On the outside area of Seiness’ room. With the single candle lamp held up by small chains. The Bishop has taken a chair from one of the rooms and is profusely tapping his feet on the wooden floor. Rubbing his chin as he stared down on the bottom of the wall while Jackson and Bahamut stood by on the side, waiting for an answer.
He couldn’t be anymore excited. Anticipating the answer of a Holy Man on the notion of working with Vampires. Rival on the other hand was taking his sweet time. Merely thinking to himself again and again while Bahamut had started to randomly move around the place. Going back and forth the staircases and opening random doors on the hallway below and the other attics.
She’d occasionally sniff certain areas and open crates and boxes. Leaving alone the two men, carefully waiting for each other's answers and queries. She on the other hand was as free as a dove on an open day. With not a thing on her mind, the Dragon continued to stroll around freely. Even littering in some places as she’d open used drawers and damaged cabinets that still have some contents inside. Suddenly, the Bishop lowers his hands and looks up to Jackson. His wooden chair creaks the floor as he leans his weight forward.
“... If there are just some normal Vampires, I might still be able to get them through the Ministers. Bending Church rules is hard but if it's some low class Vampire, I may be able to get something done.”
“Ohhhh… uhm… their Nobles.”
“N-Nobles?! H-how?! Are you truly human Sir Jackson? Do you have any idea how dangerous a Noble is? How did you even get one into your ranks?!”
“I mean… It took some effort. Both nearly killed me. Like mere inches from taking my life. But I survived and they made a Pact with me.”
“H-Ho-how?! You are not jesting me, correct? A Pact with a Vampire means it's their punishment to serve under you. A mere lesson for them to not let their immortality get the best of their skills. Human life is a mere passing wind to them, so it's a short punishment by all means.”
“One I fought and defeated. She almost killed me, she was very close but she forgot that I had a Dragon and a bullet saved for her. The other one, it took three level two hundred top leaderboard players from large Guilds with a bunch of special operations soldiers. I performed the killing… Was it even a killing blow? More like just a knockout blow with a holy bullet. But nonetheless, I am not kidding. I am serious about this.”
“Ah-amazing. Goddess, can you attest to this?”
Walking out of one of the attic storages all dusty and grimey. The Dragon peers over the door frame with only her veil and crown seen. “Hm. Master’s human spirit is undying. It's a sight to behold and it gets more entertaining when there's more than one human doing it. You’d understand why we Dragons partnered with them.” she then peeks back in and more rummaging could be heard.
“Master…?” The Bishop then pinched the middle of his nose. After a good minute, he sighs, removing his pontifical mitre and starts scratching his head and ruining his perfectly combed blonde hair.
“Okay how about this. I’ll have me and Julianne meet with these two. I cannot just let two Vampires, let alone Nobles, enter under the duty of the Church. There very being goes against what we teach and preach if you know our history.”
“Of course…” Jackson then looks up to the ceiling and oddly gets struck by the confessions of Elizabeth and what she did to them when she was ruling half the world. “Uhm… tomorrow! Where do you want to meet?”
“A restaurant near the Cathedral. Give me your address and room number, I’ll send a Minister to give you the location later. I must make sure none of the priests would notice me. This is after all… a very scandalous thing I am about to attempt. But I see the risk is worth it for someone like you. I hope you may relay this to your leaders, how far we are willing to cooperate with you, Outworlders.”
“Sure sure. Thank you Rival. I’ll be waiting for that tomorrow then.”
“Around afternoon, now carry on. We shall meet again later.”
Paul then bowed lowly to him and proceeded to go into one of the storage attics and grabbed the Dragon which he made to bow also in respect. As they exited the room. He stops before entering the hallway. “I’ll also check up on the UN Outpost in Chamilos then. What street are they on?” The Bishop then stood. “Tomorrow, I shall detail it to you. For now, rest. I must do a lot of thinking and planning and I cannot oversee an activity to the lower areas with so much on my plate already.” The two just stared at each other and then exchanged bows one last time.
Walking down the staircases and back to the outside of the offices where he could clearly take in the entire situation, the man just stretches his arms and legs and proceeds to arch his spine forward whilst making a long hard sigh. The duo then walked to the park where they both stood under the warming floating lamps. “Soooo… are we really going to do this, Master?”
“Looks like it's the easiest way to do our job. The opportunity is already given to us so I might as well just get it on.”
“Would the Bloodsuckers be okay with this? Knowing the hatred and history between the two, it would be hard to get them to agree, Master.”
“That is why tonight, I will need to get the two to sit down and we’ll have a long hard conversation about this. I personally think it could work. Elizabeth and Alana are mature enough, far more mature than I am, that's for sure. So we’ll see what’ll happen.”
“Okay Master. But can we go somewhere and eat?”
“At this time? Ugh… we’ll see. Also, switch back to something less scary.”
“Ah! I almost forgot!”
Bahamut was in her usual look once again. But this time, Jackson offered his greatcoat to cover her entire body and the two slowly walked back to the Cathedral Square, most of the roads were cold and dank. With nothing to see and the shops all closed. “Hmmmm… we might still find one near the main roads.” taking a detour, the walk amongst the lastly lit up part of the city. With the floating heating lamps still active and men in robes walking amongst the darkness piling up hot stones. It created a mist of steam that clouded their view. With the only point of light being the Moon and its little friend along the stones that was still up to provide some livable temperatures for humans.
