Chapter 25: To Face Destiny
Author Note: Holy Freak this was a long chapter...er sorry about that folks. A long read awaits you but I felt it was necessary since a lot goes on here. Also an epic battle awaits you towards the end of this chapter. So read on dear viewers, just remember to pace yourself and take breaks reading when needed. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
"Ankha! Ankha!"
"Huh...? What?"
I heard a voice as I woke up, but not in bed, in a field set ablaze. I looked around and saw Isabelle next to me and pointing in front of me. There in the distance was a large monster blacked out in darkness. The only thing I can see is its shape, panic began to set in as my mind immediately thought that the beast was awakened when I fell asleep.
"Ankha don't panic! We are dreaming! I know it because the fire isn't hurting me," Isabelle demonstrated as she passed her hand over one of the nearby flames and nothing happened. I relaxed a bit seeing this but the image of the dark beast still gave me a sense of dread.
"So, this is the beast you saw in your dream? It's massive…"
"Yeah, is this the Beast of Calamity? The one you were meant to stop from appearing?"
"I believe so, but why are we seeing this? Is this a warning?"
"I don't know…but the beast won't hurt us. In the last dream when I told it to stop it actually stopped and hesitated."
"But that doesn't make sense, why would the beast stop from your voice?"
"I'm not sure either, but maybe it will stop at your voice too?"
"Will it? That seems pretty improbable Isa."
"Doesn't hurt unless you try it."
"Okay then…um…*ahem* STOP!" I shouted directly to the beast in the distance. I could swear I saw an ear flick before the beast halted in its destructive pursuit and began shuddering, "How strange…"
"I know…like it can understand us somehow, but it doesn't seem to work with anybody else."
I began to ponder the possible reasons, but none came to mind. How could both of our voices make the beast stop in its tracks? There is no reason for it to do that. The only connection I have to the beast is to stop it before it awakens. If it did awaken, then to kill it or seal it away. As I thought about it, a new familiar voice dropped in.
"Ah, I am not interrupting anything am I?" Bastet appeared behind us and her eyes widen when she saw the beast before us in the distance, "Oh my…have you been having dreams of the beast Ankha?"
"No mam, that would be me," Isabelle interrupted.
"You? Why would you have dreams of the beast?"
"That's a question I don't have an answer for my goddess."
"That's unfortunate…oh? Where is Nacho? Your male lover?"
"Chasing Aten, it's not a long story but a lot happened that lead up to that."
"Really? I'm all ears Ankha, please inform me."
I took a deep breath and began explaining all the events that happened. The defeat of the Volcannondon and Aten dragging us plus Ser-Ka into a battle. It was a fierce battle, more so for Nacho and at the end of it learning that Nacho being the second reincarnation of Bladeius. That last bit took Bastet by surprise as she knew Bladeius well as much as I have.
"I knew reincarnation is a game of chance, but this is simply absurd. The odds of you running into your lover again is simply too big to mention. Is it luck, or destiny that you two should meet? Argh…off topic, Ankha I came with very important news. The location of the Beast you see in the dream right here has been revealed to us."
"W-What?! The Beast had shown itself?!" I stood flabbergasted as Isabelle tried to get over her shock as well.
"Indeed, the other selected chosen for the task and those available are already being gathered. The Beast lays dormant in a place called Wyvern's end in the Old World land you visited with Nacho. I don't know much else but its important that you get there as soon as you can."
"The old world…but that's on earth last I checked…can you make a portal back to our world?"
Bastet paused, "I can…but I need some of my power restored to do it myself. Otherwise we need the combined strength of the other gods to even hope to make a portal back home again. How is the progress of my temple?"
"Well, the temple is already there, I asked Ser-Ka to deliver some materials to make it Egyptian hallowed grounds so it can be properly a temple. It should not take long after that."
"That's good, *sigh*, looks like you have to make a delay until then. The others will no doubt be there already."
I frowned a bit, but remembered two other gods walking among us, "Bastet…maybe you don't have to do it alone, you see…" I explain to her Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl and how my blood gives them back large amounts of their godly power. She was intrigued with this knowledge as a smile grew on her face.
"This is very fortuitus news, if you can get them to help then I can easily make a portal to send you back home and near the area."
"That's good, but am I really ready to face the beast?"
"You aren't alone Ankha, besides the beast is dormant. If anything, this is the time to strike!"
"It certainly is, alright, I'll do what I can from where I am. Still I worry for Nacho."
"Yeah, he gone fighting Aten. We don't know where exactly he went, but if you can find him, we'll appreciate it very much Ms. Bastet," Isabelle added.
"Hehe, okay girls, I'll go find your warrior mate as you do what you can from your side. Take care Ankha and Isabelle, I wish you well on your endeavors."
With that Bastet faded from the dream and the dream itself faded into oblivion as we finally woke up. The time to act is now.
/
After we woke up and did our daily morning needs, we went straight to work getting things done for Bastet. Thankfully, I was able to find Ser-Ka first and tell of my dream and Bastet's visit. She acknowledged this and already had some of her servants went to work making the temple hallowed ground. I informed the others on what came up, the remaining king, Taimolche also informed me that his brother remains comatose and unable to face trial.
I gave the downtrodden king my condolences as it cannot be easy to accept that your own brother committed such acts. Regardless he gave his official blessings and let me on my way as Isabelle herself looked for our friends while I looked for the two Aztec gods. Fortunately, I found out quickly that they're at their respective temples as seen by the number of worshippers outside. Thankfully, morning prayer and offerings are done for now and I was able to enter Tezcatlipoca's temple and found him meditating with his hunting tools in front of him and a cup filled with an odd brownish substance.
