The Chronicles of the White Dragon Part 2: The Crossroads of Time

by Blackshadow999

When things of history thought lost begin to be seen once more; fear grips many, none can choose how events will turn out in the end. What is left from an ancient war is rediscovered by Saber, but he finds more than he bargained for. An enemy long forgotten returns! and intends to finish wha they started. A tale traversing and transcending even the bounds of time itself. Part 2of3

20. 20 The Realm Conference

A/n

And here is the anticipated conference chapter. I'm sorry that it took me so long to get this written. Life for me has shifted so that I have much less free time to write this story or any other of my stories, which saddens me. BUT, that's how life goes and when school starts in a few weeks, it will become more so. Thank you for you readers giving your support by reading and writing reviews and PM for me. Keep them coming! Now, enough stuff from me, on with the chapter!

Chapter 20: The Realm Conference

No doubt, many of you listening to my story, have had a time when you get into a situation that you didn't want to be in. And then, looking ahead in how the said event will likely play out, see that thing won't play out well and tell those involved that it will not go as they think it will, yet they don't believe you. Then when the event in question happens, exactly the way you said it would… You just want to shout 'I told you so' at the top of your lungs! I know I've experienced this idea a number of times, and the conference of the races of the Dragon Realm is yet another example in the line... But there is so much more to how things played out in this instance… However, it's probably better for me to continue where I left off and just tell you what happened.

Now, I know that I had made my view and opinion about this upcoming conference with the races and everything that was related to it, heard to the Guardians in clear terms… or so I had thought. Said that this conference venture was likely going to end in disaster… to say that I was in the ballpark would be incorrect, no, I had a freaking grand slam! Normally, I'm not one to say 'I told you so', unless very well earned. In this instance… gosh dang it! I told them so! However, I don't like how right I am at times like in this event, though it didn't happen how I exactly expected it would.

So, day two had begun with me sparring with Chizuru and that had been a great way to start the day. After breakfast, our group set out traveling, which was fairly uneventful, at least was less so than the first day. I wasn't going to complain about that, especially when Sarana WASN'T traveling with us, to which I am ecstatic about! Around halfway through the day's journey, my feet were grumbling their complaint of the rough terrain, so I changed over to my draconic form and that seemed to help. Four scaled paws can do rough terrain easier than soft skinned human feet, even if they're in boots. Not too long after I made the switch from human to dragon, the line I had expected to come at some point on this trip, came…

"Are we there yet?" came the voice of the light bulb with wings in a whiny tone.

… IC never fails to disappoint me, does he? I'm forced to admit such, but why does he have to be so gosh darn annoying when he does his thing?! Out of habit, I began repeating the mantra 'ignore him, not worth killing him! You promised Spyro that you would be nice to him,' in my head as I kept putting on paw in front of the other and continued walking. "Sprax, if you are going to complain, then why did you come at all?" asked Seth.

I wanted to shout 'here here' to Seth's question, for I was in complete agreement. However, the relentless rambler took that as a cue to begin stating his opinion… Whether we wanted to hear it or not. "Come on Spyro, this journey is getting long and tedious, there are better things we could be doing."

Couldn't stay silent at this, "You know IC, the last time I checked, you chose to come along, without being given an invitation I might add. So, you have yourself to blame ya light bulb with wings, so do not make us have to suffer for it." I said flatly.

"What was that?!" Called Sparx in my direction.

I smirked, "You heard me Incessant Chatterbox." I used a tone to dare him to try my patients and give me a reason to torment the dragonfly.

Spyro got between Sparx and myself and I knew that it would be best for me to drop this, so I did. IC on the other paw, didn't have such an easy time dropping the grievance against me. Anyways, the trek continued and by the time we reached the campsite for those that would be participating in the conference, the sun was setting to end the day. The land of Cuneo was heavily wooded, though it wasn't densely so; there was room for moving through the forest that made up this place.

Nox vanished not too long after we go to Cuneo, not that I blame him; he was for some reason despised by the cheetah tribe. If I wasn't like by a whole race in general and they knew what I looked like, then I wouldn't stick around for very long either and give them an opportunity to do non-nice things. Dinner was of course meat, no surprise there and no problems with the food either, with the distance traveled, food was welcome. After the evening meal, I found myself a place to bed down for the night. Spyro, Seth and Chizuru joined me and slept in the area that I had chosen.

