Curse of Atlantis (Part I)

Prologue 

“Now, there are the five clans you need to know about, my daughter.” My father rumbled, “Clan Avalon, Clan Oceanus, Clan Subterranea, Clan Aeaea and Clan SkyPeak.”

“Why are the Sky Dragons’ names different than ours?” I asked.

He chuckled, “Because there is no name for the sky, my dear. And when there is no proper Clan name, they must come up with something… something that really stands for their clan and their strength.” he sighed, “Personally, I do not appreciate these young dragons trying to antagonize Clan SkyPeak. They are wise and peaceful dragons.” he shook his head and placed it between his two massive red and orange talons, “There was once a time when Dragons will not fight. Now, that time’s passed…”

“But father,” I started, “They started the war, we were merely defending our territories!”

He was silent, then he blinked slowly, “No.” I frowned. Seeing my confusion, he explained in that deep voice of his, “No, it was not they who ended our alliance.” he paused, then said quietly, “It was us.”

I was shocked, “But… but my mentor said–”

“He was merely repeating what he was told and what he was told as a young dragon.” my father reasoned gently, “I do not blame him. His father was born after the war. But I was there.” he looked at me, “I was there when the dragons battled. I acted as a simple warrior and soldier. Their physiology is different than ours. Instead of wings, they rely on the wind to carry them. The rule amongst the clouds, and see the dawning sun earlier than any other dragon, and they are the last to see the sun set. You may think they look like our Ocean cousins, the serpents, but they have feet.” he hesitated, “There was smoke, fire, acid, and blood. Your mother almost died, but Clan Oceanus found her, and healed the wounds.”

“Father, why can’t we make peace?” I asked after a while.

He laughed and pressed his snout against my forehead, “You speak boldly, my daughter. That’s good.” he nodded, “Clan SkyPeak and Clan Avalon have once trusted one another, but as you know, trust is difficult to build and easy to break. The war between Clan SkyPeak and Clan Avalon is an example of such. Obviously, these young dragons and the second generation refuse to see peace as an answer.”

“But why?” I still didn’t understand.

“Someday…” he murmured and closed his eyes, “Someday, young Black Diamond, you’ll understand.” he gave into sleep after that.

I sighed and went outside of our cave. I spotted my friends, Enstatite cleaning her claws, and Fire Opal attacking a boulder.

“Hey, Black Diamond!” Enstatite cried out and grinned. But she tripped over her own legs out of excitement. Fire Opal just turned and nodded towards me.

“Enstatite.” I smiled and bowed my head.

She stumbled forward, “You’re out! Finally! Did your father give you another one of his history lectures?”

“Actually, it was quite fascinating.” I admitted, “But yes, you can say it was a history lecture.”

“Have you seen Captain Sunstone?” Fire Opal asked.

“Good old Cap’n Sunstone.” Enstatite said sarcastically and muttered a few words to herself.

“The Battle Dragon?” I looked around as if I hoped to find him somewhere in the cave.

“Yes, the Battle Dragon.” Fire Opal said, “Captain Sunstone.”

I shrugged, “I haven’t seen him today.”

“Of course you haven’t! It’s literally freaking early in the morning!” Enstatite cried out and flapped her wings in mock despair.

“Well, I’m off to do ten laps around the mountain.”

“Why?”

Fire Opal shrugged, “I told you, I want to be the next dragon to lead other dragons to war… not that I want one, though.” he added later before flying off into the morning air.

Enstatite shrugged, “Well, I’m off to help out with the treasure organizing. See ya!” she flew off as well.

I looked around to find something to do. But I didn’t need to, a huge roar outside announced the Avalon’s Lieutenants’ arrivals. Even now, I still think their arrival is an impressive sight… also because my brother was one of the youngest Lieutenants ever to serve Avalon’s Armies.

Seven dragons, all muscular and armored, landed with a huge THUMP on the cave. With the dawning sun behind them, they looked like battle angel dragons. Their silver armor under their bellies, their heads, and their limbs gleamed. And their proud warrior gazes swept amongst the crowds of dragons that have gathered around to watch.

Most I didn’t know, but I spotted my brother in the rear, marching into the cave.

He was a proud looking and fire colored male dragon. He wore polished silver armor and his helmet gleamed under the sun. His talons and fangs were sharpened and gleamed like ivory. His name was Corundum, named after the gem that represented dragon heroes and warriors.

“Corundum!” I cried out.

He turned and grinned, flashing his rows of gleaming fangs, “Sister!” he walked over, tall as ever, and nudged me warmly, his scales felt rough. “Good morning.”

“Corundum, good morning!” I squeezed him as hard as I can.

He pulled me up easily, “Hey, I don’t have much time, Black Diamond. I need to report to Imperial Topaz.” he grunted as I weighed down on his neck.

“Almost!” I squeezed him some more until my muscles felt like they were going to snap, then I let him go. I fell onto the hard rock, “Where are you going this time?”

“Corundum!” General Fire Agate, also Fire Opal’s father, called out, “We must make haste soon.” his voice was deep and authoritative.

“Coming!” Corundum responded and turned back to me, “We’re just going to negotiate with a few SkyPeaks.”

I paled, “But that’s dangerous!” I protested, “You can’t go!”

“I’ll be fine, besides, SkyPeak Dragons won’t do anything to me!” he shook his whole body and unfolded his wings to look proud and powerful, “They wouldn’t dare.”

I giggled, “Okay!” I rubbed my snout against his neck, “Come back soon!”

“I will.” he promised.

“Corundum!” Fire Agate grumbled, he sounded slightly annoyed.

“Coming, sir!” Corundum winked at me before walking off.

That night, I watched them leave into the sky. Their silver armor glistening in the silver moonlight.

The next day, I found three corpses at the top of the mountain. Their throats clawed out, and their eyes lifelessly dull. I screamed for help, but they were long dead. Corundum was one of them.

Chapter I

One hundred years since that dark day. And yet the scar deepens with each passing second. My father and mother mourned longer than anyone else. Corundum was a great warrior, and a proud dragon. He served for seven years as a respected Lieutenant, no one forgot him.

Lieutenant Fire Agate said that his burden was the heaviest. Corundum was one of his five apprentices, and he honored him more than any other. He died valiantly, he said.

Fire Opal became the Captain he always wanted to be, and Enstatite became a treasure guard, her “boss” was none other than Star Ruby, the treasure hoarder herself.

As for me, I became a warrior.

I completed my training thirty years ago, and now I serve the leader whenever I can.

I saw a new generation of dragons, but this didn’t stop the raging war between our Clan and Clan SkyPeak. The snake like dragons who ride by the wind and bring the rain whenever they can.

Clan Avalon is a clan of all sorts of dragons. Red, gold, black, green, blue, silver… you name it. We all have something in common, and that’s two wings, four talons, and one tail.

Clan Oceanus are distant relatives to the underground Hydras. They’re serpents, usually green or blueish green. They have gills, webs, and long graceful bodies. They cannot fly, but they can swim.

Clan Subterranea are an underground clan. They are Hydras, distant cousins of the serpents. Hydras have green, brown, and russet colored scales, and their advantages are their multiple heads.

Clan Aeaea is a clan of Wyverns. You can say that Wyverns are a type of dragon, but they’re smaller in size, usually, they come in colors of dark brown, gray, and misty gray, sometimes black. They blend in with the islands they live on. Aeaea is a bare cold land, misted and fogged with a white veil. Their rocks are cold, and there are almost no trees.

Finally, Clan SkyPeak. They have bodies like serpents, only they have legs and talons as well. Although we no nothing of their culture, we do know that they come in colors of red and gold. They ride the wind, and bring in rain. Since Clan Avalon dragons usually breathe fire, I guess that’s one reason why we started to hate each other. No one has been to the SkyPeak dragons’ territories, but some say they have palaces above the clouds.

Anyways, Clan Avalon lives on a huge continent with a few mountains and a lot of grassy and rich terrains. It’s a paradise for us Avalon Dragons, and we’d do anything to fight for it.

I flew out into the morning air. The sun was just dawning, and its warmth seeped into my scales. I sighed and closed my eyes.

It wasn’t long before I heard something, though.

It was the sudden change of wind. I opened my eyes and drew in a breath. I was pretty high up in the sky. Shoot… oh great, I’m dead.

A shadow of a long body passed through the clouds. Then, another change of wind direction sent a shudder up my spine.

I dared not to breath or move, I kept a steady beat of my wings.

Then, out of the clouds, came five gold SkyPeak dragons. Their green eyes blazing with anger, and their claws curled up. They stopped to surround me.

“An Avalon Dragon?” the eldest one rasped, “What are you land dragons doing up here?”

“I was just enjoying the view…” I started, trying to sound as diplomatic as possible.

“Did it not occur to you that the sky, and that includes the sun, belongs in our territory?” One of the younger, more aggressive looking dragons, snarled.

“Y… yes.”

“Then, stay out!” he barked.

Then, I heard a hissing sound. I didn’t have time to look back when a blast of fire came out of nowhere. I yelped and almost fell off balance. Smoke blocked my view as I coughed. Wings were beating and bites were exchanged.

“He’s on your left!” one screamed, “No. right… wait, left! Hang on–” he was cut off by a roar.

“MAKE UP YOUR MIND!” then that voice screamed in pain.

“BOTH OF YOU, SHUT UP!” the eldest one’s voice roared and snarled, “Show yourself, you coward. Who are you to dare cross into our territory?”

A young dragon’s yell was unleashed from a dark silhouette in the smoke. Whoever the dragon was, he scared off the dragons who ambushed me.

I waved away the smoke, trying to see who saved me and thank him properly, but when the scene finally cleared, a dragon around fifty years old was looking at me, his eyes wide and fearful.

I tried to sound peaceful, “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you. I only want to…” I faltered when I saw what he looked like.

He had a longer body than a regular Avalon dragon, but he had wings just like Clan Avalon does. His long body reminded me of the SkyPeak dragons. His scales were the most unusual, and yet they were quite beautiful. From his head to one third of his body, he was pale gold, but then it faded into teal and the color of turquoises when it reached two thirds of his body. The rest was all black and purple. His wings were teal and purple, and his small ivory horns were slightly curved like the SkyPeak dragons. His eyes were green and wide.

He tensed, then he shot off into the air.

The steady beat of my wings faltered, I stumbled, “Wait, hang on!” I flew after him.

I got close for a moment, but he just continued to fly. Wow, he was impressively fast. As if the wind were in his favor. He flew gracefully through the air, almost as if he were dancing in the sky.

“I’m not going to hurt you!” I cried over the wind, but he just looked back at me with that panicking face of his and beat his wings rapidly.

Then, he lowered himself so he was a few meters above the sea. I frowned. What was he doing? But then I realized and I dove down, “No, wait!”

He plunged into the ocean. Almost instantly four sea green serpents made an air splitting shriek and shot after him. I started going down, but a powerful tail slashed at me. I was thrown off balance and almost fell into the sea, if it weren’t for my fast reflexes.

“Stay out of Oceanus’s territory, Avalon Dragon.” a mature deep voice rumbled. His voice was gentle, but full of authority.

“But… but he–” I started to protest.

I recognized him. I once accompanied Clan Leader Imperial Topaz to see Clan Leader Atlantis. The serpent was Clan Oceanus’s Deputy, Whirlpool.

He cut me off with a stern gaze, “You’ve pursued him to the ocean, and now Clan Oceanus would deal with him. This is as far I can allow you to come without hurting you. So turn back, you’ve done all you can.”

“But… he saved me from the SkyPeak dragons.”

Whirlpool nodded, “Then I will make sure he is released, but I’m afraid this is the last warning he’ll get.”

I frowned, “Has he swam in your ocean more than once?” I asked.

He shook his head, “That is none of your business. Now please, turn back before I attack you.”

I levitated into the air, “Please make sure he doesn’t get hurt!” I called.

Whirlpool paused, then said quietly, “I will do what I can.” before plunging back into the ocean, swimming after his companions.

I stayed there for a long time before leaving back towards Avalon Mountain.

“You did WHAT?” Fire Opal screamed several octaves higher.

I slapped him, “Shut up! Keep your voice down!”

“I can’t believe you interfered with Oceanus’s business! They’re the only allies we have left!”

“I didn’t interfere with their business! That dragon saved my life from the SkyPeak dragons! I just wanted to say thank you!” I protested.

“Black Diamond, you know you’re under my command, right?” he growled.

I held my head high, “I don’t care. He saved me, and I’m thanking him.”

“I must report this to Imperial Topaz.” Fire Opal shook his head, “I can’t believe you crossed into SkyPeak territory as well!”

“Fine, I admit that I was careless. It won’t happen again!” I muttered.

He hesitated, then said in a gentler voice, “I’ll let you go this time, Black Diamond. But only this once.” he warned.

I sighed in relief, “Thank you, Fire Opal.”

He beckoned me with a flick of his tail, “Come on, let’s go check on Enstatite.”

Enstatite was organizing a few sapphires and diamonds in a small pile. She was picking out the rocks, and sorting out the two gems.

“Rock… rock… ew, dirt! More rock… oh hi!” she chirped when she looked up.

“Hey, Enstatite. How are things?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

She shrugged, “Sorting is just a simple thing all treasure guards and hoarders need to do. Say, do you have any plans for tonight?”

I shook my head, “No.”

Fire Opal shrugged, “I don’t think so.” he mumbled.

“Do you guys mind if you accompany me to bring a few pearls to Clan Leader Atlantis?” she asked and gestured towards a bag that I didn’t see at first.

“Sure.” I smiled.

She grinned back, “Thanks! I’ll see you at dusk.”

We set out when the sun started to retreat back under the horizon. The last gleam of golden sunlight was still there when we glided across the smooth waves. It was quiet, and for once, I could relax a bit.

“We’re almost at the place.” Enstatite muttered, “Just a few more kilometers.”

“So… why did they want pearls?” I asked.

“It’s a gift for peace.” Enstatite explained as we flew, “We show them our hospitality, so in the future, if we ever need their help, we can ask for it and they’ll be likely to respond.”

“But wouldn’t some of them recognize me? I mean, I did almost fly into their territory.” I muttered.

“Clan Oceanus isn’t known for holding grudges. They’re actually quite nice.” Enstatite shrugged, “Don’t worry.”

Of course, I have plenty to worry about as we got closer to the meeting place. When Enstatite finally stopped, she lowered her tail and stirred the water gently.

A few moments later, a deep rumble responded to her action. A teal and green serpent surfaced. Her eyes blazing, “Avalon dragon.” she said, her voice neutral, “Why did you touch the water?”

“I have something for Clan Leader Atlantis.” Enstatite said hastily and produced the pearl necklaces.

The serpent stiffened at the name of her Clan Leader, but her face remained calm as she said, “Clan Leader Atlantis is not here at the moment.”

Enstatite frowned, “But he said to meet us here tonight! Did something happen?”

As the spoke, I leaned towards Fire Opal, “The Oceanus Serpents aren’t dragons who would forget their promises.” I murmured.

He nodded, “That’s what worries me. Clan Leader Atlantis is always with his clan, he never just leaves without telling us of his absence.”

“I told you, he is not here.” the serpent said firmly, “So if you would please turn back?”

Enstatite hesitated, then she said slowly, “When he returns, can you please take these to him?” she held up the necklaces, “Clan Leader Imperial Topaz insists that he has them.”

The serpent’s face soften, “Alright, I’ll do that.” she leaned over and took them between her teeth, “What’re your names, young ones?”

“Enstatite, Fire Opal, and Black Diamond.” she responded.

The serpent bowed her head, “Then behalf of Clan Oceanus, I, Harp, thank you for your hospitality.”

“You’re welcome.” Enstatite smiled.

The serpent dove back into the waves.

The smile faded from her face, “We have to report Clan Leader Atlantis’s absence.” she said quietly.

“But what if Clan Oceanus doesn’t want you to tell anyone?” I asked.

Fire Opal shook his head, “When a clan leader is absent without the other clans’ notice, that usually spells trouble.”

“What if it was urgent?” I asked

Fire Opal gave me a look, “Then, we know there’s something wrong.”

I felt stupid for asking. Duh. I thought to myself.

“So how did it go?” Star Ruby, the head of the Hoarders and Guards, asked.

“They accepted it.” Enstatite assured her, “But Clan Leader Atlantis is gone.”

Star Ruby paled, her red glimmering scales turned light red, “Report that to Clan Leader Imperial Topaz, now!” she ushered her into the back caverns.

“What if Clan Leader Atlantis is abducted?” I asked.

Fire Opal gave me another weird look, “Now who would want to abduct a clan leader?”

“I don’t know, someone who wants power over Oceanus.” I shrugged.

“True, but–” he was cut off by a roar outside.

“What the Hells…?” I skidded to the back of the cave when Lieutenant Fire Agate and Captain Sunstone stormed in with the entire patrol behind them. I recognized Emerald, Violet Spinel, Black Star Sapphire, Aquamarine, Sea Jasper, and Silver Topaz. Walking amongst them was Rain Bringer Wisdom, the clan leader of SkyPeak.

“Out of the way, now!” Lieutenant Fire Agate swept his tail to part the crowd. Captain Sunstone snarled at everyone to keep them at bay.

“Clan Leader Imperial Topaz!” Fire Opal called, he sounded worried.

“What is going on here?” Avalon’s deputy, Chrysoberyl, demanded sharply.

“Rain Bringer Wisdom demands an audience with Clan Leader Imperial Topaz.” Captain Sunstone growled.

“I can speak for myself, Captain Sunstone.” Rain Bringer Wisdom’s voice was quiet yet authoritative.

“You’re in Avalon territory, Rain Bringer Wisdom.” Chrysoberyl said firmly, “I’m afraid you cannot speak until Clan Leader Imperial Topaz sees you.”

A single roar silenced everyone in the mountain. Clan Leader Imperial Topaz was pacing on the rocks of the cavern, “Could someone perhaps explain why Rain Bringer Wisdom is here?” he growled, his golden fiery scales flickered like actual flames.

“I’ll speak for myself.” Rain Bringer Wisdom announced, her voice rang clearly.

“What brings you here?” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz asked.

“I understand that the Clan Leader Atlantis is missing?”

Murmurs rippled across the cavern. Imperial Topaz shook his head, “I’m afraid I do not know.” his voice neutral, “Do you know if his whereabouts?”

“No.” Rain Bringer Wisdom also shook her head, “But I might have something that could help.”

“And what will that be?”

“I know who Atlantis’s great grand child is.”

That sent another ripple of shock across the room. Clan Leader Imperial Topaz didn’t hide his confusion this time, “Clan Leader Atlantis had a great grand child?” he asked.

Rain Bringer Wisdom nodded, “Yes, and Clan Leader Atlantis’s mate is amongst your clan.”

Everyone started asking rapid questions. Clan Leader Imperial Topaz’s gaze swept amongst the crowds. His eyes blazing with the slightest fury, “If you know that is you, step out of the crowd.” he snarled quietly.

From the far corner, I saw Blue Moonstone step out. Everyone gasped.

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz recoiled, “Blue Moonstone?” he sounded as if he were wounded, “My daughter?”

Blue Moonstone held her head high, “I wanted to make peace, Father.” she announced, “And so did Clan Leader Atlantis. If my great grand child has the blood of both Avalon and Oceanus, then that would build a bridge of peace between the two clans.”

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz was shaking his head already, “Peace doesn’t mean sacrificing your happiness!” he rasped.

“We will speak of this in private later, Father.” Blue Moonstone said calmly, “First, I will like to know how my great grandchild has anything to do with Clan Leader Atlantis.”

Rain Bringer Wisdom nodded, “Yes, of course.” she turned back to Clan Leader Imperial Topaz, “This morning, my warriors found one of your dragons crossing territories. She claims to have been watching the sunrise. But before my patrol could do proper formalities, a… hybrid you can say, came out of nowhere and attacked my dragons. He was young, around fifty or so, but powerful enough to scare my dragons away.” she paused, “I believe the hybrid dragon is Clan Leader Atlantis’s descendant.”

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz’s face was neutral once again, “And who was this dragon that you saw cross the border?” his voice cold and calm.

“A black dragon? About one hundred years old? She had scales that faded into purple and light silver around her ankles, and icy crystal blue eyes.” Rain Bringer Wisdom said.

“Black Diamond!” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz thundered.

Fire Opal nudged my neck, “You’d better go.” he whispered.

I swallowed hard, because Imperial Topaz sounded pretty mad. I walked up, “Yes, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz, I crossed the border. I was careless and wasn’t watching for my surroundings. Punish me as you will.” I said somberly.

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz looked weary, and in the moonlight, he looked a thousand years older, “Just… not right now.” he shook his head, “I’ll speak to you later. Stay there.” he turned back to Rain Bringer Wisdom, “You were saying?”

“The dragon you called Black Diamond might have spotted the hybrid.” she turned to me, “Did you see him?”

I frowned, “Yes, I did. He had a long body of a SkyPeak dragon, but his scales will fade from gold to green and teal to black and purple.” I said, “He had wings, but he swam with no problem.”

“He has SkyPeak descend.” Rain Bringer Wisdom growled, “Though I do not know which dragon betrayed me.”

“I still don’t know what this has to do with Clan Leader Atlantis’s absence.” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz snapped, sounding annoyed.

Wisdom just stood her ground, “His great grand child may be responsible for Clan Leader Atlantis’s absence.” she said.

“Why didn’t you say that earlier?” Chrysoberyl, who was quiet for the entire time, demanded.

She shrugged, “I had to make sure you knew enough to understand.”

“How can he be responsible?” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz asked, “You said that he was no older than fifty years old.”

“Yes, but he has three types of dragon blood, Serpent, SkyPeak, and Avalon. Such an offspring is certain to die, either that, or they become too powerful for themselves to control.” Rain Bringer Wisdom reasoned, “I’ve done research on this topic.” she added when she saw the confused faces.

“Let’s say that you’re right,” Imperial Topaz sighed, “that he’s actually a powerful hybrid. How do you propose we find them? And why should we trust you?”

“To answer your first question: You find him by trusting me to do the right thing. And I think that answers your second question.”

“We have been rivals for centuries, Rain Bringer Wisdom.” Imperial Topaz growled, “And yet you ask us to trust you?”

“It’s a lot to ask, I know.” Rain Bringer Wisdom nodded, “But you must. We both need Clan Leader Atlantis back in his rightful place, and we both ask for peace between the clans. If trusting each other is what it takes to bring Clan Leader Atlantis back, so be it.”

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz was quiet for a long time, then Chrysoberyl whispered something into his ears. He nodded, “We will speak of his in private.” he gestured towards the hidden caves in the back of the cavern.

Fire Opal walked up to me as the crowd began to whisper and talk. “Do you trust Rain Bringer Wisdom?” he asked.

I shrugged, “I’d be lying if I say I do, but she’s right. We need Clan Leader Atlantis back more than anything. This has never happened before, and we don’t have proper protocol to follow.”

“I just hope Clan Leader Imperial is wise enough to make the right decision.”

“And what is the right decision?” I asked.

Fire Opal stared at me for a long time before answering, “If you ask me, the right decision is the decision that no one wants to take.” he left me to my thoughts.

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz and Rain Bringer Wisdom came out a few minutes later. The clan fell silent.

“Clan Avalon!” Imperial Topaz said aloud, “We will find Clan Leader Atlantis!”

Chapter II

No one questioned him after that. I guess that was how loyal we were to Clan Leader Imperial Topaz. Our clan leader summoned me and Chrysoberyl.

“Black Diamond, you’re going because you’ve seen him. And Chrysoberyl, you’re going because you’re the last dragon I expect to betray me.” he said in a bitter voice.

“Your daughter has not betrayed you, Imperial Topaz.” she said quietly, “She only did what she thought was best for us.”

“I’m having a chat with the young dragon on what is best for us and what’s best for her.” he growled, “Now go.” he nudged us towards the cave entrance.

My father walked up to me and pressed his snout against my head, “Come back to us unscathed, Black Diamond.” he murmured, “I lost your brother, and I am not losing you too.”

I sniffed, “I won’t die, father. I promise.”

He gave me a little push, “Go now.” his eyes glistened with tears.

“Black Diamond, we must make haste.” Chrysoberyl said gently.

I nodded and took off into the dawning sun.

“First, we will pay a visit to Clan Oceanus.” Rain Bringer said, “They’ve chased the hybrid out of the sea, and they’re likely to know what he looks like.”

Rain Bringer Wisdom dipped her long tail into the water. Clan Oceanus’s deputy came out a few moments later.

“Rain Bringer Wisdom!” Whirlpool sounded shocked, “What are you doing here?”

“Do you remember the hybrid dragon you chased out of the ocean?” Rain Bringer Wisdom asked.

Whirlpool frowned, “Yes, I do.”

“Were there any other dragons that saw him?”

The deputy nodded, “Yes, Riptide, Snapper, Narwhal, and Conch. They were his pursuers.”

“We’re looking for Clan Leader Atlantis. We believe that the hybrid is possibly responsible.”

He still looked confused, “How?”

“There’s no time to explain.” Rain Bringer Wisdom snapped, “Either you get serpents to come, or we’ll search for Atlantis without you.”

Whirlpool’s head snapped back all of the sudden. He narrowed his eyes into slits, “There’s something approaching.” he growled.

I frowned, “What?” all I saw was the morning fog clouding the ocean.

Whirlpool’s muscles tensed, and he didn’t move at all. From the distance, I could hear a steady beat of rhythmic THUMPS. The wind’s temperature dropped, and the waves lapped quietly.

That was when I heard undragon-like yells and shouts. I heard growling and snarling from dragons, but they seemed to be helpless.

“What the…” I started to say.

Whirlpool let out an air piercing shriek, then plunged into the water. From all over the sea, I could hear responding screams and wails from Clan Oceanus.

“What’s happening?” I asked.

Chrysoberyl shook her head, “It doesn’t look good, whatever it is.” she levitated herself farther up from the water.

The mist parted and out came dozens of huge floating things.

They looked like they were made of wood, and a spear sort of thing sprouted from the very front. White sheets were caught in the wind. They hang from leafless trees that grew from the center. The entire thing made a bowl, and there, little creatures ran about, screaming and ordering each other. I made out dragons and wyverns on the bowls, but they were all carrying something. A wide piece of rope was tied around their bodies, and on them sat the little creatures. Ropes and chains were tied around their snouts to control them, and they were all wearing armor.

The waves started to churn beneath us, sprays of salt water splashed into my face. I flew backwards as the bowls got closer. Chrysoberyl flew up, “Rain Bringer Wisdom, what’s going on?”

