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Description
Time Trials: Part 2

Blood Stone

Not much has occurred since my last monologue dear readers.  My opponent, Eni, took off toward the city without a word not long after Father Time returned back to the Realm of Time.  I made no effort to stop him, though Fiona tried and failed.  I doubt he'd listen to us since he doesn't quite trust us, but that would be my own fault for not making an effort to gain his trust to begin with.

As for what I did, I somehow managed to integrate myself in the ranks of the conquistadors.  Not quite sure how I did, but I'm not one to complain.

This lead me up to the present, where I have currently isolated myself to set up my universal translator.  Handy little device that no inter-dimensional traveler should ever be without.  Automatically translates any language it comes across and even has a special setting that makes it seem like the user is actually speaking a native language with the ear piece attachment.  It really helps with blending in with the local populace.  Well, so long as you can physically blend in as well anyway.

"So what's the plan, Ricky?" Fiona says in her invisible state.  From the sound of her voice, I'm fairly certain she's in front of me.  I just hope she doesn't reveal herself by accident.

"Simple really, we blend in with the conquistadors until we enter the city," I whisper to avoid drawing attention.  "We'll split off and see if we can find any clues as to what is interfering with the timeline.  After that, we'll reintegrate ourselves with Cortés and his men in the assault on the main temple."

"But what about the Sunstone?" she asked with a face full of concern.  "Aren't you worried that Eni will get it first?"

"Not in the slightest.  I highly doubt that the imp will be able to move a twenty four ton hunk of stone on his own.  He's not that bright from what I've gathered."

"That's mean, Ricky!"  If she weren't invisible, I'm fairly certain that she would have her mixed anger and pout face on.  Quite personally I feel it has the opposite effect of being cute as opposed to expressing anger.

"I'm just telling the truth, Fiona.  Besides, we have bigger things to worry about, especially if this time anomaly brings any mythological creatures to life."

A "Humph!" was made by my ghostly companion as she reluctantly agreed.  Her frustration quickly turned to curiosity as she asked, "How are we going to get the Sunstone anyway, Ricky?"

"For the most part, we have to dislodge it from the temple itself.  Hence, the barrel of black powder I had you confiscate not too long ago.  I'll need you to take it to the city and hide with it near the temple.  Once the conquistadors arrive, I'll need you to take it to the back side of the temple and wait for me until I get there.  Just try not to get noticed until I get there, alright?"

"Sure thing, Ricky!"  I really hope nobody heard her exclamation.  I'm in huge trouble if someone did.

"Please keep it down, Fiona.  I really don't want to get caught right now.  Things could-"

"To arms, men!  The hour is upon us to finally put these savages to rest!" a loud and charismatic voice interrupted me that came from deep within the camp.

"That's our cue!  Remember, take the barrel into the city amidst the confusion and no sooner.  I'll see you at the temple."

"Roger, Ricky!" she whispered.  I could only assume she took off since I didn't hear her voice from that point on.

Nothing left to do but prepare to battle.  I've got a bad feeling about this.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

The thunder of cannons roared as the morning sun rose.  The smell of smoke and metal cut through the crisp morning air.  I waited anxiously at the bridgehead with my lantern in hand as I watched Cortés' native allies charge into the city.

Their shouts and eagerness for the blood of the Aztecs both frightened and fascinated me.  The books said the treatment of their enemies was horrible, but seeing this in person, it's something else all together.  Though Cortés slaughtered the Aztecs for all the wrong reasons, could his action truly be justified enough that this bloodshed was necessary?  It's all a waste of human lives no matter what it's put.

The sound of the canons suddenly deafened as the order for the infantry and calvary was given to move in.  I followed in line with the other soldiers as we marched into the city.  I'm thankful nobody questioned me carrying a lantern around.  I suppose everyone was too focused on the oncoming battle to worry about such things.

As we approached the gates, I couldn't help but noticed that the carvings on it resembled that of an eagle with a honey bear and jaguar on each of its flanks.  Strange, but it is rather intimidating to look at.  I'm glad that they didn't come to life or anything.  That would have scared the crap out of me.

Upon entering the city, the cry of battle could be heard everywhere as soldiers charged into the city.  Swords drawn, fighting in the streets all the way to the main temple, and the smell of blood permeating the air.  I'm just lucky that I haven't been hit with a vision yet.

Splitting off from the troops during the bloody confusion, I made my way through one of the southern streets of the city.  From what I recall from the maps, there should be a commercial and residential district there.  Hopefully I can find some clues that will help.

I carefully made my way deeper into the district, doing my best to avoid any natives that I could.  The odd thing was, I couldn't find any as I wandered further through the streets.  The texts said that there was supposed to be heavy resistance that they fought tooth and nail for each building.  It shouldn't be this empty.

Things got darker as I investigated deeper still.  It was as if night were falling, but that's impossible, it was still morning not five minutes ago.  A miasma of death and decay thickened the air as the sky finally went dark.  All the while, still no sign of anything alive nor dead.  This is bad.  Very, very bad.

I spoke the word, "Ignis", to ignite my lantern.  The light pierced through the darkness and illuminated my path.  Now that I could see, I swung my lantern around to get a better view of my surroundings. The streets still remained barren of any life, but the path behind me was blocked by what I can only describe as a wall of magical energy.  Crap on a cracker.

With the way back blocked, my only option was to press on.  My heart began to race as I heard inhuman moans and screams.  The walls were smeared with blood and writings of the natives.  Something dark is going on, likely of the occult.  Magic shouldn't be present in this world.  This is really bad!

Not wanting to be caught unarmed, I unsheathed my short sword and prepared for the worst.  I feel like I'm in a horror story right now, and it really isn't fun at all.  Why does my job have to be so dangerous and frightening?

