"Shit!" I cried out as I dodged a falling piece of burning timber. I ducked into a nearby alley as a wave of fire hit and scorched the main path. "I figured I'd encounter dragons eventually, but I didn't think it would be this soon!"

"You helped fight a demon in the other world!" Aura responded appearing in from of my face. "You may have just run into some random drunk dude, but I wouldn't have been surprised if the next thing we encountered was a Kraken destroying the port!"

Before I could retort a shadow fell over us. Turning around, I looked up just in time to see one of the dragons open its mouth to unleash a torrent of flames. "Oh fuck!"

"Run!"

I booked it as fast as my legs could carry, the heat of the fire was licking the back of my neck. I moved left and right to avoid falling chunks of stone and wood.

"Don't worry, you're almost there," Aura shouted over flames.

"Oh Gee, thanks," I snapped in anger and pain as a small stone grazed my arm. "I'd be much happier if someone could help me by creating some kind of distraction!"

"I told you that's not how it works! Guides have to follow the rules!"

"Oh, fuck the rules!" I dove to the side as soon as I exited the alley, narrowly avoiding the flames. "I'm not gonna end up turned into barbeque!"

"Hold on, lad! I've got you!" The next thing I knew, I was grabbed by the back of my coat and lifted off the ground. I let out a yelp as I briefly flailed and grabbed my hat before it fell off.

"What the hell?" I found myself being placed on the back of a massive, eagle-headed, leonine-bodied, winged gryphon. Sitting in front of me was Glodin wielding a massive hammer. His hair and beard were whipping furiously in the wind.

"You alright kid?" He called from over his shoulder. "That was a pretty close call!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm ok," I placed my hand on my chest as I steadied my breath. "Thank you!"

"Don't mention it!" He responded as he twirled his double-edged battle-ax. Off to our right, I could make see one of the dragons heading toward us. "Now hold on tight! Things are about to get insane!"

I had to give the gryphon credit. Although much smaller than the crimson giant, the gryphon made up for the size difference with huge, razor-sharp talons that, according to Glodin, could tear off dragon scales and beaks that could rip into the flesh beneath. In addition, the gryphon could move more swiftly and abruptly through the sky and turn at angles the dragon could not match.

The dwarves themselves proved they didn't simply manage their mounts, either. I remembered back in The Sea Boar, the trio told me about how their battle-axes were made of a metal akin to adamantium, with blades that could cut through even the bony, scaled heads of the dragons. They told me a tale about "the great gryphon-rider Kurdran" who had managed to strike down a dragon more immense than this one with just one well-aimed blow from an ax like theirs.

Things got pretty intense as the three gryphons circled their two foes, forcing them to constantly turn from side to side to see which one threatened most. The dwarves immediately took advantage of that fact, making their mounts dart in and out, much to the growing frustration of the two dragons. The long beards and ponytails of the dwarves fluttered in the wind as they, to my surprise, literally laughed in the face of the giant behemoths. I could tell the bellowing laughter was really pissing the dragons off, as they slashed about madly while also letting out spurts of flame.

"Quite an exciting day, huh lad?" Glodin called out to me as he took a break from laughing.

"Exciting is a word for it, Glodin," I responded as I tightened my grip on the gryphon being careful not to hold hard enough that I could pull its feathers out. "I will admit, I did not think this was the direction my day would turn."

"Well, how would you like to turn it toward a more glory-filled direction?"

"What are you talking about?" I tightened my grip as we swerved to avoid a huge blast of flame.

"I'm talking about helping us drive these bastards off! After seeing the way you take out Grog I know you can leave a mark on these beasts."

"Are you crazy?!" I snapped as he moved us closer to the dragons. "What happened with Grog was pure luck! I told you guys back in the tavern, that was the first time I used magic! In what way could I possibly harm a dragon?"

Suddenly the gryphon veered away from the battle and landed on a building along the edge of Hasic. Before I could ask what he was doing Glodin asked me to dismount so he could speak to me face to face.

"Do you know why we invited you to sit with us, Casey?"

