Skye
Today
In the cave rumored to hold the rod of Asclepius
As we entered into the cave, a cold wind swept through the cavern, carrying with it the scent of sulfur and decay. A vast subterranean chamber stretched before us, its ceiling seemed lost to the darkness above. At its far end, a deep, inky blackness suggested another chamber. But guarding that passage were three statues that almost gave me a heart attack when I noticed them.
Three colossal figures stood in our path against the dim, strange light that filtered through the cavern whose source I hadn't yet found. Each of their bodies were poised in an attack stance and their eyes... Their eyes seemed to be observing.
"That's not creepy at all." Kodi commented, noticing it too.
The leftmost statue reminded me of titans from movies, with its skin cracked and weathered like ancient ruins and it was wearing ancient Greek armor. From its gnarled hands, it wielded a colossal mace. These things don't move, right?
The central figure was most humanoid, though its body was elongated and also made of stone. It held a staff of twisted bone, from which I sensed tendrils of dark energy. To the right, there was a ninja looking statue, made of shadowed obsidian and steel. Its body was cloaked in darkness, except for twin, crimson eyes that glowed like embers. Its arms were replaced by lethal blades.
"If anyone of them moves, I'm bolting out of here." Lara announced.
Pfft. I scoffed. She'll be the first person throwing her tiny frame against the hulking creatures, at the cost of my mental health, if it came to that.
The labyrinth stretched before us, a serpentine maze of shadows and echoes. Its walls were full of cryptic symbols, a language older than time. At the heart of this cave, legend whispered, lay the Rod of Asclepius.
The first chamber was a vast expanse of darkness, save for a single, pulsating orb at its center. The orb emitted a soft, ethereal glow, casting dancing shadows on the walls. As we approached, the orb seemed to shimmer, revealing an inscription of a riddle, in ancient hieroglyphics. Lara stepped forward, her eyes scanning the intricate patterns. "Remember, Miss T warned us. There would be some kind of test of intellect," She murmured, her voice low like she didn't want to wake something.
I joined her side. "The firstborn of chaos, birthed from the abyss, holds the key to unlock this place," I translated for my peers.
"Chaos?" Kofi asked puzzled bringing his head closer to ours as we all studied the orb up close. "I thought we're here to bring order."
I shook my head. "No, it speaks of beginnings. The first element, the primordial force."
"Water," Lara said, her voice certain.
"Yes. Water." I agreed. "That which fights form and order. The spawn of chaos, the first and oldest enemy of Ra, the first sun god."
Stand back, let me try something." I told them. I summoned a small ball of water, dropping it over the orb, dousing it. The orb dulled and went out. All of them, including Derrek who had joined us staring at the orb, turned to stare exasperatedly at me. Kodi opened his mouth to say something. "Ssssh". I interrupted him. "Look" - The orb suddenly pulsed brighter, and the walls of the chamber parted, revealing a hidden passage.
"Well, would you look at that? You're welcome." I turned around and headed inside, whistling as I walked in while they sighed and I chuckled to myself. I loved being right.
It led to a hall of mirrors, an infinite regress of reflections. In the center of the room stood a statue of a woman, her face obscured by a veil, with an inscription at the bottom of her dress. I translated, "Behold the goddess of many faces," my voice echoed through the chamber. "To lift her veil, you must see beyond the surface, into the depths of your souls." "The fuck does that mean?" Kodi scoffed.
"Who was the goddess of many faces?" Derrek asked musingly. "There was a god of many faces. Did Janus have a female counterpart or ever appear as female?" Derrek asked, this time, directing the question to me, the one with access to all information on ancient beings and their histories.
I closed my eyes, focusing on my core. I felt the essence of Isis, the goddess of wisdom and magic, stirring within me, as a peacock this time for some reason. I placed my hands on the statues.
"Um, guys…" Kodi said.
"Not now." I replied. With a surge of power, I projected my essence into the mirrors. The reflections rippled, then solidified into images - visions of Isis past, present, and future.
"Perhaps many faces mean many lives or reincarnations." I said starring at the many faces of Isis. "And Isis-
"Girl, the statues have moved." Lara squeaked grabbing my arm. Wait, what?
I turned around and saw all three of them. Perfectly still but brandishing their weapons, and staring straight at us. If I didn't know better, I'd say they were just inanimate statues. But I distinctly remember them being in a different room not ten feet away.
The stony beings spoke without moving their lip or… anything, really. "You dare seek the Rod of Apollo. Tempered in fire, forged in shadow, it is the heart of the sun's might."
