by Jason Daniel
Birth of the Guardian
The Eighth Dragon
By
Jason Daniel
@authorJMD
Published By: Jason M. Daniel
ISBN: 9781310064883
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© Copyright 2016 Jason Daniel
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or eBook or portions thereof in any form whatsoever without the permission of said, author. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, are coincidental.
My name is Jason Daniel. I primarily write YA, new adult fiction with focus on fantasy science fiction, suspense and thriller genera’s. I live in Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay and I spend a lot of time writing, hiking and hanging out with family.
People often ask how I come up with my story lines. The answer is simple… I use my very active imagination. I honestly believe anyone can write. Stories are meant to told. So, if you have an idea or a story in your head, you should take the time to write it down and share it with the world.
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The Eighth Dragon
Since the birth of humanity, good and evil have been locked in a struggle. Locked in an unending conflict. Unlike the conflicts of man, this ancient battle is fought by the forces of good and evil. Good, or what man has come to know as God chooses one champion — the Guardian. Evil, or what man has come to know as the devil selects seven — one warrior for each continent of the world.
Book of Revelation
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit[a] and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended.”
BIRTH OF THE GUARDIAN
They first appeared two years ago; small creatures, thought to be relatively harmless by most people, they, in fact, turned out to be a horrific plague on humanity, which unleashed death and destruction upon the world. Dragons: not the creatures of myth — they were small, but once they completed the arc with their chosen human, they became unstoppable. In all, seven men from around the world were chosen by evil in those first few days. The men were already monsters — the worst of humanity attracted the spirit of the dragons. The way a flame attracts a moth.
The Nations of the world quickly rallied their Army’s to fight the scourge, but a human army had little chance against the godlike power the dragons and their newly bonded humans held. Their ability to rain down destruction was unequaled. Within a few short weeks, the strongest nation, the United States of America, fell to Armaros. He claimed to be an archangel; he also claimed the North American continent as his domain. Shortly after Armaros claimed victory, the entire world surrendered. People lost hope as well as their faith. If a powerful nation like the United States of America couldn’t defeat a single dragon and its host then what, possible, chance did smaller countries have?
In the six days after the world surrendered, Lucifer, the strongest of all the angels, came forth. He traveled to each of the other six continents so he could secure his dominion over the earth. Performing an ancient ceremony, he consecrated the ground of each continent with his blood. Then he would offer his blood to the angel of each continent, anointing each of them as his emissary and granting them dominion over the land, each claimed.
Lillian’s opened her eyes, and she sat up, in her makeshift bed. Sweat rolled down her forehead, and her hair was soaked. Are you kidding me, she thought to herself, still panting as she fought to catch her breath. She looked toward the corner of the room, checking on Derik, her younger brother, before standing.
“Lillian, are you okay?” Jessica, Lillian’s childhood friend, asked.
“I'm all right. Just thirsty,” she said. Lillian eased around her and then stepped over the huddled mass of kids that filled the small, makeshift, cabin.
“Are you going to the well?”
“Yes,” Lillian said, whispering so she didn’t wake anyone else, “do you want me to bring you back some water?”
“If you don’t mind,” Jessica said.
Lillian walked over to the shelf and grabbed two tin cans. They were old, and a little rusty in a few places, but they still held water. “I’ll be right back.” She turned and smiled at Jessica, before pulling the rickety wooden door closed behind her. Outside, the night air was cold. Lillian reached up to the back of her neck and lifted her damp, matted hair away from her moist skin. That feels good, she thought, as she gazed up at the never-ending blanket of stars, and wondered about the date. She knew it was close to her twenty-second birthday, but she wasn’t sure just how close, or if it had already past. What the hell, it doesn’t matter anyway?
“What are you doing awake?”
Lillian swiftly turned around; the sound of tin can’s clinking together broke the still silence. “Jackson,” she said, somewhat irritated, “you scared me half to death. You’re an asshole!”
“Calm down, Lillian,” he said, rising to his feet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Well, you did.” Lillian’s eyes narrowed in disgust before she turned and stomped away.
“Lillian, wait,” Jackson said, quickly catching up to her. “Was it the same one?” He asked.
“Yes.” Lillian rolled her eyes. “It’s always the same one. You know that.”
“Stop!” Jackson grabbed her by the arm. “You have to find a way to get over it, Lillian. It’s not healthy, it’s wearing you down.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Lillian said. Tears welled in her eyes. “I can’t help it.” Her bottom lip quivered as she fought the urge to give in to her heartbreak. “I watched them burn. They were my parent’s and I watched them burn.” She cringed at the picture in her mind as she dropped to her knees. The weight of such a horrible memory was almost too much for Lillian to endure. Nevertheless, she found a way to survive.
“Slow down…breath.” Jackson knelt beside her and tried to comfort her. “In and out — in and out. Go slow,” he said as he attempted to stop Lillian’s panic attack. Lillian’s, frantic, breath’s slowed, and she stopped crying, but the deep pain and horrible memories were just under the surface. She made it to the safety of the river the day her mom and dad burned; she shielded her brother’s eyes from the horrifying scene, that was now, scorched in her memory. However, that meant little to her; her only thoughts were of her parent’s, and knowing that they died refusing to swear allegiance to Armaros, as well as protecting her brother and her.
