Murighein spent a good while listening to Mari and how she was afraid of everything love. Even if she did want to learn about it, she had been adverse to it. The fact that one guy was able to get through that wall meant something. "Proper feelings?" she was confused for a moment as she considered the topic of conversation. Her issue with that statement was that most of her interactions with Linnea were about learning. "She is not interested in that kind of thing. I doubt I would be with her either. She seems to be a bit…off. I will one day examine her spirit. I’m sure she will let me. Other than that I don’t think it would work. I would get nothing useful." Linnea was all over the place and Muirghein wasn’t going to get any information about love. Nothing more than she figured she knew already.

Given her ability and routine, Muirghein knew the time was running short. "I have to meet someone." She took a second to stand as she actually enjoyed the hot tub they were in, but she had to meet Alistar. "I am happy for you, that you get to finally explore those answers in a real setting." She turned to Mari and opened her arms, figuring the girl would want a hug, mostly attuned to Mari’s routine. After they hugged, she would get up and reach out for the towels. She hadn’t been in this area much. "Can you help me get back to those…dressing areas?" Maybe she needed to explore this spot more, she just never expected to be down here.

Muirghein got dressed in her regular dress once more. She bowed to Mari and would go to meet the Goddess who didn’t know she was one. On the way out, she sent a text to Kehaw, telling him to meet her in the morning. It was not a request.

-------------------------

This morning was indeed turning out to be amazing. Humming happily as he sat beside her and told her of her breakfast. ”Yes, you are spoiling me.” she laughed joyfully. Eating the food with him was an experience she wasn’t sure she would ever get used to, but she was grateful for it. Nodding to him, she got up and got ready for the day. It was still different to have him go out and do something, but she was glad he was. It wasn’t good for him to stay in and do almost nothing all day but wait for her. Calling a goodbye to him, the goddess quickly finished getting ready for the day and headed out herself.

It wouldn’t take long for her to reach her destination and see a familiar face. ”Hey Muir. How are you this morning?” she called cheerfully. The blind woman had been helping her quite a bit with her memories and the strange things that had been happening to her. She would forever have the goddess’s gratitude. Strangely though, as she stood there Alistar felt like she heard a whisper of Drake’s voice through her mind like a gentle caress. It was unnerving because he wasn’t anywhere near her, but she could still hear him.

----------------------

Muirghein sat in the middle of the floor in the area of worship. This place was always weird to her. They come here to worship the gods and goddesses of this school? Maybe the ones that aren’t in this school too hm? The air here felt so…thick. Muirghein didn’t have anyone specifically that would or did worship her. Anytime people celebrated death it was because of some event from some other deity. No one liked her, no one liked what she brought. She didn’t get praise in life, just when someone finally met their end after a long, long time. It was weird to her sometimes. The most, what humans and the like call, ‘evil’, had worshippers. The good, the bad, the not so sure. Maybe one day people would celebrate her, but given how long she existed, it didn’t look like that would ever happen.

She lifted her head up as a soul came into her bubble. She planned this meeting, so it wasn’t unexpected. "I am…not sure." she didn’t actually know how to answer that. Her morning gave her an answer to something she had been struggling to think about for over a month now. It wasn’t Alistar’s concern though, she didn’t need to dive into her current mindset. They were here for something else. "I can hear the…..happiness? In your voice, your morning must have gone well." Good for her, maybe this will go well and the streak could continue. "Come over here and we can begin."

----------------------

Giving the woman a curious look, Alistar moved closer. ”You don’t know?” Joining Muirghein in a seated position, Alistar put her hands on her knees and took a deep breath. ”Well, hopefully we can make it a good one from this point on yeah?” Laughing softly, the goddess wasn’t sure what to do but was grateful for Muirghein’s help.

Blushing and biting her lip, she laughed a bit nervously. It had been so long since she’d had a good streak of good mornings. ”Yeah, it’s been a good morning. I was served breakfast in bed, and it was just relaxed. No fighting, worrying, or anything like that.” with a content sigh, the purple haired woman got comfortable and nodded more to herself. ”So, what are we trying today?”

----

Murighein shook her head. She had a confusing morning. "I do not." Muirghein was still working on her whole mentality. There were still quite a few things for her to go through, but there would be a different time and place for it. Murighein stayed where she was as Alistar made her way over. "Let’s hope." Was it negative? It sure felt like it might be. Muirghein didn’t feel…negativity. She only guessed this since she knew how she felt when eating her spicy food, her lessons with Linnea, sleeping, all of that gave her positive emotions? At least that’s what she thought anyway. Positive and negative weren’t things she felt before this place

"Sounds comforting." Muirghein had a little bit of this sense for herself. "I am what one calls a ‘workaholic’ being here feels odd as I usually have things to do. I guess it is a similar feeling." She had no indication one way or the other, but she did desire the ability to be so…happy sounding? Or know for sure what it was she was feeling at all times. One day. "We have tried various things, I think there is a way to meld it all together. So far, what do you find has been the most successful? After that, we can begin based on your answer." Muirghein was working on developing certain techniques with Alistar, and if she was right, they could make a large leap in progress today.

—----

Smiling faintly at Muirghein’s attempt to be positive, Alistar didn’t mind the way the woman was. The unknowing goddess looked around the room feeling a sense of familiarity as well as nervousness. She had been gaining so many memories back thanks to Muirghein and Charlotte. Amber eyes came back to rest on Muir when the woman spoke. ”Drake told me once that I shouldn’t worry about working so much. I wasn’t paying as much attention to myself when I focused on staying busy, but that was me.” Was this what it was like to share a life experience?

Taking a deep breath, the purple-haired beauty took a moment to reflect on how she had been regaining her memories. ”It’s strange. Some of them seem to be triggered by situations, others have been dreams, or just random flashes because something reminds me of that memory or is similar. One of the most prominent ones was actually here. One of the first times Drake and I came here we visited his faith’s room and then we went to Bastet’s. I’ve always felt uncomfortable entering almost any church but that one… it was almost instant. Like a strange caressing feeling up your spine and I could hear whispers.” she frowned looking towards Bastet’s door. ”They kept getting louder and louder until it was like they were shouting, and I couldn’t block them out. I… don’t think I’ve experienced anything like that outside of that room though.”

