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Chapter 42: Two dragonesses with clashing gazes

Watching from Akhanta's side, somewhat distant from the edge of the pyramid's final stage, the young nightwing witnesses with her the two other kins approaching, whose focus drifts from the moon to them as they get dramatically closer, until they land with moderate elegance and calm... As the new pair touches the stone with their talons, everyone is spared a moment of silence when the magical dragoness decides to speak as she steps forward.

- "Woukos Akhanta, th soumeiuf surh eianelmut ust yth kes u kerozku ust ythias eastu ekyzu yihe yth hute zaptoe yth hute surh heia yutive sif moxon uthu vaieb." Says the green and blue one, her tone remaining oddly to one seeing the feelings both good and bad that colour her mind, though each one is not that simple.

- "Woukos Ayirn, yth moxon uthu ajek yl uyl hyj crumes iole ousmal… Lieju pratus astutomer uthu kasarh sif vecik yth azeiw sazne? Yth hefum yth surh niotuhun prita th." Replies Akhanta in a similar way, her doubting mind anticipating what the dragoness thinks about her, though she remains strong in her stance.

Staying quiet for no longer than a moment, the dragoness retains a suspicious gaze before giving her response, her voice gaining in energy though it remains neutral.

- "Yth surh nelkemu prita ythias uskehuva jyin hute surh ikus yl toijyl, yth hute yenuv pyteya mopeus ythomej sif heia romnut kes shushra tho, yth hute surh u rysim wilutu kes ifyot..."

Watching over as she speaks, the little seer can spot in the magical one a feeling of guilt as she thinks of her past interactions with him, and of the way she behaved. But quickly, that state of mind changes as Ayirn thinks of the kin before her.

"Eltyan, yth ugeshen iole uthu omku hute ghyt u ejurh astimar, iole ust feshur oulnav aljalest omus Darkstalker."

The expression the dragoness bears is unchanging, unlike that of the one facing her. Tension rises in the air and in the other's mind, which the young one can clearly see being plagued by anger before it fades as quickly as it came, leaving a cold Akhanta reflecting on her behaviour and goals, still silent.

Strangely for Darkstalker, it is the feathered giant that decides to act in such a scene, making a step forward as he gazes upon him with untouched curious thoughts, drawing the attention of the two dragonesses…

- "Cuxt heij hute sitrilm untres uthu ker tho?" Asks Kraydirn with whispers the little hybrid hears, and knows from his sight such a question is for him.

Curiosity about what he and his guardian shared, about how they lived together occupy the great dragon's mind before they are pushed back by Akhanta's coming.

- "Geskame, uthu bastot azeiw tho kes yth?" Says dragoness in a more curious tone, before the young one can really think of an answer to his question.

- "Uthu surh smena." Says the great one with a slight nod of his massive head.

"Kes yth soumvu yenuv ghyt heia kalup peuj vulnek oem tho prita u fefmyl ysil feshur oxtup ust uthu prita xetisoz." Adds the dragon of black and ice, his voice surprisingly calm like his mind, as if things were becoming mundane for the great dragons.

However, a quick glance at the silent dragoness is all it takes for the young one to shatter such illusion. Drifting his gaze away from the magical one as she does like him, the little seer tries to understand more of the situation as the pair of great ones discusses in their tongue…

Darkstalker looks away, his eyes now pointing at one of the many little lights very far from them, before staring back to the green and blue giant. Not even a minute has passed, yet the reader of minds can not focus enough on the speaking kins close to him, too wary of the one a bit farther and of her suspicious thoughts.

Having her mind filled with curiosity and bitterness about the nightwing and his relation with her kin, the great dragoness stays still and silent, only gazing from above with these firm eyes… until she looks away, stopping others from fully spotting her attitude.

Great, I see your disdain of me hasn't faded one bit…

- "Bastard"

Ayirn blinks a second time, genuinely surprised for a split second before snorting, her thoughtful mind continuing to be in peace as the young hybrid refocuses on her kins.

As he expected, the minds of Akhanta and Kraydirn are filled with images of him and his guardian, of what they did before and together, though the feathered one new thoughts for the little seer, ones about him and his kin alone in their second home, of partial solitude and reflection as the two spoke for long to each other.

- "Cuxt uthu eximn surh feshur nolmytu uyl ust thatais temylkose..."

Partially turning to the magical giant, Darkstalker senses moderate surprise and fulfilled expectations in her as she imagines him very close to her kin, being taken care of like the younglings in a very known temple so long ago.

