Bab 4: Waterfall
As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness enveloped the forest, casting long shadows that danced ominously among the trees. Leo sat where he had been since morning, his small frame now frail and thin. His cheeks, once round and rosy, appeared hollow, and his lips cracked from dehydration, barely able to form words. The echoes of his parents' absence weighed heavily in the air, pressing down on him like an oppressive blanket.
The world around him shifted into twilight, the vibrant colors of the day fading into shades of gray and blue. The sounds of the forest changed as well; the cheerful birds were replaced by the distant hoots of owls and the rustle of nocturnal creatures stirring to life. But Leo was unaware of it all, his mind consumed by the relentless ache of grief and loneliness.
As the last sliver of sunlight vanished, a realization struck him with the force of a physical blow: his parents weren't coming back. The hope that had kept him waiting all day crumbled, replaced by a hollow despair. He struggled to rise to his feet, his legs unsteady beneath him. He didn't know where to go or what to do, but the urge to move propelled him deeper into the forest, away from the memories that haunted him.
With each step, the shadows loomed larger, and the weight of the night pressed in on him. He stumbled through the underbrush, branches snagging at his clothes, his small body aching with fatigue. Finally, he emerged into a clearing and stopped in awe.
Before him cascaded a magnificent waterfall, its waters shimmering under the moonlight, sending mist into the cool night air. The sound of rushing water filled the clearing, drowning out the thoughts swirling in his mind, if only for a moment.
But then he saw her.
A woman stood near the edge of the waterfall, her silhouette framed by the moonlight. She looked to be in her thirties, with flowing hair that glimmered like silver in the night. Despite the darkness, she radiated a warmth and beauty that seemed to draw Leo in. Her presence was both calming and ethereal, and for a moment, he forgot his grief.
As if sensing his gaze, the woman turned to him, her deep, empathetic eyes locking onto his. "Hello there, little one," she said, her voice soothing and gentle, like a soft melody carried on the breeze. "What brings you to this place at such a late hour?"
Leo opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. The memory of his parents flooded back, overwhelming him, and before he could hold back, tears streamed down his cheeks once more. The woman's expression softened with understanding as she took a step closer.
"Come here," she urged gently, her voice filled with warmth. "You don't have to be alone."
Leo hesitated, torn between the instinct to run and the overwhelming need for comfort. Slowly, he approached her, the warmth of her presence wrapping around him like a protective cocoon. The woman knelt down to his level, concern etched on her face.
"What's your name, dear?" she asked softly.
"Leo," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he wiped at his eyes.
"Leo," she repeated, her smile encouraging. "That's a strong name. I'm Mira. And it seems you've had quite a long day. Would you like something to eat? I have a little hut nearby where you can rest."
Leo nodded slowly, the weight of exhaustion dragging at him. But He collected energy and said "please come with me " curious Mira followed leo only to find a dead body of women Mira's expression got serious she knelt down placed her hand on the ground and closed her eyes and tried to sense her surroundings she found traces of mana
Leo stood there without atturing a single word Mira turned around and smiled said " let's give her a proper burial"
" Leo can you tell me what happened here exactly"asked Mira
"I don't know Some people came into our *snifle *house and started fighting papa and mama aira(maid) took me along with her as mama said but someone in black came and.... and *snifle snifle * leo said everything while on verge of crying "that's enough leo no need to say anymore"
Mira carried the exhausted leo to home and put him asleep.
As he drifted off to sleep, Leo's thoughts swirled between memories of his parents and the kind woman who had taken him in. The darkness of the night seemed a little less suffocating now, and though grief still tugged at his heart, he felt a flicker of hope—perhaps he wasn't as alone as he had thought.
With that, he surrendered to the soothing embrace of sleep, unaware that his journey was only beginning
Next day leo woke abruptly in the early hours of the morning, his heart pounding and breath quickened. The remnants of a nightmare lingered in his mind, vivid images of his parents being taken away, the terrifying figure in black looming over him, and the chaos that had engulfed his home. He bolted upright, the darkness of the hut pressing in on him like a suffocating blanket.
As his eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the cracks in the walls, he spotted Mira sitting quietly at the small table, her gaze fixed on him with concern. She asked "Are you okay leo you seem to have nightmare?"
"Yeah I want to find my mother and father as soon as possible "replied leo with a sad and determined expression
"Of course i will help you" Mira spoke in reassuring manner
*Grrrrooowwwl* leo held onto his stomach embarrassed
"Hehe" Mira Giggled a little and said " first have some food"
Mira motioned for Leo to sit at a simple wooden table while she busied herself in the kitchen. "You must be hungry," she said, and soon returned with a steaming bowl of broth and some bread
"Mm" nodded his head had food together with Mira
After eating Mira and leo came out of the hut
Mira whistles for few moments nothing happened few minutes later a large eagle with a wing span of 2 meters the eagle was 4 meters tall Mira hopped on eagle and caresed it's feathers she proceeds to give her hand for leo to hop on leo looked at the eagle it's sharp beak and glaring eyes made him scared Mira said " don't worry hold my hand and hop on " leo took some courage and hopped on mira asked if he was ready leo nodded and so with a flap of its wings they started their flight leo kept his eyes closed due to fear Mira spoke " open yours leo " Leo sneakly opened one of his eyes and saw a beautiful scene of sunrise and was instantly mesmerized by the beauty.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone