Chapter 28: Prelude to The End

Author's Note:

Hello folks, another chapter and well...things just doesn't seem to go very well for our heroes now do they? I mean that would be expected when a large dragon entity crashes into the earth with great impact. Well how does that go in the first place for our leading feline you will find out shortly after this message. In other news really soon, I am curious how many of you think how this is going to end. Only those who ever talked to me have an idea but for you who gaze at the screen. Heh well...I hope you are patient. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

Darkness, that was the last thing I remembered before the shockwave hit. We were unprepared for it and now everything gone dark. I did not know how long I was in this darkness, what I did know is that it did not stay that way. Images of a crimson cloud that spiraled into the sky with a devasted landscape that is growing new life. Inside the cloud was a crater and, in the center, I can see the beast resting, evolving. I should feel appalled that such a monster is continuing to grow stronger. Yet it looked so peaceful sleeping, it felt so close and real like I could reach out and touch it. I was going to until suddenly I felt myself being pulled away and a bright light blinding my sight.

That is when I woke up to a panicking Lucky trying to wake me up. My hearing was coming and going, so I can hear him calling out my name. My body felt so heavy, and my vision was trying to focus on his face. I don't think this ever happened to me before, is this is what it's like? To be at death's door? It feels cold…

"Ankha! Ankha!"

I could only groan in pain as feeling came back to me as my magical regeneration was healing my body.

"Oh, thank Ra you are still alive! Or conscious to be more exact argh! Doesn't matter! Hold still, that blast really messed you up, I gotta make sure you are in a good place to regenerate. Man…a normal person would be dead by these injuries."

I did not know how bad my injuries were. All I knew that I could not move a single limb as Lucky picked me up and laid me out on more comfortable ground. My vision gained more focus, and I can see the damage Lucky took. His body was heavily ravaged by the shockwave and possible flying debris. His wrappings all but gone and revealing his undead body which had a somewhat dry texture to it and black in color. I tried not to strain myself looking at him as he told me to relax as I turn my attention to the sky. Darkened into a foreboding Twilight when it was a blue sky before. No doubt the beast's work and just another mark for our failure to stop it.

The pain of knowing that hurted more than my growing physical pain as I regained feeling in my body. Thankfully, I can feel whatever foreign material inside my body being pushed out, which seems to be a mix of small rocks and even twigs from my body. The bigger ones being removed by lucky. I felt my bones reset into place and renewed once more as I can feel my fingers, toes, and tail again. When that was done, Lucky flipped me over so my tail can be straighten and any other materials can be removed. Eventually Lucky stopped and flipped me over again as the pain in my body was replaced with soreness. I felt him pick me up and ran with me through a dirt landscape. I felt comfortable in my position, so I simply drifted off to sleep.

/

I had no idea how long I was asleep for, but I woke up to clear blue skies and most of my soreness gone. I gave a groan as I picked myself from the ground and noticed it was a green field. My vision took a while to adjust until I heard a familiar voice, ("Ankha! You're awake!")

"Hmm? B-Bastet?!"

I felt a larger form hug me and I looked up to see my goddess hugging me close. It felt warm and safe in her embrace like if I was being hugged by my own mother. She didn't say anything but simply embraced me and honestly, I really needed it right now. Wish it were Isabelle, but my goddess is a nice substitute.

("Are you alright my child?")

("Feeling better now, but…the mission…")

("I know, Lucky informed me what happened. I was able to open a portal so he can bring you here out of harm's way.")

("What about the others? They were caught in the shockwave.")

("They're fine, their guardians were able to bring them here as well.")

("Where is here?")

Bastet broke the hug and revealed that I was at another piece of land in the monster hunter world. The area I recognized as the Verdant Hills, the landscape still untouched by the darkness of the beast. I slowly got up and realized my attire was completely mended, I assume thanks to the help of Bastet. Looking over the horizon though, I can see the crimson tower cloud in the far-off distance.

("I see it too Ankha, I-I…I'm sorry…I couldn't get my father er…I mean Ra to agree to help. Maybe I should have tried harder, then maybe we could have prevented this devastation. My word…the beast is much stronger than I anticipated.")

