It was a very harsh and sunny day, the sky was blue to the edge of the world, the sun kept the sand hot under his naked feet. The wind kept blowing, his clothes and hair following in it's fancy manners. The young man had set his tent at the village market, the view of the desert reminding himself of home. He frowned at the idea of those idiots up there, looking down on him as he made his life as a mortal, force to things he didn't like. This was no way for a god like him to live. He was immortal of course, but still, to be here, in the dirt like all those commoners, felt horrible.
While he placed the items on the display table, soon, people would flock to the market in order to make their trades. He was ready, a lot of items were set and he could make a little fortune with these, but this place didn't have much rich customers. Even tough it was difficult, he hadn't much choice so far. As the needle of the sand clock reach twelve, people started coming in and the young man was ready.
The sells went well for a while, most people had no idea what they were buying but the items looked good and well maintain. Mostly jewelry and others trinquets of the sort. All of them were pretty well made and looked the part all right. They were items he had find in his travel and would sell off if they weren't of much interest to him.
Once the rush was over, he started packing his stuff and got ready to leave, that was, until a commotion happened. Someone started screaming and beating sound could be heard. A crowd started to gather around the scene. Ruvyk didn't wanted to get in but as he wanted to left, the crowd pushed him further toward the scene and before he knew it, he was at the front lines, looking at a child been beaten by a man.
-You little thief! Give back what you stole! Rascal!-
The tall man called while giving another hit on the child, wich was crying and screaming, trying to escape. The kid lift his eyes toward the crowd and their eyes meet, he extended his hand toward him.
-H..help!...Help me!!! Pleeeeaaase!!-
The child called. Ruvyk felt shiver down his spine as the curse was urging him to help the child, despite not wanting too. Why had he see him? Why had he ask him for help? He greet his teeth once more and walk out of the crowd toward the child and the man, wich looked at him surprised.
-Leave that child alone...you've done more then enough...-
Ruvyk said, slowly, looking at the man straight in the eyes.
-Who are you?! Mind your own business!-
-I'm this child caretaker...I'm sorry for any trouble he made, release him and I'll pay for what he took from you...-
The young man didn't feel like fighting and he had plenty of jewel he could easily give away for the child's sake. The man seemed to hesitate a moment and left the child, wich crumbled to the ground. Ruvyk walked to the man and gave him a bottle filled to the brim with some liquid.
-This is a potion of Life, it will grant you many years to live, use it wisely...-
He then took the child by the waist and made his way back trough the crowd to reach his tent. The man had not opposed the gift, instead, he was looking at it with surprise and wonder.
Zodiac was minding his own business near the market.
The past days have been quite dull, and today was no exception. The commotion was at least a change from just sitting around, even if the cause didn't exactly interest him.
He didn't expect anybody to intervene and was already playing with the idea to do it himself just to get the crowd out of the way, so it surprised him that after so long somebody finally did something instead of just watching a child getting beating.
However something about the man didn't feel right. It wasn't a spell, that much was clear to him.
Zodiac followed the man to his tent. This was the first form of any kind of magic he had seen in days that looked somehow promising, and him being unable to tell what kind it was definitely had his interest.
Ruvyk had put the child down on one of the box he usually show his items on and started wiping the kid's face with a wet towel to get rid of the dirt and blood covering him. What's more, the water was imbued with a little magic, making the wounds heal quicker.
-Now then...you be a good boy and don't steal again...-
The tall young man said, looking at the boy in a scolding manner. The child nodded slowly while looking at him with big open eyes. Ruvyk looked a bit annoyed.
-Well..off with you!-
-But...to where? I have no parents...no home...-
The child said, tears rising up in his eyes. Ruvyk let out a sigh. Of course the kid wouldn't, he wouldn't stealing if he had would he? This was getting more annoying then it should.
-Look...why don't you take these...they should last you for a while, hid them well and be careful, by some lodging and food...and clothes with that...even at your age you should be able to work a bit...-
He said, handing the kid a small pouch filled with money. While he was dealing with the kid, a man had followed him to his tent, he had take notice of him, perhaps a customer? Or someone related to the child? He turned toward him.
-Is there something I can help you with?
Now closer to the man, Zodiac was sure it wasn't any sort of spell, since he couldn't find a trace of what he felt earlier. Unfortunately this also meant he couldn't figure out what it was.
"Sorry, I don't need anything. However, you might. You seem to have an... interesting problem"
'Interesting' was probably just his perspective of it.
As the man approach, Ruvyk could feel his aura a little, but still. He couldn't see his face at all, while it was under a hood. He raised an eyebrow to the man's sentence. Putting his hands on his hips and turning his slender figure toward him.
There wasn't much people around anymore, as the market rush hour was coming to an end. The man who had beaten up the kid was gone as well. The kid was looking at them, holding the pouch in his hands and got off the barrel.
-Thank you mister! I'll remember that!-
And ran off. Ruvyk followed the child with a gaze of relief until he disappeared somewhere in the streets shade. Turning back his gaze upon the mysterious stranger, he asked calmly.
-An interesting problem?-
His eyebrow were raised in interrogation. Who was this man? What could he be meaning by problem? It didn't reach him yet that the man could be talking about his curse, but that would surely come.
-Care to explain yourself?-
He couldn't explain something he didn't even have a clue about, but maybe he could get something out of the man to shine some light on it.
"What happened back there? And I don't mean the child getting beaten."
Ruvyk was even more taken aback.
-Back then, you mean when I saved the child perhaps?-
What could he be taking about. It was certainly not the fact that he saved the kid that was the problem, at least he hoped or could it be, this man had feel the effect of his curse? Of course, it only occurred when someone was asking him directly for help. He bring his fingers to his chin, apparently thinking, while observing the man.
-Well perhaps I do...but who am I talking too?-
He said softly, trying to peek under the hood, in the dark covering the man's face.
"Zodiac is my name. I don't usually offer my services to anyone..."
He watched his reaction closely. Peoples reaction to his name were usually not too positiv.
Ruvyk looked at him for a moment, thinking, trying to see if he had heard of that name somewhere, but nothing came to mind.
-My name is Ruvyk...-
He said slowly while sitting on the barrel the kid was previously sitting on. A smile passed on his face.
-And...what kind of services do you not usually offer? hmm?-
He asked. it seems like the name hadn't reach this place yet, perhaps it was a good thing? The young man didn't seemed ready to just talk about everything without been a little convinced.
Glad that the man didn't just try to cut his throat, Zodiac answered: "You tend to see a lot while traveling."
Two small purple orbs briefly flashed in front of Zodiac. It was usually enough to show that he was a mage.
He couldn't agree more, traveling would make you see many a thing. Eying the two orbs until they disapeared, he quickly came to the conclusion that this man was a mage, so he was probably able to feel the power of the curse.
