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Description
Chapter six  

I have some good news and some bad news

The small island of nowhere had been untouched by the main land for almost a century. Not many people even knew the main land existed anymore, save for those that had ventured up onto the mountains and seen the faint glow of the city lights of the far off coast.
It was an anomaly, a wives tale. The mysterious ocean lights, the strange metal birds that some of the village people had seen, something just to scare kids into being good. Luckily for Lucas and Claus, their parents didn’t prescribe to the fear tactics of some other parents. They used softer methods. But that left the boys to be subject to the idea that they might be just a little spoiled, and maybe they were. But that wasn’t something Lucas really cared about. Being spoiled wasn’t really something that made sense to him. He was just. Happy. Happy to live with his little family on the coast, and happy to be able to take the trip to see his grandfather in the mountains.
It was mostly a deserted plateau that their grandfather lived on, but Lucas loved it. If not for the great view and plenty of room to explore, but also for the native animals, the Dragos. Drago’s though quite intimidating to look at, were very gentle creatures, and Lucas and his twin were always the most excited to play with them when they went to visit their grandfather.
Claus was always a bit more excited, or at least, not very good at staying in bed. He was up at the break of dawn and out the door long before his twin had risen. But it didn’t last long as the ginger became bored without his brother and rushed in and jumped on the bed.  “Lucas! Lucas! Get up! You gonna sleep all day!? The Drago’s brought their babies! They’re so cute! Come on!” He hopped off the bed and left before checking if his twin was even awake.
Lucky enough that was more than enough to rouse the Blond and he sat up with a sleepy expression. Lucas stumbled out of the bed and descended the stairs. He didn’t give much attention to his mother. Her long brown hair flowing over the back of the dinning chair as she sat at the table writing.  Lucas opened the door and his mother turned in her chair, “Are you planing to play in your pajamas?” She smiled, “Scoot upstairs and change.”   Lucas turned to his mother and gave her a sour look, “No.”
Hinawa laughed, “Then I guess you can stay inside.” She turned back to the letter she was writing, “In your pajamas… for the rest of your life.”
Lucas pouted more but went back up the stairs and changed into a teeshirt and shorts.
Now a bit more awake the young boy took two steps at a time and landed on the ground floor, spreading his arms and presenting himself to his mother.
She smiled, “There, much more presentable. Now run along. I’m sure Claus is dying without you.”  Lucas ran from the house, giving his grandfather a quick wave and heading off to the edge of the plateau.
Lucas slipped through a short trench before the high walls broke away to nothing but sky. Though the sky line was broken up as several large reptilian heads perked up to investigate the newcomer. The Dragos rumbled in welcome and Lucas smiled and waved. But he barely had time to properly greet the animals when Claus jumped on him, “LUCY!” He yelled grabbing him and turning him in a full circle before dragging him over to a small Drago family with a hatchling, “Look look. I told you!”   Lucas smiled and sat at the hatchling’s side. The baby looked up at Lucas and moved to press it’s muzzle into him sniffing at him curiously before resting on the boy’s lap and purring.
Lucas pet the Drago baby. Claus watched a bit impatiently, “Come on come on! Let’s Ram!”  Lucas shook his head, “I don’t like doing that. I don’t want to hurt them.”  “It’s just a game Lucas.” Claus replied, “It’s just pretend.” Claus backed up and ran at the Drago mother, he let out a loud battle cry and ran his body into the Drago, stumbling back and falling onto his back side.   The Drago mother let out a soft roar and seemed to make a show of falling to the ground. The ground shook as she fell.  Claus held up his hands in victory. The Drago mother looked up and moved to nuzzle Claus and purr. Claus yelped, “No stop!” He giggled, “That tickles!”
Lucas covered his mouth as he laughed.
“What fierce creatures have found themselves on my peek?” A voice called to them lightly. Lucas turned to the voice quickly, his ace brightened even more.
The ethereal creature known as Ionia was walking over to them. Her pink hair done up in a neat curl, her stubble freshly shaven. Her lime green dress fluttered softly in the open air. She had a basket in her hands, “You two here to terrorize my poor babies, how terrible.” Ionia put a gloved hand to her cheek.
