Fan Fiction ❯ A War of Three Nations ❯ Chapter Ten: Of Dragons and Stones ( Chapter 10 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
Disclaimer: I'm gonna murder whoever came up with these things *grumble mutter* (I swear, you're still going to drive them away.)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A War of Three Nations
Chapter Ten: Of Dragons and Stones
Allarayne listened quietly as Touchi replied, Well, I wouldn't mind the extra help, nor would I mind giving you a sword. As I recall, you know their names. Tell me which one you want and it's yours. Just don't forget, we do have some unfinished 'business' that needs to be taken care of.
His very voice sent shivers down her spine. She shivered involuntarily, and then sent back in a voice that resembled a whisper, Molotoch, Touchi. Molotochis mine. She then tuned out quickly just to catch Lilith speaking:
"...distrust distances the elf Zephyr from the rest. This could be to our advantage."
She grinned at her lady as she looked back, all their stones glowing brighter and brighter. "We near the Caves. Vikirnoff will get us entry, but Zephyr's Svinsahdra will do a much better job."
'Shrirava' quickly caught on. "And what do you suggest we do, General?"
Allarayne had a glitter of evil in her eyes, Shrirava hanging on to every syllable that came from her mouth. "You can seduce him into submission." She raised and lowered her shoulders, her eyes landing on the two stones - Wood and Metal - that had been given to her by Lilith. It didn't matter to Allarayne. If she didn't even know how to control its power - where was Shrirava's bonded? - then it would be useless.
She stared at Shrirava's shocked reaction, a devilish chuckle escaping her lips. "I was merely jesting, Lady Shrirava."
Shrirava looked appalled. "Allarayne...!"
However, Allarayne was already gazing at Lilith. "What is your suggestion, milady?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Zephyr's swift ride on Silverwind led him to the Cave of Lost Treasures. He could sense Preia and the others not far behind, and three familiar energies that emitted evil no matter where they were. He recognized them as Allarayne's, Shrirava's, and the other demo ness's. "Come now Svinsahdra."
A baby silver dragon greeted them at the entrance. His long neck extended, he gave a glance at Svinsahdra and quickly recognized her and her species. "Svinsahdra, last of the Bronzephires!" he said with awe in his voice.
Svinsahdra had to smile charmingly at the baby dragon. "Yes, child."
"And General Zephyr, her tamer," a warmer, much older voice said behind the boy dragon. "It is a pleasure to see you once more."
Svinsahdra quickly recognized the dragon's voice. "Eldtiather."
Zephyr looked peaceful and serene as he gazed thoughtfully at Eldtiather and the young one. "Lord Eldtiather, my Sword spirit, Alexavier, has told me of two possible Heart stones that may reside within your cave. Will you grant us entry to search for it?"
Eldtiather looked thoughtful before he gave his reply. "Any friend of Lady Dastrazano is welcome within my cave, General."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline's horse, Saeli, had to work harder to keep up with Rye's Midknight and Preia's Night Runner. She smiled at them warmly, calming Saeli to her normal, much slower pace. She murmured in the mare's ear, "Ride swiftly, Saeli, but not so swift that you will break your fine feet."
Saeli neighed and began a quick gallop through the forest. Exosivian rode above her mistress. You still worry for Zephyr?
Aceline nodded as she leaned closer to Saeli's white fur. I may not have known him long enough like Preia has, but intuition tells me that that wasn't like Zephyr at all. I know he took it hard when he learned that Rye was half-demon, and that he'd entrusted Preia with him without knowing his background, but Svinsahdra was right! Everyone's bound to make mistakes, and Zephyr is no different.
Zephyr called leaving Preia with you and leaving Preia with Rye two fatal mistakes, milady. What do you make of that? Concern was evident in her dragon's voice.
I cannot blame him for what he said of my clumsiness, 'Sivian, she whispered into her dragon's mind. It was I who let Preia out of my sight.
The rest of the journey to the cave was made in silence.
His very voice sent shivers down her spine. She shivered involuntarily, and then sent back in a voice that resembled a whisper, Molotoch, Touchi. Molotochis mine. She then tuned out quickly just to catch Lilith speaking:
"...distrust distances the elf Zephyr from the rest. This could be to our advantage."
She grinned at her lady as she looked back, all their stones glowing brighter and brighter. "We near the Caves. Vikirnoff will get us entry, but Zephyr's Svinsahdra will do a much better job."
'Shrirava' quickly caught on. "And what do you suggest we do, General?"
Allarayne had a glitter of evil in her eyes, Shrirava hanging on to every syllable that came from her mouth. "You can seduce him into submission." She raised and lowered her shoulders, her eyes landing on the two stones - Wood and Metal - that had been given to her by Lilith. It didn't matter to Allarayne. If she didn't even know how to control its power - where was Shrirava's bonded? - then it would be useless.
She stared at Shrirava's shocked reaction, a devilish chuckle escaping her lips. "I was merely jesting, Lady Shrirava."
Shrirava looked appalled. "Allarayne...!"
However, Allarayne was already gazing at Lilith. "What is your suggestion, milady?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Zephyr's swift ride on Silverwind led him to the Cave of Lost Treasures. He could sense Preia and the others not far behind, and three familiar energies that emitted evil no matter where they were. He recognized them as Allarayne's, Shrirava's, and the other demo ness's. "Come now Svinsahdra."
A baby silver dragon greeted them at the entrance. His long neck extended, he gave a glance at Svinsahdra and quickly recognized her and her species. "Svinsahdra, last of the Bronzephires!" he said with awe in his voice.
Svinsahdra had to smile charmingly at the baby dragon. "Yes, child."
"And General Zephyr, her tamer," a warmer, much older voice said behind the boy dragon. "It is a pleasure to see you once more."
Svinsahdra quickly recognized the dragon's voice. "Eldtiather."
Zephyr looked peaceful and serene as he gazed thoughtfully at Eldtiather and the young one. "Lord Eldtiather, my Sword spirit, Alexavier, has told me of two possible Heart stones that may reside within your cave. Will you grant us entry to search for it?"
Eldtiather looked thoughtful before he gave his reply. "Any friend of Lady Dastrazano is welcome within my cave, General."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline's horse, Saeli, had to work harder to keep up with Rye's Midknight and Preia's Night Runner. She smiled at them warmly, calming Saeli to her normal, much slower pace. She murmured in the mare's ear, "Ride swiftly, Saeli, but not so swift that you will break your fine feet."
Saeli neighed and began a quick gallop through the forest. Exosivian rode above her mistress. You still worry for Zephyr?
Aceline nodded as she leaned closer to Saeli's white fur. I may not have known him long enough like Preia has, but intuition tells me that that wasn't like Zephyr at all. I know he took it hard when he learned that Rye was half-demon, and that he'd entrusted Preia with him without knowing his background, but Svinsahdra was right! Everyone's bound to make mistakes, and Zephyr is no different.
Zephyr called leaving Preia with you and leaving Preia with Rye two fatal mistakes, milady. What do you make of that? Concern was evident in her dragon's voice.
I cannot blame him for what he said of my clumsiness, 'Sivian, she whispered into her dragon's mind. It was I who let Preia out of my sight.
The rest of the journey to the cave was made in silence.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So innocent, how they act," Touchi whispered before turning to his apprentices.
"Master. What are we to do now?" Nakamura asked, feeling more than a bit lost without his sword.
"We are to go to the Caves of Lost Treasures. Three of the remaining seven swords lay hidden away in that labyrinth, and I want you three to find them. Nakamura, this will be your greatest and final test. You are to obtain one of the swords, along with a dragon's scale. This will be your greatest test, because you will have no weapon," Touchi explained. "Once you've completed this task, you will no longer be one of my apprentices. You will be a true master of the shadow arts, and will receive all the abilities of a true shadow breed."
"Yes master. I shall return with sword and scale in hand, I shall not let you down."
"Then be off. What are you doing wasting your time here?" Touchi said with a smirk, his three disciples disappearing into the ground on their way to the caves.
Touchi turned and looked towards the sky.
Allarayne. You shall receive your sword by nightfall. But when I deliver it to you, I expect you to make good on our promise. And, we may even be able to play a larger part than planned in the upcoming war, Touchi thought, knowing Allarayne's psychic link with him was as strong as ever.
"Master. What are we to do now?" Nakamura asked, feeling more than a bit lost without his sword.
"We are to go to the Caves of Lost Treasures. Three of the remaining seven swords lay hidden away in that labyrinth, and I want you three to find them. Nakamura, this will be your greatest and final test. You are to obtain one of the swords, along with a dragon's scale. This will be your greatest test, because you will have no weapon," Touchi explained. "Once you've completed this task, you will no longer be one of my apprentices. You will be a true master of the shadow arts, and will receive all the abilities of a true shadow breed."
"Yes master. I shall return with sword and scale in hand, I shall not let you down."
"Then be off. What are you doing wasting your time here?" Touchi said with a smirk, his three disciples disappearing into the ground on their way to the caves.
Touchi turned and looked towards the sky.
Allarayne. You shall receive your sword by nightfall. But when I deliver it to you, I expect you to make good on our promise. And, we may even be able to play a larger part than planned in the upcoming war, Touchi thought, knowing Allarayne's psychic link with him was as strong as ever.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Allarayne. You shall receive your sword by nightfall. But when I deliver it to you, I expect you to make good on our promise. And, we may even be able to play a larger part than planned in the upcoming war. Touchi's quick response made the demoness jump.
