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Wings blotted out the sky. Titans in full draconic form coiled through the clouds, their scales gleaming like molten metal, while others stood upon the air in their humanoid shapes, eyes sharp, magic simmering beneath their skin.
But among the countless figures… five stood apart.
Their presence cut through the legion like a blade.
Their aura mirrored my own, identical, unmistakable.
Which could only mean one thing…
"Wait, we're not the bad guys. We..."
Antares played the scary cat as those five left the army approaching us in their human forms.
They stood unmoving, their gaze fixed upon us. I could feel it, the same ancient blood that now flows through my veins surged within theirs. These were no ordinary Dragons; they were my kin, bound by lineage older than creation itself.
None dared to strike. Instead, in one fluid motion, they lowered their heads, wings folding in reverence. Their voices echoed through the heavens, a chorus that made the very air tremble.
"Welcome to Kalidor, O Mother of Dragons."
"Your Supreme!"
The army behind them followed suit, kneeling.
"That's refreshing. At least we don't have to explain ourselves."
Antares said, scratching his hair.
"I feel something similar between them."
"Yeah, and we possess that as well."
Yin and Yang also noted picking up their signatures.
"You must be the Monarchs. I can sense the familiarity."
"Of course, Your Supreme. We alone possess these traits."
Said the silver-haired Monarch.
"The Silver Sage is right. Please allow me to introduce the Monarchs. I'm Mystralis, inheriting the Fragment Astraelle."
Mystralis introduced, his voice soft and cute. He has long black hair which holds the stats themselves.
(Astraelle = Magic of Stars, aka Star Dust.)
'Mystralis, he's the one who killed Vera.'
A thought bubbled form Antares's head. It seems Vera was his companion from when he infiltrated Kalidor.
"Valmior, the Silver Sage, Fragment of Velmora/Mindshard."
"My Lady."
Valmior said, lowering his head in respect.
"Vaurek, the Goldenhide, Fragment of Gildareth/Draconic Shell."
Vaurek, the largest among them, stepped forward. His golden scales mirrored those of the Star Dragon and mine, and his hair was the same brilliant white.
"Khazareth, the Sunhorn, Fragment of Zahkarun/Emperor's Glare."
Khazareth's features were unmistakable: identical to the Star Dragon's and mine, again. Complete with six horns and piercing golden eyes. Out of them, he closely resembles the Star Dragon.
"Yanara, the Deepmother, Fragment of Virelle/Womb of Creation. Aside from the Dragon-kin birthed by nature and those created by the Star Dragon himself, all Dragon-kin are direct children of Lady Yanara."
In the presence of a Deity, the weight of their 'Eternal' titles seemed meaningless, hollow against the authority radiating from her.
"So… the previous Deities, too, were her children?"
Antares asked, his tone threaded with curiosity.
"Vel'Korvus and Vajrako were both my children. Except they were chosen to rule Kalidor."
She answered herself.
"Who does the choosing?"
"Azrith."
"Grand Prince, Arthur Lys."
Antares, who had inquired earlier, flew toward the High Sovereign and the few he still remembered. Their eyes widened, dumbfounded. He had asked an important question, yet left her waiting. How stubborn, but I allowed them to savour their little reunion.
I thought Antares would be more mature but he's worse. Asteri is alot better.
"Last but not least, Veyrion, the Corewalker, Fragment of Spirya/Living Flame. Inherited the Star Dragon's core and spirit."
"It is a pleasure to meet you all, Dragons of the first generation."
I said.
They rose simultaneously, their presence imposing yet reverent.
"The honour is all ours."
They responded in unison, voices overlapping yet each word clear, resonant with centuries of lineage and power.
"My Lady, I sense the evil ones among those you've rescued. I have no right to interject..."
"Don't worry about them."
I interrupted the Fragment of Spirya, Veyrion.
" I've severed their connection to their source and given them the freedom they deserve. Those behind me chose to follow me and will help rebuild our home. A world the Star Dragon dreamt of."
"Peace for all Dragon-kin."
Valmior, the Silver Sage murmured.
"Exactly. I forbid any unjust acts towards one another. Void Dragon or not, we are all one."
"Your words are our command."
Deepmother Yanara nodded.
"Let us not keep the Queen waiting. Azrith is empty, it needs you now. Forgive me for attempting to hasten your pace."
Khazareth said, his tone tinged with apology.
"I was going to bring that up anyway. Let us go."
