The Dragon Hunter

5

Nyx turned the heavy book over in his hands, studying the intricate illustration on the cover. It depicted a three headed dragon above, holding up the sky with its middle head, the moon with its left and the sun with its right. Below that seven silhouettes stood atop a beam, and beneath the beam was a hellish dragon-like skeleton whose spine formed a row of mountains. Words in a language he couldn't read were inscribed in gold atop the tree headed dragons wings. He opened the book and sighed with relief. There were no words, just full page pictures, drawn in intricate detail. He fumbled around and pulled out a match and candle, lighting them and placing the now burning candle on the desk beside him.

Nyx adjusted his position and rested the book on his lap. With one last look out of the window he started to read.

~

Charlie took a long drag from her cigar, puffing the smoke in front of her face. Luna turned her attention back to the raging fire before them, watching as the flames twirled around and danced. She felt empty and sick, but otherwise fine. Minx's wings twitched like they always did when she was nervous and Quin wouldn't make eye contact with anyone. Whatever had happened whilst Luna was passed out must have shaken everyone up. Most of the homeless kids had gathered in the garden after hearing the Charlie would be telling campfire stories as they kept vigil. Children of all ages had found spots around the garden. Some perched on the walls, glancing nervously over their shoulders, some sat nestled amongst the branches of the trees and others simply paced back and forth.

"Guys, we have some news. Anyone who rats out is out of the overall group and will not be allowed to stay with any gangs. Any gangs found harbouring a rat will be punished in the usual way," She stated simply, holding the cigar between two fingers. Her eyes danced menacingly in the fire light. "I want confirmation from each gang leader."

"No problem Charles," One of the older teens, a boy with long silver hair smirked. "We gotta sick together right?"

"Too right Mitch, we're in this together!" A younger girl piped up, Luna recognised her as head of one of the newer gangs. Murmurs of agreement rose up from the crowd and Charlie nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"Quin. Show them," She said encouragingly.

Quin stood up, shaking, and raised his hand. Instantly the fire rose to follow his movement, a small figure emerging, made of smoke and embers. People gasped and Luna thought she heard one of them say "Pyron" but Charlie started to talk, cutting them off.

"A long time ago, there were two brothers. Meden, and Pasirima. Both were strong and powerful, and agreed to combine their powers to create three beings each. So Meden created Humans, Elementals and Dragons with the idea the three would live in harmony together with the creations of his brother."

Luna watched as Quin twirled his fingers around and two humanoid figures materialised before a dragon that greatly resembled Minx joined them. She suppressed a smile as Minx snorted.

"I'm bigger than that!" She huffed. In response Quin made the dragon smaller, earning a spattering of applause and laughter from the crowd. Charlie continued.

"Pasirima created Mystics, Shadow-walkers and Lycanthropes in response."

The fire split, the embers forming the first three figures and the black smoke forming the other three. One was a normal human, shrouded in flowing veils. The second was a panther that vanished before reappearing, breaking apart and reforming. The last was a man that collapsed as his body contorted, his arms and legs elongating until a half wolf half man stood in its place, prowling around on all fours.

"But, Pasirima wanted more. So secretly he abused Meden's power, creating a final creature. The first Cryptid. A mangled representation of everything that was to come."