-Scene Change-

Woke up the next morning groggily, I hadn't gotten a good night sleep, even if the spot I had picked was kind of comfortable. The reason I didn't sleep well… I was being haunted by some very unpleasant memories. The worst 'nightmare' and the one that I remember clearly, seeing the event in which I left the Dragon Realm. Now, if it were seeing the experience as I know it, the dream wouldn't be as painful as what I had to dream about… still would hurt, but not like this! For I had seen the series of events from Koren's point of view instead of my own. Made me wonder how Koren could forgive me for his death so easily, with what he had endured, along with the new found respect that I had him as a loyal friend. Koren had made the ultimate, noble sacrifice for me, ending out with him dying… And in a very painful way. Before, with my own view of events; I had only heard his scream of pain, now I knew what had happened first hand. Had seen the clawed paw going into Koren's chest, but that had been the beginning, for Koren hadn't died at that point. He had lasted for a few more minutes and those minutes had been torture that Koren had been put through. The thing that stuck out to me… Zeno had been there in the end just before my friend had died. And the dragons who had been attempting to kill us, hadn't been surprised or shocked to see Zeno, meaning they knew who he was somewhat. It had been absolute proof that he had been the one manipulating the dragons to do the ancient enemy's dirty work.

I used the early morning time to hunt for breakfast and to clear my head of the nightmares of the night. Found enough fruit and other things to eat for the first meal of the day, and after chowing down, I headed back to the campsite. It was around midmorning, when we started gathering for the conference. The meeting would take place in a large clearing that had a stone mesa that acted as a table.

Before our group reached the clearing we came across a dragon and dragoness, that I assume are the other representatives for the dragon race. The dragoness who had scales that was of all colors, neon green, had qualities that stuck out. The first thing I spotted, was that her scales weren't solid neon green, they had lines that looked like some type of complex design of lines that reminded me of pictures from Inca ruins I remember seeing in books from history classes in high school. Her wings were a shade of emerald green, as was her underbelly that appear to have the same look as Cynder's underbelly does. She appeared to be a margin older than me, more around the age of Spectra… maybe a few years older than her, somewhere around twenty-eight were I to give a guess. Her body length, to my best estimate is sixteen feet four inches and a height of fourteen feet ten inches. She had overall, is what I believe the dragon race would consider petit or lean, meaning she wasn't thin, though she isn't bulky by any means. That was the 'normal' body shape that I have come to expect with dragonesses giving a margin to be either thinner or bulkier between individuals. Let me start from the top and go down to touch on the other things that made me wonder a little.

I'll start with her head, its shaped was like many dragonesses have, yet she had four and… a half horns? At least, that's what it looked like to me. The horns came out at were made up of two sections, the first coming out straight back from the edge of the backside of her head and then the second section turned upward twenty degrees. She had two horns on either side of her head that were around four inches apart with the top ones at the same level of her eye ridges. The half horn was more like a fin that started in the center of the crest of her head and went back.

She had eyes that were light blue in colored and had a look of experience in them… don't ask what that look is, I can't explain it with word very well, but it's a look I've seen. This dragoness also had emerald green markings along her eye ridges, which had a curve that left an inch and a half between the markings and her eyes. In fact, the marks above her eyes pretty much was over her eye ridges to around the crest of her head and ended two inches from the 'fin' on her head. There was a small oval mark above the eye ridge markings on both sides. Plus, there was emerald colored markings an inch below both her eyes. The first part of those markings was a hook facing down and had a long handle that went a half the distance of her eye. Then there was a small space between the hook mark and the next mark looked to have a parallelogram shape to it and that was followed by another small space. The final mark was an emerald trapezoid that went to the bridge of her snout. Never seen a dragon or dragoness that's had markings or tattoos… whatever they were, like this dragoness has. It's like the lines with her scales, these markings brought to mind history lessons on the Incas, tribal markings or something like that.

This dragoness's wings, were different as well, in two particular ways. The first way, is like with the rest of her body, had markings or complex designs. On the third and outer section of the wing webbing, there was light gold lines that took up two thirds of the web section. It was the edge of the wing in a triangle shape with a line through the middle that made it look like the letter 'A' with an arcing line on the bottom of the letter shape. The other difference was her wing talons that half the dragons and dragonesses have at the main joint along the wing that the 'fingers' that make it so dragons can spread their wings. Her talon was the same gold as the markings on her wings and her horns' color, and looked like a curved sword shaped point that was hollow in the center.

The spikes that ran down her back, appeared like hollow spines that were straighter than her wing talons were but they were similar in the overall shape. Her front shoulders also had 'armor pads' like some of the guardians do, but hers looked more for looks from where I stood. The pads had four gold stripes with a half an inch of space between each strip and the next stripe and then there was a gold line down the outside front of the pad as well. This dragoness also had accessories as well; a choker around her neck and a bracer around her left foreleg. the choker was made up of two gold rings that were one on top of the other and in the front both lengths of gold strips went downward and held a light blue crystal between them. The bracer around her left foreleg was similar in design as the choker.

Her tail blade, which I did get a look at as I've developed the habit to do so, was like the spikes, horns and other light gold pieces on her, was difference. It had a 'V' which was attached to her tail that two slightly curved five-inch metal looking pieces that was also connected by a diagonal strip that was two thirds of the way along the two side pieces. The last thing I noticed, was that she had small spikes that stuck out of the back of her ankles with all of her legs.

