Dawn's Melody

I was born into a tribal family clan on the wide open plains of the world. My mother was from the tribal clan. I never really got to know my father.... One day, he just left to a battle he had never come back. I remembered seeing Mother's rage. She wanted revenge. For years, her clan's traditions and culture were revolved around one thing: war and battle. They always saw the other clans around them as enemies, and they would get into as many wars and battles as they could. Why? No one really knows. Perhaps it was territorial wars, but I think it was because they loved bloodshed... And that was all they knew. My mother hated the tradition, but she did not hesitate to join it once my father's death was announced.

I followed my mother into battle. Like the others in the clan, I was mindless, and all I knew was how to battle. My life was a war itself, and as a child of war, I grew to love it. I never really had an education. It was just training, slaughtering, killing, and battling. That was it. The members of the clan thought very highly of me when I was young. I was strong, berserk, and just the perfect child they'd always wanted. Just what my mother wanted. A flawless soldier.

Each battle I ran into was destructive. No one was a match to my strength even when I was quite young. I remember every fight, every enemy I attacked, every life I took.... Now that I look back, it was... horrible. I had no mercy at all, and I was insane. Blood. I loved the taste of that blood, so sweet back then, but I regret it now. Stronger and stronger I became and the more war bound I was as years passed by. I made many, many enemies, and many returned as shadows that stalked my life in revenge of their lost ones I killed. I was a rolling ball, crushing little bugs that got in my way. Nothing ever stopped me, and of course, I never knew what love really meant. I thought I was invincible, I thought I was the best, and the pride I gave to my power boosted my belief for that. Love was a lie to me, and I thought it never existed....... until the day I met her.

---

It was winter. Snow was silently falling down the streets of an enemy town I walked through. The skies were distant grey, and it was hard to tell if it was morning or afternoon. I didn't care. I was here to spy on this civilized place, to find out their weaknesses and later to raid through it like the others I had done so. People stood around on the streets. Children were playing in the snow, and parents were watching and giggling at their children's silliness. I adverted my gaze from them. Fools. I thought. They're all going to die. Feh. They don't deserve to live anyways. I didn't understand why they don't fight. They were cowards to me. Stupid, imbeciles that deserved to die. I continued strolling through the snow blanketed streets. The buildings were pretty old-fashioned, and had a touch of English culture to them mixed with Italian. Too bad they were going to burn down, ahaha. I smirked, and studied the village some more. There were no weapon shops or armor shops; perfect, just as I suspected. They WERE weak cowards. This should be easy. Shame that they'd all have to die.

Hours passed by, and I had collected enough information about the village. It was clear: they had no sort of army whatsoever, not even weapons, most were farmers or craftsmen, and they all appeared weak. Sastified, I turned away from the village to leave- when all of a sudden I heard.... I heard... What was that sound?! I swerved my head around to face the buildings. Was that the sound people called music? It sounded like notes- oh how beautifully those notes were being played.... I shook my head and tried to steer away from the thought. No, I only came here to spy, not to enjoy stupid sounds like those... I took a step forward, but my curiosity got the better of me, and I followed the beautiful melody. Each note made my heart beat faster. The sounds were being played so smoothly, as if it were being played from the heavens. Never before had I heard such a beautiful tone or melody.... and it attracted me. For the first time in my life, I was never so determined to find it out. I ran. I ran closer and closer to the melody. I must find out. Who was playing this? What is this beautiful sound? Each step brought me closer to it, and the notes became louder the nearer I got. At last, I yielded and I confronted a small house near the center of the village. Here it was. I broke in through the door, and ran all the way up to the top floor of the house.

Once I was in the attic, I was frantically searching for the tune..... and I found it. It was coming from this huge black... furniture thing at the corner near the window. Its whole structure amazed me, especially its 3 legs and its polished shiny skin. Its top was open, and I could see the many intricate lines of golden notes that were being played inside it. It gave off a glimmering glow. Never before, have I seen such a beautiful..... what was this thing? A voice interrupted my thoughts.
Excuse me?"
Huh? I looked down to discover a young dragoness who was about my age sitting on a chair in front of the furniture music making thing. I froze.
Who are you? What are you doing here?" She asked, raising a brow and crossing her arms.
Her hair was the color of brown with light tints of orange on the edges, and it was long- not tied up. She was the color of winter blue. She was pretty. It took me a while to reply.
What's this?" I asked, pointing at the thing. The girl was sort of surprised at me.
You don't know what it is?" She exclaimed, as if I did something wrong.
It's a piano, silly! You've never heard of one?" She studied me and rubbed her chin. "You're not from here- are you? Ah- you must be one of those tribes from the plains, I see. I guess you've never heard music from a piano before?"
She wasn't even intimidated by my face. Usually people would be afraid of me, but why was she talking to me like this? Strange.
Piano?" I asked, pacing around the 'piano' she mentioned.
Ooooh. ..... Were you playing it?
I played around with the golden strings inside it. The girl slapped my hand away.
Stop that! I just got it tuned! Don't play around with the strings- and yeah! I was playing!" She scolded me, but in a non-strict tone.
My hand retreated in a state of shock. No one had ever hit me like that either! I was getting irritated a little. Who did she think she was, hitting a warrior like me who could slay her in a second? I growled, and raised my claws up, giving her the deadly stance. Stupid, stupid.. stupid girl! I thought to myself. -But before I could even lay a hand on her, she put up a hand to stop me.
Oh no- no no- don't you think about ripping my piano to shreds or attacking me!" She said, crossing her arms.
I'm not even finished with trying to master a masterpiece song- so don't kill me yet, and this piano is too special to get torn too!
I froze again in shock. Why? Why wasn't she afraid? Why isn't she going to run? Why? Why? Why? Why piano?
Are you not afraid to die?" I snarled.
Just not ready to." She replied.

