Curse of the Dragon

Expansion 21 - Follower

-Moonstone's POV-

There I was. There I was, like I was every single day.

I sat there on my lab, holding my blade straight up. My eyes were closed, as I tried to think of my last moments with them, them as in my family.

-

Time passed within the meditation, as I opened by eyes within a jolt. My breath kept running far from me, breathing heavily now.

I look around within the shrine, opening the door of the large closet within the room I was staying in. 

Everything seemed empty. Only thing was that there was a bed and, well, the closet (that I call a shrine). I look up at the blade over my bed, as it was hung up. Grabbing it, I place it in the holder on my back, marching on outside. I waved to the landowner of the motel too, since, well, I was respectful. 

Walking outside, the crowds filled the large streets. Smoke kept rising from individual stands of food. I just passed by, not caring.

The realm I was in was filled with gems, but I lived in some 1600's "asian" style town. Everything seemed so old, but no one here cared for innovation. Cobblestone was everywhere, and wood stacked like the forest itself. It was just more of our casual lifestyle. 

The food was what made us stronger, at least that's what my father told me. And it was true. From some other realms, I hear stories of gems not eating. We don't necessarily need to, but it's what gives us our strengths. Our individuality. Same goes for sleep. Couldn't believe some realms don't care about it.

-

As I continued through the streets, I waved to a few of the vendors on the way. I've lived within that motel for years, as I grew to know everyone around. Didn't mean I liked them though. It was respect, and respect went around the entire town.

I make it to a shop that I normally go to every morning. I look to the people I knew and waved, bowing before them and greeting them.

I go to the bar and notice a tiny Sapphire next to me. She was orange, and I found it odd but I had no intentions to judge... at least out loud.

I greet her as she greets me. She seemed anxious. So anxious, that she actually left the bar and walked away from me.

Shaking my head, I realized I didn't care if she was just there to judge me.

-

Time passed and I finished with the bar, heading on back to the motel. I could hear footsteps, chasing rapidly from behind. I look back there, as two men came running by and pushed me over. I fell to the ground, noticing that they had stolen something.

Without a doubt, I put on my mask to hide who I was. I got my blade out and went into the clearing of the crowd, as the two men continued to run. 

I got my sword ready. Quickly, it went over my head and I did a sudden strike with it. A spirit of a long Chinese dragon appeared as it went in the direction of where I was facing the blade. 

The dragon flew rapidly as the crowd gasped for air. The dragon went and crashed right into the robbers.

I chuckle, running to the two and grabbing whatever it was they had stolen. 

"Why the hell did you do that?!" cried one of the men as he felt his back on the ground from the pain inflicted of the dragon.

I smile at him, "I'm trying to keep this place safe... From freaks like you."

"Suit yourself katana girl!" cried one of the men. I got the hilt of my blade and hit the man in the head, knocking him right out. Then, I look to the other.

"Want that too?" I spoke.

He looked around frantically and ran off. I chuckle as the crowd cheers. I bow for them, but notice someone distinct. It was that Sapphire again. While everyone else was clapping and cheering, she was just standing still. I couldn't see her eyes because her bangs were so long... But I could see her small smile. 

-

Night came along. The streets were a bit empty, but whoever I came across, I would bow to, telling them to have a good and safe night.

Then I decided I probably needed a good night as well. I began to head to the motel, throughout the streets of the town. There were alleyways as shortcuts, as I followed the darkness.

As I continued to walk, I noticed a shadow. I was alert. I tried not to make it obvious, so I continued on to the motel.

Surely I was frightened but I wanted to know who the hell was nearby. They seemed to be following me.

I make it to the edge of the building and place my body beside it, waiting for the figure to come out from the alleyway.

I got my blade ready, and placed my mask on.

The gem came out, as it was the tiny Sapphire. Due to my reflex, I strike with the sword as the dragon came flying out. She didn't even flinch, in fact, the dragon rammed right through her, like a ghost making its way through a wall.

I look at the Sapphire with fear.

"Who are you? Why did you follow me?!" I cried.

The Sapphire bowed before me. "Hello there child..."

I took my mask off, misunderstanding what the hell was going on.

"How did that... not... work?" I spoke.

She smiled at me. "Listen... I've been waiting a long time for this..."

"For what?!" I shout.

"This moment, dear. Moonstone..."

"Stop! You don't know who I am..."

She chuckled. A part of me wanted to knock her out but... There was mystery to this woman. How was she unaffected by the power of the dragon?

"Oh but I'm afraid I do. I knew your family..."

I gasp. "What... What are you talking about?! You don't know anything!"

The Sapphire smiled, continuing to walk away.

"Hey! W-Wait!" I shouted, following her. As I followed, I spoke, "What do you mean? My family?! What do you know about them?!"

"I know that a part of you wants to forget about everything that happened..." For such a small person, she seemed to be faster than me.

"Do not talk about them like that!"

She turned around to me as our faces were 1 inch apart. I backed away from the shock and personal invasion.

"Moonstone... I know that you want to hide that... And I know you want to forget about everything in your past."

I shake my head in denial, "What do you know about me?!" This lady was obviously crazy.

"I know that you know... That you're the reason why... Your family died."