[Chapter 8]
[Lair]
Edward and Solor emerged from the teleport, to the surprise of the other dragons in Lair, then, they cheered the returning duo as they headed for the center of Lair and the remains of the volcano Grand Earth crumbled, several days ago.
"I don't know what to feel," Solor said, "I didn't expect to be allowed to return so soon."
"Try letting yourself feel welcomed, man," Edward replied, "The only one that you need to worry about is Grand Death and you can tell him to his face how you regret what happened and all that. Then again, I delivered your message the other day. I got your back, regardless. He's going to have to deal with you being back."
They flew in relative silence (meaning that the cheering/roaring was still going on) until they landed near where Edward saw Sol and the other members of the Circle were.
"Welcome Home, Starborn," Grand Earth said, "It's time that we welcome you home."
Solor averted his gaze and said, "Avert your gaze, Edward!"
Earth chuckled, "Kiinnum is allowed to look at us, Starborn. We've waived that tradition for him. After his little display when we declared war and given his age, well, we do not have a problem with this."
Grand Death grumbled, though, getting a glare from Grand Life and Edward.
"Seriously," Life said, "We're in the beginning of a war and you still have a grudge against Starborn."
"If he would not have attacked me," Death said, "We wouldn't be here."
"With respect, Grand Death: You'd have no idea what is coming," Edward retorted, "You'd be a petrified hunk of stone, your soul feeding Trigon. What Starborn did to you would pale in comparison. So, I would like to think that Starborn might have saved all of you by being temporarily exiled. Grand Death, we're on the same side here and I would think that you're big enough to have accepted his apologies. Starborn attacked me with his Blessing of Light because I did the same thing he accused you of: Attacking his family's heritage. And when I was recovering from the third degree burns and he was recovering his strength, I had the time to reflect and, guess what? I realized that I was out of line, and that was before I knew Moonlight had died. I didn't find out until later that day. Yet, I was big enough to say 'I'm sorry.' Starborn accepted it. The first time I talked to Grand Light, I apologized for insulting him and his mate. It was accepted as well. When a creature like us measures time in centuries, or even longer, where is the logic in holding a grudge? Starborn is here, willing to face the esteemed members of the Circle. And, by the First, you will hear him out, Grand Death. We have the honored dead to bury, injured dragons to encourage and planning to accomplish. And, we do not have the time to waste on this bickering over Starborn's humiliating defeat at your hands. That would be like me going over to Grand Earth and trying to slap him. It would literally be the sting of a gnat, even with my power. He'd laugh at me and beat the living crap out of me. This war makes your little scuffle irrelevant."
"Still, he is a breed traitor," Grand Death objected.
Edward snarled, "I will respect your opinion in a lot of things...but, when you call Starborn a breed traitor, you also call me that as well, and that I will not respect. On my world, I killed without regret slave traders when I was Starborn's age several times. When the Titanic was sinking, they tried to enforce keeping gates locked and the cold blooded murder of steerage passengers. I mangled the gates and when some hapless steward bitched about the destruction of White Star Line property, he discovered how it's unwise to annoy a dragon trying to save lives when I told him to get out of my face and zapped him with the lightning.
"Just because Starborn is in love with Kreinyol doesn't change my opinion of him...In fact, I encouraged them to start seeing each other and my mate was not happy with this breed purity stuff. Fine, I get that on a genetic level, it's not possible in 99.99% of the time to get a hybrid. First me, now, Starborn's impending brood. It doesn't make someone a Breed Traitor to follow one's heart. She will, sadly, not live as long as even the youngest whelpling being trained as we speak. There is a mate for him in Lair someday...and to us, what is another 50-60 years, assuming that she is not killed in battle or she returns to Tamaran to rule and Starborn is not able to go with her for whatever reason? That time frame to our species is more like days. So, respectfully, Grand Death: Deal with it. Starborn will be in command of the Light Dragons, others will be in charge of their clans in the war, so, we all either get along, setting racial crap aside or Trigon has already won. Because, I will have no problem inviting Starborn to live in my universe."
That last sentence told the Circle something: Press the Breed Traitor issue and Edward might walk, leaving the Dragons to fend for themselves.
Grand Life said, "Kiinuum's right. We have to let Starborn's breaking of old traditions and teachings go for the survival of everyone. Life demands nothing less."
"Let us bury those who have fallen," Grand Earth said, "and commend them to the First, who they served unto death."
Solor, meanwhile, looked down further, and Sol immediately picked up. "Starborn, you may return to Moonlight's grave. You have gone too long without grieving; it is time you are given the opportunity."
Solor nodded, glad that his father understood, and said to Edward, "I'll catch up with you later. I... need to be alone."
"I understand, man", Edward replied, putting his talons on his friend's shoulder for a moment. "I'll be with the Circle if you need to find me." Edward was likewise saddened, for Solor's sake. May the First heal you, my friend.
As soon as Solor could, he took off toward the sky, while the other dragons got to work, burying the dead. He made his way through the clouds, until he found the outcropping where his family laid to rest. All of his brothers and sisters, with the largest pile of rocks at the lead. There, he landed. All of the memories came rushing back.
And he began to sing.
Pouring his heart out, he let his song echo through the mountains, his words, though draconic, seeming to reverberate in every tongue. He sang for what felt to be an eternity. He sang his sorrow, his joy, his anger, and every emotion in between that he felt. Finally, after what seemed to be hours, he let his voice fade, as the tears fell from his eyes.
"Mother", he said in his native tongue, "I miss you. There isn't a day I don't think about you and my brothers and sisters. May the First keep your soul safe, and may he find me worthy until the day I join you."
He was about to turn to leave, when a voice echoed on the wind. "But you are worthy, my son."
Immediately, he turned, and could hardly believe his eyes. There stood the spirit of a great dragoness, in her prime, standing tall above him.
"M-Mother?" he whispered, wanting to ask so many questions.
"I do not have much time, my son", said the spirit. "You must listen to me. Know that you are loved, whatever path you may choose. And whatever decisions you make, do not ever regret them."
"How can I not regret them?" asked the younger dragon. "How can I do anything but regret what I have done with Vilea, or what I did to Grand Death?" He looked down. "I've made terrible choices."
"And yet, you learn from them." Moonlight gave a smile. "Do not regret. Even in the darkest night shines the brightest star. Remember your name, my son, and know you are loved and forgiven by the First." The spirit began to fade, and before Solor could say any more, the spirit was gone.
The young dragon shook his head. Was it a vision? A dream? Did he really talk to his dead mother, or was he going insane from the stress?
"Born under the light of the brightest star", he muttered to himself, and he began to grin. "Even in the darkest night it shines on... I must shine like that star as well." He looked toward where he left the Circle behind. He knew what he had to do.
Without another word, he flew towards the Circle.
XxXxX
"You want to what?" asked Sol, positively surprised for the umpteenth time by his son.
