Chapter 23: Stratagem Unleashed
Translations for this chapter:
(Old-Egyptian tongue)
[Sub-solla language]
Author's Note:
Hello y'all! (Insert western accent here) I heard you were yankering...okay I'll stop. Well another chapter out and lots of action here, so much action that it cannot be contained in one chapter. I mean this is a lengthy read so be prepared and take breaks when you need to because your in it for the long haul. That's all I have to say so read on and enjoy, this TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
It was late in the night as I dressed myself for bed. My mood couldn't be happier as Nacho is good as free. With both Gods awakened I am confident that there was no way we can lose, its practically impossible. The god's themselves went off on their own to explore the city and greet some of the citizens but judging by the fact there wasn't a crowd or uproar outside they were being discrete.
My mood was improved further when I saw Isabelle in better spirits and a burning determination in her eyes. Something I saw worth celebrating with more than hug and kisses. Still there was one more elephant in the room of my mind. Ser-Ka, I was surprised that she came to Sub-Solla herself to deliver what I needed to make the temple hallowed ground for Bastet's temple. We briefly talked and she reminded me that there was something important she needed to tell me, but not in the open. At night instead and she wanted to talk with just me alone. Right now, she is waiting outside for me to get done with my dress up for the night.
Once I was done, I walked outside and met up with the Ex-Queen who was still dressed as regally as ever. I already had a feeling on what she wanted to talk about as I remember Bladeius.
("Thank you for giving me the time Ankha, this has been on my chest for some time now. It was becoming unbearable.")
("I imagine, the last I saw you; you seem disheartened when you couldn't tell me. Looking at you now, I can tell it has weighed heavily on your mind Ser-Ka.")
("Indeed it has…") she sighed as before looking at me with her golden eyes, ("Ankha…that man…who was celebrated in my city, my kingdom. That man…")
She was having trouble finding the power to speak her mind. I saw she was fidgeting with her hands nervously, so I decided to put a hand on her shoulder and give her a warm smile. The sight must have given her some relief as she finally spoke the words, I knew she was going to say.
("That man…is Bladeius…your old lover…")
("I thought so…")
Her eyes widen when I said this, ("Wait…y-you knew?!")
("Sort of, I just accidently stumbled upon the answer myself. You see…") I explained to her my encounter with Bladeius who was now currently a raised undead. She was shocked and apologized profusely that I had to learn the truth in that way.
("I'm sorry…so sorry…")
("It's quite alright I went through an emotional turmoil on that discovery, but I recovered. Still…I feel like there is more to Bladeius being your husband.")
Ser-Ka kept crying and hugged and comforted her. I held her like this, like an old friend would until she calmed down, ("Sorry…I lost my composure there…*breathes* you are right though…I lied about that. Bladeius was never my husband, we never really gotten further than friends.")
Hearing this surprised me, but I recalled that the undead Bladeius telling me that he did not remember having a wife. Still the implications just from what she said has me dreading the worse, ("Then…how did you…you know had children?")
Ser-Ka went silent for a bit, sighing deeply before answering, ("I won't blame you if you hate me but…during the later years of his life. An aged Bladeius, despite having done much for me and our kingdom fell into a deep sadness. Depression as we know these days, I have grown into a proper queen at this point but without our best warrior in his top condition people have grown worried. Especially since there was a looming war just around the corner with one of our neighbors. My advisor…told me that I would need to give birth for future generations. She suggested that I take Bladeius's seed as he is a powerful warrior and having such seed for my children would make them strong. However, we knew that he would never take me as he only had eyes for you.")
("Bladeius…I'm sorry…") I shook my head, even in his age he stayed true to me and suffered from it.
("Ankha? Do not blame yourself…really, do not, as I did something, I am not proud of to this day. I still do not know why, but…the advisor managed to convince me to go through with the idea of Bladeius impregnating me. However, to overcome the pitfall he only had eyes for you, I was magically transformed to look like you.")
("What?")
("Yeah…I did…and well…I pretended to be you with the story that you were only able to visit him for that night as the gods saw how lonely he was. He was hesitant at first, but I managed to get through to him and well…you can figure out the rest. If there was a sliver lining…his mood improved drastically after that and just in time as a few days after war broke out. Bladeius lost his life in the last battle while leading his troops. According to his men, he died standing facing towards the enemy.")
("Wow…") that was all I can say as a mix of emotions was churning in my body. Anger that she deceived Bladeius in order to gain heirs, using my form no less. Sadness that Bladeius had went through depression in my absence, but also happiness that Bladeius was able to be happy again and he died a noble warrior's death.
("So that's what happened between me and Bladeius…he talked so much about you. Nothing but good things, and here am I. A former queen who committed the heinous act of seducing another woman's consort.")
("I will admit, I am feeling a bit miffed that you did something such as that. However, knowing that it helped Bladeius out of his depression makes it a bit better.")
("Wait…you're not mad?")
("Well I wouldn't say that, but really what would be the point of me being angry at you? That was many lifetimes ago, I was still new to the world outside of Egypt and let's be honest there was no way I could met Bladeius again. It was beyond my power at the time. I'm just glad at the end of his life that he was happy, though that still didn't stop him from reincarnating though.")
("Wait he reincarnated?!")
