Friend of Old

I woke up with cold sweat dripping down my body and realised it was a dream.

I tried to think back on what the lady said and hurriedly wrote it down on a piece of paper before I forgot what she said.

I know prophecies are a thing here. And I'm prophesied as the child who’ll bring the shadows and light together.

That morning the three of us were all at the breakfast table. I told Haruki and old man Chron about my dream last night and I even brought out the prophecy I wrote on a piece of paper and read it aloud for them.

They were both taken aback by the sudden news. Old man Chrom placed his arms on the table and rested his head on them.

He had a sorrowful gaze on his face. “Just when we finally got back together as family; They want you to leave and fulfil your prophecy.”

Old man Chon’s troubled feelings are understandable. For years we were all separated and when I finally got back I was faced back with reality.

“Old man, we know this was bound to happen, we are soldiers after all, we live to fight in battles for the goddess,” Haruki added in an attempt to cheer our grandfather up.

“You sounded just like your fathers” Old man Chron gazed at the two of us and gave a painful smile.

Haruki and I both looked at each other and forced a smile.

“Oh by the way” I started. “I understand some parts of the prophecy but the part where they mentioned the ally is a bit confusing. Dark origin? Does it mean shadows?”

“I think so too. You’ll have an ally of shadow origins… that’s unexpected” Old man Chron’s face was painted in doubt.

“A shadow… will that be even allowed? They’re the nation's enemies. Will they even help us?” Haruki added.

“I understand your confusion. But didn’t the prophecy say "I'll join the shadow and light?”

“A friend of the shadows… I see, now I understand.” Old man Chron added. “Well you’re in luck. I just read the morning papers. It said it's going to rain tonight. You might find this shadow fellow tonight”

“But where are the flowers that bloom on a rainy night? Is that even a thing?” Haruki asked with a confused expression

“Maybe it’s a metaphor?” I thought.

“Given that the oracle uses figurative words and always speaks with riddles, there’s probably more to it than a mere metaphor.” Old man Chron added. “I am no expert with flowers, maybe you should ask the forest keeper, she might know a flower that blooms on a rainy night.”

“That’s a great idea, what do you think, Yuko?” Haruki asked with excitement.

“While you're at it there’s a surprise waiting for you in the forest.” Old man Chron winked at Haruki as if they both planned something ahead of time.

“Yup, in fact we need to get ready so we can meet them early” Haruki stood up and rushed me to get ready.

Soon enough we were on our way to the heart of Euryphaessa. The forest island, where a great oak mother tree stood firm. We rode Heather along with the cool breeze and gazed at the wonderful sight of the city.

“The forest island has only one entrance.” Haruki started.

“Why does a floating island forest in the sky only have one entrance? Is there a reason for that?”

“Well, the reason is simple. Because the forest is home to a lot of wildlife and precious plants which can only be harvested with permission from the palace. That’s why there’s a forest keeper who guards the forest and acts as a guide for people who are visiting. Plus the forest is dense, so it's easy to get lost in.”

We arrived at the Forest island and were immediately met by a beautiful lady with lucious blue hair adorned with red gems. She has pale skin with rosy lips and wore a heavy dark green robe and carried a staff that was as tall as her. The staff was made out of wood with a blood red crystal orb tied onto it.

She waved and greeted us as soon as she saw us fly by. Heather gently landed on the forest island and we were quickly greeted by the forest keeper named Estella. She has a gentle voice and graceful presence.

“You must be Yuko I assume?”

“Yes, that is me. How did you know?

“Well, your arrival caused quite a stir in the palace council. And your grandfather talked to me about your visit here beforehand.”

“I see.”

“Miss Estella” Haruki started “About what you and my grandfather talked about… Are they ready?”

“Ready?” I asked with confusion.

Miss Estella giggled a bit and said “They are ready my dear, follow me, I’ll take you to meet them.”

We followed Miss Estella as she guided us into the dense forest. The forest was lively. You could hear different kinds of animals and insects cheerfully singing on the trees and bushes. There were tall and short trees that were either abundant with fruits or flowers. Bushes full of wild berries and buds spread out across the entire vicinity. Ray of sunshine gently penetrated the trees and butterflies blissfully fluttered amongst the sweet smelling flowers that were beautifully blooming in the background.

