"It's... it's a prophecy". Aries whispered,her eyes scanning the text." A warning about a great darkness that will consume the world... and a chosen one who can stop it".
Thrain's grip on his sword tightened."A chosen one?".
Aries gaze met Lyrien and she saw the weight of responsibility in his eyes.
"I think it's me". She said her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm the chosen one?,no...no...no that can't be ". She dropped the book and backed away breathing heavily.
"I need answers to why those monsters attacked me, not a prophecy ".
"Aries you need to calm down okay,I know you are flustered and everything is happening so fast,if this book says you are the chosen one don't you think you've already gotten the answers you seek?". Lyrien knew something was off right from the onset, Aries being able to read and understand the old tongue can't be a coincidence.
Aries regained her composure for a moment.
"Am not just scared, am perplexed as well ". She began, her voice shaking.
"The... the text earlier said 'never let her know her true powers ' and this one says am the chosen one,if I don't know my true powers, how can I become the chosen one?".
Lyrien's eyes narrowed. "The puzzle has been solved, everything makes sense now, those creatures are the guardians of that book, you were never meant to find it but somehow you did. They tried all they could to stop you cause they are very much aware of the impending doom that will disrupt the balance of their world if you eventually become the chosen one". He paused then continued.
"You must know this too, the texts are cryptic and the prophecies layered, your true powers are indeed hidden even from yourself ".
"What do you mean, how can I defeat darkness without knowing my true powers ".
"Your powers will reveal themselves when the time is right, trust in yourself. The chosen one is not defined by magic but by courage and the will to protect others ". Lyrien's expression turned enigmatic.
"Lyrien perhaps it's time to reveal more of the truth. Aries deserves to know what she's up against ". Thrain chipped in.
"I can't tell anything that is beyond my knowledge but Aries trust me, your path will become clearer as you walk it "
"I understand but still I need more answers, more clarification,I need to know why they chose me ".
"I may not have all the answers but I think I know who does ". Lyrien said thoughtfully.
Aries' eyes beamed with new-found hope as she waited for Lyrien to reveal the person.
"Tyrone is the only person I can think of in situations like this, you have to meet him ".
"Oh, the old wizard, of course it has to be him, I will go to him at dawn ".
**********
The next morning Aries set out to meet Tyrone,a wise and aged wizard, dwelled in a secluded cottage on the outskirts of Eldrida. His eyes twinkle with a deep understanding of ancient arts and his long white beard held the whispers of the old religion. For decades,he had dedicated himself to studying the forgotten ways, delving into dusty tomes and practicing the mystical rituals of the bygone era.
When Aries arrived at Tyrone's cottage,her determination palpable. Tyrone sensing her presence, emerged from his dwelling,his eyes locked onto hers with a knowing glint.
"Ah Aries, child of prophecy,I sense you've come here to seek answers,I see you carry the weight to destiny upon your shoulder. But I must say it took you so long to come to me, what is it you've come to seek?".
Aries explained her encounter with the texts, lyrien's enigmatic words and her quest for understanding her true powers. Tyrone listened intently, his eyes sparkling with wisdom.
"I see the threads of fate are indeed tangled but fear not,for I possess knowledge that may unravel some of the mystery, come let us delve into the ancient lore together".
As they entered the cottage, the air was thick with scent of old books and burning incense.
Tyrone gestured for Aries to sit by the fire, where a small cauldron simmered, releasing a gentle hum of mystical energy.
Tyrone began to rummage through his shelves extracting a worn leather book adorned with strange symbols.
" This book holds the secrets of the old religion,it speaks of the chosen one and the trials that lies ahead".
Aries gulped down, she was anxious and her palms were sweating profusely. Tyrone opened the book revealing pages filled with cryptic writings and illustrations of mystical creatures.
"What do you see, what resonates with you"?.
As Aries leaned in to take a better look, the fire crackled and the shadows on the walls seemed to shift as if the very spirits of the ancient ones were drawing near.
She recognized one of the creatures,a mythical dragon called Kamaita, she had read about it once, back at the tower's library.
"This is Kamaita,I recognize her but what does it have to do with me, she's only but a myth,no man born of a woman has ever laid eyes on her".
Tyrone smiled wryly and said " Kamaita, the celestial dragon,her presence in the text signifies a deep connection to your destiny, Aries. Believe it or not Kamaita is real, she's the guardian of the ancient ways. And you Aries, have been chosen to wield her powers".
"But how?,I'm just a... I don't even know what I am yet ". Her hands were trembling now.
"You're the key to unlocking an ancient prophecy, one that foretells the balance of power in the realm and the eradication of the great darkness, Kamaita's power is yours to claim, you need to fortify yourself cause the battle ahead is not for the faint hearted, that's why they chose you,you alone have all it takes to stand up against the darkness,you have to accept Kamaita's power but it comes with a great cost, are you prepared to pay the price?".
The air in the cottage seemed to vibrate with anticipation,as if the very spirits of the ancient ones held their breath waiting for Aries's response.
"No...to be honest with you,I don't think am ready to wield such power, don't you think all of this is a little bit too much?". Aries asked skeptically.
Tyrone's eyes turned compassionate "The weight of destiny can be crushing". He began.
"But you are not alone. The ancient ones have chosen you for a reason, your heart holds a light,a spark that can ignite the darkness. Kamaita's power is not a burden, but a gift. There's no much time to waste, the more you wait the more dangerous it gets to live in this world,you can't run away from it you know, you have to embrace it and trust in yourself and the path ahead ".
Aries doubts still lingered but Tyrone's words kindled a small flame of determination within her, she looked at the image of kamaita in the book and for the first time she felt a connection to the mythical creature.
She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath.
"I... I'll do it,I mean I must do it, I'll accept the challenge but what is the cost, what must I do to wield Kamaita's power?".
"The cost is your memories, Aries. To wield Kamaita's power, you must sacrifice your past, your identity. Are you prepared to loose yourself to save the world?". Tyrone asked, his voice low and mysterious.
Aries forced a smile " It's not like I even have an identity, I've only had bad and unpleasant memories,so it's not much of a big deal". Her mind drifted off to Thrain.
"Except Thrain of course,so kind and considerate". She thought to herself.
"Ah Aries". Tyrone began suddenly, startling her.
"The heart clings to what it knows best,no matter the pain. But know this, the memories you sacrifice will not be lost forever. They will be stored waiting for the right time, when you can reclaim them back". He said as if he read her thoughts.
Aries'thoughts swirled, she steeled herself,her determination burning brighter. "Am ready, Tyrone, I'll do whatever it takes to wield Kamaita's power".
Tyrone nodded"Then first, let's begin with the ritual of remembrance, you have to fully know your past,it will give you the identity you so much yearn for. Are you prepared to face the darkness within?".
"Am ready for the ritual ". She said affirmatively.