MAIDEN OF HOPE

Chapter 1: Flame

His eyes darted uneasily from one corner to the other; his paces awkward. The smiles and greetings from others were warm and friendly. Yet, it was because of the welcoming atmosphere that made him queasy. Everyone’s aura was true, sincere and innocent. The secure feeling, which enveloped him the moment he set foot on this land, was abnormal to him. For the entire eighteen years of his life, he lived in fear and the desperate fight for survival.

Stepping into the Grand Hall, he shielded his eyes from the sudden intensified glare of sunlight. He glanced upward and paused for a second to admire the clear-blue sky. The transparent pyramid-shaped roof shimmered slightly with the colours of the rainbow as light dispersed through it.

If only Dehemel could offer such peace to her people…

At the thought of his homeland, he remembered his purpose of coming here. His older brother had brought him to this foreign place before leaving him urgently to return to Dehemel. His order was clear: Find the Maiden of Hope. Nonetheless, he was not given a picture of her, not even a simple description; just the five words ringing in his ears.

This was supposed to be a planned mission but his brother’s sudden call from the Leading Command Centre (LCC) obstructed the whole sequence. Without him, this would be his first lone mission. He was honoured to escort the lost Maiden of Hope personally back to Dehemel. However, he could not deny that he felt abandoned as well.

Where is she?

His thoughts occupied him for an instant there until someone interrupted them.

“Excuse me; are you a new student around here?”

He blinked at the question, looking down at a girl whose uniform stood out from the rest. A blue badge on the left side of the chest indicated that she was a prefect.

“Erm… yes,” he replied hesitantly.

The girl’s emerald eyes twinkled at his answer. Her golden curls bounced as she beamed. “Ah, welcome to Glorialne Academy High School! If you need any assistance, do drop by at the Student Council. It is situated just at the left wing of the Jade Hall. We offer tours around the school for new students like you! May I kindly know your name?”

Shifting uncomfortably in his shoes, he debated on revealing his identity. He let out a sigh. He was already exposed anyway considering he had to fill in his profile for registration to enter this school. Having nothing to lose, he mumbled his name, barely audible to the girl.

~*~

Two corridors away from the Grand Hall, Lyandra Chrove gasped sharply as her head spun all of a sudden. She shut her eyes forcefully. It was something she often experienced ever since she was a child. She was only grateful no one noticed her abrupt pain. If there was one thing she hated most, it was sympathy.

Damn! The pounding in my head gets heavier and heavier these days. I seriously need a medical check-up.

Her right hand clutched the edge of her desk tightly as she tried to massage her forehead futilely to soothe the ache.

“Lyandra, are you ok?”

Not wanting to worry anyone, Lyandra disguised her discomfort. Putting up a convincing smile, she turned back from her seat to see her close friend, Emmeline Sanders. She pushed a lock of hair from her eye and willed herself to ignore the throbbing pain.

“I’m ok, Emmeline, don’t worry,” she assured her companion.

“Of course she’s ok. Heck, a girl as rough as Lyandra is immune to everything, I tell you!” teased a guy sitting in front of her. Smirking, he added, “Perhaps she’s immune to boys, too! Ooo, that might be the reason why she dates no one!”

Irritated, Lyandra hurled her bag at the boy, smacking him full on the face. To emphasize her annoyance, she shoved a fist directly at the centre of the bag, hurting him in the process.

“Shut up, Miles! Whether I date anyone or not is none of YOUR business!” she fumed. She retrieved her bag and pretended as if nothing had happened. Emmeline giggled at the two but faked a cough when she detected Lyandra’s glare on her.

Miles groaned and rubbed his nose, regretting his words. It was definitely painful, yes, but as he sneaked a peek at her, he knew it was worth the while. Her upset face was as attractive as ever. Her long, vibrant, maroon hair which was kept flowing freely matched her deep lavender eyes perfectly. Her slim and beautiful body never failed to give her excellent postures. It was really a sad thing she wasn’t a little more lady-like.

Right then, the door of the classroom swung open. Silence fell over the students in the class for they expected their teacher to have arrived. Instead, a new student stepped in. Curious glances were passed amongst one another. Was it possible for a new student to join them in the middle of the year? There was not any announcement made regarding a students-exchange programme to be carried out in the school lately.

“This is not Class 5A1?”

