I hope you enjoy this chapter. I had fun with it. But it does have imply rape in one part, so be warned. And this is kind of graphic fighting and blood, so BE WARNED!
"They killed them, killed them all,"
It came out more as a whimper from my lips, then a simple statement. I promised myself that after Zoteaki sister's death, I wouldn't let any more innocent people die. But I did let it happen again. I'm a disgrace to the dragonline. I extended my left hand and gently placed it around the cold, gold locket. Mia had entrusted me with this to give to the Red Dragon, and by god, I would. Slowly running each finger across the complex engraving of it, I took in my new surroundings. We were in a small patch of clustered trees. In a forest, no doubt. Hopefully we were near the Red Dragon Shrine. If not, we had a bit of traveling to do.
"I know, but there's nothing we can do now," Zoteaki replied from his perch on a rock nearby me. In his hands was the long and slender blade he called his weapon. As expected, his silent blue eyes glanced up and over at me searching for a reply.
"I should have stayed and fight, damnit," I murmured, trying my best to avoid eye contact. Clenching my hand around the Red Dragon Aurora in frustration, I breathed heavily.
"And where would you be now?" I heard Zoteaki ask. Lightly, I closed my eyes and kept my head down low.
"..." I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out.
"Exactly. Without you're dragon powers, you'd be dead." He stated it so simply. Opening my eyes, I glanced over at him and noticed he was proudly looking at his blade.
"How did you learn to use your sword?" The question just came out of my lips. He was the only dragon I had ever seen with a weapon. Most dragons relied on their blessed powers.
"My sensi taught me. I didn't always have dragon powers at my disposal," Zoteaki snickered.
"I always have," I whispered, thinking back to my awakening as the White Dragon.
"Oh, that's strange. Ahem, if you wanted to. I could, possibly," Zoteaki fumbled with the right words.
"Teach me?" I asked vaguely.
"Only if you want. I can understand if you want to continue on without being able to fight," Zoteaki glanced at his sword. Sighing, I had to admit he was right. Fighting without a back-up plan was obviously stupid, so I had to step up to the plate and learn to fight once more and take back my dragon powers... and be rid of this human body.
"Fine, we can pick out a sword for you at the next town," Zoteaki nodded.
"Can I ask you something?" Arising my head once more, I glanced back over to Zoteaki's perch.
"Yes?"
"Why didn't I see you at the Blue Dragon Shrine during Alex's journey if you were an apprentice?" My voice quivered and I felt my blood run cold.
"..." He looked troubled as if he wanted to say something but only a heave escaped his lips. Hanging his head low, he starred down at his feet.
"Zoteaki?" I asked with confusion.
"You don't realize how much I've been through," He mumbled angrily.
"What happened to you when you were younger?" Stunned, I got up from the ground and walked over to where he sat. Starring at him, I sat down alongside him and watched his body shake awkwardly. For some reason, Zoteaki always seemed to avoid his past about his dragon heritage. He never once mentioned how or why he was deemed the Blue Dragon. "Tell me, I want to know." I stated simply.
"It was a dark... cold night," Zoteaki began.
"Zoteaki, come look at this light!"
It was fifty years ago, before the journey of the dragons. Zoteaki was twelve, and his younger sister, Jasmine, was three. Both were in their house in the heart of the forest, near the Blue Dragon Shrine. This was there home near work. Zoteaki was in his bed, starring at his ceiling when his sensitive ears picked up the sound of his sister calling him from the outside balcony that ran around the house in the trees. Uneasily, Zoteaki pushed the blankets off him and walked along his room to the doors that led to outside.
Once outside, Zoteaki noticed Jasmine starring down at the ground below them. Concerned, he walked over and bent over to look her in the eye.
"What's wrong?" His voice was small for a reason. He feared that he would awake his parents.
"That light. It was so pretty," She spoke softly.
"What light?" Something wasn't quite right.
"Down there," She whispered. Tilting his head, Zoteaki glanced down at the ground fifty feet below them. Everything seemed as dark as ever. The time must have been around midnight, so seeing a light at this time at night was highly unlikely.
