A long time ago, there was a Human Town that was nestled within stone walls surrounded by Forest. Monsters made the Forests and the mountains beyond their home.
But in one particular Forest resting near a hillside mountain was a small Kingdom of Monsters which was ruled by a Black Dragon, who's currently living inside the top of the mountain.
This Dragon was big and had pitch black scales with large wings and yellow eyes. He has one large and curved horn coming from behind his head. The other one on his left side seemed to be cut off. On top of his head is a golden crown signifying that he's King.
He's the ruler of all the Monsters that live in this forest. He has many Monster servants but right now they are doing other duties leaving the Dragon alone in his cave to sleep. But then his slumber was disturbed once he heard footsteps enter his cave. This awoken the black Dragon as he opened his eyes as he got up from his nest.
Black Dragon: (Sigh)... Looks like he's back… again…
The Dragon left his nest as he walked to the entrance of his cave, all the while thinking about what happened in his life.
Black Dragon: (It's been months since I've lost my horn. I don't want to admit it but I'm starting to enjoy his company. But I know that this will never work out).
He reached the entrance of the cave and saw someone standing there close to the well.
Black Dragon: Did you come here to tell me more about your…
The Black Dragon stopped his own sentence once he got a clear view of something shocking.
Standing in front of the cave entrance was a Human with pale blond hair wearing a red cape. In his arms was a bundle that seemed to be moving, but what caught the Black Dragon's attention was the wounds on his body.
Black Dragon: Hero!
The Black Dragon rushed to check on the Human as he dropped on his knees, no longer having the strength to stand on his feet.
Black Dragon: What happened?! Who did this to you?!
The Hero looked at the Black Dragon, showing that he doesn't have much time left.
Hero: There isn't much time for me to explain. Please, hold her.
The Hero brought up the bundle and the Black Dragon gently took it in his hands. He saw that in the bundle was a newborn Human baby!
Black Dragon: Wait, isn't she…
The Hero coughed before looking back at the Black Dragon.
Hero: Dragon King… Please take care… of my daughter… Yuu…
The Black Dragon, now known as the Dragon King, was shocked at the favor the Hero asked him.
Dragon King: WHAT?!
Hero: Raise my child… well…
The Dragon King couldn't believe what he just heard.
Dragon King: I can't take care of a Human child! I'm a Monster! It will never…
But then Hero collapsed on the floor, and stopped moving.
Dragon King: …
The Dragon King couldn't believe what he just witnessed. The Hero was now dead before him. As if sensing it, the baby girl started to cry.
Baby girl: (Cries)...!
Seeing the dead hero, and the crying girl in his hands, pain struck into the Dragon's heart. And with that he made up his mind.
Dragon King: I promise… Hero…
And so the Dragon King began raising the Human baby, not knowing the bond he will have with her in the future.
The Cruel King and the Great Hero
Episode 1: A Girl named Yuu.
-Hillside Mountain-,
"12 years later"
In the forest around the mountain, footsteps were heard as a young girl was seen running through the canopy.
She has fair skin and is wearing a simple gray dress that only reaches her knees and the waist is tied with a rope. She has a black cape tied around her neck and on her short pale blonde hair she was wearing a yellow pot as a hat. The girl stopped as she started swinging a stick in her hand as she was practicing using it as a sword.
This girl had a dream, and that's to be a great hero like her Dad. And she has someone who helps her to make that dream a reality.
?: Yuu!
The girl known as Yuu turned around and saw none other than the Dragon King.
Yuu: Hey, Dad!
The girl happily ran towards her surrogate Father and hugged him, which he gladly hugged back.
The Dragon King kept his promise to the Hero and raised Yuu well for the last 12 years. It was difficult for him since he didn't know how to make her stop crying, but over time he learned how to properly raise her by getting some advice from his subjects. At one one time Yuu got very sick with a fever and the Dragon King became very worried for her. He was able to find medicine in time.
The Dragon King let go of Yuu as he looked at her.
Dragon King: Yuu, why don't you explore the foot of the mountain by yourself today?
Yuu: By myself!? Can I really!?