("Yes, long story, but to keep it brief he is somewhere among today. Who knows as who though? Anyway, Ser-Ka, I am glad you came to tell me about this. It must have been hard for you.")
("It was, I was expecting you to be angrier with me. That is a burden off my shoulders.")
("Yeah, well I should turn in for the night. I have to save Nacho from the legal system, and I need to be at my best.")
("Alright, I'll should turn in for the night as well. Good night Ankha.")
("Goodnight Ser-Ka, and when everything is settled. We can sit down and get to know each other more, as friends.")
("Friends…I would like that.")
I waved her goodnight as I return to my apartment and joined Isabelle in bed. We shared some sweet words before sleeping sweet dreams.
/
The next day came and along with it the day of Nacho's trial. Everyone, including the Jagoworden came by the courthouse or rather "The Hall of Judgement" as they call it. It was quite a notable event as many people came by to sit down and listen to the proceedings. Isabelle and I were dressed in the best formal clothes we brought. Which boiled down to casual adventurer wear. Ser-Ka was there too waiting in anticipation as only Taimolche sat in the judges' seat.
Isabelle and I sat in the defendant's seating and waited as the single king began explaining why his brother wasn't here. Saying that he told him that he had some important business to attend to and cannot be a judge. So, proceedings will have to continue without him. Eventually Nacho was brought into the hall with chains and hand cuffs keeping him from running or doing anything for that matter. At least that is the intent, but everybody knows that he could have broke out of those bindings. He was seated next to us and sighed.
"Well, its nice to see your two beautiful faces again," Nacho said cheekily.
"Likewise, you got nothing to worry about Nacho. We got this in the bag," I explained with a confident smirk.
"Well considering everything they have on me is mainly circumstantial evidence. I say any solid proof that shows I wasn't there will break any suspicion on me."
"Well Ankha got that and more, I was surprised myself when she told me," Isabelle added with her upbeat voice.
"Really now? Well I can't wait to see this then. Oh, by the way, Lavi and Marshal say hi."
I nearly jumped in my chair when he said this, "Lavi and Marshal are here? How?"
"Long story, but they are here now along with Whitney and Kiki, so…we are going to have to bail them out too."
I shook my head, "One problem at a time, first let's get you cleared."
Nacho nodded as he remained silent for the court proceedings. Only answering when he needed to. Needless to say, the trial in the beginning was boring. Their prosecutor didn't really offer much other than the facts and testimony of those who thought they saw Nacho leaving the temple. However, the descriptions never had his face, just that the man was wearing a black hooded robe. Not very strong evidence and everybody can agree on that. However, as it stands nobody could prove or disprove that Nacho was there. So of course, that's when I went for the throat.
"Your highness, I would like to propose that it was not Nacho who poisoned the people at the temple with the virus, but rather a man named Aten."
There was a collected gasp and murmuring among the civilians as I said this and Taimolche banged what looked to be a gavel on his podium, ["Ankha, I remember hearing you mention this man before, yet what evidence you know for sure that this man is responsible for the spread of the virus?"]
"Because, I have a witness and he will prove Nacho's innocence."
["Witness? Where is this witness?"]
I smiled, "I believe that you all know him, your highness, I call Tezcatlipoca to the stand!"
There was a collected gasp from everyone, Nacho looked at me with surprise as well which I only returned with a smug smile. With good reason too, as smoke began pouring into the hall along with the growls of a Jaguar. Eventually said Jaguar prowled into the hall, surprising everyone with its dark colored fur and white markings. It was dressed in ancient Aztec accessories, the focus being a skull mask he was wearing. Another standout feature was that the jaguar was missing his left leg and replacing it was smoke coming from an obsidian mirror.
Eventually once he was close enough, the Jaguar transformed into the god himself. Black colored skin with white tribal markings. His headdress had a skull mask with an assortment of feathers coming out of the back similar to his brother Quetzalcoatl but with darker intimidating colors. It can be best described his entire outfit is that of an Aztec hunter. Further proven by his jaguar accented cloth waist wrap. Bones on his bracers and anklet and jaguar teeth on his necklace. Adding to his arsenal was his bow which was resting around his body along with arrows in a quiver. Hanging from his hips are two daggers which are called Tecpati and look savage enough to rip somebody open.
Nobody could say anything as he looked around, a bit lost, ["Hello! It is I! Tezcatlipoca! Brother of Quetzalcoatl and I can confirm Ankha's suspicions. As I was there and saw the man that tainted my devoted followers with his virus."]
The audience was awestruck and could not speak, they responded by simply nodding their heads. The god continued as he used his smoke to create image like a movie which revealed Tezcatlipoca's vision from the statue. It was high clarity so there was no static or anything. That implying if magic vision can experience static. Regardless the video revealed all, the priests were doing their morning prayer and mysteriously a man in dark robes sneaked into the temple. However, those robes confirm everything as it was the same one that belongs to Aten. I even saw a bit of his canine face peeking through. To everyone's horror, he surprised a priest a sprayed him with some kind of black smoke. I have no doubt this is the virus that created the outbreak. I don't know how he got his hands on them, but the damaged caused by the virus was already felt.
So many people gasped and grew angry at the hooded figure and knew for sure that Nacho is innocent. They roared out in a chant that the king had to hit his gavel just to keep order in the hall. Tezcatlipoca stopped the video and turn to the king, ["Taimolche, as you can see. That man Nacho is innocent. This stranger that I only known as Aten is the reason why many of your people died."]
