"Black Dragon Saga"

[Black Dragon]

Ok, ok, I know, corny title, but I'm bad with titles!! Anyhow, I finally decided to post this. It's a different style of writing than I'm used to, and I decided to use myself as the main charatcer for this one until I develope more chartacers. Anyhow, here it is:

The Black Dragon Saga

Prologue

Fate: what a strange thing. It works in such mysterious ways, and has been decided for you since the dawn of time. Some are blessed with a fate that seats them among the great and mighty, others are doomed to die with something not as fulfilling. Me, well, I have had experience with both. Your fate differs from everyone else’s, and I assure you it differs greatly from mine. Of course, you and I are not the same species and are from two completely different worlds, although we may have some things in common. Allow me to introduce myself: I have no true name, but those whose paths have crossed with mine have called me the Black Dragon. Yes, I am a true dragon, with wings, scales, and fangs, and I can also breathe fire and perform magic spells, but there are some things that make me different from any old fairy tale dragon that I shan’t get into right this moment. As I have predicted your arrival, I presume you have sought me out, as so many others have to hear of my tale. Well, where shall I start? I guess the beginning would be the best, now would it not?

As you and I are world’s apart, are births are also very different. For, you see, my birth was an artificial one, one in where I had no mother or father, no body in which I came from. I was created in a lab by miserable little creatures called Vykkers, who combined and altered the DNA of different creatures to make one so-called “super-creature” to fight for and defend the industrial races of my planet, Oddworld. When I first opened my eyes, I awoke in a cold, dark world, surrounded by beings that saw my whole existence as a mere experiment: just another Glukkon slave. I was taken under the wing of the Glukkon queen Margaret, who to this day I still think of as my mother. She taught me the ways of the Glukkon, as well as many other things. Margaret also taught me the difference between friends and enemies, something that would soon enough enter my life. When I was young, I had many friends and “enemies” alike, but as I grew older and my power increased, I soon found that I no longer had friends or enemies. My image alone had scared them away from me, and I then learned what they call “loneliness”. Fortunately, my two best friends stayed with me: a young Glukkon named Marrak and an albino Slig named Snek. By my fifteenth year, I was truly turning into the monster physically that the Vykkers had intended me to. My scales were the deepest black imaginable, were hard as stone and enabled me to hide perfectly in my shadowed world. I had cold, glowing blood-red eyes that were the only beacon of my presence. My mouth was pointed and bore dozens of long, pointed fangs. A single, long horn protruded from between my eyes, and to go with it I bore a frill of spikes around the base of my skull. Two dark purple fans on each side of my head behind my eyes hid my ears, and a ridge of spikes ran along my spine. My tail was incredibly long and was tipped with a spear-like appendage. Finally, my wings were enormous, deep purple, and had a long claw on each finger. Yes, I was fearsome indeed, and it only got worse when I learned my first breath attack. Compared with the rest of my life, those first two decades of my life were by far the easiest and most “normal”. It was, I believe, my twentieth year when I was summoned to Queen Margaret’s hall, the event that started the drastic change in my life.
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Ok...so how is that first part? I don't think it's too good, but I'll let you guys decide that.

[Black Dragon]

Ok, here's the first chapter where we start to get into the story.