"Isn't it the Rod of Asclepius?" Kodi asked it a whisper.
"Apollo made it. Asclepius is his son." I whispered back. "Oh," Kodi whispered, understanding.
"We're not seeking it for ourselves." I said loudly to the guardians. "We need it to free humanity from the tyranny of a false god."
"Many have come before you seeking the rod," said the voice coming from the statue on the right, I was calling him titan from now on.
"All have claimed to have noble cause," said the Jafar looking statue.
"The Rod was created to heal and yet no one seeking the Rod has sought after it as an instrument of restoration, only to wield it as a weapon. Just like them, you seek the staff for vengeance, wealth or dominion and just like them, you would be destroyed." Said the Ninja statue.
Well…at least we knew the Ninja statue didn't pull any punches before we started fighting. That was not entirely false. We needed it for its power to fight and to take back the sun god's dominion over the world so… that was a two outta three. We exchanged a grim glances. We should have known we couldn't steal ancient, magical objects from a cave without fighting moving, stone statues. That was law. Time to play our part in the tomb raiding cliché.
The battle that ensued was a series of several near death experiences. The stone titan charged, its mace swinging in a blur. Derrek charged, intending to meet the onslaught with physical force. I met it with a shield of pure energy before he did. I still want you alive and around, buddy. We were already exhausted from the past battle barely 30 minutes ago. The ground trembled with each impact as the titan charged forward. Derrek released a series of rapid punches, kicks and jabs that hurt him more than it hurt the stone creature; it barely even chipped. At least, it was occupied in place as Derrek was a near match for the creature's strength. I summoned a large metal pole for Derrek to use in place of his fists and claws. The cavern was echoing with the thunderous clash of the blows, heavy footsteps and the occasional thumping of bodies thrown.
While Derrek held the brute at bay, I focused my attention on Mutated Jafar. The serpentine stone sorcerer looking statue, unleashed a torrent of dark magic, conjuring illusions of himself that disoriented and confused one about where he was; charging at you from the left when he was on the right; standing still when he was in front of you. I don't remember seeing this in tomb raider. Did he know moving statues weren't supposed to do that? With my ability to see through magical tricks, he was mine to fight even though my go-to stone trick was useless against these stone, judgey bastards. I called upon the power of Isis to dispel illusions, I summoned and launched fire and most importantly, I shielded my friends from attacks they couldn't dodge.
The ninja, meanwhile, was a phantom, appearing in and out of darkness and shadow and scoring way too many hits. Lara and Kodi took him on. They fought back, their bodies blurring as they dodged, parried, and countered. Lara attacking close range, Kodi from a safe distance. I made a mental note to prepare more healing potions when we get to base, if we make it. We will need all the ones we have tonight. Kodi seem to be the only one making progress, blasting chunks off the statues with his gun. It slowed them down but barely.
The cavern was filled with the clash of metal, stone, the roar of magic, and the grunts of pain. Sweat and blood dripped all over the cavern floor. We couldn't take it anymore, we were exhausted. I even attempted to hurl a fireball and it sputtered and fizzled out before touching Jafar. I looked at Kodi, he was using his gun as a baton now.
Shit, I got distracted too long. I felt a blossoming pain on my back, found myself hurtling through the air and landing a painful heap on the stony floor. Shortly after, Lara landed next to me, then Kodi, the Ninja statue apparently won. Derrek came next, thankfully landing on none of us. We wouldn't have survived, that dude was huge. With a surprisingly coordinated attack, the statues had broken through our weak defenses, tossing us all in the same spot. Not gently, I'd add. The titan raised his mace and was bringing it down faster than I could conjure something. I closed my eyes but not before I noticed the mirrors glowing. When I opened my eyes, the statue's veil had fallen, revealing the face of Isis. All the different faces of Isis turned to stare at us from the mirrors and then faded away. The statues shuddered and became still once more.
In the dim light of the cave, the air thick with ancient magic, Isis, the goddess of wisdom and magic, appeared before us, like solidified light. Her presence was both awe-inspiring and comforting, her voice resonated with the power of the ages. Her expression was one of contemplation, her eyes reflecting the weight of her thoughts. She addressed us with a voice that carries both wisdom and ancient experience and… annoyance? "What are you doing here, child?"
Um…
"We seek a way to defeat the sun god that has taken a hold of our world… goddess… ma'am." I sputter. Why did I feel like kid caught with her hand inside a candy jar?
