Ancient Legacy
Chapter 25
"Our cosmos, with all its stars and wonders, is just one of countless other like it, each one unique in its own way. However, the number have decreased over the eons, due to one single entity. Those who serve it refer to it as 'Master' or 'Mistress', those who suffer because of it call it 'Death god', 'Chaos bringer' or 'World eater', we know it as the 'Evil One'. An ancient entity that came to our cosmos to consume it, both physically and spiritually, like many before.
Fighting against it were the spirits of life, possibly its light counterparts from different cosmoses. While they were unable to defeat the Evil One, they succeeded in imprisoning it, sealing it away with while its powers slowly diminishes.
The prison itself exists on a spiritual plane and is impossible to enter or exit, unless you find the key. The key was needed to open a portal into the prison, without it it would not have been possible to trap the Evil One, but if the key against all odds would be destroyed, the Evil One would be freed. Even though that would require a being with power on the same scale as those who made it, those of lesser power can still use the key. Thus, it was hidden away on this very world you call home.
Before the spirits of light left, they created my ancestors to safeguard the key and this world. They made sure we knew of the key and its purpose, but they never told us where it was hidden. As time passed, your ancestors and we formed bonds and we attempted to guide them, to help them live in harmony with nature and each other. Times were good, but they did not last.
When the Evil One was imprisoned, the forces that followed it, demons, scattered to the winds. Small groups and lone individuals went of on their own while others turned to infighting, but one group, the largest one, stayed loyal and searched the stars to find their master, and they found us.
The war that broke out was horrible, we fought to the best of our abilities but they overwhelmed us with sheer numbers. Many of my kin gave their lives to protect both the key and the mortals that we cared about, and many of the mortals took up arms themselves to help us. But, despite their courage, one scratch from the demons was all that was needed to end a mortals life.
As the war continued and our numbers dwindled, some of us, including myself, gathered to find a way to stop the demons. I suggested that we should grant our mortal allies a portion of our power to even the odds, but the others did not agree.
Instead they created a protective sphere around the world, that repelled the invaders and prevented them from returning. The war was over but it came at a high price, many dragons had lost their lives to the demons and those that made the sphere were also gone, I was the last dragon alive. The energy we use for our magic could be considered the blood of our souls, and while it does replenish, we die if we use too much. They poured their very essence into the sphere, sacrificing their lives to stop the demons.
Sadly, their sacrifice was in vain. The sphere was flawed and would not last forever, as time passed it would weaken, allowing demons to pass through, if only in small numbers. I noticed this and began working on my own solution, that which became the well you stand before now. After writing tablets in the various tongues of mortals and giving them to the largest tribes and villages, I returned here. I hoped that the instructions on the tablets would allow the descendants to find this place and receive the power needed to fight the demons once they returned. But it seems that that plan did not survive the test of times.
Unknowing of that, I created the well to imbue any mortal who would drink of it with a small portion of a dragons power. Strength, fast healing, immunity to the demon taint, longevity and the ability to use our magic as well as to understand our language and knowledge of the past. A side-effect I discovered was the transformation of ones body into a more dragon-like form, an effect that I thought would be beneficial to the future.
I was so absorbed in my work, that I even failed to notice that I had used far too much energy, only once it was too late, did I take notice. By binding my spirit to this place, I hoped to guide the future warriors onto the right path at least once more, as I could not finish the enchantment of the well properly, thus your forms are part of different animals instead of dragons." Thaenia once again let her gaze sweep across the mutants before her.
"But I see that one of you have received the body I hoped to give all of you, are there any more?" she said looking at Tyroth.
"No, I'm the only one." he answered "Does that make any difference?"
"Maybe. Have you noticed anything that set you apart from the others?"
"I have. Strange dreams and memories about the demons, some kind of energy that I can use and your language."
"And no one else have any of these abilities?" Tyroth shook his head. "Then you have become the only one that could summon me, the chosen one if you so wish. May I ask your name?"
"Like the rest here in Mutopia, I've changed my name after I transformed. Now I call myself Tyroth."
"It seems that the memories have been with you since that day. Your name is very similar to that of a dragon who fought the demons. He was called Tyrath the Brave, and I can see in your eyes that you have a similar personality as well."
"Not to interrupt, but I think you've gone off topic." said Leo.
"Yes, you are right, my apologies."
"So, let me get this straight. Instead of getting a new life, we've been conscripted to fight these demons?" said Kate.
"Sadly yes. My intentions were to have volunteers, that knew of the consequences, drink of the well. I will not, however, force you to fight this war, that is your decision, and yours alone."
"Well, count me in." said Tyroth with a determined voice. "This world is our home and I'm not gonna let these creeps take it. Power or no power, I'm not giving it up without a fight."
"That goes for me too." said Sephie.
"And us." said Sarah with the rest of the Knights nodding.
"And what say you?" Thaenia asked the five ninja. Looking amongst themselves, they came to an agreement without saying a word.
"We're in." said Leo "The demons must be stopped. But we might need a little more help."
"If it is within my powers, then you shall have it."
"You see, " Donnie started "we haven't gained our bodies from the wells magic, so we're not immune to the taint. While we're resistant, and I've managed to make an antidote, if you could make us immune as well, that would really help."
"So, despite being vulnerable you still intend to fight. Your courage is admirable, however, I am afraid that I do not have enough energy left for such a feat, but there may be another way. Young Tyroth has the same energy as I do, if he has enough all he requires is guidance to learn how to do so. If he is willing to learn."
"You needn't even ask." Tyroth replied.
"Then we should start as soon as possible. Do any of you have any questions, or have I made myself clear enough?"
"You have been very clear, but I do have one question." said Splinter "You said that you do not know where the key is, but do you have any idea of where it might be?"
"If I were to guess, I would say that it was hidden somewhere where we could reach it, if necessary. Most likely deep within underground caves."
"A bit vague, at least it's good to know that we don't have to search the core." said Donnie.
All of a sudden, Thaenias form faded for a few seconds before returning to its more corporeal state.
"It seems that I can not remain much longer, there is no more time for questions. If I am to teach Tyroth how to use our magic, it must be done soon. I must ask the rest of you to leave us alone."
"We understand." said Splinter, to which George nodded. Distractions could be disastrous when it comes to the arcane.
Sephie remained as the others started to move. She walked over to Tyroth.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked.
"I am, love. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Okay. Just be careful all the same." They shared a kiss before Sephie left with the others.
"She means a lot to you, does she not?" said Thaenia.
"More than anything else. But if your time is short, we need to focus."
"Then let us begin."
And so ends this chapter. The origins of the well and the demons interconnect and Tyroth is schooled in ancient dragon magic. Let's hope he can master it to some degree at least.