Disclaimer: see prolouge
Rating: Beware of violence, language, and some innduendo in this chapter.
AN: I am so, so, so sorry about this extremely long delay. I'm afraid school has made me busy, and will only continue to get worse, especially with mid-terms next week. I wish I could promise a faster update but, alas, I can't. Hopefully it won't take me till spring break to update but if that is the case then sorry. One-shots are so much easier to type up and proof read. sighs
Chapter 6: A Early Date With Trouble
They will be here soon. A dark-skinned woman smiled eerily at the smoldering embers in the pit. I haven't had visitors in a while. She continued to carefully grind the needed ingredients in her stone mortar. She paused briefly, cracking stiff fingers with a loud pop and sprinkled some salt water in the bowl. She needed to be prepared for the upcoming events.
Another hour passed before she decided on a break. She pushed back her stool and stretched, her back aching from hunching over for long hours. Her long, brown skirt swished lightly as she grabbed a huge black and red sea shell from the mantle of the crude fireplace. She made not a sound except for the clinking from the bone necklace around her neck as she stepped out of her tiny, make-shift hut.
It was oddly silent out in the swamp. Even late at night the insects would continue their melodious hum with various amphibious life joining in song. But in this particular swamp the lack of noise was not an oddity. The sorceress was greatly feared on this island, even the wildlife feared to tread in her swamp. The woman took a deep cleansing breath. She liked it this way.
A heavy fog hung over the bayou, adding to the eerie effect the swamp already possessed. Thick vines and vegetation surrounded her little hut, a natural fortress against unwanted (and highly foolish) guests. Perhaps the protection was unneeded. She was the only one living on the long forgotten island, aside from her assistant. Those who heard of her listened to the horror legends the old seadogs had spread around, and refused to even sail in the waters surrounding her home. Yes, life was quiet around her swamp, she enjoyed the solitude. Only a few dared step on this island.
The woman grinned, her grip tightened on her humming shell. She would have company soon, very soon. She looked forward to their visit, always did even though most of the time it was business. The pitch black shell vibrated again in her hand, causing her to frown slightly. She hoped her wanted company arrived soon; she had other visitors that would need taking care of.
(-----)
Far off to the east rose the sun, still low in the sky. It played a one-sided game of hide-and-seek with the horizon. Hues of light pinks and violets streaked across the sky, highlighting the tops of fluffy clouds. A solitary morning star twinkled in the sky, winking at the waxing moon as if sharing some inside joke only the stars could understand.
It was a beautiful morning, a great way to start their quest. Perhaps it was a good sign instead of those bad omens her grandmother had always been wary of. At least something seems to be going right, Yumi thought sardonically. Despite the spectacular show the sunrise was displaying she could not find it in her to enjoy it.
It was a rather cool morning, not at all unusual for a typical spring morning in the Forest Region. Yumi sighed, how depressing it was that the most beautiful time of the year (in her fair opinion) was being spoiled by the wicked claws of war. After a weeks worth of preparations they were finally heading out. Not soon enough though, Yumi inwardly grumbled. Beside her walked William, her newly christened fiancé. The oriental dragon was eternally thankful that he had been unable to receive permission to accompany her and the others. "To protect my wife!" he had argued.
As if I need you to protect me, I can do that fine on my own! She inwardly fumed. Yumi only half listened to the ranting dragon beside her too irritated to give him her attention. Not even married yet and he's already acting as if I'm his property! She walked a little faster, hoping to see the broad main gate soon. "I still can't believe this! They dump all of this on us and can't even give us a reasonable estimate of when you'll return! We have a wedding to plan!" Yumi rolled her eyes.
"We won't have a wedding if X.A.N.A destroys life as we know it, dear," she said slowly, resisting the urge to throw him in the air. He settled a bit.
"That is true," he admitted, "but I still don't like who you have to travel with! The Princess is fine, of course, but that half-breed! And that yellow freak, he's probably a half-breed too." Williams copper eyes narrowed. "And I don't trust the green one! He hasn't even given us a last name to work with. Not to mention he's dangerous!" he briefly paused in his tirade to see if Yumi was at all listening. She wasn't, but he failed to notice.
"I don't want you around him Yumi. You'll do your best to stay away from him alright?" Yumi snorted in disgust, she could do that.
It was needless to say that Yumi was still bitter about his actions the week prior. He didn't earn many brownie points with her when the others discovered he and Odd would be paid for their assistance. Taking needed money when lives are endangered, why does High Elder Hertz insist on having him come with us? Yumi already knew the answer though. They needed him. Ulrich was an unbelievably amazing fighter. She had never seen someone move so fast before. And his attacks…he had an impressive display of Shadow Attacks. Odd was no push over of course. She had laughed a little at how flabbergasted Jeremie was when Odd unleashed his various earth attacks. To think that clown is an Earth elemental!
While she wasn't required to attend Aelita's and Jeremie's training sessions with the other two she did drop by throughout the week. Yumi never believed in having too much training, so she grabbed the opportunity when it had been handed to her on a golden plate. Her mother's voice rang in her ears, "Fighting is not a lady's job Yumi. Less training and more studies!"
Not that she listened, she just trained in secret. Yumi had always been a very capable fighter herself, she refused to let her skills get rusty. Her delicate face furrowed in troubled thought. But it seemed she needed more. Though she won the spars she and Ulrich engaged each other in she found that she struggled a bit. Yumi suspected he held back too.
