This translation is based on the original work "Reincarnation" by MaKkaPaKka, first published on March 9, 2019.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to MaKkaPaKka for creating such a beautiful and moving story.
Translated by Whitewing Tenfeathers
7.3.2024
Chapter 1
This is the Sanctuary, a vast and boundless ocean, and the paradise of the dragon race. Mother told me that three hundred years ago, all dragons migrated here from the outside world and never left.
Here, waterfalls cascade from great heights. I often play the game of leaping over the falls with Windy, Meatpie, Hookwing, and Pypkakka. Here, colorful gems are embedded in the stone walls, twinkling like stars in the night sky. But even the most beautiful scenery eventually grows tiresome. I've always wanted to see the outside world, but Mother has never allowed it. Once, I snuck out, but I was caught before I could fly far and was locked in the darkroom for days.
"Why can't we leave the Sanctuary?" I asked.
Mother looked at me meaningfully, but I stubbornly stared back. She finally sighed in resignation.
"The outside world is too dangerous, Hill. Humans are not ready to accept the existence of dragons. We used to live in the outside world, but it was full of war, a war between dragons and humans. Except…" She paused.
"Except for what?" My intuition told me that Mother was hiding something important.
"It's nothing. You have to understand that although humans are weak, a dragon's breath can reduce them to ashes. But Odin is fair. He gave humans wisdom and creativity, but also an endless greed and darkness in their hearts, a darkness that can swallow even the most powerful dragon."
"Are all humans bad? But aren't there bad dragons too?"
"Yes… There are also kind humans… It's time for you to sleep, Hill."
I wanted to keep asking, but Mother seemed down. I could smell the faint sadness emanating from her, so I obediently went to sleep.
"Hey, Hill, it's patrol time!"
Pypkakka's two heads swayed in front of me, so excited they were almost intertwined.
"What patrol? You just want to go around and peep…" I grumbled, yawning.
As I left the cave, I saw Hookwing already waiting. How could these two dragons grow so big without sleeping? I couldn't help but look at my own thin body and sigh inwardly. I don't know what I encountered before coming to the Sanctuary, but now I am so small. Pypkakka and the others often laugh at me, saying that a shark could swallow me in one bite, and they call me "Sanctuary Fishbone." They're just kidding, of course. I am the strongest Night Fury in the dragon race, the second in the world after the Dragon King.
I followed behind Pypkakka, flying listlessly. Suddenly, I saw a black figure whizzing past. As if possessed, I turned and followed it. The two dragons flying sneakily in front of me didn't notice my departure.
It was the Dragon King.
I recognized his back.
The dragons all say that the King is arrogant and indifferent.
But I don't think it's arrogance, it's loneliness.
He is the most powerful dragon. He has the most exalted status, the most beautiful queen, and three outstanding sons. But he always gives me a sense of utter emptiness.