The Ropen's Legacy

Reality's Fragile Veil

"Melantha is going to use Hoshi as a vessel... What could that mean?" Haru seemed to be panicking.

"Haru... We can expect anything from someone like her." Juancho tried to comfort his brother in soul.

The sand stormed with the wind against their faces. They didn't even care, they had more important things to think about than some sand.

Haru took a deep breath, steadying himself against the onslaught of sand and wind. "You're right, Juancho. We need to stay focused and think of a way to save Hoshi."

The two friends huddled together, shielding themselves from the relentless sandstorm as they brainstormed a plan. They knew they couldn't confront Melantha directly, as her powers were formidable and she had already proven to be a formidable opponent.

"We need to find a weakness, something that can disrupt Melantha's hold over Hoshi." Haru said, his voice determined.

Juancho nodded in agreement. "But what could it be? We've seen the taint corrupt even the strongest of deities."

Suddenly, a freezing wind came to be in the Dry Lands, northern lights also appeared on the sky. Those were two deities, Hu and Boreas.

"We are sorry. We couldn't protect your guardian." Hu said. Him and Boreas bowed in front of Haru and Juancho. What could've made two powerful deities bow before two young creatures.

Haru and Juancho were taken aback by the unexpected presence of Hu and Boreas. The power and reverence emanating from the deities were palpable, and it filled the air with an aura of solemnity.

"Rise, noble deities." Haru said, his voice filled with both gratitude and curiosity. "We appreciate your presence. But why do you apologize? It is not your fault."

Boreas looked at Haru with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Hoshi is not just your guardian. He is a dear friend to us, and we feel responsible for his current state. We were unable to protect him."

Juancho stepped forward, his eyes filled with empathy. "We understand your feelings, but it is not solely your burden to bear. We are all in this together, united by our love for Hoshi. We must find a way to save him."

Hu nodded in agreement, his voice carrying a solemn tone. "Indeed, the path to rescuing Hoshi lies within unity. Melantha's power may be great, but it is not insurmountable. Together, we can overcome this darkness."

Inspired by the deities' words, Haru and Juancho felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that the task ahead of them was daunting, but with the support and guidance of Hu and Boreas, they felt a flicker of hope ignite within their hearts.

"Tell us, deities, what can we do to break Melantha's hold over Hoshi?" Haru asked, his voice filled with determination.

Boreas spoke with a calm yet commanding tone. "Initially, all we knew was of a ritual with the union of all deities that could cure the taint, but that isn't the entire truth. Melantha draws her power from the taint, a force that corrupts and consumes. To break her hold, you can counter that darkness with the purest light."

"Seek the Lightstone, a rare gem said to hold the essence of divine light. It has the power to dispel even the darkest shadows." Hu said, having a vision of the object.

Juancho's eyes widened with anticipation. "The Lightstone... if we can find it, we can use its power to cleanse Hoshi and free him from Melantha."

Hu nodded. "Yes, but be warned. The Lightstone is protected and hidden in a sacred realm known as the Lumina Sanctum. It is a place of trials and tests, created to ensure that only the worthy can obtain its power."