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Chapter 5:

The Second King of Dragos.

A week passed since the possession of Blaze Kindle, and it seemed the news spread like wildfire. Everyone within the Fire Region talked about it, and Raz assumed that the spirit would only gain strength. Raz had no idea where the ghost had gone or what it was doing at this particular moment. Moreover, he was sure that more Dragons were starting to feel on edge because one never knew who was next. Raz knew it was possible to prevent such possession if one trained. However, this evil spirit was not his primary concern.

The spirit, Raz figured, was just a precursor to what was coming. Possession was just a way of wreaking havoc on an otherwise peaceful race and drive them to turn on one another. For a race in chaos is easily conquered.

This was the most disturbing thing Raz had ever thought of, but it seemed to make sense. Everything that happened and everything Raz read points to a breaking down of the Barrier of Strife, The Dark Angel.

Raz put it from his mind as he laid in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling and listening to the night.

Mazial was fast asleep in the next room, and Raz could hear him snore through the wall. Raz wondered how he could be so calm at a time like this or get any sleep at all. He sat up in bed and looked around his very spacious room, decked out in the Fire Region colors and emblems.

Raz got up and walked over to a basin with a pitcher of water set next to it on a light golden wooden stand. The mirror reflected his image at him and poured out some water into a silver chalice, taking a sip while taking in the golden tile floor.

Raz walked over to the window next to his bed and had it open to let in the warm summer air. He sat at his desk on the other side and contemplated everything that happened so far, but the more he tried, the more the thoughts slipped from his grasp.

The light breeze drew his attention to the roll of parchment on the desk that said the graduation ceremony would occur the day before Michael's Day. Raz knew that it was tomorrow and, yet, sleep still evaded him. No matter what assurances his family and friends made to him, Raz couldn't help but think that this was his fault.

Raz stood as his nightshirt blew in the breeze and felt the wind splash over him. He almost wanted to stay in this moment forever because he felt free of the constant worries that came to mind. However, he was brought out of his reverie by his brother's snorts from the next room.

Raz laid back down and relaxed his mind, falling into an uneasy sleep.

The rest of the night, Raz dreamed of many things. He dreamed he was back in the cave, fighting the Colossus and losing. He tried with all his might to save his friends and family, but one by one, they were set upon the stone Alter and killed.

Raz felt trapped within his mind and couldn't do anything about it while the souls of his loved ones taunted him endlessly.

"You let us down, Raz!"

"You are not a leader; you are a fake!"

"Raz, I trusted you. How could you betray me?"

"Raz, just give up. You will never defeat the darkness."

Then, Raz felt himself falling and saw the ground open up like the jaws of a massive predator with razor-sharp teeth. He screamed out as he felt someone shaking him.

"Raz! Raz! Come on, wake up!" Maz said as Raz's eyes suddenly opened and bolted upright in bed.

Raz realized he awoke in a cold sweat and looked around the room quickly before resting his eyes on Maz.

"What happened?" Raz asked as sunlight spilled through the windows and illuminated the room.

"That is a question I should be asking you. That must've been some dream." Maz said as Raz looked puzzled and swung his feet around.

"Well, I expect everyone has nightmares," Raz said as he got up and went over to the basin again.

"Did you want to tell me about it?" Maz asked as Raz poured water into the basin and grabbed a washcloth.

Raz wanted to tell his brother everything he saw in the dream and to confide in him about his feelings with everything that had taken place. Nevertheless, Raz didn't want to spoil the day just because he'd had a bad dream.

"I'm alright. It was just a bad dream, is all. Probably from overeating of mother's cooking." Raz jested.

"Well, I hope you don't hate my cooking too bad." Said a voice from the door as Raz and Maz jumped to see Sarah standing there beaming at her two sons.

"Oh no, mother. That wasn't what I meant. I love your cooking. I just..."

"... overeat. Yes, well, you are a growing Dragon after all." Sarah said as she patted her son on the shoulder.

"You two need to hurry up and get dressed. It is mid-morning, and it will take us quite some time to travel to the Supreme Region. I have breakfast ready downstairs." She said and left her sons to get ready.

Raz and Maz looked at each other with a humorful smile as Raz said, "Well, I suppose we better get ready."

