Raz Drakken
Same.
Chapter 4
Coronation
A dragon year has passed since the possession of Blaze Kindle in The Great Forest of The Earth Region and the incident with Raz's special ability that lets him go so fast, he is able to bend time around himself and transcend it. However, Raz was not able to control that much power all at once. So, his father (Miles Drakken) gave him a golden pocket watch to help control his ability.
The watch that had the Dragon's Head Symbol on the front will let Raz go as fast as he wants for ten dragon-seconds, then activate to remind him to return to normal. At first, Raz had trouble getting used to the watch and his new ability, because he would either go over the allotted time or have to reset the
watch or he his power would not work at all. But after a dragon year of intense training, he has now mastered the watch and has gained some control over his ability.
The day was warm as birds sung theirs beautiful songs of joy as they float easily on the wind as it blew out of the south and swept through an open window belonging to Raz, who was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his white coronation gown with red trim on the collar and cuffs that seemed to glimmer in the light. His golden pocket watch hung around his neck that matched perfectly with his outfit.
Raz felt nervous, because not only was today was his eighteenth hatch day, but it also was the day he would be crowned King of The Dragon World and wanted to do his best and not let anyone down. "Oh, I think I am going to be sick. Sure I can face evil just fine, but when it comes to this kind of thing. I get all kinds of nervous." Raz thought to himself as he looked out the window and noticed the birds flying and thought. "I sometimes wish I was a bird. I bet you guys do not have to worry about stuff like coronations or the sort."
Raz was lost in thought when a familiar voice from down stairs called, "Raz, come on! We are going to be late to the coronation." Sarah said as Raz replied, "Okay! I am on my way down!" Raz took one last look in the mirror as he brushed himself off, then made his way down the stairs and saw Maz waiting for him at the bottom along with Miles and Sarah as she gasped, "Oh, Raz! You look so lovely and you clean up so nice when you want to."
Raz smiled a little as they all headed for the door. Maz noticed Raz was still nervous as they walked outside and spoke, "Hey, Raz!" Maz said as Raz turned to Maz who came up beside him and replied, "What is it?" Raz asked, trying to retain some kind of confidence as Maz just smiled as he replied, "Do not be so nervous. You will be fine and you have proved that twice already." Maz said as Raz nodded and said, "I know, but I still cannot shake an uneasiness that has been growing in the back of my mind ever since that incident with Blaze." Maz looked at him for a moment before he said, "I know what you mean. For some reason, I am sensing that same nervousness as well, but maybe it is just the events of the day that have our nerves on end."
Raz nodded and looked up to the suns and noticed how warm it was for this time of year. Even for Fire Dragon's, this kind of thing was rather odd, which added to his nervousness. "It is unseasonably warm. I have a bad feeling this day is not going to turn out well. Not well at all." Raz thought to himself as Miles interrupted his thoughts, "Okay. Time to go." Miles said as they all spread their wings and took flight; flying easily through the clouds as Raz took point.
Despite his nervousness, Raz was so excited to become The King of The Dragon World and smiled as he felt the wind rush over his body, but a thought occurred to him. "It is kind of weird, how things have been happening ever since that incident in the cave and I cannot help, but wonder if we broke open one of the seven barriers to the Dark Realm. No, if that was the case, then we all would be in trouble and besides, the cave was a result of the darkness growing stronger. Knowing that gives me suspicion that something else may happen, but I am not sure of what yet. Last year was a significant sign of the darkness, and the shadow that possessed Blaze Kindle was radiating evil and even I was affected by the evil. I believe it was called Strife and I honestly think we need to be on the lookout for the signs. However, right now, I must focus on the coronation and then I will worry about the coming Darkness."
"Hey, Raz! Are you okay up there?" Miles asked as Raz nodded as replied, "Yes, I am just thinking on a lot of stuff right now. I will be alright?" Miles smiled as he came up beside Raz and spoke, "Raz, I want to let you know that I am proud of you and Maz. I could not have asked for better sons and now that you two are moving on. I just want to offer any help that I can. You know the house is not going to be the same without you two running through and setting fire to everything in sight. But remember, you and your brother are more than
willing to come back if you need time off. Thank you for the blessings you two have brought into our lives. I love you, son." "I love you two, father." Raz said he looked forward to the clouds and saw fireworks going up from the courtyard.
As they approached, The Pearl Tower was lit with all kinds of colored lights as more fireworks blasted off in the distance. They lowered their approach as Buckner was there, waving for them to come his way as they all landed in front of him and was lead to a huge tent that was set aside. In the tent were several servants ready to check over Raz to make sure his robes and his scales were right for when he would appear on stage.