After a few minutes of walking, there was not one shop that was still running nor any restaurants. The Dragon’s posture has changed, being more leaned downwards than her usual uptight self.
“Awww, don’t be down. We’ll just have Alana cook something for us, alright?”
“Hmmm… I wanted to eat with Master alone like back then. Haaaaa…”
“I’m sure we’ll get another chance for that. For now, let’s head back.”
Turning around, they cross the street and back down the cobblestone sidewalk. The only thing heard was the lone wind and the pitter patter of Bahamut’s bare feet. Passing one of the blacked robed people that was busy doing city maintenance, the Dragon’s nose locked to it as they pass the person. Doing its own thing with a pouch full of used Lava like Stones that has lost all its color and temperature while with a special glove, would take a new one and replace the lamp.
The process was quick and easy, but Jackson couldn’t help but feel bad for the person having to trudge around the huge Fortress City with such a large sack. But he could feel the heat felt great in an air that’s so cold and brooding. As if whoever this person was is a bringer of light and comfort to the community and with such elegant and prim posturing and movements, the refined and practiced exchange of lamps whilst also collecting litter on the sidewalks and streets, he just nods as they pass him by. “Master.”
“Hm?”
“That person oddly smelled nice.”
“Really? What about the others we’ve encountered so far?”
They also smelled nice. But having one so up close. My nose could get irritated by his cologne. It's way too much.”
“Ah, well. Just try to respect them. City workers already have it bad enough.”
They soon returned to the Square and to his surprise, the Cathedral doors were fully open as the benches were filled with homeless people. With his arm over Bahamut’s shoulders. He leads them both to its entrance. The Holy See Guards standing by in their tabards and chainmail didn’t mind the two. Continually standing at ease as he took a peek inside.
There he could see another Bishop, one who was muscular and bore a stern expression. He was going around feeding and helping the downtrodden with his group of Ministers and Nuns. Going one by one and asking them if they needed anything. Peering through deeper inside the main lobby, the Knight notices many of these people are either suffering from a curse or have lost a limb. Though even with that, their eyes were still full of hope and some even energetic despite their circumstance.
He then turned around and the two went back to their hotel where they proceeded to the room. Inside, there was only one candle lit and the rest was dark and droopy. To his right was the dinner table, and what lay there was some food Alana left which the Dragon was already eating up with her bare hands whilst to his left where the kitchen was. It had been properly cleaned and the stuff they bought from the carriage had already been organized neatly.
Nodding and smiling, he removes his suit jacket. Dumping it on the chair as he walked to the sofa and stretched all his hands and legs. “Bahamut…” the Dragon who was behind him eating up the Confit Garlic Bread looked up to her Master as she flicked her finger and the fireplace lit up. Giving light to the left of Jackson’s body. “Yes, Master?”
“What do you think? If we go through this, will they actually push through?”
She waited for a few seconds and swallowed the food in her mouth. “I believe so. I found no ill-intent on anyone so far. I think Master, it's best for you to do your usual thing." She then takes the last Confit Garlic Bread and walks up to him and leans down to the back of the sofa where her elbows rest. She then takes a bite of it as she looks at him and smiles. “Heh and it's best when things are done on the fly, Master. It makes for the greatest fights!”
He just stays silent and soon stands up. “I’ll take a bath and sleep. Wake me up a bit earlier than usual, alright? I’ll have to tell them everything first thing in the morning.” The Dragon then bites the garlic bread once again, removing two thirds of its size in one go as she nodded. “Just don’t be cranky with me, Master.” he then smiles back at her and turns to look at her golden eyes. “I won’t. I won’t.” he then turns to the bathroom door which was next to the fireplace. Removing his belt and unbuttoning his white shirt. “And please don’t wear that when you're going outside.”
The Dragon then looks down on herself and remembers she was wearing such explicit lingerie and just giggles. “Eheheheheh… sure, Master.” he then closes the door as he enters the bath. Leaving Bahamut all to herself as she then turned around to look around the kitchen and started to open the cabinets. Closely inspecting where everything was placed as water could be heard splashing.
Bahamut stops herself as she is about to take some hidden meat and turns her face to the right. She then remembers a Church they passed through that was tucked between the buildings. The Dragon immediately went into the Master bedroom where the two Vampires were soundly sleeping in their nightwear. With a gap in the middle where their Lord was supposed to be. Being in her smaller form, she merely took some stuff out of the wardrobe and proceeded outside once again. Unbeknownst to her, Jackson has noticed this and sighs to himself just as he was ready to put on some pajamas and get ready for some good sleep. “Now what is that Dragon up to?”
Following her while only wearing his General uniform’s pants and a pair of long sleeves. He sees that she didn’t go far, only to the place they passed before already. The building didn’t look much, apart from looking older. It was in a dire condition, with barely any care being given to it. Though he could see the front door was carefully cleaned and so was the sidewalk in front of it. The building itself, being made of rarer material, was no longer able to retain its beauty. Clearly visible from it was the paint that was thrown over to cover its cracks multiple times.
On its door, it had an ancient decor to it. Being made out of stone with a ring over its roof. She observes the intricate detail of the statues that were etched onto it and in the middle was a barely clothed man of an older age with his hand up his chin and a large well trimmed beard. The Dragon then looks up and then down. “Just what did you show Master back there?” She then opened the door and was immediately greeted by someone.
