Elfman wiped Lisanna's brow absentmindedly, cleaning the liquid from her sweat-covered head. She had labored breaths, but they had stabilized over the past hour. It had been a while since Mira had gone after Axis, and Elfman was starting to worry for both of their sakes.

"Elf?"

Elfman smiled weakly at his sister's awakening. "Are you feeling better, Lisanna?"

Lisanna slowly looked around the small campsite, not being able to see much through the mostly dead firelight, but she could see just enough to notice some of their group was missing.

"Where's Mira and Axis?" her voice was small yet filled with concern.

"Axis, uh, went off somewhere for a bit," he spun the truth, feeling too awkward to reveal what had happened. "Mira went to follow him."

"Oh…" Lisanna sounded somewhat disappointed. "Are they gonna be back soon? I never… finished thanking him."

A guilty frown wormed its way onto Elfman's face. "I don't know if he will come back. I don't know."

"I hope he does," Lisanna tilted her head to the stars. "I've had so much fun the past few weeks. And I haven't seen Mira so happy in a long time."

Elfman rubbed his arm subconsciously. "Yeah, I know. I hope he comes back, too."

Just then he heard some sticks break close by, indicating someone was making their way to them. Elfman got his hopes up, but his nerves were wracked by the thought of facing their other boy companion. He breathed calmly, then stood up to greet the newcomer.

His heart stopped once he saw it. What came from the shadow was not his friends, far from it.

Takeover: Dragon Soul

Part One:

A Place to Call Home

Page 4:

The Dragon Soul

The forests of Fiore were dangerous. It wasn't just the common predator or gargantuan animal, but rather the forests themselves seemed to be against anything that entered. Dense with foliage, paths that wind every which direction, and the distinct lack of signposts and directions, once one had entered deep enough territory, made it easy for the weary traveler to get lost.

Yet these dangerous forests were also home to peacefulness. Friendly forest creatures and quiet environments may be rare, but they were welcome sights to the stressful biomes. One of these sights was one we come upon now:

A tiny offshoot of a nearby river streamed its way down a lesser-known path. It wound its way between rock and dirt until it dribbled off a small, stony cliff and collected into a pool of reflective water. Many animals gained some respite by drinking from the makeshift fountain, its cool and refreshing water was a much-needed bounty.

Smack!

Suddenly, a small pebble sailed into the scene. It flew headfirst into the tranquil puddle, disrupting the meditative stillness and scaring away any nearby wildlife. The small rock had come from the tree line, and it wasn't long before its cause made himself known.

"What is wrong with you?!" Axis came barreling into the scene, clutching his right hand angrily. "Why did you do that?"

Axis glared at his transformed limb. The sight of the blue scales now infuriated him. He fell to his knees and pounded the ground with it.

"You've never listened to me! You never come out when I want you to! You never help when I need you to!" He slammed his midnight fist against the ground with every sentence. He could feel half his teeth still transformed into fangs- and that pissed him off even further.

"What are you…?" he spoke tensely into his human hand. "Why are you a part of me? Where did you come from?"

Axis cringed as a flash came into his mind. Elfman's face, eyes closed and afraid. He had tears streaming down his face and he was shaking. All because of…

"It's all because of you!" His frustration flared up again. He started flailing, punching the dirty forest floor until his fist went numb. "Get away from me! I don't want to see you ever again! Get away! Get away! Get-!"

Axis went silent upon feeling a delicate palm make contact with his shoulder. He looked with widened eyes, his pupils shaking, at the owner of the hand. He was met with the delicate sight of Mira. Her usually neutral expression had the slightest tinge of sadness and pain.

"Mira?" Axis stood, slightly trembling. "Mira, what-"

The boy was abruptly cut off when Mira's demon arm had clashed with his midsection. It wasn't that painful of a blow, but the shock sent Axis reeling.

"Do not threaten my family like that." Mira simply said with eyebrows furrowed in a bitter expression.

Axis scraped his fingers/claws through the dirt, leaving small trenches behind. "I'm so sorry, Mira. I didn't…I couldn't…!"

Mira crouched down to his level, wrapping him in a warm embrace. "But please, stop hurting yourself."

