"Mr. Vargus! Mr. Vargus! Lina has fainted dead away," called out Filia
towards Vargus. Turning around, Vargus rushed to Filia's side, placing a
hand on Lina's forehead. Lina's skin was cold to the touch, and very
clammy. After a few moments Lina's eyes fluttered open.
"What...happened...?" asked Lina, rubbing her head.
"Ms. Lina, are you alright?" asked Filia, hugging Lina.
"You're crushing me again, Filia..." said Lina, trapped in the embrace of Filia.
"Oh sorry," said Filia, relinquishing Lina.
"I saw a woman walking in that forest by the castle. She was swallowed up by the shadows, and then I fainted dead away. I felt a chill come over my body, overpowering my senses," said Lina, standing up.
"We must hurry to the princess. If we make haste we can possibly get to the root of what's happened," said Vargus, breaking into a jog. Lina, Filia, and Gourry followed right behind. Vargus walked up to one of the castle sentries guarding the main entrance to the castle. Procuring a royal seal from the inner folds of his robe, Vargus displayed the crest of his kingdom.
"I am an envoy from the kingdom of Kalazal. We would like to have a word with his majesty about the princess. We have reason to believe that she's befallen the same fate as the princess of Kalazal," said Vargus.
The sentry nodded, and opened the large wooden doors leading into the main hall of the castle. Another sentry bowed low, and then gestured inside the main castle.
"I will make an announcement to his majesty that you are here, please come this way," said the sentry.
The Pontaron castle was an enormous construction of stone and wood, climbing high into the sky. The main hall was a large open area with a red carpet situated down the middle. Antiquated shields, swords, and pieces of armor adorned the walls. There were very few people in the castle this time of night, save for the sentries charged with guarding the king.
"His majesty has not been able to sleep since his daughter came under the terrible affliction. He's done nothing but sit on his throne..." said the sentry.
The sentry opened the gigantic wooden doors leading into the throne room. The sentry bowed low, and gestured for Lina and the others to enter.
"To his majesty Matagar, I present an envoy from Kalazal" announced the sentry. King Matagar was seated on his golden throne, his head resting in his hands. His eyes were bloodshot, indicating he had not slept in many days. King Matagar was a stout man, with broad, sweeping shoulders and thick muscles. His hair was curly and dark red, twisting in all directions under the weight of his crown. Lina cleared her throat and walked forward.
"Your highness, we've come to investigate the curse that has befallen the princess. We believe what's happened here in Pontaron is the same as what has occurred in Kalazal. If your highness permits, may we have a look at the princess?"
The King seemed rather despondent and depressed. He sat up after a few moments, his brow heavy and his eyes weary.
"If you think that the same fate has befallen my daughter than by all means investigate. Not even the mightiest white wizards have been able to break the curse though," said the King, waving his head towards a sentry.
The sentry led Lina and company down a series of hallways through the castle. The mood was somber and silent; the only sound echoing through the air was the crackle of the torch fire. The sentry stopped before a small wooden door, slowly turning the knob and opening the door. Filia walked in the room first flanked by Lina, Gourry, and Vargus. Filia gasped, covering her mouth with her gloved hand. The princess' room was quite large and rectangular. The princess lay motionless on her bed, her eyes closed as if she were in sound repose. The moonlight filtered in through the drapes of her window, making her skin look frighteningly pale. Filia knelt at the bedside of the princess, laying a hand on her forehead.
"Cold as ice," remarked Filia.
Lina rested a hand on her hip as she surveyed the room. Seeing that women eaten by the shadows of the forest reminded her of the forest she was in during the dream she had the night before. Katarasu had told Lina that the one she seeks was trapped in the forest of regret. Lina just could not figure out how everything tied together, her face showing the obvious frustration she was undergoing.
"The princess of Kalazal is trapped in the same state. There is no mistaking that she is under the same curse, but who could be doing it and why?" asked Vargus.
"That's definitely what I want to know. Filia, isn't there some curse breaking spell the golden dragons use? Maybe that would work," said Lina. Vargus raised an eyebrow, apparently confused.
"I will try Ms. Lina," said Filia, standing up. Filia extended her hands over the princess. Filia's body was encompassed by a soft white haze as she began to chant her spell.
"Naomu...nataku...isomu...raoman...Shadow Breaker!" exclaimed Filia casting her spell. Waves of bright light emanated from Filia's hands, causing the princesses body to glow a brilliant white. Vargus' eyes grew wide, his mouth agape at the sight of Filia's spell. Seconds later, black lightning erupted from the princesses' body, knocking Filia backwards, smashing a chair into pieces.
"Filia!" cried Gourry, quickly moving to Filia to help her up. Filia rubbed her head, trying to reorient herself. The princesses' body was enveloped in a smoke like haze, black lightning crackling around her form.