"Are you sure?" Zoteaki kept his eyes on the ground. After a few moments passed with no answer, he glanced back at his sister. "Jasmine?" Her eyes were wide open with shock and she starring straight out to the trees surrounding the perch. Stunned, Zoteaki grabbed her arm and felt that she was ice cold, and numb.
"Jasmine, wake up!" Arising to his feet, Zoteaki glanced into the darkness beyond him. A low growl suddenly arose from everywhere. Birds fled the area up into the sky to the full moon above them. Eyes widening, Zoteaki grabbed Jasmine and attempted to carry her in his arms. "Something's not right. Let's get inside," His voice was cracking from fear.
Just as he had made his way inside, and set Jasmine down on his bed, the growl became louder. Filled with fear, Zoteaki's pulse rose as he starred at fear at his little sister.
"Please wake up, Jasmine," He whispered, holding her small hand in his palm. No response came from the perky girl. Just as Zoteaki closed his eyes, the growl became alarmingly loud. Eyes flashing open, Zoteaki yelled for help. His cries fell onto deaf ears as a blast was sent through the wood building, ripping the ceiling and sides off the building.
"UGH," Zoteaki yelled, guarding Jasmine with his body. "I'll protect you," he whispered, as wind whipped around him. "I promise," Stray wood was smashing itself at random against the young Zoteaki. Wincing in pain, he tightened his grasp on his sister. "I PROMISE YOU."
The next thing he knew, he was awaking in a dark dungeon. The room seemed to be glowing a eerie blue, and the feeling of dampness was presence. Opening his eyes, Zoteaki's breath quickened.
Where am I?
Standing up quickly, he looked around at the darkness.
"Jasmine?" He called, a few tears formed in his eyes. "Jasmine, answer me!" A whimper escaped his lips. Looking for the trainee weapon his sensi had given him, he found himself defenseless. "No.." He whimpered, about to bury his head into his fists. To his dis-belief, blood covered his palms. Dried blood, and fresh blood.
"What's..." Frantically looking around the room with fear, he began to run. Run through a vast emptiness.
Stop at once.
He immediately froze when the voice spoke. It filled both his hearing and thoughts.
You are Zoteaki.
"Who are you? What did you do to my family?" He whimpered, shaking immensely.
You were born for the soul purpose of serving the Goddess Althena
"The Goddess?" His voice was so small compared to this endless abyss.
You are the next Blue Dragon, a servant for the Goddess.
"A.. servant? No, I am Zoteaki, son of Brutley." He whispered, beginning to become nervous again.
Your family is dead, all except your sister. Until the fall of the current Blue Dragon, you will serve under him. No one is to know of this, understood?
"No, I don't want this! Brother Blue is doing a great job as the dragon!"
No?
"I don't know who you are. What did you do to my parents?"
You're very existence is for this purpose, and yet you deny it?
"Yes.." Tears fell from the young dragon's face. Stepping forward into the darkness, a dim light was shinning a few feet away. Curiously, Zoteaki walked up to it. Bravery filled the young dragon, as he looked at the liquid. It seemed to glow a brilliant aqua color, and yet had no smell. Tilting his head, Zoteaki reached a hand into it, and withdrew it. Nothing was visible, no water, nothing. Stunned, he starred at it once more.
Look at it, Zoteaki.
"What is it?" Zoteaki asked wearily.
This is your life. Everything you ever will become, the people you will meet.
"What?" Zoteaki asked uneasily glancing back down. The future flashed before his eyes. The downfall of the blue dragon, his ritual of power, the death of his parents, the downfall of Ghaelon, and his position as a teacher at Vane. Then there were a few images that didn't make that much sense. Two fish in a pool of water. A pure black one, and a white one. Then there was the image of battle, and swords. He saw himself fighting with a sword, not dragon power. Then there was complete happiness, but from what? Then... emptiness.
