Aethyra sat nicely against the coast. It is mainly known for its ports and its heavy connections towards Mana overall.
The cities were made up of long towers coupled with multiple buildings. Their residents filled the streets. Today, like any other day, was one for work.
By the ports, a man grabbed a barrel of fish and stacked it against another barrel. Dusting his hands off, and exhaled. The sun was still brought out, and nowhere near from done.
No break either, but he knew his work was going towards something good. He was helping the city. As he turned around, and saw other wooden ships rocking, a slow smile came over his face.
Looking by the mountains to his side, he genuinely appreciated how much he was here for. Getting back to work, he went by the docks to go tend to the nets.
His satisfaction gave way to a sharp chill as a shadow blanketed the dock. He turned, expecting clouds, but what loomed above made his breath catch.
A red blur sped past him, and many other people as well. They all looked up, and they saw it.
A Great Red Dragon.
It sped past, and hasted for the mountains. It’s deafening roar shattered the stillness of such. Birds scattered away in terror, and the Earth trembled beneath the weight of its fury.
The roar came instantly, shattering the tranquil silence like a thunderclap. Above, crimson scales flashed like fire against the sky. Black jagged spikes ran down across its enourmous tail.
A smaller blur, shot past its massive frame, and the beast’s tail lashed out. Colliding with a nearby mountain. The rubble sprayed out towards the blur, and he redirected them all towards the dragon.
The Great Red Dragon descended like a living storm dodging the counterattack with immense speed, it’s horn pulsating with intense heat. Humming to life, a red sphere of mana focused, and shot out, to a very smaller blur before it.
The blur leapt off one remaining rubble in the sky, and deflected it. It exploding in mid air sending shockwaves through the valley, and also shook the city of Aethyra as well. But even then, the city remained untouched.
The beast snarled viciously, their attacks not working currently. With one giant beat with their wings, they sped off towards the blur. Descending towards the ground in hopes of colliding into them.
A loud thud could be heard, and dust kicked up. The Dragon stumbled, and regained its balance. As the dust cleared, a human being performed a handstand and jumped back.
Their boots skidding on the grassy earth, their arms weaved around and tightened his pose. His smile, both challenging and confident. A crimson half-cloak, edged in gold, flowed behind him, with it’s hood now coming down thanks to a breeze of wind.
The symbol stitched onto the shoulder–a bold, golden V bordered with intricate gold etchings–caught the light, its mana-thread accents pulsing faintly with latent energy.
What was worn underneath was a black tunic with a high collar, trimmed in gold like the cloak. It fastened at the front with simple clasps, allowing ease of movement. Baggy pants of the same dark fabric were tucked into his boots, their looseness granting agility.
Their light brown skin was revealed first, then their dirt brown hair, matched with their hazel eyes. Slight freckles on his face that traveled across the bridge of his nose, but nonetheless he looked average.
Raek Ventus, was not average. No, far from that.
His abilities weren’t either.
He stared the beast down without fear, inviting this challenge. To face a dragon was impossible, a suicide mission for most.
Unless you were him…or stubborn enough to challenge such. It can be both too.
His grin widened, he had seen this before. The beast was growing desperate and in most times of his honest work.
Desperation meant mistakes.
“We don’t have to do this, it’s not too late to settle this and head somewhere else.” Raek spoke, his eyes analyzing every scale of the beasts. He himself had never moved an inch, however. Never showing any sign of backing down.
He didn’t flinch.
He thrived on the thrill.
Even in the danger of it all.
The dragon grunted, steam shooting out from it’s nostrils. Fury? Anger? Or perhaps just pure annoyance? Raek tried to guess it’s motives, to just start attacking the city of Aethyra for no reason that is.
If he hadn’t gotten there in time, there was no doubt the dragon would’ve attacked the Port, and that already cost a lot to build in the first place.
More steam ejected from the dragon’s nostrils per usual, Raek noticed it. The dragon’s warning, essentially, Raek still had time to run away and forget about it if he could. But the thing was, Raek wasn’t the type to run away. Especially not from a challenge.
Before he could act, the beast unleashed a torrent of flames. The searing heat distorting the air, and making any plant life begin to quenched of it’s life. Raek leapt back, boots skidding across the charred grass as he narrowly dodged.
The inferno roared past him, engulfiing some part’s of the forest in its wake. Trees groaned and splintered, collapsing into ash, and the once-green earth blackened under the dragon’s wrath.
Raek glanced over his shoulder at the destruction, clicking his tongue. Maybe the Dragon just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, er–rock this morning?
