Myojo Ryusei: The Dragon Planet

Chapter One: Hopes and Dreams

The sky of Myojo Ryusei was never as vivid as it was during the Night of the Seven Moons. On that fateful evening, when the constellation found its perfect alignment, the stars flickered, and the winds sang in a harmony of their own. It was the only time when all the inhabitants of the dragon planet put their differences aside and gathered at the temple of their ancestors. 

As the ceremony ended, the head priestess lit the sacred torch. Its light spread across the land, beginning at the temple and reaching every corner of the planet. It was a sign that the Great Hunt had begun. This year's hunt was special as the dragon riders were looking for a new heir to the throne. And so, the dragon hunters set out under the blanket of the starry sky, in search of a dragon egg that would hatch the new ruler of Myojo Ryusei. 

The Great Hunt was an event that took place every thirteen years, and it was an opportunity for the dragon riders to prove their worth and their loyalty to the planet. This year's hunt was even more important, as the current ruler of Myojo Ryusei was aging and in need of an heir to take over the throne. The fate of the entire planet hung in the balance, and the stakes were higher than ever before. 

Myojo Ryusei was a sprawling planet that seemed to stretch on forever, a glittering gem nestled among the stars. From space, it appeared as a warm golden orb, its surface covered in lush, verdant forests and shimmering lakes. The air was tinged with a faint hint of magic, and the winds were alive with a sense of wonder and possibility. Upon a closer look, its sky was a riot of swirling colors, mixing together in a symphony of oranges, pinks, and purples that seemed to stretch on forever. The stars glittered in this kaleidoscope of hues, twinkling like diamonds in the inky blackness above. 

Looking up at the sky on the planet of Myojo Ryusei was a transcendental experience, one that left you feeling small and insignificant in the face of the universe's boundless beauty. But it wasn't just the sky that was awe-inspiring on Myojo Ryusei. The planet was home to an incredible diversity of landscapes, each one more breathtaking than the last. There were deep canyons and soaring mountains, rolling hills and deep valleys, raging rivers and sapphire-blue lakes. Each region had its own unique flora and fauna, from towering trees that sparkled with bioluminescent leaves to tiny creatures that scurried across the ground in a dance of life.

The planet's inhabitants were a diverse group, with every species imaginable calling it home. But it was the dragons that were the planet's true pride and joy. The dragons of Myojo Ryusei were unlike any other creatures in the galaxy. They were majestic, fierce, and each breed possessed unique abilities that made them powerful and indispensable to the planet's thriving ecosystem. These dragons were not only revered by the inhabitants of Myojo Ryusei, but they were also the reason why the planet remained one of the most desired destinations for explorers and adventurers.

The dragon hunters, mounted on their trusted steeds, set out from the temple and fanned out across the planet, each one seeking the rarest and most powerful dragon egg they could find. The competition was fierce, and tensions ran high, but for those brave enough to seek out the egg, the rewards were immeasurable. As the night wore on, the sky above Myojo Ryusei blazed with a dazzling array of stars, and the planet itself seemed to pulse with a magical energy, as if the very air was alive with the promise of greatness.

In one small village, nestled in the shadow of the mountains, a young girl watched the hunters set out. Her name was Ayumi, and she yearned to join them, to prove herself worthy of riding a dragon and commanding the respect of her people. She knew that the Great Hunt was a test of strength, courage, and cunning, and she longed to prove that she had what it took to be a dragon rider.

As the young girl watched the dragon hunters disappear into the horizon, she felt a spark of excitement stirring within her. Her mind raced with thoughts of adventure and glory, of soaring through the skies with her own dragon at her side. She turned to her family, who were watching the spectacle with equal parts awe and reverence.

"Mother, Father, please let me go with them," she pleaded. "I want to try and find a dragon egg too. I want to prove that I can be a dragon rider, just like all of them."

As Ayumi's thoughts drifted towards her dream of being a dragon rider, she absentmindedly brushed a lock of her long, dark hair out of her face. Ayumi was a petite girl, barely reaching five feet tall. She had a slim build, with delicate features and a heart-shaped face. Her skin was a warm, honey color, with small, barely visible freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks. Her eyes were a deep, chocolate brown, set wide apart and fringed with thick, dark lashes. Her nose was small and rounded, and her lips were full and plump. Her hair was jet black, falling in long, loose waves down her back. It was thick and glossy, with a slight curl at the ends. Ayumi always tied her hair up in a messy bun, secured with a ribbon.

