Hey yall! Sorry it's been a while since I've done one of these! It seems like ppl much rather I do these than updates via Comm posts, so I'll chill a bit on those. The recent drawing cut into alot of my time along with sudden extra work days but ESPECIALLY since I RECENTLY GOT A 2ND JOB! I was busy with that right before finishing this chapter lol Getting back last night with midnight buses got a bit hectic tho ngl but yeah, these guys pay bi-weekly so I'll be suffering a bit longer before this 1st pay comes in, but you bet your sweet ass I'll be much happier when it comes in! I'll be able to move into a better room and possibly start working out again! I cant tell yall how much I miss tearing my body part! U I do plan to start going out here and there too, so wish me luck on that as well. It's something I've thought alot about recently.
Anyway Im still getting used to writing for this story. Got a bunch of ideas juggling. Not gonna lie tho, I'll be surprised if this is longer than 5 chapters x))) Knowing myself, I might be able to reach 7 as the last chapter again. We'll be EXTREMELY lucky if we do 10 for this main story. Thought about putting in yet another antag but with what Im doing with the current ones should more than make up for it, and let's say we'll be seeing some old faces from the previous story too (with a few of their new buds? we'll see~~). ngl I wanted to get this out of the way asap to get to the other stories I've been DYING to continue. And trust me, I do really love me some Lilac. I have personal cum stories about her and everything. Well I say all that and this still came out to be a decently long chapter (OVER 9000! words btw). Oh! Before I forget! I've also been coming around to taking fanfic requests. Anyone interested Needs to look at my on my Wattpad page bio. I have an update on it for options on it.
Now that much is out of way, let's get some reading done! OuO
Chapter 2: Dragon Potentials & The Longwong Staff
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The Royal Palace was in sight. As much as Merga wanted to pay The Magister a visit, the scent she picked up became more potent the closer she got to a much nearer source: Milla's Lab. Once she redirected herself downward at an angle, she heard a roaring, rustling sound from above. "(What in blazes could-)" Merga thought before receiving an initial dropping elbow from above and took a flurry of punches from a strong assailant. He drove her a dozen feet into the ground, making a crater but he was pushes away from her with a powerful palm thrust. "*backflips out of the hole and lands; brushes a bit of blood out of mouth with wrist* Someone got stronger in a short amount of time" Askal said, "*drops in front of him, uses tail to swipe the dirty cloud made from the impact* Have I not ordered you to do away with the Hatchling and her friends? They seem alive and well to this day. They defeated you. Now you think you can stop me?" Merga prefaces, "The Dragon brat has her boyfriend with them. Not sayin' Im really trying to protect them, but if there's anyone allowed to beat on him, it's gonna be me. 'Sides. Higher-ups said my head's on a platter if I dont do this" Askal told her, putting up his fists, "So you would rather be dead than letting me off?" she also brought up, "..At least it's how I can really atone for what I've done. Cant think of a better way to go out" he replied, "(He's stalling...He knows he cant hope to compare to me) So be it..Any Earth Dragon that wants to get is good as dead...!" Merga growled out with anger and malice behind her voice. Both Dragons were more than ready to throw their lives away and hated each other very mutually. When Askal tried raising a few big spheres out of the ground, he was forced to clamp and gather them on his hands when he saw Merga use her Dragon Boost towards him. "RAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!" he roared, able to push her back with enough might and vigor, however shattering his rocky hands in the process. "*slides back* (So he was able to make me fall back. Impressive. But...) *sees his arms shaking and bleeding* (Im interested. How long can he last now?)" Merga thought with a sadistic grin, "*looks down, seeing arms shaking and alot of skin coming off of bloodied hands; heavily breathes* (Dammit...Just how much stronger did she get? I have to...Keep her here...As long as...Possible..!)" Askal thought, trying to steel his determination.
At Milla's place, I was spooning with my lovely Lavy-Lac under some sheets. Stroking her long hair (tentacles?)..Rubbing her soft cheeks and feeling her warm smile..Putting my waist against that sweet ass of her's while we were both bottomless (my favorite part ~u~)...Pretty much anything you can think of romantic partners do, we were doing it for these handful of moments we had with each other. "Wielder" I suddenly heard, "! (N-now?! Your timing couldnt be any worse! /V/;;)" I react, "(Calm yourself. I came to warn you of a great danger coming this way. Please be prepared for it)" I heard from Wang's voice, "(Danger..? No...Dont tell me Merga found us!) *sits up, seeing Wang for a second with my head turned and he disappears* (But how...What do I do now? Do I...Just Leave Lilac here? She can fend for herself while I look for the others...But if I get caught...Shit I cant even do anything against the wilderness here. Cmon think think..Why wont he just give me my damn powers back?! Screw whatever the blade thing says! I need it's help Now!) *feels Lilac rustling and waking up* (Oh great..Now I gotta tell her)" I was thinking, "hey..what's the matter? - " Lilac asked, "(I might as well mention this too..) Well Lav...I just got a warning. A real bad one...But there's something I gotta tell you.." I began but roof of the Lab bursted open and I found myself grabbed and tossed out. "*GASP* Sweetie! *ties robe tighter, puts on pants and grabs shoes while dashing out, running on the ground quickly* Call out for me! Where'd you go?!" Lilac hollered urgently. It took a moment before she saw Merga soaring skyward with me in her grasp, but she was able intercept her with a well-placed Dragon Boost from above. She still held me in her armpit, but she realized a cut on her face upon landing.
"[Merga] Nice to see you have been diligent in your training, Hatchling."
"[Lilac] Enough, Merga! You're putting him down RIGHT NOW! OVO"
"[Merga] Sadly, Hatchling..I will be needing him for my own personal needs."
"[Lilac] What the hell do you want with him?!"
"[Merga] So he hasn't told you? Hmph. I suppose it can imagine. It is a rather unbecoming event."
