(Miklaus POV)
Immediately upon walking through the portal I had created, I was welcomed with the scene of a vast landscape, filled with a plethora of volcanoes, mountain ranges that stretched for miles into the horizon, large patches of volcanic soil, and finally, rolling grasslands with pristine lakes and rivers. A truly vast and diverse continent and, much like me,filled with infinite possibility.
I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. This land was truly perfect for my vision, a clear canvas for me, the great artist. All that needed to be done now was to start painting.
I started by walking over to one of the patches of grasslands that had yet to be scorched by the volcanic environment, deciding this wass where I’d start off the lives of these children and mortals.
I lifted my hand slowly, feeling every fiber of my power dig deep within the soil.The rune on my arm glowed a beautiful violet color as I concentrated and lifted tons upon tons of earth and stone to form a castle fit for my greatness in front of me. Beautifully carved limestone made up the walls, towers, roof, and floor of the castle, while extravagant marble stairs flowed out of the castle entrance. In mere minutes, my imagination had become reality.
A fully constructed castle towered before me, one that easily surpassed the Versailles or Buckingham of our old world. Once satisfied, I moved onto building village homes for the mortals .
Fifty granite cubes rose from the earth, each evenly spaced and perfectly in line with enough land between them for personal gardens. They weren’t as intricate nor as extravagant as the castle, as to fully highlight the majesty of the palace. I finished by sealing off the city within a massive limestone wall.
I took in my handiwork for a moment then turned around to the children whom I had been given the responsibility of teaching. In their eyes, I could see both amazement and wonder, reminding me of the look I had often seen kids wear when they experienced their first snowfall back on Earth. A slight chuckle escaped my lips as I addressed them.
“Children, we both have an understanding of why I am here. Unfortunately, before I’m able to teach you, I must have some time to myself. Please, assign mortals to these homes; one male and female each, then wait for me in the castle. Are we understood?” I asked in an emotionless tone.
In unison, the children nodded in affirmation and set off to fulfill my request. I felt guilty for these children, but that emotion disappeared into the void in an instant. These childrenloved us unconditionally, but not out of respect or gratitude. - They simply never had a say in the matter. They loved us because they were bonded to us from their creation, as much as someone would love themselves.
I pushed these thoughts away and focused on what I had left to accomplish. It was time for me to leave the castle, alone, with no one by my side for who could stand with a true god?
Many thoughts crept into my mind as I set off. Did Reiji understand the meaning behind my smile when we had separated? Are we making the right choice? Why were we the ones chosen for this? Did they only accept the runes’ power so that I wouldn’t be alone? Do the others hate me for this? What would happen when I leave this continent?
Though all these thoughts circled my mind like hungry wolves after a weakened prey, any emotions that surfaced with them were swallowed up immediately, as if a dragon was at the center of my very being, hungrily devouring what little humanity I had left.
I couldn’t help but feel like lashing out at my own mental struggles; however, half the universe would cease to exist if I gave in to the temptation. The world that I thought had infinite possibilities was too fragile, a glass cage for myself. Sadly, I realized that no matter what regrets I may have, none of them would matter. The choices have already been made. There was no going back. None of us would ever be ourselves again.
No more happiness, pain, joy, fear, hate, anything. We were all just hollow vessels of power now, puppets ready for their act but never in control of the play. No, that right belonged to someone above. Upon reaching this realization, I made my decision; to give myself up to the vastness of my eternal power and surrender to the machinations of the unknown. With a final, steady sigh, I let the dragon consume what little remained of me and watched, solemnly, as the lonely embers of my past life flickered out.
Immediately upon finalizing my resolve, I had an idea: to create dragons. While I wasn’t able to make a new being out of nothing like Reiji, I should be able to use my dragon scales to make a dragon. I used partial transformation to change my skin into its dragon form and began to pull off scales which grew back in fractions of a secondupon being removed. When I had finished, 12 dragon scales laid on the ground in front of me.
I put my hand out in front of each scale and began to implant them with the same level of power and knowledge I had bestowed to the gods. I based each one off of the legends and fantasies of my old world.
The first six dragon scales became enormous dragons. The first was Tiamat, a beautiful, aqua colored, western styled dragon. The second was the Azure Dragon, a gorgeous cyan colored, Chinese styled dragon. Third, was the Hydra that was a solid silver color. Fourth was Shenlong, a majestic emerald, Chinese style dragon. Fifth wasTianlong, a Amber colored, Chinese styled dragon. Sixth was Nidhogg, a solid white colored, western styled dragon.
