Chapter 30: Determination to Fight
Author's note: Can you feel the final chapters closing in? I know I do, and well the anticipation is killing me. I am glad that many of you readers stayed with this story despite chapter lengths and well just the general progression of the story. Even though all of you are silent readers my appreciation for you people remains the same as you gave my story the time and day. I could go on but this isn't the end of the story yet, so I'll save it for later. In the meantime enjoy the chapter. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!
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Ankha's P.O.V.
I was almost seeing red as I rushed Apep with Bladeius's swords, ready to dig into his flesh. His response was to fire dark bolts in rapid succession, his face unchanging as I dodged his projectile spells. Leaping into the air I poised to look like I was aiming for a swift blade strike, but before pushing my momentum forward, I saw he was readying his staff. In turn, in the middle of the attack I changed into forward dive kick motion, which was still blocked by his staff, but I was able to jump off the staff and make distance.
"You're foolish to try and face me."
"Hadn't stopped me before in the past."
Apep did not acknowledge my statement before creating orbs of darkness and sending them after me. I had to keep running as their speed was pretty fast, however, just before I could run, magical bars of magic imprisoned me in a small space with the orbs. With less space to work with I was forced to stay on the move as the orbs bounced off the bars and each other. Turning this cage into a chaotic death trap. Thinking fast I imbued one of my swords in fire after dodging some of the orbs. In one swift slash I cut through the magical bars and leapt out just before the orbs exploded in the cage.
I began to retaliate by firing five fire bolts in his direction. He blocked a couple with a barrier however the last two he swiftly avoided and fired magical spires to try and impale me. I barely dodged each one in time as they crashed into the arena. However, knowing him this is not the end of the magic attack. I made some distance from the spires and as I figured they began arcing magical energy off each other. Emitting waves of arcane static that skated across the floor and they did not stop either. I had to keep hoping in time to the arcane waves but doing so limited my movement. Something Apep took advantage off.
Immediately, he zoomed in on my position and batted me from the air with a magic pulse. When I landed, I felt a surge of pain swept across my body. It was clear that I landed on the arcing magic energy and I was feeling the consequence of touching it. It only lasted for a few seconds as I toughed out the pain and got back on my feet. Apep kept up his assault though as pillars of lightning and fire bolts in my direction. It was like a bullet hell and there was nothing I can do but dodge which was easier said than done. Some of the bolts managed to graze me and left a small searing sensation that I had to ignore in order to not be pelted by the magical assault. It was clear though he was simply toying with me. Trapping me and limiting my movements.
There must be a way to break out of this, even if he had a large mana pool there has to be a gap to his attack somewhere. Focusing my senses, the projectiles seem to slow down a tad bit to allow me to see their spread. Eventually I was able to see a gap and that is when I took my chance. Using my Aqua Shotgun spell I was able to cancel out most of the incoming attacks before transferring into a quick fireball spell that managed to nail him in the face. The attack causing him to flinch and allowing me to escape the electric trap and focus my efforts on the spires stuck in the ground.
Deftly hopping and keeping eyes on Apep before throwing a fire mine into the center of the spires. Their magic hitting and activating the mine, causing it to explode and shattering the spires. With those gone my attention returned to the evil god who already got to work firing off more spells. This time firing off orbs of static that surrounded me, staying two feet away and orbiting around me. No matter where I run, they kept up, they are a homing spell and a delayed one at that. Adding to my troubles is Apep tapping his staff on the ground. I felt the floor underneath me heat up and immediately I quickly dashed out of the way as a pillar of fire erupted from my former spot. Even after avoiding that I felt the floor underneath me heat up again, he made it fire in chained succession!
"Your stamina is impressive, your athletic skill as well. However, you can only run for so long. Eventually it will be check mate."
I focused more on the current active spell than his voice as after I dodged another pillar, it was followed up with two of the orbs opening up and rushing at me. I had to commit to a slide just to avoid the crashing spell as they were no longer tracking me when they attacked. I fired some fire bolts his way and he simply blocked them with a barrier. With me running around from two of his spells he can completely focus on me and react to my attacks. I had to break his focus so I can get an opening. I have an idea, but I am not sure how effective it will be. Still, it was better than nothing.
Dodging a few more times I focused on conjuring an orb of water at the tip of my right sword. I made it a decent size before flinging it at Apep. The slow-moving ball had the god roll his eyes before putting up a barrier again. However, this is my chance as I fired a fireball into the orb and forced it to explode into steam. Not only heating up the arena but also creating cover for me to hide in. The pillars of fire ceased now that the god was taken by surprise by the combo. Staying quick footed I ran into the mist and quickly tracked down Apep as another pair of electric orbs prepare to crash into each other. I smiled as I found the snake god which I vaulted over him as the orbs crashed into him.
A small smile left my face as I saw him cry out with pain and was physically stunned from moving. Taking advantage of the open moment I drove my blades into his sides and pulled them out before delivering a solid kick to the back of the head. Coating one of the swords in fire I drove into Apep's tail and this time limiting his movements for a change. This earned another call of agony as he got up from the ground with an aura of darkness hovering around him. He may not express it, but he is angry. He prevented me from getting closer with another magic force blast and in a swift motion cleared out the mist.
I was getting ready for his next move until suddenly I felt a magical hold on me. Magic telekinesis, unlike mines his is far stronger as he effortlessly picked me up and began slamming me into the ground. He repeated this six times before generating two walls to the side of me and slamming me against them. My vision would grow blurry, my mind become foggy, and my consciousness fade in and out. This pain would only end with a wakeup call as I felt my body compacted into a ball of darkness. I could not see anything until suddenly a torrent of fire lit up the darkness and I find myself being launched from the darkness to tumbling onto the ground.
My body slow to respond to getting back up, I was forced to struggle to maintain my balance as my mind recovers from the slams. Eventually, my body recovered enough to stand and hear as a brief feeling of pain came and went. I realized at this point I lost my sword as Apep from the corner of my eye pulled out the sword I left in his tail. He inspected the blade inquisitively before throwing it at my feet. Looking around I found the other blade six feet away to my left.
"I am impressed Ankha that you managed to last this long. Despite what I heard, you kept pace with the other chosen. Even managed to hurt me, however as you clearly can tell our power are far different from one another. You can barely stand after that last attack, so tell me do you still wish to keep fighting?"
"You already know the answer to that already Apep," I was able to right myself as my body recovered more.
The evil god gave an amused small laugh, "Of course, it's in your eyes. Your unwavering conviction to your goals. Its not just that man that gives you that will fight, your mother, Bastet, your friends and of course that canine lover as well. You experienced many lifetimes worth of experience, far more than any other chosen. Its commendable that you held on mentally throughout all of it. It's a shame really that we sit at opposing sides, but I am not foolish to think I could sway you to my side."
"That is about the only smart thing I heard you say all day, so what do you plan on doing then if you beat me?"
"Nothing too great, I rather see you out of the way of my goals. My plans have nothing to do with you. If only you knew the truth about my existence, why I became so hated and feared among the Egyptian people. A monster, a demon to be hated and loathed…yet I loved the same people who would continue to demonize me."
I had no idea what he was going on about. I was raised being told that he was nothing but a snake with desires to sow chaos and destruction. So far that has been proven right since he is using Nacho as an instrument of pure calamity. Nacho…I had to do it for him, he needs me to stop him or else he will just have more things to regret later. I managed to fully recover but I can still feel myself feeling a bit winded. I did not exactly have time up to this point to fully rest and already my stamina is starting to wane.
"Listen you, I don't care right now about your issues. All I am concerned with is that you are in my way. God or not, I am saving Nacho from you one way or another!"
Apep smiled and let out a grim chuckle, "Yes of course…how foolish of me to assume that you wished to hear the ramblings of a 'evil' god. Forgive me, it's just I have a lot on my mind."
Picking up the sword at my feet I made mental notes on my next course of action as I spoke, "I can only imagine. Are you done running your mouth so we can continue our battle? I want to win this sooner rather than later."
Apep only stared at me with a raised brow before readying his staff, "Presumptuous, aren't we? Fine let us get this over with."
The evil god quickly slithered to my location as our weapons collided. I was able to apply more pressure with one sword, but Apep's physical strength is superior to my own. I growled as I activated hyper mode which was shown in my arms being covered in a dark crimson aura. The sight surprising Apep as I was winning the struggle. However, it was for naught as I felt his scaly body coil around me and began to crush me. Still, I retain a burning gaze of defiance as I held out and mentally cast an immolation spell which coated my body in fire that forced Apep off of me. I managed to breathe a bit easy as I ended the spell as I leapt back and collected my other sword.