He's very curious, she thought. Very quiet, I think Odd does most of the talking! He didn't say much to any of us, except Jeremie. They seem to be getting along. Yumi was rather amused at that. But he's so mysterious, rather attractive if you ask-she put a screeching halt to those thoughts. Think of something else! "You don't have worry about that William. Why would I be interested in a selfish, immature dragon like him? Nothing attractive about him at all!" she huffed.
"I hope you're not talking about me," an amused voice spoke up from behind her. Yumi jumped a foot into the air, the hairs of her mane standing up on edge. She whirled around, eyes flashing, to come face to face with the bothersome dragon occupying his thoughts.
"You! It's not polite to sneak up on others you know," she snapped, trying to regain her composure. Ulrich's eyes sparkled with laughter.
"I thought you heard me the first five times I called your name," he replied. He didn't wait for her to answer before continuing, "Looks like we're just waiting on the Princess." Yumi was startled to see Jeremie and Odd already in front of the gate, chuckling. Instead of embarrassing herself even more by exclaiming her surprise at finally noticing the others, she simply huffed and said, "Guess so."
They waited in silence, the ignored William glowering at Ulrich. Odd tried and failed to begin a conversation, but everyone was too tense to join in. Yumi noted that Jeremie and Odd were on better terms then before, though Jeremie seemed wary of the striped dragon whenever Aelita was around. But Jeremie was definitely friendlier with him, less snappish and scathing in his replies. It seemed that Odd and Aelita where the only ones that seemed to be able to get along with everyone. This is gonna be good.
The sun was almost completely in view when Aelita, Col. Jim, High Elder Hertz, and a small band of soldiers came into view. Aelita smiled brightly at everyone and waved good morning. She was much more plainly dressed then Yumi had ever seen her before. Her tiara, ribbons, jewelry, and heirloom necklace were missing, only her ear rings remained. It was strange to see her in such a bare state, but it was necessary. Col. Jim nodded to them, glaring at Odd for a good measure. Yumi smiled, remembering all the trouble the yellow dragon had given the poor colonel. The High Elder walked up to them before handing Jeremie a brown sack.
"So here we are," she began. No one spoke, the chirping birds overhead filling in the background. "You're first destination is to visit this friend of Mr. Ulrich's in the Great Sea. There you are expected to find some information on the missing tower. Whether you find anything or not you will leave with enough time to meet a messenger in a Desert Region town Erg Chebbi, which is about twenty miles from a tower. You will report to the messenger who will come back to us. Be sure to set another meeting date with the messenger before dismissing him. You have enough provisions to get you through the two weeks that it should take you to get to Erg Chebbi. Do you understand?" They all nodded. "Good. Remember, Aelita is not the princess. She is a very distance cousin of Odd whose last name is Stone. You are to not tell anyone of what you are doing and where you are going. Avoid battlefields and do your best to lay low, X.A.N.A must not find out about this. You will keep us posted and we the same." She spoke in firm tone, not once breaking her stern composure.
"Yeah, yeah mom we got it," Odd waved a claw at her. "Don't worry! Everything's under control. Odd is here!" He puffed out his chest proudly and posed.
"That right there is enough to make me worry," mumbled Jim. Hertz rolled her eyes.
"Not to question your authority High Elder, but are you sure that it's safe for him to come along," William said stiffly, nodding towards Ulrich. Green eyes narrowed dangerously. Ulrich glared at William, ready to give him a few choice words. However before Ulrich could retort Hertz replied,
"I know what I'm doing Mr. Dunbar. You on the other hand need to be more concerned with the problem at hand and not your wedding night." At this William had the dignity to look slightly ashamed. Yumi took a sudden interest in the ground beneath her. I don't even want to think about that. Thankfully, the awkward silence didn't last long. "I believe I have covered everything. Open the gates!"
The thick wooden doors groaned as they were slowly opened. In front of them stretched a long, dirt road with thick green trees lining the sides. They needed to be at Saldria Port in a half-an-hour to catch the ship that would be taking them to No Man's Island. The port was fifteen miles east of Kadic City. They needed to head out now to arrive on time. Yumi took a deep breath; despite her anxiousness to get away from William she was nervous about leaving. She hadn't left Kadic City limits in a while. She had no idea when she'd get back or if she would return.
"Well, let's get started," Odd said cheerfully as he sauntered out. "Get moving Einstein you slow poke!" Jeremie let out a huff and followed him.
"Why must you call me that?" Jeremie paused in thought. "What's an Einstein anyways?" Odd chuckled and grinned mischievously. Jeremie, seeing his impish look, panicked. "What? What is it? It's not too bad is it? Odd? ODD?" Aelita giggled and turned to Hertz.
"Hopefully we'll get back to you soon, High Elder." Hertz nodded.
"Be careful Aelita, and no going off on your own. The others are also here to protect you, remember that," Hertz warned. The pink dragon nodded and began to walk. She only hesitated slightly before going through the gate. Ulrich didn't say a word. He barely even looked Hertz in the eye as he passed by and out the gates. Yumi was the last one.
"Please be careful Yumi dear. I would hate for something to happen to you," William murmured in her ear. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ulrich roll his eyes and shuffle impatiently on his feet. Her eyes snapped back to William.