He splashed himself with water and went to work with the washcloth. Soon, they were both dressed and went down to breakfast. The house they lived in resembled a Colonial Manor and was quite massive.

As Raz and Maz walked down the hall, Raz noticed his ancestors' paintings on the wall, hoping that he would live up to their standards. They reached the stairs and made their descent. At the bottom, Raz saw the writing desk sitting next to the door as it always had and remembered playing in the chair as a child. He would pretend to be doing something important, but now, it was going to be.

Raz shook his head free of these memories because he knew they were useless. Today was a special day because he and his classmates were about to graduate from their academy. Everyone Raz had known was going into their careers and hoped that he could protect them all with all of his heart.

He and Maz walked into the dining room to see their mother had put out breakfast for them and their father, Miles. They both took a seat at the end of a long golden-stained table.

Miles was eating some porridge and going over reports and news scrolls from around the region. He seemed a little displeased with some of the reports, and Raz wondered if it wasn't more spirits trying to creep in.

Miles looked up from his papers and smiled as he said, "Morning, boys! Are you ready to graduate?"

Both Raz and Maz nodded, dressed in their finest clothes that consisted of a white shirt with an eight-pointed star embossed on the right side at the chest. The sleeves were long with golden trim on the cuffs and collar as the shirt was tucked into black leather pants.

"Raz, your coronation is next week, right?" Maz asked as Raz nodded.

"Yes, it will be done on Trove and at dusk. Though, I'm not sure why King Zallerferd is retiring. He has done a great job, and I think he has a few more years." Raz said.

Miles looked up from the news scrolls and considered Raz carefully before saying, "I understand you're nervous, but it was agreed by Michael that once an heir has reached eighteen that he should take over. This is, so the previous king retires early enough to enjoy the rest of his remaining life as a reward for his service. You should be happy, Raz."

"I am...mostly. I just hope I do live up to King Zallerferd's expectations," Raz said as Sarah, Miles, and Maz looked at him. They all knew where this was coming from and always trod lightly on this topic.

"You'll be fine. Well, we had better get going. Don't want to miss the ceremony," Miles said as Raz wolfed his porridge and followed everyone out onto the patio. Maz gave a smile to Raz as they all kicked off from the ground and took flight.

There was an odd moment when it seemed that Raz could see what Maz was thinking. Like looking into a window and seeing what was happening on the inside. It felt very strange to Raz just how much Maz and he thought alike and how different. Nevertheless, as fast as it came, it was gone.

They were flying high now within the Jetstream of the planet, and Raz couldn't help feeling free up here. All the doubt, all the worry melted away from him and thought, "This might be useful as King."

The two suns were already high in the sky, and Raz knew everyone in the Supreme Region would be getting ready for the graduation ceremony. The prospect of graduating incredibly excited Raz and becoming king even more. He prayed silently for strength and courage not to make the same mistakes again.

Soon, everyone saw the Pearl Tower shimmering in the sunlight as the grounds were littered with Dragons. Raz knew that the annual holiday, Michael's Day, was only in two days, and they would be staying in the guest rooms of the Pearl Tower for the next two days.

They made their descent and landed just beyond the massive crowd of Dragons who were trying to get in the front gates. Sarah adjusted her silver dress that sparkled in the sunlight as Miles dusted off his Governor's uniform of a red vest worn over a white shirt. It matched perfectly with his black pants and belt that hugged his hips.

"We're going to be late for our graduation at this rate," Raz said as he looked over the crowd.

Suddenly, they all heard a voice from up above and saw General Whirlwind smiling down at them and said, "Hold on! I'll get you through."

General Whirlwind put his hands to his maw and sucked in air. Raz immediately knew what he was about to do and covered his hearing tubes. Maz must've seen this, too, because Raz saw him mimic the action.

When General Whirlwind exhaled, his voice was amplified three-fold and said, "OI, MAKE WAY FOR GOVERNOR DRAKKEN AND HIS FAMILY!"

Everyone jumped at this and quickly moved aside to permit them through. Raz had never felt more embarrassed in his life as everyone smiled at him but could tell they were startled by the shout. However, Maz was laughing, and soon, Raz joined him.

