After some time, Hinmatoom arranged everything. First, he asked Aganos to help him clear the road except for the crater. He then told the golem to hide while calling the authorities. When police and medical personnel arrived, they needed his statement.

With his car damaged, the police offered to assist Hinmatoom. He told them of a lodge five miles away. Before leaving, he returned to his vehicle and collected his belongings. He paused when he picked up a picture of him and his younger brother, smiling. After deep breathing, he placed the photo in his shirt pocket. Accompanied by two police officers, he left in the patrol car.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at a wooden lodge. After thanking the police, Hinmatoom approached his family’s summer home. He recalled exploring the woods with Tipyeléhne as a child. He retrieved his cell phone and called his insurance company.

A rustle in the forest caught his attention as he hung up.

Soft booms echoed as trees parted, moving closer. Armed with tomahawks, he prepared himself.

Once the figure revealed itself, Hinmatoom relaxed.

“You scared me, Aganos,” he signed. “How did you find me?”

“Your fighting spirit is strong, so I tracked you. What is this place?”

“This is where I planned to spend my vacation.”

“Is it related to your sadness?”

Hinmatoom placed his hand on his patch pocket. “You might agree. Quick question: how did you become this way?”

The golem studied its appearance. “It’s a long story.”

“I have nothing better to do.”

After much debate, the giant sat down. “I should start when I was born three thousand years ago.”

Though stunned, Hinmatoom’s brows furrowed. “I thought you couldn’t recall anything.”

“I can remember my past. Just not the events after my deep sleep. My appearance was different compared to now. A group of individuals called the Mycenaeans built me. I was a war machine made from gears and bronze armor. Also, I guarded their citadel against enemies from afar.”

“Were there more of you around? Were they also the ones that gave you your name?”

“Plenty. Regarding the second question, my name will come later. As the strongest, they gifted me a jewel.” Aganos pointed at the emerald gem on its brow. “They called it the Eye of the Ancients. As a result, I am in touch with the Spirit World. As time passed, my makers’ ideals clashed.

“My kind got caught up in it and fought against each other. I was the only survivor.”

Hinmatoom couldn’t imagine what the golem endured.

“From the sea, raiders seized my home. I attempted to escape, but they trapped me in a canyon,” the golem continued. “They pried the crystal off my head, subduing me to their will. Throughout time, I moved from one evil ruler to another. I became cold and heartless, with one thing in mind: destruction.

“With so many battles, my body crumbled. My creators would provide the needed parts to repair the damage. Without that luxury, I used anything to make myself whole. From stones to armor pieces.”

Hinmatoom fell silent. It must’ve been torture not to receive repairs. “Did someone rescue you?”

“Yes. In the last war, a king claimed me. His views of me were more expansive than those of petty tyrants before. He reunited me with the Eye of the Ancients and gave me the name Aganos. Pronouncing his name was challenging, but those serving him called him Nergal.

“He taught me about nature and the world. I also learned how to control earth-bound objects around me.

“To thank him, I worked as his bodyguard for the right reason: Kan-Ra.”

Hinmatoom tilted his head. “Kan-Ra? Who is that?”

“He was the king’s vizier but ambitious and greedy,” the golem signed. “He plotted to kill my master and take the throne for himself. At one point, he hired bandits to steal Nergal’s riches.

“The king and his royal court caught and punished the criminals, but no one knew Kan-Ra was behind it.

“Later, he tried again, using the king’s wife to murder him. I’m unsure what he did, but whatever spell he put on her failed.

“Distraught, the queen ended her life, leaving a note explaining Kan-Ra’s plot. She was such a noble woman.

“Enraged, the king sent me to retrieve Kan-Ra. I relished the moment I beat that evil man to a pulp.”

Hinmatoom shivered as he pictured Aganos beating Kan-Ra. “What ensued after?”

“As instructed, I brought him to the court. Accused of treason, the king cursed Kan-Ra with flesh-eating rot,” the golem signed. “After that, they banished him from the kingdom.

“For years, I stayed by my master’s side, watching him grow old and frail.

“On his deathbed, he learned that Kan-Ra survived his blight. Before he died, Nergal assigned me two orders. Find Kan-Ra and destroy him, and never take orders from anyone.

“I vowed to fulfill my master’s wish and began my quest. For centuries, we fought, never destroying each other. I would retreat to a hidden cave to heal whenever he escaped.

