Chapter 12: Winning Hearts
Author Note: Whew, this is a toughie. But it was worth it as now this chapter is made with plenty of content to go along. Time to show off a bit what Ankha can do within the context of the story. I honestly really need to show off what they can do than just explain it with words. I do my best and I hope I am not going overboard with what characters can do. The last thing I want is to make them seemingly unbeatable. That would be boring, but still I would like your help with these matters dear readers. Anyway, I talked enough, read on! This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!
/
Isabelle's P.O.V.
For the past week, we put our plan into action. Observing the locals and their traditions while remaining as unobtrusive as possible from their lives. We got the occasional dirty looks or worried glances when they saw us, but we tried our best to be friendly. Me especially as I can't help being kind. Thankfully, the universal friendly greeting of smiling and waving transcends the language gap. Azhum himself usually kept to the hut, only occasionally floating outside to scan more of the area.
To conserve our rations, we went hunting in the jungle. Nacho and Ankha, being experienced in that field usually took charge. I honestly don't like ending a life unless I have to, but there is only one way to get meat. Honestly, I wish I can replace this sword with something else, but its all I have at the moment. Speaking of mental health, I been having nightmare lately of Nacho and Ankha leaving me. I know they would never do such a thing to me, their care and love for me after that encounter with Aten is the proof I need that they still see me as a member of this relationship. Still…I can't help but feel that he is right about some things about me. I mean I'm an excellent secretary and actually can do a lot. But this? This is beyond what a normal secretary would do. For a time, I was out of my element but Nacho and Ankha was there to help me. Now I am playing catch up, and still I feel like they are leagues ahead of me.
"*Sigh* what am I going to do?"
I was reading through the magic book Azhum gave me. Obviously, me and the others have been taking the time to practice our magic. Ankha was mostly working on her focus while working on some spells. I caught eye of another spell book that she seems to try so hard to hide from all of us. She always asks for a flower or head off in the jungle alone to practice spells, 'that relate to her position,' she told me when I asked her. When she wasn't doing that, we often practice together with what we know, including some light sparring.
As for our reputation around here, it has changed thanks to Tah's spreading the word around about Ankha. At least that is what Azhum told me, he is spreading the word that Ankha is the chosen of the cat mother. That it must be a sign from the goddess herself to enlighten them to the truth about her. It was kinda crazy to be honest how the children got caught up in it and would sometimes visit the tent to meet Ankha. Often it would take her off guard, but with Azhum's help she would tell them about Bastet. Eventually, this talking got the attentions of the parents. Some try to dismiss it, some grew interested, others told the chief. The ones who grew interested often have requests for us and we completed them which only improved our image. Needless to say, the chief wasn't exactly too pleased as he saw our influence grow.
I should know as I saw his shadow looming over me as I was studying the spell book, "Ah! Uh Chief! What can I do for you…and your warriors?" the look on his told me he isn't in the mood for small talk.
"Bring supposed chosen here, I must speak with her," I bowed with respect and left to find Ankha. Luckily, she wasn't far away this time with her training as she was in the hut. She was a bit surprised to see me with the current look of concern on my face.
"Isabelle? What's the matter?"
"Um…the chief wants to talk to you…" I said as I pointed to the outside.
"Uh oh, we all knew this was going to happen eventually, lets go see what he has to say, love."
"I'm right behind you!"
Following Ankha we met up with the Chief who crossed his arms at the sight of us. It was only us and Azhum as the other gone off to help some village residents who had some trouble with some local predators who have been stalking them when they go hunting. Attacking them and stealing their catch.
"You wanted to see me, Chief?" Ankha asked calmly and respectfully.
The Chief sighed before tapping his staff, "Ankha right? You interfere in village life by presence. Spread lies, you are chosen by Cat Mother."
"It's no lie Chief, your Cat Mother Goddess is one and the same with my Goddess Bastet."
"Enough! Tah, my son, bewitched by lies. No outsider claim, to be, chose by Cat Mother! You insult me and challenge our beliefs?"
"Tah is your son?!" I exclaimed in surprise, but I was ignored as Ankha did her best to defuse the situation.
"With all due respect, that wasn't my intention. Your beliefs aren't inaccurate to what she does, but I assure you that we worship the same goddess. However, you need to know the truth about her and…"
"By the tail of…fine! If you insist on keeping this lie, then I challenge you to prove power. If you are chosen of Cat Mother then you must display her power!"
