Dragon-Kin arc

The Republic Warship

The Hanger

"Whoa! Uh no offense sweetheart but...that's a lot to drop on people you just met don't you think?" Henro asked.

"Wait hold on, what are you talking about? You're saying King Ogun wants a war with the empire!?" Ziera questioned.

"And he's gonna use his kingdom's sacred relic? I thought he agreed to a ceasire?" Emilia asked.

"Right. That's a big accusation you're making. You better have proof." Tenjin said in a serious tone.

"Of course. My apologies. I shall explain in proper detail." Julia said.

"And I'll explain why I tagged along with her." Ryoka said while resting her hands behind her head.

"Good. Follow me. We'll talk more in the command center. Ugh. Just what do I have to deal with now?" Tenjin asked himself as he walked off and the group followed suit.

"Jayden, hold on. I need to talk to you for a sec. Alone." Ziera said sternly. She had that serious look that would always make Jayden all the more nervous. Henro though just snickered.

"Uh oh! Somebody's in trouble." Henro teased.

"Oh shut up! We'll catch up with you guys in a minute." Jayden said.

"Sure. You two kids have fun." Henro waved as the group walked off.

"Oh man." Jayden said as he slumped.

As the group walked down the hallway, Ryoka walked next to Emilia and hung her arm over Emilia's shoulder.

"So Emma right? I haven't fought a Garuda warrior before. Wanna tango with me later?" Ryoka asked with a smirk. Emilia blushed and didn't look Ryoka in the eye.

"Oh! Uh hehehe. Actually my name isn't Emma. It's Emilia." Emilia said with a nervous smile.

"Emilia? I like that better! It's cute." Ryoka said with a toothy smile.

"C-CUTE!? N-NO! I'M NOT...". Emilia began stuttering.

"Ryoka." Julia said with a venomous tone. Ryoka froze as she felt a dark aura manifesting from Julia. Ryoka turned her head and saw Julia giving her "the look". The only thing that could freeze the fiery warrior in her place.

"What have I told you about behaving yourself when we meet new people? Must I discipline you again for you to understand?" Julia asked. Ryoka sweat as she put her hands up

"Whoa jewel hold on! I'm just teasing! That's all. No need for any discipline-OW! Ow! Jewel my ear!" Ryoka whined. Julia frowned as she tugged on Ryoka's ear. She then softened her face as she looked towards Emilia and bowed.

"Please excuse her behavior, Emilia. Ryoka can't help herself sometimes." Julia said apologetically.

"Oh no it's fine! I'm more thankful to you both for what you did for us out there. We were in a bind and you two saved us. I don't know how to repay the both of you." Emilia said with a blushing shy smile.

"There's no need. We were honored to assist you all." Julia said with a bright smile. Emilia became red faced and fell over nearly fainting.

"Whoa there!" Henro said as he caught her.

"Emilia!?" Ryoka questioned. Julia finally let go of her ear.

"Is she okay?" Julia asked with concern.

"She's fine. Just tired. Come along now Em. We can't miss Tenjin's oh so important staff meeting." Henro said sarcastically as he carried Emilia in a bridal style. Emilia was still dizzy and red faced while mumbling random words. Ryoka and Julia looked at each other in confusion.

***

The Hanger

Jayden and Ziera stayed by the hanger to talk. Ziera had her arms crossed and looked quite upset. Jayden looked nervous like he just pissed off his mother. Granted Jayden found his mother much more terrifying but Ziera wasn't far off.

"Uh so what did you wanna talk about?" Jayden asked with a nervous smile.

Ziera flicked him across the forehead.

"Ow! What was that for!?" Jayden questioned.

"For being reckless and stupid! You're lucky you got off with just that! What were you thinking back there? You could have gotten yourself killed!" Ziera yelled out.

"I'm sorry Ziera but I....I couldn't just fly by and let that guy get eaten right in front of me!" Jayden said defensively.

"That "guy" was an imperial soldier! Someone who would have shot at us without hesitation if the situation was different! You think he would have done the same for you!?" Ziera questioned.

"Maybe not but even so he needed help. I told you before Ziera, I'm not gonna turn my back on anyone ever again." Jayden argued.

"Jayden this is WAR! People die! You can't change that no matter how much you want to. And the only way to end this war is to defeat the empire! Not to risk your own life for the enemy!" Ziera shouted.

"Look I know what I did wasn't smart but...