"After that, I found the bodies of my parents, completely ripped to pieces. Each had their heart torn out, and blood dripping from every inch of their body. I couldn't let Jasmine see it, so I told her that our parents were waiting for us in another village. I couldn't tell her they were dead, she wouldn't understand. After that, I found myself wearing this necklace. I continued my swords work with my sensi, until his death. Once Brother Blue died, I resumed residence around the cave, and rebuilt my home for me and my sister," Zoteaki whispered.
"Zoteaki.." I honestly had no idea the dragon had such a horrid past. Darkness loomed in his eyes as a tear fell from his face as he gave a look over to me.
"Yes?" He answered weakly.
"Did you ever figure out what killed your parents?" I asked, unsure if this was the right time to ask.
"Ghaelon. But at the time, I thought it was Vile Tribe, so I ignored it willingly," He sighed heavily.
"Promise me something," I asked, placing a hand reassuringly on his shoulder. Uneasily, he lifted his head up and looked at me hopefully. "Promise me that you will never let Ghaelon trick you. We are both fighting for what's right, never forget that," I whispered.
"Promise." He smiled then seemed off on another topic."Nall, can I ask you something?" He replied with a soft nod.
"Yea, sure?" The question was unexpected, and I felt my heart jump.
"Never mind," He spoke, getting to his feet and sheathing his sword. Alittle disappointed, I arose to my feet and watched him begin to walk north. Sighing, I followed his lead down the dirt path. Remembering I hadn't shown Zoteaki the aurora, I caught up to his side and panted.
"I forgot. to tell you." I huffed. Zoteaki stopped and glanced over at me. "Mia told me to make sure the Red Dragon got this," I spoke showing him the locket around my neck.
"Give it to me," Zoteaki demanded. Benumbed by shock, I gaped at the dragon with astonishment. Had he just demanded for me to give him the precious Red Dragon Aurora. But didn't Mia entrust it to me?
"Why?" I asked timidly, running a hand through the locks of white and red hair.
"It's best we keep it, Nall. Surely the red dragon will come and aid us if we have her most prized possession," Amusement passed Zoteaki's eyes as he crossed his arms and glanced at me.
"True..." Defeated by the wise.
"Now, let's make haste to the nearest village." Zoteaki nodded.
"Do you even know what village or city that would be?" I asked curiously, following him along the grassy path.
"I heard it's a thievery village, so be on your guard," He didn't look back at me when he answered, just straight ahead as he continued to march on. "No more questions, the sun will be setting soon and I'm not in the mood to spend another night in the wild." Zoteaki mumbled. Something defiantly was bothering him, I could tell. And maybe not just about Ghaelon. But what?
"Fine." I groaned and paced behind him.
It took us another half an hour of walking without breaks to reach the outskirts of what appeared like a bustling city or town up ahead. Ears twitching excitedly I hurried my pace. Zoteaki stopped, and I amazingly was able to reach his side. Curiously, I glanced over at him starring at the city from afar.
"Uh, are we going to stare at it or actually go to it? I'm starving and I'm sure they have fish there." Ah yes, the taste of fish! Drool was practically coming out of my mouth as I watched Zoteaki glare and place his hand on his weapon defensively. "Relax, Zoteaki. You're always so tense, god." I replied stuffily, day dreaming about fish once more. The one thing that didn't change over these countless years was fish. Fish fish fish!
"Quiet." Zoteaki spoke, as his hair lightly blew in the gentle gust. Starring blankly, I tried to listen but I heard no peculiar sounds.
"I think you've lost it." I huffed, panting from exhaustion and hunger.
"I said shut up." Zoteaki scowled at me. Shutting up, I glanced around for a few moments. Nothing. Whatever had gotten Zoteaki so worked up all of a sudden must be close. Then again, I was defenseless. Terrific. "Quiet, and stick by my side and move slowly. Be alert of your surroundings." Zoteaki warned as we slowly continued on. Why was he lecturing me like some youngling? I helped save the world before, so there!
"I feel stupid walking like we're being stalked," I groaned, walking beside Zoteaki. He didn't reply but kept his eyes glued on the town in front of us.
