after this chapter, I'm not sure how fast I can update :( My internet is being changed, so I might be idle for a few days to a few weeks. However, once I do come back, I will be able to rapidly update this story, seeing I'll have most of the chapters done. Just thought I'd like to tell you. The next chapter might be up before my internet change, not sure.

Thanks for understanding. By the way, I'd like to thank everyone who reviews and leaves me with such awesome commnets. Without you guys, I don't think I'd be this far in this story. Thanks for much..

Chapter Eleven:
Flaming Legacy

Can you hear me
Can you see any part of me
Can you feel me
Can you bleed for me

Can't you see me walkin in your shoes
Can't you feel me steppin all over your soul
Can't you feel me reach into you

Can't you feel me walkin over your soul
Can't you feel me wait in pain
Can't you feel me reach into you

"Get ready to set sail!"

Time. Time has an effect on everyone, doesn't it? You could be set on your ways, but the everlasting effect of time can change you within moments. Hate can't be focused at a person forever, especially when the hate was created over the most insignificant quarrel. When time is in control, you may find yourself enemies with someone, then the best of friends. Time is always changing your soul, and what you love and care about can always change... in the blink of an eye.

The gentle sea breeze tickled my gentle skin on my face. The familiar smell of the ocean soon filled my thoughts, and adrenaline pumped through my veins. We were setting off, setting off to the southern continent to The Black Dragon Cave. Once we did land, it would be a long haul until we actually reached the cave. Many towns stood in our way, but we were ready. No one stood a chance against three dragons.

"Kind of amazing, isn't it?"

Amber stood beside me, arms crossed and eyes peeled on the ocean before us. Within moments we would be leaving this continent, and on to the next one. Just thinking about the waves ahead, and the sensation of sailing again made me smile brightly. Casting a soft glance over at the red dragon, I gave a content nod and leaned against the railing of the ship. Strands of my hair whipped by in the wind.

"Yea, it is. Have you ever been on a ship before?"

"No... I've never been off this continent."

Cocking my head to the side, I ran a stray hand through my hair. The breeze was picking up, and it was about ten minutes till setting sail. Zoteaki was more than likely in the captain's room, planning on steering to success. The only other people on the ship were two men, who were helping us set the sails. At the time of departure, they'd swing off the boat into port. So it truly was us against the rough sea.

"Have you?" She didn't look at me when she spoke, only on the waves ahead. Unsettlement resided in her eyes.

"Yes, once or twice." Replying in a melancholy voice, I turned my attention back to the sea.

"Zoteaki seems to be taking to the captain job nicely."

Turning my head, I watched as her red hair whipped in the wind. Fiery eyes were starring at me for a moment before she crossed her arms and leaned against the small vessel's railing.

"Who better for the job, than the blue dragon himself?" A light snicker passed my parted lips as I turned back to the waves.

"But he can't control the oceans, can he?" Blinking a few times, she ran a hand under her chin thinking for a few moments.

"No. The ocean is too vast for a single creature to control. Ponds and lakes? Yes." I knew more then I seemed to. Dragon information was my specialty at times, and some other times it wasn't. Hell, I barely knew what my full powers were. Wind, how the heck could I turn wind to my advantage.

"Oh, you're not as dense as you seem." She grinned, then walked off to the other side of the ship. Turning a dark scarlet from anger, I reached out to grab her hand and give her a piece of my mind, but she was already feet away. Puffing my cheeks out from frustration, I turned back to the waves.

We had begun to move now, and the temporary crew had just slid off the boat to the dock. It felt good to be on the ocean again, it really did. The gentle crashing of the waves, the melodic sound of rushing water. Sometimes I wonder why I hadn't been the born the blue dragon if I loved water so much? Maybe it's just an instinct all dragons share?

The trip was going smoothly, and I begun to grow bored. Pushing off from the rail, I made my way to the captain's cabin. Stepping inside, I saw Zoteaki steering the ship with ease. Of course, he was facing the other direction, so he hadn't noticed me come in. Raising an eyebrow, I walked closer up behind him, but did not make my presence know. After awhile, he had begun to mutter to himself.