The moans became louder and louder as I continued down the streets.  And more and more did the writings of blood become more disturbing.  Brief visions of horrific scenes began to come to me.  Visions of blood, fear, pain, agony and things I cannot begin to describe lest I succumb to insanity overwhelmed me.  Slower and slower I walked as more and more visions continued to wear down my sanity.  It wasn't until I reached a corner of a street that one vision finally separated me from reality.

I could see it all.  Bodies of sacrificed men, women, and children were carried down the streets by their murderers to a location.  The plague of smallpox that infected much of the city.  Bodies littered everywhere!  And three priests chanting as the bodies burned over a fire.  Something, something rose out of the fire.  It's too blurred to tell, but more and more keep rising out of it until a giant winged serpent rose from the it.  And with that, the vision ends.

As I return to reality, the hearth of the dead from my vision was directly in front of me.  Instead of priests were three strange and malicious looking creatures; a woman with arms coming out of her head, a man with a skull for a head, and a giant.  Around them are the skeletons of the dead, each with demonic, glowing red eyes.  The only thing missing was the serpent, but that can wait another time!

It was as if they were expecting me, as each figure around the hearth directed a malicious grin at me.  Quite frankly, their gins scare the living crap out of me unlike Apaco's.  I say this primarily because I dropped my sword in fear.

The skeletons charged at me as I stood in shock and fright.  A small, feminine voice called out to me and quickly shook me out of my stupor.  Reacting quickly, I opened the door to my lantern and shouted at the top of my lungs, "Exuro!"

Flames spewed from my lantern like a flamethrower, torching the skeletons with magical fire.  One by one, they turned to ash and dust until all that remained were the figures that waited by the hearth where the dead were used for some kind of ritual.

"Come to offer your soul, human?  Wait, you are different from the others." The woman with pale skin and arms coming out of her head hissed.  It was now that I noticed that she literally had no lower body.  Everything from the waist down was what seemed to be something from a picture taken by a deep space telescope.  The dark fog seems to be coming from her from what I can tell.

"Yes, you hold knowledge beyond that which we gods have permitted mortals to possess," the twenty foot giant spoke.  It seemed to be a female earth elemental with several tubes filled with red substance connected to its body.  What seemed to be golden, veins ran along its body.  Freaky.

"Why do you know forbidden knowledge, mortal?" hissed a man with a skull for a head.  His skin was blue as the day sky and part of his spine was protruding from his back.  Coiled around him was a large snake with a head on each end that I doubt is native to this world.  They keep looking at me like they want to eat me.

Go figure.  Typical immortal god behavior.  Anything that they feel threatens their power and they start acting hostile.  And why the hell am I being so casual about this?  "Because ignorance is far from bliss."  Yes, a smartass retort is a great idea when answering Aztec gods.

"Do not mock us, mortal!"  Yeah, managed to piss off the snake guy.  Not a good sign.

"Alright then, let me put it this way.  According to Article 753-A8 and Article 24-Y9 of the Inter-dimensional Junction Police, the three of you are under arrest for interference of timeline and for the slaughter of sentients."  Okay, very stupid move, but they're probably going to attack me anyway.

"What mockery is this, mortal?  We do not abide by the rules of man!" the multiarmed woman hissed.

"You must be punished for you impudence!  I, Tlaltecuhtli, will drink the blood from your corpse!"  The giant gave out a roar of anger as it charged at me.

Holy crap!  Come on, Dedrick, do or die time!  Can't die here!

Acting quickly, I grabbed the hilt of my fallen sword and prepared to spring forward.  As the giant attempted to stomp me, I barely dodged its foot by jumping to my left.  As it slowly prepared to move again I slashed at one of the tubes that was connected to its foot, causing the red liquid to spray from the broken tube.  Huh, that worked.

The giant howled as it recoiled in pain.  In it's anger, it slammed one of its hands in the ground in an attempt to smash me.  Again I nimbly avoided becoming a red pancake and slashed at one of the tubes connected to its arm.  More red liquid spewed from the tube as the giant screamed in pain.  It was then that I noticed that the golden veins that ran along its body started to fade.  Alright then, tubes equal some kind of blood.  Would point out obvious flaw, but too happy about chance of living to complain about it.

And I would have been fine if a pair of snakes hadn't wrapped themselves around my legs.  Oh crap, I can't dodge now!

"You seem to be having trouble, Tlaltecuhtli.  Can you not even handle one mortal on your own?" The snake man mocked.

"I need not your help, Tezcatlipoca!" The giant yelled as it grabbed me with its large hands.  I thankfully managed to keep my arms out of its grip.

"Your pain says otherwise," the woman with no lower body spoke.

"Quiet, Tzitzimitl!" turning its head to shout at the smaller woman.

There's a vein connected to the back of her head!  If I can just get lucky for once in my life...

"Very well then, you can handle this mortal on your own." the one named Tezcatlipoca shrugged.

With all my might, I threw my sword at the tube.  Time seemed to slow down as I watched the sword fly towards the tube of red liquid.  Ever so slowly it moved, cutting the tube and spraying red liquid everywhere.  The golden veins that lined the giant's body faded.

Holy smokes, I think I just killed a bloody god.  Gotta remember to thank Christi for the sword, I didn't think-  Oh crap, I'm falling aren't I?

And I was indeed falling.  The giant began to fall backwards with the tube connected to its head cut.  Much like they say, its the stop that hurts, not the fall.  So much pain.

I didn't even get time to breath as the other two Aztec gods approached me.  Dammit all.

