Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the OCs and the story.

Chapter 3: Here There Be Dragons

"Izuka my friend," said Ashnard, "Let us go and visit some old friends." "Sire," said Izuka, "Don't you think we should keep your existence a secret for now." "Nonsense," said the late king, "I'm sure my love Almedha and my ex-strategist Ena would be happy to see me." "You don't mean," said Izuka. "But I do," said Ashnard, "Let us to Goldoa go. What better place for you to get your Feral Ones?" "True," said Izuka, "Dragons succumb nicely to my elixir. Very well." Izuka raised his Rewarp staff.

"Thank you for your hospitality King Kurthnaga," said Skylar. "It was nice to meet you King Skylar," said Kurth. Skylar and company had made it to Goldoa without any problems. He met with King Kurth and his trusted advisers, Nasir, Gareth and Ena. After explaining to them the situation, King Kurthnaga promised that if the time of war came, Goldoa would side with Hatari. "Shall we throw a feast to commemorate our treaty," said Kurth. "That's not necessary Your Highness," said Skylar. "You're just afraid that you'll get drunk and pass out again," said Gavinia. Akari snickered in the background. Kira rolled his eyes. "That's not why," said Skylar, "It's just that we still have a long journey until we reach Crimea, and all of the fighting and feasting has put us behind schedule." "He is telling the truth," said Kira, "At this rate, Stefan's group will reach Greil Headquarters before us." "At least rest in our castle tonight," said the Dragon King. "The ship voyage was tiring," said Rafiel, "and if the enemy attacks us on the road to Gallia, and we're tired, we won't stand a chance." "Very well," said Skylar, "We accept your invitation." "Good," said the king, "I'll have rooms prepared for you."

Twilight set on Goldoa and Skylar's army was settling in for the night. Outside, Kurth was playing with his baby nephew, Rajaion with Nasir and Ena. Gareth stood at attention as though anticipating an attack. A strong wind gust suddenly hit them. "Where did this wind come from," asked Ena. "It seems like a storm," Nasir said as he turned toward the king, "Perhaps we should retreat back to the castle." "Why leave now Nasir," said a sinister voice behind them. "I know that voice," said Ena, "But it's impossible." Ashnard stepped out of the trees, followed by Izuka and a horde of monsters, "Oh it's very possible." Ena scooped up baby Rajaion. "How are you alive," she said angrily. "You don't seem so happy to see me," he said. He glanced at the baby in her arms. "Is that your child," he asked, "It's too bad the Rajaion isn't here to see him." "Enough," roared Nasir as he shifted into a White Dragon, "I don't know how you are alive Ashnard, but you won't be for long." Gareth and Kurthnaga also shifted. "Ena take Rajaion into the castle and get Skylar," said the King. "So you named him after his dead father," said the twisted former king, "Isn't that sweet." "Ena go," said Nasir. She nodded and ran into the castle.

Ena ran straight to Skylar's room and banged on the door. Skylar walked out and said, "What's wrong?" "We're under attack," she said. "Right," said Skylar, "I'll get the rest, you get Rajaion to safety." "Wait," she said, "That's not all; the one that's leading them is Ashnard." "What," said Skylar, "How is that possible?" "I don't know," she said, "But it's him. I would never forget the man that killed my fiancé." Skylar picked up the Gurgurant. "Right," he said, "Get to safety. We'll help the king." She nodded and ran toward the inner chambers.

When she got there, Ena found her late fiancé's sister, Almedha. "Lady Almedha," she said. "What is wrong Ena," she asked worriedly, "Has something happened?" "Yes," she said, "We're under attack. Could you watch Rajaion? I'm going to go back to the battle." "Of course," she said as Ena handed her the baby, "Who is attacking?" "I don't know how it's possible," she said, "But it's Ashnard." "What," said the Ashnard's former lover, "Ashnard's alive? How?" "I don't know," said Ena, "but Kurth, Gareth and Grandfather are fighting him now, and they need help." Almedha nodded. Ena turned and ran back towards the doors. "He's actually alive," said Almedha as a tear ran down her cheek.

Skylar gathered the rest of his team and rushed outside to see Nasir and Gareth surrounded by monsters and Ashnard standing over Kurth with a sword. "It really is him," said Tormod, "I'll never forget that maniac." Skylar ran out and swung his sword at the mad king. Ashnard blocked. "I believe that sword belongs to me boy," he said. "Not anymore," Skylar said as he swung the sword again. Again, Ashnard blocked. "That sword is too much for a commoner like you," he said. "Who's a commoner," said Skylar, "I am Skylar, king of the desert country of Hatari." "Hatari," said Ashnard, "Hahahahahah. You're the king of Hatari. Perhaps that sword is rightfully yours." "What," said Skylar.

They were interrupted by a red flame. Ena flew past and crashed into Ashnard, full force. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," said Kira. "She's pissed," said Akari. "Akari, Kira, go after Izuka," said Skylar, "The rest of you, help Gareth and Nasir. I'll help Ena and Kurth." They all nodded and went their separate ways. Skylar rushed at the evil king with Gurgurant. Kurth let loose a huge black flame and Ena shot another stream of red flame. Ashnard dodged all three attacks. "Aether," the mad king shouted. "Aether," shouted Skylar. They both rushed in and their blades clashed. To everyone watching, it looked like a blur. Sparks flew and the sound of metal against metal filled the air.

