Chapter Thirteen: Aqua Legacy

Trapped in darkness - Alive and dead
Thousand years - A blink of the eye
I'm searching by the light of the moon
Unknown stories - I can tell
The lurking horror - Out of hell
Damned to live by the light of the moon
Riding through the dawn
Hiding from the sun
Addicted to the blood - Desperate for love...
The ancient curse - Flows in my veins
Demon blood - Forever reigns
Cloaked in darkness - beware the night
Countless victims - Through the years
Perpetual nightmare - Breeding fear
The dark stranger - beware the night
Hellbound - Legend still lives on
Revenge - Live in fear of

"Hey, Zoteaki?"

Night lay upon the sound ocean that lay over the world of Lunar. There was no moon, but the stars far above shed their frosty glitter over the crashing waves. Wind gently blew across the surface, creating small ripples in the vast ocean.

Amber's voice filled the spacious main part of the rented room. They were both in the main room, sailing through the darkest of the night. Zoteaki had offered to sail through and let Amber take a well-deserved slumber, but she uneasily declined, thinking back to what happened last time. Perking his ears up, Zoteaki glanced over at Amber who was sitting on the built in bench along the room. Pausing, he took his eyes off the wheel, seeing it was clear sailing, and took a seat next to her.

"Yes?"

Barely being able to see in the dark night, Amber attempted to look the blue dragon in the eyes, but found it impossible. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair, as if she was bored. Taking a moment to consider what to say, or how to say it, Amber distractedly swished her feet that were hanging off the edge, in a circle.

"I was wondering if you knew anything about Curisa De Drogoon."

Her innocence of question filled the stale air. Blinking a few times, Zoteaki cleared his throat. Does she really wish to know of my knowledge? Zoteaki thought vaguely. Lacing his fingers together and crossing his arms, he pondered a good response. He really hadn't been asked a question like this by anyone other than Nall, so coming up with an answer was a tricky situation, indeed.

"Yes, why?"

Raising an eyebrow from curiosity, Amber watched him intently. Gazing downward, a bit out of place, Amber shrugged her shoulders and closed her eyes tightly.

"I was just wondering. Nall and I've talked about the curses, so I was wondering if you knew anything."

"Nall, spoke to you of Cursia De Drogoon?"

Now completely intrigued by the conversation, Zoteaki furrowed his eyebrows intensely. True, the three dragons needed to be tightly nit together in relations, but had Nall opted to say too much? Both of the dragons aboard the boat seemed weary of each other about this topic, and the stale air around them wasn't that settling either.

"Yea, I told him mine." Amber parted her lips, as dread loomed across her facial expressions.

"I see. If it makes you feel any better, I'll shed light on mine?" Zoteaki asked, eyes glittering in the darkness. Heart-stopping, Amber shook her head eagerly, as if the anecdote to life was knowing how badly others were suffering. And that could be a downfall, disguised as a trait.

"Please, do. I'll tell you mine in return."

"Ever since birth, I was cursed. At first I didn't realize what the curse was, but as life went on, I noticed I was the only one of my training class to not have fallen in love with a girl. Passing it off easily, my parents became worried and arranged for me to marry a member of the Goddess Church. Her name was Lily, we were arranged to marry since a early age, and she seemed like a good friend. She dragged me around the city, never shopping though. She was more of a friend then a wife, and it slowly dawned of me we had nothing special. But she died.. time can do that to a person, especially seeing I was chosen as the blue dragon. Other reasons were involved in her death, but I dare not speak of them. I'd rather keep to myself. Deciding to take up a job at Vane, I believed to have fallen in love with the sorceress, Mia. As before, it was more of a friendship then anything and I had only the utmost admiration for her. If you hadn't guessed, Amber, I've been cursed to not feel the sensational feeling of love."

Jaw falling a few feet, Amber starred widely at the blue dragon. Continuing to swing her feet around busily, Amber crossed her arms and shook her head in dismay. Sure, his curse was bad, but not as sinful as the one she bore.

