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Something had separated me from my companions, my boots echoing in what looked like an empty stadium from the history textbooks at home. Confetti dotted the floor, horror rounding my eyes. Clammy sweat drenched my skin, my heart seconds from beating out of my chest. The seats flipped up and down, Tommy and Sir. Acorn jumped onto my shoulder.
“We managed to jump through the hole in time.” Tommy purred in my ear, his tail curling around my neck. A cry for help rang out on the stage, our eyes narrowing in the direction of the sound. A cold breeze made the skirt of my emerald dress tickle my legs, a strand of fur fell into my cleavage. Dusting off the sweetheart neckline, the terror settled down into a migraine. Gathering my wits, the wind picked up. My ears fluttered in the gusts, a masked individual landing in front of me. Wicked laughter rumbled in their throat, warts peeked out from underneath the mask. Stringy hair hung over the mask, the short stature telling me that he was a troll. The brown robes floated over a gnarly body, warty fingers gripping a club with barbed wire coiled around it. Spinning my scythe in my pal, a cage with a tall woman protested in the cage. The last lord was a lady was all I could think to myself, Tommy crying out for me to pay attention. His club swung towards my bump, a raise of my knee proving to be the only thing protecting my unborn children. Tears welled up at my shattered knee, short whimpers leaving my lips. Falling to the floor, a golden cane with an onyx pearl blocked the next attack. Swirling water around my busted knee, the sheer pain was enough to knock anyone else out.
“Wrathia sent me to help you out.” He explained with relief dripping in his tone, watching my knee heal itself. “I have the ability to travel through dimensions so here I am." Tipping his invisible hat, he yanked me back to my feet. Stepping in front of me, he blocked his constant attacks. Nodding once, my eyes took in his colorful suit. Freeing the lady and protecting Wrathia’s boyfriend was my singular goal at the moment, my wings unfolding from my back. Flying up towards the ceiling, an equal battle ensued underneath me. Tommy dug his claws into my shoulder, Sir Acorn hung on for dear life. Landing on the edge of the cage, dragon flames heated up the metal. Watching it glow red hot, a swift kick knocked the bar out. Something felt off, her hands grabbing my wings. Two swift tugs ripped them from my back, a tortured scream burst from my lips. Evil, she was evil. Maniacal laughter burst from her lips, her cracking face hovering inches from mine. Black lips twitched into an evil grin, inky eyes oozed a bright green sludge. Twitching her head, her heart was as rotten as they come. Fear widened my eyes, something dawning on me. The lady was dead, her onyx waves looking brittle upon closer inspection. The question remained on the tip of my tongue. Who was her puppet master? Pushing me off the cage, ruby dots painted the stage. Scanning the fight below, a necromancer charged towards Jester. Shifting my direction, the hot air lashed at my cheeks. The lady clawed at my feet, the husk flapping like a doll. Pushing off the wall, Jester’s face twisted with confusion the moment I crashed into his body. Spinning my scythe over us, the troll’s club clashed violently with my blade. A jet black scythe hooked onto my handle, her claws sliding through my shoulder.
“Can you alter this dimension for our benefit?” I whispered in his ear, my blood painting my face the moment she ripped her claws out. His lips moved a mile a minute, the walls of the dimension glitched before returning to a carbon copy of what once was. The villains didn’t notice, a kick sending them back. Popping to our feet, we crashed up the stairs. Ruby soaked my back, the back of my dress sticking to my back. Dragging me into the closet, his hand hovered over my shoulder. The wounds sealed shut, visible panic gripping his face.
“I can’t heal your wings.” He mumbled under his breath, his head bowing in shame. Covering his mouth, their shadows blocked the light from the hall. Pointing up, a vent caught my eyes.
“Go up that vent and distract the former lady. She should be a piece of cake for you. Wrathia needs to see you come back in one piece.” I ordered quietly, placing my hand on the dented doorknob. “Once you get her under control, manipulate the dimension in my favor.” Bursting out before he could protest, the troll attempted to catch me as I flipped over them. Running along the seats, invisible vines laid down with ease. Proud of my new trick, the lady clanked into the vent.
“Acorn, I need you to follow them and ensure his safety.” I huffed, the effects of the wounds taking their toll. “Tommy, help me with whatever power you have.” Sir Acorn scurried to the closet, Tommy wagging his tail three times. An orange haze obscured our position, the net was almost done. My vision blurred, the sweet smell almost stealing me away to dreamland. Coughing rang out everywhere around us, the vents groaning as two indents stole my attention. Ripping off the hem of my dress, I tied it around my mouth. Clarity returned in seconds, my hand sliding over my eye. The dragon vision allowed me to look through dust to find their cold heat signatures, a defiant grin dancing across my lips. Finishing up my net, it was time to enact my plan. The haze faded away, the chopped up lady dropped to their feet. Coughing up a storm, blood poured from their eyes. Swaying slightly, my dragon roared behind me. Charging at them, the necromancer dodged my attack. His cold hand grabbed my ankle, his dark aura devouring the room. Throwing me into the center of my web, he sauntered onto it. The dimension warped, the room flipping upside down. Hanging onto the invisible web, the necromancer's ruby eyes glittered with malice.
