"Alright, here's how the game will work... The 12 of us and our followers shall be represented by our followers, who will fight and struggle for our cause, and the last dragon standing is the winner, and their views on what should be done with the timeline and mortal kind enforced. Either reset it, let it continue as is, or be destroyed outright. If you wish to see it, you must fight for your means and end it or hope another dragon who shares your ideals wins in your stead."
"So, in short, an all-out war between dragons? "Tiamat asked, eyeing Nidhogr with equal parts disbelief and concern.
"Yep~! Well no. Not a war, 'cause that would be boring, but a tournament or battle royale!" Nidhogr elaborated. "A dragon only fights when they are challenged directly by another dragon. But a strong mortal can come to their patron dragon's aid in a fight, so be ready for a brawl or have your powerful players ready~!" Nidhogr explained.
Tiamat's face remained blank as always, but she grumbled a little, appalled by the notion but willing to let the youngest dragon continue.
"And if we refuse?" Long asked. "Or are unwilling?"
"Well, if you abstain from playing, then that's your right, but if you do, then the timeline's at the mercy of whoever wins," Nidhogr explained. "Inaction has consequences, so don't let the thing that defeats you be your own hand, yeah?"
"Fair enough," Bahamut answered. "Though, what's the catch, little sister?"
Nidhogr's grin widened, and she shrugged. "No catch! It's just a game to see which of us, our followers, are the most capable and whose domains are the strongest. The dragon who has the most power gets what they want. Sounds right up your alley, right, Mr 'cull the weak'? Or does your bravado mean nothing?"
Bahamut, while irritated, had to admit the light dragon was right; this was precisely his idea of a good time. "If I must."
"Wait, wait, wait! As much as I'd like to see you all and myself struggle, ONE of us has an unfair advantage!" Fafnir cut in with a playful scowl. "Echidna has an apostle and a nation full of fearful mortals at her beck and call. Bahamut and I barely have followers as it is; meanwhile, Nidhogr and Tiamat have entire country sized cults devoted to them! The scales are tipped, and the game has not even begun!"
"Faffy is right. A game is no fun if one player has a leg up on everyone else, let alone a quarter of us!" Wyrm said, siding with the Shadow dragon. "We gotta have some rules in place to make things fair, or the game ends as soon as it begins."
“I may be one man short, but I think I would still fare well.” Bahamut gloated with false bravado. “But I do value an even ground and our skill and judgment determining the victor.”
"Perhap-hap-haps a starting point in the future?" Wyvern suggested, whirring a solution in their mind. "This entire meeting was held to re-re-re-resolve the potential calamities, but the game is a potential catastrophe in and of itself. I would suggest this game begins only after the timeline's potential Bad-bad-bad endings have been dealt with, allowing intervention in the worst-case scenario and allowing over twenty-ty-ty years to pass and gather more players."
Echidna was silent. Not in anger but contemplation. "Fair enough, we are all busy with our affairs, and I would loathe hearing you all claim I won because of my supposed 'head start.' Besides, I would want the weaklings within Ganbatte to help me win. I would sooner win by my strength alone. Let's put in rules to appease everyone while we wait, regardless of the outcome of the timeline."
"Awww, rules? For a game between gods? My, my Chiddy, you're no fun! What are you, a human?" Nidhogr teased, her voice lilting and mocking.
"No, but the mortals may be, and it'd be best to have guidelines. So that when I WIN, there will be no arguments. We will all abide by the rules, and the winners will be clear. Understood?" Echidna snapped, her voice cold and hard.
Nidhogr just waved a hand dismissively. "Yea, yea, I hear you all. Everyone in agreement to establish some rules before our game begins?"
There was a collective nod, the 12 dragons in agreement for once. That was never a good sign.
*
"Right then! In that case, we each propose one rule for the game: 12 dragons, 12 rules. But the punishment for breaking a rule must also be put forth." Nidhogr said, clapping her hands, "I shall begin with the punishment for any and all rules when broken and end us with the twelfth rule. Those who break the following rules shall forfeit a fraction of their power towards the dragon whose rule was broken. Is that fair?"
