Once Upon A Time: Descent On Storybrooke

Chapter 6 ~ The Archer

Valerian

     The new stranger had picked me off the ground and introduced himself. And altogether, I wasn't exactly sure how to react. I wasn't one who was quick to just trust people. My trust had to be earned. But I guess it was better to have someone to keep me company rather than traversing the shadowy darkness alone.

     "The name is Valerian." I replied, reaching my hand out to shake his.

     "It's very nice to meet you, Valerian." He said, accepting the gesture and shaking my hand. His hands were softer than a cloud. Well, at least I think a cloud would be soft. Anyways, after exchanging pleasantries, Levi offered a proposition.

     "Well since you appear to be by yourself in here, I'd be honored to accompany you to my camp." He said. There seemed to be a look of hope in his eyes. Or maybe pain considering the arrow that was currently illuminating our faces was terribly bright, making it painful to look at. I considered my options here. I concluded that I actually had no options, so this seemed like the best idea.

     "I'd like that, thank you." I said, pondering at the prospect of possibly making it home. Maybe they were devising a solution at his camp. The thought of seeing all my friends again caused me to smile.

     "Oh and by the way," he began. I turned my head toward him, signaling that he had my attention.

     "You have a nice smile," he said grinning. And before I could even react, he turned away and began walking. It's probably a good thing he turned away though or else he would've noticed me blushing. Or maybe not, considering it was pitch black and it was hard to see much of anything.

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Levi ( 7 Hours Before the Vortex )

     Talk had been spreading throughout the town about the whereabouts of The Dark One. Rumor had it that Mayor Mills along with her son, Henry, and the Savior were headed to confront him. Nobody had seen Mr. Gold for the past three days, and paranoia had begun to arise.

     I was practicing archery in the forest with Father. He was teaching me a new technique on how to keep my shots precise while on the move. I had been struggling earlier, but I was finally getting the hang of it. I sprinted through the forest, firing at the handcrafted targets scattered about. A rush of adrenaline coursed through my body and I began to pick up speed. My heart raced as I flew past the trees, all while continuously firing arrows. I finally reached the biggest challenge. I'd been practicing for months and it was finally time for me to go for it.

     I approached the edge of the Storybrooke Ravine with high hopes, ready to attempt the final target. I leaped into the air, the ground growing farther below me. Spotting me, Father shot his arrow into the air. This was it. As I coasted over the gorge, I shifted my weight, causing my body to turn around. I loaded my bow and pulled back the string. As soon as the arrow grew close enough, I fired. My arrow flew toward the approaching one, ready to collide. It shredded the arrowhead and the splintered the wood of my father's arrow, causing it to disintegrate and fall into the ravine. I continued to soar through the air until I approached the other side of the ravine.

     I landed on the opposite side, bow still in hand. I took a few moments to catch my breath. When I looked up, Father was hurrying toward me.

     "Congratulations! You've done it!" He cheered. He gave me a high five and then pulled me in for a hug. I felt accomplished at this new feat. My feeling of happiness didn't last long, however.

     "Robin! Robin!" Called a voice. Mayor Mills came out of the forest on the opposite ledge. She spotted my father and hurried across the drawbridge. My father turned to face her. She grabbed his arm and attempted to pull him back to the other side. She seemed frantic. Something was definitely wrong.