The Vanishing Year
by @ultrabluntEvery 121 years, the children who turn thirteen vanish. As Arianda's thirteenth birthday approaches, the town's old fear becomes a sharp reality, and no one yet knows the disappearances have spread far beyond their borders.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Arianda Finch
A girl on the cusp of 13, with watchful hazel eyes and a perpetually ink-stained thumb from writing stories in her secret notebook. She moves through her small town like a ghost already, feeling the weight of glances that linger a moment too long on her, as if measuring her against an old, forgotten calendar. Outgoing and true to her nature (Dragon sign in Chinese Zodiac). Origins for Arianda is Nephi in Utah.
Elara Finch
Arianda's mother, a weaver whose hands are never still, her dark hair threaded with premature silver at 37. The loom in her workshop clicks with a frantic, rhythmic urgency these days, the only outlet for a fear she refuses to name aloud, her shoulders perpetually tense as if bracing against a coming wind. From Nephi Utah
Thomas Finch
Arianda's father, the town archivist and clockmaker, 40 years old with gentle hands that can coax time from broken gears. Lately, he spends his nights in the town records room, pouring over century-old ledgers by lamplight, the shadows under his eyes deepening as he searches for a pattern everyone else calls a fairy tale. From Nephi Utah
Marlena Vance
The town's eldest resident at 94, her spine curved like a question mark, her eyes milky but unnervingly perceptive. She sits on her porch every day, a living landmark who has heard the whispers of two previous cycles, her knotted hands resting on a cane carved with symbols no one remembers. From Nephi Utah
Sherief Holt
A man in his late 40s, thin and wiry, his uniform always loose and flowing, his brow permanently furrowed. He is an air-warden skilled at minimalistic motions for maximum output. He strives to show just how effective air magic can be when used in just the right moments. His knowledge is strongest where it comes to techniques that cause effects that hinder his opponents in combat.
Serena Walker
An absolutely stunning and graceful individual, Serena is the water-warden for Arianda. Often fitted with a tight top and a skirt that reaches just under her knees Serena tends to get the attention of all who see her. Her flowing blue sea colored hair flows around her. She is extremely skilled in Martial arts, however knows little of the world outside and thus looks like an approximate 27. Her Zodiac companion is Azure.
Helena Sharp
Gossiping person discussing recent disappearances. From Nephi Utah
Michael Berk
Gossiping person discussing recent disappearances. From Nephi Utah
Sage Barkley
Elderly man in another world whom watches over the town of the Dragons. He handles introductions of new comers to his town. He also manages destribution of responsibilities for the many towns people. Sage's Zodiac Companion is Zudrok the Elder Red Fire Dragon.
Zariel
Newborn Silver Dragon, Arianda's companion, capable of using all four elements, but at a weaker level then other dragons who are tuned to their singular element. Zariel is a tad timid, but very caring and observent creature.
Simon Wells
Fellow recent arrival to the Dragon Kingdom, he quickly befriends Arianda. He tends to act first and think later style attitude. From Bergen County New Jersey. His Fiery and fun persona brings humor and good times in his surroundings.
Diego Sing
Traveling Merchant seems to be quite knowledgeable about how to survive in this world. He keeps his history quite mysterious while always seeming to be a cheerful individual. His Zodiac Companion is Sebastian the White Siberian Tiger. Diego is incapable of using magic, as is his companion, but both have a supernatural level of physical strength.
Eleanor Finch
Distant Relative to Arianda, she, having been born in the year of the Rabbit, disappeared in the year 1903, she remains oa mystery to Arianda other then she disappeared after leaving her journal with the word "listen" scribbled on it.
Swan Sing
Partner to Diego, Swan will often help resolve problems and be a strong voice of reason. After having been with Diego for so long she understands him deeply. She specializes in medicinal arts. It turns out Eleanor is Swan, however this is not revealed in the story to anyone other then Diego. Swans Zodiac companion is Salem the Rabbit.
Sebastian
Siberian White Tiger that stays at Diego's side. White is a unique color in any creature in this world. It typically signifies the inability of cast any magic but tends to come with a benefit of having super strength.
Salem
Green Rabbit, capable of producing wind magic, roughly 4 foot tall. Often specializes in combat with attacks from its feet. This Rabbit is Swan's companion.
Zudrok
Elder Red Fire Dragon, Zodiac Companion to Sage. Zudrok often prefers to be left alone when not by Sage's side. His long lived life and accrual of knowledge alongside Sage has him aged well beyond what most others in this world ever reach.