("You come at an odd time Ankha, I was just about to enjoy my spiced cacao. It feels nice to be out and about again. The people are kind to me, and my brother and we have been receiving more offerings of blood from the people. Enough to fill a cup which is all we need to maintain our power.")
He spoke castellano Spanish, something I can understand thanks to Nacho, ("That is good, as you can tell, this isn't a social visit.")
("Yes yes, I am aware, I felt the battle between your lover and the one called Aten. If anything, your lover fights like a true Aztec warrior. Never backing down, and never surrendering. I can feel it across the land and my brother felt it in the air as well. I saw this as oncoming change in the future. You being here at this time just proves it, so…what is on your mind?")
I explained to him in short of the coming of the beast of calamity and how I need his and his brother's help to aid Bastet to create a portal back to our world. He listened calmly as he drank, taking in every word without reaction. He finished his drink at the end of my explanation and had a look of deep thought.
("I see, you wish to stop Ragnarök by killing or sealing this beast. I can ask my brother to aid you and your goddess to create the portal. We just need some of your blood in order to have the power needed to do so.")
("I am well aware; a few drops of blood are nothing.")
("Of course, still there is one thing about Ragnarök that intrigues me. As a god who invokes change through conflict, I see it as the biggest storm of change should it come. A rite for all to fight for their place in the next age. But that is simply my thoughts, my brother would agree to your goddess's plan to stop the beast.")
("That's comforting to know…sort of. Why did you tell me that?")
("Is there no purpose for an old god to speak his thoughts other than give those who listen something to think about. I am sure you will not agree with me, but the world is fickle and will test your ideals. It may change or alter as you are faced with trials ahead or hear the ideals of those who oppose you.")
("The ideals of those who oppose me…I don't think I can ever condone somebody starting an apocalyptic event, but…I guess I never thought about why. What would drive somebody to invoke Ragnarök?")
("Exactly, I'll leave you to ponder that. What time shall I expect your goddess?")
("When the temple to her becomes hallowed ground, which would take less than thirty minutes if things go well.")
("I see, you thought this through well.")
("I must as it was my destiny to face the beast. One way or another we were bound to meet, just like the other chosen given the task.")
The god said nothing as he nodded. I took this as a sign our conversation is over and said goodbye to him as I left his temple, him responding in kind as I exited. There was still much to be done. I spent the rest of the estimated thirty minutes getting ready and getting some water magic training in. It has been slow, but every little bit of training counts I even read up some possible spells I can work towards such as I eventually met up with Isabelle back in the apartment and we exchanged information while she gave me a well-earned shoulder massage.
I have not even left this world yet and I still feel stressed. The perils of having so much responsibility on your shoulders. Still, I am glad Isabelle is helping me mitigate the stress. She talked to Lavi and asked him to contact the adventurer's guild so he can relay the message of the cult hideouts so they can do something about it. No doubt it's going to take some convincing before any action is taken though.
"So…have you met the other chosen that been selected to face the beast?"
"No…as a matter of fact I only know a few of all the chosen. Aten, Diva, and one other named Sanura who is the chosen of Sekhmet. Gods…its been so long, I wonder how she is doing? The last I saw her she was still quite timid and actually was Aten's lover at the time… gods…"
"Oh my…that poor girl…"
"Yeah…*sigh* this is going to be one awkward reunion. I just hope the other chosen don't judge me for lagging behind them."
"Nonsense Ankha, you have done so much already, I doubt they could judge you if they knew what you been through."
Her words brought me some comfort as she kissed me on the cheek, "Thank you Isabelle, mmm…sorry heh, I should show more of that confident queen that you know me better for."
"*giggles* I don't mind, but I like seeing you show that proud queen side of you. I'm sure Nacho would agree too."
"Yeah…I hope he is doing well."
"Me too, he might have fell asleep somewhere. I am sure he wouldn't be that hard to find."
I let out a small laugh, imagining a sleeping Nacho in the middle of a random dirt road somewhere. That man would go to the ends of the universe for us, his determination and will power matches the reason why I fell in love with his first life. We need to do something for him after everything is said and done, heck he is probably thinking of the same thing for me and Isabelle. I smiled at the thought as my canine lover massaged my shoulders deeper and lightly nibbled my ear. I could not help but give a small laugh as she kept going.
"Hahaha! Do you nibble on Nacho's ear too?"
"When he lets me, though his ears are smaller so there is only so much I can nibble. He says it tickles."
"Well, I am feeling a bit ticklish from you doing that hehe. Best save it for later Isa," I turned around and gave her a small kiss.
We shared a tender moment before I finally got a message that the temple is finally a true Egyptian temple for my goddess. I knew that there was no going back until the job is done and I will only be able to take Lucky with me as this is a matter only for the chosen. Getting dress and taking what I would need I headed out with Isabelle towards the temple. Focused and ready as we passed by many villagers as we reached the holy place. There waiting for me is Lucky and the two Aztec gods along with a group of priests and priestesses.
The temple itself was looking a lot cleaner and was refurbished with some Ancient Egyptian hieroglyph's and mystic runes. Already I can feel the hallowed feeling of a normal temple back at home. I felt more attuned with the gods here than any place. We headed to the center of the temple where the statue of Bastet stood in its black and gold glory. Activating my pendent I changed into my priestess attire and pulled out my staff. I uttered a small prayer as the statue glowed and came to life as my goddess acted through it.
"Ah…now this is more like it," She stretched a bit as the crowd of villagers and priests gasped and began praying joyfully. Bastet was surprised by the worship but enjoyed it as she began speaking in their language, ("Hello everyone, I heard you worshipped me. It is a pleasure to finally meet all of you. As much as I love to talk to you all I need to do something important right now.")
Bastet turned to me and I smiled, ["It's great to see you again, let's get to work."]
