Shackles Of The Past

Chapter 26- Black stone

The darkness is a passage,

not a destination.

~Ancient Greek Proverb.

***

"I know where the stone is.” The pause which followed next was indefinably eerie and the silence even worse when Esther made those words.

And Medusa's eyes shot open. This time, something burning revealed itself around those irises, before disappearing. The dead and lifeless eyes suddenly sparkled with an expression. Slowly, she rose to face her.

Centuries ago, claims of the stones were asserted against invaders or squatters. It was created by the last Guardian of the Dragon's Realm. The purpose of its existence was for both protection and power against creatures of the dark. These creatures were called the Undead Sorcerers.

A battle born of rank greed for a particular portion of the earth; these creatures would harbor stones that are powerful from the eastern side of Greenland where the three stones lies in the Dragon's crystal crevasse. The first stone was created mainly for a purpose to keep the world abet in balance. It was an experiment the guardian created for death and rebirth. It was called the White Stone. This stone fell into the hands of the Pure and Dark Witches. Sometimes used for good, and another time, for evil, erasing the existence of both creatures of the night and creatures of daylight. Generally erasing themselves.

The second stone called the Black Stone mainly to test immortality which fell into the hands of the Liches. These are creatures who seek to defy death by magical means. Sometimes, they appear as shadows or ghosts that wander about souls, raising them to form a powerful ally. But that didn’t generally make them powerful; it was most especially when they took hold of the Lost Land’s treasure, turning them the first over all creatures.

Similar to Dark Liches and Dark Witches, as the trade suppose, these Dark Liches power increases due to the Dark Witch's soul and the Dark Witches strength immerses as the Dark Liches soul lives in them, molding them to a powerful yet dangerous creatures. But soon, there were no witches left. Humans were their breed mates, eventually the lands were filled with their species.

All these were the amount of cravings for a taste and fill for power. Everyone wanted power. None ever wanted their kind to be tagged weak. Both the pure and tainted, all craved for power. Even the Angels seek power.

All these creatures existence ended in the past and wiped for eternity. Then came the war against the Devil and the Demon Lord, the generations around those time were tragedy for the innocent and treatment for the sinners. Every one died, every being flew into utter darkness when their vessel had decomposed, when their vessel had shattered. It's still unknown as to how that stone ended in the possession of the Demon Lord. Never said, never told.

And there was the last stone. Rumors had it that it was created. Although no being found what power it possessed neither been wielded before, it was also said that this stone disappeared into a seed. The seed of salvation. The realization struck Medusa. Did her master know where this seed was? Does that mean… yes, it was highly possible. Her master was in possession of the stone. But why? Why keep all those stones? For power? Medusa contemplated deeply on her thoughts. But she could care less, she wanted to say. All that mattered was the Lord’s existence and getting this stone so she could get her freedom and renew her life count.

As part of greed, all creatures including the Angels harbored for this last stone. They attacked the crevasse in hope the last stone was hidden beneath. But it was still never found. The background was non-existent. They opted for the next step. To find this seed. But it was the same result. Good as dead.

Before another wave of thoughts could rush her mid, Esther spoke again. "I know where to find it. That's why you are here. To seek the stone.”

Medusa remained silent. But Esther knew what that silent meant. And so she continued. "That stone is indeed hidden with that Demon but I'm afraid it's nearly impossible to reach it. Knowing who and what he is, the power he carries within himself is far greater than the Devil's. That creature you plan to face is not only a demon, but a fallen Angel. You know what that means. He's partially a Devil too," she paused, and allowed the information sink into Medusa.

"I don't know how, but I see visions. Premonitions you could say. You must be wondering what kind of creature I am, and I'm not a witch. Like you. I'm the last guardian Keeper of this stones. It is my duty to find them and return it to where they belong." She revealed. "I know it may seem hard to believe, but you, Medusa, you are not just a witch, but possess another soul who is the wife to the Devil; the same creature that Demon loath to his very bone. I know you are aware he already sensed your presence. Not just are you in danger in his hands, you are in a real danger. Something not you or even your twin can prevent.”

This time, Medusa stood. She walked predatory steps until she was just few inches away from her. Their gazes began their fierce battle; one with determination and one with intent to kill. 'What do you want?'

It was all it took for the atmosphere to be tensed.

Medusa knew from the start that this being were hellbent. Not knowing why, now she confirmed it. No sane person walks into death, but this one, she did not only walk into it, she dared it. Such irony.

Esther stood unfazed. "To help you-”

'Why?'

"Because you're in danger.”

Medusa took a small step closer and tilted her head, gauging her expression solemnly like someone being possessed. 'Do you know who is in danger here?’ she asked. Or rather, said. ‘It's you.’

The first time Medusa caught fear in those eyes. She had seen it before, but this one seemed potent for her, not only were she able to see it, it was emanating. And again it haunted her she was feeling.

"I may look small to you, Medusa,” Medusa noted the seriousness when she called her name and she frowned. "But you being an immortal soul don't mean you don't have a mortal body and just a soul. Which is you. And it is she who keeps you alive. The stone you seek for, I shall help you search for it. That's what you want, isn't it?"

Medusa's expression remained unchanged. However her eyes darkened. 'Why?' she asked again.

"Let's just say, I have my own mission and my own gain in all of this," As expected, Medusa thought. Everyone had their own motive. "And it links with yours.”

‘You want the stone.’

“Aye, I do.” Esther replied.

‘Then why are you telling me its whereabouts when I aim for it?’

“We want the same thing. If I help you, you’ll help me. When the right time comes, perhaps I’ll let you know.”

Medusa didn't pry on the matter anymore. Not beating around the bush, she questioned, ‘Where?'

"Not so fast," Esther quipped with a sheepish smile. "What happened to the 'I don't need your help' Medusa, or the 'stay away from me'…" Esther noticed the killer look in Medusa's eyes and she sighed. "Alright, alright, I will tell you now, okay?" then she shook her head slightly. "I have my conditions.”

Medusa frowned, the lines in her forehead becoming more visible at her impatience.

"Are you interested or not?"

For a moment, Medusa sighed. One moment, she was serious and the next; she became this annoying pest she hated. 'What are they?'

Esther smiled when she relented. "First, we are in this 'together'." She made sure to stress the last word so Medusa could understand. Esther was aware she didn't take the together thing seriously when she replied with just 'fine.' And she sighed.

"And the last is we are now friends." She stressed the last word again in a firm tone and applied a grin on her face which made Medusa frown hard.

'No.'

"What?”

'No.'

"What do you mean by no?"

'No means no.'

"Fine, good night." Esther attempted to leave when she heard the voice.

'Wait.' And she stopped.

"Is that a yes?" her lips curled up to a smile.

'No.'

"Hmm?" Esther was confused.

'Fine.'

"So it is a yes?"

'Fine.'

"'Fine' and 'yes' are still the same." She muttered to herself and sighed. "Do we have a deal?”

***