After a tight election with some other candidates. President Ethan Johnson came out on top and successfully won the election of the Federal Union of Oceania.

One of his first acts was to mandate the creation of the Oceanic Space Force. A new branch of the Oceanic Armed Forces.

All Nation Leaders on Abbaddon have been invited to attend the Ball for Prince David's 18th Birthday. All Nation Leaders on Abbaddon have been invited to attend the Ball for Prince David's 18th Birthday.

The Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Niktobr cordially accepts the invitation to attend Prince David's Birthday Celebrations. President Gaius August will be in attendance together with Zlo Doshak, Niktobrian Ambassador to Draganasia and Jareth Freeman, Niktobrian Foreign Affairs Minister.

The Department of Government of Walshitopia has been notified that President Roman amicably accepts the invitation to attend such a special occasion.

The President of Oceania notifies he will attend the Ball along with other Oceanic leaders and figureheads.

President Roman has called for a meeting with Walshitopia's National Defense Council today to gain an update in regard to a growing terrorist cell located outside of St. Patrick, the nation's capital and most populous city.

President Roman: "I bring this meeting to order at 6:00 PM, now what brings the advancement of this meeting?"

General Johnson, Senior Council Director: "Mr. President, since the outcome of the election we have gained intelligence that a domestic terrorist cell is known as 'Brothers of the New Republic' has been rapidly growing popular throughout the country."

Major Michaels, Junior Council Advisor: "We have three informants that notified us that the group is accumulating mass amounts of weapons including automatic and bolt action rifles, chemical weaponry, and thousands of rounds of ammunition."

Vice President Jacobs: "The informants also advised us that they are rapidly growing, currently with around 7,000 members. General Johnson stated that they are using advanced reconnaissance and security methods to track high-ranking members, but it has posed to be a difficult challenge as their largest base is located in the vast forests surrounding the capital city. This area spans thousands of square miles and our informants were transported blindfolded via airplane and jeep, followed by weeks worth of hiking until reaching the base.

General Johnson, Senior Council Director: "This area is extremely isolated, with little to no cellular reception. Our main informant has gained trust amongst the group and will keep us notified with any ongoing developments."

President Roman: "Troubling indeed. Establish a heavy presence of Covert Guards at regional airports and monitor all flight logs. Have our SWAT and Forest Rangers establish a large roadblock in and outbound of major forest roads. In addition, set up several UAV missions to gain intelligence and see if we can discover where their base is. They will be planning something rather soon and we must prevent this. Meeting adjourned.

The day before his son David's birthday Jesse and Jake met with Emperor Brian so that he could give them a mission that couldn't go to anyone else.

Brian told them what it was. "Makarov has been spotted by (REDACTED) Intelligence agents at a forest base in their mountains. You two have been requested specifically because of what you already know about him because of what happened 2 decades ago."

Jesse. "It's been two decades and now is the time he chooses to be found? Something isn't adding up."

Jake didn't care. "It doesn't matter now. If we have a chance to save my brother we are going to take it."

Jesse knew what he was thinking but knew it was too late. "How many times do I have to tell you this?! Steven is dead Jake! We can't save him from what we are facing now. Even 20 years ago it was already too late."

Jake. "People have turned themselves in before when they realized what they were doing is wrong. How do you know he is any different?!"

Jesse. "Because we know what he is now and how he probably became like this. It might not have been his choice... But what if it was? We can't prove it to Jake and that is what makes him more dangerous than anything else we have been against before. Your brother that you knew is dead and you need to accept that."

Jake. "Either way we need to go there and find out the truth. If we move now we can be back before David's birthday tomorrow."

Jesse. "Fine. Let's do this."

Capitolstadt International Airport
03:45 AM, 1 Day Before David's Birthday

A motorcade pulls into the high security wing of the airport. President August steps out of his car together with Ambassador Doshak and his Head of Intelligence, Hansa Stahltuer. Ahead of them, a large hanger slowly opens its doors revealing a beautifully decorated aircraft with presidential livery.

Gaius: Are we all set for the event tomorrow? Do we have a list of who else will be in attendance?

Doshak: No changes since our last briefing. People of interest will be the Walshitopia delegation, as well as the high-ranking members of the Draganasian government.

Gaius is just about to step aboard the gangway to the Presidential aircraft when Hansa clears her throat. Gaius turned, half shocked, half amused that somebody would try to get his attention in such an unpresidential manner. However, he learned long ago to put aside Hansa's rude quirks. Whenever she had something to say, it was important to listen. Gaius waved his delegation to board the plane before him, and waited until he and Hansa were alone.

Gaius: Yes?

Hansa: I have something to show you, and it may make the party rather awkward for you.

Hansa whipped out a rather bulky manilla folder, within which were a series of maps, photos and blanked-out Draganasian government documents. Gaius' mouth dropped.

Hansa: The NID [Niktobrian Intelligence Directorate] has reason to believe that a certain individual has arisen again to wreak havoc on our draconic friends.

Gaius: Makarov...

Hansa: Quite the literal thorn in the dragon's scales, might I say. Our preliminary reports confirm that Makarov has indeed resurfaced, but how and why are yet to be known.

Gaius: How old is this information?

The question caused Hansa to smirk.

Hansa: Chances are, they are already dispatching their most elite forces to take him down. We believe they have triangulated his location to a certain area here, on this map.

How ambition and guns in the hands of one man can undo the hubris and might of dragons. Gaius thought to himself. He slipped the folder into his briefcase.

Gaius: I assume you want me to bring this up with the Emperor?

Hansa: Perhaps. The NID has been tracking Makarov as intensely as the dragons have. It would also be important to tell them that whatever they are planning to do about Makarov will not work. They're going to need more than magic and strength to find the truth.

Gaius nodded. The hanger was filled with the sound of whining as the aircraft's APU whined into existence, signaling their imminent departure. Hansa shot Gansa a calculated nod before leaving him standing at the foot of the gangway.

Makarov, why do you continue to play with fire? Gaius thought to himself as he boarded the plane, ready to travel to the Land of the Dragons.

Jesse and Jake would arrive in Walshtopia exactly as instructed.

In the 20 years since the Draganium bomb went off most people of Draganisia had found out about their new Dragon abilities which is why the rest of the world now called it the Land of the Dragons.

Jake. "He is here. He has to be. They wouldn't have requested us personally if it wasn't him."

Jesse still didn't like it. "Maybe but I still don't like it Jake. Why would he show himself now after nothing for 20 years? And why would it be here in Walshtopia of all places?"

Jake. "We will find that out once we get him back alive."

Jesse. "I hope you know that might not be possible Jake. You are just going to have to accept that. Let's get moving."

President Roman, his council, and the national defense councilors meet at St. Patrick International Airport for the arrival of Jake and Jesse - along with a motorcade and heavy presence of military including Covert Guards and Union Security.

*Jesse and Jake arrive at Walshitopia*

President Roman: "The wonderful delegates of Draganisia - the country and council of Walshitopia welcome you to our great nation. We are pleased to see your safe arrival. Shall we go to our National Defense Headquarters to discuss further?"

*Delegates of Walshitopia, as well as the Walshitopia representatives, are transported to the headquarters*

Scene:
President Roman, the Draganisia delegates, and top national defense councilors meet in the Red Room to discuss that matter at hand.

General Johnson, Senior Council Director: "Draganisia delegates, we have gained intelligence from a trusted informant that they have spotted Makarov at a base within the vast forests of the Richland area. We have established a reconnaissance and surveillance mission to locate the base of a domestic terrorist group known as the Brothers of the New Republic."

Major General Connors, Senior Council Director: "Our informants believe they are planning an attack soon, unfortunately, they are not sure what they are planning - but they are moving fast. Heavy weaponry, chemical weapons, and ammunition has been stockpiling for months now. At first, we did not take this seriously as we thought it was just an opposition movement following the result of the Presidential election. With a growing ground force of over 7,000 and the reported appearance of Makarov, this is... truly troublesome."

Vice President Jacobs: "We are extremely concerned and will be taking swift action. It has been 20 years since the detonation of the Draganium bomb and Makarov's disappearance. Both of our great nations must work together to capture or eliminate Makarov and this resistance."

President Roman: "Through our recon missions, we have established a location of the base. The Marine Corps has established a perimeter of 50 miles surrounding the base, eliminating all foot and vehicle traffic. The Crimson Air Force has stopped all air traffic around the area, diverting several light aircraft from landing at the local airstrip. We currently have 10,000 Covert Guards and 2,000 Marines preparing to siege the base. The Regal Navy has a command center 50 miles away, monitoring radar and thermal imaging via satellites."

Major General Connors, Senior Council Director: "Delegates of Draganisia, we have dealt with resistances before - but never at this magnitude or with the involvement of somebody as notorious as Makarov. Our troops are ready to go and have been preparing the operation for weeks. What do you suggest? Shall we commence?"

Jesse and Jake agreed. "Let's finish this."

They spent the rest of that day with the soldiers preparing for the attack and the next day was when they actually did it.

Jake. "I'm sorry you might not make it back in time for David's birthday ceremony."

Jesse. "It's ok Jake. Will make it worth it if we can end this right here. Let's go show them what Dragons can do. Weaver are you ready?"

Their favorite pilot answered. "Yes I will support you from above. I am also available for emergency extraction if you need it."

The first part of the attack went exactly as planned. The forces surrounding the base all moved in at the same place in order to box them in and prevent anyone from being able to escape.

However once they got to the center of the base is when things went wrong.

Jesse. "Still no sign of him. I don't think he is even here Jake."

Jake. "We still have to check their main building." Jake looked at the Walshtopia Commander. "Come with us. This was your Operation so you deserve to be there for the capture."

They entered the building but no one was there at all. However there was a large screen and a Dark Dragon appeared on it. "Hello Jacob."

Everyone else knew him as Makarov but Jesse and Jake knew who he really was. "Steven. Why are you doing this?"

He answered. "For you Jake. But more importantly for everyone in the world being oppressed by those currently more powerful than them. But soon that is going to change forever. The truth is that our father had the right idea when he detonated the Draganium bomb. But he didn't use the right stuff. The stuff that I now have and will use to change all humans to become like me. While you were changed with Light Draganium..."

Jake figured it out. "Dark Draganium. You are going to use Dark Draganium to change everyone else. The Walshtopia agents thought it was chemical weapons."

Steven grinned. "Exactly. I'm creating a new Dragon Empire that will take over ALL OF Abbaddon and then the rest of the Galaxy. What you have seen here is only a very small fraction. I already have an army larger than all of yours combined and it continues to grow larger every second. Now we are ready to strike and it's too late for you to do anything to stop us. I have hoped you would join me Jake so that we could truly be Brother's to the end."

Jake. "At first I believed there was still good in you. But now I see that my brother is truly dead and I have accepted. I will never join you in this."

It was too late. Steven was truly dead and now the one in control was Makarov. "I understand but I still can't have you try to stop me. Goodbye Jacob."

A quick beeping noise could then be heard.

Jesse. "He has this whole place rigged to blow! Everyone get out now!"

Jesse and Jake would quickly transform into their Dragon forms and try to protect the Walshtopia Commander but the bombs exploded earlier than expected.

