Atlantis. Once a land full of riches and technology of unimaginable power. Dragons of all kinds would roam the skies, creations from the ancients joining them as the land was bountiful, with adventure around every corner. But one day, the Anthropus; servants to the ancients, grew jealous of their power. Slowly, they began to overthrow the golden resign of the ancients, what they may have lacked in raw power, they made up in numbers. The dragons of the ancients were the next to go, while massive creatures, the sheer number of Anthropus were too much for them. Soon, the golden reign was over, and all that was left were the chaotic and burning ruins of the great civilization. But... The Anthropus were not the only servants of the ancients. No, humans, were also part of their servants. Rallied together by a powerful mage, Cassandra, we pushed back the Anthropus, forcing them out. The battle was long and took weeks, but eventually, we had retaken the kingdom. The feeling of success was short lived however, for while we may have saved the kingdom and some of the technology... The dragons weren't as fortunate. While no grown dragons remained, there were still batches of eggs that were scattered all around. Leaders of the human race each took an egg, and scattered throughout Atlantis, eventually bringing the dragons back, new ones being revived every so often as well. Though the Anthropus still roamed Atlantis, exiled from the kingdoms they began to unite once more, under a warlord named Grodz. Camps full of Anthropus had begun to sprout over the lands, fighting over key resource areas with the other kingdoms. When they united to fight against Grodz, we had noticed something peculiar.

Grodz had been hoarding deceased dragon armor. With this new knowledge we had focused our efforts, trying to take back as much armor as we could to return our dragons to their former glory. What a sight it is, seeing a Great dragon covered in ancient armor for the first time, it leaves you breathless. As the kingdoms united so did the Anthropus, even more so than before. Instead of camps, small Anthropus cities were beginning to sprout, they began to push us back once more into a standstill between the two races.

What happens next?

"Well I think we'll have to save that for tomorrow night." I whined as my father laughed and rubbed my head.

"We were getting to the good part!" I pouted curling into the blankets.

"You've got a busy day tomorrow, best you get some sleep." My mother giggled giving me a kiss on the forehead. I sighed but nodded, tomorrow I would get to see the first dragon egg from our Great Dragon. I was extremely excited about it, but I was also very tired.

"Goodnight son, you'll get to see it in the morning." I yawned and curled even tighter, my mother blowing out the candle in my room as they quietly left. I looked through my window, and took one last look at the moon before sleep began to take me.


Primus sighed softly as he walked with his wife, Dawn, away from their sons room.

"He's really excited." Dawn said smiling.

"I know... but it pains me with what we're going to do to him later." Primus sighed, dreading the day.

"Don't dwell on that now, we have ten years. He'll be ready."

"I know he will but... The thought of him not... It just doesn't sit well with me." Dawn kisses her husband on the cheek.

"He'll be fine you big softie. Now come on, you've had a long day too, off to bed!" Primus chuckled as he was pushed through the dim hallway to their chambers. Something told him however there wasn't going to be much sleep tonight.


I woke up that day feeling more excited than I had ever been. Knowing you'd get your own dragon would make anyone feel that way. I rushed out of bed, not even caring to change my clothes or brush my teeth. I ran straight to my mother and fathers room, asking if we could go see. They were tired but agreed to take me down to see the new egg. I remember it like it was yesterday, the sun was so warm and bright, not a cloud in the sky. The guards smiled as they saw me rush past, my parents walking slowly behind. Emerald, the city's Great Dragon, was curled up in the center of the dragons keep. Though it wasn't really what you would expect with a name like that. It was very open, with healthy grass and the occasional flower patches all around the center. It was closed off from the rest of the castle by large pillars all around, too big for her to fit through, but the open roof made it simple for her to fly out and protect the city, or go for a stroll whenever she felt like.

Emerald, like her namesake, is a serene green and her scales shine in the sun. Her body was massive, bigger than a house, and it always made me feel ecstatic. Though I would be lying if little eight year old me didn't feel some fear looking up at her massive form. When my parents finally arrived is when she actually moved. She sniffed my father for a second before revealing a small egg, no bigger than I was at the time. It was a nice smooth red, the baby dragon inside barely visible, moving slightly. I'll never forget what my father told me that day.

