AN: To whoever managed to read up to this point in a day, gotta say kudos to you. I certainly wouldn't be able to do that lol. But that must mean it's a good story though right?! Thanks for the reviews!
Had a bit of trouble with this chapter. Seemed a bit too OOC to me so I had to re-write it a few times. Don't really know how else to change it though. Let me know what you guys think.
TIME FOR THE PROPHECY! (FINALLY)
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of the characters. Just the random plot bunnies that my mind creates.
Chapter Warnings: Language (as usual bad Gary!), Ash freaking out, some religion (sorta? depends on how you look at it) pretty light chapter overall, mostly explaining some stuff
Pairing: Ash x Gary
Chapter 36 – Prophecy
Anger burns deep in Gary's belly as he watches the silent man leave the room. How fucking dare he? To sprout all that shit about being a soldier so we could relate to him and then that shit with his wife. I mean she was a RIDER! To have a famous soldier turned Rider for a father and a Rider for a mother...No one would be able to take that well, especially one who was raised to hate the Riders to begin with.
Sudden silence, devoid of the shrieking of Ash's heart monitor, immediately pulls his gaze away from the door. Anger sputtering away to give way to his rising panic. Flashes of Ash laying in front of him on the roof without a heartbeat invade his vision.
Gary takes a deep breath to calm his nerves when he sees the small device, previously attached to the raven's finger monitoring his heart rate, sitting innocently on the rumpled sheets. Ash paces quickly around the room muttering to himself, having obviously taken the sensor off since it limited his movement.
Green eyes follow his partner's pacing as he watches silently. Ash's arms wrap around his own naked torso in a protective gesture as the raven stops suddenly. Brown eyes are blown wide as sharp, harsh pants fill the air.
Gary leaps to his feet and crosses the small room in just a few steps. He wraps his arms around the smaller teen's bare waist and pulls him into his chest. Tightening the embrace at the feel of the quivering muscles in front of him, Gary waits for his partner to calm down. Offering silent support until Ash finally lets everything sink in.
"Let it out Ash." Gary whispers. "I won't leave like he did."
Ash stills in his arms. His words seems to have immediately soothed whatever was causing the raven to shake. Tan forehead burying into his soldier, Gary feels a slight puff of air brush against his chest as Ash sighs loudly. He runs his hands soothingly over the raven's slim hips, unable to reach all the way around his back due to the restricting chains still stuck on his wrists.
"I know you won't." The quiet mumble floats up to him. "I just...I'm sorry Gary. Everything is my fault."
Gary pulls away in confusion. What the fuck? That's why he is upset? Because he thinks it's his fault? Green orbs take in the depressed man in front of him, who refuses to meet his gaze.
"I don't see how any of this is your fault Ashy-boy." He states slowly.
Ash shuffles nervously from foot to foot. "The Academy...all the missions...everything was just to train me to defeat my father. All those other kids...our fellow cadets...you...everyone… they were only there as a cover so the League could be free to raise me to be a perfect killing machine."
Tears flowed steadily from the raven's chocolate orbs. His voice tight as his emotions completely take over his body.
"I'm so sorry Gary. Your family would still be alive if I was never born. You wouldn't have been raised in a freaking military camp..." Ash trails off as he locks on to the metal shackles still wrapped around his limbs. Gary can only stand there in silent shock at the words pouring from his partner's lips.
"If I really am the Chosen One, they will listen to me. I'll get them to pardon you for whatever you did so you can leave. You should go back to Pallet and grab Professor Oak before going into hiding. Maybe go to Unova or Alola. There is no way the League will be able to find you there. You guys will be safe and I will try my best to fix everything so-"
Rolling his eyes in annoyance, he pinches the skin under his fingertips to get Ash to shut up. A startled yelp and angry chocolate orbs pull a small smirk onto his face. That's better.
"What the fuck was that for?!"
Chuckling softly at the indignant look on the raven's face, Gary strokes the irritated area gently. "If you really think that I would leave you after all that Ashy-boy, then you are a complete idiot."
A pleasant warmth flares in his chest at the dumbstruck expression currently occupying Ash's face. Hope and guilt war in those normally happy brown orbs.
"But…" Ash mumbles quietly. His mouth moves but no words come forth. Is he really that blown away that I'm not running away from him in anger or disgust?
