The Ghost of A Dragon's Touch

Over Time...

The next morning, Ghost woke with a new sense of belonging. He was filled with energy, even though he had to work. It would keep his mind from wandering off to places it shouldn't ever go. He threw on his cloak, waiting in the main chamber for instructions. After a few patient minutes, he glanced around. No one was awake yet.

What a fool! I should've known... he grumbled to himself.

With a scowl, he ventured outside. In the sunlight, unseen vines and weeds became starkly visible. Every crack and crevice had some sort of plant life sprouting from it. He sighed, going toward a shed that the Eldest had mentioned. Covered it vines and various foliage, sat a small, wooden shack with a door and two small windows.

A few shoves later, the door opened to reveal a series of tools and weapons to tend to the ever-growing vines. Ghost grabbed the machete and began to work. Hours later, he sat sweating and exhausted at the top of the stone stairs. His muscles ached for relief, even though he sat motionless.

"Having fun?" the young Monk asked, sitting beside him with a kind smile, "Here. I brought you something to drink."

She handed over a brass goblet, full to the brim with water. Ghost gladly took it and swallowed the liquid in two drinks.

He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and gave hr the goblet back, "Thank you."

She smiled, "Thank you, Ghost. You're doing the work." She handed him the goblet back, "There's a well near the shed. You keep this for later." then she rose to her feet and walked back inside.

Ghost soon spotted the well and made a memory of it. And, after a bit more rest, he was back again at hacking the weeds.

---

Years passed, and the work became less and less of a hassle. Ghost had grown to a well-build teen with a passion for swords. He still kept his face hidden beneath a mask of paint, having run out at one time. But the cloak he came with sat hung on a bedpost, having been no use to him in the warmer Summer months. The temple had changed as well; the vines and foliage having been cleared away to reveal long-forgotten statues, carvings, and even an old case of wine.

From old and seemingly abandoned, to a stone-etched paradise, Ghost had transformed the temple to its once-lived glory.

Now, he stood at the well, dousing himself in a fresh blast of water. With one hand, he slicked back his short-cut hair and wettened his neck.  He heard a bubbly giggle from behind a tree.

"Alright, Lily. I can hear you, you know." Ghost said with a laugh.

"Oh! Me and my big mouth." she came out from her poor hiding place, tucking back a loose strand of hair. From young Monk to teenage Princess, she too had grown to a beautiful woman. Ghost smiled as she approached, drying off his neck with the end of his shirt.

"You know, if you wouldn't have laughed like that, I would never have seen you." he teased, dabbing his face dry to keep the paint from smearing.

She grabbed his shirt below the collar and pulled his face close to hers, "And yet, you make me laugh." she tapped his nose. "Why do you still wear that mask?" she asked, rubbing what came off onto her robe.

Ghost pulled away carefully, straightening his back, "I wear it to hide my past, Lily. I don't do it to hide from you." They locked eyes.

"And yet you still wear it in my presence."

"I do. But it doesn't mean I shun you."

"It seems that way, Ghost!" she slapped his hand away as he reached for her. He only huffed in reply.

After a few moments of silence, Ghost perked up with a grin, "Lily. Come here for a second." he moved toward the well.

"Oh, what no- AH!" she let loose a shriek, an arc of water glittering in the afternoon sunlight.

Ghost cracked up laughing, resting his hand on the well for support.

She gave a low gruff and splashed an arc his way. His laughing ceased, his arms up like a scarecrow, his jaw open in a gasp. Now Lily began to laugh.

"That was COLD!" Ghost flicked what extra water went running down his arms.

"How do you think it felt on me?"

"Why you-" Ghost charged forward, scooping her up in his arms before she could escape. She gave a delighted squeak mixed with a laugh.

"Ghost! Put me down this instant!" she cried between laughs.

"Oh? But why?" he slung her over his shoulder and started for the temple, "You're quite light."

She struck his back a few times in vain, soon relaxing. "I swear, I don't know what to do with you."

He smiled, "Why's that? I'm easy to deal with." he started up the stairs, going into a jog.

"Not when you constantly annoy me!" he stopped half-way up, setting her to her feet.

"And how do I annoy you?" he gave her a look, crossing his arms.

She struggled for an answer, her face slowly gaining a blush, "I-I..."

"Well?" he gave her another look, noticing the blush.

She closed her gaping mouth and ran up the stairs, leaving Ghost standing confused. With a sigh, he jogged after her.

At the temple entrance, the Eldest Monk waited for him.

"Greetings, Ghost. Might I speak with you?" Ghost nodded, heading up to the enclosed balcony with him.

He sat patiently on the log engraved with an intricuit lung dragon, it curved up and around to the base resting on the floor.

Once the Monk sat beside him, the fire lit up in a burst of flames. This never surprised him, as he'd seen the Eldest do it many times.

"What is it you want to talk to me about?"

The old man took a breath, "I've noticed your interest in swords."

"Yes, sir. I've seen the warriors that you train."

The Monk nodded, "And you wish to learn to use one?"

"That is my wish, yes."

"Then let it come true. You begin at dawn."

---

A/N And yet another day of this lovely book! I've noticed that it's not too popular... Oh well. I love how it's going and I can't wait to show you what he is now. Until then, enjoy!

~Blood