On a cold morning. A humongous Dragon has appeared in the Cathedral Square. The people of the Holy See gave it gifts through the form of food while onlookers just watched in glee as they saw before them a living Dragon in the flesh. The children on the other hand laughed and giggled as the Black beast with thick armored scales had its wings center fingers droop downwards. Its tail and the rest of its body touched the ground as it soaked in the heat of the foreign Sun.
Bahamut was happy to see the offerings the Cathedral was giving her. The Bishop himself went out to give a sermon. Regelus and his powerful voice homing in on people far and wide to come and see what was happening. “And thus! Man and Dragon conceived Deus! The Holiness of all Men! The one that rose to Godhood and now watch upon us all! Feast yer eyes Human and Non! To the creature that divines over Nature! Over all that Dawbring’s eternal light shines on!” The Dragon meanwhile was far more busy eating up all the food that was being offered to her.
Some would walk up to her chin, bowing down and wiping a piece of cloth over it and she didn’t mind as it cleaned off the stains from all the food she was getting. As everyone gathered around Bahamut who was in her larger form. Big enough to fit ten people on her back. With Jackson preparing the special saddle as well as tie downs for her spine. Bringing along with them palleted extra goods.
But as the crowd thickens, he started having a harder and harder time transferring the goods. With the two Vampires having been forced to use their powers in strength to bulldoze their way through everyone. He on the other hand had to also tie up the cargo through the saddle. Before long, and after dodging snowballs being thrown by children. Everything is done and he looks at the alley next to the Hotel where their carriage is mostly left empty. Only a handful of crates left.
“Phew, that should be all of it.” He then holds his arms, shivering. “Dammit. I thought it was already summer? Isn’t January about to end? Why is it still so damn cold!” Alana on the other hand had finished tying down all the cooking apparatus she’d need and turned to the man sitting on the back of the Dragon, watching as people looked in awe of Bahamut. “M’Lord, what about our carriage and Junior?”
He breathed out as he fixed his tunic. “The hotel people already know how to take care of her. That horse is nothing new to mid to high level players in Dark World.”
Appearing from the crowd, Elizabeth had bought with her Seiness. Carrying a huge rucksack. She had to go and take the girl on her shoulders to safely transport her through the crowd where they then climbed up to the back of Bahamut. The Priestess had the biggest smile she’d given so far. Jackson couldn’t help but notice her ears all perked up inside the hat, making it as if it was a cute design from the Holy See. He smiles as he takes up the girl to the main spine of the Dragon.
The many sharp protruding spikes were gleaming as if it had just been recently polished. With his hands on his hips and a smile, he turns to the young woman. “Alright. Seiness, are you ready?”He takes her large pack of things on her back with one hand lifting it up and brings it in the back, putting it along the pile of neatly stacked crates.
But before tying it up, he opens it and notices she has bought a lot of things. “Why did you bring a bedroll? And… is this a pot?” He then brings out a small cast iron pot with an attachable handle. “E-Eh? Head Nun Setella told me to bring one just in case. She said the winter might be slowly disappearing as Summer comes but it will still make itself known every now and then.” Scratching his head, he just shrugs at her as he returns it into her pack. “I mean… I guess. But we have enough here for everyone and extras.”
“S-Should I remove it then?” Shrugging once again, he tries it down and stands up. “Nah, just get on the saddle. Be careful with the spikes.”
Looking around, the crowd that had gathered was amazed by the sight of the Dragon. Jackson looks up and sees that the sky was clear of clouds, in the horizon, the fiery sun was slowly sneaking up on them and the airspace mostly clear of other parties except a flock of birds doing their morning run. But soon, the gathering of people got so bad that the Bishop had to call upon the Holy See and Gareth’s soldiers.
The square was then overseen by grunts, both Governmental and Religious. Though not going up close to the Dragon, they made sure to keep a perimeter secured and only allow anyone from the city to get around. Which was the robed workers that were removing the floating lamps as daylight took the spotlight.
One of them got close to Bahamut, standing just behind her left wing’s inner section. Holding a lamp with the Heating Rock inside it completely extinguished which it then puts into a thick basket. The person went into the raggy pouch that’s slinged on its body and replaced it with a Crystal this time. Finishing the task, the robed person stayed. Admiring the gleaming armored scales of the large Black Dragon.