She quickly changed her riding position to side-saddling as she took a quick scan of the area and took notice of the sun's position in the sky. I can't wait, she said with an obvious smirk-like tone in her voice. As for our promise, you don't have to worry about me 'making good' on it. It is the very thing I have been contemplating ever since... 'that time.' She felt a familiar energy beneath the ground and recognized it as the same disciple who'd charged at her earlier that day. Your follower, I presume.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna watched intrigued as Allarayne busied herself with a telepathic conversation. Her mind began to wander off as she listened to the galloping sound of her horse to the demon she'd battled with earlier. She sighed as her mind said his name; Ishikawa...
She quickly changed her riding position to side-saddling as she took a quick scan of the area and took notice of the sun's position in the sky. I can't wait, she said with an obvious smirk-like tone in her voice. As for our promise, you don't have to worry about me 'making good' on it. It is the very thing I have been contemplating ever since... 'that time.' She felt a familiar energy beneath the ground and recognized it as the same disciple who'd charged at her earlier that day. Your follower, I presume.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna watched intrigued as Allarayne busied herself with a telepathic conversation. Her mind began to wander off as she listened to the galloping sound of her horse to the demon she'd battled with earlier. She sighed as her mind said his name; Ishikawa...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
You presume correct. He is the only one strong enough to obtain your sword. The others are skillful and amazing warriors, but Nakamura has a power unlike any have seen. He'll have your sword, maybe sooner than even I predict.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna, Ishikawa thought as he shadow shifted to the caves of lost treasures. He was the first to arrive, followed shortly by Nakamura and Ka-Rosu.
"You two wait here for the others. I have something I need to do alone," Nakamura said, walking into the first cave he reached.
"Hope we don't have to wait long," Ka-Rosu said, sprawling out across the ground and getting comfortable.
Ishikawa however, could not get his mind off of Cathayna.
Her movements in battle. Her style, her grace. She is like a fury, only beautiful and wingless, Ishikawa thought to himself, hoping Cathayna couldn't pick up on mind signatures like he could.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nakamura traveled deep into the caverns of the cave, and more than once had thought he had lost his way. But with the power of shadows as his guide, it did not take long for Nakamura to find a clue, of sorts, to finding the remaining heart stones and the three swords within the cavern.
Drawings on the walls seemed to serve as a map of sorts, difficult to depict yet not impossible. It showed which caves most likely held some sort of treasure, and which ones were traps. "Which cave would most likely hold a sword, and a dragon in it?" Nakamura asked himself, scanning through the map for something out of the ordinary. When he came across a picture of a knight and a serpent doing battle in one of the chambers, Nakamura smirked. "That's where I'll find the sword, and hopefully a dragon."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna, Ishikawa thought as he shadow shifted to the caves of lost treasures. He was the first to arrive, followed shortly by Nakamura and Ka-Rosu.
"You two wait here for the others. I have something I need to do alone," Nakamura said, walking into the first cave he reached.
"Hope we don't have to wait long," Ka-Rosu said, sprawling out across the ground and getting comfortable.
Ishikawa however, could not get his mind off of Cathayna.
Her movements in battle. Her style, her grace. She is like a fury, only beautiful and wingless, Ishikawa thought to himself, hoping Cathayna couldn't pick up on mind signatures like he could.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nakamura traveled deep into the caverns of the cave, and more than once had thought he had lost his way. But with the power of shadows as his guide, it did not take long for Nakamura to find a clue, of sorts, to finding the remaining heart stones and the three swords within the cavern.
Drawings on the walls seemed to serve as a map of sorts, difficult to depict yet not impossible. It showed which caves most likely held some sort of treasure, and which ones were traps. "Which cave would most likely hold a sword, and a dragon in it?" Nakamura asked himself, scanning through the map for something out of the ordinary. When he came across a picture of a knight and a serpent doing battle in one of the chambers, Nakamura smirked. "That's where I'll find the sword, and hopefully a dragon."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"What is your suggestion, milady?"
Lilith waited until Allarayne was done with her telepathic conversation before replying to the general's question, "I suggest we leave the elven fool to himself and let his own insecurity be his downfall. We will enter the caves through the back entrance; that is where the blue dragons dwell, and it is with a blue dragon named Gogyou that we will find the heart stone of ice."
Turning to look at her companions, Lilith squared bloody orbs on both for a few seconds a piece, "I also suggest that thee makest sure that those demons will be fighting with us before you go asking for favors or pleasantries." Turning around, Lilith reigned her horse onto an obscure path covered with brambles and bushes. "To the back of the caves we go."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
And youforget, Midknight, that unlike you,I was reborn into a new body along with my mistress, just retaining my memories. It is YOU who should remember your age, cat. Preia ignored the verbal battle between her stallion and Rye's panther and held on to Night Runner's reins just a bit tighter at the site of the Caves of Lost Treasures looming in front of her.
Spotting Zephyr and Svinsahdra at the opening Preia had to keep herself from calling out to him, reminding herself painfully that he was probably still upset. Night Runner landed quickly, galloping in a circle to slow himself to a stop.
Preia climbed down off Night Runner's back and stood nervously, gazing at her uncle and the dragons accompanying him. Night Runner snorted and trotted forwards, stopping at a respectable distance and bowing his head, pawing at the ground.
It is good to see you so healthy, Eldtiather.
Fayria appeared next to her reincarnation, laughing at the girls look and striding forward to stop beside Night Runner, curtsying gracefully despite the mass of translucent fabric encasing her body. "I greet thee with utmost respect, Eldtiather, however." Standing, Fayria frowned, "I am afraid that we are in a bit of a hurry; we must be quick. Tell me; does the emerald dragon Tsuchi-Yochi still possess the earth stone?"
Lilith waited until Allarayne was done with her telepathic conversation before replying to the general's question, "I suggest we leave the elven fool to himself and let his own insecurity be his downfall. We will enter the caves through the back entrance; that is where the blue dragons dwell, and it is with a blue dragon named Gogyou that we will find the heart stone of ice."
Turning to look at her companions, Lilith squared bloody orbs on both for a few seconds a piece, "I also suggest that thee makest sure that those demons will be fighting with us before you go asking for favors or pleasantries." Turning around, Lilith reigned her horse onto an obscure path covered with brambles and bushes. "To the back of the caves we go."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
And youforget, Midknight, that unlike you,I was reborn into a new body along with my mistress, just retaining my memories. It is YOU who should remember your age, cat. Preia ignored the verbal battle between her stallion and Rye's panther and held on to Night Runner's reins just a bit tighter at the site of the Caves of Lost Treasures looming in front of her.
Spotting Zephyr and Svinsahdra at the opening Preia had to keep herself from calling out to him, reminding herself painfully that he was probably still upset. Night Runner landed quickly, galloping in a circle to slow himself to a stop.
Preia climbed down off Night Runner's back and stood nervously, gazing at her uncle and the dragons accompanying him. Night Runner snorted and trotted forwards, stopping at a respectable distance and bowing his head, pawing at the ground.
It is good to see you so healthy, Eldtiather.
Fayria appeared next to her reincarnation, laughing at the girls look and striding forward to stop beside Night Runner, curtsying gracefully despite the mass of translucent fabric encasing her body. "I greet thee with utmost respect, Eldtiather, however." Standing, Fayria frowned, "I am afraid that we are in a bit of a hurry; we must be quick. Tell me; does the emerald dragon Tsuchi-Yochi still possess the earth stone?"
Eldtiather shook his head. "It is with great regret that I inform you that Tsuchi-Yochi is no longer with us, Lady Fayria. Rirotheld guards the Stone now."
Svinsahdra immediately stirred. "Tsuchi-Yochi has been hunted?"
Eldtiather nodded solemnly. "He was hunted right after demons began escaping the Forbidden Gates. I believe the demoness that hunted him was something along the lines of Lilith, because she had attempted to take the Stone from him. He managed to warn Rirotheld, who warded off Lilith, but in that attempt, he used all of his remaining energy."
Eldtiather looked at Svinsahdra proudly. "This was shortly after your father's coronation as the King of the Bronzephires, milady."
Zephyr questioned Eldtiather quietly, feeling Preia's nervousness. "This Rirotheld. Is he easy to talk with?"
Eldtiather gazed at him with a solemn look. "Unless you have the best negotiator of the three nations, you will be having a hard time."
Zephyr murmured in reply. "I am confident our other general in present company will be able to handle Rirotheld."
He looked pleadingly at Aceline, who had just landed with Exosivian and Saeli. Aceline could not help but feel any wall of security she had crumble with Zephyr's eyes staring at her with a pleading look, looking as if he where a whipped puppy begging for forgiveness for whatever it did wrong. She replied confidently, "I will negotiate with Rirotheld should everyone else who tries fails."
"I'm afraid that won't work, Aceline," said Eldtiather, his voice resounding through the cave. "Only those with the strengths of Earth may speak to him."
"So only Saleh and I will be able to negotiate with this dragon," stated Aceline matter-of-factly.
Eldtiather nodded.
Aceline looked nervously at Zephyr, who nodded with a tiny, nearly unnoticeable smile. She then replied with much more confidence, "Then, please, Lord Eldtiather. Lead us to this Rirotheld."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Allarayne and Cathayna blushed a light shade of crimson as they gazed at Lilith with twin looks of disbelief. Allarayne's gaze was mixed with outrage. She was listening? She has no right! However, out loud, she told the other demoness as soon as she put up her strongest shields to block intrusion of her mind, "I am confident that Touchi and his disciples will be supporting Lady Shafira's side during the upcoming war. I cannot see him doing otherwise." It pained her to lie about Touchi's feelings when she knew what his opinion just was on Shafira and 'her side.' She gave herself a pitying smile before following Lilith into the brush.
Cathayna giggled at Allarayne's difficult situation, but she was not indifferent to her sister's feelings. She was feeling it as well. Suddenly, as she began riding to follow her sister and their king's daughter, she caught a train of thought that made her blush.
Her movements in battle. Her style, her grace. She is like a fury, only beautiful and wingless.