“Claus did it!" Lucas was quick to blame.
“Hey!” Claus shot back, “I didn’t hurt her, it was just pretend!”
Ionia laughed, “All right all right. Come over here and give you auntie Io a kiss!”  Lucas hopped up and ran over to the creature and wrapped his arms around her neck, kissing her cheek.
Claus followed closely behind, but was much more interested in the basket, “are there presents in there? Are they for me?”
Ionia swatted at Claus, “You'll see. Let’s head back I’m sure your lunch is ready by now.”  Lucas kept hold of Ionia’s arm as they walked back to the cabin. Ionia walked in and greeted his mother and Grandpa, giving them both kisses on the cheek.
“I heard The boys were here and I just couldn’t resist coming over. And I’ve had some gifts for so long for them.” Ionia put down the basket and pulled out a large gift wrapped in butcher paper, “This is Claus’ since he’s so impatient. From Aoliea.”  Claus hopped up and down and took the package tearing at the paper as he opened it. Two thick books were uncovered. Claus’ eyes sparkled, and he looked over them as if they were fragile glass ornaments.
Ionia pulled out a jar of pickles, “Alec, from Mixy she always sends them over for you.”  “Fantastic!” Alec took the jar and opened it. Claus looked up from his books and held out a hand.
“Nicholas.” Hinawa said in a warning tone.
“Please may I have one Grandpa?” Claus said.
Alec smiled and handed him a pickle. Then held one out for Lucas. Lucas accepted it and munched at it as Ionia pulled out the next gift. A small pouch, “Gigi sent some gems she found around the volcano. She knows how you love to use them in your projects.” Hinawa took the bag and started to line up the colorful stones on the table.
“And finally, for Little Lucy.” Ionia gave Lucas a soft looking package wrapped carefully in tissue paper, “From Doria.” Ionia winked.
Lucas took the package and opened it. He spotted the frilly pink tule and quickly wrapped it back up.”
“What is it?” Claus asked, taking a bite of his pickle before leaning over the table. Lucas took the package up in his arms and hugged it to himself, moving back from the table, “Nothing!” He stuttered out, his face going red.
Hinawa stood and moved over to Lucas, “Baby what’s wrong?”  Lucas shook his head, “Nothing. It’s embarrassing.”  “Oh Lucy it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, tell your mother what you told Dori.”  Hinawa gave Lucas an encouraging smile.
Lucas swallowed and shuffled, “I…I always wanted to try on a dress. I thought they were pretty… but they’re a girl thing.”
“Nonsense!” Ionia giggled, “Fashion has nothing to do with boys and girls.”
“That's what Doria said.” Lucas replied.
Hinawa laughed, “Did she make you a dress?”
Lucas nodded.
Hinawa took Lucas’ hand led him upstairs, “Here, I’ll help.”
They went up the stairs and Hinawa fully unwrapped the dress. Lucas undressed and Hinawa slipped the pink dress over Lucas’ head.
She fluffed the skirt and smiled, “Fits like a glove.”  “She took my measures.” Lucas explained, he looked at himself in the mirror, and blushed. It was new. And surreal to see himself as…her. But that’s what he saw all of a sudden. His eyes remained locked on the mirror as his mother preened him.
“What do you think?” Hinawa finally said.
Lucas didn’t answer, his eyes on the reflection, wondering if it really was him.
“Are you happy?” Hinawa asked, placing a hand on the boy’s cheek.
Lucas looked at his mom and nodded, “I think so. There’s a lot inside right now. I don’t know what it is.”
“That’s okay. Would you like to keep wearing it?”
“Is Claus gonna tease me?” Lucas asked with a pout.
“He won’t.” Hinawa promised. She took hold of Lucas’ hand and started back down, “If he does you can punch him.”
“I-I don’t want to do that.” Lucas said.
“Then I’ll punch him.” Hinawa teased, “He won’t, I promise. I’ll keep my eye on him.”

