1 Embers of Sin

The land was torn and consumed in flames, metal weapons and torn armor scattered across the ash and stone. The land held no resemblance to the prosperous city it had once been. The earth was soaked in blood and littered with the corpses of men, as well as Dragon Kin.

The Dragon Kin were mostly human, but their features differentiated in the fact they had a single horn each and the eye color was much different, whilst their teeth were sharp and scales went down their forearms.

Massive heaps of flesh and scales were scattered across the battlefield; the corpses of fallen dragons who died with their Kin. On one side of the valley was the last of the Four Armies, standing with six thousand firm. At the head of the army were four dragons, one of black scales, one of blood red, one of stark white, and the last was dark blue with yellow glow spots. Atop each was a Dragon Kin adorned in armor from the kingdoms.

They were traitors. They had forsaken their own kind for the bountiful rewards assured to them by the Four Kingdoms.

Across from the army was one man atop a brilliant golden dragon. Chunks of flesh had been torn from the Dragon's body and it was breathing heavily, each inhale raspy and forced. The man atop the dragon had a young boy about the age of seven seated before him.

"Why did you turn on us?" The man roared across the field. "For what reason? Treasure? Food? Wealth? Why?! I do not understand!"

"And you never will, Ayden." The man atop the black dragon called in return. "You are weak and blind. It truly is too bad. I had hoped you'd see the truth of this world and join us, brother. But I guess not."

The man, Ayden, bit his lip in frustration. Everyone he knew and loved had been cut down. He was the last of the Dragon Kin, and he had already done his part in buying time for the last of the surviving Dragons to escape the Valley of Scales and hide away. And now, all he had left to do, was get his only son to safety. But he knew that would not happen. Not unless he made some kind of distraction.

He smiled sadly, placing a hand on the shimmering golden scales of his blood soaked dragon.

*Gena.* he spoke telepathically to his dragon. *we will make one last attack, and when we do, I will dismount. I want you to take Dagon far away, don't look back. I want you to raise him in solitude, away from this war. I want him to grow old, old enough and strong enough to do what we could not. So, as soon as I am on the ground, you leave.*

*But.. master-*

*how many times do I have to tell you to just call me Ayden. After all, we are friends, aren't we, Gena?*

*yes… friends..* the dragon hummed sadly.

Ayden ruffled his son's hair and smiled down at the crying boy. He was terrified. "Listen kiddo." He spoke. "I'm gonna hop off, okay? I want you to hold on to Gena and close your eyes. Whatever you do, do not let go, and do not open your eyes until Gena says it's okay. Alright?"

"Yes.. but.. where are you going, father? Will I… will I see you again?" Dagon asked.

Ayden smiled sadly for a moment. There was a long pause, and then he spoke, "Someday, perhaps, we will meet again, my boy. But… not soon. So become strong for me. Promise."

Dagon began to cry, but he managed the words "I promise" through muffled cries.

"Good." Ayden sighed. "Alright. Gena. Let's bring about the greatest attack we can offer."

Gena gave a deep growl, and then, as Ayden raised his hand, the scales of Gena began to glow at her chest, a brimming light that shone across the battlefield as she reared back her head.

"What do you think you are doing, Ayden? You honestly think one attack will wipe us all out?" The rider of the black dragon roared.

"Pathetic. He honestly thinks he will do something. How sad, he can't see that he's already lost." Came the voice of the Dragon Kin atop the blue dragon. Her voice was condescending and haughty.

"Fine then. Make your last stand, but your end is nigh. Take a good look Ayden! You have lost!" The black rider roared.

In return, Gena let out a tremendous bellow, her roar echoing throughout the valley.

"I'm not through yet!" He waved his hand, "Wipe them all out, Gena!"

Suddenly the earth began to tremble, and above Gena's open jaws a brilliant, burning ball of light began to form.

"Is that…?" The rider of the the red dragon murmured as the light grew larger. "TAKE COVER, NOW!!!"

The blue dragon rushed forward, it's yellow scales glowing as a veil of dark water rose into the air slowly, creating a barrier.

Gena had now summoned a massive ball of burning golden light.

"Now, witness our resolve," Ayden spoke, "Dawn of Chaos!!"

The air began to hiss and churn as the massive star was shot forward, rushing at the army. When it collided with the barrier, an ear piercing hiss reverberated through the battlefield and the ground began to melt to molten rock as the ball of fire expanded before exploding in a massive burst of gold light.

Ayden then unhooked the the chain from his belt holding him to Gena's saddle, replacing it on Dagon. He hugged his son tightly, hot wind pulling and tugging at their clothes and hair.

"Listen, Dagon. I want you to grow up to be strong. I want you to unite the dragons under one Keeper. I want you to do what we could not. It is a great responsibility, but only you can do it." He pulled away, looking his son in the eyes. "You are to be the star that brings the dawn of a new era. An era of peace and prosperity. Now, go. I love you."

And then… he dropped down from the back of Gena, moving to her head and putting his forehead to her snout, stroking her blood soaked scales.

"Goodbye, old friend."

And then, Gena let out a soft whine, then her wings unfurled and she exploded into the air just as the golden light was blotted out by an immense shadow that then exploded forward like a wave and consumed Ayden within its abysmal depths.