"I see. Well, you may have not guessed mine so easily. I was born and raised in a small town with grandmother. Grandmother taught me everything I knew, how to act, how to live, and especially about the power of the sword. Weapons are the only things to protect. I myself received the red dragon aurora but two years ago, and I had also learned of my fatal curse in a run in with a savage. His name was Soren, and he struck me down for my naive ness. I almost died, if he had been any more rough, I would have. Many considered my wounds small, and did not understand why they affected me so horridly. But I did... I was slowly dieing inside. And if I was ever stricken down in battle, I would surely die." A single tear fell from her face. Zoteaki seemed utterly stunned as he placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. Looking up, Amber blinked a few times to remove the tears from her blurry vision.

"Please help me find Nall." Amber pouted, almost in a plea. Stunned a bit, Zoteaki gave a sharp nod then a gentle smile.

"I will, and I am."

"Wherever you are Nall, we'll find you. I'm not done annoying you yet...so don't get yourself killed."

"Do you want to learn to defend yourself, Amber?"

Starring vaguely at him, Amber took an alarmed step backwards. Creating a stern expression to hide the veil of startle-ment, she waved her arms around frantically before placing them upon her hips.

"I know how to fight."

"I know that. Would you like to learn a special way of combat?" His words were pronounced with much emphasize and yet stubborn-ness wrapped all into one.

"Special way? You're making it sound awfully boring," Amber yawned, trying to push Nall out of her mind. Zoteaki flickered a skim of anger causing Amber to shrink back, as her face turned lightly flustered. "Sorry."

"Now, as I was saying, I was wondering if you'd like to learn of the Blue Dragon Techniques?" A smile spread across his lips.

"Are you sure these aren't things you've made up?" Amber snickered, leaning against the support rail in back of her as she fixed her eyes at the blue dragon, as if not to miss any conversation.

"No. Before I was selected to be the next blue dragon, I was in the Blue Dragon Cult."

"That doesn't sound that kind," Amber considered, shrugging her shoulders.

"You must be comparing to the Black Dragon Cult," Zoteaki whispered, eyes flashing a violent red from anger. Shrinking back even more, sweat rolled off Amber's face as she watched the cool-headed dragon loose his control momentarily.

"The Blue Dragon Cult focuses the power of the sword, mind, body, and spirit. Once you learn to use your own body as a weapon, you can combine a weapon for ultimate strength." Zoteaki continued to explain.

"Sounds powerful, huh?" Amber asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It is. I'm sure a fellow dragon would be able to learn it." Zoteaki guessed, standing up and taking his position at the wheel. Placing one hand on it to steer, he turned his glance back over at Amber to continue their small conversation.

"You're only teaching me this because of my curse, aren't you? You think I can't handle myself, don't you!" Amber roared, now losing her cool. A little taken back, Zoteaki gave a shake of his head in protest.

"No, but you were the one to be captured by those pirates back in-" Zoteaki began but Amber clenched her fists and cut in.

"Those thugs caught me off-guard that's all!"

"But isn't the element of surprise an important part of war and battle? Do you really expect the enemy to present it's every move to you?" Zoteaki replied sternly.

"..." Not being able to find a reply, Amber just leaned back against the rail, and blew a strand of hair out of her face.

"Exactly."

"Why do you know so much?" The question rang out through the ship. Glancing over once more, Zoteaki sighed.

"If you were to be a member of the Blue Dragon Cult, you must spend two years of studying ancient lunar past, magic and war." He explained, shifting the ship's position by forty five degrees.

"Oh, really..." Amber looked away and back out the window while Zoteaki remained silent, considering what there was left to be said. Gazing out the window, Amber noticed a star glittering brightly in the dark sky. Holding her necklace tightly in her clasped hands, she whispered softly.