The other six scales followed suit in creating dragons of equal magnificence. The Seventh dragon was Fafnir, a golden colored, western styled dragon. The eighth was akhekh, a pink colored, Chinese styled dragon. The ninth was Kholkikos, an ivory colored, Chinese styled dragon. Tenth was Kukulkan, a maroon colored, Quetzalcoatl styled dragon. Eleventh was the Stoor Worm, an onyx colored, serpent styled dragon. Lastly was the Vritra, a solid, jet black colored, Wyrm styled dragon.
I watched as each dragon took form and was shaped to my image of them. I granted them forms to mimic my own; a dragon form and a human form, while also being able to use partial transformation. I walked down the line slowly to name each of them and give them their titles.
“You will be Tiamat, the Dragon Queen. Next will be the Azure Dragon, the Dragon King.” I then pointed to five of them who were males. “You five will be Shenlong, the Stoor Worm Dragon, the Vritra Dragon, Fafnir, and Kholkikos, the five Dragon Princes. The other five will be Akhekh, Tianlong, the Hydra, Kukulkan, and Nidhogg, the five dragon Princesses.” I finished saying, but the dragons made no sounds or movements. They just looked at me with piercing eyes.
“Ah yes, I forgot dragons are prideful creatures, correct? So you won’t show me respect unless given a reason. Well, allow me to help you with that.” I said with an evil smirk on my face.
I pulled another dragon scale off my arm and perfectly recreated another Tiamat. I smiled at the other dragons as I thrust my hand clean through the chest of the newly created dragon with no effort. I felt the dragon's body quiver from the pain and reveled in the sensation.
As they began to cough up large portions of blood, I flexed my arm. The dragon’s body erupted into a fountain of blood and gore, with the only thing remaining being the dragon’s heart, still pumping in my hand. I crushed the heart as a bloody mist began to settle around us. All twelve dragons shared the same expression of utter despair and reverence; a visible chill traveling down their forms.
Not suppressing my devilish smile, I looked over the petrified dragons. “Would you all like another demonstration?” I joked. They immediately kowtowed without another word. I couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing such powerful, mythical beasts, once seen as gods in their own stories, cower before me. It was just too comical.
“That won’t be necessary, uhm, sir?” I heard Tiamat mutter with a shaky voice.
“Ah right, I haven’t introduced myself. How rude of me. I am the True God of Infinite, Miklaus Ouroboros, but among the twelve of you, I will be known as the Dragon God.” I answered with a slight bow. “Please, raise your heads” I watched as the twelve stood back up, and regained their composure.
“Lord Dragon God, if I may ask. Why have you created us?” said Fafnir.
“Well, to be honest with all of you. It’s simply just because I like dragons and I want more protection for this continent.”
“By protection, what exactly is it you want us to do?” The Azure dragon asked me.
“That entails a few things. Firstly, I have other “children” who, much like you, were born from me. You will train with them everyday so that you may both grow stronger. Secondly, by protection I mean, you will kill any and all invaders who would dare step foot on these lands. I don’t care if it’s man, woman, or child. Kill them all without mercy, understood?” I finished with a voice daring them to challenge me.
“As the Dragon Queen, I believe I speak for all of us when I say we understand.” Tiamat said, bowing her head again.
“Great, then let's take you to meet your siblings.” I commanded as I turned around to lead the dragons back to the castle.
Upon arriving at the castle, I heard the dragons each share expressions of amazement as we walked up the marble stairs to the large cedar wood doors with golden handles. As I opened the doors, I saw the sixteen children sitting at a large ash wood table with fifty spruce wood chairs. The children rushed over as soon as they spotted me and stood in a straight line with curious expressions at the twelve people standing behind me.
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“Children, I know you have questions about those behind me, but those will be answered soon enough. Firstly, let me give each of you your names.” I said as I pointed at each of them from left to right.
“You will be known as Odin, Thor, Loki, Hel, Tyr, Freya, Ullr, Heimdall, Amaterasu, Tsukyomi, Izanami, Susanoo, Hachiman, Raijin, Fujin, and Inari Okami.”
“Now, let me introduce you to your new siblings. Tiamat, the Azure Dragon, Fafnir, Shenlong, Tianlong, Nidhogg, Akheku, Kholkikos, Kukulkan, the Stoor Worm Dragon, The Hydra Dragon, and the Vritra Dragon.” I finished, both groups giving each other a deep bow.
“Father, if we are to be called gods, then what will they be called?” Odin asked.
“These twelve will be known as the Dragon Royalty.”
“Will they live in the castle with us?” Amaterasu questioned.
“No, the dragons will make their home in the volcanoes. It fits them better than being confined in a castle. Any other questions?” I asked. With no responses besides a few head shakes, I continued.
“Then firstly, allow me to do this.” As I said this I lifted my hand, and created a room with a portal in the middle of it that led to a separate reality. “This portal will lead to a land that’s like this continent, but made from my power. Meaning, you can train at full power as much as you’d like without needing to worry about destroying anything. You’re to use this room everyday to train together and grow stronger, understood?” I asked as they nodded in agreement.
