Chapter 1

Heavy torrential downpour of late winter rain had drenched the two travelers that were hoping to find a place to rest before nightfall. Though wintery season was often cold with nighttime shadow dragging out its footsteps much slower than the comfort of daytime sun, late afternoon was still bright enough to see.

Soft sounds of raindrop blanketing the forest were occasionally accompanied by echoes of thunder that shook the heaven. Some would say it was a poetic scene with an atmosphere of serenity and focus; others would say it was a chaotic display of nature’s raw power with no safe haven to ride out the storm.

The dreary weather, however, did not deter the two anthro beasts that were traversing across rugged terrains filled with slippery mud, fallen branches, mushy dead leaves, and heavy deadfalls that had tried so hard to capture unsuspected ankles and break them with malicious glee.

It had been days since they left their last destination heading toward a small town in the east where uncharted territory was waiting to be discovered. Why had they chosen such direction? The intent was curious to many but simple enough for Kokurou, a muscular dark brown dragon that slightly resembled to that of a feral horse: they needed to venture into a mysterious dungeon guarded by the feral shadow beast named Mo Xuan to find out the whereabouts of Kokurou’s older brother, Lei Lie.

At age 414, Kokurou was still as fit and as powerful as the day when he had first risen to the rank of Holy Dragon Knight within the Eight Dragon Corps. Well-defined lines of muscles represented his might; fierce gaze symbolized his resolve; an uncanny display of aura surging from his massive frame solidified a status of confidence that none could parallel.

Travelling beside him quietly was Rekaihao, a dragon anthro beast that was only slightly shorter than Kokurou. Just recently joined Eight Dragon Corps as a novice Holy Dragon Knight, he had vowed not to trouble his mentor, Kokurou, too much; as such, he had trained vigorously to ensure he had the stamina and strength to support his companion and non-related family during dangerous situations if need be.

Thick veins were bulging out of his beefy arms, as Rekaihao shouldered the heavy backpacks while Kokurou leaped over large boulders within the heavy rain.

“No transportation?” The tired dragon asked timidly while he kept up to Kokurou’s pace.

“I know you wanted to drive over to the outskirt of the dungeon but the trail to that malevolent place is just too dangerous and too rough to do so. Hang on a bit, I think we should be near the next town soon.” The large knight comforted his partner.

Nodding, Rekaihao offered no additional complaint. The duo finally arrived at the outer edge of the town where bright street lights had illuminated buildings within the murky curtain of rain. Shadows of night were temporarily chased away by the radiance while Kokurou and Rekaihao let their eyes adjust to the brightness of the town.

While population density was less than 10,000, the town of Yu Chun was fairly modern. Vehicles of technological advancement and machines of modern lifestyle had adorned both sides of the many streets. Powerlines had draped overhead while tired travelers walked underneath in search of inn or hotel to stay for the night.

Kokurou happily pointed to one that was to his visual satisfaction and ushered Rekaihao inside with an arm around the shoulders. Rekaihao blushed a little as he smiled quietly, letting the warmness of the hotel greeting his drenched clothes.

“Good evening,” the clerk at the front check-in desk greeted with a smile. An avian anthro figure of slender frame with velvety light orange dress, she looked elegant and magnificent under the soft orange light shining from different corners of the main hallway. “How may I help you tonight?”

Passing out a coin, the dark brown dragon said: “We’d like a room, please, preferably somewhere that has privacy.”

“Of course,” she beamed while entering information into the computer. “I have you guys at the commoner suite located at the end of the hallway to your right.”

Kokurou hesitated slightly. The female fluttered her light blue feathers lightly as her green eyes watched the expression on her guest’s face.

“Is there something wrong?” She asked.

“Well, I was hoping that you can…well, give us a better room?” He replied back while showing the badge of Eight Dragon Corp Holy Dragon Knight from within his heavy jacket.

Realization had suddenly dawned upon the clerk as she smiled and nodded. “I understand. How’s the Commandant Suite for military figures sound?”

“That sounds perfect. We’re just staying for one night and will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning.”

“That’s not a problem. If you need anything just ring the front desk and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.”

Kokurou displayed a look of satisfaction as he gestured Rekaihao to the suite on the left hand side of the main hall.

Inside the room that was neither big nor small, Rekaihao sighed as he dropped the heavy backpacks and took off the outer jacket. A wet splat could be heard as wet shirt and cloak fell onto the wooden floor, creating a puddle. Kokurou also didn’t waste time to relieve himself from the damp clothes on his body. He heaved out a breath while jumping onto the soft white bed and lied on his back. Rekaihao sat on the side of the bed on the other side, somewhat unsure of what to do next as he peeked over his broad shoulder at Kokurou.

