by Ellen Oh
“They’re zombies!” Calvin said in horror.
“Zombie is the human word for what they are,” Aeria agreed. “They can only be completely killed by fire.”
Humans and magic folk fought side by side against the Agma. Leading the charge was Nanami. This time, she wore golden armor and brandished a jeweled double-sided spear that shimmered with her every movement. Lined behind her were fire-breathing dragons and archers with flaming arrows. Nanami ordered the dragons to dive-bomb the Agma, taking out hundreds at a time.
“She’s amazing,” Tess said.
“When I grow up, I want to be just like her,” Jay said.
“You can’t,” Shane retorted. “You’re not a dragon.”
The pool showed a much-changed Luzee, her face wild and vicious. She stared at the army of dragons streaking through the sky.
“For your betrayal, all your kind will die!” Luzee shouted as bolts of electricity ripped from her hands, directly at the attacking dragons.
The blackness of the night erupted in a dazzling light show, as spirals of electricity exploded around each dragon and they fell from the skies.
“I have killed them all,” Luzee shouted maniacally. “And once I kill you, nothing will ever be able to stop me!”
“No!” Nanami screamed in horrified despair. Instantly, she transformed into her dragon shape, a pure midnight-black dragon, and launched herself straight at Luzee. Luzee was too slow in stopping Nanami’s attack, causing a tremendous explosion upon impact. When the light faded, the two bodies were left intertwined on the ground. A Joson knight approached to examine them.
“They’re still alive,” he shouted.
The dragon Nanami stirred her head and whispered, “Quickly, she is too powerful to kill. We must bind Luzee before she awakens.”
Using the last of her energy, she breathed her magic over the unconscious empress, binding her in an unbreakable magical cocoon with the help of the knights.
Nanami collapsed in pain. “You must promise to imprison her in the depths of Mount Jiri and protect the mountain for all eternity so that she will never be released again.”
She then took hold of Luzee’s staff and breathed on the large egg-like stone on top of it. The stone glowed with a bright light before fading to a pulsing shimmer. She detached the egg from the staff and handed it to the namushin who had gathered around her in grief. Nanami spoke in their whispering language. No one knew what she told them, but they broke into a mournful wail as the dragon Nanami closed her eyes and let loose her last breath.
Jiho turned to Koko and asked, “What did she say?”
“‘Protect the egg,’” Koko whispered. “‘For she is the last of our kind.’”
The pool faded to its depthless blue when Koko asked, “The egg. What happened to the egg?”
The crystal-blue water rippled once again into larger and larger rings, and a new vision played before her. Koko gasped to see her mother, Queen Yuna, riding in the Kidahara forest alone. She seemed lost and worried from the way she kept biting her lower lip. Suddenly, the queen reined her horse to a complete stop in front of a large pile of rocks. Her face changed to one of awe and wonder. On top of a tower of rocks was a nest, and in the nest lay a large golden egg.
“Hey! That’s the egg Nanami gave Luzee,” Jiho said in surprise.
The queen was so entranced that she dismounted and gathered up her skirts and began to climb. A few times she slipped, and Koko was visibly upset to see blood seep from cuts and scratches on her mom’s hands and arms. But the queen was unfazed. She kept climbing until she reached the top and carefully pressed the egg against her bosom and nimbly climbed back down.
The waters rippled and the scene suddenly changed to the queen’s bedroom, where the queen held the egg to her chest and sang softly to it. The waters rippled again, showing Koko’s mother sitting in a rocking chair cradling the egg, lying in bed with the egg nestled in her arms. In all ways, the queen acted as if it was a real baby. The queen sat on the rocking chair hugging the egg to her chest under the light of a full moon when it began to hatch. The queen carefully laid the egg down in a cradle next to her bed and watched as the golden shell cracked open and a tiny sparkling fist waved in the air.