Strangely, everyone seemed to be too occupied staring at him to be able to answer him. Embarrassed by the stares, he was ready to leave the room when someone called out to him to confirm that he was at the right class.

When he closed the door behind him, the class returned to its normal environment. There were dialogues at every passing seat.

“He is kinda’ cute, honestly,” he accidentally overheard a girl uttering the words to her friends. Immediately, pink blushes appeared on his face. He hung his head and continued walking to the only vacant seat at the left side of the class. Reaching it, he lay his bag down on the chair and sank onto it.

“Hi, my name’s Miles Delfort. What’s your name?”

There was no response. Miles realized that Lyandra and the new student were fixing their eyes on one another in an unusual way. Her eyes belonged to one who was lost, bewildered and shocked while his were vigilant.

Thump! Thump!

Not again!

Suddenly, thousands of pictures gushed through Lyandra’s mind. The scene was no more of her classroom. Pictures after pictures played in her sight. Most of them showed wars and battles in a different time and a different place. There was bloodshed everywhere. They were all too vague to make out any details.

The process unexpectedly paused and focused on a particular image of the back of a young man. His hair was dark blue-black, long, wild and free. His body was well built due to vigorous trainings. It was obvious he was a warrior; a peculiar sword hung in its sheath on his back.

Lyandra had a clear view of him as he turned around. Having to see through a first person view, she wasn’t sure if his amazingly captivating smile he gave was meant for her. More than that, she wanted so much to ask him who he was and the reason why those visions kept appearing to her.

A burst of light signified the end of her visions.

It’s him!

“You don’t belong here,” shot Lyandra.

He was taken aback and became suspicious of her immediately. Her expression just now… it was as if she was remembering something. His instincts told him she wasn’t a normal person. Curious, why was she so familiar to him?

“Now, now, Lyandra, let’s be nice. We should welcome new friends into our life,” chided Emmeline. Facing the new student who took the empty seat beside Lyandra, she added, “Don’t mind her, she’s a little cranky today.”

He smiled coolly, deciding not to take any irrational moves. He promised himself that he would investigate her after school.

Lyandra, huh?

“My name is Flame Evenal. Nice to meet all of you,” he introduced himself.

Flame Evenal…

Chapter 2: First Autumn

It was a usual sight to see the large CD shop harbouring a good number of customers. Digital World had always been the one-stop station in that part of the town for teenagers and young people to hang out and chill out for the day. There were booths around at each corner of the store where they could listen to their picked CDs for free. Top songs in the market were usually on air…

Well, except for today, thought Lyandra. It did not seem to affect the business at all though. She heard that there were some technical problems which cost Digital World the inconvenience of not being able to air songs. She sat on the spinning chair with her back to the counter and waited for her shift to end for the day. She sub-consciously tapped her fingers on her lap to the beat of the music.

Good thing I decided to bring along my CD-player.

Let’s just say she simply couldn’t live without music. That was one of the reasons why she took up this part-time job. Besides, the pay was good and she could listen to the latest CDs of various bands and singers for free.

“Huh?” mumbled Lyandra as she felt her ear-phones being lifted away from her ears. The rock music suddenly faded away in a distance.

“Is this how you run my store while I’m out, Lyandra?”

Lyandra bit her tongue on realization. The manager was home and totally caught her slacking off duty red-handed. She spun her chair around and stood up with her head bowed down apologetically.

Oh man, of all situations to get stuck in with him!

“I am so sorry, Mr—”

Before she could end her sentence, she was cut off by his chuckle. She took a peek at him and blinked. “You’re not mad at me?”

“’Course not, Lyn. I know your shift’s almost over. You’re just lucky my dad handed this branch over to me and doesn’t come around that often,” he joked lightly.

“Heh heh,” Lyandra gave a nervous laugh.

Phew, I thought I so blew it in front of him. I cannot afford another embarrassment like this if I ever want to date with him.

Ok, so there was one other reason why she worked in Digital World. Ethan Salianté, only son of the founder of Digital World Music Industry was a strong enough factor. Tall, well-tanned, handsome and a fun-loving person, he was practically a dream date of every girl. He was twenty-two this year and a very promising young business man. It was no doubt that he would succeed his father’s company with no problem.

“Right, so I’ll go check on our stocks first,” said Ethan casually and headed for the storeroom.

