1 Chapter One

Long ago, in a place called Teine emerged a mighty warrior named Ignis. The warrior had a strong connection with the dragons. The large-scaled beasts protected the land and promised gifts to the warrior in exchange for one vow. Ignis was to protect Teine, as well as the land's natural resources and wildlife that lived on it.

Teine was a very beautiful place. Despite the name, the land was full of refreshing rivers and bared enough fruit and food for an entire city. The weather was consistent. Warm and breezy.

Now the promise seemed easy to be kept, as Ignis didn't have anyone but the animals to look after. However, the task would soon prove to be too difficult for our hero. Although closely connected with the dragons, and highly skilled in blade combat, another gruesome fighter came and spread filth all over the land.

On occasion, Ignis would try to politely ask the gruesome warrior to stop spreading the unclean to Teine, but he soon realized that peace was a word nonexistent in the fighter's dictionary.

After years and years of pleading, Ignis took it upon himself to fight with the warrior. Without understanding his newfound enemy completely, he lost the battle. A violent and gore attack weakened all of Teine and its creatures. Luckily, Ignis survived. Some of the creatures went into hiding. But the land was inhabitable, ruined, and drained of its resources.

When the dragons came to check on the land, they found it up in flames, shriveled to its core. Because of this, they stripped Ignis and revoked the connection they had. Ignis was punished for his impatience and arrogance. His lack of careful steps is what caused him to lose the battle.

Ignis lost his abilities that were aligned with the dragons' power, and he lost his life.

Teine became nothing of a wasteland for people to glaze over.

But one hundred years later, an old man named Thi who was hiking up a mountain with his companion bird spotted the desolate land from afar. Thi saw the potential of the land and decided to camp there for one night. Although the dirt was dark and the sky was dim, Thi felt a special connection by staying on that land.

One night turned into a week. One week turned into a month. Eventually, Thi began to help restore the land by traveling to the falls to gather water and pour it over small plucks of grass that poked up from the ground. Because of the time passing, the grass started to grow and flourish.

The land began to bear fruit and grain again. Even little critters began to frolic.

The dragons saw this act of kindness and compassion and decided to bestow their connection with Thi. But this time, while Thi was asleep, the dragons helped turn his companion bird into a beautiful Phoenix in the shape of a woman.

The Phoenix was supposed to be a support to whoever was gifted with the connection of the dragons. A servant, in simpler terms, and a partner. When Thi woke up, not only did he see a beautiful young woman standing in front of him, but he noticed that all his wrinkles were gone. He was of youth again and healthier than before.

The dragons gifted him with long life.

Thi extended his arms, and a flame spewed out of his hands, shocking Thi to his core. And when he stood, he realized that he is feet weren't touching the ground. The dragons also gifted him with flight and power.

Over time, Thi was seduced by the Phoenix woman's beauty, and the two wed and gave birth to a child. By that age, the land had already been well off with the restoration. Various creatures came out of hiding and assisted Thi in the natural resources being maintained.

Thi decided to give the land a new name. Something sweet and smooth, also serene. He decided to name it Elvanor, a word that is easy for the tongue to say, and soft for the lips to utter.

Along with the name, Thi decided to establish a rule to keep flowing serenity and cleanliness from leaving the land. Impatience and haughtiness were not allowed.

Several thousand years later, Elvanor was well put in place, filled with people who tried their best to uphold that law. Elvanor became the new peaceful place of rest.

This was a legend that a young boy who inherited the dragon trait from his ancestors was taught. Not every descendant of Thi would hold that power, as it only was bestowed upon his grandchildren a few times. But Kai, the young boy, was chosen by the dragons. Although they lived in a Matriarchy, only the male child descendent who possessed the dragon connection would be fit to rule Elvanor.

Kai was given these powers at birth, but he wasn't able to fully control him until he was older. Raised in the royal palace, his father, Harold Yin taught him to use his abilities to fight. Now, Harold Yin was a serious and traditional man. He was of royalty and a well-known general in Elvanor. He often upheld the laws of Thi to a very high standard, and he wanted to make sure he did everything within his ability to make sure Kai was instilled with those rules. Because of that, Kai was ambitious and a bit arrogant in response to his father's strict orders.

Kai was similar to Harold Yin, very stoic although he was young. But he was amused by dark humor, something Harold lacked. During training, he continued finding ways to slack off or goof around with his younger cousin, Dan, and friend Kimi.

Harold was very well aware that Kai was still a child. But he saw potential in his son. Kai was very skilled at fighting. His abilities enhanced the more he practiced. But Kai didn't appreciate the gift that was given to him. Harold knew he was going to have to give him a serious lecture. And that's what he did.

"Father, you called?" Kai, the young boy, no older than 14 walked through the wide doorway. He walked over to a small table that his father was sitting at and put himself directly in front of him on his knees.

Harold didn't respond.

He grabbed the teapot placed on the surface and began pouring the hot liquid into two cups. Steam seeped out of the pot, so Harold blew lightly over the drinks before handing one cup to Kai.

"Father? I'm not thirsty. Can you tell me what this is about?" Kai groaned.

"Look outside and tell me what you see." Harold shifted his gaze to the sunset and beautiful scenery. Elvanor was full of creatures, large birds to ride that fed on the flowers, giant lizards that swam in the water or lived in trees.

"I see that it's almost time to sleep." Kai slouched.

"What do you hear?" Harold scowled at his son.

"You." Kai smirked in return. "I hear you speaking to me."

"This isn't a game, boy. I am trying to teach you a lesson. Sit up straight and act like the royal you are." Harold seethed and his tone darkened. "When the birds are being chased by the darkness, they work hard to flee to their nests. And when they reach, they don't whine because there is no more sunlight." Harold pointed to the sun. "They cheer in chirps because they can see another day. The land of Elvanor works the same way."

"Father..." Kai groaned again.

"Are the laws of Thi BORING you?" Harold snorted while taking a sip of his tea.

"The legend of Thi doesn't bore me, but his standards are so old-fashioned and draining."

"Old fashioned or not, they keep Elvanor safe, along with its creatures and inhabitants." He placed the cup back down firmly. "Why do you think the dragons bestowed the gift to you?"

"I don't know." Kai shrugged.

"Because they saw what you are capable of. Although I am the ruler of Elvanor, you will soon inherit my place. The gift was given to you so you could give back to the land. You're going to be a protector, and that is a huge responsibility."

"And what if I don't want to rule?"

"Then you better get in contact with the dragons and let them know." Harold spat sarcastically. "They will not listen to you. The gift can not be removed easily. And it is your destiny to follow along in Thi's path. You will train to be mighty and fearsome. Then when you inherit my place, your Phoenix will arrive to protect you and work as your support."

"Ugh..." Kai hated hearing this. The Phoenix was supposed to be a woman or a young girl that Kai could choose to serve him and help him to protect Elvanor. His mother was the Phoenix woman, but she had passed on ages ago.

"Don't cut your eye at me." Harold tapped his hand on the table. "Your purpose is there." He pointed to the outside. "Be serious or—" Harold began to cough. His coughing got worse and he leaned over and began to cough out blood.

Kai frowned and crawled over to his father to see what was wrong. "Father?" He placed his hands on his father's shoulder, but Harold continued to cough.

"Servants!" Kai panicked and screamed out the window. "The King needs help! Call the royal medic!" He brushed his father's shoulder in hopes it would ease Harold's pain.

The servants all rushed in with a few doctors. However, that night changed Kai's life forever.