Chapter 12: Echoes of the Past
The days following their first victory in the Crimson Arena were a whirlwind of practice, strategy, and unexpected notoriety. Revan and Kael's performance had drawn attention, not just from the crowds but also from influential figures within Drakmor. Despite Kael's nonchalant demeanor, even he seemed on edge.
"You made quite an impression," Kael said one evening as they returned to the inn. "That shadow trick of yours—it's not something people around here see every day. Don't be surprised if someone tries to figure out what you're hiding."
Revan frowned. "And what should I do if they do?"
"Simple," Kael replied with a sly grin. "Don't let them live long enough to tell anyone."
Revan smirked at the comment, but he couldn't ignore the weight of Kael's words. The shard of the Abyss at his side pulsed faintly, almost as if it were urging him to follow Kael's advice.
---
That night, Revan's sleep was restless, plagued by vivid dreams.
He stood in a void of infinite darkness, the air thick with the whispers of countless voices. A faint light appeared in the distance, flickering like a dying star. As he approached, the light transformed into a vision of the village of Kaldora, burning in the night.
Flames licked the sky as shadowy figures moved through the wreckage, their forms twisting unnaturally. Among them stood a towering figure cloaked in a mantle of shadows, its face obscured but its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.
"You cannot escape your nature," the figure said, its voice a thousand whispers in unison.
Revan froze, his heart pounding. "Who are you?"
"I am the shadow you fear, the truth you deny," the figure replied. "You walk the path of the Shadowborne, yet you resist what you are meant to become. The Abyss is not your enemy, Revan. It is your destiny."
Before Revan could respond, the vision shattered, and he awoke with a gasp.
---
The following morning, Revan shared the dream with Kael as they prepared for another day of training.
Kael leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Sounds like your Abyss shard is trying to tell you something. Or mess with your head. Either way, it's dangerous."
"I know," Revan admitted, rubbing his temples. "But I can't ignore it. If this power is part of me, I need to understand it. Control it."
Kael sighed. "Just don't lose yourself in the process. I've seen what happens to people who let power like that consume them. They don't come back the same."
Revan nodded, but the weight of the dream lingered in his mind.
---
Later that day, Kael brought Revan to a secluded training ground on the outskirts of the city. The area was surrounded by jagged cliffs and volcanic vents, making it a perfect place to practice without drawing attention.
"Alright," Kael said, drawing his twin blades. "Let's see what you've learned."
The two sparred for hours, their movements fluid and precise. Revan focused on integrating his Shadow abilities into his combat style, using illusions and misdirection to keep Kael off balance.
"Not bad," Kael said after a particularly close exchange. "But you're holding back."
Revan hesitated. "If I push too hard, I might lose control."
"Then lose control," Kael challenged. "You won't know your limits until you test them."
Revan took a deep breath, the tendrils of his Shadow Wreath coiling around him. He closed his eyes and focused, letting the power flow through him without restraint.
The ground beneath him darkened, the shadows spreading like liquid ink. Kael stepped back, his eyes widening as the temperature seemed to drop.
Revan opened his eyes, now glowing faintly with an eerie violet light. His voice was cold and calm. "Ready?"
Kael grinned. "Now we're talking."
---
The sparring match that followed was unlike anything Revan had experienced. The shadows responded to his every thought, forming barriers, weapons, and illusions with ease. Kael pushed him hard, forcing him to adapt and refine his techniques.
By the time they finished, both were exhausted, but Revan felt a sense of accomplishment. He had tapped into the Abyss without losing control, a small victory in his ongoing struggle.
"You've got potential, kid," Kael said, clapping him on the shoulder. "But don't get cocky. Drakmor's full of people who'll kill you just to prove they're stronger."
Revan nodded, his determination renewed.
---
That evening, as they walked back to the city, they were approached by a woman clad in crimson and gold robes, her presence commanding.
"Revan of Shadow's Edge," she said, her voice sharp and authoritative. "The Sovereign of Drakmor wishes to meet with you."
Kael's expression darkened. "What does the Sovereign want with us?"
The woman's gaze flicked to him briefly before returning to Revan. "Your performance in the Crimson Arena has caught his attention. He has... questions."
Revan exchanged a wary glance with Kael before nodding. "Lead the way."
---
The Sovereign's palace was an imposing structure of obsidian and firestone, its halls illuminated by rivers of molten lava that flowed beneath glass floors. Revan and Kael were escorted to a grand chamber where the Sovereign sat on a throne of blackened iron, his presence radiating power.
The Sovereign was a tall man with piercing amber eyes and fiery hair that seemed to flicker like flames. He studied Revan with an intensity that made him feel exposed.
"You are an enigma," the Sovereign said, his voice deep and resonant. "A shadow among flames. Tell me, Revan, what brings you to my Dominion?"
Revan chose his words carefully. "I seek strength and knowledge. The arena seemed like a good place to start."
The Sovereign's lips curled into a faint smile. "Strength and knowledge are admirable goals. But the power you wield is... unusual. It does not belong to the Dominion of Fire. Tell me, where did you learn such techniques?"
Revan hesitated, feeling the weight of the Sovereign's gaze. "They are... self-taught."
The Sovereign's smile faded. "Do not lie to me, boy. I recognize the touch of the Abyss when I see it. You carry its taint."
Kael stepped forward, his hand on his blade. "He's not a threat to you or your Dominion."
The Sovereign raised a hand, silencing Kael. "Perhaps not. But the Abyss is a dangerous force. If you cannot control it, it will consume you—and everything around you."
Revan met the Sovereign's gaze, his voice steady. "I won't let that happen."
The Sovereign studied him for a long moment before nodding. "We shall see. For now, you may continue in the arena. Prove your strength, and perhaps you will earn my trust."
With that, the audience was over, and Revan and Kael were escorted out of the palace.
---
As they walked back to the inn, Kael let out a low whistle. "That could've gone worse."
Revan sighed. "The Sovereign knows what I am. If I make one wrong move, he'll come for me."
"Then don't make a wrong move," Kael said with a smirk. "Besides, you've got me to watch your back."
Revan managed a small smile, but the Sovereign's words lingered in his mind. The road ahead was becoming more treacherous, and the line between ally and enemy was growing thin.
But one thing was certain: he couldn't afford to falter. The shadows were his to command, and he would use them to carve his path forward—no matter the cost.