Deep inside the Labyrinth of Time, off where no one has set foot before, is the chamber know as the Halls of Illusionary Time. The Bringers of Hope have been training vigorously for almost two years now. Under the tutelage of Master Leon, they have mastered the various elemental magics. Drayk and Roku now have an even better understanding of their own Ultimate Magics as well.
After another day's training, the Bringers rejoin Leon near the campsite they has established. As usual, Leon has a pot of tea already brewed and he pours them each a cup. He smiles at them with pride behind his eyes. The old mage stands up and begins pacing back and forth. Roku becomes curious, is Leon alright? To her, he seems rather anxious for some reason.
"Leon?" Roku asks, "Are you doing alright?"
"Of course. Our time here is almost up," Leon explains, "I will miss the two of you is all.... we won't be able to sit together like this soon."
"We'll have to pay you another visit here some time," Roku says enthusiastically.
"Leon.... what happened to my sister?" Drayk cuts in to ask, "Was the darkness really her destiny?"
"For that.... I don't have an answer. I know the will of Gaia, not that of Parocaav," Leon admits.
"I understand," Drayk sighs.
"Tomorrow morning when you two awake, it'll be time for you to head out. Tao will take you to see the remaining Resistance survivors," Leon pauses for a moment, "They need the two of you. They are losing faith in the light. Go to them."
"Where are they anyway?" Drayk asks.
"On the northernmost island off the Western Coast. It's all that's safe from the reach of Lady Parocaav," Leon replies with sadness in his voice, "I never imagined.... Drayk. Roku. Please end the world's suffering."
The next morning ~
Roku wakes up early and looks at Drayk who is still fast asleep. She climbs out of the bedding, trying not to disturb Drayk's slumber. Once free, she walks out of the cavern and heads over to a sparkling pond. Roku splashes some cold water on her face while sighing. In her mind she knows they won't be able to visit Leon for quite some time. This thought fills her with sorrow for a moment. Her chipper disposition sets in and she reassures herself with optimistic thoughts.
Then, her thoughts turn to Drayk. In all the time they have spent here, she prevented herself from thinking about what happened with his sister. Immediate sympathy overwhelms her and she cannot help but feel sorry for him. She can only hope he knows she will always be there for him. Roku starts to ponder ways they might be able to save Sammi from the darkness.
Suddenly, Roku is surprised to see Leon's shadow approach her from the side. She jumps a little bit while spinning to look at him. A smile spreads across her face as he smiles back.
"Drayk hasn't awoken yet?" Leon asks a little surprised, "He is always the first one awake."
"He has been over working himself a lot since we've been here," Roku replies, "It is weird to think he's still asleep though."
Just then, Drayk walks out to join them. He kisses Roku on the cheek with a big smile on his face. Then he walks over to Leon and whispers something in his ear before speaking out loud.
"So. We're off to that island up north today?" Drayk asks.
"Indeed. Tao will take you there once you leave this place," Leon answers, "The people need you both, now more than ever."
Several hours later ~
The Bringers of Hope have reached the spiral staircase leading back to the outside world. Drayk takes a quick glance at the Labyrinth as they make their ascension. He sees a brief image of Sammi fighting the chimera. Sorrow instantly hits him as he thinks about all that has happened to her. That sorrow turns to guilt right away. He allowed his sister to be exposed to the darkness again. He should never have had them split up to explore the Land of Water.
Once the Bringers of Hope reach the top, Lord Bahemyth escorts them back to the outside world. The two of them step out and they hear the door close and lock behind them. Tao is standing out a few feet away from the Labyrinth's entrance. He greets them with a smile and walks up to them.
"You two about ready to head out?" Tao asks.
"Yes, we are ready," Roku replies with a big smile.
"Well then. Off to the Isle of Lost Hope," Tao says as they all disappear in a flash of white light.
Meanwhile ~
A small island, miles off the coast line, sits calm and virtually untouched. Cottages have been built along a white sandy beach. Waves crash against the beach and birds can be heard singing from across the island. Children are splashing about near the water's edge with the adults off in their homes. A middle-aged woman stares out at sea, looking toward the mainland. A flash of light blinds her momentarily. Once she can see again, she notices the Bringers of Hope and Tao standing before her.
"Ah Drayk. Long time no see," the woman states.
"It's good to see you again, Captain," Drayk says with a slight smile, "Is Lady Quintly here too?"
"She is, yes. She is the last of any royal bloodline that is still sided with the Resistance," the woman answers with a soft tone, "She will be pleased to know you have arrived, Bringers of Hope. I will go speak with her. Please wait here and enjoy yourselves."
Drayk and Roku walk up to the water's edge as the woman heads off toward the town. Tao steps over to a food cart to get some food for the three of them. Drayk puts his arm over Roku's shoulder and kisses her gently on the cheek. She flushes a little and smiles. Tao walks back over and hands them some kind of barbecued meat on a stick.
After a few minutes, the skies overhead begin to darken. Thunder crashes from off in the distance and the waves of the ocean intensify. A familiar laugh echoes all around them and the Bringers feel a bit uneasy. Then, a dark cloud appears behind them, further up the beach. From the darkness, emerges Grimm the Reaper.
"Bringers of Hope!" Grimm shouts, "So good of you to join me! You've bested me once and saved by that.... Tao! Now you will see the wrath of the dead! Prepare yourselves, Bringers of Hope!"
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...
