Week Eleven: The Hydra's Heart

  Xeq put his hand to his heart.

  “You miss your brother?” He asked as he observed Xeq. Xeq sighed. “Yea. I do. But if you can tell me about this Hydra’s heart then he’ll have to wait.”

  “You took something of his.” Mioko said as Xeq sat Indian style by the river inside the mountain, the same place Mioko had brought him to when he first fell from the sky.

  “No?” Xeq said in confusion.

 “The wind tells me that he had fallen into the Atlantic.”

  Xeq got up in shock. “What?”!

  “He’s hurt?” Xeq questioned in panic.

  “He’s okay.” Mioko said with an assuring gesture to indicate that Xeq should sit down. Reluctantly, Xeq obeyed.

  “Before you go. I shall tell you why your connection is severed. No?” Mioko glanced at Xeq seeing that he had his full attention.

  “Yes.” Xeq said exasperated. “Please.”

  “You are Feng and she is Shui.” Mioko started.

  “What does Zamer have to do with this?” Xeq interrupted in confusion.

 “She is the Phoenix. The one who heals.” Mioko continued. “She told you what was required to heal someone, yes?”

 Xeq smirked. “Something significant, right?”

“That day she did not tell you what she took now did she?” Mioko wondered.

  Xeq frowned. It was one of the only days that he had yelled at Zamer. The two weren’t a couple then. He didn’t know who to turn to. He flew everywhere to find people to heal Vile. Finally, he found Zamer.

“No.” She walked away and since I found out that we lived only hours away from each other she set out and went home.

“Did you want to know?” Mioko curiously asked

  “Well.” Xeq frowned as he thought of his bother. “No. Because he was healed and that was all that mattered to me.”

  “What brought you and him close?” Mioko questioned. “You two aren’t blood. You’re an only child. Did he know that?”

  Xeq shook his head. “No… He doesn't knew about that. Besides,” Xeq smirked. “He’s always been around since birth. There’s no way he would know that we’re not really blood related…” He muttered.

  “A silver dragon of the sky related to a dragon of the sea? Unheard of.” Mioko said simply.

  Xeq frowned. “Our parents aren’t dragons.” He said sternly. “It’s possible.”

  Mioko shook his head. “The Phoenix’s parents are not phoenixes.”

  Xeq nodded. “That. I knew.”

  “Her great grandfather on the other hand was a phoenix.” Mioko added.

  “But phoenixes don’t die?” Xeq asked now the one confused.

  “You’re right.” Mioko nodded. “They great reborn.”

  “Wait...” Xeq raised an eye brow. “What?”

  “Her grandfather said he had seen enough in the world and thought that it was time for a new era. He gave his life to the baby that his granddaughter was having. In turn, she became the next phoenix, the power being reborn within her.”

  “Ew.” Xeq said as he thought about dating Zamer’s great grandfather. “So basically?”

  Mioko nodded with a smile and laugh. “Don’t worry. She only has the memory of the past phoenix’s but
 she is still her own person.”

 “Better be.” Xeq said with a sigh.

 “She took the nightmare.” Mioko remarked sternly.

 “What”, Xeq said in surprise. “How could a nightmare be significant?”

 “It told him who he was and would one day lead him to his true brothers.” Mioko explained.

 “What do you mean?” Xeq asked now starting at his true self.

 “The hydra’s heart.” Mioko pointed at Xeq’s stomach.

 “You will gain power, you lose your ability to breath fire, if you can consume the hydra’s heart.” Mioko said.

 “But it’s beating inside me.” Xeq frowned and feeling a little sick in knowing that he was now part hydra.

  “You and your brother can become one.” Mioko continued. “He is what you’ve consumed.”

   “No.” Xeq looked at Mioko is disbelief. “Vile’s a hydra?”

  Mioko nodded. “That would be the only reason why you two can’t communicate anymore. The hydra
inside him wants his brother. Each part of a hydra can be separated but in the end they all need each other. 
They’re each other’s life source.”

  “But that doesn’t make sense.” Xeq protested. “Vile was ad-”

  “Adopted? Through a foster home?” Mioko guessed.

  Xeq nodded. 

Week Ten: Fen Shui

  How could he explain this to his brother? They couldn’t communicate through long distance. Well, they could with a cell phone but that’d be a hell of a phone bill if Xeq explained everything. So, he let the thought settle to the side. He couldn’t do anything but learn for now. He may even come back to learn more but Mioko helped him and he had to pay his regards somehow.

