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Be warned, over 10,000 words ahead, 14 pages worth.

What you are about to read is something I started two days ago and spent more then 14 hours writing and figuring out. It takes place during the far past of Dawn of Monsters, and from the perspective of a crypt dragon, and oddly enough all originated when I just began making a map for all the dragons and other races of the time... And spiraled out of control.

Well I would say more, but I would prefer you to read. To those who take he time, thank you.
Please enjoy.

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Nidhoggrs Memoir

I have been alive for a great, great deal of time. My age is what some would call, limitless. If only that we’re true. Many believe creatures like me are ethereal. That we do not age and die like the many other inhabitants of our world. But, I assure you, we do. In the many ages I have seen begin and end, I have seen everything that is to be seen. Now my life is near its end.
Allow this memoir be a testament for all those in the near future. The year now, according to the ever advancing cultures, is 1768 AD, a Thursday. Of what month, I am not sure as of the current moment. The name my mother gave to me is Nidhoggr, meaning Malice Striker. I assume they expected greatness from me. It is not surprising, seeing as my kind has great pride and nobility. They of course, were right, and wrong.

I shall begin at my day of birth, which I remember quite clearly. To all those who read, you must understand who I am, what, why, and how.
From what I can recall, I am truly one of the eldest of all my kind; perhaps even the oldest, or maybe the last. I have been alive long before the first man ever plucked a stone from a river and carve it into a spear’s head. Yggdrisil, the World Tree as all called it, was still very small. Born even before the great dragon nations and they would still not appear for many an eon.
My mother, whose name I cannot put into proper English, was a stern matriarch. Closest name I could give her for all to understand is what it meant; “World Killer”. It was a very ancient name. From what I remember, she was named for destroying an entire species. Whether it was true or not, I do not know. As any good mother, she was a very protective and taught me the ways of the world, as we knew it at the time. It was a primordial planet full of dangers. It was not for long, however. A great cold was coming and the planet would soon be unsuitable to live in. My mother told it had happened before, and as before we would sleep… Sleep until a day when the cold receded and the land walked with prey.

So we slept. It was a long sleep. Eons passed, and the world changed as we slept. The small creatures that once crawled in the dirt grew and changed into formidable beasts. When we awoke, we sated our hunger upon them.
As mother promised, the air was warm and food was plentiful. Life continued on. I spent my life with my mother for many years until she again took a suitor and I was forced out from her presence. We were still an early culture and very animalistic. Her own instinct took over and I, as well as her current mate, was driven off for her nesting.
For the next few seasons I had traveled the land alone. No kingdoms existed yet and so I wandered freely. Only when I crossed some territorial boundary… But I relished such occurrences. I was young, and prideful as the rest of my kind. I sought the battles for the glory and satisfaction of proving my power. It is a common trait among all dragons, however it was always worse for young-bloods who continued to grow in size and strength. I won many battles. Some against foes larger then I. Only twice did I fight another dragon. It was over a courting female, who she in her own right was a very wicked creature. I lost both those battles, however. I would not know the liberties of having consorts for many years to come. It seemed I was powerful enough to win a battle against behemoths and leviathans, but never my own kind; A difficult reality to comprehend for any young-blood.
Within two great frosts, I sought my birthmother. Even at such an age when we are volatile, we had strong family bonds. Upon return I found out her disposition had changed with her motherhood. Her aggressive behavior had changed to a wary maternal one and almost did not recognize me. After she did though, I was accepted, or at least tolerated.
I met my younger sibling that day. Mother named her “Nixeuoth”, meaning Spark Took. Still very young and a vicious as any newborn and amusing to say the least as she attempted to attack me out of her own pride. Normally I would have slain one who shown such disrespect toward me, but I grew attached to her. In time, she did as well. I believe it was one of the first instances of our kind cooperating in a group. I helped raise her. Far more efficient the just a mother taking care of her offspring. We were not alone in such an idea either.

Dragons had begun to spread in the world. Each day the lands seemed a little bit smaller, and yet all the more vast. We grew more advanced, too. We reached as far as the shores of the old world. As of now, the Old World is Asia, India, Europe, Japan and Africa. To us this was all that there was, and we believed that for a good thousand years. We were greatly mistaken, of course.
At the time, not all the ice had retreated from the land. Massive glaciers covered much of the north, and we had a rule of avoiding this unknown, barren land. Cold was not our friend. We hated it. Nothing good was to come from ice and snow.
However as the sheets of ice receded, we came closer to the north each day. Still we would be unaware of the New World, for a great barrier stood in the way.

Yggdrisil, the World Tree. The tree itself, which at the time was not very large, was not the issue. Its roots which had stretched as far as the eye could see and one could travel for days on end without coming to an end, concealed many a terrible monster greater than our own. Massive humanoid creatures, wolves the size of mountains, leviathans that swallowed the sea and sky each day, and many, many other beasts that not only lived in the tree, but in the mighty sea that stretched across the world itself. Crossing would be a death wish.

Word came to me of the tree through the gossip of another dragon I came across upon while hunting one day. I was browsing among the smoking mountains for the Fire Mushrooms that was desperately needed for my younger sibling. I found them, and others were already present. When he told me of the monsters of this tree, I got the most preposterous idea. Preposterous now due to my wise age, but ambitious for my younger days.
If I had conquered this tree, I would be revered and respected among all. I would find this tree, I told myself, and I would conquer it. This would not be the last time my pride had gotten the better of me, either. Little did I know, what could bring me great nobility could also bring terrible humiliation.
With my mother once more taking interesting in another mate, I saw no need to stay and protect her. I set out on my quest days later. The winds carried my wings across the vast forests and tall mountains, over icy tundra. Along the way I fought adversaries from beasts with massive teeth and another with enormous tusks. I won every battle along the way. Eventually I found what I traveled for.
In the far distance I saw it. A mountain supported by a colossal tree root. My hopes soared and the fire in my own belly churned for battle. The closer I got, the more I realized the root not only supported a mountain, but a chain of mountains.
I had found what I had come to find. Within a day’s travel I had found my first fight. It was a very odd creature for me. The first time I had ever seen a humanoid creature. It was alien to me; standing upon two legs and a hairless body. It smelled strange. I could not compare the stench to anything at the time, nor would I know what the smell was for many years to come.
I issued the challenge and the fight began and ended almost as quickly. While I had used my wings and flame to fight, my foe used unknown tactics that had thrown me off guard as it used weapons form stone and pointed sticks. I found the fight pathetically easy. Looking back now, I realize what first thought to be stupidity was actually brain power.
I continued the follow the roots and mountains for many days and nights. I would fight foe after foe. Some covered in fur, differed from others with unique powers or physically stronger than the rest, or larger. It made little difference in the end. I continued to burn my way across the land, scorching every foe into submission. My pride had soared until I was as arrogant as a spoiled child. In the end, I felt as powerful as the sun that floated across the sky. Nothing could stop me and I would have my title as the greatest dragon to ever live. Not even a pact of massive wolves could stop me. They apparently had stalked me for days, having a vendetta of sorts from my trespassing upon their land. When they attacked me, I fought them head on, and won. I crushed their leader’s body as if it was a pile of sticks. The rest fled in fear of me as I roasted the beast to sate my hunger.
The wolf must have been a great beast, for no other creature openly challenged me again. I rode across the sky and all who saw me cowered under the clusters of roots. I could find no other foe after that. Only prey which I hunted for food. In my mind, I had accomplished what I came to do. Nothing could oppose me now, or so I believed. I continued north, and it was there I discovered I was gravely mistaken.
I had reached the center of the endless sea of roots that rose above the sea. The trunk of the tree reached as high as the sun, blocking out the rays of light. It seemed as if the clouds themselves made up the leaves upon the branches and even now as I recollect my memory was one of the most stunning sights I have ever laid my eyes upon.
And there, standing upon the highest root, stood another one of the giants that I had faced before. I soon wised up that he was not the same as the others. He held a spear made of steel that irradiated with power that I have never seen before and carried pelts of beasts as trophies. With my series of victories, I saw no reason why I could not fight and win. When the battle began, it was an even battle field. Soon it turned in the strangers favor. The wind had howled to his movements and the lightning in the clouds came down upon his command. It was as if he commanded all the world in his hand. For all of my power and strength, I was cast down into the roots. I lay, tired, bloodied... When he came for me, I expected my death.
Death did not come for me, though. Odin was he told me his name, commanded me to take my leave of Yggdrisil and to never return to plunder this holy land. Sparing my life, I was in his debt. Belittled, but I was obligated to listen. Even as he turned his back upon he, he did not look back over his shoulder. He simply expected to just leave and not make sure if I obeyed or not.

My quest had ended in failure. I began my journey home, stricken with humiliation and grief. Odin… Yggdrisil… All I have seen was different from what I knew to be my world. None of it made sense, either. I doubt I will ever make sense of it. At the time I only felt misery and anger for my failure. When I left the final root behind me, I remained hidden for some years before I returned home.

When at last I did, I sought out my family. My sister, Nixeuoth, had grown into a fair young dragoness. She welcomed me with a warm heart that made much of my lingering pain numb. As did my mother, and mate she had taken. Another sibling was on the way, and my mother seemed adamant about keeping her current suitor.
I never heed attention to who my mother took interest in. It was in the nature of our kind to drive others away soon after courtship, and thus never gave me such reason to learn and remember names. That was changing, however. Something in all my kind was changing.
His name was Zu, the Terrible. It was said he had swallowed a great monster once when it had threatened his current consort and ever since been feared. I was wary at first, but in time we had grown to be great allies. I never knew my father, nor did that matter, but I suppose if I ever had anyone close to that, Zu was it.
Within time my mother became a parent for a third time in the last several thousand years that resulted in two eggs, both ending up as my brothers Nithhogr the Death Eater, and Stoorworm who was born larger than a normal youngling. Mother and Zu could have not been more prideful about their perfect children. I would say I held great resentment, however, I did not. Younglings often got spoiled by their mother and I knew that for a fact. Soon I grew proud of them too. Particularly Stoorworm who grew to half his adult size in nearly half the time it normally took for any bull to grow. Stoorworm however was not only prideful, but his appetite was terrifying. Proudness and fondness of him turned to fear as he once almost devoured his smaller brother one day. I was present to stop him in time, thankfully. After that, we came to a decision to send Stoorworm away so he would not threaten us or our food supply. We would not see him for many millenniums and then after that I had wished we never saw him at all.

