"The Sunbearer Trials" by Aiden Thomas, Chapters 20–26

Teo’s foot nudged the Sol Stone.
And it rolled, teetering precariously at the edge, the pit yawning open far below.

No two buildings were the same. Many were half finished, while others started off in one style but continued in a completely different one. The residential areas were also eclectic, with no common theme between houses.

Once they were seated, Teo decided to try to broach the subject of Xio’s standing in the trials one more time.

A few minutes later, Niya emerged, dejected, from the athleisure store she’d found with Dezi in tow. She plopped down right on the ground at Teo’s feet, leaning her head back to rest in his lap.

The architecture was a hodgepodge of different styles; some sections were plain stone while other levels were brightly painted.

There was every food imaginable, but an especially large assortment of fish, which Teo figured had to do with them being so close to the ocean.

The way he cast a furtive glance toward the cabins and the strain in Xio’s voice gave Teo pause.

“I’d love to hear from the Jade semidiós who climbed up the ranks to third place. You’re a great inspiration to your people.”
“Or you would be, if you’d talk to them,” Chisme added. “We have the audience to facilitate that!”

Reporters and editors sat at computers, splicing together clips of scenes from the trials while the news played in real time on other screens.

For my piece, I’d like to give the people a more holistic view of the Jade demigod who has been dominating in the trials—to humanize you a bit, if you’ll pardon the pun.

Verdad pulled up a video of the fourth trial, distinctive for its verdant green plants and stone walls.

Teo saw his mother’s face oscillate between confusion and offense as she looked back and forth between the Golds and her son.

The final word elicited a gasp from somewhere down the table.

“Then I want him confined to his room!”

“You are a loud, impulsive, persistent seeker of justice,” Huemac cut in, not letting him finish.

“Obviously she wants one of you to win,” Teo said, waiting for some kind of revelation.

Despite his restlessness, Teo was still surprised when the Sol priest came to gather them and he learned that the final trial would not take place in an arena at Sol Temple. Instead, they would be traveling to a different, undisclosed location.

You are on your own, and you will be judged on how well you defend yourselves against the remnants of the Obsidians’ power.

You may use any means necessary to protect yourself. The only stipulation is that if you fall off the path, you won’t be allowed to continue and your light will go out.

In the dark, it was impossible to see wayward vines and branches protruding from the jungle, and Teo had to continuously catch his balance or risk faceplanting on the jungle floor.

“Come on, Teo!” she goaded. “Don’t you remember the first trial, when I shot you out of the sky? Don’t you want to get me back?”

Gnarled black branches grew all around, sharp edges and obsidian crystals glinting dangerously.

A gust of wind from Teo’s wings sent one of her fireballs careening on a curved path.

As Teo feinted to her right, Auristela stumbled.

Her flames took hold with an unnatural quickness, blackening a large swath of the wooden platform.

Xio stared up at him like he was still in shock over what had just transpired.

Her amber eyes were hard and resolute, but below them, her jaw trembled.

Shoulders back and chin lifted, she didn’t look at all like a sacrifice being led to her execution. Instead, Auristela looked fearless and ethereal, every bit the Gold Hero she was raised to be.

“Many years ago, Sol saved our people with the ultimate gift of their sacrifice,” Diosa Luna said. “Today we will honor their choice, renew their gift, and preserve the balance of this world. Sol chose ten worthy competitors for this year’s Sunbearer Trials, and all of you played an important part in creating the future we step into today. Thank you for your brave and indomitable spirits. And we all thank Semidiosa Auristela for following in Sol’s sacrifice.”

Cracks and fissures opened up, dislodging huge chunks of the temple.

Gone was the fear and apprehension Teo was so used to seeing on Xio’s face.

As Caos twisted their hands, a rift opened on the temple floor.

He grabbed Niya around the waist and only had a second of reprieve before they were both pulled toward the rift.

The gods gathered around Diosa Lumbre, who stood with her arms crossed, emanating barely contained rage.

Silence enveloped the room at the sound of the raspy, unfamiliar voice of the earth god.
“Papi?” Niya asked, incredulous.

His voice was low and grating, like rock scratching against rock.

“The celestial monsters were locked up with their masters. Without Sol, they’ve been set free to wreak havoc and destruction on our world. You couldn’t possibly fathom the horrors that have been unleashed.”

She summoned a crystal bottle full of clear liquid as she approached Aurelio. “It’s a Decanter of Endless Water.”

“The gods are splitting into factions,” Guerrero observed.

With a flick of her wrists, the shiny weapons returned to their mundane forms.