“Every act of kindness is worth acting out.

No matter how small it may be, it will never be wasted.”

-Xander Theodore Archeon- 32nd king of Edenia

Once, upon a time. In a land far, far away. There was once a little boy, on an isolated island in the middle of the vast oceans. For years, he sat near the shores. Staring at the ocean, thinking about what the outside world was like. He wanted to see the world for himself and feel the thrill of adventure. Everyone told him, that there was nothing but vast oceans past the horizons. But deep down, he knew, that there was something more, than the vast oceans beyond that point. All the people on the island doubted his dreams, nudging him to pursue his father’s career as a woodcarver. That’s when he made the decision to build his own ship, to go on his very own adventure. And to see for himself, what lies beyond the immense horizon.

For 5 years, he kept trying. But all the attempts he made, failed one after the other. No matter what method he tried to build his ship. They all sank, due to the treacherous waves. He didn’t know how to build a ship big and strong enough to withstand the waves. But that didn’t stop him from trying again and again. Gaining more experience with each and every defeat. One day. While venturing out, to an unexplored area of the island, looking for new materials. He stumbled down a hill, falling into a cave. He chuckled, “Now I’ve done it.” He reached into his bag, grabbing an oil lantern, and lighting it. The walls of the cave are covered with limestone. There was no way he could climb back up. Seeing no other way out. He ventured further into the cave, hoping to find an exit.

He walked for what felt like hours. He was getting tired, and slowly losing hope. His calf had a deep cut that he just noticed. He must’ve hit a sharp rock when he fell. But that didn’t stop him from moving forward. So he tore a piece of a cloth, to patch up his leg. “No matter how long it takes. I will find a way to explore past the horizon. There’s no way, that I, will lose my way down here.” A girl giggled, whispering, “Are you? The one, who called me?” This startled him, sending a shiver down his spine. He franticly looked around asking, “Who said that?!” again and again. No matter how much he asked, he received no answer. The last bit of fuel in his lantern, started to run out. Causing the lantern to flicker, until the flames died. Darkness enveloped his surroundings. He trembled, {{ (Ò﹏Ó) }} “Don’t tell me that I’m losing my mind already!?” Torches on the walls of the cave, started taking flame, lighting a path before him, so that he could find a way. He became even more scared now. He gulped in fear, ▓▒░(°◡°)░▒▓ “That’s’ not normal, is it?” “Follow.” the voice of the girl whispered to him again. He hesitated, not knowing what waited for him beyond this point. “Please, follow.” the voice of the girl whispered to him once more. He took a deep breath, choosing to keep moving forward.

For a while, he followed the path of torches. Till he saw daylight at the end of the cave. Upon exiting the cave, his eyes shimmered in wonder. Along the floor of the ravine, stood a mass of grassy land, covered with mystical trees. From a cave near the top of the ravine, a mesmerizing waterfall, flowed into a river, that went along the entire length of the ravine, further flowing into another cave. Looking up, the sky was clear. And the gentle rays of sunlight, showered the many fruits and trees. He walked into the forest, exploring, what kind of trees these were. Never has he seen or heard of anything like this. Neither the books or other islanders mentioned something like this to ever exist on the island. In the center of the forest, he found an altar. The altar was made from carved stone bricks. And the moss on them, indicated that these were placed quite some time ago.

He walked around the altar, scratching his chin, inspecting what this could be for. Till he noticed a stone sword that was covered in vines and moss in the center of the altar. “Are you the one?” the voice of the girl echoed throughout the forest. Being startled, he stepped back. Tripping on the altar, and falling flat on his butt. “You can’t just keep scaring me like that!” ( * > Д<) he yelped. The girl giggled, “Forgive me. It’s been far too long since I’ve spoken to another person.” He sighed, getting back up, “So, where exactly am I?” The girl sighed, “Jeez, such a demanding guest you turned out to be. You’re in an ancient temple. Well, the remains of what used to be one.” He became confused. Never in his life has he thought about talking to a new person. Let alone one he couldn’t see, “Not to be rude or anything. But where are you talking from?” “I’m right before your very eyes.” she answered.

Kaleb looked in front of him. There was no one or anything there. Only the mossy stone sword before him. He nervously scratched his head, “And where might that be?” The girl giggled, “The sword silly.” He got up. Closely looking around the sword, “How’s this even possible?” He flicked the blade with his finger. This created a sharp ping, that slowly faded into a rumble around the altar. Worried, he asked the girl what that was just now. But he got no answer. He tried asking again. The forest was now silent. Only the gentle flow of water and the chirping of the birds could be heard. This worried him greatly, as he had no idea what just happened.

