Maatkare_1999
Youngster
Nilarathria, a sprawling southeastern continent, holds ancient wonders, age-old ruins, and breathtaking beauty. Its continent is being dominated by shimmering sand of the great Desert, where dunes rise and fall like waves upon a golden sea, and the scorching sun beats down upon the parched earth with relentless intensity. In the middle of the continent, one enormous sea is running across the beautiful continent called Hapi. Flora and Fauna thrived along the banks of Hapi as a result of continuous floods over the years. While many Kingdoms fight for the coasts of Nilarathria, which connects the Continent with the Ocean called Mare Nostrum, multiple tribes formed across the banks of Hapi. Those tribes first turned into two kingdoms called Karnopolis and Nila, before uniting in one kingdom, the jewel of Nilarathria, called Karnile.
The Kingdom Karnile is full with large cities dedicated to deities, a farming infrastructure unrivaled across the continent, ports that control the trading routes of Karnile and ancient temples, tombs and treasures forgotten by time, abandoned by the old kingdom. These relics hide secrets, just waiting to be discovered.
It’s flowing with riches of old and new, marketplaces where people across the world trade their goods and wares, as well as rich minerals and limestone mines. Its home of the Pyramids, the giant Acropolis Gizah and the valley of the kings and queens.
One of the many rich cites of Karnile, is called Idfu, a city located in the lower banks of Hapi. The city transformed from a small village into Karnile’s largest trading center. It connects cities and regions not only across Karnile but also Nilarathria. Merchants and travelers from distant lands came here to exchange goods such as grain, gold, pottery, and spices, making the city a bustling marketplace. The lively streets were full with the sounds of barter, trade, and the hum of cultural exchange.
In the heart of the city stood a beautiful temple, dedicated to the God of kingship, the sky, and protection, named Heru, son of Iset, goddess of magic, healing, and motherhood and Wesir, god of the afterlife, of the fertile vegetation of the Nile valley, and of resurrection and rebirth. Heru is depicted as a Talonflame with a fully white front, his back are green with blue wings covering the ends of his wings. His eyes having black markings as he was wearing golden armor and a crown, that symbolized the fusion between Karnopolis and Nila to Karnile.
The temple was a huge and majestic building. Its walls adorned with smoothly carved, sun-kissed stones. Each one of them carved and painted with stories of the gods. Towering, painted statues of Heru, Iset, Wesir and Heru’s consort adorned the main courtyard of the temple, which was decorated with flowers, incenses and offerings for the gods. The courtyard unites the community: festivals, rituals, and civil meetings take place there.
At the heart was a giant Statue of Heru, covered in jewels and royal garments. Behind the statue was the Djesr Djesru, or the "Holy of Holies”. It was a sanctuary that only the high priests and priestesses could enter. Its believed that the essence of Heru is dwelling in the room in its most powerful and pure form. In it is also the Naos. A shrine, dedicated to the god.
The temple grounds extended beyond the walls with a beautiful, serene garden, the House of life which is a school for scribes and also warehouses that holds and protects the food, medicine and supplies for Idfu.
The temple is run by the high priestess named Maatkare, daughter of the retired high priestess Meritamun and the local military commander Djoser and sister of Tahu and Nem. She was taking care of the temple, teaching scribes the way of the gods, planning and executing the prayers and the rituals to the god as well as taking care of logistics of ressources in Idfu.
She is a stunning Talonflame. Her head is a vivid green with a sleek, aerodynamic crest. A prominent brown beak adds to her fierce, sharp expression. Her eyes are golden-yellow, with a piercing gaze, lined with thick lashes and an eye marking evocative of the Eye of Horus, symbolizing protection and royal power.
Her body is a rich sky blue, adorned with feather markings that resemble teardrops in a vibrant green hue. The feathers along her chest and shoulders form a golden mantle that cascades down like a stylized sun.
Her wings are broad and deep indigo, tipped with black and decorated with green teardrop patterns matching her torso.
She has strong, talon-like feet in a brown shade with black claws. She wears a linen-white robe, a striped nemes-like headpiece in the form of the wings of a Talonflame and a stylized sun marking the front of the headpiece, a golden pectoral collar and ornamental jewelry in muted pastels.
One faithful day, as she was praying in the Djesr Djesru, Idfu was the place of a brutal siege as soldiers from Kafutaru, a small Kingdom bordering Karnile, stormed the city and her temple. The Kingdom, located south from Karnile, wanted full control of the lower banks of Hapi, and saw Idfu as a thorn in their eyes for a long time. On this faithful day, the decide to siege the city. As they successfully stormed in, they fought the local army and some ran into the temple, wanting to loot it.
Maatkare was taken aback by the intruders. Her wings fluttered nervously at her sides, her breath shallow. The strangers before her were unlike anything she had ever seen. Each one radiating danger, their eyes cold with intent.
Her talons flexed involuntarily, and her gaze darted around, searching for an escape that didn’t exist. She grabbed her ceremonial scepter, trying to defend herself from the intruders. She could knock out one of the intruders before she got hit with an attack that felt like being over swept by water.
