as I was currently trying to comprehend how Ankha knows how to work any of this stuff.

"Lucky, I may prefer old styled furniture and clothing, but it doesn't mean I'm not keeping up with the times. Besides, I want to be an astronaut one day and understanding all this tech stuff is vital among other things."

"But how did you managed to figure out the password?"

"Oh that? That was lucky guess on my end. Apparently the researcher who used to work here thought it was a good idea to make their password, QWERTY."

"QWERTY? I heard that being some sort a phrase back in the town I was living at. I guess whoever owned this do-dad heard of it as well."

"Anyway, look what I found. It's mostly personal notes about this researchers experience working here. And, by the looks of it he doesn't enjoy it just read this log." Looking to the screen I silently read the log.

Personal log #6

I don't know what's going on anymore. Some of my fellow researchers started to leave me and when I asked them why they told me that if I see what they were doing I would quit too. I didn't understand this at first, but now they really got my curiosity and I needed to see what they were talking about. However, despite my status and my contribution to this research I couldn't get to the deeper parts of the lab no matter what I said. This is deeply frustrating; a pig of my stature shouldn't be kept in the dark. I need to know what my research is being used for and nothing will stand in my way.

"So we can safely assume that he found the clones didn't he?" I asked plainly.

"That's what the next log says, but thanks to these logs I think we have culprit for all of this."

"And that will be?"

"Somebody by the name of Dr. Cadaver."

"Dr. Cadaver? Huh, weird name."

"Indeed…"

"So who is the researcher that left these logs behind?"

"Hold let me check the profile and…here it is, his name is Dr. Cornelius Cobb."

"I wonder if he managed to leave before everything went wrong."

"We can only hope."

I looked back to the locked door which immediately reminded me what needed to be done, "Ankha, did you happen to find a card of some kind because we need one to open the door over there."

"Actually yes and there isn't really much else I can dig out of this computer, so let's keep moving."

Card key in hand we exited the room and walked to the door. Ankha swiped card down the panel causing a high pitch voice to proclaim 'unlocked' as the door opened in front of us revealing more of the carnage trail left behind by our friends. More green splashes of zombie blood lined the walls which seemed to glow blue and red. Honestly, it kind of disorienting. Passing through the hall we found several open cages also covered in green blood.

"I guess there were zombies in there." I commented off handily. As the lack of zombies besides the two from earlier seem to be more prevalent.

*Moan* as to prove me wrong three bear zombies entered the room we're in wielding ball and chains.

"I stand corrected"

The zombies started swinging the iron ball to gain momentum. Back in the day I had seen similar weapons, so I already knew what to do. I waited for the zombie to throw the ball and once he did I quickly dodged it and cut the chain causing the ball to fly unrestrained and hit the metal wall behind me. I had to stifle a laugh when the zombie looked at his weapon and charged at me, but before I could deal with him another chained ball was thrown at me nearly hitting me square in the chest. After dodging the attack the zombie who threw that iron ball was immediately shot in the head with an arrow killing it courtesy of Ankha.

"You're welcome" she said as she got to work on the next zombie.

I was going to voice my thanks, but then I remembered the zombie charging at me whom I quickly dispatched by cutting his legs before stabbing it in the head. As soon as I removed my spear from the melting corpse I heard the sounds of falling slabs of flesh hit the ground, another, vicious evisceration from my sister.

"Let's keep moving" she said as we moved on to the next room.

Thankfully the next two rooms were empty making our progress much easier however Ankha had a small freak out in the third room as big and skinny neon green spiders crawled out of the vents. This however was a good thing as Ankha quickly shredded the mutated arachnids into small pieces. Onward we found another empty room with splotches of blood on the floor in this room we found two elevators one red and one blue. Seeing that there was some green blood leading to the blue elevator we decided to call that one up. Imagine our surprise when two dog zombies showed up in our elevator requiring us to kill them.

"Those guys are definitely not getting a tip"

"Yes, that was terrible service"

Stepping into the elevator a computer voice said 'down' activating it as it took us in said direction, "How deep is this place?" I asked as the elevator took us deeper into the depths.

"I don't know those blueprints never really show the layout of the lab."

"So sis, how are you holding up?" I said trying to keep a conversation going while trying to figure out her current condition.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is I never seen you that enraged before back with the Hangedman. You were literally tearing him apart and when we had him in at our mercy you showed no remorse in killing him."

I heard her sigh as her eyes looked away for a moment before looking back to me, "Lucky you're smart you should already figured out the main reason why my anger peaked."

