Leya and Destins: Review pls!
Disclaimer: I do not own the awesome manwha/game of Ragnarok Online. RO belonged to Lee Myung-Jin and Gravity corp.
"Huh…!!!??" she was shocked after witnesses her most important friend collapse to the ground in front of her bare eyes and his body was as cold as icy brick. She was frightened and shivers in cold.
"DESTINS!!!!!!!!" she shouted his name and tears began to streaming down from her brunette pair. Then, suddenly, the visual began to dissolve slowly into an infinite darkness…
"Destins…!" again, she repeated the name once she awakes from the horror dream that haunts her. She widens her eyes in surprise and cold sweat soaked all over her body.
After that, she calms down herself and tries to reassure everything was okay. Probably the dream was her illusion or some what, she thought for herself. She heaved a deep sigh and turns her gaze to glance to the window. To her surprise, this place looks different and definitely not her house at all. She gasped and turns around to examine each part of this room. Truly, this place isn't an inn as well and it is totally unfamiliar for her.
The room was as empty as like an empty vessel. Nothing adorned inside the room, just a plain space covered most of the part within it. A bed which Leya sleeps just now placed near the shady window. Well, the windows are not like those classy glass window, but they're made from mud and stones.
"Where am I…?" Leya hesitated for herself. Then, she climbs off from her bed and moved around the room to examine it. Suddenly, something eye-catchy caught her attention. It was an emblem painted on the grunge wall and shaped like a star with eight edges. The star mark looks a bit awkward and it was tinted in crimson red and black colors. Leya took a closer look to it and she began to touch it slowly.
"It does sure looks like an organization's logo or an emblem…" she whispered in low tone while still staring at the star mark.
"Heh… So, you finally awake…."
A sound echoed to her all of a sudden. Leya was startled by it and turn to glance to the person immediately. She was totally surprised after saw the same mage that show up at the pyramid when the tragedy of Osiris occurred.
"It is you…..?" she hesitated.
"Yeah, I am the magician that you have met last time… in the pyramid…" the mage began to move her steps and getting close to Leya. Leya was speechless and she paused herself for a while.
"Well… You can call me as Anna…" she uttered slowly and took a glance on Leya.
"Err…."
"Anyway, I'm glad that you've awake… It sure a little surprise to see such a strong girl like you…"
"Hm??"
"To protect a man that she loves is a very hard thing to be done… for a woman of course… But you've proved it that women nowadays… are tough and strong… heh…." she winks and leans against the wall.
"Huh…? What do you mean by that….?" Leya still confuse about her odd question.
"Hmm… You don't have to be concerned about my questions and my answers…."
"…….."
"Anyway… Where is this place…??" asked Leya while narrowing her eyes to locked her vision towards the mage's figure. The mage grinned and gave her a cold smile. Then, she moves her step to get closer to the window. After that, she opens the window slowly, and then, soft gust began to blow softly from the outer atmosphere.
"This is… our hideout…" said she.
"Huh?"
"Well, I thought you knew about it, missy…"
"I didn't know anything either…." added Leya while cocked her eyebrow.
"Hmm… then looks like I've to explain it again…." said the mage and smirked to her.
Leya just watched her silently. She never let go her gaze off from that mage and she is still aware with this stranger.
"We, call as Dark Star…" finally, the mage blurt out the truth. Leya was shocked and gasped a while.
"Dark Star….?! Isn't that a…….."
"Yes, indeed. We're bandit… or u can assume us like a well trained assassin….?" the mage took a glance on her then turn her gaze to stares at the dusty surrounding of the underground maze.
"This is our Dark Star hideout, located within the core of the earth… Of course, it does sounds like silly… But honestly, this hideout was built centuries ago before the tragic war happened…."
"………….."
"It used to be a deserted place, due to the isolated underground passageway which had built… But now, rouge guild had taken over it and Dark Star had ruled part of the place by now…"
"Nobody knows about it…." she added again while close the windows.
"Hmmm….." Leya still hesitated while doubting about this mysterious mage. Something is not right about them, she thought for herself. Millions of questions often playing around her mind, but she still couldn't find those answers within it. She needs to investigate and seek the answer by her own.
"As you can see, there's nothing much within this underground. No sunlight, lively trees or singing birds. It just an emotionless scene that we can see everyday… Heh… such pitiful to said this, ain't it…?" she continues again and glance on Leya.
"……….."
"Oh well, I do not have much time to explain at here…."
"Anna….?"
Suddenly, Anna's lips began to move and murmured some words. Soon, shimmering aura and lights surround her. It seems like she is summoning her magic.
Leya could feel her body was floating and then, a crest of magic seal appeared beneath her foot. She lost the gravity and was drift around the air. She widens her eyes in surprise and gasped.
"Anna…! What are you doing!!??" she yelled.
"Your friend is waiting for you… I just gladly send you to see him…."
"What!?"
Thus, a light shoot out from Anna's wand and a swirling vortex began to form underneath Leya's foot. She startled and she could feels herself was teleported to some place after this.
Sooner, Leya could see few torches lit dimly throughout the gloomy path. Her vision still blurs after Anna teleport her in such a hasty manner. She even couldn't finish up her words before being sent away. Without thinking any longer again, Leya decided to follow what she told her. 'Meet your friend….' is the only word Anna whispered to her at that moment.
