Chapter 7: Goddess

My eyes slowly peeled open; almost immediately being blinded by a searing light. I winced and shielded my eyes, a piece of light pink fabric brushing against my face. I touched it as my brow creased. I wasn't wearing this before… I thought, trying to piece everything together.

I examined myself; I was wearing a light dress. Accented with gold cuffs and jewelry. Picking up the cold metal that heavily hung from my neck; I rubbed it in between my fingers. It was a beautiful golden lotus, but it was closed like flowers did at night. I gingerly let go of it and walked forward shakily. My hair was straight which was abnormal considering that my hair was naturally curly.

I glanced around; I was in a temple. There were four pillars on each side. The yellow-hued structure was covered in hieroglyphs, reminding me of Egypt almost immediately. "Alright, this makes no sense…" I stood, and spun around briefly.

"Over here, my flower." A beautiful voice boomed. I gulped and turned to see someone I thought I'd never see in my life. "D-Durga?" I asked suspiciously. She grinned and held out her hand, "Come to me, my beautiful." Wearily, I approached her and took her hand. "Where am I? Am I dead? Is this heaven? Where's Ren and Ki-"

"Hush, child." She said, laughing softly, it was a reassuring gesture. "Your questions will be answered later, but for now I need to explain to you how to use your abilities." I tilted my head, "My abilities? What do you mean?" I felt like I was showering her with a million questions and felt slightly embarrassed.

She pointed to the necklace dangling from my chest, "That." She said simply. I swallowed as she began, "It will help you communicate with me. It will as well help you summon the elements." She touched the golden flower delicately; it bloomed almost immediately in her hand and glow a soft gold color.

"I'm still confused as to what you mean?" I was beginning to think that I'd gone insane and had dreamt this all up.

"Just trust me, no more questions, okay?"

I nodded fearfully. She grinned once more and spoke again, "I was beginning to think that you were all in more danger than I'd expected," She shook her head, my eyes widening. "Durga… You're scaring me." I murmured, gazing up at her dark eyes. She sighed, "You're dangerous, Dakota." I backed up, confusion consuming the fear.

"Lokesh doesn't just want Kelsey now, my flower." She approached me and pulled my hair behind my ear. "Y-You mean he wants me?" My voice shook. She glanced at the ground momentarily before looking me in my eyes, "You're very powerful now. He knew that I had created someone to assist the tiger's on the quest. He also knew that the person I would create would have a power source much more than most." I blinked, soaking this all in.

She nodded towards the necklace, "All you have to do is think of an element. Go on, do it." Almost instantly I began to think of fire. "Okay, I'm thinking of one." I said, closing my eyes. "Great," She turned me to the left so I wasn't aiming at her, "Now look at that pillar in front of you." I did as I was told. "Now, think of lighting it on fire, or it engulfed in flames. Once you do so, hold your hand out and focus on your thoughts." She waited patiently.

Hesitantly, I raised my hand and thought of the pillar being nothing but ash. I focused my thoughts and opening my eyes; my hand was covered in henna. It radiated a fiery red-orange before fire shot out of my hand in the direction of the pillar. The pillar lit in flames. Durga grinned like a proud mother.

"Now, Dakota, you must understand." Durga said, her soft voice was beginning to fade. "You are no longer protected. You now have a large load on you, young one. You're now the protector." My heart seemed to sink. "Do not tell the brothers about your powers yet, you must wait."

"But Durga, when should I?" I began to panic as the picture was fading away.

"You'll know when. Just remember. Protect them"

Her voice was now merely an echo as it was replaced by a deep voice repeating my name.

"Dakota, Dakota!" Ren exclaimed. I opened my eyes, immediately overjoyed. "Ren!" I clung to him with a sigh, glad to know that I wasn't still stuck in the jungle. My head throbbed, but I ignored it as Durga's words came back into my mind; 'You're their protector.'