"Okay I accept your challenge then, what do I need to do to show off that I am the chosen of your cat mother?"
"Yeah!" I tried adding into the conversation, but I was shot dirty glares by the chief and his warriors, "Eep!"
"The cat mother can bring fertility to those who have none. A couple we have, unable to birth children. If you truly chosen, then you able to restore fertility."
Ankha smiled which in turn comforted me as the confidence in her smile told me she got this in the bag, "Very well, that will be simple Chief, but first let me change into something more comfortable."
My eyes lit up when I heard this as I knew she was going to activate her new amulet. Nacho and I got a private showing of this new item she gotten before we left. With a charge of magic, it activated and began glowing with light. Said light covered Ankha before disappearing and revealing her priestly clothes. I smiled when I saw the look of surprise on the Chief's face. He looks like he is starting to doubt his initial thoughts of her.
"Wow, I don't think I will ever tire of seeing your new outfit Ankha."
"Thank you Isabelle, you're sweet," she shoot a smile at me before returning her attention to the chief, "Now then, show me where the couple is Chief?"
The Chief took a deep breath as he led the way, I quickly called Azhum and we followed Ankha to the hut where the couple is.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
I was led to a quaint little hut and the Chief called out the inhabitants inside. To be frank, I didn't think I would be walking around in this outfit at a time like this, but better now or never. Already I was giving off an aura of authority as various villagers stared at me with awe. This is a new feeling to me, even with my former acting and singing career. Regardless, I kept focus to the task at hand as the couple came into view. It was a black panther colored female and Brownish cheetah pattern male. They looked nervous as the chief explained to them in their own native tongue what is going on. The unsure looks on their faces turned to more optimistic ones when they learned that I am here to help with me with their problem to bear children.
Azhum floated next to me as he began scanning the couple with his magic. This spooked them a bit, but it gave me the information I needed, "Ah, it's the female, Ankha. You have been practicing the spell for this right?"
"Yes, I have Azhum, I been practicing mostly on plants but I was able to modify the spell so now that a marking shows up on the target affected by the spell."
"Really now? Smart, reminds me of a certain blessing, but enough small chit chat. I will translate for you."
"Thanks," I turned towards the couple, "Peaceful couple of this village, my name is Ankha. I am the chosen of what you call the Cat Mother who to me is named Bastet."
("I see, then you can help us then. We have been trying years to bear a child but to no avail. We feared we may have been cursed or something, but this should be no problem for the chosen of the cat mother.") The male spoke to us while holding his wife close.
"Do not worry, I know the exact problem. Thanks to the help of my assistant here, your wife is the reason you two cannot bear children, she's infertile," The couple gasped at my declaration, but I simply summoned my staff, "Take it easy, I will solve this problem easily. Please hold still."
I focused my magic into my staff, the mystical instrument making it far easier to focus the direct my magic as I pointed to the woman. As I practiced many times before, I thought of the spell in my mind and then the tip of staff began glowing. They were awestruck by the gold color magic, instead of creating a projectile. I managed to keep the magic at the tip of my staff. Using it, I gently touched the outside area where her uterus would be.
With a smile on my face the woman shivered and gave off a slight moan as a glowing magic mark appeared in the shape of a heart on her body. The couple looked in amazement and at me before speaking again.
("Did it work? Can we really bear children now?") The husband asked me.
"Yes, feel free to give it a try tonight. When the magic marking glows with a full colored in heart, then she will be pregnant."
("Okay, you hear that love. We can finally have a child!")
("Yeah, I'm a little nervous, but I glad we can finally have one of our own.")
The couple hugged and kissed before retreating into the hut. I smirked at the Chief who was still recovering from my magic display, but when he saw me he immediately regained his composure. His stern look trying to beat down my confidence but failing.
"This prove nothing, if what you say true about spell, then signs of bearing child should come."
"That's why I left the magic marking, now let's leave the couple to their own devices. The act required to rear a child does need privacy after all."
The Chief nodded in agreement as we all walked away from the hut giving the couple their privacy. Due to the possible time needed before the actual act happened, the Chief decides it would be a good time to give me another challenge.
"If we wait, then I shall give you nother challenge."
"Another? Let me guess, there is another challenge after that is there?"
He nodded, "But first focus on this one, Cat Mother also protector, protect from sickness and evil spirits."
"I see, then there is somebody you want me to help that is sick then?"
