Yo. I'm alive. Enjoy.
The group had gone back to Avas through a portal with Ghost; even Zephyr joined them. The portal took them straight to Valor's Clearing, where Amy's old farmhouse stood. Everything was so peaceful and calm. Birds chirped and whistled from the trees and every now and then the baa of a sheep was heard.
They all spent the rest of the day outside, playing or talking with each other, aside from Bill, who only hung around nearby and observed. Later, after the sun had set, Dipper, Mabel, Rawly, Stan, and Ford had gone inside. Teeth and Shade had gone inside of the old barn, and Crusade and Zephyr curled up together just outside of it. Amy, on the other hand, had gone over to where Ghost was lying beside the pond and willow tree and sat down, leaning her back against the white dragon's side. They sat in silence for a long time, listening to crickets and staring up at the moon and stars. It was something they used to do quite often together.
"So, tomorrow, then?" Amy said suddenly.
"We are not completely certain," Ghost replied, "but it is likely so. Tomorrow, as the sun sinks below the horizon and Starpelt's eye has long been closed in slumber. That is when we believe that Ragnarok will collide Necronire with Avas and Telmak. It will be quite a spectacle."
"He is literally the size of a mountain. Maybe bigger."
"Ah, yes. I had nearly forgotten that you met him briefly."
"I really only got to see his head and one arm. Just one of those needles from his back is bigger than an adult human."
"He's certainly grown since last I saw him…"
They were silent for a few more minutes. "…Ghost."
"Yes, Amaranth?"
"Thanks for always looking after me all these years. You're an amazing friend, and I think Mom and Flora would agree."
He lowered his head so that he was eye level with her. "It was my pleasure, Amy. And thank you. Now then…" He nudged her with his snout. "There is someone else you should go spend time alone with now. This old dragon is content to spend time with the willow tree. Besides, I am tired from traveling to and from the Creation Point."
She smiled and hugged his face, chuckling at the low, purr-like growl that dragons made when they were pleased. After giving him a kiss on the nose, she got up to go inside, her dog happily following after her.
Inside, it was dark and quiet; everyone had gone to their rooms to attempt to get some rest. As her dog jumped up onto the sofa to sleep, Amy made her way upstairs all the way to her room where the only lights were from the Amaranths and the moonlight shining in through the big round window. She glanced over at the ten Amaranth flowers bundled together in a makeshift bouquet; each of them glowered with their own colored light. Interestingly, the Full Moon Amaranth seemed to counterbalance the Blooming Sun Amaranth so that it was not blindingly bright. From the Sirensong Amaranth, she could hear the faint humming sound it made only at night. It was oddly soothing. Her entire room was filled with the smell of fresh flowers and a hint of magic that only a dragon or similar creature could smell. If bliss and peace could have a scent, this was probably what she would say it smelled like.
She turned as the door opened and Bill walked in. "There you are," she said. "I was wondering where you had gone off to."
"Not far," he told her as he closed the door behind him. "I was just talking with Shade about some things. Things to do with Ragnarok, I mean."
"Learn anything?"
"Nothing I didn't already know or suspect." He paused a moment and sniffed at the air. "Hm… This entire room smells like you now."
"Is that what I smell like?" She laughed a little. "I never realized."
He shrugged. "It's a nice smell."
She laughed more.
He walked over to her and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against himself and inhaling her scent. "Mm. Yup. Smells like Amy."
She laughed again and hugged him back.
They began to sway and slow dance together in the dark, listening to the Sirensong Amaranth's strange song. After a while, he took her hand and brought it to his lips, giving her a soft kiss on the knuckles. He lingered there for a few moments then held her hand closer to his chest as he leaned forward to lightly press his forehead to hers. "I suppose I'll ask you in typical dragon fashion…"
"Hm?"
"Amy… Will you be my queen?"
"Heh. Of course, love."
…
August 21st (continued)
It's late now but I can't sleep. Ragnarok is going to arrive sometime tomorrow. At least, Gaia, Ouroboros, and Ghost seem to think it'll be tomorrow. Mabel's not sleeping yet either. She came over to lay in my bed and is currently laying next to me and facing the wall, trying to sleep.
Earlier today, we were all hanging around Telmak's tether tree with Gaia while we waited to see if she needed us to do anything else. Mabel was coming up with all kinds of questions to ask, but I don't think Zephyr minded. He seems to like answering questions and teaching others. Oh, so yeah, Zephyr is like our friend now, I guess? He's a lot less rude to us lately, especially since he and Crusade got married. Or, well, the dragon equivalent of married, I mean. I thought those two just kind of happened out of nowhere, but apparently, they've always had a thing for each other. Turns out that when Crusade wasn't around us or his brother, he was always flirting with Zephyr. Ghost told us later when I mentioned it that most dragons recognize their soulmate and fall in love with them pretty quickly. A few others take their time when they're unsure or confused about it. I guess what might confuse them about it varies. Zephyr seemed pretty defiant about Crusade at first. Ghost also said that it's possible for dragons to recognize and fall in love with their soulmate when they meet at a young age. He said the youngest average is usually ten years old, but the youngest is actually six or seven years. Wow. Wish it was that easy for humans…
Anyways, Gaia suddenly told us that they had the shadows under control for now and asked us to go with her to a place she called the "Creation Point." Well, technically, she needed Amy and Bill to go, but she invited the rest of us to go alone, too. The Creation Point is another name for what the dragons call the "Original One," and it's like the center of the multiverse. It's apparently where time and space first began as a whole. It's where Gaia and her siblings were born and created their dimensions of Telmak, Avas, Sava, and Druunire (AKA Necronire). She and her siblings can just make a portal there whenever they want. Well, sort of. Gaia said it takes a serious amount of energy to do that, and one can only enter the Creation Point if it allows them to. Other tether guardians can do it, too.