After a short distance she walks, finally Leya saw a door that lies not far away from her. She approached it and tries to open it. Before she could do it, suddenly the door knob switches and opens automatically. Leya was totally shocked with it. But yet, she must steps inside to see anything within that room.
"Welcome, princess…." a voice echoed to her suddenly. Leya jumped once heard that voice. Her heart pounds so fast as if it going to throw out from her throat.
"Huh!!??"
"Hahaha… Don't have to be so surprise, your highness…" the voice added again.
"Heh… who are you!? Show yourself!"
The room suddenly driven into a deep silence. She could feel chills running thru all over her body. The room only have candles illuminated each corner of the place, and the furniture were covered with white clothes. The place doesn't have any special adornment or luxurious furnishings, but it looks more like a small chamber… The room still as gloomy as if the darkness engulfed most part of it…
Suddenly, a shadow began to appear and approached her. To her surprise, it is the same assassin she saw at the pyramid that day. Leya tries to descend her steps to behind, but before she notices, the assassin had grabbed her and she falls into his chest immediately.
Leya was so scares and her heart skips a beat.
Sooner, the assassin uses his finger to lift up her chin slowly and passionately as like those times in the pyramid. History just repeats again…
Leya widens her eyes in surprise, and then she shut her eyes as fast as she could to remove her gaze from this man.
"Stop it!!!" she shouted suddenly.
"Hmph…."
Leya pushed the man as hard as she could and retreat her steps slowly. Her eyes were burned in flames and she could tell herself that anger had taken over her mind now. Her brunette pair still locked to the assassin's emerald eyes. Then, her hands began to clutch her sword and ready to draw out if this man trying to harm her at the first place.
"If you trying to behave like this to me again…. I'm not going easy on you again… Mister Assassin…."
"Heh…. hehehe…. Hahahaha…..!" suddenly, the assassin burst out laughter and keeps on laughing on her. Leya was surprise and eventually, her anger rises much higher than just now.
"What's so funny about this…….?" she questioned him with her angry tone.
"Hahahaha….."
"……………."
"You absolutely looks cute, girlie…. Hahaha…." he continues laughed again while turn his gaze to the other side.
Leya just watched him silently. Though her blood is boiling and she wanted to pierce this man with her sword so much, yet she couldn't do that due to her lack of skills, powers and strength. Moreover, this guy had saved her from the Ancient Mummies before, and she even can't thank him for saving her life.
"Listen here, Leya Delfora…. Now you're stepping at Dark Star territory… If you trying to behave like those immature kids and fooling around at here… We're not going let you free from here forever…. Hehehe…." the man smirked to her.
"What!?"
Leya's heart beat as fast as lightning. She couldn't imagine what she had heard just now. What on earth is happening now? Now she's stuck to the world of bandit? Living with those filthy robbers?? But, she is still owed them a life…. Because of them, she and Destins were saved from Osiris…
"Sigh……" Leya give a sigh and placed her sword back to her buckle.
"Hmph…. Anyhow, you still owe us something… And what you have seen had been seen thru by you already… So, we have nothing to hide from you anymore…." said the assassin suddenly while cocked his eyebrow.
Leya was surprise with his words.
"Huh…?"
"And that's means…. You must stay with us forever……. We're not letting a witness like you go freely after knowing Dark Star purpose…."
"What…?" she gasped and totally confused with his answer.
"Knowing that Dark Star going to steal the most precious and valuable treasure of the Ancient Tomb… it's an unlucky sign for those who knew it…. Hahaha… Cause' it is forbidden to let anyone know it… It's a crime ya' know, for stealing the treasure….. Hahahaha…." the man added and crossed his arms.
"What do you mean by that….?" Leya hesitated.
"And that's mean…… Dark Star won't let anyone survive if the witness saw the truth of this organization…. Hehehehe…."
"???!!""
Leya widens her eyes in surprise and she was speechless. She couldn't think any further. She is so scares and frightened. Though she is still confused about this mysterious guild, or known as Dark Star, but she couldn't questioned so far as she knows her life is in their hand now. They'll eliminate her anytime they want. Leya's mind became blank all of a sudden and fears are running thru her body that time.
"Hmm… but do not have to worry, my princess… It is not the time yet…hahaha…." added him again.
"Well, let's not waste the time……. Someone is waiting for you…." said the man while pointing to a dark pathway.
Leya just keeps quiet in the whole moment. She felt herself was deeply lost and helpless. Moreover, Destins is not at her side now. Wait a minute…. Destins……
Her mind suddenly flashed towards Destins. Where is Destins? She kept asking the same question to herself all the time. But, she couldn't find the answer.
"Go thru that pathway. Just don't bother with the eerie paintings on the side. Keep walking until you reach a small pond. That's your final destination…" said the man while still crossing his arms into his muscular chest.
"…………" Leya just nodded without blurt out any word.
Then, she began to start her move and stroll down a stair that leads towards the dark pathway. Along the stairway, only torches shone thru each corner of it. Though the place still as dim as darkness conquered part of the place, but yet Leya still could overcome it and move her steps as fast as she could in order to arrive at her destination. There were few paintings on the wall along the silent pathway. The paints look like skeleton, skull and other eerie and spooky feature. However, Leya never keep an eye on them and she just ascend her steps and heading to the pond.