  Mioko explained that dragons here in the east represented luck. For the most part, what Xeq got out of Mioko’s lecture was that they were presented differently. Western dragons were looked upon as protective, strong, but feared while eastern dragons were associated with protecting riches which meant luck, wealth, power, wisdom, and strength. Shines, status, and all sorts of traditions were built to praise the dragons that lived in China. Mioko wasn’t sure himself how western dragons were praised or glorified so he asked Xeq.

  This took a moment to process before Xeq could fully understand how to answer the question. Shrines? Festivals held in their honor? Maybe in California in one of those race based towns that he heard existed but he didn’t know for sure. In Texas, where Xeq was from, he couldn’t think of a place that would hold a tradition. Maybe Dallas, San Antonio, or probably Houston but he had never gone to one or heard of one.

  “See?” Mioko said as he shook his head. “Here, the human hold festivals in our honor. They even ask for our wisdom and strength to get through their storms. Depending on who sees the offering first is the one responsible to help them because not all of us accept offering and not all of us are ‘named’ in Chinese history.”

  Xeq nodded in understand. “I have nothing to offer you, Mioko.” He started and paused for a moment. “But by any chance I have a hunch that you know how to fix this Hydra heart problem of mine. Could you maybe guide me in a direction?”

  Mioko smiled. “You say you tried to consume the Hydra’s heart in sake to save your brother?”

  Again, he nodded.

  “However, you also did it for your selfish reason to becoming more powerful?” Mioko added.

  Xeq’s face flushed. With a smirk he replied, making sure that he couldn’t sound aggravated in the process. “You can declare that….” He sighed. “Yes.”

  “You did it for your love one as well I supposed?” Mioko questioned.

  His eyebrow raised. Xeq didn’t remember telling Mioko about Zamer. “What makes you say that?”

  Mioko smiled. “My dearest Xeq, only one of her kind can be alive at a time. Would you think that she would stay quiet about you?”

  A smirk slipped up on Xeq’s face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Mioko shook his head this time. “Now, my dearest friend, you are lying to me.”

  Xeq laughed. “Okay. So I’m dating a Phoenix. I mean… The only Phoenix. So what? Please don’t tell me there’s an actual prophecy to that too.”

  “Feng Shui.” Mioko said with a grin.

  Xeq shook his head. “Yea. Hello to you too.” Xeq joked.

  “There are two types of Feng Shui. There is the good and the bad. Feng meaning wind and Shui meaning water. Together, they could mean good fortune or they could mean misfortune. Before your time, and probably your lover’s time, this science and art was created. At first, it was created to protect the knowledge of the Emperor and was known as Kan Yu. Kan Yu was used to make sure that there was success in the emperor’s land. It was a way for farmers to ensure that their crops weren’t to perish and their buildings would withstand from the cold winds of the north but then, in the same way society develops so did Kan Yu.

  It became the study of nature and in turn made ‘environment’. As the study matured its focus was redirected to Qi. Qi is energy or a flow. Through Qi, location and direction was now a clearer subject. After Qi, the five elements of wood, earth, water fire, and mental came about. Finally, when used in the proper location Feng Shui emerged. Through Feng Shui in which is used through Qi, balance to the environment can be restored or destroyed.”

  Xeq shook his head as he thought of Zamer. Shoot, the Chinese had an answer for everything huh? Feng. He thought to himself. The wind. She was Shui, or the water. That would explain the healing abilities. They had been together since high school. They had their fights but they came together. They restored balance.

  “The Feng Shui is also used to help bring Health, Prosperity, and Relationship. Also known as man, heaven, and earth. Through traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese Astrology, and Feng Shui, you get good health, prosperity, and a balanced relationship.

  A good example of where Feng Shui can improve relationships is through one’s home. In one’s home there may be Qi which can create a separated and lonely feeling. By using the five elements of the Feng Shui one can rectify this situation.

  In the time of the emperor Feng Shui was known to bring wealth and power. This can be seen more often in an office setting in which a finical benefit would occur.”

  The lost look on Xeq’s face made Mioko smile. At least the boy was understanding it all. “You were probably asking yourself how you got here, did you not?” Mioko finally interrupted Xeq’s in depth thinking.

  “What?” Xeq said in surprise to the snap out of his trance. “Oh…” He paused. “Yea. I was.”

  Mioko nodded and grinned. “You, my friend, are the wind.”

  Xeq smiled. “It lead me here?”

  “Your heart, “Mioki said while point. “You trueself” he said again pointing to the water fall, “You.” He stopped to look at Xeq directly. “You lead you here.”

