Dragon's Blood

Chapter Five

"Akari..." Tetra shook the young dragon gently.

"Tetra? Where...?"

"Your dragon gate sent us to Imperiali. We're almost halfway across the world from where we were."

"Halfway across...What about Sanguis?"

"We have to assume the worst." Tetra told her quietly. "A broken link is..."

Akari brought her knees up to her chest and tried to slow her breathing.

She wasn't quite sure what to feel. Sanguis had been the only thing keeping her to this world. Without him, she felt like she was floating, disconnected from everyone around her.

"Sweetie..." Delia knelt beside her, taking one of her hands. "I'm so sorry."

Tetra clicked her tongue in irritation, but it was obvious that she felt the same way.

"But Tetra..." Apple began. "Now Akari isn't linked with anyone..."

"Is that a problem?" Akari lifted her head slightly.

"Once you've had a link, your body cant function well without one. Its why lone dragons don't last very long. They fall ill, and..."

"Well then why don't you make a link with her, Tetra?" Delia asked, her tone slightly accusatory.

"She can't, Delia." Delph broke in. "Akari has to form a link of her own."

"So...we have to find another dragon!?" Apple exclaimed incredulously.

"Not only that, but an unlinked one as well."

"It'll be difficult, but not impossible." Delph seemed confident but Akari wasn't so sure.

"I don't even know how to make a link."

"Its just like what Sanguis did for you. Make physical contact, and find the other's link." Tetra explained. "I'd show you, but it's..."

"That's alright. Thanks, Tetra."

"How long is it gonna take for Akari to get sick?" Apple fretted, and Akari wanted to reach out and smooth the creases between his brows. Someone so young shouldn't look so worried.

"Months, weeks..." Delph looked suddenly uncertain. "...days."

"You're not helping!!" The wyvern clung to Akari desperately.

"I'm sure we'll figure something out, Apple." Akari patted his head, wanting to believe her own words.

"Let's go find a town," Tetra stood tall as leader, never missing a beat. "Get our bearings. Any of you ever been to Imperiali?"

"I had a dream about Imperiali once." Delph pitched.

"Sanguis told me he was born in Imperiali." Delia added morosely.

"Thank you, you've both been a great help." Beneath Tetra's sarcasm lay an edge. "Come on."

     Akari had heard stories of Imperiali. A city that stayed true to ancient customs and traditions, which reflected in the old fashioned decor. A city where they revered dragons as gods rather than hunt them. Tetra was sure that they'd be able to find more dragons, and sure enough, a sea of two-toned hair greeted them when they arrived.

"I've never seen so many dragons before!" Delia exclaimed. "It's amazing!"

"Do you see any wyverns!?" Apple jumped in the air repeatedly in an attempt to see over the taller figures ahead of him.

"Who cares about wyverns!?" Delia snapped. "Akari doesn't want to link with someone like you."

Apple blew a raspberry at her until Tetra hushed him.