It was a clear night over the southwestern, volcano dotted plain of the Stamarian Kingdom. The Blue Star shed a cold light down upon that fiery region. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed across that clear evening. Another bolt flashed. Soon, several dozen bolts formed a cluster on a small hill. Finally, there was an explosion without sound, and five figures stood a top that small hill. One was the size of a small child, the one standing next to him was a giant of a man, another was a lithe figure, the fourth stood tall with discipline, and the final figure stood in front of them all with unparalleled authority.
Kole smiled as he looked at the land around him. The crossing had been successful. "We made it."
"Are you sure this is the right place?" asked Miraje. "I mean, we could be..." Kole's cold stare quieted the man.
"Will you just shut up, you idiot," snapped Arguile. "Of course this is the place. I can feel it."
"This better be the right one," muttered Foxx. "I don't want to go through that thing again."
"Will you all just shut the hell up!" snarled Konnery. "I've got a headache, and you morons aren't making it any better."
Kole raised his hand to silence them. "That's enough bickering, boys." He looked at them all with his cold green eyes. "We'll have plenty of time, later, to fight among ourselves, but right now we need to find new weapons and armor."
"I believe that we can help you with that," came a deep voice from behind.
Kole turned around slowly and looked into the shadows, and four men walked forward. "Allow me to introduce myself," said one of them. "I am Arlax."
Arlax was at least six feet tall with long purple hair. His almond shape black eyes classified him as a non-human. He wore a mixture of purple, black, and blue leather clothing. "Just how are you going to help us?" questioned Kole.
"We are here to make a proposition to you," replied Arlax.
"What kind of proposition?"
Arlax's thin features creased into a smile. "We both seek the same end, my friend. In order to reach this goal, we will need to help each other." He snapped his fingers, and four pieces of armor appeared in the air before them. "My friends and I are the Four Demon Dragons of Darkness. I am the Chaos Dragon." He continued to speak as he pointed to his cohorts. "This is Thiss, the Shadow Dragon, Scorn, the Dragon of Pestilence, and Vasen, the Blood Dragon."
The warrior looked over each of the Demon Dragons. Thiss was a tall, pale skinned, with long dark hair, shadowed brown eyes, and hawk like features. He wore loose dark clothing. Scorn was of medium build, bald, covered in blisters and sores, with shadows under his eyes, and a smile filled with green teeth. He was clothed in various rags and cloaks. Vasen had short blood red hair, a cruel visage, blood red armor covered his body, and a large sword was strapped to his back.
"So you know why my companions and I are here?" asked Kole.
Arlax rose and smiled. "Of course. We have been awaiting your arrival for some time." The Dragon walked over to the floating pieces of armor. "In order for us to reach our goal, you will need new powers to replace the ones you have forsaken. I present to you the Armor of Shadows, the Blood Shield, the Wings of Pestilence, and the Chaos Helmet. Done these and become the Demon Dragonmaster."
Kole looked over the items floating before him. They were similar to his old equipment. The warrior smiled and proceeded to strap on his new armor. Finally, he placed his new Helmet on his head. The dark warrior could feel the evil powers flowing through him. "I'm glad to see you like our proposition," said Arlax.
"What about my men?" stated Kole flatly.
Arlax motioned to the other Demon Dragons. "My brethren and I will provide them with crests similar to their old ones. They will become our Knights and receive weapons as well."
The Demon Dragonmaster nodded. "One thing remains, however. I still need a sword of equal power to my former weapon."
"That will be taken care of as well," assured Arlax.
The dark warrior smiled and began to laugh. Things were turning out quite nicely. Quite nicely indeed.