I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
Day Thirty since the start of the trip.
The ship found its final destination after a long month of constant travel through the vast desert of this realm. The city they had reached after so long was massive and impressive. The Grand Nile enclosed the city, offering its rich waters to the realm's denizens.
Farmlands surrounded the outer layer of the city. One could see hybrids caring for the land and preparing for the next season for harvesting.
The next layer was primarily composed of mudbrick houses surrounded by trees that could endure the harsh temperatures of the desert. The trees offered shade to everyone and protected them from the harsh sun rays, but compared to the other towns they visited, the plants were at least five times more common than any of the previous cities. It was like a supernatural force was at play, making plants grow more effortlessly.
The layer after was composed of much more appealing buildings, such as businesses and public baths covered in murals, statues of their gods, and an array of paintings shined in the walls. Upon closer inspection, one could notice that the murals mostly pay tribute to the gods, which was expected from a society deeply rooted in their connection to their gods.
Finally, the innermost layer physically found itself on a higher level as long steps led to the biggest temple of the realm where the gods reside. From outside the city, one could see the massive temple in the distance as two gigantic stone sphinxes stood guard on each of the stairs that led to the temple. Be it north, south, east, or west, one needed to climb the steps to reach the abode of the gods.
Thankfully for the team, a straight stone street led into the center of the city, leaving them with a long walk ahead.
Team's POV.
The crew admires the massive temple in the distance. Even when they knew what to expect, thanks to Rogier, none could ignore the fantastic structure.
"They like to feel above their denizens. It is appealing but also makes them a clear target for long-range attacks." Liv said as she examined the apparent weaknesses of the city. Her steed was calmly resting on her shoulder.
"Be mindful to keep those ideas quiet, Liv. We're not here to attack the realm. We came to convince them to join the Alliance." Rossweisse said before she turned her eyes toward the leader of the mission. "We're ready when you are, sir Welsh."
"... They must be waiting for us. It is best not to keep them waiting. I can feel the presence of Bastet nearby, which confirms her support." Ddraig turns to Rogier. "Will you come with us or stay behind with your team?"
"I'll sit this one out for now. I gave you all the information I had, but if you need help, you can just send someone to get me. Is best that someone stays behind in case of an emergency." Rogier says.
Eury turns to him. "You know what to do if things turn for the worse. I left equipment below that could protect the ship and send an emergency signal to the Alliance. I prefer if we don't use it, but I'll call you to activate the beacon in case of something big. Keep the communicator with you at all times. We want to keep our calls secured, so don't use magic circles."
Rogier nods as he holds the small electronic in his hand. "I'll be waiting for your orders."
"Seems like we have a plan. Let's depart for our last destination. This whole trip was for this moment, so let's make it count." Baraqiel says.
The whole team nodded before they began to descend the ship. Once in the dock, the group saw a crew of royal guards alongside Bastet. The goddess's face showed concern as she waited for them.
"She doesn't look happy. Maybe things didn't go her way." Ingvild says as the group begins to approach the goddess.
"Nobody said it would be easy, but we must try our best to win them over," Yasaka said.
The group continued forward until they finally met Bastet's group.
"Is good to see you again, Lady Bastet. We appreciate you coming here to meet us." Ddraig offers his hand to her.
Bastet shakes it. "Is the least I can do since I have been unable to convince most of my fellow gods. Ra, Sekhmet, Sobek, Heqet, Khonsu, Thoth, and myself are the only ones who currently support you. The remaining gods are either neutral or opposed to the choice of joining the Alliance. Set and Horus are leading the opposing faction."
"Sekhmet supports us?" Rossweisse asks.
"We talked, and she chose to side with you regardless of the duel you had with her. Those of us who were charged with the surveillance of your group saw that you followed the restrictions and caused no trouble to our realm. You choose to interact with our culture and even pay tribute to some of our fallen gods regardless of your allegiance. Besides your offer, your group has shown that you care to have an amicable relationship with our realm and not one in which you control us." Bastet explained.
"We didn't come to this land to start a war or cause problems for all of you. We came to form a connection and exchange mutual support between our sides." Gabriel says.
"If we wanted a war, we would have shown up with an army, yet here we are with just a couple of us. If this does not show our convictions, I don't know what else we could do to demonstrate our intentions." Serafall adds.
"We didn't come here with grudges but with the desire for collaboration. Even if Ddraig could be a dangerous individual, I can assure you that he will not attack any of you unless he's forced to." Ereshkigal says as she places a hand on his shoulder.