I was confused, so very confused with her attitude. I'd never seen such a stubborn person in my life...... and wait, why hadn't I killed this stupid imbecile yet?! I was about to smash her down, but I stopped. I couldn't move. For once in my life, I couldn't bring myself to kill a stranger like this. She appeared brave and fearless. I decided to respect her.... for now. Stupid girl. I lowered my claws down and laid a hand on the piano.

It took another few moments until I spoke again. "....... Its music is very nice... I like it." The girl leaned back a little. "Decided not to kill me?" She said, smirking.
You're... going to ask for it!" I snapped back, only to try to calm down again.
Silence.
She spoke again. "Thanks- I've been playing this guy for years...." The girl put a hand on the piano. "He's been handed down from my family down to me... You never heard piano's music before, huh?"
I shook my head.
You're really weird- whats your name? You seem like an interesting fella."
I hesitated a little. I've never really spoken my name to anyone but my clan members. This was the first time a stranger asked. It felt awkward, but I couldn't help but to reply. "Formuko.... It means battle."
She gave a smile and responded, "So- that explains your weirdness and stuff... You're a warrior, eh?"
Your name is long. I like giving people nicknames, so your nickname will be Oku!"
I grumbled. It sounded ridiculous. "Thats such a stupid na-"
She interrupted my comment. "I'm Myu-jikku! ..SO OKU... since you like my music, would you like to learn how to play the piano?"

Myu taught me how to play the piano that day. It was fascinating. No one had ever really taught me anything besides battle and honor. She showed me how the keys worked, and the letters that went along with it. I learned quite fast, and by the time the day ended, I had already learnt how to read off the piano sheet and play easy songs. I left the village happily after that, and I kept coming back. I ignored my duties, and just went straight to Myu's house for another lesson. She would teach me something new each day, and each question I asked she would answer. Myu was the greatest teacher I've ever met- and it surprised me how she knew so much at her age, since I was about the same age as well. In each passing day, I knew something new besides piano playing, and everyday we would laugh together.... Our days would end by watching the sunset and then we would return to our separate lives. At night on the bed, I would always think of what kind of adventure we'd have tomorrow. ....But as days passed, it was becoming more difficult to meet her. The clansmen are getting suspicious of my long visits to the village, and I was afraid I couldn't stall some more time. I was highly pressured, but Myu kept me happy somehow. Whenever we had lessons, I would be lost into a world with her, a world of new places and things to discover. Time flies, but we never really notice. All the memories we've made in some months... I wanted to be with her forever.

----

What is love?" I asked her one day in the same attic we'd always meet in. I knew the word, but I didn't quite get a whole definition of it... I thought it was a non-existent thing, like the clanspeople always said it was.
Myu was at the piano, flipping through song sheets under the piano chair's cover. She paused when I asked and turned her head to face me. "Love is a wonderful thing, Okuru~ Its feelings people have to eachother that are happy- its something that makes people want to be with eachother, since it makes them really happy when they are!"
I tilted my head to the side. "Huh? I don't get it.."
Myu giggled and stood up in front of me. "Its when someone likes you- and likes you for who you are. Its something like.... I love the piano- because I like playing it! Love is also something that grows over time, and you don't want to ever leave that person.." "I'm really bad at explaining this, but yeah, I think thats how it is."
Wow. Love. It must be a wonderful thing indeed... But how did it work? "Uhm... how do you show love?" I asked.
She pondered for a moment. It took her a long time to respond, but she shot forward and hugged me. I was in shock. We stood there for some time before she let go. I was confused. What was THAT for?! I raised my brow. "What... was that?!" I cried out, brushing off my arms and chest in frantic. No one has ever done that before to me! It was really awkward.
Myu laughed at my silliness. "Its a hug, bakatare! Its one of the signs you can show and spread love~ But there are two special loves- the normal love is when you like your family, but the 2nd love is special..." She crossed her arms. "Its when you really like this one person, and you wannna be with them even more than your family!" Myu began making movements in the air with her hands. "And then you can show that special someone how much you love them by giving them flowers or gifts but especially hugs!"
Its like respect and honor?"
No, its even better."
That kept me thinking for a while. The day continued on, and as usual, I left back for the village when it was dark. At night, I couldn't sleep. All I thought was about that word. Love. Myu said it was powerful, and that there was a special type of love. She said everyone likes a special someone....... I stared up at the ceiling of my room. I wondered who was my special person.... I pondered into my own mind for a while. Myu said it was someone who changed your life or was there for you always- someone who taught you many things- someone you can't wait to see again.... I wondered, who is my number one? Suddenly, my mind sparked. Myu-Jikku... She was there, all the time, and I couldn't wait until the next day... She taught me many things, and she liked me... I sat up. Thats it! Myu was my love! Happiness filled up my heart. The whole time with her, she truly was my number one...! I gave a smile, and planned the next day out. I wanted to show her I love her- oh how fascinating that word was. I'll give her a hug tomorrow, and flowers.. was it? Flowers- I'll find them later. I laid back down on my bed and continued thinking throughout the whole night. I couldn't wait for tomorrow, I couldn't wait until I could tell her I loved her.....