The other dragon here was a male… And kind of reminded me of my 'adopted dad' Tetras. Why might you ask? Well… His serpentine body shape could have something to do with it, rare body shape from what I've seen in this realm so far. However, this dragon was younger than Tetras, by a bit of a margin, late thirties if I estimate correctly, where 'dad' is older. He had a length from front shoulders to tip of his tail of nearly seventeen feet, six eleven would be my guess, along with a height from the ground to the top of the dragon's head of fourteen foot five. This dragon's scales color were blue at his head and as the scales that ran along his body changed to blueish-purple by his front shoulders. The color change continued and was violet by his hips and stayed that color to his tail. His eyes were a golden yellow as were his thin tendrils that came out just behind his nostrils.

Now, like the dragoness, there were some things that were different about this dragon. The first and most noticeable, the mane of light blue hair that came out of the back of his head and continued down his back to his front shoulders. He also had a beard, that was light blue hair as well instead of leather hide like the other adult dragons I've been around. It was the same with the eye ridges, there were short light blue tufts of fur like hair flowing upward and back. The male dragon's horns looked like tree branches, was mostly straight, but at seemingly random pieces came out like branches do. His horn bases were on the sides of the crest of his head. At the place that the mane of hair ended, fish like fins continued down the dragon's back to just short of the tip of his tail. His tail blade was a leaf shape, yet looked flexible. The final point that caught my attention, the lack of wings on the back of this dragon. Getsuga was the first of the dragon race that I had seen without wings, so it was unusual as far as I've observed.

"Ah hello, you must be the ones that came from Warfang." said the green dragoness.

Her voice was on the lower end of the soprano range, I say that, should I need to give a comparison, Lara's voice is more toward the higher end of the soprano range. I have to listen to Lara's voice so often that I would hope that I can tell what range my mate's voice is in. Spectra was the one to reply to the greeting from the dragoness, "Yes, that is correct. My name is Spectra; this is Huron, Spyro, Seth, Saber and Chizuru." Said Spectra, pointing at each of us as she said our name.

The dragoness and dragon gave Chizuru a curious look, probably since they never have seen a human looking creature that isn't exactly an ape. She didn't give me much of a glance… yet; no the female just nodded to Spectra and spoke again, "My name is Yumé." She introduced herself, bowing to us after doing so, then she looked over to the dragon.

"I'm known as Ordin." He said.

The dragon had a baritone voice, not as low as Terrador has for example, but not all that much higher than the Earth Guardian had. Once he had introduced himself, both he and Yumé glanced over us all, but they stopped when they reached me. Both of them went wide eyed, staring at me for a full minute, I stood still and held in the sigh that wanted to escape me as this has become somewhat a normal thing for me. "Yes, my scales are white and the color is completely natural since the day I hatched. Now, could you please not keep staring at me, I have a mate who does that enough for me and so I do not need others adding to that." I said in a tired voice.

"Our apologies, it is just that we have…" Ordin began.

"Never seen a white scaled dragon before. Yeah, I know, I tend to get your response from others more often than not." I finished.

Ah… what it is to be the one and only white dragon, that aren't 'supposed' to exist according to historical knowledge. Is this some sort of punishment for me? Or should I be shouting for joy or happiness that I'm so unique? One thing is for sure, this won't be the last time I will get this reaction today, probably will get it from most of those here for the conference. Although, that makes me wonder if they… no, not something to contemplate actively. Well anyways, once introductions were done… poor Spyro got a similar reaction as I had, but whether he likes it or not, he's famous and he will have to accept that fact. We all moved forward to the clearing where the stone table was and the Conference would take place.

When we reached the table, one glance around the 'table' showed me that this conference would start with an introduction session. Turned my head slightly to keep up in my observations of those who would be participating in this shindig, to my right were the three Cheetahs that were representing their race. Surprisingly, the first cheetah in the trio, was one I knew, as it was Pathren, the cheetah's whose village I used to run away on those 'hunting trip' in order to avoid Lara and Tarra when they went into heat. As I have said before, my cheetah acquaintance had fur with the pattern that was like a snow leopard. He had a height of five eleven and an athletic build, but then most cheetahs are fit, from the hunting and living off the land likely. Age is a harder thing to be accurate with when it comes to those in the cheetah tribe, you can tell if they're young or old, but that's about all you can be really certain about. I would think that Pathren is in his prime, probably towards the waning end of it, so in human terms, somewhere between mid-forties and mid-fifties. To be nice and fair, I'll assume that my acquaintance is in his late forties, forty-six or seven… I'll go with that. Still has those ice blue eyes and currently his arms were folded. He was wearing a white tunic type shirt and the deep blue cloak that he has worn the times I've seen him. Like most other cheetahs, Pathren had armguards and leggings and both were a mahogany color.

The next cheetah in the trio, was female as said by her shape and figure, which was lean yet feminine. She had light green eyes that had a softness to them. The female cheetah had a height of five foot four. Her fur was a mix of white and grey… Oh what's that cat breed named… Uh… Oh yes, Maine Coon I believe it is. Her apparel was very similar to Lyla's… minus the glasses.

