Chapter 18: The Temple of Water (Part 1)

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

We return to the kingdom with a tired Nacho. There was still daylight left and I knew how I was going to spend it. We help put him to bed as we took the time to eat some lunch. It was after that I gathered some supplies; I think I might need for the temple. Amulet in hand I sighed as I went to meet up with Isabelle before I leave.

"Well, here goes nothing. I do not know what will await me in the temple of water Bastet left for me. I do not think it will kill me, but I still cannot help but feel a little nervous. I get the feeling that Bastet will be watching me the entire time."

"Take a deep breath Ankha, its not like you to get worked up over this. You'll do fine, don't forget what you can do and keep a cool head."

I did as she asked, and it helped a bit. I gave her a smile as I changed into my priestess clothes once more using the amulet. I thanked her as I gave her a kiss, "Those lips of your will never stop be intoxicating…mmm…cherry lip gloss?"

"Hehehe, I managed to sneak some lip gloss and chap stick just in case the weather isn't too kind. I chose cherry because I know it's your favorite."

"Heh, well aren't we being cute? Honestly, even without the gloss its hard to compare you and Nacho's lips."

"Well…yeah I know what you mean. Anyway, good luck! I will take care of Nacho until you return."

"That sounds great, bye for now. Love you Isabelle and tell Nacho I love him too when he wakes up."

"Will do! Love you too!"

I smiled as I exited the hut and made my way back to the temple of water. Many of the villagers looked at me with joy and waved at me. I did the same, its amazing that these people once saw me as a stranger but now they see me as an important figure for Bastet. It's a nice change and reminds me of my times being a famous celebrity just much less of those annoying paparazzi. Eventually I reach the path I came in before and there waiting for me is none other than Lucky, Diva and Amr.

"Lucky! Diva! Amr!"

"Ankha!" Lucky exclaimed happily as he gave me a friendly hug that I returned. We kept it up for a few seconds till we broke it up as a certain frog gave a cough to let herself be known.

"It's that time now isn't it?" Diva said with a smirk.

"Yeah, time to see what Bastet has in store for me at the temple of water."

"Color me curious too, but too bad Amr and I won't be around to see what happens."

I raised a brow to this, "What? What do you mean?"

"Ankha, don't tell me you forgotten already? Remember that I got my own quest to fulfill to Heqet. I know we have not found the corpse of Ser-Ka's husband, but I spent enough time here. Besides, it looks like you and your lovers got this place all set."

"Well…yeah technically. It is a shame for you two go, but I understand. Don't you want to say goodbye to Isabelle and Nacho though?"

"Don't sweat it, we were going to visit them anyway. We just wanted to wish you luck, ain't that right Amr?"

"Yes, my lady, I must add that I am impressed on your progress so far Ankha. Bastet would be proud."

"Thank you Amr, well I hope things turn out well for the both of you."

"Heh, still as formal as ever but I suppose that is one thing that won't change about you," Diva smiled before walking away, "See yah some other time."

They both gave a small hand wave gesture and walked away. I returned it to them as they passed. I look over to Lucky who was still standing in place and was clearly feeling awkward, "Well…um…I guess I should take my leave too. Its not like you need me for this."

Technically no I don't need him as only I can go into the temple, but for the sake of old times I will take him with me, "Actually Lucky, while I am capable of walking to the temple myself without any trouble. I feel like I should take an escort with me, while I could ask any of the soldiers here. I rather take somebody I know well, and I was thinking you Lucky. For old time sakes."

I need to say nothing more as Lucky smiled, "Right behind you sis!"

I smiled back as we walked out of the kingdom and into the jungle. The trek itself was a bit lengthy, but I did remember which path lead to the temple. Still there was no rush as basked in the beautiful nature. Being the jungle, we can feel the humidity on our bodies as we talked. Lucky had plenty to talk about as he spent a lot of time with Amr and Diva. Mainly Amr, and he told me the juicy story of how Diva often wants to get herself alone with Amr. She tries hard to and Amr would often tell him it was driving him up the wall.

