Time passed. Every day that Cassandra was unconscious, Martalian grew more and more concerned. It wasn't unheard of for a mage to fall into Death's clutched after over exerting themselves. She had been physically injured and just that. What didn't help matters was that she already looked like a corpse between the dark circles under her eyes and the pale, cold skin.
Thankfully for Martalian, she began to stir which caused the dragon to jump to his feet. He was by her bedside as her eyes fluttered open and the world came into clear view. "Are you okay, Cassandra? You've given us a bit of a scare", he asked.
Before she could response, there was a light thud above ground. Martalian gave her some insight. "A great dragon has just landed," he tells her.
She sat herself up with the assistance of her arms. "Why?"
He only shrugs. "I'm not entirely aware of his intentions. I just know that he's here".
"I guess we should go see then". The girl swung her legs to the edge of the bed and pushed herself onto her feet. Her knees nearly came out from under her, but Martalian was there to hook an arm around her.
"Steady," he told her as he half carried her out of the room.
As they managed to exit the temple, they found themselves gazing right at Lunara. The great dragon of the moon gave a hum towards Martalian who only snorted. When they drew close enough, Cassandra was nudged by a large snout. She stumbled although Martalian held her as securely as he could.
"He says he's here to mourn the loss of Lee. He felt his presence slip from this life to the next. Lunara says that he is sorry he could not have been there to help… and…" Martalian translated.
Cassandra, at the mention, found herself sad as well, but a thought occurred to her about who was having it worse. With near urgency she asked, "Where's Zack? I want to see how he's doing".
"I have not seen the young lad for quite some time. Last I knew, he was in the sealed room pondering".
"Can we go and see if he's there?"
Martalian knew that it would be rude to leave Lunara now, but he knew that the girl wouldn't be taking no for an answer. He bid the other dragon a farwell and explained that he would be out later to converse before escorting Cassandra back into the temple. After being assured that she would be alright, he allowed her to go off on her own down the hall. Zackery was right where Martalian said that he would be.
"Zack," she softly called when she saw him sitting cross legged in the room. .
At the sound of her voice, he jumped to his feet and sped over. He pulled her into a tight hug and a sigh of relief. "I'm glad to see you're okay."
"How are you doing? I would think that you'd be taking this a lot harder."
"I'm okay… just curious at this point". Zackery kept an arm around her as gestured to the walls with his free hand. "This room was sealed by some incredible power and by long since ancient and forgotten runes. How… who… could of broken the rune on the door?"
"How is a rune like that broken?"
He shook his head. "That's the problem," he said with sadness in his voice. "A rune like that shouldn't be, not without special knowledge or maybe lost magic".
"What happens if you touch it and send some magic through it?"
Zackery ponders for a moment. "Well, according to the archives… nothing. Not unless you alter or change the rune in some way".
"Are any of these altered?".
"Yes actually… all of them are. Even the ones in the room," he informs her. "It should have been impossible to get in or out. That creature couldn't have changed it".
"What was that thing anyway? I've never seen anything like it."
"I suppose you should know… It's an ancient creature… I've only actually heard about it. In the world of demons, there's a hierarchy determined by level of power. Do you understand? Starting at the lower end, there are basic demons. Then nearing the top, there are greater demons. Next are demons and their kings. Do you understand so far? Above them are devils and their kings. That was a devil king… one of the four still alive today."
"Is there a way to kill it?"
"Honestly, no one knows. The only thing powerful enough to kill a devil king would be another since all others below are forced into submission because of power. It's like compulsion magic. When one of higher status issues a command, the rest are forced to comply or challenge it for power and the authority".
"What happens if someone else challenges a king?"
"Well, that person would then take on the devil king without assistance… the kind could allow some help, but it's considered an official duel when a formal challenged is issued. Anyone can challenge a devil king for position. That's how they become kings in the first place".
"So even someone like me could challenge that thing?"
"Yes, even you… but I wouldn't advise it. To the best of my knowledge, the only things with the ability to kill it are other devil kings, someone of equal power, or an archangel. I don't know if that's the case anymore. The Celestial War was fought some thousand year ago. These devil kings have held their place, slowly gaining more and more power since then. Father was a devil king… He would know much more than I do" He took a moment of pause as a tear slipped down his cheek. "He was the shadow devil king. He challenged the original shadow devil and won, thereby taking his place as the new king. He's since maintained his place through constant battles or at least… he did a while ago. They seemed to stop for a time, but then Motsune came along. That battle… that day… I lost my sister and then my own life. Being a devil myself, I commanded the reaper demons to free me. They didn't listen of course, but I still broke free of the vortex. In all honesty, I still don't know where my sister went, but I'm sure that she freed herself as well".
Cassandra held her head as she was bombarded with this information. This was a lot to take in, especially with the fact that it seemed she fancied a demon or some form of such. "I'm fine", she said at his look of perplexion.
"You don't seem okay". The male frowns and reaches out, touching the temple of her head to check.
"I'm really fine. My head just hurts a bit. You don't have to worry about me or anything". She even smiled a bit in hopes it would convince him enough.