"[Lilac] H-huh...Sweetie..W-what is she talking about.."
"Lilac..Please forgive me...Im begging you..."
"[Lilac] Out with it! W-what happened between you and her! /o o\;"
"[Merga] Oh poor little Hatchling. He woefully and desperately wanted to spare your feelings from the fact that me and him made such passionate, pleasureful love-making before he came to this planet. \u/"
"[Lilac] ! Wait WHAT?"
"THAT'S A LIE! *catches both of their attentions* Lilac...Please listen to me...Whatever happened with me and her...My heart always belonged to you...I...I wanted to tell you but..."
"[Lilac] So you...! YOU...!"
"[Merga] Why yes, Hatchling. Of course we did. He could not resist my advances u u. Not only did I receive his oats for our child...But this other Earth Dragon that could have became a potential mate for you..I believe preparing a funeral for him is in order. *notices her hand shaking* He tried his best bu-"
"[Lilac] MERGA. THAT'S ENOUGH!"
"[Merga] Or else what, Hatchling? Do you th- *notices how I am no longer seen* ! Where did-?! *looks behind, seeing Lilac putting me behind her* (This speed! Where did this come from?)"
"[Lilac] Merga...I wanted things to work...Somehow..Some way...But now..! You decided to ruin my life..! YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR!"
"(! I've never seen her this angry before. Lilac..Im sorry..If only I could...)"
"[Merga] (Hmm..Suddenly this became dangerous for me. I knew coming in that I was walking a tight rope if we battled again, but this..I genuinely have no idea how this will play out. Seems as though I will have to go all-out myself)" she thought to herself, taking a battling stance while feeling Lilac's intense anger from a distance, enough to throw off her instinctive senses. The next instant Merga drew breath, Lilac already landed a Dragon Boost into her chest, breaking her breastplate and most of her armor, with a delayed rumbling that shook the ground hard enough to give me a headache from rattling my brain. UUGGHH! What the..! There's something going on here..I wish I knew what it is... "*coughs blood, struggles to get back up* (What...Is this Hatchling's power..? Why is she far more powerful than our last...?) *sees a spring of blood coming from chest, getting all over hands*...Blood Moon!" Merga shouts, casting blasts of flames from her palms and mouth, "*sees Lilac get touched by the attack but sees the fires get completely snuffed by another powerful blow that also landed on Merga quickly; is blown back by it* Whoa whooooa! *lands on my back; holds my head* Gghnnn! (My head's going to split at this rate! Just what the hell- ! Wait!) *remembers Lilac facing the Dragon mech years ago and how fast she was* (She was very angry back then too. Almost as mad as now...Could that be the reason? Maybe Merga knows something about this? Or Askal- Oh...If what Merga said was true...)" I was pondering, lately realizing what happened to Askal. "Lilith! *summons strong gusts of wind around self, with petals and leaves in the air, slowing Lilac's attacks down as she is blown backwards by the wind; gasps for air while blood leaks out of mouth* (Her attacks are as deadly as she is ruthless...) *aims with a casted hand, trying to stabilize it from shaking in pain* (If I can manage to skewer her...Just a little more aaaand...!) SUPERMOON!" Merga shouts, making Lilac's heart sink for a second, remembering how dangerous the attack was but still forced herself to Dragon Boost through it and the blinding winds that initially was halting her. Though she was able to power through and shatter every inch of her large blade, followed by many more blades coming at her, leaving deep cuts upon breaking, Lilac kept the same speed that Merga could bearly see coming. "*sees the ground under her folding while coming closer, along with her Dragon wings* (! Wings?! This soon at her age?! Surely there is something else occuring withing this Hatchling! She is developing too exponentially for a mere fit of rage! BUT WHAT! WHAT COULD IT BE!)" Merga reacts while piecing things to herself, being less than a moment away from Lilac's collision with her, "MERGAAAAA!" Lilac cries out at the top of her lungs, "*looks away* (I cant watch! This is going to be ugly!) *waits a moment then opens my eyes, seeing Sylph in front of me with her strained arms out* Sylph! When did you get here?!" I react, "*sweats heavily, struggles to breathe* Merga was...Too fast..Im...Glad I made it but...*brings them both to their knees with psychic power but glow around arms starts fading* They're too strong to...Hold forever..." she tells me, "Sylph please! I wish I could help but I dont have my powers now! There has to be something you can-! *sees Askal walking past me* Askal! You're alive?!" I react, "There is...I have to..Mind Crush them..." she lowly tells me, "Wait Mind what?! Sylph dont! Who knows how bad that'll-!" I tried telling her, "MIND CRUSH! *makes Merga tumble to the ground unconsciously; coughs blood and vision rapidly fades, holds head with a hand* (My head! I can...Barely feel myself taking hold of Lilac..) *looks over to me, seeing me shouting but cant hear* (Im sorry...I know how much you love her...More than anyone here...But I have to do this..No one should tear each other apart...Not like this!) MIND CRUSH!" Sylph shouts, with an even bigger snap that everyone could hear, from Lilac's head this time as she collapses on the ground with blankness in her eyes, "LILAAAAC! Sylph! You shouldnt have-! *looks over to her, seeing her as she falls to the ground* Sylph why...You knew it'd be dangerous to you too...*falls to my knees* Then why did you..." I said lowly, not believing what I saw, "Because you're weak. No if-ands about it. *looks down at me, seeing a tear dropping* DONT YOU DARE CRY! What kind of man are you if you're so pitiful?! GET THE HELL UP!" Askal yells, "what do I do...Askal...there's so much I dont know...so many things have been going wrong...what do I..." I lowly said, "...Listen little man. I cant decide things for you. Especially...not like..this..*falls over, landing face first* Every guy's gotta be different...Do what...You feel is best.." he told me...Askal...Im sorry you gave so much here too...No one else is coming to help us in time...I hate this...Being so helpless...So dependent all the time...It's always catching up...If...I have to go off of feeling from here...There's only one thing I have in mind..
