WAR FOR VALORIA
CHAPTER 5
The Dragoons were completely and utterly shocked. Never before had they seen such a magnificent sight. They had only been walking for a few minutes after leaving the garden but now, as they were entering the grand fort, not one thing they saw fell short of being less then overly impressive. The battlement fields, although they had clean cut low grass, were filled in a multitude of different transparent multicolored grass. Meru had squealed in delight at the very sight of it. Even the weapons surrounding the fort and the fort structure itself seemed a work of art. The huge towering structure resembled a colossal cathedral with its flying buttresses and stone carved dragons lining all corners of it. The stonework had to have been carved straight out of marble for the structure was smooth to the touch, almost glossy on the fingers. The color was a pale tan sparkling with flecks of transparency. The windows were also beautiful, the windows seemingly being made from clear rainbow colored see through material.
Albert was completely and utterly breathless. He watched silently as Shirley walked up to the two guards standing watch. Like the other Dark Dragoons, these soldiers wore the same armor and had the same rigid pose.
"Commander!" The two men saluted mechanically, raising the lances they held so that they stood up vertically alongside them. They stood at either side of the door each pressing a switch on either side so that the large double-sided partitions slowly came to life, allowing an entrance for Shirley and her companions.
Shirley turned around to face the astonished Dragoons. "Welcome to Fort Valoria."
Albert looked around from right to left in complete awe. "This place is absolutely amazing. Never before in all my years have I seen such a beautiful environment."
"Yes." Shirley agreed in silent awe. "Even still I find myself impressed to look at such a grand structure." She smiled sadly, lowering her head a tilt. "Almost makes you forget there's a war going on all around us."
Albert detected the note of pain and sadness in her voice. To hear such sadness while under the majesty of such a place… it made his own heart ache inside. He was beginning to understand how they all must feel. "I share in your suffering." He replied lightly. "To have violence in such a place of beauty… it seems almost animalistic."
"It is much worse then that your majesty." Shirley replied. Albert caught sight of the red haired girl quickly sliding her arm across her eyes, wiping away tears he had not even noticed she'd shed until now.
"Come." She said, clearing her voice. "I shall show you all to your rooms."
"Our rooms?" Meru cried out indignantly. "What about meeting the head captain or whoever? We still need to find Dart and Shana! We're not just going to leave them to die."
"I will dispatch the search party." Shirley replied, turning around to face the group. "Right now I am sure you all are much fatigued by your journey. The fact that you all suffered temporal amnesia before then does not lend well to the matter."
"That is still no excuse." Albert argued indignantly. "We will aid our friends no matter what!"
"You would be able to do nothing. You are still not yet strong enough." Shirley reasoned.
"That's the confusing part!" Meru replied angrily as she stepped in front of Albert. "You keep on telling us on one hand we are stronger then all of you. Then on the other hand, you say we are not strong enough and that you are stronger. You aren't making any sense lady!"
"The girl's got a point." Haschel but in, rubbing his chin in thought. "I myself have been pondering the issue long and hard and still I cannot come up with a logical reason for what exactly our purpose is here."
Shirley sighed, fastening her gaze on each and every one of them. "You're right…" She said finally after long moments of silence. "You do deserve an explanation. Since the day grows late I shall give you the short version of it. As original Dragoons you possess powers greater then you could have possibly imagined. The contract made between Dragon and human is such that the energy and power given to its wearer are astonishing. The fact that I and my cohorts who used to be Dragoons, can harness incredible powers just because of the residual energy left in our genetic makeup makes it almost breathtaking to think of what you, true Dragoons, can do."
"So you're saying our potential has not yet been reached?" Kongol asked, astonished.
"That's absurd!" Miranda refuted. "We fought with our all during the fight with Melbu Frahma. How could we have not been using our full power?"
"The power in which you used to fight Frahma in the moon that never sets was only a small portion of your power. You as Dragoons are capable of far more."
"But how can you be sure?" Albert stressed, raising his fists in angst. "Where is the proof of this?"
"Right here!" Said a feminine voice.
All eyes immediately turned after hearing the familiar voice. Albert was at a complete loss for words, fumbling with his speech to try and find the voice that wouldn't come.
