Chapter 2: Set Up
After hours was walking, they found it.
The altar.
It stood in the heart of the temple, a grand structure of polished stone and intricate carvings. It was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a testament to the skill and reverence of those who had built it. At its center was a pedestal, and on that pedestal rested a stone tablet, its surface smooth and unmarred by time.
Ankoku approached the altar, his footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. He could feel the power here, ancient and raw, pulsating through the stone like a heartbeat. He reached out, his fingers tracing the symbols etched into the stone. They were different from the ones outside, more complex, more powerful.
Ankoku's heart pounded in his chest as he recognized them—these were the symbols of Ombre and Clover, the very gods they had come to summon. He looked at Merak and Tessa, who stood beside him, their eyes wide with awe and anticipation.
"Here it is," Ankoku whispered, his voice barely audible. "The altar. The place where we can call upon the powers of Ombre and Clover." "Alright, Ankoku. What do we do now?"
Ankoku turned to face the altar, his eyes scanning the symbols.
He took a deep breath, his mind racing with the knowledge he had gained from years of study. He knew the ritual, the words, the gestures, but he also knew that this was no mere recitation. This was a call to the divine, a request for the gods to hear and respond.
He looked at Merak and Tessa, their faces reflecting the same mix of excitement and apprehension he felt. "We need to be careful," he said, his voice steady. "This is ancient magic, and we don't know what it might do." "We should prepare ourselves, make sure we're ready for whatever happens."
Tessa, her eyes wide with determination, stepped forward.
"I'm ready. Let's do this." Let's begin." He turned to face the altar, his eyes scanning the symbols once more. He took a deep breath, his mind racing with the knowledge he had gained from years of study.
He began to chant, his voice low and steady, filling the chamber with the ancient words. The air seemed to hum in response, the power in the room growing stronger with each passing moment.
Ankoku's voice echoed off the stone walls, the ancient words resonating with a force that seemed to shake the very foundations of the temple.
Merak and Tessa stood beside him, their eyes wide with awe and anticipation. They could feel it too, the power building, the air growing thick with tension. Merak reached out, taking Tessa's hand in his. She squeezed it tightly, her heart pounding in her chest.
Suddenly, Ankoku's voice changed. It grew louder, more insistent, as if he was calling out to someone, something.
The symbols on the altar began to glow, their light pulsing in time with Ankoku's chant. The air grew thick with energy, the hum growing louder and more intense.
Merak and Tessa watched, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and apprehension. They could feel the power, ancient and raw, pulsating through the stone like a heartbeat. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, a force that seemed to defy the laws of nature.
Ankoku's voice reached a crescendo, the ancient words echoing through the chamber like a thunderclap. The light from the symbols grew brighter, blinding them for a moment. And then, as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped.
The hum in the air faded, the light from the symbols dimmed, and Ankoku's voice fell silent. The chamber was filled with a heavy silence, the kind that follows a storm, thick and expectant.
Merak and Tessa blinked, their eyes adjusting to the sudden darkness. They looked at Ankoku, who stood before the altar, his head bowed, his body trembling slightly.
"Ankoku?" Merak's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with concern. "Are you alright?"
Ankoku didn't answer immediately. He took a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling with the effort. Then, slowly, he turned to face them.
His eyes were wide, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief. "I... I think it worked," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Merak and Tessa exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring each other's confusion and excitement. "What do you mean, Ankoku?" Tessa asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Ankoku took a step back, his eyes scanning the altar. The symbols were still glowing, but the light was different now. It was softer, more gentle, as if the power was no longer raw and untamed. "I mean, I think we've done it. I think we've summoned Ombre and Clover."
Merak's eyes widened, his voice filled with disbelief.
. "Summoned? As in... they're here? Now?"
Ankoku nodded, his eyes never leaving the altar. "Yes. I can feel them. Their presence is... overwhelming. But it's also... comforting. Like a warm embrace."
Tessa's breath hitched, her eyes wide with excitement and a hint of fear. "Can we see them? What do they look like?"
Ankoku shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I don't know, Tessa. I've never seen them before. But I can feel their power, their presence. It's..."
"Howdy, partners!" A voice behind them said. "Howdy, partners!"
Ankoku, Merak, and Tessa spun around, their hearts pounding in their chests. Standing in the doorway of the chamber was a figure, silhouetted against the dim light of the hallway. As the figure stepped into the chamber, they could see that it was a man, dressed in a leather jacket and a pair of cuffed blue jeans. He had a yellow bandana with a blue dot pattern tied around his neck, a pair of brown shoes, and a brown cowboy hat perched on his head. His short brown hair was disheveled, and his pale skin was marked with a few freckles.
He had a neutral expression, but his eyes sparkled with a warmth that seemed to fill the chamber. He looked androgynous, his features soft and gentle, yet there was a strength in his stance that commanded attention.
