Before starting I would like to respond to some reviews.
Kamizuma24 - Listen, I know you're waiting for new chapters, but please be patient, unfortunately I don't have time to update all my stories frequently, I have other things to do that keep me busy. I hope you understand and I'm sorry if I offended you in any way.
juampyiba15 - Considering the amount of time they spent together and all the difficulties they went through, it's quite likely, but I would like to remind you that Zero still thinks that Alan is some kind of angel or mysterious magical being who returned to wherever he came from . Zero isn't expecting to find Alan out there, nor is she after him.
Kamizuma24 - Actually what I did was replace some old chapters with new ones with corrected grammar, but the site has a bug, again. I already registered the site's bot in my email, but I'm not receiving any notifications. I don't know how it is for you.
Irish219 - I understand what you mean, after your review and RichardLyons's, I decided to read the old chapters and holy shit! I cringed at the sentence structure, grammar and tense errors, but I did my best to correct it. I corrected up to chapter 11, I believe that they are now more readable and I intend to continue correcting the other. You can look. Moreover, English is not my first language so I have to find my way to write the chapters, anyway, thank you very much for the kudos.
RichardLyons - Thank you, I'm glad you liked my stories, and yes, English is my second language. I'm better at speaking and listening to English than writing and don't worry, you didn't offend me. I'm trying to fix the old chapters and make them better, but at the moment I don't have anyone to read and proof the chapters. I mostly write for fun, but I try to make well-written and quality chapters. Finally, thank you for your support! I will continue writing and putting my ideas on paper.
enumeaelish666 - Thank you, I'm glad you liked the fight, I try to make action chapters more dynamic and honestly, compared to my old chapters, I agree that my ability to describe things has improved a lot, thanks again.
Chapter 22 – Peace Before the Storm
"Hey wake up!" A voice shouted.
Holy crap! What happened? I felt like a truck had hit me.
"False dragon, wake up!" The voice shouted again.
Everything hurt! I'm getting tired of waking up like this.
"WAKE UP OR I'LL DEVOUR YOU!" The voice returned in a deafening boom.
I stood up immediately and abruptly, but I winced in pain as my vision went dark at the corners, I quickly sat down so as not to pass out.
"Hump! Take it easy, you just woke up, it would be bad to pass out again after all the time I wasted taking care of you." A female voice said next to me.
Looking at the source of the voice, I saw the purple-scaled dragon staring at me with its huge eyes. The unexpected sight made me step back until my back hit a wall, which didn't help my current condition.
"What? How?" I murmured in surprise, holding back a cry of pain.
"What's the problem? Bartas hit your head so hard that you ended up becoming an idiot?" The dragon asked amused.
I let out an irritated sigh as I calmed down. Looking around, I realized that I was lying on a straw bed inside a cave, and next to me was an unconscious One.
"One!" I shouted as I held the girl by the shoulders and shook her lightly, but there was no response.
"Don't waste your time, I've tried to wake the girl several times, but I haven't been successful in the two weeks you've been here."
"Two weeks?!" I asked in surprise as I gently laid One down on the bed.
"Yes. I brought you two here after the fight against Bartas. After that fairy attacked you from behind, the girl tried to fight the man. She got her ass kicked, so I had to intervene. That man was a monster."
Looking at One, I noticed some injuries on her body, bruises, cuts and scratches; I will have to take care of those later.
"But judging that we are alive, you must have killed Bartas." I said, returning to my previous position, sitting on the straw bed.
"In truth no. The girl did it." The dragon responded, shaking its head towards One.
"One?" I asked, following the dragon's gaze.
"Yes. Even unconscious, the girl fought like a beast, with her magic uncontrolled, and blows tearing Bartas' body apart. Then she used one of my fangs that I lost during the fight to finish the man, leaving only his metal arm and surprisingly it didn't regenerate."
"Hm... Is there any reason for this?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Dragon magic."
"What?"
"Are you deaf? Dragon magic! The natural magic that all dragons have and that for some reason you also possess! The natural magic that runs through our blood, bones and scales! Bartas is weak against it, his regeneration became weaker with each hit, you must have noticed during your fight."
"Yes, you are right. Fortunately, we won't have to worry about him anymore."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." The dragon laughed.