At a cave in the mountain of Pangu Lagoon, Merga finds herself within it after a long period of sleep and recovery. Once she awoke, she notices how little light is present. The Dragon thusly walks outside of the cave. She takes a moment to bask at the wilderness before her while planning her next course of action. Night was falling at this point so she was tempted to relax a while longer, but is dealing with a certain uneasiness.
"Since when did I get up here?...Was I not battling the Hatchling?...You can come out now, boy. Your scent has not changed."
"*Im not trying to hide...Im down here.."
"*looks down and behind, seeing me beside the cave's entrance as I sat, crossed with my eyes closed* You decide to meditate now? Even knowing I am out and about? What has came over you?"
"*opens my eyes to the ground* There's alot I dont know about...Same for you...Im using this time to think things over for us...But what I do know is that you need me for something..What is it?"
"I see...A sort of temporary truce is what you seek then. For our benefit no less. Fine then, boy. Peak my interest."
"I also healed your wound.."
"*looks down, seeing a patch of petals with dried blood stuck to chest* (! So this is why I haven't bled to death.)"
"You mentioned about this Bakunawa of your's...Would you want me to help rebuild it?"
"! Why..Why yes. The means to do so run scarce but-"
"Then let me help you. I know how much it means to you."
"How willing. Very well."
"Then there's the Moonstone...Wang mentioned something about it..Do you know anything?"
"*takes it out and looks at it* It spoke to me. Saying there are more of it, but once all are collected, it will make a Moon Dragon fitting to be a mate for me."
"I see...It will be a chance for you to bring back the Water Dragons...I can help with that too."
"Is that so? Color me intrigued. I wouldn't expect such a thing from the Hatchling's lover."
"But know this...If you tell anyone about this...Or if they know some other way..And if you cant get me back before the morning comes..I'll end myself..."
"! Surely you jest."
"You and Wang...You both have put me in the worst situation possible...My chances with Lilac have never been so low...And the possibility of returning to Earth to escape from all this are even lower with limited help from Wang. It's suffocating..."
"Hmm. Admittedly this is quite the predicament, and a host of things are on the line. I may have to keep you alive a while longer and agree to the terms. You are the only one tied to such an entity as Wang."
"Something strange is going on with Lilac...Notably, when she's angered enough. I wouldnt chance anything with that if I were you, especially with how powerful she became earlier..Im sure even you can tell how anormal it was.."
"...For a smitten fool for the Hatchling, you brought a surprising amount to my attention uVu. Perhaps I shall tread more carefully from here on."
"I think everyone should...Ever since I came back to this planet...I cant tell you how different things are.."
"Indeed. Now come. We have an objectives to fulfill" Merga ordered of me, with many things now weighed on our minds. Even after all the things I just told her, I actually know more than I let on. I was able to connect again with Wang...And he...Told me something very unpleasant...The blade...I cant have it anymore...Because even though it is still in it's Yuji state...It's inside Lilac's body. She was even close to wielding it. If Merga wants to keep her life I suggest she listens to me from now on, or else it'll cost her. As for my powers...It's still up in the air, but to truly find out, I have to get stronger. Though...With me now knowing this, there is something I want to try when I return to the girls. Maybe there's a chance I can get the blade back after all.
The next day rolls in, and I find myself training at the Battlesphere with a special coach keeping tabs on me. What's his training method? Of course, after giving me a bunch of wraps for my hands, he throws a flurry of punches my way, making me feel every knuckle imprinted into my body until I crumble...It made me miss how I was during my first visit on this planet.. "Get back up! An ounce of sweat is another ounce of blood kept out of battle" Askal encourages, "*breathes heavily, bleeding from one side of my face* (His punches...They're too fast for me...Will I ever be able to dodge any..?)" I thought, getting ready for another barrage of fists coming at me. After an hour of his fists launching me in the air, I ended up falling in and out of consciousness. The few times he actually let me hit him were nothing, even after he tells me how to put my weight behind my fists. All I felt was his incredibly tough skin. Day after day, he only felt a bit less hard to hit directly. It took 2 weeks for my fists to not feel like it was going to explode after a dozen punches. A few days after that while building muscle with the use of various heavy scrapped bots. Eventually, Lilac went out of her way to check in on my progress. "*jumps and lands behind us on a platform* You two have been gone for like 4 hours, how's- Whoa!" she reacts, "*pushes myself off the ground while doing headstand push-ups with a big rock on my feet* 5...6...7...! oVo;;;" I grunted out, "Dont push him too hard, Askal!" Lilac loudly insisted, "! Lavi? *falls but was able to roll away from the falling rock* You could've knocked yknow! o;;" I told her, "There isnt exactly a door around but we might need you back. Milla wants us to get some materials for her that could help make you get stronger" Lilac tells me, "Well about that. *bumps my fists together* I think I'll only need Carol for this one. If I need extra help, I'll make sure she tells you I need it" I reply, "Alright..You do look like you got some muscle on you but we'll see, ok? I'll show you where to go and get Carol there as quick as I can" she obliges and urges, making me nod and Askal sees us off.