It was now much later in the day. After Solor returned (not mentioning his vision to his father or Edward), he helped bury the rest of the dead, helping to give their final rites before allowing the members of their families to sing and mourn. Now, the Circle was in meeting, and Edward was about to go to the POW when Solor stepped forward.
"I would like to be the one to interrogate him", he said.
"Are you sure?" asked Edward. "I see why you guys don't get along. There's nothing but evil in those eyes they have, and he will be hard pressed to say anything. You may have to do things you'd rather not to get him to talk."
"In the darkest night shines the brightest star", said Solor. "I will get the information out of him, no matter what it takes."
Edward raised an eyebrow at the phrase, wondering what brought it on, but soon sighed. Solor had that look in his eyes that he got whenever he had an idea and was unwilling to budge on it.
"Very well. But I'm going with you."
Solor nodded, "I need not your help. But, I know that you will be insistent, so, I will agree to this."
"Starborn," Sol said, "The Circle does not want the Traitor killed, yet. Kiinnum is only going to ensure that the prisoner is not tortured to death. It's nothing personal, my son. We need him alive, and I know your anger could get the best of you, especially now."
Solor said, "As the Circle wishes, then." That surprised Sol yet again. His son had matured so much during his time in Edward's universe that as the two left, Sol's chest swelled with the pride that only a father could have for the first time since before Moonlight died.
Starborn is worthy to be my heir once more. When this is over, I will ask that the Circle reinstate him, if he survives. He's got a good mentor, though.
"Follow me," Edward said, "While you were gone, your father showed me where they are keeping the prisoner. He's well guarded, despite his stone restraints."
Solor fell into step with Edward until Edward unfurled his wings and took to the air. Solor was right behind him a moment later.
"As long as the prisoner is not killed, Solor, do what you think is best, but, if I feel that the prisoner is about to pass out or die, I'll have to step in. Personally, I would rather get the information out of him and execute him. But, if he dies before that information, if any, is recovered …"
Solor understood perfectly.
They arrived at the prisoner's location and Edward said, "You guys take a break for a while. Get something to eat, at least." The Earth Dragons under Golmul's direction moved away.
Edward looked at the prisoner and said, "Well, looks like it's Starborn, you and I now. There's no guards here to protect you, Traitor. Now, you have a choice to make. You may have information we need. You can either cooperate and you'll be treated fairly as a prisoner of war or resist and I promise you that you will regret ever being born.
"You see, Starborn has a very valid reason to want to do you a lot of harm. He's been brutalized and tortured in ways that are repugnant to me. We know all about Vilea here in Lair. We know she is about to lay Twilight whelps which will be an abomination. We know that Starborn is the unwilling sire to those whelps.
"And, just to you know the name of your enemy. I am Kiinnum, the hybrid that Grand Darkness tried to kidnap as a whelp, all grown up and more powerful than most of the Dragons in Lair. You see, Starborn is pretty powerful in his own right, but, what I know he wants to do to you will pale in comparison to what I am capable of. I can let him take you to the edge of death and I'll heal you just so he can exact more retribution. That means the cycle can go on for a long time until you break like a old, dead tree.
"You've seen me in battle, I'm sure. How many of your fellow Traitors fell before my might? Don't answer that. I want you to relive all that: My fearsome lightning, my chilling ice, my flame that make Starborn's fire look like a puny human match." Solor looked like he was about to interject, but, held his tongue as Edward continued.
"I know you've been trying to get out of this stone prison my human friends put you in, and I'm sure that at some point you may break free. I assure you that you will not survive. I've assigned some of my best people to making sure that your stay here remains here. It must be embarrassing to know that the 'Human scum' helped capture you. Oh, that's right, I knocked you out before my terra-kinetic friend sealed you in there with only holes for your waste and your neck.
"Cooperate, and you may live to see a prisoner exchange at the end of the war."
"I'd rather die," the Dark Dragon hissed, "I will never betray Darkness." He tried to spit on Edward, only to miss and get a head stunning slap in response. The Dark Dragon stared at Edward.
"I shall devour your family if I get loose for that," the Dark Dragon snarled.
Edward stepped back and calmly said, "Starborn, he's all yours."
Solor stepped forward, shifting to his full dragon form. He looked at what he had to deal with, and soon growled. "Tell us where the Dark Lair is. Or I will begin, and there will be no breaks until you surrender the information."
The Dark Dragon laughed. "Am I to be intimidated by the Light mosquito? Do your worst, scum. When this war is over, the Light will never be seen on this world again!"
Solor shook his head. "Wrong answer." His spine began to light up, surprising the Dark Dragon, and just like that, he was shooting a beam of light into the face of the prisoner. He began to scream in agony as he felt Solor's weapon against him, and was twisting his head this way and that to try to avoid it. After a minute or so, Solor ran out of breath, and stopped the attack.
"How dare you!" roared the prisoner. "You burn my scales with your Light?! When I get out of here I will-" His words were interrupted as another beam of light began hitting him in the face again, eliciting another roar of pain. Scales began to peel off from the force of the attack, causing the roars to increase in volume.
"You wretched scum! I will feed on your family when I escape!"
Another beam of light, burning the flesh on the dragon.
"You will rue the day you injured me!"
Another beam of light, causing more scales to peel and more flesh to burn.
"I will kill all you love, Starborn! Especially that mortal you want to be mated with!"
THAT was a poor choice of words, as Solor's eyes began glowing green, showing his rage. "You have made a terrible mistake, Traitor." He got into the dark dragon's face, staring him down. "I will not allow you to leave here alive. I will do whatever it takes to burn the Darkness out of your very soul, and get the information that I want. But the torment will not end there. I will kill you, slowly, painfully. I will remove every single scale from your body and char your flesh until you're nice and cooked, ready for the scavengers to have a full meal. And even then, you will not be dead. No, you will die when you are begging me for mercy, the mercy that I was not shown when I was in Vilea's grasp. And I will not grant it to you. You will die as I deem worthy, Traitor. Not as anyone else tells me you should."
The Dark Dragon was staring him down, surprise etched in his dark eyes. Slowly, though, he began to avert his gaze, which was shocking to Solor. "I will tell you", he said. "I will tell you everything you want to know."
Solor shook his head. "Wait, what?" He looked at the now scared dragon with confusion. "What happened to all that bravado I saw before? What happened to that strength?"
"You are stronger", said the Dark dragon. "And while I may not be leaving here alive, I'd rather die quickly and given a proper burial than fed to the scum of this world. I do not regret what I have said, don't get me wrong. But if my fate is death, then I shall choose the more honorable death."
Solor's eyes narrowed. Something wasn't right. There was no way this Dark Dragon would give up the information so easily. And right now, he was too injured to try to escape.