As the years would come and go, me and my family would live on and grow. It became apparent that others would did the same. Territories soon began to be pushed and skirmishes became very common. Battles then escalated into full blown wars between families that lasted for many years until one side lost. Naturally, my family was very successful. In some cases we were fortunate to not only defeat the threats that others posed, but gained followers from rival groups. I never noticed it, but we slowly began to gain great power.
Not alone, thought, others had unknowingly done the same. What once were scattered families of dragons dotting the land now had become large tribes that possessed vast amounts of land. War soon begun… However, it would not last. In the last ten thousand years of being awake and growing, we again had depleted the lands of much needed food. We could not afford being awake, no clan could. Slowly, all the clans went into a deep sleep as did we, and once again the ice had snow had come again. When we awoke, we would have realized the land was not just ours anymore.

I do not know how long we slept. It must have been an uncountable amount of time. Life had changed again. Warm air once more brought us up from the deep sleep, and with our awakening came our great hunter. The difference now is that we had an entire group to feed, not just me and my blood kin. The new native life was lively and luscious. Enriched with thick fat, enough food was available for us to rapidly grow.
Zu had become the leader of the group, having been the father of many of the clan’s children. He had made rules as well, which became law for our culture. He would own all available females and have say who would become mates of who. It seemed unfair, but we accepted it. My mother supported this as well. Among the clans, we were known as the Xia. Our ways became famous through Zu, who quickly became renowned as the most powerful and first emperor of Xia. Among his personal fighters were his own sons, as was I. Next to Stoorworm, I was one of the most powerful. I had remembered all those years ago when I had lost against the one called Odin. I had failed them, but I would not fail now. My new place among my clan was now the most important matter in my life.
When we fought other clans, I was always victorious. I never lost a battle. I spilled the blood of my foes with glee for my pride and my fellow dragons. I felt as if I never had anything more important than what I had in those moments of protecting my honor. After many battles, Zu had praised my power and awarded me a wife to be. In my own prideful past, I thought little of mates. I wonder if other dragons thought the same. We are so prideful that I would not put doubt in it. Honored by Zu, I accepted the gift and took my first lovely wife; Kadenaltiui, which translate to common English as Cloud Wing. For such a soft name, she was far from soft. Normally, females in our own clan remained quiet and somewhat elusive, never taking part in war, fighting and hunting. Their job is raising the younglings and teaching young bloods. Kadenaltiui was a vicious dragoness. My mother was very happy I choose her from the ranks. She told me that Kadenaltiui reminded me of her at a young age. Still, I hesitate to that thought even at my elder age as of now.
Kadenaltiui was very displeased at first. She would lunge at me and we would fight as often as the sun came and went. My own kin would mock this for their own amusement, and looking back I do see the humor myself. Difficult as that sounds, since Kadenaltiui desired the satisfaction of killing me. Even now I do not know why, though. Perhaps she was even more prideful even I myself to such a degree that she would rather kill any that tried to court her. Whatever the reason, a time did come to when she showed a much softer side. Within time, we grew much affection for each other and bore the fruit of our union, my son, Rahu, and two daughters, Manasa and Apalala. Learning I was to be a father, I was filled with unchallengeable joy and pride and even more the day they had hatched. I wished to had spent every day with my wife and children above anything else.
I was no fool, though. I was well aware of the fighting and nearly every day, I patrolled out borders and defended our land. My land, mother, sisters, brothers, wife and children. It had to be done and I must never fail. The thought of failing caused my fire to burn with hatred and rage. My place in my clan was never stronger.

On the border of all-out war between all the dragon clans, our world had begun to change for the worse. The first of mankind had begun to rise. We had always noticed the creatures too small to eat. To us, they were mere insects. We had no idea what they were destined to become. They had come from the west, spreading under her fingers without notice. When they showed their culture to us, we realized how they viewed us. To them we were monsters, gods, devils, and various other titles. Some of our kind saw a use and taught them language, ways and other intelligent means. As we would evolve over the ages, so would they, for better or worse. The changes did not end here.
The world as we thought was larger than first expected. Foreign dragons from faraway lands had come to the shores of neighboring lands. From far across the sea to the south of us, and to the far west past the vast ocean came clans of dragons we never thought existed. These clans were Kay Pacha, The Ozian Tribe, The Thunder Continent, and Incan Dragons. Over time though, Kay Pacha would grow and wipe out the Incan Dragons and control most of what is the New World. The rest of the New World would come under control of what the dragon’s greatest enemy was.
The Garuda also appeared around this time. None of us are fully aware of the origin of Garuda, also referred to as “The Roc”. We had tried to uncover the truth before. Some believe the Garuda were merely another dragon clan that none recognize. Others believe by some means, our existence had forced their creation. Or they come from a land that sank beneath the waves, and other still urge they come from mysterious Terra Australis that is unknown to all. Wherever they had come from, they had become the enemies of all dragon kind. They hunted us, fed upon our flesh as if we were some prey item. This alone angered all dragon kind. Our pride led us to be the superior species among all others, and the thought of being food for some other beast only enraged the clans.
Their beliefs were very strange to us, and offensive to what we all believed-what I believed at the time. Life to them was precious and urged even the smallest life was valuable. To some of the humans they were saviors as some clan’s methods had frightened them greatly, as if there existence did not frighten them enough. Naturally this sparked a war with them, among the war between dragon clans. A massive war that would continue to rage on for more eons than I can count and more or often would prefer to forget. It is times like this I wish my old age would allow me to forget, but I do not think it is possible to forget such bloodshed.

During this time I was in a near constant battle to protect those I cared for. My own sons had grown into fine young warriors, while I myself had fathered more children. It seemed that now that breeding had become something not of passion for our family, but for the duty to our clan. At the time seemed right, but I will never be sure if it was or not. Surely if we did not, we would be defeated without others to replace those who had died. The only thing that truly saved us is the fact that while we fought each other, the Garuda had all the dragon clan’s attention as they grew in numbers and preyed upon us. In a way, their danger was a blessing. It gave us time to repopulate and plan and gave us reason to call temporary truces. One day, this would have led to a great unison of nearly all dragon clans, but not for a great time as of yet.
One day however, word came from something abominable. Abominable for the actions, but more personal to my nearest kin as of whose name we heard was responsible. From across foreign land, all the way toward the Adamant Kingdom’s most southern point, rumor reached of my half-brother Stoorworm. His name now carried feared as a monster, large enough to outsize nearly all other known bull dragons… And a hunger so great that he has cannibalized several dragoness and several younglings over the last several years. All who had challenged him had apparently vanished, assumingly devoured by my brother’s insatiable appetite. He was the first of rogue dragons to appear in history. Many would follow over the later years, but he was the first and possibly the worst to ever exist.
This barbaric act enraged me, dishonored my bloodline and threatened all the clans. It was my bloodlines burden, and I came to the conclusion that I must be the one to end his reign of terror. Zu gave me his blessing as I went. He told me he would have come with me, but his place upon the throne as emperor of the Xia Dynasty. Deep down however, we both knew his age was also becoming more prominent. Already he was a eon old, and I cannot begin to fathom his age.
I said my goodbyes to my lovely Kadenaltiui, my sons and daughters, and allies. I knew I very well could die at my brother’s hunger. I imagine he also holds his exile against all of us. At that point it became apparent to me that, if I failed, he may take his anger and hunger across the continents, eating all in his path, until he reached my family. I would not fail and allow such evil upon anyone again.

I traveled to my border and waited for elite guard’s to confront me. Upon their arrival I explained my purpose and demanded to be let past. Leery of my story, they escorted me through their lands and to their current king. They, like many of the clans, also heard tale of the terrible Stoorworm and allowed me to pass. Upon the next border, then finally at the doorstep of the Adamant Kingdom. Lord Pythos, the current king at the time of the Adamant Continent, took me in and explained of my brother’s terror over the years on personal note. Pythos had lost wives and many, many children of his. For such a powerful king, I saw the fear in his eyes was great as can be, but not fear for himself. He feared for all of his kingdom and land.
For the first time in ages, I realized that each clan is the same, despite our differences. We fought for our kin above nearly everything else. Now, I find it very moving how soft that we truly were despite all of the snarling and biting of what was once our daily life. After nights rest, said my farewell to Lord Pythos, thanking him for his grand hospitality as he sent with me his finest five warriors that he could spare.
Following the rumors and tales of the acts, we headed south of the Adamant Kingdom in search of Stoorworm. He searched the grassy plains and the lush jungles, but found lush wildlife. My brother was not here… yet.
At the end of the thirteenth day we had come to the valley lakes that loomed in the shadow of the mountain. We took notice in the scene before us that was unspeakably frightening. Such quietness never seemed so painful. Animals did not exist here. Herds of beasts gone and the smell of my brother stung my nostrils as my five comrades. Scorched earth littered the valleys, but this alone was not the only sign. Within time we had realized that my brother’s hunger was even greater then I could have ever possibly guessed. In the earth was gouged a scar, chewed bite by bite, creating what at first seemed to be a great valley. How could any single creature, not matter the size, devour this much in just a few years? The weight over my shoulders felt as the world, now. My brother did not just threaten the clans, but the entire world as well. I doubted my abilities as of then. What ultimately kept me in pursuit of my quest was that whether I did or did not, Stoorworm would devour everything. If was to be eaten, then sooner would be better than later.
We pushed on. Following the chewed out gorge, the scent grew stronger. My brother must have be eating his way north for some time, and leaving only when he desired fresh meat. Even now after all these years I shudder at the thought of his gluttony. All my effort is now focused upon writing straight as I write this tale in my memoir.
Upon reaching the end of the trail, we came upon him at long last. The gorge he chewed out taken two days to travel on the wing. My first impression was he was nearby… but as many times before, I was horribly mistaken. He was right under our vey nose. Large as he was, he was as large as a mountain. His jaws alone could have probably bitten even the largest dragon in half. Cocky as ever, he remained asleep in the open. He was as arrogant as I had recalled. Not as much as an attempt to conceal himself from all those who see him as an enemy.
I had come all the way to bring him to an end. Boldly I called out the challenge. The moment his eyes opened, he stared into my soul and eyed me with great desire for my succulent flesh. As he rose, he towered above all of our heads as a monster all of our own. In the current time, humans refer to creatures as me and the Garuda’s as monsters. A crud resentment, but we ourselves have our own monsters that even we fear, as Stoorworm was.
I stood my ground as I confronted my brother. His booming voice cursed me, telling me how angry he was for being exiled and away, and how I saved him the trouble of finding me so he may devour me. I told him that this day he would fall, even at the expense of my life for the terrible atrocities he has committed and brought shame to my clan. Not fazed in the least, he laughed in amusement as he insulted my nobility further by commenting how my gesture of heroism was pathetic. My own anger erupted and the battle begun.
For a whole day the battle carried on with no rest and to no avail. Our fiery breath had little effect upon some individuals of our own kind, as Stoorworm apparently was one who was such. None the less, we continued to bombard him at any chance to wear him down and attack in any way possible. The underbelly of our kind was somewhat more vulnerable just below the chest. With this knowledge, we attempted to assault his belly at any chance we got. But getting close was a dance with death. When one of the five Pythos had sent attempted to, Stoorworm grasped him by the neck, and bite his head clean from his neck. When I had heard Stoorworm was devouring others of our species, it horrified me, but seeing it was something more horrific than I could have ever imagined. The sight of him chewing the skull with such leisure and bliss made me near sick.
Yet for our churning guts, we fought on. The surrounding canyon that was chewed out by him became a raging inferno as our attacks scorched everything but one another. As the sun began setting, we began to get leverage. Stoorworms own size began to work against him. His movements were as sluggish as any heavy beast and he began to grow tired. Not only was he wearing, big his desire to feed grew as well. This, while more dangerous, gave us even more of an edge. Without sustenance, Stoorworm weakened with haste.
Our battle continued into the hours of the morning. Two more of our group was slain by my sinful kin, and each time he had taken the time in order to feed upon their corpses. The three of us that remained battled with our anger, but even this was not enough. Growing tired myself, I felt my limits upon me. I was sure I was to parish in this battle. However, in the twilight of dawn, I caught the gleam of water out of the corner of my eye. A lake lay just behind the gorge with little to hold it back but enough earth and dirt. Perhaps if we could not use force to destroy my brother, then perhaps nature itself will. I attacked what little land blocked the lake, but it was not enough. I needed more power, and I knew just where to get it. I openly mocked Stoorworm, taunting him. His rage already strong for me, he pursued me. I led him straight to the wall, and he struck it in his attempt to kill me. His size and strength so great, he split the stone and earth as if it were woven twigs.
The lake on the other size burst through and drenched Stoorworm in a flood of water. So great was the water that as he attempted to breath flame, his gullet filled with a lake all of its own. As the water pushed more, a torrent so great that even Stoorworms own size was overtaken. As if he was meek and powerless, I watched as my kin washed and buried in chaos.
Many times we searched as the new lake formed. We found no trace of Stoorworm. We assumed that he had drowned and buried by the seemingly endless water and mud that came with the flood. My relief was as sweet as the finest meat. I could go home, to my clan and family with good news. Or so I thought.