"Sometimes I wonder.."

Wondering what he was wondering, I crossed my arms and remained stiff as stone. Every minute he would flick his wrist and change the boat's direction slightly. It was as if he was a skilled crew member, and knew of these skills far before this. Who knows, maybe he did.

"Why there are four elements but-" he began but glanced over his shoulder. I took an alarmed step backwards and snapped my hand behind my head and turned a dark red. I was expecting him to be angry for me spying, but a light smile overcame his face as he looked at me from the corner of his eye. "Hey Nall, having fun yet?"

"Fun? Oh right! Yea!"

"That's good. Care to take a spin at the wheel?"

Mouth gaping open, I became rather startled. I had never steered a boat in my life before. What if I caused us to crash? Or even worse.. die. Gulping, I felt sweat roll of my face at rapid speeds. Taking a step back, I uncrossed my arms and began to make hand motions nervously.

"I couldn't possibly-" I began.

"Don't worry. Just give it a shot." Taking a deep sigh, I nodded and walked up to the now vacant wheel. Starring at it vaguely, I placed both hands on it at ten and two, which was commonly used. Taking a spare glance at Zoteaki, I watched as he stepped closer and placed his hands on the wheel also. Heart-stopping, I watched as he moved my hands to the correct positions and let go.

"Um.. thanks." I stuttered.

"You look pale.. do you get seasick easily?" Zoteaki asked nervously. Blinking, I snapped myself out of my startle-meant and turned my attention to the sea ahead and sharply nodded.

"I'm fine! Just not used to being in control." Keeping a calm head, I watched him from the corner of my eye.

"You're pretty good for a beginner. Ever consider becoming a sailor?"

"What? No! I don't want to be strung to any job. That's why I want to kill Ghaelon, he thinks we're just servants!" I snapped angrily, gripping the wheel firmly.

"It can be a hobby, y'know. Discovering new islands, finding gold, creating bonds of trust with others," Zoteaki listed off.

"Why, do you want to become one?" Raising an eyebrow, I starred at the open sea ahead. Just empty blue sea, nothing exciting.

"Yes, I've always loved the sea." Zoteaki smiled.

"Oh.."

"And I was wondering if you'd like to my co-captain on my own ship."

"R-really?"

I let go of the wheel, completely forgetting my current duty. Zoteaki was offering the chance to make something of myself after this was all over. Lightly grinning, I gave a quick nod and a faint smile. Usually I didn't smile.. there really wasn't that much to smile about in life. But as this journey continued onward, I found reasons to shed an upward expression of the lips, here and there, of course.

"Yes. I'm planning on sailing around the world."

"Wow!" The idea of sailing around the world wasn't brought up much. Most sailors told horror stories of cyclones, and dark vortexes within the south sea.

"Yea. So, if you still want to accompany me by the end of this journey, make sure to let me know." He smiled and retook the open wheel. Just standing there, I smiled from pride and walked outside of the captain's cabin, to go find Amber.

You wouldn't believe the position I found her in, when I did. She was hunched over the nearest rail, head overlooking the edge. Raising an eyebrow, I walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Isn't that a little dangerous?" Sweat rolled off my face as I watched her.

"Nughh..."

"Uh, Amber?"

She turned around and her face was pale and she looked very seasick. Trying to hold back a snort of laughter, I let go of her and placed my hand over my mouth to stop myself from laughing. But it was hilarious. She was such a prideful dragon, and usually had no weaknesses. Except the ocean, heh.

"I feel sick.." She spoke sitting down on the ship weakly. Instead of finding a seat, she sat down on the boards.

"I can see," I snickered.

"It's not funny!" She whined face turning even more paler as she began to her head.

"Maybe you should go down to the cabin's and get some rest?" I advised weakly.