“You really are the one!” the girl suddenly laughed. He became startled, falling flat on his butt once again. The girl laughed excitingly, “Hey you? Boy! What’s your name?” He stood back up, “My name is, Kaleb.” The girl laughed graciously, “Well, Kaleb. My name is Elena Tempest, blade of the storm, master of thunder and lightning. Now, pick up the sword, and I’ll show you the way out of here.” Kaleb hesitated (ᓀ_ ᓀ) “What if you’re some ancient demon lord that was sealed away. That is now planning to destroy the world or something?” Elena laughed in admiration, “You’re a very peculiar mortal, aren’t you? Never in all my years have I met anyone like you, Kaleb. As absurd as it may sound, I’m far from any demon lord. I exist only to slay them.” Kaleb walked toward the sword, placing his hands on the handle, “If what you’re saying is true. Does that mean that I can trust you?” It took some time for her to answer, “That’s left for you to decide.” “Very well.” Kaleb lifted the blade. To his surprise, the stone sword effortlessly came loose from the stone altar. The moss and vines disintegrated from the sword. The stone shattered. Revealing a dark blue blade, with ancient lettering across its length.

Elena congratulated him, “From this day on, you are now the master of the Storm-blade. I, Elena tempest, shall be in your service, till death do us apart.” The blade a glowed a bright blue. The back of Kaleb’s right hand started to burn. He bit his glove, removing it, to get a look at his hand. He saw the mark of a dragon taking shape on the back of his hand. It didn’t take long for the sudden pain to fade away. “Why does it sound like I just married you.” Kaleb muttered (ᓀ_ ᓀ). Elena laughed, still admiring his personality, “That’s very rude. I just recited an ancient oath. Be grateful! Though the pledge is similar to that of marriage. Nevermind that. Come, let us leave this place.” Kaleb reached into his bag, taking out a length of rope, and a blanket. He firstly wrapped the blade in the blanket. Then proceeded to fasten it with the ropes, so that he could carry it over his shoulder. “So, how are we supposed to get out of here?” Kaleb asked. Elena explained to him, that he needed to follow the river into the cave.

As they were walking through the forest, Kaleb asked if the fruits were edible. Elena started to boast, “These fruits are called star-mangos. They have been growing here for far longer than any mortals have lived here. They have been imbued with centuries worth of magic. And they-” “Are they edible or not!?” Kaleb interrupted her. Elena sighed, “Rude. I was getting to that. They possess a unique characteristics. But in short. Yes, yes they are safe to eat. Take as many as you like.” Kaleb began picking the fruits, and stuffing as many as he could into his bag. They were similar to a manga. But were much larger, and had a golden glossy outer shell.

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He sat down by the river, eating one of the fruits. “Hey, Elena?” “Yes?” “How long have you been down here?” Elena began thinking, “If I were to take a guess. That would be over a thousand years by now.” “That long huh? You must’ve been so lonely.” “I was. But 1042 years later. I’ve now met you. My new master.” Kaleb put his leg in the water, removing the cloth he had used to stop the bleeding. He used the water to wash of the blood that had dried up. The pain he felt in his leg was no longer there. And the cut had completely healed. “How’s this even possible? Did you do this? Elena?” “Hmm? I can heal your wounds yes. But only if I know that it’s there. The fruits you are eating have been imbued with the magic of the lands. They posses the ability to almost instantly heal most wounds. Did I not tell you that?” “No!” “Shouldn’t have interrupted me then.” Kaleb smiled warmly, “Thank you.” “What for?” “It’s been almost forever since I last had someone that I could freely talk to.” Elena giggled, “The pleasure is all mine. Master Kaleb.”

Kaleb followed the river, till he reached the entrance of the cave. A gentle breeze, coming from the cave hit his face. He took a deep breath, walking further into the dark cave. “Allow me to assist you, master.” Elena insisted. She told Kaleb to hold the blade in front of him. As soon as he held the sword in front of him, the blade started to glow a bright blue, illuminating everything around him. “Thank you. You’re such a big help, Elena.” Elena yawned, “Wake me up when you need any more help.” “Wait? you actually going to sleep right now.” “Just follow the flow of water. (yawn) I just need an hour of sleep. Don’t worry. I’ll leave the light on. Goodluck.” Kaleb sighed, “Sleep tight.” He walked further into the cave, trusting her words.

After almost an hour of walking. He could smell the salt of the sea, and hear the waves crashing. There was daylight at the end of the cave. He wrapped the sword, running towards the end of the cave. With the bright sunlight almost blinding him, he found himself at the edge of a cliff. The river flowed down into a waterfall, into the ocean. This all seemed familiar to him, having passed the same waterfall many times. But never had he thought that the cave it flowed from, lead to a mystical forest. He sat down on the ground, relieved. He didn’t think that he would see the ocean again. While resting, he noticed a strange reflection behind the waterfall. He started to climb down the side of the cliff, trying to get a better view of what it could be. He couldn’t believe his eyes as to what he saw. A massive ship, with 3 masts was hidden behind the waterfall, stranded behind the waterfall. Not being able to contain his excitement, he quickly climbed down the cliff, running towards the ship.