Chapter 1

I followed the familiar path to the Glukkon Parliament building. I had flown this way often in my life, and I could probably get there blindfolded. The sky was filled with dark clouds of both smog and thunderheads, which resulted in the air changing, making it harder to fly. I changed my wing position and dove down to the ground. I hit the sandy ground in front of the massive steel door. It was heavily guarded with Sligs and devices alike, more so than usual, and that aroused my suspicions. As I approached, some sligs squealed in horror and cowered in my shadow as I passed. Magar, a Big Bro Slig who was always seen at the door, bowed swiftly to me and stomped the ground, signaling for the door to be opened. I nodded in thanks and walked into the dark building, the door shutting behind me with a deafening metallic clang. I walked down the numerous corridors, each one dark and made of steel. All that could be heard was the click of my long claws on the metal floor, the gentle humming of machines, and the occasional Slig passing by somewhere. I stopped at the entrance to Margaret’s hall and sighed. I went over to a panel by the door and punched in a rather long access code, and then proceeded by placing the palm of my paw in another. When the security cleared, the door opened in a flash of light that then faded quickly and I stepped inside. As usual, the sound of bickering somewhere in the distance could be heard.
“I thought I told you ta get ridda ‘im!” came the enraged voice of Queen Margaret.
“We tried, Your Richness, we really did!” came a Glukkon’s fearful voice.
“Well obviously it wasn’t hard enough! A Mudokon destroying our best facilities, not to mention killing my son!! I will not tolerate this!” Margaret roared, “I’ll give you one last chance to redeem yourself, now go!”
“Yes your Highness” the second voice grumbled. “That was decades ago, git over it,” I heard him mumble under his breath. He must have not have realized my presence, for no one dares to insult the Queen while I am within earshot.
“Ah, Black Dragon, I have been waiting for you,” came Margaret’s now calm voice.
The room was still pitch black and I jumped, startled by her voice, but I shook it off. I did not like to show weakness, and fear was a weakness, just like love.
“How did you know I was in here, my queen?” I asked smoothly.
Margaret laughed. “Silly girl! By now you would at least think I’d know when you’re around! Come closer.” She commanded, and I obeyed. I followed the sound of her breathing that my sensitive ears picked up, as well as her scent. Her red eyes became visible, and I could see my own glowing fiercely in the reflection of the metal wall behind her. Her room was always this dark, and, to tell you the truth, I wasn’t quite sure of what Margaret actually looked like. I bowed and she nodded likewise.
“Why have you summoned me, you Majesty?” I asked in a cool tone.
“Well, my dear,” she started, her proper grammar coming back now that she was calm, “ Do you remember when I told you that there may come a time when the Glukkon nation may need the help of your might?”
I nodded.
“Well, you are unaware of much of your strength. To use this strength, you must learn about it first. Therefore, I believe that it is time I sent you to the Slig Barracks #1389, you know, the one for the elite Sligs.” she explained.
“With all due respect, your Evilness, I am no Slig.” I said, slamming my fist into the floor, leaving an obvious crater.
“I realize that, my dear, but the general there will show you how to use your abilities to their fullest.” came the reply.
I sighed and drooped my head.
“Oh, don’t look so unhappy. Your little friend Snek is going with you.” the queen said happily.
“Oh goody,” I muttered sarcastically, but actually I was very happy to have my buddy come along.
“Alright, that’s what I called you for. The barracks are located just outside of Power Plant #876. You shall depart tomorrow. I’ll be looking forward to your return. Dismissed.” Margaret stated, and I bowed. Grumbling unhappily, I walked out, the steel door of the Glukkon queen’s chamber clanging shut coldly behind me.

[Black Dragon]

Ok, here's two short chaps (Beware, some cursing in the 3rd chapter):

Chapter 2

My chamber was a small steel room with a straw nest, some personal belongings, and a large, flat computer screen across an entire wall that was used for outside communication. When I returned from Queen Margaret’s hall, I packed my few belongings, preparing for my departure. “Why is she sending me away?” I thought. I was finding myself having strange thoughts, thoughts I had never had before. I was actually starting to feel anger towards the Glukkons. “Power? My power is something important to me, that is true, but doesn’t she think I can just learn about my power on my own like I did everything else?” my mind grumbled. The one thing I had always longed for was knowledge: my dragon mind craved it. Queen Margaret only taught me the ways of the Glukkon, never anything else. I had watched all of my childhood friends go off to school, leaving me alone. One day, I had asked the queen why I could not go to school, and her only response was that I “Was a ‘hybrid’ and required ‘special’ education.” This enraged me, so I eventually found my way over to the rarely used Glukkon library. There, I chose a book, starting with one shelf. When I finished that book, I returned and took the next book. I continued this throughout my life until I knew as much if not more of history and mathematics than most Glukkon executives. When I was done packing my things, I paced my room, suddenly finding many faults with the Glukks. Why was my room so small? Why was I always treated different from everyone else? Why was I cursed to be created, not born? The sudden buzzing of my doorbell broke my thoughts. I growled lowly and pressed my claw to a button by my intercom. “Whaddaya want?” I hissed.
“It’s me, BD, I just wanted to drop by,” came the startled voice of Marrak. I pressed another button to open the door.
“Sorry Mar, I’m just a little pissed at the moment.” I growled.
“I’ve noticed,” he paused, “I heard that the queen’s sendin’ ya away, that sucks.”
“You’re tellin’ me? Ya know, I’ve never realized until now just how crappy the Glukks have been treatin’ me.” I continued.
“Aw, it can’t be dat bad, BD. I’d love to study at the Barracks #1389!” Marrak said cheerfully. I just scowled at him.
“Maybe you would, but you’re a Glukk, ‘member? I’m just a damned hybrid created in a laboratory to be a slave! I don’t have any thoughts or hopes, I’m just a slave!” I roared with my teeth bared. Marrack was up against the wall, petrified by my sudden anger. I sighed.
“Maybe it’d be best if you just left.” I looked away. “I’ll see ya sometime.” I turned my back towards him and began to lick my front right paw.
“Alright, BD, I’ll see ya,’ Marrack responded timidly and exited the room. As soon as I heard the metallic clang of the door, I pointed my head at the ceiling and let out a blood-curling roar. With that, I collapsed on my nest and fell into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter 3