"Well, Raz. We will wait for you outside." said Maz as Buckner suddenly snapped and said, "No! It is customary for family to join the royal march. So sit right down there and get ready! Maz looked taken aback by this, but decided to let it go, because he knew Buckner was put in charge of organizing and hosting the coronation. He decided to sit down next to Raz, who looked at Maz and asked, "What is wrong with him?" Maz took a moment before answering and said, "I am not sure. I believe he is under a lot of pressure from this event." Raz looked at Buckner as he was arranging the order of how each was going to appear with Miles and Sarah first, Maz second and Raz last and said, "Maybe, but we have been in worse and he has never lost his temper like this before. I think there might be something wrong with him." Maz looked at Raz and asked, "Like what?"
Raz just shook his head, but knew it might have something to do with the uneasiness he felt today. Buckner turned to Raz and spoke, "Come on, Raz! You have to get into position." Raz stood up and got into position as he spoke, "Buckner." Buckner spun around and snapped at Raz, "What!? What is it now!?" Raz looked straight at him and said, "You have a dark aura around you. You must fight that aura around you. Think with a pure heart."
Buckner looked confused for a moment, but did what was asked and found that something deep inside of him was causing a lot of trouble in his head and with his spirit, was able to push it out. Instantly, Buckner felt a wait lift from his shoulders and looked at Raz. "Oh, my sincerest apologies. I do not know how that evil shadow came over me, but thank you for pointing it out to me." Buckner said as turned to the others and asked, "Are you guys ready?" They all nodded as he led Miles and Sarah out first.
The trumpets sounded as Buckner's voice spoke loud through a long funnel to amplify himself as he said, "Attention everyone! Now I would like to present to you the Royal March and first is The Governor of the Fire Region; Miles Drakken and his wife, Sarah Drakken." The crowd of dragons roared with applause that could be heard for miles on end and Buckner's voice spoke again, "Now, introducing the Twin of our King Zallerferd's Heir and son of Miles Drakken; Maz Drakken!" Maz put a hand on Raz's shoulder before going out as the crowd roared once again with cheers and applause as Raz looked down at his hands and preyed silently to himself. Buckner's voice spoke once again, "Now, introducing the Heir to Throne of The Dragon World and the other son of Miles Drakken; Raz Drakken!"
Raz stepped through the door of the tent and for the first time, saw the courtyard decorated with golden streamers that lined the outlining of the courtyard with the banners of red, blue, white, and green on every other pillar as servants held trays of drinks and food they were serving to the guests. The entrance had three trumpeters on both sides that were decorated in gold and white to signal the entrance of someone important. Before Raz, was a red carpet laid out before him with golden trim on the edges.
Raz so desperately wanted to avoid this, but got knew he had a duty to fulfill and thought, "At least the courtyard looks beautiful, but I still cannot help, but wonder about that evil shadow that somehow got a hold of Buckner. Somehow, Buckner must have been affected when that shadow appeared a year ago and maybe it had a negative effect on everyone there in the forest. I cannot think about that now. I must focus on the coronation."
Raz looked up to the front and noticed all four of his friends were standing up on stage along with them were the leaders of all four of the Regions, who were standing in their coronation gowns with the symbol of each region on them. Raz finally got up on stage as he whispered to Rocky, "I would rather be fighting the creatures in that cave right now." Rocky cracked a smiled as Raz reached the center of the stage were the throne was set up with the crown in the seat as King Zor Zallerferd was standing right behind a pulpit. He out stretched his hand as to welcome Raz to the stage and had him stands next to him.
"Thank you all for coming out to such a momentous occasion as this one and I would like to express my deepest thanks to Miles and Sarah Drakken for having a son with impeccable character like none other. Raz, I have seen you grow from just a hatch-ling into a marvelous adult dragon and now comes the time for you to take over as King of The Dragon World." The crowd roared with cheers as Raz raised his hand and tried to embrace the praise and soon, King Zallerferd rose his hand and everyone fall silent. "Now Raz. Are you ready?"
Raz took a long moment before answering him as he thought, "I know what I must do and I truly hope I do not mess this up. I have a lot riding on his, but I know I can do this and I will do this." Raz looked at the King and replied, "Yes, I am." King Zallerferd smiled as he nodded and turned to one of his servants and said, "Hand me, "THE SCROLL OF OATH!"