-I see...magic huh?...-
He said, more to himself then to the man in front of him. The young man seemed to be thinking for a moment. If that mage had been able to feel the curse...perhaps he could..., but still, there was a huge difference between feeling something and removing it.
-Well...I have to admit, it's impressive that you could feel it...my curse that is...-
He said.
-Tell me...just how much powerful are you Zodiac? Are you strong enough to kill a God?-
A curse? This certainly could be interesting. He couldn't recall over meeting someone cursed. That would at least explain why he couldn't feel it now.
That also meant he had no idea what to do with it, but not the first thing he'd need to figure out on the fly.
"Kill... a god?" Even after repeating it himself he needed a second to answer. It was something that he wasn't asked every day.
"I'd love to give it a try." Finally something that sounded like a challenge.
Ruvyk chuckled a little
-Well yes...kill a God..-
He repeated himself.
-Unless you are as powerful as one, you'll need to kill it to remove said curse.-
He said, tilting his charismatic face on the side. Now, the question was, why was the young man cursed. He smiled as the man seemed interested in the task. Nothing was ever so easy and Gods weren't that easy to reach either.
-Glad to hear that! And I'm sure I can offer enough compensation for your time.-
Added with a grin.
"Well, we'll see."
Messing with the power of a god already sounded like a challenge. One he was willing to take on.
"Why don't you tell me more? Getting cursed be a god doesn't sound like an easy task."
once again, the young man chuckled, the rings around his wrist and ankles making a twinkling sound. He looked at the man and smiled, more then that, he grinned before his expression turned annoyed.
-Well...I suppose I pissed them off enough so they would do that...but I don't want to talk about this here...too much people..-
Even if the crowd had mostly dissipated, many ears could hear them talking. He got up and started packing his stuff up before putting everything back into a tiny bag, exception of the main table and other things that couldn't be so easily carried.
-Follow me...-
On that, he started walking. There was many mysterious thing about this man. And that curse was not the only magical thing about him. He led them into an alley and eventually a house. it was small but looked well built and maintain. Entering the small place, he lit a few candles in the pathway and led them upstairs, to the second floor. There were items and objects everywhere, no doubt, many of them had magical auras around them.
Getting into a room, Ruvyk let himself fall over a pile of cushion and sighed. there were other piles and some chairs for Zodiac to sit if he wanted.
-Get comfortable...welcome to my house!-
Zodiac noticed how he mentioned multiple gods. He didn't ask and just followed him.
Once inside, he looked around before taking a seat. The collection was impressive, but nothing caught his eye.
"Alright. How does someone manage to piss of multiple gods?"
Ruvyk took his time to answer, he wonder how he would take it. Should he reveal everything now? He wanted to keep it going a little longer, after all, he didn't knew anything about the other man.
-There are...many ways to do so...but before I go on, why don't you tell me a little more about yourself huh?-
He asked, smiling while taking out a set of tea from his bag and pouring in some hot water that seemed to be coming directly from the young man's hand. apparently, Zodiac wasn't the only magician here.
Zodiacs past is a well kept secret and he intended it to stay that way. There weren't too many alive that knew, as much as he wanted there to be none.
"Well, what do you want to know? I travel around to learn more about different kind of magics. And occasionally look for a challenge."
Taking a sip of his cup of tea, he looked back at the man.
-Not the talkative one huh...can you at least show me your face?-
He asked. If they were to work together, there was a minimum needed of trust between them. Ruvyk wanted his revenge on the gods for sending him here and imposing their stupid curse on him, but he wouldn't just trust any stranger mage just because they were ''interested'' in a challenge.
-You have to understand, that I also need to take my precautions...-
"Of course, being cautious is never wrong"
He paused before answering further. Since the man happened to be dealing with gods, the chance of him recognizing was to high for Zodiac to risk it.
"I hope you can understand that I'd rather not show my face then."
Ruvyk shrugged a bit. He took another sip of his tea before putting the cup back on one of the table near him and lean forward toward the mage.
-Fine...I suppose we all have our little secrets...anyway...what I'm dealing with are the 2 Gods of the desert...Arius and Domyr...you probably know about them. Arius is the God of wind, he watched over the sky and bring sandstorms here and there...Domyr is the God of Earth, wich call on sandstorms and the hot and cold of the desert sand...with one last God, they were some sort of a trio...-
He began, looking at Zodiak.
-Can you guess who the last God was?
Zodiak sat there, puzzling for a bit. His knowledge of gods was a bit dusty to say the least, and the names didn't sound familiar.
"Well, let's see... Air, earth... So probably either Fire or Water?
Never mind, scratch fire. This is a desert after all."
Ruvyk smirk.
-The water God...-
He said. He tilt his head, with the same shark like smile on his face. He started playing with the rings at his fingers, a habit he had when he was thinking about things he didn't like.
-Said Gods didn't like how the water God, who was suppose to watch over oasis and mortals was acting...and so they cursed him and banished him to Earth...-
The rest would be easy to guess now.
-I suppose you can guess who I am now?
Zodiac just slowly realized what Ruvyk meant. The moment he had been working for his entire live, up until the point were everything was taken from him, was happening right now.
But why now!?
"Alright... Care to tell me a little bit more about the curse part and we'll see what I can do."
Ruvyk was thinking for a moment, looking at the shadow of Zodiak's hood, while wondering how he could bring the curse on the table.
-Well, you see, there are two way for me to break the curse...either I kill the Gods who put it on me...or I achieve that ''lesson'' thingy they want me to do...-
He said. Put like this, it sounded simple, but it was far from been so. Gods were not that easy to reach.
-And to put it bluntly...I'm curse to help those who ask...no matter what...that's probably what you felt when I went to help the child...-
"Cursed... to help."
The possibilities just seemed endless, but having a god on his side while fighting others also didn't seem like a terrible idea.
"Maybe add a third option... What happens if you try to resist?"
He had no idea if he could break a curse, but he could any try it if it was active. And that would mean triggering the curse, probably more than just once.
Ruvyk stick out his tongue at the last question. What happened if his resisted. Not that he could do much resist this curse, the first time he had fight off that urge of helping, he had felt very sick and bad about himself, and pain had torn him over.
-Nothing great, really...pain, disgust...things that aren't very pleasant...-
He said, stretching a bit. Despite all, he seemed rather relax. Taking another sip of tea, he looked at Zodiac.
-But yeah, you get the gist of it..-
"Indeed... I'll be honest: I have never worked with a curse before. And working with something you can't even see is just slightly impossible."
He hated that word, and paused.
"You can probably see were I'm going with this?"
Ruvyk raised an eyebrow to the man.
-That is...-
He wasn't exactly sure what the man meant by that. Of course working with curses could be difficult, but so was working with magic.