Sooner and later, she saw a glimmering lights illuminated not so far away. She began to approach it and then, she gives a sigh. Finally, she arrives at the pond safely. But strangely, nobody was there. None a single shadow or a figure appear at there too. She was confused again and totally pissed off when her mind recalls back to the assassin. How irritated she was that time, getting pissed off by that annoying brat…
Only those droplets of water sound could be heard clearly thru all the part and the echoes were as loud as everyone can heard it so obviously. Leya just keep stood there without moving any single footstep. Then suddenly, she heard something.
A footstep sounds echoed and moisture into the atmosphere of that place. It is getting clear and near. Leya's heart skips a beat and her eyes are focusing every part of this area.
After that, a shadow began to emerge from the deep darkness. It approached Leya slowly and gradually. Few seconds later, it stopped.
"………….." Leya paused herself for a while.
"I knew you would come, princess…." a manly voice burst out all of a sudden.
Then, he began to ascend his footstep to the front. The torches shone dimly and illuminated part of this man's figure. Leya could see he was wearing a furry outfit which tinted in light glowing violet. His body was as tall and as masculine as a well-trained wrestler. He had very stunning and astonishing ruby eyes that glow in the darkness. Furthermore, there was a deep scar pare on his cheeks. Leya gasped and she was totally speechless at the moment. Sooner, the man started to speak;
"I'm the leader of the Dark Star… the name is Uruki Hazore….." he uttered with his deep tone.
"Oh my……. Uruki Hazore…?!" said Leya while widens her eyes in unbelief.
"You… You're the legendary bandit….?? But… But….that's……"
"Hahahaha… I'm dead right…? Well, in the legend and history said so… But fortunately for me, I've survive…… Hahaha…." the man tell the truth and laughed out loud.
Leya just paused herself for a moment and give him a puzzle look.
"Save those words for now, my lady… I'll take you to meet your friend… He is waiting for you…." he added again.
"Heh…!? Destins!? Where… where is him!?" Leya uttered with her anxious heart. The man could tell she was terribly worried about her friend's circumstances.
"Come… follow me…" ordered him and point to an entrance that lies beside the pond.
"He is there…."
"………….." Leya took a glance on him and nodded.
Soon, they've reach in front of the door. Leya tries to push the door in order to open it, but before she could do it, Uruki had taken over her place. Then, he gives her a smile;
"No, princess… It is not the right way to open a door such like that…." he grinned.
"Huh….." Leya cocked her eyebrow and puzzled.
"Alright… This is the exact way how to open a door…. Look here…" said Uruki and smirking.
Suddenly, Leya could feel there was an enormous strength flowing around. To her surprise, glowing aura began to appeared and twirling around Uruki. He seems so calm and cool as if nothing happen on him. Then suddenly, he placed his palm onto the door face and all auras started to flows into his palm. Thus, he focuses and presses his palms hardly onto the door, and then suddenly everything was in white. Leya was blinded by the shimmering bright light and she couldn't sense anything either.
After a few second, everything had become normal as usual. Leya's eyes locked on Uruki's figure once the bright light trailing off into the darkness. She run towards him and was pretty shocked. The door finally opened. And she could see lights and radiance sparkling within that mystery lane that lies behind this door.
"Woww…." she gasped.
"Told you…hehehe…." Uruki smirked to her again.
"Well, the door has opened… Just go inside…" ordered him.
"Erm!" Leya nodded and went into the secret chamber immediately.
She runs as fast as she could. Everything about Destins was playing in her mind now. She could no longer think about anything besides Destins. She could feels she's getting closer with him too. And it is so close…
Suddenly…..
"??!"
Leya widens her eyes in surprise. She gasped for a while and couldn't believe what she had seen in front of her bare eyes.
Destins, was there….
He is there….
But….
She paused for so long and only her eyes still focus on him.
Destins, was lying on a huge white gleaming stone bed which placed at the center of the chamber. The stone looks absolutely like those luxurious jewel and was designed uniquely for some reason. And there were flowers covered on this serene landscape along with few candles that lit throughout the whole place. Surprisingly, though this secret chamber was hidden within the deepest part of the ground, yet, radiant sunlight could reach this place and every life could feel the warmth from the sun's embrace. The sunbeam illuminated to the white shining stone at the center and reflects beautiful spark to each corner of the place. Fragrance of the flowers spread into the soft breeze that blows tenderly around the atmosphere. Leya could see Destins was lying there like a sleeping baby who had slept for over time as if had tempted into a mother's lullaby. She feels herself was nervous and fears are running over her body at that moment.
Soon, she moves her steps attempts getting close to Destins. At that time too, her eyes were fill with sorrowful tears but she tries to stop herself from weeping.
"Destins…." she whispered his name softly.
Destins didn't replies her calls and he look likes had driven into a deep sleep, as if didn't wishes to wake up again.
Leya's heart skips a beat. Her hands began trembling and she stretch out her hands to reach him right away. Then, she began to touch his face gently. To her surprise, Destins' face was as cold as a frozen body. His face was so pale and his heartbeat was so weak. Leya widens her eyes in surprise and clenched her fist tightly.
"Destins…. Destins!!!" she shouted his name loudly with her tears began to tumbling down from her brunette eyes.
"Destins!!!! Wake up!!!"