As he was climbing to board the ship. He noticed the name of it on the hull. “Destiny’s Keep” was written. From the looks of it. The ship had many broken sections. But the strength of the hull didn’t seem to be compromised, still allowing it to float. “Hey Elena, you awake yet?” he asked. Elena yawned, “I am now. What is it?” “Any idea how long this has been here?” “Probably as long as I was sealed. It’s amazing that it still floats.” “Do you know how to repair it?” “I do. But why would you want to do that? This ship is a relic of the past.” Elena noticed that Kaleb’s eyes were filled with determination. Kaleb took a deep breath, “That’s why, I’m going to repair it. So that I can one day use it. To explore what lies beyond the horizon.” This left Elena speechless. She laughed, “You still don’t cease to amaze me, master! Very well. I will help you. But on one condition.” “What might that be?” “You must swear to never, and I mean never, let me out of your sight. No matter what.” Kaleb smiled warmly, “Deal.”

“What happened next, papa?” a little girl asked, laying down in her bed. Her name is Cecilia. seven years of age, with bright blue eyes and long blonde hair. Her father took of his glasses. He then closed the book he was reading, and laid down next to her on the bed. “So let’s see. It took Kaleb a whole year to repair the ship. But to his surprise. It could not only sail the vast seas. But the very skies itself.” He opened the book, showing her a picture of a mesmerizing ship, sailing above the white clouds. “Whoa!” amazement filled her eyes. With a knock on the door, her mother came in, “Isn’t already late, my dears?” Cecilia bawled (ᗒωᗕ)՞, “But I’m not tired yet mommy!” Her mother sat next to her on the bed, joining them. She began thinking, caressing Cecilia’s hair, “Would you go to sleep if we continued with another story?” “Yes please!” Cecilia’s eyes shimmered in excitement, like the starry night sky. Her father put on his glasses, looking through the many books in her room, “Now which one shall I read to you. I’m pretty sure that I’ve read each one of them at the least five times already. Oh how about this one, your favorite? Guardians of regalia?” The book had a leather cover, with a white joint, and golden lettering for its title. They all sat together on the bed, sharing her blanket, till they were comfortable enough. Her father cleared his throat, and began to read.

In the cold night. Bandits raided a village. Setting the village ablaze, mercilessly taking everything and everyone away. A group of 3 bandits, chased a family through the burning houses. The father tried to fight back. But he was powerless against them. Just as all seemed lost for them. A knight leapt through the flames. Protecting the family. She a wore full set of mithril armor, with a golden phoenix on the right pauldron. With her mithril longsword, she easily took down the bandits on her own. She turned around, reaching her hand out to the family. She sheathed her sword, lifted the visor of her helmet, asking, “Are you alright?” The family being saved from the brink of death, were in tears.

Soon more bandits took notice of them, telling each other to kill the knight. The knight stood up, dropping down her visor. “Go. I’ll hold them back.” she told them. The father thanked her, lifted up his son, and ran into the forest with his wife. The knight walked forward, unsheathing her sword from its scabbard. Over a dozen bandits charged at her. She did not falter. Choosing to charge at them herself. “No matter what it takes. I will protect them all.” she muttered. Her swords crossed paths with their axes and spears. Though vastly outnumbered, she fought on. Being caught off-guard. One of the bandits managed to land a blow, knocking her helmet off. She still stood her ground. Swinging her sword, defeating one after the other. With each fluid strike. Her blonde hair flowed behind her, captivating the bandits. She was like an angel. Send from the heavens to protect the innocents. And to punish the guilty. “Don’t just stand there you fools! It’s just a single knight! Kill her!” the leader of the bandits leapt from one of the roofs, swinging his axe at her.

An arrow whizzed through the air. Hitting him in the shoulder. Pinning him against a wall. They stopped dead in their tracks, not knowing from where it came from. “Captain! You alright?!” an elven girl shouted from one of the roofs behind her. The knight waved, “Thanks. You really saved me just now, Lylah. Are the other villagers safe?” The elven archer jumped down, standing beside her, “They’re alright. Erik and Theresa have led them to safety. All that’s left are those few bandits.” “Now then.” The knight walked forward, planting her sword into the ground, “I’ll deal with them.” The bandits started to tremble in fear. Retreating from the village.

Before an ancient temple, under a colossal forest. Stood a masked boy and girl. The gates to were badly damaged, creaking as they opened. The both walked into the eerie hall. The temples was almost completely broken down, with many holes in its rough, and cracked in the stone flooring. They made their way to the center temple, towards a stone shrine, with 12 pillars. The masked girl sighed, “Looks like this one was broken as well. That leaves five left, including the four key-temples.” The masked boy, silently walked before the shrine, putting his hands together, and bowed down. The masked girl joined him, bowing down as well, “We don’t have long, before the first gates will begin to open.” The masked boy walked towards the shrine, breaking a piece off. A hidden chamber within the shrine opened. In it, a statue of a blindfolded woman, cradling a basket, with a black metal shard in it. The masked boy, the shard, placing it into one of his pouches. “I sense, a strong presence, calling out for me.” he muttered, pointing to a giant map on the wall. The masked girl took out a newer map, “Let’s see, that would be, the city of Silves. Guess that’s where we’re headed then.” She put the map down, telling the masked boy about what she thought. But he had already made his way towards the exit. “Hey! Don’t just leave me here!” she yammered, chasing after him.