DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026- PART 11)

(FINAL EPISODE - PART 11)

 

Asmund had been right with his chastisement, for back then, Longze had lost all sense after encountering Freya and, became even more an idealist and a foolish, hopeless romantic.

That night, leaving her to sleep, Longze had absconded from her sight, to search and then finding him, rescue her missing kin, her father Hans Aquila.

01- HANS AQUILA

Considering the sheer drop, Hans should have been pulverized, when with the inertial force of gravity, he hit rock bottom. He should have been (a pancake) dead.

Longze had secretly suspected, though he had not gotten the chance yet to confirm it, that his stern guardian Asmund being conceivably (perchance, feasibly) manifest in the clouds, had slowed down Hans’ plummet, so that he, despite his injuries had (lived) survived. Longze showing up at same spot tad later and spotting Hans, had dove in to land beside and check his life signs; seeing that he was still alive but gravely injured, Longze had carefully lifted Hans off the ground where he had laid (unconscious broken and bleeding), and carried him off to the safety of the same cave Alec had been convalescing in. Once there, Longze had then solicitously tended to Hans wounds, invoked the spell of amnesia then left both patients side by side there, in protective cocoon, to recuperate (to heal). Ensuing days, Longze intended to return to the cave several times over, to tend to their varied needs and to monitor their progress.

He had elected to, for the time being, keep this a secret from Freya, till her kin were both completely out of danger, their condition much improved or at least were stable. In the interim, Longze having the insatiable curiosity about human affairs, planned to get better acquainted with Freya, an learn more of what had let to their dire situation. Longze had secretly hoped also that one day they might even be a couple; and being rather naïve in such matters, he’d not cogitated (considered) beyond sharing hugs and kisses with her, akin what he’d observed from a distance, other human couples- whenever they were out and about having fun in festivals and other social events, did. He did not anticipate (envisage, imagine) there was anything more to a relationship besides that, furthermore, it involved physical intimacy, since none of his previous guardians had ever deigned to enlighten him on such matters.

Upon his return to the mountain dwelling (cabin) however, to his deep dismay, Longze had discovered her absence. At first, he had assumed that it had all been a cruel joke, or another test; however, after his much consideration (scrutiny) of the facts, he’d arrived at the only probable truth- that her worry overriding her reason, she had acted illogically (irrationally) and ventured unarmed into the woods, to search for her kin.  

02-- DRAGON LONGZE (80)B

Longze had taken off at once and looked for her long and heard; but unfortunately, because of Sedit’s incantation, Longze had a particularly arduous (exacting) time before he could pinpoint her location (that happened to be in the midst of Demon Sedit’s lair) and thence (thereafter), affect her rescue.

                                                                                        ~

 

After the battle with Sedit, the relief of seeing her alive and well, this fueling his passion and the yearning for closeness with her taking root and superseding any reason, Longze for a spell forgetting he and Freya were two varied species, he’d leaned forward with his raised hand to gently tug the loose strand of hair behind her ear. Then his fingers had stayed (hesitated) though for a moment, hovering in the air, before he instinctively reached out again, to gingerly, light as feather, trace the outline of her chin. She did not flinch, instead she leaned into his fingers.

Longze was elated. She did not get scorched … She did not! And so, Longze dared… dared next, to kiss her!

03- LONGZE AND FREYA - THE LOST LOVE

Being self-conscious however, at the last minute abashed, his lips instead tenderly brushed her forehead. And then Longze’s courage also failing him, he did not solicit anything further.

Her forehead did not burn either! Longze frowned. Was Asmund not entirely honest with him?

Asmund’s cogent (sound, persuasive) words yet again ringing (resounding) loudly in Longze’s ears, he remained taciturn (reticent, restrained) at present, and did not give in to his desperate need to open his heart to her. Not if it meant, her death! “They are too frail;” Asmund had said, “despite your unusual, inherent powers, you are still likely to cause her hasty end… If you so much as try!” 

His guardian’s meaning had been clear, it meant that, Longze’s touch, if it lingered on her skin, would scorch her; and if the contact persisted tad too long, it might even turn her flesh completely to ash.  

Longze, then remembered how Asmund, had swallowed (held back, chewed on) the word “copulate” before he had looked up, to meet Longze’s intense gaze.  Longze’s thoughts thence, focused on that intriguing word, “copulate”, he inwardly queried: Was “copulate” same as “mating”? Even if they were, he was not entirely sure what that word had entailed (necessitated) in real life situation, it was surely more than a gentle caress, a kiss. And they are being a negligeable contact, did not have the akin dire consequence (repercussions). Which meant, he could kiss her all he wanted!!!

