The Jade Dragon

Story By Uriel Miranda, Donald Boose, Tony Matthews andIllustrated by Donald Boose

A long time ago in ancient China there was a boy named Xiao Kai.

He stole countless treasures from temples, nobles, and even from the palace.

One day, he told his friend that he was going to steal the Jade Dragon. The most sacred treasure of all of China.

His friend discouraged him not to do it. He said that the Jade Dragon was the only thing that protects China from the Ten Suns.

If it was removed he would condemned all of China to the boiling heat of the Ten Suns. But Xiao Kai didn't care. He just wanted the Jade Dragon for himself.

That night he went to the temple and stole the Jade Dragon with ease.

He rejoiced at his great victory, but it was short lived. The Ten Suns’ heat dried up the river and withered the land.

Seeing this, Xiao Kai felt guilty knowing he was responsible for all of this suffering. He decide that his victory was wrong, and decided to return the Jade Dragon back to the temple.

But the heat was too strong. Just as he reached the temple he fell and dropped the Jade Dragon. He saw in horror as it shattered into thousands of pieces.

Just as he was about to lose all hope a fairy appeared. She said that his mistake will be undone in time. But, in order for it to be undone, he must serve the rest of his life making medicine for the gods.

Seeing what he had done, he accepted his fate. He was then turned into a rabbit and sent to the moon, forever making medicine for the gods.

Please note. This story is a work of fiction, and is loose

based on the legend of the Chang'e and Houyi the Archer .

Note. To understand this story better read the Chinese story Chang'e and Houyi the Archer.