Legend of Glory

Legend of Glory

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Seven: The Wolf and the Dragon

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“Flame! No!”

The wolf was suspicious of Seto, but Katsuya held his ground between Flame and Seto. “Flame! Listen! He is a friend! A friend!”

Seto listened intently as Katsuya tried taming the giant wolf.

“Flame,” Katsuya shouted, petting Flame’s rough fur. “Flame, calm yourself. Calm…” Flame obeyed his chosen’s order. He finished growling, and sat. “Good boy.” Katsuya smiled.

Slowly, Seto got up. He was so surprised by the wolf. Yet, he was fascinated and thrilled! Katsuya knew this wolf, even having a name for it. It reminded Seto of Blue Eyes. “T--this wolf belongs to you?”

Katsuya knew he might as well tell. Flame had spoiled by making his appearance. He affirmed Flame’s entrance. “Yes. He is mine. S--sorry…”

“It is fine,” Seto stated. Smirking, he eyed Flame. The wolf still had no trust in him. “Actually, I have surprises of my own. Yet, as remarkable as your wolf is, I have a secret to show you.”

Curiously, Katsuya watched as Seto removed a tiny silver object from within his robe. Seto brought the piece to his lips, and gently blew on it. In only a matter of seconds, Katsuya felt a huge gust of wind. He stared, eyes wide as melons as a large, wonderfully blue dragon landed behind Seto. The dragon screeched, keeping a keen eye on both Katsuya and Flame.

Flame stood again, growling lowly at the larger animal.

“H--holy fuck,” Katsuya gaped. “Y--you never told me you had a…”

“Dragon,” Seto finished, seeing Katsuya was unsure of a name. “You never told me you had a giant wolf.”

“I…” Katsuya had no comeback. He had not told Seto of Flame. How could he? The two, complete strangers only days before, were just getting better acquainted. Katsuya blamed Seto, as well. Seto had never talked of Blue Eyes. Of course, there were many of times where it deemed impossible to speak of two, large companions. What a topic it’d be to discuss when being chased by a giant, eight-legged menace. “No… I didn’t.”

“It does not matter,” Seto said. He turns, feeling Blue Eyes nudge him in the back. He rubbed her rough head, making her hiss in joy.

“So…” Katsuya began as he, too, petted Flame. “What’s his name?”

“He is a she,” corrected Seto. “And she is my Blue Eyes.”

“Oh,” Katsuya said as his apology. “This is Flame.” Smiling, Katsuya scratched behind Flame’s left ear, chuckling as Flame’s head leaned into the touch. The wolf was panting heavily. His long, pink tongue hung from between razor canines.

The fascination of two strangers, one bearing a wolf and the other a dragon, meeting was remarkable. Never had Seto seen such a creature as the giant wolf. And never had Katsuya seen any creature quite as mesmerizing as the dragon.

Grinning, Seto rested his head against his Blue Eyes. “Well, now I am even more curious of you, Katsuya.”

“I hate to admit it,” Katsuya mumbled. “B--but you’re making me curious too.”

“Good,” Seto chuckled. “Now, I’ll ask for you to start. Tell me the story of you and your wolf.”

Katsuya sat down, getting comfortable. Seto followed pursuit, as did both the wolf and the dragon. They seemed rather comfortable with their chosen’s so-called friends.

“Fine,” Katsuya grumbled. “I’ll start.” As Katsuya began the tale of Flame, the sunset slowly began to appear over the brilliant sky.

--

(Two years ago)

Smoke danced, creating wild images in the air. Bears transformed to deer, and deer into eagles. Below those images, a fire cackled and burned, it full of life. The shadows of the fire bounced off two forms. On the left, Chief Mandook sat cross-legged, fully in hypnosis. On the right sat Katsuya, doing his best to concentrate. Though he had his eyes shut, Katsuya was not in trance, as was his Chief. With difficulty, Katsuya broke the silence of the delicate smoke images by shaking his head and pounding his fists.