"Would you rather be killed and not feel stupid?" Zoteaki finally replied with a hint of amusement.
"Very funny.." I was about to make another protest when something hit me in the back of the head. Collapsing on the ground from shock, I rolled over and glared up at a girl with a sword tightly clenched in her hands. Dark scarlet red hair flowed down to her waist and fiery red eyes glared at me defiantly. She wore but simple clothes, a black shirt with a tan leather vest and a black skirt.
"Ow! Why the hell did you do that for," I moaned and watched Zoteaki lung over my body like some wildcat and slash at her. Unfortunately for Zoteaki, she saw it coming as she guarded and flipped him over beside me.
"Men..." She sighed, then looked down at us. "What are you two doing here? Don't you know that the city is under lock down? Are you some kind of forest go-ers?" She snarled, as she sheathed her sword and tapped her foot.
"And what are you doing here then? You claim the city is under lock down but here you are," Zoteaki spoke rubbing his chin diligently. Cracking a laugh, I felt an angry fist bash me on the side of the head.
"OW!" I snarled.
"I am Amber. And you?" She asked starring at Zoteaki.
"Fine, be like that." I complained, rubbing my head.
"I am Zoteaki. We didn't mean to cause any problems, we are just travelers," Zoteaki explained arising to his feet. Amber nodded and then gave a shrug of her shoulders.
"Same here. See that town? That's my hometown. Sad, isn't it? To be raised in a city filled with dirt bags and thieves and prostitutes." Amber scowled angrily, clenching her fists. Wincing from fear of being smacked again, I whispered to myself.
"Yea, and I bet you're one of them."
"What was that!" Amber spoke sending another fist to the head.
"Would you cut that out, bitch!" I growled, arising to my feet.
"I may have grown up in a lousy town but that doesn't make me one of them," She hissed. She turned to Zoteaki with a calmed face. "Who's this nut job anyhow?" She asked, pointing a finger at me over her shoulder.
"His name is Nall," Zoteaki answered as he crossed his arms. How could he not get peeved off at this little.. ugh.
"Oh?" She glanced over at me. Scowling ferociously I rubbed my head once more.
"What? Going to hit me again?" I snapped.
"You're name is Nall? Are you by any chance the white dragon who helped the dragon master defeat Ghaelon?" She asked, intrigued.
"Ye-." I began but Zoteaki hastily cut me off.
"Of course not. Wouldn't he be in dragon form is he was? Nall is a common name." Zoteaki lied, as he ran a hand through his locks of hair. Sweat rolling down my face, I gave a affirmative nod.
"Uh... yea, sure. Well, you two don't look like thieves or rapers, so I'll take you to a smaller village nearby. It's about a mile or less, there's fresh hunt there." Amber shrugged.
"Thank you," Zoteaki smiled lightly.
"Yea..." I eyed her suspioucsly. How could Zoteaki be so trusting. Giving another shrug, I followed the two down a dirt path to the right.
It was another twenty minutes when we arrived at a smaller village by a hilly terrain. Legs about to fall off from exhaustion, I hurriedly followed the two leaders into the village and to a hut. Amber walked in and sat down on a chair. Inside the hut wasn't all to exciting. A few tables and chairs had been placed orderly around the place. However, the hut was rather large, about the size of a cafe.
"This is the local pub. You don't have to worry about thieves at least," Amber pointed to two seats for us to sit down. Taking the offer rapidly, I collapsed into the chair as relief spread through my veins. Zoteaki smiled and sat down next to me.
"Amber, I've been wondering, are your parents alive?" Zoteaki asked, leaning his hands on the table.
"No, why?" She asked, doing the same. Feeling left out, I counted the moments before I could lay my teeth into that beloved fish. Just to taste that heaven again would be true bliss. Moments passed before I heard Zoteaki answer.
"Curious. No parent would allow someone like you to roam around near a city like back there," Zoteaki replied raising an eyebrow.
"True," She sighed heavily.
