Disclaimer: I don't own claymore. It all belongs to its original creator

Chapter 18: Princes of Nebula

The grand coliseum - City of Urda

Two dragonkin warriors face off, wearing only the most minimum armor and with swords on both hands. One had distinctive red hair that grow like the sun and the other sports a scar that run through his left eye. Their faces covered with soot and eyes filled with determination. The red hair man jump high into the air to bring down a powerful blow which the other one easily evaded. It was then followed by some flashes of light to reflect the speed of their movements even as they try to land a deadly blow on the other. Their muscle slowly bulges as they struggle to maintain their human form even while swinging to their opponent at every opportunity. Though they know they could, it was really a test of self-control and endurance.

While those 2 men fiercely face each other, an audience gathered around them. They were all male trainees under the house of Nebula. Warriors who have pledge themselves to their master and to the grandeur of their house. They may have lost the previous war but they certainly take pride of what their heritage and none have more pride for his name then First Prince Ragu. He is also the half-brother of Derik. As such, they share the same physical features of messy black hair and slanted eyes. However, unlike Derik, Ragu exude a sense of authority and has no compassion whatsoever for anyone beneath him. He only respect power though there were few instances in the past when he recognized a human for his use or honor. Yet, rarely does he encounter a despicable person that he could not get rid of. One such person he despised was a strange human who now casually stands behind him.

Both human and dragon prince looks on at the duel and watch the battle go on with no care whatsoever on who is the final victor. Though this strange man carefully stands behind him, Prince Ragu noted that he could not even smell the scent of fear that ordinary humans reek of whenever a fierce battle happens before them. It seems that Rubel is use to such a scene.

"First a fire that lead to Prince Darius' comatose. Now, Lady Diana's death due to premature awakening. It seems that a lot of… interesting activities …. happening in your area." Prince Ragu finally spoke though he did not even spare Rubel a glance.

"Oh. It really is nothing to be concerned of. After all, the house of Nebula is the strongest house in terms of brute strength. Your defeat was only caused by the betrayal of one general."

"Hmph. And I supposed you want me to believe that you are loyal?"

"No, of course note." Rubel smirk. "I would not be so foolish to believe that you find me trustworthy. After all, I am nothing more but a mere messenger."

"A very unfortunate arrangement…" Prince Ragu frowned with displeasure.

"If that is how you feel, then why am I still alive?"

"You know why." Prince Ragu finally turn to face Rubel with his hands firmly gripping his staff. Rubel knows that unless he delivers something interesting, his head is as good as lost - but not today. Do you have anything worthy of my time?"

"Prince Darius was having secret meetings with the dragonkin elders. They were trying to find ways to effectively seal your movements to avoid any future war that is. This document is a copy of their original agreement. Ironically, the latest string of events has benefitted you. One could even wonder… could the culprit, be you?"

Prince Ragu couldn't help but sneer at the sudden twist of the conversation. He glared daggers at Rubel for a few second but then broke out into laughter. "HAHAHHAHAHA! If I did, you would not live this place alive."

"But you didn't." Rubel coolly responded. "Moreover, you did not know of their plans until today. So I supposed that someone else is doing this – a new enemy per say. The elders now suspect that this people have the power that can force dragonkins like you to go berserk. Of course, this are all just speculations right now but recent events have given support to such theories. For now, the elders have ordered a full investigation into the security breach from the last attack while ordering that securities in every major city to be tightened. My prince, now is certainly not the time for you to act rashly."

"Do not presume to lecture me human!" Ragu raised his voice to Rubel. "I have no intention to start a war I cannot win. Besides, a power that can affect or even control my kind is indeed dangerous."

"I am pleased to see that you are wise. Your father will surely select you as his successor."

"Hmph. Anything else?"

"Just a personal message from derange old man. Do not think too highly of yourself or you will die. If you have no more need of me, I shall take my leave."

Prince Ragu did not even acknowledge Rubel's departure. He simply stared on as the two warriors battle it out at the arena. His thoughts lingered on to the possible outcome of the last attack. He looked on beyond the horizon and wandered if perhaps his clan is only made for war.

Lake of towers – House of Nebula personal quarters

Prince Derik pounded his fist repeatedly on the tiled floor until he could literally feel his bones crack. His frustration boiling over due to the recent events that could have been prevented if only he had not insisted on going to his mother's hometown. Now all he can feel was a deep sense of regret. How could he had allowed this to happen? Derik could only fume at his error. Tears beginning to well up in his eyes as well. According to the laws, he should have left already for the city of Urda but decided to stay longer due to his guilt. He wanted to at least help comfort the family of the victims but they only lashed at him in anger. Now, he is overwhelmed by a great sense of remorse and he can only elevate it by self-inflicted pain. Suddenly, he could feel someone standing beside him. He turned around and to his surprise saw Lady Uma standing with apple cake on her hands. She silently offered it up to him.

Typically, he would have ignored such gesture but he felt compelled to accept her gift. At the very least, he can ask her first hand on what exactly happened. Thus, Prince Derik found himself in the garden having teas with Lady Uma. The awkward silence stretch between them and he does not know how to start exactly start the conversation. However, it was Uma who finally broke the silence.

"It is not your fault. If you have known about the attack you would have never suggested that we go, … so please don't feel so bad." Umastated while obviously trying not to stare at the prince.

"…. Thank you. But the burden is still mine to bear."

The silence lingered on but Prince Derik finally took the courage to stare straight to Lady Uma and asks her plainly about what happened. Lady Uma only stare back at him with an expression he could not understand. It felt like she wanted to say something but couldn't. She then went on to explain that they fought off an invisible monster but then something strange happened afterward.

"I don't know how to describe it. I think that we somehow fell into a dream."

"A dream?"

"A strange dream, where you feel you need to remember what the dream is like and yet I could not describe it in words."

"Could it be, that someone tried to control you as well? Like Lady Diana?"

"Hmm.. No, I don't think so but… it feels strange and yet very familiar. As if I've met that skeleton- man – whatever it is, before and somehow I forgot about him."

"I don't understand."

"So do I…. But." Lady Uma finally look at Prince Derik. "I do know that you are innocent. So… don't let this get to you."

Derik could only blush at Lady Uma's words. Somehow, her words comforted him and he can only nod in agreement to her request. "I'll try."

TBC

Finally back after sometime. However, I have decided to take this one chapter at a time.

So there is now no specific direction since I have no idea how far I can take this. As always, please review.