Chapter 12
[Lair]
Edward and Solor emerged over the old Volcano, only the Circle members were not there, just Sol and he motioned them to land.
Edward landed and Solor slid off.
"Greetings, Grand Light," Edward said. Solor said nothing, though, just averted his eyes, getting a sigh from Edward.
"I am at a loss here," Sol said, "For thousands of years, we have discouraged dragon-human relations by exiling those who broke the law.
"Now, we have a two dragons who have not only fallen in love with mortals but, both are soul-bound to them. Edward to his Raven and Starborn and his Starfire. And both sharing a deep love for one another. Edward was never bound by our laws, though, having been sent away to protect him.
"Starborn is answerable to that law and under that law, he's subject to permanent banishment. And, we have banished others before.
"But, as a father...I have to think of my remaining family at the expense of possibly losing my seat in the Circle. I couldn't be happier seeing Starborn and Kreinyol being together.
"It's time to cast off this outdated law. The Circle will be meeting to debate this soon, and, I will be on the side of throwing this out."
"Oh joy," Solor said, "I just got my title restored and for what? Someone else who...OUCH!" Edward nudged Solor, "Easy, Light Heir. Your father's on our side here. If he can be willing to reconsider a law that probably predates most of us, don't throw that away."
"What about all the others banished because of their love?" Solor asked, "Or the spouses of dragons who died fighting mortal wars?"
"They fought in human wars?" Sol asked, surprised.
"When I was in Washington, I saw the names of several of our people on a memorial wall. One of their wives came up and thanked me for protecting them. She already knew about dragons because her husband, before he was shipped out, told her the truth. Will those who are still alive be welcomed back and pardoned … and those who already passed on to the First be also pardoned, their crimes erased from the books?"
"If the Circle agrees to throw out the Breed Traitor law, we can entertain that idea," Sol said.
Edward smiled, "Don't worry if I see Breed Traitor as a slur. I understand the context you are using, so, I will not be offended.
"And, yes, it is time that the Circle reconsider this issue. Not because I am here, though. My mission was never to change your customs and traditions, Sol. You know my original intent was merely to help Starborn recover from what happened to him. Once that was done, Rachael and I would have gone back to our lives in our universe. But, the Trigon threat is coming faster than we thought. Your history has been altered and the timeline that you would have otherwise enjoyed is gone forever.
"The Circle should be willing to change, though. I see that some members want to hold onto the old ways, and others want to adapt to the changes. Sol where is the happy medium?"
"I don't know," he said.
"Any culture that stagnates is doomed to fail at some point," Edward said, "If this culture doesn't evolve, it will fall and the Darkness wins regardless of the outcome of this war. I've seen it too many times."
Edward sighed, "Also, what do we do with this general I captured? We cannot leave him to rot."
"He will be cremated," Sol said, "I have other dragons collecting the needed materials, but, not in Lair. We're pushing it considering that weaker Dark Dragon for a burial here. A general of the Traitor's forces? No, he will not get that courtesy."
Edward nodded, "Works for me. If a Dark Dragon sees it and reports back, all the better. It will shake their morale. Probably best if you didn't tell me of your methods of getting information, though."
"Probably right," Solor said, "Father was a chief interrogator when he was Heir to the Light."
Edward paled...That's where Solor got some of his techniques.
"We might as well get this over with," Solor said, "I know if things do not go well, I will be banished...this time for life."
"Are you sure, my son?" Sol said, "We can sit on this information for a while?"
Solor looked at his father and said, "I am sure. If we kept this a secret, the Circle may take their wrath out on not just me, but, Edward and you as well. Banishment for Edward wouldn't bother him. But, if you are told to find another heir and then pass on your title … I could not live with that shame. Let them find out now and then, if they banish me, so be it. I will not take you down with me."
Sol was stunned. Two years ago, Solor would have thought nothing of hurting his father. Now, he was willing to take a lifetime banishment to protect his father from doing something they'd regret later.
Edward, however, was a proud dragon. He said, "I am surprised, Starborn. But, I am also very proud. I know that you both have come a long way. Sol's trying to make up for a long time of bad blood here...and Starborn's making the effort to make things up. I'm with Starborn here. The sooner we get this out of the way, the better off we'll be."
Sol nodded and said, "We will gather here in one hour, then."
"We will meet now, if you do not mind, Grand Light", came a voice that didn't sound amused. They turned to see the rest of the Circle, with Death at the lead.
How in Oblivion did Earth sneak up on us? Solor thought, confused. Did they hear the whole thing?
"What is this we hear of not only one, but two dragons being soul-bound?" asked Water, her body beginning to coil up as the Circle got into position. "One of my children overheard your conversation to that device the Titans have given you."
"I can answer that, Exalted Circle", said Solor, taking place in the center. "You know how Edward has claimed his mortal wife as a mate, correct?" When the Circle all nodded, Solor took a deep breath. "As we know, the act of claiming a mortal of a mate is punishable by banishment. Kiinnum has been exempt of this law, as he has been without the guidance of the Circle all three thousand years of his life. I, on the other hand... am not."
"Filkiin of the Light, are you saying that you have claimed Kreinyol of Tamaran as your mate, without the blessing of the Circle?" Life asked, her head up and alert.
"I have", said Solor. "And upon inspection and an incident following shortly thereafter, we discovered that not only have we claimed each other as mates... we are soul bound. When I die, she will die. When she dies, I will die."
Murmurs floated around them, as many dragons had come to the meeting. After all, the last time Solor was in the center of the Circle was when he attacked Death. They were curious to see what the Heir of the Light had done.
