And yesh! Beware the long chapter. I felt like writing loads of dialogue, mwahah! More abou Zoteaki, and yes! Some things from Silver Star Story, gasp!
Darkness Looms
Chapter Six: MemoriesAre Not All Lost
These halls held so many memories. Mostly of Mia and Nash. Both of them lived long lives. Nash's death? A fatal accident in a fight against a rebellion with a Vile Trible nation, caused his sudden death. Mia's death, however, wasn't as tragic. They say she died in her sleep. The funeral was private, and they claim she was buried in the Silver Tower. Then again, any death is tragic. Sighing, I grabbed the robes by the bedside. To my horror, they were pure white with red cuffs. Bleh, just the thing. Glaring at the choice of clothing, I shook my head and put them on over my usual clothes. Ok, it was way too warm, but I wasn't going to disobey Zoteaki when he seemed so content. My hands were slightly sore from the battles I haven endured through so far in this so called 'journey', but I wasn't one to complain. I mean, who would actually listen to my dis pleasures in life when I had so many. Glancing around the room one more time, I decided to get it over with and leave.
The minute I stepped out into the airy hall I knew this was a mistake. A bad mistake. Incredibly bad. Shoving my hands into the slits of the loose robe, I glanced around. Many students clothed in dark purple passed by me. Each held a cluster of books in their arms. Honestly, what could you learn from books that you couldn't learn from living life? Then again, being a dragon does give you many advantages, and yet so many disadvantages. Hurrying to find the stairs leading up, I looked at the abundant amount of males actually attending the guild. When I last stepped foot into this place, Nash was one of the few to actually study magic. And now? Many followed in the 'Wizard Of Vane's' most polished idol. Memories. I can't forget about them as hard as I try, now can I?
"Zoteaki better thank me for this," I muttered irritably, and took a step upon the first stair. Gazing up at the spiraling staircase before me, I felt a sudden low feeling urch in my stomach. Biting on my bottom lip, I continued up the stairs slowly. These robes were such a nuisance to walk in. They hung down to my ankles and sometimes fell in front of where I was stepping up. I looked stupid, like a infant learning to walk. "Damn this." I wasn't thrilled, not thrilled at all.
I finally made it to the top of the stairs and glanced out into the hall. It seemed short enough, so finding the classroom Zoteaki addressed me to go to, should be easy enough. Passing through the marble floor slowly, not to fall over, I searched the wooden doors. After awhile, I finally found the door I was looking for. Placing a hand on the doorknob, my heart stopped. Blood turning ice cold, I felt a shrill pang of fear. Something wasn't quite right about this classroom. Something like an unbalanced force, or something like that. So much power in this room, unlike all the others. Maybe I was just going insane, I wouldn't be surprised. With a final gulp, I opened the door and braced myself for humility I would be facing in the next chapter of my life.
"Who's that?"
"Why's he wearing a robe like that? Doesn't he know students where purple ones?"
"Maybe he's so dumb he didn't realize that."
"Yea, and that's why he's still in this level of dragon learning!"
The mumbles I heard about myself didn't surprise me one bit. But to hear such things said about you does cause you to get very pissed off. In the room sat four rows of six desks. Each had a student, clothed in purple, sitting at it. All eyes were glued on me. Glaring at the few students who dared to mock me, I glanced around for Zoteaki. No sign of his blue robe. Did he ditch me! The nerve of that dragon... why I ought to.
"Yo, you! Dumbo in the white! What's your deal coming in here?"
"Maybe he's lost," Teased a girl in the middle and snickered to her friend on her side.
"Or maybe he's pretending to be a dragon," Another person spoke, more to the back.
Twitching my ears angrily, I glared around once more. Where the fuck was Zoteaki. Clenching my fists tightly, I took a step forward offensively and banged my fist against the nearest desk. The quiet girl who was sitting at it looked startled, but not afraid. Why didn't they fear me? What have I become! But still, there is an amount of abuse a person can take before they reach out and strike. And striking down these vile humans was on the top of my charts. I didn't care what anyone else had to say about the matter, I did as I pleased. No one could tell the White Dragon what to do... could they?
