A/N: Moving things along…
As he entered, John was dazzled by the blinding white light that issued forth from the chamber. When his sight had adjusted to the brilliance, he was once again astounded by what he saw.
The first thing wrong about the chamber was the fact that it was so much larger than logic dictated it to be. It could hold at most a thousand people and still have reasonable space left behind. Its walls were of the purest white, and a luminous globe stood in the exact centre of the circular room, emitting the light that had turned the undisturbed darkness of the chamber into something as bright as day. However the glow was not uniform: some patches were darker, others lighter. That, coupled with their constant motion, caused the light to weave into each other; throwing ethereal shadows onto the walls.
The Condesce stood on a stone circle inscribed with her patron deity's symbol. The circles were placed where the god chambers would be, and thus the channellers fanned out into a circular formation. As they took their places the circles lit up with coloured flame, and a change immediately came over them. Their eyes glazed over, to be replaced by an unearthly glow, and their bodies were cloaked in the same flame as the stone circle on the floor.
Silence reigned. The children were nervous – anticipating a change – but none seemed to come. At last the Condesce spoke, but not in her own voice.
"Welcome to the thirteenth chamber, my children." The voice was melodious yet aristocratic, invoking images of an underwater grotto and cold streams falling over rocks. "I am Pisces, the Goddess of Order. Here I speak to all of you, and here we will decide your future."
"Everyone. Move away from the Soulstone." As Pisces ceased speaking, the next deity continued the introduction. "You would do well to heed me, young man – " here the voice took on a hint of menace, and a red-haired boy immediately dashed away from the orb to join his companions " – as those under my service will know, Aquarius is not to be defied."
"Enough. God of War you may be, but you certainly have no taste." This voice was slightly slurred, and ended his sentences on a trill, as if he was about to sing. "Now then, children, please reform your birth lines. It is much more aesthetically pleasing that way." Capricorn gave a little chuckle as the line was finished.
As the children took their places, a fourth voice joined the chorus. "Behold, our descendants. Before the ceremony is to take place, we must give you a history of our city that we have forged from our blood and polished with our sweat." Sagittarius' voice was slow and deliberate, every word a strike of hammer on anvil. "Watch now, children, and never forget."
A series of images flashed in front of John's eyes as Scorpio took up the tale. "Our city first began as a humble village. Then it grew into a thriving seaport, and into the circular fortress you see today. However, it has never been easy, for there are enemies who crave our success and try to take it from us by force." She ended as an image of a burning house was shown. People fled away from it in terror, and half-materialized black beings struck them down one by one. "Vipers, they are, deserving of death."
"Despite the many attacks that we have faced, good has always triumphed over evil." Libra's decisive voice pierced the haze of bloody images like a ray of light, and John beheld a commander garbed in magenta leading his troops to victory. "Time after time, we have held our own against the horde that craves our demise."
"And now, it is time that we hand this traditional responsibility to you." Virgo's voice was soft, almost motherly, but with a keen edge to it. "We know that it is much to take. Every year, we have heard the same doubts from the children. But do not worry, for you will not just be fighting with what your hands can make. Arcane magic was an integral part of our power, and it always has been."
"If you ever falter in your future duties, just remember this." Leo said kindly, and despite his tension John relaxed. "Those who care about you will always be there to support you, and so will we. We are the guardians of this city, and we will not stand to see it run down."
"The past will always be watching, even from the other side of the Veil." Cancer's voice was rough, but still unyielding. "If you need support, contacting them would be a good choice. Even though us gods are unable to assist on a daily basis, we can still affect the odds in a certain way."
"Stay hopeful. Everyone is special, and everyone has his or her own talents. Do what you can, and find out what you wish to know." Gemini spoke with a slight lisp, but he was still understandable. "The more knowledge you gain, the better you will be able to survive."
"Take care of those around you, even if they are not human. Animals and plants are as much of the earth as you are, and you should be thankful that they die so you may live." Taurus was just the slightest bit halting, but nobody seemed to mind.
"Finally, when the time comes, do not be afraid of death." Aries' voice was definitely hollow, and it sent chills down John's spine. "After all, we were born to die. Now, let us begin. Step up to the stone, and it will tell you your path. In order, please."
The first child, the redhead boy from before, hesitantly approached the stone. As his hands brushed its polished surface it instantly glowed a bright orange, and Taurus proclaimed, "This boy is mine."
Libra claimed the next girl as her touch evoked a teal light from the orb, and the list went on. John observed that each child was chosen based on the colour of the orb's light, and hypothesized that the Soulstone could see through to their personality. However there was an abnormality as Rose stepped forth to the stone. There was a moment's delay before the orb made its decision, but in a different way. A symbol of the sun flashed neon orange in its centre, and stayed there as both Libra and Scorpio exclaimed. There was silence, then a hushed discussion of voices. The children waited in apprehension. However, if Rose was nervous, she did not show it.
At last Pisces spoke. "Ms Lalonde, please wait at the side."
Rose moved wordlessly, and John was now worried. What would happen to her, if she was unable to be sorted? He shuddered at the thought.
Then the next surprise came. Dave was claimed by both Aries and Cancer, and a red symbol reminiscent of a gear now glowed in the centre of the Soulstone. John became increasingly worried, and fidgeted as it became his turn. He ascended the pedestal and gingerly placed his hand onto the orb's cool surface.
Immediately an incomprehensible presence entered his mind. He squirmed with discomfort as the being flitted from one thought to the next, examining his memories. In a flash it withdrew from his mind, but not before whispering an ancient line into his head.
There were once eleven, and then there were twelve. But the forgotten has lay hidden for too long. The Thirteenth is rising.
Then it was all over, and a blue symbol resembling a breeze of air glowed at the centre of the Soulstone. John learned that both Taurus and Sagittarius had a hold over him, and walked apprehensively towards his other friends.
Jade had a black vortex-like symbol as her sign, and was claimed by Virgo and Pisces. She joined the others with a dejected look. However, before anyone could voice their doubts, an ominous rumble tore through the room. The trances of the channelers were instantly broken, and they herded the children back away from the door before assuming a battle stance.
Then suddenly the door burst open and a flustered scout in magenta ran in. "Your Majesty! They are coming." Upon that announcement he collapsed to the floor, a pool of blood issuing forth from a wound under his stained uniform.
A/N: And then all hell broke loose.
