Chapter 11: Story of your life.
Jake's jaw dropped, and he momentarily forgot about his misery. This was Athos? How could that be? Athos was one of the eight legendary generals that led the humans against the dragons in the scouring. This just wasn't possible!
"You really expect me to believe your Athos? Ha, your funny. He had died hundreds of years ago!" Jake said, leaning against a tree. This man was nothing more than an imitator! Bah, He didn't have time for this!
"If you would like proof, I can gladly prove it." Athos said gently. Jake snorted as he looked the other way. He wished the old man would shove off and just leave him alone. "Well then don't be alarmed." Athos said as he waved his staff. A weird circle of light appeared around Lucifer's body for a moment, then she disappeared.
"What the…WHAT DID YOU WITH HER!?" Jake shouted, panicked. Maybe this guy was with Nergal ! Jake charged at the man, broken sword raised, when the same light enveloped Jake and everything disappeared into nothingness.
Jake panicked for a moment, then calmed himself down…there was an explanation for this. There always was. Jake was thinking what to do when everything reappeared…except everything was somewhere else! Jake glanced around, checking for enemies, and for the second time that day, Jake's mouth fell open.
He appeared to be in a kind of temple, with the sound of rushing and falling water filling it. A lot of the structures were blue, and there was a pleasant breeze blowing through the expansive room. Jake waited where he was, waiting for something to happen. Jake saw Lucifer and the floor next to him, lying as though nothing had disturbed her. Jake had been trying to block out the pain, but it was only leaving him moody and irritable.
The circle of light reappeared, then Athos appeared within it. He walked towards Jake slowly, possible as to not alarm him…or maybe from old age. "Welcome to my home. I hope you find it likeable." Athos said, gesturing around the room. Jake was not as skeptical now, but still required proof.
"Yeah, so you can teleport. That doesn't mean anything though. You could just be a very talented mage." Jake said as he sheathed his still drawn sword. He wanted to know what the hell was going on, and it this man was really Athos, then he wanted some real proof.
"Are you doubting the great arch-sage Athos?" A deep voice said behind him. Jake turned around very slowly to see a massive man standing behind him, at least twice as tall as him. The man had a gigantic battle ax slung across his back. His hair was in a ponytail, and he had many markings and his body and face, indicating he was a warrior of some kind. Jake was wondering how far this guy could throw him when Athos spoke to The man
"It's alright Hawkeye, he's a friend." Athos said with a smile. Hawkeye grinned and held out a massive hand. Jake shook it, wincing as his hand was almost crushed. He nodded to Hawkeye, and then turned back to Athos. He had a lot of questions to ask this old man that apparently knew everything.
"So if you're really Athos, then explain everything to me. Why am I like this? What the hell am I doing here? And what the hell is Nergal trying to do!?" Jake's voice rose to a shout as he voiced out all the questions that had been whirling inside his head ever since Nergal had shown up. Athos seated himself on a chair as he gazed at Jake, making him feel uneasy.
"I will answer all of your questions, only if you are able to calm yourself down and be reasonable about this." Athos said sternly. Jake looked like he wanted to argue, then sat down with a sigh, admitting defeat. "Now, what I'm going to tell you must not be repeated to anyone else, except whom I deem worthy, understand?" Athos asked, gazing sternly at Jake. Jake nodded, then sat up a little straighter.
"Good. Now, as you know, during the scouring, all the dragons had retreated through the dragons gate, apparently vanishing from this land. However, there is a small village in Nabata desert that hides a few dragons, as well as the people that live alongside them. The village is called Arcadia, and I have cast a sandstorm to hide it from any unwary travelers. That is the reason that it has remained undetected for so long. It is the last place on Elibe to have dragons. I have stood as a guardian of that place for many years."
"So what does this have to do with me?" Jake asked. This was interesting and all, but Jake couldn't see for the life of him how this concerned him.
"You see, your mother was one of the few dragons to escape to Arcadia. She occasionally travelled the world to explore, always under disguise. She ran into your father, and they soon became friends. They soon married each other, and after a while, your mother revealed that she was a dragon."
"Let me guess. He ditched her and went out on his own to do whatever, right?"Jake asked, not wanting to believe that thought.