-----

Muirghein tapped the floor lightly with her finger, "I can’t work how I used to here, and I am learning things out for myself, about myself…I am not sure I am……a…fan? I’m not a fan." Just lingo and mannerisms she picked up from others as much as she could and she was positive she used it correctly.

"Memories always exist. They are something similar to the energy of the universe. Even when they are taken from someone or something, they always exist. Even if they are floating in nothingness. It is lucky that your memories are simply buried deep within you. It makes sense thast these places bring some of them out. It is a place for….all types of worship. If they were some form of deity….even some who aren’t…they apparently have a place here." Muirghein couldn’t see any doors or how this place functioned visually, but many people would be surprised by how much she could sense here.

"If that’s the case, we can focus on whatever you would like. I can dive into your past while we exist in their room. It looks like being in a space meant for them can accelerate it. I can possibly turn those whispers into memories that do not ring so loud." The environment in the interfaith center might provide exactly what she needed at this moment. "We will unlock some memories today." She was confident this would be possible since that room provided a mental boost for her.

—----

Watching Muir, she thought about what the woman said. ”Do you miss the work?” Why did she sympathize with that thought? She suddenly felt like she was missing something quite important. As if on que, Drake’s voice filled her mind talking about nonsense things like breakfast and dinner. Confused, she shook her head trying to rid herself of the strange feeling.

Shortly after, she heard a click and looked up. Seeing Drake leave Bastet’s temple, she gave him a curious look. He simply waved to her and went on his way. Looking back to Muir, she made a point to question Drake about his reason for being in her temple later… wait… her temple?

What was Muirghein talking about? It didn’t quite make sense. Her memories were in nothingness, and also buried inside her? Looking around again, she frowned. ”So, I am experiencing more memories? They don’t feel like memories, more like… they feel more like words in my mind.”

Thinking of what Muir said, she creased her eyebrows. ”I suppose so. The voices… I don’t think they are memories. They don’t feel like memories. They feel like strings… conversations.” Humming, she swayed. ”They have colors… are you able to help me focus on one of the colors and block out the others?” Maybe if she was able to focus on one of the colors, she would be able to tell what the voices wanted.

----

Muirghein tilted her head and hummed. Miss the work? "I’m not sure if I miss it. It feels as normal to me as living for others. Simply existing and doing what I am for….it never felt like a job to me. So I don’t know if I miss it, but I do feel as if there is something missing from me. The closest I have is the graveyard, but it is not the same. I worry about what is going on where I am supposed to be. I did not make replacements or backup plans if I were to…vanish." She stopped herself and waved her hand, "It’s fine." she would be able to go on forever about it, but today wasn’t about her or her concerns for her universe.

She hummed and put her hand on her chin, "You are unique in which you have the actual existence of that being within you. It is a mesh of memories and actual voices. Sometimes it could be from you, or…that spirit. The goal is to untangle it all so you have ways of recollecting and interacting without being confused or concerned. You won’t even have to lose yourself." It was confusing when there were multiple inhabitants in a body, trying to keep control or a sense of self was difficult from what she experienced. "Colors…." Muirghein was aware that these various lines and things were colors, but she didn’t know what colors counted as which. "I will take all but one for you to focus on. I can keep them quiet while you focus." Muirghein was able to perfectly manipulate the various lines she saw. It shouldn’t be difficult for her to keep the others quiet. "Which do you want? Remember, I’m not sure of what colors are, so a name or description is probably best.." Without the ability to dictate colors or know, she would just have to go with the next best. She believed there was a way to learn colors, but maybe there was no time for that right now.

—-

Hadn’t Muir told her before that she didn’t know what colors were? Feeling rather stupid for not remembering that, Alistar sighed and listened. Existing and doing what one existed for? That seemed familiar but a part of her also rejected it. The unknowing goddess nodded as Muir said it was fine. They could talk about it at a later time.

The actual existence of that being within her? Wait… her past souls were within her? Were they technically past souls or just fragments of the same soul? Had her soul been wronged so badly that it had splintered? Feeling frustrated the assassin wondered if that was why she sometimes felt incomplete. Closing her eyes, Alistar reflected on the differences in the memories she did have. ”They feel different. The voices seem different too. They aren’t mine or ones from the memories.” Frowning she focused and tried to describe each one. ”One is sharp and feels angry, violent. Rough like broken rocks. It’s color is like dark caramel, if you see anything of that nature. Sekhmet is the name the voices call it.” Taking another deep breath, she turned her attention to the next feeling and voices. ”This one is warm, happy, motherly… blue like a deep and calm lake. Hathor, the voices call her Hathor.” Pursing her lips, Alistar tugged at the last one. ”Calm, wise, firm, cool but not cold. A guardian and protector of innocence. Green like the spring leaves reaching for the sky.” Surprise shot through her. ”Bastet. This one. I want to start with this one. Why do we share a name?” Bastet was her last name, why would she share a name with a goddess?

As Muir did her thing, Alistar focused solely on the feeling this string gave her. It made her feel strong and secure. The memories flooded into her; some she had seen and others she had not. The moment she started to panic though; she could feel a hand on her shoulder. Grabbing that hand, she didn’t let go even as the voices came. Assaulting her senses, but now she knew what they were. They were prayers. Prayers to the goddess Bastet, her. Mentally, she turned her eyes to the hand, following it up to see a pair of clear green eyes looking back at her. The goddess smiled at her and nodded, squeezing her shoulder. Alistar could feel the pride the other felt in the choices she had made to protect innocence in her life. It was the role that Bastet had played and had been passed down to her as well. ”You’ve taken a trait from each of us and you will make them your own, because you are us, and we are you.” Bastet smiled again at Alistar before fading away.

The voices seemed to slow and fade as well, but Alistar could still feel them. They no longer hurt her like they did before. The new memories Bastet had shared made sense, explaining a lot of why Alistar hated Ra so much. She was Bastet but reborn as those before her had been. Slowly, she opened her eyes looking to Muir. It no longer felt like Bastet was separate from her, it was like they were twisted together. ”Thank you Muirghein. That helped a lot.” Feeling a bit tired, she was indeed quite happy with how things had turned out. ”I don’t think I can take the others now though. Can we save them for next time?” Really, she felt like she needed a nap, or a relaxing night. Bidding Muir a good evening, the purple-haired woman made her way back to the dorm. 

