-1Author's note: Hi everybody, sorry this took so long to get up and posted. I have loads more waiting to be typed, and I've just been so busy with my new job. I would also like to apologize, because I know the chapters kind of jump around a bit from one person to the next, but I couldn't think of an easier way to do what I have planned, so please bear with me. Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing!
Disclaimer: I do not own legend of Dragoon, Sony Entertainment does. I'm merely playing around in their universe.
A Storm of Fists
Master Haschel entered the reed-wood house leaning on his bamboo cane. It was nearly nine o'clock in the morning and classes for the Rogue School of Martial arts were soon to begin. However, Haschel had seen everyone already, everyone that is, except his young disciple Wendel. He was usually wide awake and out and about by now. Haschel knew full well that he could teach the class without him, but the old master also knew how much Wendel enjoyed the daily lessons. Wendel, Haschel thought, must be around here somewhere.
Haschel combed the house slowly and was about to leave, when his vision strayed onto a tannish-colored foot poking out from behind a doorway. The aged warrior explored the scene and there found his young student, Wendel, sprawled out on his sleeping mat, his face buried in his pillow and fast asleep. Hatschel sighed.
"Wendel, wake up," he said plainly.
The boy's ears twitched and it would appear that he was waking, however the young man merely rolled onto his side with a loud snore. Now, had it been any other master and any other student that had been set into these circumstances, it would have been both shameful and unprofessional to the student to not heed his master's call. Haschel however, just laughed. He had never been totally professional. Just as unceremoniously as Wendel lie sleeping, Haschel knocked a heavy book off a nearby shelf with his cane. There was a whizzing sound as the book fell through the air and landed heavily with a very loud impact.
Within the very second Wendel sprang bolt upright, every muscle in his body alert and tense. The old man laughed.
"Now that's what you call hitting the books. Boy, from the look on your face somebody might think you'd seen a ghost."
The young man's chocolate brown eyes fixed upon Haschel's, and instead of being upset, he laughed too. "Okay, forgive me master, but that is without a doubt one of your worst jokes yet.
Haschel grinned. "And yet it is one of my favorites."
Wendel stretched out and yawned. "What time is it?"
"9:15 in the morning," Haschel replied simply.
The young warrior's eyes became wide. "9:15!? Soa! I overslept big time! Oh master, I'm sorry! I'll get up right away!" he apologized quickly and stumbled over himself in an attempt to get up.
"Relax boy, don't kill yourself. The lesson I have planned is tough enough. Just get dressed and come out to the dojo," Haschel instructed and turned to leave.
"Yes Master! Sorry to keep you waiting, master!" he heard Wendel call from behind him. Haschel could also hear his feet and the vibrations they made on the floor. They were falling slightly short . . . .
"Wendel, watch out for--" he began. Too late. A crashing sound echoed through the house.
"I'm okay!" Wendel yelled aloud, answering Haschel's question before he asked. "I didn't break anything either," he assured.
Haschel laughed to himself. He had been just like Wendel when he was young. "Really? Pity, we could have done well some new drapery!" Haschel joked.
After hearing Haschel leave, Wendel untangled himself out of his curtains and went to his window. He removed his black undershirt and his purple gi vest from where they hung on the clothesline drying from the wash. Wendel threw on his gear swiftly over his bare chest and retrieved his black, open-toed sandals. Last, he grabbed two red sashes from beside his bed. The longest one he wrapped expertly about his waist and the shorter one he tied across his forehead, pushing back his fine, ebony hair.
As fast as he could, Wendel ran through the lush forest vegetation on the sandy paths of Rogue to the oceanfront and the wooden training dock. Wendel ran gracefully up the stairs and to his normal place master Haschel. Out of breath, Wendel quickly bowed in respect to everyone as Haschel continued his lesson.
"Now, Summon Four Gods is a very difficult technique to master. It requires a good amount of height on your jump and almost flawless timing. Observe," Haschel explained to the crowd of faces, both young and old, that he taught. "Watch my feet," he added and promptly jumped into the air, flipped and landed gracefully.
Wendel watched with the rest of the crowd, even though he had seen and practiced that particular move many times, he was still awed. Every time Haschel moved it was a motion full of finesse and power. And old though he was, he was still immensely quick when it came to the movements of martial arts. Haschel was about ninety years old and he looked it too, but when he fought he had all the strength and stamina of a young stallion. Rumor had it, that it was his legendary dragoon spirit that had given him such extraordinary power and prolonged his life. Though that was the rumor, Wendel had no doubt that this power of Haschel's came from the heart, it was a burning ache inside of the old man's soul which was the passion of the art, one master Haschel said that all true warriors had.
