Chapter Four: Attempting Normality

How do you move along in your normal life after such strain and shock? Ben, Robert, Melissa, and Mike were finding it very difficult. They were the only ones of their kind left to defend the world, so they trained extra hard, but the weight of the world was falling on them harder. Three days had passed and still no good news from Ulara had come to them.

Ben was not at all enjoying his position as the Dragoon leader. Everybody was depending on him, but he was short on ideas other than to keep training and keep trying. He was constantly burdened by the worries he had for Christie. Every night, he imagined the Black Dragoon creeping up and attacking her while she was weak.

Mike was beyond frustrated with the whole situation. He feared that, should he encounter the Black Dragoon, that he should suffer a similar fate as his friends. However, the thing that worried him the most was the well-being of his sister.

Melissa was not in good shape. She felt a very strange emptiness in her being. First and foremost, Sean was not in good condition. It was as if he was in a permanent coma, unable to hear her, and she was unable to help him. However, she had not only lost Sean to the Black Dragoon, but her two best friends, as well. Christie's status was improving bit by bit, but Brittany had not yet awakened from her own coma.

However, nearly no one knew about her inner trouble because of the mask she wore. She felt the need to hide her true thoughts because she was always known as the tough girl. The image wasn't just for the sake of the world, but for her own as well. After all, the tough girl would find it rather easy to continue on with her life.

Robert was stunned at his own distress. The situation at hand affected him more than anyone would have expected, as he was not easily troubled. Even in just three days, he realized how off he was. He could barely focus in class, and with a test coming up, that was going to be trouble. The most obvious sign of his stress was during basketball practice. He couldn't shoot, steal, or keep the ball to save his life.

"You alright, man?" Adam asked him after the practice was over.

Robert waved him off. "I just have a lot on my mind."

"Okay…" Adam let it go.

Fortunately, after everything was over, Robert still had the cheerleader girls to comfort him. They came to him on most days after practice was over and stuck around with him for a bit.

On this particular day, she was there as well. He still knew nothing of her existence, but she still watched him from time to time. As usual, he was leaving with the cheerleaders. She sighed.

They were almost to the door when Robert suddenly realized he didn't have his backpack. He'd probably left it in the locker room.

"Hey, I'll be right back." Rob said. "I forgot something." He quickly turned and jogged to the gym again.

The girl stood there with her back against the wall and her eyes on the floor. How on earth would she get him to notice her? Even if she could accomplish that feat, why go out with her when he had his pick of any girl in the school, including every cheerleader on the team? It was hopeless.

Due to her usual depression and lack of self-esteem, this girl always wore a black hoodie over her clothing with the hood up to conceal her face. However, today was surprisingly hot and the gym had a terrible cooling system. She'd been enduring it for a while, but the heat was only intensifying.

Finally, she could stand it no longer. Nobody really knew her anyway, so it couldn't hurt. She quickly pulled her arms into the hoodie and pulled it off over her head and flipped her hair out of her face.

The timing was absolutely perfect.

Robert ran by just as she took the hoodie off and the movement caught his attention. His head turned and stuck. Time slowed for a moment.

Light glittered off her smooth skin and lit up her entire wondrous form from her slender arms to her long, gorgeous legs. She flipped her long, sparkling, platinum blonde hair, which flowed in an unseen wind and flickered along her beautiful face as angels sang in the background.

Now, the way the boys' locker room was designed was that stairs led down into the back of the gym and the locker room was in a sort of lower level that extended all the way to the other side of the gym.

Robert, unfortunately, had suddenly lost all thought and interest as to where he was running until all at once, the ground fell away from beneath his feet.

"EYAH!" Rob cried out as he fell down ten stairs and hit the wall opposite them.

Stunned, the girl ran down to his side.

"Are you alright?" She exclaimed.

Rob's macho instinct kicked in.

"Yeah, of course!" He quickly pulled himself up. "I just, uh…wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

The girl had to wonder. Had he been staring at her…was he staring at her now? Her hopes skyrocketed.

Robert suddenly realized he was staring.

"I, uh…I don't think I've seen your around here before."

"Oh, well, I'm new here. My name is Marian…I'm a senior."

"Me too. I'm, uh, I'm Rob." Robert shook her hand.

"Yeah, I know. I've seen you play."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah! You're, uh…you're really great."

Rob smiled. He heard it rather often, but somehow…it felt special this time. What was going on with him?

"You, uh…you think so?"