Longze’s unstoppable, reasoning mind meanwhile, quickly thence (thereafter) had gone on to extrapolate on all the gleaned (garnered) facts over the years; and now, fully comprehending the hidden truth, this realization, suddenly unbidden, suffused (bathed) Longze’s pallid face, with crimson hue. He was thankful Asmund was not there to question him on it. Subsequently, the corner of his mouth slightly lifted and then he chuckled, thinking of the time three years prior, when for the first time he had heard of the word and the bizarre sequence of events that had followed:

Longze’s then guardian Theran, had once permitted him for educational purposes, to gain first-hand experience during a short duration, by blending (mingling) in with the crowds and partaking some of the fun in the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, at a seaport town.

04- LONGZE AT LANTERN (Mid Autumn) FESTIVALl (7)jp

During this period, Longze had accidentally eavesdropped on the two humans- their heads conjoined together, whispering conspiratorially and then he had heard that very word (first time ever) being mentioned clearly by one of them- in one of the dark, secluded alleyways of the crowded market squire. As he had scant (limited) time to observe copious things, however, Longze had quickly moved on.

But later still, he had asked his guardian Theran, what that word had meant, but his guardian had looked at him curiously and then frowning, inquired instead where he had heard it. When Longze told him, Theran had grinned mischievously and nodded, saying “I see…”  But then he had brushed it off dismissively, saying, “you are still far too young to learn of such things; my advice to you instead, is to concentrate on your present, pressing studies. There will be ample time for such trivialities later.” Theran had said it with a dismissive tone, with such finality that Longze had let it go. Longze was fourteen Earth years at the time. Since then, however, he had been most curious about that word. None of the books he was allowed to read had any reference to it. Servants and personal attendants, when he had brought it up to, had snickered and hastily ran off.

Later, when Longze’s specific studies had allowed him a short stay (spell) in the mortal world, and whilst in his human form, each time he had inquired about that word from a randomly picked person, he had gotten a vastly different reaction. Three particular ones which stood out in his recollection, presently, made Longze mischievously chortle (snigger):

Once, when he’d approached (accosted) a distinguished looking old man (a travelling celibate monk) in the street and asked, him to explain to him what “copulate” entailed, the old monk had been outraged and angrily lashed out at him, suspecting him of being unruly, disrespectful and brazen; then calling him names, with copious swear words on his lips, he’d hastily walked away.

Another time, when he had asked this of a young sales lady at one of the stalls at the market squire, she’d profusely blushed and run off as if Longze was on fire and she was afraid of being scorched (by his proximity). She had gone straight to her father and frantically gesturing with her hands, complained, and he had raised the staff he was holding and belligerently shook it, threatening Longze from where he stood. Longze did not linger about, to find out of his intent.

Third time, when he asked this of a serving maid in a tavern, she had smiled at him luridly and sized him up, appraising him carefully and then invited him upstairs. He did not like the way she looked at him, as though he was a delectable morsal. A rude ruffian at the adjacent table, had smirked garishly and licked his chops, then winked at him. This all had made Longze extremely uncomfortable and so, he had taken a hasty retreat to outside and disappeared in the milling crowd.  After that, he did not dare inquire about it anymore and had forgotten that word.  Yet there it had surfaced again, when Asmund had chewed on the word, but Longze having an exceptional hearing, had nevertheless heard it clearly.

Longze at present, now reflected on the word one more time, and could not help but smile at his sheer naivete; nevertheless, he quickly shook his head to purge those particulars from his mind, then focused his attention instead, on his present dilemma.

Subsequently, Longze felt angry with himself, for his negligence and for wasting so much time on matters that was both foolhardy (hotheaded, silly) and selfish. His demeanor then growing serious, his thoughts focused entirely on the arrayed (arranged) instructions which Asmund had left behind for him to master: The precise mental and physical discipline, necessary adroit skills and steps he must learn and be proficient in, before the invocation of the spell.

Longze, thus offering some cordial (affable) excuse, hastily took his leave of Freya and swiftly returned to the cave where his patients had been convalescing. After checking on them and satisfied with their steady progress, he then advanced (delved) further interior of the cave, and at one point going through a miasmic portal, emerged at a distant, interstellar (cosmic, celestial, lunar) realm; this was Asmund and his present (assigned) allotted dwelling.

05- PRIVATE DWELLING IN HEAVEN (6)

Longze walked straight up to the centre of the room and picked up one of the rolled-up parchments beside the opened hefty volume, which Asmund had left on the desk for him. Longze, unfastened the knot that bound it and after unfurling the parchment read the contents that Asmund had meticulously written down; he then perused the subsequent list below it, which were the itemized required reading and subsets (subsections) on specific pages of the hefty volume (book).