Meru who previously was wearing a scowl, grinned widely. Miranda opened her mouth wide but like Albert, no sound came out. Haschel simply smiled as if inwardly expecting this. Kongol fumbled back a few steps, shocked as everyone else.
Shirley smiled and embraced the dark haired woman in a sisterly hug.
"I trust that your journey went well." She replied, hugging the red haired woman back. At the sheer sound of her voice, Meru could no longer hold back any longer. She immediately charged forth hugging the now surprised, dark haired woman tightly in her arms.
"ROSE!" Meru squealed in delight. "I can't believe it! It's really you! You're alive!"
Surprising to everyone, Rose let out a soft laugh. "Yes of course I'm alive. Didn't Shirley tell you already that 'all' the Dragoons were restored?"
Meru couldn't find anymore words to say, tears of joy continuing to slide slowly down her face.
Albert walked forward now, holding his hand out to the former teammate. "It is a pleasure to see you again Rose. We had very much thought we'd lost you."
Rose smiled back and embraced his hand warmly. Albert was slightly taken aback. Never before had he seen Rose smile. The action enhanced her beautiful features and made her look even more elegant and captivating to the eyes.
Miranda Haschel and Kongol all walked up to her now, giving their own exclamations of pleasure in seeing her again. Rose answered all their questions respectable and with kindness. Truly a feat they had never known her capable of in the past. She was dressed in a dark purple robed gown with intricate designs that made her look all the more beautiful and even almost commanding. If Albert didn't know any better, he'd say it was the attire of a general.
Rose noticed the King of Serdio staring at her outfit and smiled warmly, turning her eyes to him. "You stare at me, Albert. Is anything wrong?"
"It is just that your choice in clothing strikes and odd cord with me. It almost seems as if it is the attire of one who holds great power."
Shirley couldn't stifle a giggle now. So abrupt and out of character was it for the stern calm woman who had lead them hear that all eyes immediately turned to her.
"Sorry." She apologized lightly. Rose too seemed to grin at Albert's comment yet she had more control then to laugh out.
Albert looked at her in confusion. "Was there a light jest in my words? If so, I failed to notice it."
Rose shook her head. "Albert, the truth of the matter is that I am the general of the Dragoon army here."
"What?" Every single Dragoon was once more shocked speechless. Albert could barely even blink from this shock.
"It's true." Rose admonished, feeling a pang of resentment for them to find it so hard to believe. "I'd like to think I'm a good leader."
Albert immediately found his voice. "I… I apologize of course Rose. It's not that I or anyone else here find's you unworthy of your position, its just that this is all coming as a rather drastic shock to us all."
"I'm sure it is." Came a new voice, this time masculine. "It was a rather surprising shock to us as well when we first came here."
Before their eyes, descending down the long flight of stairs was a tall handsome man wearing similar robes of red instead of purple. Of course his robes were cut in a more masculine fashion yet the designs flattered him giving him a position of authority just as well.
Albert almost stumbled back in alarm. "Dart!?! But that's impossible!"
The young King felt a firm hand grip his shoulder. "That's not Dart." Haschel corrected. "The resemblance is uncanny but that man is far from being Dart."
Albert fumbled with his words in shock. "But then… that must mean that this man is… but that can't be!"
"And yet it is." Haschel replied. "He was far older when last we saw him but it makes sense that now his youth would be returned to him."
Standing before them, smiling calmly, stood a much younger Zieg, standing tall and purposeful next to Rose. He wrapped his arm lightly around the woman's shoulder smiling proudly at the Dragoons before them.
"It is good to see you all again. We had such a short and unfortunate meeting the first time. I am glad that we can have a chance to meet once more."
"Sir." Albert nodded his head respectfully. "Forgive me if I find it odd to look upon you but you were much older when last we saw you and unfortunately much of that time we'd seen you was spent fighting you when you were under the spell of Frahma."
Albert regretted his words immediately after saying them. Zieg flinched visibly at the mention of this. It seemed his bright blue eyes darkened with silent anger. A vein on his neck became prominent, twitching spasmodically. Rose saw this and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Believe me, my friends. None of us knows of this more then Zieg and he is repentant of it everyday. But please, let us move on to other topics."
