The moon was starting to descend as the ships made their way into the cavern. If it weren't for the glow of the M'arrillians, it would've been very hard to see what was inside. Several carvings into the stone wall showed the M'arrilians and all their beauty. One dragon statue sat in the center of the stone wall. A small strip of land in front of it.

Aura laid down on the sand. Her body felt too tired to even drag herself back onto the boat. She shrunk down to her normal form and curled up. The sounds of the water encouraging her to sleep.

Sometime later, Aura felt something on her shoulder. Mmmmm….She curled her body tighter. She felt her shoulder being shaken again. Just let me sleep for a few more minutes please….I think the fish hunt can wait a little longer.

A laugh entered her clouded mind. No need. It's already been done.

Khybon? Aura opened her eyes to see Khybon stare down at her. An amused expression written on his face. Her fins and wings turned pink instantly. She quickly sat up. How long have I been asleep?

Khybon chuckled once again. In his hand was a medium-sized net that held some raw fish. He set it down in front of her. As he watched her pick through the netting, he sat down beside her and removed a square container that was slung to his back. He twisted the flower-shaped lock. "You've been out since early morning."

Aura pulled out a plumb fish with plum-colored scales. She took a dainty bite. It was bursting with flavor in her mouth. She started to tear away at it. Aura's fins and wings began to give off shades of pinks and pale blue. Once there was nothing but bone left, she tossed the bones away. It feels like I haven't eaten in forever. She looked at him. Did you fish these yourself?

Khybon nodded. He pulled out a strange fleshy substance from his container. It was pale pink. He took a bite out of it. He cringed. Then, he pulled out another one but more charred. It crunched in his mouth.

Aura stared at him. Bits of fish hung from her mouth, but it didn't bother her much. She took note of his wet skin glistening in the light of the sun. His red eyes have a joyful light since being on a boat and whisked away from Perim. The mere thought of Perim made her fins sag slightly. She began to glance around the cavern.

Cot was preening herself at the farthest edge of a rock. Bodal was doing inventory with Ulmar and a Mepedian in regards to battlegear, food and mugics. The other Chieftains were in the water. Their glow warded off young children from getting any closer. Wamma was by the statue, letting out a yawn before being yelled at by Odu.

Aura's fins began to splash blue. I wish I could've done more… She looked at her food.

Khybon leaned forward. "What's wrong? Why are you feeling so glum?"

I…just…I just wish you weren't so far from home, Aura admitted. Especially now that everyone is stuck in here before we come up with a plan.

Khybon put down his meal. He hugged Aura in his arms. "Hey…Don't beat yourself up. None of us knew this would happen." He pulled away and shrugged. "I mean Queen Tikali was crazy sure, but not of this magnitude." He shivered as he thought back to Aa'unne. Khybon did a sideways glance and noticed Erek'tab glaring at him with one eye above the water. "I was still stunned by what happened back there. I thought you were gone for sure."

Aura stared at him for a moment. She could feel his concern for her. She even found herself longing to hear his thoughts buzzing about the usual tasks that need to be taken care of. Before she could say anything, she noticed Chaor and Maxxor standing before them. Maxxor. Chaor. Good morning. Aura gave them a small bow.

Chaor crossed his arms. "Finally, you're awake. We can finally get the meeting started."

Aura tilted her head. Oh…Right…She turned to the other M'arrillians. Aren't they going to join us? They are part of Perim after all.

Maxxor sighed. He rubbed the back of his neck. "We tried but they aren't exactly eager to discuss further plans."

Aura sighed. She rubbed her eyes in annoyance. I'm so sorry that my people's pride is getting in the way. I'll talk to them. See if anyone will be willing to join.

Chaor huffed. "Let's just get the meeting over with. I want to get that crazy nightmare queen out of the Underworld as soon as possible." He walked away. Sounds of grumbling were faintly heard.

