The group was led to the temple of Nekromanteion of Acherontas, with guns pointing at them. The Boiling Isles kids, who if it wasn't for circumstances would be amazed at the intricate architecture of the temple, were trembling with fear. They were wondering what will Belos do to them once he finds the Blood of the Gods. Indy and Jack stood very close to the terrified children, making sure nothing bad would happen to them.
The weather was stormy as if the gods had been angry at the group for disturbing something so sacred. Indy and Jack notice this, as they were approaching the shrine. Indy finally understood the stakes that were going on, as the winds started to pick up.
As they were getting near the Pomegranate shrine of Persephone, Indy noticed that Belos kept on coughing harshly and slowing down. It's as if Hunter is fighting back against Belos' control over him. Indy felt bad for the kid, as he knew it would be a hard fight to win back against control.
"We need to find a way to weaken that bastard's control on the kid," Indy whispered to Shannon, "Any ideas?"
"None that won't hurt the kid," Shannon said.
"We need to make sure Belos won't enter the portal, that will be the best chance of at least stunning him until we will find a more suitable option," Luz said.
"And what about the Nazi and Phoenix?" Shannon asked.
"Leave that to me," Gus said.
As the group stopped, Belos ordered Indy to come forward. "Looking through your work, Dr. Jones, you have stated that the blood of the gods was located under this specific tree. Interesting how you connected a simple myth with truth," Belos said. He then extended his arms and pushed them to the ground. There he started feeling a bottle of liquid of some kind. After a minute or so, the possessed child found what it was looking for as it presented a vial of a goldish liquid sloshing in the bottle.
"The Blood of the Gods, Dr. Jones. Men believed this was a tool to travel between different realms," Phoenix said.
"Who dares disturb the shrine of my beloved wife," a booming voice was heard throughout the temple. As the voice was heard, the temple began to shake violently, causing the Nazis to be frightened.
"We do," Phoenix said, "Who are you, might I ask?"
"Some call me death, some call me the king of riches, but you can call me Hades," the voice said, "And I have seen you have disrupted the beautiful shrine of my wife and for that, you will be punished swiftly."
The temple was beginning to collapse as a couple of Nazis were running out of the temple. They were screaming and cursing in German, as they didn't know if what they were experiencing was real. As some of the Nazis were running away, Belos just observed unimpressed.
"You fools, this is just trickery. You are being fooled by these things," Belos said.
Knowing this was the distraction that was needed, Indy took out his whip and wrapped it around the vial, yanking it away from Belos' grasp. The vial flew out of the Emperor's hand as Indy pulled it towards him, grabbing it and putting it in his bag.
"You have just made a big mistake Dr. Jones," Belos said, as he extended his arm, preparing to take a swipe at Indy.
Indy dodged the attack, as Jack ran towards one of the cult members, who was aiming the weapon at the archeologist. Wrestling the weapon away from the cult member, Jack took the gun and fired it upon the crowd of cult members and Nazis.
"Stay back!" Jack said as he sprayed into the crowd.
Indy backed up to where Jack was, shielding the kids from Belos and the rest of the cult and Nazis. Adjusting his satchel, Indy was looking around for any escape routes. Rescuing Hunter is going to be a lot more difficult now, Indy thought, but he knew he had to do something.
"C'mon kid, I know you are still in there!" Indy shouted.
"Hunter is gone, Dr. Jones, now give me the vial!" Belos demanded.
"You need to fight him, kid. Remember the friends you made," Indy pleaded, "You are still in there, I know it!"
Belos just laughed as he outstretched his arms, trying to take another swipe at Indy. But before he could strike the American archaeologist, he felt something inside fighting back.
"No!" a voice that sounded like Hunter shouted as he fought back, "You will not hurt anymore of my friends, Belos!"
Belos stood back, putting his arms around his stomach writhing in pain. Everyone was watching the internal battle between Belos and Hunter. Indy noticed that the eyes were switching from blue to the usual gold eyes the kid always had. The inner battle not only became one of mentality but also physicality as Hunter started hitting his own body, trying to get the parasitic Belos out of him.
The weather started to pick up as Hunter was losing the fight. Indy noticed this and stood in front of the kids. He gave his satchel, which held the vial of the Blood of the Gods to Jack. "Belos!" he shouted, "How about a proposition? Take my body instead. Let Hunter go free."
Hunter's body slowly relaxed as it stood up almost like a marionette and looked at Indy. "You seem like your body is a strong vessel. But how do I know this isn't a trap?" Belos said.
"You don't, but if you are in the body of the child, you will likely not survive as long, since it seems that the body is already deteriorating judging by the peeling of the skin. If you take mine, you will not only be twice as strong, but you will be able to influence people at a larger scale," Indy offered.
Belos thought for a moment and realized that the archeologist does have a point. Opening its mouth, a darkish green goo spouted out as the full giant body of Belos was formed. This form that Belos took looks like it is something out of a satanic nightmare, with the body having blue eye-like things attached to it and what seems to be antlers attached to the head.