Gary raises his hands to stroke his partner's cheek, determined to wipe the shed tears away. His hands come to a jangling halt before they can even reach Ash's collar bone. Growling in annoyance, he returns his hands to the raven's waist.
"You know," Gary starts, his head tilting to the side as he observes the raven. "It really is amazing. How you continually place the blame for everything on yourself. How you seem to carry all of the world's problems on your shoulders. Hell, you are so damn selfless I wouldn't even be surprised if you really are this so called legendary whatever destined to save everyone."
Ash's mouth opens to protest once more but a quick squeeze of Gary's hands closes the raven's mouth in annoyance as Ash waits for him to finish.
"If that Rider's story proves anything, it's that none of this is your fault. They should've gone to the Riders when you were born instead of hiding. They should've been able to track down a single spy. They should've saved you when we were taken. They've had plenty of damn chances to rescue you since we started doing missions off the compound if they were worried about taking on the Academy directly. They could've turned the people against the military...They could've done many things Ash. You're just the victim here. Both of us are." Gary trails off in a whisper, pausing slightly for his heartfelt words to sink in.
"I'm your partner Ash. I'm not going to leave you. Especially with all these crazy ass people around who believe in fairy tales. So it looks like you're going to be stuck with me for a little while longer."
He finishes his speech with his trademark smirk pulling a small smile onto Ash's face at the familiar gesture. Tan arms wrap around his torso in a fierce hug as Ash buries his face into his neck.
"Thank you." The raven's lips brush against his neck at the whispered thanks. Gary's fingers twitch at the sensation. Warmth seeps into him from the now healthy body wrapped around him. Finally releasing that large amount of body heat that he has always associated his partner. No longer pale and deathly cold like he had been for the past week.
Gary stands there helplessly. Wanting to return the hug but not being able to due to the damn chains. Ash pulls away and looks at the shackles as if sensing his frustration.
"I think it's about time you tell me how you got these things."
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Gary stares at the ceiling above them. Leisurely spread out on the bed, he runs his fingers through Ash's soft black hair as his partner dozes curled up next to him. After briefly telling him about his journey to the mountain and subsequent stay in the jail cell, Ash attempted to storm out of the room to confront the Riders but was stopped by a guard at their door who insisted that they will get an audience with the Elders soon. As long as they didn't attempt to escape anyway.
Forced to return to the Medical Bay, they quietly discussed what Gary remembered about the layout of the base they were trapped in as well as the differences between Ash's father's story and what they learned growing up about the Dragon Riders. Ash, still apparently not at full strength even with Arceus' healing capabilities, if it was Arceus anyway, passed out as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Seeing the raven with closed lids and unmoving once more caused Gary to almost go into another state of panic. Only calming once he laid one hand on the Ash's pulse and the other running through the his thick hair.
Pikachu and Eevee wrestle quietly on the floor next to their bed. A short squeak from the electric mouse draws his gaze towards them and thus towards the door. The bald Rider, Hunter, stands just inside the curtain watching them silently.
Sighing in annoyance, Gary pulls his fingers from Ash's hair and shakes the raven's now clothed shoulder gently. Bleary chocolate orbs stare at him before following his line of sight to the door. They both quickly sit up in shock as the large man lowers himself to one knee, his head bowed towards the floor in deference.
"Son of Pink Rose and Crimson Streak. It is an honor to finally meet you. My name is Anibal, the Hunter Moon Rider." The man's deep voice echoes around the small room. Gary stares in amazement as the two pokemon quickly approach the man and paw at his hand as if asking for a treat. To his astonishment, the stoic man actually smiles, or at least what passes as a smile for him, at the pokemon before digging out two small pokeblocks from his pocket for them.
"Umm…" Ash's confused voice pulls him from his thoughts. "Professor Ivy called my dad Crimson before too. Is that his Rider codename or something?"
The stoic mask snaps back onto the Rider's face so fast that Gary almost has whiplash.
"Those that complete the Trial and receive their Mark are reborn into the clan with a new name as a testament of their bravery and strength." The man lifts the sleeve of his jacket revealing a dark green curve on his forearm.