She responded to him, but only briefly. You flatter me, Ishikawa. If I am your fury, you are my warlord.
Svinsahdra immediately stirred. "Tsuchi-Yochi has been hunted?"
Eldtiather nodded solemnly. "He was hunted right after demons began escaping the Forbidden Gates. I believe the demoness that hunted him was something along the lines of Lilith, because she had attempted to take the Stone from him. He managed to warn Rirotheld, who warded off Lilith, but in that attempt, he used all of his remaining energy."
Eldtiather looked at Svinsahdra proudly. "This was shortly after your father's coronation as the King of the Bronzephires, milady."
Zephyr questioned Eldtiather quietly, feeling Preia's nervousness. "This Rirotheld. Is he easy to talk with?"
Eldtiather gazed at him with a solemn look. "Unless you have the best negotiator of the three nations, you will be having a hard time."
Zephyr murmured in reply. "I am confident our other general in present company will be able to handle Rirotheld."
He looked pleadingly at Aceline, who had just landed with Exosivian and Saeli. Aceline could not help but feel any wall of security she had crumble with Zephyr's eyes staring at her with a pleading look, looking as if he where a whipped puppy begging for forgiveness for whatever it did wrong. She replied confidently, "I will negotiate with Rirotheld should everyone else who tries fails."
"I'm afraid that won't work, Aceline," said Eldtiather, his voice resounding through the cave. "Only those with the strengths of Earth may speak to him."
"So only Saleh and I will be able to negotiate with this dragon," stated Aceline matter-of-factly.
Eldtiather nodded.
Aceline looked nervously at Zephyr, who nodded with a tiny, nearly unnoticeable smile. She then replied with much more confidence, "Then, please, Lord Eldtiather. Lead us to this Rirotheld."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Allarayne and Cathayna blushed a light shade of crimson as they gazed at Lilith with twin looks of disbelief. Allarayne's gaze was mixed with outrage. She was listening? She has no right! However, out loud, she told the other demoness as soon as she put up her strongest shields to block intrusion of her mind, "I am confident that Touchi and his disciples will be supporting Lady Shafira's side during the upcoming war. I cannot see him doing otherwise." It pained her to lie about Touchi's feelings when she knew what his opinion just was on Shafira and 'her side.' She gave herself a pitying smile before following Lilith into the brush.
Cathayna giggled at Allarayne's difficult situation, but she was not indifferent to her sister's feelings. She was feeling it as well. Suddenly, as she began riding to follow her sister and their king's daughter, she caught a train of thought that made her blush.
Her movements in battle. Her style, her grace. She is like a fury, only beautiful and wingless.
She responded to him, but only briefly. You flatter me, Ishikawa. If I am your fury, you are my warlord.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ishikawa smiled to himself, catching the attention of his older brother.
"What's that about?" Ka-Rosu asked, getting up from the ground and walking over to Ishikawa. "I ain't seen you smile like that since that vampiress back in Malo some two-hundred years ago was it?"
Ishikawa blushed and turned on Ka-Rosu. "Must you always be so embarrassing?"
"Only with you," Ka-Rosu replied, wrapping his arm around Ishikawa's neck and putting him in a headlock. "Now who's the embarrassment?"
"You are, rock head," Ishikawa said, grabbing Ka-Rosu by his arm and flipping him over his shoulder, pinning him to the ground with Luciendar at his throat.
"Okay, okay. You win." Ka-Rosu gave up, his hands held out in front of him protectively. "Now help me up."
Ishikawa helped his brother to his feet and dusted him off, but Ka-Rosu hadn't finished with him yet.
"So what was that smile about?" Ka-Rosu asked again.
Ishikawa looked at Ka-Rosu, smirked, than turned away to remember what had just transpired.
You flatter me, Ishikawa. If I am your fury, you are my warlord.
I was actually hoping you hadn't heard that Cathayna, but seeing as you did and replied in fashion, I guess it's alright. Hopefully the next time we meet won't be on the battlefield.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Only those with the strengths of Earth may speak to it," Ka-Rosu heard Eldtiather explain to Zephyr.
"So only Saleh and I will be able to negotiate with this dragon? Then, please, Lord Eldtiather. Lead us to this Rirotheld."
"I'll come along," Ka-Rosu said, walking up next to Aceline and Saleh. "I'll also be able to talk with the dragon, plus it might be wise in case something should happen to have someone of my skill," Ka-Rosu explained, before adding, "And there will be no argument. I'm coming along and that's final."
"What's that about?" Ka-Rosu asked, getting up from the ground and walking over to Ishikawa. "I ain't seen you smile like that since that vampiress back in Malo some two-hundred years ago was it?"
Ishikawa blushed and turned on Ka-Rosu. "Must you always be so embarrassing?"
"Only with you," Ka-Rosu replied, wrapping his arm around Ishikawa's neck and putting him in a headlock. "Now who's the embarrassment?"
"You are, rock head," Ishikawa said, grabbing Ka-Rosu by his arm and flipping him over his shoulder, pinning him to the ground with Luciendar at his throat.
"Okay, okay. You win." Ka-Rosu gave up, his hands held out in front of him protectively. "Now help me up."
Ishikawa helped his brother to his feet and dusted him off, but Ka-Rosu hadn't finished with him yet.
"So what was that smile about?" Ka-Rosu asked again.
Ishikawa looked at Ka-Rosu, smirked, than turned away to remember what had just transpired.
You flatter me, Ishikawa. If I am your fury, you are my warlord.
I was actually hoping you hadn't heard that Cathayna, but seeing as you did and replied in fashion, I guess it's alright. Hopefully the next time we meet won't be on the battlefield.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Only those with the strengths of Earth may speak to it," Ka-Rosu heard Eldtiather explain to Zephyr.
"So only Saleh and I will be able to negotiate with this dragon? Then, please, Lord Eldtiather. Lead us to this Rirotheld."
"I'll come along," Ka-Rosu said, walking up next to Aceline and Saleh. "I'll also be able to talk with the dragon, plus it might be wise in case something should happen to have someone of my skill," Ka-Rosu explained, before adding, "And there will be no argument. I'm coming along and that's final."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Watching Rye and Preia race off into the distance far ahead of the others, Saleh smiled. `Although those two may not realize it, they seem to have fallen for another,' Saleh thought, letting out a little bit of a chuckle. As they reached the entrance to the Caves of Lost Treasures, Saleh slid off Exosivian's back. Retrieving his white cloak from Exosivian's back, he tightened it over his body by wrapping a brown belt around his waist. As he did this, he listened quietly to the conversation the others held.
"So only Saleh and I will be able to negotiate with this Rirotheld," stated Aceline matter-of-factly.
"That's correct General Aceline," Saleh stated in response, pausing briefly, "I'm ready to go when you are."
"So only Saleh and I will be able to negotiate with this Rirotheld," stated Aceline matter-of-factly.
"That's correct General Aceline," Saleh stated in response, pausing briefly, "I'm ready to go when you are."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Midknight ignored the petty race with Night Runner as the caves of Lost Treasure came into view.
Rye dismounted the panther and stood far from Zephyr, trying not to make eye contact. Soon after, the others arrived.
Eldtiather. It's been too long, said Midknight as he lowered his head in respect.
Rye listened tentatively to what was being conversed.
"That's correct General Aceline. "I'm ready to go when you are." said Saleh.
"So, does that mean the rest of us must wait here?" asked Rye.
Rye dismounted the panther and stood far from Zephyr, trying not to make eye contact. Soon after, the others arrived.
Eldtiather. It's been too long, said Midknight as he lowered his head in respect.
Rye listened tentatively to what was being conversed.
"That's correct General Aceline. "I'm ready to go when you are." said Saleh.
"So, does that mean the rest of us must wait here?" asked Rye.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Eldtiather nodded at Midknight and Night Runner before responding to Rye. "That is not all in all true, young warrior. You may accompany us, if you wish; but only Aceline, Saleh, and this demon here -" he acknowledged Ka-Rosu's arrival, "- may be allowed to converse and negotiate with the Earth stone's current wielder."
"Wait," Aceline said suddenly before entering the dimly lit cave. "You told us we would need the best negotiator of all three nations, correct?" Eldtiather nodded. "Why is that?"
Eldtiather smiled as his tail swished regally behind him. "Follow me, and I will tell you along the way."
Svinsahdra nodded and padded after Eldtiather followed closely by Exosivian and then their masters; Silverwind and Saeli stayed outside.
Eldtiather became solemn as his voice resounded through the large cave: "Rirotheld was once a very outgoing dragon who loved to converse with others. But when Tsuchi-Yochi, his brother-in-arms, had been hunted, he began to seclude himself from us, and never spoke, ever since that time Lilith hunted Tsuchi-Yochi. Being so far apart from even his dragon kin, he has lost all psychological means of control over his body and mind. He cannot think straight. He does not eat. He will not even let his mother or myself near him."
Exosivian pitied the other emerald dragon. Tsuchi-Yochi and Rirotheld were both the same species as she was. "What will happen if our three 'negotiators' cannot even get close to Rirotheld?"
Eldtiather's solemn voice continued, "Then we will have to wait for the next brave-enough warrior who will attempt to achieve the Earth stone from Rirotheld. There have been several Earth-wielding warriors that have tried before him; all have failed."
Then, nearing a cave that smelled damp and reeked of rotten food (Eldtiather explained, "We've been trying to feed him, but he will not take the food."), Eldtiather stopped. "I will warn you. Rirotheld is not a very calm dragon. When a foreigner steps foot into his dominion - Exosivian, I think you should accompany your mistress - he throws a rage and most of the time cannot be stopped. This will explain the dozens of scars on his neck, and on his wings..."
