Raya 2: The Return of the Black Dragon

Chapter 5: Kiniro's New Color

     Raya and Namaari were alone for a while on the balcony, thinking how Kumandra was now peaceful during the divided tribe.

Raya: "Everything changes, your mom, Kumandra, and us. We have changed a bit ever since we were little."

Namaari: "Yeah, I wish we were still the same. It's not the same as when we first met each other."

And then they both look at Tuk who is curious about the little mouse.

Raya: "Well, Tuk is the same. Still curious when he was small. And now, he's big. Bigger than us. How about yours?"

Namaari: "Well, my Serlot cats are tired from adventuring. They wanted to rest for a moment."

Raya smiles, but she is still thinking about how they're friendship begins and ends when being betrayed. Then again, being betrayed again until she finally realizes her rage has got into her. And she trusted her to protect the dragon gems, as her faith then tried to save her. And the magic saved them all.

Raya: "Namaari.... Ever since we were young and became friends, I thought maybe we can go somewhere quiet and do something great."

Namaari: "Well, my mom is taking care of the Fang. How about your ba?"

Raya: "He's busy, kinda his thing. I think we both have time to do something."

When Namaari agreed, they heard someone trying to talk to them. They look and see it was Sisu, in human's form.

Raya: "Sisu-?"

Sisu: "Shhh! Don't say my name."

Namaari: "Why?"

Sisu: "Because I am hiding. Come with me, and I'll explain everything."

They listen to what she says, as they bring Tuk along and Sisu explains to them about the oni and Jarek who is in fact the black dragon, the vengeful one.

Namaari: "So let me get this straight, you save him who is actually the black dragon to have revenge on us, and the oni are hunting him? You do realize he was destined to do it."

Raya: "How do you know the story?"

Namaari: "My mother told me. She read me a story about the black dragon." As she explained to her. "A story about two dragons falling in love until his mate was killed by a human. Then he became vicious and started to learn dark magic that doesn't belong to him. By the time he learns it, he opens a gateway to another world."

Raya: "Was it the Oni homeworld?"

Namaari: "I think, because when he did he consumed the shadows and began changing. Then took control of the oni and led them to conquer Kumandra. But he was defeated easily, and became a shadow as he was imprisoned and taken to the oni world."

Raya: "Well, that sounds bad."

Sisu: "It is, and I made a big mistake saving him for no reason."

Raya: "Then why didn't you turn him in the first place when you had the chance?"

Sisu: "Well, that's not how dragons do. I don't know why Pengu made a deal with the oni."

Namaari: "Maybe because he's trying to make peace with them. It's how the dragon made peace with the oni for a long time." As she told them the story. "For centuries, humans were not born in Kumandra before the war between the dragon and the oni, between light and shadow. The dragon brings peace, but the oni brings destruction. The dragons won the battle, as the oni were banished into another world where they spread their shadow continuing. But some oni who wanted to come back into our world, as the dragon then decided to call a truce. As long as there's no shadow or dark magic in our home, then the oni are free to pass through."