Beyond the Flames Chapter 18

(PLEASE READ!)

Warning, the following material in this chapter has large amounts of violence, blood, dark psychological elements, and other disturbing factors. If you are weak of heart or stomach, or merely cannot handle brutality and horror I advise skipping the brunt of this chapter until you see in parentheses (TRIAL CONCLUSION). The author will NOT take responsibility for any nightmares or other problems that may ensue from Ebony's Trial, so please read at your own discretion. You have been warned.

This message is brought to you by CrimsonTide64, thank you.

Me (VelvetPersona): Uhhhh….Crimson? While I do appreciate you taking the time to write this, I do believe you may have over did it a little.

Crimson: *shrugs* You wanted me to help you and critique this chapter thoroughly, so I think this warning was necessary, don't you?

Me: Well, I do want to be safe, but…is it really THAT bad?

Crimson: Yes, it is, but it's a good bad. It sent cold chills through my body the further I read and I became deeply immersed in the horrendous atmosphere. My heart goes out to Ebony for what she had to endure both mentally and physically, but enough talk. I don't want to spoil anything. Just put this in your A/N and remember our agreement.

Me: Yeah, I got it, but I always wondered something…how come you never leave a review or visit my DA page? Not saying you have to, I'm only curious.

Crimson: I didn't think it mattered since I always tell you what I think by either calling or emailing you. Besides, I don't really want an account on either site, since I don't have enough free time to make use of them. If you want though, I could go back to each of your stories and give you an anonymous review for each chapter.

Me: No, it's fine. Like I said I was only curious. I appreciate you, you're a good friend, I'll talk to you later Crim, see ya.

Crimson: Yeah, see ya Velvet and don't forget.

Sorry for that everyone, I just thought I needed a warning of some kind for this chapter and Crim volunteered to write it. He's an old high school buddy of mine who recently got back from Rome. He majored in photography and was off taking pictures and stuff, he's pretty cool. Anyway, never had I imagined you all would stick with me through this series, especially this particular book because of its long progress period of over six months due to my writer's block and other problems. From the bottom of my heart thank you everyone. Now let me address a few questions from previous chapters that I forgot to do. First off, no I don't plan on bringing the Overlord into my series; the Agamemnon replaced him and the Stone Army in that aspect. Garmadon and the Serperntine are still the main antagonists as well. The pronunciation of Agamemnon is A-ga-mem-non those of you who studied Greek Mythology must know that he was the son of King Atreus and Queen Aerope of Mycenae, the brother of Menelaus, the husband of Clytemnestra as well the father of Iphigenia, Electra, Orestes and Chrysothemis. If you're still having trouble, just Google "how to say Agamemnon" and click on the first result. I just adore Greek names and that particular one stuck with me for some reason. My favorite ninja is Cole *sighs dreamily*. Kai and the other Ninja will not have Trials of their own because I fear that would appear kind of redundant, so I have something else in store for our beloved heroes. I think that about covers the questions so on with Ebony's Trial. Again, remember CrimsonTide64's warning. I'd hate to change the rating just for this one chapter, but I'll let you guys be the judge.

Please read and enjoy!

Chapter 17

(Ebony's POV)

As soon as we re-entered Ninjago my blood stirs and my hearts pumps furiously. I end my heartfelt kiss with Kai gradually knowing it may be the last one we share.

Mistress…

I ignore Oblivion for as long as I can and reach up to frame Kai's handsome face with my hands. Just once more I wish to gaze into those striking golden amber orbs and when he reveals them, I notice they are similar to the golden energy that dissipates around us.

"Ebony—"

"I do." I interrupt softly and Kai's brows knit together in confusion, so I reiterate myself.

"I do love you Kai. I just don't want to regret no telling you."

The embers ignite in passion and a true expression of happiness adorns his features. He then leans his forehead against mine, his gaze never wavering.

"I love you too and don't worry. They'll be plenty of times in the future when you can tell and express to me just how much."

I release a breathless laugh at his words before stepping away and leaving his arms completely. I show my back to him and peer up into the starless night sky. The moon seems coated in thick red blood; its silhouette spreads a blanket of dread and discord over Ninjago and its people.

This…is a full lunar eclipse…and soon…I will have to fight for my life.

"I recognize these canyons, we're in Willow's Gorge, but where is—"

"KAI, KAI, KAI COME IN! WE SEE YOU AND EBONY! CAN YOU HEAR ME!?" Kai is abruptly cut off by Jay's ecstatic voice emitting from his PMS, but I pay little attention to what was being said. My mind preoccupied with Oblivion's instructions and encouragement.

Mistress, wait near the edge of the cliff. Our…chariot should arrive shortly.

Chariot?

Actually, chariot is a rather poor description, but it's best if you simply wait and see.

I understand.

Pay close attention, Lord Diablos has never changed his Trial. It has been the same since the very first Master of Darkness. He will place you in a gauntlet against various opponents, it can be one-on-one or you versus twenty as I said it will vary. I have never seen his Trial reach a conclusion, so I do not know how many rounds you will have to go through, but also be aware that there is no grace period and your battleground will change after ever bout. Use everything including the environment to your advantage since you can best believe your foes will do the same. My Lord is crafty and unpredictable, so never lower your guard no matter what.

