Chains of Dragons

[Mechaflame]

Chains of Dragons

Prologue

Long ago, on a planet known as Jakarta, humans coexisted with different kinds of creatures. Spirits, Fairies, Demi-Humans, Monsters, and Dragons. The Dragons were the most noble and honored creatures on the planet. Viewed as wise and protective, they helped govern human society as well as the laws of elements. For each element that existed, there was a Dragon that was the highest authority within that element. Life was peaceful, and war never existed. Until one day.....

There existed a demon, Necrosan, who wished to be the most noble of creatures, a Dragon. Using the forces of darkness, Necrosan started his campaign of world domination by first casting spells that would alter his body and his abilities. Pain and suffering followed, all signs of life perished once Necrosan had passed through. He gained control over more elements until finally he had reached his goal. Necrosan was now a Dragon.

But Necrosan wanted more: he wanted to rule the planet, with the true Dragons as his subordinates. Following a legend of the coming of an ultimate being to bring peace to the world, Necrosan began calling himself the Supreme Dragon and Ruler of the Universe.

The Dragons and other beings would not stand for this. In alliance with all of the righteous creatures as well as humans, the Elemental Dragons battled Necrosan. The battle was long and costly; most of the humans had perished in the fight. One Dragon, the Dragon of Light, had formulated a plan that would use the help of all other Elemental Dragons and banish Necrosan. But not without a price.

The Dragons, as well as Necrosan, would be sealed away in amulets. Magical pendants that would hold their body, spirits, and power for many millennia. The pendants bared the image of the dragons that would lie within and would be given to certain humans as guardians of the pendants.

The Dragon of Light, left humanity with one warning:

Humans who now posses these magical pendants, you are the keepers of powerful beings. These magical chains will not hold forever, such as nothing is forever. With the passing of time they shall weaken and destruction may lie over head. I wish you luck in protecting these pendants of the Elemental Dragons.

Necrosan's amulet was thrust deep into the planet's surface, to remain there for all time.

Time passed as the Dragon of Light had said, and time had altered the story. The true power of the pendants was replaced with rumor and myth. However, it was still said that the pendants held great power within, and would bestow that power onto those that were worthy.

Over 4000 years have passed since the Dragons were sealed. There is a darkness spreading across the land, something that once lived four millennia ago......

[Mechaflame]

Chapter 1 - Destiny Calls When You Least Expect It

“Common Pokira, one more time.” an 18 year-old asked his instructor. He was tall, 6’3” and was dressed in clothing untraditional with the shrine where he studied. A vest and sleeve-less shirt tucked into baggy black pants with red slash designs on them. He also had on finger-less gloves that allowed him to keep a grip on a Kendo Bamboo Sword he held, they had markings on the bock of his hand of magical seals. Shackles were around the ends of his gloves and the tops of his boots to keep his gloves and boots on. Spiky red-brown hair stuck out in every direction imaginable as green eyes showed his boyishness energy and determination. This was Denisu Wamiyazen, called “Saké” by everyone in the small village of Hano that surrounded the Keikami Shrine.

“Denisu, you are already pushing yourself. Three hours is long enough, we should take a break.” the one known as Pokira replied as he held a curved wooden sword. Pokira was wearing loose clothing, red samurai-like pants and a dull, white, shirt. He had long white hair that was tied back, and several strands that were stubborn and stayed in front of his face as well as deep purple eyes. Pokira was taller than Saké, whom he refused to call by his nickname in order not to disrespect him.

“Ah, you’re no fun!” Saké rushed forward with the bamboo sword, point in front, right at Pokira. “Ha!” He thrust at Pokira and the teacher side-stepped it as Saké dashed past.

“Denisu, you continue to use the same means of attack. How can you expect to pass the final test at this rate?” Pokira asked, a sweatdrop on his head.

Saké turned and faced his teacher again. Pokira was his teacher and mentor as far as swordsmanship and spells went, and was very hard to beat. Almost no one had ever passed Pokira’s final tests. “The same means may do the trick, but I’ll just have to get faster for them to work. Nimble!” A purple aura surrounded Saké and seemed to flow from the ground around his feet. He could feel the effects of the agility boosting spell taking effect and went to use them.

In a dash of pure speed, Saké charged Pokira, leaving a cloud and trail of dust behind him as he ran. He was almost a blur as he rushed for Pokira. His teacher readied his weapon for Denisu’s assault. Just as Saké was ready to attack, something unexpected happened. He tripped.

Saké tripped. He tripped and lost control of his speed. Still going very fast, Saké rolled along the ground, skidding and screeching as he started to slow. But not before he slammed into a tree, face first, bringing him to a full stop. The tree was shook, while Saké was shaken, a giant impression left on his face where he hit the tree.

Dazed, Saké admitted, “Okay, maybe that is enough for now…. Eh aaaaaah..” And he fell on his back, a dazed look on his face.

Pokira only had a sweatdrop on his head. “Denisu…”

[Page 1]

[Mechaflame]

A young man dressed in mostly black attire stood in a fighting position. His feet were spread and his body slightly crouched over. He had his left arm up and the fingers extended while his right arm was next to his body, clenched in a fist. Eyes closed, he inhaled and then exhaled before opening his black and red tinted eyes. A sweatband rested on his forehead, keeping the sweat out of his eyes as a black cloak rested on his shoulders. One of a pair of fangs was out over his lower lip, and long braided hair at the back of his head.

“Hi-yaw!” he shouted and unleashed a volley of punches and jabs on the stuffed dummy supported by a wooden steak. This individual’s name is Kage Ikagaide, a close range fighter whose father had trained him to use his fists as well as his feet. Kage was 20 years-old and preferred to remain close to home with his father and mother, he currently lived in Zean, just a few blocks from his parents home. He made a living doing labor and anything to improve the strength of his body. Within in a minute the practice dummy was reduced to straw and wood, and Kage stood back and restored his breathing to normal.

“Mornin’ son!” he heard from behind him and Kage looked.

“Dad?! What are you doing here?” he shouted back.

Serge Ikagaide was a man with a large upper body build and his muscles could be seen through the thin material he wore as a merchant of rare Element spells and scrolls. He had the beginnings of a beard on his chin and short cut hair compared to Kage’s long braid. In one hand was a briefcase.

“Can’t a father pay his own son a visit?” he replied.

“Maybe,” was Kage’s response.

“I see you’re still training?”

“The only way I’ll stop training is the day I defeat you dad.” Kage smirked. It was true, as long as Kage had been training, he had always been training for the day he could defeat his father.

“Fat chance son,” his father flexed his muscles. “As long as I still live and breathe I’ll still be better than you.”

The two stared at each other, then they moved. Kage dashed forward and aimed a kick for his father’s solar plexus, as his father threw a punch. Both attacks hit home, but both combatants were still in their positions when their attacks hit, Kage on one leg, his foot under his father’s rib cage, and his father’s fist merging with his cheek.

“Looks like a draw,” Kage commented.

“Not quite,” his father replied. With a twist of his other hand, Kage’s father flipped him on his back, sprawled out. “I’m still better.”

He extended his hand and helped Kage back to his feet.

“So Kage, what do you say we get something to eat?”

“Fine by me, as long as you don’t cook.” Kage replied, pounding his father on the back, as they walked towards some of the good taverns in Zean.

[Page 2]

[Mechaflame]

On a patch of land, not too far from the town of Zean, an 18 year-old girl practiced with an old spear. She placed her feet apart as she imagined herself matched against an invisible enemy. She hacked and slashed, her light brown eyes following the possible movements of her “enemies” and as her copper-brown hair, done in a braid, moved in the aftermath of her movements. Her shoes gave her feet some grip as she continued attacking. The stiff, brown, leather jacket around her upper body hid parts of a faded yellow shirt underneath it. Her midsection was exposed between the bottom of her jacket and the top of her pants, which were brown, with red flame designs in them.

She is known as Vared. And the “enemies” she had been attacking, happened to be bushes near the edge of her family’s property.

“Vared,” her father shouted from the house. “Are you finished beating around the bush?” he asked in a corny joke.

Vared sighed, a mushroom cloud escaping from her mouth. “Very funny dad.”

