Dragonsoul

© 2011 by Kendal Prill. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 08/23/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4567-9529-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-9528-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-9527-6 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011915238

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

CHAPTER 1

THE CHASE TO THE BEGINNING

CHAPTER 2

MEMORIES OF THE ACCIDENT

CHAPTER 3

THE DEAL

CHAPTER 4

KELPT CITY

CHAPTER 5

THE SHOWDOWN

CHAPTER 6

LEAVING FOREX

CHAPTER 7

THE ELEMENTS

CHAPTER 8

AUDITIONING AS A THIEF

CHAPTER 9

A GLIMPSE OF EVIL

CHAPTER 10

THE ARACNACATORS NEST

CHAPTER 11

SHAMIA THE ELF

CHAPTER 12

TRAINING BEGINS

CHAPTER 13

AN ATTACK ON THE NEST

CHAPTER 14

THE VILLAGE SLEVERTY

CHAPTER 15

WHERE THE JOURNEY MUST DIVIDE

CHAPTER 16

RESCUING THE ELVES OF LIGHT

CHAPTER 17

TWO BATTLES BEGIN

CHAPTER 18

A HAND FROM THE SKIES

CHAPTER 19

THE ELVES OF THE WOODLANDS

CHAPTER 20

DISAPPEARING INTO THE UNDERWORLD

CHAPTER 21

THE KING OF THE UNDERWORLD

CHAPTER 22

THE ESCAPE

CHAPTER 23

THE TEMPLE SIEGE

CHAPTER 24

INTERROGATION

CHAPTER 25

THE DARK SIDE OF A HEROINE

CHAPTER 26

THE ANCIENT RACE

CHAPTER 27

A POTIONS MASTER

CHAPTER 28

THE CANYON RACE

CHAPTER 29

THE UNDERGROUND EMBASSY

CHAPTER 30

THE DARKNESS LUNGES FORWARD

CHAPTER 31

LOSING HOPE

CHAPTER 32

AN ATTEMPTED RESCUE

CHAPTER 33

THE LAST ARM OF THE DEALERS

OF DARKNESS

CHAPTER 34

THE PURE RACE

CHAPTER 35

DORIAN THE CALCTER

CHAPTER 36

THE ORACLE

CHAPTER 37

THE GHOST LEFT BEHIND

CHAPTER 38

THE NIGHT THEY CAME

CHAPTER 39

A FAREWELL TO MICHELLE AND

HELEN PANSTER

CHAPTER 40

TWO DAYS AND NIGHTS OF MOURNING

CHAPTER 41

A DECISION

CHAPTER 42

THE ANCIENT DRAGONS

CHAPTER 43

THE FATES

CHAPTER 44

LIGHTNING’S DEFIANCE

CHAPTER 45

ONE HEROINE IS LOST IN THE WAR

CHAPTER 46

THE DRAGON BONEYARD

CHAPTER 47

A BROTHER FOUND

CHAPTER 48

THE MANSION UNDER THE SWAMP

CHAPTER 49

SOARA AND KOARA

CHAPTER 50

A VENTURE INSIDE THE MIND

CHAPTER 51

A SECOND CHANCE

CHAPTER 52

THE LIGHT CRYSTAL STAFF

CHAPTER 53

THE ORDER OF NOBLE MEN

CHAPTER 54

COIN SPELL

CHAPTER 55

SECRETS

CHAPTER 56

A NEW BEGINNING

CHAPTER 57

THE DARKNESS UNLEASHES

CHAPTER 58

A DROP OF LIGHT IN AN OCEAN

OF DARKNESS

CHAPTER 59

LUTOYIA’S PLAN

CHAPTER 60

THE BOARD IS SET

CHAPTER 61

THE FINAL BATTLE TO THE GRAND WAR

CHAPTER 62

FAREWELL TO THE PAST

CHAPTER 1

THE CHASE TO THE BEGINNING

Splash… splash! came the sounds of two feet dashing through puddles on a muddy path. The heavy breathing of a girl, with terrified eyes and a racing heartbeat dashed along beside a forest of trees.

Come on! She went this way! came the shouts of teens running shortly behind her. The girl looked behind her and turned off the path into the forest and the clouds of green leaves that it withheld. Looking around frantically for her salvation, she spotted a tree and jumped onto the trunk climbing all of the way to a high branch. Bright green leaves sheltered her; trampling of footsteps came and she watched as a group of kids, she had known all too well, crowded on the ground below her.

Which way did she go? a smaller girl, who she recognized as Josephine, asked.

I do not know. It is as if she vanished. Maybe we should split up and track her down? The others nodded in agreement with their group leader, Harold, and they split into groups of two and vanished. The girl sat on the branch and calmed her breathing. When all that filled her ears were the sounds of birds chirping, she climbed down a couple of branches and jumped to the ground. The girl ran across the soft black soil sprinkled with patches of grass of the forest floor, darting in between the trees until she had reached the slender muddy path again. She stopped to let her legs rest for only a second, but was not afforded the time for shouts and voices of the ones she was running from grew louder; instinctively she swallowed the pain in her lungs and sprinted back down the path, just like she had done many times before.

Her chest heaved as she made it into the city, Forex that she called home, and decided to take the back alley on the right side of the gated entrance into the city. The alley was a place between towering white walls and the white stone building she slid her back along. Quickly she hid herself behind the corner of the building and waited, taking in air to fill her pained lungs. The city stood very tall, surrounded protectively by towering smooth, white, stone walls that created the safe haven for people inside. Her body rested against the stone building as her breathing started to calm. Peeking around the corner, she looked into the street for the group of kids hunting her. There was no sign of the group, just people pushing carts and moving in and out of the city gates. She slid down against the wall and rested her feet.

Crash! Startled, her eyes peered around the corner and saw the childish hunters pulling a boy from the mess of a fallen cart; fruit and bread were scattered over the dirt road.

We are very sorry sir, but we are trying to find Lutoyia Black, have you seen her? Black hair, our height, tanned skin. Bobby, another boy of the hunting group asked.

