Slowly, UpbeatSweetie turns to face what has come upon her. In front of
her, is a double dragon, it's two heads peering closely examining her.
UpbeatSweetie in return, looks over this creature, knowing that the next
few breaths could determine whether she continues her journey or not.
UpbeatSweetie cannot help though, but admire this magnificent creature before her. The shining turquoise scales reflect in the weak lights the sacred pool thrown about the cavern walls. The dragon's scales change subtly from the turquoise to jade, amethyst, and sapphire. The two heads spring from the chest, each sporting an impressive beard and set of massive horns. One's beard and horns golden, the other's polished silver. As she waits patiently, listening to their conversation. She smiles knowingly, that these two could take long to decide her fate, as they converse between themselves in ancient Chinese. As she listens to them discuss whether she can be trusted or not and her ability to use the pool's magic, UpbeatSweetie decides that perhaps she should interject, as time is quickly passing in her world. She knows that if she tarries much longer, that her trip will be in vain, and time is of the essence.
"Kind Double Headed Dragon, perhaps if you ask me yourself, you'll be able to judge whether or not I am worthy to pass?", UpbeatSweetie replies. She watches as the two heads peer at her closer, curious as to how she's able to understand their language. The silver horned head sniffs at her, bearing his teeth in warning at her interruption.
The Golden Horned Head replies, "How do you come to speak as we do? Only those of ancient times know our tongue, and most have passed long ago. Do you come to harm us and our kind? Humans have long ago wiped out many of our kin."
The Silver Horned Head responds, "She's not human. At one time, she was but no longer. I smell the scent of those that now live off of the humans, and is neither living nor dead. Yet she looks young, far to young to have been taught our language by an Ancient. Answer girl. How do you come to this place and know our tongue. Be truthful, or be warned we will end your undeath if you mean to deceive us."
UpbeatSweetie smiles softly, knowing that even though these two are fearsome, that they are also fair. And she knows also, that to pass she must answer their questions and put their thoughts to rest as to her intent.
"May I introduce myself first?" she replies."I am called UpbeatSweetie by those that know me in the human world. It is true, I once was human but now a vampire. At the time of my human death, the Ancients changed me to the form I am now. I apologize for any worry that my presence has caused you, Wise Gou Mang and Noble Ru Shou."
Both heads draw back in surprise. "You know of us? How can this be? Our names have been lost for eternity, as have the Ancients ways and names. Are you an illusion or trick?" Gou Mang, with the golden horns, replies.
"Neither my Lords. I am nothing more now, but a believer and student of the old ways. Your names, although lost to the humans' tongue, are revered by those of the old ways. You are the messengers of the Goddess. And it's her audience I am seeking." UpbeatSweetie replies, bowing respectfully to the double headed dragon.
"This is a curious situation. Still, how does one so young know of the language of the Elders and dragons? A mere student would not be taught this, so how come you to hear and speak as we do?" replies Ru Shou. He slowly strokes his silver beard with a massive paw as he gazes at UpbeatSweetie suspiciously.
UpbeatSweetie realizes, this one will be the one whom she must convince. She knows well, that he will carry out his duties of punishment and disaster without a thought, if her answers do not suit him. And even Gou Mang's ability to grant long life and prosperity will hold back the other's judgment.
UpbeatSweetie takes a deep breath and replies. "I am only young in this new existence. And even though I had not lived long as a human, I had existed long before that time. As I willingly left humanity to transform into what I am now, I had also transformed from a previous existence to become human. And in that first existence, I knew well of the Ancient's tongue, and spoke the dragon's tongue also. It is not something one let's themselves lose, even if their faith has been lost or damaged. Even though the ways of the Ancients are all but forgotten in the human realm, there are many followers who practice in secret to maintain the old ways."
Gou Mang moves his head closer, peering into UpbeatSweetie's eyes seeking the truth of her words. "Once long ago, known to us, was a story of another who's human name you bear. But we were of the understanding, that this individual was buried and long dead, when those she cared for were destroyed in the war between the Ancients and Elders against a new god who wanted sole control and worship of the humans. She was said to have died of grief, after her lover was killed for his betrayal to the Ancients, soon after the Ancients had been locked away by him. Are you saying that you know of her, or are one of her grandchildren? We were of the impression they had left no blood line. It was a sad time indeed. As when she passed, so had the ways to the Mystical Realms also been lost, as she was it's Keeper, even after she had embraced a human form."
"But the Mystical Realms were not lost Noble Gou Mang, only hidden. To ensure that all within it were not destroyed by the humans out of greed and hatred of the old ways." UpbeatSweetie replies as she warily watches as Ru Shou draws closer to her, both of their heads surrounding her, cutting off all possible escape. But with her new words, Ru Shou draws back quickly, gazing at her in wonder and suspicion.
"If this is true, than you would bear the mark of the Ancients, known only to those of dragon kind. Do you carry such a mark of authority? I would think not, as both it and the two seals she carried with her were destroyed as well, and lost to all time. Be truthful young one, or be ready to accept judgment for your blasphemy." Ru Shou states loudly.
