Wings of Destiny
Chapter 2: The Unknown
Elysia regained consciousness in a foreign environment, her last memory hazy and fragmented. She vaguely remembered blacking out in a peculiar classroom with an enigmatic teacher, and she couldn't ignore the unsettling fact that she had been speaking in an unknown language, one she never knew existed. The disorientation intensified as she found herself lying in a forest. While she recognized the concept of a forest, waking up in an unfamiliar one sent shivers down her spine.
To make matters worse, strange noises echoed all around her, contributing to the sense of unease that gnawed at her. Determined to understand her surroundings, Elysia sat up and surveyed the area. However, her attempts to discern her location proved futile. She was not only clueless about her whereabouts but also utterly inept at navigating her way through the wilderness. Her eyes shifted downward, seeking solace in the presence of the sword the teacher had shown her—a glimmer of protection amidst the overwhelming confusion.
Elysia was grateful for having something to defend herself with, even though she lacked the knowledge of how to wield it effectively. The sword offered a fragile sense of security, a slender thread connecting her to the unknown dangers that lurked in this strange realm.
"Good to see that you're awake," a voice broke the silence, causing Elysia's heart to skip a beat.
In that fleeting moment, something extraordinary happened. It felt as if her body briefly slipped out of her control, her muscles moving on their own accord. She rolled backward, her hand instinctively grasping the hilt of the sword, flipping gracefully onto her feet and assuming a defensive stance. With a swift spin, she balanced delicately on the balls of her feet, her eyes fixed on the source of the voice, ready to strike if necessary. The sword glinted menacingly, poised for action.
Elysia's eyes blinked rapidly as she struggled to process the sudden burst of agility. Was it the unfamiliar environment that triggered this response? No, it wasn't the first time she had experienced such an uncanny phenomenon. Could it be her draconic heritage, stirring deep within her, instinctively rising to defend her? Perhaps it explained her inexplicable ability to repel three assailants in the past, though she never understood their motives. The notion of having a "guardian angel" within her, a dormant part of herself capable of protecting her, offered a modicum of reassurance.
Hesitant but filled with curiosity, she lowered the sword until it rested by her side. Surprisingly, a strange comfort washed over her, accompanied by an unshakable readiness to wield the blade. It was as if the sword had become an extension of herself, a symbiotic bond that empowered her to defend herself at a moment's notice.
"It would seem your draconic half is reawakening," the voice remarked, drawing Elysia's attention to its source.
Before her stood a dragon—a truly majestic creature. Yet, this dragon didn't display any signs of aggression or hostility. Instead, it spoke, its voice resonating with a familiarity that sent a jolt of recognition through Elysia's mind. The dragoness possessed features that mirrored those of her enigmatic teacher—the ebony scales, ivory white horns, and emerald green eyes. Additionally, a choker and bracelets adorned her, reminiscent of the strange teacher. The only noticeable difference was the dragoness's tail blade—an ominous scythe-like weapon that exuded an aura of lethality.
"You look a lot like..." Elysia trailed off, her voice filled with intrigue.
"Your human teacher? That's because I am her. Now that we are in a safe place, I can explain what's going on," the dragoness revealed, her voice brimming with certainty.
The dragoness beckoned Elysia to follow her. Though hesitant, Elysia's curiosity prevailed, compelling her to trail behind the dragoness as she led her to a small campsite. The campsite puzzled Elysia, as she pondered the logistics of a dragon managing such a feat. Nevertheless, she settled down as the dragoness gracefully positioned herself, lying on her stomach. Elysia took a seat across from her, a surge of discomfort emanating from her lower back near her tailbone.
Startled, she realized that her tail, usually concealed, was now in plain view, coiling elegantly around her upper thigh. Her wings, too, were unveiled, accentuating her otherworldly nature.
"So how about I start from the beginning?" The dragoness proposed, her voice resonating with wisdom.
Elysia nodded, acknowledging the logical starting point and signaling her readiness to unravel the mysteries that enshrouded her existence.
"To begin with, my name is Cynder, and you are in the realm of Avalar—a realm teeming with a multitude of creatures. The prominent races that inhabit Avalar are Dragons, Cheetahs, and Moles. While the Cheetahs predominantly reside in the Valley of Avalar; the city of Warfang serves as a melting pot for all three races, harboring a delicate harmony of coexistence. The city lies to the east, one or two days' journey from our current location."
Elysia absorbed the basic knowledge of Avalar's races, a glimmer of comprehension flickering within her mind. Yet, amidst the revelations, a lingering question echoed in her thoughts—how did she fit into this intricate tapestry?
"The next part requires a thorough explanation," Cynder stated, seemingly perceptive of Elysia's unspoken inquiry.
"Why is that?" Elysia voiced her curiosity.
"Well, it delves into the history of Avalar and the nature of your existence—a half-dragon. While many consider the term 'half-dragon' insulting, it is the most accurate term to use. The history of half-dragons is extensive. I can provide either an in-depth account or a condensed version, depending on your preference."
Elysia nodded, acknowledging Cynder's offer, and motioned for her to proceed, her free hand signaling a desire for the comprehensive retelling. "The long version, if you please."
"A half-dragon is born from the union of a Human—a race long considered extinct—and a Dragon. Typically, a half-dragon is the offspring of a Human male and a female Dragon, although rare instances of the reverse scenario exist."
