House of Dragons
It had been many months since Demon sent me any alert messages and my humdrum work routine was slowly grinding me into submission. Bleary eyed and half asleep still, I rolled over in bed as my Demon phone alarm went off. Just another regular, humdrum work day, I stretched and cancelled the noise. Reluctantly dragging myself out of bed and hitting the shower, drying and dressing before going to the kitchen to rustle up breakfast.
Feeling like I needed a break and to get away from it all, so I opened the portal app on my Demon phone. Thinking to myself even better if I could time travel and stay as long as I liked with no consequence, before returning to the Prime present as if I never left. I discovered I could not programme any destinations, they all seem to be predetermined by Demon with little or no information or description. I turned some music on from my stereo, sprawling myself across my black faux leather sofa as I glared into the mobile screen.
Getting comfortable and searching the portal app before the phone automatically flashed through a sequence of flashing colours. Mesmerised and hypnotised I automatically stood up, clutching my Demon phone and pulling on my jacket before leaving to go outside. Walking the streets outside in my trance like state without needing to look for pinpoint locations on my Demon phone. Turning down the street where I found the decorative back doors to the Japanese Sushi restaurant.
Passing the metal wheeled bins and approaching the steps. A quick gust of wind almost took me off my feet, disturbing my hair. If I did not know any better I swear I heard the soft whistle of a flute and the dramatic roll of Tai bo drums, leading into an abrupt singular bang! I realised I was no longer in the dead end alleyway, but on the outskirts of a small village surrounded by fields. Searching out lights in the dark of night, hardly able to see or find a path or track I wandered a little lost and confused in my trance state. Entering the quiet and seemingly deserted small village, I noticed how the architecture seemed very decorative and different than home. The rows of houses and shop fronts were made from carved wood and paper I think. I could not find anyone around, so ventured further through the village streets towards where I could hear a lot of noise and lights.
Venturing into the establishment, finding it packed with Japanese people, all drinking, talking, having a good time it seemed. Not that I could understand a word anyone was saying, I brushed and pushed my way to the bar, trying to ask and establish where, and possibly when I was. The young and attractive barmaid had a hard time understanding me as much as her, my inquiries did not get me very far. I could not buy anything, I carried no cash, and was unsure if my bank card would work. The bar predominantly displaying modern recognisable drinks and electronic sales devices assured me it was I had not time travelled.
I searched the crowded place for somewhere to sit and consult my Demon phone while I was inside and it was warm and light. Finding a notification and reading it "Welcome my English fellow to the far east! I hope you have been brushing up on your Japanese? No? Well do not worry too much, In fact Demon has been tracking your daily routine and all work and no play is not healthy and constructive.
Demon feels you deserve and owe it to yourself to go on an adventure, as a famous Hobbit once said! St George was famous for slaying a dragon, well bold knight, Demon has a quest for you to embark upon. First of all you need to find your way to the House of Dragons, don't worry, Demon will guide your way."
I closed the message and the portal app displayed its map with portal locations and a pinpoint labelled as simply "Dragon's lair." Heading back out into the high winds, and dark of night I followed the directions through the streets of the village in my mesmerised state. Walking through a neatly laid out and well tended garden with many interesting features before reaching a small structure entrance labelled on the app as being "Machiya." I had no idea what it meant.
Knocking the door to the accommodation where Demon had sent me. I waited on the front wooden porch, hearing a commotion inside from beyond the door. In my mesmerised state I stashed my Demon phone in my pocket as the door swung open to reveal a seemingly old Japanese woman, wearing a very elaborate gold and silver Kimono. On the back was an embroidered circle with two dragons seemingly chasing one another forming a Yin Yang symbol.
One dragon was embroidered in gold and the other silver. I apologised to the old woman for interrupting her evening, which she seemed to understand with a soft smile playing across her lips. Upon stepping inside I noticed a neat row of shoes along the inside wall, being welcomed into the home with a warm smile. Standing in the reception hallway the older woman welcomed me. "We have been eagerly waiting for you, since Demon notified us of your arrival, if you could please remove your shoes." Bowing her head to me.
I hesitantly copied a bowed head in response to hers lowering again to me. Slipping my trainers off in the entrance before stepping further on and into the living and dining room area. The older woman handed a pair of white linen socks to wear over my feet, she gestured almost in mime to me what I needed to be doing with them. In my mesmerised state I slipped them on sliding them over my regular socks, smiling back at her as I took a look around.