At first, there was only pitch black of the vast darkness. It was quiet at first, but echoes of the unknown began to slowly become audible. Listening to them closely, a realization hits as those echoes started to sound like yelling, screaming, and howling. Though there was no definitive answer to whom those voices belonged.

Then, echoes of weapons and magic clash alongside those who speak unintelligibly. There was another sound- the sound of crashing waves, trembling earth, and the storming sky. It couldn’t help but imagine the destruction behind the black emptiness. What is happening?

What followed was that flashing images started appearing:

First, was a white castle that looked like a ginormous crown, glistening from the sunlight.

Second, was Wayde’s expression of concern. Dad? Hang on…

Third, was an image of Elise and his sisters, sharing the exact look as their father’s. Am I having visions?

Fourth, was the Dragonslayer himself, judging from his fighting prowess against black-armored warriors and dragons. This time, he was wearing a different set of armor: much more layered and dragon-like, but couldn’t get enough details of it as the next image appeared.

The fifth was a terrifying one: a silhouette of Devastrigon emerged from an active volcano, and its lava flowed all across the enchanted world. But there was a difference- the dragon appeared to have four more heads. Ah, shit.

Sixth, was a full view of the destructive horizon. The ground opened with streaking red lights while the dark clouds in the sky shot out beaming rays of the sun. Something was off though, from the skies came down demons, monsters, and dragons ready to invade the earth, while on the ground, an army of angels, gods, and Flash Guardians had gathered to raise themselves against the upcoming forces.

The seventh, was not an image as they all began to move in motion. They looked back and made their way to what appeared to be a person. His golden winged helmet matched the radiating yellow of the sun while its red ponytail at the back flowed along the gentle wind.

It was the heroic figure that Xabe kept seeing, although he couldn’t get a look at the individual’s face as the shape of the helmet was like a low-crowned hat. Whoa, hey, It’s that guy from the tarot card and in my vision.

The hero was sporting a white suit with a platinum vest and gauntlet with engraved golden wings on them. His blue pants shared the same radiance of hope. The black boots stomped out such power on the heating soil of the world. What surprising the most was, over the triangular coat tail of the vest the flowing red scarf that looked exactly like Xabe’s. It was wrapped around his waist like a belt, letting the two tails hang like two dancing snakes. Huh, that looks familiar. What is going on?

The heroic figure finally stopped and stood on his ground. He held what appeared to be a glimmering sword with a red jewel in the middle of the V-shaped guard. As he raised the blade, pointing at the darkest day of reckoning, it ignited with bright orange flames. And at that moment, the hero finally lifted his head, revealing those sparkling turquoise eyes. Waaait… Revealing that the hero looked older and much more mature.

His glare expressed meant that he had been through a lot, not to mention a sudden addition of a large scar that had been sliced up from his left cheek, across the lip, and down close to his chin. Wha- is… is that… me?! Out of nowhere, a sudden voice echoed in his ears- a woman’s voice- more like almost in a whisper. “MaXabiere.”

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Abruptly, his eyes opened wide. Xabe found himself lying on a bed inside what appeared to be a red tent when he quickly got up. He felt his clothes were changed to pink pajamas. The boy slightly jumped as he heard a pecking sound only to see Red on a tabletop at his right. “You scared me,” sighed Xabe as he reached out his hand to the pileated woodpecker. “I thought you were burned to a crisp.”

The boy started to look around only to see the tabletop and an empty brown table. Red hopped onto his shoulders while its eyes stayed focused on him. Xabe moved into a sitting position on the edge of the bed to feel no ache at all. “How long was I out?” he muttered.

From the entrance came a tall man who wore nothing but black with violet hues when directed from sunlight: his armor with shoulder pads, pants, leg armor, boots, gauntlets, even his black helmet that had a metallic crest on top and his nose protected with a cover. He carried a sword in his left holster and a round shield at the back.