Taimolche leaned back into his chair, ["This evidence is irrefutable, not to mention it was Tezcatlipoca, one of our gods showing us this proof. I would ask the jury for their verdict, but I think that would be unnecessary. From the words of Tezcatlipoca and the power invested in me as king. I declare Nacho not guilty and cleared of any wrong doing!"]
With on last slam of his gavel the audience roared with applause. I look at Nacho who had his eyes closed was smiling. No doubt mentally laughing at the experience of being cleared by the testimony of a god. The guards that brought him in unlocked his chains and cuffs and we immediately hugged him. However, the celebration didn't last long as suddenly an earthquake shakes the hall and caused the civilians to freak out.
"Oh, come on! Can't we have a moment of peace?" Nacho complained as suddenly another magic screen made of darkness came out of nowhere. My anger grew when I saw the hooded face of Aten.
"Congratulations, all of you for finally figuring out it was me that killed many of your neighbors with the virus. It only took the testimony of a god to confirm it for all of you. Honestly, I expected a bit more from you people," his toothy smile annoyed me as he looked at me, "Though I am impressed with you Ankha, able to restore the power of two gods. In just a few seconds no less, shame it took you so long to do the same for Bastet."
I only narrowed my eyes at him, "Just what are you up to Aten?"
"Ain't that the golden question? Like I would tell you, but I suppose what is happening right now should be obvious. Well, it should be to one of you…" He looks over to Azhum. His piercing eyes causing him to shudder. A first from the talking tome.
"No…you didn't! You mad man!"
"Hehe…but I did, and I been nurturing it. He has grown quite big and quite rowdy…hehe. I suggest you get on it, or would you rather repeat that one mistake I heard you made in the past. Tata, I say you got…maybe a few hours or so before my pet levels Sub-Solla into another deadland. Hehe."
The magic view disappeared and there was an uproar of panic. Aten finally made his move and now we must act.
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
It took some time to get the civilians under control. Wasting precious time, but we managed and now we were getting geared up for the trip to the volcano. I requested to the kings that Lavi and his team should be released from prison too as it was simply an accident that they saw the meeting with Ser-Ka. Said queen in question vouched for them and now we have the group together. We all geared up and already had a plan of attack.
Isabelle and I done some shopping in between practice while Ankha was doing her trials, so it was a good chance to try them out. I myself, taking Adamantine plated adventurer armor, having a more professional look while not sacrificing freedom of movement. Also said to be exceptionally durable, but let's see how long that lasts. A change from the Brachydio's dual blades, I decided to use two Mythril spatha's swords they had which is supposed to be magic sensitive weapons.
Isabelle herself is Mythril woven robes with armor plates. She was starting to look more and more like a paladin. She too had a Mythril weapon in the form of a mace which was lightweight and fitted well with her shield. Ankha wore a slim mythril set with some form fitting padded leather. She upgraded her khopeshes to Mythril as well which gave them that light blue silver sheen which seems to be a staple of the metal.
Lucky certainly got an upgrade
Lavi being a seasoned adventurer I noticed was wearing a purple heroic looking armor. Standard knight in shining armor deal, but what made up the armor was infused magicite adamantine. The magicite is a natural material that is only made near mana wells. Only the best of the best can have these made for them. He held a traditional sword and shield both made of adamantine. Overall, he looked like an RPG hero.
Whitney surprisingly was wearing mostly a leather outfit shamanistic style of which I never thought she would wear. There is a mystical style about it, and it seems to be reinforced with some Magicite. Weapon wise she is wielding what they called Magi-Adamantine staff, which is the metal infused with magicite to make it easier to use the object as a catalyst. She is also carrying some potions and daggers.
Marshal was wearing less impressive but still formidable silver armor. While not pure silver it was respectable and most likely light weight enough to not weigh him down too hard. He is using a heat resistant steel short sword and shield. He looked like an upcoming hero in the making. Kiki herself is the least armored of all of us, having only a few steel plates under her small robes. She actually looks like a small witch, hat and all but a bit more colorful with red as the primary color. She is armed with a wand, but she seems to keep it holstered. She also is wearing a big satchel bag with I assume is filled with useful items.
Tezcatlipoca decided to join us while Quetzalcoatl stayed at the kingdom just in case we fail to stop the monster and it launches. Speaking of which, said monster is a Magi-Beast named Volcannondon. According to Azhum, they are the dare devils of the Magi-Beasts and like to agitate volcanos so they can be launched into the air and come crashing down like a meteor. Azhum did not say much else about it. I assume it was because he wanted to avoid being questioned for his connection to the species based on what Aten said.
"Here we are…the base of the volcano," I declared as I stand proud with a 10-man team, including myself. Joining us also was the Jagoworden who help made the trek shorter, though the beast had to stay behind because of the cave size.
"So, the Magi-Beast is inside the volcano…huh, its like the Volcanic Hollow all over again," Lavi commented.
"Yeah, be ready for anything people."
"I hope you have plan to deal with the heat, I don't do well under intense heat," Whitney warned.
"Do not worry, I got a spell for that. I will cast it when we get inside the volcano," Azhum was dead serious as we headed into the cave.
