Disclaimer: I do not own ZOE, yadda, yadda, yadda.
AN: This chapter will be a bit short. Sorry.
Chap. 17
As I soared through the winds, I thought about what had just transpired. Inhert was dead and Ken may be as well. 'Ardjet. I'm sorry.' I had failed to keep my promise. But before I could mourn, I could hear Dingo's voice again. He was talking to...Ken? She was still alive? I began to focus on the conversation.
-"I'll come back for you."-
-"No. Anubis is still here."-
At this point, I didn't care. Anubis or not, I will come back. But then my reason entered into my mind. It would do no good if Anubis killed me. The previous battle made it clear that I'm still no match for him. As much as I hated it, returning would be suicide.
-"You must, even if I don't make it. Listen, please. Be sure to stop Aumann."-
Yes. I must. Even from here, I could feel Aumaan's power growing. It would only be a matter of time before it was complete and Anubis would use its destructive power. I noticed Dingo's silence as his thoughts were more troubled than mine. He...cares for her...deeply.
-"We're pals now, aren't we?"-
-"...Yeah."-
As I thought. Dingo wished the same as me. But there was something greater to worry about. She was still alive, so at least that was consolation enough. And Ardjet had said that she was strong, so I must believe that she will survive this. But my destiny had yet to be fulfilled. Destiny... It would seem that I was indeed fated to confront Anubis at Aumaan. Only time will tell. Because of my thoughts, I was cut off from the rest of Ken's plea and I heard no more. Aumaan. That's where I must go.
'Jehuty. Can you hear me?'
'That voice...'
'Vic...?'
'Yeah, it's me.', the falcon warrior responded.
'Where are you?'
'In the outskirts of the BAHRAM stronghold.'
'Heading to Aumaan?' But I didn't need to ask. It was blatantly obvious. Both Vic and Leo wanted this ended as well and he had said that he would be ahead of me.
'Of course. Everyone is.'
'Everyone?' I questioned.
'The remaining LEV soldiers have joined up for one massive assault against Aumaan.'
'LEV soldiers attacking? No offense, but that doesn't sound too bright.'
It was true. LEV soldiers are scarcely strong enough to take on a horde of BAHRAM creatures. Their strength, though strong, was extremely limited and they didn't have the maneuverability of many of the BAHRAM forces. And if they were going up against the stronghold of BAHRAM, Aumaan, then there will bound to be a powerful force awaiting them. And to top it off further, Anubis will the right in the center of it and none of them stands a chance against him.
'I know.' Vic replied back. 'But they refuse to back down and are willing to go all the way. In a way, this will be our last chance to stop Anubis.'
That too was true. If Anubis wasn't stopped here and now, then he will awaken Aumaan and all will be lost. I had to get there. They will need my help. And I was the only one who could break through Aumaan's shield with the Vector Cannon technique.
'Then I will meet up with you as...'
A sudden rumbling caught my attention. Right above me loomed a colossal barge ship. It vibrated with vast energy and I could see that it was equipped with various forms of destructive weaponry. As it passed overhead, I felt more turbulence and another ship loomed overhead as well. That one was followed by three more, totally five ships. They passed over as though they didn't see me. Either that or didn't care. But it was then that I noticed that they were going the same direction that I was.
'Vic, there's trouble.' I called back.
'Yeah, I can sense it too.' Vic answered. 'Five barges approaching. They must be calling them here to us.'
It looks like they were going to demolish the attack force before they even reached Aumaan. Well, not if I can help it. It may be a long shot, but that seems to be the...how do humans say it....'the story of my life.'
'I'll deal with these guys. You continue on.'
'No way. I'll come and back you up.' Vic argued.
'No. If I don't make it, then you'll be needed to lead the troops into Aumaan.' I stopped briefly. 'Besides, you wanted to get there first, right?'
A gruff snort came back and was followed by a long sigh, 'Fair enough. If you survive, you know where to find us.'
'Gotcha.'
Our talk was cut off and I now focused my attention on the enemy fleet. It appears they have noticed me, since their weapons were now training themselves onto me.
Time to go to work...