Chapter Seventeen
Advice of Elements
I was shocked by Relámpago's sudden rush; I had never fought a dragon before, and their speed was amazingly lightning-quick compared to what I was used to. Regardless, I moved swiftly. I leapt into the air, propelling myself high into air, yet managing to avoid the stormy clouds. Relámpago's jaws snapped shut with an audible click below me. She snorted softly, lifting her head to stare directly at me. I was slowing down, but my spear was aimed directly for her jaw. The very second she opened it, I would throw.
Relámpago seemed to understand this, for she did not open her maw. She instead leapt into the air and reached for me with a strong foot with sharp talons. Quickly I spun my spear and tossed it at the center of her foot. The spear slammed into her foot, piercing it deeply and causing the dragon to scream with pain. Meanwhile, I began a steady fall toward the ground. Relámpago slammed into the ground, and a snap filled the air. The dragon lifted her foot, revealing that my spear had snapped completely in half from the force of the drop. She lifted her other foot and began to pick at the spear with a sharp talon, trying to dislodge the tip. Meanwhile, I landed on the ground only a few feet away from her.
My spear would be useless now, but I knew I could still keep up a fight. I lifted my hand to the stormy sky and took a deep breath, praying that it would still work.
"Power of the heavens, send the dragon's breath!" I shouted as loud as I could.
Energy seemed to travel within the very earth. Warmth flushed the ground below me, causing my feet to feel as if they were on fire. Then, suddenly, right before me appeared a dragon head, pinkish in color and spiritual in looks. Three-inch sharp horns protruded from just above unseen eyes. It opened its thin, powerful maw and spat a powerful spray of fire at Relámpago, who hissed angrily. Relámpago shifted her massive body as if to prepare to leap, but the fire soon hit her, throwing her off- track. She tried to jump, but the fire seemed to be too great, and she fell to the ground, pain-filled growls coming from her maw. I rushed forward, aiming for the foot that had my spear still jammed within in. Perhaps, I felt, it could still make a good throwing weapon.
Suddenly Relámpago shifted to her feet, causing me to screech to a quick stop. With a snarl, Relámpago lifted the foot that had my spear within it and moved to strike me with it. I quickly leapt out of the way, then leapt again. Soon I was hanging from one of Relámpago's talons. The dragon snorted and moved her foot to fling me off, but I had already leapt off the dragon's talon and was hanging from the jagged piece of wood that remained of my spear's handle. Implanting both feet against the dragon's foot and on either side of the spear, I got a firm grip, and yanked just as the dragon moved her foot downward to squish me between the ground and her foot.
It worked. My spear ripped from the dragon's foot in an explosion of blood and flesh. The dragon screamed while I got showed with her red blood. The blood sent a jolt of electricity through me the minute it touched me, and I was sent flying back first into a rock. I landed on my knees, my snapped spear beside me, its sharp silver tip stained red. I rose shakily to my feet to find Relámpago with her snout toward the air, electricity gathering at her mouth. Her foot was bleeding from a massive gash in the center. I watched with awe as the lightning from the storm gathered at Relámpago's mouth, making the electricity gathering only look deadlier.
Suddenly Relámpago's head lowered to have her maw facing me directly. The lightning shot from her mouth and in my direction. Automatically I leapt to the right, but a lightning bolt managed to strike my soaring body. The electricity shot through my body and sent me slamming to the ground. Just as quickly as it had shot through my blood, the electricity was gone, leaving me in a half-daze on the ground.
A roar brought me back to reality, and before I was even truly alert, I was on my feet and watching Relámpago slam her open maw into the ground and snap her maw shut. The dragon came up with a mouthful of dirt, and I wasn't included in it. With a snort and a cough, Relámpago spat the dirt out in choked gasps. I lifted my snapped spear and made careful aim, praying I was better at throwing than I had once been.
I tossed the spear the way you would a javelin, sending it soaring toward Relámpago's neck. The dragon turned her head toward me, and soon located me, but not the javelin. It slammed straight into her upper neck. Relámpago screamed, thrashing about. Her tail whipped outward, and I just managed to leap away before it slammed into me. Relámpago continued to thrash about until my spear suddenly dislodged and slammed into my left shoulder tip-first. With a startled yelp I fell onto my back.
After ten seconds I grabbed my spear and carefully pulled it from my shoulder. I rose shakily to my feet, only to have Relámpago's jaws graze my head, leaving shallow yet painful cuts while tearing out some hair. I leapt backward seven feet and away from Relámpago's deadly jaws. Relámpago hissed angrily, moving so her entire body was facing me. Her neck was bleeding, red rivers of blood trickling steadily down her long neck. My shoulder was in pain and kept me from being able to use my left arm; though I was not skilled with it, I knew I would have to try fighting with my right hand.
With an angry hiss and spit of steam from her nostrils, Relámpago leapt forward, jaws parted and revealing black teeth. Immediately I leapt in the air and away from the charge. Relámpago's wings spread to their full span and gave a powerful flap. Soon, Relámpago's body shifted upward, and she was flying after me, mouth open, and electricity gathering at it. I took a deep breath as I stared into the dragon's black eyes.
"Power of the heavens, send the cherry blossoms of hope!" I shouted, my speech coming out in a quick slur of words.
Regardless of the confusing sound of my words, a dragon spirit, identical to the dragon head that had come before, swirled around Relámpago's massive body, leaving gorgeous red petals in its path. Soon these petals exploded in a fiery mass, catching Relámpago's wings ablaze and causing the membrane to burn away. With a startled growl, Relámpago fell toward the ground. With little accuracy and a poor throw, I managed to send my spear down into her shoulder with my right hand. With a massive –crash-, Relámpago fell to the ground. She rolled over onto her wounded shoulder, and I heard a distinct snap as my already-broken spear snapped once again. As I fell toward the ground, I couldn't help but groan as I thought about my spear. Now I knew I wouldn't be able to use it.
