The Realm Between Worlds writhed like a living nightmare. Around them, time slowed and bent—seconds looped, memories replayed. Tara stood face to face with the twisted version of herself.
The Other Tara
Her shadow double floated above the black monolith, wrapped in robes of living mist. Her eyes, pools of molten crimson, reflected every fear, every doubt Tara had ever buried.
"I was born the moment you questioned your worth," she whispered. "When you hesitated. When you were afraid. I am your truth."
Tara raised her blade. "No. You're just my shadow."
A Duel of Souls
They clashed.
No ordinary battle—this was light against dark, belief against despair. Every strike echoed like thunder. The two Taras danced across the shattered dimension, blades clashing, memories surfacing.
With each blow, Tara was hurled into visions of her past:
- Being left alone as a child.
- Failing to save a villager.
- Doubting she could ever belong in Moonshine.
The shadow version fed on it all, growing stronger.
"You're weak without me," she taunted. "I am the part of you that survives."
The Turning Point
Tara fell to her knees, exhausted.
But then—Jasmine's voice broke through the static.
"You're not alone!"
Behind her, Neha, Jasmine, and the others held hands. A circle of light formed around Tara. One by one, glowing threads of belief connected from their hearts to hers.
She stood again.
"I'm not perfect. I'm not fearless. But I choose to believe in myself. Even with the doubt."
Her blade blazed gold.
She struck.
The shadow-Tara screamed, twisting and unraveling. But instead of vanishing, she collapsed into Tara's arms—crying.
"I just... didn't want to be forgotten."
"I won't forget you," Tara said. "But I won't let you rule me."
With a final breath, the shadow melted into light and sank into Tara's chest.
She was whole.
Moonshine Breathes Again
Back in the sky above Moonshine, the fracture sealed.
The stars realigned. The air cleared. The Shroud vanished like smoke in wind.
From the edge of the Realm Between Worlds, Tara, Jasmine, and Neha stepped out—changed forever.
The people cheered.
But deep below the earth... a ripple moved. Something ancient stirred.