"I can't break the curse, I'm sorry. Whoever cast the spell can summon magic more powerful than I can break," said Filia, panting for air.
"Filia, what was that spell you just cast? I've never seen it before," said Vargus, completely surprised.
"Filia is a golden dragon priestess Vargus, I guess you didn't know. She can use really powerful white magic, but I guess that wasn't enough in this case. This spell is too powerful for a human to use, so that leaves only..." said Lina, her facial expression drooping.
"A monster?" exclaimed Filia.
"I HATE HATE HATE dealing with monsters," exclaimed Lina, slapping her forehead.
The black like haze over the princess had become thicker, the lightning becoming fiercer. The haze congealed into a strange, formless apparition with glowing red eyes. The strange apparition floated in the air for a moment, then grew arms, legs, and a pair of sickly looking wings. The strange creature immediately flew out of the window, flapping its deathly wings and leaving a trail of smog in it wake.
"After it! Ray Wing!" exclaimed Lina, floating into the air and flying out of the window. Vargus soon followed suit, and Filia was not too far behind, carrying the hapless Gourry.
"I'm afraid of heights!" wailed Gourry as Filia tried to carry him, despite his struggling.
"Just hang on Mr. Gourry," said Filia.
The apparition was quite quick, and it seemed to grow larger and larger with each passing moment. Soon it transformed from a formless blob to a fearsome dragon with demon red eyes and large smoky wings. The dragon beats its wings faster, increasing its already fantastic speed.
"We won't be able to catch up to at this rate, Filia!" exclaimed Lina.
"Right Ms. Lina," said Filia, closing her eyes and concentrating. Filia's form turned pure gold, as she transformed from her human form into her golden dragon form. Filia was not a very large dragon, nor very fearsome looking, especially with the bright pink ribbon attached to her tail. Gourry hefted himself on Filia's back, while Vargus and Lina joined him.
"A golden dragon?!" exclaimed Vargus, totally shocked.
"We don't have time to explain everything Vargus. Filia, try to go a little faster and let's see if we can catch up!"
"Right Ms. Lina!" said Filia, arcing her wings further back.
The black dragon spun around, reared its head back, and sent a wave of black lightning streaking towards Lina and the others. Filia was quick to dodge, the lightning streaking past and destroying a building on the ground. Gourry looked down, noticing that they were now far above the city of Pontaron.
Lina raised her hands overhead, weaving her strands of magical power and combining them into a spell.
"Oh, source of all power, light which burns beyond crimson, let thy power gather in my hand. Fireball!!!" shouted Lina, creating a ball of searing white flame in her hand. Lina sent the fireball streaking towards the dragon, creating a brilliant explosion that lit up the night sky. Filia reared her head back slightly, opening her mouth. A ball of golden energy appeared within her mouth.
"Diflasher!" shrieked Filia, sending a streak of golden laser energy at the black dragon.
"Got him!" exclaimed Lina, balling her fist and cheering.
However, as soon as the smoke cleared, the black dragon was still there. Clouds of black smoke were left in the trail of the dragon.
"No effect, that laser blast and fireball should have damaged it at least," exclaimed Vargus.
"Hmm, physical attacks probably won't work against it. Let's see how you like this spell," said Lina rolling up her sleeves.
"Elmekia Lance!!" exclaimed Lina, extending her arms and aiming her open palms at the dragon. Suddenly, a lance of blue energy sprung forth from her hands, cutting through the air and blasting the left wing of the black dragon. The shriek of the black dragon was incredibly loud, causing Lina, Gourry, and Vargus to cover their ears.
"It looks like we'll have to use astral spells. Vargus, do you know any? Why don't you help me out," said Lina, preparing to cast another spell.
Vargus stood up, stood next to Lina, and held a hand out to hold her back.
"I'll take care of this. The princess is counting on me, I won't let her down, and I won't let this monster get away. Stay steady Filia," said Vargus, a look of pure determination set into his visage. Vargus began to move his hands in a strange manner, closing his eyes and chanting. "Source of all souls which dwell in the eternal and the infinite. Everlasting flame of blue, let the power hidden within my soul be called forth here from the infinite to make it's judgment now, Ra Tilt!" shouted Vargus, extending both arms forward.
A massive wave of light blue energy erupted from Vargus' hands, encompassing the black dragon. The dragon was overcome by the sheer force of the Ra Tilt, immediately disintegrating into nothingness. Lina stood in shock as she saw Vargus casting the most powerful astral spell, the Ra Tilt. The dragon was reduced to nothingness.
"Ms. Lina, look!" cried Filia.
Lina squinted her eyes, catching sight of a small, glittering object plummeting to earth. Filia sped up and flew under the object allowing Lina to catch it. Looking into her palms, Lina's expression turned to one of surprise.
"It's a glass orb attacked to a string. And what's this strange crest emblazoned on it. No it couldn't be..." said Lina, gasping.