"It's yours now son, you're going to be an important man in the future." I Didn't really pay him any attention at the time. I was just so excited to have my own dragon that it kinda glossed over.

Of course... That was ten years ago...


Present day: Atlantis; City state of Rune.

Current Ruler: Blaze Masterson. Age: 18. Time: 2:30 P.M.

"Bit young to be registering for the arena and battleground no?" The clerk asked me as she looked over my information.

"Gotta start early." Was my simple reply. She looks at me over the papers.

"You know the moment you sign up you're going to be a target now right?" I simply smiled.

"I look forward to it." She sighs but stamps the papers.

"Your generals and troops will be able to compete tomorrow, we'll send workers to build a station so your troops don't have to travel so far." I nodded in thanks. She ripped off the front page and handed me the rest. "Good luck." I waved as I left the small building.

Outside there were hundreds of other rulers, some just signing up for the arena, others prepared to compete in today's challenge. The arena was something relatively new to Atlantis, created by Cassandra, a powerful Mage, master of the ancients blue energy. She explained how the arena worked a bit, but not how she did it. Basically, leaders can send their troops to the arena to battle without risk of death, then rankings are given from wins and losses, prizes given out, the higher ranking the better the prize. She also took the liberty to help troops move exclusively to the arena instantly by having warp gates installed at a city.

The arena itself is massive, enough to easily fit multiple dragons inside with room to spare for the actual battles. Truly a marvel and a show of dedication to those who built it.

Besides the number of rulers there were thousands of troops of all kinds. Battle dragons soared slowly over head, their large armored forms shining in the morning sun. Their smaller cousins, swift strike dragons zipped past and circled the arena. Fire mirrors pulled by giant boars, lightning cannons and even the deadly Lava Jaws lumbered past towards the arena, and that was only to name a few.

It was all very breathtaking to say the least, seeing so many different types of soldiers in one place. I was taken out of my admiration by a hand clasping my shoulder. I turned around to see a young woman about in her mid twenties giving me a friendly smile.

"You're new here I take it?" She asked. She stood about five foot eight inches, her blonde hair shone brightly in the sun.

"Yeah, and you are?" I asked brushing her hand off my shoulder. She didn't seem to take any offense to that, still smiling.

"Vespero. Not sure if you're familiar with alliances, but we're always looking for new members, wether to help them grow, or to help us grow. Feel free to accept or decline the offer, just know we're here to help." She offered a tightly woven scroll.

"Thanks... I'll give it some thought." I said taking it and tucking it away. She simply nodded and waved as she made his way towards the arena, likely looking for more recruits. I huffed, an alliance wasn't a terrible idea, but you had to be careful nowadays who you trusted. One of the biggest alliances, Immortal, was recently taken down from the inside out, spies from other alliances had taken refuge for years, playing the waiting game and gaining knowledge. It took three different alliances spies and then a full scale invasion to take them down. Even so a few Immortal members are around, but they're nowhere near their previous power.

"Gotta be careful around here." I made my way further from the arena and the arriving troops towards the docks where my transport and advisor waited for me.

"Everything went smoothly I assume?" Daedalus asked. He was an older man covered in royal blue robes lined in gold, a very technologically infatuated man but a wise one nonetheless. I climbed into the armored airship, it set off as soon as I was safely aboard.

"Everything went fine. It's incredible how much we still need to grow. The hint of the armies that some rulers have makes me shudder with excitement." I said with a smirk. He simply sighed.

"Please don't be picking fights already. The Giants clan living nearby has just agreed to ally with us, the first hundred are already undergoing military training. It won't be long until we've finally added them to our armies."

"Good. Even one giant aided by a squadron or so of Battle dragons should be enough to take down the Anthropus camp at our borders, no?"

"About that. I believe it would be in our best interest to gather the healing pools a bit more before we plan a strike, in case we do lose anyone in the raid." I hummed but nodded.

"Very well, once the wall is finished repairing, send the builders and mages to make two more of them. We can enhance them later. What of our research on medicines? Is that going well?" We continued to discuss how everything was progressing at the city until we had arrived at the dock near the castle.