The place that Lilac led me to was this lusciously green area known as Nalao Lake. She said that there blue plants that I needed to keep an eye out for, but they tend to be around some of Brevon and Merga's bots. She also mentioned that it shouldnt be too bad for me since Carol needs a few minutes to get here. That should be plenty of time to take these guys on. As I ran through the area, seeing the place zip by me, I was stopped by 3 blue, slender foes with blades for arms. I approached one of them and it rushed at me, but I jumped over him, bouncing off of his head with a backflip. It came at me again upon landing but with a flurry of wild swipes this time. While there were many that were hard to track, there was one area it didnt cover. Seeing this, I ducked under his strikes as quickly as possible, still getting a couple of cuts to the chest and cheek in the process, but I was able to shoot my leg upwards, into his head, leaving a big crack. "When you're on your feet long enough, your legs get stronger over time. Makes it that much more important to keep standing" I remember Askal telling me as I focused, proceeding to jump above him, stomp him into the ground and rained many punches on him until he blew up with a watery burst, blinding me. Ghhhn! What's the deal with these things? They must be Water Dragon bots or something. The last two came at me the same time, trying to stab at me with their arms stretched out. I wasnt fast enough to avoid their attacks, but I took a bet and gave them a big hook to bash their heads into one another, only receiving a cut right below my armpit from how they were angled and how I moved to the side. My knuckles were getting pretty bloody, even with the wraps but Im used to them getting damaged like this at this point. Though they were physically harder than expected and quickly numbed my hands. This in mind I was able to stomp out one of them til it bursted into a splash, while the other lunges at me. Though he met an unexpected fate when he got lasered down by a shot from a distance away. Looking where it came from, I see a big ostrich-like bot walking this way. No way I can take that thing on, so I picked up the blue plant that was rooted into the ground and took off running. The big seed attached to is glowing with enchanting sparkles to it..That must be the healing property Milla's trying to use. Too bad it wont be helpful to me now. Another one of these taller bots lands in front of me, making me fall backwards, but before it could raise it's leg at me to fire, a disc gets lodged into it, scrambling it's insides, making it blow up. "*sees Carol land behind where it was before catching the returning disc* That was good, Carol. When'd you get that thing again?" I asked, "I kinda stole it but that's a story for another time. Look out!" she urged me. Turning around, I see laser coming towards me at a fraction of a second. This could have hit me and blew my face off, but something emerged out of me. I couldnt tell what it was but I spun it, deflecting the blast with it. "What did I just..*looks at my hand, seeing a bamboo staff in my hand* Could this..Be my replacement for the Yuji sword...?" I react, left in awe, "Whoa! Now where'd you get THAT from? *sees black sphere enemies hover down with a big eye on them* (The dumb security drones!) Hey take that thing on! I'll be busy over here!" Carol told me, "Got it! (This is great. Now Im one step closer to being the Dragon that Lilac deserves!)" I then said in my head, having a surge of courage within me.
After 3 hours of destroying more bots and other creatures that came our way, me and Carol made sure we also got alot of crystals and Power Gems. Both were apparently needed so that Milla can make better mixtures for us. On the way back, I notice Merga looking down upon us from the higher trees, which of course I said nothing about. When we arrived at Milla's lil lab house, we were greeted by Neera. Wonder what she could want. Milla was happy to see us, and Lilac gave me a concerning look before looking away. Ever since Merga told her about...That, she's become uncomfortably distant from me. I know you're still hurting about it, Lilac..But you aren't the only one. You should know that by now. Maybe that's what makes it that much more painful...
"[Carol] We got a ton of crystals an gems on us now. As well as these plant-thingies you wanted, Milla."
"[Milla] *is shown them along with a dozen blue plants in our hands* Great! Now I can make some of the best potions ever! All I need is half an hour! We'll be stocked with healing potions too. ^ ^"
"[Lilac] That's...Good to hear.."
"[Carol] Hey Neera. You look like you have something important to say, but I think you'll like what Lilac's boyfriend has to say."
"[Neera] Will I? Then let's hear it."
"Im..Sure you know how useless I've been ever since I've came back. When I was out there by myself for a bit, a bit of my powers came back, but it's..Real different now, to say the least."
"[Carol] He's got a bamboo staff. Nice and long. Just how you like it, Lilac. TwT"
"[Lilac] *sighs* Not now, Carol..- -"
"[Neera] That'll be perfect actually. I wanted to see who'll help protect Shang Tu. I will soon be busy with The Magister's more advanced teachings. If he is willing, I believe having me help his weapon proficiency is ideal for us."
"[Lilac] I can help too..With having him learn some of my techniques."
"(This really will be ideal then. Lilac and Neera are some of the best fighters I know.) *makes my bamboo pole appear in my hand, looking at it* (Thing is...Merga still wants me to help build her Bakunawa and get the rest of the Moonstones..I know I cant betray her trust. With what little we have right now) Alright then. Just pick a time and place for us."
"[Neera] Lastly..The Magister sees it fit that I have an arranged marriage. You and Lilac seem to have some issues with one another. *strokes hair back* If...You two cant work things out.../"
"! J-just hold on now. Let me and Lilac talk things out. I know change is trying to happen but.."
"[Lilac] Couldn't you be arranged to Dail? I dont think he's seeing anyone."
"[Neera] I've given it some thought...If I cant find anyone willing then he will be a last resort."
"You say that as if it's a bad thing."
"[Neera] I am aware he is decent, but he is still making up for attacking us while being under Brevon's influence."
"Hmm..I must've missed that too.."
"[Neera] So then. You really want to stay with him? I sense some discomfort between you two."
"[Lilac] Y-Yes..There was just...Something that happened with him that I didnt like..."
"[Neera] Dont worry about it. We can cross that bridge when you are ready."
"*holds Lilac from behind* Im still sorry about it too..I've made sure to train extra hard ever since I told you.."
"[Lilac] *grabs my forearms* Please...You dont have to apologize..It's not your fault../ u\"
"(Lilac...She's..Starting to understand better..But if anything...That makes things harder on me with this plan I have with Merga...) *sees Milla smiling at both of us* (Of course..I cant forget about Milla cheering for us. Maybe it aint that bad after all. still...if things were a bit different..)"
"[Neera] Can I meet with the two of you at Gong's Dojo? He could help toughen him up if he isnt too busy."
"Oh that's right. I forgot about him. Well didnt he get dealt with easily when trying to help us?"
"[Neera] I assure you. He has become a proper warrior in recent times. I am certain you cant hold your own against him now. U U"
"Hmm is that so? Not that Im eager to face him, but I dont think a spar wouldnt be too bad."