I felt my body shudder as my body was remembering the damage I had done here. The smell of death never left, and I had to breathe slowly just to calm my nerves. I felt Isabelle's hand on my shoulder, when I looked over, she gave me a reassuring look which put me at ease. Still, flashes of the destruction I caused appeared in my vision. Like resurfacing memories.
"Ah…remember what we did? During that time we had a common goal, we were in synch and because of that we were unstoppable…"
"I know…but such bloodshed…that isn't me. I know I killed before but something about what we did was just…empty…"
"Hmm…interesting…so you would rather kill with purpose…"
"I rather kill in the process of helping and protecting others than just mindlessly slaughter."
"Well at least you are honest…I can relent on that for our mates…still I think you need to let it all out and embrace your wild side…the sooner we are on the same page though, the sooner we can set our place in the natural order."
The other me faded away before I could respond and I just mentally sighed. We traveled deeper into the volcano and when it started to get hot Azhum casted a cooling spell which essentially had the same effect as a cooling drink. Whitney still felt a bit hot under the collar but that is to be expected of an arctic wolf. Quakes shook up our trek into the volcano, reminding us all of the time limit we had to deal with the monster.
["The beast is restless, impatient. It will attack us on sight…"] Tezcatlipoca muttered out loud. I noticed his hands were gripping his knife with anticipation. This being his first hunt in a long time so no doubt he is itching to take a beast down.
As we got closer, the quakes were louder and the tremors messing with our footing. We were close. Once more we saw an opening, we went through it and found ourselves in the center of the volcano. It was there we found the monster causing the entire issue. Rolling around and bouncing across the cavernous walls was the monster Volcannondon, who I quickly realized was magically enhanced Volvidon. Bigger and meaner than the smaller beast I slayed before in the past. Adding to the danger factor is the molten shell on its back and the crack of fire from its shell. Its claws were changed to be more mole like and make it easier to dig into the volcano.
"That is a big…volvi," Lavi said, "So what's the game plan?"
"I would like to know too, since you know…I don't want to burn," Lucky added.
"Well other than the usual of hit it till it dies, those of us who can fight the beast up close will take the brunt of it's attacks. Ankha has some water spells she can use, not to mention Azhum, but he needs to conserve his mana in order to keep us cool. What spells can you use Whitney?"
"I can employ the use of ice and some support magic. I can probably slow that thing down."
"Great, Marshal, Kiki you ready for this?" They took a deep breath but smiled and gave me a thumbs up. No doubt they feel a bit nervous fighting a monster like this.
["My heart beats with the hunt, I shall keep my distance in the shadows. I shall provide support with my bow. Let this hunt begin."]
I nodded too and look at Isabelle, Lavi, Marshal, Kiki, and Lucky. Signaling that they are with me while the others stayed in the back. They nodded as we jumped into battle, our weapons drawn. I roared with bestial fury as the Magi-beast stopped and turned to look at us with surprise as I crashed onto its head and digging my blades into its skull. The surprise attack caused the monster to shake its head and roll around in an attempt to shake me off.
I twisted my blade a couple of times before pulling them out savagely and launching myself off the monster. As I landed, I stomped my foot onto the ground and cause a hard fist shaped rock to fly off the ground and uppercut the beast, knocking it out. However, my mana infused attack caused a tremor within the volcano.
"Nacho, I know you have earth ki skills, but something tells me you should avoid using them here," Lucky quickly said before everyone went to attack the monster.
I mentally cursed, of course I can't show off my earth ki-skills. Well it doesn't matter as my skills should be enough. We slashed and stabbed the vulnerable belly until the monster got back up and roared at us. I kept my eyes on the face of the monster as the beast opened its mouth and began lashing its burning tongue at us like a whip. It has surprising range as it nearly hit us. We kept our distance as the beast snarled and began slashing at us with its clawed hands. I was ready to counter but was taken by surprise when the beast rolled forward with the slash in an attempt to run us over with its molten body.
The control it has over its large body was different from Volvidons as immediately after the roll ended it immediately turned around and did another slash, this time directed at Marshal as he was closer. Kiki shouted his name and thankfully the white squirrel managed to pull up his shield to block the attack, but the weight of the hit sent him flying back.
"Shoot…Hey over here!" I shouted which got the monster's attention, "Here he comes, Lucky you ready?"
"I been ready Nacho," he readied his spear as the beast reared up for another tongue lash attack. However, it didn't get the chance when a ball of water shot into its mouth and interrupted the monster as it choked on the magic water attack. Seeing our chance Lucky thrusted forward and pierced the belly while I lunged forward and pressed my weight which caused the monster to roll onto it's back. We wouldn't press the attack more, but the monster quickly shook us both off by spinning it's body and curling up. It got back on its feet and began making a nasally noise that sounds like its laughing.
I didn't like the sound of that, and I was proven right as the monster curled into a ball and began revving up like a wheel. The thing was going so fast that its fire burst and was flaming wheel. I shouted at Marshal and Kiki to stay frosty as the beast began bouncing around. I mentally cursed as we all scattered around to avoid the monster cannonball. The speed was insane as it ricochets off walls at high speeds.
