The Kingdom Of Korina

Amethyst felt her heart clench when Cain took her hand. Amethyst left her hand in his because she was in shock. Their handholding made her think of their past. She thought of the fun adventures they had gone on. It gave her a headache to remember. She wouldn’t let him know the handholding bothered her.

She looked at the reports. Her eyes stopped at one about their homeland. Amethyst bit her lower lip as she wondered if she should tell Cain. She decided to keep the information to herself for now. Amethyst stayed silent in response to Cain. Once they got to the room, she stepped into the doorway and took in the room. Amethyst quickly turned around to face Cain.

“The room has one bed. Go find another room with two beds now…better yet, get two rooms with one bed each,” she said. She turned around once more and entered the room. Amethyst dropped the bag on the bed in the room. She didn’t even look to see if Cain left or followed her. Amethyst wouldn’t care what he did. She’d just act like he wasn’t there.

She looked at her arm. Amethyst was glad the pinkness from the wounds were gone. I need to make a sacrifice soon. The darkness will be asking for it anyways...Rather keep it happy too as the power boost is nice. I will need it to rule the world.

Amethyst slid off her boots and tights. The tunic stopped above her knees. She grabbed her bag and placed it on the floor. Once she placed her boots and tights near the bag, she sat on the bed. Amethyst slowly stretched her legs not. Next, she closed her eyes and hummed softly. Amethyst cleared her mind as she meditated. Amethyst tried to do it nightly. It helped her unwind.

A moment of Silence occurred when she said that, followed by a groan. “I hate it when I get outjerked!” He said as he left and did as he was told, repeating an old adage from his youth. Upon buying his own separate room, he decided a walk was needed to ease his own angry and confused mind at how his employer, whom he should call former friend due to her passive antagonizing, has been behaving.

l”All I’m saying is I wanted to hope she was there. Somewhere in that ambitious, possibly evil bossy witch.” he debated in his own mind.

”Why not just admit she isn’t there and just kill her? Oh that’s right, she can’t because she tweaked the contract. MY contract.” the spirit said angrily.

“Then you shouldn’t have gone to a witch to find the ink for it.” Cain muttered to himself, deciding to go info gathering.

——

He returned to the inn and went into his room in silence two hours later, peeling off his tunic, exposing his scarred torso, and placing his sword on a bed stand before sitting on it. He heard rumors about his homeland, but they weren’t very specific as to what was going on. He didn’t want to think on it. It’d dredge up memories and finally cause himself and the secondary party, Amethyst, to finally bring out what happened all those years ago to the forefront.

That, the spirit of Draconil hoped, would push forward what it believed to be the truth. The Witch herself being the cause.

Amethyst was dreaming, but jerked awake when she felt cold air. Her eyes flew open, but she just saw darkness. She tried to move, but couldn’t. Her wrist and ankles were bond together respectfully. Amethyst wiggled around. She stopped when she was kicked in the side.

Amethyst couldn’t speak as something was stuffed into her mouth. It felt like some type of cloth. Her ears pressed against her ears in annoyance as she heard laughter. I am going to kill them…as soon as I can speak, I am going to send them straight to hell.

“I guess our little prize is awake,” said a man. Amethyst rolled and then closed her eyes. She grunted when she was thrown into something shaky. Her nostrils flared when she smelled the salty ocean.

“Hey, be careful. You know King Julies likes his things in good condition. He was not happy when the baby dragon from Kilos scales were scraped,” said another man. Kilos…they stole the baby dragon? Well, it wouldn’t be that much of a baby anymore. The mother must be terrorizing my homeland…I remember the first time her baby ventured into town. Father had to calm everyone down.

Amethyst remembered the baby dragon was interested in playing with her tail. It was how she got it back to its cave. The baby liked her company. It played with her once it was home. Amethyst had to run as fast as she could when the mother returned. She told her father, and he went on about how dragons were very protective over children. He mentioned the mother dragon left their homeland alone if left undisturbed. It was good for their home as the dragons’ presence warded off other dangerous creatures.

Sometime later…

Amethyst had stayed awake and was annoyed. She knew they were in a row boat. The idiots talked about how King Julies land was just a half day trip by ship. She stayed calm and still. Amethyst knew she’d need to conserve her energy. She knew struggling would not help.

Thanks to their endless talking, she found out how she got caught. She had gone down to the bar to get something to eat and drink. Apparently, the bartender put something in her beer. He did this so the bandits could grab her easily. Her tail twitched in agitation. She was put in a storage area of a ship. She smelled the potatoes and other things. It didn’t help that she was wet and cold.

...

Meanwhile, at the bar, the bartender was bragging. He bragged about how he got paid gold to help catch a Neko for King Julies. The room Amethyst was in at the inn was empty and the door was opened a crack.

When Cain ventured out of his room, he noticed Amethyst’s room door ajar slightly and pushed it open. He noticed it empty as he heard laughter downstairs. He hurried back to his room and pulled on his tunic and grabbed his sword. Walking downstairs in a timely manner he walked over to the bar.

