I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry for the late update! I lost my mojo for a bit and waiting on a new computer mouse to arrive is doing little to help. The forgotten ones will finally show themselves and more OCs are coming in.
Chapter Eleven
With much ease the New Year began. Kyoya was getting nowhere with his search to either the answer of the riddle or the identity of these "Forgotten Ones" the dragon spoke of. Not long into the first month, Max's marriage to Yonah was underway. Freyan's takeover of the knight order hadn't gone too smoothly but Tala stood down after a thorough pasting from Kyoya. Everyone stood dressed in their finest clothes as Max patiently waited for Yonah at the altar. With ser Auron unable to attend, it was Freyan who would be giving Yonah away. The orchestra began to play and Max's pulse raced. Kyoya stood beside the nervous blonde as his best man, giving his shoulder a firm squeeze. The ceremony went by so fast it was like a fleeting dream. Freyan lost heart when he couldn't see the girl he'd wooed before leaving for Galvena, figuring she must've left the city. Sariel was also not among the crowd. Night arrived quickly after the wedding. Yonah was in bed quite early, prompting Max to stay close by. As Kyoya slept, the dragon came back, saying more things this time. Kyoya's eyes snapped open when a rooster crowed, alighting from his bed with speed Elric had never seen. His destination was the castle library. Pulling the biggest book he could find from the shelves, Kyoya set if softly on the table. Its pages granted him the information he'd been denied since the vision began. Kyoya stumbled into the throne room to see Wyborg at Dranzer's feet, head bowed low. "My lady, I bring news!" "Kyoya? But it's so early. Wyborg, you shouldn't sleep like that, you'll hurt yourself."
Once Wyborg was fully awake she ordered for a jug of fresh juice. Dranzer eagerly waited to hear what Kyoya had uncovered, sitting at the table to wait for the morning servants to bring her breakfast. "What news do you bring, Kyoya?" "It's about the forgotten ones, your radiance. Last night the dragon came to me in my dreams again. This time she spoke more of the people called the forgotten ones. There was once five continents. Xian, Drakhma, Aquallis, Fiorre and Brindtstone." "Brindtstone? In what book did you find this?" "A big one I'd never thought to look in. The book spoke of folk who dwelled beneath the earth but they had a castle above ground." "Dwarves?" "I cannot say as the book is old and most of the pages were worn. But what I can tell you is that the old kings disregarded these people, saying their help was never needed after the great 200year war. And so they vanished, never to be seen again for more than a century. Now a war on par with the scale of the 200year struggle is approaching us. The dragon told me our forces are not up to scale as the old ones, that we'll need help. Her people are going to help us. They're curious to see if the centuries have changed those who walk above ground." "Did she say when they will arrive?" Kyoya had to strain his brain for the memory but it was so faint he could barely recall. "I'm not sure. But she'll be in touch again." This new information intrigued Dranzer. She wanted to learn more of this forgotten race, putting the task to Wyborg. The servants arrived, cutting the discussion short.
After breakfast, Dranzer informed Dragoon and Driger of the new intel given to her. They reported similar instances with Rei and Hitoshi. A gathering was needed but it would take longer to meet up this time. Snowber had not reported back to Dranzer regarding Draciel. She'd just have to risk summoning him, sending a pigeon en route to Hydrozea in the early afternoon. Looking down at the training yard, Dranzer saw Freyan inducting new troops, hoping to bolster the Firosian army by a few hundred. She was so preoccupied that the arrival of two Wyverns escaped her notice. Dranzer turned to the door when two fine gentlemen walked in. One she recognised as Enriqué, one of the knights who took part in the Horgon race the previous year. His companion was tall and strong, hair short pale blonde and eyes green. "Amphylian? Is that you?" "Dranzer, old girl. I thought you'd up and forgotten about us." "There's good it is to see you. But why are you here?" "My Queen, by now we've all heard there's a war on the rise. Salamulian is not impressed with you I must say." "With all due respect, Amphylian, I've had troubles since mid last year. All I knew is that the land had become sick. Only this morning was it brought to my attention that a war is brewing. One of my advisors is neglecting his duties to me; tied to a bastard I was forced to marry." Amphylian calmed, catching sight of Dranzer's growing bump. "'Tis not Valken's, Amphylian." "Then who is the father? Where is the knight who was always at your side?" "Gone, Amphylian. Now is there anything I can do for you? If not I must ask that you leave. I can't have another friend be manipulated like Draciel." Amphylian opened his mouth to speak but Kyoya cut him off. "You heard the lady. Get going."