["Agreed, I will start on my end to create the portal. You do your part Ankha."]
I nodded as I took a sacrificial dagger and cut my finger with it. Slowly I dripped a drop of blood into the hands of the Aztec gods. It was not much by their standards, but it was all they needed. There was an unspoken acknowledgement between us as they licked the blood and became super charged almost immediately. They look over to Bastet and began chanting with her as the temple began to shake. Priests and priestess began chanting and praying along with me as I help with providing some power to Bastet. This went on for five minutes until finally a golden portal opened. In the aftermath all the gods involved look exhausted as they look at their handy work. However, Bastet knew time was of the essence.
["Whew, Ankha this portal will only be open for a one-way trip. I will not be able to make another portal until the job is done. I hope you are ready."]
I look back behind me, I see the worried look of Isabelle, who cannot come with me as this is a matter only the chosen can go to. I comforted her with a warm smile, "Isabelle, don't worry. I will return for you. Just stay strong for me until then."
She hugged me tightly in response, "It's going feel lonely for a while, but duty calls right? Heh I wish Nacho was here to see you off."
"Me too," I had a bittersweet smile before suddenly Ser-Ka slithered in with a loud 'wait!' while clutching a golden box in her arms. It was a big surprise as she stopped near us.
["Whew…made it in time."]
["What is it Ser-Ka? What's in the box?"]
["I…I…whew, sorry, I came to deliver a gift. A gift…centuries and possibly a millennium waiting for you. I was looking for a good time to give it to you."]
Before I could ask what was inside, she opened the box and revealed two swords in decorated sheathes. The handles were immediately familiar to me, I reached in and felt the history on the handle and pulled the blade out of the sheathe. My eyes widen and I can hear Lucky behind me muttering how the sword is a Kopis a Greek sword. However, it was more than that based on the heart marking on one side and Ankh on the other. These swords are Bladeius's personal Kopis's, his favorite pair of swords that we sparred with back in the day. Its steel has not faded, and the blade was not bent or damage. It was like it was brand new.
["Is this? What I think it is?"]
["It is, Bladeius's swords. He gave them to me before he headed off to his final battle, he asked me that should you show up here again that I give these swords to you. It was his final gift to you, I used magic along with normal techniques to preserve the blades. I figured it was a better time than never to give them to you."]
Waves of nostalgia hit me as I took both blades and sheaths and strapped them to my waste while putting my original swords into magic storage. A handy spell to place any excess items into a mini dimensional space. However, that isn't important right now, Bladeius's lessons came back to my mind and the dual blade style of Predator's Dance: Type Blade. A self-made style that I made from his tutelage, using two short length swords that do not have hooking capabilities like my Khopeshes. I tenderly caressed both swords as I return my gaze to Ser-Ka and hugged her.
["Thank you, this means a lot to me."]
["Anytime Ankha, I took enough of your time already. Go, your destiny awaits,"]
I nodded as I waved at everyone, not goodbye but as good luck as I looked up at Lucky who smiled back at me, "Let's do this, as a team sis."
"As a team, well here goes nothing!"
Hand in hand, Lucky and I jumped through the portal and was met with a bright flash of light. Our bodies traveling through dimensions until finally it came to a stop.
/
Our cross dimensional ride came to an end as Lucky and I landed onto rocky terrain and to my surprise a campsite as my vision returned. That is nothing compared to the group of people waiting for us, taking notice of our arrival and turning to face us.
["Ah…she finally arrived."]
["It's about time, I was itching to put an end to this as soon as I can."]
["Now now, settle down everyone. Ankha I presume?"]
I rubbed my eyes a bit and saw the man talking to me. He is an emerald Ibis dressed in more traditional priest wear seen in ancient Egypt. Standing behind him is a large Hippo man dress in golden colored armor and is wielding a large ax.
["Yes, that would be me…um sorry but we never met."]
["It is quite fine lady Ankha, I suppose introductions are in order before we get started. My name is Sekker, chosen of Thoth and this meat headed buffoon behind me is Akins."]
The hippo chuckled at this before waving at me, I return the friendly gesture as a brown motherly looking cow and sandy brow vulture male. The former dress in conservative attire yet still regal enough to identify as a chosen. The latter is dress in dark purple clothes with hints of navy blue decked out with some tactical gear.
["I would be Iota, chosen of Hathor. I heard much about you from my goddess, pleasure to finally meet you."] she said with a bow.
["Asim here, I watch over her. I'm her shadow so to speak,"] he spoke coolly as if he was trying to act aloof or impressive.
["I swear Asim you are becoming more and more like those edgy characters you see in modern media these days,"] she said jokingly which cause Asim to blush.
["So? I been doing it before it was cool…"]
The duo while vastly different shared a deep bond based on their interaction alone. We greeted them in kind as the next duo stepped in to introduce themselves. They were noticeably different from the others as a tall toned blue and gold female crocodile dressed in white and gold armor that looked like a battle dress. Next to her is a contrasting average sized bald tan human man dressed in purple to white gold robes. Another thing of note is his markings on his face which emitted some power.
["Heya! Anippe here! Chosen of Sobek and experienced warrior to boot, guerrilla warfare is my main specialty,"] she then pulls out a bolo knife which looked like a small sword at her size. Her size being roughly around six feet tall.
["Tch, you always loved showing that knife. Names Sudi, I'm her guardian. I'm not as big or physically strong as Anippe but my magic more than makes up for that. Pleasure to meet you chosen of Bastet and you too, Lucky."]