“I gave up my body to take the ultimate form of dark magic.” He growled darkly, Jester flashing me an apologetic smile. “All I have to do to complete the spell is to devour your soul.” There was no way in hell that was happening. A thorn grew from the vine, the tip piercing my hand. My dragon flew around patiently, waiting for my next order.
“Blood of the Divine! Take the vines and devour the one who plays with death.” I barked, letting go. My heart skipped a beat, the hot air rushing around me. Every strand of my hair floated up, my dragon brushed my shoulder as it went straight into the rose devouring him. Curling into a ball, a pair of strong arms caught me. Boran caught me in his arms, Tommy licking my face. When the hell did he leave?
“I am glad you are okay.” He sighed with relief, Wrathia pulling herself through. “Jester was kind enough to let us in. You do know that spell won’t have much effect.” Knowing he was right, the rose was closing in on him. Wet noises filled the air, every thorn pierced his shadowy body. The rose bud quaked, the troll pounding towards us. Leaping out of his arms, I flipped through the air three times. Landing behind the troll, my scythe spun over my head. PIcking up speed, hundreds of swings diced him up. His gray blood covered my face, the chunks of fleshy meat dissolving into a muddy gray sludge. Disgust contorted my features, my body swaying. Sinking to my knees, my power dwindled to nothing. The rose bud burst open, a bloody shadow figure crashed to the ceiling. Boran smiled back at me, lightning crackling around his arm. His hair floated up, a blue sapphire glowed to life in his club. Jester pulled me into his hiding spot, pulling himself out.
“You did enough.” He assured me with a crazed grin. A pair of black hands dragged me through the vents, my body landing in a pile of skeletons. The bones rattled, a time worm shooting up from the pile. Clammy sweat drenched my skin, my rounded eyes watching the metal bend to trap me in. The soft pink body wrapped around me, my eyes scanning for a way out. Squirming in its grasp, another idea came to mind. They couldn’t beat that necromancer but this worm could. First thing first, I had to escape. Moving my scythe slowly, the milky eyes of the worm couldn’t find the source. The grip loosened just enough for me to gather enough strength to leap onto the ceiling. Banging on the metal, its head snapped in my direction. A shrill shriek revealed venom soaked rows of teeth, the head crashing through the metal. Grabbing it at the last minute, the metal scraped at my gushing wound. Shivering in pain, seconds would only remain for me to warn them. Bursting from the vent, my eyes fell on limping Wrathia yanking the Jester out of the way.
“Tusk!” I shouted over the chaos, his relieved expression falling on me. “Move!” Ducking to the side, I shifted my scythe to trap him for the worm. Even he couldn’t survive a time worm, fear showing on his face for the first time at my scythe pinning him to the wall the moment I let him go. Sprinting up the worm, I landed on qthe ceiling. Banging on the concrete, the bastard begged for me to stop. Panic gripped my face as he held my scythe down. Alas, it was too late. The worm swallowed us both, his body dissolving upon first impact. Gripping my scythe, I straightened my body to prevent the teeth from touching me. Sliding past the fangs, lightning found its way through a hole as blades cut up random spots. Dodging each stab, they were getting dangerously close to stabbing in my chest. A strong hand yanked me out, Boran clutching me close to my chest. Confused as to where the sapphire came from, he focused on cooking the worm into a pile of dust. Jester drew a circle on the floor with a piece of chalk, Boran’s words faded in and out. Exhaustion weighed heavily on my eyelids, the rough darkness sweeping me away.
Snapping awake, a fire crackled next to me. Gazing through bleary vision, clean skin greeted me. A white wool blouse covered my body, a half naked Boran snored next to me. Wrathia rushed to my side, a migraine throbbed violently. Covering her mouth with my hand, her shoulders sank.
“I am going to need a minute to adjust.” I groaned bitterly, my ears pinning back. Tommy hopped onto my lap, the violet moonlight bathed the endless sea of silver trees. The rushing sound of the river calmed my nerves, my hand lowering to my bump. Picking up his club, I jabbed the sapphire.
“How did this happen?” I queried softly, Wrathia’s face lit up. “Thank you for rescuing me. I thought death was in my cards today.” Rolling her eyes, she sat down next to me. Her robes spread over my hands, Jester seemed busy with catching fish.
