Saran and his noisy companion were on their way to Bishop Feldaran's class, as they strolled through the lush atmosphere of the Cathedral Kirin was busy talking Saran's ear off as usual.
    "OhwowSarancanyoubelievethattodayistheday?"  Kirin fired another one of his unending streams of words at Saran as he excitedly jumped up and down, he could barely contain himself.
    Saran smiled, he couldn't believe it himself, after all those months of training today was the very last day of classes, already they'd completed the physical training course.
    "I wonder what Bishop Feldaran has left to teach us?"  Saran wondered.
    "Maybe a way to get the chef to cook something better for lunch."  Kirin answered through bites of
dry chicken.
    "If you don't like it don't eat it."  A familiar voice said.
    "Kakarin!"  Saran smiled at his outrageous friend.
    Sitting down next to a surprised Kirin, Kakarin shook Saran's hand.  "Haven't seen you in while friend."  He said with a smirk.  "Hmm, the year went by so fast, today's the last day before Bishop Feldaran and that old fart Nijuu choose whoevers worthy enough-" He rolled his eyes -"to go on a Dragon Quest."
    "I hope its me. . ."  Saran mumbled to himself.
    "Hey don't worry!."  Kakarin emphasized his confidence in Saran with a hearty slap to Kirin's back, causing a piece of dry chicken to get stuck in his windpipe, coughs and spasms racked his body but they went unnoticed by either Saran or Kakarin.
    "Your a shoe in, there's no chance you wont get a Dragon Quest.  I'll get one too of course."  He said jerking his thumb at his chest.
    "Humph. . .tell me, why did you join Cathedral to become a Dragoon?"  He asked genuinely curious.
    "A very stupid reason,"  He said with a mirthless smile.  "I always used to brag to the guys at the Thieves Guild that I could, and would, do anything. . .,"  he sighed, "They dared me to go slay a Dragon, well I certainly couldn't turn them down without being the laughingstock of Alann, so here I am."  He chuckled derisively, "Pretty funny huh?"
    Saran laid a sympathetic hand on Kakarins shoulder.  "Yes your right, that was a stupid reason."  He said with a mischievous smile.
    Kakarin gave him a withering look.  "Thanks."  He replied with a voice that dripped sarcasm.
"You were in the thieves guild?"  Saran asked his scar faced friend.
    "Yep, one 'o' the best if I do say so myself."  He replied with a certain amount of pride.  "The thieves guild is spread all over Realm, it's open to all races, although the one in Alann is entirely Human."
    "Woah, you must know all about the world, I've never even been outside of Balifor."  He sighed.
    "Hey don't worry kid, once you pass your test you'll be traveling the world, me. . .once I slay that Dragon I'm going to Alann and show up those fools at the guild, then maybe I'll go to Sheran, the guilds real big there. . ."  He scratched his chin thoughtfully.
    Kirin's face had turned from red to light blue and he was desperately tugging on Saran's sleeve.
    The gong rang, Kakarin stretched and stood, "Ah well, I suppose I'm lucky, 'B' and 'C' companies still have classes to go to, 'A' gets to sleep early.  Good luck Saran, see you guys tomorrow."  He shook Saran's hand one last time and gave the choking Kirin a hearty pat on the back, dislodging the the chicken in his throat.  He left, as usual, by way of the back door.
    Saran stood and looked at the gasping Kirin with puzzlement.  "Hey what's wrong?  You didn't like the chicken?"
    Kirin's gaze could've burned through three foot thick steel.
 

