Avi
She sat on the edge of a bath in the scolding hot bathhouse of the White Palace sobbing, only wearing a sheet of thin white silk which she wrapped around herself like a blanket. She had been in sorrow for days mourning the loss of her knight-champion Ser Gerhalos. She couldn't believe striking him was the last thing she had done before he fell in the ambush. Guilt rushed through her body like a deadly poison. She felt heavy. She had to drag herself as she walked now. Her shoulders were weighing her down as though they were anchors. Her eyes were sore and red from her constant weep. Someone had sent a maester from the Church Infirmary to her quarters to examine her and make sure she wasn't sick.
He was the sick one, for he performed unnecessary examinations on her, touching in places that didn't even need examining. Arvas was so displeased that he let out a roar from inside Avi's pendant that sent the feeble man running out the door and down the halls screaming like a woman. Eventually, Stefan told sent her to the bathing springs underneath the palace and asked one of his Elvish maids to herb the water with nightshade to help soothe her nerves. She looked at her reflection in the murky water and cursed herself for being so prideful and so stupid. Now because of her defiance, Ser Gerhalos was dead. A tear rolled down her eye, down her nose and fell into the water. The ripples distorted her reflection.
"Stop your bawling, girl," a woman snapped at her. It was Daralis Dragonslayer accompanied by Lady Akiza Izinksi one of the Knight of Crimson Dragon. She had come to watch Avi while Domino searched for any more assailants. Akiza's armor was enameled in rose red with shiny black chainmail. Thorn engravings swirled over all her armor pieces, and her spaulders had the shape of a rose bush. Her helm crested with the Black Rose Dragon lay tucked underneath her arm.
"She just lost a dear friend of hers, kinslayer!" Akiza said, seething like a viper. "Show some respect." She turned her head to look at Avi. "My condolences, Summoner. I knew Ser Gerhalos. He was a good warrior."
"Thank you," Avi said softly. "I miss him."
"Of course you do," said Daralis. "He was your knight-champion. And there was a time when he was my lover. But he is gone now, meaning you must seek another."
"I need time," said Avi. "I'm not ready to replace him."
"As you wish," said Daralis with a bow. "I truly am sorry for your loss, My Lady."
"Lady Daralis," Avi said suddenly. "Pardon me for being nosy but, why do they call you Dragonslayer?"
Akiza swallowed nervously and looked at the lady knight. To her surprise, she smiled.
"Take your pick," Daralis said leaning against one of the many columns in the bathhouse. "I have plenty of titles clinging to my name like stink on a hog. Kinslayer, Oathbreaker, Traitor, and the ever-popular, Dragonslayer. Yes, I slew one of the last true dragons in Termnnia."
"I thought Dragonslayer was a title many warriors seek to claim," said Avi. "You curse it."
"Slaying a true dragon has made me rather unpopular," Dalaris smiled. "My father, Antilles, the Lord of the Red Mountain, was also not too pleased I took part in said slaying."
"Antilles?" Avi asked. "As in Antilles Dragonheart?"
"That is correct." Dalaris polished one of the rings on her fingers with her cape.
"But I thought you were from House Deepclaw?"
"Where have you been, dear? House Deepclaw has been extinct for hundreds of years. It was one of the Dragonheart's cadet branches. After I had slain the dragon, Father dropped Dragonheart from my name and replaced it with that of our long-forgotten branch."
"And why do they call you kinslayer?"
"I slew my uncle," said Dalaris. The bright red highlights in her reddish-blonde hair seemed to glow with the light coming down from the oculus above them.
"Why?"
"He was doing something very naughty. So, I thought it best to put my sword through his gut. I will say no more on the matter."
"As you wish," said Avi.
"And your knight-champion?" Akiza asked. "You must have one."
"Maybe it could be one of you," Avi suggested.
"I would be honored to join you My Lady, but I am needed with the Knights of the Crimson Dragon."
"And I certainly can't go," said Dalaris. "It would be ironic for the Summoner of Dragons to have a knight-champion with the title Dragonslayer, wouldn't it? Besides, I am a ward of your future husband."
"A ward?" Avi asked.
"Curtesy of my father. King Forrest once sailed towards the Scarlet Isles just east of the Red Realm, our homeland. The Isles were the location of the family's biggest goldmine and breeding ground of our best wyverns for our legendary Dragon Brigade. My father knew that for King Forrest, women were more valuable than gold. He surrendered a dozen female knights and me to the custody of the Fat King. I was sixteen at the time. Still in my prime and adorned with armor studded with rubies. He looked at me as though he were a child finding a rare shiny card in a booster pack. I can still see the drool oozing from his mouth when he looked at me. 'I've never bedded a Dragonslayer before,' he said. I was fucked in the ass that day. Literally. Even though he's gone, I can still feel him on my body. If it weren't for Stefan, I would have hung myself years ago. I tell you, if Slifer the Sky Dragon were around I would kiss him for atomizing that greedy bastard, and his brother, the former Ceasar of Aurelia."
"I am sorry to hear that, Dalaris," Avi said swallowing nervously.
"I too know what it feels like to be violated by the Fat King," said Akiza. "He had done things to me as well when he took me prisoner in the Battle of Iron Lake. If Yusei hadn't come with his Stardust Dragon, I would still be locked in the Wailing Tower."
"Well, aren't we three peas in a pod," smirked Dalaris. "Thank the Goddesses none of us bore him children. I think he has created more cadet branches than any other House in history. Lady Avi, I understand you have a tournament to fight in on the morrow."
"I didn't know Avi played Duel Monsters," said Akiza.