"[Neera] He may not be fond of the idea but I will forward it to him nonetheless. Alright see you two there."
"[Lilac] Right. *sees her walk away* Carol, Milla. You two keep watch, ok? Never know when Merga or that fake version of me will show up here again."
"[Carol] Crazy dragon lady and Fake-Lac. Got it."
"[Lilac] If anyting happens, you know where I'll be. *walks away with me* Listen...I'll be honest..I dont know how to feel about all this..."
"Hmm? What do you mean, Lilac?"
"[Lilac] Im...Glad to have you and all but...Part of me wants to let you go for a bit and be with Neera...But I still really want you to myself..We're together but.."
"*puts a hand on her shoulder* Look. That's just you trying your best to compromise. You really shouldnt..It'll lead to more problems down the line...So dont overthink it, ok?"
"[Lilac] *puts a hand on mine* Y..You're right...I should focus on what we have and build from there. /u\"
"Exactly. Besides, this sort of training with my newly found power is what we need. I'll be back on track to being the Dragon you want me to be."
"[Lilac] It'll..Make me feel a bit better if you..called it the Dragon Staff..u"
"No problem. And I'll make sure to show you my 'Dragon Rod' later on tonight. -u-"
"[Lilac] *shoves me a bit with a giggle* Knock it off. I thought we were being serious. u"
"*laughs back* Yeah we should focus on what Gong has for me" I reply to her, trying to enjoy her company as we walked to the Dojo. Though I make light things, I can sense her comfort being at an all-time low. If only things could go back to how things were...When we were defeating Baogadon..Like that time, it's up to me to make things right again. Now that we know how hard this training has to be...Dont hold back on me, Gong! Push me as much as you can!
We arrived there shortly. Seeing the strung up targets everywhere, held by chains. Gong was in plain sight, expecting me along with Neera. They both gave me a serious glare, ready for our intense session. Seeing how much bigger he got did surprise me but I kept a mild look on my face. "Well well. We meet again after so long. Neera said she reminded you that Im far from a pushover now, so dont you forget it" Gong told me, "Oh I wont. Now dont worry about pulling any punches on me! I can take it!" I replied, "Alright boys, hold on. First things first. Let me teach him some techniques before you bash his skull in" Neera told him, "Hmph! Ok, but let's make this quick. How underwhelming he looks is already changing my mind" Gong comments, "(I'll show you who's underwhelming around here -V-)" I protest to myself, "Now then. Where's your staff? *sees me make my bamboo staff appear* Good. Show me how you hold it and do a few swings. *watches me hold it close to the middle and swing both ends* Ugh, no no. All wrong. Geez how did you survive out there? Here, follow my lead" Neera insists with a scoff. She guided my arms to be further apart, holding towards the bottom with one hand, then towards the middle with the other. Hmm..Ok this is good. I do feel more power this way. "This is your attack stance. At least for a beginner like you anyway. *moves hands much further apart, holding close to the opposite ends* This your defense stance. It is your job to accurately block whatever comes your way despite having a narrow weapon. Let your arms take as much of the impact as possible" she teaches me. For someone I haven't seen really use her spear, she's showing she knows alot about these longer weapons. Or maybe spears and staffs are more similar to her in her mind. Neera also taught me how you should repel incoming attacks once it makes contact with you. Though Lilac is more barehanded, even she was pretty interested in what she was showing me. "*grabs my wrists, doing a slamming motion and a thrust with my arms out with my body leaned in* This is the Pouncing Viper. It's more defensive than an attack. *has me spin with her and does a backward thrust attack, passing the bottom of the staff next to my hip* Evading Reversal. Put more hip into it" Neera guides me. Another minute of teaching goes by and Gong started tapping his feet. "HEY! If you wanna teach him all day then get a room. Im supposed to be roughing him up, right?" Gong reminds, "He should be good enough to last now. But Lilac didnt g et a chance to-" Neera was saying, "No no, Im...I can wait. Really ^ ^;" Lilac insists, "(Lilac...I'll make sure to learn some moves from you after this)" I thought, "Alright wise guy, get ready. Dont get knocked flat too soon" Gong told me, "*jumps in front of him, holds myself in attack stance* I was getting impatient too. About time I get to see what you got" I said to him, making him give me a smirk at my brave display. Im sure we both know Im not putting a dent in that armor, so I'll have to work my way around it. That could also be why he looks a bit more confident than before. "(Oh boy, this is going to be a sparring match, isnt it? I'll make sure to step in if he gets overwhelmed by Gong. He isnt type to lose his head these days, but with this guy...I dont know)" Neera mentally prepares herself. Starting out Gong turtles up with his shield, then revs himself and rolls at me. "(! Since when could he do that?!) *jumps out of the way but sees him bounce off the wall, then bounces up and down in ball form, still coming towards me* (I really didnt see this coming! How am I gonna deal with this?)" I react in my head, seeing that dodging isnt the best option. I need a bit more time to think so I took go into my defense stance, letting him come at me, pushing me back by several meters in the process. Cant exactly push him back upon impact with how heavy he is...Or can I..? "(Where's all that bravery now? This special attack too much for him already? He really wont last long th-) *collides with me again then gets a sudden burst of power from me; is flown back while shield gets knocked out of grasp* (Wait...wh...HUH)" Gong reacts, finding himself on the floored on his back. "*Gasp* That was great! How'd you do it? ouo" Lilac said in a cheery manner, "I..I dont know..