It was cruel to send Amphylian and Enriqué back to Illsmere no sooner than they'd arrived at the capital but Dranzer didn't want them to get hurt. Kyoya worked with Wyborg to try and locate where the fifth region once sat on the map, their attention on a massive gap in the ocean between all four remaining regions. It looked like something belonged there. Freyan made decent progress with the trainees, patrolling the town with Ruhne. None of Tala's men dared approach him. It had soothed Freyan when the townspeople welcomed him and Yonah home with open arms. Kane and Salima often accompanied Freyan on his walks. During his lunch break, Freyan was looking up at the clear sky, thinking about how Yonah's life would change once she became a mother. Ruhne could see his master was pondering deep thoughts, wishing he could do something to help. To take his mind off Yonah, Freyan went to see Paine. He'd neglected to visit her since returning to Firos. The Griffagon was very happy to see her rider back, wings folded around him. Up in the Hiwatari chambers, Max didn't dare stray far from Yonah as his newly wedded wife was glued to her bed. In a few weeks if not days his first child would be born. Kyoya stopped by with Elric and some snacks in the late afternoon. By nightfall all was peaceful. The dragon did not return to Kyoya's dreams, granting him a peaceful sleep. Somewhere deep, deep underground, an army was massing, awaiting the day it would breach the surface, blue eyes watching them.
It had been no more than a month since Kyoya uncovered some information about the forgotten ones. Spring was coming in fast but the sky remained dreary. All around the world, those in contact with the dragon woke from their slumber regardless of the hour. A revelation had been spoken to them by the dragon. Kyoya hurried down the early morning halls of Firos castle, his skin beaded with sweat. Dranzer was already wide awake by the time Kyoya arrived in the throne room, his eyes still portraying shock. "Kyoya? What is it? Is Yonah okay?" "My lady…they're coming. The forgotten ones are coming. You must summon the others, and quickly. They'll be here any day, I cannot say when." "Calm down. I'm sure the dragon has been in touch with Rei and Hitoshi but I'll contact Dragoon and Driger just in case. Sit down, you look a fright." Over the short time Dranzer had known the strapping Gold Mage, she'd found herself swooning over him. Whenever Dranzer thought of coming out and telling him, she scolded herself, believing that one day, Kai would come home and take her hand in marriage. Until then she just had to be patient and protect his child. Out of curiosity, Dranzer had sent Wyborg to check the room Bayne had been contained in; relieved to hear he was slumbering despite being chained. Dragoon and Driger were speeding up their plans after the word arrived about the forgotten ones. Scouts reported seeing an old castle rising from beneath the waves in the exact place Wyborg and Kyoya estimated Brindtstone once stood. The castle was old, coated in seaweed and other sea life but the halls were quiet. One brave soul ventured inside only to find the place empty but they did find a staircase stretching far below the castle.
Not a few days had gone by after Kyoya raised the alarm. Dranzer was as usual sitting on her throne, playing chess with the loyal Mage when his blue eyes turned to the open balcony doors. "Kyoya?" "Something's coming. I must prepare the men at once, your radiance. Please stay here where it is safe." "I understand. Should I send Falborg out?" "Nay. Do not trouble him with something easily dealt with." Dranzer couldn't fight the worry that built up as she watched Kyoya leaving the room. Before heading to the stables Kyoya went to put on his armour. Having so little in the way of bodily protection, Kyoya was armoured within mere minutes. He had one foot out the door when Freyan approached him all panicked. "What is it Freyan?" "It's Yonah. The baby is coming." "Stay with her Freyan. Max as well." "Where are you going?" "Something is approaching the city so I'm going out to see what it is. I'm sure the maids know what to do, Freyan. Be strong." With a heart filled with fear, Freyan returned to Yonah's side, sending Svarog with Kyoya, Ruhne too. Down in the barracks Kyoya ordered for Arathor to be saddled, gazing into the eyes of the Drake. Kane, Jim and Goki were all suited up and ready to go with several dozen troops. Arathor growled, feeling Kyoya pulling himself into the saddle. He marched up the ramp, his old joints a little stiff. Kane led the soldiers towards the gate, catching a glimpse of Arathor in all his glory atop the perch. The Drake entered a smooth flight, keeping pace with the army below.