It wasn't just the building that was rigged. The entire base blew up at that same time.

Shortly after that Weaver landed his helicopter next to what was left of the building as Jesse and Jake walked to it while carrying the wounded Walshtopia Commander.

Jesse. "We need to get him somewhere safe where he can be healed."

Weaver agreed. "Yea I know a place. A safe house in a small village in the mountains."

They went there in his helicopter. They were still alive but soon the rest of the world might think they were dead.

Meanwhile the Birthday Ceremony in Draganisia had already begun after the delegates from the other nations arrived.

Both Jesse and Jake were not there but at least his Grandfather Emperor Brian and Granduncle Gladius (Brian's brother) were there for him along with his mother Adria and his Aunt Alexis (Jesse's sister) and his cousin Sam and their friend Kait (both her mother and father were Commanders in the Draganisia military).

"Your fathers will be back soon." Brian told them. "But you know how important the mission they are on is."

The three of them have been in the military for 2 years now after joining when they all were 16. And with some extra training they all were qualified to even be in the Special Forces at this point.

David didn't like it. "We should have been on the mission with them. We know how to handle ourselves against Terrorists."

Brian. "Yes you do but they were requested specifically for this one. I didn't want to send in anyone else unless they requested extra help. They wanted to be here David but..."

They all knew why. "The mission always comes first. Especially against a Terrorist like Makarov."

Brian. "They will be fine David. I promise. And I never break my promises."

------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Makarov met with his Lieutenants. "Is everything ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. It is time to strike where they all least expect it. This time tomorrow we shall rule All of Abbaddon."

St. Patrick Times
Large attack in the woodlands of Richland. Vice President Jacobs reported dead.
Author: Richard Kensington

Breaking news from the Department of Government. Secretary-General Adonis announced to the nation that Vice President Jacobs is dead. He stated that there was a joint mission with Draganisian forces in the forests of Richland to terminate the Brothers of the New Republic. The siege commenced, but a series of large explosions ultimately detonated, obliterating the base entirely. It was reported that notorious terrorist Makarov was hiding at the location.

President Roman's status is unknown at the time. Walshitopia's Council Governor and Deputy Governor have been taken to a classified area. They are currently awaiting an update from the Department of Government, where the Council Governor is prepared to take the Oath of Inauguration - pending the results of President Roman's status.

The Department of Government is awaiting an update from military officials. We will keep you updated.

Queen Amelia Tang III of the Tang Islands had finally left Tangsand, Blue Tang Islands, and arrived at the Ball with her friend Queen Cinnamon of Cinnamon Hill. Viceroys from the Red Tang Islands, Yellow Tang Islands, and Green Tang islands also attend. The President of Oceania also attends with Amelia Tang III. General Elias and Commander General Leuthen of Anarchia also attend.

Now the Queen of the Tang Islands, Queen Amelia Tang III attends the Ball alongside other Oceanic officials. She is accompanied by her long-time friend Queen Cinnamon of Cinnamon Hill and some of her other friends.

As she walks into the Draganisian palace she notices a young well-dressed woman walking with what seems to be her father. Cinnamon identifies the tall male figure as King Harry Ormstein of the House of Ormstein of Hard Coast. His family was put up as the figureheads of the state of Hard Coast after the Great Northern War. The young woman following him is his daughter Helena Ormstein, the tall woman next to her is her mother who was a princess from Rowandale before marrying Harry Ormstein. Pacifica Lilith Ormstein whose first name means "peace" was hard at work trying to negotiate a peace agreement to end the civil war while she lived in Rowandale. While working to end the war she met Harry Ormstein the future king of Hard Coast, the two eventually married and became the figureheads of Hard Coast in exchange for their service of helping to end the war.

-----------------

General Leuthen and his wife Michaela Annalisa Simmons from the state of Anarchia introduce themselves to General Elias.

General Elias, "It is a pleasure to meet you Commander General Leuthen and Mrs. Annalisa. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I've heard much about your successes, General Leuthen, in Anarchia."

Leuthen, "Yes it's an honor to meet you too Elias. Anyway, how do you like these large gathering events? It's a lot of people just in one area."

Elias, "I get used to them, anyway, the Emperor invited me himself. So I had to come or else I would be burning a pot of gold. Would you turn down an invitation like that Mr. Leuthen?"

Leuthen, "Of course not! But I'm just saying that large gatherings like these..." He leans towards Elias's ear and whispers, "can be targeted for those who hate the government."

Leuthen moves back with his wife and nods, "Well, it was a good talk General Elias. I'll be heading off to discuss with some other officials. You can come with us if you want."

Elias shakes his head, "I'd prefer not. I have many other people to talk with. I'll be seeing you around I suppose. Cheers!"

----------

Helena moves around awkwardly and goes behind some curtains behind a pillar, away from the view of a large gathering of people. There is a table in which Helena places a small, plum-sized, round yellow mushroom with white spots. Suddenly the creature opens its eyes and yawns, its pink mouth and small eyes opening up.

"I'm hungry." the little creature squeaks

Helena. "Well you have to wait, I can't feed you right now."

"But I want food now!" the creature begins bouncing in demand

Helena. "Shhhhh! Abby I don't want anyone in this party to find you and get me in trouble. From what I know they could use you for experimentation. Or think you were made by witchcraft and black magic. Just stay quiet, okay, look I'll leave you here where you can sleep until I can bring you some food. Promise?"

Abby, "Noooooo. Don't leave me!"

Helena. "No. Now stay here. I'll be back okay."

-------

Pacifica, "Helena meet Queen Amelia Tang III of the Tang Islands. She's the figurehead of the Tang states."

Helena bows respectfully, "Honor to meet you, Lady Tang."

Tang, "Pleasure, Lady Helena."

General Elias, "How are the Tang Islands doing Lady Tang?"

Tang, "Better. The newly elected governments are managing the states well. If you're talking about stability. Well, the states are quite stable. The order has been restored and everything is doing fine."

Elias, "That's good."

As Helena listens to the conversation she notices a yellow blob bouncing around a table full of delicacies

Abby!

Helena begins to panic inside as she notices Abby taking a bite out of a small cake and swallowing. Then Abby moves towards some cupcakes and takes a bite and covers herself in red and purple frosting.

Helena notices her mother is busy in conversation so Helena walks away without looking back toward the table of delicacies where two couples are talking in deep conversation. Helena gets close to where Abby is biting at delicacies and hisses at her.

"Abby stop that! I told you to wait and go to sleep!"

"But I'm hungry! And the food is so gooooooooood!" Abby takes another bite of a cupcake and gives out a small burp

Helena sighs and grabs Abby quickly from the table without anyone noticing, and grips her in her palm preventing her from jumping out.

Helena, "You're staying with me and you're not going to get me in trouble alright."

After an announcement to everyone David would walk down the large staircase into the ballroom with both Sam and Kait at his sides.

David was wearing his full military gear but instead of a gun strapped to his back, it was instead the sword that Brian gave to him after he finished the main part of his training.

Sam and Kait however were also in their military uniforms but had their swords with them at their sides.

Brian knew it wasn't the most formal thing he could wear but it didn't bother him. "Still better than most other things he could have worn instead. Besides David is not as formal as others but that is not necessarily a bad thing."

After talking with others for a bit David actually noticed Abby with his Dragon sight. He went over to Helena as she tried to hide Abby.

"Usually they are not allowed at events like this. But I think she can be an exception." David said as he handed Abby some food. "I and my team rescued some of them from bad guys who wanted to exploit their abilities." He handed Abby some more food. "They are wonderful creatures. But also very vulnerable. This is why they need those like us willing to protect them. Their own Guardians."

As the Ball continued Makarov’s forces made their opening move.

A large force of airships began to attack the city. They used Draganisia IFF tags to make them think they were their own forces returning from deployment but as they got close enough they opened fire on the city when everyone least expected it.

Meanwhile other air fleets and ground forces did the same in other major cities all over Abbaddon. It was a worldwide attack.

“Get everyone out of here!” David shouted as explosions shook the Draganisia Imperial Palace. “Kait! Sam! Get my grandfather and the delegates here to safety! I need to go find my mother and make sure she is safe!”

As they got everyone to a safe area as instructed David went to the upper floors of Palace. He eventually found his mother Adria as her Purple Dragon form just after she killed two evil Dragons with her own sword. They had been sent by Makarov directly to capture or kill the Royal Family and the delegates at the Ball.

“These are probably not the only ones who have breached the Palace Defenses.” Adria said to her son as she put on her own military gear. During the last 20 years she went through her own combat training as well but focused more on hand to hand combat with her Ancient Sword also given to her by Brian.

“We need to get to the Military HQ bunker.” David told her. “We will be safe there and that is also where we can get more information about what is going on now. Let’s move.”

Indeed there were more of Makarov’s forces in their way but they were able to kill them quickly as they made there way to the bunker.

Eventually after they arrived Brian told them what was happening. “Their attack is not limited to Draganisia.” Videos of attacks in other cities were shown on the large screens. “At the same time they launched attacks on most other cities in every nation on Abbaddon. Right now we are holding out but from what we can tell the forces attacking us directly is smaller than those attacking other cities.”

David could see what Makarov was doing strategically. “He is cutting us off. The forces attacking us are just a distraction so that we can’t help anyone else who are facing the larger armies. He is going to take them all and force us into a Last Stand.”

Brian. “Yea unfortunately David I believe you are right.”

David. “Where is my father?”

Brian answered. “Walshitopia. We lost contact with your father and Jake after they began their attack on Makarov’s base there. We have no idea if they are even still alive.”

David didn’t believe that. “They are still alive. If the mission went bad they would have tried to get to the nearest Safe House in the area. That is where they would hold out and that is where my team needs to go. We will regroup with them and figure out a way to stop all of this.”

Brian. “Good Luck. The fate of all of Abbaddon may very well depend on you right now.”

David got his team ready. “Sam, Kait, Let’s get moving.”

District of Oceania, Federal Union of Oceania, Capital of Oceania

Secretary of Defense, "You will be safe in this bunker Mr. President. It seems that groups of rebels have gotten access to our IFF and have launched attacks on cities throughout the Union."

President Ethan Johnson, "What's the status on General Elias. Can he rally what remains of our loyal army? Can we even know if they are friend or foe?"

Secretary of Defense, "I can't confirm that sir. These terrorists have attacked some of our communication lines and have sabotaged our communication with the General. However, I hear his sister India is holding out with a loyalist force in United Enga."

Chief of Staff, "But what do we do now?"

President Ethan Johnson, "Every agency could be compromised, which means trust issues. I don't know what to do, we need to hold out and wait. And keep trying to get in contact with whomever. The Draganians might be a good star-"

Sounds of darts fired from behind are heard. Suddenly Ethan Johnson slumps onto the floor. The cabinet members notice the Secretary of Defense holding a dart pistol. She smiles as she looks at the cabinet members

Secretary of Defense, "Wasn't easy to get into this position to do this. But oh was it worth it. This government will now soon be undergoing a couple of changes. But some of you won't be there to see it."

Chief of Staff, "What's the purpose of this dammit, Megan Nelson!"