"Ashnard," shouted a woman's voice. Everyone turned their heads to see Almedha holding baby Rajaion standing at the castle door. "Sister," shouted Kurth, "What are you doing? Go back inside." "Out of my way boy," said Ashnard as he smacked Skylar with the broad side of his sword. He began walking over to his former lover. Tormod launched a fireball at him, but he sidestepped and smacked Tormod like he did Skylar. Gavinia and Vika charged him from opposite sides, but he stopped and they collided with each other. He stepped over them. Akari and Kira both launched magic at him but again he stopped, and the spells collided, canceling each other out. Finally, he reached his queen. "Ashnard my love," she said, "Is it really you?" "Of course my dear," he said as he lifted her chin to kiss. "I have wonderful news," she said, "Our son, I've found him." "Our son," he said surprised. "Yes my love," she said, "He is one of the strongest mages on Tellius. He is the tactician for the Greil Mercenaries." "The Greil Mercenaries," he said, "You mean to tell me that our son is that green-haired brat that follows the blue-haired whelp around." "Yes," she said. "He just completely trashed your son," said Skylar, "And you're still obsessed with him." She ignored him. "My love," she said, "Now that you're back, we can be together forever." A smile crept onto his lips. "Do you actually think that I could love a sub-human," he said, "Your ignorance is your downfall." He lifted his sword and thrust it through her. He lifted the baby from her arms before he pulled back his sword. "Sister," shouted Kurth. "Rajaion," shouted Ena. Ashnard turned to Almedha, who was still alive. "You weren't the only sub-human that I planted my seed in," he said, "The only reason for our 'love' was that I wanted an army of branded. I knew that those with the brand were superior in skill to Beorc and in intelligence to Laguz. My seed was planted in the heron princess after she refused to release the dark god." "What," said Kira. "Then that means…," said Akari. "I also planted my seed in the Hatarian queen that I held captive," he said, "but she escaped." "No," said Skylar, "I won't believe it. I'll never believe that you're my father." A crooked smile crept onto Ashnard's lips. "I figured that that's how you were able to wield that sword," he said, "Only those with the royal blood of Daein are able." Skylar tightened his grip on Gurgurant. "Hold up Skylar," said Kira, "we want a piece of that bastard too." "I can't believe that you'd do that to the mother of your children," said Akari, "I shudder to think that you could even possibly be our father." "You're my children with Lillia," he said, "It's just one big family reunion. I suppose that you all want to kill me right now. I also guess that the only reason that you haven't tried is because of my innocent hostage here."

He looked down at the sleeping babe. "He really does look like his father," he said, "You should be so proud Ena." "Release my child," she said as shifted back to her human form, "please." "Ena," said Nasir. "Do you actually think that you'll get anywhere by begging," Ashnard said snidely. Skylar looked at Akari and mouthed the word "light." She nodded. She slowly pulled her Light tome, the weakest magic she had. "Hey dad," she said. Ashnard turned to her and said, "What?" "Light," she said. Ashnard raised his hand to block the brightness. Skylar took that brief opportunity to dash over and steal the baby from his arm. "Now," Skylar shouted. "Flare," said Tormod, "Rexflame." "Flare," said Kira, "Balberith." "Corona," said Akari, "Rexaura." The three spells hit him head on. "Tear," shouted Vika and Gavinia at the same time. The swooped in and attacked him with everything they had. "Ire," shouted all four dragons. Red, white and black flames erupted from their mouths and engulfed the evil king. "Aether," said Skylar. With Rajaion still in his arms, he rushed the king and slashed with Gurgurant. Ashnard fell to the ground in a pool of his own blood. "Izuka," he said. "Yes sire," said Izuka, "Rewarp." Ashnard warped to Izuka's side. "You may have bested me this time," he said, "But the next time we meet, you will all die." "Rewarp," said Izuka, and he and Mad King Ashnard vanished.

Kurth ran over to his sister. Akari, Kira, and Tormod followed with staves. Kira and Tormod lifted their Recover staves while Akari lifted an extremely large ornamental staff. "What's that," asked Kira. "A Matrona staff," she responded. "That is the most powerful staff in existence," said Tormod, "Where'd you get it?" "Lehran gave it to me," she said as she lifted it, "Matrona." Almedha began glowing. "Not only will it heal her completely," said Akari, "It'll also raise her biorhythm to its peak." Almedha opened her eyes. "Sister," said Kurth as he hugged her. Skylar wiped a tear from his eye. Ena walked over to him and said, "Are you okay?" "Hm," he said, "Yeah. Oh, this is yours isn't it?" He handed her back Rajaion. "Thank you for saving him," she said. "No problem," he said, "Ashnard will still pay for what he's done and for the pain he's caused." "That's a promise," said Kira. "Even if he is our father," said Akari. "Since Ashnard is a powerful enemy," said Kurth, "I would like to lend you Goldoa's strength. Nasir accompany them." "Yes sire," he said. He turned to Skylar, "Thank you for saving my grandson. He was the first dragon born in over a hundred years. I hope to serve your cause well." "I'm sure you will," said Skylar. He turned to King Kurthnaga, "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to leave for Gallia soon. Now that we know that Ashnard is involved, everything became more complicated. Plus, I'm sure Stefan doesn't know yet, so I want to get to Greil Headquarters soon." "Very well," said Kurth, "Good luck." Skylar turned to his team, "Let's go." And they made their way to Gallia.

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