“Humans.” the elder dragon snarled, “the Captors of Dragons.” her tail swept towards me and pushed me backwards, “Get back! They’re merciless!”

Wyverns launched out of the bowls and shrieked angrily into the air. The creatures on their backs yanked on their chains harshly and yelled. Three wyverns spotted us and screamed at us. I could barely make out the words.

“GO!” one shrieked in a high pitch voice, “Save… clans! GO!”

“How did you end up like this?” I shouted over the noise.

Rain started battering down on us. Thunder cackled and lightning flashed. Several bolts hit the water, sending blinding white light rippling through the waves. The serpents roared and smacked their tails and teeth towards the wooden bowls.

A dragon from the side of the bowl yelled, “GET OUT OF HERE, YOUNG DRAGON!” his head was yanked back when the human on his back growled at him and pulled on his chains, “Do not… get captured!”

The wind howled and moaned. Rain Bringer Wisdom coiled around one of the bare trees and squeezed. It cracked and fell, sending splinters and pieces of wood everywhere.

Some of the other dragons were not as lucky. For too long, they’ve been tamed by the merciless creatures Rain Bringer Wisdom called humans. The dragons became soulless monsters that cry for bloodshed. A good example would be the green dragon biting my tail off in the storm right now.

It was hard to maneuver in the dark storm. Rain plastered against my scales and lightning flashed everywhere. When it didn’t flash, I could hardly see anything.

Then, a chain hooped around my neck and I started to panic. Even when my mind was screaming, telling me to stop thrashing, I overreacted anyway. I screamed and roared, but I was yanked down. My body met the wooden floor with a THUMP.

A net fell around me and I yelled again, trying to scare off my attackers.

“It won’t work, young dragon!” a heard a voice cry besides me, “Stop thrashing! You’ll break a bone!”

“I’M GETTING OUT OF HERE!” I screamed, tears streaming down my face, “I’m getting out if it’s the last thing I do!”

“Stop! You’ll hurt yourself!” a male voice snapped, “Calm down!”

“I WON’T!” I refused to do so.

I felt needles starting to poke my scales. I snarled and snapped at wherever the pain came from. The ground was rocking violently, and I started to feel sick.

“Black Diamond!” I heard Chrysoberyl roar, “Black Diamond!”

“Chrysoberyl!” I groaned.

A blast of heat scorched at my scales, but it was followed by Chrysoberyl’s painful shriek. She landed besides me, unconscious. She was breathing lightly, and lights flashed around me.

“Chrysoberyl.” I rasped.

The small creatures looked at me and fastened more chains around my limbs and snout, probably to prevent me from moving at all. I growled and summoned my remaining strength to jerk and claw at the net around me.

Then, sleep started to call me. I refused until I didn’t even have the strength to even stay awake. I fell limp and didn’t wake up for quite long time.

Chapter III

“Young dragon.” I heard a faint whisper, “Young dragon!” it sounded more urgent.

I didn’t want to wake and face the world anymore. All I can remember were the shrieks of pain coming from those merciless beasts and knew that I would become one of them.

“Is she dead?” a younger voice asked nervously.

“No.” that urgent voice said, “But she won’t wake up.” I felt a claw probe me, “Hey! You have to wake up!”

Finally, when I summoned enough strength to open my eyes, the whole world was a blur. Then I realized it was from the tears streaming down my face. I reached up and wiped them away. I saw an Eastern dragon of SkyPeak looking down at me.

He was roughly around three hundred or so. He had curled ivory horns and red eyes. He was probably the one calling me young dragon, but he wasn’t that old himself. He was slightly handsome, with his glittering scales that looked almost like real gold. There was this red line of scales that reached from the back of his head to the tip of his tail. He had black claws, and a proud gaze of a warrior.

The dragon in the back was a blue and silver dragon. She was much younger than me, roughly around forty or thirty. She had a silvery icy pair of eyes, and light blue scales. Her wings were a see through white veil and I wondered if she could actually fly without damaging them. Her claws were silver and white. She was much smaller in size.

“Finally!” The older dragon sighed, “We thought you were dead!”

I tired to get up, but my head started to throb, so I just lay still.

“Don’t get up just yet. They hit you pretty bad.” The male dragon placed a talon on my head, “You’re one of the Western Dragons, aren’t you?”

I frowned, “Wha… huh?” I mumbled.

“Western Dragons.” the young dragon squeaked, “You know, like me!” she bounced around so I could see her.

I managed a nod, “Oh… yeah. My clan’s full of dragons like you.” I gestured weakly towards the little dragon, who was still bouncing.

“Your clan?” The SkyPeak dragon scowled, “Clan… I can’t… what are their names again?”

I gaped, “You… you don’t know? How old are you?” he can’t be more than a thousand years old. The clans formed for as long as anyone can remember.

“Four hundred ninety six.” he replied in a dark voice, “Yes, I know. I look younger than that. That’s what everyone says.”

“How long have you been here?” he couldn’t have forgotten… could he?

“Four hundred fifty years.” he replied, “I’ve been a slave of the humans for almost seven generations.”

“You were only forty six when captured here?” No wonder. A dragon at that age would still have problems remembering the clan names.

He nodded, “Yes, now can you tell me which… clan you belong to?”

“Clan Avalon.” his face didn’t light up with recognition, so I added, “The Earth Dragons live there. Dragons like me.” I gestured towards my own body, “Your kind of dragons live in Clan SkyPeak, where Rain Bringer Wisdom rules currently.” speaking of which, where was she?

He still didn’t reply. All he did was stare at me with a blank face, “I… had no idea what you just said, but okay…” he said slowly.

“Well, me neither!” the little dragon chirped, “But at least we have something new to learn about here!”

I frowned, “How long have you been here?” I asked the silver dragon.

“The Humans found my egg here.” she replied, “I was here my whole life.”

My eyes widen, “Wait… what?” to be around these merciless humans her entire life was almost unimaginable. “You’ve been here for how long?”

“Forty years.” she replied, “What’s your name?”

“Black Diamond.” I said.

The dragon grinned, “My name’s Blizzard! And this big lump of flesh and fat is Imperial.”

“I am NOT fat!” Imperial snapped angrily, “It’s all muscle, unlike you skinny bag of bones!”

“Hey, I’m way younger than you… lump of fat!” she teased and butted him with her head. Imperial just snorted and shook his head.

“Imperial?” I tilted my head, “My clan leader’s name is Imperial Topaz.”

“Are your clan dragons all named after gemstones?” Imperial asked, raising an eyebrow.

I nodded, “Yes.”

The older dragon was quiet, then he said to me, “What is the world of dragons like?”

“Well… what do you mean?”

He settled down in front of me, “You know, what’s my kind like?”

Arrogant, stupid, stubborn, ignorant, loud, tattletales, idiots… I thought. But I didn’t say that, I knew better. “Well… they are probably the wisest dragons of us all. They aren’t powerful in numbers and warriors, but their tactics are unique.” I said slowly, “They live in palaces above the clouds, and they see the first of dawn and the last of dusk. They bring rain, and they crave to learn more about everything. They don’t focus on just warriors and weapons, they focus on philosophy and stuff. Like ‘What’s the meaning of life?’ or ‘Why do we exist? What purpose do we serve?’. Your kind is…” I wanted to say wise, but I thought I used that too much.

Imperial waited, “Is…?” he leaned in.

“Fearless.” yes, that’s it, “Clan SkyPeak is fearless.”

He bowed his head, “Thank you.” he murmured, “What about your clan?”

I snorted, “My clan? My clan’s stubborn and hard to persuade. I guess that’s why we’re named after gems. They’re hard to break, and so are most dragons in my clan.”

“You too?” he asked.

I shook my head, “No, have you seen how easily I gave up when the humans caught me?” I laughed mockingly at myself, “Ha! If that were Imperial Topaz, or Fire Opal in that net, they’d thrash until they die.”

Imperial shook his head, “I heard from Thunder. He said you tried to escape the longest. And when he told you to stop, you didn’t until you had nothing left. That was brave.” he complimented.

“Thanks.” that was when I realized that the only compliments I got were from my friends and my parents. Before that… my brother.

“Well,” Blizzard piped up. She was so quiet that I almost forgot she was there, “Enough compliments, which clan do I belong to?”

I gave her a long look, “I want to say Clan Avalon, where I come from. But… no offense, you’re a bit… small.”

Blizzard shrugged, “I take no offense. Dragons say that all the time. I could be a wyvern, not that I know what that is, but I heard they only come in colors of brown and gray. Those dull colors.” she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“If you’re a wyvern, you’re one of a kind, Blizzard.” I nudged her wings and scales, “I’ve never seen wings that I could see through. Can you fly properly?”

She nodded, “And way better than that! I can dance in the air! Watch! Watch! See? I could do… this!” she flipped in the air, “And this!” she dove down and went up at the last second, “And THI–oof!” she crashed into the rocky ceiling, “Ow…” she muttered.

Imperial rolled his eyes, “Serves you right, for being all hyper everyday.” his head snapped up and he dragged Blizzard back onto the ground.

The ice colored dragon mimicked his words silently and gave me an annoyed look.

I chuckled, “Well, back to what I was saying. You must be a special wyvern or dragon. It doesn’t matter which you are, because I’ve never see scales that are actual ice colored like yours.” I prodded her shoulder gently, “Look at me! I’m as boring as the clouds!”

“No, you’re scales glitter like actual black diamonds!” Blizzard lifted one of my wings and grunted, “Wow, are all your wings this heavy?” she asked.

“Blizzard, that’s enough. Get out of there.” Imperial dragged her back out by the tail.

“How did you two get to know each other?” I asked as Blizzard whined and groaned.

“I first saw her being picked on for her size by a couple of other bigger dragons. I defended her until she grew up with these scales.” he pointed at her gleaming icy scales, “Then, she no longer needed someone to protect her. Everyone wants her scales now.”

“Serves them right!” Blizzard mimicked Imperial’s deep voice with a hint of annoyance, “And I’m stupid. I’m a bossy mean dragon who doesn’t allow Blizzard to fly!” she shot him a glare.

Imperial sighed boringly and placed a huge talon over her mouth. Her voice was muffled, and she started to squirm.

“Anyways,” Imperial clenched his jaw, “What were you doing so close to the ships?”

“The what?” I frowned.

“Ships. The ones that were floating on the sea.”

“Oh, those!” he meant the large oval bowls, “We didn’t see them.”

“I heard from the others that there were tons of sea dragons that looked like me, only their scales were green, and they had no feet.” he said, “Surely one of them warned you?”

“Whirlpool said he sensed something disturbing the water, but we didn’t see the… ships until it was too late.”

“Thunder said he warned you to get out of there.” Imperial still sounded confused, “Why didn’t you run?”

“I was confused, and I was still figuring out what was going on.” I explained.

“That sounds about right. Most dragons who come here say the same thing.” Blizzard nodded after yanking Imperial’s talon off of her face.

Speaking of which… “Do you know where Chrysoberyl is?”

“The dragon that was brought along with you? She’s with the older dragons. Apparently, they thought she was sick.” Blizzard muttered, “Dragons don’t get sick.”

“What do the humans do to us here?” I asked, trying to keep the fear from quivering my voice.

Imperial sighed and placed his head on his front talons, “They train us.”

“For what?”

“To obey them. They hoop chains around your snouts and wrap saddles and leather straps around your belly. They ride you and go to battle on your back.” he mumbled, “If you disobey them, they’ll press half melted iron onto your belly until they think you’ve had enough.”

I paled, “They torture dragons?” I stood up immediately, though my feet shook, “I must free all of you! No dragon deserves to live like this!”

Imperial coiled around me and pressed me down onto the ground, “If you try to free the dragons, you get the worst of all torturing!” he growled, “Don’t do it.”

“You think that’s important? Is that what every dragon here thinks? Every dragon for him or herself? Because I wasn’t raised like that! I was raised to uphold promises and aid those who cannot defend themselves!” I snapped.

The muscular gold dragon let me go and shoved me against the rough cavern wall, “Stop it!” he snarled, “I tried it! And do you know what happened to me?”

“I don’t care!” I struggled to get up.

Imperial flipped over and exposed his underbelly. I gasped. Burnt marks and infected scar marks covered his gleaming golden scales. Some looked like the creatures slashed him with those silver needles of theirs. Others looked as if he’s been scourged.

Blizzard looked away, “Hey, don’t expose your scars, Imperial. That’s really disgusting.”

“I need to show her what they’ll do if she tries anything stupid.” Imperial growled.

I stared until I couldn’t look anymore. I glanced down at my own legs. What did it feel like? “I…” I couldn’t even manage to say simple apology without wanting to throw up.

Imperial got up on his feet and gave me a stern look, “Now you know what they’re capable of.”

“But…” I tried not to make wrenching sounds. I swallowed several times before continuing, “but haven’t you came up with an escape plan yet? Or have you ever attacked them?”

“There are more humans out there than we are possibly capable of slaying.” Imperial said in a quite somber voice, “That was why every sane dragon on the ships were screaming at you to run as far away as possible. Once you’re captured, there’s no way of escaping.”

“But humans can’t fly… can they?” I was uncertain. They could keep dragons under complete obedience, sail across oceans, what are they not capable of doing? Surely, if they could do all that, they could fly?

Blizzard shook her head, “No, I haven’t seen them fly. That’s why they need us to help them face their enemies. Plus, I’m pretty sure they know we’re dangerous. They’re either very bold or very stupid to face us. Since they captured us, I’d say they’re both!”

Imperial sighed, “Get some rest, Black Diamond.” he said, “You look tired.”

I yawned and nodded, feeling weary, now that he’s mentioned it. My tail curled around my talons as I rested my head on the bare floor. Imperial coiled around besides me with Blizzard. Soon, sleep came for me.

Chapter IV

A loud CREAK echoed across the cavern. I leapt to my feet as several of the humans came in, their needles gleaming in the firelight and their armor polished. They spoke in quiet voices as they approached me.

I bared my teeth and snarled, “Stay away, you demons.”

“They don’t understand you, Black Diamond.” Imperial said, “They can only understand that you’re trying to defend yourself, or that you’re angry.”

The humans looked up at me, their faces unreadable. One of them did something with his small arms and four humans came up, chains clinking in their arms.

“Stay still.” Blizzard warned, “You don’t want them burning you.”

It was hard to do so when the humans were glaring at me. At least, that was what I thought they were doing. They took the chains and walked towards me.

I growled and snapped my teeth, “I said STAY AWAY!”

“Black Diamond, stop!” Imperial’s voice was full of authority, “They’ll hurt you if you resist.”

“I’d rather die right now than follow the orders of a human!” I growled, “Such merciless, heartless devils!”

The leading human yelled at his servants and they fastened chains around my neck and legs. I roared and shrieked, “GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!” I screamed in rage. Blood pounded against my skull. I yanked on the chains until they broke. I stumbled away and flew as high as the cavern ceiling allowed me to. I snarled warnings at them.

The other dragons in the cavern scurried away from the humans, growling in annoyance whenever a human stepped on his or her tail. The humans didn’t seem to care as they drew out their needles to point at me.

I narrowed my eyes. They didn’t look too hard. Killing them wouldn’t be too much trouble.

“Black Diamond, stop!” Blizzard pleaded.

“Young dragon, you’ll get killed!” one of the older green dragons in the corner snapped, “So get down here! If you keep resisting, they’ll torture you until you die!”

“I’d rather die than follow those creatures!” I climbed onto the stalactites that hang from the ceiling. I opened my mouth as I felt the heat rise from my throat. Every dragon gasped.

“What are you doing?” a female dragon cried.

“Don’t even think about it.” another warned.

“Just follow them! They might not slay you if you go now!”

Gee, that’s very reassuring. I thought to myself.

A blast of fire shot out of my mouth, aimed right for the humans. Most of them dodged to the sides, but I burnt a few. I heard them scream in pain. The dragons close to the fire scrambled away and yelled out angrily.

“If you want to kill them, work on your aim, kid!” one growled in annoyance.

“Hey! Don’t burn my tail!”

“Watch where you aim that fire!”

I climbed up the stalactite until my head was brushing the ceiling. I opened my mouth and breathed deeply. Another blast of fire came out a few seconds later, this time, making a wall of fire around most of the humans. They cried out and shrieked. I roared and leapt off of the rock, crashing into the cavern wall. I thought I heard wind howling outside once, so I was certain that freedom was waiting on the other side.

“You’re crazy, Black Diamond!” Blizzard cried over the noises, “But crazily brave!” she laughed and unhinged her jaw to shoot icicles and frost onto the burning humans. The sudden cold against their burning skins made them scream.

“You’ll get killed!” Imperial hissed angrily at me.

I glared at him, “It’s better than being stuck here, Imperial. You said you’ve been here for more than four hundred years. Ask yourself: Do you truly want to stay here? Is your freedom not worth dying for?”

He was silent while I blew fire and shoved myself against the cracked cavern wall. I clawed at the cracks, making them bigger.

“Mother, what are you–” a young male dragon asked.

“In my days, dragons would do anything to live their lives free of slavery and worship. This young dragon is braver than any dragon I’ve ever known. If I die trying to get out of here, at least I die knowing that I’ve tried!” an older female red dragon clutched my shoulders, “You have the spirit of a true warrior, young one.” she said firmly before turning to the rocky wall and standing up on her hind legs. Her front talons and the force behind the attempted breach shook the entire cavern.

“Black Diamond, hurry!” I heard Blizzard cry, “They’re calling for reinforcements!”

I started to wonder why Blizzard didn’t freeze the humans to death yet, then I realized that she was still young, and that her icy breath takes time to develop and become stronger. She probably doesn’t know how to aim properly either.

Another young male red dragon came up besides the elder red dragon. I saw the family resemblance and realized that this was her son. He bared his teeth and threw himself onto the cracking wall.

I heard shrieks behind me. I turned and found five young green dragons (that could’ve been siblings) climbing onto the stalactite. They tensed their muscles and leapt off of the rock, crashing onto the wall with enough force to breach a normal fortress. I didn’t know what the humans did to this rock, but gods, whatever they did, it as strong and hard. The five green dragons made a huge dent, but not enough to break through.

The doors at the other side were flung open and I heard the shouts of the humans. There were more this time, maybe around several dozen.

Blizzard recoiled, “Uh… Black Diamond? A little help here?” she sounded nervous.

Imperial’s roar shook the whole cavern. A blast of scorching heat filled the entire room. The front lines of the humans were nothing but ashes. A purple and black dragon snapped his teeth at the back lines. Soon, a few other dragons joined in the fight. The battle cries were valiant and brave, but I didn’t have time to feel touched. I leapt onto the stalactite and pushed off of it again, hoping this would be enough. I saw a beam of sunlight seeping through.

“Blizzard!” I yelled, “Get over here!”

The remaining dragons, seeing that there was hope of freedom, joined in. I backed up, “One more breach!” I shouted over the screams and yells.

Every dragon backed up, their muscles tensing and their gazes determined.

“NOW!” I roared, and so did every other dragon beside me. We breached the wall and I found the blazing sun welcoming me. Every dragon roared in triumph and blasted off into the sky.

Imperial and the rest who were fighting the humans disengaged and leapt out of the cave, flying as fast as they can.

“Black Diamond, what about the other dragons?” Blizzard cried.

I nodded, “We’d better go.” and turned.

“Wait, where are you going?” the male red dragon asked.

I gritted my teeth, “Saving the others!”

He hesitated, glancing at his mother, he said, “Then we’re going with you.”

“Thanks, but you have to save yourself. You’ve been there longer than I have, and I cannot afford to lose you to the humans again.”

“Nonsense!” the female dragon scoffed, “We know how hard it is for the others, so we’re going with you.”

Imperial came besides me, “Let them come, they know the risk.” he said gently.

“Besides,” the female red dragon said, “I don’t want to go to my grave knowing I ran away like a coward when I had the chance to save the others.”

It made sense, but I still couldn’t risk it.

“Let them.” Blizzard said, “It’s their choice, after all.”

I sighed, I just hope it was the right one, “Alright, fine.”

The male red dragon roared into the sky. The others turned and responded by flying back towards us.

“Come on.” Blizzard beat her wings furiously and flew off towards the mountain. I followed.

She started sniffing for any traces of dragon scent. I knew my nose would be useless against all the new smells. I scented dirt, trees, and the morning air. Otherwise, I couldn’t catch any dragon scent.

“HERE!” Blizzard dove all of the sudden. I skidded to a halt and followed her. Wow, this young dragon was fast.

She clawed at the rock, “In here! HELLO? CAN YOU HEAR ME? WE’RE COMING TO RESCUE YOU! JUST STAY CLEAR OF THE WALLS AND YOU’LL BE FINE!” she screamed.

“They can’t hear us.” one of the green dragons growled, “We’ll have to hope that they feel us and stay clear.”

I backed up and pounded against the gray rock. Cracks started to form. Imperial lashed out with his tail, leaving a dent in the bare rock. The male red dragon and another few dragons flew back several meters and pounded the rock. The others just blew fire, hoping to melt the rock. Under the sun and in the scorching heat, I got tired, but I couldn’t give up. Not when the dragons’ freedom is so close.

Then, a thought hit me. I stopped Blizzard, “Wait! Do you scent any humans? These could be the dragons who are fully under the control of the humans!”

Blizzard sniffed, “No, I don’t think these are the crazy dragons.” she shrugged, “It’s a risk we have to take, Black Diamond.”

I sighed, “I.. I guess, but what if–”

She cut me off, “At this point, we can’t have second thoughts, Black Diamond. It’s now or never.”

I looked at the rock, which looked like it was about to breach, then back at Blizzard, “Fine.” I raised my talons and struck the gray rocky surface. After that, I crashed myself onto the dented rock. I felt it breach and I got back as it collapsed.

The dragons inside looked too shocked.

“GO! RUN! YOU’RE FREE!” I roared, “GO! IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIFE, GO!”

Dragons got up and flew out of the cave. I really wanted to shout at them, tell them to get going. But they were shocked, and what they had craved for the past centuries has finally come true.

A young blue dragon stopped besides me, “Thank you!” she cried, “Thank you so much!” before flying off into the blue sky.

“You’re welcome, now GO!” I yelled.

Imperial grabbed my shoulder, “Black Diamond, the riders!” he pointed behind me.

I turned and paled. Almost more than a hundred dragons with humans were riding towards us. Most of the dragons looked pretty reluctant to kill us. But when they saw us freeing other dragons, their eyes widen and they started bitting off each other’s humans.

“Well, looks like we’re not alone in this fight.” Blizzard mused before flying off to help them.

Of course, there were a few dragons who were under the complete control of the humans. Their wild gazes told me how much pain they’ve been through to become the merciless creatures they were now. I wanted to end their pain and misery, but I didn’t want to kill them either.

Imperial saw my somber gaze and whispered, “You can’t save every dragon, Black Diamond.”

“But I must!” I growled.

He stopped me, “If you must, kill off the ones who suffer the most. You may not preserve their lives, but at least you can grant them peace for eternity.” and he flew off.

The mere thought of killing off dragons sickened me. But part of me knew that Imperial was right. If I can’t save every dragon’s life, then I must help them as much as I can. With that, I flew towards the army reluctantly.

I bit off the chains and the leather saddles on the dragons, “Go!” I yelled at them, “You’re free! Run!”

Most of them flew off into the sky once their rider was dead. I spotted a dragon chasing after another smaller dragon. I slashed at the pursuing creature and whispered, “I’m sorry.” before biting her throat out.

Many were slaughtered that day. Too much blood was spilled. When I look back on that day, I will still think to myself: Have I done the right thing? If I cannot save a dragon’s life, then the least I can do is to end its suffering. I was young, and I knew nothing of the cruelties this world held. The dark reality has been hidden from me until that day. Imperial and Blizzard comforted me, but nothing can keep me from the sorrow and the guilt that overwhelmed me on that dark day.

Chapter V

A week has passed since we freed the dragons from the merciless creatures we called humans. Now that they were way behind us, my next goal was to find Clan Leader Atlantis and Rain Bringer Wisdom.

I didn’t know what happened to Chrysoberyl. She was one of the dragons that we freed amongst the numerous caves we breached that day. But she was supporting a way older dragon that could barely stand the last time I saw her. She flew off, and I didn’t see her again. Hopefully, I find her again… with Rain Bringer Wisdom. Without the SkyPeak clan leader, I had no idea how the young dragon that saved my life was connected to Clan Leader Atlantis’s disappearance. I told Imperial and Blizzard about my original “quest”, and they decided to come with me, in hope of finding my home and living there in peace.

When they heard of the dragon who saved me, Blizzard’s face lit up with recognition.

“Oh! I know him! His name’s Nightfall! He’s one of the dragons who set out on the Challenger!”

I frowned, “The Challenger?” I asked.

She nodded, “Yeah! It’s a ship’s name! They said they’d set out to get more dragons! It could be one of the ships that brought you here, though.”

Imperial frowned, “No, I asked Storm. He said that the ships who came back with Black Diamond and Chrysoberyl were the Glacier Fleet. And Challenger‘s not in the Glacier Fleet, if I remember correctly.”

Hope sparked up, “You mean that this Challenger could still be out there! And that if we could find him, we’ll find Nightfall! Then, I could ask him where Atlantis is!” I got excited.

Blizzard and Imperial glanced at each other, then Imperial said slowly, “Ye-es… something like that.” he looked back at me, “But… are you sure Nightfall knows something of this Atlantis of yours?”

I shrugged, “No, I’m not sure, but he’s the only hope we’ve got. Rain Bringer Wisdom said he knew something, or he’s at least tied to the disappearance. Anything Nightfall might knows may be useful.”

“What about the humans?” Blizzard asked.

My heart sunk. I didn’t want to get captured again. The last time I encountered a ship, I was hauled back to a mountain in the middle of nowhere. I didn’t want to risk that again.

“I’ll take care of them.” Imperial said firmly, “You two search for Nightfall while I slay the humans.”

“Do we free the dragons on board?” Blizzard asked hopefully.

Imperial looked at her, “Only if they are willing to listen.” I knew he meant: Only if they’re not crazy. But I didn’t really want to face the fact that not all dragons sided with their own kind at the time.

“When do we set out?” Blizzard asked after a brief silence.

I looked up at the starry night sky, then I looked at Imperial, “Well…” why were they both looking at me? It’s not like I knew how to keep everyone alive! “I guess we can set out at dawn?”

Imperial shook his head, “No. If we find them with the sun still up, we’ll be spotted and we’d be an easy target. We can wait until afternoon, then we will search for them under the gaze of the moon. the sun exposes all secrets, but the moon only reveals the darkest.”

