Lost Blossom

Prologue

"One day, dragonling, if you should find something which is lost, you will need to return it to where it can be found." The deep voice echoed round the chamber of stone.

"Alright. But why must I return it?" The tiniest of mews barely reached the ceiling above.

"Because, dear one, a lost blossom cannot put down roots. Without roots, the life giving power within cannot burst forth to create more blooms." Ruby red eyes neared the ground to look the young one straight on, "And even one lost blossom is too many to countless generations that should have come thereafter."

"What if I don't want to return it?" Curiosity seemed the only emotion in this little one.

"All things must go to where they belong, or else they will yearn to be free of their captivity. For captivity it will be, if kept where it does not belong."

Crimson eyes blinked in process, "I see. Where do I find something that is lost?"

"Ah," tufts of smoke rose from in the midst of them before drifting away, "That is indeed the question of the ages. But come, today you will fly with me before you return home."

As squeals of delight follow behind the red dragonling rushing to the ledge in the distance, the elder lifts her head towards where the stars should be shining brightly and wonders if this generation would finally break the curse.

Part 1

Glora

Whimpers and sniffling could be heard through the trees as Glora returned to her home. The unfamiliar sounds turned her from her mountaintop destination as she searched for the source. There, among the ferns in a clearing, lay a small human child.

This was Glora's first hunting expedition, and she had captured her first elk, which she held tight in her clutches. But she knew the sounds of fear and sadness, and could not abandon such a small creature. Her elder had raised her better than that. Glora landed as gently as she could near the small human, leaning in closer to get a better look. A tear streaked face marred by several long scratches looked up at her, but no other sound escaped. Silence stretched on between them. Finally, Glora spoke to it.

"Who are you, little one? Are you lost?" Her rumble, though not as deep as her elders, still seemed to frighten the tiny creature, for its eyes widened suddenly.

"I… I don't know. I'm Hasu. Someone was chasing us and I don't know where everyone has gone or where I'm supposed to go," the girl burst into tears, leaving the young dragon feeling flustered. With a wave of her tail, she bent her head down close to the child's height.

"If you are willing, you may come with me to my home. Then, when you are ready, we will find where you belong." The tears slowed as the little girl looked up at the dragon. She appeared to think for a minute. With a tiny nod, she climbed up onto the dragon's foot and held tightly to the ankle. Glora flapped her wings and gently took to the skies once more.

Near the mountaintop, a yawning opening was the gateway into the only home Glora had ever known. She glided past the entrance, making her way to the open cavern where she was certain she would find Elder Thrakena. She always had an answer for every question. She landed as carefully as she could, mindful of the cargo still attached to her leg.

Leaving the elk behind, she nudged Hasu beside her, "Follow me."

The little girl followed silently, head bent down as they passed by many dragons. Their stares followed them down the tunnel.

She made her way to the hearth of her elder. Elder Thrakena met her in the entryway. Her eyes lit with an inner fire when she saw the small child standing beside Glora. With one wing, she motioned them both into her dwelling place.

Hasu

Many sunrises and sunsets passed as Hasu gradually adjusted to her new home. Although she was only eleven, dragons had been a thing seen in the distance. Even though they weren't such far off tales, her mother had told to get them many stories to help them fall asleep. It made her wonder what else they had forgotten because they'd never seen them with their own eyes. She might have been a little frightened of the deep voice, but Glora had only been kind to her.

The smaller red dragon who had found her stayed close to Hasu. Hasu didn't mind, since it meant she was never truly alone. Glora had a small cavern near the elder dragon, who reminded Hasu of her mother. It cut deeply, but at least she wasn't lost and alone anymore.

One day, as her twelfth birthday was nearing by Hasu's count, Elder Thrakena called her and Glora in to her hearth. Perhaps two months had passed but it felt much longer. The great, bright red dragon spoke in her deep rumbling voice that Hasu was just beginning to discern as female among the dragons, "Hasu, you have been with us for two cycles of the moon. It is time we learn your story. Tell us what happened, and I will give you something of equal value for your trust."

On that fateful day when Glora found her, Hasu had been crying for her family. Remembering back to that day was still painful, but Hasu resolved that she would rather face the truth than hide from it. "I had snuck into my brother's room that night. Some terrible feeling had woke me, and my twin was comforting me. A crash broke down the door." Hasu paused as the memories flooded back, after she had tried to block them out, "and we looked through a crack in the door to see a tall black haired woman fighting with our mother.

"I don't know what she was screaming about, but mom glanced towards us and made the hand signal to run. I don't know what kept Anzen and me there, but we couldn't seem to move."

A rumble interrupted Hasu, and she looked to see Glora's eyes glowing. Thrakena gently nudged her with her tail. "And you don't remember what the stranger was yelling?" She prompted Hasu.