"I bid you farewell for now, there are still things I must attend to." With a bow Daedalus left my side, most likely heading down towards the city to his precious science center. I shook my head with a smile, my father was right to send him with me. In a short eight months, we had turned a struggling town into a growing city. From where I stood I was just able to see some of the farther homes and garrisons from the castle, the sentinel tower built close to our wall, peaking over the mighty barricade. Well... Mighty may not have been the best word, but we were working hard to make it so. Farms and other resource producing facilities rested just outside the walls, not something I thought was very advantageous but there were already a few built there. It was best to keep it so before expanding more.

"It went smoothly?" I turned and smiled.

"Yes, it did, I felt as giddy as a child seeing so many soldiers there." Eris smirked and stood at my side. She was covered head to toe in armor, her helm made reminiscent of our great dragons horns, her long black hair spilling out from the back of it. She was our head general, recruited from once being a mercenary, a master tactician who I'm glad to have at my side.

"You sure you weren't just excited for a taste of battle? You're a fool to desire that you know." I simply laughed.

"I know. However if our strength can be proven in the arena, we have less to fear no?"

"We have more to fear fool, the stronger will come to test us, while others will come for our heads to prove themselves, but if we can garner the right attention, we would have less to fear. Don't go shouting our standings to everyone either understand?" She glared up at me, she was five inches shorter than I. Not very intimidating but I nodded either way. "Good, you're stopping by the garrison tomorrow right? A strong ruler is an inspiration to their troops."

"Always, care to get something to eat? I'm starving from the trip."

She huffed. "You're always hungry. Fine." Not only was she a general she was a good friend, we'd become rather close over the months. She pushed herself hard, the soldiers under her control even harder.

"How are the Giants coming along?" She scoffs.

"Slow, slower than I'd like. While their raw power is incredible they can't seem to get into any sort of formation except for the simple phalanx. It'll be a handful but I'll get it through their thick skulls."

"Hey be nice, it's good to have them at our side."

"You're too nice! I don't know what you were thinking going to meet them yourself! I was about to order a full on attack when their leader grabbed you in their hand!"

"I didn't know you cared so much." She punched me for teasing her, I laughed as I rubbed my shoulder.

"Yeah well without you I doubt the people would listen to us. I guess... You being too nice has its perks..." She huffed.

"You scare the kids, that's why." I laughed. She glared at me again. It wasn't long until we made it to the dining room within the castle. I had made it a case that I had wanted the heads of certain departments to eat with me so we could discuss things better. We had settled on lunch, a few wanting dinner to be reserved for their families, which I understood fully. For now it was just going to be me and Eris, along with whoever was bringing the food.

"So what's on the dinner menu? Or is it a surprise?" She asked removing some of her armor so she could eat easier.

"Its always a surprise with Maria. But it's always good."

"I hear that." It wasn't long before a servant brought us both our meal. While I was raised as royalty, I had been fed the most exotic of foods. Coming here and seeing what most of the citizens ate, I decided I would do the same. The meal was a few pieces of well cooked chicken, covered in a tasty and spicy sauce. A few vegetables were scattered around the plate, not fully to my liking but I ate them anyway.

Maria, the head chef, out of three; was picked from a small restaurant in what used to be the city slums. She never had enough to care for her family or good ingredients to cook. However when she got her hands on decent produce it tasted amazing. She said the secret was love and hard work but I think she's a Mage. I do eat a bit better than my citizens but I try to keep in touch with them as much as possible. Listening to them whenever there is a problem and doing my best to help.

The meal was eaten in relative silence, Eris finishing before me.

"Well thank Maria for the meal, but I should get going, busy day tomorrow." I nodded and waved as she left. I finished my meal shortly after she left, leaving the plate and fork there for a servant to clean up. With that done I retreated to my chambers for the rest of the day. From the loft of my room, I was able to fully look over my city. The homes and stores, the garrisons and rookery. Even the farms outside the wall. My favorite part however, was the adolescent dragon curled up a small ways away.