“My last meeting was in a forest near a building. Our battle got interrupted by strange men and their metal sticks. Kan-Ra escaped again, but those men captured me, and everything became blank.”

Hinmatoom threaded his fingers through his hair. “God, I wish I had your fervor.”

Aganos tilted its head. “How so?”

“Because, like you, I’m also searching for someone: my brother… or at least his body. I can’t go into detail, only that I miss him.”

Despite lacking emotions to express, Aganos sensed its friend’s sorrow. “Your brother is dead? You have my condolences. Why can’t you locate his body?”

Hinmatoom sighed, fighting tears. “Because some wicked people used them… to build something. Something so vile. A complete insult to the dead. Each time my brother crosses my mind, my heart hurts. I even have thoughts about things I don’t want to consider doing them.”

“How awful! Those thoughts aren’t helpful, either. Grieving is okay, but you mustn’t wallow in it forever. When my master died, I still think about him and the promise I made. You must never lose hope.”

Hinmatoom grew silent, letting the golem’s words sink into his mind. How long had he grieved his brother’s death? A few years? How often had he drunk to drown his depression? His strange yet erratic behavior worried his community. “I never expected a pep talk from a golem. Well, I’m retiring for the night. Are you staying here?”

“Of course. You’ll need someone by your side if something happens to you.”

As Hinmatoom headed inside the lodge, Aganos remained outside. Darkness approached as if an unknown force blindfolded the world. Only the moon and the golem’s eyes emitted light.

The next day, Aganos stayed in its post until the door opened. Hinmatoom stepped out, inhaling the fresh, misty air. In his hands were strange, colorful garbs and other items.

“Good morning, Thunder,” the golem signed. “How did you sleep?”

He set his things down. “Okay, I guess.”

“What’s with those?”

“Oh, this? I’m going on a vision quest.”

“What is that?”

“In my culture, it is a rite of passage. It allows us to bridge the gap between the mortal and spiritual realms.”

“Sounds intriguing. How does that work?”

“The process includes fasting for four days and nights alone at a sacred site. After that, a spirit guide appears. My people refer to them as Weyekins. They help you discover your purpose in life within the community. You’re welcome to come, but I must be alone once I begin my sacred journey.”

“I understand.” As the golem arose, it stretched its arms. The hardened vines creaked like bones popping. A slight shake in its body rustled the plants. “So, shall we go?”

***

They traveled through the wooded area, with the golem’s soft footfalls booming. Birds chirped in the trees, hiding. The lingering wind caressed the branches. A faint rumble emerged from the cloudy sky, but no storm appeared.

As they reached halfway on a trail, Hinmatoom and Aganos stopped. “This is where we must separate.”

“Will you be alright?”

“I’ll be okay. Do you plan to pursue Kan-Ra?”

“I’ll stay around the foothills until you return. I haven’t forgotten the debt I owe you for freeing me.”

“The device you had still baffled me. Once I finish my journey, we’ll proceed from there.”

As Aganos headed downward, Hinmatoom resumed his journey north.

After a while, he came across a natural stone bridge connecting two lands overlooking the woodlands and river. Two dead trees remained on each side.

Hinmatoom laid out the items near the first tree. Soon after, he ignited a fire between the objects and the tree. Preparing himself, he sat cross-legged, shut off his smartphone, and closed his eyes.

When Hinmatoom opened his eyes, a grass-infused aroma filled his nose. The wind and rain lashed the plain. Lightning pierced the darkness with a bright flash, followed by a thunderous rumble. While shielding himself from the elements, he glimpsed a mountain ahead.

On instinct, he headed there. Upon arrival at the mountain’s base, he assessed its height. However, something compelled him to climb. After taking a deep breath, he began his ascent. While the rain pelted him, he refused to stop for respite.

Upon reaching the top, Hinmatoom gasped for air. Some clouds parted, allowing sunlight to shine on the summit. As he glanced at the sky, a loud screech echoed.

A metal eagle emerged, and once it landed, it spread its sharp-bladed wings. Its eyes flashed with intrigue while staring at him.

“Why are you here?” the eagle asked.

“To find another path,” Hinmatoom said.

“Has your Weyekin informed you of your life’s purpose?”

“It did, but I had lost my way from Tipyeléphne’s death.”

The metal eagle fell silent. “How would you react if I told you he’s alive?”