Upon my return to Pythos, he praised my good deed and proclaimed The Adamant Clan and Xai Dynasty are to be at peace if our borders ever met in the future among the war, and paid in great hordes of diamond and gold that was carried by four of his youngest daughters as a gift to Emperor Zu and the Dynasty. Glory and honor was mine, as was it my clans.
Emperor Zu greeted me home warmly, as did all. For my good deed, I was allowed to claim the four daughters as my own wives. Kadenaltiui was less than pleased, however she accepted it well enough. At the time, all thought Stoorworm was dead, until thousands of years when we heard rumors he still lived across the sea, stalking the Kay Pacha Clan and eventually taking it over for some time until the entire population quite literally sought him out and drove him to parts unknown, however, still alive.

I never did learn of what happened to my brother. I heard a rumor once though, that a Jotunn once battled him and voluntarily allowed himself to be swallowed, where he tore out many organs and, while not killing him, did injure him so greatly that it forced him into a deep torpor to recuperate. Even after that, I only heard one who knew his whereabouts. A Garuda named Grimm and his brother, Phoenoraixa. I pray, for the sake of all that exists, that my brother is to never reappear in the future after my time passes. I doubt any could ever stand up to his anger and hunger ever again.

As years would pass, the wars between the clans would slowly die down. It seemed my heroic deed proved a point that we had greater enemies then one another. Yet, at the same time, I do not think any clan ever fully trusted one another. On more than one occasion, neighboring clans would enter small wars that never ended with a true victor. Our own included, however, we never again started any war over any reason. This is because, at this time, Emperor Zu had passed away due to natural means. Sensing his own death, he told us of a draw to a distant land that would be his final resting place. This place would one day be called the dragon’s graveyard, Aokigahara.
All grieved for a great time after he left to the east, but a new leader had to rise; one of his sons, Whiro. Much like his father and a friend to mine as well, he was a fair leader to us that preferred not to start wars, but would fight them if they came along.
The world continued to change around us. The small creature’s that revered us, Humans, had come a long way as they admired us and worshiped us. In our own dynasty, we led them and taught them, and on occasion taught us. Other clans on the other hand did not care for them, or even treated them horrifically. I believe the darkest method I heard is the Kay Pacha clan who demanded great blood sacrifices and even devoured their followers. While I ate my fair share of species, I never saw the man as one. The Adamant Kingdom treated mankind better in comparison. Oddly enough, the Adamant culture all saw mankind as inferior insects.
The Garuda’s had gained great territory over the years. What is now called “India” became their kingdom of sorts, which grew quick and prospered. Like us, they too were viewed as gods and ethereal beings. In many ways, they truly were like us. If not for the fact they preyed upon our kind on as a regular occurring food source, we may have had peaceful times. They were still our mortal enemy; something that simply never change even to this present day.
It eventually became a war all of its own that brought great peace amongst nearly all dragons. They’re exceptions, of course. Mostly in the form rogue bands that held no allegiance to any kingdom or dynasty. While a threat, no rogue groups truly threatened any one kingdom outside of my brother, Stoorworm, who could be dealt with after each occurrence he appeared.
Once more I was called upon to fight on a regular basis. With many wives and children, I had more reason to fight more than ever in the wars before. However, while dragons fought and had equal loss, it seemed that a sole Garuda were more powerful than any one dragon. Their expansion of territory was put to an end, but what they currently had was never pushed back, either. It was frustrating to all the clans, even as they all bore down in great numbers. Even the powerful kings and emperors themselves delved into battles to attempt pulling the war into our favor.
It was in one of these instances when Emperor Whiro’s was mortally wounded. Much of his own entrails had been torn out from his body and our powerful healing abilities we always had were not enough. In his final hours, he was to appoint a new leader to take his place. To all’s surprise, he chose me…
I, Nidhoggr, Emperor of the Xia Dynasty. I wanted to ask if he was sure that I was really his choice, and not his mind playing tricks, but my words could not come out even if I wanted to say them, for questioning such an honor would be an insult. Silently I nodded, and I stayed with him until he passed.

As I now led the Xia Clan to war with the Garuda, my life changed forever. For tens of thousands of years, we fought, again and again with all our might. The entire world became war-torn and bathed in the blood of dragon and roc alike. The only land not tainted with the blood and hate of crimson red was that of the ice sheets of north where Yggdrisil grew, and the uninhabitable southern Terra Australis. These places had their own challenges that we could not encroach upon. I even told of my own excursion to the north and told of the great giants who had lived in the roots and that we could not challenge them. Already at war with one, I pray that another side never came into play upon our eon long war.
When at long last we had begun to win the war, the Garuda had created a weapon. They had focused much of their life force into a new generation of warriors in an attempt to fight us. The result was twin brothers, each unique and unable to die. In time, mankind would come to call the good brother Phoenix, and his brother, Death. However, the Garuda feared them both for their foreign powers. Unable to die, to call forth the suns power, and to see prophesize what was to one day be. All feared them, and I call foolish who did not realize the dangers of the brothers.
They, the brothers, brought a long era of war without battle. Few dared fight them now, and we could only defend what we could. It was the silence before the raging storm. In ways, the weight of it was worse than when it finally came, as it would not come for many ages.

The greatest battle was that of a shapeless evil, existing in the Panthalassa Sea, rightly named as the Sea of Evil. A vast ocean barren with only monsters that even my brother would fear. I still cannot understand how we drove it back to its evil origin, but I dare not recollect.

So many eons had passed since my birth. Now, senior leader of the Zia Dynasty, it was my job to know the world and territories inside and out. I knew all I could know around me. All of the world I could see in my head and its invisible boundaries.
My own kingdom stretched as far as I could see, second largest only to the Adamant Kingdom. A peaceful land where dragon’s and man both lived in harmony with each other. How the mountains soared in the sky with their icy caps and the lowest points holding clean flowing rivers untainted by blood and war. Even the dry desert seemed ever as great.
To the west, Aokigahara, the graveyard of dragons where all elders went for their final rest. Its draw… It calls to those close to their natural life. I wondered often if I would ever be honored to go there.
Garuda territory thrived just to the south, across the highest mountains. Similar to my own home, it was of peace and wealth that made the culture. Many mankind sought refuge with the birds when they felt we were the danger. In ways, I can understand fully of their choice.
Farther still was the Javalar Islands, a world that was as mysterious as it was vast. Countless islands, refuging many of our kind and many secrets that may never come to light. Its own mysteries protect it from even the darkest of powers. Easy to pass through… but not easy to penetrate.
Southern of that and farthest of the kingdoms, the Ozian Territories. In my time as ruler of the Xia, it was under a terrible ruler. Third generation, grandson of the first king of Oz, was a greedy and hateful ruler that plundered his land and grew frustrated when his kingdom was on the downfall. In his rage, he and his followers had destroyed all of the lush forests that covered the land. Far as the Garuda kingdom, all could see the smoke that billowed across the sea. A terrible ruler that deserved his death among nearly all other dragons.
The Adamant Continent, still our ally, prospered well. Near his prime age, Pythos the Second ruled after his first father. His own son, Hurican, was as successful as I was at that age. Many said he would one day become its new king when the time came. Last I ever heard of that story was that he did become the new ruler of the Adamant Continent as a strong ruler that from what I heard, still lives. I can never be sure though. The rumors I hear pass from individuals that sometimes hear wrong.
Between the taboo land of Yggdrasil was a dark land that was home to rogues and monsters. Many referred to it as the Black Lands, shrouded in their inhabitants black hearts and avoided by all in the kingdoms, less they fall victim to their cruelty.
To the cold north, a new kingdom rose at my border. The Scythian Tribe, from what I understand, was once members of other clans who left for many reasons and attempted to find their own way to live. Secretive, I learned very little about them even in rumor. All I did hear was their remarkable traits that allowed them to live in the icy cold of the north. What had ever happened to them is beyond me, but I assume they had perished with the rest of the races.
Across the sea, I heard of many a tale. From what I understand, the chaos was great. Constant war raged in the southern continent with two brother’s feud escalating into epic per portion. Kay Pacha lost much land, forcing north and destroying the Thunder Kingdom by my mid rule of the Dynasty. All Thunder Clan members had vanished, and in turn Garuda had taken most of the land. Only mountains severed as borders. All of the south became in control of Ex Pacha, while Kay Pacha still dwindled in my known time. Whether Ex Pacha had destroyed all of Kay Pacha, I do not know. After my… leave… of absence I heard no more of the kingdoms across the sea.