"Of course love," she smiled so sickingly sweet she almost made herself puke. She gave him a nuzzle (inwardly smirking as she watched Ulrich's face morph into disgust) and turned, nodding to Hertz as she passed. "Let's get movin' Speedy, we're on a tight schedule," she said lightly as she passed him, flicking her tail at his nose in the process. The doors closed with another groan behind them.
William and the group of soldiers filed away, leaving Hertz and Jim behind. The two stood in silence for a moment. "Do you think they can do it?" asked Jim. Hertz continued to stare at the doors, a troubled expression on her face.
"For our sakes, I hope so."
(---)
A proud and haughty figure strode through the stone hallways. Swiftly and silently she moved each step nimble and graceful. There was a dangerous air about her. Just the way she held herself would make one wary of her. Anyone roaming the hall knew better then to get in her way. The self-assured figure was a dragon; one of X.A.N.A's most feared warriors.
The dragon was of average height and build, not overtly large but not too small either. Her body was long, graceful, and well built. It was carried on four strong legs, each armed with four wicked claws. Her pure white skin was smooth, giving her the appearance of having no scales at all. In a certain light the whiteness of her scales were blinding, but in the flickering shadows of the corridor it was more of a silver tint.
Her medium length wings were set just behind her shoulder blades. The bat-like wings were also pure white and seemingly scale-less; white feathers lined the top ridge. Her tail was also of medium length, and wasn't tipped with any prong, spade, or stinger of any sort. Her head was also smooth in appearance, lacking many spines and spikes common with most of her kind. She did have two fins on either side of her head where ears would be. Two long stag-like horns sat on top of her head. A very thin, spiky white ridge went down her neck and back. Her snout was long and her mouth curved into a pompous smirk. To complete her look were two, ice blue eyes that were said to be able to freeze hell itself. The only blemish on the otherwise perfect and beautiful creature was the number three branded onto her right shoulder, her master's mark lightly tattooed beneath it.
This dragon was a white dragon, and a gifted Ice elemental. She was one of the best of her kind. She was dangerous, she was sneaky, and she was one of the most cold hearted and malicious beasts around. She was Aria. One of X.A.N.A's infamous Fearsome Five, rank number three.
At the end of the hall she came upon a door. Her tail twisted the knob and opened it, allowing her to enter. "Oh darlings I'm home!" she called out sarcastically. Two pairs of eyes looked up, one rolled while the other remained fixed on her.
"Eh, back already? 'Ere I was 'oping you'd get 'urself killed," mocked a massive Wyvern in the far left corner. Ice blue narrowed, and the white dragon scoffed.
"You're the only idiot here who would get himself killed on a mission as easy as recon," Aria sneered. "After all, you ranked fifth, the weakest of the Fearsome Five." The Wyvern sat up suddenly, going face to face with Aria.
"I'll kill you one day, you and that your pretty little boy toy," he roared, throwing his head in the direction of the room's other occupant. Aria's eyes flashed as she opened her mouth to retort.
"Alright that's enough already Kiquru, Aria. You haven't seen each other for a minute and you're already tearing each other's throats out," scoffed the other. Aria's fierce snarl melted into coy smirk.
"Now Daiki, you can't deny that you didn't miss me, bickering aside." In an instant, Aria was at Daiki's side, nuzzling his neck. Said dragon smirked and replied,
"Of course. You know how much I hate sleeping in an empty bed," he leered. Kiquru made a snort of disgust and rolled his eyes.
"The lot of you make me sick," he spat. Aria glared.
"Just because you're too ugly for anyone to screw doesn't mean you have to make our lives miserable," she spat. Kiquru felt his anger rose but kept it contained. It wasn't worth his time to pick another fight with the she-devil. The huge Wyvern lumbered back to his corner where he had been idly sharpening his claw.
"I'm not that unattractive," he mumbled to himself. True, he wasn't the greatest looking lizard around, but he wouldn't go as far as to say he was ugly. For a Wyvern he was abnormally huge, not that he had a problem with that. He was the largest out of the five, and the strongest. He was muscularly built, balanced on two, bird-like legs that had three eagle-like claws each. Like all typical Wyverns he only had two legs and serpent-like head. His wings were huge and leathered; both tipped with a small hand to help him balance himself when crouching and set on his middle back.
His scales were plated and razor sharp, giving him a jagged look compared to Aria's smooth one. They were a maroon color; his underside was sulfur yellow. The colors were the same for his wings-maroon on top side and yellow under. His tail was short, thick, and massive, tipped with a poisonous stinger like all Wyverns. He had no spines or ridges going down his back nor any fins or frills on his bulky head. Two, curved fangs hung over his beak-like jaw like a snakes, each filled with powerful venom. He had no horns or ears either. All that set on his face were his two glowing orange eyes complete with slit pupils. On his right shoulder the number five was branded just like Aria's, also over a tattoo of X.A.N.A.
No he wasn't ugly at all in his opinion. But when compared to pretty boy Daiki he was. He scowled. If he wasn't here then it would probably be Kiquru himself screwing Aria instead. For all of her superior talk Kiquru knew she was just a little whore looking for a good fuck where ever she went. He knew she'd want him as soon as he killed Daiki. Fuckin' little bastard, he growled mentally.
