I know I said every second Friday, but I was too excited with ideas and thoughts, so here's an early second chapter! Also, i'm working on a ATLA/PJO crossover, so there's that. Without any further ado, enjoy!
ACT 1: SANDS OF TIME
CHAPTER 2: I MEET A CULT, A GODDESS AND A BABOON
Sand dunes stretched out as far as the eye could see, and in the distance, I could make out the silhouette of a massive pyramid.
"Egypt," I murmured to myself.
As I trudged through the sand, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread. Whatever awaited me in Egypt, I knew it was just the beginning. The shadows and chaos that the Norns spoke of were real, and they were coming. But for now, all I could do was take one step at a time and hope I could live up to whatever destiny the Norns had in store for me.
I surveyed my new surroundings. The ancient city buzzed with life - vendors shouting, children playing, and people talking in a weird language. I was disoriented, to say the least, but hey, I was in Egypt. The pyramids loomed in the distance, their massive forms a reminder that I was a couple thousand years in the past.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to get my bearings. My first task was clear: find the magicians who were at the House of Life. They were my best chance at figuring out what was going on and how to stop this Sekhmet. But before that, I had to actually not stick out like a sore thumb.
As I made my way towards the city, I tried to blend in with the locals. My modern clothes were a dead giveaway that I didn't belong, so I ducked into a nearby alley and found a discarded cloak to cover myself. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do.
I needed to find the magicians of the House of Life. That much was clear. But where was I supposed to start in this sprawling, ancient metropolis?
As I made my way through the bustling marketplace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The architecture was stunning, with intricate carvings and statues of gods and pharaohs adorning the buildings. The scent of spices and incense filled the air.
I noticed a group of men gathered around a table, engaged in a heated discussion. Their robes and the symbols on their jewellery suggested they were important. Figuring they might know something, I approached cautiously.
I remembered something Annabeth had told me - Greek had been spoken in Egypt since 3000 B.C, but I had no idea if these people spoke the language.
"Excuse me, do any of you speak Greek?" I asked in Greek.
The men looked at me with puzzled expressions, their conversation halting. One of them, an older man with a kindly face, responded in broken Greek, "I understand some Greek. What do you need?"
Relief washed over me. "I'm trying to find the House of Life. If you could-"
The old man suddenly didn't look so kind. He started shouting in Egyptian, and I felt a chill run down my spine. The other men rose from their seats, their expressions turning hostile.
"Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just what I needed."
I backed away slowly, trying not to provoke them further. But it was too late. The men were advancing, their intentions clear. I had to think fast.
"Wait!" I said, raising my hands in what I hoped was a universal gesture of peace. "I don't mean any harm."
The older man barked something, and two of the younger men grabbed me by the arms. I struggled, but their grip was like iron.
"You're coming with us," the older man said, his Greek now much clearer. "We'll see what the priests have to say about you."
"Fantastic," I muttered. "Another trip to see the authorities."
One of them pulled out a bag and before I could react, it was shoved over my head, plunging me into darkness. I struggled, but strong hands grabbed my arms, holding me in place.
"Oh come on!" I complained. "There's no need to do all this!"
I was answered by a blow to my gut. I doubled over. One of the men barked something to me in Egyptian. I didn't understand, but I got the memo - be quiet.
The men shoved me onto a cart, I really wanted to protest, but decided to be quiet.
The cart lurched forward, jostling me roughly as it made its way through the crowded streets of the city. I could hear the sounds of people going about their daily lives, the smells of spices and cooking fires filling the air. Despite my situation, I couldn't help but marvel at the smells and sounds of ancient Egypt.
The journey through the streets of the ancient city felt like a descent into uncertainty. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against stone, the creaking of the cart, and the muffled sounds of the bustling city created a disorienting array of sounds around me. With the bag over my head, every sense was heightened - especially my awareness of the firm grip that held me captive.
As we navigated the ancient streets, I tried to piece together what had led to my current predicament. I hadn't asked for much - just directions. I mean sure, most New Yorkers wouldn't react very kindly either if a stranger suddenly started asking about the FBI or CIA. But this was different. I was kidnapped for what - asking a question?
The cart made abrupt turns, causing me to sway uncomfortably against its wooden sides. The soundscape shifted as we moved from the vibrant heart of the city to quieter, less frequented areas. Occasionally, we passed by open markets where the aroma of spices and the vibrant chatter of vendors pierced through the fabric covering my face.
My thoughts raced. Who were these men? What did they want with me? Were they magicians of the House of Life, or something else entirely? It occurred to me that I had stumbled into a world where every word, carried weight and consequence.