    "Student's of 'C' company, if you are chosen for a Dragon Quest this will be your final and most important lesson, listen well, because all the fighting drills and all the knowledge about Dragons in the world wont save you if you fall prey to this single last ploy of the wretched Ryu-Jin."  Feldaran closed eyes and breathed deeply.  "Once, millennia ago, in what was known as the golden age, all the races lived in bliss, and the Humans of course guided them through this most prosperous of era's."  He seemed to glow with an inner light, his expression became one of religious fervor and his eyes sparkled as he recited a much loved tale.  "We were exhalated among all other races, the evil
Drakkunn, wise Alanis's ungrateful brother, grew jealous-"  His expression darkened "-he envied how the other Gods sought out the words of our Goddess, whilst he was ignored."
    Saran noticed that the Bishops scarred hands seemed to clench and unclench.
    "In his rage vile Drakkunn loosed his demonic spawn upon Realm.  They were known as the Ryu-Jin."  His breathing became short and ragged.
    "Their appearance was that of the chosen race, we the Humans, they could easily blend within our society, but they harbored a terrible secret, their true nature.  Ryu-Jin may look Human, but that is merely subterfuge, they have the frightening power to become Dragons."
    He seemed to steel himself for an oncoming blow. "And they came, in one fell swoop they destroyed entire cities, our most powerful Magi tried to fight them, but they were just too powerful, if not for the sacrifice of one brave man the Human race would have been extinguished, he gave up his life protecting a shrine to our goddess, in the process the Dragon who slayed him also died, soaking the man with his foul blood-"
    His face became fervent once more. "-Alanis took pity upon his noble soul, granting him the gift of life, the Dragons life ichor somehow endowed him with the power to fight Drakkunn's unholy spawn, Alanis gave the resurrected man a new name to replace his forgotten old one, Adam, the first Dragoon."

    Feldaran paused to catch his breath, clearing his throat he continued.
"Alanis, in her great wisdom, cursed the race of her evil brother Drakkunn, forcing them to show the beast within even in Human form, all male Ryu-Jin in modern times bear a birthmark on their brow of a Dragon rampant, they oftimes have odd colored hair and eyes and their canines are much longer
and sharper then the rest of their teeth.  Female Ryu-Jin also have odd hair colors and long canines, but what truly makes them easy to spot is that they wear their wings in Human form.  Of course Ryu-Jin have access to certain Magicks that can make them appear like normal Humans but you, as Dragoon's, will have the power to sense their true evil through the masque's of Human guise they wear."

    The class sat in silence, Saran felt chills of pleasure run up and down his spine, the story ignited a fire within him, it stirred something deep within his soul and the urge to fight and slay the evil spawn of
Drakkunn rose within him.
    "WOW!  NowthatswhatIcallagreatstorymyfathercouldn'tellitanybetter. . ."
    Bishop Feldaran and the rest of company 'C' groaned inwardly as Kirin launched into one of his infamous long winded, perpetual speeches.

    Feldaran had dismissed the class earlier then usual, he felt fatigued beyond measure.
Wiping sweat from his brow he remembered when he could've cast a mass suggestion spell on such a big crowd without tiring.
    It must be that boy Kirin.  he thought, When ever I look at his aura I see something strange, something much to innocent. . .  He rubbed his temples trying to ease the dull banging in his skull, Perhaps I'm getting too old for this.
    Standing he walked slowly out into the chill night, the wind was blowing over from the Kikai Badlands this night, and it gave the air an ominous feeling. Feldaran sighed, he hadn't felt this tired in years, it wasn't a fatigue of the body, it was one of the soul.

    "Saran?"  Kirin's voice called out into the darkness of the barracks.
    "Yeah Kirin?"  Saran answered.  He heard a rustling of sheets as Kirin rolled over and looked down from his bunk.
    "I feel funny, like I can't breathe, and every time I close my eyes I think of terrible things in the darkness."  His breath came in short hollow gasps.
    "Your afraid, nervous that's all."  Replied Saran in a reassuring voice.
    "But Im half Woodsprite,"  He said in a low whisper, "I'm not supposed to be afraid!"
    Saran sighed, there would be no sleep this night, "Your also half Human Kirin, so you too can feel fear, don't worry about it.  Now get some sleep, tomorrow's a very important day."  He rolled onto his back and brought his arms under his head, he was nervous too, all his hopes and fears were about
to come crashing down upon him, and the ground beneath his feet had become like fine sand.
    Everything has changed so much he reflected.  "Airin. . ."  He wondered if Airin remembered him, even though it had only been a year it had felt like a century since he'd left the orphanage.