06- ONE SUCH INSTRUCTIONS LEFT BY ASMUND

He picked up the second rolled up parchment and then the third one and, same as before, read each one’s contents very carefully; and, committed all that to memory- the precise instructions on how to interpret cyphers (symbols, cryptographs, encryptions) beside illustrations alongside certain paragraphs (divisions), which he would subsequently learn (memorize).  Finally, Longze picked up the ancient verboten (prohibited) tome itself and began avidly reading it aloud, absorbing, far more than the information (via the spoken words), into his very core (dragon being).

07- LONGZE STUDIES THE PHROHIBITED INFO (2)jp

Longze with deep concentration (interest), studied the prohibited information and committed (stored) each and every pertinent bit- every word, each step, every subtle inference hidden between the adages- all of it to memory; by then, the cosmic light at the outside had dimmed. He thus quietly stepped outside of the study without interruption, as he continued to read aloud and absorb (assimilate) the information, mindful, as well, of the verbal instructions Asmund had imparted to him before he absconded to Heaven.

Longze’s physical dragon form having now been transported into the empty void, he studied with renewed interest, the beautiful blue planet Earth down below. He paid particular attention to Earth’s gravity and the swirling magnetic fields of the poles now visible to him, as well, the atmosphere and ocean’s eddying currents, specific to Earth’s atmosphere.

08- LONGZE LEARNS OF  THE SPELL (58) WHILE OBSERVING EARTH' S MAGNETIC FORCES

In his mind, meanwhile, he conducted the simulated (replicated, illusory) inceptions (commencements, launches), then the hypothetical (pretend, vicariously) results he hoped to achieve. The carefully constructed future moves (steps)had to be precise, it left no room for least variation, any mistake; meanwhile, the apt measures simultaneous to the invoked incantation, would have dire consequence, if the tiniest slipup (blunder) the minutest error occurred; the onus (responsibility, burden) hence, weighed heavily on his young shoulders. Longze, nevertheless, remained confident, that if he practices it enough till he became proficient at it, he will succeed.

09-- LONGZE EVOKES THE SPELL (7) jp

Such is the unwavering credo (faith, stance, ideology), courage and the exuberance of the youth (in any creation).

                                                                                              ~

 

Later that night, when Longze had returned back to cabin and saw Freya seated by the hearth, reading so serenely, oblivious to what future entailed (would beget), a deep sadness imbued (permeated) his heart and fraught it (beleaguered, burdened), for he’d understood also that the manifest bud (cornel) of mutual affections would soon be swiftly extinguished (dispelled) even before it had a chance to grow, soon as the incantation (spell) was evoked.

A rebellious notion reared its ugly head just then to tempt him to act on it before it was too late- before she had a different destiny…whilst him, he returned to his lonely existence.

 After the spell is invoked and the timeline is altered, all the exchanges including those between Longze and Freya would be nonexistent; here was his chance, to learn firsthand, what might have been (happened).

And so, Longze’s curiosity superseding his reason, in his prolonged silence, he had contemplated on his would-be choice words of admission (confession): “Forgive me for saying this, but in our brief encounter, I have since grown quite fond of you. I lived a long while and often grieved that I would be all alone, without knowing, encountering a kindred soul.  I had felt the rare, sanctioned connection with you, but then all this happened.  Now it may be too late; you may imagine something of what I feel at this missed opportunity, but my tongue fails to describe the measure of my misery.”  Longze, shook his head, deciding this was too lame, and said nothing (kept his silence). What would be the point?

The peace of the night and the stillness of the moonlit world around them, meanwhile, had beckoned them both to outside; once there, under the canopy of stars, staring up at it, it brought some balm to both their troubled hearts, for the silence was unbroken save for the cry of the eagle as it, riding the currents of atmosphere, glided (arched) across the sky.  They realized then that there was no use to retire, to seek sleep; and, they had therefore, lingered at the spot a while longer, each mutely and with sundry (various) appreciation in their heart, watched the horizon wear the cloak of crimson as the sun slowly rose in splendour and glistened and glowed in thousands of raindrops on the trees and grass around them.

                                                                                            ~

 

10- LONGZE EVOKES THE SPELL (53)JP

Later that afternoon, Longze’s guardian Asmund had returned carrying favorable news. Dragon Longze was (given the go ahead) sanctioned to proceed with the incantation.