My faith in your abilities and skills is unyielding my Mistress, you are powerful the strongest of the Kunoichi and you have a profound gift given to you by your mother as well as your father. As I promised to you on the very first night of our meeting, I will be with you and lend my power and support while breath remains in you. Death will come to all one day Mistress of Darkness…don't let tonight be your time.

I cannot fathom why, but a smile curves on my lips as I pull up my mask and cover the lower half of my face. I reach slightly behind me and grasp the long tattered black scarf, bringing it up to my countenance and inhaling deeply. The scents of both my parents mingle together within the cloth, a mixture of burnt leather and exotic blossoms and oils.

Thank you Oblivion and you have my oath that the upcoming battles…will not be my last.

I will not die.

Good, because you still have a promise to fulfill do you not?

Yes, I must find my mother and possibly…my older brother, Grimfeld. I still have questions and I want answers.

A plethora of voices sound from behind me, however I don't turn to address them as they approach my position.

"I guess the PMS don't work while in supernatural places. We've been trying to get a hold of you guys for days to check and see how you were doing," Cole says with relief heavy in his voice.

"A lot has happened, but Ebony and I will discuss the details with you all later once we're settled back inside the Bounty, right Ebony?" Kai asks although it seems like his voice is distant like an echo from an elongated tunnel.

"Ebony?" He tries again. I can only focus though on the grand chasm below and to the mild disturbance of power surging from the left.

"He's coming," I whisper and the others behind me hear my words.

"Who's coming?" Jay questions in a mildly disturbed tone, "Ebony, what's going on?"

"Ebony, can you hear us?"

That voice is Ayane's…she sounds so worried. I'm glad she's my friend.

"Ane, let's go back to the Bounty, so you can tell me how the meeting with dad went, okay?"

Lloyd? No, you shouldn't be here…it's too dangerous and you are far from ready.

The surge of malevolent energy shifts and grows steadily. Can the others not sense this?

"Please, quiet everyone."

Such controlled wisdom can only belong to Zane.

"This lunar eclipse feels…different…ominous…it is not merely the shadow of the moon casting its red veil over the land. We are witnessing…a Blood Moon…."

"Could this be a sign of Ebony's Trial coming to pass?"

Sasha…she asked me if I could show her and the other Kunoichi where I got my ears pierced. I'll take them…one day.

"A bad omen, so then—"

Nya is cut short as the ground begins to quake and rumble menacingly. The earth beneath screams in rage as a titan-sized portal emerges from the gathered maleficent energy to my left.

I remain unperturbed by the shattered earth and watch the scene unfold.

The scream I heard before was not from the earth for the ground could never produce such an animalistic cry of power. Simultaneously, two colossal heads of ash-colored steeds emerge from the portal. Their poisonous flaring green eyes flow with tears of toxins as each open their jaws to give another gripping bellow. Soul wailing faces of torment from all creatures are twisted and woven inside their pitch black manes creating a sobbing symphony as each suffering expression choked out one pitiful howl after another.

With each thunderous step, more of their impressive ghastly bodies are revealed.

One, two, three, four, five, six…

Six legs each steed possessed, four forelegs and two hind legs. The groan of creaking chains deafened the atmosphere with their own sonata as the diseased bodies of the steeds trudged on through the expansive gorge and attached to their harness of polished bone and sinewy ligaments was a levitating island.

No…a coliseum…the towering structure is magnificent to say the least. Stretching forty-eight meters high and six acres across, it matches the detail and splendor of Vaspasian and Titus Ancient Roman Architecture. Lord Diablos must've been impressed by the long deceased Romans and decided to build his own to serve as the base for his Trials.

Of course…he had his own way in matter of décor. Skeletal remains of humans dangled from rusted chains around the coliseum, pass sinners perhaps or…pass Masters of Darkness? No, I realize that couldn't be it for some were fresh corpses, naked and exposed to the elements. Their skin rotting and peeling away slowly as they decompose…men, women, old, young…death expresses no discrimination. I know I have no time to wonder about the demise of the unfortunate before me and why Lord Diablos would display this gruesomeness like ornaments.

Oblivion, this is no chariot.

Yes, well…I did tell you it was a poor description, but never mind that. We must board with post haste for within those walls the God of Darkness himself resides, Lord Diablos.

"Holy shit," I hear Cole gasp out in uninhibited awe and wonder.

"W-What, no cannoli Mr. Leader?" Jay remarks with nervousness and disconcerted laughter.

I slowly start to back away from the cliff, my eyes trained on the enormous hanging chains encircling the uprooted earth and stone.

Interesting, to even get to my Trial will be a challenge.

"Lloyd, get back to the Bounty and stay with Sensei Wu. NOW!" Cole commands fiercely.

"No way Cole! I'm not being left behind again! If ane goes then I'm going too and you can't stop me!"

Rapid footfalls sound from behind me.

