Chapter 18
Dawn broke and the early morning sunlight seeped through the large open windows, spreading slowly over Nina's face. Groaning softly, she forced open her eyes, and the sloping snow white ceiling of the Worent inn came into view. She sighed and tried to reach up and rub her tired eyes, but she couldn't. Brow furrowing, she glanced down. Ryu was lying beside her, his arm draped lazily over her. His hand was curled firmly around the arm she was attempting to use. She turned to his serene sleeping face. Soft long blue hair scattered erratically over his twisted body and his face, his bangs falling in loose strands over his closed eyes. His lips parted and he let out a soft sigh.
She smiled and turned her head again at the ceiling. What would her father think if he knew she was here, lying in bed with the big bad dragon? Her smile widened. He'd be angry for sure. Actually, she found it a bit funny. Slowly, and a bit reluctantly, she pulled her other arm from against Ryu's rising chest and placed it on her own. What was he talking about last night? Was he serious? What did he mean by him maybe having to leave her? Closing her eyes, she remembered the pained look that appeared on his face when she had started to cry. It...couldn't have been helped. She didn't know if she could even imagine being anywhere without him. The mere thought of it...just scared her. She had felt so stupid, like she was overreacting, but...He had taken her out of the castle with a promise to help her...a promise. One she wouldn't let him break so easily. Her closed eyes tighter. She was such a fool... Could she even keep him here if she wanted to? She was so damn shy, so damn...
He sighed into her ear and tightened his grip on her, causing blood to rush to her cheeks. What did he think? Did he...really want to leave?
~ "It wouldn't be because I wanted to...I promise you..."~
Her sea blue eyes opened and narrowed. Then...why? He seemed so eager to take her to Drogen earlier in their journey... Was it the fact that they were getting so close and it was starting to frighten him? She again closed her eyes and moved her hand to grasp his bare arm. "I don't want you to leave..." She whispered softly squeezing it gently.
"I told you I wouldn't..."
She squeaked and turned to him, her own golden bangs falling before her eyes. He was awake and smiling, his emerald eyes fixed on hers. "When did I fall asleep?" She asked him, blushing again as he pushed her hair behind her ear.
"Not long after we talked. You must have been exhausted."
"Well...we did dance a lot..."
He smiled and gazed up at the ceiling. "I didn't mean to scare you last night. I was just...thinking."
"It didn't...scare me."
He turned back to her. "Don't lie."
"I'm not."
He raised a dark blue eyebrow. She flushed and looked away.
Sighing and sitting up, he ran a hand through his now tangled hair and scratched his head. "We better get moving. If we hurry, we can make it to Drogen by tomorrow night."
"I thought you said it would be a long trip?" She asked sitting up and adjusting the fabric on her chest.
He shrugged. "It'll feel long without the others, don't you think?"
So he felt the same. She nodded and stood, glancing out of the windows and into the clear blue sky. "It's nice outside." She said.
He laughed and pulled the covers up on his side of the bed, and tucked the ends underneath the mattress. "Come on, help me do this and we can head out, alright?" She nodded and walked to the bed. Brow furrowing, she grasped the sheet and stared at it. Ryu placed a hand on his hip. "Do you not know how to make a bed?" He asked picking up one of the pillows.
She blushed and looked up at him sheepishly. "Well...you forget...I never had to do things like this back in the castle." He nodded and she grasped it tighter. "But...I want to learn how! It's time I stood on my own feet." She looked down. "I'm not a baby. I don't want anyone to think I can't get along without Windia."
He smiled and nodded. "No one thinks you're helpless. I think you're rather important, so what if you can't do chores?"
"Yeah, I guess...But...that...yeah... Thanks Ryu."
He smiled warmly and tossed the pillow at her.
* * *
A heavy morning mist hung low in the plains outside of Synesta, and settled on Shyong's, for once, peaceful sleeping form. At the first sign of dawn, Mustadio was awake. His cold green eyes moved to stare at the slumbering soldier near him. It was a wonder he wasn't the first one awake; he wanted that girl back so damn bad. His fists clenched and his eyes narrowed. The damn bastard didn't have to pull a blade out at him. He needn't worry. This guy wouldn't touch her for all the money in the world. She was a Princess and dames like that meant trouble to anyone they crossed. He wasn't quite sure he could deal with something like that. Especially with this...this madman watching over her.
His eyes traced up Shyong's body to his face, widening as they went over his horrific white scars. Mustadio's hands began to tremble; he wouldn't dare stare at those things when the bastard was awake. He valued his life more than that. His hands went to his forehead. Was he...really attacked by a dragon? A real, live dragon? If so then, why was he spared? All his life, Mustadio had been told stories about dragons. About how they were blood and soul craving beasts that roamed only the most desolate areas of the world. No one had laid eyes on one since the Provacio incident and even then... Why would one show up now? When all the hatred for them had built up in the world? Why would he show up and kidnap the Princess of Windia? It couldn't be good for their image... The more he thought about it, the more it didn't make any sense.
He rubbed his fingers into his scalp and then ran the hand through his soft green bangs. Was Sir Tsunaia not telling them something? Was this girl really so important to the dragons that he actually had to go himself to find her? She didn't look too important at the bar. Was it the fact that she had wings? Big deal, though, so she could fly. Didn't dragons have wings too? Why the hell would they be after her for the wings?
His thoughts were broken by sleeping beauty groaning and sitting up. Shyong reached up and dug his fingernails into his own scalp, wincing as he did so. Mustadio grinned. Soldier boy wasn't used to the insects out here. Half a dozen of them could eat a man to death if they had the time. "Are the others up?" Shyong mumbled. Mustadio made sure not to make eye contact with him.
"Nah...they stayed up late drinkin' all the ale."
Shyong narrowed his eyes at the green-haired thief. Damn that one eye was scary. It was hard not to stare. "What did you say?" He hissed and stood. "I don't have time for this foolishness. Gather your men and let's be off. The more time we waste here, the farther away that disgusting dragon gets with her majesty."
Mustadio reached underneath his sleeping bag and pulled out his bandana. He shook the dirt from it and wrapped it around his forehead. "Hey, hey now Sir Tsunaia, wait up. We're not tryin' to slow you down. Gene and Rastolf just both work better under the influence, alright? You haven't seen them fight yet so you can't make any judgements." Shyong reached back and threw his navy cloak to the side, his ice cold blue stare piercing through Mustadio. "Get a grip," He said tightening the fabric behind his head. "I've been thinking."
