The Draconus Wars: An Abrupt Incitement Book One

I wake up to a bunch of red metallic beams surrounding me. I look farther but it's hard to do. This place.. Where am I? I look left from my right seeing the ligaments from my shoulders. The green liquid around me tastes delicious, almost as if it is meant to be for my taste. What happened? I look back to the right of the container and I see a figure that's black and red with horns, with something sticking out their left arm. Part of his body becomes an edge. The item from their arm appears to be a natural weapon of sorts. Almost as if it were some type of knife. The shape is wiggly, like a distorted crescent shape.

The liquid begins to drain from around me. As it lowers past my head I cough up some of the green liquid that I have been trapped in, it must have gotten in my lungs. Hissing happens as the pressure changes. I feel my weight getting heavier and heavier. Finally, I collapse and hit the hard bottom of my cell-like demise. I can't help but wonder more and more where I am. Who am I? What am I? How long do I have to live? What will come of this strange creature before me? I feel like my whole world is hanging by a thread.

"Subject one, please do not react violently. I am working on letting you out of the genetic manipulation tank." The voice is a strong dark toned voice belonging to a male.I can't see. I'm far too exhausted. My weight is too much for me to sustain a standing position. I don't get it. What is going on?

I have figured out I am simply a creation. I hear a hiss and clanging from something, like grinding gears. The door to the chamber that holds me opens and I fall to my stomach. The immediate aching reminds me I am, in fact, alive. The air around me is cold and damp. I feel heat returning to the room in a matter of seconds. I suppose it was the liquid from my skin drying quickly. The feel of the liquid is hot. The general heat is coming out of the black shining walls that encase us into the room. I look up to the creature of red and black. He stares at me and by the looks on his face, he is afraid of me. Their facial features are wrinkled and worn. As if they've gone weeks without sleep. Just sleep deprived I assume. Either that or has lived a long life here.

I struggle to my feet and cough some more. With a cough, I writhe as the liquid forces its way from my lungs. I cover my mouth with my hand and more green liquid is on my hand and I shiver. The temperature of the liquid I am from must be a hot temperature as I am feeling like ice now that I am out of it.

I look to my left and I see myself. The Bright blue reflective surface shows me a horror of reality. This jet graphite black winged creature I actually am. My skin shows a shine to it, while I have golden specks throughout my body. My eyes catch my attention as they are a bright blood red with a golden ribbon strip through them. The gold glows diligently. My hair is striped on the downward angle, never perfectly straight. The colours are red with a light silver tone. Each colour somehow blends. The hair itself is shoulder length and straight. My arms have small dagger shaped pieces shown through the reflection. They appear smooth, though, to the touch, they are razor sharp. My wings have sharp tips to the joints and ends of them. They have a draconic appearance and have a blood red glow to them. My feet are flat, but yet, they have a claw-like appearance with a toe at the back of my heel, the claws at the ends are red like the glow of my wings. My hands, I bring them to my face so I can see them accurately. They seem almost as if they were just a mash of flesh with no purpose but grip. The view is shocking to me and I am uncertain as to why. For such a scary looking thing I have some beauty to my design.

What in Helios am I? I can't gather my thoughts. I feel frightened as to what a monster I may actually be. My self-consciousness is already striking me and I haven't been awake for ten minutes yet. The voice had called me subject one. This dawns on my consciousness. What the Helios is going on? I think.

I look over to the lab worker who let me out. "What am I? What is my purpose?" I say gently. I feel lost and daunted by the task of speech.

He sighs and looks at me, we don't look too different. "You are the Draconus of fire. Draconus Flamata." I then come to a general understanding, I am not anything as of yet. Just a creature. Something which is being held for some reason or another. I have no memories and I can almost swear this feels new. The room's walls shimmer with a metallic red glow. I feel myself breathing heavily. The glowing walls make me feel even more uneasy. I begin to feel a force within my stomach screaming its way to me. Almost as though it's doing flips.

"Flamose sounds much better," I say to the lab worker. My own speech sounds as though I'm intelligent. I don't know if I am for certain though. I feel as though the name I had stated, would be a good start for something of fire. Let alone something which can produce a conversation. I feel my pieces of knowledge expanding rapidly. I can't stop the rush of information.

"Well then Flamose, you just decided your name." He scoffs and continues. "My name is Svenir. I created you under the order of Seth. The purpose you have is simply to serve the lord of this realm, Seth. He has asked me to genetically engineer you." The words echo through me. Apparently, this registers to me rather quickly.

"So who is Seth?" I ask.

