The Ytherrian Luminary

The day was quiet and still as Xalin sat cross-legged in the clearing, his eyes closed, his breath steady. Kell had instructed him to meditate before any shadow manipulation, and it was during this meditation that Xalin could feel the rampaging black mist swirling in his stomach area an unfamiliar but powerful presence. Now that he could visualize his shadow aura, it was time to try the shadow techniques Kell had been teaching him.

Kell stood nearby, his long black hair cascading down to his waist, watching with a mix of focus and encouragement. "Alright, Xalin," he said, "let's start with the basics. Try Shadow Link first. Connect your shadow with mine."

Xalin took a deep breath, concentrating on the shadow aura within him. He extended his shadow out, slowly but steadily, toward Kell's shadow. His aura shifted, and before long, the two shadows intertwined on the ground. 

"Good," Kell said, nodding approvingly. "Now, try Shadow Eater. Absorb my shadow energy."

Xalin hesitated for a moment but then pulled the shadow energy toward him. He felt a surge of strength, a dark yet potent force flowing into him. The sensation was overwhelming, like a surge of power he hadn't expected.

"Feels intense, doesn't it?" Kell remarked with a grin. "That's the power of Shadow Eater. Be careful with it too much can be hard to control."

Xalin nodded, focusing on balancing the shadow energy coursing through him. Next, he tried Shadow Path, extending his shadow into a wide strip of darkness on the ground. The path he created wasn't as refined as Kell's, but it was functional, a solid connection of shadow energy.

After a few more techniques, Kell instructed Xalin to attempt Shadow Lock. Xalin focused on a nearby boulder, willing his shadow to wrap around it. The dark tendrils encased the rock, holding it firmly in place then it disappeared into the shadows. The control he was gaining over his shadows was increasing with each passing moment.

"You're doing well, Xalin," Kell said, his voice calm but encouraging. "Now try something harder. Use Shadow Space."

Xalin furrowed his brow and concentrated deeply. He felt the shadows within him surge as he extended his hand. A small void appeared, a pocket dimension within the shadows themselves. He couldn't believe it he had created a space within the shadow, just like Kell. He experimented with storing small objects inside, watching them vanish into the darkness.

"That's amazing," Lira said from the sidelines, her voice filled with awe.

Kell grinned. "You're catching on fast. Now, Shadow Bullet and Shadow Clone are trickier. For Shadow Bullet, focus your shadow energy into a single point and fire it like a projectile."

Xalin formed a small ball of shadow energy in his hand, compressing it until it became dense. He flung his arm forward, releasing the shadow bullet, which shot out with blinding speed and pierced through a nearby tree trunk.

"Perfect!" Kell cheered. "Now for Shadow Clone. You'll need to split your shadow aura and create a duplicate of yourself."

Xalin closed his eyes again, focusing on his aura. This time, the black mist shifted and split, and before his eyes, a hazy shadow version of himself formed beside him. It wasn't solid yet, but it was a clear clone.

"You've almost got it," Kell said, impressed. "Keep practicing, and it'll become more stable."

Xalin wiped sweat from his brow, feeling the exhaustion setting in. But before he could rest, his thoughts returned to the Shadow Cyclone he had seen the dragon use.

"Move back a little, all of you," Xalin said suddenly, his eyes lighting up with determination.

Kell and Lira exchanged glances but stepped back. Xalin took a deep breath and shifted into a Bagua Zhang stance, his feet moving in a slow, deliberate circle. A dark cyclone began to form around him, swirling in time with his movements. With every rotation, the cyclone grew larger and stronger, black mist rising like a tornado.

The others watched in stunned silence as Xalin moved his arms gracefully, controlling the rotation and expanding the cyclone. But then, something new happened Xalin added his black flames to the mix. The heat intensified as the dark flames spiraled within the cyclone, creating a terrifying and beautiful display of power.

Before the heat could become unbearable, Xalin gestured with his arms, sending them in opposite directions, and the cyclone dissipated. The black flames flickered out, leaving behind nothing but silence and awe.