(So...This staff has some actual traits to it after all)" I was trying to figure out, "Hmph. Just a fluke. *gets up, picks shields off the ground* How about this!" Gong then said, throwing his shield at me. Though I guarded and repelled it, the thing came right back to Gong in no time. I guess I cant remain defensive against him..I may have something for him then. Seeing him throw the shield again, I duck under it, then lunge at him. The shield bounced off the walls, trying to redirect to me, but I wont let it stop me. Im already close to him! Once I struck down at him, Gong uses a target board where I am about to hit, and I shatter it to his surprise, giving him a good whack on the head. He didnt flinch however, then gives me a 1-2 punch to the gut, making me fly backwards on the 2nd punch and his shield hits me in the head at the same time, flipping in the air upon impact. "*lands on my back* Ghhn! (Not now...!) *gets up, seeing the shield flying at me again* (If I can throw off that shield some more, maybe..Just maybe...!) *puts my all into swinging my bamboo staff at the shield, making the shield fly high into the air but also breaks the staff apart* ! (It's...Not supposed to do that, right?!)" I react, "Hah! Looks like that thing's flimsy after all! Better hope you ca- *sees the parts float about, surrounding and the end I am holding regrows it's missing segments* Huh? What's with that thing he's got!? o O" Gong reacts, "It's the first time it's doing any of this...But I aint complaining. They might be helpful" I reply, forming a smirk. I then rushed at Gong and gave him rapid thrusts to his armor. "*flexes* Not a scratch! Try a bit harder and you might get somewhere! *sees the floating bamboo segments strike down from above, coming this way* What in the-!" he said in surprise, getting repeatedly in the head by the dozens of extending segments that were above him. I get it! They attack when I attack! That'll be really handy later on! Knowing this, I took full advantage of the ability by keeping up the pressure and striking at him the way that Neera taught me, forcing him to cover himself with his arms while backing up. Eventually he began to muscle through the barrage by punching them away, which only delayed their attacks. Feeling out a good enough window for him to try something better, Gong gave me a shield-bash with a powerful charge, knocking me down in the process. "*sees me get back up and slams down on him with my staff once he turned around* (Look at this. Lilac's boyfriend has grown quite resilient with that training, and it's really showing in this session of our's) *sees a black mirage come at me* Watch out!" Neera warned, "! *pushes away from Gong with the tip of the staff* ('Most importantly. You have to be one with the staff. You're doomed if you cant do that'. Being one with it...) *closes my eyes, looking the tip of the staff into my armpit and makes a big horizontal swing while turning around and holding the weapon from below, towards the middle of it and bats away the incoming enemy* Hmm? What was that?" I question, "Hey guys, hurry outside! This looks bad!" Lilac urged us, "Trouble already? Things were startin' to get good" Gong complained, running outside with Neera and I tailed behind them.
Once we stepped outside the Dojo, we see a hoard of black shadows attacking the citizens. There were lots of them too. This has to be over 100 here! But from where?! "You two take on as many as you can! I'll do the same with my boyfriend's help!" Lilac tells them, "(B-Boyfriend?! I...I cant remember the last time she called me that...Im in a relationship with a draaagooon- ^/^ NO! There's no time for that! Gotta focus!)" I urge myself, rushing into battle. Once I slammed on the first few shifty enemies, that was enough to catch their attention and they revved up and did a charged homing lunge at me. That looked just like Lilac's Dragon Boost! Speaking of which, Lilac was able to deflect all of them with her own and her after sparkling aftermath explosion she leaves behind upon impact. I often forget how much better got at fighting. No time to be amazed by her, there's still some more around here! I segment my staff like before with a slam to the ground, letting the parts do their work like before while going at more of their lookalikes. Lookalike...Wait..Are these that Dark Lilac's clones?! That'd mean she's here somewhere! "*smashes a pile of the shadowy figures together with both hands* How're there so many? Who's makin' these guys?!" shouted Gong, "WHY I AM~~~" we all heard, "That voice! These really are from that Dark Lilac!" I exclaim, "DONT TELL ME. YOU LOT FORGOT MY NAME. SO SADDENING...TIME TO CHEER MYSELF UP BY MAKING ALL THESE PEOPLE PAY " she said to us, "I dont see her..Where could she be now..." I pondered, "*blasts a wave of ice from spear at the Amethia clones* (If this is her doing...Then if we get rid of all these clones, we'll be able to at least shut her up)" Neera was piecing together in her head. Sensing how they are running low on numbers at this point, the remainder of the clones fused together to make a 40ft tall clone, smashing and tumbling over buildings and scaring away even more civilians in the process. Gong eagerly contronts the tall enemy, only to hold the thing off by lifting it's stomp with the help of his shield. "(Wang! Cmon dammit! I need some answers about all of this! But wait...If this is actually from Wang) Lilac...You remember how your blood helped the Muji blade? Can you.." I was hesitantly asking, "...If it'll help here too" Lilac was complying, bitting her thumb. "*sees Gong bleeding from his head from the intense pressure of being slowly crushed* POOR PANDA...IT WOULD BE UNFORTUNE IF YOU WIND UP DEA- *notices a big gust of wind from behind, turns to the source of it* WHAT IS THIS..?" Amethia reacts, "*spins the staff as it floats around in two different directions, gathering alot of wind streaks* Let's see you take this...Dragon Disc!" I call out, sending the attack at the giant enemy with a mighty throw, blowing it away in a windy burst upon contact, surprising Gong. "*pants while the staff returns, grabs it* Did that do it..?" I ask in uncertainty, "NOT BAD. NOT BAD AT ALL. HOWEVER IM AFRAID YOU STILL HAVE BIGGER PROBLEMS. AND I CANT WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO BE PART OF THE FUN #u#" we heard from the patchy dissipated cloud of darkness that was around us. It flew forward towards the horizon. Looking far enough, we could see a massive shimmering, rounded structure. "*sees it coming closer before halting* What...Is that...?" I asked, losing my courage, "...I'll go!" Lilac insists, using a series of Dragon Boosts to get there, "(Please...Dont be too bad. Im already starting to feel spent..) *sees her return the same way, with her landing over me, turns around* Any idea of what it could be?" I ask, "No...I just go through it.." Lilac lowly said, "(So it's not even solid...) *looks at it continuing to look shifty* Well...Nothing's happening but it sure looks ominous..." I comment, "As long as it's in place and not doing anything, it is a problem best left for another day. Me and Gong should be plenty enough to take it on" Neera tells us, "Hmm..Neera has a good point. We'll have to come back for this" I affirm,"...Fine then. Just..promise you'll keep me company.." Lilac told me, "(Oh yeah. This would be good timing huh? Sun's starting to set too) I'll make sure, Lavi-Lac. Let's go" I reply as we headed back to Milla's lab house. Unknown to me however, Merga saw us from behind a collapsed building, giving an impatient stare.
