Chapter VII
Greetings all! Sorry for the wait, had a lot on my plate the past week.
But, this should be an interesting one to read as we finally complete the prophecy and gain a loyal friend, later returning home in the next chapter. I can also start working on a set pairing and introduce new ideas into the story, maybe travel to Ancient Greece and also incorporate AC: Odyssey or some cool characters of the past.
Drop me your own ideas in the reviews, PM's or on discord. Either way I'll see them and reply :)
As always, Enjoy!
-LostHouse
Previously...
''Aren't you a feisty one...'' Mused the whisper before it continued onwards with a darker tone, ''It's time for me to show you what the last descendant of Xipe Totec is capable of...''
Harnessing his rapid heartbeat and his loose breaths, the man stayed silent and lowered his stance, waiting for the beast to make the first move.
And he didn't have to wait long, as he revealed himself in full glory.
Now...
Narrator POV
With the shadows beginning a meandering dance in the form of a pure black vortex, Perseus leered over the rim of his shield as the Warden appeared meters a front of him, his menacing claws glowing with a bloody glint as his eyes tightening with hardened resolve which was pointed at the armor-clad man before him.
''You are one ugly bastard.'' Jeered out a calm Perseus upon catching sight of the untamed beast full figure.
''QUIET, HALF-BLOOD!''
''Make me, you fucker.''
No more words in need of being shared, the Camazotz was forced to fold its bat like wings and dash through the narrow, dark passage at the man who simply stood stock still behind his shield and awaited his chance to fire a counterattack.
The pair finally colliding with a powerful tremor that shook the whole tunnel, Perseus dodged his potent claws with swift precision, drawing first blood as riptide glanced against its hairy thighs and embedded itself in the wall. Catching the opportunity, the Warden viciously kicked Perseus through the wall of the tunnel with a crunchy slam, forcing Riptide to be left behind in the stone before the Warden snaked after the dazed demigod.
After flying through the wall, Perseus was dusted onto the jagged floor of a wide cavern with a choke, the Camazotz catching up and leaping into the air and brandished its claws far above its head, aiming to end the fight with a single blow to the throat.
Rolling out of the air-borne trajectory of the beast, Perseus discarded his shield and threw a right hook at the jaw of the Warden, throwing him off balance and quickly following up with a left elbow as the beast sprawled away a few meters deeper into the cavern they were current secluded within.
Spitting out a glob of blood, he let the beast stand back onto his feet and taunted him with a sneering voice.
''Is that all you got? Or are you willing to eat the dirt off the floor like the lowly bitch you are?''
With the Warden rolling back onto his feet continued to snarl, ''YOU! You will not leave alive!''
Thrusting his ragged bat wings and flying at the unprepared man at neck breaking speeds, the Warden managed to dig its claws into Perseus's chest plate and shoulder, using him like a battering ram and sending him through wall after wall as the whole underground dungeon system began to shudder and grumble, rapidly collapsing in on itself whilst the pair lay waste to everything possible.
Before the majority of Perseus's ribs were shattered by the constant battering against the dungeon walls, he managed to jam a finger into the eyes of the creature, digging it as deep as he could before harshly pulling it back and forcing the Warden to release him as he reeled in pain, the destroyed eyeball now hanging by a string of flesh as it dangled onto his hairy chest.
Coughing out blood as his lungs filled with blood, Perseus slammed his dislocated shoulder against the cobbles, forcefully resetting it before rolling to his feet and calling forth his earthshaking abilities in hopes of ending the battle as soon as possible.
With a roar of defiance jetting from the raw throat of the Son of Poseidon, he released a destructive wave of energy as the dungeon began shaking to the core, causing the Warden to flail his arms in hopes of staying upright as his loose eye fell to the floor with a splat.
Catching the flailing beast off guard, the armor-clad man charged at him amidst the showering rocks and boulders, simultaneously summoning his re-appeared sword and inserting it deep into the chest of the beast before pulling it back out and slashing off its wings with the flick of a wrist, showered in a continuous stream of salty black blood.
Going in for the finishing blow, Perseus was forced to drop his sword and barge into the Warden as the floor below their feet caved in and they were both sent into a wormhole in a tangle of limbs, clawing at each other's faces and ripping off flesh, strangling each other as they began approaching the end of their sudden drop. Landing in a mix of blood, flesh and bone, the pair vanished in a plume of dust as rocks slammed into them from all angles, neither of them willingly letting go of their death grips as they were squashed under masses of stone, hoping to inflict as much pain as possible before their impending deaths.