Shyong turned his nose up. "About what?"
So he did care. Lousy son of a... "I've been thinking that maybe he won't hurt her."
"What do you know?" Shyong hissed. "You didn't see it. You didn't see the demon rip from that boy's body."
"Dragons are known to destroy, yeah, but when have you heard of them kidnapin' maidens? What kind of reason would he have to take her and much less do anything to her? I don't think he'd have it in 'im to hurt a woman...and a Princess at that..."
Shyong raised his hand to his scars. "You see these?" He asked running a finger through his deep white grooves. Mustadio cringed. "A monster capable of this is capable of anything. Get your things, thief. I'll be waiting outside." He rolled up his sleeping bag, swung it onto his back, starting to walk to the other side of the clearing they were in to gather the rest of his things.
"Yeah...I'll be there in a sec." He sneered, bending to roll his own. Fucking jerk...maybe he deserved to get his face ripped off, he thought bitterly, Probably pissed the dragon off sayin' something smartassed. Swinging his bag against his own back he smirked. He'd better watch his tongue... Sometimes, it was quite dangerous not to be the first one awake.
* * *
"Where's Red...?" Nina asked leaning on the entrance to the city. Deja, Gabe, and Juun stood in front of her and Ryu, each glancing anywhere other than at Nina.
"Well...he...had..." Deja started, her ears twitching and her tail swinging nervously behind her.
"He didn't feel good." Juun cut in, flashing a toothy smile.
"Oh...okay then." Nina said half heartedly. Her gaze met the dust covered ground.
"He said he was sorry, alright?" Deja said wiping dirt from the bottom of the violet skirt she was wearing. "Food didn't agree with him, I guess, but listen..." Nina looked up. "I want to wish you guys good luck. The area between here and Drogen is a sparsely traveled one. I'm sure Ryu knows about it."
The dragon nodded. "I'll keep an eye on her, but thank you for your kindness."
"I trust we'll be seeing you again sometime, right?" Juun said walking forward and grasping Ryu's hand in a firm shake.
"Of course. I've taken a liking to this town, you and the Woren-folk."
Juun burst into hearty laughter and pulled Ryu towards him, slapping a large furry palm on his back. "You're a good boy, Dragoneye. I look forward to sparring with you again." Deja and Gabe glanced at one another.
"I'll do my best." Ryu wheezed against the Woren's chest.
"Where's Kisa?" Nina asked glancing around. "I was hoping to see her before I left. I still have her clothes on..."
Deja shrugged and elbowed Gabe who muttered an apology and handed her a light blue bundle from underneath his massive robes. "Here." Deja said when she took it. "Kisa wanted me to give you this. She said to keep the clothes, that you'll probably need something nice to wear someday anyways, and that it might as well be Woren garments."
Nina laughed softly and turned the bundle over in her hands. "What...is in here?"
"Go back to the inn and change. It's traveling clothes. You can't parade around in that in the woods." Deja said tugging on the silken fabric covering Nina's hips.
"Right...I guess I will go change." She said nodding.
"I'll wait on you. Just hurry, okay?" Ryu said.
She nodded again and began walking towards the inn.
* * *
Lucia felt her long red hair fall over her shoulders as she bowed before the white haired man. She knelt for only a second, and then brought her cold gray stare to him. Her stomach clenched. He was wearing it again. It was so sickening...him wearing the late King's robes...the ones he wore the night he died. Her eyes traced over the large splash of blood near the middle. She didn't know where he had gotten it. Visions of him pawing through wherever he had dumped the body swirled in her head. She found herself fighting the urge to vomit.
The white haired man turned his head lazily towards her and took his feet from the other side of the chair. She glared at him. He was abusing it...the throne wasn't made to be mocked in such a manner. A smirk appeared on his lips as he leaned back, his hands grasping the two blue orbs on the end of the chair arms with his long slender pale fingers stretching around them. He cocked his head awkwardly. "Is there...something amiss, my dear?" He asked in that sing song voice of his.
She glanced away and clutched her dress front with a slightly trembling hand. "Must you...wear that again?"
"Oh this?" He asked running his hand over it. "Why do you ask? I rather like the feeling it gives me."
"It brings me pain."
"Because it reminds you of the man you ruthlessly slaughtered?"
Her eyes widened and she looked up, clenching her slightly fanged teeth. "You...you...I didn't..."
"Yes you did, do you not remember? Do you need me to help you?" He asked leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. He cupped his chin in his hands and allowed his fingers to snake into his wispy snow white hair. "You know I can...I'm quite good at unearthing forgotten memories...but how can you have forgotten? It wasn't too long ago...I should think you wouldn't forget so easily...right, my dear?"
She squeezed her eyes closed. The way he was speaking...repeating himself...it was the ranting of a truly mad man... She felt all the blood drain from her face as she stood shakily. Her eyes darted to the soldiers standing alongside the walls. They merely glanced forward, eyes as lifeless as the King's were... She faced the white haired man. "Why don't they move?" She asked. "Why don't they see the blood, and hear the accusations?"
The white haired man smiled. "People don't like to hear things they don't believe in...do they?"
"I don't understand..."
"To them, the King is merely looking for his lost daughter."
"And the horrendous robes?"
"A dash of crimson complements any decor, don't you think?"
Her eyes narrowed and she again held her stomach back from what it desperately wanted to do. "You're...mad..."
"Yes, yes, I've heard this before...but isn't it better without that incompetent twit around?"
"You haven't done a thing to help this kingdom and...! He...he wasn't that bad..."
"He wanted to destroy your race."
"And what are you after? Aren't you planning on using her the way he was? I don't see any reason you would care for any race."
He pulled his hands from his hair and smoothed it. "All you have to be is patient. It's rather difficult to make me angry. I suggest you watch your tongue." He mused.
She raised a trembling hand to her hair and moved it from in front of her now wet eyes. This was insane...He was...he was a monster and she...she was the one who brought him to power... Suddenly, her eyes widened and she grasped her throat. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. Shaking violently, she dropped to her knees. The white haired man shook his head. "Oh...you should really calm down. Being hysterical like that can't be good for you..."
She clutched her throat tighter and exhaled slowly. She bent over and grasped the carpet, trying hard to breathe. Her lungs were burning, she needed... She coughed and her body instantly inhaled. Slumping down to the ground, her gaze swivelled erratically to the 'king'. Another fit of coughing began. What...had just happened? Did she really just freak out like that?