"Actually, this is not a tournament for Duel Monsters," said Avi. "It's a tournament of Summoners, made to celebrate my engagement to King Stefan. And I will be participating in it."
"There is bound to be some really good action, then," said Dalaris. "I will be rooting for you, Summoner. Best of luck."
Tordo
"I can't wait to see the tournament tomorrow!" Tordo said hopping up and down in Aldara's room. Baby Tiragon lay on a red couch by the window and rolled its little eyes, annoyed with the Tolkeri's constant excitement. This would mark the fifteenth time he had said that. The little dragon had half a mind to scratch him. Aldara watched a Turbo Duel on the television, feeling rather confused.
"What is the point of playing on those damn things," the half-elf said clicking her tongue. "I am sorry, but this whole thing is stupid." She got up from the couch and walked to the window.
"I hope I can duel like that one day," Tordo said hopping up and down. He went to the windowsill where Aldara was and sat down watching the beautiful lights of Domino City glimmer in the night.
"I love this view," Aldara whispered. "Ever since I was a little girl, all I saw of Domino City was Kaiba Corp Tower and the House of Gray poking over the walls of the slums. And now, here we are Tordo. You and me in the White Palace in the middle of the greatest city in Termnnia."
"Yeah, I know," Tordo agreed. "The view is so much better now that we're in the city."
"Yes, it's beautiful."
"Like you," Tordo muttered. Luckily Aldara didn't hear him, as much as he wanted her to. "I don't know Aldara, ever since I met you I've been getting closer and closer to my dreams."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, look where we are. If it hadn't been for you, I'd still be stuck in the slums running from Rufio and his gang. Now here were are on the other side of the wall as companions to the most famous woman in Termnnia, Lady Avi the Summoner of Dragons. I got to see knights. Ser Gerhalos said he would name me one." He paused for a second. "I can't believe he's gone."
"I know," Aldara said glumly. "I miss him. I miss him so much. Poor Avi, she was in her room crying all day."
"But he's forever in our hearts," said Tordo. "And Avi's still got a great warrior like me. One day, I'm going to be a knight. Why I'll be the best knight in Termnnia, you'll see. There have been lots of child knights in our history."
"Yes," chuckled Aldara. "But even they were taller than you."
"Ser Gerhalos said it is not the size that matters but the will to fight."
"It was not your heart he was doubting," said Aldara. "It was the length of your arm."
"Whatever," snapped Tordo. "I'll be right back. I'm going to the bathroom."
"Take Baby Tiragon for his walk while you're at it!" said Aldara.
"Aww!" groaned Tordo as the little dragon followed him.
Tordo walked out of Aldara's quarters and then ran across the hall and out the window. He climbed the walls so as to face the gargoyles sitting atop on the roofs. Baby Tiragon followed. Tordo pretended that the gargoyles were Orcs who were holding Avi and his beloved Aldara captive. "You can be my draconic steed!" said Tordo.
Tordo put on his helmet and charged across the rooftops pretending he was a valiant knight, riding off into battle to save Lady Avi.
"High King Yuri!" he shouted. "Rally to me!" He lowered his voice to sound like Yuri. "'As you say Lord Tordo!'" The mock Prince Yuri shouted. "'My fellow Knights of the Termnnian Table! You could stand to learn a thing or two from this valiant hero!' 'Yes, My Lord!'" he said pretending to be Prince Jon. "'Let us be brave like Ser Tordo the Guadian of Lady Avi. CHARGE!"
Tordo swung his sword slashing the air thinking he was cutting down hundreds of Orcs. He battled the gargoyles above and lightly tapped them with his sword to not cause too much damage to them.
"I'll save you Lady Avi!" he announced. "Hey where are you going!" he shouted at Baby Tiragon, spotting a big rat scampering across the gardens of the courtyard below.
"Wait!" cried Tordo. But he was too late.
Baby Tiragon flapped to the ground and chased after the rat. He found it odd that a big and beautiful castle had a rat problem, but nevertheless, the rat was a tasty-looking morsel, and he wanted it. Baby Tiragon spotted the rat going deeper towards the front of the castle. He licked his lips and scampered after it, vanishing from Tordo's sight.
"I'll get him later," said Tordo, too lazy to chase the little monster. He raised his sword and hit one of the gargoyle's in the head. The blade was lodged on tight. "All hail Ser Tordo!" He cupped his hands over his mouth and made a sound like the roar of an audience from the back of his throat. "Thank you, thank you!" Tordo said bowing. "It was the least I could do."
When Tordo was done playing knights he went to get his sword. It did not budge. Tordo tugged and tugged, but was unable to get it out. It was stuck on there pretty good.
Meanwhile, Baby Tiragon continued his search for the fat, juicy rat. But he would not get too far. He didn't even find the rat. Instead, someone found him. Baby Tiragon was grabbed by the throat by a very strong individual. The calm of the evening was broken by a greedy laugh. Baby Tiragon's captor then threw him into a little steel cage, meant to catch rodents. Baby Tiragon chirped and meowed with fright.
"And here I thought you'd be difficult to catch," said Ushio, the greedy Eldori merchant who always cheated Aldara of her gold when she lived in the market. He ran out of the castle and whistled once he got onto the sidewalk outside. Baby Tiragon whimpered sadly, his little paws around the bars of the cage as he watched a big white van zooming towards them. Ushio slid the door open and jumped in.
"What took you guys so long!" he shouted.
Baby Tiragon cried out for his friends to rescue him, but it was no use. The van took off and disappeared into the Domino City traffic. A big tear rolled down his furry face, for he had a feeling he would never see his friends again.