He awoke Chief Mandook. The Chief watched with concern as Katsuya stood to his feet. “I just can’t do it!”

“Young Katsuya, you have the ability,” Chief Mandook said. Taking a pause, he shifted where he sat, making few bones pop. “You are quite disturbed, young Katsuya. Is the reasoning, by chance, Hiroto getting chosen by a wolf before you?”

“How do ya do that?” Katsuya asked. His question gained him Chief Mandook’s wild cackle.

“Sit,” Chief Mandook ordered ever kindly. And his order is followed through. Chief Mandook smiled. Placing another piece of wood over the fire before him, Chief Mandook laid his staff over his legs, and he gave Katsuya a keen grin. “You must not allow such a topic to bother you. In good time, a wolf will come for you.”

“But when?” Katsuya complained. “I’m sixteen, now! My father told me that his wolf had come to him when he was merely fourteen!”

“Time is the answer,” Chief Mandook whispered. The man reached down, grabbing a fistful of sand before spreading it over the fire. “I once had been told that the more patient the person, the more greater of what they wish for will be. Young Katsuya, patience is what is needed for those of which you truly desire. Understand?”

“I guess,” Katsuya replied, but to yet have the experience of riding upon the back of a wildly magnificent wolf kept Katsuya’s spirit down.

--

“Let’s go, Kubo!”

The giant, gray wolf followed Hiroto’s demand. Kubo swiftly trampled over the forest floor, taking Hiroto and Katsuya nearer their destination. Nothing stood in Kubo’s way as he dashed onward. Innocent wildflowers of all sorts were trampled by massive paws. Insects scurried to not get the same fate as the flowers and plants. Kubo, being much larger than most wolves, could even squash a passing red fox, if it weren’t quick enough to escape Kubo’s tremendous weight.

“Whoa, Kubo!”

Hearing his chosen’s new demand, Kubo quickly came to a halt. Both Hiroto and Katsuya jerk forward, both laughing by the extremity of Kubo’s speed. “Good boy!”

Katsuya, being in the rear, hopped off Kubo first. He landed in soft soil, taking in his surroundings as Hiroto followed behind him. The two held long, wood-crafted bows. Each drew a finely crafted arrow as they made way into the deepest, thickest branches of Kimo. Kubo followed behind.

It was time to hunt. Elderly, women, and young ones of Katsuya’s tribe were forbidden to hunt. The skill of hunting was taught only when a Beast boy became of age. Katsuya had been taught by his father, when he turned thirteen. Hiroto began hunting a year before Katsuya. From teaching and mastery, the two worked hard to become skilled bowers and spear-handlers. Hiroto even crafted his own weapons. He also crafted for Katsuya.

Listening strongly to the leaves brushing in the trees, Hiroto turned to his dear friend, signaling with his hands, “I’ll go left. You go right.”

“Right,” Katsuya motioned back. Holding his bow tightly, Katsuya made his way to the right. The area he and Hiroto were at often flourished with deer, elk, and coyote. Rarely, great animals as the bear or rock cat, as they called it, were easy to find.

Continuing forward, Katsuya soon heard the running of a stream in the distance. It continued to grow louder as he continued putting one foot before the other. He took each step slowly, hoping to not scare off any nearby animals grazing in the forest.

A sudden snapping caught his attention. Turning, Katsuya swiftly, yet silently kneeled to the ground. He hid within some bushes, holding his bow outwards, the arrow prepared to fire.

From the thick trees, a young doe appeared. She was beyond beautiful, with delicate brown fur and few white spots on the sides of her behind. Her tail, erect and white, scrunched downward as she bent down to eat her lunch. The dark, fresh grass is chewed quickly before swallowed. The doe continued eating, unaware if Katsuya’s presence. It was a perfect opportunity for Katsuya. He cautiously aimed the arrow, about ready to pierce the foe’s heart. A following twig interrupted his train of thought. He watched, staring as the doe took alert. She lifted her head, and quickly vanished into the trees ahead.

