The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

The way of the ninja 36, Part 128

"Let's focus on the task at hand," Ragnar said, shaking off the remnants of battle and pushing aside the awkwardness that hung in the air. "If those portals aren't closed, we risk being overrun by creatures from those realms."

Princess Aurelia nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon where dark clouds of smoke hung heavy in the sky. "We must locate the source of these portals. If Maleficent and Gnash were able to open them, there must be a focal point or a conduit somewhere within the palace."

Mer-mer tightened his grip on Shadow-cat's arm, still shaken by their earlier encounter. "But how do we find it? The palace is in ruins, and those Witches could return at any moment."

Aurelia unfurled her wings slightly, letting out a gust of warm air that sent a shiver through Mer-mer. "I can feel the magic of the portals," she said, closing her eyes as she concentrated. "It's faint, but I can sense their pull. Follow me!"

With that, she took off into the air, soaring above the crumbling remains of what was once a magnificent palace. The others rushed to follow beneath her, darting through debris and wreckage as they navigated the devastation below.

As they reached an ancient courtyard covered in twisted vines and stones, Aurelia landed gracefully and gestured for them to gather around. In its center stood a jagged stone pillar carved with intricate runes half-hidden beneath layers of grime.

"This pillar is infused with old magic," she explained, brushing away dust with her talon. "It must be tied to the portals somehow."

Shadow-cat stepped closer to inspect it. "If we can decipher these runes, maybe we can reverse whatever dark spell has been cast upon it."

Ragnar pulled out his sword, its blade glinting like a beacon in the dim light. "Let's clear away the rubble and see what we're working with."

Together they began to uncover more of the pillar's carvings, working side by side. As they brushed away centuries of dirt and neglect, words began to emerge—"Sever ties," "Close realms," "Return what is lost"—the phrases slowly revealing themselves to be commands.

"This could be our way of sealing off the portals," Princess Aurelia said excitedly as she read over their findings.

"Then let's do it!" Ragnar urged as he took a deep breath and placed his hands firmly against the stone surface. "Everyone! Gather your energy! We need to channel our magic into this pillar!"

One by one, they placed their hands against it—Aurelia's warm draconic essence mixing with Ragnar's dwarven heritage while Mer-mer added the weight of his heart's resolve alongside Shadow-cat's fierce determination.

As they focused their thoughts on closing the dark rifts that threatened their world, a brilliant light erupted from the stone pillar. The runes glowed fiercely as energy swirled around them like a gentle storm.

A shimmering portal began to twist open before them; not one leading to darkness—but rather to pure radiant light. Together, they held their breaths; this was no ordinary magic—it was alive.

With a final surge of willpower, Ragnar called out: "

"By dawn's light and twilight's kiss,

We bind these portals into abyss.

Darkness shall yield to morning's grace,

Be gone foul spirits! We take our place!"

A wave of shimmering energy exploded from their gathered relics as they channeled their magic into the focus. A blinding light illuminated the courtyard; beams shot forth toward each open portal like tendrils reaching for salvation.

As the heroes poured their combined magic into the ancient stone pillar, the runes burst into dazzling radiance. Tendrils of pure energy snaked out from the carved words, weaving together into shimmering cords that stretched out across the ravaged city like the strings of some vast, celestial instrument.

Throughthe shimmering tears in space, they caught glimpses of nightmarish realms -blasted hell-scrapes  where rivers of magma carved through plains of jaggedobsidian, twisted forests of grasping shadows that hungered for the touch ofthe living, storm-wracked seas that crashed against shores of bone and bleachedcoral. Terrible creatures thrashed and howled as the portals began to shrink,their connection to the mortal world slowly severed by the relentless onslaughtof purifying magic.

The cords sought out the tears in reality - the gaping portals that spewed forth nightmares from other realms. They pierced the hearts of each rift, sinking into the fabric of space and time itself. As they did, a beautiful yet haunting music filled the air, a symphony of creation that sang of the mending of worlds.

The portal to the Beast World shuddered as the melody enveloped it. From within its shadowy depths, howls of rage and anguish echoed as the creatures of fang and fury felt their link to this plane wither and fade. The rift pulsed and throbbed like a wounded thing, fighting against the inexorable power of the heroes' spell. But slowly, inexorably, it began to shrink, the edges drawing inward like a closing eye.

Next, the cord struck the portal to the Shadow World, and an unearthly wail rent the air. The living darkness within recoiled as the light of the runes seared its boundless depths. Shapes of purest black writhed and twisted, trying desperately to maintain their grip on this reality. But the heroes' magic was too strong, and with a final, despairing shriek, the shadows released their hold and the portal snapped shut.

Finally, the beam of energy pierced the rift to the Demon World, and all hell broke loose. Literally. A cacophony of roars, screams, and unholy laughter blasted from the portal as the infernal legions felt their doorway closing. Clawed hands the size of boulders reached through, grasping futilely at the edges in an attempt to hold it open. Sulfurous flames belched forth, and the stench of brimstone choked the air.

But Ragnar and his companions held fast, pouring every ounce of their strength and resolve into the spell. The dragon princess spread her wings and loosed a roar of defiance that shook the very heavens. Mer-mer's grip on Shadow-cat tightened as he lent his indomitable spirit to the working. And Ragnar's blade blazed like a newborn sun as he channeled the might of his dwarven ancestors.

With a final, thunderous boom, the Demon World portal collapsed in on itself, winking out of existence like a snuffed candle. A shock wave of released energy ripped through the city, toppling already crumbling towers and setting the rubble dancing. The heroes staggered back, drained and exhausted by their efforts.

The unnatural clouds that had swirled above them dissipated, allowing shafts of sunlight to pierce the gloom. An eerie silence descended over the ruined city as the last echoes faded away.

Exhausted but triumphant, the companions collapsed against each other, their chests heaving with exertion. They had done it! The gateways were sealed, the dark army vanquished. The world was safe once more!

Or was it?...

What was the price they had to pay?...