I was training alone outside the training room, where l caught a glimpse of someone stalking me. I don't think it was Ken because l heard his voice inside, Iris wouldn't bother glaring at me without me noticing, she would make it obvious. Then who could...
"Blake!" I yelled.
"Whaw! Uh... Er.... It isn't me, it was Arthur." He panicked running around in circles.
He was terrified from a single shout, this guy wasn't taking anything seriously. Do l even look that scary or horrific to him that he's afraid to even greet me? Nope, that's his problem. But l didn't want him to be scared of me, so l came with a simple conclusion.
"What's good, Blake. Want to train till you bleed out?" I calmly asked scrunching my face. That should probably give him confidence in engaging with me.
"B... bleed... Out? Noooo, l don't wanna die." He yelled, fainting on the spot.
"It was a metaphor, you punk."
What does one need to overcome anxiety, l never grew up with anxiety, l was born in a family that loved talking so much that l grew liking talking to others. It's a type of thing kids adopt watching their parents everyday, some cases could be lack of outside activities, either the two. Blake probably wasn't an outside guy, that's sad for his age.
The only thing l knew about him was: he lives around the river bank. Born without siblings. His parents were hard working that they rarely found time watching over him, which led Ken taking him as his student.
After that, l know nothing else. Talking about it could build his confidence around me, l want to be the kind friend that helps others overcome their weakness.
"Hey Blake, let's sit down and chat will ya'? I breathed, stretching out my hand to lift him from the ground.
"A-alright... Thank you..." He replied, accepting my hand.
I can't immediately ask why he's so sacred, starting slow could build up something within him, " what's your favourite animal?" I asked, " my favourite animal is an eagle."
That question seemed to brighten him a bit, his eyes widened and let out a faint smile, "my favourite animal... It's a dragon." He murmured.
"Whoah, dragons? That's a great choice, l always wanted to see a dragon in person." I added, widening my smile.
"Right!? The only reason l decided to train alongside Ken was to some day see a dragon. It has been my dream since l was three."
His driving passion is meeting a dragon? I can't say they don't exist, this world is packed with the unknown. The impossible in my world could be possible in this world. Not going to lie, l always wanted to see a dragon even once before l die, they were the definition of mystical creatures.
"Say Blake, where did you hear about em'? Please tell me more, l'm hyped about what you're going to say.
"Huh?"
His faint smile begun appearing slowly till it was a wide one, his eyes sparkled in amusement. Dragons must've been his favourite animal to talk about, maybe he's looking for someone to talk about it, l'm glad l could be the one.
"Right, right!"
Blake said he read a book called 'The morning sun' it's a tale about a lone dragon that travelled across multiple regions, it wasn't any ordinary dragon like the ones that hunt, and kill other living beings, this dragon was known as a saviour. It was a bright yellow dragon, with two wings, and smooth body. It was a joyful one behind its ferocious look.
Legends say, it fought the 'war dragon' that purged an entire kingdom, people were enslaved as it spread darkness. Over seventy percent of the world's population were under its commands. Warriors from different countries would challenge this beast with all their might, every single one of them failed, they were either forced to slavery or crushed alive. People found it hopeless that a hero even exists, they stopped believing being saved.
The 'war dragon' was twice the size of Fungi Royal Castle, it's black and grey body represented hatred and darkness. Until one day...
There came a time when the sun rose, it wasn't like any other day, the sensation towards this rising sun was surreal. High in the sky, someone spotted something soaring the skies. It was bright, flapping its wings as it travelled at sonic speed, it made a sound. The sound was calm, relaxing like being in mystical fountain.
Then, appearing infront of those enslaved was the 'the morning sun' in the flash. Its presence alone brighten up the entire place, people's emotions were shifted, their freedom were brought to light. They were in tears, happy, until darkness spread throughout the place. The war dragon appeared ready for a fight, the morning sun accepted the challenge and went toe-to-toe with the most ferocious being, the battle was intense, people's bets were on the morning sun. What felt like forever, the human race was saved as the morning sun triumph.
"That's when it received the title of 'Hero' till this day, no one has reached that type of flow. Even Dante, the world's champion." He added, his eyes widened with excitement.
"This morning sun sounds like a true warrior, l'm hooked."
"Indeed. That's why... I... Mmm."
"That's why, what?"
"That's the reason l'm training so hard, to one day witness the morning sun in action. I want to see it and talk to it, that's my dream!"
"Whoah! That's a weird dream..."
"My parents said l'm not realistic, but l thought... you of all people, might... you know." He whispered weakly.
Really? Some parents. A kid being so energetic and excited to one day being able to see the dragon he longed wished to meet, l don't think one's goal has to sound realistic or unrealistic, as long as it makes them happy, that's all that matters.
"Your dream doesn't need realism. People shouldn't try to change what you desire, it isn't their life but yours. Choose what you want, don't allow strangers to judge you."
"Arthur..."
"If it makes you feel better, l don't mind tagging along your quest. I also wish to meet the hero that saved many."
"Mmmm... Ahhhh... Whaw! I appreciate it, thank you!" He teared up.
"There is no need to cry you baby! Oh brother, kids annoy me."
I think l cheered him up a little, he seems confident to even hug me, please leave me. Can't believe simple words moved him, and it also moved me as well hearing the story about a hero that saved humanity from endless slavery, history sounds rich in this world, the dangers they face are found from the existence of unknown, mystical beings like dragon's. What else could the world have in store? Honestly, this whole slavery thing existing in this world shows that hatred never stops no matter the place you find yourself in. What is the best solution to ending everlasting hatred? Human emotions cannot simply be adjusted by mere words, what if l take action...
What am l saying.
After learning how to wield a sword, l'm getting full of myself. That's being too prideful.
"Say Blake, mind telling me the tru-"
"Blake! Come here you cry baby."
"Ahhhh... A monster!"
"Come on! Can't l have a moment of peace."
There goes my moment of joy, why did Iris randomly show up and start scaring Blake? This girl has no peace. Blake begun going insane and starting running around, Iris followed him holding a spider on her hand. It was embarrassing, then Blake stopped and dashed towards the forest, did he really think the horror would stop there.
"I'm coming for you!" Iris growled.
"No! Leave me alone." Blake replied in fear.
I feel like the adult of the group, it's my job to stop these two from fighting with each other. Well, technically, stopping Iris from scaring the crap out of Blake, she was the trouble maker, almost like the last born.
Then again, l never had siblings, so there was no point in stating that fast. What do you guys say?
"Hey, Arthur."
"Ken. What do you want?" I replied feeling annoyed.
"Please go after those two, they might end up lost. So get them before sun set." He requested folding his arms.
"Er... Right..."
Ken had to ruin the moment l longed for, l was going to do it wi
thout you saying it, thank you. He must really be fun at parties.
Oh well.
It's my job to catch those kids.