Chapter 13: Secret Kingdom

Author's note:

Whew that took a while, but with my semester done (As of the date of posting) I should have more time to write for all of you wonderful readers. Things look to be interesting for this chapter, and honestly it was kinda fun thinking up of the kingdom that group would be discovering. I wouldn't go deep into the culture here in this chapter, but for the sake of progression in the story I will be covering it when they become important. Also as a reminder I will be using brackets as a way to act as a translation for you English readers as an indicator when a character is speaking their native tongue or a different language. Mainly because making the language would be a pain and actual languages would take a while as one I don't know them and two their grammar is different. So yeah, anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter! This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

It was some time after the battle against the Jaguworden. The tribespeople congratulated us, especially me as they finally saw me as Bastet's Chosen. Of course, a celebration was held for us and gave us a much-needed break from events of today. The Jaguworden was watched over as it recovered so we did not have to worry about its condition. Festivities went as I expected: Food, drinks, dancing, tribal preaching, but most unexpectantly story telling. I did not understand what was being told, but Azhum translated everything for me. Explaining that they are telling a story of how they were graced by the presence of the Cat Mother. Her appearance was brief, but she did so much for the village even though she barely interacted with them.

"Hmm…I wonder if Bastet remembers them…"

"Maybe you should ask her when you have the chance?" I looked over to Azhum and silently agreed.

With the questions on my mind, I simply pushed them to the side as I enjoy the evening with my lovers. I smiled as I heard Nacho praising Isabelle with her bravery, I could not help but praise her myself. Kisses and hugs were shared as we enjoyed ourselves until it was time to sleep. It was here that I dreamt that I found myself inside an Egyptian temple. Dressed in my priestess gown walking up to a statue of Bastet herself. I gave a small prayer until the statue glowed to life.

"Bastet, I am humbled to be in your presence again."

The statue talked before the familiar figure of Bastet walked out of the statue, "Heh, nice to see you retain your formality Ankha, but it is unnecessary. We know each other for a long time now, we might as well be best friends."

"If you wish, its nice to see you again."

"Likewise, I see you are making strides on your journey. Becoming stronger with your magic power and winning the hearts of natives."

"The Sharp Claw Tribe, speaking of them I have to ask. What is your history with them? I mean I know they briefly saw you before, yet, it seems that you left quite a footprint there. They know what you can do as a goddess, and then there is the Jaguworden."

Bastet shifted nervously, "Well yeah…it's a long story. To keep it short, I visited that village because I was curious of them. So many races evolved so differently from each other in both your world and here, it just something I wanted to see for myself. Unfortunately, I stayed a bit longer than I should and well I had my own little adventure. Mind you I was disguised the entire time, but it was quite memorable adventure. So, um…how's Jaggy?"

I furrowed my brows in confusion, "Jaggy? Oh! Its fine, we managed to calm it down. It was quite terrible what was done to it. Not only was it influenced by a rage spell but also the Frenzy virus."

"Oh my…poor Jaggy, I wish I could have done something, but my power is limited as things are. Take good care of him Ankha, he can be a valuable ally for you."

"I will, he did seem to look at me with familiarity when he became a bit lucid."

"Indeed, although despite your accomplishments. I sense a feeling of…dread within you, it's Aten isn't it?"

I sighed, being her chosen makes it hard to keep secrets from her, "Yeah…my lovers and I had been attacked by Aten. We tried to fight him off, but we were soundly defeated. He did it to shake us all emotionally and well…it worked for the most part. Isabelle and Nacho seemed to doubt their own power and have been trying to cope in different ways. I am still haunted by his last words to me. I been training to keep it from bothering me, but even then, it still echoes in my mind. Only because it is true."

I shuddered at the horrid memory, something my Goddess picked up on as she walked over to me and place a hand on my shoulder, "Ankha…it's okay to be afraid, but you shouldn't let Aten's words get to you or your lovers. When words like that become the only thing that dominates your mind then you will make mistakes. You are truly one of the mostly mentally strong chosen I ever seen. Not many can live through and experience tragedy of your immortal existence and come out enduring."

"Thanks for that, but in truth its thanks to Nacho and Isabelle that I am able to be happy at all. They keep me sane and there is no doubt I would break if something were to happen to them."