She watched as the corners of his mouth turned up. "Maybe you should go rest. So many things are happening at once...You must be in need of some solitary thought. I dismiss you."
Crawling back to her knees, she nodded slowly. Was she...going mad as well?
* * *
Nina closed her eyes and pressed her back against the cold knotted wood of her inn room door. She sighed, and let her body slump.
"What's wrong with you?"
She gasped and looked up. Clutching her bundle tight, her eyes widened. "Red...?"
He nodded and crossed his legs while he fidgeted on the bed he was sitting on. Tiger tail twitching, he grinned. She walked to the other bed and laid her items down on it, smoothing a wrinkle in the covers as she did so. Keeping her stare from him, she mumbled softly. "Your father said you..."
"...didn't feel good. Yes, I know."
She looked up. "You...look alright to me."
He shrugged and stood, stretching his arms high above his head. "Well, when you don't want to do something, you tend to make strange excuses."
"So...you didn't want to see us off...?"
He laughed and crossed his arms. "You have it all wrong, Nina. I didn't want to see 'him'. You're a different story."
She shook her head. "He needs just as much luck as me, Red. That's rather distasteful of you..."
Smile fading, he turned his nose up at her. "Well aren't you getting a mouth on you, Princess?"
"I'm just..." She turned away. "I'm trying, Red. I can't be a naive pushover anymore." Her arms went to her chest and she crossed them slowly. "One thing I've learned while being out of Windia...is that I have an opinion. People actually listen to me."
"I think you can give me some of the credit for that. I mean, everyone listens to what I have to say!" He said with a wide grin.
She shook her head. "I guess you had something to do with it, but...I think...it was everyone...and this town." He sat back down on the bed and cocked his head. "I mean...I've never had friends before, Red, and I think being with other people in general just helped me..." She flushed when she made eye contact with him and turned away. "I'm not fully ready, though, to do anything drastic, but...I feel this has all been good for me and...I thank you."
He nodded. "Well, of course. Worent will make a smartass out of anyone!"
"Yeah...I guess..."
Red laughed and then leaned back to look out of the window. "Well, mister dragonboy is looking impatient, you better change and then go back to him before he has a fit."
"You knew...that Deja was sending me up here for that?"
"Of course, it was the only way I could talk to you without that damn dragon in the way."
She smiled warmly. "Red...I'll see you again."
He stood and walked to her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. She looked up into his dark crimson eyes and noticed, for the first time, that they were quite beautiful. He grinned. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Nina." He said with a small pat to her shoulder.
"Tell Kisa I said thank you." She said as he got to the door.
He turned and nodded. "Will do. Be careful, alright? And don't let him get you in any trouble."
"I...won't..." She watched as his tail disappeared from the doorway and immediately felt a pang of sadness hit her as the door creaked shut. Sitting down on the soft bedspread, she felt the corners of her eyes burn. There had to be a way she'd see him and his guardians again. It felt like they were leaving so soon...but she knew Ryu probably had a good reason. After all...he had things to do before she even came into the picture.
Wiping her eyes on her arm, she reached over and unraveled the bundle. Her wet eyes widened. Inside was a pair of black leggings, some black light boots, and a thick violet long sleeved dress. She held it up and smiled. Kisa had even cut out holes for her wings. Bringing it to her chest, she clung to it. What really was the reason her father didn't want her out of the castle? If it was to protect her from all the evil in the world...he sure hadn't heard of Worent. Closing her eyes, she remembered, back to the first time she had asked him to go outside. He had practically screamed at her. Soldiers came running and Shyong had to actually restrain him. That had been when she was only fourteen years old. She remembered crying and running to her room; passing the sneering stare of Lucia and the shocked ones of the rest of the castle staff, hands over her soaked cheeks. She had held her kitten toy that whole night. It was stupid, she knew, and she probably was too old to do so, but...at the time...it had felt right.
She lowered her head. That was right...the kitten was gone, along with all of her things, back in the woods were Ryu had transformed. The place where Shyong... Tears formed in her eyes. Mikhal had said his face was almost ripped off. She saw it first hand, but at the same time, she didn't want to believe Ryu was capable of something so horrible. It wasn't as if she even knew him then and still, she felt there were many things she didn't know about the young dragon. At least...she knew Shyong was alive, but...it still bothered her. He was alive...and possibly out for revenge on him. Maybe...this trip to Drogen would help. Maybe Ryu would explain to her...Maybe...she could make the demons in her mind finally disappear... Clutching the dress in trembling pale hands, she rose and started to undress.
* * *
"I want you to have this."
Ryu reached out and Juun placed a large silver necklace with a crooked animal tooth attached to it. He immediately recognized it as the largest one Red wore the night before. He weighed it in his hand; it was quite heavy. "What is this for?" He asked lifting it into the bright sunlight, watching how it gleamed.
"It's the 'Tooth of the Ancestor'. A Woren clan heirloom I guess you could say."
Ryu pulled it back. "Why give me such a treasure?"
Juun laughed. "Oh, it's no big deal. Red just wears it sometimes when he wants to look like a bigshot. It'll help you. If you so happen to come across any outside Woren influences, this will show that you indeed, have Worent on your side."
Ryu nodded. "Thank you, Master Juun." Suddenly, he sniffed the air and looked up. Nina walked and stood in-between Deja and Gabe, and pushed her hair behind her ear. She met his gaze and smiled.
"Nina, I'll make sure to tell Kisa goodbye for you." Deja said tousling her short blonde hair. The girl blushed and giggled.
"Yes, I'll make sure she does. Good luck to you both." Gabe said as Nina went to stand beside Ryu.
She wiped her eyes and grabbed onto Ryu's arm. "Good-bye you guys and thanks for everything." She said softly.
"No problem! Now get going, before it gets too late. You want to make as much time as you can!" Juun called, waving a large furry hand. They nodded, said a bit more goodbyes and then headed out of the village.
"Well...there they go..."
Deja looked back. "I still think it's stupid you're avoiding that boy, Red."
Red plunged his hands into his pockets and looked down at the ground. "Well...I just can't stand him. I wanted Nina to leave on good terms, though."
"You think they'll be alright going to Drogen on their own?" Gabe asked pulling his ears back and binding them.
Deja nodded and pushed her long jet black hair from her bright violet eyes. "Yeah...they'll be okay...or at least they better be. I want to see them again..."
