Under A Wing

by Krosrodes

This is a story about a man who had everything. Yet as time went on, his life slowly began to shatter until he had nothing left. His days were numbered, and when his life came to an end, he got a second chance to fix his mistakes in a world filled with strife and war. Whether he wanted to become a better version of himself or not was up to him. (OC-insert)

5. Chapter 5 - Divine Dragon

Vlad stomped his foot forward and lunged with his sword against a stunned Corrupted. The crumbly flesh was easily pierced between the bits and pieces of its armour and the monster let out a pained cry. With a twist of his blade, Vlad yanked his weapon from the corpse, letting it fall to the ground with a dull thud to wither away.

He let out a strained breath and wiped his forehead. "Are there any left?"

"I've taken care of the rest," Alear said, wriggling her own blade out of a dark horse before tilting her head in Vlad's direction. "You don't know how to fight, do you?"

He stabbed his sword to the ground, using it as leverage before grunting. "Is it that obvious?"

"Painfully so," she stated. "So many wasted movements, and none of them bring any result."

Vlad scoffed. "Good to know. I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise handling such a large sword."

"It has nothing to do with it."

"...pardon?"

Alear sheathed her weapon with a shink. "The weight or shape doesn't matter. The way you handle it does, and as you can see, it tired you quickly. Too quickly, in fact."

Vlad's head jolted in place before his eyes slowly glided towards her. "Says the one who has a ring that boosts them into oblivion."

Alear huffed and crossed her arms. "Said ring doesn't give you stamina. It only amplifies what you already know. Or at least gives you the fundamentals when you know nothing."

He sighed. "Fair."

Vlad took a deep breath and put his weapon away as well before whistling into the forest. The quiet beating of hoofs reached his ears, and eventually, his horse came into view, still filled to the brim with luggage. It nestled its head into Vlad's arm before letting out a small chortle.

"I feel like I should give you a name with how faithful you are," Vlad pondered, smiling softly as he petted his steed. "I just don't know which one. Maybe…"

Alear coughed into her hand. "We should go. There could be more Corrupted here."

He let out a groan. "Right."

With a small tug of the reins, the trio marched through the forest at a reasonable pace. While they didn't necessarily need to rush, it felt like somebody snapped their fingers and the Corrupted started appearing everywhere with no rhyme or reason.

The first few days were extremely quiet, to the point Vlad questioned the necessity of this patrol when no real threats were around. Only now the Corrupted became active, and it only made him ponder why.

While he would be glad if he could share his thoughts with someone else, Alear was almost allergic to any kind of small talk. Her answers were frank, simple, and she didn't like to mince words. Her straightforward attitude didn't suit Vlad's current needs, new to the world he found himself in as he was.

He glanced in Alear's direction. "Do you have any pointers at least? I doubt I will suddenly stop fighting those… things any time soon."

She tilted her head and hummed. "I've never used such a large sword. It'd be too cumbersome."

What was I even expecting? Vlad thought and rubbed the bridge of his nose. It seems I have nothing to go off of other than just finding my own way of fighting. But who knows whether that will happen before I bite the dust.

"Vlad," Alear called out, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"What is it?"

She pointed at a thicker part of the forest, where sets of glowing red eyes pierced through the branches and leaves. Vlad narrowed his eyes and moved his arm towards the hilt of his sword but Alear outstretched her hand, blocking him.

"There aren't that many. I'll take care of it," she said before tapping her ring ever-so-slightly. "Marth."

In a blink of an eye, a red ghost appeared next to Alear, and despite seeing it a few times already, Vlad's breath still hitched. While it had all the characteristics of a mirage with no physical form, it was perfectly visible to the naked eye.

Marth was a young man with short red hair and a regal—yet still simple—crimson attire, befitting a prince from the medieval ages. A long cape was held together by a pin that looked like a shield, with a scabbard strapped to his waist. He remained silent while pulling out his sword, which was so thin it could almost count as a rapier.

Alear glanced at her spectral partner and rushed towards the Corrupted, leaving Vlad behind with his steed.

"I've seen a lot of things in my past life, but I shouldn't be surprised that a sentient ghost friend tops the list," Vlad remarked, leaning against a tree while crossing his arms. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

A snort escaped the horse's mouth as it shook its head.

