Land of Legends: Legend of the Fireclaw Dragon
The Story: When Kyomi's grandfather disappears one day after digging in the mountain caves to find precious stones which he wishes to sell to pay for Kyomi to attend a university in the city, since she is very bright and holds the hope of the family inside her hands and mind, Kyomi has to set off on a journey to find him because it is rumored that the Fireclaw Dragon, who is a dark dragon that guards the Fire of Darkness, seizes people from the mine caves and then keeps them in their Dragon's Lair cave until the decision is made to terminate their human existence. Unfortunately, the Fireclaw Dragon it is said, drains their captive's energy which strengthens their dragon powers and also utilizes their bones for medicinal purposes because human bones can heal dragon injuries. In order to find out how to save him Kyomi, who is young, visits a mature wise Sage who tells her that she must face the trials of Dragon Fire to become a dragon and then defeat Fireclaw in dragon form and so Kyomi sets off on her journey and quest but the wise sage also advises her that she doesn't know what will happen to Kyomi afterwards because no one has ever won a battle against the Fireclaw Dragon and returned to tell the tale. Afterwards, Kyomi embarks on her journey and quest and she faces a mountain of hurdles and with every challenge she faces, her human body is transformed bit by bit into dragon form. Once Kyomi is fully transformed, she then faces the Fireclaw Dragon and when she finally defeats the dragon which is a deadly battle and a fight to the death, as her grandfather is freed and she nurses her dragon injuries which are very severe, she and he both suddenly realize that she can never return to her human form and that she must now take the Fireclaw Dragon's place and guard the Fire of Darkness in the mountains because those powerful flames cannot be left unguarded in case evil doers utilize their power for evil purposes. So, her grandfather must make a choice and either assume her place as the Fireclaw Dragon through the Fireclaw Dragon's remains, leave Kyomi behind as a dragon in her injured state forever, or sacrifice himself to heal her injuries. Written by Jill Thrussell
Parable of the Fireclaw Dragon Moral Ethics & Philosophical Message: Sometimes when you go into battle you may win the war, but you might lose whoever or whatever you fought for as well as every part of yourself to achieve that victory.
Source: Odes to Life & Death, Fear Chaser Heartpuff & the Mirror Monster, Land of Legends: Golden Bravepaws & the Family Pride, Land of Legends: The Healing Tears of Ibong Adarna, Valeria & the Yeti, The Tomorrowers & Santa, the Wishdragon & the Naughty or Nice Test