After so many years of tension between the Garuda and Clans, I had wised greatly from all this knowledge. Each day as I ruled, I thought of my life and all I had done. Ever since a young age, I felt so noble and proud… Now, I felt empty and tired beyond all reasonable doubt. Every day, we still fought as we always did… But why? Why did we fight? For ourselves, or for our loved ones? Or did we do it because deep down, we were born to only fight? Even my mother had at long last died in her elder age, leaving only so many years ago.
So many had died in my name, too; Sons, daughters, siblings, distant kin and each day more were born to die just for disagreements. It made me realize how short our lives truly are. I myself have been alive for more than one-hundred thousand years. Longer than that, as I still do not recall how long the last long sleep had lasted.
My taste for glory, honor and blood had dulled. I felt as numb as could be. When resources for food had begun to shrink, tensions rose, and war between dragons was once again unavoidable. No… Not again. I could not bear another war of endless blood shed of my blood. I took to the sky and left the Xia Kingdom, forever, never to return.

Where I went is where no other of my kind dare followed. I flew with no rest for many days until I reached the cold north and found the very place I came to many ages ago in my own quest for a title. I found the root that held the mountains up and began following toward the tree of Yggdrisil. I only rested when my body ached or when I grew hungry.
Long last I found the tree. It had changed much, too. New creatures existed, as did lights from fires that warmed groups of monsters. Coming upon the center, I was confronted again by none other than the king of Asgard himself, Odin. I became a prisoner at his mercy. I expected he would kill me himself… But no.
Staring into my eyes, he told me how he saw my weariness from my past before asking me why I had returned. I replied that I wished to be away, alone, far from the world as I knew it. Odin only stared at me at first, and then turned to his young son next to him. Thor was his name, of Thunder. He told Thor that I once came and threatened his world but spared my life out of goodness. He told Thor that one day, he should do the same.
Addressing me by my name, he told me I may stay here, where few would ever know me. Underneath the tree itself, Yggdrisil, within the tangle of roots in Hel. Graciously I accepted gift and settled within my new home.

It was not easy adjusting to my new home. The world beneath the world tree was as strange as it was vast. Creatures I can never begin to describe wandered the blackness of the roots. None dare come near me. I suppose I did not fancy their appetite, or perhaps afraid of me. For my daily sustenance I devoured pieces of the tree. The roots were tough and hard to chew, but underneath proved to be very delicious and tender. Never once had a plant graced my maw. All my food came as meat and bone. I do not know all plants tasted, but Yggdrisil’s fibers became some of the finest I have ever eaten in my life.
I got nearly all my water from the food as well, but fine springs flowed through Hel as they made their way to the ocean. An open space was available to the ocean, but I dare not go near it. The first day I attempted, I saw a great serpent, far more massive than even my monstrous brother Stoorworm. I never felt such fear as when I saw the mere head of the beast just outside the tree. The World Serpent the Asgardians called it, large enough to coil the entire world. I could easily believe it and never once would I leave the safety of my new home. Such fear I have never felt before… before the shapeless evil from the Panthalassa. I wondered if it came from the same origin.
It was not a lonely life, however. Within the tree came a small climber by the name of Ratatoskr who scurried along the tree for food and carried message between those who lived among Yggdrisil. He became a great friend, visiting me, telling me of story and rumor as they circulated. Among him was smaller creatures who came and went. Trolls, I believe. They displeased the sight and had an odd fixation with treasure to some extent.
Most curious of all however is what Ratatoskr told me some time after was, atop Yggdrisil, sat a giant eagle who also sought solitude. Out of curiosity I asked his name, but Ratatoskr told me he had mentioned no name. I never once met this eagle, but I knew he was a Garuda that for some reason had escaped to the tree as well. With the help of Ratatoskr, I became friends with this Garuda and to this day I feel as if I should consider the eagle a great friend.

I lost track of how long I truly lived beneath the tree. Daily life was so peaceful. Few events ever happened here. It seemed to be a dungeon, however, for some parts of Hel that I never dared enter. In time a ruler came to this land. Daughter of one called Loki, demanding that she herself was “Hel” in body. It confused me… I wondered if it was her own pride. Many a dragon was given a name of greatness out of their own pride. Perhaps the Asgardians and Jotunn also did such.
All my peace though was bitter sweet. I heard many terrible things happening just outside of my home. Rumors of great battle and war that caused my memory to recall my own dealings in war and battle. As if I had enough thoughts about my old home and family. Many times I worried for my descendants. So much…
More rumors came of the world coming to an end. These would continue for thousands of years. By now, if I remember correctly… happened nearly twenty-thousand years ago as of the present. Yes, I do believe so. I am not sure how they begun, but I was reminded of the Garuda who would speak of the future and wondered if he himself had somehow been involved.
But how I remember so clearly was the strange visitors that graced my home just as the rumor of this “Ragnorok” or end of the world, begun. They wore shiny skin, a strange ornament that covered their heads. I could not place their scent, nor could anyone else, and they spoke a language that I could not even comprehend. As soon as they had come, they had left. I never thought of it before, but they had somehow started Ragnorok. Somehow they were responsible, or so I felt.
Thousands of years would end up going by and I heard so much happening within that great time. Tales that to this day echo in story among human races. Many revolve around this son of Odin, the one called Thor, and the great serpent I saw and feared, as his father Loki. Odin too… All of these things happening at once… I became restless near the end.

Then the day of reckoning had at long last come. Ten Thousand years ago by now, Ragnorok had come. I awoke to the sound of chaos all around me and saw the red flames through the roots of the trees. In my panic I called for Ratatoskr. When he at last came, he told me that end of the world had come and that all was to perish. At the time I thought such impossible. Yet, as I soon saw, everything was in flames. I climbed from my home under the tree and saw that nearly nothing had remained. While Yggdrisil stood, flames clung to all of its surface. Homes of the Asgardians burned and bodies littered the scape. Never once had I seen such destruction in one place. The smell of death polluted the air, mixed with smoke and ash.
How it could happen, I asked myself; just simply how. Ratatoskr had scurried away after telling me the news of Ragnorok and told me to meet him atop Yggdrisil while he searched for survivors. As I made my way across the burning world, I saw nothing but an endless sea of flame. I saw many faces I knew from the tree. I treaded up, until I came to Valhalla. Inside I discovered the body of Thor’s wife, Sif. She lay in a pool of her own blood, which was of hers and those around her she slew. She had died the way I heard she lived; in the glory of battle that all Asgadians cherished. Not far away I found the body of the great wolf, Fenrir, laying sprawled across Odin. Fenrir still lived… His eyes, once to instill fear among who looked in them, were worn and weak.
Such horror laid all around, but I had to continue on. I left the hall, and Fenrir to his fate. I continued to the top of the tree. My old bones ached, my lungs begged for air… Then as I finally reached the top, I was greeted by the Eagle, my long friend through Ratatoskr. To my horror, however, I realized that his Eagle was that of the Death Garuda. Had he come for me? To slay me as all Garuda do to all dragons?
I prepared to fight, but he only told me that he meant no harm. I believed him. He was a great creature. He had no reason to lie, far as I could understand. I asked why was it happening… He told me that it was not unavoidable. It would have happened anyway and no one could have stopped it.

Still, I don’t understand it fully. I suppose some things simply are to be, and then I still was not sure what he referred too.

I wanted to ask more, but he Garuda had taken his leave. I dare not follow my enemy, despite my powerful curiosity. I waited for Ratatoskr, and departed with him when he at last came.
We were the only survivors that we knew of. I spread my wings for the first time in ages and flew away without ever looking back. I had enough haunting images to last the rest of my life.
Truly it was the end of the world. I left south; to the nearest territory I could remember. However, when I got there, no dragons awaited us. The smell was gone, as well. I searched for days, then continued to the nearest border for the next kingdom. Again, no dragons, no scent. Fear gripped me and I made haste for home.
I saw what I had feared: nothing. Nothing but the bare land and held only vast forest and mountains. They were gone; all of them. No dragons remained. In my desperation I even dared crossed the border to the land of the Roc Territories, but even then I found the eerie stillness of nothing.

My grief was immeasurable. Everything around me had ended and vanished as if it had never existed to begin with. All alone, only Ratatoskr as my only source of sanity. Together we continued to search in vain across the world for any sign of my kind, or any great culture. I flew across the oceans, many continents and all the way to the new world. Many years searching, we eventually came full circle back to Yggdrisil.
Only Yggdrisil was not there. I remember the roots and how far they had stretched with the mountains they supported. None of it remained. Even the land that once surrounded it was replaced by an empty sea that now broke the connection between new and old world.

Hopes dashed, we had given up our search and accepted that the world had come to an end. I settled down back where my home once stood. Ratatoskr stayed with me for a time, but eventually left to explore parts of the world in another attempt to find any survivors of the great calamity. Never again would I see my friend. I assume he has met his maker and I wish him the most peaceful of rests, as do I wish for all I one cared for.
Many years I would watch the world go by as I always did. I watched the sky, hoping in vain that I would see one of my kind again. After a while I had hoped I would I would see even my enemy. Deep down I knew it would never come to be, but my faith never faded.
Slowly I would watch the second rise of man. In the great events of Ragnorok, mankind fell as well. Now they rose again, independent of the guidance from neither dragon or Garuda. I quickly realized how independent as many a time I would find myself attacked by them and used Gunpowder to try and destroy me.
In my great search for peace I became reclusive until the last few hundred years when I began to feel my final days. I never felt as tired as I do now. In them any times I felt weary, I can feel my time so close that I can almost see it. After I finish writing within this book, I will make my way to the graveyard of my ancestors to the eats, in Aokigahara.

I have seen the entire world in all of its glory… and it is an ugly truth. Evil in this world is not defined not as a nature of life, but a nature of a race who cannot realize enough is enough. Pride, greed, hatred and envy will always be a part of all creatures, but it is those who can overcome these with generosity, forgiveness, humbleness and acceptance that will lead them to a grand and glorious future without war, crime, and evil. My kind, myself no exception, is guilty of this and can never deny it. Those who have denied it, create worse evils by pushing it into a concentrated force that will not be detained.
Just one being who can manage this truth alone will be hope for the future.

That is why this memoir, written by my own hand in a book I have weaved and forged from the precious metals and gems my kind once horded and fought over as something greater than our own lives, has been written. For I have seen mankind, and it already is tainted with much evil and fear of the world. They see difference among each other in appearance and belief, and many are greedy and vain. I have seen and lived such, and know they will one day soon begin the same mistakes I myself have made. I do not wish to see history repeat itself, but I fear it will.

With my hope and faith going into these words, I pray one day it will be discovered by one who can see the reason and truth. If any good came from the end, it is that the evils in the forms of my brother and my kind are now long gone, or so I pray. If I have survived, it is possible others could have as well.

For the one who does find this book, I pray you read, and understand.

One who has opened his eyes…
Nidhoggr, the Malice Striker.
Thursay, 1768 AD.