"A crescent moon?" Gary cuts in as he stares at the strange mark. His mind clicks into place as he recognizes the color. "Ahhh that's where your names come from. A hunter green crescent so your name is Hunter Moon. Ash's mom had a pink mark which must've looked like a flower or something to get the name Pink Rose. So his dad must have a dark red one?"
Gary smirks at the brief look of shock breaking through the man's mask. Yeah that's right. I'm a genius. His smirk only grows as Ash rolls his eyes at his silent preening.
"In the most generic sense, yes...The Elders will explain everything to you. I'm only here to escort you to them." The Rider remains on his knees until they slide out of bed and reach the door. Rising fluidly with all the deadly grace of a wild Persian in the middle of a hunt, the bald Rider stands and leads them out the door. Their pokemon dart back and forth in front of them, seemingly already familiar with where they are going.
Sunshine gently caresses their skin as they step out of the cave and into the crater. Tilting his head back, his eyelids slip shut as he absorbs the pleasant warmth. Never thought I would miss the sun so much.
A hand on his arm pulls him out of his daze. Looking down at his partner, his eyebrows narrow in confusion at the guarded mask on the raven's face that is usually only used around their superiors or on missions. Quickly scanning their surroundings, he stiffens at the dozens of wary people watching them.
The crowd slowly parts a path towards the cluster of buildings at the center. Anibal leads them through the crowd quickly. Green orbs roam over the people before them constantly. Looking for any threats that could possibly injure him or his partner. Some avoid his gaze while others meet his with determined, hate filled eyes.
Well shit. This is not going to end well.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Council Hall, being the largest structure in the cluster of buildings, stands on its own on one side of the open oval shaped space in the center of the mountain. The stone and wooden structure towers above them. Solid pillars, intricately carved to resemble various dragon type pokemon, hold up the overhang on the porch that wraps around the enormous building. Wide double doors stand open at the top of a short flight of stairs, letting its inhabitants enjoy the pleasant breeze flowing through the crater.
Anibal leads them up the steps and into a large open room. Sunlight streams in through enormous glass panels set into the ceiling. At the end of the room, an ornate black metal throne sits proudly on a raised dais. Red cushions give the intimidating chair an inviting, comfortable vibe without detracting from its aggressive presence. The high back of the throne flares up and out, resembling a pair of outstretched dragon wings.
Another chair, identical in all points except for the lack of wings and its smaller size, sits next to the ornate throne. Fanning out on either side of the dais, large wooden chairs of various colors face each other. Overall, the entire set up looks like a giant horseshoe, with the thrones at the center.
Ash's gaze roams over the chairs as they pass them. Up close, he can see the various engravings, each chair different from its neighbors. It's almost as if they are personalized...Are there this many Elders though? There's got to be at least 50 chairs here.
At the end of the room, closest to the thrones, sits 5 people staring at them silently as they approach. All five are dressed in long flowing robes, their colors matching the chair they are perched upon. The youngest looking male, maybe a few years older than him, sits closest to them on the left. Shoulder length black hair frames a defined, pale face. Long and lean, the man reclines casually in his chair. Just like his gleaming longsword, hidden in its black leather sheath, at his side. Elbow resting on the armrest with a closed fist supporting his tilted head. Metallic red lines swirl through his dark red robes, which combined with the streaming sunlight, give the appearance of wine pouring into a ruby chalice. The man exudes an aura of nonchalance and detachment, but Ash knows better. Piercing green eyes peeking out from hooded lids seem to see into Ash's very soul. Those eyes, so similar to his partner's, mark him as very dangerous and a calculating individual.
If the man in red is considered to be dark and sharp, than the next man is his polar opposite. Short, blonde hair slicked back with gel frames a square face set in a blank mask. Ice blue eyes stare down at him coldly, made all the more chilling from his gunmetal robes. An enormous spear stands in a holder beside the chair. Tipped with a large blade shaped like layered arrowheads. Their tips curving into wicked barbs. Sitting as still and stiff as a statue, Ash wouldn't be surprised if the man has had some sort of military training in his life.
