The Oracle's Visions
1033 Words
Sibyl's P.O.V.
The room was silent as we all looked at the Oracle. Every book I had ever read about Oracle's described them as old and haggard. That was not the case with the woman in front of me. She appeared to be no older that 18, with long flowing red hair that reached her waist. Her skin was a creamy olive tone, the lines of her face soft.
She still hadn't looked up, seeming to be in a daze and I wondered if she was having a vision or if she was just scared. The Ghoul cleared his throat, trying to get her attention. When the woman's head snapped around to look at everyone, I gasped softly to myself.
She had full pink lips, a small nose, and her eyes were like windows into her soul, electric blue, ringed with gold. Her face was in a small scowl as her gaze traveled from one person to the next before landing on me.
We stared at each other for a moment, neither of us daring to move. She seemed to stare through me, her eyes fogging over and her knees buckling. Before I realized I was moving, and before she hit the floor, I caught her in my arms, easing her down gently.
I finally notices that my hands were different, pitch-black claws sharp as knives protruding from my fingertips. A quick swipe of my tongue across my teeth revealed small fangs. Before I could wonder more at how else my appearance had changed, the Oracle began to mumble in her dazed state.
As if someone had given her a megaphone, her voice reverberated through the room.
"It shall come to pass, that the offspring of an Incubus and a human shall be born. On her 16 birthday, her powers will activate and her fate will be decided. She shall either be destroyed, or become the Guardian to the Gates of Hell. Souls will be her territory, Hell her domain. If the Gates are left unguarded, the Apocalypse will ravage all. The fate of this child remains unseen, for she must chose her destiny."
Her voice echoed through the room before everything was silent again, the only sound was that of her harsh breathing. I looked down at the woman, brushing her hair from her face and making sure she was comfortable before I stood to face the Council.
All of their eyes were on me and I refused to look away. I pushed down any fear I had, simply waiting for them to make up their minds. They each turned to look at the Elf, her eyes switching between me and the Oracle, and I could see the gears turning in her mind.
"What should we do, Electra?" the Werewolf asked.
She shook her head, still looking at us, contemplating. I looked at my parents and they were still looking at me in shock. I tried to give them a brave smile, hoping that they wouldn't worry. All I cared about was what would happen to them. They had risked so much just to get this far, and I wanted them to live a long and happy life with no regrets.
A chill filled the air, my breaths fogging in front of me. I turned my attention to the Elf Electra, meeting her gaze with no hesitation. Her eyes widened in surprise at my boldness, a smirk gracing her lips. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands and staring down at me.
"You hear the Oracle, young one. You have a choice here. Do you wish for us to destroy you? Or are you willing to undertake the monumental task of Guardian to Hell's Gate? Think carefully before you choose." she told me, her voice quiet.
I was surprised that she would let me have the choice, thinking that they already had made up their minds. I looked at my parents, thinking of everything they had ever taught me. Could I handle that much responsibility? Why was a sheltered child like me chosen? What would happen to my family if I said yes? Or no? What should I choose?
All these questions flowed through my mind, a tornado of thoughts sweeping away all remnants of what I thought I knew. Wait. What was it that the Oracle had said? 16th birthday? But my true power had just emerged, and it was nowhere near my 16th birthday? I looked up at the Council in confusion.
"How long have we been here? We just got here right?" I demanded.
They all looked at each other with shocked expressions. "I'm surprised that you noticed, young one. No one ever does." replied the Ghoul, almost seeming impressed.
"Yes, the spell that we have cast over this room ensures that the passage of time goes unnoticed by all but us. In truth, you have been here for a few months. It is now October 13th in the outside world. How is it that you noticed the passage of time, young one?" The Werewolf asked.
They all looked at me expectantly and I shrugged my shoulders, replying, "When we got here, it was nowhere near my birthday. But if what the Oracle says is true, and my powers truly would emerge on my 16th, then I guess, Happy Birthday to me."
I knew my reply was sarcastic, but I didn't care. My fear had long since disappeared. There was nothing that they could do to me that would surprise me now. After that swirling mass of souls trying to drag me down, they were about as scary as butterflies to me.
"We are losing patience little one, we need your decision, now." The Vampire growled.
"Enough, Adriano. This immortal has a heavy burden on her shoulders. Could you so easily make the decision if it was you?" demanded the Nymph.
He growled in response, sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed. I shook my head in disappointment, how could someone so old act so childish? I returned to examining them, carefully thinking through my choices. There had to be a reason I was the one chosen to be the Guardian.
"I've made my decision."
- Writer