No I have not seen her. You best be leaving the freak alone, and help me clean up this mess, so I can trade for Forex. the merchant commanded. The teenagers nodded in their disappointment and began collecting the contents and placing them back in the cart. Lutoyia stood up and slipped down the alley.

Halfway down the alley she climbed onto a disposer box, lifted herself up onto the roof of the bakery shop, and sauntered over to the right back corner, which was not accessible by the alley. She leaped from the roof, onto the ground, and shifted her head in the direction of the opened door. A slightly older boy that had been working at the table jumped, his hand jerked and knocked the pan of dough onto the floor. Lutoyia stood up slowly and walked into the bakery. The back room was a mid-sized room with a stone built fire oven in one corner, a beige colored rock floor that had collected the dust of the flour, shelves lining the back wall with a variety of ingredients and then an open door to the front of the bakery.

Lutoyia, he huffed. You have got to stop jumping from the roof. You can use the front door you know. She picked the pan and the dough up, and handed it to him. The nineteen cycle old boy was only a few inches taller than Lutoyia, and was capped with two tone blonde and brown hair, smooth soft tanned skin, soft brown eyes, a small rounded nose, thin pale pink lips, and a body build of an athlete.

I know. she replied. He looked at her for a second, with his brown eyes.

Were they chasing you again? he asked. Her eyes glanced back at him blankly. How far did you take them this time? he smiled.

Burlow forest. she smirked. Can I help with something? The man stood up and shook his head.

No, Mr. Gudger is going to be back from his afternoon drink, and you know how he does not like anyone but his hired help to touch the dough. Lutoyia nodded, as he took the pan of dough and stuck it in the fire oven. His eyes turned over to Lutoyia who was mouthing the names of the ingredients on the shelf. Hey, I am out of here at sunset. Where do you think I can find you? Lutoyia kept facing the shelf.

Um… I do not know. I will probably be running one of the alleys, so you can check there. she replied.

Okay. he nodded, taking a sack of flour and spread some of the ingredient out over the table; Lutoyia turned to the door. I will see you later then.

See you Damian. she said, as she stepped outside the door and disappeared around the corner walking toward the main street. Damian came to the door.

Lutoyia. he called; her head turned to him. His hand cupped over his mouth and then slid off his face to his side. Be careful. She nodded, and Damian returned to the kitchen, as Lutoyia made her way onto the main street. The street was teaming with business of the shops and people of Forex. Lutoyia scanned the street for any of the bullies chasing her; thankfully, there were none.

Calmly she walked down the street and turned into a bookshop. Inside was dim and a thick layer of dust coated everything inside. Sitting behind the front desk there was a very old, small woman reading a book. Long grey hair cascaded down the sides of her wilting face. Hello there. Can I help you with something? she asked in a creaky voice.

No. No I am just looking. Thank you. Lutoyia said sweetly with a smile. The old woman returned to reading her book and Lutoyia went down an aisle of books. Her eyes raked the names and her fingers danced along the spines. One of the books her fingers tapped had followed her finger, sliding out from the shelf a little ways. Lutoyia stopped and pushed the book back into the shelf, suspiciously, and thought no more of what had happened.

Finally, she found one that interested her. She retreated to the back, sat down in a feather-cushioned chair and began reading. After a couple of hours, she finished the book, returned it to its home and left the store. Outside she spotted the gang of her pursuers coming down the street. Sprinting across the street, she dodged into the alley, ran down to the end, and turned onto another street. There was a dark alley behind the last stretch of shops, of the city, and Lutoyia jumped into it. A ragged old ladder stood hidden against the back of the shop buildings until Lutoyia picked it up, leaned it against the city walls, and climbed into a hollow opening in the city wall.

She lay down on her belly, and looked out into the wild forests and mountains outside the city. The city walls were built at two sharp angles joining at the center, so that nothing could climb the stone walls, or land on the wall without sliding off. The sun was setting and she took some of the rocks lying beside her and threw them out onto the ground below. With each throw, Lutoyia got angrier and angrier. A single tear fell onto her cheek as her arm sent another rock flying. She paused, clutching the last rock in her hand. She threw it finally, watching as it soared through the air, plummeting to the ground.

The ladder behind her started to jerk and Damian appeared in the wall opening. Hey, he said. I thought I would find you up here. He stretched out his legs and lay down beside her.

How was work? she asked.

Work is work. Mr. Gudger came back drunk from the local pub, so I had to do more of the afternoon work. he explained. What did you do?

"The usual. I went to the bookshop and read a book on the Advanced Plant." she recalled.

Did you finish it? he asked. He turned his head to look at her; she was staring out at the open sky.

Yeah. she sighed.

How do you read an entire book in one sitting? he questioned. She turned her head and rested it on her arms.

I do not know. My eyes seem to be able to read an entire page in a single instant and my mind memorizes it as I go. she explained.

Damian sighed. That is not what I was getting at.

I know. I was. What good is knowledge, if there is no one who wants to hear it from me? she asked.

I want to. he answered. Lutoyia turned her head back to the forest.

I know you want to, to be nice, but that is because you are my friend. she retorted. Damian lowered his head and bit his lip.

Yeah, I am your friend. he said emptily.

You know what I want to do? Lutoyia asked sitting up.

What? Damian asked.

I want to run. I just want to run as far as I can. Lutoyia announced. Damian looked at her with confusion.

Where would you go? Damian questioned.

I do not know. Farther than I have ever been. I want to see what is beyond that forest. she explained.

You are running away from them, when will you face them? Damian pointed out. Lutoyia’s head turned slightly to look at him and then back to the sky.

I am not running from them… maybe I am running toward something else. she said, giving into him.

Damian nodded slowly. Okay. he added.

It is just… I do not feel like I belong here. Lutoyia stated slowly.

Why? he asked.

Because, all of my life I have never really fit in with anyone here. I have been called a freak because I can run faster than most, and I do things that I cannot explain. It just feels like there is somewhere out there that I should be. Lutoyia said longingly.