Up on the balcony, Tordo was still trying to get the sword out of the gargoyle's head. He cursed and whimpered at each attempt. Then disaster struck. He slipped on his cape and violently went tumbling down the rooftops. He whimpered pitifully trying to grab on to something. But he fell and landed on the roof of a window. He landed hard on his belly. He sniffed in pain while he got up, his lips trembling with weep and pain. He could taste his blood in his mouth and felt one of his teeth. He chipped it.
He sobbed and rubbed his right knee, which took most of the landing. Tears rolled down his big cheeks as he hiccuped.
"What was that!" Tordo heard a woman scream out in surprise.
"Nothing," a man answered, almost in a coo. "It was probably just a bird."
"Sounded like a really big bird."
"Come now, my love. It has been forever since he had made love like this. And I need to stretch my muscles after that raid earlier today."
Tordo gasped. He recognized that cool and crisp voice. It was King Stefan. Was he with Avi?
"It is kind of hard to do so now that you're married."
"She means nothing to me," Stefan said. "You know this. And once she has her fun in the games, I will send her to the Gray Hills to find another dragon. Instead, that is where my man Guy will be at the ready. Once she has been captured, your father's plan will be set in motion. The events that take place in the coming months will help ensure the Dragonhearts create a dynasty that will last for all eternity. And the very name Dragonheart will be restored to you. That is what you want right? Atonement for slaying the true dragon and your uncle?"
"No harm will come to her, though, right?"
"You needn't fear of Antilles killing her. She's more useful alive than dead. Not only does she have dragons and can prove a powerful weapon for us, but she's the ticket we need to getting rid of Yuri once and for all."
Tordo's pain seemed to have washed away when he heard those words. He knew it! Stefan was merely using her this whole time. But who was the woman he was talking to?
"I sure hope you know what you're doing, love," said the woman. "We gamble a lot with this plan. There are too many unknowns."
"The people of Termnnia trust me," sneered Stefan. "Now more than ever. I fooled them all with that attack during the peace conference. I may have lost some of my best men and got a lot of my followers of the faith killed, but their sacrifice was necessary for this victory."
"Stefan got them all," another woman said. "Hook. Line. And sinker!"
Tordo was paralyzed with fear. Stefan was the cause of the attack after all. And now it seemed he had another accomplice with him.
Her voice was very familiar.
He wanted to fight the pain in his knee and rush back to Aldara and tell her what she heard. They were in Domino after all, and the royal guard of the Daltons could easily swarm in and arrest Stefan and his lover, whoever she was.
But what if she got away? Tordo thought that if he could get information on them both, then he would surely be knighted. He would be remembered as the hero who saved Avellana and her dragons. Perhaps Yuri could make him a Knight of the Table. As urgent as it was to let Aldara know what was going on, Tordo wanted glory more than anything. He wanted knighthood. So he got back to his feet, whimpered with pain for a short time then climbed to the windowsill of the room. Tordo heard moaning and kissing coming from the room. He peered over the sill. He saw the back and buttocks of a woman with reddish-blonde hair with red highlights. Tordo gasped in fright.
It was Daralis Dragonslayer!
She was hugging and kissing the other woman. Both of them sitting on top of Stefan. Daralis was riding on his cock. He lay there, looking up at his lover's breasts, bouncing with each thrust he gave her. A nasty grin embedded on his face. He gave the other woman's buttocks a smack to get a moan out of her. Dalaris pleaded for one of her own.
"Soon my love," he said, gasping for air. "Yuri and his friends will pay for the death my father, and of our son. Our little boy, Malcolm will be avenged!"
Prince Malcolm! He was never King Forrest's son. He was the child of Stefan and the Dragonslayer.
Tordo knew now that his friends were counting on him. He had to tell them now while he had the chance. As he jumped from the windowsill, he stopped, for he saw his reflection in the mirror over Stefan's bed. Daralis saw it too.
She screamed like a banshee. Tordo whimpered and hurried up the windowsill to the roofs. He made it, but felt someone tug on his tail. He was yanked down from the roof and dragged into the room. Tordo squirmed, demanding to be let go.
"Well," Stefan said, looking down at him. "If it isn't Avi's little Tolkeri companion."
"Tordo?" said the other woman. Dalaris slowly crawled aside to reveal the identity of the other woman.
"No!" screamed Tordo. "How could you?"
"You know him, Fira?" Dalaris asked smiling.
"All too well," Fira grinned coldly. "This guy always has a knack for trouble."
"Get rid of him!" Dalaris commanded.
"But he is a companion of Lady Avi," said Stefan.
"Please! Please!" Tordo begged, sobbing for his life. "Don't kill me!"
"He must have heard everything we said!" said Dalaris. "You have to get rid of him."
"I can't do that," said Fira. "He's a friend. We've been through so much together. Not to mention poor Aldara will be heartbroken."
"Traitor!" Tordo shouted, still hanging upside down in Stefan's grip.
"I don't care who he is!" said Dalaris. "He jeopardizes everything!"
"Please," Tordo begged. "I didn't hear anything I swear."
"He says he didn't hear a thing," Stefan said putting Tordo on the windowsill. "Good boy. Now run along and go back to Aldara. She must be worried sick about you."
"I won't tell anyone, I promise!" Tordo said, feeling relieved.
"I know you won't, little buddy," Fira said grinning. "I know you won't."
"And they say I'm the cold-hearted one," Stefan chuckled before pushing Tordo to his death in the courtyard below.