"Nacho…"

"Yes… I guess you can say I was going through one of the stages of grief in addition to that there is another reason."

"Which is?"

"You…"

"Sis?"

"Lucky…throughout my journey as a chosen immortal of the gods, I lost Bladeius and my father in the battle against Rome, I lost my mother and my siblings to the passing of time, and then I lost Bladeius reincarnation Ohkan. Basically, what I'm saying Lucky is that you are the only family I have left. You stayed by my side through it all and even now I'm glad that you still do. So when that creature was attacking you when you were hanging for your life. I was scared of losing the only person left in the world that I cared about, so I used all that built up rage and unleashed on the monster that caused that suffering. Although, in the end I feel empty…" she trailed off as she took sudden interest in the floor.

I nearly cried upon hearing Ankha's explanation. Second to Bladeius, Ohkan, and third to Nacho I'm the only remaining person in the world that she can pour her heart to and most importantly the only person who can understand her problems. There wasn't anything else that needed to be said as I walked up to her and embraced her in a hug. She returned my gesture with a hug of her own. Ankha doesn't know it, but I promised her father I will lay down my life for her. However, it would seem I will need to break that promise, for her sake.

"I died once I don't plan on dying again"

Ankha's P.O.V

I fought back the tears that threaten to fall. I don't want to cry again I shed enough tears as it is already there is no need to make more. Some time passed before we finally broke the hug I looked at Lucky and gave him a warm smile; I'm glad to call him my brother. Lucky returned the smile though it was hard to tell considering the bandages covering his face.

"What the…" Lucky said in a trailing voice as he looked out a window that we passed in the elevator.

My mood soured a bit, but I suppose it wouldn't last long in this environment, "What did you see?" I asked as I looked out another passing window only to be met with a large complicated looking factory, "Oh my Isis."

Our ride came to a stop and once the doors opened we managed to see the complex in its full splendor with many complicated machinery moving like clockwork.

"Great…how are we going to find them now?" Lucky asked.

I looked around for a blood trail, but by this point it would seem the trail became sparse as blood splotches are scattered in different parts of the area. Before we could figure out where to go we heard more moan as various dog, rabbit, and cat zombies swung by via hook in the ceiling and landed in front of us. Wasting no time I drew my swords and cut three of them down while Lucky dealt with the remaining two. During the fight my ears perked up as I quickly sidestep out of the way of a thrown barrel. I looked up and saw a gorilla zombie high on a walkway attempting to throw another barrel; like I'm going to give him the chance. I dropped my blades and quickly took out my bow, drew an arrow and let it go. Aiming for the head my arrow flew fast and true piercing the brain of the monster, but then a thought crossed my brain.

"Shoot, how am I going to get my arrow back?"

"I got it." As if he was reading my mind Lucky Using his spear pole vaulted himself to the walkway to retrieve my arrow. Grabbing it from the floor I already realized that the pole vault was a one way trip for my companion. "Uh…how am I going to get down?" Lucky bashfully said as he looked around for a way down.

I looked around as well, but nothing. However, as if to answer our problem a chain came rolling down a track from the ceiling, "Lucky grab the chain!" I yelled as Lucky spotted the incoming chain. With a great leap he managed to grab hold of the chain which slowly descended him to the ground. Fortunately, he landed a few inches away from me and once both feet are on the ground he returned my arrow to me.

"Thank you"

"Anytime"

Moving on…we continued on our way and found the path lead to another elevator. Seeing that there are green blood stains leading to it I can safely say our remaining friends headed this way. We stepped into the elevator and for the third time took a ride in the contraption as we were taken up instead of down taking us into another room that was oddly divided by fences resulting in one path. However, I wish that was all that was wrong with the room, for it is a warzone with blood, shredded metal, and shotgun shells. I shuddered a bit from looking at the scene, for it reminded me of the fateful day I lost Bladeius.

/

"I remember the day…we never stood a chance."

The rocking of the boat, sounds of countless warriors shouting, numerous ships ahead of us. I was pampered kitten until I was given a taste of harsh reality. Egypt isn't as it was anymore and now we are aiding a man to fight another man whom has one of the most powerful armies in his control. I wasn't sure why Cleopatra wanted us to help him, but it would seem we had no choice to begin with.

From what I remembered she and our supposed ally were behind us in separate boats. I never knew why until it was too late.

