AN: Howdy Guys. I know I should really be working on the Aphrodite and Hephaestus fanfiction, but you know. It is what it is. *shrugs* This is something I started last year that goes hand and hand with the Aphrodite one so it's pretty close right? Just don't shoot me, please! *clasps hands together* please tell me what you think. I'll be posting a few more chapters of both stories in the nearby future. See you guys soon1
Clouds rumbled in the distance as the lithe, dark haired boy was led to the altar in the center of the large quarry. Weary green eyes darted back and forth from the priests and altar workers to the sun god's shrine a mere hundred feet before them.
He had known that this day was coming, he just hadn't expected to be so soon. It wasn't easy for one to come to terms with their blood being sacrificed to the gods at the ripe age of 17. All his life he had been raised knowing that he was going to die. His parents had told him ten years ago that on his 17th birthday, he would be the sacrifice to the gods that would bring prosperity to their village.
Clenching his fists he struggled with the urge to tug at the restraints around his wrists and ankles. He wasn't ready to die...but this is what he had been raised for. It was the only way his people would survive the next harsh winter.
Raising his head once more he lifted one bare foot-which felt as if they were made of lead- he began to walk up the marble steps. The priest of the shrine lead him to an elevated dais where he proceeded to lay down, the soft fabric of his white robe doing little to prevent the cool sting of the stone slab.
Turning away from the boy, the priest raised his hands, gaining the attention of the crowd before him. Everyone from the village had come to watch the sacrifice, including the boy's parents, who were eagerly watching from the front of the group.
"Good people of Apakto! Yet another year has gone by and here we still stand. Each change of the seasons brings more benefits to our wonderful village, but this year by far was the best! Praise Zeus, who was the previous god chosen for us by the oracle!" Cheers erupted from the crowd and the priest paused for dramatic his hands once more, the priest observed as the crowd grew silent.
"Now, as many of you have heard, the chosen god for this upcoming year is Apollo. Knowing this, one can only assume that our sacrifice will reap many benefits in the following harvest season!" Applause and cheers filled the air once more. "Let the ceremony begin!"
The priest turned to face the boy again, drawing a long, ceremonial knife from the dull brown sash at his waist. Gripping it in both hands, he held the blade above the brunette's midsection.
"Do not worry, Aeneas, your death will not be in vain. Your people will thrive from your sacrifice." Raising the knife, the priest began to recite a short prayer, followed by the crowd.
Aeneas squeezed his eyes shut as the blade plunged down and golden light filled the quarry.
AN: The village in this story is obviously a fake one. The word Apakto is Greek for fake, and the name Aeneas means praising or to praise.