"What do you mean?"
"Bartas is still alive."
This surprised me, I felt sweat running down my forehead and my heart racing "But you said..."
"I know what I said! Don't you dare question a dragon! When the girl reduced Bartas to just a metal arm, everything seemed to be over, until steam came out of the metal arm and Bartas returned as a child."
"A child?"
"Yes. A child. Not unlike the foolish girl here."
"What happened next?"
"Bartas tried to kill us with a blast of magic, I used my body to protect the girl and you, nothing I couldn't handle, but when the dust settled, Bartas was gone."
I sighed again at this news. That crazy guy is still running out there. However, if what the dragon said is true, I'm that guy's natural enemy. I need to find Noir and Rubrum, so if Bartas shows up again, we'll finish him off easily... I hope...
"Thanks!" I said to the dragon, bowing slightly.
"Hump! I'm glad you know you're only alive thanks to me. You could praise me a little too." The dragon said arrogantly as it puffed out its chest.
"Dream about it. I hope you don't mind me staying here for a while, I need to heal my wounds and wait for One to wake up."
"You abuse my generosity, but stay as long as you wish; it's been a while since I've had any company."
"Thank you again!" I smiled at the dragon and it let out an amused laugh.
Standing up with some difficulty, I leaned on the cave wall and walked towards its entrance, squinting at the bright light coming from outside, I immediately retreated into the shadow as the sunlight burned me.
Looking around, I spotted my hat next to the straw bed, putting it on; I hid my uncovered arm inside my coat and walked outside.
In addition, what I saw was a large grassy plain, a green sea being blown by the wind, creating waves that stretched to the horizon. Right above was a blue sky filled with large white clouds while the sun shone in the distance.
With a pained groan, I sat down on a rock next to the cave entrance and surveyed the landscape. It was so peaceful; it gave me a good feeling, a serious contrast to the situation I was in previously.
Crossing my legs and resting my head on my hand covered by the remaining sleeve of my coat, I closed my eyes and took a deep, slow breath, thinking about what I would do next.
I don't know where I am; I don't know where the sisters and the grimoires are; Bartas is alive and wandering around, One and I are injured, and Partition was left alone with the girls.
Damn it! So many problems in so little time! I don't even know where to start! Calm down, panicking won't help anything. First, I need to know where we are.
Unfortunately, my thoughts were interrupted by my growling stomach.
RONC!
OK! Second item on the list, finding food! I'm in the middle of nowhere with no animals in sight, but there's probably a village or forest nearby, I just need to look for it; Nothing that a few minutes of flying can't solve.
Third item on the list, take a shower, because I stink! I hope to find some lake or river during my search.
Well, I think I have a plan in the making, better get it started. I stood up from my seat and revealed my wings, but before I could take flight, the dragon came out of the cave with heavy steps.
Looking around, its eyes focused on me.
"Are you leaving already?" The dragon asked, tilting its head.
"Don't worry, I'll be back, I just ask that you take care of One for a little while longer." I responded as I flapped my wings, wincing slightly at the stabs of pain I felt.
"Hump! Don't think you can demand things from me, but I'll take care of the foolish girl, she interests me, just like you, false dragon."
"When I get back, I would like an explanation as to why you call me a false dragon."
"You will have your explanation, but I hope you answer some questions as well."
"Then it's a deal, see you later!" Finishing our conversation, I ran to gain speed, and flapping my wings, I propelled myself upwards. I had some difficulty staying in the air due to my injuries, but I soon got used to it.
Looking back, I saw the dragon watching me, but due to the distance, I didn't discern any expression on its face. Leaving that aside, I flew in a random direction, trying to identify some landmark to know where I was.
I didn't have to fly for long to find the sea, it didn't seem to be the same beach where I fought Bartas, and because of the time I spent unconscious, I doubt I'll find the ship with the girls, they must have reached their destination.
Flying in a different direction, I grimaced at what I saw on the horizon, I would recognize these buildings anywhere as they didn't fit in with the current era.
The Cathedral City was just ahead, with its great stonewalls surrounding the ruined skyscrapers. Clenching my fists tightly, I took a deep breath, trying to avoid finishing what I started a long time ago.
