Legend of Glory

Legend of Glory

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Chapter Two: All Grown Up

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‘My son. When the time comes, you will become a grand leader.’

(Twelve years later)

Deep, blue eyes shoot open. They quickly glance about, almost searching for some sort of clue. A single tear falls from the left eye. It drips to the softness of a cream-colored sheet below. The owner of those eyes comes into view. A man lie on his side. He lie in a large, straw-made bed. A single sheet covered him, it torn and shuffled about mainly from him tossing while dreaming in his sleep. Cautiously, the man comes to a sitting position as his eyes continue searching the small, empty room.

He was a handsome young man. His blue eyes seemed so calm, yet almost sad. He had brown hair that perfectly fit around his head, it smooth even after sleep. And his skin, a fair peach, drizzled in sweat.

The poor man had had a nightmare. He had dreamt of his deceased father, Tawasaki.

That young man, exactly age eighteen. He was Seto.

Sighing, Seto rubs his hands over his face. He rubs at his eyes, wiping away any tears dieing to slip out. He finally rubs at his right arm. He looks down at his bare right arm, staring without emotion at the blue dragon marking. It had been itching lately. Seto had no idea why. He only knew that it was quite irritating, especially when he was busy working.

A sudden breeze returns him from thoughts on his nightmare. He turns, seeing drapes made of cloth brushing against a small window. Pushing away the single sheet, Seto stands from the bed. He stumbles over to the window, grabs at the drapes to pull them shut. But first, he takes a peek outside of that tiny window. He sees people of the Doragon tribe, all walking about the village. He saw many shopping, saw many children playing games in the street. He saw patrollers.

And he could only think of one thing.

Sometime, someday, all of that would belong to him. When that time comes, he’ll be leader of all those people. Of all those shoppers, children, and patrollers. It made him feel nervous and afraid, but he could still remember his father’s supportive, addictive words.

‘My son,’ Tawasaki had once said. ‘When the time comes, you will become a grand leader. I believe in you, as does Mokuba. You are diligent, strong, and intelligent. Never let High Gozaburo, nor no other believe you to be any different. If you do not trust in your heart, then you will never succeed. I will always believe in you, my son.’

Those final words, spoken to Seto before his father passed away from illness, always stuck in Seto’s heart. But he could not think of them anytime when near Gozaburo. The high ruler has taken over as being his father, or as Seto puts, his stepfather. Since Tawasaki’s death, Seto has been pushed by Gozaburo, demanded to work harder and study harder. Seto did as told, but every day, he worked and studied for over ten hours a day. He hardly saw Mokuba. Mostly only during lunch or dinnertime. But Seto had promised to always have time for Mokuba during the evenings, and every night he sat, and talked or told stories to his brother before they both went to bed.

Mokuba was all Seto had, and he was all Mokuba had.

Stepping away from the window, Seto sets foot beside a dresser made of fine wood from Kimo’s trees. He opens it, revealing dashing robes of many colors. Seto removes his nightshirt. He replaces his old undergarments with new before choosing a fairly nice dark blue robe to wear for the day. He slips it on, allowing the smooth material to fall over his body, it stopping just at his ankles. The long sleeves, tight, yet comfortable, cover over both arms. Seto made sure that his marking stay covered. Tucking back the collar, Seto ties together brown string meant to keep the robe pushed tightly against his body. Stepping into cloth-sewn padded shoes, Seto finishes his outfit by pulling a feather necklace from the left of two dresser drawers. It falls over his head, resting nicely around his neck.

He stood there, dashing and handsome.

A sudden knock at his bedroom door causes Seto to turn. “Come in!”

The door opens, and in walks a young boy, roughly age twelve. The boy wore fine, turquoise robes. He had long, black hair falling past his shoulders. He had dark eyes and skin just a shade darker than Seto’s own. He smiles up at Seto. “Good morning, big brother.”

“Mokuba,” Seto nods. “Good morning.”

“Raiki has breakfast ready,” Mokuba smiles. “It smells really good!”

“Alright,” Seto chuckles, smoothing out his robe. “I’ll be right out.”

“Okay!” Mokuba shuts the door as he makes his leave.

When alone, Seto gently smiles. He shakes his head at his brother’s adorable cheeriness. Since Tawasaki’s passing, Seto has played role of ‘father’ for Mokuba, though Mokuba refused to call Seto nothing but big brother. And Seto was perfectly fine with that. As such, Seto knew he’d never of been able to make it those past few years without the help of Raiki, their maiden. She has taken care of Mokuba from the day their birthmother had passed. Mokuba never called Raiki mother, but he enjoyed her company. Seto was happy that Mokuba had more than just him to talk to during the day.