Blue eyes focus on the little seer before drifting away immediately, while the mind behind can only have him at its center while it reminds itself of the many events that happened since she discovered him. Vivid memories flash at such a speed that the nightwing can barely follow, though at least he can not see for long enough the images of his rotten and wounded self, of his screams and powerful emotions that had overwhelmed him a few times…

"Cuxt oij ajek yl toijyl? Oij ghyt yl olmukara etuxim zait Zo? Lieju uthu hute fykos astutomer ifnerm?" Asks Ayirn to her kins, standing in a neutral manner as she wants answers to her questions before anything else.

- "Zo surh feshur alomu qezumen, vawrie ajek heij yth hute zikos jyin hute surh ikus sim yth." Responds the dark blue kins, her voice informative while her mind is focused on the little one's aura.

- "Aquj uthu soumvu yenuv tujem iolez surh masne." Adds Kraydirn, his expecting gaze pointed at the magical kin, his voice taking on a more personal tone as he remembers with clarity words they exchanged in the past.

From below their height, the young one watches as Ayirn's gaze fixates on her feathered kin, her mind suddenly far more thoughtful as if to protest against such words… but in the end, the dragoness only does a slight nod in silence, a hint of hesitance the others catch on but accept.

As it seems the reunion is now settled, the trio of great dragons start to discuss more openly about many things, their minds picturing important concept like the moon they created and visions of an iteration greater and less flawed than the last, the young one with his features far more pronounced like his aura, the state of the world in the past, when its soul was not destroyed and erased, and, to the moderate displeasure of the nightwing before turning curious and attentive, Ikarh…

So before our journey, this dragon was growing as expected in that… nest filled to the brim with essences. Hard to believe such a being is being made, or maybe I wanted to not believe in it, to forget about it, but if that is something you clearly have in mind, I can not deny and cower from such a thing. Though I'll have to find more details on it sooner or later… I hope.

Ending their discussion, the three giants step toward the floor's edge, unfolding their wing as they are about to descend from such a height. But as the first two plunge in the air, the third waits for the little hybrid to come, her eyes watching over him as her mind allows itself to express the warm feelings she has in store for him.

- "Lieju uthu surh lihotu?"

Putting himself under the dark blue veil of his protector, Darkstalker shows no hesitation, though his head turns slightly just after his wings are fully revealed. But already the great dragoness jumps from the old stone, leaving the nightwing blown by the wind, before he himself jumps like her…

Gaining speed as he falls and glides, the little one follows in the great one's trail, but seeing himself slowly getting closer to the Pyramid's surface, he has no choice but to get himself out of that trajectory. So pulling himself far more against the air, the young one successfully distances himself from the titanic shape of his house, only to be thrown into unease as his black wings struggle to stand firmly enough.

But before Darkstalker can really judge his situation, the dark blue scales of a giant approach and surround him, rendering him immobile as the great dragoness brings him to the land below.

Ending her flight in no time, Akhanta gently lays down her mildly confused youngling before going back to her kins.

- "Lieju yl toijyl hute muka jteos ilkarn?"

- "Ko, thotias tushoke hute surh heia rakan wulen." Answers the dragoness to her feathered kin who was slightly worried, remembering what just happened.

- "Iole hute yenuv ashek ojteahen." Replies Kraydirn as he picture the little hybrid in good shape, but not without problem for his growing body.

Staying near his giant guardian, the nightwing spots from the corner of his eyes the magical kin whose eyes glance into his own for just a second, the thoughts about his being and how its powers should develop coursing through her mind clearly.

Suspicious and impolite in your desires and goals as always. Did you register the fact I can listen to your thoughts or have you forgotten that already? Though it won't matter that much...

Coming inside their worthy house, the four dragons walk, this time together, through the titanic corridors of such place. And for the little seer who simply follows them, staying near the one he has faith in, in a world he would be lost in, the destination is obvious, as are their goals.

So progressing in their path, it is the young one, who standing in that group of giant kins, has to think alone, though the gazes of others never shy away from him…

.

Having walked more than halfway through this maze of a house, Darkstalker is more attentive than ever as a conversation heat up the mind of great dragons. Of course, it is not the first time the two dragonesses have a somewhat rocky interaction, especially when it concerns him, but now it seems even a powerful but calm dragon like Kraydirn has something to worry about, though it is personal.

Great, Ayirn once again finds a way to be grumpy and annoying. Can't such dragons take distance from their feelings a little to work with mor-

- "Uthu ghyt heia foco eximn kenib Zo! Uthu moxon omus tho, uthu peloa tho osmev uthu, ikul uthu tunis zult moxon thotias ofkehon kes ezsku uthutias zikosenu kes zertamane omus tho."

The steps of a great one stop, and so do the ones of others shortly after. With a partially more extended wing and a head rising above the magical one, Akhanta stares at her fiercely, anger flashing in her mind before leaving a warmer sea that her mind is now.