The next day, I was already out and collecting flowers. For some strange reason, all the clanspeople in our village was gone somewhere. I didn't mind though, and was too busy gathering together a bouquet for Myu. Some time passed by, and when I was finished putting all the flowers into a bunch, I ran to the village. I was incredibly happy. I ran as fast as I could...... But I stopped dead when I saw a huge cloud of smoke rising up from somewhere ahead. My heart sank. I froze. No. That... can't be.... Fear made my heart race as I dropped my bouquet and dashed straight towards the funnel of smoke. I took no notice of my low stamina of running. Everything revolved around me at once. Flashbacks of memories with Myu rang in my head. All our happy times... All our lessons..... NO! I gritted my teeth. I arrived at the village moments later. There was no more houses. No more children playing in the streets, no more markets, no more streets, no more melodies, no more.... Nothing. It was all just black rubble; remains of what seemed like a huge fire storm that burnt everything to the ground. Nothing was standing. Nothing.......... was living. My clan had ignored me, skipped ahead and burnt it all down. I was torn apart. I was... supposed to meet Myu today...... We were supposed to start learning her favorite song... We were supposed to laugh.. We were.... I was too late. I fell to my knees and roared in agony. I broke off into tears. Myu's gone. The village is gone. My heart was gone. I couldn't bear the thought of her death. I wanted to love her- like she said two people would... I wanted to stay... I cried until I could cry no more. As I mourned, I walked to the near center of the village where her house once stood and searched for her; for any remains, for anything left. I dug all day, I dug through all the rubble, I dug to try to find her and the love. ...But I found nothing, and all I ever found was a few piano sheets that were singed yet escaped from fire, and remnants of the piano we once played.

----

I stuck the wooden cross into the ground in the center of the village. It took me only a few minutes to dig up a small hole and then to bury the last of the piano. It took me who knows how long to build the wooden cross. Now the grave was complete. I stood in front of it for a long period of time, looking back at all the good times we'd had. I couldn't stand it. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. The word death rang in my head the whole time, and I knew it can't become like one of those happy endings from those stories Myu told me about. This was real, and no one could have escaped from the tyrant clan I came from. My clan. My clan. I gritted my teeth. Stupid clan, stupid stupid stupid! I was angry. Why did they have to kill!? Why!? WHY!? I screamed and banged my fists hard into the ground. "WHY?!?!" Silence. The wind blew softly against my face. I looked around. More silence. I raised my hands and stared at them. They were dirty and scratched from the rubble I dug through; some parts bleeding from my rapid digging. I stared long and hard at them. I was from a war-bound clan; how many people have I killed myself? The wind blew warm air across Myu's grave. Tears filled my eyes. ....So... this was what it was like to loose someone. I remembered all the fearful faces of the victims I had. They could have lived, they could have succeeded in life, they could have had a happy ending. No. They didn't. I killed them. I killed them all. I stared down at the grave. Just like Myu died.... I sniffled. She died living a dream- but she never got there. I was such a fool. I'm so sorry, Myu, I'm so very sorry......

Ridding myself was not an option, of course. It applies to the same subject of killing, so I couldn't betray Myu like that. After all, what would she think if I did that? I wouldn't turn up in the same place as she did if I'd do it anyways... I had nowhere to turn- no where to run to. There was nothing more for me to do, now that Myu was dead. I stayed at that spot... and I waited. Waited for something to happen, something to give me a purpose for living. I waited for days and nights.. My hope was diminishing, and I even considered ridding myself a couple of times. What else is there to do?

