In the mystical land of Zelda, where sun-kissed plains met shadowy forests, seven wizards ruled with unyielding might. Known as the "Rich Wizards," they wielded incredible power, their wealth unmatched, their prowess in magic unchallenged. Galen, Lyra, Thane, Elara, Kael, Mira, and Zephyr – these seven names struck awe and fear into the hearts of mortals.
Galen, the eldest, stood atop his crystal spire, overlooking the land. His raven hair whipped in the wind as he sensed a gathering storm. "Tsumiki," he whispered, eyes narrowing. The Tsumiki were shapeshifters, creatures who transformed into humans to entwine themselves with unsuspecting villagers. They wed, bore offspring, and if the child showed any hint of their true, beastly form... the Tsumiki would take the child, vanishing into shadows. If the spouse discovered their secret, they'd kill them, swiftly and silently.
Lyra, the Enchantress of Elements, dwelled in a tower of water and wind. Her voice could calm storms or summon gales. She pored over ancient tomes, seeking clues to stop the Tsumiki's dark breeding.
Thane, the Master of Shadows, ruled the night. His spells could turn darkness into a living cloak or a deadly trap. He patrolled Zelda's streets, hunting Tsumiki whispers.
Elara, the Healer, tended to Zelda's wounds. Her touch could mend broken bones or soothe poisoned minds. But she also knew the Tsumiki's curses, and how to counter them.
Kael, the Alchemist, brewed potions of power. Gold and gems lined his shelves, ingredients for elixirs that granted strength or revealed hidden truths. He concocted antidotes for Tsumiki venom.
Mira, the Dreamweaver, walked the realms of sleep. She could plant visions or unravel nightmares. The Tsumiki feared her most – Mira could trap them in endless dreams.
Zephyr, the youngest, wielded fire like a tempest. Impulsive and fierce, he patrolled Zelda's borders, burning Tsumiki nests.
The seven wizards convened in Galen's spire, maps of Zelda spread before them. "Tsumiki are breeding," Lyra said, voice cold. "We must hunt."
Thane spoke, tapping the map. "Eamon's kin were seen near the Shadow Fen. A nest, perhaps."
The seven wizards vanished into the night, their magic crackling. The hunt began.
In Elmwood, Aria prepared for her wedding. Eamon, her betrothed, was handsome, charming – everything a girl could dream of. But on the eve of the ceremony, whispers spread like wildfire. "Tsumiki spotted in Elmwood."
Aria's mother, pale and worried, clushed Aria's hands. "Child, beware. If Eamon's a Tsumiki..."
Aria laughed it off – but at midnight, Eamon's eyes turned yellow, his face shifting like melting wax. Screams echoed as Aria fled. A child cried in the shadows – Eamon's baby, half-Tsumiki, showing claws.
Eamon snarled, grabbing the infant. "Mine."
A blast of light – Zephyr appeared, eyes blazing. "You won't harm her."
The Tsumiki snarled, human face slipping. Zephyr's fire consumed it.
Aria trembled. "Who are you?"
"Protectors," Zephyr said, offering a hand. "The Rich Wizards. Come."
As dawn broke, Aria joined the seven in their council. "We fight to save Zelda," Galen declared. "Join us?"
Aria nodded. The battle against the Tsumiki had begun.
The wizards briefed her on the lore: Tsumiki were ancient, born of dark magic. Only the Rich Wizards' combined power kept them at bay. Aria learned of the Tsumiki's rules: take the young if they showed the beast; kill the rest. No mercy.
Galen leaned forward. "Aria, you've seen their brutality. Help us end it."
Aria's resolve hardened. "I'll fight."
The Rich Wizards led her to the Shadow Fen's edge. Drowsy trees whispered secrets. Tsumiki howls echoed...
"We hunt tonight," Galen said.
The night swallowed them. Magic clashed. The battle for Zelda began.