"Ankha, are you alright?" I looked up in response to the voice it was my father whom was a priest. I inherited his fur color, but that where the similarities end he was a confident man and was well built. He sported long straight hair that reached to his shoulders and it was straight dark blue. To the untrained eye most would have mistaken him for a woman if it wasn't for the beard he grew out.

"I-I'm fine it just that this is my first time getting into a battle such as this. Do you think we can win?"

"As long as the gods watch over us my dear."

"Whose gods? Mine or yours?" asked a gruff voice in a jokingly manner; his voice. Bladeius, a Greek soldier, who often visit the palace just to talk to me, he started out rough around the edges on our first encounter, but I wasn't much better. However, the more he came around the more we came to understand each other eventually we fell in love with each other. I was still young during that time being only in my late teenage years and him being in his mid twenties, so understandably I grew worried when my father and mother found out about our relationship. I swear to this day one of my siblings had something to do with it. Of course at first they were against it, but they eventually understood, however, not without telling Bladeius to protect me at all cost considering my status.

"Both of our gods if we're lucky" My father responded dryly.

"Yeah whatever" Bladeius was not wearing his usual Greek armor, but instead is wearing a Roman soldier outfit in order to blend in with the rest of Cleopatra's ally army. "Sir, I know you are a capable fighter, but why did you bring your oldest daughter to this battle?"

"I don't like it either, but Bastet, says she needs to experience a battle of war in order to prepare her for possible future conflicts"

"One of your goddesses huh? I still don't think that's a good idea, besides…I got nothing but bad feelings about this battle. I seen some of Mark Antony's ships and they are undermanned and word is that there is some sort of outbreak infecting the men he has left. I'm not sure what's he thinking, but with his army in this condition he might be desperate to get a foothold against Octavian."

"Ah, that would explain why you're riding in our ship."

"That and to watch over Ankha, she really means a lot to me. Let Hades take me if I let any harm befall her"

I felt my heart flutter when he said that. I'm glad he's here because this will be my first taste of combat besides the training I was given in the months before hand. I looked at my two swords and smiled knowing that they will serve me well, "Thank you Bladeius, having you and my father around gives me confidence."

"Hey, what about me?" came another voice belonging to Lucky.

Bladeius gave a small laugh at my guardian's expense as I blushed in embarrassment that I forgot about my loyal friend, "Sorry Lucky I meant to include you too"

"It's alright just remember next time."

When Lucky said that I saw that Bladeius smile faded as he looked to his feet and mumbled something to himself. This worried me, so I walked over to him and sat beside him. He took notice of my actions, but said nothing. Minutes later, one of our soldiers came over to my father and asked him to come with them. Seeing that he was needed he gave me a quick hug and left leaving only Bladeius, Lucky, and myself. We sat in silence as the waves crashed against our boat gently rocking it. I leaned my head on my lover's shoulder to ease my nervousness, but after spending some time in this position I could feel that he was nervous too. This didn't ease my worries, so I had to ask.

"Bladeius is something wrong?"

He sighed, this wasn't the reaction I was hoping for, "Ankha…I have seen combat many times and I have to tell you it isn't pretty. I lost a couple of good friends in terrible clashes and seen the life drain out of them as they lay dying." I gave out a small gasp as I continued to listen to Bladeius explanation, "Eventually, there came a day that I had no friends left and my life started to lose meaning. That is until I was sent to Egypt and met you. You are single greatest thing in my life that the gods allowed me experience and without you my life wouldn't have meaning anymore."

"Bladeius…" I was starting to become emotional. The man I loved had been through a lot in his life and no longer had anyone to help him through his pain. Now that we had fallen in love with each other he is determined to protect the only thing keeping him happy; me.

"Ankha…what I'm saying is war is terrible and it pains me to see that you will be participating in a fight of this magnitude."

"Too be honest I'm scared Bladeius, but I have no choice the goddess Bastet needed me to experience this for myself no matter how terrible it is."

"Trust me you're not going to like it and I'll hate to see you lose some of that innocence."

"Actually…this wouldn't be the first time I was a witness to something gruesome."

"What?!"

"This was way before we met I andt went like this…" I explained how I was almost kidnapped when I was a kid and Lucky saved me at the cost of his life. Bladeius was quick to give a double take as he looked to me and then Lucky.

"By the gods, but he's still alive right now!" He knew I have no reason to lie to him, despite the disbelief written on his face.

"My father managed to bring him back as an undead guardian, my guardian for his bravery."

"Your father is capable of magic? That's amazing! Are you capable of such sorcery?"

"As of now, no. I'm still trying to learn the basics along with my combat training, so there wasn't really much time."