My feet soon touched the ground, and just as I steadied myself, I was being tossed in the air by Relámpago's sudden throw. It took me a few seconds to register severe pain in my right leg, and I realized with a sudden yet calm horror that Relámpago had grabbed and snapped my leg, then tossed me into the air with hopes to swallow me. This was beginning to become a very desperate and hopeless fight.
Relámpago rose onto strong hind legs and lifted her neck upward. Regardless of my near helplessness, I managed to kick Relámpago's jaw as it rose to swallow me. The dragon snorted, sending a mass of warm steam in my direction. I kicked her again, even as I began to slow to a stop. Relámpago gave her head a massive shake, snorting. I kicked her again, but this time I dug my claws into her snout. I swung toward the dragon's neck, grabbed, and managed to get a firm grip, by luck, on a edge of a scale that was just below a scale that had been torn away. Soon I was hanging by one hand on Relámpago's neck.
Relámpago clearly was annoyed. She tried to get me with her jaws, but I was to high up for her jaws to reach. Lowering herself to all fours, Relámpago hissed and lifted her healthy fore paw to smack me away. Unfortunately for her, her neck was too long. She moved to lower it, but by that point, I had managed to leap onto the other side of Relámpago's neck, only making things worse for her, as she couldn't reach me.
I slid down Relámpago's long neck and soon landed squashed between her broad shoulders. On my left was my spear, nothing more than an inch of wood and a tip buried within her shoulder. I half-crawled, half-limped over to it. I placed my right hand against the small piece of wood that remained and got a tight grip.
That was when Relámpago suddenly reared upward, realizing where I was. I was about to fall, when the spear kept me from falling. At first I was suspended in the air, eyes closed with terror. Then I heard a rip, then a scream, and then I felt myself fall. When I opened my eyes, I found myself falling, with a bloody spear (or what remained of it) falling with me.
I didn't waste time. I slammed my spear into the dragon's body as it flashed before my eyes. Only moments later, Relámpago was back on the ground belly-first. I landed on her once more, my hand still gripped tightly to the little piece of wood that was once a handle. I gave my head a shake and tried to realize what I had hit. I soon concluded I had hit Relámpago's upper side.
With a shaky breath, I moved myself in a sitting position. I then took the spear, steadied my grip, then leapt across Relámpago's back. At first it felt like the spear would break again. Then it gave up, and slid along with me, tearing out scales and leaving a long, bloody cut along Relámpago's back. Relámpago roared and lifted her tail. Having guessed this, I let go of my spear and allowed myself to roll straight off Relámpago and onto the snow-covered ground. I heard Relámpago slam her own tail into her back, having not known I had rolled over. She snarled angrily as she turned her long neck to face me. I stared into her black eyes, breathing heavily. She hissed angrily, sending steam into my face. We stared at each other for a long time.
"Power of the heavens, lend the power to vanquish," I muttered softly, lifting my right hand.
The clouds above me moved aside, revealing the bluish moon that was once hidden underneath. Energy began to gather quickly in a star-shape above the palm of my head. Relámpago moved to strike, but before she even got close, the star-shape rushed outward and slammed into her eye. Relámpago's head snapped upward as she screamed. I rolled out of the way as her neck flew downward and soon slammed into the ground.
Seconds passed as we were still, Relámpago growling softly, I panting to try and catch my breath. Then Relámpago suddenly lifted her head, and for a panic-filled second I thought it was not over.
"You are an amazing fighter," Relámpago said. Her voice sounded filled with exhaustion, unlike the powerful voice I had heard before. "Nothing stops you. You are only fit to be a legend."
I stared at Relámpago as she rose shakily to her feet and padded toward me slowly. I rose into a sitting position, wincing slightly with pain. Soon, we were only two feet away from each other.
"Are you, per chance, saying—"I began in a tired voice.
"You hold the strength of a true warrior. You fight with exceptional skill, even when most of your resources are depleted. I know not why you could not defeat me in human form, but in my dragon form – my strongest form – you excelled. You will be a legend, an honorable warrior, from now on, Fratley. Be surprised not when your name is known everywhere," Relámpago said, making me stare with shock. "You are a powerful warrior, Fratley. And you have a will as tough as iron... Do not be surprised if you have a new name suddenly – Iron-tail Fratley."
"You're confusing me," I muttered. "Are you saying that I won? And that I will be legendary?"
"You learn quick. Yes, Iron-tail, that is exactly what I am saying," Relámpago said, lowering herself. "And now you will receive my advice. First, believe in your heart and your future."
Relámpago suddenly roared at the sky. Lightning shot down from the sky again, the lightning storm that had stopped during our fight now resuming. One lightning bold shot down and struck me. I felt no pain, however, only relief. My vision was blinded by white light, and I felt numb. When it all passed, my wounds were completely healed, and I no longer felt exhaustion. Relámpago was also completely healed; it seemed a lightning bolt had hit her too.
"Second, what you seek is across a grand journey. Go to the place of fame and fortune, and seek the man whose name describes the way of rivers. He can lead you in the right direction. Third, once having received the gifts of fame, head toward the greatest challenge. This challenge will hold a man to test your strength, a man of demon and human descendant. His intelligence is high, as is his skill in a sword and magic – He will be your best test. All this will lead you to that day when Eoroqu will not be in hiding – Then you leave and go to your goal in the city of Alexander," Relámpago finished.