"I think it was something about finally finding us. Something about… the last blood ritual? I don't know. I was scared. Flashes of light started going off in every direction and then mother was hit. She… she…" Tears began to fall from Hasu's eyes. She covered her face with her hands, trying to wipe them away. She was suddenly pulled close to Thrakena, her wing enveloping her into the closest thing to a hug she had gotten since that night.

"It's okay to cry for your loved ones. No one will think less of you for your past. When you overcome your burdens, we admire you more for it."

Hasu nodded and sniffled, regaining her composure. "She turned to stone, from her feet up. I remember her turning to look at us, as though saying goodbye. With one arm stretched out to us, she said something I didn't understand, like it was another language, and my brother and I were pushed out of the house. I don't even know how.

"We were suddenly under the trees in the backyard. It was raining hard. Anzen told me to run, and pushed me off in the direction of the mountain. I didn't know he stayed behind. I thought he was right behind me. I just kept running and running. I only looked behind me once. There was a raging fire against the black sky. The rest of the night just feels like a nightmare. Endless, trees catching at my face and clothes. And then Glora found me, and we came here. The flight here was like a wonderful dream after such a long nightmare."

Elder Thrakena slowly stood. Moving near a stone ledge, she began moving various items about. Giant wooden boxes and strange books and ancient looking scrolls were pushed to the side, most of which were bigger than Hasu. Finally, she seemed to find what she was looking for. Turning back around, she placed a tiny box on the ground.

"Inside you will find something that is priceless to you. It has been waiting here a long time. However, you must wait until you turn sixteen before you open it. Keep it with you until then. In the years of your waiting, I give you this as well." Another bigger box was set down next to the smaller one. "Open it, little one."

Hasu didn't need any more encouragement to push open the buckle and lift the lid. Inside, she found clothes made of different materials like leather and cotton, as well as a set of weapons. The sword was thin and surprisingly light when she picked it up. There was a bow set with a quiver, though there weren't any arrows. And a belt for everything to fit. She looked up at Thrakena in surprise and curiosity.

A deep rumble sounded from Glora. "Must she learn to fight, Elder?"

"What do you think, Hasu? Would you have protected your family if you had known how to fight?"

Hasu felt a swelling up of emotion. "Yes. If that woman can be stopped, I want to stop her. I don't want to lose anyone else. I want to learn how to fight."

Glora

Time passed, and Glora was proud of her new companion. Hasu was determined, and got back up every time she was knocked down. They spent time with the Elder every night, learning about many subjects together. Hasu was a bright and cheery creature. Glora celebrated every triumph and encouraged Hasu in every failing.

It felt like they were sisters, separated long ago and together at last. One day, Glora asked Hasu, "Would you like to fly with me?" It was her turn to patrol the forest, and she wanted Hasu to join her.

Hasu excitedly said yes. They went to Elder Thrakena for her permission. After receiving her blessing, Thrakena led them to the cavern where the dragons took to the skies. But instead of leading them to the ledge, she led them to the back of the cavern. What she showed them surprised Glora, having never looked back there herself before. A small alcove was carved into the rock. Inside were many crates, each filled with riding gear meant for a dragon.

"Long ago, we had many human companions. Before the Great War, we grew together and flew together and fought together to protect this land. These are the remnants of that time. Many items here had been enchanted. Hasu, look through these and choose whatever calls to you. Keep them as a present and use them whenever you fly with Glora." She pulled forward a crate that Glora had thought was on its side but upon closer inspection had shelves to sort the different items inside. Thrakena pushed forward a different crate and withdrew saddles.

Glora wrinkled her nose. Elder Thrakena noticed and chuckled, a deep rumbling sound that made Hasu look up and smile.

"Come now, Glora. She cannot ride safely upon your back without being able to tie herself down. Otherwise she may fall to Rathe." Glora nodded. She didn't even want to picture Hasu falling to the ground.

Several saddles were sorted by size until there was a neat row of the ones that would fit Glora. Looking at them, she had to admit they were beautiful works of art as well as masterfully worked craftsmanship. Hasu walked along the line of them before stopping beside a black and red saddle. A few garnets and silver sheen obsidian stones were worked into the leather.

"This one. It will look beautiful on you Glora," Hasu looked up at Glora, uncertainty showing in her hazel eyes.

"Let's try it on. Elder, can you show us how it works?" Glora liked that Hasu had chosen a saddle that would match her shimmering red scales. She was a bit vain, it seemed. But even if the color had clashed with her, she wouldn't have traded the radiant smile on Hasu's face for anything. Elder Thrakena helped them put it on before instructing them to take it off and put it back a few times over to make sure they knew how to do it. It was nearing noonday by the time they were ready to fly. Leather handholds of a sort went about Glora's neck, and belt straps from the saddle wrapped around Hasu's middle. She had chosen a well matched set.

