TWC: 1,100
Solo Thread Cap: 10,000words!
Previously: 0 / 10,000
Currently: 1,100 / 10,000

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Since reaching the true Korins Forest, the remaining travel before Rhapsody was relatively short. Nature itself would guide her, and warn her against taking to high flight lest she be overtaken by the same confusing magic that had affected her before. It was strange just how similar this magic was to the magic of the shrouded forest, but she didn’t spend too much time dwelling on that thought. Her goal was near, and her senses were focused; Rhapsody sped through the forest with her gaze locked before her, and within minutes, she would finally find herself out of the thicket and entering an open clearing.

“Oh?” She would question as she brought her pace to a stop, taking notice of the tents set up along the area, “Hm, the trees didn’t mention a settlement… which means they’re likely not a threat.” She’d say hesitantly as she took to walking through the clearing.

As she neared the village, it wouldn’t be more than a moment before an individual of the tribe would emerge to greet her. The man introduced himself as Kanga of the Karinga Tribe; he was a gatherer, but happened to be on watch that day. Rhapsody would converse with the man, greeting him as well and inquiring about the village, before quickly leading the conversation in the direction of the Tower she sought.

“I am sorry for your misfortune, Rhapsody.” Kanga would say, with a deeply concerned expression.

“No no, it’s nothing for you to apologize for!” Rhapsody would chime, waving her hands before her in protest, “I appreciate it, but it’s not like you or anyone else had anything to do with it.” She’d say, before taking a deep breath, “The Spirit Bear was the cause, but… well, nature isn’t so cruel. Such a creature wouldn’t have existed if not for those poachers, and they were already dealt with by the Spirit Bear herself, so at this point, no one’s at fault.” She’d explain firmly, “All I want now is to find the guardian, and learn his healing arts.”

“A noble venture, your father would be proud of all you’ve endured for his sake.” Kanga would say as the two reached the village center.

“Really? I think he’d scold me for not thinking of myself more, hehe!” Rhapsody would say with a laugh, before finally taking in the sight of the tower she sought as it came firmly into view before her.

The two would converse more for a short moment, before Rhapsody would be greeted by the village leader, a man named Bato. Bato would explain an unrequested history of the tower, as well as the Guardian of the Forest. He would make it clear that the guardian she sought and the guardian of the forest were not one in the same, before moving on to explain the trial of the tower. Testing one's strength, fortitude, mettle, determination and more; for a youth, it was the ultimate trial to acquire new found strength and to unlock the potential of those who reached their limit… and it was useless to Rhapsody.

“Seeing as you can already fly, and seem plenty strong Young Rhapsody, I would say you have nothing to gain from this trial.” Bato would say in a Sagely manner, “Go now, ascend the tower and reach the goal you seek.”

“But I thought flying would get me stuck in that magic again?” Rhapsody would question, “It’s what the trees and animals warned at least, and it seemed to be true when I had first arrived.”

Bato would laugh, “This is indeed true, however the space around our village is free of that magic. In fact, reaching this place has given you the grace of Korin’s Forest; no longer will you find yourself affected by the forest's magic again.” Bato would explain before placing a hand upon Rhapsody’s shoulder, “Now, no more questions, curious one. You have a task ahead of you that you must see through, go now, and fulfill your goal.”

It was strange how similarly Bato seemed to the Elders back in her village; Rhapsody wanted to inquire more with Bato, but chose instead to heed his advice and focus on her goal. With a farewell given, Rhapsody would spread her wings and kick off from the ground in a powerful display. Finally, she would take to ascending the tower at as quick a pace as she possibly could.

Climbing higher and higher, the tower truly seemed never ending; Rhapsody wondered for a moment if she would be able to see her village from so high, but would dismiss the thought quickly. The magics that deceived her before were always active, and were certain to obscure her sight; if such wasn’t true, then she’d have found the tower much sooner than she had. Her curiosity was strong, but her motivation to save her father was stronger, and with her goal now so close, she wouldn’t allow herself to become distracted.

Finally, the seemingly endless stretch would give away its truth as the top of the tower came into sight. Rhapsody would tilt her head with a bit of confusion as she slowed her approach. The top of the tower hosted a dome of some kind, drawing nearer, it would reveal itself to be a building of all things.

“Is… this where the guardian lives?” Rhapsody would question as she entered the room, glazing around to take notice of what few things laid around.

“Well, guardian is a bit much, but hey, who am I to question what others want to call me?” A familiar voice would call out from a stairway before the even more familiar form of a certain cat ascended to reveal himself.

“G-Grand Elder!?” Rhapsody would exclaim, glancing around further in utter disbelief as she tried to make sense of it all.

“Yes, I’m called that too by you youngin’s.” The Grand Elder would say with a laugh as he approached Rhapsody, tapping his cane on the floor as he came to a stop and looked up at Rhapsody, “You’re like a child who thinks their fathers name is “Dad”!” He would laugh, “Greetings Rhapsody, my name is Korin, I’m called the Guardian of the Forest below, and this is my Tower.” He would explain as a smirk came to his face, “I’m also the Grand Elder of our little village, and it’s Guardian. Though, now that you made it here, it seems I can finally give up that title.”

“B-bu… I don’t… what!?!” Rhapsody would respond, at a complete loss for words.

“Haha, good to see you again, Rhapsody.”