For the first time, Ddraig felt her trust in him. His smile was hard to hide.
Bastet could see the determination on their faces. She knew better, and before her eyes stood not only the way to protect her home from their nemesis but also a way toward an era that required no more wars or conflicts. "I believe in your words, but you'll need to convince them, and words might not be enough."
"Lead the way, and we'll see if we can make it happen," Ddraig says.
"Alright. We can either walk or allow my guards-" Bastet was interrupted by Gabriel.
"We'll walk. Although the path is a bit long, I wouldn't feel right if your guards carried me around like a god." Gabriel said.
The rest of the group offered no objections, which surprised Bastet as not even Ereshkigal wanted to be carried in one of the royal litters. "Understood; I'll walk alongside you then. Guards take formation and follow behind us."
The buff hybrids formed two lines and began to follow the group outside the docks and into the main street that led into the city's center.
The eyes of the locals were quickly drawn to them as their arrival caused commotion within the city.
Locals came from their homes and began to make way for them as they moved to the sidelines and even kneeled before the presence of Bastet.
"They must be deeply shocked at the sight of one of their deities walking around so freely," Serafall commented.
"It is unusual for us to even go around the streets of our cities unless there's an issue or festivity. They pay tribute to us with gifts and offerings while we provide security, harvests, and all they could need. I have never been a fan of some of their demonstrations of faith, but I'll accept as long as they don't make any sacrifices." Bastet admits.
"Excuse the question, but does the realm have a problem with fanatics or extremists?" Rossweisse asks the goddess.
Bastet interlocks her fingers. "There have been cases that tend to happen whenever Apophis attacks our denizens. Survivors suffer a lot, and some even begin to think that we can't protect them because their lack of faith weakens us. Gods, deities, at least those within this realm, aren't superpowered by their believers' belief in them. Prayers, offerings, and their demonstration won't make us into undefeatable beings. If anything, it would be a slight boost but nothing drastic, as our powers are dependent on ourselves."
"I see. Asgard has never had such problems since Nidhogg doesn't attack the realm so openly, but even then, I doubt that our prayers ever powered Odin either." Liv admits as she remembers the past.
"You're Asgardian?" Bastet questions her.
"Me and Rossweisse are. Certain circumstances led to us abandoning Asgard." Liv says.
"We'll refrain from sharing the details for now, but Liv is right. None of our homeland deities were ever boosted to new heights because of prayers or beliefs. The strong became stronger through training or other methods, not because of extreme fanatics." Rossweisse explains.
"Believers do possess misconceptions regarding deities. The main effect of receiving millions of prayers is maybe being able to heal our bodies from extreme damage in some cases or even revive ourselves. However, even reviving requires the interference of other gods, as reapers will try to claim any soul. Shiva is the strongest god in terms of raw destructive power, but it has never been thanks to having millions of believers." Ereshkigal explains. "Is all based on the deity and a series of factors, which could include training or their potential to grow."
"Exactly, but paranoia and fear force some mortals to do atrocious acts. Regardless of today's discussion, I hope this team still aids us with Apophis. I'm willing to pay any price if the threat gets eliminated." Bastet tells the crew.
"We're no mercenaries," Serafall argues.
"But you would do it for an ally. If negotiations fail today, I will directly support the Alliance and leave the realm alongside your team. I'm determined to end the threat, even if it means leaving my homeland behind. Father will understand my actions." Bastet tells the team.
"Are you serious about this? It means abandoning this realm and your family." Ingvild says.
Bastet nods at her question. "I have been thinking since we last met. I don't want my homeland to be attacked any longer by Apophis. I cherished its denizens, and I care for my fellow gods even if we don't always agree with each other. If we can't come to an agreement, I'm willing to offer all of me as payment for the task. So I ask that you stay and aid us in hunting Apophis."
Baraqiel shakes his head. "Don't make such choices yet. We'll have to put that discussion on hold until we meet your fellow gods. If they care about this realm as much as you do, they will agree to bend the knee even if they don't want to. Don't give up on them yet, Bastet."
Eury nods. "Have some hope in them, and maybe there will be no need to leave your home behind."
The rest of the group tries to reassure the goddess that there's still hope for her family to come around.
Bastet did have hope, but the grudges and mistrust they held against the factions that formed the Alliance ran deep. It was an uphill battle, and she knew winning wouldn't be easy. Yet she decides to place her hope on them.