Zephyr reached out for Aceline's hand, his eyes laced with worry. His fingers intertwined with hers, and then he let go. He gazed at his traveling companions, "Please return to us safely. Be careful." His voice was barely just above a whisper. Aceline strained to hear, but she nodded otherwise.
"Of course, Zephyr." Aceline confidently swung her bow and arrows around her shoulder. She motioned for Ka-Rosu and Saleh to follow her...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Saffariin Imaeledeus surfaced into Allarayne's body, the other general's features disappearing into much more developed ones. Saffariin's eyes held much more hatred, and as she rode quickly, the hatred increasingly grew. The Darkness Stone around her neck was surrounded by fire, and the red melted with the obsidian of the stone. She gazed at the scar on her left arm. "Gogyou, eh?"
Flashback............
"What are you saying?!" a much younger Saffariin yelled at the dragon. "That I am incapable of wielding your stone?!"
Gogyou cowered immediately yet lengthened his neck enough to have been able to scar Saffariin's arm with his long fangs. "Your element is different than my stone's, and therefore you definitely cannot wield it no matter what you do!"
Saffariin's fire element swum around her immediately and attack Gogyou's right wing; the dragon roared in pain. "Now, we are bothscarred. You will rethink this, and in the event that we meet again, I willtake that stone from you."
"You cannot!"
"I do wonder how his right wing is," murmured Saffariin wistfully, an evil grin in her eyes.
"Wait," Aceline said suddenly before entering the dimly lit cave. "You told us we would need the best negotiator of all three nations, correct?" Eldtiather nodded. "Why is that?"
Eldtiather smiled as his tail swished regally behind him. "Follow me, and I will tell you along the way."
Svinsahdra nodded and padded after Eldtiather followed closely by Exosivian and then their masters; Silverwind and Saeli stayed outside.
Eldtiather became solemn as his voice resounded through the large cave: "Rirotheld was once a very outgoing dragon who loved to converse with others. But when Tsuchi-Yochi, his brother-in-arms, had been hunted, he began to seclude himself from us, and never spoke, ever since that time Lilith hunted Tsuchi-Yochi. Being so far apart from even his dragon kin, he has lost all psychological means of control over his body and mind. He cannot think straight. He does not eat. He will not even let his mother or myself near him."
Exosivian pitied the other emerald dragon. Tsuchi-Yochi and Rirotheld were both the same species as she was. "What will happen if our three 'negotiators' cannot even get close to Rirotheld?"
Eldtiather's solemn voice continued, "Then we will have to wait for the next brave-enough warrior who will attempt to achieve the Earth stone from Rirotheld. There have been several Earth-wielding warriors that have tried before him; all have failed."
Then, nearing a cave that smelled damp and reeked of rotten food (Eldtiather explained, "We've been trying to feed him, but he will not take the food."), Eldtiather stopped. "I will warn you. Rirotheld is not a very calm dragon. When a foreigner steps foot into his dominion - Exosivian, I think you should accompany your mistress - he throws a rage and most of the time cannot be stopped. This will explain the dozens of scars on his neck, and on his wings..."
Zephyr reached out for Aceline's hand, his eyes laced with worry. His fingers intertwined with hers, and then he let go. He gazed at his traveling companions, "Please return to us safely. Be careful." His voice was barely just above a whisper. Aceline strained to hear, but she nodded otherwise.
"Of course, Zephyr." Aceline confidently swung her bow and arrows around her shoulder. She motioned for Ka-Rosu and Saleh to follow her...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Saffariin Imaeledeus surfaced into Allarayne's body, the other general's features disappearing into much more developed ones. Saffariin's eyes held much more hatred, and as she rode quickly, the hatred increasingly grew. The Darkness Stone around her neck was surrounded by fire, and the red melted with the obsidian of the stone. She gazed at the scar on her left arm. "Gogyou, eh?"
Flashback............
"What are you saying?!" a much younger Saffariin yelled at the dragon. "That I am incapable of wielding your stone?!"
Gogyou cowered immediately yet lengthened his neck enough to have been able to scar Saffariin's arm with his long fangs. "Your element is different than my stone's, and therefore you definitely cannot wield it no matter what you do!"
Saffariin's fire element swum around her immediately and attack Gogyou's right wing; the dragon roared in pain. "Now, we are bothscarred. You will rethink this, and in the event that we meet again, I willtake that stone from you."
"You cannot!"
"I do wonder how his right wing is," murmured Saffariin wistfully, an evil grin in her eyes.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna caught the reply. I was actually hoping you hadn't heard that Cathayna, but seeing as you did and replied in fashion, I guess it's alright. Hopefully the next time we meet won't be on the battlefield.
She replied as she adjusted Elvenslayer and Earthenstriker on her back. Hopefully, the next time we meet would also be under different circumstances, Ishikawa.
She then noticed the great shift in power, and noticed her Shape shifting sister take on another form, a form that she recognized just as well. Saffariin had been Alequintaine's mentor's mentor. Cathayna rode swiftly to catch up to Lilith and the now-Shape shifted Allarayne.
Cathayna caught the reply. I was actually hoping you hadn't heard that Cathayna, but seeing as you did and replied in fashion, I guess it's alright. Hopefully the next time we meet won't be on the battlefield.
She replied as she adjusted Elvenslayer and Earthenstriker on her back. Hopefully, the next time we meet would also be under different circumstances, Ishikawa.
She then noticed the great shift in power, and noticed her Shape shifting sister take on another form, a form that she recognized just as well. Saffariin had been Alequintaine's mentor's mentor. Cathayna rode swiftly to catch up to Lilith and the now-Shape shifted Allarayne.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia watched the others enter the cave with a worried gaze. Something was wrong; not just what Eldtiather had said about Rirotheld, but something was sending shivers up her spine. Coming back to reality when Night Runner nosed her in the back, she looked at the stallion questioningly.
There will be war soon, mistress Preia. If you cannot face entering a dragon's cave, how can you face an army of demons?
Swallowing quietly, Preia nodded. He was right. Moving to just inside the mouth of the cave, Preia looked back to Rye, who had yet to follow as well.
"Rye, are you coming?" she called quietly, eyes almost pleading him to come along. The young elf didn't want to face the challenge alone.
Fayria appeared and floated in a sitting position near the edge of the cliff, biting her translucent lip as she watched her reincarnation. This was all too familiar.
"It's almost exactly like when I first came here," she murmured quietly, "when I was searching for the very sword Preia wields now."
There will be war soon, mistress Preia. If you cannot face entering a dragon's cave, how can you face an army of demons?
Swallowing quietly, Preia nodded. He was right. Moving to just inside the mouth of the cave, Preia looked back to Rye, who had yet to follow as well.
"Rye, are you coming?" she called quietly, eyes almost pleading him to come along. The young elf didn't want to face the challenge alone.
Fayria appeared and floated in a sitting position near the edge of the cliff, biting her translucent lip as she watched her reincarnation. This was all too familiar.
"It's almost exactly like when I first came here," she murmured quietly, "when I was searching for the very sword Preia wields now."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Here we are." Dismounting her steed with grace, Lilith once more swung her scythe over her shoulder and proceeded into the smaller back cave, immediately entering into a dragon's layer.
"I feel the pulse of the stone," she murmured quietly, smirking as she heard the breathing of a dragon coming closer.
The medium sized blue dragon emerged from behind a corner within the cave, large eyes settling on the three that had entered into his domain. A large scar ran across the length of his right wing; a permanent reminder of what had happened centuries before.
"What business do you have in my home?" Gogyou asked harshly, moving to conceal the area behind him more. It was there that Lilith sensed the stone.
Gogyou's eyes traveled over the trio, the large sapphire gems settling on Saffariin's form heatedly.
"What are you doing here? I told you the last time; you cannot and never will be able to wield the stone, so why do you bother? Leave before you cannot."
"Here we are." Dismounting her steed with grace, Lilith once more swung her scythe over her shoulder and proceeded into the smaller back cave, immediately entering into a dragon's layer.
"I feel the pulse of the stone," she murmured quietly, smirking as she heard the breathing of a dragon coming closer.
The medium sized blue dragon emerged from behind a corner within the cave, large eyes settling on the three that had entered into his domain. A large scar ran across the length of his right wing; a permanent reminder of what had happened centuries before.
"What business do you have in my home?" Gogyou asked harshly, moving to conceal the area behind him more. It was there that Lilith sensed the stone.
Gogyou's eyes traveled over the trio, the large sapphire gems settling on Saffariin's form heatedly.
"What are you doing here? I told you the last time; you cannot and never will be able to wield the stone, so why do you bother? Leave before you cannot."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Taking the motion to follow Aceline, Saleh headed into the mouth of the cave. "These tales you tell of this dragon... I can't help but feel a little..." Saleh shuttered a little before continuing, "...excited!" He finished saying, laughing a little, and waiting for Aceline to continue to take the lead.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"You threaten me with death, then, dragon?" taunted Saffariin. "Long ago, I realized the fact that I may not be able to wield your stone. But it is not on personal business that I come. My king would like something of yours, and his daughter, his assistant, and myself, have come to take it from you."
Cathayna stepped in, Earthenstriker ready at hand. "And if you are unprepared to give it willingly, we will take it by force."
Saffariin extended a hand to prevent Cathayna from stepping forward more. "I appreciate the help," she drawled, "but Gogyou and I have an unsettled score. If the Lady Lilith permits, I will gladly settle it with the dragon and obtain the Ice Stone."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline's voice was incredulous. "Excited?" She turned to Saleh with a confused look. "Then, you're either really brave. Or you're really foolish."
Exosivian stood on all fours next to her mistress protectively. She didn't mind how strong Rirotheld was; she lived to serve her mistress, to protect her in any way possible. And that was what she was going to do. Back with everyone else, Svinsahdra was shifting with uncertainty. Zephyr grasped her wing tightly, and then looked on to Eldtiather. "We cannot interfere, then, should anything happen to them?"