The last man, closest to the thrones, is clearly the oldest inhabitant there. Dark hair, far along on its journey to going gray, curls out in small wisps from the man's head. Tan skin with a surprising lack of wrinkles stands out compared to his other pale skinned brethren. Dark blue eyes twinkle in amusement and knowledge. Decked out in golden robes, with metallic streaks similar to the first male, he glows like the sun itself. If Ash didn't know better, he would say that this man is the so called Chosen One by just how much he sticks out from the others. A golden helmet hangs propped up on the back of the chair, closely resembling the gladiator helmets of times long lost. Next to the glittering helm, rests a massive broadsword. Large enough that Ash has trouble believing the aging man can even lift the weapon let alone wield it.
Across from the intimidating man in gray, a young woman sits delicately in her ivory robes. Thick black hair tumbles down her back in flowing waves. Ash can tell that she is easily taller than him and possibly Gary just by looking at her. Thin and graceful, with sharp dark eyes, the woman embodies the deadly grace of a predator. All the more enhanced by the various blades peeking out from her robes. Strapped all down her sides and around her waist. Her fingers stroke the handle of one of the blades with the same tenderness that one would show a lover.
Next to her and across from the golden man, sits an older woman. Blonde hair, almost white with age, piles on top of her head in an intricate bun. Her dangling feet betray her short stature by not being able to reach the floor. In all honesty, the purple clad woman looks like some of the older woman back in Pallet Town. That is, until Ash's eyes locks onto the sturdy longbow and quiver of gleaming black arrows, almost three feet in length, hanging on the back of her chair.
Anibal stops them several chairs back from the intimidating figures. The aura from just the five of them fills the hall with crushing pressure. I can't believe how intimidating just these five are. I can't imagine how anyone would even be able to breathe if this room was actually full.
His gaze is pulled away from the robed figures by a young girl rushing towards them with two folding chairs. Ash stares at her curiously causing the short redhead to blush furiously. Blue eyes avoid his gaze as she sets the two chairs in front of them before rushing back out the side door she came in from. Glancing up to his partner, he's shocked to see the semi-pained look on Gary's face.
Does he know her?
"Sit down soldiers. We have much to discuss." The older woman states. Her quiet voice drifting along the floor and up to their ears like a whisper of wind. They sit quickly. Their pokemon reclining lazily at their feet.
Anibal stands behind them with hands clasped behind his back. Most likely to keep them from escaping.Silence reigns over the room as the five before them continue to study them silently. Ash forces his body to remain still as the various pairs of eyes probe him.
Finally, the man in gold speaks up. "We have kept tabs over you for many years children. It's very rare that a child is born from two who have passed the Trial. Crimson has kept us updated on your growth."
Ash's jaw clenches at the mention of his father but if any of them notice, they don't comment on it.
"Be that as it may, you can understand why we might have some...reservations...about letting you wander freely about our village. Especially when one of you has caused us so much grief already." Gary tenses next to him as all the eyes in the room lock onto him. Ash opens his mouth to protest but a sharp glare from the gray clad Rider cuts him off before he even makes a sound.
"No one is allowed to interrupt an Elder when he or she is speaking." The blond's cold tone freezes him to his very core.
"Now, now Gerlach." The man in red waves his hand casually in blond's direction. His voice having a hint of brogue. Almost like he has been steadily growing out of the accent for several years. "They have a right to defend themselves. No need to discipline them if they don't even know our rules. That's what this meeting is for is it not?"
The man's green gaze, slightly darker than Gary's eyes, locks onto his own as a lazy smile slowly spreads across his face. Ash's stomach tightens at the seductive look directed right at him. The man in red's slim finger raises and points toward himself.
"My name is Aidan, but here I'm known as Ruby. The bastard next to me with the stick up his ass is Gerlach, or Steel. Ansehelm is the old geezer but he also goes by Gold." The pale finger swings around to the other side of the room. "Ansehelm's wife, Ragna, was the Amethyst Rider. And finally, the beauty over there is Aurora. But don't let her looks fool you, Ivory is a firecracker and will not hesitate to slice you up if given the chance."
A sharp glare from the woman in white causes Aidan to quickly retract his hand back into the billowing sleeves of his robes, as if to protect them. From the magnitude of knives attached to the woman, Ash wouldn't be surprised if she can easily slice through the man's fingers from that distance with a well placed throw.