So, we went with Gaia to the Creation Point. It's quiet there and reminds me a bit of outer space. Things just…appear there. It's weird but cool. While we were waiting for Ouroboros and Ghost (because apparently they were going to have a meeting or something), Zephyr told us about the Creation Point and about Druunire and Ragnarok. One thing Zephyr said really summed it all up about Ragnarok's relationship with the people: "They loved what he had to offer, but they did not love him, for they were afraid of him." Ragnarok is known as the Dark Prince and the ruler of chaos, dreams, and nightmares. His original design was to use Druunire to gift the people of all dimensions with hopes, dreams, and imagination. He could control and protect them from nightmares and wicked things, but the people were too afraid of that to realize that he was helping them. They thought he was bad. In the end, they turned him into exactly what they feared he was. I feel bad for him, but according to Gaia and Ouroboros, he's far beyond saving at this point.
When Ouroboros and Ghost arrived, they and Gaia explained how they wanted Bill to become the new guardian of Necronire. He really has changed, because he was very concerned with the idea of being given that kind of reign and power. He was also very relieved when they told him they also wanted Amy to be its guardian as well. I'm sure she can keep him in check. Ha. Anyways, that's only if we can actually defeat Ragnarok…
I had wondered why he was so different from his siblings. I remember Gaia explaining that she and her brothers were born knowing their purpose and having no ability to question it or feel dissatisfied with it. They knew exactly who and what they were. But Ragnarok didn't. He questioned things and wondered why the people treated him the way they did. He knew his purpose, but he wasn't happy with it because everyone feared and avoided him. His siblings didn't, but they couldn't understand him. I've realized now, though, that maybe he was different because he is the ruler of chaos. He's the ruler of hopes, dreams, thoughts, creativity, and so on… So, naturally, he felt and had all of those things. He had hopes, dreams, desires, ideas…even fears and nightmares. Out of all four of the Great Dragons, I think Ragnarok was actually the most relatable one the whole time. He could feel and understand the emotions and thoughts that other creatures, both mortal and immortal, could. The only thing he could not understand was why they did not love him like they did his brothers and sister. I really wish there was some way to change that. Some way to tell him that he would understand that there are people who would like to have known him before he became what he is now. I wish he could've been happy and felt loved. And I don't mean because it would mean he wouldn't be trying to end time and space itself right now. I mean it because no one deserves to feel unwanted or unloved. I wish there was some other way…
…
In the morning, Bill followed Amy out and watched as she released the sheep from their barn and fed them. After, she made her way across the clearing, past Crusade, who was still asleep, and Zephyr, who was awake and alert beside him. They nodded a silent greeting to each other as she entered the old brown barn. Inside, Teeth and Shade were still sound asleep. She quietly led out Bruno the ox and her horse Angelo, along with the big triceratops they had kept since the dinosaur incident, and released them into the open clearing. Angelo immediately headed towards the sheep pen in hopes of nabbing something from their trough through the wooden bars of the fence. Meanwhile, the ox and triceratops, having similar mannerisms to each other, took to grazing on the grass. Amy then made her way over to the chicken coop, shooing the rooster out of the way so she could collect any eggs that had been laid.
By the time everyone else had woken up, Amy was long finished with her chores and they found her sitting against the willow tree with Bill. Ghost was curled up nearby; he was the only one still asleep.
"Hey Amy," Mabel said as she and her brother approached. She pointed at the tree. "Do you think dragons can hear or see us after they die?"
Amy thought back to her short meeting with her mother, Flora, Tranquility, and Valor. "Hm. Yeah. I'm pretty sure they can. At least, sometimes."
"Not all the time?"
She shrugged. "I'm sure they don't spy on every single thing."
"No," Dipper said. "That's Bill's job," he joked.
Bill leaned back against the trunk of the willow. "I said I know lots of things. I never said I know or see everything. Gimme a break."
"Psh! Whatever!"
"I was asking," Mabel broke in, "because I was wondering, if someone wanted to tell them something, would they hear it if you just said it out loud? Or maybe if you say it to their grave?"
Amy tilted her head to the side. "Is there someone you want to talk to?"
She nodded.
Ghost suddenly began to shift and lifted his head. "Dragons believe that our words reach those departed through the power of mind and soul." He looked at her. "If you shared some kind of connection with that individual, then your words would most certainly reach them." He looked up at the willow tree. "As for their graves… Anyone could go to a dragon's grave, whether you knew them or not, and speak to them. There are… very rare cases in which they may respond."
"Like how humans can become ghosts when they die?" Dipper inquired.
"Hm… Somewhat, but not exactly. A dragon's magic is powerful. It is a part of their body and of their soul. The magic of their body stays behind and becomes some everlasting part of nature." He gestured with his tail at the willow. "The magic in their soul remains with them as their soul alights in Sava."
"There's something I don't quite understand though," Dipper said. "Sava is the dragon name for the afterlife, right?"
"Correct."
"And Ouroboros is the ruler of Sava…"
"Guardian, yes."
"So, how come he never met or spoke with Valor after Valor died?"
"Sava, just like the other main worlds, is a wonderful but strange place. Truthfully, there is more than one afterlife. Dragons tend to collectively refer to them as Sava, but Sava is, more specifically, the centerpiece. It is the location of the tether tree and its spirit, and it is the place that binds them all together. Several different entities gather the souls of the departed in each world. Any who are in their realm, whether they belong there or not, are under that specific entity's jurisdiction. So, let's say this: You are from here; Avas. So, you are under Anubis's jurisdiction."
"Wait, Anubis?"
Ghost ignored him. "But if you were to go to Necronire, you would then be under Xolotyl's jurisdiction for as long as you are there."
"Show-lot-all?" Mabel said.
"Anubis is real…?" Dipper muttered half to himself.
