The Deity Stone

MAGNUS

"Let's go." The Rank Elders ushered us to the neighboring room where the High Altar is situated. Where the Deity Stone is kept in a protective casing of enchantments. Where five layer barriers are put up to prevent others from laying their hands on the Deity Stone.

I fall behind my comrades when they entered the brass double doors. The Rank Elders stands back behind me.

"Is something the matter Ranker?" One of them asked. I looked over my shoulder. Frowning at the white masks covering the expressions they wore beneath. Which makes them look creepier under the shade of glistening chandeliers.

"That night...when you took me away from my parents... why did you do that? I should've come with them. If they really died out there, at least I'm with them. I wouldn't feel this miserable if I died by their side, nor I dare bear grudge if you take away my life. Unlike now…" I grit my teeth. Too much that the iron taste of blood mixed with my saliva.

They didn't deny the accusations the Dark Elf is throwing at them. Which means it's true. They killed them. Anger is slowly eating away my reasons. My fingers are itching to draw my cross swords and slice that creepy masks in half. For all the years I've spent with them, this is the first time I felt an urged to kill them on the spot.

"We raised you for who you are, Ranker. When every household in the kingdom voted for your demise, we placed you under our protection. Be reminded you're the only half-breed ever existed in this world. The Deities had allowed your existence in order for you to fulfill your purpose. And that's what you will find out behind these doors."

I snickered. "Purpose?" Does that include killing my father who'd done nothing wrong except stretching his hand to a Faery being abused? Does that include killing my mother who was abandoned by her kin, trampled like a dirt, abused beyond madness – even though she's done nothing wrong? Her falling in love to the only human who showed her kindness – was it really wrong? Were they both wrong in making their love come true in a world that forbids them to?

What's the use of power, titles, and immortality when you can't even use it to protect others? When you can't break the prejudice in people?

Bewildered voices of my comrades rang inside the hall. They're calling for me. They're much better companion than these Elders with creepy masks and blood costumes. I put my fingers on the door handle.

"No one asked you to raise a monster." I opened the double brass door and stepped inside.

The first I laid eyes on is the twelve five feet marble pillars surrounding the stone circle at the center. Encryptions like the shape of constellations are engraved on its surface. Ironically they shone like stars with that little dots connecting, making it look like mystical lines in Beasts' caves. /

The stone circle is made of limestone that contains eccentric carving on the side. The Rank Elders said they cast enchantments. So whoever is not welcome to stepped inside will die in an instant. Their tricky spells alone have kept what's inside in the High Altar safe for years. Have kept the Deity Stone contained.

"Fall in line Rankers." I let the words of the Rank Elder drown out in the background. My eyes stand transfixed at the Deity Stone sitting in the pillar at the center of stone circle. The dancing flame…it could be my imagination but I can hear whispers coming from it. Telling me to come over.

I back away. Three steps before I bump something behind me. When I looked over my shoulder I see Roland's grinning face.

"What are you –"

"The first in line should have his hand barbecued first." And with that he shoved me inside the stone circle.

Sending me stumbling over the relic cement. It caught my foot alright. When I regained my balance I huffed. I stared at the majestic blazing Deity Stone, with its blue fire casting light into the eerie hall. Giving vision to the paintings on the wall. A depiction from the Great War three thousand years ago. There's the Dark Elves, releasing the demons from the gates of demon realm, granting them hideous power to wreak chaos across the magical realm. They killed half of the Gifted People and the Faeries we're spared - for the reason they want to make a Faery suit out of their green slimy bodies – in other words they were used, possessed. So demons could burn down kingdoms, enslave women, children, torture men until they went insane from the pain.

In the midst of this carnage – the Twelve Deities came.

Together, they forcedly sent the demons back to their realm. But the fight was not over. The demons swore vengeance. The deities can't completely seal the gate back because of the remnants of demon essence in the bodies of Faeries. Making it almost impossible to completely seal the gate connecting the demon realm and magical realm.

The twelve Deities decided to annihilate all the Faeries. For the sake of all, for the safety of all – they must eradicate the tainted race who brought evil to the world. All the Deities voted – except one.

The rest was not written down in history. Nor depicted in the walls. We were only left with theories about what happened after. The recounts never revealed who is the opposing Deity. Even the powers, the abilities, and what is dwelling within the realms of these twelve Deities are not provided – the historians' believes the Deities themselves chose to not left any records of what happened after.

Throughout the years' speculations were made. First theory was that - the Deity who opposed Faeries' eradication were killed on behalf of the Faeries. Sacrificing herself for their sake. But scholars objected the idea. If the Deity really did die in Faeries' stead, why would they want to annihilate the Eklektos? Faeries should feel indebted towards the Deity who take their place and will do anything to support the gathering of the twelve Eklektos – but it's the exact opposite of what's happening now.

We possibly can't know what's the answer. But maybe the Eklektos can. Maybe the Seeker can find out. I stared at the stone, feeling goosebumps tingling my spine. The Deity Stone is the first step in finding out the truth. And the Seeker is the medium that will save our fallen Rankers, gather the Twelve Eklektos, train them, protect them - until the time is right for them to do their duties.

My breath got hitched in my throat. The stone...is equally tantalizing – and horrifying.

One touch. I know one touch and my hands will be burned beyond recognition. I watched the other Rankers days ago, groaning at their charcoaled hands – still steaming, still singeing from the effect.

They told me it's worse than having your insides gut out by Beasts. At least you'll lose consciousness – then wake up in your own luxurious bed with fruits and meats for breakfast.

But having barbecued hands? They scoffed. You don't get it healed in the morning. It still numb. Still hurts. That stone is a b*tch! I remember them screaming and pumping more booze in the Lady pub.

Thinking back, maybe I shouldn't have asked them. Maybe my knees won't shake the way it shake now. I forced my eyes shut. Feeling the intimidating stares of the Rank Elders and the worried whispers of my comrades.

In steady feat I approached the Deity Stone. Hand hesitantly outstretch, the whispers became more solid. I know it's a warning – don't get closer. But the vibe I've been receiving from the stone is much more heartwarming.

As if I'm receiving the warmth I seek from my Mom.