I took a deep breath and leapt to my feet, thinking things over. So I was to go to the City of Fame, and meet Meander? I couldn't see what that would accomplish. And who was this man with demon and human descendant? A demon-human hybrid? It had to be. And how could he prepare me for Beatrix? How could this journey take six months?
"Do you know what to do?" Relámpago asked.
I nodded, understanding. "Yes, but I have no weapon."
"You will find a way to live. You have it in you, Iron-tail," Relámpago said.
I nodded again, somehow used to the name "Iron-tail" already. I felt as if I had matured in a single battle, and perhaps I had. Or perhaps this feeling was also a result of being with the Dari and in Eoroqu... Whatever it was, it was a good feeling. I looked up at Relámpago, who was watching me with black eyes.
"I will be going now. I thank you for the battle – It had taught me much. I wish you farewell," I said, bowing briefly.
"Go," Relámpago said, jerking her head in the direction that I had originally come. "Go now."
I didn't waste any more time. With a deep breath, I walked away, and headed out of the Thunder Mountains, leaving Relámpago behind me.
Nervousness clogged my mind as four hours travel had me completely out of the Thunder Mountains and into the Aregui Plains once more. I took a deep breath, looking around. The rainstorm was still continuing, leaving mud puddles in various places. Night had descended, and very few Demi- humans were now on the road. In the distance, I could see dark figures moving – Monsters, though of what type, and what they actually were, I could not say. All I could tell myself was that they were dangerous.
Go on, said Relámpago, as her familiar voice filled my mind. This is just one stretch of your life before you, ready to lead you to greatness. One road, Iron-tail. Your great fight will spread, and fame will come to you. But now is the time to show that you are not just skilled and lucky, but extremely skilled, and having luck play only a very small part. Go on. Show Eoroqu who you are, and prepare to show the Mist Continent and your unmet villain the same.
I took a deep breath and let it come out in a soft sigh. I looked around, and soon noted the lights of a city only a few miles away. Yet between those miles were monsters and darkness.
"Let fear propel you forward," I whispered to myself nervously, trying to regain confidence. "Do not let fear stifle you."
The words implanted themselves in my mind, and it seemed like good enough advice. With another deep breath, I began to run straight toward the burning lights of the city miles away.
Perhaps it was luck, or maybe my own supposedly now "famed" skill. Whatever it was, I didn't meet any monsters on my run. Soon, I had reached the amazing city of Aregua, the capital of Eoroqu itself. Massive stone walls surrounded the city, large torches burning from holders situated four feet away from each other. The stone had been carved smooth. Two massive gates were on opposite sides of the wall, one facing south, and another facing north. I happened to be near the southern gate. I could see the silhouettes of Demi-human guards with large spears near the gate. I approached slowly. Soon a guard shifted, and I could see his spear pointed at my throat.
"Who goes there?" he asked in a gruff voice, and I could see his eyes, cat-like eyes, glinting in the torchlight. "'Tis Sir Iron-tail Fratley of Burmecia," I called in a non-threatening tone. "I wish to enter the city. I am unarmed."
I watched as the guard lowered his spear. He muttered something to his companion. They walked over to a crank on either side of the crank. Among grunting and a lot of labor, they turned the cranks and lifted up the massive iron gates. To make sure they didn't have much work to do, I swiftly passed under the gate. Behind me, the cranks spun wildly as the two guards allowed the gate to close. I, meanwhile, looked around. Torches were hung from stone buildings that were close together. The streets were paved obsidian with intricate designs carved into the shiny black rock. The buildings appeared to be made of a dark stone as well, though I could not tell what kind. A Demi-human guard passed by me, his yellow eyes watching me suspiciously. He was a crocodile Demi, so I chose to keep away from him and begin a steady walk down the main street that led in the direction of a dark, massive building at the other side of the city. "Can I help you sir?" a voice asked suddenly in a snake-like voice.
I turned around to find myself faced with a scaled, strong-looking Demi-human. He held a torch in his hand, yet I could still only assume that his scales were greenish, and that he had yellow eyes. He had a snake's mouth, with a snake tail, and a relatively human body. He was a snake Demi, and he wore black armor that glinted in the torchlight.
"Yes," I replied immediately. "Could you please tell me where the inn is?"
"You're on the wrong road, sir," the Demi-human said. "The inn is on the left-center road, the seventh building on your right." He continued to drag out S's, C's, and Th.'s.
"Thank you, sir," I said, and quickly turned around.
I took a right turn, then headed down the first road I found that headed down the center of town. There appeared to be no one on this road. I headed down, counting the buildings, until I came upon a sign. It was made of wood and hanging from an iron post. Painted upon it was a six- headed red dragon with flailing heads spitting fire. Painted in gold around the dragon were the word's "Hydra's Den". Glinting within the windows of the building beside the sign were candles.
I walked over to the wooden door and carefully pushed it open. I found myself in a small dim-lit room. Two couches of an unknown color were set up right in front of large windows with what appeared to be red curtains. Two candles each were set at the two windows. The floor was wooden, but red (or at least they looked to be red) carpets were set up at the two couches, and in front of a wooden desk. On the wooden desk were two more candles, a massive book, and a wooden plate propped up, with a chisel beside it. A wolf Demi, with a wolfish face, green eyes, gray, white-tipped fur, and a bushy tail, was watching me with a small smile.
"Good evening. Staying for the night?" the Demi-human asked.
I nodded and walked over to the desk. It took up a very small space and was probably only the size of the couches. I reached into my pocket, and was surprised to find I had not lost any money. I took out my pouch.
"It's 150 Gil," the Demi-human supplied.
I gave the Demi-human the right amount of Gil. He took the Gil and dropped it to the ground. I heard the Gil clang against something, and guessed it to be a pot.