“Say friend, where pray tell is the lands King Julies resides in?” Cain asked calmly. The bartender shrugged.

“Just a half day’s trip by ship. He likes all sorts of stuff, he’s even got a Kilos Red Dragon to boot of all things.” Cain’s expression soured as he tapped his sword in a testy manner.

“Where in Kilos?” He asked. The bartender shrugged as if to say who cares. Both the Spirit Of The Sword and Cain finally lost their patience and grabbed the Bartender, Cain’s clothes shifting to the armor sans the helm. “Tell me the next ship that leaves for Julies’ kingdom. And I demand a full refund of the two rooms. Now.” he stated his eyes glowing a teal glow as his pupils turned to reptilian slits.

——

And Perhaps about an hour or so later Cain was now heading towards the same kingdom as the Bandits holding Amethyst were. He was perhaps that same length of time behind her. He was angry at losing Amethyst due to her bossy demand to have a room to herself, which made it completely obvious he shouldn’t have left her alone.

But knowing the potential of a dragon stolen from his homeland, and probably the one he was afraid of, not knowing the price of such a sin has made Cain Azura livid. He was going to teach the King a cruel lesson he should have learned before stealing from a Mother Dragon. Well two if things got worse.

The First was simple, Never wake a sleeping Dragon. The second he will cruelly inflict if he was mocked for scolding the king. But for now, he had to focus making it on land, rescue Amethyst and free a dragon. Simple enough, if he didn’t die trying.

Half a day later, Cain managed to arrive at King Julies’ Kingdom. He got off the boat and went for the nearest Tavern to collect Information.

”Don’t worry Ame, I’m coming.” He thought.

Amethyst tried to be compliant, but it wasn’t in her nature. When one of the bandits tried to take her bag, she bit his finger off. When King Julies tried to exam her, she scratched him across the face. This was after Amethyst had tried to use a spell. The king had put some magical collar on her before she could finish the spell. It caused her magic to stop working. The darkness wouldn’t even come to her.

The idiot then choked her. He said some nonsense of her being dead before free. This just caused Amethyst to claw at him. Julies had finally let go when Amethyst gripped his manhood. He passed out for a few seconds from the pain she caused.

When the king came to, he ordered her to be thrown in with the dragon. Though, of course Amethyst didn’t go calmly. She was agitated. She hissed when she was pushed into the cell with the dragon. Well, it wasn’t really a cell. It was more like a metal dome just attached to the side of the castle.

She fell to the ground, but quickly got back up. Her eyes wandered around for the dragon. It was curled up in a corner asleep. Amethyst was happy she didn’t wake it. Though, she noticed something odd on it. It looked like a metal bird cage was around its head.

“Probably so it doesn’t burn them to ashes. Though, Father always said this dragon was special. Said it likely could do other things as it aged, like freeze land or spew acid,” she murmured. She rubbed her throat and flinched. She knew it was bruised. Amethyst focused on the pain. It distracted her from feeling trapped and helpless like when the witch caught her.

Her heart skipped a beat when the dragon opened its beautiful amber eyes. They reminded her of Cain’s. He’s probably long gone and glad to be free of me. The dragon slowly sat up and tilted its head. It looked at her swaying tail. Amethyst smiled. It remembers me. I should really see if I can figure out if it is a male or female. She held her hand out and watched as its tongue slipped out to lick it. Amethyst looked over the dragon. It seemed to have a few wounds.

“Let me fix you up love,” she whispered. She slid her bag off and pulled out some items. She quickly made a thick liquid, and it was magically. She enchanted the ingredients when she got them. Carefully she poured the liquid on the dragon’s wounds. As she worked on it, she collected the scales and blood that came from the wounds. Once done, she put her things away.

“All done love, get some rest. I am sorry I don’t have anything to pick the locks with,” she said. The dragon just curled up again and slept. Amethyst wondered if it was getting enough food and water. She looked at her ripped tights thanks to her rough journey and sighed. “It’s okay. You’re not trapped again,” she told herself. Slowly she got down to the ground and curled up against the dragon. It didn’t take her long to sleep. She was exhausted.

---

---

At the tavern King Julies guards were there recounting the events with Amethyst. They were chatting with the bandits who captured Amethyst too. One bandit was extremely sour since Amethyst bit his finger off. There were towns people in the tavern too. They were excitingly speaking about how the king is having a ball tomorrow. He was finally going to reveal his dragon, and some other special creature he acquired. He often did these parties when he got a new “toy”.

Eavesdropping on the conversation, Cain sipped his drink quietly. ”You know it’s not gonna be fun, but of course, rescuing an employer is a good one and it’ll scold the King for keeping a living person, but I am more interested in punishing him for stealing a fledgling dragon! I bet it hasn’t reached the age to be called a Drake yet.” The spirit told him. ”So, got a plan?”

”Either infiltrate the castle tonight or the Ball itself.” Cain thought. ”Either way, I need to get disguises accordingly. We will get both Amethyst and the Dragon out, or else I’d fail the Elder in the name he gave me in the ancient language.”

