Legend of Parocaav: The Quest for Redemption (First Draft)

Chapter IV: Acquainted

All is calm and peaceful in the small clearing within the forest. Drayk is fast asleep in the middle of the flower bed. A strong gust of wind rolls Drayk over into his frontside, and he jumps up from his slumber, "Ahh!"

"Relax sleepy head," Roku laughs, "It's only me."

Roku lowers her left hand and the winds die down. Drayk looks up at her and smiles a little. He stands up to look her in the eyes. She has the same yellow eyes that he does, a sight of which he still trying to get used to.

"You really are the other chosen Bringer, aren't you?" Drayk asks.

"I haven't completely accepted it yet, but yes, according to Leon I am indeed," Roku says with a smile, "Leon is waiting for us in his cottage. Let's go!"

Roku rushes off towards the opening amongst the trees, all energetic, and almost simply happy. She had the night to find the answer she was looking for, and found it. Roku was just as determined to fight along side Drayk and put an end to this war. He can't believe how hyperactive Roku is.

Drayk tiredly walks behind Roku, wiping the crust from his freshly opened eyes. He lets out a yawn and a big stretch. They approached the simple fairytale looking cottage. The building appeared to be made from white mud with a golden hay colored roof. Birds were singing in the trees and a feeling of tranquility struck Drayk all of sudden. Everything was so peaceful in this realm. He looked around, overwhelmed by the calm scene and took a moment to enjoy the fresh air. A cool breeze broke the still air, rustling Drayk's blond hair. He regained focus and continued on behind Roku. Roku approached the door slowly. She put her hand out to reach for the door knob, but then she stopped. She turned around to look Drayk in the eyes. Her yellow eyes reflected the suns rays as if they were mini suns themselves. Roku gave Drayk a little smile and continued into the cottage. Drayk looked down at the ground bashfully and followed her in.

Drayk steps inside and can't help but notice how much bigger the cottage is inside than the outside let up to be. He glances around, marveling at the magic this Great Master is capable of. He stops in the middle of the room, standing right on a rug made out of the mythical creature known as a brown bear. Drayk's eyes lit up with amazement, he had only heard of such a mighty beast. The fireplace burst into a calming red and orange flame as Leon entered the room. The fire lit up Roku's fire red hair, which made it look alive. Drayk became entranced for a moment until the Great Master began to speak.

"For the next few months, this realm is your training ground, your home, and your sanctuary. I hope that you two will treat it as such," Leon began, "This forest is where you will master the red arts, it will-"

"The red arts?" Drayk and Roku interrupted simultaneously.

"The red arts... more commonly referred to nowadays as Red Magic. It is the combined force and knowledge of all Elemental Magic. It will be the fundamental basics you both need to know in order to stand a chance against Xivaac's forces. Even after you have master the basics, you will not be ready to face Xivaac for quite sometime," Leon explained.

"So, how long do you think it will take for us to be ready Master?" Drayk asked.

"Why, that all depends on your ability to learn. Regardless of how fast you learn the material, active usage of those skills will determine when you are ready to face the Dark Lord," Leon stated, "You have a much longer journey ahead of yourselves than you realize. I will explain more in good time."

"Now Leon, I have a question," Roku began. She paused for a moment, clutching her hand closed and close to her heart, "You think we can master the elements in just a few months?"

"Ah. I can understand where any doubt is coming from. You have been chosen by Lady Parocaav. You more or less already know the magic... it's just learning to control it now. Make sense?" Leon replied, "Remember to keep in mind that in this realm, time moves much slower back on earth. So a few months won't be longer than a few days once you leave this realm."

"I'm not completely sure I do Leon, but I trust what you have to say," Roku smiled.

"Ok, so what will we be learning first Leon?" Drayk asked.

"Yourselves and one another. You will be working along side each other for quite awhile, so you two better get more acquainted with one another. I will be in my chambers if you need me. Feel free to explore the cottage, or the forest. If you two are lucky enough, you will find the secret meadow within these woods. I guarantee you won't today, but you will before your training here is finished," Leon laughed as he walked up the stairs to his chambers.

Drayk walks over and sits down on the couch near the fireplace. Roku smiles and sits next to him. He looks her over from head to toe as she sits beside him.

"I know what you're thinking Drayk, and I don't blame you. This is a lot to take in. I mean,only yesterday I was just an orphan raised by hermit monk," Roku said to him.

"I am not sure what to think honestly," Drayk laughed after a moment's silence, "It was strange using Lightning. It tingled a little bit."

"You'll have to learn to trust me, and I you," Roku joked.

"Yes, I will learn to trust you Roku. So, you have been trained in Wind Magic?"

"Well yeah. I was raised by a hermit monk of the Wind Mages."

"I grew up learning Fire Magic. My mother is from the Fire Mage Clan. My father was just a soldier and Alchemyst, so I've studied up on it as well."

"Sounds to me we have to learn from each other a bit."

"I see you carry twin blades over your shoulders. What did that monk teach you?"

"Besides Wind Magic, Crito taught me the art of the ninja. Wind Mages are a master of stealth. You carry quite a large sword, broadsword I'm guessing?"

"My father trained me to be an offensive swordsman. This blade was his for many years.It's smaller than most broadswords believe it or not. It was right before I joined the Resistance that he gave it me. My father taught me how to infuse the blade with the elements using alchemy."

"You'll have to teach me that trick! I never got to study alchemy under Crito's watch."

Drayk shrugged and leaned towards Roku with the calmest look she had ever seen in her life. He whispered something she didn't quite understand. He slowly stood up and walked towards the door. He turned to look at Roku, "Let's prove Leon wrong and go find that meadow today."

"It can only be found with Magic, we may not be ready yet..., screw it! I'm in! Let's try it!" Roku burst out.

Drayk and Roku walked out of the cottage, headed straight for the clearing. Roku dashed out in front and started cartwheeling into the flowers. A big smile was spread across her face. She looked back to see Drayk smirking.

"You're so uptight Drayk! Loosen would ya?"

He chuckled a bit, "Either that or you need to settle down a bit."

A few hours later~

Drayk and Roku return back to the cottage, feeling exhausted. They walked slowly back inside and sat down in front of the fireplace. Leon joined them a few min later with a pot of tea.

"I knew you wouldn't find it today!" Leon burst out laughing, then it subsided and his face went serious, "I trust you had time to get better acquainted though. That was the soul purpose of today, and your first lesson after all."

Leon handed the two some tea then leaned back into his chair. He took a sip with a grin on his face. Drayk just stirred his tea with a spoon as Roku downed the tea like she hadn't drunken anything in days. She smiled at Drayk and poured herself another cup. Drayk lightly shook his head in amazement and finally started to sip his tea. Once they had finished, Leon returned back up the stairs.

"Goodnight Roku," Drayk said as he went back outside.

Roku didn't say anything, she just layed onto her back and closed her eyes.