''HAHAHAHA! FOo-''
The Wardens hysterics were cut short as his face was dented inwards with a spray of brains and skull, a singular stone flattening him into the ground with Perseus's hands being squashed with the rest of his compressed upper body.
Tick...
Seemingly, the time slowed to a crawl as Percy twisted his head to stare at his failing surroundings as he awaited his impending death, eyeing the dozens of stones and slabs that was falling straight towards his already deformed body.
Tock...
Giving a silent chuckle as his eyes blurred with an unknown substance, be it because it was from the burning pain echoing throughout his body or his daunting thoughts of death, he closed his eyes and gave a sad smile.
So... this is how it ends, eh?
Artemis's escape from the Dungeon
Artemis POV
Just a bit further!
Running through the same passage Percy and I entered through, I kept up my fast pace as the ground beneath me started to shake at irregular intervals, forcing me to tighten my hold on the unconscious Primordial on my shoulders as cracks began appearing all around me, showing hints of giving away.
After what felt like years of sprinting through black blood and rotting bodies of the previously slain Hybrids, I caught sight of the cast open doors that lead to the entrance of the Emerald Cove, just as the most powerful tremor threw me shoulder first into the wall, causing Nyx to slip out of my grip and sprawl into a puddle of long deceased creatures.
Shaking my head and collecting my bearings, I was once more thrown about the tunnel, but this time the whole dungeon groaned in pain as the roof caved in just meters from the pair of us, making me pale at the sound of a reverberating crack in the ceiling directly above me. Pulling myself out of my shock as I retrieved the discarded body of Nyx from the pool of blood, I hopelessly dragged to her to the safety of the outside world.
Please! Just a bit further!
With explosion ringing out from all directions just as we exited the tunnel and it fully collapsed in on itself, it looked like the earth was swallowing up the undergrounds system of tunnels and caves in in order to remove all traces and secrets of it ever existing in the first place. Now within the safer confines of the Emerald Cove, I remembered how the opening of the millennia old dungeon forced the roof of the cave to collapse, creating the last barrier that stood between me and the Arizonian plains.
Feeling Nyx stir from her slumber in my arms, she cracked open a lone eye and tensed, but before I could even voice what she was doing a void black ball of charged energy dispersed from her open palm and blasted the opposing boulders that blocked our passage, discarding them in all directions with a hefty explosion of darkness as I protected her from the whiplash of rocks.
Retreating to her slumber, Nyx's raised arm dropped loosely to her side and I once more began carrying her to the bright rays of the sun which broke into the cave, promising a haven from the fears and evil that we left behind us.
Wait, PERCY!
Dropping to the floor in exhaustion as my legs gave out, I was attacked with the foolish hope of waiting for Percy's tall figure to immerge from the upraised dust that created a thick veil, blocking the sight of the hole we emerged from as lose tears cascading down my face. My sense of reason telling me that no one could survive such tremors and destruction of the dungeon. Not when you were still locked deeply within.
''ARTEMIS!''
Whipping my head to the goddess of the hearth who appeared from a fire portal just In front of us, she recoiled at my tears and the unconscious Primordial which lay in my numbed arms.
''Artemis...where's Percy?'' She asked gently, scouting the lifeless plains which surrounded and stretched far around us and showing no signs of a green-eyed man.
''He left down a separate path to fight the Warden, whilst commanding me to escape with Nyx...I don't think he made it out Hestia...''
''Nonsense! Hes alive, we just have to wait a bit longer!''
Shaking my head at the hopeful goddess as tears dried on my face, I sadly watched upon Hestia as she waited for her champion to immerge from the veil of dust which was now beginning to settle. With every long minute that trickled by Hestia grew quieter and quieter, falling silent as she finally let out a resounding sob as her mind finally lost all slithers of hope as the inevitable truth set in.
Turning away from the woman which sobbed at the death of the man she could proudly call a son, a man whom she hadn't seen for months yet still loved dearly with every grain of her being, I closed my eyes and let her grieve as the tears of a broken mother stabbed at my heart with every painful cry that left her lips.
-THE AWAKENING OF THE PRIMORDIAL-
Narrators POV
With the news of the dungeon and the freed Primordial being kept a hushed secret, with only Apollo having faint clues as he was left to heal and monitor the unconscious Nyx who lay on a white hospital bed within his palace, both twins sat on a spare bed within the sun gods temple on Olympus.
''Artemis?''
''Yes, Apollo?''