"Yeah…I do."

Rob was wondering, Is there another meaning when she says I'm great?

Marian was wondering, Did he catch the hidden meaning there?

Something quickly crossed Rob's mind.

"Well, uh…this is kind of a guys' locker room, so…"

"OH! Sorry!" She quickly ran up the stairs, embarrassed.

"It's okay, really!" Rob called after her.

She turned halfway up the stairs. "I'll, uh…I'll see you later then?"

"Yeah, sure!"

She smiled and took off.

Robert found himself unable to remove the smile from his face.

"Smooth, Robbie."

Robert turned and saw Adam still there, leaning against the doorframe with a smug grin.

"Real smooth." Adam chuckled.

"Shut up and call somebody, I think I broke my arm."

It was the only place in the world where she truly could feel at home. High above the clouds, Melissa soared near the nighttime sky. She had always been a lover of the night, probably due to the Dark Dragon secretly working through her for several years. Up here, the world was still natural. It was calm and cool and safe up here. Plus, the scenery was to die for. Little dots of starts sparkling in the black nothingness. The moon was waxing and would be full before too long. That's when it would be most beautiful, and she never missed going on those nights.

However…something was not right. Here she was, high above the madness of humanity, in her serene, mystical safe place, and yet…she felt a strange emptiness inside her.

Melissa knew why. These nights were great, but she was often reminded of one very special night. It was the night she had spent here with Sean after defeating Melbu. They had spent several nights up here together, but that first one was the most special.

When she thought of that night, Melissa thought of Sean, and when she thought of Sean, she remembered his situation. Now, even this place couldn't make her happy…in fact, it only made things worse.

Here it came again, the wrench twisting at her insides. It was becoming more frequent now. Still, she fought back. She was the tough girl, after all.

Melissa. The Dark Dragoon interrupted her thoughts. Keep your eyes open…there's something here.

Melissa looked around, wary. "What is it?" She asked quietly.

Hard to say…a darkness…like a shadow…

"Shadow? At night?"

A different darkness against the night sky…trying to hide.

Melissa's eyes narrowed. "Can you track it?"

Of course. It is very good at stealth, but cannot hide from me.

Melissa had her blade ready. She knew exactly who it was.

Location is about seven o'clock…fifty feet from…coming fast!

Melissa turned and thrust her sword out to meet this foe with a deadly strike. He saw her just in time and moved aside. Melissa turned to meet him again.

"Ha, ha! So you saw me!" The dark voice chuckled, still unseen.

"My dragon did. You cannot hide in the darkness…speaking of which, how can you hide amongst the darkness with all the stars to light up the sky?"

"I told you to call me the Black Dragoon, but I could also be described as the Shadow Dragoon, for I am like them. I lurk amongst dark places, merging myself with them."

"Are you saying that right now, your body is perfectly outlining the stars somewhere?" Melissa scoffed.

"Exactly." He answered to the shock of Melissa. "I am not so bound by the limits of physical possibilities as you are."

Behind you! The dragon warned.

Melissa spun around and blocked his strike. He held himself in place, pressing back towards her. His Dragoon Spirit flashed red and a dark fireball shot out, shooting her across the sky. At such close range, Melissa felt a mighty sting that she knew would linger. Suddenly, she stopped flying away and froze in place.

The Black Dragoon dropped his cloak, but with the night sky, he was only slightly visible. The most light came from the yellow eyes on his helmet. He flew over to her. She couldn't see his face, but she had a feeling he was smiling.

"Good evening, Melissa." He said formally.

Melissa was stunned. "How do you know me?"

"I know what I must." He said. He had to chuckled, looking over her armored form. "I knew you were always the tough girl, but nothing like this! Ha, ha! Incredible!"

"Who are you!" Melissa demanded.

"Now I can't tell you that, can I?" He chuckled. His voice was not distinguisable. It was as though it was being altered, as if a second voice spoke with him.

"Why not?" Melissa smiled. "Afraid?"

"Not really, but secrecy makes my job a lot easier."

"Well, when I do find out who you are, I will tear you limb from limb!"

"Doubtful." He chuckled. "But why would you want to do that, anyway?"

Melissa couldn't help but let a chuckle go. "Why? You left four of my friends incapacitated, you're a threat to the humans, and as a Dragoon, I have a divine duty to destroy any darkness. Need any more reasons?"

"Actually, I still don't quite get it."

"Why not!"

