Kasi rested a hesitant hand on Runner's shoulder. "You are still Tega. You never changed. I–" she looked away. "I simply suppressed his influence and allowed you to become your own person. They are not his memories. They're yours."
The 3 creatures each grinned. The biggest chuckled as he sensed the power, and hostility now pointed in their direction, "Well would ya look at that sisters, seems we have someone who wants to kill us."
The one who hadn't spoken yet, finally did, "Silly creature…though I suppose if it comes to it, we should be careful."
The largest only laughed "How cute. We have come to be nearly a match for a full-grown Chaos dragon, even more so. Only one we have to fear is Titus, but let's face it, he isn't going to be free from his seal any time soon."
Hydrox was quiet, then finally started to speak, "Hellauder; Destroyer of Men, and his sisters; Visenya and Sevilith. 3 of the most powerful doom dragons, distant relatives to the Chaos Dragons."
The male actually, visibly shuddered at the word 'Titus'. Seemed the name was terrifying, even to a being such as him.
Meyja snarled at the three dragons, bearing two double bladed daggers. Avra shoved against her. "Come… on! We're not here for them!" Meyja didn't listen, fighting against her sister.
Wolf rubbed at his face. "This is why she shouldn't do this," He mumbled, then looked up at the dragons. "Be on your way. We don't wish to fight you."
"Oh look, metal toothpicks to clean our fangs out once we finished dining."
The largest in the middle snapped at the one who spoke, though his gaze returned back down. The dragon's lips curled back into a cruel grin, revealing all serrated fangs.
"Be on our way you say? Sorry stranger, but we go where we want to, and listen to no one."
"Hellauder, I see an old 'friend'."
The large beast turned his head down. His eyes narrowed, glaring downwards towards the ones on the ground. The grin on his muzzle widened even further.
"Hydrox, is that you old boy?"
"Course it's Hydrox, I recognize that scent, along with that mix of disgusting 'human'."
Hellauder gave a snort, "Ah yes of course, how could one forget. By the way, how is that 'skank' you call a mate?"
Hearing his name, Hydrox finally lifted his head upwards. His eyes landed on the beasts above. His voice was a low, dangerous tone, "You leave Miriam out of this…"
"If I'm not mistaken, she's heavy with your first child no?"
Visenya's eyes suddenly lit up, "Ooo, a human with a Seranguis child? Quite a delicacy I'm sure."
Wolf's eyes flashed, quite sensitive to people bad mouthing children. "Fine, do what you will, but leave the child and woman alone. And leave my sister alone. She's not in her right mind."
Avra grunted, and Meyja gasped, clutching her stomach where one of Avra's spears was protruding. Golden ichor ran down her body. Avra flicked her fingers, and Meyja collapsed in a giant heap. Avra shrunk back to her moral-ish form, becoming Isla once again. She stared at her fallen sister sadly. "I didn't want to have to do that, but it was the only way to get you to calm your tits."
(What have I missed? There was like five pages and I couldn't be bothered reading all of them)
The three beasts slowly started to descend. As each one did, their forms seemed shimmer, much like Sakuya's had done before. As they landed, what appeared to be three humans stood in their places. However, differences were clear. The female on the left side had unnaturally long, white hair, a pair of horns curling from either side of her head. Behind, a long tail curled around her side, eyes glowing red. To the right, another, taller female stood. Her hair was a dark shade of red, eyes crimson. Unlike the other, there was only a tail curling behind her. In the middle of the pair, stood an even taller male. He grinned, flashing those cruel fangs from earlier. His hair was black, the tips a dark orange.
"My, my, is that any way to speak the 'real' individuals who actually 'exist' in this realm? Ah, but as to be expected of any right deity, don't give a damn about anything other than their image."
The females on either side of the male simply stood back. It was clear, neither held the 'power' which the male did. Together, yes, they were nearly an unstoppable force, but the male, Hellauder, was the one to call the shots.
His eyes shifted back to Hydrox, "Wonder what your people would do if 'word' slipped back to where the exact position of the traitor who went against his people's laws."
The female with white hair seemed to hiss, her eyes sparking, "Quite certain they'd come looking, and kill him. Leaving a fragile human, and a child with no father."
Hydrox's form was completely stiff. He went silent, before speaking. The male's voice had changed completely, becoming even deeper, sounding like a rough growl, any remnant that had been 'human' was gone, "Hellauder, do I need to beat your ass?"
The other grinned, "I'd like to see you try."
Magnus pulled Wolf away from the trio. "Let them be. We've already caused enough trouble."
Over by the heap that was Meyja, Isla worked to figure out how to bring her back to being Cinthia.
Rhydar soothed Tessa while keeping an eye on the three dragon people.