“Damn it,” Katsuya growled as he stood. Lowering his bow, Katsuya was about to continue onward, but a low, dark snarl made him stiffen. He turned his body ever slightly, and at the sight he saw, Katsuya nearly became petrified.

There, a mother grizzly glared Katsuya over. Behind her, two cubs hid in the bushes, seeking shelter. They made fearful grunts, scared of Katsuya.

“O--oh shit…” Katsuya softly muttered. With his brain reloading on what to do for such a situation, the mother grizzly rose onto her two hind legs. As she growled ferociously at Katsuya, Katsuya thought dumbly. He turned and he ran.

He could hear her behind him, huffing and growling. He knew he had to think of something to do. Otherwise, he’d be bear food. And then, as his legs began wearing out, Katsuya tripped. Quickly, he huddled, bringing his hands up and around his neck. He’d pray that he only obtain scratches. He prayed that the bear would not break his neck.

She leaned over him, sniffing him. Her front paws push against his back, and Katsuya could feel her claws beginning to dig into him.

‘Oh shit, oh shit,” he kept repeating. ‘Oh shit! I’m gonna die! I’m gonna…’

“AROO!”

The sudden howl was loud and long. Katsuya felt relief as the weight from the mother grizzly lifted from him. Curious and confused, Katsuya turned his head, wondering if, by chance, Hiroto and Kubo had come to his rescue.

No.

With his eyes widening, Katsuya watched in awe as the grizzly fought against a large, black wolf. It massive and wonderful, the wolf fought the bear greatly.

Backing away, Katsuya sat against a large rock as he watched the battle before him. He watched as the wolf’s large, sharp canines pierced into the left leg of the grizzly, causing the mother bear to howl out in pain.

She had given up. But the wolf did not kill her. He stood, growling with his body between she and Katsuya.

He was keeping Katsuya protected.

As the mother grizzly gave up, she turned and began to limp away. Blood was all she left as her trail. Katsuya, though nearly killed by the grizzly, hoped that she’d survive, for the sake of her two cubs.

Once again, Katsuya stiffened as the large wolf turned to him. The wolf, with it’s grand green eyes, and long snout, slowly walked up to Katsuya. Katsuya froze as the wolf sniffed him.

Sitting, the wolf nudged Katsuya. Katsuya opened his eyes, staring befuddled at the magnificent beast. Then, both glance into the other’s eyes.

And Katsuya knew.

“S--shit, is it--true?” Standing to his feet, Katsuya brought a hand out to the wolf. The wolf responded by licking Katsuya’s hand. “A--am I that lucky? N--no way! I can’t believe it!” Laughing, Katsuya wrapped his arms around the strong, cunning wolf. “You’ve found me! You’ve found me!”

The wolf nodded, showing Katsuya that he was the wolf’s decision. He was the one chosen.

“Yes!” Katsuya cried, happy as daylight. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Backing off for a moment, Katsuya rubbed at the wolf’s head. “You saved my life…” Katsuya titled his head, taking notice of a single bit of fur sticking straight up the wolf’s forehead. It resembled a flame. “That’s it,” Katsuya smiled. He patted the wolf’s head, so thankful that a large wolf had finally found and chosen him. “Flame. That is what I’m going to call ya. Do you like that?”

Flame approved his newfound name. He nudged Katsuya again, agreeing with the name using nothing more but a satisfied grunt.

“Great,” Katsuya said. He hardly could believe his luck. Flame was incredible! “Flame, may I ride ya?”

Another grunt of satisfaction, and Katsuya found himself climbing onto Flame’s mighty back. “Okay…” Katsuya laughed, holding tightly as Flame zoomed forward.

Through the forest, Katsuya’s overjoyed laughter echoed across the forest. All eyes, whether they be from animals or fairies, turned to watch the jittery boy and his newfound friend.