"Wherever you are Nall, we'll find you. I'm not done annoying you yet...so don't get yourself killed."

These dreams were persistent, it seemed. However, this wasn't the usual dream I was given, this dream was like the one I had back in the coast town. A dream about the future, and not knowing what was going on.

This time I found myself in a castle. Everything was made from garnet, so it glowed a dark red. Attached to my belt was a rather large sword, sending off fiery embers. Eyes widening, I took a look at my armor. Wasn't this the armor both Alex and Dyne had worn? Becoming a bit excited, I took a step forward.

Suddenly, the slowly familiar sight of the castle hall turned into a blurry and revolving garnet blur. This time, I was awaken in a grand hall. Nothing seemed familiar, except the glowing of the red garnet. Sitting at the throne was none other than Ghaelon. Gritting my teeth, I charged forward.

"Ghaelon!" I hollered, charging forward.

He arose from his royal seat and beckoned me closer. Stopping dead in my tracks, I stepped backwards on my right heel. Now unsure what was going on, I watched as he lifted a hand in the air and summoned down a creature. This creature, was human.

"What?..." I whispered, trying to figure out what was going on. I didn't know who it was, nor it's gender. All I knew was this burning fire in my soul to fight onward, to save whoever it was.

"Let them go!" I snapped, unsheathing my sword.

"Take this as a warning, white dragon. If you try to manipulate my plans, this world will be destroyed, along with the millions and billions of lives." A sinister grin spread across his face.

"Then where would you be left to go?" I held my sword tightly, starring down the emperor.

"The BlueStar, of course." Lacing his fingers together, the dark magician took a step closer. Heart-stopping, I remained firm in place as he continued to become closer. I could have ran, I had the chance, but I was stubborn to stand here.

"I see you've grown a lot since your travels with that boy." Maniacal laughter came from him, but was rather soft for a villain.

"We will stop you, you son of a bi-" I began but he sent a thunderbolt on me. Leg wincing in pain, I fell to the ground, holding it tightly. In between blinks of pain, I noticed he was standing above me, holding that proud expression.

"Stop me? As if you could do that. Soon the power of the Goddess and dragon's will be mine, forever."

"In your dreams," I snapped, trying not to faint from the increasing pain.

"My dreams? But these are your dreams, dear Nall." His hand extended out of nowhere as he lightly touched my face, causing the healing gauge in my face to reopen, and send a zap of agony through my body.

"Auugh." I moaned, trying to keep my eyes open.

"I will be awaiting your company, do come soon to try and stop me." Ghaelon laughed, and turned his back on me and began to walk back to his throne. I may have been unwise, but I arose to my feet, through the pain and exhaust and grunted. He turned around, and glared me down.

"See you in hell."

And with that, everything went dark. But this feeling overcame me. A feeling that everything was going to be ok. Even though it wasn't.

"Nall?"

A warm spreading emotion of joy filled my veins as I felt a gentle, caring touch stroke my hair.

"Nall, are you dead! Wake up."

I remained frozen, as if stopped by time. I wanted to reach out to this spirit, and tell them I was fine, but I could not. I was idle, and there was no way to let on I was still alive, even if I was.

"Nall, you can't die on me!"

Eyes fluttering open, I was greeted by a sobbing Amber. Heart skipping a thousand beats, I bolted up from my position on the ground and grasped her tightly in my arms. I was sure she was as stunned as I was, by my sudden awareness.

"N-nall!"

I felt her smile. Letting go, I ran a hand across my face, to see if the scar was there. As expected, it was bleeding increasingly. But it did not hurt. Only the memories and thoughts of Ghaelon pained me.

"Hey, Am. Long time no see, eh?"

Blinking, she smacked me across the head. Completely in shock, I pouted and rubbed my head rapidly.

"What the hell? Aren't you glad I'm alive?"

"Don't ever lie to me again! You had me and Zoteaki worried to death about you. You told me you'd meet us in Pentigual. We waited five damn days, but no, you had to stay on this island and make us sick with anxiety. So that's what that was for."

