“I’ll give you three guesses what is inside them?” asked Cody.
James didn’t bother responding for he knew what would likely lay inside.
“I wonder what is inside them?” asked Jade.
“Dead bodies ditzy twin!” said Rachel, as the agents continued onward.
“What do you think Lucius could be looking for in a place like this?” asked Cody.
“I don’t really care, I just want to find him!” said James. The truth was, he did care. I want to know what he is up to and what exactly it has to do with me.
The group reached a large opening in the passageway. It now cut off in two directions. Both pathways were either side of a statue. The statue was of a large hooded figure that held a spear in front of it. At the foot of the statue was ancient writing. It was written in a language that none of them were familiar with.
“What’s this Lucius guy doing down in a place like this?” said Jade.
“He’s probably lost, just like we are,” replied the girl’s twin, Rachel.
James paid the girls no attention, instead focusing on the statue that stood before them. He had walked up to it and was examining the statue closely.
“What do you make of it?” asked Cody.
“I’m not sure…” replied James, who’s focus was on the writing below the statue.
“If you ask me he looks like the grim reaper!” said Chad. “I mean look at him, with the bad ass hood and cloak and that large blade!” The twins looked at each other, clearly not impressed with Cody’s explanation of the identity of the statue.
James looked at the writing carefully. He had never seen the language it was written in before in his life. Still somehow, he knew exactly what it said. ‘Only those from Alexandria may pass’ were the words he could make out. He whispered the words to himself as he figured them out. Suddenly the statue began to move to one side, opening up revealing a doorway. The rest of the group looked on stunned.
“How did you do that?” asked Cody.
James played off the opening of the statue as sheer luck. “I didn’t do anything, it just opened.”
The group looked into the doorway from where they stood. “I can hear something inside,” said James.
“Maybe it’s Lucius?” asked Jade.
James listened harder. “No, it sounds like…”
A huge flood of water came gushing out of the doorway. The agents’ faces filled with horror as water raced towards them. They had no time to run…and nowhere to run too. The water hurled towards them, like a huge tidal wave, sweeping them all off their feet. They flew around the room, crashing against the walls as the waves tossed them about violently. “James, what do we do?” asked Cody, who was struggling to keep his head above the water due to the erratic current.
“I’m working on it,” said James, who truth be told, was in just as much trouble.
The agents had another problem, though, for the water was beginning to fill up the small area they were in at an alarmingly fast rate. The roof of the passageway now lay only a few feet from the agent’s heads as they struggled to keep above the water.
Realising they didn’t have much time before the room would fill to the top with water, James dived beneath it, looking for a possible escape route. He swam all around the small room, but there was no exit to be found. The passageway they had entered the room in was too long for them to try and escape. They would never be able to hold their breath long enough. James was getting desperate now, as he was becoming short of air himself. He began to punch the wall, hoping his extra strength would be enough to create a hole for the water to go through. It was no good though. The water hampered the speed he was able to punch the wall and his blows had little effect.
Then an odd thing happened, the palm on James’ right hand, which he had been using to try and punch a hole in the wall, began to glow blue. It was only the faintest of glows, but still, a glow nonetheless. It felt almost as though his will to remove the water had empowered his hand. He could now move his hand at normal speed, despite being beneath the water. Then, something else curious began to occur. Bubbles began to form around his right hand and the level of the water began to slowly descend. James concentrated harder; willing the water to work its way out of the room. The speed of the waters descent began to increase.
Within a few minutes, the water was no longer in the room, and the agents sat on the damp sandy floor, wondering just how they had managed to get themselves out of their predicament. James kept quiet as the other agents began scratching their heads. He discreetly looked at his hand, trying to figure out just how he managed to manipulate the water.
“What the hell happened?” asked Cody, who was at a loss as to how the agents had just escaped drowning.
“Maybe there’s a gap in the wall or something?” said Rachel. The girl knew that something bizarre, something unexplained had just occurred, but she knew now was not the time to speculate. “Shall we move on James?” she said, gesturing towards the middle door that was now clear to go through after the passing of the water.
James however, hadn’t heard Rachel’s words. He had a strange sensation flowing through his body. It had gradually become stronger ever since he had begun to manipulate the water. Whatever this feeling was, it wasn’t something negative. In fact, it filled him with confidence and even happiness. He felt at home now, even in this strange place. He felt he had lived here all his life.
“James?” said Jade, who realised that something was odd about him.
“I’m fine, it’s just…the feeling?”
Cody and the twins exchanged a puzzled look. “Hey man…did you bang your head under the water or something?” asked Cody.
“No, I’ve never felt better!” said James. He felt a presence within him. It was as if a guardian angel was watching over him. This was, in fact, the spirit of the lost descendant of the Alexandrian bloodline. The descendant had been buried along with the temple many years ago, assigned with the duty of guarding its ancient walls against unwanted introducers.
Before Trenkenth had merged the two worlds of Alexandria and Underworld, the temple had in fact been stood in the far southern region of the Alexandrian realm. The descendant had died some time ago inside the walls of this maze, however, even in death, it still honoured its duty and its spirit still protected the temple walls.
After James had accidently tapped into the Alexandrian elemental ability of water manipulation, something all those native to Alexandria possessed in some form or another, the descendant had become aware of another Alexandrian within the temple. The fallen soul had now come to him and it wished to aid him in his quest. The descendant did not speak directly to James. It could not for it had lost the ability to talk in death. However, it spoke to his soul. It bestowed within James, the knowledge of every passageway and chamber from within the temple.
James now knew how they would be able to locate Chad and Sophie, and even Lucius too. Inside of the temple was an enchanted fountain. Any who stood inside of it who were of the Alexandrian bloodline were granted the gift of sight. The gift would enable James and his friends to view any area of the temple they desired. It was the fountain that James now had to seek. “Come on, we’re going through the door to the left,” he said.
“What about the middle one. It opened up for us?” asked Rachel
“Trust me, we go through there and we won’t come back out,” replied James.
“Yeah, but…”
James cut her off. “I’m squad leader. We’re going this way!”
The stern and serious nature of James’ tone led the twin to believe that it would do no good to reason with him. She wasn’t happy about this, but she didn’t challenge him. He was after all, the leader of the mission.
With the aid of the descendant, James navigated the labyrinth with relative ease. The group reached a large opening. Inside of it, lay a small pathway, no more than six-feet wide. Either side of it was a long drop, a drop into darkness. Cody looked over the
edge of the pathway nervously. “I wonder how far down it goes?” he said.
“Still scared of heights?” said Jade, slightly teasing him.
It was true that Cody had once been afraid of heights. In fact, he had frozen still at the top of a zip line once back in the time when he and the others had lived on the complex training. That was a long time ago, however, and now he was a fully-fledged agent. He had well and truly conquered his fears.
“Very funny,” said the young Texan, following carefully after James who had already set off across the narrow path.
“Be careful. Watch your step,” James warned. After successfully navigating the pathway, the group reached the enchanted waterfall. This wasn’t your standard waterfall, however. As it poured down from high above, into the darkness of the long drop below, the group noticed that the water was changing colour by the second. Within the water, were the colours Red, Yellow, Purple and Blue. It reminded James of a rainbow.
“Come on, it’s ok,” said James who advanced slowly towards it.
“How do you know?” asked Rachel.
James paid the twin no attention and disappeared through the waterfall. “You have to see this!” he shouted from behind the water. Cody looked at the others and shrugged his shoulders. He then followed on after the agent. Jade and Rachel quickly followed suit after him.
The fountain began to give off a green glow and a sudden flash of white light covered the immediate area. “What’s going on?” asked Jade.
“It’s showing us something,” replied James.
The group could now see a large room, lit by several fire lanterns. Ancient drawings filled the walls of the room, far larger than the agent’s had seen in any other area of the pyramid. The group could not enter the room though; they could only merely look into it. The images had appeared within the fountain that they stood before. All watched on with interest as someone began to enter inside.
“It’s Chad! Hey, Chad!” shouted Rachel.
Chad and Sophie entered the room through a doorway, but they could not hear the calls of their friend. The two twins continued to shut the male agent but with no success.
“He can’t hear you, girls,” said James. “I don’t think we’re close to that room. This is just an image.” The group continued the watch as Chad and Sophie began to investigate the room.
“Nice axe man. I wonder where he got that from?” said Cody, in reference to the golden axe which Chad wielded. James, like Chad, had done previously, sensed great power from within the blade.
Inside the room, Chad and Sophie examined the walls. Strange symbols were placed below the drawings on the walls. They resembled some sort of language. “What is all this?” said Sophie. Chad looked closely at the drawings, and then the writing underneath it. Chad understood the strange writing, even though he had never seen it before. The imagery on the walls showed two large circles with patterns in the middle, and the drawing of stars were scattered around them. One of the circles was full of shiny patterns, whilst the other was coloured in shade.
“I’m guessing these are planets maybe?” said Chad. The truth was, he knew this because the strange writing underneath the images eluded to two worlds. ‘One world shines out across the stars, whilst the other is cast in eternal darkness’ read one passage.
In front of the two planets were two images of what Chad could make out to be dragons. ‘Ethecatl, the Wind Serpent. Guardian of the realm of light. Protector of Alexandria. These were the words encased underneath the dragon that stood next to the shiny planet. The dragon looked like it was standing on guard in the imagery. The second dragon which flew near the shaded world had the words, ‘Samael, the Angel Of Death’ encased beneath it. The dragon looked to be attacking the other one.
Another huge passage was located beneath both worlds. It told of an epic battle between Ethecatl and Samael long ago and the fate of both worlds would be determined by the outcome. The writings also told of a Great War that plunged both worlds into despair. Sophie looked on as Chad gazed into the imagery with wonder. She kept looking at it herself, not understanding why Chad was so fascinated by it. She kicked the sand underneath her feet, a clear sign that she was beginning to get bored.
James looked on with interest from within the fountain. He could see what Chad was seeing.
“Chad, what are you doing?” asked Sophie, who had watched him stare at the wall for long enough. Chad didn’t pay her any attention, instead continuing to read. “Chad!” Shouted the Irish girl.
