Zieg looked on with misted, thoughtful eyes, as he sat upon one of the many vacant balconies Makorita had lent them to accommodate the rooms they would be frequenting for the night before their journey. Zieg sighed heavily, watching as thick globs of liquid lava splashed into the heated pool of majestic crimson, all the while, seeping through their various exits leaving the volcano so that they may be hardened into charred stone, somewhere in the outcroppings outside.
It wasn't the first time Zieg wondered at such majesty taking place before him and not having to pay a price for it. But then, what had Makorita said before about there being more to the wonders of this cavern other then pure luck? Zieg narrowed his eyes slightly. It wasn't that he didn't trust the old lady. He appreciated all that she had done for them and all the information she had been helpful enough to dole out. It was just that, the way she had described everything, there was still something missing, something she wasn't ready to tell any of them. True, everything she said had been in riddles but that wasn't the only problem. Zieg couldn't explain it but there was a new depression and anxiety within him now. Hearing of his departed parents had only darkened the mood and left him with even more questions he long thought buried in the recesses of his mind.
What became of them? Why did they leave him behind? Those and a thousand other questions continued to swirl through his head so that he soon became nauseous. Zieg closed his eyes and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. It seemed the only way to find out anything would be to keep moving on.
"It's beautiful… isn't it?"
Zieg turned around, half from surprise and half from overlaying curiosity. For he immediately recognized the voice and tone of this new speaker, and both were at conflict with what he witnessed in previous encounters. Nonetheless, Zieg stared at this new figure now with thoughtful eyes. "Rose…"
The dark haired woman nodded silently. Without saying another word, she slowly paced towards the far edge of the balcony so as to get a better view of the magnificence of the molten lava hailing the pools of fiery liquid below.
Zieg sighed with something of a forlorn expression. Of all the problems he had already, he definitely didn't need the sour demeanor of this woman, especially when it was unwarranted. Nevertheless Zieg shrugged helplessly. "It's nice, I suppose." He scaled over towards the balcony edge next to her, not really knowing what else to do. He carefully kept his eyes planted ahead, watching the flowing river of fire with mild intensity. At a time like this, he really wanted to be alone. Why did this woman, with her infallible attitudes, have to come to him of all people?
Of course Rose was oblivious to all of this. The slim woman absently pushed a few strands of dark raven black hair away from her face behind her ear. Unbeknownst to her, Zieg found that to be oddly attractive it its own subversive way. He found his eyes trailing towards her face now, taking in her smooth complexion, the dark shimmering eyes that were beautiful and captivating to look at, her delicate, sharp nose and elegantly defined lips. Even the way her hair fell about her face was breathtaking.
Rose soon noticed the attention on her and thus turned her head. Zieg quickly reasserted his eyes back towards the flowing river, mentally cursing himself for being so stupid. Whatever demons had possessed him to take in the woman's elegant features, he'll never know. He mentally prepared himself for a berating he was sure would fly his way from the woman.
"A lot has happened in one day, has it not?"
Zieg couldn't help his eyes from growing slightly wider with shock. That had 'definitely' not been the response he was waiting for. Thus caught precariously off guard, he coughed nervously, glancing her way once more. "Ahem… well… Yeah I suppose so." He cast her a weary glance. Why was she being so passive with him all of a sudden?
"I myself have been troubled with even more disturbing questions then when we had first came here." Rose continued, completely unaware of her companion's unease.
Zieg tried to calm his unease and suspicion. As far as he could tell, this woman was trying to be civil with him for the first time and it would not due that he drool and shiver over every word muttered from her mouth.
"That Makorita…She seems to fancy talking in riddles." He replied absently. "I too am confused with much of what she had to tell us earlier today."
"So much so that you can't sleep and find your only solace is staring off into the void of your surroundings?" There was light humor in Rose voice as she implied the view his balcony offered him.
Zieg chuckled mildly at this. Surprisingly, for such a stubborn woman, she could be quite an interesting comrade if given the effort. "Heh, you read my mind. Believe it or not, I've always enjoyed the beauty of my surroundings. It helps me think better when my mind's full of cluttered thoughts."
Rose nodded solemnly. "I know what you mean. I'm the same way sometimes…"
Zieg nodded, not knowing what else to do, he turned his face back towards the flowing lava. "I suppose we have something in common then."
Rose said nothing else. There was an uncomfortable silence that engulfed the two. Rose turned towards him with slight hesitancy. Once more Zieg was caught off guard. He had thought this woman was beyond such things like that.
"I… I wanted to offer my condolences…"
Zieg raised his eyebrows curiously. "Condolences? For what?"
Rose shifted nervously. "Well… you know… your parents. It is a terrible thing to lose one's parents. I know you must feel awful…"
Zieg said nothing, simply regarding her intently.
