The sword and the red dragon
Disclaimer: I do not own Shadow of Destiny or any of its characters
I didn't imagine that such a innocent door could lead me to another hideous place. I suppose now it's the nature of this mountain; it makes you believe you are safe and then when you let your guard down it crushes you in a billion pieces. No, there wasn't a way this was happening. However, I saw myself trapped in another pitch dark space. There goes my good mood, again. Why couldn't be something beautiful like the birds earlier? Someone has really bad tastes around here. But, maybe… the sword! It illuminated the way before. I should try it.
I unsheathed the black sword and pointed it forward exactly as I did in the last cave. A tiny beam of light erupted from the tip and instantly I felt relief wash me. No more darkness, yeah!
"I wonder how long we must walk. I'm already exhausted. I think those monsters drained some of my energy", I said.
"If you want to rest this is not the best place to do it, I'm afraid. Who knows what could be lurking in these shadowy corners", said Homunculus displicently.
"But I need to rest sometime, you know. I'm not immortal and I'm hungry, too…"
"You could wish something to eat…"
"No way! I won't fall to your tricks. My wish is going to be well planned; not something reckless like that.", I said emphatically.
"This is going to be a lot harder than I thought", he sighed.
In that instant, the sword made a strange trembling in my hands. It looked like a vibration in response to something. It's pointing to somewhere. I wonder if it's showing a way like before.
"It wants us to go ahead", I explained. "The sword is pulling me to somewhere."
"Or perhaps it's eager to accomplish its goal and to take us to next trial. Weren't you tired? If you die here out of exhaustion I can't bring you back to life as I did to Eike, you know", he continued.
"I know and I don't plan to die here, either. I just need to follow the directions the sword gives. Besides, I have a feeling it's not taking me to another trial this time."
"Hmm, how can you be sure? This place plays with people's minds like you already know. It could be leading us to a trap or worse to another dark hall", he chuckled.
You are really infuriating. We'll see when I prove you are wrong. How someone so handsome can be that impossibly difficult.
The sword pulled me strongly this time and then I had to run to keep it secure in my hands. My running was short timed in the end because I came to an halt as soon as I saw the clearing were I was led by the sword. It had stopped that eerie vibration. The sword brought us to this place. It heard my complaints about resting, I guess. I glanced to the light weight object in my hands with a new found respect. It was really made for the purpose to guide whomever was to the right path.
"Now I think I'll eat and have a little nap", I said expectantly. The perspective of sleep was so sweet that I couldn't pass it.
"What about the monsters, Clarice? Are you willing to risk that?", he stared incredulously at me.
"There won't be any monsters here", I said confident. "The sword has guided us to some place to rest."
"Excuse me? It could be tricking you for all I know", he interrupted.
"It's not fooling me. I know deeply it's not. Call it instinct."
I knew I was right. This place was made to be found but only for the chosen ones. The stone wanted to be found, I guess; it wanted the presence of a philosopher. Better stop thinking about serious things and relax. I rummaged through my backpack an took out a wrapped sandwich. It looked to be the most delicious meal in the world that moment. I was that starved even if my 'wonderful' lunch consisted of bread filled with cheese and catchup. Clarice, you are a very healthy person!, I thought disgusted.
When I took the first bite off the sandwich an idea popped into my mind. All that catchup I'd have to lick it if it went out. Maybe I could use this to my advantage. Homunculus has been teasing me relentlessly. I wonder how he will react to a bit of teasing of my part. What an evil mind, Clarice. Let's see if genies can blush, too.
As I expected he was watching me while I ate so it would be easy. I took a little of the catchup in my fingers and then put it on my mouth; I licked the tip of my fingers slowly… then I stole a glance at him and there he was staring at me speechless looking to my mouth as I've predicted. He instantly averted his gaze when I stared back. I could see the faint outline of a blush forming on his cheeks. How's the taste of your own poison? I had to control myself to not burst out laughing. He was affected by my little display as any other would. You had it coming for making me blush like that earlier.
"Are you hungry?", I asked.
"No, I don't eat. Remember?", he said without a glance at my way.
"I thought so", I said smirking triumphantly.
I finished the sandwich quickly and produced a tiny pillow off the pack.
"I'll try to take a nap. Wake me if something happens. I'm a light sleeper, so don't worry."
