A few hours later (2 to be precise), Salem, Summer, Ruby, Cinder, Taiyang, Yang, Blake and Weiss were once again in the throne room, facing the royal couple, their expressions grave and serious.
Not long ago, Taiyang, Ruby, Weiss, Yang and Cinder were given a tour of the castle by Summer, Salem and Princess Soliana and needless to say that they were amazed by the beauty of this place : the walls and floor were, like the throne room they left earlier, made of white marble and emerald marble columns.
In addition, on the ceilings, there were crystal chandeliers, the surface of which sparkled in the light. On the walls, they could see portraits of all the Elven kings who reigned over this kingdom… among them was the first Elven King whose name was Dobby.
Upon seeing the Elf, the group (minus Salem, Summer and Soliana) had been in shock at his appearance : standing only about 3 and a half feet (1.06 m), 'Dobby' had large, tennis-ball-like green eyes, a pencil-like nose and long, bat-like pointed ears and brown skin. For them, Dobby looked nothing like the elves they saw so far and couldn't help but feeling pity for the creature.
Salem explained to them that it was what Elves looked like before Ancalagon's arrival. Thanks to oppression and mistreatment at the hands of humans (mostly magical ones), Elves were reduced to this. All of them had been angry and their hatred toward Wizardkind grew even more. Weiss Schnee herself was not unaffected by Dobby's pathetic appearance.
For the newcomers, the arrival of Ancalagon and their freedom was a total blessing for the Elves. Once again, their admiration and respect for the mighty ruler of the Hidden World grew. But then, Soliana had to leave them as her preceptor came to retrieve her for yet another lesson and she left with the man while bidding goodbyes to our friends.
While they resumed their tour around the castle (this time without the princess), in the throne room, Blake and the royal couple of Lelfalion were deep in conversation.
The subject?
The Faunus of Remnant, their way of life and their relationships with humans. When Blake mentioned how most Humans viewed Faunus, King Falael and Queen Shannyria were scandalized by the segregation and hatred the Faunus faced by Humans (especially for something as trivial as having an extra pair of ears or fangs or fur/feathers/scales) and both offered their sympathy to Blake who graciously accepted them.
For Blake, it was invigorating to talk about her kind without receiving scorn, disgust, or hatred in return. The young Faunus could see that the two people in front of them showed curiosity and not disdain towards her species and this pleased her.
But after a few moments, a messenger arrived in the throne room, carrying with him the Dragon King's answer. King Falael instantly called a guard to find the rest of their guests and to bring them here and with a bow to his liege, the armored Elf left the throne room to find Salem, Summer, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Cinder and Taiyang.
He found them near the castle's library and after telling them that the royal couple wished to see them, they all followed him as he lead them toward the throne room where King Falael and Queen Shanyrria (and Blake) were waiting for them.
Which bring us to present…
Summer, Salem, Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang were now all standing alongside the armored guard before the royal couple of Lelfalion. All of them were on their knees, bowing at them respectfully.
"Thank you for bringing them here... You can go back to your duties..." King Falael said to the guard with a slight bow of his head.
The armored Elf bowed respectfully at his monarchs before leaving the throne room, leaving them all behind. Once the guard had disappeared behind the doors, the royal couple looked back at the gathered people before them.
"You summoned us, your Majesty ?" Salem asked them with a bow of respect as her companions did the same.
"I did, indeed… We just received the Dragon King's message… he wants to meet your companions as soon as possible !" King Falael answered in a serious tone.
At those words, Team RWBY, Taiyang and Cinder stiffened in slight fear, glancing at one another with fright, while Summer and Salem looked at one another with slight resignation and acceptance. They both knew that Ancalagon wanted to meet whoever they planned to bring (aka their daughters and Taiyang) but they were also nervous : how would he react to Weiss and Blake ?
The Black Dragon hadn't been against them taking their family with them but what about complete strangers ?! They hoped things wouldn't turn bad for them.
"Then, we better leave as soon as possible..." Taiyang said after a moment of silence, once he regained his composure.
"Is the Dragon King's home far from here ?" Blake asked the royal couple with nothing but respect and dignity in her voice.