I only laughed at this news as the subject changed to our magic and skills. We have practice quite a bit when we had the time, so I had new magic skills up my sleeves. He himself told me how he would practice with Amr and have improved his control over his mana drain. Due to the flexibility of his skill he also had to learn some spells from different elements just so he can use them when he has the right mana in his systems. I also told him what happened with Nacho and he was surprised that the quake he felt was from Nacho.

I honestly did not consider the impact his transformation would have on the world. All I knew at the time is the large dome of the virus he created, but I wonder how far the seismic activity went? If it reached areas far from the original site, then no doubt we have many races pondering what just happened. I just hope it does not lead to this kingdom to being discovered as I rather not get into kings' displeasure.

"So does this mean Nacho can turn into the chimera form at will?"

"I can assume, but I still don't think he can control it."

"Well he didn't hurt you or Isabelle, so I think he has some control over it."

"Possibly, he did check on me and Isabelle when we were having a moment, not something exactly a beast would do. But that could be because his instincts want to take care of us."

"Whatever it is, as far as I can see, you and Isabelle are the only ones that can keep him in check."

"Indeed, I just hope that Nacho can control it one day without us being present. You know what they about power in the modern world today."

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Yeah, I remember, it's a warning about responsibility and control of your own power."

"Also gaining more power, something I remember my teachers telling me back when I was a child. I keep that lesson with me always, if I didn't then Bastet wouldn't have allowed me to find the temple in the first place."

"She really does care for your wellbeing; she is like a second mother to you."

"Heh, I suppose your right. Still I love my birth mother, her sacrifice is not one I will forget as I stand here today."

"Yeah…oh is that the temple?"

Lucky pointed his attention to the temple as I once again find myself staring at the beautiful oasis with the marble building on top of it all. We walked towards the entrance and I found the indentation that requires my amulet.

"Well here it is, once I open this door and go in there is no turning back until I am done with the trials here. I wonder if we can still talk to each other through our link?"

"Only one way to find out, go for its sis!"

I smile as I took my amulet and placed it into the indent in the stone, not too long after I did the stone and the writing glowed with an aqua blue light before ejecting the amulet into my hand again. Shortly after that, the door creaked and began to slowly open as the marble sinks into the floor. To my surprise there was nothing but a carved stone pedestal inside with guard rails. There was only enough room to fit one person, so I made my way towards the pedestal and stood on it. I look below and saw more writing in my ancient tongue.

"For the trials to begin, use the staff granted to you by the gods."

I looked at the staff in my hands and pressed it into the marking on the pedestal that fit perfectly with the base. There was a click and the pedestal I was standing on shook and began descending slowly. Wordlessly I nodded to Lucky as he returned the gesture with a smile and thumbs up as he eventually left my line of sight.

/

I was not sure how far I was going to go, but after some time the darkness I was in was beginning to give way to an aqua light at the bottom. I had to cover my eyes a bit during the transition as the light was a bit blinding and stung. However, once that subsided, I was astonished to find myself in a new world entirely. It looked like I was outside again but surrounded by open water that lead to nowhere. There was no sky just a blue void with mist hanging in the air and there were various waterfalls cascading down into the water below.

"Just what is this place?" I said as I saw I was descending to a to a marble stone platform structure floating on the ocean surface.

"Welcome Ankha, this is the trials of water."

"Bastet?! How are you talking to me?"

"Your mind of course, I established a strong connection here so I can communicate to you anytime and keep an eye on you."

"I am amazed that you thought so far for me my goddess."

"I just wanted to make sure things go smoothly as possible for you. Still let me explain what you are getting yourself into. *Ahem* Hand crafted by me with the help of using the water mana well. It was not easy, but I wracked my brain on how to test you with the element of water. As you are aware, this magic conflicts with your fire mana, so fire magic will not be as effective here. Be careful, puzzles and threats will await you not to mention a grand trial at the end. Clear the trials and the power that I left for you will be yours. Fail, and be ejected from the temple and have it lock up for twenty-four hours. Knowing you, that is something you don't want to happen."

"Yeah, but where does the trial start? All I see is open water."

"Why its right in front of you!"