Megan Nelson (Secretary of Defense), "Change in government. Consider this a coup. By the time General Elias, Roberto, Nemo, and Tatar arrive back in Oceania. It'll be too late."

Chief of Staff, "Why didn't you mention Leuthen...wait? Is he in on this too?"

Megan Nelson smiles. "Maybe."

Nelson aims the pistol and shoots the others.

---------------

The state government of Anarchia declares its independence and declares the formation of the Union of Anarchia in opposition to what remains of the government of Oceania. Any resistance in the main borders of Anarchia is swiftly met with intervention by paramilitary groups and military divisions corrupted by the Anarchian rebel movement.

Anarchian state troopers begin launching attacks onto other states in Oceania where several cities declare themselves as "open cities" hoping to be spared from destruction. Chaos erupts among the armed forces as loyalties become divided. Many soldiers find themselves pledging loyalty to the Union of Anarchia under pressure from their superior officers.

-------

Draganisian Military HQ, Draganisia

General Elias, "India do you copy?"

India (radio), "Elias? It's me India. It's chaos right now back here in Oceania. Rebels have spru-"

Elias, "Are you okay?"

India, "Well yeah. My division is holding out in our base in United Enga. Though I don't know for how much longer. We're getting bombarded from all sides and our anti-aircraft guns keep getting pummeled by shells from above."

General Elias, "What's happening at the capital. With the footage, I'm seeing I only see fire and smoke."

India (radio), "No news. I believe the president is still there but hidden."

Socialist Unity Party Withdraws From Niktobrian Socialist Front

General Secretary Janick Panzerus of the Socialist Unity Party has announced that his Party, inherited from former President and now retired Communist leader Nikolai Schalov will withdraw from the Niktobrian Socialist Front it helped create and for the last four years, dominate. The move comes after allegations of savage internal infighting ahead of the Presidential Elections with several leading elements of the Front pushing for armed action in the event of an unfavorable outcome.

The Socialist Unity Party was founded following the collapse of the Communist Party eight years ago and was established by Nikolai Schalov, then-President with Janick as his right-hand man. Schalov united the disparate factions of the Communist Party under the umbrella of the NSF. However, Republic gains in previous elections and the fiscally conservative policies of Gaius Autumn's Administration have largely resulted in the erosion of the NSF's power base. This, coupled with a noticeably lethargic leadership has led political watchdogs to predict this election to be a Republic Party landslide victory.

Dr. Hans Weiskuste from the Capitolstadt Political Science Institute comments;

"This level of inactivity from the NSF is shocking, especially as they are now facing to face with an opposing ideology that so far, has done much for the nation."

The Party's departure from the NSF is largely believed to be one of Janick Panzerus' moves to shift the Socialist Unity Party away from archaic socialist ideologies and more towards modern democratic socialism. However, some political commentators have claimed the move was done for different reasons.

Just yesterday, sensitive internal NSF documents, allegedly leaked by a disgruntled party member, claim that several elements of the NSF have aligned themselves with foreign agents, with one document even claiming that NSF members have met with agents aligned to Makarov, the infamous terrorist leader made famous for his terror campaigns in Draganisia and St Abbaddon. Whether this is true or not, President Gaius August has made it clear that the Niktobrian Presidential Election is of high priority to the nation's security forces, and the intervention of any hostile actor will be dealt with swiftly.

Attack on Rowandale

A fleet of ships from the Union of Anarchia (The Imperial Oceanic People) makes its way towards Rowandale. The ships use stealth technology to avoid detection by Rowandale radars. The ships move through thick night fog as they make their way toward the port city of Rowandale.

Admiral, "I've neared the waters of Rowandale. Do I have permission to begin the assault?"

Megan Nelson (radio), "Yes. Go ahead Admiral Totleben. Anyway, we've made significant progress back here in Oceania. Whiteshallow has surrendered after having a hard time fighting against our armored divisions in the plains due to the lack of armored units themselves. The Whiteshallowian state government has fully pledged its loyalty to us. However, the pockets of resistance that remain will soon be taken out. Our allies in the state governments of Willowstone have managed to get significant progress done over there. More airborne divisions will arrive in Willowstone soon. For now, you focus on your mission in Rowandale. Commander General Leuthen will expect Rowandale fully damaged by the time he arrives."

Admiral Totleben, "Yes ma'am. I will make sure Rowandale is in ashes by the time the Commander General returns."

The radio transmission with Nelson ends. Admiral Totlemen orders his officers to begin the bombardment.

Aerial squadrons from the supercarrier OSS Imperi Oceania begin taking off and hovering over Rowandale. From the Admiral's point of view. Balls of fire begin forming in the city of Rowandale with air raid sirens going off. Attack transports begin dropping in the landing craft of infantry and armored units.

As the Admiral watches the bombardment. A transmission from the city of Rowandale suddenly reaches the Admiral.

"This is...the city of Rowandale. If you receive this message. We ask for assistance! We are being attacked! I repeat we are being attacked-"

The transmission gets cut.

"They are trying to get assistance." One of the officers points out to the Admiral.

Makarov who is also in the ship speaks,

Makarov gave an evil smile. "Let them come."

Officer. "But they will try to stop us."

Makarov. "I'm counting on it."

Admiral Totleben watches as long-range shore bombardment from the battleships behind begin dropping fire support for the amphibious landing operations going on within the coast. Eventually, as the battle continues, missiles from the ships begin to be fired at the city turning the night into a ball of fire.

Admiral Totleben. "Tonight Rowandale will be flames comrades!"

General Elias and several of the Oceanic generals begin making their way towards a chopper.

Elias, "We have no time to waste. If we don't get over to United Enga right now. It'll be impossible to make any movements in Oceania. The Union of Anarchia now has control over naval assets and aerial assets."

"Well, we better hurry up." Leuthen remarks.

King Harry Ormstein, "Me and my family will be waiting here in Draganisia. The Queen will also wait here. Right now we have no idea of the status back in Oceania."

Elias, "Which is why I have to reach my sister as fast as possible. The other generals will probably be holding out in our Underground. It's a bunker facility headquartered in Enga."

"How will we know if you'll make it?" Pacifica asks.

General Nemo, "We'll send a message...somehow."

"You'll be safest here in Draganisia." General Tatar sighs, "Alright generals. Let's get in the chopper."

"Good luck." Amelia Tang III waves.

------

Coppertown, Gold Isles, United Enga

Colonel Victor, "Thank god you've arrived. It's a mess further south. Your sister is still holding up from what I can tell."

Leuthen, "Can we reach her?"

Victor, "I've tried but it's impossible. They have air support everywhere and satellite coverage of this area. Luckily loyalist forces have secured the Gold Isles. But the island of Upper Whitnisia's main city Gaen is under siege right now."

Leuthen, "Then we'll head there to make our way towards India. Alright, boys let's head to Gaen."

Mountain Town in the middle of Walshitopia

Jesse. “Beyond the jagged edges of war, there were still Oceanics and many others willing to stand against Makarov’s plan to change the world.”

“Soldiers willing to stand against the tide.”

Weaver. “He still has life signs but they are weak. Who is he?”

Jesse. “He was the Commander of the Walshtopia forces we were with. But he is also their Vice President. We need to do whatever it takes to make sure he survives!”

Jake. “That will be hard even if he wasn’t injured. We have a ton of helicopters inbound and they are not friendlies.”

Jesse. “It’s Makarov. He is trying to take out as many loose ends as he can. I just got contacted by David. We need to hold this position until he and his team arrive.”

Jake. “So what is the plan?”

Jesse. “Prepare for an attack from the south. They will use the ridgeline for cover?”

Jake. “How do you know that?”

Jesse answered. “Because it’s what I would do.”

While a local Doctor worked to heal the Walshtopia Vice President, Jesse and Jake would fight back against the forces that Makarov sent after them. Luckily they had the help of the local militia in order to fend them off just in time for David’s forces to hit Makarov’s from behind and force those who were still alive to retreat.

“Dang that felt good,” David said as his team killed the last of Makarov's men who didn’t retreat. “How are you doing father?”

Jesse. “Better now. The doctor was able to stabilize the Walshitopia Vice President but to be honest, now we are not sure there even is a Walshitopia for him to go back to.”

David. “Doesn’t matter too much now. Makarov made his next move. He is leading a huge army and fleet that is attacking Rowandale. Why would he go there?”

Jake knew the answer. “That was the last place we saw my brother Steven. It was where we finally killed Nicolas Vinski and ended the Oceanic Civil War… but at a great cost.”

David still didn’t understand why. “Yea but Why would he really go there?”

Jake. “Because it is where this all started. It is where he Changed.”

Makarov walked through a church in the middle of Rowandale.

At the moment it was one of the few buildings still standing because he ordered it to not be harmed.

He eventually went into the basement that had been closed off to the public and within it growing out of the ground were large glowing red and purple crystals.

Makarov. "Soon everyone will be changed into what I am now. No more pain... And no more weakness."

He then contacted an officer. "Bring the device to the church as instructed. It's time to change the world."

Gaen, United Enga

Elias, Leuthen, Victor, and the other generals take a landing craft from one of the amphibious assault ships as they make their way towards the coast of the city of Gaen. Rebel aircraft can be seen skirmishing with loyalist fighters in the air above the city. Guns from the fleet of ships behind the landing craft, continue non-stop firing as a group of three corvettes begin firing on the fleet; which General Elias and the others had just left behind.

Victor, "Keep moving. Seems like the Anarchians got their own fleets now."

Elias, "So what's the status here?"

Victor, "Siege, attrition, gonna run out of supplies soon."

The main city of Rowandale was on one side of the island while the other side was pure wilderness.

Jesse and the team used this to their advantage as he had Weaver drop them off there. "No enemy ships are in that general vicinity. We can use it to drop in behind them at the Temple overlooking the city."

Weaver agreed. "Yes but you must get out of the chopper quickly. I need to get it out of here before we are detected by Makarov's forces. I will standby on the other side of the island and for your signal if you need an extraction."

Jesse wasn't going to sugarcoat the situation. "With how many enemy forces are in the city this may end up being a one-way trip."

Weaver. "Than I will see you on the other side, my friends."

Once they were dropped off Jake's son Sam got his Sniper Rifle out and used it to scout the city. "Makarov's forces seem to be fortified the most around that old church in the center of the city. Doesn't look like they even prepared for an attack from our side. Are you sure this is going to be harder than past missions we have done? Because right now it actually looks easier."

Jesse. "Makarov has always been one step ahead. But one way or another it ends here. Move in swiftly but keep your eyes open. That urban area is the perfect spot for an ambush."

As they moved in towards the church they prepared to be ambushed but it never happened. They were able to make it to the buildings near the church without engaging any of Makarov's forces yet.

David didn't like it. "He is probably waiting for us. It's the only reason we haven't run into any of his forces yet."

Jake didn't care. "Sometimes the best thing we can do in this situation is to spring the trap. Me and Jesse will move to approach them while you three cover us from these buildings. Don't fire unless I and Jesse fire on them or they fire first."

Sam looked at Jake. "Dad... Be careful in there. I know he was your brother but... It might already be too late to save him."

