sesha25

In a lively tavern, an old sailor shares tales of a mysterious portal beyond the cliffs, promising treasure, immortality, and strange powers, though many who sought it never returned. A scruffy, bold sixteen-year-old boy, Taro Frossfin Lee, enters, drawing attention with his hunger and defiance. After causing a scene by devouring meat in a butcher’s shop and passing out, Taro is confronted by Kai, the village protector. As Kai questions him, bandits led by the fearsome Rook, known as the Elephant, attack the village. Kai fights valiantly with his magical sword but is overpowered by Rook. Just as Kai faces death, Taro intervenes, knocking Rook through a house with a single kick. Emerging from the flames, Taro declares he’s on a journey to the “Fourfold Heaven,” leaving Kai stunned and hinting at his hidden power and mysterious purpose.

The Rouge One's

The village square thrummed with vitality, alive with cheers and chatter in the warm light of the torches, held in the hands of the villagers, who huddled in tight knots, shining proudly in the glow of the victors, who held their heads high despite their damaged armor, shield and sword in hand. Others kept watch over the wounded neighbors, hearts heavy navigating the wounds, as quarantine and medical attention were issued with soft words of comfort, and the sounds of hovering bandages being clinked, wounds being treated, including cutting with a dagger. But beneath the clamor of the celebration, the Rook and his followers escaped from the crimson village.

Kai woke from a fitful sleep, his muscles aching from yesterday's fight

He goes straight to the tavern, He sank onto his usual place at the bar, the worn wood groaning under his weight. The air smelled of ale and polished wood, a small comfort he could count on. Soon after, the door creaked open, and Taro sit onto the stool next to him, his calm presence like the steady hills beyond the village. "How do you get so strong?" Kai asked, his voice quiet but sharp with curiosity as he studied Taro's weathered face.

Ok, where do I start… I ate a golden apple once," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Your order is here sir, says the bartender

Kai finishes his drink and about to get out of the bar, what is your dream, kai.

Kai stopped, his hand on the doorframe. He turned, meeting Taro's gaze. "I want to see the world and grow strong like my father was," he said, his voice firm with quiet determination.

"Alright then. I'm heading to Fourfold Heaven". Will you join me? I leave at dawn.

Kai didn't answer. He just pushed the door open and stepped into the cool evening air, a small, confused smile touching his lips despite everything.

The word echoed in Kai's head long after he left the bar. He walked the familiar village paths under the rising moon. Should I go? The faces of the people he'd helped today flashed in his mind – the butcher, the families huddled safe because of Taro... because they'd fought. My village. My duty. He kicked a loose stone. But this place... it can't make me strong enough. Not strong enough to stop the next Rook. Not strong like Dad. The fear hit him hard: If I leave... if I cross the border... I become Rogue. They'll brand me. Hunt me. Who would they even send to protect this place then? Some stranger? The weight of the choice pressed down on him, heavier than Rook's boot. He stopped by the village well, staring at his own tired reflection in the dark water.

(Birds chirping, lake gurgling softly in the distance)

"Wait!" Kai shouted, his voice raw as it broke the morning quiet. "Taro, wait for me!"

Together, they crossed the village's boundary, the dawn stretching their shadows long as their new journey began.

Kai's curiosity sparked again. "Where'd you live before this?" he asked, glancing at Taro.

"Grisaille Forest," Taro answered, his voice calm, like it was no big deal.

Kai's eyebrows shot up. "How long were you there?"

"Eight years," Taro said, his eyes fixed on the path ahead.

Kai nearly tripped, shock hitting him like a cold splash. Eight years? He tried to hide his surprise. "So, why Fourfold Heaven? What's pulling you there?"

Taro's face softened, but his eyes held a hint of mystery. "You'll find out as we go," he said with a sly smile.

The road ahead glowed with promise, and though Kai's mind buzzed with questions, the steady rhythm of their steps and the lure of the unknown pushed them forward. Fourfold Heaven lay waiting, holding secrets yet to be uncovered.

The Dawn of a New Journey