Final Chapter- Reunion
Iolene taking a few steps out of Mr. Winter's shop. Every movement pained her... Broken ribs, taking forever to heal and still weak from lack of food. This never ending journey has left her feeling exhausted.
Looking around seeing the villagers living a normal day. This is not how she imagined the world... Only knowing it from books. Being assaulted by Akvor, being kidnapped by bandits, taken by Sly. Only surviving with little skills she has.
But watching the villagers made her feel at peace. This is what a normal life looks like!
Time to make a move! She says to herself. As she starts walking to the caravans. Located near the mansion. Mr. Winters gave her sheets of paper and money. This food cart should be making it's way to Macdan. Sighing in relief she hands the money over to the driver.
"Thank you so much for this!" Saying with the utmost kindness, to the driver.
Iolene pats the bull class carriage dragon. Thanking him as well. His appearance is deceiving. Large tusks, red eyes, spikes over his body with ram horns on his head. He is a gentle boy!
"Time to go my lady." The driver says.
She then climbs into the cart. Nothing fancy. Having a little sneak peek of what's in the baskets. When the driver is not looking. Random oddities? Bones and rare plants! Make many potions with those. Feeling impressed at this collection she couldn't help but smile.
However, this sweet moment of relief is short-lived as shouting can be heard in the distance.
"Oh no... No, no, no!" Iolenes murmurs in fear.
Looking at the village she sees people being dragged out. I see draconium mag bursts flying around. Red and black! Oh no they're here!
The driver stops and turns around. We are heading back to the village!
"Um... Sir where are we going!?" Iolene whispers to the driver.
"I'll take you later my lady! My family could be in danger!" His dragon runs back to the village.
Iolene trying her hardest not to freak out. But she cannot blame the driver for returning home. If his family is there he would want to protect them. She cannot get mad at him for that. Even if this can cost herself everything.
They are in the middle of the village. In complete contrast before Iolene left. Everyone fighting, running and screaming.
"EVERYONE TO THE FRONT OF THE MANSION!" A Inclementian woman screams out. She is riding a mind control dragon.
The red guards are fighting against an army force! They are outnumbered! They get quickly dealt with. These must be the soldiers from Chuma!
Iolene jumps off the cart and makes a run for it. Hiding behind every obstacle she can find.
"GET YOUR HANDS OF ME!" A familiar voice is heard. Iolene looks up and it's Mr. Winters! Iolene clasps her hand over her mouth, fighting back tears. All of this because I fled Sly?
"I'M A HEALER DAMMIT!" Mr. Winters screams out.
All the people are being gathered in from the mansion. The village headman, all of his workers. The whole village including the dragons has lined up.
The woman on her dragon rides around looking at everyone. In particular the young women. Ripping off their headscarves and looking into their eyes. Iolene remains hidden behind barrels. Trying to find a way to escape. The never-ending guilt is wearing her down.
I have to try to help these people! Iolene thinking to herself. But what can she do?
Seeing many black draconium dragons and soldiers running around. They will be everywhere.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Village headman screams out. "We made a deal! YOU LEAVE US IN PEACE WHILE WE GIVE YOU FOOD!"
The woman soldier gets off the dragon and faces him. "You have something that is ours headman... That breaks all deals."
"What are you talking about!?" He says.
"We are looking for a girl... Blonde hair, pale skin, teenager, beautiful? Ring any bells?" she mockingly taps his head.
"No..." As he flat out lies to them.
A soldier approaches the woman soldier. "Oleander this is non sensical! You're going to get punished for this!" She then pushes him back forcefully. "I am in charge soldier! Cut out his tongue!"
The soldier then gets dragged away by Oleanders dragon. Who follows without a thought because of the mind gear.
"Oleander... Take it easy."
A Voice that Iolene can recognise anywhere... Monotone. His large smile can make anyone shudder with his creepiness. Callidus Sly...
"We will find the girl she couldn't have gone far..." Even after all this time he still sounds monotone.
Iolene looks around I can hear the soldiers ruffling through everyone's houses.
Mr. Winters is standing amongst the villagers. Iolene hoping that he remains safe! He is one of the rare people she trusts.
Iolene had no choice but to remain still. There are too many soldiers running around. Looking through a small gap she witnesses the red soldiers and dragons all get executed. There is no one to protect the village!
Iolene sitting frightened in her corner. It's always one thing after another. Wishing she was back home in the temple. Wanting freedom and all it's been is getting kidnapped and people dying around her.
But it was a matter of time when a soldier found her. He grabs her by the hair. And drags her out to Oleander!
"Hello, young girl!" Oleander smiles as she runs over excitedly. "It's good to see you again!" She grabs my chin to look at my eyes.
"Such a beautiful eye colour... I knew I wasn't going crazy." As she strokes my cheeks.
Callidus Sly approaches behind her. "Well... Aren't you a cheeky girl? You escaped from my carriage." Sly taps Oleander away and looks at my face. "You tried... Now you will never escape. You ruined your chance for a peaceful trip." Even in this situation, he doesn't even raise his voice.
Iolene sheds tears shaking her head. It looks like the game is over... Oleander forces her to stand up. She didn't have the strength to walk. Oleander had to drag her.