Jake nodded and he and Jesse began walking towards the church with their weapons down.

"I know."

As they approached a few of Makarov's soldiers aimed their weapons at them but then their squad leader told them to put their weapons down. "They are the ones he is expecting. Let them in."

Jesse. "Thanks for not shooting us on sight."

Makarov's Lieutenant. "We are not evil like you think we are. We all just want a better world for everyone no matter what any lying politicians say. If they won't do what is necessary to make the world better then we will."

Jake. "We understand."

They were let into the church.

Makarov's device was on top of a large round metallic table in the center of the church. It was already powering up and seemed to be drawing power from the table.

Makarov was standing in front of the table looking at it as they approached behind him.

"Do you know what this is?" Makarov asked them. "It is a relic from the Age of Creation. When Bahamut created the universe he also created many relics like this on countless worlds. He knew that humanity needed to change if we were truly going to ever conquer our Galaxy. He also knew that we needed to change in order to end all this endless war and suffering."

Jake aimed his weapon at him. "I know you are still in there Steven. It's not too late to stop this."

Makarov. "I am no longer the Steven you knew Jacob. I have changed and soon so will all of humanity. You think I wanted it to come to this. If we let things continue the way it is there will be endless wars and humanity will destroy everything on Abbaddon until all life goes extinct. Whether you agree with what I am doing or not I am doing this to save everyone on Abbaddon."

Makarov then quickly turned around and pressed a big button on the device. "No one will be able to stop The Change. Not even you Brother."

"That's just it," Jesse said to Makarov with a grin. "He might be your brother." Jesse then transformed fully into his Light Red Dragon form. "But I'm not!"

Jesse attacked Makarov while Jake tried to approach the device to turn it off while Jesse had Makarov distracted. But every time he tried to touch it he was shocked hard with electricity.

Jake. "It's too late Jesse! I don't think I can stop it!"

Jesse. "But I have an idea."

Jesse grabbed Makarov and picked him up before throwing him hard into the machine. But unfortunately, it just started making weird whooshing sounds faster. (I'm not good with descriptions ok)

Jesse. "Well, that didn't work."

Jake. "If we can find something rubber or like that which can touch it without being shocked we might be able to stop it."

A bright light in the middle of the device gradually got brighter before lighting up the whole church.

Jesse. "Not enough time." He then grabbed Jake and flew through the stone wall of the church. He broke through it as a huge blast of energy blew the church apart while weakening nearby buildings enough to cause them to collapse including the building they were blown into.

Jesse covered Jake with his Dragon body as it collapsed on top of them and the energy blast spread across all of Abbaddon and into Outer Space.

At first, no one knew what it did but eventually, people would find out about their new Dragon abilities which everyone now had.

Many people who were not already Dragons were turned into Dark Dragons just like Makarov. People still had control of themselves to a point but Dark Dragons were stronger, faster, and usually much more aggressive than normal Light Dragons.

Abbaddon would never be the same again. This was the beginning of Dragon World.

Jinha, "So hows life been doing Kara?"

Kara puts down a glass of wine and responds,

"Tyler dumped me. Took his stuff. He left the apartment. I thought you knew already?"

"No one ever told me. Not even you." Jinha responds. His eyes move towards a television screen in the restaurant but before he can read some words Kara interrupts him."

"Your the not the first person I've told, I thought Kayne would've told you. Or even Grace could have told you."

Jinha, "Well neither of them even said a thing. I even met up with Kayne three days ago here in The Raven."

As Jinha says that he notices a couple looking and pointing at the television screen. Jinha leans his head to the side of the booth and looks at the small TV placed in a wall of the restaurant in front of Jinha's side of the booth he is in with Kara.

One of the news hosts (Daniella Combs) is speaking,

"This is footage as you can see of an ongoing amphibious assault being performed by Anarchist Union forces from the land of Oceania. Rowandale defense forces have fallen back and focused defense on the main parts of the city."

The other news host speaks (John Ezra).

"The government of Rowandale at this moment has declared a state of emergency and is ordering for evacuations to begin taking place. Martial law has not yet been declared but it is a possibility."

Kara looks at the screen then looks back at Jinha.

"Not good news is it."

As Jinha is about to respond, a bomb can be heard from the distance landing. It shakes the restaurant as a chandelier falls to the ground and breaks.

Jinha, "We better get out of here."

-----------

Street lights illuminate showing groups of national guardsmen escorting groups of people away. Sounds of nearby artillery shells and bombs landing can be heard. Jinha thinks its far away where they are landing, but they are closer than they seem. Jinha and Kara follow a group of national guardsmen towards the marketplace.

Kara, "I'd never think that some group of terrorists would come this far to attack this great city."

Jinha, "Me neither."

Imperi Hard Coast, Hard Coast

Eliezer, "Hard Coast royal family has returned."

Beth (Elizabeth), "Yeah. They came to support the remaining loyalists fighting currently in the Hard Coast mountains."

It was now daylight. The invasion of Rowandale had continued but eventually a disaster would strike.

-

Eliezer is driving a car through the city when suddenly something shakes the car dramatically and makes it stop suddenly. Beth is shaked up.

Beth, "What just happened!"

Eliezer, "Sorry. The car just stopped suddenly in the middle of the road." Eliezer looks back and notices no cars were behind luckily.

Eliezer leaves the car and heads around to check for damages.

"I think we're fine." He yells at Beth.

Beth, "Then what happened?"

Eliezer, "I don't know. Anyway turn on the car."

Beth turns the car back on and it works. Eliezer gets in and continues driving. But as he continues driving into a downtown part of the city. Eliezer and Beth begin seeing groups of people spasming on the street violently.

Eliezer leaves the car and begins yelling for help. But as he looks around he notices other groups of people are spasming and shaking violently. Eliezer knows something is going on.

Beth yells from the car, "Whats going on to them!"

Eliezer, "I don't know! But everyone is shaking." Eliezer looks everywhere even walking into stores to see customers shaking violently. Eliezer walks back outside and notices black scales appearing on the head of a male who is shaking violently on the sidewalk. The man is mutating...

Eliezer, "Beth! Stay in the car."

As Eliezer approaches the mutating man, his head begins showing ears like a dragon but slowly becoming darker. Eventually scales rip the clothes and a dragon-like figure emerges however he is still mutating. But it begins hissing at Eliezer.

Eliezer, "Oh no. Can you talk?"

The male figure responds but rasping, "Help! Whats happening!" But as he looks at Eliezer again he hisses.

The figures continue screeching for help

"We gotta get out of here!" Beth yells.

------------

As Eliezer drives by several areas he notices these dragons everywhere. He knows there is probably no safe area within the city.

Eliezer, "We need supplies. We're not going back home."

Beth, "But where?"

Eliezer, "We need some guns. Every zombie apocalypse kit always and always will have guns on the list."

----------

As Eliezer drives past the Hard Coast palace towards a way out of the city to reach rural areas. They notice a teenage girl running across the street. Eliezer and Beth looks at eachother. Eliezer stops the car and jumps out. Beth also jumps out and they both begin yelling.

"Hey!"

The teenage girl turns back and looks at them. She runs quickly towards them in panic.

"Help! My mother, she's being attacked by black dragon figures! She helped me escape but...she didn't come out with me! Please help!"

Eliezer, "Where is she?"

"She's in the palace!"

Eliezer, "Wait what..." Eliezer takes a look at the girl and notices she's wearing a eudon choi red-yellow jacket.

Eliezer, "Are you Helena of Hard Coast?"

She nods, "Yes! Please help!"

Beth, "I don't know. Did she sacrifice herself to get you out of here?"

Helena, "She...said for me to run. I thought she was behind me but she wasn't."

Eliezer, "I don't think we can do anything...I'm sorry."

Helena, "So...she's dead?"

Eliezer, "I don't know...she could be infected for all we know. I don't wanna risk getting killed or infected. We have to go Helena. Your mother let you escape for a reason. You have to get out of here with us."

Helena, "I only wish she came with me." Helena sighs but accepts defeat that her mother is probably gone.

Eliezer, "We gotta go! Now!"

A group of dark dragons begin yelling curses at them as they begin running towards them.

--------

Eliezer, "So what happened?" Eliezer continues to drive through the city taking a different route that heads towards a rural town which Eliezer has been to before.

Helena, "I don't know...what I remember is suddenly my father and officials he was talking with began shaking violently. My mother and I rushed in when we heard terrible screams. However, as we tried to do something. They began turning into black dragons. Some of the royal guards that became into dragons began trying to attack us. They hissed and began spitting out curses and unfriendly things at us. I remember me and my mother running out of the palace. But as we passed a group of royal guardsmen who had transformed. She must have stayed behind. I managed to exit the courtyard and get out and run across the street, then I met you two. Luckily I managed to bring someone else."

Helena pulls out a small figure from her pocket

"I call her Abby."

The small creature opens its mouth, "Are we safe?"

Helena, "Yes Abby we're safe. So where exactly are we going? Also, what's your guys' names?"

Eliezer, "Names Eliezer Alexander."

Beth, "My name is Elizabeth Alexander. But you can call me Beth. I prefer that."

Helena, "So your both siblings?"

Eliezer, "Yeah."

Helena, "So how come us three haven't transformed?"

Eliezer, "I don't know. I just saw people spasming on the sidewalk and I got scared."

Beth, "We're heading for a rural town which Eliezer has been to before. Our best chances are if we get out of urban areas."

Aldenberg, Hard Coast

Eliezer, "Heres the outside shooting range I usually came too. Let me go make sure it's safe. This town is unusually empty though I'm not sure if it's because everyone is transforming into dragons."

Eliezer exits the car then heads into the shooting range. Beth and Helena wait outside; they both begin talking about their lives. Eliezer returns back with an AR-15 rifle. Eliezer returns back to the car:

"It's safe. We can go in. After this, we head to the gas station."

-

Eliezer pulls up a .30-06 rifle, Beth is inspecting areas of the range, Helena is looking at boxes of ammunition.

Abby, "I'm hungry!"

"Shut up!" Helena yells at Abby, "Its not a good time for that right now!."

Eliezer, "No worry we'll get to the gas station soon and the strip mall. We just need to load up with weapons."

-----

With the car trunk loaded up with a couple of guns and also ammunition. Eliezer drives towards the gas station and heads inside the convenience store to fix the generator.

Beth, "Start grabbing food and feed your mushroom."

Abby, "I am no mushroom!"

Helena, "You are."

Helena and Beth begin checking out the aisles of bags of snacks and stuff and begin taking out items that will be useful in the long-run.

Eliezer turns on the generator and heads back outside to begin repumping gas into the car. He tosses a pistol over to Beth.

"Just in case a monster jumps you or something."

Beth laughs, "Not as it can do much. Thanks for the pistol though."

---------

Eliezer, "Got gas pumped in. We should be able to drive for a bit longer. Now let's head for the strip mall. It's not far from here so we can just walk but i'd prefer to bring the car in case we have to do a quick getaway.

-

After checking the strip mall and gathering clothing and paper money(kinda useless now but whatever). They would loot one of the pharmacies for necessary goods. Eliezer, Beth, Helena, and Abby would head back to the car.