"I see, Lucky you have my respects for your early death."

"It's nothing really, although coming back as a mummy wasn't really something was expecting."

Bladeius return his gaze to me, but it again became serious, "Ankha it's good for you to train and hone your skills, but take this from a soldier. Please find something you enjoy doing because the life of a soldier is short and unfulfilling especially if there isn't any reason to fight in the first place."

"Sure…but I don't know what I'm good at. I been nothing but a pampered kitten for most of my life Bladeius what can someone like me can be good at?"

"Ankha…that's not for me to decide. Only you can figure that out."

"I guess…but you'll help me right?"

In response he gave me an amused smirk, "Sure as long as you hold a promise."

I gave him a confused look, "Which is?"

Giving me another smirk I was surprised when he leaned in and kissed me on the lips. My eyes widen from the suddenness of it all, but I soon found myself kissing back with equal passion. I wasn't sure how long we were kissing each other, but as soon as we broke our kiss he whispered to my ear.

"Keep on living…"

I sat there flabbergasted at his request, but before I could respond I heard my father shouting.

"Cleopatra is signaling us to retreat!"

"What?!"

"Why?"

"Does it matter? Just do it!"

The boat started to turn the other direction retreating instead of aiding the friendly roman ships all of the Egyptian ships are turning around, but why?

"Ankha!" yelled my father as he ran where we are.

"Father what's going on?"

"I would also like to know why your Pharaoh decided to turn tail and run with the rest of her ships." Bladeius asked almost angrily as he found the thought of desertion dishonorable. However, I believe deep inside he's partially glad I won't be seeing any real combat.

"I don't know we are prepared for the worst, but this is unexpected."

"Whatever…" Bladeius then stormed off not wanting to hear anymore of this.

"T-This is unheard of…" My father then sat down sighing in great frustration.

"Father, what's going to happen now?"

"Ankha my child I guess we're just going to go home, but I can't shake this feeling of dread. There is just something wrong about this, has our beloved kingdom fallen this far?"

After answering my question my father continued his ramblings giving me no choice, but to seek out Bladeius wanting to hear his input. He wasn't very far as he was leaning on the back end of the boat watching the ships we we're leaving behind. I was concerned for him as a soldier it can't be easy for him just to leave a battle before it started.

"Bladeius?" I asked meekly.

"Love…come over here there is something you need to see." He said somberly as I walked over next to him. "Look…" Pointing to the ships that we are leaving behind I gasped in shock and utter horror. The ships closest to the opposing army were quickly boarded it inhabitants slaughtered and razed while the ones that weren't set a flame quickly surrendered.

"By the gods…"

"This is war Ankha, and it's a terrible beast. Your Pharaoh and her ally are quickly retreating from this fight leaving those unable to escape at the mercy of the enemy."

"I had no idea…"

"It's one thing to fight for reason and another without, but none of it matters if you can't back it all up." He gave out another frustrated sigh, "I don't know what's going on in Rome, but this sorry excuse of a battle is a sign of bad things to come."

"I see…, but why would Bastet would want me to witness such horrors?"

"I don't know…the gods are enigmatic with their reasoning, but one thing I know for sure it's mostly for their benefit at least from my experience anyway."

The screams of roman soldiers slowly started to fade as we continued to sail with the remaining boats. Eventually the screams stopped, but it left me emotionally scarred.

"If there is any silver lining to it all then it would be that I didn't lose anyone close this day."

I leaned against him we needed each other more than ever now just to cope with how terrible this entire event went. I could feel him physically relax as my body rest against his just simply taking comfort in my presence.

*THUNK*

Suddenly, the boat we are riding in rocked a bit after taking an impact to the right side. Bladeius' body immediately grew tense upon this and immediately drew his two swords.

"What was that?" He asked cautiously as he started to walk away from the rear of the boat.

"Something hit the boat" I said growing a bit scared.

"Exactly, but what?"

As if fate had cruel timing several roman soldiers climbed over the side of the boat with swords and shields drawn attempting to lock them into corner.

"There they are! Kill the Greek and take the feline!" One of the soldiers's shouted which caught me by surprise. How did they know Bladeius is Greek? He's wearing a roman soldier's armor they shouldn't be able to tell so easily!

"Ankha stay behind me!" Bladeius shouted as he got ready to fend them off.

"Attack!" One of them shouted as they all charged at us with shields raised. Bladeius did his best to fight them off managing to kill three of them before being knocked down by a shield. The remaining soldiers raised their swords ready to deliver the fatal blow.