"Silence, you poor excuses for life!" I hissed angrily.
Ok, I admit I was expecting them to silence themselves and nod respectfully, but that was farfetched from the reaction I received. A wave of roaring laughter filled the classroom as they pointed and laugh at me. Turning a dark scarlet, I tried a word in edge wise, but I couldn't even hear myself think over this commotion. This was just splendid. Just what I needed. Zoteaki was seriously going to pay for this.
"What kind of comeback is that!"
"This guy IS a weirdo!"
The laughter continued. Banging my fist again on the desk, I rose an eyebrow and knocked the books off the girl's desk. Sure, I felt bad for her, seeing she didn't do anything wrong, but this needed to stop. Silence rang through the room momentarily from the load thump the books made, but chatter arose once more and people continued to point, laugh, and make rude comments about myself. I knew being in this wretched human body would be a bad thing. A rurally, really bad thing.
"That is enough!" A scorching pillar of blue embers came shooting through the isle of the desks rapidly. Stunned, I took a step backwards, preparing myself for an ambush. The class seemed stunned and all grabbed their books and pretended to read. Such respect. But for what? Glancing down at the source of the fire, I noticed a floating cat. Light azul fur coated his pelt, and piercing royal blue eyes starred deeply back at me. His wings shown a dark black to compliment the black upon his paws. Even though no words were spoken, I knew for fact this was Zoteaki, just by the way he starred at me.
"Now that you've wasted valuable time in both our lives, I'd like to introduce someone to you guru's," Zoteaki paused in mid hover, and transformed back into the form I better knew him as. I felt the whole inside of me smiling just from the relief of him actually here. Making his way through the desks, he found himself by my side with all eyes glued to him, but not sarcastically, but with fear. How I despised his power. "This is a friend of mine. Or shall I say, someone I've met in my travels back to my homeland during the semester break. He is far more then anyone of you ever wish to be. His skills surpass many men, and he has seen far more death then you will ever, so for that fact, I demand you give him respect. I'd like to introduce you to the White Dragon," Zoteaki smiled at me lightly.
Unexpectedly, the class began clapping, instantly stunned. Turning a darker scarlet, I only nodded. This blush wasn't from anger, but from humiliation. All good things must come to an end. Everything was going superb with the whole 'respect' issue until one boy in the back blurted out a few inconsiderate words.
"Seems professor has finally found himself a new boyfriend, eh? What do you all say?"
Again, a chorus of laughs were released free into the atmosphere. If it's possible to turn the shade of a ripe tomato, I accomplished it. Clenching my fists tightly, the only possible thoughts that ran through my head was revenge, and what Zoteaki was thinking. Glancing over at him, I noticed he was keeping a straight face, but his cheeks flustered from shock. Or maybe that was worry? The again, a new boyfriend. What exactly did that mean.
"That is none of your concern. And besides-" Zoteaki began raising his hand. As expected, the class laughed once more and the boy snickered.
"So he admits it!"
"I never said that," For once, other then at the Blue Dragon Shrine, I saw Zoteaki angry. Something shone in his lustful eyes other then the calmness I've come to known. He was pissed beyond belief, or so I thought.
"Come on, professor! We all know it's true! Last one you had was a total ass. But look here, he's got himself a real prize. Another dragon," The kid tried not to laugh between his own words, but it came out in snorts. Glaring, I felt the need to smash his face in. But the anger subsided as the words processed in my brain. No, it couldn't be. Of course not. These kids were lying. 'd know if Zoteaki was... gay. Wouldn't I? A feeling of dread loomed over me as I dared a look at him. He wasn't pleased.
