The Chronicles of Drakken

Chapter 15: Strife's Invasion

Raz, Maz, Rocky, Kyle, and even Buckner, who had a clean bill of health, were suited up with their gear along with the governors. Raz couldn't help but smile because he was fighting alongside not only his parents but the other leaders, as well. Each one was a legend in their own right and held the most experience in their respective element. Raz felt honored that he was among them if this was the end. However, he couldn't think of anything negative at this moment.

Soon, they all were running or flying across the lawn as the soldiers were assembled and ready to go. They saw the black mist head for them, and before anyone could move, it consumed everyone. Instantly, Raz's vision was cut off, and the only thing he could see was black. Nevertheless, he could still hear, and what he heard made chills creep down his spine. It was the sound of his fellow Dragons being killed, who cried out in agony.

At first, Raz didn't understand because he knew there were no enemy soldiers nearby to kill anyone. But, as he stayed in that mist, he soon felt the overwhelming despair hit him with such a force that he breathed out fire, forming it into his fire sword. Then he almost impaled himself through the chest. It was only by sheer will that he didn't, and then it dawned on him. The sounds that he heard were his own troops killing themselves.

Even now, Raz had to fight the temptation to end it all, and his anger replaced the despair. Anger along with panic, because he didn't know if his friends had killed themselves or resisted. Whatever the case, he needed to find them and quickly, but better said than done. He couldn't even see his hand in front of his face, let alone anyone. However, he had to try.

"Everyone! Listen to me! Don't give in to despair! You are strong, and you are brave! Even if we die, we will die doing what is right! Listen to my voice!" Raz shouted and soon heard Buckner off to his left.

"Raz?! Is that you?!" Buckner said with despair in his voice.

"Yes, Buckner, it's me! Don't give in! You are the smartest Dragon I know. You have nothing to be ashamed of." Raz said as he stumbled into Buckner, who had his ice sword pointed at his own throat.

"I'm trying, Raz! But it hurts so much!"

"I know! I'm feeling it too, and it makes me angry at the ones doing this. Direct your despair into anger."

"All right. I'll try!" Buckner said, and Raz felt him shift and look directly at Raz.

"That does work!" Buckner said in an irritated voice.

"All of you! Turn your despair into anger. Direct the energy into anger; it's the only chance!" Raz shouted and quickly turned to Buckner. "We need to find a way to clean out this air."

Buckner nodded and said, "I have an idea."

Buckner sprayed out boiling hot water and began Working it. "You may want to duck!" Buckner said as Raz ducked.

"Everyone, DUCK!" Buckner yelled as he began to spin like that of a cyclone. The boiling water went out so fast that it turned into a fine mist. Soon the air became a lot cleaner and was all gone in a matter of minutes.

"Nice job! But why did you say 'duck'?" Raz asked as Buckner turned to him.

"Because the pressure I put on the water can rip flesh to pieces if I'm not careful," Buckner said as Raz looked around and instantly felt sick. There before him were hundreds, if not thousands of soldiers, who took their own life. The governors appeared to be shaken up but altogether all alright. But where was Rocky, Kyle, and his brother Maz?

"Maz! Where are you?!" Raz shouted, and he heard someone respond from behind. He turned to see Maz holding Rocky and Kyle to keep them from killing themselves, but he had several cuts from their escape attempts across his arms.