No Lloyd, no—

Now's your chance Mistress!

I refocus on my objective and take off in a powered sprint heading for the edge of the cliff.

"Ebony!"

"Lloyd!"

"Shit! Come on everyone hurry!"

Nearing the edge, I coil my leg muscles and leap towards one of the chains. I maneuver my body in a front flip to gain more distance and manage to obtain a foothold through one of the links. I don't stop however and continue to ascend the chain at a rapid pace until I reach the hardened earth.

The power within my body seems limitless as I easily make it unto even ground facing the foreboding gates of the massive coliseum. To my right are welcoming stone double doors and flanked on each side are torches burning with pale green fire. Inside I see a spiraling staircase leading to the upper levels, most likely where the audience were seated.

My instincts are telling me though that I must enter under the iron gates and travel through the darkened tunnel.

So I do.

As soon as I pass under the sharp points, the gate screeches down and closes behind me. Without flinching I stride on, never turning to look back. Not even when the sound of little fists bang on the iron bars…

"Ane, please come back alive! We're all rooting for you, so kick-ass and take names!"

"Language Lloyd, language. Ebony, go kick some ass!"

"Dammit Lloyd don't you ever do something like that again! Do you hear me!? Ebony, be careful!"

"Ebony, you better come back to me, to us! I refuse to let you die in there!"

"Guys look! I think we can enter through here!"

The voices fade to nothingness as the distance between me and my friends broadens until finally I am consumed on all sides by darkness.

My steps are noiseless over the dirt ground.

The only sounds forthcoming are the slight chime of my chains as I move.

"Finally, another approaches…"

"Perhaps she can free us…"

"We cannot rest…you must free us…"

"We are the fallen…we are trapped here…"

"You are strong…you are different…"

"Conquer the Trial and become our savior…"

Do you hear them Mistress? Do you hear the tortured whispers of the fallen Masters of Darkness? Within these stone walls their souls are forever trapped, never to be released to continue their long over do journey to Paradise…to freedom. They must remain here until one of their own completes Lord Diablos' Trial. Do you wish to help them?

Yes.

Then prepare yourself…we are here.

At once, the exit gate materializes a few yards ahead of me and the dirt ground flows smoothly into grainy sand. The dim light filtering through the egress gives sufficient luminosity and I can hear the beginnings of cheers as I near the gate. However, as I finally step through and leave the tunnel I realize the "cheers" were in fact blood-curdling screams of everlasting agony and pain.

I calmly scan my surroundings to gain my bearings; the arena itself is incredibly spacious. I continue to tread on what I realize now is black sand towards the middle of the arena. My audience is the appalling apparitions of the fallen Masters. Their ghostly forms disfigured and maimed in which were most likely the causes of their deaths.

Hundreds…thousands were seated, imprisoned here in the coliseum.

Split skulls, gouged eyes, severed limbs, and other horrific mutilations…this macabre has run a course of many millennia, but I will stop it tonight.

I will sever this endless chain of suffering.

Reaching the center, I stop and let my eyes take in my soon to be rumble zone until finally they lock on the immense…deity…seated on a black throne high in the upper level balcony.

This is…

The divine being lifts a white-clawed hand bound in white bindings and chains silencing the cries of anguish instantly. The hand lowers back to the armrest parallel to its counterpart and the claws begin to rap along the surface. The steady clicking creates vibrations of restlessness through the ambiance and try as I might, I am not able to get a clear glimpse of what exactly is sitting on that black throne for the face of the individual is shrouded in darkness, but what I do know is that this is undeniably Lord Diablos.

Etched into a black thickly muscled chest are jagged scars of devious green, were they wounds? Or were they simply part of his being? A necklace of a variety of skulls adorns his neck proudly and within the swirling miasma of gloom three pale green eyes emerge as the God of Shadows leans forward.

The head of a bull, the body of a man…

A thick silver loop pierced through his nostrils and two more hugged each of his white horns protruding from the sides of his head. His third most enlarged eye lay nestled in between his horns on his forehead. The pupil contracted resembling the eye of a cat or snake's, periodically a thin flap of skin would shield the eye and I deduce this act is a form blinking.

His countenance expresses ecstasy as all three eyes settle on me and the wide twisted smile he gives freezes my blood.

When he speaks the tenor is deep with wet guttural and resounds throughout the arena carrying a lasting echo of presentiment as I listen intently.

"The Universe is a yawning chasm, filled with barrenness and the puerile meanderings of sentience. So you have finally discovered who and what you really are. The road has been difficult and taxing, smothering your mentality with qualms regarding your future…if you even have one that is. Let us see if you have the caliber to achieve what the others could not or…will you let your friends and younger brother see you get torn asunder before their very eyes. Know that if you fail…not only will they suffer and perish, but everyone else you hold dear to you will as well…Gabriel, Ophelia…all of them will die."

"What?"

Lord Diablos then gestures to his left to the neighboring balcony.

Oh God…

There they all were, Kai, my friends, Lloyd. All of them were struggling against their restraints, but I could hear none of their voices.