As she steadied herself, an arrow whistled through the air, striking her right eye. The world blurred, and she collapsed to the ground, helpless. Through fading vision, she saw the intruder approach the Naos. Desperate, she reached out, but darkness took her before she could move.
Darkness. That’s all she could see. Nothing. That’s all she could feel. Until she saw something reach for her. It was a paw. She grabbed it as it slowly lead her deeper into the darkness. Slowly the darkness fades and reveals a field, a landscape, full with purple flowers. Close to it is a lake, with a ship docked near it.
She took a small glimpse at whats leading her and saw a Lucario, larger than her and wearing a Loincloth and holding a staff. Her heart sank as she realized that the Lucario was Anput, god of mummification and leading the death. She followed Anput through a field of violet flowers. The air was still. She wasn’t breathing. Her chest didn’t move. She wasn’t alive anymore. That was the only thing she was sure of. Her eyes were closed, letting him lead the way as she prepares innerly to be judged by the scales of Maat.
But instead leading her to the scales of Maat, she was lead to a huge palace, adorned with columns, hieroglyphs and statues of pharaohs. In the middle of the Palace, she saw a golden Throne. On this throne, in a relaxed and leaned back but also authorial posture, was him. The god of kings and queens and lord of skies, Heru himself. Maatkare trembled as she collapsed on her knees in front of his throne, bowing down.
Heru got up his throne and let a staff appear on his talon. He approached the trembling priestess. Every step of him feels like the palace is trembling in his awe. The golden light of his staff illuminated ancient carvings along the walls, and his eyes, deep, burning orbs, locked onto her like a predator assessing prey.
„Do not fear, dear Maatkare, high priestess of my Temple.“ his voice being calm but also authorial.
As he slowly approached her, she still bowed. Her thoughts racing as she questions what is happening. Is she getting punished? Did she do a wrong decision? Did she not worship him enough or forget to clean the statue of him? Or was it the siege? And the biggest question...why doesn’t her heart get weighted? Why is she in front of Heru?
Heru could sense her uneasiness. With his calm voice, he soothed her. As she slowly looked up at him, she slowly noticed how her depth perception is off. Her right eye wont open. It cant open. Its gone. As Heru was closing up on her, she saw him raising his staff as he slowly moved it above the priestess.
She could feel a pain at her right eye before it slowly transformed. Her lost pupil now golden as her eye is astonished in a royal blue tone. As she felt across her right eye, she felt that she has marking of the eye of Heru around her right eye.
„Just like you, I’ve lost my eye in a battle against one of my fierce enemies. As a devoted priestess, you know the story.“
Maatkare slowly nod.
„I-it was against Sutekh, the god of Chaos. He fought with you over who rules the kingdom after he killed your father Wesir. One night he teared one of your eyes out in a fight. Tahut restored your eye and turned the damaged one into the moon we know today.“ She slowly looked up. Heru was standing tall and menacing In front of her. She continued. „After that, you and Iset fought off Sutekh“.
Heru nod, as a smile escaped his beak before he continued to speak.
„And just like by me, your eye is now reborn, albeit, for a different purpose.”
He gestured for her to now stand up.
„My dear priestess, you are not dead.“ he said, but then raised his staff above her. „But you have been chosen. Your devotion and strength impressed me, and I feel a divine strength coursing through your blood. You've shown strength and courage and I see potential. Potential in your powers, that hide deep within you.“
“But, why me?” she she wondered.
Heru tilted his head slightly, his piercing eyes gleaming with an ancient knowing as he responded to Maatkare’s question.
“Why you?” he repeated, as if the question itself amused him. He lowered his staff, the faint hum of divine energy lingering in the air. “There are threads in the tapestry of life that are not for even me to fully explain. But know this: you are more than you realize, and your journey has only just begun. We are more alike than you think, Maatkare.”
He began pacing slowly, his tone thoughtful yet firm.
“Your devotion, your resilience, your heart. All these have proven you worthy in ways most mortals could never fathom. There is a light within you, a power that yearns to awaken. The trials you have faced and those yet to come will shape you into something extraordinary. But some truths must remain veiled until the proper time. For now, trust in yourself, as the gods trust in you.”
Heru stopped and looked at her again, his gaze softening just slightly.
“You will find the answers you seek, priestess. But for now, know that the divine does not make mistakes. You were chosen because you are needed, and because you have the strength to fulfill what lies ahead.”
As he hovered his staff above her, she felt a transformation. Her senses heighten, she felt the divine strength and power flowing through her as looked at her arms, slowly sparking now. The divine power feels almost too natural, as if it was the awakening of long-dormant power finally being unlocked. But at the same time, it all fells so new to her. Even her right eye got transformed. It slowly healed into an eye that was black with an golden iris. Outside of the eye she got the marking of the eye of Heru.
She stood up, her entire attire changing from her beautiful robe to a more light, golden armor. It was a mixture of leather and golden plate pieces, that together gave the needed protection and let the body still breath in the hot desert. On her head, the mighty Vulture crown. Her body adorned with hieroglyphs and the wings of Heru.