Snek made a face at the train passing below us, full of Sligs headed towards the Barracks. “Trains are fo’ losahs!” he teased, yanking playfully on his tentacles. I rolled my eyes and flew up higher. “Ain’t dis great, Blackie? Jus’ you an’ me, goin’ to da ritziest army camp in all ‘a Oddworld!” he laughed, gripping onto my neck tighter as we flew through a smog cloud. “Yeah, real great,” I muttered sarcastically. “Aw, cheer up, we gonna have ourselves lots o’ fun!” Snek continued happily. “No one should be this happy,” I grumbled under my breath. A large black building loomed in front of us on the horizon. “Looky looky! Dere it is!” Snek cheered and climbed on top of my head, pointing eagerly at the Barracks headquarters. I sighed and began to descend. I encircled the building a few times before landing on a field where many pantsless Sligs were watching a dark figure that appeared to be a Glukk. I walked stately up to him as many Sligs again cowered away in my presence. The Glukk was dressed in a black uniform, had an obvious glass eye and numerous scars all over his face. Many medals hung from various spots all over his uniform. He snorted and glanced at Snek and me. “Name?” he asked, annoyed. “Oh, he is Snek,” I replied, assuming that he had to know who I was. After all, how many dragons could he possibly know? “Yeah, #36A65ZX, Snek. Now what about yers?” he continued, the anger in his voice rising. I was startled, but I answered with a rumble “I, Sir, am the Black Dragon.” He gave me a disgusted look. “Well, #75D90M, we’ll hafta do sumpin’ about dat ego ‘a yers,” he growled. He gestured at the Big Bro Slig next to him. “Asp, show numbers 36A65ZX and 75D90M to their quarters.” he ordered. “Yes General Yukar, sir!” he shouted, clicking two of his heals together. “Come on, ya slackers,” he ordered to us. I roared loudly at him, but I received a sharp sting on my back. I looked around to see where another BBS had struck me with a whip. I immediately attacked it with a fury. That was when I received my first taste of blood. I slashed my fangs at its arm, and then dug them deeply into his throat, blood filling my mouth. It was a great new thrill, and I tossed its lifeless carcass into the air. I didn’t see them lasso my neck and tie up my limbs. I fell to the ground with a shock as they pulled on the rope attached to my leg bindings. I hissed and roared in every direction as many Sligs appeared on the scene, trying to tame me. “So this is how they see me? As an animal? I’ll show them just how primordial I can be,” I thought. With one quick movement I spread my wings and twisted my body into a ball, extending the spines on my back. I cut loose the ropes and flew into the sky. “Now you bastards will feel my wrath! I am not your slave!” I roared and swooped. Bullets of all kinds grazed past me, but they did nothing against my scales. A few missiles did manage to strike me and draw blood, but I kept on going. I flamed the entire building and everything that moved. I swooped down and grabbed Snek, set a curse on the entire complex, and flew away safely just as a massive explosion thundered across the land. I looked back to see metal shards flying in every direction. “Kick ass!” Snek shouted in awe. I snorted in reply and flew straight. It wasn’t until a few minutes later that I realized I didn’t know where I was going.

[One, Two, Middlesboogie]

Groovy! I want to see more!

[DarkHoodness]

It's cool! Keep going!
- DH

[Black Dragon]

Thanks guys I should have another chap up tomorrow, I've been working on the appearance of my next major character that will show up soon. Hopefully I will get my claws on a scanner shortly and put the pics up.