Bastet began to ramble at this point, and I was frankly shocked how guilt ridden she was herself. It eerily mirrors the guilt I felt for failing the initial plan to seal the beast. Its just a surprise seeing her like this as I never seen her act this way in front of me before. I reached out and touched her shoulder, she jumped but quickly relaxed once she saw it is me.

("Looks like we both ran into our share of problems. There must be something we can do, its going to be a while before the beast moves again.")

Bastet looked at me with surprise, ("What do mean? Is this from your connection with the beast?")

("Possibly, in my near-death dreams, I saw the beast sleeping once more. In a crater and evolving at the same time. So, we only have so much time to spare at the moment.")

My feline goddess looked back at the crimson cloud before sighing, ("Time is never on our side, its best for you and the others to rest up for now. Especially Kunamet, poor thing was near the impact zone so he got the worst of it.")

I held back a gasp, ("How bad was it for him? Is he in his sarcophagus?")

("Yes, unfortunately. So, there is a good chance he will not be ready to help when the time comes. There is…also some more bad news to share…")

I raised a brow, ("I am almost afraid to ask, but I suppose its better to get it over with. What's the bad news my goddess?")

("Ankha…this may sound crazy; I still find it unbelievable myself, but when I was tracking your connection to the beast. I have reason to believe that your connection to the beast is because Chimerialis…is actually your lover Nacho…") I felt a weight drop in my mind as those words left her mouth and she presented her proof in a scroll that I opened.

Slowly and dreadfully, I read the details inside of it. I saw the connection trail she marked out on the map section and it led straight to the beast. Everything…pointed to the beast no matter how much I reread the information, it still led to the beast. I wanted to deny the truth, my mind wanted to call Bastet a liar, but the horrible truth is that Bastet would never lie to me. There would not be a reason for her to lie to me. I hated that fact; denial is a powerful protector of the mind and a deceiving one as well. However, it had no power here there was nothing to pass the blame too.

"I-I…th-this…" words fail to form from my mouth, I really could not believe my eyes and Bastet felt my growing emotional turmoil. She hugged me close and whispered that its going to be okay and going somewhere more private so I can vent my emotions. I silently thanked her by tightening my hug. She opened a portal and we both stepped inside. Tears were welling up in my eyes as we stepped inside and onto a new land. Not any land on earth or world, but rather a pocket dimension in the form of an Egyptian oasis with bench and couple of chairs.

("Let's take a seat my child and just let it all out…") her soothing voice having me finally release my tears and I screamed my heart out to the heavens. I did not notice at the time, but my magic leaked a bit as well as pillars of water and fire erupted behind me. I stopped screaming only when I could not anymore and that was when I began to take deep breathes.

("My goddess…its not fair…it's just not fair! Is the universe going out of its way to spite me? First Bladeius, then Ohkan, and now Nacho! I…I don't know what to do anymore…the man who mended my heart and allowed me to love again is the monster I must stop. Is he even aware of what he is doing? Oh gods what would Isabelle think! I…I…argh…")

("I understand your pain Ankha, and it hurts me to know after everything you been through. Your destiny to stop the beast, the destiny I gave you. Never in all my time on this world did I think it would place you in this position. I'm so sorry…")

("It's…not your fault, Bastet, I don't think any of us could have known. Still…what can I do? Knowing that its him, there is no way in good conscious I can kill him or seal him away forever. I love him, Isabelle loves him, and I can't imagine a life without him by our side. He means everything to us. Everything to me…")

Silence befell both of us as I began looking for ideas. My emotions brought more under control as I distracted my mind with the process. I think back to the battles with the beast, and I recall that it never went out of its way to harm me. As a matter of fact, it did its best to ignore me and focus on the others. Just another proof that Nacho's mind is in there but not all there. He is acting like an animal after all, instincts must be his first and foremost drive. Which means in his eyes I am his mate. Then of course there was the dreams Isabelle had…the one by herself and the one we shared together. Though during that time, the beast halted when…of course!

("Oh? There is a look on your eyes Ankha, did you figure something out?")