Iolene giving up hope when a black mag stream hits Oleander! Causing her to hit a nearby house. Iolene shrieks and falls over.
Iolene falling to the floor wondering what just happened. Beau rushes through standing on top of her! Roaring at everyone around him. It's so loud Iolene had to cover her ears.
She sighs in relief as she thought Beau died against the other fight against Sly.
The fighting amongst villagers and Inclementia soldiers began! Some red scouts joined the fray as they just witnessed what is going on.
Beau remains on top of Iolene until Oleanders mind-controlled dragon rams into him! The spikes of the gear piercing into his skin. Beau roars in pain and uses his large bandaged claws to swipe at him.
Beau thinking that Oleander must have had enough with dragons not doing what they're told. After all he did abandon her!
Iolene takes this opportunity to run away to safety. However, Sly runs and grabs her shoulder pulling her back.
Fires have been set alight to village houses from the Inclementian soldiers. This prevents anyone from hiding!
Sly forces Iolene to face him. For a thin man, he has a strong grip. Iolene snapping started to struggle! "LET ME GO!" Slapping Sly across the face. And then steps on his foot.
"It's futile girl. I was hoping not to hurt you. I gave you the chance." He says quietly. Iolene runs to Beau who is fighting with all his might against Oleander's dragon.
Little did Iolene realise Sly takes out her fish dagger. He throws the dagger aiming at her left leg. It slashes her left calf, causing her to scream. Deeply cutting it causing her to bleed and fall. She screams in pain as she desperately tries to tend to her badly injured leg. Ripping a part of her dress and tying it around the leg trying to stop the bleeding. Heavily breathing trying to cope with the pain. She can't move. She was thinking of using her powers. But if she used them she will be to weak to run. She's not strong enough for it yet.
"Finally found you! Are you alright? Come on!" As a male figure picks up Iolene damsel style. She wriggles and hits him thinking he is an enemy!
"HEY I'M TRYING TO HELP YOU! "He says to her. Iolene stops and focuses herself looking by at her carrier.
"Who are you?!" She says frightened. A tall tanned man with black hair. Wearing a basic brown Empire soldier's outfit. It's clearly been worn as it's dull. He has a large greatsword sheathed on his back.
He pauses for a moment. He had no idea what to think. She doesn't recognise him!? Aaron didn't know how to react.
Do I really look that different? He thought. He closes his eyes and sighs. She was his best friend they were kids. But back then he was scrawny and scruffy...
"I'll tell you later! But right now we need to get you out of here!" That's all Aaron could say.
But it was too late! Sly in quick motion with his two daggers attacks Aaron. He had no choice but to dodge! He jumps high in the air! Iolene trying to hold on to him.
But Sly is too fast. Aaron can't outrun him while carrying Iolene like this! He had no choice but to place Iolene safely on the ground. She tries to refocus on trying to clean her wound.
Aaron takes out his greatsword! Sly then starts attacking him! Aaron is on the defensive as Sly is surprisingly fast-moving! Aaron swings his sword downwards almost slicing Sly in half! Sly jumps and flips backward to regain ground. And changes his position with his daggers. His smile growing larger.
Aaron holds his sword in front with two hands. As he can hear someone running past him. It's Oleander! She beelines for Iolene as Beau mag pushes her away! Slamming her into a wall. He managed to escape the mindless dragon. Who remains in pursuit after him!
"Good work Beau!" Aaron shouts.
Iolene looks up and see Mr. Winters running over to her! She smiles seeing him. He looks at her leg. "Silly girl!" He scoffs. As he quickly cleans her leg.
Aaron and Sly are still attacking each other. His large sword and Sly's daggers clashing so much you can see sparks flying off the metal!
Oleander with her sword tries to stab Beau on multiple occasions. He tries to mag her away but she deflects every single time! Starting to out maneuver him! Then with a large mag stream, she aims at him! Beau jumps back to space away from her. He underestimated her abilities. He looks down at the crater she caused by that powerful magstream.
The mindless dragon returns to the battlefield. Oleander jumps onto her saddle absorbing energy from him and starts performing draconium magic. She mags Beau away with ease. Even worse she pushed him to where Aaron is. Aaron had to jump to dodge and losing his position. Sly jumps forward almost stabbing Aaron! Aaron manages to kick Sly away in mid-air.
Mr. Winters and Iolene could only watch. However, a problem arose when soldiers started surrounding the two. They face their spears at them. Even if Iolene wanted to run she couldn't...
"I'm so sorry to interrupt your group meeting!" As Mali jumps next to Iolene. Magging all the soldiers away using a small gold mag explosion. All the soldiers and the dragons flying off in different directions.
Gold draconium! Iolene immediately recognises. That little Suravi man used gold draconium! The small man pats Iolene on the shoulder. "You'll be alright my lady!"
All Iolene wanted to ask is who are these people? These must be the people Mr. Winters mentioned to her! All Iolene could do is hope!
Mali immediately recognised Iolene from Murray's description. He looks deep into her golden eyes. Mali's eyes tearing up from happiness. Without even thinking Mali gently hugs her like a parent would hug a child. And gently rocks her... He couldn't believe it. He is holding Aelius and Laelia's child. Iolene in the meantime is thinking that this man is crazy.
