Six Years Later
Zagard's recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. The once-searing pain in his throat had faded, and now he lived with just his left hand—his right hand still limp and useless. The villagers revered him like a living legend, treating him as if he were a divine being. His every move was watched with awe and care, and he was not allowed to leave the cave. Here, in the heart of the tribe's territory, he was trained daily to harness the powers of the elemental forces—a rare and highly sought-after skill.
In this village, the use of the elements was a matter of practicality. The fire wielder cooked, the water wielder watered crops, and the air wielder did nothing more than provide a breeze when needed. The people had learned to use their powers only on a basic level. However, the Chosen One was different—a person of destiny, capable of mastering all three elements to their fullest potential. Zagard, being the Chosen One, was the key to their future, and so his training was paramount.
But Zagard's training was not in the open for all to see. The trainer—a renowned figure in the tribe—had once been celebrated for his work with the warriors, teaching them how to defend themselves and their land. He was a man whose skills were revered, his name feared by those who would think to invade. But now, his purpose had shifted. He was assigned one sole task: to train and protect Zagard. Each day, he took Zagard into a hidden cave—an ancient cavern known only to him. The entrance was guarded by a massive stone, so large it could not be moved by any normal person. The cave was concealed, known only to the trainer, and within its depths, Zagard would train in secret, away from prying eyes.
No one knew where Zagard spent his time, except for the trainer. However, there was one who often found himself curious—sneaking around the cave's entrance in an attempt to glimpse the Chosen One. Taliyo, the son of the tribe's leader, was ten years older than Zagard. He had been fascinated by Zagard ever since the day Zagard had handed the Queen of Insects her crown—an act that had not only earned Zagard the title of Chosen One but had also intrigued Taliyo. He felt an odd connection to Zagard, a bond he couldn't fully explain.
One evening, when the trainer had left Zagard alone to rest, Taliyo saw his chance. He approached the cave, moving silently as he removed the massive stone blocking the entrance. Inside, Zagard sat alone, his eyes bright with the energy that pulsed through him as he trained with the elements. Taliyo smiled and walked in, carefully replacing the stone behind him.
"Training hard?" Taliyo asked casually, leaning against the cave wall.
Zagard nodded, though his face was tired. "It's hard. Every day. But I have no choice."
Taliyo chuckled softly. "I know what you mean. But it must get boring here all alone. How about I give you a little tour? I'm sure you've been stuck in this cave long enough."
Zagard hesitated, glancing at the stone entrance. "Won't we get caught?"
"We won't," Taliyo assured him. "Come on. I promise you, no one will know."
Zagard stood up, his left hand resting against the wall for support. He followed Taliyo, both of them making their way outside the cave. Taliyo led him through the village, showing him hidden spots and places that Zagard had never seen before. The sun was low in the sky, and the air was warm, but there was a sense of calm between the two as they spoke of simple things—how the villagers treated Zagard like a deity, how Taliyo had always admired him. They spoke of training, the difficulties of mastering the elements, and their mutual love for the village, even if Zagard was often kept apart from it.
At some point, the two began playing a game of hide-and-seek—a game that allowed Zagard to forget his burdens for just a moment. Taliyo would hide, and Zagard, using his newfound powers, would search for him. It was a fun diversion—a break from the grueling training Zagard endured each day.
But as the game wore on, Taliyo began to realize something. He had hidden well, but when he came out to find Zagard, the boy was nowhere to be seen. He searched every nook and cranny of the village, his heart racing. He knew the area well, and Zagard couldn't have gone far, but it was as if the boy had vanished.
"Taliyo! Taliyo, where are you?" he called out, severe panic creeping into his voice.
His voice echoed through the woods, and yet, there was no answer. The realization hit him with terrifying clarity: Zagard had disappeared, and now he was in a big problem.