"You are causing a surprising amount of trouble, human."  The man hissed as knelt by my face.  "Your magics have given you the power to cut the veins of Tlaltecuhtli with your blade.  No blade should be capable of cutting them, yet yours did.  Tells us of your magics and we may let you live."

"Alright, I'll tell you,"  I managed to say after catching my breath.  Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I shouted as loud as I could, "Exuro!" Fire bellowed from my lantern and momentarily stunned the male god.  Using the brief distraction, I freed myself from the dead god's grip and put some distance between them and myself.

"You impotent fool!  I'll kill you myself!"  The Earth trembled and shook as the angered god charged at me.

I don't think I can dodge this one like the giant.  I'm too damn tired and he's probably a lot faster than me.  Not to mention I lost my sword after throwing it earlier.  Lantern, please don't fail me now!  Wait, where's the snake?!

I turned, only to barely dodge the twin-headed snake as it flew just past my neck.  Too close for comfort.  Without a second to lose, I aimed my lantern at the snake and shouted, "Exuro", once again.  Fire poured out of the lantern as the smell of burning flesh hit my nose soon after.

Not even a second later, I felt a fist connect with my face and sent me flying several meters.  When I regained my sense moments later, I could only watch in horror as the rage filled god stood over me.

"Die, you wretched mortal!"  Raising his fist high, I could see dust begin to swirl around it.

Dammit!  That's probably going to make my head explode!  Think fast, Dedrick!  Where's your lantern?

My eyes darted around frantically in desperation to find my lantern.  As luck would have it, sat just a meter away with its door open.  Might get burned, but worth the gamble.

"Exuro!" I shouted as flames once more shot out of the small lantern.  I watched on with a sense of grim satisfaction as the fire consumed the god that almost killed me.  As the fire of my lantern died down, I quickly picked myself up and picked up my lantern.  Huh, god killing fire.  I love this lantern.

"I must thank you for ridding me of those two fools, mortal.  I wasn't sure how much more I could take of their stupidity."  The grin she had from the beginning was still on her face.  I'm so sick of this crap.  "Why don't you join us?  We can give you anything you want.  Immortality, pleasure, and power beyond you can imagine."

"Tempting offer, but I'm going to have to refuse.  And I'll say this again clearly so that you might hear me this time.  By order of the Inter-dimensional Junction Police, you're under arrest.  Come in quietly or I will use force if necessary."

"You don't get it, do you?  You've already lost.  Our master has already won!  Our leader already has Quetzalcoatl and the others, and left this time.  You cannot hope to stop us, mortal!  You cannot stop the night, for I am the night!  I am eternal!  And with that, more skeletons began spawning from the hearth.

Slowly I advanced, shouting "Exuro" as each skeleton approached.  The fog that seemed to come from her only thickened, encasing the area in cloud of darkness.  My step did not falter as I continued my approach toward the mad goddess, following the dim light of my lantern.

"Accendo," I quietly whispered with a grim look on my face.  With that one word, the fog that had obscured my view immediately dissipated as a bright light flooded the area.  It was now the turn of the goddess to wear the expression of horror.

"No, that's not possible!" She hissed in panic as she spawned more of the skeletons and tried to spew more of her nightly fog.  "What magics is this!?  Nothing can pierce my night!  Nothing!"

After turning all of her skeletons to ash, I was finally face to face with the goddess herself.  Fear.  Unadulterated fear adorned her face.  It was almost like she was a scared child as she curled up into a ball, crying.  This must be the first time she's ever felt so helpless.  Now she knows how we mortals feel.

"It is always darkest before the dawn,"  I say as I raise my lantern to face her.  "Accendo."

The light of my lantern bathed the area.  The ash of the skeletons and the bodies of the dead gods vanished.  Gone was the darkness to reveal the true light of day.  I've never been so happy to feel those rays of sunshine.

Turning my attention back to the goddess of the night, I noticed she still remained.  Her once absent lower body now had legs, though they still retained the look of outer-space.  Without a moments hesitation, I pulled out a pair of energy-cuffs and slapped them on her hands.  "As I said, you're under arrest.  Someone will come by and pick you up shortly."

Without another word, I strode north to the temple to meet with Fiona.  We have a contest to win.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

It was getting close to noon by the time my fight ended.  I say this because the sun is getting close to overhead and still in the east.  Bodies littered the streets, but no batter was to be seen.  I'm guessing that the Spaniards have reached the main temple by now.  I haven't heard any canons from the temple, so I still have time before the Aztecs rebuff the conquistadors.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think of goddess-  Ah, what was her name?  It was something difficult to pronounce.  Oh right, Tzitzimitl.  Her words ran through my mind as I attempted to form a theory from what little information I managed to gather.  From what I can guess, some strange being has recruited the Aztec gods and is bringing creatures considered mythological in this universe to life, or magic at least.  And what did she mean I was 'too late'?  What's already gone into motion that I can't stop?  Damn!  Too many questions and not enough answers.

I scratched my head in frustration as I pondered this confusing puzzle.  At least that itch I've had all day is gone.  Wait, how is it gone?  Wait, better question, where is my helmet?  Must have lost it in that fight back there.  Crap.  At least it probably saved my life in that fight.

Regardless, I'll have to consult with the Oracle about this information later.  I need to focus on the match for now.  Thankfully, I arrived at the temple by the time I finished my pondering monologue.  My monologues seem to eat up a good portion of time for some reason.

As I entered the temple's square, my eyes fell upon an enormous canon being hauled up one of the sets of steep steps of the temple.  I can't imagine lugging that thing to the top.  That's beyond backbreaking work.