Drake would be back on his way to the dorm with a plastic bag full of things when his phone beeped. Looking at it he would see he had been moved. Looking confused he went to where the phone said his new room was. Opening the door he would look around and get a feel for their new set up in the cabin. “Odd…but not upsetting.” he said before thinking and smiled. Setting the bag down he would move to find the bedroom and would change his clothing from what he was wearing to a suit. He remembered that Alistar had liked him in the suit but this time Drake had grabbed one that hugged his body a bit more. Then he would move to get two drinking glasses and pour the booze that she really liked and to top it all off he would be making Macarona Bechamel which was an Egyptian recipe for baked pasta he had found in a book of Egyptian recipes. He would get it going and once it was baking he would wait for her, having even combed his hair back to look prim and proper for her.

—--------

On her way back to her dorm, Alistar took a deep breath. There was so much to think about. She had learned so much from this one session with Muir. The purple haired goddess would need to make sure to thank the woman for her continued help. Overall, it was a lot to take in that she was Bastet. Yet, why did she have two other strings then? Were they goddesses too? A whirlwind of emotions swept through her making her feel very unsteady mentally.

Hearing her phone chime just as she turned down the hallway of the dorms, she looked at the message from the school to see that her room had been changed. Panic shot through her hot and fierce. Pulling the message open completely, she read through it even as tears started to form. Barely making it through reading the message, she sagged against a wall and let out the breath that she had been holding. ”They’re finally doing something nice for us… but why?” Laughing nervously, she wiped the tears away and headed out of the school to these new couples cabins. Finding them wasn’t hard thanks to the directions and map on her phone.

Opening the door to the one that she had been assigned to, it smelled amazing inside. Something she recognized as Drake’s cooking. He must already be inside. ”Drake?” She called, still somewhat nervous that he wouldn’t be there.

----

Drake would smile hearing her voice and come out with the two drinking glasses that he had set up and would move to gently kiss Alistar as he put a drink in her hand. “Hey there Albi.” he said before blinking as he noticed the red puffiness of her eyes “is everything alright? Your eyes…” he slowly moved his hand to cup her face and would gently stroke under her eye with his thumb “did something happen?” he asked her. He had planned on a romantic night but if something was wrong he wouldn't even be bothered having to scrap it to help her. They would have more than just tonight he just thought with their new cabin and added freedom that having a nice celebrating date night would be fun. Either way the cleaned and suited drake showed a lot of concern for the woman he loved and waited patiently to be told what had occurred.

—---

Seeing Drake, relief hit her hard. So much so that she couldn’t move. His kiss and gentle touch were like balms on her soul. Shaking her head Alistar sniffled, covering his hand with her own and kissing his palm. ”It was a… strange day. I… I got some of my memories back, and then when I was coming back to find you. I got a notification from the school saying that we had moved rooms. It scared the hell out of me. I thought the school split us up.” Taking the glass he offered, she looped an arm around him and buried her face in his chest. Hugging him as tight as she could with one hand.

----

Drake would hear her and as she hugged him he would hug back “I see…well i am here and even if they had sent us to different rooms i would have found you.” he said softly kissing the top of her head “and what is this about memories? I didn't know you were missing any.” he said not realizing what she meant since it wasn't really on his mind at the moment. Smiling he would slowly walk her over to the couch to get her to relax as they sat down together. “Let's relax. Start from the beginning so I know everything that happened alright?” he said, smiling lovingly at her as he took a sip from his drink while also rubbing her back.

—--

Walking with him to the couch, she took a deep breath. Sipping from the glass he had given her, the goddess tried to figure out where to start. She hadn’t exactly broadcast that she has been working with others to start recovering her memories, but she hadn’t hidden it from him. ”Well, you remember I’ve been having those weird dreams and flashes right?” Once he confirmed, she dove right in to explaining what she had been doing with Muir this afternoon. Along with her suspicions about hearing him praying. She had never had anyone pray to her before. So was that it?

——

Drake would listen, giving her his complete focus. Hearing her bring up that she had been working on and that she had been working with this Muir to recover these missing memories. She ended with bringing up that he had been praying to her today and Drake thought for a moment about what he should say. “So you know now you're a goddess.” he said with a small smile on his face. He was glad she was recovering some of the memories but he was very worried that if he tried speaking to her about what he knew it might end up causing problems. “I did pray to you today.” he admitted feeling like he would be fine to explain that and at least let her know that he had learned of her godhood.

—--------

Blinking, Alistar paused to look at him confused for a moment. ”What do you mean ‘know now’? Why do you not seem surprised, but more relieved? Did you… did you already know?” Well that thought went right through her and made her feel all sorts of ways. He had been in Bastet’s temple before she had done all of her stuff with Muir. ”Why were you praying to me?” Putting her glass down on the coffee table, she turned her body to look at him completely. Anger and betrayal were the foremost feelings that hit her, but there was a lot of pain too. It wasn’t like Drake hadn’t known about her troubles with her dreams and flashes.

----

Drake saw that look and sighed, setting his drink down. “Remember when I followed you to the temple…and you got ill. The other you, Bastet, warned me it would be worse if I told you about meeting them. I didn't want that so I didn't say anything about it and they did say you would come to it. I remember her telling me to try and get you to go back to the temple and listen to the voices but…I wasn't sure how to bring that up without it seeming odd. There was also a part of me worried it could harm you which I know is selfish but….You hate seeing me suffer and I feel the same way towards you.” he said frowning as he would put a hand over hers “I went to pray hoping maybe it would help move things along. I wanted to help and prayers to gods often are a form of energy so…” he sighed sure she wasn't going to want to talk to him for a while. “I am sorry for keeping it from you….I am sure you would have done better if the positions were switched.” he said smiling weakly looking sad he had made her feel betrayed.

—---

Watching him sigh and set down his drink, Alistar’s lips set themselves in a grim line and her eyes narrowed. Listening to him talking about how he had already conversed with her ‘other selves’ and chose to not say anything to her… all because they believed that she couldn’t handle it and would be in pain. Instinctively, she yanked her hand out from under his when he touched her. It was like his touch had burned her, holding the hand to her chest defensively she absently rubbed it.