-Would you mind sharing what it is you want then? So we can be clear?-
He inquired, sitting back up in a more up front position, putting the tea cup on the table.
"If you want me to attempt to break the curse, we'd need to trigger the curse. And probably more than once."
He paused to see his reaction.
"Depending on how complex it is, I could try to copy it instead of breaking it to figure out if I even can."
The idea of having to trigger the curse didn't seems to please the young man all that much, even in the sake of having it broken. His expression was clearly showing it. He looked a bit annoyed for a moment, before speaking anew.
-I don't know how much of it you can study just by triggering it...tough I suppose I don't have much choice now do I?-
He said, passing a hand in his hair, tilting on the side, while looking around.
Zodiac saw that he wasn't exactly amazed by the idea.
"If you'd rather kill two gods, I wouldn't mind"
He hadn't tried to copy anything complex in past after the... incident, so doing it right here was out of question until he got prepared a little better.
Ruvyk seemed to be back in toughts, wondering what to do. He wanted his revenge on those two gods, they deserved it anyway.
-Well...I suppose one way of the other will help us getting closer to what we want, because I don't suppose you'll be helping me out of pure charity! -
He finally said.
-So I'm guessing that we should work together on to this...what says you?-
"Sounds good"
He didn't say much more, too busy with his own thoughts.
It really had been quite some time...
With that decided, Ruvyk kept looking at Zodiac. And now what?
-So...any idea on where to start?-
The young god asked, laying back into the pile of cushions. There would probably some things needed to be ready first, but it was always nice to have a small idea of what was ahead.
"I'll need some time to prepare. It's... been a while."
He paused to think if there was anything else to be done.
"If you have nothing better to do, you could try to figure out how to kill two gods."
Ruvyk nodded to the other.
-It's not gonna be easy...first, we need to reach them...but yeah...I'll be working on it...-
He said. The sun outside was slowly going down, the day was coming to an end and the cold night of the desert would soon befall the land. Ruvyk got up.
-Well, it's almost night time...I don't know if you had a place to stay?-
"I didn't actually plan to stay, so unfortunately no"
Zodiac could just take a room at the inn, but Ruvyk would probably offer him something.
But he wanted to try something first. A small white orb appeared in front of him. He needed a few seconds to stop it from flickering, which really showed how long he hasn't done this.
Ruvyk nodded slowly. He was reluctant to just let any stranger in, but, this seems like they would be in this together for a while, both working toward relatively similar goal.
-Well...I suppose I could clean a room for you if you want...-
By cleaning, he met pushing the items he had gathered in some corners and get the maid to put out a bed for Zodiac. The young man wasn't exactly the greatest host on earth. He looked at the flickering light, wondering what in the world this man had in mind, while himself, was thinking fast about what to do about the gods.
The first thing needed would be to reach them.
"Only if it's no trouble. I can just take a room at the inn."
The orb expanded and started to fade. A few magical objects in the room started to glow, but unfortunately it didn't affect the curse. But it was worth a try.
"It's never that simple..."
However, it affected something else. Zodiac didn't even notice that the glyphs, the reason he always kept his face hidden, we're glowing faintly.
Ruvyk shrugged him off.
-That's up to you...but I tought you might like it calmer then in the fussiness of an Inn to think...just my two pieces on that...-
He said. While other objects started to glow, the young man raised an eyebrow.
-And just so you know...please don't break the merchandise will you...I got to sell these later...-
He said. Ruvyk was greedy after all and even tough he had travel quite a lot to get all of these, he knew he could make good money with these, even tough it wasn't necessary to him. He was a god, but he did like gold shiny things.
"Good point."
Having a quit place for the night was definitely a good idea. And the less saw his magic, to better.
"I won't say no if it's no trouble for you."
-Sure...-
Ruvyk said. He walked out of the room and to another, motioning for the man to follow him. In the next room, there was still a lot of items all around, laying here and there in no apparent order. Someone would think the place was in complete disorder. Ruvyk scratched the back of his head for a moment, sighing. He had just been accumulating objects from all over the place.
-Errr...give me a sec...-
There was also an old desk that could be use to write things. He started pushing things around to make some space. There was also a sofa in some corner to sleep with a few cushions on it. He made space there as well until it looked fine enough.
-Well...I suppose you can deal with this then?-
It was far from perfect but at least it did the job.
Zodiac just followed.
"Still looks better than my desk. It'll do."
There wasn't much that looked messier than a scattered collection of scrolls and scribbles.
With that done, Ruvyk nodded.
-Well...if your looking for me, I'll be in my room, if you need food, ask the servant...-
He said as he walked away, to get back to his room, where he lay down again in the cushions, opened a book and started reading.
Zodiac sat down on the sofa, mindlessly trying some spells that didn't do anything while thinking how he'd either kill two gods or break the curse.
One of the two seemed a lot easier, and it might not be breaking the curse.
On his side, Ruvyk was now enjoying a long and warm bath in one of the other room. There was a big room with a huge bath, enough for 10 people to fit in. Something that a lot of people would consider a great luxury, and it was.
In that small house, Ruvyk had more riches then the governor and he wasn't leaning on using them to please himself. But now he was thinking, lost in deep toughts about how to reach those two gods that had him trapped on Earth.
This was truely the most annoying part because once he would be back there, he knew some of his powers would go back to him, the problem was that he would still be stuck with the curse and they could easily use it to stop him from killing them.
Zodiac lost all sense of time as he tried various patterns. He wasn't quite satisfied with the complexity he managed to achieve as he looked outside, but decided that it was late enough to stop. He made the mistake of just continue through the night too often, and always regretted it the next day.
Late into the night, Ruvyk had already fallen asleep, rolled up in his pile of cushions like some desert prince, he just looked as normal as anyone else, except for a few details. His skin was much paler then any normal person who would live in the desert and his hair were of a strange color as well.
Something that he was aware of but never really given any tought, was that when he sleep, runes appeared on his body, ancient language, lost ages ago. What these runes did, even he didn't knew, but somehow it seemed like some protective charms.
Zodiac woke up surprisingly early, not feeling rested at all. He had no idea how long he slept, but something was still bugging him.
It took him a few seconds to realize where he was after he got up.
"Oh, right..."
The sun was rising, Ruvyk was still fast asleep in his room, the door left open as he had never taken a habit to close it at night. Today looked like it would be a good day, once again, not much clouds outside.
Zodiac left his room and looked around. It seemed that nobody was up yet.
He found Ruvyks room, door wide open, and spotted the runes.
"Well, that explains it", he muttered to himself.
The runes were covering his skin,shining slightly in the mid light from outside. He did look peaceful as he slept, not a worry in the world it seemed.
Zodiac could hear the servant down there, starting to do her work for the day. Meaning, cleaning what little she was allowed to touch.