He then downed his drink and left, leaving two gold coins on the table as he left the tavern to go to an inn that was closest to the castle. There he planned out the next steps.

——

The next evening, the ball was filled with various guests of King Julies. One of the guests was a young man in his late 20’s and an onyx staff like cane. This was Xavier, the Dark Mage of Elanar. He had an interest in seeing the King’s new prizes, however, he didn’t feel festive. He sensed the presence of one particular man he didn’t want to encounter. But until he revealed himself, he wouldn’t start a fight with him.

Cain was wearing a mask and Teal and Black finery crafted by Draconil’s magic, the blade was sheathed at his side. Cain knew if he had it on his back, it’d attract suspicion. Better to act like an unknown nobleman, and watch the party, partake in some of the food, maybe ogle a few of the pretty noblewomen. He was sure Amethyst would kill him for the last part, if she didn’t think he’d abandon her.

”Cain, I have a feeling someone else is here.” The Spirit warned.

”I know. Relax. We’ll get Ame and the Dragon and get out of here.” Cain thought confidently. ”Nothing should go wrong.”

Amethyst was furious. She was pretty much dragged from the dome. Well, after the dragon threw someone across the dome. They got Amethyst out of the dome while that commotion was going on. The dragon then caused a scene and all she could do was watch. They promised Amethyst she could go back once she was ready.

Amethyst listened and got ready quickly. The corset on the red dress was killing her. The dress was frilly as well with long sleeves. Amethyst had a lacy mask on to match. She greeted the dragon once in the dome again. While getting dolled up, Amethyst got something to pick the lock on the cage around the dragon’s head.

She opened the lock just before the guard came to get her. “I’ll be back for you, just need to get this stupid collar off before we can go,” she murmured. Amethyst just smirked when the guards looked surprised at her cooperation. Though, they stilled grabbed her roughly.

When she entered the ballroom, her ears pressed against her head. Amethyst disliked how loud people were being and the music. Some of the outfits were eyesores as well. She followed as she was lead to King Julies. King Julies immediately put a hand to her back. Just go along with things for a bit, you can get your revenge later. Her lips pressed together to bite her tongue.
Her eyes went to roam around the crowd. If she looked at King Julies, she’d glare at him. Her tail puffed up when King Julies hand went lower. Her hands turned into tight fist.

“Don’t you look lovely,” whispered King Julies. Amethyst looked at him and glared. Though, her glare softened when she noticed the key around his neck. She smiled at him, but obviously it was a forced smile.

“Thank you,” she said. She swallowed hard. He began to lead her around to show her off. If she made it through the night, it’d be a miracle. Also, she’d need to figure out a way to get the key around his neck. It was the key to the stupid lock on the collar around her neck.

Xavier noticed the King’s new... Ugh... “collection”. He recognized the scent of Shadows on her. He couldn’t help but chuckle at cruel irony. He decided to walk briskly to them, giving a warm smile to the king, even if it was false.

“You’re royal majesty, I wish to discuss the funding I need for my expeditions.” He said, subtly using his magic to try and glamour the King’s mind to control the answers to his favor. The Dark Mage looked at Amethyst. “Well Well. Such a lovely kitten. Lost without its mistress controlling her. It’s seems I’ll gain a leg up in this race my dear.” Xavier hissed to her.

”Son of a Broodmother. Xavier. This makes this rescue all the more difficult.” Cain thought nervously. However, that isn’t what scared him. This was the dangerous part of his rescue. He needed to approach cautiously and then try to catch the king alone with Amethyst. However, it seems Xavier is going to botch things up for him.

“By the spirit dragon.” Cain muttered, but covered his mouth immediately. The guard near him eyed him suspiciously. “Sorry, didn’t mean to sound improper.” He said with a straight face. The guard made several gestures to two others.

“Son of a Broodmother. Fine!” He stated with an annoyed tone. He swung at the first guard, using some of Draconil’s power to send him hurling to the king to knock him over. Xavier dodged away from the human projectile and glared in Cain’s direction.

“Azura.” He hissed with annoyance. “You have a nasty habit of being in the same place I am when I’m trying to enact my plans.”

“Xavier, that you? Looking good for being fresh out of prison.” Cain said in a mocking tone, his hand on Draconil.

“Sarcastic flattery will get you nowhere this time Dragon Swordsman.” The Dark Mage retorted as Cain’s finery transformed into his armor.

“Just trying to be friendly.” Cain stated as he got in a ready stance that seemed to accentuate his current determination. ”Don’t worry Ame, I’m going to get us out of this.”

Ame glared at Xavier when he walked up to the king. When he began to speak, she rolled her eyes. Her ears did perk up with interest. She bared her teeth at him when he spoke to her. Ame would die before he let him rule the world. Although, Ame was distracted when she had to rip herself from the king’s side. She watched as a guard knocked him over. The king hit his head on the ground and passed out. Quickly she went over to the king to rip the key from around his neck. It only took her a second to take the collar off. She threw the key and collar on the floor.

