Shadow Cursed

Chapter 48: Ribbons of Time

***Note! Previous chapters will be updated soon, cause I've been revising and waiting to post update chapters.***

The trees surrounded me, and the water was still. The silence was calming in the presence of death. Is this was the afterlife would be like, or was I passing by to a fate worse, or would I even get an afterlife. In the moment of time everything seemed it would be alright for once. I wasn't dead or alive, I wasn't victim anymore. I was free.

Using my newfound freedom, I explored the realm around me. The lush trees provided protection from the sun above me. If only I could stay here forever, but that would be impossible. Animal tracks covered the trails and lead me into a clearing full of flowers and warm sunlight. I lay down on the grass and closed my eyes, allowing the sun to soak in. The flowers were singing a happy little song.

A familiar voice, "Welcome back, you have gone through quite a bit." The goddess frowned, but then smiled again, "Stay here and rest for a little bit."

I sat up in the grass and turned around to face her, "What happened back there?"

"You passed a time gate," she responded. She explained in more detail, "The gift of time allows the user to cross through different timelines and gates."

The beast with the keys. The pieces suddenly all clicked into place with the new information. "The beast in the dungeon was guarding more than the keys to the door, he was guarding the time gateway."

She nodded, "That is one of the ancient gateways still in existence, most were destroyed over time. Their gate keepers killed and their keys lost forever."

"A key?" I played with the necklace hanging around my neck.

"You may not know it, but the necklace handed down to you is a key."

Examining the necklace in my hand, "The key. It's been in my procession the entire time." I stared at its jewel hoping for an response.

She kept on explaining, "Keys were often disguised as common household or person items depending on the original gate keeper, keys are handed down through generations. But many keys became lost, or destroyed as generations passed."

I clutched the amulet in my hand, the piece left of my mother now meant even more to me. I would never lose it or let it be stolen from me. I turned around, "What happens now?"

"You are safe here child. What do you mean?"

"I'm sure I was only passing through, what happens after I leave." A lump formed at my throat, "Am I dead?"

"Death is such a harsh word to use," she seemed sad. "Recovery is slow, you took a beating, but you are still breathing."

A miracle had saved my life, I looked all around me. Never had I been so glad to see the the light and feel the warmth of the sun. The grass tickled the exposed parts of my skin when the wind blew. It was like a dream, a perfect dream. "If only," I reached for the sky.

"What is wrong child?" The goddess was confused.

I stared out into the open sky, "Damien's empire is growing. What if I can't stop him... The world I once knew and love would be swallowed by the shadow."

A slight touch of the goddess hand came from my shoulder, it was cold to the touch. She placed my chin between her fingers, and looked me in the eyes. "I have faith in you. You may not believe in yourself just yet, but deep down inside, you have what it takes to defeat the shadows."

"What if I'm just not good enough?" I sighed.

"Come sit with me child, lay your head here," I lay down on her lap, "See those stars?" She pointed out the stars in the sky," They all shine for you."

I close my eyes, and imagined all the stars.

She ran her gentle fingers through my hair, "You may rest here until you are ready to continue on. You will be safe."
The words became a safe haven to my ears.

Eyelids starting to feel heavy, I tried to fight it but I couldn't, as they soon closed. I felt my body drifting off into sleep and soon I disappeared with it. It was a peaceful sleep, one I haven't had in a long time since being held captive.