The group stood in silence for a second, staring forlornly at the closing gate of Worent. Each pondering what to do next. Red was the first to leave, muttering something about training. Juun followed. Gabe bowed and then went his own way. Deja decided to remain, her hands rummaging through her pockets. She pulled out the butterfly pin Nina had given her last night. Eyeing it, she cursed herself for forgetting to give it to Kisa.
The wind blew softly and fluttered the sky blue wings, allowing the sun to glitter beautifully on the sparkle spotted metal. A smile came to her lips. It would be weird without those too, but she had a feeling the dragon's destiny would cross there's again and if it ended up that it didn't anytime soon, she would make sure it would eventually. If not for her sake...for the sake of everyone else...
* * *
Trembling, Lucia clutched the soft white bedspread of her bed. Pale as a Woren could possibly be, she pulled herself forward. That bastard... What the hell was wrong with her? Why...why was she feeling like this...? Where was Shyong...? As much as she hated that soldier sometimes...she wanted him back here. He was mad as hell as well, but at least he wasn't ghastly. She sucked in what breath she could and rolled onto her back. This wasn't what was supposed to happen... Months ago, she remembered being summoned to a meeting the late King was having with Shyong and a few other shady characters. He said it was almost time...almost time to purge the races with the light of the Goddess. She remembered almost dropping to the ground right there. He had made sure to remind her of how much she hated Worent and how much they hated her, but still...she was a Woren, whether she liked it or not. It bothered her to think of her home town being...destroyed.
That girl...the light of the Goddess. She had begun to hate her; loathe even the sound of her name. She remembered the day the King had asked her to give her lessons. Her relentless pleading would not get him to change his mind. He had threatened her. She had no other choice, but to put up with her. She couldn't lie, it wasn't as though the girl had done anything to receive this hatred, she just existed. If only those soldiers had never found her. If only the King knew nothing of the past... She didn't want to get involved with it. She had said no...but no one would listen to her. The white haired man's face suddenly appeared in her thoughts. Smiling...with that damn blood soaked robe around his fragile frail body...
Should she kill him?
Immediately, the thought made her sick to her stomach. No, she couldn't deal with the sight of all that blood again. The King's face lived in her dreams every night; she didn't need another to join him.
"You couldn't kill me, even if you truly wanted to."
Her gray eyes widened and filled with tears. "So...you can read minds as well... Is there anything you can't do?" She turned over and sobbed into her covers.
"No, I don't read minds. I can read an emotion though. Yours is strong. So much hatred..." She squeezed her eyes closed as she felt his thin hands grasp the back of her head. He pulled it back and she cried out. Her teeth began to chatter when he leaned forward, his oddly ice cold breath ruffling the short fur on her face. "Do not forget...I could kill you right here, easily." She whimpered and he let her go. "I told you not to anger me."
She curled into a ball on top of the covers, hands covering her short black tipped ears. After a few minutes of opening and closing her mouth silently, she whispered softly. "I know...I know...just please...leave...me be..."
She heard him move away, his robes rustling against his, she guessed, thin legs. "As you wish...my lady." She held her breath until she heard the door close and then broke down. Tears flowed over her face and onto the bedspread, almost soaking it through. Her mind raced as fast as her heart. Blood pumped noisily in her ears and she continued to hold them. She couldn't take it. He was everywhere at all times. Every time he had ever appeared, she never heard him...she never saw him...
He...was a monster...
* * *
It wasn't until the sun dipped low in between the mountains in the horizon that Ryu decided they should stop for camp. With all the things Juun and company had given them, they had a rather convenient campsite. They had even supplied them with a wide variety cooking utensils, something they only had a bit of when they were with Red and the others. Before the sun finished its dance in the afternoon sky, they were already sitting down to dinner.
Through the flickering firelight, Nina watched with a bit of a disgusted look on her face, as Ryu took a bite out of a raw fish. She commended him for catching what he did, there were about four large bass, but...he could have at least cooked his share, if not for his own health, for hers. She cringed when he pulled something long and red out with his teeth. "Ryu...could you please...not be so..."
He slurped of the remains of whatever he was eating and laid the bloody fish onto the ground. Using his brand new crimson cloak, he wiped his mouth. "What? You don't understand, Nina. I haven't gotten to eat raw bass in a very, very long time. You see, bass are only found on this side of the river. All that's on the side near Windia and Worent are just small little bristlefins and I can't eat those raw."
"Why not?" She asked a bit reluctantly.
"Spikes and hard scales. I mean, I know I have fangs, but they're not enough. I'd have to transform to eat those damn things sometimes." He said pointing to his baby fangs.
She lowered her charred bite of fish to her makeshift plate, staring at him wide eyed. "You...would transform...just to eat something?"
He shrugged. "It's not that big of a deal to transform. I know I told you it hurts, but only a little bit. Mostly because of the scales ripping through my skin and the muscles expanding."
"But you made a big deal about it...that day..."
His emerald eyes met hers. "That's because that time...I didn't do it on my own. The dragon just...burst forth."
"Oh, I see."
Ryu burped and then gobbled down the rest of the raw fish. Yawning, he took the spine and began picking his teeth. Nina continued to eat daintily beside him, every now and then glancing over. "Hey, Nina." He said catching one of her stares.
She swallowed and cocked her head. "Yes, Ryu?"
"Do you mind...if I go for a walk for a second?" When her eyes widened, he smiled waving his hands in front of him. "Hey, hey I'll only be gone for a little bit. I promise, I'm not leaving you."
She finished her fish and nodded. "It's alright, do what you want."
"Thanks, little bird." He said standing up and stretching. She watched as he walked by and blushed when he tousled her hair. "Watch everything, okay?"
"Okay..." She said. Her eyes followed him until he disappeared into the brush and she picked up a stick by her, tossing it into the flames. It was getting dark. Insects were starting to chirp in the woods and a slight breeze began to blow. She crossed her arms and brought her knees up against her chest. If she had known it would have been so cool outside of Worent, she would have figured out something to cover her wings.
Ruffling the feathers and shivering, she laid back onto the soft grass around her, eyes staring up into the clear night sky. Stars were already beginning to dot the purplish haze even though it was still sort of early. Smiling slightly, she brought her arms behind her head. Maybe Red and the others were looking at the same stars right now, wondering about her and Ryu. Or maybe, she thought smile fading, her father was. She turned onto her side, and laid a hand onto the ground. It wasn't like she hated her father, she just didn't agree with his ideas. She knew, deep inside, that she missed him. Yes, he was cruel and unloving sometimes, but he wasn't...all the time. Those days she would plead him to go outside and he would tell her she was special...well that was good, right? Her eyes closed. He probably hated her now. Shyong was alive and heard her say loud and clear that she didn't want to go back, that she wanted to stay with Ryu. But what...did she actually think she was going to accomplish being with him?