"Very well. Let's pray for the best." The goddess's expression is filled with determination and courage as she leads them to the temple.
The group pushes onward toward their destination with no obstruction as the denizens cleared any that could obstruct their path. The expression on Bastet's face told all of them that this was an important day for their realm.
Some recognize Gabriel, Serafall, and even Ereshkigal within the group, but besides them, all eyes were drawn to Ddraig as even with a different face, his legend was known.
Some eyes showed amazement.
Others despair at his presence.
And many despise him as they remember how many of their deities fell victim to his claws during the war.
The sins of his past keep chasing after him, yet none dare to make a move or even shout at him. Reasons varied as to why they didn't move or act, but maybe the presence of Bastet held their anger back.
"If her holiness walks alongside him, there must be a reason."
A culture so profoundly connected to the will of their creators and patron deities couldn't freely choose by itself as their choices were theirs as well.
Minutes came and went until the crew finally reached the plaza that led to the large steps. Two stone sphinxes held guard over who got to approach the steps while a monolith composed of a green gem sat in the middle of the plaza.
"Before we climb the steps, I recommend you pay tribute to the fallen gods of the war before the monolith. I hold no grudges but hope you will acknowledge those who fell to your hands. Be it god, mortal, or those of other realms." Bastet said.
Ddraig, Baraqiel, and Gabriel looked at each other momentarily before they tried to step forward.
"Stop and take these," Ereshkigal said as she summoned three white flowers for them. "Prayers might go unheard, but tributes will last."
Each member took one and approached the monolith before they kneeled with one knee before it. They closed their eyes and silently offered tribute to their fallen adversaries. The tree flowers were placed before the monolith, and the trio watched as the mineral stretched some tendrils that absorbed the flowers into its insides.
Within its insides, the tribute will remain for eternity as a lasting apology to those who fell regardless of faction or reasons for which they fought.
The remaining members of the group were amazed by what they saw.
"I told you, tributes last," Ereshkigal said as she knew exactly what the monolith was. "Let's make our way to the top."
With the tribute done, the group advanced towards the steps. The sphinxes moved their heads to face them.
"Will they attack us?" Ingvild asks.
"As long as you don't show violent intentions and you have been invited in, they will remain peaceful. Come in." Bastet incites the group to climb the steps.
"Ddraig." Ereshkigal turns to the dragon. "I don't need to ask you for this, right?"
Ddraig shakes his head in defeat as he kneels. Ereshkigal climbs on his right shoulder before he stands up.
The girls turn to her with confusion.
"I prefer not climbing so many stairs. Now come along." Ereshkigal says as Ddraig climbs the steps while carefully carrying the goddess.
"She totally did it to mess with him." Every group member came to the same conclusion as they saw her smirking all the way to the top.
They even heard her cheering him on as if it were military training. Thankfully, Ddraig had the stamina to keep going.
20 minutes later. Inside the temple.
The crew was left by the guards and made its way through the stone halls of the temple. Statues of the gods and murals depicting their past and present surrounded them, no matter where they looked.
One would expect the place to be dark due to not having windows, but small luminous spheres floated around each corner, thus making it easier to traverse the building. Bastet guided them through the place until they reached the innermost chamber.
The chambers were spacious as they held at least three separate levels with many seats that now remained empty. On the first level, they saw a throne where the primordial god Ra sat. The god had a blueish falcon head, and a few jewels adorned his tan, muscular body while a golden scepter rested on his right hand.
On his right stood Horus. The golden falcon possessed several similitudes to his predecessor, yet his head was golden, and a golden suit of chest armor covered his chest. No weapons were visible on his hands.
On the left side of Ra stood Set. His head was a human with several characteristics that resemble a "Sha"-A creature that resembles a jackal with a rectangle, straight ears, and a weird-shaped snout. A similar blue set of chest armor covered his body while no weapons were visible on his hands either.
By looking at the seats on the second level, one could count at least 23 other deities and not a single more. By calculating the remaining seats, it was easy to understand how much of their pantheon had been lost during the previous war.
Bastet remained at the team's side as they stopped before Ra and his fellow gods—the goddess kneels. "I have brought them as ordered, my Pharaoh. The representatives of the Alliance have made the trip under the harsh conditions of our realm and reached our doorstep with the desire to speak to us. I ask that all of you hear them out."
Everyone nodded as they agreed that they had achieved the conditions for such a meeting.