Kokurou noticed his partner’s awkwardness and laughed. How could he not have noticed? The kid was literally begging for his attention but wasn’t sure how to best approach him. Sitting up, the brown dragon lifted his left hand which Rekaihao grasped with delight. Ever so gently, they embraced while Kokurou tenderly patted the smaller dragon’s head.

“Are you hungry?” Kokurou whispered.

Rekaihao nodded as an innocent expression had stolen onto his face. The big dragon laughed as he leaped down from the bed and walked into the shower to freshen up before bringing the happy companion to the dining area for dinner.

The aroma of fresh bread mixed with roasted meat of wide variety had wafted into the nostrils of hungry diners, as people started gathering in the rather large dining hall for meal. Long tables and benches were positioned neatly with bright overhead lights chasing the shadows away. Conversations were muffled and intermixed with one another, as the crowd began to gather and waitresses started to take orders.

Kokurou didn’t order anything extravagant. Rather, he wanted to stay within budget given the little amount of coins they had left. Granted, he could have used his special status and get a heft discount for their meals but he was not the type of person who would take advantage on such a small establishment that probably wouldn’t be making much in the first place.

“What will you have, sir?” A voice that was sweet and kind rang out beside Kokurou’s ear. It was an anthro leopard feline dressed in black with a low cut blouse to showcase her perky bosom.

Startled slightly, the dragon cleared his throat and said: “Let’s get some bread to start off. We’ll order take an order of the lamb chop. Do you have any soup by any chance?”

“Yes, sir. We do have our daily special: seafood cream soup with sweet corns.”

“Excellent, let’s have two of that.”

“Will there be anything else?”

“Two glasses of water, please.”

The waitress smiled and walked away, leaving the two facing each other at the end of the long wooden table that had been weathered through years of patron visits and spilt beers. Grumbling sound signifying the hunger that Rekaihao was experiencing had traveled into Kokurou’s attentive ears.

“That’s a loud roar of your stomach,” Kokurou laughed wholeheartedly. “Perhaps ordering one plate of lamb chops is indeed too little to alleviate your hunger.”

The young dragon shook his head. “No. Good enough.”

“You’re too kind.” The seasonal Holy Dragon Knight looked at his companion’s eyes deeply and sighed.

Rekaihao had been part of his family for many years while Kokurou had attempted to fulfill his destiny and embarked on a journey to find his elder brother, Lei Lie. Through days of training, political affairs, and challenges in personal life, Rekaihao had been an outstanding support to Kokurou, a perfect personal assistant that helped the muscular dragon stay sane amidst all the civil unrests and diplomatic game that were both annoying and deadly.

Drinking some water from a glass to lubricate his dry throat, Kokurou leaned forward and said: “You know you don’t have to come with me on this trip, right?”

Silent was met with a determined gaze.

Kokurou pressed on: “Kai, staying with Lei Zhen at home would have been wiser choice. I can’t guarantee my own safety let alone yours with the inevitable encounter of Mo Xuan.”

Rekaihao shook his head, pointed at his chest then pointed at the dragon that he had a deep admiration and affection for and said: “I go with you.”

Though unable to express more than a few words at a time, the sheer amount of emotional support and dedicated resolve from Rekaihao was shown clearly. While many others whom had met with Rekaihao had hoped the kid was able to utter more than a few simple sentences, to Kokurou, sometimes less was more. In this situation, it was evident that less word had displayed more sentimental value than any other individuals could express. It was perfectly fine for him because he was, after all, a dragon with a ferocious personality that liked to get things done efficiently and correctly.

Food had arrived on their table steaming hot with fresh glasses of orange juice and fried eggs on the side, compliment from the hotel management. It was obvious the clerk at the front desk had informed her supervisor that a dragon with high military rank had visited their establishment. Given the fact that the Eight Dragon Corps had often provided unequaled patronage to many local civilian businesses across the country, it was not surprising to see additional benefits and serviced being provided to the soldiers without the need to ask.

Kokurou and Rekaihao both wolfed down delicious slabs of lamb, fresh vegetables, and delicate soup at an incredible speed. Their hunger satisfied. Their strength returned. They felt like a whole new person compared to how they had felt earlier.

The night passed by peacefully without major disturbances, as sounds of deep sleep echoed through the room with loud snores. Morning was greeted with a dark cloudy sky the next day but that didn’t deter the two dragons from waking up early and packing up their bags.

“You got everything ready?” Being a dragon with an obsessive compulsive disorder, Kokurou couldn’t help but double check with the kid to make sure nothing was left behind.

