The Legend of Talon
Chapter 12
As Talon launched himself onto the ship, he began to laugh at the sight before his eyes. Cid's legs were sticking out of the wall, flailing madly, and Cloud was hauling on his feet with all his strength while Tifa and Barda rolled around in mad laughter. It seemed Cid had gotten himself stuck.
Cloud wiped sweat from his brow. "Gimme a hand, Talon!" Talon leaped to his side and hauled on Cid's legs with all his strength. There was an odd popping noise and they all tumbled backwards in a heap. Cid fumed over his torn shirt and jacket while Tifa and Barda laughed, if possible, even harder.
Auron, who had been standing quietly to the side with Galuf, tossed Cid a black shirt from a pocket somewhere within his gigantic red cloak. Cid ripped off the remnants of his jacket and threw on the black muscle shirt, which, as Tifa commented, looked very good on him.
Cid posed sarcastically. "Haha. Well, the repairs are made, and with some luck, the Adamantium will react perfectly with the engine system and we'll be in the air in no time." He turned on his heel and strode into the control room, where he began dashing about, making all sorts of adjustments. The others watched him in boredom, as he leapt here and there, flipping switches and entering numbers. Suddenly a roar came from somewhere behind them, and Cid shouted, "Eureka!"
Looking out of the large window directly in front of them, they saw the ground lowering away, and the clouds descending to meet them. They were airborne! Talon shouted for pure joy. Now, their quest could continue, and at a much greater speed.
"But where do we go now?" he voiced this thought aloud.
It was Galuf who answered him. "I know many tales of the Chosen One's tasks. First, we must find the final two Legendary Spells…Meteo and Quake!" Cid showed much interest in these words. "But that is not all. We must bring out numbers from seven back to ten! We must fetch three of the Last Warriors to aid us in our quest."
"Last Warriors?" Talon said curiously. "Are those the ones out of which I chose my original party?"
Galuf smiled. "A good idea, but no. We must travel to the lost city of Mysidia, and I will pray to the Dragon God. He will answer our call, and send us three powerful warriors."
Cid released a whoop of joy. "Alright! First stop, Mysidia, then!"
Galuf turned to him. "Do you know of it?"
Cid's grin faded. "No, but I hoped you could point me to it."
Galuf laughed. "You have much eagerness to fight and quest, Cid Highwind! You are much like Setzer as I knew him." Cid beamed. "And yes, I can lead you to Mysidia. It is a good deal east of here, and across the sea. But with this airship, we should make it."
Cid laughed. "Of course we should! And we will! This is the best airship in creation! Onward!" As if by command of his word, the ship shot forward, and all standing inside wavered slightly, but only Cloud fell.
Land rushed by under them, as they watched in awe from the cockpit. They quickly realized they had just circled the planet. Cid slowed down and apologized to Galuf, who could not help but laugh. Cid flipped a switch on a console somewhere to his right the floor in the center of the room parted to form a window that gave them a perfect view of the land below. Following Galuf's quick commands, he steered the ship just perfectly until a town came into view.
The town of Mysidia was small…but very busy. People swarmed around the stone streets like ants, bustling from shop to shop. It seemed peaceful compared to Talon's training ground. People in the northern part of the town were knelt before a large statue that resembled a dragon. As they descended, Talon saw Galuf looking at the statue forlornly.
"Something wrong?" Talon muttered.
"No," Galuf closed his eyes. "Nothing is wrong…I simply have a history with the Dragon God…perhaps Dorgan should pray –"
"No!" Dorgan spoke from behind them. "The Dragon God despises me ever since I shunned him to follow St. Eva. He could never forgive me for that, though I begged with him once the Grand Church was destroyed."
Talon simply stared. After a few moments, he voiced his thoughts. "What do you speak of? St. Eva? The Grand Church? What are these things?"