Longze listened to Asmunds subsequent, last-minute instructions, with mixed emotions, knowing once the spell was evoked, the timeline and everything it entailed on Earth would irrevocably be changed. Longze once more alone, would be forever bereft (deprived of, denied) the indulgence (experience) of those now permanently intangible (elusive), delicate and enchantingly sweet kisses from Freya, whom his heart so vehemently (fervently, passionately) craved.

11- LONGZE EVOKES THE SPELL (52) A

 

 Fini

 

 

(Characters: Dragon Longze, Longze’s father Ingemar- Longze’s mother, Eldrid, Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Hans Aquila, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, guardian Theran, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, Immortal warrior Erland, Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s youngest, his still unmarried son Hagen, his wife Selma, his two other sons, the ranchers, named, Agil and Corey Kirk, Olga, Heavenly Emperor’s niece, one selected to be Longza’s future mate)

 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA ( BY BOST, 2026- PART 10)

Asmund had told Longze there were specific moments in time, if modified via sacrosanct incantation, would alter (fluctuate) the timeline and in that case, also change Freya’s doomed destiny.  This, likewise, would vary (alter, transform) the probable future of those about her, which meant that, Longze’s whole interaction with her would not exist.

01-DRAGON LONGZE(59)

Despite his quandary (dilemma), Freya’s future welfare preceding his needs, Longze had not hesitated, and urged his guardian Asmund to impart to him the rest of what he knew.

“ Wery well then,” Asmund thoughtfully nodded, then  begun: “The crucial time here will be the specific summer solstice festival when during which Jedrick’s wanton gaze had fallen on unsuspecting Freya, accompanying her brother through the many stalls that sold custom-made shiny trinkets and treasured items of all kinds; and more precisely, the time when he left her for a moment and went inside a shop to purchase her a surprise gift for her birthday and so Jedrick seizing this moment, accosted her and started the whole terrible sequence of events. This is where the conversion (shift, transition) needs to occur (transpire). And for that, the young man Alec must abort (forsake) his intent of surprising his sister and instead, take Freya along with him into the shop to personally select her birthday gift.”

02- HAGEN KIRK 3

“This small variance will change her fate, for inside that shop at this specific time, another young man, the Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s son Hagen will be present, one who has brought an heirloom broach of his mother’s, to the shop to be repaired. He will chance on her and fall deeply in love…”

03- HAGEN KIRK AND FREYA

 Asmund at this point stopped talking and looked at Longze, He did not speak it, but his worried look conveyed the message: Tell me to stop if this is too painful for you to hear.

This had perturbed (upset) Longze, however, he shook his head; and so, Asmund continued with the rest of the perceived probabilities. He assured Longze in the end, that Hagen Kirk is a handsome, noble, brave, astute young academic, which would be a far better match; a gentler soul, he would be a protective and devoted husband to Freya, and she, as his lawful wife, would live a happy, fulfilled life till ripe old age.  Mayer’s family also being far more powerful than Elof Bijarke’s, Jedrik would never dare to manipulate or confront (go up against) Hagen Kirk or cause trouble to Freya ever again. She would be, thence, perfectly safe.

04-MAYOR GUDMUND KIRK (AT A BALL)

The mayor Gudmund Kirk and his wife Selma, from the first will love their new daughter-in-law Freya, and treat her exceptionally well; and all during these quiet, happy (blissful) years with them, Freya will grow, day by day, into a legendary beauty, and passing from her teens into the bloom of womanhood, she will eventually be blessed with three beautiful children, two boys and a lovely girl, which will look just like Freya. Meanwhile, her brother Asger will also marry and have a bright future also.

“It seems to me this would be the best outcome (solution) for Freya.” Longze reluctantly conceded. Then looked up to ask, “But I fail to understand, if such an incantation (spell) existed, why was it deemed a sacrosanct, forbidden and, kept so well hidden away in the archives.  Why wasn’t it utilized to alter or prevent most devastating catastrophic events and save copious lives in the mortal world? Also, why do I detect certain ambiguity in your voice and a…stipulation (prerequisite). “

Asmund smiled, “You are perceptive. Yes, there is a proviso….” He nodded. This spell cannot be used by any deities, blessed official, immortals, alien, divine creations, celestial warriors or guardians (such as me), save for the two omnipotent entities that possesses (has) the primeval genome (DNA), from an antediluvian (primordial, ancient) bloodline. The only existing two sacred beings in the universe, one being the Heavenly Emperor, and the other… Asmund hesitated for a moment to disclose this, then shrugged and said, “the other recently discovered source, is you, Longze.”