The servant handed him the scroll and bowed as he backed away as King Zallerferd unrolled the piece of parchment and read aloud for everyone to hear, "THIS IS THE SCROLL OF OATH. THE ONE WHO IS THE TRUE KING OF THE DRAGON WORLD AND IS HATCHED WITH A SPECIAL ABILITY SEPARATE FROM THE NORMAL ELEMENTAL POWERS OF THIS WORLD. IF THE ONE WISHES TO PROCEED, ASK HIM THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS.
ONE: DO YOU PLAN TO RULE THE DRAGON WORD WITH TRUTH, HONOR, AND FAIRNESS?
TWO: DO YOU PROMISE TO PROTECT THIS WORLD AND RULE WITH A JUST HAND WITH THE LAST OF YOU DYING BREATH?"
King Zallerferd finished reading as he looked at Raz and asked, "Do you?" Raz took a moment and answered, "Yes, I promise." King Zallerferd smiled as he continued, "Then by the powers that be, I now proclaim you King of the Dragon World. And may they be blessed."
Then suddenly, the crowd busted out with thunderous applause as King Zallerferd picked up the crown and placed it on top of Raz's head and said, "All hail King Drakken! Long live the King!" The crowd started chanting that as Raz raised his hands in praise as music started to play. Raz walked over to his friends as Rocky piped up, "So, how does it feel to be King of The Dragon?" Raz thought for a moment and replied, "Not bad do far. But, this is just the start of it and I still have yet to face a real challenge. I am also enjoying the celebration and enjoying the time we have, now that we have graduated with our degrees." Rocky nodded.
Raz looked over and saw Kyle sitting at a table with Derek and Amy Breeze talking amongst themselves as Raz waved and the waved back. Raz was about to turn back to talk to Maz when Amber appeared out of the crowd and wrapped her arms around Raz, "Hi, Raz!" Amber said as Raz struggled to break free of her death grip. "Amber...You're ruining my gown!" Raz said breathlessly as she let go. "Oh, I am sorry. I am just so glad to see you again after we graduated two dragon months ago. Anyway, I wanted to be here when Maz told you." Amber said as Raz looked totally puzzled and looked at Maz who looked kind of bashful and spoke, "Yes, Amber and I are courting each other. I hope you're not mad."
Raz smiled as he replied, "Mad, I am not mad. I am happy for the both of you." Raz patted him on the back as the crowd parts and Raz looks over to see Blaze talking with a couple of friends. Blaze noticed Raz looking as Raz turned waved and turned away quickly, because he was not sure just yet how Blaze
felt about him or if he was even interested. "You like him, no?" Amber asked as he suddenly froze and cringed, because he had not told anyone except for King Zallerferd and cursed himself for letting his feelings show.
"What are you talking about?" Raz asked as Amber, Maz, and Rocky all smiled as Maz come up close to him, "It is really not a secret, at least not among your friends and family. We noticed this early on when Amber started making passes at you and you were the least bit interested with her or any female. However, you would stare at certain males and we kind of pieced it together. Mother and Father just want you to be happy." Maz said as Raz looked totally astounded and was relieved, at least for the moment, because he had always wanted tell his mother and father, but was not sure how they would take it. But for Raz, he did not want this relationship to distract him from his duties.
Back on the beach where Raz and his friends had discovered the cave in the side of the mountain that led to a place between this world and The Dark Realm. The two suns were starting to sink low in the sky as the oranges, purples and reds streaked the sky.
The cave that was once there is gone now, but in its place was a solid wall with engravings on it of different origins. The ground started to shake as rocks started fall into the ocean from the top of the mountain range and a long crack appeared in the side of the mountain. Purple smoke started to issue out of it as a creature with red glowing eyes, peered through it as it laughed evilly.
King Zallerferd was sitting at a table, talking to some of the guards and to all of the region leaders as he gave them all instructions, "I would request that all of you give your guidance to Raz, because I have a feeling he is going to need. He has far exceeded my expectations and I feel he will do a wonderful job. However, he has not had the pressure of being King just yet and I want someone there to help him through." Miles looked up and said, "I will help my son as much as possible, but I also have a Region to run and I cannot always be here for him." Zallerferd looked at miles and said, "I understand and that is why I am letting Hector become his Royal Guard. Hector has already proved himself efficient in times of need and will know how to guide Raz."
They all started talking among themselves as Zallerferd looked up from the conversation to the two suns setting in the west as he studied them for a moment. "Is there something wrong, My Lord?" General Lindacego Whirlwind asked as Zallerferd looked at him for a moment, then replied, "Maybe, I feel something is about to happen, but I cannot put my finger on it. Maybe it is nothing, but I am not taking that chance. We will go and check the barrier." Miles looked up from the table and asked, "What are you two whispering about, My Lord?" Zallerferd looked over and replied, "It is fine. Nothing to worry about. I will be back before you know it."