"Because, the way I see it, we should not be fighting. You and I, I mean."

"You harm my friends and say we shouldn't be fighting?"

"Yeah! I mean look at us…we're both Dragoons of a dark element…shouldn't we be on the same side?"

Melissa chuckled. "My Dragoon spirit may be dark, but it isn't evil, unlike yours."

"Am I evil? Or do I just strive for what I want…what I deserve?"

"Deserve? And what would that be?"

He floated closer and stroked her cheek with his hand. Melissa couldn't believe what she was witnessing.

"If you do that again, I will bite off your hand."

"So beautiful." The Black Dragoon said, putting his arms around her. She still couldn't move under his unseen grip.

"Let go of me." She calmly commanded.

"Why do we quarrel?" The Black Dragoon asked. "It's like I said…we're both Dark Dragoons. We should be together…think of what we could accomplish."

"I'd rather not."

"C'mon…this way is better, I guarantee it. Imagine doing anything you want and not regretting anything!"

"That regret tells me the difference between right and wrong, a line you crossed long ago."

The Black Dragoon seemed agitated. "This isn't an offer you can just throw away. You know my powers and I tell you now that if you don't side with me, you will eternally regret it."

"Will I?" She chuckled. "You can't force me to do anything."

"Melissa…" His voice seemed a little different and something died in his eyes. "I don't want to hurt you."

Her eyes narrowed. "You've already done all the damage you can."

The fierceness in his eyes returned with a passion. "You think so!" He hissed, flying backwards and releasing her from his grip. "I can do a whole lot more! Just you watch!"

With a glow of his eyes, he vanished once more, leaving one last warning. "I suggest you keep this encounter to yourself!"

Melissa realized how fast her heart was beating. He was right. He could make her life a whole lot worse.

Are you alright? The Dark Dragon asked.

"I'll be fine." Melissa said.

Good, because we have a bit of a problem.

"What?"

I tried my hardest, but could not detect the dragon behind that Dragoon.

"What do you mean?"

I mean I can't feel it. It's as if something is blocking me.

"That makes no sense." Melissa muttered. She shook her head. "I really don't need this right now."

But this does give us a clue. The Black Dragoon is apparently infatuated with you.

"Gag." She muttered. "Why does he think I'll ever go to him?"

I'm not sure. Try to get more out of him next time.

Melissa flew on home, trying to put together the puzzle pieces. Her objective was still clear, though: Kill the Black Dragoon.

Melissa walked inside the house. "Where's mom?" She asked Mike as he walked by.

He shrugged. "Out doing something. Where have you been?"

Melissa hesitated, remembering the Black Dragoon's last threat. "Just out thinking."

Mike nodded and walked away.

"Mike?" Melissa called after him.

He turned. "Yeah?"

She found the words hard to place. "Don't, um…don't…go anywhere…okay?"

By the look in her eyes, Mike understood. "Black Dragoon's getting to you, isn't he?"

She shrugged. "My boyfriend and two best friends were taken in less than two days, that's kinda freaky. I just…I just don't want you to be next."

"Hey," Mike walked over and wrapped his strong arms around her. "I'm not going anywhere."

Melissa couldn't help but recall. "Remember the last time you said that?"

Mike did. Several years ago, when their parents were finalizing the divorce, a much younger Mike and Melissa realized that if this followed through, they would never see each other again. Frightened, Melissa begged her bother not to leave her, and he swore he would not. When they came to separate the siblings, they clung to each other and literally had to be torn from each other by force, kicking and screaming.

"Hey, I'm a lot stronger now." Mike noted.

"And the circumstances are a whole lot worse."

"Will you give me the benefit of the doubt already?" Mike said with a laugh. "I'm not going anywhere without a fight."

She had to give him that one. "I know…I know."

"Trust me. If I ever see that Black Dragoon again, I'll tear his head from his shoulders."

They said nothing more on the subject.

The Black Dragoon removed himself from the shadows and silently left the house.

The Dragons needed a plan and they needed it now, before the Black Dragoon could strike again. They were at the mall food court, just the four of them.

"Okay, Ben." Robert said. "What's the plan?"

Ben blinked. His eyes looked left and right. Finally, he reached into his Dorito bag and pulled out a chip.

"Dorito, anyone?"

They glared at him.

"No?" He put the chip in his own mouth and chewed it, all eyes still focused on him. For a good time, no one spoke. Rob's head fell down to the table.