There were nods and murmurs of assent, agreeing with the terms.
"Good! Then who wants to go first?"
Fafnir spoke up, the shadow dragon's voice smooth and sultry but deep and intimidating, "I shall propose the first rule of the game: All of your followers must be mortals; no making, building, or summoning something to be your player. That means you Jormung and Wyvern."
There were a few snickers as Fafnir offered the rule, mainly from Nidhogr, Wyrm, and Quetzal. But the two nodded in agreement to the rules, knowing they could easily make an unending legion of constructs for their players.
Jormung offered the next rule, constructing a pillar of sandstone that had their rule etched into the surface, 'Second rule: Altercations between two dragons will be resolved through the use of their players unless a dragon has none available at that time. Then that dragon may defend themselves, but likewise, their opponent must fight using their players, and not by themselves until they've lost their players.'
Bahamut was next to propose his rule, "As to prevent this game from divulging into a barbaric war amongst mortals, I propose the third rule: No harm shall befall those not involved in this game from the direct action of a dragon. I know many of us- Echidna- would use your apostles to wreak havoc upon the world, for one reason or another, and this rule prevents that. Of course, you may still use your players to cause mayhem, but the harm caused should be directed towards predominantly the other dragons."
Quetzal then spoke, "Fourth rule: As our followers are our players in this game. A dragon can not utilize another's follower without the consent and aid of that dragon. Unless said follower defects of their own volition, in which case, a player must agree to leave the service of one dragon to join another. No stealing other players, but the players can always change sides if they want to."
Tiamat was next to speak up, "Fifth rule, adding on to the previous. Upon initial recruitment, our players must have a strong affinity with their patron's element and not just be some random above-average mortal you picked off the street. This rule will make sure a dragon can't just give their champion a weapon of mass destruction and have them become invincible. However, a follower that joins another dragon's side does not need to follow this rule."
Leviathan spoke up next, "Sixth rule: To make things more interesting, our followers must have no prior knowledge of our game before being recruited. They must be given an explanation of what is happening once they're picked to participate and what they'd be working toward. They also must be given the option of decline."
Echidna spoke up, "Now, now, siblings. Nothing is stopping one of us from amassing an army of players to use as shields. I suggest, outside of our basic acolytes and followers, our seventh rule as follows: Dragons can have a maximum of 6 main players, from their heralds, heirs, envoys, apostles, champions, and the like, to utilize in this game. I'd make them count if I were you lot."
Ryumi scratched her chin and added to the proposal, "As for our eighth rule: If two or more dragons wish to join alliances with one another, they must parlay under peaceful terms to make such an agreement with all followers present and agreement. This way, allegiances must be made in the open, and not behind anyone's backs, and made towards both dragon's benefit. Only one alliance per pair of dragons. Cause who doesn't love a bit of drama, intrigue, and wagers?"
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Wyvern's eye screen brightened with an idea, "Oh, for our N-n-ninth rule: The boons and blessings that our players receive from us will be kept even in the event of a t-t-turncoat, as to not hinder the game by taking away an advan-vantage and also persisting after the game's end if they so wish. So even our loyalists may turn on us or vice-ice versa and keep their edge if their former allies decide to take revenge. I lo-lo-love drama."
"If I may, siblings..." Long chimed in, "The tenth rule. Similar to the rule against employing non-mortal and dragon-made followers, there is no use of celestials or demons within our game. Celestials are already born from the clashing of two or more gods, and this game is likely to result in celestial numbers bolstering, as well as demons from mortal ambitions. It would be all too easy for us to capitalize on that. I think we would all like to avoid a repeat of the Devil Divine incident.."
"Awwww, but I want a few celestials... They'd make my forests SO pretty..." Wyrm whined, causing the other gods to roll their eyes. "Rule eleven! I can have one celestial as a treat. But the rest are off-limits! Please? Pleeeeeease?"
"What?" Most of the dragons questioned in unison.
