{open | event catch-all}

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + you
When: 13th
Where: Looking Glass House/Memories and/or other locations to follow up with him
What: Memsharing!
Warnings: Death, attempts at blowing up an entire city that one time. No other warnings as of now, but will add as needed!

[Strangers will see nothing and pass by Ozymandias' mirror. Much as with other strangers' mirrors, there will be nothing about the mirror that catches the eye or suggests that it even belongs to anyone. But with any sort of familiarity to Ozymandias, the frame gives way the identity of its owner near immediately. How could it not when there is a blatant depiction of himself at the top of the frame? Symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt mark the corners, his beloved wife depicted beside him. Further knowledge of him reveals more details than just this. Great structures and temples along the bottom of the frame. Ramesseum takes center stage. Monuments and depictions of his beloved gods appear interwoven with this seemingly impossible complex. Each side holds depictions of great battles, those he fought in life and those after. An archer, swordsman, and lancer stand in defiance of a brilliant sun on one side. A young man is half-turned, a sea of people reaching to him.]

[The frame itself is, of course, golden. It shimmers with precious stones for those closest to him. A small reflection of his radiant light as pharaoh.]

((ooc: these are ota as far as i'm concerned! some of the memories will have present-day ozy for your character to interact with during the memory while some are going to play out for a bit beyond what's initially posted here. i'm down for your characters interacting with the environment as much as they'd like! any questions or other requests can be pm'd to this journal or to me on plurk (rebreather)!))

Comments

(you make me feel like i'm living in a teenage dream)

[fulgency]

Ramesses?

[A boy straightens in his seat, flushing a little as he turns his head at the sound of what can be assumed to be his name. Although no older than fifteen, the boy is likely easily recognizable. He's not overly dressed in clothing, wearing only a fine kilt of his people and well-made sandals, but he is covered in jewelry, gold and precious gemstones glittering and clinking softly with his movements from a collar and earrings. He wears a number of rings that while fit his fingers, seem more suitable for a young man a few years his senior. Clearly they are things that he will one day grow into though because were it not for the red in his cheeks, he looks ever the picture of a perfect prince.]

[It is his mother who has called his attention. His father and two other parents are seated on the opposite side of the table where Ramesses and girl close in his age are seated next to one another. The girl is dressed nearly as finely as Ozymandias, a sheer shift over her fine dress and various adornments. It is her who is the cause for his embarrassment. Or rather, his gawking at her is the cause for it. Although his mother is smiling warmly (it seems to be a family trait) and she did not say his name harshly, he assumes that he is being mildly scolded for staring at the girl so much.]

Perhaps you would like to give Nefertari a tour of your household?

[Ramesses lets out a small breath he was holding and glances at Nefertari beside him. She smiles at him and although the audience does not lay claim to this memory, there's an echo of a flutter in their chest.]

I would be happy to! [he says with an enthusiastic nod, not immediately realizing he's probably lost a little of his decorum in responding that way. Ramesses clears his throat and looks at Nefertari again. Another flutter.] If Nefertari would like to see it, that is.

I'd love to, [Nefertari agrees with a nod.]

[On the edge of the room, there is the owner of this memory. Ozymandias says nothing. Perhaps unusually quiet. He doesn't seem to even notice the clumsiness of his younger self let alone seem to feel any embarrassment for it. As pleased as he is to see his noble father and his loving mother in this memory, it is his beloved Nefertari that captures his attention more than anyone else. It's entirely possible he doesn't even realize how much or how softly he smiles at her let alone how much she's stolen his attention that he does not even appear to see that he is not alone in this memory. His smile only seems to grow at the sound of her voice.]

scoops them up.

[freeing]

[ Watching something unfold like this feels dubious – as if she was stealing moments away. No matter the mechanics that brings her to view this, Daenerys had come to understand this was not her world and certainly not Aefenglom.

The words carry her through, moving carefully as if still worried to intervene in such a scene. Out of sight, out of mind – she simply listens, the names all foreign and nearly lost through the assortment of people she's met here. Could it be someone she recalls...? Some stranger here or just something like the throne of snow she's dreamed about in the past?

