Continuing with the story now. The second Colossus featured in this chapter (one of five Colossi made by someone other than me) is courtesy of my friend, Kopaka96.

I own nothing except Lexus, Azgarot, the Colossi of Spirit and the Ghost of Erageo.

Chapter 10

Celosia's Story/Gumaha, the Pangolin

The Pain of a Mortal/Taurgon, the Centaur

Celosia and Lexus rode from the Forgotten Temple, loping down the hill into the misty lands before them.

"So? What's our cryptic hint this time?" Lexus asked, looking down at her mount.

A cave filled with light, it strides beneath heavy armor, weight betraying its speed.

"Perfect. I love Colossi that are described with heavy armor." the girl grunted, unsheathing the Ancient Sword and pointing it towards the heavens. The ray of light pointed to the right this time, towards the sea. Seeing this, Celosia moved in the direction of the light's rays.

"How in the name of the warrior did you put up with that guy for so long?" the swordswoman demanded of the Colossus beneath her. Celosia shrugged as best as he could while running.

The flow of time passes differently for us, as opposed to human beings. I have lived for thousands of years, as have the others before me. What's strange is that, in a way, the Deceiver could be considered our parent.

Lexus raised an eyebrow, then cried out and gripped Celosia's fur tighter as the boar Colossus jumped over a tree trunk which was in their path. "How might that be?" she asked after regaining her composure.

Before any of us came into being, there was a human soldier known as Mone who came to the Forbidden Land. Although more level-headed, Mone was no better than the boy - he struck a deal with Dormin. But the conditions were...marginally dissimilar.

"The village elders have never spoken of this soldier." Lexus blinked. She was learning far more from Azgarot and Celosia than she ever had from her people.

Perhaps because none remember him for who he was. Even I know little of him; Valus would give the best account of his trials.

The two were silent for a moment, neither saying a word. Lexus looked around as they began moving downhill, towards the shoreline still so far away. She looked back at the mist-enshrouded Forgotten Temple, then blinked; the distance made it difficult to tell, but she thought she saw a figure moving down the hill from the temple.

Mone wished for Dormin's safety. According to Them, the soldier came with news of impending invasion from the human civilization to the north. As he had always been loyal to the Gods, he did not wish for Dormin to go to war against his people. By placing sixteen statues across the land, a large-scale magic spell was established. Dormin would be given the power to repel humans from Their land without harming them.

But the Deceiver had other plans; as the final statue fell into its resting place, Dormin betrayed Mone by revealing Their true intent; using the power granted to Them by Man, they would destroy the world that originally lay beyond Their influence. This would ensure that none would ever again dare to challenge Dormin.

"I see...so what happened?" Lexus asked.

Both Mone and the Deceiver left the battle crippled; although Mone was cursed by Dormin, the Deceiver's physical body was destroyed by the soldier. You now know him as Malus.

Lexus' eyes widened. Celosia slowed, panting; they had travelled farther than when they fought Lupas. The Colossus needed a break. Lexus slid off of his back as Celosia slumped against a rise in the hillside.

Leaning on a rock, Lexus took in this information. How much had her people forgotten, and how much had they neglected to tell her?

20 MINUTES EARLIER...

Watching the pair leave, Azgarot was quiet. The swordsgirl was clearly offended; They wracked Their brain for the cause.

Azgarot could not think of anything They had said which might've triggered this reaction. And besides, did a mortal have any right to act in such a way? They were a god, for the sake of the sword! By Their word, even pondering these events was something that Azgarot would not have considered with the boy. What had changed?

They treated all mortals the same; grudging acceptance when orders were followed, physical discipline towards those who faltered in their loyalty. No praise, for it was expected for mortals to obey Them. No sympathy, for failing to fulfill the order of a god was akin to treason.

And they had all accepted this; the boy, the soldier and those who contacted Them before them. This heretical girl was the only one in Their immortal memory to be angered or displeased at Their actions. Perhaps it was surprise at the reaction that had stayed Their hand, or perhaps it was amusement or curiosity as to what the girl would do next.

Regardless of cause or reason, the boar Colossus was right; this girl was different from any before her.