"Don't provoke Aurora, Aiden." Ragna scolds gently causing the male to pout like a child. She turns back to them. "We know what you must think of us. We have had several agents infiltrate into the League over the years so we know what they say about us. I just ask that you keep your mind open to hear our side of the story." She pauses as if waiting for approval. Ash nods quickly and offers the woman a small smile which she immediately returns.
"Very well but I must ask. What do you know of The Beginning?" Ragna asks. Her eyes, the color of molten silver, bore into him with an intensity that makes Ash think that the innocent question is more important than it seems.
Ash's face scrunches up in confusion. Beginning? Like how the League or Riders were started? He opens his mouth to ask for clarification but Gary begins speaking before he can even start forming the question.
"Billions of years ago, all of space, time, matter and energy was created in the Big Bang. The Earth formed about four and a half billion years ago when volcanic outgassing created the primordial atmosphere and ocean but there was no oxygen so it would have been toxic to humans and most modern life. Through evolution of various micro-organisms, primitive animals and humans eventually came into being." Gary states robotically, as if he is repeating an excerpt from one of their old textbooks.
Knowing how good his memory is though, I wouldn't be surprised if he got it right word for word.
Aurora scoffs at Gary's answer. She flips her long black hair over her shoulder before crossing her long arms over her chest. "Ridiculous. This is what they taught you at the Academy? What of pokemon then, you military brat? Surely animals didn't just randomly gain their power magically overnight."
Ash reaches out to calm the fuming brunet next to him as Gary glares at the female Elder. He scans his memories quickly. Desperately searching for any lesson they had on the origins of pokemon. The only thing that comes to mind is the brief explanation from Lt. Surge that Arceus created all pokemon. No lessons. No homework. Just that small conversation.
"Um. The power of Arceus?" Ash asks timidly in order to calm the rising tension in the room. The room falls silent as all eyes turn back to him. He fights the urge to fidget as the quiet continues.
The older woman blinks at him before smiling softly. "It's not wise to guess when you don't know the answer...but you are correct in this instance. Arceus created the universe and other legendary pokemon who helped it form the primordial world, ancient pokemon and even humanity's ancestors."
Eyes wide, he stares at Ragna in shock. Arceus created humans? Doesn't that make humans a type of pokemon?!
"However, the primordial world was too harsh for our human ancestors who seemed unable to tap into the well of energy they were created with. They lacked the power that the ancient pokemon wielded with ease. So Arceus had its children, the Creation Trio, combine their powers to form a new dimension for humans to live in suspended space. Waiting, frozen in time, for the right moment when they can return without a threat to their extinction. Millennia past and pokemon flourished, steadily evolving and changing shape."
"Finally, the conditions were right and man was allowed to wander freely once more. But the pokemon, not used to seeing threatening creatures with no extraordinary powers, attacked. A war broke out between man and creature. But one clan stood above the rest, the Draconid people. They prayed for peace between humanity and pokemon."
"Arceus heard their prayer and gave them the power to tame pokemon. With their dragon partners by their side, they quelled the fighting. Through their instruction, humans learned to coexist with pokemon and there was finally peace...From the shadows, we have kept this peace that our ancestors gave us. We are the Draconids, or the Dragon Riders as we are now known as...If you are who we think you are, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, than you are the Chosen One destined to lead us and save the world once more from the fighting."
Ragna bends her head in a slight bow as she finishes speaking. Ash can only sit there completely dumbfounded. Everything we have learned over the years is wrong? That's not possible...But how can we know who is right? The League or the Riders? His head throbs as questions fly through his mind at hyper speed.
"But that makes no sense!" Gary yells out. Hands tightening in his lap causing the chains to rattle ominously. "There is scientific evidence that proves that-"
"Silence!" The Steel Rider interrupts, his deep voice echoing throughout the large room. "We don't have time to go over the entire damn creation story with you! If you want your questions answered so badly, you can join the other children for their lessons. We have more important matters to discuss."
Ash can hear the harsh pants rush out of the brunet's nose as Gary struggles to calm down in the Elders' presence. You need to relax Gary. They can still execute you if you give them any more reasons to.
In an effort to draw their gaze away from his partner, Ash locks eyes with the Gold Rider. "Why are you so certain that I am the Chosen One? What's this...Prophecy that everyone keeps mentioning?"