"You there, soldier!"  A man called out to me.  I'll be damned, Hernán Cortés himself.  This should be fun.  Emphasis on the fun.  "Start carrying those kegs of black powder for the canon.  I want it firing the moment it is set up.  Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"  I saluted like a good soldier.  Don't want to blow my cover yet.  So without another word, I took one of the kegs of powder from the nearby supply wagon and began my long trek to the top.  Seems kind of redundant to have Fiona steal the barrel of powder for now.  I wound up getting a barrel without having to make any effort.  Dammit.

Thankfully, the canon reached the top long before I did, so I wouldn't have to assist in hoisting up to the top.  I gotta say, the view is pretty nice up here, or it would be if the view didn't involve a bloody battle.  Not long after I set my keg down with the rest of the canon supplies, the thunder of the canon sounded off.  Fortuna, it felt like the very foundations of the temple shook with that.

With the canon crew occupied, I set off for the back of the temple to find my ghostly assistant.  Not two steps later did I find myself being sucked into a multitude of visions.  I don't know how many I went through, but after feeling like you've have your heart literally cut out while still conscious for the twentieth time, you kinda lose sense of reality.

To say the least, I puked my guts out right there and then.  That was something I wouldn't even wish on my worst enemy.  I- I can't even begin to describe how horrible those visions were.  That- nobody ever deserves that fate.

Shit, I must have gotten too close to the sacrificial alter.  Dammit.  I need to find Fiona and get the hell out of here before I go insane.

Going toward the right entrance of the temple to avoid walking up to the alter again, I snuck to the back side of the temple to find my spectral companion.  Not long after I rounded the corner, I found myself being hugged be a certain white haired female.  Boy am I glad to see her.

"Ricky!  You're alive!" Nuzzling her head into my head.  "I thought something horrible happened to you when I couldn't detect you anymore.  Are you okay?"  Looking at me with those innocent eyes of her's

"I'm alright, Fiona.  Don't worry.  A bit beat up, but no worse than usual."

"You better be telling the truth, Ricky," giving me her serious face.  It's really hard to take her seriously even when she's try to be serious.

"I am, I am.  Jeez.  Let's just get the Calander Sunstone, alright?"

"Right!"  Nodding her head in excitement.  "Oh wait, what about Eni?"

"What about him?"

"He's on the roof right now trying to get the Sunstone off."

Told you he wasn't that bright.  "Then we'll just have to knock him out.  Here, take my lantern.  Drop it on his head to knock him out."  Fiona reluctantly took my lantern and looked like she wanted to cry.  "Don't worry, the impact won't kill him.  Just drop it about three meters above his head.  It'll keep him out cold just long enough for us to get the stone and leave."

Fiona reluctantly nodded and took off with my lantern.  Moments later, an audible, "Thump" could be heard.  I'm just glad the canon gunners are too focused with their job to noticed.

"All done, Ricky!"  Reappearing in front of my, glad that the little imp was simply unconscious.

"Alright then, help me up.  We can use the barrel carry me up."  I said as grabbed hold of the keg of powder Fiona had brought.

My ghostly companion nodded and carried the barrel, along with me and my lantern to the top.  Look, don't ask me about ectoplasmic physics.  It's really confusing.

Anyway, I soon found myself on the roof with the Sunstone with all its colorful glory, and a purple imp that was unconscious on the ground.  Not sparing a moment to lose, I began pouring black powder around the base of the giant stone.  I finally set the keg down next to the stone once I was sure that there was enough.  There was only one thing left to do.  Set it off.

"Are you sure this will work, Ricky?"

"It should work in theory."

"You don't sound very confident."

"Well, there really isn't much time to contemplate that since the Aztecs are now attacking the temple."  And indeed they were.  If this doesn't work like I hope, then me and Eni are more than likely going to die.  "Exuro!"  Flames spewed from my lantern, causing the powder to quickly burn and explode.

It was a heck of an explosion, too.  Made the Sunstone jump a good inch before causing it to spin.  Wait, it's spinning!  Oh crap!

No sooner did that thought pass was I hit by a giant spinning coin.  It really hurt and I'm getting dizzy from holding onto to it.  Okay, it's slowing down.  I should be able to-  Oh no.  In case you were wondering, I'm dangling precariously over the edge of the roof while hanging onto the Sunstone.  All I have to do is-  Why is it rolling forward?  No. No. No! No! No!  Shi~it!

The round stone is now rolling off the roof and I have not been crushed by some miracle.  The said stone has now landed on the main platform and I now find myself on top of it with lantern in hand.   Oh crap, not good.  It's still in motion!  Not down the steps, not down the steps!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"  I am now running on top of an out-of-control round object that is quickly accelerating down the steps of the temple with lantern in hand.  I think I can make out Fiona with Eni in her arms, but I could really care less at the moment.

To make matters worse, a female in armor used my face like a springboard which has now caused said coin shaped stone to wobble uncontrollably.  Oh dear, Fortuna!  Why?!

Now that the stone has reached the bottom of the steps, it is actually turning.  I can't where I'm going since I'm facing backwards, and I'm moving too fast to do anything but run or face certain death by falling off.

I'm not quite sure how long I've been running, but I've passed by the gate with the eagle on it.  How the hell did I wind up going through that gate?  Forget it, I'll question it after I avoid certain death.

I'm getting really tired of running now.  I must have gone at least five kilometers by now since I'm back at the edge of the bridge where I started and still going.  You have no idea how thankful I was when I was suddenly transport to the Realm of Time.

"Congratulations, Mr. Spectre.  You and Ms. Fiona move onto the next round," came the joyful voice of Father Time.  I would kiss you if I could.

It was finally over.  No more bloody Aztecs.  No more fighting.  But most of all, no more visions.  There's just one thing left to do.

"Get me off of this damn thing!"

