The Fire Within

Firroth the Clever soared through the skies, his agile body tearing through the air. It had been some time since he had a good fly, stretching his wings, the wind beating upon his burgundy scales. From this high up, the trees looked nothing more than green blotches while the rivers looked like thin blue threads. Firroth tilted to the side, looking to get a better view of the ground below; perhaps he’d even get lucky and spot an elk. Elk were his favorite: the meat, particularly juicy, with an herby aftertaste.

Leveling off a little above the treetops, Firroth scanned the environs, watching as birds scattered upon his approach. He felt a smirk grace his fanged maw; was he not the fiercest being to live? Nothing dared cross a dragon… perhaps the only creatures to rival dragons were griffins… and sabers when they hunted in packs.

Suddenly an odd noise ripped Firroth from his thoughts. Firroth turned his head, trying to interpret the noise… which sounded like a human in distress. Firroth avoided human affairs as much as possible. They were trouble and dangerous, especially after Quickfoot the Swift’s disappearance. Rumors spread about his mysterious absence, most having to do with humans. Firroth wasn’t sure what had become of his brethren, but he felt an evil stirring in the land, likely wrought by human-hands. And he feared Quickfoot had been the first of many to stumble across it.

In an uncharacteristic move, Firroth descended, heading for the source of the noise. Within seconds, he found a small alcove within the forest, a small human child collapsed and crying. Creating small updrafts with every beat of his wings, Firroth lowered himself, landing upon the ground with a soft thud. The wisps of wind caused the child, who was likely just a toddler in human years, to look up, his tear-filled eyes widening in shock and fear as they laid eyes upon the magnificent, burgundy dragon.

“I am Firroth the Clever.” Firroth introduced himself to the child, curious as to why a young human was so far away from its kind. Humans were pack creatures. They had created an assortment of packs from their ninja tribes to their mage guilds. “What is one so small and weak doing out here?” Firroth lowered his head, extending it so his large face came within a few paces of the child.

The child looked up in fear at the massive dragon, his tongue frozen in place while his body shook. Firroth let out a huff, the air leaving his nostrils causing the boy’s hair to be tossed about. “Do you not speak, human?”

Finding his voice, the boy stuttered out, “S-s-sorr-ry.”

Firroth widened his eyes, “So it does talk. What are you doing here, Mouse?”

The boy wrapped his arms around himself, still shaking. “I’m lo-lost” The boy swallowed. “I-I was ta-taken.” The boy looked nervously behind him, clearly afraid of something more than just the dragon in front of him. “By mages.”

Firroth narrowed his eyes. He knew the guilds were beginning to stir things up, forming alliances and hardening their defenses. And apparently kidnapping children… “Where are you from, Mouse?”

The boy swallowed, tears still silently falling from his eyes, “Sky Tribe.”

The dragon huffed, “A ninja tribe. I know the ninja tribes and mage guilds tend not to interact. It is odd that mages would capture a ninja child.” Firroth was sure there was more going on than what was apparent. He didn’t receive his surname ‘The Clever’ for nothing.

“I’m Colt.” The boy finally said, “My father is the leader of Sky Tribe.”

“I see.” Firroth stated, beginning to understand. “It appears those mages needed an important hostage. You’d do just fine, Mouse. Small… weak… yet tactful enough to escape.”

Colt nodded as he rubbed his rosy cheeks. “I couldn’t let them take me. I ran when they stopped to buy supplies.”

“Despite your shortcomings, Mouse, that was brave indeed.” Firroth nodded, growing fonder of this human child. Perhaps a little emotional and easily frightened, the child was courageous nonetheless. Firroth’s dark eyes studied the boy, an idea taking root in his sharpened mind. Clearly this child was an important asset; that being the case, Firroth could potentially strike a deal with Sky Tribe; return this young child and as a reward they could procure information on Quickfoot. Ninja were adept at gathering information.

“Why not come with me?” Firroth asked the boy, “I can protect you from the mages as well as return you to your Tribe.”

The boy looked up at the dragon with wide, blue eyes, not expecting such generosity from a dragon. “Really?”

Firroth nodded in answer.

The child slowly, cautiously nodded in return, deciding the dragon was his best option to return home to his tribe. “Ok.” He agreed just as his stomach let out a hungry growl.

