LAW OF THE BATTLEFIELD
The Dragon Empire. A nation whose very existence revolved around war and strife. It was their belief that the entirety of Planet Cray rightfully belonged to them, and it was this belief that caused them to endlessly wage war against the other nations.
Year 594 of the Cray Calendar. A troop of Kagerou soldiers were patrolling the Eastern border of their land when they discovered a wounded knight alone in the barren wasteland. Amongst them was a young dragon by the name of Dragonic Crusader.
The highest-ranked member of their group, a dragon who went by the name of Blockade, was overcome with glee at the sight of the injured Paladin.
He had been temporarily barred from operations outside of the Empire due to an incident where his recklessness had resulted in the deaths of several of his men. As a result, he had not partaken in war for several months, and he was itching to once again feel the sensation of human flesh getting crushed between his claws, and filling his nostrols with the sweet scent of their blood.
To him, the man was nothing more than prey.
"You there! Human! Identify yourself!" Blockade barked as he led his troops towards the dune where the man rested.
Crusader was impressed as the man turned to face them without a single trace of fear and smiled. "I am but a humble knight of the Royal Paladins. But today, I stand before you not as an enemy of war, but as a mere traveller."
Blockade sneered. "Foolish human. It matters not who you are! Be it a knight, or a traveller, I'll kill you all the same!"
Just as he was about to attack, Crusader intervened, stepping between the two. "Wait, Commander. This man has committed no crime. And his injuries prevent him from even challenging us. Can we not just let him go? Without assistance from his comrades, nothing shall stop him from dying out here alone."
Blockade's eyes narrowed. "Have you gone mad, rookie? The Paladins are the eternal enemy of our race. Have you forgotten that it is our destiny to rule over all of Planet Cray?"
"Killing this man here is not going to grant us conquest of more land, Commander."
"Are you defying me? You may carry the name 'Dragonic', but my seniority in this army far outweighs yours. I could have you imprisoned for insubordination."
"This is wrong, Commander. I know it." Crusader gestured at the other soldiers for support, but they all ignored him.
None of them wanted to be involved.
"What could possibly be wrong with eliminating an enemy in the name of war?" Blockade seethed.
"This isn't war. This is murder." Crusader replied. "Even on the battlefield, there is a law that must be kept with pride."
"I've had enough of your babbling, traitor!"
Blockade unleashed a torrent of raging flames from his maw.
Crusader prepared to evade, but then he realised that the wounded knight had no means of avoiding a searing death.
Turning swiftly, he endured the blast as he grabbed the knight in his claws and took flight.
"Go after him!" Blockade barked but his soldiers refused to obey.
He cursed. But a plan was already formulating in his mind.
It was time for a meeting with the Overlord.
…
Crusader soared to the edges of the Dragon Empire territory, to a place where he knew a Royal Paladin outpost lay just across the border.
Laying the knight onto the sand, he said. "This is as far as I can take you. You must leave at once. Use all of your strength. The others will be coming for me soon."
"You have my gratitude," answered the knight. "But why did you save me?"
"There is no meaning in defeating a wounded opponent. I am not one who believes in mindless slaughter. It is unhealthy for the soul."
Much to Crusader's surprise, the knight guffawed. "I would not have such noble words coming from a dragon such as yourself. It is most amusing. Tell me your name, dragon, so that I may one day repay this great debt."
"My name is Dragonic Crusader."
"I am the Knight of Tribulations, Galahad. Farewell, and may the sun shine upon you."
"And you."
After Galahad departed, Crusader returned to the Capital, where a vast force of soldiers awaited him.
He surrendered without a word.
…
The next day, Crusader was dragged in chains to the Colisseum. Long ago it was a glorious place that existed to celebrate the thrill of combat. Now, it was a dark place of execution.
A large crowd of dragons, dragonmen and humans had gathered. All to observe the death of the traitor.
Crusader was left kneeling on the ground next to where Dragonic Executioner stood, in the center of the arena of which all had a clear view.
"Silence."
Just then, the Dragonic Overlord arrived at the stadium, beating his wings methodically as he descended into the throne that had been constructed at the very apex of the structure.
"As Overlord of the Dragon Empire, I now declare the opening of the trial for Dragonic Crusader."
Upon hearing his words, Blockade furiously objected from the audience. "My liege! The dragon who kneels before you now is nothing but a traitor! A trial is not necessary! Kill him at once!"
The Overlord was not amused. "Are you questioning me..?"
Blockade shuddered under the tyrant's stare. "No.. my liege.."
Satisfied, the Overlord continued. "This trial shall entail combat between Dragonic Crusader and Blockade. And the defeated, will be imprisoned."
Frustrated and angered at the current turn of events, Blockade leaped into the ring. "Are you prepared, traitor?"
Dragonic Crusader rose as his shackles were removed. He too was surprised by the Overlord's sudden declaration. But now that he had a chance, he was not going to be jailed without a fight.
"Weapons, flames and flight are not allowed. The duel shall only end when one surrenders or is unable to continue. FIGHT!"
Neither of the dragons reacted at the Overlord's shout. The two circled around the rim of the arena, watching, sizing each other up.
Blockade made the first move. Dashing, he slashed violently with his claws.
Crusader ducked under the blow, then lashed out with a low sweeping kick.
Blockade staggered as he struggled to maintain balance.
Not wanting to give his opponent the opportunity to recover, Crusader unleashed a volley of hooks.
But Blockade skillfully avoided the assault by tilting his head.
Regaining his footing, Blockade made full use of his long arms with a wide slap.
Crusader stopped the attack at Blockade's wrist, but was unable to prevent the long scythe-like claws from gouging into his cheek.
Blockade grinned at the sight of first blood.
Distracting Crusader with an unexpected swipe from his other hand, he kicked out at Crusader's chest.
Crusader staggered.
Seeing his chance, Blockade flung himself forward with his claws extended.
But Crusader was ready.
Grabbing Blockade in mid-air, he slammed him into the ground.
And with nowhere to run, Blockade could only watch as Crusader's brutal fist rushed towards his face.
No. There was something he could do.
Gaping his mouth wide open, Blockade retaliated with a sudden burst of flames.
Crusader roared in agony as he fell, clutching at his charred face.
Blockade laughed triumphantly as he stood before his prey, hand poised to deliver the final blow.
SNICK.
A massive sword sliced through Blockade's torso.
The sword of the Overlord.
And as Blockade toppled over, the Overlord offered a hand to Crusader.
"My liege.." Crusader was at a loss for words. "Why?"
"Flames were forbidden. He rejected honour in favour of victory, and thus he shall pay the price."
"I.. but why was I given this chance? Why did you not kill me as a traitor?"
"Because you are no traitor. Unlike most of the lizards who proclaim themselves to be dragons, you are not a mindless killing machine. You have pride. The pride of a true dragon. And I want you to join me. Join me in salvaging this nation and making it a land that we dragons can truly be proud of."
Crusader dipped his head low in reverence. "Absolutely, my liege. I shall never forget your kindness. I shall swear to you my allegiance and my undying loyalty."
"But for your new lease of life, you shall require a new name. A stronger name."
"I shall accept whatever you deem fit, my liege."
"Then.. henceforth, you shall be known as Lawkeeper.
Dragonic Lawkeeper."