"Is something wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing." She whispered. Just then a rather large man walked by the table and stopped. Curious eyes fled from me, then to Zoteaki, and then rested on Amber. Uneasily, I straightened up in my chair and watched the man.
"Hey, aren't you little miss Amber who works at the hotel back in Pofre?" The man asked, stroking his mustache. Zoteaki watched him just as curiously as I. Amber didn't answer, but looked downward.
"No reason to be shy, pretty lass." He man spoke, placing a hand on her shoulder. All our body's tensed up as I glared at the man, about to speak. But it wasn't my place to. Who knows what he could want. "I hear ten thousand is the pay nowadays." The man snickered.
"For what.." I whispered to Zoteaki. He gave a shrug but then went back to eying down the man. Amber's eyes lit up and turned around.
"That'd... be enough to pay off grandmother's debt!.." Amber spoke hopefully, but she didn't have a smile on her face.
"Any clue what's going on?" I asked Zoteaki quietly.
"Not a bit," He replied shortly.
"So, up for the offer?" He grinned. Something about that grin was unsettling. Heart pounding I watched as Amber nodded and stood up.
"If you both will excuse me... I have.. business to attend to. I'll be back here later..." Dread loomed in her eyes as she followed the man through the hallway down the pub. Utterly confused by now I looked over at Zoteaki who was stroking his chin curiously.
"Odd.. who would have business in a place like this?" Zoteaki spoke bewildered.
"I didn't like that guy at all." I snapped clenching my fists tightly. Zoteaki's gaze found me and he gave a weak nod.
"Same here." He replied.
"Zoteaki... you don't think he was a-" I began but Zoteaki gave a regretful nod.
"Yes, Nall."He spoke in an offended tone.
"That sick..." I arose to my feet and charged down the hallway to the door they had disappeared into. Zoteaki followed me and grabbed me by my shoulder. Turning around sharply, I saw Zoteaki starring at me sternly.
"Keep your head," He spoke.
"What kind of advise is that!" I snarled and turned the doorknob and burst through the door. The man had Amber pinned against a wall, half un-dressed. His hands traveled across her like some sort of predator.
"Let go of her you sick bastard!" I hollered. Zoteaki slapped me upside the head angrily.
"That's really keeping you're head, great.." Zoteaki growled as the man turned around and starred us down. Zoteaki stepped forward and unsheathed his sword. "I suggest you let her go and forget about your little deal, and I won't have to rip you to shreds." Zoteaki growled, pointing his sword at the man's neck. Amber had run to a corner where she attempted to shield her body. Tears fell from her face. Uneasily, I walked over to her.
"Don't worry, I'll make that ass pay," I growled. She didn't look up at me or answer, just remained silent. Zoteaki poked the man's neck and hissed.
"Is that a yes or a no?" He demanded.
"Please!... let me live." The man spoke with tears swelling in his eyes. Zoteaki withdrew his sword and placed it back into it's holder. He walked over to where me and Amber were. Bending over, Zoteaki lightly ran a hand through her hair.
"We'll get you out of this shit hole soon enough." He promised, taking out a herb from his pocket. "It'll heal you're wounds faster." He smiled. "And about the mon-" Zoteaki began but was bashed on the back of the head by the man. In his hand was a chair he had picken up. Fainting on the ground, Zoteaki's sword fell. Grabbing it, I unsheathed it and glared at the man.
"You coward!" I hissed, holding it sternly. Seriously, I was creeped out. I had never used a sword before, and the thought of my first battle against a man whore wasn't that settling.
"Begone, filth." Amber spoke, coming out of nowhere with her sword and slicing a gauge into his arm. Painfully he chucked the chair through the hair towards Zoteaki's fallen body.
"Shit!" I hollered and dived over his body in time to numbly receive the blow to my left leg. The man hurried out of the room slamming the door and locked it from the outside.
Then all was silent.
"Are you alright?" Amber asked, turning around to me.
"Barely..." I whispered back, as blood seeped through my leggings.