Mali stops hugging and with complete ease pushes all the incoming soldiers away. The streams of magnetic energy pulsing through his body. He has no need of a dragon. Iolene looks at him in awe! This man could have the answers she needs!
Aaron is still fighting against Sly! The smiling man dodging Aaron's swings. Aaron is running out of options. This can go on forever. He looks behind him and sees Mali protecting Iolene with his skills against the soldiers.
Aaron sighs with relief. What better protection than a priest of his calibre? As he looks near Iolene he sees the fish dagger.
Aaron quickly retrieves it! Just managing to dodge a swipe from Sly. Greatsword in his right-hand dagger in his left hand. Very different weapons but they'll have to do. I start dual-wielding against him. And the odds start to turn against Sly. He wasn't expecting this. However, his smile does not change! He then turns around and flees into the mansion!
Aaron immediately chases after him!
Mali is protecting Iolene from the soldiers. Keeping his usual lax and upbeat attitude.
"Do not worry my lady. This little body can do amazing things! No need to fret!"
He keeps a sphere gold barrier surrounding them. Disintegrating weapons and stops draconium attacks flowing through.
Lei, Lexi, and Kenneth run-up to Mali.
"Villagers safe?" Mali asks.
Lexi exhausted, her armour is ripped apart and damaged. She was caught in quite the fight. "Yes, we grabbed as many villagers that we can Murray, Iymp, Pyromancer and the other dragons are protecting them."
"Lei we could use Azalea's help where is she?" Mali asks.
Lei looks down pained. "She didn't make it..."
Lei recounts the moment she died protecting him... When they entered the village a spear hurled straight at Lei. Azalea magged off her dragon and took the blow. He tried to keep her alive but it was too late. He still has tears on his face...
As Lei thought of Zheroh continuously. Azalea was always there and he brushed her off. Never attempted to be friends with her... Now she is dead. I will make sure she gets a full funeral when I get back home. She deserves it. She fulfilled her duty to the crown. It's the least I could do, he thought.
"I'm sorry Lei..." Mali tells him kindly.
Lexi, Lei, and Kenneth look down. Iolene looks up at them.
"Is that?" Lexi points down to Iolene. Who is hiding under the gold bubble.
"YES, GET HER TO SAFETY NOW!" Mali demands. "As I'm too small to carry her!"
Kenneth grabs Iolene damsel style as soon as Mali removes the barrier. Iolene trying to ask many questions that are not being answered. As Lexi tries to pick up Mr. Winters, thinking he is injured.
"PUT ME DOWN!" Mr. Winters screams. "Just because I'm small doesn't mean I can't run!"
Without a moment Beau slams in front of the group. Lexi carrying Mr. Winters flees almost getting hit by the collision. Kenneth follows soon after her with Iolene.
Lei in urgency begins meditating as taught by his priest. He always claimed that he isn't a good fighter. But he had no choice... Azalea and her dragon are now out of the picture. Lei then making a stance prepares to fight! He quickly grabs a nearby spear and goes on the defence. He hopes what training he pays attention to is enough for him to survive! As there are still many remaining soldiers and dragons.
Oleander jumps high into the air blasting at Kenneth. He raises his left hand creating a small magic shield. But the impact is bigger than what he realised falling over dropping Iolene. Iolene trying to crawl to Kenneth to see if he is okay.
"Move away! She's coming!" Kenneth orders her. Iolene turns around and tries to get up. Crawling away from Kenneth. As he gets up ready to fight.
The mindless dragon chases after Mali! Since the dragon is doing this without free will he decided to abstain from killing him! Mali runs to protect Beau who is badly hurt after that impact. Mali realised what happened. Oleander magged him high into the air and slammed him into the ground!
Mali looks at Beau. He is barely conscious... But something is eerie in the air. The atmosphere has changed, and Mali couldn't tell why. But if Beau is here that means Aaron must be around! "AARON!" Mali screams. Little realising that Aaron followed Sly into the mansion.
Aaron dual-wielding a dagger and sword. Sly and he are squaring off inside the mansion. Sly stops in the main hall where the village headman sits. Sly is an experienced fighter. After all, this fighting Aaron can tell he is not even exhausted. Sly with a small opening managed to kick Aaron on the stomach slamming him onto a table. The oil and candles fall as a fire starts inside the mansion!
"Impressive... But not good enough." Sly murmurs.
He must have a weakness! Aaron thinks to himself. We're just going in circles! Aaron looks up at all the chandeliers. Maybe the change of scenery will be his undoing. I just need to distract him enough. In quick motion Sly attacks, me again. The only thing Aaron be relieved for is that Sly doesn't know how to use magic.
Aaron jumps onto a table as the fire spreads inside the mansion. Sly follows suit as we hit our weapons again. Trying to find each other's weaknesses. He still hasn't found Aarons! Even though he doesn't know what his own weaknesses are...
He tries to go for a low blow but misses me every time! He is trying to play unfair now. I walk back deliberately to try and get him under the large round multi-level chandelier. His large creepy grin making me feel uncomfortable. Just what is he? His demeanor feels familiar though... Like Aaron has come across people like this before. But doesn't fully recount what it is.
