38 The Azure Dragon (1/2)

Fang leaped over the mass of flowers as he scoured the mountain. Where was this last heavenly beast!?!

Suzume flew in the skies, looking over the treetops and in the skies for any sign of the last deity. It zoomed through the skies, a fiery crimson streak against the clouds. It's sharp eyes scanned the skies and the ground for any glimpse of the dragon.

Toru leaped over the flowers, running at top speed through the grass. Leaping from tree to tree, Toru searched the treetops and the land for any sight of this last beast. White fur and fangs gleamed as Toru whizzed past, carried by the wind, increasing his momentum and exercising perfect control over his speed.

Gendu floated around in the water, sending out pulses of energy to locate the dragon. Diving down, deep into the river, he pored over the river's bottom, looking for any sign of the dragon. The snake on his back swiveled around as a lookout, searching for any fleeting glimpse or minuscule clue to the dragon's existence.

Fang zoomed through the trees on one side of the mountain. Searching the forest was a daunting task and it would take him quite a while to finish searching it. Going tree by tree, he searched for an aura in the old woods, but there was simply nothing. No aura whatsoever emanated from the trees.

Frowning he searched for a source of vitality and freshness, but found nothing but the most basic of wood energy.

Sighing he went to the very center of the forest and sat down. Closing his eyes, he entered a meditative state.

Thrum!

Fang's eyes shot open. There was a pulse of energy and a boundless vital force spread out through the forest.

Turning around, he thrust out his hand, cracking the old tree in half.

There was a large boom as life energy spread throughout the forest. An emerald glow spread out of the center of the forest and a tiny, horned snake drifted out.

Fang smiled. It seemed like the vitality of the dragon was nourishing this entire forest.

”Greetings, azure dragon. My name is Fang,” he began.

The dragon smiled, showing its pristine fangs.

”My name is Hebi. Pleased to meet you,” it spoke in a gentle and warm tone.