Ayirn does not flinch, but only stands in response, her mind focused on her kin and maintaining her will by remembering all the time she was with her, and how much they discussed and expressed their deepest feelings in such a desolate and lonely world. If the young seer did not fully believe in the great ones' bonds and knowledge of each others, he now has a vivid example of the dragoness' awareness of the dark blue one, and of the envy, the feeling of betrayal that could provoke…

- "Uthu kenib oij yth zikos. Iolez murahez, the disut ythias ekyzu kes tunis heia ashek istemulen."

The magical one recoils her head a bit, somehow judging such words from her kin to be beyond belief, though the nightwing can see deep down that she expected them, that she expected her kin to take the opportunity to satisfy a longing that never faded. So quietly stepping aside, the little hybrid distances himself from his guardian while remaining focused on the scene, like the feathered one who hides his regrets behind a face of displeasure.

- "Vezkit, the tunis heia… Ikul yth kolem uthu sif otefron uthumej oje yth hute ghyt, kes oje ythe hute vecik uthu." Replies Ayirn, maintaining that opposing stance of her while she turns her antagonistic feelings into something more refined, reminding herself with clarity of the words of many for Akhanta after they struck the little one with power to infuse him.

- "…"

"Uthu surh smena, yth soumvu yenuv uthutias ifultu kes heia elkop oje yl esnuz elzurt…" Says Akhanta as she lowers herself, her voice and stance devoid of opposition as guilt and shame colour her mind.

Knowing Ayirn heard her words, the great dragoness starts to turn away, preparing to resume her walk with her kins. But as the dragon of black and ice sighs in relief and follows at their side, words that no one would have expected are heard.

- "You think what you did was good?"

Immediately, Kraydirn turns to watch over the young one, quickly followed by the dragonesses.

Staring only into the great one of magic, Darkstalker's gaze is one of anger, covering any fear and doubt he might have, and making the giant dragoness more surprised than anything alongside Akhanta while Kraydirn expresses regret.

"You think what you and your kins did needed to be done, right? Ayirn, what you told to Akhanta can only be false, she did not commit any mistake big enough to bow to you in defeat! Were you ly-"

- "Wulen toijyl." Tells the dragoness of magic firmly, her mind morphing into an oppressing wall that longs to silence him.

Silence falls on the scene, but the little one's anger only grows in the face of green and blue giant watching him from above, and with the sight of the dark blue one only wishing for him to stop, something that will not be granted as Ayirn speaks again.

"Yth kolem uthu sif boun uthumej, ashek asfem kes ign-"

- "You think I'll follow your order?! You're not-"

- "Kwulen!"

A louder voice resonates in the gigantic corridors as the scales of a giant glows brighter. Blinking and recoiling a bit, the nightwing can no longer feel such anger as he realizes what has become of Ayirn, of how threatening her form is when anger fill the mind that drives it, twisting its magnificence into something worthy of being by even the most courageous and powerful in Pyrrhia. But as the sight of her makes him fully realize his mistake, black feathers come closer to him.

- "Wulen vezkit. Ikul ofemyl ajek heia yl fefmyl prita almu iole uthu muka zait uthutias kumsita." Says Kraydirn as he faces the dragoness, his gaze both pleading for her to stop and letting her know he will not do nothing should she decide to act.

Seeing his kin nodding and turning away, Kraydirn now watches over the young one, who despite his best effort to put up a though facade, still appears to be doubtful and afraid with his shaking body.

"Toijyl, pyteya heia oflurk, th ajek myleia, kes jivun yihe iole hute surh heia yl tetrumi, yth soumeiuf ghyt ythias sulmy sif feia yl tekranas." Utters the black dragon, his voice far calmer and quieter alongside his great form lowering to reflect his peaceful intent.

- "Thanks Kraydirn…" Says finally the young seer, the focused but benevolent mind that he sees giving him the will to speak.

Followed by Akhanta's gaze and her supportive spirit despite the silence, the nightwing returns to her side, close to her giant body radiating like an invisible sun among others, though that sun is the one he wants the most…

.

Descending a long set of stairs even Darkstalker begins to know well with such a powerful aura emanating from what is far beyond yet closer, the group finally arrives at the entrance of their Laboratory, whose open doors allows for all to see the ones they were seeking, or at least one of the two.

In the middle of the room, reading a very long scroll serenely with only the very low parts of his body touching the water, is Xamirh. So it is with a thoughtful mind now interrupted, that the great one turns his imposing form through the pool to face his kins as well as the hybrid. Gazing upon them with his curious and analytic eyes, the yellow dragon wastes no time in breaking the silence.

- "Th ajek u ohuln sif moxon uthue surh jernupen ythias rynaz." Declares the yellow one with mild tiredness in his eyes despite how well he tries to stand.

