Ashton, the Beacon of Ethereal
Once upon a time in a mystical city of Ethereal, there existed a young lad named Ashton. Ashton was known for his fiery red hair, sparking blue eyes, and a heart full of dreams. Unseen to the general eye, he belonged to a rare group of individuals who possessed a unique aptitude for wielding magic, known as the Phantasms.
Ashton and his father, Eero, lived modestly in the heart of Ethereal. Though orphaned at an early age, Ashton felt the love from Eero who worked as a blacksmith in the royal castle. Despite being a hard worker, Eero always had time for his beloved family to share the tales of their forefathers, explaining how the cogs of destiny had consigned them to be Phantasms. As he grew, Ashton felt a surge of magic within him, he could feel the forces of elements aligning to his will, but its uncontrolled gushes terrified him.
When he came of age, Ashton embarked on a quest, a rite of passage within the Phantasms, with a secret goal to control the might power within him. He journeyed through the Enchanted Forests, traversed the shifting Sands of Time, and even climbed the peaks of the Endless Mountain Range. But his attempts to control the power proved futile. Frustrated and feeling defeated, he resolved to return to Ethereal, doubting his identity as a Phantasm.
Meanwhile, Ethereal city was shrouded in darkness. A nefarious sorcerer, Morgul, had bewitched the King and unleashed havoc. Eero, being closest to the King, fell prey to Morgul's trap, becoming hostage to his tyranny. Word of the city's plight reached Ashton midway on his journey home. Tears welled up in his eyes as he hurried back, all too aware of the city's sufferings and his powerlessness.
War was imminent. Morgul, emboldened by his deeds, wanted to rule the city and eliminate the remnants of the Phantasms, especially Ashton, his biggest threat. He challenged Ashton for a duel. With a heavy heart, Ashton accepted, knowing he lacked the control to wield his power, but vowing to protect his home.
The day of the duel arrived. The whole city held its breath, their hopes pinned on Ashton. Morgul, in his dark cloak, summoned his malevolent powers and aimed a powerful attack towards Ashton. The attack was brutal, pushing Ashton to the ground. But with every blow he took, he felt a surge of power. His pain, anguish, defiance, and love for Ethereal brought forth a controlled torrent of magic. Winning the duel seemed possible.
Before the final attack, for a brief moment, Ashton closed his eyes, he visualised Ethereal and his father, his love for them seething from his heart. The final showdown began. Morgul, confident of his triumph, hurled his deadliest assault. But Ashton, with newfound control, channeled his magic to form a mighty shield, deflecting back the dark sorcerer's powers to him.
The evil was defeated; Morgul was gone. Light returned to Ethereal. Without missing a beat, Ashton rushed to the castle, only to find his father in the King's chambers unharmed. Regaining consciousness, Eero hugged Ashton, tears of pride streaming down his face. With their hearts full of love, they returned to their home, the city of Ethereal standing a little taller and prouder than before.
Ever since that day, Ashton became a symbol of strength and love, a beacon of hope for fellow Phantasms. He continued to diligently practice his magic. His heart radiating brighter than ever, his magic stronger yet benign. He realized that power chiseled with love and responsibility could bring peace, and he used this understanding to protect and nurture Ethereal, making it a true haven for all.