Ayumi's parents exchange a worried glance, unsure of their daughter's safety on such a perilous journey.  "Darling, the Great Hunt is not something to be taken lightly," her father cautioned. "The hunters face many dangers out there, from treacherous terrain to fierce beasts. It's not a game. You must be prepared to face the worst."

But the young girl was not deterred. She was determined to join the hunt and prove her worth, no matter the cost. "I know it won't be easy," she said. "But I'm willing to take the risks. I want to make you proud, and I want to bring honor to our village. Please, let me try." She saw the concern etched on their faces.

"You know it's dangerous out there," her mother said, her voice trembling slightly. "We couldn't bear to lose you."

Ayumi bit her lip, knowing that her parents only wanted to keep her safe. However, she felt a pull towards the hunt that she couldn't ignore. "I promise I'll be careful," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I know I have what it takes to be a dragon rider."

Her father placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze softening. "We know you're strong and brave, but the Great Hunt is no place for a child. You have to wait until you're older, until you're stronger." 

Ayumi let out a deep sigh as she lay in bed later that night, staring up at the ceiling. She had been dreaming about her chance to join the Great Hunt and find her very own dragon egg. When her parents had denied her attending the event, it felt like her dream had been snatched away, and she was feeling frustrated and upset. She needed someone to vent her emotions to, and her only companion was her pet Raiden, a tiny Denkiro with an electric personality. 

She called Raiden, who was perched on the windowsill, his metallic scales shimmering in the moonlight. His body was no larger than a small bird, and yet he exuded a sense of power and energy. The girl gazed at the Denkiro with a giggle, admiring the tiny electric currents that pulsed beneath his skin. As she approached, the dragon chirped and nuzzled into her outstretched hand, as if eager to be pet. The girl couldn't resist the little dragon's charm and delicately stroked his smooth scales before smoothly picking up him and cradling him in her arms.  

"I don't understand," she said to Raiden. "Why won't they let me go? I'm just as capable as any of the other hunters out there. I know I can do this." Raiden chirped in agreement, sensing the girl's disappointment. The dragon nuzzled his face into her chest, offering comfort and reassurance. 

"I mean, I understand they're worried about me," continued Ayumi. "But I'm not a child anymore. I'm strong, I'm brave, and I have you with me. We could have done it together, Raiden. We could have found the perfect dragon egg and brought it back to the village. We could have shown everyone just how capable we are." 

The tiny dragon made a whistling sound, as if encouraging the girl to go on. "But no," she said, her voice rising in frustration. "They don't think I'm ready. They said I have to wait until I'm older, until I'm stronger. But when will that be? When will they see that I'm already strong enough, that I'm capable enough? It's not fair, Raiden. It's not fair at all." 

Raiden let out a low rumble, as if sympathizing with the young girl's plight. The dragon then leaped out of her arms and hopped onto the bed, curling up on the pillow beside her. The girl smiled, feeling grateful for the little creature's presence. "Thanks, Raiden," she said, reaching over to stroke the dragon's scales. "I'm glad I have you with me. You're always there to cheer me up." 

As Ayumi lay in bed, she could feel her frustration gnawing at her insides. She tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable spot, but it was no use - she was wide awake. Finally, with a sigh, she decided to give up on sleep for the night. She swung her feet out of bed and padded over to her desk, where her sketchbook lay open, waiting. 

The desk was covered with scraps of paper, all of them filled with hastily scrawled notes about the different dragon breeds. Ayumi had been studying them for months, ever since the announcement of the Great Hunt. She had filled her sketchbook with detailed drawings of each breed, trying to memorize every detail of their appearance, behavior, and abilities. She picked up a pencil and began to sketch once more, tracing the lines of a Denkiro with practiced ease. Raiden watched from atop the pillow, chirping occasionally in approval. The girl started to talk to the tiny dragon as she worked. 

"Denkiros are known for their electric powers," she said, her fingertips moving nimbly across the page. "They're small, but they're fast and agile, and they're great at scouting out territory. That's why dragon riders often use them as their eyes in the sky." 

Raiden chirped in response, as if adding more information to the discussion. The girl nodded, grateful for the encouragement. 