Chad became almost enchanted by the writings. “Don’t you get it? This is a fountain of knowledge, ancient knowledge…”
Within the fountain, James began to feel a presence. He felt something approaching, although from where he could not say. He began to look around.
“What is it?” asked Cody.
“Something’s wrong,” James replied.
A huge flash of white light appeared from within the fountain. A figure dressed in white slowly walked in front of the four agents. The long white hair was instantly recognisable. It was Lucius! He turned his head in the direction of James and smiled. “So…you opened the door. Well done.”
Lucius vanished through the images of the fountain and materialised inside the room in which Chad and Sophie were stood. The four agents looked on helplessly as Chad and Sophie were confronted by the white haired man. Chad was still fully engrossed with the paintings and failed to pick up on the new occupant inside the room. Sophie, however was paying full attention of her surroundings and spotted the white haired man out of the corner of her eye. She took out her gun and pointed it at Lucius. Her enemy lifted his hand and the gun flew out of the agents grasp and across the room. The Irish girl took out one of her knives and stood in a fighting stance, preparing for battle.
Chad had now sighted the foe also, however, he wasn’t as startled as his colleague.
“So you’ve found it. It’s beautiful isn’t it?” said Lucius.
Chad thought for a moment, trying to think what the white haired man was referring to. “Oh you mean the drawings!” he said. Chad took another quick glance at them and nodded. “Not bad, I thought the part about the dragons fighting was a little far fetched.”
“The guardians are legendary beasts. Far beyond your comprehension sadly,” said Lucius. The hit of mockery was edged in his voice. He looked down upon Chad, almost in pity.
“Wow, careful or you might hurt my feelings,” replied Chad sarcastically.
“What are you doing here?” asked Sophie.
Lucius paid the Irish girl no attention, not taking his focus off Chad even for a second. “So here you are, truly the tragic figure. Far worse than I ever could have imagined. As the second act of our story begins you will finally find your place. A place in a world you have never belonged. Isn’t that right…Chad?”
Chad didn’t fully understand the extent of the white haired man’s words, however, he got the impression that Lucius knew a little more about him than perhaps he was eluding too.
“So, are you going to tell me what’s going on or do I have to beat it out of you?” said Chad.
Lucius laughed off the agents challenge. “Brother, but you’re not ready yet. You are not ready to know the truth.” Lucius began to laugh. “Oh, how ironic fate can be. I would never have thought all those years ago that my triumph would prove me to be the superior one!”
The agents shared a quick glance. They both thought that the white haired man had a screw loose. “What the hell are you talking on about?” said Chad.
“What, did you forget me?” Lucius said with a grin edged on this face.
Chad looked the man up and down. “I’m pretty sure I’d remember a freak like you!”
“I’m Lucius, of Underworld! You have no idea what you’re dealing with!”
Chad pointed the golden axe in the man’s direction. “Really? And what type of stupid name is Lucius anyway?”
Sophie wasn’t entirely comfortable with Chad goading the white haired man
. She had witnessed first hand just what Lucius was capable of after the brutal beat down he handed to James. Still, the Irish girl had faith that Chad knew what he was doing, or she hoped as much.
Lucius began to walk slowly around the pair. A smile formed on his face once more. “Your world will burn. Your will succumb to the will of Kanto. Every soul in this pathetic realm will be ours. You cannot even fathom what is about to transpire.” Lucius kept constant eye contact with Chad during his taunt. “You do not even grasp the true power of the weapon you hold in your very hands.”
Chad looked down at the axe and gripped the handle firmly. “I’ll show you just how powerful it is!” he said, pointing the blade in the white-haired man’s direction.
Lucius gave a cunning smile like he knew something that Chad didn’t. He then began to laugh in a mocking tone.
An image flashed before Chad’s eyes. He dropped the Axe and began to hold his head in pain as images appeared in and out of his mind. Images of death and darkness flashed within his very soul.
Watching on from the fountain, a voice deep within James’ subconscious urged him to help his friend. Suddenly, James was filled with the knowledge of how to get to the room where Chad and Sophie were located. “Come on, let’s go!”
“Go where? We don’t know how to get there!” said Cody.
“I think I know the way, come on!”
“How?” asked a confused Jade.
Realising the need for haste, and also because he had no suitable explanation as to how he suddenly knew where to go, James ignored the twin and proceeded out of the fountain.
Back inside the room, Chad was now on his knees whilst Lucius stood over him laughing. Sophie didn’t know what to make of the situation. She was stuck in two minds. One part of her wanted to attack the white-haired man, however, she knew it was practically impossible for her to take on Lucius alone. The other part of her wanted to help her fallen colleague. “Chad! Get up!”
He could not hear the Irish girl’s words though for another voice filled his head. “Wake up!” a cold and somewhat emotionless voice said to him. Chad had heard this voice before. He had heard it in his dreams, and also, he heard it the day he had almost killed Sergeant Cooper. Now he heard the voice once more, however, this time the voice was much clearer.
Clash Of Worlds Page 31
