Let's make this work

chapter one:a fresh start

Darkness engulfed Viren as he closed his eyes, knowing he wouldn't wake up in the morning. But that didn’t matter to him anymore. He knew this needed to be done. Sure he was scared, but he was also relieved. For whatever reason that was.

Caudia bent over his body, tears in her eyes, she knew she had to save her dad. “What do I do?” She repeated over and over again. Terry approached her, putting his hand on her shoulder. He looked up at her face, kindness in his eyes. “I can’t let my dad die!”, She exclaimed.

“I know, honey, but I don't know what to do. Maybe we can talk to Aaravos about it. He got us here to help Mr. Viren. He should be able to help.” He gave a small, weak, smile. He knew that might work, but then again there might not be something that could help Viren out anymore.

“Right, let’s go to that starry elf.” Claudia clenched her fist, and with a determined face she paced over to Sir Sparklepuff. “How can I talk to Aaravos?” She asked him. The homunculus looked at her, quirked its head and smiled. Claudia audibley sighed. She didn’t have time for this. “Please, I don’t need these antics. I need to save my dad!”

Sir Sparklepuff seemed to do nothing, just kind of dancing, and clapping his hands. Farthing making Claudia frustrated. He rushed back and forth, running his fingers through the sand, slowly drawing something. But to Claudia it just seemed useless, he wasn’t telling her anything. It was just scribbles.

“Look!” Terry exclaimed, “There’s a pair of legs, looks like yours.”

Claudia looked up at him, standing up had been hard, and she didn’t need a reminder of her now handicap. “Don’t remind me of that, Terry, I’m trying to think of something important.”

“No, Clauds, I think he’s trying to tell us to fix your leg up before helping Sir Viren!” Terry beamed. “And I have just the thing”

“We don’t have time for that, we need to save my dad NOW”, Her voice was harsh, but she needed to be, she didn’t have time to dilly dally around. “Show me how to save him” She commanded Sir Sparkelpuff.

The creature complied, with hesitation. Drawing an incantation in the sand this time, in a language she was rusty in, then a knife was drawn. Motioning to the knife, Caudia knew what she needed to do. Tears filled her eyes. The homunculus had become part of her family, and yet to save her dad she knew what had to be done.

She had to kill him. Sir Sparklefuff moved closer to her. She sobbed looking at how innocent he was, he had only done his job, why did he need to be killed? No! Claudia shook her head, she knew she had to do this.

“Good” She heard from behind her, she turned her head quickly.

“Aaravos?!” She let out, she was confused, and yet happy.

“Use his blood, resurrect Viren forever. Draw the rune, say the incantation. You can do it” The elf whispered in her ear, making Claudia shudder.

“Are you hearing something Claudia?” Terry asked, but he got no response, as she crawled over to Sir Sparklepuff.

“I’m sorry” She whispered as she stabbed him. His blood slowly dripping into the sand, she took a handful and smeared it into nearby stone. Terry shuttered and looked away. Opting to search for Viren’s body instead of staying and watching. A few quick words and everything would be over. She and her dad could save Aaravos and then live together happily, Terry at their side. They wouldn’t have to worry about anything once they’d repay Aaravos.

“Good. When he awakes, come find me. I’m in the human kingdom of Katolis” Aaravos whispered, then his ghost faded out of Claudia’s vision.

Terry walked through the woods, collecting twigs on his way, keeping his mind off of what he’d just seen. Quickly spotting Viren’s body. He hadn’t known the spell worked, but it looked like it didn’t.

“Oh no, no Sir Viren. You were a brave one” He said, holding Viren tight. Viren opened his eyes, and gasped for air. And immediately Terry dropped him, far too surprised to keep him in his arms. “I am so sorry SIr Viren, I didn’t- I thought you were dead!” Terry exclaimed.