“Ah, a visitor. How can I help you?”
Inside, a lone man stood at the Altar. Engraved on its walls were Men, most notably, the Tribes of Men. Born from Dragovh, the stone engravings painted over showed them expanding to the other Continents. Though meeting danger and most times, being enslaved and killed by the more powerful foes, species whose strength and wisdom was thrice or more than that of a person. Man always returned, constantly trying and trying even with the harm that was in their way. Jackson didn’t waltz inside and merely looked over from the outside. Letting the cold hit him again and again as he turned to look at the hotel, debating whether to leave her be or continue to escort her.
The lone man that stood before the Altar wore a brown robe that’s tied with a thin rope. But he was built like her Master, a brick of a man and with an exception of having a well trimmed beard just like the icon on the door, he smiled as the woman in the funeral gown stood before the Altar. Peering at the giant statue of another art of a Man holding a huge globe on top of his head, though in great pain, the finely sculpted piece of art also showed him with great resolve and a smile to his face. His muscles weren’t only over the top, but it was perfect.
With abs that could grate concrete and a six pack only those born with the perfect body could ever achieve, the old man that held the world up on his shoulders was something else and the pain that was on his face was overthrown by the confidence and smirk that was in his mouth.
“That is God Humanus. The Primordial Being that made man in his own image.”
“This is the Human God?”
“The Human God is Deus Vrax. Another type of person who rightfully ascended to the realm above ours. No, Humanus, called as Mon’krol in Elven language, is the God of Man.”
“Hmmmm… Master, can you sense it?” Paul peeks over from the entrance and holds his hand up as if he was caught. “Well, that didn’t last long.” The robed man lifted his right hand as he smiled. “My! What a fine piece of art we have here! What is your name my good sir!”
“Jackson, Paul Jackson.” he then turns to Bahamut who was standing in the middle of the building. She slowly faced her upper body to him as she extended her index finger up to her nose. “Master, I wasn’t lying when I said I could smell you a mile away.” he just shrugged with a smile and rested his elbow on her shoulders. “You got me. So what is it again? Sense what?”
“The power of a God?”
“I uhhhh… just feel at ease. But I always feel at ease in any Church. The solemn atmosphere is really soothing no matter the previous mood I was in that day. Don’t know why.”
“That is the power of God, Master. You are feeling it.”
“Ohhhh, it feels nice. Yeah, I feel like I can sleep soundly here.”
“Please do. Our doors are just as open as the Holy See. Though we may not have the Coins of the Man God’s Religion. What we do have is food from our very own farms.”
“Thank you sir, but I already have a hotel to stay in.”
“Then please, don’t mind me. Enjoy your time, this is the soil meant for the prayer of the God that made Man.”
The Knight then starts looking at the art pieces on the wall while Bahamut sits on the stone bench. “Master, when you touched that sculpture of Mon’krol, didn’t you feel anything?” the man just shrugged. “No. Why?” she then looked down on the ground while Jackson touched all the furniture he could get his hands on. Most of them are made of one mineral.
“Why stone?”
“Ah, Mister Jackson, are you not familiar with this religion?”
“I am not.” Bahamut then opens up to his surprise, making him stop talking. “Me and Master came from another world. I’d like to learn more about this place. It seems that my powers are overshadowed. Though that is understandable since I am in their territory. I am merely an Outer God.” The robed man just tiled his head at her but proceeded to walk down the stage and to the art on the wall.
“Where shall I start? Our structures are made of stone as it develops not only our muscle and health, but also was one of the first gifts of Humanus to us. The ability to learn, an intellect of the world, to mend it and transform it. Though we do not shy away from more modern materials, our Shrines and Temples must always be built on a foundation of stone and mortar.”
“And your body? It seems to be more well built than Masters.”
“It is because we thank Humanus always for this body and the best way to do so is not only to reproduce and grow in numbers, but also to take care of yourself. This in of itself as a form of prayer, a gift to Humanus that we are willing to keep the body he gave us in the best form and live long and everlasting.”
“Ehhhhhh… and how are the human population?”
“Oh, we are still far from even reaching the population of the Elves. The main Church of Humanus is not here, it is deep within the now treacherous land of South Ahandarash. It was once a great nation, but it fell and now it's a collection of Lords and their own territories just like Carthegra. The neighboring Kingdom of Gareth. The weight of the coming End Times and the sudden arrival of our guests from another world was the limit of their capabilities and thus ended their history and great feats. Now to be forgotten to time itself.”
“I get it that you are part of the Twelve Gods Diocese correct?”
“Indeed. It is a collection of what were the major Churches that Man and Elf prayed to. But since the unprecedented expansion of the Holy See, the Churches gathered together and formed a Diocese. Even then, what the Diocese makes up in a year, the Holy See gets in a matter of a week.” He then walks towards the stone pillar and punches it lightly. “Yeah, our structures aren’t what they used to be. Every year, it only gets worse and worse. But I intend to stay here till the ceiling crumbles and crushes me.”