“Next is to bestow you with the name I have decided for this city and continent. The continent will be called Ormr which means dragon, with the capital being known as Drakonis. Collectively, this continent will be known as “The land of Dragons”.” I finished.
“We have heard you, Father, and we gladly accept these names.” Nidhogg said, as the others nodded their heads in agreement.
“Then, all I have left is to teach you what I’d like you to follow for the future. I want you all to seek as much power as possible, whether it be within yourself, or military strength. Power is everything now. Respect only power and kill anyone who dares to try and take it. Whether it be man, woman, or child. Anyone who invades this continent who’s not a True God, or one of your other siblings, are to be killed immediately without mercy. Do you understand?”
A few nods was all it took for me to continue. “I shall be leaving soon, but first there’s something we must see together. All of you, with me.” I commanded as I led them outside.
“My Dragons, take your true forms.” Upon me saying this, they each ran forward, and began to change. Tiamat and The Azure Dragon were the largest of the twelve, both being 100 meters tall and long, with wings that spread out 200 meters across on both sides. The other ten all varied from 50 to 75 meters tall and long, with matching wingspans.
“Good, very impressive indeed. Please return to your human forms for me.” I watched as they all reverted back to their human forms and gathered back next to me.
I looked back to see the children with awestruck expressions at the majestic sight they just witnessed. “Children, it's time for me to leave. I can feel the others gathering back together and I must not be late. Head back to the castle and start your training together immediately. The Dragons will join you tomorrow.”
I watched as they all nodded their heads toward me, not daring to argue with my orders as I created a portal to go to the volcanoes with the Dragons behind me.
Upon stepping through the portal, we arrived at the base of the largest Volcano that easily stood over three thousand meters tall. “This will be your home. You’re free to do with it as you please. Once I reach my friend Reiji, I will have him create animals all over the continent so you may have a food source, but, before I go, there’s one last thing I’d like to show you.” I said, as I turned around to them with an evil smirk.
“What could that be, Fath—?!” Tiamat’s voice cut off and changed tones from eager to pure terror, as I started to change into my own dragon form. Once my own transformation was complete, I looked down to see all twelve of them, petrified in place with fear as I towered over each of them. I was filled with pride and a surreal sense inside. I then returned to my Human form.
“You’re truly the ruler of us all, Father. Your title of Dragon God would be an understatement.” Tianlong managed to say with a shaky voice.
“Keep what you just saw a secret between the twelve of you, understood?”
“It shall be a secret that never leaves our lips, Father” Kukulkan said.
“Good, then it is time I leave. Rest here and build your homes tonight. Tomorrow, each of you, return to the castle and begin your training.” I finished as I turned away and flew up into the sky to meet the others.
(HIKARUS POV)
Upon stepping through the portal that was made for me, I looked around to take in my surroundings. As far as the eye could see, was a vast area of only sand, with a single area of gorgeous grassland peppered with half a dozen lakes.
I began to trudge through the sandy area as the children followed close behind. The closer we got, only one word crossed my mind: ‘Oasis’. It was truly the perfect landscape for me and my plans for this continent.
Immediately upon arriving at the single grassland area of this vast desert, I began to imagine how I wanted my society to present itself. I wanted a mixture of precision and elegance, something that would take the breath away from, yet beckon, a traveler lost in the desert.
I lifted up my arm, as the rune on my arm started to glow a beautiful vibrant gold. I felt my power sink deep into the sand and clay. Sand began to part as onyx, black surfaces greeted the blazing sky.
Large black buildings with golden highlights slowly rose from seemingly nothing, until fifty of them were standing around us in a perfectly circular formation. Grinning, satisfied with my creation, I moved on to the home that would be used for my offspring.
I lifted my hand again, intending to repeat the same process, and laughed to myself. I knew without even checking that the others would be granting their “children” immaculate dwellings, but I saw no need. They may be made from me, but I don’t feel connected to them in any way. My artwork will be my society.
A large, onyx building rose from the middle of the city, perfectly in line, with beautiful, gold etchings all over and windows spread throughout, with a beautiful Victorian style building connecting to it, that would be used as a library for their future works.
I took a long moment to look over the beautiful Oasis I had created, and turned to see the childrens’ reaction. Astonishment was plastered on their faces, causing me to grumble to myself. ‘Imbeciles’ was the only word I could use to describe them right now, but I knew that would change. I led them around the city, designating the homes to each pair of mortals, before going up to the laboratory-like building.