Well, at least I know where I am, I thought as I flew in the opposite direction of the city. Besides that; I didn't find anything worthy of note, the Cathedral City region was as the books said; covered in plains.
I saw dirt roads, some houses where farmers tended their cattle and herds, but other than that; I didn't find any cities or towns. Eventually I flew far enough to find a forest and landing in a clearing, I wandered around looking for something to eat.
Moreover, it didn't take me long to find it, as there was a deer eating grass just ahead. I assumed a crouched position while taking slow, light steps, when I got close enough I opened my wings, this action caused the deer to look my way, but it was too late.
I flapped my wings, propelling myself forward and before the deer turned to run, I grabbed it by both sides of the head.
"I'm very sorry."
SNAP!
With a fluid movement of my hands, the deer's body went limp and fell to the ground. I lifted the animal onto my shoulders and prepared to turn back, but stopped as soon as I saw something in the trees.
Hm... I think some fruit would be good.
-XXXXXX-
"You took too long!" The purple dragon complained as it saw me land in front of the cave.
Looking up at the sky, I saw that the sun was disappearing over the horizon in an orange light; it took me longer than I expected.
"At least I'm back, right? So how is One?" I asked, throwing the deer to the ground.
"Hump! Still sleeping like a princess, the brat better wake up soon before she dies of hunger or thirst." The dragon grumbled.
"I'm glad we share the same concern, but if you don't mind, I'll prepare my dinner." I replied as I took out some sticks from my backpack, preparing to build a fire.
"Feel free to do it. I doubt this poor animal you hunted will satisfy my hunger." The purple dragon responded, laying down next to the cave entrance.
Shrugging, I set up the fire next to the cave and lit it with a small blast of magic, but I noticed a problem. I had nothing to cut the deer's meat.
"Some problem?" The dragon asked.
"I have nothing to cut the meat with." I said embarrassed.
"You can use one of my fangs; the foolish girl still has one." The dragon responded, pointing towards the cave with its head.
Entering the cave, I saw that One was holding the dragon fang in her left hand tightly. Taking the fang out of her hand with some effort, I returned outside where I prepared the deer meat.
The fang was extremely sharp, so I didn't have much trouble cutting the meat. I left some pieces of meat roasting on the fire, and sat down by the fire to warm myself.
"Do you want to ask me something?" I asked the dragon, focusing my gaze on the starry sky; I felt the dragon's eyes staring at me intensely on my back.
"What are you?" The dragon asked.
"I think I've said this before, I'm a Gestalt." I responded without turning around.
"Hump! I know that, I'm not deaf." The dragon grumbled.
"Then why do you ask me?"
"Because your answer doesn't mean anything to me. You claim to be a Gestalt, but what the hell is one?" The dragon asked irritated.
"Haha! I have no idea! I just know that I'm important for some reason." I responded with a laugh.
"What a load of nonsense! You have dragon magic, dragon scent, but don't know what you are? How did you acquire this power?" The dragon demanded.
"Well, it's a long story full of holes, as there's a lot I don't know, it's also a bit absurd, so maybe you won't believe it." I responded, turning the meat over the fire.
"Impress me false dragon, I've seen a lot of strange things in my centuries of life."
"Hm... Okay, it all started when a dragon and a giant fell from the sky." I replied as I took out an apple from my backpack that I picked up in the forest.
I offered another to the dragon, who just opened its mouth and I threw the apple in. Biting mine, I told the dragon the story of the events that brought me here.
At least I had company that night.
-XXXXXX-
"That's hard to believe." The dragon responded.
"I told you so." I responded, biting the meat skewered on the stick.
"So you came from another world, accompanied by two magical books?"
"Yes."
"You were taken to the place humans call Cathedral City where you became what you are today?"
"Yes."
"And now you're accompanying a group of powerful girls to the same town where you almost died?"
"Yes."
"I've seen stupidity before, but you're reaching a new level. On the other hand, have you ever thought about writing a book? I believe other humans would love your absurd story."
"You don't believe me, do you?"
"I believe it, even though it's something so absurd. We dragons have ways of finding out if someone is lying or not, your heart has shown itself to be truthful. Furthermore, the dragon you mentioned…"
"Yes, what about it?"
"I know this dragon, and contrary to your story, she is still alive."
