Let's Train Heroine

In a quiet, sunlit village nestled amidst rolling hills and blooming meadows.

It's 30 years later, Lucan and Maris lived as a middle-aged couple with a bright, spirited teenage daughter, Leira, who brought endless joy into their lives.

The day began as it always did: with the scent of Maris's fresh bread wafting through the little cottage they called home. Lucan stretched as the first rays of sunlight crept into the room, and a smile creased his face as he heard Leira's laughter from downstairs. She was clearly up to something mischievous, likely helping—or "helping," as Maris often put it—in the kitchen.

Lucan rose, running a hand through his now slightly graying hair as he made his way downstairs, still half-drowsy. In the kitchen, Maris was busy kneading dough, her sleeves rolled up and her hands dusted with flour. She was older now, her once-pink hair softly fading, yet there was a timeless beauty in her. She hummed a gentle tune as she worked, glancing up with a warm smile when Lucan entered.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Maris teased, her voice full of affection. "Leira's already decided we're going to the village fair today."

Leira, standing beside her mother and sneaking bites of dough when she thought Maris wasn't looking, shot her father a grin. "It's only the biggest event of the season, Dad! You have to come with us," she insisted, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Lucan chuckled, reaching over to ruffle her hair. "How could I ever refuse? I'll be ready in a bit. You two seem to have this kitchen under control."

Leira puffed up proudly, "I'm helping with the bread. Mom says I've got a real gift for it."

"Oh, absolutely," Maris replied with a wink, casting Lucan a conspiratorial smile. "The finest dough-snatcher I've ever seen."

After breakfast and a quick tidying up, the family headed down the winding village path toward the fair. The day was perfect, the sun warm but gentle, with a slight breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers. The fairgrounds were bustling with villagers and visitors from nearby towns. Brightly colored tents and stalls dotted the landscape, offering games, treats, and handmade trinkets that caught Leira's eye immediately.

Lucan and Maris watched her dart from stall to stall, her enthusiasm contagious. "Look at her," Lucan murmured to Maris, pride evident in his voice. "I sometimes forget just how much she reminds me of you."

Maris laughed softly, nudging him playfully.

The day was filled with lighthearted moments. Leira managed to talk Lucan into trying the archery game at one of the stalls. He hadn't held a bow in years, yet the crowd cheered when he landed three consecutive bullseyes, his marksmanship still as sharp as ever. Leira clapped and cheered the loudest, practically bouncing with excitement.

"I knew you could do it, Dad!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.

Lucan, beaming with pride, hugged her back and laughed. "Not bad for an old man, huh?"

Next, they found themselves by the food stalls, drawn by the smell of roasted nuts and sweet pastries. Maris picked up a small bundle of candied apples, handing one to Leira and another to Lucan, who took a tentative bite, savoring the sweetness.

As they wandered, a group of musicians struck up a lively tune, and couples began to dance on the green. Maris raised an eyebrow at Lucan, giving him a mischievous smile as she held out her hand. "Care for a dance?"

Lucan hesitated for a moment, but the sparkle in Maris's eyes was irresistible. He took her hand, leading her onto the grass as the musicians played on. Their steps were slow and slightly out of practice, but they didn't care. They laughed as they twirled. Leira watched.

When the music finally ended, Lucan and Maris caught their breath. They returned to Leira's side, who was already bursting with stories about all the things she wanted to try next.

The family spent the rest of the day exploring every corner of the fair. They played carnival games, each one seemingly designed to make Lucan look ridiculous and make Leira laugh even harder. He didn't mind; he'd do anything to hear her laugh like that.

As the last light of day faded, Lucan, Maris, and Leira sat together on the hill, overlooking the cheerful bustle of the village fair below. It had been a day filled with laughter and simple joys. However suddenly a dark aura spread everywhere.

Before Leira could fully comprehend what was happening, a shadowy figure emerged, followed by others, their black forms blending into the dim evening light. Her parents immediately rose, Lucan's protective stance instinctively shielding Leira while Maris stepped forward, her gaze fierce.

"Stay back, Leira," Maris said in a voice that brooked no argument.

Leira's heart pounded as she watched her parents exchange a look she'd never seen before, and then, before she could utter a word, her parents sprang into action.

The battle was a blur. She saw flashes of her mother's magic, her father's protective barriers, and felt the ground tremble under the power they unleashed. Lucan and Maris fought tirelessly, one dark figure after another dissolving under their attacks. But the shadows kept coming, stronger and more menacing with each wave.

Just as Leira thought they might prevail, a new surge of shadows closed in around her parents. She saw the shock in her mother's eyes as two of the shadowy figures managed to seize her arms, pulling her down. Her father fought desperately to reach her, but he too was overwhelmed, his magic finally giving way as more dark figures bound his hands and restrained him.

"Leira!" Maris called out, her voice strained, "Stay safe, remember what we taught you."

With a final desperate look, Lucan whispered a spell that shimmered around Leira like a thin, protective veil, keeping her hidden and untouched as the shadowed figures dragged him and Maris away.

The chaos around her grew. The village was engulfed in flames, black smoke billowing into the twilight sky, carrying the acrid smell of destruction. Shadows swept through the village, leaving only devastation in their wake. She saw homes reduced to smoldering rubble, people lying motionless, their faces turned toward the heavens. The once-vibrant village fair was nothing more than a ruin.

Leira stood frozen on the hill, tears streaming down her face as she watched her parents disappear into the shadows, their figures growing smaller and smaller until they were swallowed by the darkness.

Alone, trembling, she felt a profound emptiness settle within her as she took in the remnants of her life. Her family, her home, her village—all gone, leaving her a lonely figure standing amidst the ashes.