Final Trial

"These are the mountains the activity has been coming from. We don't know what it is exactly, but we do know it's been getting stronger and stronger. Can you feel it?" The master's voice fell into a quiet whisper, lowering their head as the carriage slowed to a stop. Codi glanced at Trekla, then up towards the mountains. Trekla's ears fell back against her skull as a low growl began to rise from her throat.

"I can sense it." She muttered, paws shifting uneasily. "It's so dark...like mindless violence. It's...intimidating..."

"That it is." The bear sitting next to the master nodded sagely before turning to her partner. "I believe this is the best place to drop them off, Master Aya. It may not be the easiest spot to climb a mountain, but it's the closest without putting them directly in harm's way."

"Good." Master Aya closed their eyes for a few moments before slowly turning back to Codi and Trekla. "This will not be an easy fight, as I'm sure you know. However, this mission will also be your final trial. As such, we are not allowed to interfere unless you're on the brink of death, but even then we can only act so quickly. Some partners have lost their lives during trial periods. Are you ready for this?"

Codi narrowed her eyes determinedly and nodded. "Yes, Master."

"Wait, Codi...are you sure?" Trekla blinked at her partner, an anxious look on her face. "This is going to be really dangerous. Are you sure we're ready?"

"Of course I'm sure!" Codi stood up as the carriage came to a stop, raising her arms high over her head and stretching. "We can do this." Trekla blinked up at her with a look of reluctance, but it lasted for only a moment before she nodded and stood up as well. Aya said nothing, but the bear next to them turned to raise an eyebrow at them. Aya pretended not to notice, golden eyes boring into the young ones in front of them. They placed their hand at the top of their staff, finger drawing circles over it as they began to speak.

"Years of hard work have brought you both to this point, and nothing else." They began.

"Take not what you have learned and gained from your training for granted." The Master's partner continued.

"Upon successfully completing this mission, your training will be complete, and you will become fully ranked members of the Night Star Guild."

"Forget not the risks that accompany the path to glory, for the path that appears easy will bring your journey nowhere."

"I, Master Aya of the Night Stars," Aya began, lifting their chin.

"I, Master Alaska of the Night Stars," the bear repeated. There was a brief pause before both began speaking in unison.

"Give faith that you will succeed. To the spirits our prayers will go, in hopes of your safe and victorious return." The Masters closed their eyes and bowed their heads deeply. Trekla and Codi bowed back quietly. As they raised their heads again, Aya leaned over and pushed the door open.

Codi narrowed her eyes and smiled. She exchanged a quick glance with her partner. Trekla narrowed her eyes as well and nodded curtly. With that, Codi leapt out of the carriage and ran towards the mountain, Trekla's paws pounding against the earth at her side.

Gazes of the Masters watched as the figures grew smaller and smaller with each stride. Alaska's round ears fell back with a quiet huff. Aya hummed to themself and chuckled, patting her on the head.

"Why so nervous, Alaska?" Aya asked with a smile.

"You know how risky these trials are." Alaska muttered. "They could be killed. Their bond could be broken."