Daenerys finds herself walking into the gaze of Ozymandias – their tension meeting with the air nearly escaping her lungs. It was simple to parse how it unfolds, how her heart feels with such a different expression upon her bond's features. There's a respect there, one that keeps her distance and allows him to continue observing. ]

[fulgency]

[Even if she were not to enter his field of vision, the clarity with which he can sense her feelings through their Bond signals how close to she is to him. It's only when his younger self seeks his father's permission to leave that Ozymandias glances in Daenerys' direction. He motions for her to come closer as Pharaoh Seti grants the pair his leave to go. Someone will come to collect Nefertari when the matter of their marriage is completely settled.]

There is no need to keep your distance, [he says as he moves over towards the entrance of the room.] There are things I would wish kept private, but Nefertari could never be one of those.

[If Daenerys glances back, she'll see that after thanking his parents, Ramesses offers his hand to Nefertari to help her stand. They both are clearly pleased with this with their exchanged smiles, but then neither really seems to know what to do from there. They linger there a moment until they both seem to reach the same decision to let go. Nefertari brushes some loose strands of hair behind her ear with her hand while Ramesses' drops it back to his side.]

After you.

[It's only after she says this with a small bow of her head that it seems to occur to Ramesses that of the two of them, he is the only one who knows the way and needs to take the lead.]

[murowa]

[Admittedly, she only knows what she's been told about him through their conversations together. Seeing it unfold in front of her very eyes, however, allows her a little more complete picture. The way his parents regard him, and the way he looks at Nefertari...

It's a warm and pleasant feeling.

A home that was a full of love could be its own treasure.]

She's lovely.

[Diana's noticed how Ozymandias himself is looking at her.]

I can tell that she means so much to you.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias' marriage to Nefertari was certainly a political one to ensure that his children would have a legitimate claim to the throne beyond any shadow of a doubt. But his affection for her that persisted through the centuries began there on that very day. There's simply no doubting how quickly he was smitten with her and how he adores her even now.]

[Ozymandias hums his agreement as his younger self seeks his father's permission to go. Pharaoh Seti grants it as Ozymandias hums his agreement to Diana.]

She is the incarnation of Hathor. None could match her in beauty or the kindness in her heart. I fell in love with her the moment I met her.

From this day forward, she became my sun.

[Ramesses of the past helps Nefertari to her feet by offering his hand. Nefertari and Ramesses smile at one another, but there's a bit of awkwardness as neither one of them seems to know if they should let go at this point or not. They settle on the decision to let go after a few seconds, Ramesses hand dropping back at his side as Nefertari brushes a few loose hairs behind her ear.]

(if they only knew)

[fulgency]

There you are!

[A teenager sits beside another at the edge of a river. One would not assume that these two boys are brothers simply by looking at them. Sure, they are both well-dressed and the lushness of their surroundings suggests that there's very little that either boy could ever want for, but where one possesses golden eyes and dark features, the other has violet eyes and pale ones.]

I was beginning to think I was going to spend all day looking for you.

[The older of the two crinkles his nose at that.]

You always know exactly where to find me, Moses. [Moses smiles wide at that, nodding in agreement. As much as their lives may differ given that only one of them ever had the possibility of becoming Prince Regent, the pair were inseparable. Even now as shared childhood becomes fond memories, Moses was never too far from Ramesses when either of them had a say in it. They both shared in the same confidence that even when Ramesses one days takes to the throne, Moses shall always be at his side.] What were you looking for me for? Looking for some advice? You know I can always spare a minute or two to share with you my wisdom.

[Moses snorts and huffs a laugh.]

What are you laughing for? [Ramesses hooks an arm around Moses neck and drags him closer to obvious protests.] You know the punishment for laughing at the Prince Regent!

[It's noogie time. At least until Moses manages to wriggle free, which is not an easy task. Ramesses is already a bit stronger than Moses simply from the years he's already spent in training and serving in their father's army.]

I cannot believe I would be betrayed by you of all people. I thought Mother raised you better than this!

[belligerentwarrior]

[She's starting to get used to these mirrors. She glances about the area as the boys begin to chat, hands idly propped on her hips.]

