In Pursuit of Order
Chapter 2: Succession and Obsession
By: Novalon
The peaked towers of the fortress gleamed, reflecting the light off of a smooth crystal base reinforced with metallic alloys and rich earthly stone.
To Futch, it was the perfect mix of nature and technology, a testament to those who like change, yet enjoy the past.
Patting Bright on the head, he strode to the front gates, giving silence and expecting the same in return. The guards opened the doors without hesitation.
No one messed with the successor to the Murasame, and no one messed with a man fulfilling his honor through a quest.
Entering a plush, yet sparsely decorated room, he kneeled, allowing his sword to penetrate the ground beneath him in a time-honored symbol of fealty.
"You may rise, Sir Futch."
He nodded, slowly moving from his position and stared straight ahead at his leader.
"I have heard of what you did in the grasslands, and I am glad that you were able to find and assist the Fire Bringer."
He nodded.
"I also know that you have briefly come back to test for your third rank, as it will grant you more of a reprieve to continue on your sworn quest. However, I worry for you, Futch, for the creature you seek is a great evil that has power greater than that of many mortal warriors…"
He looked deep into her tearing eyes.
"That is why, Futch, that for your test of the third rank, you must seek out the treasure in the very heart of the dragon caves. Once there, after all obstacles have been faced, you must receive that which is at the end… for it will help you in your coming battle, and it will prove to me that you are ready for your third rank."
He nodded, finally finding the words to answer her with.
"I shall commence with the testing immediately, Lady Millia."
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He strode silently through the cave, his sword gripped tightly in his right arm. He had wished he brought Bright along to provide him with assistance in case he found anything hostile in the darkness, but he knew that this would be an obstacle he would have to pass on his own.
Already, he had fended off numerous bats, among other feral creatures during his journey through, and had found multiple passages, some leading to dead ends and others with aging machinery that he had to manipulate… switches… in order to grind open other passages in the enclosed space.
At last, he came to a room, where at it's end stood an altar. He strode up cautiously, the Murasame outstretched in front of him.
Be on your guard.
He stopped, plainly hearing a familiar voice echo within the reaches of his mind. Eyeing the altar in front of him, he calmly surveyed the area, finding that he was still alone.
It is not that which is in front of you that you must fight, but that which is to come.
Again, the voice was painstakingly familiar.
You have been chosen for this path because of all you have previously stood for before… you, in fact, are the one who is to succeed me…
He couldn't quite place who was speaking to him though.
And here I have left, my once mortal tie to this world, which left me with 508 long years of life, much of which I have to show for it rests within these walls, and flourishes across the countryside.
All of a sudden, the room was brightened, showing bygone pictures of knights riding on dragons, battles being fought for honor… and at last one, the largest, which stood at the very end of the room behind the altar, which was adorned with heavily jeweled crests, and gold plated stone.
"Lord Joshua…"
My saving grace, my life enduring, all that's left of it sealed upon this altar, waiting in which case for the one who will take my place as the successor to it. I had already warned Millia to keep our daughter away from it… I only hope you can do the same… by accepting it yourself, Futch.
He was utterly speechless with what he had to behold, here, much like the True Fire and the True Water rune… was where Joshua's True Dragon rune was sealed. Now he knew why he was sent here… if he was going to go after Yuber, he would need the power of a True rune to stop him. He reflected upon the last statement in amazement.
"Millia also didn't mention that Joshua was the father of Sharon… perhaps it was for the best, too many unsettling memories to turn up I suppose…"
He didn't know how long Joshua had sealed the rune up, but he knew that in doing so, he basically signed his death warrant, for it was not long that a horrible disease had swept through the area, and if it wasn't for the efforts of Doctor Huan, and his already aspiring apprentice, Tuta (who was now a great doctor himself), there would have been many more deaths as well.
Do you accept that which you have been chosen for, Futch?
He nodded, sheathing the Murasame.
You face is stoic, and I notice you tend to speak less… hanging around Humphrey a bit much, haven't you? Ah well, he is a very good warrior, I'm sure he is very proud that you have wielded his sword well… which is why I will be proud when you wield my rune… now extend your right hand, Futch.
He did so, his expression unchanging as a bright white enveloped the room.
Much as they called Hiro of the grasslands the Flame Champion, with Hugo being his successor, so you shall be called the Dragonian Protector… hopefully the only successor to myself. Wield your power, knowing fully well the consequences of using it… and remember always, in your long life, the way of the knights.
The light dissipated as Futch felt a slight warmness to his right hand. He looked down to see the outline of a majestic dragon burn brightly on it before shimmering out into whatever recesses of his own existence.
Hunt down the demon quickly, before he takes more lives, Dragonian Protector, I will be watching over you.
Futch made his way out of the cavern, from time to time he glanced at his right hand, still seeing a faint light come from the symbol.
"You will pay, Yuber…"
He viciously slashed at a bat heading right for him, slicing it in two.
"You will pay for all people that you have killed, and you will pay for the injury in which you gave to Humphrey. I, Futch Arrowny, 3rd rank Dragon Knight, and successor to the True Rune of the Dragons swear that one day you will pay, and you will fall!"
Any nearby creatures in the cavern scattered at his thunderous voice as the rune glowed brightly on his right hand.
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"Are you ready?"
He turned at hearing the voice, acknowledging it with a grim nod.
"I am ready Pesmerga, for whatever lies ahead. Shall we be going now?"
The man nodded, "I have heard rumors that he disturbs an uncharted area quite near to where the True rune of Fire had once been sealed… we should investigate that area."
Futch mounted his dragon, motioning for Pesmerga to get on the one that Futch had acquired for him due to his new rank.
"Futch!"
He turned, seeing the face of his old friend and mentor.
"Sir Humphrey…"
The man silently regarded him, wrinkled lines of worry appearing on his forehead.
"Good luck."
Futch nodded, and turned to leave.
"Sir Futch."
He turned again to see that Lady Millia had come to see him off.
"Yes, Milady?"
She nodded, "May the light of the dragon's fire shine with you wherever you go… may the True Dragon rune protect you well. Joshua would be proud to know that such a great knight succeeded him…"
Futch allowed himself to respond with a slight smile.
"I thank you, Milady. But now, I must be off to ensure that the demon does not take any more innocent lives."
He ordered Bright to take off, Pesmerga following silently behind him on his own Dragon as they passed off into the air, silhouetting themselves on the setting sun.
This fan fiction is a tie-in to "Runes and Revelations"… not much else to say, each chapter of the fanfics takes place relatively close to the other, if you notice. Not much else to say except the more reviews I get, the more determined I will be to see this through to it's conclusion, so don't let the dust collect on those review buttons, kiddies!
- Novalon