Gasps of astonishment filled the air when the pool showed the next scene. Inside the egg, there was a perfectly formed baby girl with a shock of blue-black hair and a body covered in shimmering golden scales the same color as the shell. The baby’s eyes were huge and black, but for the shining whites. She looked both human and completely otherworldly. The queen grabbed a wet washcloth and gently began to wipe down the baby.
“Oh!” she gasped in amazement. The golden scales fell off with every wipe. Underneath was smooth human skin. The queen gently bathed the baby until she was wiped free of all the scales.
“Koko,” the queen whispered. Wrapping the little baby in a soft pink blanket, she embraced the now cooing baby. “My little Koko.”
Jiho turned to peer at Koko’s face as she looked at him in shock and dismay. Her black hair was the same, but her eyes were different. They were no longer deep abysses of blackness. The irises were dark brown with flecks of gold. And her skin was tanned from the sun to a golden brown, a few shades lighter than Jiho’s sun-browned skin. There was no hint of the scales that once covered her entire body.
Koko turned back to the pool to see her parents, the king and queen, entranced by the baby. Jiho thought she would stare forever at the image but for the rustling and stirring of the namushin.
Wiping away her tears, she whispered, “I’m the last dragon.”
Staring in amazement at the dragon princess, Jiho couldn’t help but notice the look of utter devastation in Koko’s eyes.
Chapter 13
THE REVELATIONS OF the pool were still too shocking for them to process. But Jiho worried about Koko. She hadn’t said another word and had walked away in a daze, her expression blank and troubling. Jiho and the crew followed behind her as they all headed down the path.
“So she’s a dragon?” Shane asked.
“She came out of an egg.” Frankie shook his head. “She definitely ain’t human.”
“But she looks human . . . ,” Shane said.
“Quiet,” Tess reprimanded. “She can hear you.”
“Well, I think she’s amazing,” Jay said.
Jiho was thoughtful. He still had so many questions to ask. He still didn’t understand what the true danger was. But he could see Koko was in no condition to respond.
As they walked down the trail, a large, burly figure with a long thick walking stick stood waiting for them at the bottom of the mountain. Jiho peered in rising shock as Koko let out a cry of relief.
“Teacher!”
“Princess,” the man said. “Are you all right?”
Koko nodded numbly. “I’m just tired. I need to rest.”
The man bowed as Koko passed him. When he raised his head, Jiho found himself staring into his father’s face. Shocked, Jiho nearly stumbled as he halted in his tracks. His father’s eyes widened, and then a huge smile creased his handsome face.
“Jiho, my boy! I can’t believe it’s you!”
Neither could Jiho. Anger and bitterness filled him. The princess had referred to his father as “teacher.” He finally knew the reason why his father had left his family five years ago. But the hurt and anger were overwhelming.
He was silent as his friends eyed them before following Koko. When they were alone, he glared at his father.
“What are you doing here?” Jiho asked.
“I was called here by the namushin,” his father replied. “It was my job to teach the princess all about the Kidahara, keep her safe, and help her raise a loyal army.”
“So that’s why you deserted us,” Jiho said.
His father lowered his eyes in shame. “I was not a good father, Jiho. I knew that your uncle and aunt would take better care of you and the girls than I ever could. So I had to go where I was needed.”
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“You didn’t have to go, you chose to go,” Jiho said sharply. “You were our father. We needed you, and you deserted us.”
“Yes, I did,” his father said regretfully. “And for that I am so sorry. How are your sisters?”
“You lost your right to ask that question,” Jiho said bitterly.
His father winced. “Yes, I know. Living without your mother was too hard for me. So when the namushin came for me, I left without a second thought. I relied on your uncle and aunt to take care of you—I abandoned my children.”
Jiho had to work hard not to cry. Not to rage at his father. Not to beg him to return to them.
“I’m sorry that I’ve been such a terrible dad,” his father continued. “I know I don’t deserve forgiveness. But it feels so good to see you again, Jiho.”
“That makes one of us,” Jiho retorted.
He stomped away, not knowing where to go. He didn’t want to see his friends or Koko, and he definitely didn’t want to see any namushin.