Time blurred as the journey continued. Hours, probably, though it felt like an eternity. I tried to maintain a mental map of our route, counting the turns and listening intently for any clues in the snippets of conversation around me. The men spoke in low voices, in a foreign language.
After what felt like an eternity, the cart finally came to a stop. Strong hands grabbed me and pulled me off the cart, dragging me through what felt like narrow corridors and up a flight of stairs. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to prepare myself for whatever lay ahead.
I heard the men who had grabbed me speaking to someone else - probably the priests they were planning to take me to.
Finally, the bag was yanked off my head, and I blinked in the sudden light. I found myself standing in a grand chamber, surrounded by stern-looking priests in elaborate robes. At the far end of the room, seated on a raised platform, was a figure that I assumed to be the high priest.
You know, I've been to the principal's office quite a bit. Trust me, the priest's office is worse. For one, there's not usually a bunch of nut jobs holding an assortment of daggers and weird looking swords.
The high priest regarded me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Who are you, and what is your purpose here?" he demanded in flawless Greek.
I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I come seeking the House of Life. I have urgent business with the magicians."
The high priest's brow furrowed. "And what business could a stranger like you have with the magicians of the House of Life?"
"I have to stop Sekhmet," I said. But before I could continue, I was cut off.
"Sekhmet!" Shouted the high priest. "An intruder comes into our home, with tales of the mighty Sekhmet!"
"I didn't ask to be here!" I interjected. "I was brought here with a bag over my head!"
"Silence!" Shouted the priest. "You claim that you could stop the mighty eye of Ra, the lion-goddess Sekhmet?"
I tried to keep my cool, though my heart was pounding. "Yes," I said, steadying my voice. "I've dealt with gods before, and I've faced worse. I'm not here to challenge you or your authority. I'm here because if Sekhmet isn't stopped, this whole city, maybe even the whole world, could be in danger."
The high priest studied me for a moment. "You speak with great confidence, stranger. But why should we believe you? What proof do you have of this threat?"
"The Nor-" I stopped, realising something. If I was in Ancient Egypt, and the Norns were Norse, then the high priest would have no idea who they were. Mentioning them might just make things worse.
I scrambled to think of something more relevant. "I know it sounds crazy," I said, "but I've been sent by forces beyond your understanding. Sekhmet is rising, and I need your help to stop her."
The high priest raised an eyebrow. "Forces beyond our understanding? You come to our city, claiming to know more than the priests of Egypt?"
I realised I was digging myself into a deeper hole. "No, that's not what I meant," I said quickly. "I have great respect for your knowledge and power. But I have seen things... experienced things..."
The high priest seemed to consider this. "You must understand, stranger, that we cannot simply take your word for it. If what you say is true, then you must prove it."
"How?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice. "How can I prove something that hasn't happened yet?"
The high priest exchanged glances with his advisors. One of them, a stern-faced man with a shaved head, stepped forward. "If you truly are sent by powerful forces, then you must possess some knowledge or skill that sets you apart. Show us something that only one touched by the gods could know or do."
I swallowed hard. I had faced monsters, gods, and all sorts of mythical creatures, but being put on the spot like this was different. I needed to show them something impressive, something that would convince them of my sincerity.
Thinking quickly, I saw a pool of water in the centre of the chamber. An idea sparked in my mind. I decided to draw on my powers, because hey, what could go wrong?
A lot, apparently.
I approached the pool, feeling the weight of the priests' stares. Wait a minute, I thought. If Poseidon doesn't exist yet, then…
I shook my head. Focus on the positive.
I knelt beside it and focused, drawing on my connection to Poseidon. As I raised my hands, I could feel the water responding to my will. Slowly, it began to rise, forming a column that hovered above the pool.
For a moment, I thought everything was going well. The priests were watching in awe, their suspicion melting away. I focused on shaping the water into a more impressive display. A column of water rose gracefully, spiralling into intricate patterns that left the priests murmuring in approval.
Just as I was about to finish, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath us. The column of water quivered and then crashed back into the pool. Before I could react, a tremor echoed through the rooms.
The column of water wobbled and then collapsed, splashing back into the pool and drenching the priests in the process."
The chamber fell silent. The high priest wiped his face, his expression shifting from awe to irritation. "This is your proof?" he demanded. "You make a mess and expect us to believe you can stop Sekhmet?"
"Wait," I said. "I can-"
Before I could say anything else, the priest raised his hand. "Seize him!"
Reaching quickly, I did the natural thing. I ran.
I darted for the nearest exit, the sound of angry shouts and pursuing footsteps echoing behind me. My heart pounded as I navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the temple complex, desperately trying to lose my pursuers.