She felt energized as she felt the shadows come to her. They always seem to give her a power boost. Now her eyes wondered over to Xavier and some masked man. Her eyes widen when she recognized the voice of the masked man. Ame just stood there in shock as she stared. Cain? Why is he here? Did he come for me? She was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard roaring. The dragon, did he get the cage off? Maybe I should have unlocked it when we were fleeing. Ame was going to make her way to the dragon, but she heard Cain mocking again.

“Cain, stop mocking and get to the point. Mocking got you in trouble last time. Now, meet me outside sooner than later. Just stop mocking!” she called out before running back to where the dragon was. Ame eyes widen as the dragon roared. It spewed out acid. She just stared at the hole growing on the left side of the dome. She whistled and her heart skipped a beat when the dragon’s head snapped towards her. It relaxed slightly, but still seem agitated. She held her hands out and slowly walked towards it. It huffed at her, her eyes wandered to the shadows near her. Go away. She watched as they slinked away. The dragon seemed to relax once they were gone.

It wasn’t long before they were at the side of the castle. She looked at the dragon and then back at the castle. She could just take it and leave, but thoughts of Cain nagged at her. “Wait here,” she mumbled to the dragon, only hoping it would stay nearby. She ran back inside to where she last saw Cain.

“This is not mocking!” Cain shouted as she hurried off. He moved to follow but Xavier stopped him in his tracks. He glared and drew his sword. “So you want a quick fight huh? So be it!” The two clashed, Cain using Draconil and Xavier with his magic.

The duel seemed to be evenly matched with neither combatant winning or losing. Cain knew Xavier was a more dangerous threat then any. His fights with him were always close, and he would barely escape them when he could. “So tell me Cain,” Xavier stated, “What is that girl to you for you to risk this much? Does she hold a fraction of you that sword held? Or is it because she has bewitched you?”

“None Of The above!” Cain shouted in anger. “I did wrong by her many years ago. Fate only recently brought us back together, so the penance must be made.” He swung with precision at The Mage’s Head, only to be blocked by a spell.

“Amethyst was my only friend as a child, and I failed to protect her! So I’m not going to fail now, on my Honor As The Dragon Swordsman!” Cain declared as he swung at Xavier’s abdomen, only to see the Mage vanish. He then felt a dull hit to the back of his head. “Guh!”

“Like you protected some of your comerades in your battle against me? Like you protected.... Karina?” The Mage taunted, As Cain began to growl and began to swing behind him. Then he felt a burst of magic energy punch him in the gut sending him careening through several walls. Xavier prepared another spell but paused as he saw the young Witch Queen Return, presumably for Cain.

“Hehe, he’s all yours. Do keep him close if you don’t want to be caught in this predicament again. The race is still on.” With that Xavier vanished with a puff of smoke. Cain struggled to stand up, using his sword and wall to support him, panting heavily. He saw Amethyst and smiled, almost groggily.

“You’re alright... I was.. coming out and meeting you. Got held up.” He chuckled before wincing. “Sorry Ame, I screwed up.” He was fighting to stay awake. He needed to get her out of this country and quick. He just needed to stay awake for a little while longer.

”Oh blessed dragons... keep me awake long enough to get one of your children home.” Was Cain’s Mantra As he looked at Amethyst with a pained half grin.

Amethyst eyes widen when she saw Cain fly through walls. She glared at Xavier when he spoke to her. The hair on her tail and ears fluffed up in irritation. As soon as he vanished, she quickly headed in Cain’s direction. Her lips pressed together when she saw what shape he was in. She quickly walked over to his side and wrapped an arm around him. Amethyst knew she could at least support his weight enough to get him to the dragon. She brushed his words off. Amethyst just focused on leading him back to the dragon. He wasn’t exactly as light as a feather. Cain looked ready to pass out too.

“You’re an idiot Cain. You should have never come for me. I would have been fine,” she said as they walked. She was happy to see the dragon was still there. It quickly walked over to investigate Cain. She held her hand out and gave it a stern look. It huffed at her.

“Stop being a brat. You need to carry him, and I need to get you home,” she said. She looked at Cain.

“Get on the dragon now. I’ll try to keep it rel-,” she paused. Her eyes widen. Her bag was still in the dome. She quickly unwrapped her arm from Cain. Amethyst hoped he could stand on his own or get on the dragon by the time she got back. She ran off back to the dome. A sigh of relief left her lips as she saw her bag. Her eyes widen when she saw guards heading towards the dome. She grabbed her bag and ran back to Cain.

“Guards behind me. Let's get going please!” she yelled. Though, she quickly noticed Cain on the ground. She groaned and looked at the dragon. It huffed and picked Cain up with its mouth. "Thank you," she murmured as she picked Cain's sword up. Then she quickly led the dragon into the woods. Though, the dragon thought she was playing and began to chase her tail. It's fine, I just need to keep running at this pace and find a safe place for us to hide. Hopefully it doesn't drop Cain.