"You fool!!! Wake up!!!!!" she cried out.
There was a deep silence within the horizon. And Leya could feel those chills had running over her body at that time. All her cries had echoed throughout every part of the chamber, yet, there's still no response or an answer from Destins.
"No…..!!" Leya falls on her knees straight away while still grabbing Destins' hand.
"Why….. Why…. Why does this have to be happened….? Why…!" droplets of tears shimmer from her watered eyes and dropped gently to the ground. She cries nonstop and her heart was totally shattered to pieces once she saw Destins' current situation.
Leya froze at there for few moment and her tears still haven't dry out yet. Sooner, she heard a footstep echoing close to her. But, she didn't turn her back to look either and she just kneeled there without uttered any word.
"…………."
A hand placed on her shoulder all of a sudden. But yet, she didn't even look up on the person at all.
"Sigh… It's no use now…." Uruki appeared from behind and stood closed to Leya. His eyes were locked to Leya's figure that was terribly in frown now.
"…………."
"His chance to keep survives as slight now… as the time is running out… The venom had spread all over his body…." added him again then give a sigh.
"Why…." Suddenly, Leya began to voice out. Her voice still sounded in frown and sorrow. She clenched her fist tightly and bowed her head down to avoid being stared by Uruki. Uruki just keeps quiet within the whole moment and sighed.
"Why does this have to be happen…..???"
"……………."
"I know it is hard for you to accept this… But…."
"There's still a way to save him from this abyss of hazard…" said Uruki while lock his vision towards Leya.
"Huh?!" Leya was surprised after listened to what had Uruki expressed.
"Therefore, we have to see how hard he struggle to keep on living… I can't say this method will hundred percent save him… But that's just to stop the venom from keeping spreading within his body… If not…"
"He will die…" he added again and gives a sigh.
"What?!" Leya gasped and widens her eyes in surprise.
"……We must give it a try…"
"Erm! Tell me! I'll do anything to save him! Please…! Tell me the way now!" Leya begged Uruki hard and pushed him to tell her the way. Uruki watched her in silent and then, he nodded.
"Sigh… Guess I needed to do some role for this as well…" he scratch his head and sighed.
"Okies, princess… Listen here, we need to prepare some stuff to make a panacea to stop the venom…" he gives her a slight smile and points out.
Leya paused herself for the whole moment while keep her ears clear and focusing on everything that taught by Uruki. He gave her few instructions and signs about making the panacea to cure Destins' deadly ill. Then, after a few minutes, Leya stood up and took a glance on Uruki.
"So….."
"All I have to do is… get the material for you… Orc Nails, Grills, White Herb, Green Herb, Miracle Tears and Frozen Flower… right?" Leya reassured everything once again before she could start out her journey to search for the items they need.
"Hmmm…. Yeah, exactly…" said Uruki and narrowed his eyes towards Leya.
"Well, you can start off your journey by collecting Orc Nails firstly… And I can handle the rest of them…"
"…….."
"You can find Orc Nails from Orc Village, which located at the east of Geffen, the magic kingdom… Certainly, it's not as easy as you think, Miss Delfora… Orc Nails only dropped by those terrifying Orc Zombies…. And you…."
Before Uruki could finish up his sentence, Leya began cut in and she started to move close to the door.
"I know that… Don't have to be worry about this… I can take care of this thing…." she clenched her fist tightly and clutching her sword at the same time too.
"I'm going to bring back all the items as soon as possible! And save Destins' in no time!" cried she after step out from the secret chamber of the underground.
Uruki just watch her shadow trailing off slowly in silent. Then, he heaved a sigh and shook his head.
"Sigh… Guess we have to work hard on it… Well… Time to get to work……" Uruki began to stretch out both of his arms highly and then yawn. After that, he began to move his steps and headed towards another room that located near with the chamber.
Upon arriving at the only magic kingdom of Rune-Midgard Empire, Leya started out her journey by collecting Orc Nails firstly. She then headed towards Orc Village which dwells at the east of Geffen. Rumors once told before about this hidden village; it was a terrifying place that ruled by the fearsome orcs tribe and was once a place where many of innocent lives had been killed during certain missions that conducted at that place. But, even though this rumor was kinda 'popular' among the citizens of Geffen, but that didn't stop this little swordswoman from keeping pursuing her aim. All she wanted to do now is to accomplish the task as fast as she could in order to save her most important friend in no time.
Soon, she had arrived at the destination she targeted. She took a closer look towards the front gate of the unknown dungeon and then she began to takes her steps, then heading into the dark lane that leads to the mysterious place.
At that time, she could feel those heavy senses of evil, cruel, eerie and deadly had tainted throughout the horizon. It seems like, the more steps she takes, and the much heavier sense she could feel. The hazy view and the thick fog covered most of the part of this dungeon and there is no sense of living. Only those deadly senses conquered this mysterious dungeon. Without thinking much longer, she decided to goes through this place at any cost. To venture her life in order to seek for the items she needed and rescue her friend's life. She took a deep breath, and clutching her sword tightly then dashed into the dungeon in such hasty manner.
Her presence had lured those eerie-looking orc zombies from their graveyard. Leya was startled at first, but she managed to overcome her fears and ready to strike any monsters that trying to get in her way. She bashes, slashes, sliced and knocks each creature in the middle of her journey and was able to find few of the items she needed which had dropped by the monsters.