"I am aware, let them be your pillars of strength. Let your love for them drive you to become better but remember that you need to stand on your own. The trials of lovers can be a rigorous road and can break apart those who are not able to withstand; not all see the same trials either. Share your emotions and help each other with your doubts, this will help all three of you stay strong."

"I see, well I was planning on helping them with it anyway, but now I know how important it is."

"Indeed, you may have a destiny like other chosen Ankha, but you are still a person. You have needs, wants, and aspirations. I will not tell you to ignore these things, I have not forgotten when you developed the dream to explore the stars."

"Oh hehe, yeah that's an embarrassing."

"I say it is a wonderful dream."

"Thanks, still do you think I can really live up to the title of being chosen?"

"Well you been doing a good job so far, also the more you practice your magic and restore your older knowledge the more powerful you will grow. Do not think about the others Ankha, focus on yourself, I know that you will do me proud. I have faith in you."

Hearing this brought a smile on my face, "Thanks…that means a lot."

"Anytime, however there still something on your mind is there?"

I mentally cursed at the prying nature of my goddess. She means well, but sometimes she gets too curious, "Yes there is, it's about Bladeius and his soul."

"What is it you need to know?"

"I been told before…that his soul reincarnated once more by my parents. I believe them, but I want to hear it from you."

"Ah, you heard that didn't you. Look Ankha, the afterlife is not my jurisdiction so there isn't much I can tell you. Yes, Bladeius aka Ohkan has reincarnated once more. It happened some years ago, Ohkan the, at the time, incarnation of Bladeius grew bored and worried for you and asked to be reincarnated once more. Osiris lend him an ear and allowed him one more reincarnation if he could accomplish what we thought at the time would be an impossible task."

"Impossible task…wait…you mean Osiris sent him to…"

"Find his missing sacred rod yes, nobody knows where the fish that ate it went or is so we assumed that it would be impossible for him to find. Proved us wrong, he found the fish and removed the rod and returned it to him. He was so overjoyed that he gladly gave him the reincarnation. Who or what he reincarnated into though only Osiris knows. He didn't tell us either as he believed this is best left a surprise. The only detail he let slip that it is a male body."

"So, he is walking around then…"

"Worried about running into him?"

"Yeah…I decided not too long ago that should I run into his new incarnation with his memories intact then I will simply tell him that I loved our times together and he will always have a place in my heart. However, I cannot love him again as I fell in love with two others and I refused to break their hearts."

"How very mature of you Ankha, I can only imagine though how nervous you will feel though should you run into him."

"Yeah…its something I rather not dwell on."

"Well I think you will be fine, you probably interacted with him already as far as I know. Reincarnation really is nothing but a gamble, nobody except gods like Osiris can influence the process."

"I see, I wonder what he did with his soul. Oh! Then there is my siblings too! They reincarnated too!"

"We been made aware of that, but we don't know who though," Bastet said the last part of her sentence with a odd tone that hinted that she is holding off on information.

I squinted my eyes, "Really now? I feel like you are holding out on me."

"Well…I can only really say that you already interacted with some of their reincarnations. Who I cannot say, that is supposed to be a surprise."

"Hmm…really now? Fine, I'll let this one go, but it better be a good surprise."

"Trust me, you will love it."

"If you say so, how's Anubis by the way?"

"He's recovered but his power has weakened. He has enough still to give the same benefits to another, but the screening process for that has been less than successful."

"Well wasn't one of his conditions is that they respected the dead?"

"Yes, but he has been picky of late. He's looking for somebody with a pure soul as well, one that can understand their duty and show compassion to the dead and put them at ease."

"Hmm, I don't think I know anybody that can fill that role in. I mean Nacho does respect the dead, and don't give me wrong I love him. But I don't think his soul is pure enough for Anubis. Isabelle I can say is pretty pure, but I'm not sure dealing with the dead is something she is comfortable with."

"Thanks for the suggestions, but Anubis will be the judge of that. Though I seriously doubt he will choose either of your lovers. Although, that would ease off a bit of the immorality burden."

I was aware of this, but even if Anubis chose Nacho or Isabelle it would leave one of them out, "Yeah…but it would be better if it was both, if possible."