I watched as Zoteaki walked over to the scene, bearing a kindly smile. Rubbing my head, from the gauge and the rude smack, I starred at the two. At a moment of this I should have out on a scowl, but all I could do was wear a grin. The pain was dimming, but the pride of seeing my friends, alive, was well worth it. Then again, how could a dream hurt me?... But it did.

"You're such an ass."

Amber stormed off for the beach leaving me and Zoteaki alone. Blinking a few times, I arose to my feet, leaning against the stone wall.

"Yea, happy to see you too..." I whispered, trying to make sense of her actions. Pondering silently, I watched as Zoteaki stepped next to me and bore a crescent smile.

"She's a woman, what do you expect?" Zoteaki asked vaguely, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Huh? Oh, that doesn't bother me. I'm glad to see you alive." I beamed brightly at the dragon. He bore a few scares upon his half-sleeved arms, but he seemed alright. Which by far, was a good thing. If neither Zoteaki and Amber had survived, I'd probably blame it all in me. Hell, they all just walked into my life, so conviently, too.

"Hell of a trip to get on this little island." Zoteaki observed, running a hand through his messy hair. The wind was gently blowing, so each time he would tidily fix it, the wind would erase all his work instantly.

"How did you find me anyhow? I mean the sea is so freaking huge." Eyeing him uneasily, I continued to lean against the stone wall, for support.

"Saw your fire." Zoteaki pointed out cheerfully.

"Oh, right." I mumbled.

"So you talked to Amber about Cursia De Drogoon?" Cocking an eyebrow, the blue dragon fixed his sleeves and cast an intense glare at me.

"Yea, why?"

"Just curious. Do you happen to know your curse?" Zoteaki asked, taking a sip of water from a canvas.

"No, I honestly don't." Sighing with the faintest bit of amusement, I dared a sparing glance over at Zoteaki. Puzzlement filled his cloudy eyes and mystic clouds of confusion swirled in his eyes. Rubbing a finger together with my thumb numbly, I gritted my teeth together wearily. It seemed like forever before an answer appeared on his face.

"Well, then let's make your goal in this journey to find out your curse." A bright smile crossed Zoteaki's lips. How could he keep so carefree and happy when he had such a sappy curse. And besides, Amber had the worse of them all. Then again, I could have the worst.

"I don't give a damn about my curse, honestly. I just want to avenge Ghaelon for taking Quark, Alex, and Luna away from me," Death persisted in my eyes as I starred icily at my companion.

"You amaze me sometimes." Was all he replied with.

"What does that mean?" I asked wearily, raising an eyebrow earnestly.

"Nothing of importance. Either way, I think it'd be best to collect Amber and depart back to Pentigual and start our search for the Black Dragon." Zoteaki declared after a few passing moments. He pushed himself the wall and walked towards the coast of the island. Following in pursuit, I gathered my thoughts.

What exactly did all of this mean, anyhow? Why am I becoming so attached to these people, no these strangers? I'm supposed to be cold, unforgiving and shallow, yet I feel some sort of friendship. If I'm ever going to receive my title I have to learn to stay unattached. Especially that girl. My goddess, what would my master think if he saw my acting so rash?

Sighing, I noticed we had finally reached the shore. Passing any looming thoughts out of my mind, I watched as Zoteaki boarded the rented ship and gazed eagerly at the sea. Honestly, I didn't trust his sailing after the incident. Then again, I had to stay neutral.

"Are you just going to gawk at the ship? Or are we going to get a move on already!"

The snapping of Amber aroused me from my thoughts. Glancing over at the two dragons who had already boarded, I gave a nod and boarded the ship within the next minute. Stepping back into the usual feeling of being on sea, I watched as the mast was raised by Zoteaki and he retreated to the captain's cabin to steer. And that left me and Amber alone on upper-deck.