The Templars
Nestled in the green and rolling fields of the River Realm was the town of Riverrock. The village was home to no more than thirty people all out and about decorating the town with streamers and colorful banners to celebrate the birthday of a the blacksmith's son. In an effort to culturalize the people outside the walls of Eredas, Seto Kaiba began giving out Duel Disks for them to play with. It did not require any form of magic and was easy to use for the folk who chose to stay away from the technological hubub of Domino City. It was a program adopted by many lords throughout Termnnia for this meant there was lots of gold to be had, and the children enjoyed them very much. The birthday boy put it on his wrist, smiling with excitement and ready to test it out against his friends. They all charged to the fields and stopped right by the river to play their game.
"Let's do this, Robbie!" the birthday boy shouted. "I summon to the field my Tiger Axe!"
The people in the village gasped in awe and amazement when the Duel Disk rendered the beast onto the fields.
"This is amazing," said Robbie. "Not a bad monster, Aldwin. But how can your tiger fair against my Celtic Guardian!"
They were having so much fun that they failed to notice they were being watched by a large attack force of fanatical Templars from the Church.
"Look men," said an old grizzled man atop his thick warhorse armored in black and white. "Down there! Blasphemers playing the game Duel Monsters. Look at how they summon those demons to pollute this world with their evil."
The Templars nodded and murmured with agreement.
"And here I thought you were going to take heed to the words of the prince," said the old man, who went by the name Guy de la Terre Sainte. He was a mercenary working for the Templars of Yeyu.
"He's not going to be anything soon," Stefan the King of Naralia answered arrogantly. "They have swordsmen down there, Guy. Seems like they're going to fight back."
"Good," said Guy. "It wouldn't be good sport if they didn't."
"My Lord," said the abbot, dressed in silver engraved armor. "They send a messenger into the hills. It appears they've seen us."
"After him!" commanded Stefan. "If Yuri gets wind of this he'll have his God Cards tear me limb from limb."
"We're in the middle of nowhere," Guy assured him. "This battle will have no consequence. I promise you."
"I would rather not be tried for treason before Antilles' plan comes to motion," said Stefan.
"Don't worry, My Lord. I know what will come of this when it is all over. 'It was Guy!' they will say. 'Guy! Guy! Yes that was him! The traitor!' As far as anyone here is concerned, My Lord, you are back in the White Palace making love to Lady Avi."
"You are a dangerous man, Guy de la Terre Sainte. I couldn't find a better champion in this fight."
"If there is a war to be had with these heathens, I'd have it now. Besides, you shouldn't worry about Yuri anymore. The way I hear it, he won't live to see his second semester at the Academy. In the meantime, let us hunt some duelists!"
"IN THE NAME OF YEYU!" shouted the abbot.
"THE THE NAME OF YEYU!" the other Templars shouted, drawing their swords, axes, halberds, and spears.
"IN THE NAME OF YEYU!" shouted Guy.
Stefan let out a furious battle cry and led his men in a violent charge down the hill towards the village. They made sure no one survived. Not even the children.
Avi
"He fell from the rooftops?" Avi asked the commander of security at the White Palace. He stood in the foyer of their suite, the wooden fan above them cooled him from the heat outside.
"No doubt about it," the man in tactical gear said, handing Avi a chipped sword. "We found this lodged in one of the gargoyles up top. My guess is he was playing knights and monsters with the gargoyles and got his sword lodged into one of them. It was stuck in the stone pretty deep. He possibly lost his footing trying to get it out and tumbled down the courtyard to his death. Poor little lad."
"And what of our dragon?" Avi asked.
"We're doing everything we can to find it My Lady. We are searching every nook, every crevice. If your dragon is in the White Palace we will find it."
"Thank you, sir."
"My Lady," the commander bowed before leaving.
Avi went to the living room where Aldara sat on the couch sobbing. Avi sat down beside her and rubbed her back.
"I'm so sorry Aldara. I know what it's like to lose a friend."
"I told him to stop climbing the roofs," Aldara hiccuped. "He's done that since I first found him, always scaring me half to death! Tordo you stupid idiot why didn't you listen to me? First I lost Ser Gerhalos, now my Tordo's gone, and my Baby Tiragon is missing too."
"We'll find him," said Avi. "I know we will."
Ser Damien, Constantine, and Ser Arthur were leaning against the walls in silence, honoring their lost friend. Santiago was sitting on Ser Damien's shoulders shaking his head. "Pobrecito," he said. "He was just a boy."
Trish tried to hold back the tears. "If only we had stuck together."
"There wasn't much we could do about that," said Blair. "We're all on edge after the attack."
"But this wasn't an assassination," Santiago said, wiping his paw across his nose. "The poor boy just had an accident."
"Aw, man," said Robin. "I wish I was there to help him. I feel so bad making fun of him all the time."
Aldara looked up at him. "It's okay, Robin. Tordo can be very annoying at times."
The door to their suite opened. Fira and Yako Pegasus entered the room followed by Aigami and Yusei Fudo.
"I've searched all night," Fira proclaimed, out of breath. "There is no sign of our baby. But we'll keep looking."
"I am sorry for your loss," Yusei said, after bowing with respect. "If you require anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Likewise," Aigami bowed as well. "Poor little guy. I was starting to get to know him."
"Bless you both," sobbed Aldara.
"I do not wish to push you into this," said Aigami, "but, My Lady, they are awaiting you at the tourney."
"The tournament!" said Constantine "How can you think of the tournament at a time like this?"