"Yes, the devil's sores we call it. We had to isolate him from village. I have scouts check up on him but avoid contact. He is valuable tool maker, but he is unable to create tools in condition and dangerous to be around. Some got sick touching him and have passed because of it. Rest their spirits, called it an outsider affliction. As he make deals with outsiders many times. If you can cure him, then that is added as proof."
"Consider it done, show me where he is. I have exactly what he needs."
Once again, the Chief was surprised by my confidence. If I must be frank it was quite satisfying to see him sweat a bit, but I let the mood pass as I was sure Isabelle would not approve such a thought. We got led to the outskirts of the village, following a path that after a mile of walking we found a lone hut which has seen better days. Audible coughing and wheezing was heard inside.
"Umm…Ankha we should be safe from whatever sickness he has, right?" Isabelle asked me as she looked at the hut with worry.
"We should be our immune systems are far stronger than a normal person now. Besides, you don't have to come in with me."
"Oh right, this is your challenges. Still, do you have any spells that can cure diseases? I don't think you learned any."
"Actually, I did, well sort of," Azhum floated in when I said this.
"Is it what I think it is Ankha?"
"A modified purifying flames? Yeah that kind of spell, however it requires great focus for the spell to attack diseases."
"Heh, nice work Ankha. I am impressed that you figured that out, well that is enough chit chat. You got a challenge to complete," I nodded as I walked over to the hut with the talking tome in tow.
I passed through the entrance of the hut to, much to my disgust, find the dying man in his bed. The poor soul lost patches of his yellow fur as these red welts popping out all over his body. He was barely breathing, but not unconscious as he took notice of my presence.
("C-Cat…mother…? I-Is…*cough* it you? Is…it my time?") he managed to wheeze out.
"Not exactly, save your strength. I am the chosen of the cat mother, her actual name being Bastet."
("You…her…*cough* chosen? Did…she…send…you t-to cure me?")
Technically no, as I was sent here for a challenge. However, I cannot tell him that it would lower his morale. Remembering what Nacho said about winning the hearts of the people, I think it would be best to run with his assumption of the situation.
"Yes, the cat mother sent me to cure you. Your faith in her is being rewarded today," I smiled at him as I lowered myself to his level. In response he smiled as well and almost began tearing.
("My prayers…*Cough* they finally…gotten through…I…knew…one day they…*cough* would!")
"Save your strength, now relax as I cleanse your body with my lady's fire," He nodded to me and visibly relaxed his body as I took a deep breath. Focusing my spell I began to charge it, but unlike my other offensive fire spells I relaxed my breathing. Instead of thinking of a roaring fire, I thought of gentle flames coating his body and cleansing it of impurities. The fire spell released from my hand and began coating the man in fire.
To any onlooker it would have looked like I was cremating him, but his body remained intact. The welts on the other hand did burn as the sickness was attacked and burned away. Little particles of ash were all that is left of the disease as they flew into the wind. Harmless and insignificant. I stopped the spell and saw little soot spots where the welts once were. I smiled as the man's breathing began to stabilize, but he still looked weak. I cast a gentle warmth spell to restore his health while making him more comfortable.
"Great work Ankha, He's going to live according to my scans. You really have improved since our initial training."
"Thank you Azhum, I figured that I would have to practice spells like these. It hadn't been easy, but I'm glad it is paying off now."
"And you will continue to get better, that I can say for certain. Hmm…maybe I should check in with the others when I have the chance."
"That is something you can do, but first we need to get back to the chief."
"Right, but first we need to bring our new friend along."
He redirected my attention back to the man who was slowly waking up, ("Ahh…I'm…alive? The pain is…gone…and I can breathe…ah…thank you chosen of Bastet, the great cat mother.")
I warmly smiled at him, "You are welcome devoted soul, now the chief is outside. I think its best we shown him that you are cured."
("I agree,") I helped him up as his body was still weak, but we made our way outside of the hut. The chief and his warriors were flabbergasted when I walked out with the formerly sick man. They still kept their distance, but after seeing the welts where gone and the man was no longer coughing, they relaxed. Isabelle was cheering as I handed over the man to one of the warrior's who had water and some food on standby.
"This can't be…no remedy we had could cure devil's sores. We know no magic either," He looked at me with solemn eyes as if he was regretting something. I could guess, but I rather not assume.
"That's two challenges Chief, what's the last one?"