The family spent the lunch time together, Ionia telling them stories of the old world, and the great dragon that slumbered beneath the earth waiting for a light to awaken her.
Lucas, though these stories were meant to be uplifting and exciting, was fearful of the implications. He was scared of the Dragon rising up and devouring the world. He was scared of the old world, it wasn’t anything like theirs.
Claus hung on every word. Of course. He was braver, smarter. He probably understand why the dragon was nothing to be afraid of.
But soon, it was time for the twins and their mother to return to their little village on the other side of the island.
Alec and Ionia bid them farewell and the small family started down the mountain.  Claus ran ahead of them, using a strong stick as a sword, swiping at birds and bushes.  Lucas kept hold of his mothers hand, his other hand gripping the skirt of his dress doing his best not to get it caught in any brambles.
Lucas looked over sunshine forest in the fading of twilight. A large silver orb hovered above the trees, still and quiet. Watching them, it seemed. Lucas stopped causing his mother to halt.
“What's wrong Darling?” Hinawa followed her son’s gaze, “Claus…. Claus!”  Claus stoped and turned back to them, “What?”
Something dropped from the ship.
The earth rocked. Claus stumbled and fell to his hands and knees, scraping the skin off his palms. Lucas stumbled into his mother, who quickly scooped him up. “Claus!” She called again.  Claus got up and ran to his mother as another explosion shattered the ground.  Lucas looked over and saw the sparks of fire lapping at the trees. In the distance the town bell could be heard. Signaling a call to action.   “We have to help put out the fire.” Claus said.   “Let’s get back to grandpa’s we can get water there.” Hinawa said, she turned and started back up the mountain.
Another crash rocked the mountain. It was different, coming from beyond the ridge. Stone scraping against stone. Then silence.
A Drago roared. But something was wrong. It was foreign. Lucas’ eye filled with tears, “It's hurt.”   Claus rushed forward.
“Claus!” Hinawa rushed after him.
They turned into the trench between them and their Grandfathers house. Claus stood frozen looking up at the Drago, or what was left of it. The body had been warped grey and shining in the firelight. One eye looked down on them, blueIt Roared again, sharp and grating. And making its own light. It opened its mouth, its lower jaw grey and rowed with razor sharp, shining teeth. It roared again, sharp and grating. It wasn’t real, Lucas thought, it couldn’t be.
Claus stumbled back. The monster took a step forward.
Hinawa grabbed Claus by the back of his shirt, and started to run. The monster charged them. They wouldn’t be able to outrun that thing. Lucas knew it. His heart was pounding so fast It was just a constant pressure in his chest.
Hinawa put Lucas down, “Run, both of you!”
“But-“ Claus tried to object.
The monster was closing in.
“Go! Run for the cliff! The river is just below, you’ll be safe!” Hinawa pushed them.
Claus shook his head.
“Please!” Hinawa turned to the Drago, picking up a stick and waving it at the great beast. Shouting at it, something Lucas had seen her do to a rather aggressive ocelot that had invaded their ranch. It had been enough to chase off the hungry wild cat, but the monster before her was not deterred.
The Drago leaned down and scooped the woman into its mouth.  Lucas watched with wide eyes as his mother was lifted into the air, her voice screeching out for them to run.
Claus took hold of Lucas’ hand and turned, pulling the shocked blond away from the unfolding tragedy. Lucas stumbled and screamed for his mother.
Claus remained silent. He jumped from the cliff, pulling Lucas with him. Lucas and Claus hit the water. Lucas heard thunder before the water swept over him and the world went dark.

Lucas didn’t remember when he had truly awoken. He remembered fire. And cold. There was shouting, arms around him. Then he was in bed, Claus laying with him. A dream? He slowly sat up. His body was sore, his head shot through with pain. Tessie, the village doctor, came to sit on the bed, “Lucas, lay down. You’ve been through so much.” Tessie smoothed his blond hair.
“Where’s mama?” Lucas asked, they had come home from grandpa’s. Was there a fire? She must be helping.