After what felt like forever, Ame found a secluded spot in the woods. There was even a cave behind the small and empty space of land. She let out a small scream when the dragon pawed her tail. "Hey! Careful!" she yelled as she fell forward. Cain's sword flew across the ground. Though, the breath was taken out of her when the dragon went to huff at her. As it huffed, it's mouth open and it dropped Cain on top of her. Ame just laid there. She was sore from running. Also, Cain's weight on hurt her chest.

"Cain, get off me," she gasped. She prayed he was awake or would wake up soon.

Cain didn’t remember when he passed out, but he remembered that he was trying to form a reply to Amethyst’s statement. Then his mind slipped into a dreamlike stupor, and began reviewing his memories of this fight and the battle that put Xavier in a deep dungeon. He recalled the chaos of the fight. Seven brave souls battled the Dark Magus. Only four made it through alive.

He charged at Xavier in that fight and was blown away from the fight in the same manner as the small duel maybe ten minutes to an hour. He then felt the sensation of falling. He heard Ame’s voice. Groaning he lifted his arm and lifted himself the best he could before rolling onto his back.

He wished he wasn’t conscious though. He was in pain. He sustained several injuries in that fight. “Ame, I will do as I feel is right.” He said with a groan. His eyes opened as he saw the dragon. “The Kilos hatchling. Your mother must be worried sick. We gotta get you home.”

It was then he realized something. “Sword... where is it.. Draconil, where are you you runic mongrel...” as if responding to his call it teleported to his hand. He wanted to pass out again, his head hurt so much. A part of him didn’t know where he was. It was then he realized it. Despite the pain he was feeling he saw his right arm quake. He had to focus his breathing and keep awake as the sword’s runes glowed and some of its energies touched some of the injuries, dulling the pain and helping the healing process.

“I can’t... gah... lose you again Amethyst. I can’t fail my friends, not again, not ever.” He said, trying to sit up in pain, “I don’t think my heart can take anymore losses then I’ve already got on me.”

Amethyst was relieved when Cain rolled off her. She sat up and her gaze wandered over to him. She rolled her eyes at his words, but glanced at the dragon when he spoke to it. She smiled at it. She watched as it entered the cave and curled up. The baby dragon just about fit in the large cave. She looked at Can sideways when he mentioned his sword. An eyebrow rose when it seemed like he was speaking to the sword. Oh gods, Cain is losin- Surprised filled her eyes when the sword appeared in his hand. Amethyst watched the sword glow and seem to send energies to Cain’s wounds.

Slowly her eyes wandered to his face when he spoke again. She kept her gaze on his chin. Her heart clenched at his words, but she brushed the words away. Amethyst had to ignore her feelings as they clashed with her thoughts. He didn’t lose me the first time. He just kept running and left me for the witch to do as she pleased. If he cared, he would have caught up to us…the witch did say he didn’t want to find me...but he did come get me from King Julies…maybe the witch li- She quickly pushed her thoughts away. She didn’t want to think any more on the subject. It just opened old wounds.

The young woman didn’t realize it, but she had started to shake. Amethyst got to her feet and clenched her hands together. “S-Stop talking Cain. You need to save your energy. I’ll whip something up to help you heal faster...wait here…and don’t die on me,” she said.

“I don’t need my soul getting lost with yours,” she added quickly. She didn’t want to seem like she was worried he would die. She walked about five or so minutes into the woods. Amethyst wanted to do her magic in peace. Amethyst didn’t want anyone to see her doing light magic. She had practiced it at first when under the witch to annoy her. She had thought light could conquer the witch’s dark magic as well. Amethyst had soon found out dark magic was stronger and more effective. It was easy to get darkness on your side as well.

It only took her a few minutes to whip up a small potion. It was white and glowed slightly. She chanted the spell in her head to remember the words. It had been a while since she used light magic. In a matter of minutes, she was back at Cain’s side. She wet her fingertips with the potion. Next, she traced markings on Cain’s bare skin. She chanted softly, whispering the words.

When Amethyst left, it left him with the pain of Draconil aiding in the mending process. “As if.. the sword would let me do that at this state.” He said to himself. He didn’t want to think of any memories, even the happy ones. If he did, he’d force himself to watch Said memories. Especially the occasions he felt like he failed his friends.

”Oh no, why did that come to mind?” Cain thought, as he recalled first the day Amethyst and he were separated. Then he banished the memory. No time to focus. He needed to heal. Then he recalled the friends he made in the mercenary band, especially those of his age. They grew to be one of the world’s reputable powerful band of warriors, wizards, and what not. They went on many adventures growing up and training. However, everything changed when they fought Xavier. Three of the seven lost their lives in the struggle. One of them, The group Leader Karina, or Karin, died in his arms. That memory burned his mind. ”Stop torturing me. I was not the reason she died... Using this memory to dull my pain is a cheap-eh?”

His mind snapped out of it when he felt the potion on him. “A-Ame? You know white magic?” He asked as the potion did its work in speeding up the healing process, causing the red haired Swordsman to sigh in relief.

“That’s better,” He said with a calm smile. He then touched his face to make sure he wasn’t crying from his accidental stroll in memory lane. “Hopefully my recovery will be swift so we can get our friend here back home. Who knows what his mother is doing to Kilos?”

