-Sadie Kane-

Vika is not in a very talkative mood as the boat travels further into the Duat to the ba's directions. So, I'll dive right into how my visit with the family went while we have the time.

I had walked in to Ra and Nephthys visiting for dinner with Dad and Mum. This threw me for a loop, I haven't interacted with Nephthys since Iskandar's shabti of Zia. I'm not even sure if that counts either. The fact that she was traveling with Ra was news to me. I pointed it out, just to have Dad scoff and explain that there were times that both Set and his wife would travel to ensure Ra's safety. Mum swiftly interrupted his tirade on the matter to set me a spot at the dining table with them.

Nephthys is the one to smile at me joining them. "It's been a while now, Sadie. I hope things are well?"

I sigh because things haven't been okay for a while now and it's the reason I'm even here. Mum had set a plate of food before me and sat back down in her spot, a knowing look in her eyes. "Actually, my uncle has been missing for a month now. Hoping I can get a lead at some point because the Romans haven't been of much help."

"I'm sure he left to take a vacation," Dad pipes in. "He used to do this when we were kids. He'll pop right back into place as if he hadn't even left."

Odd behavior to just shrug off. "Dad, you do know that your brother did some time traveling, right?"

He just about choked on water to that. Recovering, he gives me a nervous look as he takes me in. "Okay, he did do that, and as far as I know that was a one-time mistake. However, I would get reprimanded for trying to puzzle out where he went numerous times by our mother. And he would still turn up after being gone for a while and act as if he had been home the whole time. Literally, if gaslighting had a face-"

"Well this isn't it," I interrupt, slightly annoyed that he isn't concerned. "Dad, he disappeared a day into visiting Camp Jupiter. It's been a month now, and he-"

"He's been gone for two months before," Dad interrupts. "Four, if you want to consider the whole hiding because our father had sent out kill orders on him, but I'd rather just forget the whole thing."

I glare at Dad now, and I guess that was the straw to finally get him to shut up and listen. "We finally got pictures that show that someone was threatening Uncle Amos. They were leaving. Melissa Whittaker claims that one of the Roman demigods chased them down and killed him. Dad, we are on the verge of war because we don't know where he is!"

Dad immediately huffs at this, as if it wasn't news to him. "I would know if my brother was dead, Sadie. I would be the first person to tell you so. He isn't here."

This is just bizarre behavior at this point. Dad seems to know that his little brother is gods-only-know-where and brushes it off as if everything is just fine. Aggressively defensive about it too. And sure, I trust his word that Uncle Amos isn't here, he is Osiris after all. But why is he dismissing my open concerns about what is happening?

"I'm also looking for an apprentice of Chief Lector Iskandar's," I decide to switch the conversation altogether now.

That just put Dad on further edge, the exact opposite reaction I thought I would get. "No such person exists, sorry."

"Someone thinks that they do," I huff in annoyance towards his behavior now. "Dad, I saw someone attack Uncle Amos. I told him a whole year in advance about it! Why are you brushing this off?"

That just pissed him off further, slamming his fist into the table. The rest of the table is alarmed by this behavior, and Dad quickly realizes he lost his temper, clearing his throat as he relaxes his hand. "My apologies, it's been a stress-filled day of work."

Ra nods in understanding. "You've been doing a lot of catch-up work since Osiris was misplaced."

"Have you considered taking a day off?" Nephthys pipes in.

Both Ra and Dad snort at the implication of that. "Does the Sun rise and set every day? We are both tied to our roles, and he has eras of catching up to do!" Ra explains as if she's too stupid to understand it on her own.

"Of course, my lord, but rest is also required to maintain that high energy."

"I get enough sleep, thank you for the concern," Dad reassures.

"Rest isn't always in the form of sleep, brother. It can be in the form of a vacation, as you are insisting your brother is currently doing." Nephthys had simply rolled the dismissive energy from Dad off.

Mum stood up from the table, giving a head gesture that I come with. Dad is too busy explaining to Nephthys that he cannot afford a break from his duties and to not be so 'childish' to think otherwise. It's the fact that the goddess responds with respect that annoys me further. But instead of calling him out for it, I close the door to the dining room behind me.

"You had a vision concerning what is happening?" Mum asks immediately. "You should tell me all of the details. And I do mean all."

We were sitting in the living room that I barely remember from when I was little. I explained what I saw in full detail. I then explained how Uncle Amos had responded. "He didn't think Iskandar had the time for an apprentice either. He said he would look into all of this, but then told Carter before leaving for the Roman camp that he hadn't paid it much mind."