The other Riders turn to look at Ansehelm, clearly waiting for some sort of signal. The older man looks at him curiously, head tilted to the side as dark blue eyes analyze him.
"This Prophecy has been passed down since the beginning of our legacy. After Arceus explained the new power we gained, the first Trials were conducted. Once the Marks were established, the most powerful among us was named King of the Drakes. Arceus described how the King would be strong enough to end the war that was ravaging the Earth. It told us how it's mate, Mew, foretold how a new King will rise in the future when he is needed most. The future that Mew saw, is known to us as the Prophecy."
With a wave of his hand, the Elder begin to chant in unison.
"One born on the brightest of nights,
The other on the darkest of days.
Hidden away from enemy sights,
As the world around them is lit ablaze.
The balance of power threatens to fall.
Fathers targeted, their valor unsung.
Hidden by dark shadows, Death stands tall.
Mothers' young, left behind with smoke-filled lungs.
Abandoned by those that they call sire,
Reborn in raging pits of perdition.
Raised by demons, to climb ever higher,
Bred for vengeance, to force submission.
Battle against darkness they must.
If overrun, the world will burn.
And allies will start to mistrust.
For once embraced, sin always returns.
Blessed by the gods, the creator of all,
Chosen to be mere mortals' Salvation.
Bearing the Emblem of the Sol,
Bringer of demons' damnation.
Trial by water, trial by fire.
The Mark of the Flame shall be drawn once more.
Red and blue linked with hidden wire,
Finally terminating the Great War.
The Chosen One will tame the Titan Lord.
The Knight shields his own as instincts demand.
The King will rise, almighty reign restored,
With his true mate by his side, hand in hand."
A strange sense of nostalgia rushes through him as the words echo throughout the hall. A brief flash of a woman signing appears in his mind. Fading away before he can fully grasp the memory. Ash is pulled back from his mind by the sound of his partner's voice.
"So? There is nothing in there that points distinctly toward Ash. Hell, it talks about two people not one. So are there two of these so called Chosen Ones now?" Gary asks, his voice condescending as he sneers at the Riders before them.
"Mmm not quite." Aiden responds. "From what we have managed to translate, there is the King and his Knight who are bound together by more than just loyalty between a monarch and his champion."
The Ruby Rider slowly reaches into a pocket in his robe causing Ash and Gary to tense in anticipation. Battle-honed instincts automatically preparing them for an emergence of a weapon. The man smirks at them as if knowing the anxiety his small action caused. He pulls out a small clear bag containing two metal rings. Ash squints at the metal pieces, trying to place where he has seen them before.
"Why do you have our rings?" Gary demands, his voice rough with anger.
Brown eyes widen in shock before dropping down to his left hand in confusion. Tan skin stares back at him. Rings? From the St. Anne's mission? Was I still wearing it when I was taken here?
Ash quickly scans through his memory but besides Gary being annoying when he put them on before the mission, he can't recall any instance where the rings drew his attention after that. He completely pushed the metal band from his mind with all the other craziness that was happening.
"They interfered with some of our technology." Aiden explains. "We removed them once we realized that there were tracking devices set into the bands. To feel the need to track your partner at all times... such distrust in a relationship will lead to its demise."
Tracking devices?! But if we were wearing them when we got here, then we were wearing them at Silph Co. Both times.
Ash quickly turns to his partner. Gary's mouth is set in a hard line. Green eyes wide with understanding and worry. They know. The League knows we attacked Silph Co. They know we are with the Riders now. There's no way a rescue squad will be sent. We will be labeled as traitors and executed if we ever come across them again.
"All of you need to leave immediately!" Ash yells out in a panic. Faces of the various woman and children they passed by on the way to the Council Hall flash through his mind. "The League gave us those rings. If they had trackers in them, than they know where your base is. Mt. Silver is right between the Pokemon League and the Academy in Viridian City. You will be pincered by two forces and will have no way to escape. You have to leave now!"
Even if the Riders are as deadly as they were raised to believe, they won't stand a chance against a surprise attack from two directions. He won't let innocent woman and children die. Especially when it is his fault the League is on its way. They were raised to be completely ruthless against their enemy. No one in this camp will be left alive once the League is finished with them.
His rising panic is cut short by a deep laugh. His gaze locks onto the piercing green of the Ruby Elder. Aiden's laugh fades to chuckles but his eyes still twinkle in amusement.
