Dragon's Legacy: The Flame Reborn (Season 1)

THE NEXT MORNING

“Sorry I worried all of you,” said Hong Xuan as he took a sip from his green tea

“I’m just glad you’re safe,” said Liu An as Ming Xi came into the living room with many more cups of tea and began to hand them out to everyone present.

“Why did you save us?” asked a practitioner from Tall Tale

“Because the only grudges we hold against each other are the result of this war,” said Ming Xi

The 5 Tall Tale practitioners then vowed and thanked the Dragonlands warriors that saved them, including the caretakers.

“So… what do we do now?” asked another Dragonlands practitioner

“I for one, don’t want to head back to the battlefield,” said Hong Xuan

“We just want to go home to our families,” said one of the Tall Tale practitioners

“Didn’t they say that Tall Tale practitioners are fearless?” asked another practitioner

“On paper, yes, but…” one of them said

“We weren’t full-fledged practitioners,” said another

“Really?” asked Twilight Velvet

“Yes ma’am, we all used to be guards, traders, and farm hands…” said another

“When Tall Tale started to receive heavy casualties, they began to do what we call “Paranoid conscriptions”...” said another

“...Every sect in Tall Tale started to recruit anyone and everyone who had even the slightest affinity of cultivation, even if you were trash, you were accepted into the sect and sent to the frontlines, we suffered such a fate,” said another

“But that is barbaric!” said Tzen Tzen

“And it is going to get worse,” said a tall muscular man as he entered the orphanage

“MO HUANG!” Liu An exclaimed at the apparition of her husband

“Father,” Both Ming Xi and Hong Xuan said vowing

“Sir!” all the other practitioners said as they got off the floor, even the Tall Tale practitioners got up

“No need to stand on ceremony,” said Mo Huang

“What brings you here?” asked Tzen Tzen

“I needed to make sure my son and daughter-in-law were alright, as well as make sure the rest of you were safe… don’t worry I left Lang Song in charge of the troops… I have to tell you, that kids’ strategies are out of this world,” Mo Huang said

“Is something wrong?” asked Twilight Velvet

“I have been recommended to retreat,” said Mo Huang

“Then what about the city!?” asked Liu An

“I don’t know, for now, it is just a recommendation, but the Dragonlord said that he plans to send even stronger fighters to push Tall Tale back,” said Mo Huang

“How long do we have?” asked Twilight Velvet

“I couldn’t tell you, we don’t ourselves, so far it seems we are to keep on fighting until the situation gets out of hand, or we make progress,” said Mo Huang

“W-well, what do we do then?” asked one of the practitioners

“You are all now free to decide,” said Mo Huang

“All the practitioners looked at each other and they stood up and said

“We would like to go back home, sir!”

“Very well…” Mo Huang said as he pulled out several scrolls and wrote something on each and every one of them “... these are your honorable discharge certificates, your sacrifices and dedication will never be forgotten by this old warrior, the country, well, it may forget you at some point,” said Mo Huang with a somber tone

“We don’t care about the fame, we only protect our home, sir!” they all said

“Very well, then go home,” said Mo Huang as the practitioners vowed and left the orphanage

“What about you?” asked Mo Huang at the Tall Tale practitioners

“We just want to go home, sir,” said one of them

“Then I won’t hold you back, take the Ottoman Trail, it’s a long walk, but you’ll be safe and back to your families in 2 weeks, 1 if you use flying magic,” said Mo Huang

“Thank you, sir!” they all said as they left as well

“What about you, son?” asked Mo Huang

“I… I don’t…” Hong Xuan

“Son, go home, this battle is over, at least for us… you 2 better go back and help with the sect,” said Mo Huang

“If you say so,” said Hong Xuan as they both vowed and accepted their orders

“We’ll leave soon,” said Ming Xi

“What about the orphanage?” asked Twilight Velvet

“Well… there is only 1 kid left… either find him a home… or take him with you, I don’t care what you do, but when we give the order, if we get it, then you better leave,” said Mo Huang as he left.

They decided not to tell Liang Xuan about it.

Liang Xuan had always been a resourceful and inquisitive child, but the events of the previous night had kindled a new sense of urgency within him. The sight of his friend's battered body and his mother's anguished cries still echoed in his mind, a stark reminder of the reality of their situation.

The orphanage was his home, the only home he knew, but it was also a border town near a battlefield. It had become a makeshift shelter for the wounded and destitute, a refuge in the storm that was their reality. But resources were dwindling, and the caretakers were stretched thin, having to deal with the daily battles, the constant influx of injured, and looking after the kids.

