“Zadia….want to…hold hands…”  Dana slowly reaches out her hand.

“Dana we have to focus. Leave that for later.” Ray replied with sigh as he scouted ahead of the group.

They were in the forest of the dead, but they had not encounter any undead. This is of course was because Earth had eliminated almost all of the undead within the forest. Beyond this forest was several small villages and beyond that is the border where the dragon hero was gathering his forces. Since their departure it only had been five hours from when they left the capital.

“This is odd, it has been awhile since we came across any undead.” Ray stated as he observed the surroundings.

“Hah. Maybe they got scared and ran off. It just makes things easier for us. All we have to worry about now are those blasted dragons.” Eric spoke out in an arrogant tone.

“The undead seems to have been driven out of the forest which is odd. Well it’s not all bad since we will have it easy up till the point we leave the forest.” Ray responded in a more relaxed tone after he concluded there was no danger.

“Dana, can you please stop being so touchy.” Ray instructed her after seeing her hugging Zadia yet again. He was getting annoyed by the fact no one seem to bother listening to him. After thinking for a moment he let out a sigh.

“Okay. We need to designate a leader. That way we can coordinate better.” Ray told them his thoughts making them all look at him in confusion.

“Ray…aren’t you…leader?” Dana replied as if it was the natural choice.

“When did I say, I wanted to be leader. It’s bothersome.” Ray responded waving her suggestion away with his hand.

“So let’s make a vote who wants to make Julianne leader?” Ray asked

No one raised their hand except for Ray. He threw his hand up voting for Dana, Zadia, Erick, and Nick but no one else did. Finally the last option the one he absolutely didn’t want to mention. So he didn’t until.

“I…vote for…Ray.” Dana replies raising her hand

“I also think he should lead.” Julianne nods in agreement Nick and Erick also shook their heads. Ray had started rubbing his head again getting another headache.

“Why does this always happen?” Ray mumbles as he continues onward.

After reaching the end of the forest they made camp, since it was already dark out.

The forest of the dead was huge, which prevented many invasions from the east. Since it was litter with undead it was the reason there was hardly any defenses there to protect them from invasion. The undead served as protection from any ground troops, but meaningless against dragons. Since they can simply fly over, having discover that there are no longer any undead Ray would have to report it. He was going to send a message as he passes one of the villages. The kingdom would then remove the forest and set up several outposts. The only defense they have on the east was a small outpost on the border.

While they were camped Zadia had asked Dana to teach her how to shoot a bow correctly. She wanted to be able to have more versatility when fighting the dragon. Dana agreed to teach her and had asked Ray to make her a bow. Ray tried to refuse at first because he hated doing a lot of work but Dana forced it on him as usual. Dana had lent Zadia Rays bow, while Ray was working on hers. Ray was a perfectionist if he was going to do something he had to make it perfect, which is why he hated being forced to work. Even though he hated making the bow he made sure it was smooth, clean, and strong.

“Finished. Why do I always have to do these kind of things?” Ray lets out a depressed sigh.

“Ray…you’re finished?” Dana approached him taking the bow and left. Ray ignored her and just laid on his back relaxing.

Zadia was shooting arrows into a tree, while Dana had been away. She had gotten better than she was previously extremely quick. Which wasn’t much of a surprise since she had trained almost all her life with Julianne.

“Zadia…your bow.” Dana holds out a quiver of arrows and the bow made by Ray.

“That’s mine? Thank you Dana.” Zadia says excitedly as she took the bow. Seeing her reaction Dana instantly raises her arms expecting a hug, but Zadia had already turned around heading off to show Julianne.

“…” Dana stood there alone with her arms out. Ray walked up next to her wondering what she was doing.

“Umm, Dana are you doing okay?” Ray asks curiously as Dana slowly puts her arms down.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One day later.

They arrive at the rocky plains just beyond Rowiens borders. They hid behind some huge rocks on a hill overlooking the plains. There were around twenty huge dragons laying out in the open between them and their target. The dragons showed they didn’t care for concealment. They wanted to soar straight to the capital while letting everyone know they were coming.

The reason this plan was good enough to give a go, is because the dragons are known to let their strongest take the best spot when resting. In this case it would be on the mountain overseeing the plains with a huge cave. This cave could hold more than one dragon however since dragons like to have plenty of room, they only saw it as enough room for one. Even if the leader didn’t have the same views as the other dragons, if the most powerful dragon were to share its room with a weaker dragon it would show as a sign of weakness. If the other dragon was just as powerful the command would be split into two.