Description
Time Trials: Part 2

Blood Stone

Not much has occurred since my last monologue dear readers.  My opponent, Eni, took off toward the city without a word not long after Father Time returned back to the Realm of Time.  I made no effort to stop him, though Fiona tried and failed.  I doubt he'd listen to us since he doesn't quite trust us, but that would be my own fault for not making an effort to gain his trust to begin with.

As for what I did, I somehow managed to integrate myself in the ranks of the conquistadors.  Not quite sure how I did, but I'm not one to complain.

This lead me up to the present, where I have currently isolated myself to set up my universal translator.  Handy little device that no inter-dimensional traveler should ever be without.  Automatically translates any language it comes across and even has a special setting that makes it seem like the user is actually speaking a native language with the ear piece attachment.  It really helps with blending in with the local populace.  Well, so long as you can physically blend in as well anyway.

"So what's the plan, Ricky?" Fiona says in her invisible state.  From the sound of her voice, I'm fairly certain she's in front of me.  I just hope she doesn't reveal herself by accident.

"Simple really, we blend in with the conquistadors until we enter the city," I whisper to avoid drawing attention.  "We'll split off and see if we can find any clues as to what is interfering with the timeline.  After that, we'll reintegrate ourselves with Cortés and his men in the assault on the main temple."

"But what about the Sunstone?" she asked with a face full of concern.  "Aren't you worried that Eni will get it first?"

"Not in the slightest.  I highly doubt that the imp will be able to move a twenty four ton hunk of stone on his own.  He's not that bright from what I've gathered."

"That's mean, Ricky!"  If she weren't invisible, I'm fairly certain that she would have her mixed anger and pout face on.  Quite personally I feel it has the opposite effect of being cute as opposed to expressing anger.

"I'm just telling the truth, Fiona.  Besides, we have bigger things to worry about, especially if this time anomaly brings any mythological creatures to life."

A "Humph!" was made by my ghostly companion as she reluctantly agreed.  Her frustration quickly turned to curiosity as she asked, "How are we going to get the Sunstone anyway, Ricky?"

"For the most part, we have to dislodge it from the temple itself.  Hence, the barrel of black powder I had you confiscate not too long ago.  I'll need you to take it to the city and hide with it near the temple.  Once the conquistadors arrive, I'll need you to take it to the back side of the temple and wait for me until I get there.  Just try not to get noticed until I get there, alright?"

"Sure thing, Ricky!"  I really hope nobody heard her exclamation.  I'm in huge trouble if someone did.

"Please keep it down, Fiona.  I really don't want to get caught right now.  Things could-"

"To arms, men!  The hour is upon us to finally put these savages to rest!" a loud and charismatic voice interrupted me that came from deep within the camp.

"That's our cue!  Remember, take the barrel into the city amidst the confusion and no sooner.  I'll see you at the temple."

"Roger, Ricky!" she whispered.  I could only assume she took off since I didn't hear her voice from that point on.

Nothing left to do but prepare to battle.  I've got a bad feeling about this.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

The thunder of cannons roared as the morning sun rose.  The smell of smoke and metal cut through the crisp morning air.  I waited anxiously at the bridgehead with my lantern in hand as I watched Cortés' native allies charge into the city.

Their shouts and eagerness for the blood of the Aztecs both frightened and fascinated me.  The books said the treatment of their enemies was horrible, but seeing this in person, it's something else all together.  Though Cortés slaughtered the Aztecs for all the wrong reasons, could his action truly be justified enough that this bloodshed was necessary?  It's all a waste of human lives no matter what it's put.

The sound of the canons suddenly deafened as the order for the infantry and calvary was given to move in.  I followed in line with the other soldiers as we marched into the city.  I'm thankful nobody questioned me carrying a lantern around.  I suppose everyone was too focused on the oncoming battle to worry about such things.

As we approached the gates, I couldn't help but noticed that the carvings on it resembled that of an eagle with a honey bear and jaguar on each of its flanks.  Strange, but it is rather intimidating to look at.  I'm glad that they didn't come to life or anything.  That would have scared the crap out of me.

Upon entering the city, the cry of battle could be heard everywhere as soldiers charged into the city.  Swords drawn, fighting in the streets all the way to the main temple, and the smell of blood permeating the air.  I'm just lucky that I haven't been hit with a vision yet.

Splitting off from the troops during the bloody confusion, I made my way through one of the southern streets of the city.  From what I recall from the maps, there should be a commercial and residential district there.  Hopefully I can find some clues that will help.

I carefully made my way deeper into the district, doing my best to avoid any natives that I could.  The odd thing was, I couldn't find any as I wandered further through the streets.  The texts said that there was supposed to be heavy resistance that they fought tooth and nail for each building.  It shouldn't be this empty.

Things got darker as I investigated deeper still.  It was as if night were falling, but that's impossible, it was still morning not five minutes ago.  A miasma of death and decay thickened the air as the sky finally went dark.  All the while, still no sign of anything alive nor dead.  This is bad.  Very, very bad.

I spoke the word, "Ignis", to ignite my lantern.  The light pierced through the darkness and illuminated my path.  Now that I could see, I swung my lantern around to get a better view of my surroundings. The streets still remained barren of any life, but the path behind me was blocked by what I can only describe as a wall of magical energy.  Crap on a cracker.

With the way back blocked, my only option was to press on.  My heart began to race as I heard inhuman moans and screams.  The walls were smeared with blood and writings of the natives.  Something dark is going on, likely of the occult.  Magic shouldn't be present in this world.  This is really bad!

Not wanting to be caught unarmed, I unsheathed my short sword and prepared for the worst.  I feel like I'm in a horror story right now, and it really isn't fun at all.  Why does my job have to be so dangerous and frightening?