Axis froze. The surprising force behind Mira's punch and the rage behind his magic's actions all disappeared behind the lightness of the hug. He felt choked up, but no tears fell. He raised his shaky human hand up to return the action- to return the first hug he remembered ever receiving.

…

The sea was dark, the bottom endlessly expanding below him. The surface was nonexistent, the break nowhere in sight. The abyss was all around and suffocating, offering no comfort to those who entered.

Axis was alone. His limbs couldn't move. His eyes were frozen forward, forced to observe the blackness. He could breathe, but he also couldn't at the same time. It was a purgatory, an unending state of non-change.

Then there were the eyes. Azure portals that dominated the abyssal space. The pupils dwarfed Axis' whole body, and one could only wonder just how large the creature it belonged to truly was.

The eye approached the boy, its form mirroring Axis' own eyes. But this one was different. It was powerful, exuding an aura that would freeze Axis if he already couldn't move. It felt ancient, a power that the world had not experienced or seen in centuries. It was unending, it was cataclysmic, and it was incomprehensible.

And yet, it was also…

…

Axis held his hands out in front of him. His left was pure flesh and nail, the comforting form he had known all his life. His right was blue, talons grown fiercely where there should be nails. Scales dominated the hand and the forearm connected to it. The magical power from it radiated outward.

One human, and one monster.

Mira sat beside the contemplative boy. They rested themselves by the side of the pond, staring into the now black water. Her arms were wrapped around her knees. She was tense as she watched Axis' gross expression as he sulked. Her hands clutched parts of her pants.

One human, and one demon.

"I've had this power as long as I can remember." Axis broke his silence. "Which isn't much, to be honest."

His comment piqued her interest. "What do you mean?"

"How long ago can I remember? A few months, maybe half a year?" His eyes lost themselves in the pond's murky waters. "I can only think so far back before… nothing. No childhood, no parents, no hometown or friends. Just a wall. But this," he held the scaled arm aloft and alone. "This was always with me. I don't know where it came from, and I don't know how I got it. But it's always been here. A friend that helps me when I'm in trouble or…"

Axis flinched, Elfman's face entering his mind once again. He pounded his scaled fist against the ground in anger. "Or a monster I can't control."

Mira grimaced at his wording. She held her demon arm closely and ashamedly. But she didn't let her dejected attitude stop her from trying to help her friend. "You said it's helped you? Like earlier at the river?"

Axis nodded. "Yeah, like that. Sometimes, when I got into some real trouble, it would help me out and I'd always escape. Sometimes it didn't, but still. It felt like someone was watching over me, like a guardian angel or something. But now?"

Mira suspected what he might say next, especially considering what had just happened. Still, she let him get it out. "Now?"

"I don't think I want it, not anymore. Not after…" Axis choked back in a sudden rage. Rage that came with some tears. "Whatever it is, I want it to go away."

Axis let the statement hang in the air as if expecting something to happen. But the forest was still quiet, the air still stifling, and his scaly arm still left unchanged.

The boy dropped his arms and his head, dejected and giving up. His energy left him. "And of course, it won't even listen to me now."

A figure appeared in the pool's black water. Its form was held in shadow in such a way that Axis couldn't tell just how large it was or even what it was. But the eyes stared back at him. Magical azure slits glowing in the darkness mirroring his own. They saw him just as much as he saw them.

"My family was happy."

Axis broke from his trance once he heard Mira speak. "What?"

"Me, Elfman, Lisanna," Mira froze, but only for a moment. "... Mom and Dad. We were happy. We didn't have much, and we all had to share a room in a tiny house, but we were happy."

Axis could see some clouds forming over Mira's eyes as she reminisced about her past. A tiny smile formed on her face as she did so, and Axis did not want to break her stupor.

"Mom and Dad were always away on jobs, trying to make ends meet for us. So most of the time it was just us three, causing havoc and having fun in that small town. It was tough, and sometimes we had to go to bed hungry, but we always got through it together. That was until…"

Axis could sense the sadness from the girl. "I've never asked about your guys' past, because I never thought it really mattered. But, all things considered, I guess your parents-"

"They died," Mira stated plainly, forcing it out. "They were away on a job. A man came up to our house one day. He told me they encountered a pack of wild wyverns. There weren't any mages with them at the time so…

"It was just us three then. Elfman and Lisanna were still so young. I'm not sure they even remember our parent's faces, but I do and I always will."