Each hit stirring the volcano more and giving us less time to fight it. There was no point in trying to stop it with brute force as it was a quick way to kiss the volcano wall and maybe lava too. I quickly spotted Ankha firing a salvo of water shots which hissed on impact on the molten shell. It wasn't doing much but it was cooling the more heated areas of the shell. Once the lava hardened, arrows were launched at the speeding monster at blinding speeds which at first appeared to bounce off the shell but there were noticeable cracks of rocks that fell off the shell. Tezcatlipoca's aim was no joke and he proved it as the beast leaked fire from the exposed cracks in its armor. The burst of unexpected burst of fire actually messed with the monster's steering, but it seemed to have quickly adapted to the change in its body. However, its life was made harder as a magic circle appeared in front of it and a wave of intense cold completely cooled and slowed down the monster.
It tumbled into the ground and broke off some of the cooled lava on its body. It was angry and furious as it stood on its hind legs and roared as an aura of white fire sprouted from its body. Melting the ice as it resumed the attack, the heatwave generated by the monster was more intense where the cooling effect did not work if we got near it. It slashed is claws and fire waves emitted from them. We did our best to press the attack on it but the heat from its body meant we could not stay close for too long. Still we persevered, and some of us got our fair share of hits on the beast and hits from the monster itself.
Lucky's bandages got scorched with the monster whacked him with it's burning tongue. Isabelle took a hard hit when it started spewing firebombs. I got hit by it too as my body hit the back wall. I growled as I rubbed my head as I looked over to Isabelle who was recovering from the impact. I felt the other me grow angry that Isabelle got hurt, but I ignored his complaints as we continued the fight.
"Nacho!" Ankha shouted as she joined the fray, "Need some help?"
"I won't lie, some quick feet would be really helpful right now."
["Then let's match speed for speed"] Tezcatlipoca added as he landed as well, daggers drawn.
To my surprise he pounced quick and slammed into the monster. His daggers quickly stabbing the soft underbelly and cutting upwards with caused hot blood to spray out and splash onto him. He let out a slight groan, no doubt feeling the burning life liquid on his body but he seems to be enjoying it. Ankha on the other hand was doing her best to aim at the softer parts of the monster while using water magic to stop the hot blood from hitting her along with using it to attack the monster. Steam was created in the skirmish as the monster curled up into its body and bounced up into the air and slammed into the ground, pushing everyone back.
"Icicle crash!" Shouted Whitney as a magic circle appeared above the monster a spire of ice to fall out of it and impale the monster as a rush of cool air coated the area along with some steam. When we looked back we saw that the monster was now super cooled as the white fire on its body was replaced with brittle cooled lava and with an obvious weak point created as its body fire cauterized the wounds created but was left weakened and vulnerable. Its fire burning out and our chance to end this fight.
The beast gave out one more defiant roar as it mustered what fire it had left for one last stand.
"Everyone! We only got ten minutes before this volcano explodes! End this fight now!" Azhum shouted as he casted spell that caused rain to fall inside the chamber. Weakening the monster further.
"Everyone, aim for the weak points!" I proclaimed and nobody hesitated as we all attacked the beast at once. It was beatdown like no other as Lucky was using his bladed spear to impale the monster in the chest and even draining some of its life force with his drain ability. Ankha was zipping around and slashing the monster's belly and spraying it with a water shotgun blast to the face which prevented it from retaliating.
Isabelle using a mighty club was kneecapping the monster and was using her shield to block its swipes and protecting Kiki who was throwing potion bombs and eventually pulled out a strange wand and gave it a few waves before suddenly shooting out a strong bolt of arcane magic that sent her backwards. Telling me that she doesn't have great control over her magic.
Marshal was fighting with Lavi as the experienced monster hunting adventurer launched the small white squirrel onto the back of the monster as he began stabbing the hole in the back of the shell. Lavi himself charging in a ramming the monster from behind with his shield to keep it from falling back with the help of Whitney who created an ice stopper to prevent it from going further with its large frame.
Tezcatlipoca was expertly dashing around and fired arrows into the vulnerable joints of the monster's arms while I helped him by sheathing my blades and coating my fists in stone and started wailing into the monster. Punching it in the gut a couple of times before turning them into stone claws to rend and break its shell and flesh. I felt a bit of my wild side leak out as I savagely ripped out whatever I grabbed and felt its hot blood wash over my arms and body, but I didn't care as I kept ripping and tearing to my heart's content. I almost tuned out everybody as I latched onto the monster's body. Climbing up it and ramming my hand deep into its chest, the magi-beast cried out one last time as I wormed my arm through. Breaking the rib cage and grabbing its heart. It was hot as lava as I grabbed it and pulled it out with a roar.
That was it, the beast slumped over to the side as I held its still beating heart in my earth clawed hand.
"Raaah!" I held its heart high in victory as the others joined me in my prideful declaration.
"Right, sorry to interrupt but this volcano is going to interrupt any time now!" Azhum warned as the cavern area began to rumble and shake. Not wasting anytime we booked it out of there, the talking tome making a portal mid-way and we were all able to make it out safely.
/
We were teleported a fair distance away from the volcano as it erupted, thankfully that's all it did as we watched. We end up seeing Quetzalcoatl flying over us and towards the volcanic flow. I looked at the beating heart in my hand and felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Tezcatlipoca looking at me with pride.
["The blood of you Aztec ancestors run strong, that is proof of it. The heart of your enemy is yours to do as you wish Nacho. You don't have to follow old traditions but know that my brother and I, and whatever of my fellows that remain. Now if you excuse me my brother needs my help,"] He transformed into a jaguar and quickly ran off to help stem the lava flow.