I looked at Miss Estella who’s guiding us in the dense forest. She navigated through the thick woods with confidence as if she had memorised every nook and cranny of the forest. She looked like she’s a part of nature. Her angelic glow caressed the beautiful forest atmosphere, it's as if she’s a forest elf that has lived here for hundreds of years.

“Miss Estella…” I called in hopes to ask a question.

“Yes, Yuko dear?”

“If you don’t mind me asking…How long have you stayed In this forest? You seem like you know your way like the back of your hand.”

“Oh, well of course my dear. My family has been a keeper of this forest for generations. We’ve been guarding and taking care of everyone who lives here. And sometimes people like you come in for a tour. Our family has been responsible for these tasks for generations.” Miss Estella told us with a gentle smile on her face.

“You want to know something interesting?” Miss Estella started. “All these plants are alive.”

Haruki and I looked at each other with visible confusion.

“Alive?” we both asked in chorus.

“Yes, Alive. All these plants have their own consciousness, they can see and hear everything that happens around them.”

Miss Estella gracefully gilded towards a wilted plant on our path. She held her staff near the poor plant and the dark red orb glowed with a dense light. The light flowed out of the orb and into the wilted plant. Not a few moments later the plant suddenly rose from its wilted form and was brought back to life. A small white flower gently blossomed out of the plant and bloomed on the spot. The now lively plant fluttered and wiggled in its place, as if the plant was dancing in joy because it's back to its vibrant state. Miss Estella held out her hands and gently caressed the plant and its flower.

“Well then, shall we get going? We don’t want them to keep waiting.” Miss Estella started with a smile.

We continued our walk inside the forest. I wondered if there’s a way one can talk to plants. If Miss Estella’s words were true. It'd be fun talking to these plants and asking them about their life in this wonderful forest.

“We’re here.” Miss Estella started with an excited tone.

As we exited the forest and entered the clearing, I was greeted with a magnificent great river brimming with life. When I first saw the river from above I wondered where all the water from it was coming from. It didn't make sense, especially for a giant floating island to have a water source so abundant that could support a whole nation..

“Long ago…” Miss Estella started. “It is said that the Mother oak tree was planted by the goddess herself when she made our nation. I thought you'd be wondering how a river is just straight out flowing out of the tree.”

I nodded in agreement to her words.

"According to the history books” Miss Estella continued. “This tree is a source of life that powers this very nation. If the tree falls, the nation will fall with it.”

“Then if the Mother tree is very important, why is it not guarded by any soldiers?”

“I don’t think soldiers would be necessary.” Haruki joined in.

As soon as Haruki finished his sentence, a great gust of wind furiously blew all throughout the grounds, sweeping all the leaves and flowers on sight. Moments later dozens of flying creatures came flying out of the great mother oak tree.

“Dragons!” I yelled with excitement.

“Yup, who needs soldiers if you have a flight of mighty dragons guarding the great tree.”

The dragons flew in harmony in the air. They danced in circles all around the Great mother oak tree and roared with glee.

I was mesmerised by the great sight. Not everyone can see such magnificent beings fly in harmony with one another. Dragons of all kinds of colour flew around one another: blue, green, red. You name it.

“These dragons have been living in this great tree for centuries. They have built their caves inside the tree’s branches and roots.” Miss Estella added. “Everyday around this time of day, the dragons will wake up from their nap and stretch their wings. But don’t let their naps fool you. They might be napping but if anyone steps even just one root of the great tree, that is enough to wake the closest dragon up.”

“There’s so many dragons here…”

“You think these are the only dragons we have? Wait till you see the Academy, there holds the flight dragons for patrolling the human plane.”

“Haruki is right,” Miss Estella started. “The academy holds the dragons who are trained to become mounts and become companions of the soldiers. The Great tree is where the dragons are born and raised by their parents, once they are old enough they will be taken to the academy to choose their soon to be companions.”

“The dragons choose?”

“Ofcourse, they are not forced to serve the kingdom. Having them here is already a great aid for the nation, we owe them that. And for them to choose one of us to be their companion would be a great honour.” Haruki replied.

“You mean not everyone gets to have a dragon companion?”

“Ofcourse, a dragon only chooses someone worthy as their companion, it is said if a dragon chooses you, you are bound to great things.”