"I'll allow it," Nidhogr nodded.
"WHAT?!" Most of the dragons repeated in unison.
"I've seen you with them before. They are quite pretty... Have as many as ya want, Wyrm. But the rule still stands against demons. And I'm not budging on that one. Deal?"
"YAAAAAAYYYY Thanks Niddy! You're my favorite sibling!" Wyrm cheered.
"You say that to all of us every day..." Leviathan deadpanned.
Nidhogr nodded, "Good, good. Now, onto our next and final rule, which I want to be very clear on, if I may have your attention, please..."
Nidhogr paused for dramatic effect as the other 11 Dragon gods gazed at her with anticipation and expectation, "Our game may allow our followers and players alike to use all of their talents and abilities to their fullest potential. As the proprietor of this game, I declare Rule 12: I shall act as the judge, jury, and executioner to all participants. Should you or a mortal break any rules we have set forth, the perpetrator will answer to me. I and I alone will enact justice and punishment as a neutral party. And don't think that as the youngest, I'll show any mercy... This is MY game, and I will be the thing that stands before any of you in victory. I am the final boss, so to say, and I shall deal with any who defy or disobey me. Understood?"
*
The other gods nodded in agreement, knowing their pantheon's youngest fury was not to be trifled with, least she pull another 'Dragonslayer incident'. "Yes, Nidhogr."
"Excellent! However, we still have some years to prepare before the game begins. So, take this time to train and recruit whoever you think would best serve your interests. I'm looking forward to our Rhapsodious Odyssey of Ascendant Realms!"
"Our what?" Quetzalcoatl questioned.
"Rhapsodious Odyssey of Ascendant Realms. That's what I've decided to call this game of ours. 'The Dragons ROAR'! I like it!"
"It's a bit long... and it sounds kind of stupid..." Long stated.
"YOU'RE LONG AND STUPID!"
"I am Long, but I'm not stupid. I am arguably the smartest entity in existence. If not, easily top 15."
"Actually, you're pretty short compared to the rest of us. Quetzal's the longest of us all." Fafnir pointed out.
"Yes, and I am rather intelligent," Quetzal stated. "Not to mention rather handsome, beautiful, and gorgeous. Don't you all agree?"
"You forgot insufferable and humble." Echidna sighed.
"...You're all beautiful in my eyes." Long joked, pointing to their blindfold with a weary grin, causing a few of the dragons to laugh and chuckle at his remark.
"As I was saying," Nidhogr continued back on track, "The 'Dragons ROAR is what we shall call this game of ours. We, as dragons, are bound by these rules as well. We cannot use our godly power to directly influence our followers, players, or the game itself, except for our apostles. We may assist and give our players advice, but it's up to them to do what they will with it. All decisions will ultimately be theirs to make and ours to observe unfold. Held by the same standards and restrictions as our champions, we will be fighting a fair game, my friends."
"What does the winner get again? I forgot." Leviathan asked.
"They get to decide what happens with all the mortals and the timeline! With the help of the Mother Dragon, even! So I've decided."
"Why do you keep referring to me like that?" Tiamat asked.
"No, no. Not you, Tia. Oroborous! THE Mother Dragon! The winner will wake her up and change the world alongside their players as they see fit." Nidhogr explained.
"The Mother Dragon?" Tiamat inquired. "But that's... impossible. She's lying dormant, asleep. We can't awaken her. None of us can."
"Well, if the winner can defeat all of us in the game, they probably have the power to awaken her. It's just a matter of having enough power and influence over the world to where she HAS to intervene. Or so you all like to say in that ominous tone of voice."
"Wait, but if you plan to be the final boss... doesn't that mean you'll have pretty much a 50/50 chance of winning?" Leviathan pointed out.
"Only if none of you try to stop me. In which case, you'd be right. But since I am the final boss, and my followers are already mighty, Imma take this pre-game time to catch up on my beauty sleep, try some new mortal foods, maybe have an egg or 200, and enjoy myself."
