A cold wind swept across the snow-covered plains, carrying ice crystals with it. A group of ninjas stood atop a high cliff, gazing into the distance. Ahead of them, hidden beneath the water's surface, lay their next destination—the Ice Abyss.
Master Wu stepped forward and turned to his students.
- We are now heading for the Trident of the Depths. This weapon is located in an ancient temple beneath the waters of the Ice Abyss.
He explained, his voice serious.
Nya felt the freezing cold seep through her. Even with her mastery over water, she had never been this close to a frozen ocean.
- It is guarded by ancient creatures that allow no one to reach the golden weapon.
Wu continued.
- But only with the Trident of the Depths can we tame the power that is awakening.
- Great!
Cole muttered, rubbing his hands together.
- And how exactly are we supposed to get to the temple? Just dive into the icy water unprepared?
Master Wu only smiled mysteriously.
- I know a way...
The ninjas exchanged glances. Another trial awaited them ahead.
- We need to reach the cave where the temple is located.
Master Wu said, looking at his students intently.
- We got that, Sensei, but how?
Elis asked, crossing her arms.
Master Wu calmly turned his gaze to Nya.
- We only need a master of water.
- Sensei, and what exactly am I supposed to do?
Nya asked cautiously.
- We need to reach the Great Wall of Water. There, you will be able to open the passage into the cave.
Master Wu explained.
- I got it! It's just like with Cole's scythe! The Wall must recognize that Nya is a true master of water... or will be one day. Only then will we be able to pass.
Kai added.
- Exactly.
Master Wu confirmed.
- Wow! Kai, I didn't expect to hear that from you!
Elis said with a smirk.
- And I definitely expected to hear that from you.
Kai replied with humor.
- Enough, you two!
Master Wu interrupted their bickering.
- We need to find the golden weapon as soon as possible!
- For once, I agree with Sensei.
Zane said with a nod.
- We never doubted that.
Jay added with a slight grin.
- Let's go.
Master Wu said, and the ninjas followed him.
***
The ninjas approached a massive wall of water that loomed before them like an impenetrable barrier. Its surface was smooth and mirror-like, reflecting the surrounding forest and sky. The water shifted in color from deep blue to turquoise, creating the impression of a living, breathing entity.
Master Wu stepped closer to the wall and ran his hand across its surface. The water, as if sensing his touch, responded by breaking its mirror-like reflection and revealing the mysterious energy hidden within.
- Nya, step forward.
Master Wu said.
Nya stepped up.
- Place your hand on the wall.
He instructed.
She pressed her hand against the watery surface, and the wall began to fade away, revealing a path into the cave.
- Whoa...
Cole murmured in awe.
- Ninjas, the temple inside this cave is guarded by the ancient spirits of the fallen.
Master Wu warned.
- They allow no one to reach the Trident of the Depths.
- And how exactly do they stop people?
Cole asked.
- The spirits of the fallen manifest the deepest fears of those who try to reach the Trident.
Master Wu explained.
- That's it?
Jay asked.
- No. Once you fall into your fear, there is no way out. You will remain trapped in this cave forever.
Master Wu said gravely.
- And what do we do if one of us gets caught in our fear?
Nya asked.
- You, Nya, must take the Trident.
Master Wu replied.
- And what if I get trapped in my fear too? What then?
Nya questioned.
- You are a true master of water, the one most deeply connected to it. That is why you must overcome your fear and retrieve the Trident.
Master Wu explained.
- Nya, all our hope lies with you.
He added, looking at her with a serious expression.
- I understand.
Nya answered, trying to gather herself and prepare for the next step.
***
The ninjas steeled themselves, exchanging glances before stepping into the dark cave. The cool air and deep silence created the feeling that time had stopped here. They moved cautiously, sensing the presence of something unseen, something that seemed to watch their every step.
The cave was vast, its walls appearing as dark, glistening rock covered in moss and vines. It felt as if the walls themselves absorbed the light, leaving only dense darkness that not even the ninjas' torches could fully penetrate. Only faint reflections of water shimmered on the walls as their feet stepped onto the wet stone. The sounds were muffled, and even their breathing seemed too loud in the deep silence. The unease and fear in the air grew stronger with every step.
