The night was silent at the temple, and yet a current of unease stirred. Outside, the moon hung low over the mountains, spilling pale light across rugged terrain; inside, the few huddled near the fire, their faces lost to private fancies.
Kaito sat cross-legged with Shiro perched on his lap, the dragon's scales glimmering faintly. He could feel their bond strengthening, a warm, steady pulse at the edge of his consciousness. But the memory of the spectral dragon's warning lingered, a shadow that refused to lift.
The Empire's Advance
Far to the west, Commander Tsukasa stood at the edge of a roaring campfire, the faces of his officers illuminated by flickering flames. Before them, an imperial scout knelt, mud streaking his uniform.
"We've found the eastern pass," the scout reported, his voice trembling. "It's narrow and treacherous, but it will take us directly to the temple's outer boundary."
Tsukasa smiled coldly, his gauntleted hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Good. We'll send a detachment to secure it at dawn. The boy and the dragon won't escape this time."
An officer stepped forward, bowing low. "Commander, what of the temple's defenses? The terrain alone is challenging, and we've seen signs of ancient wards guarding its interior."
Tsukasa's eyes narrowed. "We are the empire. No ward, no terrain, and no boy will stand in our way. The emperor demands the dragon, and I will deliver it-along with the Shadowcutter."
He turned back to the scout. "Double the watch on the camp. I don't want that boy or his allies interfering before we strike."
"Yes, Commander," the scout replied, retreating quickly.
Tsukasa's gaze fell upon the mountains, distant, yet almost tangible with the ancient power emanating from the temple, a tantalizing prize promising to solidify his position in the emperor's favor.
Preparations at the Temple
Inside, meanwhile, the Temple: Ayame poured her mind over a forgotten book she had found somewhere among the library shelves. It had worn pages covered by runes and illustrations of dragons, their riders, and how it bonded them together.
"This book," she mumbled, furrowing her brows. "It's incomplete, but it contains the rites one will go through in performing Draconic Rite; to stabilize it-if done between Kaito and Shiro, it could liberate their full potential."
Kaito looked up from where he was sparring with Daichi. "What kind of ritual?"
"It involves fire," Ayame said, turning the page. "And an ancient altar in the heart of the temple. The flames will test both the rider and the dragon. If you pass, your connection will become unbreakable. But if you fail."
She trailed off, her expression grim.
"Let me guess," Daichi said, smirking. "You die.
Ayame shot him a glare. "It's not a laughing matter, Daichi. The ritual is dangerous."
Kaito straightened, mopping the sweat from his brow. "If it means being strong enough to face the empire, I'll do it."
Kaede scowled at him, folding her arms. "You're too quick to dive headfirst into danger, Kaito. This isn't just a matter of strengths. If you died, you will leave the rest of us open to attack.
"It's not just about us," Kaito replied, meeting her gaze. "The empire isn't going to stop. If Shiro and I don't do this, they'll destroy everything in their path to get what they want."
Kaede sighed but didn't argue further. She knew he was right.
The Heart of the Temple
Following the translations given by Ayame, they pressed deeper into the temple past crumbling corridors and ancient carvings, with Shiro flitting ahead and its glowing scales illuminating the path.
At last, they reached the center of the temple. The room was huge and in a circle, with a massive stone altar at its core. Torches lined its walls, their flames fluttering in unnatural gusts of air. Above the altar towered a massive dragon carving, its eyes set with glinting gemstones which seemed to follow their every move.
"This is it," Ayame said, her voice hushed. "The altar of the Draconic Rite.
Kaito stepped forward, his grip tightening on Kagekiri. Shiro landed on the altar, letting out a low rumble as its claws scraped against the stone.
"What do I have to do?" Kaito asked.
Ayame scanned the runes carved into the altar. "Place Kagekiri on the stone and kneel beside Shiro. The flames will ignite on their own. You must remain still and endure whatever comes."
"Sounds easy enough," Daichi muttered sarcastically.
"It's not," Ayame snapped. "The flames will test your will, your bond, and your resolve. If you falter, the fire will consume you both."
Kaito nodded. "I'm ready."
Kaede stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. "Be careful."
"I will," he promised.
Taking a deep breath, Kaito laid Kagekiri on the altar and knelt beside Shiro. The dragon turned to him, its bright eyes meeting his. A silent understanding passed between them.
As Kaito closed his eyes, the torches around the room flared, their flames growing brighter and hotter.
A ring of fire erupted around the altar, engulfing both Kaito and Shiro in a searing inferno.
The Trial
The fire wasn't just heat—it was memory, emotion, and pain. Kaito's mind was flooded with visions of his past: his village in flames, the faces of loved ones lost, the crushing guilt of survival.
In the middle of chaos, one voice spoke out.
"Why do you fight?"
Opening his eyes, Kaito felt himself standing in some kind of void. And before him was a towering dragon: its body made of glittering gold lights.
"Because I must," he replied, his tone unwavering. "To fight for family and friends; to thwart the empire."
Narrowed, the great dragon watched him. "What are you willing to sacrifice for such a cause? Your life? Your humanity?"
Kaito paused, and the weight descended upon him.
Shiro appeared at his side and nuzzled against him. Its presence comforted him, reminding him that he was not really alone.
"I'll let go of whatever it costs," Kaito placed a firm hand on Shiro's head, "but I'll never let go of what makes me, me. That is, so long as Shiro and my friends have my back.
The dragon let out a deafening roar, and the flames around them exploded outward.
A New Power
When the fire subsided, Kaito and Shiro stood unscathed. Kagekiri glowed with a brilliant blue light, its blade humming with newfound power. Shiro's scales shimmered like liquid silver, its wings larger and more defined.
Ayame stepped forward, awe in her eyes. "You did it."
Kaito lifted Kagekiri, feeling its energy course through him. He looked at Shiro, who let out a triumphant cry. Their bond had been tested and forged anew.
The Empire Strikes
As the group returned to the temple's main chamber, the ground shook beneath their feet.
"They're here," Kaede said, her voice tight.
From the upper windows, they saw the imperial forces advancing through the forest, their torches like a river of fire.
Kaito clutched Kagekiri tight, Shiro perched on his shoulder. "Then let's make our stand."
To be continued...