Firroth laughed, “I hope you like elk, Mouse.”

________

Athena huffed, frustration setting in as once more they had lost the trail. They had been traveling for two days straight with little rest, trying to find Lincoln’s younger brother, Colt. He had been whisked away in the night by rogue mages… or at least that’s what everyone wanted to believe. Athena knew it was likely another guild that had attacked Sky Tribe, torching their village and stealing Colt. Divisions were swiftly forming between the tribes, guilds, and clans.

There were three principle constructs in this world. One was the tribes, an elite group of ninjas that trained their bodies relentlessly in the arts of battle, strategy, and stealth. Another was the guilds, which were home to mages, who wielded powers from the seven magic disciples: rock, wood, metal, wind, lightning, water, and fire. Lastly, there were the beast clans, composed of beings with extraordinary powers and capabilities, such as fairy cats, dragons, phoenixes, serpents, griffins, and sabers.

“Damn it!” Lincoln exclaimed, seeing the crestfallen expression on Athena’s face.

Athena bit her lip, not sure what to say to reassure her friend. The morning after Sky Tribe had been pillaged, Athena and her small party of four set out after the mages, desperate to find Lincoln’s brother. Lincoln, Athena’s childhood friend, had been in an unruly state ever since, fear for his brother consuming him. “We will find him, Lincoln.” Athena put a hand on her friend’s shoulder. His ashen blond hair obscured his face as his head hung low. “Perhaps if there is a town nearby, we can see if they noticed a group of mages pass by.”

Lincoln huffed and swatted Athena’s hand away. “Why would they pass through a town and alert others to their presence? They clearly went to great lengths to obscure their trail.” Lincoln waved his hands carelessly. “Even a wood mage can’t track them going through a forest.”

Athena narrowed her eyes at the jibe, but excused it, knowing Lincoln wasn’t himself. “I can ask the trees again, but they’ve grown silent. They must have had a wood mage with them that erased their presence even from the trees.”

Lincoln scowled, still unsatisfied. He walked away hastily, Athena watching him as he left. Athena had been raised in Sky Tribe, trained as a ninja despite her mage-like powers. Eventually she did join a guild in order to hone her magical powers. She had become something called a Hybrid: one who possesses more than one capability. She was both a wood mage and a ninja of Sky Tribe… although that wasn’t the only thing that made her a Hybrid.

“He looks displeased.” Came a calm voice, startling Athena. She turned to see Glaceon, a mysterious ice mage. Glaceon had joined Athena’s guild several moons ago, remembering nothing of his past and possessing an extinct ability: the capacity to control ice. All ice mages had gone extinct years ago… all that remained of their descendents were water mages.

Athena sighed and rubbed her temple, “I lost the trail.”

Glaceon stepped in closer to Athena, resting a hand on Athena’s back, reassuring her. For some reason, despite everyone’s suspicions about Glaceon, Athena trusted him. She felt as if she knew Glaceon, having met him long ago… but that was impossible. She would have remembered meeting an ice mage. “It is not your fault.” He soothed, his voice deep and calming.

“I’ll try to listen to the trees again.” Athena said, “But I don’t think I missed anything.” Athena shook her head, feeling dejected. Growing up beside Lincoln had made him somewhat like family, and she too was afraid for Colt’s safety and well-being. “Where are Sora and Salem?” Athena asked, having realized that the other two members of her party were gone.

“There is a town nearby.” Glaceon explained. “They went to get some extra supplies.”

Athena arched her eyebrows, “They took Night of No Stars with them?” Night of No Stars was Sora’s griffin companion.

“Griffins are good omens, yes?” Glaceon gave Athena a soft smile.

Athena shook her head, deciding to drop the topic. Sora and Night of No Stars had been together for years; they were used to traveling together. A deep ache resonated in Athena’s chest, thinking about Sora. Sora was Athena’s older brother, who she had been separated from when she was a young child. They had recently reunited, miraculously, but Athena could still sense the rifts between her and her sibling. And then there was Salem, a mysterious ninja from Shadow Tribe, who was also a Hybrid, being both a rock and lightning mage. She had joined Athena’s guild around the same time as Glaceon, yielding only that she was searching for someone. Beyond that, she hadn’t provided any further details, making her quite the enigma.