Zodiac just laughed at how helpless and vulnerable a god could look. He returned to his room, but didn't feel like practicing more after his overall restless night.
It took about an hour before Ruvyk would finally wake up. He had that kind of lazy life at the moment. So oversleeping when you live for ever was like taking a small nap. He stretched for a moment and called out to his servant, which came running along with an already prepared breakfast for her master.
Zodiac used the time sitting around to plan some more things. He had to wonder how easy it would be abuse the curse, but not having to watch his back every second was definitely a good thing.
And as long as he did it on his own Accord, Zodiac wouldn't need to put more effort into this.
And what if he tried to use a spell to control the god. The chance of both things canceling each other could be worth trying. Especially because Zodiac could control him after the curse breaks.
His thoughts were interrupted with Ruvyk waking up. There was so much to consider. And the timing could not be worse.
Walking out of his room, after eating his breakfeast, he walked toward the room where zodiac had slept. He knock on the edge of the door, looking in.
-Slept well?-
He asked, not really concerned, but asked anyway. He, on his side, had slept very well. Somehow, that god was really carefree, despite been cursed. But then again, he wasn't exactly free.
-What are you doing?-
Zodiac looked up as Ruvyk knocked.
"Well enough. And just... thinking"
That was one was to put it.
-I see...well, I need to head to town for a while...you want to come with?-
He asked, tilting his head to the side. There were a few items he wanted to buy, but he didn't feel like leaving this total stranger with no face alone in his house.
"I might as well come along. But don't expect me to blend in"
He hated crowds. Having made enough enemies to create an army had the unfortunate downside of constantly having to watch your back.
-It's not like I blend in either...-
Most people were dark skinned and his pale one was attracting a lot of attention. Which was both good and bad. It made him stand out as a merchant but also attracted curiosity over himself. He tilted his head for a moment, then left the room and climbed down the stairs, waiting for Zodiac to follow and headed out toward the market and the streets.
Zodiac followed him at a distance. They could both draw enough attention alone, so just trailing behind was good enough.
Ruvyk would walk for a while, eventually entering some back alley and wandering off to go know where. He followed a certain path and finally got to some old dusty and eerie shop. Entering the door, which rang a small bell attach to the top, he started looking at the various items.
Some had magical aura to them, other were just looking strange with no real properties. Ruvyk didn't got any of the latest. Eventually reaching for some more intriguing relics. The old vendor came to him.
-Ahh, if it isn't the young master Ruvyk...a pleasure to see you as always my boy!-
The old man said with a somewhat greedy and sweet honey voice. His old shaking hands resting at the young man's clothes. The god didn't seem to notice, or cared as he was checking some of the crystal. They did radiate a powerful aura. He took them, there were 3 in total, a red, blue and violet sphere.
-I'll take these for today...I suppose you haven't receive anything else yet?-
-No...not yet...but soon, be sure to come back and I'll show you something really nice...I'm sure you'll find it quite...pleasant...-
The old man said, smiling to the young man. He paid for the stones then walked outside, shivering a bit.
-I hate when he does that!...that fool!-
He let out, grumbling.
Zodiac waited outside, next to the door.
"Any chance you'll tell me your plan?"
Ruvyk nodded.
-Ahh... I suppose I could...but not here...-
He said, there was another place he wanted to go, and so he moved on and they walked again the mids of the back alleys, which were like a maze in this town, if one didn't knew his way around. But quickly, they were stopped by some thugs, knives out and smiling as they stopped the two of them.
-Look what we have here...look like some royalties lost itself...hmm, hand over your riches...and we might let you go girlie!-
The one who looked to be the leader of the gang said, clearly adressing Ruvyk. He frowned, his eyes twitching a bit. Had that man just called him girlie?
-Girlie?...HOW AM I FREAKING GIRLIE?-
He asked, apparently not happy with that last comment, completely ignoring the man's request.
Zodiac had to follow right behind Ruvyk to not lose him in the maze of the alleys.
"Looks like target practice...", he muttered to himself, ignoring Ruvyk for now.
Practicing something was always easier with real targets, but they were... hard to come across.
He let thugs make the first move. It was always easier to kill unsuspecting targets with his magic. If they resisted however, things could sometimes not be as pleasant. He always thought everyone deserved a quick death.
Ruvyk had no intention of giving them anything and just spoke.
-Better get out of my sight...or you will regret it!-
He said, his tone of voice was cold. But the thugs didn't seemed to care as one of them pushed Ruvyk against the wall, holding him by the scarf around his neck.
-And what will you do doll face?-
Ruvyk showed a shark like smile.
-I'll kill you...-
He quickly put his hand on the thug's mouth and water started pouring from it, holding him with his other hand, forcing the water into his mouth and drowning him on the spot, slowly. Cruelty and amusement could be seen in the god's eyes.
The other looked at it with either fear or confusion, but it did not stop them. noticing the other man's presence, some started heading Zodiac's way, hoping to still make some money in the process.
Zodiac just stood there as the thugs turned towards him.
"Yep, you are as stupid as you look."
He waited until they got closer. The more confident they were, the easier they die.
One of them was close enough to take a swing with the dagger he was holding, but before he could even start that, he just fell to the ground. Before the others could even react, 3 more dropped dead.
He stopped for now, leaving the rest with the option to make a smarter decision than the others. They weren't worth the effort.
The one Ruvyk was holding was left on the ground, drowned. It was funny how someone could drown in the desert. But as he looked over to Zodiac and saw the rest, as dead. He whistle out of admiration.
-Oh my...quick on the job aren't we?-
The rest didn't wanted to stay, they started to run for their lives, calling them demons.
-Ahh...I don't think so...-
But it wasn't satisfactory for Ruvyk, the remaining two were quickly caught by water tendrils and brought back. They tried calling for help but soon, water filled their lungs and they drowned, like the first one. Only then did the God's smile truly turned amused as he simply walked over the dead bodies and moved on without another word.
"Demons... well, that's new."
While wrong, he could do something to justify being called that even more. But it wasn't worth the effort. And Ruvyk killed the rest before he could even make up his mind.
With all of them dead, Zodiac moved on and followed Rubyk, not saying anything because he was lost in thoughts again.
They moved to a few other shady stores before Ruvyk was done with the shopping and came back to his house. Upon arrival, he asked the servant to prepare diner for them and to bring it to them once ready.
He moved to his room and finally got the few items he had bought out. There was the 3, red, blue and violet orbs, some sort of amulet, two electric blue crystal and a ring with a skull with diamond in the eyes on it.
-Well...let's see...currently, I'm trying to get ourselves a ticket to the Gods realm...since I know these two Gods, it'll be easier but still...offerings...sceal breaking...protective charms...we need to be ready...they got a few tricks up their sleeves...-
He said, while putting the items he had just display back into the small pouch he was wearing at his belt.