He hated Daiki with a passion. Daiki was apparently everything Kiquru could never be. He was skilled in fighting. He was a leader. He was a genius compared to slow Kiquru. Daiki could get the job done with better results then expected. The list went on about how fucking wonderful Daiki was, especially in X.A.N.A's eyes. At least he's better then Mr. Master-is-God. Now he is a prick. Kiquru still hated Daiki the most though. He considered Daiki his eternal rival and vowed to rip him apart. That had yet to happen. He still couldn't figure out why.
Compared to Kiquru, Daiki was a midget even though he was considered average height. Daiki walked on four legs (each had four black claws). His body was slim, unlike Kiquru's bulky one. But obviously his body was a powerhouse considering how many times he flattened Kiquru on the floor. His scales were a midnight black, shiny and glowing. His plated underbelly scales, chest, and back of his legs were a radiant gold. His wings were large and bat-like like Kiquru's, pure black like his scales. His tail was long yet sturdy, tipped with four sharp spikes. Two twin stripes ran down either side of the tail. Gold ridged spines ran down his back, creating a golden crest on top of his head. Said crest rested between two curved horns. On either side were fins in place of ears. Sharp teeth overlapped his mouth, and two yellow eyes pierced his foes from under the eye ridge where a gold stripe covered each.
Daiki gave off an aura of mystery and strength with a devilish smile always in place. He commanded respect and didn't hesitate to rip off a few legs to gain it. He wooed the ladies with ease and had the so called independent Aria wrapped around his claw. But what really pissed Kiquru off the most was the brand on Daiki's right shoulder, the rank number one. The rank, Kiquru believed, rightfully belonged to him, the rank that should have gone to him instead of Daiki when their previous, traitorous leader ran off.
"Hey! What happen to the other two?" Aria's voice broke through his bitter thoughts.
"Risu is with Master X.A.N.A, Suzu, well, you should know where you're sister is." Daiki said boredly, more interested in Aria then the whereabouts of the two other members. Aria rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"The prisoner chambers again? That weak little pest is not my sister. We're only half sisters, hell we have nothing in common," she scoffed. A shrill scream interrupted the peace.
"Well if there is one 'ing you 'wo have in common it's your 'onderous 'orture techniques, though I do believe she is better," grinned Kiquru.
"Yes, well, don't forget which one is insane," Aria retorted.
"Remind me again?" Kiquru snickered. Aria's eyes glowed for a moment. Ice began to cover the end of her tail. With a growl she angrily shot an ice spike at Kiquru's head. He ducked in time, the spike shattered against the wall instead.
"Enough already! Master is rather testy right now. Don't give him an excuse to boil us alive," Daiki scolded darkly. Aria froze, her eyes widen in alarm.
"What pissed him off?"
"Apparently the High Elders have sent a group of dragons off in search of the fabled Ancient crystals," Daiki told her. Aria stared at him curiously.
"Are they strong?" she asked. Daiki shrugged.
"Not sure. Risu gave Master the information a week ago. Since then a team was sent out, that new guy leading them. They haven't engaged them in battle yet, though they have almost caught up." Aria let out a harsh laugh and settled back against the black dragon.
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry over. Those loonies in Kadic are just getting desperate enough to send out some rag-tag team in search of a myth," she scoffed. Her eyes became speculative as she thought of the new member of X.A.N.A's ranks, a dragon covered in armor and the best spy they had in ages.
"Master doesn't seem to share your beliefs," Daiki said dryly. Aria shrugged.
"I could care less. Maybe I'll get to kick some ass. Those pitiful soldiers that have been sent out aren't worth our time. I'm glad we don't have to be out on the field right now. All the fun would end before it even begin!" Aria pouted. "But enough about them, I haven't relaxed in two whole weeks and could use some 'healing' right about now." She smirked brazenly and had her tail crawl up Daiki's back leg. Daiki smirked and leered back, "I think I can help you there." Kiquru sighed and said acidly,
"Get a fuckin' room already dammit!" Aria undraped herself from Daiki and began to lead him out of the room.
"With pleasure," she winked and sauntered through the door, slamming it behind them.
(---)
"This is where we part." Aelita was startled from her thoughts as the captain of the Rusty Dagger spoke from behind her.
"Wait what? This can't be right! We've stopped at a sand dune, not an island!" Jeremie protested.
"Aye, that be true, but you could give us all the money in the world and we'll never sail within a sixty mile radius of No Man's Island," the captain replied.
"But that's not fair! We paid for a full ride," Aelita agued. I suppose this is a reason why Jeremie insists on not trusting humans, she thought. Odd popped up next to her.
"Actually that's not true, we only paid them half price," he grinned, bearing his shiny, white fangs for her view. To her left, Jeremie sputtered with disbelief, "What?! Why not?" It seemed impossible, but Odd's grin grew larger.
"Nobody sails out to No Man's Island, dragon and human alike. So, why pay for a full trip when you will only get there halfway?" Aelita blinked at Odd dubiously. Its simple logic, but it makes sense. "Come on gang! You still a distance to go," he proclaimed cheerfully, bouncing across the deck.
"Incredible," Jeremie muttered as he pushed away from the railing and followed Odd. Aelita heaved a sigh. She had really been enjoying the ride. She had never been on a boat before, much less sailed. For her whole life she had never left Kadic's great walls, to be out here in the open, so free, with the crisp wind blowing through her feathers…it was the greatest feeling. She too left her post and walked past Ulrich as he thanked the captain. This whole thing was very curious. She was suddenly thrust into this adventure and out of her prison with the most unexpected group.