We stood in front of the massive, gold trimmed, black doors, my reflection looking back at us from the mirror-polished onyx. I imagined the possible futures in store as I pushed the doors open. Inside was a beautiful interior with chandeliers and long red carpets that stretched across the black floor, leading to a planetarium like area. They cooed in amazement as we walked through the mansion, towards a large central table.
“Children, the first thing I will do is give you your names. Then, I will give you your instructions that are to be followed to perfection.Lastly, I will see what you are capable of. Time is of the essence, so we will begin immediately.
From now on you shall be known as Ganesha, Kali, Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, Chang’e, Zhong Kui, Erlang Shen, Jade Emperor, Nezha, Pangu, Ao Guang, and Sun Wukong.” I finished after pointing to each of them with a look of indifference..
I looked around at my own flesh and blood, literally, but I still felt nothing. Despite how the others may feel towards their own children, I had no care for them, and why should I? They are nothing more than tools with souls given to them- mere puppets that are here to take care of a world that I could destroy without even lifting a finger.
With this, the foundations for my plan were complete. Now, I needed to instruct them. “Listen to me closely, as I will not repeat myself. Your purpose from here on is research. Find new ways to use the powers inside of you, to evolve your ways of living, to cause destruction, to enhance the abilities of humans, and to constantly push the boundaries of what you think is possible.” I commanded, with a voice devoid of emotion.
All the children nodded their heads and gave no signs of confusion, which slightly surprised me. ‘All I need to do now is observe their training, then I could begin to have fu- I mean, meet back up with the others.’
Upon arriving at the area where the children would train, I summoned up a massive black and gold pyramid with a large, open interior.
“This will be your training ground. Here, you will experiment with and research new powers.” I started as I took a seat. “Pick a partner and begin.” I finished, with a wave of my hand and watched as my offspring paired up and began to duel.
I had to admit, while I didn’t care for the children themselves, the power they displayed was truly remarkable. Not to mention, they grew at such an insane rate. When a stray kick from one of them - I think I named that one Nezha - blew a house sized crater into the ground, I let out a sigh. ‘I should definitely talk to Reiji about adding life force into the planet itself so our children won’t destroy it.’ I noted to myself while watching the children continue to experiment.
“That will be enough for today. You must continue this everyday. Experiment in whatever ways you see necessary to further your growth, the mortals' growth, and the growth of this society. Do this, and I will be pleased. For now, I must return to the others. Do not disappoint me.” I ordered as I turned around to fly off.
(MIKLAUS POV)
I arrived last at our designated meeting place. We had decided that, to ensure we weren’t able to be detected by any of the people we left behind, we would create a separate, pocket dimension, only entrable and leavable by us true gods. I flew over to reiji.
“I sensed that you added some animals and beasts to the others’ lands, so I was wondering if you could do the same for me?” I asked.
“Yeah, I was planning on doing it right now, actually. I just finished Hikarus' request. He suggested that we add some life force to the planet itself to prevent it from not only dying, but to be able to recover from any sort of damage it might sustain while we’re gone, no matter the amount. Any specific requests as in beasts and animals that you might want? If not, I’ll just go with what I gave everyone else.”
“No, I think I’ve covered all of the things I want. The usual should be fine. Just as long as the people on my continent can grow and adapt from it.”
“Alright, I’ll get started”.
With that being said, Reiji spread out his arms and began channeling his power. You could feel the aura and power of life radiating off of him and flowing towards my land. It was intense and unique, as all our powers were. Distinct and fitting of the power itself.
No longer than a couple minutes had passed when he had told me he was finished. This was it. The moment of our departure. To be honest, I don’t think any of us knew how to feel, if we could even feel, that was. We all knew this was coming and that we’d have to leave eventually, but now that the time came, it almost felt… easy. As if it had no meaning. As if the people we were leaving behind meant nothing to us.
Whether this was because we had lost any sense of our former humanity or because we knew that us staying would only cause further destruction - the reason didn’t matter. We knew it had to be done.
We all looked at each other and nodded as I made a slash in the air with my hand. With one quick motion, I created a break in the fabric of reality, allowing us a way to disappear to a completely different place, untouchable by anyone or anything.
Heaven and Hikarus were the first to step through the fracture, followed by Reiji. I was the last left in this foreign world we had been suddenly launched into. I took a moment to relive all the things we had done.
From creating our weapons to attempting to imitate and create real life to even naming my children; I remembered it all. Every little moment was a moment that has shaped the very air we breathe and the land we walked on.
With one final look, I began to step through the fracture.
As both my feet reached the other side, I began to close the portal. It was at this moment that, for a brief instant, I felt a pair of eyes staring into my very soul. Although, as quick as it appeared, it vanished, seemingly without a trace of ever being there. Disappearing, as if finalizing our part in this world, for the time being.
The End of the Prelude