Isle of Draco
High above the clouds, where the skies stretched endlessly across the horizon, an enormous island floated peacefully among the heavens. Its surrounding mountains were covered in lush forests, waterfalls cascaded from its elevated cliffs, and rivers wound their way through the landscape before disappearing into the clouds below. Strange creatures could occasionally be seen flying between the mountains, while ancient structures scattered throughout the island hinted at a civilization far older than most people could imagine.
This was the Isle of Draco, the gathering place of the world's dragons.
A large shadow passed over the island as a magnificent dragon descended from the clouds. Its serpentine body was covered in shimmering green and turquoise scales, with golden patterns running along its sides. Long, feather-like plumes extended from its head, neck, and tail, resembling the feathers of the legendary Quetzal bird. Its head possessed a long, elegant snout, adorned with several horns and colorful feathers that flowed backward whenever it moved. Four powerful limbs extended from its elongated body, each ending in sharp claws, while a pair of enormous feathered wings allowed it to soar effortlessly through the heavens.
The dragon circled the island once before descending toward its central structure.
At the heart of the Isle of Draco stood the Dragon Castle, an enormous architectural marvel that seemed to combine the greatest elements of several ancient civilizations. Its foundations and towering pillars carried the appearance of ancient Greek and Egyptian temples, while sections of the structure featured elaborate Arabian domes, intricate European towers, and traditional Chinese rooftops with curved edges and ornate decorations. Massive statues of dragons guarded its entrances, their stone eyes seemingly watching anyone who approached. Bridges connected different sections of the castle, and several courtyards were surrounded by gardens, fountains, and beautifully carved stone pathways.
It was a fitting residence for the world's most powerful dragons.
The feathered dragon descended into one of the castle's courtyards, landing gracefully on the stone floor. Green light briefly enveloped its body as its enormous form began shrinking, its wings and feathers disappearing until a young man stood in their place.
Xolotzin adjusted his clothing before looking around.
He had been away for some time, and although the island remained largely unchanged, returning here always brought a certain familiarity. The scent of the surrounding gardens, the sound of the waterfalls, and the peaceful atmosphere were all things he had grown accustomed to over the centuries.
He proceeded toward the courtyard's central pavilion, where two familiar figures were already seated at a wooden table.
One of them was a short elderly man with somewhat pointed ears, thinning white hair, thick eyebrows, and a distinctive Fu Manchu mustache accompanied by a small soul patch beneath his lower lip. He wore a long-sleeved blue robe decorated with yellow tips along its sleeves and hem. Despite his rather unassuming appearance, there was a certain authority in the way he carried himself.
This was Luong Lao Shi, the current Chinese Dragon.
Across from him sat a considerably larger creature.
The Arctic Dragon, Frostgar, had taken on a tall, imposing humanoid form. He was a broad-shouldered man with a muscular build, pale skin, and long, silvery-white hair that fell past his shoulders. Several strands were swept backward, revealing a pair of sharp, ice-blue eyes that carried the same cold intensity as a winter storm. Two crystalline horns curved backward from the sides of his head, resembling sculpted ice, while faint blue markings traced along his temples and neck. He wore an elegant, predominantly white outfit with pale-blue accents and fur-like details around the collar and shoulders, giving him an appearance befitting the Arctic Dragon. Even in this form, a faint chill seemed to follow him, and his breath occasionally escaped as a thin wisp of frost.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Frostgar was currently occupied with a rather peaceful activity.
A shogi board rested between him and Lao Shi.
The Arctic Dragon moved one of his pieces across the board before raising his head and noticing their approaching visitor.
"How have you been, my friend?" Frostgar greeted with a deep, rumbling voice.
Xolotzin smiled as he approached them. "I've been well enough. Although I must say, the journey here was considerably more peaceful than some of my recent travels."
"That sounds interesting," Lao Shi remarked while adjusting one of his pieces. "Perhaps you can tell us about it after you sit down."
Xolotzin chuckled and tapped his foot against the courtyard floor. A small rumble followed as the stone beneath him shifted, rising into a comfortable earthen seat. He lowered himself onto it and rested his arms against his knees.
"Much better. So, how have things been here?"
"Quiet, for the most part," Frostgar answered. "Although the world outside has become considerably more complicated."
"That's putting it mildly," Lao Shi added.
Xolotzin looked between them. "I assume you're referring to the recent developments on mortal realm?"
"Among other things," Frostgar replied. "The return of superheroes, the new organizations being established, and the strange events surrounding the recent invasion. There is quite a lot happening in the human world."
Xolotzin nodded thoughtfully.
He had been keeping himself informed about the developments on Earth, particularly those involving the growing number of individuals possessing extraordinary abilities. The world was changing, and the dragons couldn't simply ignore the consequences of those changes.
"Speaking of the mortal realm," Frostgar continued, "have you met the chosen one?"
Xolotzin's expression softened slightly.
"Yes, I have."
Lao Shi looked up from the shogi board. "And what do you think of him?"
"The boy has potential," Xolotzin answered, leaning back against his newly formed seat. "Although potential alone doesn't make someone worthy of carrying such a responsibility."
"That's true," Frostgar agreed.
"I've seen many young dragons with impressive abilities throughout my lifetime. Some possessed tremendous strength, others had remarkable control over their elements, but very few understood what it meant to protect others." Xolotzin paused before continuing. "The chosen one is still young, but there's something about him that I find promising. He's not particularly experienced but I believe he has the makings of a good leader."