After an hour has passed, she had collected enough of the Orc Nails. She led a slight smile on her small victory after a long and tiring battle between the monsters, and was blessed to get what she wanted. Thus, she decided to head back to the hideout of Dark Stars and handles everything to Uruki.
But yet, something was just about to happen and she couldn't expect it at all…
A group of Orc Zombies suddenly burst out and ambush her from nowhere. The number of them began to increase and increase each time and she could barely to hold them back.
And then again, she uses her skills fully to defend herself and tries to escape as soon as possible. But sadly, she was surrounded by the zombies in the final round. She widens her eyes in surprise and couldn't think anything at that moment. Her mind suddenly went blank….
At that moment, she saw something eye-catchy. A cloak person stood near a tree not so far away from her. It's the same cloak person again which she had saw at the pyramid. Her heart pounds so fast as she was suffered from slight injuries and was badly exhausted after the battle. But, what keeps her mind thinking is about the cloak man she seen. Who is him? What does he wants from her? Why does he always follow her and there will be always a tragedy happens to her? Apparently, she doesn't really know about this man's intention and her eyes still lock to the mysterious figure. Soon after that, she realizes that the cloak man had gone into the dark horizon. She was totally surprised with it. Then suddenly, without any warning, she had knocked off by a zombie and clashed to the ground. She hurled back and was badly hit on her chest. She coughed out blood and her nose began to bleed. Later, more zombies began to approach her and she was totally surrounded by them. Thoughts of defeat and losing began to playing within her mind at that moment. She was totally distress and fear that she could not win against this massive group of Orc Zombies. Yet, the desire of rescuing her friend often burns inside her heart and she will not give up so easily until she wins it.
"Heh…. I… I will not… be easily… defeated… by the scum like you all….!!" she shouted then clenched her sword tightly into her fist. Then, she dashed into the group of orc zombies and thrusting her sword then piercing each of the creatures there.
But sooner, she realizes that she could not overcome this situation, as her energy and strength had worn out slowly. Her eyes were swollen twice and her face becomes as pale as if she loss of blood. She still standing there, without moving a single step forward, and her vision began blurry. Soon, those monsters increase again and this time, they're approaching her in such a short distance. She can't escape neither can fight against them in this kind of weary situation. She can't do anything for now…
"Heh……" she led out a sigh of defeat…
Suddenly, there was a shadow dashed in front of her and sooner, the growling of zombies began to trailing off slowly into the abyss of nothingness. She open her eyes slowly and was surprised with everything she seen in front of her brunette pair.
A young man who dressed in cloak using his twin dagger was fighting against those monsters. Leya was just standing there looking at him without doing anything. She gasped and paused a while but her eyes still lock onto the mysterious young man figure.
"Heh…! Hey, are you alright??" asked the young man while still battle with the zombies.
"Huh!?"
"Yes, yes I'm alright…" she uttered in soft tone.
"I suggest you to get out of here before it is too late…!" shouted the young man as he piercing the monsters one by one in one shot. All of the monsters had dropped dead but still, the number of them began to increase more which they can't imagine.
"Grr…! Damn it!" the young man roared while fixing his ruby gem eyes towards the villians' step.
"Heh…! I can't believe this… They… they just keep coming…." cried Leya while holding her sword and ready in her fighting position. Her eyes locked onto each of the monsters and though her strength couldn't hold on any longer, but yet, she still strengthens herself in order to defend and defeat those monsters as soon as possible.
The young man grabbed his daggers tightly into his fist and rushes to the front and pierced right through the zombies' bodies. He sways gracefully without being attacked and his daggers were flung over the atmosphere and again, stabbed into the enemies' heart merciless. Soon, the monsters number seems began to decrease and everything seems to be clear in just a second. Leya widens her eyes in surprise like she never believes what she had seen in front of her eyes. The young man indeed so strong and skillfully. All of the monsters had been clear away in no time…
Yet, Leya couldn't finish her sentence and couldn't utter a word of thankful to this young man for helping her. Her visual began more blur and then, she feels herself was lost of control and collapsed to the ground straight away. The young man saw it and shocked, and then he quickly rushes to her.
"Heh?!" he turn his gaze towards Leya immediately right after he heard a sound from behind.
"Hey! You alright!? Hey!" he called up Leya few times but there's no reply from her either. The young man touches her face, and to his surprise, Leya was burning in heat. She's gotten a fever, the young man thought for himself. Without thinking any further, the young man holds her and carries her immediately to the nearby city to heal her.
Time seems has passed just blink of an eye. Azure sky of the day started painted in crimson amber atmosphere as the evening draws near. Everybody was prepared to go home after a long day work and the stars of night began twinkling on the vast vibrant sky as if they're whispering to each corner of the world. It's a signal to show that a new day shall reborn on tomorrow…
" 'Hey! You alright!? Hey!'" a voice echoed to her within the blurry visual and everything was in white. She couldn't see anything with her naked eyes. She just paused at there without uttered a single word. Soon, she saw a bright light zoom towards her. She was stunned and couldn't avoid it as fast as she could. Then suddenly, she was pushed to awake from her dream.
"Heh….!Heh…!" Leya open her eyes as wide once she awakes and she could feels herself was in cold sweat and could hardly breath. Then she took a deep breath to calm herself down and close her eyes for a moment.