Raz turned his head back towards the guard tower and waved his hand in thanks to General Whirlwind. He and Maz went over to a tent set up for the graduates. The tent was white with the eight-pointed golden star on its roof as all graduates gathered around it. Some chairs lined the inside of it as everyone was checking in with the receptionist.

After saying goodbye to their parents, Raz and Maz took their place in line, who went to their seats in the Grand Courtyard. Raz was nervous, and Maz seemed to pick this up and said, "Will you calm down?! You've faced way worse than this."

"I know. It's just the excitement has mixed with my nerves," Raz said as he took a deep breath.

"Don't tell me you're this nervous, Raz," said a deep voice behind him with a slight accent.

Raz turned around to see Rocky standing there grinning widely and said, "Rocky! How are you?"

Maz turned around with a start and beamed at Rocky, who said, "Oh, I'm fine--just been thinking about starting with my father's Forest Caretakers. I start on Draco in two weeks. Just in time to see you crowned King, Raz."

"I'm glad to hear it," Raz said.

"Hey! There's Buckner!" Maz said, and sure enough, Buckner was talking to Iris River. She had long brown hair past her waist and wore the same uniform as the males, but the shirt flowed down like a short dress over the black leather pants and boots.

"Hey, Buckner!" Maz shouted as Buckner looked up and smiled as he excused himself from his conversation with Iris.

"Greetings, all. How are you?" Buckner said politely as Raz, Maz, and Rocky all told him how they were and their plans after graduation, except Raz, for which everyone knew.

"Yeah, father and I have been redesigning the aqueducts for So-Lar City. They seem to get clogged when too many rainfalls. Otherwise, it's been easy sailing. You?" Maz said as Buckner smiled.

"Now that you mention it, I was invited by King Zallerferd to join you, Raz as an advisor. Pending your approval, of course." Buckner said.

Raz's face lit up with excitement, and he said, "Absolutely! I welcome your wisdom and value you not only as an advisor but as a friend."

"Spoken like a true King and friend," said a low tenor voice as they all turned around and saw Kyle leaning against the nearest pillar to them.

"Kyle!" They all shouted as Kyle came over and shook hands with them all.

"So, I take it that your father's been training you pretty hard," Raz said as Kyle nodded.

"I don't blame him. He tells me if I want to be Head General of the Supreme Region someday that I need to train night and day," Kyle said proudly.

"Well, you definitely will. I haven't fought anyone as tough as you," Raz said as the Wind Dragoness sitting at the table yelled, "Next!" and Maz went over to her. He leaned on the table as he tried to flirt with her.

"Yes, that was a good fight. However, my father told me afterward that in most cases, brains will come out on top," Kyle said as he smiled at the sight of Maz trying to flirt, to which the Wind Dragoness shot him down.

Raz smiled as Maz slowly left the table and stood by Buckner as the Wind Dragoness said, "Next!"

Raz went up and smiled at her as she said, "You're not going to flirt with me, too, are you?"

"I wouldn't dream of it, and I do apologize for my brother." Raz said as he leaned closer and whispered, "He's a hopeless romantic."

"I heard that!" Maz said as Buckner and Kyle chuckled.

She cracked a smile and said, "Yes, I can see that. Well, I hope your graduation goes well."

Raz nodded as he sighed his name on the parchment list and walked over to where Buckner, Maz, and Kyle were waiting. The rest of the class checked in as a Water Dragon, the academy's headmaster, came into the tent. He started rearranging the students to be in the proper order to which Raz didn't know. Most likely seating.

Raz saw Amber over by Blaze Kindle as she looked up and smiled. Blaze looked up after she tapped his shoulder and let a sheepish grin crack across his face. Raz was glad to hear that he passed Tactics Training despite the spirit taking over his body. In some way, he felt odd when Blaze was around and couldn't place what it was.

Raz put it from his mind as Dragons were having their names called, walking across the stage and grabbing their rolled-up piece of parchment with a ribbon attached. He listened as he heard the names of his friends and brother go before him.

Soon, it was his turn to go across the stage, and he saw his vision go fuzzy a bit before returning to normal. Raz walked up on stage, shaking hands with the headmaster, and walked off the other side.

Raz stood next to his brother as the rest of the ceremony proceeded for half an hour more. Blaze and Amber were standing right in front of Raz as his vision began to fade again. Then he felt lightheaded and heard the crowd erupted into cheers.