“Don’t complain too much young’n.” she heard an older voice than her father reply. “My jokes aren’t that great either! Oh ho ho ho!”

Vared turned at the sound of the elder’s voice. “Grandpa Abram!!” she shouted, surprised and excited to see her grandfather.

Abram was stouter and shorter than his son and his granddaughter was taller than him as well. He had a bushy beard and mustache as well as white eyebrows and hair. Abram always seemed to have a smile on his face.

Vared ran up to hug him. “Grandpa!”

“My my Vared, you are still practicing I see. Who was it this time? Ninjas or Knights. Oh I know, bounty hunters after your head.” he joked as Abram hugged Vared.

Abram had taught Vared how to fight and fend for herself, and so far the lessons had paid off. He used to be a warrior of long ago when he was fit as a fiddle and able to hold his own against a dozen men. Because of his age he started to teach Vared who could hold her own in a sparing match against him, but was still no match. Only recently, because of Abram’s age and Vared’s increasing skills, she has managed to beat him once or twice. The record was still being argued over.

“Vared, Grandpa’s going to be staying for a few days.” her father told her as the three went inside the house. “Gabe’s gonna miss seeing him.”

Gabe, or rather Gabriel, was Vared’s older brother and currently away at a university. He was studying to become a scholar and was never very interested in their grandfather’s exercises, something Vared never could understand.

“Oh, I’ve got that rascal a few things. I haven’t left him out yet.” Abram replied with his usual sense of humor.

“Looks like I’ll be giving the family spear to Vared after she turns 19.” her father commented.

Vared knew what her father was talking about. In the basement of their house was a box that her father had only opened a few times, once to show Gabe and another to show Vared when they were each 10 years old. It was an heirloom that had been in their family for generations. Vared remembered when she first saw the spear. The blade was 8 inches long and leaf-shaped with flame designs on the yard long shaft. She thought it was beautiful when she saw it and couldn’t wait to actually hold it.

“Dinner’s ready everyone!” Vared’s mother shouted from the kitchen.

“Great Maria.” Abram boasted. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”

“I think the horse would eat you dad.” Maria replied as she started to set the table and everyone laughed.

[Page 3]

[Mechaflame]

“No no Sora! Never put your feet like that.”

Sora Hibari changed her foot stance and eyed her father, Tousan, whom she was training with. She was 18, and was wearing mostly blue denim. Her skin was tan, her hair was shoulder length and dirty blonde, and her eyes were a deep navy blue. Sora had on a sky-blue t-Shirt under a darker blue denim jacket, with the design of a dragon waving towards anyone behind her, as well as baggy denim jeans that hid black hiking boots. In her hands she held the wooden version of a Kama, a scythe-like weapon.

Tousan, Sora’s father, was holding another wooden kama. “There! Much better.” he commented and raised his weapon to eye-level. “Ready?”

A smile drew across Sora’s face. “Yes.” She enjoyed sparing with her father and trying to defeat him.

Tousan lunged for his daughter, swinging the kama in order to slice her arm off, Sora blocked and went for an open spot in his attack. The next few minutes went like this. Blocking, attacking, counter-blocking, and counter-attacking, until Sora went for a move. Using the wooden blade she yanked her father off balance, Tousan landing on his rump. She pointed the blade at his chest.

“Very good.” he commented before he whipped his kama and broke hers in two, for the fourth time today. “But not good enough. Remember to block their arms as well.” he said with a smile.

Sora dropped to her knees, the broken kama still in her hands. “Daaad…. That’s the fourth one!!! I’m telling mom you broke this one.”

“Come on, get up you.” Tousan said and extended his hand for Sora to take. He pulled Sora to her feet. “She won’t mind. We’ve got many left still.”

They started walking towards a house.

“When can I use a real one?” Sora asked, with her eyes big, trying to show how cute she could be.

“When you’re older.” Tousan replied.

Sora rolled her eyes. That’s the answer for everything…. she thought.

Inside, their home was nicely furnished, with comfortable chairs and pillows to sit on as well as art to admire. There were also some things from long ago, antiques from ancient times. Tsuru, Sora’s mother was finished cooking and could hear her husband and daughter argue.

“Come on you two. Quit fighting, dinner’s ready.” Tsuru told them.

They sat down and began to dig in.

“Oh Tsuru, Sora broke another kama again.” Tousan stated and flashed a devilish grin towards his daughter.

“Oh did she Tousan?” Tsuru looked at Sora. “Last I remember it was your father who broke your kama.” This comment caused Tousan to almost choke on a piece of steak.

“Well that may have been my fault.” he said with a cheesy grin at his wife.

“Nope. It was all your fault dad.” Sora commented and Tousan tossed a washcloth at her. The washcloth had hit her square in the face, it wasn’t wet, but she threw it straight back, hitting her father harder.

It may have seemed a bit strange to other families, but this was quite normal for the Hibari Family, and everyone had fun “beating” on each other.

[Page 4]

[Mechaflame]

Near a house, a girl was blindfolded. She was 16 years old and had a strong build, although it couldn’t be told from just looking at her. The girl was small and lightweight with short brown curly hair. If you could see her eyes, they would be an icy blue/gray, a color that should not be stared at for too long. She was wearing a long blue tunic, black leggings, and boots. She enjoyed looking plain.

This girl was Amalthea Arran, but preferred to be called Amal.

Amal used her other senses because her sight had been blocked by the blindfold. Slowly her head turned, searching for any movements. Her grip on her katana tightened. A whistling sound and Amal slashed to her right. The one attacking her jumped back and Amal ducked an oncoming blow and rolled back, avoiding the attack by a few inches at best.

On all fours, she strained her hearing to find out where her opponent, or more correctly, her father had disappeared to. A slight scuffle, silent to most, got her attention towards her left. She back flipped and slashed, someone cursed. A piece of clothing had been ripped off in that last maneuver. Amal slashed again, but the attack was parried and her father thrusted up.

The point of his weapon touched her neck and Amal gulped. Her father removed the blindfold over her eyes.

“You’re getting much better Amalthea.” he admitted with a smile. He sheathed his weapon and stretched his arms. Two hours of sight restriction sparring would be frustrating to most, but Amal was exceeding and getting much better in every practice session.

“Yeah, and I’m almost close to beating you for once.” Amal replied, also stretching her body after the training.

“Yeah yeah, let’s see you try it later.” They started heading into the house. “How about I whip us up some of my famous shrimp stir-fry?”

“Yay!” Amal cheered because her father’s cooking was the best on the whole planet. “Only no more zucchini this time.”

“Okay, more onions then!” her father replied.

“No! I hate those even more!!”

“No more complaints or it’s liver and onions.” her father teased.

“Okay, I’ll be quiet.. More shrimp?”

“I think I can handle that request.” he replied as they went inside.

[Page 5]

[Mechaflame]

Perched on a branch, a female feline Demi-Human was laying. Her cat-like eyes were closed as she rested, her ears sticking up, ready to pick up any sounds, and her tail slowly waving in the air under the branch. A wrap-around skirt stopped at mid thigh, and a vest matched the skirt. She wore a shirt under the vest, but it was a small tank-top because anything bigger would restrict her mobility. Her skin was a tan gold with small spots of black, giving her a more feline look. The hair was the same color as her skin, but without the spots. She also had fingernails that were more like claws than nails.

“Elena? Prae-Girl?”

“For the last time, I AM NOT…. Oh! Father!”

Elena Kai-Prae looked down from her branch to see her father standing below. Alun Prae looked more cat-like than his daughter, with the nose and larger eyes of a feline. He had the bad habit of referring to Elena still as a girl, when in truth Elena was 21 years old.

“Yo! Big Sis!” someone shouted from above Elena and she looked up to see her brother, Lynx Kai-Prae, jumping down towards her.

Elena’s reflexes activated and she back-flipped from laying and into a squatting position. Lynx flew by and she reached out and grabbed her younger brother by the scuff of his neck in mid-air.

“Lynx,” she looked at her brother in the eyes. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He grinned back. “Common sis, I just found out you got back last night. Can’t I surprise my big sis once in a while?”

Elena sighed. Lynx had always wanted to surprise everyone in the Kai-Prae home. Sometimes that surprising got him into trouble once too often.

“Elena!”

