The search for the Oracle

I woke up to see that the small band of fighters were getting prepared for the fight that was to come. As I watched, seeing them willing to sacrifice themselves to save those imprisoned in Buraki’s citadel tower…it touched me. But with all of Buraki’s new high tech army, they’re chances were slim. Sparkles was looking outside the window. I approached her. Sparkles: “This city was once a beautiful place. Now, it’s a place of terror and despair.” Pyron: “Well, I guess when you call a place Crisis City it’s bound to attract negative stuff.” Mike: “Crisis City use to have a name that didn’t mean despair.” I saw the boy who warned me of the skin job. Pyron: “And what name was that?” Mike: “San Francisco.” Pyron: “What?! San Francisco?! This is San Francisco?!” Mike: “Use to be…before Buraki’s tower came here 2 years ago.” Pyron: “But, how is-” Sparkles: “Pyron, come with me. *I followed her to the roof and in the distance I saw a large spire* That spire is Buraki’s tower. He’s taken all prisoners there to turn them into skin jobs.” Pyron: “Skin jobs?! You mean…” Sparkles: “Yes. The one you met was once human. Buraki’s Nan virus has done it. That slayer who took out your family…you should thank him. Your family could have been like them. That…is a fate worse than death.” Pyron: “He has to be stop.” Sparkles: And he will. However, you must go now.” Pyron: “What? But don’t you-” Sparkles: “We’ll be ok for now. You must go to the Mystic Cave far to the east and find a Light Dragon called the Oracle. She can help you.” She walks off before I could ask why.

A few hours had passed and I was looking at a few resistance members looking over some machine parts. I got up and began to leave. Sparkles told them I was leaving already so I was led to a secret door. It took me to an unnoticeable blind spot of the city where Buraki’s machines wouldn’t come…especially since it was littered with machine parts. I went out and flew off. I don’t know who this Oracle was or how she can help me, but I believe Sparkles, so I fled off to the east.

As shocking as the world was now, I didn’t came across any of Buraki’s mechs and I came to an area that didn’t seem to be affected by the war. I landed and walked around. It was very peaceful. It reminded me of my old home in the Mushroom Fields. I came to a cave. ???: “Hold it.” I turned and saw a human. Pyron: “A human? Here?” ???: “You came here looking for the Oracle haven’t you?” Pyron: “Uh…yeah, and you are…?” Sylar: “You can call me Sylar, and I’m here to look for the Oracle, so don’t get in my way you overgrown iguana.” This guy seems to have anger issues. ???: “So…it looks like I got competition in looking for the Oracle.” We saw an old turtle. Pyron: “A turtle? Who are you?” Turtle: “You have to forgive me. I simply for got it a long time ago. Of all my years I forgot my own name. Hahahaha.” Sylar: “Peachy. I got an old dragon to find.” He goes into the cave. Pyron: “Humph. Well, I was sent by a friend to look for this Oracle. You need a ride old timer?” Turtle: “I appreciate your generosity, but I’ll be ok.” So we went into the cave. Somewhere inside is the Oracle. I’m hoping to be able to find her and see if she can help me.

City in crisis

It took me a while but I was able to get to the Eastern Territories. Unlike the last time I cross this border I was manhandled by Eastern dragons. Now…there were no Easterners. I flew by a city I once was in and landed. It was the place I met Sparkles. That blind blue beautiful Easterner. Her home and city…utterly destroyed. I moved on. I flew for what felt like hours when I noticed the sun was setting. All the orange hues made it nice. But I notice more orange hues, but it wasn’t the sun. I saw a lot of smoke coming from the horizon. When I got there I found a large city….and it was pretty much destroyed. Fired everywhere, explosions, it was Crisis City. How ironic that what seem like a nice city would be like its namesake.

I was in the city and there was no signs of life. I yelled for anyone, but no one came. As I walked I saw human bodies as well as those of small elves, fairies, wolves, a dragon or two, and machine parts. It was like that field I saw before I met Gana and the others all those years ago. I kept walking and soon saw a human half a block away. I called to them and they turned. As I approached him I felt something wasn’t right. It was like a tense situation. Voice: “Look out!” I heard someone’s voice and I saw a grenade thrown at the person. It exploded. Pyron: “What the- *I saw a boy, I think maybe 13, coming to me* You just threw a grenade at that person?! What’s with you?!” Boy: “Be glad I did. That was a skin job.” Pyron: “A skin job?” Boy: “Wow, how long were you living in your cave? A skin- *Suddenly a small rocket came at us* Watch out! *We dodged it and the human…or should I say skin job came from the flames* Quick, run! *So we did* A skin job is the latest of Buraki’s mechanized army. It looks like a human, but it’s programmed to kill humans.” We ran and came to an old dilapidated building. We went to the back and went in.

