A Collection of Short Stories

Dragons: Part 2

***If you have not already, I recommend reading Dragons: Part 1 first. Thanks!***

*** I would like to apologize beforehand at the misspelling/misuse of the East Asian Language Translations. I attempted using Google Translate as that was the only multi-language translator I have access to at this time. If you know how to use them correctly, please let me know. You don't need to know the translations to read it smoothly, but I have a vocab below if you want it. Thank you! Enjoy!***

***Vocab:
- krou- Khmer for teacher
-chuna- Hindi for chosen
-rồng- Vietnamese for dragon
-sakay- Filipino for rider
-Sahapāṭhī- classmate in Bangla
-C̄hạn mī'-Thai for mam'
-Uisig- Korean for ceremony
-Phu Pongkan- Lao for Protector
-Anak Api- Indonesian for Fire Sun (name of Emperor)
-hkell- Burmese for Lead(leader was too long) ( name of head dragon)
-Salvator: Romanian for savior 

The intercom sparks again, emitting a high squeal of protest as the announcer speaks," Our last Chuna for this season's Uisisg, Yumi, orphan, family unknown."

The cries of encouragement or distrust in my skills were screamed at me by the people occupying the tremendous stands that rose up around me. Many whore colors of red, for luck, or yellow, for power, which were also the colors of our nation. Some held streamers or banners which they had once proudly waved in the air, but were now stuffed into bags at their feet. Some people were already leaving, believing that a young orphan girl who was found on the doorstep of the Rồng SakayAcademy could never become a Phu Pongkan, even though I had been a resident of the Academy longer than anyone else had. I would prove them wrong. I had to.

Dust flitted in the winds of my wake, caused by my thin shoes the school had provided me, which paled in comparison to the sleek training ones of the other Chuna. I thought of Ming listening through the radio with my other sahapāṭhī as I came to the mound that stood in the center of the arena. I started to climb, with each step, more realization that this was occurring hit me in waves. As I reached the top, I began to see more dragons crowding on the opposite side. A sea of green earth, red fire, blue water, white ice, yellow light, and a black night dragon. All of their glowing eyes fell upon me, a heavyweight that settled upon my shoulders. 

Hkell stepped forward from the mass and gazed into my eyes. I stared back for a quick second before remembering my training and forced myself to divert my gaze to the fraying hem of my black, hand-me-down training shirt. It was embedded with the emblem of the Academy. I shuffled my feet and clasped my hands together behind my back. Hkell moved closer so I could feel his warm, smoky breath on my exposed skin, and the crowd silenced in fear for me. I sucked in a breath. Was he supposed to get this close? I glanced behind me to look for my Krou and saw her as well as the rest of the Chuna gaping open-mouthed at the sight and I quickly turned back. My hands fell to my sides and clenched the fabric of my black pants. Hkell nudged his nose under my hand so it was now resting upon his great head. The crowd sucked in a breath. I saw the Phu Pongkan circling the arena, trying to get close without alarming the dragons. The Uisig guards were now stationed surrounding Emperor Anak Api who was now standing, his steely gaze taking in the scene. 

My hand trembled upon Hkell's thick, rough skin. He pushed his head closer to my body, causing me to stumble slightly. I timidly stroked his snout, aware that he could blow fire at any moment. Hkell stepped back in one sudden moment. He took my gaze, our eyes meeting, and slowly knelt his head to the ground. My eyes widened in realization and excitement. Clapping erupted from the stands. 

Suddenly, a man in the front row shouted "LOOK!". A hush fell over the people in wonder and confusion. A second dragon had bowed. Then a third. Then a fourth! Soon, all of the dragons had swept their great heads down in a bow.

"It's the Salvator! She has come to save us!" A voice cried out from the crowd. Thousands of eyes widen in excitement. The girl who called out crouches in between the stands and puts her chest against her knees while arching her back. She is bowing. Then an older gentleman nearby does the same. More follow his example and lower themselves to the ground. Now, everyone is bowing except the Phu Pongkan and Emperor Anak Api. They eye me suspiciously but then they too fall to the ground.

 Salvador? It can't be! That is only a legend. I am awestruck. Yet everyone is bowing. To me. The orphan who everyone stayed away from because she used to live on the streets. The girl had to work to get a working scholarship to pay for school. The child has never known any family. Me. I don't know what to do. I haven't been taught what to do in this situation. I bowed deeply to the dragons, sweeping my hand before me in a flamboyant manner as I had been taught. I slowly straighten my back and everyone rises. I can feel the harsh eyes of the Emperor upon me. I crowd cheers and applauds, but I don't hear it, only the ringing in my ear.

Akell steps aside. It is time for a dragon to choose me as their rider so I can be welcomed into the Phu Pongkan. The dragons gaze excitedly at each other, silently communicating. They separate, forming an aisle between the two groups. A cluster of black steps forward from the shadows. The Night Dragon. The crowd quiets down instantly. She is coming towards me, her soft pads not making even the slightest sound. She then stands before me. I place my palm on her head, stroking the smooth, dark scales. Her yellow eyes look into mine.

It comes out in a whisper, echoing in the silence, "Shadow."

Thank you for reading! If you would like an explanation please let me know! I am considering creating a novel version of this so if you want me to I will! Thanks again!