"BUT NOTHING! You put yourself and us at risk to go save one soldier! The enemy no less!! Do you have any idea what could have happened if Ryoka and Julia hadn't shown up!?" Ziera questioned.

Jayden knew Ziera was right. He acted impulsively without thinking about the consequences. Nearly getting himself killed and his friends hurt. He knew that he shouldn't have dragged them into it at all. But there was still one thing he couldn't shake his mind off of.

"Okay you're right Ziera. I should have thought it through more. I didn't mean to drag you guys into it and I'm sorry. But still...I don't regret saving that guy." Jayden said.

"Jayden!" Ziera yelled.

"Look, I'm not a soldier okay? I don't want to kill anyone. And like I told The Order, I joined to become a hero that helps people. To make a difference in the world like I couldn't before. And that includes looking out for the little guy." Jayden said.

"And what if you risk your life to save someone that's beyond salvation? Like if they hurt someone you cared about? Would you still save them?" Ziera asked.

Jayden knew what Ziera meant by that. Someone like Zenal. If he was begging for help would Jayden even lift a finger? That's not something Jayden wanted to think about but he wanted to be true to his ideals. Even so he had no answer to give.

"I don't know. I'm still trying to figure it all out but you said that I should become my own hero. And while I don't know what exactly I want to be yet, I do know I don't want to go back to being the person I was before. And I don't want to just save people either, I want to change the world for the better. Like change this messed up system that treats demons like trash. Or towns like Lockwood, that are being torn apart for selfish gain." Jayden said firmly. Ziera took a breath and calmed down. Getting angry and yelling wouldn't solve anything.

"Jayden I understand but does saving the life of one imperial soldier really help you bring the change you want?" Ziera asked.

"I don't know. Maybe he won't be grateful and hell, he may even try to kill me later but that's fine. I don't do this for fame and glory. I just want to make the world a better place then the one I grew up in. It's not like we'll be fighting the empire forever. So maybe by doing this it's just one step closer to peace someday? And if I can help make that happen then I won't quit on others. Just like how you didn't quit on me." Jayden said as he stood tall.

Ziera looked Jayden in the eye and saw determination brimming in them. Even though he doesn't have it all figured out yet he's developing faster than she thought. And despite her feelings on the matter, Ziera understood how Jayden felt. For she too remembered that feeling a long time ago.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Making a difference in the world. That sounds familiar. Jayden, he's not like me. Not like me at all. Ziera thought as she once again remembered the endless blood on her hands.

Ziera sighed. "If that's what you want then fine. I'll always support you Jayden. But next time, think before you act. It's not just you who's on this journey, alright? Ziera asked in a strict tone. Jayden smiled happily.

"Right! Thanks Ziera. I won't let you down." Jayden said.

"Yeah yeah. Now come on. We've kept Tenjin waiting long enough." Ziera said as she dragged Jayden by his hand.

"Hey Ziera, one last thing. That surge of mana from you earlier. What was that? I mean I wasn't sure at first but I think I felt that before back in the forest when you fought that draugr." Jayden said.

Ziera stayed silent for a minute. Not looking at Jayden in the eye as she continued to drag him through the hall.

"It was nothing. I was just desperate so I let my mana spiral out of control. That's all." Ziera said in a low tone.

Jayden wasn't convinced. He could tell Ziera was hiding something but he didn't press her on it any further.

"Well you won't have to do that again. I won't slow you down next time." Jayden said.

***

Republic Warship

The Command Center

Jayden and Ziera shortly joined up with the group at the command center. Tenjin, Ryoka and Julia stood in front of the others near the control panel.

"Alright now that everyone is here, let me once again thank you two for your help back there. You saved my team. I'm in your debt." Tenjin said.

"It is no trouble at all." Julia said as she bowed.

"All good." Ryoka smiled.

"And I would like my team to formally introduce themselves to you both since it's only fair." Tenjin said.

"Sup! Jayden Cortez. Nice to meet you both." Jayden said.

"Ziera." Ziera said plainly.

"Emilia Sylphion!" Emilia said cheerfully.

"Henro Akumura at your service ladies." Henro bowed.

"Haha! They look like a fun bunch." Ryoka said.

"Good. Now then onto business. Our ship did suffer some damages so we'll have to make a stop to do some repairs. But while that happens, we're gonna need an explanation from you two regarding your accusation against King Ogun. And why Ryoka is here with you. So let's heat it and don't even think of leaving a single important detail out." Tenjin said.

"We understand." Julia said.

