The Land Where Dragons Rule: Chapter 3: Good-Byes

Ten years later, Sear has turned to seventeen years of age, all of which in the company of his foster family. Daios practically became his father, Luki his mother, and Treon became a brother as well as a close friend, closer than any other he had known.1

All of these years were spent in happiness, even though there were a few emotional bumps for Sear, seeing how he was a Dragon in a Gryphon city. He never seemed to get over the fact that he hadn’t seen another Dragon since he was seven. 2

He was depressed over this matter sometimes, but it wouldn’t last long. The hope of when he was older and he could leave to be with his real family made him happy again.3

And in a couple days, he would be leaving his former life and starting this new one.4

Sear put some clothes and other personal items inside his bag, sighing as he put another memorable piece in his clawed hand. This one was a green Dragon doll, one that Luki had made for him. Back then, he named it Poe, for what reasons he didn’t know. He had it ever since his childhood, or at least since he first came here. He put it in the pack, letting out another sigh. He grabbed the belt buckle on his jeans and tightened it, now all ready to leave.5

He put the bag in front of the apartment door. Daios and Luki were in the kitchen, standing there, not believing that he was finally leaving.6

Luki smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “You will remember to visit once in while, right?”7

“Of course, mum.” She threw her arms around him, sobbing.8

Daios put his hand on Sear’s shoulder. “I have something to show you.”9

“I love you, Sear.” Luki said as she let go of him.10

“I love you too.” He followed Daios into another room.11

They entered the master bedroom, which smelled of citrus fruits. Daios bent over in the closet and picked up a box. He raised the box to Sear.12

“This was originally supposed to be for Treon, but you are older than him, and you are my son.” He opened it. Inside was a golden sheath with a sword handle at the end. It was Daios’ war sword. “You’re my eldest son.”13

“Dad,” Sear stuttered. “I don’t know if I can take this. I’m not even your real son.”14

“You can take it and you will.” He put the shining two-handed sword in his arms. “You need something to protect yourself with.”15

“Thank you, dad.” Sear embraced him. “I’ll never forget this.”16

“Get out of here.” He patted Sear on his back. “You still have to say good-bye to Treon.”17

“Okay.” He ran out the front door, slinging a bag over his arms. “Good-bye, everyone. I love you.”18

Sear knocked three times at the door. Treon opened the door. He was wearing a blue and white scarf and black jeans. “Hey, Sear.” He looked at the bags that Sear was carrying. “Are you leaving?”19

He nodded. “Yes.” 20

“Well, me and Reol want to come with you.”21

“What?” Sear walked inside. Treon closed the door behind him. “What about Reol’s parents? What about our parents?”22

“We talked to them after you left for here. They’re fine with it.” He took a quick glance at the weapon sheathed at his brother’s jean-clad hip. “And don’t worry about the sword. I got my own, and it was designed for me.”23

Sear paced around in the hallway. “I don’t know. It might be dangerous.”24

“Nothing me and her aren’t prepared for.”25

Sear stopped walking around and looked at Treon. “Are you sure?” 26

Treon nodded. “Okay. You guys can come.” Sear sat down on a couch in the living room. “I’ll spend the night here while you guys get ready.”27

“Very well.” Treon sat down with him. “So, you want something to eat?” He got up again, went to the kitchen and opened a refrigerator. “I have some left over pizza.”28

“From how long ago?” Sear said as he looked through a magazine in the front room.29

“Last night. It’s pepperoni and sausage.”30

“Sure.” Sear said as he put the magazine down. Treon took a pizza box out of the refrigerator and slammed the door shut. He took a couple slices out and popped them in a heater, careful not to drop them.31

Sear heard the front door open and close, and saw a black Gryphon wearing a tube top and a skirt come into the room. It was Reol, and she was carrying three bags in her hands. Sear wondered how she got in.32

“Hey, Sear.” She said, putting the bags down in front of the front door.33

“Hello, Reol.” Sear said, smiling.34

Treon walked into the room with a plate with three pieces of pizza on it. He put it on the coffee table in front of where Sear was sitting on the couch. He then turned to Reol and hugged her.35

“Hello, hon.”36

“Hey.” Treon rubbed his beak against hers. Sear just sat by and watched. He was about to have a moment about how happy he would be if he met his race again. He would probably find a love like Reol. He cast aside the thought because he probably wouldn’t want a mate immediately when he got there.37

Treon and Reol sat down on the couch. Reol patted Sear from across 38

Treon. “Hey,” she whispered. “Is it okay if I have one of these slices?”39

Sear shrugged. “Go ahead.” Reol grabbed a piece and greedily ate it.40

“So, how long have you been going out now?” Sear said, picking up a greasy piece of pizza.41

Treon cleared his throat. “About three months. Or four. Some where around there.”42

Reol swallowed the pizza in her beak. “When are we leaving?”43

“Sear said when we were ready.” Treon coughed.44

“Tomorrow, then?”45

Sear jumped up. “Yeah, pretty much. Where am I sleeping?”46

Treon pointed to the couch he was on. “The couch.”47

“Fine.”48

“What, after ten years you haven’t figured out that I’m not ever going to give up my bed for you?” Treon laughed.49

Sear chuckled. “It’d be the nice thing to do.”50

“He’s not a nice guy…” Reol cuddled towards Treon, a flirting smile on her beak.51

Sear sighed, eager to get on with the rest of his life.52