《The King and Queen's Prerogative: The Harrows of Hatching.》


 The rise of the One.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Kagiso whispered in disbelief. ¡°Precisely what you expect it to, and more. However, that is something you will discover in time.¡± The nine-hundred-metre-tall Black Dragon replied, and the other Dragons in the dimly lit granite chamber glanced at him.


    The Dragon Guard generals, admirals and interrogators stared at the purple and blue in the young Dragon before them. They blinked and a tiny crimson skinned man had taken the four hundred metre tall Black Dragon¡¯s place. The golden sconces on the walls glittered and the blue flames flared.


    The pale blue light illuminated the entire chamber, and eight titanic shadows danced on the glittery walls. They whispered incessantly to one another and a sharp pain shot into the back of Kagiso¡¯s head. He winced, closed his eyes and heard voices in the darkness.


    ¡°He¡¯s not ready.¡± One voice whispered. ¡°He will be.¡± Another replied. ¡°What if he isn¡¯t?¡± a third asked. ¡°He will be.¡± The second said again. ¡°What if he succeeds?¡± a fourth asked. ¡°Are you not afraid?¡± a fifth added, and the second voice let out a booming laugh that made Kagiso smile. ¡°No, it makes us happy.¡± ¡°No, it makes us happy.¡± The two said as one and a few of the Dragon Guard exchanged puzzled looks. Four Dragons smiled and laughed. They were the largest, and the most decorated of the witnesses in the granite debriefing chamber.


    The flames died down and seven of the Council¡¯s shadows retreated to a fiery torch. The last shadow extended a hand towards Kagiso¡¯s back, and he saw visions of a beautiful garden filled with colourful fauna and flora. A clearing dominated the garden¡¯s centre, with a towering mountain of roots at its heart.


    The Black Dragon climbed the mountain and pulled himself over the edge. His naked body stood up and his tail hung over the edge of the cliff. The Black Dragon¡¯s throat bulged, his snout grew shorter before it opened and a masked face poked out. The Black Dragon stared at the ten-kilometre-tall tree, with a galaxy resting on its canopy, in awe.


    Kagiso turned and looked back at his old self. His gaze pierced his soul, and the wind blew the Astral body away like a cloud of smoke. A child giggled, and a woman laughed, before the stars in the canopy twinkled. Kagiso opened his eyes, and he was surprised to find that he was standing outside the debriefing chamber.


    ¡°I was wondering how much longer you would be. We were worried about you.¡± Duke rumbled sincerely and the heterochromatic Dragon Heart smiled. ¡°Thank you, but¡­I am fine.¡± He replied with a smile and the stoic Dragon Heart frowned. ¡°He¡¯s delirious. I told you it would be too much for him.¡± Raymond said with a scowl.


    ¡°I am fine. I just¡­I need some time.¡± Kagiso rumbled happily and Duke patted him on the shoulder with a smile. ¡°My brother¡­The Chosen Heir.¡± He rumbled proudly, and the tall Dragon Heart forced a smile onto his face. The three siblings felt a malicious presence, and they recognised the energy signature it belonged to immediately.


    ¡°Did you know?¡± Kenpachi asked through clenched teeth, and Kagiso stepped forward. ¡°No. No.¡± he rumbled honestly, and the red-eyed Dragon Heart opened his clenched fist. Kenpachi scoffed, before he vanished and left. The three brothers sighed, when the crushing inferno that was Kenpachi¡¯s rage was gone.


    ¡°Have you heard about what happened to his clan?¡± Raymond asked and the other two grit their teeth. ¡°Aye.¡± Duke replied. ¡°And in a single night, too. Was it him?¡± Kagiso asked, and an image of Clyde flashed before their eyes. ¡°Who else could it be? They¡¯re moving his egg into maximum security. The last thing we need-¡± an explosion interrupted Raymond, and the trio vanished. They raced through the temple passages and arrived just as two familiar energy signatures spiked.


    The two bright lights shone for a fraction of a second, before the entire island trembled. A light brighter than the sun shrouded the brothers. Kagiso recognised the Council¡¯s influence and jumped. He chuckled and scanned the sea of light quickly. The heterochromatic Dragon Heart spotted a shadowy child in the very centre of the island. The child raised a three-hundred-metre-tall egg from the ground with the wave of her hand. She giggled when a second, much larger egg raised itself.


    ¡°Such a strange occurrence. I wonder what will become of him.¡± The shadowy child said curiously. ¡°Why?¡± Kagiso asked with a smile. ¡°For I am fond of all that grows, and I refuse to deprive a child of their birthright. I pride myself in knowing how every seed grows and what it will grow into. These children have become oddities and I wish to know. Another oddity has already slipped through my fingers.¡± The child said, and Jane flashed before Kagiso¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°And I refuse to lose another.¡± The Shadow of Nature declared, and an old woman¡¯s silhouette took the child¡¯s place. ¡°The ones that robbed me will know my wrath! I will make their rebirths a terrible one and their broods will know the same agony! Wyverns and Drakes! Belly crawling slugs! You will be everything but true Dragons!¡± she roared spitefully, and the light let out a mad hum. The noise brought Kagiso down to his knees and two voices let out mad howls as the two eggs dematerialised.


    The light faded as suddenly as it had engulfed the island, and the two familiar energy signatures became unrecognisable to those that knew them. The surviving Candidates burned the green and orange lights, the sounds they emitted and the stench that clung to them into their memories. Kagiso opened his eyes and stared at the sky.


    ¡°Where did they go?¡± Laurence asked, and Kenpachi let out a mad roar. He swung his sword, and two Dragon Guard instructors restrained the enraged Dragon Heart. They disarmed him swiftly and dragged him down to the ground with ease. ¡°We can¡¯t abandon him. He must be in so much pain.¡± Mei rumbled empathetically and Gloria sighed.


    ¡°There is nothing we can do for a rampaging Dragon. Especially one who has become an island. He must decide what to do with the freedoms and responsibilities that have been thrust upon him.¡± Laurence rumbled solemnly and a pair of wings flapped behind them. The six Dragon Hearts turned around.


    ¡°Well said. The Council has already made its proposal to him. Whether he accepts it is another.¡± A towering Dragon Heart said and her wings folded. She was a head taller than Duke and wore a smile as large as her stature. ¡°Who are you, and what would you know of his fate?¡± Raymond asked shortly.


    ¡°More than you do, it seems. As for who I am, my apologies. I am Dominique of House MountainHide. And a fellow survivor of the Ascension Trials.¡± She rumbled, and they all felt the rage and guilt in her words. Duke eyed the tall woman and her thick bone plated power armour. A second, much louder flap flattened the foliage around the granite temples and they all looked up, when a titanic light shone above their heads. A feathery Dragon passed through the light and their robes flapped in the wind.


    ¡°Thank the Universe you are all here. It¡¯s just one thing after the other with Her. Hurry up, your eggs are hatching.¡± The tired Dragon rumbled lazily and the image of tall eggs sitting on silk cushions flashed before their eyes. She circled the skies above the granite temples in the middle of a jungle. The Dragon Hearts looked up and smiled, before they heard the terrifyingly loud heartbeats.


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    ¡°Oh well. I wanted to meet this Chosen Heir for myself. I will settle for his visage for now. See you on the training grounds.¡± Domanique rumbled excitedly, before she flapped her wings and vanished. Mei stood frozen in place, and Gloria noticed the terror in her sister¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°How? I¡­I can¡¯t be ready.¡± The youngest of the Golden Eyed Sisters muttered and Laurence giggled. ¡°Believe in yourself. You are a Gardenia. The Mother of All has decided that it is the time to evolve. To become whole.¡± He rumbled confidently and Mei nodded. Kagiso looked down and frowned, before he vanished. Raymond glanced at him and vanished shortly afterwards. The six Dragon Hearts appeared in different parts of the jungle floor around the temples. They took different routes to the centre and barely contained the excitement bubbling inside them.


    *


    ¡°Off they go. When will our turn come?¡± The crimson skinned little girl whispered, and she watched the young Dragon Hearts enviously from the tree branch. A shadowy boy whispered something into her ear and the little girl giggled uncontrollably. ¡°Very well, but I refuse to do your bidding. And your threats won¡¯t sway me. Mother and Father can do what they please There. However, I rule Here and will continue to do as I please with my creations.¡± The little Dragon Heart said, and the Dragon King shook his head in disappointment. He raised a single index finger, and the little girl clenched her teeth.


    ¡°Fine! But they will not¡­cannot, replace them. They were my friends¡­and you sent them to their deaths.¡± The little girl sobbed, and tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. The shadowy boy whispered something in ear again and the little Dragon Heart looked up. ¡°Really? You promise? I will unleash plagues of unimaginable horrors if you are lying-¡±and an indiscernible sound escaped her lips when she said the boy¡¯s name. The guttural gibberish terrified the birds in the trees, and they fled the area.


    ¡°Sorry. I love your name and they¡­I am sorry. Go. I will deal with His hunters.¡± The little girl said sincerely, and the Dragon King¡¯s shadow disappeared. ¡°Lady-¡±¡°-silence! I know.¡± The little Dragon Heart rumbled, with her hand on her attendant¡¯s mouth. The rage and malice in her voice pierced the masked men and women in black suits. They bent their knees immediately and averted the old woman¡¯s stern gaze. ¡°Dr Nakamura. We thought-¡±¡°-I know what you thought. Go back and tell her that I answer to no one.¡± Grace rumbled threateningly. She smiled, and the masked men and women vanished.


    *


    Kagiso sighed and draped the robes around his shoulders. The smell of bath oils and herbs clung to his skin and wafted up his nostrils. His eyes watered and he chuckled softly. The doors to his chamber slid open with a whoosh and a hooded attendant appeared mysteriously.


    ¡°My apologies for the intrusion, but they are ready for you.¡± The hooded elf said softly and she bowed humbly. ¡°Thank you. I will be there shortly.¡± Kagiso replied, and the attendant vanished. ¡°Hmm. The mortals employed by the Council move through the world as we do. I suppose it would be impossible to complete their duties if they couldn¡¯t. Was meeting the pirates a coincidence?¡± The Chosen Heir wondered, as he crossed the threshold and vanished.


    ¡°My father chose the harbour, and the Council decided when we would cast off. Before then, I have been the master of my fate. Am I mistaken? Where does my will begin and the Council¡¯s end? Was I chosen at birth or did I earn my title?¡± Kagiso wondered, and a shadow streak by behind him. ¡°He will be.¡± A voice whispered, and he spun around quickly.


    *


    ¡°Ah! Finally! I would not miss the birth of another Black Dragon for anything.¡± Grace whispered excitedly. Kagiso scanned the well-lit stone hall, but he could not see where the voice came from. Instead, the Chosen Heir saw hundreds of Dragons standing on the balconies all around the ten-by-ten-kilometre hall. Rows of Dragon eggs rested on cushions scattered all over the sandy floor.


    The Dragon Hearts entered the Hatchery Hall through the many entrances and vanished. They appeared at the edge of their respective quadrants, and their backs bulged. Large bat-like wings burst from their backs. The silky white robes fell off their bodies, and they spread their new limbs.


    Mei activated her gravity field generators and her flight control systems. She exhaled slowly and ascended steadily. The Dragon Hearts rose without flapping. They increased their energy output gradually and placed their hands on the iridescent shells. The elders and the clan heads leaned forward slightly.


    The Dragon Hearts passed through the shells and the eggs broke their cells down slowly. They sucked them in and spread their DNA to every cell. The Dragon Hearts blinked and found themselves swimming through the darkness. They flapped their wings and traversed the empty recesses of space. Kagiso spotted a pin sized light in the distance and he made his way towards it. The distinct glittery sparkles became clearer, along with the colossal ships orbiting them.


    The Chosen Heir¡¯s eyes bulged and his Astral bodies passed through the dimensional fields. They boarded the ships while he hurtled towards the planet beyond them. Kagiso spread his wings and pointed his feet at the ground. He slowed down rapidly and landed as gently as a feather.


    The Dragon Hearts wandered the vast frozen and desert wastelands. They reached the colossal cities and reacquainted themselves with the technologies in the tall and wide buildings. They perused the albums in their planet sized mind palaces and re-established a connection to the monuments, shrines, spirits and creatures on the other side of their Astral doors.


    The Dragon Hearts sat down on the seats of power, in their central nervous systems, and the eggs cracked. The cracks deepened and explosions of high-pressure steam and fire burst out of some, while titanic furry, feathery and scaly wings broke through the rest. The Dragon shells vanished and the newborn Dragons let out deafeningly loud roars. Everyone on the balconies let out sighs of relief at the safe births, before they all heard the gasps, whispers and murmurs.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± ¡°Look at him.¡± ¡°Not just that, look at her.¡± ¡°Look at them all.¡± ¡°What a fine generation.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Most excellent.¡± The elders and the clan heads said to one another. ¡°But still, what could this mean?¡± ¡°Nothing good.¡± ¡°Or perhaps something amazing.¡± ¡°A Black Dragon.¡± Another chimed in, and they all stared at Kagiso. Raymond glanced at him, before he looked down at his own form. ¡°I am¡­a Wyrm. Is this my punish for my failure? No, this is who I am. For better or worse. Be proud. I am better suited to aerial combat than I would like, and only a few could match my magical and physical prowess. Yes, this is who I am.¡± The slender, long-necked Dragon thought.


    Raymond¡¯s throat bulged and his neck grew shorter. The Dragons¡¯ hunched backs straightened and their legs grew longer. They stood upright and their mouths opened slowly. Giant slimy faces opened their mouths and gasped for air. The elders and clan heads laughed at the sight. Attendants appeared beside the newborn Dragons and they helped them take their first steps.


    ¡°My knees-¡±¡°-I know. Stay strong. The compression pains are the worst during the first few days, but the pain will subside once you have learned how to support your organs, skeleton and joints.¡± The attendant advised, and she helped Kagiso out of the chamber. The newborn Dragons walked out through the many entrances to the Hatchery Hall and the Dragons applauded their resolve.


    *


    Kagiso tried to ignore the groans and angry grunts echoing through the passages. Every step cracked the bones in his feet and every breath bruised his lungs. He blinked, and it felt as though his eyelids were pushing his eyeballs deeper into his skull. The Chosen Heir went to bed and exhaled slowly. He increased his energy output and his Astral bodies scoured every cell.


    Kagiso¡¯s temperature skyrocketed, and he became feverish immediately. The Black Dragon panted heavily. His eyes rolled back, and he passed out. Kagiso woke up with a gasp. The cool night air soothed his itchy black scales and the deep grumble of dozens of Dragons snoring had replaced the groans.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± Raymond whispered, when he detected the spike in his brother¡¯s energy signature. ¡°They said it would take a few days, but it seems everyone has already acclimated.¡± The Black Dragon replied. ¡°So, are we beginning our training tomorrow or not?¡± Duke asked impatiently and the two brothers laughed at him.


    ¡°Why wait? Meet you outside, if you can stand.¡± Kagiso said, and Raymond smiled. His envy faded away, and a sense of peace washed over him. ¡°Do not fret if you cannot keep up, oh Chosen One.¡± He joked, and a smile crept across Duke¡¯s and Kagiso¡¯s faces.

 Second Steps.

    Kagiso stood up and blinked quickly, while his eyes adjusted to the brightness. He stretched his arms and yawned. The Black Dragon walked towards his private bathroom and stopped. He tilted his head to the side and wiggled his toes.


    ¡°Were the tiles always this warm? Huh, I never noticed. Ah, and the temperature in the room is lower¡­or have I been radiating so much heat that I didn¡¯t notice?¡± Kagiso wondered as he scrolled through the long list of holographic monitors before him. The Black Dragon swiped, poke and prodded the morning away. He received a notification and smiled.


    *


    Kagiso bolted towards the finish line, like a cheetah, while Raymond barreled to the end of the track like a lizard. The two brothers squinted, before their limbs became blurs. The Three Horned Wyrm stretched his neck, and the Black Dragon reached out to the finish line. The path contracted, and a few trainees gasped and cheered. The rest frowned, stood up and turned around to see.


    Raymond let out a mighty roar, and Kagiso sucked his teeth. Duke chuckled, before he heard an even louder cheer. The Three Horned Wyrm turned around and another newborn Dragon, with an elongated body, spiraled towards the finish line. The Azure Wyrm tunneled down the track at incredible speeds. He twisted, grabbed the air and pulled himself across the finish line. Gloria cheered the loudest and her sisters giggled.


    *


    ¡°Are you done yet?¡± Domanique asked impatiently. She resembled a Minotaur with two unequally sized horns. The muscular Dragon folded her arms impatiently. ¡°No, I am still deciphering the text. These scrolls are confusing.¡± Duke rumbled, and she laughed at his frustration. ¡°Oh, I know.¡± Domanique replied and the four-armed Dragon sighed. She crossed her legs, closed her orange eyes and meditated twenty metres above the stone tiles. Duke¡¯s eyes darted from left to right as he and his Astral bodies compared the specifications, for the technologies on the monitors, to the blueprints in his mind palace.


    Not too far away, on a balcony overlooking beautiful gardens, was a tall stone tower with balconies facing every direction. The tower contained a seemingly endless number of aisles, and an equally endless number of shelves. On them were scrolls, books, data disks, hard and holo-drives that contained everything the Dragons had learned. The studious newborns gathered at the Library of Truth, after their morning exercise, to study and prepare for the final exams.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t found it?¡± the Azure Dragon asked, and Gloria giggled. ¡°Give up. It does not exist, if it is not here.¡± She rumbled confidently and Kagiso groaned. ¡°There must be more than speculations and theories on the subject. How can so many be aware of something and know so little about it at the same time?¡± he rumbled angrily.


    ¡°Easy friend. The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.¡± Shen rumbled playfully and the beautiful, feathered Dragon squinted at him. ¡°What are you implying?¡± She asked curiously. ¡°Indeed, friend. Do share.¡± The Black Dragon added. ¡°What you call developing, my people know as cultivation. My mother passed on the name Shen to me, as her father passed it on to her. From son to daughter, and then from daughter to son. Old and young. Male and female. Yin and Yang.¡± Shen rumbled reverently.


    ¡°Wait. How would she know you would be reborn as a Wyrm?¡± Gloria asked, with a hint of disbelief. ¡°My Chi.¡± The Azure Dragon replied and the other two stared at him. ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Kagiso asked with a raised brow. ¡°My Chi. The true source of all strength. I believe you call it Mana or was it, Chakra?¡± Shen asked, and he stroked the hairs on his chin.


    ¡°Your village drinks from the same well. I suppose it would depend on the number of people and the size of the soul.¡± The Black Dragon deduced, and the Azure Dragon laughed. ¡°Ah, but that is the point. The seed was sown before my time. I am but one of many who will watch it grow.¡± Shen rumbled proudly and Gloria¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy. The two Dragons saw a long line of Wryms standing side by side. They stretched across the horizon, where a jade light and a golden Dragon rose slowly. Jane flashed before Kagiso¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You know? By law, after their military service, fully matured Dragons can choose their profession, own land and even sire children. I can see us ruling over a territory of our own one day.¡± The beautiful Golden Eyed Dragon rumbled affectionately. She walked her fingers up the Azure Dragon¡¯s neck, and he blushed. Shen turned to face his beloved. The clouds parted and a ray of light shone down on the couple on the balcony. ¡°Aye. I would love nothing more.¡± he rumbled sincerely, and the Black Dragon cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯ll just excuse myself.¡± He muttered and vanished quickly.


    *


    ¡°Shen¡¯s lineage is interesting, to say the least. I suppose his union to Gloria would protect his territories from any threats, while they grow slowly. I would hate to think that they are just using each other. Their affection seems sincere. However, it is strange how some things have turned out. Have you been whispering in our ears from the shadows? Is that how Jane knew what she did? No, from what I have heard and learned: everyone discovers their own truth. That is why they believe it so vehemently.¡± Kagiso pondered as he wandered into the cafeteria and ate mindlessly.


    ¡°Raymond warned me of the dangers of foresight. Yes, my brother has discovered a new truth and freed himself of doubt, while I have learned a new truth and burdened myself with responsibility.¡± The Black Dragon thought, and he placed another empty wooden plate on top of the pile.


    ¡°What Shen doesn¡¯t realise is that he has lost the ability to choose. If I am correct, then we chose our professions when we chose our paths. I chose to learn each skill, spell and technique currently at my disposal.¡± Kagiso concluded. He stood up, with a renewed resolve and marched out of the dining hall.


    ¡°I slept when it pleased me, not only when I was tired. I trained long after my body told me to stop, and I studied more than most could in a single lifetime. My choices led me here and so I must follow through. But how does one go about becoming the Dragon King?¡± The Black Dragon wondered, and he stopped outside of the tower doors.


    ¡°And I¡¯m back here again. Clearly there is something I must learn here, but what and how? How do I learn the answer to a question no one has ever asked?¡± Kagiso muttered, and Jane flashed before his eyes again. The Black Dragon¡¯s purple eye stung, and he shut it quickly. ¡°I know she knew the answer. She learned to hide it over time, but she spoke of that ambitious goal often when we were children. A fairy tale. A child¡¯s dream. My reality. A child.¡± The Black Dragon thought, and he remembered what Gloria had said earlier.


    ¡°Luck? Or faith? Did she stumble on this truth, or did she seek it out? Does it matter? Yes, it does. If she knew then¡­Clyde could as well. A world with three Kings? He was there. Kenpachi will know how Jane fell. I did not feel her presence in that maelstrom Clyde calls a soul, but I must confirm it first.¡± Kagiso thought. He wondered the aisles for hours and followed the traces of the enraged energy signature.


    ¡°You have not left to eat yet, have you? Mei would scold you if I told her.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled coyly, and the slack-jawed Dragon glared at him. ¡°I¡¯m not lying. She would. She fears you will push everyone away. I am afraid you will focus on the past-¡±¡°-excuse me, your majesty., but I do not care for your fears. As for Mei, I appreciate her concern. I will speak to her later. She should focus entirely on her own efforts.¡± Kenpachi rumbled with a mixture of gratitude and apathy.


    ¡°What about you? Should you not be able to focus on yours?¡± Kagiso rumbled angrily and the slack-jawed Dragon slammed the book shut. He furrowed his brow and his eyes glowed red. ¡°I do. Every second of every waking hour.¡± Kenpachi rumbled malevolently. ¡°And then what? Will you spend a lifetime stewing in an ocean of rage? What will you do afterwards? Who will you fight after you have avenged your family?¡± The Black Dragon rumbled warily.


    ¡°My King¡¯s enemies. I will cut down anything He places in my path. Do you believe in Karma, your majesty?¡± the slack-jawed Dragon rumbled regretfully, before he turned around and spoke quietly. ¡°In a way. I believe actions have consequences.¡± Kagiso rumbled humbly.


    ¡°Good. Who can we be honest with, if we cannot be ones with ourselves? I too believe Clyde¡¯s betrayal is a consequence of our actions. As well as anything the Universe decides to do with our families. Oh, you looked shocked. Aye, your majesty. The Dragons of the Emerald Isles did not all perish. There are reports that the fiends hauled some of them away.¡± Kenpachi rumbled without breaking eye contact. An eerie silence enveloped the two, and the lamp lights grew dimmer.


    ¡°You are going to spend the rest of your life searching for your family. Please do not forget to see the family you meet on your journey.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled, and a single tear rolled down his right cheek. His purple eye glowed and a glimmer of hope appeared in the slack-jawed Dragon¡¯s emotionless eyes.


    ¡°If you have seen anything¡­Please, tell me.¡± Kenpachi rumbled desperately and Kagiso¡¯s heart nearly sank into his stomach. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± He thought, but the words escaped his lips. The slack-jawed Dragon¡¯s eyes bulged. He looked down, nodded and thought hard. ¡°What do you need to know? Everyone that comes here is in search of something. You carried the knowledge I needed, not these books or scrolls.¡± Kenpachi rumbled with a steely glare.


    ¡°I need to know how Jane died. Were her cells consumed?¡± Kagiso rumbled and the slack-jawed Dragon felt his fear. ¡°Hm, perhaps I should care about your fears. They are our people¡¯s fears now, my apologies.¡± Kenachi rumbled humbly and the Black Dragon smiled at his shame. ¡°I am just one Dragon. I do not know if I deserve that much consideration yet.¡± He rumbled sincerely and the slack-jawed Dragon nodded.


    ¡°Then you are already on your way to earning it. Jane took her own life. It was in a single moment. However, she spent her body, her hearth and her entire soul in an attempt to destroy the enemy.¡± Kenpachi rumbled, and Kagiso felt how much he respected her. ¡°What is it? You seem even more puzzled than before.¡± The slack-jawed Dragon rumbled curiously.


    ¡°I suppose she is no longer here to tell her truth. Jane dreamed of becoming the Dragon King.¡± The Black Dragon whispered proudly and Kenpachi smiled. ¡°I know, and now you are wondering if her fate was a result of her Karma.¡± He deduced, and Kagiso shook his head. ¡°No. Joining the enemy would have been the easiest way to achieve her goals. However, Jane chose death. I am wondering if her last act was patriotic or defiant? She forged her own path. To have another steal her crown¡­¡± the Black Dragon thought out loud.


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    ¡°Hmm. No half measures. An excellent Dragon through and through. The world was robbed. So, you believe she had shaped her own destiny? A life beyond the consequences of your actions, and one where you suffer the consequences of others. The realm of monarchs.¡± The slack-jawed Dragon rumbled reverently.


    ¡°Perhaps that is why Clyde and Riekes left us. They believed their ambitions were kingly.¡± Kenpachi added. ¡°No offence, I understand Riekes holding such ambitions, but why would Clyde?¡± Kagiso asked and the slack-jawed Dragon gave it some thought, before he answered. ¡°I suppose with the elders gone; it is my secret to keep or to share now. Coincidence, your majesty?¡± Kenpachi asked suspiciously.


    ¡°Karma, a meeting of two paths. Whether they meet up again is a matter of choice.¡± The Black Dragon replied, and the slack-jawed Dragon scoffed. ¡°The Emerald Isles are magical lands and seas teeming with all sorts of life. Fauna and flora that required Ki to hunt or cultivate. Frigid forests and dense jungles with insects the size of your head. That is where we found Clyde. A pale child on the brink of death. And my father sired him without a mother.¡± He said, and Kagiso¡¯s eyes bulged.


    ¡°Aye, a Blood Pact. And like that, my brother was born with the knowledge of everything he was and wasn¡¯t. Born with the burden of reaching the peak of a mountain, he had no way of climbing on his own.¡± Kenpachi added, and the Black Dragon thought long and hard. ¡°Could he have known about his rebirth? Could he have learned of his egg at any point in time?¡± he asked, and the slack-jawed Dragon lowered his head.


    ¡°Learned? The Dragons of my clan are born with an awareness of its existence. To build a thirst for power when we are young, and a deep sense of pride when we finally obtain it. I know now the rage he felt. The despair after every obstacle. They must have seemed like evidence of his inevitable failure, but that does not excuse what he did.¡± Kenpachi replied, and the ocean of rage foamed and frothed.


    ¡°It does not excuse it, but it explains it. It is also the second time, today, that I have learned about the strange practises off-world. I am both shocked and impressed. Slow and agonising sacrifices and conflicts that spur evolution in place of structured programmes to maximise every individual¡¯s potential. Survival of the fittest. Did our choices lead to the Ascension Trials?¡± the Black Dragon rumbled, and his sympathy irritated the slack-jawed Dragon.


    ¡°What you speak of is complacency and stagnation. Shackles and chains in the form of knowledge and power. Would you have every Dragon suckle from the same teat? Share the same secrets? Wear the same scales and think the same way. What of the ever-growing number of mortal species that live in their territories?¡± Kenpachi rumbled angrily.


    ¡°They have surprised us once before; they may do so again. Look around you. Have you noticed them wandering around, or have you grown too tall? I would treat them equally. Grant them the same freedoms and responsibilities that we have. I would share all truths with them, so that, like the traitors, they may discover whether they have the Traits to govern entire territories.¡± Kagiso rumbled hopefully and a smile crept across his face.


    ¡°You would halt the entire expansion effort? Uproot your kind and replace them with humans, dwarves and elves?¡± the slack-jawed Dragon rumbled with a hint of disgust. ¡°No, I will have us raise entire nations and crown our own monarchs.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled confidently, and he stared deeply into Kenpachi¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The Kings and Queens of Kings and Queens? I remember an arrogant fool of a mortal who sat on such a seat. A seat you mangled around their corpse and trod all over, if I am not mistaken. What you speak of is Godhood and worship.¡± The slack-jawed Dragon rumbled. Kagiso felt his fear and looked down at the book in his hands. The text on the ivory cover was barely visible. ¡°Deities and Divinity. An introductory¡­¡± he read quickly. ¡°Why not?¡± the Black Dragon muttered, before he knew it.


    ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± Kenpachi whispered angrily. ¡°No. What have we been doing, if not laying the foundation for such a reality? We could govern entire galaxies, or more, with Their nigh limitless energy and our ways. Our eyes would reach every corner of The Universe and our influence would shape Its future forever.¡± the Black Dragon rumbled, and a few voices gasped, whistled, scoffed or laughed hysterically.


    Kagiso turned around quickly, when he felt dozens of eyes on him. The Black Dragon looked around and noticed the enthralled, shocked, disgusted and hopeful expressions. The newborns in the library had gathered, along with a few of the librarians nearby, when they heard and felt the heated debate.


    *


    Kagiso tossed and turned on his bed. He grimaced, thought back to the incident in the library, and pulled the covers over his head. The Black Dragon turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling.


    ¡°Why do I open my mouth and say the things that I do?¡± Kagiso whispered to himself, and a little girl giggled. The Black Dragon sat up and scanned the dimly lit stone dorm room. The night and thermal vision monitors expanded instantly and stretched across his field of view. He alternated between the two and scanned the room quickly. Kagiso frowned and closed his eyes. He activated his sonar with a thought, but all he saw were the sound waves created by his own heartbeat. ¡°Perhaps you are Gods.¡± The Black Dragon wondered out loud. He opened his eyes and an old woman emerged from a shadow in the corner.


    ¡°I assure you I-¡±¡°-by The Universe!¡± Kagiso exclaimed, before he vanished. ¡°-am no such thing.¡± Grace said, before she covered her mouth and giggled. The five hundred metre tall Black Dragon reappeared quickly. ¡°You are no mere mortal, either.¡± He added, and the old woman smiled. ¡°And yet, I am often as helpless as one.¡± Grace replied with a hint of sadness.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Kagiso asked carefully. ¡°I am¡­well, it doesn¡¯t matter what my name is. The only thing that matters is that I am Her father, and that She is my daughter. Puzzled? I know. Genetics are strange and interspecies relations are even stranger.¡± Grace rumbled, before she laughed at the Black Dragon¡¯s expression. A voice whispered angrily, and the old woman rolled her eyes. ¡°Fine. I just wanted to say goodbye. We would never have met otherwise, nor shall we meet again. Remember to sing to her when she cries.¡± Grace rumbled lovingly, before she returned to the shadows.


    Suddenly, a deep darkness engulfed the room. A cold shiver ran down Kagiso¡¯s spine. He closed his eyes and was greeted by a familiar all-encompassing light, and the dark silhouette at its centre. The Black Dragon¡¯s worries washed away, and he opened his mouth to speak.


    ¡°She knows better than to meddle in my affairs. What did she tell you?¡± the child asked angrily, and she approached steadily. ¡°She said she was your father, genetics are strange, goodbye, and remember to sing to her.¡± Kagiso replied honestly and the incessant humming stopped. The little girl stepped forward, and the room wobbled. The Black Dragon opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings. He chuckled at the darkness of space and the colossal planet under his bed.


    ¡°Parents am I right?¡± the little girl said jokingly, and Kagiso closed his eyes. A towering presence lit up the darkness and the powerful energy signature emitted a rainbow of colours. The colours painted a mosaic of a titanic Dragon covered in pink flowers. The flowers wilted and the stained-glass painting shattered. The pieces rose and pieced themselves back together. However, the painting had changed. Blood-red flowers bloomed, and the Dragon writhed in agony.


    ¡°Fabtastic! You are learning to see. What is perception? What is reality? Am I a child? Or am I a Dragon? Do you know why it is called the Library of Truth? Do you know why we revere the stars and The Universe? Am I boring you with these questions? How can you see the future when you are blind to the past?¡± the child rumbled, and her voice rattled the Black Dragon¡¯s bones. He let go and his consciousness slipped out of his body. Kagiso let the girl¡¯s voice guide him through the passages, out of the dormitories, down the paths through the forest and to the entrance of the Library of Truth.


    ¡°Protect The Universe and It will shelter you. Learn from The Universe and It will teach you. Revere The Universe and It will bless you. These are obvious truths that even beasts understand.¡± The little girl said, before her voice became a whisper. The Black Dragon snapped out of the trance and inhaled sharply. He looked around frantically, but there was nobody around him. Kagiso¡¯s back bulged, before he spread his wings and took off. The Black Dragon¡¯s eyes glowed, and he scanned the library.


    ¡°Where in The Universe am I?¡± Kagiso asked out loud. He hovered over the shelves and drifted towards the north. A pale blue glow emanated from the lampposts, and the writing on the spines became too difficult to read. Suddenly, shadows emerged from beneath the shelves and darted across the aisles. ¡°I would say there isn¡¯t a soul in sight, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m alone.¡± The Black Dragon thought. He flapped his wings and secreted a wispy sphere of Mana and light from his body. The inter-dimensional pulse washed over everything. The light scattered the shadows and silenced the whispering.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what I am searching for. Ugh! The wicked do not sleep and weary lies the head that wears the crown.¡± Kagiso rumbled with a mixture of boredom and frustration, before he folded his wings and dove headfirst towards the ground. The Black Dragon raised his head and shoulders, spread his wings and pulled up. He vanished, slowed down and appeared in front of a shelf with his wings closed.


    *


    ¡°Have you seen your brother?¡± Mei asked and Duke blocked Domanique¡¯s head kick. ¡°No, not for a few¡­days!¡± The four-armed Dragon replied with a grunt, and he threw a powerful right hook a few split seconds after he had spoken to throw his opponent off. The Minotaur Dragon narrowly dodged the violent swing and hopped fifty metres back. ¡°I saw him circling the skies over distant shelves¡­earlier!¡± Domanique replied, with a well-timed grunt of her own. She swung her hips clockwise, crouched and swept Duke¡¯s feet with her muscular tail. He flipped over backwards and landed gracefully on his toes.


    ¡°He was at the library again? That¡¯s every day now.¡± The Penguin Dragon said, and she twiddled her thumbs nervously. ¡°I wonder if he¡¯s okay.¡± Mei muttered. She spread her wings, stretched out her right hand, grabbed something and vanished. The Penguin Dragon appeared above the library. She retracted her wings, plummeted and vanished. Mei appeared near the doors and waddled inside. She brought up a map and two golden Dragon eyes materialised above her shoulders. The Dragon bone plated bones spread pairs of bright white wings, before they blinked and looked around.


    ¡°Find him.¡± The Penguin Dragon instructed, and the Eye Drones vanished. She waddled over to a metal bench and sat down. Her limbs were shorter than most Dragons¡¯ and her stature was the least intimidating to date. Many passing by swooned, stared and blushed at her. Mei hummed and fiddled with the hundreds of monitors spread out before her. She kicked her legs and watched as the light blue screens multiplied by the second. A drone picked up the Black Dragon¡¯s trail, and the Penguin Dragon tugged at the golden thread it had left behind.


    ¡°Recall or Teleport. Teleport please. I need to learn how to activate these mentally. Then again, that would only be if I let my opponents get too close. I should make Leech and Detonate the other two functions. Whoops. My inventory is full.¡± Mei realised as she rummaged inside her satchel. A monitor with six boxes popped up in front of her and she scratched her chin.


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ll make a few more drones, halt production, and carry the rest with me. Ninety-nine of everything, but these three. Stasis and Devour. Burrow and Detonate. Burrow and Leech. Hmmm. I¡¯ll play the rest by ear.¡± The Penguin Dragon thought, and a sinister giggle escaped her lips. A cold shiver ran down Kagiso¡¯s spine, and he spun around quickly.


    ¡°Oh, I thought you were someone else.¡± The Black Dragon muttered, and Mei tilted her head to the side. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost.¡± She asked, and he laughed uncontrollably. ¡°See? Now I know She¡¯s toying with me. Have you ever met the Master of this island?¡± Kagiso rumbled, and the Penguin Dragon giggled at his irritation and frustration.


    ¡°Small girl, incredibly powerful. Likes riddles and impossible tasks.¡± Mei rumbled proudly. ¡°Ah! Then you know my suffering very well. Have you ever heard, seen, smelled, touched or tasted anything on The Universe¡¯s origins, nature, constitution¡­if that is even what I am supposed to be looking for.¡± The Black Dragon tried to explain, before he gave up halfway.


    ¡°Well, where have you searched for this something?¡± the Penguin Dragon asked curiously. ¡°Everywhere, Mei. Everywhere. My eyes can reach every corner of this library and yet I do not see what I am looking for. Or anything relating to the topic.¡± Kagiso rumbled, and his frustration turned to apathy. He waved his left hand, and a map popped up before Mei.


    ¡°Hmm? You weren¡¯t lying. Many barely discover anything in the time they spend here.¡± The Penguin Dragon rumbled, and the Black Dragon laughed at her. ¡°If a map impresses you that much, then you may have it. You¡¯re so strange.¡± He said, and his frustration melted away. Mei pouted and scowled. ¡°Says the one who learned everything and nothing. Who searches for something they do not know? How would you recognise it if you saw it?¡± she rumbled angrily, and Kagiso raised a single brow.


    ¡°What?¡± The Black Dragon asked. ¡°Exactly, you¡¯re the strange one.¡± The Penguin Dragon added, and he laughed. ¡°No, time. I have not discovered anything in the time I have been here. Am I supposed to learn what others have? Is that even possible?¡± Kagiso wondered, and Mei barely gave it any thought.


    ¡°Of course. There are many ways to learn. Some species pass their knowledge down through languages and speech, others through practises and actions. Others share what they know through their genetics. Evolution is the birth rite of all The Universe¡¯s creations.¡± The Penguin Dragon rumbled reverently, and she spread her arms. The Black Dragon saw young animals learning to hunt, elven children being scolded and praised by their parents. Flowers grew thorns and stars became black holes. He blinked and smiled at the starry sky above their heads. It turned a dark shade of purple and stars faded one after the other.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost morning. Have we been here all night?¡± Mei rumbled in disbelief. ¡°I will catch up with you later. I know what I need to do.¡± Kagiso rumbled confidently. ¡°By The Universe. We¡¯ll be late for the final exams.¡± She stressed and her drones rushed towards the entrance. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I have all the time in the world.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled ominously. The Penguin Dragon looked up, and he had disappeared mysteriously. She scanned her surroundings and didn¡¯t detect a trace of his energy signature.

 The purple dawn.

    Kagiso blinked erratically. His ears rung and his stomach lurched. He scanned the maze of shelves and the starless sky above.


    ¡°A space between spaces. The Void. Are these Our holy grounds or are these just cemeteries? Is this our heaven or is this our hell?¡± the Black Dragon rumbled nervously. The pale purple horizon grabbed his attention, and he looked up at the mountains of shelves in the distance.


    ¡°Only way to know is to explore. I hope I have enough, Mana¡­do I need Mana?¡± Kagiso wondered as he strolled down an aisle. ¡°A Black Dragon? The sons and daughters of the Martyr King. What brings you to this desolate realm, Chosen One?¡± a disembodied voice rumbled curiously. The sight of a magnificent tree, with an entire galaxy resting on its canopy, flashed before Kagiso¡¯s eyes and he remembered the vision of the mountain.


    ¡°Ah! Then you have not stumbled in here clumsily like a babe. You have your eyes firmly fixed on the distant shore.¡± The disembodied voice rumbled excitedly, and a few stars dotted the pitch-black sky. ¡°Who are you? Identify yourself.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled threateningly, and the voice laughed.


    Thousands of translucent bubbles materialised instantly and the purple eyes inside each one opened slowly. Kagiso waved his right hand and his eyes searched and scanned every centimetre of the dimly lit shelves. He glanced at the top right-hand corner of his field of view and the map of an ever-expanding library on top of an endless ocean of ash dunes.


    ¡°I am not there. Not there either.¡± The voice sang. ¡°You are alive,<u> </u>but you are not amongst the living.¡± Kagiso rumbled warily and he followed the sound of the voice. The Black Dragon closed his right eye. His many Astral eyes blinked, and his Astral body stood in front of a wall of monitors in his mind palace ¡°Excellent! Use everything at your disposal.¡± The voice rumbled excitedly, and a series of monitors lit up.


    The sound waves ballooned and washed over the shelves. The residual sound waves bounced off every object, ballooned again, and the world looked like a chalky drawing on a blackboard. Kagiso waved his right hand. The blank monitors switched off and the respective eyes closed. The remaining Astral eyes rose and shone brightly to light up his path forward. Suddenly, a purple sun rose with his eyes. The tiny white lights orbited the purple star that now illuminated the eerie library.


    ¡°Every sight, smell, sound, taste and sensation. You, and all like you, are the product of these experiences. Quantifiable. Predictable.¡± The disembodied voice rumbled arrogantly. The Black Dragon stopped in his tracks. He tilted his head back and stargazed. ¡°Can I control my foresight? Are they not visions shared by the King? My foresight? This is not His All-Seeing-Eye, but mine? Are we not trying to model ourselves after them? No, that would be the death of evolution. An influence beyond the Councils? Yes, a force we all bend to, and one that can be bent.¡± Kagiso realised, and he stood absolutely still.


    The stars fell, and the Black Dragon watched carefully. The thousands of white lights emitted a familiar but foreign sparkle, and he held his hands out. The glittery bubbles orbited Kagiso, and one drew his curiosity. The Black Dragon followed the trail of white bubbles to a shelf, with a bright white book on it. He reached out to touch the book, and it opened a portal to a strange pocket dimension with a blindingly bright flash.