I veered around a corner and ducked into a small, dimly lit chamber, pressing myself against the wall to catch my breath. The heavy footfalls of the priests thundered past, and I stayed as still as possible, hoping they wouldn't double back and find me.
"Think, Percy, think," I muttered to myself. I needed to find a way to convince them or get out of this place before things got even worse. My mind raced through possible options, but nothing seemed viable.
As the sounds of pursuit faded, I cautiously peered out of my hiding spot. The coast seemed clear, for now. I needed to regroup and figure out my next move. I carefully made my way through the temple, trying to stay out of sight and avoid drawing any more attention to myself.
After what felt like an eternity of sneaking and hiding, I found myself back at the marketplace. The commotion from earlier had died down, and people were once again busy with their daily routines. I kept the cloak pulled tight around me and slipped into the crowd, blending in as best I could.
I needed information, and I needed it fast. Finding the magicians of the House of Life was still my best bet.
As I navigated the marketplace, I caught sight of a girl around my age. She was darting between stalls, her movements quick and agile, as if she were trying to avoid being seen. She had a determined look in her eyes, and something about her seemed out of place, like she didn't quite belong here either.
Taking a chance, I decided to follow her. If anyone might know something about the magicians or the city, it could be her. I trailed her through the winding streets, trying to remain inconspicuous. After a few turns, she slipped into a narrow alleyway. I quickened my pace, hoping to catch up before I lost her in the maze of the city.
"Hey," I called out in Greek as I turned the corner into the alley. "Wait up!"
She stopped for a second to look at me, then ran. I sighed. "Of course," I grumbled. "Just when I think my day can't get any worse, I'm sprinting through ancient Egypt chasing a girl who probably thinks I'm a total creep."
I chased after her, weaving through the alleys. The girl was fast, ducking effortlessly through the bustling crowds and narrow passageways. Despite her evasiveness, I managed to keep her in sight.
As I turned a corner, she disappeared down a particularly narrow alley. I sprinted after her, my cloak billowing behind me. The alley twisted and turned unpredictably, leading deeper into the heart of the city. The air grew cooler, shadows lengthening as the sun dipped lower on the horizon.
Finally, I rounded a corner and found her standing at the end of the alley, facing a weathered stone wall with what looked like hieroglyphs. She turned to me, eyes narrowed in suspicion and caution.
Her voice was sharp, tinged with wariness. "ⲟⲩ ⲡⲉⲧⲉⲕⲟⲩⲁϣϥ."
"What?"
She repeated the words, more loudly this time. "ⲟⲩ ⲡⲉⲧⲉⲕⲟⲩⲁϣϥ!"
"I have… absolutely no idea what you're saying."
The girl looked just as puzzled as I felt. I sighed, frustrated. "Look, I'm just trying to find the House of Life."
Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of the House of Life. She seemed to understand that at least. She pointed at herself, then gestured for me to follow her.
"Okay, lead the way," I said, hoping she knew what I was talking about.
She took off again, this time at a more manageable pace, and I followed closely behind. We wound through the twisting alleys and bustling streets until we arrived at a quieter part of the city. She led me through a narrow passageway between two buildings, then stopped in front of a small, modest door with more carvings. Couldn't anything in Egypt not have random carvings on it?
She knocked on the door in a specific pattern, and after a moment, it creaked open. She gestured for me to enter, and I hesitated, but her eyes urged me to trust her.
The room inside was dimly lit by flickering oil lamps, casting long shadows on the walls had ancient scrolls and artefacts. The girl closed the door behind us and turned to face me.
She spoke again in that strange language. "ⲁϣ ⲡⲉ ⲡⲉⲕⲣⲁⲛ," but this time, she pointed to herself and then to me.
"Okay," I said slowly. "I'm Percy." I pointed to myself. "Percy."
She nodded, understanding the gesture, and pointed to herself. "Neith."
"Neith," I repeated. She nodded again, satisfied.
"House of Life," I tried again in Greek, hoping she would understand. "Magicians."
Neith's eyes widened, and she nodded vigorously. She began speaking rapidly in her language, gesturing with her hands wildly, then pointed to the door. It seemed like she was asking me to follow her again.
"Sure, why not," I said. "It's not like I've got better options."
She led me out of the room and through a series of narrow, winding passageways. As we walked, I tried to absorb everything around me. The architecture was stunning. Annabeth would've loved this, I thought.
Finally, we arrived at a small, hidden courtyard. In the centre stood a stone altar surrounded by statues of what were probably gods. Neith gestured to the altar, then looked at me expectantly.
