[Two weeks later]
[A secluded beach in Hawaii]
Edward had opened a tear to Hawaii where he and Mally were spending some time together, with the team's insistence. Terra, who had fully recovered after Mally's assistance, said, "Scales, so help me, if you do not ask her to marry you or whatever, I will bury you under so much dirt that it will take a week for you to dig out."
Edward smirked as he knew Terra wouldn't exactly do that. But, the glare Jason gave him was enough.
He had also got a written reply to his other question and that was encouraging. Both Sol and Lassreyth were happy to hear that Kiinnum was indeed wanting to claim Maldriin as his mate.
Sol made it clear that this time around, he would pressure the others to accept Edward's right to claim a mate, and Lassreyth was quite happy to support Feylfil. It would take Grand Earth, Grand Water and hopefully Grand Fire to also agree to give the blessings of the Circle. Grand Death was the potential buzzkill and he could show his displeasure in even disowning Mally, Lassreyth had added. If he ended up on the losing end of the vote, it might come down to an ultimatum: Abandon the half-breed or else.
Edward sighed, knowing that Grand Death is Lassreyth's father and he did not want to tear them apart. However, as he read on, he realized that Lassreyth was indeed a very crafty older dragon and that she was behind Mally's play all the way. She would not tolerate Grand Death threatening to disown his granddaughter.
He showed the letter to Jason, who smirked and said, "I told you that she was crafty. If Father and Grand Life can team up to get the Circle to bless you two, I will gladly apologize to the Circle for calling them bigoted old ones."
Edward raised an eyebrow, "Brother, with respect…I long for that to happen. Not to humiliate you, but, because it will show them, once and for all, who should be Heir of Light. Should that happen, Brother, I will renounce any remaining possible claim to being Father's heir because you will most certainly be worthy."
"I'll hold you to that, Kiinnum," Jason replied with a smile, "Go on…Propose to her."
So, Edward waited patiently to get the ring back from the jeweler and when he did, he took it to Raven and asked, "Raven, is there a way to make it so this ring will morph along with Mally regardless of what she morphs into?"
Raven said, "For one, she will love this. Two, I will have to research it, but, I believe that there is a spell that will accomplish what you seek. Would you allow me to hold onto this for a few days?"
Edward smiled back, "Of course, Raven. If I trust you with my life, I can trust you with this ring."
Well, Raven had come back 48 hours later and said, "Yes, there is a spell that once cast will bind this ring to its owner and will morph with her. However, once this spell is cast and it binds to her, it is permanent. It will stay bound to her until she dies. According to what I have read, the spell can be cast in a way that should you also get a ring, like a wedding ring, I can cast a companion spell for yours."
"Interesting," he said, "I assume that she will have to be wearing it when the spell is cast?"
"That would be a yes," she replied, "If I cast it now, it would link to you, not her."
Well, fast forward to this evening. Edward had the ring all packaged up in a nice box and a romantic dinner was set. It took some doing to find a place where it was high protein, but, Edward finally found it.
They enjoyed a nice meal together and Edward said, "Why don't we take a stroll on the beach?"
Mally replied, "I would like that, very much."
So as they walked along the beach and watched the sun setting, Edward reached into his pocket and turned towards Mally, stopping her.
He looked around and got onto one knee and said, "Maldriin…Since the first day that we met, I knew that a piece of my heart and soul had finally found their way to me. I knew that you had a schoolgirl crush on me, but, as we spent more time together, I knew deep down that you were the one for me. I knew that the schoolgirl crush has also changed to echo my feelings.
"I know that Dragons do not place much worth in what I am about to ask you and what I want to give to you, yet, we both tend to think more like the people out here.
"Mally…Would you do me the honor of being my mate and wife? Will you marry me?" He opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring. Instead of the traditional diamond in the center was the emerald that Jason had given him on behalf of Kreinkiin. Surrounding it was seven mini diamonds on a white gold ring that captured the sunlight, sparkling intensely.
Mally's jaw dropped seeing the beauty in the ring as a tear came down her face.
"YES!" She exclaimed happily, "Yes, I will be your mate as well as wife! It's a beautiful ring!" She held out her hand and Edward placed it on her finger before standing up and giving her a proper kiss. Unknown to them a death dragon who was under cover opened a tear and disappeared into it.
Mally was the happiest dragoness on the planet or in Lair, for that matter. Her mind was in a whirl, though. She had expected him to pop the question during this trip, but, as she looked at the ring on her finger and seeing a perfect emerald, she know just how deeply Edward had grown to love her in return.
"Wait until the others in Lair see this!" she said happily.
"Mally, my love," Edward said, "You know how they will react. You will not be seen in that good of a light for wanting to be the mate of the half-breed child of Iilah and Feylfil. The purists, like your grandfather, will want you exiled for being a traitor or worse, banished for good. Are you strong enough up here (he pointed at his head and heart) to deal with this prejudice?"
"I. don't. care!" she retorted, "I will deal with them, Ed. I want to spend my life with you. Let them have their own jealousy. It's their loss, my win. Any dragoness could have sought you out from any of the clans, yet, even those in your chosen clan rejected you. Sweetheart, mother would say that 'life will find a way'. Life did find a way."
Edward smiled, "Yes, I dare say that you are strong enough to handle whatever they throw at us. When should we petition the Circle for their blessing, though? Your grandfather will pull the race card, again, to prevent the Circle from Blessing this union. Regardless, we can be married in the eyes of the mortals."
"I think we can wait a while to approach the Circle," she said, "I know you have unofficially asked your father and my mother. She told me a week ago that you had inquired and that she was in agreement…Same with my soon to be father-in-law. He approached me as well and said that should you ask me to be his mate, nothing would make him happier."
She then tapped her finger to her lip, contemplating. "In fact… he said that he would step in if Grandfather pulled that card again. You are just as much a child of the First as anyone else. Hybrid dragons are not common, that much is for sure, but they deserve the same respect as everyone else." She wrapped her hands around his neck. "I don't mind waiting a while longer before we become an official couple in the eyes of the Circle, Edward… but know that, no matter how long I have to wait… my heart is yours just as much as yours is mine."
Edward wrapped his arms around her neck and said, "In that case, we should wait to formally approach them. But, I can't wait to see the look on your mother's face regardless. She's going to be surprised…maybe?"
They walked along the beach for a while before heading back to their hotel room. Edward figured that if Robin was giving them a few days to themselves, he might as well enjoy it and got them a room.
When they finally got back, Edward's communicator was chirping in the alert mode.
"What in Oblivion?" Edward said, "They said that I'd get a few days alone. I better check in."
Edward opened the device to see a recorded message.
"Edward," Robin said, "I am sorry to disturb your time off, but, we need you and Mally back here ASAP. There's a rather annoyed looking member of the Circle here looking for you and her." Robin actually looked a bit frightened.
"Oh, crap," Edward said, "I think I know who that is."
"He didn't find out already, did he?" Mally asked, looking slightly worried. "How could he?"
"I don't know," Edward said, "Unless there was an infiltrator near that would have seen us at dinner or close by, I don't know what is going on, but, we can't keep him waiting. We'll come back to get our stuff, such as it is."
Mally fingered her new ring and started to take it off, but was stopped, "No, leave it. The sooner that he knows, the better off it will be…I hope."
He sent a text to Sosfil, "Get father. Ask him to meet me at the Titans Tower, ASAP. It's important. Thanks, Kiinnum."
"An insurance policy," he said, "Bex Nu! Luv do Oblivion!"
Once they arrived, they turned to see the very peeved Grand Death. Gone was any trace of the warmth he gave off when he initially introduced himself to the Titans. Now there was only the cold, steely gaze of an angry dragon.