This information was acquired by the Devil Rangers the masters of gathering Intel. If it weren’t for them Earths plan would have been rejected. The reason why only five was the recommended amount was because they would have to sneak by all the sleeping dragons before climbing the mountain. They would be able to fight the dragon hero if they could get past the dragons first, the battle would be far away enough from the other dragons to go unnoticed. As long as they kept the dragon in the cave where the sound will be muffled.

The details of the mission were all given out by Ray who was one of the Devil Rangers, Dana was a ranger too but she had remained quiet during the briefing.

“Okay since it looks like most of them are asleep. I suggest we move along the edges till we bypass them completely.” Ray whisper as he turns around to go in first. Dana followed along with Julianne. They motion the others to come when it was clear.

They could hear the heavy breaths of the dragons as they tip toed past them. Some of them were still awake but didn’t pay much attention to their surroundings showing off their arrogance. None of the dragons were on guard. The main reason for that was because they were some of the most feared creatures in the realm. Their only rivals of the sky were the griffons, who were only one third of their size, but moved around in larger packs.

They experienced a few close calls but other than that made it safely to the mountain path. From this point on they would have no problem concealing themselves since they would be out of sight for the most part.

After ten minutes of climbing up the mountain path. They come across the cave that was reported to be located there. Ray signaled them to halt before going in.

“I’ll go in and fire the first shot and get its attention then move to the right.” Ray than instructs the others. “Julianne you charge in to the left and Dana you support her. Nick and Eric you will guard Dana and Zadia.”

“Wait I can fight too.” Zadia interjected, Ray takes another deep sigh.

“Fine you’ll charge in with me as support.” Ray announce rubbing his head again. Zadia nods her head in response.

Ray and Zadia charge into the cave heading towards the right. Julianne and Dana charge to the left. Eric and Nick rushed in to support Dana and Ray. When they went in they didn’t find anything.

“Wait. Where is the dragon?” Ray mutters while looking around. Nick and Eric started to relax a little and spoke out.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Hah. Seems like the Devil Rangers were over exaggerated when people talked about their skills.” Eric smiles as he stares at Ray.

“No. It just means. The dragon isn’t in its cave right now.” Ray starts to turn around to face the group. Nick and Eric were in the entrance of the cave.

“Nick, Eric get away from there now. We will set up an ambush.”

As Ray faces his back on the two, he heard a squishing sound come from behind. Than a red liquid appear under his feet. He turned around immediately and leaped backwards. There stood a huge red dragon, with its foot on Nick and Eric. Their bodies were crushed but their limbs remained.

“Weak.” A booming voice emerge from the dragon. “So I take that you are supposed to kill me? Are you heroes?”

“Go with the plan.” Ray ordered as he and Dana shot arrows. Zadia and Julianne charged in from different sides. Their blades and arrows were repelled by the dragons’ scales, the dragon stood there unaffected. Zadia and Julianne took a leap back after their attack. Julianne left a small cut on his armor while Zadia only gave it a scratch.

“I guess you aren’t heroes, so I’ll just kill you quickly.” The dragon opens its mouth and breathes out roaring flames. Dana and Ray took cover behind the rocky walls. Julianne and Zadia had dodge it by leaping to the sides.

“Dana. You and I will aim for the eyes. Julianne and Zadia keep it busy.” Ray barked out the orders, catching the dragons’ attention. The dragon than turned its head to Ray.

“Do you think I’m a fool!? Then I will finish you two first.” The dragon fired its breath towards Ray and Dana, ignoring Julianne and Zadia.

During its attack Julianne charged in striking its right eye, as Zadia charges its left. Seeing them from the corners of his eye the dragon violently shakes his head from side to side, while still breathing fire. Since it was focused more on Julianne, Zadias attack had landed blinding its left eye.

The reason he had ignored Zadia was because even if it was an eye if the attack wasn’t powerful enough it wouldn’t affect him. He judge Zadia as weak since earlier she only laid a simple scratch which healed instantly. Her attack just now was more powerful than before, her previous attack wouldn’t have affected him. He then started to regard Zadias strength but was confused on how a little girl could be this powerful.

“rawrrRRGGH!! You!” The Dragon glared at Zadia. He swung his tail towards Zadia, which had kicked up some debris. Zadia jumped out of its way just barely dodging it. Dana and Ray had decided to take out their melee weapons and charged at the dragon as well.

