I JUST WANTED TO GET MARRIED!!!
EPISODE 11 - THE HALL OF TRIALS (3) - THE TRIAL OF SHADOWS
The air turned cold as Ariana followed Nyssa into the academy’s underground chamber. The flickering torches on the walls barely illuminated the descent, and the shadows seemed to shift unnaturally around them.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
You sure about this??
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
My trial isn’t like the others. The darkness doesn’t just test you—it tries to claim you.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*grip tightening on the sword hilt* I’ve faced fire and fear. I can handle shadows.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
*smirk* We'll see about that.
They entered a cavernous room, its walls carved with ancient runes that pulsed faintly with a dark, otherworldly energy.
At the center stood a pool of inky black water, so still it seemed to absorb the light around it.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
*gesturing to the pool* The Trial of Shadows...
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
You’ll step into the depths, and it’ll show you your darkest truths, the parts of yourself you refuse to see.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
If you make it through, the shadows will recognize you as their equal.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
And if I don't...?
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
*calmly* They’ll consume you.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
Let's get started...
Ariana stepped into the pool. The water was icy, sending a chill through her body that seemed to seep into her very soul. As she waded deeper, the darkness rose around her, swallowing the light.
When the shadows closed over her head, she found herself in a void—silent, cold, and endless.
TRIAL ONE - THE WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY.
The first vision appeared suddenly.
Ariana stood in the throne room of the Medea Empire, but it was not the one she knew.
The walls were crumbling, the air thick with ash and despair. Her parents lay on the ground, motionless, while her people screamed for salvation.
“You failed them,” a voice whispered, soft but venomous. “You chose Adrien over your duty, and now the empire burns.”
Ariana’s breath caught, guilt clawing at her heart. But she shook her head, forcing herself to speak.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*firm* This isn’t real. I chose Adrien because saving him is part of saving the world. I won’t let your lies break me.
The vision shattered, leaving her in darkness once more.
TRIAL TWO - BONDS OF LOVE.
The void shifted, revealing Adrien, bound and bloodied, his eyes full of anguish.
Adrien Velaryn / ML
Ariana...
Adrien Velaryn / ML
*whispering* Why didn’t you come sooner? I needed you.
The sight was a dagger to her heart. She reached out, but her hands passed through him like smoke.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*trembling voice* I’m coming. This is just a trick. Adrien knows I’ll never give up on him.
The shadows writhed, hissing in frustration as the vision dissolved.
FINAL TRIAL - ACCEPTANCE OF SOUL.
The void grew darker, colder, until Ariana could barely breathe.
A figure emerged from the shadows—herself, but twisted. This version of her wore a crown of thorns and a cloak of chains, her eyes hollow and accusing.
“You think you’re a hero?” the shadow-Ariana spat. “You’re nothing but a selfish princess playing at bravery. Adrien doesn’t need you. The gods don’t need you. You’ll fail them all.”
Ariana felt the weight of the words, the truth buried within them. She wasn’t perfect. She had doubts, fears, and flaws. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t worthy.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*steady* You’re right. I’m not perfect. But I don’t have to be. I’ll fight anyway, because that’s who I am.
The shadow version of her stared, then smiled faintly. The darkness receded, and Ariana found herself back in the cavern, standing in the pool of shadows.
Nyssa was waiting, her arms crossed. For the first time, there was a hint of warmth in her expression.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
You faced the shadows and didn’t let them break you.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
Most people can’t handle that.
Ariana stepped out of the pool, her body trembling but her resolve stronger than ever.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
So, does this mean you’ll join me?
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
*smirk* You’ve earned it, Princess. Let’s save Olympus—and Adrien.
Ariana nodded, her heart swelling with determination. She now had her team. Together, they would face whatever awaited them.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
Um... Do you guys have a change of clothes??
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
I didn't bring any as I was in a rush...
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*mumbling* Nor that I expected to dive in a icy cold pool in the middle of an underground dungeon...
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
Zynthar will lead you to your temporary room.
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
You will have clothes there.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*nodding* Thanks.
Ariana was about to leave, when her stomach growled.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*growl*
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
...
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
Umm...
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
I guess I'm a bit hungry too...
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*awkward*
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
...
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
*laughing*
Nyssa Haes / Daughter of Hades
After changing, meet us at the dinner hall!!!
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