"On the back of Hippogriffs no... but on foot, that's another story..." Shanyrria answered the young Faunus with a calm and kind tone.
"Is the King's home that far from here, your Majesty ?" Yang asked out-loud with a frown.
"Indeed it is… I'm sure you have seen it on your way to our city…" Falael answered with a shrug.
Team RWBY, Taiyang and Cinder all nodded their heads in understanding. When Targon took them to town, they actually saw, albeit from afar, where the King of the Hidden World lived : inside a wide and high black mountain literally dominating the entire area.
Salem and Summer described it and its surroundings in great detail, having see it many times before. Around this mountain, the landscape was apparently pretty beautiful to look at with, on one side, a large river which opened into the ocean and, on the other, large grassy pastures and woods.
The mountain was apparently called the Shadowed Mountain and the peak seemed to open like a large hole. On the steep sides of the mountain, it was sometimes possible to see several dragon nests where mothers laid their eggs. Dragonesses of all species regularly came to this mountain to provide better protection for their eggs… or their young.
Why ?
Well, for several reasons.
First, even though Dragons are one of the two dominant species in the Hidden World, that doesn't mean they are immune against predation… at least during their youth. Indeed, Dragonets are often the prey of numerous predators such as Nundus, Manticores or Amphiteres and it was therefore not uncommon to see nests ransacked or young devoured.
Second reason, who would be foolish enough to dare approach the home of the most powerful being in the Hidden World ?
But let's get back to present, shall we?
"Great… Now we have to walk all the way there..." Cinder grumbled to herself but the rest of her group heard her and nodded in agreement.
"No, you won't… As we said, the Dragon King wants to see you as fast as possible… that's why he sent a certain someone to take you straight to him..." Shanyrria said to the ashen-haired young woman with a smile, having heard her perfectly.
Cinder blushed a bit in embarrassment before shooting a glare at Yang and Ruby when they started giggling at hr expense. At the sight of her glare, the two quickly stiffened, stopping instantly, much to the amusement of the others.
"May we know who is this 'certain someone', your Majesties ?" Weiss politely asked the royal couple, bowing slightly.
"I think you know him pretty well~" Shanyrria said with a tiny grin on her face as she looked at the Schnee Heiress and her companions with a strange glint in her beautiful eyes.
As if summoned, in a burst of flame and fire, a familiar swan-sized bird with purple and gold feathers appeared, its beak opened to release a melodious song that echoed throughout the throne room.
"FAWKES !" Ruby and Yang cried out in joy at the sight of the Phoenix who released another song as he descended toward them.
The blond brawler of Team RWBY extended an arm and the noble fire bird went to perch on it, while trying to not scratch her with his sharp talons.
"Hell handsome~" Yang greeted him with a smile as she used her other hand to gently pat the top of his head and Fawkes thrilled at her softly in response.
"Welcome back, my friend..." Salem said to the Phoenix with a warm smile while Summer went over to scratch the Bird on the head, earning herself a pleased thrill from say bird.
Fawkes' pleasure grew when Ruby followed her mother's example and start petting his feathers, earning herself a pleased song from the beautiful fire bird.
"Fawkes..." Taiyang, Cinder, Blake and Weiss all said in greetings while bowing their heads slightly, earning themselves a nod from the magnificent bird.
"While this reunion is touching, I suggest you leave as quickly as possible..." King Falael's voice caught everyone's attention and they all turned their heads to look at the man... and saw him receive a slap on the back of the head by his wife.
"OW !"
"You could have said it better than that !" Shanyrria hissed at him while looking proud of her action.
Falael grumbled something under his beard before cowering under the vicious glare of his wife. Summer, Salem and the rest of the group tried and failed to not show their amusement.
"However, my idiot of a husband is right… You should reach the Dragon King as quickly as possible…" Shanyrria then said to the amused group while ignoring Falael's glare at her comment about him being 'an idiot'.
"Very well..." Salem and Summer said at the same time while bowing at the two monarchs, following quickly by the rest of their group.
Fawkes, knowing it was time to move again, took off Yang's arm before circling above the group, waiting.
