The group moved over to the edge of the forest after they ensured no other entities were there that could harm anybody. Ariah's aquatic clone went to the entrance and started slowly heading into the dark shadows of the trees. A very slight glow from the two moons managed to pass through the density of the forest plants, but the twins were so used to it that nothing felt too dark for them.
Nestled on the outskirts of Starch, beyond the tranquil farmlands and winding dirt roads, lay the foreboding embrace of the dark forest. Its canopy, a dense tapestry of ancient trees, loomed overhead, casting an eerie shadow that seemed to swallow the sunlight whole. Towering oak and elm trees, their gnarled branches reaching skyward like skeletal fingers, created a natural barrier between the town and the unknown depths within.
Venturing deeper into the forest, the air grew thick with a damp, earthy scent, mingled with the faint aroma of decaying leaves and moss. Shafts of sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow upon the forest floor, where tangled roots snaked across the ground like twisted serpents.
Within this shadowy realm, the undergrowth teemed with life, an intricate web of ferns, brambles, and creeping vines that seemed to writhe and twist with a life of their own. A chorus of unseen creatures filled the air with their melodic sounds, a cacophony of chirps, rustles, and distant calls that echoed through the dimly lit woods.
"Alright, now that the clone made its way in, I want every rogue to line up equally. When my hand points to the woods, you go, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Elias said assertively. The rogues nodded their heads once, Elias' hand slashed towards the darkness of the forest. The rogues darted off with a will to win for once, but there was one rogue who stayed back. "Hey, you're supposed to go now, '' Elias said to the man.
"Yeah, I know, I'm strategizing, and I'm going to win. You twins probably never have noticed me here in town, I'm quiet, shy and don't care for festivities. However, I'm finally feeling a sense of urgency to use my powers for the safety of this town. My name is Rokas Aros, descendant of the creator to the Aros Isles south of Saintsland. Ariah, Elias, my research and predictions are showing that a major change to the world is bound to happen, I wish to join you in making that happen. Casting Nightshade Cloak." Rokas said as he became one with the darkness, his form almost glitching and fading into nothingness.
The twins were staring at each other, Ariah still had to focus on the mana of her clone. About 10 minutes had passed and she felt her mana pulse getting weaker, she was running out quickly. With her perspective becoming that of the clone, she was using the agility form of the clone to run vertically up trees, perfect dives, and far leaps to escape the rogues whilst they chased her. Thinking she was safe in a tree branch, a throwing knife pierced the clone's shoulder, going in and out the other side, this damaged the mana focus Ariah had. However, she would manage to instantaneously jump from the branch and into the darkness once again, evading her attacker. Then suddenly, while running, Rokas revealed himself and slashed into the clone, dissipating the form of the clone completely.
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"Ariah, are you o..." Elias was asking before Ariah fell to her knees.
"Elias, he got the clone already, I can see what my clone was seeing, Rokas got my clone so quickly, I couldn't even see the others. There is something different about him, being a descendant of the Aros family must be a big deal to mages. They erected the islands by pure magic will, we need his help, at least I do, bad. Alright, I’m exhausted, that’s that." she would say while taking deep breaths.
The rogues all came out and circled the twins, Rokas was standing alongside as if nothing phased him. "It seems we have a winner, a long time member of Starch who goes by the name of Rokas. Would you please step forward." Elias said while staring directly at him. "Rokas, you have won the prize which will be presented to you tomorrow. Everybody, Ariah was examining your performances and we both agree that you have come a long way since we have started the training. Your movement has gotten a lot better, and we even saw that Charles of Dockton managed to damage the clone, you almost won until the clone got away, good job. I want everybody to meet us tomorrow for brunch at the tavern, we have a large announcement to make."
Everybody made their way to their homes or their temporary beds, but Ariah, Elias, and Rokas stayed back to talk. "Look, I'm sorry if I scared or worried you guys, but what I was saying wasn't false. I need your help as much as you need mine. I am grateful that you guys turned out to be who I was hoping you'd be, Starch is going to be well protected now. However, you two can not, and I mean it when I say can not stay here for much longer. The world is shifting and a great power has caused unruly things to happen. I understand you two are awaiting your parents arrival, but we need to set off and settle some serious world changing matters. Who knows, this may bring you to your parents sooner, what do you say? Wanna talk about it more while heading home?" Rokas asked the twins.
"By all means, let's do it! I'm ready for adventure and I believe Starch will do well here. We shall make the announcement tomorrow at brunch, reward you with your prize, and start getting ready for our endeavors." Elias replied. The three set off for their homes, knowing it may be one of the last nights sleeping there. This stirred up many emotions for the twins, but they were ready to become great. They sensed a change in the world, it only seemed right to find the answers to the many quirks of Xero.