"Well kid, he is the lord of your new home. If you prefer, call him your king. You shall meet him soon enough. I am certain." He smiles with his jagged and sharpened teeth. He speaks into a hole in the wall, which echoes his voice for a length of the area that I cannot determine.

"M'lord the test subject is complete." Somehow, I feel those words are sealing my fate. I panic even more inside, however, I'm also calm on the outside. I'm almost petrified but I am good at hiding it.

"I will be right down." A darkened rumbling voice replies. It is truly unsettling as it even feels dark. The impression the voice leaves is simply worrisome. I fear my life may already be coming to an end. I feel my body muscles twitch.

After a few minutes, which felt like years, I see a fiery and reddened creature waltz in and push Svenir out of the way, forcing him to collapse upon the floor. The red being looks me over and faces the one who made me, Svenir. He acknowledges Svenir with nothing but a nod. The next thing I know, I'm wearing Svenir's blood. The body of Svenir is mutilated beyond recognition. A simple pool fills around the corpse. Sadly bloodied by the newly created neck-fountain that the creature named Seth, forced to be. The fiery figure must be Seth, he killed Svenir rather quickly. Wouldn’t Svenir be aware of his own power? Seth in a moments notice wiped out another being.

My fear now sets in massively. It almost appears as though he went through Svenir without effort. I can feel the heavy weight of Seth’s energy pulsing throughout the laboratory I stand with him in. I watch as a limb he has extended from his arm returns to his own body. The sharp sound of metallic ringing echoes for a moment. The blood off of the extension drips the pool of Svenir’s blood. He turns and smiles at me. His smile is simply eerie, turning my stomach with near disgust. Although the images themselves I don't find disturbing. I do, however, find more value in one's life. The corpse falls.

I get one solid look at Seth. Though he hasn't specified, you can hear many things speaking of his great name. He towers over my height, standing roughly eight feet tall, with a handful of inches more to it. I can't tell exactly.

He is simply a giant. His head has horns that are about five or six inches tall and curved, they are black and fade to red as they get closer to the tips of them. They seem distorted. Almost as if it was a lack of symmetry. His wings are black, the webbing matches, though I suspect he has fought vast amounts of things, as there are holes in the webbing. Almost as though the flesh was torn from being hit in his wings but never healed. If he can mashup Svenir that way, then what caused his holes in the wings?

His hands are like lengthy daggers, which explains how he killed Svenir without really needing to be announcing it. His steps were silent so I looked at his feet, which I can't help but find they be flat and fleshy. I suppose that is a weak point for him.

His skin is a dark brown, his skin looks hard but slimy. His dark red hair reminds me of a ruby, while it is shortcut length. His eyes are sapphire blue. Scarily enough, This isn't a frightening factor for him. It is simply his overpowering aura.

"My son, I have great plans for you," Seth says and he starts pressing buttons throughout the lab. More green-filled containers drop from the roof and start building molecules to recreate my design. This can't be good.

I mean what is so damned important about my genetic code. Perhaps if I do what he asks I will end up like Svenir. I can't have that. It finally dawns on me. I must obey, for my life is but in his hands.

"You will be the king of your race. Flamose." Seth's voice trembles the lab. Wait, me a King? "I will train you in combat, as you will with your kind." He says with a crooked grin. Training me in combat? I don't even think I can lead a race, let alone fight for one.

This can't be my destiny. This should not be my purpose, merely training with a king of a land. Though, I feel I should look up to him. Maybe his knowledge can better suit me somehow. Perhaps I can take advantage of this opportunity.

What does he mean? He says I have to run my race. Even though I feel incapable of leading. What does this thing think of me? Why does he have faith in me? I need to get ready for something.

I don't know what but I need to get out of it and damn well fast. I can't imagine the responsibility, let alone the stress of ruling my own. I am not built to rule a single soul. At least I feel this way. The Idea Is near unfathomable. It is disconcerting.

I want to freak out, as I think my face is showing my nervousness. I feel dampness upon my forehead. In this light, it would be visible.

"By the way, my name is Seth, kid." Finally, confirmation! He walks out of the lab and leaves me with my thoughts, which begin to haunt me.

I am not to lead, I hardly know how to stand. Barely capable of speech but yet, I still feel my knowledge expanding. I think they accidentally gave me too much of a learning advantage. This being has thought highly of me and I haven't even been alive for twenty minutes. Why does he already have goals for me? I should find out.