The God of Darkness laughs cruelly and snaps his fingers, revealing two portals each containing Gabriel and Sister Ophelia.

Gabriel is happily playing with the other children in Alto Park. His complexion is healthy and his spirit bright while Sister Ophelia keeps a watchful eye over the children, a serene smile gracing her wise features.

"No, they have nothing to do with this!" I exclaim vehemently, but my lord merely chuckles at my disparagement.

"On the contrary, they have everything to do with this, Cereza."

Calm yourself Mistress, remember your promise.

I heed Oblivion's words and try to quell my raging emotions and reach the detachment I once had. I have to remain calm; I can't let my feelings get the best of me.

I have to survive this, so that they may live.

The deity leans back once more, obscuring his face. Only his flaring acid eyes are visible as they pierce through my soul.

"Keep me entertained half-breed, I look forward to your display of might and resolve."

The creaking of a gate rising draws my attention ahead of me to the opposite side of the arena and from its mouth deep-throated growls and snarls could be heard.

The sturdy walls surrounding the arena suddenly eject six-inch bloody spikes, but the black sand remains underfoot.

I hurriedly unsheathe my sais and settle into my battle stance just in time to see a ferocious three-headed dog-like monstrosity barrel towards me on all fours. Each of its large heads baring yellowed fangs aggressively as it charges me.

Mistress, you must conserve your energy. Do not prolong each fight; end them as quickly as you can, so strike with precision.

I tightened my grip on my sais as the Cerberus nears, its jaws gaping wide. I engage the creature and leap over it while keeping my eyes trained on the heads. The head on the right reacts and turns upward to attempt to take a bite out of my left arm, but it misses. I counter with a strike to its exposed left eye and impale the organ deeply. It roars in rage as I yank my weapon back and land on its rump then kick off, gaining enough distance to avoid the brutal retaliation from its long muscled tail.

It doubles back swiftly, the left head firing a volley of dark energy in my direction.

Hmph…really…

I cross my sais in front of me and parry, deflecting each shot back at my opponent. As the last orb hits its mark the Cerberus is left stunned as all three heads recoil then lower to the ground.

I dash assertively towards it as it sways on its legs in vertigo. I attack the right head first, thrusting both of my sais through its cranium until the tips pierce through the mandible. With a grunt of strength, I utilize every muscle in my body to pull and lift the massive beast then slam it on the ground exposing its underbelly. During its decent I manage to rip my sais from their imprisonment, slicing clean through the right head.

Dark crimson floods onto the black sand.

The remaining heads try to grip me in their powerful incisors, narrowly missing my legs as I jump onto its stomach. It thrashes violently in its effort to throw me off and right itself, however I don't give it the chance.

A large heart beats underneath the balmy flesh and fur, provoking me to stop its pumps of blood flow to the rest of the body. I stab my left sai into the torso to steady myself and use my right to repeatedly puncture the organ. The amount of blood is startling as it spurts forth like a fountain and splashes my face.

The Cerberus continues to writhe underneath me and bellow angrily, but soon the flaying limbs grow tired until they stop moving all together. A pitiful whimper is the last sound the beast makes before the eternal sleep claims it.

I jump off the corpse as a dark mist consumes it, my suit drenched in blood as I whirl around back towards the gate of the opposition.

The black sand evaporates and multiple steel poles erupt from the dirt ground all around me. The dark mist returns in the vicinity of the poles then dissipate leaving man-size tarantulas in their wake. The enlarged arachnids shuffle around restlessly and attempt to crawl towards me, but can't.

I then notice the heavy chains attached to the poles linking to the abdomens of the nightmarish creatures.

My attention reverts back to the gate as the pounding of hooves sound from the dark pits.

The lower bodies are that of goats while the upper are human…satyrs.

Curved horns protruded from their helmed heads and thin armored plating lined their torsos. Each wielded a seven-foot long double-edged staff that could easily rip me to shreds if I wasn't careful.

Many of the tarantulas tried to spit their venom at the passing goat men although their efforts were in vain.

Hmm…

The armored satyrs were advancing quickly, for safety measures and assistance I summoned two of my doppelgangers to flank me. I give them an amble amount of my dark essence to grant them more durability.

This is going to be difficult, but I must prevail, I thought as I see one of my adversaries spin their staff expertly.

The leading satyr performs a spinning corkscrew flip over my head and lands behind me. I pay him no mind however as one of my shadow doubles intercept him. The heavy clang of steel upon platinum sounds in my ears as a deadly struggle goes on behind me and for a flash of a second I hear Jay's voice within my mind.

"You and I don't have much reach with our weapons so we have to move in quickly to those who do."

Yes, I know.

I duck under another satyr's concentrated thrust and close in within my own attack range.

"Once you see that sweet opening of vulnerability, take the opportunity to lay the smack down!"

My eyes narrow fiercely as I zero in on the exposed abdominal area and fire rapid stabs in quick succession, making sure to jab deep enough to puncture the large and small intestines.

"You got it Ebony, just like that."

The satyr flinches back and presses a clawed hand to his bloody abdomen, then collapses to his knees falling over onto the ground…dead.