Rose gulped slightly and continued. "I myself have had to go through the pangs of losing my parents. It's an awful experience when your family is stripped away from you and you are rendered powerless to do anything about it."
Zieg slowly nodded his head and sighed heavily. He could see the distress in the woman's eyes and for some vague reason he wanted to comfort her. He carefully held back on this however, turning instead towards the balcony, placing his hands firmly on the railing. "I guess it was never that much of a loss. I never met my parents. Or rather I should say I don't remember ever having met them. Sure a few vague images from time to time, but nothing solid enough for me to grasp hold of. I guess it doesn't hurt much when you can't remember."
"But still." Rose argued, voice almost pleading. "The emptiness inside… the longing! It must be tearing you apart at times, right?"
Zieg pondered at this unspoken pleading in her eyes. What was it? He couldn't really understand. Was it pleading to have at least someone who knew what she was going through? He couldn't tell for sure but he did know that his heart indeed ached, not just for his parents or the absence of a family, but now for her too. Zieg cast his eyes towards hers, answering honestly. "It does hurt, yes. But I often replace it with my hatred towards the Wingly. It's not an appropriate replacement but its something that I can build upon."
"A foundation of confidence…" Rose pondered slightly. "I don't know how you can go on being so nonchalant when you carry so much pain…" She absently stumbled at the name.
"…Zieg…" he offered mildly.
"Zieg… " Rose toyed with the name in her mind, for some reason liking the way it sounded, but she wasn't about to project that outwardly. "Zieg I wanted to apologize for earlier. I think I came off as slightly rude to you…"
"Slightly?" Zieg laughed, amusement flashing in his eyes.
Rose narrowed her eyes in mock anger. "You know what I mean. I just wanted to say that maybe we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe we can work with each other as comrades seeing as how we are aiming towards the same goal."
Zieg grinned, looking at her proudly. He extended his hand in a friendly gesture. "Friends?"
Rose gave him a wry smile, then extended her own hand so that it wrapped around his own. "Friends."
****
Belzack wandered the halls of the new building the companions would be staying in for the night. He absently marveled at the happiness and content behavior people were displaying towards each other. It was so much different from all the scorn and evil hatred he had grown up in while living in the mines of Vellweb.
He slowly came to a stop by one of the rooms with the door slightly ajar. Inside he saw dozens of children running around playing inside. A heartfelt smile made its way up to his face. Such innocence. He vaguely wondered at the times if he had ever been so young. It was truly a beautiful sight to see the young children playing merrily now, apparently without a care in the world. At that moment he decided, if he had any say in it, he would make this world safe for these children, so that they may grow up in a world free of the same hardships their elders all struggled through. Together with Zieg he would do this, even if it was at the cost of his own lifeblood.
He absently saw one of the children fall to the floor giggling wildly. Then he saw another form quickly tackle the fallen child. Together they rolled around in a mock wrestle, laughing mirthfully in their happiness. It warmed the big warrior's heart to see such a scene.
"It's odd. You never struck me as liking kids."
Belzack turned and gave a slight nod towards Shirley as the red haired woman slowly made her way towards him.
"You should be resting." The big man replied, carefully closing the door so the children wouldn't be distracted from their playing.
Shirley shrugged nonchalantly. "Couldn't sleep I guess. All this talk from Makorita about lost cities and all that. It's just too much for me."
"But weren't you raised by the white dragon Warvajiea?" Belzack asked curiously.
"I was but I was brought up in a much different setting, mind you. Makorita makes sense when she said my mother was trying to protect me all this time. It's typical of something she would do."
"Yet she approved of this current mission you are undertaking?"
Shirley shook her head, then stifled a giggle. She felt childish for doing so but she couldn't help it. "Truth is, she doesn't know about my current excursion."
Belzack nodded his head sagely. "I see…" A small grin made its way towards the edges of his lips. "I take it 'somebody's' going to be very angry upon your return."
Shirley gave the big man a pretty smile as she scratched her head. "Hopefully by the time I get back we'll have retrieved the Signet Sphere thus preventing the war the dragons are going to wage with the Wingly. She'll have reason to be proud of me."
Belzack raised an eyebrow. "There's going to be a war?"
Shirley nodded sagely, suddenly realizing that she and Rose were amongst the very few aware that a war would indeed soon be waged against the Wingly. "Unfortunately yes. The dragons believe they can take a stand against the Wingly but they already know they are outnumbered a million to one."
"Then why do they fight?" Belzack asked in confusion.
"They have no choice. Or supposedly that's what Thulrax, the dark, believes. They are aware the Wingly are after the Signet Sphere and so they plan to attack them so as to defend these treasures. They fail to realize their real place is to protect the spheres now more then ever. Instead they are too head strong and now want to launch an attack."
"I take it Warvajiea is also against this?"