Apep only smiled in amusement before we clashed again. This time I was mindful of his tail and expended more effort staying light on my feet as our weapons clashed. My enhanced strength giving me an edge in throwing him off balance. Giving me openings to slice, stab and even kick him when it was appropriate. Despite casing him to bleed he did not slow down with his attacks. Using wide movements with his staff mixed in with magic force blasts to prevent me from advancing at every open moment. He even threw me off balance a couple of times using his magic telekinesis to throw off my footing and leave me open to a couple of blunt strikes and full force electrical blasts. Our exchange of blows only gotten stronger and fiercer as it dragged out.
As much as I wanted to bring out Audiotoria to help me in this fight, that idea may be impossible as Apep might be quick on the draw to knock out the summoning stone from my hand. So not risking that for sure. The more that I think about it the less optimal options I must work with. Facing facts there was no way I was going to win the endurance part of this fight. Even though my blades are doing increased damage to him, he is hitting me just as hard if not harder.
"This has been fun, but I must be going now. If I am correct, enough time has passed to allow the beast to cause sufficient damage to bring out your precious gods. Knowing you, you may prove to be a nuisance in the long run. So time for you to take a nap."
I felt my eyes bulge out of my head as Apep knocked the wind out of me by hitting me in abdomen with the butt of his staff. My body was left reeling as everything went black again as for a brief moment, I felt the head of his staff hit me in temple. Everything became a blur again as my body tried to reorient itself, try to stay awake as my vision flashed between consciousness and unconsciousness. Each flash I caught Apep moving closer and closer, he rolled me over on my back and inspected my face. His voice came out like an echo in my ears.
"Still holding on? Such tenacity, but pointless, nevertheless. Let go, and let the darkness take you."
He extended a hand out, readying to knock me out for good. I wanted to do something, but my body will not respond. Mentally shouting at myself to not give up now just as a way to keep my thinking clear. Still, what can I do? There are limits at the speed of my regeneration and there is no way it can restore functionality to my limbs before his attack hits. Yet I refused to give up there. Nacho needs me and there is no way I am going to let Apep walk away from this! I just cannot!
I narrowed my eyes as suddenly I felt a rush of force and then everything went black. There was a feeling of weightlessness unlike the cold touch of near death. No feeling of cold and isolation, but instead a fleeting sensation of flow through my body. It was a strange feeling as suddenly a burning stream of light skated down into the center of the darkness. My senses reawakening yet still dulled. I felt my eyes open and my body getting off the floor, however it felt strange like I was not fully in control of myself. My hearing took in noises like an echo still and my vision is only slightly blurred, yet I can still make out the surprised look on Apep's face.
"What is this? This…surge of magic power?"
"I…won't…lose…"
That was all I was able to mumble out as my body picked up my swords which erupted into white hot flames. Vision still blurry but I could 'sense' my surroundings with some degree of lucidity. I did not think of my next actions as it was already taking place. Trailing blazes left behind as I swung the blades. Apep initially used a barrier spell to stop my attack, but it only held out for a small bit as a few swings broke through the magical guard. My burning blades slashing his chest and erupting trails of flame on his wounds.
They did not cauterize but rather just made the wounds worse. As he was distracted from the searing pain my body delivered a burning round house kick to his torso, my foot to my shins covered in the same fire as my blades. The impact causing a small explosion that added more force to the strike as it sends him careening to the side. Not letting up I felt my body stab a blade into the ground and inject a large amount of mana into he ground. Shortly there after large pillars of fire erupted all around me. A blazing inferno I simply walked through as Apep was knocked around and blasted by the pillars. It was like the world is on fire, the dream like quality had me smiling as twirled my arms and a collective fire was building up on my blades.
Apep managed to sweep away the blaze from around him but as he did my body swung the swords and two giant fireballs were launched at him. His eyes bulging as the blazes exploded into him. Instinctively, my body followed up this with a smoke screen spell, covering the arena in a choking cloud that did not affect me. I can hear him gagging and choking in the cloud as my body gently stepped in stride to his location. Sheathing my blades and snuffing out their flames, I found myself behind him just as he used a spell to clear the smoke.