Sly's smile gets bigger as he thinks he is starting to get the upper hand. I make myself sound exhausted to make him believe this is true.
A small glance upward! It's now or never with a split moment I throw the dagger away! Sly looks in that direction as he seems bewildered. Even though his facial expression didn't change... I throw my greatsword upward with as much force I could muster! The sword clangs the chandelier's main chain making it loose! It comes crashing down. I manage to jump out of the way. Where Sly was unlucky! He gets hit on the head while trying to dodge causing him to collapse.
Aaron quickly disarms Sly by taking his daggers. Quickly grabbing his sword and the fish dagger. Looking at Sly's head as he bleeds. His creepy smile still on his face as he looks like he is sleeping.
Looking down at him part of the roof collapses! It's getting too dangerous to stay here! Having no choice but to leave as I started struggling to breathe. Not noticing Sly's eyes opening as Aaron left the room. As Aaron exited the mansion the whole place is on fire... After this day there will be nothing left of this village...
Kenneth fighting against Oleander in draconium combat. He is surprised how well trained she is in the arts, considering she is not a priest. Kenneth tries to look after Iolene as the fighting between them continued. Red and black lights everywhere! It's hard to see what is happening! Magic bursts blasting around the street causing small craters. Kenneth with his power creates a red magic sphere shield for Iolene who remains grounded. Giving Kenneth a disadvantage of energy and attention wise.
Oleander having enough of fighting manages to hit a low blow by creating a powerful mag blast causing his lower left leg to disintegrate. Kenneth screams in agony as he crashes to the ground. Looking down his leg below the knee is entirely gone! Underneath Kenneth's knee blood started seeping out. Oleander laughs in hysterics as he screams in pain.
His skin turning white as he vomits. Iolene looking at him in horror! She covers her mouth as tears flowed down her cheeks. As Kenneth fell his shield over Iolene disappears. Oleander casually walking over to Iolene by grabbing her scalp and dragging her up.
"Oh, my Emperor, Emperor, a gift you shall have. For darkness takes over the light. For light causes chaos and the shadow brings peace." Oleander whispers into Iolene's ear. Iolene in shock looks to her left and notices something approaching them.
It was Beau! With his body, he slams right into Oleander! Causing Iolene and her to slam onto the floor. Oleander lets Iolene go ripping a chunk of Iolene's hair out in the process. Iolene collapses to the ground.
The tanned man who tried to take Iolene earlier carries her damsel style. Mali releases the mindless dragon from his mental prison. By transferring gold energy into his right fist and punching the gear hard enough that it breaks! The enslaved dragon runs away in fear of what is going on.
Mali noticing Kenneth lying on the ground runs over to him who is still crying in agony. Looking in shock at what just happened to him.
"Bring me to the injured man..." Iolene says and without question, her carrier takes her to the screaming man.
Mali trying to comfort Kenneth. "You're going to be alright! You're going to be okay! Hang in there Kenneth!" He says with as much hope he could. Lexi just standing pale-faced as her master yells in pain. Lei being the only one fighting the last of the soldiers. Lei gently pats Lexi's shoulder to help fight against them. Shaking her head starts fighting with rage and fury. With use of her fire magic waves flames over the dragons and soldiers forcing them to flee or burn to death. She has never done this on a larger scale before. Lei looks at her in surprise as she waves her arms like a dancer. Fire bending to her whim. She realising that the use of fire magic is connected to rage and passion. The more furious the person is. The more offensive the skills can become.
The man carrying Iolene places her next to Kenneth as she raises her hand over his damaged leg. Her hand glowing gold draconium magic. His leg stops bleeding as the wound tries to heal. Iolene trying to keep the momentum up. But eventually collapses due to having no more energy left.
Everything goes black.
Iolene opening her eyes. Her whole body in pain. Her exhaustion in indescribable...
The man who first picked her up looks down at her with concern. He is the first person she sees. She questions herself as to who he is... Or he is just being very creepy... Having had enough of it with the bandits. She just wanted peace for once in her life... A life where picking a dress is the worst problem a person can have.
Having a small look around it looks like we are in someone's village house.
"Who are you?!" Iolene asks as she rushes around looking for any kind of protection. Finding her fish dagger on top of the drawer next to her bed. Unsheathes it and aims it at the man. He leans back away from the pointed blade. But he doesn't protest it.
"It's me... Aaron... You know... I don't know... We were friends... When we were kids. If you remember?" He says calmly stroking the back of his neck. He had no idea what to say to her and neither did she. "Put that down..." Aaron says gently as he reaches for her hand to lower the dagger.
Iolene's eyes went wide open. She didn't recognise him at all! Last she saw him he was a scrawny, thin boy with messy long black hair and covered in dirt. And now without a doubt he looks like his father. But she wouldn't dare mention it...
"Really?" Iolene feeling too weak to say anything. Sounding croaky like a toad... Having so many questions! Like what happened to him? What did he do? How did he get here? Also feeling sure that he had the same questions for her.