Deeper inside, they reached the temple—a massive structure standing on a raised platform at the center. It was an ancient temple, impressive in its architecture: towering stone columns reached upward, supporting a roof covered in mysterious inscriptions and symbols lost to time. The temple floor was covered in a thin layer of water, which shimmered faintly in the torchlight. In the middle of the temple, on a pedestal, stood the trident, glowing with a golden light as if it were a source of energy itself. The entire setting radiated mystery, and every step they took echoed with the unknown dangers awaiting them.
- Where... have we walked into?
Elis murmured, glancing around.
The ninjas continued forward, slowly advancing through the damp, shadow-filled cave. The air was cold and heavy with moisture, and each step echoed in the silence. Then, without warning, shadows appeared before them—the spirits of the fallen, emerging suddenly from the darkness. They flickered like dim flames, their eyes glowing with an eerie green light as they stared at each ninja, as if piercing into the depths of their fears.
None of them had time to react before everything around them shifted. The light became blinding, and in an instant, they found themselves trapped in their own nightmares. Each of them stood on the edge of their worst fear, as if they had been plunged directly into its very heart.
***
Kai:
Kai found himself in an endless field with no shelter, only emptiness and mist spreading across the ground, consuming everything around him. He could hear his heart pounding, but it gave him no strength. He tried to gather all his energy to fight, but the more he struggled to act, the weaker he felt. Every attempt to do something was futile, and the worst part was realizing his helplessness. He was alone in this world, where even his strength changed nothing. He couldn't take a single step forward, and everything around him became dark and cold, as if nature itself refused to help him. The feeling of being powerless, with no way to change the course of events, swallowed him whole, leaving him with no hope for the future.
Elis:
Elis found herself in Sorai Village, the place she once called home. The streets stretched endlessly, and the buildings that once amazed her with their grandeur now stood like dead monoliths—unmoving, cold, silent witnesses of lost hope. She tried to find a way out, tried to change this world somehow, but her efforts seemed pointless. Every step felt heavy, and every attempt to leave only led her back to the same place. Her skills, knowledge, and experience held no power here, and a sinking realization settled in her heart—she was incapable of changing her fate. She was trapped, alone, in this hopeless prison, unable even to help herself. And her greatest fear—that she would always remain powerless in a world where nothing could be changed—became her reality.
Zane:
Zane found himself in a deep forest, where the trees seemed endless and a thick mist shrouded everything around him. He walked among the towering trunks, but the more he tried to find a way out, the more the forest seemed infinite. Every step only deepened his sense of despair. Strange sounds echoed in the darkness, sending chills down his spine. His legs felt heavy, his hands trembled. Fear crept over him—not because of what he could see, but because he had no control. He couldn't tell what was waiting for him beyond the next step. The unknown, the helplessness, and the suffocating darkness drained his strength, leaving him lost in an abyss with no end.
Jay:
Jay found himself in an arena, surrounded by enemies, completely alone. The arena was vast and cold, and his own breathing echoed in the emptiness. He tried to move, but every step felt like he wasn't reaching where he intended to go. His movements were sluggish and weak. He tried to attack, but his blows dispersed into thin air as if they held no power. He couldn't win. The enemies laughed and closed in on him. He was alone against them all, and the crushing weight of helplessness and the fear of failure consumed him. No matter what he did, there was no way to escape this nightmare.
Cole:
Cole stood in a vast square under a dark sky, the ground trembling beneath him as an ominous force awakened. He could feel the darkness swirling around him like a storm, ready to consume him. He tried to fight it off, but his strength weakened with every attempt. The evil drew closer, and he couldn't find a way to stop it. He felt the darkness wrapping around him, tightening its grip. His worst fear—that one day, the darkness would overtake him completely—was coming true. He stood on the edge, powerless to change his fate.
Nia:
Nia stood in the middle of a vast body of water, surrounded by mist. The water was cold, and she felt its grip limiting her movements, as if her connection to it was slipping away. She tried to summon its power, but every attempt ended in failure. The water refused to listen to her, and a chilling thought crept into her mind—she would never truly become a master of water. Her dream was turning into a nightmare, and her fear grew like an endless wave, threatening to swallow her from within.