Maxxor rolled his eyes. "We'll see you soon, Aura." He walked away and joined Chaor.

Aura stared at the other M'arrillians. I think I should go talk to them again. Aura tried to swim over but Khybon lightly grabbed her arm. She looked back at him. She sighed. I wish I wasn't the only one representing, you know.

"I know you want to help your tribe," Khybon said. He sighed. "But…You just need to give them time. You know they're not going to completely listen to you after one amazing speech."

Aura's fins and wings turned blue at this. She looked at him one more time. Before he could utter another word, she kissed him. His breath smelled of fire and a bit of charred fish. In a brief moment, she could almost imagine a place for both of them to live. A small house made out of coral and metal. His workshop would be close by. She broke away and went to the direction where the leaders were.

Khybon watched her go. His hand clenched over his heart. If only you knew, he thought.

—-(Sometime later)-

Aura sat in front of a small fire. On her right was Queen Aszil wearing a thick wool shawl draped over her shoulder. On her left was King Theb-saar. Maxxor and Chaor were also there. The two mighty warriors spread a map out before them. Cot perched at one end of the corner. Quin'lins joining her.

Maxxor pointed to one spot on the map. It was mostly dry land. "Alright. We're currently here thanks to Quin'lins. The hideout should give us enough time to recuperate before Queen Tikali finds us. However, this is only temporary. We're going to have to traverse the land eventually. The real challenge would be to convince the leaders of Melodalia to join us in fighting Tikali."

Chaor leaned back. His tail curled around him. "The problem is that if we stick around too long, we'll be sitting ducks."

Queen Azsil tilted her head. "What do you propose you do? I know that the risks are high, but moving my hive puts me and Nest Elder Illexia at an even greater risk. Tikali would be willing to kill the two of us easily."

Chaor grumbled under his breath. His mouth twisted into a frustrated snarl. "You can still fight can't you?"

Aura immediately got between Queen Azsil and Chaor. Calm down, Chaor. I'm pretty sure she can, but we still have General Moonbane to worry about too. She created a mental image of the mighty red dragon. She even threw the image of their battle.

Cot tilted her head for a moment. Then, she pointed to a part of the map where the roads have split. "There. I know those roads. They have trees that go on for miles. Perfect cover to divide and conquer. All we need to do is play the earth song."

King Theb-saar rubbed his chin. "This is the first I've heard of it." He looked at Aura. "My son had made a mention of your power before but I don't know the full details of it. You sing and the elements follow your command?"

It's a bit more complicated than that, Aura explained. You have to really connect to the energy around you. She lowered her head as her colors changed to a rosy pink. I was able to do it because I was thinking of a certain thing that represented the element before singing.

King Theb-saar raised a brow. "I don't think any of us will have time for singing lessons." He faced Maxxor. "Perhaps the queen will stay here while the rest of her tribe heads off to several hiding places."

"It's far too crowded in here." Queen Azsil's eyes went hard. Her hands were ready to curl up into fists. "Even if we take refuge here, what about the M'arrillians?"

Everyone turned to Aura. Aura's fins and wings went pale. Her heart hammered in her head. Well…Uh…Um…I hadn't thought much of it. As far as I know, I want to stop Tikali. She thought for a moment. F-For now, I can make sure that no fights break out.

A heavy silence filled the air. The four tribal leaders exchanged glances to one another. All held grim expressions. After some time, they all sighed.

"Guess that'll be a start for now," Maxxor said. He was the first to get up from his spot. "I'll have some of my scouts scour the area. See if there are other places we can set traps before they come close."

Quin'lins nodded. "I'll help you with that. My beloved and I would hide away there when we needed to be alone." He lowered his head. "That's why I buried her here."

They all stared at Quin'lins in shock. Questions hung in the air, but no one made the effort to utter a word. With that, the meeting ended and the leaders attended to their own tribes.

