The Dragon Slayers

Meet The Players (Prologue)

Author: Yeslek25

A young boy stared up at the huge fortress looming in the sky. He sighed, hoping he was making the right decision. A sudden, cold breeze whipped over the land, and Shesta’s hair flew down in front of his face, partially covering his eyes. He was rather proud of his golden blonde hair; it made him look extremely sexy, which was a very good thing. The bangs were just long enough to partially cover his eyes, which was what gave him that look. His ice blue eyes were intense, and some of his friends said that they literally felt hypnotized whenever he looked at them intensely. Of course, they were all girls.

Shesta sighed again. That was something he was going to have to get used to if he made it in: No women. That sucked, although he supposed that he could survive. There was always vacation... He was stirred out of his thoughts by the arrival of the airship that would take him to the Flying Fortress Vione, and hopefully his new position. There were several other new applicants with him; some he recognized from his own town. He didn’t know them personally, but had run into them on the streets once in a while.

“Come on now, don’t keep them Zaibach waiting’!” The captain said, stepping out. “All here?” He asked, more to himself than anyone here. If there was anyone else, they were too late. There was only one time to apply for this new position, and one time only. A fool didn’t sit on his behind and watch the world go by if he wanted to get somewhere. Shesta boarded the ship with the others, clinging to his duffel bag. All of his possessions, which wasn’t a lot, were in there, and he hadn’t thought of leaving any at home. There might be a chance that he may not come home... He shook his head, trying not to think of that. He walked to the back, looking for a seat, and finally found one. It was next to a sheep-haired looking boy that he had known briefly at home.

“Hey Guimel, I didn’t think I would see you here.” Shesta said, feeling slightly better now that he was with someone that he knew. The boy nodded at him, smiling.

“Hey. I didn’t want to just sit on my ass watching the world go by.” He said, laughing. Shesta cuffed him on the back, smiling. Wasn’t that the truth. Guimel’s eyes flashed, showing his excitement.

“So, you gonna try out for the Dragon Slayers? I heard that it’s nearly impossible to get in...” Guimel said, going on excitedly about it. It was true, were the rumours correct. The Dragon Slayers were the most elite of the entire Zaibach army, and the most respected. Shesta was going to try out, and if he didn’t make it, he suspected that he would be pushed into some regular job guarding some outpost or whatever.

“Yeah. I heard that they’re only accepting young applicants...I wonder how old...” Shesta wondered out loud. Guimel shrugged, shifting his own duffel onto the empty seat beside him.

“I don't know. I hope you make it.” He said, smiling again. Shesta did the same, and they shook hands. Shesta had a feeling that he was going to like being a Dragon Slayer, if he could get that far...

Taking a look around, Shesta considered his competition. Everyone looked rather average, but there was one boy who caught his eye... Head topped with Smokey-cinnamon hair, coupled with aquamarine eyes, he looked innocent enough, but there was something about him... He stared out the window, forehead on the glass of the window. He looked lonely, like he didn’t want to be there, or was pining for something...

“Hey kid.” Shesta called to him. It wasn’t far, since he was sitting near the back, and there were no people around him. He looked up, looking rather surprised.

“What?” He asked, sounding timid.

“Where are you from?” Shesta said politely, cocking his head to the side a little, trying to look curious.

“Fanelia.” He said, sighing. Then he turned back to the window, eyes trained on something on the ground, unseen to Shesta. Fanelia? Where the devil was that? He opened his mouth to say more, but a sudden hand gripped his shoulder. Shesta turned his head, looking at the person who had grabbed him. It was a boy with a tanned face and straight brown hair that went down to his shoulders, almost. It was fashionably cut, making him look quite handsome.

“Don’t try. You won’t get a lot out of him..” The boy said, looking to the boy.

“And you know this how?” Guimel asked, butting in.

“I know him. He’s an orphan. Family killed in a fire when he was three.” The boy said, letting go of Shesta’s shoulder. Then, his voice lightened. “Hi, I’m Dalet.” He said, holding out his hand. Shesta shook it.

“Hi. I’m Shesta, and this is my acquaintance, Guimel.” He said, pointing to the sheep boy. Then he looked at Dalet further.

“Are you from Fanelia too?” He asked.

“Yes. Gatti....” He gestured to the boy, “And I are friends. He doesn’t talk much, and doesn’t like socializing.” Dalet said, glancing at his friend. Shesta looked as well. So, his name was Gatti.

“Ok, listen up! Approaching the Flying Fortress Vione. Please take all of your baggage with you!” Came the captain’s voice. Shesta looked out the window, to the Vione. It was much bigger in person. He sighed, leaning against the wall, taking in the world around him. He wondered what the next weeks were going to be like...