Is he trying to sound wise and intelligent? Again, I found that quite annoying. All SkyPeak dragons sounded wise all the time, and I have suspicions that they actually make their young dragons memorize lines from old texts and knowledge.

Blizzard just nodded, “Okay.” she flopped down on the pine needles, “Wake me when it’s time to go.” she yawned.

“You plan to sleep all day?” I gaped.

She only snored in response.

Imperial sighed, “Get some sleep, Black Diamond. You’ll be needing it if we’re flying all day on sea.”

“Imperial?” I said after a silence.

“Yes?”

“Why didn’t other dragons try what I tried today?”

He was very silent. He glanced over at Blizzard, then back at his own talons, “We were scared.” he muttered, “And we gave up too easily. A few dragons have tried to escape, some even rounded up allies to fight. But in the end, when we saw the humans slay our own kin, fear clawed at our hearts. We looked away from freedom and started focusing on survival.” he looked at me, “That female red dragon you saw? She’s been there longer than almost anyone else, and she was one of the dragons who tried to escape. She was lucky to survive, but her mate wasn’t. He died along with many others.”

“So you’re saying that I was lucky?”

Imperial’s shoulders heaved and sagged, “I guess.”

“But why didn’t dragons escape while their humans were at war? Why couldn’t they just run then?” I asked, still confused.

The gold dragon’s eyes closed, “There are more humans out there than you can possibly imagine.” was all he bothered to say.

“HEY! WAKE UP!” feet trampled all over my body.

I grumbled, “Go away…” and shoved whoever was on my back.

“I said WAKE UP!” she screamed in my ear.

I shot to my feet, “WHAT?” I roared, annoyed and exhausted.

Blizzard’s innocent blue eyes were staring at me. “It’s noon!”

I frowned, and then rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, “Already?”

“You’ve been sleeping all day.” Imperial sounded amused, “You worked pretty hard on freeing all the dragons yesterday, so we decided to let you sleep.”

“Are we anywhere near the ocean?” Blizzard asked.

I sniffed the air and scented the salty sea air, “We’re close.” I answered and spread my wings, “Are we ready to go?”

Imperial nodded, “Yes.”

“No!” Blizzard bounced up and down on her feet, “We didn’t even have breakfast yet!”

“Dragons don’t need food, Blizzard.” Imperial grumbled, “You’re only hungry because the humans have spoiled you with too much to eat.”

“But…” she faltered.

“You can catch a fish on the way.” Imperial muttered.

“Uh… I don’t think that’ll be a good idea.” I said, “Clan Oceanus doesn’t tolerate stealing.”

“Well then, we can catch a whole ship full of humans, okay?” he didn’t even wait for her reply, “Yes? Alright, let’s go!” he shot off into the sky.

“Hey! Wait!” Blizzard unfolded her wings and followed him. I was the last to fly.

The sea was a few kilometers away from our position, but from here, I could see its glittering surface. I could hear the waves roaring and crashing onto the cliffs. Blizzard decided that this was a good time to show off what she could do. She did these crazy loops and somersaults, she laughed and dove down until her claws brushed the grass, then pulled herself up into the sky.

“Does she always do this?” I muttered.

Imperial snorted, “You haven’t seen her train at the obstacle course yet.” he said.

We flew for what seemed like hours. Blizzard was still hyper enough to skid across the water, but she gave up eventually when she got tired.

“Geez, you two are boring.” she mumbled.

“We know better than to waste our energy doing crazy flight maneuvers.” Imperial retorted.

“It’s not crazy! It’s called having fun! Gee, you two have never had fun, haven’t you?” Blizzard gave us a weird look.

Imperial glared at her, “No, because unlike you, I had to survive with no one to take care of me.”

I felt sorry for him. It must’ve been difficult. When my brother died, I felt like I was going to die as well. But to lose his family and possibly all his friends? That must’ve been painful.

“What about you, Black Diamond?” Blizzard asked me, “Have you ever had fun before?”

“Uh…” they looked at me expectantly, “Well… once, I did. Until… until my brother died.”

Blizzard’s smily face was gone, replaced by concern, “Hey, I’m sorry.” she nudged me gently, “It must’ve been tough.”

“Yeah, well you were brave enough to follow us instead of the others who took care of you.” Imperial poked Blizzard’s shoulder, “That’s brave enough.”

“Thanks!” Blizzard was back to her normal cheerful state.

The sun retreated back to the depths of the horizon, and night fell. And just in time too, because an hour later, we saw a ship sailing.

Imperial narrowed his eyes, “Black Diamond.” he whispered, “Try to get as close as possible without getting seen, look for Nightfall. Blizzard and I will be here in case you need our help.”

I nodded and glided towards the ship as silently as I can. My claws sunk into the soft wood as I climbed up. The ship rocked, and for a dreadful moment, I thought my weight was weighing down on the ship, so I loosened my grip. But then the ship tilted the other way, and I sighed in relief. I climbed up some more until I could see the deck. There weren’t a lot of humans. The only human I saw was standing on a bowl sort of thing on one of the bare trees.

Dragons crouched down everywhere, chains clinking as the snore. Some shifted, and others rumbled.

“Pst!” I hissed.

Three dragon heads shot up. They looked around, their eyes alert.

“Over here!” I waved a talon at them, hoping the humans can’t hear me.

One of the dragons saw me and nudged the other two.

“What are you doing here?” he whispered, “Get out of here!”

“Is there a dragon on board named Nightfall?” I asked quietly.

The dragon turned and whispered something. A familiar figure got up and approached the railing. I recognized him as the dragon who saved me.

“You again?” he hissed, “What are you doing here?”

I grabbed his snout and jerked him towards me until our faces almost touched, “Where is Clan Leader Atlantis?” I demanded.

He said something in a muffled voice. I rolled my eyes and let him go. He stumbled, “What? What Clan Leader Atlantis?”

“Clan Leader Atlantis! The leader of the serpents who chased after you when you dove into the sea!” I snapped impatiently.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about!” he growled.

“Do you know anything, then?”

He sounded quite annoyed now, “Is this a joke? Leave me alone!” he started to turn.

I growled and grabbed his throat, “You’ll tell me everything you know about Clan Leader Atlantis’s absence! Rain Bringer Wisdom said you’d know something!”

“Well, I don’t!” Nightfall snarled, “Now leave me alone!”

“Not until you tell me!”

“I don’t know anything, alright?” he struggled to keep his voice down.

“What were you doing in SkyPeak territory in the first place?”

“If you mean the sky and the clouds, I was scouting for the humans, alright?” he snapped, “I saw you getting attacked, and I saved you. But I wasn’t suppose to interact with any other wild dragons!”

“Whirlpool mentioned that that wasn’t the first time you crossed into their territory!”

Nightfall jerked away from my grip, “I’ve heard that my family was somewhere in that region, alright?” he grumbled, “I was curious to see who it was.”

“You heard that right. Clan Leader Atlantis is your great grandfather!”

He didn’t look surprised, “If you think his disappearance has anything to do with me, you’re wrong! I haven’t even seen my great grandfather whatever-his-name-is.”

“Atlantis.” I hissed, “Okay, fine, if you claim you don’t know anything. Can you at least tell me if you’ve seen a silver dragon pass by? Or a red dragon with no wings and massive talons and horns?”

I heard a human yell out something. I looked up and saw him pointing at my position. I cursed silently.

“He sees you!” another dragon started shoving me off of the ship, “Go! You’ll be captured.”

“IMPERIAL!” I yelled, “BLIZZARD!”

The gold dragon shot down from the sky and roared. Fire made scorch marks on the ship. Blizzard froze the bare trees and snapped them off. The ship started burning after a while.

“Blizzard, free the dragons!” I screamed and turned back to Nightfall, “You’re coming with us.” I slashed at his chains and struggled to heave him off of the ship.

“No! You can’t just take me like this!” he clawed at my legs, making them bleed, “What’s your problem?”

“You’re helping us find Atlantis! You know something! And you’re telling us!” Gods, who knew a fifty year old dragon could weigh so much?

“I said: I DON’T KNOW!” he roared and broke free. I yelped and stumbled.

“GET THE HELLS AWAY FROM ME!” he screamed and flew off.

I followed as fast as I can, but I knew he could swim, so the chances of capturing him by force would be slim.

“Hang on!” I got in front of him and grabbed his shoulders, “I don’t wish to harm you, Nightfall!”

“Like Hell you don’t.” he snarled.

“You’re scared! I get it! But we really need your help!” I pleaded, “Please, Nightfall! You may be our last hope of restoring the peace between Clan Avalon and Clan Oceanus!”

“And how is that my problem?” he retorted.

“It’s not your fault that you may be involved in this conflict! But we need your help. Even if you can come back to the clans with us, Clan SkyPeak’s deputy, Mystic, might figure something out.”

“I told you!” Nightfall thrashed, “I’m not going to get tangled up with some prophecy! Go find some other dragon to save you!”

“You said you wanted to see your family!” I shook him to get his attention, “Well, Clan Leader Atlantis is your family! And if we don’t figure out what’s going on, your great grandfather would be DEAD!” then, in a quieter voice, I said, “You may be the clans’ only hope, Nightfall. If you can’t keep any promises, can you at least think about it?”

Nightfall didn’t say anything. He just stared at the ocean. Then, he said, “Why me?” he asked, his voice was pained, “I didn’t choose to be the carrier of hundreds of lives!”

“And I didn’t chose to come on this quest!” I retorted, “Yet look at me! Do you see me complaining?”

“Black Diamond!” I heard Blizzard cry out.

I looked and saw her flying towards us. Her wings were injured and bleeding. I let go of Nightfall and grabbed her shoulders to keep her from falling, “Oh, Blizzard!” my eyes widen at the blood, “What happened?”

“Challenger‘s crew was stronger than I thought!” Imperial growled from behind. He was clutching his left shoulder, fresh scars marred across his scales.

“I…” I shook my head, “I shouldn’t have left you two alone to fight! How could I have been so stupid?”

“Leave it.” Imperial spat, “Blaming yourself won’t undo what has been done. We need to get to land, now.”

Nightfall, overcoming the shock, nodded towards the east… at least, I think it was the east, “There’s an island that way. I’ll take you there.” he hauled Blizzard onto his shoulders and flew off.

“Imperial, I’m so sorry.” I said desperately.

“Now is not the time.” was all he said before flying off with me at his heels.

Chapter VI

The island was big enough to support us, so we stayed there for a few days. Nightfall and I watched over the weakened two as they healed.

“Fine.” Nightfall said one day, “I will come with you.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Why the sudden change of heart?”

He sighed, “Seeing what could happen to other dragons if I don’t help has changed my decision.” he answered, “I don’t want dragons like Imperial or Blizzard to get hurt. It’s not what they deserve.”

I nudged him, “Hey,” I looked into his green eyes, “Thanks. I’m sure the clans would really appreciate it.”

“What is my great grandfather like?” he asked.

“Clan Leader Atlantis doesn’t hold grudges, that’s what makes him so charismatic. And he’s very generous. He thinks of other dragons before his own needs.” that’s what got him to mate Blue Moonstone.

“Does anyone know who my father is? Or mother?” Nightfall asked.

I shook my head, “No, I’m sorry.” then, I inquired, “How did you end up with the humans?”

Nightfall shrugged, “All I know is that I was born amongst a human camp. I lived with humans ever since.”

“Did you have a mentor besides you? Or a dragon who took care of you?”

Nightfall’s eyes lit up all of the sudden, “That’s it!” he sprung to his feet and started pacing excitedly, “Don’t you see? I do know something! My foster father, Iceberg, said something about a lost leader once. Iceberg said he used to live in a clan under the sea, and that one day, the leader will leave his clan, but he will do it for their own good! Iceberg was a prophet, and he said he foresaw my future!”

“Prophecies aren’t something to be taken lightly, though, Nightfall.” I warned.

He nodded, “I know! I know! But he said that the leader of the underwater clan left because he will be warned of an approaching peril.”

Why do I have the feeling that this was a cliche sort of prophecy again?

Seeing that I was silent, he continued, “Don’t you see?”

I shook my head, “No, I don’t see.”

“I might know where Clan Leader Atlantis is! Based on the information given to me, I think I could lead you there!”

Then, my mind cleared up like the heaven parting the clouds. My eyes widen, “That’s it!” I felt like I could explode with excitement, “So that was what Rain Bringer Wisdom was talking about! She must know of this Iceberg!”

“Looks like you two are getting along.” Imperial grumbled.

“Imperial! Rain Bringer Wisdom was right! Nightfall does know something of Atlantis’s absence!” I turned back to Nightfall, “What else did Iceberg say?”

Nightfall gazed up at the night sky to remember, “He said… he said that the clan leader will leave to the farthest corner of the horizon and wait until his pursuers have fallen, then he will come back for his clan.”

When silence fell, I frowned, “Was that all?”

He nodded, “I think so.” he replied.

I huffed, “Okay, so we know that Atlantis has gone to the ‘farthest corner of the horizon’ to hide from his pursuers.” I looked around, “Any ideas of who his pursuers might be?”

Blizzard was sleeping, so Imperial answered, “He was keeping the danger from his clan, so I’d say Clan Leader Atlantis has a debt he has yet to pay?”

Again, with the wisdom and intelligent thing. I wonder how anyone can stand it. “Can you explain what that means?” I asked with heavy sarcasm.

Imperial rolled his eyes, “It means that he has a debt that he hasn’t paid yet.” then muttered something inaudible to himself.

“Okay, so who are Atlantis’s enemies?” Nightfall asked.

I brainstormed for ideas, “I think he has a bitter relationship with Clan Aeaea. After all, he did argue about whether an island should be part of the sea, or part of land.”

“Okay, and what kind of dragon folk live in Clan Aeaea?” Nightfall sat upright.

“Wyverns.”

Imperial nodded, “Okay, so maybe his pursuers are wyverns, or they could be humans just trying to hunt down a clan leader.”

“But the humans don’t understand our ways… do they?” I was uncertain once again.

Imperial sighed, “There are lots of things they don’t know about us, but we don’t know anything about them. The only side we see is their dark and cruel side. Not for once, have I seen a dragon consider that humans are living beings as well, and that they have feelings too.”

I looked at him suspiciously, “Does that mean you have?”

He nodded, “Yes, I have. But I discarded the idea once they gave me the scars.” he muttered.

“Back to the subject.” Nightfall interrupted, “Why will they hunt down Atlantis if they don’t even know he’s clan leader? Or is that simply a coincidence?”

“If it were a coincidence, they’d hunt down any serpent.” I pointed out, “So we can be pretty sure that whoever is chasing Atlantis knows who he is.”

“What if it’s a creature that no one but Atlantis knows about?” Blizzard said and yawned.

Imperial’s head snapped up, “How long were you listening?” he demanded.

“Oh, the entire time. You guys thought I was sleeping.” she cracked up.

“Anyways,” Nightfall grumbled. Wow, he and Imperial have quite a lot in common, “what if it’s not even Atlantis at all?”

“Don’t try to burst our bubbles, Nightfall!” Blizzard batted him with her wing, but then winced in pain. “Shouldn’t have done that.” she muttered.

“I’m just pointing out what might be true.” Nightfall said, his eyes wide and innocent.

“Did Iceberg give any clue of who this clan leader might be?” Imperial asked.

Nightfall shook his head, “No, nothing.”

“Let’s focus on something else.” I perked up, “Like, what did Iceberg mean by ‘the farthest corner of the horizon’?”

“It could mean an island far away from the other dragons, or a region that no serpent knows about.” Nightfall offered.

“Yes, but Clan Oceanus has searched every corner of the sea, and there is no place Atlantis could go without getting found.” I reasoned.

“What if it’s veiled from dragons?” Blizzard asked.

“Then how will Atlantis know of it in the first place?” Imperial asked her.

Blizzard lowered her head, “It’s just a suggestion.” she mumbled.

“I think we’re overthinking this a bit too much.” I said, “Why don’t we rest for now? Tomorrow, we’ll discuss this some more.”

Nightfall sighed and settled down below the tall sycamore tree, “I hope we find my great grandfather.” he muttered.

“We will.” I assured him, “It’s the reason why I set out here in the first place.”

Blizzard woke me up again.

“Black Diamond?” she sounded nervous.

I blinked, “What?”

“Nightfall’s been tossing and turning all night, and I think he’s been having a nightmare.” she nodded towards where the hybrid dragon slept.

He seemed peaceful enough to me. I frowned, “Well, I guess that nightmare’s gone now.” I settled back down.

“No, wait! He kept repeating: To part with my cursed fate! That was all I ever wanted!” she looked up fearfully, “Do you think Nightfall’s fate is cursed?”

I snorted, “Nonsense.” there was plenty to worry about, “It couldn’t have been worse than a simple nightmare.” Yeah right.

Nightfall’s eyes shot open. His head snapped up, “Black Diamond!” he hissed.

Imperial chose that moment to wake, “Can’t an old dragon just have some peace while sleeping?” he snapped.

“What is it, Nightfall?” I asked, ignoring Imperial’s mutterings.

“Clan Leader Atlantis!” he sprang to his feet, “I know where he is!”

Both Imperial and Blizzard go to their feet. “Spit it out! Where is he?”

I pushed them both back down, “Wait,” though I can barely contain the excitement surging up my chest, “tell us about this place.”

“He’s on an island!” Nightfall cried, “An island that doesn’t exist yet!”

I frowned, “What?” now, I was confused. How can Nightfall, a very un-prophet-like dragon, foresee an island that doesn’t exist yet?

“I don’t know, but this island,” the words came tumbling out of his mouth, “this island is special! I heard a voice saying that it’s different.  And… and that a great clan will rise!” his face darken, “But… that great clan isn’t necessarily a honorable clan.”

“But how can he be on an island if it doesn’t exist yet?” Blizzard asked.

“He’s not there yet.” Imperial said quietly, “Nightfall, describe your entire dream.”

“Okay, so first, I was flying. I was probably a spirit or something, but wow, I was fast!” he bounced up and down, “And then, I saw this rocky island. It wasn’t big, but big enough to support a dragon. I saw a serpent circling the small island. He looked like he was in pain, so I tried to help him. But when I touched him, he screamed out the words: To part with my cursed fate! That was all I ever wanted!”

Blizzard glanced at me uncertainly. I huffed. Maybe it wasn’t a simple dream after all.

“And then, he looked at me. He repeated the words until I could hear no more. I reached out to him again, trying to calm him down, but he just jerked away and dove back into the water. It was strange, I couldn’t follow him.” his voice held a panicking edge, “Then I saw the silhouettes of four dragons that I can only assume was us. I couldn’t see their faces, or what they looked like. I could only see their bodies in shades of black and gray.” Nightfall shook his head, “I kept staring at them until the whole thing just shattered. A blinding light swallowed me, and I ended up back here.” he clawed at the soft earth. “The voice… it was as if it were telling a story, and I was reliving the events!”

In a way, it helped. Now we knew where Atlantis was heading towards: an island.

“Do you know where exactly is this island?” I asked.

Nightfall looked over his shoulder at the distant lapping shores, “I… I don’t know. Either I lead you there in no time, or we can hopelessly lost at sea, and we’ll die before any of us can speak.”

“So… what’s your answer?” Imperial prompted.

“I told you! I don’t know!” Nightfall dug his claws into the dirt, “Even if I do, I’m not good with directions.”

“I don’t even know if we’re in Aelasar anymore.” I muttered.

“Where?” all three of them asked at the same time.

“It’s where the dragon clans call the place we live in. It’s not the continent, or the sea. It’s just… where we live.”

“You mean… like a realm?” Imperial said, “A dimension?”

I nodded, “Yes.”

“You think we’re in a different realm?” Blizzard gave me a weird look.

I shrugged, “Every clan has explored their territory thoroughly. And there were no signs of humans, so I can only assume we’re not in Aelasar anymore.” I explained.

“Are you sure you’ve been through every corner of Aelasar?” Imperial asked.

“Well…” my scales prickled, “not personally… but–”

“So the answer’s no?” Imperial said.

“No! Well… in a way, yes. But still…” I faltered when he raised an eyebrow at me.

“Yes or no?” was all he said.

I groaned and rolled my eyes, “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“Anyways,” Nightfall waved his talon dismissively, “Let’s just hope we’re in Aelasar, alright?”

“Hope isn’t good enough.” I muttered.

Nightfall ignored me. Either he didn’t hear what I said, or he just didn’t bother to listen. “We’ll start looking for the island first thing in the morning, alright?”

“Alright.” Blizzard settled back down.

“I guess.” Imperial mumbled.

I glanced at Nightfall, “You sure you know what you’re doing?”

He sighed, “No, I’m not sure. But I have no choice, do I?” he shrugged and lay down.

Chapter VII

We set out shortly after dawn. We started to search the seas, trying to look out for new islands, or waiting for Nightfall to make the call.

“How do we know where it is if it doesn’t exist yet?” Imperial asked.

“Oh gee, you ask me that NOW?” Nightfall gave him a look of despair, “I don’t know! It seems like I know nothing of this whole thing!”

“I’m tired.” Blizzard said quietly, “Can we stop now?”

Imperial shook his head, “No, just hold on a bit longer, alright?” he nudged her gently, “Come on, you can do it.”

Blizzard sighed and shook her head before continuing on. Nightfall looked around, “We’ll have nowhere to sleep or rest if we’re on sea all day and night.” he said.

“Maybe we can take turns sleeping?” I suggested.

“I… I guess.” Nightfall looked back at Imperial and Blizzard, “Blizzard, get on my back. We’ll carry you.”

Blizzard’s eyes lit up, “You will? Oh, thank you!” she flapped onto his back and rested her head on his neck.

Imperial patted her head, “Get some rest.” he murmured.

Blizzard’s snore answered him.

We flew for hours. The longer I stayed on sea, the more I had the feeling that we weren’t in Aelasar anymore. The ocean didn’t look familiar, nor did the sky. I could’ve just scolded myself, saying that the sky and sea is ever changing. But this was a gut feeling. My instinct was telling me that we weren’t in Aelasar.

“We’ll get Atlantis back.” Imperial assured me.

I frowned, “I know… why did you tell me that?”

“You look worried.” he said.

“I do?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

Imperial looked at the ocean beneath us, “Mind if you tell me what you’ve been mulling around for the past three hours?”

I started to fiddle with my own scales, “The longer we fly across the sea, the more I fear that I’m not in Aelasar anymore.”

“That’s only because you’re homesick.” Imperial patted my shoulder, “Don’t worry. Once we find Clan Leader Atlantis, you can roll in the earth of Avalon for as long as you wish.”

“What about you?” I eyed him.

He sighed, “Does Clan SkyPeak take in any newcomers?” he asked.

I shrugged, “That depends. Are you loyal enough to defend dragons that you don’t even know?”

Imperial pursed his lips, “I can’t say that I will do it without hesitation.”

“You’re honest, did you know that?” I nudged his shoulder, “I like that. Most dragons and my friends aren’t very honest when it comes to loyalty and stuff like that.”

“What are your friends like?” Imperial asked.

I laughed, “My friends? They’re really different than me.” I looked at the horizon, “Well, let’s see… Fire Opal is all noble and honor-ish. He obeys Clan Leader Imperial Topaz without question, and he’s a noble warrior. He became a captain, just like his mentor. His father is Lieutenant Fire Agate, one of the oldest lieutenants ever to live.

Enstatite is nice, and she’s a kind dragon. She really likes jewels and treasures all dragons’ lives. She’s open, generous, and funny too. Very diplomatic, and talks quite a lot. Though she can be a bit clumsy at times.”

The gold dragon was silent, then he said, “Would you mind telling me of your brother?” then he added, “It’s alright if you don’t.”

The moment he mentioned my brother, my heart weighed down with grief again. I kept telling myself that his death wasn’t my fault, but I couldn’t bring myself to blame the SkyPeak dragons either.

“My brother was Corundum, named after the gem that represents the heroes of my kin. He was the youngest Lieutenants to live, and he cared for me. He was patient, fun, and kind. He understood me like no one else did. Corundum wasn’t afraid to step up and defend what he thought was right, he once said that he would even challenge Clan Leader Imperial Topaz if he ever needed to. He vowed to protect me, and he was fearless.” I said wistfully.

“Do you miss him?”

Duh, I miss him. “Yes.”

“He sounds like a good dragon.” Imperial nodded, “I would’ve liked to meet him.”

“He would be your age right now.” If it weren’t for your kind to kill him. I thought to myself bitterly. I knew Imperial was different than the SkyPeak dragons I knew, and I couldn’t bring myself to blame anyone. But there was still the slightest anger and grief.

“How did he die?”

Dread weighed down on my hear once more. “He was murdered.” I said, trying to sound as calm as I can.

“Murdered?” Imperial looked at me, his eyes wide, “By who?”

I swallowed, “By other dragons.” was all I offered and was willing to say.

Nightfall stopped abruptly, “Wait.” he started looking around.

Blizzard frowned, “What?”

I blinked open my eyes. Why did they stop? It was my turn to rest. “What is it?” I yawned.

“I think this is the place.” Nightfall’s gaze was fixed north, “Come on.” he started towards the North.

We flew for another half an hour until we saw a small island. It wasn’t big, but big enough to support a dragon, just like how Nightfall described it.

“Is that it?” I pointed at the island.

Nightfall nodded, “Yes! This is it!”

“I thought you said the island didn’t exist yet!” Imperial frowned in confusion.

“Oh, yeah.” I looked at Nightfall, “Didn’t you say this island isn’t suppose to exist yet?”

“Islands take centuries to form.” Imperial pointed out, “So either this is the wrong island, or the vision Iceberg had took place hundreds of years ago.”

Nightfall shook his head in frustration, “Look, I’m no prophet, alright? I don’t know how to interpret these things! I can only tell you is what I see and hear. And from what I know, this island isn’t suppose to exist! But if that vision took place hundreds of years ago, then it’ll make sense! But aren’t prophecies not suppose to make sense? If it does make sense, then it’s the same as saying the answer!”

Imperial and I shared a look. Blizzard just stared, “I had absolutely no idea what you just said.”

Nightfall groaned, “What I meant was–”

“Never mind what you meant.” Imperial interrupted, “All we know is that Iceberg’s vision was outdated, and that your dream will guarantee our meeting with Atlantis, right?”

Now it was Nightfall’s turn to be confused, “Uh… I guess?”

“Good, now let’s just sit down here and get some rest first.” Imperial landed on the small island and coiled up to sleep.

“I had no idea what both of you said.” Blizzard muttered, “Why do you always need to make things complicated?”

“I try not to, alright?” Nightfall shrugged, “Trust me, that was just a simplified version of what I had in mind.”