Lyandra was just about to sink back into her chair when her hand phone rang. She rummaged through her pocket of her jeans and fished it out. Pressing the ‘talk’ button, she answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Lyn, come back home immediately! Something terrible has happened!”

“Aunt Sheryl?” spoke Lyandra, trying to keep her cool. Her pulse was already racing and an uneasy feeling was overtaking her.

“Please Lyn, come home now!” repeated the woman, her voice frail and cracking.

Without delay, Lyn snapped her hand phone shut and slung her backpack behind her.

“Chad, I gotta go now. Something’s wrong with my aunt,” she informed one of her colleagues on her way out.

“Ok, hope everything’s fine,” he breathed as he heaved three boxes of new CDs up from the ground. He was just in time to see Lyandra rushed out of the entrance of Digital World.

Chills bit into her skin as the evening wind blew pass Lyandra. Her blouse was barely anything against the cold wind. She took a left turn which led to the way home.

Her thoughts were a mess. She knew something big must’ve had happened or Aunt Sheryl would never pull her away from her work. Her aunt sounded panicky and worried. She found herself praying continuously for her aunt’s safety.

Oh God, please don’t let her be harmed. She’s the only one left.

Just as she was jogging past a forest, she felt a strong and intense level of energy stirring from within the forest. Abruptly, she stopped her pace and stared blankly at the forest.

What's that powerful force?

As if hypnotized by the strange flow of atmosphere, Lyandra started walking toward the heart of the forest, forgetting her aunt's call of emergence and distress. Her footsteps sunk into the thick layers of brownish-gold fallen leaves as she trudged forward.

Where am I going?

She swore her body was moving on its own, even without the command of her conscious self. An unknown force was luring her into the woods. Her logic mind told her to resist and run but her sense of curiosity was overpowering. She decided to allow her feet to take her to wherever the destination was.

Movement of her body halted all of a sudden. She looked around in alarm, her eyes taking in the surroundings. She assumed she must be really deep into the forest considering that she could neither see nor hear from the civilised world anymore.

"Leave this world, Xanbak, before things get ugly for you."

The voice startled Lyandra. It was faint but she knew she had definitely heard it. She wandered about, looking for the source of the voice. It seemed like she was groping in darkness blindly without aim.

"Oh, s' that so? Let me make a wild guess... You are, as a matter of fact, the only current defender of the Third Gate, isn't that right, Little Flame?"

That's a different voice. Perhaps it belongs to the guy named Xanbak.

"Do not address me as so," snapped the first voice.

I'm getting closer. The voices are getting louder.

"Pardon me; I have conveniently forgotten for a minute there that you are no longer innocent Little Flame. You are, of course, the young and gifted Second Degree Summoner from the Honoured House of Evenal," taunted the other voice.

Lyandra froze when she saw two individuals standing at a distance before her. Instinctively, she hurried to the nearest tree and hid behind it. Certain that she wasn't discovered; she took the chance and spied on them.

"Don't you dare speak the name of my family with your filthy mouth!"

That's Flame Evenal! What's he doing here? Who is the other guy?!

"Now, now, Flame, you really don't want me to teach you basic manners of respecting your elders."

"I don't need to respect a traitor of the family and Dehemel!" roared Flame.

Xanbak snorted, "I will teach you to respect a superior when you meet one."

Drawing out his right hand, a fiery-red ball of light concentrated at the centre of Xanbak's palm. Lyandra could only watch in anticipation and fear as she witnessed the ball of light formed into red liquid that drenched his entire right arm. When the materialization was complete, Xanbak's arm was equipped with metallic shield and his fist was replaced with eerie black smoke.

"If my fist ever hits you, it would be instantly fatal. Even if you touch the smoke only by the slightest, it would poison you, tap into your Summoning Energy and deliver it to me. It would leave you only skins and bones by the time all your Summoning Energy is drained out of you. This, Little Flame, is my Death Blow." A malicious grin flitted across his face.

Flame shifted his feet as he prepared for battle. Sweat broke out on his forehead. He was about to enter a fight with a First Degree Summoner, a rank higher than his. But there was no negotiating out of this. Xanbak is a Dark Summoner; a member of the Organisation of Chaos. The Organisation wanted nothing else but the pure destruction of the Two Worlds.

What are they about to do?

A fallen autumn leaf brushed past Lyandra's right cheek, her breaths forming from her mouth.

