A/N: A New Chapter!
Ch. 9: Dragon Fight
The group resumed traveling through the forest but there was still slight concern in Zander's eyes as he observed Bruno. "Zander, how much further," Hunter questioned loudly from behind. He was supporting Bruno while Lily stood beside Zander traveling. He grunted in displeasure but soon noticed that as they continued to travel that night was coming upon them.
Zander glanced over his shoulder then looked forward. Only a couple more hours and then we would be among a group of friends. We'll be safe; he then glanced over at Lily who was smiling at Archie. Zander smiled at the expression, She'll be safe as well. "We can rest," he told them as he gestured toward a small area.
Hunter carried Bruno toward a log, placing him down to rest. As they began to move around the area, Bruno glanced over at Zander with a glint in his eyes as he noticed Zander cringe in pain. So it is working, he realized as Zander rolled his shoulder. He then glanced down at his hand, squeezing it softly before they heard a loud howl.
Hunter jumped and asked, "What was that?"
"Wolves," Bruno retorted casually.
"Wolves," Hunter gave an unsure look before looking at Zander. "I want to keep moving."
"I'm fine with that," Zander shrugged. He began to pick up his things before he felt Lily touch his hand, stopping him. She gazed him for a second while he asked, "what?"
Lily looked from Zander and gestured toward Bruno. "He's still hurt. We need to rest for him," she pointed out.
"I'll be fine, Princess," Bruno assured her.
"You heard him; he's fine," Zander retorted.
Lily frowned, "Zander, we are staying."
Zander frowned a bit before he placed his sword back down. He cringed in pain again before he took in a deep breath and said, "I'm going to find some water."
Lily wanted to go with him but stopped herself. She looked back at Hunter and Bruno before she sat back down and watched Zander disappeared into the forest. Suddenly, she felt something on her hand and looked over to see Hunter looking at her. "Don't worry about him," he told her with a small smile.
Lily glanced down at their hands before she gave it a light squeeze. You know you have to marry him; she then looked over her shoulder at the direction he went. She sighed softly before she replied, "I will always worry about him."
L&L
Zander could feel a horrible pain coursing through his body as he began to walk over toward the riverbed. He quickly dropped down to his knees and looked at his reflection in the water. She wouldn't love me. She's a princess and you are only meant to protect her, not love her, he thought sadly. He hissed in pain and rubbed his shoulder, "What's wrong with my shoulder?"
He pulled back his collar and revealed his shoulder wound, Oh no. His wound was darker than before and it had caused his veins to pop out but they were almost black. The skin was not even its normal color but darker as if severally bruised. "What's happening to me," he asked to himself until he felt a jolt of pain shot up his arm.
"Zander," his eyes shot up for he knew that scream.
Lily…
L&L
Moments ago…
"Lily, maybe we should discuss our engagement," Hunter inquired softly as he moved closer toward Lily.
Lily glanced up at Hunter quickly then looked at Archie who wiggled his nose. Lily bit her lower lip before she asked, "Must we at this moment, Hunter?"
"I believe that we should. After this whole situation, we can prepare for the wedding." Bruno let out his own small chuckle causing Hunter to look at him with a small frown. "Why do you laugh, Bruno," he questioned.
Bruno smirked, "The princess' affection lies somewhere else."
Lily felt a blush rush through her face. "That is none of your business, Bruno," she pointed out.
RAWR!
Lily and Hunter jumped up in surprise with Archie quickly wrapping himself around Lily's leg. Lily pulled out her sword, as did Hunter. She looked around before she questioned, "You heard that, correct?" Hunter nodded and Bruno chuckled again before he stood up much to Lily's surprise. "You're walking," she pointed out.
"You actually thought I was injured," he laughed softly. There was another roar as he glanced over his shoulder and a dark figure began to move from the woods. Hunter turned that direction while Lily continued to face Bruno. Slowly, they noticed the doppelganger approaching Bruno while Bruno smirked, "Glad you found me."
"Of course, Master," the doppelganger bowed.
