Chapter 4 - The Task of the Elders of Seven

Chapter 4 - The Task of the Elders of Seven

For a moment, neither of them spoke. They just stood there, absorbing the impossible reality of their situation, their breaths mingling in the cold air.

"Jenny…" James finally broke the silence, his voice hoarse and strained. "Why did you do that? You didn't have to—"

"Yes, I did," Jenny interrupted, stepping closer, her eyes fierce and unyielding. "We've survived together this long, James. I'm not letting them tear us apart now. Not when we've come this far."

"But the price…" James's voice faltered, his gaze drifting to the heavy, iron-bound door behind them, beyond which lay the unknown. "What if it's more than we can handle?"

"Then we'll face it together," Jenny declared, her hand finding his, fingers intertwining with a warmth that seemed to chase away the darkness surrounding them. "No matter what happens, James, I swear… I won't let go."

He looked at her then, truly looked at her— line of determination etched into her face—and felt a flicker of something he hadn't felt in years. Hope. They had faced nightmares before, shadows that had threatened to consume them, but now, with her by his side, he knew they could face whatever awaited them.

Together.

And somewhere, in the shadows, hidden the masked figure who appeared in the TV watched, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.

"Finally, the new scenario unfolds," he murmured, his voice barely audible as it slipped into the darkness. "Let's see how long they can endure…"

Then the masked figure disappeared into thin air like he never existed.

---

**Hours Later**

A harsh rap on the door shattered the silence of their cell. James and Jenny exchanged a wary glance before the door swung open, revealing a man with scars.

"James, Jenny," he rasped, his voice like gravel. "You're coming with us."

"Where are we going?" Jenny demanded, refusing to be cowed by his imposing presence.

The scar-faced officer paused, a hint of something almost like pity flashing in his eyes.

"...You've been summoned. You're to meet the Elders of Seven."

James's blood ran cold. He'd heard the whispers about them—elders who were more than human, whose abilities were rumored to be the result of a mysterious medicine crafted by the founder himself. It was said that when they called, it wasn't an invitation. It was a command.

"What?" Jenny breathed, her bravado flickering. "Why us?"

"You'll find out soon enough," the officer muttered, motioning for them to follow.

They were led down a series of narrow, winding corridors, each step echoing ominously in the silence. Eventually, they stopped before a set of ancient, intricately carved doors. They swung open without a sound, revealing a dimly lit chamber filled with the flickering glow of torches.

Seven figures sat in a half-circle, each occupying a simple wooden chair, their bodies draped in faded, threadbare robes. They looked nothing like the powerful beings James had envisioned. Instead, they resembled old beggars, faces weathered and lined with countless years. their frail bodies quivering with each breath, as if the effort of living had become a burden.

The First Elder, seated in the center, slowly lifted his head. His face was a roadmap of wrinkles, eyes sunken but sharp, and a thin wisp of gray beard hung from his chin. His hands, covered in liver spots and shaking slightly, gripped a simple wooden staff for support. "Welcome, James and Jenny," he croaked, his voice a ragged whisper that still managed to command respect. "We have waited long for this moment."

James swallowed hard, trying to suppress his disbelief. This was the mighty Elder? "We… we're honored," he managed to say, though confusion clouded his words.

"You have been chosen," the First Elder continued, ignoring James's hesitation. "Chosen for a task that will test the very core of your being." He turned his gaze to Jenny, and despite the frailty of his body, there was an undeniable strength in his eyes. "Jenny, the task falls to you. Succeed, and one wish of yours—any wish—will be granted. But fail…" He let the silence hang, heavy and foreboding.

Jenny's gaze shifted to the figure beside the First Elder. The Second Elder was strikingly different. She appeared much younger than the others—perhaps in her thirties—with sleek, dark hair pulled into a tight bun. Her features were sharp, and her eyes gleamed with a predatory intensity that made Jenny's skin crawl. Unlike the others, she sat upright, her posture confident and regal. Her body radiated a quiet strength, muscles taut and lean beneath her black, tailored robes.

"We are not here to debate your willingness," the Second Elder said, her voice smooth, yet carrying an edge like a blade.

"The Founder's Medicine granted us longevity, enhanced strength, and intellect. But it did not stop time entirely."

She gestured to the other Elders with a slight smirk.

"As you can see, most of us have lived well beyond our years, but the power we wield is no less real."

"The Founder's Medicine," James muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "It's real…?"

"It's real," the Third Elder rasped. He was ancient, his body barely more than skin and bone, but his eyes shone with a strange, feverish light.

"We were his first disciples, those deemed worthy to transcend our limitations. We gained strength, speed, endurance, and intellect. But time…" His thin, cracked lips twitched into a grim smile. "Time still touches all."

Jenny took in the scene, her heart pounding. Despite their appearance, there was something undeniably powerful about these people, something that made her insides twist with unease.

"And if I refuse this task?"

The First Elder's smile faded. "You cannot refuse," he said simply. "The moment you stood before us, your fate was sealed."

James took a step forward, fists clenched at his sides. "You can't just force us into this!"

"Silence!" The Fourth Elder snapped, his voice shaky but still commanding. when he looked up, his gaze was piercing, sharp as a knife.

"Do you think you are the first to question us? You are children in the presence of giants!"

Jenny glanced at the Second Elder, who hadn't taken her eyes off her since they'd entered. "What is this task?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fear curling in her belly.

"You will know soon enough," the Second Elder replied, an eerie smile playing on her lips.

"At dawn, your task begins. Succeed, and you may walk away with your wish fulfilled. Fail, and you won't walk away at all."

The scar-faced officer motioned for them to leave. "Your task begins at dawn," he muttered. "Pray that you're ready."

As they were led out of the chamber, Jenny glanced back one last time. The Elders hadn't moved, their aged bodies seemingly frozen in place. And yet, she could feel their eyes on her, following her every step.

"James," she whispered, "No matter what happens…"

He squeezed her hand, trying to ignore the tremor in his own voice. "We face it together."

Somewhere far above, unseen eyes watched as the door swung shut, and a chuckle echoed in the darkness.

"What colour would he choose black, white or blue?"

Then again the masked figure vanished into thin air.

~~~~To Be Continued ~~~~