("I did, but it's a flawed idea. I am thinking that maybe I could talk to him. If you recall the dream that you dropped into with me and Isabelle. Our voice causes the beast to pause so I wonder if this will happen in real life. Its wishful thinking, I know, but I have a feeling it can work.")

The apprehensiveness on Bastet's face exposed her thoughts about the plan. I reiterate that it is not the best, but if the beast went this far to avoid hurting me in the initial fights. Ignoring the shockwave that mangled me as he probably did not know how far it was going to reach.

("Alright, this may cause confusion with the others. Both the chosen, their guardians and the gods they serve. However, I must warn you Ankha that the beast needs to be sealed or killed to stop Ragnarök from coming as much as I hate to say that.")

("No! I will save him, besides what is the fate of the beast should it go unimpeded?")

Bastet paused for a moment as her eyes widen as she poofed out another scroll. She opened it quickly as she scanned the parchment, ("In the name of my father…it said the beast will establish itself as the apex predator of the world. Creating a new breed of monsters in its own territories. Essentially becoming the new wildlife of the ecosystem.")

("What if I change his fate then? Instead of becoming a monster of the end times maybe I can restore his mind and he can become a protector?")

("I…huh…I'm not sure how much this will impact the prophecy, but now that you mention it. If you did revert Nacho back from the monster, he is now it could put a wrench into the works of the prophecy. Maybe…and this is a 'big' maybe my child, this could reverse the trigger for Ragnarök the beast has created.")

("I'll take that chance then; I'll help Nacho defy his original destiny and stop his rampage!")

("Hehe, look at you up and ready to go, Still you must rest and make preparations my child. You will need the others help for this for sure. Just in case something goes wrong,") While she sounded supportive, I can pick up faint hints of nervousness from her voice.

I gave her a reassuring hug as she opened a portal again and we stepped through to return to the area where the others are. Who we quickly informed of the plan and what went on, it would be stupid to hide the fact that the beast was my male lover Nacho. I got mixed reactions about how I felt. Some like Bomani, Anippe, Sekker, and Jakamun thinking I shouldn't let my personal feelings conflict with the mission, but the others felt empathy with my plight and are willing to give my idea a shot in order to save him. The only one who couldn't weigh their thoughts is Kunamet for obvious reasons. So, we waited for his thoughts when he fully recovered. Our guardians didn't say anything, except for Lucky who stood by me and is all in with the plan.

With everything said, we began preparations and me I made sure to think about what I am going to say when I see him.

/

Isabelle's P.O.V.

Another base down and more possible portals that have been shut down before they can be used. We been getting more reports that other guilds have been on a warpath finding and destroying these bases. That is good but what worried me was this overwhelming feeling of sadness that hit me when I was sleeping. It was so bad it noticed that I was crying when I woke up. Was Ankha or Nacho the one crying though? Wait…did I ever see Nacho cry before? Honestly, I don't think I have, maybe Ankha but still what's going on? The fact I won't know until Bastet or either of my beloveds come around. Until then I just have to focus on the mission, but there is an uneasy feeling after each one we cleared. Like that they are just diversions, as the forces we ran into were not high grade as one would have defending something grand like the portal.

I wasn't the only one with these feelings either. Lavi and the others expressed these concerns during one of the campfire planning sessions. We threw around thoughts that we didn't feel like we were accomplishing anything despite our efforts. We cleared all the bases that were near Sub-Solla and expanded further along since then. Lavi himself said it best,

"I been in this adventuring game longer than most, so I know when something doesn't feel right even in victory. I mean come on if you were an evil god trying to be summoned into our world would you really go through the effort to have your followers make all these bases? I doubt there is enough magical artifacts to go around. So, they got to have only one true base and if my gut is right it would be somewhere in a city or highly populated area."

More than fully awake at this point I sat up and began thinking on what Lavi said. If Apep is an Egyptian God, then its not crazy to believe that he would make bases in Egyptapia. Have it close to home as possible, but wouldn't that be the first place anybody would look? Most movies and cartoons would tell me the obvious spots would be decoys, but this is a being native to Ancient Egypt. I cannot say for certain his mental thought process however if I were to stage a grand return I would do it in a land I am familiar with.

