Chapter 1: The diminishing glow of the flame

"RUN!!! " The wild rush of leaves swirled and twirled, mirroring the frantic movements of the fleeing frames. Their hair whipped into a frenzy as the wind howled mercilessly, the looming danger threatening to engulf them. They have no choice but to keep running with their only objective: survival, as the flame in their heart grows. Suddenly, an eerie and sinister chuckle emerged amidst the chaos, piercing the atmosphere and sending shivers down their spine.

As the fellow followers followed behind that maniacal chuckle. In a show of unity, they raised their voices, shouting from the top of their lungs, " We're coming for you! There's no escape, not now or ever! "Their cry only caused the figures to keep pushing the body to its very limits, every muscle strained as they raced against the malevolent pursuer, refusing to face death in the eyes. Then, a man with flowing black hair abruptly halted his sprint, his commanding figure towering over them protectively. He instructed his wife and child to flee without him, a decision rooted in love. Deep down he knew this was the only way to ensure their survival. With a boldness that defied any reason, he suppressed his emotion, hoping this plan would work in his favor. As his family moved forward, filled with a mix of hope and despair, fate held its plans for this courageous family.As his family grew out of reach, it became apparent that their relentless pursuer was determined to prevent them from escaping. With unwavering resolve, the tall man stood bravely, ready to shield his loved one from the approaching danger. He confronted the approaching horde of enemies ready to fight. Despite his pleas, they continue charging, turning the field into that of wills. Surrounded by tempest, the air becomes thick with despair and the pulse of pounding hearts. Donned in exquisite black dragon armor, his adversary matched his every move in a thrilling showdown of swords. Finding themselves in a fierce clash. Thunderous battle cries reverberated across the field, as the two warriors fought fiercely, their determination and skills on full display. The man in dragon armor was questioning this man's action. Why would he die a foolish death? Knowing well he wasn't going to survive this fight but he does admire his boldness.In a triumphant moment, the man with black hair finally delivered a devastating blow that shattered his enemy's defense. Raising his sword high in the air as a symbol of his power. However, his defeated opponent was unwilling to admit his defeat, responding with a sharp remark that sent a chill down his spine. Curiosity piqued, the victorious black hair man as he sought a further explanation, determined to uncover the hidden meaning of his word. With chilling confidence, the defeated warrior ended the dented conversation with a daunting sound. With a piercing and authoritative sound, he let out a whistle aimed at the other men, instantly capturing their undivided attention. They immediately understood the silent command as they released the wild beast. That was once captive, had now been sent free, as the heavy chain restraining its immense power now fell onto the ground. With a piercing screech, the creature soared gracefully into the dark sky, defying gravity with its powerful wings. The group of men, stood in awe, mesmerized by the sight before them, feeling a blend of wonder and fear. As it disappeared into the far-off horizon, leaving them uncertain of what would come next. Its primal nature and piercing gaze left them feeling as if they stepped into the underworld. The man with black hair realized that the man in black dragon armor was controlling this creature. But most would simply call it a dragon. He smirked in satisfaction, confident in his success, fully aware that he unleashed an unstoppable force on Avalon. With every inhale, the dragon emitted a fog of steam from its massive nostrils, enveloping an ethereal presence. The arrangement of spikes resembled a majestic woodland of razor-sharp blades, and its outstretched wings consumed the entire sky. When it took off into the sky it shook the ground beneath the men, some stumbling in overwhelming fear. It vanished into the night, leaving haunting testaments as to what was about to unfold. Meanwhile, the man behind the chaos revealed his sinister triumph. His maniacal laughter echoed through the night, marking the commencement of the dark era. Amidst the turmoil, a resounding voice pierced the stillness. With a righteous fury, ready to confront the man in black dragon armor. He blamed the man for unleashing the nightmare, the man with black hair shouted, " You wretched scoundrel! How dare you? "The words spewed out of him like poison, dripping with fury a plea for justice. The man clad in armor's laughter grew more intense, delighted in the chaos he had unleashed. Without flinching, he cooly retorted, "If you have the guts, bring it. "With an insatiable hunger for power, the two men fiercely launched themselves into another fight. Unleashing their restrained vigor in a monumental clash blows rained down, and the struggle unfolded with intensity like a raging tempest. Ultimately, only one lay motionless on the ground, defeated and shattered. The bitter ending serves as a reminder that destiny likes to play a game of chess. The creature was poised to make his move any moment, a moment that would never be forgotten. Fear gripped the man and his wife, as they worried for their children's safety. He could almost feel her heart pounding in his own chest, as thoughts the gods were whispering in his ear. The woman, still running, cradles her baby boy in one arm, his innocent eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and fear. With her other hand, she tightly grasps her young daughter's delicate fingers, their shared gaze conveying a blend of worry. Suddenly, a thunderous roar shattered the already chaotic atmosphere, sending a shockwave of fear through her body. Adrenaline surged as she propelled herself forward, maternal instincts, ready to protect her children at all costs. She knew she had to enter the unknown and pray that the gods would hear her plea. Just as they approached the forest's edge, hope began to flicker before fate dealt a devastating blow. A massive shadow descends upon them, and the ground trembles beneath them. Despite the overwhelming fear coursing through her vain, the woman stood firm, her grips on her children unwavering. She faced the dangerous dragon, its piercing gaze meeting her. In Avalon, dragons were worshiped like gods, yet she knew better than to test them. These wild beasts were untamed and uncontrollable, but somehow these people had mastered that power. The mother turned to her daughter, sharing a silent understanding. The girl's expression mirrored her own- a mix of fear- as the dragon's growl intensified with every heartbeat. The woman knelt on the forest floor and gently touched her daughter's quivering shoulder. In that tender moment, they shared a silent communication that transcended words. With a whisper of urgency, she imparted a solemn message to her daughter Starfania. She was now entrusting her daughter with the weight of responsibility to protect her family and the people who needed it. As she told Starfania "The world is not always perfect, but the memory you create makes it worth living. "Starfania struggled to grasp her mother's words. All she could feel was the weight of the vow that was carried in her mother's essence even in the presence of danger. Reluctantly, the mother handed her baby boy to Starfania, the separation weighing heavily on her heart. Tears streamed down Starfania as she clung tightly to her brother, understanding the seriousness of the situation. Realizing this might be the last time she saw her mother, her chest tightened, and she placed a hand over it to ease the pain. The mother felt her heart breaking at the pain her daughter was feeling. Then she quickly grabbed them into a tight hug. Embracing them in that final moment before reluctantly parting. As she flickered a smile that was filled with bittersweet affection. With a gentle push, she urged Starfania to step away from the looming danger that was still behind them. It felt like this dragon was giving them a moment to say their goodbyes. Before it had to finish the job that it was tasked to do. You can hear the trembling voice in Starfania as she pleads, " Mommy... please don't d-do it! "At that moment, Starfania experienced a sudden, agonizing realization. Her mother's action was an act of selflessness; was her final farewell, a moment etched into Starfania's memory. As her mother turned toward them and whispered words that pierced her very soul: ' I love you. ' Time seemed to stand still.The dragon slowly opened its mouth, its body charging up, and the light of the flame rising in its throat. The beasts unleashed a colossal shadow ball directly at her mother, time seemed to stretch out. Starfania's breathing echoed in the forest stillness, her fear paralyzing her as she watched in horror. As the darkness enveloped her mother, the dragon vanished into the night, leaving Starfania in tears as she called out to her mother.