APEX RISING

A Dragon and a Devil

Elian’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Jade. “You’re…you’re a dragon?” he stuttered.

Jade nodded, her expression neutral. “Yes, I am. And I’ve been living among humans for some time now.”

Elian’s mind was reeling with questions, but before he could ask any of them, Jade spoke up again.

“We should get out of here,” she said. “Those men may have had friends, and I don’t want to risk another fight.”

Elian nodded, still trying to process everything that had just happened. He followed Jade as she led him away from the scene of the fight, his eyes fixed on her back as he wondered what other secrets she might be hiding.

As they walked, Elian couldn’t help but steal glances at Jade. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that she was a dragon, and he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to see her in her true form.

Jade seemed to sense his gaze, and she turned to him with a small smile. “You’re staring at me,” she said.

Elian felt a flush rise to his cheeks as he looked away. “Sorry,” he muttered.

Jade’s smile grew wider. “It’s okay,” she said. “I’m used to it. Humans often stare at me when they find out what I am.”

Elian looked back at her, his curiosity getting the better of him. “What is it like, being a dragon?” he asked.

Jade’s expression turned thoughtful, and she seemed to consider her answer carefully before speaking. “It’s…complicated,” she said. “Being a dragon comes with a lot of power and responsibility. But it’s also isolating, at times. Humans often fear what they don’t understand, and dragons are no exception.”

Elian nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy for Jade. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live as a creature feared and reviled by humans.

As they continued walking, Elian found himself feeling more and more drawn to Jade. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that she was a dragon, but he couldn’t deny the sense of fascination and wonder that she inspired in him.

…

…

As they walked through the dense forest, the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming wildflowers. The sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The sound of birdsong and rustling leaves provided a soothing background hum, punctuated by the occasional snap of a twig.

Elian asked, “Jade, why did you fight for me back there? You didn’t have to.”

Jade shrugged, a hint of a smile on her lips. “I guess I just don’t like seeing the weak get bullied.”

Elian’s eyes narrowed. “But why? You’re a thief, aren’t you? You said it yourself.” “Wait! Did she just call me weak?” he thought to himself.

Jade’s smile grew wider. “Yes, I am. It’s how I survive.”

Alister spoke up, his voice curious. “What made you become a thief, Jade? What’s your story?”

Jade’s expression faltered, and she looked down, her eyes clouding with sadness. The scent of rain wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest floor. “I…I don’t have any family,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “They all died in a fire when I was a child. I’ve been on my own ever since.”

The sound of a distant waterfall grew louder, and the air seemed to vibrate with the gentle hum of running water. Alister’s face softened with sympathy. “I’m sorry, Jade.”

Jade shook her head, a hint of a smile on her lips. “No need to be sorry. I’m over it now. But…I don’t really have anywhere to stay. That’s why I’ve had to resort to thievery to survive.”

Elian spoke up, his voice gentle. “I can’t just leave you like that, Jade. Do you…do you need a place to stay?”

Jade looked up, a hint of surprise on her face. The sunlight caught her eyes, making them sparkle like gemstones. “I…I couldn’t impose on you like that.”

Alister smiled. “You’re not imposing. I’d be happy to have you stay with me…back in Green Hills.”

Jade’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “No, I couldn’t. That’s too much to ask.”

Alister’s smile grew wider. “It’s not too much to ask. Besides, I’m not alone. I came with someone…Tharros. He’s waiting for me back at the waterfall.”

Jade’s eyes narrowed. “The waterfall?”

Alister nodded. “Yes. We were supposed to meet up there. Why don’t we go wait for him?”

Jade nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Okay.” “So, I never got your name” she added.

“Oh yeah, it El… it’s Alister” he replied.

Jade looked to the sky, a smile playing on her lip’s “Alister hun”.

As they continued walking, the sound of the waterfall grew louder, and the air grew cooler and more misty. The scent of wet stone and moss filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest floor.

As they reached the waterfall, Alister looked around, expecting to see Tharros waiting for them. But to his surprise, there was no sign of him.

“Damn,” Alister muttered, scanning the area. “Maybe he’s already gone home.”

Jade frowned, her eyes narrowing. “But I thought you said he was waiting for us here.”

Alister shook his head. “I did. I don’t know what could have happened to him.”

Elian spoke up, his voice calm. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. But for now, let’s focus on getting back to Green Hills. Do you happen to know the way there?”

Jade nodded, a small smile on her lips. “I do. It’s just over there,” she said, pointing up at a hill.

Alister eyes followed her gesture, and he nodded. “Alright, let’s go. Maybe Tharros is waiting for us there.”

They set off towards Green Hills, their journey taking them through rolling hills and dense forests. Finally, after what felt like hours of walking, they reached the outskirts of the village.

As they approached the house, Elian’s eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the village. He pushed open the door, and Jade followed him inside.

