Scar

Embracing darkness

Marco stood in his New York apartment, the cloaking scar on his hand pulsing faintly.

He knew what he had to do: Gather allies. Grow stronger. Return to Tenebrous.

First on his list: Leo, his mafia friend brought back from death. Marco visited Leo at his home.

Leo answered, eyes widening at Marco's appearance.

Marco, what happened? You've been gone for weeks!

Marco explained everything – Ruby, Scar, Kila, Tenebrous. Leo listened intently.

I'm in, Leo said. But we'll need more help.

He introduced Marco to his cousin, Sophia – who researched  dark magic and mythology.

Sophia was stunned by Marco's story.

But she recognized the cloaking scar that was on marco hand .

That symbol... it's from the Shadowborn clan, i read it in a book .

Ancient warriors who wielded darkness and light.

Do you think the Shadowborn still exist? Marco asked.

Sophia nodded.

I think my  grandmother was one.

I'll take you to meet her.

He followed Sophia to her grandmother's mansion.

Entering the mansion.

Sophia calling onto her Nana for help .

Marco explaining everything to her .

Poor child , there are few Shadowborn left but not all of them are willing to stand up against Ruby, I advise you don't walk on this path.

Nana's words discouraged Marco, but he remained determined.

I'll try to find them, convince them to help.

Nana nodded respectfully.

Be careful, child.

Ruby's reach is long.

Meanwhile, Leo researched Shadowborn lore in Sophia's library.

Suddenly, he heard a whispering voice: Leo, Leo... all this power could be yours.

No more hiding in Marco's shadow.

You would be Scar.

Leo spun around, but saw no one.

The voice continued:vJoin me, and Ruby will grant you Scar's power – and more.

Leo hesitated, tempted.

Marco had always been the favorite, the strong one. Now he could surpass him.

The voice sensed Leo's weakness.

Say yes, Leo.

Together we'll crush Marco and rule Tenebrous.

Leo agreed to the voice's promises. 

Bern, Ruby's servant, appeared beside him.

Well done, Leo. Ruby will be pleased.

Ruby emerged from shadows behind Bern.

Indeed. My curse will soon be complete. Marco will fall, and Leo... you will be my new Scar.

He remained at Nana's, oblivious to Leo's betrayal.

Nana offered Marco food and drink while Sophia researched Shadowborn locations. Marco accepted graciously.

As they ate, Sophia found a potential lead: A rumor about a Shadowborn hideout in the city sewers.

But we'll need to be careful – Ruby's minions might be waiting.

Marco nodded, finishing his food.

Let's go tonight,  Under cover of darkness.

Nana embraced Marco and Sophia.

Be safe, my children.

Ruby's power grows stronger daily.

That night, Marco and Sophia descended into the city sewers, flashlights in hand. The air reeked of decay and darkness.

Suddenly, Sophia grabbed Marco's arm.

Do you hear that? Whispers... coming from that tunnel.

Marco listened closely. Faint whispers echoed through the tunnel.

What do you think it is? Sophia asked.

Marco drew closer, recognizing the voice.

It's... Leo. What is he doing down here?

Marco and Sophia exchanged worried glances.

They approached the tunnel entrance cautiously.

Leo's voice grew louder, echoing off damp walls: ...yes, Bern, I'll bring Marco to Ruby.

He'll surrender Scar's power willingly.

Marco's eyes widened in shock. Sophia gasped.

Bern's voice replied, equally loud: Excellent, Leo.

Ruby rewards your loyalty.

Meet us at the old warehouse district tonight.

Marco felt rage and betrayal burning within.

He stepped into the tunnel, confronting Leo.

You're working with Ruby?! After everything she's done?!

Leo sneered, Bern standing beside him.

You're weak, Marco. Always playing hero.

Now it's my turn.

Bern vanished into shadows. Leo charged Marco, fists flying. Marco dodged, counterattacking with Scar's strength.

Sophia joined the fight, casting spells to bind Leo.

But he broke free, fueled by dark magic.

The battle raged on until Marco pinned Leo against the wall.

Why, Leo? We grew up together, fought together...

Leo spat in Marco's face.

You always got the glory, Marco.

Now Scar's power will be mine!

Suddenly, Ruby appeared behind Leo, smiling.

Enough. Leo has proven loyal.

Now, Marco... surrender Scar's power or watch Sophia die.

He glared at Ruby, refusing to back down.

