I quickly found Zara and when she saw me I waved her over. She reluctantly came and I said "Come young one. It's time for your training." ---- We wandered the village and I gathered two boys who looked fightable, for at least Zara anyway. I drew my knife and the boys face went pale. Taking a step forward I caressed his cheek "Don't worry darling. I'll try not to inflict to much pain." I lied. I held my hand out to Ash and she lay to the side, next to Zara's dragon. I looked over the dragon to make sure the cloak was working. It was.
I placed one of my knives in the boy's hand and backed away several steps. "Ready darling?" I asked rhetorically. I advanced and when I thrust my knife he thrust back. I grabbed his arm and twisted it. He let out a scream "You see Zara, you don't just use the knife. You use whatever you possibly can."
I twisted his arm a little more and said "And you inflict as much pain as possible," then to the boy I said "Don't worry darling, I'm keeping my word. If I wasn't holding back you'd have a dislocated shoulder." Back to Zara I said "That way they become weaker and are less able to concentrate on you when they have searing pain."
I released him and took another few steps back. "Again." I said to him. We advanced and when I thrust instead of stabbing at him I kicked him. He fell to the ground. "You see Zara, another thing you can do is pretend you're going to use the weapon and then use something else." I looked down at the boy "Get up boy, lets continue." He reluctantly got up but this time he thrashed the dagger really trying to hurt me.
He got my cheek. I felt my eyes flare as I reached up to my face. He backed away a step. When I looked at my hand a deep red was smeared on it. My eyes flashed to the boy and I knocked the knife out of his hand. Grabbing his shirt I spat, with my knife under his chin "You dare to try to hurt me? You drew blood from me!" I took a step forward and he moved backwards. I put pressure on my knife and blood drew from under his chin. It ran down the knife and slid down my hand.
I stared at it and licked my lips. The next thing I knew I was being thrown across the field. Ash had thrown me. I stood up and wiped the blood from my face "Thank you Ash." She nodded and backed away but kept her eyes on me carefully.
I was in the room Eighth had assigned me,staring out the window at my dragon when Alice walked in, dragging an old man in with her. Roshan was being turned black? Hmph. Fine, do that then. She looked better red but who was I to argue with orders.
Slowly, I turned around, frowning at her. She tossed him to the floor between us and then tossed me my dagger.
"Kill him."
I blinked. "What?" I asked as I caugt my dagger by the blade,unconcerned about the blade digging into my palm.
"You heard me," Alice said. "Kill. Him."
I waited, maknig sure she wasn't joking. She really wanted me to kill the old man? I sighed and crouched down level with his head.
Looking up at Alice, I placed the blade against his throat.
"You sure?" I asked. I really didn't want to do this but if it would get her to go away... She nodded and I sliced through the man's throat, killing him.
She started laughing and called for a guard as I slowly stood up, staring at the blood smeared across my hands. The body was taken away and then Alice hauled me outside with her.
"With friends like you, who needs a medical license?" - Paimon, Aether's Heart
“It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.” - Grace Hopper.
We wandered the village and I gathered two boys who looked fightable, for at least Zara anyway. I drew my knife and the boys face went pale. Taking a step forward I caressed his cheek "Don't worry darling. I'll try not to inflict to much pain." I lied. I held my hand out to Ash and she lay to the side, next to Zara's dragon. I looked over the dragon to make sure the cloak was working. It was.
I placed one of my knives in the boy's hand and backed away several steps. "Ready darling?" I asked rhetorically. I advanced and when I thrust my knife he thrust back. I grabbed his arm and twisted it. He let out a scream "You see Zara, you don't just use the knife. You use whatever you possibly can."
I twisted his arm a little more and said "And you inflict as much pain as possible," then to the boy I said "Don't worry darling, I'm keeping my word. If I wasn't holding back you'd have a dislocated shoulder." Back to Zara I said "That way they become weaker and are less able to concentrate on you when they have searing pain."