-------

I awoke to the flapping of wings. What was... that sound? Maybe my call of hope was answered! I arose, standing up as straight as I could from the little strength I had left. I turned towards the direction of the sound, and my eyes met with a large brown serpent dragon. I shook my drowsiness away and observed the stranger's appearance. The dragon had a skull mask that was decorated with red markings, a pair of common horns wrapped with dark grayish bandages, a huge pair of wings with darkish maroon membranes and a lot of red markings... He also had some strange bracelets on his body with strange symbols engraved into them..
Greetings..." The dragon spoke, landing down lightly onto the ground before me. His tone was gentle, and not rough as I expected it to be.
I was a little surprised by his sudden welcome. I didn't really have anything to say, especially when my head was alluded by the long periods of time I spent at this same spot.
He tilted his head to the side. "Sir, I've been flying past you for some days now, and I've noticed you haven't been moving at all... So I decided to check up on you. Are you okay? What happened?"
My eyes blinked, and they met up with his golden eyes. Oh... I remember now. Its been some days ever since Myu's disappearance. I've been staying here for a while... It felt like as if years went by.. "I lost someone..." I replied, looking away.
I see..... What are you going to do now?"
I cringed. "I don't... have anywhere to go. I have no home; no purpose in life, and I've sinned so much by killing.. If I dispose myself, the heavens won't have a place for me- and I can't see my lover even by then.."
The dragon crossed his arms. "Sins... hm?" He pondered a bit, as if trying to find a way to help me.
Who are you anyways?.." I asked.
I am Roo, an elite soul guardian.." Roo replied, rubbing his chin. "Say, since you have sins, would you like to try and lift them off your shoulders?"
I jumped a little. Lift them off my shoulders!? How? That... is impossible! I had so many of them, so many killings.... "H-how?" I asked, my voice was shaky.
The council of the heavens are looking for some new recruitment for a job as a guardian. We have some subjects that are up for grabs...." He smiled, "I can hook you up with a job as a guardian, if you want. It can balance off your sins with doing good deeds, and since your soul seems pure right now, I think you can qualify."
....A job as a guardian...? I've heard about legends and stories from Myu about them. These great guardians who patrolled the world and helped out the weak and aided the strong for justice... It seemed impossible for me, a heavily sinned, to become one of those beings..... I thought about it some more. Then it occurred to me. Roo did say my soul is pure... What? So then that means..
Roo poked me, and interrupted my thoughts. "So, you willing to go up for the job? This is the least I can help you with."
I stared up at the huge dragon, and then down at the ground. After a few moments, I made my decision.
Okay, Roo. I'm going to become a guardian."
After all, what else have I got to do?

I panted and slumped to my knees. Never had I ran so far... Just where is this guy taking me!? I wheezed and used the support of a rock near by to stand up. "Hey-.... are we there yet!?" I asked rather hastily, gasping for breath.

Roo turned around and smiled. "Haha- Yes. We are here- the road to the Guardian's HQ- its passage is here." He gave me a thumbs up. "You only have to run a little bit more now, but not as much as we did to get here.~"

I blinked at him. W-what?! Road? What road? I didn't see any road. They were in the middle of a huge plain with many hills. Little bits of rocks jagged out of the green grass in the horizon and a forest was viewable, but otherwise, there was nothing else. How could there be a road here? I tilted his head to the side. "Roo, I don't know what you're talking about? There isn't a road in sight!" I glanced around the wilderness before looking back at him. "We're in the middle of-"

The dragon interrupted me. "You just can't see it." He smiled. "You see, we guardians can see things related to divinity, such as heaven's gate and the passageway to the underworld. We all also have the ability to grant others the vision and admission to enter temporarily." Roo stepped forward and looked up into the sky. "Us guardians can touch the road to heavens and to any places related to the divinity."

Oh... So that's how it works. "Then Roo, can you let me see the road? I mean, I don't wanna fall off trail."

Roo laughed heartily. "Ah, of course! Now stay still, Oku."

I stopped moving.

Roo slithered forward and gently pressed his paw on my forehead. His paw glowed for a second, and illegible symbols circulated around his wrist. After a few seconds, he lifted his paw off my head and stepped back. "You can see it now." He said softly.

I looked to the left and gasped. There was a road made of light ascending to the sky. It was like a rainbow, only less curvy, less colorful, and more straight forward. The road didn't look too steep, and at the center of the road there was a line of huge angelic symbols stretching from the ground all the way to the heavens. It was a beautiful sight, and it had a very holy and magical feeling to it.

The soul guardian slithered forward and opened his wings. "Its wonderful, isn't it? Another beautiful work from God.~" He smiled and poked me with his tail. "There's more to see at the Guardian's HQ. Come on, lets get going!" Roo backed up a bit before taking off into the sky like a rocket. He soared up the road.

Ah! I shouldn't be standing here! But wow, this road... It seems unbelievable! I nodded quickly at Roo before dashing straight after him. Once I stepped onto the road, it felt as if I rook a wrong step, I'd fall through. Amazingly, the road felt like grass when I ran on it. The touch was so soft, I had to think all that running paid off well on the last road.

Minutes passed by. I gazed out to the world below me. We were so high up! Looking down made me a little nauseous. It was a very pretty view up here though... During the whole way I kept my eyes on the horizon until it disappeared when clouds drifted over it. Eventually, I thought that this road would never end, until Roo stopped me by getting into my way. I skidded to a stop.

We're here..." Roo said, turning around. "Follow me.~"

I nodded silently and followed him. Our surroundings were clouds, clouds, and more clouds. Roo stopped abruptly after a few minutes of slithering. I bumped into him.

A voice echoed from nowhere. "Who is it that comes here?" I jumped. W-woah! What was that!? I looked around frantically. No one was there.