    Saran woke long before the gong would ring, he needed the time to calm himself and soothe his overworked nerves.  Completing his morning exersises just as the sun began to peak over the horizon he began dressing in the formal uniform of the Cathedral, tight black slacks and white shirt, loose black vest and soft leather boots.  The gong rang, slowly the other students began to stir, Kirin did also but with much less enthusiasm.
    "Wake up Kirin!  Today's the day!"  Saran called in an overly cheerful voice.
    Kirin turned in the general direction of Saran's voice and opened a single bloodshot eye.  "We're sorry but Kirin is out,"  He said in a metallic unemotional voice.  "however if you would like to leave a message do so after the eye closes, thank you."  He rolled over indicating the lack of conversation was at an end.
    Saran stared at his tiny friend in puzzlement, Kirin had been prone to say strange things but this crossed the line.  Grinning mischievously he gripped Kirin's mattress from underneath and pushed upward, with a suprised yelp Kirin fell to the stone floor with a dull thud.
    Standing he fixed Saran with a furious glare.  "That was totally un-called for!"  He screeched.
    "Were sorry, Saran is out,"  He said imitating Kirin's voice, "however if you would like to leave a message do so after the laughter stops, thank you."
    Saran burst into helpless laughter as Kirin chased him around the barracks.

 
    The ceremonial chamber, or the great hall, was a large dome shaped room big enough to hold twice the amount of students in all the companies.
The hall was befret of furniture of any kind, worshipers of Alanis were expected to prostrate themselves on the cold hard floor, not sit comfortably in pews.
The only light came from gray stained glass windows giving the place an errie feeling, at the far end stood a huge sacrificial alter composed of Basalt from the heart of the Underdark, above the altar stood a statue of Alanis carved out of pure white marble, behind it were five doors, four small ones, two on each side of a large iron one.  The hall was filled with the buzzing sound of curious students wondering whether they would get a quest or not.
    Saran stood rigid, every student from companies 'A', 'B', and 'C' was gathered in the great hall awaiting the moment Bishop Feldaran and Instructor Nijuu would come out and announce who would be given the honor of a Dragon Quest.
    Kirin yawned.  "This is sooooo boring, I don't know why I was afraid, spur of the moment kind of thing I suppose.  What about you Saran."  He asked.
    Saran didn't answer, he was too busy trying to calm down, this was the most important moment of his life and he felt like a scared little child.
Shifting his weight from foot to foot he began to wring his hands in anticipation, Their doing this on purpose.  he thought about how Nijuu took pleasure in others suffering and how Feldaran liked to play mind games.  I'll show 'em.  Screwing his courage to the sticking place he resolved to appear calm and cool during the entire ceremony.

    The large iron door opened on silent hinges, four Neonates bearing torches swept into the room, their steps seemed to move to a silent beat that only they could perceive.  Each one stopped in front of one of the four smaller doors.
    The next to step through door were Head Instructor Nijuu and Bishop Feldaran, they stood side by side behind the alter, Nijuu stepped forward.
    "SHUT UP!!"  He roared, all noise ceased immediately.  "Today is a very special day you maggots, today four of you un-worthy bootlickers are gonna to get permission to go on a Dragon Quest.  I'm here to explain the rules to yah, Rule number one: You fail you die!  Rule number two: You have six
months to complete this Quest successfully, or you die!  Rule number three: See rules one and two!  GOT IT!?"
    Everyone in the room responded as they were taught to.  "YES SIR!!!"  Came the thunderous reply.
    "Good."  Turning he left the rest to Feldaran.
    Stepping up Feldaran cleared his throat slightly.  "Ahem, yes. . .today four of you shall be chosen,       I will call out your names and your company and you shall step forward."  Drawing a scroll from the voluminous folds of his silk black robe he unrolled it and began to read from the list.
 
    Time practically stopped for Saran, he'd never been so nervous in his life, both anticipating and dreading the moment Bishop Feldaran would call the names out.  What if he wasn't on the list?  What if he was, either way the suspense was killing him.
 
    "Kakarin of Alann, 'A' company."  He read.
    The graceful dark haired thief stepped forward with a smirk on his face.
 
    "Talus and Gengigan of Vale, 'B' company."  Feldaran intoned.
    Two youths, obviously brothers, went to take their place next to Kakarin.
 