Dorgan smiled. "You sound like me." Talon blushed. "No matter. St. Eva was an evil god long ago that possessed important or rich people and made them into demons. Many people, including myself, did not know this. The Grand Church was the headquarters of St. Eva, and when my good friend Ryu destroyed it, people began to realize its evil. Ryu later defeated St. Eva…but was afterwards possessed by one of his powerful dragon spells and became the Dragon God himself."
Talon frowned thoughtfully. "But if Ryu was your friend and became the Dragon God, why does he now hate you?"
Dorgan shook his head. "Because of my stubborn folly, I tried to persuade people that Ryu was evil, and he himself, not the Dragon God, began to hate me. The original Dragon God hated me too for continuing to worship St. Eva. I was a fool…if only I could talk to Ryu this very day…"
Galuf smiled. "I am familiar with this tale of yours."
Dorgan looked at him in surprise. "How so?"
"I have my ways."
"Why are you always so mysterious?"
"Because I enjoy surprising people."
"Surprise?"
"Oops, I've said too much." He grinned.
Dorgan remained quiet in dark thought, occasionally throwing an evil glare at Galuf, who would return it with a smile. But both remained silent as the party left the ship, ignoring the awed townspeople who had gathered to see the supposed "U.F.O." They advanced forward, chatting amongst themselves (except for Dorgan, of course), until they came to a large temple about half the size of the city. They toiled up the gigantic flight of stone steps, and stepped inside.
There were gigantic statues in every direction. Each bore the shape and stature of a different god; Talon recognized only Yevon, the god he prayed to when he lived with the Trainers. Galuf cast a reminiscent glance around the room, pleased to see that he could once again connect with the gods after being locked away so long. Auron gazed forlornly at the statue of Yevon, with a look that Talon recognized to be sadness.
Dorgan approached an elderly man in the middle of the room, who wore a long orange robe. Upon approaching him, the man turned to him and spoke to him with a smile. "What can I do for you, Dorgan son of Domlan?"
Dorgan jumped. "You know of my father and I? How is this?"
The man smiled. "I know much from the counsel of the Dragon God. I am told you need the temple emptied, but I could not do such a thing so easily."
Cid came from behind, colliding ever so slightly with the elderly man as he gazed at the many gods surrounding him. "These are all different gods that people pray to?"
"Yes. They all have separate holidays and such, too."
"Amazing. And that one there…" he pointed to a snakelike statue just inside the entrance. "What is it called, and how popular is it?"
"It is about as popular as Yevon, and that's saying something. It is called Leviathan."
Cid threw a fist in the air. "I knew it!"
The man looked quizzically at him. "Knew what? I am quite confused."
Cid smiled. "Do you follow Leviathan?"
"Yes."
"Would you like to meet him?" he grinned.
"Of course, but how? I understood he became an Esper some time ago."
Cid laughed. "This?" he held his hand out to show the man Leviathan's Esper. "This is Leviathan. Clear out the temple for us and let us do what we need to, and you may meet a god face to face."
The priest pondered this deal for a moment. A few seconds later, he cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled. "We need to close early today! Everyone finish and clear out!"
There were many groans from the people around the room, and a growl from a large man knelt before a statue surrounded by incense candles. A number of groans, threats, and annoyed glances later, the temple was empty, and the priest thrust the huge doors shut and bolted them.
He whipped around. "Show me Leviathan first. Then you may pray to your heart's content."
Cid tossed the ball into the air and caught it again. "Very well…" he leapt as high as his legs would allow, thrust off a wall, and landed on Yevon's shoulders. He then leaped, brushed the ceiling with his hand, and hurled the ball downward with all his strength. Leviathan immediately burst from the puddle created in the floor, circled the room, and curled up next to his statue, posing an exact replica of it.
He cast an amused glance at it. "A shame that I became an Esper. Publicity would have been a blast. But to the point…" he coiled his gigantic body in front of the party and thrust his gigantic head toward the priest, who could not move from awe. "Do you follow my teachings?" the priest nodded. "Have you broken any of my Great Commandments?" the priest shook his head. "Have you committed a Great Sin?" to the surprise of many, the priest cast his eyes to the floor and nodded.
