Zero

Campfire

The air crackled with tension as the dragon met their eyes, a creature of pure terror, its immense form casting a shadow over the two friends. Heavy huffs escaped its nostrils, sending plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky like dark omens. Astral felt the icy grip of fear seize his entire being, memories he had fought to keep buried clawing their way to the surface. Screams echoed in his mind, the haunting cries of his brother and friends, the searing heat of flames licking at the edges of his consciousness. The tightness in his chest threatened to suffocate him, forcing him to clutch his shirt as if it could shield him from the pain that surged back with vivid intensity. Beside him, Jaylen steeled himself for the inevitable confrontation, unaware of the internal struggle raging within Astral until he glanced over, seeking guidance. Panic flooded his features as he realized Astral had become a statue of despair, frozen by the specter of their looming adversary.

"Hey, Astral, we can do this," Jaylen urged, nudging him with determination, but the bow slipped from Astral's trembling grip, thudding softly against the ground. The dragon seemed to revel in their fear, a twisted grin forming as it savored the boys' dread.

Astral's voice trembled on the brink of a revelation, his choked words barely escaping his lips, "y-you..." The dragon's knowing gaze sent a shiver down his spine, the creature's malevolence palpable. With a primal roar, the dragon unleashed a torrent of flames, the inferno roaring to life as it surged towards them. In a split second, Jaylen's instincts kicked in; he pushed Astral out of harm's way, narrowly dodging the flames himself.

"Ugh—That was way too close," he snapped, glancing back at Astral, whose eyes still shone with fear and disbelief. The impact of the ground jolted Astral from his stupor, the pain slicing through his fear.

"Jaylen, I'm—" But his words faltered, his voice breaking as he met his friend's steely gaze. Unfazed, Jaylen rose, determination igniting within him as he reached for his spear.

"My turn," he declared, a smirk breaking through the fear, charging bravely toward the dragon with fierce resolve. The beast lowered its mighty head, a guttural growl rumbling from deep within, flames flickering in the depths of its throat.

Astral steadied himself, bracing for yet another assault from the fiery beast that loomed before them. The air crackled with tension as he looked for his bow, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly light that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat. Flames erupted between him and his companion, Jaylen, illuminating the chaos around them.

With instinctual agility, Astral slid beneath the searing blaze, retrieving his weapon with determined resolve. Just as the monstrous dragon reared its head, its scales glinting like molten metal, Jaylen surged forward, spear in hand, defying the odds. His strike landed but merely grazed the creature's impenetrable hide, eliciting a thunderous roar that reverberated through the halls, sending Jaylen sprawling backward. The beast, enraged, turned its fury toward Astral, but he was quick to respond. With a surging breath, he knocked an arrow, the ethereal glow amplifying his focus as he drew back, the tension in the string mirroring the tension in the air. With a crack that echoed like thunder, Astral released the arrow, watching as it sailed through the fiery haze, striking the dragon squarely in the face.

The creature howled in agony, thrashing violently as it crashed through the castle walls, sending debris tumbling in a cascade of dust and stone. Jaylen groaned, struggling to rise from the ground, but determination burned in his eyes.

"Jayle—" Astral began, concern lacing his voice, but Jaylen cut him off with a fierce intensity, "I am fine! Let's go, it's hurt!" With that, he regained his footing, gripping his spear with renewed vigor.

"Right—" Astral replied, his voice shifting back to its usual monotone. He tightened his grip on the glowing bow, feeling the surge of power coursing through him, ready to face whatever danger awaited as they prepared to venture into the heart of the beast's lair.

Astral and Jaylen found themselves amidst the crumbling remnants of a once-majestic fortress. As they scaled the wall debris, a breathtaking sight unfurled before them—a castle encircled by fourteen slender, round towers that reached for the heavens, their dark green stone exuding an eerie, ancient aura. This fortress, with its grand windows scattered like stars across the walls, was a labyrinth of mysteries, punctuated by archer holes and artillery ports, each whispering tales of battles long past. Yet at the heart of this wondrous structure beat a colossal heart, suspended by chains above a slumbering dragon, giving the castle the semblance of a living creature, pulsating with an ethereal life force.

As the boys stood entranced by the rhythmic thrum of the heart, the dragon stirred, its lowered head revealing an eye wounded by betrayal, blood staining the stone floors in a chilling reminder of their perilous situation. With a roar that shook the very foundations of the castle, the beast lunged, its claws tearing through the air toward them. Jaylen was struck with a ferocious force, pain radiating through his body as he collided with the unforgiving wall, the world swirling into a haze of agony. Astral, narrowly avoiding the dragon's wrath, felt a surge of dread as he witnessed his friend crumpling to the ground.

"Not again!" he cried out, his heart racing as he summoned his inner strength. With tears glistening in his icy blue eyes, he conjured ethereal arrows of light, drawing back his bow with determination. The arrows, shimmering with raw power, launched forth like streaks of hope, striking the dragon with a brilliant explosion. With the beast incapacitated, Astral rushed to Jaylen's side, the weight of despair heavy upon him.

Employing his healing magic, he laid his glowing hand on Jaylen's chest, breathing a sigh of relief as he felt the faint rise and fall of his friend's breath. With strength born of desperation, he hoisted Jaylen over his shoulders and navigated through the treacherous terrain, determined to find safety. As night enveloped the land, Astral set up a camp, the flickering firelight casting shadows that danced like spirits around them. With every stitch and bandage, he poured his heart into patching Jaylen up, their bond stronger than any darkness that loomed.