Yumi, Aelita could understand why she was included. Yumi was an excellent fighter and had a level head on her shoulders. Despite her standing as princess, Aelita felt that Yumi would be the better leader of the group. Jeremie, well she supposed the Council wanted someone who knew what was going on. Jeremie was defiantly the brains in the group, he seemed to know more about her fathers work then she did. Now Odd and Ulrich…Aelita wasn't sure where they came into play. Granted, they were both superb fighters. But send out two rouge bounty hunters when the city had a whole platoon at their disposal? It was all quite curious. And what about all that physic nonsense? She didn't understand what was so special about her abilities; empathy was actually becoming common these days. It wasn't even fully developed. She couldn't get a single reading from Ulrich! Or maybe he is just skilled in hiding his emotions. But then why had she gotten such a chilling reading that fateful day in the woods? She shook her head. There was need to worry about it, not with more important matters at hand.
Her feet made contact with something squishy and grainy, so this is what sand feels like. Odd waved as the ship turned around and sailed in the direction they had just come from. "So now what?" Yumi asked, turning scathing eyes towards Ulrich. Aelita tried not to giggle, something about the way those two interacted with each other amused her greatly. It was much different from how she and Jeremie got along.
"We fly what else?" Ulrich said. He turned to Odd, "Think you can make the distance this time?"
"Of course!" Odd said, sounding insulted.
"What happened last time," Aelita asked, curious. Ulrich snickered,
"He couldn't transport the whole way and passed out in the middle of the ocean," at hearing Aelita's horrified gasp he waved her off, "Don't worry. He was saved by a rather 'friendly' sea serpent passing by." Ulrich snickered again.
"Too friendly if you ask me," Odd grumbled embarrassedly.
"Seriously though, if we could avoid a repeat?" Ulrich stopped laughing to look Odd seriously in the eye. Odd nodded.
"Yeah, watch yourselves alright? I'm not sure how safe the Great Sea really is anymore. I overheard reports that X.A.N.A has recruited a few sea dragons himself, they're not at all friendly." Jeremie gulped but remained silent. Odd's demeanor instantly brightened though. "Well cheerio friends! See you losers there!" He waved and then winked out of sight.
"I wish I could do that," Aelita sighed wistfully. Teleportation seemed so much cooler, and more useful, then empathy. Ulrich shook his head.
"Yeah, it's not as great as you think," he said. "Are you guy's strong flyers?" He unfurled his wings and stretched them, the green scales sparkling in the sunlight. Aelita felt a tiny pang of jealousy come from Jeremie, and avoided meeting his longing gaze. If it wasn't for his half breed status he wouldn't even have the small gliders attached to his arms, but Aelita knew he longed for the leather appendages that dragons held in such high esteem. Instead she nodded and opened up her own, her recently preened feathers glossy and prepped for flying. Ulrich looked at Yumi, the only wingless one among them. "What about you?" Yumi smirked.
"Obviously you know nothing about Oriental dragons or you wouldn't have even asked me that," she remarked arrogantly. She didn't even have to close her eyes in concentration to lift her body in the air. Ulrich stared mildly impressed before turning away, grumbling under his breath about snooty, little nobles.
"I'm not that great, but the thermals are warm enough for me to glide on at a good height," Jeremie said, holding his arms out and displaying the pale blue not-quiet-wings.
Ulrich nodded, "Good. Follow me, keep an eye out, and try not to fly too close to the water." He lifted himself into the air, the others following one by one.
(---)
"I think I see it!" Aelita cried excitedly. There on the horizon sat a modest speck of land. From what Yumi could see it was heavily populated with vegetation, and a huge rock formation towered over the forest from an even farther distance. It doesn't look all that scary, she thought, but then again, I'm only looking at it from a distance. "Do you think Odd made it?" Aelita asked.
At the front of their little formation Ulrich briefly looked back at Aelita, "I think so. If he didn't we hopefully would have spotted him and another one of his girlfriends," he joked. Yumi held back a giggle; no way would she outwardly admit he was actually funny. For good measure, she threw a glare at his back even though he couldn't see it. That stupid, annoying, selfish, little jerk.
She looked below to check on Jeremie again. As they moved progressively closer to the island the temperature began to steadily drop. The blowing breeze she had been enjoying seemingly died off, though it was hard to tell since she was flying. She never thought that the air could be so still out here on the ocean. Perhaps there is something cursed about the island after all. Due to the odd temperature changes Jeremie had begun to drift closer and closer to the water's surface. Yumi heeded Ulrich's warning and made sure to keep a close eye on her friend. After all, unfortunate couldn't even begin to describe the situation if Jeremie happened to be gobbled up by a hungry sea monster.
She noticed that Ulrich was watching Jeremie closely too and felt a little satisfied that though he didn't care for the dragon population's well being he seemed to care about theirs. That sounds a bit twisted. Eh, he's probably only doing it so he'll get the money. After all if there's no Jeremie then there's no fifth crystal. "Are we almost there?" she called; it was beginning to get cloudy too. She wondered if some freak storm was about to it them.If so, they needed to get to No Man's quick.
"Yeah, just about!" Ulrich answered her. "You aren't getting tired are you?" Yumi couldn't tell if he was teasing or mocking her.
"As if! I'm just using my common sense here! If you haven't noticed landing is a great idea with this possible storm coming and everything!" she snapped.