Only seconds ahead, Hiroto was finishing packing a large elk carcass onto Kubo’s back. As he board’s his companion, he turned at the sound of Katsuya’s hysterical laughter. He watched, bug-eyed as his friend swiftly shouted, “See ya at the village, Hiroto!” as he disappeared faster than light.

As the sound of Katsuya’s joy and Flame’s pounding paws vanish with the whispers of the trees, Hiroto could only think of one thing to say.

“What the fuck?”

--

(Present time)

“That is how Flame found me.”

Seconds past as Katsuya awaited any response from Seto. The man had sat, staring with complete silence as Katsuya spoke of how he and Flame became one.

“How interesting,” Seto soon said. His voice was soft and almost enchanted by Katsuya’s story. “So basically a wolf chooses someone from your tribe to be its master.”

“Yeah,” Katsuya nodded. “Basically.”

“Wow,” Seto chuckled. He turned, watching his Blue Eyes lying peacefully in the grass behind him. She was not asleep. Her eyes kept firmly upon Katsuya and Flame, daring them to try hurting her chosen in any way. “I am almost afraid, and may I remind you, almost afraid upon how close our tribes seem to be.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Katsuya asked, completely uncertain by Seto’s words.

“I shall enlighten you,” Seto went on. He gave Blue Eyes a soft grin.

--

(Three years ago)

“Before you finish for the day, I would like for you to finish chapter eighteen. Tomorrow, you will begin chapter nineteen and practice your arcane…”

Seto walked, listening with boredom as Gozaburo fed him daily study sessions for the oncoming day. They took synced steps as they walked for Gozaburo’s head hut. On the opposite side of Gozaburo walked Noa. Mokuba walked on Seto’s side, holding his brother’s hand tightly.

“Afterwards, perhaps you can break from that by continuing your writing,” Gozaburo finished.

“Yes, High Gozaburo,” Seto said, which he so helplessly hated saying.

Each day, the same routine followed. Seto would command Gozaburo’s orders, and take on new ones. Day after day, Seto would be piled over with books, papers, and documents. He would practice his magic abilities, and writing abilities. It was difficult, for Seto and Mokuba had lost their father only two weeks ago. Since that time, Seto had been pushed to the limit by Gozaburo. The man honestly found himself as a father figure to Seto, and demanded so much more now that Tawasaki was gone.

Seto pondered if his father’s death wasn’t fully accidental illness.

Routine grew dull and depressing, for Seto. He disliked how Gozaburo took charge of his life. In some ways, Seto was pleased. The man did, after all, wish for Seto to become a successful leader to the Doragons. He accepted any challenge Gozaburo threw at him. And he dared Noa, Gozaburo’s son, to even try and get to his high level.

As they continued walking the market, a sudden noise broke Seto’s current curfew. Villagers panicky screamed and scrambled down the market.

“What is going on?” Gozaburo shouted, demanding that any villager speak with him.

A man ran over, panting. “H--High Gozaburo, a wild dragon has broken loose in the village. W--we are having difficulty taming it…”

“What?” Gozaburo growled. “Where?”

“Just ahead,” the man shouted. “The dragon is being tied down by the dragon masters at the stables.”

Immediately, Seto followed behind a raging Gozaburo as they made way for the stables.

--

The dragon, wildly large and dangerous, swung her head viciously. Ropes tangled around her neck, trying to keep her head focused forward and down. Her tail sharply swayed to the left, knocking over a cart of fruits. Her massive wings were spread apart, keeping any behind her from getting in front, and keeping in in front of her from getting behind.

“Damn,” Gozaburo cursed, looking over the dragon. It was a glorious creature, but it’s temper needed fixed.

“W--whoa…” Mokuba whispered.

Seto pushed Mokuba back as the dragon shoved two men forward. The men landed hard against the ground before them. Luckily, both men were able to stand to their feet.

“Get that rope around its claws,” ordered Gozaburo, pointing out his hand. “Be quick! Watch her head movements!”

