"Human often meets his destiny on the road he chose to avoid it."

Fontenel, 1657-1757, French writer

Zeno touched the ship's handrail and ignored the crystal clear waters of the sea. The soft light of the stars swept over her surface like diamonds, her cool scent and the silence of her tranquility helped him to clear his mind from negative thoughts.

To forget his pain.

Hide from the shadows of his past.

He pulled his mantle enough to look at the pendant hanging around his neck. He touched it unconsciously and scanned the dragon in the center of the disk with his fingers. Every time he felt surrendered to the insanity of his own life, the warmth of King Hiryuu's pendant managed to bring him to a mental state of balance.

He smiled gently.

It was only two days since he left the Awa. At dawn he would reach his destination. And the new beginning promised.

Influenced by the emotional intensity of the moment, he removed from his bag a flute with a silky red ribbon tied at the end and began to play a beautiful but melancholic rhythm.

When the music ended, he closed his eyes and left a sigh of relief. He looked at the flute one last time, before putting it back in its place.

He had made it out of the best bamboo of the Kouka's Kingdom. It was his gift for Abi's birthday. He knew his brother's love for poetry and his desire to play his works, so a flute was the perfect choice. However, he never managed to give it to him.

Refusing to succumb once more to his guilt, he immediately wiped the tears from his eyes before they rolled over his face.

"No, Zeno, there is no reason to cry, you will not have anything to do with tears and self-esteem, it is time to go ahead and rebuild your life ..."

"Very beautiful music, but I can see a bit of sadness in the rhythm, Mr. Zeno."

Zeno's eyes widened to the sound of the familiar male voice that suddenly broke off his thoughts.

He slowly turned and saw Gandalf stand beside him on the railing with an enigmatic expression. Like knowing something he did not know. However, Zeno decided to behave naturally.

"Good evening, Gandalf-dono, I did not expect you to be awake at this time."

"Indeed, good evening, Mr Zeno, I could say the same for you."

"I just wanted to enjoy the sunrise, to see how much the Middle Earth's sky differs from that of my homeland, and please tell me Zeno, Gandalf-dono."

"Very well, if that's what I want, I have to respect it, Zeno."

"Thank you, Gandalf-dono."

Gandalf smiled and reached out of his bag two handmade wooden smoking pipes and a little smoke. From courtesy alone, he offered one to Zeno.

"Thank you very much, Gandalf-dono, but I do not smoke."

The only answer Gandalf gave was the affectionate move of his head before letting it go aside. Overlooking the endless blue of the night sky and sea, Gandalf pulled a tall tug and, with a long exhalation, gave the smoke the shape of a ship that sailed to the moon. Zeno could only admire the spectacle he saw in front of him.

"Amazing! How did you do that, Gandalf-dono?"

"It's a secret, dear boy. Ιf I reveal it, it will not be interesting anymore. There is the whole essence of magic."

"I have to agree, Gandalf-dono."

For a long time you did not talk. Instead, they enjoyed the dolphin's water dancing under the moonlight. This silence was not due to the embarrassment but to the intimacy that existed between them. Two travelers, who until recently were not known, were traveling together on the same destination. At that time, Gandalf was the first to speak.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"From all parts of the world, why did you choose to go to the Middle Earth, Zeno?"

"Well, in my own country, little is known about the Middle Earth, as everyone is referred to as the *Kai Empire*, a name given by King Hiryuu himself. After years of research missions, the only information we have about Middle Earth is the great extent of its borders and its strong military potential, so I decided to travel to every corner of this country and learn more about it, and our meeting in Awa helped."

"Oh, I'm glad I helped in part on your decision ... Ouryuu Zeno."

The surprise was written in Zeno's face as he heard the use of his title by Gandalf. Turn around and see the wizard look at him with a look of eye *You owe me an explanation*.

He could feel the cold sweat running on his forehead and his heart beating like a crazy panic. His whole body was shaking so much that he could not control it.

At that moment he wanted to open the earth and swallow him.