05-DRAGON LONGZE (SEEN THROUGH ASMUNDS' EYES) (39)

Asmund had stopped and waited for this startling revelation to sink in with Longze; then continued: “I know you well enough by now to, in full confidence disclose this to you, knowing it will remain a secret and, it will not go to your head. Haven’t you ever wondered why you were spared your parent’s terrible fate, and why you have been singled out and closely monitored by the Heavenly Emperor…? Why you have been so well guarded, monitored, and specifically tutored (coached, trained, instructed)? Your full potential is not yet manifest, and no one knows what your future might entail (bring about).”

Asmund looked down, then fell silent for a long while. He had never disclosed to Longze, that Longze’s father Ingemar had once been Asmund’s close childhood friend and because of his superior intellect, integrity, and prowess, Asmund had always held him in high regard.

06- LONGZE'S FATHER INGEMAR

Centuries later, even though their different paths had put some distance between them, Asmund had always loved and admired Ingemar; and, he couldn’t be happier when Ingemar had finally married the enchanting deity, Eldrid (fifth daughter of the Heavenly Emperor), for they were a perfect match in every way.

Asmund had always with certain interest followed Longze’s parents’ often nonconformist (eccentric) feats (achievements, deeds) that specifically benefited the lower status deities; unfortunately, this had fostered potent opposition and at times, eternal (perpetual) nemeses (rivals). And when Ingemar and Eldrid were charged with that unpardonable breach (violation, transgression), Asmund had ardently tried his best to convince the Heavenly Emperor to show leniency (modify his decree) and spare them from the extreme penalty.

07-LONGZE'S PARENTS IN THE LIBRARY IN HEAVEN (9)jp

Asmund, akin (close allies and friends of his) the seven deities, had supposed (suspected) that the favorite couple had been deliberately misinformed (deceived, tricked) and then betrayed; later still, they were falsely accused of an offense (sin, indefensible transgression) by those that stood a great deal to gain from their downfall and demise.

There’d been other outspoken supporters that had also rallied to their cause- several divine dragons, the four Heavenly guards, twelve immortals and two ancient guardians, alongside him- all, petitioning to have the well-loved Eldrid and highly regarded Ingemar, to be pardoned, or at least have their sentence reduced; however, the adversarial spokespersons had in the end got their desired verdict. The powerful clique that had initially persecuted them had been meticulous (thorough) in their absolutism and their presented proof had been irrefutable.

08 THE HEAVENLY COURT

Consequently, Heavenly Emperor had reluctantly passed the sentence of (thunderbolt execution), for to do otherwise would have cast Heaven (realm of Heaven) into eons (eternities) of chaos, instability, and civil war. Asmund, looked away (focusing on distant void), for thinking of that day, memories rehashed, he still was outraged and dismayed.

                                                                                 ~      

Longze in the interim, with a terrible understanding dawning on him, he had simply shook his head: He had never asked for any of this; he would have rather been an ordinary Dragon.

His questioning gaze next affixed on Asmund, Longze pensively stared at his guardian, though he had already suspected there was far more to this, which warrant his most stringent upbringing.

09- GUARDIAN ASMUND (10)

“Well, now you know.” Asmund shrugged, and then resumed his say, “Indeed, no other can invoke this incantation (spell, invocation) and survive or, that it would work. However, you must still prepare, there are preliminary steps to take, before you can undertake this. I will leave you the pertinent instructions to learn them well, practice diligently and often, while I abscond (run off) to Heaven, to report your recent success in eliminating Demon Sedit and give full account on the results of your other (wide-ranging) developments…and,” he forbearingly smiled, “ask surreptitious permission from the Heavenly Emperor, on your behalf, to do this. (for this to happen). Plus, I may go back to the Heavenly archives to do thorough research, lest I have overlooked some fundamental aspect (factor, element, dynamic) pertaining to this incantation.”

10- LIBRARY IN HEAVEN (2) jp

“What if the Heavenly Emperor wont’ grant me permission?” Longze asked.

“I’m pretty certain he will.” Asmund reassured Longze; as this will also, serve as a test, gauging (measuring) your present surplus (extra) innate abilities; and I am positive, Heavenly Emperor will be interested to observe this contrived (manufactured, unnatural) aberration (deviation), the anomaly (modification, amendment incongruity) of the timeline.

“After the spell, won ‘t there be questions and possible snub, from others I mean.”

“It will happen within a fraction of a millisecond, and most will miss it; however, you may as well know that natural glitches periodically do occur in the timeline of Earth and thus most will attribute it to that, thinking nothing of it.”

“Thank you, Sir, for your confidence in me…for everything.” Longze, finally (at long last), with a voice filled with gratitude expressed his relief.

