The Unfading Ones - Breath of Fire

I.1 Signs and Portents, Part 2

Part 2

It is night time on the other side of the world. Somewhere in the Western Continent, under the same full moon, in deep inside forest there is a certain temple made of jade stone. This is a pyramid shaped tomb. Because of the moonlight, the tomb is in different shade of green from greenery surrounding it, making it other worldly ominous.

The top of it is flat and there is some protruding slab that looks like covering something. The slab is shaking and suddenly split open. At the same time a pillar of light emerged from that place.

The light shot toward the sky is gradually getting wider and brighter. After a while, the light disappeared. The night is not cold, but the top of pyramid is misty.

A hole is opened. From the stairwell below, emerged a dog-like creature that doesn't look like from this world. It is as big as a horse. Its fur have bluish indigo color.

The dog-like creature step aside and sit beside the hole opened as if welcoming someone.

From the hole, someone else also come out. A long haired man. His hair is mystically white. His clothes is one piece from shoulder to feet with purple color. The chest area opened wide revealing another red colored layer of clothes that cover his neck and chest. On his hip is a complicated designed red belt that he wear unevenly with monster face buckle. His appearance is out of time.

The doglike creature bowed to him. He takes a deep breath and exhales.

"So...The time has come..."

"Yes, milord. Majesty...... It would be appear that something amiss. Where are the courtiers? The priests? Why is there not a single praise raised in greeting at thy return?"

"'This is not important. They are mortals. We cannot fathom each thing mortals do as we should spend an eternity. There be more praising matters to attend to."

The man look toward the sky, the full moon.

"Can thou not sense it? This presence... So far...And still slumbering... No mistaking it, 'tis what we have sought to these many ages."

The man then going to step down leaving the tomb. He instructed his loyal servant.

"Won-qu! Guard our place of rest."

"Majesty, where are thou wish to going?"

"We shall go to our capital, as was planned." The man then adds "We shall meet at the appointed place when the time has come."

"As you wish, sire"

The dog move to sit in front of the hole, than transform into a statue, resembling the tomb structure. After the man get out from the tomb perimeter toward the forest, he met with two soldiers.

"Who is there!?"

One of the soldier calls him out.

"What be you doing in this place?"

"Huh? Who're you!?" asked by another soldier..

"They say a Dragon or something's supposed to appear tonight... So we were told to watch this area." Explained by another soldier in blue uniform.

"...A Dragon?"

"That's right--and not just any dragon either! They say it's the legendary Dragon of Doom, which will bring ruin to the Empire!"

"And...What be thy doing for this dragon?"

"We will destroy it, of course! Nothing can withstand the might of the Imperial Army!"