Healing Hearts Chapter 26

The Dragon Kingdom-Stormtop Village...

"A dragon," Sally exclaimed. "That's the problem you mentioned?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Li Yuen said calmly.

"You could have mentioned that a little sooner," Austin said.

The dragon had wasted no time. The second it landed, it began spewing fire in every direction. The grass was reduced to ashes and the ponds sizzled. The dragon steadily began to make it's way in their direction.

"Dragon or not, we have to stop it," Ken said.

"Agreed," Austin replied, drawing his sword. "Sally, stay here with Li Yuen and Li Moon."

He charged from the house and ran towards the oncoming behemoth. Above him, Ken swooped through the air on a golden cloud.

"I didn't realize you could fly," Austin called up.

"There's a lot I'm capable of," Ken replied. "Like this, for example."

He raised his staff and a bolt of lightning struck the dragon. The beast halted, stunned by the sudden attack. Shaking it's head, it roared angrily and shot a ball of fire at Ken. He dodged out of the way and swooped around for another strike. While the dragon was occupied with Ken, Austin moved in and took it by surprise. His sword lashed out and struck at the creature's scaly foot. The dragon howled as one of it's talons was sheared off. Turning, it snapped at Austin. The Edenian lept back away from the creature's jaws. Above, another bolt of lightning struck. The dragon staggered and Austin attacked with his Sonic Wave ability. The green energy waves slammed into the dragon, causing it to rear back and stumble. As it flailed about, it's tail whipped through the air and caught Ken. He fell off his cloud and crashed to the ground. Austin rushed over to check on him. Upon reaching him, he knelt down and saw Ken was alright.

"Unh," Ken groaned. "I'm fine. Just stop that thing before it destroys everything."

Austin nodded and turned back towards the dragon. It was slumped on the ground, still trying to recover from their combined attacks. Austin walked over towards it and raised his sword, ready to strike. Then, he lashed downwards... His arm halted. Confused, Austin strained to bring his sword down, but some force held his arm at bay. Then he saw his blade was glowing blue. It was stopping him. It didn't want him to strike. Austin turned his attention back to the dragon and saw it gazing at him. For a moment, both Edenian and dragon locked eyes, and he saw something in the creature's gaze: sadness, anger, and pleading.

"Why are you hesitating," Ken yelled. "Finish it!"

Austin stared into the dragon's eyes. He didn't have much affinity with dragons as Allen did, but he recognized those emotions all too well.

"I understand," he said.

The sword ceased to glow. Then Austin lowered his arm and sheathed his weapon. The dragon staggered to it's feet and then launched itself into the air, disappearing into the night sky. At that moment, Sally and the others arrived, Sally supporting Ken.

"Why did you let it go," Ken demanded. "You had a clear shot!"

"I couldn't," Austin said, gazing up into the sky. "My sword stopped me."

"Your sword stopped you," Ken asked, incredulously. "You mean you froze up!"

"No," Austin replied. He turned to face them. "My sword has a unique power. Almost like it has a living presence. It halted my strike."

"Are you serious," Ken said. "That thing tried to destroy this place and was trying to kill us! And you just let it go!"

"Ken, calm down," Sally said. "I'm sure Austin had a good reason for hesitating. Or, rather, his sword had a good reason." She looked at Austin. "What exactly happened, Austin?"

"Like I said, my sword prevented me from striking," Austin replied. "I saw into that dragon's eyes. It seemed upset about something. And, for a moment, it looked like it was pleading for help. I know it sounds crazy..."

"It is crazy," Ken said.

"Ken," Sally snapped.

"I think the Edenian is on to something," Li Yuen spoke up. "I, too, feel something is upsetting the dragon. Until now, we've coexisted with it for many years."

"You knew about this dragon even before the attacks began," Sally asked.

"Yes," Li Yuen replied. "It has lived in the mountains for many centuries. My ancestors formed a pact with the dragon. So long as we left it in peace, it would leave us in peace. But now, something has broken the trust between it and our village."

"You might have mentioned this earlier, elder," Ken said. "Why didn't you share your thoughts on this matter?"

"I wasn't entirely certain, Ken," Li Yuen said. "It was mostly just a hunch. However, Austin has confirmed my suspicions."

"So, we need to figure out just what's causing the dragon to attack in the first place," Sally mused. "But, how? I don't suppose it could tell us, could it?"

"In it's present state, probably not," Li Yuen said. "A dragon's anger is quite fierce. And in it's anger, it won't be so reasonable."