Eldtiather looked pityingly at Zephyr and Svinsahdra. "I admire your wish to help them obtain the stone, young general, but it is the task of those wielding the power of Earth. Even Lady Svinsahdra would be powerless to conquer that law of the stone."
"Yet you are a Silver Dragon who can enter Rirotheld's cave."
"I am more than just a Silver Dragon who can enter his cave, my young friend," Eldtiather said solemnly. "I am his father."
Svinsahdra looked shocked, and then understood his pain completely when he had been telling Rirotheld's story. "Then he is not just an ordinary Emerald Dragon, is he?"
Zephyr's eyes widened. If Emerald Dragons were... and Silver Dragons had deadly speed and wisdom... "Then Saleh... then Aceline..." He turned to the opening of the cave- "Aceline!"
Eldtiather stood between Zephyr and the way to Aceline. "You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Interfere!" he growled.
Cathayna stepped in, Earthenstriker ready at hand. "And if you are unprepared to give it willingly, we will take it by force."
Saffariin extended a hand to prevent Cathayna from stepping forward more. "I appreciate the help," she drawled, "but Gogyou and I have an unsettled score. If the Lady Lilith permits, I will gladly settle it with the dragon and obtain the Ice Stone."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline's voice was incredulous. "Excited?" She turned to Saleh with a confused look. "Then, you're either really brave. Or you're really foolish."
Exosivian stood on all fours next to her mistress protectively. She didn't mind how strong Rirotheld was; she lived to serve her mistress, to protect her in any way possible. And that was what she was going to do. Back with everyone else, Svinsahdra was shifting with uncertainty. Zephyr grasped her wing tightly, and then looked on to Eldtiather. "We cannot interfere, then, should anything happen to them?"
Eldtiather looked pityingly at Zephyr and Svinsahdra. "I admire your wish to help them obtain the stone, young general, but it is the task of those wielding the power of Earth. Even Lady Svinsahdra would be powerless to conquer that law of the stone."
"Yet you are a Silver Dragon who can enter Rirotheld's cave."
"I am more than just a Silver Dragon who can enter his cave, my young friend," Eldtiather said solemnly. "I am his father."
Svinsahdra looked shocked, and then understood his pain completely when he had been telling Rirotheld's story. "Then he is not just an ordinary Emerald Dragon, is he?"
Zephyr's eyes widened. If Emerald Dragons were... and Silver Dragons had deadly speed and wisdom... "Then Saleh... then Aceline..." He turned to the opening of the cave- "Aceline!"
Eldtiather stood between Zephyr and the way to Aceline. "You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Interfere!" he growled.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"I guess a little bit of foolishness and a little bit of bravery are what defines a warrior then wouldn't you say?" Saleh said with a grin on his face. Taking note to what Eldtiather had to say about Rirotheld being his son, Saleh's eyes flinched just a little. As to try to comfort the dragon, Saleh was about to say, "Don't worry, if all goes well, he won't be harmed." Realizing his words weren't going to come out right, he decided not to say anything at all.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"According to the map on that wall, I should be getting close to the cave," Nakamura said to himself, rubbing his shoulder gingerly. This place was a maze, full of low hanging stalactites and pitfalls, one of which had caught Nakamura off guard.
He continued to walk until he felt a strange warmth emanating from the walls.
"I must be close," Nakamura said to himself, taking off down the long tunnel.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ishikawa couldn't understand. Not once had he felt the need to enter the cave for himself. He knew that Nakamura 'had' to go because he had his own task to take care of. Ka-Rosu had to go because he was of an earthen breed of demon who could help greatly against the dragon Rirotheld. But when would he get his chance?
That was when he felt her presence. 'Cathayna?'
Ishikawa took off towards the caves and ran right passed Eldtiather, his sword dropping by Zephyr's feet in his haste.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ka-Rosu walked with Aceline and Saleh silently. He had agreed to help the servants of Lady Etaine, but he was still more than a bit wary, especially of Saleh who felt excited to die.
"How much longer until we reach Rirotheld's den?" Ka-Rosu asked, stabbing Anatharos into the ground and stopping. "I feel we should set up a plan incase we can't get through with words."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Touchi smiled to himself. All of his disciples have entered the caves and were now searching for the swords.
'If all goes well, we shall have six swords at our disposal. And you shall get your sword Allarayne.'
He continued to walk until he felt a strange warmth emanating from the walls.
"I must be close," Nakamura said to himself, taking off down the long tunnel.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ishikawa couldn't understand. Not once had he felt the need to enter the cave for himself. He knew that Nakamura 'had' to go because he had his own task to take care of. Ka-Rosu had to go because he was of an earthen breed of demon who could help greatly against the dragon Rirotheld. But when would he get his chance?
That was when he felt her presence. 'Cathayna?'
Ishikawa took off towards the caves and ran right passed Eldtiather, his sword dropping by Zephyr's feet in his haste.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ka-Rosu walked with Aceline and Saleh silently. He had agreed to help the servants of Lady Etaine, but he was still more than a bit wary, especially of Saleh who felt excited to die.
"How much longer until we reach Rirotheld's den?" Ka-Rosu asked, stabbing Anatharos into the ground and stopping. "I feel we should set up a plan incase we can't get through with words."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Touchi smiled to himself. All of his disciples have entered the caves and were now searching for the swords.
'If all goes well, we shall have six swords at our disposal. And you shall get your sword Allarayne.'
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rye followed after the others, walking beside Preia after she waited for him to catch up. He could read the nervousness and anxiety all over her face, and smiled at her, "Everything will be ok, I promise."
Aceline and Saleh had almost disappeared ahead when it was revealed that Eldtiather was Rirotheld's father.
"Then Saleh... then Aceline...Aceline!" cried Zephyr
"You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Interfere!" Eldtiather snarled.
Rye frowned at the situation. "Perhaps you should've said so sooner," he told the elderly dragon. But that still would not have changed our mission, he corrected himself.
Rye placed a hand on Zephyr's shoulder, not sure of any soothing words to say. "I guess, all we can do is wait," he said quietly.
Aceline and Saleh had almost disappeared ahead when it was revealed that Eldtiather was Rirotheld's father.
"Then Saleh... then Aceline...Aceline!" cried Zephyr
"You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Interfere!" Eldtiather snarled.
Rye frowned at the situation. "Perhaps you should've said so sooner," he told the elderly dragon. But that still would not have changed our mission, he corrected himself.
Rye placed a hand on Zephyr's shoulder, not sure of any soothing words to say. "I guess, all we can do is wait," he said quietly.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Do as you wish; just retrieve the stone," Lilith replied with a bored tone, settling the end of her scythe on the ground. This could be entertaining.
"Why you always thirst so for blood, I will never understand." Drawing himself to his full height, Gogyou kept his body in front of the entrance to where the stone was kept. "But I will fight you if I must."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia rubbed her arms slightly as the coolness of the cave finally penetrated her clothing. Considering it was home to fire breathing creatures, one would think that the caves would be boiling.
'The others will be fine... they'll get the stone and then we'll be on our way to release Etaine... oh goddess, what are we getting ourselves into?' Looking up and gazing at Rye as he tried to reassure Zephyr, Preia released the breath she had been holding. She only hoped that they would all be alright.
"Why you always thirst so for blood, I will never understand." Drawing himself to his full height, Gogyou kept his body in front of the entrance to where the stone was kept. "But I will fight you if I must."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia rubbed her arms slightly as the coolness of the cave finally penetrated her clothing. Considering it was home to fire breathing creatures, one would think that the caves would be boiling.
'The others will be fine... they'll get the stone and then we'll be on our way to release Etaine... oh goddess, what are we getting ourselves into?' Looking up and gazing at Rye as he tried to reassure Zephyr, Preia released the breath she had been holding. She only hoped that they would all be alright.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline's heart twisted as she heard Zephyr's call to her when he learned that Eldtiather was, indeed, Rirotheld's father, making Rirotheld have rather different abilities, different than most Silver and Emerald dragons, but she tried to ignore the tone in his voice. She knew the consequences of mixing of the Silver and Emerald breed - extreme strength, wit, and speed - yet she had already gotten this far, and there would be no use in turning back. After all, she wanted to be a part of his life, didn't she? What better way than to prove that she could handle a full-fledged dragon on her own, right?
Exosivian's voice ghosted over her form like Zephyr's warm wind. "Mistress?" Her voice was laced with worry, and yet it sounded contempt. "What is wrong?"
Aceline raised her hand, waved it, and dismissed the question with a flick of her hand. "It is nothing, 'Sivian. Let us worry of the situation ahead of us." She silently added, Not behind us.
Exosivian caught the last thought, but did not mention it to her mistress. Instead, she led on until she saw another dragon up ahead with scars on his wings that looked very fatal. The area below his neck was severely damaged, and even the mighty Emerald dragon had to cringe and turn away as they came up close with the dragon.
Rirotheld's voice caught them off guard. "What is your business here?" It sounded strained, almost as if it hurt him to talk. Aceline had expected a much fiercer voice, like Rai's when he was angered, and yet it sounded like a child's voice, yearning for a mother...
Exosivian's wings stretched out to prevent her mistress from going any further. I will take him on. Urge Ka-Rosu and Saleh to search the cave for his stone while I fight.
'Sivian...
Do it, Mistress! She added a little bit more force than she intended to, but it made Aceline - for once - succumb to the order of her dragon.
She turned to the other two behind her. "Exosivian will take care of Rirotheld. Search for the stone."