Everything within Raz's vision blurred more, and the sound became muffled as if he was underwater. He felt himself falling and blacked out as the ringing in his head was deafening. Then all he remembered was darkness.

It was dark all around Raz as he tried desperately to see through the blackness. He tried to breathe fire, but even that was lost to him.

"Hello?" Raz said as his voice echoed off into the emptiness.

Suddenly, a light is shown upon a small pedestal and saw a crystal orb resting on a silver silk pillow. As Raz drew closer, the children's chanting came to him, reciting what sounded like a repeatedly saying poem, coming from the orb.

"Who is there?" Raz asked as he felt a cool breeze brush across his naked form except for a loincloth.

"Razial Drakken! Please come and touch The Orb of Prophecy. You must know your destiny," said a low male voice from the orb.

Raz slowly put his hand upon the surface of the orb and heard from the sphere, "Listen to my words, Razial Drakken, and know they are true. You must understand your task and your brother must understand his:

The Two shall come,

Against evil, they rise,

One to rule a Kingdom,

The other at his side,

They shall not rest,

'til they passed the test,

The Two shall obtain power,

To conquer evil's might,

With the power of heaven's light.

"Wait! What does that mean?" Raz asked as he started to feel warm all over and heard several voices speaking all at once.

Raz slowly opened his eyes to see several worried faces standing over him inside one of the tents.

"What happened?" Raz asked as he slowly sat up and looked around.

"Well, you passed out. I would say it's from the heat, but Fire Dragons rarely suffer from heat exhaustion." Said Nurse Gailheart as Raz took a drink of water from a flask she handed him.

"Raz! Are you alright?!" Sarah came rushing in with Miles in tow.

"Yes, Mother. I just got dizzy all of a sudden. How long was I out for?" Raz asked.

"About five minutes," Maz said as everyone looked worried.

Raz got up slowly and brushed himself off as he said, "I'm alright. I think it's because I looked at the suns wrong."

Everyone looked at Nurse Gailheart, who shrugged and said, "He appears fine to me other than a fainting spell. However, I would advise you, Mr. Drakken, to take it easy today."

Raz nodded as Nurse Gailheart went back to the Pearl Tower, and he looked around to his friends, who still seemed worried.

"I'm alright. I promise. Let's have fun and walk around the festival. It might do me some good," Raz said as Rocky, Kyle, Maz, Buckner, Amber, and Blaze went with him.

Miles and Sarah decided to stay with a couple of friends and told Raz to take it easy. He waved as they set off down the stone path.

"Oh, there's Iris. I promised I would meet her after the ceremony," Buckner said as he went off in another direction.

Raz and everyone laughed as he saw Maz up ahead talking with Amber. It was sort of strange, but Amber and Mazial seemed to be flirting with one another, to Raz's relief. He didn't know how to tell her that he wasn't interested, but that problem seemed to have solved itself.

"Hey, Kyle! Come on, son! We need to celebrate!" General Whirlwind said.

"Alright, I'm on my way. I'll see you in a bit," Kyle chirped as he went off with his father.

They walked down a little further when they came to a tent demonstrating how to take care of plants. Rocky saw this and went right to it, striking up a conversation with the other Terrain Dragon behind the booth. Raz knew from experience that once Rocky starts talking about plants and animals, it doesn't stop for a long time. So, Raz was left with Maz and Amber, who were too deep in conversation to notice anything else and Blaze.

Blaze was quiet this whole time, just as Raz was, and the two didn't say anything until Blaze broke the silence.

"Razial?" Blaze said with a surprisingly light baritone voice.

"Yes?" Raz said.

"I never really thanked you properly for saving me from that horrible spirit."

"Don't mention it. I'm sure you would have done the same for me." Raz said as he felt his heartbeat quicken in his chest. Why was he feeling like this?

"Of course, I only wish to get to know you a little better and not take secondhand information," Blaze said as Raz's respect for him grew considerably.

Raz had never felt like this before, and even worse, he wasn't sure about these kinds of matters. However, he seriously doubted anyone would shun him and would most likely embrace him for it.

"I would like that," Raz said the words before he could stop them.