  Xeq nodded. Course, Mioko had to make it all suspenseful. There were so many questions that Xeq wanted to ask but decided against it. It would all make sense in its time. All he hoped was that Vile would be able to take care of himself until Xeq got back and wouldn’t do something rational like go look for him. Then, there would be a problem. There would probably be a bad Fen Shui if Xeq wasn’t careful. He couldn’t stay here for long. For now, he stared at his reflection, his true self, and quietly thought, “What now?” 

Week Seven: Worry

  Mioko lit facts about Xeq like freworks. Xeq and Zamer resemble Feng Shu yet they also resemble Yin and Yang? It confused Xeq for a while but then it cleared as he learned that the Yin and Yang meant balance. Dragon being Yang and Phoenix being Yin. They represented everlasting love and symbolized that a man and spouse… Xeq stared at Mioko as he said ‘spouse’ not woman. Did that mean a man could be with a man?

  Personally, Xeq didn’t care. He had his handful of gay friends both men and woman. They were all good people. However, the thought of sleeping with them didn't cross his mind. There had been no interest in swinging that way either. When Xeq finally asked Mioko smiled. “Man chooses what he believes is true.” Was all that Mioko said and continued on with the explanation.

  As long as Xeq paid attention, absorbed all the information, and understood it that seemed to be Mioko’s greatest concern. It was also Xeq’s. He didn’t want to explain this all to Vile. Maybe he could bring Vile here for a lesson or two. He knew that he’d enjoy it. Especially if China was where they were meant to go instead of where they happened to be.

  They represented a love and passion that would last till the very end. Xeq was the basis of the Feng Shui that controlled the comic chi (energy) and forces on earth. He brought prosperity and good luck while the Phoenix was to bring the excellent side of the female.

  Xeq smiled bigger than he thought he would of when he heard that one. Mioko laugh and made a joke. It cause Xeq to blush but he laughed too because it was funny. There was more to the two's relationship than Xeq even considered. The two were meant to strengthen the relationship but it could even ‘relight the fires of a kindling relationship with the fiery energy of the Phoenix’ Mioko said exactly. It didn’t clear up until the next sentence which explained that it was a good symbol of a single female or bachelor looking to find love.

  “Well, she found it so I’m not worried.” Xeq laughed. “And I love her with more passion and words coming out of your mouth right now.” Xeq joked.

  Mioko smiled. “I did say that there were many things to learn did I not?”

  Xeq nodded. “Too many. What are you, my college professor?”

  This time, Mioko shook his head and smirked. “You could learn more from me than any college professor could promise you with two lives.”

  Xeq nodded. “Because you’re teaching me from a firsthand perspective not through the books and ‘this is how it works just cause’ attitude.”

  “Is that how you see your college professors now?” Mioko laughed.

  Xeq would have punched him in the arm if they had known each other longer. Mioko tricked him into saying that. Xeq rolled his eyes. “Yes it is and I would tell them any day.” Xeq smiled and spat back.

  “It would be an honor.” Mioko laughed again.

  The time that Xeq would spend with Mioko was limited. He hoped that he could get back to his brother but it occurred to him that Vile might not even notice that he was gone. Not because Vile and him weren’t close, but because Vile had been speaking to Zamer lately to tell him what Vile wanted to say. This Hydra’s heart interrupted the flow of connection that Vile and Xeq had. Speaking to his brother in person wasn’t so bad. It was the fact that they couldn’t communicate through thoughts that bothered him. Something was with this Hydra’s heart, something that had to do with destroying his connection with his brother.

 --

  Vile knocked on the door reluctantly. If Xeq was sleeping at Zamer’s all he had to do was tell her to tell him. But in the past few days he hadn’t heard a word from either of them. If they were having that much sex he didn’t want to know. He only needed to know about his brother’s whereabouts and since his brother had consumed the hydra’s heart to save him their connection had become murky and then it cut off completely. The two used to know how to communicate over long distance without technology but since the two were normally together or at least had an idea of where each other were at there was no need for the distant communication. Now, he really wish they focused on it because he was getting worried.

  Zamer’s mother answered the door with a smile. She was just as beautiful as Zamer. If Vile didn’t know any better he would call them sisters. At least she was nice. Vile shrugged in his head as he thought of what to say.

  “Vile!” Zamer’s mother wrapped her arms around him. “Son-in-law!” She said again as she squeezed him.

  Vile was careful to not hug her too tight. He always loved her hugs though. They were heartwarming and probably the best compared to anyone else he knew. Xeq and Zamer weren’t married yet but both their families treated the other as if they were already married. Xeq and Zamer both came to the conclusion to wait until after college because their families wouldn’t force them to be at home.

  “Mom.” Vile said with a smile.