"Any idea how we can find it," Austin asked.

"Perhaps I can be of service."

Everyone present turned to see a chameleon materialize out of nowhere.

"Espio," Austin exclaimed.

"No. I am not Espio," the chameleon replied. "Though he and I are both of the Shinobi Clan."

"One of the Four Ruling Houses," Sally said. "Did the Bride of Constant Vigil send you?"

"She did," the chameleon said. "She extends an invitation to you, Princess Sally." He glanced at Austin. "And to your consort, as well."

"Good," Sally said. "We needed to speak with her as it is. We will come with you."

The chameleon nodded and pulled out two blindfolds. "First, you will need these. Our lair is a secret, after all."

"Great. This again," Austin said, taking the blindfold.

Ken approached the chameleon. "Am I to attend as well?"

"My apologies," the chameleon said. "But the invitation was only for the Princess and her consort. I'm afraid you will have to wait here for their return."

Ken sighed. "Okay, fine. But nothing had better happen to Sally."

"Your concern for the Princess is admirable, but hardly necessary," the chameleon replied. "She will come to no harm. Neither of them will."

"We'll be fine, Ken," Sally assured him. "This isn't the first time I've met with one of the Four Brides."

Placing their blindfolds on, Sally and Austin stood there, ready to depart. Two more chameleons appeared and took hold of their arms and led them away. As they left, Ken watched, wishing he could accompany them. Despite Sally being with someone else, he still felt protective. But, he also had to remember she was strong and capable of helping herself. Still, though...

For what seemed like hours, Austin felt the chameleon's grip on his arm leading him. With the blindfold on, he had no idea where they were, but after a while, he noticed subtle changes in their surroundings. The ground became rough and rocky, and the air was damp, with hardly a breeze stirring. He heard a tell tale drip, signifying water dropping from above. And then there were the echoes. Austin concluded that they had entered an underground cavern.

"Stop. You may remove your blindfolds now," their guide's voice said.

Austin reached up and pulled the blindfold off. Sure enough, just as he suspected, they were in a cavern. It was very dim and they found themselves standing on a ledge overlooking a long drop into a vast, black pit. Across from them, another ledge awaited, along with an opening leading, no doubt, to another section of the cave. Austin turned towards his guide and noticed the two that had helped to lead them here were gone. Only their guide remained.

"Across from here, is the entrance to our master's chamber," the chameleon explained. "You must cross the chasm to reach her. And you must do so on your own."

With that, he vanished, fading into the shadows and leaving Austin and Sally alone.

"So all we have to do is get across," Austin asked. "Shouldn't be a problem."

"If you're thinking about flying, don't," Sally said. "There are traps hidden above us. We have to get across using the hidden trail."

Austin gazed at the chasm before them. No matter how hard he squinted, he couldn't make out any path leading to the other side.

"These Shinobi guys really know how to hide things," he said. "Sally, you said you've been here before, do you remember the path?"

"Unfortunately, no," Sally said. "That was a while back and I never memorized the way." She smiled. "But, there is a trick to this. Notice all the sand and dust at our feet?"

Austin nodded. "I get it. We use that to reveal the path. Move back, I have an idea."

Both Sally and Austin stepped back. Austin's wings sprouted and he spread them to their maximum length.

"What are you doing," Sally asked.

"Watch," Austin replied.

With a mighty whoosh, Austin's wings flapped, creating a strong gust of wind. The dirt flew out over the chasm, some disappearing into the darkness, but some remaining in thin air. The path had been revealed. Austin's wings vanished and he turned to Sally, grinning.

"Ta-da," he proclaimed, bowing with dramatic flourish. "I give you the path."

Sally smiled. Reaching up, she kissed him on the cheek. "I'm really glad you did come with me on this journey. Come on. Let's go meet the Bride of Constant Vigil."

A few moments later, they arrived in a vast chamber. A long green carpet lay at their feet, leading towards a throne. Seated on the throne was a female chameleon, with purple skin and dressed in a lite green silk outfit. She sat with a regal bearing and gazed at her two visitors calmly.

"Welcome back, Princess Sally," Constant Vigil greeted, her voice cool and soft. She turned her gaze upon Austin. "And welcome, Austin, prince of the kingdom of Edena, and chosen champion of the Mother Goddess."

Austin stared in surprise. "How did..."

"I know quite a bit about you, Austin," she replied. "My clan sees and hears all. And, of course, you've met Espio. Naturally he sent word to me about you. I've been expecting you and the Princess."