Blaze looked at him with a smile and said, "Shall we have dinner, then? Say tonight, or do you have plans with your family?"

"Oh, no. It's fine. Tonight would be great!" Raz said as he could feel his heart going a thousand miles per second.

Raz never before had considered being with anyone. Especially with anyone of his gender, the more he thought about it, the more it seemed fitting.

"Then, I shall see you at sunset." Blaze said as he and Amber, who took notice, walked off together.

Raz caught up with Maz as they walked a little way before Maz said, "So, what are you going to wear for your dinner with Blaze?"

Raz looked up with trepidation on his face as Maz chuckled and said, "I overheard while I was talking to Amber. She wants me to go to dinner, as well. If you like males, then I support you. Hell, I support you on most all things, so you don't have to worry, and our parents will love you no matter what."

"Well, that's a relief. I didn't understand it myself until I started talking to Blaze. Anyway, I have something more pressing to tell you." Raz told Maz everything that appeared in the dream and the prophecy that the orb told him about.

"But...You don't think the prophecy was about us, do you?" Maz asked as Raz stopped and thought about that for a moment.

"I can't think of any other two it could mean. King Zallerferd told me once that it was extremely rare the way you and I hatched out of one egg. I believe you and I are the key to stopping whatever evil that may be coming." Raz said.

"But how? I mean... The power of heaven's light. What does that mean?" Maz asked as Raz shook his head.

"I don't know. It could be referring to the place Michael's from. But there again, Michael told us that we must grow on our own, so I think we might already have what we need. Just a guess." Raz said quickly as Maz showed signs of interrupting.

Raz could see Maz looked troubled by this and clapped a hand on his shoulder. Maz looked up to see Raz smiling at him and said, "Come on, Maz. Let's grab some lunch, and you can help me get ready for tonight."

"Alright! Maybe we can get more information after the holiday." Maz chirped as they walked over to a food vendor and ordered.

Deep in the Dark Realm, Strife stands over a pit with an Angelic Seal on top of it. He had his arms spread out and eyes closed as he started summoning his powers with a low drone of a chant.

Strife smiled and said, "Come forth, my Four Horsemen! Come and serve your master!"

There was a low rumble as the ground beneath his feet began to shake. The seal started to bellow black smoke up into the darkness when, suddenly, there was a loud CRACK like thunder. The seal has split down the center and vanished as the cries of the Horsemen were heard. Slowly, four enormous billows of smoke, revealing only red glowing eyes, stood before Strife.

"My brothers! The time is nearly at hand. The barrier is almost down, and we need you to push it the rest of the way. We need to send a message to those scaly reptiles that their days are numbered. That this will be the end of their pathetic existence." Strife said with a manic look on his face.

There was a tremendous roar from the Four Horsemen that stood in front of Strife. Now, he would have his revenge on Michael for the imprisonment so many eons ago at long last.

The afternoon soon gave way to early evening as Raz and Maz found their way back to the guest rooms of the Pearl Tower. They had a room all to themselves, and Raz dressed in his deep red collared shirt with a black leather belt buckled at his waist. A golden dagger was tied to the belt on the right side as he adjusted his black leather pants.

Raz was constantly checking himself in the mirror to see if anything was out of place. He had told his parents about Blaze asking him to dinner, and they seemed a little bewildered but supported his decision. Raz figured they just wanted to see him happy and was thanking the heavens above for great parents. Now it was nearly time as he kept checking.

"Would you stop fussing? You're making me nervous. You look fine." Maz said as he laid on his bed, tossing a ball up into the air. He laid there with only a pair of cut-off shorts on and had the window open. His dinner with Amber wasn't until tomorrow night because Amber wanted to celebrate with her family tonight.

"Sorry. I can't help it." Raz said as Maz looked out the window.

"Well, you might want to get going. It's almost sunset." Maz said thoughtfully as Raz nodded.

Raz felt like he had knots in his stomach as he walked over to the door and opened it just as Maz said, "Good luck, bud."

Raz cracked a smile and saluted Maz with two fingers, walking out the door after.

Raz began descending the stairs and thought, "This is stupid. Why am I feeling this way? I have no reason to be nervous, and yet, I am... But at the same time, I'm excited. I hope dinner goes well. I don't want to embarrass myself."