The three Monarchs, Valmior, Mystralis, and Khazareth led the way, and we followed. The remaining three gave orders to the Sovereigns, preparing for the war to come.
We soared over Sylith, its beauty surpassing even the images etched in my memory. My children occasionally nudged me back from my daydreams, their laughter and calls blending with the wind.
The storms in Varnok had ceased for the first time in my presence, a phenomenon that even the Monarchs observed with surprise.
"I suppose such things occur in the presence of a Deity." Valmior remarked quietly.
In Zyndrails, I spotted countless dragon-kin. Some moved in their natural forms, scales glinting in the light, while others had adopted human shapes, roaming the Crystal Forest and tending to their daily lives.
Our flight was meant to be private, yet I veered closer to the forest. At the sight of me, the children erupted into cheers while the adults bowed in reverence. The moment the Monarchs appeared, the atmosphere shifted; even the children lowered their heads in respect.
Satisfied, we ascended into the skies once more.
We passed Dragon-kin in flight, yet they did not rise higher, they would automatically enter Velorith if they did. We, however, pushed onward, breaking through the clouds to behold countless floating islands stretching into the distance.
Not wanting to waste any more time, we pressed straight toward Azrith. Each Realm of Kalidor possessed otherworldly beauty, surpassing the last, yet Azrith stood apart entirely.
Even if one combined Sylith through Velorith and multiplied their splendour a hundredfold, it would pale in comparison to the gardens of Azrith.
"We are nearing our destination."
One of them remarked, pointing toward the distant Crown Palace. My gaze followed, only to notice the Fragment of Khazareth was missing.
"Where's..."
I began.
"We each have our own domains within Azrith. We cannot go past them."
Valmior said, slowing his flight until he gradually came to a halt.
"Forgive me, my lady, but I cannot proceed any further."
With a solemn bow, he turned and flew away, leaving us to continue alone.
Antares hurriedly caught up after finding out not even the Monarchs can roam freely in Azrith.
"I cannot go past the gate. The Guardian will take it from here. Antares and company, I suggest you back down now… though it matters little. The Guardian will not allow passage, regardless. I'll be nearby, my Lady."
With that, Mystralis bowed midair before vanishing into the distance.
The moment I turned, the gates came into view, and the faint pulse of a warning signal reached me, sharp and insistent.
"Anta."
"I… I… I'll be waiting here."
Zhou murmured, touching down onto a tree, cautious but alert.
Despite the signs, Antares pressed forward, undeterred.
"They're getting angry, Papa."
Yang remarked quietly. Being blood, he was permitted entry into the Palace, a privilege his kin did not share.
"Don't worry, Yang. I'll be fine."
He stayed close, matching my pace until we reached the gate. As proper visitors, we landed and chose to walk rather than fly over it.
The closer we got, the louder the crackling and popping became. The Guardian's aura radiated outward, potent and unyielding. This was no ordinary signal, Mystralis, been the strongest Monarch, now seated roughly twenty kilometres away from the gate, yet its presence still pulsed through the air.
"Ati-chan, I'll be fine. I know you're worried, but Azrith is secure. I promise, I'll be alright."
He sighed, a mixture of impatience and curiosity.
"I really want to see inside the Palace. I want to compare it to mine."
"I'll speak with the Guardian to permit your entry one day. I always keep my word."
"But…"
"If you push harder, you'll end up fighting the Guardian, and that's entirely my responsibility. This is a path I must walk alone."
"Fine, fine. I'll drop a clone in Mystralis's domain."
"Good. Still a good boy, aren't you?"
"I'm bad in bed."
Yin's head snapped around at that, her expression sharpening as a new layer of irritation stacked atop the countless others she carried.
"Absolutely. After the war, I have a big surprise for you."
"I love surprises. I can't wait."
Jumping enthusiastically. I smiled at his childlike attitude. Is this really Antares?
"Keep your promise and survive. Can you do that for us?"
"I'm immortal, remember?"
He switched up, flexible his arms. I chuckled at his constant defiance.
"I know, which is why I'm asking again."
I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to him.
"Don't forget about Towa. I'll be willing to come down myself and join you in the search. Just call me, okay?"
"I'll keep that in mind. Now, I should go before the Guardian attacks from here."
He rose into the air, hovering for a moment.
"See you later, my love."
"I'm missing you already."
I called after him as he dashed away.
Turning back, the empty Palace waited, silent and expectant.
"When are you going to tell him?"
Yang asked as we approached the gate.
My palms rested on my belly, and I smiled, replying softly, "Soon enough."
To be continued...