A jet stream of wind captures my focus to the left and I turn my head just in time to see another bladed-staff come down on me. The resounding clash and eruption of golden sparks jolts me as my second doppelganger blocks the attack from hitting me. My shadow then pushes back, causing the satyr's weapon to get knocked up over his head. I then take the initiative to charge as my opponent stumbles away and run up his body. I press all of my weight on his chest and kick off performing a back flip from my momentum. Upon landing, I glance up to see the satyr fall back further into the reach of one of the tarantulas.

The arachnid pounces and sinks it venom-coated fangs deep into the satyr's neck.

No need to worry about him anymore.

I turn to the final satyr left. My first shadow double was still keeping him busy, so me and my second rush to help.

One of the arachnids releases their toxic spew at us, but my double shields me from the projectile with its body and dissipates.

I push on, nearing my last enemy as he impales my last double with his staff which results in its evaporation as well. Before he can turn and engage me though I leap up and impale the small uncovered area below his helmet into the side of his neck.

I land gracefully on my feet and walk away knowing there is no need to look back.

The crashing sound of a body hitting the earth is proof of this.

A booming laugh sounds from above me however I keep my focus on the dark opening of the gate.

"Encore, encore!" Lord Diablos crows merrily and even claps as well. "Such elegant savagery you possess half-breed, but this Trial is far from over!"

I take steady deep breaths to obtain my second wind. Unfortunately, my body protests in my attempts to recover. Adrenaline can only lasts so long before crippling exhaustion sets in, not to mention my lack of sleep.

Mistress, you must be strong!

A thunderous cry from above nearly shatters my eardrums and I try to block the sound by covering my ears. My head feels like its splitting apart and nausea clenches my stomach as my vision swims. Another scream emits from the sky and I collapse to my knees when I feel warm liquid seep and drip from my ears.

I'm then jerked from the ground by my arms and lifted into the dark heavens. My breath comes out in ragged pants while my eyes settle on the razor-sharp talons that grip me. My head feels heavy, but I manage to look up to see what was keeping me captive.

The grotesque face of a balding woman meets my gaze. The rows of shark-like teeth open as the creature releases another high-pitched screech before throwing me through the air at ground-breaking velocity.

I am caught though by another set of talons, the sudden halt of movement however causes me to experience sever whiplash and I spit out the gathered blood from my mouth.

Feathers and rain pelt me as I'm lifted higher and time itself seems to slow as I pass the view of Kai and the others…

All of them…were struggling…to break free…

Their eyes wide in disbelief…and terror…and anger…

Was it just the rain…or was Ayane…crying…for me…

They will die…if I die…I can't…

My body is being swung again…it's preparing to throw me…this…harpy.

I can't…I won't…

"I WILL SURVIVE!" I scream with renewed energy, feeling my dark power surge ecstatically within me.

I finally have my second wind.

The harpy hurls me across the atmosphere and I just know I'm heading back towards the original thrower. I curl myself up into a ball and let my darkness cover me in a sphere, my mother's amulet pulsates in deep beats of crimson and I catch glimpses of spikes erupt from the sphere's outer shell. At the speed I'm traveling, I hit the other harpy with a sickening crack resulting in its bones to splitter and shatter within its body.

I dispel my power and get a rebound from the fallen Masters as they launch me back towards my other soon to be victim. I quickly form what I now call "The Devil's Sphere" and slam into my prey savagely.

Not needing another rebound, I dispel my power once more and use my Spinjitzu to decelerate and control my fall to the ground.

I touch down in a crouch, thankful that the tarantulas are gone and slowly stand back up.

I peer into the darkened depths once more and ready myself for combat as a rhythmic gallop of hooves careen towards me from the tunnel.

More satyrs…?

The rain continues to fall in an intense shower darkening my suit, but refreshing me all the same. Hard stone forms underneath and turbulent winds arouse the bleak environment, the crack of heavy voltage shocks the ground sporadically causing small tremors to tingle up my legs and immobilize me.

Shit, this may be a problem.

Though the affects are only temporary they could cause my death in a moment of crisis, I thought as I keep on listening to the growing sound of the hoof beats.

My heart nearly stops when my next opponent finally emerges from the abyss.

A majestic stallion…as dark night…gallops stalwartly into the arena. Blazing eyes of blood stare dangerously at me while white miasma constantly seeps from the horse's powerful neck and hindquarters creating its mane and tail. The white poisonous emanation swamped the stone surface as each hoof landed, leaving clouds of the merciless fumes behind it.

The rattle of silver chains ricochet from its harness and peerless silver saddle directly to my heart. What was most baffling though…was that there was no rider.

Mistress, evade!

I'm thrust out of my shellshock as the stallion plows directly into me. I scream as I feel my right shoulder dislocate from the impact and I land with a painful tumble on the hard stone floor. I grit my teeth and close my eyes with a wince, lying on my side.

Get up Mistress, get up! The beast will surely come again!

The pain is excruciating as I struggle to get to my knees and stand. I finally manage though as the wickedly beautiful stallion turns in a trot to glare at me once more.