Do you have an idea of where this place is? Damian asked.

Not really. I have had dreams about flying over lakes and running through forests that I have never seen before. Lutoyia recalled. The sun slowly fell behind the horizon and the glowing lights, of the city, lit up. Lutoyia turned her body to look into the city. I think I better head home, before the night group comes to find me.

Can I walk you home to make sure they do not? Damian offered.

Are you sure you want to? You are still liked by the many of them. Lutoyia protested. Damian nodded and he started down the ladder—Lutoyia climbed down after him and they walked along the street back to her house.

So what are you going to do tomorrow? Damian wondered.

I do not know. Play some more games with my hunters. Lutoyia smiled. Damian returned her smile and looked ahead at the dim street in front of them. I know you have to work tomorrow.

Yeah, Damian confirmed. I wish I did not have to work all day for so long at a time. Lutoyia nodded and they turned down a smaller street of houses. They were silent the rest of the walk down the street, and around the corner to Lutoyia’s house. Lutoyia did a small hop to snatch a key out of the box, on the roof, and she opened the door. It was dark inside and she placed the key on the table; Damian stood at the door and watched Lutoyia move around in the dark. Do you want me to stay for a bit? he offered, and waited eagerly for her reply. A glowing light went on in the room farthest from the door. Damian stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He entered the doorway of the lit room.

The interior, of the houses of Forex, were far different from the white stone exterior. The walls were made of rich wood, and the floors were either the same smooth wood or soft rug. Lutoyia’s house had chestnut wood walls and walnut hardwood floors in the main room. The room Damian stood in front of had a hand woven rug on the floor and the walls of stone were painted baby blue—this was Lutoyia’s bedroom. Lutoyia came out from the corner and looked at Damian. You can stay if you want. she responded.

Well, if you do not really want me to, that is all right. I have to get home anyway to get ready for work tomorrow. Lutoyia bounced her eyes to him, and Damian waited for her reaction.

Do you want something to drink? she offered. Damian shifted sideways as Lutoyia walked past him, on her bandaged feet, and went into the kitchen at the other end of the house. She turned on the dim glowing light in the kitchen while the main room remained covered in shadows.

Um… I will have a Fizzle Syrup if you have one. Damian replied. He pulled a chair back from the table, centered in the main room, and sat down.

Yes. That is pretty much all I have in my ice freeze. Lutoyia answered while shutting the storage door. She came out with two drinks in tall glass bottles, and handed him one. Lutoyia pulled the chair out beside Damian and sat down, crossing her legs. She cracked open her drink and took a swig from it. Damian looked Lutoyia up and down; from the bandaged feet, tanned skin, a long blue pleated skirt, to the sleeveless blue top and her long straight black hair. Her bright blue eyes shifted to him and Damian turned to his drink, cracked the cap, and took a short-lived sip.

So, you have improved a little on the place. he noticed as his eyes wandered around. Lutoyia looked at the walls and nodded.

Yeah, well when you have a lot of time on your hands you tend to get bored. she smiled.

What happened to your feet? Damian asked concerned, pointing at the bandages. Lutoyia shifted her legs and peered down at them.

Oh, I stepped on some broken crystal sheets in the alley a couple of days ago. I have to change them soon—they are a bit bloody. Lutoyia explained.

Do you want some help? he asked. Lutoyia took a sip of her drink and set it down hard on the table.

I do not think you want to touch my feet. They are bleeding and raw—that is just gross. Lutoyia looked embarrassingly disgusted.

I will not mind. I deal with worse when Mr. Gudger injures himself at the bakery. Damian lied. Lutoyia sat frozen for a second and then her eyes rolled away from him.

Okay. I will go get more bandages. she caved. In the bathroom, Lutoyia rummaged through her cupboards for bandages. Damian tried to hide the smile on his face. His eyes strolled over the place as he waited for Lutoyia to come back. Here. she said coming out with a box of medical supplies. Lutoyia set the box down in front of Damian and then she sat down. Damian patted his lap and Lutoyia lifted her leg up, and set it on his lap. His fingers carefully unraveled the bloodied bandage and he examined the bottom of her feet. There were some deep cuts, but the bleeding had mostly stopped.

Oh, they are not all that bad. he stated. Lutoyia’s eyes watched him as he searched through the box, retrieving cleanser and new bandages. Damian gently wiped the dried blood off and cleaned the cuts. He then began wrapping the clean bandage around her foot. As soon as he finished with her foot, Lutoyia took it away and put the next one on his lap. Damian’s eyes glanced up at her as she was sipping her drink. He finished with her foot and smoothed down the bandage with both of his hands. He slid his fingers over the edges of the bandages, smearing his touch onto her skin. Lutoyia jerked her leg; Damian took his hands away and Lutoyia re-crossed her legs. Um… can I use your bathroom?

Sure. she replied. Damian hurried to the bathroom, washing his hands thoroughly, and returned to the table.

So, do you ever get lonely here all by yourself? he asked politely.

Sometimes. Lutoyia informed, finishing her drink. Damian finished his drink and looked back at her.

Well if you do, why do you not come over to my place? I am all by myself anyway. Damian stated importantly and Lutoyia smiled.

Yeah. I guess I will have to take you up on that the next time I get lonely. she nodded, getting up to take their bottles to the kitchen. Damian waved his fists triumphantly and smiled. Lutoyia stopped at the counter in her kitchen. Although, what happens if I get lonely in the middle of the night? she listened curiously for his answer—Damian paused.

You could still come. Any time that I am home, you can come over. he insisted. Lutoyia dropped her head and sighed.

Great! she mimicked a satisfied tone. Damian grinned and then became serious when Lutoyia came around the corner.

Well, I am going to head home—I need to get to sleep and you should too. he said. Lutoyia nodded and walked him to the door. Damian stepped outside, onto the doorstep, and turned around. Lutoyia stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe with her arms folded. So, um… good night. Damian said shyly.