"Ankha…I know how you feel but we just can't make people immortal or chosen just for love. We have special requirements in the first place because absolute power corrupts absolutely. Only those who are strong enough to not lose themselves."

"Right…I understand," while this is true, it did not explain why she chose me before I was born. I wanted to ask, but I do not feel like it is a good time.

"Good, I know not getting all the answers frustrate you but in time you will understand. Life is a valuable thing and its best to experience the good without help."

Bastet, to my surprise, pulled me into a hug. It was warm and motherly, and it nearly caused me to shed a tear. It reminded me of the times my mother would hug me and those were warm memories I was glad to feel again, "Thank you…"

"Anytime, Ankha. Go forth my child, I await you at the end of your journey."

I felt myself waking up as the world of dreams warmly melted away. Part of me wanted to hold onto her longer, but I knew I had to let go. I could swear I saw tears running down my goddess's face before everything went white.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

The morning came and of course our routine was drastically changed as the villagers were waiting for us. Still giving us congrats for our heroic efforts in saving the Jaguworden. Said Magi-Beast is up and about like the beatdown we gave it did not happen. It immediately bowed before Ankha when it saw her. I laughed in amusement and Isabelle 'aww'd' when it allowed her to pet it. The damn thing is a gentle giant when on its good side. I consider it a nice change from the usual large monsters I meet.

"Aww…who's a good Jaggy?" I heard Ankha say. This earned a raised brow from me as I saw the creature responded to the name happily and began rubbing its head lovingly against Ankha's head. I felt a small flicker of instinct induced jealousy flicker in my mind, but I pushed it to the side as the more reasonable side of my brain reminds me it is acting like a pet.

Still I had other problems to worry about, "Can't say I didn't warn you."

"So, this is the corruption…" I stared at my gloved hands as I recalled the sight I woke up to this morning. The dark spots on my hands and feet spread out a bit more and even showed up on the palm of my hand. I managed to hide them before Ankha and Isabelle woke up, but I knew that I had to tell them eventually. Ever since this discovery, my instincts grown a little bit stronger. Me growing a bit jealous just now was a result of this. I fear what would happen should this grow further.

"Yes dumbass, it is. You ignored your instincts to go Apex in that last fight and now the corruption grew. Next time listen to your wild side or else things are going to get worse."

"So you say, but I can't just go apex all willy nilly. My virus isn't something I should use lightly."

"Yet you let Isabelle beast trigger and fling clouds of the virus."

"She can control it, also she is careful. Unlike me she is more technical with it."

"Coward…how can you get stronger if you don't use your power?"

"What is power without control? I can't just rely on going wild to solve my problems."

"Yet, you stand thinking when you should be acting."

"Whatever, we can spend all this time arguing later. Something is going on," I said as I tuned into the latest conversation between Ankha and the Chief.

"Ankha! On behalf of tribe, for saving Jaguworden and your miracles. You and group have permission to see the kingdom. Better, we shall all come together before kings to show that you are indeed chosen of goddess, name Bastet. Come! We march together! LELELELE!"

The entire tribe went crazy as they all did the same cheering noise. I only smiled as we gathered our stuff and joined in an organized march towards the entrance that leads to the secret kingdom. It was like a small parade, except Ankha, Isabelle and I are riding in a float and change the float for a large feline. It felt weird riding a large monster without trying to kill it, but surprisingly the bone ridges are quite accommodating for seating. We all waved as we saw two guards at the entrance look at the parade with surprise before moving out of the way without complaint. We then traveled through a tunnel as the music and cheering echoed off the walls. We were going to get someone's attention.

/

We traveled a bit more in the space until finally the tunneled opened up and we were greeted a large open cavern that revealed a grand kingdom built with stone of various kinds. Pyramids, big huts, and large buildings of varying importance. Almost reminded me of Val Habar, topping it off there was a large hole above that gave light to the entire kingdom, and in the center is the largest pyramid I ever seen. Unlike the type of temples and buildings I seen back in my world weathered and ancient. These buildings on the other hand looked more well maintained and seem to have a mystical aura around them.

"Wow, they did a great job hiding all of this. It's the only way everything looks so nice."

"I have to agree, but where did they get the time to work on all of this?" Ankha questioned.

Isabelle adjusted her seating as she is currently sandwiched between me and Ankha, "Maybe they started small and just built up from there? I mean Rome wasn't built in a day."