  She blushed. “You don’t have to call me that if it makes you uncomfortable, honey.”

  Vile smirked. “No.” He shrugged as they let go of the hug. “That’s why I said it.”

  Vile and Zamer’s mother hadn’t spent a lot of time getting to know each other. He had come over only to stay on the couch and play video games, or to try and pry Xeq out of their house. Sometimes, he would even stay because they were fed up with home. Now, the brothers lived in the same house only a few blocks away from their parents. It was the farthest that Xeq and was allowed to go and Vile had promised that he would help pay bills so Xeq allowed the partnership.

  Zamer’s mom smiled. “Care to come in?” She said seeing that Vile didn’t step a foot inside.

  Vile shrugged. “If you want. I was hoping that I wouldn’t need to pry my brother out of your house again.”

  They both laughed at the remark but then her expression changed in concern. Before Zamer’s mother could say anything, Zamer flashed into the room. Returning to her normal form she let out an exhale of partial relief.

  “Vile!” She exclaimed. “Thank goodness you’re all right.” She paused and then look at Vile in more concern than Vile wanted her to. “You’re here for Xeq aren’t you?”

  Vile nodded slowly hoping that his brother would scare him from behind or run downstairs reluctant to see that his brother wanted him to come home.

  “He hasn’t been here in the past three days.” Zamer said in horror and disdain. “We were hoping that he’d be with you.”

  Vile’s eyes widened. He wasn’t at Zamer’s? At least if he had been he could make a joke or two about it but he wasn’t at Zamer’s? He already checked all the other places that Xeq would disappear to. He decided to save Zamer’s for last because he knew what Zamer and Xeq did in their free time. Vile bit his lip softly.  If he wasn’t here, then where could he be?

Week Twenty: Brotherhood

This was supposed to publish on the 6th. I guess I forgot to queue it in. My apologizes everyone. 
--
  The first sense that Xeq tuned into was his hearing. In the distance he could hear little droplets of water. As his mind began to clear he could hear a waterfall. Then, his fingers twitched. Feeling the rock of the cave, Xeq noted that he was using his fingers and not his claws. Alert, Xeq searched for his single heartbeat. At first hearing nothing, Xeq thought of a command for his body but failed. In response, the temperature set his temperature and quietly, but stronger then before, was his heartbeat.
  Eyes forced open, Xeq stared at the ceiling. Cuddled up in his arms was a warm fuzz. Looking down, Xeq's confused look change to a relaxed one. In his arms was the Kitsune, her light orange red fur sparkled. Readjusting, Xeq ran his hand through her fur. As he did, her ear twitched and she let out a long sigh. Smiling, Xeq looked up to the sound of paws emerging from deeper in the cave.
  "She insisted to be the first one to see you when you awoke." The wolf's voice had an edge of alertness that alarmed Xeq.
  "Turns out she's the first one you see but I am the first to see you." He grunted in attempt to laugh.
  "Did I do something while I was going through that phase?" Xeq questioned, still feeling the uneasiness of the wolf.
  "No, you did cause quite a rumble." The wolf's reflection form didn't sooth Xeq's nerves any.
  "Yea..." Xeq smirked. "My apologizes."
  The wolf nodded as he leaned his back against the wall to face Xeq. "She's very fond of you."
  Xeq shrugged not sure how to respond he hadn't exactly spent any 'emotional' time with her.
  "She believes that you have a kind heart, dragon. What do you say?"
  Xeq sighed. "I do what I have to."
  "How's the hydra's heart working for you?" The wolf said nodding his head.
  "I feel a stronger pulse, and colder but I think it's because of my blood. I' not exactly warm blooded."
  The wolf's unreadable expression slipped a small smile at the corner of his lips. "Mioko said to let you rest after you stopped your tantrum. I understand that you're brother is out at sea. Do you honestly think that this heinous act will purify you?"
  Anger swelled up within Xeq. Feeling the Kitsune's coat in his hands, he managed to silence it and then speak. "I didn't ask to be purified. I wanted to save my brother."
  "From his own kind, asking him to come home and be one with them?" The wolf asked with a raised eyebrow.
  "No." Xeq shook his head, sitting up and placing the Kitsune on his lap to continue stroking her. "I didn't know Vile was part Hydra. All I knew was that he was adopted. Had I known that the hydra was there to negotiate then I wouldn't have attacked but as I entered the scene, Vile was on the ground in agony."
  Letting a silence settle between the two, Xeq sighed. "I heard a rumor that a hydra's heart can make another dragon stronger. Actually...  The whole rumor is that if you eat another dragon's heart than you can receive their abilities and such."
  "And?" The wolf questioned, his tail twisting in anxiousness. "What have you found to be true and to false?"
  Xeq smirked. "I... I don't know if I can use fire anymore. What I can use is this inner light type attack. I call it 'hyper beam' since I can't think of what else to call it but it's strong and I don't know how to control it yet. I thought if I let the heart consume mine I'd feel better and I do...." He sighed. "But I feel farther from Vile than I ever have since he's entered my life. I was able to use the power but the more I used it the harder it was to talk to Vile through our 'connection'."
  The wolf nodded. "This connection, I assume most dragons have it?"
  Xeq shrugged. "I've only interact with a few in my life. That'd be a question for Mioko."
  Turning, both Xeq and the wolf faced the sound of sandals approaching them.
  "Ah, I see you've awaken." Mioko smiled. "I am glad."
  "How long was I out?" Xeq asked in concern.
  "Two days." Mioko nodded. "I don't assume you're trying to leave in that condition are you?"
  Xeq frowned. "My brother's in trouble. I don't care if he's not my full brother and I don't mind not being able to connect with him but I need to find him."
  "Vile is a water based dragon, no?"
  Xeq shrugged. "He's faster in the water. I can say that much but he's a flyer too."
  Mioko looked at Xeq in amusement. "A flying hydra?"
  Xeq shrugged. "I don't know how that works. I mean," He paused. "There's me. Chinese Feng Shui but part Hydra."
  Mioko shook his head. "You two might anger the Gods if you're not careful."
  Xeq sighed. "The Gods?" She raised an eyebrow. "Since when did dragons become religious?"
  Mioko smiled. "You should not insult the God, young dragon. They are quite powerful beings and they help bring peace to our world."
  Xeq shook his head. "Peace?" He looked at Mioko in concern. "Do you know what's going on outside this cave, Mioko?"
  Mioko nodded and smiled. "Indeed I do but it is not our place to change the world, or the political systems and such. My role is to protect the natures of the world. To preserve the knowledge and cherish what the humans do not. We are here for our purposes. Humans are here for theirs."
  Xeq shrugged. "So then, how will we know who's telling the truth about what?" Xeq frowned. "I mean, as for the explanations of the world?"
  Mioko smiled. "That, young dragon, is for you to decide. As I have told you how I feel of this world, you must make your own view and stand by it but do not close your eyes. For one belief leads to many and more shall come to pass."