"But how!? I was very cautious. How did I discover my identity? Was that something I said Is he really a spy and waited for the right opportunity to approach me, having previously collected information about the Dragon Warriors? Or maybe... he hear my conversation with that boy in the harbor? I have to know. I have to know!"

Gathering all his courage, he looked at Gandalf and broke the silence that prevailed among them.

"I see you are fully aware of my identity, Gandalf-dono. Can I know who gave you this information?"

"You, just now."

Zeno began to reprimand himself for the careless move he had made. Eventually, he betrayed himself, although he took all precautions to conceal his status as a Dragon Warrior.

"Then in this case, allow me to introduce myself correctly. Ouryuu Zeno: the Yellow Dragon Warrior with the unburied body. Until recently, the First Priest of Kouka's Kingdom, Chief and Founder of the Sky Tribe. At your service ."

Frankly, he had to thank Abi for the lessons of courtesy and good ways he gave him to the Castle, when they were away from the battlefield. Like yesterday he remembered his words:

"Your days as a wandering priest are over, Ouryuu. Although I do not understand the reason you chose, you are one of us now. Your duty is to protect King Hiryuu. I do not think you want to shame him in front of him right, right?"

But he did not know exactly what he felt when he was fully recommended. The only sure thing was that he considered himself unworthy of his title. Unworthy to his king's trust. Unworthy the power offered by Ouryuu, the Yellow Dragon-God.

Meanwhile, Gandald watched Zeno carefully.

One of King Hiryuu's Legendary Four Dragon Warriors stood in front of him, after such a long search. Fortune, at last, smiled at him. He may not have been able to find them all, but one was more than enough to send his friend.

His words, however, were inconsistent.

Despite his claim, this Dragon Warrior did not seem to be over seventeen years of age. Besides, Zeno himself had told Awa that Hiryuu died 20 years ago and the Dragon Warriors disappeared with him. He could have been the descendant of the First Ouryuu, but he clearly stated his status as *Founder of the Sky Tribe*. That should make him at least 40 years old.

Also, his body was so thin and fragile, and he was never right to impersonate the term *unburied*. This boy looked more like a shepherd or a farmer than a warrior.

It was then that Gandalf began to wonder.

"What is your real power, Ouryuu Zeno?"

At first light of day, the ship had reached its destination: Gray Heavens.

The largest harbor of the Middle Earth.

The coastal city was built on a large natural bay at the estuary of the Lhûn River at the western Eriador in Lindon.

Its design was quite different from that of Rivendell and Lothlorien, but it was still an identifiable settlement of the Elves.

As they descended from the ship, Gandalf grabbed Zeno from his hand and dragged him away from the dock at a rapid pace.

"Gandalf-dono, what's going on? Where are we going?"

"To the Blue Mountains, where my friend is staying, but before we stop at Bree."

"Why at Bree?"

"Bree is remembered as a place to stay for travelers. There is a specific inn that always keeps a room in my name. We will rest here tonight and then we will continue our journey."

Zeno affirmed in the wizard's explanation. For three whole days at sea he had not slept at all. The reason was very simple: thanks to the forces of Ouryuu, he was not influenced by the feeling of fatigue to the minimum.

But that was not what Gandalf needed to know.

"You are right, Gandalf-dono. We need a little rest."

Without losing time, they arrived at the nearest stable, where Gandalf had left his trusted companion: Belan, a dark brown horse with white silky tufts at the bottom of his legs and a white mark along his head. The wizard loved the horse tenderly and returned with joy to the greeting.

"I know Belan, and I missed you."

After adjusting the saddle to the back of the horse and passing the breech on his head, Gandalf stepped out of the stable, riding it, and approached Zeno waiting for him.

"Climb up."

Without losing time, Zeno climbed up on the back of the horse and sat behind the wizard as Belan jumped to Bree.

They arrived in Bree Village late at night, but Mother Nature had already had them.

It started gently, almost invisibly. A small drizzler, which gradually began to grow strong in a wild storm. The intense rainfall, combined with the black clouds, the flashes of lightning, the lightning of the thunder and the winds of the wind, gave the landscape a creepy, subtle background.