"You will not speak ill of me or use that tone of voice!" Zoteaki demanded, sending bursts of fire through the room. Everyone ducked as the fire nearly missed the boy. Stunned, I glanced back over at him. He was panting from furry. And I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy. "I'm sick and tired of all the lies my students spread about me. If I wanted to, I could rip you all to shreads. But I, unlike some people, know when to hold my tonuge and give respect where respect is needed. And for the final time, I am not gay." He hissed. The room finally went a dull silence. No laughter or smiles were spread.
"...Maybe I should come back another time," Sweat rolled down my face. Between the oddly naive students, and the currentely peeved Zoteaki, I wasn't sure if being here was such a good idea.
"Stay. They should be quiet now," The usual calm and gentle look spread across Zoteaki's face as he addressed me. Ok, maybe they were lieing. Maybe he is straight. Then again, I thought Quark would never die and I'd never have to take his place. But right now, I had to believe Zoteaki. It was his words against a few immature teenagers. The odds were obvious.
"Nall, if you'd be so kind to express the elements and magnetism the White Dragon has, I'm sure it'd enlighten us all," He smiled lightly, but not to much to catch me off guard. Uneasily, I took a step forward and stutterted for words. Talking in front of groups was not my strong suit.
"Well.. you see.."I stutterted. I was afraid of laughs to be shared, but everyone watched intently. Clearing my throat I tried to contiune. "The White Dragon posses the skills of Wind and Light. And... many don't think.. well," I sounded like a complete moron.
"Should we be taking notes? Because I already know how to babble like an idiot," A girl spoke raising her hand. The room went silent from shock. She seemed stunned no one laughed. Twitching, I glanced over my shoulder and watched the anger swell in Zoteaki once more. He really needs some anger management. To think I thought he was a non-violent short of guy. Jeesh was I wrong!
"Get out! All of you. Come back when you learn some respect," Zoteaki demanded. The class scamepered out of the room orderily. "And that means tomorrow," Zoteaki added with a hiss. Raising a hand to rub his temples from frustration, he leaned against his desk for support. A few stray bangs of his hair dangled in his face. Early they were so tidy, and now? Now they were just the usual.
"I'm sorry. I probably caused this," I mumbled from behind him. My body was actually shaking for once. Standing straight, so I wouldn't embarass myself, I awaited his response. Either he was going to be very mad, or very considerate.
"It's not your fault. All they'll ever amount to in life is worthless mercants..." Zoteaki grumbled under his breath. "None of them will ever come close to what Mia was like.." I heard him whisper under his breath. "How I loved her."
"Mia! You mean the daughter of-!" This caught me off guard. I soon began to stutter for words. "You loved her? But Nash!" This was getting confusing. Zoteaki rose his head and looked and me and sighed. Such depression loomed in his eyes.
"Yes, Mia. I loved her, truly I did. But she knew as well as I that dragons cannot mate with humans. And besides, she loved Nash. She'd never settle for me, so I never told her I loved her. She still doesn't know till this day, but I've given up that love recenetly. Why cling to the past when your future is right in front of you, is what I say," He sighed and crossed his arms. A single tear trickled from his face. Another new light was spread on him. How real Zoteaki was. Caught between love and your duties as a dragon. Sadly, I could never say the same. I never really loved someone. And I'd be afraid to even attempt to. I didn't know what true love was.
"I'm sorry, Zoteaki." I spoke, in a melancholy voice.
"So I've given up on love because love's given up on me," He declared, straightening his face so he looked as strong-willed as ever. I could only feel even more sorry for the dragon. Too afraid to reach out and love again. But so I heard, there were only two female dragons left in exsistence at this time. The current Red Dragon, and the sister of the black dragon. But why be forced to chose from such a small pool. It was absurd!
"Don't feel bad. I've never loved anyone more than a friend," I shrugged and ran a hand through my bristling white hair. I hated the truth more than anything.
"I doubt it."