On the sidelines, the Knight notices the art of the Tribes fighting Demons. Some were like the ones he had encountered. Like the Hyper Demon, Gargoyles, and Troglodytes. One thing that stood out in the engraving was the Armies of Hell, rather than wielding wooden spears from bone, were already in chainmail and wielding maces and other weapons made out of refined iron. He then leans in to observe the painting even more and notices that the creatures he had encountered in Zavalda was merely a fraction of it. The Demon Army had trebuchets and siege towers that were full of armor and wielded Giant Ogres alongside their already huge Orcs.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
He was so entranced by the huge painting that he continued to follow the fight, walking from left to right till he unknowingly hit a side table and its contents, a candlestick and a bowl of pebbles almost fell. The sound gathered the two’s attention.
“Oops.”
“Ah, please help yourself.”
“Ehh… what?”
“Those sweets in the bowl.”
“These?” He inspected the rocks closely and could smell a nice inviting aroma coming out of them. “R-really?”
“Hm, it was brought here by the Orcish tribes when they were captured by the Elves. It might seem like stone, but that’s only due to the process of making them.”
He takes one and puts it in his mouth and a smile pops up to his face. “Oh nice! Hm! It's even melting! Can I take some? I’m sure Alana would love these.”
“Of course, please do. Ahhhh… I should have a pouch here for you.”
“You know, I’ve always had this thought wandering in my head.” as he spoke, he took some of them and pocketed it in the pouch. “The Wood Elves are part of the Curate Empire, right?”
“They were. Though they were the least advanced. They were the ones who captured endangered animals though and preserved them alongside the High Elves. You may even encounter some of these habitations as they call it every now and then. Aside of Education, it's one of the only things the High Elves are willing to work with Humans with.”
“Mhm… and did they have… uhhh… servants?”
“Of course. Just like any of the other Elven species, they all had human servants. Though the Wood Elves had the least amount of deaths from torture, what they made up for was in psychological trauma. As many here know, an Elf can last more in bed than the most proficient man in existence.” Jackson merely nodded. Remembering the encounter he had with them a year ago but then, he starts to giggle a bit to himself making Bahamut tilt her head as the man starts to laugh a bit. “Sorry, sorry. Phew. John must be having the time of his life then.”
“Most of what they took was for their urges. Many would die from exhaustion. But it was better than what the High and Snow Elves would do to you in bed.”
“Oh man, I can only imagine. I’ve met a Wood Elf tribe myself. One that sat on the base of the giant tree.”
“Ah! I’ve only heard of that tribe. But their history goes beyond even before the High Elves. That tree was known to be Forrus’ great gift to Threa. Her last present before rising to the outer realms.”
“Their history goes that deep? Well, their first introduction with me was uhhh… what can I say? More naked than anything I’ve ever seen.”
“Ahahahahaha, it seems that you had a front row seat in the Elves most active cousin.”
“Yeah… yeah… it made me feel… lacking in many aspects.”
“Don’t fret so much my friend. Normal Elves are known to be very selective in their breeding, magic to stop conception was invented by them after all. The High Elves then turned it into Potions and then to something you can put in your meal to even something you can put in the air.”
“And are they that open? The Wood Elf dude I met was very inviting to let me try one of their women.”
“Did you do it?”
“No. Heck no. I already have three problems to deal with. I am only Human after all. An Elf would be just me asking to die from exhaustion like those servants from before… and it NEARLY happened to me. NEARLY.”
“Well… hmmm…” he put his fingers up his bearded chin and started to caress its wonderfully carved outline. “You seem to have a lot of experience from what I am getting from you. But seeing you’ve survived, I must say you’ve done a great job.” Jackson just pinches the area between his eyes and breathes a long sigh. “If you only had an idea of what I went through.” he then opens his eyes wide and his mouth in a frown. “Those two… and then her…” shivers were sent to his spine as he held himself. “Ahahahaha, I get it you’ve never satisfied them?”
“Whaaaat? Master satisfies me just fine.” Jackson just points at her with a smirk on his face and shrugs. “You heard it from the source.” The robed man on the other hand laughed a bit as he sat on the stone benches. Finely carved and made with extreme care, it didn’t even budge as he sat down and leaned forward. “And the other two?” The Knight then turns to Bahamut who for a rare occasion, catches his glimpse. “Ah, they both are also very satisfied with Master’s performance in bed.” The man near the paintings just put two thumbs up and had a stupid smile on his face.
“Is that so? Mister Jackson, aren’t you a performer.” he just smiles and returns to admiring the paintings. “So what do you think about the Holy See’s new decree in allowing Beast people in their religion?” The air suddenly got heavy and the robed man sat in silence. But after a while, he turns to look at him with an indomitable stare.
“That might be part of their effort to integrate the other species into their religion. The Holy See knows its position on top is endangered. Now even more apparent with the arrival of the Outworlders and their religions. More open, and more accepting with less rigid rules and practices. They know their power is waning.”
“For a man who prays to the God of Man, you seem very well versed about Elves and the Holy See.”
“Before this, I was an Adventurer around the regions of Geraldia, I even partook in rare High Elf sponsored expeditions into the Curate Fortresses underneath the soil below us. But the Party I was in disbanded after a large job. I was left without purpose, so I came to the world of Theology and became a Monk of Humanus.”
“Why? Everyone got scared? Traumatized?”
“No, nothing of that sort. We are very lucky. Many would end up like that, or half their Party dead. No. We… We made a large sum of money and just thought of quitting adventuring. My friend Olms is actually here in Janishaire. He owns the local Blacksmith shop called Harbringers.”