"Clover?" Ankoku asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He had seen pictures, read descriptions, but nothing had prepared him for the reality of standing before the god of optimism.
The man tipped his hat, a wide grin spreading across his face. "In the flesh, partner. And you must be Ankoku, Merak, and Tessa. I've heard a lot about y'all."
Merak stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the man. "You're... I... I thought you'd be..."
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Clover chuckled, "I just look like a regular human bein'. But that's because my real form will make your brains explode!" Clover laughed, a sound like a bubbling brook, warm and inviting. "I figured it'd be best to keep it simple for our first meetin'. So, what do you think of my duds?" He struck a pose, his leather jacket creaking softly.
Ankoku raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, Clover, you certainly have a unique sense of style. But I must admit, I expected... more."
Clover chuckled, "Oh, there's plenty more where that came from. But first, let's get down to business.
I reckon y'all summoned me for a reason, didn't ya?" Clover asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Ankoku nodded, stepping forward. "Yes, Clover. We've been studying the ancient texts, and we believe that you and your brother, Ombre, can help us. We want to understand your powers, your wisdom. We want to learn from you."
Clover's grin widened, and he clapped his hands together. "Well, ain't that just peachy! I'm always eager to share my knowledge, but first, let's make sure we're on the same page. You do know that Ombre... isn't here, right?" Clover's grin faded slightly, his expression turning serious. "I mean, I can feel his presence, but he's not here. Not yet."
Ankoku nodded, his expression mirroring Clover's concern. "Yes, we summoned you first. We thought it would be best to prepare ourselves, to understand your power before we attempt to call upon Ombre."
"Ight, alright. But..." Clover leaned in, "You seem... fond of Ombre. Like there's a bigger reason you wanted to summon him..." Clover's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze shifting between Ankoku and Merak. "Is there somethin' you ain't tellin' me, partners?"
Ankoku hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "It's... complicated, Clover. We believe that Ombre's power can help us with something personal. Something important."
Clover raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Personal, huh? Well, I ain't one to pry, but if it's important to you, then it's important to me. I'll help you any way I can, but first, we need to understand each other better."
He turned to Tessa, who had been quietly observing their exchange.
"Tessa, what do you think? Should we tell Clover about our... situation?"
Tessa bit her lip, her eyes flicking between Ankoku and Clover. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "I think we should. We can't keep secrets from him, not if we want his help. And besides, he's already noticed something's up."
Clover nodded, his expression softening. "I appreciate your honesty, Tessa. And I'm here to help, no matter what it is. But first, let's get one thing straight. I'm not just here to help you because you summoned me. I'm here because I want to help. I'll help you summon Ombre." Clover's voice was firm, his eyes steady on Ankoku. "But first, I need to understand what you're up against. What's this personal matter that has you so eager to see my brother?"
Ankoku's face flushed. He stammered, his face pink with color. "I- I mean... he's... uhm.." Ankoku stammered, his face flushing a deep shade of red. He glanced at Merak and Tessa, who both looked at him with a mix of concern and amusement. "I mean... he's... uhm... he's someone I care about."
Clover's eyes widened in surprise, his grin fading slightly. "Well, that's a new one. I ain't never heard of Ombre bein' summoned for a personal reason. But I reckon that's why you're all here, ain't it? To help this someone you care about?"
Ankoku nodded, his expression turning serious. "I believe that Ombre's power can help us. Help me... With something... Something that I can't say as of right now." Ankoku's voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes flicking between Clover and the altar. "But I promise, it's important. It's... personal."
Clover nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. I respect that. But you gotta understand, I can't help you if I don't know what I'm helpin' you with." He paused, his eyes searching Ankoku's face. "But I can see that it's important to you. And that's enough for me."
Ankoku let out a sigh of relief, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Clover.
I appreciate your understanding," Ankoku said, his voice filled with gratitude. "But I must admit, I'm surprised you're taking this so well. I expected... more resistance."
Clover chuckled, "Well, partner, I ain't your average god. I like to keep things simple and straightforward. Besides, I've been around for a long time, seen all sorts of things. Nothin' much surprises me anymore." He paused, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "But that don't mean I ain't curious. So, how about we make a deal? You tell me more about this personal matter of yours, and I'll help you summon Ombre.
Sound like a fair trade?" Clover's grin was back, wide and inviting, as if he was offering a deal too good to refuse.
Ankoku hesitated, glancing at Merak and Tessa for support. They both nodded encouragingly, and Ankoku took a deep breath before speaking. "Alright, Clover. I'll tell you. But please, understand that it's... delicate."
Clover's expression softened, and he gave Ankoku a reassuring nod. "I understand, partner. I won't pry if you don't want me to. Just tell me what you're comfortable with."