Death growled a bit. "This is unacceptable. I motion to banish this Traitor immediately. Humans are mortal, always have been. Allowing an Heir to marry a mortal is a sin against the First's design. And as much as it pains me to say it... we must cut off this blasphemous child from the rest of the family."
"Now, hold on, Death", said Life. "There is no harm in allowing one Mortal to live a much longer life. She will be punished enough for the both of them. Unable to bear a child for him... forced to live thousands of years longer than she will normally be able to... who is to say that this is not the First's own way of retribution? We may not have to punish Starborn at all, as his own foolish thinking has punished him enough."
Water looked down at Solor, and soon nodded. "Life is right, but for the wrong reasons. This is a time of change, where water would flow along a new path when hit with an obstacle. We can continue on the same path, and be absorbed into the ground, or we can find a new way, and continue our journey to the future."
Fire nodded. "I agree with Sister Water. There is a time to fight, and a time to concede. I would concede, and see what these new flames would bring."
So far, it looked like Death was alone on this battlefield.
Edward sighed, he really didn't have a say in the matter until someone in the Circle asked his opinion. He did not like what Death had said and was fuming. But, he knew that there was a time to talk and a time to keep one's mouth shut. This was a time to stay silent unless asked. It helped that Rachael was using their own link to help Edward maintain his composure, and, he didn't care if other Dragons knew that a "lowly mortal scum" was keeping one of their strongest dragons reasonably calm.
Finally, Earth kneeled down, and spoke. "Many traditions have been kept. Many traditions have been thrown away. And while many dragons have been forgiven for past transgressions... there is no forgiving the holiest of laws left for us by the first Circle being broken. Therefore... I move to punish Starborn... and the dragon known as Edward Barnes."
Immediately, an uproar filled the mountains. Many dragons were calling for him to take back what he said, to defend both Starborn and Edward. Many still were also calling for action to be taken, to punish the Breed Traitors. Solor let out a loud roar, suddenly silencing the others.
"No!" said Solor. "This trial is to determine my fate! Edward is exempt from our laws!"
"If Edward is to fight for us, then he is to abide by our laws. I have remained silent for too long", said Earth. "Edward Barnes, or Kiinnum, is to work alongside us, and obey our laws without question. He may live within a different universe, but he is still a child of the Circle. As his wife does not know the spell, nor he himself, he is hereby placed under the equivalent of house arrest until we have decided what to do. You will find teleporting to be very limited, Edward. Before this meeting, I asked many of my children to place a ward on Lair. No one can enter, and no one can leave until the Circle has decided your fate."
"Without the acknowledgement of the Circle?!" questioned Sol. "What has caused the Earth to crumble from fear?!"
"I am the strongest of us all, Grand Light", said Earth. "I could kill Edward right here and now if he challenged me. As could Death. And it is obvious that we have... issues with this ruling from all of our Brothers and Sisters. I will not allow anyone to leave or enter Lair until Edward Barnes and Solor are both punished for their transgressions." He turned his head down, glaring at Solor and Edward. "I will give you thirty minutes to state your defense. If you cannot change our minds... then I shall give you a Traitor's sending."
Edward was fuming. He knew that he was outmatched in the strength department. All it would take is a Roar from Grand Death to siphon off his strength.
[We have a problem, sweetheart,] Edward said, [The Circle is most displeased and have somehow limited my teleportation abilities...and don't try to come to Lair. It's been blocked.]
[Dang,] she said, [What's going on?]
[Looks like Solor and I are on trial!]
[WHAT?!] she roared.
[Calm down, sweetheart,] Edward said, [Start researching the spells needed to bust through, if needed. If you do not hear from me in the next few hours, please return to our universe, get Zatanna, and return to this universe. The Dragons will not be able to stop that from happening.]
[All right,] she replied.
Edward took a calming breath, knowing that getting angry would not help their case at all, then, he took another. He also moved to the center of the circle, standing next to Solor.
"Exalted Circle," he said, "You are correct that I could not defeat Grand Earth in a physical battle or even Grand Death...and I would be a fool to try that. But, I have something that is even stronger than any dragon or any mortal that has ever lived, even Superman can be laid low by this and it is love. Love for one's fellow man or in our case Dragons. Love cannot be told who to infect. The Starfire I know, from my universe once said 'One's heart cannot be told who to love'.
"One can have a racial hatred, but, even that crumbles in the face of Love. And, this is what this boils down to. It boils down to love. Starborn's love for Kreinyol has overcome the efforts of the Traitor and Vilea's vile rape of Starborn. Forgive me, brother, for what I must say in our defense." Solor nodded his assent.
"I was in the mind of Starborn recently, to help him to heal from this unspeakable horror. Darkness tried to extinguish the Light and Vilea almost did. She tore him to shreds on the inside while forcing him to sire several twilight eggs. Isn't a mix of light and dark an abomination in your eyes?" There were murmurs of agreement through the crowd.
"Yet, when I was there, and the initial cowardly act was replayed in Starborn's memories, Kreinyol wanted so bad to rescue him that I was forced to stay her wrath lest she destroy Starborn's essence and his memories. My own mate used her powers to also hold Kreinyol back. And we did that because of love. Love for Starborn, love for Kreinyol. I convinced the Circle that war was coming. The dragons here respected my show of strength. But, compared to what I feel for my mate, that is even stronger. Kreinyol took down a Dark Dragon in the human capital city of Washington, DC showing her strength. Yet, the love between them two makes even that impressive feat look like a weak newborn baby.
