A year had passed since the feast and the Pirate Lords, and their people boarded their fleets of Ghost Ships. They made their way to the north, with the Miliana leading the way.
The eighty-two Ghost Ships sailed through several territories without setting off any alarms. However, the surrounding flora reacted to their presence. The pirates arrived at the northern harbour hours later, and blue-eyed stone statues scanned their ships thoroughly. Feng frowned and her Astral body appeared in Crane’s quarters.
“Do you see that?” the Pirate Enchantress asked. “Aye, the same eyes as our Lord. He said they see the truth.” The silver-haired Pirate Lord replied. “Knowing him, that’s probably a half-truth. Don’t you just love a man who understands the art of mystery?” Feng joked, and Crane scoffed. “Did you just laugh?” she asked and pretended to be shocked.
“We’re here. Don’t crash.” The silver-haired Pirate Lord said, and the pirate Enchantress’ jaw dropped. “Now’s he’s making jokes as well. Our Lord’s blessing may have warmed up your cold blood.” She whispered, and Crane smiled.
“I have been sitting on this for a while now, but I…no, I’ll tell you if we survive this campaign. Good luck.” The silver-haired pirate said, and Feng’s Astral body stared him, before it disappeared. The Pirate Enchantress crossed her legs, tilted her head to the side and frowned. “What are you up to?” she whispered curiously.
“Milady, we’re approaching Lord Drakk’N’s…ship. We’ve sailed past islands that were smaller.” The helmsman reported, and Feng let out a high-pitched laugh at the sight. Her Astral body stood on the bridge and stared at the wall of monitors. On the holo-screens was a titan class Mother Ship with a palace on its back. It hovered over the edge of the cliff-side harbour town, beside dozens of smaller vessels of varying shapes and sizes.
The pirates sailed towards the largest of the newly commissioned vessels. The eighty kilometre long blue whale opened its mouth, and the pirates whistled. They looked around, frowned and thought the same thing. The pirates received their answer as soon as they approached the harbour inside the Whale Ship’s mouth.
The free-spirited men and women gawked at the cyborgs in gold plated armour. The six-metre-tall automatons waved their hands, and the Ghost Ships drifted towards the port. They docked, disembarked, walked along the boardwalks and met in front of the main gates. The pirates crossed the street and explored the skyscrapers sticking out of the steep cliff-face.
*
“There they are.” “Privileged pricks.” “Did you know they lost seven ships?” “As Dragon-Hearts?” “They had Whale Ships as Dragon-Hearts?” “It’s custom in the old clans.” “Wealth breeds more wealth, after all.” A few members of the Dragon Guard whispered to each other. Raymond, Duke, Gloria and Laurence ignored the quick glances, while Kagiso looked around playfully. He pointed at himself, and Mei gigged.
“I don’t know why they’re upset with us. We didn’t have ships to begin with.” The Black Dragon joked, and Domanique cleared her throat to stop herself from laughing. Dozens of the six thousand Dragons, lined up in their respective battalions and companies, snarled and growled. The rest rolled their eyes at their colleagues and the young Black Dragon.
Bright and hellishly hot energy signatures flared, and the Dragon Guard stood at attention. Their black and white metal plated Dragon bone armour sparkled, and they bolstered their shields. The Dragon Guard endured the spiritual attack, and the waves of various inter-dimensional energies broke against the impenetrable barrier.
Victor scanned the Dragons in the city square. He nodded and marbles of light pooled in the centre of his pupils. Kagiso frowned slightly, while the Dragon Guard’s Supreme Commander scanned the probabilities and found the perfect words to say in one. The Dragon Paladins and Palace Guards stared at the tallest and most decorated Black Dragon. They glanced at his son and compared the two’s gold-plated armour.
“The war has begun, the horns have been blown, and you have answered the call. New blood and old. Dragons, when we unite under a single banner, we become the most terrifying force in the Universe.” Victor rumbled proudly and the Dragon Guard let out a proud cheer that rattled their own ribcages.