"He's lying," Mum is quick to supply. "I trust he is doing so to protect you and Carter. So is your father."

"Who is it then?" I ask, slightly annoyed that I was being denied important information. At least Mum knows.

She frowns at the question. "I'm sorry, but there's one thing I have learned, and it's to at least trust your uncle when it comes to matters like this. If he felt your safety was at risk knowing this, I'm not willing to break that."

I give a frustrated huff at that. "He could be in trouble!"

"He is," Mum answers, and her expression dips after stating it. "When he starts lying is an indicator. Caroline already left to go search for him."

I blink as I process that, facing her to continue on that. She sighs before explaining what is going on. "Your dad has been doing his best to play stupid on all of this. He's just as worried as you are, maybe more so. But he can't do anything, and that's frustrating him further. So he's pretending like it's when they were younger, and that his little brother is going to turn up unscathed like he said."

"So Caroline left?"

"I remember when she had gone missing. Your uncle lost it because somehow he knew that something was wrong. So, Julius and I had volunteered to help, Michel silently turned up but I'm sure your father had said something to him about it. We," she stops needing a moment to adjust her emotions. "Your uncle was right. She passed on despite our efforts. He's never been the same person since, though I know he tries to pretend he is."

"Do you remember when you and Carter both believed your father was trying to bring me back? By hosting Osiris?"

Mum's question has me reliving things I kind of wish I could forget about. "Yeah, but it was just to put Osiris back into his role. But you two get to spend time together again, so it makes sense."

"Do you remember who told you that it was even possible?" Mum continues to pressure.

I think about this for a moment, and I remember meeting Phillip for the first time, and the quick information Uncle Amos had spat to explain things to Carter and my many questions. Honestly, he did a pretty good job all things considered, despite suddenly ditching us to 'investigate what Set was up to'. The subject had come up, and my eyes widen as I face Mum. "Uncle Amos would have done it?"

"It's selfish, and your uncle isn't normally like that. But obviously he is to some degree, he is the host of Set after all." Mum frowns after saying all that. "I like to think that Set told him he had a right to do things for himself for once, truly. Would explain his sudden turn on the Per Ankh concerning the two of you."

"Your father and I are aware of what you two thought your dad was up to. We know that was Amos showing what he would have done. Your father was half tempted to bring Caroline back for him, feeling bad for the carnage he had left behind for you three." Mum laughs suddenly, "Julius commented on wanting to see Caroline be put in a motherly situation around you two. Caroline gave a list of reasons why he shouldn't. I hadn't seen those two interact in a while, was just like when we were teenagers again."

"Caroline was showing the same crazed energy your uncle had when she suddenly disappeared. She was telling your father the same thing you were. She insists he is in the Duat, but wasn't sent here like everyone else has. Your father understood what she was implying, but couldn't emotionally deal with the thought of possibly not seeing his brother again. He shut down and dismissed her pleas on the matter. He wasn't upset with you, Sadie, he understands what you are saying."

"I get it." Through the end of the world, Carter and I both ended up experiencing fear for our sibling. Dad's feelings on the matter wash over like a tidal wave, being reminded of Carter scaring me, meanwhile Set had it in him to assist.

Except this was an extreme, what if Uncle Amos had ended up somewhere else? Despite the work Dad has put into fixing the afterlife here, just to find that again your brother won't have a chance to spend any time with you. But this has the potential of being forever.

"So, Uncle Amos is dead?"

Mum's face sinks before giving one short nod. "Caroline says he is, yes. I'm sorry Sadie, I know you were hoping-"

"It's okay," I inhale to force myself to numb my nerves. "Not much can be done if it's true, right? I can help still. Do you know where Caroline went?"

She hesitates, taking in the resolve on my face before caving. "She went to the rift. You recall Jackson and Chase ending up here before your father sent them to Cairo?"

"Yeah, kind of hard not to," considering it led us up to this very moment.

"She believes he ended up in the Roman afterlife. I have yet to see what this rift looks like, or how one would know if it would even lead into Rome's and not the Greek underworld. And the one that might have that answer hasn't shown himself since your uncle went missing."

"Who would that be?"

"Set," Mum takes a moment before continuing. "The fact he hasn't shown up here to annoy Osiris like when Amos wasn't hosting him after Mount Olympus only further adds truth to what Caroline has been saying. And it could be years before Set emerges again."

"Wait, Uncle Amos wasn't hosting? How does that even happen?" Because despite Carter and I believing we had freed Amos of his possession, it had been clear he wasn't exactly free of Set, mentally and physically. It was the whole reason the Per Ankh had turned on him once he had the Chief Lector cape in his hands. Leading him to make deals with the problem in the first place.