"Kiinnum", he greeted curtly before getting right into it. "Explain yourself. Who are you to try and claim my granddaughter?"
"Permission to speak freely?" Edward asked. When Grand Death slowly nodded, he cleared his throat.
"I am first and foremost a Child of the First," Edward said, "Second, I am a citizen of Lair, with all the rights and privileges handed down from the First Circle, including the right to mate. There was no distinction made at the time seeing how dragons of different clans are allowed to pick a mate. You mated with a Life Dragon. We have seen other matings between 'opposing' clans. Between Light and Dark before the Traitor lost his way and was banished. Other life and death Dragons have mated. Fire and Water as well. My being a hybrid of the clans here should be of little difference. Maldriin practically chose me, Grand Death, and, I feel the same towards her after such a short time. No one else is strong enough to even give me the time of day, yet, your granddaughter is strong enough to want to be with me, and, I feel that unless our culture embraces change, it will grow stagnant. I have seen different cultures among the mortals fall to stagnation. Even long standing empires like the Roman empire stagnated and collapsed under that weight.
"Grand Death, I am trying to be respectful here towards you and your family and towards tradition. But, you make it difficult. You do not want to change or even take a chance on having a hybrid in your family. I have seen prejudice with my own eyes living out here! I have seen when rights are denied when someone is afraid of the differences.
"And, sir, I submit that you are worried about the bloodline for nothing. How much life dragon is in your DNA? How much death dragon is in Mally?"
As Edward spoke, Grand Death's gaze became more intense, until finally he let out a snarl, smoke billowing out of his mouth. "Watch. Your. Tongue." He stood tall, growling at Edward. "There is a difference between opposite clans mating and… hybrids. Our DNA makes hybrids impossible… or at least it should. Whatever your mother did to create you, I do not know. But your very existence is in the realm of impossibility. And, if memory serves correctly… the Children of the First kills hybrids, whether they be dragon, human, or anywhere in between, as decreed since those incidents with the Traitor."
Unknown to Grand Death, a Tear opened and Sol stepped through. Edward knew that his father needed to hear more.
Grand Death glared over at Mally as well. "And as for you, Maldriin… I am so very disappointed in you. First, you fail to become an Heir Potential, and then you reduce yourself to this… this…"
"Say it", Maldriin snarled back. "I dare you, Grandfather. I don't care if you are a member of the Circle… Edward is the only dragon worthy of my heart. Just because those Death Dragons couldn't win my affection, you think you can order me to choose someone else? Go ahead, banish me as I will never obey that order. We have chosen one another as mates."
Grand Death snarled once more. "No matter. I bless unions as I see fit. And I see nothing but misery and ruin for your whelps and their children after them. Therefore, there is no need for you to make an official claim. I decree-"
"ENOUGH", came the thundering voice, interrupting Grand Death, "Grand Death, you overstep your boundaries. You know the law as well as I do."
"Don't get in my way, Feylfil", the old man said with a growl. "Your hybrid whelp is attempting to take my granddaughter and seduce her away from our teachings. I will not stand for this!"
"Just as you would not stand for a hybrid taking my place in the Circle?" Sol growled. "Just as you would not stand for my son defending his mother's honor? Just as you would not stand for any trace of impurities in our teachings? Tell me, Grand Death… what if Kiinnum… if Edward was your son?"
"Impossible", Grand Death replied, snarling. "If I found out what my mate had done, unlike you… I would have destroyed that egg, like any respectable member of the Circle should have done."
While it was definitely a jab at Sol, the Light dragon did not bat an eye, as if he was used to this. But, he did stand taller. "… I see you still do not see me as an equal, even after all this time."
"Of course not!" Grand Death said with a snarl. "When you've had as much experience as me, then you can talk to me on equal ground, whelp!"
"And that would mean I'd have to exceed my term, wouldn't it?" Grand Light finally bit back. The words hit Grand Death harder, as his eyes widened. "You're a decade over term, old timer. And yet you have made no move to allow your chosen Heir to take your place. Care to explain that?" When the older dragon remained silent, Sol stepped forward. "By my right as Grand Light… I will make a motion, and you will step down. You have allowed your anger at my sons cloud your judgement. And, with your crimes against Edward and Jason… I will no longer stand by and allow you to abuse your power, Traitor."
Edward snarled as well, his patience finally at an end, "I shall testify against you, Death. You have done everything in your power to destroy me. How many dragons did you turn against me? How dare you deny me a right to live…you BIGOTED OLD ONE! Yes, I dare say that to your face. You have lost. You have no right to decree, on your own authority, that I, Kiinnum, firstborn of Feylfil, the Grand Light, may not claim Maldriin, daughter of Lassreyth, the Grand Life. You abuse your power against me for the last time. I will no longer tolerate your slights against OUR FAMILY HONOR. I tolerated them from my sister for decades because she is family. I tolerated them from you out of respect for your status. I have had my fill. I cannot challenge you to a fight as I would lose like you defeated my brother only you would cross the line, wouldn't you? You would kill me in cold blood? I already know the answer, don't I? If I testify against you, the others in the Circle will turn on you. I had every RIGHT to be an Heir Potential like my siblings, including Sosfil…like Maldriin should also have been an Heir Potential. I do not know why she was denied, but, if I am strong enough to be her mate and she is strong enough to be mine…then we both should be Heir Potentials.
"However, that said, I will renounce any claim to be Heir of the Light due to my helping train Filkiin instead and for the right to claim Mally as my mate." Edward said that to put his father's mind at ease.
As the three dragons argued, Solor finally entered the room. He saw what was happening, and stepped to stand beside his brother. Everyone turned to him, seeing him glaring intensely at the older dragon. Then, he slowly turned to his father.
"That day… when he delivered the news about my mother…about my siblings…" Solor swallowed, feeling his throat dry up in anxiety. "… he almost killed me that day, didn't he?"
Sol said nothing, giving the only answer that Solor needed. The young Heir Potential turned back to Grand Death, who stared back. Nothing the older dragon could say now would help him. Finally, Solor let out a breath.
"Then I hold no pity for you", Solor said, growling. "My only regret for you, Death… is that I can not be there to celebrate your Heir's ascension."
The old man let out a snarl, and looked like he was about to make another move against the Light Heir Potential, but Sol was much quicker. Edward took a step towards Grand Death, his anger growing and he no longer cared if he were also banished. Even faster than Edward could register, the Grand Light had Death's throat in his hands, claws pressing against the skin. His talons were glowing with light as well. Edward stopped in mid-step, realizing that his father's patience and tolerance for Grand Death was also at the breaking point.
The Titans moved to intervene and Edward said, "Titans, this is a matter between Dragons. Stand down, lest you be gravely injured, please."
"Enough", Sol growled, his voice deep. "Grand Life is already gathering the others. It is time for you to STEP. DOWN. Go ahead…try to attack my sons again. In this form you are vulnerable. I'll let Edward and Jason kill you." He turned to Edward, who had moved to protect his brother and the Titans by extension. "We will need time, Kiinnum… come to us for your claim in a month."
"I shall do so, Father," Edward said, averting his gaze, "I…request that Sosfil and Filkiin be allowed to attend. Please, let Grand Death step aside with whatever dignity he has left."
Death only glared back, not daring to speak lest Sol cut his throat to silence him. "He has no dignity nor honor left, Edward", Sol said with a growl. "All that I see left is a withered old husk running on old hatreds. As for your brother's return… I will confer with the Circle, but do not get your hopes up. Even temporary banishments last longer than one year. But, as for allowing him back to witness your claim, that might be doable…but, no promises."
