I woke up that morning feeling… uneasy. The forest we created yesterday didn't feel like just a forest anymore. Even with my eyes closed, I could feel the shadows moving, almost like whispers crawling along the edges of my mind.
Kristina, of course, was already up, humming some tune she made up, and bouncing slightly on her bed. "Morning, little brother," she said, smirking. "You feeling spooky yet?"
I rubbed my eyes. "Spooky? That's putting it lightly. I feel like the shadows are… waiting."
She tilted her head, thinking. "Waiting for what? Breakfast? Nope, Mom already said cereal is ready."
I groaned. "Not cereal. Shadows. The ones we fought yesterday. They're… different today."
Kristina's eyes lit up. "Ohhh, I like different. Different means challenge! Challenge means adventure!"
Grandma appeared behind her with a small grin. "Indeed. But remember, this challenge is not just about imagination—it's about testing your mind, your teamwork, and your ability to adapt. Are you ready?"
Kristina clasped my hand. "We're ready. Right, Knight Kristopher?"
I sighed. "As ready as I'll ever be."
We stepped into the training room, which shimmered and twisted into our familiar forest and castle. But something was off—like a storm had passed and left a tense silence. The shadows weren't hiding. They were circling, moving in patterns that looked almost… intelligent.
"See?" I whispered. "They're watching, waiting."
Kristina nodded, her grip on my hand tightening. "Then let's show them what Bouie siblings can do."
Grandma handed us the stones, her expression serious. "Today, the shadows will test not just your imagination but your creativity. They will force you to think in ways you've never had to before. If you fail… they will grow stronger."
I gulped. "Great. Just what I needed. More pressure."
Kristina nudged me. "Stop whining, little brother. You're making me nervous!"
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, because you're so calm about shadows attacking us."
No sooner had we closed our eyes than the shadows struck. This time, they were faster, sharper, and far more cunning than yesterday. Some split into smaller shadows, some merged into massive shapes, and others even seemed to mimic our movements.
"Kristopher! Left flank!" Kristina shouted.
I imagined a wall of twisted branches to block them—but one of the shadows dodged, ducking under the branches like it was alive. I yelled, "They're… thinking!"
Kristina laughed, though there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "Good! That means we're finally challenging them. Now use your brain, not just your fists!"
I took a deep breath and tried something new. I imagined paths twisting into spirals and corridors, forcing the shadows to follow a confusing maze. Some fell into my traps, others struggled, but a few adapted and pushed through.
"Kristopher… they're learning faster!" Kristina warned.
"Yeah… and I think they're planning something," I muttered.
One shadow darted straight at me. I tripped over a mossy root and went face-first into the ground. Kristina froze, staring at me for a split second, then burst into laughter.
"You okay, Knight Kristopher?" she teased.
I groaned. "Yep… totally fine. Just… checking the floor for, uh, hidden shadow traps."
She rolled her eyes. "Sure, testing. You're hilarious."
Even Grandma chuckled. "Laughter keeps the mind sharp. Don't forget that. Fear feeds the shadows, humor diminishes it."
Kristina elbowed me playfully. "See? I told you we'd survive, as long as you don't trip too much."
I muttered, "I can't help it. Shadows are sneaky."
As the battle progressed, Kristina discovered a new aspect of her power. She raised her hands, and instead of just her usual dome, glowing swords shot out from her barriers, slicing through shadows before they could reach the castle.
"Whoa!" I yelled. "Kris! That's… insane!"
She grinned. "Told you. You blink, you miss it."
Meanwhile, I realized something about myself too. I wasn't just controlling the environment—I could bend the shadows' paths, almost guiding them without touching them. They were starting to react to me, not just the obstacles.
"Kristopher… your potential is growing," Grandma said. "You're learning to manipulate not only the world but the very fears it contains."
I swallowed. "That feels… powerful. And scary."
Kristina grinned. "Scary is fun. Scary is always fun."
As we fought, I couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows were being guided, not just by adaptation but by some invisible hand. Every time we thought we had an advantage, the shadows would regroup faster than expected, hit harder, or avoid traps we set.
Kristina noticed too. "Something's off. These aren't just regular shadows… someone is controlling them."
Grandma's face darkened. "Yes. Someone patient, cunning… and cruel. Malachor is aware of you both now. The shadows are his scouts. Observe, test, and learn."
I shivered. "So… he's watching?"
"Yes," Grandma said softly. "And he is preparing for when you are ready… or when he decides you are weak enough to fail."
Kristina squeezed my hand. "Whatever he throws at us, we'll face it. Together."
I nodded, feeling the weight of it settle in my chest. "Together."
After the shadows finally dissipated, Mom came in with breakfast. "So… did anyone get eaten by shadows today?"
Kristina grinned. "Almost. Knight Kristopher tripped, but he saved me in the end."
I shot her a glare. "I only tripped once!"
She laughed. "Exactly. That's why you're funny."
Grandma shook her head, smiling faintly. "Chaos, control, laughter, courage. That is the Bouie way."
I muttered, "I just hope Malachor doesn't count our mistakes as points against us."
Kristina elbowed me lightly. "Then we'll just win harder next time."
I smirked. "Yeah… harder."
By the end of the day, I realized training wasn't just about imagination or control. It was about adaptability, creativity, and learning from every mistake. The shadows are no longer predictable—they think, they evolve, and they are the first taste of Malachor's cunning.
But Kristina and I are learning. We are growing stronger, together. And one day, when Malachor comes for us personally… we'll be ready.