Preparing for the Unknown

As the days passed and the time for their journey with Belial drew near, the four girls found themselves faced with a daunting task: preparing for the trials that awaited them. The problem was, they were not even sure what they should do to prepare. After taking some time to themselves to consider what had happened the four gathered once more in Claire's attic, they sat in a circle, their brows furrowed in deep concentration as they discussed their options.

Claire, the oldest at 21 years old, looked at the others. "I know none of us intended to be here today but fate had other plans for us. Do I now wish I had never found that stupid summoning spell, of course I do. But that is behind us now, I do believe in each of you and we will face this together," She stated with a confident tone.

"We need to figure out what kinds of skills we might have," Rachel suggested, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "If we're going to survive whatever Belial throws at us, we need to know what we're capable of." 

Claire nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with possibilities. "We've always been drawn to different things," she said, her voice thoughtful. "Maybe those interests hold the key to unlocking our potential. How is Belial going to assess what we say, will he laugh at us or is he going to force us to be something that meets his needs regardless of what we might say?"

Ellie chewed nervously on her bottom lip, her eyes darting around the attic as if searching for answers. "But what if we don't have the skills to use magic or fight like warriors? What then? Is there a chance that he will just discard us? If he decides we are of no use to him what then?"

Hannah, ever the pragmatist, spoke up. "We'll figure it out together. We've always been stronger when we stand united, and this is no different. Whatever skills we may or may not have, we'll find a way to make them work for us."

And so, the four girls set about exploring their individual strengths and weaknesses, each one delving into their past experiences in search of clues. Claire, with her quick wit and natural leadership, found herself drawn to the idea of harnessing the power of magic. She had been the one to find the summoning and had always found these things interesting. Could she figure out how to use that as a tool to serve Belial?

Ellie, with her gentle demeanor and nurturing spirit, wondered if she might possess healing powers. She wasn't sure she was a fighter or would wield the magic that Claire spoke of but healing might be something that could serve them well. Rachel, with her fierce determination and unwavering loyalty, contemplated the strength of a warrior. Could she stand before them and risk everything to keep them safe? And Hannah, with her keen intellect and nimble fingers, considered the dexterity of a thief or maybe a spy. Could that be something that Belial could use?

As they discussed their findings, they realized that their skills complemented each other in unexpected ways. Claire's magic could bolster Rachel's strength in battle, while Ellie's healing powers could provide support to Hannah's nimble movements. Together, they formed a formidable team, each one bringing something unique to the table. 

It may not meet what Belial had intended but it certainly gave them a plan to focus on. "Let's work on this plan and see where it will take us," Claire stated with confidence.

But even as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead, a sense of unease lingered in the air. The prospect of facing Belial and his dark magic and his evil powers filled them with dread, and they couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time.

"We could try to run away," Ellie suggested, her voice hesitant as she voiced the thought that had been weighing on all their minds. "Hide somewhere he can't find us." Rachel and Hannah looked to Claire to see how she would respond to Ellie's suggestion. Could they do it?

But Claire shook her head, her gaze steady as she met Ellie's troubled eyes. "We've been down that road before, and it led us right back to where we started. We can't hide from our fate, Ellie. We have to face it head-on. Do you think with Belial's power he would simply ignore the fact that we disobeyed his direction. I can't see it."

And so, with determination burning bright in their hearts, the four girls strengthened the bond that united them, the worked to draw on the strength of each other as they braced themselves for the trials that lay ahead. Sitting around the attic, they bounced ideas off each other as to what each of them could do to take advantage of their skills and build on them. Helping each other and building on the ideas and suggestions from the others, they knew that no matter what challenges awaited them, as long as they stood together, they would always find a way to overcome them.

Belial had told them he would return in four days. As the appointed day arrived the four gathered again in the attic, anticipation mixing with fear. They hoped they had done enough that he would accept and understand that they took his direction seriously. They believed they understood the potential punishments that would come should he be disappointed in their preparation. The four stood tall as Belial's dark presence loomed over them once more, the four girls stood ready to face whatever destiny had in store. For they had learned that true strength lay not in the powers they possessed, but in the bonds of friendship and loyalty that bound them together, stronger than any magic or might. And with that knowledge as their guide, they stepped bravely into the unknown, ready to confront whatever darkness awaited them with unwavering resolve. 

It was with that confidence that they greeted Belial but even with that new confidence, his presence sent chills running through their bodies.