Legend of Parocaav II: Against the Darkness (rough draft)

Chapter I: Reacquainted

The three Bringers of Hope walk in total silence. No one can find words to speak. Drayk is far too focused on what is to come. He still can't help but feel like Master Leon had betrayed them by not telling them the truth. Although, Drayk can't blame him for not telling them though. There would have been no way to know how they would have reacted to the truth. He's not even sure how to react now.

Roku is lost in her own little world, trying her best to not think about what's going on. She finds it best to let her mind be at ease as often as possible. Its what helps her stay so positive. Growing up in the mountains with the hermit Crito has made her view the world from a secluded perspective. There are things she cannot escape however. The words that are carried in the winds are what Roku finds hard to ignore. They are everywhere they go, with the exception of the realms. She can always hear the cries for help and the sound of people in agony.

Throughout everything that has happened, Sammi is unable to find words. She has so much more that she wishes to discuss with her brother. The memories of what had happened between her and the Dark Lord now haunt her. Allowing herself to succumb to the darkness sickens her and fills her with guilt. She is worried about what Drayk thinks about her doing so. A bigger fear is that he will not accept her as a Bringer of Hope. She knows he will always love her, but it's because of that she worries he will worry for her safety. Deep down in her heart, Sammi knows her big brother will never be okay with her fighting against the darkness.

The small cottage belonging to Synn is coming into view. So many days have passed, and they are finally reaching a point where they can find a moment's reprieve. Roku's mother will welcome them with a place to get some much needed rest and a good meal. Drayk starts to think about how Roku must feel about knowing she can visit her mother anytime she pleases, as long as she's in the area. Before they were reunited at this house, Synn had not seen her daughter since the attack on the ice capital city.

Synn walks out of the house to greet them. Her red hair flows in the wind and her face is lit with a welcoming smile. Seeing that her daughter is returning safely from her quest to redeem the fallen goddess warms her heart. Synn allows the Bringers to get closer before speaking to them.

Synn speaks in a calm and soothing voice, "It's so good to see you again Riinah. Glad to see you're safe. You defeated Lord Xivaac then?"

"Yes, but we have a bigger problem," Roku hesitates before finishing her response, "Lady Parocaav is the true darkness this planet is plagued with."

"Oh my. It sounds like you three must have quite the story to tell," Synn smiles, "Come inside and I'll brew some fresh tea. Then I want to hear all about it. I might know something useful."

A few hours later ~

After having explained everything to Synn, Drayk and Sammi headed outside to get some fresh air. They both knew they needed to do some serious catching up. Sammi is aware this won't be easy for him, especially in front of Roku and her mother. She had whispered into his ear it may be a good idea to step out to give them privacy. Once they step out, Synn turns to face Roku. She gives her daughter a smile, but sorrow fills her eyes.

"So. You're father gave his own life for you," Synn sighs, "Sounds like the man I fell in love with. I'm just glad to hear he wasn't so bad. I spent so many years hating him for nothing."

"Yes. I feel guilty as well. I had so much anger towards him," Roku says with sadness in her voice.

"There's no reason for you to feel any guilt Riinah," Synn smiles, "I do not blame you for feeling that way though. Regardless of that, I want you to know I am proud of the woman you have become. I feel that there just might be hope to finally give this planet peace."

"Thanks mother. I never needed to used the dagger you gave me."

"Its role has not been needed yet. You'll know what you need to do with it when the time is right. In the meantime, I want you to tell me what growing up with my old master Crito was like."

Meanwhile, out on the porch ~

The tension is so thick between Drayk and his sister, it can be cut with a knife. Neither one of them have spoken since they stepped out onto the porch. Sammi is letting Drayk sort his thoughts, he has always been that way. He will not speak about a sensitive subject until he has thought everything through and calmed any negative emotions he may have.

Drayk finally breaks the silence, "Sammi. I am not upset about what happened to you. I am just happy to know you're alive. I was.... very worried about you. I had thought you lost your life to the explosion of our home."

"I accepted what was happening to help you. Turned out my role in everything was greater than Lord Xivaac realized when he called upon me. I think he panicked. That's why he cast me into darkness, to regain his control."

"Either way, I am just glad to know you are safe and with me again little sister. I won't ever let anything happen to you again."

"Or Roku? Right?"

"I would never allow anything to happen to her either."

"She's important to you, isn't she Drayk?"

"I care for Roku in a way I have never cared for anyone before. To be honest with you Sammi, I think I might be in love with her."

Sammi is unsure of how to respond. She has been overcome with mixed emotions. Of course she is happy her brother has found someone he can love, and yet, she finds herself questioning him. She cannot help but wonder if him loving her is a good thing or not. It is nothing personal towards Roku by any means, she just feels uncomfortable with the idea. Before she can find words to speak, Roku walks out onto the porch behind them. She sits down on the other side of Drayk.

"It's a lovely evening out here," Roku says with a big smile on her face.

"Indeed," Drayk simply agrees, also smiling.

"It's been nice being reacquainted with my mother," Roku tells him, looking into his eyes, "I needed this. Thank you."

"I thought you would my dear," Drayk smiles, "Your mother's is only a little out of the way, but I knew seeing her would do you some good."

"For us too," Sammi chimes in, breaking Drayk and Roku's trance on one another, "We needed this time to get reacquainted too."

Drayk smiles at his sister and stands up. He puts out both hands to help the girls to their feet. They all start to walk back into the cottage and Roku grabs Drayk's hand to hold. She holds it tightly in her own hand and pushes her body close to his. Then she turns her head to whisper in his ear. His stomach flusters at her words.

"I think that I love you too," is what she had whispered to him.