"I’m sorry you have to die, Little Flame... my dearest nephew."

Chapter 3: Dragon Summoner

"Ready or not, here I come, Flame!" yelled Xanbak.

Flame's eyes widened as Xanbak disappeared after taking his first step before him.

Damn! Where did he disappear? Which side will he attack me from? From my left? Or right?

Flame turned his head left and right frantically. Negative. He was wrong. Instinctively, he jerked his head upward to see Xanbak suddenly appear and falling like a locked missile, aiming his deadly fist at him. A lustful grin for blood hung across his face.

Just as Xanbak's fist was about to smash into his skull, Flame drew a shield with a crest as tall as him and thrice the size of his body. He held it high and braced for the collision. The impact between the metallic fist and the shield caused a loud explosion and showers of sparkles. The leaves swirled and burst away from them.

Restraining herself from screaming out, Lyandra fought to cling on to the tree trunk. The blast could've easily thrown her off balance and blown her off her feet if she hadn't hung on. Things were never more frightening and confusing to her than this. Apparently, she would be caught in the crossfire if she wasn’t careful.

Who are these people? I could barely watch their movements with my eyes!

"Nice defence but you won't be able to even touch me if you don't take offensive moves, Flame!" taunted Xanbak as he leapt backward to gain ground for his next attack.

Flame’s body shook as he remained in silence.

“You’re shaking,” he snorted. “Too afraid perhaps? Can’t blame you now, can I? Your big brother is not here to protect you like always.”

Flame watched his gigantic shield dispersed into thin air. Within three seconds, there was no trace of the presence of it. He was constantly telling himself to calm down. He felt as if his heart was going to burst right in his ribs.

I am in control! I am in control! I am in control!

Unexpectedly, Flame let out an agonizing shout. "AAARRRGHHHH!"

"Evenal," whispered Lyandra. Xanbak, too was hesitant if he should continue his attack. Everything just froze in place. He couldn't see Flame's expression since his eyes were hidden by the shadows.

"Xanbak..." spoke Flame, "You will regret the moment you question my true abilities as a Summoner!"

Rooted to the ground, Xanbak fought to regain composure. He didn't expect such an immense increase of Flame's Summoning Energy. The atmosphere was dense enough to sink him into the grounds by a few inches. It was clear now that Flame had shown his face he was a different warrior. His pupils had golden flames flowing within them. He could feel the killing aura from him.

"XANBAK!!!" He gave a thunderous roar. Fear was quick to display in Xanbak's eyes. He couldn't free himself and all he could do was put up the best defense he had.

"Arts of the Dragon Summoner: Death of the Star!" he commanded.

Xanbak whimpered as a streak of fire crashed into the ground from the heavens in front of Flame. Staring coldly at his uncle, Flame directed the tornado of fire at him. It seared the ground with dark burning marks as it rushed toward Xanbak to destroy him.

As the fire drew in on him, Xanbak felt his skin burnt with heat. With rage and fury, it consumed him, burning his flesh. His piercing scream was drowned by its howling wrath. As he looked at Flame the last time, he could see a monstrous dragon of fire encircling him, a demonic glint in his eyes.

Bones turned to ashes, Xanbak was gone. Before his ashes could touch the ground, the autumn wind blew and took them away. The dying leaves rustled in its wake. Except for the obvious burnt marks on the ground, the atmosphere returned to normal.

Though he was victorious from the battle, Flame groaned as he felt his consciousness slipped and his feet gave way.

THUD!

“Evenal!” Lyandra revealed her self from her hiding spot and rushed to Flame’s side. She gasped in horror when she noticed smoke emitting from his entire body. She could hear him moaning lowly in pain.

It was crazy! Here she was, trying to comprehend what had just happened and also trying to help someone whom she barely knew. More importantly, what should she do now?

“Evenal! Are you alright?” asked Lyandra, worried for his condition. She reached out a hand to hold him up. But the moment she came in contact with him, her mind was hit with a blast so strong that she was forced to shut her eyes.

“Listen, Flame, this is a mission you have to accomplish on your own. I have to return to Dehemel. The LCC has just released an emergency calling to all First Degree Summoners. We have entered the pre-war era against the Organisation of Chaos,” the elder one said. He was dressed in a long white coat; a crest in gold was imprinted behind it.

