The Legend of The Ara'dos - BOOK 1: Human's Draconic Ascension

Chapter 2 - Insane Theories

      The storm grew fiercer, the clouds unleashing their anger with thunderous rumbles. Rain cascaded from the tempestuous sky, drenching Dachi's ebony hair as he ventured through the forest. The once pristine snow now merged with the rain, transforming the lifeless grass into a sodden tapestry. Above, the heavens wore a somber cloak of gray, revealing a clearer view compared to the previous night.
   Amidst the chaos, the creatures echoed the lightning's fury with their roars. Dachi's suspicions were confirmed—the absence of the Ara'dos had unleashed an uncontrollable tempest. Destruction loomed on the horizon, threatening to consume all in its path.
   Dachi's body tensed, his grip tightening as he clutched his own arms for warmth and solace. He drew in a deep breath, the frigid air mingling with raindrops, creating a mist that dissipated into the downpour. Storms were bearable, but the biting cold intensified the discomfort, testing his endurance.
   The wind danced through the leaves, creating a symphony of rustling. Mighty trees swayed, their roots clinging steadfastly to the waterlogged earth. The rain-drenched grass added little solace, as the downpour made it increasingly challenging to see beyond the curtain of showers.
   Yet, finding his way back home wasn't a daunting task for Dachi. His countless journeys had acquainted him with such tempestuous conditions. Still, a glimmer of hope was required to guide him through the treacherous path homeward.
   Beyond the cacophony of crashing water and the wind's wild embrace, Dachi found solace. The once serene river now surged with the storm's fury, its turbulent waters echoing through the rain-soaked ground. Originating from the vast ocean and coursing through Dachi's bustling city, he knew the floodwaters would rise upon his return.
   Standing tall before the city, the gates guarded its entrance with unwavering strength. The wind's futile attempts to breach their defenses were in vain. Flanking the gates were two formidable stone towers, typically manned by a vigilant watch. However, Dachi's growl of frustration escaped his lips as he noticed the scarcity of guards. Why weren't there more eyes on watch?
   Dachi couldn't help but bear some responsibility himself. While aware of the Ara'dos' absence, he had delayed his return to the city. Yet, as the storm's intensity grew with each passing hour, he awoke the next morning to the realization that the Ara'dos' stabilizing presence was sorely missed.
   "Let me in!" Dachi called up to the guards in the towers.
   The two guards from the towers looked down upon Dachi. They immediately dropped their weapons and pulled on the chains above them. The gates stirred and reeled open for Dachi, revealing a charming scenery of floating fairy lights stretched across the calm, sparkling river. Two sidewalks led pedestrians through the city along the tall, lit-up shops, stands, and homes.
   That's what it would look like if it was a clear day. Instead, the water in the river thrashed around with the wind and spilled over the sidewalks. Humans ran away from the water and down the sidewalks, their screams and yells not being able to cover the exploding thunder in the sky.
   The humans hurriedly retreated from the raging river, but a few brave souls returned to face the tumultuous waters. Six individuals, three on each sidewalk, extended their hands towards the river, as if pushing against an invisible force. The splashes that had drenched the sidewalks obediently retreated back into the river, colliding and churning the waves. With synchronized movements, the humans gestured in circular motions, as if grasping the raindrops and coaxing them back to the earth. The once turbulent river began to swirl and settle, contained within its banks. The humans withdrew their hands from the gates, and the water flowed peacefully through the city once more. However, their powers were not limitless, and they couldn't sustain this control for long.
   These individuals possess the extraordinary ability to manipulate water. They are known as "Elementals" with powers over elements like water, fire, air, or earth. But there's more to their powers than meets the eye. Not all humans possess these abilities; they are bestowed upon a select few, a gift beyond genetics.
   Despite his curiosity, Dachi couldn't afford to linger and observe the humans' water manipulation. He had a pressing mission to reach the temple
   "Father!" Dachi exclaimed as he ran through the giant wooden doors of the temple.
   "My son," the High King, also known as Takashi, announced. "Why have you come so suddenly?" he questioned Dachi's panic.
   "Don't you see the storm out there?" Dachi asked as he gestured to the doors. "There's a lightning storm out there. It's getting violent."
   "I already sent men out to deal with the storm," Takashi responded. "You should've seen the water people, did you not?"
   Dachi frowned. "I did, but the storm is much bigger than it seems."
   "What do you mean?" Takashi asked. Since Dachi has the ability to tell of the lightning storm and its status, Takashi decided to try to listen for once.
   "During my travels, I stopped in a cave to listen to the storm and connect with it," Dachi started. "The dragons, father!" he gasped. "The dragons are more aggressive than they have been during any lightning storm!"
   Takashi raised an eyebrow, a bit startled by Dachi's statement. What could this mean? He let Dachi continue.