As Maatkare tried out a few of her new powers, Heru continued „The blessing gives you powers and wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. Spells, summons, attacks, strengths.“ With a smile he continued „As your first mission, get rid of the soldiers that still plague my temple. Help the people oh Idfu and learn your new powers.“
Maatkare nod, before everything seemed to dissapear. She then woke up in her temple again. Heat bloomed beneath her feathers like sun-warmed gold. Her heartbeat slowed, her limbs weightless yet strong, like she was no longer just herself, but something more. A vessel of something ancient. She slowly got up, facing the soldier who shot her. Every breath she took felt deeper. Every movement felt more graceful, more divine. And then, she faced him. The soldier who shot him.
The soldier’s eyes widened. His breath hitched, and he stumbled backward, fingers fumbling with the bowstring. She hadn’t said a word, but the sparks trailing from her wingtalons said enough. As he reloaded his bow, he saw something that made his blood run cold as she raised her arm and saw how a dagger materialized in her wing talon before she trew it at him, hitting him in the face.
She steadied her breath and looked at her wingtalons as she saw soft sparks come out of it. Her breath hitched a bit as she slowly got up, her head and back acing as two other soldiers ran towards her location, first seeing their fallen Comrade.
„W-what happened…“
The other Soldier, just as shocked, could only mutter out „I-i thought he killed her“
Maatkare’s mind is still clouded but her grip tightened around the summoned spear. No more hesitation. This temple was hers to protect. She closed her eyes and, with a steadying breath, summoned her power. A golden spear, adorned with feathers, materialized in her Talon. Her first true weapon, forged by divine strength. The power coursing through her, the new ability to summon weapons, her new strength. It all still felt new and alien to her but she didn’t let the thoughts get to her yet. She started to attack. Her strikes were noticably uncoordinated, lacking perception. She looked uncertain and nervous as she tried to keep her balance as one of the Soldiers blocks her attacks with his sword.
As the other soldier wanted to attack, Maatkare quickly retaliated. She may struggle with the melee weapons, but she still can use her Attacks, even when she is a bit rusted. She shot a fireball out of her mouth, knocking back the soldier who then got knocked out by an accidental hit with her spear, which Maatkare tried to control.
The other soldier saw his chance and slashed a wound on her arm. She yelped in pain and backed a bit off, before thrusting her spear forward, stabbing through him. As she watched him slide down the spear, she nearly puked. It was something she couldn't handle to bear as it was all new to her. She got a bit nauseous and looked away, before she slowly spread her wings and flew up.
In the air, Maatkare was scanning now her temple, looking where the other soldiers were hiding. She saw some soldiers cornering the priestesses at the grand garden, who fight them off with ground attacks. She charged down to knock one down. The other, a Quilava, backed away before he got knocked out by a priestess, who is a Maractus.
The Maractus priestess’s eyes widened in disbelief, her body trembling slightly as she took a step back, struggling to process the sight of Maatkare’s newfound power. The other priestess, a Numel, who is helping an injured priest, just softly said „S-she has been chosen“.
As the priest, another Talonflame, looked up at her, he smiled a bit „You’re safe, Sister.“
Maatkare ran up to her brother, asking what’s going on. He then explained,
„The other priestesses fled or were slain. The invaders are sacking the temple, and the City...“
he tries to get up, but the pain hits him very deeply. His voice softly faltered in pain. „The city is being plundered too...they want to give Karnile a statement with this attack..“
As she asked for father, mother and her sister, he told her not to worry, as they are hiding in their home, safe and sound. As he asked why she looked so different, she replied „I’ll tell you later. I need to safe Idfu.“
She took a deep breath and flew up, over the temple, as she saw the horror. Smoke curled into the air like a black serpent. Flames chewed through mud brick walls. A charred sandal lay in the street, still smoldering. Somewhere nearby, a child cried—but the sound was swallowed by the chaos. The City was ablaze. Houses were reduced to ruins, crops burning uncontrollably, the soldiers ransacking Homes as the Pokemon of the city roamed the streets in panic, some fled, some are being dragged away or beaten as others lay motionless in the burning city. The soldiers of Karnile, that are stationed in Idfu were being overwhelmed by the mass and strength of the invaders.
Her heart was hurting. The situation was more dire than expected. The pain, the suffering, everything the others build up for so long. She then closed her eyes again, and let a staff summon in her Talon. The staff bearded the wings of the goddess of magic, adorning the Ankh. She looked down at the city as her mind raced. She thought about a spell that could help out the soldiers or at least give the other pokemon a chance to run. She closed her eyes, as she felt a staff appear in her wingtalons, as she hears voices. Voices of the goddess whispering into her as she repeats the same words.
“ⲟⲩϣⲑⲏⲟⲩ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲟⲩϯⲁⲥⲟ ⲟⲩϣⲱ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲟⲩⲧⲁⲕⲟ”
A soft gust first slowly was felt as a few particles of sand were swept away a bit. It slowly became stronger until it became a full on sandstorm. Her eyes were still closed, focusing her power as she felt the power course through her body. On the battlefield now, the soldiers, both from Karnile and Kafutarian, as well as the Pokemon who were not in a house or the temple, saw some of their limbs or part of their skin turning to sand. The soldiers of Karnile ran towards the homes as the Kafutarians tried to retreat, but couldn't see anything as the storm was to thick before slowly turned into sand.