"Maybe it will ease the tension in Lady Avi," said Yusei. "And in light of the attack a few days ago, I humbly ask to be your guard while you fight in the games, My Lady."
"I will be honored to have a Knight of the Crimson Dragon by my side," said Avi. "Thank you, Ser Yusei."
"Just Yusei, My Lady," he said with a wide grin. "I will await you in the fields. They have set up the dueling grounds."
"You all go ahead," said Aldara. "I wish to spend some time alone if you please."
"There you are!" Stefan cried out, entering the sitting room where Avi and her companions gathered. He rushed to his betrothed and embraced her in a hug and a kiss. "And how are all of you feeling? If you wish for me to postpone the games…"
"No," said Avi. "I will fight. Tordo would have wanted it."
Aldara wailed. Poor Tordo so wanted to watch the fights that were going to take place in honor of Avi and Stefan's engagement.
"There, there," Stefan said walking to her and embracing her in a hug. "It's going to be okay. Tordo is now with the Goddesses and their loving embrace."
Avi bit her trembling lips. Stefan for her was an honorable man. He was a devout follower of Yeyu and yet comforted Aldara with the afterlife of her belief, not his.
"But he is not here with me, My Lord," Aldara keened into his chest. "He is not here with me!"
"I know," Stefan whispered, rubbing her back.
"He wanted to be a knight! He so wanted to be a knight!"
"Then we shall knight him posthumously!" declared Stefan. "He braved many dangers and monsters for Lady Avi. An honorable boy, he was."
"One of the bravest I've ever known!" Fira declared. "It mattered not where Avi went to find her dragons. He followed. He fought his fears and followed. The qualities of a brave soul!"
"We shall name him Ser Tordo the Brave!" Stefan declared.
Ser Arthur, Ser Damien, Blair, Constantine, Trish, Robin, Santiago, and even Yusei raised their fists in the air and cheered.
"Thank you, My Lord," Aldara hiccuped again, trying to smile.
"Don't mention it," Stefan kissed the half-elf on her forehead. "Now go bathe in the springs. My maids will herb the water with nightshade to calm you down. Do not weep any more, Aldara. It is said that the departed cannot rest if they see their loved ones in constant sorrow. Dry those tears and let us honor a day of games in memory of Ser Tordo."
Aldara nodded and got up. Everyone began to leave, but Avi went with Aldara to the bathhouse.
"You are not coming?" Robin asked.
"No, I'm going to stay with her a little longer," said Avi. "I will meet you in the fields. Has Throvor left yet?"
"He left early this morning," said Trish. "Hurry and get out there, Lady Avi. I heard Lady Arietta is going to be fighting at the games."
Avi's smile faded.
"Time to show that bitch who's the real Summoner, aye?" said Ser Damien.
Avi nodded and walked Aldara to the steps that led down to the lower levels of the castle. Meanwhile, Fira and Stefan made sure no one was around to let loose their laughter.
"Pathetic," said Fira. "I can't believe I said all that. It is a shame to give the title of knight to such a cowardly creature, even in death."
"It is almost time," said Stefan. "After today's games, Termnnia will go through a series of events that will change the course of history forever."
"And I will be there by your side, right?"
"I fear not," said Stefan. "You must remain with Lady Avi."
"What?"
"You must lead her to Arath Indol, the ancient ruin where one of her dragons sleeps. Then, and only then, you will come back to Naralia with me, and we can begin with the plan."
"But I've already done enough with Avellana!" said Fira. She put her arms around his neck. "You are just too good. Last night was amazing. And the Dragonslayer did beautifully in bed with us. Even now I long for the taste of her in my mouth again. And the feeling of you inside me. Please, let me stay."
"Don't screw this up for me, because you enjoy a good fuck, Fira. I've paid a lot of money to get you into the Domino City Army and sacrificed a lot of people to get you noticed by the Daltons. Just do this one thing for me, and I promise I am all yours."
"As you wish, my king." She leaned forward and kissed him. He didn't kiss back.
"Don't screw this up, Fira. If you do, I'll toss you over a cliff like I did that stupid beast, Ser Gerhalos."
"Hey! You can trust me, My Lord. As a Templar of the Church I will obey."
"You two really need to be more vigilant," Daralis said entering the room. "I heard you all the way down the hall. You two best be a little warier. The Daltons have eyes and ears on every stone in every part of this city. And as for you, Stefan, was it wise to just push the little bastard out the window?"
"I thought it was a rather efficient way to get rid of him," Stefan said brushing past Fira and Daralis. He made for the door.
"What gave you that notion?" Daralis asked.
"I read it in a book once," Stefan said disappearing down the hall.
Avi
She awoke to the smell of cooked meat, minced pies, and the sound of pipes, drums, lutes, and tambourines marking the second day of the games. She did not participate the day before, for her and her companions were mourning the loss of Tordo, so the first day of the tournament was a series of gauntlet matches and exhibitions. Now that Avi has her mind at ease, she was ready to fight and show everyone that she was worthy of being called the Summoner of Dragons. There was a knock at her door, very soft and rhythmic. Avi placed a white silk robe over her nightgown and then answered the door.
"Master Aigami!" she said in surprise.
"Good morning Summoner," Aigami said in a bow. "Are you ready to begin your training, yet? I was expecting you by the lake at dawn."
"Oh, dear!" Avi croaked. "I'm sorry."
"No need for apologies, Avi. I understand this has been a rough week for you. No matter, there is still time before your bout. Again, I shall wait for you by the lake."