I sighed and shook my head. I settled down besides Blizzard and hoped that, when I woke up, I will see Atlantis’s teal eyes gazing down at me.

Chapter VIII

Naturally, I knew that I wouldn’t see Atlantis’s gaze on me, but I will hear his deep voice thundering. And that was what happened.

“WHAT ARE YOU DRAGONS DOING HERE?” I heard a huge voice roar.

We shot to our feet blindly, and Nightfall almost fell into the water. My eyesight cleared as I rubbed my eyes. I gasped.

Clan Leader Atlantis was in the water, his blue and green glimmering scales shone brightly, and his blazing teal eyes burned like actual fire. He was huge, probably bigger than Clan Leader Imperial Topaz. His ivory colored horns were curved outwards, and his tail swept back and forth impatiently.

“Clan… Clan Leader Atlantis!” I stammered.

“This is Clan Leader Atlantis?” Blizzard tilted her head.

“Wow, he’s huge.” Imperial muttered.

Nightfall just stared at his great grandfather.

“How did you find this place?” Clan Leader Atlantis growled.

“We… Nightfall led us here!” I grabbed the young dragon and dragged him to the front, “Nightfall knew someone who foresaw what you were planning to do.”

“And exactly who was the dragon who told him of the future?” Atlantis’s eyes narrowed.

“Iceberg!” Nightfall and I replied.

The clan leader’s eyes widen. “Iceberg?” he rasped, “He’s alive?”

“Well… no, not technically.” Nightfall mumbled, “He died of a disease.”

“Did you know him?” I asked, even though it was obvious that he did.

Atlantis settled down in the water, he looked older and wearier, now that grief clouded his eyes, “He’s dead?” he shook his head, “I never got to say goodbye.” he looked up at Nightfall, “Where was he when you met him?”

“With the humans.”

“So he was captured.” Atlantis sighed, “That will explain his sudden disappearance.”

“Look, we don’t mean to rush you, but can you please give us a thorough explanation of what’s going on? And why did you leave Clan Oceanus? We were all worried! Even Rain Bringer Wisdom was worried!” I said desperately.

“I… I guess I would have to start at the beginning.” Atlantis rumbled. I sensed that there was a long story to come, so I got in a comfortable position and listened intently.

“When I was young, my mother got into a fight with Clan Aeaea. She didn’t know how powerful they were until they declared war against us. The wyverns specialized themselves in the arts of magic, both good and ill. Curses were inflicted, and I was one of the three who survived the curse. I was told that my fate will lead Clan Oceanus into turmoil if I stayed there for too long once in a while. I’ve seen what the curse could do. If I stay in Clan Oceanus for too long, the water would start getting intoxicated, and the ocean would dry up, leaving serpents to die under the merciless glare of the sun. I had to leave once every few years to a place where serpents don’t know about. I can only hope that, every few hundred years, a new island would form from underwater volcanoes. Every few centuries, when the effects begin to take place, I would have to leave for a moon or so for the magics to wear off. But as the years pass, I realize that the effects come faster every few centuries, now I find myself needing to leave every few hundred years or so, and there aren’t a lot of regions that serpents have not swam in anymore. Hope started to abandon me. And now, when you go back to Clan Oceanus, you might see what my curse is capable of doing.” then, he said in a quiet voice, “I cannot go back.”

“No! You must, Clan Leader Atlantis!” I shook my head, “Clan Oceanus needs you!”

“They don’t need another cursed serpent, Avalon Dragon.” he snapped, “Others might think I’m running from the curse, but in truth, I’m trying my best to keep it from killing my clan. They will never understand, and they would cry for more blood from the wyverns. That is not what I want! All I want is my clan safe and free of my own fate.”

“A noble act.” Imperial mused, “But sacrificial.”

Nightfall stood up, “Do you remember me, then?”

Atlantis scowled, “No, I don’t think I know you.”

“I’m your great grandson.” Nightfall said.

The clan leader still looked confused, “I have a great grandson?”

Speaking of which. “Clan Leader Atlantis!” I said.

He turned, “What?”

“What about Blue Moonstone?”

Atlantis was silent. His eyes glittered with tears. He sighed, “She can take care of herself.”

“Does she know of the curse?”

“No.”

“She’s worried for you, you know!” I said, “Clan Leader Imperial Topaz believes that she has betrayed him.”

“If Imperial Topaz thinks he could rule his own daughter’s life, I’d be storming back right now.” Atlantis growled.

“That’s not my point.” I shook my head, “My point is that dragons would be worried sick! Everyone is wondering where you went! If you must run, can’t you at least tell your deputy, Whirlpool? I’m sure he’d understand!”

“He’s too young.” Atlantis muttered, “And I can’t go back. My presence will only let the festering grow faster. You must carry the message back to the clans.”

“But even Rain Bringer Wisdom is worried!” where was she, anyways? If she ran away, I swear that I’ll bash her head against the pillars of her own palace.

“Please, I really need to stay here if my clan is to survive.” Atlantis pleaded, “If I die… at least I’ll die knowing my clan is safe from my curse.”

Nightfall hesitated, then he said, “Was Iceberg your family?”

“He… he was my son. My only son…” Atlantis looked away.

Nightfall looked at me, “All this time,” he shook his head, “my grandfather! He was right there! And yet I thought of him as my foster father!”

“You couldn’t have known.” Blizzard nudged him gently, “Don’t blame yourself.”

“You must go!” Atlantis looked at the water lapping the island we stood on, “I could feel my curse spreading. Don’t think it’ll only affect the serpents. It could affect other dragons as well.”

“So wait, we go back and tell Whirlpool and he’s the new clan leader?” I clarified, “Then hope that this curse would end?”

Atlantis nodded, “Yes.”

“What do we tell the others?”

“Tell them that I had something I needed to finish, and that I don’t expect to return.”

“Would Whirlpool accept the place of Clan Leader?” I asked uncertainly.

“If he doesn’t, then the serpents will know how to deal with it.” Atlantis said darkly, “Now, you have to go back.”

“Is there any way to persuade you to go back for Clan Oceanus?” Imperial asked pleadingly.

Atlantis clenched his jaw stubbornly, “Prove that the curse is completely washed from my fate, then I’ll go back.” he started submerging into the water.

“Wait! Great Grandfather!” Nightfall stumbled forward.

Atlantis stopped and looked up, “What?”

“I’ll go back to the wyverns and negotiate something, alright?” Nightfall promised, “You won’t live here forever, I promise!”

Atlantis, surprisingly, started to laugh, “I appreciate your efforts, my great grandson. But I’m afraid the wyverns are known for holding grudges, unlike the serpents. I will not get my hopes up if I were you.”

“But I will!” Nightfall replied firmly.

Atlantis sighed, “What was your name again?”

“Nightfall.” he said.

“Nightfall…” Atlantis rumbled, “A good name, and it suits you too.” he nodded at his scales, “Tell Whirlpool to appoint him as deputy when he’s old enough.”

I gaped, “Deputy? When he’s old enough?”

“Consider it my last request.” Atlantis’s tail came up and brushed Nightfall’s head, “Clan Oceanus needs more serpents like this one. Fearless and promising. Not that Whirlpool doesn’t have the qualities… it’s just that I fear there will be fewer dragons left with a spirit like Nightfall’s.”

“I… guess that could be arranged.” I mumbled, “How do we go back?”

Atlantis gestured towards his left, “If you keep going that way for three days and nights without rest, you will reach Clan Avalon, and eventually, Clan Oceanus.”

“Three days and nights without rest?” Blizzard swallowed, “Can we survive that?”

“Yes, you could.” Atlantis said it like it was a declaration, “With determination and will power.”

“But you said there were no serpents around this area. Surely they have discovered this place already?”

Atlantis was shaking his head before I finished the sentence. “No, young one. That’s what’s so special about Aelasar. It’s alive, and when it feels the need to get somewhere, she’ll grant you a place to rest. If she senses dragons that don’t have the determination to continue on his or her journey, she’ll leave an empty and unwelcoming space for you.”

“Huh?” both Nightfall and Blizzard said in unison.

“Some day you’ll understand.” Atlantis chuckled. Then, the water around us rippled and churned. “You must leave.” the clan leader said in a serious tone, “Go! Make haste!”

“Wait!” Nightfall called, “About the prophecy thing and the Iceberg thing… did he actually see the future?”

Atlantis gave his own great grandson a long look, “I’ve been coming and going for centuries, young one. It’s possible that Iceberg saw my past few visits to these new islands.”

“But the voice said the island didn’t exist yet!”

The clan leader just sighed, “If no dragon knows about it, it won’t make a difference if it really doesn’t exist at all.”

Nightfall frowned, “I… kind of know what you’re talking about.” he mumbled.

“Someday you’ll get it.” Atlantis chuckled, “But now, you must go. My presence here endangers you.”

I spread out my wings and launched myself into the sky. Nightfall was the last to leave the island, “I’ll get you back, great grandfather.” he pressed his head against Atlantis’s. I could almost see the family resemblance.

“Good luck, then, Nightfall.” Atlantis rumbled.

Nightfall opened his wings and joined us in the air. Atlantis watched us go, and I kept looking back until he was nothing but a gleaming reflection of the sun on the ocean.

Chapter IX

Blizzard got exhausted when the sun was setting.

“I’m so tired!” she complained.

“If you say that one more time, I’m going over there to kill you!” Imperial growled.

Nightfall said nothing. His tail was drooped and his head hung. He still kept up with no problem, but there was almost a visible aura of grief around him.

“Let me guess, you miss Atlantis?” I asked, trying to keep up a cheerful mood.

He didn’t reply.

I sighed, “Look, Atlantis did this for his clan, alright? Don’t get me wrong, I wish him back as much as any other dragon. But I understand why he’s letting go of his clan.”

Nightfall shook his head, “That’s not what I’m worried about.” he huffed, “I’m started to doubt myself. I don’t know if I could persuade the wyverns. But I promised.” he looked up, “What if I can’t do it?”

“Well…”Never promise what you can’t give. I wanted to say, “Don’t doubt yourself at all.” that’s all I can say.

Nightfall snorted, “Thanks, but I don’t think that’ll help me.”

Blizzard was started to pant, “Hey… Black Diamond?”

I looked, “Yes?”

“Could you be so kind and carry me?” Blizzard looked at me with big pleading eyes.

Imperial smacked her face with his tail, “Now don’t you start making your problem other dragon’s problem.” he grumbled.

I laughed, “No, it’s alright. I’ll do it.”

“You’re spoiling her.” Imperial muttered.

“There’s a difference between giving something to someone in need and spoiling someone who doesn’t need it.” I reminded him before heaving Blizzard onto my shoulders and back. I grunted, “Have you been gaining weight?”

Blizzard straightened up, “I think I have! Imperial told me not to keep myself all thin and light.”

“Imperial!” I groaned.

He snorted, “That was just a suggestion. Blame her for taking it.”

By dawn, we were all exhausted and considering death as an option.

Nightfall gasped for air, “Gods… why did I… sign up… for this?” he panted.

Imperial blinked at the sun, “Come on, we only have two more days and two more nights.”

“Well that’s encouraging.” Blizzard grumbled.

I looked up, “Hey, I think it’s Nightfall’s turn to rest.” I started to get up, but my legs shook and my wings ached.

“No, you have until the sun comes up completely.” Imperial said, “Nightfall can hold on a bit longer, can’t you, Nightfall?” he bumped the little dragon cheerfully.

“Ugh…” Nightfall grumbled and yawned.

“See? What did I tell you?” Imperial said in a cheerful tone.

I chuckled, “Alright, but after me, Nightfall gets until afternoon.”

“Thanks, Black Diamond.” Nightfall muttered.

Blizzard started gliding, but ended up being caught in the wind. That gave me an idea.

“Hey, Imperial?” I said.

“Yeah?”

“Have you ever tried to ride on the wind?”

He twisted his body so he could look at me, “What do you mean?”

“Rain Bringer Wisdom once said that your kind could ride on the wind so you could bring rain for long periods of time without getting tired.” I pointed out.

“I… haven’t heard of a dragon riding the wind before.” Imperial admitted.

I haven’t either, I thought that she was only bluffing. But it didn’t seem like we had other options right now. “Why don’t you try to relax?”

“And fall into the sea?”

“No, relax. And if it doesn’t work, we’ll pull you back up.” I corrected.

Nightfall tilted his head, “Do you really think it’ll work?”

I shrugged, “I see Rain Bringer Wisdom and her dragons do it all the time.”

Imperial sighed as I felt his muscles relax. For a moment, I felt the familiar sickening feeling of falling. But I never heard a splash. I felt the wind change directions.

“Wow, that’s a first.” Imperial looked down at the ocean below us.

“Awesome!” Blizzard cheered and fell onto Imperial’s back, “Now I can relax all day!” she sighed.

Imperial jerked and flung her off. Blizzard yelped and started flapping her wings desperately.

“Don’t do that.” Imperial growled, “I could still feel your weight.”

“But you won’t get tired!” Blizzard complained, “Oh, come on!”

Nightfall nudged his head against her body, “It’ll be your turn soon, just be patient.” he said.

On the last day, we were literally dragging ourselves, our claws barely touching the water.

“Can I ride now?” Blizzard complained.

“For the last time,” Imperial snapped, “NO!”

“Bully.” Blizzard grumbled.

“It’s not called bullying.” Nightfall said.

“If it’s not bullying, what is it?”

“It’s called ‘Training Blizzard how to fly without whining every five minutes’.” Imperial muttered.

“Hey!” Blizzard bumped her head against Imperial’s golden neck.

I yawned and blinked at the horizon. My eyes widen, “LAND!” I screamed for the entire world to hear.

Nightfall stumbled and almost fell besides me, “Don’t do that! Geez…” he looked and his eyes lit up, “But it’s an encouraging sight.”

Imperial grabbed Blizzard and Nightfall and stuck them onto his back. “Come on, Black Diamond. Up you go.” he said.

I frowned, but did as I was told, “What are you planning to do?”

“Hold on.” his body tensed up and the wind started whistling in a high pitched screech.

The waves beneath us swelled. The clouds above us started to move faster as Imperial shot off towards the continent.

I grabbed onto his shoulders, steading myself, “Can you at least tell us next time?” I shouted over the wind.

“WHOO!” Blizzard spread her wings and tried to look as majestic as possible, “YEAH! LET’S GO! WHOO!”

Nightfall looked like he was going to puke. He clutched his stomach and mouth, “Great… sure… ugh…” his eye lids were half closed.

Imperial dropped out of the wind and flew across the mountains at full speed. My heart ached as I realized how much a missed Avalon.

“Where do I land?” Imperial asked me.

I pointed at the mouth of the cave, “Down there.” then, in the loudest voice I can manage, I screamed, “EVERYONE! GET OUT OF THE WAY!”

Dragons scattered as we crashed into the cave.

“Black Diamond?” I heard Enstatite whisper.

“You’re alive!” Chrysoberyl cried in a delightful voice, “Thank the gods!”

I blinked and looked up. My clan surrounded us, teeth bared and claws extended.

I got to my feet, “Is Rain Bringer Wisdom here?” I asked, “We know where Clan Leader Atlantis is.”

“Rain Bringer Wisdom left to find you.” Fire Agate’s voice answered. I turned and faced the lieutenant, “And so did several other dragons from Clan Avalon, including Blue Moonstone.”

“SKYPEAK DRAGON!” Fire Opal tackled Imperial, “Who are you? What are you doing here? If you laid so much as a claw on Black Diamond, I swear I’ll rip you to shreds!”

“No! Fire Opal! He’s with me! He helped us escape the humans!” I shoved the two apart.

“I assume these two did as well?” Imperial Topaz pointed at the two smaller dragons.

Blizzard looked up, “Whoa.” she looked at my clan leader.

“Um…” I stood up, “that’s Blizzard, a very unique wyvern… or a rather small dragon. This is Imperial, he helped me escape. And this is Nightfall, Clan Leader Atlantis’s great grandson.”

Imperial Topaz looked at us, “Talk in my chamber.” he beckoned and led us into the back rooms.

Chapter X

“Atlantis has something he has to finish on his own?” Imperial Topaz repeated after I finished the story.

I nodded, “Yes, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz.”

The clan leader looked up, “I’ve sent troops to go after you after Rain Bringer Wisdom returned with the message. But Chrysoberyl came too late. When she said you were free, I couldn’t call off the attack.”

I paled, “You told them to attack the humans?”

Imperial leapt to his feet, “You mustn’t do that!” he snapped, “They’ll get killed!”

“I was foolish to act so rash.” Imperial Topaz shook his head and sighed, “But I had to. Now that both serpents and dragons are dying.”

My head snapped up, “Serpents? Why are they dying? How?”

Imperial Topaz stood up, “Follow me.”

The sea was no longer crystal blue like it used to be. It was black, green, and murky. The stench of blood clogged up my nose, and Serpents now lived in lagoons on the shores of Avalon.

“It’s gotten worst.” I murmured.

Nightfall nodded, “We were too late.”

“Clan Leader Imperial Topaz,” I started, “there may be a way to end the serpents’ apocalypse.”

“How?” the clan leader asked.

“We must speak with the wyverns. Clan Leader Atlantis told us that there may be a way, but it involves consulting with the wyverns.” I said.

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz looked down at his talons, “Do what you must.” he said quietly, “Meanwhile, I must find a way to get those troops back.”

“Your grace,” Nightfall said.

The clan leader looked up in surprise. No one every called him ‘your grace’ before.

“Yes?” he said.

“I will consult with the wyverns.”

“Because you’re Atlantis’s great grandson?”

Nightfall nodded, “Yes.”

Imperial Topaz sighed, “Are you sure? It’s quite dangerous, and you’re very young…”

Nightfall held his head high, “I can do it.”

“I… very well.” Imperial Topaz nodded, “You will go.”

“Clan Leader Imperial Topaz,” I said, “Is it alright if I go looking for the troops?”

“You just came back, though!” Imperial Topaz exclaimed.

I nodded, “I know. But I was the one who crossed into SkyPeak’s territories in the first place. If that never happened, I wouldn’t be gone, and this whole thing wouldn’t have existed in the first place. I feel responsible for getting those troops back.”

“That’s very noble of you, but I must insist on you staying here.”

“No offense, but you know nothing of what the humans are capable of doing. They burnt Imperial just to get him to obey them.” I turned to Imperial, “Can you show him your scars?”

Imperial got onto his back and showed the burned scales. Imperial Topaz sucked in a sharp breath.

“So you must let us go and get the troops back!” I said, “Please, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz! It’ll mean a lot to me.”

The clan leader sighed, “If you go, you must promise that you’ll return, with the troops or not.”

I nodded, “I promise that I’ll come back.”

“I’m coming with you.” Blizzard piped up, “You rescued us, and I’d do anything to return the favor.” she turned to Imperial, “Are you coming?”

Imperial sighed, “I’d go, I’d really do. But…” he turned to Nightfall, “Nightfall needs someone to watch his back for him.”

“Hey!” Nightfall yelped.

“I think I should stay here. Besides, it’ll give me a break from humans and interact with different types of dragons.” He said.

“I guess it’s settled, then.” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz said, “Imperial and Nightfall would stay here, while Black Diamond and Blizzard will leave to find the troops.” he stood up, “If you must go, I really insist on bringing another few dragons, just in case.”

I frowned, “Who?”

“I will ask Lieutenant Fire Agate for a few warriors.” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz assure us, “In the meantime, you’d better go to your father.”

I found my father in our sleeping cave. “Father?” I said.

He sprang to his feet, “Black Diamond!” he sighed in relief and pressed his head against mine, “I was so worried! Especially when Rain Bringer Wisdom and Chrysoberyl came back without you! I thought you were dead!”

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh… my daughter, you shouldn’t have gone! For a week, I thought I had lost you too!” tears glistened in his eyes.

“Don’t cry, father.” I shook my head, “It’s alright! I won’t die the way Corundum died, I won’t even die at all.”

“How can you be so certain?” he asked.

“I know that I won’t die. I have too much here to live for!” I said, my voice muffled against his scales.

“Please… promise me that you won’t leave your mother and I.” he pleaded, “I cannot lose both you and your brother.”

“I promise, father.” hearing him so broken made me feel guilty of leaving at all. But I had to. It was for the clans’ sake.

Epilogue

Imperial and Nightfall escorted Blizzard and I out of the cave.

“Good luck out there.” Imperial bumped his head against Blizzard’s, “Don’t die, alright?”

Blizzard snorted, “I have many years ahead of me, Imperial. I won’t die.” she muttered.

Nightfall nudged Blizzard, “Be careful out there. Humans are more powerful than you think.”

I looked at them with mock hurt, “No ‘be careful’ for me?”

Imperial rubbed his snout on my forehead, “Be extra careful, Black Diamond.” then, he whispered, “Take care of Blizzard for me. She’s like a little sister to me.”

I nodded, “I will.”

Nightfall winked, “Good luck getting the troops back. And good luck to us for getting the wyverns to listen.” he added.

“Anything I should know before I barge into the humans’ territory?” I asked.

“Make sure you don’t get captured.” Imperial replied, “And stay alive.”

“That’s it?” Blizzard raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.”

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz came up to us, “Keep going east for five days and nights until you reach a strip of land. Then, you’ll know that the humans are near.” he nodded towards the two dragons that followed him, “Black Pearl and Golden Beryl will go with you.” he bowed his head, “Good luck to you four.”

“Thank you, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz.” Blizzard answered in the most mature voice she could muster up.

I unfolded my wings and launched myself into the sky. We’ve a long journey ahead of us. I thought to myself.

Hailstorm’s Revenge (Part II)

Prologue

As I watched Black Diamond and Blizzard leave, I couldn’t help but feel that I won’t see them again for a long time. Imperial stood besides me and stayed there until Black Diamond and Blizzard were out of sight.

“They’ll be back.” Imperial assured me, “I’m sure.”

I snorted, “Just so long as Blizzard doesn’t keep whining again.”

“Right. Now,” Imperial looked at the cave behind us, “when are we going to see the wyverns?”

I shrugged, “Whenever you feel ready.” I answered.

“Whenever I feel ready? I’m already feeling ready!” Imperial stretched his legs, “I was worried about you being nervous.”

“I am.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure the wyverns are honorable dragons.” Imperial nodded.

“They aren’t.” a voice behind us said.

I turned and saw Chrysoberyl standing a few meters away from us.

I frowned, “I know that they cursed Atlantis, but that doesn’t mean–”

Chrysoberyl was shaking her head already, “No. They cheat their way to success. They never respect the rules of honesty and loyalty. Their clan is chaotic, and only their clan leader, Hailstorm, could keep it under control.”

Imperial shrugged, “I was just lightening up the mood.” he muttered.

“Next time, when you try to lighten the mood, don’t use the wyverns.” Chrysoberyl suggested before leaving us.

“Why does everyone seem to be a in a bad mood today?” I asked.

Imperial rolled his eyes, “Because Black Diamond and Blizzard are gone, the ocean is at stake, and we just ruined the deputy’s mood. Duh.” he grumbled.

“See? Even you’re in a bad mood!” I cried out in despair.

“I’m not in a bad mood, I’m… concerned for the clan, alright?” Imperial mumbled.

“Same thing. You’re all stressing out.” to be honest, I’m stressing myself out.

“Nightfall! Imperial!” I head Clan Leader Imperial Topaz call, “Are you ready to go?”

I nodded, “Yes, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz.”

“Good.” the clan leader straightened his posture, “You will depart at sunrise tomorrow. Until then, I suggest you prepare yourselves.”

I frowned. I heard that Clan Aeaea wasn’t very far, it was an island in the middle of Clan Oceanus’s territory. Why would we need to prepare ourselves? “Uh… may I ask why?”

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz chuckled, “Trust me, you’ll want to prepare yourselves for a huge climate change.”

“Why? Is the climate there different?” It can’t be that different. It’s an island. The worst I can think of is a frosty terrain with blizzards and snow storms.

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz gave me a long, hard look, “Very different.” was all he said.

Chapter I

Well, the one thing I wasn’t prepared for was this. This was a huge island, shrouded in mist and fog. But the distant rumbling of an active volcano rang constantly in my ears. The ground shook once in a while, and the weather was wet and cold.

Of course, in the wet and cold climate, there were geysers of hot, boiling water. Imperial was almost sprayed by one, and he burnt himself.

“Stupid hot water geysers.” he muttered.

I wondered how the wyverns could take such an island and call it their home. We can barely see a meter in front of us, and geysers would spray at the most random times and at the most random places. The ground was rocky, there was no dirt, or the the smell of grass.

“I wonder where the wyverns live.” I said to myself.

“Forget about the wyverns.” Imperial grumbled, “The geysers alone could kill a dragon who isn’t aware of such things.”

“Hey, we’re on their territory.” I squinted my eyes as I tried to make out shapes in the thick fog, “Any idea why they’re not guarding the place?”

“Ow.” Imperial muttered. I turned and saw rock formations. More started to come in sight, and for a moment, I thought we were standing in the middle of their camp.

“Maybe because they think they could freak us out with the mist and the volcano rumbling.” Imperial suggested and rubbed his forehead.

It was so silent that every step I took made enough sound to wake an entire clan of slumbering dragons. Then, out of nowhere, a seagull came flying into the mist. Imperial and I ducked out of the way as it squawked and flew into the mist.

Then, without warning, something flashed out of the mist and grabbed the seagull. The last sound I heard from either creature was the dying gasps of the bird.

Imperial narrowed his eyes and tensed up his body. I followed close behind him.

When the mist parted, I saw a smaller gray and light blue dragon perched up on a pile of sharp rocks. Bones and skulls piled around the rocks, and the smell of blood wafted into my nose.

The dragon looked up and I froze. Those blue and gray icy eyes would’ve hypnotized me if it weren’t for the headless bird that lay dead besides the dragon. The small dragon gazed at us with the slightest curiosity, but what I saw was not kindness or sympathy. All I saw in those ice colored eyes were amusement and an evil gleam.

“Hi.” the dragon raised a claw in greeting, “What brings you here?”

Well, that was unexpected. I was expecting more of a ‘How dare you walk on our territory? You will die now!‘

Imperial opened and closed his mouth several times.

“Can’t talk, eh?” the dragon chuckled and impaled one of her claws into the bird’s heart. She took it back out and revealed a small organ that I don’t even wan to start describing.

“W…. we… my name… Nightfall… I mean…” I stuttered, “My… name is…N… Nightfall.”

“Nightfall?” her voice slithered like a snake’s movements. The way she said my name made me feel like death was on the way.

“Yes…” I swallowed several times and looked down at my shaking talons, “My companion is Imperial.”