“I guess you can say you made it out, huh?”
“Maybe. Though I have already asked the Diocese to send me to the Missions. I can still feel it within me. The need to adventure… they haven’t replied. There are Humans in Schon, you know? Ones who need to return to the fold of Mon’krol.”
“Ahahahaha, good luck. I’ve been around this world and it has some of the craziest things I’ve ever met in my entire life and Schon is one of those places I’d only stay if it was in the Vampire Kingdom. Nowhere else.” he jolted as he slipped out a tidbit that wasn’t supposed to be known but the robed man didn’t react. He merely leaned backward and relaxed himself. “Ah, the Kingdom of Rose. We wanted to visit there too. They said there was riches within the Vampire’s very own nation. It’s often very isolated and secretive, more than the High Elves who you can see mingling with us now.” The robed man then put his hands behind his head as he placed his head on the bench. “... Yeah, our Adventure ended a bit too early for my taste. But we got to the end faster than I could remember it all.”
“What rank were your party anyways?”
“Oh… if only I had my card with me. I am named as a Grandmaster Swordsman. One rank away from being dubbed as Legendary.” Jackson’s jaw dropped upon hearing this. “Woah, then you must be better than the rest of everyone here, then?”
“Pfft. The Nobles will reach that rank before they become thirty thanks to all the connections and riches they have. Because if they don’t, they’ll die a painful death in wars.” the robed man just sighs. “Those young Nobles who aren’t trained to use the sword by the age of six are assured to become backups or to be trained to become Masters in a School of Magic or Science.”
As the Robed Man talked, the Knight then proceeded to continue walking around. Checking out the pillars and the statues carved into them. It showed mostly burly men in loincloths and togas, holding up Great Axes or Greatswords as thunder struck the edge of their blades in a show of force. Bahamut who was about to fall asleep turns up once again and sees that the bearded man is near her.
“Ahem. About the Holy See. Do you think they’ll last?”
“I don’t know Miss. Only those inside the Holy See may know of it. But their influence here in Geraldia is weavering. The introduction of the Church of Bahamut has been very surprising. It must be the most open of all the religions so far, the only thing it requests is for you to show fealty to a Dragon God… can you believe that?”
“What? Praying to a Dragon God? What is bad about that?”
Bahamut then leaned forward, stylishly crossing her legs as she placed her elbow on top of it and resting her chin on her palm.
“Nothing, I never would judge anyone for believing in anything they want. But the Dragons highly regulate whoever prays to their Gods. Unlike most of the Gods like Humanus, the Dragons tend to have a more mortal presence. That is why prayers to Queen Catherine, the Dragon Goddess of the Skies are barred. They do not want her or her husband King Augustus to become far too strong.”
“That is absolutely ridiculous. Becoming strong is the way of the Dragon. We were born and bred to become the strongest to ever be. To conquer, annihilate, devour, and bring balance and peace. That is the Dragons way.”
She said it with such a bland and lifeless tone it even made the Knight look away from the attractive art pieces he was seeing and turned to his companion who seemed fixated on the bearded man wearing but brown robes that’s kept together by a rope belt.
“Dragon Gods naturally grow in power regardless of what anyone wants to do. The Church of Bahamut is one such case, it never needed to be a big public religion. It only happened by circumstance. Even before then, its Goddess was a powerful Dragon that was never killed.”
“That is for you to know. I only have my opinions and the knowledge I’ve held in the decades I’ve walked this continent. Though none of the species hold any ill of the Dragons for their decision. None of us could truly match up to them anyways. What more in understanding their train of thought. You seem to be well versed in the ways of the Dragons. I wonder what your history is, Miss?”
“I can tell you one thing.” The two then turn to the Knight, walking out of the shadows with some Stone Candies in hand. “Nice art. Can’t believe Humanus made so many pacts. No wonder there’s so many humanoids.”
“Ah, thank you. That is actually one of the main methods we earn money. We train sculptors and have them do contracts. But it's far cry from the Holy See, making paper and candles. The Adventurers Guilds are also sponsored by them. You can only think of the income they generate from a Guild that spans continents. It's one of a kind, truly.”
“But back to the topic. Dragons… in my time with them. Don’t think too much about it, just like anything that lives. They have their primal urges and needs. It's just that they aren’t like the rest of the sentient species. They don’t lie about it and will tell you what they want and what they need. Don’t fret too much about their decisions. They know so much and live so long they mostly decide on the fly.”
“You also seem very well versed about this topic.”
“I guess we are… but yeah, the Dragons of this planet must’ve had a premonition or maybe even a calling about growing too strong. But nonetheless, in Tur. Dragon Gods rule absolutely. In its history, the Dragons onced ruled all of Tur. They were the Apex of the Apex, no one could defeat them in Pre-True God times. The Ultimate Dragon, Albion, was still alive only till recently. Even when the Demons tried, waging war for thousands of years before even the first Humans…” Jackson then sat with the two, leaning forward with a happy smile on his face, more than glad to give the Native a share of Dark World’s history.
“And when the Lizard Empire came from the Marshlands, we’re talking about Humanoids with thick hide that could stop enchanted weapons with armor on top of it. Not even they were able to stop the Dragons. Maybe make them… uhhhh… what's a good word…” as he stumbled on himself, Bahamut herself takes the initiative. “Obscure? Unpopular? Which is it, Master?”