My body was so stiff from those performances. I really needed a good sleep… and I felt a stirring of air by my side when I was readying myself to lie down…
"You suppose I'm going to watch your sleeping?", he appeared beside me in a puff of air.
He startled me with his proximity. "Well… you don't need to sleep so just wake me in case anything happens and… and…I can't sleep like that.", I said in a hurry."You are too close."
"Oh, but how am I supposed to wake you if a monster appears? I must be close, don't you think?", he smirked and got much closer to me than before. I was almost in his lap due to the proximity.
What do you think you're doing? I won't get any sleep with you so near. Is he getting his revenge for my stunt with the food? No need to say I was red of embarrassment and angry too.
"I can't sleep with you so…"
"Excuse me?", he stared amused at me.
"No! What I mean is that I can't sleep with you so close. You don't need to stay here of all places. If something did happens you could scream to get my attention or you could use magic to awake me.", I replied breathless.
"Well, I don't feel like going anywhere, Clarice. After all I'm very tired at this moment and since I'm vulnerable now I think it would be wise to stay right where I am."
The nerve of this guy. What a cunning bastard… and handsome, too. How am I supposed to take a nap with him THAT close? I'm already having bad thoughts about this situation.
"If it were Eike here instead of me would you insist on being so improperly close to him?Well?", I inquired indignantly.
"No, not a chance. He would get so scared that he'd let my digipad fall again and then… I think it wouldn't be pleasant at all", he answered .
"Yeah, whatever. Just don't try anything funny while I sleep", I said and lied down turning my back to him.
"Who? Me? You wound me, think that I …"
"Let me sleep, please", I interrupted. I couldn't fight fatigue anymore and so my eyes shut involuntarily.
I was in a hot place and a strange creature lied at my feet. My sword had a yellow tinge to it and it was becoming heavier with the time. Homunculus was looking at me intensely and when he got closer I noticed a vague different aura about him. "I don't break anymore", he said.
Then he lifted my chin and his hot lips silenced my oncoming answer. It was getting unbearably hot and I couldn't …
I felt a shaking of my arm and there was something glued to my forehead. I sat in a jump and I saw he was still by my side and his face had the amusement written all over it. I breathed fastly and I realized that strange hot space of before was just a dream.
"You were out for three hours. I was wondering how long you would sleep. I thought you would be like that for more two days and then… everything would be over. "
"It's not like that. The fact is I was really exhausted and I was in need of a long sleep. Did you rest?", I asked.
"Yes, but I don't need sleep to restore my energies. Something interesting happened while you were asleep, though. Very funny, indeed", he commented.
"What? Did a monster appear? My sword went berserk and it ran away?", I mocked.
"No, but you do talk when you're sleeping", he answered.
What the heck did I say? I hope I didn't say about that dream. He can't know I had a wet dream about him. Please, not like this…
"What did I say? Something important, perhaps", I ventured.
"Oh, no I couldn't discern what those grunts were. But it was funny nonetheless. You see, I was bored out of my mind…"
"And then you thought it would be a good idea to watch me sleep? You could have done better with your spare time", I interrupted.
"There was nothing better to do, really. Besides, it's very interesting to watch you sleeping."
"Do you think it's interesting to watch us humans sleeping? I don't see the fun in that", I retorted.
"No, I didn't mean all humans. I meant only you, Clarice", he replied.
This shocked me for a while. I decided to ignore it and fix my backpack. This guy is messing up with my head. One could say he is flirting with me. How much can I endure before I…? If this keeps up I won't be able to control those kissing urges of mine. I sheathed my sword and resumed our walking so I had an excuse to ignore him at the moment. The sword was guiding to the next area so I pretended to be unaware of surroundings.
"Do you really know where we are going? Or we are walking in circles?", he inquired.
"I have the sword guiding me. It took us to the right place before, didn't?"
"Sure. But we should already be…"
"Let's trust the sword. I have faith in its magic and I know it means no harm to us", I continued.
"You wouldn't say that if you knew who made it."
"It's time for you to tell me, then. Who forged it?", I asked.
"It wasn't by human hands made. You already knew that, don't you?"
"Yes, you said so before. "
"So, as I was saying humans couldn't make a sword such as that because of its magical properties. Then, they asked that to another beings. Of course, they had to enter in a magic contract to have the sword done", he explained. "After the humans arranged the deal they requested the assistance of my people to prepare the sword."
"You mean that there are others like you? Other genies made this sword?", I said quickly.
