"What are you trying to say, Jiayi?" one of the elders demanded, his brow furrowed as he regarded her with suspicion. "Do you want the boy to stay? Do you not see the danger in this?"
Jiayi, unfazed by his harsh tone, remained calm, her eyes closed in a silent meditation. "It's not just my desire," she said, her voice a low, steady hum, "but the Great Protector's wish. Since the Great Protector believes in him, think of his potential and what it can bring our village." She opened her eyes, her gaze piercing each of them, searching for understanding.
"Good?" Another elder scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Ta Lo hasn't welcomed someone from earth for centuries. We are a place of peace and tradition. Why should we disrupt that balance?"
The other elders nodded in agreement, their faces etched with worry and distrust.
"Even if someone from Earth arrives, we all know why." Guang Bo, his eyes narrowed, turned to Jiayi, his voice laced with skepticism. "The Soul Eater is a constant threat, that wanted to be free, How can you be sure this boy or his family isn't affected by it?"
"Do you think the Great Protector wouldn't recognize such a taint?" Jiayi countered, her voice laced with exasperation.
"I understand your concerns. You fear what this outsider will bring. What change he will bring to our lives, our ways. But don't we ourselves need change? Don't we need to adapt and evolve?" Jiayi closed her eyes once more, her breathing slow and deliberate, her chi slowly replenishing.
The battle had taken its toll, and Jiayi desperately needed rest, no matter how strong she was, she was already old.
The elders exchanged anxious glances, their whispers a chorus of concern. They knew Jiayi spoke the truth. The young generation was lacking talent.
The users of chi, once a source of strength and pride, was waning. Few possessed the power, and even fewer were blessed by the Great Protector. Their future, once so bright, now seemed shrouded in uncertainty.
"So what are you proposing?" one of the elders asked, his voice tight with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
Jiayi remained silent, her meditation undisturbed. "A test," she finally replied, her voice a soothing murmur. "A test that will not only reveal their character but also showcase the wonders of Ta Lo to the boy and his family."
The elders, accustomed to her wisdom and authority, continued their hushed discussions.
They debated the merits and risks, aware of the potential consequences of this decision.
"You want to entice them to stay," one elder finally spoke, his voice a low rumble, "while we assess their worth, their potential to be... of use to us."
Jiayi's eyes remained closed, her silence an eloquent response.
"And what if they figure out what we're doing?" Guang Bo interjected, his brow furrowed, his voice laced with a touch of seriousness. "What if they misunderstand our intentions and seek retribution?"
Jiayi's eyes opened, her gaze focused on each elder. "Then we tell the truth," she whispered, her voice carrying an unexpected strength. "After all, if this test proves successful, they will become one of us." Her words, though seemingly innocuous, held a hidden agenda.
Jiayi had a vision, a plan far grander than the elders could comprehend. She desired Ragnar, this boy from Earth, to become a Guardian, a protector of Ta Lo, a dragon with a human heart and a human mind. 'Perhaps the perfect Guardian,' she mused, her thoughts a secret, a vision only she could see.
The elders, intrigued by her proposition, began to discuss the details of the test, unaware of the deeper machinations at play. Just as they were formulating their plans, a figure entered the hall, disrupting the meeting.
The man, his demeanor deferential, bowed deeply before the elders, his eyes darting nervously around the room. He seemed hesitant, as if carrying an important message.
His gaze finally settled on Guang Bo, the youngest and most approachable of the elders, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes.
Taking a step closer, the man leaned in, whispering urgently into Guang Bo's ear. His voice was low, barely audible, but the urgency in his tone was palpable.
Guang Bo, his expression unreadable, listened intently. When the man finished, Guang Bo nodded, a silent acknowledgment. "You can go," he dismissed the messenger with a curt gesture.
The man, relieved, bowed once more, scurried from the hall, his footsteps echoing through the silent hall.
Guang Bo addressed the elders, his voice grave. "The villagers report seeing a foreign young man riding a Qilin on the field."
A gasp rippled through the room. The elders exchanged startled glances, their faces a mixture of disbelief and concern.
The Qilin, were creatures with discerning nature, they would not allow themselves to be ridden by someone untrustworthy.
The very fact that this young man had been allowed to ride the Qilin spoke volumes about his nature.
Jiayi, her lips curved in a knowing smile, opened her eyes, a glint of anticipation sparkling within them. "Now, doesn't that answer one of your questions?"
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
Ten minutes ago, the den of the Dijiangs had been a haven of peace.
Ragnar, following his father's advice, had relaxed, embraced the moment, and made new, happy memories with his family. He chuckled as he gently stroked the soft fur of a Dijiang, its lack of a mouth though bothered him, 'What does this guy eat?' he wondered aloud, his fingers pinching the Dijiang cheeks.
Suddenly, a shadow fell and covered the light. Ragnar looked up, his gaze meeting the wide, curious eyes of a small Qilin, standing majestically cute before him.