''When will you explain all...this?'' He gestured at the Primordial and raised a single eyebrow, watching the dull movements of his twin.
''The council shall be informed when she awakens.''
Simply nodding his head, he was about to prod her for more information but she left him no choice but to keep his thoughts to himself as she disappeared in a flash of light to who knows where.
I wonder where Percy is. Haven't seen him in months.
Resting his gaze on the slowly rise and fall of Nyx's chest, he was honestly afraid of getting close to her, not knowing how the Primordial will behave when she awakens from her short coma. His answer coming sooner rather than later as jumped at the confused beeps from his many monitors, he quietly watched the goddess before him open her eyes and scan the room with a confused face, her frantic eyes finding the gradually paling face of Apollo and sizing him up.
''Good morning...?''
Cocking her head to the side, she ignored the statement/question from the sun god and left in a sudden portal of black and purple, leaving Apollo on his own as he sat with a stupid look in his face. Before he could even decide his next actions, the sudden thundering of Zeus lightning bolt signified the call for the council of the major gods to assemble.
Shaking his head to clear any unnecessary thoughts, he flashed to his rightful throne in the Olympian throne room.
Olympian Throne Room
Zeus POV
Sitting upon my throne on Olympus I watched the dim hearth with a lazy eye, waiting for Artemis to show up and talk about something she said was of great importance.
Hmmm, I wonder what she wants to disclose.
''Father.'' Spoke Artemis as I jumped in my throne, surprised by her sudden appearance.
''Artemis! Please don't scare me like that ever again!''
''Sorry, dad. Can you please summon the council? I would like to tell my story with everyone's presence.''
''Of course. Take a seat daughter.''
With a gentle nod of her head, I quickly pointed my master bolt at the ceiling and let out a glittering bolt, calling forth the gods and goddesses for a meeting.
As the thrones began filling in one by one, everyone waited patiently for me to start explaining the reason for the sudden assembly, but I was forced to pause in my thoughts as a pure black vortex appeared in the center of the throne room and a woman clad in a black dress stepped out with a curious expression.
Reaching for my master bolt, my hand was instantly stopped by Hestia's as she gave me a tired shake of the head, the bags under her eyes dominating her usually pristine features.
''Greetings godlings, I come in peace.'' She stated before mayhem could erupt.
''My name is Nyx, and I came to thank a certain goddess and inform you of a Pantheon that has been writhing in the shadows for many years.''
With Athena being the first to identify the woman correctly, she stood up and gave a deep bow whilst saying, ''Lady Nyx, It's an Honor to be gifted by the presence of a Primordial.''
The look of understanding masking the faces of all present, I followed suit of Athena and gave a bow to the lady before taking seat upon my throne once more, giving a pointed look towards Artemis to take control of the current encounter.
''Lady Nyx'' Began Artemis. ''Shall I tell of the recent events and then you can inform about the Pantheon?'' She questioned as she stood by the Primordial and sat upon two simple chairs which were instantly summoned by a somber goddess of the hearth.
''Yes, Artemis. I will add details from my perspective as you tell the tale.''
And so we listened to the recaps from the two women, the council being later dismissed as Poseidon got riddled into tears by the news about his son and the weak embers within the hearth becoming nothing more than ash.
LINEBREAK
Percy POV
Is this what being dead feels like?
Opening my eyes I was predicting my meeting with the three judges of the underworld, but was greatly surprised by appearing in front of a single throne inside of a temple which had no walls or ceiling, the temple itself standing in a middle of a rainforest which was filled with lively noises from its inhabitants.
Yet, the throne itself was empty.
''What? Why am I here?'' I called out to no one in particular, entranced by the scenery surrounding me whilst patting my body to find it fully healed, my weapons and armor still present without a single dent or scratch.
''Because I willed it so, warrior.''
Wiping my head to find a 7-foot-tall man who was walking up the many steps that lead from the floors of the rainforest below to our current standing, I instantly knew that he was a powerful entity. Simply by the way he carried himself.
''Who are you? Why am I not dead?''
''I am the second last remaining god of the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl.'' He spoke, walking past me and sitting onto his throne with a great sigh. '' You are not dead because I have something to ask of you.''
Motioning for me to walk closer, I hesitantly did so.
''What on earth, or wherever the fuck we are, would a god from the Aztec Pantheon want from me?''
''I want you to kill my brother.'' He replied with a quiet yet forceful voice.
Taken back by the bluntness of the god, I raised an eyebrow and questioned the being further.