"I understand, Father," Edward said, "It can wait until a better time for that request to be made for him. As for you, Grand Death, I suppose it is pointless to note that you, in your hatred of me, violated my abode as well as the Titans. I allow Father to do that because he is family and a member of the Circle I will gladly give my loyalty and respect to. I have reconsidered my opinion of you. You are an honorless dog. Please leave my abode. Do not presume to ever return."
Death only sneered back. "I have no need for your respect, Hybrid", he said, his hatred flowing freely now that he knew his time was up. "When Alduin comes… may he fatten up on your soul."
Sol had enough, and forced a Tear open. Tightening his grip on the old man, he forced Grand Death into the void, and stepped through as well, the rip collapsing the moment the two members of the Circle were gone. Edward took a breath to calm his anger, which was about to come forth as his form had started to wither as the Blessing of Death was slowly coming to the surface. His form returned to normal a few seconds after the Tear closed.
"Alduin?" Robin asked, "And, what in the HELL was that about?"
"My apologies, Robin," Edward said, "Grand Death is of the opinion that there shouldn't be any hybrids like myself. His hatred has grown to the point that it is no longer hidden. It will not go well for him as he will be stripped of his title. When that occurs, he will die on the spot. For the Grands, it's the powers of the Circle that keep them alive long beyond what other dragons live. Once the powers are passed onto the Heir, the now former member of the Circle dies immediately.
"As for Alduin…," He looked at Raven sadly, "Raven, you know of Alduin. He is the son of Oblaan, the Traitor. You, sweet Raven, know him as …"
"Trigon," she said, her face paling, "My father. The soul eater. The World killer."
"I'm afraid so," Edward said sadly, "that makes you and I related as well. Oblaan is one of the dragons who donated to the cause, as it were. Mother told me that before she passed on. We're half-siblings, technically.
"Alduin is the being, though, that even the Grands cower in fear of. Except for me. I will not allow him to rule my emotions. He will not scare me away like a cowering whelp."
"Nor I," Jason said.
"Same here," Mally responded, "Titans…I am ashamed of my grandfather right now, and, he has embarrassed me for the last time, especially in front of the people I want at my wedding. I am - AUUUGH!" Starfire was the fast one on the draw and grabbed Mally in a hug. She was waiting, though, as she was about to lace into Grand Death as well.
Then again, had Sol not prevented the old man from making a move, Raven was ready, willing and able to send Grand Death to another dimension where he would not have been able to return from. Edward was about to hand Grand Death his scales, banishment be damned.
"You are the bethrothed?" she asked as she put Mally down.
Mally held up the ring and nodded.
"Well, Mally," Robin said with a huge smile, "I think we can forgo any apologies then. It's all good considering that there was no damage to the Tower."
"There's one other person I want to share this news with," Edward said and pulled his phone and hit the number for Sosfil.
"Kiinnum?" she said on speakerphone, "Did father make it in time?"
"He did, sister," Edward did, "In gratitude, I am inviting you to come over now. There is something I want to tell you in person. It's OK."
"What about -"
"I second that invite," Jason said, "This is important enough to set aside old grudges for a little while."
"I will approve this as well," Robin said, "As the leader of the Titans, I invite Sarah, AKA Sosfil, to come over for a bit."
"Give me a few minutes, then," she said, a tinge of awe in her voice, "It's almost quitting time here in Tokyo anyway."
"All right? Five minutes work?" Edward asked.
"That's fine," she replied and hung up.
As soon as he hung up, he was mobbed by the Titans en masse, even the reserved Raven risked it by joining in the group hug. She knew, though, that she'd have to tell the team about Trigon pretty soon.
"This calls for a celebration!" Cyborg said. Edward held up his hand, though.
"It can wait until tomorrow," he said, "Mally and I ate before I asked her. What gets me is who would have told Grand Death? And, besides, I think the Circle will see a change tonight."
A tear formed and Sosfil stepped out with a smile, perhaps one a bit too big, "Hi, brothers!"
Edward went over and for the first time in a long time, welcomed her with a family hug. Jason did the same and she actually returned the hugs.
"Hi, Sosfil," he said, "Welcome to Titan Tower." He introduced her to the Titans and when he got to Mally, she noticed the ring and said, "I see my brother is making a claim on you, Mally?"
"He is!" she said happily, "He asked me earlier tonight in Hawaii."
"I was hoping that he would have asked someplace else," she sighed, the smile fading, "You see, Grand Death suspected that this was going to happen. He ordered the infiltrator to tail you if you went there. From the text I got, I'd say that you were reported to him."
"Well, that infiltrator is going to be sent packing with a bruised ego, if not a bruised body when I am done," Edward snarled, "What I did to you, sister, will pale in comparison…but, I did not invite you here to make pointless jabs at you. I told you that I was forgiving you, and I have."
"You missed the 'fun,'" Jason said, "Grand Death has finally snapped to the point that Father literally threw him through a Tear after Edward and Father told him off. I think Edward was about to do that, but, Father beat him to it."
Sosfil raised an eyebrow, "I see."
"You should have seen it," Jason said with a chuckle, "Edward got into Death's face and called him a 'bigoted old one', and an 'honorless dog.'"
Sosfil's jaw dropped an inch, "No way!"
"Yes, way! He had it coming, sister," Edward said, "I waited 1500 years to say that, but, his jabs at the family honor had gone on long enough. I suspect that the Circle is gathering to force the issue."
A tear opened a moment later and Lassreyth emerged, "Hello, Titans. I'm sorry to barge in like this. Edward, Mally and Jason are being summoned to the trial of Grand Death. We are making an exception for you, Jason, your banishment is lifted for the duration of this proceeding and to watch the elevation of the new Grand Death. Your Father made the request and we will allow this."
"Like I said, the celebration will have to wait," Edward said, "Let's go. Sosfil, you might as well hang out…get to know the team better. But, please, leave your desire to be Heir out of it…The team doesn't have to know all Lair things."
The three Summoned dragons went with Grand Life back to Lair and the seat of power.
[Volcano]
After they returned to the volcano and resumed their true forms (Edward asked Mally to remove the ring as it needed to be treated by Raven, lest it possibly break), they were asked to take a seat in the spectator area. They were the only ones there, outside of the heirs that had already been confirmed.
Grand Earth said, "Welcome home, Kiinnum, Maldriin and Filkiin. This emergency meeting of the Circle is hereby convened.
"The purpose of this meeting is to entertain a motion to replace one of our number. Grand Light?"
Feylfil stood up on all four legs and said, "Fellow members of the Circle, I am making a motion to impeach and replace Grand Death due to being over his term and for several violations of the Circle's ancient and long held laws, rules and regulations.
"Earlier this evening, I got a message from my daughter, Sosfil that I was needed at the Titan Tower. She couldn't go into details that she did not know, however, I suspected what was going to happen.
"As you may know, my firstborn, Kiinnum and Grand Life's daughter Maldriin have shown great interest in one another and I believe that they have staked a claim in one another."
Grand Water asked, "Is this true?"
Edward stood up and replied, "It is true, Milady. I have asked Maldriin to be my mate and she has accepted it. However, at the request of the Grand Light, we will not petition for the Circle's blessing for a month. We will not perform the mating ceremony until such time as we are permitted to."
"That is good to know," Water said after a moment, "Please continue, Grand Light."
"When I arrived, Grand Death was about to decree that he would not permit such a union to occur, nor to even permit them to petition us for our blessing," Sol stated, "That was beyond his legal authority in attempting to bar two Children of the First from exercising their right to petition us for our blessing. And, yes, my son is a Child of the First and a Citizen of Lair. He is also a member of my clan, and, Maldriin, as we all know, is a Life dragon. Therefore, they are both outside of Death's jurisdiction. Our law does not permit a clan head from prohibiting a petition for our blessing from dragons not in his or her clan.