Even though Jiho was upset about seeing his father, he couldn’t help but be amazed with the beauty of Mir. The old dragon world was the most spectacular place he’d ever seen. He felt a deep sadness to realize there were no more dragons in his world, and he found himself wishing he could see one in real life just once.
He wandered aimlessly through the old structures of Mir and came upon a familiar face in what was once a small courtyard of a beautiful marble building.
“Sister Yoon! Is that really you?” Jiho asked in surprise.
“Well, well, little Jiho Park. Nice to finally see you here in the Nackwon,” old lady monk Yoon replied.
“Last I saw, you were in Hanoe village,” Jiho exclaimed in surprise. “How in the world did you come to be in Nackwon, especially up here in Mir? I thought people who came here never left!”
“It’s not that people can’t leave, it’s that they don’t want to,” the monk replied. “Just look at this place. You won’t find anything like this in the world.”
Jiho agreed. Beyond the small courtyard he could see the outer reaches of Mir and the layers of clouds floating below it. If not for his family, Jiho could see himself staying for a long time.
“So why do you leave?” Jiho asked.
“It’s my job to roam the human world and bring back news to the Nackwon council,” she answered.
“You’re a spy?”
The monk laughed. “I guess you could say that. But I like to call myself a keeper of the peace.”
She leaned forward to peer into Jiho’s face. “I take it you saw your father?”
Jiho nodded.
“And judging by that sour expression, it didn’t go too well.”
“Just because he had a mission doesn’t excuse him from deserting us,” Jiho said bitterly. “He should have explained why he was leaving. We deserved that much at least.”
“Completely agree with you,” Sister Yoon said. “Your father is a very stubborn, stoic person who doesn’t know how to express himself. Stupid pride. You need to learn to be a better human than your dad.”
Jiho didn’t know if he should be offended or not. But the monk continued on.
“It’s good you are here. We will need all our strongest fighters in the days to come,” the monk said.
“I’m not a fighter, and I’m definitely not strong.”
The monk shot him a measuring look. “You still doubt yourself. You are a Park. Your family has been rangers of the Kidahara for centuries. Your blood is your strongest asset.”
“What does being a Park have to do with anything?”
“You don’t know who you really are,” she said. “But you will learn soon enough.”
Too tired to argue, Jiho just shook his head. Like the princess, he was suddenly overcome with exhaustion. “I just want to sleep,” Jiho said.
The monk nodded sympathetically. “Follow the namushin. They will find you a place to rest.”
Chapter 14
JIHO OPENED HIS eyes to the sight of a gorgeous sunrise. The namushin had taken him to his own small tree house. It was a one-roomed round structure with a comfortable hammock and sitting area to lounge in and its very own private bathroom. Jiho was curious about the plumbing. If it was magical, would it not work for him? He was both surprised and relieved to see that Nackwon relied on copper piping, like the rest of the world. He loved everything about this little house with its glorious views and cozy interior. It was the nicest home he’d ever stayed in. And yet, he suddenly found himself missing his family. He couldn’t help but think about how much his sisters would adore the tree house too.
A knock on the door and the rustling voices of the namushin reminded him that he was to meet Koko after breakfast. He followed his little namushin guide all the way down to the Kidasan Shijang. Back to old Granny’s noodle shop, where the others had already begun eating without him.
“Thanks for waiting,” he groused at them good-naturedly.
“This food is too good to wait,” Shane said.
“Have you seen the princess?” Jiho asked.
Before they could answer, Koko walked into the room and sat next to Jiho. She seemed tired and down.
“Morning, Princess!” everyone called out.
Koko responded with a nod and a half smile but still didn’t say a word.
After an awkward silence, Granny appeared with bowls of noodles for Jiho and the princess.
“Hey, Jiho,” Frankie said around a mouthful of noodles. “So I hear your dad is like the top guy here.”
Jiho shrugged, unhappy to think about his father again.
“Yeah, I heard your family has been rangers and experts of the Kidahara for centuries,” Frankie continued. “That’s so cool! So when do you officially become a ranger? Or are you one already?”