Runner looked up at the three humans, frowning. "How about we just…calm down." He had to force himself to not look at Tessie, who he knew was in the guy's arms. Well, there goes my chance, he thought as the man began to bicker with one of them.
Hydrox slowly closed his eyes. A few moments, and his eyes opened again, now staying a steady shade of bright blue. He seemingly rolled his head, neck popping. His gaze landed on the trio before him.
"Sakuya, would you kindly take these folk back to the Inn. Miriam will patch you all up to the best of her ability."
Hearing her name, the female gave a slight nod. She moved to the side, blue eyes settling on Runner, who was currently the only one she knew, the rest completely new.
"Look brother, a crippled deep sea dragon, a pity, we really should…"
Visenya never finished as a sudden boulder that was maybe several tons landed where the three had once stood. Now the trio hovered in the sky, wings having appeared to lift them to safety. They all glared downwards, hisses and snarls coming from each.
"Well, that was quite rude Hydrox, interrupting my dear sis…"
Once again, a sentence was never finished. Hydrox had jumped forward, using the boulder as a stepping stone, and launching upwards. His fist collided with the bottom Hellauder's jaw, sending him flying back, leaving a trail of fallen trees behind.
"Jeez, you guys never shut up do ya?"
Sakuya took that moment to finally speak to the group, "Please, follow me, I will try to keep a steady pace. The village isn't far."
He nodded. The only visable wound was the blood dripping from the corner of his lips, but none the less, he felt…awkward.
Magnus spoke for the royals, their usual diplomat currently out of commission. "We appreciate the offer, but our presence will do more harm than good. We must leave before more unwanted attention is drawn here."
Isla managed to bring Cinthia back, the giant goddess thinking back down to a regular size. She gave a thumbs up to Magnus. Ready to go.
Sakuya only gave a nod. Her eyes looked back, hearing an enraged roar, followed by another roar. Beating wings filled the air, trees starting to sway from the winds being created. The female kept to the words of Hydrox. To those how wanted to follow, as it would be wise at that moment, she started to move down a worn path. Sakuya would glance back now and then, making sure those who followed were still behind.
In the background where Hydrox had fell Hellauder, a strong, destructive energy started to tear the very place apart. Trees toppled as rocks crumbled into fine dust. Sparks of red, blue, purple, and orange energy danced in the background, the sound of battle continuing.
He frowned. "Is that shit gonna reach us?"
The royals, Kasi, and Tessa left in a flash of light, heading back to their realm.
He sighed as he saw the flash. "She's not gonna talk to me ever again…"
"We can only hope that it doesn't…"
Sakuya glanced back again, then looked forward again, "Doom Dragons are indeed distant relatives of the Chaos Dragons. As they are closely related, they have quite a bit of destructive capabilities. A single Doom Dragon has the ability to destroy a large kingdom if given the chance. A group of Doom Dragons, like that trio, can destroy an entire landscape. If they really want to, I fear the could destroy this island…hopefully Hydrox can drive them off before that…"
She went quiet for a bit, then spoke again, "Though the Chaos Dragons have nearly all been hunted by the Gods and Goddesses due to their unstable powers and abilities. It was one beast in particular they grew to fear…many dragons, creatures, even humans, dare not utter his name. For it was that beast that grew so powerful to the point he was ready to challenge the Supreme God of our realm. Though he has been sealed, but who knows how long that seal will last as it happened way before my time…"
Finally lights flickered into view as the first houses of the small village appeared. Sakuya gave a soft sigh of relief, slowing way down now. Her limp was clearly seen as she kept going. The female looked towards the sky, the moon starting to fall as the sun creeped into the horizon. The veil across her face moved slightly from the breeze. Her blue eyes continued to glow brightly, pupils round.
"The Inn is just up ahead."
As if to confirm, a larger building stood in the middle of the village. An old, wooden sign hung above, creaking slightly as it swung in the breeze. The carved image of what appeared to be an hippocampus was on the sign, followed by what appeared to be a small scene of sorts. Beneath the image were the words; 'The Last Seahorse'.
A frown appeared on Sakuya's face for a moment, then simply shook her head, "Hopefully Miriam is alright…"
"Let me go help him. I can channel that energy and throw it right back at them."
Sakuya reached a delicate hand outwards, lightly knocking on the wooden door. Her head turned to face the young man. The small frown remained on her face. Despite the confidence this young man seemed to hold, Sakuya knew all too well that his plan would be of no use.
She shook her head, "I highly advise against that. Any destructive magic, they tend to just absorb, making them even more dangerous. It is that very ability which they use to release in powerful, destructive waves. I'm sure you can feel it from here…the ground vibrating. Others who are not as in tune with the magic of the world and such, will not notice, but I can sense that there is more to you than being an average human."