"Well of course I'm going to worry. Perhaps you should go lie down. There's not much that I can do to head a headache"
"Why? It hurts a little, that's all. I guess this is all just a lot". She shook her head at the mention of sleep and mumbled miserably, "I think I've had my fill of being in bed".
Zackery chuckled and gave a small nod. "Okay, okay but try not to do more than you can at the moment. I should get back to the ru-" He paused as he gaze landed on a specific set of runes. Releasing her, he walked to it and muttered to himself, "These runes… if my studies are correct, was angelic in origin and was used as a power limiter. Angelic runes are difficult to destroy, let alone make. Whatever broke the rune wanted that creature to be at its most powerful when freed. This is among several other similar runes were broken first".
The girl would have loved to listen, truly, about more information, but her attention was drawn away by a small dragon crawling out the back of Zackery's shirt. "Aren't you a cute little thing," she asked when the reptile managed to make his way to the ground. Upon closer inspection as it skittered, she could see the dragon has spikes protruding from his back as well as a long slender face. It's wingless body was sleek and smooth, perfect for zipping around as she had seen it move before. It's eyes were like the flames that Zackery created although they contained a lot more mischief.
She sat down and gently wrapped her hands underneath the dragon's stomach. She picked him up. As gently and carefully as she could, she set the reptile in her lap. A smiled bubbled through her as the dragon flipped onto his back and allowed her to scratch it.
Zackery turned around to see the girl with his dragon and he couldn't help but crack a grin as well. "He's a rough one, but at least he's loyal".
"He's kind of silly".
"I met him when I was a child. His name is Zarcoffin. He's a chameleon dragon; Very adaptable to his surroundings, ya know? We hit it off."
"You make it sound like you're a couple. He's still weird, but kind of in a funny way like you," she said. Color flushed right to her cheeks.
He turned and moved to sit beside her, knowing that he needed a break from staring at runes. "Yea. He came from a large family of similar dragons." He gave a snap of his fingers. Somehow, Zarcoffin managed to morph into a balls as it zipped into the air and reformed on Zackery's shoulder. 3
"Interesting", Cassandra commented.
"He and I have quite a few tricks with each other. One of these days, we'll have to put on a show for you or something".
"I'd really like that".
"Hey, speaking of tricks… come with me. I want you to see something". He stood and held out his hand for her to take. He picked her up and without letting go, began to lead her away from the door.
They went through the temple and soon were outside. They made their way past the statues of the great dragons and onto a path that led into the nearby woods of the mountainside. As the light was fading away, they found their way in front of a large circular pond. The light reflected off the pong showing an amazing array of blues and oranges against the water. "This place is beautiful". Cassandra was in awe, gaping at the scene.
"Wait for it… Wait for it." Zackery pointed to the center. "Just watch".
Suddenly, a flurry of water splashes up, spraying droplets every which way. Before they hit the water, they took to the air once more and lit with a gold color, reflecting the sky around the setting sun. They started to spiral around, thousands making various patterns through the air. Their were warping galaxies to spectacular abstract works of art. As it grew darker, the trees around started to brighten, reflecting the beginnings of moonlight. They fell back into the water, performing under it for only a minute before spiraling upwards. All of the droplets exploded like fireworks in a showering series. The light faded into mist as they descended into the water, leaving Zackery and Cassandra in the dark..
"That was really amazing," she practically screamed with as she looked at Zackery. A wide grin was pinned on her face and her joy was practically contagious.
Zackery mirrored her grin. "Always is. It happens every so often. I'm just glad that you got a chance to see it".
"And I'm glad that you decided to show me. Thank you".
"My pleasure. It's the small things like this that make our time really worth it. We should start heading back. I don't need your nanny dragon threatening to kill me", he said with a chuckle and assisted her feet.
Zackery was leading the way back, but it was taking much longer than when they had first come. Cassandra would have loved to move faster, but it seemed Zarcoffin was enjoying himself by dropping acorns and various pieces of fruit down her shirt. She was awkwardly scrambling to remove them as they slid down her back and Zackery most definitely took notice.
He moved behind her and lifted up her shirt enough for the acorn to come rolling out. They continued on their way. "He does it to me all the time. He usually retrieves my food supply for me. He likes you. That's why he's trying to make sure that you have food. He's returned with far worse. This is an improvement to dead animals ."
"That's gross," she grimaced as they continued.
They crossed into the courtyard, grass turning to stone. Zackery led her to an old, dried up fountain with angels bursting upwards from the center. "Yea. Trust me. Nothing is worse than finding a squirrel… or what's left of it when you wake up the next morning. He's a caring dragon though. When he gets protective, he can get fierce… Anyways, what did you think of that little show out there?".
"It was one of the best things that I have ever seen".
Martalian came from behind the fountain. You must get rest. Tomorrow, we have something to do and someone to see.
"Who am I supposed to meet? I'd like to know first".
Roanoke Mononoke, the great dragon rider. Roan is a more common name.
"Why does he want to see me and do I really have to sleep?" She was a little bit snappy with her tone, but more so because she had to leave this nice little moment she was having with Zackery.
Martalian shrugged. The purple robes wouldn't say what he wants. I was only informed that he has a message for you and you should sleep because it is late. I will instill a curfew if I must with your irregular schedule.