Description
Be warned, over 10,000 words ahead, 14 pages worth.

What you are about to read is something I started two days ago and spent more then 14 hours writing and figuring out. It takes place during the far past of Dawn of Monsters, and from the perspective of a crypt dragon, and oddly enough all originated when I just began making a map for all the dragons and other races of the time... And spiraled out of control.

Well I would say more, but I would prefer you to read. To those who take he time, thank you.
Please enjoy.

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Nidhoggrs Memoir

I have been alive for a great, great deal of time. My age is what some would call, limitless. If only that we’re true. Many believe creatures like me are ethereal. That we do not age and die like the many other inhabitants of our world. But, I assure you, we do. In the many ages I have seen begin and end, I have seen everything that is to be seen. Now my life is near its end.
Allow this memoir be a testament for all those in the near future. The year now, according to the ever advancing cultures, is 1768 AD, a Thursday. Of what month, I am not sure as of the current moment. The name my mother gave to me is Nidhoggr, meaning Malice Striker. I assume they expected greatness from me. It is not surprising, seeing as my kind has great pride and nobility. They of course, were right, and wrong.

I shall begin at my day of birth, which I remember quite clearly. To all those who read, you must understand who I am, what, why, and how.
From what I can recall, I am truly one of the eldest of all my kind; perhaps even the oldest, or maybe the last. I have been alive long before the first man ever plucked a stone from a river and carve it into a spear’s head. Yggdrisil, the World Tree as all called it, was still very small. Born even before the great dragon nations and they would still not appear for many an eon.
My mother, whose name I cannot put into proper English, was a stern matriarch. Closest name I could give her for all to understand is what it meant; “World Killer”. It was a very ancient name. From what I remember, she was named for destroying an entire species. Whether it was true or not, I do not know. As any good mother, she was a very protective and taught me the ways of the world, as we knew it at the time. It was a primordial planet full of dangers. It was not for long, however. A great cold was coming and the planet would soon be unsuitable to live in. My mother told it had happened before, and as before we would sleep… Sleep until a day when the cold receded and the land walked with prey.

So we slept. It was a long sleep. Eons passed, and the world changed as we slept. The small creatures that once crawled in the dirt grew and changed into formidable beasts. When we awoke, we sated our hunger upon them.
As mother promised, the air was warm and food was plentiful. Life continued on. I spent my life with my mother for many years until she again took a suitor and I was forced out from her presence. We were still an early culture and very animalistic. Her own instinct took over and I, as well as her current mate, was driven off for her nesting.
For the next few seasons I had traveled the land alone. No kingdoms existed yet and so I wandered freely. Only when I crossed some territorial boundary… But I relished such occurrences. I was young, and prideful as the rest of my kind. I sought the battles for the glory and satisfaction of proving my power. It is a common trait among all dragons, however it was always worse for young-bloods who continued to grow in size and strength. I won many battles. Some against foes larger then I. Only twice did I fight another dragon. It was over a courting female, who she in her own right was a very wicked creature. I lost both those battles, however. I would not know the liberties of having consorts for many years to come. It seemed I was powerful enough to win a battle against behemoths and leviathans, but never my own kind; A difficult reality to comprehend for any young-blood.
Within two great frosts, I sought my birthmother. Even at such an age when we are volatile, we had strong family bonds. Upon return I found out her disposition had changed with her motherhood. Her aggressive behavior had changed to a wary maternal one and almost did not recognize me. After she did though, I was accepted, or at least tolerated.
I met my younger sibling that day. Mother named her “Nixeuoth”, meaning Spark Took. Still very young and a vicious as any newborn and amusing to say the least as she attempted to attack me out of her own pride. Normally I would have slain one who shown such disrespect toward me, but I grew attached to her. In time, she did as well. I believe it was one of the first instances of our kind cooperating in a group. I helped raise her. Far more efficient the just a mother taking care of her offspring. We were not alone in such an idea either.

Dragons had begun to spread in the world. Each day the lands seemed a little bit smaller, and yet all the more vast. We grew more advanced, too. We reached as far as the shores of the old world. As of now, the Old World is Asia, India, Europe, Japan and Africa. To us this was all that there was, and we believed that for a good thousand years. We were greatly mistaken, of course.
At the time, not all the ice had retreated from the land. Massive glaciers covered much of the north, and we had a rule of avoiding this unknown, barren land. Cold was not our friend. We hated it. Nothing good was to come from ice and snow.
However as the sheets of ice receded, we came closer to the north each day. Still we would be unaware of the New World, for a great barrier stood in the way.

Yggdrisil, the World Tree. The tree itself, which at the time was not very large, was not the issue. Its roots which had stretched as far as the eye could see and one could travel for days on end without coming to an end, concealed many a terrible monster greater than our own. Massive humanoid creatures, wolves the size of mountains, leviathans that swallowed the sea and sky each day, and many, many other beasts that not only lived in the tree, but in the mighty sea that stretched across the world itself. Crossing would be a death wish.

Word came to me of the tree through the gossip of another dragon I came across upon while hunting one day. I was browsing among the smoking mountains for the Fire Mushrooms that was desperately needed for my younger sibling. I found them, and others were already present. When he told me of the monsters of this tree, I got the most preposterous idea. Preposterous now due to my wise age, but ambitious for my younger days.
If I had conquered this tree, I would be revered and respected among all. I would find this tree, I told myself, and I would conquer it. This would not be the last time my pride had gotten the better of me, either. Little did I know, what could bring me great nobility could also bring terrible humiliation.
With my mother once more taking interesting in another mate, I saw no need to stay and protect her. I set out on my quest days later. The winds carried my wings across the vast forests and tall mountains, over icy tundra. Along the way I fought adversaries from beasts with massive teeth and another with enormous tusks. I won every battle along the way. Eventually I found what I traveled for.
In the far distance I saw it. A mountain supported by a colossal tree root. My hopes soared and the fire in my own belly churned for battle. The closer I got, the more I realized the root not only supported a mountain, but a chain of mountains.
I had found what I had come to find. Within a day’s travel I had found my first fight. It was a very odd creature for me. The first time I had ever seen a humanoid creature. It was alien to me; standing upon two legs and a hairless body. It smelled strange. I could not compare the stench to anything at the time, nor would I know what the smell was for many years to come.
I issued the challenge and the fight began and ended almost as quickly. While I had used my wings and flame to fight, my foe used unknown tactics that had thrown me off guard as it used weapons form stone and pointed sticks. I found the fight pathetically easy. Looking back now, I realize what first thought to be stupidity was actually brain power.
I continued the follow the roots and mountains for many days and nights. I would fight foe after foe. Some covered in fur, differed from others with unique powers or physically stronger than the rest, or larger. It made little difference in the end. I continued to burn my way across the land, scorching every foe into submission. My pride had soared until I was as arrogant as a spoiled child. In the end, I felt as powerful as the sun that floated across the sky. Nothing could stop me and I would have my title as the greatest dragon to ever live. Not even a pact of massive wolves could stop me. They apparently had stalked me for days, having a vendetta of sorts from my trespassing upon their land. When they attacked me, I fought them head on, and won. I crushed their leader’s body as if it was a pile of sticks. The rest fled in fear of me as I roasted the beast to sate my hunger.
The wolf must have been a great beast, for no other creature openly challenged me again. I rode across the sky and all who saw me cowered under the clusters of roots. I could find no other foe after that. Only prey which I hunted for food. In my mind, I had accomplished what I came to do. Nothing could oppose me now, or so I believed. I continued north, and it was there I discovered I was gravely mistaken.
I had reached the center of the endless sea of roots that rose above the sea. The trunk of the tree reached as high as the sun, blocking out the rays of light. It seemed as if the clouds themselves made up the leaves upon the branches and even now as I recollect my memory was one of the most stunning sights I have ever laid my eyes upon.
And there, standing upon the highest root, stood another one of the giants that I had faced before. I soon wised up that he was not the same as the others. He held a spear made of steel that irradiated with power that I have never seen before and carried pelts of beasts as trophies. With my series of victories, I saw no reason why I could not fight and win. When the battle began, it was an even battle field. Soon it turned in the strangers favor. The wind had howled to his movements and the lightning in the clouds came down upon his command. It was as if he commanded all the world in his hand. For all of my power and strength, I was cast down into the roots. I lay, tired, bloodied... When he came for me, I expected my death.
Death did not come for me, though. Odin was he told me his name, commanded me to take my leave of Yggdrisil and to never return to plunder this holy land. Sparing my life, I was in his debt. Belittled, but I was obligated to listen. Even as he turned his back upon he, he did not look back over his shoulder. He simply expected to just leave and not make sure if I obeyed or not.

My quest had ended in failure. I began my journey home, stricken with humiliation and grief. Odin… Yggdrisil… All I have seen was different from what I knew to be my world. None of it made sense, either. I doubt I will ever make sense of it. At the time I only felt misery and anger for my failure. When I left the final root behind me, I remained hidden for some years before I returned home.

When at last I did, I sought out my family. My sister, Nixeuoth, had grown into a fair young dragoness. She welcomed me with a warm heart that made much of my lingering pain numb. As did my mother, and mate she had taken. Another sibling was on the way, and my mother seemed adamant about keeping her current suitor.
I never heed attention to who my mother took interest in. It was in the nature of our kind to drive others away soon after courtship, and thus never gave me such reason to learn and remember names. That was changing, however. Something in all my kind was changing.
His name was Zu, the Terrible. It was said he had swallowed a great monster once when it had threatened his current consort and ever since been feared. I was wary at first, but in time we had grown to be great allies. I never knew my father, nor did that matter, but I suppose if I ever had anyone close to that, Zu was it.
Within time my mother became a parent for a third time in the last several thousand years that resulted in two eggs, both ending up as my brothers Nithhogr the Death Eater, and Stoorworm who was born larger than a normal youngling. Mother and Zu could have not been more prideful about their perfect children. I would say I held great resentment, however, I did not. Younglings often got spoiled by their mother and I knew that for a fact. Soon I grew proud of them too. Particularly Stoorworm who grew to half his adult size in nearly half the time it normally took for any bull to grow. Stoorworm however was not only prideful, but his appetite was terrifying. Proudness and fondness of him turned to fear as he once almost devoured his smaller brother one day. I was present to stop him in time, thankfully. After that, we came to a decision to send Stoorworm away so he would not threaten us or our food supply. We would not see him for many millenniums and then after that I had wished we never saw him at all.