“Elena hi!”

She looked down and saw the younger faces of her two younger sisters, Katie and Jan. Katie was older but both of them were still young.

“Elena. When did you get home?” Katie asked.

“When did you get home?” Jan echoed her sister, only slurring a few of the syllables.

“Last night. If you Younglings weren’t so sound sleepers then you would have heard her.” Alun replied.

“Common Elena. Let’s go out for a game or two.” Lynx encouraged.

“I was sleeping before father showed up Lynx. I’m not in the mood now.” she replied.

“Aw, you’re no fun sis. At least Saké will give our games a try.” Lynx protested and got out of his sister’s grip, dropping to the ground on his hands and feet. “Let’s go see if Saké will play.” he said and ran off with his younger sisters behind him.

“Yay! Saké’s fun!” Katie cheered.

“Saké fun!” Jan echoed as the three disappeared into Direwood Forest.

Elena climbed down the tree and then hopped the last three feet. “Saké is still here?”

“Yes, he comes by at least once a week. Leon and Pokira must be increasing his training by now.” Alun replied and he and his daughter walked towards the group of tents that marked where the Pride had made camp for almost 15 years.

The Pride was a large group of feline Demi-Humans, consisting of several large families. Close and distant relatives of various families also resided within the Pride. The whole group were nomads, continuing moving from place to place for reasons forgotten from memory but continued from tradition. The tents were in constant state of repair and rarely, only in the marriage of two Pride Members, would a new tent be constructed.

Elena was surprised at how everyone had changed. She had left the pride to explore more of the Zeeam Continent after she had turned 18, and just now she had returned, homesick or for reasons unknown even to her. Everyone waved as she passed by, her father leading them to their tent.

The Kai-Prae tent was the largest one in the entire Pride, because Alun was the leader of the families and would say when they should move on. They entered the tent and Elena saw her mother, Necia Kai sitting the slight glow of a lamp.

“Have a nice cat-nap Elena?” Necia asked. Necia Kai was more human looking than either Alun or Elena, but had golden cat-like eyes.

“Yes, until father and Lynx decided to end it.” she gave her father a comical glare.

“Still it is nice to have you home after three years.” Alun admitted as they took seats around the lantern.

“I was afraid you would move the Pride before I had a chance to come back.” Elena admitted.

“The whole reason we are still here after 15 years is because this place is so peaceful, nothing could disturb it. That and the fact that I didn’t want to move until we saw you again.” Alun admitted. “The other families agreed this was a perfect place to raise the younglings. Even though the humans in Hano don’t particularly care for us. Enough about that. Tell us what you thought of the rest of the continent. Any places that we should think of moving the Pride to?”

[Page 6]

[Mechaflame]

In a darkened room, a Demi-Human sat. Light, purple, fur covered the exposed portions of his skin. Messy white hair stuck out from his head as his eyes were closed. Dressed in black, he concentrated on the task before him, shutting off all senses. His elf-like ears stuck out the sides of his head, small tuffs of fur at the ends. This was Horus, a 20 year-old Psychic Innate who was busy meditating, his feet twitching a bit.

Horus. Horus. he heard his mother mind link with him. Horus, are you still meditating on the problem before you?

Yes mother. It is very difficult, it is.

I know you won’t give up so easily Horus. Dinner will be ready in a few hours.

All right mother. he replied and concentrated more on the matter at hand.

Horus came from a long line of Psychics, very powerful ones at that. His mother was strong, but his father was much stronger. They always had some problems or times for meditation for Horus to perform.

Contrary to first implications, Psychics cannot read minds at all. Instead they can sense the aura of a person or animal, and see the color corresponding with the emotion that creature is feeling. Red for anger, blue for sad, green for envy, black for hatred, pink for love, orange for agitation, and so on. They do however can mind-link with immediate family members and speak without speaking, as well as have premonitions that can take place in the immediate or distant future.

Horus concentrated. His current task, was to stretch his mind to find his father, who was busy in the market place. A most difficult place to find one single mind wave. Horus was getting close, but there were too many minds gathered in one place. He concentrated more, his features becoming strained and contorted, shutting his eyes harder, gritting his teeth.

Then something hit him like a ton of bricks and he gasped. Visions, rapid visions of fighting. Death and destruction. And even large creatures that resembled the Lesser Dragons that resided near the Pire Range and Hydra Jungle. But these creatures were different. Taller, broader, stronger, prouder. Then there was a darkness that he saw, spreading slowly until it blocked his entire vision. Laughter. Evil laughter. He could hear it coming form everywhere and yet no where. The laugh was inhuman and was starting to drive Horus insane.

He threw his hands over his ears in an attempt to shut out the laugh, but it continued. His meditation broken, Horus fell onto his side and passed out.

Horus was shaken awake a few minutes later by his mother. His father was there as well, concern on both of their faces, but relieved when he didn’t seem to be hurt or his psychic abilities hampered in any way. But Horus couldn’t get the sound of that evil laughter out of his head, and spent the hours after dinner trying to make sense of his vision.

[Page 7]

[Mechaflame]

On a dirt road, a Demi-Human walked along. Green and scaly, this being was part chameleon. He wore no shoes and had three toes as well as three fingered hands. Across his shoulders lay a long and large thing wrapped in cloth. It must not have weighed much, because he carried it with hardly any effort. Black, tattered, clothing hung from his torso and silk pants with holes in them covered his legs.

This Demi-Human’s name was Chamel, and he hummed a fast and happy tuned song as he walked. Chamel was heading back towards the shrine where he was staying, and had stayed since he was barely 3 years old. The sensei of the shrine took special interest in Chamel, and trained with him on a daily basis. Just now, he had sent Chamel to town to fetch a package which had arrived for him. Chamel, glad to get out of the shrine every one in a while, went off like a rocket and was now on his way back.

He heard some voices behind him and he scampered up a tree. His bare hands and feet made the trip easily and effortlessly. Up on a branch, laying on the package carefully, Chamel watched as three humans walked down the road towards the shrine. He recognized them as students who also studied there, the clothing was the first sign of this reasoning.

“I can’t believe the nerve of that Chamel,” said one. “Just because the sensei takes pity on him for being abandoned, doesn’t mean he should run free like he does.”

“Once I heard he hid in the girl’s shower using his camouflage ability.” another stated.

“He’s an animal and should be locked up, or at least kicked out.” the third one, a girl commented.

Chamel wasn’t hurt by their insults, rather he was looking at what the three students were carrying on their back. Three individual baskets, one had apples, another mangos, and the third one had the Grib Berry, a personal favorite of Chamel. Chamel had the familiar long tongue that actual chameleons possessed and aimed for his target.

His tongue lashed out, and latched onto something. Pulling his tongue back Chamel waited for the sweet and sour taste of the Grib. But instead of fruit pulp, something dry, silky, and tasting of cloth met his mouth. He took the object out of his mouth and instantly blushed, some blood escaping from his nose. It was the girl’s BRA!!!

“ACK! This ain’t a Grib Berry!” he exclaimed.

“CHAMEL!!!” shouted an angry feminine voice.

“Huh?” Chamel looked and, just as he did, something hard and solid connected with his face. “Ghah!” he shouted as the blow knocked him out of the tree. He fell hard on his stomach, a huge bump on his reptilian head. “Ouchie…” he said full of pain. A foot stepped by his head and he looked up.

The girl was burning mad and was flushing at the cheeks. “You have some nerve Chamel!”

“It was an accident,” he tried to defend himself.

“I’m sure the sensei will kick you out after this stunt!” She turned on a heel and ran off towards the shrine. The two guys who had been with her snickered.

“Good going Chamel.”

“See you in the outside world, freak!”

They ran off and disappeared on the road. Chamel twisted around and ended up sitting, with his legs crossed, looking towards the direction of the shrine. He let out a mushroom cloud sigh and looked up at the tree tops.

“Why me? I’m so hungry.” he said, his stomach growling.

There was a sliding noise and Chamel looked up. The package he was laying on up in the tree branch slid off and fell. It whacked him in the head with it’s flat side. Chamel fell onto his back, now two lumps ahead today.

