The Cocoon Master: Heart of the Forest

Chapters

The Night Before and the Sound of Thunder
Tradition
Dreams, Pleasant and Otherwise

The Night Before and the Sound of Thunder

The Festival of the Father,
The sound of winged Minions
And so beginsf the Ordeal.

In the village of Syrus, things were... relatively peaceful. People did their best to live in harmony with the Forest and its myriad denizens.

The Festival of the Father was to be the very next day, and soon-to-be-declared Cocoon Master Levant was feeling introspective as he sat with his friend, Mahbu. He was playing a tune on his flute, much to her entertainment. He was thinking of what the future would bring, of what was to happen the next day. OIf his long-missing father.

"Ah," Mahbu sighed. "Your music is so enchanting. But that's the way of a Cocoon Master, isn't it?"

Levant, at the moment, declined to comment, and nodded instead. (1)

Sudenly, a voice rang out behind them.

"Hey, you two! Is it getting a little hot up here? If you get what I mean."

Levant rolled his eyes at the stab.

"Lui! Mind your own business and leave us alone, kid!" Mahbu seethed.

"I'm no kid. This tower is MY responsibility too, after all." Lui returned proudly. "I have a job, unlike your STUPID Cocoon Master."

Levant's eye twitched at that. As much as he tried not to let that bother him, Lui did kind of hit a nerve, there, but he wasn't entirely wrong.

"Tomorrow is the Festival; Don't stayup too late, ya idiots!" Lui finished before laughing and climbing back down.

Mahbu called down, "You're all talk, anyway! AND a buck-toothed idiot to boot!" she snarled.

At this, Levant chuckled. Say what you will about Mahbu; she could spit fire when she needed to. "Are you alright, Mahbu?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Eish. What's H'IS problem? Whatever. He is right, though; the Festival is tomorrow. Maybe we should call it a night?"

"Yeah; Probably a good idea." Levant agreed, makind to stand up. "I'll just be a moment longer."

"Okay. I'll see you then."

Levant took another moment to stare back at the Forest. Soon he'd venture oiut there like his father had before him. And his father. And his father. Such was the way of their family bloodline.

"Father; Ancestors; Elhrim... Wish me luck."

So saying, he played one last note on his flute efore climbing down.

Later...

Levant awoke in a hazy-looking part of The Forest. His first instinct was to proceed, though he was unsure of where he was, therein. The path seemed relatively straight-forward, though.

Walking along the path, he encountered a tall figure, who wore a poncho and a hat that covered his features.

"Who are you? A newbie, are you? Without the Lion of Parel, Syrus shouldnb't have a Cocoon Master at all, right now."

"The Lion of Parel? That was my father's title!"

"So YOU'RE his son, eh? Well, isn't that interesting? Let's see how you measure up to your lineage!"

So saying, the man drew fortha Cocoon and released the beast inside.

'A Dragon?!' Levant exclaimed internally, eyes widening with shock.

He shook that off. 'Dragon or not, I don't think he's going to let me by without a fight. And I'm not going down without one!'

Swiftly, he drew his knife and advanced. He was able to score a clean hit on the creature, and dodged its swipe, but it was able to knock him aside with the force of displaced air behind the swipe.

He was barely able to roll to the side. 'This creature is powerful indeed! I'll have to be more careful.'

The man taunted, "Having a little trouble, are you? Or are you giving up?"

Levant got to his feet, boldly. "Neither!"

"That's the spirit! Come on then!"

Attacking again, Levant was able to score couple more hits before dodging another swing.

"Impressive, for a novice... but altogether pointless. Finish him off!"

The creature took in a deep breath before spitting a ball of flame, which exploded with magnificent force..

There wasn't enough space or time to dodge this attack.

"GAAAAH!!!"

"Without a beast of your own, you're nothing at all. Just the son of a coward! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

With that, everything went black.

Levant started awake, his mother at his side. "Levant! You cried out in your sleep, last night. Are you alriight?"

"I... I don't know. That was a doozy of a nightmare." Levant said, making to stand up.

"Maybe you just had a lot to think about? It's almost That Time, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Maybe... Maybe you're right."

"Just look at you now. I'm sure your father would be proud to see you starting on your own journey."

"Thanks, mom."

Suddenly, Khelmar ran through the doorway. "Come quickly! The Forest! There's a lot of noise and Something is coming!"

Then he started at having remembered something. "OH NO! Mahbu is stil;l at the tower! Come on!"

"It might be a good idea for you to stay here, mom! I'll be back."

And so the two dashed off.

As Mahbu watched from the top of the tower, there was a loud thrumming sound as hundreds of enormous insects began to fly forth from insiide of the Forest. They were massive; many of them easily the size of a fully-grown man.