The storm raged on, as Maatkare heard a panicked voice inside her head. It tells her to stop, to cease. She casted another spell. As the spell hit, the sandstorm slowly calmed down until it fully disappeared as she landed onto the now sandy ground. She saw some Poekmon, kneeling like she is a new goddess. Others scrambled to help the injured. As Maatkare looked around, she saw the chaos and destruction she caused. Her mind was racing.
Maatkare sighed. She knew what to do as the high priestess. Dawn broke in and the cleanup work was in full swing. The still existing Kafutarian armor and weapons were reused for the Karnile soldiers and people. The surviving Kafutarian soldiers were all captured and transported away while the Temple is at full swing. Many injured and those who lost loved ones or their belongings finding solace, praying and talking to priestesses. While the priestesses were busy with helping the injured, Maatkare helped the soldiers by rebuilding Houses, setting up small camps with food for those without homes.
That night, as Maatkare slept, her consciousness was gently pulled back into the realm of Heru.
She stood beneath the golden throne once more, the air still and reverent. Heru sat tall upon it, his presence glowing like the rising sun. Beside him now stood Iset, radiant and watchful.
Heru spoke first, his voice firm but not unkind.
“Maatkare, my dear champion… You protected my temple, but your spell wrought more chaos than order. You called upon power you couldn’t yet control.”
Iset stepped forward, her tone softer but no less serious.
“You carry great strength, child, but you must learn to wield it. Even light can blind if it’s not guided.”
Heru nodded. “You need training. I know your heart seeks to save the world, but without discipline, you’ll burn out before your journey even begins.”
He paused, then raised his staff. “The gods will guide you. To your next trial.”
Maatkare bowed her head, understanding, and ready. Her body began to fade, her spirit returning to the waking world.
Heru watched her vanish into the mortal realm, then turned toward a cloaked figure standing at the edge of the chamber.
“When do you think we should tell her?” he asked, his voice low.
The figure stepped forward, her silhouette outlined by faint light. A single white feather drifted from her cloak.
“Not yet,” she said. “She’s still too raw. Too reactive. She must find the truth herself.”
Heru’s gaze lingered on the fading trail of light left behind by Maatkare.
“I only hope we don’t wait too long. Because if we don’t tell her…”
The shadow nodded. “…she’ll find it out on her own. And that truth may not be kind.”
As Maatkare returned into the mortal world, she knew she cant just go and leave her people to suffer. That's not what Heru would've wanted, and that's not what her heart would've wanted. She went back to Idfu, the city wearing the signs of a battle as she nod. The following month, Maatkare and the temple helped out a lot. They rebuild destroyed homes and farms, gave food and shelter to the Pokemon who lost their homes, help out the sick and injured, buried the dead honorably,had diplomatic talks with other cities to help them out with resources and food as well as more troops that patrol the city gates.
While all this happened, she noticed how some started to make small statues of her and pray to her, as the new patron hero of the city, even giving her the Nickname “The Eye of Heru”.
One day, Maatkare collected everyone as she had to tell a bad news.
„People of Idfu. Heru and Iset have called me. To save our people, our land, i have to go, follow the path of the gods.“
Murmurs and shocked faces full the group as Maatkare continued.
„I cant continue my duty as a high priestess while i am gone. In the next few days, Ill announce my replacement while i am gone.“
The murmurs became stronger as Maatkare sighed. It was hard to leave her town, but to be stronger, to find her path, she has to.
The next few days were turbulent in the temple as Maatkare blessed her brother as the new high priest. Meanwhile at home, she was packing her stuff. She knew it was a long way so so packed in clothes, supplies, a few weapons, praying materials and some trinkets from home. She sighed, looking at her childhood bedroom. She smiled a bit before praying for her parents safety.
As she turned to leave, something caught her eye. The white feather above the family shrine swayed ever so slightly, despite the still air. She always felt… drawn to it. Not like an heirloom. Not like a decoration. But like a memory she’d forgotten how to remember. She lingered for a breath longer, then turned away.
As she stepped out the home, there was a small commotion. Multiple people gave her a few gifts and blessings, some thanked her for the help.
Her mother, put an amulet on her. It was a scarab with wings, an on the scarab was the ankh engraved in it. Her smaller sister gave her a little teddy bear. Her brother gave her two weapons. Their trusty family bow and a Khopesh that he said he let the god Heru bless. But it was the thing that her father, a seasoned soldier, gave her that shocked her.
It was a sleek, bronze chariot. Adorned with hieroglyphs for protection, the front has the emblem of Heru and two fine black horses are pulling the chariot.
„Father..mother...thank you all….“ she cried a bit and hugged her family members. As she then got on the chariot, she took a deep breath, looked at her home, her family one last time.