"Anyways," Ghost snorted, gaining their attention once more. "That being said, those different entities from those different worlds and dimensions gather up the souls of the dead and judge them. Then, they bring those souls to Sava, the centerpiece. There, Ouroboros sorts and ushers them to their appropriate afterlife based upon their given judgment. Depending on circumstances, some of those souls may be allowed to move between the afterlife, Sava, and the Spirit Realm. Though, some like to find ways into the physical world through the Spirit Realm. Technically, that is not allowed and may result in punishment. Punishment varies. Others, the ones you call ghosts, are souls who have either done just that, or they have just managed to evade their world's harvester thus far. Some harvesters are more lenient than others. Ah, I seem to have given in to my weakness for conversation… To properly answer your question from before, there are several laws in place when it comes to Sava and the dead. Ouroboros happens to be a stickler for rules. Far more than even myself or Zephyr. I have no doubt that he has spoken very little with Valor over all these years due to one particular law…"
"What law is that?"
"Truthfully, Ouroboros is not supposed to mingle or converse much with the dead. His priority is the tether tree and seeing that the judged are sent to their respective afterlives. It is his sons who finalize those judgments and converse with the dead on matters only of utmost importance. Icarus and Cupid give the dead the permission to travel between afterlife, Sava, and the Spirit Realm. If they see fit, that is. The brothers also act as emissaries and judges when necessary. Though Icarus tends to overstep his bounds, he is the beta of Sava."
Bill huffed.
"If there are so many strict laws, then why is it relatively easy to contact or even summon the dead?" Mabel asked. "Dipper raised the dead once by accidentally reciting some freaky spell out loud."
Her brother looked mildly embarrassed when Amy eyed him, but Ghost did not appear surprised at all. "I am aware of that event. It practically took place on my doorstep, after all. The laws exist because it is so easy. Unfortunately though, humans have been left out of the loop for a long time. They do things that they are not even aware will have long-term consequences or count against them later when they perish."
"That's not fair! Why don't any of you big boss guys tell humans?" Mabel asked.
"There are other dimensions where humans who do know exist… As for you humans of Avas… we tried. Several times. Why do you think Anubis is such a well-known entity? Why do you think many human cultures and artwork appear influenced by things you have learned about dragons or other creatures? We all once lived together…"
"But humans were too violent," Dipper finished.
"Precisely," Ghost nodded. "They are even violent with their own kind. Now, enough on this. Mabel, who is it you wished to speak to?"
"Oh! Well, um… I was kind of hoping we could all go visit Flora."
He looked somewhat surprised. "I…see. Yes, I suppose we should…"
"You want to go, too?" Amy asked him.
"Yes. I do."
"I'll go get everyone," Mabel said before running off.
"I used to be able to see and talk to the dead sometimes," Bill mused. "Back when I had all my powers, I mean." He sighed. "Anubis… Definitely don't like that guy."
"You don't?" Amy asked curiously.
"Hell no! Let's just say that he and I don't really see things eye-to-eye. That jerk."
"…Did he flay you for messing with the dead on Avas?"
"Right across the face! What an asshole!"
She huffed with amusement. "I'm sure he thinks the same about you."
When everyone had gathered outside, they made their way through the forest and to the spring and dogwood tree that seemed to forever be in perfect bloom. The place seemed to be a haven for small animals such as butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and squirrels, and they could hear the gentle sound of water flowing to and from what once was an old mine. A couple of frogs and tiny fish seemed to have found their way into the spring as well.
"For a grave, it sure is lively," Stan mentioned aloud.
Mabel ran down the grassy slope and up to the tree, hugging its trunk. "We miss you, Flora! So much has happened in the short time you've been gone." She lowered her voice to a whisper so that the others could not hear. "I'm really nervous about today… Ragnarok is supposed to be showing up later, and I don't think us humans will be able to do much of anything except watch. It makes me feel kind of useless…" Mabel flinched slightly and looked up as the tree's branches shifted. It was a very tiny shift, but there was no wind here. Perhaps it was only a bird…
"Uh, hey, Flora," Dipper said as he approached the tree as well. "If you really can hear us right now, then… We really do miss you. I, um, hope you're well."
"I have a feeling," Zephyr spoke suddenly, "that all of the dragons that have perished are currently watching and waiting with bated breath."
"Huh?" Dipper looked back at him, as did Mabel.
"Can't you feel it?" Zephyr asked. "Are a human's senses really that dull?" He closed his eyes for a few moments. "…Their presence is always there, at their grave, but sometimes it grows stronger. I felt this about that willow and pond back in the clearing, too. They are watching…and waiting with us."
"Flora," Ghost said quietly. "Rose…"
"Indeed, they are watching…and waiting," a familiar voice echoed from the mouth of the old mine. They looked over to see the thin, almost serpentine form of a sleek black dragoness crawling out upside-down from the mine. She climbed silently up over and around the edge of the quarry, turning herself to stand on her paws.
"Aurora!" Mabel smiled.
"What were you doing in there?" Amy asked.
Aurora craned her long neck around to stare at them all with bright blue eyes. "I was simply visiting an old friend. And perhaps doing a bit of spelunking, too. Water has memory and stones tell stories, after all."
"Aurora, you're a dreamweaver dragon, right?" Dipper asked.
"Indeed."
"And you dragons refer to Bill as one, too. Right?"
"Indeed."
"Do you guys share any similarities in abilities?"
She cocked her head to the side so far that it was almost upside-down now. "One can find similarities in all things, if they look hard enough. Or…" She twisted her neck and body around like a snake until she was suddenly standing right-side-up again. "If they look from all angles. Ghost is also a dreamweaver, you know. But he is a hybrid and not a pureblood."
"Which means what, exactly?"
"Which means, there are similarities, but also vast differences."
"Are you dodging my question?"
"Dodge? How can one dodge what one cannot touch? Ah, but words can touch, in their own way. I had almost forgotten…"
"Yup," Dipper said, "she's crazy. I had a feeling she was, and I was right. Totally loony."
"Pure-blooded dreamweaver dragons are certainly…unique," Zephyr said. "They love riddles and rambling on about nothing. But they do often know things that others do not, so perhaps that is why."
Aurora did not outwardly seem to mind their remarks. "What is it you are wanting to ask of me, Mason Pines? Distant son of Eden. The Pinetree. One who dislikes his own name and therefore calls himself 'Dipper'."