My mind was racing with panic, for I could not believe this was happening right now. But I had to do something, and then I remembered the two swords I was given for the battle we retreated from. The thought of me killing someone is a repulsive idea, but the man I love is about to be killed and that was a good enough reason for me to pounce on these unfortunate souls.

"Leave him alone!" I shouted as I jumped into the fray. Remembering what my father taught me I used my swords to rip their shields away from them and in a literal sense disarmed them. Their arms fell to the ground as they screamed in pain and panic. Bladeius during this time managed to get up from the ground and silenced the screaming troops.

"That may have not been easy for you, but good work." He said knowing that this was the first time I had blood on my hands. However, we couldn't rest as we heard shouting coming from the other side of the ship and more bumps assaulted our ship, "Shit there's more?!" he growled as he looked to me, "We need to regroup with the others!"

I nodded as we both took off to regroup with my father and Lucky and hopefully we can come up with a plan. However, the fact those soldiers knew Bladeius is Greek is troubling not even Cleopatra's ally knew that he is Greek.

"Bladeius?"

"I know this isn't a normal attack. Octavian will gain no benefit from attacking one ship and taking you prisoner, so this is not his work."

"Then who's?"

"My best guess somebody from Egypt with a personal motive."

Making our way to my father and Lucky, however, when we got there we found a miniature warzone as bodies of fallen soldiers lay strewn across the ship with my father and my mummified guardian covered in scratches and blood in the middle of it all.

"Father, Lucky!" I shouted catching their attention. They ran towards us while stumbling a bit on the bodies with looks of relief on their faces.

"My child, thank the gods that you're alright!"

"Bladeius protected me."

"And she protected me. I'll admit the training you gave her really paid off." I blushed at the comment, but later pushed it aside considering our current situation.

Speaking of the situation, "Father, Lucky what's our current status on the ship?"

"Lady Ankha, we are fighting a losing battle. The number of troops that attacked our ship is astounding, but why would they attack us?"

I was going to answer, but Bladeius stepped forward before I could say anything. "They're after Ankha…"

My father's eyes widen, "What?! But there is no reason for them to take my daughter prisoner."

"If that wasn't bad enough all of them wish to see me dead. Again we have no idea why."

The clanging of swords and shields still rang strong as five more roman soldiers showed up weapons drawn.

"We don't have time for this!"Bladeius shouted as he parried a sword strike and cut the throat of the soldier causing him to fall over dead. Aiding him I quickly used my swords to grab the leg of nearest soldier and tripped him over as I followed up by impaling him with both of my swords. My father and Lucky managed to dispatch the remaining three using their great skill with their weapons leaving them nothing but bloody remains.

"I'm not sure how many they're bringing, but we need a plan and now!" Bladeius shouted.

*Clink, Crash*

The sounds of breaking jars filled our ears as suddenly portions of the ship are starting to become engulfed in flames.

"Bastards, they're getting desperate!"

The situation is growing worse we need a plan off this ship and soon. During this I looked to my father who seemed to be thinking up a plan, "Bladeius, these soldiers must have smaller boats in order to reach our ship undetected. We need to gather whatever surviving soldiers we can and make sure Ankha is on that same boat out of danger."

"You're right! Considering that this attack was recent they should still be near the ship!"

He looked over the edge and looked back at me with a smile which gave me hope that we will make it out together.

"Every soldier who can still stand, RETREAT! The boat is lost, but we managed to obtain one of their smaller vessels in order to escape. I repeat if you can still stand get over here now!" Upon hearing my father's voice several of our soldiers headed in our direction and stopped in front of my father, "Is this all?" my father asked.

"Yes, all the remaining troops have been slain in the attack unfortunately. Where's the boat?" My father pointed to over the edge and all the troops look over the edge and started climbing over in order to reach the boat. Once all the soldiers made it into the boat they told me I was next, so I did the same as those before me with Lucky following after me. We got settled in the boat and waited for my father and Bladeius, but only Bladeius came.

"Whuh?! Bladeius where's my father?" He didn't even look at me as he kicked the smaller boat away from the big vessel.

"Ankha, we needed someone to distract those soldiers long enough for us to escape and it was either me or your father, and…your father wanted you to be happy."

"No…no no no…" his words struck me hard. I couldn't believe it, but Bladeius would never lie about this to me. The boat fell silent as we rowed our way to nearest shore.