Good night to you too. I will see you tomorrow… later I guess. Lutoyia replied. Damian nodded emptily, taking in a deep breath, turned, and walked down the dimly lit street. He turned around a few times, and Lutoyia would wave to him as he walked backwards. When he disappeared from sight, into the shadows, she went inside and closed the door. Damian turned around once more and stared at her house as he walked backwards, with his hands in his pockets. Prying his hands out of his pockets, he turned around and continued walking toward his house. All of the lights in the houses, had gone out, and the only sound heard in the night was the last few footsteps of Damian’s feet against the road.

CHAPTER 2

MEMORIES OF THE ACCIDENT

Lutoyia stepped into her bathroom and gently flicked each mushroom surrounding the mirror, which began to light up. The human stared at herself. The eighteen-cycle-old face, and body, with the long straight sky black hair, sapphire blue eyes, tanned skin, full pink lips, and thin black eyebrows that sat above her eyes; the same reflection she saw every time. There was a knot in her throat that she tried to swallow, but it only choked her more. Her hands turned on the old style faucet, and she leaned over the sink. Her eyes stared at the water that swirled in the bottom of the silver sink.

She cupped her hands under the stream of falling water, and then splashed it over her face. Blindly she reached for the coral red towel—folded on a small shelf to the left of the sink—and dabbed the water from her face. Lutoyia stood up as she dried her skin, and looked into the mirror.

There were sudden flashes of memories that had haunted Lutoyia for thirteen cycles. She saw a familiar woman and man walking just in front of her. They were in a clearing surrounded by trees. Lutoyia’s eyes went blank and her face filled with memories.

She saw the smiles on their faces, the black and blonde hair, green and brown eyes, and their pale white skin. Lutoyia could see the resemblance in their faces, to the one she was staring at blankly in her mirror. They were her parents, and they were walking to the last place she had remembered seeing them alive. A sudden flash of white and black filled her eyes and her mind.

When it cleared, she remembered seeing herself, in a panic, looking back and forth at her parents. They were laying on the ground—each one on an opposite side of Lutoyia—their throats slashed and their blood spilled out onto the dark earth. The old feelings of helplessness and fear came swirling back to Lutoyia’s body. She was torn between her two parents. She could not go to one of her parent’s side, for the other one would die alone.

Then came the echoing voices of the people of the city. They came upon her quickly, as she stood between her fallen kin. Lutoyia dropped the towel as the memories continued to play through her eyes.

The shouts and the shadows of the people accusing and blaming her for the death, exploded through her ears. They shouted and she saw the angry, terrified faces of the children and the women. One accusation spoke over all, How could one little girl murder both of her parents, and in such a brutal manner? She is a freak! She murdered her parents!

What shall we do with her? another voice sounded, with the arms and fists of the people waving in anger.

Kill her!

Do we dare take a chance against a child who killed two adults, those who were even her own kin?

We shall ignore the freak! No one will kill her… we will try to purge her from the village! Leave, if you know what is best for you!

The shouts and memories faded away, and Lutoyia was left staring into the mirror at her reflection—the water still running in the sink. Lutoyia was frozen in place where she stood. Her hands crept over to the tap, and she shut the water off. Lutoyia snapped out of her trance, and tapped the mushrooms once again to cease their glowing light. Her bedroom was dark and Lutoyia slowly slid onto her bed, closed her eyes sadly, and began a dreamless sleep. Streams of tears fell down the sides of her face.

In the morning, Lutoyia opened her eyes and looked around her bedroom. Sunlight was breaching the main room, casting a golden shadow. She sat up and pushed her hair back behind her ears. The human got out of bed, shuffled to the kitchen, picked up a muffin, and sat down at the table. As she ate, she started thinking about a dream she had a couple of nights ago that was stuck in her mind. She was surrounded by water—a lake that she had never seen before. The trees around her were grey and dying, with damp, drooping, green leaves, and the ground was dark and wet. She remembered stepping out of the water with heavy footsteps and then she collapsed to the earth beneath her. Lutoyia remembered feeling the air being taken from her lungs.

Her body quivered as she stuffed the last bit of her muffin into her mouth. She went back to her room to get dressed. This time she wore a black sleeveless top, with black shorts hidden under another long pleated looking skirt. Lutoyia tied back some of her hair with a short piece of twine. Picking up her key, she headed outside, returned the card to its hiding place on the roof, and walked down the street toward Central Street in the city. The morning air was crisp and warming up for the afternoon. The street was not overly busy—a few people were buzzing through the shops, and Traders, with carts, passed by to the large Trading House located near the back of the city.

Lutoyia walked past a store of weird creatures, which squawked, made gurgling, and chirping noises and then stopped. The bird, which sat on a post, was extremely beautiful. It had smooth feathers that faded from blue, on the head, to pitch black on the tail—the feathers inside the wings were a royal purple color. A beak of neon green made strange eerie calls and bright yellow eyes watched Lutoyia as she leaned over to read its tag. Her fingers flipped the tag over and she read the small amount of information on the creature. The black script said: My name is Kelexor. I am a Rashine bird, from Hushtin forest. 20.12 Jastics.

Well, you are a beautiful bird, but I am not buying anything today. Lutoyia said softly, as she gently brushed its head with the backside of her pointer and middle fingers.

You should not take that bird anyway. You do not want both of you to get tormented today. An angry voice remarked. Lutoyia froze, straightened up, and turned around to see the group of teens that had been chasing her for the past eight cycles.

Why? Every day you find me, chase me outside of the city, and you always loose me, and I always make it back here before you. Lutoyia questioned.

Well, we will give you a two click start. Go! Harold cackled. Lutoyia stared at them fiercely and then she took off down the street, jumping onto a cart and then ran across to jump off the other side. Let us see, it is not time yet, but who plays fair anymore. he smiled, and the others laughed—they turned and started barreling down the dirt street after Lutoyia.