"I have acceded to the wishes of the Circle since I came back to Lair. They asked me to be their general, and I agreed to that and to also take orders from the Circle or whoever their representative/messenger was. Whether it was Grand Light, or Grand Earth, or even if Grand Death were to ask me to put to death a prisoner of war. I would do so.
"I have followed your rules and laws to the best of my ability, Exalted Circle, as well. That is my nature.
"Yet, I spent my entire life, save for a small amount of time as a hatchling and the last few weeks here in Lair, having the same culture shock that Solor did in my universe. Not from the mortal world, though, from being here, with other dragons of my own species. For three thousand years, I believed that I was the last of my kind...the only one of my species to even exist, and I thanked God, or the First if you will because in our religious tomes, God is called the Alpha. Greek for "First". Love is His greatest gift to His Children. In one of the religions, the Son of God came down from the Heavens and preached about love and he was brutally crucified for that! I was there for that event and I could not help because the First told me that it was His will. He said, "My child, This is My Will, for My only son to die, to pay the price for all mankind's sins." And, I obeyed His Voice, and all because His Son loved everyone so much that he suffered for that and perished. Yet, three days later, the First brought His Son back from the dead.
"And, the First, in the Holy Books, teaches forgiveness. Exalted Circle, several days ago, Starborn and I were talking on the roof of the very Tower the brave solders of Lair helped to defend. I told Starborn that he had been forgiven for his weakness by those people who love him as a brother. He had been forgiven by Kreinyol. Sol has not called him a Traitor to his people and even now, is not calling us Traitors! But, Starborn had not yet asked for forgiveness from the First. And as I watched, a beam of light broke through the cloudy day and struck Starborn as he knelt down and asked for forgiveness. Was that a coincidence? It was not. It was the First showing that Love Forgives All.
"Starborn asked this body to allow this relationship to happen. Neither of us knew that two souls would be tied together to tightly that the same aspect that makes a dragon die shortly after their mate does would apply to them. Even I did not know that.
"What about you, though," Grand Light asked, "Are you soul-bonded with Ruuvak?"
"She is half-demon," Edward replied, "She will live a long life because of who her father is, but, we've been mind-linked since we met and rescued a girl from a stone prison. We were able to rescue this girl, Terra, and then went into her mind to help her heal. Who knows? Maybe the act of the rescue soul-bonded Ruuvak and myself. But, that doesn't negate the love I have for her. In my darkest days, she is there to be that calming effect on me. In her darkest days...and being a half-demon, there are many of those, I am her strong rock. And, together, we are the rock that our friends depend on. Terra and I enjoy a strong friendship because I love her like she is a little sister, yet, her heart is taken by a shapeshifter named Beast Boy in two universes, and I wouldn't have that any other way."
Edward sighed, but, he knew he wasn't done yet.
"I never claimed an exemption from your laws, members of the Circle. And I never came here to change your society and customs. That was the farthest thing from my mind. But, I am sorry. My love for my mate is too strong for me to walk away. I would feel like a piece of me has died, and, it is a feeling I never want to feel again. When Trigon almost flipped her, and she declared that she never loved me, I was wounded in a way that no one, man or Dragon should ever be. I fought back then. Even her soul-self finally shattered under that and after tearing out Trigon's throat, one of her personified emotions raced to me. It was Love that pulled me out of a deep pit that day. That's how strong Love is. That's how strong our feelings are for each other.
"So, yes, I am guilty of being capable of loving someone who loves me back, unconditionally and without shame. I am guilty of letting the First bind our souls together in Love. Because, even the strongest of us, even Earth, crumbles before love. Even Fire, which burns through anything, is extinguished by love. Water is warmed by love, and I have seen so many times something that the same Holy Man I mentioned earlier said. 'There is no greater love than this: Than a man lays down his life for a friend.' How many of our brothers have laid their lives down for you? How many are willing to do so now? Love has even ended wars and defeated Death. Love brings life into the world. And, love is the Light that defeats Darkness.
"Am I a traitor? I would be if I abandoned my mate! I would be if I walked away from my duty to help you as well.
"Yet, some of you are blinded by this concept that the First gives the gift of love to all his Children, Dragon and human alike. So, I ask you: Is that a crime? Is loving someone a crime? I submit that the First forgives all, even when His law is broken.
"Before you accuse me of blasphemy, I would relate to you one of the stories in the Christian Bible of a man named Moses who led his people out of slavery. They were in the middle of the desert when God gave him ten simple commandments. Moses went up a mountain for 40 days getting these laws, and, the people grew restless and asked for a physical god to bow down to and Moses' brother relented and gathered up gold and melted it down to form a golden calf. As they were celebrating, the sounds of partying were heard by Moses, descending the mountain with two tablets of stone. When Moses saw the false idol, he roared out his anger, smashing the stone tablets. God was angered greatly by this! Yet, Moses climbed back up to ask that God stay his hand of wrath and forgive his people! God relented and said that he forgave His Children.
"King David committed grave sins against God's LAW, and he was forgiven. David lusted after another man's wife, mated with this woman, and when the woman's husband refused to have sex with her, to cover up her pregnancy, David ordered that the man be placed where he would likely die. He was, indeed, killed and in the eyes of the First...that was breaking three of his highest laws to mankind and the punishment was to be taken out of the city and stoned to death.
"Yet, David hit his knees and cried for forgiveness. He was forgiven.
"When Jesus was on his Cross, he said, 'Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do.' That stayed God's hand instead of an angel of Death smiting all who lived. All these cases of forgiveness and pardon, even when the Law was broken, showed Love."