What caught Xabe’s attention the most was the tall guy’s heterochromia eyes of burning orange on the left and shining blue on the right. After six years, he would never have thought of seeing the exact black-armored man standing before him today.

“Been a while,” the man spoke in a deep, calming voice. “Do not fret, a whole day was enough for you to recover.”

“I’ve been out for a day?!” Xabe stood up quickly enough for Red to almost trip over. “Oh, sorry about that, Red.”

“I know what entirely happened yesterday- and oh boy it sure was hell.” The black-armored man removed his helmet to reveal his blond brushed-up hair and such masculine features of his chin and nose. “Almost… thanks to you.”

Xabe looked from head to toe at the man. “You’re a Flash Guardian. I can already guess it.”

The Flash guardian nodded, “That’s right, it means you’re in good hands. I am Erik Vortecse, one of the commanders of the platinum-rank Flash Guardians and head of the ‘Code Crimson’ operation.”

“Whoa, that sounds so badass.”

Erik grinned and nodded. “I know, right?”

Xabe started to feel relaxed from all the action yesterday. “Um, about the Dragonslayer-”

Xabe’s words were put to a halt as Erik raised his hand. “Look, it seems you have many questions. But I can assure you, all will be answered with your father.”

“Dad… he’s here?” Xabe walked closer to the man.

Erik opened the left side of the tent entrance. “I shall escort you to him. Your pileated woodpecker pet can come along.”

Xabe and Red exchanged looks before heading out of the tent. He was fascinated at the view of the campsite full of Flash Guardians. Each looked distinct from one another- not to mention how diverse they were: humans, orcs, elves, humanoid beasts with furs, scales, feathers, and others that came with different forms.

The Flash Guardians were busying themselves with preparations as they moved from tent to tent, tending the griffins at the stable, and going back and forth to a route that led to a magnificent, ginormous statue of a golden griffin… or was it just a statue?

“What about Yardsville?” the boy asked. “It’s where I live.”

Erik replied, “We assured the townsfolk that an anomaly far away from there was sorted out… thanks to you, of course.” It would be a terrible idea when referring to the unknown danger as a threat rather than an anomaly.

Xabe just uttered, “Oh…” He remembered what happened clearly as if a projector was presented before his vision. All he did was trusted his instincts and somehow that made his power grew at such a level. But this time, he felt like… a completely normal mortal.

For further investigation, Erik read the mind of the sixteen-year-old. It was strange, the guardian hadn’t read the thoughts of the one responsible for injuring Devastrigon. It was as if the boy had a dream yet awake at the same time. Erik expected that to happen, though it turned out the awakened power was still too much for the boy.

“Come,” Erik Vortecse gestured to go forward. The entire Flash Guardian campsite was established on the other side of Mt Pike’s lower area near the forest. As for Xabe and Erik, they headed from the forest, and climbed up the mountain, until they reached a cliff where another red-orange tent was built.

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As far as he could tell, Xabe could sense him inside that tent. They entered inside to see tables full of books, maps, and even a holographic screen that were projecting a round item. Xabe walked to it with such awe as it was his very first time seeing one. The screen displayed a motion picture of Devastrigon as it ascended through the clouds.

Erik smirked at the sight of a curious boy staring at a newly innovated technology in the history of Enchanteria. “He’s here,” he spoke through his communicator.

Xabe turned to Erik before hearing the sound of another curtain that was opened at the opposite side of the entrance. That brushed-up red hair with the same length which reached his neck, his emerald eyes, and look at that goatee. The man was wearing a dark brown long coat with thick white fur around his shoulders. “That’s exclusive for Flash Guardians… for now,” he said.

The boy looked back at the screen. “Yeah, uh… I haven’t seen something like this back in Yardsville.”

Erik felt the awkwardness between the two, so he reacted quickly. “I… uh… I’ll be outside. If you ever need something, which is unlikely, I’ll go see the Dragonslayer to see how he’s doing. Okay… um… bye.” Wayde and Xabe stared at Erik as he quickly exited before facing each other.