He had admired Haschel for as long as he could remember. Though Wendel knew that he wasn't his real father, he couldn't have asked for a more loving and excepting mentor and father than Haschel. It had been Haschel that had taken him in after his parents had died in an accident out at sea. At times he wondered what they must have been like, his parents, but the thoughts were only fleeting. No one alive could ever be like Haschel in his eyes, and he was the person that Wendel cherished above all others. His parents had left him with one thing though, a peculiar birthmark shaped like a sword of all things. To Wendel, whenever he looked at it, it reminded him of everything he had now, and his burning passion for the martial arts. Though, for all his love of him, Wendel couldn't help but feel a little out of place sometimes. Haschel had his own family. He once had a wife, a daughter, and he still had a grandson and two great grandchildren somewhere in Serdio. With all of Haschel's real family, sometimes he thought that they could never truly be a place in his teacher's heart for him.
Days had turned into years and Haschel had been as diligent and caring in raising him as a father would raise his own son. He had even given Wendel the most precious thing he could, the art of the Rogue School. Wendel knew that he was probably wrong and that Haschel did love him like his own son, but he had to admit, he felt unworthy. How could he ever deserve the love of this man, a great warrior and everything he wanted to be, but was not? Haschel's voice attracted Wendel's attention again.
"And now you practice." Once the old warrior had seen to starting his students off, then he came to Wendel. "Ah. Now then, can I see your version?"
Wendel nodded. "Of course, master," he obliged and did a running kick snapping out his right leg first and then his left. Then Wendel performed a flipping kick and as he landed, he thrust his hands out downward, with the sides facing up. Clapping was heard, and Wendel realized the members of the school had stopped to watch. Wendel first bowed to Haschel and then to them.
"Well now, been working hard? That was impressive," Haschel commended.
"Thank you, master," Wendel replied with a humble smile.
Haschel stepped forward and slipped on a patch of mildewed moss. A large hand, the size of a man's head issued forth and caught him.
"Well, I guess that was a moss-take," Haschel laughed. Wendel looked skyward into the face of the Giganto, Kongol, whom shook his head.
"Kongol know when good friend Haschel happy when he make bad joke."
Wendel broke a smile and then chuckled. "It's good to see you, Kongol. How was your trip? I know you've been back for a few days, but I haven't had a chance to ask you about it."
Kongol nodded. "Kongol glad to see Wendel too. Kongol's trip was good. Very productive."
Wendel bowed. "It's good to hear."
Haschel struggled under Kongol's hand. "Hey, I've got a class to teach, Kongol please let go!" Hatschel requested.
Kongol glanced down. "Oh," the said, releasing his friend, "Kongol sorry, Kongol forgot."
Haschel walked to the center of the platform and waved his hands to call the class to attention. "Alrighty, we'll practice upon that technique more in a moment. Right now, we'll have a go at a few sparring matches to test our skills. You all know the rules. Anyone want to volunteer?"
Wendel, as was custom, sat down on the edge of the wooden dojo, legs crossed next to Kongol and watched the first the match, analyzing the contestants' moves as Haschel called out advice and critiques to both, starting and stopping the match as he saw fit.
"Soa, can that man ever shut his mouth long enough for either of those two to fight? Jeez, it's like the old buzzard has lost his mind," an arrogant voice chided from beside him. Wendel scowled when he looked over to see who sat beside him. It was his least favorite person in the entire of Endiness, it was a man twice his size and his age, named Marleus. Wendel had no idea why Haschel had even allowed him to join the Rogue school, he was blatantly disrespectful of him and saw the art as nothing more than a means to violence and brawling. Maybe, Haschel had hoped that by allowing him into the school, he could teach him respect and discipline, but so far that simply wasn't the case. It wasn't just Haschel that Marlues didn't seem to like. He despised Wendel as well and had given him trouble in the recent past. In fact, Wendel didn't even understand why the mayor had even allowed a person so brazen to stay in Rogue to begin with. Marleus wasn't even from Rogue originally, he was from one of the islands on the other side of the ocean. He had been the sole survivor of a shipwreck out at sea, and Wendel guessed the old mayor had simply felt pity for him and welcomed him into Rogue. He'd been in Rogue for less than a month anyway. Whatever the case, Wendel didn't like him much either.
"What did you just say?" Wendel growled sharply. "Take it back right now!"
Marleus glanced at him and gave him a sly smile. "Well, look who it is. No, I don't think I'm going to take that back. The old man is a buzzard, harping at us all the time."
Fire flashed behind Wendel's eyes. "Shut your mouth! Master Haschel is a fine, admirable man! He gives you advice on how to improve, not just mindless criticism! I don't even understand why you're here, clearly you don't belong!" Wendel argued fiercely.
Marleus rolled his eyes. "You're just as bad as he is. Aren't you a little punk this morning?"
"Take it back or I will make you! You dishonor me, Master Haschel, and this entire dojo!"