“Nightfall and Imperial.” the dragon straightened up, “Well, greetings to you, SkyPeak dragon. And today’s your lucky day, because I happen to be Hailstorm.”

“Who?” the word bursted out of my mouth before I could think. I remember Chrysoberyl mentioning her, but I forgot her position. Imperial jabbed me, hard.

But the dragon looked as if she took no offense, “Oh, it’s alright. Not a lot know who I am anyways.” she waved her talon at us dismissively, “No matter, I’m Clan Leader Hailstorm of the wyverns.”

Gods, help us now. I thought to myself.

“Now, let’s get to business, shall we?” she slid down the pile of sharp rocks and stood a few meters in front of us, “What brings you here?”

“Well…” I glanced nervously at Imperial.

“Please, speak quickly. I have not the time to sit here all day.” Clan Leader Hailstorm said.

“I… please take no offense in what we’re about to say.” I said hastily.

“I’ll try not to.” she said in her icy tone.

“Um… it’s something about Clan Leader Atlantis.” the words came tumbling out of Imperial’s mouth.

“Ah…” She nodded, “I see…” she waved her claws, gesturing us to continue.

“And… well…” I started picking on my own claws, “we thought… maybe you could… ease the curse a bit? Atlantis has sacrificed himself for his clan, but it’s not doing Clan Oceanus any good. It’s gotten worst…” I faltered when I looked into her eyes. My gaze snapped back down onto the ground, “So we thought that you could… end the curse? Maybe?”

Clan Leader Hailstorm tilted her head, “Now why would I want to do that?”

“According to Atlantis, serpents died in the war, and he’s left his own clan and his mate, hoping to end the curse. But it hasn’t, and the serpents are suffering right now.” Imperial said, “We thought that you could probably stop now, because too many have died.”

Clan Leader Hailstorm stood up, “Do you know our nature, young dragons?” she asked.

“I… I’m afraid we’re new to the clans’ customs.” I replied shakily.

She snorted, “Very well.” she spread her wings and released a thundering roar.

Imperial and I both shrank back in fear.

The rhythmic beat of wings echoed against the rocks. A cool, chilly wind blew across our scales and chased away the mist and fog. We found ourselves facing the entire clan of Aeaea.

“Clan Aeaea,” Clan Leader Hailstorm waved towards us, “meet the two bravest dragons I’ve seen in centuries.”

Their only reply were their growls and their snapping teeth.

“Now, if only a certain somebody,” she leaned towards a group of sandy colored wyverns to her right (or was it her left? Never mind, because I couldn’t tell), “could just train his soldiers a bit harder…” she narrowed her eyes.

A huge, muscular sandy colored wyvern stepped up, his red eyes glowing fiercely. “How I train my soldiers is none of your concern, Hailstorm.” he snarled.

Hailstorm didn’t look offended, “Do as you wish, Dust Devil.” she muttered, “You can die for all I care.”

“You wouldn’t have become clan leader.” The sandy wyvern snapped, “If it weren’t for Thunderstruck’s death.”

Hailstorm sighed boringly, “Again with Thunderstruck? Why do you always bring up Thunderstruck?” she grumbled.

“You were never meant to be leader.” Dust Devil spat.

“And I never should’ve appointed you deputy.” Hailstorm rolled her eyes, “Blah blah blah… alright, back in line, Dust Devil.”

He hissed, but did as he was told. I frowned. Was Dust Devil Hailstorm’s brother? Because they shared the same ambitious gleam in their eyes, and how they move is similar. I didn’t have time to stare as Hailstorm walked up to me and lifted my chin with her razor sharp claws.

“Don’t worry,” she flashed me her rows of white gleaming fangs, “I won’t bite.”

Sure you won’t. I thought to myself.

“You’re quite brave to come to us, Nightfall.” Hailstorm grinned, “But are you more than just brave?”

I frowned, “What do you mean?”

I heard a few young wyverns behind me snickering.

But Hailstorm kept her gaze fixed on me, “Atlantis is your great grandfather, is he not?”

I had to stifle a gasp. How did she know? Did Rain Bringer Wisdom tell her? Why that traitor…

“No, Wisdom didn’t tell me anything.” Hailstorm said that as if she knew what I was thinking. “But I did expect the great Atlantis’s descendant to be a bit more…” she hesitated to search for the right word, “more intimidating.”

I couldn’t help but frown, “Intimidating?” I repeated. I never thought Atlantis to be frightening. Or perhaps we haven’t seen him at war yet.

“Yes, intimidating.” Hailstorm nodded, “You haven’t seen your great grandfather when he unleashes his full potential?”

Imperial shook his head, “No, Clan Leader Hailstorm.”

“Hm…” She mused, “Meet me tomorrow at dawn here.”

“Oh… but… could you please come to a decision by the end of the week, please?” I asked, “Because… Clan Oceanus is really suffering right now… and… we don’t mean to rush you, but we could really use the quick decision.”

“First, come to me tomorrow, then we’ll see.” Clan Leader Hailstorm replied, her voice neutral.

“Okay…” I spread my wings, ready to take off.

“Oh, no.” She held up a claw, “You’re my guests! Stay here for the night, besides, it’s getting late!”

I looked up. It was impossible to see the sun from here, or the sky. So there was no point. But staying here with the creepy, freaky wyverns? No thank you, I’d rather sleep in a ditch full of cobras and angry humans.

“No, thank you. It’s really no problem! Besides, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz is waiting.” Imperial mumbled.

“Oh, nonsense! As clan leader, it’s my duty to keep others as happy and satisfied as possible!” Hailstorm tapped her claws against the stone. Four quite evil looking wyverns stepped up. I noticed that they were smaller than most.

“These are four of our apprentices: Misery, Rage, Shadow, and Broken. They’ll escort you to your sleeping areas. Don’t worry, they only kill when I tell them to.” she looked at the four apprentices (actually, more like the four killing machines), “Don’t make them uncomfortable, alright?”

They only bared their teeth and snarled in response.

I glanced nervously at Imperial. His face showed no emotions, but I could hear his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. I swallowed, “Um… hi?”

The black and biggest one walked over and grabbed my between his teeth, “Get moving, you lazy half blood!” he growled and yanked me towards the rock arch. Well, that was just rude.

“You too, SkyPeak idiot!” The gray wyvern with white patterns around her scales snapped, her tail slashed out, but Imperial dodged it quickly. I noticed that her scales looked like their were breaking, that was probably Broken, as Hailstorm said.

“Treat them nicely, alright?” the clan leader said with a suspiciously sweet voice.

“Fine, fine, whatever.” a sand and gray colored wyvern muttered and rolled her eyes.

“I mean it!” Hailstorm called, “Make sure you do, Misery!”

The last brown one just ignored her, “Mm-hm.” he said in a bored voice.

Suddenly, dying sounded like a good idea.

“I said GET MOVING!” The sand and gray colored wyvern whipped her tail against the hard rock. If that had been a dragon’s scales… I couldn’t even bring myself to finish the sentence. All I knew was that it would involve a lot of blood and screaming.

“Alright, alright… geez.” Imperial muttered.

We were pushed around and shoved at as we made our way through the mist. If we tripped, they’d yank us back on our feet and threaten us with their claws and teeth.

When we finally got to a small cave, they shoved us in, “If I were Clan Leader, every trespasser would be long dead by now.” Misery snarled before leaving.

Shadow, Rage, and Broken snapped their teeth at us and left us.

I looked at Imperial, “How is this even a clan?”

Imperial shrugged, “I don’t know, but I miss Clan Avalon already.” he settled down.

I shivered in the cold, but I didn’t complain. I just tried to sleep for the rest of the day… or night.

Chapter II

“GET UP! DO WE NEED TO KILL YOU BEFORE YOU WAKE UP? GET YOUR LAZY HIDES MOVING, WEAKLING!” I was slapped in the face a dozen times before they decided to stop.

I was clutching my face, “What the hells?” I was annoyed and irritated by their ‘manners’ and their way of treating people, “What is your problem?”

Then, I found myself facing the clan deputy, Dust Devil. My mouth went dry as I stared up at him.

“Fortunately for you,” Dust Devil growled, “I’m an easy going wyvern. I’m not going to kill you.” he shoved me outside.

“Uh… thanks?” I didn’t know what to say. “And… sorry…”

He just growled and jutted his head towards the shrouded mist, “Keep going that way until you get to the rock formation.” he grumbled, “And don’t even think about stopping to scratch your hind quarters.”

I didn’t know why he brought that up, so I just nodded. Imperial was still half asleep when dragged himself out of the cave.

“They didn’t slap you? Gods, why do they always pick favorites?” I muttered.

Imperial just stared at me, his eyelids drooping and his face blank, “Wha…?”

I shook my head and started walking as the other wyverns ended their conversations. “Never mind. How did you sleep?”

“Ugh… very bad…” he grumbled and slapped his own talon onto his forehead and let it fall over his face, “I couldn’t get my eyes closed on that rough ground.”

“Well… I slept pretty well.” Probably because I had a long, soft tail to use as a pillow.

“Lucky you…” he mumbled sleepily, “How do you suppose…” he yawned before continuing, “…that I meet Clan Leader Hailstorm like this?”

“That’s your problem, not mine.” I said and nudged him, “Come on! Don’t make them slap you too, alright? I think I got Dust Devil angry.”

“You don’t have to think.” Imperial looked over his shoulder, “You know that Dust Devil is angry. Just about everyone in Clan Aeaea hates our guts for no reason.”

“I think it’s because of their bitter relationship with the outside world.” saying that made me feel sympathy for these wyverns. But then I shook it away. Man, they treat you like nothing, and yet you feel for them? I thought angrily at myself.

“We’re here.” Imperial stopped me at the rock arch.

“Keep going, it’s not like there are wyverns ambushing you.” someone behind us snapped.

I scurried to the other side and looked around. I still couldn’t see that rock pile.

“Good morning.” Hailstorm’s voice said cheerfully.

Imperial and I both jumped. Hailstorm’s gray and blue wings chased away the mist as she landed on her pile of rocks, which was now visible. She sat down and wrapped her tail neatly around her talons, “Welcome to your first morning with my wyverns. Your first session is with Cyclone and Wildfire.” she said with a smile.

“Session?” Imperial frowned, “But we didn’t say anything about–”

“Oh, of course you didn’t! I offer it to every visitor we get here. After all, it’s not like every dragon’s brave enough to come and talk to me about the Oceanus curse, right?” she waved her talons, “Take them away.”

A pale gray dragon with thundering gray eyes that looked like stormy clouds pushed me towards the exit, “Come on, get a move on.”

That must’ve been Cyclone. The other that was herding Imperial was an orange and fire colored wyvern with golden blazing eyes. That was definitely Wildfire.

We were shoved out of the “meeting place”. The morning mist gave us chills, and we were stepping on random shards of rocks and sharp… things. Then, I heard the familiar sprays of the geysers. I swallowed. Don’t tell me we’re going there to do something.

We were put in the middle of a huge group of geysers. I could see the steam coming out of the underground water. The heat made my scales blister, and the rumble of the volcano made it even better.

“Uh… what are we suppose to do?” I asked nervously.

Cyclone shrugged, “Simple, you fly around the place, and try not to get ambushed or sprayed by.”

“What?” Imperial and I both said at the same time.

“You heard us right? Or are you deaf?” Wildfire raised an eyebrow, “This is what we give all our apprentices on their first day.”

“Hey, first of all, we never said anything about being your apprentices! Second, why are we doing this? Is there a point? Someone could get seriously injured, or killed.” I pointed out.

“That is my point. Someone could get seriously injured or killed if they don’t train in harsh environments and with great stress.” Cyclone smirked, “Let’s see how well you do.” he took off into the air, “Whenever you’re ready.”

I glanced at Imperial. “We did not cover this in basic training with the humans.” I muttered.

He huffed, “We’re dead… well,” he turned to me, “so much for trying to settle the peace.”

I placed my claws on his shoulders, “It’s been an honor to travel and fight with you, Imperial.”

“The honor is mine, Nightfall.” he pressed his head against mine, “I wish you luck, and if one of us is to fall this day, the other will fly back to Clan Avalon and find another way to break the curse. I’ve had enough of this sickening place.”

“I promise.” I said firmly.

“HURRY UP! WE HAVEN’T GOTTEN ALL DAY!” a voice somewhere from our right shouted.

I launched myself into the sky and started to navigate through the impossible mist. I kept hearing the distant rumbles of the volcano, and the hiss of the hot geysers. But what I was more worried about were the wyverns that were likely to ambush me.

I flew as slow as possible, my muscles tensed as I heard for any wing beats or light breathing. There were none. The only sound were the geysers and the volcano rumbles.

Suddenly, as if it came out of nowhere, a spray of boiling hot water shot out right besides me. I yelped and stumbled backwards. That was when I should’ve looked, because three apprentice wyverns came out and flung me to the hard bare ground.

I leapt to my feet and bared my teeth, ready to fight. Two wyverns landed… where was the third one?

“I heard you worked with the humans?” the one to my right sneered, “Well, that won’t help you here.”

“And why is that?” I asked, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

“Because you should never talk to your opponents if you want to win.” the one on the left snapped.

A split second before it happened, I heard the hiss of a young wyvern. My body was half twisted when a heavy thing crashed onto my side. I jerked and thrashed, my teeth snapping. I felt claws rip through my scales and a tail lashing out.

Finally, when I managed to get out of his grip, I sprang to my feet and slashed out at the first thing I saw move, which happened to be the wyvern who told me not to talk to my enemies if I want to win.

I swung my tail towards the wyvern who was taunting me and got his head. He yelped and recoiled, as if he didn’t expect that to happen. I didn’t have time to look as I sunk my teeth into the wyvern I was originally attacking. She screamed and jerked away. I tackled the third wyvern and grabbed his head. The next thing I knew, I was bashing his head against the hard rocky ground. From the corner of my eye, I saw the wyvern I hit with my tail walking sneakily towards me. I roared and flung myself onto him and ripped his throat out. You may think that how can someone as soft as I am rip his throat out just like that. But I was overwhelmed with too much anger and frustration. If they think they could just ignore the outside world, I’ll show them they can’t! I thought angrily. Blood trickled out of the corners of his mouth as he went limp.

The wyvern who ambushed me lashed his tail and let out an air splitting shriek. I roared in response, channeling all my bitter anger and hate into it. The wyvern dove down towards me, his claws extended. I rolled to the side and caught his tail. I bit into it as hard as I could and let myself stay there. He ended up ripping his tail in half and screaming in unbearable pain. Fortunately, I wasn’t heartless enough at the moment to let him suffer, so I finished him by breaking his neck swiftly.

The last wyvern, the one I bit into, was limping towards me, her wings spread in a threatening way. I was pretty sure my blue eyes were blazing with uncontrollable fury by this point. She growled, I snarled. And in one quick motion, I slashed out her eyes and ripped out her throat. She stopped in mid shriek and fell to the floor, dead.

The beat of wings were faint in my ears. All I could hear is the roar of blood pounding the sides of my skull. I’ve killed these wyverns who never deserved to die.

Oh, yes they did. A small voice in my mind hissed. They attacked you, and they would’ve killed you if you didn’t defend yourself. 

“Nightfall.” Imperial’s voice was small, no louder than a whisper, “Nightfall! Nightfall!” I felt someone shake me.

Acting on instinct, I snapped my teeth and slashed towards whoever was shaking me. Imperial’s voice yelped and the claws on my shoulders retreated. “Nightfall! It’s me! Imperial! You’re friend!”

That beast-like urge to kill and kill over again almost took over my whole body, if it weren’t for his voice that reminded me of who I was. I was a dragon, a hybrid dragon, with the ocean, the sky, and the earth’s blood within me. My name was Nightfall, great grandson of Atlantis. Keep talking, please! Don’t make me submit to the evil void. That small part of my mind cried out desperately. I tired to say it aloud, but my voice just wouldn’t work.

“Nightfall?” his voice was slightly clearer, but it was still disoriented. “Nightfall, please, answer me!”

Keep talking… I thought wearily, the earth beneath me swayed gently. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the three dead wyverns.

“He’s still recovering from the shock.” Hailstorm’s icy voice said, “Leave him.”

NO! I screamed internally. Keep talking! Please, just keep going! Ramble about the most boring stuff in the world, I don’t care! Just keep talking!

“But he’s shaking!” Imperial said, his voice desperate, “I don’t think it’s just from the shock! What did you do to him?”

“We never did anything, my dear.” Hailstorm purred, “Nightfall chose his own fate, and now he has to follow it.”

“His fate? He hasn’t chosen anything! Only to kill these wyverns, but as an act of self defense!” Imperial growled, “Nightfall, come on, buddy! Answer me! You can’t stand there forever!”

Just keep talking. I thought.

“You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you?” Imperial snarled, “You knew that he was going to kill these wyverns, and that he was going to become a murderer. A heartless monster! Those wyverns knew nothing of this, did they?”

“Bravo.” Hailstorm said in a bored voice, “You cracked the code. I would really enjoy sparing you, but as you can see, we’ve already got all we need. Now either you turn back and leave Nightfall here in our capable claws, or we’ll just have to kill you.”

“I’d die a thousand times before I’ll let you take him.” Imperial spat.

“Oh well… I guess we just have to kill you, then.” Hailstorm hesitated, probably to tell her wyverns to do something, “Kill him.”

Kill who? Me? No… I couldn’t die now! I won’t! I refuse! I spun around and roared at the first wyvern I saw. he recoiled a pace, “What the–” I leapt onto his back and tore through his scales and flesh. He screamed and started thrashing. My claws fastened onto his back as I tried to locate his pounding heart. When I did, I sunk my fangs into his chest. For a moment, I could feel something pounding, then it stopped. I released him, knowing he was dead, and went for the next wyvern in sight.

She was ready for the attack, since she put up her claws and slashed through my face. I squeezed my eyes shut as I felt the claws scratch my eyelids, but didn’t get my eyes. I opened them, though blood trickled down my face, I ignored the pain and slashed back at her. She suffered the same fate as the other wyvern I killed a few minutes ago. Her eye sockets were empty, but I had an irresistible urge to let her die quickly, so I left her there, her screaming echoed through my ears.

“NIGHTFALL!” Imperial’s voice roared, but it was nothing but a soft shout in my ears right now. I just snarled and slashed and ripped at every wyvern I saw. The feeling of blood and flesh on my talons felt surprisingly reassuring and good.

“NIGHTFALL!” There was that roar again, but it was barely audible. I unleashed another roar and pounced onto a light gray wyvern. She whipped my side with her spiked tail, but that only made my anger grow. That was when I let out a very undragon-like shriek. The wyvern covered her ears and I used this opportunity to slash open her body. Internal organs spilled out all over the bare rock. I smelled the scent of fresh blood and growled, satisfied.

“ENOUGH!” Hailstorm’s thunder voice was right besides me. Reluctantly, I stopped.

My vision cleared as I blinked. I gasped in horror. Scattered around me were a dozen dead wyverns, their blood still spilling and their internal organs showing. Some had missing eyes, some had their hearts or throats ripped out, others had their scales turned inside out. The stench of blood was overwhelming, and the chill of death crawled up my spine. The only thing alive here was Hailstorm and a few wyverns who flanked her sides. Imperial stood there, his eyes wide and his mouth gaping.

Slowly, realization dawned in me. I killed these wyverns. This is my fault. I’m a murderer. I thought to myself.

That small evil voice within me whispered: Who cares? You killed them, and they were going to attack you anyways.

NO! My mind was a constant mental battle. Stop! Go away! Leave me! I never want to hear you again! 

“Nightfall?” Imperial whispered, “Please… please tell me you’re back.”

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Hailstorm walked up to me, “You killed thirteen wyverns this day. I will never forget that, hybrid.” she said, her tone neutral. I felt my anger rising again. Doesn’t this wyvern care when her kind is killed? What kind of a clan leader doesn’t care for her own clan? I thought. Then, I shook my head. It took almost all of my willpower to restrain myself from killing the cold hearted clan leader.

“You’re dismissed for the rest of the day. I will see you tomorrow.” she said firmly before leaving. The wyverns cast glances in my direction as they flew off.

I couldn’t meet Imperial’s green eyes. But I couldn’t bear to see the dead wyverns that lay here. I had to get out of here. I had to go!

Without looking in Imperial’s direction, I flew off into the sky. Wishing nothing else in the world but to go home and take back the lives that I’ve ended this day. I’m a murderer. I thought miserably. What would Black Diamond say? Blizzard? Imperial? They would fear me for the rest of their lives. I wouldn’t blame them. I brought this upon myself. And there’s no running from it.

Chapter III

“Nightfall?” a claw prodded me.

I wanted to hiss at the wyvern or dragon who was poking me. EVERYONE, JUST LEAVE ME ALONE. STAY AWAY, I’M DANGEROUS! I wanted to scream to the entire world.

“Nightfall, please. It’s me, Imperial.”

“Go away.” I croaked when I finally found my voice.

“You need to drink something.” I heard rustling as a smooth, cool surface touched my snout. I blinked open and saw a stone bowl of water in front of me.

“Leave me alone, Imperial.” I said miserably, “Don’t make me hurt you too.”

Imperial didn’t reply. All he did was nudge the bowl closer. I glared at him, but he returned the scowl, “Drink, or die. It’s your choice.”

“I’d prefer to die right now, thank you very much.” I growled.

Imperial’s face soften, “Look, you have to drink, alright? I’m sure if Black Diamond and Blizzard were here–”

I cut him off, “They’d be running off, screaming their heads off. Sorry, but I’m not in a mood for seeing anyone right now. So if you’ll leave me to my sulking?” I finished for him and nodded towards the door with a cold glare.

The bigger dragon looked at me, “Black Diamond would’ve understood.” he murmured. “She would’ve forgave you.”

“I don’t care! I will never forgive myself, and that’s final!” I snarled, “Now GET OUT, before I rip your throat out!”

Imperial backed away, “Blizzard and Black Diamond would’ve forgiven you if they were here.” he said before taking off into the misty morning.

Yeah right. More like kill me for what I’ve done. I growled to myself and settled down on the hard rock.

“Hey, you!” I heard a voice, then a stick prodded my side.

I blinked open and bared my teeth, “I said: LEAVE ME ALONE!” I roared and sprung to my feet, ready to spring at the first wyvern in sight.

Four wyverns scrambled back, they snapped at me, but kept their distances.

“Clan Leader Hailstorm wants to see you.” the biggest brown one said, “So get moving.” he moved away to make a path for me.

I narrowed my eyes, “If she wants to see me, she could come here herself.”

“We’re not afraid of you, hybrid.” the little gray one snapped, “So quit squabbling about treatment and get up!”

I was already up, and I saw no point in putting up a fight without feeling sorry for myself, so I reluctantly followed the big brown one, snarling at the gray wyvern before turning back on her and walking towards the meeting place.

Hailstorm gathered her entire clan to join her. She was perched up on her rock pile, looking down at me with those icy eyes. I stopped in the center of the clearing. From the corner of my eye, I saw Imperial standing there, watching intently.

“You managed not to put up a fight.” Hailstorm mused, “Good job.”

Is this how she always started a conversation?

Seeing that I wasn’t about to reply any time soon, she continued, “I’ve decided to listen to what you’ve got to say, since you’ve clearly developed a hate for us wyverns.”

“As I said, Clan Oceanus is in grave danger from the curse you put upon their clan leader. Former Clan Leader Atlantis has banished himself from Clan Oceanus forever, and the clan is suffering, even without his presence.” I growled, “So I’ll say this again: Let Clan Oceanus go.”

“That comes back to my question: Why should I do it?” Hailstorm’s eyes glittered challengingly.

“Serpents are suffering for something that is long behind them! You’ve held your grudge long enough, Hailstorm.” I didn’t even bother to say Clan Leader, since she’s clearly not a true clan leader.

“How bold of you to call me by name.” Hailstorm chuckled, “Unfortunately, that doesn’t scare me.”

“Only dragons who are terrified would say such a thing.” I spat.

Hailstorm narrowed her eyes, “Are you trying to anger me, hybrid? Because I could kill you right now if you want.” she waved at the numerous wyverns who were sitting around me.

“Do what you want. I’ve killed off more than a dozen of your wyverns without getting gravely wounded. Who says I can’t do it again?” I said venomously.

“Play smart, Nightfall.” Imperial hissed, “Consider our position for just one second, will you?”

“Yes, listen to your friend, Nightfall.” Hailstorm purred.

“We’re getting off topic.” I snapped, “Now, as I was saying, you’ve held your grudge long enough. It’s time to let these serpents go.”

“What if I enjoy watching them suffer?” she asked slyly.

“Then I’ll make you suffer and see if you’ll enjoy it.” I snarled, unable to contain the rage that has been building for the past two days. “I’ll hurt you in front of your entire clan, watch you get humiliated as you fall before me, then I’ll spare you, because I want to make sure every wyvern can see you, withering at their feet.”

“Hm… very bold indeed. But unfortunately for you, I was the one who brought the curse upon Clan Oceanus, and only I can end it. So you can’t kill me.” Hailstorm shrugged, “I’m sorry, did I ruin the fun for you?”

I met her gaze, my eyes unwavering, “Then, I guess you’ll have no island left.”

Hailstorm snorted, “What are you talking about?”

“That volcano, right there.” I pointed at the smoke rising from the fog concealed volcano, “Every thing in the ocean will die and break. Since the volcano is the one who created this island, I guess the island will have to die alongside with the volcano.”

“You’ll be willing to sacrifice the serpents to see me fall?” Hailstorm laughed.

“Yes.” she didn’t seem to expect me to say that, “Because I know that that’ll be a price the serpents would be more than pleased to pay, if it meant ridding you of Aelasar forever.”

Hailstorm snarled, “Well, guess what? I have something you dragons don’t have. And that’s ambition.” her head snapped towards the wyverns, “Take him away and throw him into the volcano.”

“Only a coward will rid of her enemies so fast. You won’t admit it, but I know that you’re scared.” I sneered, “Hide all you want, Hailstorm. But you can’t hide from your own fate.”

“I changed my mind.” Hailstorm stopped the approaching wyverns, “Torture him all you want, along with his friend.” she nodded towards Imperial.

“Great work.” Imperial muttered when we were thrown into a small cave and our entrance was sealed off. Our only source of light was the sunlight that seeped through the cracks. “Now we can die of suffocation all we want.”

“I said I was sorry, alright?” it was the fourth time I apologized, but Imperial just won’t let me go. I was truly sorry, though. I didn’t say it just to shut him up. I got us into this mess, and I had to clean it up. But the damage has already been done, and now Clan Oceanus was going to perish, Imperial and I are going to die, Blizzard and Black Diamond would live their lives in misery… pretty much everything about the future laid before me was the opposite of bad.