I wasn't sure much time has passed, but I found myself crying most of the way. I was partially mad at Bladeius, but I knew he didn't have a choice at the time. Lucky who was helping me dry my tears as he tried to comfort me. Eventually we hit land and disembarked once we did we started to walk in the direction of my home and it's going to be a long trek.

After walking some distance Bladeius decided to walk next to me. I guess he was afraid of me after my father sacrificed himself to give us time to escape, but he shouldn't worry anymore.

"Ankha…look I'm sorry I couldn't bring your father along, but I…"

"Hold your tongue love." He gulped a bit in response, "Bladeius…I'm still saddened and angry that we couldn't bring my father along, but after some thought I realized it was out of your control and I can't blame you for that."

"So you don't hate me?"

I giggled a bit before I gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "Far from it…"

"So what do we do now?"

"Right now, just go home."

Continuing our trek taking many days and many nights it wasn't long until we eventually ran into trouble, little did I know that this encounter will be the last time I see my love face to face. During our trek we stopped by a nearby oasis which was a godsend at the time and we decided to take a rest there. Honestly, I thought we were in clear until Bladeius alerted us to an approaching squad of roman soldiers heading our way. He told me that even if we make a break for it now they will see us, so Bladeius decided to run straight at them and distract them long enough for us to escape unnoticed.

"No, I won't allow it! I already lost my father I won't lose you!"

"Ankha…my light in the darkness of life if I don't do this they will continue to pursue us until we finally could no longer move."

"But but…"

"You know this has to be done. Not just for your sake, but for the families of these brave men who stood by your father."

Looking into his eyes I saw sadness knowing that he may not keep his promise to my father, but strangely I saw a look of knowing as if he saw this coming, "Ankha…keep on living…for the both of us…"

I gave a gasp as he leaned in gave me a deep kiss not of passion, but as a good bye. Tears started welling in my eyes as after breaking the kiss he turn his body away from me, drew his swords, and started walking towards the squad.

However, a part of me didn't want to let him go as I tried to follow him, but instead I was held back by Lucky as I watch the figure of Bladeius start sprinting towards the soldiers gaining their attention.

My tears started flowing like the Nile as I was picked up by Lucky and carried away never to see my love again.

When I returned home I told my mother what happened and she told me we should leave Egypt and find a new place to call home. Gathering my siblings and leaving our home with Lucky in tow we now wandered the landscape not knowing how long it would take before we found a new place to stay.

/

"Ankha…Ankha!"

"Huh what?!"

"Are you alright? You just spaced out. I had to carry you through the entire room"

"Oh sorry, I was just remembering a long memory."

"Bladeius?"

"That and more…my that day changed my life."

Lucky, I figured didn't question which memory was it as we continue our path. The room he brought me in was nothing to write home about save for a weird chute that led to nowhere, so we kept going using the key card to open the door. The next room however was much more surprising as it was a chamber with tubes containing cloned zombies it would seem most of them are dormant, but a few of them are shattered open as if something broke out of them. However, what was in the remaining tubes shook me to my core, for they were zombified clones of Kiki, Derwin, and Chow. I shuddered at the sight their clones decaying bodies.

"My gods…"

"Let's keep moving…"

Taking the time to explore we've eventually found a way to move forward and found a small elevator that lead us to a different room. The room itself was like the jail cells we saw earlier, but there are only two paths to go, but we decided to go on the one on the right and what we saw surprised us. It was a large room with a few bridges going across it going over a large pool of water.

"Whoa…if it wasn't for the fact this belonged to a whack job scientist I would have been impressed." Lucky commented.

I felt inclined to agree, but I heard something splashing in the water. Turning in the direction of the sound three new zombies leapt out of the water and blocked our way on the bridge. But, these ones are different; for they bore no features on their smooth bodies save for two red eyes and an open mouth revealing sharp teeth.

I was taken aback by their appearance as they laughed. Their high pitch laughing could unnerve the common man, but not me. I drew my swords as the little monsters started jumping around all the while laughing manically. Lucky position himself behind me due to the fact the free floor space around here is limited. The little monster started their attack by jumping into the air and throwing blue blades. With the right positioning I deflected the incoming projectiles as I closed the distance with the nearest zombie. Right before he landed I swung my sword upward slicing the little monster into two causing the other two to retaliate in response. However, one of them immediately became impaled by Lucky's spear before being used as a club to hit the other back into the water.

"We got to keep going, there isn't much room to fight on here!" I shouted as we continued our path by running across the bridge only to run into a dead end, "Great, now where do we go?" I heard splashing as the zombie Lucky knocked into the water leapt back onto the bridge and was seeking revenge.