I released him and took another few steps back. "Again." I said to him. We advanced and when I thrust instead of stabbing at him I kicked him. He fell to the ground. "You see Zara, another thing you can do is pretend you're going to use the weapon and then use something else." I looked down at the boy "Get up boy, lets continue." He reluctantly got up but this time he thrashed the dagger really trying to hurt me.
He got my cheek. I felt my eyes flare as I reached up to my face. He backed away a step. When I looked at my hand a deep red was smeared on it. My eyes flashed to the boy and I knocked the knife out of his hand. Grabbing his shirt I spat, with my knife under his chin "You dare to try to hurt me? You drew blood from me!" I took a step forward and he moved backwards. I put pressure on my knife and blood drew from under his chin. It ran down the knife and slid down my hand.
I stared at it and licked my lips. The next thing I knew I was being thrown across the field. Ash had thrown me. I stood up and wiped the blood from my face "Thank you Ash." She nodded and backed away but kept her eyes on me carefully.
"Don't you dare lecture me!" Zara screamed at her dragon. I glared at the dragon then turned to watch Zara. The boy I fought tried to walk away but I grabbed him and scolded "You're not going anywhere." I looked at my hand and realized that I hadn't gotten any of the blood off of my cheek, I had only added his to it. With my opposite hand I wiped off as much blood as I could.
Zara fought okay but not exactly what we needed her to be. I looked up at the sky and sighed "Well, lessons are done for the day. I need to check with Natas." I turned on my heel and hopped on Ash, pulling the boy with me. I gave a last glare at Roshan and told Ash to start towards Eight's castle. After a minute of flying we were back at the castle. I let Ash roam the courtyard but brought the boy with me.
Once I found Natas after what seemed like forever I walked over to him. He laughed when he saw my face but when I glared he muffled it to I silent chuckle. Motioning to the boy behind me I said "It's his doing." He looked at me confused and slowly said "And he's still alive?" I shrugged "Ash interfered. But I think I might keep him around just because I can. Anyway, I was just wondering when we had to go back home. You know, you being prince and everything and me always causing corruption and destruction I'm sure that they've noticed we're gone. I mean, I realize we're going to attack and I wouldn't miss it if I had my foot chopped off but just putting it out there."
I glared at her and nodded absently when Alice left. Roshan was just staring back at me.
You have changed, she said and then left without me. Guess that meant I had to walk back.
"Stupid," I muttered and turned around once. "ROSHAN! I need you."
She came back and landed in front of me. I hesitated, watching her as she narrowed her huge silver-blue eyes at me.
Oh, so now you need me? she asked. She was being sarcastic so I tried not to notice it.
"Yes," I whispered. "I need you. I always need you." I paused and lowered my head, muttering, "We're in trouble, Roshan."
Roshan's expression softened and she moved so that her head was near me. I know, little one. I know. What did you expect when Natas offered join or die in the first place?
"I don't know," I answered truthfully. Roshan sighed and blew a puff of fire towards a nearby house. "Let's just go back to the castle. It's not like I can escape now, is it?"
((Too late))
"With friends like you, who needs a medical license?" - Paimon, Aether's Heart
“It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.” - Grace Hopper.