Edward walked over, grabbed the head of the Dark dragon and forced the enemy to look him in the eye and said, "I think you made a mistake, Darkness. You see, threatening those we love is worthy of a beatdown. I hold Starborn's chosen in the highest esteem. But, if you make the mistake of insulting the one I love...What he just did to you will pale in comparison." He allowed his eyes to glow a deadly red hue to drive the point home.
"If he is a Light Mosquito, you are a Dark gnat, and I am your worst nightmare come to life" Edward continued, "What's your game, eh? Surely you understand that if you are lying to us, you will die without even a shred of honor. You will be damned by the First to the deepest, dankest, darkest pit of Hell. We will let your corpse rot in the open field, picked over by the scavengers of the air and ground. Be truthful and we will honor your request for a burial and a quick death
"So, I will ask you: What are the plans of Grand Darkness? Whatever you know, we will know. If I sense you are lying, I shall beat you within an inch of your life. If my empathic mate senses you are lying to me or Starborn, you will suffer far worse then what Starborn just put you through. I will order that you get just enough nourishment to keep you alive. You will end up broken in every sense of the word. What Vilea did to Starborn will pale in comparison.
"How do you know Starborn is even interested in taking a mate? How many others know this little fact?"
The Dark Dragon replied, "Vilea told the officers and they told the solders that Starborn's chosen one was also pulled into your universe by a Tear of Oblivion."
Edward nodded and said "Thank you for the information. But, for now, let your pain speak to you. We'll be back and we'll continue this interrogation. But, I want to give you a present to remind you that telling the whole truth is your only option."
The Dark Dragon saw Edward's spines light up white, not at full power, though. Edward blasted the Dark Dragon with enough voltage that the Dark Dragon screamed.
Edward stopped his attack after a few seconds.
"If I get loose, I shall kill you for that," the Dark Dragon threatened.
"I seriously doubt that," Edward said, "You see, I am immortal. I do not fear you or what you think you could do to me, and I can snap your serpentine neck at any time I please."
The Dark Dragon's jaw dropped, "Oh, no! That hybrid!" Edward merely smirked as the Dark Dragon's bravado failed him again. Edward slammed the Dark Dragon's head into the ground like Godzilla slamming Ghidorah's heads into the ground.
"Let's go, Starborn," Edward said, "Let his pain speak volumes to him."
They left for a while and Edward said, "I hate using those methods. Don't misunderstand me, though. We need information and I know that this is faster. But, we need to outthink them as well, Solor, not outmuscle them. If he's lying, Rachael or Raven will tell me anyway. He lies …"
"We get to beat him senseless," Solor finished, "I'm surprised you did not stop me."
"The end result is what I was hoping to see," Edward said, "In my culture, torture is frowned upon. However, I am no longer strictly in my culture as your methods of getting intelligence were not a threat to our 'friend'. Given time, his scales will grown back and his skin will heal. But, I'm not afraid to use methods from ancient Greece or other forms of intelligence extraction, either. He tells us the truth, he gets executed in a quick manner, in accordance with your laws. If he leads us on a wild goose chase with fanciful lies...I'll send Golmul's dragons away and I'll join them for a meal...giving you the key."
"Give him a few hours. He'll want to talk freely, I hope."
Solor didn't know what to make of the changes in Edward's attitude. It was like a different Dragon than the one he knew before.
"Do not fear," Edward said, picking up on Solor's confusion, "To the Dragons of Lair, they will see the side of me that you got to know. But, those on the other side...the enemy, will see the side of Kiinnum that is as nasty as they come. You've only seen a flash of my temper, even on the Collector's ship. The solders here, as long as they follow orders will not have to worry about the side of me that I keep hidden. I'm going to have to rely on the link to keep me grounded in reality. Both Ravens know this.
"But, they know of the connection between you and Starfire. This is going to be a tactical problem. I shall have to consider it."
Edward saw the Earth Dragons charged with guarding the prisoner and said, "Your orders from before are still in effect. The prisoner is letting some pain speak to him for a while. From here on out, the prisoner is healthy. You do not see anything wrong with him."
"Yes, sir!" they responded.
"Only Starborn or myself are allowed to visit the prisoner, no one else," Edward amended.
"Yes, Sir!" was heard again.
"By the way," Solor said, "What was that crack about my flame being weak?"
"Wasn't personal, Starborn," Edward said, "I know your flame is quite strong, but, this POW doesn't need to know that. If he thinks my flame is almost nuclear in strength, he will not want to test me. We have a lot to teach each other, hatchling.
"Let me fill you in on what happened while you were gone..."
[Partial Flashback]
[The Circle - while Solor was at his mother's grave]
Sol had been in discussions with the Circle since he came back and the Circle was digesting the news Edward had brought to them while Starborn was at his mother's grave.
Edward had been able to restrain his glee, barely, when he said, "Members of the Circle. I have good news and bad news to report from my home universe.
"The bad news is that a Dark Dragon was found there a couple days ago.
"The good news is that it looked like he was killed upon arrival by … My Mother!"
Life said, "Are you certain?"
"Yes," Edward said, "I got a call from my teammates and Starfire said that they found a weakened female dragon who after being assured that they were not going to kill her, lamented that she was alone in a strange world and was discouraged that she couldn't find her whelp, taken by the Circle because the whelp was born to no clan and was unique."
"That is good news," Water said, "I take it this is why Light told us there would be a delay?"
"I had to make sure for myself, so, I returned to my universe and moved her to the Titan Tower. She used up a lot of her reserves killing the Dark Dragon, I think. The blast she used tore through the enemy and I don't think he put up a fight. She's bitter at this whole deal, but, she's coping better than I expected. Scared, yes because she doesn't trust humans, but, willing to let my mother-in-law take care of her and also with my son there, it made things a bit easier for her.
"You were right, though, she's pretty weak and I hope that it's a result from the Tear she tried to use. I transferred some of my power to her."
"How did you do that?" Death asked.
"One of my abilities is a healing touch, Grand Death," Edward explained, "I knew she'd be in a weak state and applied my touch to her to stabilize her for a while. I will bring her back to Lair though so when her times comes to join the First, she will be home."
"That's fine," Grand Death said, "Too many of our brothers will die outside of Lair in this war as it is. Too many families will be singing their grief, as several are today."
"I know," Edward said, "I was there when several dragons came forward to claim their loved one. This is the part of war I hate...the notification to the next of kin. It's never easy. I see why you need a defense, Death. I think Starborn sees that now, to some degree. And, thank you."
"Small price to pay," Grand Earth said, "That she is still alive, though, is probably the best news you've had in a long, long time."
"Only news that would be better is finding out that my Raven is pregnant," Edward said.
"But, we have to kick plans into high gear," he continued, "I am ready to start my treatment and training. I've longed for the day when I can go all out on my weapons without the backlash."
Life said, "Kiinnum, this will take a while. Had we been able to do this when you were a whelpling, the spells would have worked easier. Now that you are likely full grown, your innate resistance will have to be overcome somehow. You see, each of us are resistant to magical attack."
