The extinction of dragons is near. Dragons have existed in the continent of Shieldrake for as long as human history, but nothing lasts forever. This is the story of Akai, the dragon that was destined to bring an end to all dragons. Akai was a black dragon who roamed the continent disguised as a human vagabond. One day, he discovered a degenerative disease to his kind that would render dragons to lose their sense of self and become uncontrollable monsters. Upon seeing a vision of the future, he saw the world filled with ash as armies of dragons flew above raining fire down on all other life. Time is short, and only he can prevent the coming future that haunts him.
On the continent of Shieldrake, dragons flourished and flew the open skies. The common folk never knew about the lives of dragons. Dragons were beings that gave life to the surrounding lands, but can also destroy it. Some offered protection to cities and towns, while others razed them.
Many people knew how a dragon would look like. They were a common sight before. Giant lizard-like creatures with wings that could cause the greatest of storms. Breath that could melt steel armor in seconds. Screeches that could be heard from faraway lands. Their shouts can reach to the heavens, reverberating across the lands. Dragons can even sense when others of their kind are nearby.
One thing that many people don't know is that dragons can easily live among people. They are able to morph their bodies into the shape of the common man. They would look like a person, with the exception of scales attached around their neck, arms, and lower body. Even in their human form, they would be able to sprout wings and their tail. Or even breathe out flames. It is unknown what their original form was. Many dragons prefer one state over the other.
Many people have seen dragons flying above, but not many knew much about them. Many are solitary, but few stay in groups.
In Shieldrake, there are four ancient dragons that rule upon the continent. They are the oldest, wisest, and most powerful of all the other dragons across the land. Together, they maintain peace between the common dragons. When needed, the four would meet on top of Mt. Geolith, the highest mountain in all of Shieldrake. There they would discuss any problems or tasks that needed to be dealt with.
The four ancient dragons are peaceful beings and also want to have a peaceful relationship with humans. However, the relationship between humans and dragons have always been hostile. Some dragons would feed on the livestock of farmers or burn down a village, while some people had become dragonslayers that would hunt down any dragons, good or bad.
This is the story of one such dragon. Called upon by a grand council of dragons. This would be the beginning of the extinction of dragons.
This is the story of the dragon, Akai. Dragons never carry a last name. Only the first. He was considered one of the most unique dragons to have ever lived, but he was young and reckless.
Akai preferred his human form over his dragon. He loved living among people. He knew, of course, that his life would far exceed that of a human, so he never really got attached to anybody. As a child, he was abandoned. Never knowing who is father or mother was. He never let it get to him, though.
Other dragons knew of him. The dragon that excelled in the form of a human.
Akai was extremely talented using a cross-guard sword combined with his ability to sprout wings in human-form.