Destiny Island

Chapter 9

The Mystery of the Rose Gate

After some thinking, they came to the conclusion that they didn't have any other choice but to go on. Jade wasn't really happy with the idea, but she was satisfied that at least they made a decision. Royce, on his part, was thrilled since he wanted to further explore the enchanting island. They started crossing the bridge, and they were surprised because nature started changing. It was still breathtakingly beautiful but more in a pure and untouched way than in the strange and colorful way they saw before. It wasn't a sudden change but a slow and subtle one. Soon they started seeing signs written in a strange language. Although they did try to imagine what waited for them, they couldn't even fathom what might lie ahead. Jade thought that it was probably some kind of tribal language and was eager to meet the natives and immerse herself in their culture and customs.

In the distance, they could see a big glossy gate shaped like a rose. They decided to go towards it as it seemed safe. "It might have some magical properties! It does look as if it was imbued with magic!" Royce thought to himself but didn't dare say it out loud since he was sick and tired of arguing with Ignacio. Only when the gate opened did they realize that Ignacio was right when he said that nothing was what it seemed. Behind that gate, which seemed safe, suddenly a huge red dragon appeared out of nowhere. Surprisingly, the first thing Jade thought was: "Oh, my God! Amber was right! This place is full of magic!" They all stopped and tried, with shaking hands, to point their useless 'spears' toward the dragon. They knew they looked ridiculous being so much smaller than the dragon, but they had to do something. The dragon was huge with scales which were glistening in the sun. It had an enormous head and its eyes were unnaturally big and blue. Puffs of smoke were coming from its nose and it looked as if its mouth could open any moment, and burn them to ashes with its fiery breath. The death of fiery hell was looking them in the eye. "I guess if you have to die there is something special about being killed by a mythical creature in a magical place," thought Royce. But when the dragon's mouth finally opened it wasn't flame that came out but a strong and rough voice. "Who goes there!? Roared the dragon. His question was followed by a stunned silence. When they got their wits back, they didn't really know how to answer the question. Royce was the first one to speak: "We are... We were shipwrecked, and we didn't know what to do. So we... We thought we should find some people, I mean someone to help us out." He stammered losing all the confidence that he usually had.

It turned out that the dragon was the guardian of a place that was not visible from the gate but was inhabited. The dragon had the ability to sense if a person meant to cause problems or not and it wouldn't let the problematic ones in. All he sensed about the four humans standing before him was confusion, fear, and surprisingly enough, admiration. They didn't have any malicious thoughts although they did have some self-preservation thoughts that the dragon found quite amusing. For example, he could sense that Ignacio was calculating how best to use the inadequate weapon he possessed. The funny thing for the dragon was that the 'weapons' wouldn't even leave a scratch if used on him but the humans didn't seem to realize that. "I can sense you mean us no harm so no harm shall fall upon you. You may put your weapons down." He told them. With a breath of relief, they did what they were told. They weren't really sure if the dragon was telling the truth, but they came to the conclusion that it would be better for them to follow the instructions of a DRAGON.

Their 'weapons' seemed as useless as toys even to them. After they lowered their weapons Amber found her voice again and what she said surprised all of them even her. It seemed as if she couldn't help but say. "You are so magnificent! May I pet you?" "Oh, for Pan's sake, you humans, and your petting habits! Why must most of you have such strange tendencies! I AM NOT A PUPPY for crying out loud! I AM DRAGON!!!" That was when he finally raised his head and a column of fire started raging towards the sky. Although she stepped back frightened, Amber still said: "I know, but may I? Please? I have never seen a dragon before." "Oh, very well," said the dragon grudgingly "You have the courage I'll give you that. You may 'pat' me, little human!" Cautiously she came closer and stroked the dragons head gently as the dragon lowered it to her height. It was the strangest feeling. It was a bit similar to stroking a huge snake but somehow much more thrilling. The others watched her with their mouths hanging open while her small, fragile hand stroked the dragon's enormous head. "She is crazy, absolutely and totally crazy and I love that about her." Ignacio thought as he watched her stroke the dragon with passion in her eyes.