Rekaihao rolled his eyes as he nodded in mild annoyance. He lifted his shirt and showed a bag of coins tightly tied to the belt around his muscular waist. Kokurou chuckled as he walked out of the room with Rekaihao following closely behind.

Small vehicles drove by spewing out choking exhaust while other furry beasts of different species walked around on the sidewalks. Kokurou knew that although the scenery was peaceful, a hidden menace was waiting to be unleashed at a moment’s notice. Failure to detect early signs of danger was not an option for it could mean life or death. In the world of anthro beasts where magic and modern technologies infused into one another, coexisting in a world thrived on balance, a symbiotic harmony was formed through a delicate thread of equilibrium. Such was the lifestyle of a world population governed by a strict rule of dominance where the strong lives and the weak die.

Granted, laws must be enforced and any unnecessary battles within city limits were strictly forbidden. Alas, people knew the enforcers would often turn a blind eye to minor scuffles even if it meant both parties would bring out a few drops of blood through a test of power. Knowing this, Kokurou had heightened his senses and was ready to react instantly should trouble arise. Rekaihao had also increased his awareness while walking with his mentor down the busy street in search for information on where to travel next to Mo Xuan’s dungeon. Having been trained under Kokurou for the last few years, Rekaihao knew better than to let his guard down especially in a foreign town such as the one that they were currently in.

“Three to the left behind us,” Rekaihao had stated softly after a while of strolling down another side street with the sun dangling high above them.

Nodding, Kokurou muttered: “Since five minutes ago those men had been tailing us.”

“Can I?”

Grinning from ear to ear, the Holy Dragon Knight gave the go ahead to his partner whom wagged his long tail happily. Turning into a tiny alley way where there were less people and less distraction, they deliberately made themselves an obvious target for the three soon-to-be robbers that were aiming to make a quick buck or two for the day by preying on helpless victims. Little did they know that they had targeted the wrong couple and would soon realize the mistake that they had made with a painful outcome.

The three individuals were of tiger, bear, and wolf descendants. They had nothing in common in terms of ancestry but they worked well with each other following one common goal: to plunder money and goods that were not theirs to take in the first place.

Locals knew about them and their organization so they tend to keep a wary eye out for them. Outsiders, however, had no such foresight and thus were susceptible to unwanted harassments and robberies that local officials turned a blind eye to. Why would the people that were getting under the table deals do anything about these hoodlums anyway? The natural desire for subsidies channeled through greed and lust was part of many sentient being’s personality; combined with a corrupted society that embraced capitalism rather than a unified social ideal of prosperity and benevolence, it was not surprising to see just how much materialistic rewards could do to a person.

But it didn’t matter. Whatever the reason, whatever the cause, whatever the lust that had taken control the primal instincts of every living creature in the world; all of it had become pointless under the presence of Rekaihao.

The three individuals that were blocking the path of Kokurou and Rekaihao had no time to react. No words were uttered. No movements were made. Only a sickening sound of a heavy punch landing in the center of the tiger’s stomach, driving deep into the gut and forcing the feline to gurgle out a painful cry could be heard. The muscular cat was thrown backward by Rekaihao’s incredible attack and slammed hard against the concrete wall, cracking the solid barrier into several large fractures.

The other two anthro beasts gaped at the sheer strength displayed by Rekaihao while Kokurou folded his arms in front of his chest in a proud stance. Rekaihao wasted no time moving into the attack range amongst the two stunned furry beasts, as he nimbly dodged a flying fist that had missed the top of his head and blocked the other attacker’s arm with his own. Twirling like an elegant dancer on the stage, the dragon shifted his entire weight to his left elbow and slammed against the chest of the overweight bear. As the poor chap clutched his chest gasping for breath, Rekaihao lifted his right leg and delivered an earth-shattering smack right into the temple of the wolf. The canine slumped onto the ground, unconscious.

It only took less than two minutes before all three were lying in a heap on the ground with Rekaihao standing tall and gazing at his work silently. Kokurou had a big smile on his face, as he knew no one could match his partner’s physical prowess. They didn’t even have to use magic arts to defeat the enemies. Simple, quick, and efficient were the principles that they had adhered to during their trainings within the Eight Dragon Corps.

“How many of these scums have we taken care of since leaving the Furry City?”

“34.”

“Do you think we can hit 50 before getting to the dungeon area?” Kokurou joked as he placed an arm around Rekaihao’s broad shoulders while walking toward the main city street.

The smaller dragon shrugged as he grinned foolishly.

Rain had made its return in the late afternoon after they stopped by a small food stand for a quick bite of lunch. The steam buns were soft and sweet, which definitely satisfied their hunger. They headed to the local blacksmith for an upgrade of their swords. Although not necessarily needed, the extra support of sharpened blades could definitely reinforce their safety and cut down the effort needed to drive back whatever dangers that might lie ahead.

