Silena(revised)

nine

Is it true? Ma and Pa are alive? They were probably not dead, but just came to live here. But, what about Gramma?! I couldn't mistake her death!

"Nemi... I'm lost. I'm confused." I spoke quietly as I held her for support.

"Let me make everything crystal clear. Tell me what you want to know." Nemi led me out into the open.

"The Chieftain....I presumed it would be a man. But she's not. Leina.....is she telling the truth? About my parents.....and she seems to know everything about me. How?"

"Leina....is our Chieftain for a reason." Nemi sighed. "She has an ability. Apart from being a Flare, she's known for her 'Third Eye'. If she kisses someone, she can glimpse their past. Don't blame her for her offensive behavior. I know she acted in a vulgar way towards a guest, but trust me—she's one with the purest heart. She has looked over us for decades. She means no harm."

"But, about my parents—"

"Yes. They're not alive....but as you know—after the end of any creature, the soul is freed. But, it's a bit complicated for humans. Most people don't know this but, us, Flares have realized this big truth. After the death of a human, the soul is combined with the universal energy to create...a dragon. A dragon is born."

"What....?" I staggered a bit. "You're not joking, I hope?"

"No, I'm not. It's perfectly normal for you to distrust me—and to be honest, I don't have any proof for you to see. But, the ancient Flares are known to have seen visions of their loved ones while touching their dragons. They have felt their presence."

"Then... that dragon, Keko....is my Gramma?!?" I felt a deep rush of excitement within me.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Keko might be born of a different spirit. Your Gramma might be born as a different dragon. A few dragons are expecting. Your Gramma might be born of one of them! Or she could be born somewhere else in this world! You never know."

"Ah. But how do I know it's her?"

"It's all in your gut. If you feel a connection—then you're going the right way."

"Oh." I sighed. "My hips are hurting. Can I sit down somewhere? Where are we going, anyway?"

"I was about to take you to the Dragon Meadow.....where the dragons live. You handled all the information well. It's nice. You can take rest for a while over there." Nemi pointed to a stone slab a few ten steps away. "While I go for my chores, I'll call someone for you."

I limped over to the spot and sat down. It wasn't very comfortable but I could bear it. Hearing footsteps, I looked up to see Nemi approaching me. But, she wasn't alone. A boy about my age was walking by her side.

"This is my son, Merrick." Nemi introduced him to me. "And this, is Silena." Nemi smiled broadly in my direction.

"Hello." I waved to Merrick.

"Hey." Merrick smiled.

"Uh...I'll leave you two to talk ,then!" Nemi laughed. "And Merrick, you can take Silena for a tour around the village, when she's feeling better."

"Can I take her to the Dragon Meadow? She must be dying to see the dragons!" Merrick had completely read me. If it wasn't for the hip pain, I would've ran all the way to meet my family in their afterlife.

"Alrighty!" Nemi turned to go.

"So you're the new girl everyone's talking about." Merrick sat down beside me.

"Everyone's talking about me ?!?", I exclaimed. "Everyone already knows I'm here?"

"Well, news travel fast." Merrick had this lopsided grin on his face which made me feel squishy for no reason.

"I've barely gotten here and everything's happened so fast..."

"It's okay. Everything's upside down around here. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon."

"I have a question, you know."

"Ask away."

"This..'Flare'-thingy...is it associated with my fire powers?" I fidgeted with my fingers.

"Of course. Everyone here is a Flare. Even you. You can produce flames, right?"

"Um... actually—"

"Don't worry, I get it." Merrick smiled reassuringly.

"You do?" I snapped up.

"You haven't used your powers for a long time. It happens. Normal humans don't accept us all the time the way we are. Then, our powers go on hibernation. I'll teach you how to make the flame."

"But, I don't know....uh, nevermind." I got up suddenly, but quickly sat down as I felt the pain shooting up. "I'm feeling great..." I managed a smile. "Let's go see the dragons now!"

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Love,
Mirage