“But we’re just here, at the Third World,” protested Flame. He, too, was wearing the same coat with the similar crest.

“Flame, it is urgent that I returned to our homeland. However, it is also vital that you escort the lost Maiden of Hope back to Dehemel. Without her, our chances of winning this war will be equivalent to nil.”

Flame nodded. He understood his duty to his people.

“Before we part, I need to ask you to prevent from releasing a high volume of your Summoning Energy. Without my being with you, there’s no one else who can seal the Dragon of Fire. Don’t chance it, unless you are to battle a superior Dark Summoner. Otherwise, keep yourself to only Combat Skills.”

“Yes, brother,” obliged Flame. He bowed his head slightly in respect.

“Take care, Flame,” said the other gently, bringing Flame into a brotherly hug. After giving a pat on his back, he let go of him and continued, “And this is where we part. I await the day you return in glory.”

Flame gave a reassuring smile and watched his brother opened a portal as wide as a door and walked into it.

Lyandra’s hand was thrown off as the vision ended. It was the most vivid vision she ever had. Things were happening too fast.

Dehemel… I know that name.

Her head spun heavily. All of the sudden, her sight blurred and dizziness overcame her. The temperature of her body increased tremendously.

Wha… what? My body…

She stared at her hands. Like Flame’s body, they were emanating smoke and incredible heat. Something was way wrong but before she could figure it out, she passed out next to Flame.

Behind the shadows of the forest, there was yet another unknown stranger secretly observing the scene. He stepped idly toward the unconscious two; his face expressionless. The end of his long white coat swept the leaves-covered ground. His black boots cracked the dead twigs and broken branches.

He placed his forefinger and middle finger on Flame’s neck to feel for a pulse and did the same on Lyandra. Certifying that they were both still alive, he got up.

“I have done all I could to lure out the Dragon of Fire, Lord Areruto,” Xanbak’s voice rang through the forest, kneeling with one knee on the ground behind the man.

“Indeed. You did well, Xanbak,” congratulated the man known as Lord Areruto.

“Without the incredible illusion you created to cover for me, I definitely would have been killed by that foolish nephew of mine,” said Xanbak humbly but tersely as he received the permission to stand.

“He is still my brother,” Lord Areruto spoke quietly. Xanbak bit his tongue, knowing he must have said the wrong thing.

“No matter, everything is as planned. The Dragon Summoner has found the Maiden of Hope. History will repeat itself, just like how it happened five hundred years ago,” whispered Lord Areruto. He placed a hand on Flame’s forehead and then, performed the seal known only to him.

Chapter 4: The Maiden and The Dragon

And the majestic winged-dragon stood in humility before the young maiden; humbled by the presence of her stunning beauty. The maiden reached out a hand to touch his scales, which were shimmering in radiant shades of black within black, her heart awed by his magnificence. Inches away from touching him, the maiden hesitated and paused, looking up into his deep eyes.

Such a beautiful dragon, she thought. Even the black slits of his eyes seemed to be engulfed by living and mysterious crimson fire. Although she knew that she should fear the dragon race, she could not help with the strong feeling of trust she had for him. The fire from her torch swayed.

Is there such thing as affection between a human and a beast, she sighed. She smiled sadly, stroking the dragon gently.

But I do trust in you and I’ve always known that you existed somewhere. Perhaps we could be… friends?

As gigantic as the dragon was, he bended down his head and with amazing amount of grace nudged her on the arm playfully. The maiden giggled in delight for the dragon had responded in a friendly manner.

A harsh voice interrupted them. The maiden froze in dismay suddenly. It was calling her name, demanding for her presence. She noticed that the dragon was poised, feeling endangered and threatened by the new presence of other humans. Torches of fire carried by them slowly brought in more light into the cave, illuminating it. Shadows played on the dark walls of the caves.

They’ll kill him, she cried in fear and anxiety for him. She heard a low growl from the dragon.

“Feiyin!” Now, the first voice was joined with the other voices.

Before she could do anything, the villagers had found her. As they saw the towering black dragon standing behind her, they became cautious and held onto their spears and staffs, ready to attack. Needless to say, their weapons were useless against a dragon. However, it was clearly the figure that stood in authority before the men that assured them of their protection.

“Feiyin, what are you doing in the company of a dragon?” questioned the figure sternly.