"Well I guess I'll start. Yo! Allow me to reintroduce myself to you all. The name is Ryoka Pendragon. Daughter of Arthur Pendragon, the third princess as well as knight to the Kingdom of Ifrit and rightful heir to the throne." Ryoka announced. Jayden was ecstatic.

"No way! I thought you looked familiar but I can't believe I'm actually meeting the daughter of one of the guardians of Esos, Arthur Pendeagon!!" Jayden shouted in excitement.

"That's me! Want my autograph, Mr: Wielder?" Ryoka asked in a flirtatious tone as she stood in front of Jayden. She and Julia were as tall as him.

"Oh uh..heheh. I don't uh..". Jayden stuttered his words as he blushed. It wasn't hurt her face, her muscular biceps, her well toned abs, bright red hair and

Wow, she is gorgeous. Jayden thought.

"Oh come on. Don't be shy." Ryoka said with a smile.

Ziera saw this and scoffed while giving the biggest eye roll.

"Well someone's popular with the ladies. Right Ziera?" Henro asked with a grin.

"Shut up." Ziera responded bitterly.

"Anyways it's nice to have another fellow princess on board." Emilia said.

"Banished princess actually." Ziera said.

The original king of Ifrit was Arthur Pendragon, legendary knight of the realm and member of the Guardians of Esos. Jayden only knew of what his comic books or history could tell him about Arthur as a person. A charismatic and prideful warrior that was popular among women, an inspiration to young men and a feared dragon slayer among dragon kind.

He fought for the people against the dragons that terrorized humankind but down the line after joining the guardians, he wanted to help establish peaceful relations between the two races.

But after Arthur's passing, instead of the throne going to his only child, Ryoka, it was given to her uncle, Bahamut. The first born son of the dragon god of fire, Apollo.

Bahamut is a powerful and ruthless tyrant that rules Ifrit with an iron fist. Among all the rulers in Esos, Bahamut is one of the strongest in the world. Only few can match his might. Because of this Bahamut was feared and respected amongst most of his people. One of the few exceptions is Ryoka.

Ryoka grumbled. "Tsk! No thanks to my shitty ass uncle. He's always hated me for being the rightful heir to the throne. But that's fine. Because once I get stronger, I'll kill him, claim the throne, and become queen! And I won't just kill him. I'll rip his arms off and use them as drumsticks to bash his skull to pieces! Then I'll burn him alive and his entire legacy to the ground! AHAHAHAHA!" Ryoka laughs wickedly.

"Oh wow that's uh...". Jayden tried to find the words.

"Batshit insane." Henro said.

"Hot." Emilia said feeling entranced.

"What!?" Henro questioned.

"What?" Emilia asked, feeling embarrassed

"Well that's some big talk. Bahamut is one of the most powerful dragon-kin on the planet. You think you can beat him on your own?" Ziera questioned.

"Can't the same be said of you? Ms. Runaway?" Ryoka challenged. Ziera glared daggers at her and ryoka glared back with a grin.

"Ryoka." Julia said as a warning.

"Okay. Okay. Anyways after I left my kingdom, I trained to become a dragon slayer. Then on the way I met Jewel. We fought, then fought again, again, then things got steamy so so we fu-."

"Okay we get it!" Henro shouted.

"Wait. You two fought each other the moment you met?" Jayden asked.

"Wait did you guys hook....up?" Emilia asked with a cracked voice.

"Yes. And yes!" Ryoka said.

"Oh. I see." Emilia said with a sad tone as she looked down at the floor.

They're both taken. Emilia sadly thought.

"Yeah after our...I think it was our tenth match? Anyways, Jewel filled me in on her mission to find Jayden. It sounded fun so I tagged along." Ryoka said with a shrug.

"That's it?" Ziera asked.

"Yep." Ryoka responded plainly.

Ziera wasn't convinced at all.

"Alright. Now that leaves you Julia. I know your nation sent you here to aid us but what exactly do you know about King Ogun?" Tenjin asked.

"And one more thing. You're blind. Aren't you?" Henro asked. Julia looked at him and smiled. You

"Very observant, Henro. Did you know from the start?" Julia asked.

"Of course. Your pupils are clouded and the way you fought those dragons was unnatural. They didn't make me the ship's doctor for no reason sweetheart." Henro said.

"Well it is as Henro said. I am blind. However, I was able to find you all through my foresight." Julia said.

"Foresight?" Jayden asked.

