Chapter 10 The Jian
Damian's POV
The next day at school, I was in class listening to my teacher give out an assignment.
"I want you to write a short essay about a mythological creature", they revealed. "In your essay, you must explain the history of the creature, and why you chose the to write about it."
...
Durning lunch break, I was looking though books in the library.
"Hey there, Damian", Raven greeted as she walked up to me. "Looks like you got here before me for once."
"My class let out a little early, and I wanted to get to the library so I could find a book for my assignment."
"What's your assignment", Raven asked.
"I must write an essay about a mythological creature", I replied. "I must write about its origins, and what made me decide to write about it."
"You get to write about a mythological creature", Raven asked. "That sounds like fun."
"You think so", I asked.
"Well, I'd find it fun", Raven replied. "I'm actually a big fan of mythological creatures, and mythology in general."
"You are", I asked. "In that case, perhaps you can help with my assignment?"
"Me", Raven asked.
"That's right", I replied. "Tell me, what's your favorite mythological creature?"
"What's my favorite mythological creature? Let's me think?"
After saying this, Raven thought for a moment.
"I know", she said when she had thought of something. "Have you ever heard of the Jian?"
"The Jian", I asked.
"It's a bird from Chinese mythology", Raven revealed. "It only has one wing, and in order to fly, it needs to pair up with another Jian of the opposite gender. Only when the two are together can they fly."
"Is that so", I said. "To be honest, that sounds pitiful to me."
"Pitiful", Raven asked.
"Think of it", I started. "If a bird cannot fly, they cannot live. Therefore, if the Jian doesn't find a partner, then they will most likely perish."
"Huh", Raven said. "When you put it that way, it actually sounds kind of sad. I've actually feel the opposite. I've always found the story of the Jian to be somewhat beautiful."
"Beautiful", I asked in confusion.
"I guess…I just like the idea of having someone out there that's made for you", Raven replied. "Kind of like a soulmate."
"A soulmate", I repeated in amusement. "How romantic of you, Raven. I didn't think you were the type."
"Just because I don't look like it doesn't mean that I'm not", Raven stated. "Anyway, I'm gonna go eat. You joining me?"
"Yeah, I'm coming", I replied.
Then, I followed Raven to our usual table, while thinking about her words.
The Next Day
"Afternoon, Raven", I greeted as I sat next to her at our usual table.
"Hey, Damian", she greeted.
Then, I took out some paper from my bag and passed it over to her.
"What's this", she asked.
"It's a first draft for my assignment I told you about yesterday", I revealed. "I used the conversation we had as a basis for it, so I wanted you to read it and tell me what you think."
"Let me take a look, then", Raven said.
Then, she took the papers from me and read through them. When she was done, a small smile came to her face.
"Since you're smiling, I'm assuming that you liked it", I asked.
"I did", Raven replied. "I liked that you used the debate we had yesterday."
"I found it interesting that two people could view the same myth in completely different ways", I revealed. "So I decided to use it in my essay."
After I said this, I took another piece of paper out of my backpack.
"I also drew this", I revealed.
I then passed Raven my drawing, which was of a pair of Jian flying together.
When Raven saw it, she smiled again, before looking at me.
"You said that you found the story of the Jian pitiful", she reminded me. "But this drawing shows them in a positive light."
"That's the thing about drawing", I started. "It allows you to see things from a different perspective."