Finally arriving at the exam location Druak decided to look around to see what devices would be used for this exam. As he looked around he saw five different rooms in front of him, each with a griffon at the entrance, similar to the one at the hall.
The only difference between these ones was that they were much smaller and each griffon held some kind of black orb, this interested Druak as he'd never seen such a crystal orb before, but before he could properly examine it the teacher had already started his demonstration.
"All of you make sure to watch as I will only demonstrate this once." The teacher said as he walked towards the strange device before him. It had a crystal orb similar to the ones on the door and the teacher simply placed his hands on it, but as he did so the entire room went black.
Druak blinked only once and as he did so everything around him changed. He was no longer in the exam room, yet this place still felt familiar to him.
As he didn't know what had happened he decided to look around and see where this place was.
"Druak quickly come, your mother's home." A deep voice said.
Druak seemed to notice this voice instantly…. It was the voice of his father, but why was he here.
Despite everything that was going on, the first thing Druak did was rush to the voice.
'Wait, mum's alive.' Was the first thing that came to Druak's head, he was in shock at what he had heard and had to confirm it for himself.
As he approached the door that was in his path he quickly pushed the door open revealing a blinding light and as the light slowly dissipated it began to reveal the silhouettes of two individuals.
In an instant Druak ran over to one of the silhouettes, wrapping his arms around it. "Mother is that really you. I thought you died."Druak said with tears pouring down his face.
Before Druak was a beautiful woman, clad in leather armour with two daggers at her hip.
"What are you on about sweetie, I'm right here." The soft voice of his mother echoed in his ears as her long black hair flowed down her shoulders, pressing against Druak.
Druak and his family continued happily for many days, Druak was overjoyed to finally get to see his mother again and overjoyed to see that giant grin on his father's face, that he hadn't seen for years.
However, all of this ended simply by him closing his eyes while admiring the smell of roses that always appeared whenever his mother was around. As his eyes closed he quietly said in a serene voice." The smell of roses, I still remember waiting for that smell, knowing it meant you'd finally come home."
The calm and serene atmosphere didn't last however as when his eyes opened all the trees and wildlife were burned to a crisp and cries for help could be heard all around Druak, it was complete chaos. But this was chaos he had once seen once before, this was the day his mother died.
Druak didn't think about anything else, just running as fast as he could, trying anything he could to find his mother and father. He leapt through buildings covered in fire, passed the demon infested streets and straight to his family home.
"I'm going to save this time, I swear." Druak yelled as he bolted past any demon that was in his path. However, without him realising wounds had begun to accumulate around his body and he was beginning to slow down.
This didn't stop him, as he kept pushing forward, it was as if he was possessed once more, which he was but this time he was possessed with the will to save someone he cared deeply for.
"Help someone please help me." As Druak rushed forward the voice of a little boy could be heard and Druak realised he had to make a choice, the same choice he made in the past only this time he knew the results of this decision.
"F**k, why are you making me choose again." Druak yelled as his fists clenched shut, blood slowly dripping from them.
Druak stood in place, chaos ensuing all around him but it felt as if time itself had stopped.
"I'm sorry Isacc." Tears falling down his face Druak turned away from the cries for help and sprinted towards his mother, knowing that as he did so he would lose his best friend.
As he ran through the village a familiar smell entered his nose, this time it was the smell of lilac and as it appeared so too did Astra.
"What are you doing. This is an illusion, you need to fight it." Astra said, with an aggressive voice.
"I know." Druak said, seemingly unfazed by what Astra said.
He continued running, but once again Astra's human form stood before him and spoke in an angry voice."What the hell are you doing then, let's get out of here."
"You don't understand, this is my last chance to see my mother's face. I need this." Druak said as tears flowed down his face. He tried to hide this by whipping them away, but they continued to flow down his face.
"I do understand." Astra said, her face tilting down slightly.
Yelling at the top of his lungs Druak shouted."Then get out of my way. I need to save her, even if this entire place is fake. If it means I can see her again I don't care."
Astra stared deeply into Druak's eyes, a tear falling down her face. "If that is what you wish to do then there is nothing I can do to stop you."
Druak was shocked at first by these words, this was the first time she was acting out of pride but genuine care. He could feel their connection grow. Her feelings slowly flowed through him, this was the first time he had ever experienced something like this.
He felt complete for the first time in both his lives, but at the same time, a great sadness welled within him. He finally understood Astra, not completely but it was a start.
Druak stood in place closing his eyes and took a deep breath.
As he opened his eyes the entire world felt completely clear. Staring at Astra he calmly said."You're right, let's get out of here….." As he began to walk away he tilted his head back saying."Oh and I'm sorry for what I said, I know you've suffered a great loss too."
As Druak turned around he caught a glimpse of Astra smiling. The warmth of that smile entranced him as he thought to himself.'Maybe she's not so bad.'
This thought however didn't last as Astra once again had to open her mouth saying."Of course, I'm right." Her head once again raised with pride.