Six years of sending letters. Six years of separation. Six years of unplanned ways of how interacting to one another.

“Sooooooo…,” Xabe initiated. “I can see how busy you are for six years.”

Wayde scoffed at those words. It stung his heart, but it was what it was. “There was never a moment of me thinking not visiting you all in Yardsville. Letters weren’t enough, I know, but it’s the only way for me to keep my distance between getting in touch with you and my research.”

“It will better be worth it.” Xabe continued to glare at the screen. “I met this weird old lady and-”

Wayde interjected, “Everything she said is true.”

There was a short pause before Xabe turned to his father, who gestured him to another entrance that led them to an opened room of the tent. They could see the view of the campsite down the forest. Behind the dark clouds, the sky blended between the colors of dark, grayish blue, reddish-orange, and bright yellow as the morning sun attempted to at least shed hope on what was left of nature.

“Darken clans are known to possess such gifts of seeing visions of the past, present, and future,” the father explained. “However, only a few get a clear glimpse of what holds to this world’s destiny- and she was among them.”

“A seer from the Darken clan?” Xabe’s eyes began to wide open. “Wow… that… that explains her weirdness.”

“I see,” said Wayde. “She’s different among the other seers, though. That weird old lady saw the blind intentions of the clan, so she fled only to be captured by the Flash Guardians and meet the slayer before the Darken clans could ever take hold of her. That is where I come in. I’ve dedicated my life to collecting ancient scriptures from ancient places all across Enchanteria to learn that something worse than Devastrigon will rise.”

Xabe thought of the seven-headed dragon from his vision before, but he thought of not mentioning it.

“Not only that, there appeared to be a prophecy long foretold if the Dragonslayer awakens. Powers so formidable and unmatched as if the great Champion from the time of creation had descended upon the earth and reincarnated. That’s when Dreyagon comes in.”

“Dreyagon…,” Xabe pondered. “So that’s his name, right?”

Wayde nodded, “He’s not the type of person for introductions. Perks of being an unknown avenger. For so long, he took the role of the living legend Dragonslayer. Whenever he has done a deed: helping the local villagers, assisting guardians, and slaying evil dragons, he returned to his resting place- only to wake up when needed. Just like now.”

“Did you just say, ‘he took that role’?”

“Indeed. You’re not fully mistaken. Dreyagon believes as such a cause to end the reign of chaos, death, and destruction. Thus, became fully committed to using his powers for good. And it’s not a surprise that he is known for many things during his generation.”

Xabe imagined the legendary life of Dreyagon. How awesome would it be when reliving a life during his era of the Landmass of Etheron? Minus the Dragon War, of course. “You’re not wrong about that.”

“However.” Wayde’s voice got more serious. “Killing Devastrigon sounds like an impossible feat that even he cannot slay it. But as for my research, that’s where you come in.”

Oh, that’s just wonderful. “See.” Xabe tossed his arms. “Now I’m beginning to ask: why me?”

Wayde opened his mouth but immediately hesitated at first. There was no way he could tell that at this time. “I’ve been wondering the same thing. Elowah letting destiny takes the course of us mortals does always work in mysterious ways. Have you seen any visions?”

“Uh… I kinda have…more like several of them.”

“And…?”

“I heard things while I’m asleep. There were voices, swords, and the forces of nature clashing, lastly, there’s this… hero guy.”

“Hero guy?”

“Yeah, I call him the hero guy: flaming sword, wearing a golden-winged helmet, definitely looks like chosen one.”

Wayde pulled out a round flat cylinder on his palm before it displayed a holographic screen that showed carvings on an ancient wall. It displayed the same heroic figure raising his sword to a three-headed dragon.

“Like this?” Wayde tossed his head on the screen.

