Scar

Trail by fear

The mysterious lady appeared on the mountain, materializing out of thin air with Sophia, Caleb, Maya, Ava, and Nana beside her.

They looked around, confused, then saw the Ancient One standing nearby.

Where are we? Sophia asked, looking at the lady.

And who are you?

The lady smiled softly.

You are safe now.

My name is not important,  I am a friend of a friend – someone who owes the ancient one a debt.

Nana stepped forward, her Shadowborn eyes narrowing.

What do you mean? What friend?

The lady's smile widened slightly.

The ancient one the former leader of the Shadow clan . helped me escape Ruby's wrath years ago.

Now, I repay his debt by saving you.

Caleb frowned.

But Lyra... Ruby killed her.

The lady's expression turned solemn.

Yes. I arrived too late to save her.

The Ancient one sent for me, so I arrived and rescued the rest of you.

Suddenly, a loud boom echoed from below – Marco bursting through Ruby's palace gates.

The lady raised her hand, and a magical barrier erupted from the ground, stretching towards Marco like an invisible wall.

Stop, Marco Valenti! she called out.

Do not rush into Ruby's trap!

Marco skidded to a halt just before hitting the barrier, his eyes widening in surprise.

What are you doing? She is going to kill them! She already killed Lyra!

The lady's expression remained calm.

I have already saved them.

They are safe with me.

Marco's gaze shifted up the mountain, seeing his friends standing behind the lady.

His face contorted in relief and confusion.

What's going on? Why did you stop me?

The lady stepped forward, lowering the barrier.

Ruby expects you to come alone, driven by emotion.

But with a clear head and strategy, not everything requires your attention .

Go , go be with them .

Marco rushed up the mountain, embracing his friends tightly.

I thought I'd lost you all... Lyra...

Sophia hugged him back, tears in her eyes.

We thought we'd lost you too.

After a moment, Marco turned to the lady, bowing his head slightly.

Thank you. I owe you a great debt.

The lady smiled softly, then turned to the Ancient One.

He is very impatient. You have your work cut out for you.

The Ancient One nodded gravely.

Indeed. His heart rules his head. But he will learn.

With that, the lady vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a whisper of her presence.

The Ancient One turned to Marco.

Now, let us return to your training.

Ruby will not defeat herself.

Marco looked at the Ancient One, determination etched on his face.

I won't leave them. They're my friends, my family.

The Ancient One's eyes narrowed slightly, then he snapped his fingers.

Sophia, Caleb, Maya, Ava, and Nana vanished instantly, leaving Marco alone with the Ancient One.

What did you do?!

Marco demanded, alarm rising in his voice.

The Ancient One's expression remained calm.

If you cannot leave them behind, then they will be protected elsewhere.

My village, hidden from Ruby's reach, will shelter them until your training is complete.

Marco's anger faded, replaced by surprise and gratitude.

Thank you... but how will I know they're safe?

The Ancient One placed a hand on Marco's shoulder.

Trust me, Marco Valenti, Your friends will be safe.

Marco nodded slowly, then asked another question that had been bothering him.

Who was that lady? The one who saved them...

The Ancient One's eyes seemed to gaze into the past.

Her name is Aria – once a powerful sorceress and Ruby's sister.

Marco's eyes widened.

Ruby's sister? But why would she help us?

The Ancient One began walking down the mountain path, gesturing for Marco to follow.

Aria and Ruby were close once. But when Ruby's obsession with darkness and power grew, Aria tried to stop her.

Ruby, enraged, attacked Aria – leaving her for dead.

Marco's eyes narrowed.

But she survived...

Yes.

After I saved her.

Aria fled, hiding her presence from Ruby.

She has been secretly thwarting Ruby's plans ever since.

They reached a clearing, where the Ancient One drew a symbol on the ground.

Now, Marco Valenti, let us resume your training.

Aria's actions have bought us time, but Ruby will not be idle.

Marco nodded, focusing on the Ancient One.

I'm ready. Let's continue my training.

The Ancient One gestured to the symbol he drew – the Trial of Strength rune.

Step on the rune, Marco.

Your first trial begins now.

Marco took a deep breath, then stepped onto the glowing symbol.

The ground gave way beneath him, and he fell into darkness.

When he landed, he found himself in a vast, empty arena..

A figure emerged from the shadows – a hulking giant wielding a massive club.

Your opponent is a Shadowborn Golem, the Ancient One's voice echoed in Marco's mind.

Defeat it to pass the Trial of Strength.

Marco stared up at the towering golem, his confidence wavering.

I... I'm not ready for this.

He turned to flee, but the arena's exit was sealed.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him gave way again, and he fell back up to the mountain clearing.

Marco landed hard on the ground, gasping for breath.

The Ancient One stood over him, disappointment etched on his face.

You were not even tested, Marco Valenti.

Your heart still rules your head.

Just then, Aria appeared beside the Ancient One.

Perhaps I can talk some sense into him, she said gently.

The Ancient One nodded and stepped back.

Aria turned to Marco, her eyes piercing but kind.

What is it that truly frightens you, Marco? Ruby, or failing those you care about?

Failing them... and myself, Marco added barely above a whisper.

Aria nodded compassionately.

I too have known that fear.

My sister Ruby and I were once inseparable.

We grew up in a loving family, our parents kind and wise magic users.

She paused, collecting her thoughts.

But as we grew older, Ruby became increasingly obsessed with darkness and power.

She delved deep into forbidden magic, despite my warnings... and our parents'.

Aria's eyes clouded over.

One fateful night, Ruby's experiment went horribly wrong.

Our parents tried to stop her, but... she killed them.

And then attacked me when I tried to reason with her.

Marco's eyes widened in shock.

What did you do?.

Aria's voice remained calm, though sorrowful.

I survived barely because of the Ancient One interferance then I fled, hiding my presence from Ruby.

Since then, I've secretly worked against her, saving those she would harm... like your friends.

Why are you telling me this? Marco asked gently.

Aria smiled softly.

To show you that even in darkness, there is hope.

And that fear of failure can either consume or strengthen you. Choose wisely, Marco.