1 Dominic Cyprinus

"Magic exists within every form, whether its metal, wood, flesh, it doesn't matter, because magic exists everywhere. No one knows where it came from or how it works, but nonetheless we use it, and base our society around it. Science slowly forgot electricity over time and began using mana, in fact everything we use and own is fueled by mana, and mana has become the most sought after resource in our society. Thankfully, its limitless!"

A large, tall boy said while reading off a sheet of paper. When he finished his teacher did a slow clap of approval while the other students looked around whispering and giggling amongst themselves. One youth in the back spoke out loud in a mocking tone,

"Magic exists within every form... except yours!"

With that all the students began laughing at the young man, all except one. Instead she was staring daggers at the others, but before she could do anything the teacher shouted,

"SILENCE!!!"

In an instant the class went quiet.

"Dominic's theoretical magic philosophy is leagues above all of yours, even if he doesn't have a Magicore like the rest of you! If I'm being honest, MOST of you could learn a thing or two from him!"

The students began averting their gaze as Dominic (the large youth) walked back to his seat, in the far back corner of his class. On his way he passed the student that was angry at the out burst and she quickly grabbed his hand and whispered,

"Are you alright Dom?"

She had a lot of care in her tone, as she eyed him with worry, but he simply smiled back as he said,

"Why wouldn't i be? I did really well on this test! Isn't that great? Tell auntie for me!"

The girl was named Eva Amare. Eva, despite being the top student in the class, was always behind her cousin Dom when it came to studies. However, she stayed at the top because she could participate in Magic class and Magic duels where Dom can't. Dom could out muscle any student in his class despite his appearance, and if Dom could use magic, he and Eva would be top of their class together, but Dom unfortunately couldn't.

'It doesn't matter if they belittle me, because tonight is the night I gain Magic!'

Dom his whole life had an instinct, an instinct to bind mana to his blood. For others this would be impossible, for Dom it should be even more so, since without a Magicore he should be unable to move mana. But, for him it was different! Others had to concentrate to gather mana, where as Dom only needed to breathe! With every breath Dom took, mana would flood through his body. All he had to do was guide it into his blood.

Despite this, it took him longer then he expected, due to the human body's ability to rapidly create blood cells, but after ten years, he finally got it! He only had a tiny amount left to bind. His instinct told him that once it's done he wouldn't have to worry about it again, so bit by bit he continued to fight his own bloodstream.

Nothing happened for the rest of the day, except for Dom's growing excitement at the idea of finally being able to wield magic like everyone else.

*BRIIIIIIING!!!*

The bell rang harshly, signalling the end of another school day. Immediately Dominic sprinted out of his class like a rocket leaving everyone, including his cousin, baffled by how a person his size could move at that speed. They all had their gaze on him but he didn't care about the weird looks he received. When he got home he threw his bag on the floor and practically flew onto his bed. His shoe box apartment was bleak and felt as though it was hardly lived in, the grey walls dismal and the one small window being the only glimpse of the outside world's warmth. Without much effort he could hear neighbors fighting and doing more... intimate activities.

But none of this bothered him. He sat on his bed and began focusing on binding mana, he found that meditative breathing worked best for himself. Hours went by as Dom focused solely on breathing and binding, and then,

"I-I-I DID IT!"

Dom successfully bound his blood to magic, he was ecstatic! He got up and started jumping and cheering, it was as if a giant mountain preventing him from his goals had suddenly turned into a small hill.

"Now I can be like mo...huh...?"

*THUMP*

Dom fell onto the ground, and as he fell he began sweating and mumbling incoherently. Spots began to sparkle in his vision but despite fighting them back he passed out cold. A few dazed moments later he entered a dreamlike state and pain crept into his mind as foreign thoughts and memories invaded, threatening to overwhelm him.

"Dom... Domizair... you must remember... we are dragons... TRUE dragons... your soul knows the truth...let it guide you..."

A mysterious female voice was talking, though it was coming from somewhere far from reach. Dom felt as though he knew the owner of the voice but couldn't seem to put a face or name to it. Before long images were playing in his mind as if he were watching a movie.

"So first we have to bind mana to our blood. Only then can we 'Dragofy' our skin!"

Dom saw flashes of a teenager teaching something to what appeared to be him in another person's body. "Now pay attention Domizair, this is important!" She produced a blue flame in her palm and began to run it over her skin. Dom could sense that the flame was special, that she was mixing her mana with a energy coming from her soul to somehow create it. Then, he watched as the flame began changing and purifying her skin.

"And look! After that we can do-"

Just as she was about to explain what the next step was, the scenery changed abruptly. That girl appeared to have aged by at least five years. Tear stains ran down her cheeks but she looked angry and determined. The once beautiful and regal courtyard was in disarray, buildings were on fire and people were screaming.

"Domizair! You have to join me. We gotta transform and join the fight!"

She yelled at Dom as scales grew over parts of her skin. She turned around, and suddenly a building fell directly on top of her.

"ARGHHH!"

Dom awoke feeling a sense of pain, sadness and rage. He let out what sounded like a roar, when suddenly his mind became clear again, leaving him confused. He had only one thought on his mind.

'What was that?'