"I never thought I'd see the day." came a voice from behind Them. Azgarot whirled, dark blade in hand, to see Erageo. An irritating smile was plastered onto his face.

"Thou art not welcome here. Begone, wayward spirit; the afterlife awaits thee." Azgarot commanded, Their voice full of authority. The cobblestones of the temple shook with each word.

A screech reached the pair as a hawk flew into the temple from a window high above their heads, circling overhead. Azgarot blinked. "Loki? What is the cause for this - thou art nothing more than an observer."

The ancient bird flew to Erageo's shoulder, chirping. Its eyes did not match its body, appearing far too old.

I toast to the first meeting we have had in ages, Dormin.

"Dormin, live and in the flesh, reflecting on Their actions." Erageo's ghost chuckled. "The girl has shaken you, clearly."

"She dared to strike Our face. We should have smited her - " the god began uproariously.

" - yet you didn't." Erageo interrupted. "Why is that, Dormin? Perhaps because the girl is right."

"There can be no truth other than Ours. The girl forgets her place as a pawn in this event."

We are all pawns this time, Dormin.

Both boys turned to the hawk perched upon Erageo's shoulder. Loki ruffled his feathers, eyeing Azgarot.

Origin is playing with the girl's mind. There is no possible way that you have not sensed this; if she becomes misguided or corrupted in any way, all is lost.

"We art well aware of the interactions between Our warrior and Origin. But with such a meager mortal form, there is little We can do about such things." Azgarot replied.

"But that's not true." Erageo countered. "You now have a body, and a sword. Why not help Lexus to kill these Colossi?"

"The girl doth have the Ancient Sword; only a weapon forged by the gods may harm Colossi." Azgarot responded.

In response, Loki glanced at the dark blade which lay in Azgarot's hand.

Is that not a blade forged by the gods?

The mortal Colossus blinked, glancing at the weapon in Their hands.

I know that you cannot take the girl's task as your own, Dormin; the strings of fate will not allow it. But perhaps you will better understand her plight if you were to attempt to slay a Colossus.

"Absurd; out of the question." the god barked. "A god should not stoop to doing the tasks of their servants. The girl and the girl alone will do this."

"I would think that the journey would go faster if you and Lexus got along better." Erageo said smugly. Azgarot grunted. "Tell me, have you even called her by name once?"

"No, as there is no need."

"It might do wonders."

We are pleading, Dormin; if the girl becomes hostile towards you, she will forget her mission and Origin will have won.

There was silence in the Forgotten Temple. After the pause, Azgarot nodded.

"...thine logic is without flaw, much as it pains Us to admit it." the boy grimaced. "We shalt slay a Colossus, and prove to thou that We understand the pain of mortals."

"That is all we ask." Erageo smiled. Loki took flight as the boy faded into the mist. The blade vanished as Azgarot raised a hand to Their chin.

"Yet We have not ventured beyond a temple, both body and soul, in centuries." They murmured. "Doth We still have the capability?"

Azgarot slowly made Their way to the front gate of the temple which lay in the valley of mist. Slowly, carefully, They placed a sandal-covered foot onto the grass.

Nothing happened.

"Perhaps the body of a mortal...is not as hindering as We once thought..." Azgarot decided, starting down the hill. They looked out towards the sea, seeing the girl and her damnable steed moving towards the Colossus.

"We shalt show thou why We art to be respected, girl." Azgarot vowed, moving towards the forest.

"Are you okay now?" Lexus asked, placing a hand on Celosia's side. The boar Colossus nodded, heaving himself up.

A short rest was all I required. We may proceed.

Lexus jumped onto his back, jolted back as he suddenly began padding forward. Soon they reached the beachhead.

Here we are. Where do we go next?

Lexus unsheathed her blade, raising it to the little light which permeated the fog that had gathered around them. It pointed to a cave entrance to the West.

"That way!" she declared. Celosia nodded, kicking up sand with his claws as he moved towards the cave. Darkness overtook them as they entered; Celosia slowed, moving carefully around stalagmites and sharp rocks.

