Junocoatl

Reclusive, dissociative, and quiet - these traits define Junocoatl, the strongest of the gods in Myrme, and once equally feared and revered by its populace. As the god of war and violence, he was a central deity to all colonies, regardless of patron affiliation or not - as any who neglected their sacrifices to Narke could find Junocoatl on the opposing field. 

He held this mantle with pride, eager to prove his skill and worth while on Narke's beck and call. And, truly, he was unparalleled - cutting down the non-believers, any mortals who abandoned their worship, with a sharp smile plastered on his face. It was his purpose, his duty.

And, in the off-hours, he found himself at Ix Chel Coh's side, wooing the other with tales of his heroics and entertaining him with various magicks. Ix had a cheekiness to him that Juno's more moralistic peers lacked - watching Ix poke holes in Narke's policy or pester Cogito in a fallacy amused Juno deeply. 

Though Ix at first rebutted his advances, Juno charmed him when he hunted down a scorpion and ate it whole. They easily clicked with each other - both slightly off-kilter, both too smug for their own good. Juno was a tiger: powerful, unstoppable, satisfied only by fulfilling his duty. And Ix was a snake: clever, manipulative, satisfied only when his whims were met.

And, oh, did Juno meet his whims. No one in Gemline would say no to Juno, and if Ix hung off his arm, he'd get to tag along to anything. None were safe from their shenanigans and self-importance. No rules could hold them - especially when they created a demigod in secret, tempting fate, curious how long they could get away with it before Narke found out. It was hilarious. It was fun. It was perfect. 

Until one battle. 

Nothing was different. Narke listed the combatants, wanted his weight behind one. Juno never bothered to learn much about the colonies - why did it matter? His allegiances changed every week. And when he got to the field, it was the same as always - massacre the opposite colors, enact Narke's will. Remind the mortals who was in power, and who they needed to respect.

But when the dust settled, Juno stood on the soaked field. Corpses draped themselves around him, dismembered, disgusting, streaks of blood over their frozen faces. His sword, glittering still, stained so deeply only teal coated the blade. 

There was no noise. No call of animals, no insects buzzing, no chatter of battle and war. Nothing but him and the thousands of dead.

He pulled his hand away from the sword, slick with blood, and stared at the seep from his palm.

Juno returned to Gemline. He curled up on the floor and stared at the wall. The only thing that roused him - though Cleverly, Metara, and Narke tried - was Ix's extended hand. He accepted, gaze unfocused, and clung to Ix's side.

Sensing something had happened, Narke did not request Juno fight in the next battle. Or the next. Or the next, as his mental state didn't improve. Ix had no answers, and Juno was largely unresponsive - only able to mutter scattered words, and only in Ix's presence. 

Even Cogito scoffed at Juno, when Narke asked him for assistance. Nothing in his head, Cogito claimed. Just emptiness.

Gradually, though, bits and pieces returned. Words made more sense, faces were recognizable. He could recall snippets of who he was, his duties, his expectations - but they were choking, stifling, repulsive. The mere thought of Narke's command was enough to churn his stomach. And every time he looked at his leader, the only feeling racing through his body was rage.

His neck would break so cleanly.

So he fled, deep into the Morelle Mountains. Away from all of them and everything and all that they wanted from him. Away from every spike of fear that he was a monster, that he'd regressed into something horrible. Out here, the only thing in danger were dumb animals.

But Ix followed him.

He wouldn't stay - he made as much clear. The dirt ruined his nice cape and carefully-tended hair. But he was here, and his presence made the fog go away, made things shine with clarity. In brief moments during Ix's visits, it felt okay to call himself Junocoatl.

Sometimes Ix tries to tell him what's going on with Gemline, Narke, Cogito. It doesn't matter. All that matters is making sure Ix stays as long as he can, and pouring every second into charming him. It's all he has left.