The Forging Dragon [Book 1]

24 ⚔️ Lost Lunatic

Racing through the open road, Diato felt a rush of exhilaration as the wind tousled his hair and the landscape blurred around him. The unobstructed path allowed him to push the bike to its limits, the hum of the engine providing a soothing background noise. Yet, the thrill of the ride couldn't silence the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind.

As the terrain changed, so did Diato's pace. The once smooth ride gave way to rough, uneven paths. Gravel crunched beneath the tires as the bike navigated through the rugged landscape. The thrill of speed was replaced by a sense of uncertainty. Where would he find information about this elusive Shez? The vast unknown lay ahead, and Diato had no clear direction.

Frustration simmered within him as he continued to ride aimlessly, the engine's pitch rising and falling with the changing landscapes. The surroundings seemed both mesmerizing and daunting, with rocky outcrops and patches of wild foliage flashing by. Thoughts of the mysterious Shez nagged at him, urging him to find answers amid the vast expanse before him.

Despite the uncertainty, a flicker of determination burned within Diato. He knew he couldn't simply give up. Adjusting his grip on the handlebars, he forged ahead, hoping that somewhere along this rugged journey, a clue, a sign, or some semblance of direction would present itself. Every twist of the path held the promise of discovery, and he was determined to follow it, no matter how uncertain or treacherous the road ahead might be.

He found himself at a location he never expected. The Willow Lake. His curves of handles and the anger of his handlebars took him here. He didn't want to get here consciously but his mind - entangled in thoughts, brought him here. He looked up at the lake and found a figure standing there, staring at him. It was hard to see who it was, and the headlights of the bike were broken. The skinny and curvy figure was similar. Something he'd seen many times, yet never seen before. The figure was adorned with a black overcoat that was all that was visible from that distance.

"Terra?" Diato spoke, horrified to see someone he knew.

***

Terra maneuvered her SUV with determination, her gaze fixed on the distant silhouette of the Dragons-spine mountains. The urgency in her movements was palpable as she negotiated each twist and turn along the rugged path. Her fingers tapped impatiently on the steering wheel, a silent drumbeat echoing her desire to reach her destination swiftly.

The journey was far from smooth. Every sudden speed breaker or unexpected pothole jolted Terra, causing her grip on the wheel to tighten, a sharp intake of breath escaping her lips. Despite the obstacles, her determination didn't waver, fueling her to push forward with resolve.

Troll Tog emerged ahead, a fleeting moment as she veered right, the tires grumbling against the uneven terrain. The northern slum greeted her briefly, buildings passing in a blur as she raced toward the outskirts of the town. With each passing mile, her anticipation grew, mirrored in the way her foot pressed down on the accelerator, urging more speed from the vehicle.

The sudden halt near Willow Lake disrupted her frantic pace. Her eyes widened momentarily, her brow furrowing in surprise as she spotted a figure approaching on a dirt-bike. Recognition dawned swiftly, a flicker of familiarity a midst the rush. It was Diato, his form becoming clearer as he drew nearer. Terra's urgency dissipated, replaced by a mix of astonishment and a faint sense of anticipation.

Without hesitation, she stepped out of her car, her movements fluid yet tinged with a subtle eagerness. The sight of Diato, unaware of her presence, spurred her into action, longing to reconnect despite the hurried circumstances that had initially propelled her forward. Diato pushed the side stand with his foot and dismounted his bike.

"Terra?" Diato spoke, horrified to see someone he knew. Although the figure he saw was familiar, he doubted his eyes. Terra slowly trudged across the path and reached him.