The Chronicles of Drakken

Chapter 5: The Second King of Dragos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You let us down, Raz!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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