“We have chosen two leaders. Two Dragons who will raise those banners high and lead us into the fray. The Sage of Silver Moons, Joseph Mokoena, step forward.” The Dragon Guard’s Supreme Commander rumbled proudly, and a few heads turned. They scanned the stage and saw Admiral Granger sitting beside his peers. The elders and clan heads hid their disapproval well.
“Uncle isn’t leading the navy? Is this because he visited my palace? No, father isn’t that petty. He doesn’t want another Drakk’N near the position, but why him? He’s too inexperienced to lead anyone in this war. What will the younger and smaller clans think? What have you seen?” the heterochromatic man wondered as he paged through his memories.
“You have been appointed the position of Fleet Admiral. You will lead our naval forces and breach our enemies’ defenses.” Victor rumbled stoically and hundreds of Dragons let out a mighty cheer. “The Hero of the Civil War, Abubakar Creed, step forward.” The Dragon Guard’s Supreme Commander called out and a colossal Dragon stepped forward. “You have been appointed the General of the Army. You will lead our warriors to victory.” Victor rumbled stoically and thousands of Dragons roared proudly.
“That is why.” Kagiso realised, and he slammed the album shut. “You mean to win them over by bringing the People’s Champion into the fold. He will never-General Creed is a patriot at heart. Would he turn against the Council if he thought they had betrayed our people?” the Black Dragon wondered. He glanced up at the sky and frowned.
“No. He never does. How far have you seen?” Kagiso wondered, with confusion. The Dragons listened to Victor carefully, before they opened private lines of communication to discuss what he had just said. “Hmph, it’s his head if we fail.” “What do you mean?” “This crusade he has organised is bold.” “Oh, please. It’s atrocious.” “Aye, we are about to commit genocide on an entire group of people.”
“Granger should have held his tongue.” “But he needed to show his support. The Prince cannot win a war by himself.” “Aye, he needed an elder on his side and a wise one, too.” “Do you think the Drakk’N clan is crumbling?” “Isn’t it obvious?” “I heard there are clan members that refused to take part in the war.” “So, are we supposed to reject or accept divinity?” “Honestly, just hope you survive. This war is riddled with traps and hidden quests.” The Dragons whispered to one another.
“Victor is too focused on the fates of others to see his own.” A Dragon covered in iron scales whispered. “He has always been willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others.” A beautiful Dragon covered in glittery crystal scales replied. She glanced at Fleet Admiral Mokoena and smiled. “Joseph is not ready to lead an entire fleet to war. Especially when sides are to be chosen. Bastard.” General Khanyisa Illumoon realised, and her scales sparkled furiously. “What is it?” Paladin General Septimus Ironhide asked.
“It looks like Khanyi just put two and two together. Now we have angered the Illumoon clan, our oldest allies.” Admiral Granger said, with disappointment. “Along with the Ironhides.” Another old Dragon chimed in. “Septimus’ son will shed the name Creed, when Khanyi’s nephew is forced to relinquish his position. Either way, Victor has woven our clan’s fate with his ambitions.” Robert said, and he scratched his chin.
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“All or nothing. He has revealed his true nature too soon. They are not fools. In fact, they are far from it. Your nephew must unite what your brother has divided. I fear not many of us will have Survived this war when you return.” Dembe Drag’O whispered, and Admiral Granger glanced at his mentor and oldest friend.
“He wouldn’t…the Emerald Isles? What were the Bladeclaws to him?” Robert asked and the Dragons on the stage stood up. “A poisonous thorn.” Dembe replied, and the old Dragon placed his right palm on his left breast in salute. They watched as Victor did the same proudly. The Dragon Guard performed the salute in unison. Kagiso glared openly at his father, and Admiral Granger shot him a look.
“I know, not now. It would be wasted here.” The Black Dragon thought, and he saluted the Dragon Guard’s Supreme Commander. Raymond glanced at his brother’s slow movements, and he noticed his expression. He traced Kagiso’s intense stare and frowned at his father.