"Something *pant* is not right. What is this I feel from you?"

The charger stops and snorts aggressively, throwing its head back and toeing the ground with a heavy hoof.

Something clusters in my blood and begs me to reach out to this…kindred spirit…this…Agamemnon.

"What has happened to you? Why are you in that form?" I gasp out and take a tortured step towards him.

Another shock of voltage quakes the ground and halts my advance, but I can still speak.

"No, you can't make me do it. I won't fight you."

I straighten my posture as best I can and release my hold on my platinum weapons, hearing them collide with the ground with a metal ring.

I raise my left arm and gesture for him to come to me.

"Please, tell me your story. I am more than willing to listen."

The stallion stands on it hind legs with an earth-shattering neigh and thunders towards me at a blinding speed.

I close my eyes with a single thought.

This is not right…

I hear the pounding of the hooves near, I sense the resonance of power from the muscled body, but in spite of the danger…my mind and heart are clear.

The silky essence of a weathered soul glides through me and I feel no pain when I open my eyes.

I stand in a fog of white miasma and turn to the stallion as he stops and turns himself. His glare is no longer filled with hatred only despair and sorrow. Regardless, he marches towards me on dominant hooves and his attitude screams supremacy. He halts within arm's reach of me and lowers his head to my right shoulder with his mouth agape. He grips it tightly in his jaws and I search that red flaring eye quickly to make sense of his intentions.

I nod in understanding and take a single deep breath. In a quick jerk my shoulder pops back in the socket and white hot pain shoots through my body. I reign in my scream of agony with discipline and mutter a gracious "thank you" to the steed.

"My name…is Noctis. I am...a traitor to the late King Barbados and a deserter of the Agamemnon. And you…you are the child of Queen Karliah, Princess Cereza."

The soothing alto of the stallion caresses my heart and I place a trembling wet hand on his black muzzle.

"Yes…I suppose I am," I say softly.

"Your tenacity is remarkable half-breed. I just knew you would get this far."

Lord Diablos' voice sounds from behind, so I turn back and look up to face him. His countenance is visible once more as he leans forward and places his chin atop of his folded claws with a crooked smile.

"Alas, your spirit still holds that juvenile delinquency that you keep trying so desperately to get rid of and it will be the death of you. You are that same insecure violent child you were back at the orphanage."

"No, I have changed!" I shout up to him with conviction.

"Really?" He replies skeptically, "Are you so certain?"

And with a snap of his fingers, my vision goes black.

Grass…soft grass is against my cheek.

I open my eyes in a daze and sit up on my knees. Cool spring gales stroke my hair and rustle my fringe gently and my eyes widen as I take in my surroundings.

Somehow…I am at the small playground behind Starlight Orphanage.

How did I—

Choked sobs interrupt my thoughts. I get to my feet and follow the sound with a sense of dread.

No, there's no way…not back here.

Giddy children with playful smiles run past me, some even through me as I continue to let my feet guide my body to the source of that heart-wrenching crying.

I turn the corner to the side of the building, already knowing what I would find.

A little girl with snow white hair, light bronze skin, and russet garnet eyes was being held by the top of her shirt by a slightly older boy. Liquid tears stream down her face as the boy yells insult after insult at her.

"You're worthless!"

"You ain't nothing, but a evil witch!"

"Nobody will ever adopt you because you're ugly!"

The little girl's moist eyes narrow in anger and her teeth clench together tightly. The blood red amulet hooked on one of the loops of her shorts glows furiously and the boy lets go of her as he's thrown back by an unseen force.

My body begins to shake as the little girl climbs on top of the fallen boy and proceeds to hit him with her tiny rage-driven fists again…and again.

She doesn't stop…not even when she breaks his nose and blood stains her knuckles. The boy thrashes and shouts wildly for her to desist and cries out for help. Terrified children suddenly crowd around the pair, but none offer assistance to the little boy…they were just too scared of the little girl…of me.

A faceless nun appears and grabs the little girl off the little boy. She bucks and kicks uncontrollably against her captor, screaming for the nun to let her go…that she wasn't finished.

I fall to my knees and grip my head as more voices bombard my mind.

"She is a little monster; she will kill us all one day if we don't dispose of her now!"

"We must isolate her and make sure does not corrupt any of the other children!"

No….

"Whatever demon abandoned her, their tainted blood courses through her veins!"

"Punish her!"

"Beat her!"

"Oppress her!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

I scream in utter devastation and fury. My eyes squeeze shut, but the tears escape regardless. The final thump of my heart paralyzes me and I grip my chest as it beats no more. I snap open my eyes in shock as I drop forward, the soft grass welcomes my cheek once more as I stare into nothingness.

"You have not changed Cereza. Your past pain and torment still darkens your heart and you placed fortified shields of stoicism and indifference to protect yourself, but only for a short time. Your savage rage eats away at you since you cannot truly let go of the past, however don't fret. You'll die here…and in death…you will finally…be free…"

Yes…release me…freedom…at last…

My eyelids grow heavy; it's a burden to keep them aloft.