"In modern times, the half-dragon lineage is carried through a female half-dragon or a female Dragon mating with a male half-dragon. In the past, when the first ever Human male and Dragon female fell in love, their relationship violated strict social boundaries. Dragons and Humans were forbidden from interbreeding, prompting the couple to conceal their forbidden love when they discovered the female's pregnancy. They sought refuge in the wilderness, believing they could evade persecution by staying away from Dragon territories. Yet, their escape did not guarantee safety, as numerous forgotten creatures and mythical beings roamed the land."
"They soon encountered one such creature—a formidable adversary that posed a significant challenge, especially given the female's unwavering determination to protect her unborn child. Though the specifics of the battle remain unknown; it is known that they emerged victorious, overcoming the odds stacked against them. Months later, the female gave birth to a child who defied expectations. Rather than hatching from an egg, the child emerged as a Human infant, bearing unmistakable Draconic features—wings, horns, a tail, anda tail blade—a testament to their hybrid nature.
Elysia listened intently, her mind absorbing the complexities of her own origins. She nodded, acknowledging Cynder's words as she continued the tale.
"Humans possessed exceptional combat prowess, particularly when armed with weaponry. Dragons speculated that there was a unique bond between a Human and their chosen weapon, as if the weapon itself was an extension of their arm. The Human father taught his child the art of wielding a weapon, instilling within them a profound understanding of its usage. It was during this training that they discovered a half-dragon's ability to channel their elemental power, gained from their Draconic parent, through their weapon. The weapon became a conduit, allowing them to unleash their elemental abilities with precision."
Elysia's eyes widened with realization as she held her sword, her fingers tracing the intricate details of its craftsmanship. She could recall the prickling sensation that coursed through her when she first touched the blade—an undeniable connection that she now understood.
"And how is this sword mine?" she inquired, her gaze fixated on the weapon.
"From a young age, a half-dragon is taught by their Human parent—or in modern times, a half-dragon parent—to wield a specific weapon. Through extensive training and bonding, the weapon becomes attuned to the half-dragon, resonating with their elemental essence. When you touch the blade, you can feel the faint electric sparks that signify the bond between you and the weapon," Cynder explained.
Elysia's mind whirled with revelations. The sword she held was not just an ordinary weapon—it was a testament to her identity, a tangible link to her heritage. As the weight of her newfound knowledge settled upon her, doubts and uncertainties nagged at her, questioning the veracity of her reality.
Her attention shifted to her arm as Cynder drew her gaze to it. Silver scales, previously unnoticed, were slowly spreading across her skin. Elysia watched in awe as the shimmering scales reflected the light, transforming her arm into a testament of her Draconic lineage.
"As you spend more time in Avalar, your Draconic aspects will continue to manifest," Cynder elucidated. "The scales are just the beginning of the changes that lie ahead."
Overwhelmed, Elysia rubbed her temples, a dull ache pulsating behind her eyes. The weight of her newfound identity, the intricate history of Avalar, and the bewildering revelations threatened to engulf her. It was an immeasurable amount of information to process, and a surge of fatigue washed over her.
"I... I can't comprehend it all," Elysia admitted, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and exhaustion.
Cynder's laughter rang through the air, not mocking but understanding—a shared amusement in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Elysia couldn't help but join in, her laughter intermingling with the dragoness's as the absurdity of it all momentarily lifted the weight from her shoulders.
"Of course, it's a lot to take in," Cynder chuckled, her emerald eyes gleaming with understanding. "But fear not, we shall journey to the city of Warfang together. Perhaps along the way, you'll learn to spread your wings and take flight."
The mere suggestion of flying with her dormant wings stirred a mixture of excitement and trepidation within Elysia. The world before her was vast and unknown, brimming with possibilities and dangers. Yet, with Cynder as her guide, she felt a newfound sense of courage.
In spite of everything though, Elysia found herself burdened by another lingering question. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she voiced her concerns. "I am curious about something. How did you manage to reach Earth? How did we end up back here? And, more importantly, why did you choose to assume the role of a teacher?"
Without much hesitation, Cynder embarked on a comprehensive explanation. "It is widely believed that the universe encompasses numerous realms beyond the Dragon Realms. By harnessing the power of gemstones infused with magical energy, performing the correct ritual, and having knowledge of your intended destination—Earth, or as it is referred to here, Midgard—one can traverse anywhere effortlessly. However, the return journey can prove considerably more challenging, relying solely upon the innate magical energy of the chosen destination."
Elysia nodded in acknowledgment, her brow furrowing inquisitively. "So, how did you manage to bring both of us back? I assume it required an incredible amount of energy to transport both of us?"
"Indeed," Cynder affirmed, her head nodding in confirmation. "Yet, due to Midgard's inherent lack of magic, I required a greater number of gemstones. Once I determined that you were the individual I sought, I had to return here with the remnants of my supply in order to acquire a surplus amount for another trip to Midgard, along with a return journey for two."
"Ah, I see. That does make sense. But why assume the role of a teacher?"
A faint smile graced Cynder's lips. "Upon acclimating myself to the challenges of walking on two legs and the necessity of clothing, I swiftly discovered that, much like here, teachers on Midgard foster a close bond with their students. Consequently, I believed it to be the most effective means of getting close to you. And, thanks to your innate curiosity, it proved to be even more successful than I had anticipated."
"You anticipated that I would seek you out... didn't you?" Elysia slowly began to piece the puzzle together.
"Indeed. If you desire, I can tell you more of my experiences on Midgard during our travels," Cynder offered, hinting at a willingness to share more details.
EDIT 11/07/2023