“What would make you say that?”

“Just because someone tells you such horrible news, is it true?”

Hinmatoom became quiet. The Killer Instinct authorities were explicit about Tipyeléphne’s demise. However, he couldn’t help but wonder if they said this to cover their tracks. “Regardless of your words, Tipyeléhne may never be the same.”  

“Are you planning to push him away, as you did before?”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you forgotten?” The eagle parted a mass of clouds, revealing a portal vision of the two brothers bickering.

Hinmatoom winced when he said they were not brothers. “I cannot deny what I said. However, I care too much about my brother to turn my back on him. When I find him, I’ll apologize for not being there when he needed me.”

“Your heart is pure, though wounded. You will cross paths with a young girl possessing a power unlike any other. She will be the key to peace. Your Weyekin’s words remain the same but with deeper significance. War is coming, but not from mortals. It is essential to seek help, even from your enemies. Go. Do this now.”

Once the eagle ascended, light engulfed everything in its path.

Awakened, Hinmatoom found himself in the same spot. Since then, the fire has died, leaving only smoke behind.

He reached into his pocket and grabbed his phone, turning it on to check the date. July 7th? So it’s been a week since I started. His stomach growled, longing for food, but that was the least of his concerns.

Driven by a new purpose, he arose and changed clothes. He donned desert-colored pants with two interlocked belts, shin guards, and combat boots.

With the war paint, he adorned himself like a crow. He added a feathered war bonnet and bear claw necklace as final touches.

As he finished, he sensed a disturbance. He spotted smoke from a distance.

If I recall, Aganos is on the hillside. I better check it out. Hinmatoom seized his weapons and headed to the site. Along the way, he found several trees and boulders toppled.

Once he arrived, he witnessed Aganos fighting androids equipped with metallic blades.

The golem’s strength was no match for the robots’ numerical advantage.

No, not again! With righteous fury, Hinmatoom summoned his Weyekin power. Within seconds, he attacked the androids, giving Aganos breathing room. He grabbed the final android, slammed it to the ground, and stomped on its skull.

As the power faded, Hinmatoom checked on the golem. “Aganos, are you alright?”

“Thank you. You saved me,” the golem signed.

“What happened?”

“Those metal creatures attacked me. Where did they come from?”

Hinmatoom shifted toward the nearest destroyed android, examining its features.

In appearance, it resembled an armored medieval knight but less bulky. Blue heated plasma leaked from its claws, and oil oozed from the torn tubes. He furrowed his brows at a crack in the armor. He slipped his fingers under the aperture and opened the chest plates. Inside was a small core with the words “Mark II.” He also found a “U” logo on the left breastplate.

Ultratech. I figured, but why would these things target Aganos? His initial thought was the German Baron, but he pushed it aside. It couldn’t be him. He vanished after the tournament. Also, rumors spread about Ultratech being under different ownership.

“Thunder, did you uncover something?” Aganos signed.

Hinmatoom tore off the chest plate with the emblem. “I want to show you something, to see if it sparks any memories.” As he brought forth the crest, the golem examined its design.

For a moment, images flashed within its mind. “They had this when I got transported. Before then, I was in a castle.”

Hinmatoom rubbed his chin. “I might have a theory. While battling Kan-Ra, some men with ‘iron sticks’ stopped the fight and captured you, right? They’re part of an empire with this emblem called Ultratech.”

“Ultra…tech? That’s a weird name.”

“It is, I’ll admit. This empire’s leader, Sabrewulf, had a rare condition. Instead of seeking a cure, he created or summoned creatures like yourself. Overwhelmed, he held a tournament, intending to destroy you and other horrors.”

Aganos stepped back, stunned. “Why? Had I done something wrong?”

“No, because even Sabrewulf would have trouble using you. After all, you acted on your old king’s order. Anyway, things didn’t end well with his plan. They chose another leader when word reached his council about his condition. They must’ve transported you and other creations in the building you mentioned.

“As for that device, they placed it on you to enslave you.”

The golem growled. “So, the successor sought to exploit me… as a slave?”

“That’s where my theory stands,” Hinmatoom signed.

“Also, did they kill your brother and keep his remains?”

“Yes.”

Aganos clenched its bronze hand into a fist. “If this is true, Ultratech must pay.”

“They will. Perhaps it’s time we visit them.”