[Black Dragon]

RRRGGH!!! I tried posting this earlier tonight, let's see if it'll post THIS time!!!

Chapter 4


“Is it that way? Or…that way?” I was floating in mid air trying to figure out where I was heading. Snek cleared his throat. “You do realize, Blackie, dat you an’ I’s fugitives now. You just blew the best Glukk military facility to smithereens! Dere’s no way dat dey’re gonna acceptcha back without makin’ ya pay,” he stated. For being a Slig, he sure was smart. I drooped my head.
“You’re right, I can’t go back,” I lifted my head and clenched my teeth, “But what if I don’t want to go back?”
I sniffed the air. An enticing aroma floated through my nostrils from the south, so I headed in that direction.
“Where we goin’, Blackie?” Snek asked curiously.
“I don’t know Snek, but if it’s a nice place, it’ll be our new home.” I yelled to him.
I followed the scent for a few miles before a strange mass appeared on the horizon. I flew closer and realized that it was a forest. I had never seen a forest before in my life, only in books. “Wow,” I muttered in awe and flew down. I wasn’t used to trees, and tried to dodge their branches the best I could. One caught me by surprise and sent me tumbling to the forest floor.
When I awoke, I found Snek breathing in my face. I screamed and shook him off. “Heh heh, sorry, Blackie, didn’t mean ta scare ya like dat,” he laughed. I snorted at him and shook my head again. I glanced around and realized where I was again. It was amazing: a real forest! The trees were so tall and green and birds were singing loudly and flying all over the place, it was a paradise. “Wow,” I muttered in awe. Suddenly my stomach growled. “We haven’t eaten anything since this morning, let’s go look for food,” I said to Snek and he hopped on my back. We walked around for a while, but nothing looked edible. Finally, Snek screamed, “Look!!” and I looked in the direction that he was pointing. There was the most delicious-looking fruit I had ever seen. We looked ta each other and made a mad dash to the tree it was hanging on. Snek climber the tree with ease and went out on a limb. “Incoming, BD!” he yelled and shook some down. I was just about to take a bite when a voice shouted, “Don’t eat that!” I whirred around to see where it had come from, baring my fangs and growling lowly. “Who’s there?” I shouted, “Show yourself!” “I didn’t mean to startle you. Look at the fruit. See those black and yellow stripes? That means that it’s poisonous.” came the voice again. I growled. “Didn’t you hear me? Show yourself!” I rumbled. “Alright, alright, take it easy,” the voice muttered and I followed it to where two green eyes appeared. Slowly the owner of the voice showed himself: he was a dragon! His body was covered with yellow scales and green stripes, while his stomach plates were sapphire blue. He had no horn between his eyes, but his neck frill was impressive, as well as the pair of horns extending from behind his eyes. He had longer limbs than me and stood on his hind legs like a Mudokon, and at his side was a sword in its sheath. He stretched his wings to show off their magnificent purple. I gasped, how could there be another creature like me? I was leery of him. “Who are you? What do you want?” I hissed, baring my glittering fangs. He put his front paws up. “Calm down, clam down. What’s the matter? Never heard of a little hospitality? My name’s Thunder. They call me that due to my cry,” he explained. At that, he tipped his head to the sky and let out a loud cry that sounded exactly like a clap of thunder. As it faded, numerous feet of creatures unseen could be heard as their owners scrambled away in fear. “I see,” I said, in awe, “I don’t really have a name…everyone just calls me the Black Dragon,” I said shyly. “Well, the name fits you perfectly, for obvious reasons. Ah, you must be hungry, come on, I’ll take you back to camp where you can get a bite to eat. You see, I guard these woods, and as a reward for my hard work, the Mudokons of the Mudika tribe treat me as one of their own.” Thunder explained. Upon hearing the word “Mudokon”, I immediately stiffened. “Muds? I don’t think so,” I muttered, turning away, “I am loyal to the cause of the Magog Cartel.” “Yeah, even though ya just blew up one ‘a dere facilities,” Snek added. Thunder looked taken aback. His expression turned into a cold, fierce one. “I never draw my sword on a lady, but anyone loyal to the Cartel is not someone I would call a friend. However the Mudika taught me to treat every creature, whether he be friend or foe, as an equal. Come, I shall lead you, but if you so much as harm a feather on one Mudokon head, I will be forced to take action.” he sneered. I let out a low growl and followed reluctantly, my stomach winning over my mind.