The chief took a depth breath, clearly from stress. I waited for a bit for answer before I heard some screaming back from the village along with a loud roar. Hearing that took us all by surprise as we quickly ran back to the village. The warriors carried the formerly sick man who had a look of knowing. Because we were running, the trip back was much quicker, but even then, we were too late as the village we returned to was already partially destroyed.
Standing among the carnage and with weapons drawn is none other than Nacho, Lucky, Diva and Amr. They looked fine much to my relief, and by the looks of it so do the villagers. I ran up to Nacho with Isabelle in tow, "Nacho! What happened?"
My beloved human lover turned to talk to me and was for a second surprised to see me in my new robes, but ignored it in order to relay the information, "A Magi-beast Ankha, a big cat like looking creature suddenly came in and began rampaging the village. We managed to repel it, but that is only because the villagers were shouting at us. I cannot understand what they were saying but judging on how they were acting they were telling us not to hurt it."
"Hurt what exactly?"
("The Jaguworden! The Jaguworden! It is angry! We must applease it!")
"Uh…yeah that, apparently it is called a Jaguworden. Its apparently important to them, like a sacred beast or something."
"A sacred beast? That's strange, Azhum do you know anything about this?"
"Once or twice, sometimes cultures see magi-beasts as some kind sacred creatures. Granted this usually end badly. I only have faint record of this Jaguworden creature, so needless to say it is a rare type of magi-beast."
"I'll say, that thing was tough!" Diva exclaimed with exasperation. Amr just nodded in agreement.
"You should have seen it Ankha, it was big and covered in markings and has glowing red eyes! It was cool!" Lucky was beyond excited by whatever large beast he witnessed.
"Jaguworden, that a name I only heard in stories," The chief spoke out as he brought the formerly sick man with him, who of which is looking a lot better, "I been told by previous chief, that Jaguworden was once ferocious beast. Calmed by the Cat Mother and became guardian of jungle. She had bond with other felines, a control. Ankha…your last challenge, calm the Jaguworden. Please, after seeing miracle and…"
("My wife's is pregnant!") we all turned around to see the couple I helped earlier celebrating and as I expected the marking is glowing. Though I wonder when and how did they find the time to have sex.
"Miracles…ahem, I have faith in you Ankha. You have determination, I see it in eyes."
"Thank you Chief, we won't let you down," I gave him a reassuring smile. He returned it with a small smile of his own.
"I now know, you will."
("You can do this Ankha!") Shouted the chief's son as he ran out to cheer me on.
I gave a thumb's up like Nacho would as we all went to get ourselves ready for the task. Gathering our potions, food, and of course water for the hunt. To our surprise, the tool maker met up with us before we got ready to leave to search for the magi-beast.
("Ah hah…before you go chosen of Bastet. Take these! Tranquilizers and a trap, they are strong but not enough to bring down Jaguworden. Use them to your advantage,") I thanked the man and asked for his name. He smiled and I can imagine how he is feeling right now, ("Takka Takka, I will forever be in your debt.")
"Thank you Takka Takka," I gave him a nod as we set out to soothe the savage beast.
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
We spent a good time of the day searching for the Jaguworden, as a matter of fact it was dusk already. During this time, Ankha brought us up to speed what she was doing when we were gone doing tasks for the villagers. Color me surprised and impressed that Ankha's control of her magic allowed her too to burn the disease away from Takka Takka; who I shall call Tak to keep it easier for me. While I was a bit miffed that the chief intentionally sent my feline lover to a sick man's home, I am glad that she was able to cure him.
I myself relayed what the Jaguworden is like and what to expect. The magi-beast is a large jet black panther like monster with white tribal lines that glow with magic power. The hide is scarred, signifying that it has seen many battles before and walked away the victor. Strangely enough there was some kind of plumage around the neck of the beast. Feathers of bright colors that light up when using magic. Yes, the monster can use magic and from my experience it can use air and nature magic quite effectively. The face, back, tail, and paws are covered in a hard bone like carapace. I wouldn't be surprised it has other tricks up it's sleeves that I am unaware of. However, I did mention there was something off about the beast that I felt when I fought it.
Its eyes were glowing red, which by my experience isn't too unusual considering the monsters I faced in the past. However, the glow here felt unnatural, like something was forcing it to be enraged or something. I could only ponder it as we tracked it, footprints and large claw marks on trees. It was not subtle where the beast went.