"Hmm…I wonder…could it be somewhere in Ser-Shinn? Maybe… I just hope we don't run out of time."

/

After retelling the others my thoughts on the manner. It was unanimously agreed we should head towards Egyptapia. Thankfully, Lavi and the others have a teleport function unlocked on their adventurer guild scrolls. Of course, Whitney has a teleport and portal spell ready for use as well. Taking the latter, Whitney created a portal to Egyptapia saving days of travel time from our current location. Of course, our arrival surprised some unexpecting locals.

"Alright everyone, lets refer to the document here. I been told the guild in Egyptapia already taken care most of these bases listed here. Just a few however they haven't found yet, which is a good sign for us as it means that they really don't want us to find them. So, we need to tread carefully."

"I agree, no doubt they will be keeping an eye on us," Whitney looked around after saying this, checking to see if there were any wary eyes.

"Got to stay on our toes and stick together. Bad guys like pick off adventurers when they are separated. Not to mention they are cowards too," Marshal rolled his eyes as he emphasized the word coward. Trying to sound firm and confident without trying sound cocky, to which I think he still needs to work on.

"I should have some potions that we can use just in case we get surrounded. So where do we go first?" Kiki asked curiously.

I gave the document a quick look, "Hmm…there is one near the plaza that we can check out. Is the area there cleared Lavi? Because it would be best if there were no civilians around."

"Yeah, it is, its cleared for investigation by the guild though not many people are happy about it since it is a well walked area for many of the civilians here."

"Then let's not waste time, let's go!"

I had a small smile on my face as I lead the group, I took a small side glance at the others and saw they had a mild look of surprise. I guess they are not used to somebody like me taking charge. Well, I DO most of the paperwork back home that Nacho is supposed to do as Mayor, I do not think its that big of a surprise that I can be a leader too when the time comes for it. Anyway, we made our way to the plaza and began searching around after meeting up with the guild members.

It was strange to be sure as they could not detect any magical traces or life signs. Which could mean that the hideout in question is empty or they have some sort layering that is masking them. Either way, our investigation already came up with issues as just as the reports there seems to be nothing out of place. Yet the document says there is a hideout here so there is something we are not seeing. Not even Yap-Yap could find anything even when he dug around.

"I'm not seeing anything everyone, maybe perhaps we are thinking too much inside the box?"

"Possibly Isabelle, the guild members did say though that they did check the nearby buildings and found nothing. Maybe there is something we aren't seeing."

"Right…maybe…" I went into deep thought as I checked the document. Looking at the few remaining hideouts, I noticed something that we overlooked. Each of the remaining bases are not too far from each other…they seem to be in a circular pattern. My inner engineering brain tells me that it is possible for them to be connected, granted the architecture must be structurally sound not to mention the layering. I am not familiar with construction in this world so it is possible that some kind of unique structure could be made with magic. I don't know what this means for the hideout mark here, but I can safely assume that there is no entrance here.

I relay my thoughts with the group and while skeptical, they did agree that there is something strange. Because of that we began investigating those other areas in the city. Each one sharing a similar situation at the plaza. No marking or trace of any kind, with this my suspicions are becoming more solid. There IS something significant about these areas where there are no traces to be found. Which only means that one of them is an actual entrance and they are actually one large base instead of just individual hideouts.

The problem remains though, which one is the entrance? We marked off the ones we already visited which left us with three areas to check out. We talked to some guild members in the area to check out the two other locations we headed towards the one that was settled in the marketplace. Currently cleared out for investigation, we quickly went to work looking for any clues of an entrance. Unfortunately, we couldn't check out inside the shops as they are locked due to security reasons.

Yap-Yap and I were checking the ground, seeing if any of the stone tiles on the ground may lead to a hollow pathway or anything. It took half an hour, but then Yap-Yap stopped in place after going over a circle in the ground. He looked at me with wide eyes and began yapping at me, my little plant monster has found something! Before I got a chance to tell the others I felt my senses flare up and I ended up rolling to the side just before a dagger met my shoulder and just grazed my pauldron. I turned to see the familiar form of the assassin that attacked Ser-Ka in the past.