[Black Dragon]

Dah dum dee dah!! I finally forced myself to finish this darn thing!! Here's another short chap...don't worry, I'm almost there! *Note: I dunno WHAT I was thinking when I wrote the beginin' to this chap*

Chapter 5

The Mudika camp was relatively large and amazing. Small wooden huts lined the outside, but as you drew nearer to its interior, huge stone buildings of amazing construction appeared. In the very center of the camp was the largest and strongest building that was their palace for their queen and place of worship. I couldn’t help but marvel at the superior design of the town. Thunder stopped at a hut with smoke billowing out of its roof. He knocked and soon a tall, scraggly little Mudokon appeared in the doorway. He wore a large dark blue mask that looked sort of like a bird. “Ah, Thunder, come in come in. Oh, you brought friends? Ah, please, come in!” he said in a rather jolly voice. Thunder sat down at one side of the hut, against the wall. Inside, fragrances of all kinds came wafting to greet us, and numerous things, such as teeth, cones, and feathers hung from different places. “Shaman Pete, this is the Black Dragon and…uh, sorry, don’t know your name…” Thunder started, “Snek, and don’t you fo’get it, boy!” Snek said, sticking his nose in the air. I had to stifle my laughter. Shaman Pete? What kinda stupid, whacko Mud name was that? We explained our whole story to Thunder and the shaman over some scrab steaks, and both of them softened to hear our hardships. “ I can’t believe you are still loyal to them, after what they’ve done to you, not to mention all of Oddworld,” Thunder muttered between bites. “I’d love to turn against them, but I can’t, something’s holding me back…instinct I think.” I said drearily. Both of them shook their heads. After a few moments’ silence, the shaman spoke up. “Why don’t you show Black Dragon around the camp? Maybe her perspective of us may change a bit,” he said, back in his cheerful tone. “Yeah, I can show you all the cool spots, come on!” Thunder cried, grabbing me by the arm, a gesture I didn’t find too endearing. We walked around for a bit, admiring all of the ancient structures, and even I had to admit that by the time we reached our halfway point my view of Mudokons had improved drastically. We stopped at a large statue of a strange creature that looked half bird, half Mudokon. “Hey, if you look up here, you can see a bird’s nest, it’s really neat!” Thunder said, running up to the statue and standing on his hind legs to look on the statue’s shoulder. I walked up to the statue, but I couldn’t see. “Here, you just have to stand on your hind legs, that’s all,” Thunder said. “I…I can’t do that…” I muttered sheepishly. “Then I’ll teach you,” he replied. After about a half an hour of falling, stumbling, and Snek giggling uncontrollably, I finally had mastered how to stand and walk on my hind legs. I did finally see that nest, and it was amazing to me since I had never seen one before. The sun was beginning to set and Thunder and I were walking back towards the Shaman’s hut. We were passing the palace when a group of injured Muds stumbled on by and into the palace with a large crowd behind them, chattering furiously. “Oh no,” Thunder muttered, “Not again…”

{And then here's Chap 6. This is as far as I will get until I come back from vacation...this is a VERY important chap}

Chapter 6

When we got back to the hut, Thunder explained what everyone was so worried about. “A monster has invaded our harvesting forest. We try to go into the forest, but it chases us out or kills us.” “Tch,” I muttered, “Why don’t you go after it, Thunder? You’re a dragon, you should be more than a match for it.” Thunder’s face turned sad and he put his head down. “I’m not a real dragon,” he muttered. “What…what do you mean? I’m not either!” I cried. Shaman Pete shifted in his chair and looked at Thunder, nodding. Suddenly, Thunder went up in a flash of light, and where he had been standing there was now nothing more than a Mudokon, however his skin was pale blue and his features were different. “I’m really just a type Mudokon called a ‘Moon Child’ who transforms into a moon guardian. Thunder is my guardian form,” he explained. I gaped and replied, “You’re kidding.” “We kid you not, great one, and I also have more information to surprise you: you are a true dragon.” Shaman Pete piped up. I shook my head, how could this be true? “No, no, I was created in a laboratory!” I shouted. “Calm yourself, let me explain,” Shaman Pete began,