“I see. His eyes didn’t just awaken. It has always been there. He has been hiding it. Did father force him to swear…no, if he broke an oath on that island, then it was one he made willingly. Duke would most certainly choose our father’s side…no, not under these circumstances…but does he understand what that means? What is father thinking? Destroying all forms of divinity includes his son. Joining our enemy would result in the deaths of everyone in our clan or do you still harbour resentment towards the Council? No, you’re trying to force their hand. What are they both thinking?” Raymond wondered as everyone spun on their heels. They spread their wings, took off and vanished.
*
The six thousand Dragons boarded their respective Mother Ships, and the little girl sat on the edge of the cliff. Her legs dangled over the edge and the gale force winds blew through her jet-black dreadlocks.
“You’ve been here long enough, and I have another planet to build. One where the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isles can fly freely once more. A bright green world of jungles, spirits and warriors. An Emerald Kingdom for your children’s children, mother.” The little Dragon girl rumbled excitedly over the sound of swords clashing.
The Shadow of the King appeared behind her, and he laughed hysterically. The little girl giggled uncontrollably. She grabbed her sides and rolled around happily. The Shadow of Nature’s Island rose suddenly. It shot through the clouds and past the many sky islands of Terra Draconum. The mortals aboard their sponsor’s Mother Ships felt a terrible lurch in their stomachs. They knelt, and the sensation was gone as suddenly as it had appeared.
“Man your stations! We are casting off.” The Black Dragon rumbled angrily. “Sounds like it didn’t go well. All aboard!” Feng said to GoldJack, before she turned around and bellowed out a command. “When does it ever? Move it, you scallywags! Let’s show them how pirates wage war!” the Dwarven Pirate Lord replied, before he roared at the drunkards that had just stumbled out of the tavern carved out of the cliff.
*
The island emerged from the Warp Gate and drifted towards the colossal planet in the distance. It stopped abruptly and launched the Draconic armada at the Hub World. The wave of titanic Whale Ships carrying forts, places and castles on their backs, grouped up and formed a single line behind Fleet Admiral Mokoena’s giant mantis.
“Hmph. A spearhead so far from enemy lines. We must look like a funeral procession.” A short and stocky Dragon rumbled with disdain. “Indeed, Lieutenant. But the Illumoon and the Gardenias adore The Shadow of Nature’s teachings above all.” Admiral Granger rumbled admirably.
“They are hoping to impress Her? The Council are as fickle as they are wise. We amuse Them, we cannot impress Them.” Commander Buchu rumbled with a hint of irritation and the old Dragon laughed.
“You didn’t find Him. Elusive is the Shadow of the King. And there are some who have earned The Council’s attention. For better or for worse.” Robert rumbled warily. He turned towards the large stone doors and the stone statues’ eyes lit up. The doors opened with a whoosh and Kagiso’s doppelgänger entered his uncle’s observation tower.
“I am surprised you wanted us to meet here.” The Black Dragon said, and the senior officers sneered at the psychic apparitions behind him. Shen scowled and entered with Gloria by his side. “Is there a problem?” Petty Officer Mokoena asked quickly. “Hmph. There is.” Lieutenant Rondo replied bluntly.
*
“Hey, we need to talk. Before our ships drift too far apart.” Domanique rumbled ominously and Duke clenched his teeth. “Fight for what you believe in. Nobody can ask anything more of you.” The four-armed Dragon rumbled stoically. “Stop hiding-”“-I don’t know! I do not know why my family is tearing itself apart.” Duke rumbled frightfully and the Minotaur Dragon placed her hand on his chest. “Then follow your own advice. I will be here when you sort things out.” She rumbled lovingly, before her Astral body disappeared.
*
“It doesn’t change a single thing for me. My objective is still the same.” Kenpachi replied, and Mei nodded before her Astral body left. The Enraged Dragon slammed his fist into the wall. “They must think I’m stupid. The timing is too perfect…and now he openly means to weaken the Illumoon Dragons and make a failure of General Creed. I am surrounded by traitors. But I can at least trust in the Prince’s information. He would not make an enemy out of me, not when his allies are so few. Yes, nothing has changed for me.” Kenpachi deduced, and he strolled past his heavily armed automatons.