"Oh, so you can predict the weather now? A couple of clouds roll in and you think we're gonna get hit by a hurricane?" he shot back. He stopped flying and hovered in mid-air, turning around to face her.
"What?! I never said anything about a hurricane you dumbass!" Yumi threw her head back in irritation, her tail lashed back and forth in agitation. He is twisting my words all around!
"Who are you calling a dumbass, brat!" Ulrich growled. Yumi snorted. Now they were screaming in each other's faces, their destination forgotten. Up ahead Aelita continued, hoping they would catch up soon enough.
"Brat? That's a great insult considering we're about the same age!" she said sarcastically.
"Oh really? I couldn't tell! You're looks aren't much to go on!" he yelled heatedly.
"What! How dare you!" Yumi shrieked. He did not just call me ugly! The temptation to attack the little bastard in front of her was all too great. One sonic scream and he'll go flying with bleeding ear drums! She thought viciously.
"Umm, guys," Aelita hesitatingly spoke up. Her eyes were nervously pinned on the growing shadow beneath Jeremie. That had to be another dragon, and it looked huge. She tried calling to Jeremie, but it seemed he couldn't hear her. All the while that dark shadow grew, and Aelita's fear heightened. "Guys!" she called again. But Yumi and Ulrich continued to bicker. That shadow was even closer! "GUYS!" Aelita screamed. Ulrich and Yumi whipped around.
"What is it?" Yumi asked. Just as the words left her mouth did they hear a huge explosion below them. All three looked down to see something emerge from the water, Jeremie struggling to move out of its path. A giant serpentine body rose from the sea, massive, plated scales glistening in the remaining sunlight as water poured off it. Seaweed clung to it, blending in with its light green and blue body. Large fins sprouted from its massive head, riding down its back and lower. A spaded tail poked out from the surface, but not much of it was seen. It lowered its head so it was eye level with the three stricken air bourn dragons. Yellow eyes glowed menacingly, huge jaws gaped in a sharp, toothed grin, and X.A.N.A's symbol, a strange looking eye-like figure, branded on its forehead.
"So is this the little merry band Master is looking for?" boomed the sea dragon. "I believe he has a team looking for you. Perhaps I should do them a favor and take care of you now?" His grin lengthened on his face, and without even looking, he heaved his tail and slammed it downwards, catching a startled Jeremie off guard and smashed him into the choppy sea. Jeremie plunged head first, disappearing completely from their view.
"Jeremie!" Aelita cried in horror. She moved to dive after him but Yumi grasped her back leg, shaking her head no. "But, but Yumi!" Aelita gasped.
"Just wait," she said softly. Ulrich had positioned himself in front of them, utterly still except for the flap of his wings. Yumi moved up next to him, not wanting to show any fear. "You have a name?" she asked, proud that her voice wasn't as shaky as she was internally.
"My friends call me Borack, but you, my pet, can call me your destroyer." Great, she resisted rolling her eyes; you always have to love the ones that think they are clever. His hot breath rolled over her. Yumi resisted the urge to gag at the stench. God, it's like rotten fish!
"Yumi," she heard Ulrich softly mutter. "You and Aelita can swim right?" she barely nodded, keeping her eyes on the laughing Borack. "Good, rescue Jeremie and make sure they get to the island safely. I'll distract this guy." She noticed his claws were enlarging and beginning to glow as he said this. She opened her mouth to protest, but Ulrich looked at her sharply. "Don't argue with me! Just do it!"
"Hey! You love birds aren't planning anything tricky are ya?" The sea dragon's grin dropped at little. Yumi resisted the urge to scream at him that they weren't love birds. Really, what gave him that idea?
"No," Ulrich began, "Just on how I'm going to kick your ass!" He charged at the dragon, claws unsheathed, while Yumi dived towards the water, calling Aelita to follow her. However she paused. They hadn't noticed before, but a thick sheet of ice was climbing up the dragon's belly! Borack too finally took notice when he lunged forward but found himself stuck.
"What the hell?" he roared in confusion. Ulrich paused in his charge by mistake, also confused. Jeremie burst from the water, tired but victorious.
"Jeremie! You're ok!" Aelita cried in relief. She swooped down and embraced him, not paying attention to how he barely kept himself in the air. "That was brilliant! Freezing him in the water like that!" she praised.
"Aelita, I'm glad that you're glad that I'm alive and everything, but I really need to get to land," he gasped. "Not to mention, my ribs really hurt." Aelita immediately let go only to grab him again as he drooped a bit, his tail sliding into the water.
"Aelita take him to land and find Odd, I'm going to help stubborn," Yumi ordered. Aelita nodded. She wrapped her arms around Jeremie (thankful he wasn't heavy like Odd), and made a powerful down stroke, propelling herself forward and into the air. Borack roared angrily and lunged again towards the retreating Aelita, this time shattering the ice.
"Come back here pest!" he bellowed. He snapped at Aelita, his wide jaws almost devouring her.
"I'd say pick on someone your own size, but that's impossible! Instead, try eating this!" Yumi flew upwards, blocking Borack from her pink comrade. Yumi heaved a deep breath and exhaled, unleashing her loudest Sonic Scream attack yet. The water around them shook violently, churning roughly as the vibrations disturbed it. The giant serpent staggered back, claws clamped on the side of his head and screaming in agony. Yumi continued screaming until she began to weaken. Not wanting to use up her energy so soon, she cut off the attack, taking in deep gulps of fresh air. Borack sank back down, completely submerging himself in the water. He can't be beaten already, that was too easy. "Nice attack." Yumi jumped in the air.