"Alright everyone, you know what to do !" Summer said to her companions with a bright smile and a glint in her silver eyes.
Once Summer finished talking, they all nodded their heads in understanding. Summer, Salem, Yang, Taiyang and Cinder (the tallest people of the group) all reached up with their hands while Ruby, Weiss and Blake hold hands with the closest people to them : Summer for Ruby, Yang for Blake and Salem for Weiss.
"We shall see you later, your Majesties..." Salem said to Shanyrria and Falael who both nodded their heads in acceptance.
"Good luck with the King !" Falael said to them while Shanyrria waved at them, offering them a warm smile.
"We are ready, Fawkes !" Summer cried out to the Phoenix once she made sure everyone had bid their goodbye to the royal couple.
At that moment, the noble Fire Bird released a melodious song from his beak while bursting into flame. Next, there was a flash of fire and then, nothing. Bird and people had completely disappeared in a whirlwind of flames.
A few seconds later, the group reappeared in a whirlwind of flames. When their feet touched the ground, they took their time to regain their bearings.
"It will take a long time before I get used to this..." Taiyang commented while shaking his head to get rid of the dizziness he was feeling.
"Same !" Yang, Ruby and Cinder said in agreement to the man's words.
Blake and Weiss, for their parts, merely grumbled their agreement, trying themselves to regain their composures. Fawkes, him, merely thrilled in amusement, ignoring the glares sent his way by everyone present (minus two).
At the same time, Salem and Summer were looking at the group with amused expressions on their faces even if deep down, they were remembering the first time the two of them used Fawkes as a transport. The two of them waited until their companions were better before speaking.
"Everyone ! Allow us to welcome you to the Shadowed Mountain !" Summer said while pointing at something behind them.
Blinking in confusion, Team RWBY, Taiyang and Cinder turned to see what the silver-eyed woman was pointing at... before gasping in shock at the sight presented to their eyes.
Before them, like a giant rampart made of black stone, was the home of the King of Dragons: Shadow Mountain itself. Its summit seemed almost to touch the rocky plate which served as the sky of the Hidden World and it exuded from this mountain, an ancient and powerful energy.
As they looked around the mountain, Team RWBY, Taiyang, Cinder, Summer and Salem (and Fawkes of course) could see flying shapes spinning in the sky around the mountain and they could even see other shapes moving ON the sides of the mountain. They were probably Dragonesses guarding their eggs and/or offspring.
However, despite the impressive and majestic mountain before them or the sight of countless of dragons residing on its sides, their main attention was focused on something else : at the base of the mountain, there was a large arched entrance. The gates themselves (along with its architecture) were truly about the most majestic and beautiful structures they had ever seen, towering high above buildings like Beacon Academy, and the massive statues of snarling Dragons standing on each side of the entrance only added to the gorgeous scene.
The younger members of the group were in complete amazement at such a spectacle, but Taiyang and Cinder were just as amazed as the youngsters.
"Amazing..." Weiss and Blake commented in soft tones while gazing at the gates with shining eyes of wonder.
"Those statues looks scary… yet, pretty cool !" Ruby commented nervously while looking at the statues of snarling Dragons.
"I have seen anything like this..." Taiyang whispered in awe as he gazed at the grandiose spectacle before him.
Cinder and Yang were completely speechless as they gazed at the mountain and its wonder with awe.
Salem and Summer shared another amused glance before clearing their throats to break everyone out of their little trance. Thankfully for them, it worked and Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang all turned their heads to stare at the two.
"While me and Summer can understand your reaction to the Shadowed Mountain, I'm afraid we don't have time to gaze at it… We need to meet the King, remember ?" Salem asked the group with an eyebrow raised, causing everyone to flush slightly in embarrassment while mumbling apologies.
With nods of acceptance, Salem and Summer led the group toward the gates and as they came closer, the young ones were growing more and more nervous because soon enough, they were going to meet the Ruler of the Hidden World.
"What do you think the king looks like?" Ruby asked her classmates in a low voice.
"I don't know... but from the names given to him, I'm sure he must have black scales..." Blake responded calmly but you could see the nervousness in her yellow eyes.