[Moses' snort of laughter, however, earns one likewise from Fang. Ozymandias has really been like that all his life, hasn't he?]

See? [The Turnskin calls out, even though she can't see anyone else yet. More often than not, the mirror's owner was here somewhere.] I'm not the only one.

[fulgency]

[Moses gets loose from Ramesses’ hold and rubs at his head, smoothing down the mess he created.]

That is the privilege of being second born. I get to act however I please even toward the Prince Regent.

[The pair of them laugh, Ramesses’ laugh unsurprisingly carrying a little further as it turns out to be just as boisterous as it shall be in the future. There is a rustling in nearby papyrus reeds that neither boy reacts to, suggesting that it is not part of the memory itself. This proves true when it is Ozymandias who pushes them aside. He had abandoned his younger self and brother for a moment to be closer to the river’s edge. It is, after all, not something that he has seen in-person for thousands of years. He’s giving her a look.]

He’s laughing because that was a joke.

[Geez, Fang, he doesn’t sound like that when he’s being serious!!]

[(Yes, yes, he does.)]

Titles do not actually mean anything to brothers.

[The laughter between the boys settles back down and Moses nudges Ramesses by bumping a gentle shoulder into him.]

I was looking for you because I wanted to check on you. [Ramesses doesn’t appear to know the reason why Moses would feel the need to come look for him. In perhaps what’s a vaguely familiar gesture, Ramesses raises a questioning eyebrow.] I was going to tell Mother I finished my lessons, and I overheard her speaking to Father.

[ HELLO SOBS THIS IS LONG SORRY ]

[gilgamess]

[ well. as these nightly wanderings go, this is quite a joyful memory. what is Gilgamesh to make of it? the essential atmosphere is not so different from Uruk; as one god-king to another, Gilgamesh imagines his own younger years contained such scenes on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, but the major difference is that his childhood was spent in solitude.

up until the moment when he and Enkidu befriended one another, he was a singular existence, a being apart from both gods and humans. his only interactions with other humans had been to rule over them or to compete with overwhelming force. to see this memory, to walk in this place -- it is a little like reliving that old moment when he and his friend first encountered one another.

such youthful joy. Gilgamesh remembers it quite well. all of the adventures and the grand journeys. he beholds this vision with a certain appreciation for the scene before him. naturally, it resonates highly. he is (uncharacteristically?) quiet in watching, wondering whether this dream will portray an adventure playing out or whether the scene is an interactive one.

perhaps he should address the Pharaoh and see. ]

So it is your younger self, eh, Sun-King?

[ he knows the other hero's legend, of course. Moses is akin to Ramesses's own Enkidu -- a beloved friend, one above all. yet Ramesses's had two beloved people. ... well, in a sense, perhaps so too does Gilgamesh, if a certain noble maiden could truly be called that. he would say so. others might disagree with his conception of "love." pffft.

but this scene, warm and familial -- the King of Heroes looks on with something like a hint of warmth. bright as gold but not so hot as the sun. it is much warmer here even than in his own land. ]

Hmm. I see a certain resonance to my own experience, rare though that may be.

[ in the mixture of the simplicity of this pleasure and the grandeur of their implied rule, especially. such a contrast was always the most striking. ]

[fulgency]

[Papyrus reeds somewhat obfuscate his form, but there is little missing him. Ozymandias stands along the Nile's shore albeit a little removed from what lies at the heart of this memory. It is not out of any sort of aversion for the memory, but it has been thousands of years since he saw the life-giving river of his people. Even if this is but an illusion within a dream, there is still power within those waters. One deserving of admiration, respect, and even worship.]

I imagine there is not much comparison to be made, King of Heroes. I find little ever does when it comes to matters pertaining to my brother.

[All throughout history there are stories of brothers and betrayals. In that regard, they are perhaps not all that unique. But Ozymandias' memory of his brother paints the man who once stood as his enemy in a much warmer light than most would be willing to do. Moses' God and his obedience towards him in direct opposition against Pharaoh should have been enough to place a permanent wedge between them. But while Ozymandias held onto his small share of anger towards Moses, he did not crave revenge. He instead carried regret. Regret and a desire to see his brother once more.]

