The Tales of Ryu

Tiana found a mystical patterned book called The Tales of Ryu in her local library. As many times as she’s gone to Springhallow library, she’s never seen this book, but it called to her.

“Hey, Miss Laura, can I check out this book, please?” Tiana slid the book over the counter.

Laura scanned the book, “Hmmm.”

“What’s wrong?”

“The book doesn’t seem to be registered here.” Laura scanned the book again.

“Oh,” Tiana replied sadly. “Never mind then.”

Laura slid the book over, “It’ll be our secret.”

Tiana’s face lit up as she tucked the book into her pouch.

She skipped out of the library and all the way home.

“Excuse me, where have you been?” The stern voice of her mother startled her.

“At the library, getting a new book.” Tiana started to pull out the book.

Her mother tsked at her, “You and those books. Next time tell me.” She turned and strode away.

Tiana's shoulders slumped as she dragged herself upstairs. She pulled out her new book, one she didn’t have to give back—a book to call her own.

The book opened to the first page, and words sprawled across the page; your adventures await….

Tiana turned to the next page, and a golden light shined brightly, blinding her. She went to close the book but felt herself get sucked in.

She hesitantly opened her eyes. Tall mountains and lush green grass surrounded her. Trees as tall as the sky held more fruit than she’s ever seen before.

Tiana stood there shocked, taking in her new breathtaking surroundings.

“You’re not from around here, are you?”

Tiana jumped and swirled around to see a small red scaly creature.

“No, I’m from Earth.”

“What’s Earth?” The creature crawled up to her and sat.

“The planet I live on. Where am I?” She fidgeted with her fingers.

“This is the Ancient Forest called Ashwood. Right outside Dry Creek town. Is that where you are from?”

Tiana looked down at her feet, “I’m not sure it doesn’t sound familiar.”

“Come with me, and maybe my dad can help.” The small red creature sprawled toward a great Rocky Mountain.

“What’s your name? And what are you?”

“Oh, I’m Ryu. I’m a dragon.”

Tiana’s face lit up with fascination, “You're the dragon from my book!”

“A what?” Ryu cocked his head to the side.

“Nothing.” Tiana smiled to herself. “What are your parents like?”

“It’s just my dad. I’ve never met my mom.” Ryu's head hung low.

“I’m sorry. I never knew my dad. I only have my mom.” Tiana patted Ryu’s head.

The tree's leaves rustled in the wind. The night was creeping upon Tiana as they made their way into the forest to the rocky mountains. Branches snapped, and animal noises sounded throughout, causing Tiana to jump and grow worried.

“Should we be out at night?” Tiana whispered.

“Almost home.” Ryu trudged forward.

“That didn’t answer my question.” She looked around in the now pitch-black Forest.

Ryu stopped, “No, we shouldn’t be. We need to hurry.”

Tiana upped her pace and looked at the ground to stop herself from tumbling over.

Ryu whistled, and the ground shook ferociously beneath our feet.

A giant red dragon speared before us.

“Ryu, what is this?”

“This is…”

“Tiana.” She replied, looking into the dragon's golden eyes

“She was lost, and it was getting dark out,” Ryu said softly.

Smoked flared out of his father's nostrils, “Come, let’s go.”

He let down his large wing, and Ryu climbed up, “Come on, Tiana. We aren’t leaving you out here.”

Tiana ran up his wing and held onto a scale as hard as possible.

The dragon leaped into the air, and in a flash, we landed on a ledge of the Rocky Mountain with an opening to a cave.

“Woah! This cave is cool.” Tiana leaped down and darted inside.

There was a bed of rocks where moss had grown. Water seeped into the opening, causing the water to glisten off the walls and his treasure. A stock of chalices, jewelry, and other treasured items was stocked neatly on the back of his bed. He piled animal bones to the side of the cave.

Ryu’s dad tried to hide the bones, but it didn’t help.

“This is amazing. I love it here.” Tiana’s voice echoed off the walls. “Can I stay?”

Ryu’s dad chuckled, “We can discuss it in the morning. For now, it’s time for bed.”

Ryu crawled up on the rocks and curled into a ball, and Tiana joined.

Tiana quickly fell asleep next to Ryu’s warm and cozy body.

When Tiana woke, she was in bed snuggling The Tales of Ryu. She opened the book and searched the pages for the golden light, desperately wanting to go back and escape her reality.

The light never came, no matter how many times she flipped through her book. Tiana clutched it to her chest and silently wept.