"I know," Edward said, "In my 18th Century, I fought alongside some mortals to defeat other forces of Darkness and their spells didn't work on me that well. One tried infecting me with cancer via magical means. At the time, her pet had killed Paula and I was furious. I wanted to tear her apart, except that she was an evil ghost. Obviously, that didn't work. The spirit of my first love came back and said that she knew I would be dead inside and brought Paula back saying it wasn't time for Celesta to visit."
"Who?" Life asked.
"The sister of the Greek god Hades, the lord of the underworld," Edward explained, "anything living that she touches, dies immediately or maybe a few seconds after. I fear that she will be quite busy here.
"Regardless, time's wasting."
"Then, it is decided," Sol said with a smirk, "We'll start training as soon as possible. But, duty demands that we first commend our dead to the arms of the First."
Edward nodded, "I will help in this duty. They died because they came to my side. I must honor them in death as a result."
"Are you sure?" Grand Death asked, "We have traditions that you are unfamiliar with."
"Then, may I add some of the human traditions?" Edward asked, "Because I am sure I need to do this."
There was no dissent as the Circle moved out to pay homage and respect.
There weren't that many deceased Dragons to lay to rest given the shortness of the fight.
Edward walked among the troops who had passed and the ones who had survived it and as they watched, Edward's spines lit up a brilliant white, power arcing between them and once more aiming upwards, fired a blast of lightning that shook the ground and ignoring the pain, maintained the blast to garner the attention of all dragons.
"Dragons of Lair!" Edward called out, "Today saw the opening salvo in the War on Trigon and the Forces of Darkness. Today, we commend several of our brothers to the arms of the First who gave their lives in defense of the Light, and, for the first time, in defense of the humans of this world. Their sacrifice shall not be forgotten and as we mourn their loss in song and prayers to the First, we remember that their brothers will feel their loss. We remember that they have families who may say that they were weak in order to be defeated. I say, NO! They gave of their strength and they died honorably...in battle! They gave their lives to help defeat Darkness. And we did just that, today! Dragons of Lair! This was just one battle in the War, for Darkness has also declared War against us all. They say 'Darkness Extinguish Light'. Again, I say NO! to that. I say 'Light defeats Darkness!' We shall prevail and end this madness!"
The solders roared their tribute to the fallen and chanted "Light Defeats Darkness!
When the roars died down, Edward sang a funeral song from his days with Xena. His voice carried on the winds as he, too, mourned. It was a song he only sang for true warriors who had earned the honor, and, Edward honored their passing. The dragons bowed their heads, even those in the Circle to honor them.
By then, Solor had come back and as he also bowed his head and mourned.
Edward finished his song and said, "May the First, who created all, receive these souls as honored warriors. May He bless those dragons who called the departed a brother, or a son, or a nephew with His strength during this time of mourning."
When Edward finished, six Dragons came to the forefront and one said, "Kiinnum, you honor our dead with your words and your song. In our traditions, the six of us, one from each clan, also honor the dead by a salute of flame. We know you belong to no clan, but, would ask that you be the seventh."
Edward nodded, "It would be my distinct honor to join you."
Edward joined the ranks and after falling into formation, lit his ridges up one more time. A red glow started and as it built in intensity, Edward pointed his neck straight up.
The six representatives from the clans all fired into the air, their flames different colors as Edward released his own burst of flame into the mix.
After a moment, the assembled Dragons' flames died down and Edward moved aside in case the Circle wanted to say a few words as well.
Sol looked to the seven dragons, nodding at their flames. He stepped forward, raising his wings. "Today", he said in the dragon's tongue, "We have lost some of our children. It will not be the first we have lost to Darkness, and it will not be the last. Not until the day that the Traitor is finally brought to justice. Not until the day that all dragons can once again live in peace. Not until the day we are free to live the lives we wish in either this realm or the mortal realm. Until that day comes, I humbly ask you all to remain vigilant in our stand."
Grand Earth stepped forward, making the ground shake a bit before he lowered his head, closing his eyes. Soon, all of the dragons around did the same (including Edward, who got a nudge from Solor), and the Grand Earth began to sing. His voice was low, rumbling, but strong. Soon, all of the other dragons began to sing as well, and while Edward did not know the words, he understood the message.
Goodbye, our friends. Until we meet again.
When they finished, Edward looked at Solor and asked, "Please, will you teach me your customs? Ignorance of ones customs and traditions is no excuse for offending one's host(s)."
"All right, Old-Timer," Solor said, "I would be honored. And, it will be my way of repaying you for coming here to help me."
"Fair enough," Edward replied, "I have to take care of some planning meetings with the Circle. Please, do not interrogate the prisoner until I am done. It shouldn't take long. But, expect an attack upon Lair. Grand Darkness would be an idiot to not want to retaliate. By now, he's been informed of the reinforcements from Lair."
[Two hours later - Lair]
While they were letting their guest get used to the fact that he was in deep trouble, Edward met with the Circle for the first stage of the plans for defeating Trigon, but, to maintain a defense for Lair as Edward fully expected an attack.
"That was a fine speech you gave, Kiinnum," Sol said, "I know that you encouraged our solders by your words."
"Thank you, my friend," Edward said, "But, I must consult with the Circle."
"Why?" Sol asked.
"The defense of Lair," Edward replied, "I know that if I were in Grand Darkness' shoes, I would be planning to strike here in the near future after hearing that my forces sent to destroy a simple T shape building in Jump City failed. I must assume that he's been told of the failed attempt by now. But, will he want to attack Lair first, before summoning Trigon or take it over when Trigon is here and our forces are distracted by fighting him and his minions?"
"Good question," Sol said, "You're right. We must consult the others."
So, they went to consult with the leadership while the enemy dragon's pain throbbed with each beat of his heart and gradually wondering if he had, indeed, been forgotten.
[Lair of Darkness]
Grand Darkness was plotting as well. He miscalculated with the attempt to destroy Titan Tower, thinking that an attack would destroy the building and those inside it.
"Damn that daughter of mine," he grumbled, "had to try to make that Starborn her personal sex toy to create my perfect grandchild and told him about Trigon. The Hybrid being here isn't a coincidence, either. Somehow, he was told of Starborn's plight and helped him to recover. And, how did that witch Raven be able to recast the Tear of Oblivion unless that fool Grand Light helped? That's the only explanation I can think of. Instead of a broken in spirit Light mosquito, he's back at full strength and at the side of the Hybrid. They obviously met in whatever universe Vilea used Raven to send him to.
"I have to assume that my scout to the other universe is not coming back, as well. Do I send another one when that hybrid is obviously here? Does he have a potential mate, though? Something I can use against him? But, I know with the dragons of Lair, threatening a mate doesn't end up good. I think my other scout in that universe made that mistake. he hasn't been heard from in months, I must assume he was captured or is dead.