"That's Belos!" Jack shouted, surprised at the monstrous form.
"Yeah, that's Belos," Luz said.
Hunter fainted as Belos released the boy's body from his control. Walking towards Indy, Belos was about to enter through his mouth when all of a sudden the sound of screeching was heard. Looking up, Indy saw an owl, with its talons up front, darting towards Belos. The owl seemed familiar as if he had seen it before. The owl attacked Belos as the Cult members and Nazis were trying to shoot at it.
"Go," a voice whispered into Indy's ears. This voice sounded familiar to Indy. Looking around, he saw at the corner of the temple a man with a long white beard, a staff, and ancient clothing. "Merlin," Indy thought as he remembered the man who helped him with the druids back at Stonehenge.
Indy ran towards the body of Hunter and scooped him up. Carrying him, Indy ran back toward where Jack and the rest of the kids were. "It's time to go," Indy said. Everyone nodded as they ran out of the temple.
Shouts were heard from within the temple as gunfire whizzed past our group of heroes as they were dodging and ducking. The storm became heavy as the visibility slowly decreased. The environment was filled with sounds of gunfire, rain, and thunder as the group continued to run, not knowing where they were heading to.
"Indy, please tell me you have an idea!" Jack shouted over the rain.
"Yeah, don't get shot and escape!" Indy shouted back.
"That's not a plan!" Jack shouted.
As the group was out of range of the temple, they slowed down to catch their breath. Indy laid Hunter's motionless body to the ground, seeing if the young boy was alright. Indy's face paled as he realized that Hunter was not breathing. Putting his fingers on the young boy's wrist, Indy was trying to see if he could find a pulse. Nothing, Indy felt nothing from the young boy. Jack and the children started to notice the frantic look on Indy's face as the archeologist started to do CPR on Hunter.
"C'mon kid, don't do this to me," Indy said, as he started the compressions, "Don't die on me."
"Is…is everything alright, Dr. Jones?" Amity asked, fearing what she might hear.
"Your friend is not breathing nor does he have a pulse," Indy said, as he continued with the compressions, "Whatever Belos did, it might've killed the kid."
Indy started giving mouth-to-mouth, trying to make sure the kid is getting some oxygen into his system. Luz, Willow, Gus, Amity, and Tina all watched helplessly as Indy was trying to bring their friend back to life in the only way he knew how. Indy tried frantically but knew that it was too late for the kid.
"C'mon kid, don't die on me goddammit. You had a wonderful future kid, don't let Belos ruin it for you," Indy pleaded, as he continued the compressions.
"Indy, he's gone," Jack said, solemnly.
"No, he still has a chance, right?" Luz asked, with her eyes tearing up.
Indy checked for a pulse again and shook his head. "No, unfortunately not, your friend Hunter is gone," Indy said with a solemn look. He took off his hat and said a silent prayer for the kid.
Everyone surrounded their fallen friend as Willow, Luz, and Gus were crying. The rain fell onto the group as they saw their friend and ally lying motionless on the grass. Nothing was said, no one looked away from the body. Everybody just stood there in silence. The silence was broken when the group heard a screech from an owl. Looking towards the source of the sound, they saw a hooded man with a white beard and eyes that made the kids feel warm as if this man is a protector to them.
"Who are you?" Luz asked.
"Your friend knows," the man said, looking at Indy.
"Merlin," Indy said, "It's nice seeing you again after all of these years."
"Merlin? As in King Arthur Merlin?" Luz asked.
"Yeah, as in King Arthur's Merlin," Indy said.
"But how is that possible? Isn't he just a legend?" Luz asked.
"It is a long story, something I will tell you whenever we have the chance," Indy said, "Why have you come?"
"I sense danger coming for you, Indiana. You might have temporarily stopped Belos and his men from entering a different realm, but it does not mean you won," Merlin said.
"What do you mean?" Indy asked.
"Belos would be waiting for you to activate the secrets of the blood of the gods," Merlin answered, "There, he will enter through the other realm."
"Is there any way we can stop Belos?" Indy asked.
"There are many futures where you have defeated Belos, but at the cost of your life," Merlin said, "However there is one future where you are able to defeat Belos without losing your life."
"How would we achieve that future?" Amity asked.
"Belos seems most powerful in this realm where magic is not as frequent, but the belief of it is strong. That is why he was able to gain a following, that is why he was able to possess your friend there," Merlin explained, "But, in your realm, his abilities match yours. The only reason you were not able to beat him the first time was that he became stronger once he took that monstrous form. But now, his body is deteriorating, making him weaker as each hour passes."
"But how would we know how to defeat Belos?" Luz asked.
"When the time comes you will know," Merlin answered, "But for now, let me give you a gift for the bravery and courage you have shown."