Raz was so lost in thought that he was outside and standing in front of Blaze's tent before he realized it. He looked incredibly nervous at this point as he grasped the golden pocket watch around his neck. He took a deep breath to calm and announced himself.

Blaze stuck his head out of the tent flap and smiled when he saw Raz standing there and said, "Please, come in."

Blaze disappeared back into the tent as Raz smiled and went inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, Raz was met with the scent of burning sage and saw two incense sticks burning on a small table to the far-right corner. There was a picture of an older Fire Dragon in a small frame and looked remarkably like Blaze.

"My late father. He died before I hatched, and they told my mother it was an accident involving Mt. Inferno." Blaze said as Raz smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, sorry to hear that. Was he a miner?" Raz asked as Blaze nodded.

"Yes, I am quite proud of him. I just wish I could've met him." Blaze said.

Raz nodded and couldn't imagine a life without his father. The role model helped him with everything thus far, and Raz hoped to keep him around for a long time.

Raz noticed the dark-stained wood table that sat in front of him with two high-backed chairs. He regarded the delicious rump-roast placed upon a silver platter and was already sliced into even portions on the table. He also saw two silver goblets sitting next to a bottle of Dragon's Ale which was dated over thirty years ago.

Raz couldn't help but wonder if Blaze was trying to intoxicate him. Blaze seemed to pick up on this because he said, "The ale is just for a romantic effect. I rarely drink it, but I figure you, and I should celebrate our graduation, as well."

Raz smiled and said, "Of course, I mean... I'm just a bit nervous. This is a first for me."

"Mine, as well. Though, I must admit that since I was little, males seemed to attract my attention more than females."

"I'm not sure about when I was younger, but I soon realized it when we spoke earlier."

Blaze nodded as he pulled out a chair from earlier for Raz, who took his seat. Blaze served a slice of roast with heart roots, similar to Earth's carrots.

The meal looked great as it sat on golden dishes and Raz smiled as Blaze took his seat. Raz folded his napkin as they both bowed their heads in thanks for the food and began to eat.

Raz took a bite and was met with an explosion of incredible flavor. He looked up to see Blaze looking at him with a smile as he chewed his piece.

"What do you think?" Blaze asked as his red back scales glimmered off the two lanterns that hung from the ceiling.

"This is great. My mother cooks well, but I think she might have competition." Raz said cheerfully.

"Well, thank you. Though, I doubt I'm as good as Mrs. Drakken. I'm planning on opening my tavern where everyone can come for a good meal and some ale."

"Oh, I look forward to it. Do you have a place in mind?"

"Yeah, there is a village just on the edge of the Fire and Supreme Region called Lang."

"Lang?"

"Yes, I know it seems a bit small, but I think the farmers there would love a good tavern."

"It sounds like you have already asked then."

"Oh, I have. I just didn't want to barge in unannounced. The villagers seem interested, and so I will need to speak to the Chieftain before making any moves."

"That's great," Raz exclaimed as he reached for the bottle of Dragon's Ale and poured them both half a goblet full. "Then we should toast to the success of your new tavern."

"Also, to your new role as King," Blaze added as they both clicked goblets and took a sip.

Raz could feel it burn down his throat but learned to breathe through the nostrils, which issued smoke.

Raz, suddenly, felt a spark within his heart and not from the ale, but for this Dragon that sat before him. He wasn't sure where this would lead, but he knew better than not to listen to his own heart. However, his mind told him to take it slow and easy to keep from blindly heading into heartbreak. Then another thought popped into his head.

"Blaze?" Raz asked.

"Yes?" Blaze replied.

"I was wondering how that spirit back in the Terrain Region was able to get ahold of your body?" Raz asked slowly as not to wreck the mood of the evening.

"I'm not sure, honestly. The only thing I remember was Amber's team ambushing us. I remember feeling angry way before then because she was making fun of you. I think it was my hatred that allowed me to be consumed because when I was under the control of the spirit, my anger was amplified ten-fold." Blaze said sheepishly as he looked at Raz, who smiled.

"Thank you. You have confirmed a suspicion of mine." Raz said as Blaze studied him for a moment.

"What suspicion are you referring to?"

