The Lonely Dragon

Chapter 2. Nostalgia.

Opening my eyes I was greeted by the sun, which shone through the windows of the bus that was driving towards my destination. Unfortunately, the bus was not heated the way I would have preferred it, so being bundled up in my thick jacket helped to a point. Looking around, I could see I was one of ten others on the bus who cuddled in the warmth of their large jackets and furry blankets.

The scenery that swiftly passed by, was all white, rugged mountains that lay before us. Sitting for another hour or so, passed by slowly yet quickly at the same time. Finally, we reached a bus stop, where people waited outside to either get on or welcome the passengers on board. The bus stopped with a loud squeaking sound, that came from the breaks. Grabbing my bag, I exited the bus and was welcomed by a gust of cold crisp morning air. Filling my lungs with a somewhat stimulating sensation, I then began to walk towards the large mountain that encompassed the back of the town. Looking around my surroundings as I walked, the town was grand indeed. From memory, I recalled it being a small village with fruit stalls and small shops.

Looking ahead all i could see was the mountain, that stood out grandly. Its peaks were white with snow and covered with trees. Distracted by the sight before me, i stumbled as small children bumped into me. Looking down at them, as they looked up we just stared for a second before they giggled loudly. Hearing a woman's call behind me, the children ran away in her direction. She embraced her children with a smile and held their hands as they walked away.

Continuing to walk, I passed by a small vendor. The smell of hot soup filled my nostrils. I looked at the large pot being stirred by an old woman with what seemed to be her husband next to her cutting fresh vegetables. Trying to ignore whatever urges my stomach had, I couldn't resist the temptation.

Ordering a large bowl to go, I anxiously awaited the hot soup as I could imagine slowly sipping its rich broth. Handing me the bowl the old woman put it in a plastic bag, which made it more convenient to carry. Looking up at me as I paid her, she squinted her eyes at me with curiosity.

"Haven't I seen you before?" She asked.

"Perhaps..." I looked at her and recognized both her and her husband. " I passed through her a couple of times"

"Your Nanami aren't you?!" Her husband right by her exclaimed. " I remember, you coming to eat at our restaurant often" He smiled. To be honest all I could remember fully was the filling food. Before they could start a whole conversation, I took my chance and smiled before walking away.

"Come back for more soup ya hear!" I could hear them call after me. "She seems like a sweet girl...just a little shy right honey?" She commented to her husband. While he nodded sweetly back in response.

Walking for what seemed only minutes, I was already on the outskirts of the town. About to take another step forward I stopped and looked down. It seemed as though there was a distinct line that separated the mountain from the rest of the valley. Taking that first step, I began to walk to my final destination.

Walking through the deep snow, that covered the tree roots and large stones, I began to stub my toe on multiple occasions. But due to the cold that seeped through my shoes, it numbed whatever pain i might've felt. Drinking my hot soup, when I stopped for a break filled my stomach with its warmth. Looking up at the sky, I was surrounded by dark green trees. The sun pierced through their branches, as it made its way down to me. The birds sang their song, and squirrels hopped from branch to branch looking for food. The trek seemed as though it would never end, as hours passed by. Out of breath, I leaned against a large rock, that toward me in size. Taking out of my pocket a piece of paper, I looked at the small map I had then looking around me, I knew I was close. Then looking again at the large rock I was leaning against, I stepped around it and found overgrown vines covering a large portion of what seemed to be a mountainside. Brushing away the snow and vines, enough to see what was behind it i found an engraving of a flower with writing circling it.

I had finally reached my destination.

Setting my backpack down beside me, I pulled out my knife. Taking off my warm glove I replaced it with the cold breeze of the afternoon. Holding the knife to the palm of my hand, i gripped its sharp blade, and with one quick motion, i sliced through my skin. Blood began to drip down into the pure white snow, tainting its beauty. Stretching my hand, I placed it on the engraving that I found on the rock, in which it glowed a dark red color as it began to shake. The rock started to split open as a pair of twin doors. Sheathing my knife, and picking up my bag I walked into the darkness of the cave as its doors closed behind me.