“I’m okay,” Lillian said. She then rubbed away the tears and forced herself to smile.
“Yea, I know.” Jackson pulled her close, kissed her on the forehead, and then helped her to her feet. “Now, let’s get that water.”
“I don’t need help getting water, Jackson. I’m not a kid.”
“I didn’t say that you’re a kid, but it’s almost
dawn, and we need more than just two cans of water.”
As much as Lillian didn’t want to admit it, she welcomed Jacksons company. It wasn’t that the well was far away, only one hundred yards or so, it was the fact that he made her feel safe. After Armaros had attacked, Jackson kept them together; he kept them moving west. Without him, they would have never made it to the mountains. Years spent hunting, fishing and scouting prepared him to live off the land and helped keep their small group alive.
Lillian leaned against the moss-covered rocks and looked out over the valley. The sun had just started to rise and the tiny buds on the trees glistened with the morning dew, it reminded her of a happier time in her life. Every year, on May 2nd, going back as long as she remembered her family would set the picnic table under the oak tree in her back yard. All of her friends and family would come over, and they celebrated her birthday. For Lillian, that special day wasn’t just about her; it was about life being reborn in a way that made the world seem more beautiful in her eyes.
“Lil… Lillian,” Jackson said in a low, cautious tone as he tried getting her attention. “Lillian.” He tossed a small pebble, hitting her in the arm. “Get down!”
“Huh?” Lillian turned. With her attention sheltered deep in thought, Lillian failed to hear what Jackson heard. The subtle sound of brush rustling, along with the sound of rushing air overhead.
“Someone’s coming,” Jackson whispered as he motioned to Lillian to crouch low to the ground. Frantically, she pressed her body against the cool, damp ground and glanced from side to side; but she saw nothing. Nothing, until they appeared from behind a small outcropping of rocks. It was the only direction from which, the two men could approach unseen.
“There they are,” yelled one of the men.
“Lillian, run!” Jackson ordered her as he jumped to his feet, and prepared to take on the two men. He knew he could beat the men, but he could slow them down long enough for Lillian to escape.
“You will submit to him,” said the smaller man as he reached to his side and grabbed a pair of iron shackles. “He’s your God.”
Jackson took two steps back and pushed Lillian behind him. “Lillian, go now,” he said as he shielded her with his body. “Run!”
Lillian hesitated for a moment but then broke into a full sprint. Countless branches smacked against every part of her body as she crashed through the thick brush. Lord, please help me, she thought as she looked over her shoulder. Then she heard the most horrible sound, a gust of air directly above her. Lillian looked up; she expected to see Armaros, but the sky was empty. In the distance, she heard one of the men behind her. He was loud, and his heavy footsteps trampled through the thick brush, letting Lillian know just how close he was.
He wasn’t far behind her, and in a split second, she made her decision. Lillian turned and started running to the cliffs. In her mind, she didn’t have a choice. She couldn’t lead the men to her brother, and she couldn’t turn back. Her only option was the jagged rocky cliffs that towered over the gorge. It was close to a thousand feet deep, and impossible to climb down, but it was her only option.
Lillian reached the cliffs and collapsed to her knees in tears. She was exhausted, and more importantly, she realized her life was over. With her decision made, she clasped her hands and began to pray. “Dear Lord,” she said, “please, forgive me for what I am about to do. I cannot give myself to him. I won’t do it…I just can’t.” Lillian’s prayer was interrupted.
“You little bitch.” The man stood gasping for breath. “You made me chase you.” Lillian looked up at the man. He was tall, massive and looked as if he was born to inflict punishment on people. His face was scarred and disfigured from countless battles, and his shaved head was covered in sweat. Other than Armaros, he was the scariest creature Lillian had ever seen. Weak, scared and without hope, she pushed herself to her feet.
“He can’t have me!” she shouted as she tightly clenched both fists in defiance. “I die free.” Lillian stretched out her arms and stepped backward, to the edge, letting herself fall gracefully from the edge of the cliff. In her heart, she was at peace. Her soul would be free, and she honestly believed she would soon be reunited with her parents.
“Stupid girl,” the man muttered as he turned and walked away.
The sound of wind rushed by Lillian as she fell. For some reason, it was oddly calming to her; it was pure, peaceful and reminded her of an afternoon storm. Then she felt it, a searing pain that burned like fire throughout her entire body. It felt like a fierce flame had consumed every inch of her. Hell…I’m in hell, she thought. God, please, she prayed, forgive me, Lillian begged, the sound of wind rushing past her limp, falling body stopped.
“Lillian, you are safe now. Put your feet down.” She heard a voice drift through her mind. Confused and dazed, she opened her eyes, and then screamed in terror. She was twenty feet off the ground.
Oh, my God, what is happening to me?
“Not God.” The voice answered. “I am called Ariel.”