"Seriously? Could you introduce me to her?"
"Unfortunately no, we haven't seen each other for a long time; I have no idea where she is."
"A shame, but it's not exactly important at the moment." I said as I shrugged and went back to eating.
"You treat dragons disrespectfully; I should turn you to ashes." The dragon said menacingly.
"Oh! Is that so? Why don't you come here and try your luck?" I responded in the same tone.
"Do you really think you could beat me?" The dragon asked again, fire forming in its mouth.
"I only see one way to find out." I responded by accumulating magic at the tip of each finger.
A few tense seconds passed with the two of us staring at each other, but we soon broke the silence with a series of laughs.
"HAHAHA!" We both laughed in the middle of the night.
"This was good!" I responded, dispelling my magic.
"I'm glad you didn't back down, I would have been disappointed. But you had to see the other humans' faces when I pranked them." The dragon responded excitedly.
"Hump! You had to see the soldiers who invaded the Land of Forests running in fear of the monster I created."
"Oh! Care to elaborate?"
"All I needed was a nice outfit and sheets of paper..." I replied, explaining the process behind my "prank" to the dragon's delight.
-XXXXXX-
Days passed and One still didn't wake up; Fortunately, her magic healed her injuries completely. Other than that, the dragon and I alternated keeping watch on One whenever one of us needed to leave.
The dragon mainly came out to search something to eat, while I tried to find the girls or the grimoires, I was unsuccessful, but luckily, I found a river in the forest where I could finally take a bath.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I checked on One one last time before leaving the cave.
"Is the girl still sleeping?" The dragon asked.
"Yes, but she seems to be better than before." I responded with a shrug.
You know, because of the time we spent together, I felt more comfortable being around the dragon. Surprisingly, it has the personality of a teenager who likes to tease people.
Moreover, I returned the provocations in the same coin, but neither of us took the provocations maliciously; it's just a joke between us.
"Hm... What a lazy girl, wasting my precious time." The dragon joked.
"You talk like you have something better to do." I responded with a smile, leaning against the cave entrance.
"You can bet that I have." The dragon grumbled.
"Like what? Get a dragon boyfriend?"
"Boy... what?!" The dragon asked confused.
"A dragon mate." I explained.
"Oh! That! As if, I needed that kind of thing! I'm in the prime of my youth; I still have a long time to go before I think about getting a mate, much less having a child."
"Fair! But I feel alone sometimes; maybe I should get a girlfriend to keep me company." I shrugged.
"Good luck with that, the humans will ran away when they see your ugly face." The dragon said teasingly.
"Have you ever looked in the mirror? I have a better chance of getting someone than you."
"I want you to know that I am considered one of the most beautiful dragons in the world, if not the most beautiful! The female dragons look at my scales with envy and the males with desire! I could get a mate if I wanted; unfortunately, the male dragons are too old and thickheaded for my taste. That white dragon bragging about being the strongest and the black dragon with his delusions of grandeur."
"Well, who says your mate needs to be a dragon?" I asked.
The purple dragon fell silent with wide eyes before slowly turning towards me.
"What are you suggesting?" The dragon asked suspiciously.
"That depends on how you interpreted my question." I responded, moving my eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh! Bold! Are you suggesting that you are worthy of being my mate?" The dragon asked in a similar tone as it approached.
"Well, you said I smell like a dragon and have the power of one. I believe I have a chance." I spoke as I approached as well.
"Please, I have principles, but I admit you smell nice."
"Please don't tell me you're going to kiss! Because if that's the first thing I see when I wake up, then I'll go back to sleep! And I don't need it!" A young female voice exclaimed, interrupting us.
Turning around quickly, a big smile formed on my face as I was overcome with joy at seeing the owner of the voice. Well, there was One, leaning against the cave wall, holding her head with one hand and staring at us with disgust.
"One!" I screamed as I grabbed her under the arms.
"Alan wait!" One shouted back, but I ignored it.
I lifted One above my head and spun in place as I held her and laughed with all my might, and remained like that for quite a while.
"Alan stop! I am gonna puke!" I heard One scream.
Still spinning, I got a good look at the girl; her cheeks were inflated due to the speed I was spinning, while tears escaped from her eyes and saliva from her mouth, not to mention of course, her face, which was turning green.