    Saran gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, only one to go.
    "Saran of Balifor, 'C' company."  Called the Bishop.
    A painful nudge in his ribs disturbed Saran's musings, looking down at Kirin he frowned.  "What is it?  Can't you see I'm thinking?"  He demanded softly.
    "You doorknob!  They're calling you!!"  He whispered hotly.
    "Saran of Balifor, 'C' company, please step forward."  There was a tone of annoyance in Feldaran's voice.
    Saran couldn't believe it, his whole body went completely numb, this was what he'd been waiting for his whole life, finally he would be able to have peace, slowly, with reverence, he walked up to the black altar and stood next to Kakarin.  Looking out over the crowd he felt dizzy, so many faces, a few
he knew, most he didn't, were staring at him.  "Hey kid,"  Kakarin whispered, "yah made it."
    Saran managed a weak smile.  He felt like his legs wouldn't be able to support him any longer.
    The Bishop turned to face them.  "You all have been chosen because of your outstanding skill and dedication to our holy cause, each of you has proven worthy of taking a Dragon Quest.  Now you must all prove worthy of succeeding and becoming one of all mighty Alanis's holy knights.
May the blessings of Alanis go with you all."  He gestured to the four doors behind him, indicating one for each student.
    Saran stepped up to his door and stopped himself before opening it, he wanted to savor this moment, to capture it in his memory forever and take it out in bits and pieces for later use.  Sighing he put his hand on the knob, and felt another grab his shoulder, turning he saw it belonged to Kakarin.
    "Kid, I guess this is it huh, no turning back now. . .good luck. . .Saran."  His usual sardonic smirk was replaced by a warm smile.
    "You too Kakarin, I'll miss you, maybe someday I'll see you again."  He said hopefully.
    Kakarin only smiled and stepped through the door.
    Saran did the same, bracing himself for whatever lay beyond.
    He stepped into a small circular chamber with only one other exit, the walls of the room were adorned with a myriad of differing armaments of all shapes and sizes, he also notice he wasn't alone in the room.
    "Hello Saran, I hope I find you in good health?"  Said a strangely familiar priest swathed in black robes with a red lining about the hood.
    Peering at the cloaked man Saran thought he recognized the voice.  "I know you don't I?"  He asked carefully.
    "Ahh so quick to forget, yes indeed we do know each other.  We met on your first day at the Cathedral."  Replied the robe swathed priest.  Reaching up with his hand he pulled the hood back from his head revealing a young gaunt face that Saran remembered.
    "Layran!"  He exclaimed in suprise.  "Or should I say Bishop Layran."  He indicated the red lining on Layran's hood.
    "Yes indeed, it's amazing how one rises in rank so fast in this ceaspool of political and religious power."  He smiled to himself.
    "How can you say that about the church, all the priests and Dragoon's are here to support the goddess Alanis in her great cause!"
    Layran caught himself before laughing, he forgot that he was dealing with a total innocent, something he wasn't used to doing.  Reaching into his robes he pulled out a piece of rolled parchment and handed it to Saran.  "This is your mission."  He said.
    Taking the parchment he unrolled and read the instructions;

     Saran of Balifor,

        You are to venture into the wastes of the Norinthern Kikai Badlands, there you
   will seek out the lair of an adult ice Dragon named Kameron.  This is a  mission of the
 utmost importance, he has terrorized the citizens of Balifor for far to long.  Slay him and bring  back a trophy as proof, failure is not an option.

              Head Instructor Nijuu.

    "Kameron, so he's the one I have to slay. . ."  He mused to himself.
    "Indeed, Kameron. . .he's a nasty one."  Layran said offhandedly.  "Hand me your clothes, when Questing you are only permitted a loincloth and a single weapon."
    "Uhh ok."  He removed his ceremonial uniform and inspected the wall, looking for a suitable weapon.  A partisan caught his eye, taking it off the hooks from the wall he tested the balance and found it to his liking, turning he faced Layran once more.  "Well I'm off, wish me luck."  And he strode out the exit behind Layran.
    "There's no need my friend, if I wish you anything it will be death, for it is far more preferable then the fate that awaits you if you succeed."  He closed the door that Saran had left from, an unsettling chill was coming from the direction of the Badlands.  Slowly he walked back into the main part of the building.