Slowly, UpbeatSweetie removes her hood and cloak. Her long red hair falls over her shoulders, as she rolls up the sleeves of her gown, baring her arms to the eyes of the double headed dragon. Revealed to their eyes, her living tattoos writhe and move.
The tiny dragon raises it's head, flaps it's wings, and calls out to the ancient double headed dragon. The alicorn also moves, flashing it's hooves and calling to it's kin. The phoenix rises from her arm, circling both UpbeatSweetie and the ancient guardians. Slowly, the tattoos shift and move back to their resting places. Once again, becoming still and silent.
Gou Mang and Ru Shou slowly relax their stance. UpbeatSweetie takes a deep breath, relaxing her own guard. Suddenly, Gou Mang responds, "I am not sure why we thought you dead, you obviously are not. But can I ask this? Do you bear the seal with you also? It is not that we do not believe your words, but we would be reassured that the seals have not been lost also. It would be relieving, if we knew that the Mystical Realms are safe, and our kin still in existence." UpbeatSweetie laughs softly and in relief as her fears are laid to rest. "You may be reassured, as the seals are strong and still in their rightful places. The Mystical Realms are well cared for, and our kin thrive within it's safety." she replies, as she shows the ring upon her finger.
"Come sit with us, and tell us of how our kin thrives Keeper of the Mystical Realms." Ru Shou responds, as they guide UpbeatSweetie to a mossy seat. "It is an honor to be blessed with your presence once more in this place. Perhaps with your healing touch, it will once again return to the light and magical realm it once was. And know that we will assist you in any way possible to finish your quest."
As UpbeatSweetie takes a seat, she asks of them one thing. "I cannot tarry long, much time has been wasted already. I would appreciate your directions to the Lady of the Caverns. It is her I seek to ask for the return of what has been lost. The finding of this is important, as if it's kept here, all the realms could be destroyed, and along with it our dragon kin."
"Tell us what you seek Keeper, and we'll help you to find it My Lady." Gou Mang responds. "But before you leave, please tell us how you and yours does? And if by chance, Python is near?"
UpbeatSweetie chuckles. Indeed, she will be longer still, knowing she won't be allowed to leave till their curiosities are met. "Yes, Python is near. Ready to return me to our world, to right a wrong." With a wink to the double headed dragon, "But he's known no longer by that name. As with time, all of our names change. If you wish, once our quest is finished, Teether will be quite happy to visit with you and catch up on old times."
The cavern walls echo the laughter of the double headed dragon and the Keeper. For a time, the walls echo with remember times and days of glory.
UpbeatSweetie cannot help though, but admire this magnificent creature before her. The shining turquoise scales reflect in the weak lights the sacred pool thrown about the cavern walls. The dragon's scales change subtly from the turquoise to jade, amethyst, and sapphire. The two heads spring from the chest, each sporting an impressive beard and set of massive horns. One's beard and horns golden, the other's polished silver. As she waits patiently, listening to their conversation. She smiles knowingly, that these two could take long to decide her fate, as they converse between themselves in ancient Chinese. As she listens to them discuss whether she can be trusted or not and her ability to use the pool's magic, UpbeatSweetie decides that perhaps she should interject, as time is quickly passing in her world. She knows that if she tarries much longer, that her trip will be in vain, and time is of the essence.
"Kind Double Headed Dragon, perhaps if you ask me yourself, you'll be able to judge whether or not I am worthy to pass?", UpbeatSweetie replies. She watches as the two heads peer at her closer, curious as to how she's able to understand their language. The silver horned head sniffs at her, bearing his teeth in warning at her interruption.
The Golden Horned Head replies, "How do you come to speak as we do? Only those of ancient times know our tongue, and most have passed long ago. Do you come to harm us and our kind? Humans have long ago wiped out many of our kin."
The Silver Horned Head responds, "She's not human. At one time, she was but no longer. I smell the scent of those that now live off of the humans, and is neither living nor dead. Yet she looks young, far to young to have been taught our language by an Ancient. Answer girl. How do you come to this place and know our tongue. Be truthful, or be warned we will end your undeath if you mean to deceive us."
UpbeatSweetie smiles softly, knowing that even though these two are fearsome, that they are also fair. And she knows also, that to pass she must answer their questions and put their thoughts to rest as to her intent.
"May I introduce myself first?" she replies."I am called UpbeatSweetie by those that know me in the human world. It is true, I once was human but now a vampire. At the time of my human death, the Ancients changed me to the form I am now. I apologize for any worry that my presence has caused you, Wise Gou Mang and Noble Ru Shou."
Both heads draw back in surprise. "You know of us? How can this be? Our names have been lost for eternity, as have the Ancients ways and names. Are you an illusion or trick?" Gou Mang, with the golden horns, replies.
"Neither my Lords. I am nothing more now, but a believer and student of the old ways. Your names, although lost to the humans' tongue, are revered by those of the old ways. You are the messengers of the Goddess. And it's her audience I am seeking." UpbeatSweetie replies, bowing respectfully to the double headed dragon.
