CHAPTER 1

 

Darkness. It clings to this land from the sky and clouds to the very ground I'm sitting on.

I can hear the clash of resounding arms over head, and the terrifying tremble of distant land mines beneath my feet.  I lye here, wounded in the side, resting against a giant flowtree. Its petals are all but gone, and its branches are charred with ash, but all the trees are this way.

My name is Iyogi Kai. A full blooded Doggon and excellently trained warrior of the alliance. About now, I'm sure you're wondering what exactly a Doggon, as well as the alliance is, so I shall tell you. A Doggon is to the equivalent of a dog, and or wolf with a human frame, and mind. Now, we do still have our muzzles, tails, and canine senses, but we walk just as upright as any person, however we are much stronger than normal humans. As for the alliance, it was (at one time) the Doggon form of government. We trained out military units in martial arts, rather than guns and explosives; mostly for the benefit of the people. Unfortunately, however, the entire Doggon alliance has been over thrown by our enemy; the Crawgons. They look like we do, only their fur is always an eerie jet black. Combine that with rebellion, and a mean streak to kill anything that moves...and well, you get the picture.

Where am I you ask? I am on the planet Uisuki amidst what is perhaps the battle of the century. And a battle that is not likely I shall live through.

Uisuki was once a tranquil planet inhabited by, Doggons, humans, and Crawgons. Doggons and humans have co-existed for years on the right half of this planet, where as the Crawgons have resided on the left side.

Our world is filled with many things you might find odd in your world, such as our trees. Sure, they have bark like normal trees, but leaves are essentially non-existent on them. Instead, they are decorated with petals of all kinds of wonderful colors and patterns. They are called: Flowtrees. Secondly, we have what you might refer to as mythical monsters in our region. Dragons, giant snakes, Raptonz (or, Doggons with wings like dragons, and talons like raptors), and many other strange and fearsome animals.

Well, anyway, back to my story.

I am the only one who knows the true origins of this battle, and how it came about, with the exception of those whom I had once called my comrades.

The Doggons and Crawgons used to get along relatively peaceful, until Chikorai (a human) came into power, and murdered our King. He started telling them we were traders, and that we only wanted rule over them. This heresy, and deceit ultimately lead to the very war I'm in right now.

Chikorai was not always a human with demonic supernatural powers. Oh, no, he was normal, just like me and you, until he sold his soul to Jigoku; the dragon of the underworld.

Now, one thing you must understand is, Chikorai didn't just up and sell himself to the devil for no reason. No, he wanted revenge. And he wanted it desperately. Of course... as with most stories it all started with... a girl.

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It was the seventh annual Sumono ball. The massive, Victorian like building was decorated beautifully with chandeliers, marble floors, and banners representing all the Doggons in their royal lineage. There were tables round about; presenting upon them delicious assortments of Doggon dishes.

King Yukono was hosting the ball, as had his ancestors before him. And he intended to make this one the most memorable yet.

Yukono sat at one end of the room, dressed lavishly in a red cloak and pants, with golden armor about his breast and shoulders. His fur was mahogany, and his ears tall and sharp. He had all the makings of a fanatical leader. And that's exactly what he was.

His son; Byron, who sat at his right side, was the spitting image of his father, save the dark blue fur like his mother. Otherwise, you couldn't tell them apart.

Somewhere betwixt the crowd sat our culprit. Smart, cunning, and gentlemanly was Chikorai. A young human man around the age of seventeen.

The brown-eyed teenager sat on a bench, gazing dreamily at a young girl, of the human race of course, dancing whimsically on the ballroom floor. His dark spiky hair drooped lazily forward, as a smile crept upon his handsome face. She's so beautiful. , he thought, I can only pray that one day she'll even be interested enough to know I exist. , he chuckled. It was true, Dixie Collins danced with many men when invited to a ball, however one of these gentlemen having a date with her was an extreme rarity. This was mainly the cause of her popularity. Well, ok, so being drop-dead gorgeous had something to with it too. But, still, any man to get a date with Dixie had to have really been something else.

She had long, radiant black hair, and twinkling blue eyes. Her complexion was naturally tan, and her skin silky smooth. (She also had a nice figure might I add.) Now, I never met the girl in person, but that is how she looked according to Chikorai. Of course, he was completely head over heels for her, so she might have been ugly for all I know. However, um, for history's sake lets just assume she was as he described her.

Ahem, as I was saying, Chikorai was very much in love with Dixie. He wasn't just attracted to her like the other men, but sincerely in love with her. He knew it. When she walked into a room, the whole place seemed to light up, and everything around him disappeared save the sight of his love. His heart raced, and was filled with a burning passion. A passion that would drive him to lay the world at her feet if ever given the chance. Chikorai, being the romantic that he was just knew that this feeling could be nothing short of love. Or, in my opinion severe and obsessive infatuation.

