The Secret Of The Zmaj, And Weaknesses That Embolden The Powerless

Several times a week, Jaka hoisted himself up onto the ivy lined stair-rail. Using the small stoop tucked under the fragmented, moss laced balcony - together with the walking stick his grandfather gave him. Making it easier for him to crawl into the thin wired basket on Mata’s tricycle.

One of many projects Oce’ started, but never finished, before he died.

He learned the hard way, that it was best to balance himself between the stoop and the trike, with his homemade walking stick. A few months earlier, his neighbor had to put stitches in his chin and eyebrow - from a nasty fall onto the unforgiving, concrete patio.

Though she meant well, it didn't really matter how many blankets Mata padded it with, it always rubbed a sore spot on his bad ankle.

When Jaka was born, his ankle had not formed properly. His parents never wanted him to feel sorry for himself, so, they treated him as if he was no different. He learned early -not to complain about it, he knew that there was always someone else struggling, even if you couldn't see it. So, Jaka always tried his best to keep a happy attitude.

Following the death of her husband, Mata needed to take a job to support the two of them, in the city. She was in charge of cleaning one of the busiest kitchens at a restaurant in town. Jaka was too small to stay home alone, so Mata decided to let him work with her. He was in charge of filling and emptying the water buckets, they were small, but it made him feel big - being able to help, like Oce' would.

Jaka had become accustomed to the sights and sounds along the way to town; besides Mata’s humming, he could tell where they were - just by what he could hear and smell.

When he closed his eyes, he noticed that as the bird's songs got quieter, the frogs' songs got louder - Indicating that they were nearing his favorite part of the ride.

He listened to the buzzing sound the chain on the old bike made, as they began to coast down the hill. Knowing they were about to take the long, bumpy ride across the Zmaj bridge (dragon), through the Topilachi woods.

The path ran through some of the densest parts of the woods, and in the clearing, near the center, was a bridge that separated town from the country.

It spanned a large river, that in most seasons, ran slow and trickling. But, in the monsoon season, raged like a wild beast. Jaka loved to look at the dragon that sat guard on the column of the bridge -as they passed. He thought the dragon looked so brave and certain - practically immovable.

Midway across the bridge, he could began to smell the boiling fish and sugared pastries being prepared for the day. Jaka would get lost in his daydreams-of when Oce’ was still alive.

He remembered taking many adventures to the bridge together. Oce’ told him stories about the brave and loyal dragons, and how they were placed on the bridge to protect the city. He would tell Jaka all the stories of the old men, once soldiers - and their forgotten secrets. Tales of how the dragons came to life and saved them during a fiery battle. They believed the dragons could restore the lost and broken, with their supernatural magic, they had experienced it, firsthand.

Though, it was just myth and legend now.

Jaka loved the giant - green, mossy stone beast. It was beautiful and smooth to touch.

Imagining all the magic the mythical giant held deep inside, intrigued and enchanted the small boy.

He closed his eyes and ran his fingers over the smooth stone, tracing his hands along the creases and edges of its large wings. His fingertips traced along his mighty back, under his belly and all the way around to his feet, where he would lace his fingers together with the dragon. Willing, conjuring, even inviting the zmaj to show him, his real self.

The boy had no fear, no limitations, just faith that the dragon was everything Oce’ said he was.

The mouth of the dragon was open wide, in a roar, the boy imagined. He whispered secrets to the dragon - secrets he had never spoken out loud before, to anyone. He vowed one day to befriend the dragon and together, they would fly above the city, granting wishes and healing the sick.

Jaka dreamt of their adventures. He smiled, with tears in his eyes- as he imagined the scene: The mighty Zmaj and he together, were able to use the dragon's all-powerful magic- to save Oce’ from being washed away in the raging river. All the while being praised by the entire city, bringing him home to Mata.

The bike hit a bump in the road, causing the wire basket to poke his ankle, bringing him back to reality. Now, he only admired the dragon as they passed by, facing the fact that he would never see Oce’ again.

The day went as all days before did, and before he knew it, the sun was setting. Mata called for him to get his things and meet her at the trike.

As Jaka made his way around the corner of the restaurant, into the alley, he noticed two men standing with Mata, around the trike. One of them struck her. Jaka ran up to the man and kicked him hard in the leg, but the large man- backhanded the small boy, knocking him into the side of the building.

After what seemed like a short time, Jaka woke up, rubbing his head, and holding his sore ankle. Mata and her trike were gone, and he was alone. He began to panic as he looked around, it had gotten dark, and he didn't know where he was.