"I see," Austin said. He was impressed. The Shinobi were indeed well informed. "Then no doubt, you know why we're here."

Constant Vigil nodded. "You seek the Sword of Acorn. Or, rather, a clue to it's whereabouts."

"That's right," Sally said. "My Father left a clue that pointed us here. It said the Four Brides would know."

"Unfortunately, I do not know of any clue to lead you to the sword," Constant Vigil said. "Nor do any of the other clans."

Sally felt her hopes suddenly dashed. To have come all this way and find nothing.

"With all due respect, Milady," Austin spoke up. "You're not being entirely honest with us."

Constant Vigil's eyes narrowed. "I beg your pardon."

"I have a sense of knowing when someone's not telling the truth, or in this case, the entire truth," Austin replied. "You do know something, you're just not being totally up front with us. But then, that shouldn't surprise me. The Shinobi are all about secrecy. From your hidden lair, to the traps and invisible path, and even your guards watching us."

Constant Vigil raised her eyebrow. "You knew they were there?"

"I can sense them," Austin said. "They can hide themselves well, but I can still feel their presence. Now, I want to know, why aren't you telling us everything?"

Constant Vigil smiled slightly. "You are quite perceptive. Very well, I'll tell you. I know full well how powerful the Sword of Acorn is and I know what would happen should it fall into the wrong hands. It should remain hidden."

"That's not for you to decide," Austin said. "That sword is Sally's birthright. You have no right to deny her the information she seeks."

"The information was entrusted to me, therefore, it is mine to do with as I see fit," Constant Vigil replied. "That sword is too dangerous. I would recommend abandoning your search."

"Do you believe Sally's not worthy to have the sword," Austin demanded.

"On the contrary," Constant Vigil replied. "I feel she is worthy of it. It is other people that concern me."

"No one else knows of the sword's power," Sally insisted. "With the exception of you."

"You'd be surprised at how many people are privy to that knowledge," Constant Vigil said. "Were you not ambushed during your search, shortly before arriving in the Dragon Kingdom?"

"Well...yes, we were," Austin admitted. "But that was just..."

"A coincidence," Constant Vigil interrupted. "I think not. Someone else is after the sword, Princess. The ones who attacked you may not have known what you were seeking, but did it ever occur to you they may have been following orders?"

Both Austin and Sally were silent. They couldn't deny that what the Bride said had some merit to it.

"There are many in this world who crave power," Constant Vigil spoke up, breaking the silence. "It is an ever growing hunger, almost an obsession. And they would do anything to secure that power. You know what I say is true, Princess. You've seen your share of power-mad individuals, have you not?"

Sally nodded. Robotnik wasn't the only one who sought power. There had been others: Enerjak, Mammoth Mogul, Ixis Naugus, Dr. Finitivus, just to name a few. Was it possible one of them was shadowing her and Austin in hopes of claiming the sword for themselves? And if so, she could see why Constant Vigil was being cautious. Should any of them get the sword, it would be even worse than Robotnik getting his hands on it.

"You're right," Sally said, her voice heavy with sorrow. "It's too risky."

Austin stared at her in surprise. "Sally! You're not really giving up, are you?"

"What she says is correct, Austin," Sally replied. "If someone really is after the sword besides us, then we should just let it stay hidden."

"But," Austin protested.

"Austin, please," Sally said. "Unlike your weapon, the Sword of Acorn can be wielded by anyone. I don't have the luxury of a fail-safe. If someone evil gets their hands on that sword, then it's all over. And, hard as it may be to believe, there are some out there way worse then Robotnik. Some are almost godlike. I can't take any chances."

Austin stood quietly, then he nodded. "I understand. I'm sorry, Sally. We came all this way..."

Sally embraced him. She looked up and smiled at him, despite the tears filling her eyes. "It's alright. We made it this far without the sword and we can do alright without it. Maybe it's for the best."

Austin hugged her tightly. "If that's what you want, then I'll support your decision."

Sally turned to Constant Vigil. "Thank you for your time, Constant Vigil. At the very least, can you give us any information regarding the dragon?"

Constant Vigil nodded. "That I can do. The dragon isn't attacking out of malice. It's searching...for her young."

"Her...young," Sally exclaimed.

"Indeed," Constant Vigil replied. "The dragon is a mother, and something happened to her eggs. Someone took them."