"BEN!" Melissa finally exclaimed. "We need a plan!"

"I'm thinking!" Ben snapped.

"Alright," Mike said, trying to get things started.. "What do we know?"

"He's a Dragoon." Rob said.

"But for what dragon?"

"I'm not sure I wanna meet that dragon." Ben admitted.

"And his powers are dark." Melissa put in. "Christie was our best shot and now she's out of it."

"His Dragoon is unnaturally powerful." Robert observed. "It ranks up there with Sean's."

"If we could get his Dragoon Spirit away from him, he'd be powerless." Ben said. "But the odds of that happening right now are slim to nil, so we gotta learn more about this guy, find out more weaknesses. What would really help would be to find out who he is, and then we could hunt him down while he's human. But does anybody have any leads at all?"

No one spoke for a minute.

"Well," Melissa confessed. "He likes me."

"You don't have to brag." Rob said.

"No! I ran into him last night."

"When?" Mike asked.

"Just before I came back home last night. I didn't say anything because, well…he threatened me."

Robert's head cocked in utter confusion. "You were unnerved by a threat?"

"Hey, he's already hurt four of us. I didn't want the number to increase."

"So what happened?" Ben asked.

"He did the whole villain speech about how we could be allies cuz we both use dark powers. Of course, I refused. He started moving in on me and I was just waiting to stab him through the eye. He got pretty ticked when I wouldn't go with him and swore he could make my life a whole lot more miserable."

"But this is pretty good." Ben said. "It's a nice lead to figuring out his identity. Obviously, he knows who you are, so that narrows it down."

"But he could've been studying us from afar." Mike pointed out. "I mean, Melbu Frahma knew we were here, so he sent those Virages."

"But he didn't know us by name." Melissa said. "The Dark Dragoon does."

"But he can hide in the shadows; he may be spying on us."

"Yeah, the hiding in the shadows goes beyond what you guys know, also. He can actually shift his body to fit the darkness around, so he can be hiding in virtually any shadow or darkness that there is."

"That's comforting." Robert muttered.

"But," Ben said, trying to look at the bright side. "We can still use this. Melissa, if he likes you, he may not hurt you, I think. We might be able to exploit that for our advantage."

"Sounds good." Mike said. "But do we have any other plans?"

"Not a one." Robert confirmed. "Nothing past 'Attack, attack, attack'."

"We'll think of something." Ben said. "Other than that, he's very right. If anyone encounters, him, use your dragons to call everyone else and we'll fight him together."

They all agreed.

"Why do you hesitate?" The Black Dragon demanded.

"I can't…" The Dragoon-Human responded.

"You must! Can't you see? It's the perfect distraction!"

"I'm having second thoughts about releasing him anyway."

The Black Dragon wasn't pleased by this. "Ignorant human! He gave you your powers, he can take them away! What will you do then?"

The human found himself at a loss of words. "I don't know…but I can't do it! I just can't! I've crossed the line too many times already, but this is far beyond that line."

"You gave her fair warning." The Black Dragon hissed. "Now show her the consequences of not listening."

It had to be done and it had to be done quickly. The perfect opportunity arose that very night.

Once more, Mike had spent too much money at the arcade only to lose to Robert in the end. He walked home, feeling defeated. When he arrived, he saw his mother through the window…kissing her boyfriend. It made him sick in more than one way.

Mike decided he wasn't quite ready to go home, so he went for a walk. He didn't take the main roads; he preferred blazing his own trail. He soon left the suburbs behind and now, there was just a plain of dark nothingness, but he had never been afraid before and subconsciously wasn't now. He should have been noting the dangers of the darkness.

Without warning, it struck. Mike was knocked into the air. He flipped a few times before landing on his side. It had been a blunt strike, like a tackle. Before he could even think about returning the attack, something picked him up and threw him. Before he landed, the creature kicked him away. Mike had planned ahead this time and clutched his Dragoon spirit, drawing out its power. However, upon the last kick, the wind was knocked out of him, boggling his concentration.

Why do you toy with him? The Dragon demanded. Finish him while he is unprepared!

The Black Dragoon charged again. This time, Mike was ready. He stuck out his fist with a little Dragoon power. The Black Dragoon hit the fist, bounced off, landed and quickly jumped up again, backflipping to kick Mike in the face, stunning him once more. The Black Dragoon drew his blades and sliced at his chest.

He missed! The Dragoon spirit was still around his neck, but there was a gash just under his chest.

