See No

The mummy prowls into the unknown. His staff tight in his hold, the crescent-top and wrapped bottom dragging along the rented property, leaving trails of grey. The scratching is high-pitched, sending aches through his being as his head twists and turns with the smell of the blood; rich, addicting. It caused Khonshu's fingers to twitch as he closed in on a corner, the moon growing high to beam onto him. 

The illuminance fell off his back and peeked past, leaving ribbons of light to entangle the exposed skin smeared in blood. 

Come out. 

The God demands. His galaxies of eyes observing as the mouse trembles, trying to push themselves further into the shadows that chose to abandon in a moment of need. Though Khonshu knows, that if he wasn't a god he’d be dismembered by the spirits who chose to protect  you . They’d dig their deathly claws through his bandages and rip them off and feast off of his mummified skin. 

That's why it was so captivating for him to be shadowing over you. He's caught something that no other god could even get close to. It's exhilarating, revolutionary. 

Present yourself to me oh,

The eyes of fear shined with confusion at his ask. Khonshu watched them flicker from his outstretched hand to his skull. 

Present your mind and body, and your oh so dear soul, to ME. 

His hand reached into the dark, being absorbed with this malice as he scrounges around. The mouse tensed as he tangled his fingers with the one thing he's been hunted for all this time. Its mere touch brings this excitement to Khonshu. 

Remove your hands from the body!

The building trembled with the new presence. Its voice bringing flames of anger to ignite the Moon gods hand and force him back. The flames flick from one color to another as it burns the bandages and turns them into ashes. Its flames following to the floor to die out. 

Khonshu would’ve snarled at the loss of his hand if it wasn’t for the growing darkness that began to circle him. The moon was beginning to settle in for sleep, leaving one of his gods useless in a night most wanted. 

You shouldn't dare meddle with my work, Konshu, God of the Moon. 

The beak clicked with irritation as he saunters back, feeling and hearing the pain of the dead being crushed beneath his feet. Their bones crackled like a bonfire, splintering and chattering on the ground. This power. This voice. These abilities. Khonshu is no young god or idiot to forget who haunts the moment as only one can invoke this much  fear  in him. 

Puffs of clouds shrilled through Khonshu’s nostrils as he tilts his staff. The darkness attached was thrown off with a single swing— such a force also threw everything in the apartment. But, who was he to care for a mess? Even if it meant startling some near humans. 

It isn't safe for you to stay here, Lockley. Go! 

Jake, now being pushed by the crescent staff to the window, suited up. A million of questions poured out of his head but his instincts told him to shut it and listen. The god will find know where to find him. 

Listen to your own advice, Khnoshu, and go too. I'm playing nice. 

Stubbornness pulled inside Khonshu and hell if he could he’d be glaring daggers into the darkness. Despite being surprised by the sudden appearance he knew he could battle with these minions to reach the source. But, he's grown (somewhat) out of his adolescence, he knows better. 

It’s cold and hot. 

It reminded you of when you’d come home from a late night in New York. The blankets that some neighbor gifted you welcoming you into its arms as you lay. The wind of the night still blowing in your face because you were too lazy to get back up and close the window. 

But you never had the strength to complain, enjoying the balance of elements. 

The memory made you, smile. Smile... You were smiling— physically smiling. 

Do not fret little human. You’re safe. 

The familiar touch of darkness skimmed its palms along your body. The sensation pulls your nerves into jumbles, making your body convulse with disturbance of the peace. A sudden chill causing a gasp to shake through your throat as if someone ripped the blanket off. Leaving your skin bare to the biting cold. 

You mustn’t fight the adjustment... Trust the unknown as much as it trusts you. 

It's  tone held this protective urgency over you. The emotion practically beaming down on you like the sun in summer. Harsh yet complimenting to a tan... Tan. Gold. The gold lights on his face, Steven's face. Steven- was in your, apartment. No, no he wasn't. At least, not  Steven , you know that much. They may have shared the same face and body but those eyes. They were fierce. The stare sharp like a blade, slicing through your mind and body as you were intertwined with the shadows. If you weren't silenced by hands you would've gasped when you made  eye contact  with  him . 