"That the spirit or spirits that have been affecting Dragons these past seven years is the work of a Dark Angel known as Strife. He feeds on malevolent feelings of and all races but is trapped behind a barrier."

I see. Well, I'm glad you helped me out, and I genuinely thank you."

"As I said before, don't mention it," Raz said as they both chuckled.

Suddenly, a guard at the door of the tent announcing his presence as Raz and Blaze both walked out.

"Yes, can I help you?" Blaze asked as the guard nodded.

"Yes, I was sent by King Zallerferd to retrieve Razial Drakken." Said the Water Dragon as Raz nodded and looked at Blaze.

"Thank you for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow." Raz said as he left Blaze and wondered why the king wanted to see him.

Raz supposed he would have to wait and see as they walked over to a massive golden tent. It was a perfect square as King Zallerferd stood in front of the flap, and Raz received the impression that something was amiss. He quickly followed King Zallerferd into the tent.

The tent was more elaborate as fur area rugs were placed all over the ground, and a table was set with a high-backed chair adorning blue velvet for the padding. King Zallerferd sat down behind the table and looked up at Raz.

Raz felt King Zallerferd's eyes boring right through him, shifting his weight uneasily as the king said, "Do you care to explain what happened to you today?"

"Well, I passed out if that is what you mean," Raz said slowly, not knowing where this was going.

"Of course, that is what I mean!" King Zallerferd snapped. "You passing out in front of the entire populace is not a good way to start your rule."

"Hold on! I didn't do it on purpose. I didn't even have time to react." Raz said evenly, trying to bite back his anger.

"I know that, and that is not what I'm upset about. It's because you failed to come to me with it. I had to hear it from Nurse Gailheart just a few moments ago. Where were you anyway?"

"I'm sorry. I was just at Blaze's tent. Nurse Gailheart said I was alright and told me to take it easy. I did what she asked, and I trust her judgment."

"I understand. Next time, please let me know. I worry about you. At any rate, I have moved up your coronation for tomorrow night."

"Really?"

"Yes, the reason is you'r turning eighteen tomorrow, and I should like to retire. Not to worry, though. I will be here to guide you." King Zallerferd said as the weight of this struck Raz.

"I'm not sure what to say except thank you. I hope to make you proud of me." Raz said carefully as King Zallerferd smiled at him.

"Raz, I know you will make a fine king, but you also have to let others help you. I am proud of you, and I'm sure you will continue to do so. Besides, tomorrow you can tell me about who this Blaze is that you are courting." King Zallerferd said as Raz smiled sheepishly.

"Thank you, sir. I look forward to telling you about him." Raz said as King Zallerferd motioned for him to go.

Raz walked out into the night as the two moons, La Luna and Los Luno, hung in the black starry night. He couldn't understand why Zallerferd had pushed up the date for his coronation but knew that there was something Zallerferd wasn't telling him. However, he shook it off as the festival seemed to be slowly ending for tonight, and he went back to the guest room.

Maz was sound asleep as Raz walked in quietly and got ready for bed. He slipped the nightshirt over his head and laid down on the mattress, looking up at the ceiling, and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Over on the shore, three guards kept watch where the cave was reported to be by the Great Ocean. The guards were around a campfire, courtesy of the Fire Dragon, and were eating rations when the ground underneath them rumbled ever so softly. They all stopped and looked over at the rock face for a moment as they studied it. Another rumble, this time louder, sounded out from the rock face as the guards arose and walked closer.

"What's going on?" Asked the Fire Dragon as the others looked just as perplexed by what they heard.

"I don't know. Maybe we should go warn the king." Said a Wind Dragon as the others agreed and looked at him.

"But I don't want to leave you two at a disadvantage." He said.

"You have your orders. Now, go!" Said the Water Dragon as the Wind Dragon nodded and took flight.

The other two looked back towards the wall again and saw an opening in the side as black smoke started to bellow out. They were nervous as they picked up their spears.

Then, it happened without warning; a long dagger hit the Water Dragon in the chest as blood sprayed across the sand. The Dragon fell to his knees and finally to the ground, staring blankly into space.

The Fire Dragon looked on in horror and quickly breathed out fire, Working the flame into the shape of a massive saber-tooth cat as he yelled, "FELIX INFERNO!"