Ddraig and his team respectfully bow to those present as a sign of respect.
Ra smiles before he raises his hand. "Go and sit alongside your people, my daughter."
Bastet shakes her head. "I'll stay by their side until the meeting is concluded. I promise to support them, so I shall stand by their side."
Her fellow gods started to speak amongst themselves with surprise and concern as such a claim was serious. Before another word could be said, someone jumped from the second floor and joined the group.
It was none other than Sobek who smiled at the group. "I will stand by their side as well, my Pharaoh."
One by one, the other gods that supported the position of joining the Alliance descended onto the first floor and stood beside the Alliance. Even Sekhmet stood by them, although she couldn't meet their eyes.
Ra could only smile as those who opposed such an option held their anger back. "I shall remain in place until the end of this meeting. Please don't move another inch so we can discuss in peace. Representatives, make your case."
Ddraig raises his head and looks at those present before he speaks. "My name is Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon, and I have come to this realm with my team hoping to achieve one goal. That goal is for your realm to join us as allies who share resources and plans that involve the future of your realm and all of Yggdrasil. I come here not as a warrior but as someone who hopes for a peaceful result that benefits all of us."
"We come here without any grudges and hoping to gain allies to face the future. We don't seek subjects but equals that can understand us and see what we hope to achieve." Gabriel continues.
"By joining the Alliance, your realm will gain our full support. Be economic gains or protection, your people and realm will obtain it all if you decide to agree to the terms of the New Elysium Treaty." Serafall joins in.
Ereshkigal snaps her finger, and a copy of the treaty appears before each of the gods present. "This is for you. You can read it as you please."
Her eyes saw Osiris and Anubis throwing daggers at her from the second floor as they felt betrayed by her actions.
"By joining the Alliance, your status as leaders and leading figures of your factions shall remain intact as we won't degrade them or interfere with your government. You shall remain as respected individuals of high ranks within the Alliance. Although the ability to make significant decisions such as war will become an affair, you shall require the support of the other heads to act." Rosswisse says.
"You're asking us to forsake the ability to choose our battles?" Horus asks.
"We're asking you to expand your horizons and no longer see war as a primary option. We all suffered many losses during the previous war. It served as a wake-up call to realize that we could only lead ourselves to mutual destruction if we choose violence for the wrong reasons. I lost many, and so did you." Baraqiel tells the god.
Horus turns his face to the side in regret as the words of the fallen angel cut deeply into him. All his sons had fallen during the war, and the pain of burying a child was something that hurt even the proudest of gods.
Set felt the pain of his fellow god. They had let go of past rivalry long ago and now saw each other as equals. His eyes showed anger towards the Alliance. "You claim to look for peace and understanding, but here is the creature that slays many of us. Have you forgotten the many gods that fell to your claws, Welsh Dragon?"
Ddraig takes a deep breath. "None. As none of you could ever forget those you took either. I entered the war for my rivalry with Albion and nothing else; I saw your conflicts with other pantheons obstruct my fights with Albion. I sought to eliminate all of you because I couldn't understand why you got in my way. Your reasons for going to war made no sense to me back then, and they still don't today."
"How dare you-" Set is interrupted.
"Can you claim that the reason you went to war was a worthy one after you lost so many? Can you look into the face of Gabriel or any of my allies and claim that your reasons were the right ones?" Rossweisse asks the god.
Set gets pushed against the ropes and cannot say anything, as he knows the truth.
No matter who said what, the reasons weren't worth it: the price was pain and total destruction of several pantheons. How many lives each side lost? How many families were broken by it? Everyone involved paid the price, and none could claim they had the high ground afterward.
Ddraig kneels on both his knees and looks at each one of them. "I was wrong for joining the war. I apologize to each of you for the lives that I took and those that Albion took. I was the one who chose to attack, and I apologize for the pain you each had to endure. I made many mistakes even after losing my original body. I led many humans on a path to total carnage and suffering. I carry the weight of their husks on my back to this day as my penance for it. I won't deny that I was the one that took those lives, nor the ones of your fellow gods. I only ask that you take a step forward for the sake of peace in the realms and for a future in which a similar war never takes place ever again."
Horus summons a golden spear and rushes forward with the intent to pierce the neck of the dragon, yet he stops a mere centimeters away from dealing the blow.
A golden light chakram was a mere centimeters away from his neck as Gabriel glared at him while a magic circle was set to ignite his inside ablaze, thanks to Serafall.