"Thank you, master." Avi bowed apologetically. When Aigami left Avi quickly dressed into her white gown. She washed, had a quick breakfast and darted out of the White Palace to the gardens where the tourney was taking place. A few shadows darted overheard. Avi looked up and saw iron-clad knights riding atop of Gray Wings and a great blue beast called the Winged Dragon Guardian of the Fortress #1.
Lesser Dragons, so-called because they lacked the magic and god-like power the true dragons had before they departed at the end of the Third Age. In the skies, she saw the beast that handed Avi her first and most humiliating defeat. Ignition Beast Volcannon. Lady Arietta the Summoner of Carta was no doubt pummeling a challenger nearby. Avi felt her heart beating in her chest when she came to realize her rival was here. She had learned a lot and grew stronger since they first battled, but would it be enough to defeat her?
"Good morning, My Lady," said Daralis Dragonslayer. She was leaning against a tree eating an apple. She bit into it again with a loud crunch. "Looking for Aigami?"
"I-I am," Avi said nervously.
"I am truly sorry for the loss of your little friend."
"I thank you," said Avi. "Poor little Tordo."
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Trust me, Avi, you're in the Church now, believe it or not. And I am your only friend in this nest of vipers."
"So, this is the famous Summoner I keep hearing about." An Eldori with flaming orange hair arrogantly walked towards them wearing a white robe trimmed with black patterns over a full set of engraved steel plate enameled white. "I never expected dragons to be under the command of such a pretty girl."
"Hold it right there Ser Carlyle, I don't recall inviting you to the conversation."
"I don't need an invitation, certainly not from a kinslayer like yourself, Daralis. I am a Knight of the Church."
"Knight of the Church?" Avi asked.
"King Forrest created his own band of young knights to combat the Royal Termnnian Table," Daralis answered. "This one is Ser Carlyle the Dragon Hunter."
"Dragon Hunter?" Avi cried disapprovingly. "But...but why?"
"They make for good sport, dragons," Ser Carlyle boasted with stuck-up pride. He sounded pleased with what he was doing. He did hunt dragons who proved problematic for farmers and villagers who settled to close to their nests. Ser Carlye was the one they called to get rid of them, as though they were common pests. He killed them and their hatchlings. And he didn't hunt them just because the Church hated dragons. He killed them because he loved it.
"I want nothing more to do with you, Ser!" said Avi. "If dragons displease you so much, why have you come here to see me?"
"That's just it, I came to see you. I heard rumors from all knights across the land that the Summoner of Dragons is very hot! And damn you are, Summoner. I imagine King Stefan's got a lot to play with when you two consummate the marriage during your wedding night."
Avi slapped him, to which he laughed maniacally.
"MONSTER!" she shouted. "No! How dare I call you a monster? I insult the cards! I am the Summoner of Dragons. You will show me respect!"
"So you like it rough?" he grinned. "I like that."
"Give me one reason I shouldn't summon one of my dragons!" Avi said calling her staff. "You think you're so tough, Ser Carlyle? Let's see how you fare against a true dragon of the Age of Legends!"
"I'm not afraid of your dragons," Ser Carlyle sneered. "Once the marriage is complete, I will have the weapon I need to take them down. And when I do get my new toy, you'd best play nice or..."
"You've said enough!" said Daralis. "Leave Ser Carlyle. And if I catch you around the Summoner again the church will be minus one knight."
"You dare threaten a knight of Pope Salvation?" Ser Carlyle giggled. "Bold, very bold. However, I have matters I must attend concerning the church. Have fun in you tournament, Avi. For soon, Termnnia will be making the change it so rightfully deserves. And not even your hero Prince Yuri will be able to stop it."
"Leave!" said Daralis. "Now!"
"This won't be the last you see of me, Lady Avi. Until then, ta ta!"
"Thank you," Avi said looking at Daralis. Her heart was beating with fury and her cheeks turned cherry red. She had never been so insulted in her life.
"Think nothing of it," said Daralis.
"Mayhaps you can join me on my quest. I heard you are quite handy with a sword."
"You don't want me, Avi, trust me." Daralis said walking away. "Aigami waits for you by the lake. It's best not to keep him waiting."
Avi winced with confusion seeing the Dragonslayer leave like that. These Naralians are so strange and full of riddles. She then walked to the lake where Aigami was practicing combat with his staff. "Ah, there you are," he said. "I guess now we can begin."
"Thank you, master," Avi bowed.
"You look nervous?"
Avi looked to the skies again. Ignition Beast was still flying circles and destroyed a monster with his missile salvo.
"I can't do this!" Avi whimpered.
"You're kidding me, right?" Aigami said with a frown. "Perhaps the Stardust and Archfiend Dragons were wise not letting you summon them. If you are going to start panicking every time a challenge meets you, then it seems Saafani's blessing was wasted."
"I…I'm sorry. I've never engaged my dragons in combat before. Not like this. The last time I did, they were completely wiped out."
"We all suffer our losses, Avi. They are a necessity to greatness. We learn from our downfalls to make us stronger. If you tuck tail between your legs and sob every time you lose, well, you are not going to go far."
"I understand," said Avi, motivated by his words. She held out her arm and her staff appeared in her hands. "I am ready to learn."
"Good," Aigami said pointing his staff at the ground. "I have a gift for you, as a token of my appreciation."
"For?"
"For letting me join you." Aigami swung his staff over the grass. Fiery glyphs enveloped the ground. "Step into them," he commanded.
Avi did as she was told, and the glyphs snaked into the air, twirled around her and slithered into her mouth. Avi gasped and felt a surge of magical energy rush through her body. She heard a thunderous roar from the depths of her mind.