"Please don't call me by my birthname…"
"One who calls others names should not expect them not to return the favor."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry! Anyways, Bill mentioned earlier about having once been able to see and speak to the dead. Can you do that?"
"Anyone can."
"I meant naturally."
"Ah, yes. Naturally. Yes. I can see the souls of the dead even when others cannot. And yes, I rather often speak with them. Oftentimes, my only visitors are the dead."
"We'll have to go visit you, then," Mabel told her.
"Do not mistake me. I am not lonely. Besides, if I desire company from the living, I can always find it myself. As I did today. Still, if you wish to visit me on your own accord, then do so at your leisure. I would not be bothered either way." She locked her eyes back on Dipper. "You ask if I share similar abilities to Cipher. Indeed, they are similar, but not quite the same. I can see and commune with the departed. I can pass through both the Spirit Realm and the Mindscape at will. I can easily manipulate another's thoughts or dreams. If I so desired, I could make one loathe another so much that they might harm or kill them. I can oftentimes 'see' or accurately predict future events and potential outcomes. I am able to effortlessly read most others' minds when I gaze at them. Right now, you are waiting for me to finish speaking so that you may ask me more questions."
He winced.
"I can create illusions so real that one may actually believe they are being physically affected by them. I can shape dreams into nightmares and nightmares into dreams. Did you know that dreamweavers are originally from Druunire? You did not, but you find that it makes sense."
"Uhhh… Wow. Okay. So, were –"
"Yes, Flora and I were really friends. More so, in fact, as she is my close cousin."
"Oh! Really?"
Aurora nodded. "Yes. And Zephyr is correct. She is here, right now, greatly amused by this conversation we are having."
The others looked surprised.
"And Rose is at the willow. And Esmeray is at the oak. All the dragon souls are waiting at their graves right now. Even Valor is sitting patiently in the clearing that Amaranth calls home."
"But Bill's mom isn't really a dragon," Mabel said.
"When one spends enough time in the form of a dragon and living a dragon's life, they begin to become a dragon. In a way. Anyways…" She looked at Amy now. "You, Amaranth, are one of the special beings that is so powerful it is impossible for me, or any dreamweaver, to read you. Your past, present, and future lie in perpetual mystery. It is just like the Great Dragons." She looked at Bill. "Just as dreamweavers typically cannot read other dreamweavers… And you, Cipher, will never be able to read her. Not in the way a dreamweaver likes to do."
"I've come to terms with that fact," he said then shrugged. "Besides, I kind of like the surprise now."
Aurora seemed to smile then looked back to Amy. "Amaranth… If all goes well tonight, if we triumph over Ragnarok and the end of time… Might you allow me to pledge my allegiance and serve thee?"
Amy looked surprised. "What? You want to serve me? What do you mean by that?"
"Just as it sounds. Just as Zephyr remains steadfastly loyal to Gaia, I would like to be so to you."
She was bewildered. "W-Well, I mean, if that's what you want, I guess?" Amy felt a bit embarrassed by the strange request; it was something dragons only asked of people that held great power or authority. Even then, it was rare… Then, she thought that perhaps Aurora had somehow found out that she was going to be one of Druunire's guardians if they could defeat Ragnarok. But why did Aurora want to serve her?
Aurora seemed pleased and curled her tail. "Yes. I am not physically strong, but my magic is grand. Now then… Cousin Flora would like all of you to know that she misses you, too. As for those of you she has not met before passing, she says 'greetings.'"
…
We all went to visit Flora's grave. It's become a beautiful spring with crystal clear water and small animals in the short time she's been gone. Aurora, that weird dreamweaver dragon from Telmak, crawled out of the old mine like some kind of…creature and started talking to us. She told us about how all the souls of dead dragons are currently waiting at their graves right now. Waiting for Ragnarok… After, she asked Amy if she could pledge her loyalty to Amy if Ragnarok is defeated. Amy was confused but accepted. Aurora really is a strange and mysterious dragon. Or maybe I just overthink her?
We just got back to Valor's Clearing; Aurora came with us. I don't know if it's because Aurora said something or if it's actually true, but there's a weird presence here now. Supposedly, Valor and Rose are here waiting with us right now. Aurora went over to the very center of the clearing and started talking in the dragon language to seemingly no one. Meanwhile, Bill has been standing and staring in the direction of the willow tree for a while now. I can't tell if he's daydreaming or just stunned by something. Maybe Rose and Valor really are there… Amy told me that Ghost could go into the Spirit Realm and see for himself, but he was probably feeling too overwhelmed to do so. He, Rose, and Flora were all really good friends after all. It must be hard for him.
We haven't seen or heard from Dionysus since yesterday morning. Aurora said that he was making amends with Gaia. I had almost forgotten that those two were like family.
It's 2:12 pm right now…
…
Amy had decided to round up the sheep and other animals two hours earlier than she usually did. She even had Bud go inside the house. About thirty minutes later, Dionysus appeared in the form of a large red stag and pranced into the clearing to meet everyone.
"Boy, have we got a surprise for you humans!" he announced. "You won't just have to stand around and watch when things go down soon!"
"We?" Ford inquired.
He nodded. "Remember that big robo-narwhal-thing Xaxyl let you old-timers use against the Serpent shadow? Well, turns out there's more of 'em! And by that, I mean there are five, but only two are in working condition. One is that aquatic one, and the other is called Stonedigger."
"You mean to say that that ancient contraption actually works?" Zephyr was beside himself.
"Yup! Gaia and Dawnbringer went fetch it from its volcanic tomb deep inside of Meltdown Peak's tallest volcano. Turns out that making something with a thick shell of fire dragon scales makes it not only fireproof, but magma proof, too. Anyways, it's in perfect working order and if you guys could handle controlling Bunker, then you can probably figure out Stonedigger."
"So, we can help?" Mabel asked hopefully.
Dionysus nodded again and transformed into a red feathery dragon. "That's right, kiddo. The ancient humans that lived on Telmak were sure something, all right. Dragons haven't needed those giant terraforming monstrosities in a long time. Until now, that is. Turns out they have great potential as weapons of war. Oh, but enough chitchat! We should go now."