"The League has no idea that you're here. Crimson had a jammer on him so you were invisible to the military when you were transported here Ash. Between that heavy storm and the naturally occurring metals in this mountain that create a heavily distorted magnetic field, I highly doubt that the League knows where your husband went either. Granted we have destroyed the tracking unit just in case." Aiden explains as he tosses the bag repeatedly into the air.
Anibal steps toward the Ruby Rider when Aiden waves his hand towards him. The bald man quickly takes the bag before returning to them. He places the smaller ring in his hand before giving the other to Gary. Ash stares at it blankly. What am I supposed to do with this now?
"But we aren't really-" He begins to explain before Gary cuts him off.
"Thank you for returning these instead of just destroying them. Even if they were a gift from the League as a way to track us, they are still important to Ash and myself."
Brown orbs stare at the brunet in shock as Gary slides the band back onto his ring finger. Hooded green eyes bore into his own as Ash sits frozen. A lump in his throat prevents him from swallowing. The room is silent. He knows that the Elders are still watching them but he can't pull away from his partner's heated gaze.
No. This is probably just some plan he thought of. It's not what you think it means. Just put it on and forget about it. Gary is your partner. Your family. Practically a brother.
That's all you will ever be.
Eyes dropping to his lap, Ash mumbles his thanks as he slowly slides the ring onto his finger. The metal reflects in the light streaming down from above. Creating a small patch of bright light on his pants. He tenses as a pale hand lands on his thigh and gives him a squeeze. Giving a small smile to Gary as is expected of a loving husband, he turns his attention back to the Elders.
The two older Riders are smiling softly at them while their lighter color companions sitting beside them look as impassive as they have been since the start of the meeting. The man in red, however, has lost all traces of amusement in his expression. Green eyes, scrunched up in a strange mix of disappointment and confusion, dart continuously back and forth between him and Gary.
Ash fights the urge to fidget guiltily from the piercing gaze roaming over him. Has he already noticed that we are faking it?
Ansehelm clears his throat and opens his mouth to speak. Before a single sound emerges, the redhead who brought in their chairs bursts into the room with worry clouding her young face. She bows quickly to the Elders before approaching the Gold Rider. Several tense seconds pass as she whispers in his ear. The man's easy going expression completely transforms into one of battle hardened commander. If Ash didn't see the change itself, he would almost think he was a completely different person.
"Ruby," The Golden Rider commands. The other Elders immediately straighten in their chairs as the honorific title is called out, clearly signifying how important the current situation is. "Take the Candidates to their cave. Explain what we discussed prior to their arrival. I have business to attend to. Meeting adjourned."
Standing fluidly, the older Rider grabs his helmet and sword before following the redhead out of the side door. His molten gold robe billowing behind him at the small gust of air caused from opening the ornate door.
Gerlach and the two female Riders stand and leave silently. Ragna offers them a kind smile as she passes. A warm arm slips around his shoulder. Thinking it's the brunet next to him, he ignores the limb as he watches the three Elders walk out the door and down the steps into the crater below. Various people walking by, the very ones that held such animosity towards them earlier, bow and chat happily with them.
The Elders seem to be well liked and respected here. We have to get them on our side if Gary is to survive.
A low growling and jingle of chains draws his gaze away from the door and to his right. Gary stands beside him completely rigid and glaring harshly at his shoulder. Blinking in confusion at the brunet several paces away, his gaze drops to the arm slung casually around him. Dark red fabric fills his gaze. Turning his head slowly to his left, he meets the cheeky smile of the Ruby Rider.
With a playful wink, he begins to drag Ash towards the door. Fearful for the brunet's safety as they are pulled towards the angry villagers, Ash quickly reaches out to grab Gary's hand before he is too far away. Ash blinks as they step into the sunlight once more.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
AN: Finally meet the Elders! Gotta say I did enjoy writing them. Thank you random name generator!
Whatcha guys think of the Prophecy? Not to easy to decipher I hope! Kinda based it off of an extended version of a Shakespearean sonnet (cuz the ONE poem I wrote wayyy back in high school was a sonnet so I went with it)
Favorite/follow/review please!
Next up: Chapter 37 - Tension