[Page 8]

[Mechaflame]

Wind blew into Zera Leonhart’s face as he readied his katana. Zera was 19 years young, and dressed in dark clothing. Numerous belts and two metal pads, one on his left arm and the other on his right hip, acted as armor. His clothing was baggy, very baggy and small gauntlets on his arms that ended in gloves that exposed his fingers. Zera had two heavy boots on his feet, giving him some grip on the ground as he moved. His katana had tape stuck all around it, giving it an older appearance.

Zera faced his friend once again. His friend, Juste, bared a wooden axe. That was fine, because Zera’s katana was also made of wood. Juste was just a bit shorter than Zera and had some gear on his left hand, his blocking hand. The two enjoyed sparring together, because both were skilled at what weapons they preferred.

Juste charged, ready to swing the axe and lop off part of Zera’s body, Zera jumped back, being slightly carried by the wind and raised his weapon to block. The weapons connected and Zera moved his weapon down and slashed for Juste’s arm. The blow connected, but since both of them were already covered with bruises Juste hardly felt it. He swung the wooden axe in an arch, in order to hit Zera’s torso, but Zera ducked under the attack, and jabbed the point of his weapon into Juste’s stomach.. Juste stepped back and Zera jumped to kick his friend in the chest just as Zera’s foot connected, Juste grabbed him by the ankle and they both fell to the ground. Zera landed close by Juste, flat on his face.

Zera picked his head up, looked at Juste who was on his back. A smile cracked his face and he started laughing, Juste joined in too, and their laughter could be heard over the hills of the field where they currently were.

“Who won that one?” Juste asked.

Zera flipped onto his back, staring at the sky and his hands under his head. “Dunno, I think it was a draw.”

“How could you tell? Our records always been dead even. Can’t you at least argue with me that I won?” Juste stated, trying to get Zera to argue.

Zera chuckled. “Whatever Juste.” he said. “Does it matter?”

“Na, I guess you’re right. HEY!” Juste exclaimed, realizing Zera had beaten him without even trying to argue.

Zera laughed again.

The two just laid in the field, looking up at the sky. “Fells good to be alive, doesn’t it?” Zera asked.

He was replied with Juste’s snoring. Juste had fallen asleep!

Zera sighed and closed his eyes. Soon, he was asleep as well.

[Page 9]

[Mechaflame]

“Hya!” someone shouted as he slashed a tree. This boy, was 15 years old, and was yielding a 6 foot-long naginata. He had leather boots on, that had his baggy blue pants tucked into them. A lose shirt revealed most of his medium build for being 5 foot seven. Sweat caused his silver hair to stick to his forehead as his pale blue eyes glared at the tree. His naginata was slashed into the tree, and the metal blade was stuck!

Seylin Hatsuki tugged at the handle of his naginata, pulling with all his strength. Even resorting to planting his feet on the tree and pulling parallel with the ground. Struggling, he finally managed to wrench the blade free, but in doing so, he fell flat on the ground.

“Ouch.” he commented rubbing his head. “That wasn’t very smart, in retro-spec.”

He sat on the ground and looked up to the sky. Clouds began to form into darker shapes.

The Hatsuki home was built between Hano and Zean, on a dirt road connecting the two towns. Many convoys passed through the path, and some had road-side shops set up along the path for weary travelers to pass and refresh themselves before continuing the trek to either Hano or Zean. Seylin’s home was such a place.

His father ran a small bed-and-breakfast and make-shift Inn for people going along the road. Hano and Zean were two days apart if one walked. Luckally the Hatsuki residence was placed strategically between both towns, and was also surrounded by other homes and houses.

The small place was called Kikata, but was given the nickname of “Half-way Kita.”

Seylin plopped down onto his back, and tried to slow his breathing. He had been whacking the tree with his naginata for the better part of three hours, trying to get stronger, but had only ended up exhausting himself from the effort. Damn, I hope it’s not going to rain. he thought. I hope there’s a blizzard that wipes this place clean. Seylin had a bad habit of disliking people in general and had a semi-psychotic personality to match. It didn’t exactly make him the most popular person in Kikata, but then again it did give the people a reason to leave him alone. No one really made an effort to make a friend out of him, they just decided it was best to leave him alone.

“Seylin! Give up on hacking that tree down?!” a voice reached him from the direction of his home.

Seylin tilted his head and looked behind him, there was his father standing on the porch of their home. Seylin’s father was tall and had blue hair. He was the exact opposite of his son, a person who was very outgoing and made friends with everyone in town and anyone who happened to stay at his home passing through. He had some small glasses on the end of his nose that reflected the sunlight a bit back to Seylin.

“No father, I’m still at it.” Sometimes Seylin didn’t understand what his father saw in people, he just hoped it wouldn’t happen to him.

“Well that’s good. But you put too much effort into your slash. You have to ease off the force behind your attack and go with an arch, instead of a slash. That way you should save me the time of having to sharpen that old naginata of yours every time you hack that tree.” he advised. “Oh, we have some new boarders who came into town and are looking for a place to stay. They may consider our home.”

“Great,” Seylin said distastingly. “Now I know I’ll have to lock my door today.”

“Don’t be so hard on all people son,” His father tried to calm his son’s distrust towards all people. “The bad ones spoil the hope for the most that are good people inside.”

“Whatever,” Seylin replied and headed inside. “I don’t care as long as they leave me alone.” he walked upstairs to his room and shut the door, but not before locking it. He angled his naginata in the corner and fell onto his bed. On a nightstand by the bed, there was a picture of three people. A young Seylin, a slightly younger personage of his father, and a woman that the reflection of the sun blocked from being seen.

[Page 10]

[Mechaflame]

A seventeen-year-old girl with long braided blonde hair and copper skin aimed an arrow on her bow towards a young boy with an apple on his head. A sweatband lay over her eyes, covering her eyebrows and pushing her hair out. Her yellow eyes zeroed in on the apple on top of the boy’s head. A sash was tied around her waist, helping her skirt stay on her hips, and a single strap tank top was covering her chest, her midriff exposed. Black boots went up her legs and stopped at her knees.

This was Faile Thundersong, a girl with a short temper and deadly aim as she pulled the string back on the yew bow. The boy with the apple on his head was Thaddeus, her younger brother, who had bugged her to play “William Tell” with him.

Their mother walked out onto the porch. “Faile, Thaddeus, what are… FAILE!” she screeched.

“What?” Faile replied and her finger slipped on the arrow. It sprang forward, off aim and heading straight for Thad’s chest. “No!”

A spoon came flying and knocked the arrow up into the air. It went off course and the arrow spun in the air. The deadly point of the arrow went upward in its course and struck the apple above Thaddeus’s head. This had all taken place in the fraction of a second.

“Yeah! You did it sis!” Thaddeus exclaimed, impressed by his sister’s archery skill, and holding both pieces of the apple in his hands.

“Faile!” her mother shouted. “I thought I told you never to point an arrow at another being!”

“Thaddeus wouldn’t stop bugging me mother!” she shouted back. Faile had a very short temper and would always be the first to start gunning for a fight. Usually no one would argue with her because many people knew of her archery skill and didn’t want to be at the receiving end of an arrow point. “So I agreed to play with him.”

“I won’t allow this! You are grounded, go to your room until supper’s ready.”

Faile stormed up to their home. Her mother stopped her.

“Give me your bow and arrows, Faile.” her mother ordered with a strangely calm voice.

Faile threw down the yew bow and the arrows onto the porch and ran inside. The sound of her door slamming could be heard through the entire house.

Marge Thundersong sighed at her daughter’s temper as she picked up what Faile had thrown on the porch. Thaddeus munched on the apple, curious as to why Faile seemed to be crying.

“Common Thaddeus, let’s go get dinner finished.” Marge asked as she headed inside.

They went inside, Thaddeus holding both halves of the apple.

[Page 11]

[Mechaflame]

Dark clouds hung in the sky as rain splattered against a window. Lightning crackled in the sky, lighting up everything inside a room.

Someone, clad in black clothing relaxed in a soft reclining chair as the storm raged on outside his domicile. Parchments lay scattered across a table as candles burned, nearly exhausted and almost melted. Old pictures of men were placed on bare spaces on the walls, in which everything else was taken up by books of every size, shape, age and color on shelves. On the table, perched up by a stand decorated to look like a dragon’s hand was an orb. Blue tinted clouds swirled inside the orb, matching the turmoil outside.