"So, I humbly ask that for Starborn and Myself, for your pardon and to allow us to carry on in defense of your land and your people. Then, when all is said and done in this war, if the Circle still wishes to not follow these examples, Ruuvak and I will leave, as well Starborn and Kreinyol. We will leave this universe to its devices and sever all contact. Because, we will not sever our relationships with our loved ones. We stand bravely as men ought to. If that means we both die, here and now...Ruuvak and my Titans shall accord us due honor."
Edward was out of words to say and he wasn't sure if he could work a miracle or not here. He averted his gaze as well.
Grand Earth looked at Starborn and said, "What say you in your defense, Starborn? I ask you to at least show the same respect that Kiinnum shows us."
Solor frowned, thinking about what to say. So far, Edward's words did a lot more than anything Solor could have said. However, there was a little bit of convincing left to do. Solor thought long and hard about it. And he decided.
He laid down, stretching his neck out as long as it could go. "I will not run. I will not fight. I will die the death you decide, Exalted Circle."
Sol frowned, and was about to speak out, when Solor continued. "But know this... I die with my beloved. I will take her into my arms, and I will watch as this world burns without my or Edward's help. I pray that you will succeed in this war... but if it is the will of the First that I die tonight, then so be it. And while I respect Edward's offer... I have been avoiding my own blame. I have been avoiding my own guilt. But no longer. I will not run, not from this, not from anyone. I will fight for my love with Kreinyol, to the very end."
Edward also stretched out his neck and said, "This is the only way to kill me, Exalted Circle...take my head if you must. If I must die because of this law, though, know that Trigon will destroy you all and Darkness shall extinguish Light."
There was silence for a while. Earth stared down at Solor, taking time to process this all. Eventually, a slow grin formed on his face. "Starborn of the Light, you truly deserve the title of Heir." He stood up. "I change my motion. I hereby ask that the Breed Traitor law be thrown out, and all dragons previously punished by this law to be forgiven and granted access to Lair again. The words of these two have moved me, and I feel the truth behind them. What we have been keeping... it is not the will of the First. Therefore, from this day forward... the term Breed Traitor is officially no longer a phrase in our vocabulary."
Edward's jaw dropped, as did Solor's. But, they both knew that the others need to be polled and it might not be fun.
"I second Grand Earth's amended motion," said Grand Life.
"What say you, Grand Water?" Sol asked.
"Water has found its way," she replied, "water washes away things that are no longer needed, and despite Kiinnum's legitimate denials that he isn't here to change us on purpose, he has changed us unintentionally. I say, yes, it is time to allow true love to blossom and to show that even the Circle can be forgiving, merciful, and welcoming."
"What say you, Grand Earth?" It was a formality, but, it needed to be asked.
"I have already stated my feelings, they, like Earth, are solid," was the rumbled reply.
"What say you, Life?"
"Starborn and Kiinnum are examples of life finding a way to overcome obstacles," she said, "While Kiinnum has spent his life away from us, he gives a lifetime of perspective from a joint dragon and human outlook. Yes, it is time that life, and Dragons evolve."
"What say you, Fire?" Sol asked.
"Fire burns the dross and spares the silver and gold," Grand Fire said, "If it is the Will of the First to let fire burn away this law, then, so be it."
Sol nodded, "As Grand Light, I have never been prouder of my rightful Heir as I am now. The last time he was on trial, he committed an act of Treason against one of us and was sentenced to banishment in lieu of Death. Today, he said that he is willing to accept even the ultimate punishment. He has come full circle and, for his bravery, I also agree. It is time that the Circle reflect the light. But, I have one request and that is Kiinnum learn our ways as time permits. He is, as stated, a Child of the Circle and a Child of the First. We expect him to follow the rest of our laws, and, from what I have seen about him, he tries to abide by the laws placed by the humans honorably, and, I would ask the same courtesy of him for us. We never enforced averting his gaze, yet, now, he does. He's one of the strongest ones outside of the Circle, and, he humbled himself in the manner of our customs."
Edward nodded and replied, "I would like that, very much. Starborn has agreed to teach me your customs, but, knowing your other laws better, benefits all. If I may, I would ask for a pardon of all dragons who have joined the First already, and their true names be spoken once more."
By then, the assembled dragons were in shock. Kiinnum had taken a long time to give a defense of himself and swayed many of those who were screaming for him to be banished, Trigon's invasion be damned. But, it wasn't that Kiinnum would actually try to leave before the war was over, it was that, maybe, it was time for Dragons to learn to live in harmony with the humans of this world. Kiinnum had obviously, in their opinion, managed to live for a long time in a mortal world and came away stronger for it. By then, it was clear that even if Grand Death would object, he was outvoted.
And Starborn's submitting to his fate to them, was a complete turnaround from the last time he faced off against the Circle and lost in a big way. They remembered his burnt scales from Grand Death's flame attack, but, only a few knew that Grand Death almost sent Starborn to the First.
Now, Starborn was willing to die for the woman he loved.
"Finally, Grand Death...what say you?" asked Sol.
Grand Death looked at the fellow members of the Circle. Everyone stood on one side of the line. And here he was, alone. Finally, he spoke.
"Death cares not for the love of a human and a dragon. Love may conquer death when the First chooses... but Death is the only absolute." He looked down at the two dragons. "You wish to mate with mortals? Very well. I will forgive you for that. Only when the day comes that it is time for Death to take you, do not ask for forgiveness then. For Death cares not for love. It can be between Dragons and canines, for all I care." He turned. "I will vote to pass this motion. If only to atone for a sin I have committed."