''Why won't you do it yourself?''
''Would you be able to kill your own brother, warrior? No matter how much wrong they've done?''
Thinking over his words, I replied ''I guess not. But why do you want me to kill him?''
Loosely massaging his hand, he longingly observed the rainforest before laying his thinking gaze onto me.
''He was the man who imprisoned the Primordial goddess of your Pantheon and has killed many mortals and countless godly beings for his own entertainment. He is the sole reason why I cannot fade and return to my long-lost family because his meddling with the mortal realm keeps the string of life wrapped around my neck. With every day that passes I grow weaker whilst he still grows more powerful with every soul that he takes, meaning that he will soon turn against me and take control of my domains. Reducing me to nothing more but a slave to his shameless plans.''
With rage building up within me at the news that the god who was the cause of Nyx's long punishment was still alive, I was about to berate the god before me for standing idle for all this time but was caught off guard by the glittering appearance of a certain golden orb, further interrupted by the seated being before I could shower my curses at the 8-ball.
''Will you do it, Perseus? Or will you follow my mistakes and let the devil run wild, taking more innocent lives with every minute that passes?''
Reining in my anger, I cleared my mind and thought carefully over the proposed question.
Of course I don't want innocent lives to be taken...but why is it always me?
With an elongated sigh, I met the eyes of the being that was skeptically assessing me as I thought of an answer.
''I will do it, Quetzacot, bu-'' I began, but was duly interrupted by the god.
''Quetzalcoatl''
''Yes, Quetz. As I was saying, I will kill this devil brother of yours, but how do you expect me to kill a being whom I know nothing about, or even win by fighting him in his own domain?''
Frowning at my inaccurate pronunciation of his name, he waved his hand over to the idle golden orb as he replied, ''Ambrosios shall guide and assist you on your journey. Seeing that you have agreed, you two shall head out straight away. There is no time to waste with idle chatter warrior, as the path towards his temple is long enough as it is.''
With Quetz vanishing into thin air, I was left to stare at the 8-ball which seemingly vibrated to life.
''Hello Perseus, long time no see! Well, it doesn't matter, because now we can converse to our hearts content!''
''Shut up, 8-ball. Just lead the way and don't sprout off any unnecessary bullshit about 'I am you and you are me', and then maybe I won't take out your AA batteries.''
''Haha, yes sir! Onwards we go, Perseus!''
''At least call me Percy!''
''Yes Perseus! Our voyage shall be enticing!''
Throwing slurs after the whizzing orb that flew down the stairs that lead to the awaiting rainforest below, everything clicked in my mind as I remembered the prophecy Apollo told me some months ago in his temple, and more specifically, the last line.
Past the gate within the devils' hands.
Time skip
2 years later
''I'm pretty sure you told me that story a thousand times Ambro''
''Yet you've listened patiently every time Percy.''
Giving a light laugh at the glittering orb that has become my only friend in the endless Aztec realm, we kept up our path to the palace of Quetzalcoatl's brother, Huitzilopochtli.
Falling into one of our many comfortable silences, we trekked onwards as the never-ending rainforest surrounded our every step, miniscule rays of light slipping through the branches and leaves of the colossal canopy of the trees which inhabited a ranging variety of beasts and bugs.
How long have we been travelling? I sighed inwardly as my life at Camp Half-Blood seemed like a lucid dream, my patron and father but a distant memory.
''Say, Ambrosios, how long have I been in your realm?'' I inquired the orb as he glittered onto my shoulder, his eerily human voice replied in kind.
''Time between the realms flows like water, Percy. It could be 10 years or even 10 minutes, there is no way for me to tell.''
''But how much farther shall we travel before we reach our goal?''
''Not too far from here actually. We shall be met by a magical gate which runs from the same powers as of your mist. You will understand what I mean by that when we pass through it.''
''Understood.'' I voiced out; my ears filled with the crunching of bugs that were scattering below my feet.
Continuing onwards, we walked as mindless chatter was shared between us, Ambrosios telling me about the vast amounts of topics and facts that he held under his belt as we searched for ways to spend the huge amount of spare time we constantly found on our hands. That was until Ambrosios asked a very specific question.
''Perseus?''
''Yes, Ambro?''
''What will you do when you return to your home?''
Taking a few steps before I thought up an answer, I uncertainly replied to the quizzing orb that hovered in the air by my head. ''You know, I'm not sure. For however long I've been travelling with you through this realm, I can't simply reappear and say 'Hey everyone! I'm back!'. Maybe I won't make my presence known at all and simply travel the lands.''
