Lunarian: Welcome to my tale's continuation.

Italics - TEXT - Thoughts.
Quotes - "TEXT" - Dialogue.

A Hero's Journey

Chapter Two- Visions and Audiences

After saying good night to his mother, Hiro gets ready to sleep, but just as he is getting into his bed his grandfather walked in. "So you're ready to go out into the world by yourself now, huh sonny?", Gramps said gently. Hiro replied sleepily, "You bet, I'm gonna become as famous as father was, just you wait." Just as he was leaving Gramps replied kindly with pride, "I believe you, afterall your father Ortega was a great hero, and my son, goodnight"

*****

Hiro begins to dream of things as he sleeps....

*****

A singlular battle is being fought upon on a volcano top with stormy clouds overhead. A warrior with blue hair and mustache with a mature look is fiercely fighting a flying green dragon. For a short while the dragon remains just out of reach as to how high he can jump, and is unhindered, but then it starts to dive bomb the human. The man fights valiantly, jumping over swoops and ducking sharp claws. Then the dragon begins to use its flame breath, but the fighter is prepared with a strong shield that deflects the heat of the flame and protects himself from being flambéd.

Soon, the tide of battle begins to turn as the stalemate is shattered in a second. With the shield, the man's defense against the dragon is solid, and it is only a matter of time before he wins. The beastly dragon, getting desperate, risks itself on an all out full blast of flame at close range. It puts all it has behind its attack, yet all it managed to do was push back the warrior from the force of it. The dragon now, being too winded from its exertion to safely fly back above to a safe distance, hesitated for just a moment.

That moment is all the human needs as now the perfect chance to strike presents itself. Crouching low to gather strength in his legs for the jump, he springs straight towards the green dragon in a great leap, sword swinging. With a single well placed slice he severs the dragons right wing, causing him to lose it's flight. As the dragon lands down in pain from its laceration, the warrior wastes no time in charging in with a powerful thrust right into its unprotected neck. The dragon uses its last ounces of strength, however to push its opponent down into the volcano with a suicidal dive.

*****

Hiro begins to awaken slowly....

*****

As the last remenants of his dream fades away from memory, Hiro's last coherent thoughts are a feeling that what he saw was what really happened. That was my father and how he died. I will avenge his death and become an even greater hero.

"Wake up dear, wake up Hiro.", Hiro's mother was heard to be calling her son to awaken. Not getting much reaction from the slumbering youth, she added enticingly "Wake up Hiro, it's morning! Today's the day you get to go to the castle now that its your sixteenth birthday, I've raised you as best I could to prepare you for this day, now get up!" That'll wake him up, he's been wanting to go out and become a real hero ever since he could hold a sword..

As predicted by his mother, that extra information jump started the sleepy Hiro's body quick as lightning. Jumping up out of bed, he quickly dressed in speeds few mortal men can attain, a speed reserved for adrenaline pumped teenagers with more enthusiasm then a stadium of cheerleaders. "I'll be right out there mom, one second", Hiro called out in a rush while fastening his sword to hilt. Finally, the day of my adventurous life begins.

As Hiro finished getting dressed and came around to his mother, she was standing at the stairs waiting for him. I think Hiro just set a new record in changing. "I know you know the way and don't need my chaperoning you to the castle, but just humor your mother ok dear?", she asked coyly. After recieving a short nod in the affirmative she started walking towards the castle with Hiro in tow. I'll miss my little hero. As they came up to the landbridge leading towards the castle she took Hiro aside for some last minute counseling, and a fond farewell. "Remember, now to be on your best behavior for the king, dear", she said gently. "Just head straight in, don't wander around and keep his majesty waiting, good luck son, I love you", she finally concluded. Be well, my brave son.

After saying goodbye and hugging his mother, Hiro started walking to the castle. He could hardly wait to see what the king has to say to him. Perhaps there is a great quest he has set for me to accomplish. Walking into the castle's main gates he could hardly contain his glee to finally be here. Walking up one of the guardsmen he said, "Hiya, how are things around here?"

The gateman just spared a half glance for him and barked out, "Welcome to the castle of Aliahan, his highness is waiting upstairs, hurry up now and don't try his patience." Impertinent pup. He emphasized his meaning with a well resounding clang of his spear butt.

Note to self: avoid small talk with the guards... Quickly bypassing the guards and walking straight to the stairs up to the king's chamber, Hiro proceeded with all haste. Meeting a guard at the top of the stairs, he said, "I am Hiro, son of Ortega. I believe I am expected?"

The guard took a look at him, then nodding in approval turned to the throne announcing, "Presenting Hiro, son of the great hero Ortega." Following was a trumpet blast, which Hiro took to be his cue to approach the king.

The king came to apt attention once Hiro's name was announced and sat regally in waiting. As Hiro slowly stepped foward to the king, he studied the young man before him. He has much potential, so much like his father. He is truly our last hope. As Hiro kneel'd before his liege in respect, his approval was strengthened. At last the king spoke, "Welcome unto thee, Hiro, son of the brave Ortega! Rise lad, we have urgent matters to discuss, your partition to follow in your father's footsteps has been accepted. The archfiend Baramos, a most dangerous creature not yet known to most men, and your quest is to rid the world of that evil. If things are not resolved for the better soon, I fear the word will be destroyed by this evil. He must be destroyed! Seek companion in the local eatery to aid you in this quest. Here is 50g to get you started. Return should you need a record of your deeds. Be strong lad, and goodluck."

At first being a little overwhelmed with the immediate task set before him, Hiro was slow to respond. After a minute however his focus was back and told the king, "Thank you my liege, for that sound advice, but I already have a group of adventurers in mind for my party." I hope he doesn't demand I take his own hand picked men, my friends would flay me alive.

End Of Chapter 2- Visions and Audiences

Please leave a review. Pretty Pretty Please?