She looked back to the way they came, and her heart wrenched once more. She looked around the cave, adjusting to the dimly-lit environment, and then extended out her earthen energy to feel for the Stone. She encouraged Ka-Rosu and Saleh to do the same...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Eldtiather looked at Rye with some unknown look in his eyes before he sighed gently. "Forgive me. I have forgotten my place."
As for Zephyr, as he felt Rye's hand clamp onto his shoulder, his first thought was to brush it off coldly; after all, the boy was half-demon. And yet, after feeling the joy that Rye gave to Preia - he had never seen the girl so happy in her life before - he reached his hand back and grasped Rye's hand in a sign of friendship before he turned around and hugged the other man in a sign of peace. He whispered into Rye's ear before he let go, "I'm sorry... brother."
Suddenly, Zephyr felt the air around him rush as he felt a demon's energy move. His eyes moved quickly just to see a sword falling down. What in the...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna felt a sudden rush of energy come towards their way just as soon as Lilith replied to Saffariin's question. Ishikawa!?
Saffariin grinned devilishly at her lady's reply. "I will not fail you, milady." Saffariin drew Amphraght, her faithful bow and arrows, and aimed for the dragon's eyes, hoping to momentarily blind him and have him move out of the way. Verzyan appeared above her head in his transparent form that Saffariin barely saw him. She nodded as soon as she felt Verzyan's true intention. He clouded his vision as she removed herself of her horse, and she went into archer position. Verzyan removed himself just as Saffariin fired two straight arrows each directed to Gogyou's eyes...
Exosivian's voice ghosted over her form like Zephyr's warm wind. "Mistress?" Her voice was laced with worry, and yet it sounded contempt. "What is wrong?"
Aceline raised her hand, waved it, and dismissed the question with a flick of her hand. "It is nothing, 'Sivian. Let us worry of the situation ahead of us." She silently added, Not behind us.
Exosivian caught the last thought, but did not mention it to her mistress. Instead, she led on until she saw another dragon up ahead with scars on his wings that looked very fatal. The area below his neck was severely damaged, and even the mighty Emerald dragon had to cringe and turn away as they came up close with the dragon.
Rirotheld's voice caught them off guard. "What is your business here?" It sounded strained, almost as if it hurt him to talk. Aceline had expected a much fiercer voice, like Rai's when he was angered, and yet it sounded like a child's voice, yearning for a mother...
Exosivian's wings stretched out to prevent her mistress from going any further. I will take him on. Urge Ka-Rosu and Saleh to search the cave for his stone while I fight.
'Sivian...
Do it, Mistress! She added a little bit more force than she intended to, but it made Aceline - for once - succumb to the order of her dragon.
She turned to the other two behind her. "Exosivian will take care of Rirotheld. Search for the stone."
She looked back to the way they came, and her heart wrenched once more. She looked around the cave, adjusting to the dimly-lit environment, and then extended out her earthen energy to feel for the Stone. She encouraged Ka-Rosu and Saleh to do the same...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Eldtiather looked at Rye with some unknown look in his eyes before he sighed gently. "Forgive me. I have forgotten my place."
As for Zephyr, as he felt Rye's hand clamp onto his shoulder, his first thought was to brush it off coldly; after all, the boy was half-demon. And yet, after feeling the joy that Rye gave to Preia - he had never seen the girl so happy in her life before - he reached his hand back and grasped Rye's hand in a sign of friendship before he turned around and hugged the other man in a sign of peace. He whispered into Rye's ear before he let go, "I'm sorry... brother."
Suddenly, Zephyr felt the air around him rush as he felt a demon's energy move. His eyes moved quickly just to see a sword falling down. What in the...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna felt a sudden rush of energy come towards their way just as soon as Lilith replied to Saffariin's question. Ishikawa!?
Saffariin grinned devilishly at her lady's reply. "I will not fail you, milady." Saffariin drew Amphraght, her faithful bow and arrows, and aimed for the dragon's eyes, hoping to momentarily blind him and have him move out of the way. Verzyan appeared above her head in his transparent form that Saffariin barely saw him. She nodded as soon as she felt Verzyan's true intention. He clouded his vision as she removed herself of her horse, and she went into archer position. Verzyan removed himself just as Saffariin fired two straight arrows each directed to Gogyou's eyes...
"YOU'LL NOT HARM HIM!!!" Ishikawa yelled, jumping in front of the arrows and slapping them out of the air. He turned just in time to see Gogyou swing his head, and slam his horns into Ishikawa's side.
Ishikawa fell to the ground in a heap and grabbed his ribcage. He rose to his feet and looked at the dragon. "My only real concern is that you not hurt this one Gogyou," Ishikawa said threateningly to the dragon while standing in front of Cathayna defensively.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ka-Rosu closed his eyes and focused his energy on the surrounding cave walls. He could feel the stone very slightly, but he couldn't pinpoint its exact location.
"We might be too far from the stone. Either that, or my power is considerably weaker without my sword," Ka-Rosu mumbled angrily, while continuing to search for the stone.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nakamura fell through a crevice in one of the caverns and landed flat on his back.
"Damn it!" Nakamura yelled, a twang of pain reverberating up and down his spine.
WHO'S THERE!? A voice roared, causing Nakamura to jump to his feet and stand defiantly.
"I'm here for the sword guarded by an unknown dragon! Are you that dragon!?" Nakamura asked, calling out loudly to try and match the volume of the unseen voice.
AND IF I AM!?
"Then I am here to slay you and claim what is rightfully mine!"
A loud laughing ensued after Nakamura's last remark, causing the demon to fly from his feet and slam into the cave's wall.
DO NOT BE IN SUCH A RUSH TO DIE! EVEN A DEMON WITH YOUR POWER IS NO MATCH FOR BREOG, THE RED DEATH! the voice bellowed, followed by a flame so intense it stuck to the walls and lit up the cave.
In front of Nakamura stood the largest, deadliest, most evil looking dragon he had ever seen. Its back was covered in black scales that wrapped around to his belly where they shifted from black to red. His breath reeked of rotten flesh, and his teeth stained with blood.
As if that wasn't frightening enough, his head measured about the same size as Nakamura's whole body.
WHO DID YOU SAY WOULD BE SLAYING WHO!?
Ishikawa fell to the ground in a heap and grabbed his ribcage. He rose to his feet and looked at the dragon. "My only real concern is that you not hurt this one Gogyou," Ishikawa said threateningly to the dragon while standing in front of Cathayna defensively.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ka-Rosu closed his eyes and focused his energy on the surrounding cave walls. He could feel the stone very slightly, but he couldn't pinpoint its exact location.
"We might be too far from the stone. Either that, or my power is considerably weaker without my sword," Ka-Rosu mumbled angrily, while continuing to search for the stone.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nakamura fell through a crevice in one of the caverns and landed flat on his back.
"Damn it!" Nakamura yelled, a twang of pain reverberating up and down his spine.
WHO'S THERE!? A voice roared, causing Nakamura to jump to his feet and stand defiantly.
"I'm here for the sword guarded by an unknown dragon! Are you that dragon!?" Nakamura asked, calling out loudly to try and match the volume of the unseen voice.
AND IF I AM!?
"Then I am here to slay you and claim what is rightfully mine!"
A loud laughing ensued after Nakamura's last remark, causing the demon to fly from his feet and slam into the cave's wall.
DO NOT BE IN SUCH A RUSH TO DIE! EVEN A DEMON WITH YOUR POWER IS NO MATCH FOR BREOG, THE RED DEATH! the voice bellowed, followed by a flame so intense it stuck to the walls and lit up the cave.
In front of Nakamura stood the largest, deadliest, most evil looking dragon he had ever seen. Its back was covered in black scales that wrapped around to his belly where they shifted from black to red. His breath reeked of rotten flesh, and his teeth stained with blood.
As if that wasn't frightening enough, his head measured about the same size as Nakamura's whole body.
WHO DID YOU SAY WOULD BE SLAYING WHO!?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"My only real concern is that you not hurt this one Gogyou."
"I thank you for aiding me, demon, but do not fear; my battle is with the former general." That said, Gogyou drew his head back, his neck puffing out as he drew in a long breath before releasing a stream of ice-like fire at the demon general.
Lilith watched the attack head towards Saffariin without moving. She wished to see if the former general was as powerful as she had claimed.
"I thank you for aiding me, demon, but do not fear; my battle is with the former general." That said, Gogyou drew his head back, his neck puffing out as he drew in a long breath before releasing a stream of ice-like fire at the demon general.
Lilith watched the attack head towards Saffariin without moving. She wished to see if the former general was as powerful as she had claimed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Way ahead of you General Aceline!" Saleh said enthusiastically. He took a brief moment to pop his head over some of the nearby rocks he was searching behind to let them know where he was. Out of the corner of his eye, Saleh saw Rirotheld's tail come swinging at just about head level. Ducking, he narrowly avoided the would-be-fatal-blow and popped his head back up one more time to let the other two know he hadn't been decapitated.
Still digging, Saleh thought, `I can feel it, almost as if it's getting closer... or warmer? One of the two...' A single bead of sweat rolled down his face.
Still digging, Saleh thought, `I can feel it, almost as if it's getting closer... or warmer? One of the two...' A single bead of sweat rolled down his face.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cathayna's eyes widened as Ishikawa suddenly appeared. As he was thrust down by the dragon, she was appalled by his actions. Meeting upon different circumstances, indeed. Cathayna was ready to draw Earthenshaker should the moment need it, but Ishikawa seemed to be doing fine as he stood up and declared, "My only real concern is that you not hurt this one Gogyou."
Cathayna blushed slightly as she looked at Lilith before reverting her eyes to Ishikawa. Ishikawa... she whispered to him telepathically. What are you doing here?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Saffariin growled at the demon who deflected her arrows. "Your interference will cost you, demon," she told Ishikawa scathingly. "I will finish you later; my business is with the dragon. Now step aside; otherwise, I'll have no other option but to kill you."