“Something troubles you.” Glaceon said, his ice-blue eyes searing into her deep green ones.

Athena shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to worry about her relationship with her brother or fret over Salem. Besides, Athena rather liked Salem. She understood having secrets; Athena had quite a few of her own. “Just anxious about Colt. The longer we can’t find him, the bleaker the outcome often becomes.”

Glaceon squeezed Athena’s shoulder, “We will find him soon. We have to be close.”

Athena didn’t reply. She didn’t know what to say. Luckily it was at that moment that Night of No Stars came into view, flying above the trees with Sora and Salem on his back. He landed gracefully; Sora and Salem hopped off soon after. Sora ran towards Athena, his deep green eyes meeting hers. “I have news!” He uttered, screeching to a halt in front of Athena. “The town saw a group of mages travel by this area only an hour or two ago. They must be close by.”

Athena widened her eyes, taking a step towards her brother. “Which way were they headed?”

“North.” Sora answered, “But that’s not all. The villagers said they were definitely mages from Firestar.”

“Firestar?” Athena said, shocked. Firestar was one of the mage guilds. “They’re trying to make an enemy out of the Sky Tribe, and in turn Iceclaw.” Iceclaw was the guild Athena was from, as well as Sky Tribe’s ally.

“And griffins.” Night of No Stars called from behind Sora, his regal body distinct and powerful. “Iceclaw took us in. My kind will not ignore such generosity.”

“It does not surprise me that Firestar is trying to cause a division. Their leader harbors ill-intent.” Glaceon added, his eyes narrowing.

Sora grimaced. He knew all too well how malicious the leader of Firestar was. He had held Sora prisoner for years. “You’re right.” Sora agreed with Glaceon, “But right now we need to focus on getting Colt back. Salem went to inform Lincoln. If we hurry, we can catch them by nightfall.”

Athena nodded, “Can you and Night of No Stars scout ahead and see if you can find them?”

“Of course.” Sora replied and in a blink of an eye, he and Night of No Stars were gone, flying away through the cloudy sky.

__________

Athena grasped her sword, crouching low behind the brush. The sun was setting in the West and they had found the mages from Firestar. They had set up a makeshift camp, small tents propped up and a fire burning at the center. Athena assumed Colt was in one of the tents. All they had to do was dispose of the mages before them.

There were 15 of them, all clad in crimson cloaks. Athena glanced to her right, finding Salem next to her, the mysterious girl alert and ready, her katana in hand and black hair pulled into a high pony. Past her, Athena could see Lincoln perched in a tree, an arrow notched. Sora and Glaceon were on the opposing side of the camp. Now they waited for the perfect chance to strike, which would be at dusk

Minutes passed, the sun setting lower and lower. At last, after Athena’s body had grown stiff from remaining still for so long, the sun descended beneath the horizon, plummeting the world into darkness. The only source of light was the fire coming from the camp and a few stars that poked through the dark, cloudy night sky.

Athena watched the mages attentively. Twelve sat around the fire, while the others had disappeared within the tents. Athena glanced up at Lincoln and nodded. As Lincoln drew his bow back, Athena and Salem burst through the underbrush and rushed the mages, drawing their swords in the process. Salem and Athena charged ahead, while Lincoln released a flurry of arrows, falling three enemy mages before Salem and Athena had reached them. As the two women reached their targets, the mages rallied their defenses. A wood mage quickly put up a wall of vines in their path to hinder them; however, Athena, a wood mage herself, lifted her hand and summoned her own thicker, stronger vines to combat her opponent’s.

Meanwhile, Salem weaved her way behind the wall of vines and slashed out at the first enemy she found, cutting clean across the enemy’s torso. Blood sprayed and the mage fell to the ground, unmoving. Salem was as ruthless as she was skilled. She flung herself at the mages before her, causing them to scatter.

At the same time, Athena’s vines overpowered those of the other wood mage and descended upon her enemy with a volley of strikes, impaled him repeatedly. Athena leapt forward, striking at another mage who was attempting to flee. She stabbed the mage through the back, her blade plunging through soft tissue all the way to the hilt.