“You have been told by both Glukkons and Vykkers alike that you were created by them, but this, in fact, is a lie. What really happened was quite amazing actually. The Mudika tribe found your egg inside a rock that fell from the sky from another world. How you survived was a mystery, until we figured out that the embryo inside was a legendary creature called a dragon, which we had heard about from another tribe. However, the Magog heard about you through word of mouth and raided us, stealing the egg. They came up with the story that you were created by combining the DNA of various creatures to create a dragon-like animal. We had Hilos here transform into his guardian form when we heard you were close to our forest. Just as we expected, your dragon instincts rebelled against the evil forces of the Cartel.”

“That’s basically it,” Shaman Pete finished. “I can imagine you are confused, which I do not blame you for. Here, “ he said, handing me a piece of parchment with a map on it, “There is another of your kind out there who is highly educated in the ways of the dragon, plus she lived on Earth for awhile. Go to her with your questions.” I looked at the map. It was about a day’s journey by foot, but if I flew I could still make it by midnight. Snek climbed onto my shoulder and looked at the map. He was still stunned at the fact that his best friend was a true dragon: one of the most powerful creatures known. “Alright, I’ll depart now,” I said finally.

[Black Dragon]

Chapter 7

It had been many hours since I had left the Mudika village and my wings where beginning to get tired. Snek, the lucky devil, was fast asleep between my shoulders. I began to scan the landscape below. According to the map, the village should have been showing up any time soon. Sure enough, just visible in the bright moonlight, a village came into view. I changed the position of my wings and swooped down. I had to be careful not to make a lot of noise to awaken the inhabitants and cause panic, which would be the last thing I wanted. I landed with a soft thud in the middle of the main street…or so I thought. A cry of terror told me I had landed right on top of some creature. Snek jolted awake and added to the commotion by shouting his head off. I quickly jumped back to see a Mudokon crawl out from where I had landed. "Oops!! I am so sorry!! I didn't see you there, sir!" I cried in alarm. "What's on Oddworld is going on?" I heard someone shout. I turned my head quickly to see a rather aged Mudokon walking out into the street. Something was different about her than the rest of the Muds: her skin was a very light blue and her features were slightly different. I then realized that she must be a Moon Child, as her features where similar to that of Hilos, the Mudokon that could transform into Thunder. "Whoa..." the Mud said, "I didn't know there were any other dragons here on Oddworld...won't Drag be surprised.” I gave a startled look. Did she just mention another dragon? I carefully stepped around the rather flat and twitching Mud on the ground and slowly walked up to her. I shrunk down to my smallest size and bent my neck so that my eyes were even with hers. "Excuse me, ma'am, but did you say something about another dragon? I'm looking for her." I asked shakily. "Well there's only one other dragon that I know of around here. That's Dragadon, a family friend of ours. What is it you are requesting of her? My name is Cili, by the way." "Oh, my name's...well, I don't really have a name...they just call me Black Dragon," I replied. I explained my story to Cili. "And I need to see this dragon so that she can, err.... well, teach me how to be a dragon," I added, blushing a bit. "Considering what you have been through, I can see why. 'Ol Drag is usually patrolling the grasslands to the north, you best bet is to search for her there. Oh and don't worry...unless she is cloaked you can't miss her." Cili grinned. I bowed my head in to Cili, thanked her, and took flight again. "Aw man, I'm sick of flyin', BD!!" Snek whined as we got back into the air. "Oh shush Snek, it shouldn't be that far." I growled and caught some currents, trying to speed up.