Neither girl was too happy to see that Horus was trying to attack their beloved dragon.
Baraqiel and the rest had moved as well as they pointed their weapons and powers at him. Even Ingvild was brave enough to summon a demonic dagger and point it against the god.
"How can you claim such a thing? You have never been a force of peace. You're the Welsh Dragon; you only know how to kill. After so much, you can't claim to be a different dragon today." Horus says.
"I don't claim to be a messiah or the next bringer of peace. I'm far from pure, as my past sins will always be there. I still fight, and my hands are still stained by blood, but I'm not the same dragon I was back then. I have a daughter and an ever-growing family; I let go of my rivalry, helped to form the Alliance, protected Gaia, and put my life on the line each time I'm needed on the battlefield. I fight for others' sake, not just my own anymore. This body, this life, these souls that dwell inside my chest are not mine to throw away. I'm the Enforcer of the Alliance, and I continue fighting so those behind me can continue to live on. Until the last drop of blood, I must continue on this path, for it is the path I choose to embrace." Ddraig says.
Horus' eyes look at each of those following Ddraig. Each came from a different background, yet they stood by his side as allies. "Why should my people let go of the past and join you all?"
"Because we can end the threat of Apophis if you join us," Rossweisse says.
The whole room grows silent as the name of their nemesis is heard.
"Blasphemy. You don't have what it takes to slay the evil dragon forever. He returns each time with even nastier powers." Set claims.
"We might not be able to kill him, but we can seal his soul away for all eternity," Ereshkigal says as she summons the lamp. "Osiris, Anubis, you know very well what I can do with these."
The goddess smirks as she holds it for all to see.
Anubis and Osiris slap their faces as they can't deny her claims.
"You two come down and tell all of us what you know about this cage," Ra orders the gods.
10 minutes later.
Everyone returned to their seats as Osiris and Anubis explained to their pantheon what Ereshkigal could do with the lamp.
Horus and Set focused on each detail they were hearing as the prospect of eliminating Apophis was too important to ignore.
"So, it is possible to end the threat. Who would keep the lamp after we obtained Apophis's soul?" Ra asked the team.
"I will keep inside my personal realm. I don't give these things away." Ereshkigal answered. "Nobody can enter unless I allow it."
"Can't you-" Horus was interrupted.
"No. If we're doing this, I will keep Apophis's soul. Regardless of how much you'd like to punish his misdeeds, I have the task and the choice of what to do." Ereshkigal continued.
"You need to understand. That dragon has been attacking our home for so long. So many souls lost to him." Set tries to make the case.
"And? Are you willing to let go of the opportunity to put an end to your nemesis just because you want to torture him?" Ddraig asks the god.
"Welsh Dragon, he is our nemesis. From the first moment he invaded, he only caused destruction and pain to us. We never threw the first rock; he did." Set continues.
"And you're an important god of this realm. What comes first? The safety of your realm and people or vengeance? Your answer will decide if you're up for joining the Alliance. The Welsh Dragon found himself in your position and chose the right path, so tell us what your answer will be?" Gabriel asked as she remembered when Issei sacrificed his memories and chance at vengeance for the greater good.
Set and the rest remained silent as they reflected on this single choice. The eyes of the pantheon turned to Ra for guidance.
"You hope that I chose for all of you?" Ra asks his fellow gods.
"You're the Pharaoh," Horus says.
"And I have asked all of you to come together to choose the path forward for long enough. The reason why I haven't retired is not because I crave power or this position. It is because none of you seem ready to take charge and make better choices than I have. Horus, Set, Anubis, Osiris, Bastet, Sekhmet, Khonsu, every single one of you is part of my family but also my heirs, as once I leave the throne, you'll have to be the ones leading without expecting me to pick the pieces. We lost many on the way, but we're still alive, and now we find ourselves before the start of a new age. It is up to you to make the choice today." Ra explains.
The other gods remain silent as they reflect upon his words. Yet a single voice arises amongst the rest.
"If you choose to back down, I'll hunt Apophis with them and leave the realm afterward. I can't keep up with the constant threat to our homeland, and I'd like to secure peace for my homeland." Bastet tells the rest.
"Sister, you can't. We need you here with us." Sekhmet tells Bastet as she grabs her hand. The goddess panicked at the idea that her sister would leave her behind.
"I'll do what's necessary for the sake of this realm. You can choose peace, or I'll leave." Bastet continues.