''But what about your father and patron? Don't you long for the day you return to them?''
''They would have moved on. Like everyone must in this life.''
After a few quiet minutes as Ambrosios processed my words and thought of a suitable reply, I felt raw magic course through my senses as I felt us approaching something ancient.
''Spoken like a true warrior, Percy. But I must say I don't agree with your words, however, it is you who shall decide what is right when the time comes.''
''That's if the time comes, Ambrosios.''
Now catching sight of the structure that was the sole cause of my being being flooded with more than ancient powers, we were met with magical gates larger than St. Helens itself as the strange gates seemingly sprouted from the depths of the horizon.
Feeling Ambrosios release a deep hum, I felt a rush of excitement accompanied with bursts of energy as we finally reached the end goal of our long-term journey.
''We are here.'' Vibrated Ambrosios, confirming my silent thoughts.
''The gates of the Turquoise Prince. Once we pass through the barriers, prepare yourself for an unholy sight as the devil himself scratches for your neck.''
''Thanks for the motivational words, Ambro.'' I sarcastically replied as we increased our pace to the gates, anticipation coursing through my veins.
''Devil or not, he will be no more.''
With another short hum from the golden orb, I hardened my gaze on my target as my hands itched for a fight and a final thought reverberated throughout my mind.
Here I come.
LINEBREAK
Montauk Beach
Narrator POV
With the wind blowing shuddered breaths of despair upon the dimly lit beach, there was not a soul in sight except for the lone woman which grieved the death of her only champion, openly letting tears snake down her face as she silently sobbed and the ocean reflected her sober mood as Poseidon was still lost in his own depression. Gently laying a bundle of Gentian flowers by the gravestone which symbolized the passing of the green-eyed hero, she was greatly surprised by the appearance of a certain silver eyed goddess which flashed in behind her.
''Forgive me Aunt, I meant not to scare you.''
''Don-don't worry Artemis.'' Spoke Hestia between stifled sobs.
Unable to watch her aunt grieve alone, she brought her into a comfortable hug as the woman couldn't hold it in any longer and broke down with her arms.
''I didn't ev-even say goodbye! What kind of Patron am I...?''
''But remember what Hades said.'' Croaked out Artemis as her voice cracked. ''He said that his soul wasn't in the underworld, so maybe he survived?''
Letting go of the woman that seemingly calmed down at her words, Artemis bent down into a crouch and carefully placed a bouquet of Moonlace flowers next to the vivid blue Gentians that were already present.
''Hope...Is there really any hope left, Artemis? Its been two years, surely he would've made himself known if he had survived or returned?''
''I don't know. Maybe something happened which caused him to temporarily leave, or maybe...''
Maybe he's really dead.
Keeping her thoughts to herself, the pair then fell into an uncomfortable silence as they became lost in their thoughts at the mystery of Perseus.
''Did the golden orb visit you anymore by any chance, niece?''
''No, not since its appearance in your temple all those years ago. I have also kept a dutiful eye out for any more of those hybrids and any possible leads to them, but it's as though they seemingly vanished into thin air. Like they never existed in the first place.''
''What of any rumor's from the nymphs or dryads?''
''Nothing, not even a single trace.'' Confirmed the silver eyed goddess.
As Hestia wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, she gave a slight bow to Artemis and disappeared with a flash of light, unable to spend any more time in the somber atmosphere, giving the chance for the goddess to grieve alone.
Standing tall as her thoughts fought a war within her mind, the silver eyed goddess let her own tears fall without shame as she was confused by everything that had happened on that day.
So, this is the feeling of losing a friend.
Sure, she has lost many people in her immortal life but they were all mostly hunters, girls whom she could comfortably call her younger sisters and daughters, but she has never lost a friend. A male friend. The only one foolish enough to risk his life for even a stranger and those who wronged him in the past.
''Please, Percy.''
''If your still out there somewhere, please...come back.''
Hearing no reply other than gusts of wind that displaced the sand below her feet, she shook her head once more and flashed away to her hunters camp.
Meanwhile
Percy POV
''How do we open the gates?'' I quizzed Ambrosios as I tried pulling them open with a few tugs, the gate not even budging a single inch.
''If my memory serves me well, then the gates of the Turquoise Prince will only open to those who challenge him. Oh yes, only a single challenger may enter at a given time.''
''A single challenger? Looks like someone isn't confident.'' I grumbled out, processing his words. ''So, do I have to say any special words or...?'' I confirmed with the hovering orb who seemed to be evaluating the magic that surrounded the gates like a thick curtain.