"So…let's head back shall we?" I said awkwardly while still holding the warm and beating heart. I got a few funny looks from Lavi's group but Ankha and Isabelle gave me some friendly gestures as I put my prize into the bag.
"Power…so much power from that single heart…I saw we should eat it. Make the power within our own."
"I'll consider it, frankly I am still a bit weirded out that it is still beating."
We made our way back to town and there was a welcome celebration for our return. It was nice and quick as everyone took the chance to unwind. Me with my lovers as I kept studying the heart.
"A penny for your thoughts love? You been staring at the heart for a while now, it's a bit unsettling," Ankha asked with concern.
"Yeah, it's pretty weird not going to lie," Isabelle added.
"Sorry girls, just I am not quite sure to do with it. I mean a still beating heart filled with magic power? What do you do with something like that?"
"Well if you want my advice, I would refrain from eating it," Azhum interrupted as he flew in.
"Azhum? What's up?"
"Nacho, as you already figure out, that heart is kept beating by magic power. However, not just the usual amount. We are talking about mana well levels of magic stored into that organ."
My eyes bulged out as I look back at the organ in my hand, "Holy…that much magic is in here? What was Aten feeding that thing?"
"We should handle this organ with care Nacho, that much magic power is pretty much a bomb waiting to happen," Ankha caution.
"Yikes…uh…now I really don't want this thing to hit the ground."
"Well then what do we do with it? We just can't just keep it in a box," Isabelle wondered.
"I suggest a magically seal container of some kind so it will be protected, also as a display piece of your bravery. I will be frank, you did me a favor today in stopping that beast. I wish I can tell you how much so, but for now I will see to that you can display that trophy."
Azhum flew away and once again I just sat there holding the heart, "Well that's one problem solved. I guess we can just relax from here on out."
("Umm excuse me! I'm not interrupting, am I?") Ser-Ka slithered in looking a bit nervous.
("It's okay, please take a seat and relax,") Ser-ka visibly relaxed and sat down and began having a conversation with Ankha in their native tongue. Something I could only hope to one day to understand. Isabelle started a magic topic with me, explaining her new discovering in making plant monsters to aid her in battle and is currently studying them so she can be confident in bringing them to the next time they get into a fight. I congratulated her and was curious with her findings. We kept at this and enjoyed ourselves until I suddenly felt twinge of frenzy in the area. Everything moved in slow motion in my vision as I saw the horror on Ankha's face as portals appeared behind us all, including Ser-Ka and dragged us inside. Very quickly we went from the bright lights of the kingdom to the dark moonlit opening in the jungle.
Immediately as I landed, I drew a sword and slashed my attacker, I heard a moan as I witnessed the undead body of a felin fall over in half. I looked over as the girls had their weapons drawn, Ser-Ka surprising all of us when she drew a dagger to defend herself. Which in this case is good as more undead warriors of both human, and felin walked out of the shadow's weapons drawn expertly. The all so infamous laugh of Aten echoed in the forest as he walked into the light along with Adofo.
"Well well well…Ankha, and company. Glad you can drop by on such short notice," He said with a smirk. All the while that feeling of the frenzy virus grew stronger, we were close to the source.
"Grrr…now what do you want?"
"To see your beautiful face, hehe, well that is bonus actually. I am actually here for that heart; you know why already."
I looked at the heart in my hand and immediately placed it in my bag as I drew my other sword, "Like heck you are going to get it!"
"That's the idea, knock them out," he ordered as he quickly disappeared into the shadows with Adofo. Letting the undead attack us with their vicious weapons.
I faced a few undead humans and Felins, to see their corpses like this was simply horrible. I bet Lucky would be offended by the misuse of this power. I slashed the undead with my ferocious blades cutting off limbs and generally tearing them apart. However, the magic that brought them back reattached the limbs and put them together again.
"Well this is new…"
"Nacho! This is not some of those zombies like on T.V.! Magic brought them back!" Ankha shouted as she used fire magic to set one of them on fire.
"Wait so stabbing them in the heart and brain isn't going to do anything?"
"Not unless you like wasting your time," she said as she set a few more undead on fire before cutting them down.
"Crap…" The only fire I have access to is when I beast trigger. I got nothing against them!
("Magic weapons and life magic can also destroy them quickly if you don't have fire magic!")
"Er what?"
"She said Magic weapons and life magic can destroy them faster if you don't have fire magic!"
"Oh! I got life magic!" Isabelle declared as she waved her club and fired of green sparkling dust onto some of her zombie foes. Those were healing spores and the moment they touched the undead they began to burn. It's as if their nerves were awakened and they felt pain as they flailed around. In addition, a dark aura of magic fizzled out of them. It was obvious that now they are going to stay down in the next following hits.
This was demonstrated when Ser-Ka quickly darted in and slit the throat of the undead monsters before coiling them both and crushing them. The snapping of bone was audible as they collapsed into a heap. Still there are numerous undead and its clear that Aten was trying to wear us down. However, that's when Isabelle whistled.
"Isa? What are you doing?"
"Calling back up!" she smiled with confidence as suddenly the ground rumbled a bit and popping out of tiny holes were the small nulberry monsters along with a few other little plant creatures of unknown plant origin, "Spray those undead with healing spores!"