"What is your name?" the Demi-human asked, taking a quill and dipping it in ink.
"Iron-tail Fratley," I replied.
The Demi-human quickly wrote my name down, though he spelled "Fratley" incorrectly. He then took the wooden plate, and made a short mark with the chisel. He then smiled at me and motioned to a door in the east wall.
"You're all set. Have a good night," the Demi-human said.
I nodded my thanks, then headed over to the east door and opened it carefully. I found myself in another dim-lit halfway covered in red carpets. I padded down the hall, looking at the doors that were lined up against the walls. Most of them had a small ribbon tied to the doorknob. Soon, I found one with no ribbon. I opened the door and found the room empty. It was fairly large, with plenty of room to move around. In the center of the floor was a red carpet. Against the wall opposite the door was a large window with red curtains. Three candles were lined up next to each other on the windowsill, helping to light the room. Next to the window was a large bed with red sheets and white pillows. A wooden endtable with a lit candle was next to the bed. There was a large bureau next to the door, and two lit candles were on top of it. Also on top of the bureau was a red ribbon. The room had smooth white walls, and a very homey appearance.
I took the red ribbon and tied it to the doorknob facing the hallway. I then closed the door. I then padded over to the bed and sat down on it. Quickly, exhaustion came to me. Running for miles on end had exhausted me and taken away the energy I had regained after the fight with Relámpago. I lied down the bed, but soon found a need for covers as the cold of the room settled in on me. Within a few moments I was comfortable. After six months with the Dari, a bed seemed odd, yet comfortable all the same.
Soon, I had fallen asleep.
I was awoken the next day was rays of light filtering through the open windows. I woke up quickly and yawned lazily. I rose into a sitting position, and was surprised to see all candles no longer lit, and a small note by my desk. I picked up the note, and quickly read it. It simply explained that breakfast would be in the main hall, and that breakfast would be a series of meats, breads, fruits, and sweets. It appeared that the breakfast would cost nothing. I rose from the bed and padded out of the room, making sure to leave the ribbon on the bureau.
I soon found my way to the main hall by following the hallway to its end. The main hall was massive, with a spectacular wooden floor and smooth stone walls. Red banners hung from the walls. There were huge full-length windows set up in various places along the walls. Massive wooden tables were set up in the middle of the room, with eight chairs for each table. Longer wooden tables had been set up along the west fall, and they were piled with food, plates, utensils, cups, and drinks. I quickly padded over to the table, and was surprised to see not just Eoroqu foods, but also foods that I recognized from the Mist Continent, and foods that I didn't know in general. Despite being an inn, the Hydra's Den had quite a selection. I took what I was used to, which was nothing more than sweet muffins, cheese, and a little bit of meat, then took a cup and filled it was herbal tea. I sat down at a table and began to eat. As I did, others, mostly Demi-humans, began to filter in. Some humans and Burmecians also filtered in, however. Soon, within five minutes, the room was filled with a flock of people.
I associated with no one, and therefore was quickly able to finish my meal. I left the plates where they were and quickly left the main hall. I dodged people in the hallway, smiled and nodded at the wolf Demi-human who was still at his desk, then headed off into the streets. The torches were all extinguished, and many people were already moving around. I quickly moved into the streets, and was soon lost in the crowd. I began to walk along, and soon saw a sign that read "Goods of Life – Get All You Need to Survive". Interested, I entered the building that the sign was next to. I found myself in a large room that had a stone floor and walls, and large tables set up with many goods set up. A human with short black hair, blue eyes, and a short yet strong build was serving other customers. I explored the shop, and soon picked up a few potions, bandages, a tent, and a new pack. It cost me 2500 Gil, but I left fairly satisfied. I once again headed out into the streets.
This time, I stopped at what appeared to be a weapon's shop. Inside, the wooden building had weapons of many types hanging from the wall. An eagle Demi-human ran this shop, and he quickly helped me pick out a spear similar to the one I had lost in the fight with Relámpago. It cost me 1000 Gil, and I found myself to be running short. I could only afford a few more items.
I quickly left the shop with my new spear and headed off once more. As I padded down the street, I came closer and closer to the castle, which had been the dark, massive building I had seen in the night. It was black, with white stripes and many pillars and statues. I could not identify many features, but anyone could tell that it was huge and splendid.
"Hey."
I stopped at hearing the voice, directed at me. I soon saw a cat Demi-human. She had long, black hair with peach skin and blue, cat-like eyes. She had a black furry tail, and wore a simple brown outfit. She motioned for me to follow her, and I swiftly did. She led me to a building, and we entered it. I found myself to be in a small shop with a wooden floor, stone walls, and many medical supplies set about.
"Shop. I can tell you'll need a lot of it," the Demi said, watching me calmly.
I quickly picked out antidotes for many ailments, healing salve, more efficient bandages, and powerful potions. It cost me 3500 Gil, and left me with only 500. Regardless, I felt satisfied with what I had bought. Thanking the cat Demi, I left the shop and headed for the northern gate. I soon arrived at it, and found it to be wide open. I stepped through with ease, and soon found myself to be faced with the wilderness.
It was time to continue. I knew where I had to go. I looked in the direction of Illiad Forest, its dark green trees clearly visible despite the distance between it and Aregua. Beyond that forest, I knew, was Tessaih, the City of Fame, and my next destination. From there, I would meet Meander. What would continue, I didn't know, but I knew that Relámpago would not lead me in the wrong direction. Or at least I prayed.
With a deep breath, I headed off in the direction of Illiad Forest.
--------- Long, looooooong chapter, heh. That should keep you satisfied until I finish the next one ;)
This story is copyright to me. Some characters, locations, events, and Gaia in general are copyright to SquareEnix.