"Again…? Sigh… dreams…." she questioned herself and sighs while turn her gaze to the other side.
"Miss, you've awake… Thank goodness…." a voice uttered to her.
Leya was surprise and turn her sight immediately toward the voice.
There was a girl who dressed in a maid costume stood beside her. She had long brown hair flowing like silk until her waist and she too, had a pair of shining brunette eyes just like Leya. She was pushing a small trail which a glass of water and breads were placed on it. Then, she give a humble and warmth smile to Leya while took her seat beside the swordswoman.
"There you go… You should take your meal before your next checkup…" she smiles.
"Huh…? What….?" Leya hesitated. Then, she immediately glance each corner of this room which she stay. To her surprise, this place indeed an inn. But, how come she ended up at this place and all she could recall back was she was beaten up at Orc Dungeon there…. She had no idea about anything and she just paused herself for a while.
Then, the maid began to voice out;
"Haha… Thank God that your fever is going to be recover soon… All thanks to that assassin guy who had sent you here in just nick of time… Or else, maybe your fever will get worse if the times delay…" said she.
Assassin guy…?? Destins…? No… It can't be him… Or… maybe it's Vincent… But… of course he didn't know about the task she was doing… Then, who is that assassin guy that mentioned by this girl…? Thousand of questions often playing within her mind, and she couldn't think much further again. She touched her forehead and gives a sigh. The girl notices her action and she smiles again.
"Hero…. teehee…" a special word suddenly whispered by this maid. Leya was surprise with her answer and she stares at her for a moment with her stunning brunette pair.
"Not much of assassins nowadays whom willing to save any life… People tend to think they're like a disaster and they'll bring bad fortune for anyone if they stay close to somebody… Moreover, they're from a mysterious organization which only built for training those young kids to become a ruthless assassin for one day… They'll kill anyone if those people try to stop their way, and they'll assassinate anyone who's in the list of their missions…."
"……………."
"So… that is why… Assassins had pretty bad and odd background… People are always trying to get away as far as they can if they saw one of them… But oh well, hard to believe there's an assassin whom willing to save an ill young lady…" she added and grin again to Leya. Leya just keeps quiet within whole moment and she tries to recall back everything that happened at Orc Dungeon there.
Soon, she finally gets the answer. She remembers there was a young man that dressed in cloak save her when she was caught in the middle of danger. She was totally trapped by those orc zombies and couldn't escape at all. And then, a young man appeared in time and clears all those zombies in such a hasty way and save her. But sadly, she couldn't thank him at that time after she collapse of suffering terrible exhaust and lack of energy.
And now, she ended up at here and her fever is going to cure soon. All because of that young man who bring her to here just in time. She led a slight smile and took a glance on the maid.
"Is it…? So, how does he look like…?" Leya hesitated.
"Oh…? Erm… he… he has a very astonishing short silvery white hair that looks a bit spiky and few streaks of his hair reaches his forehead and nearly covered part of his eyes.…. Then, his eyes were burnt passionately and gleaming in ruby red colors and then, his whole body as sturdy like strong fighter… Woww….. Indeed such an agile and vibrant guy……!" the maid uttered everything about that mystery guy while her eyes were twinkling and glowing in admiration. She paused in such manner for few seconds and her hands were grabbed together as if she's praying for something obsession.
"Huh….." Leya cocked her eyebrow once heard her odd explanation. Yet, she gives a smile after saw the maid's sudden change behavior.
"Heh… Well, said thanks to him again if he dropped by at here… I'm going back to the place I'm belonged…" Leya began to climb off from the bed slowly and tend to leave the room. But before she could do that, the maid stops her immediately.
"Urm… wait a minute…! You… you haven't fully recovered yet… Can't just you wait till tomorrow morning then leave…? At least, you have enough time to rest yourself and take your medicine…." she demanded while tries to urge Leya to stay there for temporary.
Leya glare at her and heaved a deep sigh.
"Sigh… I'm sorry I can't… There's something I needed to accomplish… Something very important than anything…" she added.
"Hmmm… But… But… at least… please stay here… I have to keep my promise to that assassin guy… I've promise to him that I'll take care of you till your fever is fully healed…"
"…….."
"So please….?" the maid begged Leya hardly.
Leya just glance on her without saying any word. Then, she took her sword that placed near a wardrobe and move her steps close to the door.
"Huh? Miss! Where are you going?" the maid totally shocked once she saw Leya trying to leave the room at ease.
"I have no choice but to going back to the place that I've been tasked. I needed to accomplish my job before it is too late… There's a life… I need to save… I can't let him wait…" Leya uttered while took a glance on the maid.
"Err….." the maid couldn't finish up her sentence. Thus, she moved closer to Leya and locked her vision towards her figure.
"Then I guess… I couldn't help it… I couldn't keep my promise to that assassin guy… sigh…" she sighed.
"Do not have to be worry… perhaps in the future… I'll meet with that assassin guy who claimed as my savior…" Leya smiles to her.
"And I'm very glad and grateful for both of you… cause' you willing to take care of me… Thanks for everything…" she continues again. Then, she started to move closer to the door face. But yet, the maid runs to her and calls her.
"Wait! There's something you need to take with you," said the maid while handling Leya a pack of Orc Nails.