I shall succumb…to the darkness…

…

…

…

"Ebony, you are doing so well in your studies. I'm proud of you…"

…Sister Ophelia…?

"Hahahahah! Okay, okay I give up ane! I'll eat my broccoli just please stop tickling me!"

"*cough cough* Wow Ebony, you're really strong. Do you think you can teach me some moves when I get better?"

…Lloyd…Gabriel…

"I shall teach you how to meditate Ebony. Trust me…it will soothe any troubled heart."

"You know Ebony, when you chip away at the cold exterior you're a really warm softy inside."

"So that's how you defeated that female Serpentine. Huh, I'm sure glad you're on our side."

…Zane…Jay…Cole…

"I love your sense of fashion Ebony. Yeah, I just know we'll have a great "Girls Day Out"."

"Well lookey here…it seems like the Pros outnumber the Cons huh? So you do like my brother! So cute, you're blushing!"

"I-I'm so flattered that you admire me so much Ebony, but come on look at you! Beauty, Brains, and Brawn the three great B's that every woman strives to have and you got them all!"

…My…sisters…

"My niece, why do you think ninja prevail in darkness?...No, not just because of the cover it provides, but because we become one with the darkness. It becomes an extension of us, you must always remember to travel in the darkness, never live in it."

…Uncle…Wu…

"This may sound a bit cliché and corny, but…Ebony, I think you're beautiful and I promise to never ever hurt you. That is…if you'll give me the chance…to love you."

Kai…I…I…

Do you truly believe Lord Diablos's words, Mistress? Did every experience you went through up until now amount to nothing in aid of your growth? Hahahaha…such a silver tongue our lord has, hmm?

…Yes Oblivion, you're right. How could I believe such folly? True, my childhood was painful, but it was Sister Ophelia that kept encouraging me to be strong, to succeed, to look towards a brighter future. So I persevered and then I met Gabriel, the one child that wasn't afraid of me regardless of the rumors he heard. Then…I met them. The Ninja, the Kunoichi, my uncle, my little brother, and my father…they all helped me to grow and learn how to trust again.

I have changed…and I am better…because of them.

I will not live in darkness…only travel through it.

I awaken abruptly from my comatose state and quickly look around me.

Rain drenched me from above and the stone cold floor of the arena greets my vision.

I swallow and suck in numerous breaths to calm my rapidly beating heart.

Another evasion of death, but I know it still lingers while I remain here.

"Princess Cereza, are you alright!?"

Noctis nudges me with his snout and I reach up to pet his muzzle tenderly, leaning my head slightly against him.

"Yes, I'm fine now," I reassure breathlessly and use him as leverage to rise to my feet.

"Yes, perhaps you really are the one to conquer my Trial half-breed. Prepare yourself for the final round."

Wha-?

"Princess, get on my back quickly!"

Without hesitation, I abide to Noctis' terse order and mount the silver saddle.

I grip the black leather reigns securely as the ground shifts underneath, deep white snow instantly covers the floor and the rain is replaced by a brumal blizzard.

"Oblivion!" I summon the sais back to me and they reappear sheathed in my chain belt.

Noctis grunts loudly and starts to gallop with ease through the high snow. A beastly roar sounds from underneath, creating mass seismic shocks.

Stardust sprays everywhere as a large white centipede-like monster erupts from the snow.

Ah shit…

I will Noctis to run faster to out-distance the gaping circular rows of menacing teeth; the creature bellows its frustration at Noctis' speed then tunnels back underground.

Oblivion, what am I suppose to do!? I can't have Noctis run around in circles forever!

Then have him fight with you, Mistress!

How do you propose I do tha—

"I hope the bastard appears in front of me," Noctis growls heatedly while keeping his brisk gallop. "Whether he does or doesn't though, channel your energy and attack from afar, Princess!"

"Yes, I understand," I reply with a nod once my surprise wore off. The ground quakes again and the abomination charges us dead-on.

"BRING IT!" Noctis and I shout in unison.

White miasma shoots forth ferociously and I gather my power and release it as well towards the beast's gaping jaws. White swirls with black, merging together to produce an unstoppable attack.

Yellowish blood spurts forth from our joint attack and Noctis swerves to the left to evade the snapping jaws of carnage as it passes.

"That definitely hurt hi—"

Noctis neighs in surprise as the worm's spiked tail collides with us, tripping the black stallion and sending me flying into the cold air. The pain from the bombardment sends my mind reeling, nevertheless I try to see through the dense fog.

A spray of snow hits my masked face and I look down to see myself falling towards the waiting mouth of the monstrosity.

No…

Its sickly yellowish blood still flows heavily from the corners of its mouth, but I cannot gather my energy fast enough to attack.

My vision fades to darkness once again as I am swallowed.

….

….

….

….

…Ugh…what is this…burning sensation…? Am I being…digested…?

…My body…refuses…to move…suffocation…my lungs…I can't breathe…!

…I can't die…not when I've come so far…!

Yes, an ending such as this is unbecoming of an Agamemnon. Wouldn't you agree my daughter?