"I got it!" Lucky said to me as he went to take care of the monster. Leaving me plenty of time to figure out how to proceed forward. Fortunately, I didn't have to do anything, for a lift began moving downwards. Unfortunately, three zombies hitched a ride one half metal zombie dog, one bear zombie carrying a flaming chainsaw of all things, and one gorilla zombie with exposed muscle tissue. I would have been horrified if it wasn't for the fact my adrenaline was pumping.

"Now this is just getting ridiculous" Readying my swords I waited for one of the zombies to rush me and lucky me it was the one with the flaming chainsaw.

*Mooaaaw*

The monster charged at me as I waited for it to swipe at me. He came at me at an angle and swung his chainsaw horizontally which I quickly ducked under and hooked his legs with my swords tripping the monster and causing it to lose its chainsaw in the water. Following up my attack I thrusts both of my swords into the zombie bear stabbing its heart and lung.

*Roaw*

Hearing the next zombie coming after me I pulled out my swords and quickly swung my right sword into the zombie dog cutting into its neck which only stopped halfway due to the metal parts making up half of its body.

*Muah…*

The zombie was slowly bleeding out; slowing down its movements, but it didn't have much time to suffer as the gorilla zombie knocked its fellow zombie out of the way, "Mindless beasts will be mindless beasts" I mentally said to myself as it charged at me only for the zombie to stabbed in the brain by Lucky's spear which stopped it cold. "I had it handle you know."

"Yeah, but I was getting bored"

I gave an amused smile as I hung my swords again and stepped onto the lift with Lucky stepping on it afterwards. Pressing one button we are lifted to the bridge above us and found another trail of green blood that led to another door. Following the trail we opened the door only to be met with a surprising sight. A man stood tall in a lab coat wearing sunglasses and wielding a cane in the middle of a green room.

"Ah, I was wondering when you two will show up" the man said.

"Dr. Cadaver I presume?"

"Heh, you been doing your homework I see. Good little kitty, you'll make a nice specimen right next to your mummy guardian right there."

"What!? I'm not a mummy!"

"Oh don't lie to me…Lucky"

My eyes widen when he spoke his name, "How do you know his name?!"

"How couldn't I know? Since my benefactor who funded my research told me to keep an eye out for a cat that seems to be fond of Egyptian style wear and a mummy dog. Although, he told me that you take top priority."

"W-What?..." I stood there flabbergasted and shocked that someone is told this nut case to find me, but who?

"Ah well enough wasting time. I can't keep his highness waiting, he wants an army from me and I plan on delivering with interest, so do me a favor and make this easy like your friends before you." He was then lowered into a hole from a platform he was standing on.

"Hey wait!" I yelled as I tried to run after him, but only to be blocked as a giant spider like creature fell from the hole above the room screeching in my face. "Wha!" I screamed as I fell backwards and back away a few feet.

*Hissss*

I ran up next to Lucky as I drew my bow ready to fight the giant monster, "What is that thing!?"

"It's the Hermit, looks like Dr. Cadaver doesn't limit his experiments to cloning"

"Does it have a weak point?"

"It's head! Aim for the head!"

Listening to Lucky's advice I fired an arrow at the beast, but it blocked my shot getting my arrow stuck in its leg. The giant spider then jumped into the hole and consequently we chased after it. We looked into the hole and almost immediately we had to jump back to avoid getting webbed.

"Disgusting!" The last thing I want right now is spider webbing in my hair, so note to self avoid that attack at all cost.

The beast itself was a fair distance away forcing me to be the only one able to attack it. This turn the fight into a twisted game of peek-a-boo as I switched from peeking out and backing up in order to avoid the ball of webs and counter attack with my arrows. This repeated a couple of times with my arrows mostly being blocked by the monsters armored appendages. This made me growl in frustration, but I have to keep my cool or else I'll waste all my arrows shooting the horrid thing.

*Spurt, spurt, spurt*

More web balls came my way, but like before I backed away from the hole to avoid them once more as I took a deep breath; if this doesn't work I'm going to hate myself. I stepped off the floor I was standing and fell feet first into the hole; straight at the beast.

"Ankha!" I heard Lucky shout as I stared into the eyes of the as I landed square in its head causing it to screech in pain which didn't end as I used its head as a foot stool to jump into the air in order to avoid it's reflexes. Time seem to slow down as I readied my bow and waited for my opening which came soon as it moved its arms away from its face to see what was going on, but that was a mistake. Releasing my arrow it flew and pierced the beast's head destroying one of its eyes completely causing the monster to screech louder in pain as it let go of the walls it was holding onto and landed at the bottom of the passage.