I stopped spinning immediately, while holding One in front of me.
"Sorry, I was worried. You slept for so long that for a moment I thought you would never wake up again." I replied while hugging One with all my strength, which generated some unknown pops.
"Alan… You're crushing me." One spoke; her voice muffled in my chest.
"Sorry again!" I exclaimed as I placed One down.
One let out a relieved sigh as she staggered from side to side, but soon shook her head, reorienting herself and focusing on the dragon and me soon after.
"Where are we?" One asked, sitting down on the ground near the cave.
"Somewhere near Cathedral City." I replied, sitting next to One. I noticed the girl widening her eyes in surprise.
"So what you are sa…"
RRROOONNNCCC!
One never finished, as her stomach growled audibly. The girl turned red with embarrassment as she clutched her stomach.
"Here." I said as I took an apple out of my backpack and offered it to One.
"Thanks!" One responded, accepting the apple and eating it quickly.
"Eat slowly so you don't choke."
"Sorry!" One spoke, chewing slowly.
"So how do you feel?"
"Tired, hungry and with a headache." One replied between bites.
"Meh! Welcome to my world. You'll soon get used to waking up like this, just like me."
"That's not the kind of thing you should be proud of!" One scolded me.
"At least I can say that I survived all the situations that made me wake up like this. Do you have any more questions?"
"How long did I sleep?"
"For a month, you foolish lazy girl." The dragon responded with a laugh.
"Cough! Cough! One month?!" One asked in surprise.
"Yes! Moreover, you were a terrible guest! You could have at least made your bed! The false dragon and I took care of you and that ugly face of yours for long enough." The dragon complained, but I knew she was just teasing One.
"I'm very sorry!" One replied, bowing.
"Hump! At least you're polite and now that you're awake, you and the false dragon can leave."
"Are you going to send us away like that? Without a hug or a goodbye?" I asked.
"I could hug you if you want, with my fangs." The dragon responded with a big smile, revealing all of its sharp fangs.
"Alan stop. Thank you so much for looking after us and allowing us to stay here, but Alan and I need to go. We need to find my sisters and go to Cathedral City." One said to the dragon as she tried to stand up on her shaky legs.
However, after a few hesitant steps, I grabbed One by her shoulders, forcing her to sit down.
"Rest, there's no need to rush."
"But..."
"We already lost a month. What's a few more hours?"
One was silent before sighing and continuing to eat.
"Where are you going now?" Nevertheless, this silence was broken by the dragon's question.
"First we will find my sisters, go to Cathedral City and then kill Zero." One said with determination.
"I already told you to leave Zero to me." I scolded One.
"But she is my sister, not to mention of course, extremely powerful! Finishing her is my responsibility! You shouldn't get involved in this!" One exclaimed.
"Haven't we had this conversation before? Let the adult here take care of the evil sister, in the meantime, live without worries, like the child you are!" I replied while flicking One's forehead.
"OUCH!" One screamed, grabbing the injured part as tears fell from the corner of her eyes.
"You should listen to the false dragon, foolish girl. Leave this kind of problem to those with enough power to solve it." The dragon laughed.
"Stop treating me like I'm a child. Facing Zero is the destiny of all Intoners. I will become stronger, so I will protect this world and my sisters!" One shouted at both of us, standing up and stomping the ground.
CLAP!
CLAP!
CLAP!
"Beautiful speech! I'm impressed! Who knew such confidence could fit inside such a small person?" I replied, clapping my hands.
One blushed at my compliment, but her eyes soon widened as she processed the insult that followed.
"I'm not small!" One screamed, her face red in embarrassment.
"Sorry! What did you say?! Could you speak louder?! I can't hear you from down here!" I teased One, as I got up and leaned down, one hand open in the side of my ear.
One puffed her cheeks and pouted as she trembled with anger, her face turning a deep red and grinding her teeth as she growled.
"AAAHHH!" One shouted in fury, rushing towards me with her fist raised.
I just placed my hand on her forehead, holding her in place as she punched the air.
"See? You can't even beat me! How do you expect to beat Zero?" I teased again.
"Why don't you come down here and find out?!" One shouted.
