Chapter 156: Goddess Warning

The moon was low enough in the firmament that a great silvery light stretched across the horizon onto the land as if heavens themselves were bathed in radiance. It was within the confines of the witch's coven that Reika sat crossed-legged and alone in a dimmed meditation room with her hands laid gently against her swelling belly, eyes closed deep in concentration. She had known to well enough by now-to tap, deep within her racing veins, this really ancient magic of hers. And yet, tonight deep inside, a flutter most perturbing stirred. Something formidably inscrutable in evil was lying beneath. As her breathing softened, her mind automatically slipped into the quiet inner balance of meditation. She knew that gentle tug on the energy dragging in the room-like warmth dancing around her skin. Tonight, it wasn't foreign-this power of hers in contact with her. The breeze danced, stroking the inside of her nostrils with the sweet musk scent of jasmine and lilac. Then, from nowhere, out of the silence, coldness - a voice, silky to where it seemed like the echoing ages of collected wisdom pressed against her ear. Reika… Reika's eyes sprang open; her heart was running a race against her chest. The voice neither came from her mind nor those of known spirits she had ever summoned before. It was different, ethereal, celestial, full of power. She struggled to her feet then, wide-eyed and wary as she scanned the room. The moonlight seemed to grow brighter, illuminating corners of the room, and as Reika turned, a glowing presence filled the space before her. Now before her stood the Moon Goddess, from whose tumbling, light-hair tresses in her hair the deep-colored eyes of the middle skies shone most profound, boundless, and unreachable. For this, she took views all wondrous in a beautiful but commanding way-in ways only an appealing full moon itself is said to show. You, Reika whispered through gathering amazement and dread in the heart. "What are you for here, oh Goddess?" The moon goddess smiled wistfully, and a tinge of sadness crossed her features. "I have come to warn thee, child, that Araidne hath sought power from the very pit of the underworld himself. She hath struck a pact which shall bring naught but darkness unto this realm.". Reika's heart sank as her eyes went wide with unbelieving shock. S-she actually made a pact with the Lord of Underworld? The words tasted poison in her mouth, "Why would she do that?" Serious now, the Goddess drew closer, almost floating above the ground. Ariadne does it out of desire for control - an urge which only power cannot satiate. She wants to kill you, Reika, drain your life out and take that power unto herself. But the Lord of the Underworld is not one who gives away his favor. He bound her soul, and those of her followers, unto himself. She shall be his pawn, but she will stop at nothing until she gets what she wants. Her fists clenched, and her mind went racing as, though Reika had long since known of Araidne's cruelty, the revelation sent a shiver down her spine. What am I to do? Compassion brimmed in her eyes. Now, child, you shall call unto your powers. You have been afraid of who you are and what you could be, but now you must be. There is no longer a choice, for war stands at the crossroad, and it is up to you to deflect it. You must rise unto your strength and protect all that you hold dear. Reika's breath caught. But I-I cannot do it alone. I'm not ready. I am not sure if I can handle this. I have been trained, yes, but this-this is different. She leaned forward and placed a reassuring touch on her shoulder. You are way stronger than you feel, Reika. The White Witch of the Fourth Realm chose you for a reason. Trust your heart, Reika. And the child in your womb-he too forms a part of this prophecy, his blood carrying within it the powers to change this war's tide. Reika's hand instinctively went to her belly, her fingers brushing against the swell of life growing inside her. The weight of the Goddess's words echoed in her mind and soul. But I must not lose myself, she thought but did not say. I mustn't let the darkness take me over like it did Araidne. It is within each and in all of you, the Goddess replied. As to how you use that power now, it is totally at your discretion. Do not be afraid of your powers. Cherish it and it shall guide thee along the path thou dost take to thine end. The room does shimmer and fade, the presence of the Goddess melting into the silver light of the moon. Prepare thyself, Reika. There will come a time when all of your strength shall be called upon. And remember-you are never alone. And with that, the Goddess vanished, leaving Reika to stand in the moonlight, her heart pounding against her chest. It had grown inside of her, thick with unspoken words left behind by the Goddess: Araidne, much more dangerous now because of her thirst for power, and with that, war. What was she to do? Was she actually prepared for this kind of fight? As the godly warning found its rest within her, Reika's breathing evened out, straightening up herself. She had to be strong, tap into full abilities. What she has been trained thus far prepared for minor fights. But this, this was wholly different. Not about her only, but also about the whole world, child, people. Araidne had committed a terrible mistake, and Reika is hell-bent on trying to stop her. Without further ado, Reika wheeled and went to Elira's chambers. The tension in her chest hadn't subsided, but she knew what she had to do. Elira would be the one who could help her now. She sat at her desk, writing something on a parchment. Suddenly, Reika entered, and she looked up in surprise. Instantly, concern etched on her face as she saw Reika. "Reika, what happened? You look- "The Goddess came to me," Reika cut in; her tone never changed, yet urgent beneath. "Ariadne has made a deal with the Lord of the Underworld. She grows much stronger by the day and war is within sight. Preparation must be had." With one bound, Elira leapt up to stand, her wide eyes wide-opened. "Raid into the underworld?" She shook her head. "We have less time to continue with our stagnation." Reika nodded, her veins filling with determinations. "I have to be stronger, Elira. I just can't stay hiding from this anymore. I need your help harnessing my magic, readying myself for. whatever there is." El'gor reached closer and laid his comforting hand upon her arm. "Together we shall train, push beyond even what one believed possible of them. So will we." Serious training each and every day hence began consistently. Reika plunged deeper and further each day, trying to reach those submerged parts of her powers, finding Elira next to her being patient, guiding, and helping her focus her powers to unlock the tangles of magic in her body. She sat for hours in meditation and practices several spells, building up her abilities by protecting the safety of the child inside her body. And with each passing day, she found herself having fear to stand against Araidne, could she, for her child, for her people, for herself?