„Ill write you all when i arrive“
She grabbed the reins and looked up at the sky, searching for a sign. A falcon soared above—Heru’s symbol. She nodded and took a deep breath.
The chariot rolled forward, wheels humming across the sand. Her path was set.
Toward Arcanandria—the city of poets, wisdom... and secrets older than Karnile itself.
She didn’t know it yet, but her real journey hadn’t even begun.
The Kingdom Karnile is full with large cities dedicated to deities, a farming infrastructure unrivaled across the continent, ports that control the trading routes of Karnile and ancient temples, tombs and treasures forgotten by time, abandoned by the old kingdom. These relics hide secrets, just waiting to be discovered.
It’s flowing with riches of old and new, marketplaces where people across the world trade their goods and wares, as well as rich minerals and limestone mines. Its home of the Pyramids, the giant Acropolis Gizah and the valley of the kings and queens.
One of the many rich cites of Karnile, is called Idfu, a city located in the lower banks of Hapi. The city transformed from a small village into Karnile’s largest trading center. It connects cities and regions not only across Karnile but also Nilarathria. Merchants and travelers from distant lands came here to exchange goods such as grain, gold, pottery, and spices, making the city a bustling marketplace. The lively streets were full with the sounds of barter, trade, and the hum of cultural exchange.
In the heart of the city stood a beautiful temple, dedicated to the God of kingship, the sky, and protection, named Heru, son of Iset, goddess of magic, healing, and motherhood and Wesir, god of the afterlife, of the fertile vegetation of the Nile valley, and of resurrection and rebirth. Heru is depicted as a Talonflame with a fully white front, his back are green with blue wings covering the ends of his wings. His eyes having black markings as he was wearing golden armor and a crown, that symbolized the fusion between Karnopolis and Nila to Karnile.
The temple was a huge and majestic building. Its walls adorned with smoothly carved, sun-kissed stones. Each one of them carved and painted with stories of the gods. Towering, painted statues of Heru, Iset, Wesir and Heru’s consort adorned the main courtyard of the temple, which was decorated with flowers, incenses and offerings for the gods. The courtyard unites the community: festivals, rituals, and civil meetings take place there.
At the heart was a giant Statue of Heru, covered in jewels and royal garments. Behind the statue was the Djesr Djesru, or the "Holy of Holies”. It was a sanctuary that only the high priests and priestesses could enter. Its believed that the essence of Heru is dwelling in the room in its most powerful and pure form. In it is also the Naos. A shrine, dedicated to the god.
The temple grounds extended beyond the walls with a beautiful, serene garden, the House of life which is a school for scribes and also warehouses that holds and protects the food, medicine and supplies for Idfu.
The temple is run by the high priestess named Maatkare, daughter of the retired high priestess Meritamun and the local military commander Djoser and sister of Tahu and Nem. She was taking care of the temple, teaching scribes the way of the gods, planning and executing the prayers and the rituals to the god as well as taking care of logistics of ressources in Idfu.
She is a stunning Talonflame. Her head is a vivid green with a sleek, aerodynamic crest. A prominent brown beak adds to her fierce, sharp expression. Her eyes are golden-yellow, with a piercing gaze, lined with thick lashes and an eye marking evocative of the Eye of Horus, symbolizing protection and royal power.
Her body is a rich sky blue, adorned with feather markings that resemble teardrops in a vibrant green hue. The feathers along her chest and shoulders form a golden mantle that cascades down like a stylized sun.
Her wings are broad and deep indigo, tipped with black and decorated with green teardrop patterns matching her torso.
She has strong, talon-like feet in a brown shade with black claws. She wears a linen-white robe, a striped nemes-like headpiece in the form of the wings of a Talonflame and a stylized sun marking the front of the headpiece, a golden pectoral collar and ornamental jewelry in muted pastels.
One faithful day, as she was praying in the Djesr Djesru, Idfu was the place of a brutal siege as soldiers from Kafutaru, a small Kingdom bordering Karnile, stormed the city and her temple. The Kingdom, located south from Karnile, wanted full control of the lower banks of Hapi, and saw Idfu as a thorn in their eyes for a long time. On this faithful day, the decide to siege the city. As they successfully stormed in, they fought the local army and some ran into the temple, wanting to loot it.
Maatkare was taken aback by the intruders. Her wings fluttered nervously at her sides, her breath shallow. The strangers before her were unlike anything she had ever seen. Each one radiating danger, their eyes cold with intent.
Her talons flexed involuntarily, and her gaze darted around, searching for an escape that didn’t exist. She grabbed her ceremonial scepter, trying to defend herself from the intruders. She could knock out one of the intruders before she got hit with an attack that felt like being over swept by water.
As she steadied herself, an arrow whistled through the air, striking her right eye. The world blurred, and she collapsed to the ground, helpless. Through fading vision, she saw the intruder approach the Naos. Desperate, she reached out, but darkness took her before she could move.
Darkness. That’s all she could see. Nothing. That’s all she could feel. Until she saw something reach for her. It was a paw. She grabbed it as it slowly lead her deeper into the darkness. Slowly the darkness fades and reveals a field, a landscape, full with purple flowers. Close to it is a lake, with a ship docked near it.