Tessie sniffed, “Lucas…”
Claus stirred and took his hand. Lucas’ body stiffened, his eyes going wide, seeing his mothers body go limp. Blood dipped over the monsters jaw.
“Lucas!” Tessie shook him out of where ever he had lost himself. He looked up at her with dull eyes, “Where's mama?”   “Oh… Lucas…I’m sorry.” Tessie hugged him.
Claus left the bed.

Flint was in prison. Lucas still didn’t understand why. No one went to prison. Not even that weird man that stole things, though he did always return them. They said he hurt people. Alec had come down from the mountain to watch the kids. He said. The mountain wasn’t safe anymore. Lucas knew why… but didn’t know why he knew. Sometimes pieces would fit together and he would lose himself, his body would separate out and he’d spill over. So he didn’t think about it.
Claus remembered, of course he remembered. He hated that Lucas didn’t. He didn’t talk to his brother. There was darkness festering inside him. Lucas hadn’t seen it before. He had seen anger. But this was different. Something behind Claus’ grey green eyes that stoped them from shining. Tessie called it grief.
Lucas wasn’t sure if it was the day after the night of the fire. Or a month after. But Alec woke him up and told him to dress and head to the funeral with Claus when they were ready.
Lucas sat up and slowly dressed himself. Funeral. Hinawa’s funeral. Her body had been found, but they wouldn’t let the boys see it. Lucas had seen his grandmother’s body when they laid her to rest. It was when he was young, but he remembered her peaceful face. Mom had said she had left her body here cause she couldn’t take it to see the dragon. But Lucas wasn’t allowed to see his mother’s body. Her peaceful face. They had already buried her. It felt disrespectful.
Claus sat up and got dressed. Then moved to the kitchen.
Lucas followed him. Claus pulled a large butcher knife from the knife block.
“What’s that for?” Lucas asked.
“What do you think it’s for?” Claus asked.
Lucas shook his head. Claus spat, “Yeah of course! You don’t have a clue. I’m going to the plateau, don’t follow me.”
“Wait!” Lucas grabbed Claus’ arm as he passed. Pieces fell together again and Lucas could feel his body leaving him behind, “y-you can’t. Wh-what if.” Lucas stammered out. Nothing quite completing.
Claus pulled away, “I’m going to go kill that damn thing! No one else is doing it! We’re all sitting around bitching and moaning when that monster is still alive! Someone needs to do something!”
“M-Maybe dad-“ Lucas grabbed him again. Claus pushed him down.
“I’m going! I can fight it! I’ll win, I know I can I-I…”
Lucas saw that strangeness behind Claus’ eyes grow, becoming bloodshot, “I’ll kill it, I’ll become so strong that not even Drago’s can touch me….”
“Claus-“
“Don’t follow me. Don’t tell on me.” Claus said. And he was gone.
Lucas stood and left only a while later. He stumbled as he walked the dusty road to the cemetery.

Claus hadn’t been sure what he was thinking, but the darkness inside him seemed to know. It had a secret. It told him he could be strong. Stronger than drago’s. It led him. Until he found Ionia’s home.
He had never been there before, despite exploring and mapping the area of sunshine, this place had left mostly untouched. The small lake surrounded the gigantic pearly shell. Stones made a raised path through the water up to the door in the side of the shell. Claus followed the path and knocked on the door.  Ionia opened the door, “Oh Claus I-“ she took a few steps back and Claus entered.
“Is there something you need?” Ionia asked.  Claus looked around, the other magypsies were there; seven otherworldly, genderless creatures.
“How did you find this place?” One of them asked, she was seated at the head of the table, her curled hair, teased up around her head, her voice was even. She already knew.
“Your power. I want it.” Claus said. Not fully sure what he was even asking for.
Aeolia laughed. Standing from her seat. She walked over to him, “You think you can come in here and just take my magic?”
Claus didn’t answer.  The entity came to stand before the boy, “I cannot give you my magic… but. I can give you yours. Just close your eyes, dove. And try to bare it.”

