Chapter 14: Awakening of the Azur
The Forbidden Artifact
“Bucky, don’t do it!” Richard yelled, lunging forward as Bucky’s hand grasped the gauntlet. The ancient artifact shimmered unnaturally, its surface fracturing into a cascade of black powder that swirled violently in the air.
“Something’s wrong!” Richard shouted as the temple walls groaned, dust and debris raining down.
From within the swirling powder, a luminous stone shot out, embedding itself directly into Bucky’s forehead. His body jerked violently before he collapsed.
“Bucky! No!” Richard knelt beside his friend, shaking him desperately. The rumbling of the collapsing temple grew louder.
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The Demon Castle
Bucky’s consciousness was yanked from his body, flung into a realm of fire and shadow. He found himself standing in a massive demon castle, its spires reaching into a crimson sky. The air burned with sulfur, and all around him, grotesque creatures knelt in reverence.
“Hail Azur! Hail Azur!” they chanted in unison, their voices echoing like thunder.
Bucky stared at his glowing hands, a dark aura emanating from his body. “What... What’s happening to me?”
From the depths of the hall, a towering figure emerged, cloaked in darkness. Its glowing eyes bore into Bucky. “You are Azur, the herald of the Supreme Demon God. The bridge between realms.”
Bucky staggered back. “I’m not Azur. You’ve got the wrong guy.”
“You are chosen,” the figure declared, its voice a thunderous boom. “You will unite the worlds. Embrace your destiny.”
The creatures roared in approval as the vision blurred, and Bucky was violently pulled back to reality.
Stolen story; please report.
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A Narrow Escape
Bucky’s eyes fluttered open as Richard shook him.
“You’re alive!” Richard exclaimed, relief flooding his face. “I thought I lost you, man.”
Bucky sat up, rubbing his head. “What happened?”
“What happened?” Richard repeated, his voice rising. “You grabbed the gauntlet, collapsed, and now the temple’s falling apart!”
The ground shook violently as cracks splintered across the walls. Without another word, Richard hauled Bucky to his feet, and they sprinted toward the exit.
The jungle air hit them like a wave as they burst out of the collapsing temple. Behind them, the structure crumbled into ruins.
“What the hell was that?” Richard panted, leaning against a tree.
Bucky didn’t respond, his expression distant.
---
The Portal Opens
High above the now-destroyed temple, a tear appeared in the fabric of reality. From the glowing portal, grotesque creatures spilled out, their eyes glowing with malice.
“Find the herald,” a deep voice boomed from within the portal. “Follow him. The time is near.”
The creatures dispersed, slinking into the shadows of the jungle, their eyes fixed on the direction Bucky and Richard had fled.
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The Missing Old Man
After regrouping with Fernando, the trio returned to the tribal village, hoping to retrieve the old man who had helped them. But the village was eerily silent.
“Where is he?” Fernando asked, scanning the empty huts.
“He wouldn’t just disappear,” Richard muttered, checking for signs of life.
Bucky frowned. “This place feels... wrong. Like something’s watching us.”
Despite their search, the old man was nowhere to be found. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.
---
Farewell to Fernando
Back in the city, Fernando tried to lighten the mood. “Well, boys, I think that’s enough adventure for one lifetime.”
Richard chuckled. “You’re telling me. Next time, let’s stick to museums and beaches.”
Fernando grinned. “Next time, count me out. Good luck with... whatever this is.”
“Thanks for everything, Fernando,” Bucky said, shaking his hand.
As they parted ways, a shadow lingered behind them, unnoticed. The creatures from the portal had followed them to the city, their glowing eyes watching from the darkness.
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The Flight Home
Onboard the plane, Richard leaned back in his seat with a groan. “I don’t know about you, but I’m done with temples, curses, and creepy old guys.”
Bucky smirked. “Oh, come on. You’re telling me you didn’t have fun?”
“Fun?” Richard scoffed. “Fun is a beach vacation, not running for my life from collapsing temples!”
Bucky chuckled. “Admit it, Richie. You loved every second of it.”
“Yeah, sure,” Richard deadpanned. “Next time, you’re grabbing the cursed artifact on your own.”
---
A Jolt in the Sky
As the plane reached cruising altitude, the cabin lights flickered.
“Please fasten your seatbelts,” the captain’s voice crackled over the intercom.
“What now?” Richard muttered, tightening his seatbelt.
Suddenly, a loud thud reverberated through the cabin. Gasps and murmurs spread among the passengers.
“Look out the window!” someone shouted.
Richard turned to see a grotesque creature clinging to the wing, its glowing eyes staring directly at him.
“Bucky,” Richard hissed, elbowing his friend. “You seeing this?”
Bucky turned slowly, his expression unreadable.
The creature screeched, its claws tearing into the wing as the plane lurched violently. Passengers screamed as oxygen masks deployed.
The pilot’s voice was frantic. “We’re experiencing severe turbulence—brace for impact!”
As chaos erupted in the cabin, Bucky leaned back in his seat, a strange calmness in his eyes.
“What’s t
he plan, Azur?” Richard whispered, his voice trembling.
Bucky’s faint smile sent a chill down Richard’s spine.
To Be Continued...