Taking several deep breaths, she bit her tongue to keep herself silent while she thought. His last words about her doing better if positions were switched made her wrinkle her nose in disgust. Had she ever compared the way they did things aside from the differences in how they worked? Had she belittled him so much that he now would do it automatically on his own? Years of isolation and daunting training or work, pushed forward in her mind. Assessing the situation, her face and body relaxed to the point it would seem like she was absolutely fine.

Picking up the glass of wine, amber eyes looked him over while she took a drink, then moved to their new accommodations. Her knee jerk reaction to his information was to immediately cut ties with him completely and move on. That particular train of thought was painful to her though. It had taken so long to finally find someone she trusted to open up to, and he withheld things from her. Even if he had a good reason for it, she didn’t have to like it.

”How long?” she asked while staring at him intently. ”How long have you known I am a goddess? And ‘meeting them” Had the other two strings she felt already come forward and talked to Drake as well? This made her feel betrayed by her own past lives. His simple apology was not going to be enough.

----

Drake would feel her yank her hand away and it made his heart feel like it was being pulled out. When he finished his story and heard her question he thought about it. “I met with them and learned this all at the same time. You fell asleep and then they all sort of came out one after the other. I heard their stories and talked with them before watching them fade leaving you asleep. That happened about two weeks before silent hill ripped me away. After that I was too wounded to even try helping you to understand this the way they had told me. I was meant to take you to the temple and have you listen to the voices but I wasn't sure how to make that happen naturally. It's why I went to pray today since I thought it would help and maybe make you think about going to the temple.” he said and did not anymore reach for any physical contact. He felt like if she said some words to him right now he would crumble like a porcelain doll barely being held together.

—---

Seething rage was hidden well behind her calm facade. While Drake would normally be able to tell her moods easily, Alistar had gone into full work mode. Finishing the glass of wine in her hand, she held it up by the stem and looked at the empty glass pouting. ”So you weren’t actually planning on telling me, or doing what they asked. Instead you were going to let me think I was crazy because I suddenly started hearing your voice in my head at random times.” Her tone was light and joking, but had a serious note to it.

The fact that he wasn’t lying to her or attempting to hide anything from her was working in his favor. Really, what would it have changed if he had said something to her? ”I want you to know Drake. I’m very angry with you right now. If you were anyone else… I would be out that door and you would never hear from me again.” venom seemed to drip from her words but she didn’t move in the least. Taking a deep breath, the goddess made herself think about it all. Taking on the memories of one of the strings had been difficult but the idea that both the strings and Drake treated her like glass made her angry. He wasn’t wrong though in assuming she would do whatever she could to protect him. Holding out her glass for him to refill, she waited and ignored her stomach grumbling for food.

”But. You are the man who stupidly fought for my heart and won it. You are حياتي. I don’t agree with your choices, I don’t enjoy being treated like a fragile creature, nor do I wish to be treated like an idiot who doesn’t know things. You had good intentions, and I recognize those. I appreciate your desire to protect me and keep me from pain.” Pausing, she growled softly forcing herself to choose her words wisely. ”I was so excited today. To learn more about myself, why I am the way I am. Why Ra harrasses me like he does… To finally learn that I am a god too and actually have a chance to stand up to him…” Golden honey eyes stared at him sadly. ”You were the first person I thought of to share that excitement with, but you already knew. It’s like having this great, amazing, incredible news to share with an important person. Just to have them shrug and say, ‘Oh finally you know too.’ How am I supposed to react to that, Drake? Where do I go from here? ‘Sorry’ isn’t helping me navigate what to do. I know you are, but what do we do to fix it?”

----

Drake would flinch when she said if it was anyone else she would be gone and just that thought brought him nearly to tears. Seeing her hold out the glass he would fill it as it was obvious that was what she wanted. Hearing the next part there was some relief to what she was saying but knowing he had upset her was hanging on him like a thick heavy chain. Drake would take his glass and downed it “I fucked up.” he said not looking at her while he spoke. “When I was told I was merely worried you were being possessed by something at first. Then I was just starting to learn more about the other you’s that have been. Then I saw a pattern….and I thought of my own goddess.” he said, his hand that was holding the glass was tightening and the strain against the glass was audible “I couldn't ignore the trend of dying goddess’ around me and I couldn't shake that thought of you dying. Then I was consumed by fear and cowardice which caused me to hesitate on taking you there but I worried also what would happen if i didn't. Maybe that worry triggered me getting pulled to silent hill or maybe it was unrelated. After that whole thing I figured I couldn't run away or keep hiding this from you. I went to the temple to pray to you and then tonight after dinner I was going to try bringing it up and suggest going to the temple together.” he said, his free hand coming up to cover his face “as for how to fix it i don't know. I am happy for you to know who and what you truly are but I have read too many stories and know being a god isn’t a simple or often kind thing. I am scared out of my fucking mind that youll end up in one of those damn books with a story on how you perished.” he said his voice cracking a bit.

Taking a breath and stopping himself from losing it he removed his hand and looked at her “I love you, so much. I knew you were something special for a long time and you being a god is just something you are but it isn't why you are special. You are the reason you're special and I love you. I didn't think of you as fragile but that doesn't mean you're unbreakable. And I never treated you like an idiot for not knowing this. What I did and how I handled this was wrong, I am not running away from that but I can't think of any way I would have ended up doing things any different. The person I would go to for guidance…I couldn't because that's you. I know it sounds pathetic but I have been relying on you and your guidance on certain matters more than I realized. Without you I just defaulted to a scared idiot.” he said feeling terrible about how he handled all this. “I swear though on my love for you that I won't keep anything from you ever again no matter how dark, dire, or depressing it may be.” he said and there was intense conviction in his eyes.

—--

Her normally warm eyes seemed cold as she stared at him. Alistar knew that she loved this man quite a bit, more than her own soul, but how far would she let all of this go? Listening to how he had come to find out who or rather, what she was, she understood why he had reacted the way he had. He was a man raised to believe that he needed to save his own goddess. To then find out the woman you loved was one, and fated to be taken and maybe killed by another god… Yeah, she could understand why he was so scared. It hurt to hear him speak about her being a goddess now though. Hearing the fear in his voice made her frown and sigh softly. Why did his fear make her feel less than, or lacking? She had been elated to find it out. Inspired and encouraged that she had even more of a chance to stand up to Ra… Especially because he would be there with her.