"You," Bruno turned his head toward Lily and smirked at the expression across her face. "All this time, we believed in you. How could you do this to my father? To the kingdom?"
"Just because and now, I can take you now and bring you back to Aamon."
"Over my dead body," Hunter growled.
"That's fine with me." Bruno then snapped his fingers causing the doppelganger to move slowly. He then squeezed his hand tightly before the doppelganger began to change shape as he whispered a small incantation.
Lily held her sword but swallowed the large lump that formed in her throat as the doppelganger grew larger and its eyes turned darker. She swallowed thickly before she came face to face with a fire-breathing dragon. "I only want to get rid of you then I can get rid of your guardian. That's all I care about," he sneered.
"Why do you care about Zander," Lily spat back.
"He's the only reason you're alive."
He then snapped his fingers once more causing the dragon to approach the group. "Zander," Lily shouted as she swung her sword at the creature.
Hunter began to run at Bruno until Bruno disappeared in a dark mist. "Is that the best you can do," Bruno challenged as he reappeared on the back of the dragon.
"I'll protect you, Lily," Hunter stated with his sword raised. The dragon roared once more while he swung at it, cutting it. The creature cried out in pain before it slapped the sword out of Hunter's hands.
"Forget about the prince. Grab her," Bruno ordered. The dragon threw Hunter aside while the hand went toward Lily who swung the sword. The blade suddenly glowed lightly as it cut the dragon causing it to cry in agony. Bruno frowned then glanced at the sword before he paled slightly. "No…" he mumbled.
She swung it again but the dragon lunged at her until she felt a shove. She landed onto the floor and there was a loud cry causing her to look up to see Zander cutting the dragon once more. "Lily, run with Hunter now," he ordered.
The dragon shoved Zander back, hitting a tree causing him to cry in pain. Hunter grabbed Lily's hand while she continued to watch. "No, I'm not leaving him," she argued as she began to run back.
"Lily," Hunter shouted but it was too late.
Lily quickly grabbed Zander while Archie began to slap his cheek. "Come on, buddy. Wake up," the rabbit urged as he glanced at the dragon that was about to breathe fire. "You are about to be a crispy guardian, wake up!"
Zander glanced up before they ducked then looked at Lily's sword. "Your sword," Zander pointed out before Lily grabbed and looked over at the dragon. Zander placed his hand over hers before they both lunged at the dragon, stabbing through the top part of its head. It cried out in pain before they pulled the sword back and Lily cried on in pain to see a deep cut on her arm.
Bruno frowned as the dragon began to fade before he pointed toward them, "You can't protect her forever. Aamon will find her."
Zander pulled out his dagger and threw it but missed when Bruno disappeared again.
"How could you lose them," Aamon questioned loudly as Bruno lay on the floor with Aamon's wolf holding him down.
"I thought I had them but that damn sword glowed and burned the dragon and your spell."
Aamon's expression dropped as he questioned, "What sword?"
"This glowing sword that the princess had."
Aamon's teeth grinded then mumbled, "Those damn witches."
"What?"
"That sword will be the end of me. But I have no use of you anymore, Bruno," Aamon retorted. He then snapped his fingers before he began to walk away as the loud yells and growls came. Aamon took a seat in the throne before he placed his chin on his hand. "It seems I must do this personally," he mumbled.
Slowly Lily and Hunter walked while Zander and Archie trailed closely behind. "How's your hand," Hunter inquired softly.
"It's okay," Lily replied. Hunter smiled at her and suddenly, Lily felt his lips on her softly before she backed away in a shocked expression.
Zander looked down while Archie inquired, "I thought she cared about you?"
"I'm a guardian, that's it," Zander retorted.
"I think we're here," Hunter shouted over his shoulder.
Zander walked a bit faster and touched one of the trees for support before he looked out at the village. He glanced over at Lily and bowed his head, "Welcome to Armada, Princess."
They've arrived at Armada but boy, epic dragon fight already early in! PLEASE REVIEW, PM, comment, etc!