In amongst the nearby woods goblins could be seen hiding. Arathor stood proudly beside Kane's Vulnyon, their riders waiting for the first move to be made. The goblins seemed content to hide so a ball of fire was spat just in front of the horde and that made them move. Without hesitation Arathor took to the sky, swiftly dodging arrows. The troops beneath him ploughed into the goblins without fear. Jim dropped exploding potions onto the goblins once a special enchantment protected the Firosian army. All the while, Kyoya felt somebody was watching him from the shadows. Images of the dragon flashed before his eyes, proving enough of a distraction for an arrow to find his left side waist. Arathor spiralled in the sky, feeling the pain of his rider but he did not crash like the goblins had hoped. Kyoya plucked the arrow from his body and continued to assault the opposing forces. Wyborg forbade Dranzer to watch, keeping the balcony doors closed until the coast was clear. Kyoya's mind was so focussed on burning every last gobbling to ashes he didn't feel a second arrow planting itself in his left calf. Kane and Goki ploughed through the goblins only to have more appear. It was like cutting off the head of a Hydra. In place of one goblin came ten more. For a couple of hours the battle raged. Kyoya was careful about keeping his anger in check, not wanting to cause his fellow battlers a painful death. Just when it looked like the Firos army had been bested, the ground split open and swallowed every last goblin whole. The earth then repaired itself so Arathor landed, jaws crackling with fire. From the half smouldering woods came another army, a Queen at its head astride a large beast.
The creature had a green body, walked using its large gloved claws and bore crystals protruding from its arched back. This strange yet regal beast towered Arathor when the fire Drake approached calmly. The woman riding the beast had shimmering locks of golden hair, eyes sapphire blue. Kyoya couldn't tell what race she was but her troops stood no taller than Arathor's chin. Most wielded hammers or maces but a few owned huge greatswords. Kyoya bowed as best he could, the queenly figure doing the same. "You were expecting us, young Mage?" "Yes o' fine one. We just didn't know when you'd arrive. I regret to say, as fine as your mount is, he will not fit through our gates or doors." The beast snorted at Kyoya's statement while the Mage hauled himself out of the saddle on Arathor's back. He then helped the woman into it. Kyoya listened quietly as she soothed the mighty steed, telling it to be patient. Above the trees Kyoya could see a dragon much like the one in his dream. Unlike Seiryuu this dragon had normal "hands" and large wings. Upon its head were horns of dark teal. "You may bring four people with you to see our Queen and no more I'm afraid." "Understood. You three, with me." The woman pointed her sceptre at three people at the front of the army. For now their faces were covered so Kyoya couldn't see what they looked like. Not caring for his injuries or Arathor's fussing, Kyoya made haste to the castle. Kane followed closely, leaving Goki to take the remainder of the apparent ally army to the secondary barracks.
Dranzer was eager for news, unable to sit still but Wyborg managed to keep her down. They were both relieved when Kyoya came barging into the throne room with the visitors. Kyoya would've addressed Dranzer had Kane's Vulnyon not snatched the arrow from his calf, sending him to the floor yowling in pain. The large cat looked quite concerned, purring as Kane scratched its neck. "It's all right Aiden. He'll come around. My lady." Dranzer paid no attention to Kane, stuck staring at the woman on Arathor. The balcony windows burst open, the winged dragon landing just in the doorway. Upon its back was a red haired green eyed fellow who looked to be in his late teens at best. The new arrival stormed over to Arathor's side when Kane attempted to help the woman to dismount the Drake, shoving him away and offering her his arm. "There now, darling he meant no harm. Try and play nice won't you?" "But…" "No buts. We're not here to cause fights among the overlords." The queenly figure turned once again to Dranzer, her eyes like ice. "I am Strata Dragoon, Queen of Brindtstone. I assume you are the ruler of this country?" "Yes, Lady Strata. I am Queen Dranzer, daughter of King Drenzer and Queen Drinzer." Strata Dragoon seemed to soften when Dranzer tried to stand, setting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Do not strain yourself, young one." Kyoya staggered to his feet, catching sight of somebody in his chair by the throne. It was Yonah. And in her arms was a newborn baby. Max was nearby, his weary face beaming with pride. Completely ignoring Strata Dragoon, he went to meet the new arrival. The child had a mop of Yonah's silver hair and differently coloured blue eyes. The left was more a sky blue, the other like Max's deep blue.