"And, the fact that Lair has sided with the scum that crawls the world is something we will have to fix. Maybe destroy a city of theirs will convince the humans not to trust Dragons? But, we will need some humans on our side as sending a dragon spy may not work so well.
"Last we knew, Malchior was trapped in a book. If we get that and free him, he's one of the strongest Dark Dragons. But, where is that blasted book?"
Grand Darkness didn't know that in this universe, Malchior already made his play for freedom, only to have Solor convince Raven to set additional bindings on his prison. And, his counterpart in Edward's universe was probably a skeleton by now after enraging Edward.
His troops that were injured in the battle of Titan Tower were recovering slowly. Others were tasked with the grim duty of burial of the deceased. That alone got several Dark Dragons to pledge their lives to defeat the Light to avenge the fallen. It would take a few weeks before the worst of the injured dragons could fight again, but, Grand Darkness wouldn't sit on his haunches waiting.
He summoned one of his commanders and ordered that several task forces be readied to go to the mortals and harass them in their cities, as well as draw up new plans to attack Lair itself.
[Titan Tower]
Meanwhile, the Teen Titans and their counterparts from Edward's universe were also recovering from the battle. Cyborg was in a partial shutdown while Victor was recharging. They'd have to share the recharging station and it took a coin flip from Nightwing to get the matter decided on who would get first dibs on the recharging.
The other problem was that the tower was stretched to the limit with guests, but, the best thing there was that everyone bunked with their counterparts. The couples, though, presented a problem. Raven solved it by suggesting that Rachael stay in her room while Garfield (she got a huge kick out of that discovery!) and Tara stay in the room where Edward and Rachael stayed a few nights.
The Justice League Watchtower had the room to allow the Doom Patrol and other stand alone heroes to stay and Bruce Wayne offered to put others up at Wayne Manor or hotels. As the Batcave was linked to the Justice League and Titan Tower computers, an alert would sound in all three locations, if needed.
But, in Jump City, it was going to be interesting having two nearly identical teams there. Nightwing and Robin quickly decided that to keep the confusion down, they would merely stay in charge of their own teams. Robin's Teen Titans would be responsible for the various missions that would still come up in Jump City while Nightwing's older Titans would stay back to handle the coordination of defending against Trigon and the Dark Dragons along with whoever Edward wanted to use as a liaison between the allied Dragons and mankind. They suspected it would be Solor, though. If something came up that the Teen Titans needed the backup on, though, Nightwing agreed to have the Titans on standby.
Meanwhile, the top story of the day was, of course, the Battle of Titan Tower, as the media starting calling it and that the myth of Dragons was totally busted with the appearance of many Dragons fighting over the Tower. The clans had removed their injured as well as the dead, so, the battle field was actually in good shape. But, the folks in Jump City were also incensed that they were feeling threatened. It didn't matter that the walking dragons seemed to be protecting the city while the flight capable Dragons were fighting off the black ones.
Nightwing had considered going back to their universe, but, Superman made an excellent point that the older Titans experience with Trigon would be invaluable and talked them into staying for a while.
The media reports were mixed, though, as all their "experts" were not experts on Dragons and the fight threw everyone for a loop. It did not help matters that the dragons were talking of war...a phrase that those in power in DC and other countries had a vested interest in. There were some high level meetings going on in Washington. As in the President meeting with his joint chiefs as well as his Cabinet to see what they could do to avoid warring dragons from destroying cities and killing millions of citizens. What this Barnes had said worried them, though. If the threat of warring dragons wasn't bad enough, a very power demon was alto threatening to end all life.
The President knew he had to go in front of the People and first try to keep them calm and announce that the government was working to quell the potential violence. So, the White House announced that the next morning, he would address the nation.
That announcement got Rachael to contact Edward.
[Sweetheart?] she said.
[Hi, honey!] he replied, [What's going on?]
[The White House just announced that the President will be making some sort of announcement tomorrow morning. And the media has been replaying the battle all day and not helping to keep things calmed around here. Folks are not happy about this, at all. Robin had to disconnect the phone lines because of all the calls.]
Edward mused for a moment, [I'll try to teleport over tomorrow, but, Solor and I are still trying to extract information from our POW. Do me a favor, please: Keep me grounded emotionally. I might have to use tactics that I really don't care for. Also, record the President's speech. Something tells me they are not happy at these developments.]
[They aren't,] Raven said, [Robin is worried that the population might make a play of their own.]
[I would not be surprised, ladies,] Edward said, [Disappointed, yeah, but, I would expect some folks to stir up the crowd. It plays right into Darkness' hands. Everyone gets distracted, and, there's the rub. We'd be unable to plan effectively. Has there been any reaction from the Rogues' Gallery?]
[Not since the battle,] Rachael said, [We've been rather lucky so far.]
[That's good,] Edward replied, [The two teams can handle the missions without Solor or I, right?]
[Yeah, it shouldn't be a problem,] she said.
[Listen, I don't wanna worry you gals, but, there is the possibility that either one of you could be kidnapped to accelerate the prophecy,] Edward said, [If that happens, don't panic, just wait until you're taken wherever the Darkness will take you and soon as you recover...make sure to get as good of a look as possible and relay that to me. I'll have as many Dragons there to recover you as possible or it might just be Solor and myself. Just stall them long enough for at least me to teleport in. As long as Darkness doesn't realize I can sneak in under a disguise, it should be OK.]
[All right,] Rachael said.
[Soon as we're done with our prisoner, I'll have Solor come back and brief everyone. But, for operational security, we can't use Titan Tower anymore. If the Justice League folks are still there, ask if we can use a conference room or auditorium at the Watch Tower. The Dark Dragons won't be able to mount an attack there.]
[Raven's asking already,] Rachael said. A moment later, [They've agreed, they will leave a Javelin to help transport folks in case teleportation isn't possible.]
[Or to use as a decoy, if needed,] Edward realized. Both Ravens could teleport the groups to the Watchtower, and if Beast Boy were to morph to a bird and ride Terra's shoulder, it would reduce the load on Raven's powers. That would free up a decoy that would work at least once to keep the Dark Dragons from suspecting anything.
As the link went quiet, Edward was able to let Sol into the loop and they were rightfully concerned.
"I don't mind in case the military wants to help," Edward said, "but, unlike at home, I can't direct the military at all. I hope some of your people are still in a position to advise military leaders to take a wait and see position or at least suggest to them that the enemy are Dark Dragons and to not treat the others as an enemy force.
"I know, I know. The Circle suggests and implies what the human realm does. It's a good policy to have, Sol. You'll need to rely heavily on that to gain the trust of the masses. If they see that Dragonkind is not lording over the leadership of countries on pain of attack for not complying, that will go a LONG way. We're on the same page here because I could have been absolute ruler of my world. I chose not to walk that path, allowing humanity to grow. Even now, the general population knows of me and what I am. They also know that my role with world leaders is advisory and that they actually need to contact me for help. Within the USA and Canada, the governments passed laws that allow me to intervene as needed. Other countries are not required to let me have carte blanche in their areas. That is at my request, though. It allows countries to manage their sovereignty as they see fit, and, then, I go through their border controls like anyone else."