In the person’s hands was a steaming cup of hot tea. The hands had several rings on the fingers and the fingernails had been filed to a sharp point. This person was a man, dressed in a robe, enjoying the turmoil outside his safe home. A smile split his face. A strange smile because one of the canines of his upper jaw was sharper than in a normal human’s mouth.

“Soon, very soon,” he started. His voice was dark and foreboding, an evil air about it. “They shall be mine, and then nothing can stop me.”

There was a flash of lighting, illuminating the entire study.

“Heh heh heh.” his laugh was quiet at first. After the thunder sounded his laughing increased, getting more evil as he went. “Ha ha ha. HA HA HA HA HA. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!” A bolt of lightning was followed immediately by a thunder clap and another one split the sky. The storm had only just begun.

[Page 12] - [End Chapter 1]

[Mechaflame]

Character Overview

Wamiyazen Denisu Saké Hey, I’m Wamiyazen Denisu, but just call me Saké! A day that first appears normal turns out to be more excitement than any of us could have ever expected. Soldiers show up at our homes and say they’re looking for antique pendants that belong to someone called Garm. I don’t know about you, but I think they’re lying. Common soldiers! Bring it on! Next time on Chains of Dragons! Ambushed! Part I: Mystical Pendants and Powerful Weapons.

Let’s go! Photon Blast!

[Page 13]

[Mechaflame]

Chapter 2 - Ambushed!
Part I - Mystical Pendants and Powerful Weapons

One week ago…

In a room with brick walls, a man stood before a small army of men. “My Lord, we are ready to move at your command.” This man was tall and covered with armor. Awards and metals decorated his left breastplate as he stood at attention. A thick sword hung at his left hip as his blue hair stopped at his shoulders. His armor was black and golden and only left his hands and head exposed. The name of this individual was Karsh, and currently he is the leader of a specialized division of warriors. Karsh already had the title of winning over 300 consecutive battles and was the most impressive one there. Five others stood behind him, each giving the impression that they were better than the other soldiers standing there.

At the front of the room a man sat. He had rings on his fingers and sharpened fingernails. Clad in black he was unarguably the Lord of this army. When he spoke, it sounded evil and foreboding.

“General Karsh,” he said. “This mission is very important to us. I doubt that I may have been premature in my interpretations and think you and your comrades are overqualified for this particular mission.”

“My Lord,” Karsh dropped on one knee and bowed his head. “Any mission for you is a mission of honor for us.”

“Yes!” the five standing behind Karsh sounded.

“Excellent. Ha ha, most excellent.” the “Lord” replied, but with some slight slurring on the “xc.” “In the vicinity of Direwood Forest, there are 11 pendants in all that I wish to posses. You can tell the current owners anything in order to obtain them. You may even use force if you wish, but,” Grey eyes glared at the men present in the room, burning into their souls. “I must have those amulets at any cost. Is that understood?”

Everyone replied as one. “Yes sir!”

“Very well. Be off! I expect those items within the next few weeks.”

Karsh rose and pounded his right fist to the left side of his chest as a salute to the Lord. Turning on a heel, Karsh walked along an empty row between the men and left through the main door, closely followed by the others and then soldiers.

[Page 14]

[Mechaflame]

Now…

Leon Wamiyazen sat in his study, going over some important matters that had just come up concerning the shrine. He had a dirty white shirt and black pants held together with a red sash. His brown hair was ruffled and his brown eyes looked over the papers before him. Leon scratched his chin, the small threads of facial stubs from not shaving in two days.

It was not easy being the priest, many came to him for guidance in different matters, but Leon needed some guidance of his own. The shrine was being pressured to stop teaching some of the magic abilities that had been around for thousands of generations and be replaced with scientific knowledge, such a thing Leon and many others were against.

Oriental ornaments decorated his study. Swords, drawings, plants, and even small sculptures. There were two items separated from the rest. Inside a glass container, sitting on a tripod holder, was a small pendant. Made from many white crystals, there was a golden image of a dragon curled around the top of the crystals, its wings folded. Every few minutes it would pulsate a small amount of light. There was also a tall, thin, rectangular cabinet with markings up and down it’s smooth surface. These two things stuck out from Leon’s collection.

There was a scuffle of feet outside his door and he recognized the tread of Saké’s dragging feet, and Pokira’s up and careful step. Saké was Leon’s son and had bugged for the chance to spar with Pokira until he finally gave in. Leon had to admit that Saké’s earnest and eagerness reminded him a lot of Alicia, his own wife.

“Saké!” he shouted through the closed door.

“Yeah father?!” Saké’s voice replied, close to the door.

“I want you to take a shower before you continue training today.” Leon stated.

“Okay.” Leon could hear Saké run towards the showers, and he smiled.

He started to return to the matter at hand when there was a knock at the door. “Yes?”

“Lord Leon, may I enter?” Leon recognized the voice as Pokira’s.

“Pokira, you know better than to be formal with me. Of course, come in. Come in.” Leon stood as the door opened and greeted Pokira like a warm friend.

Pokira entered, but not before bowing before the Priest of the Keikami shrine. Leon just grabbed his friend’s hand and pulled him in before closing the sliding door. Pokira took a seat on the floor as Leon started a pot of tea to brew.

“You didn’t have to bow my friend.” Leon commented as he made sure the tea was brewing.

“I am a man of tradition, you know that Leon.” Pokira stated. “That is why I refuse to refer to Denisu by that nickname he has acquired.”

Leon chuckled. “Yes he has gained a reputation among Hano hasn’t he?” He got some small crackers from a cabinet inside his study, a little kitchenette inside the study itself. “In fact I think that the name Saké is appropriate. For what is more important, a God of Wine, or a drink for the God of Wine?”

“I think that Denisu is fine enough without a name to degrade it to an alcoholic drink.” Pokira replied. The two usually gave subtle jokes towards each other because the two had been friends for most of their lives. They grew up together and both had been admitted to the Keikami shrine for teaching and eventually gained important positions there. Leon was the head Priest and Pokira was the Master Swordsman, both highly dignified places.

“Now, now Pokira, you do realize that he will choose which name he likes more. In fact I believe the main reason he enjoys Saké so much is because of his energy and free spirit.” Leon replied, taking a seat across from Pokira.

Pokira chuckled. “Whichever name he enjoys more, when he becomes priest we will have to refer to him as Lord Wamiyazen if he does not pick one or the other.”

“Ha ha!” Leon laughed. “That we will. Oh Pokira, it has been too long since I have had time to share with Denisu. Just listening to him speak and train, reminds me of Alicia and her free spirit.” Leon’s head turned and looked towards a picture sitting on his desk. There was Saké, around three-years-old, being held by a woman with striking red hair and brilliant green eyes. The woman was holding Saké in her arms, standing by a younger looking version of Leon, clean shaven and tidy hair.

“I remember.” Pokira replied, looking back at the photo on the desk. “I was present at your wedding, don’t forget.”

“And I won’t, I assure you. *sigh* After Alicia's death, the only thing that had kept me going was Saké’s free-spirit and determination. If I lost him, I don't know what I would do…"

The rest of his statement was cut-off by the sound of the tea kettle boiling. Leon stood up and retrieved it as well as two cups and brought them with the crackers over to where he and Pokira were sitting. He sat down and poured himself and Pokira some tea.

As they started to settle down for some tea the main gong‘s ringing echoed through the building. It was a sign that there was a visitor to the shrine.

“Who could be visiting?” Leon asked.

“I shall see.” Pokira rose and started out. He turned and bowed to Leon. “I’ll be quick.”

[Page 15]

[Mechaflame]

At the main doors of the Keikami shrine, it wasn’t Pokira, but one of the sentries that opened the doors and looked out to see what it was the visitor’s wanted. The sentry almost stepped back in disgust. There on the steps, three feline Demi-Humans from The Pack stood, their cat eyes freaking the guard out.

“Uhg,” he said. “What do you thieves want?” He didn’t want to look at them.

The taller one, who must have been a male, spoke first. “Can Saké come out and play?”

“Young Wamiyazen? What business would he have with Demi-Humans like you?”

