Chapter 2: The Call
Viper manor, another world, 1020 A.D.
The steps of a man echoed through the red-carpeted hallways of Viper manor. The residence of the leader of El Nido was a sumptuous mansion made of five floors and richly decorated with statues and portraits of great warriors and leaders of the past. The emblem of the Viper family, a snake, had been carved everywhere. The man had long purple hair and wore a white outfit decorated with patches of green, yellow and red. On his waist was a large black belt. The stopped at a door decorated with a golden snake and knocked.
"Come in!" answered a warm and cheerful voice.
Inside the office stood two people. One was a very tall man in his late fifties with a white beard and was completely bald. He was showing a proud smile. He wore a long black cloak with matching pants. He had broad shoulders and his large hands were protected by brown leather gloves. The other one wasn't exactly human. He was also very tall, but had feline features and had sharp-clawed paws for hands. He also wore a long black cloak and matching pants.
"Ah, Karsh! Make yourself comfortable." He said, gesturing to a chair.
Karsh sat, rested his elbows on the armrests and his left foot on his right knee and looked at the white-bearded giant.
"My dear Karsh, I have a very important mission for you." He said, still smiling.
"And what is it?" he asked, rather coldly.
The man in black turned to the demi-human, raising his eyebrows, and back to Karsh. The feline-looking creature took a step forward and bent down to place his knuckles on the desk that separated them. They both stared at each other coldly before the demi-human began speaking:
"The one to lead us has revealed himself. You will find him by sunset at the summit of Cape Howl. Go to him, but be prepared for a fight."
So, still trying to capture that ghost?" Karsh asked coldly.
"I'm afraid you can't grasp the importance of that mission, can you? The demi-human asked in a condescending voice.
Karsh turned his gaze to the general, his cold expression disappearing.
"My orders are that you do exactly as he said." Spoke the general.
"Very well then, my lord."
Karsh got up and turned his back.
"I suggest that you bring at least two good men, this ghost is stronger than you might think." Suggested the demi-human.
Karsh stopped for a second and exited the room.
That freak of a Lynx will have us all killed one way or another. I can't believe the general is buying into all this crap of flames that grant wishes. Who the hell does he think he his, telling me how to do my job. If those weren't the general's orders, I'd hang him to the highest branch of the Viper oak by the tail.
"Hello Karsh." Spoke a soft voice.
Karsh quickly snapped out of his thoughts.
"Good day, my lady. How are you toaday?" he asked, only mildly interested.
"Very well, thank you. Are you leaving for duty?"
"Yes, I have orders from the general. I bid you goodbye, lady Riddell."
He then continued on his way, leaving the black-haired woman standing alone in the hallway until she decided to go her own way. She then came face to face with a young man with brown hair, blue eyes and a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek.
"Oh, Glenn. I was looking for you. Do you have a moment?"
"Uh?-I-Yes, of course, my lady."
"Oh, please, Glenn, how many times have I told you not to call me lady or miss?" she said in a soft voice.
"I don't know, I'm afraid I've lost the count." He said, sheepishly.
"Oh, it's ok, Glenn."
"So, um, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes. You know, tomorrow's the grand opening of Viper festival and I was wondering if you would like to escort me to Termina for the day… If you're not too busy, of course."
"Of course, I'd be delighted, lady… sorry, Riddel."
"That's great. I'll be ready by 9 o'clock, next morning. We'll meet at the manor gates. Is this alright with you?"
"Yes, of course, that's perfect. I'll be there."
"Wonderful. Well, I guess, I'll be going back to my room, now."
She slowly turned back and headed to her room on the uppermost floor. Glenn continued on his way and went downstairs to the dragoon's quarters. He went to his bead and plopped himself on his bed. Turning his head to the side, he caught side of the picture of a man that looked very much like him.
Why did you have to leave us big bro? If there's someone who could have settled things right, it's you.
