The glow of the gateway pulsed like a heartbeat, casting an otherworldly light across the clearing. The stillness that followed the battle with the guardian felt almost suffocating.
Micheal stood before the archway, the Veralune Staff humming faintly in his hands, as if it, too, recognized the gravity of what lay ahead.
Selene sheathed her blade, her eyes fixed on Micheal. "You're quiet," she said softly.
Micheal didn't say anything right away. His eyes moved across the carvings that swirled across the stone. Each symbol seemed to writhe, to twist and mold themselves into a language he couldn't quite capture.
"I keep thinking about what Riven said," Micheal said lowly. "This prophecy. it's not just about saving the jungle."
Selene placed her hand on his shoulder, resting it there lightly. "Whatever it is, we face it together. You're not carrying this alone."
Kai walked up behind them, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, and if this jungle wants another fight, I've still got a couple of tricks up my sleeve."
Riven stood at the foot of the arch, eyes closed, fingers pressed against the ancient stone. "The Heart lies beyond this threshold," he said quietly, his voice even, but there was steel there.
"But it's not just a crossing of physical spaces. The gateway is a veil,..a test of will and character."
Micheal frowned. "A test? Haven't we had enough of those already?"
Riven opened his eyes, his gaze a piercing dart in Micheal. "The trials of the jungle are not meaningless. They are strengthening.
And if you are unable to handle that which awaits you beyond the veil, you're not prepared for the Heart."
Kai sighed and shook his head. "Oh great. Another weird mystic trial. What's the catch this time?"
Selene turned her eyes to Riven. "What sort of test?"
Riven stepped back and invited them with a sweep of his arm toward the glowing carvings. "This veil reflects the soul of those who pass through. It will show you your fears, your doubts, your regrets. If you cannot confront them, the jungle will not let you proceed."
A heavy silence fell over the group.
"Perfect," Kai muttered. "I love confronting my deepest, darkest fears before lunch."
Micheal stepped forward, the Veralune Staff shining brighter in his hand. "Let's get this over with," he said, his voice steady.
Riven nodded. "Then step through. One at a time."
Michael went first.
The moment Micheal stepped through the archway, the world shifted.
The lush greens of the jungle vanished and gave place to a whirling chasm of darkness and light. Micheal felt his body floating, suspended in some kind of endless void. In his hand, the Veralune Staff pulsed, but its light was dimmer here, almost faltering.
A figure came into view before him, emerging out of the darkness. First, Micheal thought it was somebody else, but the moment he stepped closer, his breath caught in his throat.
It was him.
But not the boy he saw in the mirror every day. This version of himself was older, colder, and radiating a power that sent chills down Micheal's spine. His eyes glowed faintly with an unsettling light, and a cruel smirk twisted his lips.
"you againnnn," the other Micheal said, his voice dripping. "This is what you've become. A scared little boy, clutching at a power he doesn't understand."
Micheal's grasp on the staff tightened. "Yes the real me"
The older Micheal burst out laughing, the coarse sound full of mockery. "As real as doubts in your heart, kid. You want to save this jungle? You cannot save even yourself."
It hurt a bit deeper than Micheal was ready for. He opened his mouth to contest this but again, the other Micheal spoke first.
"Do you think the jungle chose you because you're special? Because you're destined for greatness?" The figure stepped closer to Micheal, his eyes boring into his.
"The jungle chose you because it sees the darkness inside you. The same darkness that will destroy everything you care about."
Micheal's hands shook, but he made himself stand tall. "Well, You're wrong."
"Am I?" the older Micheal sneered. "You saw the vision. You know what you are capable of doing. You'll betray them all. Selene, Kai-even the monk will fall. And the jungle would burn because of you."
Michel's heart punded. What he had watched in his previous vision came sweeping through his brain, the picture of him standing amidst a ruined junglezthe flames lolling at his cloak.
"I won't let that happen," Micheal said with a steady tone.
The older Micheal studied him sideways and said, "Then prove it."
The figure lunged at Micheal, and in an instant, the void went into chaos. Micheal lifted the Veralune Staff, his light flaring as he blocked the attack.
It was a brutal, relentless fight. Every strike that came from the older Micheal seemed to physically manifest his doubts and fears. Yet Micheal would not budge.
Each clash reminded him of his friends, of those who relied on him, of the jungle whispers promising hope.
Finally, with a surge of determination, Micheal channeled the Veralune's power and sent a blinding flash of light that engulfed the other Micheal. When the light faded, the figure was gone, and Micheal stood alone in the void.
A soft, warm voice echoed around him.
"You have faced your truth. The path is open."
Selene's Turn
From arch, Selene came out only a second after Micheal appeared, her sword out and eyes whetted in her head. But saying nothing, her shoulders told Micheal she would fight.
"Are you okay?" he asked again.
She hesitated then nodded. "It showed me things I don't want in my head...But I am okay."
Kai popped out then, pale and drawn, and only walked by the two silent. For once, silence had taken his bravado away.
At last, Riven stepped through. His face unreadable.
"The veil has accepted you," Riven said only. "You are ready to continue."
Beyond the gateway, the jungle seemed to shift once more. The darkness of the space was lifted to a strange glowing light that seemed to emanate from the air around them.
The trees in this area stood taller, more vibrant, and their leaves shone as if made from emeralds. The soft moss on the ground glowed with a soft light beneath their feet.
Suddenly, Micheal was filled with this weird kind of peace, yet not quite a peaceful feeling that didn't make him uneasy either. The jungle was beautiful, yes, but it was alive in such a way as to be nearly sentient.
"This is the domain of the Heart," Riven said. "We are close."
Micheal glanced at the others. Selene's grip on her sword was firm, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. Kai looked less tense now, though he still seemed wary.
The Veralune Staff pulsed faintly in Micheal's hand, its light growing brighter with each step.
As they walked, the faint whispers returned, though this time they were not words of warning.
"Welcome."
"Chosen."
Micheal's heart was pounding. They were coming closer to the Heart of the Jungle, the source of the prophecy, and the answers he needed so desperately.
But deep down, he couldn't help but feel that the greatest of their challenges still lay ahead.