The young girl hunched over her sketchbook, her pencil moving across the page in swift, practiced strokes. Each line was carefully etched, with an attention to detail that spoke volumes about her dedication and passion. She was completely absorbed in her work, talking to Raiden as she drew. 

"Denkiros are amazing, aren't they?" she said, her voice laced with enthusiasm. "They're so small, but they can pack a real punch. And they're fast - really fast. You can't even see them move sometimes." 

Raiden chirped in agreement; his eyes bright with interest. It was clear that the tiny dragon was enjoying the conversation, and the company. 

"I wish I could ride one," Ayumi said, her voice dreamy. "Imagine soaring through the air, with the wind rushing past your face and the world sprawling out beneath you. It must be incredible. But Denkiros weren’t made to be ridden. They’re too small for that." 

Raiden let out a soft trill, as if in approval. Ayumi smiled and continued to draw, sketching out the intricate details of the Denkiro's metallic scales and its elegant wingspan. She was lost in her own world, completely consumed by the magic and wonder of the dragon planet. 

As the night wore on and the stars began to fade, Ayumi felt a sense of peace settle over her. She had poured out her thoughts and emotions onto the pages of her sketchbook, and for a brief moment, everything felt right in the world. She looked down at Raiden, who was curled up contentedly on the pillow beside her. 

"Thanks for listening," she said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I really needed that." 

Raiden chirped in response, as if saying you're welcome. The girl placed her sketchbook next to her bed and snuggled under the covers, feeling grateful for the little dragon and the comfort he brought her. 

The next morning, the young girl was woken up early by the warm rays of the sun filtering through her window. She rubbed her eyes and stretched, still feeling sleepy and a little disoriented. Raiden was perched on the windowsill, his metallic scales gleaming in the light. He chirped a greeting as the girl picked him up and cradled him in her arms.

With a yawn, she swung her legs out of bed and stretched one last time, trying to shake off the last vestiges of sleep. The morning sunlight filtered through her window, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. She moved with a sense of purpose, her hands moving nimbly as she dressed quickly, pulling on a simple cotton tunic and a pair of well-worn boots. She brushed her hair and tied it into a messy bun at the back of her head, securing it with a ribbon. Raiden perched on her shoulder, his tiny claws digging into the fabric. The girl smiled, feeling comforted by the little dragon's presence.

"Alright, Raiden," she said, her voice firm. "Time to get to work.

The girl's movements were quick and efficient, as if she had done this a thousand times before. She moved with a sense of confidence and determination, eager to start the day and prove herself to her family. Raiden chirped playfully as he flitted around the room, his tiny claws clicking on the wooden floor.

Ayumi smiled at the little dragon's energy, flicking her wrist in a playful gesture. "Settle down, Raiden," she said, her voice warm and affectionate. "We have work to do today."

The Denkiro responded with a trill of excitement, hovering in front of the Ayumi's face as if eager to get started. She leaned in and planted a kiss on his tiny nose, feeling a sense of gratitude for his company.

As the young girl stepped out of her abode, she was greeted by a world bursting with color and life. The fields stretched out before her, a patchwork quilt of green and gold that seemed to go on forever. The air was alive with the hum of insects and the chirping of birds, and the sun was just beginning to crest over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over everything in its path.

In the distance, she could see her father already hard at work, his back bent under the weight of a heavy hoe as he tended to the crops. She jogged over to him, Raiden playfully circling around her head as she ran.

"Good morning, Father!" she called out. "Need any help?"

Her father looked up, his warm brown eyes crinkling in a smile. "Morning, Ayumi. I'm always happy to have an extra pair of hands." 

Ayumi's father was a tall and sturdy man, with muscular arms and broad shoulders that spoke of a lifetime of hard work. His hands were calloused and rough, and his face was weathered and lined by the sun and wind. He had warm brown eyes that crinkled in a smile and a thick beard that was streaked with gray. Despite his rough exterior, he had a kind and gentle nature that made him easy to approach. He dressed in simple cotton trousers and a well-worn shirt that spoke of his practicality. He towered over his daughter, with the kind of presence that made people feel safe and secure.

The two of them worked in companionable silence, Ayumi and her father methodically turning the earth and planting seeds. They moved in harmony, each one anticipating the other's movements. Raiden darted playfully around them, occasionally buzzing over to inspect a particularly interesting plant or to nip at a stray insect. His energy was infectious, and the girl and her father couldn't help but laugh at his antics.