"Go where?" Amy asked.
"To the place where Ragnarok is gonna bust through to this joint! The spot where Telmak and Avas are going to collide and start merging into Necronire. Hurry! We've got 'til the sun touches the horizon to get there and be ready!"
"Why did you wait so damn long to come get us?" Bill growled.
"No time to explain my procrastination. Let's go!"
Amy hurried inside to go fetch the amaranths that were held together like a bouquet, then joined everyone as they followed Dionysus into the woods. They walked for quite a distance through the trees before finally coming to an open area where a large dragon's handprint was indented into the earth. Most of them recognized it as the place where Ragnarok had previously attempted to break free of Necronire. The place where the Dark Prince had nearly slaughtered Amy and transformed Teeth into a dragon. But, somehow, the place looked different. It was suddenly vaster and open, and numerous dragons and other creatures were standing around awaiting the coming storm.
"Wait," Dipper said. "Something's off… Why does everything look so…weird?"
"Telmak and Avas are already merging here," Ghost answered as he looked around.
It was true. The landscape and scenery were mixed parts of the forest and mountains around Gravity Falls and the Great Plains of Telmak.
"We are standing in two worlds at the same time," Ford remarked, sounding almost excited.
"Looks kinda…trippy," Stan said.
"Greetings!" a loud voice drew their attention over to the big phoenix landing nearby. "I see you are all well."
"Dawnbringer!" Mabel ran up to her. "Should've known you'd be here."
"Yes, you should have." She spread her wings. "I would not dare to be absent on such a momentous eve!"
"As dramatic as ever," Dipper said with a smirk.
The ground shuddered slightly as the large form of the Warden stomped past them. He paused to look at them. "You humans best get to the Stonedigger real quick-like. No time for dillydallyin'."
Ford turned to Amy. "What are you going to do?"
She glanced down at the bundle of flowers she was holding. "I suppose I should start preparing the amaranths. Ghost can help me with placing them correctly."
"Be careful, then. We'll see you later."
She nodded and began to unbind the amaranths.
Ford, Stan, Dipper, and Mabel all followed the Warden over to a huge machine that was covered with crimson and gold scales. The thing was animal-like in appearance and looked like some frightening cross between an oriental dragon and an armadillo or mole. It sat stationary and silent upon the surface with its broad paws tucked beneath it, sharp golden claws protruding. Standing beside it were the two water dragons, Duncan and Xaxyl. Despite being out of the water, Xaxyl's long fins and whiskers still seemed to flow around him.
"Greetings," the bright orange Xaxyl said in his growly voice. "Hmm. I must thank you again for your help with the Serpent, hmm."
Duncan pointed with his snout up at the slumbering machine. "Say 'ello to ol' Stonedigger. Took Mother Gaia an' Dawn an effort to get it 'ere, but it works well n' all."
"Did Serene have her baby yet?" Mabel asked.
He nodded. "Aye. A lil' dragoness. We call 'er Serenity." He leaned closer and grinned. "I was the one insisted we name 'er after Serene, see?"
Mabel smiled.
He stood up straight. "The queen and offspring are safe at 'ome. Let's hope I'll be gettin' back to 'em when all this is good 'n done."
"You will!"
He nodded. "Well, go on, then." He gestured to the Stonedigger with a flick of his tail.
"When stationary," Xaxyl said, "you can approach Stonedigger's right side and pass your hand over where the red scales meet the gold ones, hmm… Should open the door…"
Ford was the first to approach the machine. He took a moment to examine the scales before touching them and swiping his palm across them. With a hissing sound, a door slid open to allow them in.
The inside of Stonedigger was lit up by the bright runes and strange hieroglyphs that lined the interior walls. It was dome-shaped and very roomy. Towards the front, there was a smaller dome with a large slab of some kind that faced two large circular platforms on the floor. There were a few others of these platforms in some places of the larger dome.
"Ah, yes," Ford said and approached one of the platforms at the front. When he stepped onto it, two magical straps appeared and held onto his feet and lower legs. For a moment, Dipper and Mabel were concerned. "Don't worry," he told them. "These magical bindings help to keep the user in place and support their body. If I want to be free of them, my desire to be so is enough for them to disappear. It's like this in the other one we piloted."
A hologram of controls appeared around him, and, after pressing a few keys, the stone slab lit up with the image of outside as the Stonedigger whirred to life and rose to its feet. The slab appeared to display what the Stonedigger could see through its glowering eyes. They could even hear the outside world as well.
"For the most part," Ford said, "it acts on its own, in a way. A special sealing magic appears to have been used to create these machines. They move and do as the pilot desires. Having others to co-pilot help to control finer aspects."
"Cool!" Dipper said.
"It's like that time we fought Bill with the Shack that we turned into a robot during Weirdmageddon," Mabel chuckled.
"Dipper, Mabel," Ford pulled their attention over as he stepped down from the platform. "Perhaps you two should pilot Stonedigger?"
"Really?!" they said together.
He exchanged a smirk with Stan and they both nodded. "Yes, really."
Stan pointed a thumb at the platforms in the Stonedigger's body. You young'ins can take the literal helm of this freak machine. Us geezers will support you in the back on those."
Dipper and Mabel exchanged looks before hurrying over to the two main control platforms and stepping onto them. The magical bindings wrapped around their feet and legs and the Stonedigger glanced side-to-side to take in its surroundings, stopping to lock eyes onto Crusade.
"Lookin' good there," the black and white dragon grinned. "Nice to see the beautiful Stonedigger back on the surface!"
"Now, listen."
Stonedigger turned to look at a black dragon with a dark red underbelly and horns; he was larger than Crusade.