Iolene starts trying to muster all the words she can to talk to him. Wriggling and trying to sit up but being unsuccessful slipping and hurting her ribs again. She is in so much pain. The ribs, the bruises, lack of food, and now the left leg. The injuries are just piling.
Aaron smiles softly and helps Iolene cover herself in the bedsheets. "Hey... We will have plenty of time to talk. You're still too weak right now." As Iolenes long hair falls in front of her eye, Aaron brushes it away behind her ear. "I came in to check on you, just to make sure you awoke. You need to eat and rest. And put that dagger away..."
Iolene sheathes the dagger and places it back onto her drawer. Ever since Akvor... Sleeping with a dagger can bring her comfort. Iolene thinks to herself... This world is so harsh and dangerous. Not wanting to kill anyone or wish for them to die. But after everything that has happened, she needs to learn to protect herself. Mad at the priesthood for raising her to be like this... The forever feelings of being weak and helpless. But that was exactly what Akvor wanted... So, he could easily control her.
Iolene sighs as Aaron gets up when Mr. Winters slams the door open. "AARON GET OUT! THE GIRL NEEDS REST!" He screams in his usual fashion.
"Sheesh..." Aaron whispers. "I'm leaving Mr. Winters..." Trying to keep politeness as he leaves the room.
Iolene is trying to get up after Aaron. But he looks at her before exiting. "Don't worry we'll talk next time!"
Aaron exiting the abandoned home he sees the group outside.
"Murray... She's awake. But you will have to challenge Mr. Winters." Aaron announced. Murray looking all beaten and broken himself. He only woke up this morning himself. He was helping to protect the villagers. It's thanks to him, Lei and the dragons many managed to survive. His right eye is covered with a bandage. He might never be able to see through that eye again. He smiles and nods at me as a fellow villager helps him walk into the house.
Murray enters inside the house where he sees his young cousin. He couldn't help but cry. Iolene looks at him in surprise. "Your eye! What happened?" She talks in a croak voice. It took a moment for her to recognise Murray. He looks complete opposite of what he usually does. A royal prince now looks like, well... A bandit. Or better yet a dirty pirate. Iolene thinking this'll make his sister Marina proud.
"WHAT DID I SAY!?" Mr. Winters shouts. "How can anyone rest when there is people barging in all the time!?"
"Hello" Murray says as he refraining from yelling at the old grouch. "I am grateful for your work. But I am a prince of Aquarius City. Do not speak to me like that again old man..." He says it calmly. "Please let me and my cousin be."
Mr. Winters scoffs and storms out. Whispering obscenities while doing so... Murray tries his hardest not to laugh. The man is too much of a grump to take seriously. But looking at Iolene his mood immediately changed.
"I'm sorry Iolene... I'm so sorry..." He grabs Iolene's hand. "This was never meant to happen!"
"I want to go home..." Iolene says weakly.
"As much as I want to take you back home. I can't... We must go to Macdan. There is a man you must meet. There is so much going on. But right now you need to rest as much you can before you leave."
Iolene's smile disappeared and faces away from Murray.
Iolene knowing that everything is only going to be more difficult than here. Knowing that whatever happens, she will not have a choice in the matter... But to cheer her up Murray gives her bag full of her mother's letters, Repleo quill and journal. She smiles as she opens the letter again to re-read them all.
Aaron stares at the small house Iolene resides in. Due to lack of beds many of the people recovering had to be in tents or scattered in different houses that barely remain. The fires stopped just before morning. Lexi made it worse by fanning the flames and giving the fire more life to burn.
The mansion is unliveable as the second floor entirely collapsed. The villagers who can travel went to another smaller village further down the road.
The village headman Kalmin was killed in the battle. And the Inclementian soldiers murdered his family by burning them alive. So, the villagers are lost... They will need to rebuild their once peaceful town.
Aaron walks over to Lei who is looking at the fields. It was the only place of any greenery in these mountains. Now they're destroyed and now look dead like the rest of it. But at least the weather is lovely... A gentle breeze with a nice clear sky.
Lei is feeling down after losing Azalea.
"I'm sorry for your loss Lei... She was a great warrior." Aaron says with sincerity.
"Thank you... She served her crown with pride. I am grateful to have her as a protector." As Lei smiles at Aaron.
Aaron decides to change the subject to try to uplift the mood. "You know I heard from Iymp after the battle you did some amazing martial arts skills. You protected the villagers with the ancient fighting style." Aaron trying to cheer him up and boost his confidence.
He smiles and scoffs. "I'm not that great at it... I only know the basics. I'm nothing like my older brothers or my younger sister Fen..."
Aaron smiles. "If I hear a dragon from the priesthood saying you were formidable against those soldiers. Without WEAPONS I might add. I cannot imagine what your siblings must be like... We should train together sometime."
Lei looks at Aaron smiling. "I did use a spear later. Even though I was clumsy with it."
Aaron chuckles. "Spears are strange to use to those who have never used them before. It's too bad I missed your fight... I was fighting against a strange man... Sly they called him. He was a handful. Knows how to use his speed and daggers. Must have been an assassin in his younger years."
"I heard he was creepy..." Lei says. "Is it true that he smiles yet barely showing emotions in his voice?"