Advice of Elements
I was shocked by Relámpago's sudden rush; I had never fought a dragon before, and their speed was amazingly lightning-quick compared to what I was used to. Regardless, I moved swiftly. I leapt into the air, propelling myself high into air, yet managing to avoid the stormy clouds. Relámpago's jaws snapped shut with an audible click below me. She snorted softly, lifting her head to stare directly at me. I was slowing down, but my spear was aimed directly for her jaw. The very second she opened it, I would throw.
Relámpago seemed to understand this, for she did not open her maw. She instead leapt into the air and reached for me with a strong foot with sharp talons. Quickly I spun my spear and tossed it at the center of her foot. The spear slammed into her foot, piercing it deeply and causing the dragon to scream with pain. Meanwhile, I began a steady fall toward the ground. Relámpago slammed into the ground, and a snap filled the air. The dragon lifted her foot, revealing that my spear had snapped completely in half from the force of the drop. She lifted her other foot and began to pick at the spear with a sharp talon, trying to dislodge the tip. Meanwhile, I landed on the ground only a few feet away from her.
My spear would be useless now, but I knew I could still keep up a fight. I lifted my hand to the stormy sky and took a deep breath, praying that it would still work.
"Power of the heavens, send the dragon's breath!" I shouted as loud as I could.
Energy seemed to travel within the very earth. Warmth flushed the ground below me, causing my feet to feel as if they were on fire. Then, suddenly, right before me appeared a dragon head, pinkish in color and spiritual in looks. Three-inch sharp horns protruded from just above unseen eyes. It opened its thin, powerful maw and spat a powerful spray of fire at Relámpago, who hissed angrily. Relámpago shifted her massive body as if to prepare to leap, but the fire soon hit her, throwing her off- track. She tried to jump, but the fire seemed to be too great, and she fell to the ground, pain-filled growls coming from her maw. I rushed forward, aiming for the foot that had my spear still jammed within in. Perhaps, I felt, it could still make a good throwing weapon.
Suddenly Relámpago shifted to her feet, causing me to screech to a quick stop. With a snarl, Relámpago lifted the foot that had my spear within it and moved to strike me with it. I quickly leapt out of the way, then leapt again. Soon I was hanging from one of Relámpago's talons. The dragon snorted and moved her foot to fling me off, but I had already leapt off the dragon's talon and was hanging from the jagged piece of wood that remained of my spear's handle. Implanting both feet against the dragon's foot and on either side of the spear, I got a firm grip, and yanked just as the dragon moved her foot downward to squish me between the ground and her foot.
It worked. My spear ripped from the dragon's foot in an explosion of blood and flesh. The dragon screamed while I got showed with her red blood. The blood sent a jolt of electricity through me the minute it touched me, and I was sent flying back first into a rock. I landed on my knees, my snapped spear beside me, its sharp silver tip stained red. I rose shakily to my feet to find Relámpago with her snout toward the air, electricity gathering at her mouth. Her foot was bleeding from a massive gash in the center. I watched with awe as the lightning from the storm gathered at Relámpago's mouth, making the electricity gathering only look deadlier.
Suddenly Relámpago's head lowered to have her maw facing me directly. The lightning shot from her mouth and in my direction. Automatically I leapt to the right, but a lightning bolt managed to strike my soaring body. The electricity shot through my body and sent me slamming to the ground. Just as quickly as it had shot through my blood, the electricity was gone, leaving me in a half-daze on the ground.
A roar brought me back to reality, and before I was even truly alert, I was on my feet and watching Relámpago slam her open maw into the ground and snap her maw shut. The dragon came up with a mouthful of dirt, and I wasn't included in it. With a snort and a cough, Relámpago spat the dirt out in choked gasps. I lifted my snapped spear and made careful aim, praying I was better at throwing than I had once been.
I tossed the spear the way you would a javelin, sending it soaring toward Relámpago's neck. The dragon turned her head toward me, and soon located me, but not the javelin. It slammed straight into her upper neck. Relámpago screamed, thrashing about. Her tail whipped outward, and I just managed to leap away before it slammed into me. Relámpago continued to thrash about until my spear suddenly dislodged and slammed into my left shoulder tip-first. With a startled yelp I fell onto my back.
After ten seconds I grabbed my spear and carefully pulled it from my shoulder. I rose shakily to my feet, only to have Relámpago's jaws graze my head, leaving shallow yet painful cuts while tearing out some hair. I leapt backward seven feet and away from Relámpago's deadly jaws. Relámpago hissed angrily, moving so her entire body was facing me. Her neck was bleeding, red rivers of blood trickling steadily down her long neck. My shoulder was in pain and kept me from being able to use my left arm; though I was not skilled with it, I knew I would have to try fighting with my right hand.
With an angry hiss and spit of steam from her nostrils, Relámpago leapt forward, jaws parted and revealing black teeth. Immediately I leapt in the air and away from the charge. Relámpago's wings spread to their full span and gave a powerful flap. Soon, Relámpago's body shifted upward, and she was flying after me, mouth open, and electricity gathering at it. I took a deep breath as I stared into the dragon's black eyes.
"Power of the heavens, send the cherry blossoms of hope!" I shouted, my speech coming out in a quick slur of words.
Regardless of the confusing sound of my words, a dragon spirit, identical to the dragon head that had come before, swirled around Relámpago's massive body, leaving gorgeous red petals in its path. Soon these petals exploded in a fiery mass, catching Relámpago's wings ablaze and causing the membrane to burn away. With a startled growl, Relámpago fell toward the ground. With little accuracy and a poor throw, I managed to send my spear down into her shoulder with my right hand. With a massive –crash-, Relámpago fell to the ground. She rolled over onto her wounded shoulder, and I heard a distinct snap as my already-broken spear snapped once again. As I fell toward the ground, I couldn't help but groan as I thought about my spear. Now I knew I wouldn't be able to use it.