"I'll-be fine.. I may be sick but I'm fi-!" She began but jumped up and lunged against the side, holding onto the rail weakly. Snorting from laughter, I watched as he leaned herself against the rail.

"You want an herb or something for that hurl thing you've got?" I sneered, as I took out a herb from my pocket and handed it in her direction. Turning around, she took it and shoved it in her mouth and leaned once more against the rail, trying to recover.

"..." She looked away from me. Furrowing my brows, I sighed.

"This is the part where you thank me." I began.

"Thanks.." She whispered, avoiding eye contact.

"Oh come on! What was that? Sounded like a dead-cow."

"Thank you." She still avoided my gaze.

"Look me in the eye, and thank me."

"Stop it!" She snapped and grabbed my arm aggressively. Stunned, I toppled backwards onto my ass. Wincing in pain, I stood up and rubbed my head.

"Guess I deserved that.."

"Damn right." She snickered. "Hey, Nall. Can we talk for a few minutes down in the room? All these waves are getting to me." Even when she spoke you could tell she was becoming faint once more as she swayed restlessly on her feet, almost in the same rhythm as the boat.

"Uh, sure?" I replied distantly, not really thinking much of it.

"Thanks."

We made our way down the stairs into the main hallway. There were two rooms. One for myself, and one for Amber. These were our sleeping quarters, and probably our homes for the next few days as she sailed. Zoteaki's room, however, was the captain quarters. Amber led me inside her room and lightly shut the door once I was in. Cocking an eyebrow, I turned to her and shrugged my shoulders. As expected, she plopped down on her bed and gapped at the ceiling above her.

"So, what you want to talk about?"

Unsure of what her reply would be, I uneasily remained upon my feet. The rocking of the boat was subdue down here, oddly. It would seem if the rocking would be more extreme if you were lower. But it wasn't. Sighing heavily, I leaned against the bunked Amber was resting on. Within a few moments, I followed her gaze that landed upon me.

"Ever hear of Cursia De Drogoon?"

Stunned, I took a seat on the stool along her bed. Heart beating incredibly fast because of the words she just uttered, I felt myself become dizzy. So this wasn't something Zoteaki was making up, the dragons really did have a curse. Gulping, I gave a fragile nod.

"Yes."

"Well.."

"What's wrong?" Blinking a few times, I continued to watch her with much interest.

"I'm afraid."

"Afraid?" Eyes widening, I crossed my arms. Unsure of what to say, I gulped down any regret I was having at the moment, and leaned against the edge of the bed to continue to watch her. "Afraid of what?"

"My curse." She whispered back, sitting up on her bed and leaning against the headboard.

"What is it?" I dared.

"Why did I have to be stuck with the worst curse..." She whimpered, burying her head into her hands and baled. Furrowing my brows, I cleared my throat. It was out of place to see Amber crying, after she had this tough aurora around her.

"What's your curse, you'll feel better if you tell me."

"Nall.. I'm." She looked at me, with tear-stricken eyes.

"You what?" I asked, voice quavering.

"I'm going to die." She spoke, grabbing me by the collar and breathing heavily. Stunned, I blinked and became very uncomfortable with this position. I didn't really want her this close to me, she was more of a rival.

"Wha?" I asked, unsure what to say. She let go, and stood up whilst shaking.

"I'm cursed to die if I am ever stricken down on battle. That's why I didn't fight back against the pirates.. I don't want to die, Nall. I don't want to die.." Tears fell from her face, then upon the hull of the ship below us.

"I-" I began but then stood up and, against my better judgement, placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll make sure you won't die, mkay?" It was an empty promise. I was in this for myself, and to kill Ghaelon. That's it. I was not going to baby-sit anyone.

"Thank you." She buried her head against my chest and wept openly. Quavering my upper lip from discomfort I could only sigh

The second day of sailing went much smoother than the first. I awoke first thing in the morning, or so It seemed at the time, and made my way out of my bedroom. I found Amber reading in her room, trying to keep her mind of the curse, and I found Zoteaki in his quarters, steering as always. Both had distanced themselves from me today, so here I stood, looking out onto the waves.

