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

Chapter VI: The Dream

"I.... just don't know what to believe anymore," Roku whispers to herself.

Her body is floating among the darkness. No light can be seen anywhere. Roku cannot see or hear anything, not even her own words.

"Leon.... can we.... I still trust you?" She asks the darkness with sadness in her voice.

She waits for a few minutes, hoping for a reply. As she expected, nothing. If there was a reply, it could not be heard.

"Leon! Answer me damnit!!"

Suddenly, the black turns into a deep blue colored ocean. Water in all directions. For a brief moment, Roku gasps for air. She quickly realizes that she can still breath.

"Leon?" She asks quite puzzled.

Words echo through the water, "Leon Leon Leon. Is that all you can talk about? That old bastard?"

"Merii!" Roku shouts.

"So glad of you to recognize me dear sister," Merii's laugh echoes, "What's your obsession with Leon?"

"You really think I'm going to talk with you like I respect you?"

"Respect or not. It's only us here. Believe it or not, sisters talk whether they like one another or not."

"We may be related by blood, but you're no sister of mine."

"Notice how in this place, I am not acting aggressively."

"Perhaps I could.... can't hurt to talk to someone."

"Why not open up to your friends?"

"They're going through enough."

"Alright. So what's your deal with Leon?"

"I don't know who I can trust. So far, almost everything has been concealed with lies. Lies.... so many lies."

"It's the way the world works dear sister. It's a cold and sad truth. What makes Leon lying so different?"

"Well, it instantly felt like he was the grandfather I never had. I could open up to him. We talked for hours in his realm. He helped me realize my potential and showed me a purpose to my life. Then, it was all for nothing? I hate to think that."

"It's not for nothing Riinah. You might have been deceived, but it was only to further reveal your true destiny. You are one of the Bringers of Hope. Do not take that for granted. You are meant to do a great good for this world. I can feel it. As much as I hate to admit.... and I really hate to admit. I don't even think I can stop you."

"Very kind words Merii. I don't get why you can't set aside your hatred towards me. You have a good heart."

"Here. Yes."

"What do you mean?"

"You don't know? This is only a dream. I am not really here with you."

"So, you're thoughts are not of Merii?"

"No. I really am Merii. I am dreaming as well."

"How are we talking then?"

All goes quiet once more, and the water returns to being empty darkness. Minutes pass before Roku realizes she is alone once again. She is unable to figure out they had been communicating. No magic she knew could do something like that. Leon maybe? He does have mysterious ways of being considering he has been dead for months.

"Why can't I wake up?"

"Listen to me Roku...." a voice echoes in the darkness.

"Who are you?"

"Listen to my words.... Leon should not be any concern of yours. Beware...."

"Beware of what? Who are you?!"

"You need not worry who I am yet, when the time is right.... you'll know who I am."

"Enough! If you won't tell me who you are, at least tell me what to beware of!!"

"The Seeker's presence."

"The Seeker?"

"No Roku. His mere presence in this world is what you must fear. Him being here.... will cause you to lose someone near and dear to your heart."

"There's only a small handful of people that could be.... I couldn't imagine losing any of them. Can't we beat him before something terrible happens?"

The voice begins to fade to softer than a whisper, "Yes."

The darkness fades as the voice does. Roku finds herself laying on a small beach hidden among some boulders and tress. This place feels familiar to her in ways she cannot comprehend. It feels like she has been coming here her entire life, though she has never set foot here before. She sits up and looks out into the sea. The sound of the waves calming her nerves from the conversations she had moments ago.

What feels like hours to her have flown by. Her mind has been relaxing. No cares in the world. Just her and this beach to relax her. This is the first time Roku has felt truly relaxed. Even when she sleeps, she never feels rested. Though this may be a dream, she still finds this to be a real break from reality. The sound of the waves help wash her worries away.

Soon though, guilt fills her. How can she allow herself to relax and enjoy herself with so much chaos going on in the world. Drayk. What would he think? Probably that she is over reacting. She knows that is right, but she still can't help but feel this guilt. Hatred towards herself. She's not strong enough. Why was she ever chosen to be a Bringer?

"Leon? ....Gaia? ....Why me?"

~~~~~

Roku jumps up from her sleep, to see the small grassy field they had decided to sleep at for the night. She looks over to see Drayk laying on his back, sleeping like a baby. A slight snoring sound is heard coming from Sammi behind her. The sky is still pitch black, only lit by the stars. A moonless night, leaves all in darkness.

"Was any of that real? Merii? Did I really speak to you?" Roku asks as she lays her head on Drayk's chest.

The sound of his heartbeat soothes her, allowing her mind to stop wandering. She grips his shirt tightly in her hands.

"I don't know what I would do without you Drayk. Please keep your promise."

Drayk moves slightly, kisses her on her forehead and whispers softly, "Don't worry my dear, I will never leave you. You're not in this alone. I promise."

Roku lets a small smile break across her face and she closes her eyes.

"Thank you Drayk."