Dragon Knight Legacy

"So... is this really how you're going to let it all end?"

Blaze opened his eyes to an endless enchanting field of flowers. It was beautifully painted with colors of all kinds, emanating a magical allure. plain of bright light. He was lost in awe, inspecting his surroundings, until his attention shifted to the only other person nearby. "It was a child—or rather, the shadowy figure of one, to be precise.

“Who are you?” Blaze questioned the shadow.

“I asked first, you know.” The boy responded, making Blaze frown.

“What does it matter to you - or anyone for that matter if I do end up dying here.”

A faint smile crept upon the child’s shadowy figure.

“That would be convenient, wouldn’t it?” The boy spoke, “But it’s just an excuse, isn’t it?”

Blaze glared at the shadow who seemed amused by his reaction. It turned to the side where the blue lights began to form into moving images. From them, Blaze could see several vague scenes. Then came a more vivid one. Kalius walked over towards Erica who was beaten and bruised, but still trying to shield Jacob and his family.

“You know I’m right,” the shadow continued. It stepped in front of Blaze and glanced up at him, its smile creeping even bigger, “Running away won't make a dent in the past, and your death won't mean amends for your mistakes. All you're doing right now is piling up the number of people who have to suffer because of your damn cowardice.”

“Shut up!” Blaze shouted, his anger boiling over as he swung a fist at the shadow, his glare seething with fury.

"Oh, come on. Don't act like you don't know it's the truth..." The shadow snickered as it appeared behind him, "Look."

Blaze turned his glare to where the shadow was pointing at. There were more moving pictures, Yverl in chaos as the monsters rampaged. The village was being destroyed and people were getting hurt. Most especially, the girl who kept trying to reason with the beast-like man who caused all of it.

Blaze's anger slowly subsided as remorse began to wash over him while he watched his home in shambles.

"See, and guess who's the cause of it all..." The shadow grinned, "Stop holding back, or your peace will be the least of your worries.

Hearing that Blaze couldn’t help but growl at the boy as he tightened his fists, his body shaking.

“Come on little one, don’t put him on the spot like that.” A thundering yet gentle voice spoke, coming from afar. Blaze's eyes widened upon hearing it. Slowly he turned to meet with a dragon.

Its majestic figure towered almost five times higher than the boy. Its body gleamed with luster from the gold and blue scales. It had four horns, two on each side, spreading out with sharp shining edges. Its deep blue eyes shone like the radiating sea as they looked down at Blaze.

The dragon then lay on the flower-carpeted ground, lowering its head so their gazes aligned, and smiled as Blaze stared at it in awe.

"It has indeed been a long time, hasn’t it, Blaze?"

“Astria...”

“Always eager to ruin the fun,” the shadow sighed, its grin widening as it turned away. “Well, whatever. I’ll leave this numbskull to you this time. Knock some sense in him for me ok.”

And with that, the shadow vanished leaving just the two of them.

“Why am I here? Aren't you upset with me? After all, I...” Blaze started but he couldn’t find the strength to finish his sentence as he dropped his head, his body shaking.

“I think you noticed it too. The girl's particular healing magic seems to have triggered my consciousness.”

"Really?"

"Well, that is part of it of course. I know you had clearly stated you would never need my power, but right now, we both know it's the only thing that can save the ones you care about Blaze. You have truly gotten far by your strength alone; anyone can see that you are strong. But you still have limits, I can help you break them. You don't have to do it for my sake or yours, but them."

"How can you still believe I deserve your power after the countless times I denied you? After all that I've done...?"

Astria chuckled.

"I have never told you this but it is not I who actually chose you, dear knights. No, I always leave it up to the almighty's guidance. To He who gave us our sacred duty of protecting this land. He is the one who passes down my spirit to the ones destined to carry that legacy. And not once has His choices ever been wrong, even now. I have been with you from the moment of your birth. I have seen, how you live. Your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions. I am no stranger to them at all and so I know there is no one more suited to be my knight rather than you."

"Of course there are. People like that girl are willing to risk their lives for the sake of this kingdom! How can I say I, a lowlife who only leaves nothing but destruction in his wake is even remotely suited for this? That's just a load of...!" Blaze began to lash out at Astria his breath getting heavier and his eyes shaking as he gazed at the dragon king.

"Give it time. And I know you will come to find out for yourself the kind of person you really are." Astria cut him off as he placed one of his claws on the boy's chest, "But for now, you have to return. Despite my better judgment, I'll leave you with these words. Use your power to protect those who have faith in you. Not in the Dragon Knight, but in you Blaze Fellis."

At that moment the faces of the chief, and his family, together with all the other villagers who had warmly welcomed him into their lives crossed his mind and he couldn't help tighten his fist as he looked down.

His eyes then shot back up to Astria saying, "Fine. Let's do this."

A broad smile spread across Astria's jaw, revealing his gleaming, vicious fangs as they sparkled with delight.

"Very well. I know you’re still reluctant, but for now, for the sake of those you hold dear and the mistakes you long to atone for; show them why you’ve been chosen as my vessel. March forth, and let your roar strike fear into the darkened hearts of all who dare threaten our home, my knight!”

With a powerful roar from the dragon king, the flowers around Blaze scattered and danced through the sky. They swirled around him in a vortex of vibrant magic before vanishing, taking Blaze with them.