“So it means Heather chose you.”

“Yeah, she’s a sweetheart.”

“I still remember the day when I first met Heather…” Haruki narrated. “I was in my freshman year in the academy. Every year a flight of dragons shows up in the academy. —The dragons were tall and fierce that year, everyone was a bit scared to stand before them. All students, from juniors to seniors lined up in hopes that a dragon would pick them, but none of the fierce dragons approached anyone. Except for a small young sapphire dragon.”

“Heather.” I exclaimed.

“Yup, Heather was the only dragon who chose someone that year, and she chose me.” Haruki continued with a smile on his face. He doesn't show much emotion on his face but when it's about the stuff he cares about he brings out a soft smile.

“Anyways, enough of that, let's go meet your future companion.”

“Companion? You mean…?”

“Yup, we’re here to introduce you to your potential companion.”

“But i thought i need to be in the academy for that’

“Well this one is a special circumstance.”

Shortly after Miss Estella called us, I didn't even notice she left. We crossed the flowing river on a wooden bridge with great earnestness, and approached a cave.

As soon as we could get close a family of dragons emerged from the cave. One is a mighty dark red dragon whose presence exuded a powerful aura. Next to him is an elegant golden dragon whose beauty shines throughout the sunlight. And behind her was a young and polite looking scarlet dragon.” The family gently trotted outside their cave.

“A dragon's loyalty exceeds no bounds” Miss Estella started. “When their owners pass away they will serve no one and will stay by themselves for the rest of their lives.”

“So you mean…”

“Yes my dear, those were your parents' companions when they were here. When your parents left Euryphaessa, they stayed here and guarded the great tree ever since. The dark red dragon is named Tenzo by your father, and the golden dragon is named Gloria by your mother.”

“What great names,” I thought to myself. It matches the dragon's appearance.

The family of dragons approached the three of us with dignified gazes. Haruki and Miss Estella slowly backed away from me and left me in the dragon's paths.

Even with their dignified gaze I didn't feel intimidated. Instead I felt comfort. These dragons are my parents' companions whenever they fight in battles for Euryphaessa. In another way, they are like my family.

The dark red dragon, Tenzo, lowered his head to match my level. He stared at me with gouging eyes and gave a nod that looked like a nod of approval. I looked at Haruki and Miss Estella who were cheering on the side and they both gave me a thumbs up.

I looked at the mighty dark red dragon who was slowly backing away and let the golden dragon, Gloria, approach me. She has a kind and gentle aura. The golden dragon gracefully lowered her head and sniffed me. After that she also gave me a nod of approval and looked behind her where the young scarlet dragon hid behind his mother’s back.

Miss Gloria dragged the shy young dragon out of her back and made us see each other face to face.

We gazed at each other's eyes for a few moments. “What is going through this young dragon’s eyes”, I thought. This young dragon is probably thinking about whether I'm worthy of being his companion. I admit I have nothing much to show except from being a child of prophecy; I have nothing on my name.

A few moments later, a bird landed on your dragon's snout and caused him to sneeze. “Achoo!!” said the poor dragon. I turned to giggle and so was the young dragon. Without any warning the young dragon tackled me on the ground and licked my face.

“I think he likes you,” Miss Estella spoke with glee.

The parent dragons exhaled with relief, as if they were worried we wouldn't get along.

“You can name him,” Haruki excitedly said.

“I can?” I looked at the parent dragons and they nodded in agreement. Miss Estella told me that was a part of the tradition in having a dragon choose you as their lifelong companion. It's the same when Haruki named his dragon Heather.

“This is all too sudden, I haven't prepared a name at all”

The young dragon frowned visibly upon hearing the news and I couldn't feel more bad enough.

“Hmmm, how about Pluto.”

“That sounds great,” Haruki complimented.

Pluto’s parents seemed like they felt the same way. Pluto on the other hand looked more delighted than ever.

Pluto flapped his giant wings and flew with great excitement in the air whilst having the biggest smile on his adorable face.

“I think he likes it,” Haruki jokingly said with a grin on his cheek.

“What do you think, Miss Estella?”

I looked towards Miss Estellas direction and seemed to have an unpleasant look on her face.

“Miss Estella? Is there something wrong?”

“Miss Estella?” I repeated.