I blinked in surprise. I was genuinely expecting him to tell me to sit out of the fight. "Uh, I assumed it was because of how I handled Grog."

He shook his head. "No lad, the three of us saw a spark in you. The spark of someone capable of becoming something great. You've got potential in you kid, we all see it. Even if you don't."

We stood there for several seconds in silence before I arched an eyebrow. "Not to ruin the moment, but you do realize how cliche and cheezy that sounds right?"

Glodin chuckled lightly. "You got me there lad, but my point still stands. Whether you believe it or not."

I sighed. "Glodin, I'm grateful you and the others-"

"Casey, look out!"

I barely had time to register Aura's scream as Glodin's gryphon let out its own screech of alarm, disorientating me. The next thing I knew, Glodin grabbed my arm.

"Take care of yourself, lad!" He shouted as he flung me to another roof.

Time slowed as I flew through the air, watching as Glodin and his gryphon were lost in an explosion.

"Glodin..."

I don't know how long I stood there staring at the wreckage, and I honestly didn't care. Glodin was gone. I couldn't even register Aura frantically swirling all around me.

"Casey? Casey! Come on, I need you to move! It's coming back around! Snap out of it!"

He's gone.

"I'm sorry about Glodin, but now is not the time to dwell on it! Not where there's a freaking dragon on its way to roast you!"

In the growing list of things, I didn't expect to happen today the death of a friend ranked at the top.

"Casey, look at me. LOOK AT ME."

Slowly looking up, I came face to face with an immensely glowing Aura.

"I know the urge you have to blame yourself for what happened to Glodin is very overwhelming but you can't let it tear you down. And I don't mean to make this quick but there is a dragon after us. Glodin gave his life to save you believing that you could become something great. I know you're scared, I am too, but I won't leave your side. You have the power to become something great, but you have to earn it. So pick yourself up and let's kick that dragon's ass!"

Clenching my fists, I found myself pushed by something more than determination. I smiled. "Let's fucking do this."

Lucky for us, Glodin and Molok had drawn the dragon's attention as Aura gave her pep talk. The other dragon was nowhere to be seen, most likely driven off. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, I made my way toward them, slowly channeling magic through my hands.

"Remember, you have to stay calm while using your power," Aura explained as she zipped next to me. "If you falter, it can lead to serious consequences."

I eyed her. "What kind of consequences?"

"Oh you know, the usual. At least, the spell will just dissipate, at most, you will end up blown to bits."

I skidded to a halt. "Seriously?"

"Well, there's also twisted limbs, lesions, excessive vomiting, spontaneous combustion, internal blee-"

"Th-thanks Aura," I held up a hand to stop her. "I-I get the picture."

"Right sorry. Anyway, I think we're close enough."

Up above, we could see Falstad and Molok were having trouble with the remaining dragon. It spun around wildly spewing fire toward the gryphons whenever they veered too close. The good news for me was that it hadn't noticed my approach which gave me the perfect opportunity to hit it with a spell.

Looking down at my hands, I could see blue energy faintly bounce around my fingers. Focusing on that energy, I closed my eyes and imagined an orb of energy forming over my palms. I felt the energy surge in response. Opening my eyes, I saw strings of blue magic extending from the tips of my fingers connecting together to form an orb the size of a baseball.

"Great job," Aura floated close to the orb, appearing to study it. "Now remember to concentrate."

I had to hurry though, Falstad and Molok couldn't hold on forever. Looking at the orbs pulsing over my hands, something familiar came to mind. Raising my right hand slowly, I tilted it as slowly and carefully as I could muster, making sure not to break my focus.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Asked as I moved my body into a certain pose.

I watched as the orbs combined into one the size of a basketball. "Hey Aura, have I ever told you about a game called Street Fighter?"

"No?"

"Well, allow me to show you a little move called a Hadouken!"

Yeah, that's right, I said it. It felt appropriate.

The huge orb shot out from between my hands, speeding towards the dragon. Good timing too, as Falstad's gryphon had been knocked out fo the sky by the dragon's wing as it did a barrel roll. Its rider could barely hold on. Here's hoping Falstad didn't eat a huge lunch before all this.