She held her breath. This new thought scared her, and caused her stomach to do an odd flip. It surprised her that it had never surfaced before. What...was she going to do? Would Ryu want to stay in Drogen? Could she really start a life somewhere she had never even heard of before? Would...Ryu want to stay companions with her after all this...? Fighting the urge to cry, she rolled back onto her back. There had to be something, something she was good for. Wandering around aimlessly wasn't going to help...it just made things seem worse...
Suddenly, her eyes opened. Music. Soft, sad music. Familiar notes filled the cool night air. She sat up slowly and lifted her head into the gentle breeze, her short strands of golden blonde hair wavering. Was that...Ryu?
* * *
The deeper she got into the woods, the louder and sharper the music became. She knew he wanted to be alone, but... She really didn't know why she was looking for him. Maybe the music was calling her, she didn't know. She just knew she had to see him play it.
Finally, after what felt like ages of walking, she found him. Hiding behind a large oak, she peeked around. Crimson cloak and long blue hair flowing in the now harder wind, Ryu sat on a tall angled rock on the edge of the river, playing. The moonlight splashed over his serene form, and danced from the polished wood of his ocarina-type instrument, to his youthful solemn face. Nina slid her hands up up the cool bark of the tree and kept her eyes set on him. The song he was playing...was mesmerizing. It was the same song he had played in the field where she first met him. It...tugged at her heartstrings, played with her being... As much as she wanted to leave him alone, to leave him to his beautiful overture, she couldn't bring herself to do it. It was like the music was speaking to her, begging her to stay. She couldn't help it, weak willed as she was, she stayed. She had to.
The song went on, his fingers flying over the top of the instrument, the music flowing in the air like a deep gentle wind, pulling at Nina's very soul. It took all she had, not to walk out there, into the bright light of the full moon, and...well she didn't know what. She was so engrossed in the absolute wistfulness of the song, that she didn't realize that he had turned to her. Gasping softly, she reached up and grasped the front of the violet soft dress in her trembling pale hands. Her blue eyes widened even more, as she caught one of his hands beckoning to her. Blood rushing to her cheeks, she did the only thing she could. She went towards him.
Emerald eyes shining in the light of the moon, he kept his gaze on her while she walked through the tall shimmering grass. She stopped only feet from the structure he sat upon and stared up, wings fluttering in the wind. His stare...made her knees weak. It took all she had not to slump to the ground right there. He continued to play, and she listened, never breaking his gaze.
Then, as softly as the melody had reached her, it left, leaving her standing there, utterly dumbfounded. Ryu placed the instrument in his lap and a smile touched his lips. For a minute or two, or it could have been longer, she wasn't sure...their eyes remained locked. It was until Ryu ran a hand through his long flowing hair did it break. Nina blushed and looked down. "I-I...I'm really sorry, Ryu. I...I know you wanted time to yourself but..."
"Come up here."
She looked up and saw that he was patting the place beside him on the rock. Dazed, she nodded and jumped up, catching the air with her wings and flying up to the top. He caught her hand and brought her down beside him, smiling warmly at her when she landed. She blushed and gazed out over the river. "Ryu..." She said softly. "How did you get up here without wings?"
He laughed. "Remember, I can also jump really high and it's not like this would be a hard rock to climb."
"Yeah...I guess so."
"You know, I'm glad you came."
"You...are?"
He shrugged. "Sure."
Nina pulled her legs up and sat crossing her legs, placing her hands on her ankles and grasping them tight. She stared down at the moonlit ripples in the water, silently wishing Ryu would talk. It was nice, though, sitting here in silence. She guessed she shouldn't complain.
"Can I talk to you?"
She looked up and pulled nervously at her boots. "Yeah...sure, Ryu. What do you want to talk about?"
He stretched his legs out and reached back, reclining on his hands. Nina watched as his mouth almost disappeared into the thick crimson cloak's collar. "Do you enjoy this?"
"What do you mean?"
He glanced over. "Enjoy being out here. Not just with me, but the environment?"
She hunched her shoulders close to her neck and shivered a bit in the wind. "I guess so, Ryu. It's just the outside."
"I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"About you, and Windia."
She reached up and pushed her wispy bangs behind her ears. They were stubborn, though, and fell out almost immediately, into her eyes. "Is that why you wanted to be alone?"
"I didn't want to be alone because I don't like being with you, I want you to know that."
"I know..." She lifted her head into the wind, and allowed it to push her hair back. "I just came because I heard the song, not because I was worried."
She heard him laugh gently in that deep voice he always used when he was serious. "It seems as though you are captivated by any music, Princess."
"Please don't call me that."
He looked over, his blue bangs covering one of his eyes. "And...why not? It's what you are."
She shrugged again. "If I'm not planning on returning to the castle...I guess I give up the status."
"No, you keep status with you wherever you go. It just makes sense, it doesn't belong to any...territory I guess. It just..."
"What if I don't want it?"
Ryu turned away, and hid himself deeper into the cloak. "I guess...you don't have to if you don't want to. Either way is fine with me."
"I don't want to be known as only the 'Princess of Windia'. I want people to respect me for who I am."
"I respect you."
She smiled weakly. "Yeah...I know you do and I thank you."
"It's funny, Nina." He said pulling the collar down and flashing her a smile. "Did you know that a long time ago, back during the ancient war, dragons used music to lure their enemies near and to gain their trust?"
She looked shocked. "That's a bit...cruel, isn't it?"
"It lulls such a false sense of security. It pulls at the soul and awakens feelings one didn't know they had." His voice was low and soft as he said this, sending a slight chill through Nina's already cold body.
She felt her brow furrow. Was he...mocking her? "Ryu...what are you saying?"
"Don't read too much into it, I'm just telling you the truth."
"So...I liked your song." She said pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them, hugging them against her chest. "It was depressing, though, I just want to say."
"I know. It's from the days of war. And actually..." He smiled. "Was a song widely used during the most sacred of funerals."
"That's...kind of strange."
"It reminds me of when the first elder died."
"And that's...a good thing?"
He shrugged. "No, not really, but it helps me remember my mission."
"Mission?" Come to think of it, she had never asked him what he was doing outside of Drogen. It had never really occurred to her why. "Ryu...why were you in Windia?"