Helena, "How long do you think we'll survive? There are probably hundreds of thousands of those creatures hunting us down!"

Beth, "We'll survive you'll see oka-"

"Helena. It's time we move on. For all we know we could be the last humans left in this continent...at least I hope not. We'll head westwards into the woodlands; where hopefully we can settle and make camp there. We're going to stay alive, alright. I will kill as many of those dragons as I have to. I am not going down without a fight. Now let's get moving."

Somewhere in the Woods

Helena carries a pile of oak logs in her arms as she makes her way towards the burning flames of the campfire. Beth was off fishing further north at a lake which was north of the camp. Eliezer was working on stocking up new supplies in a wickiup hut while Abby was sleeping in a blanket under a tent.

The tent was from one of the stores which Eliezer and Beth had gone to loot. Eliezer and Beth usually took turns gathering supplies from some of the known locations they had found these past six days. They had gotten alot done. The SUV was near the lake where Beth was currently fishing. Eliezer did not want to waste more gas; to preserve some for later use when needed. When they traveled around the lake Helena had been supportive of making camp there, but Eliezer preferred further inland where there was more vegetation. Eventually all three agreed and began making camp south of the lake but still close enough where they could get there easily.

Helena throws in the logs into the campfire one-by-one. Making sure they go in then begins heading back to the camp, where she sees Beth coming back with a bucket filled with a couple fish.

Helena, "Good catch today?"

Beth nods, "Not as much as yesterday. But it'll do. Ice is starting to form around the water, we better get start getting these fish dried and ready."

-------

Eliezer, Beth, Helena, and Abby stand around the campfire exchanging life stories as they eat.

Eliezer, "My time in the agency and the military was worth it I suppose. I never expected something like this to ever happen in the world."

Beth, "Yeah. The skills we learned while in the army. Anyway, what do you think happened to the troops fighting in the mountains in the north?"

"Their probably all infected or dead," Eliezer remarks. "I doubt anything good happened to them up there. I don't want to explore over there yet. From what I know there could be those dragons everywhere. Strangely enough not all of them are black dragons. When I went over to that small town at the edge of a highway; there was a couple crimson red dragons I spotted. They didn't notice me at least. But not all of them are the color black. From what I've seen so far, they can be dark purple, crimson-red, and a really dark shade of green."

Beth sips a mug of coffee then sighs, "We still haven't found any survivors though. Anyway the last time I went over to that mountain town of Nternachy. I noticed it was empty of dragons; I stayed there looting for supplies for hours, but there was no dragons in sight."

Helena, "That's a good thing, right?"

Beth, "I suppose. They could just be migrating south for all we know."

Eliezer, "You know what would be nice," Helena and Beth look at Eliezer. "Getting some horses, because eventually the gasoline of the car is gonna run out."

Beth, "Long-term goal I suppose. Tomorrow i'll be heading out back to Nternachy. Helena would you like to come? There's alot of stuff I need to collect. Seems like everything here at the camp is good."

"Sure!" Helena is excited to finally get out of the camp for once and head over to help Beth collect supplies.

----------

Beth woke up Helena right when it was already dawn. Eliezer remains asleep in his tent as Beth and Helena begin preparing breakfast. Beth heads inside Eliezer's tent to wake him up, exchanging a couple words with Eliezer eventually Beth leaves his tent. Beth and Helena eat and then the two of them begin making there way northwest.

Helena, "Sun is high at least."

Beth, "We better get moving."

Eliezer feeds Abby some soup after Beth and Helena leave the camp. Abby then begins snoring once again. Eliezer heads over to the lake and begins to look at the edges where some ice is starting to form.

"Lake might freeze soon." Eliezer heads towards the car which is parked close to the lake and pulls out a rifle from the trunk. The rifle's unloaded so Eliezer grabs one of the ammo boxes and loads up the .30-06 rifle, he then heads out into the woods; towards one of the berry bushes where he plucks a couple of wild black raspberries and eats them. He makes his way back towards the camp.

He leaves his rifle on the ground and refuels the fire, he grabs some logs from a pile he made; then throws them into the burning campfire. Eliezer then does a couple of tasks like checking the drying fish from the rack, and examining the supply hut. Eventually, it becomes noon as he continues sharpening a wooden spear. Abby bounces out from one of the tents and yawns.

"Where's Helena?"

Eliezer, "She's not here yet."

----

The sun changes from a white color to now a blood-red color as it begins setting. Eliezer continues to feed the campfire as he places a pot and fills it with soup from some cans. Him and Abby begin eating as they wait for the arrival of the other two campmates.

For a while there was Darkness but then Jesse and Jake could start seeing more light as David, Kait, and Sam got them out from under the rubble.

“Are you ok?” Brian asked them as he helped them up.

Jesse. “Yea. Managed to save Jake from that building crushing us. What are you doing here father?”

Brian. “My fleet came to help you confront Makarov but… it looks like we got here too late. How is Jake?

Jake. “Yes I am fine. What happened? What do you mean too late?”

David. “There was a huge explosion that turned the church into a huge crater. Also… Something bad happened.”

Brian continued. “He did it. He did exactly what we knew he was going to do. He turned all of humanity into Dark Dragons who are now being controlled by the Darkness itself.”

Jesse. “How is that possible?”

Brian. “The Darkness isn’t an enemy you can just kill with your sword or gun. It’s a literal force of evil that takes the minds of those it infects and twists them for it’s own purposes. It… was also responsible for the Fall of the Ancient Empire by controlling a parasitic race we called The Flood but it was wiped out 100,000 years ago during the Fall. A suicide mission that should have killed me and Gladius as well but our friend Jesus risked everything to save us… And he did.” A small tear formed in his eye. “As for what happened that is something for another time. We need to focus on what is happening now.”

Jesse. “So what do we do now?”

Brian. “We save as many people as we can. There are many who didn’t change but that is because they were already Light Dragons but might not know it. We are going to gather as many as we can and keep them safe until we can save the others.”

Jake. “How can we save them?”

Brian. “We won’t be able to change them back but there is a way to stop the corruption of their minds and save them all… including your brother Steven. But… I don’t want to say more until we get back to Draganisia. Because it probably won’t work anyways so we need to focus on saving those who didn’t change first. Our next stop will be a port city in Oceania.”

Jesse. “OK. Let’s do this.”

Eventually the Draganisia Fleet would get to a port city on the Oceania coast where those who didn't transform were gathering to be evacuated to the safety of Draganisia.

Brian. "Luckily our ships have enough to evacuate all of them but we are running out of time. Our scouts say there is a large force of Dark Dragons converging on this location. After how they transformed you would think they would be feral but instead they are organized. Someone is leading them."

Jesse. "Who? Makarov?"

Brian. "Possibly but we don't know for sure. What I do know is that we need to focus on getting as many of them on the ships as we can."

Jesse. "Would be easier if they knew they were Light Dragons like us."

Brian. "These people are scared. Telling them that right now would possibly just frighten them even more. Just focus on your mission."

Jesse. "Yes, father."

Northern Hard Coast Woodlands

Eliezer, "Winter's here, and at this point we have still not made any contact with the outside world." Eliezer, Beth, Helena, and Abby remain around the campfire talking.

Beth, "I got that radio, however I still haven't received any contact...try again later I suppose."

"Though it seems strange if we are the last ones here...right?" Helena gives a short response to Beth's statement.

Eliezer, "We can try the radio again tomorrow. See if it works."

--------------

Eliezer remains fixing up some of the huts which have been used as food storage and supply storage for the group. Beth continues exploring around the camp gathering items. Helena remains on radio duty checking the radio if they can get in contact with other groups of survivors.

Abby, "Do you think we'll find other groups?"

Helena, "I hope so."

An hour passes...two...three...four...but the fifth hour a miracle...so we call it; occurs.

"Hello...we are...survivors from the south."

Helena jumps up in surprise.

"Hello!"

"Are your also a group of survivors?"

Helena, "Why yes!"

"We are groups of people in the port town of Ulesos. We are currently being rescued to safety by the Draganisian State...they are the last remaining--nation that has not been fully plagued by the Dark Dragons. Where is your location--we are here to help.

Helena, "We are located south-east of the town of Nternachy. We have a camp set up west of Nternachy Lake."

"We will try and send aid over to you...but it may be difficult. That is very far north of our location. Can we have your names?"

Helena, "Eliezer Alexander, Elizabeth Alexander, and Helena...Helena Abigail." She decided not to use her name. Also, she saw Abby she decided to make a quick last name out of it, to keep her identity hidden for now.

As the fleet waited for them Jesse and Jake lead their squad to rescue Eliezer, Elizabeth, and the Oceanic Princess they were with.

Jesse. "Eliezer you are ok for now but Dark Dragons are closing in on your position. Once we touch down you all need to be ready to jump in immediately."

Their transport would circle the position and they would see a lot of Dark Dragons flying towards them.

Jake. "We need to touch down now!"

Jake started firing at the enemy dragons using the minigun while Jesse opened the doors for those they were rescuing.

"Get on now or else we all are going to die!"

Although most weapons couldn't kill Dragons their claws could so if the Dark Dragons overwhelmed them they would not survive.

Eliezer, Beth, and Helena would immediately jump in. Helena would keep Abby in a pocket of hers.

The chopper would continue the flight as Eliezer would give a sigh of relief

Eliezer, “Not gonna lie. I thought we were the last survivors in Oceania. Thanks for saving us dude, we are really grateful.”

The chopper would continue the flight as they made their way south back to the rest of the survivors.

They would be questioned as they made their way back

Jake, “Is this Helena?”

Beth bumps Helena on the shoulder, Helena nods.

Jake, “How come you're alone?”

Helena, “Pacifica didn’t come with me—and my father turned. I came across these two, they brought me to the woodlands.”

“How did you guys survive?” Jesse questions them, “You were pretty far north.”

Eliezer, “Well sir, we used our basic survival skills. Beth had good knowledge of these skills, she was a commando for the Oceanic Army. The platoon she was in did a lot of ‘survival’ operations. She knew a lot of skills. I had some knowledge, but she’s more skilled in survival than I am.”

Jesse, “Did you guys find out anything about the military bases to the north?”

Eliezer, “I didn’t want to find more of those dragons lurking around concrete walls. My guess is all those bases are filled with them, those soldiers that were fighting are probably lurking around those mountains.”

Jake, “Wait Helena, is Pacifica dead then?”

Helena, “Most likely sh—well she never followed me, while we were running she just stayed behind, I don’t know why though. Possibly to delay the ‘turned’ monsters.” Helena thinks, “but as much I would like to believe she’s alive; she’s dead.”

Jake, “I’m sorry for the loss. Anyway, sit tight, we’ll be arriving shortly; the wind has been good at least, let’s us get some good speed in this chopper.”

The chopper continues its speedy flight towards safety.

Once back on the Flagship Aircraft Carrier of the fleet they tried to find Emperor Brian but he wasn't there."

The ship's navigator named Gator told them what happened. "He isn't here sir. Your father boarded a transport with injured men back to Draganisia to get there faster."

Jesse. "I know he likes visiting injured soldiers to help them feel better but I don't think that's why he went with them."