    ¡°That was close.¡± Kagiso muttered. He lowered his right hand, and the bubble popped immediately. The Black Dragon scanned the Mana fields that contained his most probable futures. Kagiso spotted one, wherein he wandered the library aimlessly and stumbled upon a golden treasure chest, eventually. The Black Dragon laughed hysterically, before he looked around at all the mysterious scrolls, books, boxes and digital storage devices on the shelves.


    *


    Kagiso tapped his chin and frowned. He leaned forward, squinted and sighed. The Black Dragon paced back and forth for hours. He pondered the matter for days and finally concluded.


    ¡°I am fairly certain this wasn¡¯t here before.¡± Kagiso muttered. He pulled the book out of its shelf and a golden light shone through the gap. The Black Dragon peered through it, and he spotted a wooden chest.


    ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ve seen that before.¡± Kagiso said with surprise, and he pointed at the chest. ¡°Hmm? Well, when was it?¡± The Black Dragon asked, and he shrunk. ¡°It¡¯s on the tip of my tongue. I swear after a while, the library outside starts to look like the library inside. Ah! Oh yes! I forgot I was looking for this.¡± Kagiso rumbled jovially. He strolled across the wooden bridge and walked off the edge.


    The Black Dragon spread his wings and grew instantly. He knelt before the beautifully decorated chest and opened it carefully. Three Mana fields, the size of watermelons, burst out of the box. Each bubble contained a book, a bronze ring and a black staff, respectively. Kagiso chuckled and held out his hands.


    ¡°Nice try, but I am taking all three. Everything in this chest belongs to me.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled, and the Mana fields answered his declaration. The interdimensional energy fields wobbled and vibrated, before they drifted towards him. Kagiso slipped the ring onto his right middle finger. He grasped the staff with his right hand and rested the Chrononomicon on his left palm.


    ¡°Finally. Behold, my Prince, and lament. Steep is the price of power and lonesome is mountaintop.¡± The disembodied voice said sombrely and the golden letters injected themselves into the Black Dragon¡¯s veins. He roared and writhed in agony. Kagiso dyed his staff black. He spread his wings and backed into the shelves. The Black Dragon shook his arms furiously. However, his treasures clung to him desperately.


    Kagiso clapped his hands, but the staff absorbed the antimatter particles too quickly and he could not annihilate the glittery gold that covered his left hand. The Black Dragon flapped and flapped, but his feet remained rooted to the ground. His wings knocked the items off the shelves and scattered whatever had fallen on the floor. Kagiso thrashed around for weeks, before he had finally absorbed all the book¡¯s contents and secreted enough antimatter to satisfy the staff.


    The Black Dragon drifted off to sleep, and time stood still. He dreamt of a little boy who had as many eyes as there were stars in the night sky. The child spoke, but his words fell on deaf ears and so The Universe stripped him of his voice. He pointed, uttered a word in silence and painted entire worlds with the tip of his index finger. The boy smiled and laughed at the astonishment on everyone¡¯s faces. He pointed again, issued another silent decree and a watery tunnel opened.


    On the watery tunnel walls were countless glittery bubbles that contained entire galaxies inside. He snapped his fingers, said one last word, and the tunnel stretched on for all eternity. Paths branched out in every direction, before the Astral Realm ballooned and every galactic supercluster in the known universe sparkled. Suddenly, everything contracted again. The world moved around Kagiso, and he reached his destination in a single step. The Black Dragon drifted thousands of kilometres away from a bright blue gem of a planet.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°What is this world? Is this your home? So many humans, so little space. This tiny planet birthed¡­everything. Those were your memories¡­but how? Are you human or Dragon? Who came first, us or them? The Here and There. Do they know that soon it will be everywhere? We all have our part to play, and I must understand mine. Use everything, including your self.¡± Kagiso realised and the little boy laughed hysterically in complete silence. Tears rolled down the Black Dragon¡¯s cheek as he laughed harder than he ever had before.


    *


    The newborn Dragons gathered in front of the muddy testing grounds to shed their statuses. They awaited the arrival of the examiners eagerly and lined up in the formation they had hatched in. A few glanced to the sides, and their eyes bulged. A slumbering Black Dragon had appeared mysteriously in the only empty spot. The Golden Eyed Sisters giggled and the Moonglow brothers sighed with embarrassment.


    ¡°Where in The Universe have you been?¡± Raymond asked angrily. ¡°You missed the opening ceremony.¡± Duke chastised. ¡°Sorry, sorry. I had a very late morning. Calm down, I am certain nobody noticed that I wasn¡¯t here.¡± Kagiso joked, and he opened his eyes slowly. The Black Dragon stretched his arms and yawned.


    The newborn Dragons turned their heads. ¡°How did he grow two hundred metres taller overnight?¡± ¡°Is it an illusion?¡± ¡°No, he isn¡¯t just bigger.¡± ¡°Hmm. He has a more noble presence.¡± ¡°Is that the same Dragon?¡± ¡°By The Universe he¡¯s big.¡± ¡°So, this is why the geezers were making such a big deal about him?¡± ¡°Was he hiding his true strength this entire time?¡± they whispered to one another.


    ¡°Just in time. Chosen Heir or not, I will not hesitate to fail you. Gear up! Step through the doors and proceed to your respective exam halls! Rules are simple. Cheat and you fail.¡± The examiner rumbled angrily. Her robes fluttered in the morning breeze and tall wooden doors materialised in front of the newborn Dragons as soon as she had finished speaking.


    ¡°That was just one rule? What is considered cheating? She didn¡¯t explain anything.¡± Mei thought frantically and her door creaked open. ¡°Ugh. Why is the first test always a written exam?¡± Domanique wondered. She turned to her left and spotted the Black Dragon staring at the clouds. ¡°Moonglow knows how to build them.¡± the Minotaur Dragon thought, before she reached out and pushed the doors open.


    The Black Dragon¡¯s door cracked open, and he strolled through the narrow gap. It shut behind him and Domannique¡¯s brow furrowed. She looked over her shoulder, scoffed and shook her head. The Three Horned Wyrm watched his brother suspiciously. He turned to his door, studied the magical seal on it, placed his palm in the centre and broke it.


    A group of newborns exchanged confused looks. They pushed the doors with their minds, bodies and souls and many opened slowly. The rest scanned the doors, and only a handful detected anything strange in the magical plant cells and its Mana. The remaining four¡¯s confusion turned to panic, and they began attacking the doors. The instructor sighed and stomped her foot. The doors vanished, and she failed them on the spot.


    The newborns, that had passed the test, walked through the tunnels of light. They passed through the curtains of light on the other end and emerged from the bright white rectangular exits. The examinees landed on a dry salt bed and stared at the desert wastelands stretched out in front of them.


    The Dragons took off and scanned their terrain from a bird¡¯s-eye view. Some hovered in the sky for hours, before they settled on a direction. The rest found the exit to the pocket dimension in moments and raced towards it immediately. Kagiso crossed the wasteland in a single step and a thought popped into his head.


    ¡°Is this the right thing to do? Should I have flown here? No, this should be fine. Still, to make enough pocket dimensions to test everyone is beyond impressive. I wonder if they will grant me access to the Dragon Guard¡¯s resources. I hope everyone¡¯s doing well. It feels like centuries since we spoke last. Fascinating.¡± The Black Dragon thought. He waved the holographic monitors away and left his field of view relatively bare.


    Kagiso flapped his wings and crossed the threshold. He passed through the white tunnel and made his way to the next stage of the exam. The targets at the end of the firing range surprised the Black Dragon. He landed behind the line and scanned the thousands of stone titans. The first few legions raised their heads and charged across the rocky wastes.


    ¡°A sweeping attack. A skill would be quicker. However, a conventional Blade Wheel wouldn¡¯t be enough. The Wind Lance would not suffice either. The targets are too tough to pierce with the elements alone. That seems too simple, though. Who wouldn¡¯t know how to infuse their attacks with Mana? Even Dragon fire has enough traces of it to guide you to your Well. Wait, I¡¯m forgetting. Everyone has their own trial.¡± Kagiso remembered, and his black staff materialised in his right hand.


    The Black Dragon raised his staff and gripped it tightly. He swung it horizontally and activated one of the four small monitors orbiting his right wrist. The Death Wheel cleaved through the stone titans, before it crashed into the humanoid targets in the rear. A bright white explosion engulfed half of the rocky wastelands and the shockwave flattened everything.


    The bright white explosion contracted, and the energy formed the door to the next stage of the examination. Kagiso flapped his wings and took off. He flew through the tunnel and emerged in yet another rocky wasteland. However, the targets¡¯ faces were more detailed, and they wore golden suits of power armour. The bright blue accent lights flashed, and they all raised their heads.


    ¡°This feels more like experimentation now or are they testing my limits. Did father have a hand in this? Not much is told of the rebellions, and whatever was archived made certain to paint the founding members of the Dragon Guard in a favourable light. So many truths. I wonder what they will do with this one.¡± the Black Dragon wondered, and he clenched his left fist.


    Kagiso swung his hips, slid his left foot forward and punched the air in front of him. He activated the Cosmic Lance skill around his left wrist and unleashed a glittery pillar of wind. The stormy tube broke against the targets¡¯ bodies, and they continued their charge at a snail¡¯s pace. The Black Dragon sucked his teeth, and a memory called to him from the deepest recesses of his mind.


    Kagiso¡¯s Astral body folded the space between it and the light in the distance. The apparition stepped forward, and the world unfolded behind it. The Pirate Lords flashed before his eyes, and he smiled. Craven tossed a glittery orb at him, and Kagiso caught it curiously. He studied the glittery light inside, closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.


    Flecks of gold materialised around the Black Dragon. The gold sparkled, and Kagiso appeared before the nearest target. He threw a blindingly quick punch and the Divine Lance obliterated everything behind it. The Black Dragon snapped his fingers and the remaining golems aged horribly. Their armour rusted away, and their stone bodies crumbled.


    ¡°Use everything. I cannot believe I almost forgot about them.¡± Kagiso rumbled shamefully. The divine Mana emitted a warm, golden glow. The Black Dragon enveloped his left arm in the strange interdimensional light and his right arm in the mysterious interdimensional waters. He placed his hands together and kneaded the two energies together. The targets rebuilt themselves slowly and Kagiso smiled. ¡°Predictable and I know I can do a lot more than this.¡± He rumbled confidently.


    *


    The Black Dragon was the fourth one to finish his exam. He absorbed the warm energies back into his cells, but the other three had already noticed. Raymond charged at him, and he barely grabbed Kenpachi¡¯s arm in time. The Dragon bone katana stopped millimetres away from Kagiso¡¯s neck and he stared at the red eyed Dragon calmly. The Three Horned Wyrm lowered his gaze in shock.


    ¡°Oh, I was going to wait until there were more of you. But I guess you can start now if you want.¡± Victor rumbled sinisterly. The Dragon Guard recruits looked around and the elders took their seats. More doors of light opened and a few more Dragon Guard recruits popped out. They scanned their environment and spotted their comrades and opponents, before they noticed the small crowd. Every Dragon of age from every clan had gathered to witness the final test.


    ¡°To commemorate the Expansion Wars, to remind us of our failures and our successes. To cement your oaths to your responsibilities and your ambitions. You will compete in a battle royale. We etch this final painful lesson in all recruits and pray to The Universe that you will never need it. Do not be afraid. We have filed your DNA and nano-configurations and added you to the Respawn System. Kill, die or fail, those are your only options.¡± The Dragon Guard General rumbled, and the Dragon Guard recruits¡¯ shoulders dropped. They clenched their fists and lowered their heads.


    ¡°Divine Lance.¡± A single voice uttered, and a pillar of light burst through Kenpachi¡¯s back. He vanished quickly and appeared on the other side of the coliseum. Mei placed her hand on his back and her drones surrounded the Black Dragon. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± she screamed, and Kagiso raised a single index finger. The Dragon Guard recruits looked up and the Void Spells sparkled. ¡°What would you do if I did? What could you do if I did?¡± Kagiso rumbled arrogantly.

 Battle plans.

    ¡°Impressive. He¡¯s taken it upon himself. To set things in motion.¡± A furry Dragon rumbled curiously as he stroked his grey chin hairs. ¡°Hmph. I do not see a flicker of divinity in his light. Only pride and-¡± the arrogant golden eyed Dragon was silenced by the sight of Kenpachi¡¯s wound healing quickly.


    ¡°That attack only harms my enemies. It seems you have had a one change of heart after another.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled happily. ¡°I do not mean to sound arrogant, but you cannot defeat me on your own. Our traitors lie elsewhere. If you wish to bring them to justice, then you must overcome the mountain before you!¡± Kagiso rumbled threateningly. He increased his energy output to its maximum and projected his aura.


    The Black Dragon¡¯s energy signature illuminated the darkness. The bright white giant emitted a rainbow of colours that formed a stained-glass painting. The Black Dragon wore a golden suit of power armour. He wielded a black staff in his right hand and a golden grimoire in his left. Thousands of purple starts twinkled in the night sky behind him, and a tree of light sprouted from the ground behind him. The elders and the Dragon folk marveled at the young recruit¡¯s aura.


    ¡°Hmm. Divinity, I know nothing of, but I am certain now that my King has chosen a fine Heir. Well done, Victor. You have raised an excellent son.¡± Admiral Granger confided, and the Dragon Guard General perked up proudly. ¡°Aye, all he needs now are the correct merits and decorations. Perhaps then, we will recognise the Divinity he speaks of.¡± A Dragon resembling a horned doe whispered. Everyone fixed their gaze on the five-hundred-meter-tall recruits, that had circled the eight-hundred-meter tall Black Dragon, and the three to five-hundred-meter-tall recruits behind them.


    The titanic animalistic figures spread their wings and their eyes glowed different colours. They watched the Black Dragon carefully, while their Astral bodies¡¯ hands hovered over various dials, knobs and levers. Kagiso relaxed his body and closed his eyes. He left himself wide open and adopted a neutral stance.


    ¡°Cocky little-¡±¡°-wait. My brother is no fool. Approach carefully.¡± Duke rumbled stoically and Raymond closed one eye. He saw a black fist and the Black Dragon landed the second strike. An explosion of Mana burst out of his body, and he nearly crushed his brother¡¯s head. The Three Horned Wyrm¡¯s skeleton cracked and Kenpachi¡¯s sword came barreling down at Kagiso¡¯s neck. He ducked, stepped aside, spun and danced out of the way. The circle closed instantly, and the rear guard took to the skies. They circled the Black Dragon and waited for any opening to land a shot.


    Duke stomped his right foot, and glittery cracks fanned out. The stasis field ballooned, and Domanique was trapped inside somehow. The enraged Dragon¡¯s katana stopped millimeters away from her neck and he looked up. A heel crushed his nose bone, before an elbow cracked the back of his neck.


    ¡°You rely too much on your family¡¯s heirlooms and your swordsmanship. It makes you predictable.¡± Kagiso rumbled confidently. He spun around, clapped his hands and secreted a glittery dome. The sparkly swarms of fiery birds and glittery stampedes of lightning constructs shrunk mysteriously, while the hail of Dragon bone bullets, arrows and spears orbited the dome.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± Laurence asked his sisters. ¡°Aye. He¡¯s toying with us.¡± Gloria replied. ¡°And we¡¯re insulting him! We are supposed to kill someone that Demi-Gods couldn¡¯t, and this is the best we can muster?¡± Mei snapped, and the other two felt her terror. ¡°What are you doing? Retreat!¡± Raymond rumbled angrily and black magical circles appeared on dozens of titanic bodies.


    Kenpachi slammed the hilt of his sword against his chest, before he nicked the back of his neck. The two Death Spells shattered, right before Kagiso snapped his fingers. The Three Horned Wyrm shielded himself and those near him. However, nothing happened for a few moments. Suddenly, two dozen recruits crumbled and turned to ash. They left behind titanic watery bodies that inspected their hands curiously, before a violent force sucked them into the sandy ground and raised glittery granite tombstones in their place.


    ¡°Return to the Void-Become nothing- and be re-birthed-by The Universe.¡± The Black Dragon prayed, and a light guided the confused souls wandering the ashy dunes. They saw the tree of light over the horizon and migrated towards it. The shaggy-haired Admiral smiled at the bewildered expression on his commander¡¯s face. She leaned in closer and the golden eyed Dragon sitting behind her scowled.


    One by one, the elder Dragons and the clan members gave in to their curiosity. They closed their eyes and their Astral bodies blinked. The audience dropped their shoulders and clenched their fists furiously. Many of the Golden Eyed Dragons rumbled the Chosen Heir¡¯s prayer, and the audience erupted. The recruits glanced at the elders that had risen to their feet silently, before they locked onto Kagiso again.


    ¡°I thought you had left your rebellious nature behind. Do you know what praying for their souls means?¡± Raymond rumbled furiously. ¡°Yes. I took their lives. It is my responsibility to guide them back to their bodies.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled with a mixture of regret and hope. The Dragons frowned, scowled and snarled at the contradictory emotions he had shared.


    ¡°Have you lost your-¡± Raymond vanished and dodged the black crystal bolt his brother had fired from his fingertip. ¡°I have pondered and argued for a thousand lifetimes. If you wish to oppose me or change my mind, then find the strength to force my hand.¡± Kagiso rumbled apathetically and his Astral bodies appeared before every recruit. The nervous recruits turned and raised the dials, knobs and levers that controlled their energy output.


    The recruits¡¯ bodies grew heavier and hotter. The world became brighter and more colourful, before everything moved at a snail¡¯s pace. The Black Dragon stomped his foot, and a stasis field swallowed the coliseum. He locked onto his Astral bodies and the distance between them contracted. Kagiso folded the world upon itself and reached out to mark everyone.


    Duke gave Domanique a look, and she vibrated her short tail. The Four-Armed Dragon¡¯s bell resonated with the glittery tuft of hair, that resembled a paintbrush. The Minotaur Dragon shaped her tail hairs like a bell, and a strange ringing grew louder. The stasis field vibrated as well, and the recruits slipped free from it and the Black Dragon¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°Who got hit?¡± Laurence asked frantically. He vanished immediately afterwards, and Kagiso¡¯s fingertips narrowly missed him. ¡°I knew it. You can read our minds.¡± The Eldest of the Golden Eyed Sisters deduced, and Kagiso reached out without answering. He clapped his hands and Laurence frowned. He scanned the battlefield and noticed that everyone had finger shaped dents in their necks. The Golden Eyed Dove Dragon swallowed his head, before his limbs shrunk and his wings grew.


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    Laurence shone and rose slowly. He flapped his wings and fanned a glittery cloud at the Black Dragon. The Dove Dragon screeched, and the cloud of Mana amplified his voice. The interdimensional sound waves shook Kagiso¡¯s nano-cities. The walls cracked and bled. Laurence stopped and stared.


    ¡°He has stitched his own flesh to¡­where would he have learned such a thing? How many times have you lost yourself? How many times did you find yourself again? Madness¡­genius? Are you sharing this with me?¡± the Dove Dragon wondered as he inspected the walls.


    Laurence entered the building and explored every passage. He followed the deep thumping to an underground chamber. The Dove Dragon approached the balcony and marveled at the titanic heart hovering hundreds of meters above a dam filled with glittery blood. He looked up and scanned the hundreds of thousands of cables attached to the magical heart.


    ¡°He can read our minds. That is how he calculates every probability. You need to share what you know. We cannot defeat him as we are.¡± Laurence said to the recruits, and he showed them what he had discovered in Kagiso¡¯s cells. Raymond¡¯s eyes bulged. His shoulders dropped and let out a small chuckle. He gave it some thought, and it struck him like a bolt of lightning.


    ¡°This entire time¡­I thought I was being guided. Is it true?¡± The Three Horned Wyrm rumbled, and Victor clenched his fist. He clenched his teeth, looked away and turned to face his eldest son. A distraught Raymond turned to the Black Dragon for an answer. However, his brother was still in a disoriented state. He raised his right hand and pressed his middle finger and thumb together.


    ¡°Kenpachi! Tell them!¡± the Dove Dragon rumbled, and the recruits felt the desperation in his plea. Kagiso snapped his fingers and Laurence turned to ash. His soul plummeted to the ground, and another Keystone rose from the sand. ¡°No!¡± Mei and Gloria screamed in unison. Their energy output skyrocketed, and their energy signatures flared. The elders stopped arguing, when they received notifications of an energy spike nearby.


    The two Golden Eyed Sisters pounced immediately. The Penguin Dragon¡¯s drones appeared above, behind and next to the Black Dragon. She screamed her lungs out at one and they all blasted interdimensional sound waves at him. The Parrot Dragon placed her palms together and pried them apart slowly. She revealed a watery orb, with a bright ball of glittery light in its center. The orbs of Mana wrote four, six bracket spells that flipped and revolved in opposite directions.


    Gloria fired the orb at the sun. She raised her arms, and the spells stopped suddenly. The Parrot Dragon glared at Kagiso. She looked through the center of her spell, like a telescope, and locked onto him. Gloria lowered her arms. The magical circles expanded instantly, and the orb pried open a portal.


    The one-hundred-kilometer-long Whale Ship fired a sparkly Dragon bone shell from its horn. The glittery warhead passed through the portal at the speed of light. The glittery beam crashed into the coliseum and the recruits bunkered down. They crossed their arms, placed their palms together, or stomped their feet.


    The ships traveling between their nano-cities projected their shields simultaneously and the recruits erected powerful barriers of crystalized light and Mana. The seams between the crystal bricks disappeared, and the barriers sparkled. The coliseum trembled, and the elders watched with bated breath. They waited for the dust to settle and a few noticed.


    ¡°It¡¯s too quiet.¡± Admiral Granger said, and he peered through the shaggy hairs in front of his eyes. ¡°Impossible.¡± Vice-Admiral Mokoena whispered, and his golden eyes shimmered. The Peacock Dragon felt his daughter¡¯s presence disappear for the first time. The absence, the suddenness and the grief washed over him.


    ¡°Do not be afraid to mourn, even if she will return to us. This ritual is for all who are about to send their children across the stars and to battle. The first loss is always the worst, so mourn. There is no shame in that.¡± The Terrier Dragon rumbled, and the Golden Eyed Dragons rumbled the Chosen Heir¡¯s prayer between sobs. Their wails grew louder, when the second of Theo¡¯s daughters died mysteriously.


    Mei¡¯s energy signature flared once more, and the Black Dragon tossed Gloria¡¯s lifeless body away. The Parrot Dragon slid hundreds of meters, before her body turned to ash and her soul fell. The Keystone rose where she had perished, and Shen punched through Kagiso¡¯s Astral body. The Black Dragon¡¯s head jerked forward, and he stomped his left foot to halt his momentum.


    The Azure Dragon roared and danced to the next ghostly figure. He punched, kicked, elbowed, kneed, clawed, palmed, bit and tail swiped ferociously. Kagiso¡¯s smile grew with each delayed impact. He tried to move his Astral bodies out of the way, but Shen was mysteriously quicker than he had foreseen.


    Duke, Kenpachi and Domanique did not waste a nano-second. The trio pounced, vanished and launched a coordinated assault. The Black Dragon looked up, and they all had an enrage Penguin Dragon at their backs. He ducked, dodged, side stepped and leapt out of their way. A blow struck his left cheek and the Minotaur Dragon¡¯s hammer shattered against his right cheek. Another struck his lower back, and the Four-Armed Dragon palmed his chest. He amplified the slapping sound, released a powerful pulse of Mana and broke his hands in the process.


    ¡°Since when have I ever made the same mistake twice? Laurence told you what you needed to do. Will you let his death be in vain?¡± Kagiso rumbled arrogantly. His Astral body detonated, and the powerful explosion blew off Shen¡¯s right arm. The Elders frowned when they received the notification. ¡°That¡¯s it. Fight your fate. Struggle until the end of time. Find your own path.¡± Victor rumbled proudly, while the Three Horned Dragon stargazed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. How could I have been so blind? All these possibilities¡­and I just ignored them.¡± Raymond thought as his Astral bodies wandered the aisles of his mind palace. They relieved old memories, looked up and used what they knew then to see the choices the Three Horned Dragon had never even considered. The psychic ghosts laughed, cried, wandered aimlessly and threw fits of rage.


    ¡°How did you break his spell? What do you know about Black Magic?¡± Raymond asked, but Kenpachi ignored him and coated his blade with a layer of fiery Mana. ¡°Oy! You heard me! Tell us or we¡¯re all going to die!¡± The Three Horned Dragon barked impatiently. ¡°I refuse.¡± The Slack-Jawed Dragon replied calmly. ¡°Please.¡± Mei whispered, and he felt her rage and pain.


    ¡°Only if you will share all that you know of drone warfare.¡± Kenpachi replied, and Raymond snarled at the bubbles he was looking at. He had convinced the Slack-Jawed Dragon himself in each one.


    ¡°Tainted as soon as I touch them? Ruined by the observer? Something adjacent to the truth. I have always had to interpret my visions, while he fought to change them. Even when you were blind, you saw more than I did. Yes, that is why you will be King. I am content with the role of decorated general. Yes, brother. Excuse me, if I stray from time to time. Forward, no matter what lies in front of me. I will always move forward. For our people.¡± The Three Horned Dragon vowed, and a sense of relief washed over him. He inhaled deeply and his relief turned to pride.


    Raymond increased his energy output just as the Penguin Dragon shared what she had just learned with them. Kenpachi sucked his teeth, when he saw how long it took to produce a single magical drone. He glanced at the Minotaur Dragon, and she exchanged a look with Duke. They shared what they had learned in the library about breaking and escaping stasis fields with Mei, and she passed it on to the other recruits. The elders and clan members gasped when more notifications came in.


    ¡°What in the Universe is happening?¡± Commander Buchu whispered when the darkness lit up. ¡°Some will say that our prayers have been answered, others will call it the second singularity. Your son has succeeded where our generation failed, Victor. I will accept the role of Fleet Admiral, only if I may sail with His Majesty¡¯s Heir.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled proudly. The elders and clan members watched the two Wyrms carefully. The duo led the remaining recruits into battle and suffered mortal wounds for their role in the charge.


    ¡°What say you, Abu? Will General Creed lead our people¡¯s armies once more?¡± Victor rumbled stoically and the remaining recruits launched everything they had at Kagiso. They bypassed his defenses and dealt a deadly blow to his left side. Kenpachi drove the sword deeper, and it pierced the Black Dragon¡¯s Heart. The heterochromatic man stared at the portal the sword had cut open to reach his Seat of Power. He ran his fingers along the glittery steel and the pattern changed.


    ¡°I will accept the role of General of the Armies under one condition. The Chosen Heir is to be terminated, if he ever poses a threat to society or the Universe. I will not allow a Draconic invasion force to become a crusade. I have slain enough tyrants to know some wield kindness as a weapon.¡± A colossal iron scaled Dragon rumbled sternly and Victor stood up. He chuckled in disbelief.


    Every Dragon in the audience rose to their feet, at the sight of the Black Dragon resurrecting himself. His Astral bodies paged through the choroninomicron and time wound back slowly. The blade slid out of his body and his wounds healed before their eyes.

 The calm before the storm. Part 1.

    ¡°Have you lost your mind? What you speak of is treason!¡± Admiral Granger rumbled, and the Old Dragon clutched his walking stick furiously. ¡°Do you blame the Drakk¡¯N Clan for the death of your children? Is this your revenge?¡± General Illumoon rumbled sharply, and everyone erupted. The old Dragons and clan members shouted and rumbled at each other, while the younger Dragons sat and watched.


    ¡°I accept your condition. I will even play the role of executioner if such a future comes to pass.¡± Victor rumbled sincerely and the audience fell silent, while another lizard Dragon scoffed. ¡°How noble, but that would be the end of us all. The Council chose your son for a reason. To go against him is to go against Them.¡± A short and stocky Dragon rumbled sternly, and the audience erupted again.


    ¡°Aye, and I was chosen before him. Look carefully, Septimus. My son is beyond your blade¡¯s reach. However, he is well within mine. If my people need me to, then I will commit the sin of filicide.¡± The Dragon Guard General rumbled sincerely, and the audience fell silent once more. They turned to the battlefield, and a bored Kagiso. His expression had changed with his resurrection, and his energy output had increased.


    ¡°My son is a true immortal. He has infinite lives. Infinite bodies. Infinite time. The next step in our evolution. A true Heir of The Council¡¯s lineage. He will lead entire generations to the future and raise those that have come before him to the stars.¡± Victor rumbled reverently and the Black Dragon massacred the remaining recruits with the snap of his fingers.


    ¡°Behold, my Prince, and lament. Steep is the price of power and lonesome is the mountaintop.¡± The voice said and Kagiso scanned the field of granite slabs. ¡°This may be selfish of me¡­in fact, it is cruel. Then why can¡¯t I stop myself? Don¡¯t. Stop.¡± The Black Dragon pleaded as he inhaled deeply, and the Keystones sparkled.


    ¡°He wishes to recreate Project Ascension.¡± ¡°Impossible. The Council has forbidden it.¡± ¡°Have they not sanctioned it with their choice?¡± ¡°Death and rebirth, we have already mastered both.¡± ¡°Aye, I have yet to see any spark of divinity.¡±


    ¡°The Drakk¡¯N have bitten off more than they can chew this time.¡± ¡°Indeed, Victor thinks he can stand beside The Council.¡± ¡°You think he¡¯s trying to stand on his son¡¯s shoulders?¡± ¡°Why else would he even agree to such a preposterous proposal?¡±


    ¡°How shameful? He would sacrifice his own son?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the Imperial Guard for you.¡± ¡°Who would heed the words of such a cruel council?¡± ¡°I never liked the old clans.¡± ¡°Arrogant dinosaurs, who do they think they are?¡± ¡°They must think we¡¯re stupid.¡± ¡°Raise your kin and leave us all behind, hey? Nice try.¡± the audience whispered to one another.


    Kagiso let out a mighty roar that silenced everyone. The granite slabs vibrated violently, before they secreted wispy clouds of Mana. The glittery vapour swirled around the stones and a bright, sparkly light flashed. The recruits looked around and the audience stood up. The Black Dragon caught his breath slowly. He smiled at everyone and fell over. Duke and Raymond appeared in front of their brother. They held him up and slung his arms over their shoulders.


    ¡°No, old friend. It seems he is even beyond you.¡± General Creed rumbled and his awe surprised Victor. The nine hundred- and fifty-metre-tall Bear Dragon bowed humbly to the unconscious Chosen Heir, before he glanced at Granger and vanished. The old Dragon waited for his commander to finish her prayer, before they both bowed and vanished. The Dragon Guard General waited for everyone in the audience to take their leave, before he too vanished shortly afterwards.


    *


    A month had passed since the final examination and attendants delivered the results to the recruits. They broke the seals, read through the scrolls and changed their titles accordingly. Everyone that had passed the exam received the title of Dragon.


    The dozens who joined the Dragon Guard received the ranks of Private or Seaman Apprentice, all except for the Moonglow Brothers, the Golden Eyed Sisters, Shen, Domanique, Kenpachi and a quiet Dragon called Vera. They received the ranks of Corporal, Specialist and Petty Officer respectively.


    ¡°Here she is again. I¡¯m surprise much isn¡¯t known about her.¡± Kagiso said with surprise, and he rolled up the scroll. A notification popped up in his field of view. ¡°My camps finally ready. I hope they haven¡¯t stolen anything¡­well, anything they shouldn¡¯t have.¡± The Black Dragon thought, with a chuckle, before he stopped laughing immediately and vanished.


    Kagiso appeared above the southern eastern meadows and jungles. He had just laid eyes on the pirate groups and their people when a notification popped up. The Black Dragon descended slowly. He read through his orders and frowned at the tree insignia at the very top.


    ¡°The Guild? These aren¡¯t orders, these are requests. Why was I sent this? Erect a hall¡­establish a trade route¡­develop relations with the locals¡­locals? This is a different planet. They¡¯re sending us to another planet. Am I leading an expedition?¡± Kagiso exclaimed, and he scrolled down the long list.


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    Crane was pouring through medical texts, when he felt the familiar energy signature high above his head. The spectacled pirate captain smiled and closed his books. He adjusted his glasses and strolled out of the tent.


    ¡°Is he back yet?¡± Feng asked, and the silver-haired pirate scoffed. ¡°Aye, and he hasn¡¯t left his tent since. However, my crew say platters of food and entire vases of liquor have been carried in by all manner of half-naked men and women.¡± He replied, and the pirate enchantress laughed hysterically.


    ¡°He must have been starved on his travels.¡± Feng joked, and Crane rolled his eyes. ¡°Why does he look so upset?¡± Bokbaard asked, and he bit off an enormous chunk from the haunch of meat in his right hand. ¡°I told you we should have commissioned a city with the funds.¡± A young captain, with a cybernetic hand, said and the other captains stared at him.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Crane, Feng and the old pirate asked in unison. ¡°Ha ha, very funny. It¡¯s me. Captain Silt-¡±¡°-Florence, who is this clown?¡± the Pirate Enchantress asked impatiently. ¡°A captain of one of the smaller pirate groups that followed us out of the maelstrom. He didn¡¯t do much on The Island though.¡± Captain Starborne replied, and the young Captain looked around frantically.


    ¡°You remember her, but you don¡¯t remember me? She¡¯s had just as much scr-¡±¡°-Ah! M¡¯Lord! You have finally decided to grace us with your presence?¡± GoldJack boomed and Kagiso looked down. He spotted the Pirate Lords and smiled. ¡°I expected to find a city when I returned. Instead, I find a field of tents.¡± The Black Dragon said, and the pirates laughed. ¡°Makes it easier to pack up and run, when we¡¯re caught!¡± Bokbaard shouted, before he laughed hysterically, and the Black Dragon let out a booming laugh.


    Kagiso dropped like a stone, vanished and stopped abruptly. He reappeared before the Pirate Lords and landed like a feather. They looked up at the seven-hundred-metre-tall titan and stared into his eyes. The Pirate Lords worked their way down. They burned the image of his black scales, his wings closing and his broad chest into their memories. The Black Dragon¡¯s throat bulged, and the pirates raised an eyebrow. They watched as the Dragon¡¯s eyes closed, its head shrunk and it regurgitated another head.


    ¡°Well, that was rather unsettling.¡± Captain Marauder said, and the others nearly jumped out of their skin. Kagiso¡¯s legs grew longer, and he stood upright. His titanic robes flapped in the wind and his skin absorbed the excess mucus. ¡°Not all transformations are elegant. Some are painful, disgusting and demeaning. However, now you can see it is I.¡± the heterochromatic Dragon said, and the Pirate Lords smiled.


    ¡°There was no doubt in our minds. You are our Lord.¡± Crane rumbled proudly. ¡°Aye, and there is much we must tell you. We reserved a lot for you in the centre of the camp.¡± Florence said, before she turned a bright shade of red. ¡°Hmm. Captain Starborne, you are a rare sight. Happy to see you¡¯ve¡­crawled out of your shell.¡± Kagiso said happily, before the shy captain vanished and he laughed hysterically.


    ¡°S for my home, A simple hut will do. A circular building with a thatch roof built from the dirt and reeds found around us. When that is done, we will feast and exchange gifts. Until then, I would like to hear all that you have to tell.¡± The Black Dragon said, and the Pirate Lords bowed humbly.


    *


    ¡°Hub Worlds? Do you know what is beyond these planets?¡± Crane asked in awe. ¡°Aye, the rest of the Universe. The Hub Worlds were built to house and connect all magical folk. To each other and to the Universe. The Council placed each one around the centre of the Universe, so that they could one day make the Universe¡¯s Heart their home and leave us to rule over the Magic Realm.¡± Kagiso rumbled reverently and he left out any thoughts of or feelings for Earth.


    ¡°And now one has fallen, and we must take it back from the Demi-Gods.¡± Feng deduced and the Pirate Lords groaned. ¡°Are these Quests enough to take an entire planet?¡± Bokbaard asked sceptically. ¡°Of course not, they are meant to win it over slowly. One accomplishment and one reward at a time. A true meritocracy.¡± GoldJack rumbled optimistically and he stroked his beard.


    ¡°What did you learn on your travels?¡± The Black Dragon asked, and he filled the Dwarven Captain¡¯s goblet with the snap of his fingers. ¡°Thank you.¡± GoldJack said, before he tilted the golden goblet. Feng held her fan to her face and stared. ¡°Hmm. I have heard stories of Wine Gods. Drunkards that were renowned for their great martial prowess. It seems you have as well.¡± She whispered, and Fundi nearly spat out his drink.


    ¡°Uh hum. I reached the shores of four major continents in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as two more in the north and one from my homeworld.¡± GoldJack reported. ¡°Wait, you know of these Hub Worlds?¡± Crane asked, and the Dwarf remained silent. ¡°The people of the Magic Realm are whispering rumours of the trials and the invasions. The Gates have been closed, and the keepers have barred everyone from crossing. To see titans bend the knee for wee mortals. It was quite the sight.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Captain reported.


    ¡°Good. The chaos will pass, and order will reign. Still, I didn¡¯t expect so many mortal races to know about the Trials and how they ended. Our enemies are trying to destroy their confidence in us. And we¡¯re trying to destroy their people¡¯s reliance on them.¡± Kagiso rumbled stoically. ¡°Dragons, Gods and Ascensions. Pirates and Adventurers. What a strange time to be alive.¡± Bokbaard said with a laugh.


    ¡°Aye. The invasion fleets and armies are gathering their strength, and so should we. Especially if we are going to be in the very centre of the formation. Be careful around other forces. Especially while some of our enemies lurk in the shadows.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled warily. ¡°M¡¯Lord, as you recall, I rejected your gift when it was presented to me.¡± The Dwarven Pirate said nervously. ¡°Have you decided on a gift worthy of the great Fundi GoldJack?¡± Kagiso asked with a chuckle.


    ¡°Aye. I wish for nothing more than to become a Dragon.¡± The Dwarven Pirate rumbled earnestly. ¡°Oh?¡± the Black Dragon replied, and Clyde¡¯s stench wafted up his nostrils. The traitor¡¯s visage flashed before him, and he gave it some thought. Suddenly, everything that Shen and Kenpachi has said rung in his ears.


    ¡°That would depend on the contents of your soul, my friend. I could grant you this form, but you would be a Dragon in appearance only. My people have a saying: We fight with our minds, bodies and souls. If you master those, then I do not see any reason why you cannot become my kin.¡± Kagiso rumbled hopefully.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡­I knew I would not receive the secrets of your blood. However, your blessing is more than I expected.¡± GoldJack rumbled happily and a single teardrop rolled down his cheek and into his beard. ¡°What a wonderful time to be alive indeed. A toast to our Lord. May the Universe forever be in your favour.¡± Feng rumbled proudly and the Pirate Lords raised their goblets.


    A messenger¡¯s Astral body appeared behind Florence. She whispered something in the red-haired pirate¡¯s ear and disappeared. ¡°M¡¯Lord, powerful barriers have been detected to the east.¡± Captain Starborne reported, and the other captains received the same message from their crew.


    ¡°Ah, then our guests are already here.¡± Kagiso said, and he snapped his fingers. The powerful energy signatures approached the small palace. The Pirate Lords, sitting on either side, watched as the table grew longer. The Black Dragon raised the invisible curtain and unveiled the rest of the cushions, plates, goblets knives and forks at his table.

 The calm before the storm. Part 2.

    ¡°I expected something more¡­grand.¡± Gloria said as she inspected the brightly painted hut. ¡°It suits him perfectly. Simple in appearance, and incredibly complex upon closer inspection.¡± Shen replied, and he scanned the mud hut. Wings flapped and Domanique landed next to Duke with a thud.


    ¡°Honestly. Our camps are on opposite sides of the island. Nobody cares that we arrived together.¡± The Minotaur Dragon rumbled, and the four-armed Dragon felt her disappointment. ¡°I¡­did not want to inconvenience you. And my brothers can be quite irritating when it comes to personal matters. I am sorry.¡± Duke rumbled sincerely and Domanique blushed.


    ¡°I am offended. I would never pry. What are your intentions with my brother?¡± Raymond rumbled threateningly and Mei giggled. ¡°I am glad we aren¡¯t late. Kenpachi sends his regards. He was already training his warriors when we left.¡± Laurence rumbled with a mixture of worry and envy.


    ¡°Should we not have waited until we were all together to share that? What will we talk about now?¡± the Penguin Dragon wondered as the other guests grouped up in front of the stone arches. She smiled, and Kagiso nudged her forward. Mei spun around, but the Black Dragon wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Welcome, honoured guests. Lord Drakk¡¯N is expecting you. Please, enter.¡± An attendant rumbled politely, and his voice surprised the Dragons. They looked down and saw the powerful mortal. The butler, with a cutlass on his belt, stepped aside and gestured towards the stone arches.


    Duke scanned the former pirate and nodded. He walked past him and through the invisible veil of Mana, in line with the threshold. A cool breeze blew past the four-armed Dragon, and he stepped onto the velvet carpet. The Dragons scanned the shelves, that resembled incredibly long stone ramparts, along the walls. They smiled at the elves, humans and dwarves that walked above their heads. The tiny energy signatures hurried along the ramparts and across the passages, before they disappeared into the walls.


    ¡°The dining hall is this way.¡± The butler said clearly, and he gestured to the gold inlaid doors to his right. The double doors opened mysteriously, and the mouth-watering smells wafted up their nostrils. ¡°Can you smell them?¡± the Dove Dragon asked, and the Parrot Dragon nodded. Mei looked, before she sniffed the air.


    ¡°Cinnamon apple trees? Why grow them indoors, if they¡¯re already outside?¡± the Penguin Dragon asked, and her sisters giggled. ¡°Think about it. We passed through a dimensional barrier. Nothing may enter or leave without the architect¡¯s permission.¡± Gloria pointed out, and Laurence smiled.