For Firestar mages, they weren’t putting up much of a fight. Surely they must have expected Sky Tribe ninjas to pursue them. Yet they fought as if they had been completely taken off guard.

Just as the thought crossed Athena’s mind, a metal mage rushed her, metal spikes erupting from his palms, flying straight at Athena. Athena dove to the ground, spikes whizzing overhead. One did manage to graze her, but her thick armor protected her.

Rising to her feet, another wood mage unleashed sinewy vines, popping up from the earth, entangling Athena by the ankles. Athena hacked away at them, trying to break free.

Off to her right, Salem continued her onslaught, stabbing one mage through the shoulder and then sending a jolt of electricity through her katana, effectively electrocuting him. The smell of charred flesh filled the air, but Salem pushed onwards, chasing those attempting to flee. One of them suddenly fell to the ground, a well aimed arrow protruding from his back. The mage gasped and struggled to his feet, but Salem stopped next to the mage and slid her katana through his throat, watching as he grew still.

As the other five mages fled, the ground underneath them suddenly turned to ice and ensnared their feet, trapping them in place. One fell to the ground, snapping his ankle. Glaceon appeared, his elegant, snow-white blade in hand. The sword was as sharp, and as pretty as ice - almost translucent. He slashed at his opponents, who stood frozen, unable to react. Salem took care of the rest. Together, the two easily dispatched of the Firestar mages.

While Glaceon and Salem dealt with those who fled, Athena continued to hack away at the vines. Distracted by her task, the metal mage approached, firing tiny bullets at Athena from his hand. Athena noticed just in time, diving to the ground. One bullet nicked her abdomen where there was an opening in her armor. As she fell to the ground, the vines began to overtake her, ensnaring her torso, arms, legs… everything. Athena dropped her sword and struggled against the vines, the thin fibers cutting into exposed flesh.

It was then that a large creature descended from the sky, landing deftly on the ground next to the wood mage attacking Athena. Sora jumped from the winged beast’s back and ran to Athena, retrieving a dagger he kept sheathed underneath his leather armor. Night of No Stars took a step towards the wood mage, who cowered away from the griffin, terrified. With one quick snap of his beak, Night of No Stars bit into the mage, snapping his spine, and crushing his abdomen. The griffin let the limp body fall from his maw.

Sora quickly cut away the vines restricting Athena, which had weakened considerably now that their wielder was dead.

As Athena broke free, she cried, “Look out!” And shoved Sora to the side, metal projectiles darting past them. Two embedded themselves into Athena’s bicep, deep enough to go through her armor. She yanked them out while Sora leapt to his feet. Although Athena was a wood mage, her brother was a wind mage, inheriting the ability to control the wind from their mother. Calling upon his power, a gale of wind blew past him, knocking the metal mage off his feet. He hit the ground - hard. Sora whipped the bow from his back and notched an arrow, taking aim at his opponent’s chest. Then, with impeccable precision, he let the arrow fly, impaling the mage; He was killed instantly.

Sora bolted over to Athena, grasping her by the arm. “Are you alright?” He asked, a concerned look in his eyes.

Athena nodded, “Yes.”

However, her answer was drowned out as a loud cry echoed throughout the clearing. It was Lincoln.

While the others had been disposing of the enemy mages, Lincoln was raiding the camp, searching the tents for Colt. However, Colt was nowhere to be found. In his rage and dismay, Lincoln tore the tents apart, knowing his brother had to be there… He had to be!

As Lincoln searched frantically, a mage that had been scouting for any traces of their escaped hostage, returned. He immediately spotted Lincoln, and with a snap of his fingers, the young ninja was engulfed in flames. All heads snapped in the direction of Lincoln’s shrill cries, which tore through the clearing. Athena and Sora instantly burst into action, Athena running towards Lincoln while Sora pursued the fire mage.

Athena dove at Lincoln, tackling him to the ground as she tried to smother the flames that consumed him. She summoned a hardy bark, composed of lignin, a natural, flame-resistant polymer The wood emanated from her hands, instantly shrouding Lincoln in a protective covering. When this was done, Athena clawed at the ground, throwing dirt on dear friend, all the while, wishing they had a water mage with them.