“Oh yes, dear, what were you saying?” Miss Estella came with a bit of a tremble in her hand.

“Is something wrong Miss Estella you don’t look good”

“Oh my dear nothing is wrong, It's just Pluto is the name of someone I know.”

“Ah I’m sorry, should I not use that name?”

“No dear, It's fine to use it, I was just taken aback”

“Was this person a good guy?” I asked in curiosity

“Yuko.” Haruki interrupted with a serious tone. I got what he meant. It might've been rude to ask someone like that so suddenly.

“Dear, you don't have to worry about that-” A loud crash interrupted Miss Estella from finishing her sentence. I looked around and noticed Pluto was gone from his performance in the sky and seemed to have crashed somewhere.

The mighty Dark red dragon and his wife quickly spread out their wings and swiftfully headed to where Pluto had crashed. The rest of us ran towards their direction.

There we saw the poor pluto crash on a bed of wild berries. Poor thing was covered in crushed berries and juices yet he was smiling happily and ate the berries with delight as if he crashed there on purpose.

The golden dragon bit Pluto's neck like a cat trying to help him stand up. Slightly embarrassed by what happened and yet it didn't stop Pluto from giving a proud smile while his mother was licking Pluto to help clean him up.

“Let’s see here.” Miss Estella took one of the berries and held it up for everyone to see.

“Pluto roared with glee and lifted up his paw pointing his eyes.”

“Oh I see.” Miss Estella seemed to have got something. “I think he meant that your eyes are the same colour as these wild berries, golden with a hint of red.”

I awed in delight. What a cute dragon I thought. I approached Pluto and reached out my hand in an attempt to reach his head, he might be smaller compared to his father and mother. But nonetheless he is still bigger than me.

I rubbed Pluto's head and squished his fluffy cheeks, who knew a dragon can look so adorable.

“Wait until he's older and starts trashing all his enemies.” Haruki added.

“Way to spoil the mood Haruki” I looked at him in a dismayed look.

Haruki gave another cheeky grin and went to pick some wild berries.

“Oh Heather might like these berries, I’ll get some for her.” Haruki added in an attempt to change the subject.

“Anyways you two gentlemen need to get Pluto to a saddle maker to get his measurements checked.”

“That would be great, Thank you Miss Estella for guiding us today”

“It's always my pleasure, my dear Yuko.”

“Oh by the way Miss Estella, if you don't mind me asking”

“What is it dear?”

“Well, as you know already I am the child of prophecy, and I met the oracle in my dream last night. I was hoping to ask about what some of the parts may have meant.”

I told Miss Estella about what the oracle had said in my dream and about the part where we struggled to understand. I hoped that I could get a bit of advice from her, I thought to myself.

“Well lets see, assuming that you will meet them on the human plane. I think his passage is metaphorical because I don't think there's any flower that blooms specifically on a rainy night…”

Miss Estella pondered for a while

“That’s it,” Miss Estella ecstatically announced with her face lit up. “It may not bloom on a rainy night but a Gekka bijin blooms in the night!”

“Gekka bijin?, what is that?”

“Well it's a type of cactus that has flowers that bloom in the night, they’re also called the Queen of the night. I know a place that has those flowers. I found it on a shrine when I visited the human plane. Let me write you the address, maybe it can be of help.”

“Wow thank you, it sounds like it's worth a shot, we’ll go tonight.”

“I'm glad i could be of help”

As soon as we’re about to leave, Pluto gave a dejected growl. I looked back and saw him face to face with his parents.

“Seems like they’re discussing something.” I whispered to Haruki.

“I guess Pluto is a bit sad about leaving his parents' side.”

“He’s coming with us?” I asked whilst flabbergasted

“Yes of course, when a dragon comes of age and choses their lifelong companion, they will leave their nest to go with their companion.”

Miss Gloria gently caressed Pluto's face with her cheek and Sir Tenzo gave Pluto a firm pat on the head.

“What a sweet family,”

Deep inside I thought, if my parents were here, would we be like their dragon’s family?

After the dragons finished their goodbye we soon headed outside the forest where we first entered and met Heather. As soon as Pluto caught a glimpse of her the poor boy went quiet.

“He’s a bit shy” I joked

“He likes her” Haruki whispered and we both gave the two young dragons a teasing smile.