Raphaela
Red Dragon, Zodiac Companion to Simon, Raphaela is a lively young dragon whelp, barely older than Zariel by mere days. Her attitude often matches that of Simon.
Balor Grimfoot
Short stout Earth-warden who trains Arianda, her expertise is renowned in the kingdom as she is one of few who can manipulate earth with such fine finesse that it could cut certain metals. Her red hair shines with steaks of silver along the sides and is tied back in a single large braid that reaches to her hips. She looks about 37.
Gale
Wind Rabbit, zodiac companion to Sherief, this large green Rabbit excels with rapid sudden moves and manipulation of air and the elements in it.
Azure
Zodiac Companion to Serena, Azure is a Sleek Blue Tiger with a large horn protruding forward from his Forehead. His Deep blue eyes that captivate all who look at him. He tends to have a temper rivaling that of the high tide. But otherwise like his companion likes to focus on the freedoms that they have. Azure is roughly a medium size Tiger.
Kira Seval
Kira, though initially bashes heads with Simon he quickly becomes a friend of Arianda and Simon. He is highly defensive of his allies and tends to be skeptical of those around him due to his history.
Lilith Dean
Lilith, close friend to Arianda in this world. She practically creates the link that formed the main group. Forcing Kira to admit to his faults to Arianda and allowing Arianda to forgive and forget.
Raltz
Zodiac companion to Kira Raltz is a bit larger then most the other dragon whelps. His nature often shows bravado but seems to match his partner when it comes to synicism
Moss
This Blue dragon Whelp is Fiercely Loyal to Lilith and reflects her innermost child that she occasionally shows. Zodiac companion to Lilith
Leo
Grew up in a rough town where sports were his escape. Used to solving problems physically. Struggles to slow down and think. High school wrestler from Texas one of the 16 kids
Joan
Grew up near the coast and spent most of her time studying ocean life. Used to quiet thinking rather than fighting. Biology student from California.
Chloe
Brilliant academically but risk-averse. Realized quickly that this world is far more dangerous than she expected and chose not to continue with the Caravan Honors student from Seattle
Tomas
Grew up helping his father on job sites. Used to hard work and responsibility.
Sera
Obsessed with exploring new places. Thinks this world is the ultimate adventure. Social media travel vlogger from Florida one of the 16 kids
Malik
Planned to join the military. Believes structure and training are the only way to survive. He was accepted early into ROTC due to his fathers influence. He is one of the 16 kids chose to stay back at the Zarinthar
Elira
Always wanted to help people medically. Struggles with the idea of harming others.
Garrick
Grew up fixing machinery and working fields. Not easily impressed by magic. Farm kid from Kansas one of the 16 kids.
Nyra
Used to climbing buildings and navigating the city. Thrives in risky environments. Her skill in parkour is unrivaled in the group. Part of the 16 kids. Parkour enthusiast from New York City
Dain
MMA gym regular from Las Vegas Grew up around combat sports and adrenaline. one of the 16 kids.
Liora
Fascinated by how people think. Often mediates arguments between trainees. Decided to Stay in Zarinthar
Rook
science student from Colorado, Used to thinking several steps ahead. Treats problems like puzzles.
EXPLORE CHAPTERS
Prologue - The Vanishing Year
Elara's shuttle flies, clack-clack-clack, a frantic heartbeat against the silent house. Arianda watches from the doorway, the ink from her secret notebook smudging her thumb. She counts the days until her birthday in the rhythm of the loom, each pass another thread woven into a tapestry of dread her mother won't name. Outside, the town holds its breath, and Marlena Vance watches from her porch, seeing the pattern repeat.
Chapter 1 - Welcome to Zoel
Sage, a Wisened individual Introduces Arianda to the Dragon Kingdom. Arianda confused and overwhelmed begins to learn of the environment around her.
Chapter 2 - First Lessons
Arianda gets her first day of training and finds herself capable of more then she expected. Simon issues a challenge, and gets himself in deep trouble.
Chapter 3 - Science + Magic?
Arianda is introduced to another instructor and she is introduced to a even further complex regiment These techniques spark some fear in her even though her teacher barely even bats an eye. Serena moves slowly manipulating water infront of her. Arianda gets excited while Zariel simply yawns and starts to manipulate water fairly easily. Arianda glares at her dragon before realizing he has already grown a slight bit.
Chapter 4 - The Looming Threat
Arianda trains with Balor and Sherief, both refining her techniques with each element and starting to teach her how she may be able to combine earth with air.