The third and last rep for the cheetahs, was a male and he looked like a leopard with his fur pattern and colors. He stood at six foot even to my best guess and had an athletic build. Couldn't tell much else about the cheetah as his clothes were much the same as one of the Cheetahs I hadn't gotten along with, that being Chief Prowless, gave off the same feel as him too.

Those representing the moles here at the conference… well nothing personally against moles, but they look so similar to each other in my view, it's hard to tell them apart. There was three of them here, but which one of them were male verses female, I can't begin to guess with confidence. Not saying that those of the mole race are naturally mean, anti-social or anything like that; on the contrary, most I've met are nice and very knowledgeable. When you have a question about metal or something that involves metal, they're the ones to go to.

My gaze around the table came to a halt at the sight of those who were here to represent the apes. I had known the possibility of having to see some of the apes that I had crossed paths with. That doesn't make it any easier of to have to face those who were here. As I had thought could and would happen, the one here for the apes, were three monkeys, but not just any monkeys; oh no, I knew all three of them from past encounters!

The first one that I took in was the monkey in the middle… No, I don't mean it as the metaphorical phrase 'monkey in the middle', I literally mean the monkey in the middle. Was a female that I been around twice and was the tallest of the three monkeys at three foot ten, Lucrecia, the leader of the apes. Still haven't a clue what her age is, nor do I even have enough information to make an estimation as to the range she could be in; best guess, somewhere in her prime. Her shape and form was a feminine build; though that didn't mean much as with monkeys as you can never judge them on their appearance, they can do things you wouldn't expect from them. Lucrecia's sand colored fur was still thick and she had that long… and worrisome tail of hers that I haven't seen used yet. Then… There was her almost human-like face she had, seemed to accent her magenta colored eyes.

The monkey on the right of Lucrecia, was one I was far too familiar with than I would like to be. The relationship between Mara and myself had started not too long after me coming back to the Dragon Realm. Yet, here we are again in the same area, and I'm not interested in seeing her as I am here too. She was still two feet nine inches, hadn't grown at all since I saw her last as was her lean body shape that came from her job in assassination. Her grey fur didn't change the fact that she looked like a spider monkey. Although, I was glad to see Mara didn't have her gloves she uses for fighting wasn't on right now; the fact didn't wipe away my apprehension much at all.

The last monkey on the left, was one I had met more recently, but still wasn't fond of. Reyas, like Mara, looked much like a Spider monkey, though his fur was black as coal where Mara's is grey. The male monkey even had the same height as Mara, not the leader of the ape tribe Lucrecia to which he is loyal to. His dark purple eyes were gazing around, taking in the others that were here as I was. And from what I know of Reyas thus far, he is one like Shiek that makes judgement calls after assessing a situation.

The words that come to mind to describe the feeling of this gathering and those here; tense, ugly, and wrong. It was like I was watching a three ring circus practicing for a big performance, and there are arguments over who will be using which ring. Yep, that's what I see here… the only question that's left in my mind, who's going to be the head ring master of this developing circus? It had better not have to be me; I don't want to do it! However, the glares from all but the monkeys, Chizuru and myself, said that things were getting off to a bad start and going in a bad direction. Granted, the apes haven't been themselves good with their actions, but this is much more of a reaction than I had expected and I had expected things to be bad when I had been told about this event by the Guardians. The weirdest thing in this though, the expression on Lucrecia's face… said she was calm and hadn't a care in the world, even with the glares she was getting from everyone else at the table.

Oh but wait, there's more! I've only gotten into the first part of this powder keg of turmoil I was taking it all in. The most noticeable, but certainly not the only factor that would make this conference difficult, that being there were clearly disagreements all around the table. Makes me wonder whose came up with this 'bright idea' that had become this conference, because I would love to have them here and make their head swivel and see what their idea has played out to be. With the tension building with each passing minute of silence, I quickly got fed up with the lack of talking and it irked me. Said feelings burst out of me in the form of a heavy, frustrated exhale, "For the Ancestor's sakes!" I said at a volume that all at the table heard and all there turned to face me, "This is ridiculous! No one talking does nothing to move this forward. If you all don't have an interest in discussing things with each other, then there is no point to this and we can all go home and waste no more time on this!"

Most were surprised into being stunned by my action, yet the silence wasn't dispelled as I had hoped it would be. … Or so I thought until the sound of giggling was heard and glancing over to its source, I saw it was Lucrecia. "As you have shown yourself before, you are upfront and to the point, very refreshing to experience I have to admit." She commented, "Your name was Saber as I recall, was it not?"

I nodded slowly, "Yes… I have to say, you do not appear to be worried at all, in fact, you look like this conference is nothing for you to worry about. With the stares you are getting… Well, surprised you are not readying yourselves to defend your lives with weapons in hand." I returned warily.

