Dragon Hunters

Chapter 4 Dragons Training

My mother led me into a building that smelled of oil, leather, and melted metal. Inside our personal tailor Kidia was washing a black jacket with some hot water.

"Oh, Samida, I see the ceremony was successful?" The bright voice of Kidia seemed to light up the dull factory. My mother nodded politely and started to speak with a respectful manner.

"It was Kidia but we're here for Zodion's uniform and for the akidio." Kidia immediately stopped washing the jacket and began to walk towards the back.

I looked at my mother with confusion since the akidio was never mentioned to me by anyone.

Kidia stopped walking and motioned for me and my mother to follow her to the back. "Now what size is the boy?"

My mother placed her hand on her face and sighed. "An extra large in pants and a large in shirts."

Kidia nodded and opened a door leading us into the back. Rows and rows of hunter's uniform seemed to sit on the walls showing off their shine.

I went over to one of them and touched the leather jacket. I shivered at the touch some rumor was it was made out of dragon skin. The belt was a shiny silver that could almost blind someone. But the boots were strange, hard on the outside but very soft on the inside.

However a shiny glint caught me by the corner of my eye and I saw the glass case that held the Dragons Fire. It was a beautiful pin that matched the deadly fires but still had a lovely shine that showed off the colors of autumn.

However it troubled me that only zorian's got to have the pin. It's usually a symbol to show that you did great things to defend the kingdom.

The loud snap of my mother caught my attention forcing myself to look away from the Dragons Fire. I noticed she had a uniform that seemed exactly like my size.

"Zodion your akidio won't be available until the end of your training, but you will have access to attend the meetings between us and the royals."

The royal family. They have so much power and have access to the other kingdoms and the kingdoms that aren't in our region.

For one they allowed my grandfather to create the group of dragon hunters and supplied him for every generation meaning they could disband the dragon hunters if they really wanted to.

"When do those meetings happen?" My mother smiled and looked over her shoulder to the moon calendar. "It happens on the half moon and sometimes on a new moon."

I thought about it curious why exactly on those days. "How long will the training last?" My mother lit up at the idea and began to hold up her fingers.

"It really depends on who's training you. If I remember correctly your father's sister uki made me train for a full year."

I felt my jaw dropping in shock. Now I was nervous for how long my uncle is gonna train me.

"But the training wasn't that bad I just managed to kill a dragon and almost got caught by a thunder dragon but it was quite easy overall."

I looked at my mother horrified at how she made it sound easy. My uncle was a fair man as told by my father.

Apparently he was much worse as a trainee and would constantly cause trouble until his mentor stepped up his training methods.

That man that changed my uncle completely was Jackora's father. He died when a mission went wrong a few days after Jackora was born.

I wish I knew him he sounded like a great guy and loving father based on what stories my grandparents told about him.

My mother handed me the uniform and pointed over to an empty room.  "Go and try it on I want to see how it looks on my son."

I nodded and walked over to the room nervous about how it might look. However I was excited that I'm pretty sure I had a dumb grin on my face.

I closed the door and quickly took off my clothes and began to put on the uniform. The shirt was a snowy white which made me worried about stains.

But the pants were cool and were a beautiful black that reminded me of shiny obsidian. The belt had a bit of weight on it making it feel heavy on my hips.

But it had a few pouches to store stuff and I noticed how one of them had a few pieces of medical supplies.

The black jacket that matched the pants was cold but it made me stand out. I quickly put on the boots and ignored how they felt heavy on my feet.

The mirror that stood on the room seemed to drive me over to it. I quickly looked over myself and smiled "I look like a true hunter."

I exited the room and saw my mom with Kidia. My mother immediately ran over and pulled me into a loving hug.

"You look just like your father." I had my fathers brown hair and strange blue eyes but I had my mothers tan skin.

Kidia looked me up and down before giving me a thumbs up. "Looks good on you kid now all that is missing is the Akidio."

My mother nodded and smiled. "Once his training is over he can join us in hunting and patrols." My mother looked at me with a serious expression.

"You better do good in training and I better not hear any complaints from your uncle you hear me?" I nodded knowing she might do something involving my hair.

She smiled with approval and took my hand. "Thank you for the uniform Kidia." My mother dipped her head and so did I.

Kidia chuckled as she polished a belt that laid on the rack. "It's an honor to work for you guys I love working this job."

My mother nodded and led me out of the building. My nose was suddenly filled with fresh air the smell of oil quickly leaving me.

I saw my uncle with my father and they both seemed happy. I walked over to my uncle and smiled.

My uncle looked over to my father and mother who both gave him a nod. Confused I looked at my uncle and saw the smile he gave me.

"I'm in trouble." I watched my uncle lift his hand and soon I felt a sharp pain in my neck. I quickly fell over before feeling a pain on my back and I finally let my eyes closed.

I soon felt movement and then the sensation of grass playing on my hands. I opened my eyes pain still coursing through my body. I saw a lush green forest surrounding me.

Confused I looked around and noticed I was completely alone. "Was this his plan all along?"

I sighed and noticed a brown bag resting on a nearby tree. Confused I walked over to it and opened it and saw supplies.

I noticed a paper on top of the supplies and I reached into the bag for it. It was folded and I quickly opened it curious if anything was written on it.

I noticed it had writing on it and I immediately recognized the handwriting on it as my uncles.

"Dear Zodion
a true hunter hunts with honor but it isn't just honor. They must prove that they are able to handle any situation and harsh conditions. So for a month or two I shall leave you put in the forest to survive. A time may come when you are lost and no one is around to help you.
Love your uncle"

I sighed and looked into the bag. "Is my uncle really serious? I could die out here."

Based on the stories my dad told me about his childhood most likely yes, but I won't let that stop me.

For I am Zodion Kimido, and I am determined to become a hunter even if I have to eat bugs and drink my own blood and sweat.

Well maybe I won't go that far, but I am determined to make it out alive.