Hidden Flame 60

**Avery**
This lake holds an untapped power. It was rendered dormant much like Regina was. Me and my mates plus one of this
town’s magic users are the key to unlocking it. After all, lakes hold a sacred place in Native American mythology and
spirituality. Many tribes believe that lakes were created by powerful spiritual beings and are home to spirits and deities. In
Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) culture, lakes are considered living entities with their own spirits. I think that this lake is such an
entity.
Over time, it was angered and released evils upon the inhabitants of this town and now it lies in wait. Before we step into
the lake, I look at the men around me, “We can not enter with any negative emotions. This divine creature has suffered
already for so long that it surrendered to the stranglehold of depression. Focus on light and joy, of reverence, and
respect. Together we can resurrect and restore the guardian of this town!”
My mates each kissed me and told me how much they loved me. That filled me to the brim with joy and love. Love is one
of the most powerful emotions. Love can take, give, and sustain life. I inwardly giggle, since when have I become an
optimist? Regina whispers to me through our link, “We have always been. Now it is time to let all see exactly who we
are!”
We all let out a cleansing breath as we walked knee-deep into the still dark waters of Black Lake. It was ice cold against
my warm bare skin. I hate cold water. I have always hated cold water. Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on all of the
good that has happened recently. I relive those precious moments with my mates, drinking my favorite tea, reading my
favorite book, saving the farmers, and setting the stolen dragon free.
Suddenly, the water began to warm. The sun began to shine brightly as the sky cleared. It no longer looked as if it were
near sunset but instead, as if it were near midday. The wildlife began to chirp, squawk, buzz, and sing. I smiled at the men
with me. Then my attention was turned to the center of the lake where the water began to bubble and change color. The
whole lake began to take on a more normal hue and the murky water became crystal clear.
I started to observe a shadow in the center of the bubbles. It grew in size as something was coming to the surface.
Whatever it was, it is larger than a canoe but smaller than our dragons when they are at their maximum size of a Blue
Whale. Soon a black-scaled and furry being emerged. Draven immediately fell to his knees. “What is this wondrous
being?”
He looks at me, “A Mishipeshu. It is a panther and dragon hybrid. The ultimate protector but also a trickster. They hate
disloyalty and thievery.”
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I examine its intricate scales and how the features of a dragon and a panther merge flawlessly. This being is a living work
of art. I stretch out my joined hands which causes Clint to pull Draven up. “Great Protector, we don’t come to take from
you but to give. We restore to you everything which was taken. Let anything once hidden come into the light, your light,
and face your judgment.”
The Mishipeshu propels itself to us. It flares its nostrils at Draven. I walk to him and put my hand on his shoulder. I look
into the Mishipeshu’s eyes, “He will atone or perish. I, as The Mother Of Dragons, will see to it.” It let out a loud purr
before it tipped its head to me. It tipped its head to my mates as well. Wings sprouted from its back and it flew up above
the lake. It let out a roar followed by a blue-green flame. The flame formed a dome over the town before it burst and
sparks rained down as if we were in a ticker tape parade.
With life and hope restored, we bid the Mishipeshu goodbye. As we walked by the Citadel that was now fully restored, we
saw a group of people and ravens burst out of the front doors. The ravens turned into people and those that came out as
people became ravens. “Draven, what are they?”
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“Ravens. Reapers to many. They gather the souls of all living things upon death and take them for judgment where the
fate of their souls is decided. They are how dragons used to return to The Mother,” he explains. “Since so many ravens were trapped here that can account for the curse and dwindling populations of dragons and other beings who relied on
them.”
I sighed. So many were trapped here and for what? Power, power that no single being is meant to hold. What is done is
done, but at least now things can grow and progress. Now to plot how to entrap The Hoity Hags and make them suffer
before I kill them. They aren’t redeemable but Draven just might be. Time will tell, but until then at least we have a butler
until I can learn to drive myself. My mates just look at me. They must know that I am plotting something which I am. By
the time I go to college, I want to be able to drive my own car. My mates won’t have to be so protective of me in the
human world.
I will have freedoms there that I don’t here and I plan to make the most of it too! Draven tensed as we approached the
edge of Blackbriar. He let out a huge breath once we were on the other side. It appears that he was afraid that the being wouldn’t allow him to leave because of his past transgressions. I had no doubts. I respected the ancient being and in turn,
it respected me. I toss Draven my phone, “Let your coven know that they are free to travel now. Let them know that they
are welcome in Naga too. However, they are not to know that I am The Mother until I have rid Naga of its traitors.”
“Yes, my goddess,” he said. That almost felt as good as my mates calling me a good girl