Chapter 80: The Eternal Flame

The doorway entrance revealed a massive cavernous space which the light of gold illuminated. The shimmering carvings on the walls showed their past experiences including false illusions and memories and the living forest. A pedestal stood at the center of the chamber where a pure golden flame floated above it.

"The Eternal Flame," Natasha whispered, her voice reverent.

The flame brought both wonder and wariness to his expression as Alison observed it. "So this is what all of this has been about."

The dagger grew progressively brighter as Natasha walked closer toward the heart of the chamber. The flame reacted with a pulse which seemed to detect her advancing presence.

"This is the heart of the jungle," she said. "The source of its power. All the shards originated from this source.

Alison checked his surroundings while holding onto his machete with increased force. The prize you seek comes with hidden risks because such valuable things always carry unexpected consequences. There's always a catch."

At that very moment the cavern began to shake. The wall carvings animated into a single shape by revealing their glowing forms which then united into one being. An immense shape of light and dark materialized before them with its body made of shifting jungle memories and tests. The entity spoke with a thousand voices at once.

"You who seek the Eternal Flame," it intoned. "Prove your worth, or be consumed."

Her eyes focused as Natasha lifted the dagger in front of her. The journey we have undertaken will be useless if we let ourselves fail at this point.

The giant figure launched itself at them before crashing toward their position. The figure crashed down toward them but Alison managed to move both girls out of the path of danger.

"Any idea how to fight something like that?" he shouted, slashing at tendrils of shadow that reached for him.

"The dagger!" Natasha yelled. "It's the key!"

Natasha rushed toward the figure with the dagger emitting brilliant golden radiance. The entity unleashed its cry while transforming into a black wall which charged toward Natasha. With the dagger she cut through the darkness as if it were light.

Alison protected both of them by blocking off smaller shadow tendrils with his machete as they continued their advance. His every strike produced precise openings that allowed Natasha to move forward.

The attacking entity lost control as the dagger moved nearer to its essential center causing its body to dissolve. The entity unleashed an energetic strike which knocked Natasha and Alison to the ground.

"We need to end this now!" Natasha followed Alison when she shouted and helped her stand up.

She took hold of the dagger with determination while she nodded. "Cover me."

The creature focused on Alison when she attacked aggressively with repeated forceful blows. The supernatural being roared while directing all of its strikes against the man.

The opening appeared so Natasha launched herself towards the dagger which burned like the sun. She jumped high into the air to embed the blade into the core of the entity.

The chamber became filled with blinding light and the being let out a painful howl before vanishing into shining particles. Intense breathing was the only audible sound between the members of their party as the cavern descended into complete silence.

The Eternal Flame revealed its golden light to Natasha in a peaceful manner when she reached it. Before extending her hands with the dagger she paused for a short time.

When the blade made contact with the fire it took on its illumination before the shards fully incorporated with the dagger. The weapon now pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its power tangible.

Natasha spoke her words quietly to Alison before she turned her attention.

He gave her a tired grin. "You did it."

A new trembling emanated from the cavern since it no longer posed any danger to them. The walls sparkled followed by a stairway forming which directed their way toward the sky.

"The jungle is letting us go," Natasha said.

Alison smirked. "About time."

A New Beginning

The light guided them up from the jungle abyss where they obtained a viewing position that showcased the everlasting green wilderness below. The dagger held by Natasha grew warm as it reminded her and Alison of their hardships and their newfound authority.

"What happens now?" Alison asked, his voice quiet.

Natasha gazed at him while determination flashed in her eyes. "We protect it. Having the Eternal Flame means both wielding tremendous power while holding essential responsibilities. Through our actions we have established ourselves as capable guardians of such power.

Alison chuckled. "Great. No pressure."

The jungle sunset created a golden sky as Natasha and Alison took their position to face any forthcoming obstacles.

The path ahead remained uncertain but victory belonged to them at this moment.