The Dragon Father

Joy

Acnologia opened his eyes and looked at the blue sky above him. He was lying under a cherry blossom tree that was in full bloom and through the flowers he could see a clear blue sky.

For a moment he wondered if it all was a dream; a wonderful dream. But then he sat up and dismissed the thought. The cherry blossom tree was growing on a cliff overlooking a quiet sea. The air smelled of sea salt and Acnologia took a deep breath of it. Behind him was a sea of soft green hills.

Acnologia looked over the ocean. He felt no pain, he felt wonderful; absolutely wonderful. He wondered where he was and how he had gotten there. He wondered what had happened to the kids, but he wasn't concerned for some reason.

"Dad!" someone laughed. Acnologia turned slowly and he felt everything around him melt away. There, running over the grass barefoot, was a young nine-year-old boy with wild orange hair and bright eyes. He had no scar over his nose and was smiling. His clothes were clean and consisted of tan shorts and a red T-shirt.

"Serena," Acnologia breathed walking forward. The boy laughed as he came closer and picked up speed.

"Dad!" Serena laughed leaping up to Acnologia who caught him. Serena wrapped his arms around Acnologia's neck and hair and hugged him. "You didn't have to come so soon... I could have waited a little longer."

"Serena," Acnologia breathed falling to his knees as he held the child. He closed his eyes and let out a thankful happy laugh. "Serena," he said it again enjoying the precious moments he had. Serena's name in his mouth just felt wonderful.

"I'm still glad you came," Serena laughed backing away and looking at Acnologia happily, "Mama's been missing you."

"Mama?" Acnologia questioned with a breath. Serena smiled and looked back the way he had run. Acnologia looked up and his eyes widened.

She stood at the crest of the hill Serena had run down. She stood watching them, her golden hair was free and flew softly in the breeze along with her simple loose white dress. She had her hands behind her back and even from the distance, Acnologia could tell she was smiling.

Serena released Acnologia and slowly the dragon king put him down and stood up. Then he walked forward; he went slowly not believing what he was seeing. When she was a few meters away he broke into a run and attacked her with a hug. He wrapped his arms around her quickly, fearing she'd leave him again.

She gave a soft laugh that made Acnologia's heart tremble with joy. 

"Anna," he breathed putting his nose to her head and breathing in her scent; God he loved that scent.

"I knew you'd come," Anna chuckled from inside Acnologia's embrace.

"See Mama!" Serena laughed skipping up, "I told you he'd come soon!"

Anna and Acnologia separated. Anna smiled at Serena.

"You sure did," she agreed.

Acnologia was at a lost for words. Anna was here, she was holding his hand, she was smiling at Serena and treating him like her son. Serena was there. He was young and happy. Acnologia was in a state of shock; shock and pure joy.

"Come on Dad!" Serena laughed grabbing Acnologia's hand and pulling him, "We gotta go tell everyone!"

"Everyone?" Acnologia breathed.

"Yes," Anna smiled fixing Acnologia's bangs so that they were out of his face. And then she went on her tiptoes and kissed him. He kissed her back and for a moment they stood there in pure bliss. There was no lust behind their kiss, only unrefined happiness and joy, and reunion. Then she pulled away and gave a smile, "everyone."

And so they went; Serena hopped on to Acnologia's shoulders and cheered as they walked. Anna's hand was intertwined with Acnologia's as they walked and Acnologia felt nothing but happiness; this was his reward and he knew he didn't deserve it.

And so the Dragon King was reunited with his family.