Cold and confused, he began to cry.

As he sat with his head in his lap, he heard a familiar sound. Chirping...not the kind of birds, but of crickets and frogs.

Jaka now new exactly where he was. Emboldened with courage, he hobbled his way from below the bridge, on the water's edge, to the dragon sitting bravely on the column.

Covered in bruises, he was filled with hope and promise that Mata would be coming back soon to find him. But she never came.

Jaka sat at the foot of the dragon and sobbed. He cried for help, but no-one answered. Wearily, he curled up at the dragon's feet - tear covered and exhausted, and fell asleep.

The boy had wild dreams that night. Visions he had never seen before, swirled and encircled him. He sat up and realized that there was a small fire burning, just close enough to keep him warm. He smelled fresh boiling fish and pastries; his belly began to rumble. As he leaned forward to warm his hands, he heard a voice he had never heard before, but was somehow familiar.

Out of the corner of his eye, there was a shadow, it grew larger as the voice began to speak again. "This is not how I imagined we would meet, officially." the voice said.

Jaka pulled his hands away from the fire and into a position of defense. "I will defend myself," Jaka called out into the darkness, "I am trained,"

A soft laugh came from the obscured figure. "I have no intention of harming you, small one. I, zmaj, am here to help you."

Jaka scoffed, "don't try to be funny with me, I may be small, but I am not afraid of you. I know the dragon is not alive, for real." there was a hesitation in his voice - as he said those words aloud. Because, deep down inside, he believed the legend. He wanted with all of his heart to believe it. But it all seemed too impossible. "You aren't real anyway, I am dreaming," he reassured himself.

As soon as he stopped talking, he felt a feeling that something was about to happen. He held his breath and waited for it. But nothing happened.

A few moments passed and he began to feel an empty in his gut, he had never felt before. He stood up and touched the dragon. Ran his fingers across his wings, down to his feet and interlocked fingers with the stone figure. "I am so sorry I said that zmaj. I was afraid, please forgive me! I am lost, and I need your help."

The silence had never been so deafening. Jaka sobbed softly, running his fingers across the face of the dragon.

As he held the magical beasts face in his hands, Jaka noticed some slight movement. He looked again, moving closer to the eyes. All at once the eyes opened and turned to look the boy square in the face. As Jaka fell backwards, the dragon caught him and smiled. "You ARE REAL, Jaka gasped, "YOU"RE REALLY REAL!" he giggled nervously.

The dragon lifted the boy into the air and rested him on his own belly and replied, grinning. "I thought you would never notice. I have been sending you signs for several weeks. You need to stop daydreaming so much, boy. We have so much work to do."

Jaka was completely speechless, but only for a moment.

The dragon absorbed every word, as the boys' emotions began to flow, falling endlessly from his lips. Lovingly and patiently, he allowed the boy to pour his heart out . Every fear, desire, joy and heartache- came rushing out, like a raging river.

The release was so overwhelming for the small child - finally feeling safe and secure, he snuggled up with the dragon and fell fast asleep.

Startled awake by the sounds of snapping twigs and the chirping of crickets and frogs. He stirred. The air was damp and cool. On the breeze he noticed a strong, earthy smell - mixed with burning ash and embers. Though it was dark, a bit of light peeked through what appeared to be a wall of ivy vines and arbor branches. Running his hands along the inside of this cacoon like tunnel, he followed a memory-sense of direction.

He called out- into the darkness, “hello? Is there anybody there?”

Only the crickets and frogs replied. In the distance, he heard the hunting cry of an owl and some trickling water.

The air began to whisper and swirl, the small space felt as if it was beginning to spin. As his vision cleared and his eyes focused, he started to crawl through- what he imagined a butterfly felt- as it escaped its chrysalis.

As he emerged- he felt renewed, almost reborn.

"Are you ready?" Growled a voice behind him - in the darkness. As Jaka turned to follow the voice, he saw the two glowing red eyes of Zmaj. Astonished at their beauty, he gasped. "You are more amazing than Oce' said you were."

The dragon released a line of fire, resembling a smile. Jaka giggled with excitement. "Your father was exceptional, Jaka," he said. "He had a gift only a few men have, and as he brought you to my bridge, he passed it on to you."

Jaka looked confused, and stammered the question, longing for answers. "Gift, what gift? How could he give it to me, he is gone, he never gave me anything!"

The dragon circled the small boy, running his tail across his bad ankle. Jaka cried out in pain, "ow, you made me bleed, why did you do that?" Zmaj moved right into Jaka's face and looked him in his eyes, like he was looking for something tangible.