"Correct. They tried to make a deal with the men but the greed of humans got in the way. The humans weren't satisfied to share the sword and they wanted something to destroy not to guide. So, they made the creatures their slaves, thus making them forge an unstoppable weapon. However, my kin were smarter in the end, as always, and they put a curse in the sword so no man could wield it.", he told.
"I don't understand. Why I can use it?", I asked perplexed.
"They put a curse so no men could use it; they did say man not woman."
"I can use the sword because I'm a girl? It's just simple as that?"
"They were clever to do it, you see. When the humans found the sword was cursed they resolved to make another using very terrible magic. I don't think you've noticed but there two swords in the entrance; one of them made by sorcerers that could only be used by the chosen ones in order to complete the philosopher's stone and another made by my kind whose blade couldn't be wielded by any man", he explained.
"I haven't seen another sword. Not that I remember, anyway. But why you made me take this one instead?"
"I think you know the answer to that question. That sword represents a form of slavery to me. The one you use now, however…"
"It symbolizes humanity's dumbness. I wonder how many times you got revenge against your masters using your cunning."
"I lost the count and it wasn't my cleverness that did the job. It was rather human's stupid ambitions and their false sense of superiority", he said.
"So, you have never had an interesting master? No one has ever surprised you? This is boring."
"No. But I have one now, I guess."
Flattery will get you everywhere. I won't ever mention it or you could use it against me. The corridor we were walking through gradually became dimly lighted. I was smelling sea water ahead. Although, it was impossible to have a lake inside this cave there it was staring me in the face, a deep blue lake with limpid waters and no surface movement. An odd tranquil atmosphere surrounded the waters, though.
"I didn't think I would find something like this inside", I said.
Nevertheless, as soon as I noticed the beautiful scenery before I saw another worrisome thing. The cave ended here. There was just this lake and nothing more. A dead end. Unless, the exit is underwater…
"I don't see the exit anywhere. How are we going to continue?", I asked.
"You can't see it because it's not on the surface."
"Don't tell me it's underwater! You mean that I had to swim to the other area?"
"Exactly. Do you know how to swim, if I'm not mistaken?"
"Yes, but… What about you?", I asked worried.
"I'll have to use my powers to get to the other side. It's you who must find a way to get to the next area and I'm afraid I can't help you this time."
Try to put your sword in the water, a voice echoed in my head. I don't think I was hearing things it's just this place. It was making me mad, I added. I followed the mysterious voice advice and put the blade underwater.
I felt the water moving that instant.
"Something strange is happening. The water is stirring. Look", I pointed.
"The process is beginning. We are going so fast… this is the first time I see an alchemist as gifted as you. I think we can go out in less than three days if you keep this pace."
I blushed again. This was becoming an habit.
The water stopped abruptly and then I pulled the sword out in fear of what could come next. I was astonished by what I saw next; the blade had a yellow color like it was made of gold. In fact the whole sword glowed with a golden brightness. I couldn't believe what I saw.
"It changed color. This place is always amazing me. It got a little heavier, too. But nothing that I can't handle", I said in amazement.
"We will need the gold of it, soon. A blade made of gold wouldn't be destroyed by acidic blood", he interrupted.
"What do you mean? Why must you always speak in riddles to me?"
"You'll see when the time comes", he answered.
I tried to stay calm and think what I should do at this moment. I still had a lake to swim and I had no idea how deep or what kind of animals could be under. I decided to test the water temperature putting my hand inside. Cold. No wonder. Pulling my fears aside I jumped into the cold water; the shock was greater than I'd imagined but I could see clearly underwater. I swam to a visible area on the other side. I thought it was going to be a long way to the surface but in mere seconds I was out of that freezing water. Homunculus was already waiting for me; there was a vague hint of amusement on his face this time.
"How did you get here so fast?", I pried.
"I teleported myself. I couldn't swim. Too tiresome", he explained.
I was feeling cold, my clothes were soaked also. White shirt, khaki shorts. Wait, my shirt is white and now it must be entirely transp… I immediately covered my chest. The blush was ten times worse this time. I remember packing an extra shirt. Maybe I should change or I will get sick.
No wonder he was looking with that face at me. Sorry, but I'm not giving you a show.
"Turn around", I said.
"What happened? I don't see any monster", he said innocently.
"It's not that. I need to change my clothes", I explained.
"So?", he asked.
