10. WE'RE DOOMED!

CHAPTER 10 WE'RE DOOMED! As the wizard's magic circle of light faded, Jean gasped. "Aruna fed the Balam seed to Chaya?!" "Yes. Aruna believed that the seed's power would not work on dragons—only humans," Vanad said. "But the seed did work on Chaya— in a surprising way. The seed is supercharging Chaya's dragon powers. Chaya is absorbing wizard power from around the world."

"We've seen it happen," Jean said. Vanad nodded. "And now Chaya can do things no other Shadow Dragon can do." Drake looked around. "Like trap people in this Shadow Realm." "And cast the whole world into shadow, and make shadow phantoms," Jean added.

"Yes," Vanad said. "And because Chaya and Aruna have a strong connection, Aruna has become filled with evil energy, too." Drake shuddered. "That's scary." "The evil of the seed has overtaken them," Vanad said. "My magic could not stop them. Then Chaya banished me here, to this Shadow Realm." The wizard's body flickered again. He began to walk away, his feet floating over the sand. Drake tapped him on the shoulder.

"We need more information," Drake said. "When we get out of here, how do we stop Chaya? Our dragons' powers don't work against him." "We will never escape, but I will tell you what I know," Vanad replied "First, if wizards all over the world stop trying to perform magic, they will stop feeding Chaya. He will still be strong, but he won't grow stronger." It's a good thing Jayana told the wizards in Belerion to stop using magic, Drake thought. "Then, there is just one dragon who can stop Chaya," Vanad continued. "A Star Dragon."

"I didn't know Star Dragons existed!" Drake remarked. "They live high, high in the sky," Vanad said, and he got a dreamy look on his face as he gazed above. "Focus, please, wizard," Jean said. "How can we find a Star Dragon?" Vanad shook his head again. "A Star Dragon must come to you," he replied. "There is a scroll in my home that tells how to summon a Star Dragon. I was studying it when Chaya banished me." "Then let's get out of here and study that scroll!" Jean said.

"Don't you think I've tried to leave here?" Vanad asked. "It can't be done. We're doomed!" The wizard's body rippled. "Er, Vanad, do you know that you're... flickering?" Drake asked. "Of course I know!" the wizard snapped "I have been in this world so long that I'm turning into a shadow!" "Oh no!" Jean cried. The wizard sat down on a rock. "It is my fate," he said with a sigh. "I accept it because of the terrible part I played in all this. But I am sorry that it is now your fate, too."