He closed his eyes and the wind blew gently in his face, ruffling his hair. "I had to pass through. There was something I needed to do."
"You never got through."
"I know. Now I have to go back to Drogen to tell the elder."
"What was on the other side?"
"I...can't tell you right now."
"I see..."
He glanced over his shoulder at her. "You're angry."
"No, I'm not. Just a bit...disappointed, I guess."
He laughed again and she flushed. Why did he insist on mocking her? "You know," He said softly. "You remind me a lot of myself."
"H-how's that?" She inquired, eyes wide.
"Naive."
Her widened eyes returned to normal, and then narrowed. "That's not very nice, Ryu, I can't help it that I've never been outside. You don't understand at all!"
"Yes, I do." He turned his body towards her and sat up, crossing his arms over his chest. She realized he was wearing gauntlets. Why, she didn't know. It wasn't as though he faired badly without them before. "Remember, when I told you in the cave, that I knew what it felt like, to be alone?" She thought a second and then nodded. "Well...do you honestly think the elder would ever let me wander outside the gates unless I had important business to do? You know now more than ever a dragon can't be just walking around. There's too much tension towards them."
"Yes...but couldn't you have just transformed and flew over Windia?"
His eyes widened and he cocked an eyebrow. "What...? No, no that's a very, very bad idea, Nina. What do you think those soldiers would do if they saw a something flying over the city and a dragon at that?"
She looked down. "Shoot it down..."
"Even I can't take on a hoard of arrows."
Fireflies flittered around them, and the river's edge, their tiny lights flickering in the dark night sky and illuminating the rippling water. Nina brought her hand out and caught one. "They're beautiful, you know." She said softly, watching the tiny insect crawl over her palm, flashing it's light at her. "I've been wondering...if my father was truly right in keeping me in...captivity I guess you could call it."
Ryu pushed his hair from his eyes, watching her lift her hand into the air and setting the firefly free. "How so?"
"I used to loathe him. But now...I sort of understand. All this racism...and all these inner wars going on. He just wanted to protect me." She closed her eyes and giggled. " I mean, I know it wasn't the right way of going about it, but at least it was out of love...right, Ryu?"
"I was surprised too...when I left Drogen. Although I was a little more prepared than you. I at least knew enough not to make my race known." He sighed gently and picked up a pebble. After running it through his fingers for a second, he tossed it into the water. The fireflies skittered and then dispersed into the sky. "The world is bad, Nina, I won't lie to you, but I think...you'll understand it one day."
"I wish I understood it now."
"Hopefully, one day, someone will make a difference...and end all these wars."
Nina brought her gaze to him. He was staring up into the sky, green eyes narrowed in a sort of determination, she guessed. Did he...really believe someone was capable of something like that? And if so...what would they do? It wasn't like there was some kind of enemy to fight and it would be over with. Someone would have to get into the minds and hearts of every individual on the planet and that...was impossible. "Ryu...how would that happen?"
He shook his head. "It's merely a dream, Nina. As long as there is hatred in the hearts of the people, there will always be a war.. Until it is gone...the dragons will never be free..."
Her eyes widened. So that...was it... He just wanted to be accepted. It made sense... If people thought that way about the Windians...she didn't know if she could stand it. Slowly, gently, she reached out, placing a hand on his cold metal gauntlets. His eyes went to hers. "If I could...I would change it for you, Ryu. I can see it brings you so much pain to be hated by the world...I...I seriously don't know how you handle it..."
He grasped her hand with his other. "They hate me because I'm strong. Stronger than humans, the Worens, ...strong enough to take over the world...
"But you don't! You don't want anything like that! You're not...you're not bad, Ryu..."
"Not everyone enjoys the sight of a monster."
"I don't think you're a monster."
"I know."
The sat in silence for a minute, each looking over the other. Nina closed her eyes and sighed. It was wonderful being with Ryu and learning so much about him, but... There was something that was still bothering her about him, something, she needed desperately to be resolved. "...Ryu?" She asked softly, a blush coming to her cheeks.
"Yes?"
Her stomach clenched. She didn't want to ask...but she had to...She needed the closure. Maybe it would help her. Maybe it would calm some of the fears that swirled in her mind. Closing her eyes, she slowly, and with much effort, stood. "I...would like to see...the dragon again." She almost whispered.
His eyes widened and then he sat for a second in silence, blinking a few times. Nina immediately wished she hadn't said a thing. Just as she was beginning to apologize, he stood. Blue eyes wide, she looked up into his. "Move away from the rock."
She stepped back a bit and clutched her dress front. "Why? What..."
"I don't want you to be too close."
The deepness of his voice began to frighten her. Was he...telling her to get away for her own safety? He wouldn't try to hurt her, would he? Or did he not even know? Reluctantly, and with questions still running through her mind, she stretched her wings. She took a small backwards jump into the air and hovered back, keeping a wide-eyed stare on him.
He stood for a second, his chest heaving slowly, and then removed his cloak and gauntlets. They dropped to the ground, the gauntlets' metal clanging loudly against the hard rock. He removed the black shirt he was wearing and then clenched his fists. The moonlight suddenly seemed to make one beam of light, right on his bare chested body. Nina watched, in awe, as the light caressed his scars and muscles, following the movement of them expanding. His arms shook even more and curled close to his body, veins popping up on them and his hardening chest. Mouth opening slightly, a strange growling noise came from deep within his throat and echoed loudly in the cool night air. Nina began to shake. She couldn't help it. It was hurting him, she knew and...it hurt her to watch; to watch the scales ripple forth from his thickening skin, the claws growing through his hands and feet, the wings bursting through his pulsing shoulder blades, and to see his eyes bulge as the horns came around to his forehead. Her eyes burned. He was shaking so much, and growling so...loudly. The wind caught his hair and pulled it back, the stark white color flowing through it like water. Closing his eyes, he moved his fists back against his sides. He then shook his head, and let the snow white mane fall in front of his massive shoulders. Crimson eyes slowly opening, he spread his wings into the moonlight, allowing it to reflect beautifully from every single one of his reddening scales.
Nina's breath caught in her throat when he turned his gaze to her. She couldn't move, couldn't breathe... Nervously beating her wings harder, she wondered if this was really such a good idea. No, she told herself while fighting to gain composure, this was Ryu. Whether he looked like this or not, he was still the same boy she was just talking to before. She had to remember that.