As the years would come and go, me and my family would live on and grow. It became apparent that others would did the same. Territories soon began to be pushed and skirmishes became very common. Battles then escalated into full blown wars between families that lasted for many years until one side lost. Naturally, my family was very successful. In some cases we were fortunate to not only defeat the threats that others posed, but gained followers from rival groups. I never noticed it, but we slowly began to gain great power.
Not alone, thought, others had unknowingly done the same. What once were scattered families of dragons dotting the land now had become large tribes that possessed vast amounts of land. War soon begun… However, it would not last. In the last ten thousand years of being awake and growing, we again had depleted the lands of much needed food. We could not afford being awake, no clan could. Slowly, all the clans went into a deep sleep as did we, and once again the ice had snow had come again. When we awoke, we would have realized the land was not just ours anymore.

I do not know how long we slept. It must have been an uncountable amount of time. Life had changed again. Warm air once more brought us up from the deep sleep, and with our awakening came our great hunter. The difference now is that we had an entire group to feed, not just me and my blood kin. The new native life was lively and luscious. Enriched with thick fat, enough food was available for us to rapidly grow.
Zu had become the leader of the group, having been the father of many of the clan’s children. He had made rules as well, which became law for our culture. He would own all available females and have say who would become mates of who. It seemed unfair, but we accepted it. My mother supported this as well. Among the clans, we were known as the Xia. Our ways became famous through Zu, who quickly became renowned as the most powerful and first emperor of Xia. Among his personal fighters were his own sons, as was I. Next to Stoorworm, I was one of the most powerful. I had remembered all those years ago when I had lost against the one called Odin. I had failed them, but I would not fail now. My new place among my clan was now the most important matter in my life.
When we fought other clans, I was always victorious. I never lost a battle. I spilled the blood of my foes with glee for my pride and my fellow dragons. I felt as if I never had anything more important than what I had in those moments of protecting my honor. After many battles, Zu had praised my power and awarded me a wife to be. In my own prideful past, I thought little of mates. I wonder if other dragons thought the same. We are so prideful that I would not put doubt in it. Honored by Zu, I accepted the gift and took my first lovely wife; Kadenaltiui, which translate to common English as Cloud Wing. For such a soft name, she was far from soft. Normally, females in our own clan remained quiet and somewhat elusive, never taking part in war, fighting and hunting. Their job is raising the younglings and teaching young bloods. Kadenaltiui was a vicious dragoness. My mother was very happy I choose her from the ranks. She told me that Kadenaltiui reminded me of her at a young age. Still, I hesitate to that thought even at my elder age as of now.
Kadenaltiui was very displeased at first. She would lunge at me and we would fight as often as the sun came and went. My own kin would mock this for their own amusement, and looking back I do see the humor myself. Difficult as that sounds, since Kadenaltiui desired the satisfaction of killing me. Even now I do not know why, though. Perhaps she was even more prideful even I myself to such a degree that she would rather kill any that tried to court her. Whatever the reason, a time did come to when she showed a much softer side. Within time, we grew much affection for each other and bore the fruit of our union, my son, Rahu, and two daughters, Manasa and Apalala. Learning I was to be a father, I was filled with unchallengeable joy and pride and even more the day they had hatched. I wished to had spent every day with my wife and children above anything else.
I was no fool, though. I was well aware of the fighting and nearly every day, I patrolled out borders and defended our land. My land, mother, sisters, brothers, wife and children. It had to be done and I must never fail. The thought of failing caused my fire to burn with hatred and rage. My place in my clan was never stronger.

On the border of all-out war between all the dragon clans, our world had begun to change for the worse. The first of mankind had begun to rise. We had always noticed the creatures too small to eat. To us, they were mere insects. We had no idea what they were destined to become. They had come from the west, spreading under her fingers without notice. When they showed their culture to us, we realized how they viewed us. To them we were monsters, gods, devils, and various other titles. Some of our kind saw a use and taught them language, ways and other intelligent means. As we would evolve over the ages, so would they, for better or worse. The changes did not end here.
The world as we thought was larger than first expected. Foreign dragons from faraway lands had come to the shores of neighboring lands. From far across the sea to the south of us, and to the far west past the vast ocean came clans of dragons we never thought existed. These clans were Kay Pacha, The Ozian Tribe, The Thunder Continent, and Incan Dragons. Over time though, Kay Pacha would grow and wipe out the Incan Dragons and control most of what is the New World. The rest of the New World would come under control of what the dragon’s greatest enemy was.
The Garuda also appeared around this time. None of us are fully aware of the origin of Garuda, also referred to as “The Roc”. We had tried to uncover the truth before. Some believe the Garuda were merely another dragon clan that none recognize. Others believe by some means, our existence had forced their creation. Or they come from a land that sank beneath the waves, and other still urge they come from mysterious Terra Australis that is unknown to all. Wherever they had come from, they had become the enemies of all dragon kind. They hunted us, fed upon our flesh as if we were some prey item. This alone angered all dragon kind. Our pride led us to be the superior species among all others, and the thought of being food for some other beast only enraged the clans.
Their beliefs were very strange to us, and offensive to what we all believed-what I believed at the time. Life to them was precious and urged even the smallest life was valuable. To some of the humans they were saviors as some clan’s methods had frightened them greatly, as if there existence did not frighten them enough. Naturally this sparked a war with them, among the war between dragon clans. A massive war that would continue to rage on for more eons than I can count and more or often would prefer to forget. It is times like this I wish my old age would allow me to forget, but I do not think it is possible to forget such bloodshed.

During this time I was in a near constant battle to protect those I cared for. My own sons had grown into fine young warriors, while I myself had fathered more children. It seemed that now that breeding had become something not of passion for our family, but for the duty to our clan. At the time seemed right, but I will never be sure if it was or not. Surely if we did not, we would be defeated without others to replace those who had died. The only thing that truly saved us is the fact that while we fought each other, the Garuda had all the dragon clan’s attention as they grew in numbers and preyed upon us. In a way, their danger was a blessing. It gave us time to repopulate and plan and gave us reason to call temporary truces. One day, this would have led to a great unison of nearly all dragon clans, but not for a great time as of yet.
One day however, word came from something abominable. Abominable for the actions, but more personal to my nearest kin as of whose name we heard was responsible. From across foreign land, all the way toward the Adamant Kingdom’s most southern point, rumor reached of my half-brother Stoorworm. His name now carried feared as a monster, large enough to outsize nearly all other known bull dragons… And a hunger so great that he has cannibalized several dragoness and several younglings over the last several years. All who had challenged him had apparently vanished, assumingly devoured by my brother’s insatiable appetite. He was the first of rogue dragons to appear in history. Many would follow over the later years, but he was the first and possibly the worst to ever exist.
This barbaric act enraged me, dishonored my bloodline and threatened all the clans. It was my bloodlines burden, and I came to the conclusion that I must be the one to end his reign of terror. Zu gave me his blessing as I went. He told me he would have come with me, but his place upon the throne as emperor of the Xia Dynasty. Deep down however, we both knew his age was also becoming more prominent. Already he was a eon old, and I cannot begin to fathom his age.
I said my goodbyes to my lovely Kadenaltiui, my sons and daughters, and allies. I knew I very well could die at my brother’s hunger. I imagine he also holds his exile against all of us. At that point it became apparent to me that, if I failed, he may take his anger and hunger across the continents, eating all in his path, until he reached my family. I would not fail and allow such evil upon anyone again.

I traveled to my border and waited for elite guard’s to confront me. Upon their arrival I explained my purpose and demanded to be let past. Leery of my story, they escorted me through their lands and to their current king. They, like many of the clans, also heard tale of the terrible Stoorworm and allowed me to pass. Upon the next border, then finally at the doorstep of the Adamant Kingdom. Lord Pythos, the current king at the time of the Adamant Continent, took me in and explained of my brother’s terror over the years on personal note. Pythos had lost wives and many, many children of his. For such a powerful king, I saw the fear in his eyes was great as can be, but not fear for himself. He feared for all of his kingdom and land.
For the first time in ages, I realized that each clan is the same, despite our differences. We fought for our kin above nearly everything else. Now, I find it very moving how soft that we truly were despite all of the snarling and biting of what was once our daily life. After nights rest, said my farewell to Lord Pythos, thanking him for his grand hospitality as he sent with me his finest five warriors that he could spare.
Following the rumors and tales of the acts, we headed south of the Adamant Kingdom in search of Stoorworm. He searched the grassy plains and the lush jungles, but found lush wildlife. My brother was not here… yet.
At the end of the thirteenth day we had come to the valley lakes that loomed in the shadow of the mountain. We took notice in the scene before us that was unspeakably frightening. Such quietness never seemed so painful. Animals did not exist here. Herds of beasts gone and the smell of my brother stung my nostrils as my five comrades. Scorched earth littered the valleys, but this alone was not the only sign. Within time we had realized that my brother’s hunger was even greater then I could have ever possibly guessed. In the earth was gouged a scar, chewed bite by bite, creating what at first seemed to be a great valley. How could any single creature, not matter the size, devour this much in just a few years? The weight over my shoulders felt as the world, now. My brother did not just threaten the clans, but the entire world as well. I doubted my abilities as of then. What ultimately kept me in pursuit of my quest was that whether I did or did not, Stoorworm would devour everything. If was to be eaten, then sooner would be better than later.
We pushed on. Following the chewed out gorge, the scent grew stronger. My brother must have be eating his way north for some time, and leaving only when he desired fresh meat. Even now after all these years I shudder at the thought of his gluttony. All my effort is now focused upon writing straight as I write this tale in my memoir.
Upon reaching the end of the trail, we came upon him at long last. The gorge he chewed out taken two days to travel on the wing. My first impression was he was nearby… but as many times before, I was horribly mistaken. He was right under our vey nose. Large as he was, he was as large as a mountain. His jaws alone could have probably bitten even the largest dragon in half. Cocky as ever, he remained asleep in the open. He was as arrogant as I had recalled. Not as much as an attempt to conceal himself from all those who see him as an enemy.
I had come all the way to bring him to an end. Boldly I called out the challenge. The moment his eyes opened, he stared into my soul and eyed me with great desire for my succulent flesh. As he rose, he towered above all of our heads as a monster all of our own. In the current time, humans refer to creatures as me and the Garuda’s as monsters. A crud resentment, but we ourselves have our own monsters that even we fear, as Stoorworm was.
I stood my ground as I confronted my brother. His booming voice cursed me, telling me how angry he was for being exiled and away, and how I saved him the trouble of finding me so he may devour me. I told him that this day he would fall, even at the expense of my life for the terrible atrocities he has committed and brought shame to my clan. Not fazed in the least, he laughed in amusement as he insulted my nobility further by commenting how my gesture of heroism was pathetic. My own anger erupted and the battle begun.
For a whole day the battle carried on with no rest and to no avail. Our fiery breath had little effect upon some individuals of our own kind, as Stoorworm apparently was one who was such. None the less, we continued to bombard him at any chance to wear him down and attack in any way possible. The underbelly of our kind was somewhat more vulnerable just below the chest. With this knowledge, we attempted to assault his belly at any chance we got. But getting close was a dance with death. When one of the five Pythos had sent attempted to, Stoorworm grasped him by the neck, and bite his head clean from his neck. When I had heard Stoorworm was devouring others of our species, it horrified me, but seeing it was something more horrific than I could have ever imagined. The sight of him chewing the skull with such leisure and bliss made me near sick.
Yet for our churning guts, we fought on. The surrounding canyon that was chewed out by him became a raging inferno as our attacks scorched everything but one another. As the sun began setting, we began to get leverage. Stoorworms own size began to work against him. His movements were as sluggish as any heavy beast and he began to grow tired. Not only was he wearing, big his desire to feed grew as well. This, while more dangerous, gave us even more of an edge. Without sustenance, Stoorworm weakened with haste.
Our battle continued into the hours of the morning. Two more of our group was slain by my sinful kin, and each time he had taken the time in order to feed upon their corpses. The three of us that remained battled with our anger, but even this was not enough. Growing tired myself, I felt my limits upon me. I was sure I was to parish in this battle. However, in the twilight of dawn, I caught the gleam of water out of the corner of my eye. A lake lay just behind the gorge with little to hold it back but enough earth and dirt. Perhaps if we could not use force to destroy my brother, then perhaps nature itself will. I attacked what little land blocked the lake, but it was not enough. I needed more power, and I knew just where to get it. I openly mocked Stoorworm, taunting him. His rage already strong for me, he pursued me. I led him straight to the wall, and he struck it in his attempt to kill me. His size and strength so great, he split the stone and earth as if it were woven twigs.
The lake on the other size burst through and drenched Stoorworm in a flood of water. So great was the water that as he attempted to breath flame, his gullet filled with a lake all of its own. As the water pushed more, a torrent so great that even Stoorworms own size was overtaken. As if he was meek and powerless, I watched as my kin washed and buried in chaos.
Many times we searched as the new lake formed. We found no trace of Stoorworm. We assumed that he had drowned and buried by the seemingly endless water and mud that came with the flood. My relief was as sweet as the finest meat. I could go home, to my clan and family with good news. Or so I thought.