Marleus laughed quietly as Haschel called the end of the match. "And how are you gonna do that?"
"By challenging you. That is unless, you're afraid," Wendel goaded.
Marleus snorted. "I guess I'll have to teach you to keep your opinions to yourself."
Haschel looked around. "Anyone else?" Wendel stood quickly from where he sat, and Marleus rose too without another word. Haschel nodded his head with all of his white hairs. "Very well, this match will be Marleus and Wendel," he announced as they both strapped on padded gloves. They took positions and Hatschel began the countdown. "Three. . .Two--"
Wendel was suddenly aware of Marleus' fist colliding with his jaw. Wendel stumbled backwards a bit, but quickly shook it off.
"Marleus, that's a warning, I didn't give permission to start," Haschel called. "Wendel, are you alright?" he asked in concern. The boy nodded and wiped his jaw.
Haschel was hesitant to start, but the match soon began. Marleus rushed Wendel with a grin and swung his fist. Wendel ducked easily and threw his own punch, which landed right in Marleus' gut. That strike should have been a point, but Marleus had turned his back to Hatschel, blocking his view.
Wendel scowled. "This is not right, you're cheating."
Marleus shook his head and as Wendel leaned around him to signal a time-out, Marleus kicked his legs out from underneath him. Hatschel called a point for Marleus. Wendel rolled just in time to avoid Marleus' foot crashing down upon him. Wendel rolled backwards on to his feet and raised his fist to the guard position. Marleus kicked high and Wendel blocked it with his right leg.
"Marleus focus on your movements, Wendel, move your feet more," Haschel called.
Marleus grinned. "Okay." He suddenly slammed himself into Wendel, tackling him to the ground. The young fighter thrust his feet into Marleus' stomach as he fell, tossing the large man over them. Haschel called a point for Wendel and Marleus scowled as his he regained his feet.
Wendel avoided another charge by yielding to the side. Marleus shot out a back kick, which Wendel caught in his palm, before proceeding to give the appendage a twist. The large man fell to the ground again and didn't move. Haschel called a time-out and Marleus still didn't move. Wendel rushed over and knelt down, afraid he had seriously injured him, but as he flipped Marleus over, he kicked Wendel in the back and sent him sprawling onto his face.
"Marleus, what's wrong with you?" Haschel shouted angrily. "That's your second warning, I saw the strike earlier Wendel made. One more and you forfeit!"
Wendel coughed and picked himself up yet again, just in time to duck under Marleus' punches. Wendel shot his own back kick behind Marleus' knees, making them buckle. Wendel then quickly grabbed his head by throwing his arm around Marleus' neck, and putting him in a choke-hold.
"You filthy, cheating liar! You have no honor at all!" Wendel hissed in his ear. Marleus grabbed Wendel's arm and threw him over his shoulder.
"Wendel, watch your placement for holds!" Haschel yelled, but Wendel did not hear him, he drifted into his subconscious, which laughed at him. He could never defeat Marleus fairly, he kept cheating. Wendel flinched, he couldn't bear the thought of losing, especially in front of Haschel and to a pompous idiot. Wendel's next movement was a mystery to him. He jumped up, kicked Marleus in the chest and sent him flying backwards.
Marleus scowled. "I swear that old geezer is blind, you fouled me!"
"Shut up right now!" Wendel spat and then the two of them interlocked in a fierce series of uncontrolled punches and kicks. Haschel began shouting for them to stop, but both were preoccupied. Wendel heard Haschel call his name, but he did not stop. He kicked Marleus in the chest again, even more powerfully than before, and there was a snapping sound and a howl of pain. Wendel was sure he had just broken some of his opponents ribs. A flash of purple light from the stone at Haschel's neck burst forth simultaneously at the moment Wendel jumped into the air and did a spinning kick. Marleus had no chance of defending himself, and as Wendel's strike made impact, Marleus soared headlong across the arena, through the wooden railing and splashed into the water below. Kongol was already on his feet and dove after him.
Inexplicably, Wendel turned around and faced Haschel. He looked beyond mad, he was furious. Wendel felt a sting inside his heart and quickly averted his eyes from those of his master.
Kongol resurfaced moments later down below, dragging Marleus back onto the platform. "Guy no breathe!"
Wendel heard these words and emotion washed over him. He had killed a man . . He didn't know what else to do, so he turned around and ran as fast as he could.
Wendel had no idea how long he must have been running, he didn't care, nor did he stop, despite the burning ache in his side. The sea greeted him as he ran onto the jetties and, reaching the end, he panted, and then sat down. Burying his head in his hands, he sat alone for hours until at last the sun began to fade under the blanket of night.
At last there came a tapping sound from behind him. Wendel turned around and was deeply upset as he found his master making his way toward him. Neither said a word at first, until at last Haschel placed an old, withered hand upon the young man's shoulder.