The plants chirped as they bulged up and began spraying out the same colored spores. Coating the undead forces and removing the magic that would keep them together after being struck down. We took advantage of this and began mowing down the monsters. Using my earth ki skills to rebury the monsters and smash them flat. Thanks to our combined efforts the undead forces were quickly defeated as their bodied lay before us and dissolved as the magic that brought them back left their bodies.
("Rest in peace former warriors of Sub-Solla,") Ankha said as she gave them a prayer.
There was a moment of silence for the fallen, but I sensed another presence quickly running towards me. Using my beastly instincts, I brought up my swords and blocked the blades of none other than Bladeius himself. However, I felt nothing but murderous intent in his lifeless eyes.
"K-Kill…me…please…"
His voice was hoarse and forced, it was horrifying.
"Bladeius?! Shit Aten got a hold of you?"
No answer was given as our strengths pushed each other away. Aten's laughter rang loudly and annoyingly. However, to our surprise he was dragging out the unconscious body of Olemach. The man is a bloody mess and no doubt barely alive, ("Hehe, would you believe me that this man is the one who asked for this corpse? The one from your most well-guarded tomb Ser-Ka?")
("What?! No…that can be right…") Ser-Ka said while still recovering from the shock of seeing the undead Bladeius in front of her.
"Explain yourself Aten, what do you mean?" Ankha demanded as she held her blades tightly but I can see her hands tremble a litte.
"Simple really Ankha, Olemach and I had a deal. You see, Olemach held a hatred for humans that burned strong. He wanted revenge for the time the humans took away from him and dear brother. Revenge for what he lost during that time and he did not let go of that grudge. I merely offered my service to help on the condition he will serve me. However, it would seem he got cold feet. He told me his original plan to take over so he can declare war on humans, but you had an effect on him Nacho. As he only killed that underground trafficking ring he only worked with via Bladeius here just to draw them out. It would seem he developed a moral dilemma and decided to attack me with the same power I gave him. The power to raise and control the dead, as you can see…that didn't work out for him."
He tossed the body to the side and snapped his finger. Bladeius groaned before continuing the attack but focused on me. The undead warrior was formidable, boosted by Aten's magic and pushing me back slowly. The girls were about to help out until walls of magic blocked access to me.
"Tisk tisk, I want this to be a battle between your male lovers alone Ankha, but don't worry the rest of you will have something to do," His laughter rang in my ears as I saw him and Adofo joined the battle, "Show me you improved since our last encounter!"
I wanted to go out there and help them, but I was stuck with him. It would seem that Aten was through too as the undead pushed me up against the wall and I felt a jolt of magic power shocking me and blasting me forward. I growled as I didn't take this lying down and got back on my feet. Our blades clashed against each other in brutal flurry as it was one constant parry after another. I never fought somebody like Bladeius before, he is quick and can do more than attack with his blades. Something I found out the hard way as he dodged instead of parrying one of my slashes and grabbed me from the waist.
To my surprise, he kicked one of my foot away and caused me to fall to the ground where he proceeded to punch and knee my body. This assault lasted a few seconds before I stopped him and kicked him away.
"Come on man, I know you can fight Aten's control! Ankha spoke nothing but good things about you and even if you are only a piece of that man you should still be able to resist him!"
"C-Caaaann…t too…strooonngg…"
He held his head in pain and left himself wide open. Seeing this I took the opportunity to attack him. Slashing his chest before shoulder charging him and knocking him to the ground. There isn't much else I can do; the man is undead and I have nothing I can use to break through that magic that's preventing me from ending him. I sighed and realized I had no choice but to beast trigger. I just hope Ser-Ka can keep her distance.
I took a deep breathe and let my body be consumed by light as I transformed into my chimera form. There was a small explosion that erupted from my body from the built-up corruption. Thankfully, it went upwards but I can feel some of my more primal instincts climbing up. I had to stop myself from lunging forward onto the slowly rising Bladeius.
"K-Kill me…please…"
"Don't worry, you'll be free before the night is over," I breathed and fired a fireball at him. I saw his leg tried to move out of the way but he seemed to have resisted the command and instead took the full brunt of the fire ball. Sending him rolling back and setting him partly on fire. I head the crack of the spell breaking and now I can put him to rest. However, he roared and began attacking once more.
Despite being a human undead his strength matched mines in my beast triggered state. We exchanged blows and blade strikes. However, the more I got hit the angrier I got. The beast I am wanted to prove how much stronger than the undead. The blows we traded were hard and impactful, however I didn't notice the shockwaves as our fists, kicks, and blade strikes connected. Eventually our blades broke, and we resorted full on our physical abilities. Bladeius's wrestling maneuvers easily brought me to the ground and delivered face full of fists and knees.
However, my strength is just as great as I punched the undead in the chest and a explosion erupted and sent him to the wall as the magic reacted by zapping him and bouncing him back. I growled threateningly at Bladeius…despite the undead not being able to feel fear in the first place.
"Ah! Ankha!"
My ears heard an explosion from outside the barrier and turn to see the girls on the defensive. Tiring out and in the case of Isabelle and Ser-Ka scratched and dirty. Adofo himself looked like he took a serious beating, but Aten was relentless with his spells and light physical attacks. Seeing my mates hurt, caused a spark of fury to grow from within me. I immediately ran to the wall and began trying to punch through it, but the only response I got was the wall magic feedback zapping me backwards and fueling my rage.
