Shifters

A Trial Filled With Errors

Several blank-covered, wordlessly paged books shifted from their immobile positions, some even daring to lean precariously over the edge before falling flatly onto the dusty trail as Raizen led Josh and Elle through a narrow pathway. Aside from their group's monotonous shuffling of footsteps, silence pervaded their immediate surroundings creating an eerie effect as they squeezed through the confined passageway. After several minutes more of uncomfortable travel, the trio sped up their pace as they could just make out a new opening in the distance ahead. On reaching it, they broke into a large, circular room, which Josh recognized to be the very same he'd met the Devourers in. 

"Is this it?" Elle muttered, sticking closely at Josh's side. 

'This is it," he answered, staring up at the various perches he'd seen the Devourers prostrated on as he recalled what could only be explained as one of Raizen's earlier memories.

"Elders!" Raizen shouted from behind, using his original voice, "I have returned them here as promised!"

"Well done Raizen, not only did you bring us our target but you also provided an additional source of sustenance," a cacophony of voices echoed throughout the entire chamber, "Bring him to us first," they continued hungrily, "so that we can collect on what we're owed!"

Rather than obey them however, Raizen raised his current form's girlish hand as he spoke, "You must be mistaken," he said, earning a sudden all round gasp, "The Seeker has appealed to me, claiming of unfair treatment and ill intent!"

"What blasphemy!" a singular voice shouted, "Raizen, the boy lies. Fulfil your duty and bring him to us!"

"My duty," Raizen replied with a growl, "is to uphold fairness within the Eternal Library. This, was the very first order given to me by you yourselves as a collective body."

"Raizen speaks true," a duo of voices called out as several others murmured uncomfortably.

Silenced by the other unseen semblances, the first speaker continued, "What do you propose then?" 

"A Trial!" Raizen said simply.

"A trial?" the voices collectively blurted, "Raizen, such a thing hasn't been invoked since..!" they said trailing off.

Picking up on their hesitancy, Josh suddenly spoke up, gambling on his abrupt idea, "The last trial was Raizen's wasn't it?" 

"My own?" Raizen questioned in surprise. 

"Silence!" a few voices shouted, clearly taken by surprise by his sudden outburst. 

"You dare to speak lies here?" another few said angrily. 

Thrown into chaos by Josh's unexpected words, a few voices struggled to regain order as the others rioted within the chamber. 

"Calm yourselves," A singular voice boomed, quieting the large room immediately, "A Trial as my peers have stated, hasn't been invoked in many years and although I'd shoot down such a request immediately, due to the special circumstances, I'm inclined to allow it. All those in favor?"

Unable to see those that raised their hand in favor of the trial, Josh backtracked a bit as he whispered to Raizen, "How's it looking?"

"It seems many are opposed to the idea, however, you will have your trial!" Raizen assured him confidently. 

Making his way back to Elle's side, he relayed Raizen's words to her just as the voice spoke once more, "It'd seem my brethren are not interested in hosting a trial!" it said smugly, "Perhaps you can try at another time."

"Perhaps," Raizen said, cutting in, "It is time for my service under you to come to an end!"

Stunned by his response, the chamber fell into a momentary silence as they stared at him in disbelief.