There was only one thing stopping the youth from at least asking Dixie to dance, or should I say one annoying human.

Chikorai's focus on Dixie was interrupted abruptly, as a large hand patted him hardily on the back. He spun about. Well, there he was: the problem. Raiford Raleigh. The biggest jerk on the face of the Uisuki, and the one thing holding him back from Dixie.

He was tall, extremely handsome, had wild black hair, and a mustache to match. Unlike Chikorai he was brawny, older, and unfortunately a tad wittier. He wanted Dixie almost as much as Chikorai, and would do anything to get her. For Chikorai it was love. For Raiford it was competition. The mere sight of him made his blood boil.

Chikorai glared at him agitatedly.

"Thinking wishfully, ey Chikorai?"

The snide remark only made the anger inside of him swell. "What do you want Raleigh?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just simply observing your childish dreams of dancing with Dixie Collins...", he smirked.

Chikorai blushed slightly," What? Dixie? I wasn't looking at her!", he crossed his arms.

Raiford raised his eyebrows, "Oh, please! You were drooling so much it would have created a puddle for her to slip in!"

"Shut up! I-I was not looking at Dixie. I don't even like her that way!", he said, denying himself.

Raiford took a sip of his wine, "Oh, so you think she's ugly as a dog do you? Perhaps she would like to know, as well."

A mortifying fear played his face. Raiford would do anything to get Chikorai totally out of the picture. And this was perfect timing.

 

Before he could even open his mouth, Raiford had already started shouting. "Hey! Miss Dixie! Would you mind coming over here for a second?"

From across the room she glanced towards the two, and excused herself from the gentlemen she was having a conversation with.

She came up to them wearing a sleeveless, baby-blue dress that came to her ankles. "Yes, sirs? What is it?"

Chikorai's eyes were huge, and face completely red with embarrassment. This was as close as he'd ever came to Dixie. He was stiff as a board.

Raiford cleared his throat, and chuckled, "This fellow over here says you're ugly as his neighbor's pet beagle!"

She appeared shocked, then looked at Chikorai. "Is that true?", she asked puzzlingly. No one had ever said she was ugly before. Now, this was something different!

Chikorai pressed his fingers together nervously. All he could do was stare. C'mon you idiot! Say something! Tell her its not true! Tell her how you really feel! Now's your chance! , his mind echoed.

"I...um..", he managed to stand up shakily. She looked up at him innocently. "I... "

Raiford laughed. "See, look! Now that he's confronted with it he can't say a word."

He snapped at Raiford. "That's not true!"

"Look, he speaks!"

"Shut up!"

Dixie coughed lightly, "Excuse me."

They both turned to her, all smiles. "Yes, Miss Dixie?", they said in unison.

"Raif, you be quiet for a moment and let Chikorai explain himself."

Wow! She actually knows my name!, he thought giddily.

Raiford muttered something angrily under his breath, as Chikorai's face lit up.

"W-well,", he stammered. "I didn't say you looked like my neighbor's dog. Ha, my neighbor doesn't even have a dog."

His face was still crimson when she said, "Yes.. but do you think I'm ugly?"

Chikorai tried to shake his head no, but his head was drawn downward, as he couldn't help gazing into her pretty blue eyes.

"So, that's a yes?", she asked, nearly dumbfounded.

He snapped out of his daze, as soon as he heard the words, but before he had time to correct himself, the usually lady-like Dixie threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. Raiford's jaw nearly dropped to the ground.

"Wow! I'm so happy!", she squealed.

Chikorai was highly confused as to how she could find someone 'accidentally' saying she was ugly a compliment, but as long as her arms were wrapped around him, he had no reason to correct himself. He smiled broadly. Never in his wildest dreams had he ever thought that the girl of his dreams, Dixie Collins, would hug him, much less even talk to him! This was so wonderful!

Raiford intervened between them. "Miss Dixie! How could you possibly take that as a compliment?", he raged with envy.

She giggled, "Well, everyone always tells me how beautiful I am. Its nice sometimes to meet someone with a different opinion."

Chikorai gloated with happiness, as Raiford looked as if a nuclear bomb had just hit him.

Dixie took Chikorai's arm and lead him out to the dance floor. This was just to good to be true!, he thought.

She looked at him sweetly, "Come Mr. Chikorai, let us get something to drink. I'm just dieing of thirst!"

He followed her almost awkwardly. It was still registering in his mind that Dixie was actually talking to him.

Raiford simmered furiously in the background. He'd get Chikorai back for this if it was the last thing he did...

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She leaned in closer to Chikorai. "Don't you just love how I played that off?"

His eyes widened, "You had that planned out?"