She was shocked by my quick reaction as she stared at me while still clenching that dagger, "You again! If you are here, then we must be in the right place!"

"Grrr…you shouldn't have come, it would have been best if you just left it alone," the assassin said as she faded into darkness. I kept my guard up in case she was planning another attack, but nothing came. Even after the others arrived to me aid.

"Isabelle are you okay? We barely had time to register that there somebody attacking you!"

"I'm fine Lavi, I have to admit that I almost didn't see it coming either. I just felt my senses flare up and naturally rolled out of the way. She grazed my armor a bit though, so I only barely evaded her in time. There is good news, the fact she showed up to attack me means we found it. Yap-Yap root's discovered something hollow under that area he planted himself at, so that must be our way in."

"Great work! Uh how do we open it though? Is there a switch in the area or do we have to use magic? Or…the more forceful alternative?"

Lavi looked over to Kiki on that last option and she nodded in response. I assume that is because she has explosives for the occasion. Whitney quickly cut in before any action could be taken, "How about we informed the guild first before resorting to blowing a hole into the ground of a city? The last thing we want is to be swarmed by enemies, this is their base of operations after all."

"Er right, they might have already prepared a defense or is in the middle of doing one as we speak. Hold on I'll give them a call," Lavi pulled out his scroll and began making contact with the nearby guild, informing them to send their members. All we can do is wait for now.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

The day came and pass and those of us that remain we got ready to enter the domain of the Beast once more. Bastet opened a portal outside the den as she couldn't get closer due to some interference from Nacho himself. The Oroshi Kirin that was with us initially wanted to join us, but we are aware of the dangerous effects of the virus could have on it. For that reason, we were forced to leave it behind. Everyone else though built up some resistance to the virus thanks to their initial exposure, but a protection spell was cast just in case.

("We are here…") Bastet said with apprehension as we walked out the portal to a devastated land. We all collectively stayed silent and made no comment on the dying landscape as we turn our attention to the large wall made of dark crystal-like earth. There was no doubt in my mind that Nacho was behind this obstacle. The wall looked to curve inward, but we could not see how far it went.

("Nacho…please don't be hard on yourself when I bring you back.")

("Well first we need to reach him sis, Bastet we can handle ourselves from here. Just pull us out when things get dicy.")

("I will Lucky, everyone I know things do go well last time, but I have faith in all of you. Especially you Ankha, please be careful.")

("I will,") she said nothing else and simply smiled as she disappeared through the portal. We looked around and found a cavern entrance leading through the wall.

We walked through it and for a good five minutes we saw nothing but the light at the end of the tunnel. It was only when we reached the end we were surprised by a new development, we were expecting a crater as this is no doubt where Nacho came crashing to earth. Yet we were met by an alien like landscape. Crimson grass flowed in the winds, purple leaved trees rustled as if alive, and the dirt had a reddish hue not too dissimilar to the surface of Mar's. It was like a new ecosystem rose in the place of the devastated land here. Everything looked so foreign to us now and we didn't know what to expect.

("It's…strangely pretty here, did the beast create this in only a day?") Iota carefully got near the grassy land and flowers. Said flora seemed to be a mix between a Rose and Tuilp, yet there was something off about them. The cow woman got closer before suddenly backing away, ("Goodness! The flowers spoke to me!")

("What?! That's not possible!") Asim ran up to Iota and checked the same flower as we all came in for a better listen.

"Oh, there is so many of you!" The voice was childlike and gave off a chilling joyful laugh. The flower bend and the bud looked at each of us, "So many new people, welcome welcome!"

Suddenly more flowers began laughing and started welcoming us too. We had to back away in fear and tried to move on. Still the experience shook us to our core as this had us looking at any other plant life we came across. Thankfully, nothing else happened but the land still remains a mystery to us. A nearby stream had a vibrant azure color to it, and I could see brief hints of fish swimming through the waters. I had my suspicions that everything isn't as it seems and was eventually proven right when suddenly the fish jumped out of the water.