"Nothing to worry about young dragon?! Apes being here is far from that!" growled Yumé on my right side in the direction of the monkeys.

There were mutterings of agreement to her comment, clearly showing the distrust of the three monkeys that dragons, cheetahs and moles felt towards the apes. I knew that if representative of the apes were to show up, they wouldn't be well received. I sighed in response, "Yumé, resume this story of mine where I paused it; badly for a moment, for those here the eyes showttentionbreeze. At the top end ofor them to be here and not attack or threaten anyone here, says that there is something about them that has changed. Why not at least be courteous enough to hear what they have to say, did not say you have to take every word said as fact and truth, that's up to you." I said calmly.

"How nice to see at least there is a dragon that is open minded to the idea of listening." Remarked Lucrecia, "You would be correct to there is a reason for us who represent the Ape tribe are here."

Everyone's attention focused on Lucrecia, "For most of you, it is hard to believe, but the ape tribe is going through a time of change." She continued.

There were angry mutterings of denial in response to the statement, yet the true leader of the apes continued, "We will not deny that our actions in the past have not been the best or nice to others. The hatred most feel towards us has been earned by what was done under King Gaul. However, with him gone, things among the ape tribe have been changing, or have none of you noticed hearing and seeing less of us over the last cycle of the seasons."

Most around the table were chatting with one another, probably about the reasons why any of us should listen to what the monkeys had to say. I on the other paw, was waiting to hear what Lucrecia would say, for I couldn't deny that what she had said thus far being true. The apes or 'ape tribe' as they called themselves, had indeed been changing from what they had been like according to what information I had acquired.

After a few minutes, the muttering faded and Lucrecia continued speaking, "Yet, on the mentioning of Gaul, I would bring up a point that none of you might have thought about. While Gaul might have had a lust for power, whom was it that gave him the power he pursued?"

There was silence in the air at the question, and admittedly, even I was forced to pause and think at the implications that Lucrecia had made. She had said Gaul had a unhealthy interest for power in excess, some do. However, as in any given situation with people, no matter who or what they are, it comes down to what side of the good and evil spectrum is in charge the most. If Malefor came when the good end wasn't stronger… Well, that's when the line 'power doth corrupt' comes into play. And as no one else seemed willing to answer the question, I did so, "You are referring to Malefor." I said flatly.

"You are correct Saber." Answered Mara.

From both sides of me, I could feel the anger rising and so too, did Lucrecia, "Do not mistake bringing up Malefor is a way to pin the blame of the war on dragons, for it is not." Commented Lucrecia, "You dragons yourselves, call him the 'Dark Master' and not the purple dragon Malefor as you do with Spyro."

Lucrecia then began to paint a picture, unlike almost any that those here have thought about or seen… Except me. I had come to the conclusion that Malefor had been controlled and corrupted by the ancient enemy, it had been fairly clear to see. But… To hear of the actions in details… it gave an unwelcome view of the real damage that the manipulation of those who want me dead could do. It brought up a new view I hadn't thought of seriously before now, the ones that are manipulated by the ancient enemy may be the worse off in the end, yet they aren't the only casualties. No, the ancient enemy left a larger wake of death and destruction than I had previously realized!

Of what Lucrecia said, a few particular points stood out to me; the first was Malefor acting odd and not in the funny ha ha kind of way, but outright weird. Granted, I would expect someone not in control to behave differently, but the implications of just how odd… Let's just say they weren't small. Winkle number two, apparently, Malefor talked to others that no one else could see when he was in private. That caught my attention, for it is a sign that either one is beginning to slip into madness or that there is far more going on than meets the eye. I'm leaning towards the latter of the two explain what had happened with the purple dragon. Because, I do believe that he hadn't been just talking to himself, but to one of those controlling him. And then, there was one other thing in this that was bothering me, with Malefor being a 'puppet' back at that time, there had to be some who noticed the signs that would've been showing. Yet the thing that was annoying me, no one was really interested in this information and were waving it off as nothing!

-Scene Change-

Well… If I were to say not much got done or discussed on the morning of day one of the realm conference, I would be saying a massive understatement! True, the day wasn't a total waste, the information on Malefor from Lucrecia was gold and helped me to understand what those trying to kill me are capable of and I need as much of that kind of information as I can get. But other than that, the morning session hadn't done much for anyone here… so almost a waste of time. I came across Lucrecia walking around during the break before the afternoon discussions… if that's what they will be and if the morning is anything to go by, they won't. Figuring that this time was as good as any to ask about some further details upon what Lucrecia meant by some of the things she had said.

"Lucrecia, do you have some time to perhaps answer a few questions?" I asked guardedly.

Don't get the wrong impression, I still don't trust this monkey period. But, with my life in jeopardy with the ancient enemy trying to kill me, let's just say I'm willing to listen to what the female monkey has to say if it could help me stay alive. Lucrecia turned and looked at me, smiling a little at seeing me, "My my, only a few questions? It would be nice to have a chat with someone that can understand and will listen instead of closing their ears." Was her reply.