One day, while fetching water, Liang Xuan stumbled upon a conversation that was never meant for his ears. Twilight Velvet was arguing with the other two caretakers. His heart pounded in his chest as he heard them discuss the prospect of leaving him behind.

"Look at the situation we're in!" one of the caretakers argued. "We don't have the resources to look after him, Chen Yuetian!"

"But he's just a child!" Twilight Velvet retorted. "We can't just abandon him!"

"You've got three of your own to think about! And what about all the wounded that need our care?"

Liang Xuan's heart pounded in his chest. He was used to the harsh realities of life, but the idea of being left behind was a whole new level of despair. But it also ignited a new sense of determination within him. He wasn't going to let his future be dictated by circumstances. If he wanted to survive, he had to find a way, and he had to find it soon.

He spent his days in deep thought, trying to come up with ideas and plans. He considered all possibilities, from trying to help out more around the orphanage to trying to find some way of earning money. He knew he was young, but he was also smart and resourceful.

His thoughts were consumed by plans and strategies. Every waking moment was spent trying to find a way to survive, either within the orphanage or outside it. Every night was spent praying for a miracle, for some kind of divine intervention that would make things better.

And throughout it all, there was one thing that kept him going, one constant that fueled his determination - the memory of his friend, lying motionless on the floor, his mother's sobs echoing in his ears. He would not let that be his fate. He was Liang Xuan, and he was going to survive, no matter what.

Days turned into weeks, and Liang Xuan's life took on a frenzied rhythm. Every waking moment was spent working, trying to prove his worth, to prove that he wasn't just a burden. He fetched water, cleaned wounds, cooked meals - anything that needed doing, he did. He ignored the fatigue, the hunger, the cold - survival was his sole focus, and he would not let anything deter him.

Twilight Velvet watched him with a mix of admiration and despair. She saw the fire in his eyes, the sheer determination that drove him. But she also saw the toll it was taking on him. His small frame had grown even thinner, and dark circles had formed under his eyes.

One day, she pulled him aside. "Liang Xuan," she said gently. "You don't have to do all this."

"But I do," he insisted. "I have to make myself useful. I can't let you leave me behind."

Her heart ached for him, for the child who had been forced to grow up too soon. But she didn't have the luxury of giving in to emotions. The reality of their situation was brutal, and there was no escaping it.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The war raged on, bringing with it more wounded, more suffering.

And yet, the order to retreat never came.

The orphanage was pushed to its limits, resources were stretched thin. But through it all, Liang Xuan persisted. He worked tirelessly and pushed himself to the limit, and beyond. Even giving away his food to the injured.

One evening, while sitting alone in his small room, Liang Xuan found himself staring at the small piece of mirror he had salvaged from a broken carriage. He looked at his reflection, at the child that stared back at him. A child that was growing up too fast, a child that had been forced to become a man.

His heart clenched as he realized that this was his life now. But despite the hardship, despite the pain, he wouldn't give up. He was Liang Xuan, and he would survive. He would not let the world break him.

The days were hard, and the nights were harder. After a long day of work, Liang Xuan often found himself lying awake, his mind whirling with thoughts and worries. His bed felt too large, too empty, and the silence of the night was oppressive.

He missed the laughter and chatter of the other kids, the comforting hum of activity. But most of all, he missed the sense of belonging, the feeling of being part of a family. The orphanage, despite its hardships, had been his home. And now, it felt like he was on the verge of losing it.

One day, while scrubbing the floors, he overheard a conversation that froze his blood. The caretakers were talking in hushed tones, their faces somber.

"We can't keep him here," one of them said. "We barely have enough resources for ourselves, let alone a child."

"But he's just a boy," Twilight Velvet argued, her voice breaking. "We can't just abandon him."

But it was clear that the decision had already been made. The orphanage was not safe anymore, not with the war inching closer with each passing day. They had to leave, and they couldn't take Liang Xuan with them.

The knowledge felt like a punch to the gut. Liang Xuan's hands clenched around the scrubbing brush, his knuckles turning white. He felt a strange mix of emotions - anger, fear, desperation. But above all, he felt a fierce determination. He would not let them leave him behind. He would not let the world discard him like a broken toy.

In the days that followed, Liang Xuan threw himself into his tasks with a newfound intensity. He worked harder, faster, pushing himself to his limits and beyond. He was determined to prove his worth, to show them that he was not a burden. He was a survivor, and he would not be left behind.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Liang Xuan refused to give in to despair. He clung to his determination, his will to survive. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain - he would face it head-on, no matter what it took.