“Well, keep saying it until we get out of here without a scratch.” He snapped.

We tried to move the boulder, but it just doesn’t work. The rock just won’t budge, as if it came out of the ground. I felt to ground and found if quite slippery. I frowned, “Hey, Imperial?”

“What?” he growled.

“What’s this on the ground?” I clawed at the floor and almost slipped.

Imperial’s claws scratched the ground and he said in a we’re-going-to-die voice, “Uh-oh.” he gasped, “It’s oil.”

“O… oil?” I stammered, “Oil? As in: Make-flames-go-up-higher-until-dragons-die-of-burnts oil? As in… as in the oil that dragons use to… to burn stuff?”

“Yes.” Imperial didn’t even bother to snap at me, “Great… we’re dead.”

My head was touching the low ceiling, so there was no point in flying. And we couldn’t step on the flames, since they will be pretty high. My back touched the wall and I found the same slippery substance on it. The ceiling was also oily. I cursed, “Oh gods… this whole place has been dipped in thick oil.”

And all they needed to do was to shove a small piece of tinder on fire and the whole thing would go ablaze.

“Any chance we could step on the fire before they spread out?” I suggested.

“With this much oil? No.” he answered, “I’m trying to think, alright? Just don’t disturb me.”

Alright, have it your way. I tried the boulder again. It didn’t work. I pressed my head against the walls, hearing for wind, or at least the coolness of the fresh air outside. There was nothing. I could barely see where I go, and it was getting harder to breath properly.

I clawed at the crack, but I only made claw marks on the smooth boulder. It was helpless.

Then, an idea hit me. It would be extremely hot and uncomfortable, but it just might work.

“Imperial, I think I have an idea.” I said.

He shot to his feet, but ended up banging his head against the ceiling, “Ow… alright, what?”

“What if you keep blowing fire until this whole cave becomes super hot, then the rock would melt, right?”

“That’ll take a lot of fire and heat… but I guess we could try it.” He unhinged his jaw and a blast of scorching fire came out. It hit the rock and the oil on the rock ignited the flames and spread across the boulder.

“Hey, what would happen if we accidentally burn up the entire place?”

“These are igneous rocks. All rocks near volcanoes are igneous rocks. These caves must be made of igneous rocks, and if they could cool down into rock, then they could be molten back into magma.” Imperial answered before sending another blast of heat.

I opened my mouth and breathed deeply before sending the boulder on fire.

We did that for a couple of minutes until we could barely breath. It was scorching hot in here, and our scales were singeing. Finally, the rock was starting to glow like magma and embers. Imperial touched the surface and pushed, the rock moved just a bit, but his talons came back immediately, “Geez, it’s hot.” he yelped.

“Well, duh, it’s hot!” I shouted over the flames, “Come on, we can’t stay in here forever. What do we do?”

“For starters…” he started coughing, “you could shut up and let me think!”

“You can’t think! We have no time.”

“Well, if you didn’t anger Hailstorm in the first place, we wouldn’t even be here!”

“Hey, I’m glad that I cursed that wyvern, okay?” I snapped.

“Alright, fine! I’ll kill you later.” Imperial growled and shoved himself up upon the boulder and pushed. I got the other side and did the same. As we pushed, our scales were so hot, it felt cold. But if we let go now, we would never get out. More light shone through, and I could feel fresh air blowing in.

“Just… one… more…” I grunted and put in everything I had left.

The boulder moved and left enough space for Imperial and I to get out. I shot into the air, feeling so grateful for the cool wind on my blistering scales. Imperial gasped for air, “Thank the gods that’s over!”

Wyverns screamed, “What the… HOW DID YOU GET OUT OF THERE?” one yelled.

I wanted to say something like: Die, you wyvern scum! And kill them, but I knew if I killed them, or so much as hurt them, I’d never change back to the Nightfall my friends knew.

“Tell Hailstorm that I will never be caged until she hears what I have to say, and does it!” I snarled.

The wyverns hissed at me, but I saw the glistening fear behind their eyes. “And what if we don’t?”

I showed my fangs, “Do you want to end up like the others? Because I’d be more than glad to let you joint them.”

“Nightfall…” Imperial warned.

What? It’s not like I actually meant it… alright, maybe I do a bit.

The wyverns just growled, but they did as I said. A few minutes later, I was facing the clan leader’s cold eyes mixed in with pure icy rage.

“How did you escape?” she hissed.

“That’s none of your concern. All you have to worry about, is to unravel the curse that you’ve put upon the ocean. Either you do it or not, you’ll lose anyways. But if you do as I suggest, at least your clan would still be in one piece.”

“I asked you a question, and I expect you to answer it: HOW DID YOU ESCAPE?” she roared out the last few words.

I stood my ground, meeting her gaze with unwavering eyes, “We melted the rock. Using igneous was one of your biggest mistakes.”

“Curse Dust Devil and his soldiers.” she muttered.

“There’s time for that later. First, do as I say. Release Clan Oceanus from your curse, and your clan will be spared.” I snapped.

“What if I don’t care about my own clan?”

“Then your wyverns would rebel against you, and you’ll either die or get banished. It’s your choice, Hailstorm. And I suggest you make the right one before it’s too late.”

“I’ve been waiting three thousand years for this,” Hailstorm drew herself to full height and unfolded her wings, “And I am NOT about to let Clan Oceanus go so quickly!” she threw back her head and let out a mountain shaking roar.

It was so loud, I thought my ears would go deaf just be standing there. The volcano seemed to respond and I heard the earth rumble. The wind picked up, but instead of the cool damp breeze, it was a hot, dry wind of a desert. The mist parted and revealed a huge mountain of fire a few kilometers away from our current position. Gold, orange, and red blazed from the inside of the mouth of the mountain. It sent sparks and fire sputtering out all over the mountain. The ground shook some more like an earthquake. The ground cracked, and I heard the waves crash and roar from the distance. Thunder responded, and lightning flashed. Rain started pattering down onto the ground. It was a total weather chaos.

“I’D RATHER DIE THAN SEE THE CLANS RISE ONCE AGAIN!” Hailstorm screamed with rage and hate. From all over the island, wyverns let out shrieks and joined her in the air.

“Nightfall,” Imperial tapped my shoulder. I looked at him, but he wasn’t looking back. His gaze was fixed on the volcano, “look.” he pointed.

I turned and my eyes widen.

The volcano erupted. A blast of unbearable heat washed all over me, ashes mixed in with the rain, and smoke billowed from the top. It was as if the fire came from the heart of the mountain itself, in anger and fury. Lava sprayed out, and I knew that in a few minutes, this island would be nothing but an inferno. Darkness covered up the mountain, but the blazing lava and fire coming out of the mouth of the volcano was more than visible.

“We have to leave, Nightfall!” Imperial said urgently, “Come on! We must warn the other clans!”

I nodded and launched myself into the sky. From above, I could see the whole island in ashes and smoke. Sprays of lava sputtered out of the mountain, and the ocean beneath us churned violently. Thunder roared in our ears, and we had to avoid the lightning that flashed around us, sending electric shocks throughout the sea.

I heard the cracks that the island made, and I knew it was falling apart. Did that ever happen before? I wonder. Imperial and I both flew as fast as our wings could carry us, trying to stay ahead of the smoke that clouded the sight of the continent Avalon.

Please… please tell me that Avalon is still in one piece! I thought desperately. And please make sure that Black Diamond and Blizzard are safe.

Chapter IV

I was never so happy to see the mouth of the cave. But under the circumstances, I had no time to enjoy the feeling of home (well, my sort-of home).

“EVERYONE, OUT OF THE WAY!” Imperial and I crashed landed into the cave, the dragons scattered and made room for us.

“We need to see Clan Leader Imperial Topaz!” I sprang to my feet and searched desperately for the familiar clan leader.

“Clan Leader Imperial Topaz isn’t here at the moment.” I heard Chrysoberyl say, “He’s out on his morning flight.”

“MORNING FLIGHT? IS THAT EVEN A THING? WHAT THE HECK? THIS IS AN URGENT EMERGENCY, PEOPLE! AND YOU SAY HE’S OUT ON A MORNING FLIGHT?” I looked outside at the rain, “WHERE’S THE CLAN LEADER WHEN YOU NEED HIM?” I screamed.

“Alright, calm down, and tell us what happened.”

“Well, WHAT DO YOU THINK?” I yelled, “The volcano’s erupted, the sea’s angry at everything, and the island is breaking up! We’re having a case of crazy weather and natural disasters, people, alright? YOU HEAR ME?”

“Okay, calm down!” Chrysoberyl started.

“THE END OF THE WORLD’S COMING AND YOU’RE TELLING ME TO CALM DOWN?” I roared.

“Even if you wanted to help, you couldn’t do it.” a voice behind me said.

I turned and saw a red Eastern dragon flanked by four other dragons that looked similar to Imperial. She had a stern and wise gaze.

“Uh… who are you?” I asked.

“Rain Bringer Wisdom, leader of the Eastern dragons and Clan SkyPeak.” she answered formally.

“RAIN BRINGER WISDOM?” I screamed once again.

“Man, do you have to scream?” Chrysoberyl muttered.

I barely heard her. So this was the dragon who disappeared after Black Diamond was captured! “I SWEAR I’D KILL YOU NOW FOR ABANDONING BLACK DIAMOND IN THAT STORM FULL OF HUMANS! AND I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING AFTER BLACK DIAMOND! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME?” I roared.

“I assure you, I just came back, though barely. The humans almost captured me, if it weren’t for the small ice dragon’s distraction.”

“Blizzard,” Imperial said, then in a growl, “did something happen to her?”

“No, she, Black Diamond, and the troops are fine. But we came at the wrong time and at the wrong place. The humans were in the midst of a war, and they weren’t in the mood for sparing dragons. A few died, and some are seriously injured, but most survived. Black Diamond is now barely surviving in a cave in the heart of a mountain. They’re surrounded by human troops and armies.” Rain Bringer Wisdom said.

“Then we have to go after her!” I replied a little too quickly, “If a friend is in danger, then you must save her! Plus, I owed her one, since she was the one who rescued me from the humans!”

“But what of the curse?” Imperial asked, “You promised Clan Leader Atlantis that you’ll bring him back.”

My heart sank, “Oh… right.” I mumbled, “What do we do of the curse here? With each passing second, Aelasar is dying! But…” I shook my head in frustration, “like it or not, I can’t do two jobs at once. Though I really wish I can…” I felt angry at myself. Why was I so useless? Why couldn’t I have just persuaded Hailstorm? Why couldn’t I have just been a bit more patient and diplomatic?

“Leave it to the SkyPeak dragons, young Nightfall.” Rain Bringer Wisdom murmured, “Trust us, we’ll do the right thing.”

“But I…” I trailed off when I met her firm gaze.

“You cannot do anything here anymore. You tried, and failed. Now it’s up to us SkyPeak dragons to finish it.”

I felt ashamed and angry at the same time. Gods, I wish I could kill myself now.

Then, her face soften, “I’m not saying you failed completely. In fact, you haven’t failed at all.”

“Yeah, sure.” I muttered.

She used a claw to lift my chin up, “You only fail if you don’t try, Nightfall.” she said gently, “And you did. In fact, you were braver than most dragons to go pay a visit to the wyverns, and even more bold to challenge the clan leader. Not wise, I’ll admit, but very bold of you. They made you stay, and you didn’t give up on leaving even when it seemed impossible.”

True… but that didn’t stop me from feeling angry at myself.

“If you want to help the clans without throwing yourself towards certain death, can you go after Black Diamond?” Rain Bringer Wisdom asked.

“I…”

“Yes!” Imperial said firmly.

“…guess.” I finished.

“Excellent.” Rain Bringer Wisdom squinted out at the rain, “Can you navigate through this storm?”

Imperial shrugged, “I can ride the wind, Rain Bringer Wisdom. It’ll get us there faster.”

“Good.” the clan leader turned to Chrysoberyl, “It’s settled, then. Imperial and Nightfall will set after Black Diamond and Blizzard.”

The clan deputy nodded, “I’ll tell Clan Leader Imperial Topaz of your arrival and your rather… short stay.”

“Good luck to us.” I mumbled as I spread my wings, ready to fly.

“No, you’re getting on my back.” Imperial snatched me up like a mouse and set me on his back, “Hold on.”

“No, wait–ack!” I yelped as he took off, “YOU KNOW I GET SICK WHENEVER I TRAVEL WITH YOU!” I shouted over the rain, clutching for my dear life.

“Try to get some sleep. We’ve been traveling for hours none stop right after we were thrown in the torture cave.” was Imperial’s final answer.

Of course, I couldn’t sleep with a storm roaring all around me. But eventually, I fell asleep anyways.

I woke up with the sun in my eyes. I blinked. Were we behind the storm already? I looked back and saw the thunder clouds rumbling kilometers behind us. But as I looked forward, I saw nothing but the ocean.

“You think the serpents have conquered this region yet?” the sea looked untainted to me.

“No. We’ve past the barrier between Aelasar and the human world a few minutes ago.” Imperial answered, he didn’t seem to be a bit tired.

“Really?” I frowned and looked back again, “How do you know?”

“I felt the wind change, it became weaker.”

“How are you managing down there?” I patted his neck with a talon.

He snorted, “Never better.” he answered with heavy sarcasm.

We were silent for another few minutes.

“So…” I said, breaking that silence, “Can you tell me anything about your history? Do you remember anything before getting captured by the humans?”

“I remember a shadow looming over me, which was most likely my mother.” Imperial said slowly, as if to recall these memories one by one, “I heard a deep voice say something, but it was disoriented. He was my father. After that, I can’t remember. I woke up some time later and found that they were gone. I cried out, but no one came. Then, a few dragons landed in front of me. I couldn’t see their faces, and I don’t remember either. They kept hissing, which I reckon they were trying to talk to me. But I only whimpered and drew closer to the closest object in sight, which were my egg shells. Then, one picked me up and we took off into the sky. I woke up in another cave, with no sunlight. I’ve been growing up in there since. It wasn’t until the fire…” he shuddered, “The fire who killed the ones who saved me. Humans took me out, and that’s all I remember before the humans.”

I nodded, “Hm… interesting.”

“Why do you ask?”

“I was just interested, you know?” I laid my head down on his neck, “Besides, I’m pretty sure my history’s boring as watching a flower bloom.”

“Although some say it’s magic if you see one actually bloom.” Imperial pointed out.

“I’ve had enough of magic, Imperial.” I shivered when I thought of what the curse and the wyverns were truly capable of.

“Same here.”

I’ve been sleeping a lot, I noticed. I woke up again, but this time, I saw a small speck in the distance.

“Is that land?” I asked.

“I have no idea. It could be another ship. I hope not, though.” Imperial answered, “Alright, can you get off now? You’ve been pressing down on a pressure point, and I need to stretch a bit.”

“Sure, besides, but wings are all cramped up here.” I spread my wings and stretched until my muscles couldn’t take it anymore. Then, I glided through the clouds. Gods, it felt so good to fly after so long.

“We’re almost there.” Imperial said, “Just a few more kilometers.”

Of course, the more he said that, the farther the piece of land seemed to be. My wings started aching after a little while. Soon, my head was hanging, and my feet and tail were drooping.

“Nightfall.” Imperial hissed, “We’re here.”

I looked up and gasped. I’ve seen a few human structures before, but this looked like a huge giant marched straight through the place.

The buildings that the humans built were burning, the only thing left were the wooden pillars and the sticks that supported the structures’ weight. The stench of blood drifted into my nose, but it was stale. The battle here must’ve been long over.

Through the smoke, I could see a mountain. And for just a moment, I thought I saw the flapping wings of a dragon in the smoke.

Chapter V

Imperial grabbed my horns and yanked me back, “Wait, will you?” he hissed.

“What?” I snapped.

“Humans!” he pointed.

I looked and noticed for the first time that there were humans marching up and down the mountains. Their lines kept changing, and little needles shot out of a curved weapons.

“What the heck are those?” I frowned.

“You asked the wrong person.” Imperial huffed, “Great, how are we going to get to that mountain without getting noticed?”

“We could always kill both sides.” I offered sarcastically.

But he just glared at me, “No.”

I rolled my eyes, “It was meant to be funny.”

“It’s not, okay? Now think.”

“Okay, okay… geez.” I started thinking.

There were armies raging all around the mountain, so flying directly towards it won’t be an option. We could set a diversion and make a run for it, but it’s too dangerous. Even if we get spotted by one human, it could alert the entire army. There weren’t a lot of options here. If we were smaller, we could probably creep behind the walls and get to the cave on the other side.

“We could fly above the clouds and dive down towards the mountain when we spot the cave.” Imperial murmured, then he shook his entire body, “That’s probably the safest way.”

“What? You won’t hear my plan?”

Imperial raised an eyebrow, “Alright, let’s hear it. What’ve you got?”

I looked down at my shuffling talons, “Well… alright, I didn’t come up with anything yet.” I muttered.

He snorted, “Then we didn’t you stay silent in the first place?”

“Well… I did get a few things!” I said indignantly.

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“That… that we couldn’t just… you know, fly across the armies. And that we could hide ourselves behind the walls and creep up either.” I mumbled.

Imperial nodded thoughtfully, “Yes, indeed. We couldn’t. You’re right! You’re becoming a tactic and a planner already!” he butted me with his head, “Keep working on it.”

I grumbled, “Stupid SkyPeak dragons, think they’re so awesome.”

“I heard that.” Imperial called from a few meters away.

I groaned. They have good ears, good eyes, knowledge, wisdom, plans… what do these dragons don’t have? 

Even from above the clouds, we could still hear the war cries and the shouts that the humans made. Metal crashed and rocks crushed. I shook my head, “How can anyone stand those kinds of sounds?”

Imperial looked back and gave me a look, “Apparently, humans can.” he answered.

I could barely see the war raging on beneath. Partly because of the smoke. The wind carried the scent of blood and death, and smoke clogged up my nose. I couldn’t resist a few coughs now and then.

Then, Imperial stopped, “Down there.” he pointed.

I frowned, “How do you know?”

He tapped his nose, “My sense of smell, Nightfall.” he reminded.

I silently added good noses to my list of Eastern Dragon perfection. But I followed him anyways. Imperial led me behind the mountain, where the raging battle was left behind. I saw the sea and harbor. There, ships battled each other. Wood splintered and rocks were hurled from large war machines.

I looked at the mountain and saw nothing but mist and a waterfall. Imperial gestured towards the waterfall, “In there.”

I poked my head into the waterfall and found a cave behind it. A perfect hiding spot.

“NIGHTFALL!” I literally hit my head against he rock ceiling.

“Ow…” I rubbed my forehead and looked.

Blizzard came stumbling out of the shadows, “You came! Oh, thank the gods!”

“Nightfall?” Black Diamond revealed herself, “You’re here!” she looked around me, “But… where’s Imperial?”

“I’m here.” he stuck his head in as well, “Don’t worry. It was I who had to save Nightfall from several near death situations.”

Blizzard laughed, “Seriously?”

I rolled my eyes, “That’s half true.” I muttered and glanced behind them, “Where are the troops?”

“We’re here.” a few voices replied from the very back.

“Is everyone safe?” Imperial asked.

Blizzard nodded, “Yes. Is Rain Bringer Wisdom back with the clans?”

I nodded, “Yes, she is.”

“So is the curse broken?” Black Diamond piped up.

I glanced at Imperial. He sucked in a sharp breath, “Um… no, unfortunately.”

“But I thought you said you’ll break the curse! What happened?” Blizzard gave us an inquiring look.

“Can we come in?”

“Duh, you can come in.” they shifted back to make room.

I settled down at the entrance, “Alright, I guess we’ll have to start at the beginning.” I huffed, “So we went peacefully, and I asked several times if Hailstorm could consider our request. She told us to come tomorrow, so we did. But she made us stay. And the next morning, she placed us in a training session with two of her wyverns. We were to fly around an arena full of geysers and ambushing wyverns. I was ambushed by three. I fought them, and they were defeated–”

Imperial cut me off, “Tell them the entire story, Nightfall.” he said sternly.

I wanted to slap him and tell him to shut up. But it was too late. Black Diamond looked at me, “What? Did something happen?”

“He killed three of their apprentices.” Imperial said quickly.

“It was an accident.” I gave him a look of despair, “My anger snapped, and yes, it was my fault! But I didn’t mean to!”

“You looked like you meant it.” he muttered.

I stood up, “I’m sorry, okay?” I said, annoyed and scared that I might be turned away from them.

“You killed three apprentices?” Blizzard repeated.

“Yes, and it was the worst thing that ever happened to me.” I growled.

“No, it was not the worst thing you did, Nightfall.”

“Can’t you just respect my privacy?” I snapped at the bigger dragon.

“But friends tell each other the truth.” Imperial countered.

“Sometimes the truth is better to be unspoken of.”

“Hey, if you don’t want to share, it’s okay.” Black Diamond said in a gentle voice.

“He has to face it sooner or later that he did it.”

“Did what?”

I clawed at the ground, “That I killed more than a dozen wyverns that day, okay? You happy now?” I spat.

“You killed a dozen–” Black Diamond said, her voice several octaves higher.

“Yes, I did.” I slumped back down, “I said it, and I spoke the truth. Never mention this again. Case closed.”

Everyone was silent. And I hated it. Why couldn’t we just move on? Why did we have to linger on the fact that I killed others? Well, maybe it was better for me to give some thought on this.

“You were saying?” Blizzard said.

“Hailstorm was angry.” Imperial continued for me, “So we argued. Nightfall was shutting me out until a few wyverns went to escort him to Hailstorm. Nightfall asked for her to take back the curse, but she refused. Nightfall got angry again, and he started saying a few rather impulsive things. We were thrown into a cave full of oil, and we suspected that the were going to burn us to death. So we melted most of the rock and escaped. That was when Hailstorm placed a really powerful curse upon Aelasar.”

Black Diamond choked, “Curse upon the entire realm of Aelasar?” she squeaked.

I nodded, “Yes.”

“Rain Bringer Wisdom told us that she was going to make the wyverns undo the curse herself, and that we’d be no use in it. So we were sent here to get you.” Imperial finished.

“I thought you said–” Blizzard started again.

“We failed.” I cut her off, “We failed big time.”

“Didn’t you hear anything of what Rain Bringer Wisdom said?” Imperial asked me.

“The failing part? Yes. The I-did-not-fail part? No.” I muttered.

“We could talk about that later.” Blizzard said, “First, we have to leave this wretched place. I’ve had enough of it.”

Chapter VI

I was staring up at the ceiling, feeling miserable, but relieved at the same time. At least I didn’t need to tell them about the killing thing later on.

I wonder what my friends thought of me now. They must’ve thought I killed because of self defense. But in truth, I really didn’t know what came over me that day. I don’t remember much, Imperial tried to describe what happened, but I got sick of it and told him to stop. I felt angry at myself. That familiar cold icy feeling that freezes my veins, then it turns boiling hot and melts away all the sanity within my mind. That was the lethal fury that I unleashed that day.

Then, the waterfall parted. My head snapped up and I twisted my body to look. It was a little Eastern Dragon. I frowned. Now why would an Eastern Dragon be here?

She had pale gold scales that almost turned a bit silver, and patches of fiery red. Her horns were small, but the color of gleaming ivory. Her eyes were red, but showed fear. She wasn’t that old, maybe around thirty, like Blizzard. She froze when she saw me staring into her eyes.

I didn’t move, I just stared.

“Sorry.” she whispered, “But… is it alright if I stay here?”

“How did you know there were dragons here?” I hissed.

“I smelled them.” she answered quietly, “Is it alright if I stay in here?”

I glanced back at the slumbering dragons in the back, then back at the small dragon, “Sure.”

She sighed in relief, “Thank you.” she murmured and stepped in.

I gasped quietly. She had five legs instead of four. I didn’t mean to be rude, but it was just so… weird.

As if she knew what I gasped at, she nodded, “I know, I have five legs, not four.” she shook her head, “I’m sorry if it scares you.”

“No, it doesn’t. Look.” I stood up, careful not to step on anyone and spread my wings, “I’m a hybrid too.”

She gaped at my scales, “Those scales are beautiful!” she whispered, “How can you not like them?”

“No, I like them.” I shrugged, “I’m just assuring you, you’re not the only one here who is different than others.”

“People call me deformed.” she muttered.

“You’re not deformed. In fact, an extra talon could really help you some day.” I said, trying to sound cheerful.

She smiled, “That’s the first time anyone has said something like that.” she curled up.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“People call me different things. Call me whatever you want.” she said.

I frowned, “You have to have one. Other dragons can’t just call you whatever they want.”

“Well, most dragons call me Bloodmoon.”

“Why?”

She pointed at her eyes, then at her scales, “Blood red eyes, moon colored scales.” she answered simply.

“Well, what’s a name that you really like?” I prompted.

Her shoulders sagged, “You’d laugh at me.” she muttered.

“No, I won’t.” I promised.

Her eyes flickered upwards, “Sky Fire.” she said.

“Sky Fire.” I repeated and nodded, “That’s a lovely name.”

“You think so?” her red eyes lit up.

“Well, it’s the only name that truly fits your scales.” I gestured towards the silver and red colors.

“What about you? What’s your name?” Sky Fire asked.

“Nightfall.” I answered.

She nodded, “It seems like the weirder dragons have the best names.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Hey, Nightfall, who are you talking to?” Black Diamond stirred in her sleep and blinked open her eyes.

“Uh… Sky Fire.” I beckoned her with my tail, “It’s alright, dragons here are friendly. They accepted me, so they’ll accept you as well.”

Black Diamond sat up right and yawned, “Sky Fire? Who’s Sky Fire?” she looked and her eyes widen, “Oh, that’s Sky Fire.”

The small Eastern dragon bowed her head. I noticed that she hid her fifth leg behind her tail, “Hi.” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Hello.” Black Diamond stood up and walked towards her, “Hey, you’re an Eastern Dragon as well?”

“Yes.” Sky Fire said.

“My name’s Black Diamond.” she nodded towards her scales, “And the name suits your scales. Who picked it for you?”

“I picked it myself… actually.” she said shyly.

“Well, welcome to our… camp, I guess.” Black Diamond leapt onto Imperial, “Hey! Dude! Wake up! There’s another Eastern Dragon here!”

Imperial grumbled something and got up, “What do you want, Black Diamond?” he growled.

“There’s a new dragon here!” she dragged him to his feet, “See?”

