Blooming Rose (Book 1): Memories

Chapter 7: Henry

I knew it was my fate. I had the dream, just like Rose. Rose. When I saw her, I didn't think it could possibly be her. She seemed so familiar and yet different. She was taller, had wings, a bow and quiver slung over her shoulder, a dagger strapped to her side, and masked her emotions. Her eyes radiated anger and uncertainty. I was surprised she had weapons. The Rose I knew was a pacifist. I wondered if she had forgiven me yet. It hurt whenever I saw her. Honor asked Rose,"This is him?" She nodded and addressed the rest of the crowd, her voice full of authority, "We have found him. Return to your tasks." Everyone continued what they were doing, but I could still hear people whispering,"She seems familiar," or,"Poor boy." Soon the center was deserted except for my parents, the Oracles, dragons, Rose, and me.

My mother ran up to me and hugged me,"Henry I don't want you to go, but you have made us proud." My father agreed and turned to Rose,"Where do your parents live?" She hesitated before answering,"I never knew my mother, my brother's dead, and I ran away from my father." My parents began to look uncomfortable. A woman stepped forward,"I am Wisdom. So you're Henry Stevens. Are you ready to go?" I shook my head,"Can I pack a few things first?" Wisdom glanced at Honor and he nodded.

When we got to my house, the Oracles and Rose were offered food. The Oracles refused but Rose asked my mother,"Can I give Obsidian that fish?" My mother seemed confused but nodded. Rose took the fish and ran outside. I followed her, but as I walked out the door, I saw one of the Oracles flash me a look of anger. It was probably just my imagination.

Rose didn't spot me immediately. I saw her talking with black and silver dragons. I heard Rose telling them,"So split the fish amongst all of you?" They nodded. Rose sighed and pulled out her dagger. She split the fish into four and gave a piece to each dragon. The black dragon told her, "Ocean is complaining that his piece is smaller than the others." Rose walked over to the blue dragon,"Ocean, you're probably never going to finish this piece. I'll get you more if you're still not full."

I cleared my throat and they all turned towards me. I was surprised to see murderous look in some of the dragon's eyes. "So. Rose, how's it been?" She shrugged,"It's fine, I guess." I continued awkwardly, trying to renew our friendship,"So...did you find a new home?" One of the dragons growled but Rose interrupted him,"Well I lived in a dragon's cave for the last year and a half. And I met Obsodian." She gestured towards the black dragon. "How are you?" I muttered awkwardly, "Uh. It's fine. So..uh. What are the dragon's names?" Obsidian stepped forward protectively in front of Rose,"Well, as you know, I'm Obsidian. That is Moon," he pointed to the silver dragon,"That other one is Dawn and the small one is Ocean." There was bitterness and a sharp tone in his voice. Rose stepped in between us,"Well, nice catching up with you. You better get packing since you're coming with us." I nodded, but as I went I turned around and asked her one more thing,"Rose, when they told you that you had to come with them, what was you're response." She hesitated and chose her words carefully,"Well, at first I refused, but when Obsidian told me he was coming, I accepted."

I went to my room and thought about Rose's answer. She truly did care for Obsidian. Would she do the same for me? Probably not, not after what I did to her. But that urge that insisted that I couldn't take her in was so strong. I blamed myself. My thoughts drifted to her father. What was he doing right now? I never went back to Rose's old home because it brought back bad memories. Did her father still live there? I didn't know and I wasn't so sure if I wanted to know the answer.

I grabbed clothes, some notebooks, and books about the history of Fantasy, Oracles, and mystical dragons. Maybe I would need to do some research, you never know. I took one last glance around my room. Surprisingly, I didn't feel very sad. I would miss my parents, but there wasn't anything special about my room. No treasuring memories or anything of sentimental value. I shrugged and met up with the others in the kitchen.

The Oracles were ready to go. As they were walking out the door, Honor glanced back and told us,"We'll leave you for a moment to say your goodbyes." Then they left. My mother hugged me tightly and whispered, "Henry, make us proud." I nodded,"I will." My father gave me a hug and I walked out the door with them behind me.

I could hear Rose and one of the Oracles bickering,"But why?!" The Oracle sighed in frustration,"I know that you don't like it, but Beauty's dragon is to small, Wisdom and Honor are with Moon, and Agility and I are with Dawn! Obsidian has plenty of room. And besides, you can just fly yourself." Rose shook her head,"No. I have to make sure that Obsidian is fine and make sure Henry doesn't do anything stupid." I realized they were talking about me. I should've known. It was foolish to think that Rose had forgiven me. I walked over to them and acted as if I hasn't heard them,"Which dragon am I on?" Rose snapped,"You're with me on Obsidian. Hurry it up." I climbed on to the dragon and I swear I heard him growl at me. Honor looked around and asked,"Is everyone ready?" We all nodded. My gaze went back to my parents and then we took off.

I stared at my parents until they grew into nothingness. I watched the skies and saw that it was the afternoon. Flying was amazing with the fresh air in your face and a special feeling that you don't get often. Freedom. It was a beautiful, peaceful flight until Rose asked,"Do you guys hear something strange?" And I saw menacing shadows from a distance towards us.