    ¡°Those tents outside lead to the chambers in here. He keeps his people close to his breast. I want to adopt a similar strategy.¡± Mei deduced happily. ¡°Oh, White Petal. You¡¯ve been dyed yet another colour.¡± The Parrot Dragon joked as they entered the dining hall. ¡°Says the one who left the nest before she hatched.¡± The Penguin Dragon replied, and the Dove Dragon forced a smile onto her face.


    ¡°No, White Petal, that¡¯s how long I have been planning my future. My Queendom will rival our homeland in strength and beauty. A golden paradise for all who swear fealty to my husband and I.¡± Gloria replied, and the Pirate Lords stood up immediately. Kagiso noticed the strained expressions on the Golden Eyed Sisters¡¯ exposed faces and let out a booming laugh.


    ¡°I hope their presence does not offend you. I want them to take part in our discussions during and after the feast.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled sympathetically, and the three Golden Eyed Dragons blushed.


    ¡°No, I was simply discussing matters of marriage with my sister. My apologies for the misunderstanding. We agree. Everyone involved should be present. We hope you have prepared enough food.¡± The Parrot Dragon rumbled humbly and the faint light from the sconces and chandeliers well above their heads illuminated the legions at their feet. The butler smiled at the long lines of soldiers, wizards, scouts and support staff dressed in their military attire beside the line of titanic figures. ¡°What an odd congregation¡­but where else would I see such a sight?¡± he wondered.


    *


    ¡°Pardon my intrusion, but this all sounds-¡±¡°-ludicrous.¡± ¡°Asinine.¡± ¡°Amazing.¡± Dumas added, and Avalon glared at the bald man. The Dragons chuckled, laughed and giggled at their commanding officers. ¡°Forgive me, Lord Drakk¡¯N, but are you saying we should worship Dragons?¡± Madeleine asked bravely.


    ¡°Only if they nourish your soul and guide it to another life after death.¡± Kagiso rumbled reverently and they all saw images of the World Tree and the cosmos that rested on its canopy. Avalon, Reed, Crane, Madeleine and GoldJack closed her eyes. They saw the tree of light and the long migration to the centre of the Universe. The rest of the commanding officers stared at the colossal tree and the mountain range it grew out of. They marvelled at the palaces, castles, forts, cathedrals and temples on the cliffs and the cities and farms at its foot.


    ¡°Your ideal society will be tested. In this coming conflict and the mettle of future generations.¡± Raymond rumbled ominously, and they all saw glimpses of Clyde and Riekes. ¡°Only if our enemies survive and our allies abandon us. This won¡¯t just be a test of our strength, but theirs as well. They are as much a part of this world as we are.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled hopefully.


    ¡°The Gods have sent their Demi-Gods to win over billions through worship. Your society sounds shallow in comparison. Our people are arrogant. Divinity is not something that they will take in strides. Your plan will end in a second civil war. This time, they will pay the price.¡± An old voice rumbled warily to everyone¡¯s surprise.


    ¡°Admiral, I was afraid you would not make it.¡± Kagiso said and the old Dragon waltzed into the dining hall. The Black Dragon¡¯s butler glanced at his staff, and they all shrugged. ¡°He didn¡¯t set off any of the sensors¡­I-¡±¡°-no. Calm yourselves. We will discuss this later.¡± He replied, and the men and women in black attire vanished. The shaggy-haired titan chuckled.


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    ¡°My apologies. I just came from dinner with your father and a few other dinosaurs. Besides, who would want to entertain this relic of the past? I must say, what a marvellous palace.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled happily, and the Dragons stood up immediately. He looked up at the ramparts and the long rows of tables. The Pirate Lords and the commanding officers stood up and the old Dragon looked down. He scanned the magical spells and the invisible platforms their tables rested on.


    ¡°Dragons and mortals sitting side by side. Inconvenient, uncomfortable and insincere. Those were our complaints and criticisms. What now, old friend? What will be our excuse now? They are finding new ways to live and grow together. Who are we to stand in their way?¡± Admiral Granger asked, and the Black Dragon¡¯s shadow retreated. The heterochromatic man¡¯s Astral body stood on the thatch roof and watched as his father looked down on his son¡¯s palace. He turned around, flapped his wings and vanished.


    ¡°But I won¡¯t say no to a goblet or too. I have heard pirates have amazing stories.¡± The old Dragon rumbled happily, and the Black Dragon forced a smile onto his face. GoldJack cheered. ¡°Wellin that case, I have something just for the occasion.¡± He slurred and rumbled happily. Kagiso¡¯s smiled grew wider, and his eyes twinkled at the sight of the drunk Pirate Lord.


    The Dwarven Pirate Lord raised his hands and a clay pot materialised in front of an empty seat at the end of the table. The old Dragon hummed as he strolled towards the seat. He bowed humbly, sat down and licked his lips in anticipation.


    Admiral Granger raised his sleeve and reached down with his right index finger and thumb extended. He pinched the clay pot carefully, brought the drink to his lips and opened his mouth wider than everyone expected. An old man, with short silver hair, leaned forward and sipped the glittery drink. His thick eyebrows twitched, and he tilted the whole thing over. The adults laughed and a few children giggled at the old Dragon¡¯s kindly demeanour.


    *


    ¡°Thank you for inviting me. Sam and the others send their regards.¡± The wizened old man rumbled sincerely, and he strolled down to where the heterochromatic man was sitting. ¡°Knowing Commander Buchu wanted to come is enough. There would be an uproar if their clans found out.¡± He rumbled sympathetically, and Admiral Granger chuckled.


    ¡°I always wondered why your All-Seeing Eye had not awakened yet. You have always been more perceptive than your brothers. One only sees the path before him, the other the path laid out for him. You have denied your gifts and your destiny for too long.¡± The wizened old man rumbled sternly, and his robes fluttered in the evening breeze.


    ¡°You¡¯re too harsh on them, uncle. Your nephews are just slow learners¡­and honest to a fault. They were born and raised to be the perfect sword and shield for the future king. Why is it only now that I see the depravity of our ways?¡± Kagiso rumbled regretfully, and Admiral Granger sighed. ¡°For we are Dragons. Rules govern all, even the Universe.¡± He rumbled reverently and the heterochromatic man scoffed and shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. Have you ever flown into a black hole?¡± the wizened old man rumbled jovially. ¡°I am not a child anymore, uncle. I cannot laugh some pains away.¡± Kagiso rumbled, and Admiral Granger nodded. ¡°Then rage. Devour it all and spit it back out as pure hot plasma. My previous statement still stands. What will you do to prevent a second civil war?¡± the wizened old man rumbled.


    ¡°First you instigate violence, then you ask what I will do to prevent a retaliation. I have been rather contradictor as of late, haven¡¯t I?¡± the heterochromatic man rumbled harshly, and his uncle couldn¡¯t contain his laughter. ¡°You never cease to amaze me. I have never, in all my years, heard a Dragon rumble to one¡¯s self. Fantastic! You do what you think, what feels, sounds and looks right. That is all.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled proudly.


    ¡°That is what I am afraid of, uncle. What feels right is to be loved and to love in return.¡± Kagiso rumbled, and the wizened old man saw a little girl enveloped in a glittery golden glow. She giggled and ran up to hug her grandfather. Admiral Granger knelt and opened his arms immediately. He blinked, and the absence of his future granddaughter shattered him.


    ¡°Why would you show¡­my apologies. No¡­I have every right to be upset. You didn¡¯t just show me the future, did you? What you see are prophecies. Fixed points in space and time. Your foresight is terrifying.¡± The wizened old man rumbled mournfully. ¡°That is the colour of my soul. That is what I have been running from. Father would never have let me see the light of day and mother would never have let him try.¡± The heterochromatic man rumbled with a mixture of pride and guilt.


    ¡°Do not blame your father. He has the burden of his sins and his responsibilities weighing on his shoulders. Sins we all share, but memories can be hidden and ignored. Someone once said a world of psychics would be more honest. I have found it is quite the opposite. I must apologise for my reaction-¡±¡°-no, uncle, there is no need. I lost my temper, and I did it to shock you. I am sorry.¡± Kagiso rumbled sadly.


    ¡°Do it. Master your light and your eyes. Whatever leads us to her. Do it. That child is special, like you were before we taught you how to be a monster. In time, your line will outshine all. Your house will become a beacon seen from the heavens.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled hopefully.


    ¡°And the shadow it casts will invite tragedy. Clan Drakk¡¯N will forever be cursed. Are you still willing to support me, even if it means befriending the enemy and turning against the other clans? Worship, challenging the Universe and changing this system are the only ways to end this war? Death and rebirth. War is the only way to end war. My people, my allies, my enemies. We will all become Gods and then we can fight it out as equals.¡± The heterochromatic man rumbled apathetically.


    ¡°Do you have a plan? Have you decided on a path?¡± the wizened old man rumbled, and the wind died down mysteriously. ¡°No. No.¡± Kagiso rumbled apathetically. ¡°Good.¡± Admiral Granger replied, and the evening breeze blew again. The dimensional barrier he had erected collapsed, and the two stood and sat in silence for a few moments.


    ¡°Your brothers and your friends are loyal and strong. You have also surrounded yourself with an odd circle of champions. Learn to have as much faith in them as we do in you. Trust us to fight some of your battles.¡± The old Dragon rumbled sincerely, and everyone¡¯s eyes twinkled.


    ¡°It was a pleasure to see you three again. Do not become strangers. It is getting late, and I must take my leave. Thank you for the drink, Lord GoldJack. You are welcome to share another with me anytime. Good evening.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled happily, and the Dwarven Pirate Lord laughed hysterically.


    ¡°Did uncle just invite a mortal to share a drink with him?¡± Raymond asked in disbelief. ¡°What did you two talk about?¡± Duke added in shock. ¡°Thank you, Admiral. May the Universe forever be in your favour.¡± The Black Dragon prayed, and the few who had closed their eyes earlier noticed the glittery golden flakes swirling around them.


    ¡°Wait.¡± ¡°Has this always been floating around?¡± ¡°Is this Mana?¡± ¡°It¡¯s so bright.¡± ¡°Mama fireflies!¡± a child called out from the ramparts and a few others giggled and laughed when they closed their eyes.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be. The child is right.¡± An old woman whispered, and a few sceptical faces closed their eyes. The Pirate Lords and commanding officers looked around frantically to the bewilderment of their colleagues. They traced the glittery flecks of golden light to the Black Dragon, just as they turned into needles and pierced their chests. Strings of light connected Kagiso to everyone in the dining hall, and they all received a notification.


    ¡°Divine Dragon¡¯s Blessing. Fifteen percent increase to all stats and fifteen percent damage increase for all abilities. Ah, and he has also added secret properties for those who are studious and perceptive. He wants them to question the Influence and Mana systems. Question the Council, question the Universe. Aye, I will follow your journey wherever it may lead, my Prince. What could a Dragon covet above Rules and knowledge?¡± the old Dragon pondered as he left the dining hall and his right eye glowed blue.


    ¡°Appraisal.¡± Admiral Granger command and he scanned the golden thread.

 The schism.

    A year had passed since the feast and the Pirate Lords, and their people boarded their fleets of Ghost Ships. They made their way to the north, with the Miliana leading the way.


    The eighty-two Ghost Ships sailed through several territories without setting off any alarms. However, the surrounding flora reacted to their presence. The pirates arrived at the northern harbour hours later, and blue-eyed stone statues scanned their ships thoroughly. Feng frowned and her Astral body appeared in Crane¡¯s quarters.


    ¡°Do you see that?¡± the Pirate Enchantress asked. ¡°Aye, the same eyes as our Lord. He said they see the truth.¡± The silver-haired Pirate Lord replied. ¡°Knowing him, that¡¯s probably a half-truth. Don¡¯t you just love a man who understands the art of mystery?¡± Feng joked, and Crane scoffed. ¡°Did you just laugh?¡± she asked and pretended to be shocked.


    ¡°We¡¯re here. Don¡¯t crash.¡± The silver-haired Pirate Lord said, and the pirate Enchantress¡¯ jaw dropped. ¡°Now¡¯s he¡¯s making jokes as well. Our Lord¡¯s blessing may have warmed up your cold blood.¡± She whispered, and Crane smiled.


    ¡°I have been sitting on this for a while now, but I¡­no, I¡¯ll tell you if we survive this campaign. Good luck.¡± The silver-haired pirate said, and Feng¡¯s Astral body stared him, before it disappeared. The Pirate Enchantress crossed her legs, tilted her head to the side and frowned. ¡°What are you up to?¡± she whispered curiously.


    ¡°Milady, we¡¯re approaching Lord Drakk¡¯N¡¯s¡­ship. We¡¯ve sailed past islands that were smaller.¡± The helmsman reported, and Feng let out a high-pitched laugh at the sight. Her Astral body stood on the bridge and stared at the wall of monitors. On the holo-screens was a titan class Mother Ship with a palace on its back. It hovered over the edge of the cliff-side harbour town, beside dozens of smaller vessels of varying shapes and sizes.


    The pirates sailed towards the largest of the newly commissioned vessels. The eighty kilometre long blue whale opened its mouth, and the pirates whistled. They looked around, frowned and thought the same thing. The pirates received their answer as soon as they approached the harbour inside the Whale Ship¡¯s mouth.


    The free-spirited men and women gawked at the cyborgs in gold plated armour. The six-metre-tall automatons waved their hands, and the Ghost Ships drifted towards the port. They docked, disembarked, walked along the boardwalks and met in front of the main gates. The pirates crossed the street and explored the skyscrapers sticking out of the steep cliff-face.


    *


    ¡°There they are.¡± ¡°Privileged pricks.¡± ¡°Did you know they lost seven ships?¡± ¡°As Dragon-Hearts?¡± ¡°They had Whale Ships as Dragon-Hearts?¡± ¡°It¡¯s custom in the old clans.¡± ¡°Wealth breeds more wealth, after all.¡± A few members of the Dragon Guard whispered to each other. Raymond, Duke, Gloria and Laurence ignored the quick glances, while Kagiso looked around playfully. He pointed at himself, and Mei gigged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why they¡¯re upset with us. We didn¡¯t have ships to begin with.¡± The Black Dragon joked, and Domanique cleared her throat to stop herself from laughing. Dozens of the six thousand Dragons, lined up in their respective battalions and companies, snarled and growled. The rest rolled their eyes at their colleagues and the young Black Dragon.


    Bright and hellishly hot energy signatures flared, and the Dragon Guard stood at attention. Their black and white metal plated Dragon bone armour sparkled, and they bolstered their shields. The Dragon Guard endured the spiritual attack, and the waves of various inter-dimensional energies broke against the impenetrable barrier.


    Victor scanned the Dragons in the city square. He nodded and marbles of light pooled in the centre of his pupils. Kagiso frowned slightly, while the Dragon Guard¡¯s Supreme Commander scanned the probabilities and found the perfect words to say in one. The Dragon Paladins and Palace Guards stared at the tallest and most decorated Black Dragon. They glanced at his son and compared the two¡¯s gold-plated armour.


    ¡°The war has begun, the horns have been blown, and you have answered the call. New blood and old. Dragons, when we unite under a single banner, we become the most terrifying force in the Universe.¡± Victor rumbled proudly and the Dragon Guard let out a proud cheer that rattled their own ribcages.


    ¡°We have chosen two leaders. Two Dragons who will raise those banners high and lead us into the fray. The Sage of Silver Moons, Joseph Mokoena, step forward.¡± The Dragon Guard¡¯s Supreme Commander rumbled proudly, and a few heads turned. They scanned the stage and saw Admiral Granger sitting beside his peers. The elders and clan heads hid their disapproval well.


    ¡°Uncle isn¡¯t leading the navy? Is this because he visited my palace? No, father isn¡¯t that petty. He doesn¡¯t want another Drakk¡¯N near the position, but why him? He¡¯s too inexperienced to lead anyone in this war. What will the younger and smaller clans think? What have you seen?¡± the heterochromatic man wondered as he paged through his memories.


    ¡°You have been appointed the position of Fleet Admiral. You will lead our naval forces and breach our enemies¡¯ defenses.¡± Victor rumbled stoically and hundreds of Dragons let out a mighty cheer. ¡°The Hero of the Civil War, Abubakar Creed, step forward.¡± The Dragon Guard¡¯s Supreme Commander called out and a colossal Dragon stepped forward. ¡°You have been appointed the General of the Army. You will lead our warriors to victory.¡± Victor rumbled stoically and thousands of Dragons roared proudly.


    ¡°That is why.¡± Kagiso realised, and he slammed the album shut. ¡°You mean to win them over by bringing the People¡¯s Champion into the fold. He will never-General Creed is a patriot at heart. Would he turn against the Council if he thought they had betrayed our people?¡± the Black Dragon wondered. He glanced up at the sky and frowned.


    ¡°No. He never does. How far have you seen?¡± Kagiso wondered, with confusion. The Dragons listened to Victor carefully, before they opened private lines of communication to discuss what he had just said. ¡°Hmph, it¡¯s his head if we fail.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°This crusade he has organised is bold.¡± ¡°Oh, please. It¡¯s atrocious.¡± ¡°Aye, we are about to commit genocide on an entire group of people.¡±


    ¡°Granger should have held his tongue.¡± ¡°But he needed to show his support. The Prince cannot win a war by himself.¡± ¡°Aye, he needed an elder on his side and a wise one, too.¡± ¡°Do you think the Drakk¡¯N clan is crumbling?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± ¡°I heard there are clan members that refused to take part in the war.¡± ¡°So, are we supposed to reject or accept divinity?¡± ¡°Honestly, just hope you survive. This war is riddled with traps and hidden quests.¡± The Dragons whispered to one another.


    ¡°Victor is too focused on the fates of others to see his own.¡± A Dragon covered in iron scales whispered. ¡°He has always been willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others.¡± A beautiful Dragon covered in glittery crystal scales replied. She glanced at Fleet Admiral Mokoena and smiled. ¡°Joseph is not ready to lead an entire fleet to war. Especially when sides are to be chosen. Bastard.¡± General Khanyisa Illumoon realised, and her scales sparkled furiously. ¡°What is it?¡± Paladin General Septimus Ironhide asked.


    ¡°It looks like Khanyi just put two and two together. Now we have angered the Illumoon clan, our oldest allies.¡± Admiral Granger said, with disappointment. ¡°Along with the Ironhides.¡± Another old Dragon chimed in. ¡°Septimus¡¯ son will shed the name Creed, when Khanyi¡¯s nephew is forced to relinquish his position. Either way, Victor has woven our clan¡¯s fate with his ambitions.¡± Robert said, and he scratched his chin.


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    ¡°All or nothing. He has revealed his true nature too soon. They are not fools. In fact, they are far from it. Your nephew must unite what your brother has divided. I fear not many of us will have Survived this war when you return.¡± Dembe Drag¡¯O whispered, and Admiral Granger glanced at his mentor and oldest friend.


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t¡­the Emerald Isles? What were the Bladeclaws to him?¡± Robert asked and the Dragons on the stage stood up. ¡°A poisonous thorn.¡± Dembe replied, and the old Dragon placed his right palm on his left breast in salute. They watched as Victor did the same proudly. The Dragon Guard performed the salute in unison. Kagiso glared openly at his father, and Admiral Granger shot him a look.


    ¡°I know, not now. It would be wasted here.¡± The Black Dragon thought, and he saluted the Dragon Guard¡¯s Supreme Commander. Raymond glanced at his brother¡¯s slow movements, and he noticed his expression. He traced Kagiso¡¯s intense stare and frowned at his father.


    ¡°I see. His eyes didn¡¯t just awaken. It has always been there. He has been hiding it. Did father force him to swear¡­no, if he broke an oath on that island, then it was one he made willingly. Duke would most certainly choose our father¡¯s side¡­no, not under these circumstances¡­but does he understand what that means? What is father thinking? Destroying all forms of divinity includes his son. Joining our enemy would result in the deaths of everyone in our clan or do you still harbour resentment towards the Council? No, you¡¯re trying to force their hand. What are they both thinking?¡± Raymond wondered as everyone spun on their heels. They spread their wings, took off and vanished.


    *


    The six thousand Dragons boarded their respective Mother Ships, and the little girl sat on the edge of the cliff. Her legs dangled over the edge and the gale force winds blew through her jet-black dreadlocks.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been here long enough, and I have another planet to build. One where the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isles can fly freely once more. A bright green world of jungles, spirits and warriors. An Emerald Kingdom for your children¡¯s children, mother.¡± The little Dragon girl rumbled excitedly over the sound of swords clashing.


    The Shadow of the King appeared behind her, and he laughed hysterically. The little girl giggled uncontrollably. She grabbed her sides and rolled around happily. The Shadow of Nature¡¯s Island rose suddenly. It shot through the clouds and past the many sky islands of Terra Draconum. The mortals aboard their sponsor¡¯s Mother Ships felt a terrible lurch in their stomachs. They knelt, and the sensation was gone as suddenly as it had appeared.


    ¡°Man your stations! We are casting off.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled angrily. ¡°Sounds like it didn¡¯t go well. All aboard!¡± Feng said to GoldJack, before she turned around and bellowed out a command. ¡°When does it ever? Move it, you scallywags! Let¡¯s show them how pirates wage war!¡± the Dwarven Pirate Lord replied, before he roared at the drunkards that had just stumbled out of the tavern carved out of the cliff.


    *


    The island emerged from the Warp Gate and drifted towards the colossal planet in the distance. It stopped abruptly and launched the Draconic armada at the Hub World. The wave of titanic Whale Ships carrying forts, places and castles on their backs, grouped up and formed a single line behind Fleet Admiral Mokoena¡¯s giant mantis.


    ¡°Hmph. A spearhead so far from enemy lines. We must look like a funeral procession.¡± A short and stocky Dragon rumbled with disdain. ¡°Indeed, Lieutenant. But the Illumoon and the Gardenias adore The Shadow of Nature¡¯s teachings above all.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled admirably.


    ¡°They are hoping to impress Her? The Council are as fickle as they are wise. We amuse Them, we cannot impress Them.¡± Commander Buchu rumbled with a hint of irritation and the old Dragon laughed.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t find Him. Elusive is the Shadow of the King. And there are some who have earned The Council¡¯s attention. For better or for worse.¡± Robert rumbled warily. He turned towards the large stone doors and the stone statues¡¯ eyes lit up. The doors opened with a whoosh and Kagiso¡¯s doppelg?nger entered his uncle¡¯s observation tower.


    ¡°I am surprised you wanted us to meet here.¡± The Black Dragon said, and the senior officers sneered at the psychic apparitions behind him. Shen scowled and entered with Gloria by his side. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Petty Officer Mokoena asked quickly. ¡°Hmph. There is.¡± Lieutenant Rondo replied bluntly.


    *


    ¡°Hey, we need to talk. Before our ships drift too far apart.¡± Domanique rumbled ominously and Duke clenched his teeth. ¡°Fight for what you believe in. Nobody can ask anything more of you.¡± The four-armed Dragon rumbled stoically. ¡°Stop hiding-¡±¡°-I don¡¯t know! I do not know why my family is tearing itself apart.¡± Duke rumbled frightfully and the Minotaur Dragon placed her hand on his chest. ¡°Then follow your own advice. I will be here when you sort things out.¡± She rumbled lovingly, before her Astral body disappeared.


    *


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t change a single thing for me. My objective is still the same.¡± Kenpachi replied, and Mei nodded before her Astral body left. The Enraged Dragon slammed his fist into the wall. ¡°They must think I¡¯m stupid. The timing is too perfect¡­and now he openly means to weaken the Illumoon Dragons and make a failure of General Creed. I am surrounded by traitors. But I can at least trust in the Prince¡¯s information. He would not make an enemy out of me, not when his allies are so few. Yes, nothing has changed for me.¡± Kenpachi deduced, and he strolled past his heavily armed automatons.


    *


    ¡°Look at her Dumas.¡± A tall and muscular man said in disbelief. ¡°Aye, brother. Skies so vast you can barely see the Iron Mountain. We are finally home.¡± The bald general whispered. His teary eyes twinkled, and their ship trembled.


    ¡°We¡¯re breaking formations! We will never reach our destination at this pace.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled, and Fleet Admiral Mokoena snarled. ¡°Fall in line Admiral. We will pierce the planet¡¯s defenses together.¡± He rumbled stoically. ¡°With all due respect, Fleet Admiral, but that will lead to the destruction of the entire armada. A Hub World¡¯s defenses cannot be pierced, they must be bypassed.¡± The Old Dragon rumbled adamantly, and six blimps appeared on their radars.


    Kagiso had just led his own charge, when a visitor appeared on his ship. The Black Dragon split his attention between his uncle¡¯s observation tower, the Fleet Admiral¡¯s war hall and General Creed¡¯s training hall.


    ¡°What is your plan?¡± the strange Dragon asked curiously. Kagiso eyed her suspiciously, before he realised who he was talking to. ¡°You¡¯re Manuel¡¯s beloved? Well, Vera. I intend to follow orders.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled sincerely, and the tiny Dragon laughed hysterically. ¡°Manual told me you would be strange, but he did not paint a clear enough picture.¡± Vera rumbled happily and Kagiso¡¯s Mother Ship continued to sail further away from the armada.


    ¡°Explain yourself.¡± Fleet Admiral Mokoena demanded. ¡°It is as Admiral Granger has stated. My forces and I will bypass the defenses. Then I will send my troops forth to meet with the locals, trade and establish alliances. Nobody parleys like a pirate. And when I have established a base, a palace and trade routes from the centre of the Six-Point Formation, I will balance the scales and end all war between the many tribes. I will usher in an age of Order and Chaos.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled, and the Peacock Dragon¡¯s golden eyes sparkled furiously.


    The Dragons stopped laughing and scowling. They gawked at Kagiso in disbelief, before a thought occurred. ¡°Has he seen something the Supreme Commander hasn¡¯t?¡± a few Dragons whispered, and more vessels followed the newly commissioned Mother Ships. They formed six spears and barreled towards the Hub World.


    ¡°Very, well. We will follow your lead.¡± Fleet Admiral Mokoena rumbled, and he could barely contain his rage. The Dragons gasped, when the General of the Army¡¯s ship was spotted following Laurence¡¯s into battle. ¡°We are going to be stranded on another planet, together. Air your grievances now.¡± Shen rumbled aggressively.


    ¡°Do not be offended by my Lieutenant¡¯s bluntness, Sergeant. Rarely have ones so young obtained such high ranks. We needed to make certain it has not bloated your egos. However, your friend is correct. I will ask you this once more nephew, are you ready to be the centre of our new government?¡± Admiral Granger rumbled with as much authority and pressure as he could muster.


    The Black Dragon smiled confidently. He shared his vision of the future with everyone, and Gloria¡¯s eyes sparkled. Shen scoffed and the senior Dragons exchanged bewildered looks. They turned to the old Dragon, and he laughed hysterically.


    ¡°Then let thy will be done.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled proudly. Kagiso, Raymond and Duke placed their heads together one last time. ¡°Do not let them kill you. Survive and I will secure our victory.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled fearfully. ¡°From now on, you fight for each other. May the Universe be with you three.¡± Admiral Granger prayed before the two brothers left the Black Dragon¡¯s ship.


    ¡°It¡¯s begun.¡± ¡°We¡¯re taking fire.¡± ¡°They are targeting the ships in the rear.¡± ¡°The mortal forces won¡¯t survive this barrage.¡± The voices spoke all at once, and Kagiso winced. He closed his eyes and slowed down his heart rate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long their shields hold, without the rest of the fleet bolstering their defenses.¡± Fleet Admiral Mokoena rumbled maliciously. He stood at the very top of an observation tower with a flat roof.


    The Peacock Dragon placed his hands behind his back and smiled, while glittery artillery shells crashed into Raymond¡¯s energy shields and detonated on impact. The atomic warheads illuminated the titan class Whale Ships and more sparkling beams of light streaked towards the Draconic Armada.

 First contact.

    ¡°Looks like this may be the end for me.¡± Raymond¡¯s Astral body said to his brother. ¡°Don¡¯t give up hope. Hold on for just a few more moments and help will arrive.¡± Kagiso rumbled reassuringly.


    The Three Horned Wyrm clenched his fist and grit his teeth. He looked up at the glittery clouds in the sky. They trembled, wobbled and popped with each impact. Raymond walked over to the edge of his observation tower. He gripped the stone railing tightly and held his breath as the sky became clearer.


    ¡°Lower your energy output. I will bolster your shields.¡± A voice rumbled with a mixture of guilt and frustration. A ship appeared behind the Three Horned Wyrm¡¯s and his brother¡¯s voice echoed in his ears. He trusted the guilty voice and lowered his Mother Ship¡¯s energy output. Ensign Naidoo¡¯s influence washed over the forty-kilometre vessel and fluffy white clouds blanket the sky.


    Fleet Admiral Mokoena and the remaining Mother Ships appeared behind the two vessels. Some streaks of light ricocheted off the watery shields, while the rest detonated on impact. Raymond sighed with relief and peeked through the gap in the clouds.


    ¡°My apologies for worrying you.¡± A middle-aged Dragonheart said sincerely. She wore beautiful white robes and carried a silver sceptre in her left hand. The Three Horned Wyrm opened his mouth to say something and seven more Dragons appeared on his observation tower. Ensign Naidoo frowned at the change in his expression. ¡°Well, Sergeant? How do you intend to breach this planet?¡± the Peacock Dragon rumbled confidently.


    *


    Captains Crane, Feng and Marauder hopped, dashed and flew along the ramparts. They raced past doors to giant laboratories, armouries, factories and storage facilities. The Pirate Lords followed the Black Dragon down the passage and to their right. The titanic figure stepped forward and the space between him and his destination folded.


    ¡°I wish you would conserve your strength. We can make the journey on our own, my Lord.¡± The Pirate Enchantress rumbled and Kagiso chuckled at her concern. ¡°I will be fine, Commodore Feng. Bending the world is now a subconscious act. I am more concerned with you and your forces. A single strike will be enough to obliterate your ships.¡± He rumbled, but the Black Dragon could not mask his fear entirely.


    ¡°With all due respect, my Lord. Only if they land a blow.¡± Marauder rumbled confidently and the group reached the coast with a step. ¡°Yes. You have your orders. Now I await your success. May the Universe be with you, my friends.¡± Kagiso rumbled reverently and the golden glow enveloped the pirates once more. The King¡¯s Blessing notification popped up in front of them and they waved the holo-monitor away with wicked smiles.


    ¡°Hurry up! We are all waiting for you.¡± Bokbaard rumbled bitterly and Feng laughed. ¡°Weigh the anchors and unfurl the sails! Then you will wait no longer.¡± She rumbled happily. The three Pirate Lords vanished and appeared on their ships.


    The Black Dragon spread his arms and flapped once. He fanned a glittery breeze at the fleet of Ghost Ships and his Mother Ship opened her mouth. The fleet took off and sailed over the shimmering and sparkling sea water. They barreled towards the black oval over the horizon, and the bright light at the very centre. The glittery light scanned the fleet as it vanished. The Ghost Ships passed through the veil and sailed through the silent black tunnel on the other side.


    *


    ¡°What are they doing? They are going to crush their ships between us and our objective at this point.¡± Lieutenant Rondo pointed out, and Admiral Granger chuckled. ¡°It would appear that way at first. However, my nephews are Moonglow Dragons. All they need is a moment.¡± The old Dragon rumbled proudly.


    *


    ¡°You are going to rely on your mortals to pry open a gap? Perhaps I was mistaken about you. A bold strategy. One that will result in your immediate dismissal should it fail. Sending mortals to their deaths is akin to murdering them yourself.¡± Fleet Admiral Mokoena rumbled, with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Raymond scoffed.


    ¡°They won¡¯t die, sir. Your forces have not faced this enemy before, but ours have.¡± The Three Horned Wyrm rumbled confidently and the Peacock Dragon spread his wings and tail. The sixty-four golden eyes flashed and Raymond turned his back on him, without a care. ¡°Ready yourselves. We are doubling our speed.¡± He rumbled calmly and Naidoo smiled.


    The Fleet Admiral stepped forward, and his eyes spotted something in the distance. He looked up and frowned at the tiny wooden ships in space. The Dragons brought up their radars with a thought. They flicked through the different scan options, but nothing appeared on their screens.


    ¡°How is this possible?¡± General Creed asked, and Mei let a giggle escape her lips. ¡°My apologies, General. I have learned that is an absurd question to ask these days. Anything is possible with him.¡± The Penguin Dragon rumbled, and her eyes flashed.


    ¡°Tell me, Sergeant. Has the Prince shared a vision with you?¡± General Illumoon rumbled curiously. Kenpachi thought long and hard, before he answered. ¡°Yes. He has.¡± Sergeant Bladeclaw rumbled honestly.


    Twelve highly decorated Dragons gathered on the head of the Bladeclaw clan¡¯s observation tower. They stared at the darkness of space and wondered what their own fates were.


    Fleet Admiral Mokoena watched carefully from his observation tower. His aunt¡¯s Astral body appeared behind him and he closed his wings and tail quickly.


    ¡°Pull yourself together. The Admirals and Vice-Admirals are waiting for you. They are disappointed you did not consider this course, notice or suggest it yourself. Do not let your achievements and your ambitions blind you. The Drakk¡¯N siblings are your allies, not your enemies, Joseph.¡± General Illumoon whispered coldly.


    ¡°Hmph. I appreciate your concern, General. I know very well what my peers think of my promotion. I am not concerned with their envy. Only our victory.¡± The Peacock Dragon replied arrogantly. He turned around and noticed the raised brows and subtle smirks.


    ¡°Are you certain, nephew? When will you learn that some battles are won off the battlefield? Set aside your personal feelings and use everything and everyone at your disposal. For the Universe¡¯s sake, Joseph. Yours should have been the first ship behind Victor¡¯s son¡¯s.¡± General Illumoon scolded and Fleet Admiral Mokoena scowled, before he forced a smile onto his face.


    ¡°Oh, please. I was merely rearranging my formations.¡± The Peacock Dragon lied convincingly. ¡°Hmm, what are they doing now?¡± an old Dragon with blood red scales muttered. General Creed Dragon squinted at the Ghost Ships, before they disappeared. ¡°Impressive.¡± He said and the hundreds of Dragons perched behind him nudged Mei and grinned at her.


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    ¡°He hates complementing-¡±¡°-Admiral issue the order. It seems our forces will be seeing combat sooner than we thought.¡± The Hero of the Civil War ordered, and he smiled eagerly at the horizon.


    The newly commissioned Mother Ships sped up once more. They drifted further away from one another and the streaks of light concentrated most of their fire on the Three Horned Wyrm and the much larger Draconic fleet. The Ghost Ships flew their purple eyed jolly rogers proudly and clouds of Mana erupted from their ships. Hundreds of warships emerged from the glittery mist and they opened fire on the satellites.


    The glittery bone covered machines detected the energy spikes, but it was already too late. The Ghost Ships and their clouds of Mana slipped through the gaps their allies had pried open and the Draconic Fleet had just sped up their charge. The satellites locked onto the Mother Ships again and the ground to space cannons continued their barrage.


    ¡°By the Universe. Forget the war, we can leave the future in their hands.¡± Commander Buchu rumbled, and she placed her palms together. The heavily armed Deer Dragon prayed for everyone¡¯s¡¯ safety, while the Dragons checked their radars again.


    Suddenly, six blimps appeared on the holographic screens. The Dragon Guard¡¯s eyes bulged, and they spotted the Black Dragon himself. He stood on the bow, raised his omni-gun and a black magical circle expanded instantly. Kagiso aimed carefully, before he fired a bright purple ball of energy.


    The Black Dragon watched as the glittery shells broke against his ship¡¯s shields. He looked through the holo-sights and marked his targets. His vessel¡¯s eyes shone, hundreds of Void Spells expanded, and the ship fired a barrage of purple spheres. The orbs devoured the white streaks and ballooned slowly. The satellites fired at them and they grew exponentially.


    The volatile spheres erased everything in their path and legless stone statues materialised suddenly. The sentries held up mirrors, and the purple spheres shrunk mysteriously. The dimensional fields collapsed and the reflective surfaces devoured the mysterious cannon balls. The ripples settled and bubbles formed on the surface. The energy balls grew within the mirror dimensions until they could no longer be contained. The building sized reflective ovals burst open, and the explosion destroyed the sentries holding them.


    ¡°I agree Commander. They have entered the realm of the unknown. From here on, we will look to them for guidance and they will rely on us for support.¡± The old Dragon rumbled reverently. ¡°So, we have been chosen to protect the prince.¡± Major Falke realised. ¡°And to eliminate his foes.¡± He added sinisterly and the Ghost Ships entered the Hub world¡¯s airspace. They switched off their engines and plummeted to the planet¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Then you should tell him about the prophecy. High Priestess Thandi foresaw this Event.¡± The Deer Dragon rumbled warily and Admiral Granger shook his head. ¡°The Prince¡¯s fate balances on a blade¡¯s edge. He must decide his own path and we must witness it.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled with a heavy heart.


    Kagiso clapped his hands and four hundred and eighty-two Mana fields sparkled like stars. They multiplied quickly and projected illusions of the six spears. The Dragon Guard roared and cheered at the sight of tens of thousands of green dots on their radars.


    ¡°Get ready to fire!¡± General Creed barked. ¡°Not-¡±¡°-I know your majesty. We shall not waste this opportunity.¡± The Hero of the Civil War Dragon rumbled confidently. The Black Dragon vanished and appeared on the bow of his ship. He closed his eyes and watched the Ghost Ships carefully. Kagiso opened his eyes and snapped his fingers. The mortal forces and the illusionary fleets raised their energy signatures.


    ¡°Open fire! Blast them out of space!¡± General Creed rumbled and the Mother Ships fired their cannons. A myriad of colours sparkled, before a wave of Draconic warheads obliterated, incinerated and annihilated the satellites and sentries.


    ¡°Do you see that?¡± ¡°They cannot absorb physical attacks.¡± ¡°Look carefully.¡± ¡°Aye, report it.¡± The analysts whispered to one another. ¡°General Creed-¡±¡°-we see it.¡± The Hero of the Civil War replied calmly. The satellites drifted towards the gaps pried open by the warships and patched them up. The Mana fields ballooned, interlocked and disappeared quickly. The Ghost Ships pulled up and the six fleets drifted off in different directions.


    ¡°Now! Now!¡± Feng ordered. The drones the pirates had released while falling appeared and formed large circular formations. They flew clockwise and Mana fields swelled in the centre. The inter-dimensional spheres in the centre of the illusionary fleets became rings, and the improvised Warp Gates were linked together.


    ¡°Drop your shields and make haste!¡± the Black Dragon rumbled, and his doppelg?ngers spread their arms. His Astral bodies ballooned and the two-kilometre-tall illusions drew most of the artillery fire. The Dragon Guard hesitated, while General Creed and Admiral Granger did so immediately. ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± General Illumoon roared at her army.


    Two spears increased their energy output and sped towards the Warp Gates. They pulled ahead, pierced the centre of the gates, and emerged facing different directions. The four remaining spears dropped their shields, just as Kagiso¡¯s illusions shrunk. They sped up, avoided the oncoming fire and barely made it through to the other side. The doppelg?ngers self-destructed and the tunnels of Mana collapsed.


    ¡°Hmph. Sloppy.¡± Fleet Admiral Mokoena scoffed and General Ironhide laughed. ¡°This was a fine breach, compared to your first siege. And that was merely an island. I commend the Prince for guiding our scalpel past the enemy¡¯s defences. He did not lose a single ship, and He illuminated the faults We will spackle over once we have retaken this planet.¡± The Old Dragon rumbled eagerly.


    ¡°Indeed, Fleet Admiral. They have set the precedence. Make certain you maintain a line of communication. My position will not be compromised by your inability to secure the north.¡± General Creed rumbled threateningly. The Black Dragon looked around and his Pirate Lords appeared beside his Mother Ship.


    ¡°Excellent work. Drink the day and the night away, but be prepared come morning. Our destination is a month¡¯s journey away and I want as much distance between us and our allies as possible. Theirs are battles I do not envy.¡± Kagiso instructed and the Pirate Lords laughed.


    ¡°Is that why we¡¯re sailing towards the continent of Demi-Gods?¡± GoldJack asked happily. ¡°Not to mention the magical tree they are probably guarding.¡± Crane pointed out with a menacing glare and the Pirate Lords¡¯ laughs became more sinister. They sailed through the black tunnel and their eyes glowed red.


    *


    Raymond and Duke checked their radars. Their brother¡¯s ship made one last blimp, before he disappeared towards the south. The two waved their hands and the blue screens turned a dull shade of yellow. They scanned the area and dozens of large energy signatures, that were surrounded by hundreds of thousands of much smaller red dots, approached them quickly.


    ¡°Thank you, sergeant, but that will be all. Fall in line.¡± Fleet Admiral Mokoena rumbled aggressively and the Three Horned Wyrm smiled. ¡°Aye, aye, Feet Admiral.¡± He replied politely and his Mother Ship followed the bulk of the Draconic fleet to the north.


    ¡°Ha! Here they come. To battle!¡± General Creed rumbled happily. He raised his great hammer and let out a mad roar. ¡°And that¡¯s our cue. Let¡¯s haul arse! I do not want to be caught between Creed and his anvil.¡± General Illumoon rumbled warily and her fleet sailed south as well.


    ¡°Lead the way, sergeant. You have guided us this far.¡± General Ironhide rumbled proudly. Duke turned his Mother Ship to the east, and he glanced at his radars. ¡°The east, the west¡­no, they are coming from the north.¡± The four-armed Dragon deduced.


    ¡°You sound disappointed.¡± Raymond joked. ¡°Good luck. He will most certainly place you on the front lines.¡± Duke said and the Three Horned Wyrm heard the concern in his voice. ¡°Aye, but our selfish little brother made us swear to survive. So, I will. No matter what.¡± Raymond declared calmly.


    Mei gave Laurence one last hug, before his Astral body disappeared and his mantis ship headed west. She closed her eyes and her drones formed a defensive perimeter around her Mother Ship. The Penguin Dragon shook her head in disbelief.