“Ah! That! Yeah. Albions death was the salt upon wounds there. But they're still thriving and living. Even after all this, they're still the Apex of the species list.”
“Amazing, so this is the history of another world. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with me. I do not think anyone else will be able to remember this after so long. But to know we’re not the only ones with Dragons and Demons, amazing. Thank you, truly.”
“The Dragons also ruled Threa?”
“More like contested it. The Humans of Dragovh are very strong and resilient. Though they may not be as strong when it comes to snow, and would need another layer just to be able to walk around here for an hour. They have the largest Mana pool of all the Human tribes that now became Kingdoms. It is said this is due to when the Dragons were fighting them, their youngest children would be trained immediately in the Magic Arts so that they may grow strong enough by the age of sixteen to fight the Dragons.”
“Geez, really? That early? In Tur, that’s barred since kids do not know how to control their Mana and would usually pass out or die. The Humans here must’ve had it tough. Very tough.”
“Not here, or the Dragovh humans are just that strong. They do have King James, that man is of Legends even here. His Kingdom and lineage are still strong and alive to this day. We Humans of Threa aren’t anything special in the end of the day. Mon’krol is also known to be the most abused of all the Gods. Even with all his strengths and prowess, he was the most betrayed by his other fellow Gods. Only Dragonoth, Dravoh as he is named by the Elves remained true to him.”
“I actually met his great-great-great-great-grandson of sorts. King James, and his great-great-great-”
“Master.”
“Nephews. Nephews.”
“Phuah, you’ve met the great King James?!”
“I have.” Jackson then stood up and sat next to Bahamut. Leaning into her as he recalled it. “I went in there in my General uniform and with a squad of my max level Ranger skeletons. Demanded for the war to stop.”
“To have such guests in my temple… Just who are you?”
“Jackson. Jackson and Bahamut.”
“Bahamut?! THE Bahamut?!”
“Yup, this is her in the flesh.”
“Yo, human. It is indeed I, Bahamut the Dragon God of the Void. I sleep in the Abyss, the land between Mortal and Immortal.”
“Y-You seem so… normal. I couldn’t say it.”
“Really? How many people wear late era Gothic funeral dresses with a literal Dragon crown around here?”
“I’ve met so many of the Outworlders with far more lavish ensembles. I thought you two were just another bunch of them. But to think you’ve done so many esteemed things in such a short amount of time.”
“Circumstances too I guess. Things just kept piling and here we are.”
“Is something bound to happen to this city? Why would such powerful beings such as yourselves come here?”
“Nothing. We just came here to do some tourist stuff.”
“Phew… well. Goddess Bahamut. Please, do continue what you are doing.”
“I will try. But I am not really good at this whole Goddess thing.” She then stretches her arms up and pushes her spine as much as she can while yawning. “Master, I feel sleepy. Whatever called me here is gone anyways. Let’s go.”
“Oh finally. Well, thank you again for your kindness. You opened your door to us and said so many things.”
“Please, please. Come back anytime. Humanus is the God with the least enemies, though Angus and the Outer Gods tried very hard to corrupt his creation, in the image and likeness of himself. He never backed down, nor looked away. Even though now, his creation is the weakest of all the species here in Threa, it's one of most numerous and ever changing.”
The duo then exited out and stopped right outside, the prying eyes of the God of Man looking down on them from the doors and the sculptures on the wall. Before returning back to the hotel, they both looked at one another.. “Olms huh. Looks like tomorrow, I have a place to visit!” the Dragon on the other hand was already walking away. “Master, I want to eat.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s not like breakfast is far. Our nightly adventure landed us in alot of places today.” But before he’d walk, the Dragon stepped in front of him. Blocking his path. “But Master, you are sure right, that you didn’t see or feel anything when you touched that icon back in the Ogre cave?” The man just shrugs. “Nope.” and as a precaution, Bahamut sniffed him one last time and then looked at the Church. “Hmmm…” Before long, she started walking away, with her silhouette slowly disappearing into the cloudy cold morning that was seeping through the cracks of the alleys and roofs and the noise of her heels clacking on the snowy cobblestone sidewalk starting to echo. He just shrugs and follows her as they go back to their room.
Already, some people were leaving. With Jackson noticing most of them wearing outfits a Serf would but with the addition of more vibrant colors and even necklaces and a few rings on their fingers. Though far from that of a proper Noble, he could notice that they were also prim and proper. The men alongside their wives have the same air of being in a higher place yet not enough to have a title nor Lordship. “Master?” He then turns to their door and smiles at her as he heads in. Quickly removing the buttons on his sleeve’s cuffs as he stretched his arms.
Next to that, he immediately unbuttoned his long sleeves whilst rudely removing his Oxford shoes as he rushed to the fireplace. The pelt in front of it warmed his rear and the flames his front while the Dragon went straight to the bathroom. “Oh! I almost forgot!” He stands up and runs to the table and grabs something from his pockets. Taking the pouch full of rock candies and plopped it down on the dining table. With a smile on his face, the man returned in his relaxation.
A door to his left opened and it was Bahamut. Her head peeked through alongside her long straight neck. Psst! Master!” he turns to her and immediately gets flustered.