She took a small glimpse at whats leading her and saw a Lucario, larger than her and wearing a Loincloth and holding a staff. Her heart sank as she realized that the Lucario was Anput, god of mummification and leading the death. She followed Anput through a field of violet flowers. The air was still. She wasn’t breathing. Her chest didn’t move. She wasn’t alive anymore. That was the only thing she was sure of. Her eyes were closed, letting him lead the way as she prepares innerly to be judged by the scales of Maat.
But instead leading her to the scales of Maat, she was lead to a huge palace, adorned with columns, hieroglyphs and statues of pharaohs. In the middle of the Palace, she saw a golden Throne. On this throne, in a relaxed and leaned back but also authorial posture, was him. The god of kings and queens and lord of skies, Heru himself. Maatkare trembled as she collapsed on her knees in front of his throne, bowing down.
Heru got up his throne and let a staff appear on his talon. He approached the trembling priestess. Every step of him feels like the palace is trembling in his awe. The golden light of his staff illuminated ancient carvings along the walls, and his eyes, deep, burning orbs, locked onto her like a predator assessing prey.
„Do not fear, dear Maatkare, high priestess of my Temple.“ his voice being calm but also authorial.
As he slowly approached her, she still bowed. Her thoughts racing as she questions what is happening. Is she getting punished? Did she do a wrong decision? Did she not worship him enough or forget to clean the statue of him? Or was it the siege? And the biggest question...why doesn’t her heart get weighted? Why is she in front of Heru?
Heru could sense her uneasiness. With his calm voice, he soothed her. As she slowly looked up at him, she slowly noticed how her depth perception is off. Her right eye wont open. It cant open. Its gone. As Heru was closing up on her, she saw him raising his staff as he slowly moved it above the priestess.
She could feel a pain at her right eye before it slowly transformed. Her lost pupil now golden as her eye is astonished in a royal blue tone. As she felt across her right eye, she felt that she has marking of the eye of Heru around her right eye.
„Just like you, I’ve lost my eye in a battle against one of my fierce enemies. As a devoted priestess, you know the story.“
Maatkare slowly nod.
„I-it was against Sutekh, the god of Chaos. He fought with you over who rules the kingdom after he killed your father Wesir. One night he teared one of your eyes out in a fight. Tahut restored your eye and turned the damaged one into the moon we know today.“ She slowly looked up. Heru was standing tall and menacing In front of her. She continued. „After that, you and Iset fought off Sutekh“.
Heru nod, as a smile escaped his beak before he continued to speak.
„And just like by me, your eye is now reborn, albeit, for a different purpose.”
He gestured for her to now stand up.
„My dear priestess, you are not dead.“ he said, but then raised his staff above her. „But you have been chosen. Your devotion and strength impressed me, and I feel a divine strength coursing through your blood. You've shown strength and courage and I see potential. Potential in your powers, that hide deep within you.“
“But, why me?” she she wondered.
Heru tilted his head slightly, his piercing eyes gleaming with an ancient knowing as he responded to Maatkare’s question.
“Why you?” he repeated, as if the question itself amused him. He lowered his staff, the faint hum of divine energy lingering in the air. “There are threads in the tapestry of life that are not for even me to fully explain. But know this: you are more than you realize, and your journey has only just begun. We are more alike than you think, Maatkare.”
He began pacing slowly, his tone thoughtful yet firm.
“Your devotion, your resilience, your heart. All these have proven you worthy in ways most mortals could never fathom. There is a light within you, a power that yearns to awaken. The trials you have faced and those yet to come will shape you into something extraordinary. But some truths must remain veiled until the proper time. For now, trust in yourself, as the gods trust in you.”
Heru stopped and looked at her again, his gaze softening just slightly.
“You will find the answers you seek, priestess. But for now, know that the divine does not make mistakes. You were chosen because you are needed, and because you have the strength to fulfill what lies ahead.”
As he hovered his staff above her, she felt a transformation. Her senses heighten, she felt the divine strength and power flowing through her as looked at her arms, slowly sparking now. The divine power feels almost too natural, as if it was the awakening of long-dormant power finally being unlocked. But at the same time, it all fells so new to her. Even her right eye got transformed. It slowly healed into an eye that was black with an golden iris. Outside of the eye she got the marking of the eye of Heru.
She stood up, her entire attire changing from her beautiful robe to a more light, golden armor. It was a mixture of leather and golden plate pieces, that together gave the needed protection and let the body still breath in the hot desert. On her head, the mighty Vulture crown. Her body adorned with hieroglyphs and the wings of Heru.
As Maatkare tried out a few of her new powers, Heru continued „The blessing gives you powers and wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. Spells, summons, attacks, strengths.“ With a smile he continued „As your first mission, get rid of the soldiers that still plague my temple. Help the people oh Idfu and learn your new powers.“
Maatkare nod, before everything seemed to dissapear. She then woke up in her temple again. Heat bloomed beneath her feathers like sun-warmed gold. Her heartbeat slowed, her limbs weightless yet strong, like she was no longer just herself, but something more. A vessel of something ancient. She slowly got up, facing the soldier who shot her. Every breath she took felt deeper. Every movement felt more graceful, more divine. And then, she faced him. The soldier who shot him.