[It seems less certain to Ozymandias that they ought to be reunited than it does with Nefertari. His gaze moves towards his brother in the vision of the past. It seems more likely that this is the only way he might be brought to his brother in this afterlife of sorts.]

[As Ramesses lets go of his brother, the pair of them laugh. Moses needs a moment to smooth his hair back down.]

I was looking for you because I wanted to check on you. [Ramesses raises an eyebrow, clearly not knowing what reason Moses would have to go looking for him. Moses begins to elaborate.] I was going to tell Mother I finished my lessons, and I overheard her speaking to Father.

(just married)

[fulgency]

Ramesses, it's... [She extends a hand to touch the collar. It's a near-perfect match to the one he's already wearing, rows upon rows of gold and with intermittent colored beads and lapis lazuli. Where it differs from Ramesses' is the image of Hathor on either end of the collar, linking each side to its cord. But just before her fingers can touch it, her hand stops short. One would think that wish as finely as they are both dressed that she would not hesitate to accept such an offering. It would seem perhaps even with as young as they are that such finery would be a commonplace thing. But as it turns out, there is a degree to which all of this is quite new for both of them.] Oh, but I have nothing to give you in return...

[Ramesses shakes his head as he blurts out a no in mild panic as her tone starts to sound like she may reject the gift out of embarrassment over not having something to give him in return. Her eyes widen a bit in surprise and Ramesses clears his throat, cheeks looking a little warmer for it.]

I mean-- That is not necessary! That it brought you happiness is enough for me. [Perhaps not the smoothest of recoveries, but the effort seems to pay off all the same. It is now her turn to go a little pink in her cheeks and it emboldens Ramesses a little further. With his next words, there is an overlap of voices.] Your smile is the highest gift I could ever receive.

[Unlike the younger Ramesses though, Ozymandias laughs after those words.]

That was not entirely true! Her love was even greater, but I had no idea then.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard has seen many, many horrible, awful memories this evening. She's done so mostly by accident, and many of them are specters of her own past. This, frankly, is a welcome breath of fresh air. Ozymandias is an interesting enough person without seeing this side of him, but his wife as well? Oh, this is sweet.

The Emperor looks up at the pharaoh with a warm smile.]

Was this your fairy tale romance, Ozymandias?

[Ramesses? That's a name he'd mentioned to her once, but Ozymandias seemed the name he took to now.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias laughs again, shaking his head.]

Calling it a fairy tale does what lies between us a disservice! [Lies. Present tense. One might consider it a mistake or perhaps living in the past, but for Ozymandias, they were merely separated by death. Nothing truly ever ended.] Our love is something like those between the gods.

[Having accepted his gift, Nefertari turns her back to Ramesses. He drapes the collar around her neck and ties the cord.]

(what the kids call #relationshipgoals)

[fulgency]

[With how slow, deep, and even his breaths are, one would assume he was asleep. But if that were the case, it would be impossible to witness this here and now. Ramesses lays on his side with his head in a woman's lap, arms wrapped around her waist. She runs her fingers through his hair idly, her other hand resting on his shoulder.]

If you are this tired, you should sleep.

[His voice is somewhat muffled both because he's curled so close to her and because it seems to require a great deal of energy for him to speak right now, but he replies,] I'm fine like this, Nefertari.

[Nefertari chuckles warmly.]

You are already halfway there, Ramesses!

Perhaps. But sleep is moments away from you and there have been far too many of those as of late. [He shifts enough to look up at her. Ramesses reaches for her hand, intertwining their fingers together and kissing her knuckles.] You shall see, an hour or two just like this and I will be exactly as if I had slept for an entire night!

(by her passing, she has stolen away my heart)

[fulgency]

[It is perhaps not the imperfections of time and age that seem strange and alien. The beginnings of lines on his face and the scars on his body all are mere signs of a rich life already although he still has far more to live. No, what's strange is to see the look in this man's eyes. He shores up his emotions, glancing over his shoulder at both servants and priest behind him.]

Leave us.