   "Without the Ara'dos, the dragons on the mountain aren't able to control the storm!"
   Takashi took a moment to process. The Ara'dos? Why would Dachi dare to speak of the Ara'dos?
   "Didn't you hear me, father?" Dachi asked. "The Ara'dos is missing!"
   Takashi flinched. "How could you be so sure? How far did you travel, boy?"
   "I didn't travel that far. I didn't even go past the mines," Dachi protested. "I went into this small cave. I meditated, and I studied the lightning storm. I could hear the lightning dragons getting more anxious as the lightning grew stronger," he explained. His father still didn't seem convinced. Dachi growled, getting frustrated at his father's default expression. "The lightning storm would've stopped last night if the Ara'dos was there, wouldn't it?"
   Takashi sighed as he leaned back on his throne. "I'm not quite sure I believe you." Dachi opened his mouth to say something, but Takashi held his hand up, making Dachi stop. "However," started Takashi again, "I will send men out to go up to the mountains and take a look."
   Dachi's body tensed. He immediately went back to that encounter with a lightning dragon this morning. That lightning dragon would've ripped him to shreds if Dachi didn't make a peace offering. Though, even after that dragon took the offer, it would've immediately turned its back on Dachi. Dachi still didn't understand how he was alive.
   "Are you mad?" Dachi questioned the High King. Takashi glared down at Dachi sharply. If there was anything more terrifying than a dragon's glare, it was definitely the glare of one's father. Dachi cleared his throat. He hesitantly continued. "No one has ever been up to the mountains and come back down alive. Those lightning dragons—"
   Takashi interrupted, "those lightning dragons are not our problem. Our problem is the Ara'dos and if it's really gone, then we will know our place in the war."
   "So, you're just going to sacrifice your men to see if the Ara'dos is really gone? Because you don't believe me?" Dachi interrogated.
   This was truly insane. Even the High King knew it, but he didn't care. If his men didn't come back, then Takashi figured the Ara'dos was still there. He didn't care for the lightning dragons or any other dragon. Even so, Dachi isn't a full master of his lightning element. There was no way he could tell the Ara'dos was gone, just by sitting in a cold, wet cave and listening to the clouds speak to him, telling him nonsense.
   "Yes," Takashi replied. "And don't speak to me of any more nonsense or I'll have to go up there myself."
   Dachi clenched his fists. He was about to protest, but he knew it was best to leave it at that. "Fine."
   "Run along home now," Takashi waved his hand, gesturing for Dachi to leave. "I have this all under control."
   Dachi lowered his eyebrows, staring up at his father. His father paid no attention to the nineteen-year-old below him. Dachi breathed calmly and turned away. He walked to the doors, the sound of his boots hitting the stone floor echoing through the temple. He shoved the doors open and walked away with the doors dismissing him.
   Alone in the house, Dachi cautiously unzipped his bag, pausing to listen for any signs of noise. With each zip, he grew more alert. Standing up, he reached for his thick coat, but when the button of the coat hit the metal hook, it made a loud clink that startled Dachi. He flinched, closing his eyes tightly, as if he had been caught. Frozen in place, he held his breath, the silence ringing in his ears. Finally, he released his breath and opened his eyes.
   Living on his own, despite his father being the High King, Dachi had obtained his own place when he turned sixteen. After months of searching, he had found a small cabin that suited him perfectly. His father's rules and constant nagging about servants had worn him down day and night. Dachi had saved up enough money over the years as the High King's son, making it easy for him to afford his own place.
   Dachi packed an extra coat and some water in his bag, knowing he would be gone for most of the day. He put on his coat and slung his bag over his shoulders. If his father had sent men to check on him, then it was only natural for Dachi to join them.
   Undeterred by the storm warning, Dachi knew the risks involved. But he couldn't bear the thought of innocent people being consumed by the ferocious storms that guarded the mountain. No one in their right mind would dare step foot on that mountain. It would take a fool to approach it or send their men to investigate.
   Dachi felt frustrated that his father didn't believe him. Despite Takashi recognizing Dachi's great power, he dismissed Dachi's claims about the missing Ara'dos. Just because Dachi could connect with lightning storms and sense their movements, it didn't mean he could locate the Ara'dos. Dachi wished he could keep watch over the lightning storms again. If they were becoming more dangerous, it could spell disaster for the city and nearby villages. Dachi felt powerless, knowing he was one of the few who could potentially stop the impending chaos.
   But with determination, Dachi flung the door open and stepped out into the storm. He pulled the door shut, hearing it click securely behind him. He reached back and pulled his hood over his head, shielding himself from the rain that hadn't yet reached him on the porch. He waited, anticipating the arrival of the brave or perhaps terrified men marching out from the temple, bound by the High King's orders.