Once we settled ourselves, I ordered my thoughts for this, for each of my questions had their importance. "So, you said that Malefor was acting differently than other dragons; what did you mean by that?" I inquire.

Lucrecia took a moment to think, "Yes, I have seen how many dragons and dragonesses act, none of them have done things like Malefor did. I did not understand why Gaul agreed to follow Malefor. The ape tribe did not really interact with the Dragon race or any other races, we tended to keep to ourselves before Gaul gained control. Malefor came at a time of change, a moment of weakness for us and things changed a great deal." She began.

The monkey went on about how Malefor had been acting 'odd'. By the way she described what Malefor did, it was much more the little things, rather than the easier to see things. It almost sounded like Malefor was… I don't know, still fighting the manipulation of the ancient enemy, but that's more a guess. Small twitches and lapses in memory were signs that something wasn't going like those controlling him wanted to me.

The second question I asked, was about when Lucrecia mentioned that Malefor talked to others that weren't there. Someone talking to what appears to be thin air, either spells some with problems in the head with is possible, or they can be doing something that others can't see. You see, she had said this idea more in a passing kind of way like you just thought about it but didn't think it was nothing to worry about. None at the stone table had really listened to the line as they were too busy ignoring and distrusting the monkeys. With the detail Lucrecia was telling me, the rest at the conference would either pay attention or would wave it off as Malefor as completely nuts; I didn't see the idea that way at all. I highly doubt that Malefor was talking to himself, no, he was speaking with one of the ancient enemy… perhaps even Zeno, can't say.

The third point that came up in this conversation between Lucrecia and myself, was an interesting wrinkle. Apparently, Malefor wasn't exactly making decisions for himself according to her. Although, it didn't get seen in public, but for those who happened to see him I private, saw the struggle that was happening with Malefor the puppet. … The things you learn when you take the time to listen, it's surprising isn't it.

-Scene Change-

With evening finally falling, the first day of the conference was officially over. To take an optimist's view point, the conference talks for the day had been… informative, even if most there didn't think it was. Honestly, the 'meeting' hadn't gone well really, most of the representatives were too busy distrusting Lucrecia. That's not to say that I trust her, since I don't. However, I'm not so blind by my distrust to dismiss the value of the information that Lucrecia brought to the table had; and by her body language, she hadn't been lying. The things she said and implied about Malefor was very good to hear and filled in holes in what I know about the ancient enemy. And on that note, I have been wondering about the silence from them. I mean, the ancient enemy have gone to great lengths to prevent the knowledge about the existence of white dragons coming to light. The memories of the past as I was coming to call the dreams where I experienced memories of others, had shown me a view of the efforts the ancient enemy had put into keeping white dragons unknown to the realm.

This conference would cause great upheaval of all that effort; really it blows it to hell… yet they have done nothing as of yet. So, the question is why haven't they done anything yet to try and kill me, like they do whenever they get a chance or do anything to prevent the existence of white dragons from becoming known… it worries me. They'll come and ruin this, I have no doubts about that in my mind. It's just the waiting for the event to come… the suspense is KILLING ME! … ooo, very poor choice of words to putting my current feelings in.

"Saber, what's troubling you?" Asked a female voice.

I spun around and found myself facing Chizuru, "Oh, Chizuru, I didn't see you approach, what can I do for you?" I asked, trying to make it look like I was totally relaxed and was calm as can be, even though I was the complete opposite.

"Something is bothering you Saber, and doing so badly; what is worrying you?" Asked Chizuru.

Dang it! Am I really making it so transparent?! I exhaled and my head found its way to the ground, "Geez, these days I swear that I've become an open book for any to read as they wish." I remarked a little ticked at how others could read me.

Chizuru sat down next to me, "Well, if it's any consolation to you, then you're able to hide what you feel from most, but for those of us who have taken the time to know you, it's a harder task. Don't include Sera in this, she's a different point entirely, so just dismiss her in this." She said.

I sighed, but didn't speak for a bit; Chizuru waited quietly for me to start talking, which I did eventually. "Chizuru, you recall that snow white haired kid that we fought in those ruins in Mistborne?" I inquired.

My friend nodded, I continued, "Well, as I mentioned, he was a part of a larger group and that group is hell bent on bumping me off and won't accept that I'm dead without my corpse as proof that I'm dead. They have made a great effort, to make sure that the knowledge of the existence of white dragons and dragonesses doesn't get recorded and none know. Yet, this conference would destroy much if not all of that effort and I can't see them allowing that. They have been adamant in this for a length of time that I can't even begin to guess other than in hundreds of thousands of years. So, I doubt the ancient enemy will stay silent and… I just don't know what to do at this point! The waiting for them to show is wreaking havoc on my psyche and I loathe it with extreme prejudice!" I got out.