“Saké please play?” said a younger female.

“Play!” echoed an even younger one.

“He doesn’t have business with the likes of you. Now scat!” the sentry shouted to make them leave.

“Hey don’t be so harsh dude!” the male replied again, shouting as well. “We know Saké and he’s always had time to play with us.”

“I said leave!” The sentry wasn’t playing games with them. “Go now before I ask our Master Swordsman to get rid of you.”

The male was looking down the hall, and who should turn into the hallway but Pokira himself.

“Hey Pokira!” he shouted. “Can you let us in?!”

Pokira noticed and recognized the feline Demi-Humans.

“Pokira! Yay!” shouted the second youngest.

“Pokira!” the younger one said, mispronouncing his name.

“Lynx, well this is a nice surprise.” Pokira walked up right behind the sentry. “And Katie and Jan, you two have grown since the last time I‘ve seen you.”

“Yay!” the younglings replied, running up to Pokira, and he grabbed the two in his arms.

“We were looking for Saké.” Lynx said as he walked in and stood in front of Pokira.

“Denisu is busy washing up, but I’m sure he’ll have time to see you. Let‘s go see the Priest while we wait.” he carried Katie and Jan down the hall and turned a corner. Lynx was trailing behind and turned around to the sentry. He pulled down his eyelid and stuck out his tongue at the man before disappearing down after Pokira. The sentry was speechless.

[Page 16]

[Mechaflame]

The door to Leon’s study opened and the Priest smiled at the sight of Pokira with Katie and Jan in his arms and Lynx following him. “Well Pokira, looks like you adopted a family.”

“I don’t think so Leon,” Pokira smiled back as he put Katie and Jan on their feet. The three visitors bowed their heads to Leon, and knew him pretty well. Their father had visited the Keikami shrine several times and got to know Leon over the course of the past 15 years the Pride had resided in Direwood Forest.

They entered and Lynx grabbed a few extra pillows for him and his sisters.

“So Lynx, what brings you three here today? Your father need something?” Leon asked.

“No sir. I was just hoping to see if Saké would be able to play with us today.” Lynx replied, his head bobbing up and down.

Leon smiled. “Well, I’ve always heard that playing with members of the Pride was the best kind of training anyone could ask for. Of course he can.”

“I’ll go tell him you’re here then.” Pokira rose and entered into the hall.

“Some tea Lynx? Jan? Katie?”

“Please.” the three replied, big grins on their faces.

Leon poured them all a cup, and told Jan and Katie to be careful because it was hot. Lynx was the only one who spat the hot tea out, but apologized and started to clean it up.

A knock and there at the door Denisu Wamiyazen hopped on one foot, struggling to get his boot on. He already had his gloves, arm band, shirt, pants, and other boot on, his vest was in between his teeth.

“Phhorry. I phas in pheh phower.” he said with the vest still clamped between his teeth.

“Saké!” Katie and Jan shouted and pounced Denisu.

“Ack!” he exclaimed as the two girls hit him at once and pinned him to the ground. “Hi Katie. Hi Jan.”

“Saké play with us!” they encouraged. “Play with us! Play with us!”

“Okay, okay. I’ll play, but can I breathe first?” he replied and the two girls got off his chest and he managed to take a breath. He looked up and noticed Lynx.

“Hey Lynx. Figured you were here.” he said.

“Yup, pops never lets me leave these two alone.” Lynx replied with a toothy grin.

“Well common! Let’s go!” Saké started off, but ran into Pokira.

“Aren’t you forgetting something Denisu?” he asked.

“Oops!” Saké kneeled before his father. “Dad, may I please skip my training for the rest of the day and play with the Pride members?”

“Go ahead son, I’ve already okayed it.” Leon replied.

“Cool! Let’s go!” Saké ran out of the room and down the hallway, the three Pride members close on his tail.

Pokira watched them run down the hall. “You could have at least made him sweat a bit over it Leon.”

“It’s all right Pokira.” Leon replied. “It is hard to tease him like that.”

There was a loud clang of a bell that announced the next session of classes to begin. “Hmm, looks like my class is starting. I am sorry Lord Wamiyazen, but I must go.”

“You may go Pokira.” Leon replied, and Pokira left, closing the door behind him.

Leon sighed and started putting the crackers and pillows away. He kept the tea and poured himself another cup and sipped it, glad for the distraction to help clear his mind of his latest problem. Leon was standing near the center of the room and noticed something, his shadow was being cast on the door, something that normally never happened. Spinning around, Leon noticed that the crystal in the glass case was emitting more light than usual, brighter and stronger than its usual daily pulse.

“Hmmmm…. I wonder…” he said.

[Page 17]

[Mechaflame]

Denisu Wamiyazen ran with Lynx, Jan, and Katie hot on his heels. They ran through the small town of Hano as they made way for the trees of Direwood Forest. Some merchants waved at him and at the Pride members following him. Others ignored the Demi-Humans and only waved to Saké, and then whispered about the next priest running around with vermin like those Demi-Humans. The four reached the tree-line quickly and stopped in an open spot.

“Okay, what game are we playing today?” Saké asked, catching his breath.

“Prey and Predator!” Katie asked.

“All right! I’ll be the prey!” Saké replied.

“But you’re always the prey.” Lynx acting like he was complaining.

“Because I can’t sniff out my prey like you guys do, so that makes you the best ones to hunt me down, now doesn’t it?” he replied.

“Isn’t that stereotyping?” Lynx retorted.

“Not the least.” Saké said. “Ready?”

Lynx, Katie, and Jan stood facing three different directions, their backs to Saké and their bodies crouched.

“GO!” they shouted and where gone in bursts of speed, leaving Saké standing in the middle of an open space.

“Okay, here we go. Nimble!” A purple aura surrounded his feet and he felt the spell take effect. In a dash he was off, jumping from the trunk of every tree to another. He disappeared into the forest with the Pride members as well. The game was on.

[Page 18]

[Mechaflame]

On a hill, overlooking the Direwood Forest, Karsh stood. His eyes glanced around the trees to find the locations of which his Lord had told him to find the items. Troops were stationed everywhere around the forest, waiting for his signal. He looked, There was Hano to the northeast, and the shrine’s top cut over the trees. Farther south was Zean, and between the two was Kikata, a small in-between place on a road. He also knew there were several houses scattered throughout the forest and fields. Those were his targets. Currently Karsh’s forces were closer to Hano and the shrine there than any other town.

Satisfied with his survey of the forest, Karsh raised his right hand, a signal. Three soldiers from the forces lead by him gathered towards the more front of the hill and concentrated. Blue auras surrounded their bodies as they pointed their palms towards the sky directly above the center of the forest.

Another officer scanned the edge of the forest, looking for signs that the army on the other sides were ready as well. There were seven similar auras at the edge of the forest.

“Sir Karsh!” the officer reported. “The others are ready.”

“Very well. On my mark we begin our decent into the forest. Remember! Our target is the Keikami shrine, the others have their orders.” He looked and even he could see the auras tipping over the edge of the treetops, he pulled out and checked a pocket watch from his armor. It was time. “FIRE!”

The three soldiers released their combined attack. Aero Blaster, an attack that sent shockwaves through the air towards opponents, but this wasn’t aimed at any structures, just into the air. Several more such attacks headed for the same spot above Direwood forest.

[Page 19]

[Mechaflame]

“So pop,” Kage Ikagaide started. “What’s with the sudden royal treatment?”

Kage, and his father Serge, were currently sitting inside one of the best taverns in Zean. The tavern had the best wine, food, and entertainment in the entire Direwood Forest range, but also had the highest expenses. So it was indeed a rarity that Kage had ever been inside.

“Well, I decided this place would be the best place.” Serge replied.

“For what?”

Serge picked up the briefcase that he had brought with him and laid it on the table. Unlocking the front, he spun it so that Kage could see what was inside. Kage sat dumbfounded at what he saw.

In the briefcase, encased within soft velvet lining, sat two objects, both of them very similar. The two similar objects, looked like gauntlets. Gauntlets that could cover all the way up to his elbow, but also had a section for his hand to go through. The gloves for these gauntlets had metal bars that had to cross over one’s palm, and the looked like they were connected to the gauntlets in some fashion. Both of them were black in color, the same color as the Shadow Element, Kage’s very own Innate.