    Thousands of giant men and women had already lined up in their formations. They charged, and the golden eyed machines spotted the hundreds of much taller men and women, in golden suits of armour, behind them as well as the kilometre tall generals. The largest of the Demi-Gods stood on a sky island with the tip of their sword planted in the ground.


    ¡°And here I was hoping to hold a private meeting with the Prince.¡± General Illumoon said with a smile. ¡°You have made a grave error¡­Dragon.¡± A seven-hundred-metre-tall giant said confidently. His voice was a deafeningly loud boom, and his presence seared their souls.


    Khanyi let out a high-pitched laugh. She strode across the bow of her ship and fired her omni-gun. The Demi-God winced and the Dragonbone bullet pierced his heart. It burrowed deep inside his soul and set it alight. The giant roared as flames burst out of his eyes and his skin cracked.


    ¡°You have delayed my plans and irritated me. Underestimated and bored me. You are nothing like the texts described. A pale imitation. Tell me something, Demi-God. What would your people do if mine discovered divinity? Slaughter them! We only need one of them alive for questioning.¡± General Illumoon rumbled and the Demi-Gods were stabbed from behind or shot at point blank range. The giants in golden armour looked around in shock, they locked on to their targets and they vanished without a trace.


    ¡°Defensive formations!¡± a Demi-Goddess bellowed, and the one-kilometre-tall giant raised her sword. She swung her blade and unleashed a tidal wave of glittery light. The blindingly bright energy obliterated the bone bullet and healed those that had been wounded.


    A chariot darted by, and Khanyi smiled. She drew her sword, vanished and dodged the fiery strike aimed at her neck. The Crystal Dragon fired a quick volley before she returned to her ship and raised her sword as well. The golden gates to her palace opened and millions of War-Droids and drones poured out.

 Divine sacrilege.

    General Illumoon snapped two sections off the barrel of her omni-gun. She attached the two Dragonbone pyramids beneath the weapon and the Demi-God frowned at the sparks of electricity that bound the cubed bases together.


    Khanyi held the firearm close to her right hip. She flapped, vanished and appeared to the giant warrior¡¯s right. A hail of purple bullets burst out of the centre of the Death Spell and the Demi-God raised her golden shield.


    ¡°Fool.¡± General Illumoon muttered and the neon purple bullets punched right through her energy fields, before they annihilated her golden round shield. ¡°What-¡± the giant said before her body crumbled mysteriously. The smaller giant men and women exchanged bewildered expressions. They expected their comrade to return, but nothing happened.


    The Demi-Gods glanced at the spherical drones, before they realised that they were in fact giant eyeballs covered in what appeared to be chitin plated armour. Their golden irises flashed and thousands of black magical circles expanded. The bone plated automatons raised their arms and thousands of black circles spread across the sky. The giant men and women turned around and ran. General Illumoon raised her omni-gun, fired and a storm of purple bullets rain down from the sky.


    *


    ¡°It is early spring. The year is 2224, and we have successfully breached the seventh Hub World. A planet crafted by the Council¡¯s influence. The Land of Iron Mountains. We are currently on our way to the largest continent in the southern hemisphere. There, my people will find what they are fighting for and I will find what I have been living for. I do not know how many entries this will have by the end of my journey. Perhaps this will be the first and the last.¡± Kagiso said before he waved the holographic monitor away. He turned around and eight Dragons appeared on his observation tower.


    ¡°Where are they going?¡± Granger asked, and he watched Feng¡¯s crew load crates onto their Ghost Ships. ¡°To every significant landmass we pass by. They will be our eyes and ears.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled proudly. ¡°You would leave such an important task to mortals? They will betray us or flee in the face of the enemy?¡± Major Falke rumbled with disappointment.


    ¡°As they should. Self-preservation is a sign of intelligence.¡± Kagiso rumbled jovially and the old Dragon chuckled. ¡°It would be more effective to send me and a small platoon. We could perform a deep scan of every island, cove and continent in hours and cover our tracks. If pursuers are what you are afraid of.¡± The Fox Dragon rumbled confidently.


    ¡°We need a small independent force. One that regularly studies patrol routes, avoids enemy detection, infiltrates settlements and poses as merchants and smugglers from other Hub Worlds. My pirates will gather information on this planet and its history, local politics and any defensive installations on the way to our destination. There is no need to be concerned and do not underestimate them.¡± The Black Dragon explained.


    The eight Dragons watched carefully. Kagiso flapped his wings, and Feng¡¯s ships unfurled their sails. The glittery golden breeze sent the Ghost Ships on their way and the Mother Ship opened her mouth. Bokbaard and GoldJack stumbled out of the tavern. They made their way to their ships and their respective quarters to sober up.


    ¡°Most¡­of the time.¡± Kagiso added, and he desperately held his laughter back. Falke rolled her eyes and turned to Admiral Granger. The old Dragon swayed back and forth, with a large grin. She scowled at him and he accidentally met her gaze.


    ¡°My apologies, Major. Our distance is still a destination away and nothing quenches my thirst, like Lord GoldJack¡¯s brew.¡± Admiral Granger slurred with a delighted chuckle and the five hundred Mother Ships left the Ghost Ships behind. They continued south, while Feng and her small fleet vanished into thin air.


    Two days passed by slowly and the next wave of pirates left the Black Dragon¡¯s Mother Ship. Bokbaard, GoldJack and the ever-jovial Captain Siltspit vanished and sailed to their respective destinations. Kagiso deployed his forces every two days for eighteen nerve rackingly silent weeks. Then, the first reports came in.


    ¡°This is Commodore Feng. My Lord, can you hear me?¡± the Pirate Enchantress asked as she scanned the observation tower. Kagiso¡¯s Astral body appeared on the tower and she let out a sigh of relief. The six senior officers appeared, accompanied by Shen and Gloria. ¡°I am here, Commodore. How are you?¡± the Black Dragon asked politely.


    ¡°Exhausted. Frustrated. Envious that I am so far away from the Cliff and the tavern. A day with the settlers and outcasts of this land is like¡­life before we met you. I see my younger self in their eyes, scared, angry and alone. The rest are as shady as they come. The villages and towns are nothing more than refugee camps, with very few settlements that have any decent infrastructure. You would swear these people just arrived here and none of them match the description Dumas and his people gave us. However, pain and fear were not all I felt. There were children and adults filled with hatred, rage and despair.¡± Feng rumbled cautiously, and Kagiso sighed.


    ¡°It is as you feared. The people you foresaw were displaced by the Demi-Gods¡¯ arrival. Such a rampant disregard for life and the Great Cycle.¡± The old Dragon rumbled sympathetically. ¡°May I ask when you foresaw these people and why you kept it to yourselves?¡± Shen asked with a hint of skepticism and irritation.


    ¡°It was a dream. Not all visions are clear and not all are seen consciously.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled and the eight Dragons saw flashes of what he had dreamed. Faceless men and women in tattered and dirty clothes stared at the blindingly bright party of stranger. They eyed the newcomers¡¯ carriage suspiciously and some hid at the sight of their swords and guns.


    The pedestrians ran off the gravel road and into the stone buildings on either side, before wooden shutters and doors were slammed shut. Beams of light streaked down the road and the sound of intense fighting could be heard, while blood trickled down the windowpane.


    ¡°Memories of the future? You can see the world from another¡¯s eyes?¡± Gloria asked with surprise. ¡°Is it because they are all mortals? The observer¡¯s perspective is too short for them to be a Dragonheart or a Demi-God in disguise. Hmm. I suppose such a vision would be open to interpretation.¡± Shen added.


    ¡°The future also becomes unclear once mortality is involved. Almost as if it is easier to determine our fates than theirs.¡± Kagiso rumbled happily. He turned around and noticed the hopeful expression on Commodore Feng¡¯s face. Then a thought occurred to her. ¡°What would one have to do to set their future in stone?¡± the pirate enchantress asked, before she could stop herself and to her shock, the Black Dragon answered.


    ¡°One would need the power to protect their people and the secrets of the Universe to tip the balance in their favour, as well as the will to remain the hero of their story until the very end.¡± Kagiso rumbled honestly. Feng stared at the eight Dragons and they all nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I am a pirate, my Lord. Of all people to trust with that¡­have you gone mad? Humans, Elves and Dwarves would betray you if it meant we could take your place¡­and you would share the path to successorship freely?¡± the Pirate Enchantress rumbled with disappointment and the Black Dragon laughed.


    ¡°Absolutely. We have no need for talentless and ambitionless people and this is as much a race to the throne for us as it is for you all.¡± Kagiso rumbled confidently to the men and women sponsored by the five hundred Dragons heading south. Feng looked around and she noticed the determined expressions on the Astral bodies, besides, in front and behind her. Some glared at her and the rest ignored her. The Pirate Enchantress looked at the much taller, brighter, hotter and louder psychic apparitions in front of her. They wore highly decorated suits of armour or luxurious robes and carried powerful weapons and trinkets.


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    ¡°Forgive me. It seems I still have quite some way to go, before I take your place.¡± Feng rumbled humbly and the Black Dragon couldn¡¯t contain his laughter. The mortal Astral bodies, on the other hand, were not amused. They glared and stared daggers at the beautiful psychic apparition and the glittery golden orb where her heart should have been.


    The next few reports came in and the five hundred Dragons studied them carefully. They shared the information with their people and they marked each location on their maps. The pirates sent images, videos, audio files and detailed descriptions of various customs and traditions. They infiltrated the drug trade and sent detailed reports of their routes, wares, manufacturing processes and territories. The pirates sent medical reports and colourful clouds spread across entire islands as they documented more cases of various outbreaks.


    ¡°How could the Demi-Gods let these settlements fall into such disrepair?¡± the Parrot Dragon asked angrily. ¡°I have seen something similar in my time. Dragons that believed we were above mortals. The so-called guardians of those lands had little regard for anything and anyone that did not further their own ambitions. These outcasts and these islands remind me of that shameful past.¡± Commander Buchu rumbled regretfully and the senior officers grumbled and sighed.


    ¡°My apologies. I did not mean to sour the mood.¡± The Deer Dragon said, with a sad smile. ¡°No, no. You have nothing to apologise for. History is repeating itself. We can only hope that the Gods come to the same conclusion we did.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled solemnly. ¡°Fortunately for us, some already have. Finding them is the problem.¡± Kagiso rumbled optimistically and another report came in.


    The Dragons and the exhausted Astral bodies memorized every detail of the stone temple in the middle of a grassy clearing.


    *


    Captain GoldJack and his crew scanned the shadows hiding behind the surrounding tree line. The GoldJack Pirates vanished and their captain strolled into the building.


    ¡°I am surprised there are still those who practice their faith. It would make sense that they would hide it from the other outcasts. But what does this mean? Are they outcasts or are they devout followers? Or are they followers of a competing god? Something is amiss.¡± GoldJack thought, and he scowled at the statue of a muscular man. The figure had a club in his right hand and a bow in his left.


    The Dwarven Pirate Lord scanned the holes in the ceiling and someone ducked behind cover. He scoffed and shook his head. GoldJack ignored the pounding hearts, and the stifled heavy breathing. He heard a subtle cough, a wheeze and the incessant sound of fingernails scratching skin.


    ¡°Keep your distance until we know what ails them. Sicknesses and medicines are the Blood Sucker¡¯s and the Plague Doctor¡¯s expertise. Fan out, but keep an eye on the coast. There is nothing for us here.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Lord ordered and his crew¡¯s energy signatures disappeared over the dark horizon. He opened his eyes, drew his cutlass and raised it high above his head.


    ¡°No! Please.¡± An old man pleaded, and he tossed the dagger away. ¡°Please¡­do not destroy It.¡± The old man whispered as he kneeled. ¡°Why? Your god has abandoned you. Why do you cling to a hollow effigy?¡± the Dwarven Pirate Lord asked angrily.


    ¡°Why have you come here? Were you sent to torment us? Have you come to chase us off these lands as well? We are not fighters. We are not magicians. Please, just¡­leave us be.¡± The old man begged.


    ¡°Hmm. I will not. This temple is poisonous and your people are dying. I cannot in all good conscience leave corpses behind. Especially those of children.¡± GoldJack replied, and he swung his sword at blinding speed. The broken ceiling erupted and the dimensional field around the temple popped. The followers blinked, and the statue changed. The old man gasped at the bullheaded god sitting on a throne. His head rolled off, and the statue shattered.


    A woman screamed, and several men shouted in terror. The old man turned around and hurried to the entrance. He looked out into the bloody swamp and his shoulders dropped.


    ¡°I do not know who you were praying to, but they were not your god.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Lord said sadly, while the men, women and children snapped out of the trance. They screamed at their wounds, inspected their boils and ripped out their piercings. The entranced people waded through the pools of blood, slipped and fell head first. Many followers of the false god held their friends down to prevent them from tearing away at their own skin.


    ¡°Let go! Let go of me!¡± ¡°What have you done? What have you done?¡± ¡°Stop laughing! Stop laughing!¡± ¡°Let him go!¡± ¡°Unhand him, Roy!¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± ¡°Kill the filth!¡± ¡°Burn him!¡± the men and women shouted and screamed. Fights broke out and GoldJack frowned. ¡°You!¡± a bearded man roared, and he pointed at the old priest. The bearded man waded through the bloody swamp. and he charged at the temple¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t know.¡± The old man whimpered. ¡°You made murderers out of us! Vermin! I ought to wring your leathery neck-¡±¡°-hold on, friend. What is the meaning of this?¡± the Dwarven Pirate Lord asked and he pointed his gun at the bearded man. ¡°Moloch! Moloch! Give me back my son!¡± a woman screamed, and she fell to her knees. ¡°Stop it, Rebecca. Jonah¡¯s gone. He¡¯s gone.¡± another woman replied, and she consoled the heartbroken mother.


    ¡°You said that He would save them. You lied to us and now¡­the God of Sacrifice. Our children¡­¡± the bearded man muttered before his lip quivered and his eyes teared up. GoldJack griped his sword and his gun tightly, when the light faded from his eyes. The man charged at the old priest and the Dwarven Pirate Lord pulled the trigger.


    ¡°Argh! Finish it!¡± the bearded man roared as he clutched his right knee. ¡°Is that really what you want? You have already thrown away their lives. Would you forsake their souls as well? Are you willing to let this Demi-God or Demon claim victory, even in death?¡± GoldJack asked and the bearded man crawled towards him. He reached out, grabbed the barrel of the flintlock pistol and placed it against his forehead.


    ¡°Pitiful. Nothing here at all.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Lord said angrily and he pried his gun free swiftly. GoldJack vanished. He left the swampy clearing behind and traveled west for hours.


    ¡°Cap¡¯n, we have company.¡± ¡°And they look like they mean business.¡± Two young Dwarves said giddily. The Dwarven Pirate Lord scowled at the ships in the distance. ¡°Capture them and take everything. I have had enough of this place already. We are not heroes, we are pirates. Let us give them something real to fear.¡± GoldJack ordered menacingly, and the pirates emerged from the treetops. They dashed, vanished, landed on crystal stepping stones held in place by their Mana and dashed again. The pirates roared and snarled as they made their way towards the wooden ships in the distance.


    ¡°Bandits!¡± a woman wearing a skull mask shouted. The cultists leaned over the taffrails and their blood turned to ice. ¡°Fire the cannons! Raise the shields! Do not let them board this ship!¡± a cultist bellowed. He wore a turban, red robes and thick leather boots. The High Priest blew the trumpet and raised his staff. The cultists unfurled their sails and revealed the image of a bull with human hands above a cauldron of fire.


    ¡°Hmm. They are too well armed to be bandits and the slavers aren¡¯t due for another week. Pull back Captain. I wish to see how these bandits fight.¡± A High Priestess remarked, and she crossed her legs. GoldJack laughed and the High Priestess sat up right. A ship was cleaved in two and large holes were blasted through another. ¡°Retreat!¡± she screamed, but it was too late.


    The pirates descended on the cultists in split seconds. The masked men and women blinked and the rogues had boarded their ships. They pointed their guns and gently placed their blades against their throats.


    ¡°Bandits? Now that¡¯s just insulting. Pirates have rules. You cannot compare us to bandit scum.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Lord assured the High Priestess. ¡°Indeed, it seems I have misjudged you. Well then, pirate. What will it be, pleasure or power?¡± the masked woman asked seductively and GoldJack laughed so hard his belly shook.


    ¡°I have both in spades and need neither from the likes of you. No, I will only spare you if you tell me everything about your organization and your powers. And don¡¯t leave out a single detail.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Lord said and the High Priestess snarled. He glared at her and orbs of light formed in his pupils. The High Priestess¡¯ shoulders dropped, when the light from GoldJack¡¯s eyes shone like floodlights. His head vibrated and a strange heat radiated from his body. The pirates chuckled, giggled and laughed. They watched the cultists flee at a snail¡¯s pace and charged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep me waiting.¡± GoldJack said calmly. However, his voice sounded like deafeningly loud gibberish. The High Priestess blinked and her cult members had been cut down. Corpses were strewn about and blood trickled overboard. The pirates sheathed their weapons and she let out a gasp.


    ¡°What are you?¡± the High Priestess whispered. ¡°We are freedom incarnate. Now do not make me ask you again.¡± The Dwarven Pirate Lord said and his crew appeared behind him.


    *


    The Dragons massaged their necks and rolled their shoulders. They nodded at each other and their Astral bodies disappeared until only a handful remained on the Black Dragon¡¯s observation tower.


    ¡°We have altered our course again. It is no coincidence that we have not run into any enemies. You need to rest.¡± Gloria rumbled caringly and Kagiso nodded. ¡°I will. It is almost the end of spring. I never thought I would miss the Flower Festival.¡± He replied and the Parrot Dragon stood beside him. She traced his strained gaze and looked up at the sky as well.


    ¡°You could sail to any part of the Universe and no one would fault you for it. In fact, I would be the first to defend you. You would be free to do as you please where ever you rest your head. Why stay with people that would use and discard you? Why do you fight for us?¡± Gloria rumbled curiously.


    ¡°That¡¯s twice now I have been asked to run away with someone.¡± The Black Dragon joked. ¡°Oh, please. My heart belongs to one person only.¡± Gloria replied and Kagiso smiled. ¡°So does mine. Only I have not met her yet.¡± He rumbled frightfully and the Parrot Dragon turned to him in shock. The other Dragons glanced at each other at the revelation. Some frowned in disbelief, some smiled and the rest turned back to their monitors with a smile.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Gloria said with a giggle, and she looked up at the sky again. A golden light pierced the dark gray clouds. The glittery ray shone on the Black Dragon and alleviated some of his fatigue. His eyelids felt lighter and his migraine faded away.


    ¡°I will help you in any way I can. But what we are going to do is nothing short of the Council¡¯s dirty work. Stitching societies and houses together. Manipulating events and people to reach a favourable outcome. No wonder you detested our families as children.¡± The Parrot Dragon rumbled bitterly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not entirely their fault. They were made to fit certain molds, and those players served their role. But now they are lost and in desperate need of a new destination.¡± Kagiso rumbled sympathetically.


    ¡°I thought so. You are trying to force Their hand. I have been wondering, though. Do They truly control the system? Some days I feel like a child and this world is our playground, and others I am a toy in cruel hands.¡± Gloria rumbled hopefully and hopelessly. The Black Dragon chuckled, before he laughed uncontrollably.


    Kagiso waved his hand, and the golden rays faded away. The clouds shifted and an artificial moon shone down on them. The moonlight illuminated the flowery meadows. Bright neon blue and purple petals glowed and the two Dragons looked down. Gloria gasped when she saw the shadow of a boy running through the flowers.


    ¡°You are closer to the truth than you realise.¡± The Black Dragon replied, and he laughed at the shadow¡¯s amusement. The Parrot Dragon turned to Kagiso and opened her mouth, but he simply placed a finger to his lips and pointed at the boy.


    Gloria looked down again, but the boy was gone. She scanned the meadows, spotted his footsteps and sighed with relief. The duo watched the Shadow of the King play in the flowers all night without saying a word to one another.

 Love at first sight.

    ¡°It is early summer. The solstice is approaching quickly, along with the new year and we have sailed past the dimensional fields erected by the Demi-Gods safely. It was strange how their domains expanded and contracted as if they were breathing. I doubt the Generals and Admirals will have the same luck. I have taken it upon myself to rest, since we will not be changing course for the rest of my journey, wherever it may lead me. The fiery grave of a traitor or a golden mausoleum befitting a king. Only time will tell. Tomorrow I will embark alone on a journey to the Southern Continent. The home of the World Tree and her caretaker.¡± Kagiso said, and he stared at the transcript of the audio log.


    ¡°Land ho!¡± a Dragon called out. ¡°Excellent, that must be the archipelago your people described.¡± Commander Buchu said as she stared across the horizon. ¡°And again, no signs of life.¡± Lieutenant Rondo remarked. ¡°The pirates reported that the locals were too afraid to venture south. I did not expect the Demi-Gods to be amongst their numbers.¡± Lieutenant Commander Kruger admitted, with a long stretch.


    The Deer and Wolf Dragons stared at the tired Owl Dragon. He adjusted his robes, turned his head the wrong way round, and stretched his back. Lieutenant Commander Kruger grew a hundred and fifty meters taller, before he compressed like a spring and returned to his original size.


    ¡°I cannot stand it when you do that in public.¡± The Falcon Dragon said. ¡°Who?¡± Kruger joked, and Falke rolled her eyes. ¡°It is absurdly quiet though.¡± The Owl Dragon added. He closed his eyes and stared at the horizon.


    ¡°Quiet or peaceful? Nature¡¯s creations rarely care for our struggles. And in the absence of our presence, they are left to flourish and grow.¡± Gloria rumbled reverently and Lieutenant Commander Kruger listened carefully. He heard billions of tiny wings flapping, quiet voices grunting, paws rustling, hooves trampling and heart beating.


    ¡°Ensign Mokoena¡¯s right. These lands are still teeming with life. Should we not build a supply base here as a precautionary measure?¡± The Owl Dragon asked, and Shen nodded. ¡°It also means you can finally fall back and get some rest.¡± He added, with relief. ¡°There will be no need to build a supply base here once I have reached the shore and met our contact.¡± Kagiso replied calmly.


    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± The Parrot Dragon asked quickly. ¡°It is as The Prince said. He and He alone will sail to the southern continent.¡± Admiral Granger replied and the five hundred Dragons glared at the senior officers.


    ¡°The Prince?¡± the Azure Dragon asked with a scoff. ¡°Pray tell, friend. What else are you keeping from us?¡± he rumbled with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. ¡°More than I care to admit. I carry the burden of knowing, Shen. Would you have me carry the burden of guilt as well?¡± The Black Dragon rumbled spitefully. ¡°Kagiso!¡± the Terrier Dragon scolded.


    ¡°If we are to continue, then we must divulge the truth. You were all carefully chosen for this mission. This is no mere war party. We are the vassals, lords and allies of the future Dragon King. That is why we were made the central pillar, that is why our position is nestled near The World Tree.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled carefully. The Azure Dragon turned to Gloria, and she looked away guiltily.


    ¡°So, you trusted the scouting to your forces, you took it upon yourself to guide us to the enemy¡¯s and now you alone are going to carve out a foothold in enemy territory? You are either the most paranoid Dragon I have ever met, or the most arrogant.¡± Shen rumbled with a mixture of disappointment and anger.


    ¡°Remember, Sergeant. This is a peacekeeping mission. We should not regard the southern continent as enemy territory, but as our new home.¡± The old Dragon rumbled hopefully. ¡°The future¡­King?¡± ¡°A new central government?¡± ¡°This is treason.¡± ¡°Is it?¡± ¡°Do we not have the Council¡¯s blessing?¡± The Dragons debated and the Azure Dragon sucked his teeth and looked away.


    ¡°Go. We can convince the others to join our side. We would have had to, anyway. So, what if it is a day sooner?¡± Admiral Granger advised. ¡°Thank you, uncle.¡± The Black Dragon replied before his Astral body left the old Dragon¡¯s observation tower.


    The Dragons argued for hours. The sun set and night fell. Only then were the last few voices silenced and brought into the fold. The Terrier, Deer, Falcon, Owl and Tortoise Dragons gathered for one final meeting.


    ¡°And in the end, none truly objected.¡± Commander Buchu said with an exhausted sigh. ¡°Once they had the memories to justify their excuses. Cowards.¡± Lieutenant Rondo rumbled angrily.


    ¡°We have just asked them to gamble their clans¡¯ futures and their ambitions for a possibility. We should not blame them for seeking impunity.¡± Lieutenant Kruger rumbled empathetically. ¡°Aye, but can we rely on allies that expect us to fail?¡± Lieutenant Rondo asked skeptically. ¡°That depends entirely on whether our Prince can execute his plan. His achievements will make believers out of them.¡± Admiral Granger rumbled proudly.


    *


    Two days passed by quietly. Kagiso stood on his observation deck and stared at the distant shore nervously. His chest tightened, and he inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. The Black Dragon tilted his head back and stargazed.


    ¡°My life has been one long obstacle. What about yours? Has your existence been as troublesome as mine?¡± Kagiso wondered as his Mother Ship drew nearer to the coast. ¡°You are more powerful than I foresaw. Unless you weren¡¯t the one who erected this barrier.¡± The Black Dragon added, and he scanned the glittery dome around the entire continent.


    Kagiso folded the path before him and stepped forward. His golden boots touched the beach sand, and he looked around. The Black Dragon reached out and touched the dense Mana field. He closed his eyes and passed through the veil.


    Kagiso opened his eyes and chuckled. He stared at the beach, the ocean and his Mother Ship on the other side of the veil. The Black Dragon turned around and scanned the grassy plains beyond the shore. He spotted the river in the distance and the forest on the other side of its western bank.


    ¡°This looks like the place we meet. I hope I didn¡¯t drift too far south. No, this is the eastern coast, and the river is right there. I suppose I just wander around aimlessly now.¡± Kagiso muttered and walked up the hill.


    ¡°These beaches do not look so small anymore. They used to be daunting as a child. On rainy days, they looked like desolate wastelands. Salty swamps that drowned unsuspecting children. During summers, they were unbearably hot. I should be sharing this with you.¡± The Back Dragon said with an embarrassed laugh.


    ¡°By the Universe man, what are you doing?¡± Kagiso scolded, before a shiver ran down his spine. A red light flashed in the corner of his right eye and he spun around. The Black Dragon watched as an abnormally tall woman grew instantly. He crossed his arms, blocked and her shoulder barged into his shields. The glittery crystal bricks cracked and the giant woman drove him a hundred meters back.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Ha! Wow, you are strong.¡± Kagiso said with a smile. The giant woman raised her head and the short braids in front of her face parted slightly. She revealed four pitch black eyes and the Black Dragon frowned.


    ¡°Leave! Now!¡± Anansi screamed, before an explosion of Mana burst out of her body. Kagiso vanished and appeared a safe distance away. However, he had appeared further inland. A high-pitched ring forced the Demi-Goddess to her knees and she let out a piercing scream. The Black Dragon blinked and found himself standing in the Void. He magnified his vision and spotted a gray silhouette on the horizon. The figure pointed at the coast, disappeared and eight purple suns rose slowly.


    Kagiso snapped out of the trance. A red light flashed, and his body tensed up. Anansi landed a heavy right straight and cracked his mask. The Black Dragon blinked and the red-light flashed again. He ducked beneath the wild swing and narrowly dodged the heel stomp.


    ¡°Did she get bigger?¡± Kagiso wondered, while the armour on his back bulged. He spread a pair of armour-plated wings, flapped and vanished. The Black Dragon swallowed his head. His snout grew longer, his legs shorter and his back more hunched over. He fell onto all fours and dove to the side at incredible speed. The Demi-Goddess¡¯ fist came crashing down with a thunderous impact.


    ¡°Too slow.¡± Kagiso said, and his golden armour crept over his head. He donned his helmet and dodged everything Anansi threw at him. ¡°Go¡­cursed¡­¡± the Demi-Goddess boomed, before she flew into another rage induced rampage. ¡°I know, but I refuse to leave you.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled caringly. Silver humanoid machines, similar to the Dragons¡¯ automatons, appeared suddenly. They restrained the two-kilometer-tall woman, and Kagiso appeared before her.


    ¡°No¡­time¡­leave. Please. I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± Anansi pleaded. ¡°You will, but that is inevitable if you care about someone. But do not worry, I am not fragile. Let me help you.¡± The Black Dragon rumbled sincerely. He reached out and the Demi-Goddess looked up. She made eye contact with the Kagiso and her smile faded away. All eight of her eyes opened fully and the Sentinels were annihilated mysteriously.


    *


    ¡°It¡¯s been two days.¡± Gloria said impatiently as she paced back and forth. ¡°I agree, but Kagiso said he would contact us in less than a week, and it has only been two days.¡± Shen replied. ¡°My apologies, I meant The Prince.¡± He added with a scoff.


    ¡°He is my friend. Not a political tool, nor a religious idol. I grew up with him. He has an open mind, a warm heart and the freest spirit. We used to prank our elders and trick our siblings together. I care nothing for conniving schemes or hollow titles. I only care that my friend is safe.¡± The Parrot Dragon scolded, and she left the Azure Dragon¡¯s ship.


    ¡°Wait, where are you going?¡± Shen¡¯s Astral body asked and Gloria left the formation. ¡°I am sailing to the southern continent.¡± The Parrot Dragon announced and the senior officers turned to her. ¡°Excuse you?¡± the Owl Dragon asked, but the Parrot Dragon was already gone.


    ¡°Please stop her from doing anything that could jeopardize the mission.¡± Admiral Granger requested and Commander Buchu nodded humbly, before she vanished. ¡°I am going with them.¡± Shen said, before he vanished as well. ¡°Wait! By the Universe, how can we lead long lives and be so impatient?¡± the Terrier Dragon rumbled tiredly.


    ¡°Return to your position, Ensign Mokoena. We have not received our orders yet.¡± The Deer Dragon advised, and Gloria glared at her. ¡°Is that all you do? Wait for orders? No, Sam. I cannot just sit and wait. I will gladly suffer the consequences of my actions.¡± The Parrot Dragon rumbled sincerely and the Azure Dragon hung his head. He opened his mouth to say something, and Admiral Granger appeared on their observation towers.


    ¡°Very well, but you are to act as scouts and nothing more. I will arrest you and strip you of your positions if you ever disobey an order again.¡± The Terrier Dragon rumbled threateningly, and Commander Buchu smiled. ¡°Yes, Admiral.¡± She replied, and the irritated Astral bodies disappeared.


    ¡°We can make it in a day if we hurry.¡± Gloria said excitedly. ¡°Slow down. Getting scanned off the coast, while he is in the middle of a negotiation would be very counterproductive¡­don¡¯t you think?¡± the Deer Dragon asked and the Parrot Dragon cleared her throat. ¡°Of course.¡± She replied and Shen¡¯s Astral body watched quietly.


    *


    ¡°God, it is freezing. Isn¡¯t it supposed to be summer or was it still spring?¡± a beautiful Demi-Goddess wondered. She tore through the skies at hypersonic speeds and squinted at the three objects in the distance.


    ¡°Oh! Is that Heracles? Oy! Over here! I am so cold and in need of a strong hero to save me.¡± Aphrodite called out, before she placed her hand on her forehead and cried crocodile tears. The beautiful giant, frowned when she did not hear trumpets blowing.


    Aphrodite lowered her head and squinted. Her eyes shone brightly and she magnified her vision. The beautiful Demi-Goddess spotted the flying whales and the cities on their backs. She tilted her head to the side and gave it some thought.


    ¡°Uh oh.¡± Aphrodite muttered. She stopped dead in her tracks, spun around and flew right into Commander¡¯s Buchu¡¯s path. ¡°Oh, well hello. Aren¡¯t you magnificent? You know what? I¡¯m willing to try anything once.¡± The beautiful Demi-Goddess said playfully. ¡°Do not come any nearer!¡± The Deer Dragon roared and Aphrodite clenched her fists.


    ¡°She is indecent.¡± Commander Buchu added, and the beautiful Demi-Goddess inspected herself. Her eyes bulged when she saw her naked body. ¡°I wondered where the breeze was coming from.¡± Aphrodite said with a chuckle. Gloria glared at the Azure Dragon. Their eyes met, and he blushed and looked away.


    ¡°Well, hello friends. Are you working hard or hardly working?¡± the beautiful Demi-Goddess asked as she twirled around and a pair of loose-fitting robes materialised on her body. ¡°My name is Sam. They are Gloria and Shen. Who might you be, friend?¡± the Deer Dragon asked politely. ¡°Oh, I never expected to see Dragons here. But you don¡¯t feel bad. Oh well. My name¡¯s Aphrodite. I came here to visit my friend when she stopped responding to my messages.¡± The beautiful Demi-Goddess replied honestly and Commander Buchu chuckled.


    ¡°My apologies. I do not mean to make light of your troubles, but this is a strange coincidence. We were looking for our friend as well. He went missing around these parts, but we have not been able to contact him.¡± The Deer Dragon replied, and Aphrodite¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°What was he doing here?¡± the beautiful Demi-Goddess asked quickly. ¡°He came to meet with the Lord of these lands in the hopes of brokering a peace treaty.¡± Commander Buchu replied honestly and Aphrodite¡¯s eyes darted from side to side. She pondered it, scanned the water below, and her eyes bulged.


    ¡°No, no, no. We must hurry. Come with me!¡± the beautiful Demi-Goddess shouted quickly. She darted towards the ocean and the Dragons followed her closely. ¡°What is going?¡± Gloria asked, but Aphrodite disappeared before their very eyes. ¡°Hold!¡± Commander Buchu ordered. The Dragons stopped abruptly and stared at the ripples in the air.


    ¡°A dimensional field. Why can¡¯t I feel it?¡± the Deer Dragon wondered in confusion. ¡°I can¡¯t see it either.¡± The Parrot Dragon replied, and Shen darted past them. ¡°Wait, it could be a trap!¡± Gloria shouted. ¡°Does it matter?¡± the Azure Dragon replied coldly, and he spiraled through the invisible barrier. The Parrot Dragon hesitated, before she flew after him. They passed through the veil and stood on top of the hill.


    ¡°Hey, is everything¡­okay?¡± Gloria asked, before she noticed the thick walls of glittery webs. ¡°Gloria! Gloria, help me¡­I¡¯m stuck.¡± Aphrodite called out with a whimper. ¡°How were you captured so quickly?¡± the Parrot Dragon asked, and a thunderous crash shook the ground.


    A glittery white mist rolled across the beach, and the two Dragons vanished. They reappeared in the same place, struggled and fought, but could not free themselves from the silky cocoons.


    ¡°Uh hum? Do you have anything to say?¡± the beautiful Demi-Goddess asked smugly. ¡°Shut up.¡± The Parrot Dragon replied and Commander Buchu bathed the area in Dragon Fire. Aphrodite closed her eyes, but the glittery flames hugged her gently. ¡°Move!¡± Commander Buchu barked. They vanished and the beautiful Demi-Goddess leapt out of the way at hypersonic speeds. Two colourful streaks darted by and the ground exploded.


    The four watched the two blurs carefully. The colossal Demi-Goddess launched a relentless assault. Her many arms and legs thrashed around violently and the Black Dragon dodged and parried every attack.


    ¡°Are they fighting or dancing? Wait, has he been using his foresight the entire time?¡± Gloria wondered. She scanned the fields of cobwebs and clouds of white mist. ¡°Ah, there she is. No, over there. Damn it! I hate it when she skitters around like that. Look, I need your help. Anansi¡¯s sick, but I think I can snap her out of it¡­for now. Tell your friend to hold her down!¡± Aphrodite shouted, and she rocketed away in the wrong direction.


    ¡°Kagiso. You need to hold her down.¡± The Parrot Dragon said, and she shared the beautiful Demi-Goddess¡¯ plan with him. Kagiso inhaled sharply and his energy output doubled. His eyes shone, his Mana burst out of his body and the colossal Black Dragon grabbed Anansi. Gloria, Commander Buchu and Shen stared in disbelief. Aphrodite drew nearer slowly, but she did not make it in time.


    Kagiso held Anansi tightly, even when she pierced his armour and stung the right-hand side of his body. The Black Dragon let out a pained roar, but still he held on. The beautiful Demi-Goddess landed on her friend¡¯s shoulder. A glittery bright light enveloped her right fist, and she injected the strange inter-dimensional energy into Anansi¡¯s neck.


    The Deer, Azure and Parrot Dragons felt a sinister presence and closed their eyes. They gasped when Riekes¡¯ soul fragment shattered. The traitor¡¯s laugh faded away and Anansi¡¯s eyes returned to normal. Kagiso¡¯s cells absorbed the Void Mana in and around her left hand and she felt a horrible pain shoot up her left arm. The colossal Demi-Goddess yanked her arm free and the Black Dragon¡¯s wound ruptured open.


    Kagiso stumbled backwards, and his legs gave way. He fell onto his wings and clutched his side and winced. A lake of blood formed beneath him quickly and his energy output dropped drastically. The Mana he had secreted leaked out into the world and he shrunk rapidly.


    Anansi shook her head and looked up, but the Black Dragon wasn¡¯t there. She looked around frantically and spotted him on the ground, in a massive pool of his own blood.


    ¡°I can help-¡±¡°-do not touch him!¡± Gloria screamed and the three Dragons appeared above the crimson lake. They fished Kagiso out and the Parrot Dragon was shocked to see that his wounds weren¡¯t healing at all. ¡°Why isn¡¯t he healing?¡± Shen asked quickly.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to heal. He usually undoes his wounds. Did you run out of Mana?¡± the Parrot Dragon asked and she injected a glittery water ball into her childhood friend¡¯s chest. Gloria scanned his nano-tech and her Astral bodies appeared inside of his soul well. She looked up and saw the cracked holes Anansi¡¯s fangs had punctured in the sky.


    ¡°What did you do? Tell me or I will render you to ash.¡± The Parrot Dragon rumbled maliciously and Aphrodite¡¯s blood turned to ice. The Black Dragon groaned in agony and Commander Buchu¡¯s energy signature spiked.

 Home is where the heart is.

    ¡°I-I have to go.¡± Anansi said in a panic. ¡°Answer me!¡± Gloria shouted. ¡°I think we should all calm down. I am certain that this was all a misunderstanding, right?¡± Aphrodite suggested optimistically.


    ¡°No¡­friend. There is no mistake at all.¡± Commander Buchu replied, and she increased her energy output quickly. ¡°We saw the traitor¡¯s soul fragment. What business do you have with the Four Eyed Dragon?¡± the Parrot Dragon asked quickly and Shen glanced at her.


    ¡°Nobody south of the equator has anything to do with that monster. I am going to go fetch what I need to break the curse.¡± The Spider-Goddess said carefully and the Dragons prepared to attack. ¡°Let her¡­go.¡± Kagiso whispered, before he groaned again and lost consciousness.


    ¡°I wish it were that easy, my Prince. But if something were to happen to you and we could have prevented it¡­¡± the Deer Dragon rumbled hesitantly. The two Demi-Goddesses frowned at each other when they heard the deep noise.


    ¡°Can you stop the bleeding?¡± Commander Buchu asked quickly. ¡°No, but I can donate enough blood to keep him alive until help arrives. Admiral Granger¡¯s Space/Time magic may be able to save him.¡± Gloria rumbled hopefully. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± the Azure Dragon asked, when Anansi turned around. ¡°I already told you.¡± She replied calmly.


    ¡°I am coming with you.¡± The Deer Dragon said adamantly. ¡°Like hell you are.¡± The Spider-Goddess replied quickly and the spider silk sparkled. Commander Buchu¡¯s golden eyes flashed and the beautiful Demi-Goddess stepped between the two.


    ¡°Enough! We are not getting anywhere like this. Go. I will stay here and if she does not return¡­then I will hunt her down and kill her myself. However, I must add that I entrusted my children to her. I trust her with lives I value above my own. Let her go or he will die at this rate. Look.¡± Aphrodite said, and she pointed at the Black Dragon. Shen stared at him, before he closed his eyes and knelt beside Kagiso quickly.


    ¡°What are you-¡±¡°-he is not just bleeding out. He may be immune to the poison¡¯s effects, but he will die if his Chi is converted to it.¡± The Azure Dragon explained, before the Parrot Dragon could finish her sentence. Her eyes flashed, and she peered into the Black Dragon¡¯s soul well once more.


    Gloria looked up at the punctures marks in the sky and noticed the bright green liquid in the cracks. The venom splashed on the ocean of Mana and formed a glittery green pool of sickly Mana. The glittery green waters spread. They flowed towards the stone doors that connected the soul well to Kagiso¡¯s mind palace.


    Shen circled the tall stone doors and the grassy island they were on. He dove and pulled up centimetres away from the surface. The Azure Dragon ran across the surface, like a roller coaster, and a curtain of Mana rose behind him. The Parrot Dragon watched Shen¡¯s Astral bodies run in circles. They isolated the green Mana every time it splashed down and reinforced the barrier around the Astral doors.


    ¡°Hurry.¡± Gloria instructed, and her gauntlets dematerialized. She hovered her hands over the Black Dragon¡¯s shadowy scales and secreted a glittery golden cloud. The Deer Dragon clenched her fist and nodded. Aphrodite sat down and Anansi ran towards the river at hypersonic speeds. The silk sparkled and parted and she sprinted through the tunnel of magical cobwebs. The Spider-Goddess crossed the river and her energy signature disappeared.


    The Parrot Dragon exhaled slowly. She peaked out the corner of her right eye and watched the numbers next to her damage indicator decrease steadily. Gloria pumped more nano-machine and Mana infused blood into the Black Dragon¡¯s veins.


    ¡°His body is larger than yours. I will take over once you grow tired.¡± Commander Buchu said when she noticed the strain on the Parrot Dragon¡¯s face. ¡°I will be fine.¡± Gloria replied calmly. She dug deep into her soul, cracked open one of seven golden eggs and the number shot back up to ninety-nine.