"Of course, I shouldn't expect anything else from you other than random noises," he sighed. "But still, I feel like I should thank you. I don't know what I did to earn your loyalty, but I'm glad I did."

He touched his chin. "But I still don't know what name I should…"

As if a bulb lit up inside his mind, he let out a self-approving hum. "How about just Hoof? Simple, and gets the point across."

All he got from his steed was a curious tilt of its head.

He responded with a flat look. "Again, why am I not even surprised?"

Vlad shook his head and switched his attention back to Alear who, coincidentally, finished the last Corrupted, leaving it to wither away. He clicked his tongue twice and pulled on the horse's reins. "Come on, Hoof."

By the time Vlad reached Alear's side, Marth was already gone and she was staring deeper into the forest with a hundred-yard stare. A single tap on her shoulder broke her out of her trance and she jolted in place.

She whipped her body to face Vlad and breathed a small sigh of relief. "Don't scare me like that."

He pulled his hand back and raised an eyebrow. "That scared you? Of all things?"

"I… don't like being jumped on," she admitted.

"I was just—" Vlad shook his head. "Never mind. How are you fairing?"

"Well enough."

"Alright, let's get moving. Who knows where the Corrupted will—"

A sudden roar of wind assaulted the forest, almost knocking Vlad off his feet. He braced himself while shielding his eyes from the hurricane that refused to stop. Branches and leaves kept falling from the flailing trees, almost hitting Vlad in the face. He snapped his head in Alear's direction.

"Find cover!" he shouted and all of them hid behind some form of wooden cover.

The wind beat at them in regular intervals, leaving only a few moments of respite before another wave crashed down on them. Vlad gritted his teeth and looked up through the crowns before his breath hitched.

A large shadow blocked out the sun with its giant form, looming over them like a bad omen. He spotted a faint silver glimmer and a set of large leathery wings. It was taking its time passing through their location, and once Vlad gazed at the direction the shadow was going, he realized it was towards the camp.

"Shit."

"What!?" Alear shouted, holding onto a tree.

"We have to be quick once the wind stops. That thing is aiming for the camp," he said before there was a quick flash of light in the distance and the wind stopped with it. He gathered his bearings and whistled. "Hoof!"

The steed quickly came into view, and Vlad mounted it as soon as possible before extending his hand towards Alear. However, she stood motionless, staring up at the sky.

"What are you waiting fo—"

"Mother," she exclaimed, almost whispering. "She is here."

A quiet rustle came from Vlad's back, and he snapped his head to a moving bush. There was the scout Ethelwulf was talking about, wearing cured leather and an iron helmet. He nudged his head forward in the camp's direction before quickly disappearing into the shadows.

Vlad followed Alear's gaze and a small frown settled on his face. Vlad jostled Hoof to move ever so slightly closer to her, and slowly extended his hand. "Come on, you want to meet her, right?"

She looked at his hand for a moment before allowing herself to be hoisted up on the horse and they moved out towards the camp.

Time to get some answers.

{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}

When the cloth over Ethelwulf's abode came clean off from a sudden gust, he knew the one he was waiting for had come. He drank the last of his tea before setting his cup on the saucer and went to the center of camp.

He put his arms behind his back, looked up into the sky and spotted the silhouette of a giant silver dragon in the distance, allowing himself to smile at the sight. He had a lot to look forward to, as did Queen Lumera with what news he had to report.

It didn't take long before the dragon was on top of their camp, and it gently landed only a few meters away from Ethelwulf. At least the wind current wasn't strong enough to throw their entire encampment apart, unlike last time.

With a brilliant flash of light, the dragon let out a mighty roar before all that was left was a fine woman with long blue locks. She wore lavish robes coloured like the rays of an evening sun, and an appropriate crown to reflect her status as the queen of all Divine Dragons.

Ethelwulf's smile faded for a moment. Even if she is the last one alive.

She took a deep breath and slowly opened her set of clear blue eyes while gently folding her hands together. "Ethelwulf."

He touched his chest and took a deep bow. "Queen Lumera."

She couldn't help but sigh. "Please, I told you already to quit the formalities. We're allies above all else in this war."