Zallerferd got up from the table and bowed to the others as he and General Lindacego walked off into the crowd. "I will assemble a team, My Lord." said General Whirlwind as Zallerferd immediately responded, "No! We cannot risk alarming everyone, especially Raz. There is no need to ruin his first day as King and besides, it is just a routine check. I know if I asked him to come with me, he would do it in a heartbeat. But I cannot take this day away from him and his friends. They deserve this. It will be you, Lt. Rockwall, and myself who will check the barrier."
General Whirlwind nodded as he went to go make the preparations as Zallerferd looks over at Raz, who was surrounded by his friends and noticed Zallerferd as he waved for him to come over. Zallerferd wish this had not happened, because he knew he would have to leave suddenly and did not want to raise Raz's awareness of the situation. So, in an effort to keep Raz from sensing anything was wrong, Zallerferd walked over to the group.
"My Lord, I invited you over, because I want to introduce the new additions to the royal court. Buckner will be in charge of the management of the world affairs and keeping track of them, seeing as he was the best in that field. Rocky was put in charge of building new structures and overseeing agricultural affairs. Kyle has elected to take charge of Military Tactics and will be working with his father; Lindacego. Finally, Maz will be over all of them as he reports information to me and helps me with the important decisions." Zallerferd looked rather impressed and said, "Very good, Raz. You are already taking steps to protect this world and have chosen wisely. I truly hope everything works out for you and your friends and remember. Do not be afraid to show your feelings."
General Whirlwind whistled quietly, but loud enough that Zallerferd could hear it as he looked over and saw Whirlwind signaling him over. "Excuse me; I have other matters I must attend to. Good night." Zallerferd said as he walked away rather quickly as Raz stare after him and thought, "What is going on? I have never seen him rush off that fast or be this uneasy. Something is going to happen and it is going to happen soon." Raz made to follow, but got surrounded by a lot of dragons who were congratulating him on becoming king. "Please, come back safe." Raz thought as he turned back to the party.
Zallerferd and General Whirlwind were walking fast away from the crowd as Lieutenant Rockwall joined them in mid-stride and asked, "How bad is it?" General Whirlwind looked at him and answered, "We are not sure yet. We are going there to make sure nothing has happened." "And, if it has?" asked Rockwall as Zallerferd replied, "That would be bad, but we still would have time to fix it and that is a good thing, because we cannot risk letting in the Darkness."
Zallerferd looked up and saw the two suns were setting as the two moons were coming out in full as he thought, "I knew it was rather hot today. Damn it! It was a sign that the barrier was reaching its breaking point and I now I can only hope that I have not ignored it for too long. This will be my fault if I do not correct this now." Zallerferd looked back and stopped. "Okay, I believe we are far enough away to take flight." Zallerferd said as the other two nodded and they all spread their wings and took flight; moving almost as fast as the speed out sound towards the wall on the beach that now was bellowing purple smoke as they landed so hard, they left craters in the ground about half a dragon's length around. Zallerferd was glowing blue, Whirlwind was glowing white, and Lieutenant Rockwall was glowing green as Whirlwind made the air pick up speed as Zallerferd made the area cold with what looked to be fog coming off of him as Lieutenant Rockwall made the sand kick up into the icy wind which froze, instantly.
Then all at once, they stopped as Zallerferd spoke, "Whirlwind, it looks like I was right. We need to get set up to cast the sealing spell and Lieutenant Rockwall; stand guard beside him. I do not want anything happening." "Yes, sir!" They both replied as Whirlwind wore his golden armor suit that covered him entirely, but still allowed him to bend and move freely as he was an expert at hand to hand combat. He put his bag down and get started setting up for the spell. Pulling out certain scroll's that were meant to seal things, and as he was doing that, Zallerferd walked over to the crack to assess the damage.
"It is not that bad. Should be able to seal it pretty easily, but it may not last as long as we hoped for. At least it should hold for another two dragon months or so." Zallerferd said as Lieutenant replied, "That is excellent news, indeed. It should give Raz and his friends plenty of time to come up with a new plan." Zallerferd looked back at Lieutenant Rockwall and spoke, "Remember, Raz Drakken is now King. So do be careful when addressing him."