A bright sparkle shone in Yuu's eyes.
Dragon King: Of course. But do not wander far. Remember what I've taught you.
Yuu: Yes! I'm off!
Before the Dragon King could respond, Yuu had already run off, making her way down the mountain.
Dragon King: Oh dear…
The Dragon King sighed at her surrogate daughter's impatience. He knew the girl was always full of life and energy, never knowing when to slow down…
With these thoughts in his head, the Dragon King watched Yuu until she disappeared into the horizon.
Dragon King: Well now…
When Yuu disappeared from his sight, the Dragon King rustled into the woods, his appearance hidden behind the foliage.
Dragon King: I worry about her being on her own like this. I'll keep an eye on her from here.
With that he followed after Yuu in secret.
Yuu walked down the mountain as she recalled her Dad's words.
Yuu: All right. If I just keep following this path, I'll reach the foot of the mountain.
The Dragon King, who was hidden behind the bushes and trees, silently followed her.
Dragon King: (Don't forget there's also mean Monsters along the way so you better be careful, Yuu.)
Yuu calmly walked the path down the mountain while the Dragon King secretly followed her. Just then, up ahead a bush started to shake.
Yuu: Huh?
Then note one but three Raccoons of the Racoon Tribe. They are small Monsters that have the same pelt as normal Raccoons, along with a tail that looks like a dumpling.
Yuu then spoke in a brave voice.
Yuu: So you won't allow me to pass? Okay, then I challenge you!
Yuu reached down and then pulled out a… stick, and she held it as a sword, ready to fight them while the Dragon King looked with worry. He knew that the Raccoons are simple Monsters who sometimes attack not just Humans but also other Monsters, mostly because they're warry and just try to defend themselves. They're not much of a treat, but Yuu is very young so he couldn't help but worry.
Yuu: Haaa!
Yuu charged in as she swung her stick at them… only for the Raccoons to easily dodge them. She swung her stick at them but they kept dodging until she tripped and fell. The Dragon King facepalmed at this. Yuu then got up but then she was rammed by one of the Racoons. She tried standing up again but the Raccoons kept ramming her to the ground.
The Dragon King became worried and decided to step in, but then he stopped when he saw Yuu stand up one more time. And this time she managed to hit one of the Raccoons at the moment it tried to ram her. The other Raccoons attacked as well, but like before Yuu was ready as she timed it right and swung her stick at them, knocking them back. This was enough for the Raccoons to give up and run away. The Dragon King watched this with a smile.
Dragon King: (She actually managed to defend herself).
Yuu whipped a sweat off as she began searching inside her magic toolbox. It's magic since it can hold a lot of stuff inside of it. She found what she was looking for. A green-looking fruit. A Power Fruit.
Yuu bit on it and she felt her strength returning. Once she's finished she resumed going down the mountain while the Dragon King continued following her.
She arrived at a place where there were lots of tents around. She noticed carrots suspended in the air, tied in a string to a stick. She knew this was the home of the Conie Tribe. Rabbit-like Monsters that come in different shapes. They prefer living inside the woods as they enjoy the open space. She knew this thanks to one of them that's working for the Dragon King. She exited the empty camp since the Conie's aren't around, but then Yuu heard a sound behind her. When she turned around she saw who was following her.
It was a Moss Toad of the Froag Tribe. They are more round than normal Toads, but can move around with no trouble. Their tongues are sticking out and as their names say their bodies are covered in moss, with a few flowers and a little plant sprouting from the back.
Yuu: Hello, Moss Toad.
The Moss Toad responded… by stretching its tongue out and tried to lick Yuu, who dodged it.
Yuu: Hey!
She hit her stick on the Moss Toad's forehead, and started to let out a tear from the pain. Yuu started to feel guilty for hitting the Toad.
Yuu: I'm sorry, but I don't like to be licked! Here, take this Power Fruit.
Yuu gave the Moss Toad a Power Fruit who happily ate it. The little fella healed as Yuu caressed his head.
Yuu: There, please don't try to lick me again, okay?