Ankoku nodded, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. "Alright. BUT, only after Ombre is summoned." Ankoku's voice was firm, his eyes steady on Clover. "I want to make sure we have all the information we need before we proceed."
Clover raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, ain't that just like a Brit? Always wantin' to have all the facts before makin' a decision." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, partner. I can respect that. But I gotta warn ya, Ombre ain't exactly... predictable. He's got his own way of doin' things."
Ankoku nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm well aware of that, Clover. But I still want to be prepared."
Clover nodded, before pulling out a feather. "If you wish to summon Ombre, chant what you chanted to summon me... to this feather." Clover handed the feather to Ankoku, who took it with a curious expression. "This feather is a part of Ombre's essence. It will help focus your intent and guide your summoning."
Ankoku examined the feather, its iridescent black and silver plumage shimmering under the dim light of the temple. He could feel a faint pulse of power emanating from it, a whisper of Ombre's presence. He looked up at Clover, his eyes filled with determination.
Clover nodded, his expression turning serious. "Remember, Ankoku, Ombre's power is vast and unpredictable.
You must be clear and specific in your intent," Clover warned, his voice steady and serious.
Ankoku nodded, taking a deep breath to center himself. He closed his eyes, focusing on the feel of the feather in his hand, the pulse of power against his fingertips. He began to chant, his voice low and steady, the ancient words flowing from his memory.
The air in the chamber grew thick with tension as Ankoku's voice echoed off the stone walls. The symbols on the altar began to glow once more, their light pulsing in time with Ankoku's chant. The feather in his hand grew warm, its power resonating with the power in the room.
A loud shriek filled the room as the feather transformed into... Ombre!
"Ah!" Ombre yelped, falling onto Ankoku chest.
He looked up, his eyes wide with surprise, and then burst into laughter. "Well, that's a new one!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing in the chamber. "I've never been summoned quite like that before!"
Ankoku looked down at Ombre, his eyes wide with shock. He had expected... something else. Something more divine, more powerful. But this? This was a young man, no older than himself, with metal wings that were retracting, a peacock's tail that was fluffing out, cat ears that were twitching with curiosity, and claws for feet that were clicking against the stone floor.
"Ombre?"
His mind was racing. It was Ombre! He blushed, feeling his warmth and his body pressed against him.
Ombre adjusted his mask and robe, stretching. "Sorry about that." He gently removed himself from Ankoku's chest, to Ankoku's disappointment.
He wanted to feel the god pressed against him... His warmth, his- "
"Ankoku!" Merak's voice cut through Ankoku's thoughts, pulling him back to reality.
Ankoku blinked, his cheeks still flushed. He looked up at Merak, then at Tessa, who was watching them with a mix of concern and amusement. I'm fine," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Clover chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, I reckon that's a first for you, partner. Never seen you so flustered."
Ankoku shot Clover a glare, his cheeks still pink. "It's not funny, Clover. I was just...
surprised," Ankoku finished, his voice steadying as he regained his composure. He looked down at Ombre, who was now standing beside him, his wings retracted and his tail feathers neatly tucked away. "I didn't expect... this."
Ombre giggled, his floated in the arms, tipping Ankoku's chin up. "Well aren't you a cutie?" he said, a grin on his face.
"I'm Ombre, by the way. And you are?"
Ankoku's cheeks flushed again, but he managed a small smile. "I'm Ankoku. And you're... you're Ombre, the god of celestial power."
Ombre giggled again, he patted Ankoku's head. "Well, well, well... Three mortals and my brother all gathered in this ancient temple..." He hummed, thinking for a moment. "Why don't we get out of here?" Ombre suggested, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "This place is a bit... stuffy for my taste. How about we find a more comfortable spot to chat?"
Ankoku looked around the temple, his eyes lingering on the intricate carvings and the ancient power that seemed to hum in the air. "But... this is where we summoned you. Isn't this where we should... I don't know, discuss things?"
Ombre chuckled, his tail feathers rustling as he shook his head. "No~. This place is all business. I reckon we could use a change of scenery."
He snapped his fingers and then suddenly they were in Ankoku's penthouse.
The room was filled with the soft glow of the setting sun, casting warm shadows across the sleek, modern furniture. The air was filled with the scent of fresh coffee and the faint hum of the city below.
Ombre looked around, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Well, this is... different," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "I've never been to a mortal's home before. cozy."
Ankoku chuckled, his cheeks still flushed from the unexpected summoning. "Well, I didn't expect to be summoned to a temple either," he said, his voice filled with a hint of sarcasm.
"But here we are." He gestured to the room, a small smile playing on his lips. "Make yourself at home, Ombre. This is my place."
Ombre grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. I do love a good home-cooked meal." He floated over to the kitchen island, his eyes scanning the countertops. "You got any snacks, by the way? I'm starvin'."
Ankoku chuckled, shaking his head as he followed Ombre into the kitchen. "Of course, I do.