He ran up, raw mana weaved and coursed through his fingers, crackling to life as sparksdanced along his left palm. The small sound of thunder followed, rolling through the now scorched area.
The dragon’s tail lashed out in retaliation, a blur of crimson and black spikes aiming to sweep him off his feet. Raek vaulted with his right hand, his body twisting with such experience.
“Missed me,” He quipped, and with his free left hand, he hurled a bolt of lightning toward the dragon’s head.
The crackling energy struck, exploding against the beast’s horn with a blinding flash. A shockwave rippled outward, shaking the ground and forcing the dragon’s head to reel back. Its roar was deafening, a mixture of pain and fury.
It lunged forward, snapping quickly. Claws raised high to strike, and surely turn Raek into mincemeat. He noticed it quickly, and his hands moved instinctively. Clapping them together, he summoned the earth.
A solid wall of stone erupted to his left, its surface rough and uneven, but could get the job done. The dragon’s claws tore through it like parchment, chunks of rock flying in every direction. One hit the boy, and he flew back.
He regained his balance almost instantly, and got back on his feet, dusting off dirt from his cloak. Raek let out a sharp exhale, “You don’t play fair, do you?” He muttered, his smirk returning.
Jumping, he landed on the dragon’s arm that had outstretched to attack him moment prior. Running up, and outstretched his hand. The earth slightly shook as an earth pillar had erupted underneath the dragon’s claws, and arose quickly.
Clipping the dragon, it fell back and was stunned. Raek jumped off last second as he landed, watching the beast trying to regain it’s bearing.
As he did so, he heard the sounds of walking, another set of footsteps coming from behind him. Assessing their iconic and familiar mana signature, he lowered his guard.
“Impressed yet? Or do I need to make it flashier for you?” Raek called out without looking back, his tone as sharp as the sparks still dancing on his fingertips.
A familiar voice clicked his tongue. “Flashier? All I see is scorched earth. The chancellor’s going to love this.”
Raek rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah Clovis. I get it.”
Clovis appeared into the fray, his curly blonde hair catching the light. His golden eyes, reflecting the color of his very own light. Fairly light skin as well as he too, wore the crimson cloak. His hood now coming down as well. The golden emblems glinted brightly, almost enough to make Raek squint.
Clovis’s golden gaze swept over the battlefield, lingering on the smoldering trees. “We need to finish this before you burn down the whole forest.”
Raek turned towards him, ignoring the dragon fidgeting to regain it’s composure.
“Where’s the others?”
“Regrouping, looks like this thing wasn’t only trying to come for Aethyra, but Delpharia as well.”
Raek nodded, “Yeah, I just got back from there, looks like Aethyra was next on it’s hit list. Aelara was with me too.”
Clovis furrowed a brow, “And where is she?”
“What do you think, Clov?”
Clovis seemed to be hesitant to answer, but did so anyways.
“...I can’t believe someone like her was able to become one of us at some point.”
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As the Great Dragon tussled around, severely stunned by Raek’s latest attack, the two continued to speak, as if the presence of one of the most dangerous beasts had not made them realize the pressure they were in.
Raek previously looking at the Great Dragon, faced Clovis. “Hey, you think we can beat this thing and leave Aethyra unscathed?”
Clovis crossed his arms, as if for a moment pondering and thinking. His mind coming up with some tactical answer.
“If we can, this is a Great Red Dragon, Raek. Not a rouge Conjurer. A beast neither you, I, or any Vanguardias as a matter of fact can tango with.” Clovis spoke, making sure to put heavy emphasis on the great, part.
The brown haired boy rolled his eyes, as if he didn’t duel with the dragon just not too long ago, but then again he remembered. His skill, doesn’t come as easy for others.
Others, aren’t blessed like he is.
Raek listened, and looked at the badge. The golden emblem on his shoulder. Being a Vanguardias wasn’t easy, and mostly required hardwork. Unless you were blessed by the Gods like Raek was, then the journey would be absolute hell for most. But Raek never had to experience that hell. Not once.
But none of that, ever took away his ambition. It might have come easier to him than most, but he knew why he was doing this. He was doing it for the badge, the prestige, and the honor. Expectations were already placed high on him, but this felt like this was the only thing in the world he could always do right.
He slapped his badge, then pointed at the Great Red Dragon, “I’ll make sure it doesn’t touch the city. You with me, or are we letting the locals deal with this?”
Clovis sighed, his lips twitched. Either irritation, or resignation. “Fine. But if this thing so much as scratches Aethyra, you’re explaining it to the council,”
“Deal,” Raek had said, cracking his knuckles.