“Attack the left scale on its center, that’s where its heart is. We need to break its armor first!” Ray informed the others as they all focused their attention onto the dragons’ chest.

“Hmph. Do you really think it would be that easy?” The dragon smashes its tail against the walls of the huge cave. The caves entrance had collapsed and the room became pitch black. None of them could see.

“How is your aim now!? How will you stop this rampaging dragon now!?” The Dragon spoke emitting his rage. He couldn’t believe that they would speak as if he was someone they could handle at their level. It ticked him off to think that they thought they stood a chance against him. The only light that ignited the dark cave was the dragons’ fiery breath and his menacing eyes. He sent flames roaring out of his mouth. The party had taken cover when the dragon had started hitting the walls with its tail.

“Ray…” Dana called out to Ray who had been quiet as they were being attacked with fire. That lit up the entire cave. She than notice Ray making torches right next to her.

“Dana and I will support. Julianne and Zadia you will need to be the ones to break through his armor.” Ray instructed as he picked up a torch lighting it.

“Okay. Now!” Ray order as the dragons attacked stop. Julianne and Zadia charged in, with Dana and Ray following behind. Ray had a torch in one hand and a weapon in the other. Dana came out with her bow and shot at the dragon. Zadia and Julianne moved along the sides hidden. The dragon sent another breath of fire towards Dana and Ray almost immediately.

“Cling” “Clang”

As the dragons’ breath lit up the room Julianne and Zadia came into view as they stuck at his chest several times in succession. Their strikes were fast and powerful shattering the dragons’ armor. However before they could end it with a finishing blow the dragon directed its breath downward planning to burn them along with his exposed flesh. Julianne and Zadia had dodge it, Zadia had received slight burns for being a little slower.

“Ray! Dana! His armor is exposed! Shoot him!” Zadia shouted as she glanced back. When she did she saw a charred Ray who was dragged to the side by Dana who also had some burns. She wasn’t in the condition to fight having her arms and legs burned. Dana was just sitting silently in cover with a dead Ray in her lap.

Zadia and Julianne decided to try to take the dragon out with their swords but the dragon prevented them from getting any closer. Breathing fire every time they would approach. Zadia than realize she still had her bow equipped.

“Mom! I’ll shoot it! Can you keep it focused on you!?” Zadia calls out to Julianne as she pulls out her bow.

“Hah. You think I would let you!?” The dragon turned its gaze towards Zadia but then Julianne charges in from the side. He then turns his head and fires his breath at Julianne in response. As he did Zadia shot multiple arrows at his chest three of them hitting.

“aaRRGH! How persistent!” The dragons’ movements became slower and Zadia decided to charge in. Since she ran out of arrows her only option now was to use her sword. Julianne also charged in with her. Both of them striking his chest, blood began to drip from the dragons chest, as Julianne and Zadia leapt back.

“I will not be defeated by you!” The dragon roars in rage.

The dragon started to go into a blind rage hitting the walls of the cave the only safe route to avoid the falling rocks was to go deeper into the cave. Julianne and Zadia retreated grabbing Dana who seemed to be lifeless. The roars of the dragon had continue to cease as they watched sharp spiky roof collapse onto him. His roars weakened as more massive rocks fell upon the room.

After several more minutes the sounds of the collapsing building and roars of the dragon ceased. Zadia now turned her attention to Dana who seemed to have no more energy left in her. Dana burns weren’t as bad as they thought and they had already wrapped her burns in bandages.

“Dana. We need to get out of here. Do you know a way out?’ Zadia said in a worried tone.

“Ray…knew…” Dana replies with a hollowed expression.

“We should just keep going this way. I’m sure it’ll lead to a way out.” Julianne interjects trying to lighten the mood. She walked out in front while Zadia grabbed Danas hand walking next to her.

They still had the torches Ray had made. He only use one in the fight, but he had made several of them and left them aside. After eight hours of walking inside the cave they could see light at the end.

“It’s the exit.” Julianne announced as they all ran towards it. They had left the mountain, the exit they took put them a good distance away from the other dragons. It was all clear from here on out.

“I need to… report…” Dana stated as she walked ahead, still holding Zadias hand.

“Umm…Dana?” Zadia called out. She was just ignored so she just went along with it. Half of their party was dead, so it was better to just return home and train harder. Dana wasn't moping as much as Zadia thought she would. When they were in the cave she could hardly move but now she seems back to normal. Zadia thought how could she remain herself after all that?

“I still have…my sister…”Dana replies as if she knew what Zadia was thinking