Zackery interjected almost immediately after hearing her tone. He turned to the great dragon with a glare. "Now wait a sec. I don't know what you just said, but it doesn't matter. If she wishes to stay awake, that's up to her. Who is she meeting anyways?"
The girl responded. "Um… Roanoke Mononoke".
It was obvious that he was surprised by the news. "Um… come again? Did you say Roanoke?"
"Ya, why? Is it something really big?"
"Um… kind of. He was the great dragon rider who used to have a bond with Sundesce and Lunara. He's also the founder of this temple… and… and he started the lineage… He's my great great great grandfather and he's supposed to be dead."
"Then why exactly is a dead man asking to see me?"
"I honestly don't know, but it can't mean good business. I wish my father was here. He would know what to do". Zackery's eyes looked to well with tears. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes before she could even apologize about it. "It'll pass. These things happen. Let's focus more on why a long since believed dead ancestor of mine wants to see you".
"Beats me. I don't see why he wants to see me. I'm just this below average witch. Another thing that I don't get is the fact that it's been that long and he's still alive. Is he like a vampire or something because that could be why."
"No, but I still don't know. A master level necromancer could summon anyone from the dead… well practically anyone, but yea, he has to be alive to summon you. I'm sure someone's tried bringing Roan back before."
"This is going to give me a headache… I think sleep sounds pretty good right now".
"Yea… would you like me to walk you to your room?"
"You don't have to. I'm pretty sure that I can find my way back".
Zackery chuckles and stands as well. "Are you sure? I get the idea you're still kind of lost sometimes."
"I'm always lost in here," she admits. "I'll find my way though… hopefully. This'll be the first time I get to it on my own since Martalian decided to stomp off without me".
"I insist then. You won't get lost on my watch". He held out his hand to her with a grin. He then led her inside and to her room, opening the door for her upon arrival. "Is there anything else you need," he asked.
She smiled towards him "No, I think that I'm good. Thank you for bringing me here".
Zackery stood in the doorway for a moment as if expecting something more. He awkwardly nodded and gave a grin. "I'll see you later," was the last thing he said as he closed the door.
She made her way to the bed, finding fresh clothes laid out for her: black pants and a navy blue shirt. After time to bath, it was absolutely perfect. She felt like she hadn't been clean in a long time and afterwards, it seemed she had a correspondence from Martalian.
I must be gone for the night. I will see you tomorrow. Meet me by the Roan statue above the ground.
If I can find it. She plopped onto the bed and might as well have been asleep before her face even touched the pillow. Bang, bang, bang. That was the noise that woke Cassandra. Her eyes flew open and she found it to Malachi's voice from the other side. "Cassandra, you're needed above ground. Please follow me when you're decent."
Well, it didn't take her long to look decent considering she was already dressed. She used her fingers to comb through her hair and then braided it behind her. She gave her fingers a little snap and when she let go, it stayed just like that. She opened the door and stepped out. Off they were, Cassandra following behind. Malachi had no courtesy for those vertically challenged. His long strides caused her to practically jog just to keep up.
Martalian was waiting for the two of them at the Roan statue, Zackery sitting on top of it. The male called from above, "Well don't you look beautiful".
She might have cleaned herself up somewhat, but there was a line of drool down her face and the braid was actually rather messy. "Be quiet," she muttered with a scowl and rubbed her face to get rid when he gestured to his own. She could take a hint. "Okay, so what's going on?"
A purple robed protector came into view, his red emblem gleaming in the light of day. He walked up to the group and coughed to the attention of them all.
"That person you're looking at is going to take us to Roanoke," Martalian explains.
The protector placed his hands at the feet of the stature and takes a noticeably deep breath. A current channels right through the statue and red lines drawing from the protectors hands upwards. Afterwards, they reach outwards, forming a circle around the group. With a sudden flash, they soon found themselves next to the statue in a large, dark room with moss decorating the walls. A mysterious chair sat in the middle, a figure slumped and unmoving It looked to be someone long since dead, clothes in tatters and flesh peeling.
"Um… are you aware of what just happened," he asked the two with him.
The protector stepped away from the statue and the trio followed in example. Zackery whistled in admiration although the room didn't look like much. He could tell there were some powerful runes under all that moss. Cassandra didn't see the appeal however. "Where exactly are we?"
"I think we're where we need to be," Zackery commented rather vaguely almost as if in some attempt to playfully annoy her after her glare.
"You are absolutely no help whatsoever".
A soft whispering voice filtered through the room, "I'm glad to see you have showed as I wished. I've asked for your audience intentionally".
Almost immediately, Zackery and Martalian flanked her almost like guards. The dragon wasn't very helpful however as he suddenly fell over. Even Zarcoffin who had been cleverly hidden slinked right out from under his shirt.
"The dragons are okay. They have just fallen asleep", said the voice/
All of this was enough to raise the hairs on the back of Cassandra neck. "And why exactly are they asleep? Why are you doing this?"
Zackery was much more forceful with his questioning. "I demand to know what the purpose of this is". He was practically growling.