As we went inside I was netted. Pyron: “Hey! Let me out!” A few more humans came out. Thomas: “Good job Mike. You got a Dark Draco.” Pyron: “Grrr! When I get out of here-” Voice: “He maybe a Dark Draco, but he’s no threat. Release him.” That voice…I heard it before. A blue Eastern dragon came from the shadows. Pyron: “Sparkles?!” Sparkles: “It’s good to see you again Pyron. I knew you would have come.” I was all confused.

We went into an underground basement and it was stocked with a lot of ammunition. I also saw about 30 humans, 5 cheetahs, 8 wolves, and 6 apes. Most were injured but they all seem to be working together. I looked at Sparkles and saw she was injured on the right side of her belly. Sparkles: “I sense your wondering about that cut. It happened 3 months ago. A scar I can‘t see, but can feel.” I didn’t ask how she got it. Pyron: “It seems everyone here’s gearing up for a fight.” Sparkles: “Against Buraki’s army yes. They rather die than be like the poor souls captured in his citadel tower.” I watched them. Though they know they’re chances are slim, they still fight. Seeing them fight like this reignited the fire I once had. Pyron: “I wanna help. Tell me what to do.” Sparkles: “For now…nothing. Buraki knows of our squad and will strike when he wants to, but in the morning…we’ll strike his tower and destroy that cyborg snake.” Pyron: “His tower?” Mike: “Yes. It’s at the heart of this wasteland city. Were gonna go there and rescue the prisoners and deliver the death blow to Buraki. Pyron, will you help up?” Pyron: “Okay….I’m in.” The group cheers. I don’t know what I can do, but it seems like a fierce battle is going to start. That night I could barely sleep. I saw Sparkles who was close by. I saw that scarred mark on her. Even though I lost my healing powers I placed my paw on her scar. For a brief moment, my black paw was red again, but turned back to black. I went back over to my makeshift bed and went to sleep. But something I thought I heard came from Sparkles. I thought I heard…’Thank you’. I fell asleep.

Redemption

After Gana freaked out Flame and I swam after her and found ourselves on a beach. Gana had told us most of her powers were gone. Flame and I were shocked. At first I thought Buraki was the cause, but then as we walked on the beach we saw a human. Gana said ‘Peter’ but the human didn’t say anything. He ran and Gana chased him. Flame and I followed. We soon found a village of humans, none seem to have came across dragons, but none of them seem afraid of us. When Gana asked for Peter, one of the villagers dragged him before us. Kinda awkward I thought. I said ‘show us what you can do’, and he turned to a few boxes. I then notice all were eyeing Peter, and none at us. So I used my Shadow power and sneaked away unnoticed.

I was flying in the air and I realized it was Bellvalle that we were in. So…I made my was to the other village Gana warned me about…Wells. Voice: “You really weren’t paying any attention were you?” Pyron: “Huh? Who said that?” Voice: “You can’t go to Wells, for that’ll bring about the Knights’ and resistance’s ultimate demise, and your daughter’s death.” Pyron: “You don’t understand. I-” Voice: “I understand clearly. Go to the White Isle and see your father‘s book. It will reveal all to you.” Great, now I got voices in my head. I decided to head for the White Isle.