Vargus looked at the glass orb, and said in a low voice "that's the crest of the magi guild of Seyruun."
"What...happened...?" asked Lina, rubbing her head.
"Ms. Lina, are you alright?" asked Filia, hugging Lina.
"You're crushing me again, Filia..." said Lina, trapped in the embrace of Filia.
"Oh sorry," said Filia, relinquishing Lina.
"I saw a woman walking in that forest by the castle. She was swallowed up by the shadows, and then I fainted dead away. I felt a chill come over my body, overpowering my senses," said Lina, standing up.
"We must hurry to the princess. If we make haste we can possibly get to the root of what's happened," said Vargus, breaking into a jog. Lina, Filia, and Gourry followed right behind. Vargus walked up to one of the castle sentries guarding the main entrance to the castle. Procuring a royal seal from the inner folds of his robe, Vargus displayed the crest of his kingdom.
"I am an envoy from the kingdom of Kalazal. We would like to have a word with his majesty about the princess. We have reason to believe that she's befallen the same fate as the princess of Kalazal," said Vargus.
The sentry nodded, and opened the large wooden doors leading into the main hall of the castle. Another sentry bowed low, and then gestured inside the main castle.
"I will make an announcement to his majesty that you are here, please come this way," said the sentry.
The Pontaron castle was an enormous construction of stone and wood, climbing high into the sky. The main hall was a large open area with a red carpet situated down the middle. Antiquated shields, swords, and pieces of armor adorned the walls. There were very few people in the castle this time of night, save for the sentries charged with guarding the king.
"His majesty has not been able to sleep since his daughter came under the terrible affliction. He's done nothing but sit on his throne..." said the sentry.
The sentry opened the gigantic wooden doors leading into the throne room. The sentry bowed low, and gestured for Lina and the others to enter.
"To his majesty Matagar, I present an envoy from Kalazal" announced the sentry. King Matagar was seated on his golden throne, his head resting in his hands. His eyes were bloodshot, indicating he had not slept in many days. King Matagar was a stout man, with broad, sweeping shoulders and thick muscles. His hair was curly and dark red, twisting in all directions under the weight of his crown. Lina cleared her throat and walked forward.
"Your highness, we've come to investigate the curse that has befallen the princess. We believe what's happened here in Pontaron is the same as what has occurred in Kalazal. If your highness permits, may we have a look at the princess?"
The King seemed rather despondent and depressed. He sat up after a few moments, his brow heavy and his eyes weary.
"If you think that the same fate has befallen my daughter than by all means investigate. Not even the mightiest white wizards have been able to break the curse though," said the King, waving his head towards a sentry.
The sentry led Lina and company down a series of hallways through the castle. The mood was somber and silent; the only sound echoing through the air was the crackle of the torch fire. The sentry stopped before a small wooden door, slowly turning the knob and opening the door. Filia walked in the room first flanked by Lina, Gourry, and Vargus. Filia gasped, covering her mouth with her gloved hand. The princess' room was quite large and rectangular. The princess lay motionless on her bed, her eyes closed as if she were in sound repose. The moonlight filtered in through the drapes of her window, making her skin look frighteningly pale. Filia knelt at the bedside of the princess, laying a hand on her forehead.
"Cold as ice," remarked Filia.
Lina rested a hand on her hip as she surveyed the room. Seeing that women eaten by the shadows of the forest reminded her of the forest she was in during the dream she had the night before. Katarasu had told Lina that the one she seeks was trapped in the forest of regret. Lina just could not figure out how everything tied together, her face showing the obvious frustration she was undergoing.
"The princess of Kalazal is trapped in the same state. There is no mistaking that she is under the same curse, but who could be doing it and why?" asked Vargus.
"That's definitely what I want to know. Filia, isn't there some curse breaking spell the golden dragons use? Maybe that would work," said Lina. Vargus raised an eyebrow, apparently confused.
"I will try Ms. Lina," said Filia, standing up. Filia extended her hands over the princess. Filia's body was encompassed by a soft white haze as she began to chant her spell.
"Naomu...nataku...isomu...raoman...Shadow Breaker!" exclaimed Filia casting her spell. Waves of bright light emanated from Filia's hands, causing the princesses body to glow a brilliant white. Vargus' eyes grew wide, his mouth agape at the sight of Filia's spell. Seconds later, black lightning erupted from the princesses' body, knocking Filia backwards, smashing a chair into pieces.
"Filia!" cried Gourry, quickly moving to Filia to help her up. Filia rubbed her head, trying to reorient herself. The princesses' body was enveloped in a smoke like haze, black lightning crackling around her form.
"I can't break the curse, I'm sorry. Whoever cast the spell can summon magic more powerful than I can break," said Filia, panting for air.