Leviathan laughed. "I expected so! If you admit your sins before these witnesses and end your sinning forever, I may forgive you."
The priest shuddered from shock. He muttered many incoherent words, finally stopping to slap himself. Finally, he spoke. "It cannot be helped, Lord. Even if you forgave my sin, I would have no choice but to sin again, for I offer my skills for praying to all who enter this temple. You see, Lord, I have prayed to each god in this temple at least once. Of course, I hold no god before you, so I have broken no commandments. But I pray not only to you. I beg forgiveness."
Leviathan stirred slightly, as if thinking. "It is well that you do this; for though you are sinning, you are sinning to help others. I believe that in your case, I may make an exception. You are forgiven, and I permit you to continue assisting others in praying." He now turned to Cid. "Cid…nay, Master… I have served you long, quite long, and have done many favors for your cause. Now I ask one more."
Cid laughed. "Of course you can stay and become a god again! I understand completely. If you do so, you should get more followers, because people who pray to you might be answered."
Leviathan chuckled. Just as before, Talon felt a strange, relaxing warmth wash over him. "You are wise, Master Cid. I thank you for your leniency…farewell, farewell to all of you. You especially, Chosen one." With that comment, he launched into the air and began to circle the room. As he did so, he became more and more transparent. Seconds later, Talon could barely see him. A faraway voice said something inaudible, and then Leviathan sunk into his statue, and disappeared completely.
Cid smiled, knowing he had just done something for a greater cause. The priest, looking very relieved and happy, stood aside to allow Galuf to the Dragon God statue.
Galuf walked forward and knelt before the statue and began to speak in a strange language that was unfamiliar to most of the ears in the room. Dorgan, however, began to translate, his eyes closed. "Oh Dragon God, here with me I have the Chosen one from tales of old. We seek the power to vanquish the Dark Lords of our era, and are well on our way to that power. We have visited the Castle of Power, and met with Tycoon; and now we come to you in desperation. We seek three more warriors to make our number ten once again. We plead to you to deliver three of your legendary Last Warriors so that we might vanquish Lord Leif."
Here he ended, and knelt silently, praying only in mind. Soon more strange words came from the statue, in a light and hearted voice that should not have belonged to the god. The priest fainted as Dorgan began to translate. "Galuf, Warrior of Dawn. Your pleas shall be answered. Three warriors I grant you, but nay, this is not all! For I give to you, Galuf Baal, instructions. When – nay, if – you find Meteo, you must unlock the seal on its casket. For in that very casket where you might find the Meteo tablet, you might also find two weapons; one, for you, Galuf, is Lillith, which will reveal your true magical power. The second I shall not tell you of; it shall be used by one of the warriors I endear to you. But to the warriors! Leave this temple, and walk two houses to your right, and back one. Enter, and talk to the man there. He is the first, and will take you to the second two. Farewell!"
Barda and Cloud, who had been supporting the priest, now dropped him and dashed after Talon, who had immediately unbolted the door and ran out, followed closely by Dorgan and Auron. Upon cramming everyone through the doors, they all dashed two houses right, and one back. Dorgan put out an arm to hold them back, and then slid the door open.
Inside, there was very little. There was a small replica of the Dragon God statue in the corner, and a large broad sword hung on the wall. Other than that, there was what seemed to be a fire pit in the middle of the room, and a table against the wall. At the table sat a muscular and hooded man, who was drinking from a wooden mug. He set it down on the table and glanced at his visitors. He waved them inside.
They all filed inside. Being eight, they all barely fit. Dorgan, Auron, and Galuf all took seats at the table, while most others sat down or stood.
Dorgan opened his mouth to speak when a clear, English voice rang across the room from the statue. "You were listening?" the man nodded. "Good. You are to tell them of your skills and what you must acquire, and then join them."