Lutoyia glanced back to see them running after her, as she sprinted outside the city gates and turned down the path, running faster and faster. The hunter pack came around the gate corner, and followed Lutoyia’s footsteps down the path and into the forest. Lutoyia cut into the brush, running through a few puddles.

Over there! Laura shouted, pointing in the direction of the splashing sound. The group turned, trampling through the brush—their footsteps became heavier as they were catching up to their prey. Lutoyia jumped up, grabbed a tree limb, and began climbing higher than she had before. The teens stopped and looked around, puzzled.

She is gone again. Josephine admitted.

Well, she is a freak. She does these magic tricks to fool us, but we are not going to let her get away this time. Harold proclaimed. Lutoyia smirked as she watched from the secrecy of the leaves.

Scout the area. She could not have gone far. Laura commanded. They all nodded and began walking around to look for her. Lutoyia sighed, peered up into the tree, and climbed farther up to the thicker branches. She climbed out onto a thicker branch and saw that the neighboring tree was close enough to reach. Lutoyia slowly stood up and carefully jumped across to the next branch. It shook causing the leaves to fall. Bobby, who had been left behind, spotted the falling leaves.

Hey! Bobby yelled, She is in the tree! That is where she has been hiding all of this time! The group collected at the bottom of the tree and stared up into the leaves. Gary and Victor, climb up the tree! The two boys nodded and started climbing. When they were close enough to Lutoyia, she jumped, landing on the ground in a crouched position.

Get her! Harold yelled. Lutoyia looked behind her, as she stood up, and began running as fast as she could. The group started after her while Gary and Victor climbed down, creating the tail end of the group of pursuers. Lutoyia continued to run, jumping over a small creek. She noticed that the ground had started to change from rich browns and bright greens to dull, dead grey dirt. The hunting parade jumped the creek, split into three groups, and separated to get her. As Lutoyia continued, the trees started to look as dull as the dirt. Suddenly, two of the groups that had split up, leaped in front of her. Lutoyia panicked, stopped, sped around, but was again trapped by the hunting group, as the third group closed in.

Now we have caught you. Josephine laughed. We are going to enjoy this for all those times you made us chase you out here, and all of those ‘unexplainable’ things you have caused in the city.

Hey! I did not make you chase me and I certainly did not cause anything. Lutoyia retorted.

It does not matter what you say, freak! It is your time to pay. Harold stated, as they closed in on Lutoyia. A few of them threw punches in Lutoyia’s direction, but she ducked and hit them back. Laura gave one strong kick to Lutoyia’s left shin. The long, black-haired human fell to the ground as they began kicking and hitting her. When Lutoyia stopped responding to the pain, they stopped. What are you going to say now? Lutoyia laid motionless, face down on the ground. Harold spit on her body and the group left, heading back to the city. Lutoyia lay still for hours until her hand began to twitch and she regained consciousness. A cut decorated the left side of her mouth, and the small cuts on her cheeks bled. Imbedded dirt filled the deep cuts on her arms and colorful bruises marked her pain-racked body. Her hair had fallen out of the twine tie and stuck to the sides of her face as she lifted herself up. She sat on her knees and looked at her hands; they were aching and bloody. Tears filled her eyes as she lowered her head into her hands.

A soft, quiet sound broke the silence. Lutoyia stopped crying and lifted her head to seek out the noise. Something had slipped into the water nearby. She got to her feet and stumbled forward through the forest. Lutoyia had never been here before, but it felt as though she knew where she was. Her eyes scanned over her surroundings. She could not see the tops of the trees, only the tips of the leaves that hung from the lowest tree branches. As Lutoyia hobbled on her bleeding feet, she saw the lake where the noise had come from. Her pained eyes searched around, and then she walked up to the edge of the calm and inviting water. The human glanced back over the forest. A single tear fell from her eye into the water, and the ripples changed her reflection. Instead of the familiar figure, that she had known her whole life, a new blue-eyed dark figure took her place. As Lutoyia stood there looking at the strange image before her, a creature came crawling down a large tree trunk behind her and disappeared on the ground.

She turned her head, yet Lutoyia saw nothing. Echoes of strange noises surrounded Lutoyia as she turned back to the lake. The human looked down, at what was once her reflection, and still saw the blue-eyed creature. Lutoyia cupped her hands to her mouth and the creature mimicked her, with clawed fingers. The creature’s head was very large and little jagged edges lined it. Lutoyia pulled her hands away and, again, it mimicked her exact moves.

Suddenly something scaly and rope-like wrapped around her ankles, yanking her into the air, shaking her around, and when it had stopped, she hung frozen. Lutoyia twisted to see what had her—it was a long tail that attached to a lizard-like creature with dark blackish-blue skin and bright blue eyes. Little black slits adjusted to the light, narrowing as its head came closer. Slowly, Lutoyia could hear and feel the hot air coming from its nostrils. Lutoyia cringed and closed her eyes tight, bringing her hands close together on her chest. Then a tiny, strange echoing voice in the back of her head spoke, "Why do you not scream?" Lutoyia slowly opened her eyes and stared into the eyes of her captor.

I am not scared of you. Lutoyia answered in her head. The creature’s head swiveled and the eyes narrowed.

"Fear of the unknown does not bother you, Lutoyia? Especially here in the Dark Forest? the voice asked. Lutoyia’s eyes widened in shock and she turned to seek out the body of the voice. Look at me, not the lake." Lutoyia turned back slowly, and the creature remained staring at her.

Something tells me, I need not be afraid of you. Lutoyia spoke breaking the silence. A large gust of hot air came from the nostrils in front of Lutoyia. Can you speak, or can you only communicate in here? Lutoyia asked pointing to her head.

"It bothers you to have me in your mind?" the voice continued and the creature’s eyes widened and narrowed, looking more evil than before.