The dragon nodded. "As a brief introduction, my name's Lucius. I'm alpha of Meltdown Peak. Now then, about Stonedigger… The thing's name isn't all that accurate. Truthfully, those shiny claws it has are actually able to pierce through most metals, not just stone. In fact, it's able to bust right through raw diamond. It's heat resistant and we've yet to find a fire strong enough to scorch its hide. Even lava and magma don't faze it. Now, don't go thinking that'll keep you safe. For the most part, just like a dragon, its scales can deflect most damage. But! Just like a dragon, certain powerful magics and weapons, or dragon claws and spines, can chip away at those scales. Keep that in mind. Originally, Stonedigger is a terraforming machine used to redirect the flow of lava from volcanos. It's made to dig, tear, and crush things and to do it quickly. Got it?"
The Stonedigger nodded.
"Good. Good luck to you, then."
Bill watched as Amy carefully placed the amaranths according to Ghost's instructions until Bill's attention was drawn over to the big white spirit coming to land beside him. Bill turned to face the bird. "Divinity…" He almost laughed when the spirit leaned forward to nuzzle him as it chirruped with delight. "Okay, okay, knock it off. I've got a reputation to uphold."
"Oh please," Amy scoffed with a smirk.
Bill continued talking to the spirit. "Now, you'd better not let that mountain-sized bastard turn you back into the Thunderbird. You hear?"
Divinity cooed.
"Good."
He turned to Amy as she stood up in the center of the ring of amaranths and carefully stepped in with her. He gently pulled her close and pressed his forehead to hers.
"It will be okay," she told him.
"…Yeah."
They remained that way for a minute or two before he stepped away from her to transform himself into a dragon.
"Amy," Ghost attracted her attention. "Do you remember the spell to activate the amaranths' hidden powers?"
She nodded. "Yes, I remember. Don't worry."
He snorted. "It is impossible for me not to worry about you, of all people."
She held her hand out and he lightly touched his snout to her palm. Then, she kissed him on the nose. After, she did the same with Bill, who nuzzled his head into her chest and caused her to chuckle.
"Teeth," Bill said. "You, Shade, and Rawly stay with Amy until she completes that spell. Got it?"
The three nodded. "You got it, Boss!" Teeth smiled.
Amy looked back at Aurora, who had been sitting and watching in silence behind them. "What about you, Aurora? You said you're not physically strong. Will you be okay?"
The sleek dragoness nodded. "I am lithe and nimble, and my magic is strong. I intend to help anyone I can by healing or making barriers. We can be certain that Ragnarok will not be relying on the monsters of Necronire to assist him in this battle. Rather, he will most certainly have his shadows fight alongside him. Esmeray has taught me the spell to turn shadows into spirits."
Amy nodded then took a moment to look around. More dragons and creatures had arrived and were anxiously awaiting Ragnarok's arrival. Ouroboros suddenly appeared, flying out through a misty rift alongside his two sons, Icarus and Cupid. Gaia was nowhere to be seen, but Amy could understand why. Gaia was a pure fairy dragon. She would not be able to fight even if she wanted. She could heal or make barriers like Aurora, but she was also one of Ragnarok's prime targets. Besides, Amy was certain that even Gaia's barriers would not be able to withstand her youngest brother's attacks.
One thing Amy was still unsure of was how Valor told her that he would help in the fight. But Valor was dead and gone. He could not possibly be able to physically assist them… Could he? Well, he knows more than I do, she thought.
A strange feeling suddenly passed over everyone, drawing their attention to the space above the setting sun. There was a slight rumble in the earth and a faint sound like fabric beginning to be torn. Suddenly, the sky burst open with the sound of ripping and cracking and thunder. A gargantuan rift had torn through reality and shadows began to pour from it like an army of ants in a frenzy over their mound being stepped on. From the starry red rift, the colossal black form of a dragon large enough to devour a mountain pushed and pulled its way through until it was fully free.
Ragnarok lifted and flexed his numerous spines like a porcupine, tested the joints and muscles of his shoulders and wings, and clenched and unclenched his claws before slowly lifting his head and opening his four, bloodred eyes to stare down at them all. The corners of his mouth curled upwards into a disturbingly wicked grin, showing shining sharp teeth like giant, inward facing needles.
"I'm back…" he growled menacingly. He quickly surveyed the opposing army, pausing briefly on Ouroboros, Ghost, then Bill. He laughed. "Yes! This will do well! Let us begin!" He snarled the last word and his shadows launched themselves forward to attack. The opposing dragons and creatures lunged, too.
"Begin now, Amy!" Ghost said with a growl before launching himself forward with a powerful flap of his wings.
While Teeth and Rawly began to fight off shadows, Shade curled himself around Amy to protect her from behind as she began to recite the amaranths' spell. She did her best to tune out the sounds of roaring, screeching, fighting beasts. The sounds of horns clashing, teeth gnashing, and claws raking through flesh. Her green eyes began to glow and the glow of each amaranth became steadily brighter as the flowers rose from the ground and began to circle her. After what felt like forever but truly only lasted a few minutes, there was a loud sound like a "shing" and a bright flash of colorful light.
The light passed over everything like a wave, harmlessly passing dragons, spirits, and other creatures while harshly knocking away shadows and forcing many of them to dissipate. Ragnarok's amused expression quickly turned to one of surprise as the light destroyed his shadows before crashing into him. He snarled and hissed, feeling the amaranths' light magic draining vast amounts of power from him. The offspring of the tether trees were taking back what belonged to them.
Ragnarok roared and shook himself, throwing the wave off and forcing it to disappear. He was smaller now, much to his displeasure, and he could feel the difference in power. However, he was still far bigger than anyone else standing before him, and he had no doubt that he was still stronger. With a furious snarl, he lunged forward and swatted several dragons out of the air with a broad forepaw while whipping his spiked tail around to crush the phoenix, Dawnbringer. She screeched with pain as she was hit and pierced by the spines then was promptly silenced when she was smashed into the earth by the Dark Prince's powerful tail. Still, she had managed to blast a ball of crimson fire before being struck, which hit Ragnarok in one of his eyes. He reared back with a hiss, his eye shut and smoking. A few unlucky dragons that were too close were crushed beneath him as he stumbled and fell over onto his side with a loud crash and a shake of the earth.