"Elhrim protect us!" she exclaimed, making to head back down.

The village elder, Mother Garai, swiftly incanted a spell to protect the town from the oncoming swarm. 'I have to hurry, before it is too late!'

After a moment, she finished the spell and a golden light started to flow over the village.

Author's Note

1: Yes, he will have a speaking role when I deem it necessary. I DO NOT do silent protagonists. Hot take, but I find it irritating, just as much as characters not being able to say the name, but can say everything else! If Reader Rabbit can accomodate for that, but you can't...

Tradition

The Beasts of Knowledge
Touched by the misery of the Great Father
Unleash a white beast unto the forest.

Its howl is the Requiem of souls...

Chief Grotta poke first. "Hordes of winged insects have broken through the 'Divine Barrier to attack the village! Such a thing has been unprecedented in the history of Syrus! Have Elhrim's day of Judgment come?"

Jibara exclaimed, "Something must be done! The Forest has attacked! Who knowswhen another could occur? The barrier of Gehenna won't hold up forever. Don't you think so, High Priestess Garai?"

Garai spoke then. "Nothing like this happens without a reason. Destruction often comes from the Beasts of Knowledge. This could be an acct of Man. They couldnn't have broken through the Divine Barrier on their own."

Jibara scoffed under her breath.

Grotta spoke up. "Whatever the cause may or may not be, when the insects flew off, many of the villagers fell into a deep sleep. Nobody seems to be able to awaken them!"

Garai shook her head sadly. "Alas, those were the Onibubu; The Locusts of the Apocalypse. They spread a dust that plunges those it touches into a deep slumber, from which they will never awaken."

Jibara said, "Someone must venture out there and find out what's going pn. What of yourself, Garai? You're rther knowledgeable about the Forest."

"What good would it do to send me? I'd be swallowe up and never heard from again."

'That might be for the best, in my opinion.' Jibara grumbled below her breath.

"What was that, Jibara? I didn't hear that." the chief said.

"What i said was that we should find someone who can fight the creatures within the forest." Jibara quickly corrected herself.

Garai nodded. "Yes. A Cocoon Master must be called upon. Only they could possibly face the dangers there. And survive, that is."

Grotta hrinned. "Yes! Yes! We must have our-"

Garai interrupted. "Alas, our previous Cocoon Master is nowhere to be found. Howeverm his son has recently come of age. I believe his name is... Levant."

Grotta grumbled. "I know of the boy. As much as i hate to send pne so young into those dark depths, we have little choice in the matter."

Garai bowed her head, eyes closed. "Alas, it is so. We must prepare him for the journey ahead. It is also time for the Ceremony to begin. Mahbu should not object. She is a maiden of the Nagi, after all, and this is for the sake of Syrus."

"So it is decided!" Grotta said authoritatively. "Summon both to our Temple of Judgement."

Levant was back upon the lighthouse's highest point, playing his flute, as usual, when he recieved the call to the temple.

Before he ceremony known as the Sacred Ubuib was to be performed, Chief Grotta was explaining to Levant of his duty and the weight of his responsibility. Oh, and what he was doing too.

"For the good of Syrus, yium our new Cocooon Master, must venture into the forest, as your father did in the past. There you must seek the Calabas Herb. Only with that may we awaken those affected by those accursed insects. I know that this is a lot to take in for one so young as yourself. Do you have any questions?"

Levant asked, after a moment's thought, "How well did you know my father?"

"Intimately. In fact, he was my half brother. (1)"

Levant's eyes widened at that.

"I knew him well enough to know that he was no coward, fie on whatever the citizens here say."

Levant smiled at that.

"Oh, yes! That reminds me: You must also cherish your wife and be a devoted husband, as she will to you. Make us proud, both of you. After all, a devoted husband is a Nagi woman's only salcation."

Levant had nothing to say to that. Things were confusing and overwhelming as it was.

"You will understand all of this someday. May fortune be with you in battle! Now come; It is time for the Sacred Union."

Shortly thereafter, he and Mahbu were stood before Garai, in her full High Priestess garb.

"As through the generations, according to tradition, I now conduct the Sacred Union."

Levant and Mahbu held each other's hand, going to their knees, heads bowed.

Garai raised her hands high, incanting, "Elrhim, God of the Forest; Forest, Mother to all. We, the Beasts of knowledge, also born of the Forest... Once again, grant us here this day that which touches and moves thy worried heart. That we, as beasts, may live in harmony with the forest. Oh, so wise.... Oh, so wise..."

