33. The Awakening of Lumora's Power

Golden light burst from the Veralune Staff and into the dark chamber, where Micheal stood at the pedestal, the Heart of Lumora aglow in his hands.

His whole body hummed with energy, as if the ancient power of the jungle itself was joining with his very soul.

Selene and Kai shielded their eyes against the brilliance of the light as their shadows stretched long across the floor of the chamber.

"Micheal…," Selene whispered, wonder in her voice. "What is happening to you?"

Kai squinted through the light, sword at the ready. "Looks like he's becoming one with the jungle or something. Either that, or he's about to explode."

Micheal's grip on the Heart tightened as a voice echoed in his mind-a soft, melodic voice that resonated with the magic around him.

"You have woken up the light of Lumora, but remember, with great power comes a greater response. Are you prepared to carry this burden?"

"Yes," said Micheal loudly and with an unruffled voice. "I will protect this jungle and everyone inside it. I won't let the Shadow Lords take this.

And with a surge of light once more, Micheal was bombarded by memories-not his own-but rather with ancient visions of battles fought long ago, where the Veralune warriors stood against darkness, wielding the very power he now held.

The chamber fell silent as the light dimmed. Micheal opened his eyes, and they glowed faintly with a golden hue.

Selene cautiously came forward. "Are you… okay?"

Micheal faced her now, his face wearing a serene smile. "I'm more than okay. I understand. The Heart isn't just a relic. it's the key to balance."

Kai groaned. "Great, and now he is speaking like a prophet."

Leaving the temple seemed to push aside the jungle hanging in wait for them; the heavy cloak of darkness pulled back that inch it could, the air fresh and as if the trees themselves were breathing more freely.

"The temple accepted you," Selene said, looking to Micheal. "That is not an easy feat. The jungle picked you to be its protector."

Kai strode forward, cutting at branches with his sword. "So, what now? We've got this fancy new power but the Shadow Lords aren't just going to give up."

Micheal nodded. "We need to find the other temples. Each one holds a different aspect of the jungle's magic. If we can awaken them all, we'll have the strength to defeat the Shadow Lords."

Selene's expression darkened. "And if they find the temples first?"

Micheal's gaze hardened. "Then we'll stop them. No matter what it takes.*

The wind suddenly whipped through the trees as they walked deeper into the jungle, carrying whispers with it. The voice was different than before. It was more darker, more sinister.

"You cannot win this battle. The jungle will fall, and you will perish."

Kai shivered. "Well, that's comforting."

Selene's eyes narrowed. "It's them. The Shadow Lords know we're here."

Micheal tightened his grip on the staff. "Let them come. We're ready for them."

Suddenly, the earth beneath them shook, and from the darkness, dark figures began to emerge. Their forms twisted and shifted, eyes glowing red with malice.

"Shadow Beasts!" Selene shouted, drawing her daggers.

Kai grinned. "Finally, some action!"

The Shadow Beasts charged, their claws glinting in the dim light. Micheal raised the Veralune Staff, summoning a barrier of light that pushed the creatures back.

"Selene, Kai! Give me cover while I charge the staff!"

Selene launched herself forward. Her daggers weaved and sliced through the air with deadly grace. Each stroke landed true, and the beasts just dissolved into wisps of shadow with each blow.

Kai fought hard, his sword slicing through the creatures as if they were made of mist. "How many of these things are there?"

"Too many," Selene replied, panting.

Micheal closed his eyes, focusing on the power of the Heart. He could feel the jungle's magic flowing through him, connecting him to every tree, every vine, every living creature.

"Come on… just a little more," he murmured.

The staff began to glow even brighter, and the beasts hissed, recoiling from the light.

"Micheal, now would be a good time to do something!" Kai shouted, swinging his sword at another beast.

Micheal plunged the staff into the earth with a burst of energy. The golden light welled from the ground in ripples and inundated the Shadow Beasts. They shrieked in pain before they broke down into nothingness.

The silence came once more with the dying light in the now-dark clearing. Micheal sagged against the staff, panting heavily.

Selene approached him with concern in her eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Micheal said, though he was really sapped. "The light. it takes a lot out of me."

Kai sheathed his sword. "Well, whatever you did, it worked. Let's hope we don't run into more of those things anytime soon."

Micheal straightened, determination in his eyes. "We will. The Shadow Lords won't stop until they've taken over the entire jungle."

Selene nodded. "Then we'll keep fighting. We've come too far to turn back now."

Kai grinned. "And besides, I'm starting to enjoy this whole 'saving the world' thing."

Micheal could not help but smile through the dangers involved, for he knew they were on the right track. The jungle had chosen them for a reason, and they would not disappoint it.

As they journeyed deeper into the jungle, however, Micheal couldn't rid himself of the feeling that something or someone was watching them from the shadows.