Ancient halls shook with stillness within the temple. The close, constrictive chamber they had tucked themselves away in after the adventure with the ghostly dragon was cooler, scented with aged stone and the faintly glowing moss clinging to the walls.
Shiro had burrowed into Kaito's lap, its silver-blue scales shimmering softly in the dim light. It had grown slightly larger since it had entered the temple, its wings curling around its small frame as it dozed.
Kaito stroked the dragon's head with a distracted touch, his thoughts heavy with the weight of the spectral dragon's words.
An Ancient Pact
"That. was no ordinary guardian," Ayame said, breaking the silence. She sat cross-legged on the floor, her staff rested across her knees.
"Obviously," Daichi replied, leant against the wall, sharpening his daggers. "It practically screamed 'otherworldly magic.'"
Ayame glared at him but continued. "This temple was once a haven for the Order of the Draconic Accord—a group of monks who revered dragons and served as their stewards. If the guardian recognized Shiro and Kaito, it means their bond isn't ordinary either. This is destiny."
Across the room, sitting, Kaede tightened her grip on the worn leather pendant that hung around her neck. Her eyes flickered with concern. "Destiny or not, the empire won't wait for us to figure it out. They'll be planning their next move already."
Kaito looked down at Shiro, who stirred in its sleep. The dragon let out a low growl, claws twitching as though caught in a dream. He could feel its presence deeper now, like a thin connection tugging at the edges of his mind.
"Then we train," Kaito said resolutely, his eyes rising to the group. "If I'm meant to take this sword and bond with Shiro, I need to be prepared for what's to come. We all do."
.
Ayame nodded. "The temple holds knowledge we may use. I can feel it. We'll start tomorrow."
.
Secrets of the Temple
Deeper into the temple, the next morning, took them down hallways that were heavily engraved with carvings and murals. Throughout these carvings and murals, dragons of all shapes and sizes intertwined in symbolic gestures with warriors, priests, and scholars alike. Shiro darted ahead, the leader of their little group, sniffing against the walls as though it understood the history they told.
"This place is like a library carved in stone," Ayame breathed, her fingers tracing an intricate mural of a curled dragon coiled around an orb of light. "Every carving tells a story."
Daichi grunted. "Let's hope one of those stories includes how to take down an army."
As they ventured into the central chamber, they found a great stone pedestal at the center with a line of runes etched into its face. Shiro hopped onto the pedestal, its scales glowing dimly in response to the runes.
"It's reacting," Kaede whispered.
Ayame stepped closer, peering into the markings. "These runes. they're instructions. A guide to forming a deeper bond between a dragon and its chosen. But the text is incomplete."
A low rumble emitted from Shiro, his wings flaring slightly as if understanding Ayame's words.
"What do we do?" Kaito asked, stepping forward.
Ayame wavered. "There is only one way to find out. Place your hand on the pedestal, Kaito. Let the temple guide you.
Kaito breathed deeply and laid his hand on the cool stone. The runes flared to life in an instant, coursing a surge of energy through him. Images flooded his mind of dragons soaring across the sky, their riders brandishing weapons that glowed with elemental power. He watched himself standing among them, Kagekiri in one hand, Shiro perched on his shoulder.
As the vision faded, Kaito was left staggering backward, gasping.
Shiro let out a happy chirp and leapt into his arms, its eyes aglow brightly.
"What happened?" Kaede asked, rushing to his side.
"I. I saw something," Kaito said, his voice shaking. "A future where Shiro and I fight together. But it felt so real, like it's something I have to make happen.
Ayame nodded solemnly. "The bond between a dragon and his chosen is strong. If you fortify it, Kaito, you and Shiro could be a force to contend with."
The Empire's Schemes
At the forest's edge, Commander Tsukasa stood before a huge tent full of imperial officers. A detailed map of the region lay on a large piece of wood across the table, highlighting the temple and the vicinity.
Reports confirm the boy and the dragon are inside," Tsukasa said, his voice cold and commanding. "They've found something-something very, very old and powerful. We can't afford to let them get away."
An officer came forward, bowing. "Our forces are ready, Commander. But the temple is heavily fortified by nature itself. It will take some time to breach.
Tsukasa's stare turned cold. "Then we will not waste that time. Send out scouts to chart every probable route to the temple. I do not want surprises when we attack."
Another officer did speak but very irresolutely. "Commander, there are murmurs. men talking of the boy wielding the Shadowcutter. They said the blade has awakened."
Tsukasa's mouth curled into a slight smile. "Good. Let them fear him. It will make our victory all the more satisfying when I bring both the blade and the dragon to the emperor."
Trial by Fire
Back at the temple, Kaito and Shiro started training. Ayame taught Kaito methods to harness his bond with the dragon, while Daichi drilled him in swordplay. Kaede joined in also, her crossbow ready, as she gave supporting fire while Kaito sparred against an illusionary foe provided by Ayame's magic.
Shiro proved to be more than just a simple companion within a very short period of time. The dragon's natural agility, combined with a burst of elemental light, would turn the tide in every practice bout. As the bond between Kaito and Shiro grew stronger, so did their coordination. It was as if they could sense each other's thoughts, moving in perfect harmony.
"Again!" Daichi barked, tossing a dagger toward Kaito.
Kaito deflected it with a swift slash of Kagekiri, the blade glowing faintly in his hands. Shiro darted forward, unleashing a burst of light that dissolved the illusionary enemies surrounding them.
"Not bad, kid," Daichi said, smirking. "You're starting to look like a real fighter."
Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow, smiling faintly. "It's all thanks to Shiro."
The dragon chirped in agreement, nuzzling against his cheek.
The Calm Before the Storm
That evening, the group gathered around a small fire in one of the temple's chambers. The atmosphere was tense but hopeful.
"We've made progress," Ayame said, her voice steady. "But it won't be enough if the empire attacks."
"They'll come," Kaede said, her expression grim. "It's only a matter of time."
Kaito glanced at Shiro, who was curled up by the fire, its breathing slow and even. He reached out to stroke the dragon's scales, feeling a deep sense of purpose.
"Let them come," he said quietly. "We'll be ready."
While the fire crackled and the night deepened, their greatest challenge was yet to come, the group knew. Still, with Shiro by their side, with the bond between Kaito and the dragon growing stronger every day, a glimmer of hope could be seen.
Far away, the imperial forces prepared to strike, but they could never have guessed that in this faraway temple, a young boy and his dragon were forging a bond to change the course of the empire's fate.
To be continued…