"I'm glad I found you, I was worried about you. But I have to ask, why didn't you listen to me Wendel? Did you not hear me? It's unlike you," the old man said gently.
Despite his gentle words Wendel still couldn't bring himself to look directly at the aged warrior. "Marleus disgraced you in front of me. I had to win to save your honor and mine. Please believe me, I never meant to kill him! Master I . . I don't know what to say . . ." he choked out at last.
Haschel chuckled. "Kill him? You'd didn't kill him Wendel, he's going to be fine. It took a lot of potions, but he'll be alright. Though, potions didn't save him from my wrath. I kicked him out of the school, I should have never let him join, despite what the mayor said. I could see it from day one that his heart was in the wrong place. I'm the one that should apologize to you, for not acting on my beliefs sooner and placing you in harms way. I sense there is more to this than that. What is it that has gotten you so upset?" the old man said soothingly.
Wendel sighed deeply. "I have failed you sensei. I let anger guide my fists. I guess it's because I don't have true passion like you do."
"Boy, are you kidding? You do have passion! That's what caused you to take Marleus' insults to heart. I swear Wendel, you don't realize how much potential you have! I see it in you. You may not see it now, but someday you will. And when that day comes, you'll be one of the greatest masters of the art, I have no doubt."
"I would have thought that you'd hate me," the young man admitted.
"Hate you? Boy, I don't have it in my heart to hate."
"Well, then I at least thought that you'd punish me," Wendel furthered. That's when he noticed sorrow in those old brown eyes, a first for Wendel, whom had only seen the bright, happy, and optimistic Haschel in all the days of his life. He could have sworn there were tears there. "Master Haschel?"
"Wendel, I do not hate you, I never will. I will not scorn you either. I made a similar mistake a long time ago and I lost the dearest thing to me," he answered regretfully.
"Sir?" Wendel asked curiously.
"My daughter, Claire. For years I trained her just like you, giving it all that I had. . .but, it was not what she wanted, nor could my Claire force herself to love the art. She had an accident, just like you, but she actually killed her sparring partner, because she was frustrated and trying to please me. She ran away soon after and I never saw her again. I have learned my lesson about tenderness and patience, I've learned it all too well too late . . ." he reminisced while staring into the sea below.
"I'm sorry for your loss master, I never knew," Wendel said in sympathy.
Haschel sighed. "You can't change the past, nobody can. Life's not always happy, but most of the time, if you know where to look, you can find the feast. Speaking of feasts, I'm hungry," Haschel remarked.
Wendel heard his stomach growl. "Me too," he admitted.
Haschel smiled the light-hearted smile that Wendel knew so well. "Come on then, let's see what we can pilfer from the kitchen."
As they turned to leave a cold, stiff wind blew past and it seemed to Wendel that the sea was rolling more than usual. Haschel looked down too.
"What's wrong with the water?" Wendel asked slowly.
"I don't know. It could be the first signs of a storm, but it's hard to say for sure. At any rate, it's not a good idea to linger," the old warrior warned.
Without another thought on the matter, the two returned to Rogue. A young man came running to them when he saw them. "Master Haschel! Master Haschel! Master Kongol wants you to come quick, he says there's something weird moving around under the water were that weird island used to be thirty years ago!"
"Weird island? You mean Agilis? Where's Kongol now?" Haschel asked, remaining calm.
"He's waiting for you at the dojo, come on! Hurry!" the child urged.
Hatschel and Wendel followed their young messenger back to the docks where they found Kongol waiting for them. "Is everything okay Kongol?" Haschel asked a little concerned.
Kongol nodded towards the sea. "Kongol want Haschel to see. Something wrong, waves too big.
Wendel followed Haschel's gaze out to the center of the horizon, where the waves were swollen with more water than usual. Haschel stared intently at the area. "You're right, It looks like something's moving."
"What do you think it is, Master? We saw something similar by the jetties," Wendel asked without thinking. Instantly, he began to reprimand himself. That was twice in one day that he had forgotten his place.
Haschel, however, wasn't disturbed. "I still don't know, Wendel. But it does appear to be coming from where Agilis used to be."
Wendel was confused. "Master, if I may, what is Agilis?"
Without turning, Haschel explained. "It was one of five ancient cities built by the historical winglies. They used to study magic there. The entire complex is underwater though."
Kongol nodded. "Kongol, Haschel and friends there long time ago."
Haschel sighed. "Well, the only thing we can do is wait and watch. Let's go back to the house."
Kongol shook his massive head. "Kongol stay, Kongol watch."
Haschel nodded. "Okay. Wendel, are you coming?"
"Yes master, who will take care of you when you can very well look after yourself," Wendel joked.