He immediately notices me and swung his staff at me. In response my body just casually stopped it with my hand. Slowly but surely though the metal staff heated up causing Apep to let it go from pain. I did not let go however, instead I continue to hold the staff in that single hand before it finally started melting and fell to the floor. The heat generating from my hand too much for the mystical item to withstand.
"I see…so this is what it is…I only seen this a few times in the past…you are just full of surprises. However, I wonder if you will even remember it?"
I said nothing as I created a spear of pure fire and impaled him with it. He was engulfed in flames, consuming his body and on que a sarcophagus erupted from the ground and took his body. With him gone the arena began to fade and with it my vision completely faded to black and with it my mind fell to sleep.
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Isabelle's P.O.V.
Mind fuzzy, what happened? The only thing I can remember is facing Apep and then…right, its coming back to me. He tortured me to bring the beast to Mythcia and I just passed out. My tolerance for pain is not the best. I would rather avoid it if possible, but I guess that was not happening. Only now that I woke up it begins to dawn on me that anything could have happened while I was out. Fear and panic took my body that I did not notice that my surroundings. I just up and ran out pass the door and into a surprisingly calm and serene field with a couple of huts.
I saw the familiar faces of Lavi and his group sitting around and conversing. Along with some new faces I have not seen but judging by their Egyptian themed outfits I assumed they are the other chosen that worked with Ankha. I was proven right as I overheard them talking in what I assume is Ancient Egyptian, never mind what dialect as I could not understand them. I was about to approach the group until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Bastet looking at me with a small smile, yet there was a look of worry behind her eyes.
She gestured me to follow her, and I did just that as we entered another hut. In there I held a gasp as I saw Ankha out cold on the bed. Due to her regeneration, I couldn't tell what caused her to be this way on my eyesight alone. Her priestess clothes look to be fine too which I assume they were mended ahead of time by Bastet.
"I found her out cold in the desert, she was in a rough state initially but otherwise fine. I brought her here to recover in peace, but unfortunately we have a new problem on our hands," she sighed as opened up a view to Egypt, rather the Giza Necropolis region of Egypt where the Pyramids of Giza once stood.
Yes, I said once stood. As they no longer were there, the great pyramids are now but piles of rubble. Bastet moved the view and showed the modern city of Cairo that stood next the great monument of Egypt's past was left decimated. A trail of destruction that left no tall structure standing and parts of the area covered in dark clouds. Looking beyond that I can see the destruction continued further from our view. She changed the view again to Alexandria where, to my horror I saw the Beast of Calamity for the first time. The city was being terrorized and torn asunder by the monster. Attempting to stop the beast, the Egyptian Gods Ra, Sekhmet, Khepri, Horus and Set. Doing their best to slow the beast down while Hathor, Thoth, Anhur and Isis helping to get as many innocents as possible out of the battlefield.
"How long has this been going on?"
"It's only been a day; the power of the beast is terrifying to behold. However, there is something off about it. I seen it a couple of times but there are moments of the beast attacking itself," She zoomed in on the beast and as on que the beast stopped in place and began slamming its face into nearby buildings or the ground. Like it was crazed or something.
"Something is distressing it…is it even possible to distress the beast of that size?"
"Knowing who's behind it, this doesn't surprise me. Before I get to that though, Isabelle there is something you need to know concerning the beast. Do you know why it came?"
"No, I don't but Apep said that I was connected to the beast somehow. Then there are the dreams before that…"
I trailed off, there was a looming dread as I thought about it. Not helped by Bastet's worried expression. She closed off the view and told me to sit down. I did and after some warnings from her she let out the terrible truth of the beast. Nacho, the beast is Nacho, just hearing that had a sudden weight drop onto my mind. I wanted to faint, deny it, but then I remember that sudden period of sadness I experienced in the past. Ankha must have felt the same emotions I am feeling now. Still, I could not believe that somebody like Nacho can be the beast of calamity, its just too cruel. The lives he taken…I know for sure will haunt him.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"I…I…need time…to process this…" I took deep breaths; my emotions are still running despite my earlier thoughts. It took a good five minutes to bring myself under control and to start changing my way of thinking. Turning my negative thoughts into the knowledge that Nacho needs my help. Wiping away my tears, I looked up to the cat goddess who gave me a bittersweet smile.