    ¡°However, I must say. I am shocked there is a poison that can harm us.¡± The Parrot Dragon added. ¡°Or have you purposefully left yourself vulnerable in order to make her feel guilt.¡± She wondered. ¡°Anansi¡¯s bite isn¡¯t venomous. It inflicts a curse that erodes the soul, which is why so many of us fear her. You know? Only a handful of us possess that trait. Nasty stuff curses. b-but they can be broken.¡± Aphrodite said nervously, when she noticed the glares directed at her.


    *


    The Spider Demi-Goddess hopped on the slippery stones. She zig-zagged, crossed her legs and spun on the spot. The stepping stones trembled and a tiny stream crept up the western bank. The reeds shifted, the stream grew into a river and the world parted. The rapids foamed and frothed, while the waterfall in the distance sparkled.


    Anansi ran up the secret river, before she flew halfway up the waterfall and dove inside the hidden cave. The Spider Demi-Goddess burst through the water, down the winding path at the back of the cave and through the bright entrance. She glanced at the colossal mountain range in the distance and the incredible tree that stretched beyond the clouds.


    ¡°He¡¯s finally here, and the first thing I do is nearly kill him.¡± Anansi muttered. She grew instantly, took off and flew towards the east. The Spider Demi-Goddess flew over deserts, savannahs and meadows. She landed near a village and shrunk rapidly. The ground trembled and hundreds of people left the huts.


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    Anansi smiled at her people, before she gasped and sprinted towards her palace. The gale forces winds nearly swept everyone off their feet. They grabbed onto their straw hats and wrapped their magical blankets around their bodies. The hurricane winds broke against their powerful shields, like waves against the shore.


    ¡°She¡¯s back! She¡¯s back!¡± a child shouted with excitement. He ran halfway down the stairs and leapt all the way to the foyer. The little boy landed with a heavy thud and a blur streaked past him. He scanned the room, with a frown, and seven more children joined him.


    ¡°Well? Where is She then?¡± a little girl asked and the little boy rubbed his itchy eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t rub them. They will get better.¡± Anansi said caringly and she placed her hand on his forehead. ¡°Where are you going?¡± the little girl asked curiously. ¡°A friend of mine got hurt and I must help them. I will return shortly. I promise.¡± The Spider Demi-Goddess replied, and the children frowned. They looked down at the gourd in her hand and she hid it behind her back. ¡°Behave.¡± Anansi said sternly and the eight children giggled.


    *


    ¡°That should prevent the curse from spreading, for now.¡± The Azure Dragon said, and he sighed with relief. ¡°Will you manage by yourself for a bit? We need to report what has happened, remotely. I need someone to watch my back.¡± The Deer Dragon rumbled carefully and she glanced at a confused Aphrodite. Shen took one look at Gloria and the Black Dragon between them.


    ¡°Go. I will be fine.¡± The Parrot Dragon assured them. ¡°What is that noise? Are you gossiping behind my back?¡± the beautiful Demi-Goddess asked curiously. However, Commander Buchu and the Azure Dragon vanished without saying a word.


    ¡°Rude.¡± Aphrodite muttered with a scoff, and Gloria rolled her eyes. She gave it some thought and sighed. ¡°Dragon Tongue. Rumbling. Our language allows us to convey more than if we spoke words alone.¡± The Parrot Dragon rumbled softly and the Beautiful Demi-Goddess stood up quickly.


    ¡°What was that? I felt scared and-and¡­I don¡¯t know! Was that you? Did you do that?¡± Aphrodite asked frantically before she clutched her chest and breathed heavily. ¡°Do it again. What else can you make people feel? Wait, have you been doing that the entire time? No, no. My body didn¡¯t vibrate like that last time. Aha! Amazing. A magical language.¡± The Beautiful Demi-Goddess said excitedly and she knelt right next to Gloria.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± The Parrot Dragon asked with a raised brow. She sniffed, caught a whiff of another scent and checked her scans. ¡°We¡¯re the only living beings in the vicinity. Then whose scents are these?¡± Gloria wondered, before Jane flashed before her eyes and a thought occurred. ¡°I am already spoken for.¡± She blurted out, and Aphrodite frowned.


    ¡°Hmm? Why are you blushing?¡± The Beautiful Demi-Goddess asked, before she caught the Parrot Dragon¡¯s gaze. ¡°Oh Gloria. You are much too beautiful and young to be a shy prude. My God woman, you are dressed like a nun.¡± Aphrodite teased.


    ¡°I am a Cleric Dragon. I am not a prude. I am proud. And I am dressed very appropriately for my profession.¡± Gloria replied, and Kagiso smiled. The two giants sat by his side for a few minutes, before Shen and the Deer Dragon returned.


    ¡°You are the first Demi-God I have met that has not attacked us on sight. Why?¡± Commander Buchu asked, and Aphrodite started sweating. ¡°Hmm? Me? Uh¡­you know? I grew up-whoa, what¡¯s that?¡± the Beautiful Demi-Goddess said quickly. The Parrot and Azure Dragons glanced in the direction she pointed in. Commander Buchu, sighed and vanished. She appeared in Aphrodite¡¯s path and the Beautiful Demi-Goddess chuckled.


    ¡°In my defence, I didn¡¯t think it would work.¡± Aphrodite joked, before she blew a kiss. A cloud of glittery pheromones wafted up the Deer Dragon¡¯s nostrils and her temperature sky rocketed. ¡°You¡¯re an enchantress. I doubt you have any real combat skills. Well, that explains that then.¡± Commander Buchu deduced and the beautiful Demi-Goddess gasped.


    ¡°I am an Olympean. I am a God of Olympus! Athleticism is a given for the War Gods of the North¡­Former War God of the North. God, do you have any idea how big I was before everything went tits up? So close to Ascension, only to have it all ripped away from me by greedy little ugly hands! Especially for one with my lot in life! Do you have any idea?¡± Aphrodite roared. She blushed, breathed heavily and grabbed her right arm tightly.


    ¡°Aargh! I envy your freedom, my friends.¡± The Beautiful Demi-Goddess added sadly. ¡°Don¡¯t. I understand perfectly what it is like to walk a path paved by another. I suppose it would make sense that a species as powerful and as varied as ours would suffer similar disparities.¡± Shen said sympathetically. ¡°Shen.¡± Aphrodite said with a tearful smile.


    Suddenly, a powerful energy signature appeared to the northwest. The bright light lit up the darkness and the Dragons opened their eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s her. Her Chi is so different now.¡± The Azure Dragon said, and Anansi appeared with a flash of light. The Beautiful Demi-Goddess¡¯ eyes bulged, and she darted towards the Astral tunnel. ¡°My work here is done see you later!¡± Aphrodite shouted quickly, and she disappeared inside the light.


    ¡°Where did she-¡±¡°-to go see her sons. I have the cure here. Help me administer it.¡± The Spider Demi-Goddess answered quickly and she knelt beside Gloria. The Parrot Dragon took the gourd and scanned its contents. Her golden eyes flashed, and she chuckled in disbelief.


    ¡°How exactly am I supposed to use this? It¡¯s empty.¡± Gloria asked angrily. ¡°Exactly, place it inside of his soul and it will drain the venom. The gourd will take his place and you¡¯ll shift the curse to the item.¡± Anansi explained concisely.


    ¡°That¡¯s brilliant.¡± Shen whispered. ¡°What would happen if one shattered the gourd? Would the curse be reapplied to its original target?¡± the Deer Dragon asked skeptically. ¡°That¡¯s why we will hand over to him. He and He alone can wind back the hands of time and break my curse. I have seen him do it.¡± The Spider Demi-Goddess explained, and she stared at the Black Dragon lovingly. The Parrot Dragon watched her for a few seconds, before she lowered the gourd.


    ¡°Wait-¡±¡°-it¡¯s okay. This will work. I trust how much they will love each other.¡± Gloria rumbled happily and Anansi turned to her. ¡°What did you just say?¡± she asked curiously. ¡°That I trust you both.¡± The Parrot Dragon replied with a giggle. She extracted a bubble of Mana from Kagiso¡¯s chest and the gourd drifted out of her hands. It floated to the glittery orb of Mana and embedded itself in the centre. The orb of interdimensional energy shrunk as it returned to Kagiso¡¯s chest.


    The gourd splashed, bobbed and floated in the ocean of Mana. It grew exponentially and sucked up every droplet of glittery green water. Gloria grit her teeth and hoisted the massive gourd. She struggled under its weight and the Black Dragon¡¯s wispy Astral body chuckled. He snapped his fingers and faded away.


    A large swell raised Goria higher, and she flew as high as her wings could carry her. The magical item devoured the bite marks as well, before it plummeted to the ocean. The Parrot Dragon corked the gourd, and it sunk all the way to the bottom. Gloria¡¯s eyes flashed, and she looked deep below the surface. The darkness shifted and the Parrot Dragon opened her eyes quickly.


    ¡°That should do. He will know what to do when he wakes up.¡± Gloria reported, and Anansi sighed with relief. ¡°Good. This is an excellent place to make your camps. The river isn¡¯t too far, and the soil is rich. This is not how I thought we would meet. I will send someone to clean up this mess. They weave magical garbs from my silk.¡± The Spider-Goddess said, before she stood up and stumbled.


    ¡°Thank you. You should get some rest. He would never forgive us for overexerting our host.¡± Gloria replied and Commander Buchu exhaled. ¡°I suppose she has been fighting Our Prince for three days. Still, I do not like the idea of just letting her go.¡± She whispered to the other two.


    ¡°I¡¯m back! I hope you didn¡¯t miss me too much.¡± Aphrodite said jovially. "Never mind." The Deer Dragon added and she took off her mask. Commander Buchu revealed a surprisingly youthful face and a calm smirk. ¡°All I ask is that you never cross the river, or travel upstream. There is more than enough land to share. Yes, this world is home to all now.¡± Anansi said to her guests.

 The Western Front. Part 1.

    ¡°Take cover!¡± General Knox roared. The iron scaled Tortoise Dragon spread his arms and a dimensional field, with a ten-kilometre radius, ballooned instantly. The Dragons and the Demi-Gods blinked and a colossal iron fortress plopped onto the ocean. The metal structure landed on an invisible platform and hundred metre tall waves spread out in every direction.


    The Dragons vanished and passed through the glittery translucent veil. They appeared on the ramparts, inside the gunnery towers and in the courtyard. General Knox inhaled deeply. His Dragon bone armour had lost its iridescent sheen decades ago and his mask had chipped edges. He closed his eyes and the atomic warheads detonated on impact.


    The surrounding waters evaporated, and the barrier was bathed in radioactive light. The shockwaves warped the interdimensional energy field and the iron walls rattled.


    ¡°Stay calm. It will hold.¡± A blue feathered Dragon rumbled calmly and she turned to the Turtle Dragon. He clapped his hands and millions of automatons marched out of the four iron gates. The waves of Draconic cyborgs vanished and appeared all over the Demi-Gods.


    The tiny automatons exhaled plumes of glittery fire, before they clawed at and gnawed on the giants¡¯ beautiful suits of armour. A few of the iron cyborgs turned to gold and silver. They initiated their self-destruct functions and detonated before their transformations were complete. The explosions of Dragon fire burned the Demi-Gods terribly and they screamed in agony.


    ¡°Now! Attack!¡± General Knox rumbled and hundreds of magical circles expanded. The Dragons unleashed their spells and the army of giants raised their shields.


    ¡°They produce the unthinkable and then fight like mortals. I do not understand them.¡± A Demi-Goddess said, and she scratched her chin with a frown.


    ¡°Perhaps that is all they are. The height of mortality.¡± Izanami replied, with a hint of disappointment. ¡°Then is it not our duty to guide them away from the darkness and towards the light?¡± Izanagi asked with a mixture of sympathy and regret.


    ¡°The darkness is not to be feared, my dear sweet brother. The fear of the unknown is what left us open to the Outworlder¡¯s invasion in the first place.¡± The Demi-Goddess replied and her brother stared at her.


    ¡°No. I refuse to return That place, to bow to¡­Them. We were right to reject the Outworlder¡¯s offer. The yoke of madness should not be confused with a crown. Those wretched things would have made puppets out of us as soon as we had outlived our usefulness. Promise me, sister. Vow you will never deal with those vermin again. We are the only ones who can usher in the next age, but we must do so ourselves. One achievement at a time.¡± Izanagi waved his hand, and he wiped the automatons away.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Major Naud¨¦ muttered and the Tortoise Dragon let out a gruff laugh.


    ¡°Interesting, but I have fought alongside of and against the Moonglow Dragons.¡± He said, with a smile and the automatons materialised mysteriously.


    ¡°Oh? Having trouble, brother?¡± Izanami asked playfully. ¡°Hilarious. These aren¡¯t mere machines. They have souls. Impressive.¡± Izanagi replied and his sister stared at him. ¡°Such a waste of divine blood. The Blood God¡¯s Yokai would have made for excellent cannon fodder. Now we are the ones dying, brother.¡± Izanami said and the Shinto Demi-God sighed.


    ¡°As it should be. I will spill an ocean of blood and shed a thousand-fold more before I ever breath the same air as a Demon. Let alone fight alongside of one.¡± The irritated Demi-God replied, and he watched the glittery iron automatons with a scowl. They spread like a plague and left the giant men and women exposed. The thousands of magical circles shone and snakes emerged from their centres.


    The fiery, watery, rocky and bright white serpents sparkled. They slithered through the air, opened their mouths and bore their fangs. The magical snakes crashed through the Demi-Gods shield, devoured the energy fields that reinforced them and sunk their fangs into their flesh. The giants screamed, howled and roared in agony. The serpents converted their bodies into Mana infused elements and devoured them slowly.


    ¡°What a horrible way to kill.¡± Laurence whispered. ¡°Aye, and it was once used to kill our own kind. I am ashamed to say I was hoping it would work. But it still makes me shake with fear and it still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.¡± General Knox rumbled and the Dove Dragon turned to him. She noticed that the old Dragon¡¯s hands were trembling, but his gaze was fixed firmly on the horizon.


    Laurence looked up at the cloudy sky, before she lowered her head. Her eyes flashed, and she watched the giants writhe from the Turtle Dragon¡¯s observation tower.


    ¡°Ready yourselves! March!¡± General Knox rumbled. ¡°Good luck. May the Universe be in our favour.¡± Major Naud¨¦ rumbled hopefully and Laurence nodded. Her Astral body vanished and she opened her eyes quickly. The Dove Dragon looked up at the sky and clouds shrouded the skies above her tower. She exhaled and her Mantis Ship sailed towards an archipelago of tropical islands to the southwest.


    The bright blue waters shimmered, and the giants gathered around the landmasses. They raised their hands and summoned their armies onto the beaches. Millions of warriors, wizards, clerics and war machines appeared with a bright flash.


    The mortal forces erected stone bunkers and dimensional barriers on the beaches, as well as dolosse in the water. The glittery concrete tetrapods stopped the waves from reaching the beach. The domes swelled, and the soldiers inside the bunkers pointed their guns and cannons at the muddy killzones.


    One hundred Dragons sailed towards the islands. Their Mother Ships sounded deep horns and the mortal forces gasped. They breathed heavily and waited patiently.


    ¡°Here they come.¡± A captain said calmly. She gripped her spear tightly and her comrades locked onto the tiny dots on the horizon. The number of dots grew exponentially, before the dreadnaughts and warships came into view. Small lights flashed and a barrage of nuclear warheads barreled towards the beaches. The crystal shells shattered against the watery domes and unleashed waves of destruction.


    The shockwaves flattened the jungles and repelled the salt water. The radioactive heatwaves scorched the muddy sea bed before the mushroom clouds stretched towards the sky.


    ¡°It¡¯s a smokescreen! Open-¡± the captain shouted, but she was too late. The dimensional fields popped like balloons and thousands of heavily armoured knights slaughtered everyone in sight. They moved like blurs and collided with the most powerful warriors amongst the enemy.


    ¡°Vile monster! What have you done?¡± the captain snarled and spat. She glanced at the corpses strewn about and noticed something horrid. ¡°It is a fairly common tactic, where I am from. Target the weak and surround the strongest. Now. Surrender or die!¡± the heavily armoured knight declared. He swung gingerly and sent the captain crashing into the broken bunkers. She smirked, and the knight¡¯s head rolled off his shoulders.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Reinforcements!¡± another armoured warrior warned and the glittery thread was pulled. The loops tightened and the magical threads cut hundreds of knights to pieces. The beaches were dyed red as waves of Draconic forces clashed with the Demi-Gods¡¯ armies. Bombs collided in mid air, spells were cast at point blank range and the sounds of metal clashing drowned out the shouting and screaming.


    *


    ¡°More wounded!¡± a warrior called out. ¡°Keep your voice down, we can see. Set him down and leave. Leave!¡± Dr. Sanders shouted, and she sighed at the sight of the young man. ¡°H-how bad is it¡­doc?¡± he asked bravely.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have a new scar. I heard they''re quite popular these days.¡± Eden replied jokingly. ¡°Ow. D-don¡¯t make me laugh.¡± The warrior replied. ¡°Rest, you¡¯re in good hands.¡± Dr. Sanders assured him and she hovered her left hand over the exposed cheek bone. Eden¡¯s brown hair fluttered, her glasses flashed and a Mana field enveloped her hand. The glittery orb of interdimensional energy had just written dozens of coin sized spells, when her wristwatch beeped. A holographic monitor popped up in front of Dr. Sanders, and she answered the call.


    ¡°What is it? I¡¯m busy.¡± Eden asked quickly. ¡°I know. Our beds are full. Are there any available in your hospital?¡± the exhausted man asked, and Dr. Sanders looked up. She saw the panic behind her husband and sighed. ¡°Dr. Barker! How many beds?¡± Eden shouted, and the young warrior frowned.


    ¡°Four!¡± ¡°Occupied!¡± ¡°Never mind! Three!¡± Voices shouted back from the distance and Dr. Sanders scanned the hospital. The tiled floors between the beds were busier than they had ever been. Automatons, nurses, healers, alchemists and doctors all rushed from one side of the one hundred by one hundred metre hall. Her Astral bodies fell through the floor and they saw the same thing.


    ¡°There are still three beds, but hurry.¡± Eden replied coldly. An explosion shook the stadium sized hospital, and the lights flickered. ¡°I don¡¯t know if they will be available for much longer.¡± She added, and Eugene sighed. ¡°It¡¯s only been a week. We don¡¯t have the capacity to heal every army. We have to start turning people away.¡± Dr. Sanders said to his wife, and she looked down at the warrior.


    ¡°Do you really have the heart to do that?¡± Eden asked with a smile. ¡°No, which is why I was hoping you would do or say something out of character. Still, what is our Lady thinking?¡± Eugene wondered out loud, and his wife scoffed. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± she replied.


    ¡°How do I save as many lives as possible?¡± the couple said at the same time. Eugene and Eden laughed before the gruff doctor scratched his beard.


    ¡°But will we at this rate? I¡¯m going to request an audience, before She decides to take in enemy combatants as well. I don¡¯t know if I can play mediator between different camps, and I don¡¯t want to risk the lives of my staff. Not again. I can¡¯t go through something like that island again.¡± Dr. Sanders said, and his wife held her breath for a moment. The injured soldier looked up at her, before he looked away.


    ¡°Aye.¡± Eden whispered. She ignored the horrible flashes of mangled corpses, the distant screams and the debilitating fear. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Dr. Sanders said softly and his wife gasped. She cleared her throat and carried on with the procedure. ¡°We are stronger now. Our defences are stronger. Our Lady is stronger and our allies are stronger. But still, I pray that no one goes through what we did.¡± Eden said, and the soldier glanced at her.


    ¡°Pray all you want, Doc. No one is listening.¡± The young soldier said bitterly. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought as well, and then He appeared. He showed us a vision of the future and our place in it. Mortality has a great and long role in this play. Now our Lady has her gaze fixed firmly on the horizon and our plight. If you want someone to pray to, then imagine a golden tree of light and your prayers will be heard.¡± Dr. Sanders said calmly and her husband listened to her carefully. Eden described the tall trunk, that stretched beyond the clouds, and the starry canopy with a smile. The soldier listened reluctantly, before he closed his eyes and prayed on a whim.


    *


    The Dragons launched another coordinated attack. Their Mother Ships drew nearer and the Demi-Gods threw their glittery golden spears. The back ends of the polearms exploded and beams of light pierced the colossal flying whales. The cities on their backs crumbled and the Mother Ships fell slowly.


    Suddenly, thousands of Dragons burst out of the ocean. They grabbed the giant men and women¡¯s heads, twisted and vanished immediately afterwards. The Dragons reappeared above the Demi-Gods. They slashed, shot, stabbed and burned, before they vanished again.


    ¡°Retreat!¡± A Demi-God called out. They produced glittery crystals from their pockets, pouches and satchels. Laurence tilted her head to the side, when the giants grabbed their comrades¡¯ arms and slung them around their necks. They crushed the crystals in their hands and disappeared with a flash of light.


    The Dragons let out mighty roars, while a dozen Mother Ships hung in midair and repaired themselves slowly. Their cheers were silenced by the sound of ten thousand trumpets. Glittery white clouds blotted out the sky and golden arrows rained across the battlefield.


    ¡°Take cover!" "Barriers!¡± the Dragons shouted and dense Mana fields ballooned. ¡°We are just whittling each other down at this point.¡± Laurence muttered and the two forces collide in the air. The Dragons incinerated a large swath of Demi-Gods and they cut down dozens of winged giants in return.


    ¡°I thought the battles would be more drawn out. Will there be any of us left in the end?¡± the Dove Dragon rumbled solemnly. She stared at the horizon from her tower and the light blue waters were dyed red. Clerics, in beautiful robes, appeared beside the injured and deceased Dragons. They placed their hands on their allies and vanished along with them.


    ¡°This is just pointless destruction. Like a pendulum swinging back and forth. What territory we take they will surely take back and more people will die as a result. Yes, it is not Our numbers I should be worrying about.¡± Laurence rumbled shamefully. She glanced at the number thirteen next to the pine green silhouette of a woman, in the bottom right corner of her field of view.


    The Dove Dragon closed her eyes. She stared at the tree of light in the distance and the migration towards it. Laurence smiled and inhaled deeply. She opened her eyes and nodded.


    ¡°Pave the path and let them decide. Freedom. Can the answer be so simple? If not, then I will make it so.¡± The Dove Dragon rumbled hopefully. She spread her wings and lowered her gaze. The cities near the coast drew nearer and the meadows between her and the medical facilities contracted. Laurence waved her hands and a single road branched out like a tree. She stitched the medical cities to her own and the world expanded like a spring. The roads wound up, down and around the meadows, while the highway stretched over the horizon.


    *


    It didn¡¯t take long for news to spread and soon the streets were full of clerics and healers. They embarked on a pilgrimage to the Golden City to learn from the Dove Dragon herself. The rest were patients, small and large, that sought aid from the glittery city beyond the medical paradises near the shore.


    Automatons in white robes circled the skies above the Golden City. They marched through the streets and occupied every building. Several Dragons nearly jumped out of their skin, when they stepped on powerful barriers. Some looked down quickly and apologized to the mortals they nearly crushed beneath their feet.


    ¡°This is absurd.¡± A Boar Dragon complained. ¡°Then leave and seek aid elsewhere!¡± Laurence scolded and everyone¡¯s eyes bulged. They peeked out the corners of their eyes and the entire city fell silent. ¡°My apologies¡­human. I did not see you there. I will be more careful.¡± The Boar Dragon apologized reluctantly, before he nodded humbly and walked away.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± the Dove Dragon asked softly, and the humans blushed. ¡°Y-yes, my Lady. Thank you.¡± The young man said quickly. ¡°Follow your guide and stay close to the pavement.¡± Laurence advised, and she vanished before their eyes.


    *


    ¡°You are allowing her to undermine our authority, sir.¡± A Cat Dragon complained. ¡°Ha! Your inexperience is showing, Corporal Klein. Perhaps if you were a better sponsor, their hearts would not be so easy to steal. Ensign Mokoena is doing what all healers do during a war. They soften the hearts of friend and foe and make it difficult to fight without questioning your motives and methods.¡± General Knox rumbled proudly.


    ¡°General Knox.¡± The Dove Dragon said politely and a few Dragons glared at her Astral body. ¡°My apologies for prying you away from your duties, Specialist Mokoena.¡± The Turtle Dragon replied and dozens of smiles broadened. ¡°Sir?¡± Laurence asked quickly. ¡°We would not have advanced as steadily as we have without your services.¡± General Knox replied and the Dove Dragon sighed. ¡°That wasn¡¯t my intention, if I am being honest.¡± She muttered, and the Turtle Dragon laughed.


    ¡°I know, but still you played an important part in our conquest. In a month, we will erect the pyramid and activate the beacon. There will not be a need for senseless violence once we complete our objective.¡± The Turtle Dragon rumbled, and his kindness surprised Laurence. ¡°Then may I request permission to take in enemy combatants?¡± she asked, and General Knox¡¯s demeanor changed.


    Do you understand what you are asking me to permit? Having the enemy so close to our medical camps will lead to disaster. No. Request denied. The risks are too great.¡± The Turtle Dragon rumbled sternly. ¡°I appreciate your concern, General. However, we brought this war to these people¡¯s lands. We have a responsibility to them as well. If not, then we are no better than monsters.¡± The Dove Dragon rumbled guiltily.


    The topic of the discussion moved and worried the Dragons on the Turtle Dragon¡¯s observation tower. However, it shocked the mortals at their feet. Some had never heard a Dragon refer to them as people before. The highly decorated men and women looked up at Laurence. They blinked and saw a flash of gold. It was warmer and kinder than the cold and enraged light their enemies emitted.


    ¡°Then so be it. I will become that monster to ensure our victory.¡± General Knox rumbled apathetically. ¡°General-¡± ¡°-that will be all. Dismissed.¡± The Turtle Dragon rumbled sternly and the Dove Dragon nodded, before her Astral body disappeared.


    ¡°Damn it! Stubborn dinosaur.¡± Laurence muttered and a Stalk Dragon sighed. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell him. Why didn¡¯t you just tell him?¡± he asked and the Dove Dragon blushed. ¡°Well, I was hoping he would grant my request, then I would reveal that I have already done it.¡± She replied, and Sergeant Matshabane groaned.


    ¡°It will be fine. We just have to be creative.¡± Laurence said optimistically and the Stalk Dragon shook his head. ¡°Wait! We? You, convinced me to do this. You, told me you already had the General¡¯s permission. Then You, failed to get said permission. By the Universe, this woman is going to get me court martialed.¡± He rumbled nervously.


    ¡°They won¡¯t, if we end the war. What if we could set up a meeting with the enemy and broker a peace treaty? Are those soldiers still on your ship? I will send someone to speak with them.¡± The Dove Dragon said as she thought out loud and rubbed her chin.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking? Yes, that won¡¯t draw suspicion at all. No, I will send them to you. My people are more adept at concealing themselves.¡± The Stalk Dragon replied, and Laurence hugged him. ¡°Thank you, Sergeant Matshabane. I am glad to have found a like-minded ally in this madness.¡± She said gratefully. ¡°So am I.¡± he replied.

 The Western Front. Part 2.

    ¡°This way.¡± A doctor whispered, and four hooded figures darted into an alley. They rushed past the old woman and the light above the door flickered. The door closed silently and a squadron of automatons flew by shortly afterwards.


    A much larger and automaton appeared in the middle of the street. It followed the trail of pheromones and vapourised saliva to the alley. The Sentry¡¯s featureless mask faced the alley, and a single eyehole opened slowly. The golden Dragon''s eye blinked and sparkled, before the advanced automaton scanned the dark alley. It detected a trace of Mana and its golden eye flashed.


    *


    ¡°Halt. Ignore them.¡± Laurence commanded, and the Sentry vanished. She glanced at Matshabane and he averted his gaze. The Dove Dragon frowned. ¡°What was that?¡± she wondered, and a dossier popped up in front of her. ¡°I am being repositioned. I am their best healer, why I am so far from the front lines? Does the General know?¡± Laurence thought quickly and she studied the map carefully.


    ¡°And Captain Langa is taking my place. Knox¡¯s right hand herself. He must know. Did you tell him or is it a mere coincidence? Why?¡± The Dove Dragon whispered angrily. She stared at the encrypted channel, but the Stalk Dragon did not answer. Laurence sucked her teeth and waved the monitor away with a thought. A few Dragons glanced at her quickly, when her energy signature spiked.


    The Dove Dragon stared at the title of Sage and clenched her fist. She inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly. Laurence stepped back, nodded and her Astral body disappeared without saying a word. She opened her eyes, gave it some thought.


    ¡°Find them. Time is of the essence.¡± The Dove Dragon rumbled urgently, and the Sentry bowed. It vanished, and she paced back and forth on her tower. ¡°Matshabane cannot take my place. So, I doubt I am being replaced. Then why reposition me? Am I being paranoid? But he avoided my gaze and he didn¡¯t answer. Is he trying to prolong the war? Does he hope to make a name for himself? Did he do it out of spite? No, he doesn¡¯t know I possess the title of Sage. Nevertheless, I must speak to his people. I need to know what he told them.¡± Laurence thought and she stared at the city over the horizon.


    *


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± a doctor whispered angrily. ¡°I don¡¯t know. We were told to bring the scroll and we have. We are leaving. Our work here is done.¡± One of the hooded figures whispered back.


    ¡°And you¡¯re okay with us reporting this to our Lady? Don¡¯t you want this war to end?¡± Doctor Mayflower whispered and the hooded figures exchanged looks. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, but we cannot produce what we do not have. We journeyed this far, because-¡±¡°-you thought you were doing the right thing and you still can. I just need to speak to the soldiers that were sent to your hospitals.¡± The Sentry said and the medics lowered their hoods. An elderly man sighed.


    ¡°Lady Laurence, what you speak of is treason.¡± The old medic replied. ¡°I am merely asking you to deliver an invitation. You won¡¯t have to do anything else beyond that.¡± The Sentry assured him and he looked up at the six-metre-tall cyborg. Her golden eye was fixed on his and the old medic nodded.


    ¡°I am afraid we cannot fulfil your request. A group of patients were being transferred when we left. It seems Lord Matshabane has fooled us both." The old medic replied honestly. ¡°Thank you.¡± The Sentry said and her eyes flashed. The combat medics raised their hoods and Dr. Mayflower held her breath. The one-eyed cyborg vanished and the stout doctor exhaled. She opened the door and the hooded men and women lowered their heads guiltily.


    *


    ¡°All is lost...what am I saying? There is still much I can do from here. Yes, it¡¯s not enough to win my allies¡¯ hearts. I need to find alternative ways to reach our enemies as well. It will unfortunately take time, and it will raise suspicion. Damn that coward. Things would have been so much easier if he had just done his part and remained silent.¡± Laurence thought bitterly. She placed her hand on the hand rail and walked around the perimeter of her tower. A thought occurred and the Dove Dragon stopped abruptly.


    ¡°Prisoners of war.¡± Laurence whispered and a holo-monitor popped up in front of her. She typed, poked, swiped and prodded for hours. The Dove Dragon sucked her teeth, whenever a monitor with ¡°Denied¡± written in big red letters popped. She kept filling in forms, until four returned with the word ¡°Accepted¡± written in big green letters.


    ¡°Now to wait and see. In the meantime, I must prepare for their arrival.¡± Laurence said to herself with an optimistic smile. She twirled around and her eyes flashed.


    *


    ¡°Move it!¡± the guard yelled and the prisoners stepped out of the carriage in a single file. They wore white jumpsuits and the chains that bound them together sparkled. Some of the prisoners were missing a limb or an eye, and the rest were completely unharmed.


    ¡°Those four. They should be more amenable once they have regained what was once lost. Thank the Universe Gloria isn¡¯t here. She would never approve of this.¡± Laurence thought and she watched the prisoners from her observation tower. They were transported to the newest and smallest medical city on her Mother Ship.


    ¡°No more setbacks.¡± The Dove Dragon whispered and she summoned twelve Sentries. ¡°Dr. Sanders.¡± Laurence called and the scruffy doctor looked up. ¡°My Lady. How may I assist you?¡± Eugene asked quickly. ¡°I need someone I can trust to examine our prisoners.¡± She explained and Dr. Sanders started at her. ¡°We have prisoners?¡± he asked skeptically.


    ¡°Temporarily. And if all goes well, we won¡¯t have any need for prisons. Will you help me?¡± the Dove Dragon asked and Eugene gave it some thought. ¡°Aye, but only if I do it alone. I do not want to place my wife in any kind of danger.¡± He replied and the holo-monitor split in half.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Laurence said guiltily and Eden appeared on screen. ¡°It¡¯s a little too late for that, sweetheart.¡± She replied and Eugene scowled at the monitors. ¡°Are you serious?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°I know¡­I know you¡¯re scared and you know how I feel. But we can¡¯t let fear rule us. Remember when we were just researchers? Remember when we dreamt of the discoveries we would make? I want to become that hopeful student again. I want to be rid of my fear. So, yes. I am serious. I need to do this.¡± Dr. Sanders assured her husband and he stared at her for a few seconds.


    ¡°Will there be a security detail assigned?¡± Eugene asked hesitantly. ¡°Of course. I have a hundred and eighty Sentries guarding the city. I will also assign a dozen each to stay by your side. I doubt the prisoners will try anything with them nearby and I can take their place in a moment¡¯s notice.¡± The Dove Dragon replied confidently.


    ¡°When do you want us to start?¡± Dr. Sanders asked and Eden smiled nervously at him. ¡°Immediately, please.¡± Laurence replied urgently. ¡°May I ask why we¡¯re taking in prisoners?¡± Eugene asked and the Dove Dragon smiled. ¡°To end the war, my friends. I hope to set up a meeting between myself and our prisoners'' sponsors.¡± She replied optimistically and Dr. Sander¡¯s expression softened.


    *


    The tall steel gates opened slowly. The two Doctors checked their wristwatches and doctors Mayflower and Sbunzi did the same. They made certain the strange catalysts were still working, before they looked up and scanned the power dampeners in the walls.


    The four doctors strolled through the passages, while the doors closed slowly behind them. They walked past the Sentries stationed at the first pair of doors and continued deeper into the seemingly endless stone passage. The lights flickered and the sound of their footsteps bounced off the white walls.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Look who¡¯s here? Our hosts have returned!¡± a voice called out and the last door opened. ¡°Settle down, ladies and gents. Just a few more days and those prosthetics will be ready.¡± Eugene replied and the prisoners cheered.


    ¡°Well, there is one thing we need to discuss.¡± Eden added and the prisoners groaned. They stepped forward and placed their hands through the glittery iron bars. Behind them were more stone passages with two iron doors on either side. A muscular woman walked out of her private training room. She approached her cell gate and stared ahead blankly.


    ¡°Have you given Lady Laurence¡¯s proposal some thought?¡± Eden asked and the prisoner remained silent. ¡°We¡¯re not asking you to betray your Lord-¡±¡°-God. Not some lord. My God. My strength, saviour and salvation. And that is precisely what you want.¡± Erabelle replied stoically. ¡°Our lady merely wishes to meet and speak.¡± Dr. Sanders said honestly. ¡°Or have you given up on the notion of peace? Because we will not. We cannot.¡± Dr. Sbunzi added, but the muscular woman didn¡¯t say a word. She stared ahead quietly and placed her right arm through the cell gate.


    ¡°Take your sample and leave me alone.¡± Erabelle said emotionlessly. ¡°For goodness sake, Belle. What about your children? Your wife and your brother? Do you not want to see them again?¡± Seymour asked, and the muscular woman clenched her teeth. She turned to the side and glared at the old warrior.


    ¡°If I do not see them again in this life, then I will see them in the next.¡± Erabelle replied and she clenched her fist as well. A Sentry turned its head and an eyehole opened slowly. The cyborg approached the muscular woman¡¯s cell and knelt. Laurence placed her hand against her forehead.


    ¡°I see the error of my ways now. I should have spoken to you directly.¡± The Dove Dragon said and Erabelle gasped. ¡°U-unhand me.¡± She demanded with a shaky whisper. ¡°I will not. It is the only way I can think of to bridge the divide between us. I have a very special friend. He thinks our people can coexist. Can you believe that? Mortals and immortals living peacefully together. I share his na?ve dream now and the sooner we end this war, the sooner we can make such a world our reality.¡± Laurence said and she locked eyes with Erabelle.


    ¡°Then you and your friend are fools. Then can never be peace between two superpowers. How can there, when they cannot be at peace with themselves? Humanity does not know peace. Dwarves do not know peace, nor the elves. Gods fight amongst themselves and I am certain your people share the same history.¡± The muscular woman replied and the Dove Dragon smiled.


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    ¡°Then why have we not gone extinct? Deep down, all living creatures seek peace. Even if it is through violence and war. We must show them that there is another way. Together we can prove that peace is a possibility. That there is strength in hopes and ideals. Enough to draw a circle and protect the peace.¡± Laurence argued with an optimistic smile.


    ¡°Until one side betrays the other for an ounce of power, and that power will breed misery.¡± Erabelle replied, and Laurence stood up slowly. ¡°You are lucky enough to have stumbled upon a benevolent superpower. As arrogant as it may sound, do you deny that my people have done the same?¡± she asked confidently. ¡°I do not. The rumors of the White Sage were true. Your kindness is a rare sight to behold.¡± The muscular woman replied honestly.


    ¡°Then will you deliver a message for me? The White Sage, Laurence of Clan Illumoon, wishes to broker a peace. To barter for supplies and to pay reparations to any that have suffered because of this war. You and your people will know the best place to meet and whom to deliver this message to.¡± The Dove Dragon pleaded, and Erabelle sighed. She bit her lip and turned her head to the side.


    ¡°I have sworn an oath and taken my vows. I cannot help you¡­but I will not stop them, if they decide to do so. I will suggest one thing. Take your families and flee as soon as you are done. Only a handful of Gods are worth praying to and even less share your kindness and compassion.¡± The muscular woman replied and her expression softened.


    ¡°There it is again. Gene¡¯s face did the same thing. Maybe it isn¡¯t a na?ve dream after all? I know Lady Laurence believes Lord Drakk¡¯N will be the next Dragon King¡­but I wish she would vie for the position. She would make a glorious Queen.¡± Eden thought as she stared at Laurence and engraved her visage in her mind.


    *


    ¡°Any word from them?¡± The Dove Dragon asked and the four doctors shook their heads. Laurence sucked her teeth with a concerned expression. She paced back and forth and the doctors exchanged confused looks.


    ¡°M-my Lady, perhaps you should rest. These things take time.¡± Dr. Mayflower suggested politely. ¡°It has been a month, Rosanna. Something must have happened. I am taking us closer to the front lines. I have had enough of this.¡± The crimson skinned woman said angrily. She vanished and the Dove Dragon appeared suddenly.


    ¡°Lady Laurence, what about your orders?¡± Dr Sbunzi asked and dark grey clouds blotted out the sky. ¡°Never mind.¡± He whispered and Laurence¡¯s Mother Ship broke formations. ¡°Specialist Mokoena, I am detecting movement. What is the meaning of this?¡± a Dragon asked and the Dove Dragon giggled. ¡°I almost forgot about you all. Listen carefully. I am heading towards the front line. You can order your ships to follow or you may leave.¡± She announced and the Dragons glared at her automatons.


    ¡°Well?¡± the cyborgs asked and the injured Dragons closed their eyes. The fleet of Mother Ships abandoned their position and vanished. They flew passed their allies and headed straight for the battles taking place over the horizon. The small fleet sailed over barren islands with shallow graves and burnt down ruins. They ignored the Mother Ships, and the wreckages they hauled out of the water, and rocketed towards an archipelago to the southwest.


    ¡°Where are you taking us?¡± A Rabbit Dragon asked and Laurence¡¯s eyes flashed. She glared at the Dragon menacingly and she backed down. ¡°Specialist Mokoena, what is the meaning of this?¡± General Knox demanded. ¡°I am doing my duty as a healer, sir.¡± The Dove Dragon replied and the doctors remembered where they were. They knelt quickly and exchanged terrified looks.


    ¡°And is it your duty to disobey orders?¡± the Turtle Dragon asked angrily. ¡°Yes, if it conflicts with my duty as a healer. I will accept my punishment, but I am no longer asking nor am I entertaining excuses. This war will end, and we will have peace.¡± Laurence rumbled angrily.


    ¡°Then you may find that it is already too late for that. We would have sent emissaries, gifts and treaties, if peace was truly our goal.¡± General Knox rumbled stoically. The Dove Dragon frowned, when she felt a hint of guilt in his words. ¡°What have you done?¡± Laurence asked frightfully. ¡°I have done nothing. However, The White Sage has made certain that this war will either end in our victory or theirs.¡± The Turtle Dragon rumbled coldly.


    ¡°For your own safety. Return to your position, Specialist Mokoena. We are your allies and we have no intention of losing our Sage to the enemy.¡± General Knox rumbled calmly. ¡°Then you have declared war on peace itself. I wonder if The Prince will approve of your actions.¡± The Dove Dragon rumbled and her rage terrified the Dragons that were listening. ¡°Hmph. Do as you please. There is nothing to salvage.¡± The Turtle Dragon rumbled tiredly and he ended the call.


    Laurence and the small fleet arrived at their destination shortly. They scanned the archipelago of islands and were shocked to find that there weren¡¯t any signs of life.


    ¡°Well? What now?¡± A Dragon asked. ¡°Now we setup camps and wait. I¡¯m surprised you all stayed.¡± The Dove Dragon replied. ¡°As am I, but I liked the way you stood up to the General.¡± She replied, and another Dragon chuckled. ¡°Corporal Klein.¡± The Rabbit Dragon said quickly.


    ¡°That¡¯s-¡±¡°-I can speak fer myself.¡± The Boar Dragon said in a gruff voice. ¡°Hobbes.¡± He introduced and Laurence giggled. ¡°No rank?¡± she asked. ¡°What is the point? You may be safe, but they will either promote us or dismiss us for what we are doing.¡± Hobbes replied frankly. ¡°Aye. I will not apologise for what we are doing, but I am sorry for dragging you into my battles.¡± Laurence rumbled honestly.