"Well, come on then. I'm ninety years old and still faster than you," he joked back.
Wendel chuckled and shook his head. "When it comes to being the first to taste food, I've never seen anyone faster than you, Master," the young man laughed.
Wendel and Haschel walked back to their house, where Haschel set himself down at the table and Wendel began preparing the evening meal. Wendel set out three carrots upon the counter and then began chopping them into sections with the swift movements of his hands. He loved to cook and he was good at it, which was good because both he and Haschel loved to eat. After a long day of training there was nothing better than to come home, take a bath and have a hot meal. Wendel threw the carrots into a bowl then started on a cabbage.
"Do you think Kongol will join us later, master?" Wendel asked.
Haschel looked up from his steaming cup of tea. "I don't know. I doubt it though. When Kongol stands guard over something he rarely eats or sleeps. Stubborn old Giganto he is," the old man answered.
Wendel's fears only increased with this statement. What could possibly be troubling Kongol so much that he wouldn't rest? After throwing some various vegetables into a stew Wendel turned to Haschel. "May I go see Kongol?" he asked politely. "Will you be alright by yourself?" he added. Haschel nodded his consent. "I'll be back soon," the young warrior assured.
Sure enough, just as Haschel had foretold, Kongol was still standing on the dockside in the same spot Wendel had last seen him in. "Kongol?" the teenager called slowly.
Kongol seemed to be in some sort of trance and did not answer so Wendel approached him. Just as Wendel went to tap him on the shoulder, he spoke. "Haschel okay? Wendel okay?"
The teenage boy nodded. "Yes, everything is fine. I came to check on you. Are the waves still running?"
"Yes. Kongol also think a storm coming. Look at sky," the Giganto replied.
Gazing up, Wendel found the clouds to be thick, dark, and swirling around menacingly. "Rain?" the young warrior suggested.
"No. Not rain. Storm does not feel right to Kongol," the large Giganto remarked.
"It doesn't really feel right to me, either," Wendel admitted. Suddenly, Wendel thought he saw a ship somewhere on the horizon, but only briefly. "Kongol, did you just see--"
The Giganto held up his hand to request Wendel's silence. A murmur, an eerie echo, like a low note of music seemed to carry upon the water. Kongol readied his axe. Wendel didn't even need Kongol's instructions to run back to the house.
"Master!" Wendel called, startling Haschel from where he sat in his chair.
"Geez, Wendel. Did you have to do that? What's wrong?" he asked, a little surprised.
"We must have the village evacuated immediately! Whatever it was around Agilis is heading strait for Rogue! It sounds like some sort of creature!" Wendel exclaimed in one breath.
Haschel rose from his chair. "You're sure?" he asked seriously, and Wendel nodded.
"What are you here for, go see the mayor!" Haschel instructed immediately.
Wendel took a deep breath and started running again. He ran to a large reed pavilion that served both a dock and a town hall. He raced past many people who sought to hail him, up the wooden staircases and bamboo ladders to the highest platform, the mayor's house. The mayor, seeing Wendel dart under his roof turned to him, away from several other men he had been conversing with.
"Ah, gentlemen, excuse me. What can I do for you, Wendel?"
"You must order an evacuation! There's a dangerous monster lurking about, and possibly pirates!" Wendel panted.
The old mayor in his yellow suit laughed, though it was an uneasy one. "Pirates? Master Wendel, there have not been pirates in this region for well over five hundred years. Rogue was and is, of no great interest to them. Pirates care only for riches, and we have none. And besides, why would they even try to attack us? Many of our people are warriors? As for the creature, it's probably just a bit of bad weather that's making the waves swell."
Wendel sighed. "Will all due respect, Mayor, I don't think that it's just the weather, me and Kongol heard it moving. Whatever it is, it's definitely alive!" he replied in earnest.
The mayor was still dismissive. "I'm sorry, Master Wendel, but I am in a meeting at the moment with these gentlemen. Please, may I address your concern later?"
Wendel groaned. "Sir, I did not run all the way up here to be dismissed. I strongly believe that our people are in danger and I am disinclined to leave until you do something," Wendel retorted stubbornly.
The mayor sighed deeply. "Master Wendel--"
A tall man, bald and muscular, wearing a pair of brown pants and boots, but no shirt stepped forth, cutting the mayor off. "Mayor, if I may? Pirates you say, young man? I'm sorry to say that I see no ship," he said in a strange tone.
"Do not question my integrity, sir," Wendel said briskly.
"You should trust him, Darione. Honor. Honor makes for integrity and he has both," Marleus said as he stepped out from behind the corner. Wendel looked to the mayor, whom wore a frantic expression. Wendel almost jumped in surprise as he realized immediately what was going on. He kicked himself for not realizing it sooner.