"Hmm…this magi-beast sounds like its going to be a handful and looking at the carnage it left behind. It doesn't look like it is going to be far either."
A not so distant roar got our attention, proving Ankha's hypothesis right, "This is odd, it's like it wants to be found."
"Yeah, we need to be careful. Isabelle, Lucky, put your ear plugs in," Ankha, Isabelle, and Lucky all got out high grade earplugs and put them in. While their ears aren't super sensitive, they are still sensitive. Thankfully, these more modern earplugs allow her and the others to hear me.
"So how are we going to soothe the Jaguworden?" Isabelle looked at me and Ankha as we usually are the ones to come up with a plan.
"Well, they say music can soothe even the most savage of beasts. So, I could use my hypnotic singing to hypnotize it into calming down. However, I need to stand my ground as the quality of my singing is what affects the strength."
"Singing? That is a dumb plan Ankha, your going to get yourself seriously hurt if you try that," Diva shouted with concern.
"It's alright Diva, I seen and experienced it before. Ankha's singing is our best shot in calming that thing down. Although, we need to keep that damn thing busy. Good thing I specialize in aggro control, but still just to be safe. Azhum, is there some kind of barrier spell you can cast to protect Ankha?"
"Yes actually, but I would have to do it on the spot before the monster would hit her as a magic barrier can block soundwaves."
"Okay, good enough, Ankha if things get too dangerous don't commit to much too much to the song."
"Alright darling, you and Isabelle stay safe. Lucky you do your best to help them."
"Aye aye sis!"
"You guys done? Good, lets rock and roll!" Diva shouted with excitement as we headed towards the source of the roar.
Carefully, as the roars got louder, we slowed our pace and hid among the trees as we found a torn-up jungle clearing with the monster roaring and thrashing in the arena. To our surprise though, we also saw a group of men and women looking at the beast from a distance. We carefully observed them and to our shock two hooded men in the group began casting magic that seem to be only adding to fuel of rage the beast is suffering. Looking past them, I can see one stand out figure among them, a tall quite well-built man dress in armor and what I think wrappings. To my surprise, the man and I made eye-contact with one another. Something felt off when that happened, and I don't mean the piercing yellow eyes he had. It was like I was staring at something familiar, yet this is the first time I seen the guy.
Eventually we broke eye-contact and the man shook one of his cohorts and told them all to leave the area. An act that was surprising in itself, but I ignored it as the opportunity to face the Jaguworden without interference. I will hate to admit it, but I can feel a bit of my animal instincts flare up in excitement. However, it also brought an unwanted voice to the forefront of my mind.
"Now look at that beast, big and powerful. Just how we like our potential prey right? Take on the strong ones to show that it isn't anymore powerful than us. We are the top predator, nobody else."
"What the? You again? Why are you here?"
"Simple really, I want to see our performance. Also to remind you what happens when that certain feeling kicks in and you ignore. FYI, I am talking about the corruption."
"Great…stay quiet and just watch."
"That is my plan, just don't forget about me or our mates."
The voice went away as I focused on the oncoming fight ahead, "Alright, lets put this plan into action. Ankha you find a good spot to stay hidden while also giving you ample room to sing."
"I will darling, I trust you and Isabelle will keep the monster away from me?"
"Heh, you're in good hands."
"I know I am," I barely heard her whisper as the rest of us jumped into the lion's den, so to speak.
The moment we made our presence known to the monster it looked in our general direction and gave a loud deafening roar before going on the attack, "Everyone moblize!" I quickly shouted out as we avoided a powerful claw crush. The beast roared in frustration and rage as it quickly looked at me. A part of me sensed that it felt I was the bigger threat, so quickly I roll and dodged various slashes. Just barely though, as this thing pulled an Ursanos and increased its range using wind magic. My chest plate to my armor took a hit as visible scratch marks were seen on it. I cursed under my breath, as this thing was not letting me breathe.
Eventually one of its paws hit the ground and barbed plant vines shot out to me. My eyes widen as I quickly used my blades to cut the dangerous weeds. Thankfully, Isabelle and Diva were able to take some of the heat off me. Isabelle, using her own vine magic to snag the Jaguworden's back legs preventing it from moving forward. Diva was able to follow it up with Water Torrent spell that slammed into the beast hard. I know the people told us not to hurt the magi-beast back in the village, but right now we don't have a choice.
"Nice work you two!"
"Thanks!"
"No problem! Amr! Pounce them!"
"Yes, my lady!"