"Whoa it's just me!" Ulrich ducked as she whipped her head around, sending her whiskers whisking through the air. "Watch it with those things! You're just as bad as Odd and his damn tongue attack!" Yumi glared.
"Then don't sneak up on me! You keep doing that!" Her glare melted into a worried frown as she stared at the sea. "You think he's gone?" Ulrich's face also became serious.
"No, in fact, he's probably gonna pop up right about-" The water below exploded as Borack emerged from beneath them, his jaws wide and gaping, ready to gobble them up. "MOVE!" Ulrich screamed. Yumi dodged to the left, he to the right. Borack's tail hummed in the air as he once again lashed out with it and smacked Yumi soundly. Ulrich retaliated by slashing his claws at Borack's face. Razor sharp claws sunk into his eye, tearing away nerve, flesh, muscle, and blood vessel. Ulrich's claws dug in deeper, ripping out a chunk of his eye. Borack roared again, a claw coming up and whapping Ulrich away like a bug. He screamed in agony as blood gushed from his damaged eye, the organ itself almost completely missing from the socket. Both Ulrich and Yumi splashed into the water and resurfaced, both gasping and stinging from the assault.
"It's not that he's a great fighter, he's just so huge and strong," Yumi observed. Ulrich nodded in agreement as he watched the howling beast. "Can't we just lore him to the shoreline, let him strand himself on the beach?" Ulrich thought about for a minute.
"We should try at least; it'll make killing him easier. We have to hit him with everything we got," he said. Yumi smirked.
"I'm ready if you are," she said, issuing an unspoken challenge. Ulrich responded by pushing himself out of the water and back into the air, flying towards Borack again. Yumi too removed herself from the sea and followed, flying behind Borack. Borack brought his arm up to Ulrich, blocking him from attacking his face again. Ulrich swiftly flew right, cupping his hands in front of him.
His claws glowed black once more as a ball of dark energy formed. His left claw, which held the ball, flung it at Borack's shoulder. "Shadow Attack twenty two! Shadow Ball!" The ball made direct contact with the sea dragon's shoulder, melting the scales, and burning flesh beneath.
Borack's tail pushed forward in the water, creating a huge wave the hit Ulrich and pushed him back down in the water. Yumi took this moment to unleash her own elemental attack. Her eyes flared white for the briefest moment as she brought her own arms back. "Wind Attack thirty six! Razor Wind!" she screamed. Her arms violently pushed forward, impossibly strong winds bursting forth and cutting into Borack's back, leaving deep cuts behind. It wasn't deep enough to cut to the bone, but it did the job, shredding away scale and flesh and letting blood pour. She followed it up with another attack, not giving Borack a chance to retaliate. "Water Ball!" She opened her mouth and shot out a ball of water. It sailed through the air and harmlessly hit the back of his head.
"You call that a Water Ball?" he chuckled. "Let me show you a REAL water attack bitch." A giant ball of water was spat out and hurtled towards her. Yumi couldn't dodge, and was slammed back into the water. This getting thrown into the water thing is getting really old; she thought it frustration, trying to flip a wet strand of hair out of her face.
"Hey watch it!" she barked when a massive hand grasped her long body and lifted her out of the water.
"Feisty little thing aren't you? You Oriental dragons sure are something. Hard to believe you're such a revered species considering you have such weak attacks," Borack mocked as he brought her up to his face. "However, you are one of the more…attractive breeds," a forked tongue ran over his lips, causing Yumi to shiver. "You'd make a good pet." Pet! I'll show him! Yumi raged indignantly. She whipped her head around, allowing her whiskers to fling in the air, and snapped it back, lashing them out on his nose. Startled, Borack loosened his hold, allowing her to wiggle free from his grasp and fly away.
"You bitch! I'll teach you pet!" He lunged again.
"She's not your pet you son of a bitch!" Ulrich shouted, once again appearing from nowhere. Yumi blinked in surprise. He sounded really angry. "Shadow Attack forty nine! Night Blitz!" His claws glowed with dark energy again. This time though, he didn't form it into a ball. He just released to energy by slashing the air. Dark energy was flung from them in rapid fire session as his claws moved faster and faster till they became a blur. The attacks hit Borack in a merciless barrage, never letting up. He shot another, but much larger, Shadow Ball to follow up.
Yumi watched from the water impressed with his attack. But she was more amazed at the waves of fury that seemed to roll off Ulrich. He couldn't be made about Borack's comment, could he?
Smoke hung around Borack, blocking Ulrich's view of his opponent. Yumi held her breath as they waited for the smoke to disappear. Did he get him? "WATER ATTACK SIXTY! WATER CANNON!" A powerful jet of water split open the curtain of smoke and slammed into Ulrich who was caught off guard. It shot him up high in the sky. Borack pushed himself up higher to meet with the now plummeting dragon. A closed fist punched him down in the water with a huge splash. Yumi's eyes widened in alarm and she couldn't help but panic. That was a powerful hit! What if he was knocked unconscious! Without glancing at Borack, she dived underwater and swam in his direction.