"I remind you all that Grand Death is a decade beyond the end of his term, and, given his absolute hatred towards my children and his refusal to recognize Kiinnum's very right to exist, his right to claim a mate, as well as Maldriin's right to accept a claim, plus his attempted murder of Filkiin renders him unfit to continue. I submit that he has lost his way and must step down this very evening. I charge him with Treason against the Circle."
"I reject those claims!" Grand Death objected, "I have not lost my way, I am keeping our traditions alive!"
"Grand Death, you are out of order," Grand Earth said.
"Kiinnum," Sol said, "Please tell the Circle what has been happening."
Edward flew to the center of the Circle, a trip he had made several times before.
"Exalted Circle," he began, "I have been personally attacked by Grand Death's blatant hatred and racism for as long as I can remember. If you will recall, there was a time when I should have been Heir Potential or even the Heir of Light given that I am still the firstborn. However, Grand Death convinced you that I should not be in such a position. That my blood wasn't pure enough for him and said that should I be turned by Darkness that it would destabilize this body, especially if I was Grand Light and turned Traitor. How many times has Oblann made the attempt, though? I've lost count, but, each and every time the Traitor failed, either because my mother intervened or when I reached the age of adulthood, I told their agents to get lost and stay lost. Some who persisted found out that I favor the Light Clan the hard way after returning to their dank hole with broken bones or burned scales. I have no intention of ever being turned. Yet, Grand Death still thinks I should have been killed and is trying to deny me the one thing that I desire and that is a happy life, raising strong whelps. He refuses to recognize that I have a right to even exist.
"All that he cares about is the bloodline, and, not the Balance. He looks at me and all he does is insult the family honor, forgetting that when one attacks one member of the family's honor, he attacks all of the family.
"He even admitted in front of me, Mally, Filkiin and the Teen Titans that he holds the Grand Light in contempt and would never see the Light Clan as equals. Yes, when he admitted that he did not see my father as an equal, he attacked the honor of my clan…an honor that I must defend, Exalted Ones.
"He thinks that any broods between Mally and myself would be weak and unworthy. Who is he to decree that without at least consulting with the rest of the Circle and giving Mally and myself the same right to even petition at a later date? When the Grand Light asked him if I were his son instead…he said that he would have killed me in the blasted shell and said that the other members of the Circle would have done the same.
"Yet, here I am, Grand Death. Your worst nightmare come to life and existing. You want to know why I no longer avert my gaze in your presence, why I no longer respect you? You do not deserve the respect I give the rest of the Circle. You no longer deserve the respect of the other dragons. Your hatred of me has consumed you. Your soul is as black as the Traitor's. You have denied me rights that every other dragon in Lair enjoys. You are like Adolph Hitler in your hatred of me, except unlike Hitler, you couldn't execute me or torture me physically. No, you attacked me mentally and emotionally. You turned how many dragons against me, Grand Death? How many dragons to this day look at me with a deadly glare that says, 'Half-Breed! You should have been killed in the shell!' How many eligible female dragons refused to give me the time of day? Until Maldriin came along, the answer was all of them.
"Your hatred poisoned Lair, Grand Death. Your hatred of me drove me away from my home. The glares the females in the Light Clan gave me angered Sosfil and planted the obsession she feels towards being the Heiress of Light over Filkiin. And, you don't give a damn. I don't need your glare in my direction anymore than you deserve my pity…or my respect, freely given to the other members of the Exalted Circle.
"And, what about Filkiin, monster? YOU ALMOST KILLED MY BROTHER! You had his neck stretched out until Feylfil intervened to save his flesh and blood. You were ready to commit murder. None of us can fight a Grand and hope to win. We cannot request Bloodbath, yet, this goes towards your history of trying to act without the majority vote of the Circle, correct? You think I would forgive your murder of a sibling, even a half-sibling? No, I wouldn't and I am a very forgiving Dragon. I have not forgiven those who beheaded Kreinkiin, my other brother whose kind heart compelled him to try to rescue a captured sibling. You already had Filkiin defeated, but, to add insult to injury, you tried to use your Blessing against him. You can't stand that my father allowed me to live…so, you decided to hurt him as well. You couldn't kill me, but, you figured that you'd hurt my family by attempted murder. Never before in the History of the Circle had a member attempted to kill not one, but, two powerful offspring of another member. Isn't that Treason, in and of itself, Traitor?
"This is why there's a set term limit…Because a Grand can lose their way, only, in Grand Death's case, I submit for your consideration that he lost his way the day my mother laid a single egg and when the Dragon I call my Father said that he would not murder me in the shell. Grand Death couldn't tolerate that a hybrid of all the Clans is certainly possible, but, it took the powers of two opposing Grand Dragons, Light and Dark to make my existence possible. And when I breathed that little spark of lightning was when I was introduced to all of you, or your forerunners as the case may be. I don't remember what happened. Father told me that there was a choice between using a Tear of Oblivion to send me away forever into another realm or to let me live here, in Lair. Iilah begged the Circle not to send her only child away, knowing that she would never have any more eggs, and, the Circle listened. The other Dragons who I shared DNA with also came forward and admitted their deeds, offering to forever waive their rights as a father if the Circle would allow me to stay. They sacrificed everything that fatherhood gives to a man, just to allow me to stay here. I never met them, Exalted Circle.
"AND THIS RACIST BIGOTED OLD ONE IS TRYING TO DENY ME A FIRST GIVEN RIGHT!" He pointed his talon towards Grand Death, shaking in barely restrained rage. Mally and Jason grabbed him before he said anything else. They both had seen his anger starting to boil over and flew down to support him and possibly restrain him.
"Calm yourself," Jason said, "You're bordering on Treason yourself."
"It is all right," Grand Earth said, overhearing the efforts to calm Edward, "We will overlook the outburst as it is apparent that Grand Death has made Kiinnum's life miserable."
"I apologize for him, regardless," Jason said humbly, surprising the Circle. The last time Jason faced them, he was the angry one staring down a possible execution. This time, he was the one protecting an older brother from the Circle's wrath as well as trying to calm the angry and deeply hurt Edward who had finally been given the ability to speak his mind and released some of that pent up anger.
The other members of the Circle were somewhat surprised by the anger Edward was showing towards Grand Death and it was becoming clear to them that while they still had Edward's respect, he no longer cared what Grand Death thought about him. It was obvious that Edward did not hold a grudge against the five other members and had saved his own anger until the right time.
"You dare sully our traditions?" Grand Death retorted, "You want to seduce my granddaughter away from our teachings? Never!"
Edward's eyes flashed red as his scales rapidly changed colors. It was the final stage before his scales would turn black as a moonless night indicating to those who knew him that his anger had taken over. He was still in control, but barely.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" he roared as his scales went to black and his voice changed to something terrifying, deep and guttural, "I have held onto our traditions and teachings. It's you who have violated our traditions and our teachings by your very hatred of me. Every Child of the First has a right to claim a suitable mate within Lair, that is the Law and a First Given Right, yet, you thought that you could decree and declare that I was to be denied that right. And, you poisoned the minds and hearts of dragons from every clan against me. I still cannot fly around Lair without those glares of hatred and loathing. And, you shall stand before the First this very night where he will judge you, he will weigh you, he will measure you and he will absolutely find you wanting. And, you will be sent to where the Flames of Hell, sulfur and brimstone await you, Grand Death, begging for a mercy that you never granted me. You will beg for forgiveness from the First before this night is through, and your sins will be unforgiven as demons drag you, kicking and screaming in to the death that you worship. For death cares not who he claims. When the Reaper or Celesta touches you, while your demise is supposed to be painless, your soul will burn. Who knows, maybe it will be the first Dragon Soul Alduin feasts upon."