Chizuru had listen to my small rant and appeared to be thinking, "Indeed, I can see why you're hard pressed to think about much else at this point." She said.

I didn't hear the rest of what Chizuru said as suddenly, I felt a malicious presence. It was one that I haven't felt before, but it still had a far too familiar flavor; it was vile, it was foul and above all, it was evil. The ancient enemy was here as I knew they would be at some point. The next thing I register, something came flying from the left, aiming for my head. I ducked out of the way, but then something came from below and slammed into the underside of my jaw hard, sending me flying backwards. I did a full flip before hitting the ground and rolling a short distance from the blow before coming to a halt. The lower half of my face burned and throbbed something terrible with the shot that nailed me with an uppercut to my jaw. I moved my jaw from side to side, trying to get the pain to dull. Raised my head and looked forward, in the hope to identify what had managed to land a blow on me when that rarely happens without me knowing and usually dodging. But as this is the ancient enemy we're talking about, I will not be getting out of this unscathed. Haven't gotten out of the two times previously without receiving injury that takes time for me to heal from, so I doubt I will this time.

In front of me, the view I was taking in confused me; there appeared to be a sizable tree root sticking up out of the ground, swaying slightly from side to side as if there was a breeze. At the top end of said root, was a ball shaped section of wood that was the same size of the thing that had uppercutted me. Yet, a tree root?! That doesn't make sense at all, could I just be seeing things? The world was swimming a little, so I might be seeing things right now, who knows?

Sound began to registered, so that meant that I wasn't the only one in a bad situation. Then things began to click in my mind, muddled as it was at the moment. The others here were being distracted, specifically keeping others here away from where I was, getting me alone. That's the first preference that the ancient enemy likes to have, great, strike one against me! And if I was to predict, I would guess that they ancient enemy will have the form of Apes as that would make the best sense for them to attract the least amount of attention. So, chaos galore ensues and I'm left to have to face whomever of the enemy that would try to kill me this time… Fiddlesticks!

"Well well, so you are the one that has caused such trouble to us? You don't look like much at all." Said a cold feminine voice that chilled my blood.

I got to my paws in order to face my opponent and did a bit of a double take. Hmm, there are so many ways to describe the creature before me, a humanistic plant, a weird weed from hell… Like I said, lots of ways to describe this thing. Overall, this 'woman' had a human shape that was red in color, like a rose… In fact, a rose is what came to mind with this thing as its body was covered in large rose shaped petals from its 'bust line' down to halfway between its knees and hips. This creature's arms were covered in a similar rose petal pattern up to its shoulders and 'she' had what looked like plant vines coming out its elbows. Her legs appeared to be wrapped in boots that had high heels and were as red as the rest. The only things that weren't red were the upper chest section, which was grey and the things head. The head was the shape of a closed flower bud. The front was yellow and this thing had what appeared to be a visor where the eyes should be along with a mouth. 'She' was five foot four in height and she was flaunting and… Dare I say flirting with me in some way.

I curled my lips up and showed my fangs, "And who the hell are you lady?" I growled.

She snorted, "We are Acura, and it will be a sweet pleasure to take the life out of you." She answered seductively.

Next thing I know, vines burst from the ground and wrapped around my body tightly. … Okay, just a hunch, this one's using a form of corrupt nature to do the job, that shouldn't be that bad… Though I say that tentatively. I saw that Chizuru was trying to make her way over to where I was trapped, but… Like I had expected, there were black shadow shaped apes causing problems. A group was keeping Chizuru's attention, so she was unable to assist me. Acura walked towards me, swaying her hips from side to side… It was disgusting to me. When she stood in front of me, she began to gloat, "To think it would be this easy for us to destroy you. How far both Darkhar and Zeno have fallen."

I tasted something foul in my throat and mouth… Well, why the hell not go with that? Hopefully it will shut her up and stop this gloating! I would rather not have my ears start bleeding from hearing arrogant gloating that I dislike so much. Pointing my head at Acura as if I was paying attention to her, I opened my mouth and readied for what was coming. Now, let's pause for a moment; for those who know me, my mouth being open and pointing at them like it is right now at Acura, would scare them badly… And for good reason taking into account the usual ammunition I use. With that in mind, let's resume this story of mine where I paused it… shall we.

"Your death will be slow and painful; it will be wonderful." Acura cooed sultrily.

I felt the belch I was working up, on its way, but I couldn't resist getting in the last line before unleashing foulness as few but I could! "Is that so?" I mused, "You know, out of the three of the ancient enemy I have had the horrible displeasure to cross paths with, I'm worried about my chances against you the least. So… have a taste of sour reality from me!"

Had just enough time to see the glower on Acura's mouth before I let Loose the ammo I had from dinner!

BURRRRRRRP!