"No. Quite the contrary, He decided to keep her at his side at all times to protect her from anyone that may want to harm her. You were born about 5 months from this time, and were brought to Arcadia for a short time, for a tradition that is performed for all young dragons. You were given that amulet to contain your dragon side, as well as to speak to your mother after she passed away."
"You see, your mother was terribly sick at this time from an unknown sickness, and she knew that she did not have much time left. She was on her deathbed when you were four years old. Just before she died, she sealed her soul into that pendant, so she could forever guide and protect you." Athos looked at Jake waiting to make the connection.
Suddenly, it hit Jake like a brick to the face. That voice he had heard when he had been near death, as well as that other time, when his rage had gotten out of control…It had been his mother speaking from the pendant? Jake looked over to Athos, who nodded, confirming Jake's questions. It was unbelievable! Was his mother really still with him?
"Yes Jake that power bestowed upon you was actually from your mother. She done what she could to keep you alive. She made it seem as though the power came from Elemine because of the presence of another person, to conceal the fact she was giving you some of her strength. She was unsure that she could trust Lucifer." Athos said, smiling slightly.
Jake was wordless. For once, he couldn't think of any reply. One thing didn't fit though. "What about my holy sword? It had Elemine carved into the blade. What is that supposed to mean?" Jake asked, drawing his broken sword. The blade was gone, broken from when Jake had thrown it at a tree in frustration.
Athos smiled as though Jake had just told him an amusing joke. "That was placed there to further hide the fact she was giving you strength. It was to make it seem as though you really had been blessed by Elemine, which was what she wanted everyone to think. It was for your protection, as much as hers."
"But what will I do with Lucifer?" Jake asked, not looking at her. He couldn't look at her.
"I have an idea, but it will take massive amounts of human energy and stamina to work. On top of that…Bramimond is the only one who can perform it…" Athos said as he waved his staff. Lucifer disappeared off the floor. She reappeared a few second later encased in crystal. The gaping hole in her stomach was gone, and her armor was now navy blue.
Ummm…What do you mean?" Jake asked, drawn in by how beautiful Lucifer looked in the crystal. He had a feeling that Athos was thinking about something, but with this guy, it could be anything.
"Bramimond had been a master of dark magic, and was able to achieve great feats. One surpassed them all. He was able to recall a lost soul to a body." Athos said quietly. He was fiddling with his staff as he spoke.
"Wait…so your saying that there might be away to bring Lucifer back to life?" Jake asked, feeling numb. Athos had to be pulling his leg. There was no way to bring someone back from the dead. Many mages have tried and ended up killing themselves trying.
"Yes, but it is very dangerous. You could die in the process, and if It really works, Lucifer may not be the same. There are many risks, the worst being your death." Athos said gravely as he sat down in a chair.
"I'll do it. I will do anything for her."Jake said as elation began to flood him. If there was any chance in hell of bringing Lucifer back, Jake would do anything and everything to achieve it.
"You cannot hope to achieve that now. You body would not be able to stand the strain. You will stay here and train your body and mind. Both Hawkeye and myself shall guide you help strengthen you. But you shall not be ready for a while yet." Athos said sternly as he'd seen Jake about to voice an objection.
But before I go…may I speak with my mother? It would really mean a lot to me." Jake said, wanting Athos to say yes.
"No, not now…your exhausted and on the verge of collapse. You go and rest, and maybe tomorrow I shall let you."Athos said with another smile. He nodded to Hawkeye, who began to lead Jake away down a hallway. They walked in silence, until Jake finally spoke.
"Hey, Hawkeye. Is there anyone else here besides me?"
"Ah yes. There is another dragon here, about your age. He is the second youngest dragon of the village, and is being trained by Athos and myself. You will be sharing a room with him. Don't worry, he is quite friendly. He will like the fact that he will have a friend his own. Jake walked down the hall to a room, where Hawkeye stopped. "Here is your room. We will expect you two in the main hall tomorrow morning. Well , good night."Hawkeye said and began walking away.
Jake opened the door to see a large expansive room . There were several windows set in the wall, as well as a table and four beds. Sitting on one of the beds reading was a young man. He was wearing a green tunic with a sword belted across his back. He looked up upon hearing the door opening and smiled. "Ah, welcome. You must be Jake. Athos told me about you. I'm Sky, and I'm glad you finally made it."