The man sighed. He then put his hands to his hood and cast it back, revealing a head of wild blue hair. Many were taken aback, but none as much as Dorgan. He leaped backwards, tripping his chair on himself and falling backwards. He got up among tumultuous laughter, and then pointed at the man. "You!"
The man smiled. "Yes, Dorgan, me. Still supporting the demons?"
Dorgan fell to his knees. "No…I beg forgiveness, please, just don't hurt me…"
The man laughed. "I won't! You were not the only one blinded by the charade!" he turned to the rest of them. "Forgive me. I am Ryu, guardian of the Power of Dragon. Dorgan here fears me because I could kill him, all of you, and this entire town in an instant. The Power of Dragon allows me to become, well, a dragon. Fire dragon…Ice…Thunder…Gold, and Black. When I become Gold, I can annihilate everything within about a ten-mile radius of my position, at the cost of all my energy. When I become Black, I can completely and totally ERADICATE a small area, at the cost of my consciousness. Nothing could survive my Black Dragon form, but becoming it could kill me."
An awed silence followed this long statement as the true degree of his power sunk in. The only sound in the room came from Dorgan, who yelped as Ryu reached for his sword.
Ryu picked up his sword and unsheathed it; many in the room gasped. The blade was huge, even larger than Cloud's sword, and yet he handled it with ease.
"Well," he said to them with a smile. "Shall we go then? We have long to travel. We have to acquire two of my allies: Jean and Nena. Jean is a great swordsman, near as powerful as the legendary Odin, and Nena the Queen of the Mages of Windia. Jean's hometown is Simafort, south of here. Let us go!" He strode out the door, his sword leaning on his shoulder, and they all followed him cautiously.
Dusk was falling as they exited Ryu's house. They walked peacefully out of the village, and to the ship. Here Ryu have a shout.
"No! We cannot fly where we are going. Simafort's defense is famous for destroying all in the air. We must go on foot, and quickly!" There were murmurs of annoyance and reluctance, but they followed his orders. He sprang away like a deer, and the others followed.
Chapter 12
As Talon launched himself onto the ship, he began to laugh at the sight before his eyes. Cid's legs were sticking out of the wall, flailing madly, and Cloud was hauling on his feet with all his strength while Tifa and Barda rolled around in mad laughter. It seemed Cid had gotten himself stuck.
Cloud wiped sweat from his brow. "Gimme a hand, Talon!" Talon leaped to his side and hauled on Cid's legs with all his strength. There was an odd popping noise and they all tumbled backwards in a heap. Cid fumed over his torn shirt and jacket while Tifa and Barda laughed, if possible, even harder.
Auron, who had been standing quietly to the side with Galuf, tossed Cid a black shirt from a pocket somewhere within his gigantic red cloak. Cid ripped off the remnants of his jacket and threw on the black muscle shirt, which, as Tifa commented, looked very good on him.
Cid posed sarcastically. "Haha. Well, the repairs are made, and with some luck, the Adamantium will react perfectly with the engine system and we'll be in the air in no time." He turned on his heel and strode into the control room, where he began dashing about, making all sorts of adjustments. The others watched him in boredom, as he leapt here and there, flipping switches and entering numbers. Suddenly a roar came from somewhere behind them, and Cid shouted, "Eureka!"
Looking out of the large window directly in front of them, they saw the ground lowering away, and the clouds descending to meet them. They were airborne! Talon shouted for pure joy. Now, their quest could continue, and at a much greater speed.
"But where do we go now?" he voiced this thought aloud.
It was Galuf who answered him. "I know many tales of the Chosen One's tasks. First, we must find the final two Legendary Spells…Meteo and Quake!" Cid showed much interest in these words. "But that is not all. We must bring out numbers from seven back to ten! We must fetch three of the Last Warriors to aid us in our quest."
"Last Warriors?" Talon said curiously. "Are those the ones out of which I chose my original party?"
Galuf smiled. "A good idea, but no. We must travel to the lost city of Mysidia, and I will pray to the Dragon God. He will answer our call, and send us three powerful warriors."
