Chapter 2 – The Mysterious Spell
Cynder breathed in the fresh air as she explored the forest before making her way to the beach. This was the perfect time for her to indulge in her solitude and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of her surroundings. The sun was shining brightly and the gentle breeze combined with the gulls calling gave the forest a pleasing atmosphere.
After a short while of walking, Cynder finally reached the Ago Bay. She listened to the waves, feeling the urge to take a dip into the sea so she could do some fishing.
"The waters must be rife with fish, what with the current state of the ocean," she said as she pondered over what she was going to do. "I might as well go for a swim and explore around the reefs while I do my fishing. Yes, this should help me get relaxed and unwind from all the rushing around that's been happening these few weeks."
So Cynder slowly walked towards the shores before finally diving in when she reached a point where her body was half submerged. She swam around and surveyed the reefs deep down below. They were the most beautiful scenes she had ever seen. Curious, she explored the reefs, checking out all the various underwater plants and coral. She had explored the waters of Norway and Australia, but she never imagined that Japan's would be just as captivating. Presently, some tuna went swimming by, so Cynder took the opportunity to begin her fishing and pursued the fish.
Once she had caught as many as she desired, Cynder flushed them out of the water and they landed on the sand. Licking her lips, she helped herself to her catch, and when she felt full, she decided to relax on the sand. It seemed as if everything was going well for the Twilight Storm as she felt that she had not have to worry about any form of trouble to ruin the good mood, when suddenly, a shadow loomed over her.
"What the?" she asked in a daze.
"Going fishing, I see, Cynder," said a familiar voice.
Alarmed, Cynder got up, realising who the voice belonged to. She could only groan in disbelief when she saw that standing in front of her was Princess Ash.
"Oh, no, not you again, Ash," she moaned.
"What's the matter? Not pleased to see your mighty princess?" taunted Ash. "Well, I think you should learn to show some enthusiasm and respect for your superiors!"
"How could you think you'd be any superior to me?" said Cynder crossly. "The both of us are equally matched in skill, strength, and speed, you know."
"Yeah, but keep in mind that I was trained by a dragon, which meant I was given proper training," retorted Ash. "You on the other hand have been trained by a cat, a non-dragon. What does that make you as a result? A charlatan, of course! A blood traitor, as you were fed all this nonsense about being friendly with filthy half-breeds and mammalian scum!"
"If you understood that there's more to being a dragon that what you might think, you wouldn't be saying such intolerant drivel!" hissed Cynder.
"Bah! I'm also much cleverer that you," spat Ash. "Now, are we going to continue chatting uselessly, or shall we settle the score like the dragons that we are?"
"If you want a fight, then you'll be getting one," said Cynder. "But don't expect me to go easy on you. I tried to help you back there, but you're so high and mighty that you wouldn't let me. Just remember, you've brought this upon yourself, so don't blame me if I bring you down to your knees."
Ash was seething with anger. "You're nothing but a fool!" she hissed. "No one talks to me like that and gets away with it!"
Cynder readies herself as she awaits Ash to do the same.
"To make things fair, I'm going to let you make the first move," she suggested.
"Huh?" wondered Ash. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I'll let you attack first so that you won't feel as if I'm always besting you," said Cynder. "I think it's only fair, considering how things were between us during the last few times we fought."
Ash was still stunned at what Cynder was suggesting, but when she realised that the opportunity to best her has presented itself, a sinister grin crossed her face.
"You're making a rather foolhardy move, my black cousin," she said disdainfully. "But if that's what you wanted, then so be it! I must warn you, though, Princess Cynder, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into."
"I would ask you to refrain from using my title," said Cynder as she tried to contain her anger.
"And it's too bad that you don't have pride in your status," said Ash. "That's what really separates me from you, since I like my title as it gives me a sense of power."
"Maybe for you, but I'm more humble and I don't like to elevate myself around others," replied Cynder. "So, are we going to start our fight or not?"
"If you insist," said Ash. "But believe me, once I'm through with you, you'll never be the same dragon again!"
"We shall see," said Cynder as she took a fighting stance.
Ash smirked, knowing that her adversary was not suspecting anything. She focused on her as she prepared to cast her spell. Cynder wondered what was Ash planning, and as she waited for her move, the albino Twilight Storm grinned malevolently.
"Get ready for a trick I have never shown anyone before," she sniggered. "Soon you'll see what I mean on how I'm the cleverest fighter."
Cynder squinted, wondering what her rival meant, and then, Ash spread out her arms and legs, laughing nastily.
"CHANGE NOW!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
All at once, there was rapid flashing, and Cynder could only look on, petrified with horror when she found herself bound by a mysterious force. Then, a strange sucking noise was heard, which sounded very disgusting, but Cynder was unable to figure out where it was coming from. Suddenly, she began to feel a pain in her head, as if her brain was being heated. She yelped in agony as the pain worsened while Ash looked at her, laughing maniacally over the intensifying sucking noise as she relished that her plan was working. The flashing around the two dragons went faster until everything whitened out.
Author's Note: Uh-oh, this means trouble for Cynder! Wait for the next chapter to see what happens next!