Yuu then continued on her path as the Moss Toad looked at her before leaving. The Dragon King smiled at Yuu's kindness with other Monsters as he continued to follow her. Yuu was nearly reaching the end of the mountain until she found a big rock blocking her way.
Yuu: How can I go through this?
Yuu placed a hand on the rock as she hummed, until she got an idea.
Yuu: I know! I'll shatter it with my mighty sword!
Yuu pulled her stick in the air, ready to shatter the rock with it, while the Dragon King was shocked at what Yuu said.
Dragon King: (What?! But her stick will break if she does that! If that happens…)
The Dragon then got an idea. Yuu was about ready to bring down her stick to destroy the rock. Right before making contact, the Dragon King quickly breathed out a stream of fire that destroyed the rock before the stick made contact. Yuu had her eyes closed so when she opened them, she saw the destroyed rock and thought that she shattered it all by her lonesome.
Yuu: I did it!
Yuu celebrated at the feat she pulled off while the Dragon King let out a breath of relief.
A while later, Yuu finally reached the foot of the mountain, and standing there was the Dragon King waiting for her.
Yuu: Dad! Did you see me? I got all the way down here by myself! Aren't I great?
Yuu ran to her surrogate Father and hugged him, who hugged her back.
Dragon King: Absolutely, Yuu. I was very impressed.
After a while of hugging the two broke the hug, and the Dragon looked up at the sky to notice that the Sun was about to set soon.
Dragon King: Now then, let's return home. Climb aboard, Yuu.
Yuu: Okay!
Yuu jumped into his back with reckless abandon.
Dragon King: Ah, careful now.
Yuu: Hehe, sorry.
Her smile never faded, excitement having taken over the look on her face. The Dragon King then spread his large wings, taking off into the sky with a powerful flap.
Yuu: Yay! I love flying with you, Dad!
Dragon King: He… I very much enjoy flying with you as well.
In the blink of an eye, the two arrived back at their mountain den.
-Dragon King's Den, Hillside Mountain-
The sky was starting to darken as the Dragon King landed and Yuu hopped off.
Dragon King: There are some things that I have to take care of, I'll come back soon.
Yuu: Okay!
The Dragon King flew away and Yuu entered the cave, which is lit by glowing orange crystals. The cave was a little decorated with a carpet, red tapestries hanging above the cave ceilings, and a little ground decorating. Yuu then saw someone up ahead.
It was a Rabbit from the Conie Tribe. He has grey upper body fur and his lower body is black as well as his ears. He has red eyes and he doesn't have an open mouth, just multiples holes on it that makes him look like a Pumpkin decoration, and he's wielding a red trident.
The Rabbit took notice of Yuu as pass by.
Yuu: Hi, Mr. O'Hare!
Mr. O'Hare: Welcome back, Miss Yuu. Did your training go well today?
Yuu: Yeah! I had to go down the mountain all on my own while defending myself!
Mr. O'Hare: That's great, Yuu!
Yuu continued walking ahead and someone came to great her
A Harvest Stagg of the Stagg Tribe. He has a grey brown body with plants growing around him. A green bush sprouting white flowers is growing around his neck like a collar, and the tip of his tail ends with a white flower as well. On his "mossy" back grew three roots that acted like spikes, just like the 2 small roots growing on his forehead that acted like horns.
Yuu: Hi, Gren!
Gren: Welcome back, Yuu.
Next Yuu passed by a big bipedal Anteater with green fur and dark green underside straight down his tail, who's holding a morningstar and is wearing a red scarf around his neck. He's a Bandit Antgobbler of the Antgobbler Tribe. Was a "bandit" since he now serves under the Dragon King.
Yuu: Hi, Nick!
Nick: What's up? How's your training going? Did you even get stronger?
Yuu: It's going great, but I'm still not as strong as you are, Nick.
A small grey ball Bat with beating small bat wings appeared as he hovered at Yuu's face.
Yuu: Kiki
Kiki: Oh, welcome back. Don't cause too much trouble for His Majesty, now.
Yuu: I wouldn't!