“Your thanks are a bit premature Longze…” Asmund smiled, “And, though I don’t need to say this, but I will anyway- make sure Hans Aquila and Alec, recovery goes well and without a hitch; meanwhile, do try to stay out of more trouble!” His advice (voice) resounded in the air, long after he had promptly disappeared.

 

                                                                                       ~

 

The moment he was gone, everything had reverted back to normal and Longze found himself in midst of addressing Freya in his plaintive tone: “You’d left without a word, meanwhile, regardless of my long, avid search, I could not detect any trace of you. This, I discovered the reason later, was due to the fact Demon (Sedit) had woven (knit) a spell over the specific area of the woods (the perimeter), to camouflage his lair’s (hideout, den’s) whereabouts. As you had inadvertently trespassed into that protected sphere, your life signs as well had instantly become hidden from my innate radar (sensor, locater) abilities. And that is why it took me so long to rescue you!” Longze, bit flustered, dismally (grimly) shook his head and next, took in a long, slow drawn-out breath. “I shudder to think all the kinds of malevolence (evil)that might have befallen you; furthermore, you could have been instantly slayed, worst still, turned into Zombie!”

11-  DRAGON LONGZE (23)

“I’m sorry Longze, for having worried you so.” Her genuine sympathetic, sweet response just then, took the winds out of his sails (complaint), leaving Longze’s heart now mollified (placated, conciliated). “Regardless, you’ve still, timely and oh so gallantly rescued me; and for that, I am eternally beholden (indebted) to you! And though we have only known each other for such a short while, I …” She hesitated, lowered her gaze and blushing crimson, not daring to confess aloud, her deep affections (fondness), her burgeoning (budding) love, for this heroic, most attractive benefactor of hers.

Longze (clairvoyantly) construing her feelings, for a second or two, he had felt joy overriding his reason; however, as he did not dare to hope, Longze’s logical, well-disciplined mind quickly supressed, then dismissed all the wayward (disruptive) emotions.

His liberal guardian Asmund back then, as part of his education, had permitted him the rare opportunity, to observe and with limited capacity interact with few human beings. From the first, he had felt different about Freya: he had been inexplicably drawn to her million enchanting ways and same time, experienced her turbulent soup of emotions, her hopes and dreams. Moreover, the overwhelming sense had derailed Longze’s initial resolve, and he had felt unduly vulnerable, as he absorbed the true measure (the depth) of her fears and worries and her deep dismay at not finding her kin.

 

 

                                                                                             ~

 

(END OF PART 10)

 

(Characters: Dragon Longze, Longze’s father Ingemar- Longze’s mother, Eldrid, Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Hans Aquila, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, Immortal warrior Erland, Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s youngest, his still unmarried son Hagen, his wife Selma, his two other sons, the ranchers, named, Agil and Corey Kirk, Olga, Heavenly Emperor’s niece, one selected to be Longza’s future mate)

                                                                                          ……

 

 

DRAGON LONGZE FALLS IN LOVE (BOST ORIGINAL STORY, 2026- PART 1)

Dragon Longze, habitually penalized by Heaven for his recalcitrant transgressions (indiscretions, offenses) had once been reborn as a mortal female snake in the forsaken part of the Lake Taho, away from any human habitation. 

01 - LONGZE - REBORN AS WHITE SNAKE

Incredibly, this white snake spirit, possessing extraordinary intelligence and odd characteristics, had strayed from usual serpent behaviour to favorably alter her chances of survival, by timely attaching itself to an itinerant (roving, nomadic) recluse immortal Haskell (name meaning cauldron of God), who had chosen to dwell for a brief time at the periphery of a hill, some ways off lake Taho. He’d stayed for the purposes of finding a very rare, specific golden plant that manifested once in hundred years, at precise month, at a fissure (crack, crevice) of one of several caverns (cave) that existed in the densest part of the ascending forest.    

During his brief stay in an abandoned, ramshackle wooden hut, the Immortal Haskell had one day while exploring the interior of one of those deep grotto’s, chanced on the mortal white snake Longze who was at the time in her early teens. To his amazement and immense relief, Immortal Haskell soon realized that he could well understand this white snake, as the serpent adapting human vernacular could now communicate with him (mentally, cerebrally) in his head. That’s when Haskell learned the name of the serpent being Longze. Moreover, Longze remarkably comprehending (grasping) his quest (mission), generously, without being asked, happily volunteered to assist Haskell in (finding and) procuring the rare golden plant that would have been otherwise impossible to obtain. As they silently conversed, Haskell noting white snake’s unusual aura (force), irregular characteristics and high intelligence, very much intrigued, he’d albeit reluctantly, agreed to take her home with him.

