Several minutes have passed and the Bringers of Hope are still standing by the carved rock. Both thinking about what may possibly lie up ahead. After a few more minutes they both start to walk towards the caverns entrance. Roku takes deep breath just as they enter the cave, unsure of how to feel about what they are about to face.
The cave leads on for several miles, all in a tight tunnel only leading forward. The light from the outside is just a speck behind the Bringers of Hope. Soon, the tunnel is pitch black so Drayk uses Storm Magic to light his hand with purple electricity. The cavern glows from the illuminating sparks, allowing them to at least see the ground beneath their feet and a few feet ahead.
"This is a long way to go down," Roku sighs, "Why did you use electricity?"
"Fire will burn up the oxygen faster than this will, and we'll get about the same amount of light. Who knows how far this tunnel leads. That gate we saw must be enormous to see it from the staircase," Drayk answers.
"Indeed. I don't like being in a tunnel like this. There's no room for defending ourselves."
"Don't worry my dear Roku, I know many tricks for combat in tight quarters. Not all of the work I did during my time as a lieutenant was field fights. I had to do many things I'm not proud of for the greater good. I have learned from those experiences though. Tight quarters are best for alchemic warfare."
"Oh, and I know how much you love alchemy! Drayk.... remember you can open up to me about anything, even the bad times."
"I appreciate that."
Two days later ~
A light is finally starting to make an appearance ahead of them. Far out in the distance is the end of the tunnel. Roku restores Drayk and herself to full health. A fight that neither one them are convinced they're ready for is just ahead. Nervousness overwhelms Roku to her very core, which she cannot explain. She has faced worse things than herself.
The light grows in size until they finally reach the end of the long cavern. The Bringers of Hope walk out into a giant flat desert. The gate can be seen off in the distance, nearly ten times the size from where they started. Yet, the gate still appears to be rather far off. Drayk feels a sense of satisfaction knowing they are still heading in the right direction.
An unexplainable eerie feeling hits the Bringers of Hope. A sense of something strange, yet familiar. A presence unlike any other, the presence of themselves. The feeling appears to be distant, but the fact remains it is there. Roku looks at Drayk with a look of worry, but soon turns to a smile. As soon as she looks into his eyes, she feels safe and confident. She can see passed the yellow marked by the Goddess of Life and right into who he is. She can see the strong and confident man he is, which gives her hope.
"You can always make me feel so secure, even when I am most vulnerable to my fears," Roku whispers into his ear while pulling on his arm with both hands.
Drayk doesn't reply with his words, rather he simply kisses her on the top her head. He pulls her close to him and whispers something into her ear. Words she will never forget. The Bringers of Hope walk deeper into the desert. Winds pick up and blow the top layer of sand up, carrying it off. The lands are flat as far as they can possibly see. Very few cacti are in the area and there is no sign of trees or other life anywhere.
"What a desolate area. Kinda creepy too if you ask me," Roku jokes, but with an almost serious tone.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Drayk states.
"I know. Those.... us? Whatever they are, they can be anywhere. I can't tell exactly where they are. Those shells are hard to sense exactly where they are."
YOU ARE READING
Legend of Parocaav II: Against the Darkness (rough draft)
Fantasy(Book II in the Legend of Parocaav series) The Bringers of Hope have finally succeeded in their quest for redemption. Lady Parocaav has been restored, but at what cost? The planet seems to be destined to be ruled by darkness. Lady Parocaav is gather...