Things felt calming for once, even if slightly. Though...I did realize something. When me and Lilac were at Milla's front door, my purple Dragon girlfriend turned to me with a faint smile, but it went away once she saw how down I looked. "H-hey...What's wrong?" she asked, "It..Sounded like you wanted us to..Do it, right? Thing is..Since we dont have anything else to do, the girls will be inside all day so..." I brought up, "I dont..Think that'll be too much of a problem. We can ask them to leave and-" she tried proposing, "Look I dont wanna do that to them. So..Im thinking I should go out and build a house for us. You can check on me after a few hours" I told her, "I mean if you aren't tired after fighting. Well if you're sure of yourself now..I'll check in an hour. Anything can happen out there" Lilac somewhat complies, "Ok. Just let the girls know...If only we weren't the only adults sharing one roof..I'll see how much I can get done" I told her, walking away. Lilac's faith in me quickly wavered at that moment, but she still fought her instincts to stop me. She knew my latent combat skills were coming back, but she also knew she couldnt wait for long to check up on me, so she looked away with closed eyes, trying even further to suppress herself. Waiting an hour was a bit of a tall order, but it wasnt the worst patience test ever.
My feet took me to Dragon Valley- A place I first struggled hard at when I came back to this planet. With my arms almost doubled in size ever since I started training, whacking at trees for them to fall is next to nothing to me. I should probably do this more often to build more muscle, seeing how it takes around 3 minutes to bash each down and all. Impressively my bamboo weapon hasnt split itself like those previous fights. Maybe due to not using huge amount of force behind my swings, or it feels like I dont want it to separate. Whatever the case, Im making good progress. The few blade bots that popped out from bushes at me were made sort work of by my stronger swings. When they blew apart, I made sure to catch their bladed parts to chop down the trees into logs, then to precise wooden boards. Wish they came out sooner but no big deal. Before I could get far into planning, someone expected appears behind me. Well...She was sorta unexpected.
"You would find me out here..."
"And you look is though you need assistance."
"...I know you aren't here for that."
"Correct. I am the one who needs your assistance."
"*turns to her* With what?"
"The usual. You seem to be of good use in finding the right materials for my Bakunawa."
"That may be, but you're here for something else, aren't you?"
"...Hah. Am I that easy to read to you now? Your insight at times breaches clairvoyance."
"Well it isnt too hard to figure out. It's a bit of hunch, but with all the hiding you've been doing...I get it. Plus there's still how we..Had our Session, and it's been some time since then.."
"Not just that, but you've set a good basis behind my arrival. In addition...There's a certain..Someone...That I've held dear to my heart. I still have yet to find any trace of her.."
"(...Oooh..So she does go both ways.. )"
"She has been a growing source of longing for me as well..So to help satiate that need.."
"I see where this is going but...What is she?"
"...That is not important."
"(If it's that touchy to her...That must be she's an Earth Dragon. It only makes sense.) Look..If we're gonna do this...Just make it quick..It's the only thing I have time for. Before you-know-who shows up."
"Then my apologies for inconveniencing you. It is only for the best to keep our secret."
"(As well as...So I can get her off this planet faster. Or until I get strong enough to fend her off. Whichever comes first)" I thought, preparing myself to be taken by another Water Dragon as I undid my pants and she lowers herself to me. A part of my body (my Dragon fetish side) wants her to do this, but of course I really dont want to do this..Especially to Lilac. Im already doing plenty everyone wouldnt like...I just wish all this would end after she's finished..Merga pins me to the ground, huffing her hot breath down my neck, rubbing her tongue in the area as I sweat bullets. She goes further south, flinging my hardened dong out with her lips. "*makes my shaft stand up with one hand, pulls on my scrotum with the other, and drools on my tip with mouth opened along with tongue out, showing sharp teeth* If I cant find her soon..I'll shortly keep you all to myself...I cant get enough of this cock of your's ≖/≖" Merga said, starting to moan, licking up and down my shaft, even around and under my ballsack. Before she could put her mouth on my erection, she jumps back, dodging a big rock. "*sees Askal drop in front of me* I thought you were still in recovery. I left you for dead after all" Merga said, "Let's just say we have ways to come back from a beating at any time, and you're gonna regret not stepping down. Even though you're stronger, I'd turn tail before Lilac shows up. She told me about the last time you two fought. You might not come out as lucky this time. We can sweep this under the rug if you just leave" Askal prefaces, "...Perhaps I shouldnt have been so impatient with meeting my needs..Very well.." Merga lowly said before Dragon Boosting away, "*fixes my pants* Oh man..I cant tell you how helpful that was, Askal..Especially knowing Lilac is on the way" I told him, "She isnt. She took the bluff but Lilac did tell me about them fighting very recently. She told me you'd be around here and I had a slight hunch you'd run into some trouble" he corrects, "(This was close though...He had came a minute or two sooner, he'd have an idea of me and her working together. Who knows what'd he do with that info..) I'll come back to building my own place for Lilac later..Let's get back to her for now" I told him, and he nods, helping me return to Lilac safely.