Mally and Starborn were still holding Edward down. He whispered, "I haven't seen Edward this livid in the last 500 years. Yet, he doesn't move to throw us off."
"He loves us enough to not harm us, even in his anger," Mally said, breathing a sigh.
"Grand Death," Earth said, "Kiinnum was taught our traditions as a whelp, same as every other whelp and he is following tradition and those teachings. He is even willing to wait to formally petition us to bless his claim on Maldriin. We allowed him to exercise his physical powers to their full extant, over your objections to the contrary. We as a body have allowed him to live his life as he sees fit…and, I now regret listening to your objections on his being an Heir Potential. I see now how you have tried to ruin his life. First, you denied his right as a firstborn to be an Heir Potential. Then, I do not know how you managed it, but, you denied him a mate from his own clan, then, as soon as you even thought he was moving to propose a claim on Maldriin…you dared to try to block even that without sanction.
"And, to top it off, we are hearing for the first time that you tried to kill Filkiin before he was brought to us for trial and banishment. I second Feylfil's motion that you be impeached. You have, indeed, outlived your term and it is time for your song to be sung. Grand Death, Kiinnum is correct. You have, on several occasions, committed Treason against Lair. And, we allowed this to occur right under our snouts.
"Kiinnum, Mally and Filkiin, you may retire to the spectator area. Thank you for your words…We will overlook any implied disrespect towards the Circle." Earth certainly was not angry at Edward. He sighed creating a cloud of dust.
"Kiinnum, we are not the enemy," Sol said, "Calm yourself, my son." Edward allowed himself to be lead away as his scales started to transition to copper, then, to bronze.
"I put it to the vote," Earth continued, "All in favor?"
The other members of the Circle nodded their heads in sad agreement. Grand Death obviously voted against his own demise, unwilling to admit that a whelp defeated him.
"Will the Heir of Death please take Kiinnum's spot?" Earth said.
A younger looking death Dragon flew down and Earth asked, "Are you ready to assume the duties you have trained for?"
"I am," was the reply.
"Repeat after me: I do solemnly swear before the Alpha who created all things that I will faithfully execute the office and duties of the Grand Circle, upholding the laws as handed down from the beginning of time and that I will faithfully preserve, protect and defend the Balance in all things and from all enemies, foreign and domestic."
The Heir took the Oath of Office. All that was left was for the Grand Circle to transfer the powers from Grand Death to the Heir.
"As the vote to replace Grand Death is 5-1, Grand Death is hereby impeached and removed from office," Grand Earth said, "Do you have any last words before your song is sung?"
"When the World Killer comes, may he grow fat on all of your Souls!" he roared angrily, "That hybrid will destroy our way of life. I'll see you all in HELL, you BASTARDS!"
"No, he won't, Grandfather," Mally roared, "Our culture is growing stagnant and stale because of dragons like you. We will fade away without change, just like the cultures and civilizations of mortals we've seen rise and eventually collapse! Why must you insist on holding us back? He's done nothing wrong!" She was about to burst into tears when Edward pulled her back into her seat and merely held her, showing the Circle how deeply he cared for her in the process.
"Grand Death," Edward said quietly, his anger spent, "May the First have mercy on your soul."
With that, the other Grand Dragons began to sing a song that was rarely heard in Lair. As the song was sung, Grand Death's body began to glow and tendrils of power flowed from him to his Heir. When the song finished, the last tendril of power was transferred and the former Grand Death's heart gave out. He collapsed with a long sigh and fell off the platform he was perched on. Almost in an instant, his flesh peeled away, disappearing into the air as quickly as it was removed from him, until only the skeleton remained.
"It is done," Light said, "We will honor the memory of our fallen comrade as tradition dictates. Yet, it will be with great reluctance given why we had to do the ceremony. Rest in peace, Grand Death. We will now escort the body of our comrade to his final resting place among those who carried the title of Grand Death before him."
The other Grands, except for Earth, flew down and picked up the bones of Grand Death.
They carried him out in a solemn procession followed by Edward, Mally and Jason to a predesignated location within the graveyard.
Earth, being the largest Dragon made the formal announcement.
"Dragons of Lair, Hear my Voice! It is with sorrow in our hearts that we lay the body of Grand Death to rest. The Circle has determined that Grand Death was past his term and transferred his powers to his Heir. Please, join the Grand Circle as we sing the Sending Song to honor his memory."
With that, the Circle, as one voice started to sing the Sending Song. Lassreyth had tears running down her snout, though. Edward felt bad for her, having to help put her father down, then, to bury him. Mally was also crying softly and leaning on Edward for support.
The song carried on the wind and soon, the air was filled with the sad song as members of the Death Clan assembled to say good-bye. Even Edward was touched and his baritone voice soon joined in.
Pretty soon, all of the members of the Death clan had arrived, from whelps to the oldest ones who could still travel. They all mourned the loss of their leader and as the song faded away and the echoes were silenced, Grand Death's bones was lowered into a prepared grave that others had dug prior to the Circle's meeting.
Then, those who dug the grave moved in to bury the bones. Given the size of the Grands, it was impracticable to have a casket made.
The new Grand Death, when the ceremony was finished went over to Edward and said, "Kiinnum, may his hatred die with him. You will find me to be an ally instead of an enemy. Maldriin, I am so sorry… I wish this didn't have to happen. It will take a while for the other Dragons to realize that this was for the best."
"I would like that, very much," Edward said, extending a hand of friendship. It was taken by the new Grand Death in front of all of Lair, signifying an end of hostilities. Word would spread throughout Lair what had transpired to cause a sudden change in the Circle and why.
Edward went over to Lassreyth and said, "I am so sorry this had to happen, Grand Life." He averted his gaze, only to hear "I would look upon the face of my future son-in-law. Kiinnum, you need not apologize to me. Grandfather was beyond his term and yes, you were right. He was the one who wanted you dead from the beginning. He prevented your rightful spot as an heir and I promise to make it up to you very soon. When we overruled him…he was the one who went behind our backs and made your life so terrible in Lair that you had to leave on your own. He dishonored the Circle and, more importantly, he disgraced my family as well. Please, forgive us?"
Edward smiled and said, "I hold no grudge nor anger against you. You, personally, have not offended me and, truth be told, milady…there is no debt to pay because I know you were playing matchmaker for me and Maldriin. You have already paid that debt, in full and, if we are allowed to be a mated couple and give many strong broods, that would be 'interest paid'. I will forgive your grandfather someday, but, his words I can't forgive, not right now. He also hurt my betrothed by saying that she was not an Heir Potential. My words mean little on this subject, but, maybe someday re-evaluate her? None of the other females were strong enough to overlook my unique nature, save Mally. Shouldn't that be taken into consideration at some point?"
Lassreyth's face softened as she replied, "You make a good point… she is strong emotionally and mentally." She turned to Mally, who lowered her head. "Unfortunately, she cannot heal dragons as effectively as many others. She has a strong heart, but her abilities are lacking." She then looked back to Edward, giving a small, sad smile. "But given time, she may be able to change my mind. Who knows, give it some time and you both could be an heir potential. I know your father will want Filkiin as his heir, but, if it's the Will of the First to see a hybrid have a seat at our table, I do not have any issues with you being Heir Potential to one of us.
"We talked about it before you arrived and I think Grand Earth has an announcement to make."
Earth said, "By decree of the Circle, any Dragon that takes revenge upon the hybrid Kiinnum shall face trial and five years banishment for Sedition against the Circle. We also reduce the charge against Filkiin to Sedition from Treason. Filkiin's indefinite banishment is reduced to five years with time served."
"Kiinnum, Mally and Filkiin are free to depart at their leisure. We look forward to blessing their request to be a mated couple."