The female opened her mouth to speak again, when the sound of movement behind the door brought her attention back. The door opened a crack, followed by a tired voice of a woman.
"I swear to the Lord of the Waters Hydrox…Sakuya? Oh I'm so sorry!"
The door opened fully, revealing a tall woman in a grey gown. Her hair was a soft sliver, long reaching down past her knees. Her belly was round and heavy, a clear indication of her carrying the unborn child that had been mentioned much earlier.
Sakuya bowed her head to the woman, then straightened again, "It's alright Miriam…I s-s-should apologize for appearing so sudden…"
"Please, come in," the woman, Miriam stepped back, allowing them to enter, "And no need to apologize Sakuya, just not feeling right as of late…suppose its because of my child…honestly this is the first time, and I'm a bit scared seeing as it isn't fully human."
He followed her in, keeping his hands in his pockets. His shirt looked like it had just been sent through a shredder and he began to feel a little self-conscious of his gut.
As the pair entered, Miriam closed the door behind them. Sakuya moved, taking her place at a table. The woman released a soft sigh of relief, happy to rest her legs again. Her hand moved, lightly running down her left, wincing slightly from the pain. Her blue eyes shifted behind the nearly invisible veil that covered her eyes.
Miriam moved slowly. Despite her tired voice, she seemed concerned, "Anything I can help you with? Food, drink…"
Her amber eyes settled on Runner, seeing his rather haggard appearance. She took note of the few injuries he seemed to have sustained during the event she was unaware of at the time. The woman moved over to the young man, her voice soft.
"Maybe we should clean those wounds before infection sets in…and if you would like, I can find a change of clothes for you. I'm sure Hydrox won't mind."
Then before Runner could argue, Miriam moved away, disappearing towards the back of Inn.
Sakuya watched the other for several moments. She was about to stand, but then fell back into her chair. She bit her lip, keeping herself from whimpering.
"…wish I wasn't so useless…"
Her voice was barely audible as she seemed to whisper softly to herself. She knew that Miriam was probably having problems, what with being heavy with her first child. Sakuya had always tried to help where and when she could when at the Inn, but having swam for a long time without rest, then moving to try and get to safety while feeling useless…it left her crippled leg in a hurting state.
He smiled lightly. "That woman has a motherly feel to her," Eli said, turning to Sakuya and frowning. "What did you do it it?"
Sakuya used delicate fingers to tuck a few strands of hair behind an ear. Her blue eyes shifted to Runner, hearing his question. The female knew he meant her crippled leg.
"It was an accident. I mentioned before I don't often come to the surface. Happened perhaps 50 or so years back. I ended up getting caught in a fisherman's net."
She paused, closing her eyes for several moments, then continuing her story, "Humans and dragons have always had a rather bad relationship since what happened long ago, but that is a story for another time. Anyways, I had been swimming closer to the surface that evening, and ended up getting tangled in the net. The fishermen, confused and frightened, attacked me. I do not blame them, to have a sudden catch like myself pulled upwards to the surface. So they started to throw whatever they had on board, mainly spears and harpoons. One of the weapons caught my hip, wedging itself through my scales and piercing deep. It didn't help that I myself was terrified and struggling to get free, only entangling myself further."
Sakuya's eyes opened again, the once bright glow having dimmed to a soft blue, "They hauled me back to the very docks of this village, exhausted and too tired to move. It was by chance Hydrox found and helped me. As the fishermen had left, it gave me a chance to use what little energy I had left to shift to my human form, and for Hydrox to carry me to safety."
"Damn, that sounds horrible.'"
A hint of sadness seemed to cross her features for several moments, then disappeared. Her hands folded neatly in her lap, blue eyes remaining a dim glow.
"It really was terrifying, being so young at the time. I am still quite young, least for a dragon, only somewhere in my 200's…"
Sakuya was cut off as the sound of a curse, followed by the appearance of Miriam again. The woman had come from the back, carrying a woven basket. She set it on the table, huffing.
"Sorry for the wait…hard to reach some things any more."
Miriam rested her arms on the table, hair falling and coming to rest against her cheeks. Her amber eyes looked towards Runner.
"In the basket are some medicinal supplies to clean your wounds, and at the bottom a set of old clothes. They might be a bit big, seeing as they were fitted for Hydrox, but I'm sure its better than being seen in rags. There is a spare room down the hall and to the left, first door if you would like somewhere to change."
Miriam looked to Sakuya, "There should be some nulberries in the basket as well for you to dull the pain."
A small smile seemed to return to Sakuya, "T-thank you Miriam…"