Cid released a whoop of joy. "Alright! First stop, Mysidia, then!"
Galuf turned to him. "Do you know of it?"
Cid's grin faded. "No, but I hoped you could point me to it."
Galuf laughed. "You have much eagerness to fight and quest, Cid Highwind! You are much like Setzer as I knew him." Cid beamed. "And yes, I can lead you to Mysidia. It is a good deal east of here, and across the sea. But with this airship, we should make it."
Cid laughed. "Of course we should! And we will! This is the best airship in creation! Onward!" As if by command of his word, the ship shot forward, and all standing inside wavered slightly, but only Cloud fell.
Land rushed by under them, as they watched in awe from the cockpit. They quickly realized they had just circled the planet. Cid slowed down and apologized to Galuf, who could not help but laugh. Cid flipped a switch on a console somewhere to his right the floor in the center of the room parted to form a window that gave them a perfect view of the land below. Following Galuf's quick commands, he steered the ship just perfectly until a town came into view.
The town of Mysidia was small…but very busy. People swarmed around the stone streets like ants, bustling from shop to shop. It seemed peaceful compared to Talon's training ground. People in the northern part of the town were knelt before a large statue that resembled a dragon. As they descended, Talon saw Galuf looking at the statue forlornly.
"Something wrong?" Talon muttered.
"No," Galuf closed his eyes. "Nothing is wrong…I simply have a history with the Dragon God…perhaps Dorgan should pray –"
"No!" Dorgan spoke from behind them. "The Dragon God despises me ever since I shunned him to follow St. Eva. He could never forgive me for that, though I begged with him once the Grand Church was destroyed."
Talon simply stared. After a few moments, he voiced his thoughts. "What do you speak of? St. Eva? The Grand Church? What are these things?"
Dorgan smiled. "You sound like me." Talon blushed. "No matter. St. Eva was an evil god long ago that possessed important or rich people and made them into demons. Many people, including myself, did not know this. The Grand Church was the headquarters of St. Eva, and when my good friend Ryu destroyed it, people began to realize its evil. Ryu later defeated St. Eva…but was afterwards possessed by one of his powerful dragon spells and became the Dragon God himself."
Talon frowned thoughtfully. "But if Ryu was your friend and became the Dragon God, why does he now hate you?"
Dorgan shook his head. "Because of my stubborn folly, I tried to persuade people that Ryu was evil, and he himself, not the Dragon God, began to hate me. The original Dragon God hated me too for continuing to worship St. Eva. I was a fool…if only I could talk to Ryu this very day…"
Galuf smiled. "I am familiar with this tale of yours."
Dorgan looked at him in surprise. "How so?"
"I have my ways."
"Why are you always so mysterious?"
"Because I enjoy surprising people."
"Surprise?"
"Oops, I've said too much." He grinned.
Dorgan remained quiet in dark thought, occasionally throwing an evil glare at Galuf, who would return it with a smile. But both remained silent as the party left the ship, ignoring the awed townspeople who had gathered to see the supposed "U.F.O." They advanced forward, chatting amongst themselves (except for Dorgan, of course), until they came to a large temple about half the size of the city. They toiled up the gigantic flight of stone steps, and stepped inside.
There were gigantic statues in every direction. Each bore the shape and stature of a different god; Talon recognized only Yevon, the god he prayed to when he lived with the Trainers. Galuf cast a reminiscent glance around the room, pleased to see that he could once again connect with the gods after being locked away so long. Auron gazed forlornly at the statue of Yevon, with a look that Talon recognized to be sadness.
Dorgan approached an elderly man in the middle of the room, who wore a long orange robe. Upon approaching him, the man turned to him and spoke to him with a smile. "What can I do for you, Dorgan son of Domlan?"
Dorgan jumped. "You know of my father and I? How is this?"
The man smiled. "I know much from the counsel of the Dragon God. I am told you need the temple emptied, but I could not do such a thing so easily."