Description
Chapter six  

I have some good news and some bad news

The small island of nowhere had been untouched by the main land for almost a century. Not many people even knew the main land existed anymore, save for those that had ventured up onto the mountains and seen the faint glow of the city lights of the far off coast.
It was an anomaly, a wives tale. The mysterious ocean lights, the strange metal birds that some of the village people had seen, something just to scare kids into being good. Luckily for Lucas and Claus, their parents didn’t prescribe to the fear tactics of some other parents. They used softer methods. But that left the boys to be subject to the idea that they might be just a little spoiled, and maybe they were. But that wasn’t something Lucas really cared about. Being spoiled wasn’t really something that made sense to him. He was just. Happy. Happy to live with his little family on the coast, and happy to be able to take the trip to see his grandfather in the mountains.
It was mostly a deserted plateau that their grandfather lived on, but Lucas loved it. If not for the great view and plenty of room to explore, but also for the native animals, the Dragos. Drago’s though quite intimidating to look at, were very gentle creatures, and Lucas and his twin were always the most excited to play with them when they went to visit their grandfather.
Claus was always a bit more excited, or at least, not very good at staying in bed. He was up at the break of dawn and out the door long before his twin had risen. But it didn’t last long as the ginger became bored without his brother and rushed in and jumped on the bed.  “Lucas! Lucas! Get up! You gonna sleep all day!? The Drago’s brought their babies! They’re so cute! Come on!” He hopped off the bed and left before checking if his twin was even awake.
Lucky enough that was more than enough to rouse the Blond and he sat up with a sleepy expression. Lucas stumbled out of the bed and descended the stairs. He didn’t give much attention to his mother. Her long brown hair flowing over the back of the dinning chair as she sat at the table writing.  Lucas opened the door and his mother turned in her chair, “Are you planing to play in your pajamas?” She smiled, “Scoot upstairs and change.”   Lucas turned to his mother and gave her a sour look, “No.”
Hinawa laughed, “Then I guess you can stay inside.” She turned back to the letter she was writing, “In your pajamas… for the rest of your life.”
Lucas pouted more but went back up the stairs and changed into a teeshirt and shorts.
Now a bit more awake the young boy took two steps at a time and landed on the ground floor, spreading his arms and presenting himself to his mother.
She smiled, “There, much more presentable. Now run along. I’m sure Claus is dying without you.”  Lucas ran from the house, giving his grandfather a quick wave and heading off to the edge of the plateau.
Lucas slipped through a short trench before the high walls broke away to nothing but sky. Though the sky line was broken up as several large reptilian heads perked up to investigate the newcomer. The Dragos rumbled in welcome and Lucas smiled and waved. But he barely had time to properly greet the animals when Claus jumped on him, “LUCY!” He yelled grabbing him and turning him in a full circle before dragging him over to a small Drago family with a hatchling, “Look look. I told you!”   Lucas smiled and sat at the hatchling’s side. The baby looked up at Lucas and moved to press it’s muzzle into him sniffing at him curiously before resting on the boy’s lap and purring.
Lucas pet the Drago baby. Claus watched a bit impatiently, “Come on come on! Let’s Ram!”  Lucas shook his head, “I don’t like doing that. I don’t want to hurt them.”  “It’s just a game Lucas.” Claus replied, “It’s just pretend.” Claus backed up and ran at the Drago mother, he let out a loud battle cry and ran his body into the Drago, stumbling back and falling onto his back side.   The Drago mother let out a soft roar and seemed to make a show of falling to the ground. The ground shook as she fell.  Claus held up his hands in victory. The Drago mother looked up and moved to nuzzle Claus and purr. Claus yelped, “No stop!” He giggled, “That tickles!”
Lucas covered his mouth as he laughed.
“What fierce creatures have found themselves on my peek?” A voice called to them lightly. Lucas turned to the voice quickly, his ace brightened even more.