Let alone the fact that when it came to Torsten Friedrich being a complete jerk of a distant living relative, I saw my uncle was hosting Set then. Had he been released to only walk right back into it as a last resort? If that's the case, what a vicious cycle to keep being roped into.

"I'm not entirely certain,"' Mum admits. "All I know was that deals had been made prior between them. And they broke it when that German fugitive was stirring up problems a year ago."

Understandably, Friedrich has been a warning to both Carter and me that the Per Ankh isn't exactly our ally. I'm not sure what would have happened if Amos hadn't been hosting Set facing him. Means more after Jaz had told me about the god being rather overprotective.

"I know someone that might have some insight," Mum interrupts my train of thought. "However, you'll have to leave immediately. Your father would lose it if he saw you anywhere near them."

Whatever help I can get, I was going to take it. I've been around Vika Menshikov to get this far, although she clearly doesn't want me around. But if you had guessed that I would end up face to face with a dead Setian with a Menshikov I've yet to meet for a boyfriend, you should also check to make sure you hadn't also won the lottery.

Mariano had seemed excited about assisting. His boyfriend did not as much but was pressured into coming along. "To make sure he doesn't bring back any more pets." Mariano's excitement had died as we watched Yev's sister board her boat lost in her thoughts for a while before realizing we were watching.

I was hoping for some good news on her end, especially after the bomb my mother dropped. Vika's distancing from everyone onboard is making me slightly sick. Had she been able to find Iskandar? Did he have disastrous news to give?

Yevgeni and Mariano are keeping themselves preoccupied, trying to ignore the fact that their living family member is in a foul mood. While I wish I had that option, I need to know everything that is happening. Vika adjusted her seating to make sure I had space as I went to sit to her right.

"Uncle Amos is dead," I'm stunned I even said it, feeling numb again to prevent myself from crying more than I have already. After all, the chance had still been there, despite the hope I had of it not being true. Maybe that's why I could understand Dad for brushing it off as he was.

The Chief Architect gives an annoyed click of her tongue at that. "The idiot would be," she scoffs.

I smile at that a little. Because yeah, he is an idiot. I warned him a year in advance, and he didn't take any preventative measures.

"I'm sorry Sadie." I take a moment to process that this came right from Vika Menshikov of all people. "I know you were hoping, against all odds, that he was just hiding away or something."

I peer at her and realize she is watching her brother have a heated discussion just out of our hearing with Rua. "It's okay, I was just denying the idea of what happened, I guess. Pretty silly of me, considering. I just don't know if I should tell Carter or not. I can wait until I have all the details, right? I'm scared he'll react badly."

Vika faces me and takes a moment to consider what to say. "You're scared he'll start a war? Can't say I blame you."

Pretty much. "It's not as simple as them being Rome and the enemy. Most of them are my age. And why should it be on people our age to have to fix things that shouldn't be our responsibility?"

Vika takes in my expression and places her right hand on my left thigh to try to be comforting. "I'm sorry, the House of Life has failed for the millionth time in that department. From what I've understood of the demigods, they seem to be in the same boat." She sighs as if talking herself up. "Your uncle was doing the best he could to stop that. Doesn't help your father is the biggest moron the Per Ankh has witnessed. But the House owes you and your brother more than they would like to say."

"Your uncle is a good man. He did not deserve death in the manner that happened."

I can't help but snort at the humor of her saying that, that seems to earn her attention a bit more. "I don't think he would have ever believed that. But he had told me about how you are 'good people'."

Vika's eyes are studying me, but there's a part of her gaze that is processing what I had just said. "That's ironic."

The left corner of my lips lifts a little before I clear my throat. "Were you able to find Chief Lector Iskandar?"

"I did, yes,' Vika hesitates to continue. "Your concerns about us facing war with the Roman camp are correct. There's a demi-magician that would like to wipe the House out." She pauses a moment. "Do you know of one Caesarion?"

Not exactly, and the face I give in reaction is enough of an answer for her before she goes into this person's history. Born of both Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, what a wild couple first of all. Cleopatra fed him the concept that he would unite Rome and Egypt as a sole ruler. Where have I heard this before? Oh yeah, the Narmer story, uniting Upper and Lower Egypt.

Caesar is assassinated, but Cleopatra holds strong that her son is still destined for this role she has established. That's some strong Isis/Horus nonsense. Some guy named Mark swoops in and supports the matter, and it ticked off relations with Caesar's grandnephew and led right into war.