I arrived hours later to the Isle. I was surprised the place wasn’t at all damage…well, not from the missile attack anyway. I entered the Celestial Caves. Ignitus: “Ah, I figured you would come again Pyron.” Pyron: “And I’m surprise this place wasn’t attacked.” Ignitus: “Buraki’s main focus is to wipe out the resistance and your daughter. This place is of little concern to him.” Pyron: “Look Ignitus, I came to see my father’s book. I don’t know why. I just…need to. *He gives me my dad’s book and I look through it. It shows him as a Dark Draco, my mom saving him, my twin sister and I being born, and his death. I sighed and was a bit frustrated as I flipped through the pages. Then…* Hey, this here, on my dad’s page about Laiken’s betrayal. Laiken lost his wife to a dragon betrayer and blamed my dad. But…*I recognized the silhouette* Tyranis! But…how?” Ignitus: “He can change his scale color and avoid being found out he’s a Dark Draco.” Pyron: ”So Tyranis cause the Slayers to come after us. I’ll make him pay!” Ignitus: “You can’t do that now young dragon. You have a much bigger concern to deal with.” Pyron: “Tyranis IS my concern Ignitus. He murdered Laiken’s wife and had him form the Slayers. They killed my mom, dad, and sister, not to mention other dragons as well. I’ll make Tyranis pay.” Voice: “Stop there Pyron. You can’t go for Tyranis yet. Not in your state of mind.” Pyron: “I don’t know who you are, but get outta my head!” Ignitus: “And I thought you treated your sister nicely.” Pyron: “Huh? She’s dead Igni-” Voice: “Maybe, but an old dragon once said ‘when a dragon dies, it doesn’t truly leave the world.’ And I’m always with you…big brother.” Pyron: “L…Luna?” Voice: “Yep. Our deaths will only be in vain if you don’t redeem yourself. 2 years of torment has hurt you inside. Now…it’s time for you to do what you were born to do.” Pyron: “But…what am I suppose to do?” Voice: “You will travel to a faraway island call Mystic Island. Seek out a dragon name the oracle. They’ll help you, but first, you must head for the Eastern Territories to a city known as Crisis. A small band of resistance fighters not part of your group is in desperate need of help. Go there before it’s too late…” Pyron: “Wait! Luna! *Her voice faded away* Ignitus, I must go. Not to face Tyranis, but somewhere else.” He nods and I leave. Ignitus: “Pyron…only when you’re able to come to grips of your past can you move on.” As I left the White Isle, I made my way to Crisis City. I don’t know why Luna’s sending me there to help out, but knowing Buraki’s forces….time was running out.

The Akkadians

I didn't know what Flame and Gana were talking about. Pyron: "Me? A hybrid? I don't understand. And why are you two helping me? I should be dead now." Gana: "Pyron, if we..." She turned. Pyron: "Are you okay Gana?" Gana: "The next town was Wells. The people there can sense a Dark Draco. You would have been killed for certain. *I sensed Gana was very concerned about me* Besides, Nera will lead the others through and we'll reach our detination...Bellvalle. "I was still confused about all this. I said nothing. Hey, look at this." Pyron: "Look at what?" Gana: "Ugh...nevermind."

We walked and Flame came with us. Gana mentioned he came with the convoy to give the resistence some info on Buraki's whereabouts. Apparently he's at a hidden citadel tower that was recently constructed. Flame: "Whoa..." Flame stopped at a rock. Why he did I didn't notice. Gana: "Hurry up Flame!" He came along. As we walked things were on my mind. I stopped to rest my feet. I looked at some water droplets on a nearby bush. I found it weird since it hasn't rain for days. I looked a little closer and saw what looked like a castle. I was baffled, but I got up and continued. I caught up to Gana and Flame as they had stopped. Pyron: "You ok?" Gana: "Something's not right." She then told to fly. We flew and suddenly it started to flood. It came like a tsunami. We flew higher to escape it, but then we were grabbed...by hands that protruded from the water. We were pulled in. We struggled but couldn't get free. I felt extreme fear...but it wasn't me, it was Gana. She had a fear of water. Soon...I blacked out. Finally, my death would come, sadly...Gana and Flame were coming with me.

???: "Wake up young dragons. It's ok." I woke up, and saw we were still in the water...but we were breathing. I saw a dolphin. Dolphin: "Welcome to the Akkadian Empire." Pyron: "What happened to us?" Flame: "And how are we breathing underwater?" Dolphin: "We gave you the ability to breathe underwater. I too am an air breather like you, but the king granted me the ability to breathe underwater. Because your not of the water, your only able to do this for 12 hours." Gana: "Oh thats nice. The invite could have been nicer though. I really dont like water. Dolphin: "I am sorry, but since you hate water we knew you would never try to enter it, so we had to do this." He seemed sincere, but knowing Gana, she wasn't happy. Gana: "Good! Now that we are forced to be here...explain to us who are the Akkadi and why do we need to be here." I felt her heartpace sped up. She was feeling anxiety. She really hates the water. Dolphin: "The Akkadi are very gentle and proud creatures. You do NOT want to insult them. It may be the last thing you ever do. They are also known as 'Generous creatures of Darkness'. *I thought that's quite a name* If you are afraid, don't show it. Flame: "Now...what are we doing here?" Dolphin: "The Akkadi king, Slaifon, needs to speak to you. Follow me."