I was impressed at the energy such a big woman held and how composed her guardian is. Despite her energy he is quite unfazed and only had a smile on his face as if he is trying to hold back his laughter. They moved aside as an equally large lion man whose mane has slight grey to it and scars on his face and possibly on his body as well. Like Anippe before him he was dress in armor rather than robes, but his seems to focus more on protection and taking hits. Next to him is a male brown eagle who is dress lightly with some tactical gear. He seems quite focused on something as he was looking through a phone and typing rather quickly.
["Well met chosen of Bastet. Bomani, chosen of Anhur. I was born in Egypt so that is why I am here today. I am a veteran of many frontline battles, so you can expect me to lead the charge when a battle comes,"] he revealed his weapon as a spear which functions double as a javelin. He also had a sword on his hip, but the spear is his main weapon. Using the blunt end of the weapon he bumped the eagle guardian next to him, ["Donkor, introduce yourself."]
["Ah! Forgive me, I was making some analysis of the threat ahead. As my captain said, my name is Donkor. I am his guardian and was his second in command when I served him. If you need plans, tactics or some scouting done then you can count on me."]
["See that wasn't so hard, heh sometimes I wonder if it was a good idea for you familiarize yourself with modern weaponry and technology. But then again, I do enjoy seeing how warfare developed."]
Donkor gave a small awkward laugh as he went back to his work. Only giving us a small wave as he and Bomani went back to surveying the area when suddenly a white and gold male falcon flew around both of us. Taking us by surprise as the falcon gave a small laugh before landing gracefully before us. He was dress in rather flowing clothing that doesn't drag him down and share his color scheme, making it seem like it was a part of him. Walking up next to him is a quite large male scarab, I was reminded of Doctor Cadaver when he stepped in but he looks far more friendly and was dressed in sagely attire.
["Behold! I am Kunamet, the graceful twister in the Egyptian skies! Chosen of Horus and single as well!"] he took a pose before winking at me. I didn't know how to react before the man began laughing, ["I kid! I kid! Its just something I like to do; in all seriousness it is a pleasure milady."]
I relaxed bit and gave a small respectful bow as the scarab walked in, ["I swear you just love to show off in front of the fairer sex. May I remind you the times you did that to modern woman you either got slapped or got called a 'weirdo' before going about their business."]
["Bakari! I told you not to bring that up again!"] Kunamet said as his confidence broke away to a flustered man.
["Hehe, immortal we may be, but I am still older than you, young blood. Ah, where are my manners? I am Bakari as you heard, I serve as this troublemaker's guardian. Glad to meet you both,"] he gave a respectful bow and nudged the falcon to do the same. Lucky and I just gave some small laugh before thanking them for the introduction before the next pair took their place.
Taking their place is A white scarab man in religious robes and a tan dog who reminded me a bit of Lucky when he was not undead. The pair introduced themselves in an orderly manner, with the white scarab introducing himself first, ["Hail fellow chosen of the gods, I am Jakamun, the chosen of Khepri. You must have faced many trials up to this point, but what awaits us could be our greatest challenge yet. I pray for all of us to make out of this safely."]
He clutched his staff gently as he gave a few small taps on the ground as him and the tan dog began to utter some prayer. It didn't last long as they finished and the tan dog introduced himself, ["Forgive me, I am Ishaq, I am the guardian of Jakamun. I served under him before as an apprentice. I am doing what I can to protect one of the chosen of the gods. My power has grown as a guardian, but I still feel like there is more I can learn. Despite that, I hope I can provide as much aid as I can for our finest hour."]
["Oh Ishaq you have grown much since our time walking the earth. You'll do fine."]
["Thank you sir."]
We spoke a bit more before they left, and I was left with one more pair. A black and gold lioness and a male sand colored falcon. Unlike the others I knew who these two were, they are the only other people I knew that were selected by the gods. Looking forsworn into the distance, I knew this woman by one name, ["Senura! It's been a while hasn't it?"]
The female lioness jumped a bit when she heard my voice, she was around 5'6" and was timid girl the last I remembered her. Actually…I remember when we met again before now, she sent a private investigator to find me and to her credit he was somebody I knew as well. Beardo was his name, gods the memories…however I had to stop myself from reminiscing as Senura made her way towards me, ["Ankha! Glad to see you can make it, we were all waiting for you."]
I was surprised by her confidence, normally she would be unsure to head into danger, but it would seem the years had toughened her up. Well sort of based on her surprised reaction from before, ["I'm glad to see you too and your Uncle too."]
The sand-colored falcon gave a hearty laugh as he came up to us. I noticed that he was dressed in lightweight but durable armor that glistened gold in the light, ["You are quite a sight for sore eyes yourself too Ankha. Masud too, I mean he hasn't changed a bit."]
Lucky gave small but joyful laugh, ["Oh come on Uncle Kafele you know I go by Lucky these days."]
["Ah but to me you are that same child voiced warrior that introduced my niece to Ankha. She was her first female friend. You really helped her get out of her shell."]
["It was nothing, still it's crazy to see you two again. Feels like old times!"]
Senura and I laughed for a bit as this felt more like an actual reunion than a meeting like with the other chosen, ["Speaking of coming out of their shell, Senura I see you been working out,"] I pointed out her more muscular physique that accommodated her feminine form very well. I was surprised to see the outlines of a six pack on her abdominal area. This was all was able to be seen thanks to her outfit which showed off her midriff and her well-toned arms and legs. She almost looked like she was ready for the Olympics!
["Hehehe…yeah well I felt like if I was going to be the warrior Sekhmet saw in me, I figured I would work the body for it. It sure wasn't easy though, but it was worth it as my strength can match most men. You aren't bad looking yourself Ankha, you been keeping in shape as well, quite athletically toned not too much muscle and not too much muscle tone to take away your natural beauty. Just enough to be quick and nimble as you fight and look good doing it too."]
