A/N: Another story inspired by my friend, Yazzy Dollface. This one's for you, Yazzy. Feedback and reviews are always welcome. I hope you all enjoy the story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Final Fantasy. I am merely borrowing.
The room was heavy with a thick cloud of incense. Candles burned around the small space, illuminating the room with an eerie half light. The largest cluster of candles burned in the middle of the room where two figures knelt. One was a child, a boy no more than seven years old. The flickering of the candle's flame ignited the boy's red hair, making it seem like it was burning. The other was a man with light hair and cool eyes. He wore robes of white, as did the boy. The man's robes, however, were adorned in ancient symbols passed down through the generations, since the beginning of recorded history.
The man gazed down at the boy, eyes studying. The boy tried not to squirm under the stare. This was a lesson. He remained still, eyes focused on his teacher's face. The man's blonde hair shimmered red in the candlelight. He kept his eyes on his student, proud that he was taking the lesson so well. Of all his students, this one was special. He had passed every test thrown at him, handled every trial with grace and humility. Indeed, this boy could very well be the one he had been searching for.
"Tea?" the teacher asked.
"Yes, Master Shinra," the boy replied.
Rufus Shinra prepared two cups of tea, passing one to his student. The boy took the cup and bowed. Rufus returned the bow.
"How have you been enjoying your studies, Reno?" he asked, taking a sip of his tea.
"It's hard work," Reno admitted. His eyes took on an excited gleam. "But, they are fun."
"Do you understand the importance of your studies?" Rufus asked next.
Reno grew quiet, thinking. He stared into the tea cup for a moment before meeting his teacher's gaze again.
"You're training the next Dragon Keeper, right?"
Rufus smiled and nodded. "That's correct, young one," he confirmed.
"Have you found the next Dragon Keeper?" Reno questioned.
"I have," Rufus replied, sipping his tea.
Reno's eyes shone with wonder as the flames from the candles turned his blue eyes a haunting shade of amber.
"Who is it?" he whispered.
Rufus shook his head. "Not until the appointed time, young one," he replied. "I shall reveal the next Dragon Keeper before the Kingdom of Dragons when the sun is highest in the sky."
Reno's shoulders slumped and he pouted slightly in disappointment. Rufus reached over and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Do not fret, my student, all will be revealed in time," he promised.
"Yes, Master Shinra," Reno said.
Rufus smiled and removed his hand. "It's getting late. I have kept you long enough. Go get some rest, you have classes in the morning."
Reno laid the tea cup down, gave his teacher a respectful bow and got up and headed for the door. Rufus listened as the door slid closed before turning his eyes upward. Above him, a painting depicting a massive bronze dragon loomed overhead.
"Is he ready, Master?" Rufus whispered to the painting. "He's still so young. It's far too much responsibility. The fate of an entire kingdom on his shoulders. What if he's not prepared for what awaits him? Am I thrusting him into a world he still doesn't fully understand? He's only a child."
He put a hand to his chest where the Dragon Stone hung from around his neck. He could feel its power pulse against his palm, and he knew the answers to his questions. Rufus sighed and nodded.
"I understand, Master," he whispered. "His time has come."
Reviews are welcome, flames are not