The sky wasn't clear on the day of departure. Heavy gray clouds hung over it, as if silently observing Eren and Leylin's decision to leave the Wind Stronghold and head toward the original Wind Temple, said to hold the secret to eliminating the Black Ash.
Preparation:
In the valley courtyard, Xerath stood watching as Eren and Leylin prepared with a small convoy of handpicked soldiers, laden with supplies and weapons inscribed with wind and fire inscriptions.
"The mountain is far away, and the path will lead through the Black Forest, where the Wind Beasts have lived since the fall of the last Heir fifty years ago."
Xerath said in his deep voice.
"We will return before the third moon sets."
Eren said firmly, his Wind Wings behind him swaying in the cool morning breeze.
Lelin looked at him, golden flames flickering between her fingers.
"Even if darkness fills the forest, we will let the Wind and Fire light the way."
Entering the Black Woods:
The path was dark under the canopy of tall trees, where the sun reached only in faint wisps dancing across the damp earth. The scent of moss and ancient ash hung heavy in the air.
The wind was strange and heavy, as if watching them and caressing their necks, while they heard faint whispers through the trees.
"Beware... this wind is not friendly."
Eren whispered, his hands moving to calm the wind swirling around their legs.
Suddenly, a low growl came from the shadows, followed by a swift movement through the trees.
"Get ready!" Eren said, opening his wind wings for protection, while Leylin stood beside him, her hand raised, fire gathering in her palm.
Wind Beasts:
Huge creatures formed of black wind mixed with ash dust emerged, their eyes glowing green, and their bodies translucent, revealing black branches and leaves swirling within.
One of them roared, unleashing knife-sharp winds toward the convoy, forcing the soldiers to take cover behind rocks and trees.
"We can't use the wind against it... It devours the wind!"
One of the soldiers shouted.
"But it can't stand fire!" Leylin said quickly, fire blazing in her eyes.
Leylin fired a ball of golden flame at one of the beasts. It screamed in pain and retreated, the fire burning the black wind enveloping its body.
But the next moment, another beast swooped down from the side, knocking one of the soldiers to the ground. It tried to devour his breath, while the wind around his body turned into black smoke.
"No!"
Eren screamed, jumping up, and opening his wind wings to push the beast away. He felt the wind forcefully being pulled from his wings, as if the beast were absorbing its power.
Eren closed his eyes and released a concentrated blast of pure wind into the beast's body, slowing it down. Leylin screamed and unleashed a concentrated flame that pierced the beast's body and burned it from the inside out.
The beasts turned into black smoke that slowly dissipated, while ash continued to fall on the forest leaves.
Aftermath:
Eren sat catching his breath while Leylin wiped the sweat from her brow, the flame still burning in her hand.
"These beasts weren't just here to guard the place... they were waiting for us."
Eren said in a low voice.
"And Nazar knows we're on the way..."
Leylin replied, looking up at the sky as the wind slowly began to move, as if guiding them.
Eren stood up and extended his hand toward Leylin, who confidently grasped it.
"Whatever awaits us on the mountain... we're ready."
At that moment, the wind blew through the forest, opening a narrow passage between the trees, as if to acknowledge that the heir of wind and fire was now passing through, and that no matter how long the night was… fire would rise to light it up.