Dragon Seekers

Chapter 18

WARNING! This chapter does contain a form of racism. I apologise if this triggers anyone.

Please enjoy the chapter all the same.

Still urged on by Ash, Jamie limped into what he assumed to be the parlour. It was filled with shelves that were crowded with books and various jars filled with crystals. Soft sofas were spread out evenly in a half square around a huge fireplace. It seemed like a welcoming place, except for one thing. There was a large door that reminded Jamie of the old cage lifts from the 19th century. It almost made him feel like he was in another time zone altogether.

The room wasn't unoccupied either. A woman with white hair was sitting on one of the sofas. She was wearing a few layers and had a fur coat next to her, along with a smaller one. She seemed to be calm, as she was waiting patiently for something. However, Jamie didn't know why, but there was a sort of chill in the air.

"Please sit down. I'll bring you some refreshments," Nexus insisted, concern heard in his voice. Did he notice Jamie's limping?

As Nexus disappeared out of the room, Ash helped Jamie to sit down. Instead of sitting next to him, she eagerly sat in front of the fireplace as a dim blaze stirred inside it. Jamie watched her for a few seconds before he felt an icy glare sent towards them both. He looked over at the woman, who immediately turned her nose up at him.

"Why am I not surprised? Just like all Magma People," she sneered, not trying to hide her disgust. Jamie couldn't help but flinch at those words. He wanted to shout at the words filled with loathing, but he couldn't. All that he knew was that there was no need for that. Ash had tensed up, looking like she was ready to shout herself. Jamie had no doubt that she would. He could have been wrong, but he felt like the chill and heat were suddenly clashing rather violently.

The storm calmed when someone could be heard clearing their throat. Jamie turned, relief overcoming him as he saw Nexus. He strode calmly into the into the room, breaking the conflict that was present.

"There will be no conflicts here. Especially when this is such an important time," he subtly warned as he carried a tray. The white haired woman huffed but didn't say anything else. Ash remained silent. Nexus walked up to the girl, passing her a cup that had steam rising from it. "To help warm you up, Ash." Ash took the cup, muttering something that sounded like "thank you". Jamie felt sorry for her. What the woman said must have hurt. It's one thing to say it to an adult, but it's another to say it to a kid.

"Here you are. Jamie, correct?" Nexus interrupted Jamie's train of thought as he offered a warm cup to him. Jamie nodded mutely, not sure what to say in this situation. "You don't have to be nervous with me, boy. You're on mutual with everyone here. I do not permit feuds between islands on these grounds." As he said this, the elder eyed between the woman and Ash, who was continuing to stare at the fireplace. Feuds between islands? Is that why this woman has such distain towards Ash?

Jamie's question was never answered as there was a loud sound. It was like a whirring sound. The woman suddenly stood up, looking eager. She was watching the lift, the source of the sound. Jamie watched as well, curious as to see the excitement. The lift opened up, revealing a boy, not much older than ten. Like the woman, he had pale skin and snowy white hair. He was also wearing layers like the woman, who Jamie now assumed to be his mother.

"Mother! Look! My egg!" the boy cheered loudly, showing an egg cupped in his gloved hands. It was white with snowflakes on it. It was about the size of an ostrich egg.

"Careful. You don't want to damage it," Nexus warned carefully as he apprehend the boy. Jamie continued to watch as the elder examined the egg carefully. "This one seems to be a strong one. Keep it safe and as warm as you can to ensure that the dragon hatches healthily."

"Yes, Sir!" the boy smiled, holding the egg with great care. The mother approached with a bag, holding it open for the boy.

"We must be on our way," she said as the boy gently placed the egg in the bag. It must ensure that it would be safe for the journey. The mother suddenly glared at Ash again. "If we stay here, she might kill the egg with her heat. Like all Magma people would do." Ash tensed up again, this time she looked like she was truly about to snap. Jamie blocked as he thought that he saw embers coming from her hair.

Nexus loudly cleared his throat suddenly.

"I shall see you both out," he promptly said, gesturing for the family to leave. The boy looked at Ash curiously, but his mother snatched him by the wrist. As Nexus started to escort them out, she dragged him behind her. She continued to glare at Ash, as if she were challenging her to a fight. Ash ignored the glare, or tried to. She looked like she was ready to fight. Jamie stared at the floor as the woman glared at him too. It reminded him too much of home. He didn't want to-he couldn't-break under it. If he did, he'll just run away, like always. And he couldn't leave Ash like this.

The door closed with a quiet bang, leaving both of them in the room alone. Jamie looked back at Ash. He still didn't know what to say to help her out. Saying "are you okay" seemed like an invitation for having Ash scream at him or want to fight for real. It was obvious that she wasn't okay. Silently, Jamie sipped the hot drink in his hands. It tasted sweet, but not too sweet. It was like a blend of berries with a pinch of sugar. There was something else, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was. It just made him feel more relaxed and feeling more uplifted.

The door opened and closed again. Amie saw Nexus coming over to them, his walking stick back in hand.

"I apologise for all that. Now, Jamie, let's see about your dragon, shall we?" He insisted, holding out an open hand. Jamie stood up carefully. He looked down at the hand for a few seconds before digging into his pocket. The Soul Statue fir effortlessly into his hand. He could feel hesitation creep into him as he delivered it to Nexus's still open hand. The Statue didn't want to be parted from him. Nexus examined the Soul Statue before giving Jamie a disapproving look.

"You're late. I've never seen someone more late than you to get their dragon," he scolded. He shoved the Soul Statue back into Jamie's hands. Before Jamie could process everything, Nexus started dragging him to the lift.

"Ash, are you coming?" Jamie asked, looking back at his still silent friend. Ash only hunched over, closing in on herself. That felt abnormal to Jamie. Ash was loud and was the one to bring Jamie all the way out here. He thought that she'd be more than happy to come. Did those words hurt her that much?

"Foolish boy! Do you not know the rules?" exclaimed Nexus as he proceeded to shove Jamie into the lift. What rules? Jamie didn't know anything about these rules. "One soul in, two souls out. That's the way it goes here."

How was Jamie meant to know that? And what did Nexus mean by "souls"?

Jamie never got his answer as he was staring alone in the lift. The door proceeded to close with a clang. Nexus banged his staff on the floor loudly. With a violent jolt, the lift suddenly descended, plunging Jamie into darkness.