Cid came from behind, colliding ever so slightly with the elderly man as he gazed at the many gods surrounding him. "These are all different gods that people pray to?"
"Yes. They all have separate holidays and such, too."
"Amazing. And that one there…" he pointed to a snakelike statue just inside the entrance. "What is it called, and how popular is it?"
"It is about as popular as Yevon, and that's saying something. It is called Leviathan."
Cid threw a fist in the air. "I knew it!"
The man looked quizzically at him. "Knew what? I am quite confused."
Cid smiled. "Do you follow Leviathan?"
"Yes."
"Would you like to meet him?" he grinned.
"Of course, but how? I understood he became an Esper some time ago."
Cid laughed. "This?" he held his hand out to show the man Leviathan's Esper. "This is Leviathan. Clear out the temple for us and let us do what we need to, and you may meet a god face to face."
The priest pondered this deal for a moment. A few seconds later, he cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled. "We need to close early today! Everyone finish and clear out!"
There were many groans from the people around the room, and a growl from a large man knelt before a statue surrounded by incense candles. A number of groans, threats, and annoyed glances later, the temple was empty, and the priest thrust the huge doors shut and bolted them.
He whipped around. "Show me Leviathan first. Then you may pray to your heart's content."
Cid tossed the ball into the air and caught it again. "Very well…" he leapt as high as his legs would allow, thrust off a wall, and landed on Yevon's shoulders. He then leaped, brushed the ceiling with his hand, and hurled the ball downward with all his strength. Leviathan immediately burst from the puddle created in the floor, circled the room, and curled up next to his statue, posing an exact replica of it.
He cast an amused glance at it. "A shame that I became an Esper. Publicity would have been a blast. But to the point…" he coiled his gigantic body in front of the party and thrust his gigantic head toward the priest, who could not move from awe. "Do you follow my teachings?" the priest nodded. "Have you broken any of my Great Commandments?" the priest shook his head. "Have you committed a Great Sin?" to the surprise of many, the priest cast his eyes to the floor and nodded.
Leviathan laughed. "I expected so! If you admit your sins before these witnesses and end your sinning forever, I may forgive you."
The priest shuddered from shock. He muttered many incoherent words, finally stopping to slap himself. Finally, he spoke. "It cannot be helped, Lord. Even if you forgave my sin, I would have no choice but to sin again, for I offer my skills for praying to all who enter this temple. You see, Lord, I have prayed to each god in this temple at least once. Of course, I hold no god before you, so I have broken no commandments. But I pray not only to you. I beg forgiveness."
Leviathan stirred slightly, as if thinking. "It is well that you do this; for though you are sinning, you are sinning to help others. I believe that in your case, I may make an exception. You are forgiven, and I permit you to continue assisting others in praying." He now turned to Cid. "Cid…nay, Master… I have served you long, quite long, and have done many favors for your cause. Now I ask one more."
Cid laughed. "Of course you can stay and become a god again! I understand completely. If you do so, you should get more followers, because people who pray to you might be answered."
Leviathan chuckled. Just as before, Talon felt a strange, relaxing warmth wash over him. "You are wise, Master Cid. I thank you for your leniency…farewell, farewell to all of you. You especially, Chosen one." With that comment, he launched into the air and began to circle the room. As he did so, he became more and more transparent. Seconds later, Talon could barely see him. A faraway voice said something inaudible, and then Leviathan sunk into his statue, and disappeared completely.
Cid smiled, knowing he had just done something for a greater cause. The priest, looking very relieved and happy, stood aside to allow Galuf to the Dragon God statue.
Galuf walked forward and knelt before the statue and began to speak in a strange language that was unfamiliar to most of the ears in the room. Dorgan, however, began to translate, his eyes closed. "Oh Dragon God, here with me I have the Chosen one from tales of old. We seek the power to vanquish the Dark Lords of our era, and are well on our way to that power. We have visited the Castle of Power, and met with Tycoon; and now we come to you in desperation. We seek three more warriors to make our number ten once again. We plead to you to deliver three of your legendary Last Warriors so that we might vanquish Lord Leif."