My feet soon touched the ground, and just as I steadied myself, I was being tossed in the air by Relámpago's sudden throw. It took me a few seconds to register severe pain in my right leg, and I realized with a sudden yet calm horror that Relámpago had grabbed and snapped my leg, then tossed me into the air with hopes to swallow me. This was beginning to become a very desperate and hopeless fight.
Relámpago rose onto strong hind legs and lifted her neck upward. Regardless of my near helplessness, I managed to kick Relámpago's jaw as it rose to swallow me. The dragon snorted, sending a mass of warm steam in my direction. I kicked her again, even as I began to slow to a stop. Relámpago gave her head a massive shake, snorting. I kicked her again, but this time I dug my claws into her snout. I swung toward the dragon's neck, grabbed, and managed to get a firm grip, by luck, on a edge of a scale that was just below a scale that had been torn away. Soon I was hanging by one hand on Relámpago's neck.
Relámpago clearly was annoyed. She tried to get me with her jaws, but I was to high up for her jaws to reach. Lowering herself to all fours, Relámpago hissed and lifted her healthy fore paw to smack me away. Unfortunately for her, her neck was too long. She moved to lower it, but by that point, I had managed to leap onto the other side of Relámpago's neck, only making things worse for her, as she couldn't reach me.
I slid down Relámpago's long neck and soon landed squashed between her broad shoulders. On my left was my spear, nothing more than an inch of wood and a tip buried within her shoulder. I half-crawled, half-limped over to it. I placed my right hand against the small piece of wood that remained and got a tight grip.
That was when Relámpago suddenly reared upward, realizing where I was. I was about to fall, when the spear kept me from falling. At first I was suspended in the air, eyes closed with terror. Then I heard a rip, then a scream, and then I felt myself fall. When I opened my eyes, I found myself falling, with a bloody spear (or what remained of it) falling with me.
I didn't waste time. I slammed my spear into the dragon's body as it flashed before my eyes. Only moments later, Relámpago was back on the ground belly-first. I landed on her once more, my hand still gripped tightly to the little piece of wood that was once a handle. I gave my head a shake and tried to realize what I had hit. I soon concluded I had hit Relámpago's upper side.
With a shaky breath, I moved myself in a sitting position. I then took the spear, steadied my grip, then leapt across Relámpago's back. At first it felt like the spear would break again. Then it gave up, and slid along with me, tearing out scales and leaving a long, bloody cut along Relámpago's back. Relámpago roared and lifted her tail. Having guessed this, I let go of my spear and allowed myself to roll straight off Relámpago and onto the snow-covered ground. I heard Relámpago slam her own tail into her back, having not known I had rolled over. She snarled angrily as she turned her long neck to face me. I stared into her black eyes, breathing heavily. She hissed angrily, sending steam into my face. We stared at each other for a long time.
"Power of the heavens, lend the power to vanquish," I muttered softly, lifting my right hand.
The clouds above me moved aside, revealing the bluish moon that was once hidden underneath. Energy began to gather quickly in a star-shape above the palm of my head. Relámpago moved to strike, but before she even got close, the star-shape rushed outward and slammed into her eye. Relámpago's head snapped upward as she screamed. I rolled out of the way as her neck flew downward and soon slammed into the ground.
Seconds passed as we were still, Relámpago growling softly, I panting to try and catch my breath. Then Relámpago suddenly lifted her head, and for a panic-filled second I thought it was not over.
"You are an amazing fighter," Relámpago said. Her voice sounded filled with exhaustion, unlike the powerful voice I had heard before. "Nothing stops you. You are only fit to be a legend."
I stared at Relámpago as she rose shakily to her feet and padded toward me slowly. I rose into a sitting position, wincing slightly with pain. Soon, we were only two feet away from each other.
"Are you, per chance, saying—"I began in a tired voice.
"You hold the strength of a true warrior. You fight with exceptional skill, even when most of your resources are depleted. I know not why you could not defeat me in human form, but in my dragon form – my strongest form – you excelled. You will be a legend, an honorable warrior, from now on, Fratley. Be surprised not when your name is known everywhere," Relámpago said, making me stare with shock. "You are a powerful warrior, Fratley. And you have a will as tough as iron... Do not be surprised if you have a new name suddenly – Iron-tail Fratley."
"You're confusing me," I muttered. "Are you saying that I won? And that I will be legendary?"
"You learn quick. Yes, Iron-tail, that is exactly what I am saying," Relámpago said, lowering herself. "And now you will receive my advice. First, believe in your heart and your future."
Relámpago suddenly roared at the sky. Lightning shot down from the sky again, the lightning storm that had stopped during our fight now resuming. One lightning bold shot down and struck me. I felt no pain, however, only relief. My vision was blinded by white light, and I felt numb. When it all passed, my wounds were completely healed, and I no longer felt exhaustion. Relámpago was also completely healed; it seemed a lightning bolt had hit her too.
"Second, what you seek is across a grand journey. Go to the place of fame and fortune, and seek the man whose name describes the way of rivers. He can lead you in the right direction. Third, once having received the gifts of fame, head toward the greatest challenge. This challenge will hold a man to test your strength, a man of demon and human descendant. His intelligence is high, as is his skill in a sword and magic – He will be your best test. All this will lead you to that day when Eoroqu will not be in hiding – Then you leave and go to your goal in the city of Alexander," Relámpago finished.
