1) This is totally unedited, so any odd sentences you see and things that don't really go well are to be expected. I will definitely get to revising it soon so no worries.
2) This is only a part of the piece I had originally written so I could cut the amount of work I would be showing off to a Writer's Group I attend every Wednesday. It's better not to read out more than 5 pages of work single-spaced (so about ten doubled).
3) This is based off of the video game Shadow of the Colossus so...don't be too confused by it.
4) Enjoy.
That place...began from the resonance of intersecting points
They are memories replaced by the ens and naught and etched into stone.
Blood, young sprouts, sky, and the one with the ability to control beings created from light...
In that world, it is said that is one should wish it, one can bring back the souls of the dead...
...But to trespass upon that land is strictly forbidden.
I laid her body gently on the stone tablet, a rush of wind brushing strands of her ebony-colored hair from the large opening before me. This hall is so expansive, as I can see. From the looks of it, it appears to be a large stone cathedral. A giant hole in the ceiling, perfectly sculpted, allows light to pour in on top of me and fill up the entire building. Cathedral makes it sounds so small though, because it feels like I am in a large castle. Behind me are two long rows of large statues, each shaped like creatures from myth. Sixteen in all, eight in each row and facing each other. Whoever crafted these beasts must have had gifted skills, for each detail gave off an eerie feeling that shot straight through my body.
The soft taps of hoof on stone catches my attention for a moment, each step from my horse, Argo, echoing throughout the expansive hall. But again, my gaze is captivated by the lifeless beauty that rests before me, a pale veil masking the once vibrant skin she had. It was painful, watching what they did to her but there was still hope. I traveled to the very ends of the world, just to find something that could save her.
Staring at her, I am completely unaware of the shadowy figures that begin to rise up from the stone themselves. Completely wrapped in darkness, these man-sized figures begin to clumsily lift themselves from the ground and wander towards me. Argo begins to neigh in surprise, horror snatching onto his features as he backs away from the beings. I turn around after having my attention seized by the frightful cries of Argo, my eyes falling onto these strange creatures. Are they specters of this hall, trapped spirits whose purpose were to remove trespassers? Slowly, I reach over and grab a hold on the hilt of my sword, pulling it out of the scabbard. The sound of metal sliding against metal rings in the hall.
I point it at the phantoms who continue to advance, sunlight kissing the blade and allowing light to shine from it. It looks as if it is manifesting the light itself as it vibrates from the blade brilliantly. There is an even a soft hum emitting from the blade. The phantoms cease to advance. Strange, it seems they know something. From the point where they stopped moving, one by one they burst into a black smoke, fading away as if they never were. I can't quite understand what happened, but suddenly I begin to hear an ominous sound from outside the hall. Thunder claps outside as lightning crawls around the clouds.
Just then, a loud voice begins to boom inside the castle-like structure. The walls shake gently as this voice begins to speak, a language of old with a soft melodic tune echoing from where I stand.
"Hmm? Thou possesses the Ancient Sword?" the voice says. A look of surprise washes over my face as I lower the sword to my side, but then again, I shouldn't be surprise. I know that there is a power here that works beyond human comprehension. Unable to respond, the voice continues
"So thou art mortal..." I believe it knows more than it is letting on, but from what it appears to me is that this being enjoys asking questions. I have a feeling I know this being, but to be sure I must ask.
"Are you Dormin? I was told that this place, at the ends of the world, there exists a being who can control the souls of the dead." My statement is bold, for there must be truth in what I speak. These are stories I have heard more than just once, from elders who struggled to keep me from this quest. As I speak, my sheath my sword for it has no use here in such a place with such a powerful being.
It responds.
"Thou are correct... We are the one known as Dormin."
We? I continue to listen and notice that there is more than one voice speaking now, yet each word that rings out is in sync. All the voices are working as one and it is impossible to tell how numerous the voices may be. Somehow, I know that this being understands my purpose, so I speak it out instead of letting it linger inside of my head. The mere thought of what happened has chewed a hole inside of my mind and dampened my spirit.
"She was sacrificed for she had a cursed fate..." I remember each detail of that day, unable to do anything except watch in despair. I curse my own passivity, my own weakness. Therefore, as a way of repentance to her, this is what I am able to offer. A solemn look creeps on my eyes as I turn to look to her, a pleading voice escaping my lips.
"Please, I need you to bring back her soul..." I turn back to the hallway.
To my amazement, Dormin begin to laugh at the request. I don't understand...I have said no joke. What is going on?
"That maiden's soul?" Dormin asks. "Soul that are once lost cannot be reclaimed...is that not the law of mortals?" It's almost as if this being is mocking me. I lower my head as a wave of defeat crashes against me and the weight of loss and regret begins to take its toll. All this...for nothing?
"With that sword, however...it may not be impossible." My eyes widen. A rush of new vigor begin to rise up inside of me as my head rises up.
"Really?!" I exclaim excitedly.
"That is of course, if thou manage to accomplish what We askest." Dormin says.
So it is a trade. Often times, such an impossible favor is followed by an unfathomable favor.
"What do I have to do?" There is no hesitation in my voice. I am ready.
"Behold the Idols that stand along the walls... Thou art to destroy all of them." Dormin explains. Destroy them? Such grand sculptures? Before I can even ask how, Dormin continues.
"But those Idols cannot be destroy by the mere hands of a mortal..." Confusion starts to gnaw at me as I stand at the top of the stairs, unable to understand why Dormin would ask me to destroy something I am clearly unable to.
"Then what am I to do?" I ask.
"In this land, there exists colossi that are the incarnations of those Idols. If thou defeat those colossi the idols shall fall." This task sounds too great for me, but I have to do it. I must do it.
"I understand." I say in response, confidence building inside of me.
"But heed this, the price you pay may be heavy indeed." Dormin warns. But it is too late. I have already paid too great a price for being here, trespassing on hallowed ground and dealing with beings I still don't fully understand. I paid that price the moment I failed to save her.
"It doesn't matter." I say boldly.
"Very well..." Dormin says, a feeling similar to my resolve swelling up deep within me. "Raise thy sword by the light...and head to the place where the sword's light gathers. There, thou shalt find the colossi thou art to defeat."
As Dormin explains all of this to me, I turn around to look at her once again. There is a strange look of peace on her face. No life, yet no decay. Her body is still cold though.
"Now, be on thy way." Dormin commands. There is nothing left to be done here. I cannot stand around and wait for these colossi to show up.
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