It truly was a awe-inspiring day. The melodic crashing of the waves, and the fresh scent of fish combined and led me on to a personal heaven. Nose twitching, I took in the familiar scents and leaned against the rail, just like yesterday. There was nothing to do, but stare out into the vast ocean. The others didn't want to talk, so I didn't push.

Instead, I walked back down to my room to take a short nap. It was a nice sleep, accounting for the dreams I begun to have.

"Is my adventure drawing to a close?"

I was at that place, again. This dream journey seemed to becoming a usual, especially seeing I could talk to Quark whenever. Did the others have these kind of dreams? Or was it just me. Cold wet fur came into knowledgement as I respectfully left it be. How rude would it be to clean your fur in the presence of spirits? I had to think before I acted.

"You still have three dragons to convince."

Stunned, I thought to myself silently. Three? I thought Sister Black was the only one left. Taking a step into the darkness, I approached the top of the steps, a bit confused.

"Three?..."

"In time you will know what I mean. Until them, keep faith in your allies."

Extending my wings, I looked around in the darkness. Was Quark just here in spirit, or was he here in person. Shrugging, I began to wonder what my journey would lead me to next.

"Quark, tell me, if there a way to save Amber?"

"You mean Red?"

"Yes."

"Why? It is her destiny to die."

"But-" I began to protest.

"Never, never mess with your destiny. If you do, expect consequences."

"But I don't want her to die!" I yelled.

"Lower your voice, young white." Quark advised me.

"How can you be so cruel and set in your ways?"

Was this really the Quark I knew. Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself and flapped my wings softly. But being in his presence relaxed me. He was wise, and what he knew was right, no matter what I thought. He was the only person I could trust in this world, so I had to listen.

"You may be able to reverse your curse, but do not meddle with the other's affairs. There curses are their own problems, and it does not concern you."

"But they're my friends!"

"Friends are useless. If you focus on them, you are a failure, young one."

"No man is a failure when he has friends!" I continued to protest eagerly. My claws were beginning to retract as I sat there, lifelessly.

"You are no man, but a dragon."

"I believe this meeting is over, Quark." I declared.

I found myself awaking in the middle of the second night. Oddly, my body was frigid cold, and my eyes were having a hard time adjusting to the new found darkness. Having trouble breathing, I moved my numb body out of bed, and collapsed on the floor. Within a few minutes I regain control of my body and stumbled up the stairs to Zoteaki's room. I didn't know why I did, and I didn't care. Something was wrong.

When I reached the top, I was greeted by the cracking of thunder and flashes of lighting. Heart pounding increasingly faster, I made my pace rapidly to the captain quarters. Inside was the blue dragon, passed out on the wheel.

"Zoteaki!"

My yell caused him to wearily turn around and stare vacantly at me. Heart rearing out of my chest, I charged up to him and lifted his arm off the wheel and shook his body increasingly hard.

"What the hell are you doing!"

"Th-the." He began and I furrowed my eyebrows anxiously. Nothing was going right, at this moment, and I just wanted to be safe on land. Safe at home. Then again, what was home? Is there such a thing as home? Possibly..

"How long have you been idle!" I snapped, filled with frustration.

"Nall, there's something I need to tell you," I was the only thing keeping his body up. Becoming increasingly worried, I ran a hand through his hair and shook him once more. Drabbles were coming out from his throat, and I couldn't make out the words he was saying. All I understood was that he needed to tell me something, whatever that may be.

"Go ahead.."

"Take Amber and get out of here." Was all I could make between his coughs as he leaned against the wheel for support. If he had been leaning on the wheel like this for too long, god knows where we could be. Biting down on my lip, I straightened him up.

"I'm not leaving you here. You're the blue dragon, we need you!"