"It's a baby!" Dalia shrieked, her eyes wide with excitement. She darted forward, her hands outstretched, a silent plea to touch the cute creature. 'I WANNA TOUCH IT!' she screamed inside excitedly.
Ragnar, ever the protector, chuckled, but there was a hint of worry in his voice. "Okay, brat, calm down. You'll scare it away with all that energy." He gently pulled Dalia back, holding her.
"Where's your parents, little guy?" Ragnar asked, his voice soft and soothing, knowing that the mythical creatures of Ta Lo could understand him.
The baby Qilin, its head tilted in curiosity, took a tentative step towards Ragnar, its small nose sniffing at his scent.
But the Qilin seemed confused, its large, blue eyes fixed on him, searching for an answer it couldn't find.
Dalia, unable to resist the allure of the Qilin, whispered to Ragnar, her finger trembling as she reached out. "Can I touch it?"
"Well, we better ask Ying—" Ragnar began, his words trailing off as he noticed the desperate longing in Dalia's eyes.
He knew that some creatures of Ta Lo were best left undisturbed, but Dalia's pleading gaze was almost unbearable.
"Okay," Ragnar conceded, his voice weak. "But be gentle, alright?" He sighed, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice. "You guys should be actors when you grow up."
Ragnar knew Dalia's talent for faking innocence and helplessness was a survival skill she had honed on the streets.
Dalia, oblivious to his playful jab, ignored him. Her eyes were locked on the Qilin, and her hand reached out, eager to touch its soft fur.
Suddenly, a hand clamped down on her arm, stopping her in her tracks.
"No, No, No Touch," Ying Li said, shaking her head, her voice firm. She pulled Dalia and Ragnar back while looking around cautiously.
"Why?" Ragnar asked, his voice laced with concern. "Did we do something wrong?" He spoke in perfect Mandarin, his tone respectful, his eyes fixed on Ying Li. He held Dalia back, making her pout looking at the baby Qilin with eagerness.
Ying Li, startled, stared at Ragnar, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh?" she echoed, her English halting, but her gaze was filled with an unspoken question. He spoke Mandarin, a bit too flawlessly.
"The Qilin are peaceful creatures of Ta Lo," she explained, her voice softening slightly. "But they are fiercely protective of their young. That one, she's watching us." She pointed towards a Qilin in the distance, gazing at them.
"But the baby Qilin is the one coming closer," Ragnar countered, his gaze fixed on the small creature, now a few steps away, its head tilted curiously.
"I wonder why," Ying Li whispered, her eyes narrowed with a mix of curiosity and a touch of apprehension. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different about this boy.
Ying Li knew he had captured the attention of her teacher, Jiayi, and the Great Protector, and now he seemed to have the attention of a Qilin.
"We haven't done anything," Ragnar said, tilting his head towards the Qilin, which was now a few steps closer. "Why's she getting closer?"
"We didn't touch your kid," Ying Li said, her voice a mix of exasperation and concern. She held out her hand, palm open, a gesture of peace towards the Qilin.
The Qilin, as if ignoring her entirely, continued its steady approach, its gaze fixed on Ragnar. It was as if the creature was drawn to him, its curiosity overriding any sense of caution.
Ragnar, sensing the tension, stepped in front of Dalia, his arm a shield against the Qilin's advance. "Well, hello?" he said showing a wry smile. "I guess you're just curious about us outsiders." He said hopefully.
Elliot, watching the unfolding scene with concern, asked, "Is everything okay?"
The other children and Sicilia, their faces etched with a mixture of curiosity and unease, turned to see what was happening.
"Oh no," Ying Nan whispered, her eyes wide with worry. She didn't move, knowing that any sudden movement could frighten the creature.
"We're leaving Okay." Ragnar said, his voice softening, a hint of frustration in his tone. He took a step back, but the Qilin continued to advance, its pointed nose sniffing at the air, seeking Ragnar's scent.
"Like I said, we're leaving," Ragnar repeated, his voice low and steady. He held Dalia's hand with a reassuring firm grip. His eyes, now glowed with a golden light, his pupils narrowing into slits, filled with warning.
The Qilin, undeterred by Ragnar's dragonic glare, moved closer, its head brushing against Ragnar's arm, a soft, gentle nudge.
As if sensing he was one of the Great Protector species, making the Qilin seem to seek reassurance, a connection, a bond.
Ragnar, his heart thrumming with relief, unclenched his fist. "I almost smacked you in the face," he muttered, a chuckle escaping his lips as he stroked the Qilin's silky neck.
Ragnar glanced down, his eyes widening as he saw Dalia sneakily rubbing the baby Qilin's head, her expression a mixture of adoration and mischief.
"Wait, don't," Ragnar warned, his voice laced with a mixture of amusement and apprehension. He held the Qilin close, observing its reaction.