We followed him to a big castle. There were so many fish and fish type creatures here. Dolphin: "Follow this guard. He will lead you to the king." We were greeted by a swordfish and he took us into the palace. We finally came to the royal hall. Slaifon:"My guests have arrived. Please, come in. I am sorry that our hands grabbed you and forced you down here, but there was no other way to contact you except for the signs that we were sending you, but none of you haven't noticed. We had to do it this way then." Signs? Hmm...the castle in those droplets I saw on the bush. So he did it. Flame: "Whoa...that trick you did on the rock was pretty good." That explains why Flame stopped at that rock. Slaifon: "And not enough good for you to realize it means something. *Flame put his head down. I'm guessing he wanted to show humility. Hehe, showoff* I have brought you here to tell you that Buraki made new types of machines. Stronger, faster, bigger and more powerful then any other machines we ever seen before, and they all have the same and only task: wipe out dragon resistence and dragon allies. We examined the current machines that your army fought against. You remember death hounds, hunters, dragon killers?" Oh, do we ever. Pyron: "Wait, you can see what's happening above the water? How?" Slaifon: "I can see everything thats happening on the surface if I want to. I just pick a destination, then I can see everything. Thats how I saw Mistfalls end, the war at Dragonopolis, the war between Eastern and Western dragons. Good becomes bad, bad becomes good...and now, Embers death. *We look at each other* This is how I found all about his machines. But without you, I would not see it. Cause those machines top priority was, and still is, to destroy the new born and the main leaders. The main leaders are you two I guess." He pointed to Gana and me. I wanted to say I'm not a leader and don't want to be, but Gana spoke. Gana: "The new born is....Angel?" Slaifon: "Hmm...your daughter. Yes." I sensed Gana got scared. I went over and hugged her. So did Flame. Gana: "Our child is on Burakis top list. I am just afraid that I wont be there for her, when she needs me the most." When Gana said that...it made me feel...hurt. Slaifon: "Gana, she can take care for herself now." Gana: "What? For crying out loud, she's still a baby!" A baby to her, but with such a burden to put on a little girl, I had to agree. Slaifon: "With great powers..." Gana: "With great powers, comes great responsibility. *I was worried too as I looked at her* Tell us everything you know, even the tiniest details about the new machines."

Slaifon: "Buraki's scientists built various types of machines. They still have the same name but with an added number by side which describes the machine likely to be much more powerful then the older version. For example: Dragon killer lets say evolved into Dragon Killer S-100, Death Hund to Death Hound C-44... They also created 1,400-pound T-800 that is designed as a human metal skelton. They are more focused and designed for killing humans, not dragons. *We couldn't believe it. buraki just doesn' want to wipe out Dragons, but it looks like he was gonna do what Malefor failed to do...wipe out everyone in the world. If we don't find him and destroy him soon, this world and all realms is finished. No one would be able to oppose Buraki* There's also a machine that is like a prisoner transport called the Transporter and its huge attachment is the Harvester,that is used for capturing targets, it also has very powerful weapons, if you ever see those, stay out of the way. Hide underground, anywhere that they can't see you. And last but not least, the newest, water-proof Hydro-Bots, which we describe as a cross between a psychotic crab and a deep sea fish with an eel body. So, our empire is going to be attacked by those. No one knows when. But our forces have been gathered and train every day." Gana: "Its not enough!It has never been enough. We are outnumbered! By..by machines! *Gana was scared. It wasn't Buraki, but the fear of being in water too long was too much for her* I need to get out of here....I'm sorry but we can't even help ourselves!" She swam to the surface. Flame went after her. Pyron: "Sorry your highness. he didn't mean it." Slaifon: "I know. Pyron...she needs you. The Dragon Knights need you. Without you to be there for her, Gana is lost. For your cause, help them...and the world." I knew the king was right. I nodded and swam up. It looks like we got a big world war at our hands now...and Buraki is winning...