I moved out of the way, making One walk right past me, but before she turned around, I grabbed her under her arms and placed her sitting on my shoulders.
"I think it's time for us to go, thanks for everything dragon lady! I hope to see you again someday!" I said, waving at the purple dragon.
"Wait?!" One said confused.
"Haha! You two act like a pair of fools, I haven't had this much fun in a while, but before you two leave, I have a question for the girl." The purple dragon spoke, looking directly at the One on my shoulder.
"A-ask!" One said nervously, probably due to the dragon's intense gaze.
"Do you want to get stronger, like me?" The dragon asked.
"Yes!" One spoke confidently.
"Then I have no choice but to take you two to Cathedral City, to the other side of the Mercury Gate." The purple dragon spoke, standing up and spreading its wings.
At the same time the dragon finished speaking, I felt One tense on my shoulders.
"The Mercury Gate? Where all the power and knowledge of this world is sealed?" One spoke in a low tone.
So that's the exact reason why One wanted to open the gate. Power... This won't end well. In every movie I've watched, everyone who sought power ended up suffering a horrible fate in the end. Whether due to a monster, curse, trap or the power not being what they expected.
"You seem to know a lot about the gate." The dragon spoke.
"We were planning to go there to defeat Zero." One replied.
"I see, it seems like things are falling into place, although your friend doesn't seem to approve your choice." The dragon said, pointing at me with one of its wings.
"Alan?" One asked, patting my hat.
Letting out a long sigh, I replied "One, we've had this conversation before, I know I'm repeating myself, I know you're determined and won't give up, but this is a stupid idea. Power and knowledge locked behind a mysterious gate in a mysterious city? Have you ever stopped to think that there is a good reason why this gate is locked?"
"But every wizard and scholar in Midgard talks about this gate and what lies on the other side, even the lords! This can only be true!" One replied.
"But what if it's not?! Has anyone opened the gate to see what's on the other side?! I'm sure not!"
"I... I... I don't know! Fine?! I don't know! I woke up one night only to find my sister trying to kill us! Then, we wandered around Midgard seeing all the cruelty of the lords! Now our sister is coming after us to kill us! I do not know what to do! The Mercury Gate is my only option!" One shouted angrily as she struggled on my shoulders.
"Knowledge to know what to do and power to defeat the lords and your sister. The gate seems to be the answer to everything, doesn't it? This can go wrong in so many ways. Listen; when we meet our friends and get to the gate, we'll take the things slowly, okay? We won't open the gate until we have an idea of what's on the other side, okay?"
"Right! Thank you, Alan!" One replied, hugging my neck.
"You're welcome!"
"Well, well, now that you two are done with your dramatic little fight, we can get on with our trip." The dragon spoke, bending down so we could climb onto its back.
"You know, I never asked your name." One said as we climbed onto the dragon's back.
"I'm Gabriella." The dragon responded.
"Nice to meet you Gabriella, my name is One." One said with a big smile.
"Hump! I already know that, but it's still good to meet you One." The dragon smiled back.
"So you say your name to One and not to me when I ask?" I demanded, faking envy.
"Because unlike you, the girl is less annoying, false dragon."
"My name is Alan."
"False dragon."
"Alan!"
"False dragon."
"Alan!"
"HAHAHA!" One laughed.
"Hey, what are you laughing at?" I demanded, pinching One's cheeks.
-XXXXXX-
"WWWEEEHHH!" One shouted as the wind blew on her face and ruffled her hair.
You know, this could be a scene from a Studio Ghibli movie, a little magical girl and her companions, a mysterious angel and a talking dragon, go on an adventure to defeat the evil lords and save the world.
However, considering the state of the world I live in, this is couldn't be further from the truth. Well, at least I can enjoy the view, I thought as I looked at the sea of lush green grass below. We were so high that everything seemed small as ants.
"Hey, are those your friends?!" Gabriella asked as she flew lower.
With my improved vision, I spotted four small people and two floating objects fighting a trio of golems. Nevertheless, quickly one of the golems was destroyed by a large blue hand that came out of a magic circle.
"It's my sisters, you can land!" One shouted happily.
"Better hold on!" Gabriella screamed, diving sharply towards the group of people.
