The Ropen's Legacy

Dry Air

Days had passed since Hoshi's battle with the Soviet soldier, but an uneasy feeling lingered in the air. The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating another disturbance. Hoshi couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding, and he knew that there was more to come.

One evening, as the sun began to set, Hoshi gathered his trusted companions, Haru and Juancho, in a clearing deep within the woods. They sat in a circle, discussing the recent events and the strange energy that Hoshi had sensed.

"I know something weird is happening here. You both know it too." Hoshi commented.

"We know it, Hoshi, but no other creatures in this forest can feel what you feel. We can't be sure of what it feels like to have your senses." Haru said.

"It feels like something is heavy in the air. Like a taint..."

Juancho asked "What is a taint?"

"Really, what is a taint?" Haru asked too.

"Something... I'm not sure. Something corrupt, rotten." Hoshi explained.

"How would it affect us, Hoshi?" Haru got curious, and said worried.

"I don't know. I can't predict anything. But there is a place where we can look for this. Let's go to the Dry Lands."

"Shouldn't Juancho stay here? The Dry Lands sound dangerous. I mean, it's dry there, right?" Haru said.

"But if I don't go, who will I protect, then?" Juancho looked sad, but let out a slight laugh.

With a warm expression, Hoshi said. "We can take care of ourselves, little one. Don't worry. I can make it rain and all wet." He laughed.

"Take care on your trip, then." Juancho hugged Hoshi, followed by Haru, doing the same.

"Haru, climb upon my back." As Hoshi finished that line, the Ropen came to be, glowing in all its glory.

Haru jumped to the older one's back and they went to the skies, where far away, the Dry Lands would be awaiting for them. Juancho went back to the heart of the forest, where he had a few friends waiting for him to sleep with them.

The dry lands were a barren and desolate region beyond the borders of the forest. It was a place where the earth was cracked, the trees withered, and the air was filled with an eerie stillness. Few creatures ventured there, for it was said to be a place of darkness and despair.

The Forest God, Hoshi, got stopped on his flighting way by the Desert Sentinel, an enormous creature, with thick, red scales covering its body, short, but strong arms, powerful legs, a powerful tail and immense jaws that could break rocks with one single bite. Its eyes glew golden, just as Hoshi's did.

The Ropen, carrying Haru, came down from the sky in respect of another deity.

"Greetings, Sentinel. Me and my friend would like to access the valley." Hoshi said as he came back to his human form.

The Sentinel growled and hissed before coming to his human form. He looked a bit older than Hoshi, had long, black hair, a large stylish beard and a dark skin tone, with freckles all over his face. "Forest God. What a surprise to see you around here."

Hoshi smiled politely at the Sentinel, acknowledging his presence. "It's been a while, Kasai. We come seeking answers. Something is amiss in the forest, and we believe the Dry Lands may hold the key to unraveling this mystery."

"Who is this one with you?" Kasai wondered.

"My brother in soul, Haru. I take care of him at the forest." Hoshi explained.