The fire cat charged into the opening only to find it broke apart by something with red-glowing eyes. The Fire Dragon panted as the creature emerged to reveal it was a minotaur.

The minotaur wore a brown leather cloth around its waist with a black studded belt, holding several throwing knives. His arms were well developed and massive as he pulled a long sword from his back, attached to a harness worn on his upper body.

"You call that an attack? Let me show you what real power is." The minotaur said in an intense unnatural voice as the Fire Dragon was already breathing out fire.

The minotaur's sword began glowing a sickly green as black smoke started to issue from it. The Fire Dragon formed a sword and shield of pure fire as he stood at the ready.

The minotaur and the Fire Dragon charged at each other as the Fire Dragon yelled, "FOR THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN!"

Back in the guest room of the Pearl Tower, Raz woke with a start and sat up quickly in bed. The air around him seemed electrified as he looked over to see Maz looking at him.

"You felt it, too, huh?" Maz asked.

"Yes. Why is the room so... I don't know... the air seems charged somehow?" Raz stumbled as Maz nodded.

"It's the energy of Dragos. Something is wrong. The balance has been thrown off." Maz said as Raz rose to his feet and started to pace.

"Did you, by chance, see anything in your mind?" Raz asked as he studied his brother.

"I...I think... perhaps I did. Though, I thought I was dreaming." Maz said as Raz thought for a moment.

"Did you see a fight in your dream?" Raz asked as Maz nodded.

"I knew it. I had the same one." Raz exclaimed and went over to the wardrobe.

Raz opened it and started grabbing out clothes as he took his nightshirt off. He pulled on his black pants over his loin garments and pulled on his shirt. He fastened his belt around his waist as he looked to see Maz was already dressed.

"I figured you would want to go see the King, and so I got dressed before you," Maz said as Raz smiled and the two left the guest rooms, hurrying up the golden steps.

Raz didn't understand it all but had a distinct feeling that he must tell King Zallerferd. Every fiber of his being was pushing him up the stairs as if telling King Zallerferd would make it okay again. They reached the top of the stairs and ran down the corridor to the Throne Room.

Raz didn't even knock as he went on through to find the room already lit with lamps on the wall. King Zallerferd was talking to the Wind Dragon that looked worried and turned his head towards them.

"What is the meaning of this, boys?" King Zallerferd asked as they looked anxious but needed to tell him.

"My lord. I apologize for the intrusion, but it was urgent. That guard right there was a part of a vision Maz and I saw." Raz said as King Zallerferd looked a little confused and annoyed.

"Do you mean to say you interrupted me over a dream?" King Zallerferd asked.

"It wasn't a dream, my lord. I can tell you the two others that were there. Unfortunately, they are dead now." Maz said as King Zallerferd froze with fear on his face.

"I never told anyone how many I had stationed by the wall. How do you know this?" King Zallerferd asked as Raz explained about the prophecy he had during his fainting spell and about the dream he and Maz had.

"It's all true, your highness. We were, indeed, sitting around a campfire." Said the guard as King Zallerferd began to pace and looked at Raz.

"Did you see who the other two were fighting?" King Zallerferd asked as both Raz and Maz nodded.

"It was a minotaur," Raz said as King Zallerferd looked back to them from the floor.

"Braxus, The Harbinger of Strife and The Head General of Strife's army. This means the barrier is near its breaking point, but we need to stop Braxus before he can do more damage. Raz, you are eighteen now, and I am making you king."

"What?!" Both Raz and Maz said together.

"I'm doing so because I need you to stay and gather the Governors together. Start drawing up battle plans. Meanwhile, I will take General Whirlwind and Lt. Rockwall to the Great Ocean to find Braxus." King Zallerferd said as he turned to the guard. "You, go get my horse ready."

The guard nodded and hurried from the room as Raz said, "My lord, I think it would be better if we came with you."

"No! You need to stay and work out a plan. The Dragon race needs you greater than I. We will hold him off for as long as possible," Zallerferd said as Raz reluctantly nodded and Zallerferd left the room.

"Maz, please go wake mother and father along with the other Governors. Also, assemble the war council and our allies." Raz said.

"It's looking bad, isn't it?" Maz asked as Raz nodded.

"It's War."