"Yet it only took a day to shake the foundation," Ankha sarcastically remarked.

"Well let's try not to shake the foundation here, or at least bring the house down as that is something we don't want to do."

Ankha looked to me with a smile, "I'll try not to love, although I get the feeling pleasing the villagers was the easy part."

"Yeah, the chief mentioned kings, right? I can imagine they might require more convincing," Isabelle added with worry.

I held her tight and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Relax Isa, we are riding into the kingdom with a mythical magi-beast important to their culture. Not mention it listens to Ankha."

"Nacho is right, I say we will make a strong first impression."

"I sure hope so."

We continued our way and made it into the kingdom, surprising onlookers and causing some to back away and take a bowing position as the villagers on our side chant Ankha's arrival and what I assume promoting her as their Goddess's chosen based on previous translations by Azhum. Ankha herself waved at them while a majority of the populace are still processing that situation before them. We paraded around the kingdom until we finally stopped before what looks to be the tallest Pyramid within the kingdom. The Jaguworden stopped before the Pyramid and let us off. The music died down as the presence of two beings of great authority right above us dressed in hooded robes,

Once again, they spoke in their native tongue, so I couldn't understand what they were saying. Azhum's translations being our only way into the conversation, ("Chief Takkew! What is the meaning of this?")

("Explain to us why there are outsiders and the sacred Jaguworden are in the kingdom?")

The chief clears his throat, ("My kings! Today is a glorious day! For my village and I were given the honor of being graced by the presence of the chosen of our Goddess!")

The kings looked at each other, I can feel one of them eyeing me before they turn their attention to Ankha. They were observing her, I can sense a small bit of nervousness in her, but she did not let it show. Not too long after they spoke again, ("Chosen of the cat mother? That is a mighty claim to make.")

("One we don't take kindly too, pray not that you be a liar.")

("I highly doubt that's the case brother, let the chosen speak for herself. You! One claimed to be the chosen of our goddess, explain yourself!")

"That's your cue Ankha, you got this."

"Thanks love," she took a deep breath as Azhum got ready to translate as ankha spoke proudly in her native tongue, {"Great kings of this hidden kingdom! My name is Ankha and I am indeed the chosen of your goddess. I am aware that my claims to such a position seem incredulous, but it is the truth and I have come in the name of the Goddess. Her name being Bastet, Goddess of Cats, Motherhood and protection of the home!"}

("Hmm…you don't speak our language. You tongue is different from those who hail from Egyptapia.")

("Where do you hail from?")

{"I hail from Egypt! Ancient Egypt, a land whose civilization faded from existence. I am not native to Mythica, I instead hail from another world along with my companions. We hail from Earth!"}

The two kings looked at each other, no doubt processing the information they heard from Ankha, I stayed silent as I let Ankha have her moment,

("Earth? Never heard of that world, but the land of Egypt sounds similar to Egyptapia.")

("It is strange, but it would explain her tongue. Hmm…tell us, chosen of Bastet, the name you claim belongs to our Cat Mother. If you are her chosen, then surely you have showcase abilities similar to her?")

I smiled at this as she has indeed proved she can in front of the Chief, {"I indeed have! I have restored fertility to one who cannot bear a child, I cured an unfortunate soul from the Devil's Welts, and I was able to calm the Jaguworden, with aid of course."}

("Aid? Why would you need aid if you can calm the likes of the Jaguworden?")

{"The only way I could calm the Jaguworden is by singing as my songs have magical properties. Unfortunately, the sacred magi-beast was in a magically induced rage and I needed help keeping it occupied while I did my part."}

("Magically induced rage? Hmm…that is troubling.")

("Indeed, but I am inclined to believe her. She did come in riding the sacred beast and the beast seems to be compliant to her touch.")

("Yes…hmm…")

We watched as the two talked with one another before finally nodding and to our surprise jump off the pyramid running. It did not take long until they ended up at our level and removed their robes. Which revealed two twin Jaguar brothers dressed in more elegant wear, both wearing sashes and what looks to be different colored shorts with a decorated jeweled belt. One brother wearing red shorts and the other blue shorts. They also wore shoulder paldurons made of leather and brightly colored collars with feathers. They reminded me of Aztec or Mayan cultures of old except given a little modern twist. They were pretty tall, about six foot at the least as they stood before us. Once again, my inner instincts developed some unrest and I could hear a growl in my head. Both brothers gave me a passing glance before returning their attention to Ankha.