Week Sixteen: Changing

  Pressure pounded Xeq in every which way. The blood in his eyes blinded him. As much as he loved his brother, he knew that there was other ways that they could communicate. A cell phone...people they hung out with...mail if it came down to it. But. At the rate of the Hydra's heart expelling his own structure, there would be no way Xeq could take flight. And even if Xeq had chosen to fork over the heart and let Vile have it, where would Vile be?

  All around Xeq were echos of his heart beat as it panicked at the Hydra's heart's proposal to let it take over. Mioko had placed a barrier around the mountain to make sure no human could enter and stumble upon Xeq's predicament.

  As Xeq's breath began to waver, he could feel a soft material find its way to Xeq's claw. He was constantly transforming from his true self to his reflectioned self. A roar would escape him every time his mind would realize that the morph was in progression.

  Every muscle in Xeq's body pulses. He tried to control his breathing but found it easier to let his body do the magic. Carassing Xeq's mind, Xeq could remember the fabric's touch and realized what had been position under his hand/claw.
--

  The Kitsune, the young fox girl, trembled about as she watched the man roar and growl. His painful screams vibrated the walls of the cave and sent tears to brim her eyes. The man had only been with them long enough to wake, eat, and talk to the elder dragon.

  Heart cracking, the kitsune transformed into her fox self and left the mystical island within the cave. Approaching the man, she touched her nose to his finger. Wide eyed, the man's finger grew and brightened into scales. Afraid, the kitsune froze as she was pushed back by the growing claw. Once the man was fully transformed, the kitsune took a step back and tilted her head. As soon as he finished and the roar had echoed into the island area, he began to shrink back into his human form.

  Worried, the kitsune turned to run to the elder dragon. As she did, she found herself face to face with a snout. Meeting eyes with it, she lower her gaze and whimpered. Standing stern, the wolf snarled. 

  "You could have been hurt!" The wolf exclaimed through his eyes. 

  The kitsune lowered her head. "Yes. But...." She shook his head. "He's hurting! I can't allow him to go through this alone!" She argued. 

  The wolf growled. "Go. Get out of here. I'll watch over him." 

  The wolf's piercing black eyes raised the kitsune's fur. "Fine." She said letting a shimmer of tears fall as she gracefully sprinted away. 