The soldier’s eyes widened. His breath hitched, and he stumbled backward, fingers fumbling with the bowstring. She hadn’t said a word, but the sparks trailing from her wingtalons said enough. As he reloaded his bow, he saw something that made his blood run cold as she raised her arm and saw how a dagger materialized in her wing talon before she trew it at him, hitting him in the face.
She steadied her breath and looked at her wingtalons as she saw soft sparks come out of it. Her breath hitched a bit as she slowly got up, her head and back acing as two other soldiers ran towards her location, first seeing their fallen Comrade.
„W-what happened…“
The other Soldier, just as shocked, could only mutter out „I-i thought he killed her“
Maatkare’s mind is still clouded but her grip tightened around the summoned spear. No more hesitation. This temple was hers to protect. She closed her eyes and, with a steadying breath, summoned her power. A golden spear, adorned with feathers, materialized in her Talon. Her first true weapon, forged by divine strength. The power coursing through her, the new ability to summon weapons, her new strength. It all still felt new and alien to her but she didn’t let the thoughts get to her yet. She started to attack. Her strikes were noticably uncoordinated, lacking perception. She looked uncertain and nervous as she tried to keep her balance as one of the Soldiers blocks her attacks with his sword.
As the other soldier wanted to attack, Maatkare quickly retaliated. She may struggle with the melee weapons, but she still can use her Attacks, even when she is a bit rusted. She shot a fireball out of her mouth, knocking back the soldier who then got knocked out by an accidental hit with her spear, which Maatkare tried to control.
The other soldier saw his chance and slashed a wound on her arm. She yelped in pain and backed a bit off, before thrusting her spear forward, stabbing through him. As she watched him slide down the spear, she nearly puked. It was something she couldn't handle to bear as it was all new to her. She got a bit nauseous and looked away, before she slowly spread her wings and flew up.
In the air, Maatkare was scanning now her temple, looking where the other soldiers were hiding. She saw some soldiers cornering the priestesses at the grand garden, who fight them off with ground attacks. She charged down to knock one down. The other, a Quilava, backed away before he got knocked out by a priestess, who is a Maractus.
The Maractus priestess’s eyes widened in disbelief, her body trembling slightly as she took a step back, struggling to process the sight of Maatkare’s newfound power. The other priestess, a Numel, who is helping an injured priest, just softly said „S-she has been chosen“.
As the priest, another Talonflame, looked up at her, he smiled a bit „You’re safe, Sister.“
Maatkare ran up to her brother, asking what’s going on. He then explained,
„The other priestesses fled or were slain. The invaders are sacking the temple, and the City...“
he tries to get up, but the pain hits him very deeply. His voice softly faltered in pain. „The city is being plundered too...they want to give Karnile a statement with this attack..“
As she asked for father, mother and her sister, he told her not to worry, as they are hiding in their home, safe and sound. As he asked why she looked so different, she replied „I’ll tell you later. I need to safe Idfu.“
She took a deep breath and flew up, over the temple, as she saw the horror. Smoke curled into the air like a black serpent. Flames chewed through mud brick walls. A charred sandal lay in the street, still smoldering. Somewhere nearby, a child cried—but the sound was swallowed by the chaos. The City was ablaze. Houses were reduced to ruins, crops burning uncontrollably, the soldiers ransacking Homes as the Pokemon of the city roamed the streets in panic, some fled, some are being dragged away or beaten as others lay motionless in the burning city. The soldiers of Karnile, that are stationed in Idfu were being overwhelmed by the mass and strength of the invaders.
Her heart was hurting. The situation was more dire than expected. The pain, the suffering, everything the others build up for so long. She then closed her eyes again, and let a staff summon in her Talon. The staff bearded the wings of the goddess of magic, adorning the Ankh. She looked down at the city as her mind raced. She thought about a spell that could help out the soldiers or at least give the other pokemon a chance to run. She closed her eyes, as she felt a staff appear in her wingtalons, as she hears voices. Voices of the goddess whispering into her as she repeats the same words.
“ⲟⲩϣⲑⲏⲟⲩ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲟⲩϯⲁⲥⲟ ⲟⲩϣⲱ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲟⲩⲧⲁⲕⲟ”
A soft gust first slowly was felt as a few particles of sand were swept away a bit. It slowly became stronger until it became a full on sandstorm. Her eyes were still closed, focusing her power as she felt the power course through her body. On the battlefield now, the soldiers, both from Karnile and Kafutarian, as well as the Pokemon who were not in a house or the temple, saw some of their limbs or part of their skin turning to sand. The soldiers of Karnile ran towards the homes as the Kafutarians tried to retreat, but couldn't see anything as the storm was to thick before slowly turned into sand.
