The sun was setting and the heat of the day was slowly cooling down; the glorious city of Louxor was brought back to life as the inhabitants were finally able to go out without suffering of the burning climate.



Unfortunately, inside the city hospital, one little girl wasn't able to cheer for the cold, cause the cold was the only thing her body could still feel.



What sickness she endure didn't mattered anymore, the doctors, her family and even herself knew there was nothing left to do but to wait for the end.



Since her birth, she heard everyone say that there was nothing after death, no hell, heaven or elysium; all the myths of the ancients from all around the world were fairy tales to keep you away from the the true Lord; the only thing awaiting her was the cheeling void.



Deep inside, just as her heart monitor was turning into a line, she feel her mind drowning into the nothingness, all her senses vanished and the cold taking hold of her body.



But then, she heard a voice calling her name, a hand taking hold of her own and the warm returning to her body again. She open her eyes and saw who this hand belong to.



Here he was, Anubis, but not as they teach her; everyone depict him as the evil god of the Dead, the heartless jackal, saliva dreeping from his sharp teeth and roaring like a demon before throwing you in the infinite torments of hell where you would be devoured by Amenuit...



But the beeing who stood before her was nothing like that. Yes, impressive he was, but also powerfull, tall, magnificient and with the more unthinkable thing she had expect: a warm and conforting smile.



"Here I found you. Are you ready for the next travel?" he asked with a voice who transpire with alleviation



"I don't understand." said the little girl "Everyone, they told me you were only fictionnal and that none of your race truly exist or that you were demons trying to make us human become the slave of the Great Evil One!"



"Do I look like the Devil to you?" Anubis asked with calm and stern matter



"...No!" respond the little girl while cuddling her teddy bear



"We, the ancients Gods, were banned from the hearts of our people long ago but we never disapered. We wait to reveal ourselves to the pure souls, to let them know that everyone is free to worship any deity they want, not to impose it to others.

I sense your purity of soul and here I am, to lead you to the other side."



"I'm scared. They always told me death was scary."



"Is there anything you regret from your life on Earth?" asked Anubis



"...No. I don't regret anything I did or do I regret never accomplishing what I always want to do." responded the little girl



"Then, said Anubis with a warming smile, there is nothing to be afraid about"



Anubis carried the little girl out of bed and took her hand in his. In front of them, the wall suddenly opened, filling the dark room with light



Slowly marching to the other side, Anubis conclude with kindness.

"Death is not the end of all, it's only the beginning of a new adventure!"





Written while listening Elysium Ost from Gladiator.