Liang Xuan found himself in the confines of his tiny, dim room, sitting cross-legged on the cold, hard floor. His small body was hunched over, fists clenched tight in his lap as he wrestled with his own thoughts, his brows furrowed deep in concentration. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts, and plans. He felt as though he was being pushed off a cliff, with no safety net to break his fall.

As he sat there, he began to talk to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "They say I'm a burden, that I can't pull my weight," he murmured, his eyes hard and focused. "But they're wrong. I am not helpless. I am not useless."

He began to think of all the ways he could prove himself. He could work harder, faster. He could learn new skills, and contribute in more ways. "I can cook, clean, fix things," he muttered, listing his abilities. "I'm small, but I'm quick. I can hide, sneak, get in and out without being seen."

But then doubt seeped in. What if it wasn't enough? What if they still decided to leave him behind? His heart clenched at the thought, but he pushed it aside. "No," he said aloud, shaking his head. "I won't let that happen. I won't let them leave me behind."

His gaze fell on a small, worn-out book on the corner of his bed. It was a collection of stories about legendary heroes and warriors, gifted with extraordinary powers and destined for greatness. He picked it up, flipping through the pages. "Maybe I can be like them," he thought. "Maybe I can become a hero."

The thought was absurd, he knew. He was no hero. He was just a small, helpless boy, lost in a cruel, unforgiving world. But he couldn't shake off the idea. It gave him hope, a faint glimmer of light in the darkness.

As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, he made a promise to himself. "I will prove them wrong," he whispered, his voice firm and resolute. "I will not be left behind. I will not be forgotten. I will survive. No matter what it takes."

With his newfound resolution firmly in place, Liang Xuan began his secret mission. Without the knowledge of the caretakers, he embarked on his dangerous journey every night, walking stealthily under the veil of darkness towards the nearby battlefield.

At first, the sight of the battlefield would send a shiver of terror down his spine. The field was littered with discarded weapons, ruined armor, and the grim reminders of fierce combat. But Liang Xuan knew he couldn't afford to be scared. If he was to prove his worth, he had to face this harsh reality.

One by one, he began to bring back injured practitioners from the battlefield, dragging them with all the strength his tiny body could muster. He would place them on a makeshift sled made of broken planks and torn fabric and haul them back to the orphanage. The journey was exhausting, every muscle in his body screaming in protest, but he pushed through, fueled by sheer determination.

Back at the orphanage, he would tend to the injured as best as he could. He cleaned their wounds, applied medicinal herbs, and did whatever he could to ease their pain. Despite the gruesome nature of the task, Liang Xuan's little hands never faltered. His mind was set on one goal - to save as many lives as he could.

Word soon spread among the injured about the little boy who appeared in the middle of the night, helping those left on the battlefield. They would watch in wonder as the small figure trudged back and forth, his tiny frame dwarfed by the vast expanse of the battlefield. Many of them couldn't believe their eyes, but they were grateful for his help nonetheless.

As the days turned into weeks, Liang Xuan's nightly endeavors began to bear fruit. The number of injured decreased, their conditions improved, and some even managed to get back on their feet. The atmosphere in the orphanage began to shift as well. The caretakers were puzzled at first, unable to figure out how so many injured were getting help.

However, Liang Xuan's secret didn't stay hidden for long. One fateful night, Twilight Velvet caught him in the act of returning from the battlefield. She was taken aback, a mix of shock and admiration etched on her face. Liang Xuan thought she would be angry, that she would scold him or worse, stop him. But she didn't. Instead, she merely watched him, her gaze softening with a newfound respect.

With his mission accomplished for the night, Liang Xuan was returning to the orphanage under the cover of darkness, his small figure almost blending with the shadows. His heart was pounding, adrenaline coursing through his veins from the night's dangerous activities. As he pushed open the door to the orphanage, he froze. There, in the dim candlelight, stood Twilight Velvet, her gaze piercing the gloom.

"What are you doing, Liang Xuan?" Her voice echoed through the silence of the night, bringing a sense of dread that clenched at Liang Xuan's heart.

He gulped down the fear and steeled himself. "Helping," he replied, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Twilight Velvet took a few steps closer, examining the injured practitioner that Liang Xuan had brought back. "By sneaking out and dragging back the wounded? Don't you realize how dangerous this is?"

