Embedded Files
It is February 13th,
It is February 13th,
And a young mortal named Riku has just come of age. He is the only man of his household, and one of the most skilled hunter-fishers in the entire village.
Not unlike the rest of his people, his life is a string of misfortunes. When he is young, his mother becomes pregnant and progressively weakens. Creating another person with such little nutrition naturally causes illness; however, unlike her first pregnancy, she does not improve.
Riku's father,
Riku's father,
Hoping to curry favor with the dragon, travels up the mountain with the largest of their game. He never returns. Not months later, the family shrinks further as Riku's mother passes in childbirth.
At a tender age, Riku takes up two mantles. With only his grandmother to aid him, he raises his sibling from infancy. At the same time, he joins hunting parties to learn the trade. They quickly discover that his accuracy with a bow and spear is unrivaled. Although he has every reason to selfishly prioritize his own family, Riku does not, ensuring everyone else in the valley eats before himself.
The struggling village begins to thrive.
As valuable as Riku is for their survival, he is equally if not more loved. Their small community idolizes him. Every day he is told they see in him his father's convictions, his mother's strength, his grandmother's grace.
As valuable as Riku is for their survival, he is equally if not more loved. Their small community idolizes him. Every day he is told they see in him his father's convictions, his mother's strength, his grandmother's grace.
When his twentieth birthday comes, the people cannot help themselves. For the first time in decades, the monthly dragon festival is skipped. All preparations go toward a coming of age ceremony. The villagers, lacking silk and gold, use the valley's abundant supply of bark cloth, leather, and fur to make Riku's adult clothing.
With trembling hands,
With trembling hands,
Riku's grandmother washes and combs his long hair. The rough ends are trimmed before the entire length is gathered, tied in a high knot at the back of his head. Taking the role of his late father, she also places the leather ceremonial cap upon his head. Donning it and the fur-accented robes, he is formally recognized as an adult.
Due to their rare surplus,
Due to their rare surplus,
The villagers are able to come together for the final ceremony step: a feast. So often threatened by famine, this is a long-abandoned practice. To be able to engage in it now spreads an infectious joy.
Unbeknownst to Riku and the rest, the smell of cooking meat wafts up the mountain.
Expecting colorful game booths,
The dragon is astonished by the sight that greets it. These people have never behaved differently. Consumed with curiosity, Kenshō explores the large gathering. All sit on the floor except one.
Elevated on a pillow, a young male mortal adjusts his extravagant fur-lined clothing. They are so well-made that the man is sweating. Kenshō's own cotton clothes are so thin and ragged, a human would die wearing them.
Fascination becomes envy, then hatred. Kenshō's child skin splits open, revealing the massive white dragon. Red demon eyes roll in its hissing head. The temperature drops. Wind screams.
Steam spilling from its maw, Kenshō demands Riku be offered as a sacrifice.
Page updated
Report abuse