Lao Shi smiled faintly.
"That's reassuring to hear."
Xolotzin turned toward the elderly dragon. "Speaking of young dragons, how is your grandson progressing?"
Lao Shi sighed, although there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Jake? He's been training."
"Just training?" Xolotzin raised an eyebrow.
"What else would you expect him to do?"
"Perhaps something more productive than getting himself into trouble?"
Frostgar released a low chuckle, while Lao Shi shook his head. "That boy has a talent for finding trouble, I'll give you that. But he's improving. His control over his dragon abilities has gotten better, and he's beginning to understand the responsibilities that come with his position."
"Good," Xolotzin replied. "The tournament is only two months away."
At the mention of the tournament, Lao Shi's expression became more serious.
The upcoming competition would determine who would officially inherit the title of American Dragon. It was an important tradition, one that tested not only a candidate's abilities but also their judgment, character, and understanding of their responsibilities.
Jake would be facing several candidates, including Duncan, the son of the Dragon King.
"How is he handling the competition?" Xolotzin asked.
"He's aware of what lies ahead," Lao Shi answered. "He's been training harder since learning who his opponent will be. Duncan is a formidable candidate, and Jake knows that."
"And you believe he can win?"
Lao Shi remained silent for a moment before looking toward the castle's upper courtyard. "He's my grandson. Naturally, I believe in him. But whether he wins or loses is something only he can determine."
Xolotzin nodded approvingly.
Frostgar glanced toward the castle. "Speaking of the young ones, isn't Jake currently here?"
"He is," Lao Shi confirmed. "He's been training inside the eastern courtyard. I thought it would be better for him to experience the island before the tournament."
"Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to see how much he's improved," Xolotzin remarked.
Before either of them could continue, a deep metallic ringing echoed throughout the island.
The enormous bell suspended above the castle's central tower had begun to ring.
Its sound traveled across the courtyards and surrounding mountains, reaching even the most distant sections of the island. Dragons who had been resting, training, or conversing began making their way toward the castle.
Xolotzin looked upward. "Well, looks like it's time."
Frostgar rose from his seat, his massive body casting a shadow over the table. Lao Shi carefully placed his remaining shogi pieces aside before standing.
"Let's not keep everyone waiting," the elderly dragon said.
The three proceeded toward the castle's main hall.
Today was the annual meeting of the dragons, known as the Dragon Summit.
It was an important gathering where dragons from different regions of the world came together to exchange techniques, share knowledge, discuss their experiences, and strengthen their relationships. It was also an opportunity for the Dragon Council to address matters concerning the balance between the magical world and humanity.
And with everything currently happening on Earth, there would certainly be plenty to discuss.
_____
Metro City, USA
The evening had settled over as Dexter drove his car through the familiar streets leading toward his home. The headlights illuminated the road ahead while the radio played quietly in the background.
He had spent most of the day at Dextrotech, and judging by the results, the latest event had been a tremendous success.
The scientists he had personally invited had finally seen what his company could offer, and the demonstration of the Neurotomic Protocore had certainly made an impression. Many had already signed the necessary agreements to join Dextrotech, while others had requested additional time to consider the proposal.
Dexter wasn't particularly concerned about the latter group.
He understood that some people preferred to think things through before committing themselves to a new organization, especially one as ambitious as Dextrotech. He was confident that several of them would eventually come around once they had properly considered the opportunities available.
After all, he wasn't simply offering them employment.
He was offering them the resources and freedom to pursue their research without constantly worrying about funding, equipment, or institutional restrictions.
A small smile appeared on his face as he turned into his driveway.
Things were progressing nicely.
He parked his car, gathered his belongings, and made his way toward the front entrance. After unlocking the door, he stepped inside, expecting to find the usual evening atmosphere.
Instead, he was greeted by the sound of several people talking around the dining table.
"Honestly, I didn't expect the house to be this spacious!" a cheerful feminine voice remarked.
Dexter stopped.
He recognized the voices of his family, but there was another one mixed among them.
Curious, he walked toward the dining room.
What he saw made him pause.
His parents were seated around the table alongside Dee Dee, who seemed particularly interested in the visitor sitting beside her. His mother was smiling while his father appeared to be listening attentively to something the newcomer was explaining.
And that newcomer was certainly not someone Dexter expected to find in his house.
She appeared to be a teenage girl, at least in outward appearance, with long blue hair styled into a distinctive ponytail and bright blue eyes. Her body was constructed from smooth white and metallic components, with blue and red accents incorporated into her design. Despite her clearly mechanical construction, her face was remarkably expressive, and her movements were fluid enough to resemble those of an ordinary human teenager.
She was XJ-9.
Jenny Wakeman.
The world's most advanced teenage robot, created by Dr. Nora Wakeman to protect humanity.
Dexter blinked once before looking toward his family. "Well, this is unexpected."
The girl immediately turned toward him.
Her blue eyes brightened, and she pushed herself away from the dining table before standing upright. With an enthusiastic smile, she thumped one hand against her chest.
"I'm here as requested!"
Dexter stared at her for a moment before adjusting his glasses.
Then he smiled.
"Well, I'll be. Looks like someone arrived earlier than expected."
Jenny placed both hands on her hips.
"Of course! You asked for my assistance, and I wasn't going to keep you waiting."