Many villagers managed to wrap rope around the dragon’s legs, keeping her from pounding the ground. She slowly began to give up, yet still raging mad. She folded her wings, lowering her body. She took notice of Gozaburo and Seto, and stretched her neck forward. She gently screeched, the sound fair to the villager’s ears. They stared in shock, listening closely to the screech.

Eyes widening, Gozaburo said, “She has chosen someone here to be her master. Release her!”

“What?” asked a stunned villager. “B--but she is dangerous. We just…”

“She has chosen,” Gozaburo said. “Listen to the noise she makes. Someone here shall belong to her! Now untie those ropes!”

The villages obeyed Gozaburo’s command, carefully untying the ropes that held the dragon at bay. Once the ropes were removed, the dragon allowed her wings to stretch out, and again she screeched. She moved forward, eyeing her chosen with interest. Two, sharp blue orbs took focus on Seto.

“It’s impossible,” Gozaburo whispered. He turned, noticing Seto’s own surprise, as well.

Seto took a step forward, causing a reaction. The dragon hissed at him, flailing her long, pink tongue from her mouth. Taking another step forward, and another, Seto soon came an inch close to the dragon’s heated breath. Time seemed to have stopped, nothing moving but her. Seto stood, fully on alert. He was rather excited.

He had been chosen.

The dragon lowered her head, and ever delicately, her neck wrapped like silk around Seto’s body. Smirking, Seto looked forward, placing a single hand on the dragon’s head. “Yes.”

Mokuba watched in awe, smiling with happiness for his brother. “Wow.”

Gozaburo glared daggers, taking Noa’s hand in his. He knew that now, with Seto getting chosen, things would not be as they were. Seto would be spending time with the dragon, and less time on his studies. With Noa’s hand in his, Gozaburo turned, and left for his home.

--

(Present time)

“I can’t believe it…”

Seto had finished telling how Blue Eyes had found him. Though she disliked the other villagers of the Doragons, Seto was the only one she trusted. Katsuya was amazed at how the dragon and Seto came to be. It was a tale as his own, only told differently. However, still so similar. “I can’t believe it.”

“It is truth,” Seto said. He stood, and brushed himself off. “It is truth, and it is strange. Do you not agree?”

“I do,” agreed Katsuya. He also stood, eyeing Blue Eyes with relaxation.

“There may be so much more about us that make us similar,” Seto spoke. “Sadly, time is standing in our way. I must leave before Mokuba begins to worry.”

Seto turned, and walked over to Blue Eyes. She immediately stood and leaned down, understanding that he wished to board her. He does so, sitting properly in the basket seat. Taking the reins in hand, Seto drifted his attention on Katsuya. “Well, mutt. I guess there’s more reasons for us to meet up again tomorrow!”

“What,” Katsuya gnarled. “You!”

“Stop denying this strange fate,” Seto shouted, knowing very well that Katsuya acknowledged them meeting. “I find that our meeting is no coincidence! And I expect you to show up!”

Katsuya disliked Seto‘s ferocious demand. “You can’t just order…”

“Tomorrow!” Seto laughed. “See you tomorrow, mutt!”

With his happiness showing as insolence, Seto bucked Blue Eyes to fly. Flapping her large wings, she left the ground, causing Katsuya to shield his eyes with his arms due to the large rush of wind. Shortly, Seto and Blue Eyes were far out of sight.

Frowning, Katsuya whispered, “Jerk,” before boarding Flame. He took hold of Flame’s fur, allowing Flame to circle around and take on speed.

As Flame sped Katsuya home, Katsuya could not help having Seto in his thoughts. The man was arrogant, rude, and stern, yet there was more to him that Katsuya willingly wished to know. Blue Eyes was such an amazing sight, and having seen her fascinated Katsuya fully. He had even seen Seto’s wonderment for Flame.

Courtesy of a wolf and dragon, Katsuya could feel himself growing more absorbed over Seto. And with that in mind, Katsuya found that he was smiling. He could not wait to meet with his new friend.

“See ya tomorrow, Seto!”

-End Chapter Seven-