    ¡°And what are we doing exactly? Nelson.¡± the Astral body of a Ferret Dragon asked, before he introduced himself. ¡°We, will search the area. You, will rest. I asked a group of mortals to send a message to their sponsor. I had hoped to negotiate a peace agreement.¡± The Dove Dragon replied, and the Boar Dragon scoffed.


    ¡°And Knox dashed those hopes.¡± Klein replied, with a sigh. ¡°It took weeks to convince them. Now I fear the worst.¡± Laurence said sadly and the Rabbit Dragon stared at her. ¡°You really care for them. They weren¡¯t conscripted. They chose to be here to further their own ambitions. Why do you treat them like Dragons?¡± She rumbled, with confusion.


    ¡°I used to think that too, until I realized that they only had one life. Mortals cannot respawn and their lives are shorter than ours. Are they really free to choose, when they cannot survive in this world without a fraction of our power.¡± The Dove Dragon rumbled sympathetically. ¡°The world is inherently unfair. We cannot tip the scales in their favour any more than we can for ourselves.¡± Nelson rumbled confidently.


    ¡°Incorrect. The Dragon Guard is evidence of that. The Prince has seen another way, or do you deny the Chosen Heir¡¯s foresight?¡± Laurence rumbled happily and the three Dragons laughed. ¡°Well said. And here I thought you were just a child chasing wild dreams. My people will find your messengers, Laurence.¡± The Rabbit Dragon assured her new friend.


    ¡°Thank you, but I do not know how to repay you.¡± The Dove Dragon replied. ¡°Your aid in times of need and your friendship are more than enough.¡± Klein said proudly and Hobbes cleared his throat. ¡°I will not say no to a buff or two here and there. What? I can be quite reckless on the battlefield, and the aura of gold you wreathed me in kept me alive last time. I am guessing The Prince was the one who name it the Divine Dragon¡¯s Blessing.¡± He added, and Dr. Sanders frowned. She looked up, inhaled sharply and mustered up some courage.


    ¡°P-pardon my intrusion. Lord Hobbes, did you say the Divine Dragon¡¯s blessing? May I ask if that is what appears before you?¡± Eden asked tentatively. ¡°Aye, why do you ask?¡± the Boar Dragon replied. ¡°Well, we receive the King¡¯s Blessing.¡± She replied, and Laurence¡¯s DragonHeart appeared before her.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± the crimson skinned woman asked sternly. ¡°I am, my Lady. There is no mistaking it.¡± Dr. Sanders replied, and Laurence exhaled sharply in disbelief. She gave it some thought, smiled and giggled. ¡°What does that mean?¡± the Ferret Dragon asked warily. ¡°That the power to choose has been bestowed upon us. How did I not notice? Will we keep this power to ourselves or share it with the world? He is testing us. Who can find a ruler amongst their people?¡± the Dove Dragon rumbled giddily.


    ¡°We must hurry. Time is of the essence and we know now that there are forces working against us.¡± Laurence said confidently. ¡°My Lady, what do you mean? Aren¡¯t there mortal Kings and Queens on other ships?¡± Eden asked, and the Dragons laughed. They stopped quickly, when they noticed how serious she was.


    ¡°The title of King is not so cheap or else we would all be Kings. No, little one, few are worthy of the title of Monarch. Less are deserving of such power and even fewer know how to live up to it. Every attempt to establish a mortal monarchy has ended in catastrophic failure, and so The Council forbade it¡­until now.¡± Nelson replied, and he looked up at the cloudy sky.


    *


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this.¡± a fisherman said nervously. ¡°Keep your voice down.¡± A hooded assailant whispered. He grimaced, stood up and entered the bridge of the small boat. ¡°I saw something.¡± The fisherman whispered. ¡°You¡¯re being paranoid. We lost them a while back.¡± Seymour replied and he lowered his hood.


    ¡°You swear they are lies. The White Sage won¡¯t¡­crush my bones and brew potions from the dust?¡± the fisherman asked nervously. ¡°No, but I might if you don¡¯t shut it.¡± The old warrior replied. He removed his hand from his side and inspected the smouldering bullet wound. A branch creaked and Seymour glanced to his right. ¡°Stop the boat. We¡¯re here.¡± He said calmly. The fisherman looked around and he spotted the automatons that had surrounded them.


    ¡°Who goes there?¡± a disembodied voice asked, and the automatons vanished. ¡°Friends of Lady Laurence. I seek an audience¡­with the true White Sage.¡± the old warrior replied honestly. ¡°You think it¡¯s them?¡± a scout asked from the shadows. ¡°Send report. Docs can confirm.¡± The second scout whispered back.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take them back to camp. You¡¯re useless out in the field if you can¡¯t communicate properly.¡± The first scout replied. ¡°Safe?¡± the second asked. ¡°Everyone else on board is dead and the fisherman is weak. He must be a civ. The old codger gives me the chills though. Do not take your eyes off him. I don''t care if he''s on his last legs, he''s dangerous. Save your strength and stay hidden, I¡¯ll make contact. Call reinforcements if things go belly up.¡± The senior scout instructed.


    ¡°Are you the party Lady Laurence entrusted with a message?¡± the scout asked and he revealed himself. ¡°Aye. Seymour Grimes. This is Seamus De Vries.¡± Seymour replied quickly. ¡°Allen Foster. I¡¯ll take you to our camp. We have a doctor stationed there. Dr. Sanders will confirm your identity.¡± Allen replied and he hopped onto the deck. The fisherman chuckled in shock, when the boat barely moved.


    ¡°My son¡­please, he¡¯s sick.¡± Seamus said softly and Allen frowned. He turned to the old warrior and Seymour averted his gaze. The scout sighed. ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask the doctor. I do not possess any medical expertise.¡± He lied. ¡°There is a hidden stream upriver. You can dock your boat there and we will have to travel the rest of the way on foot.¡± Allen added carefully.


    *


    ¡°Fascinating. I thought these only grew on my home-world.¡± Eugene said with excitement. ¡°So?¡± a scout asked and Dr. Sanders laughed. ¡°It¡¯s a groundbreaking discovery. I assumed life on this planet would be alien, but it seems more like a continuation than anything. Watch this.¡± Eugene explained, before he fiddled with his wristwatch. The lights grew dimmer and the flower samples began to glow.


    ¡°Wow.¡± ¡°They¡¯re beautiful.¡± The scouts commented. ¡°Moonglow flowers. They have bioluminescent petals that glow at night and they¡¯re incredibly rare. Yet, here they are in droves.¡± Dr. Sanders said and he stared at the glass cases on the shelves. His wristwatch beeped and a monitor popped up in front of him.


    ¡°Doc, we found them. Heading to you now.¡± Allen reported and Eugene sighed with relief, until he noticed the grim expression on the scout¡¯s face. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°It¡¯s best if you see for yourself, and let Lady Laurence know we need a secure line.¡± The senior scout replied. ¡°I need some privacy.¡± Dr. Sanders said quickly. ¡°Vacate the tent!¡± a scout barked and his comrades left immediately. ¡°Thank you.¡± Eugene added and he called Laurence shortly aferwards.


    *


    The Dove Dragon stared at the mutilated corpses on the monitor. She clenched her fist and scanned the cuts and punctures made to Erabelle¡¯s large frame.


    ¡°They were tortured.¡± Laurence deduced. ¡°Aye.¡± Seymour muttered. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked softly. ¡°We delivered the message as promised and a meeting place was chosen. Then we were rounded up and accused of treason. We explained that we had not delivered the message yet and that you couldn¡¯t have betrayed us. However, it didn¡¯t matter. It never did. The Goddess Izanami is obsessed with death. She convinced her brother to brand us traitors and...an entire battalion¡­executed or tortured. For what? What did they die for?¡± the old warrior asked, with teary eyes.


    ¡°For ambition and greed. This was no fault of yours or mine. Our enemies are colluding to prolong this war. But we are not alone. Close your eyes, Seymour. Close your eyes and guide them home with me.¡± The Dove Dragon pleaded and she prayed. Seymour closed his eyes and he saw the spirits that had travelled with him. Erabelle nodded and approached steadily.


    ¡°They fought for what they believed in until the very end and so they died along the path. May the Universe guide them home.¡± Laurence prayed and the darkness grew warmer. The old warrior bowed humbly and the thousands under his command bowed as well. They turned around and marched down the ash dunes. The long line of warriors became translucent. The spirits glittered and sparkled as they joined the migration towards the cosmic tree. Seymour¡¯s mouth opened in awe and his teary eyes twinkled like the starry canopy.


    ¡°I need a wise warrior. One who will make it his mission to keep his forces alive. One who is more concerned with ending battles than securing territory. Join me, General Grimes, in this war for peace.¡± The Dove Dragon beseeched and the old warrior removed his sword from his belt. He knelt, raised it higher and swore a silent oath.


    *


    ¡°By the Universe. What has she done now?¡± Captain Langa wondered when dozens of Dragons appeared on her observation deck. ¡°What is the meaning of this? Why was a cease fire called?¡± a Bull Dragon asked. ¡°It wasn¡¯t.¡± the Blue Dragon replied and several Astral bodies disappeared instantly.


    ¡°There¡¯s more?¡± Captain Langa asked, with an exacerbated groan. ¡°We all see what she is doing. Make her stop or it won¡¯t end well.¡± A Dragon rumbled threateningly. ¡°Oh? You can fight a war on both fronts? Steer clear of Specialist Mokoena¡¯s medic camp, or incur the wrath of her many powerful friends.¡± The Blue Dragon rumbled and a shiver ran down their spines, when General Knox flashed before their eyes.


    ¡°Why?¡± the Bull Dragon asked skeptically. ¡°Ambition. General Knox cares not how we win, but only that we do. Specialist Mokoena has become quite the force and she has complete control of the south west. In her own way, she is furthering our goals. You, on the other hand, have failed to gain any ground in weeks. Your forces have abandoned you and your camps have dwindled. You are grunts, farmers and bakers. There is no shame in that. But know that you lack the ambition, talent and traits to achieve your goals.¡± Captain Langa rumbled bluntly, while her Astral bodies poured over hundreds of maps in her cartography hall.


    The Blue Dragon smirked at the four archipelagos they controlled. She held the west-northwest, General Knox¡¯s forces pushed through the centre to catch made up to his flanks and Master Sergeant Matshabane held the rear. Suddenly, the west-southwestern army pulled ahead. They discovered more islands, as well as what appeared to be a small continent.

 Southern Front. Part 1.

    ¡°Stand your ground!¡± a Demi-God roared and golden kite shields materialised. They printed walls of glittery crystal bricks and slammed them together. The seams disappeared, the sparkly yellow crystal glowed and the shield wall tilted.


    The rain of purple spheres collided with the colossal shield wall and detonated on impact. The Demi-Gods stopped running and turned around. Their morale rose and they let out delighted cheers.


    General Illumoon smirked. She let go of her omni-gun and it dematerialised. Her Dragon bone plated eye drones vanished and appeared behind the crystal wall. Khanyi clapped her hands and they fired another barrage of glittery purple spheres. The eye drones locked onto another target. Their eyes flashed and they fired again.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Neith shouted and glittery crystal pyramids encapsulated the Dragon bone plated drones. The Egyptian Demi-God waved her hand and bright white hieroglyphs appeared on the pyramids. ¡°Oh?¡± Khanyi whispered and she stared at the blank monitors. Her Astral body approached the control panel and she initiated the self-destruct function. The nano-portals imploded and the magical cells in each drone were destroyed.


    ¡°Retreat. Now!¡± Neith commanded and the remaining Demi-Gods nodded. General Illumoon let out a high-pitched laugh and her crystal scales sparkled. She swallowed her head and her crystal helmet blinked erratically. Khanyi¡¯s golden beak extended, her neck grew longer and her wings opened slowly. The Crystal Swan Dragon glittered beautifully, her gold-plated Dragon bone armour sparkled and her indigo robes fluttered in the wind.


    ¡°It is far too late for that now. Capture them, if you can, and kill the rest.¡± General Illumoon rumbled menacingly. Eight Hundred and ninety-nine Mother Ships appeared suddenly. They had surrounded the giant men and women in the blink of an eye. The Egyptian Demi-Goddess looked up at the sun.


    ¡°And to think, you warned me of this.¡± Neith said to the sun. She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and grew steadily. The Egyptian Demi-Goddess vibrated and her eyes shone like floodlights. She scanned the battlefield and the nine hundred enormous whales with cities on their backs.


    Neith materialised an Ankh shaped sceptre and clutched it tightly. She flicked her wrist and the Shield God was sucked backwards through an Astral tunnel. The tube of glittery inter-dimensional energy collapsed and the confused giant looked around frantically. He dashed to the side and narrowly dodged the Minotaur Dragon¡¯s axe. Domanique chuckled, flapped her bat-like wings and drove her shoulder into his chest. She vanished, appeared beside her opponent and swung at his legs.


    Khanyi appeared before the Egyptian Demi-Goddess, with her right arm raised. She tore out Neith¡¯s throat and vanished quickly. The Crystal Swan Dragon circled her opponent, before she appeared behind the Egyptian Demi-Goddess and gouged out her spine. Neith screamed and the shockwave knocked everyone back.


    Khanyi appeared a hundred metres above her. She vanished, dodged the violent vibrations in the air and reappeared in the same place. The Crystal Swan Dragon wagged her finger and shook her head. She inhaled sharply, opened her mouth and opened a portal to her hearth. Khanyi¡¯s Astral bodies pushed and the glittery fire balls, floating in the deep dark recesses of space, rocketed towards the Astral tunnel.


    The Crystal Swan Dragon delayed her attack. She watched the giant woman and smiled. A sparkly light filled her wounds and replaced the damaged or missing cells. However, Neith¡¯s energy output remained the same. Khanyi vanished and the giant woman summoned a sphinx, with a flash of light.


    The Crystal Swan Dragon appeared below, beside and above the creature. She opened her mouth, revealed a sphere of inter-dimensional energy and exhaled sharply three times. The Mana infused spheres of star fire burst out, crashed into the sphinx and incinerated it.


    Khanyi let out a disappointed sigh. She transformed and returned to her humanoid form. The Crystal Dragon¡¯s beak shrunk. She opened her mouth wider and closed her eyes. General Illumoon removed the pearly white mask on her face. The light bounced off the Dragon bone face plate and Neith was captivated by its iridescent sheen.


    ¡°Strange. You cannot keep up, can you? So, much energy and yet you do not know what to do with it. You are like children that do not know the strength of their own bodies. How much do you know about the worlds and the machines in our cells? How much do you truly know about nano-technology?¡± Khanyi asked and a cold shiver ran down the Demi-Gods'' spines. The Egyptian Demi-Goddess¡¯ golden trinkets and armour sparkled. Her ankh grew into a staff and she materialised a shield, shaped like a scarab, onto her left forearm.


    ¡°Oh? Fine. We have our ways of extracting information.¡± General Illumoon said with a sinister smile and Neith clenched her teeth. She swung her staff and her right arm was severed. The Egyptian Demi-Goddess¡¯ eyes bulged. She looked over her left shoulder and Khanyi tossed her arm back at her. Neith reached out and the severed limb shrunk mysteriously, before it disappeared.


    ¡°Whoops.¡± General Illumoon said playfully. She vanished and dismembered the giant woman. The Egyptian Demi-Goddess inhaled sharply and Khanyi crushed her throat. She gripped the giant woman¡¯s neck and she shrunk involuntarily.


    ¡°Oh? It seems your stature is affected by your mental state. Are you afraid, Goddess?¡± General Illumoon asked with a sinister giggle. Neith nodded and Khanyi¡¯s mask materialised onto her face. ¡°Good. That will keep you alive.¡± She replied and the giant woman shrunk mysteriously as well. She disappeared and General Illumoon scanned the battlefield. Her fleet had captured hundreds of Demi-Gods and slaughtered thousands more. One Mother Ship stood out from the rest.


    Sergeant BladeClaw had broke foramtion. He drew his katana and slashed at the air. The fleeing Dem-Gods looked over their shoulders and their arms and legs were severed by invisible forces. Kenpachi stood on the nose of his ship. He sheathed his blade and exhaled slowly. The slack jawed Salamander Dragon tapped his right foot and his Mother Ship opened her mouth. She scooped up the falling giants, while he stared at the dark grey clouds over the horizon.


    The Minotaur Dragon bound her captives in a leathery rope and the knots tied themselves tightly. She nodded, scanned the vast seas and marveled at the planet¡¯s beauty.


    ¡°Tis a shame, ma¡¯am.¡± Sergeant Walter said and Khanyi glanced at her. ¡°What is, Sergeant?¡± she asked curiously. ¡°That such a beautiful world will be plunged into the fires of war.¡± The Minotaur Dragon said somberly.


    ¡°And reclaim the ashes when we are done? No, thank you. I prefer quick and precise strikes on highly valuable targets. The Gods we have captured will guide our blades directly to their necks. Remember this, Sergeant; a swift victory was sealed the moment I was assigned to this fleet.¡± General Illumoon rumbled confidently and the Southern Fleet roared triumphantly.


    *


    Khanyi stared at the blizzard. She turned around and noticed the relived expressions on everyone but Domanique''s and Kenpachi¡¯s faces. General Illumoon turned around again. She glared at the vast snow dunes and the faint blue mountains through the blistering winds.


    ¡°We have reached the south pole, Major, and there is still no sign of The Prince.¡± Khanyi said without taking her eyes off the icy wasteland. ¡°Aye, he misled us. The continent to the northeast appears to have been his destination.¡± The Sloth Dragon replied with an embarrassed chuckle. General Illumoon sighed.


    ¡°And how long will it take to build the pyramid?¡± Khanyi asked in a monotone voice. ¡°Three months¡­after we have finished investigating the area. The poles are the homes of the Cosmic Trees and yet I do not feel its awe-inspiring presence anywhere nearby.¡± The old Dragon rumbled worryingly.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°Aye. Then I suppose our next course of action has been decided for us. I want a ringed formation with our most formidable combatants posted near the outer rim. Fan out and scan everything. The rest of us will begin working on the pyramid. The sooner we find out what happened here the sooner I can go see The Prince. He and I have much to discuss.¡± General Illumoon said with an eager grin.


    *


    Kenpachi strode across the snow. He held onto his cloak and it staved off the blistering winds. The Salamander Dragon walked for hours before he stopped and scanned his surroundings once more.


    Kenpachi strode across the snow. He inspected the warp gate embedded in the centre of a stone podium. The Salamander Dragon raised his hood and walked down the stone steps. He held onto his cloak, crossed the dimensional barrier and ventured out into the blizzard again.


    Kenpachi strode across the snow. He spotted the mountain in the distance and raised his head when the winds had died down. The sun shone through the clouds and the dark blue sky came into view. The Salamander Dragon inhaled deeply and the ice-cold air stung his lungs. He continued walking and spotted a glowing crevice several kilometres away.


    ¡°I have found something.¡± Kenachi reported and he shared images of the glowing crack in the ice. The Salamander Dragon knelt and peered through the it. He noted the pale blue light and continued walking. ¡°It grows wider the closer I get to the mountain.¡± Kenpachi reported. ¡°Proceed with caution, sergeant.¡± Major Jabba replied. ¡°Roger that.¡± The Salamander Dragon said and he left the Khanyi''s observation tower.


    Kenpachi walked until he came across a colossal chasm. The Salamander Dragon gripped the sword at his hip, leaned over the edge and peered down. He stared at the darkness until he made out the faint blue glow at the very bottom. Kenpachi looked up and he tracked the deep crack in the ice to the mountains in the distance.


    ¡°I do not believe the mountain can be reached from the surface. I am descending to investigate.¡± The Salamander Dragon reported. ¡°Wait for reinforcements, Sergeant. It could be a trap.¡± Major Jabba replied warily. ¡°Sergeant? Why is it that the youngest of us are also the most impatient?¡± he wondered and General Illumoon giggled. ¡°Because we have all the time in the world and we do not want to waste a second of it.¡± she replied happily and the Sloth Dragon sighed. ¡°Clan heads should not be so reckless with their lives. House BladeClaw can be rebuilt.¡± He rumbled hopefully.


    ¡°I will be fine, Major. I do not detect any lifeforms. And I refuse to rebuild my Clan upon a foundation of rage and vengeance.¡± Kenpachi rumbled and the image of Clyde feasting on corpses flashed before Major Jabba. ¡°I see. Then do not lose sight of what is most important. You are the only Dragon currently in the field without a people to aid you. May the Universe be with you.¡± The Sloth Dragon rumbled empathetically and the Salamander Dragon¡¯s Astral body disappeared.


    ¡°Apologies, ma¡¯am, but you consider yourself-¡±¡°-careful, sergeant. Do not let my accomplishments fool you. I am young enough to be your older sister.¡± Khanyi rumbled proudly. Domanique scanned the medals and badges on the Crystal Swan Dragon¡¯s left breast plate and smiled. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± She replied.


    *


    The Salamander Dragon fell like a feather. He kept his left hand on his sword¡¯s hilt and descended steadily into the darkness. Twenty minutes passed before Kenpachi found something. He spotted a glittery granite bridge and torches that burned bright blue in the abyss.


    The Salamander Dragon recognized the sparkly blue flames immediately. He scanned the strange bridge, the surrounding darkness and the stone tunnels at the very end. Kenpachi landed softly on the granite bricks and the torches flared. He tilted his head to the side and checked the scan results once more.


    ¡°Nothing. No, there is something or someone deeper. What is this place? There is sound, so it cannot be the void. However, I feel a similar chill in the air. This place is either dead or occupied by them?¡± Kenpachi wondered. He crossed the bridge, entered the dark tunnel and many more torches ignited. They emitted a pale blue glow that illuminated the glittery granite bricks.


    The Salamander Dragon steeled himself, before he ventured deeper into the tunnel. He walked for an hour and was surprised to find a colossal cavern at the end. The torches along the four bridges, the street lamps, the torches on the walls as well as the granite cauldron on top of the tallest tower ignited. The blue flames flared and bright white glow illuminated the underground city. Kenpachi scanned the glittery cavern walls, the stalactites and the stalagmites. His eyes fell on the western and eastern bridges and he scanned them as well.


    The Salamander Dragon took off and spread his wings. He circled the city and noticed the tiny stone structures on the southern most bridge. Kenpachi scanned the stone buildings and he spotted a tiny energy signature.


    ¡°A child? Here? People live this far below the surface? How?¡± the Salamander Dragon wondered and the child heard the flapping of colossal wings. The tiny heat signature turned to face the source of the sound, before it collapsed.


    ¡°Damn it.¡± Kenpachi thought. He pulled back, lowered his energy output and an Astral body knelt beside the little girl. Her skin was a light shade of blue and her hair was snow white. She wore tattered robes made from animal fur, boots made from animal leather as well as a dagger and a canteen tied to her belt.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Sergeant BladeClaw asked and the child opened her eyes. The little girl blinked erratically and gasped, when she noticed his crimson skin. ¡°Tel¡¯iah kral¡¯u¡¯ik, lo¡¯rk do¡¯ka¡¯un! Dr¡¯K! Dr¡¯K!¡± the little girl said with excitement and she giggled happily.


    ¡°I have never heard this language before. Does Dr¡¯K mean Dragon or Drakk¡¯N?¡± Kenpachi wondered and the child pointed at the city. She ran ahead, turned around and beckoned the eight-metre-tall crimson skinned man. He followed her to the city gates and his seven hundred and fifty metre tall body watched from the ceiling.


    The little girl ran ahead and stopped again. She giggled with her hands behind her back, backed up to the edge and fell backwards. Sergeant BladeClaw gasped and his DragonHeart appeared at the edge. He looked down and watched the little girl land on a rickety wooden scaffold.


    Kenpachi vanished and appeared on the wooden boards, before they collapsed. He caught the girl and stepped onto the ledge. The girl giggled and ran towards the two-kilometre-tall stone double doors. She slid down the sloped path with an excited smile and the crimson skinned man slid down after her.


    Sergeant BladClaw and the girl stopped in front of the doors. They approached carefully and he placed his hand on the stone. Kenpachi looked up and spotted a balcony in front of the keyhole. He pointed to it and then pointed at the girl. She nodded and he knelt. The little girl hopped into his arms and Sergeant BladeClaw rose slowly.


    ¡°Her body is surprisingly cold. She appears to be a human child. Who are her people? Have they always lived here? And what do they know of this place? I won¡¯t learn anything until I learn her language. Which, depending on her proficiency, could take time. I could steal the information from her mind¡­no, my presence alone nearly rendered her unconscious. Exerting my influence on her mind might kill her. I have to wait until she has said enough or until she has grown strong enough. It seems I will be playing the part of archaeologist, caretaker and teacher for a while.¡± Kenpachi thought as he entered the keyhole tunnel.


    ¡°My name¡­Ken. Pa. Chi. Kenpachi. Dragon.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw said and he pointed at himself. ¡°Tel¡¯iah! Tel¡¯iah!¡± the little girl shouted happily and she pointed at herself. Her stomach grumbled and she wobbled in the crimson skinned man¡¯s arms. ¡°Tel¡¯iah, eat. Hungry.¡± Kenpachi said and he placed Tel¡¯iah on the floor.


    Sergeant BladeClaw reached into his cloak and produced a bento box. He waved his hand and a small campfire ignited beside him. Kenpachi took off his cloak and draped it around her shoulders, before he placed the lunchbox in her hands and sat down. The little girl looked up at him with teary eyes. The delicious aromas wafted up her nostrils and she sniffed.


    ¡°Dr¡¯K¡­Ken¡¯Pachi¡­do¡¯rah.¡± Tel¡¯iah said and she bowed humbly. ¡°You are most welcome. Now eat.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw replied and he sat in front of the fire. The little girl sat next to him. She opened the bento box slowly and wept with each bite.


    Tel¡¯iah burped and giggled. She looked down at the box and nodded at what remained. The little girl stared at the food for a few seconds, before she shook her head and made up her mind. Tel¡¯iah closed the bento box and looked up at the crimson skinned man, when another thought occurred. Kenpachi stared at her for a while, before he understood what was worrying her. He produced several more bento boxes and the little girl¡¯s eyes twinkled. She then turned back, looked ahead and steeled herself.


    ¡°Pachi¡¯La, do¡¯rah.¡± Tel¡¯iah said thankfully and she held the cloak up. ¡°Keep it. You will need it to protect yourself.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw said and he shone a hologram of the pale little girl in the palm of his left hand. She gripped the cloak tightly and it projected a crystal dome shaped shield. Tel¡¯iah gasped and marveled at the image.


    ¡°Do¡¯rah!¡± the little girl shouted and she hugged the crimson skinned man¡¯s leg. ¡°Let us proceed with our search.¡± Kenpachi said quickly and he scanned the rest of the tunnel. The duo walked quietly. They approached the other side of the keyhole tunnel and their eyes adjusted to the light quickly.


    ¡°By the Universe.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw muttered when he saw the throne room. He picked Tel¡¯iah up and dropped like feather. The little girl closed her eyes and looked around. ¡°Dr¡¯K! Dr¡¯K!¡± She shouted and pointed to the corner. Kenpachi looked up at the skull protruding from the wall. He scanned it and followed the shape of its body. He turned around, backed away and stared at the Dragon bone skeleton embedded in the ceiling.


    ¡°Major, permission to speak privately?¡± Sergeant BladeClaw requested and he placed Tel''iah down gently. The Sloth Dragon turned to Khanyi. ¡°Dismissed.¡± She ordered and the hundreds of Draconic Astral bodies present left her observation tower. ¡°Granted. What is it¡­sergeant?¡± Major Jabba asked and the images flooded in as soon as he spoke. General Illumoon looked over her shoulder and the Sloth Dragon¡¯s jaw dropped. She waved her hand and brought up the image of a stone seat, large enough for a Dragon.


    ¡°The Prince¡¯s throne. Then who are they?¡± Khanyi wondered out loud. ¡°We need a sample of their cells. We won¡¯t have any way of knowing who they are without taking a sample.¡± The Sloth Dragon said softly. ¡°Good work keeping this quiet. The last thing we need is to tempt any thievery.¡± General Illumoon rumbled calmly.


    ¡°Especially if two of our kind are working against us. We do not know their locations, how many legitimate and illegitimate Dragons there were on this world, whether the Council sent any expeditions since this world was created nor what became of them. Yes, there are far too many unknowns.¡± Major Jabba deduced as he paced back and forth.


    ¡°I found a human girl wandering around. I believe she may hold some answers. I am still learning her language.¡± Kenpachi reported and Khanyi nodded. ¡°Then again, it seems the decision has been made for us. Continue to watch over the girl. We need you to establish a good rapport with her people. Learn all you can and report back periodically.¡± She ordered with a curious smile.


    General Illumoon¡¯s Astral bodies scoured the tomes, scrolls and hard drives in her private library. They gathered anything that mentioned the Land of Iron Mountains and she stared at the image of a marble seat at the very end of the throne room. The King¡¯s Flame burned bright blue and its bright glow illuminated the colossal chamber.

 Southern Front. Part 2.

    ¡°Tel¡¯iah!¡± a woman screamed and the little girl hunched her shoulders. ¡°O.¡± she muttered and Sergeant BladeClaw let out a single chuckle. ¡°It appears a mother¡¯s rage transcends language barriers.¡± He thought and Tel¡¯iah turned to him. She placed the back of her hand to her forehead and collapsed in his direction.


    ¡°Pachi¡¯La.¡± The little girl whispered. ¡°Hoi.¡± Kenpachi replied and she giggled. The angry woman marched towards them and her scowl turned into a frown the closer she got. Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother stopped. She squinted, raised two fingers, closed one eye. Tel;iah¡¯s mother measured her child, before she measured the crimson skinned man. The pale blue glow bounced off his bone plated armour and she gawked at its iridescent sheen.


    ¡°T-Tel¡¯iah.¡± The nervous woman called out quietly. Sergeant BladeClaw knelt and placed the girl on her feet. He gave her a little push and she looked up at the crimson skinned man. ¡°Ma¡¯a! Tel¡¯iah sok hip ai, Tel¡¯iah ve¡¯k Dr;K. Pachi¡¯La.¡± The little girl said proudly and she approached her mother steadily.


    ¡°Dr¡¯K?¡± Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother asked, bewildered. ¡°Ma¡¯a! Pachi¡¯La.¡± The little girl corrected and the embarrassed woman bowed humbly. ¡°Fo¡¯rah ai Do¡¯rah, Pachi¡¯La.¡± ¡°Forgive and thanks, Lord Pachi.¡± The translation programmed repeated. ¡°Hmm. We have been travelling for a week and we have still not reached her village. How far did this child travel and for what purpose?¡± Kenpachi wondered as he stood slowly. A group of pale blue skinned men and women, in furs, approached slowly.


    ¡°A search party? I am glad they care for one another.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw thought. ¡°Ah! Lord Pachi! It! It!¡± Tel¡¯iah shouted excitedly and she gestured to her mouth. ¡°Tel¡¯iah!-Forgiveness, Lord Pachi.¡± Her mother said quickly and the crimson skinned man understood what she meant. He held his hand out, with his palm facing the floor, and it glowed. Bento boxes fell from the bright light and formed a neat pile. The search party¡¯s jaws dropped and they exchanged bewildered looks.


    *


    The satisfied search party rubbed their full bellies. Their smiles faded away slowly, when the cost of such a bounty entered their minds. They turned to Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother. She gave it some thought, smiled and shook her head. Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother spoke quietly and everyone hung their heads.


    ¡°It appears they are arguing about something. Tel¡¯iah does not seem bothered by it for some reason. I suppose in another week we will be able to communicate. The question is what will I do until then?¡± Kenpachi wondered. He scanned the tunnel and looked back at the darkness behind them. The torches in the distance were barely visible. The Salamander Dragon wandered the city until he found a route to the palace. He walked down a spiral staircase and approached the two-kilometre-tall stone double doors.


    Kenpachi stood up and approached the search party. They looked up quickly and turned to Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother. She shrugged and the crimson skinned man shone a hologram of a blizzard and a blue mountain range in the distance. They all stared at the memory with awe struck eyes.


    ¡°Hmm? Hiper¡¯boros?¡± Tel¡¯iah asked curiously and a few members of the search party gasped. The rest hung their heads. A man shook his head and packed up his things. The others stared at him, before they exchanged looks and packed up as well. Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother glanced at her daughter and nodded. The little girl approached Sergeant BladeClaw and pointed at the mountain. She then pointed at herself, the tribe and the path away from the underground city.


    *


    ¡°Major, have you discovered anything?¡± General Illumoon asked and the Sloth Dragon waved his hand. ¡°Cecil Ncobo of Redfalls. 65, Level 78, male, Arcane Warrior, killed in action eighty-two years ago.¡± He replied and she raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°He died during the rebellion. Then how did he end up on a planet that did not exist at the time?¡± Khanyi asked and Major Jabba¡¯s eyes shone as he gave it some thought. ¡°I have no idea.¡± The Sloth Dragon replied honestly.


    ¡°Really, Major? I am willing to wager there is a Dragon on this planet that knows-¡±¡°-let it be, General. We were blessed with good fortune. Build the pyramid and secure another accolade. Anything and everything that concerns the civil war is a well-guarded secret.¡± Major Jabba rumbled frightfully and the image of the Sloth Dragon flashed before her. He wept, cradled his son¡¯s corpse and roared at the sky.


    ¡°This is absurd. They cannot possibly have seen this far ahead. Our families have been intertwined since The Council¡¯s formation. Since when did we have to bend the knee to their influence? Since when were we supposed to fear the Moonglow Dragons.¡± General Illumoon rumbled and Major Jabba snarled at her rage.


    ¡°Since your families allowed them to do as they pleased. Clans Drah¡¯Goo, Illumoon, IronHide and Gardenia sat idly by and counted their accomplishments, while the rest of society grew under their shadows. You of all people should be more than aware how dangerous political struggles are and why most of the conscripts come from the remaining clans.¡± The Sloth Dragon rumbled with disdain.


    ¡°I know¡­which is why I wanted to meet with The Prince. I want to know what He is fighting for. What we should fight for? Turn your fear, rage and hatred to excitement and hope. The world is changing, and we must change with it.¡± Khanyi rumbled optimistically.


    ¡°An admirable fellow. However, I fear he is nothing more than a sacrificial pawn. Tragic in fact. To think he would struggle so valiantly for those who would turn on him, if they knew what was to gain.¡± Major Jabba rumbled ominously. ¡°What do you know?¡± General Illumoon asked quickly.


    ¡°How would you like to die, General?¡± the Sloth Dragon asked and he stared at the cloudy sky. Khanyi stared at the old Dragon before she answered. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± General Illumoon replied. ¡°And why should you? I always imagined I would die after too much time had passed. I am surrounded by my loved ones, my hearth fizzles away and I wander the ash dunes until the end of all things.¡± Major Jabba rumbled peacefully.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You are immortal, Major.¡± Khanyi replied and the Sloth Dragon laughed. ¡°Are we? I am certain my son thought he was immortal as well, perhaps these so-called gods do too.¡± He rumbled coyly. ¡°What are you saying?¡± Khanyi whispered.


    ¡°How many ways can one die?¡± Major Jabba asked and General Illumoon sucked her teeth. ¡°My grandfather liked riddles as well. There is more than one form of death. Are you saying there is more than one form of immortality. An endless existence. The Council?¡± she asked and the old Dragon nodded silently.


    ¡°There is a reason why the Dragon Guard are so powerful and dangerous. They do not just protect The Council; they conceal their very existence.¡± The Sloth Dragon rumbled frightfully. He smiled at the night sky and the full moon. ¡°You have all summer to ponder. And remember¡­weary is the head that wears the crown.¡± Major Jabba rumbled and he stared at General Illumoon. The Sloth Dragon turned away with a curious smile. He stared at the night sky and hummed.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    *


    ¡°If what Major Jabba said is true then our fate balances on a blade¡¯s edge. All Dragons could fade away from the annals of history. Gone from the passages of time. Another form of immortality¡­eternity? Mortal to immortal, immortal to eternal. Is that the natural progression of life? To one day never end. What would become of The Universe then?¡± Khanyi wondered and she paced back and forth.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.¡± Domanique greeted with a nod. ¡°Progress report.¡± General Illumoon ordered. ¡°The foundation is complete and the wards have been set. All that¡¯s left is to build the damn thing. Once the idiots I am working with learn how to read blueprints properly.¡± The Minotaur Dragon rumbled and Khanyi giggled at her frustration. ¡°A marvelous invention, isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked, with a smile.


    ¡°Aye, they remind me of the fortresses back home. However, the enchanting requirements and the sheer amount of Mana needed are absurd.¡± Domanique replied and Khanyi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Hmm. You understand the blueprints and their significance, while others do not. May I ask if you have already integrated what you have learned?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°I have, why? Was I wrong to do so?¡± The Minotaur Dragon asked nervously. ¡°Of course not. I was simply curious. Some things can only be learned in service to our people. A reward for your time and work. I learned that lesson when I discovered Keystones. One of the secrets harboured by the Moonglow Dragons.¡± General Illumoon rumbled and her frustration seeped through.


    ¡°I am growing tired of their secrets.¡± Domanique muttered. ¡°Apologies. I should not have said that.¡± She rumbled regretfully and Duke flashed before Khanyi¡¯s eyes. The eight hundred and ninety-nine Dragons under General Illumoon¡¯s command exchanged awkward glances.


    ¡°You have nothing to apologise for. You are not the only one who shares that sentiment. Worlds inside worlds. Secrets upon secrets. How many of you think it is strange that our protectors are also our jailors?¡± Khanyi rumbled as she looked out at the snow dunes. ¡°I do not believe they have ever given it much thought, General.¡± Major Jabba replied with a chuckle.


    ¡°Aye. We are too many, to be this ignorant of our own ways. Too old, and too young. I wish to host a Union.¡± General Illumoon rumbled and she turned to the Sloth Dragon. ¡°I will make the preparations.¡± He replied happily. The Dragons exchanged looks once more, before they glanced at the Minotaur Dragon. She rolled her eyes and cleared her throat.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am-¡±¡°-a banquet followed by a small gathering, sergeant. One our people used to hold before¡­well, anything. A courtesy. A show of respect, an old tradition that has been forgotten.¡± Khanyi replied excitedly.


    *


    ¡°Jar¡¯red!¡± a Hyperborean man called out. The towering figure stopped chiseling and turned around. He saw Tel¡¯iah and smiled from ear to ear. Jar¡¯red dropped his tools and sighed. He walked over to the group, with an enraged scowl.


    ¡°You scared the life out of us all! Do you know that?¡± the Hyperborean Chief scolded. ¡°Forgive me, Chief. But I went to go find help¡­and I found Him.¡± Tel¡¯iah replied meekly. ¡°Help? We do not need help. We¡¯ll be fine-¡± Jar¡¯red paused when he blinked and saw a blindingly bright light in the darkness. He looked up, closed his eyes and stared at the blazing hot inferno shaped like a man.


    Kenpachi scanned the ice brick buildings, the smooth icy streets and the clear blue sky above their heads. The Hyperborean city glistened and sparkled in the light. The people all left their homes and their places of work. They flocked to the streets and stared at the crimson skinned man.


    ¡°They can all detect energy signatures? Who are these people? Some of their structures are infused with Mana. A hardy folk¡­but how did they come by their ways? Who taught them what they know?¡± Sergeant BladeClaw wondered as he scanned his surroundings. Kenpachi strolled down the streets and the Hyperboreans bowed humbly.


    ¡°Lord Pachi! Oh, I mean¡­Lord Pachi.¡± The little girl said politely. She bowed and tugged her at the Chief¡¯s pants leg. Jar¡¯red was startled by this. He looked down noticed Tel¡¯iah and looked up again. The Hyperborean Chief realized that his people had lowered their heads and he did the same. Jar¡¯red looked up once more and his eyes met the DragonHeart¡¯s.


    ¡°My presence has already upset the balance. I must tread carefully going forward. I still need to discover what happened to the Cosmic Tree. I do not wish to alarm them by ripping the knowledge from their minds. It will take time to do so gently.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw thought, while his Astral bodies mapped the area. They circled the icy mountain range and the snowy forests and meadows at its feet. One stood on the tallest peak and looked up. The psychic apparition spotted a sparkle in the distance and another soared through the air. The Astral body looked down, while another continued.


    ¡°Ahh. I see. I suppose it is time I made my report.¡± Kenpachi thought as he poured over the maps and memories. The Salamander Dragon crossed his legs and closed his eyes. He hovered fifty metres above the northern bridge, with his back to the underground city. The surprised DragonHeart was surrounded by the Hyperboreans. They raised Tel¡¯iah high and cheered. ¡°Tel¡¯iah!¡± ¡°You did it!¡± ¡°Brave little girl!¡± ¡°Tel¡¯iah has brought a Dragon to save us!¡± they shouted happily.


    *


    ¡°Hyperborean? Do they know what happened to the Cosmic Tree?¡± Major Jabba asked. ¡°It seems some have an idea. It will take a few days to confirm it. Unfortunately, most seem to be unaware of anything beyond the borders of their city. The barrier barred them from leaving¡­until Tel¡¯iah found a secret path to the underground city and the strange throne room. Though I do not know how much they are hiding.¡± The Salamander Dragon reported.


    ¡°Ah! I found a tome that details a room very similar to what you found. I believe it is called the Hall of Monarchs. However, the tome described thirteen seats of power. What a wonderous place, the Library of Truth. One could wander through the halls for a millennium and never see everything it holds.¡± The Sloth Dragon rumbled giddily and Kenpachi chuckled.


    ¡°Oh? A rare laugh. Have you considered my advice? It seems time with these people has served you well.¡± Major Jabba noted and the Salamander Dragon noticed the men and women in the background. They appeared, leapt and vanished shorty afterwards along the ramparts on the walls.