  Returning back to her reflectioned self the Kitsune's vision blurred as the tears fell uncontrollably from her face. Crawling her way to the elder dragon, Mioko turned in amusement.

  “What is it, young one?” He wondered, allowing her to curl up next to him.

  “Kadi’s angry that I approached the dragon while he’s going through his transformation…” The kitsune stammered between tears. “He thought I was going to get hurt…”

  Mioko nodded as he set a hand on the kitsune’s head. Changing back into her fox self, she curled up on Mioko’s lap and pouted. Stroking her head, Mioko smirked. “Kadi is looking out for you.” He said as he scratched her behind her ear. “He is worried and wishes for the best.”

  Making the kitsune’s snout face him, Mioko continued. “You are his only child.”

  --

  The wolf snarled at the dragon as he roared and shook the walls of the cave. Such racket made without a barrier would be heard throughout all of China. Inching towards the dragon, the wolf glared as he calculated the area in which the young man took verses the young dragon. Sighing, the wolf glanced back at the entrance in which the kitsune had run to.

  Seeing the water rush comforted him. Knowing that the kitsune was safe from harms way and probably with the elder dragon made the wolf turn to the dragon once again. Seizing the man’s hand, the wolf slid his head under to let him feel his coat. Finger’s twitching as they grazed the wolf’s fur, Xeq managed to feel comforted.

  Hand morphing back into a claw and body changing back into a dragon, Xeq let out another vibrant roar. The Wolf’s ears twitched as the hand grew and encased him. Nose touching the bottom of the dragon’s claw, the wolf closed his eyes. In either self, as a man or as a dragon could the wolf feel assured that the man would understand. Hoping for the best, the wolf yawned and silenced the dragon’s roars.

--

  Lifting her head, the kitsune scrambled out of Mioko’s lap and returned to her reflectioned self.     “Do you really think Kadi cares that much?” She questioned.

  Mioko shook his head. “I do not think so.” He smirked at her  baffled expression. “I know so.” He grinned as she frowned.

  “Kadi always wants to protect me but sometimes he doesn’t realize how scary he is!” She exclaimed.

  Mioko shook his head. “Your kind have a history of their own, young one, once you learn this than you will understand his ways.”

  The kitsune frowned. “Mioko…?” She quietly asked after staring at her reflection in the water.

  “Yes, young one?” He said after opening one of his closed eyes. After she had returned to her reflectioned self and turned away, Mioko returned to his meditating state.

  “Can you come with me to see the dragon?” She muttered. “That way if Kadi gets mad..”

  Letting the silence breach her confidence, Mioko opened his eyes and nodded. “Of course, young one. If you want to be there for the younger dragon you may.”

  Taking Mioko’s hand the kitsune smiled and skipped as they walked across the island and to the entrance of the cave. Smiling and laughing, the kitsune swung Mioko’s arm. Abruptly stopping, the kitsune gasped as she gazed at the sight. Curled up under the claw of the dragon was the wolf. Instead of transforming and roaring, the dragon snored, letting out a stream of steam from his nostrils. Smiling, Mioko nodded.

  “Not only has the dragon learned but so has Kadi.” He commented.

  Looking up at Mioko, the kitsune shook her head in confusion.

  “Learned what?” She wondered.

  “The definition of inner peace.” Mioko smiled. 

Week Thirteen: Convinced

  Xeq shuddered in disbelief. Mioko let the information settle in before he spoke. Watching the agony spread through Xew, Mioki pitied him.
 "Vile has now lost his kin." Mioko continued. "What will you do?" He asked, eyes on Xeq in curiosity.
  Xeq shook his head. Staring into his true self he could feel the aggravation from the Hyper Beams that he tried to control. He contemplated the power but he also yearned it. A power that no other had developed. On top of that, he could regenerate and never die. Immortality took a whole different meaning if it meant losing his brother forever.
  "Do you still wish to hear the options of gaining the power you see?" Mioko shot at Xeq.
  A frown spread across his face. He felt selfish. He didn't know what to think. His brother was everything to him right after Zamer.
  Gasping. Xeq fell to his knees in agonizing pain. His breath was low and his vision began to blur. Gripping the edge of the river, Xeq could barely stand the agony.
  "The heart wants you to choose." Mioko said slow and firm placing a hand on Xeq's back. "For the sake of your brother and yourself you must choose soon." Mioko sighed. "If you want power and regeneration you first must be consumed by what you want."
  Xeq's breath hardened and his hands dug into the side of the river as he bared to listen.
  "Or, you can rid of it by taking your brother and letting him be reborn instead."
  Xeq's wild silver eyes met Mioko's concerned gaze.
  "Either I'm killed or he's killed huh?" He managed to grunt after letting the tears fall from his eyes.
  Mioko nodded. "With death comes rebirth." Mioko replied.
  "What happens if I die and become stronger as you say..." He choked, hurling himself into the water anything to sooth his pain.
  Emerging, he grabbed at the side of the bank and sighed, the water released some pressure but not all of it.
  Then you gain power the power you seek. Us dragons are strong and protectors of wealth as well as wise. However, some of us forget these abilities through our reflections. In a way, the water does us a favor. It allows us to never forget who we truly are."
--