''Yes. You have to state your name and title, and specifically call out Huitzilopochtli for a duel.''
''And you wont be able to enter until the duel is over?''
''Well, I will try my hardest to break through, but I can make no promises.''
Nodding my head as I looked past the crude bars of the gate that seemed to stretch out for miles on end, I saw a vast field which was accompanied by a lonely temple which stood in its epicenter. The temple itself was very similar to that of Quetzalcoatl, taking the form of a pyramid which had black steps on every face, leading up to its flattened peak. The peak itself being roughly 30m x 30m, and housing some sort of shrine in the center, the distance far to great to make out any concrete details.
''Don't forget about what I mentioned earlier, Percy. As soon as you pass though the gates the scenery before you will change, so don't think about assessing the temple in front of you.''
With a sigh and nod of understanding at the words of the hovering orb, I took a deep breath and formed the words I will speak out loud in my mind.
''My name is Perseus Achilles Jackson, Hero of Olympus! I come to challenge Huitzilopochtli to a duel!''
Unknowingly holding in my breath as i prayed my pronunciation was correct, I grew more and more confused by the second as nothing happened after I stated myself to that gates.
''Uh, did I do something wrong?''
''Niseli mo tenotsa, teyaochiuani. Niuil ka chiaka...'' Came a deep voice, holding an unnatural amount of power as its threw powerful gusts of wind in my face, forcing me to turn away and cover my head until it stopped.
''The fuck did he say?''
''Translations of the old tongue are complicated even for me, yet I have a faint guess.''
Nodding my head for the orb to continue, I started stretching my muscles before the gates soundlessly swung open, stopping when the crack was just enough for me to shimmy through in my stained armor.
''It said, 'I accept your call greekling, I will be waiting'. However, I must remin-''
''Sure Ambro, I'll catch you later!''
Ducking through the crack in the gate, past the magical barrier which Ambrosios mentioned previously, the scenery before me changed with a snap of the fingers. The lone temple which sat in the middle of the vast field seemingly shimmered out of my vision as the sky turned a vivid blood-red, the colossal gates and the hovering golden orb which were just behind me only seconds ago simply vanishing into thin air as if they were never there in the first place.
Further observing the land before me I quickly noticed a little run down shack, which was peppered with holes and was standing in the same place were the grand temple was just before I crossed the magical barrier. Shrugging my shoulders I made way to the said shack, seeing that there were no other buildings or signs which held any significance as to where I was supposed to be headed.
Looking up at the blood red sky, I was surprised to see black birds the sizes of cars stream through the air, screeching in a hideous high pitched scream which forced me to cringe. Not even caring about the sun which was so dark that it seemed to be sucking in everything in its path and pulsating like a heart whilst emitting a soft purple glow, I kept up my pace and summoned riptide into my hands. Definitely NOT willing to be caught off guard in this strange place.
Riptide swinging gently with my every step, I tried and failed to think up a suitable battle plan for when I come across Huitzilopochtli.
There are too many unknowns.
Learning as much as possible about the Aztec Pantheon and their myths from Ambrosios during our travels to these gates, I was sure of only a few things about the said god. He is the Aztec god of the Sun, War and Sacrifice. Patron god of the city of Tenochtitlan where they built The Great Temple in his honor, which was most likely the temple I witnessed before I passed through the gates.
Now a few meters away from the shack, I was still stuck within my thoughts before I paused in my path and surveyed the surrounding area, reaching a slow hand onto the worn wooden door and slowly pushing it inwards as I raised riptide in anticipation of an attack. As the door creaked open and nothing happened for a few seconds, I poked my head inside and scanned every corner of the shack, frowning when I saw a single table, two simple chairs and a few littered candles which lit up the stained room.
''Anyone home?'' I called out into the room, now sliding through the door and walking up to the table.
''Why have you come, greekling?'' Came a thick voice from my left.
Whipping my head and instantly flashing riptide at the sound, I was forced to catch myself when seeing a frail old man who was unarmed and gently rocking back and forth on a heavily worn rocking chair.
''Are you Huitzilopochtli?'' I spat out, steeling my nerves and readying my mind and body to behead the old man if needed.
''Sit, greekling. I would like to talk.''
''Well I don't! Take your true form Totec!''
''This IS my true form. Do you think I'm deceiving you?'' Spoke the old man as he stopped his continuous rocking, pointing at his body to accentuate his question.
