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.”
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