"Indeed." Haschel got in, clearing his throat. "We appreciate all the pleasantries and all of this but we're digressing from the issue of main importance. The longer we wait the more likely are the chances we may not find our missing companions and although its nice to have Rose and… Zieg… back,-" He said the last name with a noticeable trace of hesitancy in his voice. "-we don't want it to be at the cost of Dart and Shana."
"Dart and Shana!?!" Rose breathed in shock.
Zieg turned his eyes sharply towards Shirley. "Has something gone wrong? Where are they?"
Shirley shook her head slowly. "When we arrived on this world we suspected foul play by Frahma. We found no trace of Dart or Shana. Lavitz said that he'd stay behind and look for them but when last we left him, he and the Dragoon escort were hard pressed against a squad of Hybrids."
"Hybrids!" Zieg's eyebrows rose in shock.
"I'm going right now!" Rose said without another word.
"No!" Zieg held his arm out, halting her. "Please Rose… I need you to stay here. I'll go and get Dart and Shana both."
"Zieg!" Rose protested angrily. "They are my friends! I owe them this much! Let me do this!"
"Exactly! They are your friends just like these dragoons are your friends. They know you better." Zieg's face seemed to darken slightly. "They trust you far more then me. If something… if something happens, I would rather you be in charge then I. They trust you more then me." His face curled in disgust. "After all, to them I am nothing more then a spawn of evil."
Rose looked now at him with soft, sorrowful eyes. She could not refute any of what he said. It made logical sense but it still did not stop her heart from mourning for him. "Zieg you know that's not true. I know you. All the Dragoons here know of your courage and strength. They respect you."
"And yet they respect you more." He admonished softly cupping Rose face in his hands. "They may be impressed with what I do but they will never look at me without always having that certain doubt about them. Such is my price for being the harbinger of Frahma's evil." He looked deep into Rose eyes with a passion undying. "Please love… let me do this."
Slowly Rose brought her face to his, kissing him deeply. After a few moments they parted and Rose bowed her head low to hide her grief. "Just… just be careful."
Zieg smiled at her, tipping her chin so that she could look at him. "I will be back. I won't leave you again."
Rose smiled back, cupping his hand in hers. "I know that you will. I still remember our promise."
All other Dragoons watched
this in silent shock. They had never seen Rose act in such a calm loving way.
"Aww that's so sweet." Meru chimed in, grinning widely. Haschel simply wore a deep frown, scowling after hearing Meru's remark.
Albert cleared his throat then stepped forward towards the pair. "Sir Zieg, Lady Rose, I hate to interrupt but there is the matter of rescuing Dart and Shana."
"Of course." Zieg replied, breaking away from the arms of the woman he loved. "I shall journey alone to retrieve them."
"You don't need an escort?" Shirley asked in surprise.
"They'll just get in the way. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Zieg walked towards the outside of the door. Once he stepped through the huge partitions, his body glowed in the familiar light the Dragoons had seen Dart power up in before receiving the Divine Dragoon spirit.
In a blinding flash, Zieg was completely transformed into the One-eyed Dragoon. His taller, more muscled frame lent well to his appearance as the red eyed dragoon giving him an aura of authority and power that even Dart fell short of. "I'll be back." Zieg replied, turning his eyes towards the onlookers. "It's past time I showed those hybrids the power of a 'true' Dragoon!"
With that, there was a blinding flash, a light brighter then any the dragoons had ever seen before. Albert covered his eyes against the blinding light then opened them experimentally. When he looked out again, Zieg was gone. There was no trace of him at all not even in the skies.
"That is amazing." He said softly. "I never knew a Dragoon could move so fast."
He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Rose standing next to him, a silently grim yet confident expression on her face. "That is the true power of a Dragoon." She replied. "In time, you will all be equally as strong. But for now, you must all be tired and the shock of everything has undoubtedly placed a strain on all of you. Come, I will personally guide you all to your quarters."