I couldn't be sure but Isis seemed to sigh and then she said, "The Rod of Asclepius is within your reach, and with it, the power to challenge Maahes' dominion. Yet, I must confess, my heart is torn. The mighty son of the sun, seeks to impose his will upon the world, to dominate and control. I understand the desire to resist such tyranny, to fight for freedom. His vision is one of order, but it is an order born of fear and subjugation. However, the path you have chosen is fraught with complexities that weigh heavily on the soul.
I do not fully agree with your mission to stop him. His methods are harsh, but his intentions, in their own way, seek to bring stability to a world often plagued by chaos." Come again?
"The balance of power is delicate," She continued. "…and the consequences of your actions are uncertain. In opposing him, you risk unleashing forces that could lead to even greater turmoil."
What the fuck was even happening right now? I thought. Why does no one in this cave believe we're the good guys? We were trying to save the world, damnit!
"Isis continues, glowing and clasping her hands. "Yet, despite my reservations, I see the purity of your intent. Your heart is driven by a desire to protect, to heal, and to restore balance. It is this purity that compels me to offer you my blessing, even as I stand on the moral fence. Remember the principles of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice. Let her teachings guide you. Act with integrity, even when the path is difficult. Seek justice, not vengeance. Use the power of the Rod to heal and protect, not to dominate and destroy. In doing so, you will keep your soul pure and your heart true.
Understand this. The power you seek to wield is immense, and with it comes great responsibility. Do not let the thirst for victory cloud your judgment. It is insidious. It begins as a whisper, a subtle suggestion that you can do more, be more. But as you drink from its well, it grows louder, demanding more of you, until it becomes a roar that drowns out all else. You must guard against this, for the line between right and wrong can blur in the face of such temptation. Remember that true strength lies not in domination, but in understanding and empathy. Seek to heal, not to harm; to unite, not to divide.
As you move forward, know that my presence will be with you, a silent witness to your journey. Draw strength from my blessing, but also from your own inner light. It is this light that will guide you through the darkness and help you navigate the complexities of your quest.
Go now, with my blessing. May your actions bring about a world where balance and harmony prevail, and may you find the wisdom to make choices that honor the true spirit of justice and compassion. Remember, the true measure of a hero is not in the power they wield, but in the choices they make. Choose wisely, and you will prevail."
The room trembled, and a blinding light filled the chamber. I managed to make out the statues reanimating and moving together and… fusing. They literally walked into each other till they shrunk and shrunk and when our vision cleared, Isis was gone and the Rod of Asclepius lay before us on the spot where the statues had disappeared. A simple staff, unassuming but pulsing with an ancient power.
A heavy silence descended upon the cavern. We lay amidst the carnage for a while, our bodies trembling with exhaustion. The Rod just lay there on the floor, anticlimactically. It seemed to be made of bronze, bronze snakes curled around a long metal shaft with a blue gem on the top. We all stared at it for a while till I went over and picked it up. "Well" I said smiling uncertainly. "We got it. We should rest. Our journey is far from over."
Kodi snorted, "Okay, Captain America."
"Well." Derrek spoke up. "This is a good place as any to make camp."
"Kodi, I'm waking you later for second watch." Lara said.
"But why??? Let Derrek take it. He's basically a robot. He won't mind." Kodi whined.
"Because we need Derrek's senses to be alert and sharp and we need you tired enough to shut up." She says, handing him his mat, with a sweet smile.
Kodi's mouth dropped open. "Well jokes on you, I talk more when I'm tired." He took his mat and plopped down on it before it reached the ground
Sigh. These two. I and Derrek threw our salvageable sleeping mats on the cavern floor and huddled together with Kodi for warmth while Lara made a fire and took first watch. I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the mat.
The dream was a stark, monochromatic canvas. There was no color, only shadows. In the center of this bleak landscape stood Leo. But this wasn't the Leo I'd seen in the lab, pale and subdued. This Leo was different. His eyes were ablaze with an intensity I'd only seen through screens lately, a power that seemed to radiate from within.
He was surrounded by a swirling vortex of energy, a tempestuous maelstrom of green and gold. It was as if he was the eye of a hurricane, calm and centered amidst the chaos. His hands were outstretched, and from them emanated tendrils of light that reached out to touch the world around him.