It landed onto the mud and revealed to be a fusion between some kind of frog like creature and fish. It gave a small ribbit at me before leaping back into the stream and swam away. Is all the flora and fauna a fusion of creatures? Just how is Nacho able to create this ecosystem after one day? Just what is the beast of calamity truly capable of? The questions keep piling on and with no answer in sight.

The more we traveled the more of the environment we see, various locals that includes forests, jungles, and open plains. The sights were both beautiful and unsettling as some of the plant life reacted with our presence. Some even exhibiting animal like traits like snakes, insects and even deer. We simply passed them by without much trouble, but I can't help but feel that they are observing us with intent. However, once we were out of range, they would return to normal wildlife behavior. Grazing and moving about without a care in the world.

("Nacho where are you?") I mumbled this under my breathe as we walked. Lucky hugged me close as we went along. Eventually though we stumbled upon a lead, the ground was feeling a lot warmer.

("The ground…why is it warmer here?") Senura checked the ground on both ends and confirmed the ground beneath us is indeed warmer, ("Yes, it is certainly not our imaginations. What does this mean though?")

"Getting warmer, warmer, getting warmer, warmer!" our collective thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of more of these flowers. A mix of daisies and sunflowers looked in our direction and began swaying left to right, "We know what you seek! The beast of this land! Our gaia our earth! But only to one we shall tell!"

"Only one? Can you tell us?" I kneeled next to the flowers and they looked at each other before nodding.

"Only to you we shall tell, mate to the beast, we know as we are connected to him. His thoughts, his memories. Hehehe, do you know where is other mate is though? She doesn't seem to be here with you?"

"Isabelle? No, she's not here, she is actually in another world. I don't know what she is doing though."

"Too bad, too bad, he would have been really happy to see both of you. This was meant to be your home after all…"

"Home? Did Nacho make this for me and Isabelle?"

"We shall say no more, but if you want to meet the beast then only where it is the warmest in this land where you will find him."

They gave a collective giggle before suddenly slipping into a hole in the ground. No doubt of their own creation. I got back on my feet and looked towards the others, ("Well that was somewhat helpful. Basically, we just need to follow the warmth, like a game of hot and cold.")

("Maybe, but it's probably simpler than that,") Sekker stroke his beak in thought, ("If the beast is emitting heat and warmth. Then there is no reason to believe the land the beast would be residing in would have less plant life. Perhaps more an arid landscape is what we should be looking for.")

("You're right, then we should avoid forests, jungle and colder regions should we stumble upon them. Let's get a move on!")

Without issue we got a move on as we continued our journey, this time sticking close to the warmer lands and avoiding biomes that do not follow the requirements. It was a long journey and took many trials and errors to stay on the path. Glad I switched out of my priestess attire and into my normal hiking clothes or else this would have been a bit harder on the feet than needed. Being a survivalist gives you that kind of foresight, something that is shared among my fellows as they themselves changed out of their holy wear and into more appropriate clothing for our walk. Many have a mix of hiking to leisure wear, Bomani obviously sporting military gear that looks to be obtained from the U.S. Military. Perhaps he served at one point? Needless to say, he appears to be more comfortable in it.

We faced some hostile life in our path, more strange hybrid creatures like flying saw nose bat creatures, armor plated boars, and even literal dragonflies. They did not like us stumbling upon their territory and I shudder to think what else we could end up running into. While we dispatched them without much trouble it was troubling to see that their bodies were reclaimed by the land. Which means they will simply reappear again. We camped twice and it took us two days before we finally found the biome we were looking for. Past the valley we spotted desert like lands beyond it that seem to stretch for miles.

The arid terrain looks unforgiving, but nothing we haven't experienced before, we did used to live in Egypt after all. We took one more day of rest and preparations before heading out into the unforgiving landscape. Despite there being no true sun, the desert remains warm possibly to hot like the actual biome. We ate our rations and began sharing stories with one another. I told them my experiences with Nacho and Isabelle and explained to them my history with them.