I was extremely tired by the time the sun began to rise. The trees were beginning to become smaller and fewer, and finally they stopped altogether. The grasslands ahead of me were surprisingly vast. "How are we gonna find her now?" I moaned. Snek just snored in response. I circled higher, my tired eyes straining to see. Within a few moments, I spotted something large moving down below. I quickly dipped in that direction. It now came into focus. The creature was very large, larger than me by far, and a light shade of lavender. It didn't look like me, but I took my chances. After all, there could be different species of dragon, couldn't there? The dragon noticed my presence. The creature had a shocked look on its face. It spread its wings and flew up to meet me. "I did not know there were any of my kin here," a distinctly female voice said, "Who are you?" I felt relief spread through me, then a great sense of awe. The creature was definitely the dragon I was looking for. "I have no name, but those who know me call me Black Dragon." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. A small squeaking sound told me that Snek had just fainted. "Well then I am Dragadon, of the Sky Dragon race." She looked at me for a moment. "You look beat, come let us land so you can rest and tell me your story. Besides...your Slig friend looks like he needs a bucket of water thrown on him," Dragadon grinned mischievously and tilted toward the ground. I grinned. I felt rather comfortable around her; unlike my usual reaction to people I just met. I gratefully followed Dragadon and landed in a particularly thick patch of grass that I thought would be nice and soft. Oh, how wrong I was! I felt something sharp dig into my backside and a yelp of pain that told me I had just landed on yet another creature. "ARGH! GERROFF ME!" a rather angry voice yelled. "Oh dear..." Dragadon smirked, "I forgot to tell you to watch for Spider...." I leapt to the side and watched as a green, Slig-shaped form staggered out from under me. "Oh dear, I’ve landed on two creatures in less than 24 hours!! I'm very, very sorry, sir!" I cried. "What is it with yer dragons and scarin' the crap outta me?" Spider grumbled. "Just our way of saying 'hello'" Dragadon laughed. "Not funny Drag!" Spider snapped. I laughed uneasily as I was feeling rather stupid at the moment. Snek slid off my back and landed at my side with a plop. He stirred slowly and rubbed his head. "Wha happened? I had dis funny dream dat dere was another dragon and..." he stopped short as he glanced up at Dragadon and Spider. With that, he began running around on his hands, screaming his head off, again. "Oh Snek, calm down!!" I shouted and slammed my claw on him. "Don't mind Snek, he tends to overreact," I muttered. "What's wrong Snek? 'Fraid I would eat yer?" Spider laughed. "Spider!" Dragadon snapped, causing Spider to cringe. "It was a joke!" Spider said, with an innocent look. "Jokes about what you once did are not funny..." Dragadon scowled. "Sorry...." Spider muttered. Snek made a squeaking noise again and hid behind my back. "Anyhow, a shaman from a Mudokon tribe told me that you would be able to tell me a bit about dragons and such," I explained. "Sounds like you need to learn a lot, so I'll start with our history. But first...so your friend feels more comfortable..." Dragadon suddenly shrunk down to only a fraction of her full size. Snek poked his head out for a second and looked up at me. "Wow, can you do that?" he asked in amazement. "You just saw me do that a few hours ago," I muttered. Snek then climbed up my back and perched himself on top of my head. "Wake me when yer done..." Spider yawned, "Heard it all already..."
"No, you are staying awake Spider. Even if you have heard the story before...you can gain a new lesson or meaning from it." Dragadon said. "If yer say so..." Spider mumbled. "Shall I begin?" Dragadon asked, turning to me. I eagerly nodded.
"Very well:

We dragons are an ancient race, young one. We have been in existence since nearly the beginning of the planet Earth's existence. We were created using the elements of the Earth by four gods: The Golden One, The God of Nature, the Goddess of the Thundering Moon, and the Goddess of Seasons. We were created to guide and protect the other inhabitants of the planet and share with them our near infinite wisdom. For eons we heeded the will of the gods, but alas it was not to last. An evil god, known as the God of Chaos, felt we had grown too strong and sought to bring us down. He did this by corrupting some of our brethren. The corrupted
dragons ravaged the planet, destroying villages and terrorizing the ones who worshiped us. Needless to say, our followers turned against us and started to hunt us all down. Many of us fall to the cruel blades of the Dragon Slayers, both the pure and the corrupt. The remaining pure dragons took
refugee on a hidden island known as Saurian Isle, leaving the humans to slowly start to destroy the planet with their warlike ways and their technology. But was not lost for our kind, for there are many humans now that believe in what we once truly were, and due to their faith we have started to reemerge and once again serve as their protectors. There are
still those that seek our blood, but their numbers are now quite low and as long as our followers continue to believe in us, we will never die.

