Chapter 3 – The Oath of Shadows
"Sometimes we keep fighting…
Against our fears.
But what if, one day,
You're forced to make fear your friend?"
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Scene 1 – Beyond the Gate
The moment Aura stepped through the gate,
time itself seemed to slow.
The air had changed.
Each breath felt heavier…
as if the darkness was crawling into his lungs.
From the thick shadows, a voice came—
not too loud, not too soft.
Just sharp enough to stab straight into his heart.
Voice (softly):
"So you came after all…
Do you even know who you've come to meet?"
Aura's eyes twitched for a moment.
But he didn't lower his head.
He knew—this was not the time to run.
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Scene 2 – The Thing That Lives Inside
The mist grew darker.
And from within it, a shape appeared.
Not a face.
Not a body.
Just… a shadow. Pure, formless shadow.
Shadow (smirking):
"The blue line running through your veins…
Half of that is me.
Whether you accept it or not.
You're no longer alone."
Aura clenched his jaw.
His palm started to burn.
But he held back.
Aura (calm, but sharp):
"I didn't come to fight you.
I came because I need you.
To fight… myself."
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Scene 3 – A Deal That Lasts Forever
The shadow paused.
Then came a soft, cold laugh.
Shadow:
"You know what happens, don't you?
Once you make a pact with me…
you're never the same again."
Aura took a deep breath.
His throat felt dry.
But there was no fear left in his eyes.
Aura (whispers slowly, every word clear):
"I don't want to stay the same.
If it costs me a piece of my soul…
Take it.
But in return—
I want the power to face my truth."
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Scene 4 – A Handshake in Darkness
The shadow reached out its hand—
a dark, formless limb.
Aura reached out too.
The moment their palms met,
a jolt ran through his body.
Blue lines and black veins wrapped together.
Aura closed his eyes.
When he opened them again,
one eye glowed blue.
The other… pitch black.
---
Shadow (now speaking from inside Aura):
"The deal is done.
From now on, we are one.
Where you walk, I'll walk.
And whatever stands in your way…
I'll destroy it with you."
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Scene 5 – The True Beginning
Aura opened his fist.
There was no line on his palm anymore.
The mark was gone.
But inside…
he knew.
He wasn't the same boy
who had walked in an hour ago.
He was no longer just human.
He had become part of the shadow.
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Chapter End
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Next Chapter:
Chapter 4 – The Gate of Zero
(Where Aura will face his real trial)