Calm came over Lillian and she listened to the voice, putting her feet down as Ariel lowered them to the ground. No! Dear Lord, not me, she thought, seeing her reflection in the still water of the small stream at the bottom of the gorge.
“Be calm, my dear,” the voice said. “You are safe now.”
Lillian stared into the water, captivated by the fierce eyes gleaming back. They were her eyes, but different in every way possible; no longer were they a dull shade of brown, her eyes had changed color; they were brilliant blue, the color of a beautiful ocean. Then she noticed her chest. Her tattered shirt was covered, covered by what looked like scales. Lillian looked closer; she poked, prodded and picked at the diamond shaped pattern with her fingers, but they wouldn’t give. Ariel’s scales were designed by God himself. They served as protection, like armor, and they formed an impenetrable breastplate when Ariel joined with Lillian.
“What are you?” Lillian stumbled back. “What have you done to me?”
“As I said before, I am called Ariel,” he answered. “And I have done nothing. It is our Lord, our God, who has joined our fates.”
“God,” Lillian screamed as she spun around and tried to pull Ariel from her back. “Get off me!” At once, Ariel released his razor sharp talons from her ribcage and his arms unwrapped from her chest. Lillian screamed out in agony as Ariel’s talons ripped through her flesh for the second time; Lillian’s legs buckled, her body gave way and she fell to the ground, overwhelmed with pain. Resting on her hands and knees, she looked up to catch Ariel landing on the boulder in front of her. She was stunned. Stunned at how breathtaking and beautiful Ariel appeared. Diamond shaped scales covered most of his small body. They were the same colors of the eyes Lillian just saw staring back at her from the stream. A spectacular array of brilliant blue and emerald green scales that gave way to feathers that swept down from his back, flowing to the tips of his wings that folded neatly against his side.
“Lillian.” She heard Ariel’s voice within her mind. “Time is not our friend this day. Lucifer has consecrated this land, both he and Armaros may have already felt my presence,” Ariel lowered his head trying to appear less threatening.
Your presence, she thought, rising to her knees.
“Yes, my presence.”
“You can hear me?” Lillian asked aloud.
“Yes.” Ariel’s words echoed in Lillian’s mind. “I can hear you, and you can hear me.”
“How is this possible?” She asked as she leaned forward, her eyes wide with amazement.
“I am truly sorry, but there is no more time.” Ariel’s wings swept outward and with one downward thrust, he leaped twenty feet above Lillian. “He is coming for us.”
“Who is coming?” Lillian asked just as Ariel dove towards her.
Once again, Lillian screamed out in agony as Ariel bonded to her back. His arms wrapped around her chest, his talons sunk deep into her ribcage. The searing pain of fiery flames tore through her body qu
icker than before, but the sensation of being consumed by flames was still high enough to drive the air from her lungs as her back arched from the shock. What are you doing to me? She thought as the light faded, and she passed out.
“Saving us,” Ariel answered.
Lillian’s eyes opened slowly, and for a moment, her new world appeared blurry and distorted. She could tell she was in complete darkness, yet somehow, she could see. It wasn’t sight, as she knew it to be, it was something more, something different. Everything appeared to be in shades of gray and blue. Then she realized where she was — she was under water. Immediately, panic set in and she tried pushing for the surface.
“Be calm, Lillian,” Ariel’s voice drifted through her mind. “I am breathing for the both of us,” he said.
Breathing for the both of us, how is that possible?
“Trust in me, it is possible,” he answered. “We are Ariel; we have dominion over all that is sea or ocean. All waters of this earth fall under our power, our influence. We are the Lion of God, the tip of his spear, the deliverer of his vengeance and justice.”
“Please,” Lillian pleaded, “tell me what is going on? Who are you? What is this? I can’t handle it anymore.”
“You have been chosen as the Guardian.” Ariel’s voice echoed with reverence in Lillian’s mind. “And I am your dragon. Together we will fight to restore peace and harmony to this world.”
“This world is dead,” said Lillian, in her mind. “There is no saving it or us.”
“You are wrong, girl!” Ariel said. “Let me show you.”
All of a sudden, every muscle in her body contracted at once, convulsing under the immense strain as Ariel shared the whole of his knowledge with her. For hours, the two floated beneath the sea as Ariel completed the arc — joining with Lillian. All his understanding and knowledge would become hers; and when completed, they would be one. Both, their bodies and mind’s would become two halves of a whole. The pain she felt when joining would stop, the fear and ignorance would disappear, and most importantly, they would be ready to fight the evil that plagued the world.
Lillian stared at her reflection as she skimmed over the glass-like surface of Sargasso Sea. The water was a bright aqua blue, and as smooth as glass. Gliding over the waters mirror-like surface gave her a chance to see what she had become. Once again, she fixated on her eyes; she fixated on the color: a beautiful shimmering blue. Ariel’s arms wrapped around her chest, his talons, firmly anchored in her ribcage, creating a lifesaving, protective breastplate. Ariel’s hind legs wrapped around her hips, from her back, and molded over her thighs with his talons clasping her flesh just above her knees. Together, they completed each other, they transformed each other, and even