After Dragadon finished, silence followed. I tried to comprehend what she had just said, but it was too much to take on just now. I nodded and simply said “Thank you. You have cleared up many of the shady areas in my mind.” “Not a problem, my kin, if you ever need me for anything else, come and find me.” Dragadon replied with a smile. I smiled back and spread my wings. A phrase suddenly popped into my head as I was taking off and for some reason I shouted it back to her: “May the goddess of Seasons protect the rest of your days until we meet again!” Dragadon wore an expression of half puzzlement and half awe and shouted after me “Same to thee, my kin!” I glanced over my shoulder to watch Dragadon until she disappeared from my view. Snek lowered his head so that it was even with my eye and he gave me a questioning look. “We shall head back to the Mudika camp now.” Was all I said and I picked up speed.

Chapter 8

I flew until midnight of that night, and I was now exhausted. I was approaching the Mudika camp when I heard shouts and cries for help. I dove down and was horrified by what I saw. Smoke was rising from the village and chaos was everywhere. I quickly scanned for the source of the terror and my eyes came to rest upon an army of Sligs and a large machine that I recognized to be a tree-cutter. I let out a roar of anger and dove like a bullet out of the sky, Snek hanging onto my spines for dear life. I smashed the machine with my head, causing it to tip and bit. I snarled and lashed at it with my tail, taking off one of its many sawed arms. Unfortunately, it still had the other seven. I dove out of its way and ran behind it. My anger was rising at a steady rate. Why had they come to this camp? “Well, well, well, if it ain’t the great Black Dragon?” came a growly voice. I turned around quickly and came face-to-face with an enormous Big Bro Slig who could be none other than Magar, the great bounty hunter. “Magar,” Snek and I snarled at the same time. “Give ‘em a prize! They got my name right!” Magar cackled as a group of bounties surrounded me. I knew I was in trouble. Magar and his army of hunters were the best the Cartel had, and “failure” was not in their vocabulary. I snarled loudly and whipped away hunters that came too close to me. “So, YOU and your machine were the ‘monster’ that has been plaguing the Mudika!” I roared, rearing onto my hind legs and bringing my weight back down with an earth-shaking smash. “Very, very good, the crossbreed has some intelligence!” Magar sneered. “She’s no crossbreed, she’s a real dragon!” Snek piped up, his little white body shaking with fury. “Shut up, ya insignificant little speck,” Magar hissed, drawing his gun. The other bounties did the same and were readying a steel cage to capture me in. I didn’t know what to do. I performed the curse before, but I had no idea how I had done it. Just as I was losing hope, a sharp female voice suddenly boomed in my head. //Awaken the dragon spirit within, my kin, and thou shall defeat thy enemies\\ it cried. “Who are you?” I thought hard, hoping the voice would answer. //That is of no importance now, thou shalt find out in the future\\ it replied and said no more. Awaken the Dragon spirit? I thought, What does that mean? My eyes wandered to Magar’s grinning face, then the cage, the tree-cutter, then the burning village, and finally the look of pain and fear on the faces of the inhabitants. A surge of energy pulsed through my body and I let out a scream, although it wasn’t in my voice: it was a true dragon’s cry. A flash of white light streaked past in the sky and I felt my body changing. I became taller and every muscle in my body began to surge with power. According to Snek and the others watching, my red features turned a light blue, my spines turned into a mane of blue hair, my horns lengthened and I grew another between my brows, and finally my eyes and purple features turned a sparkling silver. I let out another screech and went up in a flash of silver light. I dove down on my attackers, soared back up into the sky, and then dove again. I heard the hunters scream in pain as they literally vanished into thin air and the tree-cutter disintegrated as soon as I touched it. Soon, all that was left was Magar. He was now weaponless and pants-less, whimpering as he backed away from my glowing form. I picked him up gently and rolled him around in the palm of my hand. I hissed at him before pulling my arm back and throwing him as far as I could into the forest. I felt relief spread through my body, and within seconds I was back in my normal form. A deafening cheer rose through the camp as the inhabitants found their voices again. I joined them, standing on my hind legs and roaring, as I had just had my first taste of victory.

With that, I became a legend among the Mudika. I decided to make their camp my permanent home. I also started up a movement against the Cartel. We only had two true members there (Snek and myself), but I feel that we will be growing. The voice I heard is still a mystery. Even though it may sound crazy, I think the voice was actually that of the dragon Goddess of Seasons. Since then, I have never used my pure dragon form, though I fear I may have to in the near future. I stare at the setting sun and trot back to the camp, wondering what the future brings.

Fin. *Bows* IT'S FINALLY DONE.