The moans became louder and louder as I continued down the streets.  And more and more did the writings of blood become more disturbing.  Brief visions of horrific scenes began to come to me.  Visions of blood, fear, pain, agony and things I cannot begin to describe lest I succumb to insanity overwhelmed me.  Slower and slower I walked as more and more visions continued to wear down my sanity.  It wasn't until I reached a corner of a street that one vision finally separated me from reality.

I could see it all.  Bodies of sacrificed men, women, and children were carried down the streets by their murderers to a location.  The plague of smallpox that infected much of the city.  Bodies littered everywhere!  And three priests chanting as the bodies burned over a fire.  Something, something rose out of the fire.  It's too blurred to tell, but more and more keep rising out of it until a giant winged serpent rose from the it.  And with that, the vision ends.

As I return to reality, the hearth of the dead from my vision was directly in front of me.  Instead of priests were three strange and malicious looking creatures; a woman with arms coming out of her head, a man with a skull for a head, and a giant.  Around them are the skeletons of the dead, each with demonic, glowing red eyes.  The only thing missing was the serpent, but that can wait another time!

It was as if they were expecting me, as each figure around the hearth directed a malicious grin at me.  Quite frankly, their gins scare the living crap out of me unlike Apaco's.  I say this primarily because I dropped my sword in fear.

The skeletons charged at me as I stood in shock and fright.  A small, feminine voice called out to me and quickly shook me out of my stupor.  Reacting quickly, I opened the door to my lantern and shouted at the top of my lungs, "Exuro!"

Flames spewed from my lantern like a flamethrower, torching the skeletons with magical fire.  One by one, they turned to ash and dust until all that remained were the figures that waited by the hearth where the dead were used for some kind of ritual.

"Come to offer your soul, human?  Wait, you are different from the others." The woman with pale skin and arms coming out of her head hissed.  It was now that I noticed that she literally had no lower body.  Everything from the waist down was what seemed to be something from a picture taken by a deep space telescope.  The dark fog seems to be coming from her from what I can tell.

"Yes, you hold knowledge beyond that which we gods have permitted mortals to possess," the twenty foot giant spoke.  It seemed to be a female earth elemental with several tubes filled with red substance connected to its body.  What seemed to be golden, veins ran along its body.  Freaky.

"Why do you know forbidden knowledge, mortal?" hissed a man with a skull for a head.  His skin was blue as the day sky and part of his spine was protruding from his back.  Coiled around him was a large snake with a head on each end that I doubt is native to this world.  They keep looking at me like they want to eat me.

Go figure.  Typical immortal god behavior.  Anything that they feel threatens their power and they start acting hostile.  And why the hell am I being so casual about this?  "Because ignorance is far from bliss."  Yes, a smartass retort is a great idea when answering Aztec gods.

"Do not mock us, mortal!"  Yeah, managed to piss off the snake guy.  Not a good sign.

"Alright then, let me put it this way.  According to Article 753-A8 and Article 24-Y9 of the Inter-dimensional Junction Police, the three of you are under arrest for interference of timeline and for the slaughter of sentients."  Okay, very stupid move, but they're probably going to attack me anyway.

"What mockery is this, mortal?  We do not abide by the rules of man!" the multiarmed woman hissed.

"You must be punished for you impudence!  I, Tlaltecuhtli, will drink the blood from your corpse!"  The giant gave out a roar of anger as it charged at me.

Holy crap!  Come on, Dedrick, do or die time!  Can't die here!

Acting quickly, I grabbed the hilt of my fallen sword and prepared to spring forward.  As the giant attempted to stomp me, I barely dodged its foot by jumping to my left.  As it slowly prepared to move again I slashed at one of the tubes that was connected to its foot, causing the red liquid to spray from the broken tube.  Huh, that worked.

The giant howled as it recoiled in pain.  In it's anger, it slammed one of its hands in the ground in an attempt to smash me.  Again I nimbly avoided becoming a red pancake and slashed at one of the tubes connected to its arm.  More red liquid spewed from the tube as the giant screamed in pain.  It was then that I noticed that the golden veins that ran along its body started to fade.  Alright then, tubes equal some kind of blood.  Would point out obvious flaw, but too happy about chance of living to complain about it.

And I would have been fine if a pair of snakes hadn't wrapped themselves around my legs.  Oh crap, I can't dodge now!

"You seem to be having trouble, Tlaltecuhtli.  Can you not even handle one mortal on your own?" The snake man mocked.

"I need not your help, Tezcatlipoca!" The giant yelled as it grabbed me with its large hands.  I thankfully managed to keep my arms out of its grip.

"Your pain says otherwise," the woman with no lower body spoke.

"Quiet, Tzitzimitl!" turning its head to shout at the smaller woman.

There's a vein connected to the back of her head!  If I can just get lucky for once in my life...

"Very well then, you can handle this mortal on your own." the one named Tezcatlipoca shrugged.

With all my might, I threw my sword at the tube.  Time seemed to slow down as I watched the sword fly towards the tube of red liquid.  Ever so slowly it moved, cutting the tube and spraying red liquid everywhere.  The golden veins that lined the giant's body faded.

Holy smokes, I think I just killed a bloody god.  Gotta remember to thank Christi for the sword, I didn't think-  Oh crap, I'm falling aren't I?

And I was indeed falling.  The giant began to fall backwards with the tube connected to its head cut.  Much like they say, its the stop that hurts, not the fall.  So much pain.

I didn't even get time to breath as the other two Aztec gods approached me.  Dammit all.