The ethereal creature known as Ionia was walking over to them. Her pink hair done up in a neat curl, her stubble freshly shaven. Her lime green dress fluttered softly in the open air. She had a basket in her hands, “You two here to terrorize my poor babies, how terrible.” Ionia put a gloved hand to her cheek.
“Claus did it!" Lucas was quick to blame.
“Hey!” Claus shot back, “I didn’t hurt her, it was just pretend!”
Ionia laughed, “All right all right. Come over here and give you auntie Io a kiss!”  Lucas hopped up and ran over to the creature and wrapped his arms around her neck, kissing her cheek.
Claus followed closely behind, but was much more interested in the basket, “are there presents in there? Are they for me?”
Ionia swatted at Claus, “You'll see. Let’s head back I’m sure your lunch is ready by now.”  Lucas kept hold of Ionia’s arm as they walked back to the cabin. Ionia walked in and greeted his mother and Grandpa, giving them both kisses on the cheek.
“I heard The boys were here and I just couldn’t resist coming over. And I’ve had some gifts for so long for them.” Ionia put down the basket and pulled out a large gift wrapped in butcher paper, “This is Claus’ since he’s so impatient. From Aoliea.”  Claus hopped up and down and took the package tearing at the paper as he opened it. Two thick books were uncovered. Claus’ eyes sparkled, and he looked over them as if they were fragile glass ornaments.
Ionia pulled out a jar of pickles, “Alec, from Mixy she always sends them over for you.”  “Fantastic!” Alec took the jar and opened it. Claus looked up from his books and held out a hand.
“Nicholas.” Hinawa said in a warning tone.
“Please may I have one Grandpa?” Claus said.
Alec smiled and handed him a pickle. Then held one out for Lucas. Lucas accepted it and munched at it as Ionia pulled out the next gift. A small pouch, “Gigi sent some gems she found around the volcano. She knows how you love to use them in your projects.” Hinawa took the bag and started to line up the colorful stones on the table.
“And finally, for Little Lucy.” Ionia gave Lucas a soft looking package wrapped carefully in tissue paper, “From Doria.” Ionia winked.
Lucas took the package and opened it. He spotted the frilly pink tule and quickly wrapped it back up.”
“What is it?” Claus asked, taking a bite of his pickle before leaning over the table. Lucas took the package up in his arms and hugged it to himself, moving back from the table, “Nothing!” He stuttered out, his face going red.
Hinawa stood and moved over to Lucas, “Baby what’s wrong?”  Lucas shook his head, “Nothing. It’s embarrassing.”  “Oh Lucy it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, tell your mother what you told Dori.”  Hinawa gave Lucas an encouraging smile.
Lucas swallowed and shuffled, “I…I always wanted to try on a dress. I thought they were pretty… but they’re a girl thing.”
“Nonsense!” Ionia giggled, “Fashion has nothing to do with boys and girls.”
“That's what Doria said.” Lucas replied.
Hinawa laughed, “Did she make you a dress?”
Lucas nodded.
Hinawa took Lucas’ hand led him upstairs, “Here, I’ll help.”
They went up the stairs and Hinawa fully unwrapped the dress. Lucas undressed and Hinawa slipped the pink dress over Lucas’ head.
She fluffed the skirt and smiled, “Fits like a glove.”  “She took my measures.” Lucas explained, he looked at himself in the mirror, and blushed. It was new. And surreal to see himself as…her. But that’s what he saw all of a sudden. His eyes remained locked on the mirror as his mother preened him.
“What do you think?” Hinawa finally said.
Lucas didn’t answer, his eyes on the reflection, wondering if it really was him.
“Are you happy?” Hinawa asked, placing a hand on the boy’s cheek.
Lucas looked at his mom and nodded, “I think so. There’s a lot inside right now. I don’t know what it is.”
“That’s okay. Would you like to keep wearing it?”
“Is Claus gonna tease me?” Lucas asked with a pout.
“He won’t.” Hinawa promised. She took hold of Lucas’ hand and started back down, “If he does you can punch him.”
“I-I don’t want to do that.” Lucas said.
“Then I’ll punch him.” Hinawa teased, “He won’t, I promise. I’ll keep my eye on him.”