Before the thought could settle, the next best thing appeared at her side: Glaceon. Salem was right behind him. “Let me.” Glaceon said, taking over. In seconds a thin film of ice spread around Lincoln, quickly combating the fire as it melted. In the blink of an eye the fire was extinguished..

Athena wove her hand above the ground and a small plant sprouted forth, bearing plump orange berries. “Crush these and rub it on his burns.” Athena instructed Salem, whose hand was clasping her sword tightly, about to run to Sora’s aid. Snapping her attention away from her comrade, Salem glanced at Athena and nodded, her golden eyes glimmering.

Then Athena rushed off, joining her brother against the fire mage. Fire mages were the rarest of mages, besides the extinct ice mages. It was said the reason a fire mage was so rare was because their powers were inherited long ago from dragons. To access that power, one’s body had to be compatible with the ancient dragon blood. If not, then no power would manifest. Because of that, fire mages were sometimes referred to as dragon mages.

“Where is Colt?” Sora asked, his voice calm but intense.

“The boy is gone.” The mage replied, his dark eyes sly and ominous.

“Gone?” Athena repeated in alarm, her hand instinctively reaching for her blade. “If you killed him…”

“He escaped.” The mage replied, cutting Athena off. “But one of you will suffice as a substitute!” The fire mage attacked, flinging a ball of fire at Athena and Sora. Sora lunged to the side, while Athena faced it head on, cleaving it in two with her sword. She was angry now. Charging the fire mage, Athena cut across the air with her sword, just missing her target. Following close behind was Sora, who hurled a gust of wind at their enemy, blowing him backwards.

The fire mage dug his feet into the ground, grinding to a halt. The mage quietly chuckled, clearly amused. “You think a wood mage and a wind mage can defeat me? Both are merely fuel for my fire!” He cackled. Suddenly, flames sprouted from the ground, encircling the three of them. The flames reached for the sky, trapping the siblings.

Sora’s wind power was useless now, as it would only fuel the ferocity of the fire. Instead, Sora drew his bow and fired a flurry of arrows. The fire mage knocked them out of the sky with his fire, but Sora’s assault provided Athena with enough time to close the distance.

Once close enough, Athena lashed out. The mage noticed Athena’s proximity, but it was too late. Trying to retreat, one of Sora’s arrows finally met its target and sank into the mage’s abdomen. Athena jabbed her sharp sword into the mage’s shoulder. As she twisted the blade in, the mage grunted in pain. With a swipe of his hand, he struck out at Athena, nearly burning her as his fingers burst into flame.

Athena jumped back, yanking her sword out in the process. The mage wasted no time, a glowing sphere, as bright as the sun forming in his palm. “Die!” He screamed as he flung the huge fireball at Athena. This one was too big to nullify by cutting through. Instead, Athena lifted her free hand. The flames crashed into her outstretched hand, stopping instantly. Slowly, Athena began to absorb the flames, diffusing them into her body. In seconds, the inferno was gone, the only sign remaining was Athena’s smoldering hand.

Stepping towards the mage, Athena raised her sword. The mage, in shock of what he had just witnessed, took a step backwards and tripped onto the ground. “What… what are you?” He stammered, surprised by her ability to neutralize his flames. Only another fire mage could possibly do that…

“I am the fire.” Athena whispered darkly as she plunged her sword back into the mage’s shoulder. “Now tell me where Colt is.”

The mage could have sworn there was a dark glimmer to the girl’s verdant eyes. “He escaped. North. But good luck finding him. He’s gone.”

Athena looked over at Sora, who was a few paces away. “Deal with him.” Athena bit out, then extracted her sword from the mages shoulder and headed north, the wall of flames that encircled them, evaporating.

“Athena!” Sora called after her, but she did not listen. Athena had to find Colt!

She bolted through the woods, which were shrouded in shadows as night had fallen. Her ninja training had taught her how to maneuver through the darkest of forests. Thus she raced onwards, without hesitation. Some instinctual force pulled her forward, and she knew deep down Colt was ahead of her, waiting… alive!

Athena burst through the trees, coming to a screeching halt as the mountains began to spring up in front of her, their tops disappearing above the clouds. She glared at them in frustration, knowing Colt was somewhere nearby. A trickling noise, faint but distinct, caught her attention. It was a small river in the distance, which had carved a valley through the mountains over time. Athena quickly followed the river, until she came upon a large alcove, filled with lush grass and brilliant, white lupine flowers, aglow in the faint starlight.

