Leonardo’s nervous chuckle broke the silence. “That’s me.” He said scratching the back of his head. “Though I doubt I’m actually hero.”

  “On the contrary,” the man replied, a sly smile forming on his lips. “I think it HAS to be you.”

  Leonardo’s smile faded. “And… why may that be?”

  “I’m sure my daughter’s filled you in on the basics. Let me give you the full story. Evangeline, you may be dismissed.”

  “But Father- “

  “Did I stutter?” He interrupted.

  Evangline’s jaw tightened, her frustration evident but, as quickly as she’d been cut off, she left the room.

  “Firstly, let me introduce myself. I am Beflus Puckerbelt.” The man introduced himself, “and you?”

  “Leonardo Welt”

  “Introduction Concluded! Let me now continue.” Beflus adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “You are not the first holy magic wielder who has appeared recently. In fact, they appeared only yesterday.”

  “So why can’t they be the hero, why me?” Leonardo questioned.

  “Because they’re dead.” Beflus said bluntly.

  Leonardo’s eye’s widened. Only for a moment.

  “He was nearly dead when he arrived to this world. Upon finding him, I tried to tend to his injuries. But it was futile, so before he died, out of curiosity, I checked his magic affinity- holy magic user.” Beflus’ voice grew more fervent.

  “Now, you may know holy magic users are rare, we see one every 50 years. But with you that’s been broken almost 1000 years since the hero died. Do you see coincidence, I do not.” Beflus expounded, leaning closer, “the heavens have chosen you. The timing is undeniable.”

  Leonardo’s stomach twisted. The room suddenly felt smaller, the weight of the man’s words pressing in on him. Being the legendary hero destined to save the world is amazing, theoretically. Realistically, a hero is someone who sacrifices himself for others, constantly pushing past adversary after adversary. A fulfilling but painful life. Something that Leonardo, just couldn’t face.

  “I need the bathroom… quickly please.” He mumbled.

  Beflus sighed, disappointed but unsurprised, and pointed him toward the hallway.

  Barely making it to the toilet, Leonardo’s stress surged out in the form of today’s breakfast, emptying his stomach into the toilet bowel. He sank into the corner, resting his head against the wall. The boy who just wanted to go home was now grappling with the weight of a world that demanded he save it.

  All he’d wanted was to get through his first year, hopefully fix things with his siblings, and fill in his parents’ shoes. How had things changed so drastically?

  *******

  After wallowing in self-loathing for what felt like an eternity, Leonardo gathered enough strength to stand. He stumbled out of the bathroom, only to be greeted by a wonderful aroma that made his stomach gurgle in protest.

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  The dining room was easy to find, and in its centre was table laden with an assortment of meats, potatoes and wines. Seated alone at the table was Beflus, who noticed Leonardo and greeted him with a smile.

  “Sit and eat. This was prepared for you my boy.” Beflus insisted.

  Leonardo didn’t need to be told twitce. His empty stomach demanded satisfaction, and soon he was piling his plate high and devouring everything in sight.

  “It’s good isn’t” Beflus asked with a chuckle.

  Leonardo nodded, too busy chewing on three pork cutlets to respond.

  “By the way,” Beflus continued his tone casual, “In 2 days, we’ll depart to a town close to here. It’s where the sword is. So rest easy.” Beflus replied.

  Leonardo paused mid-bite, swallowing hard. “So uh? I thought Evangeline was my guide, what’s happening with her?”

  Beflus chuckled once more, this time heartier. “Not her- my son will.” Beflus with a dismissive wave, his gaze flicking to the door.” Evangeline is competent of course but, a girl? No this requires a man’s resolve.”

  “I didn’t know she has an older brother.” Leonardo frowned.

  “Oh no. He’s a child, but he’ll grow older. Which just means your journey will have to halt.”

  Strange, he had remembered the prophecy mentioning the eldest child, but if Beflus wasn’t concerned, why should he be? If anything, the delay sounded like a blessing. A little strange it was easy to accept this all though…

  *******

  The clock had struck midnight, and Leonardo lay wide awake in a guest room. The bed was soft, its linen cool against his skin, yet sleep eluded him.

  Instead, he’d scroll through the images on his phone, his thumb pausing on an image of his family. His chest tightened as tears welled in his eyes, spilling onto the screen.

  “Fuck,” he muttered, wiping at his face. “I really tried to hold it in too. I’m pathetic.”

  A soft knock broke the silence. Leonardo stilled, quickly wiping his eyes and shoving his phone under the pillow.

  “Evangeline?” he whispered as he opened the door.

  She stood there in a night gown, her expression stern. Without a word, she pushed the door open wider, sliding inside, closing it behind her.

  Ok woh, I thought they sold me PG13 this is starting to look R rated.

  “Leonardo,” she said, her voice low but urgent, “we have to runaway together.”

  “Erm, what?” Leonardo blurted, stepping back in confusion.

  Leonardo was now even more confused, why would she want the legendary hero to run away? Was this fling evolving into more?

  “The prophecy Leonardo. It states that the eldest born descendant is the one to aid the hero,” she hissed.

  “Then why would your dad tell me to wait till your brother grows up, you sure there’s not an age limit or something?”

  “No. I assure you, I know the prophecy.” Her fists clenched at her sides, “my dad doesn’t trust me-.”

  “Did you do something to anger him or?”

  “I was born a girl…”

  “I guess the architecture isn’t the only outdated thing about this place.” He quipped.

  “This isn’t funny Leonardo,” she snapped. “If you go through with my dad’s biggotry, you’ll surely die. Run away with me, we’ll complete the prophecy.”

  Leonardo would then sigh. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, weighing his options before wagging his finger at her, “If I run away with you, I won’t get good food, a nice place to sleep, and money.” He explained before adding,

  “let’s not forget the training I need for my, “DANGEROUS” journey.”

  Evangeline’s fierce gaze burned into him, but he refused to meet it. The room fell silent until he finally glanced back- and saw the tears streaming down her face.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” He stammered, his heart sinking.

  “I- It’s not you...” She pieced through her tears.

  Unknowing of how to help, Leonardo attempted to calm her with pats on her shoulder, “There there.”

  “Leonardo. This isn’t about me, or you.” She choked out, slapping his hand away. “This is the world were talking about.” She would then take a deep breath, “Please. Leave with me, tonight.”

  Leonardo hesitated, scratching the back of his head. He didn’t want to say yes. He couldn’t say yes. But as he watched her trembling figure, her tear-streaked face. She wasn’t asking for herself; she was asking for the world. Could he really be so ignorant and selfish?

  “I’m a pussy,” he admitted, though self-evident, before extending his shaking hand towards her. “But. I am also horrible at saying no to crying girls. And dying worlds”

  Evangeline stared, stunned for a moment, before taking his hand.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “This could go horribly wrong,” Leonardo muttered, forcing a weak grin. He glanced at Evangeline, who was already clearing her last tears and standing tall. “We’ve got this.”