Elric came sprinting into the room and latched onto Kyoya the first chance he got. His guardian Mage however winced in great pain. Elric had clamped onto Kyoya's wounded leg. Whilst trying to steady himself, Kyoya's hand found a strong shoulder next to him. Strata Dragoon's company had removed their helmets. Beside Kyoya was a purple eyed man, his shoulder length hair minty green. His companions were both female and similar in looks. The taller woman had brown skin, long deep purple hair and soft Emerald green eyes. The slightly shorter female had bottom length lilac hair but her eyes and skin were identical to the taller girl. All three of them were stocky with slightly pointed ears. Strata Dragoon took off her helmet, revealing pointier ears and she was taller than those in her army. The green eyed redhead stood to about Strata Dragoon's shoulder. Kyoya met the blue eyes of Strata Dragoon's dragon, knowing it for the one that had spoken to him. "We meet at last, young Mage. I am Gaia Seiryuu. Guardian of Queen Strata Dragoon." "Glad to meet your acquaintance, great one. My name is Kyoya." "Do you think me a fool, child? I see who you really are and I'm sure other beasts can too unless your magic prevents it from being so." Kyoya's face paled and he backed away from Gaia Seiryuu. He'd have to be careful around this dragon, Kyoya knew that much. Arathor and Aiden plodded calmly out of the room to get some rest. Wyborg looked comfortable around the new Queen so Kyoya knew he could trust her.
A day later Kyoya's wounds burned angrily. He'd refused to let a White Mage heal them, claiming that no magic could seal the injuries. The crying of Yonah and Max's baby brought him out of the dream world, cringing at the rush of light from the window. Once fully awake, Kyoya left his room only to be ambushed by Elric. "Take it easy Elric. It's too early for this." "Looks like somebody got out on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Kyoya fixed Freyan with a sharp gaze but the Firosian commander just laughed. "You'll get used to it. I still remember the first few months of Yonah's life. She'd cry almost constantly for mother just to be denied." "Your mother died, didn't she? At least that's what Wyborg told me." Freyan nodded, his blue eyes watching Kyoya as the wounded Mage sat down in nothing but his bed trousers. "It was the day the last war ended. I was here with my brother, ripped from our mom as she struggled to bring Yonah into this world. She needed father by her side but he was out fighting. He and the King lost their lives at the exact same moment Yonah was finally born. Mother held on long enough to place part of her spirit into my brother, giving him some of the powers she possessed. She…died shortly after, her strength spent. What about you, Kyoya? Where are your parents? Your family?" Questioned Mage bowed his head. "Dead. See this crystal?" "Yeah." "It's because of this gem that my village was destroyed. If a person touches it, the stone causes a large destructive radius. One girl who I was quite fond of placed her fingers on its surface and the whole village was rendered to a charred mark on the land." "I…I'm sorry. It must've been horrible." "You never saw the burned corpses of your parents. Mine couldn't be buried."
Later in the mid afternoon, Max and Freyan dragged Kyoya to the bar despite his protests. Some of Strata Dragoon's men were there getting to know the locals and other knights. "You don't understand! Mages and alcohol don't mix!" "Stop being such a baby Kyoya. It'll do you some good." The bartender was happy to see Freyan again but not too pleased about having a wizard in his bar. "No Mages allowed, Freyan." "C'mon Sven. Just one drink won't hurt." Max sat nervously with Kyoya while Freyan went to try and sway the bartender. Over in the far corner Max spied the green haired chap who'd supported Kyoya the day before. "Looks like Aster's already drinking our men under the table." "Poor sods don't know what they're getting themselves into. This is your first time too, isn't it Max?" "That obvious is it? I was never allowed out of the castle back in Hydrozea. Coming here for the first time opened my eyes to the world but I never dared to enter this place. It sounded dangerous. Not only is this my first time in a bar, it'll also be my first time drinking beer." "Well there's one more thing we have in common. Being a Mage means I cannot drink anything intoxicating." "Well unfortunately Freyan is pretty hard headed. Don't worry buddy, you'll be fine." Freyan returned with three flagons of beer, putting one in front of Max and Kyoya each before sitting down with his own. "Freyan I must insist that you don't make me drink this." Freyan didn't answer verbally. He jabbed Kyoya in the ribs with his elbow and muttered something under his breath.