The belch ripped out and sent the wonderful smorgasbord of foul odor that comes with my belches… And it was great to watch the after effects of what came out of my mouth. Much like with what happened with Darkhar when he went against my 'rear bomb bay', Acura recoiled violently screeching in what sounded like pain. I didn't waste the time to watch long as I used the opportunity to let out a jet of flame in my attempted killer's direction, which created a barrier between me and the whench. The next thing I did was to light up the vines that held most of me bound and as the fire engulfed the sickly green vines, I struggled. The vines began braking and I worked harder to free myself, as I'm betting my time is going to be precious if I want to keep alive beyond the end of this.

Once I freed myself from those annoying vines, I faced the direction that Acura was and leapt through the flames I had sent, which had caught on to greenery that was all around. On the other side of the wall of flame, I spotted Acura and aimed for her. She managed to dodged my lunge, still screaming as the fire around us. I had no problem with the heat or flames, I have a very high resistance… Can't say how that exactly works, but I'll roll with it. I began to entertain the hope that I could win this fight… that's something that I haven't done or had a prayer, with either Darkhar or Zeno.

While I started spurting fire from my maw, I leapt at this plant woman a second time and missed again, however, I got a good margin closer to making contact. Upon my third jump to get a hold on this enemy, I struck my mark and latched on to the whench, holding on with all the strength I could muster. Now, how might latching on to this weed help me and not harm me, you may ask? Simple, I can now shoot fire and have a much harder time missing the intended target. So then, with that said, time for the barbecue to begin! First up on the menu, the house salad… Which is tossed thoroughly as to make sure it is mixed well! I used my talons and tail blade to do everything and anything I could to wear down this creepy chick… I quickly found out that she could 'regenerate' or rather 'regrow' would be more accurate. That'll make things more complicated and tiresome… this is turning out to be a battle of endurance, but then I expected it to be… just not like it is. However, no matter what, I don't intend or wish to die and I will fight till I'm deader than the grim reaper himself! And as the man upstairs, yes God himself as my witness, I will live through this someway, somehow!

Over the next couple of minutes, the battle was going more in my favor, for the first time in a fight against the ancient enemy. I didn't let up, but kept on the pressure, knowing that this battle could turn to the other direction in around the blink of an eye if I did. … and so I was proven correct of the fact, when something struck me hard in my right side. I rocketed off Acura and rolled like a bowling ball, taking down some trees before coming to a stop.

Okay, what have I learned? It doesn't feel nice in anyway to be used or be made into a bowling ball. I was in pain from too many place around my body to really want to count. Raising my head, I gave a shake from side to side to clear the stars that had appeared from my experience as a dragon bowling ball before searching for what had hit me. Took me less than a second to spot the new comer and I instantly paled at what I saw. In front of me… was none other than Darkhar… Fiddlesticks, I'm screwed! I've enough difficulty dealing with just one of the ancient enemy at a time, having to take on two at the same time will be outright murder and execution to me! So… what do I do now? I doubt that even my rear bomb bay will be able to get me out of this jam!

"We told you Acura, do not underestimate this one, he isn't like those who we dealt with since the war." Darkhar said, I assumed he was referring to me.

"What do you mean Darkhar? It's a white dragon, what more is there that needs to be known? It needs to die." Replied Acura.

You know, I dislike being called an 'it', I'm a male dragon and I'll be referred to as such. I got to my paws, "Hey plant whench!" I growled, both Darkhar and Acura turned to me, "I'm not an it, I'm a male and proud of it! And dang it, I will be referred to as such whether it is me being threatened, insulted, complimented or whatever!"

There was silence after my growled frustration, it made this much more unsettling… or maybe it was the two murderous glares that were directed my way that was doing that. I gulped hard at the feeling in the air… I'm so about to die. Then there was a blinding flash, and a hand grabbed my left wing and was pulling me along. Looking down and to my right, I saw… Chizuru?! Where did she pop up from… guess it doesn't really matter as she just saved my bacon… at least for the moment. The main point now, is to get as far away from Darkhar and Acura as possible. I just hope that everyone else is okay and stay alive through this all.

Chapter end

A/n

And that's where I'll leave off for this chapter, yes I'm leaving off on a cliffhanger. The next chapter will be one none will want to miss as I've a huge fact I'll be revealing that I have been building up for, a long time… What will it be? Well, if I told you readers, then there would be little fun and enjoyment for me! Please write a review and tell me what you think, point out things I might have done wrong, or just PM me with questions. I'll answer those I can as quick as I can. Peace out all!

Cptslapem

Well, hysteria… somewhat, more tense than funny, but I try. Mass Chaos, I think it was obvious, but not in the form it came in

ArcticDragon Rider

It was going to happen at some point, I find it amusing to have Sarana toy with him still, gives something to work with at any time I want.

Merecor

… I don't know how to exactly answer that question without giving a major spoiler that I don't want to give out yet. So, I will have to decline for now on giving out details on Saber's future offspring.

Guest

Even if Sarana had, it's unlikely that it would have made much if any difference. Sarana isn't one to put much stock into tradition or manners.