****
The first thing that passed through Dart's mind as his eyes fluttered into waking consciousness was how tired he was. Not tired as in sore or as in regards to fatigue or anything of the sort. Dart was tired of blacking out after every damn event that was important. He was sick and tired of getting injured and thus putting himself and everyone around him at risk. Thus it could be excused that the first action he made upon regaining cognition was to slam his hand ruthlessly into the dirt letting out an angry roar that thoroughly frightened his wife giving her sudden temporary doubts about the sanity of her husband at that moment.
Dart immediately regained control of himself, bringing his hand to his arching head. Dart allowed his body to relax, drooping his eyes closed for a scant few moments so as to collect his thoughts.
Finally after a few tense moments he reopened them. His eyes first sought out Shana. She was sitting not even three feet away from him. He inwardly sighed in relief. Had she been anywhere near him he would have inadvertently stuck her with that temper tantrum he woke up with. He cast her a weak smile through the crevices of his fingers, his hand still cupping his throbbing skull. Closing his eyes again, hoping that that would alleviate his malady, he sank back into the cool soft mattress of dirt in which he lay, relishing in the sweet aroma of wildlife that seemingly surrounded him from all four corners of the earth.
"Where are we?" He asked softly; so softly Shana barley heard him.
Shana let out a shaky sigh. It was fair to say she was more then a little frightened when she saw her husband lash out the way he did. However, now she was glad, for it seemed as if he were now master of himself. She felt a pang of pity, thinking he had woken because of a bad dream. She wanted to fold him in her arms and hold him yet his body language at that moment was throwing clear cut signs that dissuaded her from that rash idea. Instead, she contented herself with just admiring him from afar, relishing in the fact that he at least was awake and seemed ok.
"When I woke, we were still lying in the field we'd heard the monster at." Shana explained. "You were bleeding terribly and, not knowing what else to do, I dragged you away from there. I was so frightened… I wasn't thinking straight…" Shana's face suddenly took on a crimson color full of dread and shame. "Dart… I could have killed you with my rash actions…"
This time Dart did remove his hand away from his face, staring at his wife with silent interest. "What do you mean?"
Shana's throat constricted making it hard for her to continue. Yet she did, despite herself. "Dart… I never realized I still had the healing touch… I was prepared to have you die in my arms…"
Dart immediately realized what she was saying and his heart softened immensely. "No… No Shana don't think that way. I… I'm surprised you still have the healing powers of the silver dragoon myself. But I don't blame you for not figuring it out sooner. Shana you did nothing wrong." Slowly and with deliberate effort, Dart silently made his way over to his now weeping wife. He carefully wrapped his strong arms around her now, holding her close. "Shana I love you." He whispered into her ear. "I would do anything for you. To die in your arms would be how I would have wanted to leave the world. To be near you…"
"Oh Dart!" Shana sobbed, burying her face in his shoulder. The shoulder that once bled profusely was now healed completely and Dart felt no pain at all when she rested her head against it. "Shhh…" He soothed her, stroking her long dark brown locks of hair. "It's ok now my sweet. Don't worry. I don't intend to get hurt like that again anytime soon."
Shana looked up with tear stained red eyes that were half assertive now and had a small measure of determination in them. "If it weren't for Lavitz telling me how to heal you…"
Dart's eyes widened considerably at this. "Lavitz?!? What do you mean? Have the others found us?"
Shana shook her head, bringing her arm across her eyes to wipe away dried tears and regain her shattered composure. "No…" She said in a husky voice. "Or at least I don't think so. When I could move no further Lavitz literally stumbled upon our position. When I told him the situation he explained to me how to use my powers."
Dart looked skyward in bafflement. "Amazing… I hadn't thought that man had a shred of compassion for others in his heart at all…"
"Dart what do you mean?!?" Shana asked in highly shocked disgust. "Lavitz has always been kind to us in the past. I'm still trying to get over the fact that he's still alive in the first place. Lavitz was never cruel to us before. He was a kind knight."
"Yeah, Shana… Key word being 'was'." Dart fastened his eyes firmly on his wife. "Look I don't know what happened or how he acted while I was unconscious but it was because of this 'new' Lavitz, that we ended up being captives in the soa tree in the first place. I'm sorry Shana but the Lavitz I met was cold, far colder then he used to be. There's no trace whatsoever of the former man I once called friend inside of that cold impassive shell he's got wrapped around that dead heart of his."