Scarlet, the Great dragon given to me as a child. She was the sight to behold when she stood. However right now she looked cute curled in and sleeping. She was still very big dangerous and deadly, but she's adorable. After about an hour of looking out at the dawn, turning into night, sky, I returned inside and started up a warm shower. My clothes were far from the normal noble outfit. There were no flowing robes of gold, no flashing garbs. Merely simple yet effective reinforced cloth. The base colors were purple and red, a bit of royal colors mixed in but they were something more akin to what a soldier would wear. The pants were a bit thicker cloth, sturdier and heavier but comfortable enough to be able to do my daily routine. Last to go were a pair of simple yet heavy fingerless gloves. With all my clothes gone I hoped in, the warm water soothing me slowly. Nothing special was with my shower, it was solely for utility. Once done, I stepped out and stood over the sink, looking into the mirror. Red eyes looked back at a face of tanned skin. Some say my jaw is somewhat strongly built, but I never truly understood what that meant. My hair was as red as my eyes and spiky, with a single spike of hair hanging over my right eye.

I was tired and dried myself off, covering myself with a towel afterwards as I opened the door to my chambers. Yawning I fell onto my bed, not needing to go under the covers due to the warm night air. Slowly, I began to fall asleep.


I woke as the sun shone in my face, waking me slowly. I groaned, rubbing my eyes to [try and clear my cloudy vision. "Busy day today." I grunted getting out of bed. Taking care of my normal morning routine, getting dressed, brushing teeth, etcetera; I made my way back down towards the dining room. My home wasn't overly decorated and could be described as rather bland. The only real thing I had for decorative purposes was a painting of me and my parents on my eighteenth birthday. Before they sent me away. Breakfast was already waiting for me, Maria was a godsend that's for sure.

A plate of fresh bread and meats waited for me, still it was wonderfully prepared and laid out. I laid out today's plans in my head as I ate.

The flavor and texture was music to my taste buds, I was usually ravenous in the mornings so I finished quickly. My stomach now full and energy rising it was time to go about my day. First things first, wake Scarlet. Now here's a thing about my little sweetheart, she doesn't like being woken by anyone except me. The first time I had sent a guard to do it he almost lost his life, with that lesson learned I've had to do it myself every morning. Her keep was very close to the castle, built on raised ground for easy access and a short trip.

Walking out into the brisk morning air with the sun casting it's warmth and glow onto the sleeping form of Scarlet. She was already larger than our battle dragons at eight years of age, her red scales shimmering in the morning light was a beautiful sight. Eight guards were stationed to watch over her, mostly to keep her entertained than actually guarding her. I waved to them as I passed into the field, they saluted back.

"Scarlet sweetie, time to wake up!" I cooed. Her large form shifted but did not get up. Chuckling I walked closer until I was at her head. Here her scales became smaller and changed from red to orange to yellow; her horns were an orange yellow hue, along with the small feather like spines going down her neck. Patting her nose horn I began to tickle under her chin.

"Wake up little one!" She did with a snort, wriggling underneath my attack and rolling in the grass. I laughed, she was under my mercy. I stopped after a minute and let her stand to her full glory. She easily dwarfed me, her shoulders were already more than twice my height, her head reaching higher another half of my body length.

She gave me a quick nuzzle before yawning loudly. I smiled and patted her leg.

"Come on now Scarlet, or you'll be late for your morning patrol, you don't want to miss playtime do you?" Her orange eyes widened before she spread her huge wings. Using all four of her limbs she leapt into the air, her wings doing the rest as she flew high into the sky. I was buffeted by the wind she created but was more than used to it, able to stand without falling to the ground. I could hear her roar as she made her way to the rookery, some of the smaller dragons waiting for her.

"A big softie she is sir." A guard said walking up to me.

"Aye, Eris says the same about me. Guess that's where she got it from, you may take your leave until she returns. I'll be outside the wall for a short time today, sound the horn to let them know I'm coming for a horse."

"Understood." He signaled to another guard and a horn was blown, shortly after another could be heard, signaling my horse would be ready soon.

"Carry on."


Horses were useful animals, but didn't quite have the raw power as other creatures we had access too, used mostly for short travel around the city than hauling carts of supplies. Within the hour I was crossing a side exit of the wall and heading down to check the farmers, running a quick inspection. Arriving at one of the larger farms I was greeted by the head farmer, an older man with a large family, he had been here long before I was born.