  Vile thrashed about. His heart beat. He couldn't hear it. Other times when he jumped into the water to face his fear he would hear it perfectly. Sometimes the rush would sooth, other times it would fasten and he would realize how panicked he really was but currently, there was nothing.
  You bear weakness.  Said the thicker voice. Your strength is at its peak. 
  Vile shook his head. "If I were on land I would be afraid." He sighed. "But right now I am not and this is unnatural. What is going on?"
  You are being reborn within the sea.  Spoke the voice.
  Vile grumbled. "English, please."
  Actually, we're speaking Greek. Replied the voice. You are the true descendant of the Lernaean Hydra. The moment you appeared and spoke to us proved your lineage.
  Growling, Vile turned away. You have your heart. It has been silenced for your focusing reasons. Continued the voice. Guide us, dear descendant. Guide us. 
  How?!  He screamed in his head.
  Only you know the way.  Replied the voice of the spirit.
  Sighing, Vile closed his eyes. Around him, the water seemed to calm as he found his concentration. Suddenly, Vile's imagination infected his vision.
--
  "I'm sharing my memories with you, descendant." said a man to his right. Vile returned to his reflectioned form and was standing on a white slab of stone.
  "We are in the central court. Around us you will see what we had before the gods decided to end our dystopian society. "
  Vile gawked as he observed the red pillars and stone ceilings.
  "Whoa. There's natural light coming into all the rooms." Vile commented. "How did...?"
  The man smiled. "Our structures are made to withstand anything." He smirked. "Except the Gods of course."
  Shrugging, Vile followed the man. "Do you mean Zeus and all them?"
  Abruptly, the man stopped. "The descendant knows nothing of his natural culture?"
  Vile sighed. "Look. I'm from America. If anything, I had this dream and then it disappeared. I can't-"
  The man turn to face Vile in astonishment. "You know nothing of your origin."
  Looking away in disdain, Vile shrugged again. "I pity you." The man shook his head. "But we must do something about this!" He exclaimed. "Come, you shall present yourself to the Titaness Mnemosyne."
  "Whoa there buddy." Vile exclaimed throwing his hands up. "I thought Titans were bad?"
  "You are human." The man spat.
  Shrugging, Vile put down his hands. "More than I'm supposed to be, yes, I know but according to Percy Jackson..."
  "Stop your rambling!" Exclaimed the man now in anger. "Do you want your memory back or no?"
  Contemplating this, Vile replied. "In a way, yes. But what if it was taken away from me for a reason?"
  The man glared at Vile in annoyance. "A reason you did not choose?"
  Smirking, Vile sighed. "Well..." He paused. "Yes. But then again, it's only a dream. Can't I live without it?"
  "Your memory is a staple in your life. Do not pretend like you do not yearn for this. Even if your heart has numbed, I still can feel the plead that you have no sense to."
  Vile growled. "Look." He balled his hand into a fist. "I can't feel my heart beat. That worries me. But I don't see how we can be alive in your memory to a God that doesn't even exist!" He began raising his voice. "After all, I'm not alive in this time period if you don't remember, Sir. So even if we go to this Mnem blah I don't even know how to say the rest then how am I going to regain my memory through your memory?"!
  The man was in Vile's grasp now. Shirt firmly in his hand. Around him, eyes trailed to the scene. Biting inner lip after the silence and stares, he let go.
  "They..." He muttered. "They can see me..." He commented in astonishment.
  The man stared at Vile's fist, afraid that the rage within Vile might kill him before the memory was truly over.
  Covering his face with his hands, Vile stepped back. "My anger gets the best of me." He sighed. "I'm sorry."
  Silence rang in Vile's ears. The stares around him made him feel the light of the spotlight burn his confusion.
  "Please." Vile balled his fist. "I didn't mean to scare you." He paused. "I can normally handle myself but right now my fuse is shorter than usual."
  The man nodded, fear still in his eyes. Looking into Vile's he smirked. "You truly are a descendant."
  Rolling his eyes, Vile shook his head. "Say what you want. I won't believe you until I see it."
  The man shook his head. "Forsake yourself from the Gods. Maybe they will understand if you take us to the gates of the Underworld."