“Bahamut! Get back in there!”
“Wash me.”
“What? No!”
“Wash me. Pleeeaasseee…”
“No. I know you're gonna tease me again. Nuh uh, I’m tired and it's almost morning. I’d like to catch some sleep at least.”
“I swear I won’t this time, Master.”
“Okay, deal. But turn into your Dragon form.”
“Ehhhhhhhh…..” with a dejected expression. The man knew full well this was her work and he didn't change his stance at all. Standing his ground as the Dragon notices that he has caught on. Instead, lifting her chin up a bit as if to challenge the Human. “Do it. Or I won’t wash you.” hearing him, the Dragon's chin then lowers down. “EHHHHHHHH….!”
“Want me to go in there with you or not?”
After a long sigh. She turned into her small Dragon form that's dripping with hot water from her scales and the Knight quickly stood up and undressed. Folding his clothes neatly into the sofa and soaking himself into the hot tub. With the porcelain material of it alongside the steam that’s shrouded the entire bathroom and the sweet aroma coming out of the Dragon. The man couldn’t be anymore at peace. “Ohhhh… yeah. I might just fall asleep here.” The water then suddenly overflowed as she turned back to her human form all of the sudden, making the man jump in his place. “WOAH!”
“Ehehehehe… I got you trapped here with me, Master.”
“Ba-Bahamut! Who taught you this? This is awfully strange of you!”
“What? Can’t I let my more human side take over? In this form, I have Human desires too, you know?”
“I know that! But it's never enough to overtake your Dragon self! Tsk. Elizabeth has taught you very well. But I hope it doesn’t influence you in any more negative ways.” he then sighs and grabs the bucket and soap. Preparing the towels and rag to wash the Dragon’s body. He quickly turned his back on her as he got everything in order. Grunting to himself while occasionally staring back at Bahamut. Seeing his piercing eyes, the Dragon strikes. “Yes. After all, you got me in heat, Master.” hearing this made him stop what he was doing and instantly swallowed his saliva. Both his hands slowly reached out to the edge of the tub.
A devilish smirk appeared on her face and the man quickly rolled out of there while taking a towel and broke the door knob open. Like a thief that’s being chased by the police, he dashingly ran for his life and freedom, performing a tactical roll into the sofa as he peeked with only one eye at the opened bathroom door. Behind him, the Dragon was fast and stealthy.
Feeling her breath, he quickly barrel rolled into the sofa itself and then climbed onto its side where he ran to the dining table with the Dragon hot at his tail as the two stopped. The dining table was the only thing separating their bodies. With Bahamut as naked as she could be while Jackson wore a towel over his lower parts. Panting heavily as his eyes constantly peeked left and right for any openings.
“Bahamut… think about this clearly. You know I get very VERY tired when we do it.”
“Don’t worry Master… I’m in my human form. I can also control my lust like a switch. I won’t go far like those two.”
“As if I’m gonna fall for that again! And-and-and if they wake up and this turns into a party, I’ll never be able to walk!”
“What? You like it anyways.”
“It feels nice, yes. But Bahamut… I always end up immobile and we cannot have that. We have a meeting with the Bishop a few hours from now and I need to explain everything to the two when they wake up. I need to be at my best this morning. He is a Noble and I cannot mess this up.”
“What’s a little skinship going to do? You might even look more manly after we're done. Master.”
“NUH UH!”
“C’mon Master! I wanna get to you before those two does!”
“HUH?! They also plan on sneaking up on me?!”
“Ehehehehe, we like doing it with one another, but nothing beats doing it with you alone, Master. I know they want to have you all to themselves… but I got here first… heheheheheheh…”
Outside, the faint silhouette of a man with wide shoulders could be seen holding up a towel up his crotch as a tall lanky woman with big breasts and nicely shaped hips was chasing him around the table as a bit of ruckus was heard. Inside the main bedroom, Elizabeth woke up and as she sniffed the air, all she could smell was her Lord and Bahamut in the living room. “Hm? Your Majesty?” She then turns to the Countess who was awakened by her sudden action. “Nothing. Let us continue our rest.” They then both went back to sleep on the corners of the Queen sized bed. With the middle still a gaping empty space for where they are Lord was supposed to be. But unbeknownst to them, their Lord alone with the Dragon and more ruckus could be heard.
After a few rounds of going back and forth, clockwise and counterclockwise around the dining table, the man tried to make a run for the door to the hallway but was locked in. With the doorknob not even flinching at his attempts. The woman could be then seen laughing as he ran to towards the Master’s Bedroom and started to bang on the door. “HEEELLPPP! HEEEEELLPPP!” was all that could be heard as he ran out of air and turned around, his back on the door.
“What did you do?! How come they aren’t even hearing this?”
“Master, sound travels through the air. Let’s just say I am doing a bit of magic to limit it.”
“Bahamut… let’s not please. I need to be able to walk tomorrow and my brain, CLEAR of any lust and bodily desires.”
“Then let me suck all of that away tonight.”
“NNNOOOOO-!!!”
The next day, the man awakens next to the fireplace, wearing his white shirt and pants. But his usually well groomed hair that was as dark as ebony is in an absolute mess. Opening the door was Alana in her nightgown who quickly stopped in her tracks as her lazy morning face turned to confusion.