“Go ahead, try them on.” Serge encouraged.

Kage went and grabbed one of the gauntlets and checked to see which arm it was designed to fit on. He found out it was his left arm and slipped in on, then adjusted the straps to they were tight. Then there seemed to be a strange shadow that spread from the gauntlets and vibrated and moved around his arm. After a tense moment the shadow was absorbed into his very arm and Kage could feel the energy inside his body getting stronger.

“Dad, what just happened?”

“Looks like the Claws have accepted you as their new owner.” Serge said with his fatherly smile.

“What?”

“Clench your fist around the bar, you’ll notice that there’s a switch.”

Kage looked and saw the switch.

“Just don’t point it at me, point your knuckles straight up.”

Kage did that and clenched his fist around the switch. To his surprise a single blade of black metal sprang out and out from the gauntlet. There were two other blades, but these were formed when the main blade broke through the hand section of the gauntlets. The blade had a notch in it that ran down half of the length, and the blade itself was as long as his forearm. Two markings, parallel to the notch and each other ran down the blade as well and then stopped and turned to join a single marking stretching past where the blade was exposed and into the hand parts of the gauntlets.

“Ikagaide!” shouted the female manager of the tavern. “You know the rules, NO WEAPONS!”

“Release the switch son,” Serge said.

Kage did and to his surprise the blade sprung back into the gauntlet and it looked like it wasn’t even there. He gave his father a surprised/curious look.

Serge lowered his voice to a whisper. “These gauntlets are the Black Dragon Claws and have been in our family for over a dozen generations. They will only accept members of this family as the rightful owners and cannot be used by anyone else. The shadow that you saw around your arm? That was the claws searching your heart and seeing if it was true or not, that way they could accept you as their latest owner. They also confirm to the strengths and weaknesses of the one who uses them.” Kage had slipped the other gauntlet on and the same shadow appeared around his arm.

“But why give them to me now?” Kage asked.

“I have discussed it with your mother, and we both agreed it was time you should carry on the family legacy. The Claws are only half of it.” Serge reached inside his shirt and withdrew a fairly large jewelry box. He placed it on the table, halfway between himself and Kage.

Kage reached out and slid the box closer to him and then opened it. He had to force himself from letting out a gasp.

Inside the box, in the same lining that the gauntlets came in, sat a pendant. Oval, it was about three inches across its longest point. There was a dark stone orb in the center, it made up the largest part of it. The outside ring was decorated with lines that started from where the orb was and ended at the edge. This pattern went across the outside ring forming over a dozen triangles. The ones with their bases at the edge of the pendant were black, and the others white. Inside the black orb, which seemed to flow with dark clouds, a metal dragon was perched inside the very center. It was white and stuck out form the rest of the amulet for some reason. The dragon had a long neck that curled so the top of the head was facing the front. It had no arms or legs, from what could be seen, and stretched into a long and serpentine body. A pair of wings was up and were slightly folded around the body, so only the head could be seen. The head had one Ruby eye. A dark red that gave a slight glow through the darkness of the pendant itself.

“What…” Kage stammered, looking for words. “What is this?”

“The pendant in your hands has been in the family for many generations, too many, my father used to say.” Serge started. “It has incredible power. I haven’t seen this power myself but I’m sure you can feel it.”

Kage reached out and took the pendant in his hand, and felt it’s surface.

“Kage what I say now, is very important.” Kage looked at his father. “That pendant must be protected at all costs, because there are some out there who…” Serge never got to finish his statement because a large explosion blasted over Direwood forest. So loud that it caught everyone’s attention.

[Page 20]

[Mechaflame]

At Vared’s home, the sound wave rocked the entire house. Vared jumped to her feet as did the rest of her family.

“What the hell?” her father exclaimed. There came a loud knock at the door.

Rache, a friend of the family had run inside the home. “Is everyone all right in here?”

“Yes we’re fine Rache, but what’s going on?” Maria replied, getting her footing back.

“There was a large explosion above the forest, and now dozens of soldiers are entering town.” he replied.

“What?!” Abram exclaimed. “It can’t be this soon. Vared come with me.”

Vared followed her grandfather into the living room, he almost leapt the entire distance. He rummaged through the gifts he had brought for his family and finally came across the one he was looking for. Abram brought it to Vared and opened it.

Inside a bright orange lining, sat a red crystal. On the very top of the crystal, sat the head of a golden dragon, small tuffs of metal giving it a feline approach and horns on the top of the head. The head itself was elongated and the snout was blunt. Two claws were on the sides, clutching the crystal. A pair of wings wrapped even more around the crystal, just under the hands. Finally a long tail wrapped around the tip of the crystal. A single Garnet eye glowed with the same brightness of the crystal.

“Vared, now listen to me.” Abram said holding his granddaughter’s shoulders. It is very important that you protect that amulet with your life. There are evil forces out there, very evil ones who want the power for themselves, and they will do anything to achieve them. Promise me you will protect it. Promise me!”

“I do. I will protect it with my life.” Vared clutched the pendant close to her heart, and could feel a warm surge of energy flow to her body from the amulet itself. She meant every word about protecting it.

Her mother and father looked at Vared and then at each other. They nodded and her father went downstairs as her mother turned Vared to face her. “Vared,” she stared. “We love you very much, and with you receiving the pendant, we also believe that you must have a weapon, strong enough to protect it.”

Her father came up the stairs from the basement, holding a familiar looking box. Vared recognized it as the one that held her family’s spear.

“Vared, you are now the bearer of the pendant, now you are also the owner of our family’s heirloom, the Dragon Spear.” Her father opened the box and Vared saw the spear in all it’s beauty. “Now we only have to see if the spear will accept you as its owner.”

Vared reached out with her hand and could feel a burning heat coming from the spear. Then her eyes started playing tricks on her, she saw flames engulfing the spear and the flames turned into biting monsters, waiting to engulf her hand in one bite. She hesitated, staring at the monstrous flames before her. Vared bit her lip, expecting to be bitten, she reached for the spear, determined to prove her worth as its owner. Her hand gripped onto the handle and held it tight. To her surprise the flames were blasted apart as she gripped the Dragon Spear and could feel warm energy flowing through her body. It felt warm, like fire, her very Innate.

She picked the spear from the box and saw that it had more beauty than she remembered. It was light, not at all heavy, and there was also a fiery aura that surrounded it and moved up her arm. The aura surrounded her and then she watched it as it was absorbed into her body.

“Good,” Abram stated. “The Spear has accepted your courage as a quality for being its owner.”

There came shouts from outside, getting closer to the house.

“Now Vared, hide the pendant. They shouldn’t bother you, most likely it is me they are searching for, if anything should happen, run. Run and don’t stop.” her grandfather told her.

Vared zipped up her vest and tucked the pendant underneath it, just as soldiers bashed in the door.

“We are looking for a man named Abram.” one ordered. “We have been told that he resides here currently.”

Abram stared at the soldiers. “I am Abram, now what is it you want?”

“You are Abram?” the soldier looked confused.

“Yes, I am Abram. The Seventh Warrior of the Draconian Warriors.” Vared’s grandfather replied.

“Abram, you are believed to have stolen an artifact from the possession of our Lord, Garm. You are to come with us if you cannot or will not return it.”

Abram eyes filled with anger, something no one has ever seen and lived to tell. “That artifact you speak of has been in the possession of my family for countless years. This person Garm has no bearing on it, for it was never his to begin with.”

The soldiers drew their swords. “If you do not comply with our orders, then we shall be forced to kill you.”

Abram glared at them. “Take me on if you wish, but if you value your lives I would suggest against it.” Faster than anyone could have imagined, Abram slid forward, his fist connecting with the lower jaw of the leader of the three men. The man buckled back, all thoughts of consciousness gone. “Vared, GO!”

Vared didn’t hesitate, all of her training had told her when grandpa says something, do it. She dashed out the backdoor as her parents and grandfather fought with the soldiers who had invaded their home. Running out into the street, she saw soldiers swarming over the place like an infestation. Fires burned as they attacked everything and everyone that stood in their way.

“The girl! Stop that girl with the spear!” one of the soldiers from inside shouted.