"You are causing a surprising amount of trouble, human."  The man hissed as knelt by my face.  "Your magics have given you the power to cut the veins of Tlaltecuhtli with your blade.  No blade should be capable of cutting them, yet yours did.  Tells us of your magics and we may let you live."

"Alright, I'll tell you,"  I managed to say after catching my breath.  Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I shouted as loud as I could, "Exuro!" Fire bellowed from my lantern and momentarily stunned the male god.  Using the brief distraction, I freed myself from the dead god's grip and put some distance between them and myself.

"You impotent fool!  I'll kill you myself!"  The Earth trembled and shook as the angered god charged at me.

I don't think I can dodge this one like the giant.  I'm too damn tired and he's probably a lot faster than me.  Not to mention I lost my sword after throwing it earlier.  Lantern, please don't fail me now!  Wait, where's the snake?!

I turned, only to barely dodge the twin-headed snake as it flew just past my neck.  Too close for comfort.  Without a second to lose, I aimed my lantern at the snake and shouted, "Exuro", once again.  Fire poured out of the lantern as the smell of burning flesh hit my nose soon after.

Not even a second later, I felt a fist connect with my face and sent me flying several meters.  When I regained my sense moments later, I could only watch in horror as the rage filled god stood over me.

"Die, you wretched mortal!"  Raising his fist high, I could see dust begin to swirl around it.

Dammit!  That's probably going to make my head explode!  Think fast, Dedrick!  Where's your lantern?

My eyes darted around frantically in desperation to find my lantern.  As luck would have it, sat just a meter away with its door open.  Might get burned, but worth the gamble.

"Exuro!" I shouted as flames once more shot out of the small lantern.  I watched on with a sense of grim satisfaction as the fire consumed the god that almost killed me.  As the fire of my lantern died down, I quickly picked myself up and picked up my lantern.  Huh, god killing fire.  I love this lantern.

"I must thank you for ridding me of those two fools, mortal.  I wasn't sure how much more I could take of their stupidity."  The grin she had from the beginning was still on her face.  I'm so sick of this crap.  "Why don't you join us?  We can give you anything you want.  Immortality, pleasure, and power beyond you can imagine."

"Tempting offer, but I'm going to have to refuse.  And I'll say this again clearly so that you might hear me this time.  By order of the Inter-dimensional Junction Police, you're under arrest.  Come in quietly or I will use force if necessary."

"You don't get it, do you?  You've already lost.  Our master has already won!  Our leader already has Quetzalcoatl and the others, and left this time.  You cannot hope to stop us, mortal!  You cannot stop the night, for I am the night!  I am eternal!  And with that, more skeletons began spawning from the hearth.

Slowly I advanced, shouting "Exuro" as each skeleton approached.  The fog that seemed to come from her only thickened, encasing the area in cloud of darkness.  My step did not falter as I continued my approach toward the mad goddess, following the dim light of my lantern.

"Accendo," I quietly whispered with a grim look on my face.  With that one word, the fog that had obscured my view immediately dissipated as a bright light flooded the area.  It was now the turn of the goddess to wear the expression of horror.

"No, that's not possible!" She hissed in panic as she spawned more of the skeletons and tried to spew more of her nightly fog.  "What magics is this!?  Nothing can pierce my night!  Nothing!"

After turning all of her skeletons to ash, I was finally face to face with the goddess herself.  Fear.  Unadulterated fear adorned her face.  It was almost like she was a scared child as she curled up into a ball, crying.  This must be the first time she's ever felt so helpless.  Now she knows how we mortals feel.

"It is always darkest before the dawn,"  I say as I raise my lantern to face her.  "Accendo."

The light of my lantern bathed the area.  The ash of the skeletons and the bodies of the dead gods vanished.  Gone was the darkness to reveal the true light of day.  I've never been so happy to feel those rays of sunshine.

Turning my attention back to the goddess of the night, I noticed she still remained.  Her once absent lower body now had legs, though they still retained the look of outer-space.  Without a moments hesitation, I pulled out a pair of energy-cuffs and slapped them on her hands.  "As I said, you're under arrest.  Someone will come by and pick you up shortly."

Without another word, I strode north to the temple to meet with Fiona.  We have a contest to win.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

It was getting close to noon by the time my fight ended.  I say this because the sun is getting close to overhead and still in the east.  Bodies littered the streets, but no batter was to be seen.  I'm guessing that the Spaniards have reached the main temple by now.  I haven't heard any canons from the temple, so I still have time before the Aztecs rebuff the conquistadors.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think of goddess-  Ah, what was her name?  It was something difficult to pronounce.  Oh right, Tzitzimitl.  Her words ran through my mind as I attempted to form a theory from what little information I managed to gather.  From what I can guess, some strange being has recruited the Aztec gods and is bringing creatures considered mythological in this universe to life, or magic at least.  And what did she mean I was 'too late'?  What's already gone into motion that I can't stop?  Damn!  Too many questions and not enough answers.

I scratched my head in frustration as I pondered this confusing puzzle.  At least that itch I've had all day is gone.  Wait, how is it gone?  Wait, better question, where is my helmet?  Must have lost it in that fight back there.  Crap.  At least it probably saved my life in that fight.

Regardless, I'll have to consult with the Oracle about this information later.  I need to focus on the match for now.  Thankfully, I arrived at the temple by the time I finished my pondering monologue.  My monologues seem to eat up a good portion of time for some reason.

As I entered the temple's square, my eyes fell upon an enormous canon being hauled up one of the sets of steep steps of the temple.  I can't imagine lugging that thing to the top.  That's beyond backbreaking work.