Upon my return to Pythos, he praised my good deed and proclaimed The Adamant Clan and Xai Dynasty are to be at peace if our borders ever met in the future among the war, and paid in great hordes of diamond and gold that was carried by four of his youngest daughters as a gift to Emperor Zu and the Dynasty. Glory and honor was mine, as was it my clans.
Emperor Zu greeted me home warmly, as did all. For my good deed, I was allowed to claim the four daughters as my own wives. Kadenaltiui was less than pleased, however she accepted it well enough. At the time, all thought Stoorworm was dead, until thousands of years when we heard rumors he still lived across the sea, stalking the Kay Pacha Clan and eventually taking it over for some time until the entire population quite literally sought him out and drove him to parts unknown, however, still alive.

I never did learn of what happened to my brother. I heard a rumor once though, that a Jotunn once battled him and voluntarily allowed himself to be swallowed, where he tore out many organs and, while not killing him, did injure him so greatly that it forced him into a deep torpor to recuperate. Even after that, I only heard one who knew his whereabouts. A Garuda named Grimm and his brother, Phoenoraixa. I pray, for the sake of all that exists, that my brother is to never reappear in the future after my time passes. I doubt any could ever stand up to his anger and hunger ever again.

As years would pass, the wars between the clans would slowly die down. It seemed my heroic deed proved a point that we had greater enemies then one another. Yet, at the same time, I do not think any clan ever fully trusted one another. On more than one occasion, neighboring clans would enter small wars that never ended with a true victor. Our own included, however, we never again started any war over any reason. This is because, at this time, Emperor Zu had passed away due to natural means. Sensing his own death, he told us of a draw to a distant land that would be his final resting place. This place would one day be called the dragon’s graveyard, Aokigahara.
All grieved for a great time after he left to the east, but a new leader had to rise; one of his sons, Whiro. Much like his father and a friend to mine as well, he was a fair leader to us that preferred not to start wars, but would fight them if they came along.
The world continued to change around us. The small creature’s that revered us, Humans, had come a long way as they admired us and worshiped us. In our own dynasty, we led them and taught them, and on occasion taught us. Other clans on the other hand did not care for them, or even treated them horrifically. I believe the darkest method I heard is the Kay Pacha clan who demanded great blood sacrifices and even devoured their followers. While I ate my fair share of species, I never saw the man as one. The Adamant Kingdom treated mankind better in comparison. Oddly enough, the Adamant culture all saw mankind as inferior insects.
The Garuda’s had gained great territory over the years. What is now called “India” became their kingdom of sorts, which grew quick and prospered. Like us, they too were viewed as gods and ethereal beings. In many ways, they truly were like us. If not for the fact they preyed upon our kind on as a regular occurring food source, we may have had peaceful times. They were still our mortal enemy; something that simply never change even to this present day.
It eventually became a war all of its own that brought great peace amongst nearly all dragons. They’re exceptions, of course. Mostly in the form rogue bands that held no allegiance to any kingdom or dynasty. While a threat, no rogue groups truly threatened any one kingdom outside of my brother, Stoorworm, who could be dealt with after each occurrence he appeared.
Once more I was called upon to fight on a regular basis. With many wives and children, I had more reason to fight more than ever in the wars before. However, while dragons fought and had equal loss, it seemed that a sole Garuda were more powerful than any one dragon. Their expansion of territory was put to an end, but what they currently had was never pushed back, either. It was frustrating to all the clans, even as they all bore down in great numbers. Even the powerful kings and emperors themselves delved into battles to attempt pulling the war into our favor.
It was in one of these instances when Emperor Whiro’s was mortally wounded. Much of his own entrails had been torn out from his body and our powerful healing abilities we always had were not enough. In his final hours, he was to appoint a new leader to take his place. To all’s surprise, he chose me…
I, Nidhoggr, Emperor of the Xia Dynasty. I wanted to ask if he was sure that I was really his choice, and not his mind playing tricks, but my words could not come out even if I wanted to say them, for questioning such an honor would be an insult. Silently I nodded, and I stayed with him until he passed.

As I now led the Xia Clan to war with the Garuda, my life changed forever. For tens of thousands of years, we fought, again and again with all our might. The entire world became war-torn and bathed in the blood of dragon and roc alike. The only land not tainted with the blood and hate of crimson red was that of the ice sheets of north where Yggdrisil grew, and the uninhabitable southern Terra Australis. These places had their own challenges that we could not encroach upon. I even told of my own excursion to the north and told of the great giants who had lived in the roots and that we could not challenge them. Already at war with one, I pray that another side never came into play upon our eon long war.
When at long last we had begun to win the war, the Garuda had created a weapon. They had focused much of their life force into a new generation of warriors in an attempt to fight us. The result was twin brothers, each unique and unable to die. In time, mankind would come to call the good brother Phoenix, and his brother, Death. However, the Garuda feared them both for their foreign powers. Unable to die, to call forth the suns power, and to see prophesize what was to one day be. All feared them, and I call foolish who did not realize the dangers of the brothers.
They, the brothers, brought a long era of war without battle. Few dared fight them now, and we could only defend what we could. It was the silence before the raging storm. In ways, the weight of it was worse than when it finally came, as it would not come for many ages.

The greatest battle was that of a shapeless evil, existing in the Panthalassa Sea, rightly named as the Sea of Evil. A vast ocean barren with only monsters that even my brother would fear. I still cannot understand how we drove it back to its evil origin, but I dare not recollect.

So many eons had passed since my birth. Now, senior leader of the Zia Dynasty, it was my job to know the world and territories inside and out. I knew all I could know around me. All of the world I could see in my head and its invisible boundaries.
My own kingdom stretched as far as I could see, second largest only to the Adamant Kingdom. A peaceful land where dragon’s and man both lived in harmony with each other. How the mountains soared in the sky with their icy caps and the lowest points holding clean flowing rivers untainted by blood and war. Even the dry desert seemed ever as great.
To the west, Aokigahara, the graveyard of dragons where all elders went for their final rest. Its draw… It calls to those close to their natural life. I wondered often if I would ever be honored to go there.
Garuda territory thrived just to the south, across the highest mountains. Similar to my own home, it was of peace and wealth that made the culture. Many mankind sought refuge with the birds when they felt we were the danger. In ways, I can understand fully of their choice.
Farther still was the Javalar Islands, a world that was as mysterious as it was vast. Countless islands, refuging many of our kind and many secrets that may never come to light. Its own mysteries protect it from even the darkest of powers. Easy to pass through… but not easy to penetrate.
Southern of that and farthest of the kingdoms, the Ozian Territories. In my time as ruler of the Xia, it was under a terrible ruler. Third generation, grandson of the first king of Oz, was a greedy and hateful ruler that plundered his land and grew frustrated when his kingdom was on the downfall. In his rage, he and his followers had destroyed all of the lush forests that covered the land. Far as the Garuda kingdom, all could see the smoke that billowed across the sea. A terrible ruler that deserved his death among nearly all other dragons.
The Adamant Continent, still our ally, prospered well. Near his prime age, Pythos the Second ruled after his first father. His own son, Hurican, was as successful as I was at that age. Many said he would one day become its new king when the time came. Last I ever heard of that story was that he did become the new ruler of the Adamant Continent as a strong ruler that from what I heard, still lives. I can never be sure though. The rumors I hear pass from individuals that sometimes hear wrong.
Between the taboo land of Yggdrasil was a dark land that was home to rogues and monsters. Many referred to it as the Black Lands, shrouded in their inhabitants black hearts and avoided by all in the kingdoms, less they fall victim to their cruelty.
To the cold north, a new kingdom rose at my border. The Scythian Tribe, from what I understand, was once members of other clans who left for many reasons and attempted to find their own way to live. Secretive, I learned very little about them even in rumor. All I did hear was their remarkable traits that allowed them to live in the icy cold of the north. What had ever happened to them is beyond me, but I assume they had perished with the rest of the races.
Across the sea, I heard of many a tale. From what I understand, the chaos was great. Constant war raged in the southern continent with two brother’s feud escalating into epic per portion. Kay Pacha lost much land, forcing north and destroying the Thunder Kingdom by my mid rule of the Dynasty. All Thunder Clan members had vanished, and in turn Garuda had taken most of the land. Only mountains severed as borders. All of the south became in control of Ex Pacha, while Kay Pacha still dwindled in my known time. Whether Ex Pacha had destroyed all of Kay Pacha, I do not know. After my… leave… of absence I heard no more of the kingdoms across the sea.

