Called Upon

Chapter 29

     He proudly hailed his triumph in this momentous event. He accomplished a remarkable feat by simultaneously attaining both the coveted sacred stone and the chest he was assigned to seek. A surge of elation surged through his veins as he slowly pivoted to commence his return journey. However, as he turned back, he was met with a stupefying spectacle. From a distance, a fiery apparition was fast approaching him.

He stood resolute as the enigmatic figure drew nearer. At long last, the figure materialized in front of him, emanating an aura of authority. With a deep bass voice, the enigmatic figure, now revealed as a monster, beckoned the old man: Give me the stone or envy your loss, with a sacred pass I'll make you cross. Despite the bone-chilling tenor of the beast's threat, the old man valiantly refused. The monster abruptly extinguished the inferno within, unveiling its true identity. To the old man's astonishment, it was Sage, the elder of redemption, who confessed that acquiring the sacred stone was essential for his return to the crystal dimension and the restoration of his role as an elder. Thus, his temptation had merely been a ruse to deceive the old man.

The old man had previously heard tales of an elder who inexplicably relinquished his esteemed position. He realized that it was none other than Sage, so he yearned to aid him. Just as he contemplated his next move, a second voice resounded in his ears, cautioning him: "Beware of his treachery, for if he gains possession of the sacred stone, he shall employ its power to pry open the gates of the crystal dimension, unleashing the nefarious forces that will plunge the entire universe into unmitigated darkness." It was Hiatus, attempting to steer the old man away from the path of deception.

As the old man intensified his focus on Hiatus' counsel, Sage audaciously snatched the stone from his grasp. He callously shoved the old man aside and without wasting a moment, he wielded the very essence of the stone to conjure a portal. Just as he was on the cusp of stepping into the abyss, the old man surged forward, standing tall, and imparted sagacious words.

In the realm of boundless cosmos, where stars collide and galaxies dance,
I beseech you, dear wanderer, to lend me an ear for just a chance.
For in the depths of darkness, a choice hangs in the balance,
A momentous step that could shatter all, with unbearable consequence.

Like grains of sand upon the shore, our existence is intertwined,
Each action we undertake, echoes through the fabric of time.
Yet I implore you, with this old man's plea, to grasp the power you possess,
To halt the destruction and embrace a path that may bring us solace and bless.

In the tapestry of life, threads of compassion are the purest gold,
And kindness, but a ripple, can alter destinies, untold.
Stop, young custodian, before your hand wields destruction's might,
Allow gentleness to guide your path, igniting a hopeful cosmic light.

Remember, lost soul, time is a gift that cannot be replaced,
A gift bestowed upon us with a purpose, divine and laced.
Through unity and empathy, we nurture a tapestry of peace,
Together we mend the broken pieces, and turmoil can finally cease.

Let not vengeance or anger cloud your noble vision,
For in the depths of every heart lies the capacity for decision.
Choose love, choose harmony, for it is within your grasp,
To lift humanity upon your shoulders, and forge a righteous path.

For the universe is but an orchestra, each being a note,
A symphony of souls entwined, in harmony, we devote.
Cease this step, dear traveler, and turn your gaze towards the light,
For in love's embrace, our universe shines, immaculately bright.

Walk hand in hand with compassion, casting aside your treacherous aim,
And witness beauty unfold, as destined from the cosmic flame.
Remember, with every action, there's a chance to heal and mend,
To protect what's sacred, this magnificent universe we defend.

So, before you take that step towards destruction's dire veil,
Embrace the legacy of countless stars, whose stories never fail.
Choose benevolence, choose reverence, and rewrite our tale,
For in your hands lies the power to mend and unveil.

Let my words, like whispers from a time beyond years,
Nudge the conscience within, and dissolve your fears.
Today, dear wanderer, let the universe rejoice,
For it is love and compassion that reign, with an everlasting voice.

As the orator concluded his touching speech, a kaleidoscope of hues and blooms enveloped Sage's corrupted mind. At that instant, he experienced internal tumult. The corrupt entity within him emerged with sinister intentions. He flew to the sky and eventually aimed towards the old man. In that moment, Hiatus dived into the fiery river despite its scorching heat, with the intention of saving the elderly man. He traversed through the flames and leaped in front of the old man, shielding him from the deadly impact.

The corrupt entity collided with him and seeped into his body. Knowing that it would utilize him to carry out its nefarious deeds, he reached for his sword behind him and impaled himself with it, feeling his body crumble to the ground, realizing his mission was accomplished. It in turn killed the corrupt entity within him. In his final moments, he gazed up at the sky and Chaos, the god of creation appeared. He looked down at him and proclaimed: You are worthy!

Subsequently, the entire place was enveloped in light, leaving nothing in sight.