The Crimson Fang
Chapter 6 - Zalterosand

The group looked back into the Mirror of Shadow-Walking, hoping to see Joseph walk through behind them, but all they saw was an implosion. “Let’s go to the Elder’s Hall,” King Artemus said, running from the room as fast as his legs would carry him. When they arrived, the Elder greeted them. “I apologize, Simon, but we must skip the pleasantries. There is not a moment to waste. Show us Joseph.” He ran over to a basin, and Elder Simon followed him. He placed his hands on the surface of the water, and an image appeared. Joseph came into view, standing in an open street. The buildings around him were reduced to rubble. “The Conduit didn’t do that. The explosion would only have wiped out those living. What is happening?” The image showed Joseph staring down an enemy. He had a look of pure anger on his face. His opponent was grinning, sharp teeth dripping with blood. “Oh no,” gasped Elder Simon. King Artemus looked terrified, as well. “An Altros!” Everyone ran to the basin to and looked inside.

Joseph breathed heavily, staring down his opponent. What the hell is this thing? It’s so powerful. He had managed to fight it off up until now, but only just barely. “I am impressed that one so young has managed to keep up with me. I suppose I will reward your efforts. You have earned the right, nay, the privilege, of learning my name. Not that it will do you any good. You will be bringing it to the grave with you, or wherever your pathetic people go when you perish. I am known as Zalterosand, of the Altros race. Not only that, but I personally tore the head from your hero, Reinhardt. It was truly pathetic, to be honest with you. I really expected him to put up more of a fight, being as renowned as he was.” Zalterosand was laughing, now. Upon hearing this, an emotion arose inside Joseph. He had never felt an emotion as powerful as the one he now felt. This was more than the anger toward the Altros he had felt, upon hearing the news of his father’s death. This was pure, primal hatred. This creature had been the one responsible for killing Reinhardt, and now he wore it as a badge of honour. He wanted nothing more than to rip this creature’s very soul from its body. It was going to die, and somehow, Joseph was going to be the one to kill it.

As his hatred for Zalterosand grew higher, he felt his power growing stronger, as well as something else. He had no idea why, but he suddenly had an urge to throw his hands skyward. As he did this, there was a great flash of light. When the light faded, there was a winged beast in the air above him. “A Dragon!” Joseph looked at Zalterosand, shocked by the astonishment in his voice. “You can summon Dragons?” Joseph felt that bluffing was the wisest choice. “Of course!” He shouted as loud as he could. “I am Joseph, son of Reinhardt, the Crimson Dragon!” he could feel the Dragon’s strength flowing into him. Using this new strength, he charged at the Altros in front of him. He managed to catch Zalterosand off guard, but only for a moment. Soon, the two of them were locked in hand-to-hand combat. The battle continued on for hours, neither warrior showing any signs of gaining any ground. I need to replace a way to get behind him, or this battle will never end.

The group in the Elder’s Hall watched in amazement as Joseph, having never seen a real battle, had been keeping up with the Altros step for step. Even more amazing to them, was the appearance of a Dragon, a creature thought to be extinct since the First Altros War! They were discussing the appearance of the beast, when Joseph disappeared from sight. “No, it cannot be,” Elder Simon thought aloud.

Suddenly, Joseph felt the same sensation he felt when he entered the Mirror of Shadow-Walking. The distance he felt he was being pulled was much shorter, but the feeling was still the same. Before he knew it, he was being Zalterosand. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, he swung his fist at the back of the Altros’ head. The Altros was caught off guard, and staggered, as Joseph’s blow landed. “What in the hells?” Good. He was as confused as Joseph was. “So, that’s how you want to play?” Suddenly, Zalterosand began growing. He continued to grow until he was taller than the remaining buildings! Well, isn’t that lovely? Joseph had to think of something, quickly, or he would soon be a smear on the cobblestone. Hmm, I wonder, he thought. He looked up to the Dragon and whistled. To his delight, the Dragon flew down and moved to allow him to climb onto its back.

The next few minutes we spent attempting to take flight and get airborne. After they finally managed to rise above the buildings, having managed to avoid the fire that Zalterosand had been shooting at them, they went on a full offensive.

“It is amazing how he knows what he is doing? He must have trained for years,” Alice said, astounded. Geoff laughed. “I’m pretty sure he’s making this up as he goes.” “Well, that’s what battle is. You make it up as you go, adapting to your opponent,” Draken replied. “Is there any way that we can assist him?” asked Jewel. King Artemus shook his head. “With the Conduit destroyed, we would never make it in time. He’s on his own in this one.” There was nothing that they could do but watch the battle unfold.

Joseph and his Dragon were managing to frustrate Zalterosand. It seemed that the more frustrated he became, the more difficulty he had maintaining his size. The duo was working extremely well together. It was almost as if the Dragon could read Joseph’s thoughts and anticipate exactly what he wanted to do. Zalterosand knew that as long as the two were together, he was not going to win the fight. He summoned his power and released a blast of darkness, aiming at the flying menace. His blast found its mark, and went right through its chest. The two of them were sent plummeting straight toward the ground, the Dragon shielding its rider from the impact.

Joseph picked himself up off the ground and walked over to his new ally. It was still breathing, but only barely. He looked into its eyes, and could tell that it knew it was dying. He placed his hands and his head onto the Dragon’s and it began to glow. Joseph felt an incredible surge, as the dragon began to be absorbed into him. He grinned as he felt a new power coursing through his body. He turned toward Zalterosand, whose expression changed from pleased to terrified. “First, you take my father from me.” The sky began to change, becoming a dark crimson colour, clouds swirling over their heads. “Then you attempt to attack my king.” The clouds opened up directly above him.” Then you destroy my way home, threatening to kill me.” A beam of light shot from the hole in the clouds, then directly into him. “And now, you kill my Dragon.” He was glowing now, as he raised his hand towards the frightened Altros. “Now, you are going to die! Dragon’s Fury Blast!” A blast of light and energy shot from his hand, directly into Zalterosand’s body. As he screamed in pain, the light coursed through him. It began tearing through the darkness that made up most of the Altros, ripping him apart. His body melted away, and the screaming ceased.

Joseph walked over to the pile of ashes. It was all that remained of his enemy’s body. This was more than just a single victory for him. Not only had he managed to destroy his mark, he had destroyed an Altros, defended his home, his king, and his new friends. Most of all, however, he had managed to avenge his father’s death, after all these years. He had even gained an awesome new ability, to boot! He couldn’t wait to show everyone back home. Back home, he thought. I need to replace a way back. Then, he felt that same sensation, once again, of being pulled a great distance.

The next thing he knew, he was standing in a room, behind the ones who had entered the Conduit, just before Zalterosand showed himself. “Where did he go?” They were all staring into a basin, so Joseph walked over and looked inside, as well. “Who are we looking for?” he asked. “We’re looking for you. You were there one second, looking at some ashes, and then you disapp…” Draken stopped before he finished his sentence.