“Mmm? M’Lord? Aren’t you early today.”
Waking up, he felt as if all his energy had already left the moment he opened his eyes and all he could muster as a simple gesture. A thumbs up. All the while, sleeping soundly on the armchair was Bahamut in her Dragon form. All balled up and with a smile on her face. The Countess didn’t even have to think and she already knew what happened. “Haaaah… are you sure you have energy for the day, M’Lord?” the man just lightly nodded as she walked towards the kitchen and bought out an iron pan.
Just in a day, she already knew where everything was and bought out a bottle of olive oil alongside some bread and garlic. With a swift hand, she then proceeded to the upper cabinets and stopped. Rubbing her chin, she starts counting with her fingers and then walks back to the main room and walks out wearing a brown commoner ensemble. “M’Lord, I’ll be out to buy some Eggs.” she then turns to Elizabeth who was still sleeping as if it's the midst of the evening.
“Bahamut, be sure to remind Her Majesty to peel open the Garlic and let it sit in a bowl full of boiling hot water for five minutes.” the Dragon only gently growled as she went to one of the rucksacks placed on the floor and took some currency off the pockets. Tur Gold Coins and Aeralous Silver and Gold. Fiddling with it on her palm, she nodded to herself and proceeded out of the front door.
The Dragon then awakens fully and starts licking his cheeks profusely. Forcing him to wave the creature off his face as he rolled to the side and enjoyed the heat of the fireplace whilst Bahamut then jumped and glided towards the main room where she started ramming the top of her head onto the blonde. With Elizabeth just grunting as she rolled more of the blankets on top of her. “Hrrrnnn… Leave’th me be. Thou’est Queen shall’weth be in Court later.”
This only made the Dragon more eager as she reversed onto the edge of the bed and with all her might, rams into the back of the woman. Her horns even hit her small curvy back which prompted her to slip and fall onto the wooden floor. This quickly woke her up with an angry expression as her head peeked above the side. “Grrrrrr… Dragon! Can’t you wake me up more normally? Just licking my cheeks as you do our Lord will do!” Bahamut merely had a smirk on her face as she glided back to the living room and sat down on the armchair.
“The Countess has said that she wants you to prepare garlic. Boil it in a bowl.”
The Queen walked out the door to see her Lord looking completely crooked. Scratching her head, the woman plops down on top of the man and sniffed his messy shirt. Like a battery getting recharged, Elizabeth’s usual royal vigor returns to her body as she rolls beside him and with a smile on her face. “Oy, you know what Master said.” But before she went with her tasks, the woman suddenly lifted her upper body into a straight up position and looked at her.
“Wait a sec… how come your scent on our Lord is stronger than usual…?” She then turns back to her Lord whose clothes are all messed up and not in its usual tidy and clean look. “... Didn’t we agree we’d share?” the Dragon just balls up as it buried its face onto her long and spiky tail. Ignoring the blonde woman who has crawled her way to the armchair she rested upon.
“Hm? What?”
“What’s the use of our treaty when you take Our Lord all to yourself?”
“Look, I was just caught off guard last night. Don’t worry, it was a quick one.”
“Yet you should still remind yourself that Our Lord is Human.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s ironic coming from you.”
“I am merely reminding you so that you may remind me in the future. Odd though, your Dragonic self usually outweighs your Human desires. What’s different last night, Dragon?”
“Master will explain later. For now, just get going. The Other has told you of your tasks.”
“Tsk. I’ll let this pass then.” But before preparing today’s breakfast, she first brought him to the bed. Removing his clothes, the Queen couldn’t help but touch his chest. Her long finger trailing down to his pecs then down to his thighs. Swallowing her saliva, she closed her eyes and gave him proper pajamas. Still looking back at him, she quickly donned her commoner outfit and fast walked out of the room and closed it. “Haaaah… you know, Dragon. You must be more careful with Human bodies. Do not leave them out like that, they might get sick.”
“Yaaaaahhh…. I put Master in front of the fireplace for a reason, Bloodsucker. I already know. Do not lecture me so much about Human anatomy. Unlike you, I can stop anytime.”
“Hey. I might go over the top every now and then, but that’s only in bed. You must always remind yourself Bahamut that Human bodies are still very fragile. It can be strong, but still fragile compared to ours.”
As the morning started, the Queen went to the kitchen and helped prepare their breakfast and the Dragon just neatly slept on the armchair. Not wanting to change to her Human form, she just opened her wings and started licking it. While preparing the bread, Elizabeth notices a pouch on the table and grabs it. Opening the small storage space, the woman’s long thin eyebrow lifts. “Pebbles?” She then takes one and sniffs it. After a few seconds, she eats one and a smile grows on her face. “Ohh! How sweet!”. Promptly closing it, the woman proceeded back to her tasks whilst outside.
Slowly, the Fortress City also awakened with carriages now becoming more and more frequent on the roads outside and the Robed City Workers beginning to lower the floating lamps on top of the roads and the Guards alongside the Holy See’s own soldiers starting their morning formation and briefings whilst the Cathedral bell rings three times followed by two more after a brief three second stop.
Wooden window covers spring open alongside front doors as children rushed out to greet their friends on the melting snow and people went to the morning market while Adventurers walked to their own street in the city. The Blacksmiths and Potionmakers propping up signs and their menus as another day begins in Janishaire.