But I didn't buy it.
The glint in his eye spoke volumes, the tapping of his pointed nails singing a tune of death as the edges of his lips kept elongating into a barely suppressed smirk.
This was a test.
Kicking down the door which lead to the outside plains of the small shack, I casually walked out and stopped myself after a few meters and took my battle stance as I called out the challenge.
''Come out and fight, so I can dismember you like you have your sister! Or do you prefer to rot like a bitch in your shack!?''
Upon the words leaving my mouth, everything stopped. The car sized vultures turned towards me and scrutinized me, before flying in the opposite direction from the shack. Taking in a deep breath as I prepared to call out another challenge, I was interrupted as the deceiving god within the shack gave out a scratching laugh.
''So its true! My brother wills for my death...hahaHA!'' Guttered out the hysterical being before continuing on with a more serious tone as all movements within the shack ceased and I was caught in a silence.
''I hope you don't mind my looks...''
Staying stock still just meters away from the shacks entrance, I tensed my jaw as black nails clenched the door frame and the morphed face of Huitzilopochtli peered out, his bald head withered with peeling pieces of flesh which dropped into his crazed eyes, which in turn ran frantic marathons at my body as a purple forked tongue slithered across his crusty vile smirk.
''Is something wrong, greekling?'' He whispered out, stumbling through the door before closing his eyes and dropping down onto all fours.
Utterly confused by the scene before me, I started taking quick steps backwards as the man who was currently on his fours jerked up his head and growled, simultaneously scrambling and slamming his jaws with echoing force as he bit at my feet.
What the fuck is this!
Jabbing riptide at the vile creature below me, I managed to dig my swords through his skull and out of his nape, the creature bursting into a shadow of black smoke whilst the blood red sky seemingly sucked up the dissipating dust, leaving me to calm my heavy breathes and raise my head.
''This? This was the daemon whom I was to kill?'' I spoke out calmly to no-one, searching for an answer as my environment stayed silent.
Shaking my head, I was about to re-enter the shack when the same strong gust pulled out from no-where, dragging me from left to right as I tried to stay upright on my feet.
''ENOUGH GAMES!''
Cranking my head to the source of the voice which sent tremors throughout the lands, I witnessed my real opponent rise slowly from out of the ground. At first, there were humongous green claws which had deep traces of scars littering its exposed hands as he scratched away at the earth from far below, before the whole 40 foot figure of the real Huitzilopochtli scrambled out from within the depths with a gruesome look etched into his animalistic features as he brandished his weapon, the Xiuh Coatl (Turquoise Snake).
''Its not nice to be late to a party, you know?'' I jittered out, looking out for any weaknesses on his overly muscled body as he flexed and shook with resentment.
''XIMIKI!'' He blared out a thundering roar without warning and bounded straight towards me with his weapon raised, cutting disturbed figures in the disturbed air.
In a seconds notice, I dodged his hasty hammer blow and ticked into my own powers in hopes of evening out my heavily stacked disadvantages as I replied with a roar of my own, feeling the growing tug in my gut as I summoned the largest fireball I could muster and sent it flying straight into his sword hand, grinning slyly as he recoiled in pain and dropped his weapon whilst clutching his burnt hand to his chest as the flesh sizzled and bubbled as it oozing liquid down his wrist and forearm.
Following up on my advantage whilst the daemon was still somewhat dazed, I charged at his feet and began slashing away at his unprotected flesh as rivers of black blood coated me from head to toe, inflicting as much damage as possible before he slammed me into the hard ground with a brutal kick, leaving me sprawled out in a mess as I coughed out blood and felt pieces of my armor imbed itself into my chest.
Picking my sprawled figure up by the feet, the daemon began swirling me around in wide circles before suddenly letting go, hissing with glee as my body flew the length of a football field and shattered against the ground, digging a long trench upon contact as my world spun and flashed with colors of red and brown, leaving me to heave in large breaths of air as I lay in a mess while the god shamelessly taunted my senseless being.
''You are no match for me! Your kind was made to be slaves, slaves who serve ME! THE GREAT XIUHPILI!''
Pulling myself out of the trench, I forced the dancing spots to receded from my vision as stood tall once more and let all sense of reason to drain out of my mind as I threw riptide aside.
'Ne-never...''
Flicking out my wrists I summoned chains made of Greek fire, which spat out flames in all directions as I let adrenaline numb my body from the stabbing pain in my chest, heading straight for the daemon which swiftly wiped the leering smirk off its face and raised his fists at my incoming figure and took a low stance as he jested my onwards.