The only source of light was the lanterns that illuminated the main street of the village.

The two travelers continued their journey, ignoring the fact that their clothes were completely soaked. They had to be protected from the rain and quickly.

Since entering Bree, Zeno has been unable to observe the beauties of the settlement due to bad weather. Paradoxically, his mind went back to the days he traveled to the villages of the Fire Tribe before drinking the Yellow Dragon's blood. Its dry and barren soil was not ideal for agriculture or stockbreeding, so its citizens surrendered to the mercy of poverty and communicable diseases. He really hoped to find a way to make those people's lives better and his coming to the Middle Earth gave him this opportunity.

Eventually, after so much wandering in the streets of Vree, they found it: the inn named *The Prancing Pony*.

"Here we are. Go in and wait for me, Zeno. I'm going to Belan in the stable."

"All right, Gandalf-dono."

So, Gandalf headed to the stable, leaving Zeno at the entrance to the inn.

Once inside, Zeno could feel the cheerful atmosphere that prevailed, as humans and creatures he had never seen in his life enjoyed the good food and hospitality Bree had to offer. At first sight, there was the image of a relative peace, but it quickly realized that the locals were not familiar with all the travelers. He saw it in the eyes of the patrons, who were discreetly nailed to him. It was perfectly reasonable. You did not see strangers every day with unusual attire in these places.

As if nothing happened, Zeno lit his smile and began looking for a free table for him and Gandalf. That would be tricky, figuring out how many people there were and almost everyone was upright.

Then his gaze turned to a table a few meters ahead of him, where a man with long black hair and beard was eating himself. He approached toward him.

"Maybe he can share his table with two tired travelers."

He soon realized something was wrong.

The man reached out his hand a few inches from the sword's handle, ready to fight. Zeno watched two strange guys approach that men threateningly. That was not good. He had to intervene and end the conflict before he even started.

Meanwhile, the man known as Thorin Oakenshield was ready to face his persecutors. He saw them coming closer and closer ... getting closer ...

"Good evening, could I sit with you? All the tables are full."

In the sudden advent of the young adolescent, the two men abandoned their effort and moved away, to great relief from Thorin.

He took a careful look at his *savior*.

He was a teen with blue eyes and dense, untidy blond hair. He could not discern his clothes until he took off his mantle and let him down on the chair to dry, he first saw this style of clothing. Its similarity did not exist in any part of the Middle Earth between humans, dwarves, or elves. Definitely a stranger.

He was grateful for his intervention at the most appropriate time, but could he trust him?

Seeing the young man waiting for him an answer, Thorin nodded his head. An answer to which the stranger replied a smile before sitting at the table.

"Arigatōgozaimashita!"

For a moment Thorin was surprised to hear that strange dialect. It was not Sindarin nor Quenya, nor any other known Middle Earth language. He had to learn more about the boy. So he spoke directly.

"Who are you?"

"Eh?"

"You wear strange clothes, you speak a language unknown to me. And believe me, I recognize the languages ​​of the local tribes when I hear them. You are not from the Middle Earth. So answer me, who are you?"

A few minutes of awkward silence passed before the stranger answered smiling.

"My name is Zeno. I come from the Kouka's Kingdom, a country beyond the southern border of the Middle Earth."

"First time I hear about this Kingdom."

"It is reasonable. It was only recently created after a long civil war."

"What was that you said earlier? Atiroga- ... em ..."

"Do you mean *Arigatōgozaimashita*?"

"Yes, that's exactly what."

"In the language of my country means *Thank you*."

Thorin was ready to ask for more questions when Gandalf approached them.

"Mind if I join you?"

"Of course not, Gandalf-dono. If the mister wants it."

Gandalf noticed for the first time a famous figure at the table where Zeno sat. Someone who did not expect to see in a place like Bree.

Seeing the dish produced by Thorin, he stopped the waitress as he walked past their table.

"My friend and I’ll have the same."

With the waitress leaving with the order, Gandalf sat next to Zeno with Thorin opposite.

"I see you met Zeno, so I should introduce myself. My name is Gandalf. Gandalf the Gray."