Kyoya exchanged a nervous glance with Max. He took a small sip of the amber/gold fluid. It was enough to make him feel sick but Freyan forced Kyoya to take a bigger swig. Nobody seemed to notice Kyoya hastily vacating the building, his face pale and sickly. Once outside, he vomited in a corner. Kyoya's legs gave way once his stomach was empty but before he could hit the floor, two pairs of hands caught him. "Easy buddy, we've got ya." Looking to his sides, Kyoya identified his "rescuers" as the twin sisters who had accompanied Aster in the throne room. From what he could remember, the older sister was called Syldra, her younger twin went by the name Cryska. They were mildly confused when Kyoya pointed the semi sharp end of his staff at a bucket. "You want that bucket?" With the little strength he had, Kyoya nodded his dizzy head and the younger girl grabbed the desired bucket. Blinking the tears from his eyes, Kyoya tapped his staff on the bucket and it filled with water. The sisters watched worriedly as Kyoya dunked his head into the water, emerging seconds later. A gust of wind dried Kyoya's soggy brown hair, the water discarded into the gutter. When requested, the taller girl helped Kyoya back into the building, leaving her sister behind. "Here ya go. All better. Now, no more ale for you, buddy." Kyoya had no intention of arguing, too weak to hold his head up as it slammed down onto the table. "Hey! No women allowed!" A loud clang drew all eyes to where Aster sat, a humongous hammer at his feet. "You telling me my wife ain't good enough to be in your bar, chump?" "No women allowed." Growled the bartender, his eyes on the dark skinned maiden.
Aster would've said something else, attacked the bartender even, but Kyoya's weary eyes caught sight of some guy hassling the girl outside, sending a bolt of energy to get rid of him. "Leave her alone. She's not interested." His energy now completely spent, Kyoya fell unconscious in his seat between Max and Freyan. "Wimp. Thanks for your help, sweetheart. You'd best go before Sven calls his boys." "It was my pleasure. I'll see you later Honey." Just to annoy Sven more, Aster's wife swung her huge hips as she left the building, thus making all other men swoon over her. A second slam of Aster's heavy hammer ripped all eyes away from the door. Max and Freyan didn't stay much longer, dragging the still unconscious Kyoya back to the castle. Returning home they found Yonah in the sitting room, the baby tucked securely to her breast. Kimi was there too, the Naga at his side. "Freyan what happened?!" "Calm down Yonah. Kyoya just can't handle his liquor is all. Poor bastard passed out after two swigs." "You should know by now that Mages aren't allowed to drink ale and the like. It makes them dangerous." Freyan shrugged Yonah's scolding away, dropping Kyoya onto his bed and left him there. Max was glad to be home, taking the fragile child into his broad arms. How his son looked like his mother. Ventus they'd called him. Yonah was still a bit weak after giving birth but she held strong so not to worry her husband or brother. Svarog never strayed far from Ventus, wanting to protect the little boy from harm.
A week later there was a ball to help Strata Dragoon's men to properly settle and mingle with the Firosian knights. If all went well, Driger, Dragoon and Draciel would be arriving soon, Snowber too. The hall was graced with the sweet sounds of violins as Freyan and Kyoya stood side by side playing the string instruments. Max wasn't blind to the look of jealousy in Tala's eyes whenever the former captain caught sight of Ventus. Nobody expected a familiar Felinian to come bounding over the balcony and into the room. Being a warm day the doors were open. Yonah wasn't sure how to feel when she identified the new arrival as Rei. During his stay, Snowber had explained that Rei's actions were not his own the day he almost raped Yonah. The memory of that discussion was enough to soothe the newly crowned mother as Rei nervously approached her, unsure of how he'd be received. Max didn't appear to mind as Yonah pulled Rei into her arms. The embrace didn't last long no thanks to Driger arriving, slamming one of his hands onto Rei's fuzzy tail. The young prince roared in pain and bolted away from Yonah, claws at the ready. Yonah respectfully bowed her head and Driger did the same, golden eyes spying Ventus in Max's arms. Without a word, Driger moved to greet Dranzer…until he saw Strata Dragoon in the seat beside her. Rei sat at Gaia Seiryuu's feet, seemingly talking with her. Driger eyed Kyoya curiously when the song played came to an end. Elric clung to Kyoya's trousers, frightened of the two humanoid cats that had arrived without warning. Not a few minutes later Dragoon arrived in dragon form with Takao on his back. Hitoshi stayed out on the balcony with his Wyvern just like last time.