Coiling my whips around my wrists I started snapping them back and forth, giving a crazed grin as they slashed cleanly through the earth and left blazing trails in their wake as the air surrounding me hummed with raw power. Locking my hardened stare onto the being opposing me, I let out a humorless laugh as trickles of fear became visible in his eyes.
''Oh, please, don't be scared...'' I spoke loudly, steadily increase my walk into a jog.
''You will die beautifully, along with your Pantheon.''
Springing out into a full sprint the daemon bounded out to meet my charge head on, raising his fist for another devastating blow as we collided together with a shockwave that lashed out in all directions upon our bodies impact.
Dodging his incoming fist by twisting my body mid-air, I felt the gust of wind rush past me as it harmlessly flew by my head, simultaneously cracking the chain around his veiny neck and using my body's momentum to tighten the whips hold and cut off his horrid scream of pain as he tried and failed to tear the chain off with his claws, only resulting in his hands being covered with Greek fire. Swinging onto his shoulder, I summoned a spear of ice and thrusted it all the way into his ear, watching as pieces of brain dripped down the shaft before he managed to swat me away with his flailing palm, causing my arm which still held the whip to snap and bend at an unnatural angle.
Soaring towards the ground, I managed to dig my good arm right through his flesh and into his spine, firing off bursts of flames inside his lower back before it released a horrid crack and he lost balance, falling onto the ground with a hoarse scream of pain whilst squashing me into a pulp as he writhed in agony. Feeling the last bones within me snap as I was squashed below the ginormous body of the daemon I began suffocating as my armor exploded and cut through my chest and thighs, penetrating my lungs and internal organs as I began drowning from the inside in my own blood.
Having no wish in dying such a way I used the last spurs of my quickly diminishing energy, coating my trampled body with a fiery inferno as I burned through his flesh, clawing my way into his insides as I cried through the screaming pain in my broken arm whilst scrambling through his organs and choking on the daemons blood as I ran out of oxygen. Feeling my vision darken and the unnatural writhing of the daemon submitting to nothing more but random shudders, I managed to crawl past his ribcage and scratch right into and past his still heart. Emerging through his chest caked in blood and guts I proceeded to roll off his dead body, landing with a resounding splat onto the disrupted grass below.
With my adrenaline rush quickly fading away, I lost control of my body and began to vigorously spasm, bleeding out onto the grass and dimly hearing the rapidly approaching shouts which were emitting from a certain golden orb.
But the darkness got me first.
One Month after the fight.
Narrator POV
After Huitzilopochtli's life force faded away with his passing, the magical barriers of the gates broke down and Ambrosios sped to the mangled body of his long term companion.
A quick prayer to his master led to both Perseus and the golden orb to be teleported to the temple of Quetzalcoatl, where he used most of his remaining strength to heal the warriors fatal injuries, managing to bring back from the brink of death twice before his condition stabilized.
Since that day, the life force of Quetzalcoatl began to slowly fade, the death of his brother forcing the influence of the Aztec Pantheon with the mortal realm became no more.
''Ambrosios *cough* my time grows short...''
''I understand master. It has been an honor to serve you the past millennia's, and one day, we shall be reunited in the realm of the lost.''
''Yes, old friend. How is the warriors condition as of now?''
Hovering to the resting body of Perseus, the orb assessed his figure before floating back to his slowly fading master.
''He will awaken soon, master. Hopefully before your...passing.'' Spoke the orb with a sad tone, depressed by the soon passing of his oldest friend and lord.
''Stay with him, Ambrosios. He's yet to understood the true harshness of this world, and the true meaning of its beauty. Guide him old friend, show him *cough* show him the means of loving once more.''
''Yes, master. I promise to stay with Perseus.''
The hazed features of the fading entity finally relaxing as he felt his last minutes approach, he welcomed death with a small smile as thoughts of meeting his fellow gods sprung to his mind, his doings finished and last goals achieved as he lay in the company of the golden orb.
With the last grains of strength slipping through his grasp, the being spoke his last words.
''Farewell, Ambrosios...''
And so he faded, the smile never leaving his lips as the golden orb lost his bright glow and instead dimmed to a murky grey, humming his last prayers as his master vanished with a spray of green mist.
''Timoittaseh, tekutli.''
Goodbye, lord.
xXx
Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night,
Of the chasing shadows there will be no sign,
His soul left to wander the blackened lands,
Past the gate within the devils' hands.