Sol growled instinctively, but soon sighed. "Very well. Then it is unanimous. All of the Circle has decided to abolish the Breed Traitor Law." He turned to the dragons watching them. "My children! Find your brothers and sisters! Share the good news! They are, at last, welcome home!"
Many dragons roared in agreement, and after dispelling the barrier around Lair, many dragons began to leave, to find their families and share the good news. Solor, meanwhile, glared at Death.
"You mean to make up for almost murdering me?" Death stared, surprised, when Solor stepped up. "My father told me. I barely remember it. You almost killed me that day... with your blessing."
Everyone in the Circle all glared at Death, the most disapproving looks on their faces. Death shifted uncomfortably.
"How dare you", said Fire. "You know punishment is not to be meted out until the Circle has decided. It is one thing to rough up the Heir to the Light... but to murder him in cold blood?"
Edward thought about interrupting, but, decided against it. This was something that the Circle needed to fix and Fire sounded incensed enough as it was.
[Trial's already over,] Edward said to Raven, [They have repealed their law, but, while I can teleport of here at will … I think that the leader of the Fire clan is quite angry at the leader of the Death Clan. I don't think I can physically stop them. I'm overpowered immensely.]
"What cold blood?" Death objected, "He attacked me. I was defending myself."
"I had no chance against you, Grand Death!" Solor said, "Yes, I am guilty of attacking you, but, you held me down, breathed your flame, and instead of hauling me here to be banished or even executed, you took upon yourself to use your Blessing against me without the sanction of the rest of the Circle. That's not justice! That's murder." He was calm as he said that, but, the effect it had was not going to be a good one for Grand Death.
Grand Death tried to deflect the sudden anger from the Circle, "Oh, what about Grand Earth telling his clan to barricade us all?"
"Do not attempt to compare that with attempted murder," Sol said, "I have held my own tongue for far, far too long. You were using your Blessing against my own son when you already had defeated him and you had him pinned down. How dare you undertake that against any Dragon when the law handed down from the first Circle says that the Circle shall mete out punishment as a whole, never individually, and that includes death sentences! Do not attempt to justify what you tried to do. Had you succeeded, Starborn would not be here and Moonlight would have died of a broken heart. I was still mourning the loss of my brood and I could not allow you to kill my family, even if you think it was justifiable to do so. None of the Circle would have tolerated another Dark Uprising and, Grand Death, what is YOUR defense for this? Give me a reason I should not make a motion to force you to step aside and let your Heir take your place within our hallowed ranks. And something else: Had you killed my son ... we'd all be sitting ducks. Banishing my son was the best thing that could haven happened to this planet!"
Meanwhile, Edward was taking this all in. He was crossing his talons mentally that the Circle would be able to move passed this and stay united. He had no say, so, kept his peace.
"Doesn't the Circle punish treason?" Grand Death asked.
"Of course WE do," Grand Earth stated, "AS A BODY, not as an individual. You violated one of our own rules, Grand Death. We're still waiting to hear your defense or I will motion that the charges against Starborn be erased, that he is declared pardoned, and you be censured or banished for an amount of time that the Circle determines to be sufficient. As we gave Starborn and Kiinnum 30 minutes to allow them to make a defense, we will give you. Kiinnum, you are welcome to watch, but, please remain silent."
Edward nodded his assent, "I wasn't going to say anything, regardless."
Death looked at the Circle, and stared at them all in turn of each other. He stared them down. "I am the oldest of us all. And... I will admit. I made a lapse in judgement." He sighed, prostrating himself. "I have... made mistakes. And I will admit, there is no excuse for it." He looked down at Solor. "As much as I hate to say it... I may have overreacted. But my decision stands. Starborn of the Light deserved to die for his transgressions, but to be banished... it was not right. We upheld the law of the Circle for countless generations. And now... I suppose it is time to make changes." He let out a low grumble. "When this war is over, I will be the first to allow my heir to take over. I am bound by honor to do so. He is a good child; he will not make my mistakes ever again."
Earth and the others remained silent, and looked at each other. Eventually, Sol looked at Death. "Very well. When this war is over, we will go through the ceremony to replace you."
Earth nodded as well. "We accept this motion. As it is the middle of a war, we do not have time to teach someone how to control the powers of the Blessing of Death."
Edward sighed with relief, the Circle would stay united in the face of War. Grand Death accepted responsibility for his overreaction, even was "man" enough to stand by his original decision. He could respect that.
Starborn also sighed even though he had no say in the matter. He was satisfied with Grand Death's decision to step aside.
"Starborn and Kiinnum," Grand Earth said, "You are free to go. This meeting of the Circle is concluded."
"There is something I would like to say," Edward said, "Grand Death, you might be the oldest out of all members of the Exalted Circle, but, in some areas, you are an idiot. I have always striven to use the amount of force necessary to deal with a threat. Even today, if Starborn were to physically attack you like he did then, he would be defeated. I could defeat Starborn in either a sparring match or even for real given what you all blessed me with, but, I would not stoop so low as to try to end his life. The roughing up in defense, I can justify in my own mind, but, to take it to the next level and commit attempted murder? That's low in anyone's standards who fight for what is right. It's like me, killing some low-life on the street for daring to look me in the face. Your actions that day almost doomed this universe!
"One other thing, Death itself is something that mortals face and I beg to disagree with you on one further point: I have seen countless instances where not even the Grim Reaper or Celesta or whoever represents Death can keep a couple who truly love each other apart for very long. In my universe, the people I befriended in 1750, were one such couple. When David died after suffering a heart attack, I knew in my soul that his beloved Angela would follow soon after. I was right. She withered away and not even six months after I helped bury David, I returned to help bury his wife. I've seen couples where one half dies and hours later, the other also is touched by Celesta. Even then, love defeats death, because if even a mortal death kills an everlasting love, then, there is nothing to live for.
