I was terrified.
My body was frozen in fear as I fall in mid-air seeing the dragon open its mouth. I could hear my heart beating in my chest. I closed my eyes and awaited my fate and the next thing I knew.
I was inside the dragon's mouth. I screamed as the dragon's teeth snapped shut around me. I felt its hot breath on my skin as I was engulfed in darkness. I was sure I was going to die.
However, I felt its tongue press against my body as it lifted me out of its mouth. The dragon holds me on its tongue and I don't know why. Do dragons usually eat their prayers? I'm scared but also curious why it hasn't killed me yet.
When the dragon landed, it spit me out. I lay there in shock, trying to comprehend what had just happened. I then realized that the dragon had just saved my life. I looked up at the massive creature. I could feel its kind gaze upon me. I slowly stood up, as the red dragon approached closer. I stood still not knowing what to do next when suddenly a voice call out through the forest.
"A DRAGON UP AHEAD!"
I quickly scrambled away, hiding in the shadows, and watched as the people ran toward the dragon in fear. I could feel the dragon's disappointment as it flew away. I watched it until it was out of sight, feeling grateful for its help yet saddened by its departure.
I stepped out of the shadows only to see the same adventurers as before. They looked at me in surprise, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Just then, the woman spoke out. "OH MY GOD, you're the same person we met before! What are you still doing here in the forest? Do you live around here or what?"
But I didn't answer. I froze in place, unable to answer her question. I just stared at her, my eyes wide with fear. The woman's expression changed, and she stepped back cautiously, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Hey! She asked you a question. What were you doing here?" The man in blue asked.
"Kareem! Don't say it like that! Can't you see she's having a panic attack?"
The old woman walked between them. "Now, folks. Let's not make things worse. Let's take a few deep breaths and calm down."
She put a hand on my shoulder and spoke softly, her voice a soothing balm in the chaos of the moment. "Now, tell me young girl; what are you doing here?"
Just like that, everything came to me; how I was summoned by the demon Lord, how he manipulated me for doing their bidding without understanding their plans, and how he abandoned me here in this strange world. I'm alone in this world and I don't know what to do or where to go. I'm scared and I don't know who to trust. I don't know how I'll find my way back home.
"HELP!" I scream. "I need your help! I'm lost and I can't find my way back home!"
"You're lost? Poor thing, they'll help you find your way home." The old woman said calmly.
"WHAT? But it's getting dark and we don't have time -"
"Kareem shut up! Don't talk to Elder like that!" The woman yelled.
A man in a red uniform patted my head. "Listen, girl, we are happy to help you whenever we can but it's getting late and we need to transport our minerals to the 'Adventurers Guild'."
A man in a black uniform nodded in agreement. "In the main time - you'll have to stay at the inn nearby. We'll check in on you tomorrow to see if you need any help."
I looked at them confused. "The inn?"
"Yes, the inn." The man in the black uniform said. "It's the safest place in town. You can get some rest there and we'll be back tomorrow."
I'm so grateful. My first thought was that I would sleep in the forest, but they offered to take me to the inn instead.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" I cried and bowed to them.
They all blushed and smiled, clearly moved by my words. I felt so lucky to have their support. I hugged each one of them, thanking them again and again.
"Stop it! It's what adventurers are for. Don't make this a big deal," one of them said. We all laughed and I knew they were right.
That's when I realized I still had my microphone and my magical lyrics book. I must have held them this entire time with an iron grip.
"Alright then gang, let's call it a night and take this young lady to the inn," the man in a red uniform said. "By the way, what is your name?"
"Oh, I'm Aimi Sasuki. What about you?"
He seemed surprised. "You don't know who I am?"
"No, I don't, I'm not from around here. Is it an unpleasant thing if I don't know you?"
"No, but my gang and I are kinda like celebrities around Mortha City. My name is Malachi, the top S+ adventurer. I am the leader of my group, and my class is barbarian (as you can tell from the color of my uniform and everything else). Everyone knows our names and respects us. We get all the best quests and rewards. Nich to met cha!"
Likewise, the young woman in green joins in. "And I'm Lara, also a top S+ adventurer. My class is Archers, and I'm proud of it. We work together and rely on each other to complete our quests. It's an honor to be part of this team."
The man in black steps in. "Hello, my name is Lawrence. As you can tell, I'm part of the S+ adventurer and my class is Rogue. I'm a master of disguise and specialize in infiltration. And that's all."