No, but if you can talk, you should. Do not hide inside others minds. Lutoyia snapped. She paused to wait for the creature’s reaction, but it did not change. Could you turn me right side up? I cannot think when all of the blood rushes to my head. The creature hesitated and then it lifted a large scaled arm and grasped Lutoyia as the clawed digits wrapped around her; its skin was warm to the touch. The human was turned over as the rope-like tail released her and flopped onto the ground. Are you going to eat me?

"It is a thought." the voice replied. Lutoyia opened her mouth and quickly closed it, as she looked the beast over. Plated scales went down its neck, belly, two large hind legs, and upper arms. Lutoyia pried her arms loose, and she ran her left hand over one of the white claws that clutched her.

If I set you down, will you run Lutoyia? it finally spoke. Its real voice was much deeper than the one in her head, but the echo was still present. She could see the sharp ivory teeth that lined the pink gums within its mouth; a crimson tongue flicked inside its mouth.

No. Lutoyia shook her head. Slowly, it lowered her to the ground, as it began lowering its body to look at her.

Why did you not fight back against those of your kind? it asked. Lutoyia glanced down at her blood, bruises, and dirt imbedded cuts.

I cannot fight them. Lutoyia replied. Fins on the back of the creature’s head popped up and fanned out.

You are scared of them. it stated. Lutoyia stood silently, staring blankly at it. But you are not frightened of me. Lutoyia squinted and she started thinking. I can save you the trouble. it spoke quickly.

What trouble? Lutoyia asked as she paced.

You are trying to figure out what I am, and where you have read about my kind. I could just tell you. it remarked. Lutoyia stopped and looked into its eyes.

You know what you are? Do you have a name as well? Lutoyia asked.

Of course I know what I am, and I do have a name. It is whether you really want to know, or if you would rather think about it. Lutoyia put her hands on her head and started thinking harder. She turned to the creature and stared straight into its eyes. Stop it.

Stop what? Lutoyia raged, continuing to stare at the creature.

You cannot get yourself into my thoughts. it explained, nipping at one of its claw. And why not? Lutoyia asked flinging her hands from her head.

First, my skin is too thick to be penetrated by such a small will, and second, I will not let you. it explained.

I give up. What are you then and what is your name? Lutoyia caved. A small curl in the end of its lips signaled a smile.

I am surprised. Most of your kind scream and do not care to ask what I am. Most creatures I speak with know what I am… I am a dragon, its eyes opened wide, rose up on its hind legs, and expanded its large webbed wings. Lutoyia fell back looking at how tall and large the creature really was. My name is Falkor. Lutoyia’s mouth fell open as she looked over Falkor; the dark blue-black skin was scaled and the webbed flesh of the wings was a bright blue, just like its eyes. An immense wave of heat rushed forward, and Lutoyia cupped her nose and mouth and laid back. Falkor flapped his wings, slowly inwards, folding them back up. As he did this, Lutoyia was pushed back by the gusts of wind. She screamed as the gust blew her toward the water. Falkor reached out one of his large clawed hands and blocked Lutoyia from touching the water. You do not want to go in the water. Falkor said strongly. Lutoyia looked back while Falkor took his hand back, placing it under his belly. The water was calm, and Lutoyia could see nothing amiss.

Why? Lutoyia asked, glancing back at Falkor. The dragon blinked and lowered his body close to her height.

That water will do things to you. If you get too close, there are things in that water that would not take a second thought at drowning you. They will lure you in with the reflection you see. Falkor explained. It is not for you to drink anyway. Lutoyia looked offended at the large creature.

What do you mean? These things in the water… should the water not do things to them too? Lutoyia questioned.

You would think so, but alas you are wrong. A creature, as small as you, is prey for the creatures of this lake, but creatures such as myself, are not. They would be no match to what a dragon could do in the water. Lutoyia nodded and gazed up to the tree canopy. It is time for you to leave. Lutoyia’s head shifted back down to the dragon’s head. Falkor was looking up at the sky as well, and then his eyes turned back to her. You are worrying that you will be late getting back to your city?

No. I have no one there to worry about me. Lutoyia sighed. So, it really does not matter what time I get back; these wounds and scraps will not exactly make me look like I was behaving myself today. But I better go before… Falkor nodded knowingly. Lutoyia nodded in reply and started walking back through the forest.

She shuffled through the main gates of Forex, which were being prepared to close for the night. The sunset still casted light on the city and Lutoyia, avoiding eye contact with anyone, made it back to her house. The glowing mushroom lights lit up as she flicked them, and then she made her way into the bathroom. She stared into the mirror at her real reflection, brushing her fingers over the cuts and bruises that marked the brutal attack.

Knock! Knock! sounded pounding at her door. Lutoyia wandered into the main room of her home, bringing a washcloth with her.

Who is it? she asked harshly. There was silence for a second or two.

Damian. answered a familiar voice. Lutoyia unlocked the door and opened it slightly. Damian looked Lutoyia over and his mouth dropped. Horror and sorrow filled his eyes. Lutoyia! She sighed and opened the door wider so Damian could walk in. Damian rushed in and Lutoyia closed the door behind him, before she went to the bathroom to set the cloth back in the sink, and came back out. What happened to you?

They caught me. she said quietly. Damian stared at her with caring eyes, but Lutoyia looked away, and they stood there for a moment in silence.

Did you fight back? Damian asked, and Lutoyia glared at him.

Of course I tried to fight back. Lutoyia explained with a shaky voice. She sat down at the table with her hands cupped over her eyes. Damian hesitated before pulling out a chair and sitting next to her.

How far did you go this time? Damian asked.

I do not know—some forest—the Dark Forest. pulling her hands away from her teary eyes, Damian gave her a confused look.

Dark Forest? I have never heard of that one. Where is it? Damian asked.

It is on the other side of the Burlow Forest.

How did you know what it was called? Damian questioned.

I met a friend—at least I think it was a friend—in the forest after the fight. I was wandering toward the sound of water, and he came out from the trees and so we talked for a while. Lutoyia recalled; Damian nodded and sighed. Lutoyia sniffed, wiped her eyes, and crossed her legs. So how was your day at work?