Quickly, quickly! Speed is his weakness!

He stabbed again, but Mike moved out of the way just in time and punched him in the face, having no time to fully transform into a Dragoon. The Black Dragoon swung his foot up as he fell, kicking Mike in the face, then came back and stabbed again. Mike moved and the blade sliced his shoulder. He was barely able to duck down under the other blade as it stabbed at him and cut his shirt above his chest, but not the flesh.

Mike punched the Black Dragoon in the gut, hoping to knock the wind from him, but his armor was just too strong for a human punch. It did, however, get him to step back, allowing Mike to fully stand again.

The Black Dragoon stopped playing and rushed for the kill. He jumped forward, blending with the shadows, spinning his blades. Mike jumped back, trying to avoid the near-invisible blades. He felt the wind from each one, but they all missed. He saw a faint hint of something and he feared the worst. Mike dove to the side upon instinct and the Black Dragoon shot past him, his blade searing Mike's left side.

Mike stumbled and got back up quickly. He heard the blade whistling through the air and moved just in time, seeing the ground where he had been run through. He could only back up and hope to avoid, but the Black Dragoon was closer now. The enemy spun sideways with the downward stab, swinging his other blade down. It struck Mike on the side of the head and on part of his collarbone. Mike jumped back as he felt the breeze of a blade, millimeters from his face.

Finally, the Black Dragoon jumped and swung his right blade outward. Mike tried backing away, but every joint in his body froze when he felt burning metal slice across his throat. The Black Dragoon fired a black blast and Mike was thrown away.

Mike hit the ground and rolled. He was unsure of where he was or where the Black Dragoon was. All he knew was the pain in his throat and the danger of his situation. He clutched the wound and felt the blood oozing quickly. How deep had it gone? He didn't know…his mind was boggled…

The Golden Dragoon knew Mike was in dire trouble and that there was absolutely nothing he could do on his own. They were sitting ducks. The dragon quickly assessed the situation in the only way he knew how.

The dragoon spirit glowed a bright gold as a screeching, alarm-like sound blared in Mike's head.

The distress signal of a dragon.

Every dragon within several miles would be alerted.

Melissa was sitting on her bed, pondering everything about the last few days when she heard it. Her Dragoon spirit glowed brightly, but it wasn't the normal dark blue, but golden! And with it came an alarm sounding off inside her head.

"What the?" She exclaimed.

The Golden Dragon is sending a distress signal! The Dark Dragon quickly explained.

She feared the worst. "Mike's in trouble!"

Dire danger, I'm afraid. We must hurry!

Melissa opened her window and jumped out. Her Dragoon powers filled her and she flapped her wings before hitting the ground and sped off towards the direction of the signal.

The Black Dragoon swung his fist up, creating a blast of magic from the ground. Mike flailed in the air and was somehow able to land on his feet. With the power of his dragon, Mike swung a great punch as the Black Dragoon came near. The enemy did not anticipate the attack and was sent flying across the field.

Mike didn't have his item sack, but he did carry a Healing Potion in his pocket for emergencies. He quickly took the small vial from his pocket and drank down the blue fluid.

It frightened him to see some of it dribble back down through his neck. He was in a lot of pain now and only hoped this would keep him alive, for it was not meant to completely heal him. Even if he lived, he was a sitting duck.

Here he comes. The Golden Dragon alerted him. Mike's spirit glowed and he forced all the power into himself that he could muster and rose up a great stone wall in front of him. Sure enough, a blade stuck through a bit and found itself embedded. Mike used this time to completely transform. He did so just in time.

The Black Dragoon saw that trying to remove his blade from the stone was useless, so, keeping his cloak, he jumped over it and landed behind Mike and kicked him into the blade. However, Mike had his armor on now, which, due to the Dragon's unnatural strength, was stronger than the other Dragoons' armor, so the blade was only broken under his might.

It seemed he would live and now, he had a fighting chance. Mike's axe appeared in his hand and he spun around to strike, but his blade landed on nothingness. The Black Dragoon had moved in place and now struck Mike in his upper right arm, where there was no protection. The blade tore through muscle, forcing Mike to release his grip on the axe. The Black Dragoon swung both feet up and kicked Mike in the back of the head and removed his blade.

Mike's arm was useless now, and he knew it. He tried using the other arm, but once more, the Black Dragoon moved without Mike seeing. He stabbed his left arm in the same way, and then bashed his face with his knee.