"You're pirates! All of you! That accident you were in, Marleus! You're the only survivor off a pirate ship!"
Marleus laughed. "I only let you think that. As it turns out, I'm a captian of a pirate ship, you pathetic idiot! I'm commander and chief of the fine ship, Black Mercy! I had them drop me off here and make it look like an accident."
"What the devildom?! Why the hell would you have them do that? Why are you here?" Wendel demanded, instantly going into a defensive stance.
"IT'S AS I'VE SAID! WE HAVE NOTHING! LEAVE OUR TOWN ALONE!" the mayor yelled desperately.
Marleus and the rest of the pirates laughed openly, making Wendel scowl. "Ah, but you are living proof of the treasure that this island holds. Your people are so strong, you'll bring a decent price from our buyer," he chuckled.
Wendel was horrified. "You plan to sell us into slavery?!" he cried in shock.
"Not everyone. You gave me quite a headache. You and that old man. We might just kill the two of you," Marleus answered with a grin.
Wendel moved to an offensive stance. "I don't believe that just the four of you can accomplish that goal, because if that was your plan, I'm putting an end to it right now! Release the mayor!" Wendel threatened.
Marleus raised an eyebrow. "Do you really think we're that stupid? That we would conquer with just four men?"
Wendel gave him a mischievous smile. "Actually, knowing you, yes I do."
"Smartass. I'll teach you!" the man named Darione grumbled.
He withdrew a saber-like dagger he had hidden in his belt, and ran at Wendel. Darione slashed air as Wendel ducked and took the pirate's legs out from underneath him with a sweeping kick. A wooden chair was launched through the air, targeting Wendel's head. Wendel looked up just in time to dodge as the furnishing crashed into a wall and splintered. Wendel found the other two men of the company charging him together. Both reached him and threw punches on either side of him. Wendel quickly blocked the punch from the left with his forearm and then leaned heavily on his left leg as he lifted his right up swiftly in a back kick to block the other.
Once he had successfully parried, the young martial artist proceeded on his own offensive by kicking the attacker to his right in the face, sending him sprawling down the stairs. Once he had done that, quick as lightening Wendel grabbed his other opponent's wrist with his blocking hand, twirled under the pirate's arm and then tossed him over backwards. By this time, Darione had gotten up again, and in his blind rage, collided strait with Wendel's fist. A few droplets of blood landed on the floor along with some gold-filled teeth, and their owner. With all three of his companions rendered harmless, Marleus snorted, but then smiled as Wendel turned to him.
"What's the matter? Too afraid to face me yourself? I don't blame you, with the way I kicked your ass back at the docks," Wendel growled.
"You've got talent, I'll give you that. However, I really don't think you can save your town. No matter how good you think you are, you don't stand a chance against the Lethandarik," he laughed.
"The what?" Wendel rephrased, confused.
"Why don't you see for yourself? Goodbye, you pest!" he shouted with glee and suddenly a shrill cry rang through the air. Without warning, large, tubular, and snake-like vines shot through the open windows of the building, filling the rooms and halls with their mass. Wendel had to quickly jump aside to avoid being crushed beneath them. A panicked scream filled the room, and Wendel looked up to find Rogue's mayor suspended upside-down by his foot and he was rapidly being dragged across the room to the window. Marleus laughed as he jumped onto one of the vines, which he suddenly realized were actually gigantic tentacles.
"Farewell, I wish you a slow, painful death you brat!" He cackled.
Grabbing a sharp piece of wood that had once been part of a chair leg, Wendel rushed towards the mayor, but it was too late, He was dragged screaming in terror out of the window. Wendel didn't have time to reflect on it, he had problems of his own. He could hear water rushing from down below and the building began to shake. The creature had punctured holes in the walls in the levels below, and had apparently also knocked the support columns loose. There was a loud crash as one of platforms below collapsed into the rising water. Wendel glanced out the window. There was no sign of the creature. Wendel had to struggle to stay balanced as the floor he was on gave a violent shake and began to cave in. The water would soon drag the whole building under in an inescapable current.
"This is just not my day," Wendel groaned and quickly did a rolling dive out of the window into the ocean water below.
The turbulent water became calm under the surface and the salt stung the young man's eyes as he swam to shore. Wendel took a deep gasp of breath as he crawled up onto the beach. He had failed to save the mayor . . . . Wendel sighed to himself. At least the pirates were gone and he had lost the monster . . .
A sharp pain gripped his lower leg and Wendel was suddenly hoisted painfully into the air, however not before a large wave washed over him and he swallowed a lung-full of seawater. When he was in the air and the water had cleared off of his face, Wendel found himself to be staring into the large, orange eyes of a bizarre monster at least thirty times his size.
