The Heroine's Light (ON HOLD)

Chapter 2 - A New Beginning

King Hiryuu was seated upon the stone steps, overlooking the luxurious gardens, later joined by his lover and wife. Both dressed in royal attire, they watched the four dragon warriors brawl and fight one another, happy smiles on their worn faces. They had just recently returned from their long journey and were welcomed with open arms by their beloved king. Hiryuu's wife, softly hummed as she drifted into her thoughts. It was only a few days ago, that she was told she would be unable to conceive a child. She wondered what life would be like with a tiny human being in her arms. Hiryuu noticed his wife's behaviour and gazed at her with concern.

"What are you thinking of, my dear?" Hiryuu asked softly.

"I'd love to raise a child of our own. Teach them to read, write, dance and so much more. . ."

Hiryuu smiled and grasped his wife's hands with his own. He then stood up and moved towards an unused fountain placed in the centre of a stone pavilion. It's markings representing those of the legendary dragons and their godly abilities. Hiryuu picked up a small box engraved with ancient runes and patterns. He opened the lid of the box and revealed what was inside; five coloured scales from each dragon. He looked at the woman he loved with sincerity and spoke with certainty.

". . . and a child you shall have."

The man worked hard and combined the crushed scales together into the fountain along with a symbol of pure love from his wife. He recited an incantation, a soft glow emitting from the mixture growing and growing before fading into Hiryuu's arms. Replacing the heavenly light, a child was formed. The child had hair like burnt copper, rosy cheeks and plump lips. The child began to cry for its mother, so Hiryuu handed the babe over to his wife. The babe settled down after a good cry and opened its eyelids, revealing bright, golden eyes. The woman's eyes brimmed with tears, love and adoration overflowing throughout her whole body like a waterfall.

"Hiryuu. . . She's beautiful. . . Thank you!"

The happy couple returned to their previous spot on the stone steps and were instantly surrounded by the four dragons as they stared at the child in the queen's arms.

"Yay! Zeno has a little dragon to play with!" Zeno shouted with excitement.

"Congratulations Your Highness." Abi comments with a small smile.

"She'll grow up to be strong like the Hakuryuu so she doesn't have to rely on puny weaklings!" Gu-En grinned.

"Such an innocent little thing. Almost too pure for the world to see." Shu-Ten compliments.

". . . Yes. Her name will be Sook. She shall be a living reminder of hope and light within this strange world."

Many years went by and Sook grew more beautiful each passing day. During the day, she would leisurely stroll throughout the castle whilst reading, or practice with her weaponry underneath Shu-Ten's teachings in the arena. Some days she will accompany Zeno during activities or lay down contentedly beside Abi in the gardens, and other days she would assist Gu-En with errands in town. Each night, she would often perform around a bonfire, whilst each of the dragon warriors either clapped or played along to the music on her mother's harp. Every moment she spent with her family, she cherished as precious memories.

* * *

The death of her father had saddened her greatly, for all the dragons except Zeno, departed to their own villages to keep their powers a hidden secret. Her mother died of a broken heart a few months after the spring, leaving Sook behind with only a keepsake made by Hiryuu himself and her mothers' eternal love. Feeling lost and alone, Sook returned to the stone fountain and swore an oath to her predecessors.

"I will be reborn again. When the world is cruel and ugly, I will return as a living reminder of hope and light."

* * *