Merlin then reached into his pockets, grabbed a pile of some mysterious powder, and threw it into the wind. The powder drifted to the still body of Hunter, as it went into his nostrils and mouth. The powder was absorbed into the body, and like lighting, brought Hunter back to life. The young Golden Guard gasped for air as his body shot up with life. Willow was the first to notice as she ran towards him, holding the young boy into her arms, crying. The rest of the children followed in, giving Hunter a big hug. Jack and Indy observed from a distance as a smile grew on to their faces.
Indy then turned to Merlin, as the wizard's old, light blue eyes stared back at him. "Remember Indiana, the only way to defeat Belos is to fight him on your own terms in their land. Old and new friends will help you to win this battle," the wizard said.
Everyone stared at the old wizard as the wind began to pick up, covering Merlin with water and wind. He disappeared into the vortex, as a pair of lights was being shone at them. As the group came out of their daze, they notice that the Nazis had caught up with them. Everyone raised their arms up in surrender as weapons were being pointed at them.
Through the blinding light, Indy saw the familiar figure of Heniz, as the officer approached the American professor and hit him hard on the cheeks. Indy was dazed a bit but quickly recovered as he smile a bloody grin.
Heinz took the satchel that held the Blood of the Gods away from Indy, as Indy did not try to fight back against it. Heinz was surprised to see the American giving it up easily, but quickly brushed it off.
Taking the vial out of the satchel, the Nazi officer examined it and said, "And Alexander wept, seeing as he had no more worlds to conquer. Quite fitting, don't you think Dr. Jones? We will make history as the first humans to explore a realm that is quite different from ours. One some might say is savage," Heinz said.
"And what about Belos?" Indy asked.
"He will get the leftovers," Heinz said.
"I thought you and him were the best of friends. Well you, him, and Phoenix," Indy said.
"Very funny Dr. Jones, but as you see, they were merely just a pawn. An obstacle if you will," Heinz said, "Now if you excuse me, we will about to make history.
As Heinz was about to pour the contents of the vial, he felt as if he was about to choke on something. The German officer was trying to cough it up, but couldn't as it slowly got bigger and bigger. His stomach was slowly getting bloated as a blackish ooze was seeping from his nose. Everyone watch in horror as Heinz was inflating before their eyes. When the German officer finally got to a size that some might say looks like a twisted balloon, he exploded and there in his spot was an angry-looking Belos.
"A pawn you say?" Belos said.
Indy stared in horror as Belos walked towards him, his head stretching towards Indy. "I have to thank you Dr. Jones for bringing me this back safely," Belos said.
"The pleasure is not mine," Indy said, spitting at Belos' face.
"Well Dr. Jones, Mr. Shannon, let's hope our paths don't cross again?" Belos said as he grabbed the vile and smashed it on the ground, "And Luz the human, it is still a regret of mine that you still don't see the truth about these things."
The blood seeped into the ground as a portal formed. The portal was a mix of blinding lights and color. Belos was the first to enter, then his men, then the Nazis. As they entered, the portal swallow them whole. They all disappeared into thin air.
"I'm…I'm sorry, Dr. Jones," Hunter said, "I allowed Belos to win. I allowed him to find the Blood of the Gods."
"You don't have to be sorry about anything, kid. He forced you to do those things," Indy said, "I'm just relieved to see you alive and breathing."
"So what's the plan, Dr. Jones?" Amity asked.
Indy took out his revolver to see how much ammo he has. He had three bullets in the chamber and three circular rounds in his pocket. Jack did the same with his gun, seeing he still has enough ammo in the submachine gun.
"The plan is to go into your realm and defeat Belos," Indy said.
"How?" Gus asked.
"Don't know, I have just been making it up as we go along," Indy said.
"Well, standing here is not going to do anything. Let's go and kick Belos' ass," Jack said as he entered the portal.
One by one the kids entered the portal. First was Hunter, then Willow, then Gus, then Amity, and lastly Tina. Luz was about to enter when Indy stopped her.
"You alright kid?" Indy asked.
"Yeah, I am," Luz lied.
"C'mon kid, I know something is bothering you," Indy said.
"It's just that ever since we arrived, I have felt that all of this is because I taught Belos that draining spell. That I was the one who caused all of this. That I helped Belos. None of my friends, except Hunter, knows that. I just…I just want to make sure that they are safe. And, after this adventure, I am planning to stay in the human realm, in my time," Luz explained.
"Luz, this is not your fault. None of this is. I have now seen how Belos is and see how he was able to manipulate you. That is not your fault. Look at your friends and look how happy you guys are. The smiles you give each other make me happy. Makes Jack happy. Just remember kid, you don't have to keep everything to yourself. Talk to someone," Indy explained.
Luz gave Indy a tight hug as she cried into his arms. Indy allowed her to, as he patted her head. As she was hugging Indy, the portal started to pulsate and fade away. Indy noticed this and tapped Luz on the shoulder.
"Kid, I think it's time to go and save the Boiling Isles," Indy said.
Luz nodded as she grabbed Indy's hand and guide him to the portal. The light and color were blinding as Indy walked through it. As the portal swallowed them up, the portal closed behind them leaving only silence and rain to fill the sound.