"Damn, it's all my fault. If I wasn't so... in need of the money this would have never happened. What was I thinking!" Amber yelled to herself.
"Next time think before you subject yourself to being a hoe," I winced as I bent over Zoteaki and grabbed his wrist. Checking his pulse, I sighed with relief. He was still alive.
"I'm sorry if I put you and you're friend through so much trouble. Life started to lose importance to me once I lost my most prized possession," Amber sighed, sitting down in a chair and put her jacket back on. Looking up from Zoteaki, I tilted my head.
"I'm sorry to hear... a possession of mine was also taken by force. But you don't see me acting like some kind of slut." I grunted, thinking back to my dragon aura.
"Men, you're all the same.," She vaguely glared, taking out a Band-Aid and placing it on her arm. Nodding lightly, I ran a hand through Zoteaki's hair.
"I'm sorry, I've failed you again." I whispered to my companion.
"Are you two partners?" Amber asked curiously.
"If you're thinking a couple, you've really got a screwed up head," I spoke defensively.
"I guess not. I haven't heard your guys full story yet, and since we're locked in, I'd like to here it." Amber spoke, crossing her arms and regaining her awareness.
"..." I spoke, unsure what to do. Would Zoteaki share our information so freely like this.
"No, I suppose." Amber spoke disappointed.
"I'm not telling you this just to make you happy, I'm telling you this to shut you up! We met through coincidence. I had been assaulted and rendered helpless by Ghaelon, and then sent to a forest, where I met Zoteaki. All seemed fine about him, until we went to the Blue Dragon shrine where Ghaelon sent his second assault. I knew Zoteaki was the blue dragon... sometimes you just have that gut feeling. And now, after the death of his sister and the destruction of Vane, we've promised to destroy Ghaelon once more, seal him away somewhere." I spoke.
"So you really are dragons.." Amber spoke distant minded.
"Whether you believe us or not is your choice," I murmured.
"Do you always have such a bad attitude? Either way, my life has been filled with disappoint also. My grandmother is on the verge of dieing, and I've lost a precious heirloom of my lineage..." Amber sighed.
"What is it?" I asked, arising to my feet, finally paying attention to the annoying girl.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you... you'd think I'm some short of impostor. Then again, why should I care what you think?.." Amber sighed.
"If you actually believe our story, I'll be open to believe yours," I grunted, at least wanting to know why the hell she is so messed up/
"It's the Red Dragon locket... it's been passed down for countless years to a member of the Red Dragon Cult, and now I'm the last known survivor. I can't believe I lost something that important," She buried her hands into her face.
"You're... the red dragon!" I spoke in disbelief. Great! Some slutty and preppy girl is the red dragon? Figures..
"Not so loud you damned idiot!" She straightened up. A light smirk rolled across my face as I reached into my pocket for the locket I had placed in there earlier.
"Look familiar?" I smiled grabbing it and chucking it towards her. Stunned, she caught it and opened it. Eyes lighting up, she ran over and wrung her arms around me tightly.
"You're giving this to me! How did you-" She whispered, as sweat rolled down her face. Stutterting she murmured."What can I do to repay you? I'm not one to have debts." She asked. Sure I had a few things in mind, but I knew Zoteaki would frown upon them in a heart beat.
"I can think of one that doesn't involve you smacking me," I spoke, with a crude glare.
"And that is?" She spoke raising and eyebrow and placing her hands on her hips.
"Aid me and Zoteaki. We need the power of all four dragons to vanquish Ghaelon, and without you're fire... we won't succeed, as painful as it is for me to ask you for help." I spoke softly.
"Agreed.." As if she was contradicting my thoughts, a mellow expression of joy passed her parted lips. This was the first real time I had seen her smile in this short while. She looked nice smiling.
"Wha'd I miss..." Mumbled the sleeping dragon on the floor beneath us. Glancing downward, I noticed he was rubbing his head rapidly, and his eyes twitched as the dragon opened it. Beaming at us, he arose to his feet slowly and wiped off the remains of blood upon his hands.