The beast backed away from me trying to remove the arrow from its head, but to no avail. It quickly gave as it faced me at the end of the passage obviously angry at what happened. Thankfully, Lucky decided to drop in after me with his spear ready to fight.

*Hisss!*

The beast hissed in defiance obviously it didn't want to disappoint its master, but unfortunately it doesn't have a choice in the matter. I drew another arrow, but the monster decided to be smart by covering its face with its two front limbs all while advancing to our position. Once it is close enough it lowered its guard in order to swipe at us, but Lucky managed to stop the strike with his spear by parrying the limb sending it in another direction knocking it off balance. Its guard gone and it attack failed I quickly fired my arrow striking it in the head again causing it to screech in pain, but I didn't let up as I grabbed three more arrows and released them all at once each one hitting its mark.

*CAWAAA!*

The creature backed up again reeling from the pain my arrows are causing to its cranium. Changing its plan of attack the creature aimed its abdomen at us, much to my disgust, and started firing web balls from its rear end. Lucky and I had to hug the walls of the passage in order to avoid the sticky shots which harmlessly passed the both of us and hit the wall that was behind us.

"I said it once and I'll say it again, disgusting!" I shouted as I got back into position only to quickly dodge an incoming strike from the monster. "That was cutting it close." Taking a few steps back I drew another arrow, but the creature went in for another attack. Thankfully, Lucky has my back as he swung his spear with great force aiming at the joint of the spider monster cutting the limb off."

*EEEKKAA!*

The creature freaked out as green blood leaked out of the amputated arm and attempted to retreat now realizing that it can't win against us, but I didn't plan on letting this freak of science live.

"Bastet's arrow" I said almost chant like manner as my arrow caught fire becoming a fire arrow. With the arrow ready I took aim and released the arrow, it flew fast and true and in the ultimate coup de grace pierced through the monsters head causing it to stop moving and suddenly the beast's body burst into flames as its body dropped to floor motionless.

I took a few deep breaths as I sat down on the floor taking the time to take a breather from all action thus far. Lucky walked and sat next to me as he too gave a deep breath, "Whew…I needed a break." He said as we sat together watching the spider burn to ash.

"We'll need as much strength as we can muster, so enjoy this while you can because once the fire dies down and I retrieve any surviving arrows we'll keep moving forward and chase after Dr. Cadaver and hopefully find our friends and the kidnapped villagers."

"Ankha, he said that his bene-bena-benefactor told him to watch out for us. Does that mean he was expecting us to come to the mansion the entire time?"

I gave a quick thought about the idea and it made sense, but it wouldn't explain the zombies coming and kidnapping villagers, "Possibly, but I also think those zombie raids on towns aren't just for him to gather more materials. I think he was using them to find us and by extension kidnap us."

"Whoa…just for us?"

"Exactly, but the better question is who is he working for? Just who is his benefactor?"

"Too many questions…"

"Not enough answers…"

We both gave deep sighs as we dug as deep as we can, but cannot figure out the full truth. There isn't simply enough information for it. The flames eventually died down and all that remained of the spider is ash. Placing my bow around my body I walked to the ash and retrieved any arrows that weren't burnt into a crisp; I only found two leaving me with fewer arrows than normal.

"Let's go Lucky, we can't let this madman have things go his way."

"Right"

Walking to the end of the passage we came to a drop, it wasn't leg breaking, so we both nodded to each other and jumped. Ready to end this nightmare.

? P.O.V

I don't know how, but I managed to reach this part of the lab without meeting too many zombies. It was mostly smooth sailing. Thankfully, most of the security has been opened up already. Damn these injuries I would have made faster progress if it weren't for them. Eventually, I made it to a room that had a chute which confused me. Why would there be a chute here and for what? Curiosity taking me, I slid down the chute and I found myself in a room with stacked chairs and a body lying in the middle of it all.

"What the…" was all I could mutter as I saw dried red blood surrounded the body. Using what strength I could muster I flipped the body over and I gasped out of shock, for I was looking at the dead body of Frog one of the agents that went missing.

"Damn…it was too late for you. Sorry Frog, you were a good man. I just hope your partner is still alive." I didn't want to be in this room anymore and so I climbed my way out of the room and continued to make my way through the rest of this place.

"Not again…I won't let it happen again."