"Yes... He is unsettling. His smile is almost not even human." As Aaron shudders by thinking of him. Just what is he? He'll have to ask Mali later...
"Well, we got the princess back," Lei says.
"So, your mission is accomplished?" Aaron asking.
"Halfway... I want to go home... And it feels like I'm almost there because we have Iolene. But I have a lingering feeling my adventure will not end anytime soon." Lei says.
Aaron nods in agreement. They talk for an hour until Lei needed to refresh himself. As Aaron decides to check on everyone else. Aaron looking up at Iolenes house as recounts Murray is still inside.
Walking past some of the burnt houses next to them nearby is a house half burnt. The main bedroom is still intact. I knock on the door as Lexi opens it.
"Hello, Aaron." As Lexi guides him inside.
"How's Kenneth?" Aaron asks in a worrying tone. The last time he saw Kenneth he was in terrible shape. I cannot imagine the afterthought of what happened. Must have been horrifying...
"He's awake... Still in shock though... You want to see him?" She asks kindly.
"Sure," Aaron replies. As Lexi opens the bedroom door which is tough to open from the broken-down part of the house. Kenneth lies in bed covered in bandages his leg raised high with pillows. His leg now a stump from where half his leg used to be.
"Aaron..." Kenneth murmurs as tries to smile. "How are you?"
"Alright..." It's so hard to talk to him. Can't ask if he's okay. Because he is clearly not. The man has had half his leg obliterated... There is nothing left of it. Sad that Aaron is used to such things. Human limbs being ripped, cut, or obliterated is the norm in Dominus Sahara. It's a horrible and traumatic experience to go through and there is nothing in the world to make it better...
"I'm glad... Many were not so lucky... The princess safe?" Kenneth asks in concern Lexi looks up.
"She's awake now," Aaron answers softly.
"I have her to thank. She saved me..." Kenneth trying to be uplifting.
"How? Kenneth?" Lexi asks sounding sceptical. "How did she save you? I mean... Look..." As she is trying her hardest to be discreet by not pointing at the obvious. "If we didn't go onto this mission. We never would have been in this mess."
"Well... Without her magic. I would have bled to death. I only had moments to live Lexi... Oleander hit me good. Not only did she destroy my leg, her draconium is full of poison. Iolene helped to heal and cure the fresh poison. It was my fault I underestimated Oleander... I wasn't expecting a general to have such fighting knowledge of a priest... May I ask as to what happened to the general?" Kenneth asks in concern.
Lexi and Aaron looked at each other. Recounting that moment... A moment that conflicts and disgusts Aaron to no end. This moment frightened Aaron bringing back terrible memories.
"She's dead Kenneth... And rightfully so!" Lexi says in a fake cheery fashion.
"Oh well she reaped what she sowed..." Kenneth then yawns and falls asleep uncontrollably.
"You alright Lexi?" Aaron asks her. She sighs and looks straight into Aaron's eyes.
"Could be better. As I have a need..." As she whispers into Aaron's ear. "I could use a warmup partner."
"Woah..." Aaron gently pushes her back as he looks down at her. She is rubbing her hand on the back of his right leg. "Now really is not the time Lexi... Maybe another time? I mean your master is right there..." Aaron looks at the sleeping Kenneth nervously.
"I know it's not!" Lexi whispers in frustration. "You see using pure fire, you know phoenix magic? They're heavily based on emotions. Rage and passion mainly. I was furious for what that bitch did to my master! I controlled fire like I never had before! But now after a long while... I need a good release!"
Aaron shifts his eyes from side to side trying to connect to what Lexi is saying. "So, using fire magic can make you extremely angry as it can also make you really horny?" Aaron looks at her in surprise.
"Yes... Rage and passion. There is a reason why phoenix devout are apparently the best lovers." She says frustratingly as she hugs Aaron, stroking his face. "Kenneth said it'll take years to block it away. But... I just can't. I like sleeping around. I found that I quite enjoy it... Call me a slut all you like, it's how I am. I'm careful, Get over it."
Aaron nods his head in acceptance. "I was never going to call you a slut." He knew when they first slept together it was a distraction and nothing was serious. They clearly enjoy each other's company. But it made him feel better that she is being more open to him. She is a mystery to him as many of the priests are...
The conversation quickly ends when Kenneth is seen shuffling in his bed, knocking his sheets off. "I better go tend to him...I'm not good at this." Lexi says worryingly. As she tries to prepare Kenneths bed again.
Aaron quickly says goodbye to Lexi leaving the broken hut. Walking to Mali who is watching Beau sleep near the other dragons.
"I cannot fathom of what you must be thinking of him right now Aaron..." Mali whispers to me. He is right Aaron cannot fathom what he did... There is killing someone... Then there was Beau's way... Aaron thinking in his mind's eye. Iolene passing out after trying to heal Kenneth. Oleander lying on the ground being crushed underneath Beau's claw. Her screaming and gurgling in agony as she is slowly being crushed to death. Beau's body glowing with pure black draconium, his body mutated into something horrifying... His spikes growing double the size. Claws and teeth extending their length. His forehead glowed but no bonemark is present.