"What was that?" she asked.
"I took the liberty of acquiring a dragon for you," boasted Aigami.
"How did you come by that?"
"I am an Eyar, remember? They listen to us. Now, I will teach you the true art of Summoning, Avi. First off, I want you to summon your newest dragon and make him stronger while you do."
"And how, pray tell, do I do that?"
"By infusing your spirit energy with it. You can channel your essence into the creature you summon to give it a very powerful boost in strength, stamina, magic and more. But, I advise you to take great caution when you do. Infusing your dragons with your spirit energy means giving a piece of yourself to them. The more of spirit energy you give them, the weaker you become during the battle. And the weaker you become, the less strength you will have to summon another dragon in your battle."
"I see," said Avi. "Well here goes!"
She gave her staff a twirl. A bright blue aura radiated from her while she channeled her spirit into the staff. If stung her, but she willed through the light pain and summoned her new monster. The beast was made of solid gold and stood fifty feet tall with a wingspan of thirty feet. It had shiny white claws and a white underbelly of layered natural armor plating. It had burning green eyes and gave a monstrous bellow into the morning as it arrived into the world. The blue aura the enveloped Avi now steamed over the dragon's body.
"A Victory Dragon!" gasped Avi with amazement. "Oh, my!" Even after all the battles she has been through with her dragons, she still found it hard to believe that she had the power to summon these awesome creatures.
"Impressive monster, Avi," Aigami said with a proud chuckle.
"How can I ever thank you?"
"By becoming the Royal Summoner of Termnnia," said Aigami. "That is all the reward I could ask from you."
"Thank you very much!" Avi bowed. "I hope this will give me an edge in the coming battles. Perhaps I could even impress the Stardust and Archfiend dragons enough to join me."
"We will see," Aigami said looking up at the dragon. "They are a very stubborn duo."
As the morning progressed and the crowds filled the seats, the games began. Summoners from all over Termnnia had arrived to participate before Stefan and the Daltons as well as having a go against Avi and her Dragons. The new spell Aigami taught her helped her wonderfully against her opponents in the preliminary matches. Uneventful for some, but it drew a larger crowd now that Avi was participating in them. She was able to show the onlookers every dragon she had gained during her travels even her Victory Dragon. At the end of the day, Avi had won five victories. ("Ninety-five more," she thought sadly). The summoners were then given a twenty-four-hour recess before the next event.
She had fought hard to get to this point. At last Avi was going to prove how strong she was against her rival, Lady Arietta of Cartha who pulverized her dragons in shameful defeat many months prior. She waited until the noon sun rose over the mountains and warmed up the world.
"You nervous, Dove?" Fira asked, she plopped a chip into her mouth.
"Not too much," said Avi. "Aigami taught me a lot these past few matches as did my opponents. And my dragons have grown in strength as we climbed the brackets. I should have known Lady Arietta would not be defeated so easily in the games. That just leaves me and her in the final match."
"And then we make for the ruins in the Gray Hills."
"Another dragon," Avi said smiling. "I can't wait."
"Another dragon," Fira smiled. "Indeed. Pretty soon, Dove, our lives are going to change."
Arietta came parading out of her pavilion with her two companions. The young lad Peter and her bulking right-hand man Ser Renlos the Mute. Arietta removed her black cloak to show off a revealing black leather leotard that exposed most of her abdomen and her breasts. The back did little to conceal anything either. The crowd gasped at her lack of decency. Men whistled and jeered and mothers covered the eyes of their children. Arietta's black heeled boots crunched the pebbles beneath her feet as she strutted to her side of the battlefield.
"So here we are again, Lady Avellana. I must say I am impressed you made it this far." She bowed respectfully. "And I am sorry for the loss of your two friends."
"Oh, thank you."
"I may be many things, little lady, but cold-hearted is not one of them. I have admired Ser Gerhalos' stories since I was a little girl. And...I admit that I was jealous when I found out he was traveling with you. You are a very lucky girl to have had him in your company. And you must forgive me if I am a bit brash. I am the way I am because I want to be the best. I want to be the Royal Summoner. And if it means I must pummel you again and again, then so be it."
She held out her hand. A purple arcane circle formed over it and then the staff materialized into her palm. She gripped it will all her might.
"Now our battle begins."
"No," said Avi coldly. "Now it ends."
She too summoned her staff.
Arietta gave her staff a twirl and summoned Ignition. The mechanical beast shot down from the clouds like a meteor. It looked even bigger than before, no doubt it had seen many battles.
"Figures," Avi sneered. She too gracefully spun her staff and summoned Light and Darkness Dragon. It changed as well now developing a second layer of armor plating and six spikes on both its tails.
"Impressive," said Arietta. "Your dragons have grown. But, will it be enough to beat my Ignition Beast?"
"There's only one way to find out," said Avi.
"FIGHT!" shouted Peter.
The monsters took off into the sky. Peter jumped up and down with excitement constantly screaming, "FIGHT! FIGHT!"
The Ignition beast fired a salvo of missiles, the same attack Arietta used before to completely decimate her dragons in their first battle. Light and Darkness Dragon stopped midflight and raised up its tails. They started glowing purple and shot lasers at the incoming missiles. Light and Darkness Dragon casually swept his tails from left to right and destroyed the attack. The crowd applauded and cheered.
"No!" said Arietta. "Forget the missiles! Use your melee attacks!"
Light and Darkness Dragon held out his claws. They began to glow purple and extended by eight feet. He blocked the attack of Ignition Beast's heavy metal arms. The impact cracked the armor. Ignition Beast roared in agony and retreated to collect itself. Even it knew Avi had gotten stronger.