Slow. No one came in today. Damian informed, Are you going to go to that forest again tomorrow?

I might. I do not know. It all seemed like a dream to me, like I was not really there. Lutoyia tried to remember. I do not know. Why? What time are you going to work?

One hundred and twenty clicks passed sunrise, and the same time before dusk. Damian replied. Lutoyia rose from the table and meandered to her kitchen where she broke a chunk of ice from her cold storage, placed it on her head and sat back down beside Damian. She winced as she gently dabbed the wound on her forehead. Here, let me. he said softly. Lutoyia let her force on the ice rock go as Damian lifted his gentle right hand up and took the ice. She sat motionless while Damian examined the wound, before he touched it with the warming piece of ice. The cut was wider in the middle and had stopped bleeding, but the blood had dried to the skin around it. Lutoyia’s sapphire eyes looked into the soft brown ones that belonged to Damian. His lips separated, and moved slightly as if he was trying to instruct himself. He lifted his left hand up and shifted the ice to his left hand. Damian placed the fingertips, of his right hand, on her head, letting his thumb carefully pull her long black hair back. Lutoyia had placed her hands between her knees as she held her legs together, and let her eyes wander from Damian to the tabletop. Damian glanced his eyes to hers and then back to the wound. How does that feel? he asked sweetly, giving his right hand the ice and letting his left hand sit back on his leg.

Better. Lutoyia replied turning her head to face him. Their faces were closer to each other than they had ever been, and Lutoyia did not move or draw breath. Her sapphire blue eyes stared helplessly into his brown eyes. A shutter of warmth and peace fluttered through her body as she forced herself to draw breath. Damian’s body could not move or speak as he sat in his seat—his face only inches away from hers.

Suddenly the ice fell from Damian’s hand and rolled onto the floor. Both remained still for a couple of seconds. You dropped the ice. Lutoyia stated mindlessly.

I know. Damian answered in a trance. Lutoyia yanked herself from the moment and bent over to pick the ice up. Damian snapped out of it, and his breath came heavily and quick.

Well, I think I will go home, so you can get some rest. I will see you tomorrow afternoon? he started, swallowing hard. Lutoyia sat up as Damian stood up from the chairs. She stood up and followed Damian to the door.

I will be counting on it. Lutoyia smiled, her cut lip throbbing at the attempt. Damian smiled, opened the door, and walked out, and Lutoyia shut it behind him. She slumped against the door, cradling the ice slush in her hand against her chest, and stared off into the empty space of the room.

Outside, Damian walked with a smile hiding on his face, and tingling feelings in his gut—the feelings persisted while he lingered in the moment that had occurred not more than a click ago.

The next morning Lutoyia awoke earlier, got dressed, and headed out across the main street. She walked out of the city gates, down through Burlow Forest, until she reached the creek that separated the lively Burlow forest from the enchanted Dark Forest. Taking in a deep breath, Lutoyia hopped over the creek and continued through the forest of large trees. Her eyes scanned the forest for any movement. There were unfamiliar birdcalls in the forest canopy, but the rest of the forest was silent. The human heard the sound of water again, and picked up her pace. Making her way through the trees to the lake that she had visited yesterday, Lutoyia looked around curiously. There was nothing there, nothing to prove what she saw yesterday—any footprints or impressions to signify a larger creature. No scratch marks on the trees; it was as if there was nothing ever there, and everything that happened yesterday, after the fight, was nothing but a dream.

Lutoyia’s bruised legs eased to the ground and she leaned back against a tree trunk, near the lake, as she waited to see if anything would come. She picked up the rock next to her and tossed it into the water. Her eyelids grew heavy before she closed them, concentrating on the sounds of her surroundings and clearing her mind of all thoughts. A light breeze blew through rustling the leaves and then there was silence. Her body stayed motionless as she sat listening—waiting.

Then there was a sound of something lapping up water. Lutoyia opened her eyes slowly, but nothing was there. She closed her eyes and again the noise came. Her eyes snapped open, attempting to catch a glimpse, but there was nothing on the lakeshore. Slowly she closed her eyes again, and waited. Sure enough, the same noises broke the silence and it continued as Lutoyia kept her eyes closed. Curiously, she opened her eyes slightly so she could barely see what was out there. There were no shapes but as she opened her eyes more she noticed a distortion on the one side of the lake. It looked as if something large was trying to blend in with the surroundings. Lutoyia opened her eyes fully this time and slowly stood up. The outlined shape shifted and she could see a clearer creature shape as it disappeared into the forest.

Falkor. Lutoyia called out suddenly. A few seconds went by and nothing happened. Falkor. she called out again. Nothing moved and nothing came. Lutoyia sighed and started to walk back toward the creek. In the clearing, a very sharp and sudden hissing noise echoed through the clearing and Lutoyia covered her hands over her ears. Scared, she looked around frantically. The sound went as quickly as it had come. Nothing was there and Lutoyia shook her head and continued on walking. She turned around at the edge of the creek and looked back into the Dark Forest. You are not real! she screamed and then turned on her heel and headed back to Forex. She stepped inside the gates and turned down the alley as she had done earlier. The human jumped on the disposer box and then onto the roof, to jump down and enter the Bakery.

Damian was inside working as usual—he smiled as he spotted Lutoyia. Hey. Where have you been? he asked.

I went to the forest. Lutoyia stated.

Oh, Damian replied patting the dough into a container. Did you meet with your friend? Lutoyia sighed as she picked up one of the fruits on the table.

No. The forest was empty; it is like there was never anyone there. Lutoyia explained.

So there was nothing there? Damian asked setting the bread in a freezer cap.

Nothing on the ground at least, my footprints were not even there. But… there was something there. she replied.

What do you mean? Damian questioned.

Well, when I was sitting there with my eyes closed, relaxing, I heard something drinking water and when I opened my eyes there was nothing. But on the other side of the lake, there was like this aura of displaced space or something. she informed. Damian nodded along.

What do you think it was? Damian questioned.

