129 Camazotz (2/2)
”OH, GREAT CAMAZOTZ-SAMA!” The general yelled towards the hole. ”Us, your loyal servants have brought you another sacrifice, and we eagerly await your presence! As is customary, we have brought you the tribute you require before we begin!” The man pulled out a pouch from his coat pocket and held it open over the hole. Over a dozen purple mana-cores fell into the hole, never to be seen again.
Suddenly, the mountaintop began to tremble as a high-pitched screech echoed everywhere. The wind roared repeatedly as the screeching grew louder. Whoosh! A three-meter-tall mutant flew out from the hole so fast that it appeared as little more than a blur. It landed in front of the general and intimidatingly glared down at him.
”Camazotz-sama.” The general respectfully bowed, appearing completely calm despite the overwhelming aura the mutant gave off.
”Holy shit!” Rubi gasped under her breath while glancing at Tai. ”You're going to fight that thing?! Are you crazy?!”
”It'll be worth it!” Tai ground his teeth, determination flashing in his eyes.
At first glance the bat didn't appear all that threatening. But that was only if someone was unknowledgeable about mutants or if they were too weak to feel the overwhelming power radiating off its body. The bat stood upright like a man walking on two legs. With its wings folded in front of its body, it could almost pass a man if one looked at it from a distance in the darkness. Its entire body was purple, indicating it was a special mutant similar to those found in the cage. Golden lines decorated its entire body in ornate patterns, meaning it likely controlled a large amount of golden faith energy. Its ugly head looked like most bats, except that it had long sharp fangs and its purple eyes seemed to hold a high degree of intelligence. The only other unusual feature of its body was a sharp whip-like tail that swung back-and-forth behind its body.
The bat mutant slowly looked over the group of espers, disdain visible in its eyes. It looked back to the General. ”Who is the sacrifice and who is the beneficiary?” It questioned in a screechy voice.
”IT TALKS?!” Rubi nearly screamed in shock. Fortunately, it seemed she had still been quiet enough to not be noticed, as they were still quite a distance away. Perhaps the soldiers would have heard her if they were actively listening for intruders, but why would they bother when they had a strong defensive line outside the base of the mountain?
”Shh.” Tai grimaced as he indicated for her to quiet down.
”Is that thing even really a mutant?” Ed muttered in disbelief. It was one thing for the spiders in Hawaii to be somewhat intelligent, but this was an entirely different level. For a mutant to not only understand human language but be able to speak it as well? Such a thing was unthinkable in America. The mutant would be extinguished before rumors ever hit the public.
”Focus.” Tai whispered. ”It's starting.”
The general pointed to Haru and Hina. ”The boy is the sacrifice. The client this time is the prime minister, so please do be careful.”
”Humph.” The bat snorted. ”I know what I'm doing. As long as the Japanese government keeps to their end of the bargain then I'll naturally keep to mine as well.”
The general nodded and turned back. ”Bring them up.”
”Sir.” A soldier nodded as he dragged Haru forward by a chain, Hina following behind them. He threw the boy to the ground in front of the bat before turning around and hurriedly leaving. Clearly, he didn't wish to be anywhere near the upcoming ritual.
”Hina.” The general smiled. ”Pay your respects to Camazotz-sama.”
”Hello.” She bowed politely, appearing slightly nervous. However, she held no fear towards the bat. After all, she had grown up hearing stories of the great god Camazotz-sama, and so she held nothing but the greatest respect for the creature.
”Mm.” The bat nodded, almost seeming satisfied with the proper respect. ”I will now begin. Prepare yourselves.”
”What's going to happen to me?” Haru interrupted, a mix of fear and anger in his eyes.
”Shut up!” The general yelled while placing his boot on the boy's back, pushing him to the ground. ”Just like I said earlier, you'll lose your powers and be sent to a reeducation camp. Now keep quiet.”
”Mmph.” The boy struggled against the ground, wiggling back-and-forth to no avail.
”Hina. Close your eyes.” The general ordered.
”Ri... Right.” She nodded nervously, shutting her eyes as tightly as she could.
”Hehe.” The bat chuckled ominously. ”I just love nightmares attacks. You disgusting bureaucrats always pay so handsomely after them, sacrificing the lives of the innocent for your own strength.”
”What?” Hina questioned confusedly as she opened her eyes in surprise.
Haru managed to sit up as well, fearful for his life as he stared at the bat mutant.
Right at that moment, Camazotz's sharp purple tail turned almost illusory to the naked eye. It struck forward at rapid speed, penetrating directly into Haru's skull. A mixture of yellow, blue, and white mana flowed like liquid along the tail, entering the bat's body. ”Bon appetite.” He grinned as his mouth opened wide. His long sharp fangs glistened with yellow, blue, and white colors as he bit down towards Hina's neck.
”AHHHHHH!!!” Hina's loud shriek reverberated throughout the mountain.
”BASTARD!” The general angrily shouted. ”You did that on purpose! You know we wanted her to keep her eyes shut!”
”Hah!” Camazotz laughed. ”There's no rule limiting my speech during the ceremony. If you don't like it, go complain to your boss!” He pointed towards the fat bald man, who seemed equally angry but retained his silence.
The yellow, blue, and white mana continued to flow along Camazotz's tail and traveled through its fangs into Hina's body.
”Now!” Tai stood up, flames appearing around his body. ”Don't hold back! If we take too long, then their reinforcements will arrive!”
”Right!” The other espers nodded as powers appeared around their bodies.