"Do you want me to... show you something?" I asked, unsure.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped towards the altar and concentrated. I focused on the pool of water in a basin on the altar, drawing on my connection to Poseidon. Slowly, I raised my hands, and the water began to rise, forming a floating, swirling sphere.
Neith watched in awe, her eyes wide with amazement. I shaped the water into a simple figure and then let it gently fall back into the basin.
She gestured with her hands, speaking rapidly in her language. I didn't understand the words, but her tone was urgent. Then, from behind a pillar, a small baboon emerged. It scampered towards the altar, chittering excitedly.
Neith turned to the baboon and spoke to it in soothing tones. The baboon responded with a series of chirps and gestures, as if understanding her completely. Then, it turned to me, its eyes assessing and curious.
"Khufu." Neith said, gesturing to the baboon.
I nodded, feeling slightly overwhelmed but intrigued. "Nice to meet you, Khufu."
"Neith." She said. "ⲛⲉⲑ ⲁⲙⲟⲩ ϣⲁⲣⲟⲓ."
Before I could ask what she was saying, she started changing. Her dark hair started browning, and becoming more frizzy. Her skin started paling so much I wondered if she was sick. Her cheekbones looked higher than before, and her quiver… wait, did she always have a quiver?
"Neith?" I stammered, my voice betraying both awe and confusion. "What's happening to you?"
She turned to me with eyes that held a glint of ancient wisdom and power. Her voice, when she spoke, seemed older, more… ancient. "I am Neith, descendant of Menes, host of Neith," she declared in flawless Greek, in a voice that was not entirely hers anymore. It seemed to belong to someone far older and wiser.
"Hold on, how are you speaking Greek?" Then the rest of what she said computed. "Host of Neith?"
Neith turned to me with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the centuries. Her eyes held something that I struggled to comprehend. "As the host of Neith," she began, her voice resonating with a depth that echoed beyond her youthful appearance, "I possess the knowledge and abilities that flow through me from the goddess herself. It is not just Greek that I speak, but the languages of all those who have invoked Neith throughout history."
"What?"
"I am not the girl you met in the marketplace," she said, her voice carrying an air of certainty. "I am Neith, the goddess of fate, cosmos, weaving, and hunting. I am here to fulfil my sacred duty."
"So what are you really?" I asked, patting my pocket to make sure Riptide was still there.
"I am a conduit," she began, her words measured, and she seemed a bit more like herself. "A vessel through which the essence of Neith flows. In moments of need or significance, I am chosen to embody her wisdom and power."
"So which one is the actual Neith?"
Her, or rather their voice doubled as they spoke. "We are both Neith. I am Neith, the mortal descendant of Menes, the first pharaoh, and I am Neith, the ancient goddess who was birthed from the seas of Isfet."
"What is Isfet?" With every question, I felt more and more like I was twelve again - with someone explaining to my clueless self a world of mythology.
"Chaos." She said.
"So Isfet is chaos?"
"Yes," Neith affirmed, her expression solemn yet resolute. "Isfet represents chaos, injustice, and all that opposes Ma'at - the cosmic order and harmony. First Ra emerged in his golden glory. Then Apophis came, representing the chaotic nature of the Isfet. Then I was born - born from this primordial chaos, embodying both creative and destructive aspects."
Then I remembered what Rachel had said. Shadows and chaos…
"So, you're saying you're both a mortal and a deity?" I asked, struggling to reconcile the ordinary girl I had met with the literal god before me.
"No. I am Neith and Neith. We are separate, but one."
I said something really intelligent then, along the lines of "Oh."
Neith - or the being speaking through her - smiled faintly, a gesture that held both warmth and a hint of amusement.
"You are not alone in finding this... perplexing," Neith began, her voice ancient once more. "The nature of my being, was confusing for my host as well."
I nodded slowly, trying to digest this… revelation. "And you can... switch between being mortal and being the goddess?"
Khufu the baboon chattered excitedly beside her, as if confirming her words.
"What about the baboon over here?" I said. "Is he hosting a god as well?"
Neith's gaze softened as she looked at Khufu, the baboon who had been by her side throughout our encounter.
"Khufu," she said, her voice gentle as she addressed him, "is more than just a companion. He's my trusted friend, though he likes to think he's a little more... divine."
Khufu chattered happily in response, seemingly proud of his role. I couldn't help but chuckle at the baboon's antics.
"So, what about you, Neith?" I asked, turning back to her. "Are you really the goddess of fate and all that?"
Neith's expression turned serious for a moment. "Yes and no," she replied cryptically. "I am Neith, descendant of Menes, and yes, I bear the name of the ancient goddess. But whether I'm truly the embodiment of Neith herself... that's a bit more complicated."