The dragon sniffed the air with a loud snort and then jumped up, beating his large leathery wings against the wind. Nina's heart threw itself against her chest. He was hovering towards her. Her hands began to tremble. What should she do? What should she say? Would he...want to talk? Dear God, he looked so animal-like...
"You're still afraid."
The gruffness of this new voice made her almost jump out of her skin. It was so strange...she thought moving her eyes over him, as much as she tried, she just couldn't...see him as Ryu... "I..." She stammered. She couldn't say a thing...and it hurt her so much.
Suddenly, he yawned, exposing four large fangs, and stretched his claws high into the air. She watched as he brought them slowly down, and cocked his head, his long white bangs falling in front of his now slitted crimson eyes. His form frightened her, yes, but she couldn't help to think, in the back of her mind...that there was something very attractive about him. It wasn't as though he looked totally different, as she had noticed before. It was just...he was, she didn't know how to describe it...just... "I suppose you thought you would feel better seeing me again like this." He mumbled bitterly. "I see you are still not happy."
She crossed her arms over her chest and nodded slowly. He snorted and looked away. Immediately, she felt a pang of guilt. "Ryu...don't be like that... I'm just still not used to it."
"You need to be."
Her eyes widened. Why...was he speaking so harshly? It wasn't like him... "What...?"
Hair flowing, he turned back and crossed his own arms. "I said you need to be. You have to accept it. This is me. If you want to stay with me, you have to accept."
"I...can't just accept it so fast, Ryu! It's difficult..!"
"The way you held on to me last night didn't show me you needed time."
Blood rushed to her cheeks. What...why? It was like he was a different person like this. Did it really alter his personality this much? Her eyes started to burn. "Ryu, you know that's not fair. Why are you being like this? It's not..."
She cried out when he reached out and grasped her shoulders and pulled her closer. The trembling she was already experiencing worsened. She felt like she was going to be sick. He narrowed his eyes at her and growled softly. "I don't want you to be like this, Nina. Don't you understand? You are the only woman I have ever been close to. Don't you see that I need you to accept me? It hurts me so much to see you tremble like this."
Tears brimming in her bright moonlit blue eyes, she shook her head. "You have to give me time, Ryu, I've never seen a dragon before...Just please...let go of me..."
Reluctantly, he loosened his grip and she hovered back, trembling hands moving to grasp her shoulders. "Ryu, I just..."
"I want to play a game."
She looked up, brow furrowing. "Wh-what..? A...game...? Is that what you asked?" What the heck...was he talking about?
A smirk appeared on his lips and he moved a huge clawed hand to point to a cliff on the other side of the river. "I want to race you."
As strange as she thought that was, she managed to utter a small nervous laugh. "Ryu...you've got to be kidding. A race? Even if I wanted to race you, you'd beat me and you know it."
"I'm playing for your trust."
Her weak smile faded. "...I don't understand."
"Race me. I'll give you a head start." He laughed and pulled his arms back, clenching the fists tight. "Come on, you can't give up an offer like that."
Was he trying to break the ice? Trying to gain her friendship by playing games? Despite her fear, she had to admit, it was kind of working. It helped to remind her that this was indeed...the Ryu she knew and loved. "What...am I playing for...?" She asked sheepishly.
The dragon smiled broadly, fangs glinting in the moonlight. "If you can get there before I catch you, you'll win and I'll...well I can show you later."
She raised her eyebrows nervously. "What? You're going to...chase me?"
He snickered. "But you won't win. I can tell you that much."
Now, he was just being rude. To her surprise, Nina actually put her hands on her hips and smiled at him. "You're on." What was she saying? What was she doing? He was a monster! He ripped half of Shyong's face off! He couldn't be trusted! She knew it, knew he did all those things...but... She couldn't help but to smile at him. This was still Ryu, and he was reaching out. The least she could do was take his hand back.
"Okay...now, go!" He bellowed, pointing. Nina hovered for a second, dumbfounded until he snickered at her. "You're time is running out, you better hurry up."Gasping, she fluttered her wings a bit and then took off over the river.
The night air was even colder now that she was flying, almost ice cold, but she didn't care. All she could think of was getting to the other side. Maybe she could beat him, it was getting...sort of close. Heart beating loudly and breath coming out in tiny misty gasps, she cursed the river for suddenly seeming to large.
"My goodness, little Windian...you had a good couple of minutes. I thought you could get farther than that..."
She looked back, eyes wide and realized he was right behind her, smiling that cocky smile of his. Suddenly, she felt herself smile and put on her own smug face. "I'm not even going as fast as I can!" she lied. He knew she was. She could tell by the way his grin got even wider. Laughing into the firefly ridden night sky, she dipped her hand down to the river, letting her fingers drag against it and spray water at him.
Ryu flung his arms in front of his face and blocked the assault of liquid from hitting his face. He smiled and beat his wings faster. "Silly little girl..." He mused gruffly and then flickered out of view.
Nina suddenly became aware of the silence that followed her. No longer could she hear the relentless beat of his leathery wings. Taking a chance, she glanced back and her eyes widened. He was...gone. "What the..." She stopped and turned around, eyes darting back and forth over the riverside. He was no where to be found. How could he just...disappear like that?
"Got you."
Her heart leapt into her throat when she saw Ryu's crimson claws come out from behind her and wrap around her body. She felt her back press hard against his warm chest. "Ryu! That's not fair!" She cried struggling in his iron grip. "You can't do things like that, I'm not that fast and you know that!"
"I win." He said softly, mouth so close to her ear; she could feel his hot breath on her skin.
"I..." She blushed when he laughed, sending another wave of air to her ear.
"You're such a silly girl."
"I'm...not..." She almost mouthed.
"You are..." He whispered, taking one hand from her shoulders and reaching up, snaking the claw through her short blonde hair and grasping it gently. Blood rushed to her cheeks as he pulled back, elongating her neck.
"Ryu...what are you...?"
The flush intensified. He was nuzzling her neck, his soft white hair flowing down and over her shoulders. "Your scent...You smell so good..." He murmured gently, touching her skin with his lips. His hands grasped her tighter and pulled her head back even more. It was rough, and she winced, but she couldn't bring herself to stop him. Her heart hammered against her chest, pumping blood to her pulsing cheeks as she stared out into the star spotted night sky. Never, in her life had she been this close to a man. She was dumbfounded, and didn't know what to do. She knew how she felt about Ryu and now, obviously, he felt..something, but...he was... His lips moved up, and closed around her left earlobe. Her eyes widened and she started to tremble. It wasn't right, it wasn't him. Ryu wasn't like this...he wasn't this forward... She felt her body begin to shiver uncontrollably as the dragon's mouth moved back down and opened. It was all she could take when she felt him bite down gently on her skin. Clenching her teeth, she burst forth from his embrace and faced him, arms slowly moving to clutch herself.