"That that was incredible," Lira said, her voice filled with astonishment.

Kell whistled. "I've seen some crazy things in my time, but that was on another level. You sure you've never done that before?"

Xalin chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nope, just an idea I had. Thought Id give it a shot."

"You've got potential," Kell said, shaking his head. "No doubt about it. Combining shadows and flames like that it's not something just anyone can do."

Xalin shrugged modestly, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. The thought of blending his abilities into even more powerful techniques had sparked a new excitement within him.

As the trio walked back to the station to leave Draenor, the conversation flowed easily. "Well need some fare to get off this rock," Kell remarked.

Lira smiled. "Good thing we've got this." She tossed the intermediate orbs they had earned earlier into Xalins hands.

"More than enough for the three of us," Xalin said, nodding. 

Minutes later, they boarded their space vessel and left Draenor behind. The vast expanse of space stretched out before them, and after ten days of travel, they finally reached their destination the planet of the Water Sages.

The city they landed in was a breathtaking sight. Towering structures made of tough ice and crystal-clear water lined the streets. Water flowed everywhere, in intricate patterns, moving with a life of its own. As they walked, they saw a young man controlling a massive wave, riding it through the streets like a surfer on the ocean. Another man, standing atop a building, froze water to create a bridge from one rooftop to another.

Xalin watched in awe, his eyes wide. "The control they have over water Its amazing."

Kell chuckled. "Makes you feel like a beginner all over again, huh?"

Lira smiled. "Its beautiful here. I can see why the Water Sages are so respected."

They wandered through the city until they found a group of young warriors training by the side of a large pool. Xalin approached them, his voice steady as he introduced himself.

"My name is Xalin. Im the Luminary, and Ive come here to learn water manipulation."

The warriors stared at him in disbelief, but there was a glimmer of recognition in their eyes. One of them stepped forward. "We've been expecting you. Azhur sent word ahead that the Luminary would arrive soon."

Before Xalin could respond, the doors to a nearby structure opened, and an elderly man with a bald head and long white hair on the sides stepped out. He greeted them with a kind smile. "Welcome, Luminary. My name is Master Serion."

Xalin bowed respectfully. "Its an honor to meet you, Master Serion. I've come to learn the ways of water manipulation."

Master Serion nodded. "Well then, youll have to get used to calling me Master Serion from now on." He motioned for Xalin to follow him but stopped when Xalin started heading to his room.

"Excuse me, but where do you think youre going?" Master Serion asked with a raised eyebrow.

"To rest a little," Xalin replied, his voice casual.

Master Serion chuckled. "If you wanted to rest, you should have booked a vacation on a sandy island. You're here to learn water manipulation, are you not?"

Xalin blinked, realizing what he meant. "Of course, Master."

"First, you need to feel the water," Master Serion said, his tone more serious. "The first Water Sages came from a distant planet where they observed the pull and push of the moon. They imitated it and learned how to control the water. Touch the water, feel its essence, and try to become one with it. Focus on the energies in your stomach area, shifting and moving with the rhythm of the water. Only then can you move the water."

Xalin crouched by a pool of water, dipping his hand in. The sensation was strange, but he concentrated, feeling the ebb and flow of the water against his skin. As he focused, the shadowy energy in his stomach began to pulse, but this time, he felt the waters rhythm. Slowly, ripples appeared on the surface, responding to his energy.

A large smile spread across his face.

Master Serion got into a stance, moving his arms gracefully in a push-and-pull motion. The water obeyed him, shifting with his every move. "Now, follow my lead."

Xalin mirrored Master Serions movements, creating a back-and-forth rhythm with the water. The ripples grew into waves, moving in harmony between the two of them.

From a distance, Kell and Lira watched, amazed.

"Wow, that kid is something else," Kell said, shaking his head. "He picked that up fast."

Lira smiled. "He's got a natural talent for this. Its like he was made for it."

Kell folded his arms, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with a look of quiet admiration. "No doubt about it. The kids a fast learner. But lets see how he handles the more advanced stuff."