Gator. "Well, sir. He got a message from your sister Princess Alexis before he left."

Eliezer. "How is that important if you don't mind me asking?"

Jesse. "My sister is the lead scientist of the world pretty much. She wouldn't tell him to meet with her quickly unless she found out something important. Could be what helps us save the world again."

Eliezer. "Did you say AGAIN? How many times have you guys saved the world?"

Jesse. "Jake, what are we up to now?"

Jake. "About 100 times or so in the last 20 years alone. Let's just say there is a reason the public doesn't usually hear about them. Helps everyone sleep better at night. Unfortunately, we can't hide this one. This is why we need to fix this before it is too late."

"They are coming." Jesse said as the last of the survivors from Oceania got onto the last transport ship. He was talking about the Dark Dragons that were closing in on that town and the ship's surrounding waters from all sides.

"I know." Jake said. He felt guilty for everything that had happened. It was his brother that changed everything. Whether Makarov was dead now or not didn't really make a difference to him.

Jake put his hand on Jake's shoulder. "We have to go now. But this won't be the end. We will find a way to save everyone... We always do."

The fleet managed to get out of there just in time. While the Dark Dragons could have given chase they didn't.

Jake. "Why are they not attacking us?"

Jesse. "I don't know. But either way we will use this time to get to the safety of Draganisia while we can."

Jake. "Should we tell them that the reason they survived is because they are already Good Dragons themselves even if they didn't know it."

Jesse looked at Helena and the others as they made sure their people were comfortable. "That will be up to their leaders to decide."

Once back in Draganisia the Oceanics were taken to a refugee camp made for them until their leaders were ready to decide what to do next.

Meanwhile the Oceanic leaders were escorted by Jesse and Jake to the Military HQ below the Draganisia Imperial Palace where Emperor Brian was ready to tell them all what was going on and what the plan was.

Other world leaders who survived and were rescued would be there as well. (This is what leaves it open for others to join in if they want to)

Jesse. "Ok father I think it's time to come clean about everything you know. Not just to me and Jake but the other world leaders who survived as well."

Emeror Brian did just that. Whether they were truly ready for the truth or not.

"Thousands of years ago a great civilization existed in this universe. But like all other great civilizations they faced a sudden and dire turn of events. An entity from another dimension known simply as The Darkness. The physical manifestation of pure evil. During the time it appeared we were in a Golden Age of technology and progress. The entire universe was experiencing great prosperity and wealth... But then in one moment the Darkness and it's minions changed all that. An event we called..."

Gladius entered the room behind them and finished the sentence. "The Collapse. It was the Fall of not only Dragons but every other race a part of the Empire including humanity."

Brian continued. "During the Collapse our father was killed but before he died he knew it wasn't going to be the end. He knew that the Galaxy would recover and so before the Collapse was finished we did what was necessary to make sure that it didn't happen again a second time. We knew that the universe would recover and that they needed leaders that would be able to do what was necessary themselves when the Darkness showed up again. Those who knew what needed to be done when the Darkness came back."

Jesse. "It was a cycle. Every time the people of the universe built up..."

Brian. "The Darkness would destroy them and the cycle would repeat. It has repeated for eons. Possibly since the universe was created. We hoped that by preparing the people of the universe for the next attack we might actually be able to successfully defend against the Darkness and push it back. In order to complete this plans we made Weapons of Light. These artifacts have the power to push back the Darkness but unfortunately only certain people can use them..."

Brian didn't want to continue. He knew they were probably already in shock based on what he just told them and if he said the next part it would probably push them over the edge.

Jake however didn't care at that point and with anger in his voice. "Just spit it out. How do we find these Weapons and use them to fix this?"

Brian accepted there was no going back now. "We found out that the weapons were not powerful enough to push back the Darkness with only The Light. That is why the Empire still fell and we failed to push it back the first time. But we did manage to found out how to make them more powerful against everything... By having them use the power of both The Light AND The Darkness. Only someone born from both The Light and The Darkness have the power within them to beat back the Darkness and save everyone before it is too late... But someone like that might be extremely hard to find."

Jesse. "How so?"

Brian then changed into his Gold colored (dark yellow) Dragon form. "All those who still have control of their bodies, everyone in this room including all of you, are light Dragons. Everyone who survived the change seemingly unscathed is because at least one of your parents was a Light Dragon whether you knew it or not. The reason Draganisia is safe is because of the Light Draganium bomb that was set off here almost two decades ago. I didn't support it but... perhaps the one responsible for that saw this coming. Anyways the recent blast that changed everyone on Abbaddon was powered with Dark Draganium. This caused all those changed to be corrupted by the Darkness itself which is why most don't have control of their bodies."

Jake. "How do we find someone who was born of both the Light and Darkness?"

Gladius continued this time. "Just as there have always been Light Dragons like us there were Dark Dragons living among us as well. In some extreme cases those Dark Dragons and Light Dragons fell in love with each other. Opposites attract or something like that."

Brian. "The one we are looking for would have had both a Light Dragon and a Dark Dragon for his or her parents. Whoever they are might not know it for sure but... They must have felt something... Anything that could help us find out for sure."

Jesse. "Yea but how do we really find this Balanced Dragon?"

Brian. "I don't know but if we don't find whomever it is soon and doesn't find one of the Weapons of Power... There won't be anyone left to save because the Darkness will destroy us all."

"Even Paradise is a Prison... When you cannot share it with the one you love."

-Adalinda

Draganisia, Draganisia City: Modern Day

Helena stares at the horizon from the hilltop of a National Park in Draganisia, Eliezer finds her after trekking up the hill with Beth, Alexis, and Jesse.

Eliezer, "Found you, why'd you run up here?"

Helena turns her head towards the sky, "Reminds me of home, when I would stand atop of the palace balcony and look at the mountains in the far distance, with the breeze in my face."

"These same hills were once where heroes stood in the face of danger, enemies in front of them," Alexis notes as they look beyond them at the buildings settled along roads.

Abby remains asleep on Helena's lap.

"Those same creatures are older than even all of us combined, my father knows about them. He witnessed their existence." Jesse looks at Abby. "Perhaps she's as old as them, though she seems more immature than others. David was part of an operation that rescued a couple of them, they’re lovely creatures but never get attached to humans. This one, however, is an exception, she seems very attached to you Helena."

Helena nods as she brushes a finger over Abby’s forehead. Helena smiles then looks at a responding Eliezer.

Eliezer, "Abby was a pain sometimes, she ruined several hunts. Scared off herds of deer, got into trouble by getting stuck in thorn bushes, got stuck on trees, she also fell into a river once—maybe I shouldn't talk about that one," Eliezer glances at Beth whom raises an eyebrow in amusement. "But she did help find supplies."

Helena, "I wonder what things these guys witnessed. Probably was brutal."

Alexis, "Most likely stuff we would not be proud of today."

"I need someone of your skill. You just told me that they took away someone you love. But what if this could be a chance to bring them back?"

Eliezer was discussing with the "horse-rider", hoping to get him to join the journey, and possibly get some knowledge on the operations of the Leuthenists.

"I'd go, but Kara is probably dead. I've searched for her for months, more months, and more months. I have never found a sign of her being alive. She's probably dead."

"How can you be sure?" The Guardian Angel responds back. "Are you sure that Kara is dead? Eliezer here found the Anarchists transporting large amounts of cargo. Cargo that was filled with women and children. I'd say Kara is alive, either way. Eliezer needs your assistance. You have knowledge of being trapped in a camp with the Anarchists for several weeks, a slave, working your ass off."

"We need you," Eliezer responds. "Jinha, this could be a chance to rescue those you left behind."
Jinha sighs, he looks at the horses in the pen behind them, then looks up at the oak tree providing the three figures with shade.

"Even if I don't find Kara. I can help rescue those she and I promised to rescue. I accept the mission, however, I need time to prepare." he beckons towards his horses. "I need someone to care for them and my mules."

"Alright," Eliezer nods. "we have four days, that should be enough to prepare for the trek."
Jinha nods. "Also, you mentioned something about a fleet of ships. What did you mean?"

The Guardian Angel responds before Eliezer can.

"We have reason to believe that there are remnants of the Rowandale Self-Defense Forces still scattered around the Rowandale Sea. If you both find them, we could gain some insight into the Anarchists and their operations. Maybe even the whereabouts of the prison camps which they have."

He hands over the map with the red dots over to Jinha.

"You find the fleet, you find the hostages, you find your girl. Anyway, I'm staying here. Your mission is none of my concern. I suggest you don't use the radio once you get back to Rowandale, the Leuthenists might use the radio to find your position. Stay stealthy. But most importantly you both stay alive. Now, get packing, four days isn't a lot."

The next morning, had both Eliezer and Jinha trekking across the moorland once more. Jinha, rode along on top of his horse, a gray-colored thing. Riding on top of a horse-tack, looking forward instead of looking around. Rabbits hopped by, and the sounds of spring rippled along the moorland. There wasn't thought of regret by Eliezer. But Jinha was a different case.

The heather bloomed with fresh buds. Acting as the besoms of spring, they rustled through the wind, with flocks of bees finding their buds sweet. Moss campion surrounds large rocks, forming a bed of green with pink flowers on the top.

Eliezer believed the sights were beautiful. Jinha was a different case.

"We're heading the right way," Eliezer looks at the compass in his palm. "not too far now. Sun is in our favor at least. It's afternoon." Eliezer turns around to look at Jinha, riding his horse, whom was not paying attention to his words.

"Jinha!"

"What?"

"Did you even hear what I said?" Eliezer remarked.

"No."

"Idiot," Eliezer muttered. Not caring if he heard or not.
. . .

The city was now in front of them. The rubble remained as it had been. The only exception was that the barbed wire had been knocked down, forming a barrier of shrapnel for them to walk on. Concertina wire, an annoying obstacle.

"I don't think we should enter the city. It's most likely filled with those dragon-walking bastards." Eliezer responded. "Also, we have your horse. The rubble within the city will make it difficult for us to bring him along."

Jinha nods. He gives a sigh and responds. "Are you sure this mission will work or is it a waste of time?" Jinha was having doubts about the purpose of this mission. Having second thoughts over the whole thing.

"Look, you agreed to this expedition. If you leave, it's none of my concern, only yours. This could be the only chance we have to save your girlfriend. Go ahead, leave, but I'm going in order to finish what I've started."

Eliezer turns around back to the barbed wire, he looks north, noticing the wire extends further. "The wire extends north, we can follow it until we reach something." He beckons with his head towards Jinha. "Let's go."
. . .
It was already sunset, and they had successfully trekked a long way from their starting place. They formed a makeshift camp within a cavern alongside a small hill. On top of the hill was a good look at the rest of the city. Allowing for you to examine the large but rotten structures, the war had ruined them.

Eliezer remained resting on the wall of the cavern, looking at the small campfire they had made. Jinha remained outside, talking with his horse. Eventually, he came inside, grabbed his rifle he left in the cavern, then went back outside to stand guard and to sleep outside.

"Interesting," Eliezer murmured. "if it rains, it's not my fault." He pulls out the map of the Rowandale Sea and begins examining it.

I hope I'm not being wrong about this. But what if there are no remnants? What if I die trying?