To our surprise, and by probably everybody else in the area; they bowed before Ankha, ("We are honored to meet you, my name Taimolche.")

("And mine is Olemach, we are the twin Hero kings of this great hidden kingdom. The kingdom of Sub-Solla.")

{"The honor is all mine,"} Ankha return the bow with respect. Something that earned a smile from the kings.

("Ah, respectful too. We are already off to a great start, while we are doing introductions please introduce us to your companions. Chosen of the Goddess,") Tigama asked.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

I went about introducing everyone. First my lovers, to which they were surprised. Mainly because of Nacho who is a human. They reluctantly shook his hand, but that was it much to my relief. Introducing everybody else had no incident, they did take an interest in Lucky due to his undead nature. Taimolche especially, as he was reminded of their religion's death god. Once the introductions were out of the way we were given a tour of the kingdom. Seeing the sights and too my surprise things were simpler here. They had guard towers, trading markets, small farms, and finally various small temples associated with different gods. We eventually stopped at the temple of the Cat mother and it was there I found out why Bastet gained no power from their worship.

While the temple had a respectable size, it was not blessed by the Egyptian gods and was missing some components to make it a house of Bastet. For one, it needs a statue in the shape of the Cat goddess herself, either her humanoid form or the simple cat form. Two, we need religious artifacts, an Ankh, a magically powered cat eye amulet, and her sacred object the sistrum. Lastly, we need some of the land of Egypt so it can be created as hallowed ground. I would have to ask them permission to do this process, if this works then I can turn this into a place of large worship.

Our tour ended when we reached the palace where the kings lived. They do not do much other than solving civil problems, major problems, and keeping up with their training. Unfortunately, there is no spare rooms this time around, but there is a traveler's hut complex according to them. Normally, it is used for merchants, but an exception can be made for us. Until then though, I was already granted an audience with the kings. Which is why we found ourselves standing in the middle of their throne room. The two kings making their way to their thrones and sitting on them with authority.

Taimolche was the first to speak, ("Now then, with the pleasantries out of the way. Chosen of Bastet, you both have proven to one of our own and shown to have the abilities to validate the claims of being the chosen of the cat mother.")

("Still despite that, you must prove your worth to us. We worship many gods, but one we hold great care over it the Cat Mother. She is ingrained into our culture for centuries and to change it because of one outsider isn't going to happen,") Olemach added.

"Then how can I prove myself trustworthy in your kingdom enough, so we can officially make it known that the cat mother is indeed Bastet?"

They didn't react to me speaking English, but instead chose to continue, ("Well we have been having trouble with a group of Humes terrorizing our village's outside the kingdom. As you are probably already aware, relationships between Humes and our kind have been strained due to… past interactions.")

Hearing this reminded me of the Guild Master's words on me and Nacho's relationship, "Define strained."

Olemach sighed, ("The kidnapping and enslavement kind of strained. My brother and I were victims of it ourselves in our early years. Regardless, we have come to learn not all Humes are like them and have trying to make peace. Still with these attacks, the people would think otherwise.")

"Oh my, that is bad. How often has this been happening?"

("Not very, it has just resurged recently. Villages outside the kingdom would report losing one or two members of their tribesmen. We do not know who has been doing it, but some say it was Humes as the figures were humanoid in shape. It was hard to tell as they were wearing robes according to them, one look larger than the others and seem to emit some kind of power.)

"Wait what?" Nacho suddenly cut in, surprising me and the kings. Looking around I see also earned some ire from nearby guards.

Taimolche looked at him with interest, ("What about that caught your interest hume? Is there something you wish to share?")

"Yeah, I do your highnesses, before we fought the Jaguworden. We were studying the Magi-Beast and while deciding on a plan, I saw a small group of men. Two in hooded robes and one larger one in armor, if I assume correctly the two in the robes were the ones magically inducing the Jaguworden into a rage."

("What?! Those trespassers attacked our sacred beast? They made him enraged? That is unforgivable!") Olemach shouted in anger, standing up from his throne.