"You've gotten better Ankha, but you are still lagging behind."
"It's not over yet!"
*ROOAAARR!*
"Oh, looks like your lover had enough already and wants to come out. Unfortunately for him, that barrier won't go down as long as Bladeius stands. I wonder if this would happen between a still living Bladeius and your current male lover?"
"You leave Bladeius name out of this!"
"What about Ohkan's?"
That was enough to send Ankha over the edge as she practically ignited with fire. However, I still need to get to her and this undead is in my way. Said undead was still struggling with himself as our fight resumed. Our fists collided and shook the earth we stood on, but slowly my strength was prevailing as all four of my arms started punching his body. A part of me thought it would be easier to rip him apart, but another part thought to keep the undead's body mostly intact. After a few solid punches to his legs, I used my wing arms to grab the warrior and pull him up. Looking into his eyes I can see the light asking me to put him out of his misery.
I looked at my right hand and straighten it out where my nails pointed out. I was aiming for his heart. With one quick thrust of my hand, my appendage was through his body and I felt something within my grasp. A heart perhaps? I pulled out and was met with an odd sight, not a heart but a glowing orb of energy. My mind could not comprehend what I was holding as I heard Bladeius wheeze out his last words.
"Peace…at last…"
He let out one more wheeze before finally expiring. I gently let his body down, not noticing that the barrier was going down. Instead, I found myself entranced by the ghostly blue orb of whirling energy. It felt familiar…it felt warm like a small campfire. The more I held it the more I felt like there was something missing within myself and was calling to the orb. I brought it close to my chest and suddenly the orb shined brightly and began flowing into me. I felt a flow…not of power…but memories.
For a brief moment, a lifetime flashed before my eyes. From youth to end of days, I recall the memories of a Greek Warrior…Bladeius. His memories…of his life. His love…Ankha…everything. The feeling was nearly overwhelming but as the last scene of his life flashed by again…it stopped. That empty feeling was gone…I felt…more whole…more lucid.
I took a deep breath and breathed out slowly as I turned around to the surprised faces of the girls, Adofo and the brow raising Aten. Aten…a bitter memory with him is clear in my mind, he is the one…who separated me from Ankha all those years before!
"ATEN! I REMEMBER, YOU BASTARD!"
I charged at him in a flash of lightning which took him by surprise as he didn't react in time as I tackled him into the ground. It was here that I simply started pounding his face in, "It was you! You were the one who tipped the Romans off! It was you who sent that squad looking for Ankha, Lucky and me! I remember everything you dirty honor less bastard! You forced me as a slave to the Romans! I spent years as a gladiator! Fighting for my freedom! Wondering if Ankha was okay! I spent my entire life wondering!"
It wasn't long before he blasted me off with some magic and used magic chains to restrain me in place, "Arghh…you…this was unexpected…still…I got what I came for…" He held up the familiar Volcannondon heart. I growled as I looked at my now empty bag which was barely holding onto my body.
"No! He got the heart!"
I grew angrier as he created a portal to leave the area. I would not let him get away as I roared and pulled at the magic chains. For the second time the bastard was surprise as the chains cracked and gave way. I saw his eyes widen as I launched at him, he may have planned for many things but my power not one of them. The last thing I remember was the look of terror on his face as we went through the portal together. Leaving Adofo behind, the only thing I could hear was Ankha and Isabelle shouting my name.
/
We tumbled out of the portal with the heart falling out of Aten's hands. I took me only a second to realize we were in the deadlands once again. Still marked and eclipsed by my dome of the virus.
"Grrr…you just refuse to give up…I thought I've gotten rid of you all those years ago…it actually sickens me that you haunt me now. It was always this way, you were never far from her! At her loneliest you would always be there for her! Now…you are here once more! I am sick of it!"
"Me too…I don't care if you are immortal. I'm going make sure that you will never bother me or my mates ever again!"
"That remains to be seen…Raargh!" I narrowed my eyes as he was covered in a light for a brief moment as I felt his power increased. As the light faded, I was met with another chimera beast. Aten can beast trigger as well, "Hahaha…surprised? I can beast trigger as well!"
"Doesn't change the fact I am going to break you in half. Just what are you made of?"
"Made of far more powerful monsters than what makes up your form. Dalamadur, Teostra, Chameleos, Kushala Daora, and Gogmazios. The only one we share in common is that Shagaru's DNA, but thanks to my master's blessings I was able to become more powerful than you."
I growled as I examined his body from the distance where I am. His body structure wise was like my own, having his crush claw wings resting on his shoulders. However, that is where the similarities end. His scales were the metallic sheen of the Kushala, his arm claws where a mix of the metal dragon and the Gogmazios. His feet are the same except replace the gog with Teostra feet. His face barely resembled a jackal anymore as it was a mix of Shagaru and Teostra features. Having both their horns and the burning mane of the Teostra. Bladed and spiky protrusions from the Dalamadur. I saw him open his mouth, bearing two snake-like fangs and the tongue of the Chameleos dropped out before retracting back in.
"A true apex predator never backs down, bring it on!"
We both roared as we ran straight at each other, fists held high and fangs bared.