Aura drooped. Her colors took on a shade of dark blue. Just as she was about to leave, she was intercepted by Quin'lins. Her own sigh sounded like a faint whistle in the wind. I'm sorry Quin'lins. Our tribe won't listen to me and you know that. I mean… sure I was able to stop one fight, but it'll only be a matter of time before it gets out of hand.

Quin'lins put a hand on her shoulder. "Give it some time. As you've said before, they're not going to listen to you immediately. You're going to have to perform something that'll earn their respect."

Aura rolled her eyes. You don't need to tell me twice. She thought about her battle with Aa'une. Even though she told them their leader was already dead by the time she bit into him, they still viewed her as an inferior being that just got lucky. Her heart sunk at thinking that. Then, the mention of the grave made her decide to change the topic. How did you make a grave for Argne? I mean mother! She rubbed her head. Sorry, I guess that news is hard for me to swallow.

Quin'lins hugged her. "I know." He cleared his throat once he broke the hug. "As for your question, I had to run with your egg for a while. I managed to hide it in a hollow of an old tree before recovering your mother's body." He hung his head. "After I buried her, I was captured when your egg disappeared."

Aura felt her scales turned to ice. It did explain why Tikali didn't kill her, but…Who found her egg then? She vaguely recalled that a Ratan found her but no one bothered with a name. Maybe I can find out in Malinae, The Ratan capital. She looked at Quin'lins. Can you show me the grave?

Quin'lins nodded. His eyes were on the brink of tears. "Sure."

"Aura."

The two M'arrillians turned their attention to Maxxor. The green Overworlder waved Aura over. His gaze was stern but it held a soft light.

Aura stared at him for a moment. I…better go see what he wants. She hovered over to Maxxor, her wings were flat to her back. Is there something you wish to tell me, Maxxor?

"I wanted to talk to you in regards to how you reacted to our question," Maxxor answered. "You were much more confident earlier. What happened?"

Aura drooped. I guess…I'm not sure how I could lead an entire tribe. Let alone how to lead in general. I was able to realize the situation they were in, but that was when they're sick and injured. She looked at the water. A few M'arrillians tried to move some rocks but wound up failing. Their recovery will come soon and I don't know if I can handle it.

Maxxor gave Aura a small smile. "Aura. I'm so sorry that we put you under that sort of pressure." He followed her gaze. "You're the only M'arrillian aside from Ab'lop that we could do actual negotiations with. The power dynamic amongst the Chieftains is indeed a fragile one, but I hardly doubt that'll stop you." He let out a chuckle. "Even now, I still have a hard time believing that you were once the same M'arrillian who was so scared of everything."

Aura's fins began to show hints of pink. I guess so. I do remember being on the verge of a heart attack everytime your guards came in to check on me. Mental laughter filled her mind. Then, her fins resorted back to blue. It's just…I've just learned who my parents were. Plus… She pointed at her scales. I'm half-dragon. In M'arrillian eyes, I'm still an outsider.

Maxxor lightly patted her head. "You'll find a way. I'm sorry that you're being fed a lot of information. Especially after everything that's happened." His eyes clouded for a moment. His mouth formed into a thin line. "I know what it's like to have so much responsibility placed on you. Leadership just takes time." His expression softened for a moment. "I would like to see the grave if you don't mind."

Aura looked at Quin'lins. Her fins twitched. She wanted to include Maxxor, but upon what she's learned, it was best if she and Quin'lins had some time alone. I'd think you'd best sit this one out. It's been a while since Quin'lins been to the grave so I don't think company would be appreciated yet.

Maxxor nodded. "Very well, but you'll need to be back to the meeting tonight. We still need a plan and fast." He walked away, leaving Aura thinking about some of the things he said.

Aura soon joined Quin'lins. The two went down a tunnel hidden behind the mighty statue. A hushed darkness fueled the cave. Not even the loudest laugh could be heard. The only thing that prevented it from being empty was the glow from Aura's scales. Rainbows of color radiated off her beautiful scales.