I took a deep breath and leapt to my feet, thinking things over. So I was to go to the City of Fame, and meet Meander? I couldn't see what that would accomplish. And who was this man with demon and human descendant? A demon-human hybrid? It had to be. And how could he prepare me for Beatrix? How could this journey take six months?
"Do you know what to do?" Relámpago asked.
I nodded, understanding. "Yes, but I have no weapon."
"You will find a way to live. You have it in you, Iron-tail," Relámpago said.
I nodded again, somehow used to the name "Iron-tail" already. I felt as if I had matured in a single battle, and perhaps I had. Or perhaps this feeling was also a result of being with the Dari and in Eoroqu... Whatever it was, it was a good feeling. I looked up at Relámpago, who was watching me with black eyes.
"I will be going now. I thank you for the battle – It had taught me much. I wish you farewell," I said, bowing briefly.
"Go," Relámpago said, jerking her head in the direction that I had originally come. "Go now."
I didn't waste any more time. With a deep breath, I walked away, and headed out of the Thunder Mountains, leaving Relámpago behind me.
Nervousness clogged my mind as four hours travel had me completely out of the Thunder Mountains and into the Aregui Plains once more. I took a deep breath, looking around. The rainstorm was still continuing, leaving mud puddles in various places. Night had descended, and very few Demi- humans were now on the road. In the distance, I could see dark figures moving – Monsters, though of what type, and what they actually were, I could not say. All I could tell myself was that they were dangerous.
Go on, said Relámpago, as her familiar voice filled my mind. This is just one stretch of your life before you, ready to lead you to greatness. One road, Iron-tail. Your great fight will spread, and fame will come to you. But now is the time to show that you are not just skilled and lucky, but extremely skilled, and having luck play only a very small part. Go on. Show Eoroqu who you are, and prepare to show the Mist Continent and your unmet villain the same.
I took a deep breath and let it come out in a soft sigh. I looked around, and soon noted the lights of a city only a few miles away. Yet between those miles were monsters and darkness.
"Let fear propel you forward," I whispered to myself nervously, trying to regain confidence. "Do not let fear stifle you."
The words implanted themselves in my mind, and it seemed like good enough advice. With another deep breath, I began to run straight toward the burning lights of the city miles away.
Perhaps it was luck, or maybe my own supposedly now "famed" skill. Whatever it was, I didn't meet any monsters on my run. Soon, I had reached the amazing city of Aregua, the capital of Eoroqu itself. Massive stone walls surrounded the city, large torches burning from holders situated four feet away from each other. The stone had been carved smooth. Two massive gates were on opposite sides of the wall, one facing south, and another facing north. I happened to be near the southern gate. I could see the silhouettes of Demi-human guards with large spears near the gate. I approached slowly. Soon a guard shifted, and I could see his spear pointed at my throat.
"Who goes there?" he asked in a gruff voice, and I could see his eyes, cat-like eyes, glinting in the torchlight. "'Tis Sir Iron-tail Fratley of Burmecia," I called in a non-threatening tone. "I wish to enter the city. I am unarmed."
I watched as the guard lowered his spear. He muttered something to his companion. They walked over to a crank on either side of the crank. Among grunting and a lot of labor, they turned the cranks and lifted up the massive iron gates. To make sure they didn't have much work to do, I swiftly passed under the gate. Behind me, the cranks spun wildly as the two guards allowed the gate to close. I, meanwhile, looked around. Torches were hung from stone buildings that were close together. The streets were paved obsidian with intricate designs carved into the shiny black rock. The buildings appeared to be made of a dark stone as well, though I could not tell what kind. A Demi-human guard passed by me, his yellow eyes watching me suspiciously. He was a crocodile Demi, so I chose to keep away from him and begin a steady walk down the main street that led in the direction of a dark, massive building at the other side of the city. "Can I help you sir?" a voice asked suddenly in a snake-like voice.
I turned around to find myself faced with a scaled, strong-looking Demi-human. He held a torch in his hand, yet I could still only assume that his scales were greenish, and that he had yellow eyes. He had a snake's mouth, with a snake tail, and a relatively human body. He was a snake Demi, and he wore black armor that glinted in the torchlight.
"Yes," I replied immediately. "Could you please tell me where the inn is?"
"You're on the wrong road, sir," the Demi-human said. "The inn is on the left-center road, the seventh building on your right." He continued to drag out S's, C's, and Th.'s.
"Thank you, sir," I said, and quickly turned around.
I took a right turn, then headed down the first road I found that headed down the center of town. There appeared to be no one on this road. I headed down, counting the buildings, until I came upon a sign. It was made of wood and hanging from an iron post. Painted upon it was a six- headed red dragon with flailing heads spitting fire. Painted in gold around the dragon were the word's "Hydra's Den". Glinting within the windows of the building beside the sign were candles.
I walked over to the wooden door and carefully pushed it open. I found myself in a small dim-lit room. Two couches of an unknown color were set up right in front of large windows with what appeared to be red curtains. Two candles each were set at the two windows. The floor was wooden, but red (or at least they looked to be red) carpets were set up at the two couches, and in front of a wooden desk. On the wooden desk were two more candles, a massive book, and a wooden plate propped up, with a chisel beside it. A wolf Demi, with a wolfish face, green eyes, gray, white-tipped fur, and a bushy tail, was watching me with a small smile.
"Good evening. Staying for the night?" the Demi-human asked.
I nodded and walked over to the desk. It took up a very small space and was probably only the size of the couches. I reached into my pocket, and was surprised to find I had not lost any money. I took out my pouch.
"It's 150 Gil," the Demi-human supplied.
I gave the Demi-human the right amount of Gil. He took the Gil and dropped it to the ground. I heard the Gil clang against something, and guessed it to be a pot.
