The company approached the realm of the ancient guardians cautiously, knowing that their journey had brought them face to face with the echoes of their past. The guardians stood guard at the entrance, their eyes filled with weariness and sorrow.
"We were once united," one of the guardians spoke, his voice heavy with regret. "But over the centuries, darkness and doubt have crept into our hearts, causing divisions among us."
Lyra stepped forward, her heart heavy with empathy. "We understand the burden you carry, for we, too, have faced the shadows of the past. But we have learned that unity is not about erasing our differences, but embracing them and standing together despite them."
The guardians looked at each other, their faces mirroring a mixture of hope and uncertainty. They knew that the company's unity had saved countless realms, but could they find the strength to rekindle their own unity?