"I'm sure he must be impressive ! I mean, he was strong enough to face the Twin Gods ! Gods, by Oum ! He must be more muscular and robust than Targon or Aurora !" Yang said to her teammates with enthusiasm.
"Yang, remember that he is also called the Shadow of Death, so he must be very big as well... I don't know how big but he must be impressive... especially to choose such a massive mountain for residence..." Weiss commented calmly while nodding her head in agreement to Yang's words.
"True..." RBY replied in agreement while Cinder and Taiyang, who had been listening to their conversation, nodded in equal agreement.
"I'm sure we are all going to find out soon enough..." Blake added with a sigh as the group were getting closer to the gates.
Mumbles of agreement escaped from the group as they followed after Summer and Salem who were leading them to the gates. Soon enough, they were forced to stop before the mighty entrance of the Shadowed Mountain.
Why ?
Because something was guarding the gates.
It was a Dragon, a male who seemed a bit bigger than Targon but with a long streamlined body and larger wings. Unlike Targon, this dragon has only two legs instead of four. His snout was thin and long, with a small spike on the nose, and an extra horn on his jaw along with long curved horns on his head. He was dark orange on color and has yellow eyes. Instantly, they knew which specie of dragons this one belonged to : Mountain Dragons.
While he doesn't look muscular and intimidating like Targon, this Dragon radiated strength and power and his eyes seemed to look THROUGH them. And in addition, this Dragon must have seen many battles as his body was covered with scars.
"Lady Salem… Lady Summer… It has been some time… Welcome to the Shadowed Mountain !" the orange dragon said to the silver eyed huntress and the former Queen of Grimm with respect and deference.
Team RWBY, Cinder, and Taiyang all blinked in surprise at this dragon's tone as they didn't expect to hear such things from a powerful dragon like this. However, they also noticed something else: his voice. The voice of this dragon sounded like that of an Elder !
"Frendrag ! Good to see you again ! Still a guard I see… I thought you were retiring ?" Summer asked the Dragon with a curious raised eyebrow.
"It was the plan… but my successor recently became a father and took a break before he even started ! So, I was asked to keep working until he returns..." Frendrag answered with a deep sigh.
"Ouch…" Summer said with a wince while Salem grimaced in sympathy.
"Oh, it could have been worse... I'd rather guard the gates than be a sentinel for the nesting grounds…" Frendrag said with a shiver at the last part.
"Oh really ? Not a fan of hatchlings ?" Salem asked him with a slight smirk on her face.
"I have no problem with hatchlings, I've fathered a few in my youth...but I'm too old to babysit now !" The Mountain Dragon commented with a huff as he shot a brief glare at the two women before him.
"Fair enough..." Salem and Summer said in agreement after a moment of silence.
Frendrag's eyes then landed on the other people behind the two and asked sternly "And who are they ?"
"Frendrag, peace ! Those people are our family !" Summer said while placing herself between the Dragon and the terrified people.
"Family you say ? Well, then, it is a pleasure to meet you and welcome in the Hidden World !" the Mountain Dragon said in a more cordial tone as he looked once again at the people behind Summer.
"The pleasure is ours, sir..." Cinder, Blake and Weiss said at the same time while bowing in respect for the Old Dragon while the rest of their party did the same.
"Frendrag, I'm sorry to break this short but we have been summoned by the Dragon King..." Salem said to the orange dragon with a calm tone but apologetic look on her face.
"I see… Very well..."
With that said, Frendrag turned around before roaring loudly causing everyone present to cover their ears. Another roar answered him and then, the gates slowly opened, revealing to our friends a large tunnel leading deeper into the mountain.
"The gates are open… You can enter… I'm sure you know the way ?" Frendrag asked Summer and Salem with a raised eyebrow.
When the two women nodded their heads, he huffed in satisfaction before looking back at Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang.
"I wish you good luck with the King… Be warned, it will be an unique experience..." Frendrag said to them as he stepped aside, giving them full entry to the mountain.
They all thanked him one more time before passing through the gates, entering the dark Mountain, starting their journey through it.
(To be continue…)