Zodiac eyed Ruvyks collection, nothing really catching his eye.
"You worry too much", he mumbled. More to himself than anything.
But he had to wonder if Ruvyk knew more ways to get into other gods realms. Such knowledge could prove very useful. Especially because he had been hunting it in the past.
"But just out of curiosity: You does one get into the realm of a god?"
Ruvyk sat back into his pile of cushions, looking like some prince and looked at Zodiac.
-There are many ways...and some will depends on the God you want to enter the realm of...of course...a mere mortal can't hope to just enter the place so easily...-
He said, tilting his head on the side.
"It's never easy."
Zodiac wanted to say that Ruvyk was wrong. But he had no idea where to even start.
And the god probably wouldn't just give it away either.
-So...what about you? Did you think up anything yet?-
He asked, looking at Zodiac with curiosity.
Zodiac debated for a few second what the best way to put it would be.
"I think I came up with enough ways to deal with your curse."
He didn't say anything about breaking it on purpose.
"I don't think you'll like most of them."
Ruvyk raised an eyebrow, looking at Zodiac, once again, he couldn't pierce the darkness under the hood, that did annoyed him a lot.
-Dealing with?....Well, tell me anyway, if you keep it all to yourself, we ain't gonna make much progress are we?-
He said, clicking his tongue as he frowned.
"I'll tell you more once I get a look at the curse. Maybe this will be easier than I think."
-Looking at the curse?....How do you even do that?-
He asked, now curious. So far, it only manifested when asked for help, and it didn't had any visual effect, only on the inside, did he felt the urge to help.
That definitely was a good point. Zodiac didn't even know if a curse had a pattern or if he could see it. He just assumed it since he felt the curse.
"That'd take too long to explain."
And he'd risk that the god would somehow recognize him. Although he'd probably already have. But Zodiac was interested in taking that risk.
Ruvyk frowned some more, this time, his patience was reaching somewhat it's limits.
-It's not as if we didn't had any time in front of us...now do we? -
He said, sitting a bit more straight.
-If you got something to say, say it...I've been patient so far...but don't take it for granted...-
He said. The aura surrounding the god had suddenly rose, but his expression remained the same, no external changes, except for a slight glow in Ruvyk's red eyes.
"No. I'd rather not"
He now just did it to spite the god even more. He wanted to see how far Ruvyk would go. And maybe even to get an idea how he would fight a god.
They unfortunately were immortal after all.
But just maybe that's a good thing...
This one was annoying alright. Ruvyk looked at him, wondering what he should do. He was angered and not particularly happy. What was this man hiding, what was his goal?
-You should know better then to anger a God...I've asked you a question...or would you rather have your guts spilled open?-
He said. The aura around him seemed to grow some more but soon flick of magical sparks seemed to restrict it. Ruvyk let out a cry of pain and surprise as runes appeared over his body. He greeted his teeth.
-Stupid curse...-
He calmed down, the aura soon disapearing as he sighed.
Zodiac completely ignored Ruvyk now, too focused on one of the sparks he managed to trap in a small, purple shimmering field.
"Good-... This might be the most complex-"
No. That was wrong. The scroll that trapped his mind in this odd maze was the most complex
"... one of the most complex things I have seen."
He now turned his attention back to Ruvyk.
"This will probably take some time."
Ruvyk looked up at him. He frowned then eventually walked off, mumbling about something and left the room without another word.
He was annoyed and couldn't do much with his powers scealed like that. He could feel his hatred growing even more toward those two gods. They deserved a lesson.
And this Zodiac...he needed to know more about him. He walked up to another room and locked himself in.
Zodiac just watched Ruvyk leave, and immediately turned his attention back to the spark.
It would take some time to find a weak spot in such a complex pattern, but once he did, breaking the curse should be easy.
Even if it wouldn't work, he still had options, which was likely. He only had one chance for now. If he messed up, he'd probably need to somehow anger the god again.
The spark, even tough locked, was furiously clashing against the barrier, slowly weakening it. It was apparently trying to escape.
Ruvyk on his side, was in his room and looking around items, trying to find a certain objects, once he found it, he gave a smirk and went back to work. He would need a little time, but he would find out who Zodiac was...
If he had his powers, he wouldn't need to use such methods, but times were hard.
Zodiac just grumbled as the damn spark wouldn't stop moving. This was hard enough as it is.
He initially didn't want to risk destroying the shard, but since it really wouldn't stop, he'd need to stop it.
He started to slowly remove a piece of the sparks pattern. It was just his guess that that part was responsible for spark moving. As he did, it suddenly disappeared.
Zodiac started quietly cussing, before realizing that the spark was gone, but it's pattern wasn't. He never managed to an objects pattern on purpose, so this was a start.
While Zodiac was working on the spark, Ruvyk was using an old water mirror and some magical crystal to learn a little more about this Zodiac. Pouring magical water from his fingers into the small basin, he then crushed the crystal between his hands without much problem and let the small powder fall into the water.
It swiftly turned purple, then eventually crystal clear. As he peered into the water, knowledge came to him, revealing the hidden truth. He couldn't see all there was, after all, this kind of magic was a bit restricting, but it was enough.
Ruvyk smirk, finally getting a hold of what was unknown and put an end to the spell. In a better mood, he left his room, heading down stairs.
It took a while, but Zodiac managed to understand the pattern. Once he achieved that, it was simple: Remove a specific part of its pattern and watch the rest of it collapse.
Now he just needed to do that to the curse and he should be done with it. In theory.
But he probably wouldn't do that today. He already had to sit down after this and wasn't feeling like doing it again today.
Ruvyk didn't bother to pass by Zodiac's room, he got himself some food and went straight back to his room. He put the plate on the side and sat in the cushions, taking out a book that he swiftly open. Reading while eating.
By the time he had done all that, it was already late. So once he was done with his supper, he blew the candles and went to sleep. Once again, the protectives runes showing up on his body as he fell asleep.
Zodiac wouldn't go and check what the god was up to and just went to sleep.
It was still Ruvyks problem, not his.
Morning came again. Ruvyk got up, stretched a bit and went on to take a bath in the bath room. It was a huge room with a central bath that could welcome at least ten person in it. It was well fitting, even in this kind of remote place.
Zodiac was still fast asleep. And he probably wouldn't wake up for another few hours.
Ruvyk eventually came out and after clothing himself, went back, passing by Zodiac's room, seing him asleep, he wondered, and with curiosity, decided to approach the man. Silently making his way toward him, he reached for the man's hood and slowly took it off the man's face, trying his best not to wake him up.
A blast send Ruvyk to the other side of the room before could even touch Zodiacs hood.
He jumped up, ready to kill whatever had to audacity to wake him up. It took him a second to even remember where he was.