- "U ohuln okarn." Replies the magical kin to his welcoming message, quickly followed by Kraydirn simply nodding with that semi proud posture he has.

- "Yth zikos yl noneij, ikul yth uzedim ythomej prita hute litysen nestoq yl toijyl… Ikul tho eximn hute okutes iole." Says Akhanta, feeling sorry for her yellow kin but also justified in leaving him to spend time with the little one, especially as she casts a quick glance at her side and meets his eyes.

To her words, only Xamirh shows surprise as his gaze switches back and forth between the dragoness and her young follower, his mind growing all the more curious.

- "Yth kotuf uthutias uzedin, kes istek, ythe muka almu yl mylmyl ysil ythe, kes yl nebtu surh mylfus feshur surik, cuxt pylt yl toijyl u najak ajek u ejurh dusmil." Says the great dragon in response, approving of her while a part of his mind pictures the already important results their last research gave.

- "Th surh, tosmyl tho veiliak." Tells Ayirn just after, accepting for the young nightwing to get a less intense treatment if he can still better his powers.

Growling only inside his mind, the little hybrid watches the three giants settling around the fourth, almost overwhelming and absolutely intimidating him as their massive bodies move, before discussing about their research concerning essences, the great powers they can give, and what they plan for the future.

During such a… debate between four dragons that know each others to such a degree, and with not one lacking in knowledge nor in subjects that are worthy of being spoken about here, Darkstalker can only do so much in that lake full of words he can not even have the time to have a chance to understand, surrounded by minds that thinks a lot and quickly when they want to.

Yet, instead of being utterly confused, giving up, or looking instead over the room full of scrolls and tablets neatly arranged in shelves far bigger than him, or over the walls and ceiling decorated with countless symbols and drawings that are a pleasure to gaze upon, or both, the young seer found out something important to focus on, his guardian.

Having set his blue eyes on her, the nightwing mostly hears her thoughts and feelings, dimming the other from his vision by putting them into the droplets of a storm he imagines. From his sheltered and mostly lonely point of view, Darkstalker sees and hears of projects, of concepts and of feelings all centred around a great power, and of how his guardian must take care of him so he can grow to his fullest without problems.

Then comes the name of Ikarh, of the way, the tone in which they speak of that being, so similar to how they spoke of him not so long ago, yet they all recognize the soul forming in an egg, resting near their greatest crystal, and they all remember how much they cared in its creation, if only by pure self interest, though fascination is there even for the worst one.

Shifting focus due to that topic, the young seer nonetheless keeps his sight centred on Akhanta, and succeed in making out what she thinks of that. Despite all her effort to take on a professional attitude, and her kins helping her in managing the being they selected as a vessel for the essences of all, the image of such a dragonet yet to be evokes a lot of things in Akhanta's mind.

Of course, the dark blue dragoness is not the only one seeing beyond the strict utilitarian aspect of Ikarh, in fact, no one missed what such a being would be in a world that was not dead, in a world where their kind was alive, in a temple welcoming everyone, nor do they totally restrain themselves to speak about it, or even smile and laugh in rare times. But for Akhanta, the feelings evoked can burn very brightly, especially as time passes and she looks at the young seer...

Finally, the discussion ends with a final request, that of meeting Azykan. So to fulfil it, Xamirh stands up, unfolding the talons of his massive body to leave the water and bringing some to the floor, but that is not a problem as it was built with such an eventuality in mind.

"Ignum yth, yth eiuf oxemin uthue sim ythetias ryna."

All standing up as well, the three kins start to follow the yellow one in his path, with the little hybrid being always at his guardian's side. But as the group approaches the entrance at the room's end on the left, blue eyes glance at Darkstalker, and seeing him moderately troubled, force their owner to speak as the doubts of a mind are confirmed.

- "Xamirh, yth hefum yl toijyl pemku surh heia feshur zikos jykon tsekat. Aqerh..."

- "Ythe soumvu yenuv tho zait u sulma egado?" Adds Kraydirn to Akhanta's words before the sentence can be replied to.

Silence is for a moment as the yellow dragon thinks about the little one and his health when in such depths, and after remembering vividly how uneasy if not straight up crazy he can become, the old and heavy mind concludes.

- "Aquj uthue yenuv." Says Xamirh with a clear nod of his horned head, making the feathered kin turn just after, and the magical one feel shame for a second.

- "Akhanta, sutik nestoq yth, yl toijyl okutes ythe." Declares Kraydirn as he begins to slowly walk away, though his gaze does not miss his dark blue kin.

Having not moved from her spot near the yellow kin, Ayirn watches with him the pair leaving them with the little one, regret and disappointment burning moderately in her eyes before turning back to Xamirh in hope of finding satisfaction with him and Azykan, with what progress they made when she left...