It is I, Roo, a soul guardian!" Roo replied, his voice so loud than before. "I have a potential recruitment!"

There was a moment of silence before the voice answered. This time it spoke in a language I couldn't understand.

Roo replied in what seemed to be the same language. The voice sounded satisfied in response. "Very well. Admission granted!~"

I blinked. Wow, so cheerful right after that. Just who is that anyways? "Hey Roo, what was that?"

The soul guardian looked down at me. "It's a gatekeeper of the Guardian HQ. He watches over the gates to see who's coming. We can't let in everyone, you know... Some might be devils or demons. We've had those problems before." He looked up into the clouds. "The gatekeeper of the HQ can also see your aura and pureness."

The clouds in front of us parted away quickly. I jumped out to the side of Roo to see what was ahead. The clouds revealed a ginormous two-doored gate made of gold. I gaped my mouth at the sight. The blue skies opened up from behind the clouds, letting the sun shine onto the gate. Thousands and hundreds of symbols in different languages were engraved into the doors. Certain symbols and pictures glowed light blue, yellowish light or white light. They pulsed, making the door seem alive. Each of the doors had a theme- the left with a moon and the right with the sun. There was a bird being on the left, with circles and swirls that probably represents souls. On the right, there was a being of a dragon with swirls of firey shapes that probably represented the living. At the center of the gate, two huge gold wings connected the two doors together. Huge chains secured them together.

I was half speechless. It was so beautiful. Roo was the one who shook me awake. "Hey, lets get moving."

There was a divine looking white bird guardian at the gate. He was wearing gold swirly armor, and nearly camouflaged into the doors himself. He waved at Roo. "Hey Roo-ster! Long time no see!" He pointed at me and shook his finger. "Aha- I see you've got something for the council?"

Roo slithered up to the bird. "I told you not to call me that!" He pouted playfully. "And yes, this one seems special. I want to get him in as fast as I can- I still have a few jobs unfinished for today."

The bird smiled. "Ah, busy as usual, Roo." He pressed his wing against one of the left door's symbols at the bottom and spoke the same language as before.

The chains that locked the doors together unleashed itself from the right door's wing. Slowly, the huge doors opened, and it slowly revealed the Guardian's HQ behind it. I stared at the center. The bright light from inside the doors blinded me for a second. I was amazed at the sight of the HQ.

Roo smiled. "The beauty of the road was totally nothing compared to this, Oku." He gently pushed me along. "Now, lets be on our way. Thanks for opening the gates, Chicken!"

The divine bird jumped and flapped around Roo. "Hey! Don't call me that!"

Thats what you get, ahahaa!" Roo laughed, and I did too.

I gasped. The Guardian's HQ was made up of many buildings. There was a tall clock tower that reached up into the sky. In front of it, there was a strange Indian-like temple or shrine-like building. The indian building's top was decorated in a similar fashion of the gate doors. Strange symbols stood out on the clock tower. Beside the two tall buildings, there was a Shenkuu styled palace. It shared the other two building's beauty. Not only did it have the same gold decorations as the gate as well, but it was the only one that had dragon statues invading its walls and roof. Behind the three main buildings were other buildings or houses- though they were too far away for me to see their detail. Different divine-like animals and humans entered and left the HQ at seemingly every moment. Some flew around in the skies, and there were some figures on the roofs. There was even a pair of people training on a building's roof.

W-wow! Its so beautiful!" I said, shielding half my eyes from the sun light that reflected off the HQ's gold covered buildings.

Roo smiled. "That's not the end of it."

We continued down the road of clouds. It felt funny walking on the clouds, and it also felt somewhat terrifying. The clouds were soft, but it also felt as if I could fall through any second- or if I took a wrong step. I stayed close to Roo just in case I did happen to take a fall.

In moment's time, we reached the gates of the palace building. Even the doors of theirs was more huge than me- only smaller than the main gate doors. The gate appears to have the same design as the main gate's, except that the swirls were transformed into dragons.

We both entered the palace. Unlike the outside where it was quiet and peaceful, the inside of the palace was like a marketplace! People and animals of all sorts and sizes were scrambling around. Noise was just everywhere, and it was more of speaking than sound.

HEY! PAPERS OVER HERE! I GOTTA GET THIS SIGNED!"
No no! This wayyy! WAIT NOT THERE!"
AARHHGHHHHH!"
Hello, this is Jiro speaking- NO, THIS IS NOT PIZZA HUT! YOU GOT THE WRONG LINE! W-"
SIR! NEWS ARRIVED! 20 PEOPLE DIED FROM THE BUS ACCIDENT! IT SEEMS PHENO-"
MORE RECRUITMENTS! MORE RECRUITMENTS! PROBABLY 5 OF THEM! I'M GONNA SEND THEM TO YOUR OFFIC-"
OH NO! I'M LATE!"
Gah! this is off schedule! We're late!"
TROUBLE TROUBLEEE! SOMEONE JUST MISSED THEIR DEATH DEADLINE! GET ME A GUARDIAN QUICK! WE NEEDTA IMPROVISE!"
Music also boomed in the background of all the people.