Even scarier than what he already is. And without a second thought after this new mutation, he rips her apart. Leaving everyone in the area shocked and horrified of him. After the act he transformed back unaware of what just transpired. Even though he was covered in her blood.
Mali has been keeping an eye on Beau since then. Wondering what happened to him. It's not normal to have such a transformation. Mali is curious, Beau has been experimented on. What did they do to him?
Aaron stares at Beau from a distance. Unsure of him... How to react to him. He is clearly dangerous. As Aaron remembers when Beau first attacked him. For a short moment after fighting the troll Aaron felt some kind of trust. But that quickly changed when he ripped Oleander apart with his bare teeth. Bringing back flash backs of Dominus Sahara... Such a horrible way to die...
Mali looks up at Aaron.
"Go get rest boy. I know it'll be hard. But try... That's an order." Mali tells Aaron as he accepts the order.
Aaron walking away from the dragons as Beau wakes up looking at Aaron walking away.
Beau feeling sick and uneasy... His headache is uncontrollable. He lost his mind! All he remembered is being close to death in agony when suddenly a huge powershift changed his body. The burning blood coursed through his body worse than ever, as he could see the dark purple glowing blood pulse through his veins. Then everything became a blur...
Iymp looks at Beau with concern as Beau shakes his hoping for his headache to go away.
"You still feel sick?" Iymp asks in the dragon tongue. "The black draconium in your body is potent. I have never seen anything like that. You will need to cure it, or it will get worse. What did they do to you?"
Beau remembers none of it. Kaunis manipulated him, then made him sleep. Only to wake up as an enslaved dragon in a mind-controlled army. Useless apparently, not what the pretty dragon needed.
"I don't know..." Beau answers. "Do you know how to cure it? I want this gone!" Beau starts to sound desperate. Realising he cannot go home like this... What if I kill again? And this time it's a dragon? And what if I lose my mind forever? Going back to the north could be his mental undoing! And for his brother and father to see him like this. Beau in anger stomps the ground so hard he creates a claw print. Iymp stands back wary of what Beau will do next.
"Relax I'm not crazy... At the moment." As Beau snaps at him.
Beau looks down at his feet they've healed! He looks down at them confusingly. "They've been painful for so long". Beau murmurs.
Iymp sighs and walks closer back to him. "When you... Transformed, your body healed. It's like something inside you activated and, in the process healed your pain. But the price of healing your pain, you lost your mind in the process. The usual trademark of the Black Draconium Empire, power and madness!"
Beau looks down. As he tries to remember what happened, the only memory showing up in the aftermath of tasting human flesh and blood. "Is there a way to cure me?" He asks.
"I don't know... Mali and Stein might know." Iymp looks at Mali as Mali stares back at him. Iymp giving a small roar as Mali waves in response.
"They will help me?" Beau asks in desperation.
"If you help them... Probably. Whatever you don't tell them you're a separatist. They're a huge reason for the royal family downfall." Iymp then starts stretching and yawning.
"But it's part of who I am!" Beau roars in frustration.
"It's not for now!" Iymp retaliates by nudging him with his tail. "And don't go around saying that to anyone. Keep it hushed. You be surprised how many dragons are against separatists nowadays!" As Iymp does the last stretch. "You know I need to do some running around. Lexi is looking after Kennetha and I am bored, as well I want to see if I can steal a few things."
"What?" Is all Beau could say as Iymp runs off into the destroyed village. Beau looks at Mali as he is still looking at him. Beau scoffs and faces his back end to Mali. The small priest couldn't help but smile.
The next day arrives. Aaron unable to rest ended staying up all night walking rounds. Making sure no one arrives from Chuma and avoiding Mali. No sign of anybody coming from that direction. Aaron looks up at the city of Chuma in the distance. The fortress city high up on the mountain. The only thing that can be seen is the wall surrounding the city.
Aaron thinking of why the Black Empire would do something so foolish. They lost soldiers... Destroying an innocent village that was occupied by the reds... What were they thinking? But with that thought. The Shadow Emperor must know! The sooner we leave the better.
The sun finally rose. I walk to Kenneth's room first he is already awake with Lexi helping him move around. Pyromancer, Iymp, and Beau waiting outside.
Kenneth taking a while to balance on his saddle. He's trying to remain in good spirits.
Beau remains close to Iymp. He is spooked... He recalls nothing of what happened. But when Iymp told him of what he did to Oleander. This scared him... Aaron avoids Beau as much as could. Making it an awkward atmosphere. Mali wakes up greeting everyone in his usual fashion.
Aaron looking at Mali's satchel bag it has miraculously grown in size. Aaron can hear the recognisable clanking sound of alcohol glasses. He must have found leftovers in the people burnt down houses.
Lei rolls his eyes at Mali. He knew he drunk but didn't realise he was that bad. "Really Mali?" He asks.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, young prince. No one else is going to take them so why not?" As Mali opens a bottle of port and starts chugging it down like it's his last day.
As part of Aaron's job, he takes the bag away from Mali. And places the bag on himself. Mali crying in disappointment. "I knew it... I shouldn't have ordered you to control my drinking habits." He sighs in defeat. Even though everyone knows he can try to beat Aarons ass... But it's more for the fact that Aaron can easily smash those bottles that he now has in his possession.