Yuu then passed what looked to be a throne made of stone with carved spikes behind, where a big creature like the Dragon King could sit on. Yuu then entered another room that's behind the throne, where she and the Dragon King sleep. She did not notice a trio of eyes watching her from the shadows in the cave's ceiling.
-Nest, Dragon King's Den, Hillside Mountain-
Night fell as the moon's light shone through an opening in the cave's ceiling. The light shone where the nest is, and right now Yuu and the Dragon King are currently getting ready to go to sleep. Yuu laid on the Dragon King's large body with a sheet wrapped around her as she drifted off to sleep. Once cozy, the Dragon King would gently wrap his tail and arm around her.
Yuu: Hey, Dad.
The Dragon King opened one eye as he looked at her.
Dragon King: What is it?
Yuu: Tell me a bedtime story! About Papa!
The Dragon King chuckled at that cause every night she begged him for the same story.
Dragon King: Very well, where shall I begin?
As he pondered, however, Yuu shouted.
Yuu: From the beginning!
Dragon King: As all stories should.
The Dragon King collected his thoughts, then spoke tenderly…
Dragon King: Your Papa… was a hero unlike any other…
The story began with a beautiful landscape, where a Human village stands surrounded by a forest and a field of flowers.
Dragon King: Long ago, the world was nearly brought to its knees by a Demon King with terrifying power.
Suddenly, the flowers were burned away along with the trees, and rising above the fires was a shadowy horned figure with glowing red eyes.
Dragon King: Joined by other Monsters, the Demon King invaded the land of the Humans.
Monsters of all shapes and sizes came out of the fire and attacked the village. Destroying the houses and chasing away the Humans.
Dragon King: The Humans fought back, but they were no match for the Monsters.
An army of Knights then entered the battlefield, but no matter how hard they fought they were no match for the strength of the Monsters.
Dragon King: The Humans believed that they wouldn't survive. Having lost all hope, they were prepared for their ruin. But then, in one Town, a young man rose up against the Demon King…
Entering in the field facing the Monsters, was the Hero, wielding a roze sword with a star opening near the hilt. He raised the sword with one hand as he aimed it at the Demon King who glared at the Human, along with the army of Monsters beside him.
Dragon King: But that's all for tonight. You should get some sleep, Yuu.
The Dragon King's eyes began drooping just as Yuu had dozed off, a deep slumber ready to befall the girl at any moment.
Yuu: Dad, I… I love you, Dad. But I also love Papa. That's why… I'll become a great hero like Papa…
The Dragon King listened to Yuu intently until he heard her snoring.
Yuu: Zzz…
Dragon King: Finally asleep… Goodnight, Yuu.
The Dragon King raised his head up as he looked at the starry night, thinking about the hero that passed on his daughter to him before he left this world.
Dragon King: Rest easy, Hero… Your daughter is growing up…
The stars twinkled at the Dragon King's words, as if somewhere on the stars the Hero was listening to him.
-Short story-
At the Dragon King's Den, Yuu was heading outside the cave.
Yuu: I'm going out for a walk Dad.
Dragon King: Okay. Be careful, Yuu.
With that, Yuu headed outside as the Dragon King watched.
Dragon King: I hope she doesn't get into any trouble...
He then started thinking of Yuu walking peacefully around the forest... until a group of angry Monsters surrounded her and Yuu crouched in fear.
The Dragon King then started to worry so he headed outside to watch over Yuu.
He mantained his distance in the Trees as he watched Yuu happily skipping. She then felt that she was being watched and turned around... but saw nothing in the dark forest.
She turned around, scratching her head in confusion, wondering if she was imagining things. The Dragon King then sat up and sighed in relief, thanks to his black body camoflauging him despite him being out in the open.
Yuu then turned around and the Dragon King quickly hid behind a Tree, sweating as he hoped Yuu didn't see her.
Yuu: (Is... Dad following me?)
Yuu wondered if the Dragon King could really sneak on her.
Yuu: Nah! Dad's too big to be sneaky!
With that Yuu resumed her walk, while the Dragon King was relieved now that he can keep a watch on Yuu without trouble.