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

Chapter XI: The Invasion

To Leon, what seemed like a split second, the Bringers of Hope emerged from the Hidden Meadow. They looked the same, but something about them has definitely changed about them. Leon couldn't quite place his finger on it though. The Ultimate Magic! That must be it! They found it. As soon as Drayk and Roku step into the clearing, the stairs and columns disappear. It washes away and becomes the white sand once more. The sand changes into a brown color and flowers blossom back to life. The entrance now completely concealed again like it had never even been there.

"Leon! It feels good to see you again! It's been about a month or so!" Roku excitedly shouts as she runs over and hugs him.

"I would never have guessed you've been down there so long. It seems like you just left!" Leon joked.

"We have acquired the true power of Lady Parocaav," Drayk states calmly.

"Excellent work. Your training in my realm is completed. Come, let us go inside and have some tea. We'll discuss your next course of action," Leon says to them as he turns and walks toward his home.

Drayk and Roku, exhausted but excited, follow alongside him. The three of them walk inside Leon's cottage. Drayk and Roku sit down in the front room while Leon goes into the kitchen. A few minutes later, he walks back out holding a steaming teapot. He pours all of them a cup and sits down.

"The first place you need to go is a large city called Oro. It is quite far, but it shouldn't take more than a few days to get there," Leon explains, "There you will find the master priest known by the name of Joseff Clink. He is the only one aside from Lady Bless that knows the full prophecy. Joseff will be able to tel you what's next on your quest."

"Isn't Oro the capital of the White Mage Clan?" Drayk asks.

"Indeed it is Drayk. In fact, it's also the last remaining city of the White Mages. The rest of their country has been taken over by the Elite Forces. It will not be an easy journey..." Leon pauses for a a moment, then continues, "You will be attacked left and right once you enter the country of White Mages."

"I remember Crito saying something Oro before," Roku states.

"You will find that out soon enough dear Roku," Leon smiles, "Now, let's take this time to relax. You won't get that opportunity for who knows how long!"

Many hours later~

A cool darkness fills the forest, through all the trees and open air. The stars shining bright in the night, and not a breath of wind to be found. An orange glow begins to rise to the east. The earliest morning birds already singing their cheerful songs, announcing the rise of the morning sun to world. The stars slowly begin to fade away, just as the darkness of night. The sky filling with a warm and promising blue color. The forest begins to fill with light, and the inhabitants begin to come out of their slumber.

Drayk has already been awake for some time now, meditating in the small grassy nook hidden within the trees. The warm of the sun catches Drayk's attention and opens one eye to confirm the morning sun. He sighs to himself while getting up off the ground. As soon as he turns around, he sees Roku walking down from the cottage. She waves to him with her inviting smile across her face.

"Morning Drayk!" Roku shouts.

"Mornin' Roku," Drayk smiles, "You are still too perky for own good, especially considering how early it is."

"Oh hush! Today's our final day. We set out after breakfast," Roku paused, "I am nervous. I know we have mastered the Elements and Ultimate Magic, but I am not feeling all too confident yet."

"I know what you mean. There is so much pressure on us to go beyond merely knowing the magics and truly mastering them. Not only that, but to actually go on this quest for Lady Parocaav's redemption. There's still so much we have to do," Drayk sighed.

"You two are such worry warts, ya know that?" Leon joked as he walked down to them.

"We know Leon, you have told us before," Roku laughed.

"Well, Leon. It's been nice training with you, even though you didn't teach us any magic," Drayk said, knowing he did so much more than that.

Master Leon's face went straight and he stared blankly at Drayk, as if he were about to say something. Right as he opened his mouth to speak, Leon falls to the ground with a glowing arrow sticking out of his back. The light envelops the Great Master, and consumes his physical body. His clothing drops to the ground where he lay. Drayk and Roku go straight back to back, weapons drawn. An eerie laugh echoes from all directions, fading into nothing.

"What the Hell?!" Drayk exclaimed, "Not Master Leon! How can this be!"

"Leon!!!" Roku yells in tears, "Who could have d-"

"It doesn't matter. We will find whoever is responsible! We won't let our master die in vein. We have to make haste to the town of Oro. I'm sure that High Priest Joseff Clink will know more. Oro is where Leon was talking about yesterday when we returned from the Hidden Meadow," Drayk interrupted.

Roku looks up towards the cottage. A dark shadowed figure stood at the front door. A longbow held in its right hand and what looked like a quiver of arrows on its back. The figure steps forward a bit, entering a small patch of light. It illuminates his face so Roku can see it. It can't be! It's the man from the vision in the Hidden Meadow! Now she thinks it was a warning of this moment. She knew it couldn't have been an image of her father. It was the man who would kill Leon!

The man's face grew a smirk and turned around. He vanished into thin air. The Forgotten Forest starts shaking violently. Trees come crashing down all around Drayk and Roku. The cottage shatters ans crumbles to the ground. This realm was dying without Leon. It was directly bound to his soul after all. Drayk makes a portal exit and they both jump through it, just before the forest completely falls apart.