"You... could do all that outside the game..." Leviathan replied. "But I'd be lying if I didn't share the sentiment. I think I'd like to take the time to visit a few islands I've been eyeing for some time now."
“Girls night?” Nidhogr raised a claw and brow to her sister.
“Girls night!” Leviathan answered, claw in claw with the Light Dragon.
Tiamat sighed, "Well, if you all are going to play this game, then I suppose I have no choice. Rest up all you like, and make my victory all the easier for me."
"I agree; laze around all you wish. I will focus on finding the perfect players and prepare for my conquest." Bahamut stated.
“Nah, you’re joining us in girls night, edgelord.” Nidhogr placed her claw on Bahamut's shoulder. It is less of an objection and more of a threat.
"This will end poorly, very poorly, for so many people... But it seems the only option is to play. I hope I am wrong about all of this." Long lamented, scanning through the various futures he saw.
"Come what ma-ma-may, the results shall be an excellent test of the fruits of eons of labor. May the best dragon stand a-a-a-at the top!" Wyvern cackled.
"Leviathan, Nidhogr, can I join the girl's night!?" Wyrm begged.
"OOOOOH ME TOO!" Fafnir shouted.
Jormung looked to the five with a pleading look of anticipation.
"OHMIGOSH, YES!!!" Leviathan and Nidhogr shouted in unison.
“Let it be known I am only joining you because I want to be present when something explodes from your tomfoolery.” Bahamut stated smugly, “Anyway, there was this nice brothel chain I heard cropped up in Hellmerica. They have amazing culinary morsels… Uh, um, or so I’ve heard.”
Echidna smirked at the group, "See you all in 20 years. Enjoy yourselves while you can~." She cooed before attempting to vanish in a flourish of flames. But Wyrm pulled her from the fire to the entourage with a sturdy vine.
The rest of the dragons also departed to the mortal realms, leaving only Tiamat and Long.
Tiamat loomed in silence for a moment, "You have seen the possible futures, yes?"
"I have."
"And what you have seen would include..."
"Varying degrees of disaster in favor of a select few dragons. I'm sure I need not tell you who."
"Indeed you don't." Tiamat thought to herself momentarily, "I would rather avoid dawdling and playing another pawn in Nidhogr's game. But my claws seem to be tied. At least if I want to prevent something worse than this game from happening..." The death dragon sighed before muttering to herself, "What kind of god would I be if I let innocents die because I was too stubborn to intervene."
"I have foreseen many futures which end favorably, but they are a hope, never a guarantee. We will have to work hard to make them our reality. Not just you and I, but many of our siblings... Perhaps we should swear an allegiance?!" Long hoped, raising their head at Tiamat.
Tiamat looked back with a soft but determined expression, but somehow still blank look, "I would like to... But it is not my nature to act so quickly. While our primary goal is the same, our means of achieving it will differ, like usual. For now, I will consider it a distant possibility and hope we both come to the same conclusion."
Long sighed but nodded. Tiamat wasn't wrong there... "If you ever seek my aid, do not hesitate to ask, Dragons Roar, allegiance or not. You are not one I wish to be on the wrong side of. " He smiled.
Tiamat slithered over and wrapped her tail around Long in as good of a hug as she could muster, "I am not one you need fear. Not unless you truly have a death wish and do something reckless. Imagine... You ever taking a risk." She chuckled softly. "Now go enjoy your 'girls night' with our siblings."
Long chuckled, "I intend to... I just hope Nidhogr and Leviathan behave themselves..." Long quickly scanned the very near future, "They won't... Well, I shall depart. Good luck, dear Tiamat." He smiled and gave Tiamat a gentle headbutt after missing three times before shifting his place in time and space to join the others.
Tiamat watched and waited, alone with her thoughts again. "Once again... My domain is threatened by hubris and selfishness. Once again, I must play a hand in preventing the worst possible outcome. So be it. If it's a game you wish, you shall have a game. A game I fully intend to win."
The death dragon slithered off into the ground, back to her realm of the dead.
Who are your top 3 favorite of the Dragons?