Xabe had to double-check by gazing at the carvings. It was as if the figure had been following him since the tarot card two days ago. And by the songs of angels, this was happening in TWO days. What’s going to happen on the third day, hmm?

“Yeah, exactly like that.” Xabe pointed at the finger. “Though, what’s surprising the most is that his face looks like a much older me.”

Wayde’s eyes grew wider, glancing alternatively between Xabe and the screen. He thought, So the family gift has lived on after all- and is quite a powerful gift indeed.

“Dad… are we fugitives of the Darken clan?” Xabe asked. “With all the future visions-”

“Of course not,” Wayde furrowed his eyebrows. He placed his hand on his boy’s back. “That’s extremely specific. Not all who have visions are with that clan.”

Xabe breathed, “Oh, thank Elowah for that.”

Wayde’s eyes switched to the pileated woodpecker. It tilted its head as it examined the father back right at him. “I see you have quite a pet.”

“Hmm?” Xabe looked over at Red. “Oh, this little guy? He’s with the weird old lady. This one was annoying at first because of all the pecking at my head. Not that’ll wound me. But in time, it just wanted attention. This woodpecker was also the reason why I keep coming back to the weird old lady- aside from her strange whispers that I keep hearing. Which, surprise-surprise, could've said it in English, instead.”

“Oh? Well, what a coincidence. You know, a woodpecker comes with very powerful symbolism: broaden our horizons, embrace new opportunities, protect the vulnerable, and think creatively. Perhaps, the weird old lady sees this bird as a suitable companion, but not to her- to you. I can sense it, you know?”

“Sense it?” How could Xabe forget? His senses started to grow again. His spine tingled as he detected Wayde’s energy. “W-w-wait… are you… you know?”

Wayde finally let out a grin. “I’m Drakoroarian, son.”

Xabe’s anxiety grew. “Are we really from the Darken clan?”

“No. It’s complicated. Let’s just say the family line is bizarre throughout history. Do you still remember my brief lesson on the Drakoroaria?”

“Yeah, especially with the five clans: Vulcan, Marine, Gale, Terra, and Lumen. Are you telling me that we came from a diverse clan? Now this explains a lot.”

Wayde chuckled and pocketed the round flat cylinder as he shut off the holographic screen. It was more than that. “What you did was exceptionally superior to Devastrigon. It means that your awakened powers are far greater than the creation of The Darkened One. Ha, perhaps even greater than Dreyagon.”

Xabe decided to march onto the edge of the cliff. “You told me that I have a gift that one day can guard and support the family.”

“So you still remember that.”

“I can’t forget those words- like I’ve been rewinding it over and over again. Realizing today, I thought you only said those words because I’m your son, but now I’m some sort of… the chosen one?”

The father shook his head. “Don’t think too much of that. The only matters are that you are a son with such a gift that can protect his family- to protect everyone. Start with us, the Flash Guardians. And you can start with Dreyagon. Finally, to answer one more curiosity, yes, I’m also Flash Guardian.” Wayde rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xabe couldn’t express enough of what was going on in his thoughts. “Holy shit… I knew it. You teaching us about the story of creation, the Drakoroaria, and about Mr. Dreyagon. It all makes sense now.” He wanted to shake his head in denial while looking at the horizon But, at the same time, he wanted to laugh that, deep down, his father was after all a Flash Guardian.

Wayde realized his son’s reaction. “I know, I know. I didn’t say it in a much epic way. More like a straightforward one, at that.”

After taking a large breath, Xabe faced his father. “When do I begin?”

The father looked closely to see the firing eyes of the boy. There was still bitterness that he had to sacrifice six long years of dedication and research. A part of him still sees the ten-year-old MaXabiere before his departure. But, the father must snap to reality and focus on his most important mission yet: to let the boy become a fine young man. By that, to let this coming-of-age boy slay the goddamn three-headed dragon.

Xabe watched as Wayde went back to the entrance. Before that, the father turned his head. “Right now, son, at the family reunion.”