After long desperate thoughts, he fell asleep.

Life or Death

It was night, soldiers moved about along the base. They were equipped with M4 Carbine rifles, constantly patrolling the base, scavenging for intruders and threats.

In the center of the base was a large concrete tower. A helicopter pad was on the top. Several officers, decorated with medals and badges, stood around the helipad waiting for someone to arrive. Only a few lamp-posts provided light as they waited. The officers mumbled to each other. Their words were drowned in the wind as it blew from the sea not far from them.

A helicopter loomed towards the helipad, its lights blinking in the dark night, its propellers gushing wind down onto the officers below. The officers stood up tall, saluting, and waving to the waited arrivals.

"All Heil Commander Leuthen!"

. . .

General-Commander Leuthen had arrived. He was cloaked in a dark-brown military uniform which was badged with military awards. On the center of his uniform was an A sign to represent his association to the "Leuthenist" ideology.

(OOC: Which is just a fictional denomination of Anarchism I came up with. I might do more detail on its ideology and thing later on)

As he departed from the helicopter that had landed from the helipad. Leuthen gave a salute, extended, facing forward, with palm down and fingers touching. He spoke,

"Heil the Commander-General."

An officer responded immediately, the most decorated of the rest. Saluting in the same fashion.

"Heil the Great Leuthen!"

Leuthen smiles as the officer salutes,

"It's a great honor to be back in Rowandale. Colonel Jackson, I see you have managed things well. But it may not be so for too long. I have matters that must be discussed with you all."

. . .

Leuthen was escorted into the Cybersecurity Room of the building. Colonel Jackson and his men accompany the General-Commander. They lock the door as they enter, only having a handful of people remaining inside the room.

"Alright, now that we are all here let's get down to business," Leuthen responds. "Get me images on all of the commanding officer and admirals of the Rowandale remnants."

Immediately after, the faces and images of all the officers that are commanding the Rowandale remnants are shown on a screen in front of the people in the room.

Leuthen responds, pointing his finger at the face of one of the female admirals. "The intelligence team located in Oceania managed to implement malware into the digital communications utilized by the Draganisians with those Rowandale pirates. Of course, we used this to track that darn Admiral Tau, but of course, she managed to destroy one of our cruisers."

Leuthen pulls out a paper document from inside his uniform. He hands it to Colonel Jackson,

"This is the most recent morse code message we got from Admiral Tau's ship and the Draganisians."

Leuthen waits a few minutes to allow Jackson to read the document. Upon reading it, Jackson hands it to his other officers.

"Draganisia has been hit hard. This gives us a chance to clear out the Rowandale forces from the sea. However, even then I don't feel secure with this current position in the Rowandale region. Jackson, I want you to move as much of our assets as far north. Yes, it sounds impossible to move into heavy tundra and mountainous regions, but we need to keep our assets secure." Leuthen explains.

Colonel Jackson looks at his officers, then turns back to Leuthe, "But sir, our position in Rowandale is already secure. We've mana—"

"Don't lie to me!" Leuthen angrily responds. "Do you think I don't know about the thirty attacks by those pirates that have occurred this past month!?" He slams a fist on a desk in fury. "Those dragon-bastards are coming. We cannot lose the last piece of leverage we have!"

He relaxes in order to push out the next batch of words. "Starting tomorrow, I want organized operations for relocation up north. If you don't follow, I'll replace you with someone who will follow my orders. This is for the good of the Union."

He also responds with some more.

"I also want you to begin pressuring Admiral Tau and her allies. Now with Draganisia weakened for good, they will lack the necessary supplies to keep them running. Their only choice is to raid our shores, this should make it easier to capture and destroy their fleets."

Jackson nods. Already into defeat to Leuthen's commands.

"I will sir. Anything for the Union."

As Jesse and Jake prepared for the battle to come 2 Special Forces soldiers entered the room they were preparing their gear in.

Jesse and Jake recognized them immediately as their friends Nathan and Jordan.

“Where the hell have you two been?” Was Jake’s response to seeing them.

“On a Special Assignment given to us from the Emperor. Was an archeological excavation way up north. But then we heard about what happened to Adria and came as soon as we could. Is it true that she was…”

Jesse finished with a bit of anger in his voice. “Murdered by Makarov. And now he’s coming for the rest of us but that is not going to happen. I am going to kill him and everything that tries to stand in my way. One way or another it ends here."

A warning alarm could then be heard throughout the Palace and the entire city as a large Airship (Scifi Spaceships that can’t go fully into space yet) fleet was spotted heading straight for Draganisia from the Ocean (West).

Jesse transformed into his Red Dragon form and loaded a large magazine of newly made Armor Piercing ammo into his LMG. “Time to finish this once and for all. Let’s Do This!”

It was bright daylight, shinier than a thousand gold bars. The sun was heavily bright, its rays shining upon the two travelers as they trekked through deciduous woodland, following a river, traveling north.

Jinha continued to stride on top of his horse. Eliezer served as the infantryman, holding his rifle with military pride and leading the way. It had been a week of traveling and all they had found was empty prison camps along with empty villages and settlements.

"Bad luck," Eliezer had said when they reached an empty village. "nobody in sight anywhere. Maybe we'll have better luck in the woodlands over there." Eliezer pointed to the deciduous woodland that was in front of them.

"I don't know," Jinha hesitated. "I'm already liking the open fields and open wasteland. But if you wanna continue following the river, then go ahead."

Now they were both traveling along the river. The horse neighing with delight as it stripped some low-branch leaves from their branches. The horse hadn't been a problem, seemed like Jinha trained it well, even if both of them went hunting they managed to always find the horse in the same place where they left.

"Shh." Eliezer lifted his hand to halt Jinha. "I got something."

Eliezer crouches down, moving into a fern bush, and aiming his rifle towards the movement. Suddenly, an armed and uniformed figure emerges from a large patch of bracken.

Eliezer decides not to fire, since he has no idea if there could be more.

But suddenly a gunshot is heard from behind him.

. . .

The Admiral stands at the helm of her ship. The daylight is strong, but it provides an uneasy feeling as well. Tau had noticed that supplies hadn't arrived from Draganisia for the past three months. There had been rumors that something bad had happened in the last stronghold of the world. But Tau continues to hope for fresh supplies to arrive soon.

"Admiral," A white-uniformed officer arrives, his sailor cap showing him being part of Tau's crew. "we've just intercepted a morse code message. Someone from the Draganisians has contacted us."

Immediately after, Tau and the official head into the main communications room of the ship. They cross through the mess deck in order to reach it. Eventually, they are surrounded by a dark room with computer and telecommunication screens.

"What's the message brought by the Draganisians?" Tau questions.

One of the officers grabs a white paper from a brown table in the room. They hand it to Tau. Tau begins reading the message, with her expression unreadable, but within her hides her shock.

"Draganisia has been heavily weakened. Without supplies, we're pretty much done. We need your orders Admiral, more than ever." The officer finishes his report.

"I... can't—don't know." Tau stammers. "The munitions being brought by them have been the only thing keeping us together. Once we run out, we can't raid, and we can't supply ourselves." Tau begins trembling, her eyes darkening with fear. "If we don't find something soon, we will soon become slaves to the Leuthenists."

After a while, Tau leaves the room. She heads into her private cabin and begins praying to Bahamut, hoping to pray the pain away.

[b]Land of Anarchy

Thousands dead. Thousands turned. Why had the world turned upside down?

She knew that the world had never been perfect, but it never had been this bad. Rumors were that Draganisia was the last stronghold left in the world. She never expected that to be true. Every nation had been torn apart. Even the strongest and most powerful countries collapsed.

Thinking of those thoughts while walking in a blizzard, deep snow, and a gloomy dark night made the night even darker. She continued traveling along the vast wasteland. Equipped with only a sandstone-coated sword, a bow, a bag made of animal skin, along with a sheep-skin coat; she vows to gain revenge against her enemies.

"My name is Carolinia Otso Keskitalo, daughter of Ibecca Otso, daughter of Chief Keskitalo. My vow is to take revenge for my tribe, kill my enemies, and fulfill my destiny by the Gods of Atlantia."

Carolinia recites that every day. Hoping it gives her the strength to move forward. She pushes her way through the snow, her boots getting trapped in the deepness of the snow, which gives her trouble to continue advancing. Over the past month, she's been trying to travel south, hearing of some free villages that have been putting up resistance against the Anarchists.

From the still free communities that remained in Rowandale, that weren't being bothered or enslaved by the Leuthenists. There were only a few stories and rumors of the outside world. Most people had moved further inland, hoping to avoid contact with the Anarchists as well as pirates that roamed the coast.

With no law and no order, the world truly was anarchy.

Carolinia couldn't imagine the chaos that could be occurring at this moment in many countries. From Walshitopia to even Niktobr and to all ends of the Earth. She only shuddered at the thought in her mind, as the cold was already making her shake.

She remembered the news, the chaos, the fires, all the violence that suddenly erupted. When the turnings of thousands began around the world many countries had declared states of emergency. The mayor of Rowandale had mobilized the Rowandale Self-Defense Forces, having them begin shooting and killing as many dragons as possible. But there wasn't much hope. The Self-Defense Forces lost more people than the number of dragons they killed.

Then the Leuthenists attacked, massacring thousands, driving thousands to flee, many people were enslaved and forced into their prison camps after this moment. For a few seconds, there was a defense force against the dragons, but it wasn't long before a wave of dragons advanced from the east.

Carolinia and her family had left the city when things turned worse. The entire Keskitalo clan, as well as the tribe, followed them. They established a camp, which grew to a village, then a bustling town up far north outside of the urban regions of Rowandale.

Leuthenists had gotten a whiff of news of a large settlement up north. Then they came.

Carolinia had been a survivor of this devastation. With her cursing against those who killed her family, her tribe, her home. She would never rest until she finally brutally murdered those who had taken everything she loved. No matter what.

She squints her eyes. They sparkle.

It wasn't long before she finally forced her way through the snow, and settled herself into a small hollow entrance within a hill. She thought it was the start of a cave, but at least she had shelter.

She huddled herself into a ball, hoping to keep herself warm, and fell asleep.
[/b]

Jinha tumbled down as the horse collapsed onto the ground. He rolled as he fell onto the ferns and grass of the woodland. The horse was lying dead on the ground, its blood staining the grass around it, and its eyes lolled in a terrifying stare.

Eliezer aimed his rifle at the bushes behind the dead corpse. But he finally realized that he couldn't win this fight. First the horse, then it could be him or Jinha. Eliezer hesitated and gave a deep breath, hoping to the least that it was a dream.

He dropped his rifle and held his hands into the air. Jinha eyed Eliezer with fury in his eyes after realizing that Eliezer was giving up. But before Jinha could even respond with a curse, two soldiers hopped over and pinned down the stumbling Jinha as he tried to get up.

"At least you know when to give up." An officer walked up to Eliezer. He was branded with the A on his uniform. "But we noticed you are not from here," He points to the uniform that Eliezer had. Which was the uniform of the Draganisians. "Who are you? Have the Draganisians been sending troops to support Tau?"