"Dawnbringer!" Mabel shouted.
All they could see of the phoenix was a great splatter of blood and a few tattered feathers of a wing sticking out from the crevasse that Ragnarok's tail had just made.
"We have to help her!"
"She's dead, Mabel!" Ford yelled from the back of the Stonedigger. "We have to move!"
The Stonedigger slammed its claws into the ground and began to dig at great speed until it was submerged beneath the surface. When it reappeared, it broke free of the earth near Ragnarok and slashed its golden claws through his underbelly. The giant dragon's scales were easily torn by the claws of the machine which could pierce diamond.
Ragnarok managed to right himself and kicked the machine away with a back paw, sending it flying and crashing into a nearby mountain. He stopped a moment, surprised to find that he was bleeding and his eye burned. He could not recall a time where he had ever felt physical pain. It made him furious.
Ghost and Bill soared around, circling to the back while Ouroboros lunged and struck at his sibling like a snake. Ghost curled his lip in a silent snarl at the sight of Dawnbringer's mangled corpse and flapped his wings harder to speed up. Bill followed suit, and soon, they were joined by Zephyr and Crusade.
Zephyr took the lead, flying ahead of the group and diving down to get closer. He stopped to send a sonic boom at Ragnarok, which struck him in the jaw and stopped him from slamming his jaws shut around Ouroboros's tail. Ragnarok turned to look for the source of the attack, but Zephyr had already flown off. Now, Crusade and Ghost shot fireballs at him from two different directions.
With another angry roar, Ragnarok launched several of his sharp spines from his body and sent them flying after the smaller dragons. Crusade was pierced through the shoulder joint of his wing, sending him falling to the earth. Ghost snarled as a spine slashed through his flank but managed to keep himself righted. He dove and caught his brother in midair before carrying him away to where Aurora was healing injured creatures that were still living.
Ragnarok locked eyes onto Bill, who blasted a blue fireball at him before suddenly diving at the Dark Prince's face. The yellow dragon snarled viciously as he tore with fangs and claws at Ragnarok's other eye, splattering blood in all directions as the larger beast roared with great pain and fury. Ragnarok shook his head violently but was unable to remove Bill from his face.
"You INSOLENT, WORTHLESS little –" Ragnarok said before cutting himself off by slamming that side of his face into the nearby mountain.
The impact caused the side of the mountain to crumble and collapse. It also winded Bill and forced him to release Ragnarok and fall with the debris on top of the Stonedigger trying to right itself at the base. The humans inside yelled with shock as the dragon and large stones fell upon them. Quickly, the Stonedigger dashed forward, bringing Bill with it.
"Are you okay?!" Dipper shouted, though he wasn't sure if Bill could hear them inside of the machine.
The yellow dragon slid off of the Stonedigger and onto his paws. He took a few seconds to catch his breath then shook himself and turned to look at the machine. It tilted its head at him and edged closer.
"I'm fine," he gasped. "Quit worrying about me! Hurry up and go dig a trap over there by the handprint!" He pointed at the old giant indentation of Ragnarok's paw in the earth.
Stonedigger nodded and dashed away towards it.
Bill flew up into the sky once more and arched around. He could see that both of Ragnarok's left eyes were shut and bleeding. He had managed to create a blind spot. As he was just thinking to himself about being cautious of Ragnarok's spines, the giant dragon launched several more in an attempt to impale or slash anyone not fast enough to move out of the way. Bill narrowly managed to avoid getting hit by them. A horrid sound directed his attention over to Ouroboros. The feathery serpent was screeching in agony as Ragnarok had managed to swipe and tear his large claws across the length of Ouroboros's underbelly. As Ouroboros fell towards the ground far below, Ragnarok turned suddenly and blasted a mouthful of bloodred fire at Bill. Caught off-guard by this, Bill could not possibly have escaped the wide spread of the attack. He braced himself, expecting to feel the awful sensation of dragon fire burning away his carapace and flesh, and although he did feel the intense heat, the burning sensation itself never came.
Stunned, Bill glanced wildly around for the source of the blue barrier that had protected him and spotted a dragoness suddenly close beside him. From her aura and scent, he could tell immediately that it was Amy. She was a grand dragoness with scales like red rose petals and flowing ribbon-like feathers around her head and the back of her jaw. The two smooth horns protruding from the back of her head and the spikes down her spine greatly resembled the thorns of a rosebush, and her golden wings of light were shaped like a butterfly's wings in true fairy dragon fashion. Around her neck was a wreath of all ten amaranths.
"Amy?! You did it!"
"Yeah," she nodded. Her barrier vanished as the fire stopped. "I'll follow you!"
He nodded back and the two dragons took off, making sure to stay low enough that Ragnarok might not start to fly. Seething with rage, Ragnarok pursued them, bounding forward on all-fours. They led him towards the handprint, and when the massive dragon stomped down on the earth there, the ground gave way and collapsed beneath him. The Stonedigger had worked fast and managed to create a grand pitfall trap.
Ragnarok roared and struggled to free himself of the dirt and stone. He paused, looking up at Amy flying directly above him. He bared his teeth then suddenly looked shocked or horrified. Surrounding her was the ethereal form of Valor, looking down upon him with sadness and determination. The two suddenly dove at him, Ouroboros and Gaia suddenly appearing alongside them. With a screaming roar, Ragnarok was struck by the four of them and some strange light that flashed so brightly every onlooker had to close their eyes and turn away. Then, there was silence…
Ragnarok was nowhere to be found; Valor had gone as well. A calm silence filled the air, but only for a moment before the worlds suddenly shifted and rumbled.
"Go, now!" Gaia shouted to Amy and Bill. "Through the rift to Necronire! Hurry and bind yourselves to the tether tree before the worlds collapse!"
Without question or hesitation, the two flew up into the sky and through the massive rift. Necronire's once deep bluish-black color like space was now crimson and the stars were blinking out. Colorful bubbles of smaller dimensions that once floated aimlessly were now colliding into each other and skull-shaped asteroids were crashing into islands of various habitats and biomes. Monsters and spirits screeched and howled with fear as the entire dimension shook and crumbled.
