đ Whispers of the Moon
By Rapwizzy Debaron
Episode 31: Shadows Beneath the Shrine
The moon loomed large overhead as the trio made their way into the heart of the Northern Mountains. Snow began to fall, gently at firstâlike scattered feathers from a wounded sky. Each flake glistened under the pale moonlight, mirroring the tension in Juvia's chest.
They had left the broken temple behind, but the Watcher's warning echoed in her thoughts.
"You will beg for its removal before the end."
What did he mean? What price would she have to pay for the mark she now bore?
The trail was steep and treacherous. Ha-jun led the way, blades sheathed but his eyes never resting. Juvia followed close, while Luna walked beside her, her robes fluttering in the mountain winds.
"We're close," Luna said, nodding toward the jagged rock that formed a gate ahead. "The Forgotten Shrine lies beyond that pass. But we must be cautious. The shrine has guardians⊠and not all of them remember who they fight for."
Juvia stopped walking. "Guardians?"
Luna looked at her solemnly. "The Moon Warrior's essence rests there. It's protected by warriors turned to stoneâuntil intruders awaken them."
Juvia's throat tightened. "And what if I'm not the right person?"
"You are," Ha-jun said without looking back. "I've seen it. In your eyes. You were born for this."
Her heart beat louder.
They crossed the rocky threshold. The wind howled like distant cries. Suddenly, the stone beneath their feet vibrated. Carvings on the walls began to glow, ancient symbols shining with blue light.
A deep growl echoed through the cavern.
Thenâcrack.
One of the statues ahead trembled.
Then another.
And another.
Eyes of stone flickered open, glowing gold like dying stars.
Ha-jun turned, drawing his blades. "We're not alone."
Juvia gripped the Moonblade tightly.
From the shadows, the stone warriors stepped forwardâmassive beings with armor etched in moonstone. Each moved with a hollow grace, ancient and furious.
"Wait!" Luna shouted, stepping forward and raising her staff. "She bears the mark! She is not your enemy!"
The lead warrior paused, tilting its head.
Thenâit charged.
Ha-jun met it head-on, clashing steel against stone. Sparks flew. The ground trembled. Another guardian lunged at Luna, who deflected it with a blast of moonlight.
"Juvia!" Ha-jun called. "Speak to them! The Moonblade listens to you!"
Heart pounding, Juvia stepped forward. The blade in her hand pulsed with warmth, then began to glowâbrighter and brighter until it was blinding. She raised it high and shouted:
"I am the Moon's chosen!"
A shockwave burst from the blade, knocking back the warriors and silencing the cavern. The guardians froze mid-step. Their glowing eyes dimmed. Then they kneltâone by one.
The lead warrior bowed its head. "Forgive us, Guardian of the Moon. We have waited⊠centuries."
Juvia's hands trembled. "What do you mean?"
"You are the light reborn," it replied. "And darkness follows."
Behind her, Ha-jun sheathed his swords, breathing heavily. "That was insane."
Juvia turned to Luna. "Why did they attack me?"
"Because they had to test your spirit," Luna said. "Not all who bear the mark are worthy."
Juvia stared at the kneeling warriors, her heart torn between awe and fear.
If this was just a testâŠ
What would the real war look like?
---
To be continuedâŠ
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