"Glad to see you've awake, blue dragon." Irony passed Red's lips as she placed her hands on her hips. Astonishment passed through Blue, as I practically heard his heart stop beating.
"That's-" Zoteaki was quick to a disagreement as usual. Raising my hand, I starred knowingly towards his view.
"Relax. She knows." I stated, and crossed my arms. Relief rushed over him as he picked up his sword from the floor and snapped it back into position. Another thing seemed to float into the dragon's mind as he glanced back up at her.
"Why do you-" Zoteaki began once more. Almost in a grin, I rose my hand to silence him once more. Passing a glance from Red then to Blue, a smile crossed my lips.
"Believe it or not Blue, but she's out third link." I declared.
"Third Link?..." Zoteaki stuttered, eyeing Red then me. Amber rose an eyebrow, as if she thought Zoteaki was dense. Ok, maybe he can be a little dense. "You're?"
"Amber, Red Dragon, pleased to meet you," She snickered, extending a hand. Zoteaki shook it, dumbfounded as he glanced at her then to me.
"But, you're? What happened to Sister Red?" Zoteaki asked worriedly. With a slight jerk of my head, I gazed over at her, wanting to know the same answer.
"Ghaelon." Amber replied bitterly.
"Damnit!" Both myself and Zoteaki said in unison. Giving each other surprised looks, I felt a little embarrassed to have burst out so suddenly. Then again, I clenched my fists with anger knowing that Ghaelon really had murdered all the dragons, and left inexperienced ones to take over.
"Well then, Red, I have a proposition," Zoteaki contended to Amber. Contemplating nervously, I was eager to discover what deal Zoteaki was going so strike up.
"Go on," She said smugly, as she placed the Red Dragon Aura around her neck and swung it proudly. Startlement filled Zoteaki once more as his jaw dropped. If he had opened it any wider, it would have hit the floor.
"Nall! You gave her!-" Zoteaki began angrily.
"What else was I to do? She's freaking annoying when she gets on about her past. And plus, she's going to help us." I protested, uncrossing my arms and fighting back defensively.
"I told you not to give it to the red dragon when you found her!" Zoteaki continued.
"Not my fault!" I growled.
"You weren't the one to be bashed upside the head by a bloody pervert," Zoteaki hissed.
"Boys!" Amber hushed sending a weak wall of floating fire in between us. Each of us sent her a death glare. Stepping back uneasily, a drop of sweat rolled down her face. Not just from the heat either. "Do you always fight so recklessly?"
"Humph.." Zoteaki mumbled, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms. He didn't dare look me in the eye. Stubbornly, Amber looked over to see my return expression.
"We're not going to get revenge on our lineage by babbling like idiots."
"But we can sure try." I heard Zoteaki speak from his spot against the wall. A smug expression crossed his face as Amber let down the wall and gaped at him acrimoniously.
"If you hadn't saved me a few minutes ago, I'd smack you right now!" She hissed.
"Is that so?" Zoteaki spoke, glancing over at her and standing up straight.
"Just because you're the blue dragon doesn't make you any better of a person," Amber replied, giving him chin. Trying not to crack up, I gave a spare glance at Zoteaki. His face went pale from anger and blue swirls formed in his hand. All we needed was a fight in the middle of a pub.
"Not to break this up, seeing I'd love to see how it would turn out, but I really think we should get the hell out of here." I snapped. Both dragons stopped their feud and nodded respectfully. Ha, finally some respect to the White Dragon.
"Let's just get out of this dump." Amber sighed.
"I concur," Zoteaki mumbled as the three of us left the pub at once.
"I've been wondering something."
We had just left the village, after Amber had given her goodbyes to her grandmother within it. It seemed that Amber worked at the thievery city her whole life but lived in the small, more remote hut village. Either way, this wasn't some type of girl I'd want to get used to. She seemed to fake, like she really didn't have emotions. And besides that, she wasn't the brightest or most beautiful gem in the box. Hell, she looked like an average human.
"Yes?"
