The Dragon Wars (Chapter 15 + Epilogue)

Tregondor roared in agony as Majaron became lodged into his chest. As Velore’s grip on Majaron got tighter, the sword glowed brighter. Tregondor roared louder as the light shined brighter. Eventually, Velore pulled the sword out. Everyone watched as the Dark Dragon King fell to his knees.

Tregondor slowly turned into sand, starting from his tail. As he slowly disintegrated, he gave out his final speech.

“This is not the end, boy… My Darkness is eternal… No matter how bright the Light shines… Darkness will always return… I will rise again!”

His final words echoed as he vanished. “I will return…” Then he was gone.

The other Dark Dragon slowly vanished as well. “Our master is gone,” Hissenroc hissed for the last time, “But we will rise again…”

Everything was silent. The clouds finally parted. The world stood still for a moment. Velore was panting hard. He dropped Majaron onto the ground and fell on his knees. He looked up to the sky.

“That was for you, mother…” he whispered silently. “I hope you saw it…”

Clair rushed over to Velore and hugged him. “See?” she said excitedly. “I knew you could do it!” She spun him around in a circle, but then stopped when she realized what she was doing. She let go of him.

Everyone rushed over to Tregoneron, who was still lying on the ground wounded. “Do not worry about me, Velore,” Tregoneron reassured. “My wounds will heal in time.”

Velore sighed in relief.

Tregoneron slowly got up on his feet. “Velore,” he began, “You do realize that this victory is not of your own doing, correct?”

Velore nodded.

“It would give me great pleasure to crown you as the new king of Gontopia,” Tregoneron continued, “But you first need a companion. Someone to protect and watch over this land alongside you.”

“You mean a queen?” Velore questioned.

“Yes,” Tregoneron said. “Tell me, lad. Have you found a suitable companion?”

(“I think I know who it’s gonna be!” Hangriff grinned.)

“Don’t worry, Tregoneron,” Velore answered. “I think I have.” He turned his head toward Clair.

Clair noticed Velore looking at her. “Velore…?”

Velore cleared his throat and held Clair’s hand. “Clair,” he started. “I know this may seem crazy to you, but…” He knelt down. “Will you… be my queen?”

Clair gasped. “V-Velore…” She pulled him up. “But you only known me for three days…”

“Come on, Clair,” Hangriff said. “You know you love him…”

“Hangriff!” Tregoneron boomed. “Mind your manners! Let them decide!”

“Oh, please,” Hangriff insisted. “They’re meant for each other.”

Clair looked back at Velore. “Well… I suppose so.” She hugged him. “But it still feels early for that…”

Tregoneron grinned. “I believe I may have a solution to this dilemma,” he said. “We’ll hold off on the wedding for now. We’ll give you two some more time to know each other better.”

“But wouldn’t that mean that Gontopia won’t have a king for a while?” Velore questioned.

Tregoneron grinned again. “Aren’t you forgetting something, my boy?” he said. “I am a king, too.”

Velore thought about that. Tregoneron made a valid point, after all. He then nodded in agreement.

“Then it’s settled,” Tregoneron announced. “Come, my fellow dragons. We have a kingdom to rebuild.”
 

Three years later…

 
Gontopia Castle was as good as new. The walls were mended; the towers were upright and standing tall once more; the shattered windows were replaced; the great dragon statue was standing in the courtyard once again.

It was coronation day, and everyone from across the land came to the castle for this special occasion, humans and dragons alike.

Velore walked down the red carpet of the throne room, with his cloak dragging behind him. As he walked down the pews, he noticed the many people he met in his travels. When he stepped up to the throne, Hangriff and Vaperon were up there holding the crowns. Hangriff slowly placed the crown atop Velore’s head.

Clair entered the room. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress. She slowly walked down the pews and stepped up next to Velore. Vaperon slowly placed the tiara atop Clair’s head.

Velore and Clair turned around to face the audience. Hangriff and Vaperon stepped down. Tregoneron stuck his head through an open window above them.

“Citizens of Gontopia,” he began, “We have gathered here today to witness our new king and queen come together as they hope to bring peace and prosperity to this beautiful land.” He turned his head toward Clair. “Mistress Clair,” he said, “do you accept young Velore as your companion for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Clair answered.

Tregoneron turned to Velore. “Master Velore, do you accept Clair as your companion for as long as you both shall live?”

Velore nodded. “I do.”

Tregoneron faced the audience. “Then by the power invested in me,” he concluded, “I now name you two King and Queen of Gontopia.” He bowed his head. “You may now kiss.”

Velore and Clair hugged each other and kissed each other’s lips. Everyone in the audience cheered. Hangriff was shedding tears of joy. “It’s…It’s so beautiful…”




There was a huge celebration in the castle courtyard. Velore and Clair walked all around the courtyard. Everyone greeted and congratulated them on becoming the new rulers.

“Congratulations, you two!” Marlin said.

“My people had faith in you,” said the elder.

“Your grandfather would be proud, boy,” Arbora said.

“Congrats, guys!” Silvis said.

Everyone at the party was enjoying themselves. Velore and Clair held hands and witnessed the celebration. All was well in the kingdom.

Or so it seemed…


High among the stars, a mysterious object that would appear to be an asteroid floats aimlessly across space. Upon closer inspection, one would discover this “asteroid” to actually be an egg. If one were inside the egg with the creature that slowly forms within, the same phrase could be heard echoing again and again.

“Darkness will always return…”