Shirley nodded her head again. "My mother is against this but she can't do anything about it. She is not head of the council of dragons after all."
Belzack looked up absently. "If Makorita is right, the war may be inevitable. If the Wingly do indeed get their hands on the Sphere, the dragons will most undoubtedly rally against their oppressors."
"But they won't succeed in getting the Sphere!" Shirley replied defiantly. "I will prevent them from achieving their victory, even if it means my life!"
Belzack gave her a thin smile. "A brave stand indeed. I admire your bravery. No, if we can help it, the Wingly will not claim victory tomorrow. Like you, I will do all that I can to ensure this world has a bright future…"
His eyes vacantly trailed back towards the room he was previously standing at. "For the children…"
****
Makorita sighed heavily with extreme exhaustion as she brought weary eyes to meet her companions, Diaz and Gambro. All of them wore grim expressions. For they knew of the trials and tribulations that would assault them in time. Truly, reality was a cruel mistress.
"It seems all the wheels are beginning to fall into place." Diaz commented dryly.
"That they are…" Makorita responded.
"So what happens now?" Gambro asked incredulously.
Makorita sighed once more. "There seems to be little choice left to us as to what happens next my friend. Please contact Warvajiea. I think she at least has the right to know her daughter's mixed up in all of this."
"Lady Makorita…" Diaz faltered slightly. "Was it really necessary to lie to them about where your insight came from?"
Makorita smiled wanly at the elder man, patting his hand reassuringly. "Do not worry about that my love. They are not ready quite yet. They shall learn all they need to know in due time."
Diaz smiled back warmly in return. "I just hope they don't die before then."
"They won't die. They can't. They are destined for more then that."
Gambro frowned in annoyance. "Oh its so sweet that the two of you can have heart to hearts but lets get back to the issue at hand please?"
"Of course." Makorita replied. Without hesitation her entire body seemed to glow a bright blaze of shining blue light. So bright was it that Diaz and Gambro both had to turn away so as not be become blinded by it. After a few moments, the intense light passed away and in its place sat and elegantly beautiful woman with flowing blond hair cascading down her smooth delicate features. Her glowing green eyes flashed with brilliance as she now regarded Gambro. "I'm ready. Please contact my sister."
In all his years, Diaz would never grow bored of gazing lovingly towards the face of this beautiful woman, the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Impervious to age, Makorita had decided long ago, so as not to cause suspicion amongst the townspeople, that she would form a guise so as to look an age of over eighty years. In all reality, her appearance was of an age no older then twenty. In all actuality, Makorita was well over a thousand years. She was, after all, a dragon.
Makorita was the sister of Warvajiea, also a white dragon. Over thirty years ago, Makorita met Diaz, an ambitious young man, traveling in the company of other worldly adventurers intent on toppling the Wingly. Makorita was immediately drawn to them, especially Diaz, and so she used her dragon powers to convert herself to human form so that she could travel with them and not be detected. Effectively, the dragons soon gave up searching for her and presumed her either enslaved by the Wingly or simply dead. This bothered Makorita little. For as she traveled longer with her companions she grew to appreciate human kind more and she found herself falling more and more in love with the human mortal named Diaz.
Now, after many years, Diaz was getting old and she knew that sooner or later the man she loved would pass away with age. Yet even in his old years, the love they shared still hadn't diminished a bit. Throughout her years staying in this underground city, Makorita stayed in regular contact with her sister Warvajiea and thus she was no more then regularly pleased in contacting her sister now.
Gambro, a bronze dragon, also in disguise of human skin, shook lightly as he soon began to glow. Finally he emanated a small glowing aura that wavered in front of the blond haired woman.
The aura wavered a bit more then slowly steadied and a clear image of Warvajiea the white dragon could be seen.
Warvajiea stirred slightly at the unexpected contact but soon warmed up as her eyes fastened onto her sister. "Makorita… Dear sister, it is good to see you again. What news is there regarding Gurnatrast?"
Makorita smiled inwardly. Like Shirley, she too knew of Warvajiea's deep love for the red dragon Zanatos. "Both Gurnatrast and Zanatos are fine for the moment. However, the times for change are not far. Every day grows even more dire. The Wingly have found out about our secret hold."
Warvajiea's breath caught in her throat in shock. "How can that be possible?"
"The Wingly are known for their treacherous ways. There could have been any number of ways in which they found us out."
"I see…" Warvajiea seemed to droop even lower now. "Is there not one shred of good news left amongst all the turmoil assailing us now?"
"Actually, there is a tad bit of it." Makorita smiled.
Warvajiea cast here sister an inquisitive glance. "I'm listening."
"Just as foretold, the legendary companions have arrived."
"What!?!" So shocked was Warvajiea by this that she immediately sat up straight. "can it be true?"
Makorita nodded sagely. "It is. My visions are always correct. It is my gift after all."