Natas: " I don't know," I sighed. " Home is such a questionable term. Don't you think?" Alice shrugged and wiped at her face again. The boy squirmed around in her grip. " The castle," she started in a low voice. "Is this home now?" " I suppose so. With Eighth ruling now, this is the safest place to be. Although I do realize I might have to make an apperance, my father can take care of that i'm sure. That old bag of bones is capable of that. As for you," she smiled," I don't think people would be missing you that much. You did cause mass destruction after all." Alice nodded and smiled. " I know." She gave the boy a piercing look. "Well," she mumbled," I guess I'll go deal with him." I laughed and her and walked over to grab her chin. " It suits you," I started," gives your a hot but dangerous look." She rolled her eyes and stepped away, dragging the boy along with her. Taking advantage of my momentary solitude, I mounted Shadow and set course for the mountains. Is something the bother, Natas? Your emotions are...negative. I sighed and leaned against his neck, taking in the warmth and comfort he provided. " Nothings wrong." Shadow laughed, which came out as more of a roar. You cannot lie to me, I am part of you after all. I sighed and closed my eyes. " I'm just...worried." About the girl. " No, of course not! I'm worried about the plans. I wonder if I spent enough time thinking them through. Maybe I should have spent more time on them." There was a long mocking silence. " Okay, and I am a bit worried about Zara." What reason would you have to worry over her? " What if this is all part of her plan? Gain our trust, become 'one of us' and take us down from the inside. How can I be sure that this isn't some big attack on us waiting to happen? She could sneak away at night, find her group and tell them everything she knows!" You question where loyalty? " Of course I do!" You think too much into this. There really is no way she can resist us. " How can you be sure of that?" I can't. We flew upside down through a barricade of clouds. I closed my eyes again and took in a few deep breaths, inhaling the earth. That always calmed me down. " Look, I know we were friends in all once upon a time, but now... I'm just not sure. I know that Eighth has her in a choke-hold but I'm not sure if that' enough." You think she could get past you guys. The all mighty Shadows? I scoffed at his mocking tone and sighed. " Of course not!" Then why fret? " Because...I can't help it. I'm a stressful guy." We landed on the tip of the highest mountain and as soon as my feet met ground I was pounding away at some tree. Taking out all my stress, anger, doubts, and suspicions on bark. What did that tree ever do to you? I smiled and punched harder, even throwing a few kicks into the mix. I didn't even feel it when my knuckles started to bleed.
Instead of going back to the castle, I let Roshan fly whenever she wanted. I wasn't surprised when we ended up in the clouds.
"You like the sky just as much as fire," I teased, laughing. Roshan spun around, laughter rumbling through her. I snickered and urged her higher, up above the clouds.
I am a dragon, she told me and span again. We were born to fly.
I laid down against her neck and closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling of drifting through the clouds. I sat up when Roshan froze, beating her wings to stay hovering in the air.
"What is it?" I whispered, looking around. She twisted her head from side to side and then she launched herself upwards, above the clouds.
I don't know, Zara, she hissed and twisted to the left. I looked at whatever it was just in time to see a tail vanished into the clouds.
"What was that?" I demanded and Roshan shook her head. Great, she didn't know. I sighed and told her to dive, which she did.
Free-falling through the clouds was fun...unless something was chasing you. I was startled when the huge dragon appeared out of no where, forcing Roshan to stop so suddenly I almost fell off.
It's scales shimmered back to red from silver and stared at us. Roshan growled. This red dragon was at least three times her size.
I looked down, realising that Roshan was still shimmering black. Oh, I thought dully. Roshan was still growling under her breath at the other dragon who clearly wasn't looking at me anymore.
That was when I picked up on the conversation.
....I know, Roshan said, clearly upset. There was moment of silence and then Roshan said, Father! It's my choice. I blinked. Did I hear that right just now?
"Father?!" I asked, peering down at Roshan. She twisted to look at me. Uh oh.
Zara, stay out of this. She did not sound happy. The bigger dragon looked up at me.
Yes, father, he said and I winced. He was just talking but it was loud. Then he dropped out of sight and Roshan relaxed.
"Okay," I said quietly, looking down. "What just happened?"
She hovered there for a long time before we both decided we needed somewhere quiet to go for a while. That quiet spot turned out to be a mountain top...that was already occupied. By Natas and his dragon....and Natas was laying into a tree while his dragon watched.
"Natas!" I called as Roshan landed on a rocky outcrop just above him. His dragon lifted it's head to look at her as Natas turned away from the tree, panting.
"With friends like you, who needs a medical license?" - Paimon, Aether's Heart
“It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.” - Grace Hopper.
