The Guardian Chapter V

Alexander left his Coming of Age ceremony with Cronos and the elders with as many new questions as he had answers for his old questions. Cronos had confirmed his suspicions were correct. Not only was there a link between the Beast Masters and the inhabitants of the Citadel, but it was the Citadel's fault that the Beast Masters existed in the first place. Instead of banishing the law breakers which allowed them to wreak havoc on the rest of humanity, the Citadel elders should have stripped them of their powers before they became too strong. Now Alexander would need to battle the Beast Masters and the Jikininki. It would be difficult for him to forgive the Citadel Elders because their poor decisions led to the deaths of his parents and more than half the planet's human population.

“You must remain in control of your emotions if you ever wish to accomplish your goal, my friend.” Draco’s baritone voice boomed in Alexander's mind.

“That’s easy for you to say, Draco. You weren’t the one who watched his village destroyed, and his mother and friends murdered by mindless beasts.”

“What you say is true, Alexander, but although dragons are powerful, we have suffered many heartbreaks throughout our long lives. One tragedy in particular is why there are so few of us left on the planet. Now is not the time or place to tell you about it, but if we both survive what’s to come, I will share it with you.”

“I’m sorry, Draco. I allowed my anger to take control of me. It won’t happen again. Is your rest period over yet? I could use your physical presence along with our mental connection.”

“If you take your time and develop a thorough plan before setting out on your quest, I will be next to you offering what assistance I can. In the meantime, how may I help you?”

“I’ve been trying to connect with Dr. Jasson ever since you brought me here, and he stayed behind. Do you still have a connection with him?”

“The mental shield that the Elders maintain around the Citadel keeps kinetic connection from happening between people living outside the compound and those living inside. It is a necessary security measure to keep the Citadel from being overrun. Dragon's telekinetic powers are stronger than humans', so I can pierce the barrier and connect with you and the elders. The good doctor is alive and helping people whenever he can. Why do you wish to speak with him?”

“I need to learn as much up-to-date information about the Beast Masters and the Jikininki as possible. The doctor has been surviving among them for the last thirteen years. I’m sure he has valuable information that I can use to defeat the evil horde.”

“You may be right. I have only spoken with him on a limited basis over the years because he has been too busy saving people from the hoard or saving himself. If I can contact him, I will act as your conduit so you too can share information.”

“Thank you, Draco. I’m glad we are still friends.”

“Always, Alexander.”