The slumped figure in the chair began to move, cracking echoing through the room as each limb was stretched. "Because here the dragons are powerless and therefore need sleep".
Cassandra quirked an eyebrow in confusion as she took a step away from the currently moving corpse."And who are you?"
The figure emits more creaks and groans before standing, stretching his back. "I am Roanoke Mononoke".. "Has my great grandson not taught you to respect others, slave girl?" He spat his words and gave a smug grin as she froze up. "Ah. There's some proper sense…" The man takes a step forward and sighs softly as his foot lands. He waves his arm and suddenly, his entire body is shrouded in darkness.
Zackery was glaring towards the man. "You can't be him. He's dead. So who the hell are you?"
The girl, on the other hand, was more for defending herself. "I'm not a slave anymore, so don't call me that! Who the heck are you? Just tell us already".
"You say you are no longer a slave and yet the mark of ownership still burns on your neck, child. I feel if I must answer the question of my being again, it will not be very pleasant". There was great warning in his voice, a threat that shouldn't be taken lightly.
She placed a hand on the back of her neck as if it weren't concealed already. "Ya and I highly doubt that you're who you say you are. It's not like we have any sort of proof that you're the actual Roanoke."
"How can we believe you? This looks like some practical joke or something…" Zackery's words were cut as his legs were swept out from under him. He stood and dusted himself off. "Real impressive old man. Nice try."
"What the hell? That so says that you're the real deal, doesn't it?"
"The sweep wasn't meant to prove my name. It was to distract you". The figure suddenly went motionless although she heard a whisper beside her ear. "This". A hand slammed into the back of her neck and a searing pain followed afterwards. A large, bright glow filled the room and illuminated the dingy space.
Zackery as the one to get a clear image of what was holding her. In tattered clothing stood a seven foot tall man. His face was snow white and sunken as though he was a pile of bones with a thin film of skin. The man looked as though he could crumble to dust with a single touch and yet he was lifting a Cassandra into the air by the back of her neck. Even her struggles did nothing as he shot magic through her with such power it felt like being electrocuted. By the time that she had gone limp in his hand, the man let her ago.
She fell into a crumpled heap, attempting to regain her senses. She managed to push herself onto her hands and knees. When she looked up at the corpse that had held her, she saw her mark shining against the palm of his hand. He crushed it and watched as it all fell in front of her.
Zackery was confused. He thought that she was being attacked. Now that she was let go and out of harm's way, he lunged forward and threw a kick at Roanoke's leg. The moment that it connected, a loud shattering filled his ears and he fell back. He held his leg, rolling on the ground muttering in silent curses. The figure, Roanoke, took to his seat.
"What did you do," Cassandra asked about everything that had happened. A flame appeared in front of her in the shape of her brand before fizzling out and she turned her back to Zackery. She moved her hair out of the way. "Is there a mark on the back of my neck like the fire one?"
"Not really. Just a scar", he responded. "It's like a burn that healed many years ago and is now just starting to fade".
"A life seal. Simple. Quaint. The artist was inexperienced; a vampire by the feel of his magic. It was something quite easy to remove with the right kind of magic. He didn't use a complete seal, you see. If you wish for further proof of who I am, I can demonstrate the proper way to life seal a slave or are you convinced, slave girl?"
"I still don't believe you and I do have a name. I'm not a slave anymore, so how about you shut your face?"
"Cassandra. I'm very aware of your name as well as your history. You will not call me by my own. Why should I call you by yours then? It's a simple equivalent exchange, slave girl".
"That's only because I don't really know you. I'm not just going to blindly believe in you".
Roanoke flicked his hand and a small version of each his dragons, Sundesce and Lunara, appeared behind him. "Do you know my dragons?"
"I've met Lunara, though Sundesce is another story."
"Your light tricks mean nothing. Anyone with advanced fire control can make those. Even I can". Suddenly, he stumbled.
Roanoke only had to flick two fingers to fore Zackery move like that. "Impudent child. Learn your place or I'll show you it."
"Don't mess with Zack," Cassandra said with irritation.
"I'll mess with whomever I please, slave girl, and if memories serves, he seems hell bent on being violent."
"Leave him alone".
"I will do as I wish so long as you do not accept my being. Maybe some more proof is in order." Roanoke took exhaled as a sigh, although the room filled with a mysterious soft glow afterwards. A mist flowed around the man in a sort of whirlwind, covering him from sight. It exploded outwards after a few moments to revel a healthy human standing in front of them. The man had bright blond hair that framed bright green eyes shrouded in purple haze and ran down his back, covering portions of the blood red cape attached to his gold plated armor. At his side sat a huge broadsword, the etching of a dragon at the hilt.
"You're… You're the spitting image of the statue," Zackery commented with wide eyes. He was nearly speechless.
"Okay, so you're who you say you are. You're Roanoke Mononoke. Happy? I said it".
Roanoke gave a booming laugh, walking back to his seat. As he passed the walls, the moss began to melt away into little green dragons, skitting away to reveal the mosaics on the wall. His chair transformed as he sat down, becoming a large black throne, two snarling dragon skulls molding into the arms. "Yes, Cassandra, I am happy for the acknowledgement. I get to see a great grandchild alive and well after his sad departure from this world. I also get to see the new owner of one of my previous dragons. I am indeed happy."