"Mira, I'm so sorry." Axis went to wrap his arm around the girl but hesitated once he saw which arm it was. He opted to leave it on the ground instead.

Mira shook her head. "It's fine. I did my best to make things how they were. I took on odd jobs around town to pay for our food and living. I had to work so much that I barely saw them, just like our parents had down with us. But we were still happy because we still had each other."

Mira's wistful recollection turned to sudden vitriol. A hate that felt so deep and impactful that it shocked Axis. "And then that day happened. The day this," she held her purple arm out in front of them, its purple complexion reflecting the moonlight. "Ruined our lives forever."

With a small amount of hesitation, Axis tenderly touched Mira's cursed arm with his human one. She didn't seem to mind as she didn't retract the limb from his reach. "What is it?"

"It's a curse. A demon that appeared one day and won't leave." Mira was now lost in her memories. "Once it took over my arm, I couldn't work anymore. I couldn't leave the house with it in the sunlight. I couldn't help Elfman and Lisanna anymore. Then the villagers came with torches and fire and bottles, crowding around and forcing us to go. This arm has done nothing but cause us misery and pain. I hate it."

She was shaking now, and Axis retracted his hand to instead comfort her shoulder. He was shocked. The usual stoic, neutral Mira that he had grown used to over the past few weeks had devolved to snivels and shivering- not that he could blame her. He didn't say anything, only holding her for support.

With a deep sigh, Mira came back to reality. She was relieved she hadn't shed any tears in front of Axis. "I'm sorry, I came here to bring you back but I ended up bringing bad memories back."

"It's alright." Axis let her be. "It sounds like you've had some rough times. I'm really glad you had Lisanna and Elfman with you."

"Me, too," she agreed with a soft smile. "They took care of me just as much as I took care of them. I honestly don't know what would've happened if they weren't with me. Those two mean the world to me, Axis. They are worth more than anything." She suddenly turned to meet his eyes. "That's why I really appreciate you being with us."

Axis was taken aback by the first real compliment he had ever received from the quiet girl. Her intense stare made him a little nervous, honestly.

"Uh," he responded dumbly.

"I haven't seen them laugh so much before you joined. Things have really brightened for us. Especially Lisanna. It's only been a few weeks, but she really looks up to you, you know?" Her expression softened. "I don't think any of us want you to leave. Even Elfman. You're one of us, now."

Axis felt something then, in this vulnerable moment between the two teens. It was light and powerful, making his hair stand on end and his cheeks flush. He didn't know what it was, and he couldn't recall if he had ever felt like this before. He wanted to hold on to it as long as he could.

But he didn't know if he could.

Axis averted his eyes from hers. The rogue gaze, of course, ended on his arm. "Of course I want to stay with you all. You've…been the first friends I even remember having. I don't want to waste that. But with this," he wiggled his claws listlessly. "I don't know if I'll be able to control it enough to keep you all safe. Not even from me."

"Axis," Mira leaned in close, now connecting her own human hand with his monstrous one. "Whatever this power is, it's helped you overcome odds and live as freely as you want. It made us laugh and it even saved us a few times. I don't think this power of yours is a curse, not like mine. To me, I see a blessing."

Axis' lips trembled. He subconsciously closed his scaly hand around her own. He didn't use his magical strength, he made completely sure of it. Even through the scales and muscles, he could feel how soft and warm her hand was. It was nice.

The murky pond drew his attention as the two sat there together. He peered once again into the darkness. The monster was still there, staring back at him with insurmountable intensity. But then it came forward from the shadow, the darkness retreating from its face. It was long, with gargantuanly sharp teeth and roaring nostrils. It was a head made of midnight blue scales that looked jagged to the touch.