Imperial sighed and looked, then realization dawned in his face, “Oh.” he bowed his head, “Hi.”

“Hi.” Sky Fire squeaked as he approached her. Imperial was so much bigger than the small silver and gold dragon.

“HEY THERE!” Blizzard shouted excitedly and leapt to her feet, “FINALLY, SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH! You won’t believe how boring these dragons could be! They’re all: Mature and we must be serious because we have a reputation to maintain.”

Sky Fire giggled, “Really?”

Imperial smacked Blizzard in the face with his tail, “Now when did I ever say that?” he growled.

“You say it all the time!” Blizzard laughed and bounded over, “My name’s Blizzard.”

“Sky Fire.” the small dragon replied.

“Cool name! I wish my name were Sky Fire!” Blizzard whined, “But good old faithful here decided to give me a boring name like Blizzard.” she bumped her head against Imperial’s side.

“Blizzard is a cool name.” I frowned, “Don’t you like it?”

“Yeah, but you know me! I’m always comparing my name with others! I thought your name was cooler than mine too!” Blizzard nudged Sky Fire’s neck, “Now we can chase our tails and play Hide and Seek all day!”

“Give her some space, Blizzard.” Black Diamond grabbed Blizzard’s tail and dragged her back. She glanced at the new dragon, “Sorry about that.”

Sky Fire shook her head, “It’s alright. I’ve been lonely these days anyways.”

“You have? Great! Let’s go!” Blizzard scampered forward.

“Enough, Blizzard.” Imperial stepped on her tail to keep her from going further.

“Aw… but–”

“My name is Imperial.” the huge gold dragon said in a formal voice.

“Sky Fire.” the small dragon replied, “Nice to meet you!”

I poked her, “Hey, don’t you want to show them?”

“I don’t know…” Sky Fire glanced back at what her tail was covering up.

“You guys have to promise not to make fun of her, alright?” I said to the rest of them, “Don’t call her deformed, weird, or any names, okay?”

Blizzard snorted, “Now, why will we want to do that?”

I nodded, “Go on. Show them.”

Sky Fire slipped her tail away and revealed her fifth leg. Imperial’s eyes widen. I noticed and asked, “What?”

Imperial shook his head, “I… I’ll tell you later.”

I frowned in confusion, but I just nodded. “Right, we need to ask you a few questions.” I said, “First, how did you get past the humans? And what are you hiding from?”

Sky Fire sat up, “I’ve been hiding in this mountain for a few moons now. But when several humans and their small creatures came too close to my original hiding spot, I had to leave. I scented you dragons, so I came here, hoping you were friendly folk.”

“How did you end up here in the first place, then?” Black Diamond tilted her head.

“My mother sent me down here from the sky, saying it’ll be safer here. I didn’t understand her, so she said there was something brewing in the Dragon Lands. A malice approaching from an island of darkness.”

So her mother knew of the approaching curse as well. Or maybe it’s something else that’s coming later on. But it couldn’t be a coincidence that they both came from an island of darkness.

“The curse.” Blizzard gasped, “Your mother knew of the curse!”

Sky Fire frowned, “What curse?”

We gave her a shortened version of what’s happened in Aelasar. Sky Fire nodded, “That pretty much matches the description of what my mother said. She said ‘Lightning will set the ocean ablaze, the earth will part for fire, and clouds will rain certain death’.”

“Your mother was a good mysterious prophet, that’s for sure.” Blizzard muttered.

“Who is your mother?” I asked.

Sky Fire shook her head, “I vaguely remember. The only thing I remember from her was her prophecy and the warm feeling of her presence. I was taken away to this place when I was no more than three years old, guarded by a guardian spirit that mother sent away with me.”

“Why doesn’t anyone we meet have no idea who or what their parents were?” Imperial muttered.

“Okay, anyways. Sky Fire, do you know a way out of here?” I asked, “Because our homeland desperately needs us, and we’re in a hurry to get back there.”

Sky Fire nodded, “Use the underground tunnels.”

“The what?”

“The underground tunnels.” she repeated, “There’s a huge network of caves that lead you to the distant islands. After you get back to the surface, you can fly away from here.”

“How did you know about the tunnels?”

“I really enjoy exploring.” she shrugged.

“Well, thanks, Sky Fire.” Imperial bowed his head.

“Would you like to come with us?” Black Diamond asked.

Sky Fire hesitated, her eyes filled with sorrow, “I’m sorry, but…” she looked back at the waterfall outside, “I can’t go back. I promised my mother that I will only come back once the curse was broken. I swore upon the soul of the sky that I wouldn’t leave until it was safe.”

“But what if it is? I mean, Rain Bringer Wisdom says that they will attempt the break the curse while we’re gone!” I said.

“I don’t care. My mother will tell me when the Dragon Lands are free.” she looked down at her claws, “Please, let me stay here.”

Imperial glanced at me, then at Black Diamond, “We can’t make her.” he shrugged.

“I’ll lead you to the tunnels.” she offered.

We travelled down the mountain and to the bottom of the waterfall. She nodded towards the rocks, “Go into the waterfall and you’ll see a tunnel that’ll lead you down to the network of caverns and caves. Take the trail with the most crystals. If you get lost, you can probably sniff your way back.”

“Thanks, Sky Fire.” I nodded, “We didn’t know you for long, but hopefully, we would see you again.”

“Not likely.” she shook her head, “After the war, I’ll be heading north, farther into the Human Lands. I’ll stay there for a while. But we might meet again if the curse is broken.”

“Well, thanks anyways.” Black Diamond said, “We really appreciate the help.”

“Aw, I won’t be able to see you again!” Blizzard bumped her head against Sky Fire’s shoulder, “I’ll have no one to play with.”

Sky Fire chuckled, “Don’t worry. There are plenty of young dragons out there that you can play with. It doesn’t have to be me.”

“But you were the first one who treated me so nicely!” Blizzard protested, “I’ll miss you.”

“Me too.” Sky Fire nudged Blizzard’s wing.

“Blizzard.” Imperial prompted, “We have to go.”

“Bye, Sky Fire.” Blizzard said and dipped her head in farewell.

“Good bye, Blizzard.” Sky Fire bowed her head.

I nudged Blizzard into the waterfall, “Come on, we’ve got a long journey ahead.”

Chapter VII

I’ll give you the shorten version of our journey through the tunnels and across the sea.

We were digging our way through the half collapsed tunnels, and it was way too dark to see anything. We ended up burning out tails off just to get enough light for us to see. The ceiling was dripping water, and it tasted of salt, so we knew that we were getting close. But then one of the dragons at the back disappeared and we had to backtrack and get her. Black Pearl, one of the dragons who traveled with Black Diamond and Blizzard, said that this place reminded her of Clan Subterranea’s home. When we asked her when she went to visit, she answered that she never did, and that she heard it from the serpents of Clan Oceanus.

“About her legs…” Imperial mumbled.

“Yeah, what about them?” I didn’t mean to snap, but I just found it a tad bit offensive that he didn’t seem to share what was on his mind. It almost seemed like he was making fun of Sky Fire.

Imperial didn’t even look my way, though, “She… it’s said that Eastern Dragons that have five legs are the true leaders of the Heavens.”

I gaped, “Then… why… why didn’t you tell her?” I demanded.

“I didn’t want to overwhelm her.”

“But…” I shook my head, “it would’ve helped if you told her that she had five legs for a reason, and not that she was deformed?”

Imperial’s shoulders sagged, “I don’t know… I just thought it wouldn’t have been the best thing if I told her then.”

“Why not?” I asked, frustrated.

The gold dragon sighed, “I don’t know, to be honest.” he muttered, “It was just a feeling that held me back, you know?”

“Oh…” I couldn’t think of anything to say, so we just left it there.

Then, there was flying, flying, flying. I hate it sometimes. It just gets very annoying when you have the wind in your face, and you’re flying against the wind. It slows you down, and it’s as if the wind is never in your favor.

When we finally got to the cave of the Avalon Mountain, we were half dead and half exhausted down to the hearts of our bones. But we soon saw how much the curse effected Aelasar. The ocean was the color of oil, and the smell of dead, rotting things clogged up my nose. The island was clouded in smoke and ash, the volcano still rumbled, and the earth still shook. The waves crashed on the cliffs of the Avalon Continent, leaving dead bodies of fish, serpents, and other things on the shores of Avalon. The sky was no longer blue and white, but it was dark gray. The only source of light came from the barrier between the Human Lands and the Dragon Realm. There was no sun, and plants were dying. The storm, I saw, has past, but the thunder still roared, and the lightning still flashed. There was just no rain. The Avalon Continent became a barren rocky chunk of land, with no trees or plants. the mountain itself looked as if it were dying. But despite all this, I still thought Clan Oceanus suffered the most.

We landed at the entrance of the cave, and I saw the dragons pacing back and forth. One one side, I realized they built in springs and wells for water. On the other side, serpents bathed in shallow water with small streams of water pouring onto their bodies. Clan Oceanus never used fresh water unless if it was absolutely necessary. Seeing how they were half dead and barely breathing, I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for the clan of the ocean.

“Nightfall! Black Diamond!” Chrysoberyl cried in delight and almost dropped her stone bowl of water, “You’re back! Thank gods!”

“Why isn’t the curse broken?” I demanded, forgetting my exhaustion.

“Rain Bringer Wisdom couldn’t find a way to persuade Clan Leader Hailstorm or Dust Devil.” a dragon in the back answered, “Hailstorm and her clan have disappeared, and Clan Oceanus is barely surviving.”

My heart weighed down with dread, “You mean that there’s no hope in recovering Aelasar?”

The dragons in the mountain went silent. I saw Lieutenant Fire Agate shaking his head sadly, “I’m sorry, young Nightfall.” he murmured.

Blizzard gasped, and Black Diamond closed her eyes. Imperial’s head hung in front of him, he murmured something inaudible before looking up, “Does Hailstorm have no other kin?”

“Not that we know of.” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz’s voice entered the conversation. He stood on a rock, looking down at us, “But Rain Bringer Wisdom and her dragons are still researching. I trust her for finding an answer.”

I looked around at the serpents, “But what of the serpents here? They don’t have much time!”

“Why not just bring in the sea water from the Human Lands?” Blizzard asked.

Imperial Topaz held up one claw to silence us. “Yes, Nightfall, I am aware of the serpents’ time, and I’m doing everything I can. Blizzard,” he turned to address her question, “the curse prevents us from bringing help from the outside, unfortunately. I’m afraid Hailstorm has thought this through multiple times before taking action.”

Black Diamond must’ve spotted something, because she walked over to one of the pools. I realized that she recognized a serpent.

“Whirlpool!” she breathed.

The pale blue serpent’s scales was the color of the gray sea when the day dulled. He breathed, but he took shallow breaths. I found his gills in the water, opening and closing, making bubbles in the water. His eyes blinked open, “Who… what’s your name again? You seem familiar.”

“Black Diamond.” she replied, “I have a message from Atlantis. I didn’t get to tell you because we were in such a rush.”

Whirlpool coughed, “Well… speak up then…” he rasped.

“You see that hybrid there?” Black Diamond nodded towards me.

Whirlpool’s eyes flickered towards my direction, “Come forward, young dragon.” he said, his voice dry.

I stepped up, looking into his green eyes, which were the color of dried leaves that just fell from the tree, “Whirlpool.” I dipped my head.

He looked back at Black Diamond, “The message, Black Diamond?”

“Former Clan Leader Atlantis wishes for his great grandson to be the deputy once he’s older, and eventually, clan leader.” Black Diamond said quietly.

Whirlpool’s eyes widen slightly, “Clan Deputy, eh?” he rasped, “Good for you, young dragon. I take it that Clan Leader Atlantis was your great grandfather?”

I nodded, “Yes, Whirlpool.”

“Well…” he shifted in the water, “you seem to be the kind of dragon who has spirit. Did Clan Leader Atlantis say anything else?”

“No, just this.” Black Diamond replied.

Whirlpool managed a dry chuckle, “So be it, then. What’s your name, young dragon?”

“Nightfall.”

“Clan Leader Nightfall…” Whirlpool murmured, “Has a nice ring to it. Very well. I’ll appoint you deputy once you’re old enough. I’ll reserve the space for you.” he coughed some more, and I noticed how dry his scales have become.

“Do you need some water?” I asked.

“Oh, rushing out to help already, are you?” Whirlpool sighed and nodded, “I would very much like some, thank you.”

I nodded and went over to the springs. I scooped some water up with a bowl between my teeth. It quivered in my mouth, but I managed to walk steadily towards Whirlpool and cast it over his head.

The clan leader sighed in relief, “Thank you, young one.” he closed his eyes, “You know that you can use your body for holding water?”

I tilted my head. Could my body do such a thing? I’m only a third serpent anyways. “How? I’m not a full serpent, you know.”

He shook his head, “You see your tail? How there’s a web like net there?”

I looked and saw huge webs that curved inwards. “What about it?”

“You put the water in it like it was a bowl, your scales will absorb the water, and if you’re quick enough. You can squeeze it back out.”

I made a face, “Water that’s been in your body?” I said.

Whirlpool shrugged, “You wanted to help, right?”

“Well, I guess I could try. But what if I’m not fast enough?”

The older serpent closed his eyes again, “Then lucky you, and unfortunate us.”

I frowned as I approached the spring again, but I did as I was told. I dipped my tail into the water and pulled it out. The water quickly seeped into my scales, and I felt a cool feeling on the tip of my tail. I half flew back to Whirlpool’s spring and grabbed my tail. I wrung it dry between my talons, but my tail felt sore afterwards. I made another face, “Ow…” I muttered.

Whirlpool laughed. I looked at him, surprised. He laughed out loud! That was a first. “No, no… nice try, but no…” Whirlpool couldn’t keep the grin off his face, “You don’t wrung it dry like other dragons do, Nightfall… you just simply flex your tail.”

I made an O with my mouth, “Oh…” I looked down, feeling embarrassed. How do they expect me to lead a clan full of serpents, when I don’t even know the basics of serpent life?

“It’s alright, you’re still learning.” he shook his head. “But make sure you practice a bit. It may hurt a bit on your first few tries.”

We didn’t have anything to do, so we decided to help out. We had to search for fresh water springs, and find lagoons where the curse hasn’t affected yet (which was impossible, given the fact that the entire continent of Avalon was gray stone).

With each passing day, the sky grew darker. And the distant shrieks of the wyverns would never leave my ears. It was a dark age, literally.

While I was out searching for fresh water, I felt the wind change.

Eastern Dragons. I thought. I stopped in midair and flew back towards the mountain. I hoped that it was Rain Bringer Wisdom, telling us what has happened, and whether or not they’ve found a way to end the curse.

Chapter VIII

Yeah, you guessed right. They didn’t find any kin of Hailstorm, but they did deliver another prophecy.

Dude, why do the Eastern Dragons always want to make us nervous about things that are exaggerated? They’re all like ‘Your sealed doom is coming for you, and you will die unless if you do blah blah blah.” Gods, isn’t any dragon sick of visions and prophecies? I mean, not even half of them are accurate!

Of course, I never had the guts to say anything like that. I’m smart enough to keep my mouth shut.

As Rain Bringer Wisdom spoke, the gleam of hope in Whirlpool’s eyes vanished, replaced by fear.

The SkyPeak clan leader turned towards the Oceanus clan leader, “I’m sorry, Whirlpool. But I’m afraid Aelasar is dying.”

“That cannot be the end!” Whirlpool growled, “My serpents are dying, Wisdom!”

“Well, so are my dragons!” Rain Bringer Wisdom snapped, “But do you see me complaining? No!”

“Alright, both of you, quiet!” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz ordered, “Arguing won’t change the fact that Aelasar is falling apart.”

“If only it will.” Rain Bringer Wisdom muttered.

“What about me?” a small voice piped up.

Everyone turned and revealed Blizzard. Rain Bringer Wisdom frowned, “What do you mean?”

“Am I a wyvern?” she asked.

“I don’t know.” the SkyPeak dragon shook her head, “But what does that have to do with anything?”

“If I’m a wyvern, I must have the ability to reverse the curse, don’t I?”

“You could try, but I’m afraid it won’t work.” Black Diamond said from the back of the cave, “Rain Bringer Wisdom said only wyverns who were related to Hailstorm could undo the curse.”

“Oh…” Blizzard sat back down, “Alright, never mind, then.”

“Wisdom, are Hailstorm’s parents alive?” Whirlpool asked.

She snorted, “Killed by their daughter.” she grumbled.

“Is her only sibling Dust Devil?”

“She doesn’t have any other siblings that I know of.” she replied. “Her older brother, Thunderstruck, died. He was also killed by Hailstorm.”

Whirlpool sighed, “Any nieces? Nephews? Grandchildren?”

“No, I’m afraid not.” Rain Bringer Wisdom shook her head.

“What about her grand parents?” Imperial Topaz tilted his head.

“Dead.”

“Killed?”

“No, died from a disease.”

“Does she have any ancestors?” Chrysoberyl prompted.

“They died in the war.”

I groaned, “Gee, did Hailstorm know of her future and then kill off every family member?”

“Pretty much, yes.” Rain Bringer Wisdom nodded, she probably didn’t know I was being sarcastic.

“So there’s no hope at all? That’s it? It’s the end of the world, and there’s nothing we could do about it?” I demanded, feeling my anger rise.

“Wait!” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz leapt down from the rock and landed silently, “What about the lost egg?”

“What lost egg?” Chrysoberyl and I both asked.

“Thunderstruck’s unborn son.” Rain Bringer Wisdom murmured, “How can I have forgotten?”

“But didn’t Hailstorm crush it?” Blizzard asked, “Why didn’t she?”

“Because she couldn’t. Each wyvern egg is protected by their magics. Hailstorm couldn’t destroy it, so she sent it away.”

“Where?” I got excited again. If we can find the wyvern, persuade it to join our side and defeat Hailstorm… gods, that’ll be my only wish in the whole world.

“No one knew, or lived to tell.”

I slumped. Great, so much for breaking the curse.

“I came from the Human Lands, you know.” Blizzard said quietly.

Rain Bringer Wisdom and Clan Leader Imperial Topaz looked up, “You were born on the Human Lands?” they repeated.

Blizzard nodded, “Yes. I was born there.”

Rain Bringer Wisdom shot to her feet, “Come on, follow me.” she half ran towards the exit.

“But you said it was an unborn son!” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz called.

“There’s no harm in trying.” was all the SkyPeak clan leader shouted back before launching herself into the sky.

Blizzard came back a few days later. Several Serpents have died during their absence. And we were starting to wonder if Rain Bringer Wisdom flew off with Blizzard to a better place.

Then, Blizzard came back. But she looked different. Her scales were shimmering blue and her wings gleamed like fresh ice. She’s grown taller and more muscular as well. Her pale blue eyes were neutral, no longer cheerful.

“What did you do to her?” Imperial breathed.

Rain Bringer Wisdom shook her head, “It was the only way, I’m sorry.” her shoulders sagged.

Blizzard’s icy gaze turned towards me and sent shivers down my spine. I shuddered. Her expression reflected Hailstorm’s.

“Blizzard?” I whispered.

The young dragon clawed at the ground, “Nightfall.” she dipped her head.

“What happened to you?”

“I chose this, Nightfall.” she turned to Imperial, “I thought you’d be happy. You always said I was annoying.”

Imperial gritted his teeth, “Annoying at times, but that didn’t mean I liked you! You were such a cheerful spirit that guided us through dark times! Now… look at yourself! You’re a stern warrior!”

Black Diamond’s eyes glistened. Was it me, or were those tears? The black dragon’s jaw opened and closed, “Blizzard…” she gasped quietly.

The young dragon’s cold eyes gleamed, “Black Diamond.” she bowed her head.

“Why, Blizzard?” Imperial shook his head, as if he wished more than anything in the world to end this, “Why? I don’t understand.”

“The only way to defeat Hailstorm was to become strong myself.” Blizzard explained, her tone suggested that she had no regrets, “Becoming stronger has changed me in some ways, but–”

“Some ways?” Imperial rasped, then, in a piercing shriek, “SOME WAYS? You’re a new dragon, Blizzard! You’re no longer the young cheerful dragon I met in that cave! You’re… you’re this mature general who’s seen too many battles and finds young dragons annoying! It’s not you!”

Blizzard shook her head calmly, she met his gaze unflinchingly, “It was for the good of the clans, Imperial. I had hoped you’d understand how desperate I was.”

“To prove yourself?” the gold dragon growled, “You had nothing to prove! Sure, you were irritating at times, and sometimes you gave into exhaustion too easily, but I never hated you the way you were! In fact, you were a little sister to me.”

“Maybe that wasn’t enough to make me stronger.”

Imperial let out an earthshaking roar, then, in a tone that would’ve scared the old Blizzard away instantly, he snarled, “You were strong the way you were, Blizzard. Judging by how you think now, you’ll become no better than Hailstorm and the wyverns.” he took off into the gray sky.

Blizzard’s face remained neutral, and I suspected that if she showed hurt, it’ll be less painful.

Rain Bringer Wisdom looked up, “What I did to her cannot be revealed, but I assure you, it will not harm her in any way.”

“What do you know about what could hurt her?” Black Diamond hissed, “You SkyPeak dragons are all the same! Only caring for what yourselves, never even bothering to glance at the other clans.”

“The decision was mine, Black Diamond.” Blizzard’s cool voice almost made me wince, “Do not blame Rain Bringer Wisdom for what happened.”

“I’d be surprised if you even have any memories of yourself trampling over me to wake me up.” Black Diamond shook her head in disappointment, “Do you even remember the times when you irritated Imperial and get smacked at?”

“I do.” Blizzard said calmly, “But those days are over now.”

“Listen to yourself, Blizzard!” Black Diamond cried, “You know who you sound like? You sound like Lieutenant Fire Agate! The dragon who all little dragons fear, apart from Clan Leader Imperial Topaz himself!”

“Do I scare you, Black Diamond?” Blizzard asked.

Black Diamond recoiled as if she’s been struck, “You don’t just scare me, Blizzard. You’ve only disappointed me.” she flew off after Imperial.

Blizzard turned me, not showing a single emotion, “Nightfall, do you have anything to say before you leave to join your friends?”

“They’re your friends too, Blizzard.” I murmured.

“I doubt they will come talk to me again after what I’ve done.” Blizzard answered.

“But they’re still your friends. They’ll support you. They’re just shocked, that’s all.” I tried to sound reassuring, but it was hard not to face the fact that I may never talk to her again either.

“I’m sorry if I’ve done the wrong thing.” Blizzard dipped her head, “I thought this was what was best for the clans. Clearly, I was wrong.”

“No, it wasn’t wrong. It was just something that Imperial and Black Diamond weren’t expecting.” I looked up and sighed, “They’ll miss the old you, Blizzard. Maybe it’ll help them if you showed them that you’re old spirit is still in there.”

“I have a battle to fight, Nightfall.” Blizzard said, “But I’ll consider your suggestion, thank you.”

Rain Bringer Wisdom nodded and walked deeper into the cavern. Blizzard followed.

I found Black Diamond and Imperial talking at the peak of Avalon Mountain.

“…you’ve got to believe in her.” Black Diamond’s voice said gently.

“I’m never talking to her again.” Imperial growled.

I stepped into the clearing. They turned, “Nightfall.” Black Diamond greeted me, “Where’s Blizzard?”

“She went to talk to Imperial Topaz or something.” I settled down besides them, “I’m assuming you were talking about Blizzard?”

Imperial dug his claws into the ground, “Yes.” he said darkly.

“I told her that it might help you guys if she showed you that her old spirit isn’t gone.”

“It’s hopeless, Nightfall.” Imperial cut me off, “She’s gone.”

“Well, you gave up quite easily.” Black Diamond muttered.

“Everything she did and said in there was proof.” Imperial insisted.

“You don’t know if she was only trying to help you. To assure you that she could defeat Hailstorm.” I pointed out.

“Help me?” Imperial looked away, “If she was going to help me, why not show me that she’s still there? Instead of putting on a mask of coldness and a stone heart?”

“Blizzard might’ve thought that if you saw her cheerful side, you would’ve believed that we’ve lost because she’s not strong or serious enough to fight Hailstorm.” Black Diamond reasoned.

“I’m not hearing any of this, and nor do I care.” Imperial growled.

“Imperial, we all didn’t ask for this. But remember, it’s Blizzard’s life, and we have no right to control it.” I said.

“Well, if it’s her life, then she’d better take care of it.” he spat.

“She never asked to be the only wyvern on our side, but she is, and now she’s trying everything to keep Aelasar safe. Can’t you just appreciate that?”

“If she hadn’t changed her entire personality, I might’ve.” the gold dragon said darkly.

Black Diamond and I exchanged glances, then I turned to launch myself back into the sky, “I wouldn’t say I understand your pain, Imperial. But at least consider the fact that she sacrificed herself entirely to save Aelasar.”

Chapter IX

We were to accompany Blizzard to Hailstorm’s position. Rain Bringer Wisdom said her dragons have finally tracked her down, and found where Hailstorm was. She occupied a small minor island at the outskirts of Avalon.

“According to wyvern tradition,” Rain Bringer Wisdom said when the island was in sight, “Blizzard is to fight anyone Hailstorm wants until the clan leader herself decides to fight the Blizzard.”

My heart weighed with dread, “What if Blizzard gets killed?”

Blizzard didn’t even blink when she answered, “Then the wyverns win.”

Imperial’s muscles tensed some more.

“How did the wyverns get so powerful?” I asked.

The SkyPeak clan leader sighed, “They cheated their way to power, young Nightfall. Pray that you will never need to do the same.”

“Why not? I mean, it’s not like I’ll do it, but why?” Black Diamond tilted her head.

Rain Bringer Wisdom eyed her with a sad gaze, “It’ll be more pain than you can bear.” was all she offered to say.

We arrived at the island. I never paid much attention to it, but now as I gazed upon the uneven ground, I realized how big it was.

“How is this a minor island?” I muttered to myself.

Black Diamond must’ve overheard me, because she answered, “We weren’t allowed in these places as young dragons, it wasn’t until I turned a hundred did I find out that it was part of the Avalon War camp.

Blizzard leapt onto a nearby rock, “HAILSTORM!” she roared.

A series of screeches echoed off of the hills and rocks. A familiar face appeared from the trees, followed by several other wyverns.

“You dare come back to us?” Dust Devil snarled.

I thought that question was directed to me, so I spat, “Yeah, I dare because you just cursed our entire home land, you swines!”

Hailstorm’s icy gaze pierced into my unwavering eyes, “You’ll shut your mouth, young impulsive brat.” she snapped.