As they worked, Ayumi took in the sights and sounds of the fields around her. She watched as small birds fluttered from plant to plant, their wings a blur of motion. She listened to the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the gentle hum of insects as they went about their business. And she felt the sun on her skin, warming her from the inside out.

The fields were vast, stretching out as far as the eye could see. Each plot was carefully tended, with rows upon rows of crops carefully laid out. Some were tall and stately, swaying gently in the breeze, while others were small and delicate, with dainty leaves and intricate flowers. The girl marveled at the sheer variety of the plants, each one a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature.

As the hours ticked by, the girl and her father continued to work, sweat beading on their foreheads. They bent and stooped, reaching for plants and pulling up weeds. And through it all, Raiden buzzed around them, chirping happily and occasionally darting off on his own adventures.

As Ayumi and her father sat together during their break, she couldn't help but bring up the subject of the Great Hunt again. "Father, can you tell me more about why it's so dangerous?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Her father sighed, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "It's not something to be taken lightly, Ayumi," he said, his tone serious. "The Great Hunt is a dangerous event. The hunters face many challenges out there - from treacherous terrain to fierce beasts. And that's not even taking into account the other hunters. It's a competition, after all, and some of the riders will do anything to win."

Ayumi frowned, not liking the sound of the competing dragon hunters. "But aren't they all on the same side?" she asked.

Her father chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "In theory, yes. But you know how it is with competition. People can get pretty ruthless. Some hunters will do anything to bring back the perfect dragon egg, even if it means sabotaging their competitors or playing dirty. It's not pretty, but it's the reality of the situation."

Ayumi shifted on the bench, feeling frustrated. "You always say that we should face our fears and take risks. Why is this any different?" she asked.

Her father placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze warm. "There's a difference between facing your fears and putting yourself in harm's way, my dear," he said. "The Great Hunt is a trial by fire, a test to see who is truly worthy of riding a dragon. It's not just about bravery and strength - it's about strategy, wit, and cunning. You have to be able to outsmart your opponents, to anticipate their moves, and to react quickly when things go wrong."

Ayumi nodded, taking in her father's words. "And what kind of dangers are we talking about?" she asked, her voice low.

Her father hesitated, as if reluctant to continue. "There are many dangers out there, my child," he said, his voice grave. "From treacherous terrain to fierce beasts, from rival hunters to unexpected obstacles. It's not just about finding a dragon egg - it's about surviving long enough to get back with it."

Ayumi's eyes widened as she took in her father's words. "Surviving?" she echoed, her voice small.

"I've said too much," her father sighed.

"But... the hunters are equipped to deal with these dangers, right?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Her father nodded, his eyes softening. "Yes, they are," he said. "But they're also experienced. They've been through the hunt before, and they know what to expect. They have the strength and the skills to face whatever comes their way."

"But I'm strong too, Father," the girl protested. "I'm- I'm brave!"

"I know you are, Ayumi," her father said, his gaze gentle. "But you're still young. You're still learning. And the dangers of the hunt are not something that can be taken lightly. They're real, and they're out there waiting."

Ayumi couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment as she listened to her father's warnings. She had dreamed of being a dragon rider for as long as she could remember, and the Great Hunt was the ultimate trial that she had been waiting for. She knew the dangers were real, but she was convinced that she was strong enough to face them. And there was something about the prospect of riding a dragon, of soaring through the air with the wind in her hair, that stirred something deep inside her.

As she went about her chores that day, her mind kept drifting back to the Great Hunt. She couldn't help but picture herself out there, riding a magnificent dragon and taking on all comers. Her heart raced with excitement, and she found herself daydreaming more and more frequently.

Later that evening, as the sun began to set and the sky turned a deep shade of red, Ayumi sought out her mother. She found her in their humble abode, sitting by a small fire and tending to a pot of stew. The girl went and sat beside her, feeling restless and unsettled.

Ayumi's mother was a beautiful woman in her mid-thirties, with long dark hair that fell in gentle waves down to her waist. Her skin was smooth and unblemished, with a light dusting of freckles across her nose. She had large, expressive eyes that were a striking shade of blue-green, and a warm, welcoming smile that lit up her entire face. Her features were delicate and elegant, with a small nose and lips that were full but not overly so.

