Dragonfire: Celestia

Chapter 8: Campfire Tales

Night was falling rapidly. Everyone was getting ready to gather around the campfire, but beforehand, they had something to sort out. Yuki gathered everyone. She was holding a clipboard, with a pencil in hand. “So, we’re going to be separated into tents. Obviously, we can’t all cram into one. So, we’ll be split into groups of two per tent. We’ll also be split into two groups, male and female. With that being said, I know Albedo the best. So I’ll just stay with-” Konari interrupted her faster than the speed of light, “Wanna stay with me?” She asked, “Huh? Oh…sure.” Yuki answered. Kei shrugged. “Guess that means we’re together.” She said, looking at Albedo. Albedo nodded. Damian walked over to Rowan. “We have the same favorite color, which means we need to share the same tent.” He said. Rowan sternly nodded. Yulan was fine with staying in the same tent as J, and thus it was decided. Afterwards, they all gathered around the campfire. Albedo glanced over everyone. Yuki was writing on her clipboard, and everyone else was just idly staring at the fire.

“Anyone know a good tale?” Albedo asked. Damian raised his hand. “How about ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name?’” He asked, “Well, that one is kind of scary…” Albedo answered, “Uh…yeah…it’s a campfire tale…” Damian said. Kei smiled slightly. “Are you scared?” She asked. Albedo shuffled uncomfortably. “No, I’m not. I just…think we should tell a tale of…I don’t know…inspiration.” She answered. Yuki perked up. “How about ‘The Dragon and The Giant?’” She asked. Albedo nodded swiftly. “That tale is perfect for the scenario we’re in.” She said, “I can tell it pretty good. Are there any other suggestions?” Yuki asked. No one made any suggestions. Everyone was in agreement. “Alright. Settle in now, relax…and let me tell you the tale of ice and flame. Of the stars…and the bright sky. Of the moon…and the sun. And most importantly…the tale of Ravania. Yes, our land, known in its entirety as Ravania, was once nothing more than sticks and stones. Trees and grass. Water and mountains. The land was split into many creatures. Wolves, bears, foxes, deers, and many more. But the highest of all creatures in the ecosystem were ever-prideful, and did not want to share their land with anyone else. They viewed all other creatures as prey to be hunted for food, or enthralled to build homes and villages for them. Their immortal leader sought control of the entire land.

Indeed…these creatures were known…as Giants. Their leader, known as a God to some, and even more to others, was named as ‘Hafallgar.’ And a God he was. A titan amongst the largest of mountains, he stood at thirty thousand feet, making him the largest lifeform ever to exist. But it didn’t have to be so, for he could change his size on a whim. He possessed many godly abilities, and this was but one of them. With a mountain of fire within him, and crystals of ice growing from him like hair, he sat on his throne atop the world. ‘Why should we share our land? For I am the most powerful being to ever live. If I am the most powerful being in existence, then all shall bow to me. And if they refuse, then they shall behold my power firsthand.’ And thus, he and his armies of Giants began taking over Ravania. But to his grand surprise, he was not the only one who sought control. A Dragon, as beautiful as the stars, came forth to face him. ‘You, who call yourself the Lord of the Giants. This world belongs to me, for I am the wisest of all beings. I will lead this land to prosperity and glory.’ But the mighty Hafallgar was insulted by such a proclamation.

This Dragon believed she could conquer the land while he lived? Impossible. ‘You, a mere Dragon, believe you can reign over my lands? I am Hafallgar, the most powerful being to ever live. Kneel before your overlord, lest you find out just what it is that makes me infallible.’ But the Dragon refused. She was set in her ways, and so was Hafallgar. ‘If you will not kneel to me, then tell me your name, Dragon.’ The Dragon, in its elegance and beauty, proudly introduced itself. ‘I am Laufi, the Celestial Dragon. I have come from the stars to guide this land to a better future.’ Hafallgar scoffed at such a remark. ‘Very well. If you will not kneel to me, then you will fall to me.’ Laufi remained perfectly calm, not flinching away at the titan that stood before her. ‘So be it. If there cannot be peace, then war it is.’ With that, they parted ways. And thus, a war began. Laufi, the Dragon whose wisdom outranked any God, and Hafallgar, a Giant with enough strength to shatter the stars like glass.