Yet the way he spoke… it almost sounded as if her finding out she was a goddess, was the equivalent of signing her own death certificate. His words about loving her rang true but seemed honey covered to her, to mask the fact that he was insulting himself again. Amber eyes stared at him unreadable as she considered what to do. She was angry, not just at him but at her past selves. Slowly, an idea formed in her brain and she could feel parts of her mind rejecting it, but she held onto it. ”Do you want to help me fix this?” The goddesses tone was curious as she downed her glass of wine. Purring from the burn of it going down.

----

Drake hated how scared he was of her being a god. It was a mix of her death possibly needing to happen due to some bullshit god stuff but also another reason. Gods needed to be where their followers were. Would he lose her in a different way once ra was defeated and the people who needed her started praying to her. But he had to follow through what he promised or death was certain, he knew that. Hearing her ask if he wanted to help her fix that he almost blurted out of course he did but something stopped him.

"Alistar…albi. Before I agree , I need you to know something and to ask. I still believe that you and I together can defeat Ra. It was just learning this part of you that brought up traumatic feelings inside of me. I started worrying about what it means to be a god and the difference between their fates and peoples. What if accepting that power changes you and makes you do things differently. I have been mulling over all of this and I hate that I was scared. I was worried…that I would screw up and cause you to die. People, or rather mortals, are the reason gods die." He said and a few tears left his eyes." What if I'm the reason you die?" He asked, shaking his head. "That's what really scared me but that is not my question. My real question is after Ra dies…what happens with us? Do you stay with your people? Would I be allowed to stay there with you?" He asked before sighing "but that's all I needed to say before saying yes, I want to help you fix this." He said being honest. 

----

The purple-haired woman could tell he was deep in thought while she spoke, and asked him if he wanted to help her fix this. The moment he spoke though, his tone and choice of words made her wrinkle her nose in distaste. It wasn’t something that was up for negotiation. It was either a yes or a no, but she kept her mouth shut while her gaze grew colder. Tilting her head as she rest it against a bent arm and relaxed staring at him. ”You’re not exactly a normal mortal Drake. Look what that place did to you. You’re a walking corpse there. For all we know, you could be a god too.” She was starting to get a headache and hated arguing with him. He brought up a good point, but not one she cared about. She would gladly die for him.

Inhaling slowly, her eyelashes lowered while she thought about his real question. Did she care about her people? Only to the extent that she felt obligated to save them. ”Nothing changes from before I knew what I was. I plan to kill Ra, designate a new ruler that will be good for the people, allow my people back into Egypt to settle down, and leave. I’ve been alive for over 200 years, Drake. I do not wish to be around anything that would remind me of that bastard. You and I will do as we damn well please, and anyone who tries to keep you from me will die a very bloody death.” Standing, she motioned for him to stand as well. Once he did, a tan hand came up to his face to gently wipe away the tear trails. ”I am angry with you Drake, but not just you. My past selves too. I am the only one who has the right to say if I can handle something or not. I am not the same as your goddess, I don’t need prayers or worship. I need faith in my abilities. I need you to have faith in me and trust. I have never felt stronger than when I had those from you. I have an idea, but they don’t seem to like it. First though, I want to eat whatever the hell smells so delicious.” Leaning up, she gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Her pleasure ability seeping into the contact on a very low level to help calm him down and hopefully make him feel better.

----

Drake would stand up and hearing her words there was a lot of relief. He didn't like the idea of being a god worried what the hell he would be the god of but those thoughts faded instantly at the feel of her kiss. When the kiss ended he felt calmer letting out a relieved breath. "You're right. I should never doubt you or us…there is nothing to doubt about our love." He said smiling before nodding "right. Given how long we have been talking it should be done. Wait here and i'll return with plates." He said and moved off towards the kitchen, the suit he was wearing really hugging him in the back she would see. He wouldn't be long and returned with their plates, setting it on the coffee table next to their drinks. "So…what's this idea that the others hate?" He asked, looking curious as to what they would be against.

—

The kiss helped to calm her down as well. Physical touch always did seem to make her happier. Resuming her seat on the couch, her eyes darkened with desire as she watched him walk away. She hated it when he left, but the view was always a pleasant one. Of course, when he came back it was just as nice. ”I do like the suit on you. What made you want to choose it?” Picking up her plate, she dug in moaning at how delicious it was.

”Well, you said there were more. I assume it’s the other two strings I can feel when I go to that chapel. So, we’ll be going back and I’m going to meet them. I don’t really give a damn what they think I can handle or what I should have access to. It’s my life and they need to stop meddling with it.” The explanation was a heated one but not once did she stop eating the dish he had given her.

----

Drake blushed and smiled at her compliment. "Well I remember your comment at the wedding that I looked good in a suit. I wanted to have a date night after reading the message about this cabin so I picked one that hugged right. I remembered you liked tight clothes on me too. The meal was also something I thought you might like since it is an Egyptian recipe and it might be one you used to enjoy. The wine was also something you liked so I put it out too." He said showing just how much he had thought about her while setting this up. Hearing her idea he nodded "Okay. Maybe knowing will make it easier to deal with and it's not like it will kill you. I will be there with you and if you pass out or whatever i'll bring you back here." He said smiling at her down for this plan.

—

His blush was adorable. Drake didn’t blush for her often anymore. Nodding along, she wasn’t entirely surprised by how much he remembered. He always was detail oriented. ”Well, it does remind me of food we have in Egypt, but I do like food from other places too. As for your clothing, I do obviously prefer you naked, but this way makes you seem like a present I get to unwrap.” Feeling more like herself, she gave him a play wink as she polished off her food.

Once they were finished with the food and cleaning up, Alistar took Drake’s hand. ”Come on, let’s head back to the interfaith center and get this started. I’ll warn you to mind your manners until we get back. Just in case something goes wrong.” She knew the names of the others from her time with Muir this afternoon, but that didn’t mean she knew how they would react to Drake. ”Tell me what they were like when you met my other selves?”