Avoiding any damage by shielding himself up with a water shield, but he did was sent into the air. He crashed against a pile of books and slowly got up, the water shield still up as he looked at Zodiac.
-Ehhh....so it was true...-
He said slowly, dusting off his clothes as he looked at the man. He glanced at him for a moment.
-What is your goal...Zodiac?...Are you gonna try and kill me? Isn't that what you were up to till a while ago? -
He asked, tilting his head.
Zodiac tilted his head slightly before replying.
"No. Killing a god is not part of any of my plans. It's a waste of time, and more importantly, a waste of a valuable resource"
He tended to just reduce things he could find useful to resources. And Immortals sure were a valuable one.
"I don't know how you got that into your head, but the answer is still no."
-.....-
Was he wrong? Had the water lied? Certainly not, but he wondered. The barrier made of water dissipated and he walked off.
-Fine...I just want that damn curse off me...also, you still didn't told me your price...-
He said, stopping at the door entrance and turning his red eyes toward the man. He didn't like the fact that he was considered....a ressource, but for now, he would have to put up with it...for now.
"I doubt he'd see it as a real price to pay...
Let me deal with your two friends. Oh, and do me a favor while your at it: Don't meddle with things you really should meddle with."
He frowned. Then started to laugh, an amused laugh.
-Really...your telling a God..to not meddle? This concerns me...I will meddle with whatever I find needs be...-
On that last note, he left again, this time, heading to his room. This Zodiac person was getting in his nerves, and it was rare, that someone did...at least as much as now.
"Then take it as a warning.", he said to Ruvyk as he left.
Zodiac could understand the way he though far too well. He thought the same, until... it happened. But at least he learned a valuable lesson from that. And Ruvyk would probably too.
It was funny how their own immortality was the key he needed to defeat gods.
Zodiac turned his attention back to practicing. He'd still need to work on the defeating part for now.
Ruvyk was gone for the day, leaving Zodiac to his own studies and without any disruption. When the god came back, he went straight to his room, looking somewhat tired and restless.
Zodiac was sure he figured this all out by now. And that was pretty much his only option, because testing it wasn't one.
He noticed Ruvyk returning and just waited in the door to the room he was in.
Noticing Zodiac waiting, he looked at him.
-Yes?...-
He asked, stopping in front of him.
"When do you plan to get this started?"
-As soon as possible...how about you, did you find a way to break the curse?-
He asked, tilting his head on the side.
"I guess I did..."
The fact that he was about to remove the only control he had over the god left him with an odd feeling. But there was always plan B.
Ruvyk nodded slowly.
-Well then...why the long hesitation? Do it...-
He said. If it was true, then it meant he would finally be free of that accursed urge to help others. He could go back to his rightful place and get his revenge on those two bastards.
"Sure. You'll need to trigger the curse again. Trying to attack me seemed to do that just fine."
He taunted him on purpose. The less questions he'd ask, to faster this would be over.
Ruvyk raised an eyebrow.
-Attacking you? How is attacking you gonna activate the curse?-
Was Zodiac talking about the right thing here? He clearly misunderstood something.
So much for just getting done with it.
"Well, what else was it this morning?"
Ruvyk looked at him.
-Those were...my powers...at least, what left I have of them until that curse is broken...-
He explained.
-My curse activate when someone ask me for help...and I don't want to...-
"So you mean... Damn it."
Zodiac just turned around and went back into the room.
He just wasted the whole time then. Maybe he could still make this work, but his hopes weren't high.
So it was really a misunderstanding. He sighed, following the man to his room.
-Errr...so...what you were about to do...mind telling me about it?-
He was under the impression things weren't going as planned. That would get him irritated for sure.
"You know that one spark? If you paid attention that is. I tried to use it to understand how your curse works. And I thought I did..."
-Oh....-
He was talking about when he grew angry and....Zodiac was talking about the restraint on his power. He had never really tought about it been part of the same curse, but it did seems to make sense.
-Wait...you might be right...they might be part of the same curse...-
He said. he felt a bit stupid but didn't let it show.
-Fine...you mean this...?-
Ruvyk tried calling out to his power, raising it to the maximum he could, and soon sparks and barrier surrounded him while he winced a bit. Frowning. He was trying to use his aura but the restraint was quite something.
Zodiac immediately concentrated on the curse and paid no attention to anything else.
He still had more time than he'd need. It was far easier than he excepted since he knew what to look for and he immediately started what he had planned: Removing a certain part of the curse.
He could immediately see how it started to dissolved, but far slower than he was used to.
The curse disappeared again before he could see even half of it dissolve, but he was sure he did it right.
He waited a few more seconds before saying anything. Partly to mess with Ruvyk.
"Alright, try now. "
Ruvyk could feel the restraint getting weaker, it was working, it was really working! But somehow, there was something that was amiss. When Zodiac was done, he did try out his power. His aura gre stronger and his eyes started to glow, but no sparkles nor barriers came to stop the quick power up of the God.
-Yes! It's working!-
He said. His aura soon disapeared as he extended his hands on each side of him. Soon, the dimension surrounding them started to distort a bit, a smirk appeared on his face. A second later, the room was back to normal. He looked rather happy with it.
-You did well...-
"It'd be a shame if not."
Zodiac was glad that he didn't waste the last few days for nothing.
He couldn't quite share Ruvyks happiness.
"Don't make me regret it."
The God turned his head toward the mage.
-Regret it?...-
He repeated, frowning a little. It wasn't in his intention, but he wondered what he meant by that.
-So...will you finally tell me what it is you want for payment?-
"I believe I already did."
There was no way to predict the gods reaction. He either hated them enough or things could get unpleasant.
Ruvyk raised an eyebrow, he had no idea what the mage was talking about. If he already took payment, then what was it, how hard it was to answer a single question? Zodiac was getting on his nerves as it was, but at least the curse was off now.
-Find then...you can leave whenever you want...-
He said, walking out of the room.
A barrier stopped Ruvyk at the door.
"I'll repeat myself since you were to ignorant to listen: Let me deal with the two friends of yours. "
Stopped by the barrier, the God turned his head slowly toward the mage. There...it wasn't so hard to say no? So that was what he wanted?
-And....am I stopping you from doing so?-
He asked. Turning his whole body toward Zodiac. He didn't get what was going on into that man's head. Ruvyk had his powers back, he still wanted to take revenge on the two Gods but, why was the man so insistant?
-Listen...you might be a powerful mage, but you don't want to get on my bad side either...and I getting to the end of my patience...you want to deal with Arius and Domyr...sure, go ahead...I don't think you were waiting for my permission were you?...-
He either really was this stupid or did this on purpose. Possibly both.
"I shouldn't get on your bad side? Think about that for moment."