"Indeed it is." Warvajiea agreed. "But what does this mean for us? What will become of us now? Can the companions truly act in time to prevent the war Thulrax is so imminently going to launch?"
Makorita shrugged. "It is hard to say, my sister. All I know is that they are here now. Their destiny 'will' be realized."
Warvajiea sighed in approval. "Thank heavens for that."
"There's more…" Makorita continued in a grave voice. "Shirley… your daughter… is amongst them…"
"WHAT!?!?!" So startled was the white dragon by this that she immediately rose up to her feet, reeling away in shock. "Sister, surely you jest! It is not possible! My Shirley could never be part of the legendary companions!"
"And yet it is so my sister." Makorita responded in condescending tones. "Remember, when I first received the vision, It never clarified who the companions would be, only that they would rain forth upon this world and banish the Wingly from their lofty positions with the aided powers of the dragons. So would begin a long contract of peace unifying all species."
"But this is insufferable! I cannot lose my very own daughter Makorita! She is all I have left!"
Makorita sighed, gazing sadly towards her sister. "Believe me Warvajiea, I know how you feel. Don't forget, I lost my child as well…" She cast sad eyes towards Diaz. He in turn glanced back towards her with equally saddened eyes.
"But also don't forget…" Makorita continued, training her eyes back to her sister. "That Shirley is all grown up now. You've done a wonderful job in raising her. She has grown up to be a fine young warrior and an even more beautiful woman. It is time to let your child go. She needs to realize the world on her own. Just be thankful she has companions to realize it with."
"I don't want my daughter to be put in any danger!"
"Believe me, dear sister. It won't matter where you put your daughter. With the coming of the companions, no lands will be safe. You know the legend. All will have to fight. In all actuality, you should be pleased that your daughter is one of them. It's quite an honor."
Warvajiea was silent, not saying anything as tears of regret began sliding down her cheek. "I wanted to protect her from this… why? Why did she disobey me?"
"Because she wanted to help you more then anything else, my sister. She came here because she believed that by destroying the Signet Sphere, she could prevent the Wingly from achieving their goal and in effect, prevent the impending dragon war."
"Warvajiea seemed to droop even further at this. "Foolish girl… even if she were able to accomplish such a feat, Thulrax cannot be swayed. He is too far gone. He is utterly obsessed with war and I curse the council for electing him as head."
Makorita frowned heavily. "Sister I wish you would rethink fighting with them. It is a losing battle."
"You know I am in no position to object!" Warvajiea hissed. "I am bound to destiny."
"As is your daughter." Makorita added, ominously. "She too has a destiny."
"I know… it's just… why can I not protect even my daughter?"
"The world is a cruel reality. As long as the Wingly rule the skies, none of our dreams will come true. This destiny the companions travel, this is a road they must walk, not for themselves but for everyone in the world."
"Tell me…" Warvajiea said in such pleading tones, it made her sister's heart ache for her. "Who are her companions? Are they loyal to her?"
Makorita smiled pleasantly. "Do not worry your daughter is in good hands. This may surprise you but Valin's son is one of them?"
"Truly?"
Makorita nodded. "He has much of his father in him. His ambition and confidence know no bounds yet the compassion I see in his eyes are enough to bring about a change in the world. Once I saw him, I knew they were the ones. He traveled here with a burley companion who calls himself Belzack. This man has the strength of a Giganto but not the same prejudices. He will be a great asset to the group. And of course as you know, your daughter travels in the company of her friend Rose. The girl likes me not but still, I sense an innocence within her that she guards heavily. My heart mourns for her. There will be many trials and tribulations that will test that I'm sure."
"I just pray that they are safe in their journeys."
Makorita gazed at her sister purposefully. "Their safety is relative, you should pray more, my dear sister, for the safety of all living kind instead. For this war will be waged and I fear the whole world will be put to the utmost test."
"Truer words have never been spoken…"
"Makorita caught the slight hesitation in her sister's voice and looked at her inquisitively. "Warvajiea you are hiding something from me. What is it?"
"My sister…" A lone tear made its way once more down Warvajiea's cheek. "This may be the last time we talk. You see my sister, Thulrax has grown impatient after learning of the occupation of Gurnatrast. He has made his decision and the council has agreed. Tomorrow, we go to war."
::::::::::To Be Continued::::::::::
Author's note: Hello again, after such a long time. I wanted to take this time to truly apologize to all of you for the unwelcomingly long wait. There were many personal issues going on that divided my attention. I understand that many of you are probably angry with me but I apologize and I hope to make it up to you all. I do plan to finish this fanfic and I plan to do it with all alacrity yet at the same time, not rush things so much to hamper the story. Well, I hope you all will forgive me and continue with the story. As always, Thanks for reading and please stay tuned for chapter 16.