A scene flashed before her eyes. It was the visions she had received when she had bonded with the great dragon. "Martalian of the graves." She pointed to the still unconscious pile of armor. "He was your dragon? What about the other two?"
"Sundesce and Lunara were once my dragons, yes, but my bond with them had long since been passed down. I've since bonded one other dragon in my time. Martalian was the one. I've been alive for a long time. Expect that I've had a few dragons in my day. A history lesson is not why I called you here however. There is something you must know before this day ends. Heed my words girl A terrible evil walks this earth. In three days time he will free yet another devil king and then consume him as he did the first".
"Motsune"
"Indeed. Motsune seeks to free the remaining devil kings. He has already released one and he will do the same with the other three," he says in warning.
"So he was the cause of the first one," she deduced.
Roanoke shook his head. "From the feeling, the imprisoned devil kings know. He cannot be stopped. He possesses great knowledge that prevents others from hindering his actions, but he can be defeated once again. There walks an equal on this earth again; one who had defeated him in battle before. He is the key".
"Lee?" The brunette was the only person that came to her mind and Zachary's expression mirrored her confusion.
"Lee walks among the living again, but I fear my grandchild may be lost at this time. You will need him for if Motsune succeeds in taming the fourth devil king, there will be no salvation for this planet".
"He's alive? What do you mean that he's lost? Can we bring him back? How will he help?" She took a moment of pause. " I guess the most important question is where can we find-"
Roanoke held a hand up to silence her. "In due time, child. Time stands still here in the dragon's heart. I will provide all the answers you seek. Yes, Lee lives, but he is not himself. The shadow devil's form has taken hold once again and now wreaks havoc on the land. There is a way to bring him back to his former self, but it is dangerous. He is the key to defeating Motsune because they are both halves of the same person."
"How do I bring him back to his old self?"
"He needs to see the people he loves. The only way to make him recover from the devil's power is to show affection".
"There's me and Zack for that."
"I trust that both of you may hold the key to bringing his power to reigns. You must act soon however. Motsune seeks that which he has always wanted: more power. If he tames and consumes Lee, there will be no way to regain control of the world. He is where the veil is weakest between this life and the next: the reaper's graveyard. Your beloved dragon was killed there. You remember it. As does Zack for that is how he came back into this world, but there is something else. Motsune had the power of a devil king already. By this time three days hence will he have the power of all three. When all's said and done, he will have his own great dragon to command. I fear he intends to start another Black War as if the lands requires it. See that you return my grandson to his former self. Go. Quickly now. Stop that monster from burning the world as he has tried before. Be safe and take this. You will know what to do with it when the time is right." Roanoke held out a sort of black stone to her.
Cassandra took it, flipping it around through her fingers to examine it. "And what is this," she asked. When she got no response, she turned her gaze to the throne only to find no one there. She noticed the room was beginning to lose its luster, returning to its former rundown state.
When the glow finally died, she turned to Martalian who had begun to cough. Zarcoffin had already skittered up to Zackery's shoulder. It seemed their dragons had woken and Martalian was pushing himself to his feet.
"What the fuck just happened," the dragon of the grave asked his rider who was putting a black stone into her pocket.
"I spoke to Roan and gave me a stone. He also took my brand off my neck. He's not completely a bad guy, but I don't really like him".
"You… and he… did what now?" She shook his head and made his way to the circle they had come from. It seemed the protector that had brought them there had returned. Zackery, with Cassandra's assistance, made it to the circle staggering. Before they left, blue fire circled around his leg and he gritted his teeth as the bone snapped back into place. He stood on his own and they left the same way they had arrived.
"So… should we go and get my father," Zackary asked when they were topside.
"How do we get to that place we were talking about? Roan called it the Reaper Grave of something like that."
"Roan said that the Reaper's Grave was where Lee was located. If he insists…", Martalian said with a grimace. His armor began to expand as he took his true form. Soon, he stands to his full height, stretching his limbs and staring downwards toward his rider and her male companion. He laid on his stomach, allowing the duo to climb onto his back.
The two found themselves between the dragon's wings as he took off into the sky. It wasn't long before they were racing towards their destination and Cassandra as well as Zackary had the time to relax. Neither fell asleep, vigilant as ever. Out of the two, Cassandra was the first to see the mountains. It was similar to what she had see through Varicion's eyes except the trees at the base had been burned to a crisp and the blackened ground was upturned. Any life present had been scared away or was on the run as they spoke.
Martalian descended on the plateau, though didn't get the chance to plant down. A black beam came from seemingly nowhere, forcing the dragon higher into the air. With the magic signature of the beam, Cassandra would have assumed it was Mostune, but Zackery knew otherwise.
"He's here alright," he commented as they made a second pass.
Cassandra bit her lip and once she released took in a deep breath. "I guess we should try and catch up, but saving the world would be a plus too".