His breath hitched. "Oh, excuse me… Lumera. It is still hard not to when it's been beaten to death by my parents to pay my respects."

"'Old habits die hard', or whatever people say," she remarked before lifting her chin. "Anyway, I think you already know why I'm here. Lay it on me, the situation."

He curtly nodded. "Yes, over some tea?"

For once, Lumera refused with a shake of her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't stay for long. I have too many errands to keep up with. Make it brief, for my sake."

While Ethelwulf's shoulders sagged for a moment, he took a deep breath nonetheless. "Not much has changed around here. We're still scraping by with what we can find. I thought of moving out of this place once or twice already, but since the ways are blocked with hordes of Corrupted and most of my people are far from average fighters, we're forced to stay."

"You know you can always call me when push comes to shove," she offered.

He shook his head. "We already rely on the supplies you give us. Others trapped in worse places than this need your help more than we do. Besides," a grin spread across his features. "I think I have something that will lighten up your load."

Her eyes widened for a moment before a small serious frown. "And that is?"

Ethelwulf brought his hand up before gently prying his ring from his finger and offering it to Lumera. "We got an Emblem Ring."

She let out a gasp before quickly reaching Ethelwulf's side. "Where did you get it?"

His face quickly saddened. "One of the Fell Dragons had it, and when it was within reach, we grabbed it. Not without sacrifices, however."

Lumera breathed through her nose before holding her hands together for a prayer. "They will be known as heroes who helped us stop this war from escalating. Please, make sure you take your time to mourn them."

He nodded. "We already did. Now, we're waiting for you to give us the power we need."

"Of course," Lumera said breathlessly. "Give me the ring."

Ethelwulf didn't waste time and handed the ring over. Once it was in her hands, Lumera began chanting a prayer, full of powerful words that sent ripples down Ethelwulf's spine. Blue ripples circulated Lumera like a whirlpool and within a flash, a spirit appeared next to her.

It was a woman with long orange hair, wearing the white gown of a priestess, yet the breastplate and greaves suited it more for battle than a regular dress. She had a beautiful smile on her face, but a sense of a stoic nature came through her caring expression.

A warrior priestess through and through.

"I am Emblem Celica. I'm pleased to finally meet you, Queen Lumera," she said, giving her own bow. "Thank you for rescuing me from the Fell Dragon's clutches."

"I'm glad as well, Celica," she said, trying to mirror her smile before eyeing Ethelwulf. "But save your gratitude for the one who actually rescued you."

He stiffened up when he was eyed by Celica. "I… you have no reason to thank me. Honestly, I'm almost at a loss for words that the Emblems are more than just mere puppets. I didn't know they could have free will."

Celica hummed. "I understand the confusion, but the Fell Dragons bind us to their will. Queen Lumera, on the other hand, calls for our help instead, and allows me to converse with you."

"Indeed," Lumera nodded. "Celica, I know we haven't known each other for long, but I need you to stay here with Ethelwulf. He needs all the help he can get to help his people find a safer place than this."

She nodded. "Of course. It's the reason why you have summoned me, is it not? I'll keep watch for now before the time comes."

She faced Ethelwulf. "Call my name when you need me."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Celica gave him a smile before disappearing with a flash, leaving only the two of them behind. Ethelwulf sighed before turning to Lumera. "With her help, repelling the invasions shouldn't be a problem anymore."

"Yes, but…" Lumera looked around the camp, surprised by how calm the place was. People, despite her presence, were doing their tasks as if seemingly forgetting the Corrupted could attack at any moment. Especially when she was here, and with an Emblem on top of that.

She gave Ethelwulf the ring back before asking, "Tell me. Have there been any Corrupted recently? I can't help but feel a little on edge."

Ethelwulf jolted in place. "That's because… There is actually one more thing I need to talk to you about."

She grew wary. "What is it?"

"I've come across an interesting party. A young man with a Fell Dragon of all things."

"A Fell Dragon?" Lumera said carefully. "Then how is this place free from its wrath?"

"That's the thing. I was actually able to persuade her—"

"You mean roped her into doing your bidding," a voice from afar called out, and both of them turned their heads in its direction. Vlad was slowly approaching the scene on foot, his horse and Alear nowhere to be found.

