"Hey, how about we go see Barto again?" Zander suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Maybe he finally found that mystical pond that told us."

Aster gave a dismissive wave, leaning back against the wall. "Great, you two kids go along. I'll stay here with Leon."

Without further hesitation, Zander and Leo headed for the door, their footsteps fading as they left.

Aster turned his gaze to Leon, still lying on the bed. "I suggest you rest a bit longer, Leon," he advised with a soft but firm tone.

Leon gave a weary smile. "Right, Aster... And thank you for always looking out for me."

"You're welcome, Leon." Aster nodded. "Anyway, I should get back to my duties—guarding the city and all that."

"Of course," Leon replied with a nod. "Go on ahead."

As Aster turned to leave, his hand resting on the door frame, he paused when he heard Leon's voice, softer this time. "You’re a great friend, Aster. The best friend I could ever have."

Aster couldn't help but smile, though he kept it hidden as he stepped through the door and disappeared into the hallway.

Left alone, Leon turned on his side, his eyes landing on a single amethyst flower resting in a simple clay vase. Its deep purple hue seemed to shimmer in the dim light, a reminder of a past he couldn’t forget. His fingers gently brushed its petals as memories washed over him.

The sun blazed high, a relentless flare,

Casting its light on the desert’s glare.

The golden sands seemed to dance and sway,

As heat waves shimmered in the midday ray.

Desert locusts leapt, a restless tide,

Hopping and darting, with nowhere to hide.

A scorpion mother, patient and keen,

Carried her scorplings with a watchful sheen.

Beneath the dunes, in silence so sly,

A sidewinder coiled with a hungry eye.

Buried in sand, it lay still as stone,

Waiting for prey to pass, alone.

Young Aster slumped, panting heavily, his sword dragging against the ground as he looked at Leon, who stood tall and composed, a faint smirk on his face.

"That would be 250 - 0, right?" Leon said, raising an eyebrow as he wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.

Aster groaned, frustration clear in his voice. "God dammit, how the hell could you be so strong?" He slammed his fist into the ground, his frustration mixing with exhaustion. "I’ve trained day and night, but I can't beat you in a single sparring session. What am I doing wrong?"

Leon lowered his sword, taking a step toward his friend. "You’re not doing anything wrong, Aster. It’s just that strength doesn’t come from training alone." He offered a small, reassuring grin. "It’s about focus. Patience. And understanding your opponent. You’re too hard on yourself."

“I know,” Aster said, breathing heavily. “But it feels like I’ll never reach your level.”

“That’s not true,” Leon replied, his tone encouraging. “I believe you’ll reach my level—maybe even surpass it. Just keep going with your training. Everyone grows at their own pace.”

Aster nodded, feeling a little reassured. “I’ll take your advice. But... Can we take a break? I’m feeling a little fatigued.”

Leon gave him a small smile. “Of course. Rest up. You’ve earned it.”

Xen, the ruler's messenger, approached them with a serious expression.

“Xen, what is it?” Aster asked, his eyes narrowing as he sensed something urgent.

“The ruler has requested your assistance,” Xen replied, his tone formal. “He wants to give you both a mission.”

Leon raised an eyebrow. “What mission?”

Xen shook his head. “I don’t know the details. I’m just delivering the message.”

“Well, there goes our break,” Aster muttered, looking slightly disappointed.

Leon's expression was determined. “Let’s go.”

Without further hesitation, Aster followed Leon, the two of them heading off to see what the ruler had in store for them.

Leon and Aster entered the grand palace, their footsteps echoing through the vast hall. As they approached the throne, they both lowered themselves into a respectful bow before the ruler, Havasu, who sat with an air of quiet authority.

“Our ruler, what is this mission the messenger told us about?” Leon asked, his voice steady but eager.

Havasu looked down at them with a knowing gaze. “Ah, Leon and Aster. Yes, I do have a mission for both of you,” he said, his tone calm but commanding. “I need you to deliver this treaty to Sylvian, the leader of the Great Lands of Waterfalls. In return, I will bestow something valuable upon each of you.”

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Both Leon and Aster raised their heads, their expressions determined. “Yes, ruler,” they replied in unison.

Havasu handed the treaty to Leon, who accepted them with a respectful nod. “Take these with haste,” the ruler added. “The journey will not be an easy one, but I trust you both will see it through.”

Leon hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. “Ruler, may I ask... what exactly is this treaty for?”

Havasu leaned back on his throne, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “It is to establish an alliance with Sylvian and the Lignumkin,” he explained. “Their lands are rich in resources and strategic for our future endeavors. If we secure their loyalty, it will strengthen our position significantly.”

Leon nodded, understanding the weight of their task. “I see. We’ll make sure the treaty reaches Sylvian safely.”

“Good,” Havasu said, a flicker of approval in his eyes. “Now go, and do not let anything stand in your way.”

Leon and Aster left the palace, the sun already beginning its descent behind the distant mountains. Outside, they mounted their camels, strapping their weapons securely to their sides.

Before they could set off, Xen hurried over to them, a rolled map in his hand. “Here,” he said, handing it to Aster. “This map will guide you to the Great Lands of Waterfalls. The path is treacherous, so tread carefully.”

“Thanks, Xen,” Aster said, nodding in appreciation.