Martalian tried a second time at landing. As they got closer to the platform, they got a good look at the situation. Lee stood at the very edge, his body with the consistency of a shadow and the color of one. Eight tentacles drifted about on his back, drifting about like seaweed. Lee held his hand out, palm towards them. From it erupted yet another beam that Cassandra had no time to warn Martalian about. It clipped the dragon's wings. Martalian let out a near deafening screech as he grabbed Cassandra by the waist and jumped off with her. He twisted in midair from the height, causing her to land on top of him. Martalian hit the ground with less grace, causing a miniature earthquake.
At the sound of the thud and the snapping branches, the girl was on her feet. She made a run for where Martalian had crash landed only to be tackled down by Zackery. A beam nearly nailed her and it would have had it not been for him.
He rolled to his feet and watched as Lee summoned a dark orb of energy. Lee threw it right at them although Zackery created a barrier. It did nothing, shattering almost immediately. The duo were forced to dodge off to the side. The lobbed blue fireballs at his father while Cassandra followed in suit with grey ones. The issue with this was the fact they did nothing, turning to dust before they even made contact.
With that not working, the girl came up with the brilliant plan. Like she had with Motsune, she ran straight toward Lee the moment she stood. The only difference when comparing to her last adversary was the fact that one of Lee's tentacles shoved her aside like she was nothing. He appeared in the direction she stumbled in, landing a swift knee into her stomach. She fell like an accordion and he lifted a palm at her.
Zackery came in just then, attempting to get a kick in at his father's side. Lee grabbed the leg and through the male away. Lee rushed at the boy with lightning in his hands, but Cassandra through herself at him again. She latched onto his legs and spoke. "Lee, this isn't you. Snap out of it."
A light seemed to spark in Zackery's eyes at the realization. "You need to stop father. Cassandra is right. This isn't you at all".
"You have to stop and look around at what you've done." She gestured to the destruction all around them.
As they continued to speak, the tentacles turned to smoke. Cassandra let go and took a step away from him, asking, "Are you okay now?"
"I'm fine… more… control now. I'm fine now. Thanks to you two." Lee kept his gaze downward out of guilt. "I'm sorry for attacking you both. I could have killed you."
"It's completely fine. I'm sorry for not being able to help you when you know", she paused. "I could have healed you or done something."
Lee shook his head, but with the warm embrace Zackery was pulling him into, he could only chuckle. Cassandra, on the other hand, ran towards the armored hand that had finally managed to grip onto the edge of the platform. When Martalian's head peaked up, she could see the way that he was glaring. Before he went crazy before pulling himself up, she needed to give him the news.
"It's okay. He's back to normal ish Lee right now. No need for anything else." She hadn't realized that she was holding her breath until the moment she let it out when Martalian stood down.
Lee inquired, "How did you all know where to find me?"
Cassandra took the time to answer the question. "Roan told us that you were alive after he asked to see me. Then we had this meeting and he told us exactly where to find you. He was also talking about how we needed your help to stop Motsune from freeing and defeating the rest of the kings or something like that. You should talk to Zack about it. I would say Martalian, but he was completely useless during that time."
Lee frowned at the mention of that name. "Wait a sec. You talked to Roan? How is that even possibly? He's dead".
"He's the one that asked for us to see him, so how would I know how that's even a thing? He did this though". She turned around and moved her hair out of the way to show the healing scar tissue.
He gasped, but nodded afterwards. "Yep, that was him. I can't believe you talked to him. That's amazing. Mind telling me what he's like?"
"Rude. He kept calling me 'slave girl'. It was annoying, though I guess that he was kind of helpful".
"Slave girl, huh," he asked with a quirked eyebrow. "Maybe I should meet him sometimes. I could give him a piece of my mind. What else did he tell you?"
"Um. It was mostly about how we needed you to defeat Motsune and stuff like that. You might want to ask Zack about all this stuff rather than me. He's a better explainer".
Lee would have if it had not been the fact that Zackary and the dragon seemed into a pretty heated game of rock paper scissors. Cassandra couldn't have told anyone when the two had started, but she couldn't help but giggle. It seemed that Martalian kept having the losing hand and there was some sort of satisfaction in that.
What are you doing?
The great dragon grunted at another loss. Losing to a child in even more childish game. This is aggravating.
Then why are you even playing?
Because this impudent child needs to learn a lesson. The same goes to you with your attitude.
She placed a hand over her mouth. She couldn't take his tone of mind to heart when he was losing so horribly. It's just a game. Chill or something.
Martalian actually growled at that. Game or not, he issued a challenge therefore he needs to learn the consequences.
Whatever. I'm going for a walk then while you settle your differences. You and Zackery can tell the story of what happened or he can anyways. You should give me a call when it's all said and done. She gave a shrug and wandered off.
It was more of a slide through some parts of the mountain. The charred dirt was much more lose than she was thinking and that was just the beginnings of the terrain's dangers. Hellfire and gashes containing darkness littered the land and left the mountain in poor condition. She could practically feel nature calling out to her, the energy rather distressing. "It's going to take years for you to repair yourself," she said with a frown.
She jumped when she felt something skitter up her leg. The only reason she didn't use magic was because out of the corner of her leg, she saw a bit of blue. Zarcoffin had decided to join her, perched on her shoulder. She removed the dragon, but it was only because she felt like carrying the reptile like a baby while scratching its stomach.