Glora moved to the ledge. Hasu was strapped neatly to her back, and Glora could feel the tension in her rider. Turning her head to look at Hasu, she said, "Worry not. We go together, you and I."

Hasu nodded back solemnly, "We go together."

Standing at the edge, Glora noticed how far the horizon seemed to reach. Stretching out her wings, she stepped into the wind.

Part 2

Hasu

The ground rose towards them before suddenly swooping far below. Exhilaration flooded Hasu as she looked up. The sky was endless, trees blurring past and the wind whipping her hair from her face. The sky stretched so far, and the horizon extended until it curved out of view. She laughed as they climbed higher, clouds fluffy and white around them. Reaching out with one arm, Hasu ran her hand through one. Her hand came away wet but the wind dried it in a moment.

It was the perfect birthday present.

Swooping low suddenly, they straightened above a small lake. Hasu looked over the side of Glora to see their reflection before they rose once again. Hasu took in the wonders of her first flight on Glora's back. Her cheeks ached from the grin she couldn't hold back. She whooped as they continued to fly.

It was too soon when the sun began its descendant they turned back in the direction of home. More clouds were gathering in the distance. These were dark, heavy with rain. A fog appeared to drop from beneath it, and Hasu realized it was already raining beneath. A flash of light brightened the cloud for a split second and a minute passed before she heard the thunder that followed. The mountain in the distance grew bigger with each passing moment. They would be home soon.

Glora brought them to the entrance, gliding in before landing gently. Hasu unbuckled and slid down Glora's side to land on her feet, although she was a bit unsteady.

"Glora, that was amazing! The most perfect birthday gift anyone could have given me. Thank you," Hasu beamed as Glora bent down close. A chuckle rumbled from nearby.

Elder Thrakena stepped forward, "A birthday requires a celebration. Come, we will have a small gathering and thank Enad’Tha for your coming into our family."

A few other dragons nearby gave rumbles of agreement and Thrakena began issuing directions. Glora led Hasu to her home where the boxes had been stored. Digging through the clothes, Hasu found pants and a bright and colorful shirt.

A dragonling came to the mouth of Glora and Hasu's home and announced that they were ready for them to join the others. The baby dragon danced excitedly from foot to foot. "Is it really your birthday, Hasu? I'm so excited. Happy birthday!" Hasu couldn't help but laugh as the dragonling took off. They followed behind him towards the main gathering place where the dragons would eat together.

After a wonderful meal, and many birthday wishes, Hasu and Glora went back to their quarters to rest for the night. She didn't know when she had begun to think of this place as home. The dragons usually kept to themselves, but they had welcomed her with open arms. She wasn't without a family, because they had adopted her in. She reached out and touched Glora as Glora drew close and a bright flash of light blinded them both. Stunned, unable to see, Thrakena's voice rang from what felt like so far away.

"A Bond is formed between human and dragon. All who can hear, acknowledge the Bond. It is unbreakable, a link the spans life and death and bridges two hearts. Survive, live, and thrive." Roars shook the very mountain as they collapsed next to each other.

Part 3

Glora

Four years had passed since that fateful night. They had discovered so much. They could hear each other's thoughts when they tried to communicate, and they could tell what the other was feeling. Hasu always seemed so happy, although she had her bad days. They flew daily and Hasu had learned to shoot with a bow while riding on Glora's back.

Glora was flying with Hasu. It was the day before her sixteenth birthday. Another dragon, Kogi, flew with them on patrol. They had been playing, each trying to out-maneuver the other when Hasu gave a shout. Glora felt the shock and fear roll through their bond. Slowing to a stop, Glora flapped her wings and looked for what had alarmed her friend. There, in the distance, smoke rose in great swaths hiding the horizon to the east. Anger boiled in Glora. Who would burn so much land? As she gazed into the distance, she narrowed her eyes. A black mass moved steadily forward in front of the flames. One lone dragon was seen flying above them with what appeared to be a figure on its back. She wheeled about as Kogi did the same and they raced towards home to warn the clan.

As they landed, Kogi roared. Dragons of red, blue and gold began to emerge from various caverns and the dragonlings were sent to fetch elders. Elder Thrakena approached Glora and Hasu.

"What has happened?" Her voice echoed in the cavern and silence descended.

"War."

Hasu

That one word hung heavily in the air, making Hasu shiver violently. She had never seen it for herself, but she knew it to be a terrible thing. There were rumors told in her old village that she had overheard, where further inland was much war and death. Now it appeared to be spreading out like a plague. And it was drawing closer to her home.

"An army marches from the east," Kogi spoke to the gathering. "And a lone dragon flies above them." At this, murmuring and whispers broke the silence, building in crescendo until the blue elder stepped to the center.