When we were returning, I was able to hear Wang speaking to me once more. "There are very few Tao Stones left. 12 in total, but 3 more to be found. However I am afraid this is still not enough to allow you access to the Yuji Blade. You must make do with the Longwong Staff. It may be limited in comparison, but still holds great potential" he said. The Longwong Staff...So that's what it's called. At least now I know it isnt gonna be the worst weapon ever. Wang seemed more available to tell me more about these powers, but...How partial he informed me just now. It might be possible that even he doesnt know the scope of Longwong Staff, and how to also advance it. I am thinking it's dependant on how much I train, so he probably came to the same conclusion. When the lab was in plain sight, Askal went back to his duties according to his sentence, and I peeked my head through the door, asking for Lilac. I relayed what I heard from Wang. She brings up the Temple that used to be in one of the forests, but I didnt see any..It's sorta hard to miss due to it's size. That dark structure Amethia made reminds me of it, but who knows what it could really be. "*sees the night falling, holds my hand* Look...I just wanna get away from all this for a bit..I dont mind staying with you somewhere. Anywhere. As long as it's a safe place" Lilac told me, "(Dragon Valley doesnt seem too ideal) Let's find a lake somewhere then. We can spend the night close to one" I suggest, "Yeah..*nods* Alright. That does sound nice /u\" Lilac agrees, "While we're there...We might as well try coming in contact with Wang. I feel he's leaving a handful of things out" I tell her. She looks down for a moment then nods to it as well.
We decided to go to a lake in Pangu Lagoon. It gave us a beautiful view as the waters had a certain glow to it. The two of us enjoyed each other's company for a bit before remembering the other reason we came here. So we closed our eyes, sat next to each other, and waited. It took over 10 minutes of this to fully clear our minds, but once we did, the familiar void envelopes our conscious. That was when we could see him, only having his head and torso while floating.
"[Wang] I suppose that you have already told your love about the Tao Stones."
"Yes. Now we need to know more. What happens when all are collected? Are they connected to Longwong? And what exactly is Amethia?"
"[Wang] My apologies, Wielder. There are many things untold, I am aware."
"[Lilac] Then tell us! We have to know what to do so we can save the world again!"
"Please Wang. You were very helpful to us last time. We need you like we did back then. Is...Is this worse than the threat with Min..?"
"[Wang] Allow me to explain. This current threat would have been negligible in comparison, but since you have used Yuji in a forbidden manner, the consequences are long-lasting."
"Y-yeah I know that but.."
"[Wang] Thusly, our situation has become dire, and even information has ran scarce. I can only tell you so few things as of now."
"I see...What do you have for us then?"
"[Wang] First off, the threat of Amethia is an unprecedented. She existed before the balance of the world fell apart. It is as if the moment she sat foot on this planet, Min had became one with her body."
"(But Min...He..Died, didnt he? I could've been sure..When I used alot of Yuji's power, there was no trace of living force from him that I could pick up..)"
"[Wang] It is unclear if he came in contact the moment you took that great risk with Yuji. As for this other matter. The Moonstones. This may come as a shock to you, but 2 out of 5 of them have been collected. In possession of the other Water Dragon."
"You...Did you..?"
"[Wang] I have not helped her in the slightest. Though, these Stones seem to have a piece of my conscience. Very concerning, but rarely do they tell her anything. Still, it is best to prevent her from getting all of them. It will create The Moon Dragon. It is a mighty being worth preventing as well."
"What about the Starstone? You dont know where those are?"
"[Wang] I am afraid not..This seems to be a more dormant object. It is incredibly important to discover it's location. *looks at Lilac* Have you told her about where the Yuji Blade resides?"
"[Lilac] Huh? W-what's he talking about?"
"I..Actually havent. *turns to her* Lilac...You have the blade inside your body. There's a chance you can use it."
"[Lilac] ! There is?! But I dont know how to use it! o o;"
"*feels the space around us falling apart and fading* Also Wang! What was that sudden burst of power she had earlier? I've never seen her do that before!"
"[Wang] That was a power you have used a decent amount of before. Dragon Potential. Merga is able to bring out her's through her own means, on top of being a much older Dragon. It seems however that Lilac's is greater, but with it being slightly prematured, it is a dangerous power for her to use."
"Do you think maybe if we get the- *sees a cloud of darkness forming behind Wang* ! What the hell is that?! *sees a big evil smile form in it as well as red eyes in the shape of Lilac's* (A-Amethia?! Who'd she get here?!)"
"[Lilac] Wang look out!"
"[Wang] Our discussion ends here. Now quickly! Dismiss!"
"[Lilac] *opens eyes wide with me* What was that?! Is he going to be ok?!"
"We can only hope he will..Im sure he took us out of it before she could take hold of us. But that was scary...That could alos be the reason why he doesnt want to talk to us like that. It's like she's everywhere..This is worse than dealing with Min now.."
"[Lilac] *hugs me* I dont want to lose you...Not to something like that.."
"*hugs her back* I promise...I wont leave. Not when I love you so much.."
"[Lilac] Please...I want just to be here with you..Just this once.."
"Anything for you, Lilac.." I told her before she kisses me. We laid on the soft grass together, and she sleeps in my arms. It may be hard to sleep with all that's happened and the other dangers in mind, but today was a full day. We deserve this sort of rest, especially after all we've heard and just witnessed...I took one last look at the serene lake before us for a minute and let my vision blur before rest, burying my cheek into the back of Lilac's head.
Meanwhile, at the large dark structure, Merga could be seen at the foot of it. Seeing it peaked her curiosity enough to step into it. The place had no entrance but she was able to phase through the walls, all of which were black and shifty. Such would confuse anyone but she felt navigated, even becoming one with it as she made her way higher and higher with the stairways it provided. Remaining fearless, she was able to reach the top of it, finding herself in the middle of an empty, ominous space. "HAVE A SEAT. I WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST \U/" she heard. Once she sat cross-legged, a smirk can be seen on her face as her body pulses with dark energies she was able to emit.