Edward looked away, humbled by the official show of respect.
Edward said his good-byes to the others and opened a tear back to the Tower.
"Well, I can do four more years standing on my talons," Jason said after they returned, "I am surprised, though…Why is the Circle suddenly willing to reconsider things?"
"Righting wrongs, brother," Edward said smiling, "Grand Life said that, in essence, that they allowed Grand Death's hatred towards me and later towards you to affect them as well. I don't expect them to apologize outright, but, I will take what I can get.
"But, they cannot totally overlook your incident, but, four more years of banishment isn't so bad after all."
Edward had to smirk a bit. The tyranny that Grand Death exerted over his life had ended finally and with a friendlier replacement in office, it would be a matter of time before the others would be more welcoming of the hybrid. It would take a while, but, Edward was a patient dragon for the most part. But, when that patience was at an end, look out!
Mally was also happy. In a month they would be allowed to petition to be an official mated couple, so she wanted to plan ahead for it.
"Sweetheart?" she asked, "Do you think we should do a mortal style wedding as well?"
Edward thought about it for a minute before replying, "Well, it would not be such a bad idea given that the tabloids have noticed our trips. Then again, the local mainstream news outlets are starting to get curious, I noticed. There's been a few articles written with pictures of us together and wondering who the newest Titan is seeing on the side. Once we are committed mates, they will have a field day in trying to catch us in the act."
Mally blushed, "I doubt they can get into Lair, hon,"
Edward laughed, "True." Then, his face fell, "I haven't even been back to visit my own little piece of Lair in a long time. For all I know, it's been claimed by someone else."
Jason said, "Brother, I would be honored if you would call my cave your Lair home for as long as you and Mally want."
"Thanks!" Edward said.
"Well, I need to pay you back somehow," Jason rationalized, "I did not expect that the Circle would let me witness the installation of a new member of the Circle."
"I will admit…seeing his body just fade away like that was disconcerting seeing how others leave more than just a pile of bones," Edward admitted, "It reminded me of the final scenes in two Godzilla films, but, more of Godzilla vs. Destroyah when Godzilla melted away with a strangled roar."
The other Titans got the mental image Edward was shooting for…a large Dragon's flesh melting away and vaporizing.
"Not the best way to go?" Robin asked, "Mally, I'm sorry for your loss. We all are."
"Once the powers of the Circle are transferred, the Grand's body does, indeed give out and that transference rips the flesh apart," Jason said, "Grand Death breathed his last and fell off his perch. He was bones within a minute. The Circle collected the bones and laid them to rest."
"Robin," Mally said, fighting the tears again, "Thank you for your words of support. It was grandfather's time and I hope that someday, he is forgiven."
"Sweetheart," Edward said, "I have to let my anger and grudge against him die with him. His heir is right…Let the hatred have died with him. I wish it had not come down to this, but, I will be forgiving and pray that the First takes that into account.
"One of my honor sisters from a few thousand years ago once allowed her anger to erupt on her best friend and almost killed her. If one of the Greek Gods who liked Xena not intervened, both would have died."
"Wait," Cyborg said, "You mean that TV show was based on a real person?"
"Very loosely based," Edward corrected, "They took some liberties."
It was at this point that Sosfil stepped forward again. Solor stared back, looking at her with caution. "So… Grand Death has been succeeded, then?"
"He has", Solor responded, sighing. "A new Grand Death has taken his place. And in light of his crimes against Edward and myself… well, the Circle has offered stricter protection for our brother… and my indefinite punishment has been given a deadline of five years."
Sosfil gave a frown at that. She had been expecting some action against Grand Death, and considering how reckless he had been getting, dealing out punishment, she knew his time must have been coming to an end. But to relieve some of Filkiin's punishment thanks to this, and giving him such a short amount of time banished was… infuriating, to say the least. Even now, she saw him as being the 'favored' child. No matter how hard she tried… it was always about her brother.
"Then I suppose you'll be back to fight for the title of Heir sooner than I expected", she stated, sighing. "Can't say that I exactly agree with their decision, but I cannot argue a decision made by the Circle." She muttered her spell, and the tear opened once more. "I'll admit… it was… nice to see you both again. I wish you well… and I hope Maldriin brings you much happiness, Edward."
"Sosfil", Raven called out, catching the dragoness' attention. "… if you didn't have your father's favor, you wouldn't be considered an Heir Potential. You are holding onto a grudge that no one else can see."
Sosfil let out a huff. "If I needed your opinion, I would ask, human."
That, of course, caused Solor to stand between them. "If you cannot be civil any longer, perhaps you should leave, sister. I appreciate you staying calm… but I think you're overstaying your welcome."
Edward was livid and the sudden, dangerous red glow his eyes assumed was telling Sosfil that she probably had about 10 seconds to leave before she would be throttled and to hell with her being family
That interaction gave the dragoness pause, as she stared at Solor. Why was her brother so willing to defend the grey-skinned girl? Didn't he know who she was? She said no more on the matter, deciding it was safer to simply leave, vanishing in the tear again.
Edward, however, was fuming mad again. The look on his face told the others that her dig at Raven would not go unanswered.
[Oh boy] Raven said to Jason, [Your sister just royally angered Edward. It's a good thing she left or I fear Edward would have done the same thing your father did to Grand Death.]
[Oh, I know,] Jason replied sadly, [Last time they squared off, I had to restrain him a bit. He calmed down pretty quick once she left. One of these days, Sosfil will not be able to merely walk away unharmed.]
Edward said, "I'll be downstairs, watching the waves coming in." He took the elevator down to the entrance and went to Terra's spot. He picked up a flattened stone and gave it a hard fling and watched as it skipped along the surface.
As he skipped more stones, though, he was putting more power behind them as his anger mounted more. Sosfil had utterly triggered him and given what had gone on several hours ago, merely amplified his anger.
Raven, of course, noticed the rapid increase in his frustration and anger that threatened to erupt not like a small volcano, but, going towards a Yellowstone Caldera release.
"Mally," she said, "Edward's about to blow his top. I don't know how dangerous he is in this state."
Jason piped up, "He can be incredibly dangerous when angry, I'm afraid. I should go down and get him cooled off."
"No," Mally said gently, "He needs someone else right now to calm his anger. I'll go."
"Me too," Terra said, "He won't attack me, either."
They headed down to the beach where they saw Edward still flinging and skipping stones. Terra counted the skips in her head and had to stop at 60.
They heard Edward talking to himself, only, Terra couldn't understand a word he was saying as he was using his native language.
She looked at Mally who said, "He's livid, all right. What he's calling Sosfil and my grandfather aren't really suitable for 'hatchling's ears'. He's angry that Sosfil treated Raven so poorly and that she wasn't exactly happy that the Circle has capped Jason's sentence."
They stepped closer until Mally was right next to him and placed a soft, friendly hand on his shoulder.
He tensed up for a moment before he relaxed, allowing the contact once he realized who was daring to approach him in this state.
"Hi, babe," she said gently, not sure how to approach him.
He sighed, letting some of his anger go, "I'm all right."
"Talk to me, sweetheart," she said as she sat down, "You've been on a slow burn for the last few hours, ever since we had to come back."
"I was hoping that maybe, just once, I could do something without some moron deciding to ruin it. If it wasn't your grandfather, it's that blasted half-sister of mine throwing jabs at Filkiin," Edward said, "She just hasn't learned that when my patience is at an end, what replaces it is my wanting to rip their head clean off."
"You're certainly more protective of him, that's for sure," Mally noted, "Have you tried to smooth things over with her?"
"Several times," he said, "That's one reason I wanted to invite her to the meeting with the Circle next month. I'm having second thoughts on that one. She came really close to being tossed through my apartment wall, and, the only reason I didn't is because she is family. Anyone else human or Dragon would have been tossed out and nursing bruises.