Here he ended, and knelt silently, praying only in mind. Soon more strange words came from the statue, in a light and hearted voice that should not have belonged to the god. The priest fainted as Dorgan began to translate. "Galuf, Warrior of Dawn. Your pleas shall be answered. Three warriors I grant you, but nay, this is not all! For I give to you, Galuf Baal, instructions. When – nay, if – you find Meteo, you must unlock the seal on its casket. For in that very casket where you might find the Meteo tablet, you might also find two weapons; one, for you, Galuf, is Lillith, which will reveal your true magical power. The second I shall not tell you of; it shall be used by one of the warriors I endear to you. But to the warriors! Leave this temple, and walk two houses to your right, and back one. Enter, and talk to the man there. He is the first, and will take you to the second two. Farewell!"
Barda and Cloud, who had been supporting the priest, now dropped him and dashed after Talon, who had immediately unbolted the door and ran out, followed closely by Dorgan and Auron. Upon cramming everyone through the doors, they all dashed two houses right, and one back. Dorgan put out an arm to hold them back, and then slid the door open.
Inside, there was very little. There was a small replica of the Dragon God statue in the corner, and a large broad sword hung on the wall. Other than that, there was what seemed to be a fire pit in the middle of the room, and a table against the wall. At the table sat a muscular and hooded man, who was drinking from a wooden mug. He set it down on the table and glanced at his visitors. He waved them inside.
They all filed inside. Being eight, they all barely fit. Dorgan, Auron, and Galuf all took seats at the table, while most others sat down or stood.
Dorgan opened his mouth to speak when a clear, English voice rang across the room from the statue. "You were listening?" the man nodded. "Good. You are to tell them of your skills and what you must acquire, and then join them."
The man sighed. He then put his hands to his hood and cast it back, revealing a head of wild blue hair. Many were taken aback, but none as much as Dorgan. He leaped backwards, tripping his chair on himself and falling backwards. He got up among tumultuous laughter, and then pointed at the man. "You!"
The man smiled. "Yes, Dorgan, me. Still supporting the demons?"
Dorgan fell to his knees. "No…I beg forgiveness, please, just don't hurt me…"
The man laughed. "I won't! You were not the only one blinded by the charade!" he turned to the rest of them. "Forgive me. I am Ryu, guardian of the Power of Dragon. Dorgan here fears me because I could kill him, all of you, and this entire town in an instant. The Power of Dragon allows me to become, well, a dragon. Fire dragon…Ice…Thunder…Gold, and Black. When I become Gold, I can annihilate everything within about a ten-mile radius of my position, at the cost of all my energy. When I become Black, I can completely and totally ERADICATE a small area, at the cost of my consciousness. Nothing could survive my Black Dragon form, but becoming it could kill me."
An awed silence followed this long statement as the true degree of his power sunk in. The only sound in the room came from Dorgan, who yelped as Ryu reached for his sword.
Ryu picked up his sword and unsheathed it; many in the room gasped. The blade was huge, even larger than Cloud's sword, and yet he handled it with ease.
"Well," he said to them with a smile. "Shall we go then? We have long to travel. We have to acquire two of my allies: Jean and Nena. Jean is a great swordsman, near as powerful as the legendary Odin, and Nena the Queen of the Mages of Windia. Jean's hometown is Simafort, south of here. Let us go!" He strode out the door, his sword leaning on his shoulder, and they all followed him cautiously.
Dusk was falling as they exited Ryu's house. They walked peacefully out of the village, and to the ship. Here Ryu have a shout.
"No! We cannot fly where we are going. Simafort's defense is famous for destroying all in the air. We must go on foot, and quickly!" There were murmurs of annoyance and reluctance, but they followed his orders. He sprang away like a deer, and the others followed.