Once Takao's feet were on the ground, Dragoon "looked" around the room, sensing Gaia Seiryuu. Dragon couldn't believe what his soundless sonar had picked up, calling for Seiryuu. The blue dragon came gliding in at his master's call, yellow eyes filled with shock at what he saw. Seiryuu approached Gaia eagerly and with equal curiosity, Dragoon on his tail. Next Dragoon saw Lady Strata, bowing to her but she simply glared coldly at him. It confused everyone when Strata Dragoon did not bow back. "I bend knee to no man, King of Drakhma. Your ancestors were particularly cruel to my grandfather so you'll receive no kind words from me." "I cannot apologise enough for what my forefathers did to you and I'll understand if you don't have it in you to forgive them. We are a changed nation now, I promise you." "Then you'd best impress us." Aster's words held no warmth and neither did his purple eyes. "We Dwaelves are not as forgiving as the rest of these fools." "Enough, Aster. But he is right. We do not forgive or forget so easy, young King. I in particular have had a few hundreds years to dwell on the grudge my forefathers left behind." "A few hundred?!" "Yes that's right. I was just a little girl when the 200year war ended. No older than 16. My father came home wounded. When asked, he claimed the Kings of Fiorre and Drakhma had shot him down with arrows and magic when they refused a peace treaty. We'd never been welcome above ground. The old rulers saw us as nothing but slaves to mine their precious gems."
Hearing all Strata Dragoon said disgusted Dragoon, Driger and Dranzer. They had no idea that the former rulers of their countries had been so cold and cruel. Yet Strata Dragoon showed no hostility to Dranzer. Kyoya listened in silence, rubbing Elric's back as the boy shivered in fear. And he quivered for good reason. Driger's eyes were on the boy. Rei had no idea what had gotten into his brother when he tried to attack Elric. A sweep of Kyoya's staff denied the eastern King a blow, eyes flicking between blue and red. Looking closer at Driger, Kyoya noticed black eyes were staring at him and Elric. "You'll be wise to keep your distance. Lady Dranzer tells me you're usually quite nice to children. Yet here you are trying to kill one." Driger tried again only to have a foot connecting with his gut this time. As luck would have it, Snowber came sailing in through the window, Arcta on his back. The long journey to Firos had tired him but he drew enough strength to pin Driger down by the throat, hissing angrily. When Driger's eyes returned to normal, Snowber backed away, setting his blue orbs on Rei. Nobody was blind to the curve of Arcta's stomach, especially Dranzer. "Rei…you'd better run. If Snowber is anything like his dad he'll rip you to pieces." Rei did try to flee but Snowber was faster, catching hold of the price's tail. Arcta couldn't stand to see Rei get hurt, trying to pull her father away. "Daddy stop it! Leave him alone!" Arcta squealed as Snowber's claw came around towards her but it did not make contact. The mountain marquis stood staring at his winged arm. Rei had bitten him to try and protect Arcta, his pearly white fangs now stained with blood. With much struggle, Freyan was able to remove Rei from Snowber's arm.