[There are soft murmurs of compliance as the young women bow their heads in deference and back out of the room. The only other man in the room lingers for just a moment longer, but he also bows and leaves with a quiet yes, Your Radiance. He watches them go over his shoulder and settles his attention back onto the woman in the bed. She is still. Too still. It seems that he cannot make himself step closer to her. It's still so clearly the middle of the day if one looks outside the windows, but this room if not the very world could not seem darker than it does in this moment.]

[Near the bed, stands the seemingly younger version of this man. Ozymandias does not look at her impassively, but there is not a threatening swell of emotions like there is for the Ozymandias of the past. The grief of this loss is something Ozymandias long-since learned to carry and even seeing this once more does not cause it to threaten to crush him beneath its weight. As he reaches for her to stroke her cheek, the Ozymandias of the memory draws an uneven breath, jaw impossibly tight as he makes his way to her slowly.]

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie has never been in a room with this kind of mood. A room with some kind of heavy mood? That she's lived very often. But it's never been this kind of heavy grief. There's never been this far too still body. She finds herself split between wanting to look around in curiosity and to not look at this very heavy personal moment.

In the end, she walks up to the real Ozymandias and tugs on his clothes to get his attention.]

Do you want me to leave, too?

[Not that she knows if that's possible in these memories, but she would absolutely try.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias looks down when he feels the tug on his clothes. He's not particularly surprised that she is the one to have tugged -- since there are so very few in Aefenglom who would need to in order to get his attention -- but there is some mild surprise to see her all the same. He had assumed himself alone in this memory.]

[He places a gentle hand on her back. He cannot imagine this is an easy thing for Leslie to witness.]

If you wish to stay, you may.

[The Ozymandias of memory makes it to the opposite side of the bed and sits beside his beloved queen. He only looks at her, not daring yet to touch her.]

i choose pain, apparently

[partnerinheels]

[Sheva immediately regrets stepping into Ozy's mirror the moment she realizes what's happening around her, but curiosity had tipped the scales. Now, she feels incredibly guilty, uncertain of what exactly she could do halt her invasion of such a private memory.

She's quiet, even her tail stilling so as to not make an intrusive noise. For a moment, she looks away, eyes downcast to another ornate part of the room, but the scene draws her eyes back. From her angle, she can't see the present Ozy, the man she knows from Aefenglom, only the younger, emotionally devastated version of him. It guts at her, the pain he's battling with every ounce of his strength.

At least, that's what it was like for her when she lost her parents. It took an uncountable amount of energy to simply function, to survive in such a way that allowed her to not be seen as weak, as an easy target. He's smart to send everyone away, to put a buffer between those who might see an opportunity for power and himself when his mask is cracking under the weight of his obvious grief.

He may not have been an orphan fighting for her life in potentially hostile territory like her, but he's fighting to survive all the same.

As the man in the memory draws that shaky breath, Sheva fights the tears that had welled in her eyes. She fails, and reaches up to angrily brush them away, the rustling of her clothes and shift of her weapons cutting the silence and finally giving her away.]

Shit.

[She's frozen, deeply apologetic and appropriately shaming herself for her intrusion.Good job Sheva.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias does not turn his attention towards Sheva immediately. The sound of her movement catches his attention -- it would be impossible for it not to with how Ozymandias’ slow steps seem to be the only sound to exist in all the world right now -- but he is willing to ignore it. (As terrible as this moment is in his life, it is not something he feels a particular need to protect. It is not as though it is some well-guarded secret that his beloved died well before him and how deeply he mourned her.) It is only when he hears Sheva’s voice that he actually thinks to turn and his attention is pulled away enough that he is able to be cognizant of the emotions that do not belong to him, mingling in with the rest of the grief.]

[He turns further away from Nefertari as the Ozymandias of the past sits on the bed beside her. It seems to be as far as he dares to approach in the memory for now. The real Ozymandias doesn’t say anything for a moment, needing some time to parse through the mix of emotions that filter through the Bond now that he’s more aware.]

It’s alright, Sheva.

[He doesn’t specify really what he’s referring to as being alright, but it can likely be understood that he means her feelings of guilt over witnessing this aren’t particularly necessary.]