("Brother, I know your passion, but we must remain composed. Still the description of these interlopers is worrying. It would mean that this is the same group that kidnapped our own, but why would they induce the Jaguworden into a rage?") Taimolche questioned.

I jumped in back as leader of the conversation, "If I had to take a guess, it was a distraction as the Jaguworden, in his rage, has attacked villages."

Isabelle had a lightbulb go off in their head, "Then that means they are still out there! Observing us!"

The kings grew quiet, thinking on their next course of action and discussing it with each other. Azhum did not translate for the sake of privacy. We merely looked at each until the kings finally cleared their throats, ("Okay, Ankha, chosen of Bastet, name of our Cat mother goddess. It would seem that you came at a fortunate time then.") Olemach said with calm composure. A contrast to his burst of rage earlier.

("You may have made a major presence here, but you wouldn't have introduced yourself in such a grand manner unless there is something you want. If I recall, you challenged our image of the Cat mother and say Bastet is her name. While you have proven yourself a lot already.")

("It isn't simple to just give you permission to do what you need to do. However, if you aid us in tracking down and apprehending the ones kidnapping our people. Then we will have the grounds to give you permission.")

"Really? That would be great, don't worry your faith in us won't be misplaced!" We all gave an affirmative which had the kings smiling.

("That is reassuring to hear, your investigation starts as soon as you are able. We look forward to working with you. Until then, you are all dismissed.")

We all bowed before leaving the throne room. The guards making an opening for us as we left the palace and began to think of a plan.

/

Isabelle's P.O.V.

With the time we were given I did my best to make sure we have sleeping arrangements at the Traveler's Hut complex with Diva and Azhum while the others explore and got the lay of the kingdom. Thanks to the talking tome we were able to gain a permanent residence for two huts. One for me, Nacho and Ankha, and two for Lucky, Amr, and Diva. Lucky has made me aware that Diva was attached to Amr quite closely, so it only made sense to have them under the same roof.

"Well that is taken care of, this would be easier if we can learn the language of the people than just relying on Azhum all the time."

"I suppose, but I think its easier just to have Azhum translate for us. By the way, how do you know the language of these people so fast?" Diva asked curiously.

"Oh, that's easy, I simply scan the minds of one of the locals with magic and boom I learn the language like that. This normally does not work because the brain can only handle so much information so quickly, however thanks to me being a tome. I can carry such info without issue."

"Wow that is very convenient, does that mean you can teach us the languages?" I asked with a smile.

"Yes, but considering the time it would take to help you learn and understand the languages. I think it would be best if you just let me continue translating."

"Aww…if you say so."

It was disappointing, but understandable as we left the complex to try and find the others. We still got a few odd looks here and there from the locals which did not help me feel comfortable. Still I do my best to be respectful while admiring what the kingdom offered. Though this was interrupted when Diva began to make conversation with me. She has been silent for a little so I gave her my full attention.

"So Isabelle, you would do anything for your lovers right?"

"Within reason, I know for sure that there are things Nacho and Ankha wouldn't want me to do just for them. As Nacho told me, I am still a person and I shouldn't make decisions so rashly on my emotions."

"He really told you that?"

"Yeah but honestly he has trouble following his own advice. He really goes out of his way for us, I remember back in our town that he would shoulder half of the work for me. He did his best but fell asleep somewhere halfway."

"Wow, he really is a piece of work, isn't he?"

"Yeah he is, sometimes he worries me and Ankha, but we know he means well. Although I have to ask why did you ask such a question? Something on your mind?"

"I guess you can say that you see for us chosen immortals, our guardians can be considered our most important companions. They are immortal like us and share the burden of having to see people they knew die to old age. As you can imagine, the bond between a chosen and their guardian is close."

"Ah, you mean like Ankha and Lucky? They are sworn siblings last I checked, is that the kind of relationship you have with Amr?"

Diva looked at me with surprised look on her face before shaking her head and composing herself, "N-No! That would be weird…"

"Weird?"

"N-Never mind, point is. We are close to our guardians and well it is a guardian's duty to protect the chosen. No matter what and no matter at what cost. Honestly, it worries me as Amr is a stickler for the rules. Even though we don't really need to follow them these days."