Shana paused in thought. Never before had she ever heard Dart speak so venomously of someone in his life with the exception of Frahma and that was rare as the man barley ever talked of the wicked Wingly who had plans for world domination. And yet, when Shana thought back to it, there had been something perceptively wrong with the knight of Serdio when she had spoken with him. He had seemed cold and unyielding in a strange way. He had certainly not been thrilled to see them although she did see a glint of approval in his eyes. There was no denying the cold aura he seemed to project however. Thus she couldn't very well refute the claims made by her husband. "… Maybe you're right…" She conceded. "He did seem strange…not like his former positive self at all."
"Where did he go anyway?" Dart asked distractedly as if breaking away from his own short reverie of his memories regarding the previously deceased Knight.
Shana lowered her head and turned her eyes towards the distant shadows of the forest, sudden concern filling her heart. "He didn't go anywhere." She replied wearily. "After healing you he seemed to just pass out. For a moment I had thought he'd died. I immediately rushed to his side after making sure you were in no immediate danger. He seemed as if on the brink of death. He was clearly poisoned so I used my curing touch again and cured him of the poison but he's still in pretty bad shape."
Dart's eyes narrowed slightly. "Where is he now?"
Shana raised her hand towards the darker part of the forest not three feet away from their position. "I placed him over there by the shade. He had a fever so I've been trying to cool his body. I've been sporadically healing the wound on his shoulder but it seems my powers are waning. They definitely aren't what they used to be."
Dart rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps its because your no longer a Silver Dragoon. I mean you may retain some of the residual powers of the Silver Dragoon but now that you no longer are one, the limitations are more evident."
Shana sighed heavily. "I suppose you're right. I can't think of any other logical reason why my powers would fail me."
Dart stopped low then painfully rose to his feet. "In any case, I'd best check on him. He may be a cold bastard now but I still can't forget the times we shared in the past. I owe him this much at least."
"Dart wait!" Shana cried out frantically. "What about your injuries?! You shouldn't be moving!"
"I'll be fine dear." Dart gave his wife a kind smile, patting her shoulder for assurance. "I've suffered worse, believe me. Don't worry, I'll survive. Besides, its Lavitz who needs our help now, not me."
Shana silently nodded her head but concern was still clearly evident in her eyes. Dart walked slowly away from his wife and towards the comatose Knight. Very carefully Dart lowered himself down next to the man. Inwardly he shrank away from the appearance. Since first seeing the man, Dart had not wanted to believe this man was the same friend who died heroically in the past then later sacrificed all even in death. Dart had undying respect for that man. But then, why did he change so drastically now?
Dart couldn't help seeing the old knight who was his friend in the face of the unconscious man before him. His face was contorted in a way that was typical of Lavitz expression. Even now with his long shoulder length hair, he easily noticed his friend. Yet this was only a short lived solace. He knew that when the man woke, he would be the same cold hearted prick he was when he had first captured him.
Dart sighed heavily then fished around in one of the slots of his armor, searching for something he knew was there.
"What are you doing?" Shana asked, watching her husband closely.
Dart didn't turn towards her, so engrossed was he in his searching. "You're not the only one with curing capabilities…" He replied distractedly. Finally he pulled out an angel prayer. Holding the small vial firmly in his hand, he tipped Lavitz head back, opened his mouth and drained the green liquid down his throat.
Almost immediately the wound's on the man seemed to heal more, albeit not as rapidly as Shana's own power. Lavitz eyes twitched slightly. He slowly brought a hand to his head, stifling a groan. The Knight opened his eyes finally, narrowing them from the bright sun he tried to focus on the two faces looking down upon him.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Lavitz." Dart said in a dry flat voice. He was taking this one step at a time. He would not let on that he was glad to see the knight just so that the man could rebuke him for kindness.
Lavitz on his part, rose slowly up to a sitting position, messaging his temples. "Indeed…" He replied after a few moments or orienting himself. Lavitz absently noticed his slightly healed wounds then turned his eyes towards Dart and Shana who were looking at him expectantly. "I suppose the two of you had something to do with my recovery."
