DRAGON HEROES

I'm back, everybody! A new saga is underway, with thirteen more stories that will entertain and excited you! But don't expect it to be all smiles and sunshine, for this time, there will be much more grim, depressing and intimidating moments! Not surprising since our beloved Sonic died in the last adventure. It's a spectacular saga of surprises and self-discovery!

Double Trouble

Chapter 1 – Charonus' Recovery

A cold night wind blew through the Ise-Shima National Park. The atmosphere of the dragon village has changed to be rather gloomy as the dragons felt very concerned for Charonus. Following the emergence of the Charizard's sinister counterpart Charon, the team with the help of Blaze brought him to a hospital where he stayed for a day before he was allowed out. Nevertheless, they were told that Charonus needed to continue his recovery, so they had him sleeping over at Draco's hut. The event of Charon had caused so much stress and trauma for Charonus that he constantly had nightmares about the evil Charizard bringing the world into ruin. He would hear the voices of his parents from time to time, assuring him that he would have to rely on his friends to help him regain his balance.

Draco and Cynder sat next to the couch were Charonus rested as they kept a constant watch by his side while the rest of the team stood around. Blaze and Bowser were also present, including Jimmy, who offered to watch over Charonus as compensation for Dark's absence due to undergoing some training at the Anthro League in Kyoto. Only Darky was not with the group for Cynder had sent him to bed earlier.

"Hopefully, he'll get back on his feet soon enough," said Jimmy.

"Yes, but that incident was so recent," said Percival. "The poor Charizard has gone through a rather traumatic experience."

Charonus slowly stirred and woke up to see all of his friends around him. He could not help but smile as he knew he was being taken care of. "Thank you all for being there for me in my darkest hour," he said. "I don't know what I would do without you guys."

"It's all good, Charonus," said Cynder. "Just relax and lie down for now. You still need to recover from what happened back there."

Draco looks out the window. "Still, it's very worrisome that his dark self is on the loose."

"Don't worry so much, Draco," said Blaze. "For the moment, we must make sure Charonus is fighting fit before we can track down Charon."

"There's one thing I don't understand," said Jimmy. "Couldn't you dragons just group together and battle Charon? Surely, it would save up a lot of trouble waiting for Charonus to get better."

"No, it's not that simple, Jimmy," said Blaze. "Charonus is the only one who can be able to confront Charon as they share a connection that binds them together."

"How is that?" asked Jimmy.

"Well, since you weren't with us when Charonus was at the hospital, I suppose I can tell you everything," said Blaze. "This is something the other dragons and I have learned about our Charizard friend when his power was weakened after he and Charon separated from each other."

Jimmy nodded as he processed the information. "So what does that mean?"

"Basically, Charon and Charonus are like the yin and yang," continued Blaze. "In order for Charonus to have full control of his body and achieve balance, he must defeat Charon and then remerge with him with the use of his Pokecores. One thing for sure, the task will not be an easy one, but we must do whatever it takes."

Charonus raised his head and reached inside his blanket covers to search for his Pokecores. Soon, he managed to find them and as he looked at them, a dreadful thought struck him, overwhelming him with guilt and remorse. "I should never have kept the Pokecores of Shadow Mewtwo and Shadow Lugia," he said despondently. "This whole incident with Charon would have never happened and I would have had full control of myself."

"Don't beat yourself up, Charonus," said Cynder. "Soon once you're up to speed, we'll be able to find Charon and only then you will restore balance within yourself."

"Hey, Draco," said Blaze all of a sudden. "I believe you may have something stored in room, so why don't you go and check it out?"

"What for?" wondered Draco. "That's very strange what you're telling me."

"I think it may have something to do with your token," said Charonus. "You should go search for it."

"A token?" asked Draco. "Let me check, as I'm not really sure."

While Draco went to his room to investigate, the others started to get up.

"Time that we get our sleep," said Percival. "We really hope that you get better first thing in the morning, Charonus."

"Thanks, you guys," smiled Charonus.

"I'm going to stay here with Draco and Charonus," said Cynder.

"Me too," said Bowser.

"And so am I," added Blaze. "Hopefully, Tails and the kids will be fine without me."

"Okay, then, good night to you five," said Jimmy. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call us. You can find me sleeping in my tent not far away from the village."

"That won't be a problem, Jimmy," nodded Blaze.

After everyone left, Draco returned holding the token on his hand. It had a strange design carved in it.

"So you have found it," said Charonus as he saw Draco's token. "That was given to you for your efforts at the Chariziffic Valley years ago when you, Cynder and Bowser came to my world."

"But I don't really remember that," said Draco as he examined the token. "I wonder why you make it seem as if there is something special about it…"

It seemed as if Draco's words failed him, but when he unknowingly lined it up at a certain way, the token started to glow. Suddenly, the token beamed brightly, engulfing Draco, Cynder and Bowser. Blaze could only look on, wondering what was going on. Soon, the glowing stopped, and the three dragons were still standing as if nothing happen, when Cynder started to remember something.

"That was the token you've won after defeating that arrogant Charizard, Draco," she began.

"Yes," said Draco. "I can't believe how long it has been since that adventure."

"It looks as if that token has restored some memories you three had that were locked away," said Blaze. "Perhaps this could be the key to defeating Charon."

"I'm with you on that, Blaze," said Charonus.

"Let's figure out what to do in the morning," Bowser yawned. "After all, it is getting late."

Blaze, Charonus, Cynder and Draco agreed, and while Charonus rested on the couch, Draco and Bowser prepared themselves to go to sleep. Cynder and Blaze solemnly looked out the window to the distance, sensing that something wicked was brewing beyond the horizon.

Author's Note: Our heroes most certainly have their work cut out as they have to tackle a new dangerous foe! This is a follow-up to a side-story written by my good friend Charonus-Rex, which can only be found on DeviantArt, unless he uploads it here, of course. You'll find out what's going on in the next chapter!