The light engulfed Lyra and Alaric like a fierce waterfall, sweeping them into an infinite void. As the disorientation subsided, they found themselves standing in a strange realm—an endless forest where colossal trees intertwined to form a canopy that shielded them from the sun.
"Where are we?" Lyra whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
The trees around them emitted a faint glow, as though they contained the souls of time itself. Each leaf whispered softly, like a song carrying echoes of ancient memories.
"This isn't an ordinary forest" Alaric said, his gaze fixed on the shimmering lights emanating from the trunks. "This might be... where the primordial memories of the world are kept."
Suddenly, from amidst the foliage, a figure emerged. It was a woman with silver eyes and hair that flowed like clouds in the sky. She wore a cloak embroidered with countless threads of light, each thread like a tale from the annals of time.
"Welcome to The Origin, the beginning and the end of all things" the woman said, her voice gentle yet imbued with undeniable authority.
"Who are you?" Lyra asked, her curiosity mingling with caution.
"I am Elunara, the Keeper of Memories" she replied. "I safeguard the fragments of the world—the forgotten stories and the truths you seek."
Alaric stepped forward, his voice firm. "We have traversed darkness and light to get here. We seek the truth—about fate, about what threatens this world."
Elunara was silent for a moment, her gaze piercing through their very souls. "The truth you seek is not a simple answer. It is a series of fragments, each representing a part of this world. But to be worthy, you must confront the primordial memories of your own selves."
She waved her hand, and beams of light from the trees converged into two small doors.
"Each door leads to a memory buried deep within your hearts. Step through, and you will face your true selves. If you fail... your souls will be forever trapped within The Origin."
Lyra and Alaric exchanged determined looks. "We've come this far. Nothing will make us turn back now" Lyra said resolutely.
Elunara smiled faintly. "Then step forward. The memories will guide you."
Lyra stepped through her door and found herself standing in a desolate field. Before her was the image of her younger self, standing amidst a burning village. Screams, the sound of running footsteps, and the blazing red of fire consumed the space.
"This is my memory..." Lyra whispered, her hand tightening around the flute at her side.
"Do you truly believe you couldn't have changed this?" A voice echoed from nowhere.
Lyra turned to see a figure identical to herself, but with mocking eyes. "You've always believed you were powerless. You've always blamed yourself. You think you're strong enough to change the future, but you've never dared to confront the past."
"That's not true!" Lyra shouted.
The figure smirked. "Then prove it. Fight me, or remain forever trapped in your own memories."
Meanwhile, Alaric stepped through his door and faced the image of himself clad in blood-stained armor. Before him stood his former comrades, their faces pale and filled with reproachful eyes.
"You let us die..." one of them spoke.
Alaric felt a tightening in his chest. "I didn't want that to happen..."
"But you chose. You chose to live, leaving us to suffer."
A figure bearing Alaric's face appeared, its eyes sharp as blades. "You decided to abandon us. Now, what will you do to atone for that?"
Alaric drew his sword, his eyes blazing with resolve. "I can't change the past, but I won't run away anymore. I will face every consequence."
Both fought fiercely against the shadows of their own selves, every drop of sweat and every wound deepening their resolve. As they stood tall for the final time, the shadows dissolved, leaving behind a light that guided them back.
Elunara was waiting, her gaze filled with pride. "You have proven yourselves worthy. Now, the truth will be revealed."
Lyra and Alaric exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with determination. The final door opened, leading them to the place where they would finally grasp the deepest secrets of the world.