As on cue something came out of the water in front of the platform I am on. Rising from the water was a large marble building. Proud columns depicting birds stand before me as I stepped passed them and into the building. Finding an impressive stone fountain with various canals leading into it and away from it. The first thing I noticed is the fountain was not working and canals empty.

"I see…so I need to get that fountain working again."

"Exactly, this should be easy for you. Little problem solving doesn't hurt, I'll leave you too it."

I felt Bastet's presence leave me for now as I began observing the room. There are four canals all leading to the fountain and leading to the water outside. Something was stopping the water from flowing and activating the fountain. Following where one of them lead I noticed that there was water, but it was being stopped by…nothing?

"What the…something is stopping the flow?" I checked the other three and they had the same issue. Suspicious I used a detect magic spell and it was revealed to me a small magic barrier was created to block the water, "I see it now, all of them are being covered by a barrier. Though it is a god level barrier, so I can't dispel it. Hmm…"

I analyzed the barrier further and found there are instructions within the spell itself. Written in Egyptian hieroglyphs I was able to translate that the barrier needs to have a condition to be fulfilled to be dispelled. However, it does not tell me what I need to do. I stopped looking at the spell at this point and began to look around the room, checking for anything out of place I could interact with. It took me a whole five minutes to notice there was panel above me that was out of place. Curious, I used my staff to reach and press the button. There was a small click and the panel glowed with magic power. Shortly after pressing it, I heard the rushing of water and saw one of the canals began flowing water normally again.

"Okay I get it now, find the panels and press them. Three more to go then."

Slowly and carefully I was checking the walls, floors, and ceiling. For a simple mechanism puzzle, Bastet did not want to make it too easy. As it turns out, that one I found was the easier one to press. One other button I found did nothing by itself unless I was pressing another button that was far from my reach. I solved this issue using my magic telekinesis to float my staff to press said button. Then there was this large pressure plate which count as another button I needed to press, but me standing on it alone did not do the trick.

I needed something heavier to lay on it. Looking around I did find a few statues and decorative jars lying around. The appearance of these objects reminds me of a bath house I been in once in the past. Anyway, I decided to move one of the statue's first, it took some effort as the object was heavy but not heavy enough where it would require Nacho's strength. The plate moved down s bit, however it was not enough. So, I placed the jars onto it and added my weight on top of it. Thankfully, that was enough to press it completely and now I only had one more canal to go.

I found the last panel, but this one was curious in the fact that it would not push in when I tried to press it. In addition, it was cold to the touch. I know fire magic is not strong here, but perhaps if I heated up the panel then maybe it will work. Using a heated touch spell, I coated my hand in warm fire and pressed it against the panel. There was a slow hiss sound as I felt condensation leak from the panel as it slowly pressed into place. There was a small jingle to confirm my success as the last canal filled with water flow and finally the fountain sprang to life. Beautiful water erupted out of the contraptions built within it.

I smiled before the room began shaking and the sound of another building being raised from the water. Shortly thereafter the door on the far end of the room opened, revealing the next room, "Looks like that did it. Let us see what next."

"Congrats! You cleared the first trial! Though I expected you to as it is easy."

"Indeed, but I wonder what else you have in store for me. And is it going to be all just puzzles?"

"No, that you have my word. I have thought of ways to test you magically and physically. That first trial was just checking your general problem-solving skills. This next one should be a bit more interesting."

My goddess said nothing else as she left my mind for now. I left that building as I found myself in a new chamber that seems to have a lot going on. Familiar ancient Egyptian imagery of the gods resting by pools of water and being served by servants. It is quite humorous and earned a small chuckle from me. What lay before me was essentially an obstacle course. Platforms rising in and out of the water, hoops and moving pendulums that threaten to knock me off, jets of water designed to disorient me, magic water balls following the same purpose as the previous two obstacles, a miniature waterfall slide at the end and finally slippery floors.

I am quite experienced with obstacle courses, I even had one built inside my home to keep my reflexes strong. However, this water themed one looked to be quite tricky and falling into the water would no doubt make things harder for me. There is a clear path to follow, but I had to make sure to keep a good grip or else it would be soak city. With a small breath, I put away my staff and pulled out my khopeshes.

