Chapter 7: The First Revelation

There is a strange silence as you go into the deep woodland, almost as if the air itself is holding its breath in fear of what is to come. With their rustling leaves speaking a language only the natural world can comprehend, the massive, old trees appear to be whispering long-forgotten truths. You feel the weight of your mission increasing with every step as you navigate the tight and twisting road.

Walking silently at your side, the Love Interest's eyes flitter to and forth, worry engraved on their face. Even the often chatty and witty Companion is abnormally silent, its little shape scurrying between shadows as if they sense something wrong. There's a noticeable sense of unease in the air as you get closer to the temple, and a sense of discomfort takes hold of you.

At last the temple appears, a dilapidated building with mossy and vine-covered exterior and stone walls worn from age. Even though it is in a condition of disrepair, the location exudes an indisputable aura of power, as if it had witnessed countless centuries and had the knowledge of the cosmos.

The Love Interest pauses at the doorway, their gaze sweeping the façade of the temple with a mixture of fear and devotion. "This is it," they mumble, scarcely raising their voices beyond a whisper. "The Sage of the Veil... They hold the answers you seek."

Breathing deeply, you prepare yourself for whatever is inside. The temperature drops as the three of you cross the threshold and enter together. Shafts of light peeking through ceiling fissures generate weird shadows that dance over the walls, illuminating the space in a dim manner. The smell of incense and something older, almost primordial, permeates the air.

The sage sits on an elevated platform at the center of the temple. Layers of frayed robes envelop their shape, a hood covering their face. All that is visible are their slender, wrinkled hands, which are resting on their knees as though in concentration. They may look weak, yet they exude an indisputable strength and presence that is worthy of respect.

As you go closer, the sage raises their head, and even though you can't see their eyes, you can feel their stare cutting right through you and looking into the core of your being. The sage says, "You have come far," in a tone that is both wise and old, like the rustle of leaves. "But your journey is only beginning."

Feeling the seriousness of the situation, you bow down before the sage. "I'm looking for answers," you respond, maintaining a steady tone despite internal conflict. "I used to be human, but right now I'm not," Why? Why did I change? What's my goal?

The sage pauses, perhaps taking your comments in consideration. Then, with a long, deliberate movement, they pull out a little stone that has been finely cut from the folds of their garments. As you take it from them, the stone starts to shine softly—a pulsating, gentle light that appears to speak to the core of your existence.

The sage says, "This stone is a piece of a prophesy that has been passed down through the years. It tells of a creature that will bridge the divide between humans and non-humans, bringing a world divided by fear and hatred together. Your change was predestined; it wasn't just an accident."

The prophecy's weight descends heavily upon you as the words strike like a physical blow. You fix your gaze on the stone, its glow flashing in sync with your heartbeat. You ask, your voice wavering, "But... why me?" "I never requested this. When I can't even accept who I am, how can I promote harmony?"

The sage's face doesn't change, but when they respond, there's a trace of empathy in their voice: "We rarely get to pick our destiny; it's a route we have to take. Your inner strength, empathy, and bravery in facing uncertainty are the reasons you were selected. Whether or not you accept this job is up to you, but know that you are valued by everyone and that there are people who will be there for you in your hour of need."

You look to the Love Interest, who has been observing the conversation with increasing discomfort as the sage continues. Their jaw is tense and their fists are fisted at their sides, as though they are trying to hold something in. Prior to you asking them a question, the sage goes on, their tone becoming further grave.

But there are many obstacles in the way. There are people and things in this world that will try to stop you and keep this prophesy from coming true. The hardships ahead will put your strength and very soul to the test, therefore you must be ready for them."

The sage's words send a shudder down your spine, but before you can reply, the love interest abruptly moves forward, their face pallid. With trembling voices, they cry, "What aren't you telling us?" "You know more about this prophecy than you're saying, don't you?"

The sage, their silence dense with significance, tilts their head slightly in the direction of the love interest. "Some things, even I am unable to see properly," they utter in the end. "But be aware that your actions will have an impact on the world's destiny in ways you are not yet able to fully understand. Be cautious because even those you believe in could be carrying responsibilities that might change your fate."

The sage's remarks are so enigmatic and leave you with more questions than answers that you get the impression that they have a significant impact on the Love Interest. Their behavior has changed, and there is a growing storm of emotions under the surface.

The sage indicates that your time here is about to expire by pointing towards the door of the temple before you can press any farther. "Go now," they murmur. "Go on with your adventure; the answers you seek will become clear eventually. Have faith both in those who walk with you and in yourself."

You nod and get up, holding the stone tightly in your palm, your heart heavy. You have the unshakeable impression that something significant has just happened that will alter the trajectory of your life forever as you depart the temple.

The air is heavier with the weight of the prophecies outside, and the woodland appears to be quieter. The person you are interested in walks silently next to you, their former calmness replaced with a sense of discomfort. Sensing the tension, the companion attempts to crack a joke to lighten the situation, but it doesn't work since the importance of what you've just learned outweighs any attempt at comedy.

As you proceed with your expedition, the prophecy endures. Its implications are thrilling and horrifying in your imagination. You are aware that the journey ahead will be challenging and full with obstacles that will test your determination. You do, however, experience a ray of optimism knowing that you are not alone in this, even with the future unclear, because the Love Interest and the Companion are by your side.

You move ahead, determined to discover the reason behind your metamorphosis and find your place in this new world, whatever it may be, bearing the weight of fate on your shoulders.