Edward sighed, "We'll have to impress on folks this policy of the Circle and that it is still enforced, even in wartime. They will have to know that it was Darkness that caused a lot of the wars on this planet, if I understand your history correctly."
"I see Starborn did tell you some of our history, then?" Sol asked.
"Of course," Edward said with a smile, "A lot of info he volunteered while in my universe, and, we pressed him gently for more. It's not like the Titans would use that against us, even here.
"I wish I had been here, though, when some folks went into the dragon slaying business. I might have been able to talk them out of slaying such wonderful folks. You all have treated me with the same respect I have shown you. Even Grand Death has treated me with respect even if he and I disagree on a few things."
"You've gotten him to think about things," Sol said, "Your telling him off lately was unexpected, but, he admitted while you were taking care of business that you had some good points. He's almost ready to hear my son's apologies and, for the good of all...he's somewhat willing to accept Starborn's being with Kreinyol. But, if I am willing to allow it as his father …"
"Forgive me, Sol," Edward said, "It's not just accepting that as Solor's father, you have to extend that into your position of authority and tell the Circle that as the Light of the Circle, you approve of this relationship. Just like your tradition if selecting a mate, you need to propose that this be Starborn's mate. They will not be as bound together is a mated pair here. He told me that typically, when one mate dies, the other one passes soon afterwards. It's a symbiotic relationship except for the Circle. Moonlight passed on a few years ago and that whole 'mate died, I will join her soon' doesn't apply. It will be the same with Solor and Kreinyol. She could fall in battle here, some other place or pass away from old age. Starborn will survive physically and will be eligible to have a dragoness after he mourns her. A word of forewarning, though: When she passes, be his father. Ignore any words he may say in anger or grief and just be there for him. He'll want to be alone for a while, so, give him the space he needs."
"I know," Sol said.
"That's good," Edward replied, "Speaking of your son...Time to have another chat with our Dark prisoner. Starborn did quite the number on the guy...enough that he wants to cooperate."
"Watch it," Sol advised, "The prisoner may try to deceive you."
"Built-in lie detector," Edward said and pointed to his head, "Rachael would tell me if our 'guest' is telling the truth or not. He knows that if he lies, it's not gonna be pretty."
"Considering the roars we heard earlier, it sounded like he annoyed Starborn," Sol said.
"Annoyed isn't quite the word I'd use," Edward mused, "The idiot made the mistake of threatening Kreinyol and that really angered Starborn. In fact, that reminds me...They all know about Starborn's romantic interest. That's a liability and I'm going to divert some troops to be her bodyguards as there would be the target on her back. In fact, I would be putting bodyguards on Raven as well. Namely the Teen Titans, but, I want there to be an overt show of force in case Darkness makes a play. Depending on how Terra imprisoned the guy, she might have to release him. Then again, brute force may also accomplish the same thing, and we have to be careful. I do not want him free to roam around Lair or even to cast a Tear of Oblivion."
As Edward said that, Solor soon joined the conversation. "Most likely, if Vilea knew, then Grand Darkness knows. But he feels that I am more of a nuisance than an actual threat, and that may be his downfall. Otherwise, they would have made a play for Kreinyol a long time ago to get me to cooperate with them. Something that I'd be hard pressed to say no to."
At that, Sol frowned. "Then we must be very careful. I will send some dragons to aid the Titans in protecting Raven and Sunfire. As much as I feel the Titans can handle themselves in a fight with other mortals, Darkness is crafty, and may trick them. Who knows how long Vilea was watching. She may have told her father what Starborn's human form looks like."
"Then I will simply change it", said Solor, growling a bit. "I have an alternate human form that looks significantly older than my teenage form. I will tell my friends to only trust me when I look like an adult. I have not taken that form in this universe yet, and it may throw the Darkness off." He looked at his father, smiling. "Thank you for considering my love, Father, but my friends are more than capable. I am actually certain, if Malchior had made a successful attempt at escaping his book, that the Titans would have defeated him." He explained the story about what happened to Malchior in Edward's home, and how he was able to prevent that from happening here in his own home.
"Now, you were saying Edward, that it is time to attend to our 'guest'?"
"Yes," Edward said, "I'll talk to Rachael. I know that the Titans can defend themselves from normal threats, but, I have to agree with your father. I want some dragon backup there when the Justice League has to watch the rest of the planet now.
"Sol, the only way the Titans in my universe defeated Malchior there is that Raven after she realized she was tricked, remembered the curse that Rorek used to trap him, and that combined with her own power, put Malchior back. Somehow, he was released and put into her mind. The damage he did was as bad as what Vilea did. When her emoticlones and I evicted the rat bastard, he tried a physical attack on the Tower to kill my love. Terra and I killed him. He wasn't human, so, the no kill rule was irrelevant.
"The Titans can handle a single dragon, but, multiple dragons...No, I do not have that much confidence in them. They get swarmed with like a dozen stronger dragons, and, the Tower falls.
"But, let's get this over with. See if that sumbitch wants to extend his life."
Solor nodded, and soon, after going through the guards again, the two were at the prisoner's location, and the dark dragon didn't look too comfortable.
"So, Traitor, what do you have to say?" Solor asked, glaring at the Dark Dragon.
"I will tell you everything I know", said the prisoner. "And I promise that I will not lie. All I ask is that my death is swift and I am buried here, in Lair."
Solor looked to Edward, who nodded. He then looked back down at the Dark Dragon. "I cannot promise that. Your kind has not set foot in Lair in millions of years besides trying to steal eggs and cause chaos for us. That is up to the Circle. However, if your information is useful, then I will do what I can."
The prisoner nodded. "My name is Vulonviing." Solor suppressed a snicker, which made the dragon stop. "If you are to insult my name-"
"No, no, it is nothing", Solor said. "It is just... a mortal friend has a similar name. I find it ironic."
Vulonviing raised an eyebrow, but made no comment. "I am a mere soldier, so I do not know much. I do, however, know where Dark Lair is located in the mortal realm. And I do know of one entrance that anyone can enter."
"And where is this entrance?" Solor asked. "It shall be useful to us, in hoping to find and stop Vilea."
"Under Mount Olympus", said Vulonviing. "In Greece. We discovered this... flaw in our defenses a long time ago, as a human discovered it. But after seeing so many dragons, she went mad, and... well, no one would believe her." He snickered a bit. "I must admit... it was quite amusing."
Solor was about to say get on with it, but stopped. The human going mad seemed to be interesting. "And this human... what was her name?"
"Why does it matter?" asked Vulonviing. "She is long dead, claimed by the gods she worshipped many years ago."
"Just a hunch", Solor said. "Answer the question."
"I do not know if this was her true name... but she was odd. I believe that the other humans called her Callisto."