----

Drake smiled and blushed when she called him a present she would like to unwrap. Eating his portion he felt the food came out well and put the dishes away only to have his hand taken and was led onward towards the interfaith chamber feeling odd that the two were now allowed to just leave their new cabin at night whenever they wanted. “Wait, mind my manners? Are you afraid the others will take over or something?” he asked before she asked what the others were like and a look of ‘fuck me’ came over his features. “Well…they all sort of hit on me. Bastet less so but there was some still and…well Hathor wanted me to impregnate her.” he said looking away worried she would be mad and not wanting to see her glaring at him

—-

On the way to the interfaith center, she squeezed his hand but didn’t look at him. ”Thank you for dinner. I appreciate it.” Her mind wandered to thinking about her past selves as he spoke up about them. Shrugging to his question, she didn’t know what to expect from the others. Catching sight of his face, she frowned and looked at him fully. Anger surfaced again but the goddess kept a very tight lid on it this time. There was a certain coil of jealousy that they had tried to take him from her.

Choking on her own spit, she stopped and made him look at her. ”What do you mean she wanted you to impregnate her?! She would have been in my body, wasn’t she?!” how could the bitch try something so underhanded in her body? It was obvious that she hadn’t ended up pregnant but it made her think… ”Did you have sex with any of them or be intimate in any way?” Her eyes searched his, quite serious about wanting an answer.

----

Drake was surprised when she made him look at her “No I didn't!” he exclaimed as she asked if he had sex. “The worst that happened is I ended up kissing Hathor and Sekhmet. Sekhmet was before I realized what was going on and I ended up giving a light kiss to Hathor to relax her as well as keep her from running off to be with other men. That was it, I swear. I won't lie, hearing your voice saying some of the things they said to me was…very arousing.” he said blushing “I mean when I heard Hathor beg me to put a baby in her with your voice I…Well i am glad I got surprised and checked her eyes lets say that.” he said blushing harder “They all seemed to like me and I wonder if that was your influence on them.” he said slowly hugging her “Hathor did say…you wanted to be pregnant with my child.” he said softly looking into her eyes. “they told me a lot about how you felt and things you wanted that night. It kind of spurred me on to try even harder to make sure you loved me like I loved you.” he said, smiling at her.

—--

It bothered her that he had kissed Hathor and Sekhmet, but at least it had been alternate versions of herself. Grimacing at the ugly jealousy that she felt inside, Alistar wondered if that was how Drake felt whenever he knew she was going out to be with another man. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling at all. Seeing his blush, she blushed as well. It was mortifying that her other selves had basically spilled all of her secrets to Drake. Hiding her face in his chest as he hugged her, Alistar’s arms wrapped around him and returned the gentle embrace. Clenching his clothes in her fists, it took her several moments before she could let go and look back up at him.

”Alright… I don’t want to comment too much until I face them… Thank you for telling me…” she felt like she had asked this before or maybe it was something they had discussed, but it seemed relevant to bring back up. ”Knowing what we know about Ra and with Silent Hill reacting the way it is… When do you think you would want me to carry your…our child?”

----

Drake would enjoy hugging her and love how she felt in his arms. When she let go he looked at her and nodded “I will always try to be an open book for you.” he said softly, moving some hair out of her face. When she brought up a baby he had to fight his urges to pin her to the wall at the words ‘our child’. “I could tell you what most people would say is the right or smart answer and tell you we should wait till all that is figured out.” he said and sighed thinking about it “but honestly. The moment you let me I won't hesitate to impregnate you. All risks, worries, threats be damned. I want so badly to know you are pregnant with my child.” he said looking into her eyes showing a very honest and intense determination on this “So thats my answer. As soon as absolutely fucking possible.”

—--

Tilting her head, she nuzzled his hand that wasn’t moving the hair out of her face. It wasn’t hard to tell she had said something that had excited him by the way his body moved, clothes tightened, and his voice. Oh his voice had shivers running down her spine. There was just something so primal about the way he wanted her to bear their child. At least he understood that the normal and smart answer would be to wait until after the danger had passed, but of course Drake wouldn’t be able to wait that long.

Blushing and clearing her throat, the goddess had to shake herself a bit to cast off the desire to strip him right there. Taking his hand again, they turned and headed into the building and up to the interfaith center. ”Yeah, well we don’t want to get distracted from the reason we left the cabin now do we?” Laughing softly, she paused as she stood looking at all of the doors. ”Would you like to stop in and say hello to your goddess first?” 

----

Drake would watch her blush and found it very cute. Feeling his hand being claimed by her he would nod “no, we wouldn't. Let us continue on.” he said smiling as he followed along and soon the two were standing in the main area of the interfaith chamber. When she asked about his goddess he would glance over to it. “Okay…maybe I should take a moment before tackling whatever is waiting for us behind your door.” he said, seeming a bit hesitant. “You know all this talk about gods and stuff…a thought came to mind…what if while I was away…someone else showed up in Silent Hill trying to resurrect her.” he would pose to Alistar as they walked towards the door. “I mean…What if it's gotten worse without me there helping those who need to be helped or killing what needs to be killed.”

—

Looking around the interfaith center, she felt a tad nervous. Listening to him, she shrugged. ”Something tells me that if something were to happen there… you would know. That place doesn’t want to leave you alone. It doesn’t seem to like it when you’re away for too long.” Stretching her calves, she waited for him to go do what he needed to.

She didn’t plan on going into her temple but it may be a bit more private than the main area for what she had in mind. Worrying on her lip, Alistar took several deep breaths glancing at the door.

----

Drake was about to go through the door but stopped. "Come in with me." He said, turning to look back at her. "I know it might feel weird…but I want you in there with me when I try talking to her. Will you come and be by my side?" He asked her as he stood there with his hand on the doorknob and a thoughtful gaze aimed her way.

—-

Frowning, she wasn’t sure why he wanted her to go with him. He was right too, it made her feel incredibly weird when she went into the faith rooms. Biting the inside of her lip, she agreed to go with him though. He was there to help her, so the least she could do was humor him while he spoke to his goddess. ”Not sure how I feel about you showing so much devotion to another goddess.” she jokingly laughed as she followed him.

----

Drake smiled as she joined him and would lead her in showing her a familiar sight. It was the same church she fought drake in but this one was pristine. Not so much as a hint of dust existed here and the only thing that would feel off was how the stained glass made the light that came in from outside of the church bath the internals with a soft hue of crimson. Drake smiled at Alistar as he led her up towards the front "you could just think of it as me calling my mom, that's sort of how she always felt to me." He said looking up at the stained glass image of his goddess.