"Where is it," the dragon whispered, where is the man your father hid inside this small frame? I watched him instill such knowledge and power into you during your visits. He prepared you to do what he couldn't. Where is it!" He demanded.

Jaka began to shake with fear, this is not how he imagined befriending the dragon would be.

He stood trembling, in the face of pure power, this weak, scared and frail boy. He was afraid, but never took his eyes off of Zmaj. "There he is," the dragon smiled. I knew he was in there. Sometimes fear is the key to open the very thing we need to overcome it." he said.

Zmaj lowered his head to Jaka with respect, revealing a saddle, "get on boy, we are wasting precious time."

As Jaka climbed onto the massive dragon, he saw, engraved into the saddle a picture of a Saber-leaf; a hero.

Attached to the saddle, was a beautiful sword and shield. The sword was small, just the right size for Jaka's hand, but as the boy touched it, it's true power began to reveal itself and glow. The shield was adorned with jewels known to Jaka's village as protective stones.

As Jaka was taking it all in, the Zmaj bellowed, "It's time to gear up child and change the course of time!"

Holding tightly to the reigns, Jaka let out a howl, "Woohoo!" he gasped, as the mighty beast swirled and looped into the starry sky.

They had been flying for a short time when Jaka realized that he had no idea where they were going. As he leaned forward to ask, he could hear the dragon's voice in his head. "I'm taking you to the place of second chances Jaka. We are going to right some wrongs."

Trying not to sound scared, Jaka asked, "how are you talking to me, how did you know what I was thinking?" Without warning the dragon began to dive, just before hitting the ground, he made a loop, swooping backwards into the air. Jaka smiled and said laughing, "we are connected, aren't we?"

The dragon woozily answered, "I would not have chosen those moves, boy. I am far too old for those dare devil stunts. But you are right, we are now working in unison, we are one."

"So, what is our mission Zmaj? What are we fixing?" Jaka probed.

Hearing what was being thought, Jaka cried. But as it all began to play out, he began smiling through the tears.

They arrived on the beach of a mighty ocean. Jaka had never seen so much water before. Thinking to the dragon, he asked. "Why are we stopping?"

Without speaking, the dragon let out a thundering roar, lighting the night with a fiery beacon. A deep rumble came from far off in the distance, Jaka held tightly to Zmaj.

Suddenly, the air felt tingly, and Jaka could feel a humming in the air. The rumbling got louder and more intense, and Zmaj said to him, "Here they come, be prepared boy."

Jaka squinted his eyes and far off in the horizon, there was a glow so bright, he thought the sun was rising.

All at once he could see them, hundreds of the green mossy dragons, heading right for them. Because he was one with Zmaj, he understood it was "the gathering." His father had told him all about it during their time together.

The gathering was the supernatural secret the soldiers had kept all those years. It was the reason the soldiers had been saved and then moved the magical dragons to the water bridge. To protect and restore the broken. They had come back to perform a healing, and right the wrongs.

Jaka was the key.

He was the missing part needed to fulfill the legend. Zmaj had been waiting for the right time to bring about the change. Jaka needed to be in a place of hurt to release the pure magic.

All the dragons, hundreds of them- circled around Jaka, completing the spiritual circle. As they released their fiery breath into the darkness, the breeze began to blow and the stars flickered, like an SOS.

The clouds separated and the air was suddenly still. Each dragon placed a scale from their chest plate into a pile on the sand. Collectively they created enough heat to melt the plates, blending them with the mystical sand.

As the smoke swirled around them, releasing gases into the air. Jaka had a vision of the soldiers Oce’ had told him had moved the dragons to the bridge.

They were moving in one swift sweeping motion, seemingly cleansing the ground. They were singing a familiar tune. It was the same tune Mata hummed as they rode to town.

As the soldiers made their way past the dragons, giving their thanks - Jaka noticed another figure coming out of the smoke.

It was Oce’, and he was carrying Mata!

The legend was true!

The dragons had come to heal the hurt of the broken, and embolden the weak-just as they were appointed to do.

Jaka jumped up and hurried to greet his mother and father. They embraced for a long time.

They stood together and watched as the dragons began to disappear, dissolving into the sunrise.

Jaka turned to see the dragon waiting to say his goodbyes. As he made his way across the scorched sand, he noticed his ankle no longer hurt him. In all the commotion he didn’t realize he had also been healed.

The boy and the dragon stood face to face on the beach, still connected as one. Everything they had experienced together-speeding through their thoughts.

And they smiled.