Scene 18: The Artifact’s Secrets
INTERIOR ANCIENT TEMPLE – NIGHT
The dimly lit temple is filled with an eerie silence, the air thick with the weight of ancient power. Be-el and Azazel stand over a stone pedestal, examining a dark, intricately carved artifact that glows faintly with an ominous light. The shadows cast by their flickering torches dance across the walls, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.
BE-EL
(studying the artifact)
This artifact… I can feel its power, but its purpose eludes me.
AZAZEL
(intrigued)
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The markings… they seem demonic, yet unfamiliar.
As Be-el reaches out to touch the artifact, his shadow detaches and takes on a life of its own, forming into a dark, human-like figure with wings. The Shadow Figure speaks in a deep, resonant voice, its words in Latin.
SHADOW FIGURE
(in Latin)
“Quid est hoc obiectum? Sentio malam originem, sed usum eius non intellego.”
BE-EL
(nodding)
He says he senses its dark origin, but does not understand how to use it.
The Shadow Figure reaches out and touches the artifact. As its dark energy flows into the artifact, the markings on its surface begin to glow, revealing ancient inscriptions.
AZAZEL
(amazed)
Incredible… your shadow’s malice is making the markings visible.
SHADOW FIGURE
(in Latin)
“Intellego nonnulla verba. Hoc artificium est unum ex sex clavibus ad portam inferni aperiendam.”
BE-EL
(translating for Azazel)
He says, “This artifact is one of the six keys to open a portal to the underworld.”
AZAZEL
(turning the artifact, examining it)
One of six keys… We need to find the other five. But how do we use this one?
BE-EL
(to the Shadow Figure)
Can you read any more of the inscriptions?
The Shadow Figure focuses its energy on the artifact, causing more markings to glow. It studies the inscriptions, its dark eyes narrowing in concentration.
SHADOW FIGURE
(in Latin)
“Claves sunt dispersae per terras. Invenire alias, et aperi portam ad inferos.”
BE-EL
(translating again)
“The keys are scattered across the lands. Find the others, and open the gate to the underworld.”
AZAZEL
(thoughtfully)
So, we need to embark on a quest to gather all six keys. But how do we activate this one?
The Shadow Figure continues to study the artifact, its dark aura intensifying. As it does, a faint, ancient voice seems to echo from the artifact, whispering in an arcane language.
SHADOW FIGURE
(in Latin)
“Adhibete sanguinem innocentium, et potentiam obscuram adhibete.”
BE-EL
(translating, eyes widening)
“Use the blood of the innocent and harness the dark power.”
AZAZEL
(nods)
It’s a dark ritual, as expected. We will need to be careful. Using this power might attract unwanted attention from both angels and demons.
BE-EL
(firmly)
We don’t have a choice. If this is the only way to regain my full power and find Beatrice, we must proceed.
Azazel nods in agreement, his eyes filled with determination and a hint of fear at the power they are dealing with. He continues to turn the artifact, trying to understand its mechanisms.
AZAZEL
(murmuring)
These markings… they seem to indicate a sequence. Perhaps a ritualistic process. We need to decipher them carefully.
BE-EL
(to the Shadow Figure)
Can you guide us through the process?
The Shadow Figure, a manifestation of Be-el’s own malice and power, nods slowly, its dark aura pulsating with energy.
SHADOW FIGURE
(in Latin)
“Paratus sum adjuvare. Simul inveniemus alias claves et aperiemus portam.”
BE-EL
(translating)
“He says, ‘I am ready to assist. Together, we will find the other keys and open the gate.’”
The three figures stand united, their resolve firm. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but their goal is clear. They must gather the remaining keys, perform the dark rituals, and unlock the gate to the underworld, whatever the cost.
FADE OUT.
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