("I see, so you fell in love with not just one mortal but three. So that's why your insistent on saving Nacho who is the beast of calamity,") Sekker stroke his beak, ("This only complicates matters. I won't lie…it is inevitable for any of us to build relationships with mortals. So, loss is normal but the numerous tragedies you suffered is more than expected for even us.")

("Ouch…just…wow…that really put things into perspective. During my time with Iota, we seen many mortals come and go in our lives. Some I made good friends with before we watched them grow old and pass on. I was a simple thief back before I selected to be a guardian, so as you can imagine experiencing life as an immortal has changed my world view. As unlikely as it is, I would too be devastated if anything were to happen to Iota. As Nacho is to you, she is to me as somebody special in my life, yeah, I hope your plan works,") I smiled at Asim as he looked away, only giving a small jump when Iota tenderly took his hand into hers. They exchange silent words which got a small chuckle out of me. Clearly something is going on between the two, but it would be best to not bring attention to it.

I brings me some comfort I had their support but of course Bomani still disagreed with my plan, ("I am sorry if this offends you Ankha, but I still believe that this plan of yours is foolhardy. While yes, I understand your attachment to this man and he means the world to you, however what if your plan doesn't work? What then? Something must be done with him or else our world will be put into danger.")

I was dreading this question, as I didn't have an answer for that, ("I…I don't know…I am just praying it doesn't come to that.")

("Our gods may gain power from prayer, but for a plan like this you need more than a prayer. Do know that you are weighing the lives of everyone with the life of your lover. When the time comes where you must choose between the two. Which one will you value more?")

Silence befell the entire group as eyes fell on me. Lucky tried to step in help me avoid the question, but I stopped him. I looked at him with determined eyes and he understood. No tears, but I have no answer. Still there is something I needed to be cleared up in the air, ("Bomani, right now I am uncertain what I would do if such an event comes to pass. However, know this, it will be my choice that decides his fate against the world. He trusted his life into my hands, and I will not allow anybody do anything to him. Not you or the gods themselves will lay a hand on him and that is my final say on the matter.")

Bomani's eyes widen at my response, but that slowly turned into a smile that became a hearty laugh, ("Good answer! There is conviction in your words, and I can respect that. Whatever you choose, know that I will respect your decision even if it puts us at odds.")

There was some clapping and Lucky looked at me with a winning smile. I wore a satisfied smile myself as our conversation changed to the lives of the other chosen. Learning so much about each other while bonding as a team. Bomani explained his and Donkor's struggles in finding a place in the world. Being soldiers and not exactly the kind of people who would stop and preach about their god. They stuck together and mainly traveled the world by sticking to the wilds and acting as hired swords and spears for caravans.

It was an interesting, condensed tale that involves them meeting various types of warriors and even hunters in their travels. They gained their following by providing homes for lost souls or forgotten warriors. Teaching them what it means to be a follower of Anhur and showing that their skills can be valued more than just causing death. It can be used to provide and protect. Thus, their faith had been created and grew strong over the years despite having to stay in secret due to changing times.

Iota's journey of faith had a somewhat smooth start, granted after meeting Asim who was taken by her kindness. Her words to him had him think on his life as a thief and had him turn a new leaf as her guardian after deciding to follow her. As Iota was quite naïve about the world being somewhat sheltered. So, his street smarts proved invaluable for her journey. It wasn't hard for them to find purpose as her healing magic was strong enough to cure diseases. Tales of a kind bovine maiden protected by a dark shadow spread among the lands she visited. Even European lands couldn't deny her power. Though she had to go into hiding due to some rising tensions from religious differences. However, she gained attention from the female population for fertility and protection for expectant mothers. Asim was her shadow the entire time and protected her from those who would try to do her harm or exploit her.

Anippe and Sudi was a misadventure as the latter was the one who mainly tried to preach the power of Sobek while Anippe barely did anything. It was a journey of learning responsibility as the crocodile woman was just fine being an indulgent merc. Money, food, men, and even women, something that disappointed Sudi as he tried to put her on the right path but only caused the two to split. It took two years before finally her mistakes began catching up to her and her enemies managed to defeat her. She was at their mercy until Sudi came in and saved her. After that, the two began to repair their relationship and they started over with their mission. Their faith is struggling to make traction, but it is growing as they promote protection in hostile water ways and land fertility.

