Aria's eyes widened as she felt her power unfurl. The wizards' chanting grew louder, and the air around her began to shimmer. Suddenly, visions flashed before her eyes Aria's eyes snapped shut as the visions flooded her mind. She saw...images of her past.
A dark, misty forest, trees twisted and gothic, like skeletal hands reaching for the sky
A young girl appeared, not more than 10 years old, with wild hair and dirt-smudged cheeks, running through the forest, laughing The girl stumbled and fell, when she looked up, her eyes were Aria's eyes... but not Aria's face
The scene shifted: the girl, now older, standing in a storm, wind whirling around her, lightning flashing, and a Tsumiki looming over her
The girl raised her hands, and power exploded from her... Aria felt it, like a rush of adrenaline
The vision shattered, and Aria saw... her own face, eyes wide with shock, in a mirror... but the face was shattered, like broken glass
The shards reformed, and Aria saw a Tsumiki, its eyes burning with an inner fire... and it was her father.
Aria's breath caught. Her father, the man she'd thought was a traitor... was he really a monster?
The vision faded, leaving Aria with more questions than answers. Her mind reeled as the wizards' voices filtered through, urging her to focus...
"Focus, Aria!" Lord Kaelos's voice cut through the chaos. "Control your power!"
Aria took a deep breath, her mind racing. She reached out, tentatively, and grasped the threads of magic. The visions slowed, and she felt a sense of clarity wash over her.
The wizards cheered, their faces alight with excitement. "You're a natural!" Lady Nyra exclaimed.
But Aria knew it wasn't going to be easy. She had a lot to learn, and the Tsumiki weren't going to wait.
As the training session ended, Aria approached the wizards. "What's the plan?" she asked, her eyes locked on Lord Kaelos.
"We need to take you to the ancient city," he replied, his voice low. "The Tsumiki are searching for something there - something that could tip the balance of power in their favor."
Aria's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
Master Thane's face was grim. "The Crystal of tragajah. If the Tsumiki get their hands on it... we don't know what they'll do."
Aria's jaw set. "Then let's get it before they do."
The wizards nodded, a plan forming in their minds. It was time to take the fight to the Tsumiki...