["Thanks, hehe, anyway how was adjusting to current times?"]
["It has been difficult for some time; I am currently employed as a fitness instructor since I know how to stay healthy. Uncle Kafele passes the time being a musician, he is great and is learning different genres of music. How about you? Last I heard you wanted to be an astronaut, how is that going?"]
I looked away a bit as I felt a blush come across my face, ["Umm…that's still a work in progress…I done the education a while back but…let's just say I have been preoccupied."]
["Oh, well I hope you will work towards it once this is over. Speaking of which, it looks like Sekker is calling us. Looks like it's time to get to work."]
I agreed and we gathered with the other chosen as Sekker had his staff out, ["Everyone! We all know why we stand here today. The beast we were meant to prevent from awakening into the world lays below us in a dormant slumber. Thanks to Asim we know it is within a crystal-like cocoon in the center of the area. No other creature or being is in the area and it looks like we will be able to seal the beast without much issue. Granted, nothing is ever as it seems so we must be wary. Now the main plan is to draw a magical binding circle around the cocoon of the beast, this must be drawn largely so it can be more powerful, so we need to work together. Once the circle is complete, we must chant a prayer of binding so the ritual can begin. I know it has been a long time, but does everyone remember the prayer?"]
There were no words of confusion and everybody remembered the prayer. It was one of the things they drilled into us to remember, even Lucky was drilled just so one of us remember this important prayer. With that cleared, Sekker opened up a portal and we all stepped through, ready and prepared for what waited for us as we all stepped through.
/
The length of travel was not long as we all stepped out of the portal and into a macabre den of some kind. We stepped on the bones of various wildlife as we made our way towards the cocoon. It was massive and shined with a reddish hue, it pulsed like a heart and each time it did we felt a small wave of power emit from it, a taste of its power. We could see the developing creature inside but barely. It seems to have a black line of scales however it was too blurry to make out the rest of the features. Another thing of note is that every time it pulsed; some sort of energy was being drawn from the bones surrounding it. Was it draining energy to speed up its development?
["It would seem our beast had one more victim before becoming this cocoon state,"] Kafele stated as he pointed out the dead body of a grotesque cuttlefish monster I never seen before. It seems to be covered in bones, the same bones we stepped on. However, that pales in comparison to the state of the dead monster which looked like something burst out of it.
["It tore it apart, from the inside. I assume the beast was eaten by this monster and it simply clawed its way out. Still the damage is unreal,"] I took a closer look at the body and was nearly repulsed by the smell of it's starting to decompose body. I held my nose as I noticed bruises, burns, and even slash marks left behind by claws littered the body on the outside. After seeing enough, I walked away from it, ["The monster's body looks like it went through a battle, a battle it clearly lost."]
["That's Chimerialis for you, the beast of calamity is known in legend to be a brutal creature. That creature stood no chance,"] Senura said with a hint of empathy. However, that wasn't my main focus as she said a name, I was unfamiliar with.
["Chimerialis? Is that the name of the Beast of Calamity?"]
She nodded, ["Uncle and I stumbled upon this information during our journey across the land. A man in Denmark had a parchment with the drawings of the beast and its name. It was there we learned more about the monster we are supposed to seal away. We learned that the beast itself will be vicious and would establish territory for itself once it would awaken. Other beasts and monsters must bow the knee or face destruction. So, in addition to widespread destruction, it will place itself as some sort of ruler of beasts."]
["That is terrifying, I can only imagine what it's presence as a ruler would do to the world. Chimerialis…its weird to hear its name finally."]
Senura agreed as we went to work with the other chosen to creating the ritual circle. Using our magic to create the lines into the floor. Anippe, Bomani, Akins, and Donkor worked together to move the dead body of the monster which was in our way of the circle. They complained that it was hard to move the creature without magic as the body of the monster is large and slippery. Regardless they moved it out of the way, and we managed to complete the circle, Chimerialis cocoon being in the center as we all took positions around the circle. All of us summoned our divine staff's and tapped them on the ground.
The circle glowed to life as ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs appeared in the circle. When that happened, we began the prayer of binding,
["To the rising sun that flies above the earth, to the moon that lights the darkness. Great gods of Egypt aid us to seal away this earthly blight. For through us and through you the impossible becomes possible."]
The circle glowed and chains emitted from it and latched around the cocoon. A whining sound came from the cocoon, a sound of distress. A sound that pierced my very being and for a moment had me falter mid prayer. It did not go unnoticed by the others, but they kept chanting. I tried to resume my part however the whining nose grew stronger as more magic chains latched onto the cocoon. The pain I felt was nearly unbearable! I almost wanted to scream as I felt myself fall to my knees. I held a hand to my head as I faintly heard Lucky's voice and Senura's voice panicked and checking on me and asking what is wrong.
After that, the chanting was put to a halt and the whining ceased. I groaned with pain as the headache I was suffering began to subside. To my astonishment it completely went away with no lingering sensation. I stood back up as the chatter of the chosen were questioning what just happened.
["Ugh…that was an experience…"]
["What happened? You were fine until the first chain of the seal was activated,"] Lucky said.
["You mean you didn't hear that whining nose? I heard it during our chant, and it was hurting me."]
["We…didn't hear anything Ankha…"] Senura looked at me with clear concern as the other chosen gave me a mix of confusion, relief, and annoyance. I'll admit I did ruin the ritual for a bit so I can understand their frustration, but I had no control over what just happened. Still, why was I the only one who heard it whine?
It was a question I did not get a chance to dwell on as suddenly a vibrating roar echoed out of the cocoon. We all had to cover our ears as suddenly three portals opened and out from the portals came three large, impressive raptor monsters that were followed by twenty smaller less impressive raptors. There was something familiar about the twilight-colored monsters the closer I looked at them. They have frills, a pointed crest on the top of their head and what appears to be a sac under its jaw. The frills twitched as they scanned around before they spotted us and hissed.