(go go oz-zilla)

[fulgency]

[It's not likely that many recognize this feeling. Even if Aefenglom's managed to develop a sensitivity to the magic around them, the power that exists in this place eclipses it easily. Because here, in this mighty temple complex, lies the power of ancient gods, their images painted on the walls and in great statues all along the complex's grounds. Within this main temple are painted the images of Ra, of Ramesses II, and seated on a throne sits the man himself.]

[His laughter echoes within the temple, his voice carrying far beyond this inner sanctum to the battle taking place just beyond its walls. An archer, swordsman, and lancer all do battle with sphinxes. Sphinxes that no matter how many times they are wounded or struck down are returned to their former state, rising once more to their feet to do deadly battle with the trio.]

It's useless! You can't land a single wound on me! I cannot die!

[The claim isn't that far off. The archer's efforts to destroy the walls of the temple seem to have little effect. What little damage he's able to cause seems to repair itself faster than he can loose another arrow. Everything within this temple complex it seems is affected by the power of the gods. Ozymandias, his temple, and sphinxes remain tall and proud, infinite in their strength, while those who have chosen to oppose him find themselves weaker, cursed for daring to raise their weapons against him.]

Know your place!

[Another sphinx falls, but there is another to take its place. Soon the one that has fallen will rise to its feet. It seems only a matter of time before the three knights fall to Ozymandias' might.]

[yesdoubt]

[Coming from a world where magic doesn't exist at all, magic on this scale is a very strange feeling to experience, and though Momo can tell from the blatant signs on the mirror who it belongs to, he has to take a second when he steps through and finds himself in the middle of...this.

Those sphinxes suddenly look a lot less cute and cuddly, and while Momo had an impression of Ozymandias' idea of himself from their last conversation, this hardens the initial "god among men" thought. Not that he's particularly surprised - when someone has a reputation on the level that even the name Ozymandias implies, there's going to be ego along with it.

Still, in the chaos, he looks for signs of the present version of Ozymandias, relatively calm even in the face of something he doesn't really have any comparison point for. This is very new, and very overwhelming, but his curiosity is biting it down for the moment, and he tries to stay in relative cover (or at least out of where attacks are mainly flying) as he works his way around the sides of the chamber and closer to the throne.] "A god should never know a limit", huh...

[Puts that particular conversation into perspective.]

[fulgency]

[The only woman among the knights, the lancer, comes to a pause in her assault on the sphinxes as she seems to recognize the futility of this task. She breaks away from both the archer and swordsman without a word, leaving them to contend with both the sphinxes and trying to maintain whatever tears in the temple's wall they can create. Ozymandias remains seated, his throne resting atop a dais that leaves him seated halfway to the high ceiling. As one might expect with him possessing the blatant upper hand in this battle, he shows no signs of stress or anxiety, but neither does he seem to react when the lancer appears to leave the battle. And beyond her exit, the battle seems to be at a bit of a stalemate for the moment, giving Momo ample time to investigate his surroundings.]

[Above Ozymandias is the legendary Dendera Lightbulb, where energy appears to be slowly gathering. There are soft crackles as it flickers and grows in brightness, but it has not yet reached the point where it clearly drowns out the light of the stars above or the city below the temple. And what a city lies below the floating temple complex, carrying about its nightly business without any awareness of the ancient powers floating above it. Tokyo has no idea of the danger it is in if the knights should fail in their mission to put an end to Ozymandias.]

[Archer asks the swordsman if something is ready yet, to which he says they must wait. Similar to Lancer's departure, Ozymandias remains unmoved, but his sphinxes increase in numbers and in power. Their claws and fangs no longer merely shred but burn with flame and poison with toxins. The situation does not look good for the men at this point, but still they fight. The archer douses flames created by the sphinxes with a barrage of arrows slung at impossible speed and quantity, and the swordsman cuts each sphinx down again and again with his golden blade. Debris from the temple itself continues to fly, repairing itself near immediately, as the men have no choice but to push past whatever wounds that if given to a human would have proven fatal.]

[As for the present-day Ozymandias, there appears to be no sign of him.]