The chubby horse man smiled as he lifted a greasy hand for a shake. Knowing that Kokurou and Rekaihao were part of the Eight Dragon Corps, the blacksmith offered to maintain their blades free of charge. Of course, Kokurou would never take advantage of local citizens and pressed on to pay the sweaty horse man with two silver coins. Service requested and service would be paid; it was part of an honest deal that Kokurou would uphold to the highest regard.

While the sound of metallic grinding noise echoed into the bustling street that was filled with various anthro beasts walking about, Kokurou took the time to lean against the wall of the shop under the roof outside and enjoyed the sound of rainfall. It was relaxing to him, as he was a person who enjoyed meditative natural scenery to refocus his mind. Rekaihao, on the other hand, was busy sifting through different weapons that had lied out on the shelves with a gleaming look on his face. Being a younger individual, the dragon was more active in personality compared to his mentor’s well-composed demeanor.

The wind was quite strong and it seemed like a storm was brewing. Kokurou felt the heavy droplets of rain splattering against his face while his large dragon tail curled around his ankle. Heaving a sigh, he headed back into the shop to avoid getting soaked.

The newly sharpened swords looked as if they were as new as the first day that Kokurou and Rekaihao had received them. Blinding radiance reflected off from the smooth surface of the blades had cast a bright flash across the darkened room whenever they swung their weapons around. The blacksmith was especially proud of his work and happily stood on the side to let his customers admire the end result of a three hour polish.

“Excellent work.” Kokurou said with great respect to the blacksmith.

“With two Holy Dragon Knights showing their presence in my shop, how can I not do my best to bring out the best result?” The man’s dark brown muscles juggled with hearty laughter.

“Master blacksmith has flattered us. I’m sure with such magnificent quality we can bring down Mo Xuan with ease.”

“Do you plan on venturing into the lair of the shadow beast? Forgive me for being nosy but I don’t think it’s a wise decision.”

ReKaiHao lifted an eyebrow and asked: “Why?”

The blacksmith sputtered: “W-what? What do you mean ‘why’? No living soul has had the fortune to meet the dark beast and come back alive! Even the army couldn’t get past the defense of the dark lair.”

“But you are describing ordinary troops,” Kokurou smiled as he flexed his muscles. “We are on a different level.”

“That may be but you are still mortal.”

“Are you saying Mo Xuan isn’t?”

The anthro creature paced around in his shop, heaving sighs left and right trying to think of ways to convince his two customers not to sacrifice their precious life for whatever endeavor that they are planning. “Word has it that Mo Xuan isn’t a creature of this world.”

Kokurou laughed. “So you are saying he’s immortal?”

“No, no, no. I am saying physical attacks don’t mean anything to him. He is a beast of great magical power with an aura far exceeding the limit of even the high priest in the Furry City.”

ReKaiHao tilted his head as his large dragon tail slapped against the floor loudly. “We are magicians too.”

“Huh?” The blacksmith gaped with surprise. “What do you mean?”

“You didn’t know?” Kokurou explained. “Military officials with ranks such as ours are not ordinary soldiers. We are highly trained in the art of physical combat and in the art of magic.”

“But…that’s not possible.”

“Limitation of cohesiveness between two completely different form of combat certainly is hard to overcome but not improbable. With time, it can be conquered and a new level of strength can be achieved. We are one of the few Holy Dragon Knights that have such capability.”

The horse man heaved a deep breath of disbelief but who was he to question the skills of two Holy Dragon Knights? It was their choice if the two talented soldiers wanted to risk their lives.

After saying goodbye, Kokurou and ReKaiHao continued moving through the town stocking up provisions and supplies. Cold, sticky mud had coated their boots as they walked around the streets. There were very little people lingering out on the road for the wind and the dreary weather had forced everyone to stay inside and ride out the storm.

By the time they left the town, the rain had subsided somewhat, leaving only fine mist hovering in the damp air. The sun was setting and the night was coming. Temperature had started to drop even further while Kokurou and his partner strolled into another set of dense forest. It was rather uneventful, as the pair ventured across thick bushes and trees before settling down beneath a huge evergreen to camp for the night. Tinder was wet but that wasn’t an issue, as ReKaiHao casted a common fire spell to set the materials blaze. Kokurou used his muscular arms to snap thick branches into the size of firewood to keep the fire going. Soon, the blaze had risen high enough for the two travelers to feel comfortable and warm.

As they shared dried biscuits between themselves, another figure had hidden in the dark shadows, watching the two dragons quietly. His eyes were dark red and his smile was nothing short of wickedness.

End Chapter 1