Called Upon

Chapter 18

     In the midst of his pursuit of the sacred stone, Hiatus found himself in a dark, desolate and misted forest, devoid of any signs of life. The eerie silence was only broken by whispers that seemed to emanate from the very trees themselves. Each whispered word chilled him to the bone, unraveling his very endurance in the face of fear.

        His sharp eyes darted around, searching for any source of guidance or solace, but found none. He felt as though he had entered a realm untouched by time, where his purpose became as hollow and empty as the forest that surrounded him.

          It was then that he suddenly felt a presence, a dark figure that seemed to pass him by without making a sound. Intrigued by this mysterious encounter, Hiatus quickly turned around to catch a glimpse of whoever or whatever it was, but to his dismay, he found nothing.

        Confusion and curiosity filled his mind, urging him to continue forward on his journey. But just as he took a step, he collided with a singular door that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Its gilded surface shimmered in the faint light that pierced through the dense canopy above.

       This unexpected encounter sparked a mixture of surprise, apprehension, and fascination within him. The door stood defiantly, unsupported by any visible structure, leaving Hiatus with a sensation of bewildering enchantment.

       Moving on instinct, he cautiously pushed the door open, revealing a spectacle of luxury and splendor beyond his wildest imagination. The room was adorned with magnificent riches, with fruits cascading from the ceiling down to the very steps he stood upon. It felt like stepping into a world of abundance and prosperity.

        As Hiatus ventured further into this world of unimaginable wealth, he felt a deep sense of sincerity emanating from the surroundings. He was approached by people dressed in lavish costumes, who offered him not only physical comforts, but also a warm and inviting spirit.

       They led him to a grand chair, the model of luxury, and gently guided him along the floor. Throughout this afluent experience, he was continuously fed and cared for, diving him in a state of blissful contentment.

        However, this state of luxury abruptly shifted when they propelled him towards another door. As the door swung open upon his approach, Hiatus found himself thrust into darkness, separated from the wealth and comfort he had become accustomed to.

       Confused and puzzled, he gazed back at the door now lying on the floor, wondering why he had been cast aside so callously. As he pondered this, a captivating singing voice reached his ears, drawing his gaze towards its source.

         There, before him, stood a breathtakingly beautiful woman with her back turned to him. Her voice carried an otherworldly charm that bewitched Hiatus, captivating his heart and dulling his sense of purpose. Sensing his mission, the woman emitted an irresistible scent, a fragrance that sought to steer him away from his path. The more she danced and sang, the stronger the lure became, threatening to erase his memories and steer him towards his ultimate demise.

        Lost in the intoxication of the moment, Hiatus felt his memories of his mission fading away, replaced by a sense of surrender to the captivating scent and allure of the mysterious woman. Just as he was on the brink of abandoning his grand quest, a preserved memory resurfaced, the words of the seer echoing in his mind. He realized that he could not relinquish his duty to the whims of temptation and pride.

      Summoning what little strength he had left, Hiatus attempted to resist the woman's enchantment. However, her words pierced through his resolve, further tempting him with the promise of a scent that no one could resist.

       "I have a scent that can't be denied. People tried to resist me and died". She said in a soft, enchanting voice.
   
      Doubt began to creep into his mind, questioning the worth of resisting if it would only lead to his demise. With a heavy heart, he allowed himself to be overruled by the seductive pull of the witch's scent.

        In that fateful moment, the woman transformed into a dark figure, her intentions revealed as she lunged towards him. Hiatus instinctively raised his arm to shield his face from the impending attack. The force of the impact rattled him to his core, but when he finally retreated his arm, he found himself back at the very spot he had first encountered the door. This time, however, the door was nowhere to be found.

         Realizing the gravity of his mission and the importance it held for the fate of the universe, Hiatus considered the events that had unfolded. He understood now that his purpose should always be prioritized above all else, even in the face of alluring distractions. With a resolute determination, he forged ahead, leaving behind the bewitching temptations and steadfastly pursuing the sacred stone that held the key to fulfilling his destined path.