Chapter 27-Makiar's Choice

The air vibrates as the Leviathan and Finca smash into each other. Finca jumps back and catches her breathe.

You've done well for today Finca, the Leviathan comments.

Finca bows and leaves the room.

Soon young Finca will have to learn how to channel the power of Makiar is she is to help me during the upcoming battle, the Leviathan hisses.

Later that night Finca lays into one of the rooms on the middle floor of the red aura that normally inclosed Finca emerged in front of her taking the form of a large, muscular, red, female dragon. Finca jolts upright, surprised by this appearance of the spirit that was bonded with her when she was only a day old.

Makiar? Finca questions.

Yes young one, it's me, Makiar replies as she takes on more of a dragon form.

Finca gets to her feet and nuzzles Makiar's cheek.

I've missed you.

And I you, Makiar hums. I cannot stay visible much longer young one so listen up.

Finca stops nuzzling and looks at Makiar.

I'm listening.

Good. Your human partner is worried about you young one and I was wondering if I could go and tell him you're okay, if you want me to of course, Makiar says.

I wouldn't mind Makiar but be careful!

Aren't I always?

No, Finca comments.

I am careful, you just don't know it, Makiar snorts, sending a small bit of fire out her nostrils which graze Finca' s shoulder.

Finca jerks back.

I'm sorry young one, Makiar snorts.

It's fine Makiar, I've handled worse, Finca snorts as she shakes a few burnt scales off.

Makiar disappears suddenly.

Makiar! Finca cries but then realizes that she's gone off to find Tamli.

The next morning, Finca awakes to find that Makiar has not returned.

What's keeping her? Finca wonders before she heads off to find the Leviathan.

Finca finds the Leviathan in the throne room, his back turned to her.

Leviathan . . . Finca begins.

The Leviathan snarls and twists around to see Finca looking at him.

What is it?

May I speak with you?

Of course.

Over the next four weeks Finca continues to train with the Leviathan along with Uria. However Makiar is still not certain about her son's plans with Finca. One night as Uria heads off to his sleeping chamber, the Leviathan leads Finca into another room. Makiar watches carefully, invisible to the two.

Finca you shall stay here for the night, the Leviathan instructs as he leaves the room through the same opening that they entered in the room with.

Makiar looks around, it looks like a jail cell of some kind but why?

Makiar? Finca asks.

Yes Finca, Makiar replies as she makes herself visible to the Guardian.

Why are we here?

I don't know young one but I suspect that something bad shall take place soon, Makiar answers, her eyelids drooping slightly.

You okay Makiar? Do you need to rest? Finca asks, worried about the red dragon.

I . . . I'm fine young one. You however need to get to sleep. I shall watch over you of course. So go on and get some sleep, Makiar answers, her eyelids drooping even more.

Makiar don't fool me! You're tired from staying in physical form for so long so you need to get some sleep, Finca snorts.

Seems like I can't fool you but I'm . . .

Makiar suddenly collapses onto the floor.

Makiar! Finca cries, running over to the red dragon.

Finca halts before her spirit partner, her gaze on Makiar's shoulder. A large gash stretches from Makiar's right shoulder to almost halfway across her side.

I never noticed that wound before, Finca thinks as she stares at it.

As Finca gazes at Makiar's wound, a large, dark purple amulet shows up around Makiar's neck. The amulet begins to glow softly, pulsing with black light.

Deep within the quiet of her own mind, Makiar hovers, surrounded by a shield of psychic energy.

If Finca knew the truth then I would be in very much trouble but for now I can hide my secret for a bit longer, Makiar hums as she hovers in place. I suppose I should return to Finca now. She must be very worried about me.

The amulet begins to glow brighter, getting Finca's attention.

What's that? Finca thinks.

Finally the amulet stops. Finca walks closer to it to get a better look. Suddenly the amulet blasts a stream of purple energy into the air, stopping at the ceiling. Finca jumps back, not sure of what is happening. The purple energy slowly fades into the shape of a tall, muscular, black, male dragon.

Who are you? Finca asks.

The dragon opens its golden eyes and begins to stare at Finca.

'That question should be asked to you, not me,' the dragon replies, his voice mellow and soft.

The dragon flicks his head in Makiar's direction.

'She will be fine,' he mutters as Makiar's eyelids flutter slightly.

You're name is . . . ? Finca asks.

'My name is of no importance to you now but I shall tell you that Kesar is planning something that has to do with Makiar and yourself,' the dragon answers.

Kesar? Who's that? Finca asks.

'You ask but you already know,' he responses, just as soft and mellow as before as he vanishes back into the amulet.

Finca blinks and turns to see that Makiar is getting to her feet.

Makiar, you okay? Finca asks.

I'm fine young one, Makiar replies.

Suddenly the Leviathan slithers in, his eyes never leaving Makiar.

You're alive? He asks.

I am. Surprised? Makiar comments.

The Leviathan snarls at Makiar's comment but refuses to answer it with any kind of remark.

Makiar perhaps we should talk in private, the Leviathan motions after a few minutes of quiet, his tail pointed toward the room's only exit.

Very well Kesar. As you wish, Makiar nods as she walks out of the room, followed by the Leviathan.

Makiar called the Leviathan, Kesar. Could what that black dragon told me be right? Finca questions as she watches Makiar and the Leviathan leave the room.

I will ask you again for the thousandth time, 'Does Finca know of the amulet?'.

I know not of if she knows of the amulet but the beast sealed within the amulet knows of her.

Makiar don't argue with me! Does Finca know that the amulet is with you or not?

As I said earlier, I have no idea about if she knows about the amulet, Makiar replies.

I suppose that this is what I get for being out of touch with you for a while, huh?

Yes Kesar, that is what I've trying to explain to you for over ten minutes now, Makiar snarls.

You said that the beast sealed inside the amulet knows of her. Did you tell him?

I did but only to help protect him, Makiar answers.

Makiar! He doesn't need protection! He's the closest thing to a friend you had before you joined with Finca!

I don't need your opinion on his well-being Kesar! Makiar snarls.

If you don't need my help then why are you here? The Leviathan asks.

You know why! Makiar snaps.

Makiar just promise me that you'll keep the amulet safe until I'm ready to perform the spell on Finca and yourself, the Leviathan sighs.

You have my word Kesar, Makiar replies as she heads back into the room where Finca awaits.

What kept you for so long? Finca asks as she gets up off the dirt floor and turns to face Makiar.

Kesar was very talkative, Makiar snaps, unwilling to talk about it.

Okay, you don't want to talk about it, so I won't push you to speak about it if you don't want to, Finca replies.

Sorry for snapping at you Finca. I'm just tried from the day's events, Makiar apologizes as she disappears into thin air.

Get a good rest Makiar because I think we might need it, Finca thinks before she too goes to sleep.