Then, as abruptly as it had begun, the dream shifted. The colors returned, vibrant and intense. The monochromatic world transformed into the lush, green, vivid, familiar forest scene I've dreamt off, so many times before. Leo was still there, and smiling, wearing a loose, knit, cream sweater and cream slacks? Did I catch him at a bad time in his comfort clothes? Where was the long black villain robe he wore these days? The cream sweater made his locks look whiter in contrast and ethereal. I needed to stop thinking of him as Leo. He was the Maahes, sun god. How did I never notice how dangerously powerful he was? This being of immense power. And how absolutely beautiful- keep it together, Skye. . . I haven't seen or heard from him even through dreams like this one in over 3 years. It's like I'd been subconsciously shutting him out from reaching my mind until now. Or had he avoided me till he somehow know I wanted to speak to him? I stared at him till he broke the silence.
"My Raven Skye." He said with that annoying one sided smirk. Why did he sound pleased to see me?
"Maahes." I said, subtly pulling my power to the surface. "It's been a while."
His full eyebrows raised either at the name I addressed him with or my fighting countenance. Then, his smirk turned into a grin as he glided forward to me, staring at me with mirth, behind those golden eyes that had no reason being this pretty on a dangerous man like this.
"Yes it seems much has changed." He said as I took a step back and then another one for good measure. "You keep questionable company now, little Raven." He said, having the nerve to look disappointed. And this loose sweater shouldn't have the nerve or the ability to flatter his sculpted body like this but somehow it did. My anger and caution gave way to more anger and shock as I marveled at the actual audacity of this man. "Me." I said. Disbelief in my voice. "I keep questionable company?" My voice rising with each word. "You're judging the company I keep when you have a military cult!!!"
He took another step forward trapping me between him and a tree in my forest dreamscape, place a hand on the trunk I was now leaning against. He took the top of the collar of my vest, just beneath my collar bone and was idly toying with the neck of my blouse between his index and middle finger.
"Faithful friends are a strong defense." He said in an explanatory tone, lifting my chin with his index finger, studying my face like it was the first time. Ugh. This was definitely a deliberate distraction. I guess he still quoted random sayings when wanted to dodge questions. Wait that quote sounded familiar.
"Did you just quote the Bible to me, you piece of shit?!" I looked up finding him entirely too close, smiling fully this time and this time and it reached his eyes just like I remembered it used to... His presence felt suffocating, I knew I was dreaming but it became hard to breathe.
"I've missed you, Skye." Leo said sounding breathless as well, his lips inches from mine. He moved even closer to me and inhaled deeply. "You still smell wonderful and …like the desert. Where are you? What made you let me in today?" So I was right then. I had been blocking him out subconsciously. "I think about you every day." Le- Maahes - The sun god said. He smelled just like I remembered even in the dream, just like spice and smoke. I gave myself a mental shake. I forced myself to remember Greta's corpse. She loved Taylor Swift. I could not comprehend why but she said it was about the poetry. She trained hard and she fought well. And now she was dead. Killed by the man in front of me, caressing my cheek. Just for daring to oppose the absoluteness of his rule over the world. "So do I." I replied coldly. "I'm coming to kill you, Maahes." I said grinding out the words. I felt my eyes heating which meant they had turned raven black like they do when I feel strong emotions like the resolve I felt right now. The wind was picking up in my dreamscape; from a strong breeze to howling wind. "When I find you, and I will." I promised, my voice steady and cold. Leaves blowing furiously between and around us. "I will pry this world out of your cold dead fingers."
He stared at me with a looking slightly annoyed. Good. Then a smile grew shaking at the corners of his lips, like he was trying and failing to hide it. Then he actually… The son of a bitch actually bursts out laughing. "Oh, Skye. How I've missed you truly." He manages out after a full minute, mid freaking guffaw and wiping tears from his eyes. I didn't know what was so damn amusing about my resolve to end him and his reign of terror forever. "You don't need to search, sweet raven. I will tell you where I am. I look forward to hosting you this time around." With that, the dream faded to black along with him, his golden, cat eyes, still amused, were the last thing to fade away. I woke up with an invitation in my hand, to a party. The card read, to Miss Skye Sloane Harrison, you're invited to the 4th anniversary of the Golden Age of Dawn. It said to bring my friends. That arrogant, cocky, piece of-.
"Good morning Captain Skye!" I huffed and turned to glare at Kodi.
"Whoa. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the floor." He said putting his arms up. "Are you okay, Cap?"
Ugh. I couldn't talk to any of them about this. Not only would they not understand, I was ashamed. Ashamed I still had feelings for the man that murdered our friend, our teammates, is holding the world hostage and literally playing god.
"I'm fine, Chikodi." Let's go kill a god.