I was nearly tramped when I set a few more steps into the crowd. I was just stunned. I didn't expect all this!?
R-roo! IS IT ALWAYS LIKE THIS!?" I yelled to him.

Roo gave a little 'XD;' look. "Uhh- Yeah, Unfortunately." He smiled. "Well, its okay though. There's a billion people on Earth, so its not surprising to see such a commotion. In the HQ we monitor and get information every millisecond or so. Deaths and Births happen every second, so we have to keep our lists and information updated.... There are also a lot of demon sightings and 'phenomenal' things happening... We also gotta prevent that.. And a bunch of other problems!"

W-w-wow, how do people put up with this!?"

Don't worry, we're all pretty trained, and after all, we're close to heaven, so hunger and exhaustion doesn't affect us here. Besides, coffee keeps most of us up~ Hhaha~"

Coffee?"

Caffeinated drinks that boost our energy. We can have one anytime, and there's no limits, thanks to being close to heaven too- No diseases spread around either, so we're always working 24/7!" Roo gently pushed me along. "There's the information counter- we can get to there through the crowd."

We squeezed through the highway of people. I think we bumped into some people along the way, but we made it before I could even think we can.

There was a bunny sitting on the counter talking on the phone. A starbucks cup was sitting next to him. Roo raised a paw. "Excuse me?"

The bunny nodded and gave a sign from his hand that he'll be off in a moment. He talked on the phone for a few moments, and after that, he put the phone down and stood up. "Sorry 'bout that- a lotta people keep getting the wrong numbers and getting into our hotline... Its real annoying.. I wish we didn't hook up with the living world, but apparently we had to because of information purposes..." He spoke, taking a sip of the starbucks coffee.

Ah, I have a potential recruitment here! Where is Chronos right now?" Roo asked.

Hmmm... He may be in his office- He hasn't really called me and yeah. I also sense he's still there. Don't think he's that busy at the moment."

Thanks~ I'll be on my way then."

I'll call him to tell him you're coming!" The bunny picked up the phone and started dialing numbers.

Roo gave a nod and thanked him again. Then he dragged me off through the crowd and into a random corridor. There were many people scrambling through the hall in a rush, but not as much as the freeway back at the counter. Roo went ahead of me, and I followed.

We continued on for a long time. We went through more halls and more corridors. Finally, after some time, Roo stopped in front of a huge door at the end of a hall and knocked on it.

Yes? Is that Roo?"

Roo replied. "Yess~ May I come in?"

Of course, ahaha." The tone of the voice sounded as calm as Roo's.

The door was opened by an orange colored dragon with flaring light darkish red hair. He was wearing a white robe decorated with many designs in gold. The dragon had some red markings on his neck. He looked like a gentleman like Roo, only bigger in size. "Come in, come in!" He welcomed us.

Once we stepped in, Chronos shut the door behind him. He stepped up to us. "So, Roo, who is this one who wants to be recruited?"

His name is Formuko, his nickname is Oku. He wants to make up for his sins.. And he also has nowhere else to go, so becoming a guardian would be a perfect job for him!"

Chronos rubbed his chin. "Ahh- really? Let me go see his profile then..." The huge anthro dragon stepped behind his desk and sat down. In front of his computer, he began typing fast on the keyboard. When something popped up on the screen, he studied it. "Lets see.... Formuko Kurenai.... Known as 'Oku' according to an event in his past- Hmm..... Sin count is high. So far your destined afterlife is in Hell."

Color drained from my face a little. Ah.. no.... I knew it. I felt guilty.

Chronos smiled a little. "Hey, don't be worried. We can fix that. In my eyes, you already have what it takes to become a guardian.~"

Roo blinked, surprised. "H-Huh?! What? Does that mean he skips training too?" He slithered towards Chronos. "I've gone through training to become a guardian- so how does Oku skip that?"

The huge dragon laughed heartily. "Oku's a warrior- so he has enough experience... And his heart's been changed dramatically. I can see it in him- the willpower to make up for the damage to others he's done, and the pureness in his heart. So the only task he'd have to take is to show his power to a high ranked guardian!" He stood up. "So Oku may have to go up against a council member or a high ranked member..... in order to be eligible to obtain the job of a guardian."

Wow! Just like that?" Roo exclaimed, and then turned to me. "You're really lucky, Oku! Unlike me, all you have to do is go up against another guardian- instead of taking a year of training or so! I'm glad for you!"

I was sort of confused. How did he see that in me? Maybe he has the same powers as the bird at the gate.... Hmm. "Oh... wow.. okay... really?... So where do I face a guardian off?"

Chronos picked up his phone. "First, I call the one you'll be facing off- and I know just the one." He smiled and dialed the number. "It may take a while for him to come here, but the wait will be worth it. You can, wait for a while, right?

I nodded. I wonder, who is he going to call?