***
Nia stood above the water, feeling the cold, dark element slowly consuming her. The water kept rising, reaching her legs, and with each passing moment, her movements became weaker. She tried to escape, but the water was so strong that even her greatest efforts led to nothing. Desperation gripped her heart, and she couldn't understand why she couldn't break free.
"Why can't I? Why isn't it working?"
Nia thought, but the fear that she would never become a true master of water only deepened her despair. The water had already reached her chest, and each breath grew heavier. But then, she suddenly remembered Master Wu's words:
"You must accept your power."
Nia took a deep breath and focused on the water. Instead of resisting it, she felt its flow, understood how it moved, how it lived. All her fears, all her doubts began to fade away. She took a step forward, and the water receded. Then, without hesitation, she leaped straight into the very center of the current—the source of all her fear. And at that moment, she felt her greatest fear, the fear of never becoming a master of water, dissolve completely.
Nia gradually came to her senses. The water no longer rose, and she no longer felt afraid. When she opened her eyes, she saw the darkness of the cave. Everything around her was silent, and she realized that she had overcome her fear. A sense of calm filled her heart, and she knew that now, she was ready to move forward.
***
Zane gradually regained his composure, his heart still pounding in his chest as he took in his surroundings. He was standing in a dense forest, where an eerie silence filled the air. The rustling of leaves beneath his feet was the only sound, yet every step forward felt impossible. Everything around him seemed unnatural as if the forest itself was closing in on him.
"I'll never find a way out."
The thought echoed in his mind, feeding the creeping doubt. But suddenly, he heard Master Wu's words:
"Never give up. You can make it through this."
Those words ignited a spark within him.
Summoning his strength, Zane straightened himself and took a deep breath. Instead of letting fear control him, he focused on moving forward. He trusted in himself. With every step, the overwhelming sense of helplessness faded. The towering trees no longer felt so menacing, and for the first time, he could see the path ahead. Slowly, his fears melted away, and he understood—he had overcome them.
And then, just like that, he was back in the cave. His heartbeat slowed, his mind clearer than ever. He had conquered his fear. Now, he was ready to move forward.
***
Jay awoke in the middle of an arena, where darkness engulfed everything around him. He stood on an empty battlefield, yet there were no opponents—only emptiness and the echo of his own footsteps. A heavy silence hung in the air, and the sound of his own heartbeat was the only sign of life.
The arena looked as if time itself had stopped, leaving only his fear alive. He remembered every moment of his battles, every failure, and the weight of those memories filled his heart with despair.
"What if I'm not strong enough? What if I can't win?"
The thoughts circled endlessly in his mind.
But suddenly, breaking through the silence, Master Wu's voice echoed:
"You are not alone. You are not the only one who feels fear. The strength you need is already within you."
Jay closed his eyes, steadied himself, and recalled all of his victories. When he opened his eyes again, his fear began to fade, replaced by determination. He took a step forward and felt his confidence return.
And then, he was back in the dark cave. But this time, fear no longer controlled him. He was ready for what came next, his strength and resolve stronger than ever.
***
Elis found herself in the village of Sorai, but everything looked completely different. The streets that were once filled with people and activity now seemed empty and lifeless. The buildings that had once impressed her with their grandeur were now in ruins, frozen in time—cold and unwelcoming. The sun, which usually brought light and warmth, was now dimmed, casting a dark and uninviting atmosphere over everything. Every step she took in this world felt meaningless. Elis felt that all her skills and abilities were useless here, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness became unbearable.
With each step, despair consumed her more and more. She tried everything to change the situation, but the harder she fought, the more her efforts seemed in vain. Nothing changed, and the fear that she would never become who she was meant to be deepened her distress. She couldn't understand why she couldn't break free from this cycle. Doubt filled her heart, and her world felt even more foreign and out of her control.
But then, she suddenly remembered Master Wu's words:
"You must find the strength within yourself."
This reminder gave her the strength to keep fighting, to face what she feared. Elis realized that true strength was something she had to discover within herself, even when the world around her seemed unbeatable. She understood that she had to accept her imperfections and grow stronger despite them.
