RLRD Chapter 3

Chapter 3 A Small Spark

Kyro should've been basking in the most peaceful sleep ever. For the first time, he was breathing freely, no machines, no agonizing pain in his chest or anywhere else.

This was the kind of freedom he'd only ever encountered in dreams, and now it was real. But how could he possibly relax when his brain was buzzing with a zillion thoughts? His parents were crashed out in the living room, right next to him, without even a decent bed to call their own.

And then there were the bills piling up, the relentless grind they faced every day. Everything his folks were going through... it was all because of him. He was desperate to find a way to lift them out of this mess.

Now a teenager with newfound fitness, Kyro wondered how he could even start to earn cash. That night, his thoughts twisted into a restless sleep.

Morning light spilled through the curtains, but Kyro didn't bolt out of his room. He lingered until the familiar sounds of life drifted from the living room. No way he wanted to be the reason his parents lost precious sleep.

Once their voices filled the air, he eased the door open.

"How'd you sleep?" His mom looked up from folding their makeshift bed.

"Like a dream," Kyro grinned, “ I fealt safe knowing you were just next door. Thanks for everything, you guys."

His parents exchanged a look, their smiles massive. Just a few words could shift their world so much. Kyro felt like he was walking on thin ice, every word weighted.

"Hey, is it cool if I head out for a bit?" he asked tentatively.

The light in his parents' eyes flickered out, replaced by a cloud of worry. His mom's hands were clasped tightly near her heart.

His dad, however, gently placed his hand over hers and guided it down, nodding.

"Son, it's natural to crave some freedom after being stuck in the hospital so long," his dad began. "But we're scared, you know? Scared something might happen to you out there."

"Before you go, you've gotta promise us two things." His dad rummaged through a kitchen drawer and pulled out a small, hefty object. Handing it over, Kyro saw it was a phone, but not just any phone. It was a relic from his childhood, a flip phone with actual buttons, not like the sleek ones he'd seen on TV or in the hands of nurses.

"All our numbers are in there. If anything, and I mean anything, feels off, call us immediately. There's also our address on the back, just in case. But I don't think you'll stray too far."

“As for the second rule, you have to be back home before the sun goes down, oh and reply within 30 minutes if we text or you miss a call from us, otherwise we’ll go crazy worrying about you….Oh and one more thing… and one more thing…and one more.”

The second rule quickly morphed into a cascade of instructions, each one piling onto the last until Kyro was drowning in a sea of do's and don'ts. These weren't just rules anymore; they felt more like survival tips for navigating the world outside.

"Just one more thing," his dad added, as Kyro was about to step out. From his pocket, he produced a crisp $10 bill. "Grab yourself something nice while you're out. We haven't had a chance to stock up on anything fun yet."

Kyro pocketed the note and the ancient flip phone, his heart thumping with anticipation. To most people, a walk outside was nothing special. But for him, it was like stepping into a brand new world, ready to soak in every sight and sound.

Then, as he reached the door, his mom chimed in, "Ah, just one more thing!"

Kyro fought back the urge to sigh, instead turning back with a smile. "Yes, Mom?"

"Remember, the world is unpredictable. Strange things, creatures, they could appear anytime. Please, be extra careful," his mother's voice was thick with concern.

"I promise, Mom. I'll be careful," Kyro reassured her. He opened the door, stepping into the world outside, and softly closed it behind him.

His parents, torn between their instincts to protect him and the desire to see him relish his freedom, resisted the urge to pull him back inside. They knew it was time for Kyro to experience life beyond their protective gaze.

The outside world hit Kyro with a wave of wonder. Everything captivated him – the ordinary houses, the bustling streets, even the insects crawling on the ground were a source of fascination. He paused, mesmerized by a procession of ants tirelessly working their way up and down a lamppost.

And then there was Slith, equally awestruck yet bewildered by the human world. "Look at these moving metal vehicles, and the weird clothes people wear nowadays. What if something unexpected happens? How will they be protected by such clothing? This is all so bizarre!" Slith remarked, his voice a mix of amazement and apprehension.

Kyro's stomach growled as he approached a convenience store at the street corner. With limited funds and a fear of losing his way, he hadn't planned on venturing far. The weekend timing was perfect; no school distractions for another day.

Inside, he quickly picked out a sandwich, a bag of potato chips, and a drink. Emerging from the store, Kyro settled on the curb, eagerly digging into his snacks.

"This is incredible!" Slith marveled. "You don't need to hunt for your food. Did you see the abundance inside? All for a piece of paper in exchange."

"Are you saying things weren't like this in your time?" Kyro asked, still wrapping his head around the idea of Slith being a real dragon.

"People used coins to trade, sure, and there were market stalls with various items. But to see such a wide variety at one spot, right on a street corner? Humans have truly progressed far," Slith observed, a note of wonder in his voice at the advances of human civilization.

As Kyro continued to savor his meal, Slith's earlier words lingered in his mind. "So, if you're really a dragon and your soul's inside me, shouldn't I have some kind of super strength or something?"

Slith sighed. "I used a lot of energy to heal you. Isn't that proof enough of my power? And about helping your family, why not hunt for food so they won't be hungry? Your parents looked so thin."

"Hunt? Where am I supposed to find wild animals in a place like this?" Kyro retorted. "We need money, more of those paper bills, so we can trade for things and get a bigger house. I just want the best for them."

Even Slith, with no direct connection to Kyro's family, felt a desire to assist, touched by their kindness and struggles.

Slith pondered, 'I can sense some of my strength returning, though it's nowhere near my former power. Perhaps there's something I can do for Kyro. Could he become one of these 'stars' in his world?' The thought intrigued Slith, considering the potential within Kyro that was yet to be tapped.

Kyro, ready to leave, brushed off his trousers when something in the car park caught his eye. Tiny sparks, light blue and ethereal, danced in the air.

"Do you see that?" he asked Slith.

"Yes, and I feel the energy emanating from it," Slith replied, his tone laced with recognition.

The sparks grew more intense, drawing the attention of bystanders who had just exited the shop. They stared, unease etched on their faces, as they pointed at the growing anomaly.

People began to retreat, some breaking into a run, as the situation escalated.

Then, the sparks erupted into a vivid display, resembling a shattered mirror hanging in the air. Through this rift, a hand emerged, red-skinned and clawed, like something out of a nightmare.

"It's a monster," Slith identified, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and dread. "It bears the same energy as those beings that once invaded Earth in the past." The realization hit them both with the gravity of the situation unfolding before their eyes.