"I do," Liang Xuan confessed. "But if I don't do it, who will? I can't just sit back and do nothing. I...I won't be left behind. I won't."

A tense silence filled the room as Twilight Velvet studied the young boy standing before her. She saw the determination in his eyes, the desperation. He was trying to prove his worth, not only to them but to himself as well. She could see his bravery, his strength, and his unwavering spirit.

Twilight Velvet sighed, breaking the silence. "Liang Xuan...," she began, her voice gentle, almost motherly. "I never wanted to leave you behind. It's just...this world...it's tough. But seeing what you've done...you're stronger than any of us gave you credit for."

Liang Xuan held his breath, waiting for what would come next.

Twilight Velvet gave him a soft smile. "If you promise to be careful, I won't stop you. We're all trying to survive in this world, each in our own way. Just promise me, Liang Xuan, promise you'll come back safe each night."

Liang Xuan nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "I promise, Twilight Velvet. I promise."

And with that, Liang Xuan embarked on his dangerous mission with the blessings of Twilight Velvet, his resolve stronger than ever, determined to prove his worth and ensure his place at the orphanage.

From then on, Liang Xuan's nightly trips were no longer a secret, but his resolve remained unbroken. He continued to aid the injured, proving his worth in ways he never thought possible. He showed them that he wasn't a burden, but an asset. He showed them that he wouldn't be left behind. And most importantly, he showed them that even in the midst of a war-torn world, there was hope, and it came in the form of a small, determined boy named Liang Xuan.

A FEW DAYS LATER

The morning sun was barely peeking over the horizon when the caretakers gathered in the main hall of the orphanage.

Their faces were etched with tension and fear, their eyes flickering with a hidden anxiety. Liang Xuan, who had been awake for quite a while, could feel the changes in the atmosphere.

He watched them from a distance, a knot of unease coiling in his stomach.

Finally, Liu An stepped forward, her usually warm face pale and drawn. She cleared her throat, her eyes scanning the small group gathered before her.

"We've received orders to retreat," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "We are to leave the city by tomorrow morning, the Dragonlord is sending it’s Demonic Warriors,"

Silence filled the room, punctuated only by the sharp intake of breath from the others.

Liang Xuan felt his heart drop, a sinking feeling in his stomach.

He had been fighting so hard, doing everything he could to prove his worth, to earn his place here, and now it all seemed to be in vain.

Liang Xuan watched as Twilight Velvet stepped forward, her voice filled with a desperation he had never heard before.

"But what about Liang Xuan?" she asked, her eyes flickering to Liang Xuan's hidden corner.

Liu An didn't meet Twilight Velvet's gaze. "We don't have the resources to take him with us. He...he will have to stay."

Liang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine, his mind spinning. He had prepared himself for this, but hearing it out loud made it all too real, too imminent. He would be left behind, alone in this war-torn city, with no one to turn to.

But he couldn't, wouldn't give up. He had fought too hard, gone too far to back down now. As the caretakers discussed their plans, he quietly slipped away, his mind racing with plans. He would find a way to survive, to prove his worth. He had to, for his own sake, and for the orphanage that had become his home.

Leaving the orphanage behind, their home for many years, felt like a punch to the gut for the caretakers. They had watched many children grow up within these walls, had seen them laugh and cry, and had seen them find new families. They had shared countless meals, stories, and memories here. But, now they were leaving it all behind, and it felt like a part of them was being left behind as well.

Twilight Velvet was the most affected. She had been with the orphanage the longest, and Liang Xuan was particularly dear to her, she viewed him as something close to a son.

The thought of leaving him behind tore at her heart.

She found herself clenching her fists to hide her shaking hands, her throat closing up as she fought back tears. It felt wrong, all of it. But she knew there was little they could do.

Liu An, on the other hand, struggled with guilt. She was the one who had to break the news, who had to make the tough decisions.

Leaving a child behind was against everything she believed in, yet she knew there was no other choice.

They simply didn't have the resources to take care of everyone. Still, the guilt weighed heavily on her, making each decision, each step, even harder.

The rest of the caretakers shared similar sentiments, torn between their duty and their attachment to the orphanage.

Some civilian volunteers that had arrived recently, tried to hide their emotions behind a facade of stoicism, but the sadness was evident in their eyes.

Others openly wept, their sobs echoing in the otherwise silent room. It was a heartbreaking moment, a cruel testament to the harsh reality of their world.

But at the same time, a feeling of relief as they finally felt that the war was over for them, and they could finally go home.