  Vile raised his eyebrow. "You highly believe that I'm this Hydra's descendant. It's amusing."
  "Change." The man shook his head.
  "Change?" Vile questioned.
  "Expose yourself to the people of Atlantis." He replied. "Reveal to your true self."
  Vile's eyes glossed. "If you really want me to destroy the contents of this mesmerizing place I shall do it but since I do appreciate it I will not." The words left him as he turned to face the way he came and spirited to the central court. Hitting open space, Vile jumped and morphed in midair. Wings extending and reptile skin coating his refectioned self Vile decided to partly transform.
  Keeping his human body he faced the man who could not catch up with Vile. Appearing under the building, he grinned and opened up his arms.
  "I bring you the descendant of our savior!" He exclaimed.
  Even at a distance the whispers were clear. "The Larnaen Hydra!" He continued.
  Vile growled but soon heard a voice. "Heracles has yet to prevail."
  Shaking his head, Vile frowned.
  Laraen Hydra. Defeated by Heracles sent by Hera to slay Heracles. 
  Vile's eyes widened as he uncontrollably finished his transformation.
  "Behold!" The man spoke in awe. "Reincarnated!"
  Vile thrashed and roared feeling the stone vibrate bellow as he was forced to land.
  My sweet heart.  Vile closed his eyes in disbelief. What power did these Greeks have over him?
  Do not be afraid. The sweet soft voice reminded Vile of his mother back home.
  He is right. Lead these people. The voice echoed in Vile's mind. Lead them and serve me.
  Who are you? Vile thought to the voice.
  I am Hera, Queen of Olympus. 
  Vile shook his head vigorously. "No." He spoke out. All around him the Greeks stared.
  Do not be afraid, my Vile. The voice continued. I promise you will live longer than you predecessor. 
  Yea because Hercules isn't alive anymore. Vile laughed. It's the year two thousand fourteen what Ancient beast bestows my falter?
  Heracles. Hera corrected. Hercules is Roman. 
  Vile shrugged. Same difference. 
  But to answer your question. Hera sighed. No. You were created to kill Heracles. You are not one without him.
 Vile shuddered. So that means...
  I'm afraid so.  Replied Hera. Go. You must lead these people. 
  To my death?! Exclaimed Vile. What. No! He exclaimed in furry.
  You will not die. Hera replied softly.
  Vile sighed. Convincing but not promising. He muttered.
  You are guardian of the Underworld but your wings prove otherwise. You have been blessed by Zeus. God of the sky and ruler of Olympus. 
  Your husband...? Vile wondered. All I know is that he tended to 'get around'. Vile replied feeling sorry for Hera.
  Yes. She replied with a sigh. But he has blessed you with flight. To him, you are welcomed into the world. 
  Vile frowned. I never prayed to you-or him. Why would either of you bless me into this world? 
  Hera lightly laughed sending a surge of happiness through Vile's blood.
  My dearest. Her voice lit up his mood. The challenge that has been placed before you is a test. Zeus would never allow such greatness to be bestowed upon someone I love. 
  Vile's eyes open as Hera said love. Around him stood the Greeks, silent now.
  "Curse Poseidon!" Exclaimed the man meeting Vile's gaze.
  "Curse Vulcan!" He exclaimed again.
  Isn't cursing going to get me into trouble... Vile stared wondering to Hera.
  Again she her laughter warmed his cold blood. You have been blessed by Poseidon and the people of Atlantis have paid their punishment. If Poseidon does not believe of their worth then Hades will assure the great punishment. 
  Vile nodded. But they are technically still alive so shouldn't they be happy? 
  Hera laughed again, this time not as sweet. You are a bright one. Maybe even blessed by Athena herself. 
  Vile shook his head. I don't even know who that is either. He sighed.  But for some reason I don't feel like you should be laughing at that remark. 
  You have many qualities, my child. Hera commented. Serve the Gods. You may learn something of use. 
  Vile felt his body transform back to him reflectioned self. The memory in which you seek will be recovered in the Underworld. Take them. There, you shall make a choice. 
  Vile's eyes reverted back to the oceanic blue. All around him were cheers and screams.
  "Curse Poseidon!"
  "Curse Vulcan."
  Inside him, Vile could feel the challenge. Approaching the man, Vile sighed. "Hera tells me to take you." He replied, speaking loud enough so everyone can hear. "I shall take you. But only because I have another way of finding my memory."