"What is your name?" the Demi-human asked, taking a quill and dipping it in ink.
"Iron-tail Fratley," I replied.
The Demi-human quickly wrote my name down, though he spelled "Fratley" incorrectly. He then took the wooden plate, and made a short mark with the chisel. He then smiled at me and motioned to a door in the east wall.
"You're all set. Have a good night," the Demi-human said.
I nodded my thanks, then headed over to the east door and opened it carefully. I found myself in another dim-lit halfway covered in red carpets. I padded down the hall, looking at the doors that were lined up against the walls. Most of them had a small ribbon tied to the doorknob. Soon, I found one with no ribbon. I opened the door and found the room empty. It was fairly large, with plenty of room to move around. In the center of the floor was a red carpet. Against the wall opposite the door was a large window with red curtains. Three candles were lined up next to each other on the windowsill, helping to light the room. Next to the window was a large bed with red sheets and white pillows. A wooden endtable with a lit candle was next to the bed. There was a large bureau next to the door, and two lit candles were on top of it. Also on top of the bureau was a red ribbon. The room had smooth white walls, and a very homey appearance.
I took the red ribbon and tied it to the doorknob facing the hallway. I then closed the door. I then padded over to the bed and sat down on it. Quickly, exhaustion came to me. Running for miles on end had exhausted me and taken away the energy I had regained after the fight with Relámpago. I lied down the bed, but soon found a need for covers as the cold of the room settled in on me. Within a few moments I was comfortable. After six months with the Dari, a bed seemed odd, yet comfortable all the same.
Soon, I had fallen asleep.
I was awoken the next day was rays of light filtering through the open windows. I woke up quickly and yawned lazily. I rose into a sitting position, and was surprised to see all candles no longer lit, and a small note by my desk. I picked up the note, and quickly read it. It simply explained that breakfast would be in the main hall, and that breakfast would be a series of meats, breads, fruits, and sweets. It appeared that the breakfast would cost nothing. I rose from the bed and padded out of the room, making sure to leave the ribbon on the bureau.
I soon found my way to the main hall by following the hallway to its end. The main hall was massive, with a spectacular wooden floor and smooth stone walls. Red banners hung from the walls. There were huge full-length windows set up in various places along the walls. Massive wooden tables were set up in the middle of the room, with eight chairs for each table. Longer wooden tables had been set up along the west fall, and they were piled with food, plates, utensils, cups, and drinks. I quickly padded over to the table, and was surprised to see not just Eoroqu foods, but also foods that I recognized from the Mist Continent, and foods that I didn't know in general. Despite being an inn, the Hydra's Den had quite a selection. I took what I was used to, which was nothing more than sweet muffins, cheese, and a little bit of meat, then took a cup and filled it was herbal tea. I sat down at a table and began to eat. As I did, others, mostly Demi-humans, began to filter in. Some humans and Burmecians also filtered in, however. Soon, within five minutes, the room was filled with a flock of people.
I associated with no one, and therefore was quickly able to finish my meal. I left the plates where they were and quickly left the main hall. I dodged people in the hallway, smiled and nodded at the wolf Demi-human who was still at his desk, then headed off into the streets. The torches were all extinguished, and many people were already moving around. I quickly moved into the streets, and was soon lost in the crowd. I began to walk along, and soon saw a sign that read "Goods of Life – Get All You Need to Survive". Interested, I entered the building that the sign was next to. I found myself in a large room that had a stone floor and walls, and large tables set up with many goods set up. A human with short black hair, blue eyes, and a short yet strong build was serving other customers. I explored the shop, and soon picked up a few potions, bandages, a tent, and a new pack. It cost me 2500 Gil, but I left fairly satisfied. I once again headed out into the streets.
This time, I stopped at what appeared to be a weapon's shop. Inside, the wooden building had weapons of many types hanging from the wall. An eagle Demi-human ran this shop, and he quickly helped me pick out a spear similar to the one I had lost in the fight with Relámpago. It cost me 1000 Gil, and I found myself to be running short. I could only afford a few more items.
I quickly left the shop with my new spear and headed off once more. As I padded down the street, I came closer and closer to the castle, which had been the dark, massive building I had seen in the night. It was black, with white stripes and many pillars and statues. I could not identify many features, but anyone could tell that it was huge and splendid.
"Hey."
I stopped at hearing the voice, directed at me. I soon saw a cat Demi-human. She had long, black hair with peach skin and blue, cat-like eyes. She had a black furry tail, and wore a simple brown outfit. She motioned for me to follow her, and I swiftly did. She led me to a building, and we entered it. I found myself to be in a small shop with a wooden floor, stone walls, and many medical supplies set about.
"Shop. I can tell you'll need a lot of it," the Demi said, watching me calmly.
I quickly picked out antidotes for many ailments, healing salve, more efficient bandages, and powerful potions. It cost me 3500 Gil, and left me with only 500. Regardless, I felt satisfied with what I had bought. Thanking the cat Demi, I left the shop and headed for the northern gate. I soon arrived at it, and found it to be wide open. I stepped through with ease, and soon found myself to be faced with the wilderness.
It was time to continue. I knew where I had to go. I looked in the direction of Illiad Forest, its dark green trees clearly visible despite the distance between it and Aregua. Beyond that forest, I knew, was Tessaih, the City of Fame, and my next destination. From there, I would meet Meander. What would continue, I didn't know, but I knew that Relámpago would not lead me in the wrong direction. Or at least I prayed.
With a deep breath, I headed off in the direction of Illiad Forest.
--------- Long, looooooong chapter, heh. That should keep you satisfied until I finish the next one ;)
This story is copyright to me. Some characters, locations, events, and Gaia in general are copyright to SquareEnix.