"Yes!" said Aldara, cheering next to Stefan's throne.
Ignition fired another salvo of missiles that came out of his back like wings. Light and Darkness Dragon created a diamond-tiled bubble to shield itself from the blast. But there were so many missiles that the bubble exploded, blasting the dragon with damage. Ignition flew down and stuck Light and Darkness Dragon repeatedly with its powerful metal arms. Then it did a backflip and used its tail to smash Light and Darkness Dragon back to earth with a powerful crash that rocked the park.
Light and Darkness Dragon squirmed and then faded away.
"No!" cried Avi.
"You're too weak!" sneered Peter. "Arietta is the best Summoner in Termnnia and the prettiest!"
"Now, now, Peter. It's not polite to boast."
"Yes, My Lady."
"Summon again, Lady Avi," Arietta said with a chuckle.
"I KNOW!" Avi shouted. She furiously twirled her staff to summon her next monster. Victory Dragon. "Feed off my rage, and bring me victory," Avi muttered. She channeled her spirit energy into Victory Dragon making it glow. He seemed to feel Avi's fury and gave a tremendous roar making children cry.
Victory Dragon fired a golden laser from its mouth that shot through Ignition.
"Oh no!" gasped Arietta. "What is that thing?"
Ignition Beast roared in agony. Victory Dragon shot upwards and held the mechanical beast's arms behind its back. Victory Dragon flew higher into the sky and then loop-de-looped violently before tossing the Ignition Beast back to the ground. The crowd braced itself for impact. Ignition Beast Volcannon crashed, creating a large crater on the dirt. The field shook like an earthquake had stuck Eredas. Stefan chucked casually and drank his glass of wine.
Ignition Beast squirmed and then stopped moving, fading back to its plane of existence to rest.
"No," said Arietta. "Ignition Beast, defeated so easily. Not bad, Summoner of Dragons. You managed to beat my beast. But he is not my only monster."
She swept her staff across the ground. Her second creature materialized. It was a behemoth of a beast. A giant robot called Fiendish Engine .
"Look at that," said Ser Damien, watching the battle from the balcony of the White Palace with Ser Arthur and Throvor.
"That's a nasty-looking creature," said Throvor.
The battle went back and forth between the two monsters.
They rolled and tumbled across the battlefield, hacking and slashing and punching violently. Then Fiendish Engine fell defeated. Arietta was starting to grow worried, watching her monster fade. Her next monster was Flying Fortress SKY FIRE.
Victory Dragon put up an honorable fight against it, but it was weakened by its battle with Fiendish Engine Omega. SKY FIRE defeated it in five minutes. The crowd went on their feet and started cheering both girls on for another great fight. Avi summoned Prime Material Dragon from her staff. Though it was a strong and capable beast, it proved no match for the robotic monster. Avi put everything she had into her White-Horned Dragon.
Avi's fresh monster proved a formidable foe against the fortress and took it down after a fifteen-minute bout that caused children to cheer. Photos were taken with hopes to capture the passion and desire for victory that the girls were displaying. They were so heightened by their battle that a blue fiery aura had enveloped them both.
"What a woman!" Stefan grinned.
Arietta then summoned another mechanical monster called Machina Force. Though a capable monster White-Horned Dragon proved too strong for it and fell after a ten-minute fight. It then defeated her Machina Fortress and her Barrel Dragon. More experience was gained for White-Horned Dragon. It now grew a second tale and large shoulder armor grew over both its arms.
"You've become stronger, Avi," said Arietta.
Little Peter was standing behind her biting his nails. Ser Renlos was wiping sweat from his brow.
"I fear my heart pumping like it never did before. Goodness, child, you're making me feel fear. As impressive as you are, I fear that this next monster marks the end of our bout. You fought well, I hope we can do this again."
"You sure you've won?" Avi asked. "You're down to your last monster. My White-Horned Dragon is still ready for more and I have Arvas, my Ancient Dragon who is ready for payback."
"If he wants payback, then he's going to have to get through this."
She slammed her staff into the ground creating cracks that radiated with purple light. Her last and most powerful monster had arrived.
Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur.
That monster marked the end of the battle. It took down White-Horned Dragon after a grand and noble fight. Arvas was next. Though he and Barbaros Ur had the longest fight of the day it did not end the way Avi had expected. The same went for Arietta who stared at the field in confusion. Both monsters had beaten themselves tired. They fell to the ground, collapsing with exhaustion, and then faded into back to their realms for a long rest.
"It's a draw…" gasped Arietta.
Stefan clapped slowly and stood up from his seat. "Well done, ladies," he said smirking. "Well done. He walked down the stairs and presented both Summoners with two olive branches and a sack of gold Star Chips and coins.
He held both their arms up announcing them both the victors of the games.
The audience cheered and whistled at them both. Roses were tossed at their feet as well as silver coins and Star Chips.
"Well done, Lady Avi," said Arietta. "But it won't end like this next time."
"You are damn right," Avi said, breathing heavily. "Because next time, I'm going to beat you."
Arietta smiled and embraced her opponent. They kissed each other's cheeks and held their arms up for the crowd. Peter was kicking pebbles furiously, for he wanted a victor. Ser Renlos stood quiet and then applauded with the crowd.
Stefan walked to Fira and Daralis.
"Prepare for the final quest," he told them. "The pieces are in play."
"So be it," said Fira. "I hope Avi has enjoyed her days as the Summoner of Dragon. For after today, that all ends."