"Of course! I knew when Raiford had said you thought I was ugly, that he was just trying to 'eliminate' you from having any kind of chance with me."

He picked up two glasses and began pouring them some drinks.

"So you know about his little competition thing too huh?"

She almost laughed, "Oh, they all do that. Well, um, except you. You just sit there and stare at me."

Chikorai turned red again, as he searched for a way to defend himself.

She tried hard not to laugh. Blushing was a sure sign that she was right.

He gathered himself quickly, "S-so, you knew I...um...liked you.."

She nodded formally.

A sweat drop formed on the side of his head, as he rubbed the back of his neck and laughed embarrassingly.

She glanced up at him and sighed, "And I also noticed how much Raiford tormented you for it."

He looked to the side, "Yeah... that...uh"

"Oh, no need to explain. I understand perfectly.", she beamed, "After all, who wouldn't like me?"

Chikorai was slightly shocked by the comment, Ok.. so she's a little conceited. But that's ok, she has plenty of reason to be. ,he thought, trying to rationalize that Dixie was flawless.

He decided to change the subject, "Um, would you like to go sit down?", he offered.

She nodded, and followed him to a nice little table in the corner of the room. They sat down.

"So...Chikorai, where are you from?", she asked, running her finger around the rim of her glass.

"Oh, me?", he blushed a tad, "I'm just your ordinary farm boy I suppose. Actually, I was surprised we were even invited to the Sumono ball."

"A farm boy? I suspected that. You're so quiet, and collected. Seemed that you were a tad on the sheltered side.", she smiled.

Chikorai wasn't sure if he should take that as an insult, but for her sake he'd assume she was merely making conversation.

"Well,", he started, "everyone knows where you come from. Your father's one of the richest in the country. I sure wish I could live like that, instead of plowing fields all day."

Dixie's eyes appeared sad at the remark, and Chikorai scolded himself inwardly. "I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"No, you haven't done anything. Don't worry I'll be fine. Its just there's so many pressures, and expectations that come along with my lifestyle. Sure, I'll admit, glamour and wealth look appealing, but that's only on the outside. When you're in it, it's a totally different story."

Chikorai struggled to understand just how being rich could make you sad. But, he presumed that what she said was true. Children of the rich did have great expectations to fulfill, even if they didn't want to.

He could see she was only becoming more upset, so he quickly changed the subject. "Well, is there anything you do to take your mind off things?", he smiled warmly.

This seemed to cheer her up, "I love to dance.", she stated. "When I'm out on the dance floor I can forget about all my problems."

A light-hearted serenade of music started in the background, as the sound of violin and piano mixed one with another.

Chikorai beamed happily. This was his chance. "I can't guarantee your feet won't be bruised by the end of the first waltz, but… would you like to dance with me?"

Dixie giggled, amused at the seemingly simple boy, "Why yes, I would."

The two stood, and Chikorai took her hand gently.

Each fortuitously looked the other in the eyes, both slightly blushing. It was as if, by taking the other's hand an electrical charge had passed through them. A feeling neither had ever felt before.

As if to break the tension, Chikorai smiled weakly, and gazed downwards.

He suddenly felt himself being pulled to the center of the room, "Come on, Chikorai!", said Dixie gleefully, "We wouldn't want to miss the whole song would we?"

Nearly stumbling, Chikorai stood in front of Dixie. He smiled charmingly, and lightly placed his hand on her hip. The two began to dance in a slow swaying rhythm, both smiling joyfully.

This has to be the greatest moment of my life, he thought. It is more than I'd ever hoped for! And… she dances so gracefully. I can't believe this is happening!

The dance was only a few minutes, but to Chikorai and Dixie it lasted a lifetime. From what I've heard, the two were so natural together. Not only on the dance floor, but in life as well. A farmer, and a rich man's daughter. It all seemed too good to be true, nothing short of a fairy tale.

After the dance ended, they gazed into each other's eyes. Both experiencing the same emotion they had felt when he'd first took her hand. Chikorai couldn't find it within himself to not embrace her tightly. His mind tortured him with the thought of all of those watching; but he didn't care. For if he could not show his love for Dixie in front of them, who could he show it to?

Everyone's eyes were fixed upon the pair standing in the middle of the dance floor. Some were awing at the cute young couple, still others were shocked to see the farmer's son holding someone of such importance, but they were even more shocked to see the rich man's daughter hugging him back! Dixie had never shown true favor for any man, yet she did for this one. What was so special about him? The other men wondered; full of jealously. How could the prettiest woman ever to live like HIM?

Raiford Raleigh stood in a corner of the room, eyes raging with fury. He had to put a stop to this! He'd never in all his born days seen Dixie Collins, the most sought after woman in town, appear to love any man, much less Chikorai; his mortal enemy! Something had to be done…