"Take Amber to Pentigual, the city of traveling winds. There you'll find next dragon master." Eyes snapping shut, he fell into a light slumber. Eyelids fluttering once in awhile, I felt his pulse remain at ease as he restlessly slept.

"I'm not going to leave you here to drown! Now get up and steer out of this storm!" I demanded. The boat was rocking dangerously, and the thunder rolled outside. I knew we were taking on water above deck, I could tell. Within moments we could be hanging between life and death if we didn't get the hell out of here. "Zoteaki! Get up!" He did not stir as I continued to shake him. Tears of frustration fell from my eyes as I dropped his body against the wheel and charged out of the room. "Don't die, I'm coming back for you. I won't let another innocent life die. You here me!"

I could have saved him if I was stronger, if I was in my dragon form I could have flew him out of here. Amber would be my lifeline. She had her aurora, and could transport me on her back. But.. I'd rather have her save Zoteaki. I didn't deserve to live anyhow, and Zoteaki had much of a stronger heart and soul.

"Nall!"

Turning my head, I watched as the red dragon charged up the stairs, confusion looming in her fiery eyes. As expected, she flailed her arms around my numb body and breathed quickly.

"What's going on." She whispered.

"A storm. Take Zoteaki on your back and get out of here! Get to Pentigual and find the dragon master." I informed her. Uneasily, she let go of me as water appeared on the deck around us, getting my shoes wet.

"What about you!" She began but I grabbed her by the arm.

"Don't worry about me. I'm a grown dragon, now get Zoteaki out of here before you both die!" I demanded, bearing my teeth. Unsure, Amber closed her eyes and turned to the captain's quarter.

"I don't want to leave you here to die."

"I won't die. Promise." I easily lied. I knew I wouldn't survive this, and this world wouldn't mourn my death.

"Can't I carry you both on my back-!" She began, filled with hope. Shaking my head violently, I shoved my hands into my pockets.

"You'd be exerting too much energy. Promise me you'll get Zoteaki out of here safely. He has his whole life to live, I don't want to see it cut short."

"You're such an idiot.." She whimpered, leaving me on the deck to get Zoteaki. Within moments, she had dragged his lifeless body onto the deck. Laying in the water, he remained as stiff as stone. Amber glanced up at me and clenched her necklace tightly.

"Don't die, Nall.." Transforming into the elegant figure of the red dragon, I helped Zoteaki's body onto her back. The fiery orbs of her eyes looked at me with much concern as she nudged me eagerly. Turning my attention to her, I remained quiet.

"Meet us in Pentigual, ok?" Amber asked nervously, flapping her wings. The lighting drew closer, and the boat was taking on much water. Giving an informative nod, I squinted me eyes.

"I will. Take care of him, okay? Now hurry and get out of here!" She began to hover in the air. Something overcame me as I opened my mouth and began to yell. "Keep faith Amber. Make sure nothing happens to you!"

At that was when she reached altitude and looked down at me. With one final look at me, she turned her dragon form and flew into the distance, not looking back. Gulping, I accounted my current situation.

"What to do.." I asked myself, pacing back and forth. By now the water was up to my knees and I wasn't quite sure how much longer this ship would hold. And right when that thought passed my mind, the hull tipped and dumped me into the vast icy waters of the ocean.

"Shit." I coughed, as water filled my lungs. Reaching surface, I glanced around at the black skies, and the silhouettes of the lightning, and the rumbles of thunder. My only hope was to swim, and let faith runs it's course. Then.. I fell unconscious. My whole body was filled with the feeling of being weightless, and a blinding filled my vision

Then.. everything went quiet.

I have to stay strong. I can't let them go on their own and complete this mission. Ghaelon still has to pay. I won't let him kill any others, especially when this world is in peril. Damn you, Ghaelon. You will pay!

AN:

I know, it's shorter then hell. But it's one of those in-between chapters. Anyway, look forward to the next chapter... whenever I can update. Thanks again for reviewing :) And Pentigual is the place in L2EB where Hiro and Ruby see Ghaelon as the dragon master... right?