A Night That Lasts Eternally

(a short story about my original characters) 

Monster. That was the term they had used to describe the being standing in front of me. But that’s not what I saw. All I saw was a person. A person just like me, and like everyone else on this island. Not a monster, not an Elemental, not the God of Darkness – just a person with feelings and thoughts. If only humanity would see it the way I do. The way we do. But they will, soon. They must.  

“Kurotori, now that we have gathered the eight Elemental Stones, how will you use them to -“ I was cut off by a chuckle from the person in front of me – Kurotori. He spun around as he pulled one of the stones out of his pocket and held it out. The Elemental Stone of Light.  

“It’s simple, really. I’ll merge them with my power. Look closely, Snow. You might miss it.” As he held the stone with his left hand, he lifted his right to summon an orb of energy, which he stuck to the stone. For a second, a line connecting the stone to Kurotori’s core appeared, but disappeared just as quickly as it had come. In an instant, the stone levitated to float above Kurotori, following his every move. It was like they were connected. Fascinating. 

“Judging from your expression, I’d assume you saw the connection line, hm? That is how I’ll extract the stone’s power.” Kurotori gave the stone above his head a little flick and smiled with satisfaction.  

“It’s fascinating. Have you tried this before, or how did you find out about this technique?” I tried to conceal the excitement in my voice, but I couldn’t help but show my fascination about the possibilities of magic. For Kurotori, it is something natural, something he was born with. But for me, it’s an entirely new experience. While it is true I’ve had my magical abilities for several weeks now, Kurotori has had lifetimes of experience with magic.  

“I have combined my magic with my own stone before, although I haven’t tried with the stones of the other Elementals. Good to know it works.” There was a pause before he took out another stone, this one being the Elemental Stone of Ice.  

“I would have hated to have to destroy them… they look too pretty to destroy.” Kurotori glided his finger over the surface of the stone, before suddenly handing it out to me. But instead of taking it, I just stared at him. I thought Kurotori’s plan was using the stones‘ powers to make himself stronger… 

“Take it, Snow. I know you have the strength to connect your magic to the stone. When I told you we’d rule this new world together, I meant it.”  

I took the stone in my hand, feeling its cold surface against my palm. I thought back to how Kurotori had connected his magic with the Elemental Stone of Light, and so, I summoned my own magic in my free hand. A mixture of ice and dark magic swirled together to form an orb. With a huge amount of concentration, I managed to form the connection. The stone floated atop of me now, just like Kurotori’s. I looked up to see that Kurotori had already connected the rest of the stones to himself, as they were now floating above his head. Magic truly is extraordinary!  

“Come on, Snow. Your friends and… the other Elementals will uncover our little trick soon.” Kurotori held out his hand to me as he forced a smirk. But I didn’t miss the disdain in his voice when he mentioned the other Elementals. I don’t blame him. I know how it feels to be mistreated by people who are supposed to be your equals. I took his hand as I stepped beside him. Standing on top of the castle walls, we looked into the sky. The sky that would soon be engulfed in darkness. If it were eternal night they would have no choice but to accept the darkness as a normality. They would have no choice but to accept us. They would finally accept us. 

With joined hands and might, Kurotori and I held our hands into the sky, casting a spell of dark magic. I immediately felt it. This increase in power… it was thanks to the Elemental Stone no doubt. I wondered – just how powerful must Kurotori be now, with seven of the eight stones in connection with his power? I looked over at the surge of dark magic emerging from his hand and had my answer. We really are going to change everything. No more hiding, no more pretending to be someone else. I didn’t choose this power – this life. Yet, people still chose to shame me for what I am – who I am. 

Kurotori caught the determined look on my face, which mirrored his own. As if able to read the others‘ thoughts, we both declared a promise. 

“Let’s make this a night that lasts – eternally.” 

Johanna Veit

Bild: Johanna Veit