The Knight bowed his head low, ignoring the throbbing pain that suddenly assaulted him by the sudden action. "I thank you." He said almost in a tight hiss so as to drown out his pain.
"Just lay back Lavitz. You've still got a lot of injuries that need to get healed up." Dart said, rising to his feet.
"Nonsense! I will do no such thing." The Knight argued.
"Lavitz don't be stupid. You look like death warmed over… No pun intended."
The Knight frowned at the remark but said nothing in reply to it. "In any case you fail to understand the severity of our situation. We need to keep moving. I dishonored myself for falling the way I did."
"Lavitz what are you talking about?" Shana seethed, angry now. "You nearly died when you came upon us. If I hadn't healed you, you would have."
Lavitz shook his head, running metallic gloved hands through rough blond hair that was caked with blood and dirty. "Death is nothing new to me. I fear it not. Death is something that must come to us all, if you continue to elude it in life then you are living as nothing more then a coward to a fate undeniable."
"Can we save the philosophy for later?" Dart hissed, growing agitated with the Knight's smug remarks. "What are we in such a hurry to get away from, Lavitz?"
Suddenly a loud screeching cry echoed from the distant horizons. So loud and horrible was it that Dart and Shana both winced at the sound then cast each other worried glances. "Is it like the monster we came across before?" Shana asked fearfully.
"There are no monsters worse then the one's we face now." Lavitz responded flatly.
Dart looked up into the sky, mystified by such a horrible sound. "What is it…?" He asked silently.
"Something you want to avoid." Lavitz deadpanned. "Follow me. We may be able to lose it through the trees."
Dart seemed a bit miffed by the brush off Lavitz gave him but he was no idiot. Grabbing Shana by the wrist he led her with him as they followed the already departing Lavitz. They ran quickly through the forest, so quickly, Dart found it slightly hard pressed to keep up, wandering strangely when the Knight ever came to be so fast. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
"Where are the others? What's happened to them."
"They are awaiting our arrival at base camp." Lavitz responded without turning. He continued running at full tilt, not stopping for a second. "We don't have far to go but the trek is dangerous with that beast on our trail. Hurry, we've got to lose it before it spots us!"
"Is that what happened to you?" Dart asked surveying the torn, mangled armor around the Knight, fitting him like rags upon a beggar.
Lavitz tightened his lips in a thin line, gaining even more speed. "Yes." He replied tightly. "I could do nothing more to stop them. Hurry up! In our condition, we can't risk another encounter!"
Dart shuddered inwardly. He remembered the fight he recently had with the Dark Dragoons and how outclassed they were when they tried to fight back. If some beast was able to do this to Lavitz, Dart himself didn't have a chance at winning. He gripped his hand tighter around Shana's wrist and picked up speed. "How much further?"
"About two more clicks." Lavitz responded. He promptly hopped over a fallen log and resumed his speedy trek. Dart glanced over at the man and noticed his face was rigid but had no signs of anxiety or fear, only determination and duty. He silently scoffed to himself. Even in this dire time of turmoil the Knight did not seem to flinch. He couldn't be human. Dart made a mental note to one day ask the man exactly what happened to him.
Another loud screech rang through the air. So loud and painful was it that Dart had to momentarily stop and clutch his ears. Shana too seemed to suffer immensely from it.
"Come on!" Lavitz ordered. "Don't stop now! Keep moving! We don't want that beast to catch up with us!"
A loud explosion rang through the air. The very trees before them ripped apart in ravenous fury. Shards of wood, tree branches and grass flung in all directions, showering them with blindness and slight stings of pain. Lavitz placed himself in front of the other two companions, shielding them with his body. He grimaced in anger when the wave passed, huge clouds of dust now settling over the area in front of them.
"Too late…" He grumbled.
"What is it?" Dart asked when suddenly the dust finally cleared and his eyes went wide. The huge purple winged creature known as the hybrid had finally found them. Dart could say nothing, could feel nothing, with the exception of overwhelming dread. The enemy was finally upon them.
::::::::::To Be Continued::::::::::
Author's note: Sorry for the long wait. Thanks for reading and please stay tuned for chapter 6.