Amethyst ignored his question and was glad that a drop of the potion was left. Her neck was still sore. Her neck still had bruise marks from where King Julies hands had been. Her ears pressed against her head in anger. She wanted to kill him. Part of her wanted to get revenge, but she knew better. Amethyst was glad to hear Cain speak again. She was glad he felt better. Her lips twitched to smile back at him, but she pressed her lips together to stop herself. She glared at Cain, still avoiding his eyes.

“Take your time to heal. There is no point in rushing your recovery or you'll be useless. Kilos can deal with his mother for a bit longer I’d say. They have dealt with her before,” she said. Amethyst glanced back at the dragon. “If we teach him to fly, I think we could get there quicker. I think carrying our weight won’t be too much, especially with breaks,” she said. Maybe I can use a spell to teleport, but that is too risky… A sigh escaped her lips before she pulled a blanket out. Carefully she placed it over Cain. She kept her hands on his shoulders.

“Rest, I’ll keep watch…I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight anyways,” she said. Slowly she stood and walked over to the dragon. It opened an eye to look at her before closing it again. She sat down in front of the dragon as her eyes scanned the woods.

“Rest? But I can get all that late-“ he yawned, cutting off his own sentence. Realizing how late at night it was he surrendered to his subconscious call for sleep. His last thoughts before blissful sleep was how would they teach the dragon to fly. Cain had some idea, but should he show the spirit of the sword to Amethyst?

He didn’t know the answer. Nor would he care for it. So for now, he slept the night away.

——

When the sun hit his face Cain groaned and cracked open an eye. “Five more minutes sun.” He muttered as he yawned. “Mornin Ame. What’s the plan to get this guy off the ground and flying?” He asked as he looked towards them. “Cause the sooner we can do that, the sooner we can get him home and we can continue your trip.”

He didn’t want to sound matter of factly. But the encounter with his enemy sparked unwanted memories of fighting him. “To think Xavier was there last night. He’d have caused chaos whether or not I was there. I was trying to get her and the dragon out of that place. Then give the King a piece of my mind. But now Xavier probably changes everything. Who knows? Whatever is going on, the world is in danger from his malice again.” he thought as he rubbed his hands across his face with a sigh.

A soft laugh escaped her lips when he fell asleep after trying to protest. It wasn’t long before she soon fell asleep against the dragon. Amethyst had planned on keeping watch, but she was more tired than she thought. Although, she woke up an hour or so before the sun set. Amethyst looked around in a panic. She relaxed when she realized they made it through the nice safely. Note, not good at keeping watch. She slowly stood without disturbing the dragon. It was sound asleep. She smiled as she heard it snore a bit. She saw Cain was still asleep. She rubbed her eyes before venturing out into the woods.

Amethyst didn’t take long in the woods. When she saw the sun just beginning to rise, she headed back to their camp. She had collected some branches with berries hanging from them. They weren’t poisonous and tasted sweet. They did tint her lips a dark blue though. Once at the camp, she just sat against the dragon again with the branches on her lap. She had just been resting her eyes when she heard Cain speak. Her ears stood at attention as he directed his word to her.

“Morning Cain, and well, I am not sure. I was thinking maybe throwing him off a cliff and see if he flies, kind of like a bird. I am not sure that’d be safe if he isn’t old enough to learn to fly,” she said. She opened her eyes and stood up carefully. Slowly she walked over to Cain and stopped a few feet in front of him. She held a branch out to him.

“Do you have any ideas to get him flying? You are The Dragon Swordsman. Also, my trip can wait a bit. We just need to get the dragon home safe first. Then we can continue my trip…maybe I can kill Xavier if we see him on the way,” she replied. Her eyes wandered towards the direction of the castle. She had an urge to go back and rip the king's bloody heart out. Her lips pressed angrily.

“Well, doing the first choice might seal doom on Kilos.” Cain pondered as he plucked several berries and ate them whilst eyeing the young dragon.

“I may have several, I just hope the Elder calling me Blessed by dragons is true on the first two I got.” He said as he popped another berry in his mouth. As he started to approach the dragon he stiffened when she mentioned Xavier. “You’re talking about a person that’s worse then Her. I’ve had trouble fighting him before, you think we’d have a chance now?”

He walked to the dragon and held his hand out. “Hello there young one, we have a long way to go to get you back to your mother. Do you think your wings have the strength to soar the seas back to the land of your hatching?”

”Really? That’s how you’re going to begin it?” The Spirit Of The Sword Asked. ”Ye’d be Better off asking it if it understands the Universal tongue of Common.”

”Idea two then you old lizard. You’re up.” Closing his eyes Cain then opened them sharply, the runes of his blade lighting up as his eyes flowed teal and had a reptilian look upon it.

“Fledgeling. The human and the neko need to get you back to your mother. But you need to lend them your wings. Do not fear. I will guide you on your first flight.” The voice Cain used was not his own, but the spirit of the blade. Now at last, a part the Runeblade’s spirit’s identity was exposed. It was a dragon, an old dragon, an obviously very bored dragon to pair up with a mercenary. Cain relaxed and breathed calmly.

