The Rituals Commence

After saying the ancient king's name, Elijah was immediately transported into a place that felt like an entirely different dimension. But before he could begin to take in his surroundings, he felt a presence unlike any he'd ever felt before. He could feel an intimidating power coming from the being in front of him. A sun-kissed, muscular, god-like entitiy was looking down on him from a golden throne. He was adorned in purple and gold robes and jewelry that contained many precious stones. But what stood out the most about this god was his eyes. They shone with a rich brown color and contained a brilliance and wisdom Elijah had never felt before. He could feel them examining the very essence of his soul.

"Hmmm...how many universal cycles have come and gone since a mortal entered my temple and said my name? I had begun to think that mortals had ceased seeking Immortality and that my name had been forgotten."

Elijah could not yet speak. His mind was still stunned by the majesty of the one before him.

"I saw the goddess assist you in getting here. But know this, you will receive no further aid during the rite. If the strength of your spirit is not enough, you will fail."

Elijah finally snapped out of his state of awe to respond to Gilgamesh.

"I am honored to be in your presence great god-king Gilgamesh. I am not arrogant enough to suggest that I can become like you. But for the sake of the goddess I love, I am willing to give my all to undergo this sacred rite so that I may become someone worthy of standing by her side."

"I have seen few souls come here with good intentions. Most came for vain reasons. But you're doing this for love? Good. It is the only thing powerful enough to turn a mortal man into a god. I thought I was a god until love showed me how foolish I was and what true godhood is. We shall see which one are you. A fool? Or one who stands on truth."

"Yes, great one."

Gilgamesh could see that Elijah had a pure heart. No fear. No malice. And he could also sense something familiar hidden deep with his soul's essence. Intrigued by this, he decided that Elijah's first task would be to conquer the trial he had been given himself by the old god Shamash. So he then stood up from his throne and revealed his impressive ten-foot stature which was quite the sight to behold. He walked over to a pillar that had an orb resting upon it that easily fit into the palm of his hand. Once he had possession of it, he beckoned for Elijah to approach him.

When Elijah was within reach, Gilgamesh began to say his final words to him.

"In becoming a god you must purify your being on every level. Mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Once you touch this orb you will be brought to a place where your own inner demons will be made manifest. If you conquer them, you will meet the one who showed me how to become an immortal. Should you succumb to them, I will end you. I refuse to allow any corrupted beings to taint this sacred place. Are you ready?"

Elijah answered without hesitation.

"I am ready, great god-king."

Gilgamesh saw his resolve and nodded.

"Place your left hand on the orb."

And just as suddenly as he appeared, Elijah was gone.

*Meanwhile, back in the nine heavens...*

"Zemyna, what's wrong?!"

Mordecai became worried as he saw Zemyna suddenly stop in her tracks and start to clutch her chest while panting heavily. She knelt down and started to look panicked.

"I-It's Elijah...I-I can't feel him! Mordecai, I can't feel him!"

Mordecai immediately realized what was happening and tried to comfort his sister.

"He must have begun the trial. I've read it takes place in a dimension even we archons have no dominion over. I'm sure he's just fine Zemyna. Breathe, dear sister."

Zemyna could feel Mordecai's certainty and trusted his words. She began to focus harder on her divine tether to Elijah. Though she could not feel him, she also did not get the sense that he was in danger or worse. So she collected herself for a moment and stood again when she was ready.

"Thank you, Mordecai. I'm grateful you're here right now. You've made this journey easier on me."

"I'm glad I could help." Mordecai smiled briefly before solemly stating, "We have arrived."

The sacred Gate of Ascension was surprisingly unimpressive. It was simply a wooden gate carved from a red celestial tree. However, it was not to be taken lightly. But what made the gate so ominous was the fact that nothing else was around it. Not a cloud, a star, nothing. Just an abyss.

"It was my pleasure and honor to accompany you here, Zemyna. And I pray to be the one who welcomes you upon your return." Mordecai bowed to his sister.

Zemyna laughed before saying, "I don't think Zen will allow that."

Mordecai cracked a nervous smile when he remembered how obsessive their baby sister was when it came to Zemyna.

"You have a point." Mordecai shook his head and let out a sigh in anticipation of the unpleasant conversation he and Zen would be sure to have later.

Zemyna then turned to face the Gate of Ascension. "In all your studies, did you come across anything that would help me know what to expect?"

Mordecai frowned a bit and said, "Unfortunately not. This is something that is rarely ever attempted by us. I think the only one who might know something is grandfather Thoth. But since he did not summon you or come speak to you before now, he must be certain you can handle whatever it is you'll face." Mordecai surmised.

"Grandfather Thoth, huh? Yeah, he is the only one who would know. He is the keeper if the secret histories after all. I can sense our father is talking to him right now, actually. But it's time I focus on the task ahead. You go, and meet with our mother and siblings. The heavens will you need you all in my absence."

"We will keep the peace. May the Creator continue to favor you and bring you back to us, Zemyna."

"No power in heaven or earth could keep me from returning to Elijah and my family."

Mordecai noticed she put Elijah first, but chose to say nothing. He simply nodded and said, "I love you, sister."

"I love you too, Morty." Zemyna smiled at him, walked through the gate, and vanished.

"Ahhh I can't believe she called me that!" Mordecai cried inwardly. He could only let it go and laugh it off.

"Way to leave on a loving high note sis."