There! She spotted him, thankfully, but he didn't seem to be moving. Quickly she glided through the water, hoping to reach Ulrich before Borack decided to take the battle underwater. Finally she reached him. Wrapping herself around his body as best she could, she made her way to the surface. Almost there!
Gasping, she took in a deep gulp of oxygen as soon as her head breached the surface. Yumi felt exhausted, and now she had to carry Ulrich. Great timing, I hope this doesn't become a habit. "Looks like it's just you and me. Should have left him to die Pet," sneered Borack. Yumi felt herself pale she was so frightened.
Borack towered over her, his huge shadow blocking out the few rays of sunlight. His skin was terribly burnt, blood gushed from his half missing eye, and he wasn't even panting from exertion! Not to mention their plan was failing miserably considering they were still too far damn from the shore! Ulrich was unconscious and she couldn't fight while carrying him. We're so screwed.
"I'll finish this quickly for ya, since I'm in a merciful mood and all. It was an entertaining fight, but now I'm getting bored," the bastard had the nerve to fake a yawn. "Water attack ninety nine-Ultimate Tidal Wave Destruction," he sneered victoriously as a colossal wave slowly built up behind him, gaining suppressed momentum as it grew higher. Soon it towered over Borack, who was still grinning viciously, as he held his arms far above his head. "Goodbye Pet." He brought his arms down, the wave following their lead. Yumi squeezed her eyes shut and clutched Ulrich tighter. Father would be ashamed.
She waited for the wave to come rushing down upon her, forcing water into her lungs, pushing her far down into the crushing abyss. But there was nothing. Hesitantly, she opened one eye, and then the other. "No way," she gaped. Borack's tidal wave had stopped in mid-air, and was now twisting around and around, taking some shape. Hands were formed, long skeletal looking fingers budding from them. They flexed once, twice, and then abruptly shot towards a dumbfounded Borack. They latched around his neck, tightening their hold while pulling him downwards.
"What?! What the hell kind of attack is this you bitch!?" Borack thrashed around in the water, his hands uselessly scrabbling at the hands. They continued, unhindered by his struggling, their descent. "No! Stop! Stop! STOP!" Borack screamed. As they dragged him down, Yumi watched in horrid fascination as they swiftly snapped his neck, his head lolling to the side. They let go, and his body collapsed into the sea, sinking swiftly. Yumi stared in disbelief at the spot that her enemy had been a moment before.
"What was that?" she wondered aloud. She wasn't answered, as expected. What was unexpected, however, was the hands snapping in her direction and clamping around her with lightening fast speed. Darkness closed around her, she was trapped in the watery, but dense, hands. She felt them pulling her down. Yumi felt that she couldn't breath, her lungs constricted, her throat closed up. She felt her ears pop. The hands yanked them down to the unknown. It appeared she, Ulrich, and Borack would share the same fate
On the surface, the sea was calm.
(---)
"Did you see that?!" cried Aelita in disbelief. She too had watched in a twisted enthrallment as the mysterious hands dragged X.A.N.A's soldier into the sea. Odd looked up with actual disinterest briefly before turning back to his pack.
"Here we go! I can't do anything about those ribs, but until we reach Madam Jezebel I can give you at least something for the pain," Odd said as he dropped a vial into Jeremie's eager hands.
"I'll take anything at this point," the drake groaned. His chest hurt like a mother. Never before had he hurt so much. Aelita cried in alarm again, this time running towards the crashing waves instead of staying put like before.
"Odd those hands are going after Yumi!" she shrieked. Odd looked up in time to see a pair of liquid hands shoot down, scoop up his two fellows, and drag them into the ocean like Borack. To Aelita's surprise, and outrage, he only shrugged carelessly.
"So?" he asked. Aelita gaped at him, incredulity flashing in her golden eyes.
"What do you mean by so? That's Ulrich and Yumi out there and-" he cut her off with a laugh.
"Do you seriously think that I would be so calm if a pair of giant hands appeared out of no where, redirected our enemies attack against him, killed him, and then grabbed our companions?" he grinned. Aelita shook her head, realizing he knew something that she didn't. "That, Princess, is the workings of Madam Jezebel. Obviously she is expecting us so we better get moving. We'll meet Yumi and Ulrich there, trust me." He stood up from his kneeling position in the sand, hefted his pack back over his shoulder, and gestured towards Jeremie. "Help me picked him up, I think Einstein is a little disorientated considering he actually missed that spectacle." Aelita nodded hurriedly and moved to Jeremie's right side. They helped him up slowly, one arm draped over their shoulders.
"I'd teleport us if I could, but I haven't gotten that good. Oh and I should warn you, stay away from anything that captures your attention. Odds are that they aren't anything you want to mess with," he grinned cheerfully. He began to pull them along, actually whistling a tune. Aelita gazed at him, astonished. He is one of the strangest dragons I have ever met.
AN: I have realized that it is way more fun to read battles then write them. Originally, there never was an attack, but when I read over it I was like, they waited for three months and I'm giving them this boring piece of crap?! So I'm really tired, will be even more tired tommorrow, and can't stop cracking my fingers and wrists, but it's done! Hope you guys like this. Also, if anyone one has trouble pronouncing names just ask, I don't mind telling really. Helpful hint though, Daiki and Suzu are Japanese names. So, if you can speak the language or properly prounounce the words you're in good shape (FYE Suzu means 'bell' in Japanses, i think. Hah! Another hint) Review please!