Blizzard got between us, “Hailstorm!” she growled, “I challenge you!”

Hailstorm took one look at Blizzard and her scowl deepened, “You’re suppose to be dead!”

“Well, I’m sorry if I disappointed you.” Blizzard said, her voice full of scathing venom.

“Thunderstruck, you son of a devil.” Hailstorm cursed, then in a voice full of fury, she screamed, “I SHOULD’VE SMASHED YOUR EGG WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!”

“You couldn’t have even if you wanted to. You’ve plotted out your own destruction, how thoughtful.” Blizzard sneered.

I flinched. Why did she have to sound so much like Hailstorm?

“Silence, you cursed snake!” Hailstorm spat, “You haven’t even laid a claw on me yet, what makes you think you’ll win?”

“Your self confidence.” Blizzard retorted.

“It’s not self confidence, my niece, it’s merely pointing out a fact.”

“Also known as self confidence.” Blizzard said calmly.

Hailstorm approached Blizzard, her eyes becoming two subzero storms

The young dragon held her ground firmly, meeting her aunt’s gaze with unwavering eyes.

“It’s your move, young Blizzard.” Hailstorm purred suddenly.

Blizzard didn’t move an inch, she just stood there. Then, before I could finish blinking my eyes, her head shot forward and aimed for Hailstorm’s throat.

The clan leader dodged and sunk her fangs into Blizzard’s chest. The younger dragon let out a frustrated roar and used her front talons to slash open her aunt’s stomach.

Hailstorm, not expecting the attack, let go of her grip and recoiled, “You’re stronger than I imagined.” she mused, “No matter, I should be able to finish you in the next few minutes.”

“Hailstorm?” I called.

Her eyes flickered towards me.

“One of your apprentices taught me something: Never talk to your opponents if you want to win.”

Hailstorm bared her teeth, realizing her mistake, but Blizzard still wasn’t fast enough. Hailstorm darted to one side and scourged Blizzard’s ribs with her spiked tail. A few of the spikes pierced through her scales.

Blizzard jerked around, her face twisted with pain, and yanked the tail out of her flesh between her teeth. Then, she sunk her sharp fangs into Hailstorm’s tail. Hailstorm screeched and jerked out of her grip. Blizzard stumbled forward and fell right into Hailstorm’s talons. Blizzard roared, frustrated and in pain. She leapt out of the grip and levitated herself into the air. Then, she dove down and slashed at Hailstorm’s face. Blood dripped down her pale gray and blue scales. Hailstorm responded with a blast of ice right into Blizzard’s face.

Blizzard screamed and dodged the second attempted icy attack. She froze the outside of a boulder and shoved it down. It rolled and crashed, shattering into huge chunks of ice and rock. Several hit Hailstorm, but most of us had to dodge them as well.

“Blizzard! Watch it!” Imperial yelled.

Blizzard’s eyes flickered towards us just for a moment before fixing back on Hailstorm. She charged the larger dragon and aimed for her throat. Hailstorm thought it was an aim to the head, so she ducked, but Blizzard’s teeth still made a few bloody marks on Hailstorm’s shoulder.

Then, the clan leader grabbed Blizzard’s front talons and yanked her back down onto the hard earth. Blizzard kicked with her hind legs and caught Hailstorm’s jaw. I made a face. Ow, that must’ve hurt.

Hailstorm spat out some blood and rolled to one side as Blizzard attempted to smash her tail against Hailstorm’s spine. Blizzard stopped trying a few moments later and blasted some of her own ice at Hailstorm.

The clan leader ducked and waited for Blizzard to finish before leaping up and swiping her talons at the  young wyvern’s face.

“Why couldn’t Blizzard just break the curse and be done with it?” I muttered.

Rain Bringer Wisdom shook her head, “Unless if she wants the curse to restart all over again. It’s all very complicated, I’ll explain to you later.” she said quickly, a hint of irritation in her voice.

I turned back to watch just to see Blizzard hit Hailstorm’s face with her tail. I wanted to go over there and hug her. Gods, I had wanted to do that so badly. Hailstorm danced away and hissed in pain.

Blizzard hesitated. Black Diamond whispered, “What is she waiting for? Never hesitate, Blizzard!”

Hailstorm clutched the side of her jaw and winced. Blizzard only looked at her for a moment before flying towards her, talons extended.

Hailstorm released her jaw and stumbled back. Blizzard growled as her claws missed Hailstorm’s chest just by a few centimeters. Hailstorm used his opportunity to jerk forward and bite Blizzard’s neck. Blizzard roared.

I noticed Imperial’s claws twitching, his eyes showed almost uncontrollable anger.

Blizzard snarled and twisted her neck. I thought I saw her bones, but it all happened too fast. Blizzard sunk her own fangs into Hailstorm’s neck and I saw a flash of blue and white. Steam came out of Blizzard’s half closed mouth. I paled when I realized it was dry ice, a type of ice that could kill any dragon in a few seconds.

Hailstorm opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. Blizzard released Hailstorm and watched as her aunt fell limp onto the floor. Where Blizzard bit her was a patch of clear ice, blood frozen within it. I tried not to vomit.

Dust Devil was gaping, and so were the rest of the wyverns. Blizzard’s chest was heaving, and her whole body was bloody. On the side of her face was frost and red scales. For a moment, the fear and horror in her eyes reminded me of the old Blizzard, but then she hid it and looked up towards Dust Devil, “Is there anyone else who would fight me?”

Dust Devil extended his wings and hovered down. He showed no emotions when he folded his wings and said, “Who are you, wyvern?” he asked slowly.

“My name is Blizzard, daughter of Thunderstruck and niece to your dead sister.” she answered calmly.

Dust Devil glared at the body of Hailstorm, “Thunderstruck is dead, and his only dragon egg disappeared years ago. How can you be the daughter of Thunderstruck?”

“Hailstorm sent me to the humans.” Blizzard responded.

Dust Devil growled, “Then who took care of you, Blizzard?”

“Imperial did.” she nodded towards the big gold dragon. “Also, according to the Wyvern Tradition, I’m allowed to undo any magics and changes the wyvern I defeated did.”

Dust Devil bared his teeth, “The Wyvern Tradition does not apply to us anymore. It did to our ancestors, but not now.”

“So what laws and regulations do you live be?” Blizzard didn’t even seem shaken by his reply.

“We follow the clan leader, her decisions were our orders. We refuse to obey anyone but the strongest of the clan.” a poisonous green wyvern growled. She flexed her talons, “In this case, you’ve beaten our clan leader, but you haven’t beaten us all yet.”

Blizzard didn’t even look surprised, “What does this… ceremony involve?”

Dust Devil’s eyes glittered, “Thirteen trials. What it involves is forbidden to be spoken of in front of other clan dragons.”

The young wyvern turned back to us and gave us along look, her expression unreadable. Imperial was the first to step up, “Blizzard…” he faltered.

Dust Devil narrowed his eyes, “Once the ceremony has begun, there is no turning back.”

I shook my head, “Can’t you just drop the whole fuss about the curse and be done with it? Hailstorm’s dead!”

The wyverns clenched their jaws, their eyes glowed. The wyvern standing next to Dust Devil hissed, “What we promised to finish would not be given up on until our new clan leader says otherwise.” she growled.

I really hated their stubborn attitude sometimes. Hailstorm was the strongest wyvern in the clan because it was proven by this ceremony. If Blizzard beat Hailstorm, then she could beat any of them.

Rain Bringer Wisdom seemed to have read my mind, because she murmured, “Remember, just because one has been beaten by the other doesn’t mean he or she’s not as skilled, it just means that the victor got lucky that time.”

I hated that quote so much. Especially during a time like this.

“How long do I have to chose?” Blizzard asked.

Part of me wanted to ask her why she had to chose? The whole world of Aelasar was on the verge of destruction, and we didn’t have any time to think. But then I discarded the idea immediately. It was Blizzard’s right to chose. She defeated Hailstorm, and she sacrificed her own personality–perhaps even her own reputation as a friendly dragon– to help Aelasar. And now she was considering to put herself to death if it mean given Aelasar and other dragons a chance to survive. No one deserved a choice more than Blizzard did.

“No time. The choice must be made now.” Dust Devil said firmly.

Black Diamond stumbled forward, “Blizzard, don’t do it. We’ll find some other way. You’ve done enough.”

Blizzard looked into Black Diamond’s icy blue eyes, “But it’s my choice, and it’s my decision. I hate to point it out, but you can’t do anything to change my mind anymore.”

“So you will go through the trials?” Rain Bringer Wisdom shook her head, “After all you’ve been through, you’re sure that you want to risk your life?”

Blizzard nodded, “Yes. And I’ll succeed. You don’t need to worry.”

“Don’t worry?” my voice went uncontrollably high, “Don’t worry? You’re about to die, and you tell us not to worry?”

“It’s her choice, Nightfall.” Imperial murmured.

I gaped at him. He was the last dragon I’d expect to say something like that. Imperial has always loved Blizzard’s playful and carefree side. Not this mature and cold mask she’s put on, hoping it would assure our victory.

Imperial, seeing my shock, shrugged, “She has every right to chose, Nightfall.” he said in a quiet voice.

“What? Why would you say such a thing? You of all dragons!” Black Diamond shook her head.

“I’m supporting her choice, Black Diamond.” Imperial looked at Blizzard, “The choice was a difficult one to make, but at least I’m the first one here to learn that letting go is something everyone needs to do.”

For once, the icy walls in Blizzard’s eyes melted. And for the first time in days, I saw her eyes light up with warmth, “Thanks, Imperial.” she bowed her head, “That meant a lot to me.”

“It wasn’t easy, and I didn’t want to either.” the gold dragon growled.

Blizzard was silent, then, she walked over and did something unexpected. She bumped her head rather playfully against Imperial’s side. Her eyes glittered with amusement when she said, “Good old faithful here’s right, people.” she said and looked up, “You did the right thing… you big lump of flesh and fat!”

Imperial looked shock, but soon, his eyes flared and he recoiled, “Why you little bag of skinny bones!” he growled and swiped a claw at her.

Blizzard danced out of reach and stuck out her tongue. I laughed, then I realized that it was the first time in a little while that I did. Black Diamond joined in as well.

“But it is my choice.” Blizzard said, her tone serious again, “Alright? And don’t you worry. I’ll be fine.”

Imperial shook his head, “But what if you get kil–”

“I would prefer not to think of it right now.” Blizzard interrupted, then her face softened, “You often wonder if I even have any feelings, and that if I’m truly an emotionless, heartless wyvern now?” her shoulders sagged. And I thought I saw the old Blizzard in her eyes. “Well, the truth is: I’m terrified!”

Black Diamond nudged her shoulder gently, “We’re glad to hear that… not that we want you to be scared! But sometimes it’s better to show your emotions than just hide behind that cold mask of yours.”

Blizzard raised an eyebrow, “Cold mask of mine?”

I chuckled, “Alright, that neutral mask of yours.”

“Blizzard!” Dust Devil snarled, “Would you hurry up? We haven’t gotten all day for your good byes. Are you going through the trials or not?”

“Yes, Dust Devil. I’m ready.” that expressionless face came up again as Blizzard turned to face Clan Aeaea’s deputy.

Dust Devil growled before whipping around and sweeping his gaze across the crowds of merciless wyverns clustered behind him, “Get back to the island.” he spread his wings and took off.

Blizzard turned back to us, “I’ll come back.” she said firmly, “And when I do, the first thing I’m doing is summoning a huge rainstorm and make a rainbow afterwards… in the blue sky!”

Imperial bowed his head, “Good bye, Blizzard. And good luck.” he murmured.

I tried for a weak smile, “Try to come back alive. Or if that’s not possible, at least half alive.”

Black Diamond sighed, “You know how much I hate you for this, Blizzard? But I’m going to say good bye anyways. You helped me escape from the humans, and cheered me up at dark times. It won’t be the same without you.” she bumped her shoulder against Blizzard’s.

Rain Bringer Wisdom blinked slowly and dipped her head in farewell, “None have ever possessed your courage, young Blizzard. Aelasar is fortunate to have such a wyvern walk amongst her children.”

Blizzard nodded, “Thank you, Rain Bringer Wisdom.”

Before we could say anything, Blizzard flew off to follow the other wyverns. She disappeared into the thick smoke and was gone.

Chapter X

I curled up in the back of the cave at the bottom of Avalon Mountain. The days were growing darker, and very few serpents are left. Trees died from the lack of sunlight, and the very air we breathed in was ash and smoke.

I was sick of embers, and the color of black and gray. When Blizzard undid this curse, I swore to myself that I was going to stare at the cleansed realm of Aelasar until I fell asleep with my eyes open.

Everyone feared that Clan Oceanus was going to suffer the same fate their ancestors did. Several thousand years ago, according to Black Diamond, the original clan of the sea, Clan SeaBlade went extinct. Black Diamond told me that Clan SeaBlade’s extinction was Clan Avalon’s fault. Clan Avalon declared war against Clan SkyPeak, and because of the war, Clan SeaBlade scattered. All serpents left to live on the outskirts of Aelasar’s oceans. It wasn’t until the end of the war, when one of the forgotten clan leaders brought back Clan SeaBlade. By then, the serpents have devolved traits that separated themselves from the original Clan SeaBlade. Their talons were gone, replaced by a webbed tail. And their eyes adapted to the underwater darkness. Since they were so different from the original serpents, the clan leader gathered all the serpents he could find and named the as the new clan of the sea, Clan Oceanus.

If no serpents survived, then there would be no dragon kind to occupy the sea. Just by thinking about them sent shivers down my spine. I tried not to, but whenever I see the weakened clan leader, Whirlpool, and the others, I couldn’t help but notice that we didn’t have a lot of time left.

The land of Avalon was also dying. The gems that Star Ruby and her dragons have hoarded aren’t gleaming anymore. The gemstones of the earth are a symbol of it’s life, I heard the elder dragons say once, if they’re not gleaming like stars, then the earth is dying.

Somewhere above the clouds of smoke and ash, I could feel the life of SkyPeak wavering as well. Rain Bringer Wisdom refuses to speak of her clan’s status, but I noticed the haunting gleam in her eyes. Clan SkyPeak was weakening as well.

No one spoke of childhood memories anymore, and no one even dared to speak of the dying Clan Leader, Whirlpool, in front of the serpent himself. But I heard Black Diamond speaking to him in a lowered voice. I couldn’t help but listen.

“… we cannot ignore the possibility, Whirlpool.” Black Diamond said quietly.

The pale blue serpent rasped, “I know, Black Diamond.” he squeezed his eyes shut and shuddered. His tongue seemed parched, “I know… but I’m the leader of Clan Oceanus. I must cling onto what hope we have.”

The black dragon sighed, “I found this by the shore.” she presented him a small conch shell.

His eyes widen, “Black Diamond…” his voice cracked, “A shell? Where did you find it?” he shifted so he could get a better look.

Black Diamond’s gaze flickered towards the cave entrance, “It washed up somewhere. I don’t know. But I know you value these things, especially during a time like this.”

Whirlpool sighed and nestled his head a few centimeters above the water, “You’ve worked harder than any other dragon in this clan to keep us alive. I thank you, Black Diamond.”

She placed it besides him and turned. She noticed me and walked over. I looked down at my own talons, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but eavesdrop.”

Black Diamond shook her head, “It’s alright, Nightfall.” she looked over her shoulder and sighed heavily, “Whirlpool won’t live much longer if the curse isn’t undone soon.” she said in a dark voice.

“Who would take clan leadership after him?” I knew I was suppose to be the clan deputy and clan leader when I was old enough, but I wasn’t. Clan Leader Atlantis didn’t expect the curse to come this far, so I didn’t know if I was still going to be clan leader.

“If Clan Leader Whirlpool dies, Nightfall,” she looked into my eyes, her icy blue eyes darkened, “there won’t even be a clan.”

“How many serpents are still living, Black Diamond?” I asked.

Black Diamond’s gaze sunk to the floor, “Fifteen.” she said. Were those… tears in her eyes?

I looked over her shoulder and found Whirlpool watching us. He blinked slowly before looking away. I frowned, “Whirlpool was staring at us.”

“Was he?” Black Diamond looked back.

Whirlpool’s eyes flickered up and met her gaze briefly before faltering back down onto the rippling surface of the water.

I frowned some more, “Were… are you two friends now or something?”

Black Diamond shook her head, “It’s best not to talk about it here.” she nodded towards the cave entrance, “Let’s go outside for a moment.”

We did, and it wasn’t a very good view either. Thunder shook the earth itself, and I longed to dig myself all the way down to Clan Subterranea’s territory.

Once we were gliding above the ocean, Black Diamond said quietly, “Whirlpool may be the last clan leader Oceanus or any sea serpent would ever see. I’m trying my best to make sure he dies with honor and dignity. But it’s hoped that he would not die at all.”

Well, duh! I was temped to say that, but I held my tongue and continued to listen.

“He doesn’t have a lot of friends, you know.” she murmured, “Whirlpool is the sort of serpent that gets rejected because of how he thinks, and how he acts. He’s different, but I understand him.”

I frowned, “How? You have friends!”

Black Diamond looked down at the black and gray murky water, “Two friends out of an entire clan. I’ve never really been complimented or spoken to. The only reason why Enstatite and Fire  Opal accepted me was because we hatched together. And we’ve known each other before we could even think or walk properly.” she hesitated, “Whirlpool was chosen deputy because it was his strategy that lead the serpents to victory when they were fighting the third war against Clan Aeaea.”

“Then wouldn’t that solve the problem?”

Black Diamond shook her head, “No. Just because you’re a Clan Leader and a good dragon doesn’t mean that you’re charismatic, Nightfall.”

I never thought about that. I’ve always assumed that leaders were loved or feared. Whirlpool turned out to be neither. “So… was Atlantis his friend?”

Black Diamond shrugged, “Atlantis was his godfather. Whirlpool’s own father died in war, but was a good friend of Atlantis’s. His mother, on the other hand, didn’t want him as a son.”

I winced, “Ouch.”

“He lost most of his family, as I lost my brother, to the enemy.” Black Diamond sighed, “We have much in common, and that’s why I offered to share his burden.”

We were silent before she asked, “Can you tell me anything about your family?”

I eyed her, “What is there to tell?”

“I don’t know.” she shrugged, “Anything interesting? Do you remember anyone who cared for you?”

“I’ve already told you about Iceburg.” I mumbled, “I have no memory of my mother or my father.”

“Nothing? Not even a warm presence like Imperial’s own parents?” Black Diamond asked.

“Nope.”

She sighed, “Why do I have the feeling that I’m the only dragon here who knows my family?”

When we arrived back at Avalon Mountain, I found Rain Bringer Wisdom talking to Clan Leader Imperial Topaz and Clan Leader Whirlpool.

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz spotted us and he flicked his tail, “Nightfall! Come over here!”

I frowned, but did as I was told. I saw Whirlpool clutching something with his long snake like body. His gills were barely opening and closing like they should. His eyes were dull and gray. I saw how dry his scales were.

“Clan Leader Whirlpool?” I whispered.

The serpent only gasped for breath. Clan Leader Imperial Topaz’s gaze darken, “Nightfall, Whirlpool would like to speak with you.”

I turned, “Yes? What is it?” I leaned down.

The clan leader rasped, “Nightfall…” he coughed and sputtered, “Clan Oceanus’s fate lies in your talons, young Nightfall. If I die, I want you to raise us back up.” he presented what he was holding onto. It was a single pale blue egg. The surface was smooth and wet. “This is one of the last five eggs in the clan… they will survive, but I’m afraid us serpents won’t have much time left.”

Rain Bringer Wisdom pressed her snout against Clan Leader Whirlpool’s forehead, “Save your strength, Whirlpool.” she turned back to me, “There’s still no news of your friend, Blizzard, Nightfall. I’m sorry.” 

Clan Leader Imperial Topaz looked out at the black sky. The only source of light came from the rumbling volcano on the island Aeaea. Lava still sputtered from the mouth of the mountain. The water around the dark island was steaming and boiling. “Gods, help us.” he whispered.

I’ve never seen a clan leader afraid before, but if he’s afraid, then we’d better be flying our tails off. “What would become of Aelasar, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz?” I dared to ask.

Rain Bringer Wisdom answered. “Nothing.” she bowed her head, “It would be a chaotic realm until there’s nothing Aelasar has left to give.”

“Do we need to fly for the Human lands?” I asked.

“No. Dragon blood runs through this land. If we were born here, then we’ll die here.” Clan Leader Imperial Topaz said firmly.

Black Diamond joined us, “What about Clan Subterranea?” she nodded towards the cave opening, “We could go ask them for help.”

“Clan Subterranea is an independent clan, Black Diamond. They stand on neutral ground, and I’m afraid they will side with no one.” Rain Bringer Wisdom murmured.

“Besides, there’s nothing they can do. Their territory is affected as much as ours.” Chrysoberyl called from the other side of the cave.

I looked around and found Imperial curled up in the corner. His eyes staring at the ground. I walked over to him and prodded his side with my nose, “Hey, you still alive?”

Imperial blinked, “Yes.” his voice muffled.

I settled down besides him, “So what now?”

“What now?” he raised his head, “We wait for Blizzard to win.”

“But it’s been days, perhaps even weeks, since Blizzard promised us!” I had a nagging feeling in the back of my head that the young wyvern didn’t succeed. But I pushed that thought away. If she can defeat Hailstorm, then she could finish the thirteen trials.

“Do you have faith in her?” Imperial asked me.

I paused, but it was brief, before I nodded, “Yes, I do.”

He laid back down, “Then, she’ll succeed.”

We were silent, then Imperial spoke up in a grave voice, “Three more serpents died, Nightfall.” he mumbled.

That leaves twelve more serpents. I sucked in a sharp breath, “Three more died?” I shook my head, “To be honest? I don’t think they’ll make it.”

“What about that egg Whirlpool charged you to take care of?” Imperial asked.

I shrugged, “I’m no father. I’m barely fifty years old!”

Just when I hoped we could stop talking about death, Clan Leader Imperial Topaz and Rain Bringer Wisdom climbed onto the rock. The Avalon clan leader’s eyes were full of sorrow, “Clan Leader Whirlpool is dead.” he announced in a grievous voice.

Epilogue

I stared out at the dark, black sea. A few days ago, they announced Whirlpool’s death, and after that, another two serpents died. That left ten serpents and five eggs that stood for Clan Oceanus. But when I looked at the black waves that lapped at the gray shores, I didn’t even dare to think there would be a Clan Oceanus anymore.

Black Diamond mourned over the clan leader’s body until her eyes had no tears left. Rain Bringer Wisdom gave a speech, naming the accomplishments of the dead clan leader, and how his spirit would travel to an ocean where peace reigned and where nothing perishes. She thanked him for succeeding Atlantis’s and Oceanus’s legacy.

I sighed and tore my gaze away from the darkness of Aelasar. I didn’t even feel angry at the wyverns anymore. Anger or hate wouldn’t undo the curse. The only wyvern who had that ability was Blizzard. And I was pretty sure she was dead, too.

The view within the cave wasn’t very satisfying either. Dragons who were half dead of dehydration and exhaustion filled the cavern. Clan Leader Imperial Topaz was sitting in the back, his eyes closed and his breaths turned into short gasps. The air was no longer safe to breath in. There was too much ash and smoke from the constant eruptions that the volcano made.

Imperial and Black Diamond were keeping the last surviving serpents hydrated while the entire clan of Avalon were either tending to the sick and elder, or speaking in lowered voices.

“Nightfall?” Black Diamond’s voice said quietly behind me.

I turned, “What is it, Black Diamond?” I didn’t even bother to muster up what enthusiasm I had left (I didn’t have any anyways).

“You know you have to become Clan Leader, right?”

I shook my head, “No, I don’t. Not yet, at least. Clan Oceanus needs an experienced serpent. Who was the deputy after Whirlpool?” I asked.

“Harp.” she sighed, “She was the one who accepted our gifts to Clan Leader Atlantis a moon or two ago.”

“Is she still alive?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s settled. She could be clan leader until I’m old enough.” I shrugged, not wanting to talk about this anymore.

“But Clan Leader Atlantis wished for you to be clan leader after Whirlpool.” Black Diamond pointed out gently.

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my frustration at bay, “No, Black Diamond. I can’t be clan leader yet. I’m too young.”

She eyed me, “Does your age matter?”

“Of course it mat–” I stopped myself. Then I frowned, “What are you trying to tell me?”

Black Diamond gave me a long look, “Your age doesn’t matter. Your experience and wisdom does. Sure, letting a young dragon lead isn’t the best idea. But Clan Leader Atlantis saw great potential within you. You wanted him to die in peace? Well, here’s your chance to make sure he does.”

I huffed. To take on the role of clan leader? That was a huge responsibility, and I can’t even wake myself up in the morning. I always waited until the last possible second before getting up. And there were still so many Oceanus customs that I needed to learn.

Black Diamond’s expression soften, “I know it’ll be hard. But try to think about it, alright? Do it for Whirlpool and Atlantis.” she walked off.

I looked at my own talons and claws. What was I capable of doing? I could fight, but what about tactics? And leadership? Imperial always teased me about how I can become a great tactician, but I knew he was just joking. And when we escaped the oil dipped cave, I had no clue about what was going on.

But then on the other hand, I had more experience with humans and wyverns. I could guide the serpents out of danger if I was smart enough.

I looked at the murky sea. The stench of death clogged up my nose. Seeing all this made me want to go back in time and slaughter every wyvern that ever lived. I didn’t even care if they were innocent, I just wanted them dead.

I thought of Clan Leader Atlantis. He has wanted peace for his entire life, and he never asked for this curse. He never even got what he wanted the most: serenity. His wish was simple, see to it that the ocean’s rage was calmed once again.

Then I thought of Whirlpool. He was only clan leader for a few weeks, and yet he was going to give up everything to his clan like a true leader. This proved how determined he was, and how far he was willing to go to save his clan.

Lastly, Blizzard came into my mind. Heck, she sacrificed her own personality and reputation as a friendly dragon to persuade the dragons of Aelasar that they were going to win this battle. As if that weren’t enough, she challenged the clan leader of the wyverns. Then she decided to go through the thirteen trials almost without hesitation. She gave up everything for this slim chance of survival, yet she did it willingly. She was, without question, the bravest dragon and wyvern I’ve ever met in my life.

“I’m doing it.” I said aloud, my voice firm and determined, “I accepted the role as Clan Leader of Clan Oceanus.”

The next day, I saw a ray of pale golden sunlight in the midst of Aelasar’s darkness. That was when I saw the first flash of turquoise upon the dreary face of the vast ocean.