PART 1: The End is the Beginning

Long ago, there was magic all around the world. Only sorceress and wizards were able to wield its magic, but one wizard alone could command the land’s strongest magic: nature. This great wizard was Varuze, and he could call fourth the Earth’s fires, ease the ocean, make a breeze flow, finally command both lands and vines to rise. One would think such a powerful wizard would be evil, but Varuze was a gentle man, he cared for the elderly, and protected those without magic. Varuze was loved by all around him. One day the great wizard took in an orphan teenager and taught him to wield basic magic, he treated the orphan just like his own. The orphan wasn’t his only pupil, Varuze had three daughters who like him wielded a particular part to nature’s magic and so taught each of them how to wield their magic. There was Terra the eldest, Amber, the second eldest, and the youngest of the three Aqua. The three sisters were very happy to have a brother to love and teach, and he loved them in return for giving him a chance of a family.

One fateful day, the wizard gifted his daughters with three scepters. Each containing a separate magic that went with the daughter’s magical abilities. Terra received the Earth Scepter, Amber received the Fire Scepter, and finally little Aqua received the Water Scepter. As for his adopted son, Varuze gave him books with his own spells, and that his study would become his in time to fill with his own spell books. The four siblings hugged their father. Soon after all four teenagers practiced their newfound magic, their brother would watch and take notes as his newfound sisters discovered new chants to wield the magic within their scepters. In the far-off distance Varuze, would watch over his family. He smiled but slowly let it slip for he knew soon they would face a terrible foe.

Months after receiving their gifts, Varuze fell ill. Nothing could cure him; countless healing sorceress came to their small home at top of the hill to find a remedy. He was dying. With his last strength Varuze told his four children of a great evil he sealed long ago in his youth, his magic was containing it, but the minute he gave his last breath the evil would break loose and bring decay to the lands. His children vowed to defeat this evil, Varuze shot their idea and only asked them to protect the weak and their home.

“None of you are ready, yet. It took me years to master my magic but even I couldn’t stop it, all I could do was contain it.” He said in a very weary voice.

“We promise not to fight this evil head-on, but we will do everything we can to protect this land,” said Terra, trying to reassure him.

“My children, the four of you have made me the happiest man alive. I am honored to have been your Father.”

Young Aqua stepped forward, “and we are honor to be your children. We will tell tales and stories of your grand adventures. No one will ever forget the Great Varuze.”

“My little droplet, how much I seen you grown. Saddens me I won’t be here long enough for when you become a young lady, but you have your sisters and brother.” Varuze then turned to his son, “and you don’t get into any trouble both you and Terra will become the prime care holders of our family. I am very happy you became a part of our family, my son.”

“And I too father am very happy you provided me with a loving family and home when all others turn me away.”

“We won’t disappoint you Father,” said Amber.

Varuze chuckled, “don’t be a hot-head towards your siblings Amber.”

“I won’t.” Amber said with a smile.

The family slightly chuckled but it was caught off short due to Varuze bad coughing. He stopped and looked up wearily to the ceiling closed his eyes, open them as one single tear escaped him.

“Forgive me,” he said as he closed his eyes forever.