"Want to bet? Besides Quark, you're the only dragon I've ever become friends with. And to think I'd have to love one of the two dragons? Let me tell you, it isn't happening," I snickered, trying to lighten Zoteaki's sombered mood.
"Whose to say you have to chose from those two," He silenced himself and turned away to look out the window.
"That makes no sense," I wondered what he meant. My question fell on death's ears as I gave a heavy sigh just as I heard the creak of the door openeing.
Let me tell you, I'm not good with surprises. Never have, and never will be. But who was standing at that door behind me was the person I'd least expect. Especially seeing she was suppossed to be dead. Turning around, I saw the oh-so familiar figure of Mia. Her hair had turned a shining silver over the years, but it still had that shimmer to it. She looked as young as she always did, and she wore the same robes. Looks can change, but a person's chemistry can never. This was such a shock, I found myself with my mouth wide open, and grabbing a desk for support.
"M-mia!" I asked stunned. Her eyes glanced over at me as she took out her staff and aimed it at me.
"Who are you? And how do you know me? Why are you here?" She asked defensively. Oh, right. I was in human form. Should have remembered that. Zoteaki rose his hand from my side and gave a soft smile.
"Mia, relax. This is your old friend."
"Old friend? What are you talking about?" She asked, tilting her head. She was nervous, and as defensive as always when it came to protecting her guild. That usual Mia kindness was hidden at the moment. Suddenely, a smile overcame her face as she rushed towards me and wrapped her arms in a greeting hug, around my faint body. "Nall!"
"Y-yes, Mia. You're choking me!" I kind-heartdely joked as she squeezed me tightly. That million dollar smile she had reappeared and she looked from me then to Zoteaki.
"Where in the name of Luna did you find him?" Mia asked curiosuly.
"Long story," Zoteaki spoke with a slight grin. Reaching out for my head, I felt the remaining bump on my head from the rock. God, I will never forget that.
"It doesn't matter how you got here, I'm just glad you're still alive. I'm not used to seeing you as a human! You clean up pretty good for a cat," She smiled. Cat. I hated that name. It was dragon! Not cat.
"Dragon!" Both I and Zoteaki said in unison. We exchanged glances and turned back to Mia.
"Oh right, silly me," She joked.
"Mia, what did you wish to speak to me about?" Zoteaki asked. It was amazing how he kept his cool around the one he loved. Then again, he claimed he didn't love her anymore. So quite possibly the flame he once had was really gone. But how could someone not love? Was love something that simple to be rid of. Sighing heavily, I watched as they talked about the teaching and guild affairs. If only I spoke their language. Now that's a laugh. Taking a few deep breaths, I wondered when their never endings conversation would end, and when they would remember I was in the room. A few more minutes passed before Mia turned back to me.
"Well, I must be going. I don't want to be caught, now do I?" She grinned, as if I understood what she meant by being caught. Then it hit me once more. She was supposdely dead, now wasn't she? I get it. Hiding to save the guild from turmoil. She was always a smart and long-lived one. Nodding I watched her depart.
"Nall, before I depart to the gardening for a few hours of thinking, I want to leave you with this," He began. Tilting my head I opened my ears to listen. "Be open to new things. If you don't open yourself to it, you'll never experience the true happiness. Live your life with arms wide open. You'll never know what you'll find," Something gleamed in his eyes when he said that. Tilting my head, I watched as he left the room.
What the fuck?... Zoteak, you are such a strange dragon.
A smile passed my lips, and I slowly began to understand he was right. Why live life in the past. Maybe I could try... maybe.
AN:
Wholy shit that was long. Yes, MIA! more Mia ahead! and yes, I had to put her in this so it actually related back to the game. Well, leave a review. Any comments? Any predictions. And if you're wondering where the Red Dragon comes in, and more on Ghaelon, that is soon. Red Dragon won't be for a few more chapters. So sorry. But more plot soon. Promise!