In fact, Glenn wondered sometimes if his brother's departure wasn't the cause of all this fuss in itself. Things were so perfect when he was still alive, when they were all gathered together. Riddell was looking forward to a happy wedding, Karsh didn't bore a bitter and cold expression all the time, the general's smile hid happiness and pride instead of greed and a lust for power. Even the general mood of the dragoons was much better. Riddell permanent sadness was probably what was troubling him the most. She was always trying so hard not to look sad, but somehow, it always showed through her eyes. Glenn soon drifted into a dreamless sleep.
Lizard rock, home world, 1020 A.D.
Lizard rock was considered by many as the playground of every kid in Arni. It consisted of very ancient rock formations eroded by millions of years of water contact. Several small rivers were flowing through the many paths that were named after their most famous inhabitant: the Komodo dragon, a giant lizard that spent most of its days bathing in the sun. Among other inhabitants were the only creatures lazier that a grown-up Komodo dragon, a blue biped web-footed animal called a beach bum and naughty blue lizards called sandsquirts. Their name came from their naughty habit of squirting jets of water at everybody they crossed.
Blue barnacles grew on every rock as well as a totally unique type of red coral. Tall green plants that resembled palm-trees also grew in Lizard rock. They had massive green trunks and the leaves that grew on their top were long and narrow. Brightly colored fish swam in every river.
Serge was carefully climbing a rock in silence, making sure the komodo pup below wouldn't hear him and run away. When the pup was just below him, he jumped down and tackled the young lizard. He pulled out a knife and plucked the rainbow scale from the pup's forehead. Finally, the pup was able to escape without getting injured. Serge, on the other hand, had sustained many scratches and cuts from the lizards' sharp claws.
His task finally over, Serge looking at the scales that were gleaming brightly in the sun. A loud roar was then heard. Serge spun around to see an enormous lizard walking toward him.
Uh oh… Looks like mommy doesn't enjoy seeing me bully her babies.
Serge knew he had no chance of winning against the massive creature with only his swallow. However, he didn't have just his swallow. On the stick, bright gems were shining. Serge focused his thoughts for a moment and one of the red gems lost its glow. A big fireball was directed straight to the lizard. Though it didn't do much damage to the thick-hided lizard, the creature, like many others, was scared by fire and instinctively retreated.
Don't bully the bully.
Having finished his task, Serge headed toward Opassa beach to wait for Leena. He sat on the sand to enjoy the warmth. After several minutes, Leena showed up.
"There you are!" she said "I hope you didn't wait too long. I just wanted to give you a lesson about making people wait for you."
"Nah, it's alright, I guess I sorta deserved that one."
"So, did you get the scales?"
Serge produced the 3 scales from his pocket and handed them to her. Leena took a moment to stare at them.
"Oh, Serge, they're beautiful, thank you! They'll make a great necklace!"
"Glad you like them." He said, before sitting back on the sand.
Leena stood still for a moment and decided to sit down with Serge, resting her chin on her knees. Both were silent for a moment.
"The sea never changes, does it? It's been rolling in and out like that for an eternity and will probably continue to do so forever."
"I remember the last time we were together. It's sure been a while." He said, turning to Leena.
"Really? Do you also remember the promise you made me that day?"
"Yea, I think. I said that if I was ever to leave to explore the mainland, I'd take you with me and we'd come back together." He said, returning his gaze to the sea.
"Yeah, it's sort of funny that we both remember that day after so long, isn't it? You know, sometimes I wonder who I'd be telling all these things if you weren't here anymore."
"Probably to the sea, like that old woman who lives all alone on an island near Marauder's bay."
"I guess she must be really lonely. Um, Serge, there's something I've been meaning to…"
Serge…Serge…
The teenager began turning his head from side to side to see where the voice was coming from, but saw no one.
"Serge, are you alright?"
"Uh? Yeah, I just thought I heard someone or something."
But then he heard another sound, a much more powerful sound. The sound of a tidal wave headed straight for him. He rose up and then an excruciating pain shot through his head. He fell to knees, pressing his palms to his temples. He looked up briefly, just to see the wave hit him full force before collapsing.