The family spent the lunch time together, Ionia telling them stories of the old world, and the great dragon that slumbered beneath the earth waiting for a light to awaken her.
Lucas, though these stories were meant to be uplifting and exciting, was fearful of the implications. He was scared of the Dragon rising up and devouring the world. He was scared of the old world, it wasn’t anything like theirs.
Claus hung on every word. Of course. He was braver, smarter. He probably understand why the dragon was nothing to be afraid of.
But soon, it was time for the twins and their mother to return to their little village on the other side of the island.
Alec and Ionia bid them farewell and the small family started down the mountain.  Claus ran ahead of them, using a strong stick as a sword, swiping at birds and bushes.  Lucas kept hold of his mothers hand, his other hand gripping the skirt of his dress doing his best not to get it caught in any brambles.
Lucas looked over sunshine forest in the fading of twilight. A large silver orb hovered above the trees, still and quiet. Watching them, it seemed. Lucas stopped causing his mother to halt.
“What's wrong Darling?” Hinawa followed her son’s gaze, “Claus…. Claus!”  Claus stoped and turned back to them, “What?”
Something dropped from the ship.
The earth rocked. Claus stumbled and fell to his hands and knees, scraping the skin off his palms. Lucas stumbled into his mother, who quickly scooped him up. “Claus!” She called again.  Claus got up and ran to his mother as another explosion shattered the ground.  Lucas looked over and saw the sparks of fire lapping at the trees. In the distance the town bell could be heard. Signaling a call to action.   “We have to help put out the fire.” Claus said.   “Let’s get back to grandpa’s we can get water there.” Hinawa said, she turned and started back up the mountain.
Another crash rocked the mountain. It was different, coming from beyond the ridge. Stone scraping against stone. Then silence.
A Drago roared. But something was wrong. It was foreign. Lucas’ eye filled with tears, “It's hurt.”   Claus rushed forward.
“Claus!” Hinawa rushed after him.
They turned into the trench between them and their Grandfathers house. Claus stood frozen looking up at the Drago, or what was left of it. The body had been warped grey and shining in the firelight. One eye looked down on them, blueIt Roared again, sharp and grating. And making its own light. It opened its mouth, its lower jaw grey and rowed with razor sharp, shining teeth. It roared again, sharp and grating. It wasn’t real, Lucas thought, it couldn’t be.
Claus stumbled back. The monster took a step forward.
Hinawa grabbed Claus by the back of his shirt, and started to run. The monster charged them. They wouldn’t be able to outrun that thing. Lucas knew it. His heart was pounding so fast It was just a constant pressure in his chest.
Hinawa put Lucas down, “Run, both of you!”
“But-“ Claus tried to object.
The monster was closing in.
“Go! Run for the cliff! The river is just below, you’ll be safe!” Hinawa pushed them.
Claus shook his head.
“Please!” Hinawa turned to the Drago, picking up a stick and waving it at the great beast. Shouting at it, something Lucas had seen her do to a rather aggressive ocelot that had invaded their ranch. It had been enough to chase off the hungry wild cat, but the monster before her was not deterred.
The Drago leaned down and scooped the woman into its mouth.  Lucas watched with wide eyes as his mother was lifted into the air, her voice screeching out for them to run.
Claus took hold of Lucas’ hand and turned, pulling the shocked blond away from the unfolding tragedy. Lucas stumbled and screamed for his mother.
Claus remained silent. He jumped from the cliff, pulling Lucas with him. Lucas and Claus hit the water. Lucas heard thunder before the water swept over him and the world went dark.

Lucas didn’t remember when he had truly awoken. He remembered fire. And cold. There was shouting, arms around him. Then he was in bed, Claus laying with him. A dream? He slowly sat up. His body was sore, his head shot through with pain. Tessie, the village doctor, came to sit on the bed, “Lucas, lay down. You’ve been through so much.” Tessie smoothed his blond hair.
“Where’s mama?” Lucas asked, they had come home from grandpa’s. Was there a fire? She must be helping.