As soon as we approached, the girls and the books seemed to notice us; the sisters ran scared while Noir and Rubrum prepared spells.
However, before that could happen, Gabriella fell sitting on top of the two remaining golems, crushing them.
"Congratulations, your dragon ass wiped out the golems!" I said sarcastically, clapping my hands.
"And that dragon ass is going to sit on you and turn you into pancakes when you're sleeping." Gabriella countered.
"Jokes on you! I'm into that shit!" I responded, jumping off Gabriella's back, One landing next to me.
As soon as we turned towards the Sisters, we got a good look at their faces, Five, Four and Two looked like they were going to faint at the sight of Gabriella, while Three didn't seem to mind too much. Noir and Rubrum on the other hand, still kept their spells ready.
Nevertheless, that soon changed as the sisters' eyes focused on One.
"Hey girls! I'm back!" One smiled, waving at her sisters.
"SISTER ONE!" Two screamed with tears in her eyes, running towards her sister and hugging her with all her might.
"We finally found you..." Three said, showing more emotion.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Four shouted through tears.
"SISTER ONE!" Five demonstrated a reaction not unlike Four's.
Soon everyone ran to hug their sister.
"And me? Don't I get a hug?" I asked, opening my arms.
I let out a scream of pain when Rubrum threw herself against my chest at full speed, but soon the pain disappeared and I returned Rubrum's "hug".
"Good to see you again Rubrum. How have you been?"
The red grimoire's response was to escape my embrace and rub herself against my face.
"Hey, hey, calm down! I will not disappear again!" I replied, trying to push Rubrum away from my face and at that moment, I saw Noir staring at me.
"Noir, come here." I said to the black grimoire as I opened my arms.
"Lord Alan, this is not necessary, seeing you well is enough for me." Noir said politely.
"You are a fool to refuse my hugs, Noir." I responded, spreading my wings.
"Lord Alan what..."
However, before Noir finished, I flapped my wings, propelling myself forward and hugging the grimoire.
"I missed you Noir." I said to the book.
Suddenly I felt two arms wrapping around me.
"I missed you too, Lord Alan." Noir replied.
"Interestingly, these books also have the power of a dragon, I don't know if I should be surprised or offended." Gabriella commented, analyzing us with her eyes.
"Oh! I believe I didn't introduce them, Noir, Rubrum, this is Gabriella the dragon. Gabriella, these are Noir and Rubrum, the magical books I told you about." I introduced both parties, breaking my embrace.
"Hello strange book!" Gabriella spoke with a wave.
"Greetings Miss Gabriella." Noir said, bowing.
"Don't call me Miss, it makes me feel old." Gabriella said to Noir, as she watched Rubrum floating around her curiously.
"As you wish." Noir replied, ending the conversation.
Shifting my focus to the sisters, I noticed that they had stopped hugging each other and were now talking.
"Sister One, what happened after you and Alan were pulled into the sea?" Four asked worriedly.
"And how did you meet this cool dragon?" Two asked, looking at Gabriella in awe.
"And most importantly, when was the last time you took a bath?" Five asked, making a disgusted face and holding her nose.
One raised an arm and smelled her armpit, and then frowned.
"I think I need one, don't I?" One asked her sisters and they all nodded.
The only sister not participating in this conversation was Three who slowly walked towards me, stopped in front of me and raised her arms.
Understanding what the girl wanted, I lifted her and sat her on my left arm with her head lying on my shoulder; I soon felt a pair of arms wrapping around my neck.
"I missed you." Three whispered.
"Seriously? Sorry for worrying you. How have you been?"
"Tired, sleepy and bored." Three replied.
"And why that?"
"My sisters and Partition can't answer my questions; Noir can only answer a few."
"Well, I'm here now, aren't I? You can ask your questions and I can teach you, but changing the subject. Is Partition still alive?"
"Yes, he is waiting at the camp in a nearby forest."
"That bastard, relaxing while you guys do the hard work. He didn't do anything suspicious, did he?"
"No."
"What about you, Three? You didn't do anything wrong, did you?"
"I didn't open anyone up, if that's what you want to know."
"Perfect, you were a good girl Three. When we finish our little adventure, I will give you some lessons, I am a teacher after all."
"Thanks."