Then there was Zoteaki. He seemed so eager to want to jump down her throat and criticize everything she did and start a fight. However, the only fights he and I shared were important. Ones about people's lives. Yet, mine and Red's fights were different. It was a simple case of the sexes, fighting for superiority. And I was cast out into the cold while I listened to these talk casually, and me and Red bicker like small children.
"Nall back there wouldn't give me a straight answer. Are you two gay?"
There it was yet again. Why did every person we come across assume we were some bisexuals looking for a good time. Cringing, I slowed my pace so the distance between the two dragons was greater. Twitching my ear, I felt my stomach growl. That's right... I didn't eat anything or get a sword like Zoteaki said. Now inraged, I calmed myself rapidly. No, we've got the red dragon on our side. Much more settling then a possession.
"Why do you think that?"
How... could he answer with something like that! For sure she'd think we were really bisexual homo's now. Almost afraid to look up for an answer, I continued following them. Very, very slowly. I did not want to be labeled 'gay', when I hardly knew Zoteaki. Hell, it's only been about a week. Or maybe two?
"You two just seem so. I don't know, like you want each other or something every time you stare into the other's eyes."
She was giggling now. Snarling under my breath, I silently wished I had claws right now. To claw the eyes out of that preppy girl.
"But if you are, that's fine. My brother was, but he died."
Oh, so you except gays? Great, because we AREN'T! I felt like screaming. Still slowing my pace, I was now a yard behind him, but still capable of hearing their conversation. This journey wasn't going to be all pleasant if every person we meet thinks we're gays. Especially seeing we've still got Black to go. Pausing from my stride, I thought for a moment. What was the black dragon really like? Was he cruel? Or was he a know it all like Zoteaki? Or was he a perfect prep like Amber. Wishing he'd be someone that actually understood me, I continued walking again.
"Sorry to hear, but the answer is no. My fiancé died two years ago. I should have known not to fall in love with a human."
Fiancé? Since when did Zoteaki have a fiancé? Now this was getting interesting. Perking my ears up, I quickened my pace so I was half a yard away now. Then again, I did feel envious of him now. He had found love but it was taken away. Better to had loved then never at all I suppose...
"What was her name?"
Amber had turned so melancholy now. Each pang of her voice sounded so sincere. My did she have a changing personality.
"Lily." Zoteaki whispered.
"I'm sorry about that," Amber whispered. Zoteaki gave a shrug and looked down at the path ahead of him. Now fully interested, I caught up to his side and looked diligently at him.
"How come you never told me you had a girlfriend?" I asked, as if I was some nosey child.
"You never asked." Zoteaki replied simply.
"Pfft..." I replied, slinking back behind them, but only by a few feet.
"And Nall?" Zoteaki called from ahead. Raising my glance, I watched him.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Here." Zoteaki spoke chucking a large vessel at me wrapped in a brown material. Stunned, I caught it and held it closely. Continuing to walk, I began to unwrap it slowly. To be utter amazement, inside was a brand new rapier. Brightly gleaming, I dropped the paper and gave it a swing.
"Hey! Watch we're your aiming that death weapon," Amber spoke, whirling around and starring me down. Sweating uneasily, I put it into it's case and on my belt. She was scarey when she was mad. Very scarey... "And no littering." She answered smugly and walked back beside Zoteaki.
"Conceited little bitch..." This was going to be a long journey. And to think I was going to have to share it with these two high class acts. Like that was going to happen...yea... it wasn't... Too bad.
AN:
Hmm what does this all mean? FIND OUT SOON :) Yes, nall desn't like Amber at all. He's only friends with Zoteaki. YAY. Zoteaki is such a mellow-head :)
and yes, I do have a few plot twists up meh sleeve. Some unexpected. But no fears, they won't be revealed into alter. Much later. So you just got to wait. And no, Black dragon won';t be on for awhile. He's on vacation, lol. and besides, the three need to get through loads of towns and places before they can reach the black dragon cave. And you do realize I am making up the town s as I go.. stupid me :)