--

After breakfast, Seto always walked with Mokuba to Gozaburo’s. However, they always had to make a very special stop before doing so.

With passers always smiling and waving, “Good morning,” Seto and Mokuba head for the stables. It is there where Seto sees, every day, a companion of great importance.

Reaching the stables, both brothers step up to an elder woman dusting a large blanket. Seeing them, she smiles and softly says, “Good morning, Seto. She’s been expecting you.”

“Just like every other morning,” Seto greets. He walks pass the elder, making his way into the stables as Mokuba followed behind him.

Within, loud roars and screeches could be heard. Seto ignores them all, continuing further into the stables. He and Mokuba passed many cages. The creatures contained were none other but those who protect and watch over the Doragon Tribe.

Dragons.

They were transporters, protectors, and companions. At a certain age, every Doragon member will be introduced to a dragon of his or her own. The dragons, at all times, choose their masters. It’s never the other way around. But Seto was, indeed, happy with the dragon that had chosen him.

He and Mokuba make way towards a large, wooden cage. And there, resting inside, lie a large, dark blue dragon. Upon hearing Seto, the dragon lifts its tired head, and yawns before coming to stand on its large, beautiful claws.

Smiling, Seto unlocks the cage and walks in. The dragon kneels before him, nudging at him with her long snout.

“Hello, my Blue Eyes.” Seto whispers.

Her name was Blue Eyes. She stood, half as tall as the trees of Kimo. Her wings were delicate and long, wrapping nicely at her sides. She was well built, with a large, round belly and long, stiff legs. The black claws on her hands and feet were long, sharp. And her eyes, a beautiful blue. This is how she received her name.

Blue Eyes had plenty of open space. The cages were not small. Doragons always make sure to keep their guardians well taken care of.

“Mokuba,” Seto turns to his brother, “Hand me a piece of meat.”

Nodding, Mokuba reaches into a small pail, pulling from it a large chunk of meat. He hands it to Seto, smiling at Blue Eyes the entire time. Mokuba had yet to be chosen by a dragon, but Seto allows him to ride, pet, and sometimes feed Blue Eyes. Seto hoped it’d be a great preparation for when Mokuba’s dragon chooses him.

With meat in hand, Seto places it before Blue Eyes. He watches her sniff it before taking it in one gulp. “There you are,” Seto smiles. He rubs at Blue Eyes’s rough skin, listening as she screeches in admiration. “When I finish working, I shall return by late afternoon.” And understanding, Blue Eyes replies with a soft nudge, following a tiny purr.

--

As morning turned to afternoon, Seto sat at his desk, doing nothing but study. His day would repeat full seven days of the week. And every day, when he came to being close to finishing, he’d always be forced into conversing with High Gozaburo.

Speaking of which…

In Gozaburo comes. His son walked by his son. The little Noa, who once placed his fingers from nose to mouth, was now fifteen. His turquoise hair seemed the same. And it almost resembled Seto’s own hairstyle.

“Ah, Seto, you’re still here…” Gozaburo said, making his way over to Seto’s desk.

“Yes,” Seto quietly answers. “I’m just finishing one last page. Then, I’ll be heading out.”

“Of course,” smirks Gozaburo. His son stood behind him, giving Seto a gloomy stare. “If you do not mind my asking, what chapter are you on?”

“Sixteen of Book Five,” Seto answers. He looks up, noticing the shock in Gozaburo’s face. It made Seto feel proud and confident. He enjoyed torturing his ruler by using his skill. It improves his confidence of becoming the next to lead the Doragon Tribe.

“V--very good,” Gozaburo mumbles. He looks down at his son, noticing that Noa was as shocked as he. Noa had been forced to practice all that Seto was, but Gozaburo, he knew that his son was just not as good. He hardly mentioned it. “Noa, wait for me outside.”

Looking up, Noa nods. “Yes, father.” Giving Seto a final stare, Noa turns to wait outdoors.

Gozaburo turns, watching as Seto writes one final word before setting down his quill. Standing, Seto shuts the book. He stretches, and gives Gozaburo a stern glare. “Was there something else?”

Smirking, Gozaburo runs his hand along the desk. He slowly walks around, moving closer to Seto. As his fingertips touch against Seto’s own, Gozaburo harshly whispers, “Your father would be very proud of you…”

Seto kept still. He dare not allow Gozaburo to upset him.