"Yes. My people, the Tatsuya Clan, have the ability to see into the future. Though not always and we can never predict when it will happen or what we will see. But one thing is certain. Ever since I was a little girl, I've seen visions of Ragnarok and it's next wielder. You Jayden Cortez. I saw you." Julia said.

"Me? But why?" Jayden asked.

"Why else? You are the next person who was bestowed with godly power that can change this world. It is fate that we would meet today. That is why my nation has sent me to find you and aid you on your journey. And it is also why my foresight sent me to Titus. So that I could warn you of the impending danger." Julia explained.

"You mean the coming war between Titus and Machina?" Jayden asked.

"What's your proof? It's time you showed us." Ziera demanded.

"Very well then." Julia said as she grabbed the handle of her blade.

The group had their guard up at that moment but Tenjin raised his hand to calm them down. Tenjin is a warrior veteran. He can easily tell when someone is being geunkey hostile. Since he covered for Julia, their minds were set at ease.

"Moon Dragon's Sacred Technique: Valley of the Mist!"

Julia swiftly unsheathed her katana and out came a mist that quickly engulfed the room.

"Whoa! What the fuck!?" Jayden questioned.

"A mist!?" Emilia asked.

"Calm yourselves. This is not an attack. You asked me to show you proof and that is what I will do." Julia said.

"What!? How can you-.!?" Jayden began questioning.

"Just shut it and enjoy the show." Ryoka interrupted.

The mist began to clear but the group weren't in the command center anymore. They were in a throne room. The throne room belongs to King Ogun. There lies King Ogun sitting on his throne. He was an old dark skinned man with brown eyes, grey beard and grey dreadlocks tied up in a bun.

But despite his age he was very muscular and intimidating standing about 6'9. He didn't wear a shirt so his chest and stomach were exposed but he wore a king's robe, grey pants, golden jewelry hanging around his neck, golden rings on his fingers and a small golden crown upon his head.

"Whoa! How is this possible?" Jayden asked.

"Is this some kind of illusion?' Emilia asked. Ziera started scanning the area.

"No. This is different. It's a vision from the past!" Ziera said.

"Correct. Valley of the Mist is one of the Tatsuya Clan's sacred techniques. It was passed down to me by my master. I infiltrated King Ogun's castle and while I can't see myself, my sword remembers all when it is unsheathed." Julia stated.

Her sword...remembers? Jayden thought.

Sacred Techniques are a higher tier of magic spells. Each technique resides within a royal family like Ryoka's, an upper clan like the Tatsuya clan or a tribe like the Garuda Tribe. These techniques can only be passed down within those groups for generations to come.

The Tatsuya clan has two sacred techniques. One is the Valley of the Mist, and the other is a powerful technique that was last used by the former head of the clan, Ryujin Tatsuya. Also one of the original members of the Guardians of Esos.

"When Ryoka and I had arrived at the capital, Niffelheim, we stopped at a local bar. There Ryoka provoked a drunk soldier who then approached us and started rambling on and on about how Titus was going to war against the empire. Not only that, they didn't think very highly of Midgard either. As you shall see for yourself." Julia said.

In front of the group was King Ogun on his throne. In front of King Ogun were his most trusted followers. Council members and high ranked military men. One of these men was his most trusted subordinate, General Gregor. He was a bulky middle aged man with scars on his face.

"General Gregor. What is the status for our preparations?" Ogun asked.

"They are going well, your grace. Once our new division of these outsiders is complete, we will be ready to begin the siege at your command. It should all be ready within two months." Gregor said.

"Good. Once I reclaim our sacred relic, Vulcan, I will use that hammer to forge us a path through both the imperial army and those dragons. And once we're through that barrier, Zenal, his family and his entire empire, will be crushed beneath our feet!" Ogun shouted.

"No way. He's not actually serious is he?" Jayden questioned. He was sweating and in complete shock.

Ziera looked shocked as well.

Henro was tensed up.

Emilia looked afraid.

Ryoka looked indifferent.

Tenjin had his arms crossed and was pissed off but didn't say a word.

Julia herself had her eyes closed and remained calm.

King Ogun stood up from his throne and raised his hand towards his men. "FOR THE GLORY AND HONOR OF OUR KINGDOM, OF THE GIANT RACE, I KING OGUN DECLARE WAR ON THE MACHINA EMPIRE! AND IF THE REPUBLIC OF MIDGARD DARE GET IN OUR WAY, THEY TOO WILL FACE OUR WRAITH! HONOR TO THE GIANT RACE!" King Ogun cheered.

"HONOR TO THE GIANT RACE!" His men cheered.