Leya took it and looked to the maid.
"This items dropped by the assassin guy before he leave… He told me that this thing belongs to you and asked me to keep it for you…" she added again.
"Oh… really….?"
"Heh… Guess I've owe him this time…" Leya give a faint smile before she took her leave.
"Farewell miss, please take good care of yourself…" the maid uttered and waved her hands to Leya.
Soon, Leya began to leave the inn and return to the hideout of Dark Star as fast as she could.
Night sky began to draw near and the moon of tonight shone brilliantly as ever. Relentless chorus of night creatures echoed to every corner of the cities and fields as if they're keeping company with those adventurers and civilians. Silver stars covered most part of the sky and their twinkles shine endlessly as if they will not fade away forever.
"Heh… Dreams… Such a sweet moment for all mortals that dwell within the world of Midgard…" a harsh voice broke out from deep darkness all of a sudden. Then, a figure began appear from the mist of darkness. The figure was totally dressed in black cloak and his face was unrevealed. He was standing at the edge of a mountain and his feature was illuminated by the gleaming light of moon. Seemingly, this figure sharing the same similarity with the previous cloaked man that Leya and Destins saw before in the pyramid, and also when the next encounter between Leya and him in the Orc Dungeon previously. The mysterious man smiles wickedly beneath his mask and he was surrounded by the green aura all of a sudden.
"Hehehe… But… soon… Nightmare shall took over this place and rule with fears and evils! And we'll see how those filthy humans survive within this chaos… of thousand years… History shall repeat again…. Hehehehehe…."
"And you… My Divine Maiden… My precious maiden of heaven… One day, you shall be returned to the place that you belonged… Leya… hehehe… HAHAHAHAHA….!!" he gave an eerie laugh then vanishes into the cloud of oblivion without leaving any trace.
-------
The azure gem that chained with the ruby gem of Destins suddenly shoots out a glowing light. Uruki was pretty surprise with the phenomenon and move closer to him immediately. Then, he stretches out his hand and attempts to touches the gem. But, the light sparks even brightly than ever and Uruki couldn't help it but to retreat his steps.
He was confused and hesitated.
"What… what is exactly had happened...?" he questioned himself with hesitation.
"Heh! Uruki! What are you trying to do!?" a voice yelled at him all of a sudden. The voice sure surprises him and then, he turns his back immediately.
It was Leya, who was standing at the chamber door. She looks totally furious and her eyes were burnt in angriness. Uruki glare at her without blurt out any word. He paused himself for a long moment.
"Are you trying to take the gems from Destins!? How could you!?" Leya shouted at him again while move her steps more closely to him.
"Hold your horses, missy… I guess you've mistaken everything…" said Uruki while smirking to her. Leya widens her eyes in surprise and paused herself.
"Look, I'm just trying to see what's going on around him… It started off when the azure gem began to shine… And I was pretty curious about it… So I take a look at them… But, too bad, when the time I try to figure out what's exactly had happen, you had came and cut my mind off…." he shrugged and give a slight grin.
"……….."
"I'm not interest in whatsoever you call as azure gem or crystal… But, this phenomenon is totally out of your mind… A normal gem will not shine all of a sudden… Unless… it's a magic gem… a miracle gem which you couldn't imagine…" added Uruki again while turn his sight to the other side.
"Probably… the gems he had with him now… are some sort of magic items…"
"That azure piece is belonged to me," Leya uttered suddenly after a long pause at the moment.
"Huh…? It is yours…?" Uruki hesitated.
"………….."
Leya seems to be bothered with the questions from Uruki. She removes her gaze from Uruki and took a glance on Destins, who was still lying and sleeping peacefully on the stone bed.
"Save your questions for the other time, Uruki… I'm not going to answer all of it… By now, we still have something important to be done…" said she.
"Oh… Then, forgive me, my lady… I should have concerned about the boy's situation more than the gems… Hehe… Alrighty, lets see what we have…" Uruki took all of his stuff he had prepared for the making of panacea. After that, he turns his gaze towards Leya.
"So…? Where is your item…?" asked Uruki in low tone.
"Here…" she took out a pack of Orc Nails from her pocket and handed over to Uruki.
Uruki give her a smile and began his work as soon as possible. Leya just watched him in silent, then move to the other side. But, her sight suddenly caught with the stunning sparks of the azure piece.
She headed closer to Destins and took a seat beside him. She tries to touched his face, but she feels herself was trembling and fears starting to conquered part of her. She halted and her tears began to form within her brunette eyes.
"Destins…" She whispered his name softly and clenched her fist tightly.
"This is my fault… everything is my fault…I've caused you lots of pain… I'm really sorry… Destins…I'm really sorry…"
'The panacea effect will take someday to show its true work, Miss Delfora… I hope you will be waiting patiently before your friend recovered from the poison… And I couldn't promise that your friend will survive from this deadly ill… All will be destined if he makes it up and struggles hardly in order to keep living… and all will be fated when he regain his consciousness again… whether the panacea had work or otherwise…'
Leya was walking alone along the silent path of Prontera city. She looks totally lost and despairs at that moment. 1 week had passed… but still, nothing had change at all. Even the gloomy weather could tell that nothing can be change. She was frown in deep sadness and lost of hope after receiving the confession from Uruki of Dark Star. She waited, waited and waited… But nothing change, none of news of Destins reached to her. Her heart was shattered to pieces and she feels herself was heavy and couldn't avoid her tears from keep flowing down from her eyes.