I am stressed out. Slowly I move and as I almost fall over, instinctively, my wings prevent my fall. I need to see what I look like to the fullest degree. I need to find a reflective surface. I raise my hand and try to balance while I walk to the shining monitors of the lab.

As I glance over the screens. I instantly feel like I'm reading a simple book. Information begins flooding my mind and I'm not certain as to how I can absorb what I don't understand yet, but it still flows. As if it were meant for newborns.

I start reading more information when the screen moves down it explains genetic manipulation and I realize. I am much smarter than I should be. This doesn't sound like it is easy thinking for someone who just came to life. What did they make me be? I don't understand. Give me life and a really fast brain. What reasons would he need this for? I'm stumped.

“Got it. And you want me to continue Svenir’s studies I take it?” I ask.

“You got it. Get at least five hundred warriors of your base code. Rule with an iron fist.” He says as he slams his fist into an open hand. A clapping noise follows.

“Lord Seth, Report to the throne room, She’s at it again.” A voice comes out from hole in the wall.

“and she says she’s not like her mother…” Seth utters. “I will come later to check on your progress, Flamose. Do not let me down.” He says as he walks out from the laboratory.

I feel the hours pass by as I study hard into genetic manipulation. The concept is easy for what they based my original design on. I was based on a few different forms of things that are logged on the computer screens. I'm learning as I read more. I feel as though my mind is my best weapon. Making the study of a tri-helix design seemed fitting.

The tri-helix design, in the idea that DNA is made of two bridging pieces of basic instructions for our appearance and internal systems. Some will dictate that. When it unzips and becomes used, we see life mutate like normal. No genetic memories, just the survival instances, mentality and appearance. I want genetic memory to pass down and so I added another strain that would unzip with the original two.

Now when the third helix opens it would be through choice. As it would open the memories of the lives before this one. So as long as the third piece is there, memories will pass down the bloodline. Maybe one day this can allow my descendants to instinctively remember what my life and every life before it went through. I could only hope my descendants are wise to use it.

I found my way about the lab and read every scroll that had been etched in a silver-toned material. It is a reflective surface and is easy to scratch in the universal language I know. Which seems to be the only language here. I don't know enough to say it is the way it should be. The universal language is to make sure he knows everything that is said. I think it is so he cannot be betrayed.

I feel an idea pop into my head. I go off and begin writing out my derivation of the language. I don't want to share all of the knowledge I have worked on for the genetic code of my own. I add a helix and place myself into a chamber and import the new piece.

I am programming my sample so this way I can use it as a base for my race. I feel that this idea is clever. For now, I need to study every species in the computer's database.

Dragon scales are referenced in my genes, as I crack open my draconus files. I wonder what all they have been working on in here as I scroll through to find a reference folder of a creature called “Nyxian Dawn Dragon” and click upon it. A quadrupedal dragon stands in the midst of its form.

Sure it’s been a few hours but not having a social outlet kind of sucks. Though, there are many unique creatures, I know I am made of three major identifiers. I am Shape shifter mixed up of a few creatures codes, to summarize, a dragon DNA reference for several species and even a reference of the nyxian race along with some thing called a Sykal. The sykal apparently have been fossilized for millennia. I can only imagine why.

I open the next big folder. Seth must be busy because I can feel the day pass by. I crack open the files held in here for the nyxians and the nyxian dawn dragons, one of the referred species of dragon. The nyxians were a blend of Muthlal, Inshals and Gurik. The nyxians were meant to be hyper intelligent. Apparently the origin is unknown. It asks to refer to a classified file which is locked as I try opening it. Interesting.

The dawn dragon I crack open and they are listed as this world’s divine dragons. The ones who would protect the natural way in the world. The purposes of each creature here is vital then, I come to assume. The picture of the wings are but a drawing an artist had made in reference to what they saw, even though their record shows up presumed dead. A “Ishbal” from the nyxian race. The information on him is classified so it locks me out again. Wonder who they were? I ponder.

It isn't long before I grasp the information. I have been learning the species for over a week it seems to be all based on variants of whatever Seth is and the other references. It seems he took himself and tried enhancing his own genes. I start tinkering with my DNA, adding different things to it, to see what I can add to my body that would not kill me. I start with basics, wing variants, then eye colours, different eye capabilities... Which I admit seems to be a short list. I need to learn more.

I crack into the files all related to optic variance. This may be the way to show Seth my worth for research. As I do I notice a lot of the eye ability can be seen relevant to the natural elemental alignment of the creature. What if there is no elemental alignment? I furiously get to work on this idea, almost always failing in the test tubes I take my samples and test the idea in. Apparently we clash with anything that doesn’t compliment one of our already existing features. I am starting to get frustrated as the weeks go by.