But Ragnar's worries proved unfounded. The larger Qilin, with a stoic grace, simply observed Dalia, its large, blue eyes filled with a curious, almost maternal concern.
Just as Ragnar was beginning to wonder if Ying Li had been teasing him.
Ying Li was already behind him looking at him with a curious gaze, "What are you?" She asked as she saw his eyes change from the distance.
"Did you lie to me just now?" Ragnar asked, his voice laced with amusement. his fingers tracing the creature's silky mane. "The Qilin wasn't aggressive at all. He seems to like me." He said with amusement as well dodging her question.
Ying Li, her brow furrowed, observed him silently, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. 'Don't tell me, I'll figure this out myself,' she thought, her gaze shifting to the Qilin, but a silent challenge growing in her heart.
"I don't know why, but I feel like she likes you," Ying Li conceded, a hint of reluctant admiration in her voice. "Whatever you are, the Qilin seems drawn to you." She stroked the Qilin's back, her fingers light, her touch almost hesitant, as she continued to observe Ragnar.
"That's great, then," Ragnar said, his grin widening, a glint of mischievous amusement in his eyes. He hadn't expected this kind of perk from being a Makluan. 'This is going to work out perfectly, this would give me an advantage to kidna–invite them in my suitcase' he thought with delight.
"Do you think he'll let me ride him?" Ragnar asked, his gaze fixed on the Qilin, "I've never seen any of you ride a Qilin, but they look like the perfect mount."
Ying Li, shaking her head, offered a skeptical smile. "No, the Qilin needs to trust you first. Even for the people of Ta Lo, gaining their trust is a difficult feat. For you, an outsider..." She paused, her eyes widening in disbelief, her voice catching in her throat.
The Qilin, as if sensing Ragnar's unspoken desire, nudged its head against his chest, its head lowering, its body offering itself as a mount.
"You lied to me again," Ragnar said, his voice a mix of laughter and wonder. He looked back at Ying Li teasingly, before turning to Dalia, who was now enthralled by the baby Qilin.
"Dalia! Wanna ride the Qilin with me?" Ragnar asked, his voice laced with temptation. He mounted the creature, his hand patting its back. "Thank you," he whispered.
Dalia, torn between the baby Qilin and the allure of riding a mythical creature, hesitated for a moment, her eyes flitting back and forth.
Then, with a decisive burst of energy, Dalia abandoned the baby Qilin and ran towards Ragnar, jumping into his arms, her laughter echoing through the air.
The baby Qilin, opened its eyes confused wondering where the little human massaging it, looked up at its mother, who snorted softly, her head nudging its side, guiding it towards the path.
The Qilin, carrying Ragnar and Dalia, stood tall, its powerful legs carrying them away with rapid speed.
"I want to ride one too!" Akila whispered, her voice tinged with envy, as she watched them disappear into the distance.
"I'll ask Ragnar to take you with him next," Ororo whispered comfortingly, holding Akila's shoulders as she looked at Ragnar, who was bonding with Dalia with a smile.
"Don't go too far!" Elliot shouted, his voice laced with concern, but a hint of amusement.
"You did say, 'Let him enjoy this day,' didn't you?" Sicilia chuckled, her hand intertwined with Elliot's. "Looks like he's found a way to make it even more memorable."
"What is he?" Ying Li whispered, her voice barely audible, her eyes fixed on Ragnar's retreating form.
The Qilin's acceptance of him, its uncharacteristic willingness to allow a stranger to ride its back, defied all logic. It was as if the creature had recognized something in Ragnar, something that transcended their understanding.
A strange familiarity tugged at her memory, an echo from the depths of her mind.
Ying Li recalled the flicker of golden light, the slit pupils, the fierce yet strangely gentle expression in Ragnar's eyes just moments before.
"Where have I seen those eyes before?" Ying Li murmured, her brow furrowed in concentration. She pressed her fingers against her temples, trying to dredge up the source of that unsettling yet familiar feeling.
"Is it one of the animals?" she whispered, her mind racing, searching for a mythical creature with eyes that matched those she had witnessed in the heart of Ragnar.
Ying Nan, standing beside her sister, her arms crossed, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern spoke in a low voice. "You're right. You have seen them before. Every resident of Ta Lo has. But it's not an animal."
"Then what is it?" Ying Li exclaimed, her voice sharp with bewilderment. "It's not human."
Ying Nan's gaze drifted toward Ragnar, her eyes widening with realization. "You saw it when the Great Protector rose from the depths of the lake. You saw it when the Great Protector soared across the sky. Those are the same eyes."
"A dragon?" Ying Li breathed, her voice hitching as the shock etched across her face.
The sisters stared at each other, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of wonder and foreboding. They had stumbled upon a truth that could shatter the very foundations of their village.
For centuries, Ta Lo had known only one dragon, the revered Great Protector and the existence of a second dragon, could rewrite the history of their village and change everything they knew.
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