Yet its eyes were no longer threatening to the teenager. It studied him back, more inquisitive than anything. Axis tightened his hold on Mira's hand- just a small bit. He adopted the intense look of the monster and stared right back. Both of their azure slits met each other in a standoff. A low growl was uttered from the deepness of the monster's throat, but Axis stood firm.

Then, the monster closed its eyes and lowered its head. It retreated back into the darkness, leaving the reflections of the pool blank. Then, in its stead, a new being popped in its place. A boy, just thirteen years old. He wore no shirt and no shoes, his dark blue hair wild and unkempt.

Axis' own eyes stared back at him, and then he understood. It was not some being that had cursed him, nor was it a monster that possessed him. It was not independent, and it was not of its own mind.

It was him.

"Axis?"

Mira's muted astoundment broke Axis from his realization. Her hand felt larger than it was before. He looked down and was surprised to see his magic no longer activated. His scales and claws were replaced by just flesh and bone that complemented his other arm. He felt the small fangs that had replaced his normal teeth transform back to their human state.

"I…" he stuttered in joyful disbelief. "I think I-"

A scream suddenly filled the silent forest. It was a sound that had the two teenagers shoot up in alarm. They looked at each other in horror.

"That came from the river!" Axis said in a panic, surmising the direction.

Mira's face went ghost white and her stomach dropped. "That scream. That was Elfman."

Axis' mood met hers, but he didn't let it get the best of him. His reflection looked back from the pool, a determined glare exuding from his face. He knew what to do, and by that standard so did Axis.

"Let's go!" Axis grabbed Mira's wrist and pulled her along. Like Mira did for him, he was going to do for the Strausses.

He was going to save his friends, and he wouldn't let anything stop him.

…

"Something smells great!"

Elfman tucked Lisanna behind himself carefully, arms trembling. His eyes watered in fear at what he saw.

"Hm? What is this?"

The creature came to a stop at the dying campfire. It leaned over, picking up a roasted fish between two massive fingers. It sniffed the charred seafood before shoving the whole thing in its mouth. It placed its hand on its long, pointy chin in thought as it ate.

"I thought I heard a scream come from here? Was I wrong?"

Elfman held his breath as the creature observed the campsite, trying to ascertain where they had gone. It stuck its nose to the ground in an attempt to sniff something out.

"Big brother?" Lisanna asked from over his shoulder. "What is that?"

"A Gorian," Elfman answered through quivering lips. "It's not fully grown, but…"

Elfman jumped as the Gorian suddenly looked in their direction. "That way, huh?"

His soul practically leaped from his body. He backed away slowly, just a few steps, but the brush unfortunately ended against a small cliff. There was nowhere to go.

"No, no, no!" he whispered in a panic as the Gorian approached ever closer. He couldn't back up any further with the cliff behind him, and he couldn't run away because he was also carrying Lisanna.

He closed his eyes, the stress getting to him. The dangerous situation weighed on his mind. It was heavier than anything he had experienced before. He couldn't move, and he couldn't think.

"Usually you'd piss your pants just by talking to a stranger."

Elfman hated that he agreed with Axis' point, but it was true. He couldn't talk to someone he didn't know, let alone act in a dire position like this. He wished so desperately that he could leave it to someone else.

He could feel Lisanna's grip shaking wildly as her breathing pace quickened. Her small body felt frail against his back. It was her fear that made him realize that there was no one else here to help. There was only him.

"Just a little practice is all it is, Lisanna," Axis smirked at his admirer, placing the fish down in a small wicker basket laid at his feet. "And some balls."

Elfman squirmed. It wasn't said to him, and it was used in an entirely different context, but the message hit him right in the core. It was crude and simple, but it had an effect on him like no other.

Right, he thought. I just need some balls. I need to step up and act like a man!

After a short time psyching himself up, he gently laid Lisanna on the ground. "Stay here, Lisanna, and don't make a sound."

"Elf?" Lisanna asked worriedly. "Elf, what are you doing?"

"Don't try to stop me." He was in a frenzy. "Cuz if I think about this any longer I'm just going to cower out again. I…" He turned back to the Gorian, who was almost on top of them. "I need to grow up to protect you and Mira! I need to be a man!"