Athena hesitantly walked into the valley, her heart pounding in her chest. Something was here, something that sent waves of exhilaration throughout her body, calling forth the fire within her.

“Another insect.” Came a deep voice, as if the mountains themselves were talking. Athena looked towards one of the mountains, finding a gaping hole inside of it, two dark amber eyes glowing from within the depths.

Athena already knew what awaited her in the dark cavern; she could feel it in her blood: a dragon. Cautiously, Athena walked towards the dragon, recalling that they were astute and proud creatures. Stopping just outside the cavern, Athena spoke. “I am Athena, a wood mage from Iceclaw and a ninja of Sky Tribe. I am looking for a young boy from Sky Tribe.”

The dragon huffed, his large scaly head appearing from the depths as he took a step forward. Athena stared in awe at his burgundy scales and formidable body. All the legendary beasts were miraculous creatures, but dragons always astounded Athena the most. “A wood mage.” The dragon snorted, “Nothing more than kindling to a dragon.” Their gazes met, staring deeply into each other’s orbs. The dragon narrowed his eyes, sensing something familiar about this human. “You are no wood mage.” The dragon leaned his head down towards Athena, coming only an arm’s length away from her as the dragon took the girl in. “I sense the fire within you.” The two stared at each other for sometime longer, Athena bravely standing her ground as she tried to prevent her body from trembling. The dragon then chuckled and withdrew, seeming amused by something. “You have the spirit of a dragon. Perhaps…” The dragon regarded Athena with cool eyes.

Swallowing, Athena took a step forward, “Have you seen a small child? He’s only a few years old. His name is-”

“Colt.” The dragon finished for Athena. Lifting a clawed foot, the dragon pointed into the cavern. Not thinking twice about the potential danger, Athena rushed into the cavern, quickly finding Colt curled up next to a small fire, asleep. Athena swiftly embraced the slumbering boy, relief washing over her. Notwithstanding a few scrapes and bruises, he was alive and well.

Athena looked up at the dragon, who had trailed behind her. “Thank you.” She said, her voice echoing in the cavern.

The dragon’s amber eyes glistened and danced like a flickering flame. “My name is Firroth the Clever.” He stated, finally introducing himself. “The boy was quite courageous.”

Athena smiled down at Colt. “I would expect nothing less of a Sky Tribe ninja.”

The dragon huffed, the wind from his nostrils causing the fire to dance rapidly. “Trivialities, you humans and your associations.”

“It is our way of life.” Athena explained, “Just as you dragons have your own code you live by.”

Firroth narrowed his eyes, but a smirk played at his fanged maw; he decided he liked this girl, who had fire boiling in her veins. That fire called to him, and perhaps it was for that reason he spoke his next words. “Those after the boy-”

“Firestar.” Athena growled, clearly angry.

Firroth frowned, “It would seem that guild has malicious intent.”

Athena nodded, “They are trying to start a war between the guilds and tribes. Probably even the clans. I’m sure Firestar would love to recruit their namesake to their side.” Athena gave Firroth a pointed look as Firestar had been created eons ago by dragon mages.

“I do not doubt it.” Firroth replied, studying the girl calmly. “I think Firestar may have much more nefarious intentions for my kind. One of my brethren, Quickfoot the Swift, has gone missing. I have an uneasy feeling that Firestar may be involved.”

“Is that so?” Athena asked.

Firroth nodded. “Yes, Little Mouse. Since we both share the same enemy, perhaps we can help each other out.”

Athena’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting an alliance?”

Firroth met Athena’s green gaze, and gave a firm, resolute nod.

Athena mulled over the dragon’s proposal, knowing the aid of a dragon would be a tremendous asset. Finally Athena nodded, a smile gracing her face. “Very well, Firroth the Clever. I accept your proposition. I will help you find your friend Quickfoot the Swift. In return I will need your help in stopping Firestar and this looming war.”

Firroth smirked. He had a feeling this human would be able to lead him to answers. Thus, for the first time in many years, a dragon and a human struck an alliance, one that would set the world aflame.