The other gods began to panic as the idea of losing another of their own became possible. Yet, before they could make another movement, two gods bowed their heads.
"We'll agree to the terms of the Alliance." Horus and Set say as they take the step forward.
"Are you sure?" Ra asks them.
"We are." They reply.
Ra turns to the other gods. "What are your answers?"
One by one, everyone does the same as they choose to come together for the greater good. It was the first step in inheriting the will of Ra.
The god smiles as he sees them no longer as kids but as teens stepping closer to adulthood. "Soon, I will be able to step down."
4 hours later.
After four tedious hours of discussions, everything was put on the table, including the plan to seal Apophis. The treaty was signed by every god in the room, which formalized their place within the Alliance. The Welsh Dragon felt drained after they had to explain some of the secret plans of the Alliance, which included Trihexa.
His ears still hurt after he heard them bicker and talk for so long.
"I let Gabriel and Serafall inform our allies about the result. For now, I just want to rest."
The dragon was sitting alone on the ceiling of the temple. He could see every corner of the city thanks to the height at which the temple was located.
"Enjoying the view?" A voice asked him.
Ddraig turned around and saw Ra approaching him from behind. "I guess."
"It is amazing. The river encloses my wonderful home and makes life flourish inside it."
"Each one is free to have their opinion on how to create. Gaia said that you overused sand when creating the realm."
Ra begins to chuckle. "That greenish fanatic. She hasn't changed one bit. I have to thank you for rescuing Ymir. I never expected to hear that Odin imprisoned him."
Ddraig waves his hand. "Thank Liv and Rossweisse for that, alongside the rest. I only played a minimal role in his rescue."
"Fighting Odin one-on-one doesn't seem like a small task to me. Feel proud of your achievement, Welsh Dragon. Not everything has to be a mistake."
Ddraig looks up. "I know, but even then, I can do better."
"Don't stress yourself out. You already have a massive task on your shoulder. Not in a million years would I have dreamed about asking someone to slay Trihexa. Apophis is troublesome at best when compared to the beast. I have to believe Shiva's prophecies; only he could claim such a thing and make me believe it."
"You took it better than your fellow gods. I expected more fear from you."
Ra laughs. "I hide it inside. I need to remain calm for them. They aren't ready to stand without my aid yet, but one day they will."
"You seem tired."
"I am. I'm old and would prefer if I could take my ship to embark on a voyage amongst the stars, but they need me here. Once Apophis is out of the way, I'll feel closer to my retirement; until then, I must endure."
"For the sake of your heirs?"
"For the sake of them and this realm. Once I leave the throne, I'm not returning to take it back. I want the full package when it comes to being a former Pharaoh. I might even take a hobby or visit Gaia for a long season."
"She'll enjoy the visit." Ddraig turns to the distance, admiring the sun disappearing on the horizon.
"Ddraig?"
"Yes?"
"One more favor. Please, be a good friend to Bastet and Sekhmet."
Ddraig turns to him with surprise. "Why is that?"
"I fear their paths will take them away from my reach from now on. Bastet is determined, and I see her fully embracing the path of the Alliance member, and Sekhmet is likely to follow her. They need a friend to keep them out of trouble. Sekhmet has yet to control her bloodlust and impulsiveness; that's why she has so many magic seals to keep her in control. I need someone strong that can interfere when necessary."
"You want me to be their secret bodyguard?"
"More like a mentor and friend. Horus and Set will stay here alongside most of them, but those two will depart, and as a father, you get my worries."
Ddraig sights. "I won't make promises, but I'll try to help them when they need help. It will be a bit awkward with Sekhmet since I rejected her."
Ra chuckles. "She'll move on. Neither has truly that special someone after Ptah died, but one day, they will. Just be a good friend to them and let me know if anything happens."
"Very well. I should start moving. We have several things to prepare for Apophis."
"I won't take much more of your time. I need to get ready as well. Good hunt, Ddraig."
"Good hunt, Ra." Ddraig stands up and spreads his wings before he takes off towards the ship.
They needed a lot to prepare for the arrival of the evil dragon.
Late afternoon of day 32.
Another day comes to an end as the sun disappears on the horizon. Denizens of the realm peacefully went home as they closed shop and sought to return to their families.
All denizens were told about the changes that would take place as their deities decided to join the Alliance. Some were scared; others were happy about the prospect of new markets and trade chances, but the most constant thought within their minds was the idea of peace.