I find myself stumped. Mainly because I have to learn a different language for the computer to understand what I want to do. I record every trace of progress. I finally got to see some results. The wing variants work. All three of them. I start tinkering with rocks I have found in the computer database. I keep at it. Some minerals turn out to be elemental aligned with earth. I stumble upon the Sapphire in the database, it is a fluorescent purple in this world, however, aligned with the element of water with the element of earth. In turn, I test the mix in the tubes. This time I get a successful bind to my DNA. I had to remove the fire elemental alignment to do so, but it worked. I am starting to get tired from all of this work. I start working an Earth based idea in concept, but still need more information and so I get to work. Topaz I green but it aligns electrical but when I look at the base element it’s actually fire. Does this mean I can use electricity too? I ponder as I keep at it.

It feels like I haven't slept in months. Even though I get 5 solid hours every night. I'm getting lonely. I look at the list of elements known on this computer. I mean if this isn't going to work, I'm screwed. I keep working and feel the stress.

Nothing happens ever, I mean all I am manipulating my genetic code. I plug away until I start getting real results. Noting everything I'm working towards, to have someone else in this damned lab with me so I don't lose my mind. I haven't even seen Seth since he killed Svenir. I am getting anxious by the thought of his fountained neck. I try my luck on my first attempt, which I feel isn't that spectacular. I mish-mashed a bunch of different species together based on their benefits. I grab my lever and sweat. What will my result be? The no element idea comes to light. I take a this moment to close My eyes and take a breath. Please let this work.

I know I have high expectations to live too. Not to mention my life is on the line quite possibly. Best not to try and call Seth's bluff. I look and lower the IQ setting the computer gives to me. If I am to lead I cannot be questioned. I firmly grasp the lever. It's now or never. I take a deep breath.

SLAM!

The door comes flying open before I pull the lever. I hear Thunderous Footsteps as I turn around. The first thing I see is a solid wall to my face.

"Training starts now." Seth looks at me while I feel the ground reach me. I can't help but feel dazed and confused. "The first lesson, you feel no pain. Get up." Seth adds.

I feel an inner rage come to the surface. Thanks for saying you are at least starting my training. I Lose control. My first time being angry, oh joy. All I feel is a smile come onto my face and almost like a lens has made itself apparent when I have myself filled with this emotion. I feel it gives me my strength. I go to swing back.

Seth steps sideways and I miss my punch entirely. I look to my right and I see him just smirking at me. Now it dawns on me. I'm not supposed to swing back. I feel something hit my face once more. Ringing echoes through my head.

I feel a wetness dripping from my face. It is as warm as I am. Until the breeze from the just passing hand gets to it. Now it feels cool. I wipe it away and the blue metallic liquid I'm going to guess is my blood. I simply step back and notice a hand go by me. I take the opportunity and strike the extended arm with my right hand. I feel things inside of his flesh crush. He can be hurt! By me at that! I get a smirk to rise upon my face and try not to chuckle.

A wail of a dark thundering cry out of pain rings through all of the room and I'm sure it echoed to wherever Seth lives. "You little smartass!" comes from his mouth in a barking mannerism. I hurt him. He thrashes his crushed joint into my head and I fall once more.

Yes it does hurt. I won’t lie, but right now I’m laughing. “I thought lesson one was feel no pain. Practice what you preach, old man.” I say with a grin as I go to get up. I feel I have accomplished something, even though my face ends up in the dirt. I feel another harsh force meet my lower back. It stings beyond belief. "Not my fault I'm so smart, Seth." I throw in an insult. Probably not my brightest moment now I think after I spoke.

My assumption was right. I feel another force hit my teeth. The feeling is like I have been broken in my mouth. His chuckle fills my ears when I hear grinding and a crack to follow. It cringes inside me. "You're in for a treat." He says with a near scary happy tone to it. One force hits me and all I see is white.

I awaken set up in bed with restraints holding my body to it. I am clearly dazed. Guess he didn’t like those remarks. I think. I feel myself getting stretched out a bit and I try to fight it. The effort, however, turns out to be useless. When I give in my muscles are worn and feel a slight bit of pain. I know I am paying for doing what I did. It was well worth it. I learned a lot.

He is fast but has moments where if I attempt to parry I can damage him. If I had a more efficient way of harming him I may be able to take over this land, but even still, I don't believe I can rule anything. Yet, it kind of feels right to be a rebel.