Shadow of the forest

The forest was alive with the sound of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, the soft hum of magic weaving through the air. Arina, now 14, stood tall and determined, his hands glowing faintly as he practiced his magic tricks under Zeke's watchful eye. The once-timid boy had grown into a confident young magician, his skill and power evident in every move he made.

"Concentrate, Arina," Zeke called, his playful tone edged with seriousness. "If you don't focus, you'll end up blowing me to bits!"

Arina smirked, raising his glowing hands. "Maybe that's the point."

Zeke's eyes narrowed. "Oh, you little—"

With a quick flick of his wrist, Arina unleashed a fiery shot of magic. Zeke dodged just in time, the heat brushing past his cheek as he stumbled back. "Are you trying to kill me?" Zeke huffed, though his grin betrayed his amusement.

Sitting nearby, Kava watched the scene unfold with a soft chuckle, his cane resting beside him. His once-youthful features had grown paler, the years of illness etched into his face. Yet, his smile remained steadfast, a beacon of encouragement for his student.

"That was impressive, Arina," Kava said, clapping his hands lightly. "Your control is improving. Keep this up, and the forest itself will bow to your power."

Arina turned, his chest swelling with pride at the praise. "Thank you, Master Kava."

Zeke groaned dramatically, flopping down beside Kava. "Sure, praise him all you want. Meanwhile, I'm over here dodging death!"

Kava chuckled again, patting Zeke's shoulder. "You're doing fine, Zeke. Consider it your contribution to Arina's training."

Arina couldn't help but laugh as he approached his teachers, his grin fading slightly as he noticed the pallor of Kava's face. The man's energy seemed to wane more each day, and though he never complained, Arina could see the strain in the way he leaned on his cane, his steps slower and more deliberate.

Just as he was about to speak, that familiar whisper returned, a low, sinister voice echoing in his mind. Arina… it called, tempting and dark.

He sighed, his jaw tightening as he raised his hand. Without hesitation, he unleashed a fiery burst of magic toward the shadows lurking near the edge of the clearing. They scattered immediately, retreating into the safety of the trees.

"Well done, Arina," Kava said with a proud nod. "You've learned to ignore their lies. That's a strength not everyone possesses."

Arina smiled at the praise, though his heart ached as he watched his teacher rise slowly, leaning heavily on his cane. Kava's movements were labored, each step a reminder of the battle he was fighting within himself.

"You've grown so much, Arina," Kava said, his voice warm and full of pride. He placed a hand on Arina's shoulder, his touch light but steady. "You're nearing the goal for which the forest brought you here. You've made me proud."

Arina swallowed hard, his emotions threatening to spill over. He reached for Kava's hand, pressing his lips to it in a gesture of respect. "I wouldn't be here without you, Master Kava," he said softly, his voice tinged with pain.

Kava smiled, his gaze tender. "You're stronger than you know, my boy."

Zeke, ever the one to break tension, stood and clapped his hands loudly. "Alright, enough of this sappy stuff! Arina, you're not done yet. Let's see if you can survive another round with me!"

Arina chuckled, grateful for the distraction. "You're just upset I'm better than you now."

"Better than me?" Zeke scoffed, laughing as he motioned for Arina to take his stance. "Come on, kid. Let's see what you've got!"

As the two began to spar again, the clearing was filled with laughter and the crackle of magic. Kava watched them with a soft smile, his heart full despite the growing weight of his illness. He knew his time was short, but he also knew Arina was ready. The boy was the forest's chosen one, and with Zeke by his side, Kava was confident he would succeed.

For now, though, Kava allowed himself to enjoy the moment—a fleeting piece of joy in the midst of the trials to come.