When it came to clothing, Ayumi's mother favored flowing dresses in bright colors and bold prints that accentuated her curves and swayed gently in the breeze. She often wore her hair loose and flowing, with a colorful scarf or flower tucked behind one ear. Her jewelry was simple but elegant - thin gold bands on her fingers and delicate golden earrings that caught the light beautifully.

"Mother," she said, her voice soft.

Her mother looked up, her eyes warm and gentle. "Yes, my dear?"

"I... I can't stop thinking about the Great Hunt," Ayumi said, her voice low.

Her mother smiled knowingly. "I know the feeling," she said, stirring the pot absently. "It's an exciting event, one that captures the imagination. But it's also one that carries many dangers."

Ayumi nodded, feeling a lump rise in her throat. "Father told me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "He said the hunters face many dangers out there. He said it's not just about finding a dragon egg - it's about surviving long enough to get back with it."

Her mother placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, her eyes soft. "Your father is wise," she said. "The dangers of the hunt are real. But that doesn't mean that you can't aspire to be a dragon rider. It just means that you have to be careful, and that you have to be prepared. You have to train, to hone your skills, and to make sure that you're ready for anything."

Ayumi's eyes brightened at the mention of training. "Training?" she echoed; her voice full of hope. The girl felt a flicker of hope as her mother mentioned training. "What kind of training?" she asked, her voice full of excitement.

Her mother nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as she leaned in. "Well, for starters, you need to be physically fit and have strong reflexes to ride a dragon. It's not just about being brave - you need to be able to withstand the rigors of flying at high speeds, and to react quickly to changing circumstances."

Ayumi leaned forward, her eyes shining. "That sounds amazing," she said. "I want to learn everything there is to know about the dragons of Myojo Ryusei. And I want to practice my flying skills too. Will you teach me, Mother?"

Her mother hesitated; her gaze thoughtful. "It's not just about flying, Ayumi," she said. "It's also about learning how to take care of your dragon, how to feed it and groom it and keep it healthy. It's a big responsibility, one that shouldn't be taken lightly. It takes discipline and dedication. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort, even when it's difficult. But with practice, you can learn to control your thoughts and emotions. You can learn to stay calm and focused, no matter what comes your way."

Ayumi's mother continued. "Then there's the matter of strategy. You need to be able to anticipate your opponents' moves, to outsmart them, and to think on your feet. The Great Hunt is just as much about mental prowess as it is about physical strength."

The young girl's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I can do that!" she said, her voice filled with determination.

Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you can, my dear. But you have to be patient. The hunters who go on the Great Hunt are experienced, and they've been preparing for years. You have to start small and work your way up."

Ayumi nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment mingled with determination. "I understand," she said, her voice low. "But... won't Father and you object to the training?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Her mother placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, offering her reassurance. "Your father and I will always worry about you, Ayumi. That's the nature of being a parent. But we also know that you're capable of great things. We know that you're brave, strong, and determined. And we know that you have a fire inside you that can't be quenched. If you want to train for the Great Hunt, then we'll support you. We'll help you in whatever way we can."

Ayumi's heart leaped at the thought of having a mentor to guide her. "Really?" she asked, her eyes shining.

"Really," her mother confirmed. "But you have to promise me something."

"What's that?" Ayumi asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.

"You have to promise me that you'll be patient, and that you'll take things one step at a time. The Great Hunt may seem glamorous and exciting, but it's also dangerous. You have to be prepared for whatever comes your way, and you have to be willing to work hard to achieve your dreams."

Ayumi nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude for her mother's wisdom and guidance. "I promise," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I'll work hard, and I'll be patient. And someday I'll... I'll be the biggest, strongest dragon rider on this planet!"

Her mother giggled. "I have no doubt about that."

As Ayumi sat by the fire with her mother, her mind raced with possibilities. She couldn't help but imagine herself out there, on the hunt, going head-to-head with the other dragon riders and seeking out the perfect dragon egg. She wondered what it would feel like to soar through the sky on the back of a powerful dragon, to feel the wind rushing past her and the world below her feet.

As the fire crackled and popped, Ayumi felt a sense of clarity and purpose settle over her. She knew that the path ahead would be difficult, and that there would be many obstacles to overcome. But for the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of hope and joy. She knew that she was capable of great things, and that with hard work and determination, she could achieve her dream of becoming a dragon rider. As the night wore on and the fire burned low, Ayumi drifted off to sleep, her mind spinning with visions of Myojo Ryusei and the dragons that called it home.