"This cave is small and dark, could that Colossus really be in here?" Lexus asked, bending down flat against Celosia's back.

Its unholy stench is everywhere. Do not fear, we are in the right place.

No sooner had the boar Colossus said that than light appeared at the end of the tunnel. Bounding towards it, the two found themselves inside a massive cavern with its ceiling opening to the sky.

"Wow!" Lexus said breathlessly; the cavern was beautiful. Stalactites covered the ceiling and the rocks within sparkled in the sunlight. "But...where is the Colossus?"

As if to answer her, there was a tremor beneath their feet which jarred her. Slowly, a figure came into focus from the opposite side of the cavern. As its body emerged from the darkness, Lexus felt her confidence dwindling.

It was massive, at least twenty times her height. It was like an armadillo had sprouted a long tail, which slashed the air behind the hulking behemoth. The only unarmored part on its entire body was a small patch of fur, barely large enough for her to fit on, on its head.

The cave trembled as it walked, its great weight pressing its feet into the sands. Celosia shifted warily.

This foe seems to be more difficult than those previous. I can see no weak spots.

The great pangolin trilled, looking around sleepily. It laid its eyes on Lexus, and the hue turned from blue to red. It shook itself, then rolled forward. It took Lexus a moment to comprehend the movement; the Colossus had tucked itself into a ball, and was moving towards the pair.

Very rapidly.

"Celosia, move!" Lexus yelled. Celosia roared and pounced forward, narrowly evading the Colossus. It turned faster than should have been possible, wheeling after them.

I can easily outrun it, but as long as it is curled up, its one weak spot is protected.

"Hey, Azgarot, feel like making yourself useful?" Lexus cried.

There was no answer from the god. Lexus raised an eyebrow. "Oi, answer me! I'm going to get flattened at this rate!"

No reponse came. Lexus swore and urged Celosia on, the Colossus directly behind them. "Why is that useless god not answering me?"

It is strange.

Celosia veered to avoid the wall, the pangolin Colossus moving after him. It whined as its armored shell scraped against the rock wall.

Perhaps an impact will jar Gumaha?

Lexus blinked as a voice that was not Dormin's entered her mind. She looked down at Celosia.

I heard it too. But to think that Loki is advising us...Dormin must truly have Their hands full.

"You think something happened?" the warrior girl asked as Celosia ran back through the middle of the cave. Gumaha followed closely, its shadow blocking out the light from above. Sweat began to bead on Lexus' forehead.

I don't know, but we now have our clue. We should thank Loki later.

"And who is Loki anyway?" Lexus asked as Celosia moved towards a cavern wall.

Never mind that, just hold on tightly.

"What do you - " Lexus was cut off as the boar Colossus leapt into the air. He collided with the wall and jumped off; Gumaha was unable to stop in time, and crashed into the wall. With a cry, it unfurled onto its side, panting.

With telepathic shouts of encouragement from Celosia, Lexus stood on the Colossus' back as they neared Gumaha's great body. She jumped onto its head as Celosia veered away, crawling to the fur on its head.

Unsheathing the ancient sword, Lexus stabbed into Gumaha's head and twisted; blood poured from the wound as the Colossus trilled in pain. It writhed, claws scratching at the air.

Then, suddenly, she nearly lost her grip as the pangolin Colossus pulled itself back to its feet. Its giant tail slashed out, catching Celosia in the chest and sending him flying.

ARGH - !

"Celosia!" Lexus cried. Gumaha shook itself again as Celosia hit a wall, crumpling in the sand.

It's - urk - nothing! Kill it before it curls again!

Lexus nodded, hastily stabbing the Colossus' head again. Gumaha howled, was silent for a short time, then fell to its side and shook the entire cavern. Lexus quickly dismounted, running towards Celosia.

"Are you okay - " she cried out, then she felt a heavy impact on her back. Spittle flew from her mouth as she fell to the sand, losing consciousness before impact.

TEN MINUTES EARLIER...

Azgarot vaulted over a boulder, moving into an open field. Moving straight through the forest, They had found this massive clearing. According to their infinite wisdom, a Colossus lurked nearby.