Daring a glance over at her, I watched as she gazed out onto the sea. Oddly, I began to notice she wasn't sea-sick or sick. Maybe being on the ship constantly changed her illness? Shrugging it off, I remained in spot as the ship began to move. I just stood there, starring at the ocean, and her. After a few moments, I watched her turn around and stare me down as if I was doing something wrong.

"What?"

"Nothing." I replied coldly, and walked up next to her and gazed out at the sea, again.

"What do you plan on achieving in Pentigual?"

Shifting uneasily, I began to ponder. What did I expect to find there? What purpose could stopping their present? Sure, it was the only port near the Black Dragon shrine, but what was my reason? Nipping at my bottom lip, I continued to wonder. It must have been around five minutes of silence because I heard Amber clear her throat, sounding like she was frustrated.

"I'm not quite sure. There is no purpose, but to defeat Ghaelon."

It was true, my only purpose of this journey was to send Ghaelon back to limbo, and forever rid his evil from this world. Who knows what evil plans he could be creating with whatever this 'Zophar' was.

"I don't want this."

Unsure by the sudden response, I glanced over at Amber. Confusion and hatred flickered in her deep garnet eyes, as death presented itself upon her chapped lips. Her body gave the appearance of young and fragile, someone who needed to be protected. But inside her was a true warrior, one force to be reckoned with. But even that wasn't true, because her potential was ripped away when her curse was given.

"Don't want what?"

My reply was as straight-forward as hers. If you were to look at the two of us, you'd see complete opposites. Revenge and lust filled my stern eyes, while the familiar taste of blood remained in my mouth. My whole body was scarred, but shown signs of a true fighter. Yet the inside of my heart, it was much weaker then Amber's appearance. Being broken down so many times, losing so many people, my heart would never be the same. And maybe that's why I hate talking to my comrades, because I know that someday we will say good-bye. Even dragons die.

"I don't want to be the Red Dragon anymore. I want to be a normal girl, fall in love, and start a family like my grandmother. I don't want to be a freak, a half-breed." Soft pouts escaped her bruised lips.

"We're not half-breeds. We've just been granted human bodies to fit in. And besides, you can still fall in love and start a family. No law against it." I tried to explain but found her frowning even more.

"How, how Nall? There are only four dragons in this world that share the same fate as me. I can't fall in love with a human, I might not always have this form. I wasn't born a dragon." Amber countered.

"Not born a dragon!" Eyes snapped open when I heard those words. Then again, it wasn't so surprising. Zoteaki and Amber were not born dragons, but given the title after the fall of their leaders. Rumors however, say that black was born a dragon, and she holds the position tightly.

"You were, I see." Amber cocked her head, as the gentle bumping of the boat caused her to grip the rim tightly for support.

"Yes, and I am new to this whole 'human' thing." It was true, and I found it odd that dragons didn't have to be born a dragon to be selected. In fact, it was extremely odd.

"No wonder you get knocked out in battle so easy. I just thought you were a weakling who kept falling on his ass." A snicker passed Amber's lips.

"Thanks a lot," I murmured.

"Hey, do you think all the other dragons live forever?" Amber asked all of a sudden. Furrowing my eyebrows, I shrugged my shoulder and traveled deep in thought. If we lived forever then Quark and the other's wouldn't have died, and Amber wouldn't have been given her curse.

"No." Was all I replied.

"So you think you'll die?" Amber questioned. Pausing, I opened my mouth to reply.

Before now I hadn't really thought about death at all. It just seemed so unreal. And yet death had been around me all along. The death of Quark, Alex, Luna and so on. The death of Zoteaki's sister. And my persisting revenge to cause death on Ghaelon. And yet I never thought about my own death. Would I be remembered? Or would be legacy fade away. And would I live to see the end of Ghaelon?... All I could do was hope.

AN;

Like I said, next chapter will be bit more action and exciting. So hang tight, ok:)