"Otis, good to see you, how's everything looking down here?" I smiled getting off my horse. He gave a small smile back, wrinkling his tanned face even more.

"To be honest pretty good, though we've been having a small problem with pests here and there, we've been taking care of it. The bigger problem is this ole farm of mine is starting to run down, she's in need of a bit of a helping hand." I nodded and looked around. It seemed fine but there were bits of wear and tear all around if you looked hard enough, the wooden water wheel was starting to rot away, wood fences in shambles here and there. Small things that added up.

"I'll have workers assist you soon, the other farmers meeting daily quotas?"

"Yes siree, a couple surpassing it too. Had to send the longer lasting stuff to the vault." I smiled at that.

"Good to hear, if no one has arrived in a week send a message, I'll personally lead some workers to help." He nodded gratefully before waving as I left to see the mines.


I was outside the walls for three hours. Brutus had reported that the mines were fine and stable, wanting conformation to expand again, I had agreed but not before making sure that no one would be harmed expanding deeper. He assured me that it was perfectly safe. Next was the quarry, Mason had a few problems with the rails and carts they used to move larger stones. I told him I would take care of it soon, he seemed pleased and did not report anything else. Last was the lumber mill. Jenny reported a large termite infestation, making most of the wood useless. This resulted in me having to order a few of the adolescent armored transport beasts to be brought in and have a snack. They were related to ant eaters, the hoard of them clearing out lumber mills of their infestation quickly. They were still at it as I returned to the inner walls of the city.

I stopped by a small tavern to eat before I continued to the main garrison. Once there, Eris was in the middle of training our new giant soldiers. She noticed me enter and told them to take a break.

"You're late." She spat.

"Fiesty, looks like it's under control here." I teased. She growled before nodding her head to the head of the giant tribe, who was one of the recruits for battle.

"He's keeping up with the others in terms of his physical ability, but in terms of battle strategy he's much quicker. I've had to resort to him helping me teach the others."

"Working together is good, it'll be easier for us to get along." I said walking over to the head giant.

"Hauntzer, you're keeping in good shape I see." Hauntzer was three times my size, the same as our fully grown battle dragons. His dark brown hair was trimmed out of his face, along with what remained of his scraggly beard. He was pushing two hundred years old but looked no older than thirty. His old pelted clothes were replaced with sturdier and more protective leather and hide mixed clothing. He smiled at my remark.

"Masterson, your she devil pushes us hard, but I understand the need." He said taunting Eris. I laughed and nodded.

"That she does, I am grateful that you agreed to join us. Are the homes to your liking?" He nodded.

"We do not need much, but I am eternally grateful for all that you have supplied. My offer still stands for more to help outside the wall. Your farms, quarry, and lumber mill could have much greater haul."

"With time, unfortunately you still scare some of my citizens, when they are more accustomed to you I will gratefully accept your offer."

"Shame, though it cannot be helped. Some ask when they will see battle, they are tired of learning these useless strategies. They are young and wish to prove themselves, I do not wish for them to be harmed, but is there a way to show them that our strength may not be enough?" I smirked and nodded.

"You are in luck, we were recently accepted into the arena. Builders of high caliber will be here tomorrow to build the arena entrance. They will see battle then, let them know. Also tell them if they fail they'll be cleaning up after the transports." He laughed at that.

"Aye, I will tell them."

"Alright everyone back to positions! We still have daylight to burn!" Eris shouted, capturing the Giants attention.

"Good luck." I laughed as some grumbled before getting into position. "See you at dinner? It was moved later today." She simply nodded as she shouted orders. I stayed within the garrison, finding some of the more 'human' soldiers. I had begun training with them, I wasn't as fit but I kept at it.

"Graff. What are you gonna make me do today?" I asked stretching. Graff was in his mid thirties, he was a battle tested man. He had a couple scars on his face and his hair had white hairs flecking it, most likely from stress.

"Same as them. Keep up." I smiled and fell in line, most of the men were a bit larger than me in terms of height but bigger in terms of muscle mass.

"Ready to start!?"