“Okay, I think we both said our piece. Let’s see what he does Ame.” Cain said looking at her with a small smirk.

Ame just watched as he ate the berries, but listened to him speak. She followed him as he approached the dragon. She rolled her eyes when he response to her comment about Xavier. He almost died when he just tried to fight Xavier. I’ll likely end up being more of his bodyguard then him mine…and no one is worst that the witch. She moved her tail side to side as he spoke to the dragon.

She was about to snap at him for calling her an old lizard, but then she sensed a change in him. When he spoke again, she took a step back. It wasn’t Cain who was speaking. The hairs on the back of her neck stood. When Cain spoke to her again, she glared. The hair on her tail and ears fluffed up in agitation. She wasn’t exactly fond of spirits.

“What, who the hell just took possession of you?” she hissed, baring her teeth at him. Ame walked over to stand in front of the dragon protectively. “We aren’t going anywhere unless we send that spirit to what humans call hell. I’ll be dammed if it tries to take possession of me or the dragon,” she said. She reached a hand back to pet the dragon. I swore I just linked myself to Cain's soul. Is there an actual soul in the sword? What had those pirates said again?

She was pulled from her thoughts as the dragon moved behind her. It began to take a running start and flapped its wings. Ame eyes widen in worry. It got a few feet off of the ground. She glared at Cain before running after the dragon. "Hey! You don't know how to land yet, don't fly too high," she yelled. Deep down she knew the dragon's instinct would kick it, but she still worried.

The way she looked at him said it all, and he swallowed. Busted. He looked between his sword and her. “Now Ame, before you get angry, he didn’t possess me, just tried to speak physically through me. I said the words he suggested.”

”Why would I possess a fledgling? Or an angry Neko girl that assumes that the spiritual is always evil?” Said a voice, as one of the more exposed runes of Draconil spilled a wispy force, taking the shape of a very small serpentine dragon. ”You ‘banish’ me, and you strip Cain of his powers. And with his contract to Draconil, that’s not the best idea. Oh and you did link up with just Cain, so by default if I wanted to, I could say I am also in your service.”

Then Cain watched the young dragon attempt a takeoff. And from Ame’s glare she was not happy with him. Or his patron Dragon he’s bargained with. “I think we made the wrong move here Belkorin, old buddy.”

”Oh relax laddie. All fledglings on their first attempt don’t fly too high and land quickly.” The named Dragon said with a knowing glint in its voice.

“I meant for when it does land and she turns back to us in her anger!” Cain argued. “If she decides to she’ll try to do something to break our contract we made when I was 15!”

”Again, Relax. A contract with a dragon cannot be broken. And the contract you made was one of good, Not Ill.” Belkorin countered.

“Aye? Tell her that!” He said as he watched the young dragon flying. He didn’t like the way Amethyst spoke of banishing the one thing that helps him control his powers. He still had much to learn about his Rune laden Claymore. And he didn’t want to lose his mentor, which helped aid him when he needed it.

Amethyst ignored Cain and the spirit. She listened to what they said, but just focused on the baby for now. She tried to calm down for the dragon’s sake. Her tail still thrashed angrily though. Amethyst was less worried when the dragon landed for the first time. “Come on, let’s see if you can go higher,” she said. Maybe he needs to run faster for takeoff…I can get it to chase me like old times. She stretched and ran off ahead of the dragon. She was just about to look back to see where the dragon was, but then it landed in front of her. Amethyst stopped before she bumped into it. She looked up and smiled at the dragon.

“Good job honey,” she said, still smiling. Her voice laced with happiness. Her eyes wandered around as she saw they ran into a clearing. Amethyst sat down on the ground. She watched the dragon as it continued to try to fly higher in the air. It’s doing well…hopefully we will be able to leave in a day or so. We should keep moving though in case that idiot king is looking for us. She didn’t want to head back to Cain and the spirit, but she had to. Amethyst did need him for her mission. Unhappily, she walked back to Cain. She huffed when she was in front of him. This is when she knew she could not hold her tongue.

“Ah, a spirit speaking through you isn’t possession? Even if they use their own voice,” she paused to dig her nails into her palms. It kept her from going to claw Cain’s eyes out. “You know what though, banishing him wouldn’t even be worth it. I know kittens bigger than his tiny form,” she added. After, she turned around and began to walk off back to the dragon.

“Let’s get moving,” she said. She glanced back as she had one more comment to say. “And I don’t need you to fight Xavier, you’ll just probably end up almost dying again...that tiny spirit sure was useless during that fight. I can handle Xavier on my own,” she added. She picked up her pace as the dragon was getting further ahead. Okay, it is getting too excited about flying. If it gets captures again by someone, I am just going to slaughter whoever is responsible.

”Ouch, hurtful lass. Especially the small jabs. The fledgeling is still too young to perceive spirits. That was a one time thing in order to convince him to start practicing his flying.” Belkorin stated. Cain glared at her at the statement however.