Before them was an immense crevice. Flowers lined the edge of the hole. Nestled in a bed of leaves and seashells was a dragon heavily wrapped in a green cloth. The way the dragon was curled up made it look like she was having a peaceful sleep despite the noise that was going on outside.

So…Aura's eyes began to burn with tears. This is her. In person… Her fins and wings turned a deeper shade of blue. Up to the point where it was almost black. She tried to touch Argie's mind, but she found nothing. Just an empty space. Hello…mother…

Quin'lins was silent for a moment. He simply floated around his beloved a few times. His eyes never left the dead dragon. Then, he went down into the hole. His head laid on top of her shoulder. A sob erupted from his mouth. Finally, he cried. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Aura floated down after him. She reached out her hand toward the body. Her hand only hovered for a moment. Then, she pulled away. Aura only put her hands over her heart and squeezed tightly. Aura tried to control her breathing. Her mental wall was on the verge of crumbling. She balled her hand into a fist and tried again.

Her hands touched the cloth. It was rough underneath. No amount of warmth could be found underneath. Her heart ached. After all this time, she finally learned who her mother is and gets to meet her. But she's dead, she thought. There's no way of bringing her back. Tears sprang from her eyes. She fell onto the creature. A loud wail escaped her throat. Her mental walls went crumbling down as her emotions roared out.

The fury of losing her home. The sorrow of the family life she'll never have. The hope that she can bring a better future for the others. All these emotions leaked out of her body and spread to unknown places in the cavern. She kept crying. Her body radiated several kinds of color. Light filled the room.

After what had been an eternity, Aura calmed down. Her wings drooped and she leaned back against the wall. She looked at Quin'lins for a moment. Her father remained on top of Arge but he stopped crying. Whispers were soon heard above her. She looked up to see several creatures looking down at her. She could see their eyes wide. Her mind was too numb to sense all their emotions. The faint glow from the Chieftains showed their expressions clearly to her.

Cot fluttered down to Aura. Concern filled her eyes. "Aura? What happened? Is there something you want to tell me?"

Aura's head began to hurt. She rubbed it lightly. I'm sorry Cot. I should've told you this before I woke up… She looked up at the gathered creatures. I'm truly sorry for everyone.

Erak'tab glared at her. What is the meaning of this outburst? Do you have any idea what foolishness you're displaying?

A feral hiss soon resounded. Ab'lop appeared in front of Erak'tab. You're the one being foolish! Can't you see that she's mourning her mother? She's dealing with so much pain.

Mutterings from the other tribes rose out. A mixture of emotions poured into Aura's brain. Shock. Anger. Pity. However, only one emotion stood out the loudest: Understanding. All eyes turned back to Aura. Among them was Khybon, the Underworld Taskmaster extended his hand toward her.

Aura stared at it for a moment. She reached out to Quin'lins but stopped. I guess he should rest. He's been away from her for so long. She went back to Khybon and took his hand. With ease, she was lifted out of the hole.

Aura began to notice the stunned stares. She looked down to see that she was still glowing. Brighter than ever before. Her silver scales took on an iridescent tone. She paid it no mind and bowed. I'm sorry everyone. I didn't mean to cause such a fright.

Maxxor walked over to Aura. He lightly patted her head. "Not at all. Aura, I understand that it is hard for you to come back here. Especially now that you know your origins." He faced everyone squarely. "Creatures of Perim. Standing before is the grave of Aura's mother and wife of Quin'lins. While none of us know the full story of how they came to be, I do know that they came together despite the hatred from their respective tribes." He was about to say more, but a light touch on his shoulder brought his attention to Aura.

Aura had managed to wipe her tears away. It's ok, Maxxor. I'll be able to take it from here.

Maxxor raised a brow. "Are you sure?"