Eliezer realizes he's been wearing the same uniform since he came. The banner of the Draganisians is printed right on his uniform. "Uh... this uniform was taken off a dead body I found in the city of Rowandale." Eliezer quickly attempts to make up a story. "Me and my friend here we're just trying to find some new hunting spaces. We're heading north to find some rabbits."

The officer is unbelieving. "If that was the case. Our last patrols would have found the bodies of Draganisians in the city of Rowandale. You are both under captivity by the Union of Rowandale." He turns to the two soldiers holding down Jinha who is attempting to break free. "Take him and this one away."

. . .

From hero to prisoner. Eliezer hadn't expected his journey to have taken this turn into being held inside a concrete cell with iron bars in front of him. Jinha had been escorted to another part of the large prison since he was extremely rebellious.

Eliezer's belongings had been taken away. Luckily he didn't have anything that would give Helena away. But now he was stuck in a prison run by the Leuthenists. All he could think was his future in back-breaking work of forced labor for these militarized anarchists.

Escape wasn't exactly an option. The prison was guarded heavily, he was on the highest floor of the tower, and he had no tools to break out.

Eliezer knew it had been at least two days since he had been brought here. But it already felt like an eternity. All he had was a toilet along with a small stall that was in the cell. He kept on walking around in circles inside the prison, trying to think of ways to break out, but no good plans ever came into his mind.

But one thing came to mind to Eliezer. Who was Tau? The officer's look when he mentioned that name seemed quite concerning. Maybe he's a leader of a rebellion within the enslaved population by the Leuthenists? If that was the case, maybe Eliezer had some hope that he could escape.

Over the next many days, Eliezer was forced to work in the dockyard. Carrying large amounts of cargo into the large commercial vessels being used by the Leuthenists to transport supplies. He gained friends with the other prisoners and forced workers. Eliezer became close with a group of prisoners who called themselves the "Bee Boys". They all had nicknames for each other and welcomed Eliezer into the group.

Thomas was the leader and the founder of the group, he was called Apollon. Servius also called "Reaper" was a former athlete that was now under forced labor by the Leuthenists. Cnaeus was just called his normal name. Eliezer joined them and was given the name Guppy because he was from Oceania.

Over the next two months, Eliezer would continue to not see Jinha. Eliezer feared that Jinha was being interrogated or possibly in even worse conditions.

But one day, Eliezer and the other Bee Boys saw a bloodied figure being escorted along a blocked-off part of the worksite. The bloodied figure turned around and Eliezer gasped,

"Jinha."

Male Voice 1: 2 months ago, darkness has consumed the land. Humanity as we know it has ceased to be, turning into bloodthirsty Dark Dragons. Every nation has screeched to a standstill as entire populations have mutated. Men, women, and children... turned to monsters...

However, with Unanda’s territory being mostly underwater, and her people being aquatic dragons, we've become virtually untouched by the disaster. Especially since the Dark Draganium wasn't able to reach our Republic, for it got taken by the waves.

But that doesn't mean we weren't affected. Ever since the world fell into darkness, we had to become self-sufficient in order to sustain the masses. For a while, it worked, but over time it became obvious that we can't solely rely on aquatic crops and livestock; we need to be on land! When news broke out about a possible food shortage, Unandans began reaching for the surface to start an expansion of territory.

And then... The Dark Dragons had a new target. Reports of raids on both old and newly established farms began to circulate. This caused the people to panic, resulting in food to either being stockpiled and/or rationed. The food shortage had become a reality, and those that didn't have enough began to steal.

It became abundantly clear that in order to sustain a massive underwater republic, we must expand on land; whether the people of fallen or struggling nations like it or not.

Male Voice #2: Colonel Roland Dhamkan, I hate to interrupt your log, but your team is ready for deployment and they like it better if they don't wait.

Roland: Alright, I'm coming.

click!

Eliezer had his back resting on the hay and grass mattress that made his bed. It had been three days since he last saw Jinha in his bloody state. But he is unable to do anything while stuck in the concrete cell that made up his prison.

The next day had Eliezer and his fellow prisoners continued to carry large amounts of cargo towards the docked container ships. The hard work, the blazing sun, with the batons of the soldiers made the job even worse.

It was now becoming late, with the sun beginning to form an orange glaze on the horizon. But instead of being escorted back towards their cells, the soldiers began escorting the prisoners towards the woodlands beyond the port they were working in.

Eliezer looked around at the large amounts of prisoners being forced to march towards the woodlands. All of them shared the same look of confusion and fear. Eliezer turned to the guards on the sides of the prisoners, and notices they are equipped with light machine guns instead of semi-automatic rifles.

Oh, no.

Eliezer knew what was happening next.

. . .

All the prisoners were positioned in a horizontal line not long after. Instead of being blindfolded, they were being forced into a trench.

Eliezer knew if he entered that trench, he would never be coming back.

It was now or never.

Eliezer crouched down immediately and tackled the legs of the soldier behind him. Immediately this knocked the soldier down, causing the gun to fall off his grip. Immediately, Eliezer grabs the LMG and even while on the ground, guns down two of the soldiers at both of his sides.

This small moment of distraction allowed for the prisoners to begin engaging in fights with the soldiers. Fists are flying, shots are fired, people are killed.

Eliezer had to get out of there.

He gets up and dashes back towards the dockyard. Hiding behind the urban infrastructure in order to keep cover, he moves along the streets, evading the patrols. He passes several large apartment buildings which house soldiers and eventually arrives in front of the prison camp.

He hides behind a pile of bricks that is in front of an alley between two large apartment buildings. A group of soldiers pass by as they head towards the direction of the riot. They don't spot Eliezer in the alley.

Before Eliezer can check if the coast is clear, alarms begin sounding.

"Might be the riot," Eliezer talks to himself. "I have to find Jinha before things get worse."

Eliezer hadn't seen Jinha while being escorted. So he still hangs onto the hope that he's alive.

Eliezer dashes out of his hiding spot. Throws his rifle over the chain-link fence of the prison camp, and climbs over it. The camp was surprisingly empty.

"Which means it's being evacuated."

Eliezer runs towards the direction of the dockyard. Crossing several sections of fencing of barbed-wire and chain-link fencing as it forms two walls on both sides of him.

He arrives at the end of the hall offenses and notices a separate bundle of prisoners being escorted towards a freight ship. Eliezer notices the dark brown hair of Jinha as he's been pushed by several soldiers towards a ramp to enter the ship.

But if Eliezer climbed the chain-link fence wall that blocked him from dashing towards the freight, he'd probably be shot, or captured once more.

But he knew Jinha...sorta, I guess.

Eliezer began firing in random directions through the chain-link fence. Making sure not to hit any of the prisoners. He wasn't sure if he hit any of the soldiers with his bullets, but he hoped so.

Jinha seemed to have been encouraged, it wasn't long before he tackled the backs of the soldiers as they looked towards Eliezer. The other prisoners stood still for a moment, in shock, before they joined the fight.

With the soldiers distracted for a moment. Eliezer threw his LMG over the tall fence, and immediately climbed over it, hopping down the other side as swift as a bird. Eliezer grabbed his LMG that was on the ground and turned towards the fighting between the prisoners and soldiers.

The fight was already breaking up, with the prisoners having knocked out the soldiers or killed them. The prisoners outnumbered the soldiers, so that was their advantage. Eliezer stared face to face with Jinha as he got up.

"Welcome back Mr. Alexander. It's been a while, hasn't it?" Jinha chuckled.

"Yeah, it's been a while. It's good to see you at least. Though, not in the best shape." Eliezer responds.

Jinha nods. "We can discuss later. Right now we gotta get everyone out."

As the prisoners gathered the weapons from among the knocked-out bodies. They began marching along the sandy shore of the dockyard, away from the freight ship, hoping to reach a section of the dockyard where they could hop over a fence towards freedom.

As they saw the exit fence in view. It wasn't long before several soldiers standing guard saw them and began opening fire. Two prisoners were gunned down in front of them. Eliezer and Jinha leaped towards a large boulder which provided them cover from the incoming bullets. The other prisoners took cover behind other bundles of rocks, crouched down into the sand to avoid the incoming fire, or take cover behind stacks of crates left behind along the shore.

"Eliezer," Jinha spoke. "if I don't make it. . . I want you to give this to Kara if you find her." Jinha hands Eliezer a slip of paper (a letter), and a ring with an emerald on it. "She'll understand."

Eliezer grabs the ring and letter. "I will, but we're both getting out of here, alright." That moment gave Eliezer the courage to try to fight back. "Hey uh, Jinha, can you hand me your rifle there. I suck at using machine guns."

Jinha hands Eliezer his rifle. Immediately after, Eliezer pokes his gun out of the rocks and begins taking aim at one of the two soldiers blocking the exit. He fires. One falls as the bullet enters his leg. He stumbles as his machine gun fires into the air and random directions.

As Eliezer aims for the second soldier with the machine gun, Jinha fires the machine gun that Eliezer had at the second soldier. The second soldier is rippled with bullets, and he collapses on the ground. Eliezer aims for the head of the first soldier, who is on the ground, and fires.

Splat!

The head of the first soldier bursts open with the impact. His blood spatters the sandy shore and forms red droplets that stain the sand. Eliezer lifts his gun to examine the other prisoners whom are still positioned behind their cover.

"Alright!" Eliezer yells to the prisoners. "Let's get out of here!" He also adds. "Did we lose anyone?"

One of the prisoners walks up to Eliezer, he holds a rifle in his hands. "Four down."

Eliezer looks at two more bodies lying down behind a small boulder. The two bodies were limp and unmoving. He then looks at two other bodies lying down in the sand, they had gotten shot first.

"We don't have enough time to bury them," Jinha calls. "we got to get going before we get caught out here exposed."

Eliezer nods and calls all the prisoners together. They arrive at the exit gate. The gate is locked with a keylock, so Eliezer shoots the keylock then kicks open the gate. The prisoners begin flooding out into a small patch of woodland which ripples away from the sandy shore.

As the prisoners run along through the woodland, forming a tight group as they continue trying to get as far away from the prison camp. Eliezer begins having speculation over the entire escape,

"Wasn't that a bit too easy? I noticed there wasn't exactly anyone in the camp. No guards. No soldiers. The camp seemed empty." Eliezer mentions to Jinha.

"Maybe they were busy rounding up the rest of the prisoners—Hey, would you look at that." Jinha points towards a large clearing in the middle of the woodlands. Four massive fir trees are in the center of the clearing, with vines hanging off of them.

The prisoners are in awe at the trees' size. Eliezer looks at a large boulder near the edge of the clearing, so he sits down to catch his breath.

"We made it," Eliezer tells Jinha who walks up to him. "we actually made it."

Jinha opens his mouth to respond, but his eye turns to the bushes behind Eliezer.

The sound of a gun firing knocks Jinha down, he collapses onto the ground dramatically.

Eliezer jumps up off the rock, he aims the rifle Jinha gave him towards the bushes to counter-attack. But another gunshot comes from the bushes, knocking Eliezer to the ground.

Eliezer's head collapses into a patch of ferns. His body follows suit as it collapses into the ground of the clearing.

The last sounds heard are the sounds of machine guns firing.