Ageless (Prologue)

Prologue1

Timeless Caves2

????3

The snow swirled around the mountain like an enraged beast, howling out it's compact emotions. Snow was cast about in puffs of matter, like broken toys. It appeared as though nothing living could inhabit this deserted area, yet a figure appeared, clocked in black, drifting a cross the snow with ease, as though the chill as cold as death's breath, the sting of ice like knives, did not bother it. I continued up the mountain with no supplies other then its own feet. At last it stopped as it reached the edge of a cliff, no where to go, except to drop 10,000 feet to their death. But, instead of heading back down the figure turned to the side of the mountain, raising one long sleeve it began to press into the snow. Bit by bit the figure was dissolved into the snow and entered the Timeless Caves. 4

The cave opened up at the back to expose a glorious sight: a forest thrived within the heart of the mountain. In the center of the forest was a large temple, made completely of crystal that glowed and lit the forest. Green trees tinged with a silver glow swayed in a light wind and the sounds of animals could be heard faintly from deep within the trees. Everything seemed to pulse with the light of the temple. 5

A group was gathered in a circle around a table placed at the edge of the forest. The table was made of white marble that reflected the temple's glow. The table was covered with twelve plates and goblets, each empty and untouched, even though the table itself was covered with many, many plates of exotic foods. As the figure approached this place of beauty the other clocked beings looked up, to reveal a ghastly sight. Each face, though extremely beautiful, was otherworldly. Inhuman. The iris of the eye were a glowing crimson red and the pupils were formed in the shape of a star. Some lips pulled into smiles at the sight of the newcomer, revealing fangs. Only one figure did not look up, he kept his head bowed, his shoulders hunched with age, emphasized by the fact that his hands were boney and knotted, clasping the top of a black opal cane. On top of this cane was the head of an ox, its horns silver and extended upward to wrap around the hand of the holder. 6

The group parted as the newcomer made his way to the head of the table, it lowered it's hood to reveal the face of a man. Like the others he was extremely handsome, yet he bore the same glowing red eyes. Apparently, very familiar with the procedure he raised his right hand, which was covered in a glove, the other members of the group took places at the table, the old man at the end, directly opposite of the apparent leader. The leader removed his glove to reveal the pale palm was marked by a brilliant red scar, cut in the shape of a pentagram, a star. The others copied his motion, the old man half-heartedly, the stars upon their palms began to glow. Now a red tinge tainted the silver glow of the forest. At last, they all lowered their hands and sat, yet the leader remained standing. 7

His bright, yet gentle blue eyes swept over the members of his group as one by one they lowered their hoods. Then, he began to speak.8

"My friends, the turn of the year is upon us. It is time to renew our vow to stand and defend with out non-gifted brethren, the humans. This year, is especially important, for the Eternals, our creators, are going to bestow us with a gift. A gift that will unite us with the hu-" 9

A low chuckle from the end of the table interrupted him, it was the old man, he broke out into laughter and threw back his hood, "Unite us?!" He spat, "More like enslave us! The Eternals have gone soft! Soon, even they will be under human control, just like us!"10

Some members stared at the old man in awe, while others stared at their leader, awaiting his responce. 11

The leader sighed; "Tsaro, it is not our mission, our purpose to control the humans. We were created to save and protect life, not destroy or enslave it."12

The old man, Tsaro, scoffed, "Ha! That pathetic line will get you nowhere," He looked at the others sitting around them, "I saw we stand up against the humans and take them all down now! While they fear us!! I say," He pointed a finger at the man at the head of the table, "We abandon this weakling!"13

A woman at the center of the table got to her feet with a force so strong she knocked her chair backwards, her long blonde hair rippling down her shoulders, "How dare you speak to our Leader like that! Show some respect!!" 14

Tsaro laughed again, "Respect?! Show respect to him?! That human-lover? Never!" Tsaro glared at the Leader, "I will never obey a man who decides to father a half-human pig!" A cruel smirk lifted the wrinkled pale lips as gasps and cries of shock echoed down the table. 15

But, all the other noise was drowned out as a roar filled the forest, the leader, no longer a man, but a Tiger, leapt down the table, knocking plates and goblets aside as it charged the elderly man. But, it was no longer an old man, but a rearing young black Ox. The two animals clashed, turning the table over. 16

People screamed, some skidded back between the trees for safety, others tried to restrain the animals, and others still turned into animals themselves and joined the fray. Then, overhead, with the sound of a million fireworks, light exploded above them, shining down. All yells and movement ceased. Hanging in the air, glowing with the ferocity of its power was the Eternals' Gift. The Stone of Light.