The mere glance sending spiders up your spine. 

Perfect. 

You tilt your head with the incoming light. Your body curling with the new physical freedom. releasing the notice of soreness raining down your back. The stretching of your feet and toes is your only distraction as the reality around you comes to. Touch was the first thing you could process, the feeling of a straw-like lush tickling your nerves. Then the smell, grass, rich and healthy was your first notice, followed by floral. It wasn't strong, but it also wasn't too light to go unnoticed. You love flowers like that. They never gave you a headache and you never thought they'd be presented as fake. They're just right. Sound was your third highlight as you began to twist, your back sliding with this thin sheet. You could hear the wind whistling, taking the grass in this slow dance. 

You don't know when you began to re-develop your sight. It was sudden really, but not overwhelming as you might've expected. It was like waking up on a good day. No real thoughts or discomfort of the night, no groans of complaints, no crying spirits, nothing. 

It was, perfect. 

Your eyes ever so slowly followed the appearing head. The appearance making you tilt your head while features and emotions stay, bland. You didn't feel anything. You weren't confused, you weren't scared, angry, sad, nothing. You didn't, feel anything as the jackal-headed man loomed over you. The gold of his form brought out the beautiful short fur of black that glorified his body. Not even his ribbon or flail shocked you... Your brain just telling you, yes, that's Anubis, and leaving it there. 

Anubis examined your puny form. The golden irises of jewels shining as you stalk through the tall grass, spirits trailing after you. Along with jackal disciples. It mesmerizing how fascinated they were by you. As if you were their idol; their deity. 

You’re heavily respected by the dead. 

He lifts his snout as you look up, halting in your approach. The followers taking the distraction as a moment to bask their ashamed hands against your skin. 

They apologize for their harmful nature. It's been a–

“-awhile since they’ve been heard.” 

Precisely. 

A hint of praise dripped off his tongue, the cheeks of his jaw twitching with a fighting smirk. There were many things he could say about you, mostly bad just to tease but meant with good intentions.

“Am I dead?” 

A sputter of laughter bellowed from his defined chest. His hand resting over the heart that stopped long ago. Anubis felt it break into this recognizable series of thumps. Oh, how he enjoyed this sensation. It's been decades since anyone has made him feel like this. Even his ex-lover Anput, who lost her power of seduction over him couldn't make him whir. 

No, no little mortal. You haven't passed. It isn't your time yet, not for  a while . 

A tail of noise broke through your sigh, no longer paying mind to the exploring hands. Their breathing and whispers were white noise, allowing you to be left alone with your thoughts.

You’re disappointed. 

Anubis strolled toward you, the admirers parting like the red sea. The size difference grows evident with each step. Yet, it didn't seem to scare you. The scent of panic that usually laced his senses when in the presence of humans was nonexistent with you. Just another reason you were so interesting. 

You stay silent as the large palm cacoons the back of your head. The both of you knew he could kill you with ease. That he could wrap his fingers around your skull and jab his long nails into your skin. Disturbing but the truth. 

I will be your guide to harnessing your life, dear one. I will help you grab it by the reigns and make it halt with your pull... I may not be able to be there in person now, but the shadows and dead will forever lead me to you. Your want for the afterlife will finally falter in time and you- you will be able to live your life. Without the pain and screams. 

The face of black pressed against your cheek. The silky fur released this sudden calm that made you, breathe. 

I, Anubis, god of   mummification and the afterlife, lost souls and the helpless, will be at your aid. Just as much as you have been at mine during my imprisonment. 

Mentally, Anubis praised the feeling of warmth from someone who wasn't obsessed with him. It felt genuine with the way your hand ran down the side of his face. Your touch wasn't hungry like his followers. It didn't yearn for something more than comfort. Possibly more for him than you... He knew what this connection was. It couldn't be mistaken. Oh, how you two are cut from the same cloth. 

That is my vow.