That voice…m-mother?!

Repeat this incantation out loud and let your Aga blood do the rest. I hope to see you soon my beloved Cereza…

Mother! Please wait, don't leave me!

Words of power appear in my mind and I open my mouth to recite them.

"Demon of Darkness, Demon of Shadow I summon you from the Abyss to bestow upon my left hand the power of Night!"

I could feel my body changing…morphing to a more complex anatomy while my left hand throbbed in raw dark power.

"Fiend of Day, Fiend of Sun, I summon you from the Void to bestow upon my right hand the power of Fire, the power of Light!"

My chest burned for precious oxygen, but I gasp the final words of my mother's spell while my right hand ignites brilliantly with deadly white fire.

"Demon of Black, Fiend of White, Power of Day, Power of Night, combine to send my foe back to Hell!"

I bring my claws together to complete the incantation and the magnitude of power overwhelms my senses. Crippling the innards of my final opponent, the creature explodes from the inside and I inhale the wonderful air, filling my lungs once more.

(TRIAL CONCLUSION)

A warm sticky substance coats my body as I stand to my full height. The sky rains blood and body parts of the creature, but those elements don't matter once I look down at myself.

Bronze clawed hands and I could feel the strength in my back, the fangs in my mouth. I brought my sensitive wings in my line of sight, mesmerized by their unique beauty. I also caught a glimpse of the scythe blade near the end of my tail as it seems to move with a mind of its own. My ninja attire is gone as well. In its place dark silver silk garments adorn my body, the figure-hugging skirt is long and brushes against my ankles and the edges are emblazoned with the language of my people.

"Drume hein ghul struga dore. Nus struga sem durrah."

The meaning is…"Family is everything. Everything is family."

Similar to my ninja garb, a silver linked chain belt encircles my waist sheathing my sais, but the end simply drops down the middle of my skirt. In addition, my left arm is completely covered by a long sleeve attached to my low-cut top, but my right arm is completely exposed all the way up to my shoulder, revealing my birthmark. Silver bracelets embrace my wrists and I could tell my feet were bare as well as I feel the comfortable weight of snug anklets. My hair was still in its braid however my fringe was pulled back, leaving only a few strands to fall and obstruct my left eye. Finally, my mother's amulet decorated my neck connected to a platinum chain and nestled cunningly in my cleavage.

"Princess…" I turn at the sound of Noctis' low whisper and watch as he approaches me with wide flaring crimson eyes. "You…You look so much like the queen in her younger days. Milady, will you allow me to serve you? I will gladly follow you anywhere and share with you the secrets of my own past."

"Of course Noctis," I respond with a nod, but hastily cover my mouth with my hand in astonishment when I notice the strange thick accent my voice now carries. I didn't notice the change when I spoke the language of the Agamemnon…now though…

I peer up at the clear night sky. The snow and frost had vanished, leaving the air crisp and serene. The lunar eclipse had also run its course, the Blood Moon was no more only the peerless white colored its surface.

"Thank you…"

"Thank you so much…"

"We are eternally in your debt…"

"You have our gratitude…"

"At last we are free…"

"Thank you…Master of Darkness…"

A soft smile lights my face as the fallen Masters' souls are lifted and in a flash of white radiance they transform from the ghastly apparitions into shining balls of light.

"Go now…continue your journey to paradise and finally be at peace my brethren."

Suddenly, my mother's power disperses within me and my body reverts back to its original form.

Your mother's blood is still new to you. Give it time and you may be able to stay in your Aga form for longer durations.

Yes, I understand and thank you Oblivion. I would have surely died without your assistance tonight.

No Mistress of Darkness…I only played a miniscule role in your survival for it was you who fought valiantly against impossible odds. Now pay close attention, Lord Diablos is about to speak.

I lift my head to the upper level balcony at the God of Darkness.

"Hmph…" With a snap of his fingers, my friends and family are free. They jump from their imprisonment and land in front of me. Kai is the first to recover and sprints towards me and I run towards him.

The joy and elation I feel is unparalleled to anything I've felt before. I pull down my mask and he throws back his hood, the fire in his eyes burn the brightest at night. He envelops me in his arms and completely lifts me off the ground in a fierce hug. After a brief time, he places me back on the floor, but doesn't relinquish his strong hold.

"Kai…"

"Damn it woman, damn it…," he whispers in a shaky voice and cups the back of my head. "I couldn't do anything…not a damn thing to help you. I've never been so scared or felt so powerless. You almost died…numerous times and no matter how loud or how much I shouted…I knew my voice could never reach you."

"No, that's where your wrong Kai," I whisper tenderly and he pulls back a bit to look into my eyes. "I did hear your voice. I heard all of your voices and you all pulled me back from the void of death."

Kai's golden amber eyes glisten, but no tears fall as he frames my face with his hands. Our faces slowly inch towards each other and my eyes flutter close. The kiss between us is short of perfect, brimming with love and passion that could stand the test of time.

My Trial has reached its conclusion, but my journey…no…our journey is far from over.

THE END