"Aren't they beautiful?" Aten's voice rang as he too appeared from a portal with the monsters. I gritted my teeth as I traded my staff for Bladeius's swords as I got ready for the fight ahead.
["Aten! Traitor to Anubis! Why do you dare show your face in front of us? It's foolish!"] Sekker shouted angrily.
"Heh, I wouldn't have shown up if it weren't vital to my master's grand plan. You see, I cannot let you seal the beast away. That would hamper the grand scheme, and as it turns out…I am not alone in this matter, for you see…these monsters answered the call of their king, their ruler. I simply followed them here."
There was some muttering among the chosen and guardians as they got ready for a fight as they brought out their weapons. Me, I noticed that Aten looked weathered and roughed up as if he went through a few rounds of boxing and lost. My thoughts drifted to Nacho and it caused me to smile as I knew he kicked and beaten Aten down. I do not have doubts Nacho won as Aten looks severely weakened but seeing him here only means he is desperate.
["Regardless, you sided with the beast Aten. With that we shall bring you down to face judgement of the gods!"]
"Your words are empty to me Sekker, out of all of you only one is worth my time. However, I rambled long enough. Beasts! These defilers are the ones threatening your king, make them pay!"
Much to everyone's shock the monsters listened as the larger beasts opened their frills as made a bird like call and shriek that the smaller minions listened to with their own frills. They hissed as a magic aura covered them. The three beasts roared a command as the minions hissed and headed towards us in three separate groups along with one of the bigger monsters behind them. Immediately Anippe and Bomani went to work leading the charge against the enemy forces. Their weapons drawn as the crocodile woman was the first to batter away the first wave with a swing of her ax while the veteran warrior impaled a few with his spear before swinging them away as well.
Despite the damage the monsters got back up and hissed. Causing many more of the close combat chosen to step in to mow down the forces. Senura and her Uncle jumped in and ferociously attacked, my friend using power fists engulfed in fire while Kafele viciously attack with wind magic. Creating an infernal tornado to destruction that broke through the mob of monsters. Donkor was providing supporting fire, using an magically enchanced assault rifle loaded with piercing rounds. Sudi was providing magic support buffing allies while firing arcane bolts.
I was about to join the battle with Lucky before Sekker stopped us, ["Ankha, Lucky, I know you don't need me to tell you this but you have to protect Iota, Jakamun, Ishaq, and myself. The ritual is still incomplete and while we can still complete it with just the four us, the progress will be much slower. So keep them away from us!"]
["Don't worry, you can count on me and Lucky,"] my canine sworn sibling affirm this with a thumbs up. Sekker acknowledges this and ran back to the others in order to start the prayer again. Lucky and I gave a knowing look to each other as one of the larger monsters headed our way with its army. It gave an order call and the little monsters glowed red as they all hissed viciously as they circled us and ran around us.
Blades in hand and with a spell in mind, I kept a look on the raptors as they ran, suddenly one stop to shoot a ball of 'spit' at me. I dodged the attack and retaliated by firing a water shotgun spell that blasted the monster into another of its brethren and out of the circle.
"Duck!" Lucky shouted to me and unlike some folks I ducked to the ground as Lucky swung his spear in a circle. Batting all of the minion monsters to side, I followed up by casting three fire pillars and spun them around into a fire vortex that began cleaning up the ones that tried to get back up. I heard multiple cracks of barriers breaking as the monsters started suffering the burning damage of my vortex. I was about to dispel it until the leader of the pack that attack tried to hip check us with magically assisted force.
I was able to react in time, but Lucky got hit and got sent flying. Fortunately, he got back on his feet as the monster focused its attention on him. Before I can go to assist however, I felt a cold chill run on my back as I knew who was behind me. Immediately I swung my blades to meet the staff of Aten who was looking at me with a semi-crazed look in his eyes. That cocky calculated demeanor seemed to have disappeared.
"Isn't it beautiful? Well…not as beautiful as you, but that cocoon is truly a work of beauty."
"What are you going on about?" I shouted as I applied pressure into the clash and pushed him back. Seeing him up close I can see the damage he suffered in full. His robes tattered and his face in addition to looking black and blue also appears to have kissed the wrong end of a sander machine. That smile is all for show as well, false confidence but desperation has a history of having people make dumb decisions.
"The beast is a creature centuries in the making! Far long after the first Ragnarök it was slowly being built and now, it is so close to being awakened! An art of destruction that will pave the way to a new world!"
"That isn't going to happen Aten! Not as long as we can still fight!"
"Oh, you poor deluded feline, if only you knew the truth. I pity you, I really do, if you knew what I knew…hehehe…well no spoilers…"
Having listened to enough of his babble I overpowered him and push his staff out of the way as I gave him a solid kick to his jaw. I swear I can hear bones cracking from the impact as he teleported away from me and held his jaw. It loosely hung open as he used magic to heal it back into place. The smile did not leave his face though, as he summoned orbs of darkness with his magic and sent them after me. These balls of magic were tricky as they were homing, and I had to stay on the move to stay away from them. One of the orbs stopped and began firing dark magic bolts at a rate of a machine gun as it got smaller. I managed to avoid most of them with a few nicks here and there. The next one ran into a random monster minion and exploded into waves of dark energy that blasted anybody that got caught in their radius. Jumping at the right moment was key to avoiding the waves. The last orb turned into a portal and summoned a serpent of darkness that hissed and tried to strike at me.