Jakamun and Ishaq took their time on their journey. Discovering cultures beyond their own, the main struggle was accepting other faiths beyond their own and understanding the cultures beyond Egypt. It was hard for Jakamun and had him meditating alone to gather his mind. After many days Jakamun decided to experience life beyond his own way of life. That allowed him to realize that he must adapt and not be stuck on old ways. While he is still firm in his belief, he is laxer with the beliefs of others and only those interested about the word of Khepri and what he stands for are taken in as worshippers.

Sekker and Akins had more of a smooth sail than most, but it still required effort as the Ibis had to find ways to make his faith appealing in the long term. Granted he was far too into his work that he could not relax at all. Akins did his best, but his partner proved to be stubborn and want nothing but results. It was something he was ashamed to admit in hindsight now as his physical health did deteriorate a bit during those years. Eventually the hippo guardian had to put his foot down and forcefully get him to relax and enjoy life. It took many trials and errors before they found a way they can relax together and Sekker could think of a more lasting way to gather followers that stays strong even today.

Finally, Senura and Kafele shared their journey where it was mainly growth for Senura who had learn to stand on her own. Her own inner strength to become a warrior and it was not easy for her. Her uncle had to show her tough love to toughen her up as how can a priestess of Sehkmet promote the goddess if she herself cannot be a model of said goddess. She described it as a special kind of hell that her old self was broken down and the more, she began to understand what it means to be a warrior. To fight as well to care for others as that is the duality of Sehkmet. The firm warrior with a soft side, kindness is not a weakness and having the decision-making skills to choose the fate of your enemies. That led to what she is today, a confident warrior that even an Amazon would be proud of.

With her tale done I felt like we were all understood each other better now. Save for Kunamet and Bakari for obvious reason, though I would love to hear their story. For now, we ate our rations and slept for the last leg of our journey was just ahead of us. Nacho…I'm going to save you.

/

Adofo's P.O.V.

I look over the large black sand pile with disgust. Preparations for Apep's resurrection is almost complete and here I am unable to do much to completely stop it. Not even I was told where this base is, so I only hoped that they are able to find it. I been doing what I can to sabotage the cult from where I am. Using some holy incantations to reverse progress and even dropping some grains of blessed sand to disrupt the dark sand. I been careful so far while my former master is busy healing in his sarcophagus. Without him I been able to operate freely however, the defenses of the base have been building up lately. I asked one of the cult members about this and they told me that they been discovered and are building up a defense in preparation for the incoming assault.

It may be bad news for them but for me it was the best damn news in my life. The nightmare is almost over and I can finally separate myself from this darkness. Of course, I still had another issue to deal with, the assassin. I can feel her presence hanging over me the moment I entered the summoning room in order to sabotage the summoning again.

("So, it was you…you were the one sabotaging the ritual.")

I felt her blade in my back, but I remain resolute as I had nothing to lose at the moment, ("Yes it was me, and I do not regret it. I know my ex-master is strong arming you into his service, but I implore you to let me do this. For the sake of the world and all who live in it.")

("That depends, can you free him? The man cursed by Aten, the whole reason why I am here?")

("I'll do what I can, but I need you to work with me.")

I heard her sigh, ("I really don't want to fight Isabelle or the others. I already had enough things on my rap sheet already.")

("Then help me, its not too late to make amends before they learn its you. I'm sure the man you care for so much would say the same thing.")

("Don't you dare bring him up! I…just…I done so many things I regret while working for Aten. I just can't take it…")

She dropped her blade as I turn around to face her. Her ethereal eyes behind the mask showing clear signs of wanting to let loose tears, but she refused to let them fall. I tried to comfort her the best I can, but before I could get a word out, suddenly the entire room shook. I could hear shouting as the sounds clashing blades and flinging spells came from the main hall. The battle has finally started and hopefully this ambition will die here and today.