"I feel the need to say this, Ra declared that if the beast is not brought to heel that he will kill Nacho in order to protect the world and the land of Egypt. Unfortunately, it would seem that he is leaning on ending him unless we can come up with a plan to stop your lover."
I crossed my arms in a huff, "I don't plan on letting that happen and Ankha would think the same. Still…how does one stop a large rampaging beast and bring back the man behind it?"
"There is an idea, however, its very risky as it puts people into the line of fire of the beast. You remember the mortal phrase, Music to sooth the savage beast?"
"Oh right! I remember in my dreams that my voice and Ankha's can stop the beast in its tracks. If our voice can stop him in his tracks, then a song might bring him to his senses!"
"Exactly, however its risky as Nacho is in a berserk state so there is no guarantee that he would stop at your voices alone. He needs to be restrained before that in order to get him to hold still and listen. That is easier said than done though, the beast of calamity has proven to power through any obstacle that would get in his way."
"If we can't stop him, then the best we can do is slow him down. Just enough so he can hear Ankha and me singing. If he hears us then he will stop resisting, well that's the hope anyways. Another thing we need to worry about is a song, I mean any song would work but I think it would work better if the song is something personal to Nacho or personally made for him. At least I feel like that would be more effective."
"Well that can work, but do you know any songs that Nacho likes that you are capable of singing?"
I thought back Nacho's list of songs that he had in his home. Which was a lot, but he had a specific taste. Rock, Metal, Classical, Nu Metal, Eurobeat, and even some soft music. Some of the songs Ankha sang in the past he listened to when he was writing or focusing on some thoughts. Though I don't know which song would work, 'I'll see you in the Morning,' is nice but doesn't fit the situation. 'Winds of Change,' another good one but not fitting, and 'Heart of the Tomb,' has nice sentiments yet does not aim for the spots I want to aim for.
"Maybe instead of reusing my old songs, how about a new song from the heart?" My eyes widen as I turned to see a still slightly tired Ankha awake and smiling at me. I nearly teared up as I hugged her. She gently pet my head with a small laugh before I broke away with a sheepish smile.
Bastet though from what I saw looked worried, "I didn't expect you to be awaken so soon, you were completely out of it when I found you, my child."
"To be fair, I don't feel one hundred percent just yet but enough where I can help with this musical debacle. We are going to need a band though and time to practice."
"You only have a day before Ra gives the order to kill Nacho, the only reason why he was still alive because I told him about your relationship with the man behind the beast. He didn't like it but he gave me the time to try and find an alternative."
"Then we got no time to lose, Isabelle, I'm going to need your help. You know how to organize a team together, so maybe we can pull a band somehow."
"I suggest you ask those hunters with their hunting horns as a start. Perhaps they can be of use?" Bastet had a questioning look as she wasn't quite confident in her suggestion. I don't blame her as the hunting horn is an unorthodox instrument and weapon, but I heard their tunes and I personally feel we can get them to work somehow.
"It's a good idea but we need to figure out what kind of tune the song is going to have."
"I got that covered, just gather everyone so we can get started as soon as possible."
I nodded as I left the tent and went about gathering everybody that I can. Ignoring my surprise when I saw the familiar face of Sophia again. We exchanged some quicks words before gathering the hunters and asking them if they would like to help stop the beast for good this time. I let them in on the general plan and many of the hunters who enjoyed using the hunting horn was all in for the idea. Those who didn't use the hunting horn at all couldn't help, but for the most part we should have enough to set the tone for the song. With everybody else they no doubt can help make a stage and everything.
Its going to take all of us to make this work and already I began organizing everyone into teams. It wasn't long until Ankha came telling us that Bastet went to tell Ra of their plan and then she began informing us what the song is going to be like. An epic like song that beckons to the soul of the listener and in context of the song, to remember what was once there and once was. Memories Echoes, being the title of the song, she has planned. For this song we are going to need an orchestra and some guitars.
The hunting horn hunters all beamed and gave a collective 'hurrah!' as they went off to collect their instruments. I help managed them, so we have the right amount of instruments of each type while Ankha gathered with the other chosen to fill them in on their role. In the plan, things got really busy after that as Bastet returned and bringing along Thoth to help us gather supplies for the stage. The busted holes in reality made it easier to travel between worlds that were affected by their presence. I decided the best place to set up would be near the ruined Pyramids of Giza. The open land would make it easy to fit our entire workforce plus prevent Nacho from destroying anymore land.