Bill and Amy spotted the lifeless-looking form of the tether tree. It was black and leafless, its exposed roots clinging desperately to a stony piece of land. Quickly, they soared over to it, dodging asteroids and debris along the way until they finally reached the massive tree.
"I'm not sure how to do this," Amy admitted.
"Bind your magic to something? It's easy. Come with me."
She followed him up all the way to the top of the dying tree. Even in its current state, the tree made them look like ants. Seeing something in the corner of her eye, she turned to see Bill holding a hand out to her. Amy placed her hand in his and felt a surge of great magic. Two sparkling trails of light began to leave them, twisting together on their way down to the tree. Upon making contact with the tether tree, there was an explosion of light and magic all around. The tether tree burst into full bloom, its ash-colored trunk glistening and its silver leaves sparkling with magic as Crystal Amaranths appeared amongst its leaves and all around the ground below it. The piece of land that the tree was on expanded into a massive continent covered with grass and colorful plants. The shaking and colliding all around stopped and the tether tree's magic immediately repaired and reversed any damage that had been caused in the last few minutes.
"Now this is more like it!" Bill shouted. He suddenly transformed in the blink of an eye into the triangle form Amy had met him in and only ever saw when he bothered her in her dreams. Then, he turned back into a dragon and laughed. "Fantastic!"
She laughed too, finding great joy in his excitement.
The two of them returned through the rift, finding that Avas and Telmak were no longer fused. There were many dragons still alive, but there were also many that had perished and turned into everlasting parts of nature. As they landed, they saw Mabel running out of the Stonedigger towards the dead phoenix, followed by her brother and grunkles. Everyone was assessing the losses and damage and mourning over friends or family now gone forever. Suddenly, a dragon let out a mournful but triumphant roar and all the others joined in. It was a cry of victory.
"Poor Dawn," Amy breathed.
"Of the lost," Icarus began to announce, "we have Dawnbringer the phoenix, Raveneye, Stormdrop…" he continued to list more names. "Duncan, Whiplash…"
After listening to the names of fallen friends, Amy noticed Gaia and Ouroboros peering down at something within the pitfall that had trapped Ragnarok. Gaia climbed down and vanished within it for a few moments before flying out with something hanging from her maw. Amy and the others went over to see what it was and were shocked to see that it was a tiny baby dragon.
"Is that -?!" Amy began.
Gaia gently placed the dragonling down. It was solid black with small spikes all over its back, head, and tail. "Valor proposed an idea to us…"
Ouroboros snorted. His wounds had already been healed but his cream-colored feathers were stained crimson. "Reincarnation is against so many rules!"
"And yet, you still agreed, in the end…"
"Reincarnation?" Dipper echoed. "Wait… Is that baby Ragnarok?!"
"In a way," Gaia said, "but also, no. When a soul is reincarnated, they become someone, or something, entirely new. Ragnarok and this child are both the same yet completely different individuals."
"But why?" Bill asked. "Why bother?"
Gaia looked down at the dragonling laying at her feet. "…Valor proposed the idea to us rather recently. We, especially Valor, have always felt deeply saddened that we could never understand or love our young sibling how he deserved. So, against the very many strict rules, Valor pleaded with us to agree to reincarnate Ragnarok rather than destroy him. That way, our brother may get the chance to live a truly happy life."
"Still," Ouroboros snorted again. "It's not like either of us will be able to raise and care for him how he will need…"
"Which is why," Gaia continued, "Valor and I would like to ask you to do so." She pointed her snout at Amy and Bill.
They were surprised, Bill flinching. "What!?" he said loudly. "You want me to raise the reincarnated form of someone I absolutely despised!?"
"If not you, then at least Amaranth," Gaia replied. "Though, as the two of you are king and queen to each other, I would assume you would also have to assist."
"Wait, you two –" Stan was interrupted by Ghost smacking him in the back of the head with his tail. "OW! Hey!"
Amy stepped forward and lowered her head to the tiny dragonling. He blinked open his two red eyes and let out a yawn, showing teeth so tiny that they were hardly visible. He stuck his little tongue out a few times to lick his lips then focused on Amy and tilted his head with a curious coo. She smiled at him and lightly nudged his face. With a delighted squeal, the dragonling smiled and nuzzled into her.
Amy chuckled. "He's not so bad, Bill," she said.
"Are you kidding!?"
"No, I'm serious. He's just a baby. And Gaia's right, they're not really the same person. Check closely. He doesn't even smell like or have the same aura as Ragnarok."
Bill hesitated a moment before leaning forward to examine and sniff at the baby. "Hmm… Well, I guess you're right… Fine. If you want to keep him, then whatever…"
Gaia looked pleased when Amy scooped up the baby with her tail and drew him close to her flank. "Thank you," Gaia said. "Now then… We should all be getting back to our respective homes. Several friends and families need to be informed of their loved ones' passings. And now that the threat of Ragnarok no longer looms, we can all move forward without fear."
Ouroboros nodded. "Indeed. Thank you all. Now, I must tend to the new souls joining Sava tonight. Farewell. May the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows."
Icarus and Cupid said their farewells and joined their father as he opened and passed through a portal that vanished behind them.
Gaia took a moment to look around at the new trees and formations caused by deceased dragons. "I hope that this will be the last time any dragon ever dies… Zephyr, Dionysus… Could the two of you help me to return Dawnbringer to Mount Carver?"
"Of course, Great Mother Gaia," Zephyr said with a nod.
Dionysus nodded too. "Yeah." He turned to his friends. "I'll meet up with you guys later. Tomorrow, probably. You should go get some rest, yeah?"
"I will remain here with Ghost and Crusade," Aurora said, "to heal the injured."
"As will I," Shade announced.
Amy transformed into a human and scooped up the baby dragon in her arms before turning to the others. "Okay then. The rest of you, let's get back to Valor's Clearing and get some rest."
They all nodded and agreed.
To be continued…