    ¡°Has something happened?¡± Kenpachi asked and he glanced behind the Sloth Dragon. ¡°Aye. The General is hosting a Union. Make you are here for it. Oh, and bring a diplomatic party of Hyperboreans. For diplomatic reasons¡­that is an order, sergeant.¡± He replied sternly and the Salamander Dragon grumbled. ¡°Yes¡­sir.¡± He replied and Major Jabba ended the call with a grin.


    Kenpachi opened his eye and a notification popped up in front of him. It was a formal invitation to a banquet. He accepted it, sighed and stood up. The Salamander Dragon¡¯s boots touched the stone path and he turned towards the city.


    ¡°The Hall of Monarchs. Who do they rule? Are they The Council¡¯s seats? Ours?¡± Kenpachi gave it some thought, before he sent an Astral body to the well-lit chamber. The psychic apparition studied the stone chair and the Salamander Dragon scoffed in disbelief. ¡°Why did I not notice it before?¡± he whispered. His Astral body turned slowly in place. It stared at the much smaller seats arranged in a circle along the walls.


    ¡°Seven¡­not thirteen. What is the meaning of this? And why are you here?¡± Sergeant BladeClaw wondered out loud. ¡°And here I was hopping to keep my distance.¡± He added, when Tel¡¯iah rushed to his side and the Hyperboreans followed meekly. They gathered before the crimson skinned man and he noticed how thin they all were. The hundreds of Astral bodies scanned the forests and only a dozen energy signatures popped up on the monitors.


    ¡°Food is scarce and the conditions must make it difficult to grow anything. These people were abandoned. Was the Dragon in the hall the guardian of these lands? Like my people were the guardians of ours. A Dragon without a people and a people without a Dragon. Coincidence?¡± Kenpachi thought. He looked up and noticed how far away Jar¡¯red was standing.


    ¡°If I am to meddle, then I need to win him over. If I cannot, then I need to steal the people¡¯s hearts. What a horrible soul. Haunted by those he has murdered. This Jar¡¯red will sow seeds of doubt and undermine my every word, if I leave him alone. If this is fate¡­can I truly place my hopes on a child? I suppose this is what my father thought that day. I will not make the same mistake. The girl will earn her strength, it will not be granted to her. She, who braved the unknown, will not know doubt. She will become a brilliant flame that burns through the night.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw decided and he knelt before Tel¡¯iah.


    ¡°Come with me and become my apprentice. Learn and grow.¡± Kenpachi rumbled and the little girl was frightened by the loud noise. She hesitated for a moment, and the psychic language echoed in her ears. Tel¡¯iah saw glimpses of sunny meadows and lush jungles. She saw a beach, grey skies, a colossal tower and a city at it¡¯s base. The world rushed past her and the Mother Ship came into full view.


    The little girl stepped forward and knelt. Sergeant BladeClaw¡¯s left gauntlet dematerialised and revealed a veiny mitt of a hand. He pressed his fingertip against Tel¡¯iah¡¯s forehead carefully and the light bounced off his iridescent fingernail. Kenpachi established a connection to her nano-machines and the little girl¡¯s profile appeared on the top left corner of his field of view. Holographic monitors popped up in front of Tel¡¯iah and she was granted access to a small library¡¯s worth of learning materials.


    Jar¡¯red scowled. Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother smiled. She closed her eyes and her daughter¡¯s soul shone a little brighter. The crimson skinned man turned to the search party.


    ¡°Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Kenpachi, of the Land of Emerald Isles¡­and the head of the BladeClaw Clan. Tel¡¯iah has just become my apprentice, a very distinguished position. However, she is still a child and cannot travel alone. Will you accompany her on this journey?¡± Sergeant BladeClaw asked formally.


    ¡°I will.¡± Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother replied and the search party nodded excitedly. ¡°If you will have us.¡± The old Hyperborean replied. ¡°A political figure will be needed as well. A leader who speaks on behalf of your people.¡± Kenpachi added and everyone turned to Jar¡¯red. ¡°Summer is the only time we can hunt what little we will store for winter. My people will die if I leave. I am sorry, but I must decline your request.¡± The Hyperborean Chief replied carefully.

 Southern Front. Part 3.

    ¡°There is no need to fret. I will leave enough food to last a dozen winters, and we will only be gone for three weeks. Your people will be safe and well fed in that time.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw replied and the Hyperboreans whispered and murmured. They turned to Jar¡¯red and pleaded with their eyes.


    ¡°This Dragon is cunning. He has shattered their reliance and sowed the seeds of contempt and defiance. That is if I decline. If I accept¡­I travel with them. Yes, this is a splendid opportunity. I no longer need this tribe to survive. After everything I have done, I am going to be rewarded with knowledge and power. Thank you, mother. Thanks to you, Lady Fortune will always favour me.¡± The Hyperborean Chief thought and Kenpachi smiled. ¡°Wait¡­how¡­can he hear my thoughts?¡± Jar¡¯red wondered and the crimson skinned man maintained eye contact.


    ¡°Then I would be honoured to accompany you.¡± The Hyperborean Chief replied and the people cheered. ¡°Good. Gather materials and build a cart. The road is long and it will make travel more convenient. But first, we feast.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw instructed, before he spread his arms.


    The Salamander Dragon¡¯s stomach grumbled and the grey brackets around his damage indicator flashed. The green silhouette of a Dragon turned yellow and the dark blue ring around it was depleted slowly.


    ¡°This place is warded. I should have been more careful. I must not let them know that my strength is being drained. Especially him. A day or two at the most, then we must depart.¡± Kenpachi deduced as crates, sacks and barrels appeared behind him with a bright flash.


    *


    ¡°We are close.¡± The Salamander Dragon said and his voice pierced the gale force winds. He closed his wings and lowered his head. Kenpachi dove towards the snowy dunes and pulled up at the last minute. He opened his heavy armoured wings and maintained his altitude.


    ¡°Hold¡­almost¡­there.¡± The Salamander Dragon willed and the warp gate appeared over the horizon. He clenched his teeth, ignored his fatigue and flapped. Tel¡¯iah leaned over the edge of the cart and her hood was blown off her head. ¡°Tel¡¯iah! Be careful!¡± her mother shouted over the noise.


    ¡°Let her be, Rev¡¯loh. Your daughter is a Dragon¡¯s Apprentice and for a good reason. Perhaps it is time we looked at the world through a child¡¯s eyes once more. Look.¡± The old Hyperborean said and he gestured to the horizon. ¡°Apprentice or not, I am her mother. I will always worry.¡± Rev¡¯loh replied and she draped the hood over her daughter¡¯s head.


    Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother stared at the strange podium in the distance. Two rings rose slowly and an orb of Mana swelled. Kenpachi slowed down and landed on his hind feet. His grip tightened accidentally, and the wooden cart creaked in his hands. The little girl leaned over the edge, when she noticed they were still in the air.


    ¡°Oooh!¡± Tel¡¯iah shouted, when she spotted the glittery crystal platform beneath the red Dragons feet. ¡°Teliah! Be careful!¡± Rev¡¯loh scolded and she pulled her daughter back. ¡°Hold your breath¡± the Salamander Dragon instructed.


    The orb of inter-dimensional energy enveloped them, while the rings rotated and spun faster. The blizzard became a white swirl. A single splash of colour turned the disorienting maelstrom into a mosaic of green shapes. The whirlpool of interdimensional energies settled down. The distorted and wonky lines wobbled back into place and the cracks disappeared.


    The Hyperboreans all leaned over the edge of the cart and the little girl laughed. They gawked, marvelled and smiled at the bright green fields all around them. The podium lowered the rings and Kenpachi flapped his wings. He flew towards a settlement prepared by his automatons and landed on the grass softly. The crimson skinned man lowered the cart slowly, while his vessel de-materialised.


    ¡°Much better. Hmm. I see they built the base of the pyramid. Then there truly aren¡¯t any enemies in the south. Which means that bastard is not here as well. Why am I¡­relieved?¡± Sergeant BladeClaw wondered and his Astral body stood on the very edge of his observation tower. The psychic apparition peered down and stared at the settlement thousands of kilometres away from his city.


    ¡°I suppose I should make an appearance. It will be a while, before they can join the debriefings. Rah¡¯myu would make an excellent chief. Mature, dignified and open minded. He may be too timid and passive to oppose Jar¡¯red, but the old priest need only win over his people and they will oust the ambitious chief.¡± Kenpachi thought and his Astral body appeared on General Illumoon¡¯s tower.


    ¡°Ah! Look who decided to grace us with his presence.¡± ¡°Are his scales a shade darker?¡± ¡°I hear lounging in the sun can do that to a Dragon.¡± The Dragons around Sergeant BladeClaw joked and he ignored them. ¡°Do not take it poorly, Sergeant. They are simply teasing you.¡± A Meerkat Dragon said playfully.


    ¡°Speak for yourself. You weren¡¯t overseeing grueling labour or pouring over nonsensical blueprints for days without rest. I would have loved a holiday.¡± A Sheep Dragon added and a few Dragons stifled a laugh. Domanique peaked at them and she noticed the gentle gaze behind Kenpachi¡¯s mask.


    ¡°There is nothing wrong with peace. So long as you are ready for war.¡± The Minotaur Dragon rumbled stoically. ¡°Hmm. Agreed.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw replied and the others were surprised he answered.


    *


    ¡°You have assimilated the information well¡­but you have not learned anything.¡± Kenpachi scolded with a smile. ¡°But Tel¡¯iah got everything right.¡± The little Apprentice replied with a confused frown.


    ¡°Aye. However, you have merely copied what was written in your reading materials. You were supposed to study everything and understand it. If you had, you would have noticed that this was no ordinary parchment. The real test was hidden inside.¡± The crimson skinned man said, before he gave Tel¡¯iah a zero on her test.


    ¡°We could create a trade route back to the city.¡± Rev¡¯loh suggested. ¡°We barely survived the migration, even if we were capable, none would be willing to travel that road again¡­for a good reason.¡± Rah¡¯myu replied and the Hyperboreans hung their heads. They stared at the dark brown soil between their toes and terrible memories of trudging through the snow resurfaced.


    The desolate Hyperboreans fell one by one and the blizzard buried their corpses. Tel¡¯iah looked back at the smouldering ruins in the distance. A man called out to her and she turned around. The little girl saw the crimson skinned man standing there and she woke up suddenly.


    Tel¡¯iah stared at the polaroid of that day. She paged through the album and found one with a man she did not recognise. The little girl bawled uncontrollably and Kenpachi watched as a tear rolled down her cheek. She had been studying and meditating in the far away city for hours, while the Hyperboreans tended to the fields.


    ¡°Things would be a lot easier, if we still had transporter stones.¡± A Hyperborean said and the old priest sighed. ¡°Aye, but Lord Boreas was the only one who knew how to make them.¡± He replied and Rev¡¯loh rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, he¡¯s gone now. That¡¯s what we get for putting our stock in a god.¡± She said bitterly.


    ¡°Rev! Lord, forgive her. We do not know why Lord Boreas disappeared.¡± Rah¡¯myu scolded. ¡°Speaking of which, where is Jar¡¯red? Shouldn¡¯t he be here for this?¡± another asked quickly. ¡°Oh, he said that I needed to rest so he went to go see Tel¡¯iah.¡± Rev¡¯loh replied and Rah¡¯myu glanced at her. ¡°How kind of him. There is no point in trying to save a dying city. We must make a plea to Lord Kenpachi. We need to see if he is willing to take everyone in.¡± he suggested and the Hyperboreans stared at him.


    ¡°I will ask¡­even though this should be Jar¡¯red¡¯s responsibility.¡± The old priest pointed out sternly. ¡°He¡¯ll be back sooner than you know it and a day¡¯s rest is all I need to recover my strength. I will be accompanying Tel¡¯iah to the city tomorrow, which means you will have your precious chief.¡± Rev¡¯loh said optimistically.


    *


    Jar¡¯red forced his way through the foliage. His heart raced and a cold shiver ran down his spine. He spun around quickly and dodged the poisoned barb. The flowerhead closed and a ballooned, before it spewed another poison tipped wooden stake. The Hyperborean Chief dashed backwards. He darted through the bushes and missed his step.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Jar¡¯red rolled down the hill. He recovered quickly and slid the rest of the way. The Hyperborean Chief inspected his fur boots and cursed under his breath. He scanned the horizon and smiled at the oddly shaped buildings and hundreds of bone plated machines in the sky. An automaton landed a hundred metres in front of him and Jar¡¯red smiled. He clenched his fists, raised his energy signature and locked onto his enemy.


    ¡°Very few have ever bested me in combat, machine.¡± The Hyperborean Chief boasted and the Draconic cyborg tilted its head to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t be so surprised. My mother was a witch. She wanted the best for her children and imbued our bodies with magic. I have the strength of five men. I heal faster than a mountain lion. I am cunning. I am agile. I am an ambitious man and you will help me reach new heights.¡± Jar¡¯red declared, before he took a wild stance and charged.


    Hours passed and an exhausted Hyperborean Chief emerged from the jungle. He stumbled and fell right into Rev¡¯loh¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Where have you been? The others were looking for you.¡± Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother asked with concern. ¡°Training. What do they want?¡± Jar¡¯red asked before he passed out.


    The Hyperborean Chief woke up in his cabin. His clothes had been removed and his wounds had been dressed.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that. I would have recovered without your aid.¡± Jar¡¯red said and he swung his legs out of bed. ¡°I know, but I couldn¡¯t just leave you there.¡± Rev¡¯loh replied. ¡°Tel¡¯iah sent a messenger. She¡¯s going to be staying a while longer. I was hoping to have supper with her, but I suppose that will have to wait until tomorrow.¡± She added softly.


    The Hyperborean Chief stared deep into Rev¡¯loh¡¯s eyes and she sat on the edge of the dining room table. He stood up and the blanket slid off his naked body. Jar¡¯red approached the tall Hyperborean woman slowly and she smiled from ear to ear.


    Rah¡¯myu shook his head. He closed his eyes, took one last look at the two energy signatures in the Chief¡¯s cabin and slipped back into the shadows silently. The old Hyperborean priest wandered towards the angry eyes watching from the distance.


    ¡°You were right. I do not know what she is thinking.¡± Rah¡¯myu said to the others. ¡°This is not the first night they have shared together.¡± A Hyperborean man reported. ¡°Do you think she knows?¡± a Hyperborean woman asked. ¡°She must. Why else would she have lied for him?¡± a Hyperborean man replied.


    ¡°Love. Rev wasn¡¯t lying when she said she wants what¡¯s best for Tel¡¯iah. The tragedy is she¡¯s relying on her husband¡¯s murderer to save her daughter¡¯s future. I will speak to her in the morning, before Lord Kenpachi leaves for his meeting.¡± The old Hyperborean priest assured the others calmly.


    ¡°Good. This is greater than Rev and Jar¡¯red. Tel¡¯iah is a hero in the making. She will lead our people to a brighter tomorrow. We cannot let him near her. And if Rev is going to be a problem, then we need to protect the girl from her mother as well¡­before she jeopardises her daughter¡¯s future and her role as an immortal¡¯s apprentice.¡± Another Hyperborean said threateningly and the watchful eyes closed.


    *


    The Hyperboreans woke up early the next day. They completed their chores and watched carefully. Rev¡¯loh emerged from her cabin. She was surprised to find that everyone was already busy. Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother caught Rah¡¯myu¡¯s gaze. She looked away and felt the old priest¡¯s presence behind her, like a searing inferno.


    ¡°Ah, good morning.¡± Rev¡¯loh said quickly. ¡°Morning. You are up late.¡± Rah¡¯myu replied sternly. ¡°Aye, and I would have woken up earlier¡­if I knew I was needed.¡± Rev¡¯loh retorted. ¡°You must know what he did. Your husband was too clever. Too strong to be felled by a bear. A bear nobody else could find.¡± The old Hyperborean said and Tel¡¯iah¡¯s mother turned around. Her eyes were narrow and empty.


    ¡°I know. And for years I had to watch as everyone averted their gaze and feigned ignorance. For years I raised Tel¡¯iah by myself, while you all stood by and did nothing. You of all people have no right to question how I deal with Jar¡¯red, priest. Where was your god when my husband was struck down? Where was he¡­no. Tel¡¯iah will grow stronger, and she will do so knowing her father was avenged.¡± Rev¡¯loh replied coldly.


    The Hyperborean woman saw her reflection in Rah¡¯myu¡¯s terrified eyes. She closed hers and forced a smile onto her face. Rev¡¯loh turned around.


    ¡°Wait. Lord Boreas did not abandon us. He saved us.¡± The old priest said quickly. ¡°We have been standing and staring at each other for too long. Jar¡¯red will leave his cabin and notice.¡± The vengeful Hyperborean said playfully.


    ¡°Please, listen. I was there. We were tasked with protecting the palace from the shadows, while a visitor spoke with Lord Boreas. A Dragon. Together, they uprooted the Divine Tree and moved it elsewhere. We have not been forsaken, Rev¡¯loh. We are being tested. The Dragons have returned, as prophesied. And now a child of destiny has been chosen. It is not too late to change course. Cease this¡­leave us and stay with Tel¡¯iah. I will deal with the others and Jar¡¯red.¡± Rah¡¯myu pleaded.


    ¡°The same way you have dealt with him this entire time? My husband guided us through the blizzard. He should have become Chief. Now you wish to make my child your puppet? No, priest. We do not need your kind of help.¡± The enraged Hyperborean woman replied and she left to complete her chores.


    *


    ¡°I see. Do you know if the remains you found is the same Dragon?¡± General Illumoon asked. ¡°No, I do not. The priest never saw the Dragon. In fact, they had never truly met the Demi-God they served.¡± Sergeant BladeClaw replied. ¡°Hmm. Indeed, it sounds and seems like they knew what they were doing. To uproot the Cosmic Tree is no small deed.¡± Major Jabba rumbled calmly.


    ¡°How are you both so calm? A relic of our people was taken by¡­by someone. This cannot wait until the pyramid is finished. I must speak to The Prince, immediately.¡± Khanyi rumbled urgently. ¡°Unfortunately, it will have to wait. The feast is ending. The Union will begin and it will require your undivided attention.¡± The Sloth Dragon advised.


    The Dragons set their knives and forks down. They wiped their mouths and General Illumoon¡¯s people appeared suddenly. They picked up the giant plates and vanished. The giants were arranged around the table in their respective ranks. Khanyi¡¯s DragonHeart emerged from her vessel and strode across the table.


    ¡°We can cease with the formalities, now that are bellies have been lined. Bring out the alcohol.¡± General Illumoon rumbled and the Dragons laughed and cheered. Nine hundred DragonHearts emerged from their vessels. ¡°Timo! Be a lad and play something for us. I haven¡¯t heard music from the Land of the Mystical Woods in decades.¡± Major Jabba bellowed and he approached a barrel with a giddy chuckle.


    The old crimson skinned man scooped up a ladle and poured some of the wine into his goblet. He raised the golden chalice to his lips and sipped it. Major Jabba nodded and passed the bejeweled cup. Each Dragon sipped once, before they passed it along. The cup returned to the old crimson skinned man and the attendants brought more barrels.


    The DragonHearts gathered around the nearest barrel. Timo, a tall and slender crimson skinned man, strummed his guitar and a holographic orchestra appeared above him. The DragonHearts laughed and a few sang along to the music.


    ¡°Drink up, laddie.¡± The old crimson skinned man urged. ¡°T-thank you, major.¡± The young DragonHeart replied and everyone laughed. ¡°No need to be so formal, Gladius. A Union is a place free of rank and formality. It is a place where all Dragons are equal.¡± Khanyi explained and the young DragonHeart took a sip.


    ¡°Hey, hey!¡± the crimson skinned men and women cheered. ¡°Some more equal than others.¡± A DragonHeart chimed in and everyone in his circle sighed. ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t sour the mood.¡± One of them said to him. ¡°See? Can¡¯t even mention it.¡± The DragonHeart pointed out. ¡°No. I don¡¯t. Enlighten us.¡± Khanyi replied and everyone fell silent. ¡°Forget about it.¡± The DragonHeart muttered.


    ¡°Oh, grow a spine man and speak up.¡± The old crimson skinned man added with a nod of approval. ¡°My grandfather fought in the rebellion. He may not have been a hero, but he wasn¡¯t an enemy either. Then one day, a monster appears where there hadn¡¯t been sightings of one ever before, and he falls in combat. The same Dragon that once fought against the rebels on equal footing, felled by a mere monster? How many of us have similar stories? How many more clans must die, before something is done?¡± the DragonHeart asked angrily and Kenpachi clenched his fist.


    ¡°What would you know of my clan¡¯s fate?¡± the stoic DragonHeart asked. ¡°That your clan was culled before you left for the island. Your b¡­the traitor was not responsible for their deaths.¡± The old crimson skinned man said frankly and everyone fell silent. Timo stopped playing and Kenpachi looked around. ¡°Why? Who?¡± he asked softly and Domanique stepped forward. Khanyi shot her a look and shook her head.


    ¡°The same reason they took my boy from me. They knew something they weren¡¯t supposed to.¡± The old crimson skinned man replied and Kenpachi stared at him. ¡°Who?¡± he asked again. ¡°Who else?¡± the old crimson skinned man replied. Kenpachi scoffed and shook his head.


    ¡°The Moonglow Dragons hold very little in high regard. The things they do, they call Treasures. Their eyes are amongst their most valuable Treasures. They are everything to them and now they have been blinded by them.¡± Khanyi said with disappointment. ¡°And the other clans?¡± Kenpachi asked quickly.


    ¡°Are more interested in earning their favour, or in replacing them when the time is right. This war has been orchestrated by greater minds than ours. Well, most of it has. There is one amongst them that will not stand for it. There is one who closed his eyes for the longest part. One who learned to listen and in doing so his eyes have grown sharper than any before Him.¡± Khanyi said proudly and a few DragonHearts scoffed.


    ¡°Am I lying?¡± Khanyi asked Kenpachi and he grumbled. ¡°No.¡± Kenpachi replied honestly. ¡°You are going to spend the rest of your life searching for your family. Please, do not forget to see the family you meet on your journey.¡± Kagiso rumbled and Kenpachi frowned, when the words rung in his ears.


    ¡°He phrased it so strangely. ¡®Please do not forget to see the family you meet on your journey.¡¯ Before the island he seemed aloof, but I could see purpose and certainty in his actions. We ran into a group of pirates on the way, the same pirates that breached a Hub World¡¯s defences. They were nothing more than a coalition of bandits, but he showed them how they could become more. He believed in them and they learned to believe in him.¡± Kenpachi spoke and the DragonHearts gathered around him slowly.


    ¡°We were supposed to die on that island. We were supposed be the spark that ignited this campaign. He saw another way. He convinced the others to abandon their ships, but not their crews. He had his pirates rescue the mortals and hide, while we drew the brunt of the enemy¡¯s assault. While the others charged in recklessly. While they abandoned their people to their fates and accepted their own, He sought to change His. That reminds me of what he said.¡± Kenpachi said and everyone hung on his every word.


    ¡°Well? Spit it out. What did He say?¡± Khanyi asked eagerly. ¡°We were discussing the fate of a friend. An amazing warrior and an even better Dragon. She dreamed of becoming a Dragon Queen and I daresay she was on the right path. He wondered if we should treat mortals as equals. Grant them the same freedoms and responsibilities we have. The right to discover whether they have the traits to rule. If He had his way, He would have hosted a Union between the Demi-Gods and in doing so established the foundation of an intergalactic empire. Kagiso Drakk¡¯N believes that Dragons will be worshipped like Gods one day and that we have already been heading towards that future.¡± Kenpachi revealed. Khanyi laughed and the rest of the DragonHearts exchanged a plethora of looks


    ¡°I knew it!¡± Khanyi shouted happily. ¡°I want to meet him even more.¡± She added with an excited giggle. ¡°Yes, but our work is not done. I can oversee everything in your absence.¡± The old crimson skinned man suggested. ¡°Thank you. Then it is decided. I will be sailing to The Prince in three days. In the meantime, everyone will spread out across the entire continent. When the pyramid is built, declare that the South has been won.¡± Khanyi instructed.


    ¡°Why?¡± Domanique asked curiously. ¡°Culture. I want us to share our ways with everyone we meet. We are going to act under the premise that there is no war, only peace. The more mortal settlements we build the higher the chances that they will meet locals. We draw up peace treaties and trade agreements and live as if this new age is already upon us. We will make the unthinkable our reality.¡± Khanyi answered happily and the old crimson skinned man roared proudly. The DragonHearts joined in and Kenpachi smiled.


    ¡°Is this fine? Can I spend my days raising my Apprentice and her people? What a terrifying power. How can one make a plea on behalf of those they have not met? Tel¡¯iah the Fire Princess¡­has a pleasant ring to it.¡± Kenpachi thought and his shoulders relaxed. ¡°Well, this has been very sobering. Bring more alcohol! We can discuss matters of war in the morning. Timo! Now have I ever told you lot about the time we discovered a planet made up entirely of salt? Ha! The Universe is full of wonderous discoveries I tell you!¡± the old crimson skinned man shouted and the DragonHeart strummed his guitar. Laughter broke out and the chatter grew louder.

 Eastern Front. Part 1.

    ¡°What is he waiting for?¡± a Pelican Dragon asked impatiently. ¡°Hmph. What else did you expect? He is merely a sergeant, after all.¡± Another Dragon chimed in snidely. ¡°I would not be so arrogant, if I were you. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N led the breach successfully and now he leads the charge. Lag, overshoot your mark, break formation or fall to the enemy and your words will be remembered forever.¡± A Horse Dragon rumbled and her disapproval was felt.


    ¡°Sir.¡± Dumas said quietly. ¡°I see them. How are your people?¡± Duke asked and the bald warrior laughed. ¡°Terrified and eager to prove themselves.¡± He replied proudly. ¡°I will not lie, I am surprised. Do you all agree to this?¡± the Four-Armed Dragon asked curiously. ¡°Aye.¡± Aata and Madeleine answered in unison.


    The two warriors stood behind Dumas with their hands behind their back. Duke turned around and stared at the three of them. He blinked and three dirty kneed farm children stood before him. The Four-Armed Dragon sighed and looked up at the sky.


    ¡°Then I will not take your resolve for granted. Colonel Dumas step forward.¡± Duke instructed and the bald man approached steadily. ¡°Take this great hammer and with it the rank of General. Wield them with caution and pride.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N rumbled and Dumas felt the weight of his words. His comrades¡¯ profile pictures appeared in the top left corner of his field of view and the hammer blistered his palms.


    ¡°I will.¡± The Iron Army¡¯s General replied and he gripped the great hammer tightly. ¡°Good. Then prepare boarding parties for battle. I want¡­no, we need them to destroy any enemy vessels. I know my family well. They treat war and politics as a game, allies and enemies as pawns and information as currency. Who we trust and when we trust them will decide everything. So, until then we trust only in ourselves and our own strength.¡± Duke said as he stared at the thousands of colossal wooden ships on the horizon.


    The Four-Armed Dragon waited until the enemy had fired first. He raised his arms and his Mother Ship opened her mouth. A colossal ring of glittery energy expanded and the thin translucent membrane, in the centre, wobbled. A dark starry circle devoured the sky and an asteroid drew nearer to the interdimensional window.


    Duke summoned a meteor with a thought. The Mana infused continent crossed the veil and the Mother Ship groaned. The glittery ring shone, the thin membrane inflated and the meteor grew exponentially.


    ¡°Time to prove you are more than just hot air.¡± Captain Meyer said with an eager grin. ¡°Lutho!¡± General IronHide barked. ¡°Move out!¡± the Horse Dragon ordered and the tiny Astral bodies near her feet disappeared. The fleet of Mother Ships blew their horns, formed three spears and sped up.


    The Bull Dragon stared at the horizon. She caught up to Sergeant Drakk¡¯N and maintained the distance between them. Above her was the second spear and below her the third. The Eastern Armada hid behind the glittery meteor. They held their breath and waited patiently for the signal. The meteor drew nearer to the army of Demi-Gods, their chariots, wooden battleships and magical cavalries. They locked onto the meteor and opened fire.


    ¡°Blast it out of the skies!¡± a voice roared and a storm of glittery projectiles pummelled the sparkly stone. The silvery spears, arrows and bullets chipped away fragments of space rock. However, the warheads crashed into the meteor and the destructive energies were absorbed. The heat and light repaired the glittery stone and it grew again.


    ¡°Now!¡± Duke signaled and cracks formed. The meteor shattered and the debris was blasted at the Demi-Gods. They scanned the skies and the Four-Armed Dragon¡¯s ship was the only one they detected. ¡°The debris! Target the de-¡±¡°-Slaughter them!¡± General IronHide roared and the Eastern Armada emerged from their hiding places. The ghostly Mother Ships passed through the Demi-God¡¯s ships, before they appeared inside and burst out.


    Chariots and cavalries were swallowed hole and the Demi-Gods found themselves trapped in the middle of deserts devoid of all moisture, barren planets that lacked atmospheres and endless skies plagued by dusty storms. Their Draconic opponents appeared suddenly, unleashed barrages of attacks and vanished shortly afterwards.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± a Demi-God wondered as a quarter of his armour was obliterated in nano-seconds. He stared at Duke¡¯s ship and a thought occurred. ¡°Prepare for a second wave! Target the ship in the rear! We need to stop them now, before they build any more momentum!¡± Ogun shouted and a gaping maw opened to his right.


    The towering War God opened his hand and a spear materialised instantly. He turned to his right and launched the iron rod. Ogun opened his right hand and the spear split into twelve identical copies. The iron rods grew spontaneously and the Mother Ship vanished.


    ¡°Retreat! We will live to fight another day¡­and we must find a way to deal with our enemy¡¯s speed. Sound the horns!¡± Ogun ordered and the animal horns were blown. A deep vibration washed over the battlefield and the Dragons were stunned for a moment. They blinked erratically, recovered quickly and scanned the battlefield. The Demi-Gods had disappeared mysteriously.


    ¡°Gather yourselves. They have retreated to the east.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N rumbled calmly and everyone saw what he had witnessed. The explosions of sound sent ripples through the air. The invisible waves washed over the battlefield and the Mana rooted everything and everyone in place. Duke struck his bell immediately and another ripple washed over the battlefield. It shattered the stasis fields and freed everyone.


    ¡°Excellent work, Sergeant. Our enemy could have used that opportunity to attack. Instead, they fled. They are more cautious than I expected. A foe that learns from their failures, is an enemy we must not allow to become a thorn in our side.¡± The Bull Dragon rumbled warily. ¡°How many more do you have?¡± A Woodpecker Dragon asked quickly.


    ¡°One.¡± Duke replied. ¡°One more big push. We should save it for the final assault on the continent-¡±¡°-for now.¡± The Four-Armed Dragon added. ¡°You can generate more? Will it be the same size? How long will it take?¡± Colonel Sakamoto asked and he closed his wings.


    ¡°Calm down, Colonel. That will not be necessary, Sergeant. You have done enough. The enemy suffered an unexpected defeat today. They will not throw their forces at us haphazardly. Expect small skirmishes until we reach the continent. I want a perimeter set, a rotation of guards, scans of our environment every thirty seconds and drone scouts scattered ahead of us.¡± General IronHide ordered.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡± The Dragons replied in unison and they formed another spear. This time, a detachment of Mother Ships circled the pillar of vessels. Thousands of machines left their respective Mother Ships and vanished. They cast a wide net above, blow, besides, in front and behind the Draconic Armada.


    The Dragons whispered and murmured to one another from their observation towers. Hundreds of monitors appeared before them and their Astral bodies fiddled with them. Duke¡¯s Astral bodies poured through the meteor¡¯s scan results. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N studied the most interesting and dangerous technologies, skills, spells and techniques personally. His Astral bodies stored the memories in a secret vault and the steel doors closed silently. An invisible fabric swaddled the vault and the doors disappeared.


    ¡°Our preparations are complete. We will be ready for the next battle.¡± Dumas¡¯ Astral body reported. ¡°Excellent. Your help will be needed going forward. I fear the General¡¯s reasoning is both correct and incorrect. We should have chased after the enemy and pressed our advantage.¡± Duke¡¯s criticism surprised the bald warrior.


    ¡°You had their ears. Would it not have been wise to suggest that, or is this the game you mentioned?¡± Dumas asked curiously. ¡°That it is. I would have voiced my opinion, if we were only warriors. However, it was not the most diplomatic way to achieve our goal. Too much attention has been drawn to our actions already. We must be more discreet going forward. Though I doubt discretion is in Their plans.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N replied with a quiet sigh.


    *


    ¡°Damn him! He dares to make fools out of us.¡± The Pelican Dragon rumbled. ¡°Ha! Speak for yourself.¡± A Lilac Breasted Roller Dragon replied and she laughed uncontrollably at her colleague¡¯s rage. ¡°I beg your pardon, Corporal.¡± Sergeant Lewis said through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Oh please. Your rank means nothing to me. Especially since I know how you stole your promotion.¡± Corporal Maira rumbled slyly. Abraham cleared his throat and breathed heavily. He inhaled sharply and scanned his observation tower. ¡°Relax, cousin. We are alone. Your secret is safe with me. Even when your complaints irritate me.¡± The Roller Dragon rumbled with a mixture of frustration and kindness.


    ¡°What makes him so special, that a General would step aside? What makes him so important?¡± The Pelican Dragon asked angrily. ¡°Hmph. Do not ask stupid questions. I will say. Have you never found it strange?¡± Riri asked coyly. ¡°But my question was stupid.¡± Abraham muttered. ¡°Please enlighten me. What is strange?¡± he asked and his cousin laughed.


    ¡°That he bears his clan¡¯s name. How many heads do the Drakk¡¯N have? Are they looking in the same direction? Do they all see the same thing?¡± Corporal Maira wondered out loud. ¡°Why would he hide his foresight?¡± Sergeant Lewis asked skeptically.


    ¡°That is, if he possesses the ability. I have never seen his eyes¡­have you?¡± the Roller Dragon asked and the Pelican Dragon frowned. ¡°Keep an eye on this Drakk¡¯N, but steer clear. If he is not deciding his own path, then someone must be guiding him. Either way, we do not want to earn their ire.¡± She rumbled carefully and Abraham stared at his cousin. ¡°She rarely takes interest in anything. Is he truly special? No, it is as Riri says. He may not be, but he is to someone else and they are the true danger.¡± He thought and Corporal Maira smiled from ear to ear.


    *


    ¡°Blast them out of the skies!¡± Dumas roared and his fleet of war ships fired their cannons. The bright white crystal shells left behind sparkly trails of light, like comets, before they punched through the smaller wooden vessels.


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    The warriors in iron plated armour roared as they cut down their enemies. Splinters, blood and fragments of metal were splattered in every direction. The Iron Army rushed through the ships they had boarded, cleared every room and planted the explosive charges. Major Wolfe and her squad stood in the middle of a room full of corpses, while terrified soldiers waited on the other side of the door.


    ¡°Major Wolfe, requesting transport.¡± Madeleine said calmly. ¡°Transporting in three¡­two¡­one.¡± A voice replied and she nodded. A marksman stretched out his left index finger and ran his finger down the list of explosive devices. He armed the bombs and clicked on a holographic red button. The devices displayed on the monitor counted down from one second, before they detonated and the six warriors in iron armour were shrouded in light. They disappeared and reappeared on Major Wolfe¡¯s ship.


    ¡°That¡¯s thirteen ships in three days. Twenty-six trips. And this shite still makes my stomach churn.¡± A warrior complained. ¡°According to the pirates it does not get any easier.¡± Madeleine said and a group of engineers arrived to check their armour and weapons. They pulled out strange scanners and monitors popped up in front of them. ¡°Ready for combat.¡± The men and women in overalls reported as soon as they were done.


    ¡°Thank you. Really?¡± Captain van Helsing asked with a groan. He stuck his rifle to the magnetic disc on his upper back, while the group walked through the ship¡¯s hangar. ¡°Of course not. I would not trust a word they say. I am certain there is a medicine, spell, skill or technique that deals with the nausea.¡± Major Wolfe replied playfully. ¡°Bridge to Major Wolfe.¡± A voice said and a monitor popped up with an old woman on it.


    ¡°Report.¡± Madeleine replied and she made her way to the personnel lift. ¡°Twelve out of the sixteen squads returned without any casualties. Two have survivors that are still fit for duty, the other two have injured that are still in critical condition. The rest didn¡¯t make it.¡± The bridge officer reported. ¡°Damn it. What happened?¡± Major Wolfe asked softly.


    ¡°Their¡­they were overrun.¡± the old woman replied. ¡°Langley.¡± Madeleine said sternly and the bridge officer sighed. ¡°Knowing won¡¯t do you any good. You need to stop. It¡¯s not-¡± the old woman stopped speaking, when she noticed the glare in Major Wolfe¡¯s eyes. ¡°I will send you the audio and visual files, ma¡¯am.¡± She replied quietly and Madeleine rushed to the lift. ¡°Out!¡± she barked and everyone stepped out quickly.


    The crew stared at the lift as it ascended. It stopped on the fifteenth floor and they all waited with somber expressions. They heard a loud thud, followed by several more. The lift shook and an alert blared. Everyone hung their heads and the bridge crew turned to Langley. She brought up a monitor, pressed a button and silenced the alarm.


    ¡°For glor-¡± a voice roared before the explosive devices detonated and the recording ended. ¡°Glory seeking fools! Your lives were worth more than a hundred ships! Why didn¡¯t you abandon the mission and return? Why?¡± Madeleine whispered and she stopped punching the wall. An invisible force pulled the loose metal panels back into place and ironed out the dents.


    *


    Colonel Manfred thrust his spear and it shattered. He roared and a glittery translucent film coated his body. The two-metre-tall man moved like a blur. He punched heads off their shoulders, tore limbs out of their sockets and shrugged off everything thrown at him. The translucent film inflated and the giant rampaged through the ship.


    ¡°Charges have been planted.¡± A voice reported and Colonel Manfred leapt through a group of enemies. ¡°Pin him down! He¡¯s just one man!¡± an enemy officer ordered. ¡°Transportation!¡± the giant shouted. ¡°Detonate!¡± he added shortly afterwards.


    ¡°Almost, but not quite. I cannot allow mere pirates to out do me, or my people. The transformation is within me, now I must grow accustomed to it. Soon, giants will roam this world. Then, we will take back our homeland, my friend.¡± Colonel Manfred thought as he was shrouded in light and transported back to his ship. ¡°Status report.¡± The giant ordered.


    ¡°Sir. All squads have returned. Zero casualties. Seven minor injuries. Five are in critical condition, but they will make it. Captain Titan requested a meeting. She¡¯s waiting for you in the map room.¡± The bridge officer reported concisely. ¡°Did she say what it was about?¡± Colonel Manfred asked quickly. ¡°No, sir. Only that it was urgent.¡± he relied and the giant reabsorbed his Mana. The energy retreated within his cells and a thought occurred.


    The lift doors opened and Colonel Manfred exited it slowly. A wave of hot air blew past him and his heavy footsteps echoed through the passage. The doors to the map room opened with a whoosh and Farah turned around. She scanned the giant and frowned slightly.


    ¡°Permission to speak freely?¡± Captain Titan said with a tired expression. ¡°I am well, Captain. My mission was a success, even though I had to fight through hordes of warriors and some were quite capable.¡± Aata joked, before he noticed the stern expression on her face. ¡°Is this about your transfer papers?¡± Colonel Manfred asked nervously.


    ¡°What we¡¯re doing is wrong. There is no need to risk our jobs and our futures for¡­¡± Farah stopped speaking. ¡°For our future. I am close, Farah. You are close. Together, we will solve this mystery and create something new.¡± Aata said excitedly. The tall woman stared at him silently. His smile faded away and a thought occurred. ¡°You¡¯ve already applied for a transfer, haven¡¯t you?¡± he asked quietly and Farah¡¯s expression softened.


    ¡°Dumas approved the creation of a special strike force. I¡¯m leaving for his ship tonight. I didn¡¯t want it to reflect poorly on you. A captain going behind your back? It¡¯s better if they think I was chosen for some special team by the General.¡± Captain Titan explained.


    ¡°I understand¡­I just¡­I was hoping we could do this together. Learn, grow and fight together.¡± Colonel Manfred replied quietly and he forced a smile onto his face. Farah stepped forward and placed her hands on his cheeks gently.


    ¡°We will. After this war. We cannot finish what we started as we are.¡± Captain Titan said softly and she brought her face closer to her husband¡¯s. ¡°I know. My head understands, but-¡±¡°-the thought of being apart hurts.¡± They both said with their foreheads pressed together. ¡°I must pack. I just wanted¡­I needed a moment alone with you.¡± Farah whispered lovingly.


    *


    Dumas stared at the tall ghostly figures, of varying opacity, around him. He looked forward and marvelled at the most well decorated Astral body. She had badges that shimmered on her left breast plate, a ring of light behind her back and wispy ribbons that fluttered and flowed mysteriously. The Iron Army¡¯s General tilted his head back. He smiled at the cloudy skies in the distance and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N glanced at his feet.


    ¡°Did you hear everything that was said?¡± Duke asked and Dumas nodded. ¡°Aye. One last push to the desert continent and a well-fortified coast, then southeast to a stronghold that was scouted. Are all meetings this strenuous?¡± He asked as a bead of sweat dripped off the tip of his nose. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N chuckled. ¡°No. This is a special occasion. The Dragons here are soldiers, not sailors, farmers, scholars nor explorers. Once we reach solid ground, the real war will begin.¡± He replied excitedly.


    ¡°They cannot contain themselves?¡± The General of the Iron Army asked and Duke chuckled at his amusement. ¡°No, and to be frank, neither can I. Your army will be tested, old friend. You will be tested.¡± He said and the temperature increased steadily.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t the same warband you stumbled upon in the northern countryside. Men and women fighting for their own goals. And yet we always fought as one. I have always wondered if there is more that binds us together than combat and compensation. Then I realized we all shared a common goal. To grow stronger. You showed us a path and now I will pave the way for others.¡± Dumas said confidently and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N left the Bull Dragon¡¯s observation tower. The Iron Army¡¯s General let out a sigh of relief. He inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly.