"I know who you are ."

Zeno knew that the man in front of him was suspicious of the strangers, but he did not wait so rude on the face of someone he had just been. And how did he know Gandalf's identity before? He decided to stay silent and watch the conversation carefully.

"Well, now, this is a fine chance. What brings Thorin Oakenshield to Bree?"

"I received word that my Father had been seen wandering the wilds near Dunland. I went looking, found no sign of him."

"Thorin, it’s been a long time since anything but rumor was heard of Thrain."

"He's alive. I'm sure of that."

The conversation was interrupted by the waitress, who placed the order of Gandalf and Zeno on the table.

"Arigatō, Misu nee-san!"

"Excuse me?"

Before Gandalf could explain, Thorin had already been prevented.

"He just thanked you in his native language."

The waitress gave Zeno a thank-you smile before returning to her job.

"Itadakimasu!"

And as Zeno enjoyed the delicacies of local cuisine, Thorin and Gandalf returned to their conversation.

"My father came to see you before he went missing. What did you say to him?"

"I urged him to march upon Erebor, to rally the seven armies of the dwarves. To destroy the dragon and take back the Lonely Mountain, and I would say the same to you. Take back your homeland."

"This is no chance meeting is it, Gandalf?"

"No, it is not. The Lonely Mountain troubles me, Thorin. That dragon has sat there long enough, sooner or later darker minds will turn towards Erebor. I ran into some unsavory characters whilst traveling along the Greenway. They mistook me for a vagabond."

"I imagine they regretted that."

"One of them was carrying a message."

At that moment Gandalf unrolled a piece of bergamot and pushed it toward Thorin. As soon as he finished his food, Zeno turned his attention to the message, which was written in a language he did not understand.

"What is this, Gandalf-dono?"

"It's a message written in the Black Speech."

Thorin looked at Gandalf with concern. There was only one place in the Middle Earth where the language was used.

The Eternal Enemy of the Powers of Light.

Mordor.

"A promise of payment."

"For what?"

"Your head."

Zeno was shocked at Gandalf's latest statement. In the short time he knew him, he knew that Thorin was a difficult character, especially when he was acquainted, but it certainly was not a good reason to kill him. Whatever the reason, Thorin must have been an important one.

"I do not understand, who would want the head of Thorin-dono and why?"

It was then that Gandalf realized the obvious.

"Ah, sorry, my dear boy. I almost forget it. Recommend Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror. A direct descendant of the House of Durin. Prince of the Dwarves and successor to the throne of Erebor. My friend's son who I told you. "

Zeno stayed once again speechless. Prince? Dwarf? Successor of the Throne? Indeed, he did not seem to him.

He could see the smile on Thorin's face, as Gandalf dictated his glorious origins. A smile of pride with a touch of nostalgia. For the time being, he decided to listen to the rest of the conversation and ask for more information from the wizard later.

"Someone wants you dead. Thorin, you can wait no longer. You are the heir to the throne of Durin. Unite the armies of the dwarves, together you have the might and power to retake Erebor. Summon a meeting of the seven dwarf families, demand they stand by their oath."

"The Seven Armies swore that oath to the one who wields the King’s jewel, the Arkenstone. It is the only thing that will unite them, and in case you have forgotten, that jewel was stolen by Smaug."

Meanwhile, at the edge of his eye, Zeno watched the two men who prevented them from attacking Thorin to leave the inn and left a sigh of relief. For now, they were safe.

"And if I helped you shake it up?"

"How? The Arkenstone lies half a world away, buried beneath the feet of a fire breathing dragon."

"Yes, it does. Which is why we’re going to need a burglar."

Hello, Friends Readers!

And yes, I finally uploaded the third chapter of the story!!! Normally, I figured I had uploaded it on the evening of March 3rd, but I got a lot of unexpected situations and I had to leave it aside.

A thousand apologize.

I hope you enjoy it and tell me what you think!

•Translations•

• Misu = Miss

• nee-san = big sister

• Itadakimasu = "Let's Eat" or "Good Appetite"

• Belan = Powerful Gift

~ Next time ~