I raised an eyebrow. "Complicated how?"
"Let's just say," Neith began, choosing her words carefully, "there are times when the essence of Neith guides me, especially in moments of great importance. I am connected to her in ways that go beyond mere mortal understanding."
I nodded, trying to grasp the concept. "So, you're like... her representative?"
"Something like that," Neith agreed with a faint smile. "I carry her legacy, her wisdom, and her purpose."
Khufu chirped loudly, as if adding his own agreement to Neith's words.
"Alright then," I said, feeling a bit more settled with this explanation. "And you two... you've been together for a while?"
Neith nodded warmly. "Khufu has been with me since I can remember. He's more than just an ordinary baboon. He's my companion, my protector, and yes," she added with a hint of humour, "he does think he's divine."
Khufu chattered again, seeming pleased with the acknowledgement.
"Wait a minute," I said. "Why couldn't you speak Greek before?"
Neith's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes momentarily clouded as if she was searching through memories. "Before, when you met me in the marketplace, I was simply Neith, a mortal girl. The goddess's essence was dormant within me, waiting for the right moment to awaken. It is during times of great importance or danger that her full presence and abilities manifest within me."
I raised an eyebrow. "So, the marketplace wasn't important enough?"
A faint smile touched Neith's lips. "In the marketplace, I was unaware of the imminent significance of our meeting. It was only later that the goddess's essence fully awakened, allowing me to access her ancient knowledge and abilities, including the languages she once knew."
I nodded, piecing it together. "So, now that the goddess is awake, you can do all these amazing things, like speak Greek."
"Exactly," Neith confirmed. "And more than just languages, I can tap into her wisdom and power when the situation demands it."
Khufu the baboon, clearly pleased with the conversation's direction, chattered excitedly and hopped from one foot to the other.
"Okay, I think I'm starting to get it," I said, absolutely not starting to get it. "But what about you, Neith? How do you feel about all this? One minute you're just you, and the next, you're sharing your mind and body with a goddess."
Neith's expression softened, and she looked at me with a mix of determination and acceptance. "It can be overwhelming, but it is also an honour. To carry the legacy of Neith is to be part of something much larger than myself. I am guided by her wisdom and power, and in return, I help to fulfil her sacred duties."
Khufu hopped onto my shoulder, chittering happily, as if agreeing with Neith's words.
"Duties which are…" I trailed off.
"Neith is the goddess of fate, cosmos, weaving, and hunting. My duties involve maintaining the balance between order and chaos, ensuring that Ma'at - the principle of harmony and balance - is upheld in the world."
I tried to wrap my head around that. "So, you're like the police officer of fate?"
Neith laughed. "In a way, yes. But it's more than that. It's about ensuring that the forces of chaos, represented by Isfet, do not overtake the order and harmony that sustain life."
I nodded, feeling a bit like I was back in school, trying to understand a lesson of pre-algebra with Ms Dodds. "And you think I can help with this?"
She nodded. "At least, that's what the goddess thinks."
I took a deep breath. "Right. So… do you know anything about demons and Sekhmet?"
Now it was her turn to be confused. "What?"
"I mean," I continued, trying to piece it together, "I heard something about demons coming and Sekhmet being involved. I was wondering if you knew anything."
Her voice suddenly became older, more ancient. Neith's brow furrowed as she considered my words. "Demons and Sekhmet... The ancient texts mention that Sekhmet, the lioness goddess, was often invoked in times of war and plague. If Ra has sent Sekhmet to the earth, it could spell destruction for us all. And demons… if demons are involved this is threatening the very balance of Ma'at."
Khufu chittered nervously.
"So," I said, trying to connect the dots, "if Sekhmet is somehow involved with these demons, it could be a sign that chaos is gaining strength?"
Neith nodded. "Exactly. We must be vigilant. If these demons are indeed being stirred, it could indicate a larger threat to the balance we strive to maintain."
"Great," I muttered. "So, what's our first step in dealing with this?"
"We need to gather more information," Neith said decisively. "The House of Life is not far from here."
"Alright," I agreed. "Let's head there and see what we can find. When do we go?"
"Now." Neith said, her voice. "The forces of chaos will not rest, and neither shall we."
"Of course," I said. "A little break would be to much to ask for."
"Precisely!" Neith said. Khufu chittered in agreement.
"Yay," I muttered."Fun."
And so, my journey began.
That's a wrap! I'm really happy because so far I have gotten: 9 favourites, 13 follows, and 4 reviews. Speaking of reviews, I will reply to EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Not joking.
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