Edward's eyes went yellow and he snarled, "Callisto? Blond gal, about 5'11" as the mortals measure it?"
"Yes," the Dragon said, "If you don't mind: What was she to you? Some sort of plaything?"
Starborn said, "Oh boy!"
Edward's eyes went to blazing red and his scales started a rapid color shift, indicating he was beyond pissed.
His spines lit up white and Starborn got out of the way, "You shouldn't have said that. Kiinnum, stop this! Callisto was in your universe, not here!"
The Dark Dragon realized as the lightning poured forth that Edward was far more powerful than Starborn as he screamed in agony.
When Edward stopped, he looked at the Dark Dragon and said, "The only reason I am letting you live is because you have information we require. One more crack about our lovers and you shall die a slow, painful death and not even Starborn will stop me. Do I make myself clear?!"
Vulonviing immediately cowed, and nodded as best as he could. "Yes, I promise! I am sorry for insulting her!"
Solor, looking at the Dark Dragon, felt pity. It was surprising, but he needed the prisoner to calm down, and Edward being here wouldn't help that. "Kiinnum, head out. I will handle the interrogation from here."
"You're not gonna order me out of here", Edward snarled, obviously still incredibly angry.
"By my right as Heir to the Light", Solor said, eyes flashing green, "you will stand down, go outside, and talk to your mate. Is that understood?" Edward may be stronger, but unfortunately for the older dragon, Solor could still take him in a fight with his beam weapon. And using rank was challenging him to say anything other than "Yes sir" and follow orders. Edward didn't like it, but he had no choice.
"Fine", he said, grumbling a bit as he began to reach through the mental connection he had with Rachael and left the room, leaving Solor and Vulonviing alone.
Solor, however, wasn't completely on the Dark Dragon's side. "Don't think I've saved you, Traitor. That was a stupid move on your part. You are on thin ice. Say one more thing about Kreinyol, Callisto, or any other mortal you know we are connected to, and I will follow through on my threat. Your body will be on display for all of your brethren to see.
But, I need you to try to calm down a bit. Kiinnum is very touchy about his past lovers, and, I cannot believe I am saying this: I am sorry you went through that. I will honor this deal previously made as best I can. I'll talk to him when we are done. I am not completely without mercy right now. Do not make me regret apologizing for him."
Vulonviing gulped, and continued his story, telling Solor exactly how to get in the Dark Lair without being detected.
XxXxX
[Outside, while Solor was talking to the POW]
Edward was furious at the prisoner. How DARE he insult Callisto like that?!
[Edward? What's wrong?] Rachael asked, [Your anger is bleeding through the link to my counterpart.]
[That goddamned POW insulted me and Callisto, that's what's wrong,] he snarled.
[Edward, I seriously doubt that your POW is aware of your relationship with someone from your past and in OUR universe,] Rachael said calmly, [Even if there is or was a counterpart, she would not have known you. You cannot afford these reactions, my love. The enemy will use them against you...against us. Remember when Raven said that your anger was pointless here. Listen to her as she is still me. You and I have to remember that what happened in our universe and your history is irrelevant here. The Callisto of this universe never knew you, never knew about dragons.]
[Actually,] Edward sighed, [This universe's Callisto was driven insane when she stumbled on the Dark Lair. The sight of hundreds of dark dragons drove her insane and no one believed her. What should I do?]
[Listen to Solor,] she advised [We are the guests in his world and you are a fish out of water coping with a lot of stress. You can't let that get to you so much that you offend our hosts, either the Teen Titans or Solor's people. But, you need to calm down. Find your center and meditate. Think of the calming waves here.]
She spent a few minutes helping Edward picture the waves crashing into the shore with a gentle roar. That got his eyes from a deadly red to a yellow shade at least. But, Edward was so incensed at Solor ordering him to leave, it took longer to fully calm down. But, as he calmed and became more rational, he realized that maybe Solor had no other choice and would ask him calmly.
After a good, long chat with the prisoner, Solor stepped out, turning to the Earth guards. "He has told us what we needed. However, we still must keep him here until the Circle has decided what to do with him. Again, no one is allowed in or out without mine, Kiinnum's, or the Circle's say in it."
"It shall be done, Light Heir", said the first guard.
"Thank you." Solor then turned to see Edward, leaning against a wall. His eyes were still glowing yellow, but he was considerably calmer. "I assume Rachael has calmed you down a bit?"
"Yes", said Edward. He then turned, frowning at Solor. "Why did you order me to leave? She would have calmed me down, whether or not I was there with you."
"Because you not only harmed the prisoner, you scared the absolute living crap out of him", Solor replied. "He was likely to say anything out of fear, and the panic may cause him to neglect some details. You might have taken that as a lie, and would have called him out on it. I'd rather him be cooperative and know he will die swiftly than have the belief that the deal is off and clam up."
Edward's eyes faded, revealing a surprised look. "Um... wow. I didn't think of that."
"You were angry. We make our biggest lapses in judgment when angered", said Solor, smirking. "Take it from me. I can't tell you how many times my anger's gotten me in trouble. Even from what you've seen pales in comparison to how many times my anger got me in trouble with my mother."
Edward now couldn't help but feel guilty. If he had done something like that, then the whole point of a POW would have been pointless, and they'd have to wait for another attack to try to capture another dragon. Solor noticed this, and smiled. "I believe you can do him one last service", he said. "His scales are growing back a bit, but it will take some time. Dark Dragons are very vain. I'd recommend helping them grow back; I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture."
Edward nodded, "I owe him an apology. You're right, and, I am sorry."
"Go," Solor said.
"Come with me, please," Edward said.
"Oh no, you don't," Solor said, "You need to do this on your own. Trust me on this one."
Edward went into the prisoner and said, "Nightwing? Look at me, please. It's all right, you do not have to avert your eyes, and I would like you to look in my eyes.
"I am sorry for attacking you like that. You had no idea that in my universe, Callisto was my girlfriend for a while. Starborn told me that Dark Dragons are...proud dragons and the looks of your scales tells me that you're not in a good shape.
"I have an ability to repair the damage, and, well...I would like to use that on you. I know you may have been frightened out of your mind and neglected to tell Starborn some vital information out of fear. What deals we make, will be honored to the best of our ability because you've cooperated. I would rather you trust us, even a little bit. This is a bonus, though, to any deals. It's my way of apologizing. Do you agree to this?"
The Dark Dragon nodded fearfully.
"Calm down," Edward said, far more gently than he had before, "This will allow you to at least feel better. There's no need to fear me anymore. I think you've been scared enough for now. You were forced to cooperate. Now, I would ask that you cooperate willingly. No more threats, at least from me. That way, when it is your time, it will allow Starborn and I to recommend a swift execution or maybe leniency. It might not be a death sentence, but, a sentence of indefinite length."
Edward's hands started glowing blue with healing energies and that glow spread until his body was glowing.