The man in blue smiled widely. "And lastly, I'm Kareem. My class is Mage and I specialize in spellcasting. I'm still an adventurer of the A+ rank, but I'm part of this team because their old member is quitting."
"Quitting?" I said confused.
"Well, not quite but retiring from adventuring." Coughed the old woman. "My name is Esmerelda and I've been an adventurer for most of my life. My class is a mage and I'm too old for this. Today was my last adventure. I'm done, I'm retiring. I'm off to go find a nice, quiet place to spend my last years in peace." She said, smiling fondly.
.
.
.
After hours of walking, we reached Mortha City. It was a sight to behold. The tall skyscrapers, the bustling streets, and the bright neon lights all combined to create a magical atmosphere.
There are still people walking around, enjoying their night out despite the late hour. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the bustling cityscape before me.
After a while, we finally reached the adventurer's guild. The building looks as if it's been there forever, with its tall stone walls and creaky wooden door. We stepped inside, and I was immediately hit by the smell of the dusty air and the sound of excited chatter.
We were met with a vibrant atmosphere filled with people of all shapes and sizes. I could feel the energy radiating from the room. All of them wore the same emblem on their chests; the symbol of a crossed sword and shield. They were also wearing the same uniform but it was clear that each uniform was tailored to fit the individual.
Suddenly, a voice came from the crowd. "It's the black dragons!"
They all turn us and cheer rising their beer bottles and horns in celebration. A wave of excitement swept through the tavern as they all began to chant the name of the black dragons. The night was filled with joy and revelry as they celebrated the return of their beloved heroes.
They waved and blushed when I turned to them. Everyone was beaming with happiness and that's when I knew their popularity came from their adventuring.
Soon we reach a middle-aged female receptionist. "Good evening, brave heroes. We have finally met again."
"Good evening, Mrs. Gertrude. It's been a long time since meeting you here. How's Doug doing?" Malachi said.
Mrs. Gertrude smiled and said, "He's doing well. He just finished his magic exam this month and was thinking of joining the guild."
Malachi chuckled and said, "That sounds like him. I'm glad he's doing well."
She laughed. "So, how many minerals have you collected this time?"
He smiled. "I got a few gems and some rare minerals. " Malachi put the bag of minerals on the table.
But Mrs. Gertrude raised an eyelid and smiled. "Oh? Is this how many you found?"
"Oh, who am I kidding? Of course not!"
Malachi signals his gang and they all pour thousands of dead corpses of mythical creatures, including the tusk-bear I saw earlier onto the floor.
The whole crowd celebrates as Malachi stands atop the pile of corpses of mythical creatures, including the bear-turk I saw earlier. He looks out at them and raises his hands in a triumphant gesture. The crowd roars in celebration, and Malachi takes a step back and looks at his gang. He grins at them, satisfied, and the celebration continues.
"THAT'S THE BLACK DRAGONS FOR YA!"
"THEY ARE ALWAYS SO STRONG!"
"THEY NEVER GIVE UP!"
"THEY ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST!"
As I stared at the animal corpses I was filled with a mix of horror and awe. I had never seen such a power display before.
"Amazing."
I felt a chill run down my spine; the sight was both beautiful and terrifying. Suddenly, I felt a hand pat on my shoulder.
"Oh yeah, can you offer this kid a room?" Kareem said. "She got lost in the forest and couldn't find her way home."
She looked at Kareem with a concerned expression. "Of course," she said, "we can't leave her out there all alone. Come in, my dear," she said, smiling at the girl. "You can stay here as long as you need to."
"But what about the money? Who's paying for the room?" I asked. "Do I have to pay my own inn?"
The old woman shook her head. "No, do not worry about the money. We will pay for the room."
Mrs. Gertrude put her arm around me and guided me to the hallway. "We will take care of you," she said.
I was relieved to hear her words. I thanked Mrs. Gertrude for her generosity and followed her down the hallway. She opened the door to a room and said, "This will be your home for the time being."
The room was small but cozy. I smiled and nodded, feeling calm wash over me. It was nice of the adventurers to pay me a place to stay, and I was grateful.
"Tell them I say thank you," I said.
Mrs. Gertrude nodded before closing the door behind her.
I settled down on the bed and looked around the room. I put down the book and my microphone and lay on my bed. I can't believe I'm staying here tonight.
I wish I was back home.
As I closed my eyes, I drifted off to sleep.