Looking at the rest of the group, I saw that the books and the sisters were preparing to leave; meanwhile, Gabriella was preparing to take flight.
I decided to hurry and follow them so as not to be left behind.
"Alan?" Three asked.
"Yes Three?"
"Why is sea water salty?"
"Because of the amount of dissolved salts originating from several sources, one of them being the rocks in the crust worn down by erosion."
"Hm... Right! And why does the moon shine?"
"The moon shines because it reflects sunlight."
"Okay, and why…"
This is going to be a long trip, I sighed mentally, but I can't deny that it's fun to be back. I smiled when I saw the sisters talking, Noir and Rubrum floating next to me and Gabriella flying high in the sky.
-XXXXXX-
It was already night and we were all in a camp in a forest near Cathedral City, the Sisters, Gabriella, the books and I were sitting by the fire to keep ourselves warm.
Oh! In addition, Partition was here too! Unfortunately.
"So that means this Bartas guy almost defeated you?" Two asked.
"Yeah, he was strong as fuck." I answered.
"I could finish him off alone!" Gabriella boasted.
"Honestly, I remember almost nothing about my fight." One said embarrassed.
"But we cannot let our guard down. According to Gabriella, Bartas is alive and in the form of a child."
"Hm… Caerula's Right Hand is after us, we need to get to the gate as quickly as possible." Partition spoke thoughtfully.
I slapped him on the back of the head in response.
"Why did you do that?!" Partition demanded.
"I saw a mosquito."
So we spent the night without any problems, the girls told us what happened while we were gone, apparently they crashed and sank the ship, got lost and went in the opposite direction of Cathedral City, fought monsters and fought with each other.
The consequences of the lack of a responsible adult.
When we finished eating and got ready for bed, I saw Four away from her sisters, sitting on a rock.
"Four, is there a problem?" I asked, sitting next to the girl.
"No, no, I'm just thinking." Four replied, watching the stars.
"Thinking about what?"
"If I did a good job taking care of my sisters while One wasn't here."
"And how it was?"
"Strange, we fought less than before, my sisters were better behaved and did what I said, and we had fun, I became less irritated with my sisters too." Four said with a small smile.
"See? I told you, be patient and treat your sisters with respect, try to understand them and they will do the same for you."
"I think you were right, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not good enough, I still feel left behind by my sisters." Four spoke, lowering her head.
"Hm... Have you tried talking with them about it?"
"What?" Four asked, looking at me.
"Have you tried talking with your sisters about how you feel, keeping those bad feelings inside is not healthy. Maybe they can help you?"
"No! I don't want to bother them with this, much less Sister One!"
"Four, you are sisters, you need to trust each other with this kind of thing, talk to them, starting with One."
"Are you… Are you sure?" Four asked hesitantly.
"Yes, and if any of them laugh at you just let me know and I will throw them into the clouds."
"Please, don't do that!" Four begged.
"I don't promise anything!" I replied, stroking Four's hair.
"Alan?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"For?"
"For your advice and for listening to me. I will speak to One after we open the gate in Cathedral City." Four replied, showing me a big smile.
"You are welcome, Four." I smiled back.
So we spent some time stargazing until it was time for bed. However, our peace didn't last long, because the next day we headed towards the Cathedral City.
Gabriella flew with the Sisters and Partition on her back; meanwhile I followed the dragon with Noir and Rubrum flying beside me.
Moreover, in the distance I could see the place where it all began.
The Catedral City.
END OF CHAPTER
Well, that took a while, but here's the new chapter! You know; My days have been busy and I'm suffering again from the problem where I stare at the computer screen with words in my mind but can't put them down on paper.
Leaving that aside, we are arriving at the Cathedral City as well as the end of the manga, in a few chapters we will delve into the events of the game. I wonder if I will finish this arc in a chapter multiple of five.
Finally, I would like to thanks for the wonderful support that all of you my readers are giving me. I know Drakengard is kind of a niche subject and it's hard to find big, finished fics about it, but looking back I'm happy with how far I've come.
Oh! I don't know if you noticed, but I've been reviewing the grammar of older chapters. So far I've done my best to fix everything up until chapter 11.
That's it for now, leave your comments and suggestions about what you think!
Until the next chapter!