"Just in case I need the extra grip," I said to myself as I started the trial. First running up a lane that leads to a few moving platforms. Easily I leapt and hopped on each one without losing my footing. However, making things interesting was water balls being lobbed at me from the walls. I dodged them the best I can as volley after volley came after me in the path. Some I even sliced in half. After a total of five volley's and moving across tricky platforming I was able to reach the next section of the obstacle course. The rising and lowering platforms and swinging pendulums.

"Looks like I need to time this…" the first platform I stood on did not submerge into the water and instead just went up. It was a pillar underneath, so everything was solid, but due to the amount of space I was given I only have enough movement room to give one solid jump. The other platforms are the same way as well. I took a deep breath and breathed out to calm my nerves as I saw my opportunity to jump. What happened next took me by surprise.

The moment my feet landed on the platform, instead of expecting my sandal wearing feet to grip and stop on the platform. I instead felt my momentum keep going while I had no grip on the platform. I would smack myself for forgetting, but I first had to react to the situation at hand. Quickly twisting my body and slamming the hook part of my khopeshes into the marble platform. Which thankfully dug in and stopped me from falling into the water or running into the pendulum.

"Gods…serves me right for taking pride in my training. Of course, the marble would be wet after taking a dip into the water. Hmmm…" I thought about my next course of action carefully as I got back onto the platform as it reached the water again. Cold waves sent shivers up my body as my feet and bit of my legs got wet. My robe draped a bit but fell back into place once the platform rose again. My moment of opportunity is coming, and I still needed to figure out how to get past this obstacle. I even wonder if I can generate the momentum without slipping, I may have to waste some mana to dry up my spot to make the jump. A quick immolation spell will dry up the water quickly.

Still I will be at the mercy of my momentum like a flowing river, wait…like a river…flow…, "I got it now!"

With a smirk I cast the immolation spell to dry myself off just as I saw my opportunity to jump onto the next platform. Without fear, I let my momentum carry me as I jumped again, barely avoiding the pendulum and landing on the next one. I kept this up, even using one of the pendulums to extend my movement when the platform was not in my favor. It was almost fun in a way as I reached the end and came to a halt as I was met with the last part of the obstacle course. Which is a monkey bar type run to the waterfall while water jets spray from bellow. Adding further difficulty was these rings which I must pass through between some bar gaps.

No doubt the bars themselves are slippery, so I cannot hesitate here either. I looked at my hands and knew my paw pads will give me extra time, but this will be a test of my dexterity. Keeping what I learned from the last obstacle I did a running start before leaping for the first bars and immediately made quick pace with the following bars. As I expected, the bars were wet, so I only have a small amount of time to think. Which I had to do soon as the first ring was in the way. Keeping with the flow of movement, I allowed both my hands to land into one bar and swung myself through it. I was able to slip through, but I must use my feet to grab the next bars and use the momentum to switch back to my hands or I risk falling. It was a risky move, but I was able to pull it off.

After passing through that ring jets of water would spray up and force me to maneuver a bit to avoid it. However, such movement gave me less grip to work with as I kept going with the risk of slipping increasing the longer I stayed hanging. A few more close calls from water jets, their sprays still getting me wet and I ran into my next ring, this time smaller than the last. I performed the same stunt as last time and it was a closer call as I nearly hit one of the edges. Luckily, I did not, and I kept going. The jets though became more frequent and dodging them became more and more difficult. Some of them grazing me and messing with my balance. However, I stayed focused and managed to reach the last ring which was swinging left and right. Thankfully, I did not have to grab any bars and had just to land at the spot beyond it. Focusing, I picked my moment and leapt through, two more water jets exploding near me as I passed through them. With my momentum, not only did I land it, but I also did a few flips before stopping in place with a pose.