Gathering her courage, Elis refused to give in to her fears and started moving forward. She focused on changing what she could and accepting what she couldn't. Step by step, her fears began to fade, and the village no longer seemed so overwhelming. The moment she finally overcame her deepest fear, everything around her disappeared, and she woke up, leaving the nightmare behind. But the fear hadn't completely left her.
***
Nya stood above the water, feeling the cold, dark element slowly engulfing her. The water rose higher, trapping her legs, and every movement she made became weaker. She struggled against it, but the more she fought, the more she felt herself sinking.
"Why can't I do it? Why isn't it working?"
The thought echoed in Nya's mind, but the fear that she might never become a true master of water only deepened her despair. The water had already reached her chest, and each breath she took became heavier. She tried to focus, but doubt clouded her mind. Just then, a memory surfaced—Master Wu's voice, calm and steady:
"You must accept the water, not fight against it."
Taking a deep breath, Nya stopped struggling. Instead, she let herself feel the water, understand its flow, how it moved, how it lived. Slowly, her fears and doubts began to fade. She took a single step forward, and the water obeyed her. No longer resisting, she let herself move with the current, not against it. And suddenly, with no resistance, she dove into the very heart of the stream.
When she opened her eyes again, the dark cave surrounded her. It was quiet. The fear that had once gripped her so tightly was gone. Instead, a calm confidence filled her heart. She had faced her fear—and she had won.
Just then, she heard voices and turned to see her teammates gathered nearby. Elis was running toward them, her eyes burning with determination, though traces of her recent struggle still lingered on her face.
- Hey! I'm here!
Elis called out as she reached them.
- Why am I not surprised that you made it back first?
Jay muttered, crossing his arms.
Zane, standing still, surveyed their surroundings. The seriousness in his expression mirrored the thoughts racing through his mind.
- Where are Kai, Cole, and Sensei Wu?
Nya asked, her voice filled with concern.
Zane shook his head.
- I don't know. But I think the spirits trapped us inside our own fears.
Elis, catching her breath, suddenly spoke up.
- Nya, you need to find the Trident of the Depths, just like Sensei Wu told us.
All eyes turned to her, expectation and determination burning in their gazes.
Nya inhaled sharply, then nodded.
- I'll go to the temple and try to find the Trident of the Depths.
Her voice was firm, steady.
- And what are we supposed to do, just stand here?
Jay asked, frowning. The idea of waiting around didn't sit well with him.
- No. We'll split up and search for Kai, Cole, and Sensei Wu.
Zane said, his voice calm but filled with determination.
Elis nodded.
- If any of us finds them, we head straight to Nya.
Zane gave a firm nod, and without another word, they scattered in different directions, disappearing into the shadows of the forest, searching for their missing friends. The path ahead was uncertain, and the danger was far from over.
***
Cole found himself in a vast square that felt empty and hostile. The sky above him was dark, heavy with black clouds slowly rolling in, creating a sense of endless threat. The ground beneath his feet trembled, and a powerful wind brought with it the smells of decay and destruction. He felt the darkness around him grow stronger, like a living organism pulling him into its embrace. Each step he took felt heavy, like a prisoner in chains. He tried to protect himself, but his strength was fading, and the darkness was consuming him, step by step.
Fear filled every cell of his body. Cole felt his energy weakening, as if the darkness itself was draining the life from him. His greatest fear—that he wouldn't be able to handle this force, that it would consume him and become a part of him—was becoming a reality. He tried to fight, but it seemed like each attempt only brought him closer to hopelessness. He felt the darkness wrap around him, slowly draining all his strength, leaving only emptiness.
Time seemed to stand still. Cole was submerged in his fear, but even he could not stop the darkness that was advancing. All his efforts to escape felt pointless, as if the world around him was closed off, and he couldn't find a way out. He felt the darkness growing deeper, and with every movement, its grip tightened. He could no longer breathe, his strength was on the verge of exhaustion.
But suddenly, he heard Sensei Wu's words in his head:
"You can only conquer your fears when you stop being afraid of what you cannot change."