"We have long known that one day this would come. A week's notice is all we have. Gather the young and those who cannot fight, Asher, you know where to go." As the orders continued, Hasu turned to see Glora moving to Elder Thrakena. She followed close behind, determined not to be left out. If Glora was staying to fight then so would she.

"You are too young," she heard the elder tell Glora. There was determination mirrored in their bond and they stood together to face Thrakena.

"We want to defend our home," Glora responded, eyes flashing but tone level.

"We know this isn't a drill," Hasu added. "We know lives are at stake. Let us help."

The elder considered their words, looking them in their eyes before finally heaving a great sigh. "Very well. But you will only follow orders. And if I tell you to leave, you will without question." They each nodded their consent. "Good. Now, help gather the supplies and meet me in my hearth tonight."

The day passed by in a blur, Hasu mainly tying knots to help keep things in place once set. She rode with Glora as they set ambushes for the marching army, keeping low to avoid being seen. The villages closest to the base of the mountain had often traded with the dragons, and now they helped defend their homes too. They landed and went to Elder Thrakena's cavern since night had fallen.

Elder Thrakena walked in, settling down in the middle of her cavern. "Reports are trickling in. Melinoe has come."

Hasu tilted her head, "Who is Melinoe?"

Thrakena bent her head down to Hasu's height, "She is a power crazed sorceress, enslaving the people and sacrificing whole families to gain more power and keep herself young."

"That's terrible!"

"Indeed. We believe she wishes to control the port not far from here. But we have talked of war all day. Tomorrow is your birthday, correct?"

Hasu nodded. "I will be sixteen tomorrow." She felt Glora's mix of emotions through the bond. "Don't worry, Glora. It will be enough to know we are still safe. I am glad to be able to help defend our home."

Glora lowered her head, "I cannot help but worry. You mean as much if not more than a sister to me."

Hasu felt a warmth grow inside, and sent it through the bond so Glora could know how much it meant to hear those words.

Elder Thrakena chuckled. "It is indeed good to see such a bond between you both. Come, it is time to rest. There is still much to do tomorrow."

Part 4

Hasu

Hasu slept and while she slept, she dreamed. She was flying, but Glora was beside her. She looked down in wonder, the trees whisking by at an incredible pace. The wind whipped her hair behind her and she spread her arms, enjoying the freedom. Power coursed through her, thrumming. She looked up once more.

Suddenly a door stood in the air before her. She pulled up short but felt no fear. It appeared to be made of a white wood with beautiful woodland engravings. Dragons looked to be moving through the air above forests and mountains and towns and below were all types of creatures. In the very center of the door was the moon in red and the comet moon in silver, the only color upon the door. There was no handle and yet Hasu wanted to open it. She stood in the air, looking all around the door, while Glora hung in the air beside her.

"Open it," she heard Glora rumble next to her. She reached out a hand, willing the door to open to her.

Glora

Glora slept next to Hasu, but a sudden burst of power and flash of light woke her. She looked to Hasu, sleeping. She stood in sudden alarm for Hasu was glowing gold. The light was beautiful, the power coming from her strong and steady through the bond. The light faded and slowly went out. Hasu opened her eyes when Glora nudged her.

A noise came from the mouth of the cavern.. Elder Thrakena stood there, looking at Hasu with such intensity.

"I have hoped for a long time that you were the child of the lost Hanasaka family. There is so little time left. Your Awakening was like a beacon and there is no doubt Melinoe has left her troops and flies for you as we speak. You must leave so we can protect you. Glora, you know where to go."

"I don't want to go!"

"You are more important than you realize, little one. Saving you will save us all."

Before Hasu could protest further, Glora had swept Hasu close to her with her wings. "Come, we will scout ahead and make sure the others are safe. We will decide what to do next when there is more time to think." Hasu nodded despite feeling uneasy. She hurried to her room that she shared with Glora and grabbed her bag. Inside held her sixteenth birthday present and her collection of items. She climbed up on Glora's back, and they took to the skies.

They hadn't made it past the forest borders before fire erupted from beneath them and Glora was forced to climb higher into the sky.

A dragon, black as midnight, rose in front of them, stopping their progress. A woman, skin almost luminescent in the silver light of Ilystra and black hair floating around her head. "Finally, I have found you."

Hasu shivered, though the night was not cold. "Who are you and what do you want?"

The woman laughed, "I am Melinoe Kali, the greatest sorceress in the land. And you are Hasu Hanasaka, the lost child. Do you not know your own history? You, riding on a dragon, the very same blood that betrayed your great grandmother."

Hasu turned cold, her heart stopping for a moment in her chest.

"Leave the betrayers behind and come with me, learn the truth. I can teach you to be greater than even I.

"Come with me, Hasu."

End of Book One