“The goddess lady gave it to him.” She uttered simply, tucking a piece of hair behind her ears. “He begged her for a trump card. He said something about wanting to keep up with you.” Smiling softly to myself, that sounded like him. Concerned about the pain he must have gone through, her hand held mine. Leaning her head on my shoulder, a long sigh escaped her lips. A wave of white lightened her aura completely. Flashing me her genuine smile, my tail began to wag wildly. Scarlet painted my cheeks, my ears pinning back. Pretending not to notice, she began to hum a song. Boran cried out as he sat up, his eyes falling on. Resting his head on his hand, his loving gaze melted my heart. Struggling to his feet, he walked past us to assist Jester. The men fished away, Wrathia moving her head to my lap. Setting down the club, she .laid back to face me. Resting her hands on her stomach, a pensive expression met my exhausted grin.
“Why do I feel so light?” She queried with the biggest grin, her grin growing wider. “I don’t understand.” Cupping her hands, a tender blush rose to her cheeks. Seeing her so free made it all worth it in my opinion.
“You no longer have any shadows on your aura. The curse is gone.” I assured her warmly, a playful argument ensuing behind us. “With any luck, we will have some dinner tonight.” Snores echoed in my ear, Wrathia slumbered on my lap. Tommy hopped onto my shoulders, Sir Acorn scurried his way to the other shoulder. Petting them both, this moment felt so nice. Wincing in pain, it felt like a train had hit me. I could call Emmie but a tiny bit of shame haunted me from losing my wings. Knowing that they wouldn’t grow back. Fighting back the tears, Scarlet thundered to life in my mind. I had thrown away one of his wonderful gifts.
“I am not mad at you. I am happy you're alive.” He comforted me, his words not helping. “You are experiencing a loss unique to a dragon.” Wanting to curl up into a ball, a crippling depression came over me. Moving Wrathia off of my lap, the dirt crunched underneath my feet as I took a walk. Gauze covered my torso, quiet tears staining my cheeks. A new sense of loss hit me, Scarlet’s words fading in and out. Sobbing snapped me out of my downward spiral, a seven foot woman sat on a stump. Short scarlet curls bounced around her shoulders, her leather ball gown spread out around her. Accidentally stepping on a stick, her head whipped in my direction. Wet inky eyes met mine, a silver spiked ball swung on a worn leather handle. Catching the weapon in my hands, her eyes fell to the ground.
“You must be the last lady I am seeking. I am Lottie.” I introduced myself warmly, dropping the ball. “I was wondering if you wish to work with me. I have your other friends.” Swinging the weapon towards me, my dragon arm blocked it. Lashing out like a cornered wild animal the first course of action would be to detain her. Sparks danced in the air, every strike growing weaker.
“Why would I want to work with you! You killed my brother!” She barked vehemently, her strikes picking up strength. You could have worked with him.” Grabbing her by the arm, I swung her over the head. Slamming her onto the ground, my heel dug into her ample breasts. A snarl curled on her inky lips, my other foot kicking her weapon out of her reach. Laying her arms by her side, violent sobs wracked her body. The necromancer’s mark on her arm throbbed wildly, her life force leaving her body.
“He was attacking me and his soul was gone. Surely, you must have recognized that.” I returned with a gentle smile, her eyes rolling as a silver rose formed in my palm. “Eat this and you will be bound to a contract with me. I promise that I won't bite.” Offering the rose, she snatched it from my palm. Thinking about crushing it, she tossed it into her throat. Swallowing the flower, a silver rose tattoo snaked up her arms over his mark. Stepping off of her, my arms pulled her into an embrace.
“I know but I still miss the big idiot.” She wept brokenly in my ear, her emotions soaking my shoulder. Helping her to her feet, she towered over me. Bowing in my direction, she kissed the top of my hand.
“Forgive my manners, your majesty. I am Lady Ragenia. Do I not scare you?” She asked politely, her personality far from the meaning of her name. “I vow to serve you as best I can. Did you manage to run into the others?” Grinning ear to ear, hope glinted in her eyes. Placing my hands behind my back, I leaned forward. Her eyes watched my hair slide off my shoulders. Tommy reminded me of his presence, Sir Acorn doing the same. Dropping him an acorn, Tommy sniffed the air. Purring in my ear, he leapt off my shoulder.
“The fish must be done. You must be starving.” I chirped cheerfully, offering her my hand. “Would you like to eat dinner with me?” Pausing for a moment, hesitancy dimmed her eyes. Taking my hand, no even batted an eye at our new companion. Wrathia’s face lit up, Lady Ragenia opened up her arms. Leaping into her open arms, Lady Ragenia spun her around.
“How is my little nugget?” She fussed adorably, Boran hugging me from behind. Kissing the nape of my neck, his hands rested on my bump. Crimson painted my cheeks, his next words sending chills up my spine.
“I love you, Daggers. I see you found another stray.” He joked tenderly, kissing the top of my head. “Let’s get some food for you. It’s a good thing I caught all the fish. Please pretend to act proud of Jester even though he did nothing?” Sighing to myself, Boran seemed to bond with him rather quickly. Squirming out of his arms, we all sat down with our fish. Basking in the conversion, it felt like hope was on the horizon.
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