There was no warmth in Snowber's eyes as he stood tall and human. Driger wasn't sure how to take the discovery of a pregnant Arcta, especially when Rei moved to embrace her. Rage was the first thing to cross his mind but he could never hurt Rei. His brother was of age for adult love and it warmed Driger to see his brother smiling. Accidents happen all the time, at least that's what Driger believed. Snowber had feared that Rei would abandon Arcta but there he sat with the baroness in his arms. Seeing his daughter accepted soothed his anger, now feeling the pain of Rei's fangs. Dranzer had to admit, Snowber took after her uncle all right. Always jumping to conclusions and very easy to anger. Once calm, he was dragged off by Wyborg to have his arm cleaned up. Kyoya kept a close eye on Driger as the King once again had his sights on Elric. "I'm warning you, stay back or I'll make a fur coat out of you." Driger took poorly to the threat, lunging towards Kyoya but a tail slammed into his gut. Dragoon had seen enough of Driger's behaviour, nostrils flaring. "That's enough Driger! Why do you seek to harm that innocent little boy?!" "Can you not sense it, Dragoon? That boy is not human!" "You're getting senile Driger. There's nothing wrong with the boy." Kyoya spared a moment to look down at Elric, finding proof of Driger's claim. In his arms sat a frightened fluffy red rabbit. "E-Elric?" Large gold eyes looked up fearfully into Kyoya's blue orbs. "Y-You're a Shapeshifter…" With renewed determination Driger tried again to reach Elric.
A small explosion sent Driger barrelling across the room. Kyoya stood with his staff pointed at the King, a red aura around his body and eyes dark purple. Dragoon muttered something to Dranzer and she sent Wyborg to fetch somebody. "I warned you to stay back! How can your people be sure it was a Shapeshifter who killed King Dregger?! This child was orphaned at the roots of an Ent by folk not of this country! Do you think for even a second, that I'd let you touch a single hair on his head?! He's just a child! Elric has done nothing wrong! You don't know what it's like to be alone. If you try to attack Elric again I'll kill you!" Dranzer knew Kyoya would hold to his threat, trying to find a way of calming the Mage before somebody else got hurt. Rei did what he could to soothe Driger's rage, pitying the child his country had orphaned. He and Driger still had their mother but Elric had no parents to speak of. Before the situation could escalate, Seaborg pinned Driger between his hefty foot and the stone floor. "I'll second that, Kyoya. Nobody knows who killed the former King of Xian. It's wrong to just point a finger at one race and exterminate them. Now, either you can calm down or I'll turn you into a fur coat myself." Driger had no choice now, huffing angrily in defeat. Upon close inspection, Aster released his grip on the handle of his hammer. He no doubt took poorly to somebody attacking a child. Wyborg returned a few short minutes before somebody else. Freyan wanted to believe he was dreaming, blinking and rubbing at his eyes. In the doorway stood Hiromi wearing a very pretty dress. She caught sight of Freyan for a brief moment before Kyoya and Elric snatched her attention away.
Elric was back to normal now but still feared the pinned King. Gold and Ruby collided, memories dashing before them. In the blink of an eye, Hiromi was beside the boy in her Tegual form. Kyoya respectfully took a few steps back, trying not to put too much pressure on his wounded leg. The smug smile on Dragoon's now human face told Dranzer all she needed to know. Hiromi was Elric's big sister and only living relative. Driger and Rei were left speechless at the appearance of a Tegual and that it was the girl from Drakhma. Strata Dragoon paid very little attention, more interested in the sewing apparatus in her hands. "Little brother. Thank heavens you're safe. But…where is mother?" Hiromi turned to Kyoya, pity showing in his eyes. "I'm sorry. Your mother was killed in the Whispering Woods some way up north. Before I arrived, Elric was being looked after by an Ent. Since then I've been Elric's guardian." Hiromi should've known her mother was dead. Elric being in the care of a stranger was enough of a hint. "I see. Those monsters got to her. I guess I should thank you, human. You took my brother under your wing without question. If only this world had more souls like you in it. Then we'd never have to hide in fear. And…I would never be the last of my kind. It falls on my shoulders to keep the Tegual race alive." Hiromi looked now to Freyan who stood guard beside Yonah. Without a word he moved to coil around Hiromi and Elric, his blue coat shimmering. Most who saw the spectacle softened as Serendin and Tegual nuzzled each other lovingly.
What will Hiromi do now? Will she and Freyan try for a child of their own? Where is Draciel? And what will Strata Dragoon make of him?
I'd like to think I'm the first to mix elven and dwarven blood but it's possible somebody may have beaten me to it. Dwaelves have the physicality of dwarves but their elven blood grants them some magical talent too. Only the royal family of this race can transform into a beast. I'm still thinking what Strata Dragoon's beast form will be. Bonus points if you can figure out how Daichi is related to her!