“Father, I can explain,” started the maiden, trying to keep her calm. She could feel her father’s wrath pouring out towards her. Her father was a merciless man. If he had to kill her to achieve his goal of wiping out the dragon race, he would do it. She knew that. She had broken the sacred rule which separated Man and Dragon. “This dragon is not evil, father,” she defended the dragon.

“All dragons are evil because they do not have a heart! There is no exception!” he thundered.

“He is not evil. I am telling the truth, father. If he were evil, I would not be alive now!” pleaded Feiyin. The villagers shifted uncomfortably at her words. She had her point.

“Lord Zhengyi, with all due respect, sir, perhaps the princess is right,” expressed a middle-aged executive officer. The villagers began to talk amongst themselves.

“You are right, Feiyin,” Lord Zhengyi spoke aloud to silence his men. Everyone was quiet again. Feiyin was surprised at her father’s sudden comprehension.

“Father…”

He didn’t let her continue as he turned to the dragon in hatred. “He is not only evil, but cunning and sly!” spat Lord Zhengyi. “I know your name, dragon. For tricking my daughter into going against her own father, I will slay you, Yuhuo!”

The tall large-built man drew his sword. The sword was of glaring red light. It was burning with a deep sense of powerful spiritual magic. The dragon spread his wings, filling the cave. He held a claw, ready to strike at his opponent. The man gave a strong leap, boosting him into the air, aiming his sword at the dragon.

“NO!” screamed Feiyin. Her scream was drowned out by the tremendous roar of Yuhuo. With one easy swipe, he caught Lord Zhengyi mid-air, slamming him into the other end of the cave. The villagers crowded together in terror as the ancient battle between Man and Dragon began. He took the opportunity while his opponent was down and headed for the exit.

His wings were mighty, speeding through the vast tunnel, quickly reaching the mouth of the cave. As daylight shone on his black scales, he abruptly veered right, avoiding a ferocious slash from Lord Zhengyi. The slayer had recovered quickly from his fall. Not a single injury was seen on him; not a single speck of dust was on his battle outfit.

“As you might have noticed, I am no ordinary slayer, Yuhuo,” sneered Lord Zhengyi. “I am a true Summoner!”

The dragon’s eyes widened as their slits thinned. His ancestors had taught him to avoid a lone battle against a Summoner. Many of his kinds were gone because of the crusades waged against them. He knew, however, that this Summoner was not about to let him free that easily.

“Arts of the Water Summoner: Cyclone Chains!” commanded Lord Zhengyi. The air around Yuhuo wavered strangely. Instantly, gigantic chains formed from water out of thin air, gnashing at him. He was aware of the danger he was in. There was no room for any mistakes. He would not be able to attempt escape if he was too badly injured. He made a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding one of the chains.

His wings gave a flap, boosting his velocity. He aimed for his opponent. When he reached within the appropriate radius from him, he shot a colossal pillar of fire at Lord Zhengyi as he rushed past with one breath.

As he took lift into the air again, he was shocked to find that the Summoner had created a semi-sphere of water around to protect him from the searing fire. Lord Zhengyi was clearly pleased at himself, looking at the dragon in mockery.

“Is that all a dragon has to offer? I was expecting much more than this, Yuhuo!”

Angered, the dragon roared and flew at him again, blinded by rage to see the trap Lord Zhengyi had set. At the same moment, Feiyin finally managed to catch up with them. She saw what her father was preparing for her friend. Desperate to warn him, she ran forward without thinking and stood in his way. The dragon knew he was unable to stop in time before colliding into the girl.

Her father, on the other hand, glared at her coldly and heartlessly. He was willing to sacrifice his daughter in order to vanquish him. Tears of remorse and regret flowed from Feiyin’s eyes. Did he ever love her as his own flesh and blood?

I will take away all your sadness.

The maiden shut her eyes and prepared for death.

Yuhuo flared open his wings and let out a victorious roar as he pulled his altitude upward and soared into the sky. Feiyin was shocked to find herself cuddled at the center of his claw. Lord Zhengyi cursed loudly and prepared for another spell. Before he could do anything, Yuhuo sent fire storms at him, forcing him to retreat. He, too, flew off with the young maiden into the faraway sky.

When the dragon reached its family lair, Feiyin was rested in a nest of dry hay. Curiously, she looked at him. She wasn’t sure what he wanted from her. The both of them were nevertheless from two different worlds.