"I get that she doesn't feel he's a worthy successor, but, she's undermining my efforts. She keeps pushing me, I may snap and demand a BloodBath."
"What's that?" Terra asked.
"It's where two dragons fight to the death, T," Edward said, "When two dragons are involved in well, this sort of dispute and there's no other alternative, they can duke it out. Two dragons enter, one dragon leaves. That settles the matter for good, obviously."
Terra said, "How often does that happen?"
"It's pretty rare," Mally said, "My grandmother told us when we were whelps that she had only seen a couple and she also lived to be about 5500, given she was Grand Life before my mother. Mother hasn't had to sanction any since she took office as far as I know."
"Why don't you…?" Terra started to ask.
"I do not want to kill a sibling," Edward snarled, "Father is still mourning the death of Jason's mother. I won't put him through the loss of another child. There's only four left. Sosfil, Jason, myself, and Sahqokrein and he disappeared shortly after Kreinkiin's death."
"Sorry I asked," Terra said.
"It's OK," Edward replied after a deep breath, "I understand your curiosity. I'm not offended. Just be careful asking some questions, OK?
"Changing the subject…How did Slade catch you in the first place? I've been pondering that for a while."
Terra sighed, "I slipped up, that's how. I didn't take into consideration that he would have bugged my own room and he caught one of my reports back to the Tower. He waited a few days to be sure. But, there is something that you need to know, Edward.
"He has a daughter, Ravager. She's just as dangerous as Slade, if not more so…and, Slade told her about you and Jason. He realized when he knew that Jason's a dragon, that you're one as well. It wasn't much of a leap for him. But, with him dead, she's doubtless looking for him and, she'll know he was captured. We didn't exactly look for cameras and Slade would have wanted video or still camera footage as a Plan B."
Edward's face paled, as did Mally's. That would blow the lid off their secret, exposing dragons to mankind.
He said a few choice words, again, in different languages as he got up and started back inside, his fiancee and Terra behind him.
"Mally, please tell me you left the communicator in Lair?" Edward asked, "We need to inform the Circle…like now."
"I brought that with me, but, Mother's pretty tech savvy and, as you figured, she has a smart phone as well," Mally said.
She pulled her phone and handed it to Edward. He pulled the call log and saw Lassreyth's number and hit the redial option.
The phone rang and she picked up, "Mally? I wasn't expecting to hear from you for a few days."
"This is Kiinnum, Grand Life," Edward said, "Mally's fine, but, we might have a problem here. Terra just informed Mally and I that the late Slade Wilson has a daughter who also knows about us…meaning that Filkiin and I are Dragons and she will likely be looking for her father."
There was a silence at the other end before she replied, "I will inform the rest of the Circle, Kiinnum. We'll have to know what this child of Slade looks like and we'll get our infiltrators looking for her. You know we will execute her as well, correct?"
"Yes, ma'am," Edward replied, "I have learned my lesson. I should have executed Slade forthwith."
"Yes, you should have," Grand Life said in gentle (for her) rebuke/agreement, "Be that as it may, that is why you were denied the kill. Child of the First, do not allow your time with the humans to cloud your duty to Lair. We will overlook only so much, even from you. Take this as advice before we must issue a final warning."
"Understood, Grand Life," Edward said, "I will get a description of this Ravager from Terra…Hold on."
"I can tell her, if that's permitted," Terra offered.
"It is permitted," Grand Life said. Edward handed the phone to Terra.
She gave Grand Life a full description of Ravager with and without her mask and that she is quite dangerous and deadly being taught by the master himself.
When she was done talking to Grand Life, she requested to talk to Edward again.
"I am assigning you a mission," she said, "The infiltrators will be reporting to you and Filkiin. Doing this will allow you and he to effectively track this girl down. I will clear it with the Circle."
"Understood," Edward replied, "May I have the assistance of the Titans?"
"Only if there is no other option," she replied after a moment, "Just because they know of dragons doesn't mean that they are to be involved in our affairs."
"I have one more question," Edward said, "I might be able to train Mally on healing dragons. Would you object to that?"
"Not at all," was the immediate response, "Anything else?"
"No, Ma'am," Edward said, "I'll keep you in the loop."
They disconnected and Mally got her phone back.
[2 weeks later]
Bi-weekly report…
Exalted Circle,
Filkiin has continued to show improvement in the key areas in which I was asked to help him with.
Since the ceremony to replace Grand Death, he has been more at ease. I think that the brief trip home really lifted his morale more than seeing a new member of the circle elevated.
Then again, he saw what can potentially be his, even though it means that we'd both watch Grand Light vaporize before our eyes. He's throwing himself into his work with me with some extra zeal and with his temper control. I know that I am appreciative of the help Raven's given as well. She is a grounding force for him as she seems to be able to calm him better than I can at times. Maybe it's due to her empathic powers alerting her to his moods. It's almost as if he's soul-bound to her.
But, we may have a problem with Sosfil. I think she is giving serious thought to presenting the Challenge. She was quite unhappy hearing that the Circle is showing mercy towards Filkiin to the point that she insulted Raven for trying to help. The signs that she is giving off are pointing in that direction, Honorable members of the Circle. She's already angry that I am favoring his claim over hers to the title of Heir of Light. Had she proven to be more interested in the Balance instead of trying to get the other Children of the First to be willing to accept me, I would have a more balanced opinion of her desires.
The search for Ravager continues. We've had few clues to where she's disappeared to, but, nothing's panned out. Robin mentioned that since her father trained her, she knows all his tricks to stay hidden. But, she will eventually make a move and when she does, we can capture her. I am pondering taking some of my money and hiring a team of mercs to find her. I'm not at that point, yet. Thing is with them, they work for whoever pays the most, so, if someone pays more than what I feel comfortable paying, unless I go snout to nose with them, it's not worth the risks. And, I am not about to tell or let any mercenaries know our secrets. Yet, Rose Wilson has that card to play, doesn't she?
I've had a rather friendly discussion with the infiltrator who threw Mally and I under the bus. No, I didn't send him packing for Lair with literal bruises, just a slightly bruised ego after he actually apologized. After I said my peace, I decided to forgive him instead. He was following orders.
Maldriin's training is going as well as can be expected, but, without an injured dragon to actually heal, her progress can only go so far. And, I am not going to ask Filkiin to be the test subject unless he is actually injured in a fight or a spar.
My next report will be in person, due to my having to petition the Circle for your blessings on Mally and I being mated dragons.
Your humble servant,
Kiinnum.
Edward attached a few more items for his report and printed it out for Mally. She had practically moved into the Tower, given that she's his fiancee and the team didn't mind at all. In fact, they all loved Mally to death, it seemed like. Jason had overcome his jealousy eventually.
Mally knew that Jason was technically Raven's boyfriend, but, was not willing to tell the Circle as yet.
Mally took the report and gave it the once over.
"When will you tell the Circle about Filkiin's relationship with Raven?" she asked.
"Not until I am certain that she shares the same DNA that I have," Edward said, "If I am correct, she and I will have some similar genetic markers. If so, we can take it to the Circle as a loophole to the law. And, I will shove it into Sosfil's face as well."
"Still cheesed off about that?" Mally said.
"Hon, you've already seen what happens when my patience is at an end, twice," he noted, "You became my go between because Sosfil broke the law and demanded to know why we were with the Titans. You saw when Grand Death had pushed me too far as well as my father. Granted, I was saddened a bit for your sake. But, I am no longer willing to hear Sosfil's jabs and insults at me, my brother or my friends. She insults you and that will be the end of my tolerance towards her and she will get my anger in full measure."