—

Curling her lip subconsciously, she did not like this place. There were too many nightmares that happened in here for her. Still, she pushed it aside and went with Drake. ”Yeah, that still doesn’t help. Meeting someone’s parents was never on my bucket list.” Waiting patiently, she stayed off to the side and waited for him to finish.

----

Drake chuckled “Well you won't ever get to meet mine.” he said with a nod “So no need to worry about that.” he would tell her before slowly kneeling down and began praying to his goddess. It would be fairly quiet and Drake's soft spoken prayers would be all that broke the silence. When he seemed done he smiled while looking at his goddess “If you're curious about what i was praying about, I was praying…or more like informing her about you.” he said smiling before walking over and taking her hand “okay, we can go.”

—

Watching Drake, she didn’t pay much mind to what he was saying while he prayed, but she did feel a warm sort of tingle when he started. Just something that felt like it was brushing against the outside of her mind. It was different than when he had prayed to her specifically. Maybe it was her proximity to him while he prayed? Nodding to him when he finished, she led the way over to her own temple. Looking around she found a relatively comfortable spot for Drake to sit. ”Sit please. I’m going to sit in your lap while I do this. So make sure you’re comfortable.”

----

Drake would follow her looking around the temple that now he knew was sort of hers before he was asked to sit. Doing so he would look at her once she got comfortable. “Is my lap where you wish to be? Is that what will make you feel the most comfortable here?” he asked her not minding that she would be on his lap at all but wanting to know if there was anything else she needed from him. “Did you want me to hold you as well?” he asked, wanting to help her feel as relaxed as he could. He was sure coming here was a big deal and tackling her godhood was surely not a small feat by any metric. Giving her a loving smile he reached out a hand “I will do whatever you need, I am here for you and only you.” he said in a loving tone.

----

Making sure he was comfortable, she sat down in his lap. She wasn’t exactly ignoring his questions, but she knew they would be answered if he just let her do her thing. Leaning her head back, she kissed Drake gently. ”Shhh. Love. Be still and silent. I’ll let you know what I need from you.” With that she took a deep breath and relaxed with her back against his chest. Picking up his hands, she threaded her fingers through his, and hugged herself with them.

Leaning her head back against his shoulder, she closed her eyes and did exactly what she did that afternoon with Muir. Blocking out everything except for the one color or string she wanted to focus on. It was a strange blue, turquoise color that shimmered in her mind. The other lights and sounds faded leaving her floating as she faced this new version of her. It looked slightly different, not the same as Bastet, but not Alistar either. A version with blue eyes and a motherly aura about her.

Hathor smiled at Alistar warmly. ”You’ve finally come. The others said it would be too much at once but I think you can handle it. Just like you can handle that yummy man of yours.” With a soft laugh, Hathor moved closer to Alistar and reached out to her. ”Let me show you what Ra did to us.”

Memories flooded Alistar’s mind as Hathor showed her what Ra had done in her life. In Drake’s lap, Alistar’s body twitched as if she were dreaming a nightmare. Whimpering and clinging to his hands, she did not seem to be doing well.

----

Drake did not resist the kiss and in fact leaned into it before nodding. Holding her the way she wanted he sat just watching her. When she began whimpering and obviously having a nightmare of something that was really making her not seem to do well Drake almost panicked. It was having their hands interlaced that kept him grounded. Leaning his head so his lips were near her ear he would whisper “Whatever horror you are seeing know that I am here. I will swallow that nightmare and make it bow to you. My albi, I will be your dream catcher.” he said softly, kissing her neck.

—-

Feeling Drake next to her and kissing her neck, her body naturally curled closer to him. Pulling his hands tighter around her and seeming to quiet just a bit. The calm of knowing he was there seeped into her subconscious giving Alistar enough control to mute the emotions that ran through Hathor as she recalled the nightmare of Hathor’s life.

After a bit of time had passed, Alistar stirred in Drake’s arms and opened her eyes. However, they were a beautiful and familiar, turquoise color. ”Hello handsome. I’m glad that things have gone the way you wanted, and I’m very happy to find that you both are already discussing our beautiful children. I’ll make sure to bless them with great beauty.” With a soft chuckle, she leaned up and stole a kiss from him before he could pull away. ”Don’t worry, she’s in here and conscious. Alistar is a brave one and I’m proud of her for the woman she’s become, and the mother she will be.” Chuckling softly, Hathor snuggled back into Drake’s arms.

----

Drake was happy to see that she seemed to start feeling better. After a moment her eyes opened and he was about to say something but then noticed the color. Before he could do or say anything about seeing those different color eyes his lips would get claimed and a huge conflicted feeling hit his chest. When she broke the kiss and started speaking more he would look at her snuggling into him. “Wait…she is able to see what's going on? Did you just kiss me in front of her?” he asked, looking slightly annoyed about that.

—

Giggling at him, Hathor nodded and nuzzled his neck. ”Don’t worry, she’s not mad at you. She’s more annoyed with me and feeling conflicted. She knows I am her but still feels protective over you. Besides, now that she’s remembered our life, I will be melded with her mind like Bastet is. So anytime we kiss, it’s like you’re kissing all of us at once. Kinky huh?” With that the goddess closed her eyes and drifted into her own subconscious again.

Alistar was indeed miffed with Hathor, but the version of her soul was right. Alistar, already felt different after accepting and merging with Bastet and Hathor. All that was left was the red fragment, Sekhmet.

----

Drake listened and had to think "it still feels like i shouldn't be kissing you and such. Though you will meld with her she is the only one I desire." He said smiling "so no picking on me alright." He said as she drifted off. Going from what she said Sekhmet would be next so he would mentally prepare. He should probably be ready to duck out of the way of another unwanted kiss.

—

Alistar barely heard his words as her mind drifted in the sea of voices. Already she could understand what was happening. The different colors were people praying to the different versions of her. Bastet was wise and patient, Hathor was fun loving and carefree. What would Sekhmet be like? Reaching out to the red jagged color, Alistar was met with heat. A heat that surrounded and engulfed her mind, her body would warm up considerably in Drake’s arms. Panting in distress, she broke out in a sweat squirming uncomfortably.