Summoning Their dark blade, Azgarot proceeded cautiously into the field. A slight tremor ran through the ground; if the girl had been in Azgarot's place, she would not have felt it.

Azgarot lifted Their eyes as the beast came into view; it was Taurgon, a massive centaur Colossus. It roared, striking at the dirt with its front-left hoof. The god analyzed the Colossus; rocky skin covered its body. A long tail offered passage towards its fur-covered back.

Truly, a pitiful excuse for a challenge. Azgarot thought. They ran forward, tensing up as Taurgon turned to face Them. "Thine soul shalt be Ours, accursed beast." Azgarot declared.

Taurgon charged, its massive bulk shaking the ground. Azgarot fought to stay standing as the creature approached, then its clawed hand swung down towards the god.

Azgarot crossed Their arms in front of their chest in a defensive stance; the blow made contact and sent the mortal Colossus flying. They hit a tree and grunted.

Ah, so this is the pain inflicted by a Colossus. We knew it would be great, but... Azgarot stood. ...it is nothing We cannot handle.

"Hey Azgarot, feel like making yourself useful?"

Azgarot blinked as the girl's words entered Their eternal mind. Why, at such a crucial moment, would she contact Them?

The god charged, approaching Taurgon. The centaur Colossus roared, rearing onto its hind legs. Azgarot dove to avoid the beast's hooves as they came down, but the impact still sent Them flying.

"Oi, answer me! I'm going to get flattened at this rate!"

"Loki, deal with the girl!" Azgarot shouted, coughing as They stood. Taurgon, thinking that the god had been crushed, began to wander idly around the clearing. The boy sprinted to the base of Taurgon's tail, leaping onto it.

Almost immediately, the Colossus howled its displeasure. It began to run, causing Azgarot to flail wildly. They slowly crawled up to Taurgon's back, unable to gain much ground from the beast's thrashing.

"Be still, unholy beast!" They shouted, stabbing Their dark blade into Taurgon's flesh. The centaur Colossus howled, steadying out as Azgarot began to run across its back. They leaped up, sword-tip down, and planted the blade into the weakspot upon the centaur's back.

It wailed, crashing into the treeline and causing several tree branches to collide with Azgarot. They reeled backwards, almost blown back to Taurgon's tail as the dark blade evaporated.

More of a challenge than We thought, perhaps... the god grudgingly admitted to Themselves, reforming the dark blade in Their hands and moving forward. The Colossus could not hide its weakness from Their eyes; the next vital spot lay upon the man-like portion of its back.

As Azgarot neared the crucial spot, however, Taurgon reached back and grabbed the god.

"Blast!" They shouted as They were thrown from the back of the Colossus, smashing through a line of trees through the force of Taurgon's throw. They were still for a moment upon impact, coughing up blood. If the girl had taken such a hit, surely she would be dead.

"This mortal form is too frail...just like the boy's..." Azgarot decided. They looked up to see Taurgon's hoof descending towards Them; quickly, the mortal Colossus rolled out of the way just before the centaur Colossus flattened the tree.

"By Our word, this brute should not pose such a threat!" They hissed. Turning, They made a throwing motion with their arm. A gale wind lifted Taurgon off of its feet and sent it flying back to the clearing. Azgarot slowly staggered after it.

To think that a simple wind is all We can muster with the remainder of Our powers... the god thought, seeing Taurgon beginning to rise. Struggling to move faster, Azgarot reached the fur upon the Colossus' back just as it stood.

Gripping its fur tightly, Azgarot climbed towards the final vital point on its body. They raised their sword, gathering strength, then drove it deep into Taurgon's back.

The centaur Colossus roared, staggered to the side slightly, then its legs simply gave way and it dropped like a stone. Azgarot's face was smashed into its stony skin before They were flung off of its body by the impact. Rolling away into the grass, They were still for a moment.

Truly...Colossi...

After a moment, They slowly rose. "Perhaps...ugh...We underestimated the girl..." They murmured, slowly staggering back towards the Forgotten Temple.

And there's the next chapter. More character development next chapter, followed by a duel with another of my friends' Colossi. I hope you enjoyed the length of this one.