Chapter 278: 3.35 TLOC (25)

As they finally arrived at the relic, they dismounted their horses and stared at a golden arch, with an incantation written on the arch and a golden door blocking the entrance.

"The incantation is written in native language of the elves of Sanctuary," Xavier said.

"We think you two are the key to unlocking it, but we don't know which god left this relic, if it's safe or dangerous," Stefania added.

"What's the worst case? We open it and die?" Sora asked.

"Yes, but we can't afford to lose you at this point.

"What does the incantation say? Have you spoken it out loud?" Mina asked.

"We have. That is why we brought you two here. After we speak the incantation, you will see why we need you and we will translate it for you," Xavier said, sweat dripping from his brow.

"We do not ask you to proceed. That choice is yours," Stefania said nervously.

"Ruk a Veela za tossa ett en von aman evoya. Soja vetta eos illa opa sah von zoya," Xavier chanted.

Suddenly, the incantation on the arch illuminated and two molds appeared on the door. It looked like human faces, two of them, right next to each other.

"What does it mean?"

"To unlock this door, two faces, place them in this shrine. If the patterns match and they are just, they meet the divine." Stefania said.

"Well sis, what are we waiting for?"

First Sora placed his face in the left slot and Mina on the right.

"Pattern incorrect. Two tries remaining."

"Let's switch?"

The twins switched and placed their faces in the molding.

"Ding! Would you like to unlock the door to the realm of the goddess of Justice? You will return here when finished."

"Xavier, Stefania, the goddess of Justice seems like a god on the good side, right?"

"It does but we haven't heard of her," Stefania said.

"Carry on with the construction of the SilverCrest living areas. It says we will return here when finished."

"Where are you going?!" Stefania pleaded.

"To the realm of the goddess of Justice. Maybe she can help!" Mina said with a smile.

The twins held hands and walked through, fearlessly.

As they arrived, they were greeted, "Mina and Sora Hart, I've been expecting you. I am Themis, the goddess of Justice and a friend of Chronos."

<><><><>

As the two entered the realm, they noticed how distinctly balanced and organized the realm was. Two walls were black, two walls were white, and rather than a realm, it looked like a meeting space.

On the black walls, swords and shields hung from the walls, each a particular match and pattern. The white walls held ornate armor, headgear, leg gear and boots, in perfect sets, perfectly organized.

A giant balance existed in the center, and the twins noticed a human on one and an elf on the other. The balance heavily tipped towards humans, which disheartened the twins.

"I see you've come across my balance, something that used to never worry me now causes me grave concern," Themis said.

She appeared out of thin air, stunningly beautiful, but didn't look human. Her pale skin, golden hair and silver eyes screamed immortality.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you. What did you mean when you said you were expecting us?" Mina asked.

"Ah, so eager. I am an oracle, I have visions, not all of them come true, but the way the balance tips, and with your eye colors, I knew this one would come to fruition," Themis said.

"That's really cool. I see you are all about balance and order, I don't think I've seen anyone or any god this organized, not that I've met a lot of them," Sora said.

"That's my duty. To restore law, order and balance to the world, and currently, I'm in need of aid from you two. I will not give elves the advantage, simply balance the playing field," Themis said.

After taking a second, the twins noticed she appeared here; meaning she was not here when they entered.

"This isn't your actual realm, is it?" Mina asked.

"Chronos said you were a bright child, no, this is a special meeting place I set up 500 years ago when King William Dingsdale and King Igancius Fang. The human and the elf, both with a unique eye pattern. One green, one blue, juxtaposed and balanced. Perfection," Themis said.

"So the elven line stayed intact, and the rumors are the 10th generation, or current emperor, caused all this dramage," Sora said.

"Elven relationships with humans deteriorated after the second King, James Dingsdale fell. The third King, Isaac, buried the relic, after stealing it from Sanctuary. The god of Wrath never bestowed the Hammer of Justice on humankind, William stole it," Themis said.

"If he drove for elven peace, why steal the hammer from you?" Sora asked.

"Because his eldest son, Prince William II fell in love with an elven princess, Xiona Fang. The two moved and married in Sanctuary, despite King William's disapproval.

They had a child, hidden from humankind. If things ever got sour between the elves, William had the means to take over," Themis said.

"So the history elves know isn't true?" Mina asked.

"Truth, lies, it all balances the universe. What one believes is true, another believes false. Take yourselves for example. Did you not fail the first time? The second time they welcomed you with open arms."

"So William's second son, James took over, and Isaac stole and hid your relic. But what happened to the half human, half elven baby?"

"She lived a very happy life in the elven Kingdom. Half Human, Half elf. She married an elf and eventually, 8 generations later, a bitter elven princess left for human lands and married Prince Johnathan Dingsdale, and they had a child."

"Is that child Rina?" Mina asked.

"Indeed, and rather than obtain peace, she hated her elven blood and married Hanzo Yen. That's when the imbalance of power started. It took 30 years to take over all Elven lands. Because Rina Fang held the Fang bloodlines magic, she blessed Hanzo to age slowly and live longer."

"Ok, that makes sense, but what does that have to do with us?" Sora asked, confused.