Mally replied gently, "I'm a big girl, Edward. If I can deal with the glares from Lair over being your chosen, I can deal with an obsessed sister-in-law."
Edward smirked hearing that, "Maybe I should let you handle Sosfil?"
Mally smirked at that. "If you're so inclined", she said with a giggle. "I may not be good at healing, but I can deal with upset dragons no problem. Though I probably can't really back that up…" She shook her head. "Back to the Raven subject… do you happen to know why Jason seems to have fallen for her? Did he talk to you about that?"
"I think he started having these feelings when he caught her during a fight he came across. The Titans were fighting Cinderblock and she got hit hard enough to send her towards a brick wall. Jason caught her and took the impact himself," Edward said, "When he finally returned with the pizza, he was distracted through the entire meal.
"But, as for why? No, he hasn't really said much on the subject. But, I know that she returns the feelings as best she can. She can't be open with her emotions lest her powers react.
"Since they started dating, his mood has improved a lot and he's not as prone to being angry, as you know. I am pretty pleased with this development, even though the Circle will not be once they find out.
"I hate keeping them out of the loop, though, and I worry that if there's undercover agents here, at some point they will catch Jason with her and that will not be good for any of us."
Mally frowned, "Good point. I'm glad that he's changing his looks before they head out, but, he still has his scent and eventually, that will give him away. We have to hope that the little bit of dragon DNA that you think she shares with you will keep them off our collective backs.
"They certainly enjoy one another's company. I never thought that he would finally let go of his anger towards humans."
"He has not totally let it go," Edward pointed out, "However, he is starting to realize that not all humans are terrible people. Raven's showing him that a lot better than I could, just by being her. Also, being friends with Terra really helps. He was the first one to race in to rescue her from Slade, despite that I had to get the rest of the team."
That gave Mally a relaxed smile for a short while, before eventually it faded. "I'm happy for him… I hope that they remain a good influence on his life… even after…" Her face fell. "… Edward, you and Jason both know about Raven's father. What will you do when he is summoned?"
"Kick his rear back to wherever he comes from, Mally," was the reply, "The question is how will Trigon be summoned? I haven't spent all this time with the mortals to have that ripped away by the bastard spawn of Oblaan. His being related to me is irrelevant."
"That is, unfortunately, unknown", Mally said. "We only know of the item called 'The Gem' will be used to usher in his coming. But even we don't know how to fight him." She looks at Edward. "If he is summoned while you live in the mortal world, it may be for the better if both of you return. As much as I know it is unthinkable to ask… the Circle has stated that they will offer protection to those banished should Alduin be summoned. Even with your strength, you may not win if you decide to try and fight him… and we don't know what his presence will do to the mortal world."
Edward gave it some thought, "What if this Gem is a person, rather then the gems that you wear on your finger?
"Regardless, you do have a point. I am not one for running away unless I see no other alternative. It hurt having to leave Lair, but, I did not see much of a choice, not with your grandfather ruining my life there. But, if Alduin is summoned, we will have to figure a way to stop him or get rid of him. Hopefully, there is time to do this."
Mally thought of how Raven's powers worked, and her heritage. She brought a finger to her lips, tapping nervously as she thought. "Well… perhaps it would be something… or someone with his powers. I do not see her actively wanting to help him, but… Raven is a possibility. I won't accuse her without proof, but just know that it is a possibility… and that means that we cannot tell the Circle unless we are 100% sure." She sighed. "This was just a nice conversation, and I kinda dragged it to a dark spot… I'm sorry."
Edward pulled her into a hug and said, "It's fine, hon. I've been pondering this for a while anyway.
"A happier thought. We only have a couple more weeks to go before we present our claim to the Circle. I'd like to think that with a new member installed there, that we have a good shot of being a mated couple. We can always go back to Hawaii for a couple of weeks afterwards, or wait until a true honeymoon, after we are married in the sight of the mortal world as well. I have a friend I can go to to get some fake ids made that will pass any scrutiny. I'm sure that he would make some documents for you if asked or needed."
"Or maybe Niagara Falls?" Mally suggested, "I haven't been there in a long time."
"That'll work," Edward said, "There a lot to see and do there as well."
As the engaged couple spoke, Jason, meanwhile, was in his room, relaxing a bit. He was just back from a mission, dealing with Cinderblock alongside Cyborg. (Edward was OK with Jason going on the mission with Cyborg.) It went rather well, considering the damage was lessened since Solor was stronger than the golem, and with Cyborg's tactical awareness, there were practically no errors. Granted, the dragon didn't like taking orders from his human teammate, but he was still trying to fit in and learn how to be a team player - and hopefully, a leader someday - so he bit back his remarks. As they were heading back, Cyborg called him over, and handed him a small device with a circle pad on it. "What's this?" he asked, raising a brow.
"A music player", Cyborg stated. "You don't have a lot of stuff in your room, and I figured maybe you needed a bit more update with your music library … seeing as, last time you were with humans was a few hundred years ago."
"Oh… um… thanks?" Jason said with hesitation, eventually taking the tech. "I don't have to do anything complicated to work it, do I?"
"Nothing like a desktop computer, if you're worried about breaking it", Cyborg stated with a chuckle. "Just put those ear buds that are plugged into it in your ears, and then you can use the circle pad to navigate the menus and that center button there to play music. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I just put all sorts of genres and artists on there."
The dragon nodded once more, heading back to his room with the music player. Which brings us to now; he had figured out how to get it to work without any difficulty (Computers, watch out - Solor's coming for you!), and had settled on some country music. He did discover that he could replay songs as many times as he liked, and had settled on a tune that he thought sounded nice and had a good message. He was even learning the lyrics, and sang softly to himself, enjoying being able to sing something besides the Sending Song again.
After a moment, he felt Raven's wavelength once more, and accessed the channel between them. [What's up?] he asked, stopping his singing. [I can feel you reaching.]
[Oh… nothing, just… you can sing?] she asked, sounding a tiny bit surprised.
[Yeah, I can… are you outside my room?] Jason got up, heading for his door, and wasn't surprised to see her right outside the door. "Everything okay?"
"I'm fine… just… surprised is all", Raven stated, blinking as she attempted to collect herself.
Holy crap, he sounds GOOD! came Happy's voice. Why didn't he tell us he could sing? I could listen to him for hours!
Not now, Happy, Raven chastised her emoticlone. "Do you practice a lot?"
"Not until recently", Jason confirmed. "I haven't really listened to music since the medieval times, so… a little surprised by how much everything's changed since then." He pulled out his ear buds. "But we can talk a bit more about that later. Did you need something?"
"Well… there's a reading going on at the cafe tonight, and I was wondering if you wanted to come and listen with me", Raven stated, feeling her cheeks heating up again. Why am I so flustered? We've done this dozens of times already!
"Of course I'll go", the dragon said with a smile. "You know I'll always go if you ask."
"Alright… good." The empath awkwardly stepped away, although the tiniest hint of a smile told him she was happy. "Then I'll be ready by eight. It might run a bit late tonight."
"I'll be ready then", Jason responded with a smile.
What was going to happen in the next few hours and days, though, no one was ready for…
[Dark Lair]
A large Dark Dragon was looking at a smaller dragon with a cruel smile upon his visage. The smile wasn't for the smaller dragon, just his planning was going into a more active stage which required the capture of a Light Dragon.
"Are you ready, daughter?" Oblann asked, "We finally have a means to capture a Light Dragon and to cancel out their powers."
"I am ready, Father," the smaller dragon said, "My encounter with that one Light Mosquito gave me the target.
"Too bad we can't get Kiinnum recruited to the cause or even to use his DNA, but, we must have pureblood DNA and his brother will do nicely for our purposes.
"The experiment is ready as well to bring the Twilight!"