Kenneth in sad turn of events wants to have alcohol. Aaron only gives him one bottle.
Everyone waits outside as Iolene, Mr. Winters and Murray walk out of the house. Iolene managing to walk with a stick. Mali changing his composure as everyone runs over to her.
"Princess Iolene Laelia Mariana Ovideus. Child of Emperor Aelius Livianus Ovideus and Empress Laelia Sabina Rufina Rivers-Ovideus. You have the beauty of your mother, where you have the hair, draconium and eyes of your father." Mali bows low to her grabbing her right hand with both of his hands. Aaron to everyone's surprise of how regal he can sound. "I served your mother and father many years ago. I am a gold priest of Star order. We are here to guide you back to Macdan."
Iolene stands there almost speechless. To her this felt like a dream... Not only being rescued. Seeing Aaron and a gold priest who served her parents. What is happening? "A gold priest?" Iolene asks "I thought they were all killed?"
Everyone remains silent as Mali speaks to Iolene. "Many of us were killed, princess. I have lived in the wilderness for many years surviving. Trying to rebuild the star order but to no avail. I am sorry that I have failed..." Mali trying his hardest not to cry. Aaron looking at Mali. He has spoken to him about the hardships. They're the reason why he drinks. And now he has an ancient descendant in front of him. An heir to the gold throne.
"I'm sure you didn't priest..." Iolene says caringly. "It must have been hard for you." This is all she could think to say. She couldn't imagine saying he should have done better. Or why he wasn't there for her parents when they died. That wouldn't help the situation at all. Iolene wasn't there... She didn't know what happened. Iolene gently strokes Mali's hair as he remained low to the ground.
Mali then stands up. "It was princess... Now we must get you back safely. Let's go! You may ride my dragon." Mali gestures to the turquoise dragon he has been riding since Mille-Voix.
However, Mali quickly realises Aaron has Iolene's attention as she hugs him.
"I don't believe it... First, you were there and then you were gone. No one could find you... What happened?" As Iolene cries in happiness. He was her first friend she ever made.
"I know..." Aaron whispers to her. "But I'm back now!" As he sounds overly happy. Aaron is trying his best to avoid the seven-year enslaved torture of Dominus Sahara subject. He didn't want to kill the happy mood straight off the bat. "I've been... Exploring. The deserts of Dominus Sahara. You know the sand sea?" As Aaron strokes the back of his neck.
"Exploring? The desert?" Iolene says in a skeptical fashion. "The Dominus Sahara Desert? Why?"
"Look princess we can talk as we travel to Macdan..." Mali interrupts. He is trying to be as kind to her as he can.
Iolene however looks at Beau and stumbles over to him.
"I thought you were dead!" Iolene says excitedly. "It's wonderful seeing you!" Beau smiles as he is fighting immense conflict inside his body. His blood cooling by her presence again. It felt so relieving to him. He couldn't help but sigh of relief from his pain.
Aaron feeling uneasy with Iolene being so close to him. He cannot be trusted.
"Iolene don't go near him!" Aaron shouts. "He is dangerous!"
"Aaron this dragon saved me! Without him, I'd be dead..." Iolene says kindly. "I owe him." She strokes him on the face gently. "You have healed nicely". She tells Beau.
Aaron is fighting everything in his body to shout out he is a vicious killer who rips people apart and enjoys their suffering. Mali grabs Aaron's hand and looks up at him. "Not now boy... The last thing we need is a fight inside the group. Iolene has clearly welcomed him and wants to thank him."
"He's a ripped a person apart Mali!" Aaron whispering in anger.
"Oh, I know what I saw... But we cannot let him go free... I'd rather that dragon be under our gaze than be running around free don't you think?" Mali smirks at Aaron as he looks up at him. "Besides... There is something about that dragon. I want to know what it is good or bad. He was alone with Iolene and he didn't seem to be a threat to her."
"Well, it wouldn't be the first time Iolene pets something that is dangerous..." Aaron remarks for himself. Mali had no idea what he was talking about.
Everyone watches as Iolene pets, Beau. "You can go home now," Iolene says excitedly. "I have my group now. You want to go home to the north you can!" As Iolene opens her arms in embrace.
Beau however shakes his head no. Beau looks at the whole group around him. He can't go home with the mental state he is in. And Iolene stops the burning blood in my veins. I must find a cure he thinks to himself.
"You want to stay?!" Iolene smiles and claps her hands in delight. Beau thinking that she is so overly sweet. He doesn't need the black draconium. He kneels for Iolene to ride him and she happily accepts.
Everyone now prepares for the ride back to Macdan. Mr. Winters holding onto Mali for dear life as he hates riding on dragons. Pyromancer is holding Kenneth by a magstream as he fears Kenneth falling off. Lexi riding Iymp as his dragon bag looks mysteriously full. Lei is in such a optimistic mood he cannot wait to get back to Macdan! With Aaron making sure his bag and weapons are fitted onto his body properly. Murray relieved that his cousin is safe.
"Let's go!" Mali demands as everyone rides forward leaving the village behind.