"Don't forget about me!"
Lucky and Amr jumped in and pounced the magi-beast. Lucky was draining mana from while Amr was doing his best to keep the beast pinned down. However, it didn't last long as the beast shook them off and giving space for itself by unleashing a wave of wind. Blowing everybody back. I grounded myself with my swords as I prepare to go on the attack. Before I did however, I began to hear a heavenly voice; Ankha's voice.
The Jaguworden flinched in pain as it thrashed and roared as Ankha's song reached its ears. It was quite a melodic song and the lyrics she is making up is based on the monster's current situation. Honestly, I wish I could stop and listen to her song, but the magi-beast was resisting the hypnotic effects of her song. We aren't affected because she can target people with it instead of letting it affect everybody. Regardless I jumped into action, seeing I need more fire power I immediately beast triggered into the Brachydio's form which momentarily made the monster look at me as the familiar transformation light covered me.
"Hehe, good start, but not what I had in mind…"
I ignored the other voice in my head as I gave off a loud roar of my own and went on the offensive. I savagely gave the monster a haymaker which forced its attention back to me. The others immediately blasted it with magic. Lucky using its own wind magic against it, Isabelle using pollen shot to try to stun it, Diva using her water magic to blast it, and Amr using powerful strikes against its legs. Our combination of attacks was locking it down and keeping it from making a move against Ankha. However, eventually something changed within the creature something that send my senses into overdrive.
*RRROOOAAAAARRRRR!*
The monster gave a grand roar with a large gust of wind that pushed us all back as a vile purple energy coursed through its marking as its body took a more reddish hue. The final nail that had me dreading in fear, and my predatory instincts roaring in defiance. A purple mist was being exhaled from its mouth; it went Apex.
"What the heck! What's wrong with it?!" Diva shouted in surprise.
"Milady! Stay back! It's corrupted by something vile!" Amr warned.
"Diva! Amr! Get out of here or keep your distance! It's infected with the frenzy virus! It went Apex!"
I heard Isabelle gasp, and for sure I heard Ankha's voice waver a bit when I announced this. As for me, I gritted my teeth and got ready for the intense fight. The virus in my systems spurring me on. I roared as I charged into battle, the explosive slime on my body turning orange crimson as I dodged and strike with explosive impact. It would seem the monster was mainly focusing on me. It slashed, bite, summoned vines, tornado blasts and agile body slams. The earth cracked from our battle as I saw Diva shooting water blasts, Lucky shooting wind slicers, Amr sending out Ki blasts and Isabelle shooting out plant thorns. However, they all seem to bounce off its skin. The Apex state hardening the skin and reducing the damage greatly.
I growled as I used my own Ki skills in addition to my monster abilities to stay on the offensive. Stomping on the ground, to mess up the footing of the monster while also causing a slab of earth to rise. Focusing the Ki into my explosive fists I magically altered the slab as I punched it and cause the rubble to glow and shoot out like bullets at high speeds. I was aiming for the face of the creature and as expected most of the rubble bounced off, but some hit the beast in the eyes and caused it to thrash around in pain.
However, to my surprise the Jaguworden quickly recovered and sent a tornado towards me. I didn't had time to dodge as I was sent flying into the air and wide open for attacks. Which was exactly what the monster did as it swatted me from the air and pounced on me. It's crushing weight knocked the wind out of me as it pushed me into the dirt.
"Pathetic, pinned down by this wannabe? You are better than this…"
The monster lifted its paws in an attempt to slam down on me again, but I used this to get some air back and rear up a punch, "Grraagh!"
I punched the incoming crushing claw which created a strong enough explosion that knocked it off balance while sending me deeper into the earth. I only groaned for a bit as I shook off the dirt from my body and made my way out of the hole that I help make. Just as I reach the top of the hole, I felt two hands grabbed my open arm pulled me up. It was none other than Isabelle.
"Nacho! Mayor! Sir! Are you okay?"
"Good, damn you Newton's 3rd law of motion. Still we need something harder to break through that apex state."
"Well, our virus should be able to weaken the frenzy virus, right? So, if we infect it then maybe we can weaken it enough to some damage and stop it from resisting Ankha's song."
"Sounds like a plan, I'll just go Apex then and punch our virus into it," I felt the inner darker me smile at this, which was a strange feeling to have. However, his mood dampered as Isabelle stopped me.