    ¡°Good. Save your strength for the beach landing and leave the rest to me.¡± Duke said confidently. ¡°Aye. Please excuse me. There are preparations I need to make. I do not want the enemy to grow accustomed to our tactics.¡± Dumas said and the Four-Armed Dragon nodded, without taking his eyes off the horizon.


    *


    ¡°Charge!¡± General IronHide roared and Duke pushed the meteor through the portal. ¡°Ignore the rock! Target the ships in the rear!¡± Ogun ordered and the Demi-Gods spread out. Their ships blanketed the skies and the Dragons let out excited roars. ¡°Something is not right. General-¡±¡°-I see him. Change of plans. Sakamoto, Drakk¡¯N get ready to peel away. Everyone not assigned to them is with me. We will divide the foe in three and pierce their hearts.¡± The Bull Dragon instructed and the meteor sped up.


    The Mother Ships vanished, before the Demi-Gods¡¯ barrage of attacks reached them. They funnelled into the meteor and cracks formed on its surface. The glittery giant rock shattered and a meteor shower barrelled towards the colossal wooden ships.


    ¡°Ha! Well done, but I had a feeling you had another trick up your sleeve. Fall back! To the coast! Hurry!¡± Ogun ordered and the War Gods were pulled back by an invisible force. The hidden folds in the world were unfurled and the wooden ships disappeared over the horizon. ¡°Now!¡± a voice shouted and ripples distorted the air. The fabric of reality stretch and pushed the glittery debris back, before it contracted and halted the Dragons¡¯ charge.


    ¡°Open fire!¡± Ogun ordered and glittery beams of light struck the chunks of sparkly rocks in the sky. ¡°Hold!¡± the Bull Dragon roared. The beams battered the meteorites, but they didn¡¯t budge. The glittery rocks contracted and grew denser and heavier. They vibrated and trembled with each passing second.


    ¡°Now!¡± General IronHide ordered and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N opened his eyes. They burned a bright shade of orange and hundreds of light speed spells were written with a flash. Duke pushed and beams of light were fired from the centre of the glittery crystal rings. The light shower bombarded the sandy beaches and four hundred Whale Ships burst out of the sand. Two hundred more erupted from the south eastern coast and another two hundred directly north of the Bull Dragon¡¯s central position.


    The Demi-Gods targeted the beaches. However, it was too late. The Whale Ships released an ocean of Mana and a blanket of inter-dimensional energy was dragged over the coast. With the curtain raised, a wave of darkness washed over the beaches. The thick slab of Mana absorbed every projectile and the shrunk mysteriously, while the shadow crept forward unhindered. Duke¡¯s vessel stopped abruptly.


    ¡°This is as far as you go!¡± Ogun shouted and he swung his hammer. The War God struck the air and an invisible anvil appeared momentarily. ¡°Impressive. Have you seen this tactic before?¡± Duke asked and his Mother Ship opened her mouth. He flew out to meet the enemy and Dumas looked up from the ground. The Iron Army¡¯s General caught the moment when the two titans clashed. He smirked, lowered his gaze and fixed it on the buildings that poked over the dunes.


    ¡°Aata, Madeleine; destroy those defensive structures! Everyone else, with me!¡± Dumas ordered and the Iron Army split in two. ¡°Hmph. How archaic. Let us show them what a real army looks like. Deploy the drop ships.¡± A well decorated officer said snidely from his flying chariot. ¡°Sir.¡± A soldier said, before they point at Sergeant Drakk¡¯N¡¯s Mother Ship. A few looked up and squinted. They magnified their vision and spotted the war ships tucked beneath the colossal Whale Ship¡¯s left flipper.


    ¡°Fire!¡± Colonel Manfred and Major Wolfe bellowed. Their ships opened fire and the shells hit the ground a few kilometres before them. ¡°Ha! They¡¯re clearing a path through the dunes. Close the gap and then match their pace. We¡¯ll wait until the hammers do their jobs and tire themselves out. Then we clean up after them and launch our assau-¡±the officer was interrupted by a loud crash.


    Dumas raised his hand and his hammer rematerialised in his hand. The General of the Iron Army tossed the great hammer ahead gingerly and it sped up quickly. He opened his clenched fist and the heavy mass of metal grew until it was ten times its original size. A torrent of flames erupted from the hilt and the great hammer crashed through the dunes before them.


    Dumas flicked his wrist and the great hammer spun at blindingly quick speeds. The blurry mass of metal kicked up a sandy tornado and a billowy dusty cloud formed above their heads. Ogun glanced at the ground quickly.


    ¡°Hmm. Are they your worshippers?¡± the War God asked and Duke stared at him. ¡°No. They are a collection of friends, allies and contracted mercenaries. They are my people.¡± He rumbled stoically. Ogun tilted his head to the side. He inhaled slowly and exhaled. ¡°Are you the leader of this army or are you just the strategist?¡± the War God asked and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N stared at him.


    ¡°Neither. Surrender, if you do not wish to fight. I do not possess the power to broker peace, but I know the ones who do.¡± Duke suggested cautiously. ¡°Hmph. I have seen what becomes of those that have struck a bargain with a Dragon. No, I wish to challenge your leader to a duel. To prevent as much bloodshed as possible, but make no mistake. Blood must be spilled to end this conflict.¡± Ogun replied as he raised his hammer and pointed it at his opponent.


    ¡°This all reeks of his influence. His childish sense of humour. That is how I have always known that the Dragon King is watching over me. I too have seen what becomes of those who make deals with Gods. This loss may mean something to you one day. Or perhaps it will be lost on you, but know that I am not your enemy. Only another obstacle for you to overcome. That is the lesson I learned. Every enemy is an ally I failed to understand.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N rumbled reverently and his voice washed over the War God¡¯s body.


    The Mana infused sound waves passed through his shields and the energy fields that reinforced them. Ogun was struck with a dizzy spell. The world spun, his stomach lurch and he stepped back involuntarily. The giant War God¡¯s body vibrated violently. He clenched his teeth and his bones cracked.


    Ogun focused solely on holding his body together. His Astral bodies appeared inside the marble buildings that contained his electromagnetic field generators. The War God diverted energy from his reactors to the white sky scrapers. He lost control of the energy fields that held his footholds in place and fell.


    Ogun ignored the agony and maintained his form through sheer will power. He slammed his head against his hammer and broke the debilitating dizzy spell. The War God fell onto his back with a thunderous crash. He regained his strength and healed his bones quickly. Ogun stood up and roared. The shockwave flattened the surrounding dunes and he scanned his surrounds quickly. The War God was nowhere near the battlefield. Something sparkled and he spotted the shimmering silver city to the west.


    ¡°He sent me back home. What was that? What just happened?¡± the War God rumbled involuntarily. He clutched his throat and placed his other hand over his mouth. Ogun squinted at the west. He spotted a dark cloud hundreds of thousands of kilometres away and turned to the shimmering city. ¡°Are you telling me to evacuate my people? My people. He spoke those words. Why would you warn your enemy? Enemy. He said that word too. Why can¡¯t I remember? I must not jump to conclusions. Friend or foe, I must know.¡± The War God deduced and his body shrunk. He leapt a kilometre in a single leap and made his way back to his palace.

 Eastern Front. Part 2.

    General IronnHide sunk her battle-axe into a Demi-God¡¯s left shoulder. She followed through and cleaved her opponent in two. Hilda spun on the balls of her Dragon bone boots and kicked up a sandy tornado. She spun, vanished appeared before a giant in cloth armour and split him in half as well.


    The Bull Dragon spread her wings and the circle of Demi-Gods backed away. She scanned the battlefield and laughed. The Dragons had pushed their frontline too far and were surrounded.


    General IronHide¡¯s eyes glowed red. She inhaled deeply and vanished. Seven Bull Dragons appeared before seven giants in silver and gold armour. They swung their axes, beheaded their opponents, vanished and reappeared deeper behind enemy lines. Fourteen General IronHides appeared before fourteen Demi-Gods and a hail of golden arrows descended on her location.


    ¡°Impressive. Few possess such keen instincts.¡± The Bull Dragon rumbled happily. She vanished, dodged the arrows and appeared hundreds of kilometres in the air. ¡°Do not let the enemy gain momentum! Surround them and halt their charge! Stay vigilant and cover each other¡¯s blind spots! They are quick, but they are not invulnerable! Everything that lives die! That is one of the many laws of The Universe!¡± A Demi-God shouted.


    General IronHide looked up at the clouds at the very back of the divine army. ¡°Do you have a name archer?¡± she called out to the giant. ¡°Survive the day and I may share it when we meet again!¡± the Demi-God bellowed confidently and he gripped his golden bow tightly. ¡°Hmph. Cocky brat.¡± The Bull Dragon muttered, with a smirk. She flapped her bat-like wings and her Dragon bone armour shimmered.


    General IronHide swallowed her head. Her snout grew longer, her limbs narrowed and her shoulders broadened. The Bull Dragon¡¯s hooves printed Mana infused crystal horse shoes as she charged across the sky. General IronHide hopped to the side and vanished. She passed through the second volley of arrows, waited for a bit and then reappeared dozens of kilometres to her right.


    Hilda darted from side to side and the clouds retreated. A bright white crystal wall shot upwards and the Demi-Gods took to the skies. They lined up on the crystal ramparts and she vanished again. The Bull Dragon stopped instantly, when thousands of spells were written on the wall. She appeared briefly, darted back and vanished. Apollo scoffed and thought hard, before he smiled madly.


    ¡°Hmm? What is he up to?¡± Hilda thought, when she spotted the Demi-God¡¯s smile. ¡°Ah! I understand now. We may survive this tragedy after all. I had feared you had not seen the same thing. This battle would not be taking place if you had, but I would not be here if you had not. He is not here. Yes, survive the day. And I will tell you more than my name.¡± Apollo rumbled to the Bull Dragon¡¯s surprise.


    ¡°But first, like I said, you must survive the day.¡± The Greek Demi-God rumbled threateningly. He pointed at the sky and copied the spells written onto the crystal wall. Fiery arrows burst out of the magical circles and the flames sparkled. Apollo locked eyes with Hilda. He smiled confidently and snapped his fingers.


    The Demi-Gods¡¯ barrage of divine arrows split into many beams. They scattered and thousands of glittery orange strands pierced the Bull Dragon¡¯s body. The Dragons stopped and stared, before they laughed. The strings became taut and General IronHide wrapped the glittery threads around her body.


    ¡°Impressive, but what was that supposed to do?¡± Hilda asked as she absorbed the cocoon of energy. ¡°You are immune to fire? That is rather troublesome, if I am being honest.¡± Apollo said with a smile and the Bull Dragon scanned the battlefield. ¡°Ha! Cunning bastard. Advance! Drive them to the east!¡± Hilda rumbled aggressively, when she noticed there were fewer energy signatures behind the wall.


    ¡°Are they hiding amongst the mortals? Do they abide by the same laws we do?¡± General IronHide wondered. ¡°What are mortals to you?¡± she asked curiously and the Greek Demi-God laughed. He spread his arms and the clouds retreated. ¡°Everything!¡± Apollo shouted proudly and he disappeared with a burst of fire.


    General IronHide stood up right. Her shoulders became narrower and her legs grew longer. She opened her mouth and regurgitated her head. Hilda¡¯s brown dreadlocks flowed out of the sides of her helmet. A strong gust blew past her and she watched the Dragons carefully.


    ¡°Sakamoto, Drakk¡¯N. Report.¡± General IronHide ordered. ¡°The south eastern foothold is secure. Awaiting your orders to continue east.¡± Duke replied and the ghostly Dragons glanced at him. They saw a desert littered with debris and the corpses of their enemies. ¡°We have secured a foothold to the northeast. However, the enemy is still at our front door. Requesting reinforcements.¡± The Woodpecker Dragon replied with a hint of frustration and he shared his comrades¡¯ failures with everyone.


    *


    ¡°Push forward!¡± Sergeant Lewis roared. ¡°Pull back and construct the fortress. I want a border and defensive installations built along it by mid-day.¡± Colonel Sakamoto ordered. ¡°Why? We should be chasing after them.¡± The Pelican Dragon argued.


    ¡°One battle can decide everything. We do not want to be caught in a war of attrition with an enemy that is rumoured to have nigh infinite energy. Especially when we are so few and so spread out across the continent. No, we secure our position and chip away at their territory until we have taken everything. Bring the Whale Ships closer, I want the constant threat of bombardment to weigh heavily on their minds.¡± The Woodpecker Dragon explained and his calm demeanor put everyone at ease.


    Suddenly, the Dragons looked down as a wave of fire swept across their forces. The divine armies charged across the savannah. They butchered and burned everyone in their path, without any signs of slowing down.


    ¡°Pull back your forces Lewis! Jin!¡± Colonel Sakamoto ordered before he called for his strongest warrior. ¡°Sir!¡± A young man replied. He stared at the face on his holo-monitor, played with the red scarf around his neck and smiled from ear to ear.


    ¡°Stop the enemy from wiping out our forces. Unleash the shadows of death.¡± The Woodpecker Dragon rumbled stoically and black tattoos crept up the young man¡¯s neck. His scarf became pitch black and his smile stretched even wider. The memory skipped forward several hours and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N frowned.


    *


    ¡°What just happened?¡± Dumas asked, with confusion. He stood in the middle of a sea of dead bodies, with grey skin. However, their corpses were unharmed. The Iron Army¡¯s General glared at the young man. His pitch-black scarf fluttered in the wind and black crows circled the skies above the battlefield. ¡°What can kill an entire army in mere hours and leave no trace?¡± Dumas asked and Jin turned around.


    ¡°My Lord. The effigies are the source of their strength. Destroy them and the armies will fall like any other.¡± The ninja reported, and Colonel Sakamoto breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Our left flank is ill suited for the task. We need to reassign the weaker forces to the east or they will break through.¡± He added, and Sergeant Lewis clenched his teeth.


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    ¡°Casualties?¡± Hilda asked softly. ¡°Four hundred and eighty-two thousand, six hundred and fifty-nine.¡± The Woodpecker Dragon replied, and she sucked her teeth. ¡°The Dragons they were working for will set aside a tenth of their earnings for their families. What a waste of life.¡± General IronHide rumbled angrily.


    The General of the Iron Army stared at the memory of the north eastern battlefield. He waded through the dead and something caught his eye. Dumas knelt and scooped up the grey sand. He let it flow through his fingers and a chill ran down his spine.


    ¡°What is this?¡± the General of the Iron Army asked curiously. ¡°A grave error. Black Magic. Remember this warning well. Do not dabble in the Dark Arts. It will only bring ruin.¡± Duke replied ominously. ¡°At the Prince¡¯s supper, I felt a similar chill. However, it was accompanied by a warm golden light.¡± Dumas remembered, and he studied the tree of light in the distance.


    ¡°Aye. My brother is more thoughtful than the Colonel though. Life, death and rebirth. The Void is a realm beyond mortal comprehension. To be honest, it is beyond most immortals as well. To have one so young steeped in such deep darkness¡­it is truly a magnificently terrifying idea.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N replied with surprise.


    ¡°You are impressed?¡± the General of the Iron Army asked quickly. ¡°Aye. Like I said, the Dark Arts bring only ruin. It must have taken considerable resolve to throw everything away and become nothing. To forsake his humanity to grow closer to our kind.¡± Duke replied honestly.


    ¡°Is a mastery of the Dark Arts required to become a Dragon?¡± Dumas asked and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N gave it some thought. ¡°I do not know. I have never heard of a Dragon being made and I do think it possible. Would you consider a child born in a laboratory a human?¡± he asked. ¡°Aye.¡± Dumas replied. ¡°What if that child never heard their mother¡¯s heartbeat nor their father¡¯s voice in the womb? What if they were raised by animals?¡± Duke asked again.


    ¡°No. I have crossed swords with such beings. There is no love in their hearts. They may appear human, but they are nothing more than monsters. There is one problem with your analogy: you are not animals.¡± The General of the Iron Army replied and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N nodded. He stared at the salt pans over the horizon and glanced over his right shoulder. The Dragons erected powerful barriers around the fortresses and towers. The Whale Ships circled the skies above the defensive installations and the settlements in the heart of the newly formed nations.


    *


    The sun scorched the back of their necks. Sweat rolled down their foreheads and stung their eyes. The divine warriors waited patiently for midday and their enemies¡¯ arrival. However, hours passed by and no one came. The skies were empty and the horizon as barren as the salt pan around them.


    ¡°Well, Blacksmith. Where are they?¡± a tall and slender Demi-Goddess asked happily. ¡°They are forces of nature. Storms, tsunamis and earthquakes that strike as suddenly as they retreat.¡± Ogun replied. ¡°Hmph. You admire them.¡± Oya said with disgust. ¡°I respect them. They have released those that have chosen to flee the captured cities without pursuit. They have come for our land and our titles as ruler. This is a contest between us, not our people.¡± The Demi-God of War replied, and he gripped his hammer tightly.


    ¡°This is not a contest. This is war. This Dragon will fall like every enemy before him and we will be victorious.¡± The Demi-Goddess declared and her red robes fluttered in the hot breeze. ¡°And yet they have already won over so many hearts. Only a third of Shango¡¯s people made it to my city and when they did, they were in high spirits.¡± Ogun said and he looked up at the clear blue sky.


    ¡°Ha! Spending time with Oshun has made you weak, and I grow tired of waiting. March!¡± Oya shouted impatiently. ¡°What is that?¡± the Demi-God of War wondered and he squinted at the mountains to the north.


    An eagle screeched, and the two giants made eye contact with it. Their pupils dilated, and they received the message the colossal bird was carrying. Ogun and Oya watched Duke¡¯s Mother Ship lead a fleet towards the centre of the continent.


    ¡°Hmph. The Greeks have allowed the enemy to slip past them.¡± The enraged Demi-Goddess said snidely. ¡°No, Oya. We have.¡± The Demi-God of War replied, when he recognized the ship. ¡°Tsk! The coward has fled to the north. Retreat! Make haste! Before we are surrounded by the enemy.¡± Oya shouted, and she sucked her teeth again.


    ¡°Oh. I would have thought Olodumare¡¯s errand girl would have known this would happen, or did our Lord deem it unnecessary to inform you?¡± Ogun asked confidently. ¡°Careful, Blacksmith. If this is my failure, then it is yours as well. Would this not be your second defeat on top of that? Ha!¡± The Demi-Goddess of Storms replied with a sinister laugh.


    ¡°Do you see an army? I am here to prevent the enemy from taking the east. My work here is not done, and I have grown tired of speaking with you. Now leave or let the enemy do as they please. Messenger girl.¡± The Demi-God of War said shortly and Oya sucked her teeth.


    *


    ¡°Will we make it in time?¡± Dumas asked nervously. ¡°Unfortunately.¡± Duke replied angrily and the bald man looked up. He saw the neon orange in Sergeant Drakk¡¯N¡¯s enraged eyes and looked away. ¡°My apologies, old friend. However, I cannot read minds and I do not wish to.¡± The General of the Iron Army said jokingly.


    ¡°This is beyond absurd.¡± Duke grumbled and Dumas laughed. ¡°Is it? Your general¡¯s reasoning is sound. The southeastern borders will not be broken. You have made certain of that.¡± He said happily. ¡°Our gamble relies on the enemy taking the bait. We have left the east undefended if they do not pursue us. All so my brother and father can make a General out of me.¡± The Four-Armed dragon replied and the General of the Iron Army gave it some thought. ¡°Are you certain it is their doing?¡± he asked curiously.


    ¡°You believe in destiny now?¡± Duke asked with a single chuckle. ¡°I do not, but I also do not believe your family¡¯s influence is as powerful as you claim. Seeing the future and living it are two different things. Our choices matter.¡± Dumas argued and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N nodded. ¡°Of course they do. However, it is those choices that the Dragon King sees. Every choice and the endless possibilities thereafter.¡± He replied and a strong breeze blew across the observation tower.


    ¡°You receive your visions from the Dragon King?¡± the General of the Iron Army asked and a cold shiver ran down his spine. ¡°Should I know this?¡± he asked quickly. ¡°No, but it does not matter if you do either. Count yourself amongst the lucky few.¡± Duke replied calmly. ¡°Why?¡± Dumas asked angrily.


    ¡°In the event I die. I would like one person to know what I have rejected. In the event we fail. I think humanity deserves to know what guides them. You will carry the weight of this secret until the end of your days, or share its burden with another and trust they do not use it against your people.¡± The Four-Armed Dragon explain and he stared at the thunderstorm above the rocky canyon ahead.


    The duo scanned the horizon, the dark grey clouds above it and the glittery lightning bolts between the sky and the canon¡¯s mouth. A whirlwind kicked up a sandy cyclone and Mana infused electricity struck the dusty pillar of wind.


    ¡°It appears I have said too much.¡± Duke said somberly and the General of the Iron Army growled. ¡°You are getting on my nerves. Since when were you so hopeless?¡± he spat. ¡°Since I relinquished my birth right and obtained these eyes. Have you never found it strange? Why would one that loves magic as much as I do, sponsor mortals that hate the very idea of it?¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N rumbled eagerly. Oya descended from the clouds slowly. The tornado expanded and her divine army was transported to the canyons mouth.


    ¡°To mock us as we struggle to grow stronger, or perhaps to experiment on mortals and see if we can develop an immunity to magic. How could I possibly know such a thing, if you have never mentioned it before?¡± Dumas asked impatiently. Duke laughed and scared his friend.


    ¡°Have you gone mad?¡± The General of the Iron Army asked with a raised brow. ¡°Perhaps. I had no idea how little freedom I had before our paths crossed. I am not hopeless, old friend. Far from it. I chose you and your people because I saw something kingly in you and if I had my way you would be on your way to becoming one. Do you understand what that means?¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N asked and Dumas frowned.


    ¡°After this war I will be joining the Dragon Guard. My path is set in stone and I take great pride in that. My sympathy lies with you free folk. So many choices and so many paths. How will you find your way without guidance? Listen to me Dumas. Do not let your mistrust of magic stifle your spirit.¡± The Four-Armed Dragon rumbled sympathetically.


    ¡°Now come. This enemy stands between us and our destinies.¡± Duke said and he burst into a cloud of smoke. The cloud churned and swelled, while lightning flashed and thunder boomed. ¡°They will fall like any other.¡± The General of the Iron Army replied.


    ¡°Aye. For the sake of the Dragon King¡¯s vision of the future and for all free people of this Universe. We, the destined ones, must fulfill our duties. If you do not believe in magic, old friend, believe in law and balance. Believe in order and peace. Believe in might and justice.¡± Duke boomed from the skies above the observation tower. He looked ahead and scanned the Iron Armies war ships along the coast.


    Sergeant Drakk¡¯N drifted over the coastal cities. He spread himself out and the war ships cast off from their respective naval bases. Families gathered on the beaches, piers and rooftops. They called out to the soldiers, psychics and civilian crew members and waved.


    Dumas inhaled deeply. He took one last look at the cities and ships in the distance and glanced at the top right corner of his field of view. The General of the Iron Army activated his private teleporter. He was bathed in a pillar of light and transported to his private quarters.


    ¡°General on deck!¡± the bridge commander called out and everyone stood up. ¡°As you were.¡± Dumas replied from the balcony overlooking the bridge. ¡°Everyone is in position. Awaiting your signal.¡± Madeleine reported. ¡°Captain Titan here. My team is ready to deploy.¡± Farah reported. ¡°Ready when you are.¡± Aata added.


    ¡°Ours is a history written in blood. A tale that cannot be washed away. Our grandparents fought the elements and built settlements with their bare hands. Our parents battled the four bandit kings and their armies of thieves and mercenaries. But now our hearts and bellies are full. We do not fight for our survival. We fight for what we have lost. We fight for our people. We fight for our home. We fight for honour! For peace! We fight for the dead! For justice! For order! We fight for glory!¡± the General of the Iron Army roared and the fleet erupted with cheers and battle cries.


    ¡°To war!¡± Duke thundered from the clouds above. ¡°We march!¡± the Iron Army replied in unison. The clouds sparkled and the war ships blew their horns. The air between the sky and the ocean vibrated. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N¡¯s Whale Ship opened her mouth and exhaled. The Iron Army¡¯s fleet was ejected out and the divine warrior¡¯s eyes bulged.


    ¡°Open fire!¡± the bridge officers ordered and the aerial bombardment began. Oya smirked and Duke swung his bell. The Demi-Goddess reached out and stopped the strange weapon with her bare hand. ¡°Fool. Fool.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N rumbled and the stormed died immediately. ¡°Am I now?¡± Oya asked and the vibrations stopped as well.

 Eastern Front. Part 3.

    ¡°Ha! Is that the best that you can do? Is that all the strength that you can muster, serpent?¡± Oya goaded, and she slashed Duke¡¯s mask. The Demi-Goddess of storms thrust her sword and the Four-Armed Dragon caught the blade between his palms.


    ¡°You are quick. I will admit that, but invisibility and intangibility are not enough to defeat me.¡± Oya boasted, and a powerful jolt of lightning erupted from her blade. The Mana infused electrons surged through Duke¡¯s body agonizingly. He tried to vanish, and a second surge brought him to his knees.


    Sergeant Drakk¡¯N¡¯s muscles spasmed uncontrollably, while glittery stones clung to his scales and armour. The statically charged stones became heavy boulders and Duke was encased in seconds. The signals broadcasted by his nano-technology were contained and his energy signature disappeared.


    The General of the Iron Army smiled, when a second bright light lit up the darkness again and Oya raised a single eyebrow. The hairs on the back of her neck rose and her heart beat faster. The dread welled up and the Demi-Goddess of Storms clenched her teeth and snarled, before she turned around quickly. The mountainous stone seal shattered and the Four-Armed Dragon escaped his enemy¡¯s clutches.


    ¡°The Vanishing Step? Is that all you are concerned with? That is merely a defense mechanism. One all children learn to master. Of all our powers, none are as terrifying as our fire.¡± Duke rumbled proudly and he exhaled a sphere of Dragon fire. Oya¡¯s eyes bulged as a wave of searing heat caressed her skin. She dashed back twelve kilometres, gripped her sword tightly and ran her finger tips along the blade.


    The Iron and divine armies stopped for a moment. They stared at the two giants standing in front of the canyon¡¯s mouth. They had appeared for the briefest of moments, just as a small star exploded. An implosion contained the heat and the light. The marble sized star exploded once more, before it contracted again.


    The fiery explosions, violent pulses, shock waves and impacts scattered the clouds. The canyon walls crumbled and the rockslides blocked off the mouth. The Demi-Goddess scowled at her forces. The Iron Army had taken the initiative and used the distraction to their advantage.


    ¡°Push!¡± Dumas roared from the front lines. The bannermen raised the heavy flags and the translucent domes advanced. The marksmen fired heavy crystal rounds, while the warriors slashed and stabbed everyone in front of them. The dimensional fields drew nearer to one another. They closed the gaps between them, before they culled everyone they had caught in their trap.


    The Iron Army pinned the remaining warriors in gold between the mountain of rocks and their barriers. Aata roared and his giants pushed. Metal groaned and stone crumbled under the pressure. Suddenly, a bright light enveloped the divine warriors. Their golden armour shimmered and a bright light spilled out of their eyes. The divine warriors pushed back and the Iron Army¡¯s advance was halted.


    ¡°Where is this burst of strength coming from?¡± Madeleine asked and Dumas¡¯ eyes swept the battlefield. He scanned, spotted and targeted the trinkets on the opposing bannermen¡¯s belts. ¡°Destroy the totems. It is the source of their power.¡± The Iron Army¡¯s General ordered. He stood over a reading table in the middle of an enormous library, with a polaroid photo in his hands.


    Dumas waved his hand, and the album returned to its shelf. He flicked his wrist, and the photograph multiplied. A scanner, with multiple lenses, fell from the stormy skies and the polaroids slipped out of his hands. A breeze carried them to the strange device above his head and into the slots beside each lens.


    The Iron Army¡¯s commanders received their General¡¯s memories, and they locked onto their respective targets. Oya felt her influence wane over her forces. She sucked her teeth and glanced over her left shoulder.


    ¡°We cannot delay his advance any longer. Not without suffering severe casualties. How can a band of faithless warmongers defeat My warriors? I cannot not sense his influence on them. This is their strength. Impressive or foolish? How can they trust mortals with this much power? How do they strip it away, should the children abuse it?¡± the Demi-Goddess of Storms wondered.


    Sergeant Drakk¡¯N noticed the shift in Oya¡¯s gaze. He drifted backwards, vanished and left a doppelg?nger in his place in one swift motion. The Four-Armed Dragon¡¯s copy exhaled a sphere of Dragon fire, dashed forward and swung horizontally.


    The doppelg?nger struck the back of the glittery fireball, vanished, spun and stepped in closer. The copy swung twice in quick succession and the Demi-Goddess of Storms dashed back. However, a searing heat burned her back, and she slammed into an invisible wall. An orange magical circle expanded and the starry nodes sparkled and glittered.


    ¡°This battle was decided long before you stepped foot onto the field. Take solace in knowing you were a part of a greater plan. Fare well.¡± Duke said solemnly and his binding spell held Oya in place. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N closed his eyes. He stared at the bright white giant and compared her to the Demi-Goddess Cameron.


    ¡°She cannot invoke the power of words either or she would at this moment. Then my hunt continues.¡± Duke realized as his attack incinerated his opponent slowly. The Mana infused star fire passed through Oya¡¯s shields. The Dragon fire ate through her energy fields and burned through her Mana. Suddenly, the Demi-Goddess of Storms combusted and turned into fire. She stood in her mind palace and watched as the shelves burned. The flames pierced the nano-sized energy fields in her cells and her influence waned.


    ¡°Farah!¡± Dumas blared. Captain Titan and her squads left the safety of their barriers. They reached out and crystal hands grabbed the totems. The newly formed Psychic Commandos yanked the tiny idols towards their allies. They sealed the magical artifacts inside metal boxes and Oya¡¯s eyes bulged. ¡°They came prepared? How? How did he know to seal away our effigies? Have we been betrayed? That wretched blacksmith! I must warn the others of this travesty!¡± she thought frantically, and an eagle raced over the horizon.


    ¡°No!¡± the Demi-Goddess screamed, when a third doppelg?nger caught the tiny bird. Duke crushed the bird and Oya¡¯s body turned to ash. Dumas roared again and the Iron Army slaughtered the remaining combatants. They raised their weapons and let out mighty war cries and cheers.


    ¡°Back to your ships! We have wasted enough time here.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N rumbled proudly. ¡°To the ship! The war is far from over!¡± The Iron Army¡¯s General ordered and the drop ships drew nearer. The Four-Armed Dragon scanned the broken bird in his palm. He tilted his hand, and it fell slowly.


    *


    ¡°He¡¯s not coming.¡± Sergeant Lewis said with a hint of joy. ¡°Do not look so pleased. We will have to face this enemy alone if he does not.¡± Corporal Maira pointed out, and her cousin scoffed. ¡°What makes you think we cannot?¡± he replied and the Lilac Breasted Roller Dragon laughed.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°It appears luck is on your side again.¡± Corporal Maira taunted, and she leaned over the edge of her tower. The dark grey skies above the mountains in the distance parted and a colossal northern right whale descended slowly.


    The twelve divine armies, at the twelve giants¡¯ feet, turned around. They laughed at the lone whale ship and the Demi-Gods smirked. A deep horn blared. The powerful vibrations rattled their teeth and shook their organs. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N appeared on his Mother Shipp¡¯s nose and inhaled deeply. He closed his eyes and placed all four palms together.


    ¡°I did not know their kind prayed.¡± A Demi-God said arrogantly. ¡°Who would they pray to?¡± another chimed in. ¡°Is it a prayer? No, his power is rising. Raise your shields!¡± a Demi-Goddess shouted and the divine armies raised their flags.


    The giants crossed their arms, and the whale ship opened her mouth. A portal opened and Duke exhaled. The Dragons stationed near the coast saw the wall of Dragon fire, before the wave of heat washed over them. The Pelican Dragon¡¯s jaw dropped. He fixed his eyes on the colossal hearth beyond the hole in the world.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Sergeant Lewis whispered, and he studied the endless sea of fire. The Pelican Dragon¡¯s eyes reached the horizon, but the starry hearth stretched beyond what his Astral eyes could see. He searched for the altars and temples that moulded the flames. ¡°See? There is something very strange about these Drakk¡¯N folk.¡± Corporal Maira said, and she memorisied the giant cathedrals dotted all over the galaxy of fire.


    ¡°Apollo!¡± the Demi-Goddess shrieked, but the wall of flames enthralled the Demi-God. ¡°You have arrived. The Savior¡¯s General. The Hero of the Unification War. How will you earn that title?¡± Apollo rumbled giddily. ¡°Attack! He is their General! Take his head and they will crumble!¡± he roared, and the giants charged through the flames.


    Duke opened his eyes quickly. He scanned the fiery cloaks wrapped around the Demi-Gods. He glanced over his right shoulder and spotted the faint energy signature above the clouds. Six of the giants leapt and lunged at the whale ship, while the rest threw their spears.


    Sergeant Drakk¡¯N¡¯s ship vanished and ascended quickly. He evaded the attacks just as the Dragons descended on their enemies. They forced the giants back and surrounded them. The Demi-Gods and their followers were separated from one another in an instant. A second horn blared and thousands of drop ships breached the clouds. The Iron Army opened fire on the twelve divine armies and the aerial bombardment kicked up billowing sand storms.


    ¡°This is Sergeant Drakk¡¯N. I have made it and we are currently engaging the enemy.¡± Duke reported, and Colonel Sakamoto chuckled. ¡°Excellent work, Sergeant. Hold that position for a week. That should buy us enough time to secure the northeast.¡± General IronHide ordered.


    ¡°Be careful when you travel. My people and I defeated a Demi-Goddess and her army en route.¡± the Four-Armed Dragon reported and the Dragons exchanged bewildered looks. ¡°You and your forces fought a Demi-God by yourselves? Absurd.¡± Sergeant Lewis blurted out. Duke returned the tomes to their shelves. He shared his memories and the Pelican Dragon¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°Most impressive. You were right, Hilda.¡± The Woodpecker Dragon said with a grin. ¡°Colonel?¡± Duke asked with a frown. He opened his eyes and stared at Colonel Sakamoto. ¡°Took you long enough. Do you recognize me now?¡± Laurelei asked, and her eyes glowed orange as well. The stoic Woodpecker Dragon grew taller and her form more feminine. The Dragons exchanged bewildered looks.


    ¡°I see you have left the enemy waiting. How you managed that, I can only wonder.¡± Colonel Sakamoto said playfully as she completed her transformation. Ogun scanned the Woodpecker Dragon and the hundreds of multi-coloured magical circles behind her. He blocked instinctively and she flapped her wings. The rainbow of crystal circles sparkled and flashed, before the world shattered and the shards formed a stained-glass painting.


    ¡°Ha! So, you have decided to fight earnestly?¡± the Bull Dragon asked with a single chuckle. ¡°Hmph. Three Dragons are required to complete the maelstrom formation. I am merely lending my power. Then I am returning to my search.¡± Colonel Sakamoto replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°Any sign of him?¡± Duke asked quickly and the Woodpecker Dragon¡¯s eyes burned a bright shade of orange. The two Dragons locked eyes and their energy signatures sky rocketed. ¡°To battle!¡± General IronHide roared, and the Dragons pushed their frontline hundreds of kilometres further inland.


    *


    ¡°This is ridiculous.¡± Colonel Sakamoto complained. ¡°There is nothing we can do about it, except ask them to endure.¡± Hilda replied and Sergeant Drakk¡¯N sighed. ¡°Speak freely, Sergeant. You have earned that much.¡± General IronHide said frankly.


    ¡°The spring lulled us into a false sense of security. This summer is too much for mortals to endure. We must preserve their strength until the end of winter.¡± Duke said candidly. ¡°A lopsided front line. How can one Demi-God be this troublesome?¡± Hilda groaned, and she unclenched her fist.


    ¡°Enemy reinforcements are approaching. Excuse me.¡± Sergeant Drakk¡¯N reported, before his Astral body disappeared. ¡°Again? What is going on in the north?¡± Laurelei asked and Hilda looked up at the sky. ¡°Dismissed.¡± She said and every Astral body on her tower disappeared. ¡°What I say next does not leave this tower.¡± General IronHide said quietly. ¡°My, my, how secre-¡± Colonel Sakamoto stopped, when Hilda shot her a stern look.


    ¡°That bad? Is it him? Have they found Riekes?¡± Laurelei asked quickly. General IronHide stared at Colonel Sakamoto for a few seconds, before her expression softened and she answered. ¡°No, but they were investigating sightings of a malformed Dragon when we lost communication with the Fleet Admiral.¡± Hilda replied honestly.


    ¡°Impossible. What about the title hungry officers that cling to him like pests?¡± Laurelei asked with a curious smile. ¡°Nothing.¡± General IronHide replied quietly. ¡°Are they dead?¡± Colonel Sakamoto asked quickly. ¡°Possibly. Which makes everything we have done and are still doing pointless. We cannot hold our position without the northern pyramid.¡± Hilda pointed out and Laurelei gave it some thought.


    ¡°Thank The Universe our Prince is here if the north fell so easily. Ah, now I see why you do not want this news to leave this tower.¡± Colonel Sakamoto said playfully and General IronHide scoffed. ¡°Perhaps, if he is anything like his brother, but his leadership has yet to be tested. No, old man Granger or the hero Creed will lead this army before the war is done.¡± She replied, and Lauralei squinted at her. ¡°Do you want me to volunteer my service?¡± she asked, and Hilda scoffed again. She stared at the cloudy horizon and smiled.


    ¡°No. I will not stand in the way of the Sergeant¡¯s destiny.¡± General IronHide replied with her hands behind her back. Her dark red robes fluttered in the breeze and she scanned the dozens of cities scattered around her tower.


    ¡°His destiny? His blood, you mean. What a terrible time for another rebellion.¡± Colonel Sakamoto said with a hint of boredom. ¡°We do not know if that is true. There are still too many unknowns.¡± Hilda replied stoically. ¡°Will the two siblings side with their uncle and their brother or with their father? Where was the other one stationed?¡± Laurelei asked, and General IronHide remained silent.


    ¡°You jest. How brazen. Why does he not announce his intentions?¡± Colonel Sakamoto rumbled sarcastically. She let out a high-pitched laugh and Hilda placed her hands on the railings.


    ¡°Then perhaps it is only up to one brother. Our Sergeant, on a knife¡¯s edge. I do not envy him any longer. His family is more broken than mine.¡± Laurelei rumbled callously and her younger brothers flashed before her. Colonel Sakamoto¡¯s eyes glowed orange, and she sucked her teeth and looked away.


    ¡°The maelstrom needs to blow away this nuisance in the southeast, if we intend to hold this continent long enough to finish the pyramid.¡± Laurelei said angrily. ¡°Aye, I am already on my way. Half of a continent is better than nothing.¡± General IronHide said with a cold and emotionless stare.


    *


    ¡°There is just no end to them!¡± Aata said with a grunt. He swatted dozens of bodies away with a single swipe and leapt hundreds of metres into the air. Madeleine glanced to her left, and a warrior pounced. He thrust his spear, and she stepped to the side. Commander Wolfe dug her sword deep between his ribs, stepped forward and cut through his spine. ¡°Fortunately, they do not compare to the warriors of the south!¡± She shouted and the divine armies clenched their teeth.


    ¡°Perhaps they should surrender, before they throw their lives away.¡± Farah added as an invisible force contorted the surrounding bodies with sickening crunches. Dumas scanned the grassy savannah drenched with blood and the beachside meadows in the distance. ¡°We are so close to home. How many more battles? How many more must die, before we have won back our home?¡± he wondered.


    The General of the Iron Army gripped his hammer tightly. He clenched his teeth and his face turned a bright shade of red. A vein throbbed on his freshly shaved scalp and his moustache twitched. Dumas let out an enraged roar, and a shockwave broke the circle of divine warriors around him.


    Suddenly, a fiery explosion engulfed the sky. A flaming meteor crashed into the jungles to the east and a dust storm approached the battlefield quickly. The warriors, gunners, psychics and wizards, spread out over a twenty-kilometre area, grouped up. They raised their shields and erected Mana infused stone bunkers.


    ¡°What¡­are¡­you?¡± the Demi-God croaked with their last breath. Duke spread his wings and hovered over his opponent with his eyes closed. He exhaled slowly and watched the giant¡¯s energy signature grow dimmer. Sergeant Drakk¡¯N scanned the darkness. He spotted four bright lights to the north, turned to face that direction and opened his eyes.


    ¡°Capture or kill the rest, but deal with them quickly. We have enemy reinforcements coming from the north. I will buy you as much time as I can.¡± Duke said to the General of the Iron Army. He flapped his wings, vanished and appeared kilometres above the beach.


    ¡°Formations!¡± Dumas roared. The remaining divine warriors looked around, shocked by their dwindling numbers. ¡°Your god is dead! Surrender or join him!¡± The General of the Iron Army bellowed menacingly. His voice hurt their ear drums and rattled their teeth. The heat emanating from his body cut through the blistering sun and licked their skin. Jolts of static electricity struck their metal armour, and Madeleine¡¯s hair rose slowly. Aata stepped forward, and the ground trembled. The General of the Iron Army slammed his hammer down with a thud and the divine warriors nearly jumped at the sound.


    ¡°Again. Why would they ignore the central positions? They could take the skies and every major position from the rear. Are these the Demi-Gods from the surrounding continents and islands? Which poses another question, why are there so many? Did something drive them to the south, like panic-stricken animals fleeing a disaster? All paths lead to the north. Stay alive, Raymond. I am certain we can make sense of this madness, if you and Kagiso work together.¡± The Four-Armed Dragon thought hopefully and his Mother Ship appeared behind him.