She managed, just in time, to block Gogyou's attack by raising a wall of fire that surrounded her, melting Gogyou's ice. She raised her hands instantly as fire pooled around it, her eyes hardening into molten pools of hatred. "And now, to finish what we started hundreds of years ago..."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rirotheld thrashed around, his tail swishing around threateningly as Exosivian approached the other emerald dragon. The earth beneath the two of them began to shake and the foundation of the cave didn't seem too safe. Aceline looked at her dragon instantly; Exosivian did the same, and while she was distracted, Rirotheld's mouth opened and earthen energy struck Exosivian to the ground. Aceline's earth energies reached out to heal her dragon while searching for the stone. She muttered something incoherent beneath her breath, and then continued for the search as Exosivian got up, her own tail threatening to decapitate anyone who dared to come any closer. In fact, her expression looked so much like Rirotheld's that Aceline shivered in fear.
Come on, Aceline-- concentrate! she scolded herself. Suddenly, she felt warmth just as soon as she felt it disappear just as she heard Ka-Rosu speak: "We might be too far from the stone." The female general tried not to be disheartened at the demon's words. "We'll keep searching until we've found it."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Svinsahdra and Alexavier both looked curiously at the sword that had been dropped earlier by the demon. They didn't dare go near it, and coaxed Zephyr to do the same. "I do wonder why that demon was such in a rush."
Cathayna blushed slightly as she looked at Lilith before reverting her eyes to Ishikawa. Ishikawa... she whispered to him telepathically. What are you doing here?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Saffariin growled at the demon who deflected her arrows. "Your interference will cost you, demon," she told Ishikawa scathingly. "I will finish you later; my business is with the dragon. Now step aside; otherwise, I'll have no other option but to kill you."
She managed, just in time, to block Gogyou's attack by raising a wall of fire that surrounded her, melting Gogyou's ice. She raised her hands instantly as fire pooled around it, her eyes hardening into molten pools of hatred. "And now, to finish what we started hundreds of years ago..."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rirotheld thrashed around, his tail swishing around threateningly as Exosivian approached the other emerald dragon. The earth beneath the two of them began to shake and the foundation of the cave didn't seem too safe. Aceline looked at her dragon instantly; Exosivian did the same, and while she was distracted, Rirotheld's mouth opened and earthen energy struck Exosivian to the ground. Aceline's earth energies reached out to heal her dragon while searching for the stone. She muttered something incoherent beneath her breath, and then continued for the search as Exosivian got up, her own tail threatening to decapitate anyone who dared to come any closer. In fact, her expression looked so much like Rirotheld's that Aceline shivered in fear.
Come on, Aceline-- concentrate! she scolded herself. Suddenly, she felt warmth just as soon as she felt it disappear just as she heard Ka-Rosu speak: "We might be too far from the stone." The female general tried not to be disheartened at the demon's words. "We'll keep searching until we've found it."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Svinsahdra and Alexavier both looked curiously at the sword that had been dropped earlier by the demon. They didn't dare go near it, and coaxed Zephyr to do the same. "I do wonder why that demon was such in a rush."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"It is time to finish this, demon." Gogyou opened his mouth once more and shot rapid ice spears at the Malonian general, all the while standing in front of the opening to the rest of the cave. This would be a close battle.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia shivered silently in the cave, keeping her eyes closed. She could sense that things weren't going the best with Rirotheld.
Never one to stand by and wait for things to happen, Fayria disappeared into the air and floated silently into the cave, drifting past Rirotheld to where she felt the stones presence. Finding what she wanted, Fayria quickly made her way back to Aceline, drifting close to the generals ear.
"The stone lies within a small chamber through a crevice in the wall behind Rirotheld; it is there you must go, General Aceline of Gaia," she whispered just loud enough for the general to hear before disappearing back to Preia.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia shivered silently in the cave, keeping her eyes closed. She could sense that things weren't going the best with Rirotheld.
Never one to stand by and wait for things to happen, Fayria disappeared into the air and floated silently into the cave, drifting past Rirotheld to where she felt the stones presence. Finding what she wanted, Fayria quickly made her way back to Aceline, drifting close to the generals ear.
"The stone lies within a small chamber through a crevice in the wall behind Rirotheld; it is there you must go, General Aceline of Gaia," she whispered just loud enough for the general to hear before disappearing back to Preia.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ishikawa turned and faced Cathayna.
I'm searching for a sword. A very special one indeed. My brothers are doing the same, hoping we can turn the tide of war before it begins. With these swords, we become more powerful than we are without them. They amplify the energies of their master, if sword and master are compatible, Ishikawa explained telepathically. That, and I couldn't allow you to get hurt over the foolishness of King Andreas. If that were to happen, I'd have to hunt him down myself.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ka-Rosu ducked in time to save himself from decapitation by Exosivian's tail and shouted, "Watch where you're swinging that thing would ya!?" He looked around and saw general Aceline.
"We'll keep searching until we've found it." Aceline said reassuringly, which seemed to put Ka-Rosu at ease for some unknown reason. He shrugged it off and decided to quicken their pace.
Ka-Rosu sank into the ground and became one with the rock walls of the cave. Two giant stone hands appeared from the walls and grabbed Rirotheld around his neck.
"You have to hurry! Without my sword I can only hold him like this for a little while!" Ka-Rosu's voice boomed. And indeed he seemed to be having a hard time holding the dragon who insisted on thrashing about to get loose.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PUNY DEMON SCUM! Breog roared, slamming his head into Nakamura and pinning him against the cave wall. A wave of blood rushed out of Nakamura's mouth upon impact, but the demon refused to give up and grabbed the dragon's horns.
"What kind of dragon..." Nakamura began, back lacked the breath to finish.
I AM THE PRODUCT OF A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE BETWEEN A RED DRAGON AND A BLACK DRAGON! THOUGH IT WORKED OUT FOR ME, FOR I AM THE LARGEST AND ONLY ONE OF MY KIND! I AM KING OF THE SHADOW DRAGONS!
'Shadow dragons?' Nakamura thought for a second and a hopeful idea came to him. 'Maybe he guards a sword of darkness. If so, if I can find it, I'll be able to defeat him easily.' Nakamura thought, pushing with all his strength against the dragon's head. The dragon gave way, and allowed Nakamura to drop to the ground.
YOU'RE STRONG, BUT I'M A DRAGON!!! I'LL CRUSH YOU, THEN CONSUME YOU FOR MY OWN POWER!!! The dragon bellowed with a sinister cackle.
'I have to find that sword.'
I'm searching for a sword. A very special one indeed. My brothers are doing the same, hoping we can turn the tide of war before it begins. With these swords, we become more powerful than we are without them. They amplify the energies of their master, if sword and master are compatible, Ishikawa explained telepathically. That, and I couldn't allow you to get hurt over the foolishness of King Andreas. If that were to happen, I'd have to hunt him down myself.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ka-Rosu ducked in time to save himself from decapitation by Exosivian's tail and shouted, "Watch where you're swinging that thing would ya!?" He looked around and saw general Aceline.
"We'll keep searching until we've found it." Aceline said reassuringly, which seemed to put Ka-Rosu at ease for some unknown reason. He shrugged it off and decided to quicken their pace.
Ka-Rosu sank into the ground and became one with the rock walls of the cave. Two giant stone hands appeared from the walls and grabbed Rirotheld around his neck.
"You have to hurry! Without my sword I can only hold him like this for a little while!" Ka-Rosu's voice boomed. And indeed he seemed to be having a hard time holding the dragon who insisted on thrashing about to get loose.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PUNY DEMON SCUM! Breog roared, slamming his head into Nakamura and pinning him against the cave wall. A wave of blood rushed out of Nakamura's mouth upon impact, but the demon refused to give up and grabbed the dragon's horns.
"What kind of dragon..." Nakamura began, back lacked the breath to finish.
I AM THE PRODUCT OF A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE BETWEEN A RED DRAGON AND A BLACK DRAGON! THOUGH IT WORKED OUT FOR ME, FOR I AM THE LARGEST AND ONLY ONE OF MY KIND! I AM KING OF THE SHADOW DRAGONS!
'Shadow dragons?' Nakamura thought for a second and a hopeful idea came to him. 'Maybe he guards a sword of darkness. If so, if I can find it, I'll be able to defeat him easily.' Nakamura thought, pushing with all his strength against the dragon's head. The dragon gave way, and allowed Nakamura to drop to the ground.
YOU'RE STRONG, BUT I'M A DRAGON!!! I'LL CRUSH YOU, THEN CONSUME YOU FOR MY OWN POWER!!! The dragon bellowed with a sinister cackle.
'I have to find that sword.'
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Making his way around the cave walls and behind the dragon, which was slightly easier thanks to Ka-Rosu holding the dragon back, Saleh was still searching for any relevance of the earth stone. After a few moments of running his hand along the wall for support, he nearly fell over on the jagged flooring of rocks below him. Catching himself by digging the tip of his sword into the ground, he stood up fully.
Looking to what had caused him to lose his grip on the wall; he looked at the crevice in the wall in front of him. The water stone around his neck began to glow faintly and lifted off of Saleh's chest, pointing towards the crevice in front of Saleh. "General Aceline, over here!" Saleh yelled back across to the other side of the room.
Looking to what had caused him to lose his grip on the wall; he looked at the crevice in the wall in front of him. The water stone around his neck began to glow faintly and lifted off of Saleh's chest, pointing towards the crevice in front of Saleh. "General Aceline, over here!" Saleh yelled back across to the other side of the room.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
No, Ishikawa, whispered Cathayna. I would gladly give my life for my king. He may be a tyrant, or whatever you wish to call him, but first and foremost, she continued sadly, he is my king.