Lieutenant Rockwall was almost perplexed at how he forgot such an important detail and answered. "I apologize, My Lord. I am used to having him as a student and not my superior." Zallerferd laughed as he shook his head and said, "Do not worry about it. Even I have to get used to it. I just hope I have
taught him well enough." Lieutenant Rockwall smiled as he knew that Raz was going to be great. Zallerferd looked at the crack again as a shadow at the top of the mountain looked down at him as it screeched a little as it thought, "Ah, a new body to enslave." Zallerferd had a bad feeling and harden his scales just in time as the shadow went full speed, but bounced off and hit the ground hard as Zallerferd looked and saw the shadow scrambling to its feet as it shot a dark energy ball at Zallerferd who dodged it just in time as the energy ball went out into the ocean and exploded as water flew up into the air.
"Okay, that was your first and last mistake! You have no idea who you are attacking, do you? You poor pathetic creature." Zallerferd said as he started to glow blue and the area got so cold everyone saw their own breath as the shadow and Zallerferd both disappeared; moving fast as they both collided so hard that it sent out a wave of energy that almost knocked Whirlwind and Rockwall over. Zallerferd gathered the water from the ocean and formed an ice spear as he came down fast on the shadow as it dodged and shot another energy ball at Zallerferd who deflected it by changing the spear into an ice shield and in mid-stride, changed it again into many shards of ice that he shot at the creature who evaded it easily.
Zallerferd gathered more water and formed an ice sword as he shot a blast of water at the shadow, which dodged again, but lost track of Zallerferd who came down on top of the shadow. The shadow looked up just in time to barely dodge and shot yet another energy ball at Zallerferd. "You are very good, but this is your end." Zallerferd said as he thought, "Come on, Whirlwind!"
General Whirlwind was almost finished with his incantation when the shadow took notice as to what was going on and started to panic as it shot a huge blast at Zallerferd who was blinded for a moment. The shadow took the opportunity and sped towards Whirlwind as Zallerferd moved with great speed, but knew he would not get there in time.
Lieutenant Rockwall concentrated he made a fist out of the sand to punch the creature who dodged and sent an energy ball at him who reached into the ground into the ground to pull out a diamond hammer as he took flight with all he got as he started glowing green. "ROCKFALL! NOOOOOO!!!!!" Zallerferd yelled and Rockwall let out a battle cry and hit the energy ball with all of his strength with the Diamond Hammer that exploded on contact. Sending Rockwall flying with fatal injuries as he landed on the far side of the beach as Zallerferd charged the creature that was almost upon Whirlwind and sped up and with one final reach grabbed the creature by the leg.
"MY LORD! GET OUT OF THERE! THE SPELL IS FINISHED!" Whirlwind shouted as Zallerferd let go, but the creature was not done yet as he grabbed Zallerferd's foot just as the spell hit. The creature screamed in pain as it pulled him back in along with Zallerferd. "MY LORD! GET OUT!" Shouted Whirlwind as Zallerferd struggled to break free as he looked towards Whirlwind and looked back towards the wall and soon realized that it was too late.
"TAKE CARE OF THINGS, WHIRLWIND. I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE. GOOD BYE." Zallerferd said as the creature and Zallerferd both disappeared as the crack sealed up and left Whirlwind, who fell back with tears in his eyes. He got up to look around and saw Lieutenant Rockwall as he rushed over to his side. Once he was over there, he saw that Rockwall was still alive, but barely as Whirlwind opened a health potion and tried to get him to drink it, but proved to be useless as Rockwall smiled and laid his head back and passed into darkness.
"No. Not you, too." Whirlwind said as he laid his head on Rockwall's body as he sobbed. Whirlwind knew he had a job to do and so he made one final prayer for his fallen friends and then stood as he took flight back towards the courtyard.
"King Drakken will know what to do and I owe it to him to let him know what transpired here." Whirlwind thought as he easily floated through the clouds, trying to regain his composure before arriving at the courtyard.
General Whirlwind saw the lights of the courtyard as he slowly made his descent and landed just beyond, so no one could see him as he slowly walked up and reached the courtyard that was still packed with dragons. They all were dancing with the music as Raz was talking with his brother and mother and having a good time when Raz noticed General Whirlwind who had dirt all over him with a small cut on his brow that caused a sinking feeling in the pit of Raz's stomach. Raz quickly rushed over and walked with the General who looked relieved that Raz had some common sense. They got a good distance away before Raz broke the silence and asked, "Alright, what has happened?" General took a few moments to collect his thoughts before answering, "My Lord, Zor Zallerferd and Lieutenant Henry Rockwall are...Dead."