The Black Dragoon saw that his prey was helpless, so now, he could take his time. His dragoon spirit glowed a deep crimson red as he gathered power. With a cry, he released his attack, a red and black beam that enveloped Mike in a world of pain, for his armor could not defend well against magical attacks. With one final blast, Mike was launched across the field.

He hit the ground hard and felt a bone or two break in his left leg. His arms were also unusable. Overall, he was beaten and bloody. He could barely move, much less defend, and he had little energy to do so in the first place. To make matters worse, his spirit faintly shimmered as his dragoon powers left him.

I'm sorry. The Golden Dragoon weakly said. I cannot protect you anymore…

The Black Dragoon turned off his cloak. This was it.

He jumped high in the sky and came down with his blade ready to go through Mike's heart, and there was nothing his weakened opponent could do to stop it.

The Black Dragoon landed with his feet on either side of Mike's body and the sword barely touching his chest. His actions had halted with a sudden jerk.

Mike's heart already stopped, waiting for the attack. The sword shuddered in the Black Dragoon's hand and his breathing seemed heavy and uneven.

Then…he looked up and jumped back just before Melissa's rapier ran him through. She jumped and spun, swiping at his chest, then made her move. She had already put enough dark power to-hopefully-cancel out her opponent's darkness. She thrust her blade forward. It slid with some ease through his armor and even easier through flesh and organ. The blade came out through his back. To make sure he was dead, Melissa removed the blade from his heart and then shoved it through his skull.

Melissa pulled her blade out and waited for the fall.

The yellow glow of his eyes died out. Melissa breathed heavily.

The eyes turned red and looked up at her vilely. Melissa was stunned.

"You're not dead?" She exclaimed.

His voice was different now, darker than it had been, and more eerie. "Unfortunately for you."

"Flameshot!"

The Black Dragoon looked up too late and a great fireball struck him. He was knocked away, but flipped into the air and saw Ben coming at him. Robert was not far off in the distance. The Black Dragoon let out an evil laugh and flew away in the darkness.

Ben landed and watched his enemy fly away, then turned to more pressing matters. Melissa knelt by her brother, holding his hand tightly. Slowly but surely, he lifted his other hand and gave a thumbs up. Then he closed his eyes.

Melissa slowly stood and walked over to Ben. She kept her gaze upon the ground.

"I had him." She hissed. "I had him through the heart and through the head and still he lived."

"He lived?" Ben asked.

"Unfortunately for him…now I can kill him again."

Ben looked at Mike. "Is he alright?"

Melissa gave a faint not. Ben put his hand on her shoulder, but she smacked it away.

"I'm going after him." Melissa said, turning from him. She hadn't taken two steps before Ben's blade was rested on her shoulder, threatening.

"No you're not." Ben assured her.

Melissa's eyes narrowed. "You think you can stop me?" She spun, knocking Ben's blade away with her own. Both of them ended up with each other's blades at their throats.

Ben saw Melissa's face now. Her expression was dark and maleficent. Her eyes burned with intense hatred. It was a terrifying gaze, but Ben stood solid, unhindered by her threatening expression and deadly attitude.

Robert landed near them. "Whoa…what'd I miss that was so important?" He received no answer. "Okay…is Mike alright?"

"He's alive." Ben said.

"And I'm going after the Black Dragoon." Melissa said.

"No," Ben repeated. "You aren't."

Melissa's blade move a little closer to his throat and Ben's responded in the same way.

"Whoa, whoa." Robert said. "Everybody calm down."

Melissa turned her blade to Robert's throat. "DON'T YOU TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!"

Ben moved his katana down to Melissa's armored chest and released a fireball from the tip, knocking her back a few feet.

"Think, Melissa!" Ben ordered. "First off, you don't know where he is. Second, you said yourself you stabbed him through the heart and the head and he lived, so what advantage do you have over him! None!"

Melissa got back up, a death grip on her rapier.

"Melissa," Ben continued. "We should get Mike to Ulara now. We'll concentrate on the Black Dragoon later, alright?"

Melissa knew he was right. She lowered her head and nodded again. Ben wanted to comfort her, but he knew she would only strike him again.

"C'mon."

Ben picked up Mike and they began the long flight to Ulara.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Things just keep getting worse and worse for the Dragoons. But how did their foe live? And what will become of the Dragoon forces? Those answers to come, but as of now, Spike and I have a prom to pimp out. :D Please review for now!