You will live with me, Feiyin, and I will teach you powers beyond your father’s imagination.

“But I will be lonely,” she answered sadly, sitting down on the hay, hugging her knees, looking away.

“I promise you, you will not,” answered Yuhuo. Unable to believe that she was hearing him with her ears and not in her mind, she turned to see him in a human body. She blinked twice and still, she was seeing a young man with long, black hair kneeling on one knee before her. His eyes shone the same mysterious lively flame like the dragon’s and she read sincerity in them.

“Yuhuo?”

He smiled. “That is a name given to me by your race, Feiyin. My real name, given to me by my grandfather is… Flame.”

Feiyin gave a weak smile. She didn’t expect all these in such a short period of time. Oddly, she felt that she belonged here, in the Dragons’ Lair.

“I shall honour you, Feiyin, as my Keeper. I vow to commit myself to you and only you, even on the day of my death. I will share with you my powers and wisdom,” he spoke. However, his pause marked a condition. “I will do what I say if you agree to never betray the Dragons’ Lair and be the protector of this ancient world.”

To his surprise, she answered without the slightest hesitation. “I agree on my side, Flame.”

“Then, my blood will only spill for you…”

“And mine for you.”

Chapter 5: Linked Fate

“…Chrove!”

Lyandra reached for her head groggily as she came into consciousness. The dream faded away fast from her mind. She tried to grasp the details but she was unable to hang on to any. The only impression she had about it was that it was quite a peculiar and extraordinary dream; beautiful and significant.

Abruptly, the reason for her unconsciousness burst into her mind. Her eyes flung wide open in alarm and panic. How long had she passed out? She sat up instantly, her head pounding heavily. She glanced around nervously. She was still at the forest. The sun had set and it was dark, the shadows of the trees reaching for her.

“Are you alright?”

There were no lights around and it was a new moon. She could not see the speaker but her ears told her he was beside her. She turned to the supposed direction of the owner of the voice. She wondered if it was her own eyes playing a trick on her when she saw flames flickering in his eyes.

“Evenal?” She called out with uncertainty.

“Yes, it’s me,” was the reply.

The memory of her aunt’s phone call returned to haunt her. She quickly stood up, her anxiety rising. “I…I have to get to Aunt Sheryl… What have I done?!” she moaned. How could she have been so irresponsible? She could never forgive herself if anything happened to her aunt.

“What’s the matter, Chrove? Are you injured?” questioned Flame.

He then felt an iron grip on his arm. “I need to get out of here!”

“I’ll take you home,” he said clearly which produced a calming effect on her. The grip loosened when he said that.

He cleared his throat and instructed her, “Visualise your home.”

“What…?”

“Just do as I say,” he pressed, a little annoyed.

All Lyandra wanted to do right then was to rush to her aunt’s side. Who was this person to stop her? She shut her eyes and tried to picture her aunt’s apartment. But her unease and restlessness were distracting her thoughts. She did not even know why she was doing this absurd thing. It wasn’t going to bring her any closer to her aunt anyway.

“Focus!” commanded Flame, breaking through her jungle of thoughts.

Hearing his firm voice, all of a sudden, her head, as though driven by it, extracted out the image of the interior of Aunt Sheryl’s apartment. Sensing that she had done as told, Flame allowed his Summoning Energy to flow out of him. He held her hands gently and let the energy spill onto her. A warm golden-red fire engulfed the two. Surprised at the sudden warmth, Lyandra opened her eyes, only to find out that they were standing before the door of the number 306.

She rapidly banged on the door, demanding for her aunt to open the door. When there was no response, she began to panic even more. She tried the door but it was locked. Flame quickly prevented her from throwing herself at the door. He pulled her to a side and with heavy shoves using his shoulder and right arm, the door soon gave way.

Lyandra hurried in, searching for Aunt Sheryl in every room. She let out a sharp shriek when she found her—in a pool of blood. Flame entered the small kitchen just in time to see the girl slumped to the ground, horrified at the scene.

She crawled weakly to her aunt’s body which was sprawled on the floor, her torso red with blood. There was blood at the sides of her mouth as well. She had the terrible expression of one who was in immense shock on her face; her eyes wide open.