"We're going to hunt down Apophis and end his threat," Ra told his people.
His claim sent waves of joy across the land as the idea of finally eliminating their number #1 enemy became an object of discussion.
None object to the idea.
Many began to offer more extensive offerings to their gods.
Others began to count the hours and minutes until said task was achieved.
The people fully supported the idea, although only some understood how it would happen. They were given orders to follow as soon as the dragon appeared, and besides designated personnel, no civilians were going to join the mission.
"We prepared several zones to evacuate you away from the cities. Follow the symbols and remain calm as we fight the evil dragon. The gates will lead you to safety."
The orders were clear as they evacuated the cities through mysterious gates that would lead them to safe zones away from danger.
This time, the goal was to prevent civilians from getting trapped in the crossfire; they couldn't be happier about it. Not risking the lives of their families was more than excellent.
Yet they still held doubts of whether it was going to be possible.
So many years had come and gone since the first attacks. So many lives were lost to the dragon, and now they couldn't help but doubt.
"Is it even possible? Is my family finally going to see a new day without the fear of being attacked?"
Be it human or any other race; the concern was the same as it hit home with anyone in such a situation. Humans feared for their cities in times of war as planes bombarded points of interest. The Children of the Nile feared Apophis, for he was a plane like no other that took every town down and left more considerable casualties in its wake.
But it was about to change as a single dragon silently held his sword as he awaited his prey. Ddraig sat on the city's highest point, eyes closed as he had Ascalon. The blade calmly growled, awaiting the moment to carve through its target.
Ra didn't know when he had developed the ability to sense its approach, but he could feel him coming.
Today was the day they would hunt him down without fail.
Each member patiently waited for the moment to move as they counted the seconds. Each was located in crucial locations for the plan to succeed. There wouldn't be mistakes made today.
Suddenly, the sky turned a dark red as if every sign of light was consumed. The sun and the rising moon disappeared, only for a perfect eclipse to take over.
Alarms went off around the cities across the realm as no city was saved from the approaching dragon.
Denizens began to make their way toward safety as the presence of Apophis became much more noticeable.
*ALI feat Mummy-D- Never Say Goodbye.*
Ddraig opened his eyes and began to stand up as the realm's residents abandoned everything.
He saw three deep red/purple eyes appear in the middle of the eclipse.
"I have visuals on the target. Await my orders." Ddraig said as he touched his ear.
As if in a scene from a horror movie, black drops of a mysterious liquid spilled from the eclipse.
Before long, the liquid had covered a large part of the land, which was then followed by a massive dragon head that started to exit the eclipse. For some reason, it looked like a three-eyed eastern dragon upon first viewing, but upon closer look, one could see the more minor characteristics one could see in a cobra, such as its tongue and eyes.
Its long body, full of silver jewels and dark scales, emanated a horrendous aura that spelled doom to weaker opponents. The length of its body came just a few meters short of Midg's full size.
Once in full view, the dragon released a roar as it intended to cause mass fear amongst the masses, but to his surprise, there were no screams to be heard.
Apophis seemed momentarily confused until a large crimson blast hit his body. The damage received was nothing dangerous, but he could tell that someone different had just attacked him. "Who is the one behind such an attack?"
His eyes looked around for the source of the attack until he met it—the blazing sword in his right hand, crimson horns, and green hair. The expression on his face scared him as it was an expression of disappointment.
He never got to talk to or fight him, but tales of his achievements reached his ears. His father fell to him, and so did his brother Grendel in the past.
"My, my, this is a meeting I wasn't expecting. Uncle Ddraig, you came to visit. I feel honored. Let's dance, Uncle Ddraig. I'd like to see if I can meet your might!" Apophis said with a sophisticated tone as he rushed to tackle his target.
Ddraig touched his ear once more. "Operation: Hunting the Eclipse has started. Move out."
Thus began the hunt.
Notes of the author: Apophis calling Ddraig uncle is nothing more than an insult, as the evil dragons don't respect or hold any family relations to the first generation besides Crom Cruach. There are five children of Crom Cruach, and Ddraig has only fought Grendel in the past. The rest had been traveling across the realm, causing mischief and chaos or following Crom around.
They are deeply attached to their father, although he doesn't show affection and dislikes being called dad. They want to be acknowledged by him like any children.
Their powers can't destroy planets but are somewhat troublesome to face, and we'll see in the next chapter why that is the case.