13

A storm was gathering at the top of the temple mountain. Adaline and Milo could see flashes of lighting as they climbed up into the dark fog. They wore matching green hooded cloaks to keep the rain off, and two masks that covered their whole face. The masks were just blank white discs with holes for their eyes. With the matching uniforms and masks that the God of Agriculture had given them, they looked more alike than ever. The only difference between them was their heights, with Milo being just a little taller than Adaline.

Milo tried to calm his nerves, repeating in his mind: We're just here to collect an urn. We're just here to collect an urn.

Adaline was focused. Determined. If she met one of Set's demons tonight, she would be ready.

They reached the top of the mountain and climbed the marble steps. The steps were a little slippery in the rain, but their footing was sure.

At the entrance of the temple, between two of the pillars, stood a woman wearing a simple dress and a hooded cloak which hid her face. She held a small urn and a small statue.

Adaline stepped forward, reaching out to take the urn and statue. The woman looked at her masked face, then at the swords on her back, then back at her mask. She took a step backward.

"Adaline," She said. "I cannot let you in the Temple right now."

Adaline narrowed her eyes. The God of Agriculture had told her that the demons could take many forms. She reached out for the urn again, while Milo's hands drifted towards the sword on his belt and the shield on his back. The woman clutched the urn and statue closer.

"Adaline, there is a God grieving in the temple. If you go inside, then--"

There was a brush of fur and a flash of eyes from within the temple. There was something in there--something big.

Milo drew his sword and shield, rushing into the temple with a battle cry. Adaline drew a sword and rushed in after him. The woman dropped the statue she was holding and grabbed Adaline's arm.

"Do not hurt him! He is not a demon!"

Adaline turned to face the woman and in one swift motion pulled the hood off the woman's head. Where she had expected to see the sharp teeth and slimy skin of a monster she saw a normal woman, with fear in her eyes.

Adaline dropped her sword and whipped around, sprinting into the Temple and jumping in front of Milo as he swung towards the giant beast in the shadows. Milo could not stop his sword all the way, cutting Adaline's arm.

"Milo, stop!" Adaline said. "She speaks the truth. It's not a demon."

Milo gazed into the shadows. He saw eight glowing eyes, arranged in a fan-like pattern, each one streaming tears. As the creature hesitantly stepped into the light he saw it was a fox, its fur streaked with black and its teeth elongated. Adaline recognized the fox; it was unmistakably the form of Cymis.

The woman approached them slowly, like one would a cornered animal. "This is a God. He has taken the form of a monster in his grief."

"Who are you?" Milo said. He hadn't put away his sword and shield yet.

"I am Etune, the Goddess of Truth," She said. "Let me help you understand." She set down the urn and reached out to each of them.

Milo glanced at Adaline. Adaline nodded, stepping towards Etune's outstretched hands. Milo put away his weapons and joined her.

Etune placed her hands on their foreheads.