“You have been working very hard,” Gozaburo continued. He swiftly grabs at Seto, wrapping a strong hand around Seto’s neck. Gozaburo leans in. “I am very proud of you, as well.”

Not making a sound, Seto keeps his eyes forward. He ignored the fact that Gozaburo was so close, touching him and giving him such a sinister snare.

Chuckling, Gozaburo releases Seto. He takes a step back, and he bows. “Good day, Seto.”

Once Gozaburo has left, Seto slowly touches his neck. Just having the feel of Gozaburo’s rough hands against him made Seto’s skin crawl. The man was a terrible snake: cruel and tough. But Seto knew that showing no emotion gave him control.

He loved control.

Growing up under Gozaburo has allowed Seto to become stronger, more powerful. No one was to cross him, and no one dare try. The Doragons almost feared him, as they did Gozaburo. Whenever he walked the streets, they’d scatter, bow, or stare.

He did not care.

However, hopes of Mokuba’s love, and Tawasaki’s words kept Seto’s heart from becoming dark.

--

Blue Eyes stares, watching as her chosen straps a riding cart to her back. Every afternoon, she and Seto would go away, deep into Kimo’s forests and far from civilization. It was, as Seto called, his free time. He did such before reacquainting with Mokuba at their home for supper.

Mokuba, during most days, would either study with a teacher or study with Raiki. He understood that his older brother needed some alone time. Besides, Mokuba adored Raiki.

Smiling at Blue Eyes, Seto whispers for his darling dragon to lower herself. She does so, allowing Seto access into the basket. He takes her reins, and she turns towards an opening. Every dragon had one, for when their chosen came to ride upon them.

With a smirk, Seto shouts, “Let’s go, Blue Eyes!”

Shooting forward, Blue Eyes spreads her vast wings, and she takes Seto into the air. Below, civilians and dragons walked about the caves of Ito, about their markets. Seto smiles upon the village, it looking much smaller when so far below. And looking to his right, Seto’s eyes gleam at the sight of the forests of Kimo. Blue Eyes leads him downward, ready to take him where bliss was waiting.

--

(Nearly fifteen minutes earlier)

“Wahoo!”

The uproars of heavy footprints scramble across the forest floor.

“Yahoo!”

Two wild shadows leap and pounce, each trying to stay side by side. Those shadows belonged to two large wolves, one gray and one black. Upon those wolves, two young men were competing.

The first man, wearing dark furs over his body, had brown, pointy hair. It was poorly buzzed in back. He had tan-peach skin, and his dark eyes kept full focus on the other man ahead of him.

The other man’s hair was wild and blonde. His peach a fair light peach, and his brown eyes, keen and full of life, turn to watch the man catching up to him.

“Hiroto,” he shouts. “You’ll have to be faster than that if you want to beat me!”

“No need, Katsuya!” Hiroto yells back. Though, he knew he was right. Katsuya had been gifted with a swift, cunning black wolf with green eyes. Hiroto’s own wolf, a gray with yellow eyes, wasn’t nearly as fast, but still strong. Hiroto leans into his companion’s ear. “Let’s not disappoint, Kubo.” And Hiroto’s Kubo nods in understanding as he slowly began to catch up with Katsuya.

Katsuya turns, noticing Hiroto’s sudden increase in speed. He grumbles, and leans down to smirk in his wolf’s eyes. “Faster, Flame. Let’s kick their ass!”

As Flame howls, he instantly picks up speed. Katsuya laughs, hearing Hiroto scream at him from behind. Katsuya sees the village just ahead. He laughs. “We’re gonna win!”

“Mud!”

Confused, Katsuya turns to Hiroto. “What? I can’t hear ya!”

“Mud!” Hiroto shouts. “Katsuya! Mud pond!”

Shaking his head, Katsuya is about to question, “What…?” as he enters the village. However, he hadn’t noticed the mud pond. His wolf does, and instantly Flame pulls to a demanding stop, causing Katsuya to fling upwards, upside down, and back-first into the awaiting mud pond.

All villager’s outdoors turn heads. Many of the village children began laughing, running over to Katsuya as he struggles to stand in the muddy mess. From their hut, Shizuka stood watching alongside her mother. Shizuka kept back some giggles, immediately rushing over to see if her older brother was alright. Nana, Katsuya’s mother, only stood shaking her head. She turns her head to the left, noticing that Chief Mandook had immerged from his hut, watching Katsuya intently. Nana understood that Chief Mandook was growing weary, and that he may not last in their world for much longer. Her expression grows sad as she turns back to Katsuya. Her poor, teenaged son did not understand that he could, soon, be their village’s leader.