"I will overlook the implication that I am married to a dog, this one time. But, I strongly suggest that no other dragon even dares to attack my beloved in that manner."
Grand Death looked like he was about to lace into Edward only to see the other members of the Circle glaring right at him, as if to say, "I'd say nothing, if I were you." So, Grand Death unfurled his wings and took to the air.
With that, the assembled Dragons went their ways. Some back to their broods, the others to continue their preparations for war.
Solor walked over to Edward and said, "How do you do that? You came up with a brilliant defense on the fly. I could not have spoken so well."
"It's a gift, brother," Edward said humbly, "We got lucky, though. The Circle could have very well have not accepted this and we'd be looking at banishment or worse. But, I was impressed by your defense or the lack therein. It was a good gamble, throwing yourself on their mercy. But, what was not smart: Calling Grand Death out like that. The rest of the Circle may have supported him anyway. But, no sense in chiding you further on it.
"And, I agree with Grand Earth: You deserve your title back. You have much to learn before Grand Light decides to retire, though. And one of those is setting aside your pride. A lesson you are still learning, though, and very well. I didn't sense or see any anger in that last exchange."
"I expected you to intervene," Solor said.
"I had no say in what was strictly an internal issue," Edward said, shrugging, "I wanted to, but, they would have asked me to butt out of it. And, in their own way, they did, but, I had already decided to keep my silence and spectate. That's why I waited until the Meeting was officially concluded to say my peace to that idiot."
Solor nodded. "Now... to focus on the war. As much as I want to postpone it... we need to prepare for an infiltration of the Dark Lair. We now know Vilea is in there. And she has laid at least two eggs. If there are more, we can destroy them all while one of us fights off the mother."
"True", said Edward, "but you have to remember that we may have a lot of other dragons bearing down on us once we find her. She will not likely want to fight us alone. I know I said earlier that I would prefer that you not fight Vilea alone. I'm withdrawing that statement. One who is strong enough and brave enough to do what you did here tells me that you can handle her if needed."
Solor pondered this. "I... I need to think. Do you mind if I speak to Kreinyol? I will discuss this with her."
Edward nodded. "Go ahead. I can't stop you, nor would I if I had the power." Solor smiled, and bowed his head respectfully, before flapping his wings and taking off. He needed emotional support for this mission, and he left Edward alone, who most likely wanted to share what he learned with his wife as well.
"I have to meet with the others under my command," Edward thought, "After this sham trial, I got my work cut out for me. And if I ever find out who threw Solor and I under the bus, they may regret it." Edward was not happy that one of the dragons had done that and considered teleporting back to the Tower, getting his Raven and leaving. He'd offer to take Solor and his wife back if he decided that it was not worth the trouble to work with close-minded individuals. He'd play it by ear, though. If his solders were able to move beyond their prejudices, he'd stay. If not, he would be long gone, traitor or not. But, deep down, he also knew that he had to stay and fight this war. The Circle had granted him his very life and to walk away would be spitting in their faces.
And Grand Death, Edward marked as someone not to be trusted. Edward realized that Grand Death only looked out for himself. He attempted to murder Starborn for no logical reason. Grand Death easily defeated Starborn yet tried to carry out the ultimate sentence without the sanction of the Circle. Edward couldn't stand those who acted as judge, jury and executioner, so, until Grand Death kept his word to step aside, Edward would not trust him. It just was immoral to Edward's mindset, period, and Grand Death trying to rationalize attempted murder with "Oh, he deserved death for attacking me" was no better than some gang-banger in Jump City murdering someone just for looking cross-eyed at them. Grand Death was not worthy of being in the Circle because he crossed a line from just and proper use of forces to excessive and unreasonable force being used. If he was willing to kill a dragon not even a third of Edward's age for an utterly pointless attack, were there other instances where Grand Death acted as judge, jury and executioner?
How many others have died because Grand Death made the decision to outright kill them for slights? How many have died due to his Blessing? And, do I have that power? And if I do have that power, what is to stop me from using it on some low life punk? He said it's borderline Dark.
It was a moral problem for Edward as he took wing and teleported to the Tower, glad it was working. He needed the time to think and to process everything that had happened … and to prepare for a magical defense should they try to imprison him again on some bullcrap.
It was also time to see if his intimate contact with Rachael had allowed him to absorb some of her powers.
Solor, meanwhile, had found his way to his own cave. Once he was there, he began reaching out through his mental link.
[Kreinyol? Are you there?]
After a moment, there was a reply. [Husband Solor? Is that you?]
[Yes], he said, relieved. He smiled. [I am glad you know how to respond... I'll admit, this is new to me as well. Are you alright?]
[Yes, I am. What happened? There was a lot of rage... and then sorrow, and now relief.]
Solor relayed everything to her, from the return to Lair to the decision of what would happen to Death. [And now... Edward and I know we must infiltrate the Dark Lair. This is where it gets tricky. I am... afraid of what will happen.]
[If you die, then I shall join you, shall I not?] Kreinyol asked.
[That is... debatable], said Solor. [I did not expect my father to ignore this detail... when I am executed, or die of old age, then yes, you shall die with me. However... if I die in battle... our bond will be severed. And... you will forever feel a hole where our love bound us. It is to give you a chance to find a new mate, and start a new family. If I am killed by Vilea... then I do not know what will happen.]
There was silence. Then a warm, comforting presence in his head. [Then you will not lose. I know you, Solor. I know you will not fall so easily. If you die in battle... then I will join you. After I have slain Vilea myself.]
