Dragon's Blood

Chapter Four

Akari opened her eyes to darkness. Standing up a little uneasily, she glanced around. The place looked like the room she shared with Delph, but there was something eerily off about it. Delph's bed was empty, and the entire area was deathly silent. She stepped out of the small house, peering around the clearing.

"Tetra?" She called out into the darkness. "Sanguis?"

Taking a few steps, she received no response.

"Guys?! What's going on?"

Akari... 

Akari whirled around, but she was alone.

"Hello...?! I-is anyone there?"

Akari...come to me...

The voice floated down from the forest path. Akari followed it up, towards the natural spring.

"Hello?"

Closer, Akari...you're almost there...

Reaching the top, Akari pushed aside the trees that barred the entrance to the cliffside.

"Alright, I'm here! You can show yourself now!"

There was no voice this time, just the rustling of leaves in the wind. The young dragon's heart was beginning to race, her mind telling her that this was a bad idea and she should run. She stepped out onto the cliff, peering over the edge at the pool. A green light emanated from the bottom of the pool, beneath the water.

"What the...?"

The light seemed warm somehow, familiar almost. Just as Akari was about to call out again, there was a sudden shove from behind, and she found herself flying out over the pool. Panic flashed white hot in her gut, but she could only scream as she plummeted into the cold waves.

Green light consumed her, and the voice returned.

Akari...you've come...

"Who are you?" She asked, and her voice echoed beneath the water.

Akari...my daughter...

"F-father!?" She reached out towards the surface. "Father, is it really you?!"

A strong hand took hold of hers, yanking her upwards to the surface. Akari gasped for air and frantically looked around for her father. A thick fog surrounded the pond, but she could see a dim green light in the distance.

Akari, you must find me. Sivath told her. You are in danger, but I can protect you.

"Danger...?" She panted. "What-what kind of danger? The dragon hunters?"

Those that wish to obtain my power will sense it in you. They come in great numbers.

"What do I do? Father, I..."

You must find me, Akari. I will be waiting for you.

The green light began to recede.

"Father, wait! Don't leave yet!"

A bright bolt shot through the fog, barely missing her. It struck the ground in front of her face and quickly spread out to the sides. A golden fire, bright as the sun and moving quickly.

Smoke filled the air and Akari coughed. She couldn't breathe.

Akari...

Her father's voice echoed all around the area, seeming to come from all directions at once.

Akari...Akari...

"Akari!! Akari, wake up!!"

Akari jolted upright, and Delph breathed a sigh of relief. Smoke surrounded them both, making her cough.