Chapter 17: Trial of the Gods
Night had fallen on Themyscira, yet the stars shimmered above an ancient temple whose doors had not been opened in centuries.
Wonder Woman walked slowly alongside Ben toward the temple, where the air was thick with ancient incense, and the sound of crashing waves whispered from afar.
Wonder Woman (softly):
"This place reveals truth… no matter how painful."
Ben:
"I'm not scared of what I'll see. I'm scared of what I might be."
They entered the temple, greeted by a group of priestesses clad in white robes, their faces veiled, their eyes unblinking.
High Priestess:
"Child of worlds… your body has become a gateway, and your soul echoes a universe yet unborn."
A golden chalice filled with a clear silver liquid was presented to Ben.
Wonder Woman:
"Drink it… and let the truth unveil itself."
Ben hesitated for a moment, then drank. In seconds, the temple dissolved around him. He found himself face-to-face with a distorted version of himself — his body wrapped in crystal, his eyes glowing with a dark violet light.
Voice of Kairus – from within:
"I'm not an invader… I am you."
Around him, a vision appeared — a shadowy city made entirely of living crystal, breathing and expanding… all connected to his heart.
Ben (whispering):
"This… this is inside me?"
The Voice:
"This is no mere city. It's a legacy waiting to be born. If you allow it… you'll be its beginning."
Suddenly, the scene split in two. On one side, he saw Gwen and Kevin, shouting his name, trying to pull him toward them. On the other, millions of crystal beings stared at him… waiting, hoping he'd lead them.
Then, a third voice — gentle and unfamiliar — echoed through his mind.
Third Voice (calm and abstract):
"If you want to be the light… you must pass through the shadow first."
Ben woke up gasping for air, lying inside the temple's central chamber. The priestesses stood silently around him, and Wonder Woman held his hand tightly.
High Priestess:
"You have seen your true reflection… now, the choice is yours."
Ben (voice trembling):
"The voice… the city… Kairus isn't just an outer threat. He's building himself inside me."
Wonder Woman:
"We can still stop him. But we have to start from within."
Far outside the temple, deep in the island's forest, tiny black crystals had begun growing on the trees… as if something had followed Ben into this sacred land.
End of Chapter.
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