Where are you?
She continued down her bath. Walking. It's pretty nice out here and gorgeous despite the deformations.
We need you back up top. We should be leaving soon. Lee is now aware of the situation.
Why can't I just walk a little bit longer? This was something she missed. It was quiet out here, something that seemed to be missing from her life now.
Because we have other matters to attend to according to what Zack has told us.
Fine, fine.
What a good child. Sarcasm practically oozed out of his thoughts. Hurry along before you get hurt again.
I swear I'm going to murder you one of these days. It was almost like they were meant to be the bane of each other's existence with the way they thought.
Begrudgingly, she made the trek back upwards. The dragon scurried out of her arms, disappearing in the brush. For a moment, she thougt Zarcoffin was going ahead of her and muttered about a disloyal dragon. He came out a bit later however with a branch in mouth.
It took her a bit of time to process, but eventually she asked, "Fetch? Do you want to play fetch?" She was met with an enthusiastic response and took the branch from the dragon. It felt somewhat ridiculous to be doing this with a dragon, but she humored Zarcoffin regardless. As best she could, she threw it and watched the dragon disappear once more.
As the platform came into sight, the dragon returned with its prize. She threw it once more before she climbed over the edge, pulling herself up. She dusted herself off, looking at the dirt she had gathered through her leisurely walk both ways.
Nah, nah. Take your time child. Not like a very powerful being is getting more powerful by releasing other dangerous beings or anything like that. Want some tea while you're at it? How about a bath?
"No, mother. I'm perfectly fine at the moment, but it you insist I shall". She turned her gaze downward at the sound of cackling to see Zarcoffin had returned. "You're back a lot sooner than the last".
Zackery turned to his dragon as well before looking at Cassandra. "He conned you into playing fetch, huh?" There was a pesky sort of grin on his face, one that gave the girl a bit of mixed emotions on whether to tell him to shut up or kiss him again. Sadly she did neither of them.
"Whenever you're ready Lee, I'll take to the air".
"Go for it. The sooner the better...," he responded, watching the two. He could tell there was a rather interesting friendship brewing with what he was reading from Cassandra's playful glares towards the dragon when she spoke.
"What the hell are you doing? Get on." She made a shooing gesture towards her dragon.
Martalian gave her a slap on the back of the head before he leapt off the side. In midair, he did a sort of barrel roll, his armor expanding rapidly. He was in his true form within second, shoving hard with his wings and landing gracefully on the side of the mountain. He lowered himself for the three of them.
Jerk, she added in as she climbed onto the back of her dragon. Don't be a weirdo. "Everyone ready to go," and the other two were getting on.
Child, I'm not the one rude towards legendary beasts just to annoy them. You're playing a dangerous game.
You're the one that wanted to be bonded with me, so it's you're problem. When she heard nothing, Zackery was just sitting himself next to her. Zarcoffinn wasn't too far behind although that twig was still in his mouth. He was cackling at her, insisting that she throw the stick once more, but she had much more interest in laying down. She had intentions of staring up at the sky above her, but with the next blink, she was actually asleep.
During their descent some time later with Martalian's now casual pace, the dragon deemed it time to rouse the girl. Cassandra! Wake up!
The sound of voice rang through her head like a church bell, causing her to spring into a sitting position. "I'm up! I swear I'm up."
We have arrived back at the temple. Awaken your lover and be off my back before I throw you both.
He is not my lover. We're just friends… I think. Either way, she looked towards the boy asleep beside her with a bit of a flustered expression. She gave him a gentle nudge."Hey Zack, wake up."
Zackery's eyes fluttered open slowly and gave her some time to lose herself in his eyes. She was brought back to reality as he spoke. "Well hi there," he said rather calmly.
Brain dead. She might as well have been brain dead between him and then Martalian's comment. All she could manage to get out was an awkward, "I'm going to get down now." Just in that moment, she felt the jostle as Martalian landed and she made her getaway all the way to her room that she had every intention of locking herself into.
It was a much difficult trip than she wanted it to be. She managed to get lost for a solid half house before her face finally hit the bed. She pressed her face into the sheets as if that could possibly managed to suffocate her. When that didn't work, she slammed her head into it.
That seems useless. It was almost as if Martalian could read her mind.
Deal with it.
I've often found destroying objects of no value as useful. Your head has value. Don't go about breaking it. It is not something that can be easily replaced. Plus, I see know reason. He's rather fond of you as well.
Shut up. You don't understand. She grumbled miserably and laid still. She needed some time to cool her head and that resulted in falling asleep, but like usual, there was something to wake her. A sound of a knock resonated through the room and with a few choice words included in her murmurs of disdain, she threw her pillow behind her. It hit the door, but Martalian was there by that point to actually answer it.
It was for him as well. He closed the door behind him, following whoever had come to get him. Now that Cassandra was awake anyway, she asked, Where are you going?
I have been summoned it would seem. I shall return shortly.
Why and why didn't you bring me?
Because you were asleep and lord knows you're a pain in my ass when you wake up.
I'm a pain in your ass regardless and why are you complaining? You're the one that wanted the bond in the first place. Now you're stuck with me and you should love it.