Aura nodded. She took a deep faced the crowd once more. This time she could feel the annoyance of most of the Chieftains. However, there were a few that felt guilty about their behavior. I will not lie to you. I found out last night that my mother was the dragon that lays in that hole. She pointed down to the hole. Even now, that truth still hurts me as much as it has hurt some of you as well.

What nonsense, Rath'tab grumbled.

Thar'lyn let out a harsh well. "Like any of us would ball like a little baby. Going 'wah!' 'wah!'"

Only a few M'arrillians laughed. The majority looked at him with great annoyance. The other tribes glared at him. A few even readied a flame orb.

Aura took a deep breath once more. Tears rolled down her eyes. I know many of you are tired. Away from home or have wished for one. Sick of being afraid. Sick of living in the darkness for so long, it has driven you mad. Aura began to notice several M'arrillians, Sunlyoi amongst them, bowing their heads. Soft sobbing reached her ears.

Aura could already feel their sorrow. It began to tie around her. Normally this would drag her down into a sleepless depth until it went away, but it only made her propel forward. If being a leader means dealing with this, she thought to herself. Then it's worth a try.

Perim has become my home during my time with the other tribes. I didn't win them over with my mind powers or deceit. Aura shot Phelphor a hard glare. The M'arillian Scout had shrunk away from it. She activated her lights once again. The colors dancing off of her scales. I had to listen and understand emotions on my own. Learn the customs of the tribe without going into their memories. Everyone is different but we all exist on the same land the same way these colors are together. If we don't put that hatred aside, Queen Tikali will already win before the battle will even begin. If you wish to stay and sulk that is fine, but I'm going out to find the answer to our problem. Whether anyone will join me or not.

A heavy silence fell throughout the cavern. All the creatures exchanged looks to one another. Even the tribal leaders all exchanged looks. After some time, Sunlyoi was the first to speak. She moved her frail body through the crowd.

I'll join you, she said. She flinched before she continued. Sunlyoi looked her square in the eye. You saved my master from his death. You were the only one to take down an undead Oligarch and a horde of Tide Hounds. I've seen so many M'arrillians before you try to rise up against Tikali. Sunlyoi hugged her stomach. Her tail coiled around her body. They all failed… You're the only one who can truly defeat her.

"Me too." Monna weaved through with ease. "It's about time we put an end to this nonsense."

"Hey!" Cot fluttered to the top of Aura's head. "Don't forget about me! I've got some personal revenge I want to dish out to Tikali!"

Aura's fins turned pink as she laughed at Cot's mental image of pecking at Tikali until she begs for mercy.

Murmurs of agreement rippled across the way. Creatures raising their hands, claws, wings and tentacles into the air. A roar erupted, causing the walls of the cave to shake.

Aura's eyes glowed. Everyone…Thank you. She turned to the hole once more. Quin'lins was still asleep. There's a custom I once heard about where you sing to the dead and guide them on their journey to their paradise. Let's give her one.

Aura took a deep breath. Her mind went back to the last time she heard a song. It was dark. There was a hard wall, but it made her feel safe. Then, a muffled noise was heard behind it. She pressed her ear against it. Aura allowed her mental voice to drift from her mind to everyone.

My Darling Traveler. How I long for you.

Your path is clear and the sky is blue.

Let the sun be your eternal light.

The moon and stars guard you at night.

May sorrow forever disappear.

Look at the rainbow,

For I am near.

Suddenly, Khybon followed her example. His words were a little rough at first. Then, his voice began to take on a sweet tune. His hand wrapped around hers.

Cot followed after. Her Chime Gale heritage showed brighter than before. Her colorful feathers raised at every melody.

One by one, all the creatures began to sing. A strange harmony filled the room. Even the M'arrillians began to feel light for the first time in centuries. Melodies melded togethers, their voices filled with great reverence. Fear melting away.

Just as they finished the last of their song, a bright light erupted. Everyone cried out in pure fright as three large beasts appeared before them.