[Kreinyol, no] Solor responded. [I want you to promise me... if I die... I want you to live on. Find yourself someone who loves you as much as I do... even more... and let them be there for you.]
[Then promise me that you will return to me] Kreinyol countered. [And promise me... when you return... we have a wedding. A mortal wedding. As much as you and I know that we're married... I want everyone on this world and Tamaran to know our love as well.]
Solor smiled, and nodded. [If that is what you wish my wife... then I shall give you the best wedding in the history of mortals.]
The two enjoyed their chat, focusing on things other than the war, while Edward made his way to his wife. They needed this; despite their words to each other, this was probably the last conversation they would have in a long time.
And they kept talking to each other, well into the night.
[Titan Tower]
Edward landed on the roof and went downstairs after morphing back and located Rachael. Once there, he was able to let his guard down as Rachael went over to him.
"Sweetheart?" she asked, seeing his mood, "What's wrong?"
"I'm thinking this might be a mistake," he said sighing, "I feel as is I was lured to Lair just to have the Circle turn on me, like they did with Solor a few years ago. They said that they were fine with you and I being together and they threatened to kill Solor and I because we dared to get married. How can I hope to lead these dragons into battle if a lot of them are prejudiced despite the Circle eventually relenting? They insist that I follow their laws. OK, Fine, I can do that, but, if one of their laws goes against my moral code, then we're going to have to rethink our duty here. They tried to hold me accountable to a law that has no jurisdiction in our world saying that it did not matter, that I am a Child of the Circle and that their laws hold sway even there. I could see it if I had lived here all my life and bound to their laws and traditions. But, I didn't. They sent me away instead!
"Sure, they went and bless me with a lot of stuff...yet, they showed their true colors today. I'm glad that they saw reason, but, to imprison me for not following their stupid laws in another universe? No, I'm not going to tolerate that again. They said that you don't know a spell to counteract their barriers. Which is why I need you to sneak back home and get Zatanna or Dr. Fate to teach you how to overcome a barrier to teleportation. We take great pains to ensure that a villain deserves to be behind bars, yet, they waited until Solor and I returned to spring a trap."
Rachael pulled her husband, who was showing signs that he was slowly losing control, into a hug to sooth his anger.
"Sweetheart," she said, "It's all right. You cannot let a wounded ego rule here. The Circle did what they thought was best, and, they couldn't have known that it would be helping to set a very big stage for this final act in a long struggle."
Edward's anger was rising to dangerous levels as the indignity of the whole thing came back to him to the point that the other Raven came knocking to see what she could do.
"Edward, it's Raven," she called through the door, "may I come in?"
Edward said, "Sure, might as well it a party."
Raven entered and sat down.
"I know you're angry, Edward", said the younger Raven. "And what happened... well, I don't know all the details. But from what I understand, the Circle didn't hold you in as high a favor as they did before. I was afraid of that happening again."
"What do you mean, again?" Edward asked.
"The Circle doesn't just consider dragons their responsibility. The whole world is theirs to protect, and they can't afford to choose favorites. That's what Solor has told me." She lowered her head. "The reason that they punished Solor so harshly, and would have killed him was because there was not only the fact that he committed a serious crime... but he was receiving a lot of special treatment for his placement. And what happened to you is no different. They needed to show that despite your power, and your wisdom and your understanding... you were as much a soldier as everyone else is. Dragons are swayed by strength. And as much as you are equal... at the same time, you are not." She shook her head. "I know, it doesn't make sense. But... there are legends about why the Breed Traitor law was put into effect.
"Apparently, one thing Darkness found out about themselves is that they have the ability to breed with humans. They used to bolster their defenses with these half human, half dragon hybrids. However, no hybrid is the same, and thus they gave birth to some of the more despicable monsters of this world. The things that go bump in the night... monsters that belong only in our nightmares. They are the result of human and dragon relations. So, before things got too out of hand... the Dragons of the first Circle cast a spell to ensure that these monsters could never be born again. But that wasn't until after their greatest enemy ever was born."
"Who is this enemy?" Rachael asked. "Who did they give birth to?"
Raven remained silent for a moment, before she looked up, tears in her eyes. "The only thing that can bring fear to the dragons... is Trigon the Terrible."
The shock was very present. But Raven had to continue. "Trigon isn't as old as he claims... but his power has grown so much over the millions of years, that he might as well be. He was born from a human and a Dark dragon, and is the father of all demons. He was taken down, and banished... but that was the Circle's biggest mistake. He learned how to go to other dimensions... and thus, his power grew. He is so strong now... that not even the first Circle can kill him permanently."
Rachael gasped. "So... that means..."
"Edward didn't kill Trigon. He is very much alive. The most he did... was seal him from your universe."
Edward groaned, "Freaking wonderful...Just wonderful. I get rid of the son of a bitch in my universe, now, I have to try to clean up the Circle's mistake? It would take every dragon in this realm to defeat Trigon and it still might not be enough short of feeding Trigon a 100 MT nuclear device!"
Raven sniffed a bit. "You don't have to fight him anymore. If you want to run, then run. Take my counterpart and get as far away from here." Raven covered her eyes, as her hair began to float from her emotional outburst. "Just... leave. Before he finds you. Because if he finds you... he will not kill you. He will make your life a living hell as you watch him kill her." She then suddenly calmed down.
When she looked up, her eyes were red.