On my ride back to the castle my body ached a bit. I wasn't used to how hard the soldiers were pushed, and couldn't quite keep up but I did my best. I was going back with a few new bruises, but I was getting better. I was able to last ten seconds in a practice sword fight with the conscripts now.

Dropping the horse off at the stables I had to deal with the most dreaded portion of my day. The stairs. Always the bloody stairs. My legs ached as I huffed climbing the long stone staircase back to my home. What felt like hours of torturous climbing was only a few moments of discomfort in reality. My muscles still trembled from the strain. I still had a bit of time to shower and get clean before the others showed up for dinner. Before that however I popped into the kitchen to sneak a peak on what Maria was cooking. The second I peeked around my hand was smacked by a wooden spoon. I yelped and jumped back, rubbing my hand.

"No peaking! You wait like the others!" Maria was waving the spoon at me with a smile on her face, I stuck my tongue out at her and laughed.

"Doing good are we?"

"Always, I'm making your favorite dessert for tonight."

"Thanks, nothing like a bit of sweets to go with discussing the plans for the city." I chuckled.

"Now go shower! You smell like a barn." I sighed but turned to continue to my room.


When I was done and had arrived at the dining room, Daedalus and Eris were already there and seated, making small talk. Daedalus was also tinkering with something new on the table, a hint of blue energy glowing within.

"Don't burn down the table with that thing." I huffed taking my own seat.

"I'm not so careless as to bring something dangerous here... Again..." Eris giggled earning her a glare from the older man.

"We are waiting for Torr again it would seem." I said watching the older man tinker with his device.

"He's a big family man, you know how he is. He'll be here though, the resource girl isn't here either. Though you've always been more lenient with here haven't you?" She teased.

"Yes, yes, tease me all you want Eris. I have a soft spot for her and we all know this."

"You also have a few more soft spots from where you got beat today." She broke into laughter, Daedalus even joining in with a soft chuckle.

"You're too soft to join in battle, no disrespect meant." I looked up and saw the head of construction, a real mountain of a man. Torr, he had seen many days in the unforgiving elements, even a few in battle from the various faded scars he had. He was wearing a simple wool top, seeming to be brand new from the lack of stains. Thick pants with a small pouch around his waist, they were a bit dirty, mostly of horse hair.

"To be fair i'm getting a bit better. And at least i'm trying." I huffed like the child I was compared to him. He chuckled deeply.

"Yes, the fact that you aspire to train with your soldiers is more than the snobs born into wealth ever do. SO! I was told today there would be something more interesting as topic of discussion." He sat across from me.

"There is, however we have one more to wait for." Right as I said that the last member ran in.

"Sorry! Sorry I'm late!" She was a frazzled young girl, younger than Eris and much smaller, barely five feet tall. Sky, the person in charge of monitoring our resources and gold income. Her clothing was made of softer fabric and very frilly. A cute little blue and white shirt accompanied by a black skirt. Her long brown hair was in tangles from whatever was stressing her out now. As she sat down servants came out and placed the trays of food Maria had prepared.

We began discussing simple things, like how the construction was going, how our resource production looked, if our troops and citizens had enough food. Once the meal was winding down the conversation began taking a more serious tone.

"I highly suggest we take them up on their offer of allying with them. Having others to rely upon if anything were to happen could secure our cities stability." Daedalus had even stopped fiddling with his creation to talk to me. He was very serious about this. I closed my eyes to think.

"How much do you know about them?" I asked. I heard him pull out a scroll.

"They currently have sixteen members, most in very high standings. Their overlord, a woman named Vesna. She leads with an iron will, she's attracted much attention from other overlords of high caliber, so much so that they fear her to some extent. We'd be on their radar but I feel the reward outweighs the risk."

"You've done some research... We'll do it then. Sky, Eris, have the transports loaded with any resources we can spare, let's make a good first impression to keep on her good side. I don't want this to backfire."

"Understood." Eris nodded.

"Y-yes sir!" Sky squeaked. I stood.

"I'll send a dragon on the morrow, with a message of acceptance and of our gift in thanks. I suggest we all get rest in preparation of their response, be it good or bad." They all nodded and stood, each going their separate ways. Heading back to my room I huffed, hoping that nothing would go awry with out first attempt at making powerful allies.