“Let’s see what this big guy’s got left.”
Raek and Clovis stood side by side, the former with a confident look, and the latter with a wary expression. The two Vanguardias would have their biggest challenge yet, trying to tame the untamable.
The brown haired boy stepped forward, the crimson half-cloak hung from his shoulders. It’s gold-edged insignia catching the light as he moved. The fabric was wortn at the edges, not from neglect but from countless battles. Raek never cared much for appearances, as most could see.
He’s much rather let his actions speak for him.
The Dragon gained it’s footing, sense of place, and bearings all in one. Roaring loudly, their screech pushing back rubble. Kicking up wind as to where both Clovis and Raek stood absolute. Unmoved.
Eyeing the two, it’s pupil enlarged. In a rush of fury, it raised it’s wings. Beating them constantly, kicking up even more wind. It slowly raised it’s body, and with one final flap, ascended very quickly.
Raek, shocked, and Clovis, following the dragons head. His face slowly lit up when he realized.
“It’s going back for Aethyra.”
Raek turned to him, “What’s this dragon’s problem? Hungry? Gold?”
Clovis stared at Raek.
Raek tilted his head. “Gold? Treasure? No?”
Clovis glared at him.
“Okay, guess not.”
A radiant glyph flared beneath their feet. In a heartbeat, light enveloped them, and they vanished.
The dragon embarked on a flight towards Aethyra, not too far, but not exactly close either. It would only be a few more moments before it comes to the gates. From there? Total carnage.
As it continued to be on pace, a bright flash occurred over the dragon, as Clovis and Raek appeared. The two diving with serious looks now, the Great Dragon posed a great threat, not only to them, but to the people as well.
Vanguardias like them are supposed to lead, and make example. Even letting one casualty under this attack occur would carry great scrutiny towards them.
The Dragon didn’t take long to notice the two they were fighting early to be above, with the large snap of opening their mouth, fire spewed out upward. Heading towards Clovis and Raek.
Raek, twisted midair, the searing heat brushing his face as he narrowly avoided the flames. Laughing at the thrill of it.
Clovis clapped his hands together, and formed a light barrier around himself. Enduring the fire itself as to go through it, and didn’t seem fazed for a moment.
Below them, the sprawling city of Aethyra glittered in the sunlight, its towers and bustling streets a stark contrast to the dragon’s looming shadow. Raek knew a single misstep could turn that light into ash.
Below, the streets were frozen in collective awe and terror. Most, if not, all residents on the ground watched below. Watching an oncoming dragon be intercepted by two Vanguardias. Merchants abandoned their stalls, parents clutched their children, and every gaze followed the Vanguardias above.
A ripple of hope, or dread, coursed through the crowd as the Dragon roared.
Raek landed first, raw mana giving a second wind for himself. Coursing through his fingers as per usual, sparks came to life as he conjured three lightning bolts, sending them one after the other.
The dragon noticed them, performing a barrel roll to dodge all three cleanly. It used it’s large tail to knock Raek upward, ragdolling into an unsuspecting Clovis who didn’t have enough time to dodge out of the way.
The two bodies collided in the air, and the dragon used the ample time for this distraction to go. With one giant beat of it’s wing, it increased it’s speed.
The dragon’s shadow loomed over the Merchant’s Quarter, the heart of Aethyra’s bustling economy. One wrong move, and centuries of trade would crumble beneath its flames.
“Are you serious?” Clovis barked out, rubbing the temple of his head. Watching Raek freefall uncontrollably.
Raek rubbed his head, trying to soothe it. “I didn’t know the Dragon had precognition now.”
Clovis gazed at the dragon, it passed the gates. And weirdly enough, not attacking that in orderly dragon fashion. It’s over the merchant quarter.
As if, looking for something.
He couldn’t risk it. Too much business going on there. If the Dragon even manages to mess up anything slightly in there, the entire state of Aegis would suffer.
“We have to get there, fast.” Clovis stated.
“Thank you for pointing out the obvious,” Raek replied sarcastically.
Clovis looked at Raek, then at the dragon. An idea formed in his head, as if a light candle had went off over his head.
Raek, slowly starting to piece it together caught onto it as well.
“Wait, wait. Don’t do that-!”
The Dragon eyed the many people on the streets. As much as it would want to, it’s goal was not the residents. There was something attracting the dragon in a specific district. Something it would get it’s claws on.
As it descended rapidly, it was about to land, before Raek crash landed onto the head of the dragon. His body skidded across as he grabbed onto the horn for support. The Dragon screeched, ascending rapidly now. The opposite of what’s intended.