02- IMMORTAL HASKELL ENCOUNTERS LONGZE(14)jp

Subsequently, Longze the white snake became his pupil; hence, Longze learned some useful spells (incantations)and healing potions, as she additionally, diligently practiced Taoist magical arts with her unyielding tenacity and thirst for knowledge and, her secret innate yearning to become an immortal. The search for the rare golden plant, meanwhile, without let up had persisted, till one day, they long at last chanced on it; Longze’s assistance proved indispensable in attaining it, earning her Haskell’s everlasting gratitude. He was impatient to (depart and) resume his journey, however, out of deference (regard, favour) for her, he agreed to stayed on just a little while longer.  

03- LONGZE HELPS KASKELL TO RETRIEVE THE GOLDEN PLANT (30)JP

Luck was with Longze on that ordinary cloudless day, when at mid-afternoon scavenging for some craved, edible food, her eye fortuitously caught, off to the side, the glint of the miniature flagon half buried in the dirt, at the edge of a cluster of low bushes. She managed to pry the flask loose (retrieving it), then using her fangs, pushed out the cork; she discovered that within it were the two immortality pills that her master Haskell had carelessly discarded.  Longze recognizing the value of such a find, had at once swallowed them and was instantly transformed and gained 500 years’ worth of magical powers; hence, this also enabled Longze to shift (transmute, turn) into a human female form.

Excitement stirred in her chest as she gazed at her two feet, then at her hands and also, realized now in her human form she could better communicate with the Immortal Haskell. She walked over to the nearby small pond and kneeling, with disbelieving eyes, regarded (stared, examined) her facial features in the still waters: an image that  was breathtakingly beautiful in appearance, the shimmering, long golden blond hair (with highlights) cascading down her shoulders framing a face with skin as flawless and pale as the most exquisite porcelain, with high cheekbones, rosy lips and, brilliant blue eyes, that stared back at her.

04- LONGZE AS A GIRL

It goes without saying, she had no clothes but understanding something about human propriety (modesty, decency), she hastened to the hut, and finding it empty, quickly rampaged through Haskell’s luggage. She knew he had an extra light grey shirt and black trousers (slacks) stored there. The shirt was oversize and long enough that it (draped her form and) reached below her knees; it fit her more like a dress (especially when she tied a chord around her waist), so she did not bother wearing (putting on) the trousers.

Bursting joy enveloping her chest, heart wildly palpitating (racing), her excitement barely contained, she sat in the chair by the hearth, folded her hands demurely on her lap and then waited to surprise him.

05-IMMORTAL HASKELL RETURNS

After dusk, when the mountain was mantled in darkness, the Immortal Haskell opened the door of the cabin and stepped in; grasping (understanding) at once what had happened, a dark shadow descended on his features and his eyes flamed with fury.

He did not care that she was breathtakingly beautiful, he was instead  incensed, infuriated by this breach; furthermore, he now feared certain repercussions from Heaven, for he had three days prior, through divination, learned about the white snake’s innate form (mass, body, intrinsic core, essence) , that she was a celestial dragon; furthermore, he’d learned of her conviction (sentence, due punishment) and, because of his (Immortal’s) presence, Longze’s currently altered impending (future) fate.

The damage, however, was irreversible, and so after his stern reprimand, he abruptly severed all ties with Longze (white snake). He turned a tacit (silent) deft ear to all her explanative and sincere apologies.  He with a stone heart and grave, stern countenance (mien) simply gathered (grabbed) his few belongings and picked up the rare golden plant (preserved in a container), then opening the door, with a huff, he stepped outside, instantly disappearing into the darkness.

Downhearted Longze, collapsing on the chair, buried her face in her palms and shed many tears; in truth, she was not clear on what she had done wrong. Her pure heart did not understand Immortal Haskell’s fury, his explosive rage. She called out to her master and repeated out loud her sincere repentance (regret, sorrow) till her voice was hoarse, hoping he would somehow hear her apologies and her entreaties (pleas).

06- LONGZE DOWNHEARTED (19)JP

Night deepened and as the (flames died down) logs in the hearth (fireplace) burned to cinders (embers, ashes), the cabin was then cast (enveloped) in pitch darkness; still she did not stir and waited till dawn for his return. Her instincts screamed at her that he was gone for good, to accept this fact, admit defeat and move on; in that short time however, she’d gotten used to having someone about, now loneliness gnawed at her innards. Feeling forlorn (abandoned, lost) and miserable, she in resignation lowered her head and willed her body to transform (revert) back to her prior serpent form.