I had to stay light on my feet as I gathered mana to bring out my own serpent. Using the fire serpent spell, my blazing snake got into battle of its own with Aten's. Both coiling around each other and attacking each other with vicious bites. I went on the offensive with spells as I fired bolts of fire magic as quick projectiles followed by an explosive fireball. He blocked most of the shots, but the fireball broke through his defense. I took this chance to pelt him with five shots of fire bolts before following up with a fire pillar and fire mine.
The combo had him distracted enough to be launched into the air and then landing on the mine in a big explosion. I narrowed my eyes as I saw him get back up from the damage, looking worser as his robes are completely torched and I can see parts of his mismatch scaly body on his furry body.
"Oww…aren't you done playing with fire yet Ankha? Because I feel like I seen all your tricks already."
"Trust me, I am not close to done yet," Switching to using water magic I figured it was time to use some new water spells I learned in the training I took before leaving. My known spell pool for water magic is still limited, four spells last I checked. It was still enough for me to have use for them. With a smirk I cast the spell Aqua Jet, suddenly water appeared at my feet and I was propelled forward at high speeds as barrier of water protected my front, turning me into a water-skiing battering ram. Aten's eyes widen as I zoomed around him. Blasting him with water shots and the occasional Aqua Shotgun. Due to his damaged state, he couldn't avoid it in time as I pelted him all over the place. Seeing him like this gave me a sense of gratification as this man emotionally tortured me from the shadows for too long. It was about time I payed him back in full.
After a couple of more shots, I erected a water wall and crashed into it, causing a wave to form and sweep him away. With that done I jumped off my aqua jet and let the wave keep going. Leaving Aten to be carried away until he hit a wall. I smiled to myself as I turn my attention to Lucky who was fending off one of the leaders as best as he can, his spear stabbing the monster in the shoulder which only enraged it further.
["Ankha! We could use a hand over here!"] shouted Asim, turning my attention around to see him and the other guardians holding off a swarm of the minions as they try to interrupt the four chosen's continuation of the ritual.
"Go Ankha! I can handle myself!" Lucky shouted as he managed to grab the monster by the neck and wrestle it down. Needing nothing else to prove I ran up where the other chosen are and began assisting the guardians Asim, Akins, and Ishaq in fending off the minions as they came in droves. The latter of which aided in the prayer when he gets the chance.
["About time, we were about to get overrun here. These things are more durable than they look!"] Asim shouted as took to the air and grabbed one of the minions with his talon feet. The little raptor struggled to get free as he began swinging it around at increasing velocity. Eventually the vulture man let go and launched the animal into its own companions in a loud audible crash before teleporting in a cloud of darkness and assassinate a couple more with his knives. It took some effort as the magic barrier blocked the attack from reaching the animals before breaking and allowing him to kill the minion.
["Well, it's clear to see why, all of them have a magic barrier around them."]
["Yeah, those bigger ones giving the commands are the ones causing it. I do not know how, but they are casting magic on their flunkies."]
I watched as Senura raged up with a roaring fire as she began punching one of the leader creatures with fists of fire that made the monster flinched with each hit. As this was happening, the one that was hanging back from the main battle opened its frills and made a series of complex clicks and chirps before giving out a massive roar as all the monsters got coated in a magic glow and have grown stronger and faster.
["I think we found our answer,"] I grimly stated as the smaller creatures began to overrun the chosen on the field of battle. Forcing them to use their magic to compensate as wind, water, fire, earth, light and dark magic. Some ki attacks are there as well courtesy of the more physical fighters. It was surprising to see that these monsters are keeping us at bay, but we were still gaining ground. At least for a while.
As I slashed, kicked, and blasted minions left and right, one of the leaders made a chirp and suddenly the minions formed up into a wedge formation and began charging forward as they spit balls of 'spit' that splat on whatever surface they landed. Anippe was ready to break through the formation with her weapon in hand and her water ki.
["Bring it on welps!"] she shouted as her her magic flared and she sent out blades of water that shredded through the formation. However, one of the spit balls managed to fly through the attack and smack her in the face with a gross splat, ["Ugh…what did these things think to accomplish by spitting at us?"]
She wiped away the spit as the enemy formation broke off. However not all as it seemed as Anippe began to wobble in place and gave a visible yawn. This was a fact not only that I noticed but her guardian as well.
["Anippe! Are you alright? You look like you are about drop like a rock!"]
["Ohh…heya Sudi, *yawn* I do suddenly feel tired…mmmf…can you make a pilloooo…"] she didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as the great warrioress fell over, sleeping.
["What the…the spit! Watch out for the spit!"] Sudi shouted to everyone as he teleported the sleeping Anippe out of the battlefield and away from danger.
Everyone, hearing this, now fought more carefully as the spit balls became more common. I was about help in the effort to keep away another small squad, but suddenly I was hit with another wave of the distressing whine. I still cannot fathom why I could hear the beast's distress when another chain of binding landed on it. It was heart breaking to hear it all, but it had to be done. Unfortunately, I wasn't the only one who heard this call as the three leaders of this monster army raised their heads up and gave a synchronized roar and suddenly, they all lit up in magic power. It would appear they had enough and are pulling out all the stops.
I got back to my feet as the monsters all grouped up together and puffed their sacs before blowing out a purple gas together in a huge cloud. Kunamet reacted quickly to this and began creating a gust of wind that blew the no doubt poisonous gas upwards and away from us. However, this left the falcon chosen open as a barrage of spit balls headed towards his direction. I was worried we were about to be down another chosen until Bakari zoomed through the air and destroyed the spit balls.
A wave of relief came over me as I turn my focus back onto the battle. As the failed attempt to poison us and knock out Kunamet caused the three remaining armies of these beasts to bum rush us, aiming for the chosen doing the ritual.