Ethelwulf narrowed his eyes. "You were quite fast to get here."

"Your scout was quick to inform us. Besides, it was hard not to miss the giant dragon flying over the forest," Vlad retorted, crossing his arms before looking around. "Although it makes me wonder how something so large could disappear in the blink of an eye."

Lumera gazed at Vlad with a curious eye before a small chuckle escaped her lips. "Ethelwulf, you didn't tell me you have new interesting acquaintances."

A sigh escaped his lips. "I was about to get to that before he interrupted me."

"So my timing couldn't be any better," Vlad remarked.

"It might as well be too good," he said bitterly before letting out a groan. "Vladimir, this is Queen Lumera, the person your partner is looking for."

His eyes widened and snapped his gaze towards her. "Wait, so you… were the dragon we saw?"

She chuckled again. "I know I may not look the part, but it's much easier to talk in person in this form without looming over everyone."

"And here I thought I'd seen everything," Vlad muttered. "I feel like I'm in folklore."

"You are not from around here, are you?" Lumera remarked and Vlad couldn't help but sigh.

"You don't even know half of it," he said. "I was hoping you could help me get a few answers. What happened to me and such."

"Wait, how would I…" she paused before shaking her head. "Maybe I could shed some light if I can. But more importantly, Ethelwulf said something about a 'Fell Dragon' partner? Can you explain?"

He perked up. "Oh, right."

Vlad turned his back on them before whistling into the woods. "Come, Hoof! I think you can bring her in now."

From the woods, the brown steed revealed itself with the red-haired girl sitting on top and Lumera's breath hitched.

"Alear, my dear!" she shouted before bolting towards her with surprising speed.

"Lumera! Wait!" Ethelwulf exclaimed, but when he was about to chase after her, Vlad blocked him with a hand. "What are you—?"

"Just give it a moment," he said firmly, almost venomously.

Ethelwulf clicked his tongue and snapped his gaze toward Lumera, who longingly extended her hands towards Alear, perched on the steed. Within a moment, Alear jumped from Hoof and hugged Lumera in a tight embrace, sobbing into her shoulder.

While Vlad was happy for her, he felt jealous. The sudden pang in his chest grew larger, almost threatening to split his body apart. He wished he could do the same with his own children, but that was as possible as his chances of returning home. He eased his hand, letting it fall limp but Ethelwulf didn't go to Lumera's side yet.

"This is…" Ethelwulf's wide eyes couldn't comprehend what he was seeing. Years of constant skirmishes made his presumptions shatter at a Divine Dragon hugging a Fell Dragon. He turned to Vlad, whose gaze and unusually deep frown could drill holes.

"You seem more troubled by the sight than I am."

"Is it that plainly written on my face?"

"It indeed is," he affirmed, his brow furrowing before it suddenly clicked with him. "I thought you were just playing me, but this act from Lumera just makes your skin crawl, doesn't it?"

"Painfully so."

Ethelwulf gave a solemn nod, absentmindedly gazing at the two dragons still deep within their embrace. He reached out with his hand towards Vlad. "I've already gotten what I wanted from this… deal. I think it's your turn to get what you want as well."

Vlad looked down at Ethelwulf's open palm but remained silent.

"How about we bury the hatchet? I find it unnecessary for us to remain on each other's bad side. Enemies of my enemies are my friends, after all."

Vlad took a deep breath and grabbed Ethelwulf's hand before giving it a firm shake with a passive face. "Couldn't say it better myself. Just make sure to not spread any rumors around. I hate the fact that I'm an old man stuck in a teenager's body."

Ethelwulf snorted. "Think of it as having more life than an average human. Besides, I'm sure there is a chance you can meet your children again. To alleviate those feelings."

"I wish I could believe that myself."

"Don't fret," he said before glancing at his makeshift abode. "How about we grab a drink?"

Vlad allowed a pained smile to spread across his face. "Yes, I'd like that."

---

AN: Another chapter done. Well, I don't really have much to add... again. I'm just glad I'm able to keep up with the two-week schedule, even if these chapters are on the shorter side.

Anyway, I'd like to thank Cavik for beta-reading today's chapter and the Treehouse Community for being a great company. Here is the link for the discord server: gg/u89gs745fn

God's speed.