She then passed Levant an earring, giving Mahbu a matching one. To Levant, she said, "This is the Earring of the Hunter. symbol of your coming of age. Furthermore, as long as you have it, you may escape death, even if defeated in battle in the Forest. It is my gift to you, who journeys into the Land og Ordeals."

To Mahbu, she said, "As yours is the Earring of the Hearth. Your counterpart to his. So long as you wear it, the both of you will know of each other's condition, and may draw strength from your bond."

The now joined couple attached their earrings to... well, their ears. Levant's on the left; Mahbu's on the right.

Garai nodded before saying, "Now, listen well, the both of you. Some fear Cocoon masters, calling them Impure Hunters. Many may be prejudiced toward you. Nevertheless, you must strive to move forward on your sacred journey."

:evant looked up, confidence in his countenance. "I wouldn't do otherwise. It is how I was raised, after all."

Garai smirked at that nefore sxhooling her expression. More to Mahbu, she said, "A terrible burden also awaits the women of the Nagi."

She explained, "The infections on their bodies are the side effects of the Purification Process. Those are known as Cursed Brandings. In the worst case, this nay even cause death."

Mahbu npdded. "I accepted that long ago, High Priestess. I'll bear that burden as long as i shall live."

This caused Garai to smirk again. "Please, care for each other insixjness and in health."

To Lecvant she said, "Come morning, you will have to be prepared ti keave ob your sacred journey. Rest well this night, that you may be fresh for the journey ahead; to depart come morning. Come to my house. We should prepare what you need."

Author's Note

1: Until someone corrects me on this, that's how i'll work this.

Dreams, Pleasant and Otherwise

Sitting atop the tower once more, Levant was playing his music. Mahbu came up the ladder. "There you are. I figured that you'd be here. I bet you're more than a bit nervous."

Levant sighed. "I suppose so. Wouldn't anyone be?"

Mahbu sat down beside him. "Adults always have to have things their way. That's why I generally don't like them."

She looked wistfully skyward. "It's a bit stange, isn't it? Why are only Nagi able to Purify? Mother Garai says it's Divine Power, but most of the villagers don't seem to think so."

Levant chose to ignore the swift change in topic. "It's like Chief Grotta says. Fie on what they think. What matters is what YOU think."

Mahbu smiled at that. "Thanks, Levant. I'm glad that you were the one i was chosen for."

Suddenly, a voice rang out. "Who's up there? And why are you playing that awful flute music in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT?!"

Levant frowned. Lui. Just... of course.

"Why are you playing that? After all that's happened today? Do you want those monsters to come back again or something?"

Levant said, in a deadpan tone, "No, Lui. I need to practice my flute playing to do my job in the morning. This is important too."

Mahbu said, snarkily, "Oh. You must be scared. Isn't it past your bedtime or something? Or are you too afraid to go to sleep?"

Lui returned angrily, "Like I already told you: I'M NOT A KID!" Then to Levant, he said, "Good luck with that. Try not to get eaten alive out there, tough guy! But then again, I guess there's nothing scarier than Mahbu!" Then he left, chuckling.

Mahbu called down angrily, "Oh, shut up! You're such a brat! And making me lose my temper, you little twit!!"

After that, she sighed. "Well, we better get to bed. But don't oversleep, partner of mine. You have a big day ahead, young Cocoon Master."

After that, she left. Levant stood, playing one more melody before retiring for the night.

Levant awoke, again in that strange forest. The atmosphere felt more... oppressive than before. Suddenly that strangely garbed man appeared as before.

"So, now you dress as if you are a man. Still, you are little but the som of a coward! That maiden of yours shall be left behind once you die in the forest. Pitiful, I say!"

With that, the man summoned a creature, this one rather small. Levant was able to defeat it with a few swipes of his dagger. Easy.

"So, you are more capable than I expected. But such isn't our true power."

The man engaged Levant. First attacking playfully, solidly smacking him with his weapon. Levant countered with his dagger, hitting him back rather more lightly, seemingly doing little damage. Then the man changed tactics. He played his instrument and vanished, summoning his dragon-like creature.

Levant smiled smugly. Surprisingly, Mother Garai had prepared for something like this. From his side, Levant pulled a longsword, which glowed dimly with the energy of the forest, enhancing his abilities significantly Apparently, however, this would only work in situations of dire need. Basically, when he was severely outclassed. It may or may not allow him to defeat some enemies, but it would force them to head back wherever they were to lick their wounds, at any rate.

Lunging at the draconic beast, he struck a solid blow on its face. The monster roared out in pain before taking a swipe at Levant, which he deftly avoided. This time he was slightly more able than the dragon. He had a chance!

