As, Amar took the time to recuperate, others began to make their moves. Ramesses, the champion for Egypt and a retired Seti, could be seen at his desk, writing on an old looking paper. His brows furrow in deep contemplation, wondering if his plans will bear fruit. Thanks to his beetles, Ramesses was able to create a functioning scouting unit he likes to call SCARAB, or the Sacred Carapaced Agents of Ramesses Before Anyone.
Through the scratches painstakingly taught by Ramesses, the beetles proved to be a great investment from the news they brought. A peacock has been sighted to the south. Normally, such news would not be a concern in Egypt, if anything more of a unique bird to watch. Yet in this strange war he has been dragged into? That feathered fowl could be one of the enemies. Knowing this he now had two options: to follow or to fortify.
"Huff, why did it have to be birds? I think I would much rather deal with human soldiers, at least they can't FLY over defenses without a device." Ramesses leans back into his chair, a headache forming to deal with the bird. If he followed it, he could find an enemy base. But then what? his beetles are not yet ready to deal with the larger one probably roosting on the top. On the other hand, if he were to tighten defenses, who says they can't just hop over? sure they can not actually fly, but that does not change the fact that they can easily get over any prepared walls and out of pitfalls.
One of the larger beetles nudges Ramesses at his thigh. Observing the large insect, he taps the feathered pen against the desk while the beetle makes its way up. Sunlight shines through as dawn approaches. The beetle's shell glows in the early morning light. Ramesses' eyes light up as inspiration hits him. "Yes, that just might work! why have I not thought of this earlier?" Ramesses picks up the beetle, lightly tossing it in the air and catching it as he gives his thanks to the sun god.
Aboard the Atet, a solar boat of Ra, the sun gods of different pantheons are seen to be playing board games they had collected from the remarkably short time of mankind. Contrary to what the mortals think, the sun gods actually take turns driving the so called "sun", with Ra taking over this year, while the others get together from time to time. "Hm?" The falcon headed pharaoh turns his head, curiosity peaked. Apollo, who was strumming his lyre, notices and asks "Has something caught your eye, Ra?" "Not really, just another strange praise at dawn by the mortals. Truly a strange bunch." The other deities chuckle, as they too know of the more...fanatical believers.
The morning soon came and went, with the sun now at its highest for the day. Peacocks of different feather patterns roam about. Some preen themselves while others seek out food. Yet, amongst this hoard stands a woman. Wearing what many would call safari gear, Zoya breathes in the fresh air, eager to enjoy the sights while she still can. Her hand glides across one of the peacocks standing closer to her, the bird trilling to show its enjoyment.
While Zoya was absentmindedly passing the time, a few of the birds look towards the dense vegetation. Amongst the plant life they can hear the undeniable buzzing of insect wings. A third of the birds move forward, eager to find another meal. Although noticing the movement, Zoya lets them wander forward, sure that their was not anything large enough to threaten the birds in the area. Unfortunately, while that may be true, she had forgotten something important- not all dangers are visible to the untrained eye.
Not long after Zoya heard an alarmed squawk from where the birds had passed by. Startled, Zoya draws the machete she carries for expeditions. Thankfully she chose to take it with her before being transported to this area, otherwise she would not have known what to do. "Whose there!? leave my birds alone!" Her attempt at intimidation is met with silence. The remaining peacocks all gather, their tails flaring up. That's when she began to hear the buzzing.
A soft hum at first, the buzzing soon turned into a symphony of noise, grating on Zoya's ears. Believing its not wise to stick around, Zoya hops onto the peacock she uses as a mount and directs it the way they came as she shouts "RETREAT! Flee back to the nest." Seeing the now retreating caretaker, the peacocks all follow. And not a moment too soon, as from the foliage a black mass of insects burst out.
"Hurry! move faster!" seeing the swarm, Zoya urges the peacocks to move faster. One of the slower ones ends up stumbling, beak hitting the ground. Before it could rise again, the swarm had already descended. The bird screeches as hundreds of bugs bite at it. Before long, the swarm is on the move again, leaving behind a mangled mess of feathers and red puddles.
One by one the tail end of the hoard is plucked away, leaving Zoya at her wits end. Yet, suddenly, she spots something bright in the distance. It was the campfire from earlier that Zoya had set up last night. Plan now in mind, Zoya pats the sprinting avian, saying "Come on Benny! just a bit further!" Benny, Zoya's companion and transport, chirps before running with all of its might. Nearing the campsite with the slowly dying flame, Zoya jumps off Benny, rolling to a stop. She grabs a large leaf and begins to fan the flames towards the approaching storm. Benny, along with any of the remaining peacocks that were able to keep up, unfurl their tail feathers and use them as fans.
The force of the air causes the once small flame to erupt into a large wall of fire. Some of the more eager insects end up drying out, their husks crashing into the ground. The rest all take to the skies, returning to who knows where they came from. Zoya plops to the ground, relieved that the brush with death was over yet. Unbeknownst to Zoya however, Her troubles were only just starting.