The creature appeared to be the size of a great whale, and the monster's body was orangish-pink all over. The creature's body looked like a cross between an octopus and a jellyfish; its head looked like an octopus, only with a mushroom-shaped jelly sac on its head. The creature, as Wendel observed had far more than eight tentacles, more like thirty wisps of flesh thick enough to be considered "legs". Wendel's eyes grew wide, unlike an octopus, what Wendel had considered to be the nose opened into a large, gapping mouth with several rows off jagged, serrated teeth.
"Oh shit!" Wendel yelped and began to struggle desperately to get loose. His attempts were no avail, because the Lethandarik proceeded to wrap another tentacle around his waist and constrict him. Wendel kicked hard with his one free foot and was only rewarded with a sharp, burning ache in his shin. A few droplets of blood fell from somewhere above and landed on Wendel's nose. Looking upwards, he noticed a claw-shaped barb that had stabbed into his leg.
A moment later saw the flash off light off metal, and was promptly dropped onto the sandy beach, along with a wiggling tentacle that gushed blood from the point of separation. Looking up, Kongol landed beside him with his axe dripping blood and yanked the coiled limb off of Wendel's midsection. Wendel leaned over and dislodged the barb from his leg.
"Thanks Kongol! That was close!" he gasped as he got to his feet.
"Wendel good fighter, but creature is strong, Perhaps even stronger than Kongol," he replied in concern and yielded aside as a tentacle came crashing down, and he chopped it off as it hit the sand.
"Kongol! Become a dragoon! Together you and Master Haschel can defeat this thing!" Wendel urged as he rolled under a whipping appendage. However, returning to his feet, Wendel stumbled slightly. He felt dizzy.
"Wendel okay?" Kongol asked in concern.
"Yes, I'm fine," he assured, though with a little uncertainty. "Kongol, I'll cover you while you transform!" he added.
"Kongol no longer a dragoon! Kongol only fight as Kongol is!" the large warrior answered.
"What!?" Wendel yelled, clearly surprised. Wendel felt his world begin to spin again. If Kongol wasn't a dragoon anymore then who . . .? "It doesn't matter right now!" Wendel shouted aloud, more to himself than anyone. "Kongol, can you hold him? I'm going to get Master Haschel!" he shouted.
"Go quickly!" Kongol called urgently.
Wendel ran in the direction of the house, but that's when he realized he wasn't fine. A fresh surge of dizziness caught him unaware and he went sprawling into the sand. A wave of pain moved throughout his body and slowly the world began to fade. Wendel could make out the shape of a leather boot and a faint and far away voice speak out to him like whisper in the wind.
"Wendel? Wendel? Can you hear me?" the voice asked, but Wendel couldn't speak, his body was beginning to go stiff with paralysis. "Poison . . ." he heard the voice mumble and something touched his shin. Then something was pressed against his palm and he saw a flash of bright light, but afterward the teenager felt warmth in him again as his limbs began to feel loose. His sight came back, and what was hazy before came into focus. Wendel pushed himself out of the sand and brushed himself off.
"That was a nasty sting," Wendel heard Haschel remark from behind him.
"Master Haschel! Pirates have taken the mayor! Oh, forgive me master, I have failed you! Master, there's a creature on the rampage! We need the power of a dragoon!" Wendel urged.
"Then Kongol . . .hmm. I see. There is another time and place for asking questions," the old man mumbled.
""Master, hurry!" Wendel begged,
Haschel glanced calmly into the desperate eyes of his young student. "I can't," he said.
Wendel appeared as though someone had shot him. "Why!? You said it was okay to use the power of the dragoon spirit in an emergency! Our island is under attack! Surely I think this is an emergency!" he stammered.
"Calm in a state of emergency is good. Honestly, people have lost all patience! Especially for us old people! I--"
"MASTER!" Wendel shouted desperately.
Haschel coughed. "Umm, right. Now, if you would have let me finish boy, I cant use the power, as much as I don't want to admit it, I'm too old and frail. However, I do know someone that can," Haschel confessed.
"Who then!?" Wendel exclaimed. "We really need them right now!" he added.
Haschel took Wendel's hand in his old, rough one, placed something warm and smooth his hand, then pushed his disciple's arm back to him gently. Wendel opened his hand and another flash of purple light blinded his eyes.
"Master . . I . . " he stuttered, clearly out of words.
Haschel raised an eyebrow. "What are you waiting for?"