"Actually Nacho, I got a better plan that shouldn't hurt the monster anymore than necessary. Let me beast trigger, I literally generate the virus on command. I can just coat it in the virus and that should do the trick."
"Okay, but can you keep the virus contained to just the Jaguworden?"
"Only if it doesn't blow wind then yes. Also tell Diva and Amr to get clear okay?"
"Alright, I believe in you Isa."
"Thank you, Nacho," we shared a quick kiss as I let run off on her own. I took the time to recover as the beast did the same.
"You are making a mistake…you should have gone apex. Destroy this monster and save your mate from the danger…"
"Shut it, I trust Isabelle, also why the hell am I even talking to you?" I shook my head I look over to Diva and Amr and shouted at them to keep away from the monster. They didn't question me as they saw a glow of light and Isabelle transformed into her Gore Magala form. I helped her train her beast trigger form in a secure location back at home. Her transformation didn't require as much training to bring her form under control as it is less powerful than mines and doesn't full transform her like me. She is weaker than me by comparison, but her abilities are enhanced. In this case, she can create virus clouds at will and control the area they affect. However, in an actual fight we have yet to put into practice.
Regardless I roared in the monster's direction and we restarted our battle. I can still hear Ankha's song, picking up in intensity, filling in as battle music that spurred me on. We charged at each other like beasts fighting over territory. My instincts gnaw at my mind, telling me to go all out, but I refused as I began dodging and punching the beast. It kept using wind magic to slash at me and nature magic to shoot thorns and whack me with whips. My feline lover's song fueled my punches as I did my best to keep the monster from using a powerful area of effect wind spell.
We traded hits, punches to the face, and slashes to my armored body. I bled a bit from my wounds, but I did not yield. We broke away from each other, and just before we got ready for another charge. A dark cloud landed and enveloped the Jaguworden, I smiled as it was the virus cloud Isabelle launched.
"Got em!" I heard her shout from the air.
The monster shrieked and thrashed as my faithful secretary kept the cloud lingering on the beast for a minute before dispersing the cloud. Just in time as the beast unleashed a windstorm in an attempt to blow it all away. I can feel myself grinning from ear to ear as the virus did its job and completely negated the Apex state. In addition, the virus was attacking the Frenzy inside of its body and begun to weaken it. Itss glowing red eyes gone pale and it's dark fur losing color.
"Whoa, what's happening to it?" Diva shouted, "Actually scratch that, what was all that you guys did?"
"I never seen such power…" Amr exclaimed with shock, still trying to comprehend what he just witnessed.
"I don't know but it was cool!" Lucky shouted with glee as he resumed the attack.
"Diva, I will explain later, but first set up those traps and get those tranquilizers ready! Ankha's singing is slowly taking the fight out of it, but this is our chance to restrain it."
Diva looked at me with surprise, but simply nodded and worked with Amr and Lucky to set up the traps. Meanwhile Isabelle and I reverted back to our normal selves, I was a bit worn out from all the energy I expended during the fight, but the monster was in an even worse state. Its movements became sluggish and its attacks easy to avoid. We used this to our advantage as we kept the beast on us. Ankha herself found it safe enough to come out of cover, her singing becoming more powerful as the monster found it hard to resist.
"It's working! Keep it up!" I shouted as the beast began to stumble. One of it's stumbling's landed right onto a pitfall trap and caused it to be partially buried into the ground. It weakly struggled, but it was game over. Tranquilizers were thrown at it, weakening it further and stopping it from moving. With the all clear, Ankha got closer and softer with her voice.
We kept back as she gently pet the creature on it's head. It's red eyes finally going away, being replaced by conscious violet eyes. The beast moaned in pain but let Ankha continue petting it. Calming it and soothing it as it closed its eyes and began sleeping. Just as my feline lover finished her song with a gentle caring finale.
We all gave a sigh of relief, finally relieved that the battle was over. I made sure to give Ankha some water to help with her throat. Isabelle used some healing magic to mend the beast's wounds and Ankha used her purifying flame to try and cleanse the virus in its systems. However, our peaceful respite was interrupted by clapping, not just one person but many. Looking to the jungle clearing, we were all relaxed when we saw it was the tribal villagers. I only smiled as I saw the look on Ankha's face as she looked astonished that this many people showed up clapping, including the chief.
I chuckled as I looked over to her, "Well, looks like you won their hearts."
"Yeah…yeah I did," a smile grew on her face as we took in the praise.