Tessie sniffed, “Lucas…”
Claus stirred and took his hand. Lucas’ body stiffened, his eyes going wide, seeing his mothers body go limp. Blood dipped over the monsters jaw.
“Lucas!” Tessie shook him out of where ever he had lost himself. He looked up at her with dull eyes, “Where's mama?”   “Oh… Lucas…I’m sorry.” Tessie hugged him.
Claus left the bed.

Flint was in prison. Lucas still didn’t understand why. No one went to prison. Not even that weird man that stole things, though he did always return them. They said he hurt people. Alec had come down from the mountain to watch the kids. He said. The mountain wasn’t safe anymore. Lucas knew why… but didn’t know why he knew. Sometimes pieces would fit together and he would lose himself, his body would separate out and he’d spill over. So he didn’t think about it.
Claus remembered, of course he remembered. He hated that Lucas didn’t. He didn’t talk to his brother. There was darkness festering inside him. Lucas hadn’t seen it before. He had seen anger. But this was different. Something behind Claus’ grey green eyes that stoped them from shining. Tessie called it grief.
Lucas wasn’t sure if it was the day after the night of the fire. Or a month after. But Alec woke him up and told him to dress and head to the funeral with Claus when they were ready.
Lucas sat up and slowly dressed himself. Funeral. Hinawa’s funeral. Her body had been found, but they wouldn’t let the boys see it. Lucas had seen his grandmother’s body when they laid her to rest. It was when he was young, but he remembered her peaceful face. Mom had said she had left her body here cause she couldn’t take it to see the dragon. But Lucas wasn’t allowed to see his mother’s body. Her peaceful face. They had already buried her. It felt disrespectful.
Claus sat up and got dressed. Then moved to the kitchen.
Lucas followed him. Claus pulled a large butcher knife from the knife block.
“What’s that for?” Lucas asked.
“What do you think it’s for?” Claus asked.
Lucas shook his head. Claus spat, “Yeah of course! You don’t have a clue. I’m going to the plateau, don’t follow me.”
“Wait!” Lucas grabbed Claus’ arm as he passed. Pieces fell together again and Lucas could feel his body leaving him behind, “y-you can’t. Wh-what if.” Lucas stammered out. Nothing quite completing.
Claus pulled away, “I’m going to go kill that damn thing! No one else is doing it! We’re all sitting around bitching and moaning when that monster is still alive! Someone needs to do something!”
“M-Maybe dad-“ Lucas grabbed him again. Claus pushed him down.
“I’m going! I can fight it! I’ll win, I know I can I-I…”
Lucas saw that strangeness behind Claus’ eyes grow, becoming bloodshot, “I’ll kill it, I’ll become so strong that not even Drago’s can touch me….”
“Claus-“
“Don’t follow me. Don’t tell on me.” Claus said. And he was gone.
Lucas stood and left only a while later. He stumbled as he walked the dusty road to the cemetery.

Claus hadn’t been sure what he was thinking, but the darkness inside him seemed to know. It had a secret. It told him he could be strong. Stronger than drago’s. It led him. Until he found Ionia’s home.
He had never been there before, despite exploring and mapping the area of sunshine, this place had left mostly untouched. The small lake surrounded the gigantic pearly shell. Stones made a raised path through the water up to the door in the side of the shell. Claus followed the path and knocked on the door.  Ionia opened the door, “Oh Claus I-“ she took a few steps back and Claus entered.
“Is there something you need?” Ionia asked.  Claus looked around, the other magypsies were there; seven otherworldly, genderless creatures.
“How did you find this place?” One of them asked, she was seated at the head of the table, her curled hair, teased up around her head, her voice was even. She already knew.
“Your power. I want it.” Claus said. Not fully sure what he was even asking for.
Aeolia laughed. Standing from her seat. She walked over to him, “You think you can come in here and just take my magic?”
Claus didn’t answer.  The entity came to stand before the boy, “I cannot give you my magic… but. I can give you yours. Just close your eyes, dove. And try to bare it.”