The strange man chuckled, being heard from nowhere in particular. "So! You have yourself a weapon worthy of a warrior. Well, then. Time to kick things up a bit."

As he finished saying that, music started to play; guitar-ish music. But this tune carried an aura of... darkness? Was that right?

The monster started to glow with a blackish red tint. Suddenly, it became faster, more able to match -and soon, outmatch entirely- Levant's moves.

Soon, the creature clashed with Levant's blade, causing a power struggle. Which Levant was sure he was going to lose.

Suddenly, a new voice rang out. "This is totally unfair. He is such a poor sport, isn't he?"

Levant looked around. Who was that?

The moment of distraction caused the dragon to win the struggle easily, knocking Levant back. But as it prepared its deadly breath attack, a thick shield of vines sprung up before him, taking the hit instead.

From nowhere, an equine form appeared. She had red dreadlocked hair with bands of white gold, green in coat colour. Her eyes were a bright blue.

"What say we even things up, dude?" she said.

Levant's eyes widened. "Who... Who are you?"

"Name's Tree Hugger." the small horse said. Looking around, she smiled. "In a place like this, my magic's at its highest. Totally radical." she commented, then taking a deep breath.

Levant could feel the dream forest's energy flowing into her, as she seemed to be meditating. Suddenly, the flow stopped and she exhaled. Then she pulled Levant to his feet. He could feel strength radiating through her. A tune came to mind, which he took his flute and played, readily.

Tree Hugger engaged the dragon. She started singing aloud.

You think that you can take us on? Well, you're mistaken!
There isn't a single move you got that we'll be takin'.
But if you wanna have it so,
Two are gonna let you knoooooow.... Yeah!

The dragon swiped at her, which she easily dodged. In exchange, she bucked, hitting the dragon solidly, causing it to rear its head back. She even kept singing, moving in tune. (1)

"Get off of our BACKS!
An' into the get into the game.
Get out of our WAY,
Brother, use your BRAIN!
You two now have a serious laaaaack..."

.
By this time the dragon was swiping at her furiously as the man played more quickly, enhancing the beast's power further. But not enough. Tree Hugger kept dancing to the beat, connecting with -and dodging- the creature in tune to the music.

Yeah, get off of our BACKS.

You think that this is just some GAME.
That you are PLAYin'?
With my strength and the dude's muSIC!,
We'll cave your FAces in!

But if you wanna try aGAIN,
We still ain't gonna let you wiiiiin!

By this time the two were actually pushing the creature back. Levant wasn't idle either. While playing his flute, he was still able to deftly cut at the dragon's legs, and its wings when possible.

YEAH!
Get offa our BACKS!
And outta our FAces.
Get out of his HEAD.
Yeah, know your PLA-CES!
Just get moving yourselves A- LONG!
You won't get another CRAaaaack!
Yeah! GET OFF OF OUR BACKS!

With the last exclamation, the two unleashed a flurry of strikes, causing the two foes to bump against a tree. The dragon did however, manage to get off one fireball, managing to get Levant in its blast zone. This wasn't enough to deter him as he stabbed the dragon in its neck. Just after that, the two foes vanished.

Tree Hugger nodded. "An' let THAT be a lesson to ya."

She turned back to levant. "That dude was a total bummer, little bro. Really had no chill. Though, mosta the time, personally, I'd rather meditate than agitate, ya know?"

As it turned out, Levant was still severely burnt, also bleeding somewhat.

At first, Tree Hugger was unsure of what to do. But suddenly, words came to her mind.

She stepped over and gingerly gave him a warm hug, incanting,

Three destinies now Intertwiiiiiine,
Through pact of the Eternal Liiiine.
Once your burden alone now too is miiiiiine...

The two of them glowed green as she sang. She could feel their souls (and Mahbu's) connecting to each other, on a higher, metaphysical level. The dream slowly vanished.

Levant awoke with a startled cry. He wasn't in pain this time? What happened?

His mind waking up, putting the pieces together, he noticed a familiar green form next to him.

My love and strength are now thiiiiine...

The equine finished something that she was singing. He felt a deep connection to her now.

Suddenly, Mahbu burst into the room. "Levant! What happened? I suddenly felt another soul bond to us some... how?"

She paused as she saw what was lying next to her destined one.

Tree Hugger yawned as she awoke, smacking her lips as she did. "Whoa. That dream was far out."

As her mind came to full wakefulness, the two others noticed that on the Pony's chest was the symbol of the Navi, a dagger and flute laid beside it.

Levant and Mahbu noticed a matching symbol on their chests.

Mahbu hesitantly said, "I... get the feeling that this is... exactly what it looks like."

Author's Note

1: If it isn't obvious, with the capitalized bits