"This is a curious situation. Still, how does one so young know of the language of the Elders and dragons? A mere student would not be taught this, so how come you to hear and speak as we do?" replies Ru Shou. He slowly strokes his silver beard with a massive paw as he gazes at UpbeatSweetie suspiciously.
UpbeatSweetie realizes, this one will be the one whom she must convince. She knows well, that he will carry out his duties of punishment and disaster without a thought, if her answers do not suit him. And even Gou Mang's ability to grant long life and prosperity will hold back the other's judgment.
UpbeatSweetie takes a deep breath and replies. "I am only young in this new existence. And even though I had not lived long as a human, I had existed long before that time. As I willingly left humanity to transform into what I am now, I had also transformed from a previous existence to become human. And in that first existence, I knew well of the Ancient's tongue, and spoke the dragon's tongue also. It is not something one let's themselves lose, even if their faith has been lost or damaged. Even though the ways of the Ancients are all but forgotten in the human realm, there are many followers who practice in secret to maintain the old ways."
Gou Mang moves his head closer, peering into UpbeatSweetie's eyes seeking the truth of her words. "Once long ago, known to us, was a story of another who's human name you bear. But we were of the understanding, that this individual was buried and long dead, when those she cared for were destroyed in the war between the Ancients and Elders against a new god who wanted sole control and worship of the humans. She was said to have died of grief, after her lover was killed for his betrayal to the Ancients, soon after the Ancients had been locked away by him. Are you saying that you know of her, or are one of her grandchildren? We were of the impression they had left no blood line. It was a sad time indeed. As when she passed, so had the ways to the Mystical Realms also been lost, as she was it's Keeper, even after she had embraced a human form."
"But the Mystical Realms were not lost Noble Gou Mang, only hidden. To ensure that all within it were not destroyed by the humans out of greed and hatred of the old ways." UpbeatSweetie replies as she warily watches as Ru Shou draws closer to her, both of their heads surrounding her, cutting off all possible escape. But with her new words, Ru Shou draws back quickly, gazing at her in wonder and suspicion.
"If this is true, than you would bear the mark of the Ancients, known only to those of dragon kind. Do you carry such a mark of authority? I would think not, as both it and the two seals she carried with her were destroyed as well, and lost to all time. Be truthful young one, or be ready to accept judgment for your blasphemy." Ru Shou states loudly.
Slowly, UpbeatSweetie removes her hood and cloak. Her long red hair falls over her shoulders, as she rolls up the sleeves of her gown, baring her arms to the eyes of the double headed dragon. Revealed to their eyes, her living tattoos writhe and move.
The tiny dragon raises it's head, flaps it's wings, and calls out to the ancient double headed dragon. The alicorn also moves, flashing it's hooves and calling to it's kin. The phoenix rises from her arm, circling both UpbeatSweetie and the ancient guardians. Slowly, the tattoos shift and move back to their resting places. Once again, becoming still and silent.
Gou Mang and Ru Shou slowly relax their stance. UpbeatSweetie takes a deep breath, relaxing her own guard. Suddenly, Gou Mang responds, "I am not sure why we thought you dead, you obviously are not. But can I ask this? Do you bear the seal with you also? It is not that we do not believe your words, but we would be reassured that the seals have not been lost also. It would be relieving, if we knew that the Mystical Realms are safe, and our kin still in existence." UpbeatSweetie laughs softly and in relief as her fears are laid to rest. "You may be reassured, as the seals are strong and still in their rightful places. The Mystical Realms are well cared for, and our kin thrive within it's safety." she replies, as she shows the ring upon her finger.
"Come sit with us, and tell us of how our kin thrives Keeper of the Mystical Realms." Ru Shou responds, as they guide UpbeatSweetie to a mossy seat. "It is an honor to be blessed with your presence once more in this place. Perhaps with your healing touch, it will once again return to the light and magical realm it once was. And know that we will assist you in any way possible to finish your quest."
As UpbeatSweetie takes a seat, she asks of them one thing. "I cannot tarry long, much time has been wasted already. I would appreciate your directions to the Lady of the Caverns. It is her I seek to ask for the return of what has been lost. The finding of this is important, as if it's kept here, all the realms could be destroyed, and along with it our dragon kin."
"Tell us what you seek Keeper, and we'll help you to find it My Lady." Gou Mang responds. "But before you leave, please tell us how you and yours does? And if by chance, Python is near?"
UpbeatSweetie chuckles. Indeed, she will be longer still, knowing she won't be allowed to leave till their curiosities are met. "Yes, Python is near. Ready to return me to our world, to right a wrong." With a wink to the double headed dragon, "But he's known no longer by that name. As with time, all of our names change. If you wish, once our quest is finished, Teether will be quite happy to visit with you and catch up on old times."
The cavern walls echo the laughter of the double headed dragon and the Keeper. For a time, the walls echo with remember times and days of glory.