The Soul Keeper

My gaze focused on the massive golden Divine Pillar.

"I don't know." I whispered as I took a step towards it. Even though no one was using its power, the Pillar was radiating with a golden light. "It's different than the other pillars." I glanced at Fetheion, who promptly nodded.

"It is. It is the foothold of the Ereth in this world. Without this, they cannot construct new Pillars and the already existing ones are weakened considerably." Fetheion looked me dead in the eye. "If you destroy this, it will be a massive blow to all Ereth."

I gulped. "We don't have the soul yet." I reminded Fetheion. "Are you sure you want me to do this?"

The Exiled Divine nodded. "Please go ahead." 

I felt Asher's hand on my shoulder. "If I could, I would." He said in a low voice. "But you're the only one who can wield demonic magic."

I nodded. "I know, that's fine." I stepped forward, though I was still doubtful. "Can one of you shield me? I'd rather not get incinerated." Asher nodded and I felt his magic form a barrier around me. 

I gulped, then walked among the lifeless bodies of the Ereth soldiers. As I reached the stairs leading up to the Divine Pillar, I looked up.

I couldn't see where the Pillar ended. Piercing the sky, it felt as if it had no ending. Even from Aelith's library, I hadn't seen its top. Was I even capable of destroying this Pillar? It felt as if it were impossible. 

Yet, I didn't let my worries and fears slow me down. Instead, I walked up the stairs and towards the Pillar. The bright, golden light enveloped me as I got close enough to touch the Pillar. 

"Now then," I whispered as I used Soul's Aspect. Dorith's soul stirred – when had he even returned? I hadn't noticed it at all. Slightly confused, I waited for my transformation to finish, then raised my head and looked at the Pillar's surface. "Let's get this over with."

My sword materialised in my hand as I located the first of the seven focal points within the Pillar. I gathered my magic on the dark blade of my sword. As black and purple flames danced on my skin, I raised my sword and struck the Pillar.

A loud, clear clang echoed as my blade cut through gold as if it were nothing. I felt it hit something hard, then heard the satisfying crack of the focal crystal shatter. As I motioned to pull my sword out, I felt the flow of magic around me shift and change. The bright light of the Pillar dimmed for a moment, then a pulse of Divine magic sent me flying across the plaza.

"Kai!" Mona cried as soon as I hit the bloodstained marble tiles with a thud. I heard her footsteps as she ran towards me. "Are you ok?" She asked, her eyes wide with fear. She knelt by me and helped me sit up. "Do you need healing?" Her hands trembled as she looked me over to make sure I wasn't wounded.

"I'm fine – I got caught off guard." With her help, I got up and turned to face the Pillar. Its previously peaceful light had changed – now it was pulsating, and with each pulse, I could feel its magic getting stronger. 

"That's not good though," I mumbled as I once again approached the pillar. I glanced at Asher before getting too close to it, however. "Did the barrier break?" I asked, to which he replied with a nod. I clenched my fists and took the sword I had dropped back in hand. "Let's try this again," I mumbled as I walked into the pulsating, golden light. 

My flames formed a barrier around me as I approached the Pillar once more. I could feel my mana being drained with each pulse of the golden light.

As I raised my sword to hit the second focal point, Fetheion and the others also approached, though they stayed out of the golden light. Another loud clang and a satisfying crack later, I nearly found myself flying again. My barrier protected me, but the light had grown so bright that I had to retreat.

Blinded by the light, I stumbled down the stairs and let my barrier fade away. When I was able to see again, I glanced at Fetheion. "It's defending itself!" I said, a little frustrated. "I don't know if I can destroy it."

The Exiled Divine glanced at me with a dark expression. "It is." He said with a low voice. "If only you were strong enough to bring it down in one decisive blow." He clenched his fists. "But then, we wouldn't be in this situation to begin with."

He sounded disappointed, though not particularly at me. I gritted my teeth, I also wished I had the kind of power to destroy the pillar in one decisive blow. But alas, that wasn't quite possible at the moment. 

"I'll go in again," I said through my gritted teeth. Five more focal points remained. If the Pillar's self defence got stronger with each destroyed crystal, I highly doubted I'd be able to destroy it.

"Wait!" Fetheion's shout startled me just as I stepped into the golden light. I turned back to look at him, and at the same time, felt the power of the Divine Pillar grow even stronger. "Get back – now!" He shouted once more before his magic exploded, covering the plaza in darkness.

I jumped back out of the golden light in a panic – what had gotten into him? Why was he calling me back?

Before I could return to the group to ask about what the hell was going on, the Divine Pillar shined brightly. Its light pierced through Fetheion's dark power, illuminating the plaza. I covered my eyes as the light burnt my skin. 

"What's going on?" I shouted as I stumbled away from the Divine Pillar. 

"You dare strike our lifeblood!" A voice I knew too well echoed throughout the city as the crimson lights of dawn illuminated the sky.