Subsequent three weeks, she’d remained at the wooden cabin, usually curled up in the corner, rarely moving, rarely doing anything at all; and each day she’d hoped Haskell would relent and, forgiving her, return, but he never did.

07- MUSKRAT SPIRIT (1)JP

At lower terrain (topography, land, ground) from where wooden cabin was, at that thin fringe (marginal) shoreline of the lake meanwhile there dwelled (resided) a nasty Muskrat spirit who also aspired to immortality.  When Longze finally resumed her usual routine, and frequented the shore, one fatalistic day she’d encountered the muskrat.  Sensing her unusual aura, he had turned on the charm and befriended Longze, though in truth, he was a false friend; a narcissist, he only sought to utilize, or if possible, steal her perceived powers.  When in her innocence, Longze confessed to him one afternoon, about her regrettable past transgression, her swallowing the discarded longevity pills that had enabled her present unique powers but at a dire cost, he had feigned sympathy and consoled her; but from that day thereon, he’d harboured a deep-seated resentment (bitterness) and intense envy (jealousy) for the deemed fortunate white snake, absurdly blaming her for all his subsequent tribulations.

08-MUSKRAT SPIRIT (2)JP

One day, in a further away segment of the shoreline, during her brief respite under the tree, before her intended crossing of the bridge that led to a sprawling (straggling) marketplace, Longze happened to (note) observe a local ruffian who had just caught himself a green snake. With a malicious grin he first tormented the poor creature, the lout then quickly tiring of it, drew out a stiletto (dagger) from inside his boot and poised to slice out its gallbladder to perhaps sell it.

09-TERRIFIED GREEN SNAKE

The terrified, poor green snake squirmed, she sobbed and intermittently (sporadically) cried out for help, but all was in vain; her situation increasingly dire, raising her head, teary eyed she still relentlessly (unwaveringly) pleaded for mercy to the deaf ears of the passers by.

Intense ire and deep sympathy both flooding her heart, Longze at once transformed self into a young lady and, walking across the bridge, with stoic demeanor, fearlessly accosted the tough guy (ruffian, lout). Congenial greetings(address) quickly dispensed with, she offered to buy the green snake alive, intact, therefore saving the green snake from fate worse than death and from being sliced open alive.

Noting the impish (roguish), baleful calculation in his eyes, to bode no argument she at once withdrew a gold coin from her small pouch, and held it out, allowing him to get a good look before determinedly plumping it on the crate in front of him.  

The ruffian’s eyes for a time instead, greedily eyed her pouch, then looked about him; however, sighting the approaching constable few feet away, he aborted his sinister aim and quickly snatched the gold coin, “Done.”

As he handed the tightly wrapped up green snake back to her, he venomously snickered (wickedly snorted), “Sure, you don’t want it carved?”

Longze did not respond, she simply left the (ugly cad) brute. She wanted to get as far away from this cruel man and release the tight bonds binding the green snake, sensing her distress and unwarranted suffering.  As her steps quickly led away, even though her back was to him, she could still intuit (feel, sense) the lurking menacing threat, the malevolent calculation reeling in rogue’s brain. Fortunately, the constable happened to be there, curtailing his baleful aim.

10- GOLD COIN

Now the green snake was in actuality a fairy, who’d been permanently exiled (driven away) from the forest for a breach and was at present, serving her sentence. Her punishment would end in two months time, meanwhile, she was rendered quite vulnerable as a helpless green snake and unable to transform into her true form. She would have died a miserable death had it not been for Longze; hence, the grateful green serpent, when she was released from the bonds and carefully placed on a soft cloth on the table, jutted (stuck out) her head and profusely thanked her saviour.

The green serpent had endured so terribly in the course of these last months in the mortal realm that, trauma and duress had not only caused her to have partial amnesia, but as well, intense phobia of all creatures whether it be human (hominoid) or quadruped (animal).  Consequently, she had remained at first quite inhibited (retracted, withdrawn) for several days; meanwhile, as the little serpent could not recollect her personal name, she asked Longze to give her one, and both finally settled on the name Brenda.

Subsequent weeks, Longze took very good care of Brenda and she, experiencing firsthand Longze’s consistently compassionate and diligent care, her multitude endearing characteristics and most amazing, pure heart: seated by the hearth one day, she suddenly looked up and blurted out her heart’s desire to be Longze’s sworn younger sister.  

Longze was delighted at this prospect, for she was in fact lonely, and thence on the spot acceding, they performed the ceremony that bonded them as kin.

 

(END OF PART I)