-to be continued-

This is Kai, the so claimed leader of the whole family. (Well, not really) She was the one who tied us all together and the one who adopted in many others. Kai's really strange sometimes, especially when she runs throughout the house doing random things with the others. Indoor house scootering, Winter wonderland by keeping the AC on, Making mutant cakes? You name it. She's really mischievous, and sometimes you've got to wonder, what the heck? Otherwise than that, I have to admit, the adventures she makes with the help of other members is fun, yet crazy. ....Say, there was that one time she mentioned the house could turn into a submarine...

---

Sei is a strong fighter. Often she comes outside the house and trains herself. Its actually pretty amazing how she acts lazy inside the house but shows her strength later on. We don't talk much, but I've trained with her before, hahha- and those were good times. I still don't get why she bullies Kio though. Maybe she likes him. (Sei: *from far away back at the rp house* -SNEEZE-)

---

Kio is very friendly and nice. He has the power and element of electricity, so he gets stuck to the fridge sometimes, and I have to always help get something from it for him. He's the most diligent person in the house, and I have to say, WOW! Whenever I come, I always spot him doing chores around the house. He works real hard, that kid. The only problem is, he's a punching bag for Sei, and constantly gets into quarrels with her- Sei always starting the fight. Its funny when he shocks her and takes off... But I feel really guilty for watching him do all these things around the house.

---

Ah, Koori, the most intelligent and the bookworm of the family. Its fun talking to Koori whenever I come over! We always have a chat about our favorite comic and book characters. Sometimes we go out on a visit to the library together. She loves manga the best, and likes epic tales. I don't think Koori has any powers, but I do sense that she is hiding them... Not even the family knows her past, and Koori remains mysterious that way..

---

Roo is someone I'd give my life too. Without him, I would have never gotten this opportunity to become a guardian to atone my sins. He's a pretty interesting guy, especially when I help him with his job sometimes. (Sometimes I tag along when I meet up with him during traveling) Roo's quite the gentleman, and he seems to get along with everyone in the family. He's really nice.... But I never really knew why Roo became a guardian. I might just ask him someday... when we cross paths again.

---

Keyai rarely comes to the rp house because of his curse. When he does though, he always have a charm that keeps his curse from activating. According to him, when his curse activates, he goes on a insane killing spree. Eeesh. But don't judge him by his curse- he's a very decent guy, and I've come to ignore his gruesome curse. Keyai's nice but not very outgoing. On some days when he's over, he would teach me sword moves in exchange for piano lessons. He seems to really like playing musical instruments... But he LOVES strawberries more than anything XD;

---

Tae..... I've only seen her once around the house. She was in a hiding state, so she left quite early, and I haven't seen her since.. I do hear news of her though. According to others, they say she's being hunted, and that she HAD to leave and continue going on. Oh- how I wished I could help, but Tae was already gone, and I don't think I can track her down. Roo, her father, was especially worried the most. I hope things go well for them both...

---

I see Reiyn around in the rp house sometimes. He's a real cute little guy, and he loves to join in Kai's mischievous adventures in the house. He's the moon guardian. Isn't that cool? Reiyn told me that his wings absorb the moonlight and provides him power and life force. I wondered how this kit had so much power at a young age..... He never really told me how he became a guardian either. We love to go star gazing together sometimes.~

And there is more... hang on I'm trying to find the rest!

DRAIK COLORS
in abc order~

Blue
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-Blue.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Darigan
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-darigan.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Desert
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-desert.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Green
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-green.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Orange
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-orange.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Purple
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-purple.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Red
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-red.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Shadow
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-shadow.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Skunk
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-Skunk.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Striped
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-Striped.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Yellow
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-yellow.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

DRAIK CUSTOMS
old to new

Oku

Aspen's Muko
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-mukoaspen.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Evoi
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-evoi.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Xylare(Ita)
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-xylareita.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

Teketeza(Speckled)
<a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?user=lostinferno"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/dragonoid_tt_ten/Stuff1/Draik-Adopts-tekespeckled.gif" alt="Rawr!" border="0"></a>

In Like A Lion (Always Winter)

It's always nice to look out the window
And see those very first few flakes of snow
And later on we can go outside
And create the impression of an angel that just fell from the sky

When February rolls around I'll roll my eyes
Turn a cold shoulder to these even colder skies
And by the fire my heart it heaves a sigh
For the green grass waiting on the other side

It's always winter but never Christmas
It seems this curse just can't be lifted
Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow
Our hearts stay warm cause they are filled with hope

It'd be so nice to look out the window
And see the leaves on the trees begin to show
The birds would congregate and sing
A song of birth a song of newer things

The wind would calm and the sun would shine
I'd go outside and I'd squint my eyes
But for now I will simply just withdraw
Sit here and wish for this world to thaw

And everything it changed overnight
This dying world you brought it back to life
And deep inside I felt things
Shifting everything was melting
Away oh away
And you gave us the most beautiful of days

Cause when it's always winter but never Christmas
Sometimes it feels like you're not with us
But deep inside our hearts we know
That you are here and we will not lose hope


Lyrics copyrighted to azlyrics

Kai says... This story is written by my oh so amazing friend, Rolos! She has a neo account, but its dead, unfortunately. @A@; I wasn't expecting such an awesome short story coming, but here it is~ It made me smile, haha... Thanks~

This is a story of some of Rolo's characters meeting the giant lizard thing. (oku lol)

-----------------------------

He played his song.

