Life can be cruel as a Dragon | Rio's Story

Chapter 8 the Bond of the Dragons

After 2 days, Rio reached the pond of Master Pho on the mountain of "the Guardian". Were the years of hiding finally over? He wasn't sure if his life would change if it were true, but he just had to know. He stepped to the edge of the pond and stared into the water.

For a second he hesitated but then he said: "Master Pho? Here is Rio. I must talk to you and only you can give me the answer. Please, show yourself." Rio stepped a few steps back. Minutes went by where nothing happened. Rio was about to leave when the water began to bubble and glow in a light blue shimmer.

Master Pho rose from the water with his back turned to Rio. With a grim look on his face, he was about to ask angrily who dares to wake him up. He turned around slowly but then he realizes who stood in front of him.

"Is that who I think it is?" He hummed in his deep, bubbling voice. "I thought you were dead! HA! My boy lived!" He bent down to give him a big hug, but Rio backed away.

He was still afraid of water and Master Pho was through and through made from water.

"Hm? Oh, I understand. You're still traumatized when you fell into my Pond when you were a little dragon. It's alright. I hope you understand how glad I am to see you here alive." Said Pho in a calm way.

"Yes, master Pho, it took me a lot of effort to come here. Life has changed me; I hope you understand that. I came here because..." but before he could end his sentence Master Pho interrupted him. "I know, I know. You're here because you want to know if there is still a war. There was for many years. So much suffering, blood, and death. It was horrible. I had to do something. But my power alone, wasn't strong enough and I can't leave my pond, I'm bound to it. But I knew who could help us. Gale had to help me get a message over the land to the great Kingdom of the "Bethia Rhenossa's", only they could help us." Rio looked confused "the who? I've never heard of them. Who are they?".

Pho continued, "They are big, heavily armored dragons. With a large horn on their nose. They are of a calm nature, always peaceful. But when it comes down to it, they will also fight. Because of their physique, it is difficult to defeat them. When Gale reached them and gave them the news, they immediately left with all the fighters they had. It took them a while to get here because they could not fly well due to their mass. When they arrived here, I explained our situation to them. We discussed how best to proceed and went to war. After months of fighting, it was over, the exiles were defeated. Tertara was a free Land again. After the war, we were very busy putting out fires and cleaning up the mess. When that was done, we set about rebuilding your kind. We created new habitats and helped with nesting. You need to know that the Bethia Rhenossa's are fabulous Nannies and midwives. They brought fertility, lots of eggs, and helped raise the children. When enough children grew up, they set off for their kingdom. We lost many beloved dragons, but we protected, defended and raised our land and children back to health and peace."

Rio was overwhelmed by this story. He thanked Master Pho and promised to visit him some day in the future. Then he made his way back home.

When he got there, someone was waiting for him at the foot of his rock. It was Fen. "Oh great." Rio thought. "This is just what I needed right now after my long flight." He landed gracefully on his self-called throne and starts grooming himself, pretending not to see her.

She rolled her eyes. "Hello! I know you saw me. You were looking right at me when you landed. If you are going to ignore me, you'll have to do better next time. Where have you been? Do you know how long I have been waiting for you?" Fen seemed quite upset.

Rio was caught off guard by that. He looked at her stunned, not saying anything.

At that very moment, their eyes truly met for the first time. As if by magic, the two were drawn into a fog. Everything around them blurred and suddenly nothing else mattered. It was just their eyes dancing the dance of the dragon's bond. Together in this trance, they watched their future pass before them. Lovers, parents, old Dragons who died together. It all made sense to fen now. Rio was her soulmate!

When it was over and they regained consciousness, Rio held his head and asked: "What have you done to me?! My head, it hurts so bad." Fen gaped at Rio until she uttered a few words: "You...are...my.... But why you?".

"What are you talking about?! I am your what?" asked Rio confused.

Fen got excited. "Don't you know what that was? This is what every dragon girl dreams of! To find THE one who will share that experience with you and binds himself to you forever." Gushed Fen.

"Pha! I don't need anyone! And I've never heard of anything so ridiculous. Your mother has probably told you too many fairy tales. Now go home before they come looking for you." Rio said reservedly.

Fen puffed out her chest. "You will see! Our souls have found each other and united. Something like this will never happen again. When I grow up, I will come back and take you as my husband! Remember my words!" and with that she ran away. Rio looked after her in amazement. He had never seen anyone so determined. So strong and confident. He had to admit that she was adorable.