Setting up the stage took less than a day due to the number of hands available. The weather wasn't too bad thanks to Freya's ice magic keeping us all nice and cool. Lavi and Marshal did the trade off relay with some items in order to get them to higher places. Kiki made sure the electronics are set and ready to go. Adofo did his part despite still needing to recover, mainly buy moving smaller objects or seeing if things are in order. Though he seems to have an extra pair of hands helping him from the shadows. I would have written this off as my imagination if it wasn't for the fact that some materials in question are moved so quickly in a blink.
I kept a close eye on the operations in my usual way, reminded me when I was back home in Mellow. It felt like it was a long time ago, but I guess going on a journey of this level is bound to give such a feeling. I just want it to be over and just sleep in bed with Ankha and Nacho again. If this goes well, then I can be rewarded with just that. With a sigh I kept an eye on construction, everything was close to done, but then I noticed a familiar face within the crowd of people. A certain crocodile guardian just passing through holding some left-over materials.
"Amr?! Hey Amr, nice to see you again!"
He took notice of me and smiled as he gave a friendly wave. It looked a little forced and I quickly found out why as he came over to talk to me. His body was covered in scars and a single eerie snake tattoo that looks to be traveling towards his neck, "Greetings Lady Isabelle, it's been a while since I last saw you and the others."
"Well…a lot has happened from when the last you and Diva left the group. Speaking of Diva where is she? Last I checked she isn't the type to just let you walk around alone."
"It's complicated to say the least…though it pales to your situation. Never would I have thought Nacho would be the beast of calamity. I didn't believe it myself when Bastet informed me and Lady Diva, but if it wasn't true then we wouldn't be doing this."
"Yeah…I'm praying that it works, no…it has to work. If it doesn't then…I rather not experience a world where Nacho is gone forever."
"I see…I pray that doesn't come to pass."
"So do I, thanks for your concern," he smiled and excused himself to continue finishing off the stage. Ignoring his appearance, I simply assumed that he ran into trouble with Diva when fulfilling their task when we split up. Its nice to see him again, however I wonder when he showed up among the people Bastet brought. I guess she found him and Diva and brought them aboard.
After checking off the finishing touches on the stage and making sure everything was in order. I left the group so they can relax and take some rest. As for me I went to check on Ankha who of which was sitting at a desk with a notebook and pondering her thoughts. Looking over her shoulder I can see a few drafts of lyrics scattered on the desk. Her current one going on longer than the others.
"I know you are looking over me Isa, how is the stage construction?"
I jumped a little as I gave a sheepish smile as my feline lover turned around with a bemused smile, "Practically done, with so many hands it was practically a piece of cake. How's the lyrics coming along?"
"Its coming along, but there is really only so much I can do alone. This is a duet after all and I felt it would have been easier if my singing partner with me."
"Hehehe…you mean me, right. Well, I'll do my best, but I don't have experience writing songs before."
"You say that, but I recall a certain little fan mail sent to Patri that contained pretty good lyrics for a song. I mean it was made by a child, but it was good when held to those standards."
There was a small tease to her voice that had me blushing bright red, "O-Oh…you got that? My th-that was a long time ago…"
"There may be a limit to my memory, but when it comes to the important stuff, I remember to keep them noted down. So then, how would you like to make a song with Patri then?"
Her smirk made it hard to contain myself as my inner fan girl nearly squee out loud. I mean I always wanted to do that as a kid, so how could I refuse?
"I would love to Ankha, so uh where do I start?"
"It's simple really, let me go over it so you can get a grasp of what I am going for."
For the rest of the day, with some breaks Ankha and I wrote the lyrics together and even practiced them. I never fully sang lyrics before, well not in public, I more or less sang out the sounds to a song. Ankha didn't mind though and helped me along, especially through some of the high notes. I'm not a professional singer, but with Ankha's tutelage I can at least be close to one. Eventually I got my part of the song down for now and we called it a day. We took care of our basic needs before sleeping together in a temporary bed.
There are still some things that need to be done, like getting hunting horn band into the cues of the song. Regardless though, we made great progress and hopefully it will be more than just me and Ankha cuddling in bed. I know for sure she feels the same as well. Just a little bit longer, and it will all be worth it.