Sekhmet materialized in front of Alistar in her mind. ”What is it that you want young one?” Ruby eyes stared at Alistar’s amber ones curiously. ”I want to understand what it is that all of you want from me. You withheld yourselves from me my entire life!” The being that looked so very much like her smiled sarcastically. ”Do you think we enjoyed hiding in your feeble mind? Bite your tongue girl. We are you and with our vast experience knew you would not be able to handle us. Do you feel it? That part of you that is me?” Alistar growled and stalked forward towards the apparition. ”What in the world do you mean? You’re pissing me off!”

Sekhmet’s smile grew as her eyes glowed. ”Yes, feel it and embrace it. You’re angry and you’ll need it. Anger is my gift to you. See what our first love did to us all. Understand his cruelty and return it to him one hundred-fold.” Images surged around them, showing Alistar just how Sekhmet had served Ra. How she had loved him just as Bastet and Hathor had in their lives, and just like them, how he had killed her in the end. ”If we had shown ourselves and merged with you in your youth, you would have lost yourself. All of us wanted you to grow into the beautiful woman you are now. One who could withstand all of our lives and return our anguish to it’s creator.” Sekhmet raised her transparent hands to Alistar’s cheeks. ”We are you, and you are us. Use our abilities and knowledge to protect the one who is dear to you, and those you shield.”

In the waking world, Alistar’s eyes opened in their ruby glory and stared up at Drake lovingly. ”Let her embrace her rage on your world. We do not need you to protect us. We need you to stand beside us. You are our light, just as we are yours, زوجى.” Her voice was tender as she brought one of his hands up to kiss his knuckles. With a very happy sigh, her temperature started to cool, and the goddess seemed to be sleeping peacefully in his arms. After a short while, Alistar stirred opening her golden eyes which now held flecks of ruby, blue, and turquoise in them. ”Drake?” She called softly.

-----

Drake would see her sweating and shifting before seeing some very familiar red eyes. Listening to her words he only nodded "I will and shall always be by her side." He said softly, watching her fade to sleep once again. The next time she opened her eyes Drake was amazed to see what her eyes looked like before smiling "hey there, goddess whom i love. Did it go well?" He asked her as he would gently take his sleeve and wipe some of her sweat away before gently stroking her hair with his hand.

—

Alistar stared up at Drake unable to fully fathom the depth of generosity this man had. Helping her the way he had, supporting her as she learned more about herself, and forgoing his own plans for this evening to help her with hers. All without complaint or question. Smiling up at him, she touched his cheek lightly. ”I love you.” Leaning up, she kissed him gently. ”It’s late, but we can still go back and have that date you planned.” She was tired, but she wanted to show him how grateful she was to him for helping her.

----

Drake was caught off guard by her suddenly saying she loved him and giving him a small kiss. Before he could answer the question that followed he would kiss her back but he was passionate and excited obviously having really liked hearing her say what she said. Breaking the kiss he just smiled looking at her “you're tired and it's late. You should rest and tomorrow maybe we can try to have a date night.” he said taking her hand in his “it isn't like you're going anywhere, right?” he said a bit playfully before he started to get up with her and guide them out of the temple.

—

Pliantly receiving his kiss, she didn’t mind how excited he seemed. In fact, she seemed more relaxed than she ever had before. There had always been something about the way she held herself. As if she expected some form of attack at any moment, even from Drake. Now, she was visibly more comfortable in her own skin. Was she glowing? Maybe just a little, if you looked at her just right. ”I would like that quite a bit. What did you have planned for our date night? Maybe I should cook for you this time?” Slowly, she got up and walked hand in hand with him out of the temple.

----

Drake smiled at her as they walked, having his fingers interlaced with hers. “Well, I planned the meal that I thought might be familiar, got the wine ready, put on this suit that I wore tight since I knew you would like it. The plan was to just relax, enjoy the meal and watch a movie or show while holding you in my arms.” he said smiling to her “I thought it sounded like a good night.” he added before thinking about her cooking for him. “I don't get to try your cooking very often. I think I would like to eat something you made.” he said happily, looking even more forward to their date night now.

—--

Blushing faintly from his compliment, Alistar squeezed his hand. ”You’ll need to figure out what you would like to eat then. Or maybe you would like it if I surprised you?” Laughing softly, golden orbs looked him up and down. ”You didn’t need to get all dressed up to snuggle on the couch with me. Seems like a waste of you wearing that suit. I’ll think of something and plan a date for us. How about that?” Would she have enough ideas? Sure. She knew of a few things they could do now that would prove fun for them.

Reaching their new home, she felt the weariness hit her hard. ”Wow… I don’t feel so good.” Rubbing at her eyes, she yawned big in an effort to wake herself up.

----

Drake would nod "a surprise would be nice and i feel like any night with you is worth getting dressed up for." He said smiling. Seeing her start to yawn and get tired and seeing the cabin drake could not help himself. "This seems like a good moment to practice." He said and scooped her up "I will carry you over the threshold." He said and would walk her into the cabin.

—

The goddess rolled her eyes at him but was pleased by his words. ”You flatter me. Thinking every night would be a night worth getting dressed up for.” with a yelp she was lifted into his arms. Wrapping her own around his shoulders, she held on and blushed brightly. ”Getting ahead of yourself aren’t you? Thinking you’ll be the one carrying me over the threshold. Maybe I’ll be carrying you.” she laughed knowing it was entirely likely that if she were transporting him over the threshold, she would probably be dragging him. 

----

Drake smiled and chuckled a bit “ of course I am flattering you. There is a lot that can be flattered.” he said softly “ and it is worth anything to spend each and every night with you.” he added before she said he was getting ahead of himself. She then brought up that she might be carrying him instead and the mental image that followed had him chuckling. “ Well that might be. Maybe you'll want to try doing so tomorrow. We can take turns practicing.” he said, teasing her a bit as he moved his face down to nuzzle her neck “ to the bedroom? You seem tired and we can relax in there.” he said softly, his eyes showing the immense caring feelings he had for the goddess in his arms. It was obvious how happy he was that it seemed after whatever had happened that she hadn't changed too much from the woman he had fallen head over heels for.

—-

A barely conscious Alistar nodded and laughed at his words. Nuzzling his collar bone and yawning. ”Sounds like a plan to me.” For some reason, she wasn’t as afraid of Ra anymore. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was whole, and she had someone on her side. Someone who would help her whenever she needed.