That's because it was a necessity and I didn't think that you'd be so difficult. You look so sweet, but might as well be a lemon sometimes. Anyway, we are at the fountain if you really are wanting to join us.
Like I know how to get there.
There are plenty of ways to find us. Simply try.
You are so no help. She pushed herself off the bed and onto her feet. With more minor complaints about Martalian, she walked out the door. It took her some time before she met her dragon who was sitting at the edge of the fountain, the noonday sun glaring down at them. He had company as well: Lee, Zack, and someone draped in a white robe.
She approached them, but was for the most part disregarded. Settling for listening to the conversation, she sat beside the dragon and turned herself. The girl went as far as placing her legs on her dragon's lap, earning a good deal of confusion from him.
There seems to be some sort of mistake.
What's the mistake?
You seem to think I'm a footrest.
Maybe you are and maybe you aren't.
The dragon shoved her legs off with a force that nearly caused her to topple into the empty basin. She frowned. I'm joking around. You don't have to get all mad about it.
I prefer not to be distracted. Our guest traveled far to speak with us. You're acting like a disrespectful child. I do not care for your feet on me or not, but do not presume this situation isn't serious.
How am I supposed to know the situation is serious? I kind of stumbled in and all of this seems like gibberish. If I'm such a distraction, then I guess that I'll just leave. Problem solved. She stood and dusted off before she walked off. She didn't have much of a destination in mind, but the pond that Zackery had taken her to sounded like a good idea.
This is an archangel Cassandra. He just informed us that all the devil kings, but one, have been destroyed.
That would have been nice to tell me before, don't you think? She gave a huff and proceeded to ignore any more communications from the dragon.
As she put distance between herself and the dragon, she looked at her scenery. The branches of trees overhead swayed lightly in the breeze. Critters scurried about and made their own noise. She felt grounded her, but maybe she was putting to much attention in the energy of nature. She didn't notice a second shadow trailing behind her. Well, she didn't notice it up until the moment she tipped over a branch.
The girl held her hands out in front of her to break for fall, but she never made contact. The second shadow zipped in front of her and pulled her under. She was surrounded by a pool of black, the regular world showing through a panel of light overhead. She attempted to reach for it as the scene began to blur, but she instead sank farther into the darkness.
She continued to struggle, but it was like trying to swim through molasses. When the shadow finally allowed her up, she was laying on her back in the grass. It moved from her body to her wrists, binding them much more secure than any rope could. Struggling, she sat herself up, but that was pointless. The cuffs around her wrist lifted her off the ground, her feet barely touching. She surveyed the area, to find herself in the middle of some sort of shrine by the cliffside, a concrete table covered in brown placed in front of it. I seem to have gotten myself in a problem. Through the bond, all she got was static.
"Rankar demons aren't good for much other than tracking and capturing. He won't release you until I tell him to."
Cassandra knew that voice. The sound sent chills down her spine and dropped a pull of dread into her stomach. "Why… why did you bring me here", she asked while turning behind her,
Motsune stood behind her, white teeth showing in his sneer. "To put it simply, I'm going to kill you. Your life will be needed, or rather your bond with the great dragon of the grave, Martalian. I will in due time release you," he said and paused to look her dead in the eyes. "Off a cliff when your lifeless corpse has served its purpose."
That was a problem. She closed her eyes and channeled her magic through the bond she knew was still there. Whatever had been disrupting her communication broke and Martalian's thoughts came through. Okay this game of hide and seek has become aggravating. Where are you?
She could have cried with relief, but she knew that would have alerted Motsune to the fact she was a bit busy making a call. I don't know. Motsune, he caught me.
What?! Motsune caught you? Where are you? What do you see?
Just a shrine on a hill. I don't know where I am.
What does the shrine look like? Can you read it?
She squinted towards it, attempting to make out any details. It was hard to see from their distance, but she would have preferred to be rescued before she got much closer. A six pointed star and then some symbols and stuff. It kind of looks like the runes on that sealed door at the temple, so I'm guessing a seal. He's going to kill me to break the seal. She had a feeling she knew what the brown was.
What color is the stone: black, grey, or silver?
I think that it's silver maybe. It's kind of shiny so…
Sit tight child. I'm sure I know where you are. Lee and Zack are on their way as well.
Hurry.
Motsune was already at the shrine however, placing a hand on the cool stone of the table. "Soon now, I'll slaughter you over the shrine and this can all come to pass." He beckoned her closer and the shadow demon around her wrist dragged her along, her toes brushing against the grass. She was practically thrown on the slab, the cuffs fading away only to be replaced with tendrils of Motsune's own. They wrapped around her ankles as well, keeping her limbs splayed outwards.
Motsune held out his hand, summoning the sickly black blade she had seen before. He raised it. When he brought it down, she blinked. She felt a sharp, searing pain at her neck. A thump echoed out although it seemed somewhere in the distance. Her vision was fading, although she had enough time to watch Motsune shale blood free of his blade. He reached towards her head, a dull tingling sent through it as he grabbed her by the base of her hair. There was weightlessness and she had the delight of seeing her own headless body. He took her to the cliff as he had promised. There was a spiral of color and then nothing.