Chapter XXXI

Walking up to her as she bends her head down to look at me I could tell she hadn't changed a bit. Still the fire red dragon that took me through some of the most dangerous place in Demon Realm. She was my partner and friend who appointed herself as my protector when Yuji wasn't around. Reaching up to lay my hand on her snout she blows air past me in greeting. “Hello old friend. I'm sorry I can't hear you right now. Hopefully when my punishment is finished I will hear your voice in my head again.”

She snorted at me then lunged forward biting my hand. I tried to pull it back, but she wouldn't let go. I felt her tongue lap up where her teeth had sunk into my hand at then a light whisper echoed through my mind, “Kai? Can you hear me?”Shocked that I could hear her I answered, “How is this possible?” “I guess you don't remember do you? A dragon chooses who it speaks to not the other way around,” Sasha said to me letting my hand go. The bite mark was healed, but a smaller version of Sasha was now tattooed there. “The mark of a dragon rider huh? You know I'm still human right now, right?” I asked her hoping her senses haven't gone out since we were last around each other.

“Since when have I EVER lost my senses? That was always you when you went into places you shouldn't. No all my senses are in tact and working just fine. I sensed you the minute you stepped through a portal. Dragon magic is different then other demons as we are unique that way. I could tell that you were in distress and needed help. Are you heading to the Forest of the Goddess?” Sasha asked as the other two showed up shocked at the sight before them. “Who's this?” Jewels asked. “This is Sasha an old friend from a long time ago. She's here to help us and give us a ride to our destination. At least that what its sounding like,” I said looking up at Sasha as she nodded in agreement. “Why do you think I asked if you were going to THAT forest? Well come on we can talk more later, get on,” She said laying down and extending her wing for us to climb up on.

“She said to climb on up she'll be taking us to the forest we were headed to,” I said to the group. Yuji jumped right on up then reached down to help me climb up. The guys then jumped up as well making me feel like dead weight at this moment. “You guys suck. I can't wait to jump that high again,” I said sitting down just above her wing joints. “We could have jumped up here with you, but didn't want to seem like we was invading your space,” Shades said kneeling down next to me.

Nodding in understanding I send a message for Sasha to take flight. Her wings beat vigorously in the air before she steadied out after reaching a manageable flight level. The view from her back was extraordinary as we could see the mountains to the east and the desert flats to the south. Moving westward toward the two moons we head to the forest region where the Forest of the Goddess is. After an hour of flight we begin to descend down onto a clearing on the edge of my old home.

Looking at the forest it looked like it had been asleep for a very long time. Sliding down off Sasha's back I walk up to the treeline expanding my energy feeling the barrier that was around the forest. Still the same as always, I though running my hand long the barrier. The barrier pulsed sensing my energy so close. Closing my eyes I reached with my soul to the very heart of this place hoping the essence of the forest will hear me. Waiting was like hoping to hear an approval from a deity, but after a while I started to hear the forest begin to sing.

The waterlights came to the edge as the barrier became transparent waiting for us to walk through. “Come on guys we can walk in now,” I said stepping through the barrier listening to the song the forest was singing. It was a song of welcome, on full of joy that I had no heard in a long time. The waterlights circled around us as we made our way to the center of the forest where the waterfall with the never ending spring was. As we got closer we could see a large group of waterlights waiting for us in front of the waterfall.

Giving a signal for the others to halt I step forward as the head waterlights float closer to me. It has been a long time, dear guardian, We are surprised to see you. Had we felt your energy we would have had a more welcome return ready for you,” The head mistress said to me in her chiming voice. “I didn't expect to be here, and I won't be here for very long. I can say this though I will be back soon for good. For right now though I need your help,” I said hoping they would understand my meaning.

Of course what ever we can help you with we will. What is it that you need? The mistress asked me. So I went about explaining our current situation, telling her about all the factors we are facing. She listened and nodded when she understood my words. “So we need some information on the demons controlling these supposed “Masters”so I can free my mate. Do you think you can help us?” I asked.

Some of the waterlights have had to deal with these “Masters” before as they were taken. They have been trying for years now to get into this forest, but they can't get past the sacred barrier. We got back the waterlights that were taken, but not before their powers had been taken. The Masters thought the power of the waterlights is what held the barrier, but you know as well as I do that this place is alive and only invited those who are worthy of entering to come in. We will send some scouts to find out what we can while you and your party can stay in you old home until we can help you come up with a plan of action,” the headmistress said flying off as a couple waterlights lead us to my old home. It was build into a large tree about 10 stories high so I could take off from the balcony when I had wings.

Stepping inside I could tell they kept the place clean and timeless as it hadn't changed since I left so many years ago. One of the waterlights floated up to me saying, Your room is still the same, and the spare rooms are ready for use. Each will have the respective name on it. Yuji's room is set as well. “Thank you very much,” I said as she bowed and flew off. Turning to look at the group of people with me I say, “Well I guess we have at least a day before we hear anything back. Plenty of hot water and food here so help yourself. I'm going to get washed up in my room.”

Walking to the stairs I remembered that my room was on the top floor huffing I begin my climb to the top. After what seems like a life time of stairs I make it to my room opening the door to see that nothing has changed. Walking over to the balcony I can see Sasha resting in the field next to the forest. I wanted to bring Jasper hear so badly, but I know better then anyone not to rush into things. Leaning on the railing gazing at the setting sun which was a sky blue in color, reminded me of all the things I left behind when I had to take on my punishment. My memories being taken, no contact with any of my children no mater the place or time except in my current life.

I know I have missed so much and I hope to make it up to my boys when I am finally free and can be the person I always wanted to be. A knock came at my door so I walked over opening it to see Yuji on the other side. “We have a problem.” Yuji said walking to the balcony. I followed seeing a dark cloud forming on the mountains to the east. “That can't be because of us. No one knows we are here except the waterlights and they'd never betray me,” I said wracking my brain trying to figure out what that cloud could be. All the sudden the barrier started flashing like something was hitting it so Yuji and I rushed out trying to find the demon causing the problem.

Moving to the edge of the forest Shades and Jewel met us on the way out the door following the energy signature like we did. Then standing just outside the barrier was the last person to I thought to see in this life. There on the other side stood my son Kino.