*
“Look at her Dumas.” A tall and muscular man said in disbelief. “Aye, brother. Skies so vast you can barely see the Iron Mountain. We are finally home.” The bald general whispered. His teary eyes twinkled, and their ship trembled.
“We’re breaking formations! We will never reach our destination at this pace.” Admiral Granger rumbled, and Fleet Admiral Mokoena snarled. “Fall in line Admiral. We will pierce the planet’s defenses together.” He rumbled stoically. “With all due respect, Fleet Admiral, but that will lead to the destruction of the entire armada. A Hub World’s defenses cannot be pierced, they must be bypassed.” The Old Dragon rumbled adamantly, and six blimps appeared on their radars.
Kagiso had just led his own charge, when a visitor appeared on his ship. The Black Dragon split his attention between his uncle’s observation tower, the Fleet Admiral’s war hall and General Creed’s training hall.
“What is your plan?” the strange Dragon asked curiously. Kagiso eyed her suspiciously, before he realised who he was talking to. “You’re Manuel’s beloved? Well, Vera. I intend to follow orders.” The Black Dragon rumbled sincerely, and the tiny Dragon laughed hysterically. “Manual told me you would be strange, but he did not paint a clear enough picture.” Vera rumbled happily and Kagiso’s Mother Ship continued to sail further away from the armada.
“Explain yourself.” Fleet Admiral Mokoena demanded. “It is as Admiral Granger has stated. My forces and I will bypass the defenses. Then I will send my troops forth to meet with the locals, trade and establish alliances. Nobody parleys like a pirate. And when I have established a base, a palace and trade routes from the centre of the Six-Point Formation, I will balance the scales and end all war between the many tribes. I will usher in an age of Order and Chaos.” The Black Dragon rumbled, and the Peacock Dragon’s golden eyes sparkled furiously.
The Dragons stopped laughing and scowling. They gawked at Kagiso in disbelief, before a thought occurred. “Has he seen something the Supreme Commander hasn’t?” a few Dragons whispered, and more vessels followed the newly commissioned Mother Ships. They formed six spears and barreled towards the Hub World.
“Very, well. We will follow your lead.” Fleet Admiral Mokoena rumbled, and he could barely contain his rage. The Dragons gasped, when the General of the Army’s ship was spotted following Laurence’s into battle. “We are going to be stranded on another planet, together. Air your grievances now.” Shen rumbled aggressively.
“Do not be offended by my Lieutenant’s bluntness, Sergeant. Rarely have ones so young obtained such high ranks. We needed to make certain it has not bloated your egos. However, your friend is correct. I will ask you this once more nephew, are you ready to be the centre of our new government?” Admiral Granger rumbled with as much authority and pressure as he could muster.
The Black Dragon smiled confidently. He shared his vision of the future with everyone, and Gloria’s eyes sparkled. Shen scoffed and the senior Dragons exchanged bewildered looks. They turned to the old Dragon, and he laughed hysterically.
“Then let thy will be done.” Admiral Granger rumbled proudly. Kagiso, Raymond and Duke placed their heads together one last time. “Do not let them kill you. Survive and I will secure our victory.” The Black Dragon rumbled fearfully. “From now on, you fight for each other. May the Universe be with you three.” Admiral Granger prayed before the two brothers left the Black Dragon’s ship.
“It’s begun.” “We’re taking fire.” “They are targeting the ships in the rear.” “The mortal forces won’t survive this barrage.” The voices spoke all at once, and Kagiso winced. He closed his eyes and slowed down his heart rate.
“Let’s see how long their shields hold, without the rest of the fleet bolstering their defenses.” Fleet Admiral Mokoena rumbled maliciously. He stood at the very top of an observation tower with a flat roof.
The Peacock Dragon placed his hands behind his back and smiled, while glittery artillery shells crashed into Raymond’s energy shields and detonated on impact. The atomic warheads illuminated the titan class Whale Ships and more sparkling beams of light streaked towards the Draconic Armada.