His fingers moved swiftly, melodically- the glowing keys of Soul creating music far beyond words. The shimmering shines of light hit the two of them, the sweet sound of a song played throughout the forest, traveling with the wind. Passion. Fantasy. Awesomeness. Oku was nearing the end of his new piece, after finally learning it from an old music book he had found in an antique store.

?~?? ~?~ ? ?~ ??? ~? ~?? ~ ?~ ~ ? ~

I…I've got it!" He said to himself, getting excited as he played the final notes…

Whoa, it's a DRAGON!"

?~ ? ~ ASDJAKSLDJ

Oku slipped his claws on the keyboard, Soul giving off an un-tuned squeak of a noise.

GUYS LOOK IT'S A DRAGON!"
WHOAAA!"
Really?!"

Caught by surprise, the dragon jerked his head around. Behind him, standing between a bush and a tree, was… a group of kids. Human kids, and three of them, actually. Oku stared, wondering where in the world they came from.

Um…" Oku started, and smiled awkwardly, "Hello?"

One girl, the short one with messy brown hair, was amazed as her eyes lit up. She waved, "Hi, dragon-with-no-wings-that-plays-really-good!" The tall boy in the back waved his arms, "Whoa, dude, you're a dragon! That's AWESOME!"

Um…sorry for messing you up." Said the other girl with blonde, wavy hair, more surprised than amazed by the creature in front of them.

Oku thought for a minute that they were from another from another dimension or something of the sort. He wanted to be alone to play his piece, but he was a bit glad for the company. Kids, especially. Most of them usually got scared of his looks. "Hi there ~ Who are you guys?"

The brown haired girl started walking towards him. "Is that a sword? Is it, like, a sword-piano thing? Look guys, it glows!"

Hey, can you play that song again?" Asked the other blonde girl as all three of them gathered around Oku. "It was really cool and pretty. Oh, um, I'm- "

Can we play the piano-sword!?" Interrupted the boy, and he reached out to touch one of it's keys…

Ack! Wait!" Oku started, reaching out his claw to stop him, "Soul- that sword, he might burn-"

~ ? ~

Whoa! That was a funny sound!" The boy said, playing another key, and another. The brown haired girl touched a key, too, and the two of them were playing random, off-key notes.

Pauline, Tyler, hey!" said the other girl. "It's not your piano-sword!"

You can play it, too." Oku smiled a little, slightly amused. "I'm glad he's not burning you…"

What's your name?" Asked the brown haired girl, playing a black key over and over again.

My name's Formuko, but you can call me Oku if you guy's want. But you guys haven't told me your- "

Oh-kew!" said the boy happily, playing a key. "That's a cool name!"

Oku the piano-dragon-man!" replied the brown-haired girl as the two of them played.

Oh-kew!"

Okuku!"

Oh-kew-kew!"

The dragon laughed, as he brought himself to play "Pop-goes-the-Weasel" on the keys, earning an applause from the kids. Oku, truth be told, wanted to have some quiet time to himself, but it was impossible to shoo away three kids who have never seen a piano-playing dragon before.

That was cool, Mr. Fukormo!"
Play it again, Oh-kew!"
You know," piped up the brown-haired girl "Lilia can play the piano, too!"

Not as good as Formoku." Replied the blonde girl. "Besides, I like singing better…"

Oh, I can sing, too!" cried the boy, jumping up and down, "Oh, you know what? We should start a band! Or an… an orch-ke-straw!"

An orchestra, you mean?"

The brown-haired girl waved her arms. "I want to dance!"

You guys can't start a band!"

The boy yelled out, "It'll be like Rock Band! Or Guitar Hero!"

Or like…America's Best Dance Crew!" the brown-haired girl joined in.

Oku, of course, had no idea what on earth they were talking about. They definitely weren't from around here. And, actually, he was getting a bit annoyed. "Um, do you guys mind…?"

Mr. Formuko, can you play the piano for us?" asked the blonde girl, hoping she wasn't bothering the dragon. "What about the song you were playing before?"

Yeah, Oh-kew! Can you, can you?"
Please? Please?"

Oku thought for a while, still wanting to be in peace to play his new song. But still, he shifted his body, and begun to play the song again.

Okay, Lilia, sing!" whispered the boy, "We're gonna be your backup singers!"

Just make up random stuff!" added the brown-haired girl.

Oku is a big red dragon ~
Begun the blonde girl awkwardly
He's got a magical sword that glows ~"

A magical sword that glows!" echoed the boy the other girl.

It's got funny scribbles on it, And he plays so good he…doesn't…have any foes?"

Doesn't have any foes!"

It was probably the worst song ever to fit the new piece Oku was playing. But…he continued to play. The song carried throughout the forest again, along with the off-tuned voices of those kids. The light shown down, reflecting off Soul's keys, shining on the four of them. Oku was smiling now, because he couldn't bring himself to tell these kids to leave.

And he finished his song.

/end