[beariot]

[ Ohhhkay, she was not expecting to immediately find danger as soon as she stepped through but boy did she mcfrickin find it. A yelp, unheard by the combatants, sounds as she quickly finds a safe spot, any level of safe, to hide herself from the battle. The air was practically buzzing with mana, everything around her exuding energy untold. It didn't take much for her to speculate that THIS was a battle of Heroic Spirits, the sort of thing she only had a vague idea of before.

It was terrifying.

Of the three opponents, the lancer looked... slightly familiar. But she didn't pay it too much mind as she did to Ramesses himself. He looked... different. She'd seen him angry and upset before, but nothing like this. Nothing like that look in his eyes, the sort of thing that made her blood run cold.

And she couldn't help but think he looked... more like a villain. ]

Ramesses... [ She couldn't help whispering his name, the shock settling in. His power was tremendous and horrifying in its might. Overwhelming and crushing. Even just within this memory, she felt like she was going to just be consumed by it without a second thought. He would look past her, only an obstacle to be crushed. ]

[fulgency]

[The battle continues like this for a few moments longer. It is after what likely feels like the umpteenth time of cutting down a sphinx that Lancer, however, seems to find this a somewhat futile endeavor. For every sphinx they cut down, one or two more seem to come, and here within this inner sanctum, Ozymandias' power to summon them is simply endless. Without a word, she turns and leaves the battle, the heels of her boots echoing off the temple walls. There seems to be no reaction from Ozymandias in light of this, uncaring if she is seeking to flee the battle (she will only be crushed later) or if she is attempting to find some form of advantage (of which, Ozymandias believes there is none).]

[Ozymandias does seem keen, however, to increase the pressure on the archer and swordsman. The sphinxes do not merely increase in number, but also in their deadliness. Claws become carriers of toxins and flame. One sphinx blows flame with its breath at Archer, forcing him to leap out of the way and extinguish the flames with a barrage of arrows. Even with the power of Ozymandias' gods crippling his abilities, he moves quicker than a human would be able to.]

Saber, is it still not ready!?

Just a few-- [Saber has to pause a moment to parry with a sphinx.] A few more minutes!

[Naturally, this is not the answer Archer was looking for, clearly. Setting aside this endless horde of divine beasts, the Dendera Lightbulb above is beginning to crackle with energy and its light begins to flicker to life. It will be several minutes before Ozymandias has poured enough mana into it to utilize it, but it's setting a terrifying deadline for the knights to solve this problem regardless of which direction Ozymandias decided to direct its divine light.]

[And there was more than just their direction he could send it. If Chariot were to look outside, beyond the night sky and down, she would see that Ozymandias' great complex floats high above Tokyo. Down there, millions go on about their nightly rituals, some fast asleep in their beds, with no idea of the danger above them.]

(insert dreamworks lyrics here)

[fulgency]

[Overhead, the clouds form quickly. Were they swirling together, one might mistake it for the beginnings of a cyclone, and that alone would be unusual in this region of the world. Although some of the men look up to the heavens, they do not slow their approach. Even if there was a growing fear in their hearts to the way nature itself appeared to answer them, they could not yield. The man that leads them stands out not just for his bronze scale armor, his blue crown, or the fine stock that pull his chariot, but for his laser focus on the mass of people ahead of him. And yet, it is hardly the people that he is looking at. No, it is one particular person among those people that Ramesses seeks to destroy. The lives and blood that will be spilled between him and his true target are merely natural retribution for the lives lost in Egypt. The rage emanating from Ramesses palpable, rivaling that of what is beginning to form just in front of Pharaoh and his mighty army.]

[Those he pursues is not another army. They carry no weapons or means to defend themselves. The sight of him, of the charioteers that follow his command, is just as ominous to those people as the clouds above. Panic sparks immediately.]

[The sound of it drowns out the panicked screams and pleas, the thunderous hooves and turns of chariot wheels. Fire erupts from the heavens, not falling to the earth in streaks as they once did, but slamming a mighty pillar to scorch the earth before Pharaoh's army. Ramesses yanks on the reins quickly to divert his chariot away, his shieldbearer gripping tight, and the rest of his army is forced to follow suit quickly. If they do not break formation, after all, they risk falling within the path of this pillar of flame.]