He was asking to take on two gods, one would not be the issue.
Ruvyk shook his head.
-Your waiting for me to open a path for you? Is that it...-
He looked annoyed. But something might have escaped Zodiac. It took two gods to put down one. Who had an issue here he wondered.
-Find me back at the west entrance of town...at eleven...don't be late...-
He walked away, dissipating the barrier if it was still there and walked off.
Zodiac just grumbled as Ruvyk walked through the door.
He waited until the god was gone to go. With nothing better to do, he went straight to the west gate and waited there.
This will be fun.
Eleven O' clock, Ruvyk had made his way to the west entrance, precisely on time. Seing how Zodiac was already there, he simply nodded to him. He motion for him to follow and entered the desert area. It would be a small walk from him but they had to be away from the town, he didn't want just any idiot to get in the way.
They walked for a while, Ruvyk was silent. He was deep in toughts, now what would happen once Zodiac would set foot there? Ruvyk wanted his revenge, but what did Zodiac wanted? He wondered, but he had a feeling he wouldn't really like it.
Once the city was out of sight, Ruvyk stopped. They were in the middle of nowhere, with sand forever surrounding them. The wind was dusty and almost reek with blood for some reason. It was almost midnight. The god lift his head toward the stars.
-Get ready....-
He said slowly.
"Should we knock on a door before entering?"
Ruvyk chuckle a bit.
-No...that won't be necessary...-
He said. The last of his words couldn't be heard as a gush of wind swipe them up. The wind was red and could been seen, like some sort of sandstorm, but even more deadly and creepy, as they were actually been lift up by a swarm of locust. Red...big ones at that.
Shielding them with water, they couldn't see anything apart from each other and the insects, eventually, blinded by a strong light as they landed on something soft.
They were back in the desert, but it was daytime. As far as the eye could see, only sand, and tree gigantic stones of black marble heading toward the sky.
-So...wind or earth?-
Zodiac observed the whole process carefully, but couldn't even imagine how it worked, which was annoying to say the least.
He looked around as they landed before replying: "We get a choice? How awfully considerate of them."
Ruvyk turned his head toward the mage.
-Considerate...not really...do you remember what I said when I first talked to you?...Me and them we are some sort of a trio...right now, this is our domain....and each of the monument you see is one of our temple...one of them is mine...they probably already felt our presence...-
He said.
"Interesting. Well... who do you hate more, I guess?"
ruvyk shrugged. Who he hated more didn't matter. Both of them were annoying. He started walking toward one of the monument. They walked for a long while as they eventually reach the monument, it felt as if the building was touching the sky, it was impossible to see it's end.
They faced a large stair case, leading to gigantic doors which many scriptures on it and runes. The doors opened slowly as a small figure walked outside. A tan young man with deep green hair and gold eyes.
-So...you found a way to come back Ruvyk?...You even brought a mortal with you...-
The other god frowned. Ruvyk smiled.
-Well..yeah, nice to see you too...brother Arius...-
He said.
So Arius did not recognize him either. But maybe didn't even know him in the first place. Were they really this naive?
It wouldn't matter in a minute. Zodiac was just left with the question if Ruvyk really hated them enough to not drive a dagger through his back.
He wouldn't do anything for now. The more distracted they were, the easier this would be in the end.
Ruvyk looked at his brother, then glance back at Zodiac. What was he waiting for? He wondered.
-Well..you know why I'm here anyway...-
-We've scealed you once...we can do it again...and this time we might not be so forgiving...-
A smirk appeared on his face.
-Good thing I'm not alone then...heh...Zodiac...he's all yours...didn't you say you wanted to deal with them?-
With that, Ruvyk vanished into the air, while only his laugh remained until it dissipated. Disapearing from sight, leaving Zodiac alone with the other God. Arius turned his gaze upon the mage.
-You shouldn't have come here...-
With that, the God's aura started to grow stronger, it felt a bit weaker then what he had saw from Ruvyk, but it still remained a god. The ground started to shake and crumble under Zodiac's feet, as large whirlwind sprout from the air, aiming at Zodiac and constricting his movements.
Zodiac didn't say anything and waited until the whirlwind had thrown up a lot of sand.
He didn't need any time to prepare, but getting a surprise on foes was always great.
With a single move of his hand, the whirlwind dissolved.
As the dust settled, the thin purple lines that were now covering whole clothing revealed them self.
"Let's hope that that's not the best you can do. Otherwise you might not be worth the time."
The God raised an eyebrow.
-Who do you think you are? Challenging a God, how foolish!-
The god started to float into the air, taking flight as the sun started to turn very harsh, the heat of the desert rising to been almost unbearable, sand started crawling around Zodiac as it turned into piercing needles, entering the mage's flesh with ease, breaking any magical barrier in the way as he was soon covered in sand, like a coffins with thousands of needles piercing his skin.
Zodiac just stood there. It really had been a while that he had a challenge.
But he already had enough of it.
The sand that had gathered around him as he reappeared behind Arius.
"How foolish of you to ignore threats just because you're a god. "
A blast send the god back to the ground.
"Any last words?", he taunted the god as he landed next to him.
The god was pushed away but he quickly got back on his feet. It's not as if such a small blast would do much.
The god didn't answer to his taunt and jumped at Zodiac in one swift move, he wasn't so far so he could easily catch him. Slapping his hand in Zodiac's face, small black runes escaped the god's hand, expanding to the man's skin and impregning his soul.
-Be cursed! This was meant for Ruvyk, but I'll make an exception!-
The runes stayed there, settle in the mage's skin. A new curse he didn't knew about. A curse that would prevent him from killing anyone anymore. The God then vanish into the air. Leaving Zodiac alone in front of the now close temple.
Zodiac just stood there, partly surprised, partly disappointed that the god gave up this easily.
"Fleeing already... What a god you are"
He didn't seem too bothered by the curse. It was pretty much the only challenge Arius provided for him.
But he needed to figure out what it does first...
-Well...what are you gonna do now?-
Ruvyk's voice asked. It could be heard inside his head. The heat was getting heavier and a sandstorm started blowing.
"Not even a thank you? Well, if you still want to be useful, you can either bring Arius back or tell me in which of the pillars I can find the other one."
This time he wouldn't mess around. Arius just showed him that they weren't worth his time.
-As far as I'm concern...Arius is still breathing...-
Ruvyk said. He could almost hear him smirk.
-Well...I suppose I'll take on Arius myself...but if you go straight up south from there...you'll find the other one...-
"He's mine", Zodiac replied with a voice that had the air vibrate around him and headed to the south.
-How fierce! Sure...keep him to you...-
You walk to the south, it took a while, the desert sand was hot and the air ever so suffocating. Finally arriving at the monument, the other god. A tall man with tan skin stood, a large spear in hand, with golden eyes. His aura was a lot more powerful then that of Arius and he looked rather calm.