Ryu stared at her, a hurt expression on his dragonic face. Her neck hurt. She reached up and touched it. Pulling back, she raised her fingers to her face. Blood. Tears forming in her bright eyes, she looked up at him. "I can't...I can't let you do that..." She whispered gasping slightly.
His eyes suddenly narrowed and he touched a clawed finger to his lips. "It sure seemed like you enjoyed it..." He spat, crossing his arms. "Why were you trembling so?"
"I..." She stared at him through tear filled eyes. "You can't seriously be like that...Ryu...I...I'm scared..."
He growled, shook his head violently and reached up, clutching his forehead with a noticeably trembling hand. "I'm really sorry, Nina..." He said after a second of silence. "I'm...I can't really explain, but...well, I'm not myself in this form and I apologize." She lowered her arms. The wind blew his bangs back and revealed his tortured red eyes. "My senses are heightened and..." He looked up at her. "You're scent really is intoxicating..."
Scarlet faced, she looked away. "I'm...really sorry too, Ryu, I just...I've never..."
He nodded. "I understand, I fully do, but I want you to realize..."
Suddenly, he eyes darted down to the water and he clenched his teeth. A shadow. Moving fast towards them, It... The water under Nina grew dark and bubbled. She glanced down and her eyes widened, just in time to see the tentacle burst forth and wrap around her legs. Gasping she cried out and beat her wings in a panic. It was no use, the thing pulled and before Ryu had time to think, she disappeared into the river's depths. "Shit...!" Ryu cried hovering down to the water. The shadow faded, along with the bubbles symboling Nina's struggle. Curling his wings close to his body and taking a deep breath, he dove in.
* * *
It was dark even for him. If only he could use his nose... Mind screaming curses, he slunk down into the darkness, opening his ears to the sounds of the water. Down. He could just make out the sound of a muffled scream. Damn girl...she should know not to do that! She was going to run out of air and then... No, he couldn't let that happen. She was the only thing he had. He wasn't about to loose her to some stupid monster... He kicked his feet and went even farther, snaking through the ice cold depths. The screaming was getting louder and sharper. He could almost feel the vibrations. Closer...closer... His eyes opened wide. There. To the right. Feathers. Good, she was close. Swimming down farther, he just made out her form, struggling rather awkwardly in the grip of the largest Kraken he had ever seen.
Clenching his teeth, he swooped down towards her. Her head snapped up and she tried to cry out. Her eyes bulged and started to roll back. Shit, he didn't have enough time! First he tried to pull her from its grip, but she wouldn't budge. The damn thing wasn't about to let her go. Cursing, he took his claws to the tentacle, hacking at the rubbery flesh, and sending clouds of red blood up in front of his wide crimson eyes, but it only succeeded in angering the monster.
The Kraken groaned and swung another tentacle at him, wrapping around the dragon's arm and pulling it back. Ryu's eyes darted to Nina. She was still. Goddammit! His mind screamed. He had to get out, he had to... His leg snapped back. Then his other. He couldn't move. The thing almost had every limb. Nina was dead, he knew it. She had to be...she...
Suddenly, his eyes flashed. No, he wouldn't give up. He had to live, she had to live! Opening his mouth wide, Ryu screamed with what breath was left in his lungs into the water and pulled back his arms and legs. A bright red light burst forth over his body and emanated through the murky depths of the river. The Kraken screeched, and was torn to millions of bloody rubbery pieces. Through the pulsating blinding light, Ryu reached out and grasped Nina's limp body. Taking no time to admire his work, he made way to the surface.
* * *
She wasn't breathing. Her skin was so damn cold. Ryu pulled her slowly from the water and onto the river bank, lying her on her back. Placing his hands on her chest he pumped a few times, and then breathed into her mouth. "Damnit..." He cursed pumping again. He breathed again. "Damnit...breathe, Nina!" Her lips were so cold... He lifted up and tasted blood. His fangs were cutting her, but he didn't care, he couldn't...she just had to..."Nina...please...!" He cried pumping again. "You can't die! You can't leave me alone!"
Pump. Breathe. Pump. Breathe.
Tears now were flowing. He didn't care. "Damnit Nina! You have to breathe!" He screamed. "You can't..." He breathed again. She couldn't die on him!
Her chest suddenly heaved and he sat back, crimson eyes wide. Her body twitched and her eyes shot open. He moved back a bit more, and she coughed, water pouring from her blue lipped mouth. Ryu immediately lifted her up, and held her while she continued to cough up more and more water. "Oh God..." He whispered holding her tight against him and nuzzling her cold matted hair. " I thought...I thought you were dead for sure...I..."
She looked up and smiled weakly. "Ryu...you saved...my life..."
"Well of course I did...I..could never let you leave me like that..." She winced, and he stared down at her. "Nina...what's wrong?"
She coughed and groaned. "Ryu...my legs...they feel like they're on fire..."
He looked down and immediately clenched his teeth hard. Where the Kraken's tentacle had touched her and ripped through her leggings, the flesh was purple and bubbling up. Poison. He glanced at his own legs. His dragon skin must have been too thick for the venom to go through. He growled and reached up, clutching her arms. The bubbling was spreading up her leg rapidly, turning the skin a putrid yellowish purple. "Ryu...what....help me..." He watched, helplessly as the blood drained from her face, giving it a blueish hue. The poison was moving so damn fast... Hands grasping her tighter, he glanced around. The camp...? No, they'd have to forget it. There was nothing they had that could help her. Worent? He shook his head. No, he could take her there like this and he couldn't revert...it wouldn't be fast enough... He couldn't let her die! He should have known not to take her over the river...that Kraken had been seen there for years...Why didn't he remember?
Squeezing his eyes closed, his stood with her in his arms, beating the water off of his wings. He'd have to take her to Drogen. There was no other way. It was wrong and against almost every dragon law to do so, but he had to. He glanced down at her face and watched it screw up in agony. She would die by the end of the night if he didn't... Growling and cursing, he took to the air, holding her shaking freezing body close to his chest. Wings beating loudly in the dark night sky, he screamed with all his mind.
Ladon, let her live...!