I do not know. There is something strange about that Dark Forest. I do not think any humans have ever been in that forest. Lutoyia thought aloud. Suddenly Mr. Gudger came strolling into the back room.

Damian, what is your friend doing here? he grumbled.

Just visiting. Damian replied smiling.

Well this is a place of business, so you can talk later! Mr. Gudger instructed. Lutoyia nodded to Damian and stepped outside. The sun was in the middle of the sky and the street was as busy as usual—there were more carts moving down the street than the day before. Lutoyia made it into her house and locked the door behind her. She flopped back down on the bed and began thinking about what had happened in the forest. Her eyes got heavier as she lay there and she eventually fell into a deep sleep. She began living a dream that was very odd.

Lutoyia came walking out of the water. She felt like she was carrying several loads of supplies on her back. The sand she was walking on was muddy and dark. Lutoyia did not look at the forest surrounding her. Suddenly she fell forward and could not move. There was an intense pain that came through her body and, even in this dream, her eyes began to get heavy and they closed slowly. Lutoyia woke up with the feeling like there was something in her throat. There was a tear in the corner of her eye. She shook her head, wiped the tear away and slipped out of bed.

Getting a glass of water from the kitchen, Lutoyia looked outside and saw the darkness of night and the moon. Peeking her head outside, the streetlights were glowing, but there was no one awake or moving on the street; everyone had gone to bed. Lutoyia returned inside and turned all of the lights off. She changed into night clothes and climbed back into bed.

The next morning Lutoyia woke up feeling strange; she got out of bed and ate breakfast. As Lutoyia sat, the visions of the forest ran through her mind and she could see through a pair of eyes that were not her own—seeing things that were not in front of her. Whomever these eyes belonged to, they had walked along the shore of the lake and collapsed. Lutoyia gave up trying to figure out what the dream meant. She slammed the bowl of Sugar Grain cereal into the sink, and hurried herself when getting dressed and then headed out of the city.

Similar to yesterday she walked through the forest, there was chirping and strange bird calls in the sky but nothing out of the ordinary. Across the little creek and into the dying forest Lutoyia kept her eyes sharp. Nothing moved as she half-ran to the lake spot again and looked over the area. Standing still, she stared at the water, until she realized that her reflection might be different still. Carefully she knelt down at the edge of the dark abyss and looked into the water. There was a large dark black-purplish blue creature with the familiar demonic blue eyes looking back at her. Lutoyia put her own hand up to her face and the creature, with its large clawed hand, did the same.

A sudden ray of heat hit Lutoyia’s body from behind as she stayed kneeling before the water. Curiously, she turned her head and looked at what was behind her. A large blue-black scaled creature with bright blue eyes knelt down behind her, staring into her eyes. Whoa! Lutoyia shouted as she flipped over. She scrambled to her feet and stared at the creature that continued to watch her. Falkor right? she gasped for air.

Yes. an echoing voice inside her head agreed. Lutoyia, still breathing hard, pushed back the hair that was hanging in front of her face.

So… so it was not a dream. I was actually here, and I actually met you. Lutoyia stated swallowing hard. The large rope tail swung around the back end of the dragon, as its wings remained tucked close to its body.

"Yes. Your memories are true." the echoing voice replied.

Stop. Lutoyia ordered. Do not talk inside of here. Lutoyia pointed to her head. Talk out here. Her hands motioned to the air and the surroundings.

As you wish. the dragon replied kneeling down.

Where did you come from, just now? she questioned.

Does that matter? Falkor asked.

No. I am just curious as to how you were able to sneak up on me like that. Lutoyia replied.

I have many abilities, you are unaware of. the creature said slyly; Lutoyia nodded. Would you like to see one?

You would really show me one of your abilities? You do not even know me though. Lutoyia added. The dragon sat up, stretched his neck out and looked back down at the tiny human.

"I know you enough to trust you, besides there is nothing you would be able to do to harm me." Falkor replied. Lutoyia glared up into the blue eyes staring back at her.

Let us see it then. she mocked. The dragon stood up on all four powerful legs and arched it’s back stretching his legs out fully. The large wings spread out and Falkor crunched his neck back to his shoulders.

Brace yourself. the creature warned quickly. Lutoyia tried grabbing onto the thin grass needles underneath her and looked back at the dragon. Falkor tipped back, sitting on his hind legs, and his large wings spread out to their fullest extent. Then they began to flap, as a bird does on the surface of a lake. Waves of hot wind came gushing out toward Lutoyia. She tried to stay put, but the wind pushed her back. The dragon tilted back onto all fours and flapped his wings neatly to his side. The last gust blew Lutoyia from the ground out to the water. Falkor whipped around and his tail wrapped itself around her body, saving her from the water. Like I said, you do not want to end up in there.

Right. Lutoyia replied as she was set back down on the ground. So… answer me this: What is a dragon doing in this forest? the creature sat back down and seemed to be thinking. The black slits for eyes, glared back into Lutoyia’s eyes.

I am looking for something. Falkor explained.

For what? Lutoyia repeated.

Something. It is not a matter that you need to concern yourself with. Besides, no human should be out in this forest. There are many things that could have killed you by now. Falkor stated; Lutoyia looked disgusted.

Would you be one of those things? Lutoyia asked concerned.

No, not until I know what I want. Then it might be hard to resist taking a bite out of you. the dragon explained.

Well that is something that is really comforting. the human remarked looking over the entire creature.

I may be more intelligent than what you would expect, but I am still a life that needs to survive. the dragon stated flicking its crimson tongue around its teeth.

So what is it that you need to know? Lutoyia asked in a harsher tone.

I will tell you when you are ready. Falkor stated. You will already know most of what I would tell you, anyway.

I know most of it already? Lutoyia repeated quietly to herself. She looked up abruptly and she became slightly agitated. Tell me what you know. Is it something about my parents? Lutoyia questioned.

"No, it has nothing to do with your parents, but I do know about your parents. My eyes only caught a glimpse of what had happened to them, but