["Ankha! Look out!"] At first, I was confused until my senses flared and sensed Aten about to blind side me. I was about to take the hit until suddenly Kafele swooped in and pinned the corrupted man to the ground. Digging his talons deep into his arms.
["Go! I'll take care of him! This is personal!"]
I nodded as I ran to enforce the others in defending the others. Lucky and Senrua grouped up with me as we faced the horde. A flurry of slashing, punching, stabbing and magic blasting as we seek to take each raptor down as fast as possible. I even cast a few fire mines and a fire wall to deter the horde and break down their numbers. Flying burning bodies were a result of my part in the battle. However, the leaders broke through most of the magic defenses all of us as a collective could bring up and some of the monsters got past our defense line. It was frustrating, but we could only do so much.
Asim managed to defend Iota from being pounced on, yet she still had to stop the chant and joined the battle just as the others did. It was all out war at this point and quickly the tide was turning in our favor as the full might of we selected chosen was unleashed on them. I was amazed at the level of magic and godly power on display as Sekker unleashed fierce arcane bolts from a magic wall he created that pierced through enemy lines. Iota herself used her magic to reenergize us and heal what damage had been done during the battle. While not combat oriented she had a few spells up her sleeve as she stomped onto the ground as a small cyclone erupted from the ground and blew the beasts away.
Adding to the chaos was a sudden declaration from the sky above, ["I'm back you whelps! Payback time!"]
It was Anippe who was riding a ball of water with her guardian hanging onto her for dear life. Its assumed that she was teleported back, but her timing couldn't been better as she crashed into the battlefield, nearly sweeping us away in the flash flood, but Sekker and Iota worked together to cast a magic barrier to protect us all. We watched as the beasts floated by, dead and or drowning. This stayed like this until eventually the magic waters drained away and the barriers were pulled down.
["By the gods, I knew you're powerful Anippe but I didn't think to this degree!"] my shock was telling in my voice.
["Heh its no biggy, but I will admit those suckers are a lot tougher than I expected. I guess they are the guardians of Chimerialis for a reason. Speaking of which we should get back to the ritual as soon as we can."]
["I couldn't agree more, everybody back to your places!"] Sekker ordered, but before we could. Senura noticed we are one member short.
["W-Wait! Where's my uncle?!"]
He wasn't in the barrier when Anippe's flash flood hit. A rush of panic hit me and by the looks of it Lucky as well. We helped her look around for the body of Kafele. We looked around the bodies and eventually found him coughing water and alone.
[*Cough, cough* "Ugh, these feathers of mines ain't for swimming."]
["Uncle you are okay!"]
["Of course, sweetie, it's going to take more than water to take me out. Though next time a little heads up would be nice. Heh, wait…where is that snake Aten?"]
As soon as he pointed that out, we scanned the area but could see no sign of him. That is until an unnatural purple glow began to shine through the center of the bone mass. The bone pile began to rise from the floor and form into bony beast. However due to the mismatch of bones, the monster was an amalgamate of creatures that have expired here. It gave out a twisted roar as laughter began assault our ears.
"It isn't over! I will not let you stop the beast's awakening! I will not allow it! Stop them!" A ragged Aten was seen grinning like a manic as his skeletal beast roars and began attacking all of us at once. Its long bony arms slapping the ground in an attempt to crush us. Despite its size the monster, it is nothing but pure brute force. I came to quickly realize that as we mobilized and attacked the limbs. The bones broke easily upon our attacks, but just quickly added new bones to replace them. However, our numbers and combined might proved greater as we knocked larger pieces off the monster.
My fire mines doing the greatest work in blowing up the limbs that touched the ground. Everybody else slashing, bashing and magic slinging that brought Aten down. We all watched as he fell and crashed into the ground, being impaled on one of the horns on the ground. His blood leaked under him as he lay defeated.
"Urgh…ah…"
"It's over Aten, you lost," I pointed my blade towards him. He took notice of my new swords and his facial expression soured.
"Your lover's blades…heh I hate seeing those blades…I hate him, I hate him so much!" He coughed a bit more as Senura walked pass me and looked over him sadly.
["Aten…I need to know, why? Why did you fall? Why betray your sacred duty? Why forsake me?"]
Aten turn his attention to her, and for the first time. Aten did not say anything, I was looking at his eyes and for a brief moment they flickered and briefly change color before falling back to his corrupted gaze. After that he began to disturbingly laugh and cry manically like a mad man. Eventually, he stopped and turn his gaze back to me. Ignoring Senura completely.
"Ankha…fate is cruel…hehehe…"
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Times…up…he…awakens…" Aten began laughing as suddenly we felt a wave of energy hit all of us.
We all got back up and saw the cocoon cracking and glowing with vile light. The beast was waking up and we needed to act fast. Sekker called out to everyone to get back to doing the ritual. However, it was too late…as a dark crimson fog began leaking out of the cocoon and engulfing everything in darkness. Confusion and panic appeared among us as we tried to regain our footing as another wave of energy knocked us to the ground and the sound of the crystal shattering and brief light shined through the fog.
After that, I felt something new and big with us now. I felt Lucky held my hand as a looming shadow with orangish reddish light going down the center of its body. Four glowing red eyes stare back at us.
The beast has awoken…we failed…
/
Post Note:
Bestiary: Great Jabawro's
Summary: The unholy fusion of three of the well known pack bird wyvern monsters: the Great Jaggi, The Great Baggi, and Great Wroggi. Its unknown what process formed these monsters but these ultimate pack leaders lead their posse of Jabawro's like an army. Spouting commands that can organize their army to whatever plan of attack they require. They also seem to have developed some magic power as their commands can strengthen their army and make them harder to defeat. They are loyal to the beast of calamity only and will defend their master to the bitter end.