"Of course," Austin spoke up. "That's what that look in her eyes was all about. She's sad and angry because she lost her children. And she must have been begging for help to find them. I can only imagine how much pain she must be in."

"Who has her eggs," Sally asked.

"It seems the Yagyu Clan has them," Constant Vigil replied. "No doubt looking to sell them for riches. Dragon eggs fetch a handsome price on the market."

"Unbelievable," Austin growled. "The greed of some people. Where can we find the Yagyu Clan?"

"You mean to attack them," Constant Vigil asked.

"I'll try to be diplomatic," Austin said. "But I make no promises."

Constant Vigil nodded. She gestured and a chameleon appeared, bearing a scroll. He handed it to Sally.

"That map will lead you to the Yagyu Clan," Constant Vigil explained. "I urge you to be cautious. The Yagyu are a sly bunch and not to be trusted. Don't turn your back on them."

Austin and Sally bowed to her. "Thank you," Sally said. "Hopefully we can resolve this with very little trouble."

They turned to leave when Constant Vigil called out to Sally.

"Princess, for what it's worth, I am sorry," she said. "I truly believe you to be worthy of the sword."

She watched them exit the throne room, escorted by their guide from earlier. After they were gone, she withdrew a small box from behind her throne. The lid had the royal seal of Acorn on it. "Now, more than ever, I believe you are worthy," she whispered.

Stormtop Village...

Ken paced anxiously, stopping now and then to scan the area. It had been several hours since Austin and Sally had departed with the Shinobi Clan and still they weren't back. He wondered if everything was going alright. As he resumed his pacing, he also checked the skies, watching for any sign of the dragon. So far the beast had yet to return, but he felt they had not seen the last of it. Hopefully, Sally would uncover some information on how to stop it. His thoughts wandered to his conversation with her earlier regarding her relationship with Austin. He had felt crushed and even a little mad. While he wasn't the type to pick up someone on the rebound, he had hoped that maybe he might have had a chance to start over with Sally. But, it seemed Fate had other ideas.

"I just can't mope about it forever," he murmured. "And I can't hold it against either of them. Sally would never forgive me if I acted like a jerk towards Austin. He never even knew."

At that moment, he looked up and saw Austin and Sally making their way towards the village.

"Li Moon! Li Yuen," he called. "They're back!" He rushed forward to meet them halfway.

"Hey, Ken," Sally greeted. "Were you waiting here this whole time?"

"Uh, well, okay, yes, I was," he stammered.

"That's sweet of you," Sally said, smiling.

"Ahem. So, how did your meeting with the Shinobi Clan go," he asked.

Austin and Sally exchanged a brief glance and then Sally spoke up. "We know what's going on with the dragon," she said. "It seems the Yagyu Clan stole her eggs."

"Her? You mean, the dragon's a female," Ken asked in surprise.

"That's right," Austin said. "She's attacking because her babies are missing. An angry mother is a force to be reckoned with."

"That's for sure," Ken agreed. "

So, that is what troubles the dragon."

They saw Li Moon and Li Yuen walking towards them.

"I'm afraid so," Sally said. "We have to find those eggs before the dragon returns."

"But if the Yagyu have the eggs," Ken said. "That means going after the entire clan. It'll be dangerous."

"Austin and I will try to bargain with them," Sally said.

"And if they don't' cooperate," Ken asked. "What then?"

"Plan B," Sally said.

"And what's Plan B," Ken asked.

"Beat the living daylights out of them," Austin replied.

Ken glanced at him, momentarilly surprised. Then he grinned. He had never really cared for the Yagyu Clan, or their current leader. And he definitely liked Austin's idea.

"Allow me to go with you," he offered. "If a fight does break out, I'd like to be there to help."

Sally glanced at Austin and he nodded. "Alright, Ken," Sally said. "We'd be honored to have you at our side."

Ken smiled. "Thank you."

"If you're going to speak with the Yagyu Clan, be cautious," Li Yuen said.

"The Bride of Constant Vigil already warned us," Sally said. "We'll be careful."

"By the way," Ken said. "Did you find out anything regarding the sword?"

Sally immediately turned towards the spot where the Tornado was parked. "We should get going," she said. "The dragon could return at anytime."

Ken looked confused. He glanced at Austin questioningly.

"Don't ask," he said. "Not right now, anyway. Let's focus on the Yagyu Clan first."

He walked off to join Sally, leaving Ken to wonder just what had happened in the Shinobi Clan's lair.

End of Chapter 26...