But as soon as they stepped into the house, the door slammed shut behind them, plunging the room into darkness. Elian’s heart skipped a beat as he stumbled forward, trying to get his bearings.

“Um…Alister,” Jade called out. “I sense a presence of great evil in this house.” her voice shaking.

“what are you talking taking about?, there’s no one here” Alister said.

Suddenly, Alister felt something pass him with tremendous speed.

Jade fell to her knees an aura of death loomed over her, two red eyes behind her, her entire Sense screaming at her to run.

“Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!”Jade screened, a choking sound coming from her direction.

Alister’s with reflex switched on the light, the bulb light quickly enveloping the room in it’s lamination.

“Jade!!!”, Alister screened. His eyes opened wide in shock.

Jade’s back was pinned to the wall, her legs dangling in the air, a powerful hand with claws gripped her by the neck, pressing her against the wall.

“uh!”, Jade’s face folded from the choking pain, her breath leaving her, her struggle in vain.

Alister ran towards them yelling, “stop!, let her go… Tharros”.

Tharros eyes had an otherworldly red glow, a twisted smile crept on his face, the Fang’s in his mouth fearsome. “the intruder must be exterminated” he said, squeezing her neck harder.

Alister was perplexed and scared, Tharros ignoring his command, and Jade’s life slowly slipping away.

“stop!!!”

“stop!!!”

“stop!!!”

“stop!!!” Alister yelled, but Tharros ignored, his determination bent on Killing the unknown woman before him.

Suddenly, something clicked within Alister, enraging him. “I said STOP!!!!!” his eyes emitting an otherworldly blue glow.

Immediately, Tharros felt an excruciating pain in his head, forcing him to let go of Jade and leaving him kneeling before Alister, holding his head from the unbearable pain.

Tharros looked up, kneeling before Alister, a paralyzing fear gripped him, Alister’s presence was commanding, the air heavy with murderous intent, his eyes gleaming with power and rage.

“Alister!”, Jade’s voice called out, breaking him from his rage.

He’s eyes went to Jade’s direction, she sat on the floor, her hand on her neck, coughing, as she tried to catch her breath.

“Are you alright?” he said running towards her direction.

“I’m … alright”. “Stay behind me Alister, he’s a Devil!!” she said moving forward to protect Alister, in fear of the man before her.

Alister’s eyes turned to Tharros, he’s expression enraged. “why did you attack her like that?, what’s the hells wrong with you!”.

Tharros got up from his knees, dusting his clothes “My apologies, I thought she was an intruder”, “besides, why have you brought a Dragon here?” he said, anger in his voice.

Alister yelled in furry, “Are you crazy, why would you attack he like that?!”

“She is a Dragon, I am bounded by natural instincts to attack first and ask questions later, so again, My apologies”

Alister’s expression changed slowly softening“ what are you talking about?, what does her being a Dragon have to do with anything?”

Jade placed her hand on Alister’s shoulder, trying to get up, staring at Tharros with a glair of anger. “lets just say Devils aren’t really the smartest race around”.

Tharros stared at her, his anger of her presence etched on his face. “do you have a death wish or something!?”

Jade stood tall, her eyes locked on Tharros, as she introduced herself. “I ain’t scared of you, Devil.”

Tharros’s eyes widened, his expression enraged. For a moment, he seemed to gauze at Jade, his intentions murderous. Then, with an almost imperceptible shake of his head, his composure returned.

“Welcome Dragon, I am Tharros,” Tharros said, his voice smooth as silk.

“The names Jade, don’t forget it.” She said staring into Tharros’s eyes as a faint smirk played on her lip’s .

Alister, oblivious to the tension, smiled warmly. “Jade will be staying with us for a while. Make her feel at home, Tharros.”

As Alister walked away, Tharros and Jade stood beside each other, their faces inches apart.

Tharros’s gaze lingered on hers, searching for any sign of deception. “Why didn’t you tell him?”

Jade’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Tell him what?, I have known idea what you are talking about”.

Tharros’s smile was cold, calculating. “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I’m talking about, Jade…Pendragon.”

Jade’s eyes narrowed, shining with an otherworldly green energy, her jaw clenched with warning. “I see, so you know.”

“If you hurt him, I’ll make sure you pay with your life” Tharros threatened, his eyes burning with an otherworldly red glow.

The air between them vibrated with unspoken secrets and veiled threats.

A smile played on her lip’s, her Fang’s reviled. “Don’t worry I don’t intend to”. “Besides, if I did, who’s going to stop me? You?” she threatened, her Aura murderous.

As they stood there, Alister returned, oblivious to the tension.

“Tharros, can you show Jade to her room?” he asked, his voice cheerful.

Tharros nodded, his expression neutral once more. “Of course.”

As Tharros led Jade away, Alister watched, sensing something was off. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Little did he know, secrets and lies had already begun to weave a web around him.