I hummed to myself as I stared at the boy. Finally deciding what to do I handed him a dagger "Kill yourself." He looked at me as if I were insane. I nodded and said "I don't know if you have heard about me but trust me, you'd much rather have this punishment. You see," I began "I enjoy pain and blood of other people. So go ahead." He placed the dagger over his heart but didn't do it.
With a sigh I muttered "I knew it." I looked up at his eyes, though he kept trying to look away. "I suppose I can keep you around for a while. Maybe I can use you to show Zara some moves rather than killing off half the kingdom." I stood up and headed towards the door. When I looked back he was still standing there "You're with me boy. And don't try anything because I would really enjoy killing you."
As I sought out Eighth I kept checking to make sure the boy was there. I entered the throne room and she was sitting in the grand throne. "It is almost nightfall Eighth." With a sigh she said "Most people would bow to me." I rolled my eyes "Not when without that person you'd be hopelessly lost with Zara. Anyway, as I was saying. It is almost night and since Natas and I will be here for a good amount of time I request some rooms for us to stay in."
She thought for a moment then asked "Who's the boy?" she asked. I glanced back at him and said "Oh, just a toy." She motioned towards one of the guards and said "Get Alice and Natas rooms."
"Rest up." I said to their backs as they walked off. "We attack at midnight."
I walked outside and hopped onto Phobos's back. "To the village," I whispered. We landed in the main square. "Come out!" I yelled, and the townspeople crept quietly from their houses. "Grab all the weapons you have! Torches, knives, whatever can kill!" I yelled. "When the dragons come you are to fight, and fight to win!" I yelled. "Be prepared. We anticipate their arrival around midnight." I said, looking at the timid faces. "Any deserters will be killed." I said. They all scrambled back to find weapons, and I hopped back onto Phobos. When the Riders came, they would not find the Shadows they expected. Instead, they would have to fight innocents. I was sure that the townsfolk would only weaken them a bit, not destroy them, but that was all I needed. When they got to the castle they would meet us- and face their doom.
I wung myself onto Ash. "Let's go find Natas girl. We need rest if we're gonna go kill some people." Ash chuckled at my chipper tone as I said that and lifted off. We found Natas with ease. I hopped off Ash and went over to him. I noticed Zara there and said "Er, hey." Turning to Natas I said "Eighth has given us rooms. Come, we need to rest up if we're to fullfill the plans tonight." I noticed a certain look on his face and stopped. "Natas, what's wrong?"
Natas: I wiped my hands on my shirt and rolled my eyes at the blood stains I produced. Haha. Shut up! " What's wrong," Alice started. I looked at the ground, then at her, and then at Zara. " Nothing that's of immediate importance. Zara," she looked up at me. "We'll finish this conversation later." " What conversation?" I shrugged and laughed. " I don't even know yet, but, by the look on her face when she found me, it must be important. Now, what's this talk about rooms?" " Oh, yes, Eighth gave us official rooms in the castle. I guess that settles the whole home thing." She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. I shuffled from foot to foot before walking over to her. I gave her a quick hug, making sure not to disturb my knuckles. Yeah, not one of your best moves. Go eat some birds or something. Sheesh. " Everything will be fine. Trust me. This attack won't last for two days and I'm sure we will be able to arrange a visit back home in no time." Zara coughed from behind us and I quickly pulled away. "Set course for the castle," I said sternly. "And make sure to get good rest before we set off." I mounted Shadow quickly and started back to the castle. This should be fun. It's been so long since I tasted blood in my mouth. I smiled and leaned against Shadow. You won't have a long wait now.
I stopped in front of mine and stopped Natas too. I gave him a hug. "Don't be sad Natas." My nose wrinkled and I sniffed the air. Natas tensed and I held him at arms distance. I began sniffing. It kept leading to him. I looked him up and down checking for blood. I lifted his pant legs to check his legs. Grabbing his hands I checked his arms. My hand became wet and I drew my hands away to look at them. They were covered in Natas' blood. I grabbed hi wrists and looked at his knuckled "Natas!" I screamed "What on earth did you do?"