The storm raged on, as Maatkare heard a panicked voice inside her head. It tells her to stop, to cease. She casted another spell. As the spell hit, the sandstorm slowly calmed down until it fully disappeared as she landed onto the now sandy ground. She saw some Poekmon, kneeling like she is a new goddess. Others scrambled to help the injured. As Maatkare looked around, she saw the chaos and destruction she caused. Her mind was racing.
Maatkare sighed. She knew what to do as the high priestess. Dawn broke in and the cleanup work was in full swing. The still existing Kafutarian armor and weapons were reused for the Karnile soldiers and people. The surviving Kafutarian soldiers were all captured and transported away while the Temple is at full swing. Many injured and those who lost loved ones or their belongings finding solace, praying and talking to priestesses. While the priestesses were busy with helping the injured, Maatkare helped the soldiers by rebuilding Houses, setting up small camps with food for those without homes.
That night, as Maatkare slept, her consciousness was gently pulled back into the realm of Heru.
She stood beneath the golden throne once more, the air still and reverent. Heru sat tall upon it, his presence glowing like the rising sun. Beside him now stood Iset, radiant and watchful.
Heru spoke first, his voice firm but not unkind.
“Maatkare, my dear champion… You protected my temple, but your spell wrought more chaos than order. You called upon power you couldn’t yet control.”
Iset stepped forward, her tone softer but no less serious.
“You carry great strength, child, but you must learn to wield it. Even light can blind if it’s not guided.”
Heru nodded. “You need training. I know your heart seeks to save the world, but without discipline, you’ll burn out before your journey even begins.”
He paused, then raised his staff. “The gods will guide you. To your next trial.”
Maatkare bowed her head, understanding, and ready. Her body began to fade, her spirit returning to the waking world.
Heru watched her vanish into the mortal realm, then turned toward a cloaked figure standing at the edge of the chamber.
“When do you think we should tell her?” he asked, his voice low.
The figure stepped forward, her silhouette outlined by faint light. A single white feather drifted from her cloak.
“Not yet,” she said. “She’s still too raw. Too reactive. She must find the truth herself.”
Heru’s gaze lingered on the fading trail of light left behind by Maatkare.
“I only hope we don’t wait too long. Because if we don’t tell her…”
The shadow nodded. “…she’ll find it out on her own. And that truth may not be kind.”
As Maatkare returned into the mortal world, she knew she cant just go and leave her people to suffer. That's not what Heru would've wanted, and that's not what her heart would've wanted. She went back to Idfu, the city wearing the signs of a battle as she nod. The following month, Maatkare and the temple helped out a lot. They rebuild destroyed homes and farms, gave food and shelter to the Pokemon who lost their homes, help out the sick and injured, buried the dead honorably,had diplomatic talks with other cities to help them out with resources and food as well as more troops that patrol the city gates.
While all this happened, she noticed how some started to make small statues of her and pray to her, as the new patron hero of the city, even giving her the Nickname “The Eye of Heru”.
One day, Maatkare collected everyone as she had to tell a bad news.
„People of Idfu. Heru and Iset have called me. To save our people, our land, i have to go, follow the path of the gods.“
Murmurs and shocked faces full the group as Maatkare continued.
„I cant continue my duty as a high priestess while i am gone. In the next few days, Ill announce my replacement while i am gone.“
The murmurs became stronger as Maatkare sighed. It was hard to leave her town, but to be stronger, to find her path, she has to.
The next few days were turbulent in the temple as Maatkare blessed her brother as the new high priest. Meanwhile at home, she was packing her stuff. She knew it was a long way so so packed in clothes, supplies, a few weapons, praying materials and some trinkets from home. She sighed, looking at her childhood bedroom. She smiled a bit before praying for her parents safety.
As she turned to leave, something caught her eye. The white feather above the family shrine swayed ever so slightly, despite the still air. She always felt… drawn to it. Not like an heirloom. Not like a decoration. But like a memory she’d forgotten how to remember. She lingered for a breath longer, then turned away.
As she stepped out the home, there was a small commotion. Multiple people gave her a few gifts and blessings, some thanked her for the help.
Her mother, put an amulet on her. It was a scarab with wings, an on the scarab was the ankh engraved in it. Her smaller sister gave her a little teddy bear. Her brother gave her two weapons. Their trusty family bow and a Khopesh that he said he let the god Heru bless. But it was the thing that her father, a seasoned soldier, gave her that shocked her.
It was a sleek, bronze chariot. Adorned with hieroglyphs for protection, the front has the emblem of Heru and two fine black horses are pulling the chariot.
„Father..mother...thank you all….“ she cried a bit and hugged her family members. As she then got on the chariot, she took a deep breath, looked at her home, her family one last time.
„Ill write you all when i arrive“
She grabbed the reins and looked up at the sky, searching for a sign. A falcon soared above—Heru’s symbol. She nodded and took a deep breath.
The chariot rolled forward, wheels humming across the sand. Her path was set.
Toward Arcanandria—the city of poets, wisdom... and secrets older than Karnile itself.
She didn’t know it yet, but her real journey hadn’t even begun.