“I have no interest in being a ranger,” Jiho said sharply. “Rangers have to survey the Kidahara constantly and are away from home for months at a time. And they’re never around when you need them!”
Everyone was quiet.
Calvin cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve been meaning to ask why there isn’t a Joson group on the training grounds.”
“That’s because the Joson are already integrated into the Nackwon army,” Koko said. “They are magical, just like Nackwon folks.”
The others nodded in understanding.
“Listen, Jiho,” Calvin said. “We’ve all decided that we are going to stay here and train with our countrymen. Are you cool with that?”
“No, I’m quite warm,” Jiho replied in some confusion.
Shane snickered. “What Calvin meant was are you good with our decision.”
“Ah!” Jiho blushed.
“If that is what you wish, then I support it completely,” Jiho replied.
“Thanks, Jiho,” Calvin said. “Shane and I would love it if you joined the Bellprix and trained with us.”
“Nah, you should join the Orions with me,” Frankie said. “We’ll be the best trainers.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone knows Urcian soldiers are better than all the rest. We excel at hand-to-hand combat, and Orion soldiers are useless without their weapons,” Tess cut in, Jay nodding emphatically.
Jiho was touched by his friends’ words. But before he could respond, Koko interrupted. “Actually, Jiho is going to have to train with me,” she said. “That is what the namushin say.”
“Me?” Jiho asked in surprise. “Why me?”
Koko shrugged and played apathetically with her noodles.
“What’s up with her?” Frankie asked.
Tess and Jay hushed him.
Leaning closer to Jiho, Calvin whispered, “You okay with this? Because if not, you can stay with us. We’re your friends. We’ve got your back.” Shane, who had listened, nodded in agreement.
Jiho could feel an unusual warmth in his chest. He realized how happy he was to be a part of this group. For the first time in his life, he felt close to people other than his family. It was a strange b
ut wonderful sensation that he cherished.
“It’ll be fine,” he said. “But I’m proud to call you my friends.”
“Always.” Calvin and Shane shook hands with Jiho as the others chimed in.
“Us too!” Tess and Jay shouted.
“Friends forever!” Frankie raised his glass, and everyone toasted in agreement.
Their good spirits seemed to make Koko more depressed. She rose to her feet abruptly and walked out.
“Well, that’s rude,” Frankie said in a huff.
Tess and Jay both shook their heads at him.
“Give her a break, Frankie,” Tess said. “Her world has just been turned completely upside down. She’s allowed to be upset.”
Jay gave a wistful sigh. “Still, I would love to be a dragon.”
As the friends left the noodle shop, they caught sight of Ranger Park and a small delegation of namushin waiting patiently for them outside. Koko stood a short distance away.
Jiho didn’t acknowledge his father, but everyone else greeted him happily.
“Hey, Ranger Park!” Calvin said. “Were you waiting for us?”
Ranger Park nodded. “I’m here to take Jiho and the princess to Master Remauld’s castle.”
Jiho was surprised but refused to ask his father why he was going also. Instead, he turned to talk to his friends. Frankie was staring at Ranger Park’s staff with curiosity.
“Excuse me, Ranger Park, but can I see your staff?” Frankie asked. “It looks extremely old.”
Ranger Park drew back the staff from Frankie’s outstretched hands. “I’m sorry, but this staff must never be touched by an outsider. Only Parks are allowed to handle it.”
He stuck it in the band that was slung over his back.
Frankie looked disappointed, making Jiho irritated for some reason.
“Don’t worry, Frankie. It’s no big deal. Just an old wooden stick that doesn’t do anything,” Jiho said.
After saying goodbye to his friends, Jiho followed Koko, his father, and the namushin. They headed down a tunnel and entered a small loading dock with large benches attached to the floor and ceiling. Jiho squeezed onto the seat next to Koko, and his father and the bench moved into a narrow tunnel where winds whisked them through to an entirely new area of the Nackwon.