Shortly after Death and Darfredon left the cave, the two goddesses, accompanied by their Kattlys, made their way to a secret entrance hidden deep within the cavern. The walls shimmered with multicolored hieroglyphs, each imbued with a protective aura meant to repel any unwanted creature. Only their creator could pass through these glyphs unharmed, and through a discreet grace, he had ensured that their power would never affect the Amazon warriors.
Before entering, they cast one last glance toward the cave's opening. Daylight filtered through the rock, mingling with the flames of the torches. To make sure that Death and Darfredon would not return unexpectedly, they signaled the two Kattlys to stand guard while they went to assist the small community hidden behind these walls.
When they finally reached the survivors of Osi, a young woman clad in golden armor stepped forward and spoke.
- I heard my brother's voice, Sextus… Is everything all right?
- To be honest, Ellyn, it could be better… We have more questions than answers, Kannon replied.
Not fully understanding what the goddess meant, Ellyn pressed on.
- What do you mean by that? Why more questions?
- What my sister is trying to explain, Guan Yin said in a gentler voice, is that even though we did speak with your brother Sextus, he was not in control of his body. Another presence, still unknown, was speaking through him.
- Do you believe my brother is possessed by a demonic soul? Ellyn asked, her voice trembling.
- That's where things become complicated, Kannon continued. That spirit claimed to be Fredon.
- But Fredon is still in Atlantis, in the middle of his training! Ellyn exclaimed, bewildered.
- Exactly. That is why we doubt it. It could not have been Fredon… and yet, what I saw and felt in his presence was indeed his energy. A similar energy, but far darker. The entity had one gray-blue eye, like Fredon's… but the other was blood-red. And what is most disturbing is that it was not merely imitating Fredon—it was a darker, more shadowed version of him.
- So then… what kind of creature has taken control of my brother? Ellyn asked, her heart tight with fear.
- And that's where things become complicated, Kannon replied. We have no idea what this being truly is.
- But I do.
The deep voice echoed through the cave. Anubis stepped out of the shadows, as if he had always been there. And yet, he had managed to remain unnoticed, slipping past even the heightened senses of the two Kattlys, who had neither seen nor sensed his arrival. The hieroglyphs carved into the walls seemed to have wrapped around him, rendering him invisible to the legendary creatures of Atlantis.
The two goddesses and Ellyn recoiled in surprise as he entered the secret chamber without warning.
Kannon broke the silence in a tense voice.
- How did you get past the Kattlys without them seeing you? And how did you find us?
- The answer is simple, Anubis declared. All of these symbols—I am the one who created them. They protect me, as well as humans, from all kinds of creatures. Only the Amazons… and I… can bypass their defenses.
- When did you carve these symbols? Guan Yin asked softly.
Before Anubis could answer, Ellyn lowered her head slightly, as if a painful old memory had resurfaced. Her voice grew fragile.
- … It was when he came to collect Perseus's soul.
- Exactly, Anubis confirmed. Ellyn, I carved these symbols after I gathered your master's soul. Perseus also left you a final message. He asked me to tell you that, even at the moment you took his life, he knew you were not yourself. He was proud of you and of your two brothers… and he considered you his own children.
At those words, Ellyn could no longer hold back her tears. Her shoulders trembled, but a new sense of peace slowly settled within her. The burden of her guilt seemed lighter, eased by her master's forgiveness.
The silence that followed lasted only a moment. Kannon broke it with a firm, almost cutting voice.
- You still haven't answered my other question… How did you manage to find us?
- It's simple. When Death left to retrieve his so-called guests, I suspected he would come here, to Osi, to search for the last survivors. Fortunately, your Amazon queen, Athena, had once ordered me to trace these protective hieroglyphs. Without them, this village would have fallen into Roman slavery long ago.
- So then, if you didn't come to capture the women and children… what are you doing here, Anubis? Kannon asked, staring him down.
- I came for two reasons, he replied calmly. The first is to save these women and children, by helping you bring them to safety.
- And why should we trust you? Guan Yin shot back, wary.
- For the simple reason that, at this very moment, I am obeying a direct order from Athena: to protect the inhabitants of this village in case of danger.
- And why should we believe you? Kannon insisted, her voice hard.
- Truth be told, you don't really have a choice, Anubis said in a dark tone.
Ellyn then spoke, gently asking the question they were all holding back.
- And the second reason?
The Egyptian god crossed his arms, his eyes gleaming with a mysterious light.
- The second reason… you've already guessed it. What you saw of Fredon was not truly him. It was another version of him—darker, infused with demonic energy. This being is neither an angel nor a demon. What troubles me is this: how can a soul split into two? This is the first time I have ever witnessed such a phenomenon… and I admit, it fascinates me as much as it worries me. But above all, Hades has ordered me to investigate Darfredon. And I know that Conquest left writings on this subject somewhere in Atlantis. I am also certain that the two of you know where they might be hidden. That is why I am here.
- I could show them to you, yes—but my sister and I don't truly trust you, Kannon exclaimed.
- But I do trust him, Ellyn replied in a firm voice. For a simple reason… I don't know about you, ladies, but if he had wanted to take all these people here, he would have done so long ago. And this reminds me of something Athena once told me: she had placed a protection over this village, a spell that would rise against anyone who tried to attack it. I didn't think she was referring to this cave… but now I understand. So yes, I believe him.
- If you believe him, then so do I, Guan Yin added.
Still wary, Kannon studied the two women for a long moment before locking eyes with Anubis. He met her gaze without flinching and replied in a deep, almost solemn voice.
- I swear it to you, Kannon. You can trust me. And to prove it, I will create a portal that will take us all to Atlantis. There, I will tell you everything I know about the being named Darfredon.
But Kannon raised her hand to stop him and turned toward the two women.
- Even if we return to Atlantis with all these people… I doubt Zeus will be pleased to see so many women and children arriving with us.
- Do you have a better idea to help them? Ellyn replied firmly. What I see here are grieving families who have already lost too much. And if it reassures you, I will personally speak to Athena. I am certain she will find a valid reason to convince her father to help them.
- I believe Ellyn is right. We must take them with us. After all, we are partly responsible for them, Guan Yin added.
- Very well. We will take them, Kannon finally decided. Anubis, create the portal here.
Anubis brought his hands together and conjured a portal leading to Atlantis. Within the luminous opening appeared the majestic decorations and breathtaking landscapes of a splendid kingdom, far ahead of its time. The two goddesses then called the two Kattlys, who were still standing guard at the hidden entrance of the cave.
At the sight of Anubis, the two creatures roared fiercely, but Guan Yin quickly calmed them.
- Easy. He is with us.
The Kattlys remained wary, their claws still unsheathed, until Kannon spoke more firmly.
- Calm yourselves. He is with us. Enter the portal—we are going home.
The two Kattlys obeyed without protest and stepped through the portal. Kannon stayed behind them to bring up the rear. Then Ellyn stepped forward and called out in a clear voice.
- EVERYONE MUST ENTER THE PORTAL!
The women and children formed a line and passed through the glowing passage. Finally, Ellyn, Anubis, and Guan Yin crossed the threshold, closing the procession. The portal sealed itself behind them in a burst of light.