. : D R A G O N B O R N : . (a MCSM fanfic)

Chapter 21: Visions

"I thought I'd find you here..."

Petra bolted up into darkness, blinking in alarm as she fought to clear the haze that surrounded her.  Slowly, the dark mist faded, revealing a long hall lined with columns.  A huge, stone throne occupied one end of the chamber, and on it sat a massive draconic beast shrouded in darkness.  Darkness seemed to ooze from its very being, and the aura of evil it exuded was enough to send a chill down Petra's spine.  A pair of golden eyes glinted menacingly out of the mist that swirled around its head.

"What do you want from me??" she demanded, clenching her fists.

The creature gave an ominous laugh.  "I should think that would be obvious.  You are the Dragonborn... the fate of kingdoms lies in your hands.  It is hardly prudent to ignore such... potential."

Petra shook her head.  "I don't even know if I am the Dragonborn.  I never asked for this!  I never wanted to be a part of this war... all I want is to go home..."

"My dear," the creature purred, chuckling darkly, "I'm afraid it was never your choice to begin with.  Fate doesn't care what we want.  Your desires will never stop it from fulfilling its purpose.  Like it or not, you are the Dragonborn.  Our fate rests in your hands..."

"Then why bring me here?" Petra questioned, "What's the point?  What do you want?"

"History has always had two sides," the beast told her.  "The winners... and the losers."  The huge creature rose, spreading its massive wings and shaking them out, long tail lashing behind it.  It crept down from the throne, circling her with narrowed eyes.  "I suppose you could say that I prefer to be on the winning team..."

Petra pulled back as the creature slithered past, afraid that its touch was as slimy as its words.  "This isn't about winning or losing.  It's about doing what's right."

The creature snickered.  "Such innocence..." it sneered, stopping in front of her.  "And who gets to decide that?  Can you simply destroy my species if you feel it's the right thing to do?  Could I destroy yours?  Who has the right to make that choice?"

Petra hesitated, faltering, and the beast laughed again.  "Not so simple, is it?  War is hardly black and white..."  It seated itself, seeming thoughtful.  "Fate has chosen you to hold destiny in your hand, but you are young and untested.  You hardly know how to use the power you've been given..."

She looked down, frowning.  "What exactly are you saying?"

The creature smiled.  "I'm here to offer you a deal."

"A-a deal?"  She cautiously looked up, though a strange coldness seemed to rise inside her at the thought.  Her instincts screamed for her to run, to leave this place at once-- but perhaps this creature would have something important to say...

"Yes."  It rose again, slinking nearer.  "Man and dragon have been at odds for centuries-- but my tribe has stayed free of the conflict.  Join with us.  Together, we can bring peace to both sides..."

Again, she hesitated.  Peace was what she'd begun to long for-- the one thing that could restore to her what she'd lost.  If she could bring peace, then she wouldn't have to choose between Xann and her people.  If she could unite man and dragon once again, they could all live in harmony...

"What exactly is your plan?"

"The path to peace is not an easy one.  On their own, man and dragon are bent to follow separate paths.  To unite them, one must lead them.  The path to peace will lead through conquest.  Together, we will rule them both-- and unite them beneath us..."

The creature reached out a taloned paw, as if to rest it on her shoulder, but Petra pulled away.  "No."

It seemed startled, and quickly drew back.  "No?"

She shook her head.  "I believe that peace is possible-- but it does not have to come through war.  There must be another way."

The creature's eyes narrowed at this.  "Be careful where you tread, young human.  I do not think you wish to find me your adversary..."

Petra exhaled slowly.  "No... I don't.  But I'd rather make one enemy than start a war that could cost untold lives on both sides..."

The black beast whirled with a huff, slinking back to its throne.  "As you wish.  But I will only extend this offer once... and I do not intend to find myself on the losing side of history.  If you will not join me willingly, then so be it.  But in time, I will have my way..."

A thick black mist began to rise from the floor, filling the room.  Petra squinted against it, wincing as it stung her eyes.

"We will meet again, young Dragonborn," the creature vowed, "And in time, you will see things as I do.  But I am willing to wait-- after so many centuries, I can survive a few months longer.  Beware, Dragonborn, for you have opened a door that you cannot close.  You are strong now, but there will come a time when you find yourself weak-- and when you do, I will be here waiting.  But for now... awaken."

Petra coughed as the thick smoke stung her throat.  By now, it obscured the dark creature from her view, overtaking the rest of the room until all that remained was blackness.  The ground seemed to dissolve, giving way beneath her, and she found herself falling into a silent black void.