---
After returning from the Shadow Realm, Chirag, Siya, and Kael were quiet. They had stopped a great danger, but all of them felt something had changed. The world seemed the same on the outside—bright skies, peaceful lands, laughter in the air—but deep inside, Chirag knew something wasn't right.
The shadow version of himself hadn't just been a creation of the Forgotten One. It was a part of him—a hidden fear, born from years of pain and doubt. And while he had faced it, it had left behind a scar.
---
A Cracking Sky
One morning, as the three rested near the edge of the Flame Valley, Kael pointed to the sky. "Look!"
Everyone looked up. The sky had a thin crack—like glass splitting slowly. At first, it was barely visible. But with each hour, it widened. Strange purple clouds swirled near it, and sparks of dark lightning flickered.
"It wasn't fully sealed," Chirag whispered. "The Forgotten One's prison… it's still damaged."
Siya took his hand. "Then we fix it. We always do."
But something felt different this time. Chirag could sense it—this wasn't just about the Forgotten One. This was something bigger. Something older.
---
A Message from the Stars
That night, while the others slept, Chirag stood alone and looked at the stars. One of them pulsed brightly—then blinked out.
Suddenly, a figure of light appeared in front of him. It was not human, demon, or ruler. It was something… celestial.
"I am Lyrielle," the figure said in a voice that echoed like music. "I come from the Realm Beyond Realms."
Chirag stared, unsure whether to be afraid or amazed. "What are you?"
"I am a Star Keeper. We protect the balance of the cosmos. And you, Chirag, have disturbed something ancient."
Chirag's heart skipped. "I was only protecting my world…"
"Yes," Lyrielle said. "But when you merged the Eternal Flame with the Demon Core, you unlocked the Seal of Unity. That seal was never meant to be touched."
"What does that mean?"
"It means the door between worlds is now thin. And something is coming."
---
A Gathering of the Guardians
The next morning, Lyrielle appeared before the whole group. More beings of light arrived with her—each one glowing differently. They introduced themselves as Guardians of the Realms—each from a different dimension.
One came from the Realm of Time. Another from the Realm of Dreams. Another from the Realm of Death.
Siya, Kael, Chirag, and the others listened as Lyrielle spoke.
"The Forgotten One was only a part of the greater danger. There is a force known as the Void Maker, a being that was erased from all memories. Even the gods fear it."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Then why is it coming now?"
"Because the cracks are open," Lyrielle answered. "Because someone from your world… is helping it."
Chirag and Siya looked at each other.
"Who?" Chirag asked.
Lyrielle shook her head. "We do not know the traitor. But they wear many faces. They may already be among you."
---
The Return of Old Allies
News of the coming danger spread fast. Old allies returned to help.
The Phoenix Queen from the Skylands came with her firebirds.
The Ice Wolf Clan of the Northern Glacier sent warriors.
Even the mysterious Treefolk of the Silent Forest, who hadn't spoken in centuries, came with gifts of protection.
"Looks like a real army now," Kael joked, but his smile was weak.
Despite their strength, everyone could feel the tension.
Something was near.
---
The Shaking of the World
That night, the earth shook.
Mountains cracked.
Rivers changed direction.
And from the crack in the sky, a dark beam of energy shot down into the center of the world.
The Forgotten One's voice echoed across the land:
"You sealed my prison, but the door has been broken. The Void Maker comes. And I… will lead it."
Siya fell to her knees, holding her head. The energy was too strong. Chirag rushed to her.
"I'm okay," she whispered. "But that voice… it was trying to enter my mind."
Kael gripped his sword. "We need to go to the center. Now."
---
The Journey to the Core
The "center of the world" was a place not marked on any map. It was called The Origin Point—a place where all elements were born. Fire, water, earth, wind, light, darkness, even spirit—they all began here.
Chirag, Siya, Kael, and Lyrielle's team of Guardians prepared for the journey. It would take three days through the Ruins of Echoes and then across the Sea of Silence.
On the way, they saw more signs—the sun was rising later and setting sooner. The stars moved differently. Animals ran in the wrong direction. Time was bending.
"This is worse than we thought," Kael said.
Lyrielle nodded. "If the Origin Point is corrupted, it will affect all realms. Magic, nature, time—everything will collapse."
---
A Sudden Attack
On the second night, while camping in the Ruins of Echoes, a blast of black energy struck their camp. Shadows rose from the ground—figures wearing masks of glass and cloaks of ash.
"The Void Followers," Lyrielle shouted. "Protect the Flamebearer!"
Chirag grabbed his sword, and the battle began.
These creatures were fast—faster than anything they had fought before. They moved like smoke, hit like thunder.
Kael was wounded.
Siya unleashed her shadow daggers, slicing through them with fury.
Chirag tapped into his Eternal Flame, his body glowing. "Back off!" he shouted, creating a ring of fire that pushed the shadows away.
Then, a voice came from the darkness:
"I see you, Chirag. Soon, I'll see through you."
And with that, the shadows vanished.
---
A Memory Lost
After the fight, Kael was healed, but something was wrong with Chirag.
He sat by the fire, quiet. Too quiet.
Siya walked over. "Chirag? What's wrong?"
He looked up, confused. "Do I… know you?"
Siya froze. "What?"
"I know your face, but I don't know why you matter."
Lyrielle stepped forward. "They've started to erase you. The Void Maker's power is memory. If it removes your past… it can control your future."
---
A Choice Ahead
Siya held Chirag's hand tightly. "Then I'll remind you every day. Even if you forget me, I'll never forget you."
Kael sat beside them. "We've been through everything together. This won't break us."
Chirag looked at them both. Deep inside, something warm stirred—like a flame refusing to die.
"I don't know why," he whispered, "but I trust you."
They looked at the stars, knowing the end was coming closer. But they were ready to fight, together.
---