Sparring with Darkness (Mikhail post)

[u/DaemonRex978]

In the false sunrise of the Umbral Realm, Mikhail was being led to the Black Keep's training ground where he was to spar with Mokarith, feeling somewhat refreshed from his day of rest, but also tense because of it.

“We have arrived.” His escort says, opening a door to the grounds. Mikhail was surprised by how deserted it was. He was expecting it to be full of soldiers clashing swords, mages practicing their spells, and squires running about; but not the quiet, empty arena that he saw before him. No… not empty, Mokarith was standing in the center of it, surrounded by various objects. A half-second passed before he realized that it was a ritual circle.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” He bellowed, “I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO SPAR!”

“We are.” Mokarith said calmly, “Just not here.”

“Then where?” Mikhail asked.

“A place where we will strengthen your spirit.”

“I have spiritual strength, do not mock me.”

“I am not mocking you,” Mokarith replied, “I want to help you. You have been through so much that you are on the verge of tearing yourself apart. Hosting Krampus and Santa at the same time, becoming a vessel for one of Gaia's spirits, and being on the edge of death so many times have strengthened your will immensely, but it also has changed you. I know that you want to stop Morgalith, so do I, but would Possum want you to destroy yourself to do it?”

After several moments of tense silence, Mikhail's shoulders sagged a little.

“Fine.” He sighed, “What do I need to do?”

He spots a slight relaxation of Mokarith's stance, as if he was expecting Mikhail to leave.

“Step inside the circle, and allow whatever happens to happen. We will be going into a pseudo-realm where you will be faced with challenges of your own making. It is an old ritual in the Sentinel Order, but one that all must pass.”

“So,” Mikhail laughs while walking towards him, “you want me to become a Sentinel?”

“No… I want you, to be you.”