This reminder from Sensei Wu awakened a new resolve in him. And at that moment, he saw someone running toward him through the fog of darkness. For a moment, hope flared in his heart, and then he heard a voice he recognized. It was Elis. Her voice was filled with determination, and that was exactly what he needed. As soon as he heard her voice, the darkness began to retreat. He awoke, feeling all the fears surrounding him dissipate, leaving them behind, ready to move forward.
Cole felt as though his soul had been pulled from the darkness, and he was finally able to feel the light again. When his eyes slowly opened, he saw the cave, with soft light falling on his face, reflecting off the stones. But most importantly, he saw Elis—she was standing beside him, leaning down, shouting, trying to wake him up. Even knowing he wouldn't wake up from this.
- Cole, you have to wake up!
She said, her words sounding like the last chance to escape from the nightmare.
Cole barely moved, and the horrific images of the darkness that had consumed him still echoed in his mind. But suddenly, the words from Sensei Wu flashed in his head:
"You must understand that your strength is not in defeating the darkness, but in not letting it consume you."
These words, like a key, unlocked his mind, and he felt his strength beginning to return.
- Elis...
His voice was weak, but growing stronger.
- I feel alive again.
Elis's eyes still showed determination, and she said:
- Of course, you're alive! I've been trying so hard to wake you up!
Her voice became louder:
- It's impossible to not be alive after this!
She shouted at him, her eyes filled with limitless joy and relief.
Cole stood up, feeling the darkness retreating as a new flow of energy filled him. He felt alive again, and he knew now he would be able to face whatever came next.
***
Cole and Elis stood in the cave, its walls covered in moisture, and the air thick and muffled. The light that filtered through narrow cracks in the ceiling reflected off the stones, creating ghostly reflections on the walls. They were not here by chance. Here, in the darkness, they had to find Kai and Sensei Wu, and figure out what had happened to them.
- By the way.
Cole asked, lifting his gaze to the cave walls,
- How did I even wake up?
Elis paused for a moment, considering her answer, and glanced around. Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of doubt in it.
- There are two options: either you overcame your fear, like I did and others did, or Nia managed to find the Trident.
She said.
Cole, looking at her, nodded briefly:
- Got it!
They didn't have time to waste; every step they took sounded determined, and they continued moving forward, deeper into the cave with each step, searching for their companions.
***
Meanwhile:
Niya cautiously entered the temple and immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere. The air grew thicker, filled with echoes of ancient secrets emanating from the walls that had witnessed centuries. The temple was vast, its corridors dark, walls covered in moss, intricately carved stone columns, and countless ancient symbols telling tales of long-forgotten heroes.
Niya approached the first hall, her eyes scanning every detail, searching for a clue about where the Trident of the Depths might be. Her heart raced with both excitement and anxiety, each step echoing through the temple's silence as if the walls themselves were watching her.
As she moved through narrow passages, she suddenly found herself in a large stone chamber. At its center stood a massive altar, engraved with a rune-like symbol resembling a trident. Realizing this might be the spot, she stepped closer. In the dim light, she noticed something shimmering on the altar. Her heart skipped a beat—it was the Trident of the Depths. As she approached it, she felt a surge of energy from the artifact. The Trident was cold to the touch but radiated a power that flowed into her heart.
***
Kai stood in the middle of an endless field, where the fog curled around his legs, swallowing everything around him. He tried to move, but every step seemed futile, the fog draining his strength. His heart beat faster, but it gave him no hope. He felt the darkness closing in on him, and every movement seemed aimless. He was helpless, as if there was no place for him in this world, and fear, like a shadow, wrapped around his heart.
But suddenly, the words of Sensei Wu flashed in his mind:
"You don't have to defeat your fear. You must understand that you're strong not when you conquer it, but when you simply don't let it consume you."
Kai tried to understand these words, but fear remained stronger. He couldn't overcome it, felt weak, but then he heard a familiar voice.
- Kai!
It was Elis's voice, so determined and full of hope.
These words were like a final chance that made him wake up. Suddenly, everything around him shattered, and Kai felt the darkness retreating. He opened his eyes, and his heart fluttered with relief.
