Sebastian brought more bottles of water before taking off on his journey. He climbed a sturdy tree and hopped from branch to branch to travel faster. He got to the top and sighed. Sebastian peeked out and stared at the orange skies and clouds brushing in all around him. The gentle breeze brushed against his skin as he tried to stay in balance without falling. He examined the area until something caught his attention: the tall mountainside resting on top of the fog.

Sebastian nodded and climbed back down. He brushed aside the bushes and cut any tree leaves out of his view with a knife before progressing forward. Eventually, he found his way out of the Whispering Elderberry Forest and came across the mountains, The Slumbering Tops.

Sebastian trekked up the steep pathway. At first, he didn’t find it, but the winds and rocky terrain didn’t sway in his favor. He wrapped his arms around himself and shivered, using every one of his straining muscles to force his legs to go one steep step at a time. Sebastian stopped in place, stumbling upon a thin line he had to walk across. His back pressed against the rough, rocky walls. His heart raced as he made sure not to slip and fall. Sebastian made it out of that perilous situation. He had to stop and catch his breath before continuing onward.

Sebastian found the path steep, as he had to climb the rest of the way. The sharp pain from the terrain hurt his hands. He gritted his teeth and kept going regardless, knowing what was at stake here. Part of his brain wanted him to turn back, but he had to keep going and push himself forward, no matter what.

Eventually, Sebastian reached the top at last. He rolled on his back and took another breather, making sure his lungs didn’t give out. He wanted to take a drink of water from his bottle, when he noticed a bubbling pit containing mineral water in front of him.

“I didn't know an area like this existed on the mountain.”

Sebastian wanted to ask how his mentor knew about this place, but he didn’t care now. As if his troubles had eased up just like that, Sebastian trudged over to the edge of the crater to take a closer look. After finishing one of his bottles, he leaned the empty bottle close to the water. However, before he scooped it, he tested the waters by dipping his body inside. As the tense muscles relaxed, Sebastian closed his eyes and felt the stress that had been built up earlier disappear.

“Man, this works wonders. Hopefully, I can get back to Trinity on time with this.”

With a bottle of mineral water scooped up, Sebastian got up and treaded back down. He took a different route to get down the mountainside quicker. The new area around him had a foggy aura surrounding it. Black vines grew from the ground, and dead silence lingered in the air. Sebastian’s heart pounded against his chest. Was it a mistake trying out a different path? He didn’t know what lied ahead beyond the path he took.

His ears perked when a soft cry echoed through the area. It caught him off guard, but sounded more like a cry for help. Sebastian walked around, trying to pinpoint the sound, as it got louder and louder.

Eventually, he brushed off the fog as he came across glowing red eyes piercing through the fog and darkness. Sebastian lowered his hand, about to reach the sheath, when he adjusted his eyes and found a small crimson dragon entangled in vines.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As the creature struggled to escape and whimper, Sebastian lowered his guard and trudged. It took notice and narrowed its eyes.

Poor creature. Sebastian walked closer and raised his hands. “Hang on, let me help you.” He slouched over to his sword sheath. The dragon shook its body as it roared at him. “No, wait, it’s ok, I want to help! Please hold on, ok?”

The dragon held still as Sebastian went to grab the thorny vines and cut them into pieces one by one. He pulled his hand back after pricking himself. Testing his theory, he poured a drop of water on the wound, and it disappeared from his hand. Brushing it off, he went back to slicing the thorns away. Soon, Sebastian freed the creature from the thorns. He watched the dragon hop around in delight as it spread and shook its wings.

“See? Just like I promised.” Sebastian’s smile dropped as the creature jumped and attempted to fly, but fell to the ground.

His mouth gaped as he spotted scars and blood on the dragon’s wings. It might not ‌get back to its home at this rate. Sebastian’s eyes lit up as he thought up an idea. He took out the bottle from his pocket and poured mineral water into his hand before leaning down to its level. The dragon took multiple sips. When the concoction kicked in, their body spruced up, roaring triumphantly. Having their energy back, they took to the skies and flew around the area.

“Glad to see you’re feeling fine again.” Sebastian chirped.

The dragon flew down and nudged against his leg. Sebastian bent down to pet it frivolously. He checked his vial and found himself with plenty of water left at his disposal. Set on heading back, before he said anything, the dragon’s wings grew large as it scooped the boy up from underneath, setting off towards the skies.

The winds blew through his face as Sebastian tried his hardest to hold on to the scaly body. It caught him off guard, but the situation left him speechless, unable to think straight. That was, until he could barely make out some yellow in the green forest. He called for the dragon to drop him off at that specific spot.

.-.-.-.

Trinity rested beside a big rock and stared at the cloudy sky. He gripped his shoulder and prayed that his student would get back safely. Just then, the trees and grass brushed against the wind as it roared in the night. Trinity tried to keep the wind from pushing him back, shielding his vision. There, up above, a large dragon flew down and landed. The surrounding area shook. Sebastian hopped off and ran to his mentor’s side with the vial in hand.

“Trinity, I’m back.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” Trinity glanced at the creature. “But how did you—?” He was about to ask, but the pain throbbing in his sides cut his sentence and made him wince.

“Don’t push yourself too hard. Hang on, here, drink this.”

“You brought it? Thanks.” Trinity took the vial and drank a couple of gulps of it.

“Hey, leave some for later, will you?”

“Sorry, I didn't realize how much I took and needed it.”

“So, how are you feeling now?” Sebastian asked.

“Feel a lot better now, thanks to you. Consider this a lesson, alright?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. Now, about your new friend...”

The creature shrank down and hid behind Sebastian’s legs as it glared at Trinity.

“I can explain it on the way there, but I think this little guy wants us to go with him.”

“Really? Where?”

“His home, of course.” Sebastian extended his hand. “Can you stand?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Trinity grabbed hold and pulled himself up. “Are you sure we can trust this creature?”

“Well, I wouldn’t be here if it not for him, if that’s anything to go by.”

“Hmm, that’s true. Alright, I guess we can accompany it for the time being.”