She meant to say something else, but as soon as she felt Saffariin's dagger-like gaze, she stopped altogether. Saffariin snorted defiantly. "This is war, my dear Shrirava," she said in an emotionless tone. "We have no time for pleasantries." Inside her, Allarayne was fighting for control, and losing. Saffariin turned to Gogyou instantly, three arrows drawn in a triangular formation.
Her eyes were lava-pools of hatred, red eyes that held no other emotion but, and her aura was flaring devastatingly around her, threatening to burn anything and everything around. "Are you ready?" she taunted the dragon. "I will receive that stone from you, Gogyou. Watch me."
She released the three arrows in the triangular formation, the two on the bottom encased in fire, the other on top encased in metal. The three spread out, one going direct left, one direct right, and one straight up as they went for the dragon's wings and eyes. Saffariin intended not just to retrieve the Ice Heart stone from the dragon; she intended to kill...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline heeded Lady Fayria's advice, and nodded thanks to Ka-Rosu, knowing he was already weak without his sword. She released energy and sent it to Exosivian, who was currently recuperating. "Ka-Rosu!" she called. "Release Rirotheld! Exosivian will finish this." All at once it did not matter to her that Rirotheld was Eldtiather's son. All that mattered was that she viewed him as a mere obstacle that prevented them from achieving their goal. Then, she followed Saleh's voice, grateful at the reaction that his Water Heart stone was giving to the location that Fayria had pointed - of course, it was Fayria; she couldn't mistake the energies of the stone. No way.
Suddenly, the Earth Heart stone called out to her. There was no mistaking it. It was the Stone. She felt it. She walked past Saleh as if in a trance, and looked through the small chamber that Fayria depicted. There, in the dim light of the cave, was a bright, green stone that pulsated with energy. Its spirit seemed to be calling out to her- General Aceline... you have come.
Yes, Aceline replied uncertainly.
Then come! the spirit - obviously a female - called out to her. Pick me up and wield me around your neck!
Aceline did so, and felt a great power surge through her. She smiled gently as Exosivian began roaring as the dragon felt the energy. "Now, Exosivian!" she declared. "You've got more than enough to beat Rirotheld!"
The earth around Exosivian rose around her, thousands of shards of the ground, and pummeled Rirotheld to the ground. The dragon roared, but did not get up. Its wings had been pierced, and his right eye was bleeding. His lungs had been pierced by one or two shards as well. Aceline, in perfect royal fashion, bowed on three fingers in front of Rirotheld, and murmured a chant that ensured Rirotheld's life in the next life would be a much better life than in this world. Exosivian bowed her head as well. "We've finished."
She stood up, and the motioned Saleh and Ka-Rosu out of the cave. "Thank you," she said, bowing her head in each of their directions. "I couldn't have done it without both of you helping me."
As soon as Aceline reached sunlight, a blonde figure held her tightly in its arms. "Z--Zephyr!?"
Zephyr merely nodded, not caring who was seeing. "You had me so very worried."
Aceline smiled gently and returned the general's warm embrace. "We've done it, Zephyr. We've got the Earth Stone!" Aceline held up the jewel around her neck, and Zephyr caressed it gently as if it would shatter if anyone but Aceline touched it.
"Good job," he said with a charming smile.
She meant to say something else, but as soon as she felt Saffariin's dagger-like gaze, she stopped altogether. Saffariin snorted defiantly. "This is war, my dear Shrirava," she said in an emotionless tone. "We have no time for pleasantries." Inside her, Allarayne was fighting for control, and losing. Saffariin turned to Gogyou instantly, three arrows drawn in a triangular formation.
Her eyes were lava-pools of hatred, red eyes that held no other emotion but, and her aura was flaring devastatingly around her, threatening to burn anything and everything around. "Are you ready?" she taunted the dragon. "I will receive that stone from you, Gogyou. Watch me."
She released the three arrows in the triangular formation, the two on the bottom encased in fire, the other on top encased in metal. The three spread out, one going direct left, one direct right, and one straight up as they went for the dragon's wings and eyes. Saffariin intended not just to retrieve the Ice Heart stone from the dragon; she intended to kill...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aceline heeded Lady Fayria's advice, and nodded thanks to Ka-Rosu, knowing he was already weak without his sword. She released energy and sent it to Exosivian, who was currently recuperating. "Ka-Rosu!" she called. "Release Rirotheld! Exosivian will finish this." All at once it did not matter to her that Rirotheld was Eldtiather's son. All that mattered was that she viewed him as a mere obstacle that prevented them from achieving their goal. Then, she followed Saleh's voice, grateful at the reaction that his Water Heart stone was giving to the location that Fayria had pointed - of course, it was Fayria; she couldn't mistake the energies of the stone. No way.
Suddenly, the Earth Heart stone called out to her. There was no mistaking it. It was the Stone. She felt it. She walked past Saleh as if in a trance, and looked through the small chamber that Fayria depicted. There, in the dim light of the cave, was a bright, green stone that pulsated with energy. Its spirit seemed to be calling out to her- General Aceline... you have come.
Yes, Aceline replied uncertainly.
Then come! the spirit - obviously a female - called out to her. Pick me up and wield me around your neck!
Aceline did so, and felt a great power surge through her. She smiled gently as Exosivian began roaring as the dragon felt the energy. "Now, Exosivian!" she declared. "You've got more than enough to beat Rirotheld!"
The earth around Exosivian rose around her, thousands of shards of the ground, and pummeled Rirotheld to the ground. The dragon roared, but did not get up. Its wings had been pierced, and his right eye was bleeding. His lungs had been pierced by one or two shards as well. Aceline, in perfect royal fashion, bowed on three fingers in front of Rirotheld, and murmured a chant that ensured Rirotheld's life in the next life would be a much better life than in this world. Exosivian bowed her head as well. "We've finished."
She stood up, and the motioned Saleh and Ka-Rosu out of the cave. "Thank you," she said, bowing her head in each of their directions. "I couldn't have done it without both of you helping me."
As soon as Aceline reached sunlight, a blonde figure held her tightly in its arms. "Z--Zephyr!?"
Zephyr merely nodded, not caring who was seeing. "You had me so very worried."
Aceline smiled gently and returned the general's warm embrace. "We've done it, Zephyr. We've got the Earth Stone!" Aceline held up the jewel around her neck, and Zephyr caressed it gently as if it would shatter if anyone but Aceline touched it.
"Good job," he said with a charming smile.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Gogyou roared in pain as the arrows hit their marks, the lower class dragon no match for the general's assault. Falling roughly to the ground, the blue dragon gave one last raspy breath before relenting to the grasp of death.
Lilith moved silently around the corpse and out of sight before reappearing with a sadistic grin and a pure white jewel dangling from her hand.
"We have what we came for; now back to Malo we must go!" she cried, a wave of dark energy sweeping she, Cathayna and Saffariin away from the cave off to the country of demons.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia smiled when she saw that Aceline was back but then gasped when a sharp pain ran through her spine, suddenly breathing hard.
Preia! You felt it too, didn't you? Nodding to Fayria's question, Preia looked at the ghostly priestess.
"We have to go," she stated urgently, catching the attention of everyone in the group, "the demons have the stone of ice, and they're heading to release Shafira!"
"I think I can help," Fayria lifted her arms and chanted a short spell, light swirling around the group. Seconds later, they reappeared within the marble shrine of Etaine, just in front of the stone where the goddess herself was sealed.
"Hurry! Place your stones in the holes! We must awake the goddess!" Preia inserted her own light stone into the crevice indicated in the marble tablet, the stone glowing briefly as it waited for its fellow stones to join it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"The day has come!" Andreas roared, standing in front of the black diamond in which Shafira was sealed. Lilith, Cathayna and Saffariin stood behind him.
Turning to the three, Andreas smirked sadistically. "Place your stones in the tablet, so that our goddess will awake and lead the demons to victory!"
Lilith moved forward first, placing her stones of fire and stone in their respectful places. They glimmered evilly before settling. The goddess would soon reawaken.
Lilith moved silently around the corpse and out of sight before reappearing with a sadistic grin and a pure white jewel dangling from her hand.
"We have what we came for; now back to Malo we must go!" she cried, a wave of dark energy sweeping she, Cathayna and Saffariin away from the cave off to the country of demons.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Preia smiled when she saw that Aceline was back but then gasped when a sharp pain ran through her spine, suddenly breathing hard.
Preia! You felt it too, didn't you? Nodding to Fayria's question, Preia looked at the ghostly priestess.
"We have to go," she stated urgently, catching the attention of everyone in the group, "the demons have the stone of ice, and they're heading to release Shafira!"
"I think I can help," Fayria lifted her arms and chanted a short spell, light swirling around the group. Seconds later, they reappeared within the marble shrine of Etaine, just in front of the stone where the goddess herself was sealed.
"Hurry! Place your stones in the holes! We must awake the goddess!" Preia inserted her own light stone into the crevice indicated in the marble tablet, the stone glowing briefly as it waited for its fellow stones to join it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"The day has come!" Andreas roared, standing in front of the black diamond in which Shafira was sealed. Lilith, Cathayna and Saffariin stood behind him.
Turning to the three, Andreas smirked sadistically. "Place your stones in the tablet, so that our goddess will awake and lead the demons to victory!"
Lilith moved forward first, placing her stones of fire and stone in their respectful places. They glimmered evilly before settling. The goddess would soon reawaken.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OH MY GOD 23 PAGES dies Xx Anyways, DRAGONS! And Shafira's gonna be released! =o Oh noes! XD Please excuse me, I'm hyper off rice pudding… *cough*
Amariahellcat
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*sighs* Aww, we're reaching the denouement! And, PHEW! That chapter was LONG. Anyway…
(with all whatever cra—things I put here),
Snowy