The dragon moved in, opening its jaw to bite down on the gryphon's neck. And it would've, had the orb not grazed the right side of its face, and tore out the eye.

"Damn."

The dragon screeched in pain, clawing at his eye in what was presumably a vain attempt to cover the wound. I could see blood pouring down its face, and in all seriousness, it was hard to watch.

Glodin and Molok had taken advantage of my surprise attack by having their gryphons claw at the other eye, forcing it to switch between attempting to snap at them and attempting to cover the wound.

They didn't have to do much, the dragon quickly realized it was now outmatched, forcing it to flee like its companion. We watched as the gryphons snapped at its tail all the way to the edge of Hasic, breaking off once the oversized reptile with wings took off into the clouds.

"Nicely done," Aura commented. "Although that thing you shouted was a little overdramatic."

I chuckled. "Sorry, it just seemed like the perfect thing to say at the moment."

"Just promise me you won't make it like your catchphrase or something."

"No worries there, bud," Approaching the edge of the roof, I looked out over the damaged city. "Now let's see if we can find our way off this roof. These people definitely need some help."

I think there's a hatch behind you that'll help."

Looking over my shoulder, I slowly turned in an attempt to spot said hatch. I took one step and the roof under gave way. I barely heard Aura's shouts as everything went black.

I opened my eyes to be greeted by the sun above me. The wind brushed against me as I sat up. The grass beneath me was slightly damp to the touch. The view below was breathtaking, with clear rivers and powerful streams carving grottoes into colorful rocks and sediment.

The land was also patterned with geysers and hot springs which complimented the volcanic areas off in the distance. She wasn't lying when describing the beauty of these isles.

As if on queue, a large shadow passed over me, followed by the sound of something enormous landing several feet away. Several moments went by as I continued to admire the landscape around me. The faint footsteps behind me grew louder with each second. A smile slowly formed as a hand was gently placed on my shoulder.

"So what do you think?" A gentle and motherly voice asked as its owner sat beside me. "Did it live up to your expectations?"

Keeping my eyes on the scenery, I slowly reach over to hold their hand. "It really is as beautiful as you described. Though even this can't live up to your beauty."

I couldn't help but join them as they broke down giggling at my comment. "After all these years you never fail to find a way to put on the charm."

"And after all these years it still makes you smile," I respond with a cheeky grin, earning another set of giggles. "I still find it hard to believe it won me your heart."

"You know that's not the reason, you goofball." Still grinning, I halfheartedly attempted to stop them from faintly bopping me on the head. I managed to turn it around on them and pull them into a hug.

"I wish these private moments could last forever. With nothing else around to break this peace," I burned my face into their hair, which warmed up as though it was a heatable blanket adjusting itself.

"Wishes like that are nigh impossible for beings like us, my love," they responded with mild disappointment. "Our responsibilities keep us grounded for the time being."

Letting out a soft sigh, I held them closer being mindful of their horns. They leaned into the gesture, clearly thinking the same thoughts I was. To get away from the world's constant turmoils and find a little slice of paradise that was ours and ours alone.

"It's getting late my love," she suddenly spoke as she shifted in my grasp. "We must return before we are missed."

I closed my eyes in frustration at the thought of this moment of ours coming to an end. But I knew they were right so I reluctantly released them.

I watched as she stood and stretched, the sun shining off her armor. No matter what she wore, it did little to hide her figure.

Especially those curves~

She turned to me as she finished, looking down at me with beautiful golden eyes full of love. She offered a hand to help me up. "Shall we, my love?"

I reached up to take her hand...

My eyes shot open. The dream broke into fragments that quickly faded from my mind.

"What the hell?"

And that wraps up another chapter. I hoped you all enjoyed it.

Casey has faced off against a dragon. Not something expected so soon at the beginning right? Has anyone figured out the events around him?

As for the dream that quickly faded from his mind, it depicts a certain place from Worl of Warcraft. And the woman he was with... I'm sure you'll figure it out.

Until next time.

This is the EZ-GMR,

logging out.