"So... this is the dragon who married Raven's counterpart?" came Rage's voice. "What are you going to do, salamander? Run with your tail between your legs? For what? Because the Circle gave you a timeout?" She shook her head. "Then run! Run to your precious universe! Run and NEVER come back! Even if Raven believes that Trigon cannot be beaten... I'm gonna prove her wrong!"
Rachael stared in shock. "R-Rage? Why are you so vested in this? You're the one closest to Trigon! Why would you fight him?"
"Because, Big Sis", Rage sneered, "Nothing makes me angrier than watching a spoiled brat cry and pout just because things didn't go his way." She glared at Edward next. "Acting like your life is so hard, when there's people willing to give their mortal lives for everyone. They do it because they know they can die, but they want to save others if it means they die. What's your excuse for running away, Edward Barnes? What's your excuse for letting your friends... your BROTHER... fight? Don't give me that look. You know Solor will never abandon us." She smirked. "So what's it gonna be? Are you gonna stay and fight? Or are you gonna give up because for once in your life, you LOST?"
Edward looked at Rage and snarled, "You little BITCH! How dare you challenge me and my honor. You may be Rachael's counterpart, but, she has never questioned my honor! And, guess what? I have lost battles before, Rage. Some were physical fights, some were when humans did not want to do as I requested and I could not force them to comply, especially when I was forced to hide what I am. Maybe you weren't paying attention, but, I freaking DIED! I tasted of Death's bitter cup accepting their blessings. So do not presume to know that I have not tasted of death! I have seen my closest friends drink from that cup and I mourned their loss! When these Titans grow old and die, they will take a part of me with them! Do you understand how that would feel? No, because Trigon's evil is still within you. Rachael knows how it feels. She knows what it is to mourn. Twice now, she thought me dead. Twice, my Titans had to console her because they thought me dead and gone. OK, I got knocked down more than a few pegs. OK, I'm having some culture shock, but, guess what. I did not run from Grand Death's blessing. I did not run when I fought Daddy Dearest...and I am NOT GONNA RUN NOW! Your father's ass is MINE! You got me? Now I want Raven back or so help me, I shall knock you through the wall!"
Rage, on the other hand, wasn't angry at all. In fact, she smirked. "Prove me right, Edward. Our lives depend on you." With that, Rage let go of control, allowing Raven to collapse from the stress. Edward, thinking quickly, caught her, making sure the emoticlone wasn't in control anymore.
"I... think you gave her an answer she wanted", said Rachael. "I don't think she was trying to question your honor... she wanted you to see something else." Rachael suddenly smiled. "I think she wanted to hear you say that you won't run... not when you have a personal interest in this war."
Edward put Raven on their bed before replying, "Well, she did question my honor, Rae. And, yes, it's always been personal, my dear. Why do you think I couldn't walk away? Duty demands that I stay. Honor demands that I stay. They saved my life and that's something that I cannot overlook, either, I might be angry at some members of the Circle, but, I do understand where they are coming from more. So, will we run away with our tails between our legs...on your cloak dragging? No, we cannot. The Circle needs to see that as well, I suppose. They made their point and they voluntarily decided to scrap that law. But, did they just make a huge mistake that will come back to haunt them? Maybe they did. Have I interfered with their development without meaning to? If so, then my other responsibility is to undo any damage." He had calmed down after telling Rage off, and, Rachael was right: She played him like a fiddle. And, Rage was right as well. Edward was not thinking clearly, letting his embarrassment and anger get to him. But, having vented on Rage, Edward was calmer and thinking clearly.
He bent down and kissed Raven in the forehead, "Rage...Thank you. Thank you for reminding me of my duty here. I will prove you right, even if it does cost me everything."
Raven sat up a few moments later and asked, "What happened? Feels like Trigon stomped all over my skull." She took a look at Edward, and squinted her eyes a bit. "Hey, Edward? Did anyone ever tell you your aura is... off? I can see what looks like my powers circling around you..."
Rachael took a better look, and nodded as well. "Yeah, she's right. It's like your attracting shadows around you... is it part of you being a hybrid? Or do you think...?"
Edward, however, did not know what they were talking about. He looked at his hand, and didn't see any darkness. But that gave him an idea. He focused... and spoke three words.
"Azarath... Metrion... Zinthos."
With that, a lamp got covered in a dark aura, and floated into the air. For a second, it shuddered, before suddenly shooting across the room, harmlessly flying out of the window.
Raven's eyes widened. "Well... that's new."
[Think of it as a little wedding gift], came Rage's voice. [I noticed despite your intimacy with Big Sis... you couldn't use her powers. Not fully, anyway. So, I tweaked your aura a bit when you came into contact with Raven. Now, you and her should be equal in everything but control.]
"Oh my!" Edward said, "This is … I don't know what to say."
"So, 'Mr. Preach at them will they give in' is actually speechless?" Rachael said with a smirk, "Guess Raven and I will have to teach you control of those powers, as well as your emotions because they will react."
Edward nodded, "Yeah, I know, girls. Lots of meditation and a lot of control."
[Use that to keep us alive... and that'll be all the thanks I need] Rage said. With that, her presence faded from Edward's mind.
Raven sighed. "Well, I guess having another dragon as a student won't be so bad... as long as you don't have Solor's anger issues." She turned. "We start immediately. I'd ask Starfire to join us... but I think she and Solor are having fun talking to each other while they can."
Rachael nodded. "I agree with Raven. The sooner we nip your lack of control in the bud, the better it will be."
Edward sighed. "Just when I start to settle down, something else rears its head." He smirked. "Fine. Let's get started."
It was gonna be a long training session for the three magic users. But nothing could prepare them for the trials to come.
Meanwhile, in Greece, the first egg began to move.