"What are the rules of a guardian anyway? Ankha never really told me them and by the looks of it, Lucky is doing his job just fine."

"The rules are simple: One, protect the chosen no matter the cost, Two, you must keep your chosen mentally well and healthy, and finally three, You shall not fall in love with your chosen."

The first two fit together with the role of a guardian, but the last one caught me by surprise, "Guardian's aren't allowed to fall in love with their assigned chosen? That's a strange rule to have."

"Your telling me, they never gave an explanation why the rule exists. I guess it is supposed to keep both parties focused, but if you tell me I think it has the opposite effect."

"Well the heart wants what the heart wants. Honestly, I do not know what else to say. Just try not to let it distract you too much, there is a time and place for everything."

I got a feeling why she brought up such a specific topic, but I didn't want to outright say it. It must be hard for her to even try to talk to me about it. I held a firm belief that love can conquer all obstacles as long as it is pure and true. I like to think so with my relationship with Ankha and Nacho. I am aware that there are two major issues, one being Ankha's immortality and the other being that the two are stronger than me by a long shot. Nacho's a physical powerhouse and Ankha is basically a goddess in training. Me, I'm just a secretary who only gotten this far thanks to them.

Its depressing to think about, but I have to keep up. They both believe in me that I am not weak, however, I'm not sure how. Even with my training in magic, I still don't think I am getting closer to crossing that gap.

"Of course, you can't. You are weak, that is simply a fact."

I was surprised by a voice in my head. It wasn't mines, it was a male voice and it sounded so sinister. Diva and Azhum looked at me with concern.

"Are you alright Isabelle?"

"Is something troubling you?"

"No, it's alright, I thought I heard something…" I trailed off as I looked around. I see nobody suspicious much to the confusion of my friends.

"Heh, you can't find me weakling. Still it is amusing to watch you look around."

I did my best from shouting out or reacting, but I couldn't stop the creeping dread on my soul, "Who's there?!"

"You know who, I never lied when I said I could take her anytime I want."

"Aten! How are you doing this? Get out of my head!"

"Hehehe, you are barely worth my time weakling. Be glad you have my attention at all."

"I don't need any attention from you! Leave me alone!"

"Such spirit, but let me remind you where you stand weakling."

I was concerned by what he meant, but before I can turn to my friends. I felt something grab me by the throat! I looked down to see two invisible magic hands slowly adding pressure to my throat, strangling me. I coughed and choked as I tried in vain to grab at the invisible hands, but mines passed through them. I couldn't do anything.

"Isabelle! What's wrong?!" Diva cried out as she stopped me from falling onto the ground.

"She's being strangled!" Azhum quickly cut in.

"Wait how? There's nothing there!"

"No time to explain! I can dispel it!" The talking tome began to glow with power before shooting out a spark of purple magic that immediately dispelled the magic hands and I was able to breath again.

"*Gasp!* *Cough* Cough*"

"What the…magic hands?"

"Yeah, somebody was using them to strangle poor Isabelle here. Take it easy dear girl, take it slow."

I did as he instructed as I heard Aten's laughter crackle in my head, "Hahaha! Let that be a lesson, you will always be weaker than them. You don't deserve to be with them."

Eventually my breathing my stabilized as I was helped up by Diva, "Ah…hah…thank you…"

"What exactly happened Isabelle? Do you know who did this to you?"

"A-Aten! He did it!"

"What?! Where is he?!" Diva shouted as she began to look around.

"Isa!" I heard Nacho shout, I look over where he shouted and saw him charging his way over to me with Ankha in tow. He came to a screeching halt once he was close enough and began checking up on me, "Are you okay? You need anything?"

I felt my face warm up as I felt his gentle touch check my face. Ankha checked on me too before giving me a quick hug as they were filled in on what just happened. Needless to say, Nacho didn't take it well as I could feel his rage surging within him despite his best attempts to hide it behind a composed face. Ankha herself looked worried as she began looking around. I don't blame her, Aten made himself known as an invisible threat and I wished he didn't. I thought we would be safe from him here, so we can improve ourselves at our own pace.

However, now we must progress carefully. He could pop in anytime he wants just to mess with us. Just to demoralize us, but we can't give in…yet how are we going to fight back against an enemy that is always keeping an eye on us? There has to be something we can do…