Cleopatra and Mark took the easy way out of the matter, committing suicide by drinking poison. She had sent Caesarion away for his safety. "Octavian had made Iskandar call him back, or watch what remained of the Per Ankh be destroyed as well." Yikes, I know exactly what happened there then.

"We're not facing an absorbed Egyptian deity, Sadie. Though I'm sure the fool believes himself to be a personification of Horus still."

"What would he want from an apprentice of Iskandar's?"

Vika takes a moment. "Iskandar says he has something that Caesarion 'believes' is his."

"So, he did have an apprentice? Did he tell you who?"

Vika's expression is just like Mum's to the question. "I know who it is, yes."

But not going to tell me. I hold back from expressing annoyance on the matter. Maybe Uncle Amos was right to keep that information to himself. I certainly hope so anyway, otherwise, he's going to be hearing quite the rant from me.

"If your uncle is dead, why are we looking for him? He should have gotten into Aaru instantly?" Vika's question makes me realize I hadn't quite gotten to all of that yet.

"He's not here, Dad hasn't seen him yet at least. Caroline is looking for him though, and she knows that he's dead and possibly sent to the Roman underworld. Mum told me that Rua would probably be our only help with this rift because Set had been looking into it while on break between harassing my uncle."

"And who is this Caroline person?"

"That would be his Yevgeni, Vika," Mariano answers.

Vika looks up to take him in, and then huffs. "That would explain why he refused Laflamme's advances, I suppose."

-Carter Kane-

It had been a month, and it finally happened. Khufu is munching on some dry Cheerios after having placed paperwork and the leopard cape on the stone table. While the library is usually somewhat quiet already, it was absolutely deafening now. Everyone's eyes watching from afar as I take in the items Khufu had decided was enough time to give over.

I only saw the words 'Will' on top of the stack of papers, the cape was the last nail in the coffin. I grip the cape, trying to compose myself. Doesn't work, but I can't help but let out a pained laugh as I realize there is still mud caked on this from when Gaea had destroyed the First Nome. I guess he hadn't been able to clean it.

I wipe my eyes with my left hand, looking up to see Cleo slowly approaching, a sympathetic look on her face. The other guests of the library are pretending to be busy now or look like they want to comfort me too. I stand up from the chair because I'd rather not deal with this in front of all of them.

"Carter," Cleo starts.

"Keep studying whatever you are all working on," I clear my throat to push my emotions down. "Khufu, you should have given this to me more privately, but thank you. I'll go read all of this somewhere else."

Khufu gives an annoyed-sounding belch but proceeds to eat more Cheerios. Cleo stands somewhat dejected as I gather the paperwork, throwing the cape over my left shoulder. Nodding to the eyes that were all back on me again, I left the library, not caring that the double doors slammed closed.

Entering my room, I placed the stack of papers on the desk, draping the cape over my chair. Processing the mud on it again, and everything else we've been through considering this thing, I collapsed on the bed. I allowed myself to cry for the second time since.

I should have just gone with him. He would have protested it. You're still a teenager... This is my job anyway, have fun picking colors with your fiancée… Oh, things will be fine, I'll even have Mel with me…

I've been hoping he would reach out since then. Call or anything to update on how the negotiations have been going with Camp Jupiter. So I could tell him how much of a fool I was to believe something had gone wrong. Hear him laugh and reassure everything was fine like he had said. Maybe he hadn't questioned the fact that Mel wasn't around him anymore, hadn't heard the crazed new rumor that he had died in the back of the car she had been driving.

Khufu, who had been living in this mansion with my uncle for who knows how long, decided that enough time had passed. My hopes of hearing my uncle laugh at the stupidity of others are now shattered. I'm the idiot now, for waiting a month to be proven wrong.

Rome still hadn't contacted me back. I waited too long to respond, maybe I should have been aggressive from the start. I'm annoyed with myself for approaching it as if it was all a big misunderstanding when Mel has been telling us all that he had been killed by one of theirs.

My tears had quickly turned towards fury, sitting upright as my gaze is still on the Chief Lector's cape. What happened that they had decided to turn on my uncle like this? Was it because he was the host of Set? Ignoring everything else, the help we gave to put their evil earth goddess back in her place? Had it meant nothing to them?

I'm not going to keep looking like an oblivious Egyptian Pharaoh then. They're probably laughing in their camp right now because I hadn't responded immediately to their violence. If they're going to take away the voice of reason I've been relying on since we defeated the Lord of Chaos, I'll show them their mistake.

Mellissa Whittaker picked up fast to my scrying. "Pharaoh," she bows her head in respect.

"General," I nod my head in regard, "What do you require of me in preparation for fighting Camp Jupiter?"

"From you? Just the word."