“Before he was your enemy he was mine. Don’t you dare leave me out of fighting him.” He almost shouted the statement as he began to follow after her.

”Oh no, the fledgling’s starting to get the hang of it! If I had a physical form again I’d fly with him! The next time he takes off he might start to be really good, that is if he learns about the Air currents!”

“Air currents?” Cain asked. “What the heck are those?” Belkorin places a clawed palm on his face. “Oh come on, it’s an honest question!”

”I question sometimes how you’ve survived as longs you did before we met. I even question how The Queen will take to you two after returning her child to her.” the dragon retorted. Cain didn’t care and looked up with a small smile. As soon as the young Dragon got the hang of it, they’d head for Kilos and return the young dragon to its mother. Then what his companion said caused him to stop in his tracks mentally.

“Dragon...Queen?” He said to himself with a nervous swallow. He knew the Dragons Of Kilos was both feared and revered but Cain neglected to remember that powerful dragons presided there. And if the mother was a Queen...

Welp. Another reason to get the young one home, and fast.

Ame felt Cain’s glare and ignored it. She still refused to meet his eyes. She opened her month to speak, but then the spirit spoke. She smiled when she saw it interact with Cain. Having the spirit around may be rather amusing... Her eyes wander over to Cain finally.

“Do you really think he was your enemy before he was mine? I likely saw him before you saw met him. Xavier did know the witch…called her my mistress when he saw me at the ball. Also, you aren’t fit to fight him. You don’t even have magic to defend yourself. He could kill you next time you try to fight him,” she hissed, her voice rising.

Her lips pressed together in annoyance as she remembered how he called her a lovely kitten. She could rip his throat out right now. She flinched as she took her claws out of her palms. She ignored the blood seeping out of her new wounds. Amethyst eyes and anger went to the spirit now.

“Thank goodness the dragon can’t perceive you. He’d likely think you were a snake and try to stomp you into mush,” she said, a cruel laugh escaping her lips. Ame was tempted to try to banish the spirit away and just be done with Cain. She saw the shadows at the edge of a few trees, but waved them away. Ame didn't want Honey to get upset over them.

Ame kept her eyes on the baby dragon. She watched as it stopped here and there to look back. She assumed he wanted to make sure she was following. As she walked a few feet ahead of Cain, she took out her spell book. She found the spell she wanted. Amethyst chanted a few words and suddenly the wind began to pick up. She closed the book and put it away. Hopefully that’d help the dragon get the idea about air currents. Her mind then began to wander.

His mother is the queen...I swear she tried to eat me when I returned her son years ago. Although, I did just run off when I saw her. She was distracted when she saw the baby dragon, who she decided to call Honey, actually soar into the air for a bit. It brought a smile to her lips.

”Ouch, harsh again.” Belkorin said as he now began to narrow his eyes, ”Next time I help Cain fish for some tasty morsels of catfish or tuna, I’ll make him not share any with ya. How he had a childhood crush on yo-MMMMMPH!” He was quickly silenced by Cain, who now looked both hurt and physically angry.

“That’s enough of that. Let’s just get him used to flying and get him home.” He said, his voice seemed to become empty, without emotion, as if his feelings withdrew into some mental state as he walked to the clearing, the feelings of weakness and Ame’s insults from the journey thus far has begun to bear the brunt of the burden on him. He felt like he wanted to yell out his anger and sorrow in one exploding swoop.

But he didn’t know where to direct it at. He turned to see what seemed to be an old scarecrow, taken and dragged to be possibly a wolf’s chew toy. Grabbing it and propping it up he drew Draconil, looking his face turning to anger as he looked at the scarecrow. “She’s bloody right... I had this sword for almost 6 years, and I still haven’t unlocked its true powers.” He began cutting at the scarecrow. “I’m just a fool. A fool who thought he was holding his friend’s hand until the last moment. I couldn’t protect her. Then I failed to protect the group of friends I made when we fought that stupid Mage the first time! A hero am I?!”

He stabbed the scarecrow, “Not bloody likely! I’m just some weakling mercenary who got lucky with a magic sword! But no matter what I do, no matter what other people think, I’m still a failure just like those bullies in the village said I am!”

Planting Draconil on the ground he grabbed the scarecrow and hefted it up in the air and took a deep breath, before throwing it with a great yell of anger. He sank to his knees, partially from the venting and still partially sore from the injuries of last night’s fight. Hot tears streamed from his face. “I’m nothing. And I’ll always be nothing.”

”What are you talking about? You’re Cain Azura, Dragon Swordsman! By all that is sacred, pull yourself together! Nothing and always will, is that an oxymoron? You can’t just fall apart and just give up! You can only go up from here, reach new heights as is your destiny as one Blessed by dragons, as Na’ari. To touch the skies, like the fledgling up there.” Belkorin stated with a small wise gleam in his eyes.

“Now you’re sounding like the Elder, bless him. He always knew what to say when Ame or I had problems.” Cain said with a small chuckle as he looked up and watched the dragon dubbed ‘Honey’.