Barto, the water carrier, approached Leon and Aster as they were preparing for their journey. He gave them a friendly wave. “Hey, you two.”

Aster turned toward him, his expression curious. “Barto. What is it you want?”

Barto grinned, scratching his head. “Where are you two heading?”

“We’re going to the Great Lands of Waterfall to deliver a treaty to their leader,” Leon explained, adjusting his gear.

Barto’s eyes widened in surprise. “The Great Lands of Waterfall? Ain’t that place really far away?”

Aster nodded, his voice steady. “It’s a long trek, but it shouldn’t be that bad. If we keep a good pace, we should reach it before the next three moon cycles.”

Barto raised an eyebrow but shrugged. “Well, if it’s gonna take y’all that long, here…” He reached into his bag and pulled out a large gourd, filled with fresh water. He handed it to them with a smile. “Take this. You’ll need it.”

“Thanks, Barto,” Leon said gratefully, taking the gourd from him.

“Stay safe, you two,” Barto called out as they mounted their camels and prepared to continue their journey.

With a nod, Leon and Aster urged their camels forward, the weight of the water now safely strapped to their side.

Their journey began under the scorching desert sun, the heat pressing down on them as they traveled through the vast, arid expanse. Hours passed until they reached an obstacle—an enormous cliff stood before them. The other side was visible, but the only way across seemed to be a leap of faith.

“What should we do, Leon?” Aster asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Don’t worry, Aster. I’ve got it covered,” Leon replied with a confident grin. He raised his hand, and to their amazement, sand began to swirl and gather beneath him. Slowly, a sturdy bridge of sand formed, stretching across the chasm.

“Wow, that’s incredible, Leon! Your powers are amazing.”

“Thanks! Now, let’s keep moving.” With that, they crossed the sand bridge, continuing their journey onward. As the hours slipped by. they had ventured deep into the desert and now found themselves in a strange, more lively part of the terrain. The land teemed with nocturnal creatures, and the air was alive with the rustling of animals on the move. Towering Adansonia trees loomed over them, their massive trunks and sprawling branches silhouetted against the darkening sky.

Ahead, nestled between the trees, they spotted a small cave—a potential refuge for the night.

“Hey, look at that cave up ahead,” Leon pointed out, a gleam in his eyes. “We should set up camp there. It’ll keep us safe for the night.”

Aster nodded, relieved to see a place where they could rest. "Good idea. Let's make camp before it gets too dark."

They made their way toward the cave, setting up camp with a small fire and tents. As they sat across from the fire, the warmth flickering between them, Aster let out a long sigh.

"It’s going to be a long journey, isn’t it, Leon?" he said.

"Seems like it," Leon replied, glancing up at the sky. "But hey, don’t worry. The journey’s just begun. We might as well enjoy it while we can. Plus, it's nice to get away from the city for a change."

Aster nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "Yeah, true. So, what does the map say?"

Leon unfurled the map, squinting at the faint markings in the dim firelight. "We should keep heading south. We’re almost out of the desert, so the land can’t be too far."

Aster’s stomach growled loudly. "While you’re looking at that map, I’ll go hunt something."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Really? It’s night. You should wait until morning."

Aster shrugged, already standing. "Nah, it’ll be quicker this way. I’ll catch something."

Leon hesitated but nodded. "Alright, just be careful."

With that, Aster stepped out of the cave into the night, his figure swallowed by the darkness.

Leon’s eyes snapped open as the first light of morning filtered through the sky. He stretched, rubbing his eyes, and quickly noticed that Aster was nowhere to be seen. A wave of unease washed over him.

“Aster?” he called out, scanning their campsite, but there was no sign of his friend. His heart began to race, a gnawing worry taking hold of him.

He stood up and quickly walked outside, calling Aster's name again, his voice carrying across the quiet landscape. “Aster!”

There was no answer. He tried once more, his voice growing more frantic as the minutes passed. Still, nothing.

The air felt still, too still, and Leon’s instincts kicked in. His eyes darted around, and he noticed a slightly larger mountain nearby. His feet moved on their own, the growing anxiety in his chest urging him to move faster.

“Aster!” Leon called again, a sense of urgency in his voice.

“I'm up here!” Aster’s voice finally echoed back from above, followed by a brief rustle of movement.

Relief flooded through Leon, though his brow furrowed in confusion. “Aster! What are you doing up there?”

"Um... I was just trying to get some food, but then this creepy animal started chasing me up here. I got really tired and, well... fell asleep," Aster explained sheepishly, still perched on the mountain.

Leon’s face tightened with frustration. "God, Aster, you had me worried sick, man. Get down here, now."

Aster’s eyes widened in alarm as he looked past Leon. "Leon, look out!"

Leon spun around just in time to dodge a vicious strike from the creature. "What the hell is that?!"

A massive sand cat stalked toward them. Its body was as large as a lion, rippling with muscle beneath its tawny, mottled fur. Four glowing red eyes blazed on its face, the eerie light reflecting off its sharp fangs. Devil-like horns jutted from its head, curling back menacingly.

The creature growled low, its gaze fixed on Leon. Leon quickly pulled off his ring and muttered, “Hasta.” The ring began to glow, its shape shifting as it extended and unfolded into a sleek polearm, its blade gleaming in the sunlight.

"Nice kitten," Leon said, eyeing the creature warily. "Don't make any move."