Before Lisanna could stop him, and more importantly before he talked himself down, he ran out from the brush with a scream. The Gorian was more than surprised, backing up at the sudden small human rushing him.

"I found you!"

The Gorian swiped at the crying boy, but Elfman ducked down from instinct alone. He was lucky, just going low enough to avoid the large hand. He ran through the Gorian's legs in the hope of leading the monster away from Lisanna. If he could do that, it didn't matter what happened to him.

"Tricky kid!" the Gorian shouted in indignancy. It quickly turned around and stuck out its long, green arm. He smacked the retreating boy in the back, causing Elfman to go tumbling to the ground in pain.

Elfman lay in a heap on the dirt. His back ached, and no doubt that smack had bruised him badly. He felt his tears running down his face. He wanted to lay there and let the world take him, but one look at the brush and the tearful eyes that lay beyond gave him the energy he needed.

"Yeah…keep coming after me!" He goaded the Gorian while he rose delicately to his feet. "Because I'll keep getting up as long as it takes!"

The Gorian raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What are you yappin' about?"

"Come get me, you monkey!" Elfman ran away once more, prompting the Gorian to follow.

"What did you call me?!" The fuming adolescent Gorian quickly caught up with Elfman given his much larger size. He slapped the boy in the side.

Elfman went tumbling sideways, rolling over the now-dead fire and singing his clothes in the ash. He hacked up some spit, his stomach threatening to vomit. He was suddenly lifted into the air from his legs, the Gorian grabbing a hold of him.

"I am pretty hungry. Maybe I'll eat a little human for dinner." It said whilst licking its lips.

With a burst of energy fueled by desperation, Elfman swung with his leg joint and punched the Gorian in the eye.

"OW!" the creature exclaimed in pain. It growled, angrily tossing Elfman away.

Elfman recoiled as his back impacted with a tree trunk. He couldn't scream in pain, but his tears told the story. He could barely see through the watery mess, but he hoped he had bought enough time for Lisanna to run away.

"You'll be a nice meal, little human." The Gorian mocked him as it walked towards him.

Elfman couldn't move anymore. He had spent the rest of his energy in that last spurt. He could only watch as the monster came closer. He wanted so desperately to make sure his sister was okay, and that he could beat this monster and run away with her to safety. But he just couldn't.

But that didn't mean he would let his fear control him. For one of the first times of his life, he would look this danger in the eyes. He wouldn't back away, not this time.

The Gorian reached out towards the boy, his massive fingers getting closer with every second.

"Mira… Lisanna… Axis," he sputtered out through bated breaths. "Please be safe. Please… live on."

"Time for munchies~" the Gorian sang to himself. "Time to-"

The Gorian's sing-song voice was cut off. The monster looked down at its hand, the one that was meant to grab the small boy. Curiously, it had stopped in its tracks. A quick observation told him why.

A different arm had grabbed his wrist. It was small, but it was surprisingly powerful. To the Gorian, the arm was also incredibly weird. It was definitely attached to a human, but the arm was all blue and scaly like a lizard's.

The one the arm belonged to, though human, looked like a demon.

Axis clenched the Gorian's wrist hard, stopping its advance. His glare was baleful and full of malice. A guttural growl protruded from his mouth.

"Take Over: Dragon Soul," he reared his free fist back, the human flesh morphing into scale and muscle at his command. "Arcane Dragon's Mighty Fist!"

Quick as a flash, Axis rushed his gate-filled fist into the Gorian's lower abdomen. The rush of power he felt transferring from his inner core to the impact sight was immense.

The Gorian was sent rolling backward. It tumbled across the clearing until it also crashed into a large tree. It clutched its abdomen in immense pain, groaning from the attack.

Elfman's eyes widened at his savior, almost spilling more tears. But this time, with relief.

"Axis…!"

Axis looked back at the boy, azure eyes glowing with power. "Elfman, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stormed off like I did. I should've stayed to talk things out."

"But you're here now…" Elfman choked out. "That's what matters."

Axis nodded to his friend. "We'll talk later. But now," he watched the Gorian stand back up, hate taking over its eyes. "I'm gonna get rid of this thing for good."