"Whew…such a performance should end gracefully," I said as I took some breaths. I was not winded, but it did take more effort out of me than a normal obstacle course, "Though I am not done yet…"

I look ahead of me and look at the back of the waterfall slide. There was nothing but steps leading up to it and I knew this was straightforward. With a few stretches I ascended the steps and was surprised when the waterfall parted away so I can see it is a clear shot to the end. With a smile and a shrug, I decided slide down on my feet and 'surf' the flowing water. It felt exhilarating and I could not help but grin like a child. Eventually my ride came to a smooth end and I wiped my feet on a convenient rug. I looked ahead and saw that the next trial was waiting for me beyond the door. However, as I got closer, I could faintly hear someone singing. I am I not alone in here?

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

I slowly woke up…groggily as my mind was still trying to piece together my thoughts. I could barely remember what happened as I was charging for a beast trigger. I was supposed to try and trigger the chimera form which I had no success in the past but attempted to do it anyway and try to lessen my corruption. I guess I have succeeded but couldn't control it as I cannot remember much after I felt that sensation of transformation.

"Argh…what happened…"

"Congrats, you managed to find a way to let loose without hurting people like you wanted. Most of that corruption you built up is gone…heh…kinda, take a good look at yourself."

"W-What…?" I shuffled out of the bed sheets and looked at my body. Not much has changed except my hands and feet when I gazed upon them. I looked at them in horror as they still retain the look caused by the corruption. Covering my hands and feet and creeped up just a bit onto the limbs they're attached to, "H-How?! Why?! That was supposed to get rid of it!"

"Remember Azhum's spell? Yeah, I warned you that you will regret it and thanks to his suppressing spell you currently have a permanent boost to your corruption. You are always at twenty percent now."

"Shit!" I threw my pillow and sent it soaring through the air as it crashed into nearby furniture. Breaking a glass vase as my darker side faded away with a laugh from my mind.

"Nacho? Are you okay?" I was surprised by the voice of Isabelle who walked in and quickly noticed the broken vase, "Oh! Do…you need some space?"

"No no…*sigh*"

I held my head in defeat as Isabelle cleaned up the broken glass before making her way to me. Pulling me into a hug, "I'm sorry we couldn't clear out all of your corruption Nacho, but it isn't all bad. Your chimera form didn't attack us!"

"Well…I guess I still saw you as my lovers, that's good at least…still I'm still a risk."

Isabelle looked away from me after I said that, as if she was remembering something. However, it didn't seem to be important enough as she returned her attention to me, "Don't worry Nacho, Azhum has a plan just in case you beast trigger again. Speaking of which, I didn't think you could beast trigger into chimera form."

"Me either…somehow it was easier to just…unleash it. I wonder if it is tied to my corruption?"

"Maybe, still you should rest. You passed out immediately after reverting back."

"Yeah, now that you mention it. I am still feeling a bit physically tired, but also a bit hungry."

"Oh! Let me make something for you! I got an idea that will help you get back into fighting shape in no time!"

"Does it have meat in it?"

She smirked at me before rubbing my head, "Of course!"

"Then consider me looking forward to it."

"That's the spirt! I'll be right back!" She gave me a quick peck before walking off. I noticed there was an intentional sway to her hips as she went, the act itself being eye catching and bringing a smile to my face.

I just laid back into the bed and waited with nothing but my thoughts to keep me busy. Strangely enough my darker half didn't come back to mess with me. Which I am glad as I rather not deal with him right now. However, somebody wanted to talk to me as it wasn't long until I felt another presence with me.

"Ah there you are Nacho, proud hunter. World Shaker…"

I was surprised to hear a regal and commanding voice speaking to me in my head. It was a voice I wasn't familiar with and it caused me to sit up in bed, "Who's there? Ah…I mean who are you?"

"My brother told you about me, I am Quetzalcoatl. The feathered serpent, the god of the sacred winds."

"Quetzalcoatl?! Holy…I am honored to hear you."

"Think nothing of it, my brother brought you to my attention and we have been watching you during your time here. Believe it or not it wasn't easy with the limited power we have. Still we seen your exploits and what have you done for these people along with your lovers and friends. You show the strength of a powerful warrior, the savageness of a beast, and the cunning of a hunter. The blood of your ancestors run strong within you, however there is possibly more to you than just that."