Never, Ruby.

You'll kill us both anyway.

Ruby sighed dramatically.

How touching , Marco sacrifices himself for love.

Leo, kill Sophia.

Leo raised his hand, dark magic swirling around it.

Sophia screamed as shadows wrapped around her throat.

NOOO! Marco roared, Scar's power surging wildly.

He broke free from Ruby's magic, tackling Leo.

They crashed into the sewer wall, magic exploding around them.

When the dust settled, Marco stood over Leo's unconscious body.

Sophia gasped for air beside him.

Ruby vanished into shadows, enraged.

Foolish Marco! You've only delayed doom!

Marco helped Sophia up, eyes blazing with determination.

We need to find those Shadowborn.

Tonight.

Sophia nodded, still coughing.

I know where to look.

An old church downtown , But we'll need Leo's help.

Marco looked down at Leo's body.

He's coming with us, even if I have to drag him.

They reached the church, a towering Gothic structure with stained glass windows. Marco kicked open the creaky door.

Inside, a figure waited in the shadows – a woman with long black hair and piercing emerald eyes.

Welcome, Marco Valenti.

I've expected you.

Who is she?

The woman stepped forward, her emerald eyes gleaming in dim church light.

I am Lyra, last elder of the Shadowborn clan.

We've hidden here for centuries, avoiding Ruby's wrath.

Marco explained his story, including Leo's betrayal.

Lyra listened intently, expression unreadable.

When he finished, Lyra nodded gravely.

Ruby's curse must be broken.

But first, we must restore balance within you, Marco.

Scar's power consumes you.

She gestured to a glowing portal behind her.

In this realm, you'll face your inner demons.

Literally.

He stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead Sophia followed closely.

Marco turned to Sophia, his expression firm.

I have to do this alone.

Sophia nodded understandingly.

But be careful, Marco. We barely know Lyra.

Marco smiled reassuringly.

I'll be fine, Wait here with Leo.

If I'm not back in an hour...

Sophia finished his sentence.

We'll come in after you.

Marco stepped through the portal, finding himself in a desolate realm – black sand stretched endlessly, lit only by faint moonlight.

A figure approached him – Marco himself, or rather, Scar.

Finally, we meet alone, Marco.

No Ruby, no Lyra, no Sophia. Just us.

Scar circled Marco, eyes blazing yellow.

You've been holding me back.

Fearful of my power, my darkness. But I am your trued.

Scar continued circling Marco, voice low and menacing.

You're weak, Marco.

Afraid to embrace your true nature – darkness, violence, power.

Marco stood firm, eyes locked on Scar.

That's not me, I protect people, Scar.

You destroy them.

Scar laughed, the sound echoing ominously.

Protection is just a facade. Deep down, you crave chaos – the rush of adrenaline, the thrill of victory.

Suddenly, visions assaulted Marco's mind:

Him winning fights as a teen, feeling superior.

Beating up bullies, enjoying their fear.

As Scar, destroying Ruby's enemies with darky darkness.

The visions faded.

Scar sneered at Marco.

Admit it, You enjoy darkness.

Marco denied it, but Scar attacked – a fierce magical battle raged on.

Spells collided, shadows danced wildly.

Scar gained the upper hand, blasting Marco into the black sand. Marco coughed blood, vision blurring.

As Scar raised his hand for the final blow, Marco tapped into his inner darkness – the same power Scar wielded.

A surge of energy revived Marco. He counterattacked, unleashing a devastating blast that sent Scar flying across the realm.

Scar struggled up, eyes widening in surprise.

You've embraced your darkness... Marco.

Marco stood tall, his magic swirling wildly – both light and dark energies merged within him.

I've embraced all of myself. No more fear, no more hiding.

Scar nodded slowly, then vanished into Marco's body. Marco felt their minds merging, powers combining.

He opened his eyes – glowing yellow, like Scar's. Marco was reborn, stronger than ever.

He stepped back through the portal, glowing with intense magical energy.

Sophia and Lyra shielded their eyes.

Marco... what happened? Sophia

Lyra smiled, nodding in approval.

You are one with yourself, Marco Valenti.

Scar's darkness and your light – balanced perfectly.

Sophia stared at Marco's glowing eyes, then hugged him tightly.

You're still you, Marco.

But stronger.

Marco smiled, feeling a sense of peace he'd never known before.

I'm ready for Ruby now. Let's finish this.