-What have you come here for...? Have you allied with our brother Ruvyk...he is but a traitor to his vows...-
He said.
Zodiac didn't reply. He wasn't in the mood for chatting.
The lines that had started to fade pulsed again. And this time they expanded more, now even covering the ground.
His plan was simple: Control the gods mind. But before you can control something, you need to break it first.
He figured this whole method out himself, and it had yet to fail.
Breaking someone's will wasn't hard. He just needed to figure out what they can't cope with the most. For some, it's fear, for some panic...
Zodiac lost focus as that reminded him of someone. He should really see what that dragon was up to...
Seen there was no response, he took that as an invitation for the fight. It seemed the man didn't feel like talking. The Earth god sighed. Raising his spear in the air, the sand started shaking and the air turn so hot it was almost impossible to breath.
The god's aura started to grow as powerful runes appeared on his body, his eyes started glowing and he jumped into the air, aiming at zodiac and striked, with such power, the air seemed to distort around the spear and waves of wind slashed at Zodiac before the spear had even reached him.
The ground was shaking under the powerful display of the god.
Zodiac sent himself flying backwards with a blast since he couldn't stop the god.
The temperature started to drop rapidly as the lines on the ground lit up even more.
A black sphere formed around the god and almost immediately disappeared again.
"That... should have worked..."
And it did. But he wouldn't need to know that.
Zodiac usually skipped a few steps of of this process, but he didn't want this to go wrong just because he underestimate gods.
And the first step was doubt and worry. Uncertain minds are easier to control.
It seemed to be a high spirited fight, as both parties show exceptionnals skills, but it was far from over. The God kept attacking relentlessly, the storm of his spear creating large craters wherever he touched.
Good thing he wasn't as fast as the other, but the level of power was completely different. From the corner of his eyes, Zodiac manage to get a glance on the side, where he saw Ruvyk sitting in midair, looking at the fight with a smile on his face, his head leaning on the palm of his hand with his elbow on his tight.
Zodiac was growing more frustrated as the fight went on. He was sure it worked, but he had yet to see any signs of it.
And that he had to constantly dodge to stay alive and thus not having any chance to attack didn't help.
As he spotted Ruvyk, a barrier formed around his opponent. Even with his power, Zodiac had a minute to catch his breath.
"Hope you're entertained."
The purple haired god smiled.
-Oh yes...very much...-
He said with a grin. The other God wasn't all so happy, and as he saw Ruvyk, his attention shifted for a moment to the other one.
-Oh...time to go!-
He said with a grin as he disapeared once more from your sight. This was his domain after all and such trick didn't seems so out of place.
Zodiac turned his attention back to his opponent as Ruvyk disappeared again. He had to wonder what the god would do if he just left now.
The barrier could hold just a little longer, so there was only one way to find out.
Zodiac turned around and just left the god alone.
When Zodiac started to turn around, the earth god looked at him surprised. The barrier broke from the power of his aura as he stood back in the ground.
-.....-
He was still owning a very powerful aura around him, but he stopped attacking. That's when the other one appeared.
-Brother! Ruvyk's is in Father's tomb! We must stop him!-
It was Arius which came flying from his temple, looking rather worried.
Zodiac was still close enough to hear what Arius was saying.
"Have fun Ruvyk..."
He kept walking and only now realized that he'd be stuck here if Ruvyk did anything dumb...
The other one let out a roar of anger and powerful wings spread from his back as he took flight. They started heading in some direction, toward the last temple he hadn't reach yet.
During that time, Ruvyk was moving trough his father's tomb, with a large grin on his face as he grew closer to the ancien god sepulture.
Zodiac stopped for a second before deciding to head in the direction the two gods just left.
He didn't want to miss that party.
When Zodiac eventually reach said temple, the doors had been crashed open, there was rubbles everywhere, but no sign of the 3 Gods yet. As he entered, it was silent and eerie, there wasn't much light except what was coming from outside, trough the gigantic hole that had been made in the door.
Further down, sounds of battle could be heard, growl and screams of wrath and anger. There was a huge BAM, and another sounds. A staircase seemed to lead downward.
Zodiac stopped and looked around for a good minute. There was much to see, but he might as well have a look.
It's not like he'd get the chance again any time soon.
He took the staircase down, but didn't draw any attention.
This was still Ruvyks problem. Well, for now.
As the man went down the stairs, the noises from the fighting went on, growing stronger as he approach it's source. At the end of the staircase, he found himself in a huge room, at the far end, a hundred meters away in front, stood a big coffin, it was cracked open and in the air, an impressive battle was taking place between what looked to be a phenix made of water, a green eagle made of air and winged lion made of stone. Elements were clashing against each other and the temple was falling into rubbles as each of these Gods were fighting. Two against one and the water phenix was holding his side quite nicely.
-Weren't you going to take care of these two?-
Ruvyk asked the man when he noticed his presence. He had spoken in his head but was still fighting.
Zodiac watched the battle for a bit, only replying after letting Ruvyk wait for a bit.
"Things... seem to not work as planned"
-Is that so?...Well..I got what I came for...there is no need to stay here any further...-
He said, laughing a little.
-Jump on my back! We're going back...-
His voice resonated again in the mage's head as the blue phenix came down rushing on him, his right wings slightly down for Zodiac to hop on if he wanted. Heading toward the exit.
Zodiac jumped on, but not without leaving a little present.
Like before, a barrier formed that would keep the two there for a while longer. But this time, it was pitch black.
As Zodiac climbed on Ruvyk's back, he could feel he was sitting on something solid, despie it looking like water, it felt strange a bit. He could feel the coldness of the water but he wasn't getting wet. The pheonix left the premise of the temple, making it's way trough the stairs and the corridor without any problem despite the small space given to him and soon found himself out of the temple, in the dry air of the desert.
The mage had no idea if the two gods had passed or not the barrier, but they didn't seems to follow. Ruvyk made his way toward a central point, then, as if under his command, those same red insect surrounded them and they were transported away. Soon finding themselves in the hot sands and harsh wind of the desert down below, in the realm of the mortals. Ruvyk landed gracefully in the sand.
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Ruvyk's phoenix form
(http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/735432b43e996792935dad1142868df4413a9c.jpg) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=735432b43e996792935dad1142868df4413a9c.jpg)
Zodiac jumped off before Ruvyk even landed.
"It should have worked", he muttered to no one in particular as a small white orb appeared in front of him. He intended to solve this right here and now.
(Apologies for the delay. Stuff got busy.)
Ruvyk looked at Zodiac for a moment.
-What? What should have worked?-
He asked. He was getting truly annoyed by all that mystery babbling the mage was so fond of.
(No problem^^ And once again...what are you trying to do?)