Edward gently grasped the Dark Dragon by the head and the healing power went into the Dark Dragon, causing his wounds to repair themselves and his scales to regenerate faster. It took several minutes, but, finally Edward released his enemy and said, "Your scales have been regenerated fully and the damage done by our method to convince you is reversed as well. Again, I am sorry for attacking you, and I forgive you for what you said. I don't know if Dark Dragons are able to forgive, but, I ask for your forgiveness regardless. I was out of line and man enough to say that.
"We will be back later to go over what you said. Give you a chance to remember anything you neglected out of your panic or that you want to clarify without any pain speaking to you."
"Why help me when I will be killed anyway?" The Nightwing Dragon asked.
"Because, I wanted to let you know that even though you are an enemy, that you did not realize that you crossed a line with me on a personal level. You did not deserve to be tortured in that manner. Even you deserve to die with dignity," Edward said honestly, "I will assume that you told Starborn the truth as you promised as well. In return, we will let you have a last meal of your choosing before you die. It's a human tradition to give the condemned a chance to enjoy a last meal … and a chance to seek forgiveness from the First. Starborn and I will try to get the Circle to agree to let you be buried here in Lair, but, they will need to know why."
"Because, Grand Darkness will kill me for betraying him and leave me to rot in an open field, exactly how Starborn said he would do with me," the Dark Dragon said, tears in his eyes, "And it would not be a swift death. He would allow Vilea and others to torture me to death. I would die horribly. You at least would grant me a painless death and, please, a proper burial."
Edward remembered when Solor was mourning Slade in his universe and nodded, "I understand. Even an enemy deserves some honors in this culture, I have learned. If your information is verified, I will make an exception to one of my rules and sing the song a woman named Xena taught me to honor a warrior. You fought bravely, I noticed, and that gets you the tradition of mourning a worthy opponent to be upheld by me.
"But, please remember that I am not on your side. We are still enemies because you aided in the attack on Titan Tower. I normally do not heal an enemy, but, you had no means to defend yourself. Honor demanded this act of kindness, even to an enemy.
"Get some sleep, Nightwing." Edward left and saw Solor standing there.
"How did it go?"
"He's frightened," Edward said, "But, I did heal his wounds and apologized to him. He's worried that if we return him to the Dark Lair, he would be tortured to death by Vilea and left as an example to rot. I am not in favor of that. At least here, he would get a warrior's send-off, if I understand your tradition."
"We do mourn the death of a worthy opponent," Solor admitted, "I wish you hadn't attacked him like that, though, and I didn't wanna fight you over it."
"You're not reinstated as the Heir to the Light," Edward said, "However, that is a likely formality anyway. That's why I complied...and what you said a few minutes ago made sense. Starborn, please, forgive me."
Solor was surprised that Edward was asking for forgiveness, but nodded, "We both have the same issues when it comes to our girlfriends/mates. Of course, I forgive you. In fact, I should apologize to you. While you are correct that I am not reinstated officially, as there has been no other naming ceremony, I am technically still the Heir. I should not have pulled rank on you, but you would not listen otherwise."
Edward gave it some thought and replied, "Well, I cannot fault you here. You did what you thought was best, so, yes, I accept your apology. Our friend doesn't need to know that you're not formally reinstated, anyway.
"If there is a next time, and I hope there isn't, I will tell you what I told Starfire: You may use whatever force is required to distract me or calm me down. She had to do that on Tamaran and she was so distraught, it took me, Nightwing and David to reassure her that I wasn't mad."
"Will this Dark Dragon continue talking to us?" Solor asked.
"He will," Edward said, "His bravado is gone, even though his vanity is restored as well as his dignity. I reassured him that I believed he told you the truth and to think over anything he neglected to say because he panicked. I remember where Mt. Olympus is, so, we can start there in the morning. When the Greek gods fell, Mt. Olympus became inaccessible. There's no way to get to the top, even by my teleportation, but, as we're going in the other direction, it's OK.
"Also, if he willingly cooperates without having to be fearful of another attack, could we get the Circle to not put him to death? We would not release him because the other Dark Dragons would hunt him down and he would serve a long sentence."
"That's fine, I suppose," Solor said, "But, don't think I am going to show him any more mercy...and you shouldn't either."
"I'm not," Edward said, "but, he's been broken enough, I think. He'll still talk, especially now. He knows that we'll honor as best we can his final wishes, if the Circle determines he must be executed. We'll scout out an out of the way gravesite near Lair's borders where he's unlikely to be visited. It shouldn't be an unmarked grave, though. He deserves that as well, but, as you said, the Circle will have to determine that."
"Well," Solor replied, "The Circle could see that he's just a solder following orders, and that would help him a little. His cooperation, especially if it's voluntary now, would further help. We will go to Mt. Olympus tomorrow.
"Also, I will not tell the Circle of this incident, however, and I say this as your friend: Do not let that happen again or the Circle will have to be informed and they may have to appoint a new leader who is in control of their rage. Any references to your universe have to be ignored. It is a course of action I would regret having to take. Are we clear?"
Edward raised an eyebrow, but, nodded, "Yes."
Solor smiled, "Good enough for me. I know that you're a dragon of your word.
As the sun was setting on Lair, Solor said, "We'll have to find you some place to rest and eat. It's been a very LONG day."
Solor motioned for Edward to follow, and took to the skies, flying towards a familiar mountain. As Edward looked down and recognized Moonlight's grave, Solor flew into a cave, and called Edward down. "I know, you are probably used to mortal commodities. Personally... I've missed being here, in my cave." He looked to Edward. "There is plenty of room still, as this is where I lived with my mother and brother. I would be honored if you would stay here tonight. I can go hunt some food for us while you rest. I'm sure that the backlash of the lightning attack is still fresh, and I know you need to meditate."
"No need to hunt, Filkiin", said a low voice, and the two turned to see Sol sitting there, with a couple of deer corpses. "I knew you'd come here tonight. So, I made some preparations while you were dealing with the prisoner. Come, eat, and tell me what you have learned."
Solor nodded, averting his eyes a bit as he entered. He was too focused on the fresh kill, anyway, as his mouth watered a bit.
Edward smiled, as Solor began to explain everything he had learned from the prisoner. He was eager to talk to his father for the first time in a few years, and his father was actually listening, rather than either of them letting pride get in the way.
It was nice, seeing a family beginning to bond again.
XxXxX
[Unknown Location]
Vilea smirked as she looked around, glad with what she had chosen. After digging out a nice spot in the middle of nowhere, she couldn't help but feel proud of herself. The nest was the perfect size, and already she could feel the first egg starting to exit her body.
The first black and bronze egg was laid within five minutes of the nest's completion.
"Don't worry, kiddies", she said, smiling as she cooed at the egg. "Momma's gonna protect you from the big bad Light Dragon.
"Even if Momma has to kill Daddy to do it."