On the 4th day of the first week of Month 12, she is heading to Prontera city centre again. Looks like everything had change since the day she left this city. The view become much astonishing as the Christmas tree was adorned at every part of the town. And there was the largest and tallest Christmas tree placed at the center of the town too. Every house in the town started to decorate with colorful ribbons, Christmas trees and glittering lights. It sure amazed by everybody that lay their first eye on this dazzling view of Prontera City. The town was bustling with echo of joy and song of cherish. Everybody seems to enjoy and happy all of the time. And they seem to forget those entire sadness things that fill within their mind.
"Christmas just around the corner…. yay!" shouted a girl near the shop happily.
"….Christmas…." Leya's lips whispered once she's getting close to the city square.
She lifted up her head and look to the tree with her stunning brunette pair. Then suddenly, she can feel there was warmth touching her face. She took a deep breath and opens her eyes slowly to witness everything around her. To her surprise, tiny buds of snowflakes began fall gently from the eternal cerulean sky to the earth within that moment. After that, she shut her eyes once again to feel the warmth of the mother nature. She embraces herself after chilling wind began to blow across her. She looks towards everything, and all she could see are colorful lights glimmering to each corner of the square.
"Heh… happiness…. everybody is happy…" she whispered softly.
Though she couldn't bear the coldness anymore, and she was totally frozen at there, yet, she still stood there without moving any single steps. She holds her arms tightly to get some warmth in order to stay at the same spot and didn't intend to leave that place.
"Lonely… why… why does human have to feel this feeling…?"
"Does… human bear to lose something important…? But why…?" Leya uttered again in her despair tone. She couldn't help herself but to cry silently. Soon, she decided to leave the place while took one last look to the giant Christmas tree of the town.
She could feel herself was torn apart when Destins is not around with her. Furthermore, she was already terribly in frown and couldn't expect what will happen to Destins later on. Neither news nor a single letter reaches her to tell her about his situation. All she could remember was the day she saw Destins lying and sleeping peacefully on the stone bed and was under coma. He will either live or die after cured by the panacea made by Uruki.
Leya shook her head to reassure everything was okay and forced herself not to think much deeper again. Thus, she ascends her steps and headed towards the Prontera field where she likes to hang out on back old days.
But suddenly, something just right about to happen…
BANG!
Windows and doors were boom all of a sudden from a nearby shop. Everybody was running insanely and trying to escape from that place as soon as possible as if they're being chasing by a group of hungry wolves. Leya was shocked with the incident and she tries to get closer with the shop.
Suddenly, there was a shadow jump and dashed out from the window and landed gracefully on the ground, and it was just few inches away from her. Leya widens her eyes in unbelief and gasped after saw it.
A young man figure was revealed after the smoke of explosion began to trailing off. He stood there firmly and his hands were clutching 2 daggers tightly. He was dressed in cloak and his face was covered under red scarf, only his pair of glowing ruby gem eyes could be seen from afar. His silvery white hair brushes and flow like silk after another strong gust of explosion blow across him. Yet, he doesn't seem to be bothered with the situation. Few seconds later, he began to take his action. He stood at his fighting position and ready to begin a battle.
"Heh?! That guy…?!" Leya gasped and she couldn't believe what she had seen in front of her eyes at that moment.
"What a mess! Just because both of you argue and you're blowing up my bar!" a bartender run out from his bar and yelled to them.
"………."
"Take it easy lad… we're just having some fun… Tch… We'll going to pay you back once our business is finished!" another man shows up and shouted to the bartender. The bartender was totally shocked after heard those words from that adult and he paused.
But, the red cloak man was silent all of the time. He didn't voice out any words either and his eyes flashed and locked into the adult's eyes.
The adult smirk and began mocking this cloaked man.
"Heh… So do you have fun, matey?" the man mocked and smirking.
"……………" But still, there's no answer from the cloaked man.
The adult seem to be annoyed by his manner. Soon, he began to shows his angriness and he stomp his foot on the ground hardly and pointing to the cloaked man.
"Hey you! You better have some manners, kid! You're making me hot, ya know!?" the man shout.
"Heh…." the young man smirked to him.
"Grr…. why you little brat…."
Soon, he took out a shot gun and trying to aim at the young man. Leya witness the incident and she gasped for a while. Then, she turns her eyes to gaze on the young man immediately and shouts to him.
"Heh! Careful! He got a gun!!"
"!?" the young man was shocked after heard a voice shouting to him.
It was Leya who just stood few inches away from him. He widens his eyes in surprise as he knows this girl. But, he had to focus on the rival now and tries to defend himself from being attack.
"Huh?!" the adult too, was shocked after heard a shout not faraway from him.
"Why you! You dare to interfere my fun!!??"
The man suddenly changes his aim and points his gun towards Leya all of a sudden. Leya was startled and her heart skips a beat. The red cloaked man was surprise too and he turns his sight to Leya immediately. But before he could realize, the man had fired a shot towards Leya.
Leya seems to be petrified at the ground and couldn't move at that moment. Her eyes open widely and gasped.
"Ahhhhhh…..!!!!!"
-To Be Continue-