As Xalin continued to follow Master Serions movements, he could feel the water responding to him more fluidly, as if it were becoming an extension of himself. The waves they were creating danced between them, moving in perfect harmony with the slightest motion of their hands. The rhythm of the water pulsed through him, and for the first time, Xalin felt like he was in control not just of the water, but of himself.

After a while, Master Serion stepped back, the water falling still at his command. He watched Xalin closely, gauging his progress. "You've done well so far, but remember: controlling water is not just about force. Its about becoming one with it, moving with it, not against it."

Xalin nodded, his body still buzzing from the energy of the water. "I understand, Master."

Serion smiled, pleased with his response. "Good. Now, lets move on to something more advanced."

Xalins excitement flared. He had already grasped the basics of water manipulation, but his mind was brimming with possibilities especially after the success of combining his shadow abilities with his fire earlier. If he could combine those with water, his potential would be limitless.

Master Serion motioned toward a large basin of water nearby. "Now, I want you to try manipulating the water on your own. Feel its rhythm again, but this time, move it in larger quantities. Imagine a river, flowing freely but with purpose."

Xalin stepped forward and dipped his hand into the basin. He closed his eyes, focusing once again on the energy in his stomach, the black mist swirling with the rhythm of the water. Slowly, he raised his hand, and the water followed, lifting into the air in a smooth, controlled stream.

Master Serion watched closely as Xalin moved the water, guiding it through the air like a ribbon. "Very good," he said softly. "But now, try something different. You are connected to fire, yes? I want you to attempt something very few can do. Try to combine water and fire."

Xalin hesitated. His fire had always been uncontrollable, wild. Combining it with water seemed almost impossible.

"I don't think it'll work," Xalin admitted, his voice low.

Serion tilted his head slightly. "Why not?"

Xalin sighed. "Water and fire they're opposites. I don't know how to balance them. It feels impossible to make them work together."

The elder sage nodded thoughtfully. "It is difficult. But nothing is impossible for someone like you. You are the Luminary born of light and darkness. If anyone can achieve balance between opposing forces, its you."

Xalin swallowed hard, determination flickering in his eyes. He reached for the black flames within him, summoning them into his free hand while keeping the water suspended in the other. The heat from the flames clashed with the coolness of the water, but as he tried to bring them together, the elements repelled each other violently. The water hissed and evaporated as the flames consumed it.

Xalins brow furrowed in frustration. "I cant I cant do it."

Serion stepped forward, his hand resting gently on Xalins shoulder. "Don't force it. Balance cannot be achieved through force. It must come naturally, like a dance between two partners. Let them flow together, not collide."

Xalin took a deep breath, calming himself. He tried again, focusing on not forcing the elements together but letting them find their own balance. But each time, the water evaporated before he could make any real progress. The fire was simply too strong.

After several attempts, Xalin lowered his hands, defeated. "Its not working."

Master Serion gave him a kind smile. "Not everything will come easily. You have done well for today, but there is still much for you to learn. You must not rush the process. Mastery takes time."

Xalin nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling of failure. He had wanted so badly to control both elements, to bend them to his will, but they wouldn't cooperate. His heart sank a little as he realized how far he still had to go.

"Don't be discouraged," Serion added. "You have already made great progress. In time, you will find a way to combine the two. But for now, focus on mastering each individually."

Kell and Lira approached, having watched the entire session from a distance. Kell clapped him on the shoulder, his usual smirk back on his face. "Don't beat yourself up, kid. You'll get there."

Lira smiled softly. "Yeah, its only a matter of time. You've already done more in a day than most people could dream of."

Xalin looked at both of them, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks. Ill keep trying."

Master Serion gave him a nod of approval. "Tomorrow, we will continue. But for now, rest. You've earned it."

Xalin bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master."

As they left the training grounds and headed back to the city, Xalins mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. He had learned a lot today about water, about control, about himself. But there was still so much more to understand, especially about how to combine his powers.

As the day drew to a close, Xalin felt a flicker of excitement. He wasn't just here to learn water manipulation. He was here to become something greater to become the Luminary he was destined to be.