Vared spun around and saw soldiers surrounding her. I’m in trouble...

[Page 21]

[Mechaflame]

Seylin Hatsuki was laying on his stomach, hiding his face with his arms. This was how he acted whenever his father had boarders over. He tilted his head a bit to see the picture on his dresser.

Staring at the picture, he couldn’t help but look at the woman. Oh, mom….

But his thoughts were interrupted.

An explosion, which may have been right on top of Kikata, rocked the entire house. Disoriented and off balance, Seylin flailed his arms around trying to grasp something to hang onto. Unfortunately, the shaking of the house and his sudden panic only ended in him falling off the bed and slamming his chin onto the floor of his room. The picture on his dresser vibrated and was moved off and slammed down, the glass shattering. Then, the shocks stopped as soon as they came.

“What the hell….” he said, rubbing his lower jaw. “Ow, just happened?”

“Seylin! Seylin you okay?!” he heard his father say as he ran up the stairs. He threw the door to his son’s room open.

“Yes, I’m fine father,” Seylin replied. “But what was that?”

“I don’t know, but it was almost on top of Kikata.” They both looked at the ceiling, expecting another barrage. Nothing came.

Finally his father broke the tense waiting. “Downstairs.” he said and Seylin got up and they both headed down the stairs to their shelter. The basement was a place where even Seylin wasn’t supposed to visit, not without his father’s expressed permission. There was something down there that his father didn’t want him to know about, so Seylin started wondering why downstairs of all places?

They reached the basement floor, and Seylin stared at what he saw.

An alter, a strange alter where a mean looking dragon-like statue had a small box in it’s hands and something in it’s mouth. His father went forward and bowed to the statue before gently lifting the box from the dragon’s clawed hands. Seylin watched as his father opened the box and showed Seylin a magnificent item.

A deep blue stone was connected to a long silver chain. Inside the stone there was a dragon, caught forever with its wings spread and free. The stone was almost shunned down because of the magnificence of the dragon, as if it were unworthy to hold it. The entire chain was pure silver and showed not a single sign of rust or age on it. A single Chalcedony stone set as the eyes stood out from the body. Seylin stared at it for several minutes before he caught himself and looked at his father, astonishment and confusion on his face.

“Seylin,” his father held the chain as if he was going to place it over Seylin’s neck. “This amulet has been in the family for countless generations, and is our greatest treasure. I had hoped that there would be a day when you did not need to inherit this, but from the sounds of earlier, that might not happen. Protect it Seylin. For me, for you, and for your mother’s spirit.”

Seylin almost stepped back. It was rare when anyone spoke of his mother, especially his own father!

“Oh, I almost forgot.” His father turned back and reached for the object in the dragon’s mouth. It was long, almost two meters, and wrapped in cloth. Carefully Seylin’s dad took the object out and then, just as carefully, unwrapped it. “This is to be yours as well.”

Seylin was speechless for a second time. The object wasn’t ordinary, instead it was a 6 foot long naginata with a one foot blade. Two feathers stuck out from under the hilt, they were an icy blue and moved with every slight vibration in the air. The blade was crisp and clean, and very sharp as well. The six-foot handle was sturdy and looked as if it had never been used once.

Almost on instinct, Seylin reached for the handle, and then came the chill. An icy wind from nowhere seemed to blast every part of his skin, causing his fingers to even burn under the extreme cold. His hand got closer, he couldn’t stop now, he had to grasp it. Through the burning chill Seylin grabbed the handle and the freezing winds ceased. He could feel his body be warmed as an icy blue aura poured from the naginata and into his own body.

“Good, the Dragon Naginata has accepted you as its new owner. And it appears that the amulet has too.” he father commented. It was true, in the darkened room Seylin could see both the weapon and pendant glow with the same aura. “That Naginata has never rusted or dulled. Now this should save me time in sharpening yours…What?”

There a crash and the sound of the explosion of earlier. Seylin and his father bolted upstairs as fast as their legs could carry them. Opening the front door they saw one of their neighbor’s homes reduced to nothing but rubble. Seylin gripped the amulet close to his chest as he saw men clad in black and gold armor approach their house next.

[Page 22]

[Mechaflame]

Horus sat with his legs crossed, determined to find the truth hidden by his vision. Even the most experienced Psychics had difficulty in deciphering visions and warnings, and he had an unyielding will. He sat and thought, thought and sat, and even hours after dinner had been finished Horus was still stumped.

His parents must have felt his frustration, for his mother called him downstairs. Finally glad to have some distraction to leave his mind clear, Horus made his way downstairs. He found both of his parents sitting at the dinner table, unusual serious looks on their faces.

“What is wrong? I’m fine, I’m okay. Sometimes when I strain too hard and things strike me like a wall, and I pass out. It’s happened before, you know it.”

“We know son,” his mother commented, squeezing the hand of her husband. “That is why you must listen to us.”

“Horus,” his father started. “What did you see in your vision that causes you to wish us not to help you?”

Horus stepped back. His father had a point, but he had to argue. “It was just like all the others I’ve had when I strained myself. Larger and bigger versions of the Lesser Dragons as well as the laughter. It’s all happened before, but..”

“But not as strong as this one.” his father finished. “Horus, we believe it is time for you to take on the burden that our family has carried on for countless generations.” His mother and father stood up, hand in hand, and lead Horus down into the recesses of their home.

His father pressed an idol and a wall pivoted open, revealing a hallway. Big enough for anyone to enter. They started down a corridor, and down several flights of stairs. Horus looked at the walls. Ancient inscriptions covered each side of the wall like graffiti. It was too dark for him to accurately tell what the hieroglyphs depicted as he kept pace with his parents. Finally the flights of stairs had stopped and Horus whacked his head against a banner across the hall. Rubbing his head, Horus looked at the sight before him.

A room, only lit by four purple candles, not very big, but held on the other side of the wall a class case that held a double bladed sword. By the case stood a marble pillar, and inside the pillar was a wooden box. The flames on each candles burned with black flames. The walls were granite stone blocks, wooden beams holding up a dirt ceiling, the whole place smelt of mildew and dampness.

“Horus,” his mother finally stated after a long silence. “Take hold of this sword, the Twin Dragon Blade. If it causes you to go insane, then you are unworthy of being its owner and your mind will be reduced to ashes. If you are unaffected, then it has accepted you.”

Horus cautiously stepped forward. As he neared the case, the glass door swung open and almost invited him to take the sword. He stared at it in more detail. There were two blades that sprouted from the hilt, each branching off before stopping and becoming parallel. In the middle of the hilt was a single eye, the Elemental Sign for all Psychic Innates, representing the third eye that all creatures posses. The source for most true psychic powers, Horus had his symbol on his upper left arm. The handle was golden colored and the entire weapon seemed to irradiate a purple aura.

Slowly and carefully, Horus reached for the handle and gripped it. Instantly his mind was rushed with feelings, emotions, thoughts, images. They swirled around him, causing an intense wind that threatened to knock him over. He leaned against it, always keeping his hand around the handle, never letting go. Finally the images blasted away, away from his mind and sight, and the wind died as well. Horus dropped to his knees, mentally exhausted and breathing hard.

“Your mind has not been plunged into chaos,” his father stated. “This means the Twin Blade has accepted you. Now you must also be able to accept another part of our burden.”

His father went to the pillar and brought out the box from within it. Carefully he presented it to Horus and opened it. Horus was shocked.

Inside a medallion, there was an amethyst stone inside of it. Inside of the stone itself was a dragon. Not flying or with its neck craned, the dragon was sitting, two Amethyst stones set for eyes and they gave off the same type of glow as the flames for the candles. A silver chain was connected so that the entire thing could be worn around the neck. He wrapped his fingers around the chain and lifted it so he could see it in more detail. It was beautiful in his estimation, the true image of Psychics.

“This pendant is now yours.” his mother said. “We have guarded it for many years, and now it is yours to protect.”

“Horus, you must protect this with your life. It must not fall into evil hands.”

Horus slipped the chain around his neck and let the pendant rest on his chest. “I will, or else I’ll be a discredit to Psychics everywhere.” he threw both of his parents a smile.

[Page 23] - [End Chapter 2]