Wendel nodded, bowed, and closed his eyes. He didn't know exactly what to do, but somehow it seemed like the stone was telling him how. The transformation that ensued was instinct, fueled by Wendel's urgency. Power began to surge all around him and purple, white-hot lightening began to rain down all around. It seemed to Wendel that he had entered another dimension as he glanced around himself. Armor, some of the most beautiful Wendel had ever seen, had conformed around the entire of his legs. He noticed that as the lightening around him flashed, branches would streak off and touch his body, causing armor to blink into existence from the one, tiny spark of electricity. An almost triangular breastplate appeared this time, lavender in color, with a large emerald in the center that was in the shape of a diamond. Wendel noted with surprise that tiny emeralds had appeared all over his armor in places strategic to its décor. Wendel suddenly became aware of his weight increasing, it felt like someone had just placed fifty pounds of extra weight on his shoulders. He felt the headband he wore harden, it too had become metal. A surge of energy, like pure lightening itself, overtook his body and to give his newfound strength a test, he snapped his hand out, finding that his hand also to be armored all the way up to the shoulder.
"KI-YAH!" he bellowed and lightening exploded from his fist.
Wendel saw that he was back in his original reality, and master Haschel was smiling broadly. Wendel glanced down at his extended fist with astonishment, The armor fit him perfectly and he felt more powerful than ever. Wendel looked to Haschel, whom signaled with his eyes for Wendel to look down.
"Wha--I'm flying!" the young man exclaimed in shock. Looking to his left he saw a purple dragon's wing with cream-colored folds. Sure enough there was another, identical wing to his right.
Haschel nodded his approval. "Right. Now, go make some calamari!" he said with a smile.
A few test flaps and directions from Haschel found Wendel swiftly back to the coastline, where a bloodied-up Kongol, along with a few brave citizens of the town were fighting desperately trying to keep the creature from coming ashore. Wendel thought to himself for a moment. If he attacked the creature directly, it might sting him again. He needed a ranged weapon. . . . A streak of lightening flashed across the horizon, as if it were a hint from fate. Something inside the young man sparked, and it was though he had been born a dragoon. He suddenly knew how to control thunder!
"Water plus lightening, equals fried fish," he said to himself with a grin. "KONGOL! EVERYONE, GET BACK!" Wendel called loudly.
Kongol looked up at him in surprise, but didn't question him. People all over were pulling back and looking to the sky with hope. Wendel realized then that the dragoons had been and would always be the people's greatest hope. They were guardians, and Wendel couldn't express in words or even thoughts how honored, and how unworthy he was to be one. He just felt . . .incredible.
Once everyone had retreated from around the general vicinity, Wendel let his instinct guide him. He soared high above the Lethandarik and concentrated on the power of the dragon within. He pulled his arm upwards in a ninety-degree bend and clenched his fist. Lightening surged forth from his skin and through his armor, creating a sparking ball on his hand. Wendel took aim and saw a gleaming, crackling ring appear beneath the sea monster.
"ATOMIC MIND!" He yelled and clenched his fist tighter. Beams of lightening swirled together from the ring, creating a column of pure lightening that engulfed the Lethandarik and sent out a charge in all directions. There was an explosion of light and a loud shriek, before a spiked tentacle shot forth after the teenager. Wendel didn't even flinch and watched as the flailing appendage fell lifelessly into the water, just short of him. Wendel gagged as he landed, the smell of burnt fish was unpleasantly fragrant.
Wendel was utterly fatigued and fell to his knees. He felt the gritty texture of sand and realized that his armor had disappeared. Kongol came quickly to Wendel's side, making his way through the dense crowd of awed spectators that had gathered at the shore.
"Wendel do well for first-time dragoon. Can Wendel stand?" he asked.
Wendel panted, but nodded. "I could use a hand up, though," he replied.
Kongol grinned and pulled him to his feet. Wendel could hear the crowd cheering.
"We are saved!" he heard one person yell.
"Thank Soa!" Another shouted.
"Oh Bless you, Master Wendel," a third voice called. These we just three among the most common phrases used. Wendel could feel himself blush, he wasn't sure that he deserved that much praise, but he smiled anyway.
Haschel came out of the crowd. "That was impressive Wendel, I must say," he praised, making the young warrior's heart jump for joy.
Though the smile was soon replaced by a frown. "Master, I have failed you again. They took the mayor and will be miles away from here by now . . . ."
Haschel sighed. "You can't expect to win every battle, Wendel," the old warrior comforted.
"But Master, I can't just leave our mayor to those pirates!" the young man said with conviction.
"Nobody here said you should. I think you should go after them immediately. I believe you are more than strong enough, you have learned almost everything I have to teach you," Haschel answered serenely.
Wendel looked hurt. "Who would take care of you, Master? You are like my father. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you," Wendel explained.
Kongol went to Haschel's side. "Kongol take care of good friend Haschel while young friend Wendel away. Kongol agree with Haschel, Wendel should go after pirates quickly," he assured.
Wendel got a determined look on his face, one of utter seriousness. "Then I will go prepare on the double. I won't let you down, Master, I promise. But please Master, do take care of yourself. You too, Kongol," he said with emotion, and with a respectful bow to them both, he left.