"You there, soldier!"  A man called out to me.  I'll be damned, Hernán Cortés himself.  This should be fun.  Emphasis on the fun.  "Start carrying those kegs of black powder for the canon.  I want it firing the moment it is set up.  Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"  I saluted like a good soldier.  Don't want to blow my cover yet.  So without another word, I took one of the kegs of powder from the nearby supply wagon and began my long trek to the top.  Seems kind of redundant to have Fiona steal the barrel of powder for now.  I wound up getting a barrel without having to make any effort.  Dammit.

Thankfully, the canon reached the top long before I did, so I wouldn't have to assist in hoisting up to the top.  I gotta say, the view is pretty nice up here, or it would be if the view didn't involve a bloody battle.  Not long after I set my keg down with the rest of the canon supplies, the thunder of the canon sounded off.  Fortuna, it felt like the very foundations of the temple shook with that.

With the canon crew occupied, I set off for the back of the temple to find my ghostly assistant.  Not two steps later did I find myself being sucked into a multitude of visions.  I don't know how many I went through, but after feeling like you've have your heart literally cut out while still conscious for the twentieth time, you kinda lose sense of reality.

To say the least, I puked my guts out right there and then.  That was something I wouldn't even wish on my worst enemy.  I- I can't even begin to describe how horrible those visions were.  That- nobody ever deserves that fate.

Shit, I must have gotten too close to the sacrificial alter.  Dammit.  I need to find Fiona and get the hell out of here before I go insane.

Going toward the right entrance of the temple to avoid walking up to the alter again, I snuck to the back side of the temple to find my spectral companion.  Not long after I rounded the corner, I found myself being hugged be a certain white haired female.  Boy am I glad to see her.

"Ricky!  You're alive!" Nuzzling her head into my head.  "I thought something horrible happened to you when I couldn't detect you anymore.  Are you okay?"  Looking at me with those innocent eyes of her's

"I'm alright, Fiona.  Don't worry.  A bit beat up, but no worse than usual."

"You better be telling the truth, Ricky," giving me her serious face.  It's really hard to take her seriously even when she's try to be serious.

"I am, I am.  Jeez.  Let's just get the Calander Sunstone, alright?"

"Right!"  Nodding her head in excitement.  "Oh wait, what about Eni?"

"What about him?"

"He's on the roof right now trying to get the Sunstone off."

Told you he wasn't that bright.  "Then we'll just have to knock him out.  Here, take my lantern.  Drop it on his head to knock him out."  Fiona reluctantly took my lantern and looked like she wanted to cry.  "Don't worry, the impact won't kill him.  Just drop it about three meters above his head.  It'll keep him out cold just long enough for us to get the stone and leave."

Fiona reluctantly nodded and took off with my lantern.  Moments later, an audible, "Thump" could be heard.  I'm just glad the canon gunners are too focused with their job to noticed.

"All done, Ricky!"  Reappearing in front of my, glad that the little imp was simply unconscious.

"Alright then, help me up.  We can use the barrel carry me up."  I said as grabbed hold of the keg of powder Fiona had brought.

My ghostly companion nodded and carried the barrel, along with me and my lantern to the top.  Look, don't ask me about ectoplasmic physics.  It's really confusing.

Anyway, I soon found myself on the roof with the Sunstone with all its colorful glory, and a purple imp that was unconscious on the ground.  Not sparing a moment to lose, I began pouring black powder around the base of the giant stone.  I finally set the keg down next to the stone once I was sure that there was enough.  There was only one thing left to do.  Set it off.

"Are you sure this will work, Ricky?"

"It should work in theory."

"You don't sound very confident."

"Well, there really isn't much time to contemplate that since the Aztecs are now attacking the temple."  And indeed they were.  If this doesn't work like I hope, then me and Eni are more than likely going to die.  "Exuro!"  Flames spewed from my lantern, causing the powder to quickly burn and explode.

It was a heck of an explosion, too.  Made the Sunstone jump a good inch before causing it to spin.  Wait, it's spinning!  Oh crap!

No sooner did that thought pass was I hit by a giant spinning coin.  It really hurt and I'm getting dizzy from holding onto to it.  Okay, it's slowing down.  I should be able to-  Oh no.  In case you were wondering, I'm dangling precariously over the edge of the roof while hanging onto the Sunstone.  All I have to do is-  Why is it rolling forward?  No. No. No! No! No!  Shi~it!

The round stone is now rolling off the roof and I have not been crushed by some miracle.  The said stone has now landed on the main platform and I now find myself on top of it with lantern in hand.   Oh crap, not good.  It's still in motion!  Not down the steps, not down the steps!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"  I am now running on top of an out-of-control round object that is quickly accelerating down the steps of the temple with lantern in hand.  I think I can make out Fiona with Eni in her arms, but I could really care less at the moment.

To make matters worse, a female in armor used my face like a springboard which has now caused said coin shaped stone to wobble uncontrollably.  Oh dear, Fortuna!  Why?!

Now that the stone has reached the bottom of the steps, it is actually turning.  I can't where I'm going since I'm facing backwards, and I'm moving too fast to do anything but run or face certain death by falling off.

I'm not quite sure how long I've been running, but I've passed by the gate with the eagle on it.  How the hell did I wind up going through that gate?  Forget it, I'll question it after I avoid certain death.

I'm getting really tired of running now.  I must have gone at least five kilometers by now since I'm back at the edge of the bridge where I started and still going.  You have no idea how thankful I was when I was suddenly transport to the Realm of Time.

"Congratulations, Mr. Spectre.  You and Ms. Fiona move onto the next round," came the joyful voice of Father Time.  I would kiss you if I could.

It was finally over.  No more bloody Aztecs.  No more fighting.  But most of all, no more visions.  There's just one thing left to do.

"Get me off of this damn thing!"