“Damn Clovis,” Raek muttered, as he reeled in pain. Both of his hands grasped onto the horns of the dragon, and pulled them back. Noticing how the dragon started to ascend now. Away from the city, not comfortably enough though.
A large flash occurred next to him, as Clovis appeared.
Raek shot an irritated look, “You could’ve teleported me too, you know.”
Clovis waved him off, “Less mana to spend,”
Raek almost lunged on Clovis, but now wasn’t the time for that. Not with a city buster on his hands.
He almost stumbled, his concentration broken. He fought to gain and control the Great Dragon by it’s horns again. Which prompted him to speak, signaling the limited time they have.
“I’m going to be honest here. I don’t know how to train a dragon. Would be really nice if we had a way of disposing it.”
Clovis eyed the city, crouching. Muttering something under his breath. This was one of the rare times that Raek couldn’t have picked it up, but he assumed he was concocting a plan.
The boy bounded by light watched, analyzing. What could it have possibly came here for in the Merchant District? Not attacking and causing havoc instantly in Aethrya, but instead coming for the merchants.
“There’s no way it knows about…” Clovis trailed off. Not wanting to consider the thought. A dragon couldn’t.
But a Great Red Dragon? Clovis had the probability calculated, and it was scarily high. Nowhere near 0.
“1005 clicks away. That’s how far we need this dragon to get away.” Clovis got up, and pointed towards the Port. But as Raek looked further, he was pointing towards the ocean.
“It’s too close to the city, It’ll weaken in the large pools of water. There, we get a even chance in the playing fields.”
“Would you have enough mana to teleport us away?” Raek asked, not judging the dire plan. To be fair, that was the only plan they had.
Clovis nodded, “I should. Such a far distance, I can…try.”
Raek furrowed a brow, “Try? Clovis, I’m afraid trying anything at this stage might be too late.”
Clovis and his dry humor chuckled slightly, “I’ll try to wing it. Like you do.” He put a hand on Raek’s shoulder.
Raek scoffed, “The difference is that when I do it, big things work in my favor.”
The Dragon screeched as the two smiled at the plan, with Clovis barely. With this, surely they could get away with it. These two, Raek and Clovis, would be the first to defeat a Great Red Dragon.
A challenge no other Vanguardias could think of.
As Raek turned, and forced the dragon to turn with him towards the ocean, steam began to emit from it’s scales.
Raek didn’t think much of it, until he thought about it again. Steam, pouring from it’s scales.
Steam was being emitted from the scales. Heat itself, actual heat was being emitted. The Dragon had just found a way of getting the two Vanguardias off their back.
Clovis noticed it latter, his rubber boots being able to sustain this heat, but not exactly himself. Raek let go of the horns, as that part as well got hot uncontrollably.
And without anyone holding the horns of the dragon, the Dragon was as free as it could be.
It rotated, with it’s belly facing the sky. Both Raek and Clovis fell off, losing their grip on the scaly back. Turning, they were once again freefalling within the sky and right over the Merchant’s District again.
Clovis weaved his arms around, his blonde hair swaying furiously. Wind rushing in his ears, with the dragon closing in on the two, he needed to make a final stand. Mana coursed through his hands, and became sharp.
Took a shape, and was filled with a golden light. It’s spear tip looking menacing as it could possibly be. He threw it up in the air, it’s initial speed took off straight for the Great Dragon. As if everything and anything couldn’t be more fast paced than it could.
The spear skimmed the dragon, slight blood coming from it’s cheek as the Dragon dove down, fast. Raek noticed it right away, and turned around, and noticed an opening, wide of grass. He knew this place, he realized this place.
Park, a park. Not just any park, but one of the few in Aethyra where you couldn’t get mauled by the goblins nearby in nature and take in the scenic route. Raek silently apologized, hopefully, the tax money can cover for this as well.
He thrusted his arm, and the Earth began to shake below. Citizens already evacuating from the premises watched on as two rocky slopes made their way towards the Vanguardias. By the time they realized, the Dragon had stopped it’s chase, and halted its motion.
Raek and Clovis slid down the earthly slopes, their boots doing such a number on it. Being able to skid safely without any further problems. As the two looked on to the Great Dragon, they realized they were further from the Merchant’s Quarter than anticipated.
“Change of plan,” Clovis spoke. He adjusted the pendant on his neck, reflecting the rays of the sun that had came in. Raek noticed, and turned his attention towards the Great Red Dragon.
He nodded, and Clovis continued.
“Apprehend the Great Dragon, doesn’t look like it’ll be touching water anytime soon.”