"Filia, what was that spell you just cast? I've never seen it before," said Vargus, completely surprised.
"Filia is a golden dragon priestess Vargus, I guess you didn't know. She can use really powerful white magic, but I guess that wasn't enough in this case. This spell is too powerful for a human to use, so that leaves only..." said Lina, her facial expression drooping.
"A monster?" exclaimed Filia.
"I HATE HATE HATE dealing with monsters," exclaimed Lina, slapping her forehead.
The black like haze over the princess had become thicker, the lightning becoming fiercer. The haze congealed into a strange, formless apparition with glowing red eyes. The strange apparition floated in the air for a moment, then grew arms, legs, and a pair of sickly looking wings. The strange creature immediately flew out of the window, flapping its deathly wings and leaving a trail of smog in it wake.
"After it! Ray Wing!" exclaimed Lina, floating into the air and flying out of the window. Vargus soon followed suit, and Filia was not too far behind, carrying the hapless Gourry.
"I'm afraid of heights!" wailed Gourry as Filia tried to carry him, despite his struggling.
"Just hang on Mr. Gourry," said Filia.
The apparition was quite quick, and it seemed to grow larger and larger with each passing moment. Soon it transformed from a formless blob to a fearsome dragon with demon red eyes and large smoky wings. The dragon beats its wings faster, increasing its already fantastic speed.
"We won't be able to catch up to at this rate, Filia!" exclaimed Lina.
"Right Ms. Lina," said Filia, closing her eyes and concentrating. Filia's form turned pure gold, as she transformed from her human form into her golden dragon form. Filia was not a very large dragon, nor very fearsome looking, especially with the bright pink ribbon attached to her tail. Gourry hefted himself on Filia's back, while Vargus and Lina joined him.
"A golden dragon?!" exclaimed Vargus, totally shocked.
"We don't have time to explain everything Vargus. Filia, try to go a little faster and let's see if we can catch up!"
"Right Ms. Lina!" said Filia, arcing her wings further back.
The black dragon spun around, reared its head back, and sent a wave of black lightning streaking towards Lina and the others. Filia was quick to dodge, the lightning streaking past and destroying a building on the ground. Gourry looked down, noticing that they were now far above the city of Pontaron.
Lina raised her hands overhead, weaving her strands of magical power and combining them into a spell.
"Oh, source of all power, light which burns beyond crimson, let thy power gather in my hand. Fireball!!!" shouted Lina, creating a ball of searing white flame in her hand. Lina sent the fireball streaking towards the dragon, creating a brilliant explosion that lit up the night sky. Filia reared her head back slightly, opening her mouth. A ball of golden energy appeared within her mouth.
"Diflasher!" shrieked Filia, sending a streak of golden laser energy at the black dragon.
"Got him!" exclaimed Lina, balling her fist and cheering.
However, as soon as the smoke cleared, the black dragon was still there. Clouds of black smoke were left in the trail of the dragon.
"No effect, that laser blast and fireball should have damaged it at least," exclaimed Vargus.
"Hmm, physical attacks probably won't work against it. Let's see how you like this spell," said Lina rolling up her sleeves.
"Elmekia Lance!!" exclaimed Lina, extending her arms and aiming her open palms at the dragon. Suddenly, a lance of blue energy sprung forth from her hands, cutting through the air and blasting the left wing of the black dragon. The shriek of the black dragon was incredibly loud, causing Lina, Gourry, and Vargus to cover their ears.
"It looks like we'll have to use astral spells. Vargus, do you know any? Why don't you help me out," said Lina, preparing to cast another spell.
Vargus stood up, stood next to Lina, and held a hand out to hold her back.
"I'll take care of this. The princess is counting on me, I won't let her down, and I won't let this monster get away. Stay steady Filia," said Vargus, a look of pure determination set into his visage. Vargus began to move his hands in a strange manner, closing his eyes and chanting. "Source of all souls which dwell in the eternal and the infinite. Everlasting flame of blue, let the power hidden within my soul be called forth here from the infinite to make it's judgment now, Ra Tilt!" shouted Vargus, extending both arms forward.
A massive wave of light blue energy erupted from Vargus' hands, encompassing the black dragon. The dragon was overcome by the sheer force of the Ra Tilt, immediately disintegrating into nothingness. Lina stood in shock as she saw Vargus casting the most powerful astral spell, the Ra Tilt. The dragon was reduced to nothingness.
"Ms. Lina, look!" cried Filia.
Lina squinted her eyes, catching sight of a small, glittering object plummeting to earth. Filia sped up and flew under the object allowing Lina to catch it. Looking into her palms, Lina's expression turned to one of surprise.
"It's a glass orb attacked to a string. And what's this strange crest emblazoned on it. No it couldn't be..." said Lina, gasping.
Vargus looked at the glass orb, and said in a low voice "that's the crest of the magi guild of Seyruun."