After having food, and helping build our guest a house near Hickory’s so he doesn't have to share, I went up to my cave to sleep. After making another statue of the resemblance to our new guest, I decided that it was time to rest. I laid down in my cave, right in the spot where I was once frozen solid. If it had not been for that I may have not grown my affinity for ice.

I didn't notice, but at some point my eyelids had slowly fallen, and I drifted into a deep slumber. I found myself in a very familiar place but it had changed. I was standing on a platform. I did not see the abyss manifest, or it's usually playing at messing with my mind. It seemed calm today. It felt weird.

Deciding that maybe today I could control my sleep, I moved my dream, toward what felt familiar. I found myself in the star’s. Above everything, and looking where the dragon king was, I saw nothing. The king was no longer here. I am really perplexed now. Most of the usual things messing with my sleep were not here. It left me with a strange sense of emptiness.

I went to places which i had been to before, exploring for anything. Even in places where I know dragons live, like my hometown, it was empty. Not a soul was found anywhere. I walked through empty streets. I couldn't find a god, or dragon anywhere. I thought back to one thing I had promised a dragon. I thought very hard and long about a single name.

“Take me to Aether” I demanded, not sure what I was talking to, but I had to make sure he was okay.

Nothing changed. I was still standing in the street in front of my house, when I noticed movement inside. I hesitantly walked toward the entrance. Anxiety swelled within me for a moment before I pushed it down and walked inside my home.

Standing there, was someone I had not seen in a very long time. It is my mom. I watched as her large shape wandered around the house. It was like she was searching for something, but I couldn't get my eyes off her deep crimson scales. Her bright amber eyes, like spotlights compared to the rest of her haunting figure. She is a fire dragoness with an affinity for smoke and ash. She is of decent size among dragons, but what makes her dangerous is how quickly she can vanish, and her fire power.

I wasn't sure why I could see my mom, but everyone else is not here. I approached the house and walked inside. She was actually there. My mom was in the living room cleaning up. I was so surprised.

“Mom? I asked hesitantly.

Surprised, she turned and faced me. She seemed surprised I could see her, or that I was there. My mom, being herself, changed her expression and calmed down before talking.

“Lost, sweety, how are you here? I heard you were busy on a planet near the void.” She responded.

“I am. I can't leave the planet, I am not strong enough. I wish I was as strong as you mom.” I admitted. “If I was, I would just be able to leave and come back home.”

“Oh dear, even if you were as strong as me you wouldn't be able to. However, I know you're very smart, strong, and lucky. If anyone can get off there, you will be the one to do it.” She repreid finally.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

“I have tried a few times, but failed. I am getting stronger. I even fought a few shades! I fought them off and won!” I responded back, proud of my achievements in battle.

I saw an expression of worry slip onto her face, before she hid it behind a smile. I could tell she seemed distracted, almost worried. I noticed she was making sure the house was all cleaned up.

“Are you going on a trip again mom?” I asked, after noticing her usual act of trying to leave.

“Ya, I am. I have to go take care of something only I can. You know how the strong have the responsibility to take care of the weak. It's our job. We are strong.” She stated proudly.

I smiled and puffed out my chest as well. It was something mom talked to me a lot about. We don't need this world, but we are here because this world needs us. It was mom’s way of explaining that the strong can go as they please, but stay when they have something to protect. One of the reasons mom stayed was because of me. I wondered if she would go on another mission with me being no longer on the planet.

“Vespera, mom. Are you going on another mission, for those old dragons?” I asked her.

Shock went across her face. I have never called her by her name, much less in an almost challenging way before. She took some time to process what I had just asked. Then I watched as she sighed and let her head hang low in defeat.

“Ya I am. Will you be my little strong dragon? I will be back dear. Just wait a little longer for me alright?” She asked.

I know my mom is among the strongest there is, but it doesn't mean she can't be hurt. I have seen her come home hurt before. I don't know what they will have her doing this time, but it upsets me that they keep asking so much of my mom.

“Just come home, mom.” I pleaded.

She came over to me and hugged me. I could feel her nose press into me, as she held me close. She always seemed so much larger than life. Unstoppable force which bent everything to her will. I was certain she would come home, but I was still worried.

“I will, just promise me, you won't fall into the void.” She countered, I could hear the concern in her voice.

I couldn't speak, but I just nodded, as I was choking on my words. I could feel tears sting my eyes. It has been so long I forgot how it felt to be small, and that I am weaker than most. It was humbling, but also comforting. Right now I did not need to be strong, I did not not need to protect anything. I could just snuggle into my mom and disappear from the world for a while.