He realized that he hadn't been able to defeat his fear, but he hadn't let it consume him either. He woke up thanks to Elis's voice, and even though fear remained a part of him, he found the strength to break free from the nightmare.
Meanwhile, Niya had already found the trident, which glowed with a blue light in her hand, symbolizing their coming salvation.
Kai stood up, feeling his strength returning. All the fears were left behind, and ahead lay a new path, a path to battle.
***
Cole, Elis, and Kai were running toward the temple, filled with hope that Zane or Jay had already found Master Wu. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, but along the way, Elis decided to ask:
- Kai, tell me, how did you end up the farthest out of all of us?!
She shouted to him, clearly concerned.
- I'm just special!
Kai responded with a slight smile, trying to joke, but feeling no joy in the situation.
- Or maybe they decided to hide you as far away as possible!
Cole shouted, unable to contain his laughter.
- I agree with that!
Elis added, shooting Kai a quick glance.
- Come on, guys!
Kai replied, trying to act as if it didn't bother him, though it was clear he was at the end of his patience.
- Now's not the time for this. The fact that I woke up means that Niya found the trident, right?
Kai changed the subject, trying to steer the conversation in a more serious direction.
- I think so!
Elis answered, casting a look at Kai that carried some hope, though tinged with worry.
Their steps quickened, and they continued moving forward, believing that everything was falling into place: finding Master Wu and gathering together before the darkness arrived.
***
Master Wu stood at the edge of a high cliff, staring at the dark clouds looming in the sky. His eyes were sorrowful, and his heart heavy with thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that had been haunting him, the fear that would not let him find peace.
This fear was unlike any other—it was personal and deep. Master Wu was afraid of facing his younger brother again. A brother who had once been so close to him but had now become the embodiment of darkness that had consumed him. He couldn't forget the battle when his brother had become his enemy, one he had to fight.
What if the darkness took control of his brother again? What if he became his enemy once more? Master Wu knew that if that happened, he would be forced to make a choice again—between the brother he had loved and the world he had to protect. And although he was strong, there was a crack in his heart, because even the thought of having to fight his brother was unbearable.
- I can't...
He whispered quietly, his voice barely breaking the silence around him.
- I can't be forced to do this again. I can't lose him again.
This fear, these painful memories of the battle, of loss—it was a heavy burden he couldn't shake off. And what was worse, he knew that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't avoid it.
But suddenly, as he stood at the edge of the cliff, the weight of it all seemed a little lighter. He heard a quiet whisper in his heart—Niya had found the Trident of the Depths.
This realization, this awareness that although the future was dark and uncertain, their hope still lived. Niya had managed to find what could become the key to their salvation. And even though dark paths still lay ahead, Master Wu understood that despite his fears, they could still achieve victory once more.
At that moment, Jay rushed up to Master Wu, his face showing determination and anxiety.
- Sensei Wu!
He exclaimed, stopping in front of him.
Master Wu turned to him, unable to hide his worry. Jay, looking at him, continued:
- Sensei, while you were here, some of us woke up, and we decided to split up and find the others. Niya went after the trident, and if you've woken up, she must have found it!
Jay explained, watching as Master Wu's face began to relax, though the shadow of doubt still lingered in his eyes.
- Then let's go to the temple and meet the other ninjas.
Master Wu said, feeling the heavy burden of fear lift a little.
They set off, moving toward the temple.
***
Master Wu looked at Niya carefully, trying to gather his thoughts. He took a step forward and, looking at her again, continued:
- The Blade of the Storm is located in the northern mountains, far to the west. There, where the elements meet, where storms and waves leave no one alive. This place is protected by ancient magic, and only those who can overcome the elemental obstacles will be able to reach it. However, it won't be easy. The storms and massive waves can swallow us in an instant.
Niya nodded seriously, feeling the weight of the upcoming journey.
- We're ready.
Elis said.
Master Wu, assessing the team, looked at each of them and added:
- Therefore, we must be cautious, as this place may turn out to be more difficult than it seems.
With the rest of the ninjas, they set off toward the northern mountains, determined to overcome the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that only by working together could they reach their goal.