After so many years of tension between the Garuda and Clans, I had wised greatly from all this knowledge. Each day as I ruled, I thought of my life and all I had done. Ever since a young age, I felt so noble and proud… Now, I felt empty and tired beyond all reasonable doubt. Every day, we still fought as we always did… But why? Why did we fight? For ourselves, or for our loved ones? Or did we do it because deep down, we were born to only fight? Even my mother had at long last died in her elder age, leaving only so many years ago.
So many had died in my name, too; Sons, daughters, siblings, distant kin and each day more were born to die just for disagreements. It made me realize how short our lives truly are. I myself have been alive for more than one-hundred thousand years. Longer than that, as I still do not recall how long the last long sleep had lasted.
My taste for glory, honor and blood had dulled. I felt as numb as could be. When resources for food had begun to shrink, tensions rose, and war between dragons was once again unavoidable. No… Not again. I could not bear another war of endless blood shed of my blood. I took to the sky and left the Xia Kingdom, forever, never to return.

Where I went is where no other of my kind dare followed. I flew with no rest for many days until I reached the cold north and found the very place I came to many ages ago in my own quest for a title. I found the root that held the mountains up and began following toward the tree of Yggdrisil. I only rested when my body ached or when I grew hungry.
Long last I found the tree. It had changed much, too. New creatures existed, as did lights from fires that warmed groups of monsters. Coming upon the center, I was confronted again by none other than the king of Asgard himself, Odin. I became a prisoner at his mercy. I expected he would kill me himself… But no.
Staring into my eyes, he told me how he saw my weariness from my past before asking me why I had returned. I replied that I wished to be away, alone, far from the world as I knew it. Odin only stared at me at first, and then turned to his young son next to him. Thor was his name, of Thunder. He told Thor that I once came and threatened his world but spared my life out of goodness. He told Thor that one day, he should do the same.
Addressing me by my name, he told me I may stay here, where few would ever know me. Underneath the tree itself, Yggdrisil, within the tangle of roots in Hel. Graciously I accepted gift and settled within my new home.

It was not easy adjusting to my new home. The world beneath the world tree was as strange as it was vast. Creatures I can never begin to describe wandered the blackness of the roots. None dare come near me. I suppose I did not fancy their appetite, or perhaps afraid of me. For my daily sustenance I devoured pieces of the tree. The roots were tough and hard to chew, but underneath proved to be very delicious and tender. Never once had a plant graced my maw. All my food came as meat and bone. I do not know all plants tasted, but Yggdrisil’s fibers became some of the finest I have ever eaten in my life.
I got nearly all my water from the food as well, but fine springs flowed through Hel as they made their way to the ocean. An open space was available to the ocean, but I dare not go near it. The first day I attempted, I saw a great serpent, far more massive than even my monstrous brother Stoorworm. I never felt such fear as when I saw the mere head of the beast just outside the tree. The World Serpent the Asgardians called it, large enough to coil the entire world. I could easily believe it and never once would I leave the safety of my new home. Such fear I have never felt before… before the shapeless evil from the Panthalassa. I wondered if it came from the same origin.
It was not a lonely life, however. Within the tree came a small climber by the name of Ratatoskr who scurried along the tree for food and carried message between those who lived among Yggdrisil. He became a great friend, visiting me, telling me of story and rumor as they circulated. Among him was smaller creatures who came and went. Trolls, I believe. They displeased the sight and had an odd fixation with treasure to some extent.
Most curious of all however is what Ratatoskr told me some time after was, atop Yggdrisil, sat a giant eagle who also sought solitude. Out of curiosity I asked his name, but Ratatoskr told me he had mentioned no name. I never once met this eagle, but I knew he was a Garuda that for some reason had escaped to the tree as well. With the help of Ratatoskr, I became friends with this Garuda and to this day I feel as if I should consider the eagle a great friend.

I lost track of how long I truly lived beneath the tree. Daily life was so peaceful. Few events ever happened here. It seemed to be a dungeon, however, for some parts of Hel that I never dared enter. In time a ruler came to this land. Daughter of one called Loki, demanding that she herself was “Hel” in body. It confused me… I wondered if it was her own pride. Many a dragon was given a name of greatness out of their own pride. Perhaps the Asgardians and Jotunn also did such.
All my peace though was bitter sweet. I heard many terrible things happening just outside of my home. Rumors of great battle and war that caused my memory to recall my own dealings in war and battle. As if I had enough thoughts about my old home and family. Many times I worried for my descendants. So much…
More rumors came of the world coming to an end. These would continue for thousands of years. By now, if I remember correctly… happened nearly twenty-thousand years ago as of the present. Yes, I do believe so. I am not sure how they begun, but I was reminded of the Garuda who would speak of the future and wondered if he himself had somehow been involved.
But how I remember so clearly was the strange visitors that graced my home just as the rumor of this “Ragnorok” or end of the world, begun. They wore shiny skin, a strange ornament that covered their heads. I could not place their scent, nor could anyone else, and they spoke a language that I could not even comprehend. As soon as they had come, they had left. I never thought of it before, but they had somehow started Ragnorok. Somehow they were responsible, or so I felt.
Thousands of years would end up going by and I heard so much happening within that great time. Tales that to this day echo in story among human races. Many revolve around this son of Odin, the one called Thor, and the great serpent I saw and feared, as his father Loki. Odin too… All of these things happening at once… I became restless near the end.

Then the day of reckoning had at long last come. Ten Thousand years ago by now, Ragnorok had come. I awoke to the sound of chaos all around me and saw the red flames through the roots of the trees. In my panic I called for Ratatoskr. When he at last came, he told me that end of the world had come and that all was to perish. At the time I thought such impossible. Yet, as I soon saw, everything was in flames. I climbed from my home under the tree and saw that nearly nothing had remained. While Yggdrisil stood, flames clung to all of its surface. Homes of the Asgardians burned and bodies littered the scape. Never once had I seen such destruction in one place. The smell of death polluted the air, mixed with smoke and ash.
How it could happen, I asked myself; just simply how. Ratatoskr had scurried away after telling me the news of Ragnorok and told me to meet him atop Yggdrisil while he searched for survivors. As I made my way across the burning world, I saw nothing but an endless sea of flame. I saw many faces I knew from the tree. I treaded up, until I came to Valhalla. Inside I discovered the body of Thor’s wife, Sif. She lay in a pool of her own blood, which was of hers and those around her she slew. She had died the way I heard she lived; in the glory of battle that all Asgadians cherished. Not far away I found the body of the great wolf, Fenrir, laying sprawled across Odin. Fenrir still lived… His eyes, once to instill fear among who looked in them, were worn and weak.
Such horror laid all around, but I had to continue on. I left the hall, and Fenrir to his fate. I continued to the top of the tree. My old bones ached, my lungs begged for air… Then as I finally reached the top, I was greeted by the Eagle, my long friend through Ratatoskr. To my horror, however, I realized that his Eagle was that of the Death Garuda. Had he come for me? To slay me as all Garuda do to all dragons?
I prepared to fight, but he only told me that he meant no harm. I believed him. He was a great creature. He had no reason to lie, far as I could understand. I asked why was it happening… He told me that it was not unavoidable. It would have happened anyway and no one could have stopped it.

Still, I don’t understand it fully. I suppose some things simply are to be, and then I still was not sure what he referred too.

I wanted to ask more, but he Garuda had taken his leave. I dare not follow my enemy, despite my powerful curiosity. I waited for Ratatoskr, and departed with him when he at last came.
We were the only survivors that we knew of. I spread my wings for the first time in ages and flew away without ever looking back. I had enough haunting images to last the rest of my life.
Truly it was the end of the world. I left south; to the nearest territory I could remember. However, when I got there, no dragons awaited us. The smell was gone, as well. I searched for days, then continued to the nearest border for the next kingdom. Again, no dragons, no scent. Fear gripped me and I made haste for home.
I saw what I had feared: nothing. Nothing but the bare land and held only vast forest and mountains. They were gone; all of them. No dragons remained. In my desperation I even dared crossed the border to the land of the Roc Territories, but even then I found the eerie stillness of nothing.

My grief was immeasurable. Everything around me had ended and vanished as if it had never existed to begin with. All alone, only Ratatoskr as my only source of sanity. Together we continued to search in vain across the world for any sign of my kind, or any great culture. I flew across the oceans, many continents and all the way to the new world. Many years searching, we eventually came full circle back to Yggdrisil.
Only Yggdrisil was not there. I remember the roots and how far they had stretched with the mountains they supported. None of it remained. Even the land that once surrounded it was replaced by an empty sea that now broke the connection between new and old world.

Hopes dashed, we had given up our search and accepted that the world had come to an end. I settled down back where my home once stood. Ratatoskr stayed with me for a time, but eventually left to explore parts of the world in another attempt to find any survivors of the great calamity. Never again would I see my friend. I assume he has met his maker and I wish him the most peaceful of rests, as do I wish for all I one cared for.
Many years I would watch the world go by as I always did. I watched the sky, hoping in vain that I would see one of my kind again. After a while I had hoped I would I would see even my enemy. Deep down I knew it would never come to be, but my faith never faded.
Slowly I would watch the second rise of man. In the great events of Ragnorok, mankind fell as well. Now they rose again, independent of the guidance from neither dragon or Garuda. I quickly realized how independent as many a time I would find myself attacked by them and used Gunpowder to try and destroy me.
In my great search for peace I became reclusive until the last few hundred years when I began to feel my final days. I never felt as tired as I do now. In them any times I felt weary, I can feel my time so close that I can almost see it. After I finish writing within this book, I will make my way to the graveyard of my ancestors to the eats, in Aokigahara.

I have seen the entire world in all of its glory… and it is an ugly truth. Evil in this world is not defined not as a nature of life, but a nature of a race who cannot realize enough is enough. Pride, greed, hatred and envy will always be a part of all creatures, but it is those who can overcome these with generosity, forgiveness, humbleness and acceptance that will lead them to a grand and glorious future without war, crime, and evil. My kind, myself no exception, is guilty of this and can never deny it. Those who have denied it, create worse evils by pushing it into a concentrated force that will not be detained.
Just one being who can manage this truth alone will be hope for the future.

That is why this memoir, written by my own hand in a book I have weaved and forged from the precious metals and gems my kind once horded and fought over as something greater than our own lives, has been written. For I have seen mankind, and it already is tainted with much evil and fear of the world. They see difference among each other in appearance and belief, and many are greedy and vain. I have seen and lived such, and know they will one day soon begin the same mistakes I myself have made. I do not wish to see history repeat itself, but I fear it will.

With my hope and faith going into these words, I pray one day it will be discovered by one who can see the reason and truth. If any good came from the end, it is that the evils in the forms of my brother and my kind are now long gone, or so I pray. If I have survived, it is possible others could have as well.

For the one who does find this book, I pray you read, and understand.

One who has opened his eyes…
Nidhoggr, the Malice Striker.
Thursay, 1768 AD.