I was perplexed by that last line of dialogue as what more is there to me? What does that mean, "With all due respect Quetzalcoatl, what do you mean by that? Tezcatlipoca said something similar when I gave him some of my blood."

"Yes, he did, we are trying to figure it out as he last told me there was something…divine within your blood, but we need more of your blood to know for certain. When possible, can you please donate some of your blood to either of our temples? As it stands, we guess you may have divine heritage from somewhere, but it being a god or demi-god or other special occasions."

"Wait…me? Releated to a God? Demi-God? That's impossible…at least…that's what I would normally think anyway…"

"Hmm? Have you suspected this before young Nacho?"

"I guess you can say that, heh, I can't believe I'm telling this to a god I just met, but it seems appropriate that I do. You see…there has been a rare gene among my family tree that has made members in my family tough as…well tough as a freaken elephant if I had to compare. We would be able to handle trauma and damage that would be lethal to a normal human being. I mean I practically died once and came back to a dying body only to willpower it with the virus changing to my body and becoming symbiotic with me. I mean if I am not part god or something then I'm a freak of nature along with those others. My parents always calls it God's gift on our family, but the day it came out for me that's how I got drafted to be part of the agency."

"I see…have you told this to your lovers?"

"Yeah, I have, of course they were sympathetic for me. Though I never expected my life to change like that when it came out. Heh, funny stuff really, turns out I am natural punching bag when it comes to fighting monsters, including big ones."

"I see…hmm…this is very interesting young Nacho. Perhaps…there is something more to you…still my brother and I require your blood. So, when you can."

"I will, I don't like cutting myself, but if you two can find something out about me then I guess it's a small sacrifice."

"I'm glad you understand, now rest as much as you can. Even warriors need to recover."

"I am well aware, I'll see you then," I could have sworn I envisioned him smiling before fading away. I was alone again, and I leaned back into bed. With a sigh as I look at my hands with a mix of frustration and dread. I can't fathom why…but I can just feel how much destruction these hands can cause. Even more so with the full form. Is there really a way for me to control it? Argh what am I saying…of course there is! I just don't know how yet.

"I have to do it for them, this beast I am becoming will not be the end of my rational mind. That I swear!"

"Who are you yelling to?" I heard Diva speak out with a smirk as she walked into room.

"Ah! Uh…how long have you been listening?"

"Long enough, Amr and I just came in to say our goodbyes."

"Goodbyes? For what?"

"Well…" she explains to me that she and Amr are heading off to do her duty to her goddess. Frankly I forgot that she a had a goal too, to which she gave me a playfully mean look for forgetting. But she forgave me easily.

"Ah alright, well have you told Isabelle yet?"

"Yeah, Amr should be heading here now. She was cooking something good by the way, I think you'll enjoy it."

"Heh, I bet. Isabelle is a good cook; she knows how to make some delicious soups and broth."

"Are you trying to make me jealous? Hehehe, because some nice food before leaving sounds great to me."

I only laughed as eventually Isabelle got the food finished and we eventually all ate a nice broth made from nice vegetables and meats she bought from the villagers here. She was proud of it and I couldn't help but laugh when Diva made a comment that she would make a great housewife if she can cook like that. The poor girl was flustered but took the compliment and we all had a good time with one another. It wasn't long until they had their fill and said their goodbyes. We waved them goodbye and thanked them for their help. This left me and Isa alone, just sitting alone together. It was quite peaceful until I remembered that Ankha wasn't around.

"Oh, right Ankha! Where is she?"

"Easy Nacho, she headed towards the Temple of Water. She's doing her trials for Bastet, so I don't know when she'll be back."

"Oh…okay, man I need to relax. I'm in no good condition for anything right now."

"Then sleep on it Nacho, as you told me, its great for your health," she gave me a warm smile as I returned it.

I leaned back into bed and tried to relax, what I didn't expect was Isabelle joining me in the bed and cuddling me. I was going to ask why but she shushed me as she placed my head near her warm body. I took in her scent which to me smelled faintly of lemons had sleep coming to me quite fast. My worries and stress disappearing against the pillow that is her soft warm body.