“Ha! I win!” Hiroto shouts as his wolf steps inches closer than Katsuya.

Standing in the mud, Katsuya wipes at his eyes. He stares up at his best friend evilly. “What? No, Flame and I won!”

“You fell off,” Hiroto chuckles. He hops off of Kubo. “So, you’re disqualified. Kubo and I win!”

Angrily, Katsuya leaps for his friend. Tackled to the ground, Hiroto accepts Katsuya’s wrestling challenge, causing both teens to become muddy.

Shizuka, watching the two wrestle, can only shake her head. “You two are so immature…” She looks up, noticing Chief Mandook. The man never removed his eyes from Katsuya. A look of almost disappointment could be seen in the chief‘s eyes.. “Uh oh…”

“I gotcha, you jackass!” Katsuya has Hiroto tightly pushed against the ground. Hiroto’s arm, forced behind him, was beginning to hurt. “Now, say, ‘Uncle!’”

“Alright, alright!” Hiroto shouts. “Uncle!”

“Damn straight!” Katsuya laughs. At that time, Katsuya notices Chief Mandook’s glare. Suddenly, his entire body tenses by the glare. Images pass through his mind -- images of the village burning. Images of him falling, failing.

“Uncle!” Hiroto repeats. “Katsuya! Uncle! Uncle!”

“Huh?” Katsuya looks down, the images disappearing. Seeing that he was hurting his friend, he immediately releases. “Shit, sorry Hiroto.”

“Damn,” Hiroto stands, rubbing at his arm. Katsuya stands also. “What were you trying to do? Kill me?”

“S--sorry,” Katsuya apologizes again. He turns back to the Chief, finding that the Chief had disappeared back into his hut. Katsuya frowns.

--

Only minutes later, Katsuya made his way into Chief Mandook’s hut. Upon entering, he saw Chief Mandook standing there, alongside his entire family. His mother, father, and Shizuka. “Um…” Katsuya cannot find words.

“Katsuya,” Chief Mandook smiles. “Come, join us by the fire.”

Chief Mandook sits, motioning for the family to follow. They all do so. Katsuya, hesitant for a moment, slowly goes over and sits between his sister and mother. He watches as the Chief pulls open a tiny pouch. Inside rest orange dust. Chief Mandook pulls some into his hand, and throws it onto the fire. He softly chants. When Chief Mandook grows silent, Katsuya could only hang his head. He waited…

“Katsuya?”

Katsuya lifts his head, staring straight at his Chief.

“Katsuya,” Chief Mandook smiles. “You are always so full of energy. It impresses me. And yet, I sense distress, Katsuya. I understand you are still young, but soon the time will come when you will be man. And soon, the time will come when you must lead our people.”

Staying silent, Katsuya lowers his eyes again. However, a strange power forces his eyes to shoot back up -- to keep staring at Chief Mandook. “Katsuya, I must ask. Why do you act like you do?”

“I…” Katsuya pauses. “B--because it’s who I am.”

“You answer truthful,” Chief Mandook frowns. “And sadly, that truth may cause trouble for this tribe’s future.”

“I do not mean to interrupt, Chief Mandook,” Nana whispers. “B--but are you saying that Katsuya will not be a good leader?”

“I am,” Chief Mandook nods. “Katsuya is very gullible. He’s childish. If he does not start preparing, then he shall fail. Even if he does bare the marking of the wolf…”

The marking on Katsuya’s left arm begins to itch. Scratching at it, Katsuya stands to his feet. He turns his back to his family, and to the Chief. He pulls at his hair, knowing that all eyes were on him. Frowning, Katsuya turns to face his Chief. His hands were as fists.

“Yeah,” Katsuya begins, feeling rather brave. “W--well, maybe I don’t want to be leader!”

“Katsuya!” Nana holds her heart, shocked by her son’s words.

Jonouchi stared on, too, angry at his son for saying such a thing. “Son…”

And Shizuka, keeping her head down, understood how her brother felt. ‘Katsuya…’

“Yeah,” Katsuya continued. “What if I don’t want to be leader? Huh? It’s such a pain in the ass! And as you say, I’m not cut out for it because I do act gullible! It’s who I am!”

Turning on his heel, Katsuya flees from the hut. He could hear his family shouting for him to return, but Chief Mandook stops them. “No, let him go. In time he will understand his destiny. In time, he will know.”

Jumping onto Flame’s awaiting back, Katsuya rides into the forests. He ran -- ran away from it all.

And as he fled, Katsuya could only hope that the forests held something better for him.

-End Chapter Two-