Yes. Finally a character to get out of my head, and finally another short written. Its a proud night of procrastinating class work.

I haven't really done this before, so bear with me. Story to follow here.
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A Stranger Steps Forth


Appearing beyond my window sill was an amber light. It laps towards me, invading the dark sanctity of my sleeping chamber. What... what have I done to deserve this torture? Have I not harvested my crop? Have I not prayed to our gods? Have I not given 'til my fingers bled? So, why now does this cursed beast destroy all that I cherish, threaten the little I own, and glutton on those I loved? But here I cower, alone in the light-defiled night.

A dragon. That winged demon of fire. What are we to do against such magic? Raze our homes to the ground with the smallest snuff. And that is fair!? What evil creature full of cowardice and greed intrudes upon the unequivocally defenseless beings for the shoal depths of their pockets? Give me highwaymen and edacious kings before the hunger of a dragon.

I should shout and give every last but if fight I have! What life is worth living if it isn't the fullest! And I certainly haven't garnered many particulars. I should strike! I should fly recklessly! I should... sink back into my corner. Those eyes. They terrify me. Like the fire in its belly welled up through those shining stones to brand my soul with the mockery of my bravity. Only a fool would challenge such hellfire, and I was almost a fool. I would be so lucky for it to think that the last morsel was glut. That some pathetic scrap like me could be spared.

But... perhaps my luck... has turned. The night lights have begun their retreats from my bed chambers. By chance, another glance from the sill is in order. Soothe my soul with the lack of sight. But no! The terror still stands. Large as life and twice as real. But it's flames have been quenched some. And what is this? Is that a man!? For no, it is just an ant to this creature. The possible his outline is cast a shadow with the dancing embers about. I cannot make heads from tails... except for tails. Not many have one large enough to be their downfall, yet this figure challenges. I shall eagerly watch what little this figure has to offer against such a wretched beast. It has nearly consumed a village, all but one with flea-sized courage. And you think you could possibly even scratch a scale? Ha! I’d risk my safety to watch this short bout.

By blazes, he wasted no time. No one could survive such an intense encounter. A full breathe of flames. What did they expect? The blasted devil blew down dwelling and livelihood, and this little figure isn’t nearly as sturdy as a… What is this? I don’t understand. By jove, they are feline lightning. Dashing forth from that draconic pyre like a demon itself. A red lantern on their back, bouncing and illuminating that rapid ascent up the living esker. And… Can that be right? He… or she, whoever they are… They are trailing that blaze along with them. What magic is this? Are they weaving the ether of this spell, or is it a retaliation of the scaled menace? For no, it is this challenger. This hero. They have used the dragon’s spell against him! Fight! Attack! Hush! Don’t draw attention to yourself, you buffoon. Just watch this spectacular of light and form. Watch the battle of the night.

Claw! Dodge! Duck! Slide! Flare! Deflect! Such a sight. Such skill. Oh ho, we must be getting serious. Their curved sword unsheathed at the throat of the climb. A killing slice must be honing in. To be slid between the armor plated lizard and to remain out of grasp. Oh, how difficult it must be to manipulate all these thoughts as well as weave between strikes. This is no ordinary person. She, er he? They haven’t seemed to break a sweat, even dancing with their companioned flames. Those flames that once shone terror and destruction from the beast, now reflecting the intensity and ferocity of it’s opponent. Their mask must hide the sadistic glee from this challenge, or perhaps the grimace of burden. A veil of hidden emotion, only penetrated by those twin beacons. A strike! Here is comes! No! He was detected. A swipe out of position, but not far. Fast fingers and applying a sickle, a double of keeping ground and inflicting pain. Yes, suffer demon hell-beast. There! Amazing. That curve slipping wholly through a plate. A planned mechanism of gutting. There. Eat what you deserve. Taste what you have done to this village. Choking iron and… and…

My word. I feel… I don’t understand. I was just a demon, but its so pathetic now. Barely able to lift a claw or pull an eye open. Its just another creature of this plane. Another being. I should be rejoicing and jubilant. My life is spared, but… I just feel sorry for the poor beast, now lifeless.

What? More? Its already dead, why must you destroy the thing even more. It did destroy this place, but it already paid the price. I… What is that? Did it swallow a pearl. No, that’s too big, and too red. Also, I haven’t seen a translucent pearl before. Is… is it some part of the dragon itself? A sort of crystal heart? Hmmmm. I guess some prize must be had from the ordeal. No person should work for free, especially one as dangerous. And; What’s that? Is something coming? What spooked ‘em? I-I don’t see anymore big things. Hopefully its nothing.

Yes. I see something moving too. I don’t believe it. Praise the gods, a child. She must be terrified. I remember her, a neighbor girl. Seven years old and cute as a button. I… I thought I was the only survivor. I’ve never been so ha… grateful in my life. Heh, and a kind gesture. A small treat for the kid to maybe quell those tears, and off they go, like they were never here. Prize in hand and my gratitude at their back. I can only hope that one day my cowardice can be placed aside and I can repay my life.

Maybe I can start by helping that little girl.
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Amazing art by the Amazing  jazzycat
Short intro by  icvulpes
Character belongs to  icvulpes