"I need you to turn around! I can't change clothes with you looking!"
"So troublesome…", he whispered.
"Don't peek!", I warned.
I turned around, just in case, and took off my wet shirt. When I was ready I shouted.
"We can go now, I guess."
He followed me. We came to a curve that led us to a large green field. Another shocking place inside this strange cave, mountain or whatever it is.
"This place seems normal enough to me", I said relieved.
"It was made to appear that way. If you look closely, however", he added.
I surveyed my surroundings and something out of the ordinary grasped my attention. There was a part of the grass, a large one, which was burnt. There were ashes scattered too. It didn't look good. I was feeling uneasy already. I walked forward in the huge field and stopped when I came across an enormous rock.
"I don't remember this rock being here. It looks like it's on flames. Look at its odd red color", I poked the stone with the hilt of my sword.
"Clarice, this is no rock. Get out of there slowly, now", he said in a whisper.
Too late for that. The same rock was staring at me with huge yellow eyes and its breath almost knocked the wind out of me. Said rock took an upright position and was now standing up; it wasn't a rock this thing. It was a massive creature, at least fifteen feet of height. It looked, no, it really was a dragon. A really angry red dragon and I had awoken it.
"Stay out of the dragon's range", Homunculus shouted.
The dragon let out a huge flame. I didn't have enough time to run so I put the sword in front of the upcoming fire. The flames disappeared when they made contact with the blade. The giant dragon looked puzzled for a moment and I saw my chance to escape.
I ran as fast as I could trying to put some distance between me and the hideous creature. I felt a gush of air passing through me and I could see the dragon flying towards me.
"How am I supposed to fight that thing?", I shouted.
"Use the sword and don't let the fire catch you", he shouted back.
"It's easier said than done", I hide myself behind a nearby tree.
The red beast uttered a deafening sound and came flying to the tree. The tree went flying without its roots when the dragon's tail slashed it away. Think fast. The creature seemed confused by the tree at the moment and I took the hit it on the back.
The dragon roared in rage. My sword hadn't hurt it.
"It's no use. These scales are too thick for the sword. I can't do it", I said.
"It has a weakness somewhere. You must find it!", he responded.
The tail came lashing at me and I ducked it at the last second. It must have a weakness. Think, think. It looks like a reptile, maybe if I try that…
I avoided another lashing of its tail and the enraged dragon launched a ball of flame to me. I ran toward the fire ball and I felt the same bolt of electric energy of my previous fight. I dodged the offending ball and my movements seemed like a blur that moment. I saw what I was looking for. The sword entered the dragon's chin and a burst of an strange blood came out. It cried in pain thrashing violently; I pulled the sword out and the dragon exploded in a giant cloud of gold dust.
I sat in the ground relieved and out of breath. This was a feat seemingly impossible. Nonetheless…
"That was tough", he said.
"I thought I was going to die", I replied.
"You were trained to do it. If it were Eike, on the other hand…"
I laughed. "He would die a million times, I guess. He wouldn't beat it I'm sure", I said in mirth.
"I would probably have to revive him once more."
I stood up and while I was doing so he offered his hand to me. I took it and with extra care I didn't put my weight on him.
"Why all this work, Clarice? Am I worth it?", he said while holding my hand.
"Yes. I can't ignore your situation. I do this because I don't believe in chains. I believe in freedom. No one should be a slave. No one should be defenseless. You… I can't bear the thought of you so vulnerable", I explained.
He was staring at me with the same expression of when I told my plans to him the first time.
"It's hard to believe someone like you exists. I can't sense any kind of deception in you", he said.
He came closer to me abruptly and lifted my chin. I looked at his eyes and I couldn't help but think about my dream at that moment. Is he going to kiss me now? All it took was to kill a dragon. Someone send me more dragons, please!
"I changed my mind. I shall do everything in my power to keep you alive. Even use the digipad if I must… So be strong then we won't have to mess the time lines", he continued.
He didn't kiss me like I thought he would but he let his hand linger on my face more time than was necessary. I was stunned by his sudden display and he pulled his hand away.
There was a bright tunnel across the field. It probably signaled another area. I resolved to go in the tunnel's direction. Homunculus was walking by my side without saying a word. I think he too was stunned by his behavior.
I wasn't worried about what could come , I think I was expecting a lot of dragons so he could kiss me already. But he was going to protect me and that was all that mattered.