“Aunt Sheryl…” she mourned. “Why… Who… Oh God… Why?!” Tears overflowed. A drop or two fell onto the skin of her aunt. The bitterness and despair were overpowering. At the sight of her dead aunt, she felt helpless. She was now made a complete orphan. Her only family was snatched away from her.

She heaved the cold body onto her lap and hugged her. She had remained in that position for a period of time while Flame bowed his head in silence. Slowly, she placed her shaky fingers over those lifeless blue-grey eyes, which had always looked back at her affectionately, and closed them eternally. She pushed herself up and leaned against the wall, crying uncontrollably.

“Chrove… Lyandra… I’m so sorry.”

Flame could feel her pain of lost so precisely that it hurt him too. Meeting those lavender eyes, he knew what she was going through. His parents were murdered before his eyes. He was grateful that she, at the least, was graced from witnessing the death of her aunt. Lyandra trudged towards him. She hated sympathy and there it was in his eyes. But they were compassionate at the same time.

The tall young man did what he had done so many times when he was in Dehemel; the act of condolence which had been performed all too often. How many comrades had he lost? How many souls had he consoled? He stretched out his arms and embraced her, allowing the prideful girl to weep without shame.

~*~

“She is asleep?”

“Yes, Master Flame,” answered a shy female voice.

“Thank you for your assistance, Syrialle.” Flame sat back wearily on the couch in the living room of his condominium apartment.

“It is my duty to obey my master’s order… but Master Flame… are you hurt?”

He looked up at the fifteen-year-old girl who was his personal attendant. She had risked coming to this foreign world from Dehemel in order to serve him, just as she did when he was at home, in the household of Evenal.

Syrialle blushed furiously when he was looking at her and words gushed out of her unorganised. “I… umm… saw… sleeve…burn… bruises—”

Flame stood up apologetically. “I must look quite a mess. Sorry I have you so worked up. I’ll clean myself up immediately.” Instantly, he left for his room.

The pair of soft green eyes fell to the carpeted floor. She understood her place as a maid and did not nose into her master’s matters. Those injuries, even if they were not heavy ones, indicated that he was recently in a battle, which meant the enemies were here.

She hated their enemies—the Organisation of Chaos. Ever since her master was capable of fighting, he had been a crusader against them, like every other member of the Apostles Order. They could never rest, as long as their counterpart remained active.

Then, strangely, her master returned with a female companion who seemed unwell. He informed her that she would most likely be a permanent guest in his current residence. What was she supposed to make out of this? She had meekly asked him who she was and all he said was, “She’s my classmate.”

The maid shook her head slowly and smoothed her apron out of habit. She refused to let her thoughts ponder any further and decided to brew some nourishing broth for her dearest master—and his new friend, she added.

Flame took off his sweater, revealing another layer of white Polo shirt beneath it. He now noticed he was indeed covered in dust, soil and dirt. There was a hint of burnt smell in the air as well. He sighed when he recalled his meeting with Xanbak, his traitor of an uncle.

He felt for his forehead, tracing a non-existent symbol. He had been told since young that he suffered from an illness which ran in his family. Almost like a curse in his opinion. If he releases too much of his Summoning Energy, he might lose his conscious self and act upon emotions. Worst case scenario, as his brother Areruto had mentioned once although he meant it as a joke, was that he could kill without knowing.

A frown etched onto his face. He definitely remembered losing control and then passing out. That was what the Dragon of Fire—the illness does. He would gain superior power for a moment beyond his control and then faint out the next due to the over exertion on his body.

If so, who sealed the Dragon of Fire for him a couple of hours ago? His brother was not here and he was known to be the only person who could perform the seal of the Dragon of Fire. The seal was a legacy passed down from one generation to another in the House of Evenal, taught to the eldest son, the would-be leader of the family. It was the solution their ancestors came up with in order to deal with the inherited illness which they named the Dragon of Fire.

Could it be her…?

He shook his head at the thought. It did not make any sense at all. She was a girl from the Third World and not from his. She could not possibly even comprehend the battle between him and Xanbak, assuming that she did watch them battle. He was, of course, bewildered to find her beside him when he regained his consciousness.

He knew in time, she would demand for explanations.

But for now, he could only hope she would overcome her shock. Flame could not help it but felt that there was something strange about the death of her aunt. He shed off his shirt, leaving his body bare, ready for his shower.

If only he could place his hands on it.