Curious, Jackson goes down the back of the Dragon and walks close to the person, and he puts his chin down as his fingers rubbed it. Squinting his eyes closely now that the morning star was able to give him a full view of their face. “You aren’t just some city worker aren’t you?” The robed person then turns to him and bows. “May I first humbly offer my apologies for the trespass. But I am deeply enamored by this Dragon.” With an extremely eloquent tone, that of someone taught since birth in a certain way to talk, the Knight was surprised.
He then nods upon hearing the man's tone. As if he was unable to even let out a scream of anger in times of need nor be able to teach unruly troops any sort of discipline with such a gentle tone. But he knows very well this isn’t normal for a mere peasant and confirms it by looking at his well endowed face.
“Well, you can look and touch. Just don’t blame me if you get burned on crushed.”
“Of course, sir.” As he turns back to looking at Bahamut, Jackson then scratches his head. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask. Why don’t Dragons go here? Or do they only go to certain places? The altitude of this city is perfect for them and saves in cost of transport.”
“It is due to the city not being able to stockpile enough food for them. Dragons, even when in their Human forms are very much still able to eat an entire plethora of meat and vegetables. We have no way of supplying enough. As you said before, Sir. The city is very high in altitude, but that is also a detriment.”
“A detriment? How?”
“The wind currents outside of the Mountain Range around Hohe Spitze are extremely disturbed thanks to all of the pathways. Hence Dragons usually do not climb to the top and instead ride out the wind currents below.”
“That’s… wow. I see, then that also means it will take them effort to climb to this place then?” The robed man nods. “Yes, hence why only the Capital receives them daily. They are, after all, located on the other side of these ancient and once Dwarven Mountains.”
“That’s sad. So this is your first time then?”
“Ah, it is not. It’s my second time. My first was when I saw the Dragon Towers of the Capital city. Though my father has never let me get close enough to actually see the Wyverns up close. But this one… It's an Ancient Dragon, four legs and large horns.”
“Hm. This is an Ancient Black Dragon from the Volcano Vulcan, you may call her Bahamut.”
“Bahamut… isn’t that the name of the new Religion?”
“Ehhhhh… don’t think too much of it.”
“Then I shall not ask further in this query.”
“You know…” Jackson then puts his index finger up his lips, lightly tapping it as Alana and Elizabeth do some final checks behind him. Looking through all the food and clothes while the man observes the robed man, his hood covering his face completely. “You speak a bit too eloquently… and…” he sniffs him and the man nods. “Smells a bit too good to be some city worker.”
“Ah, it seems that my cover is blown. Yes, I am someone of a higher status.”
He then removes the hood of his robe, revealing his ponytailed blonde hair. With an effeminate triangular shaped face and luscious purple eyes, he seemed far too beautiful for the world.
“I am Honourable Bannir Sack Vitavill of the Vitavill Family, my family holds our products, the carriages and horses you see in mass at high regard. We also partake in weapons and armor making.”
“W-woah…” with this, Jackson immediately reaffirms himself as the extremely handsome young man before him who presented himself with such fluency and drive. “Did my looks scare you? I apologize. Janishaire is known for its good looking people. To this day, we do not know how this phenomenon occurs. Some say it might be due to the crossbreeding with the Snow Elves many years before, as they were titled as the most attractive of all the Elven tribes.”
But Jackson on the other hand was more focused on the fact that underneath his robe seems to be a black uniform of sorts, with a crest that holds a striking image of a Shield that’s divided into four parts“Y-yeah… I can see that…” He then looks at the young man. “Wow, are you sure you’ve ever gone outside? Like, I’ve seen skin like that before but never on Humans… so far that is.”
The young man's face smiles abruptly, the man in the suit continued to rub his chin. Inspecting the man’s lanky fingers. Though his shoulders were broad, the robe that covered his entire body made it hard to get a final read on the Noble. Prompting him to sigh and stand straight up.
“I’ve gone outside many times. I am out here right now, am I not?”
“Which is surprising… Are you doing this to experience what it's like for the majority or to seek discomfort from your pampered life?”
“Hm? No. We are required by Tradition to do menial work like cleaning the city and helping maintain it. This is part of my morning schedule. After this, I am to attend the University and go to my fourth and fifth class, which is etiquette and then sewing.”
“Geez, what a schedule.” Though his left eyebrow lifts up upon hearing this as his fingers stop rubbing his chin.
Alana then walks up behind Jackson. Her sudden appearance made the man jump a bit as she rested her elbow on his shoulder.
“M’Lord, we’re all prepped and ready.”
“Oh wow, a Vampire up close and personal.” Jackson just opened and closed his eyes multiple times as he turned to Alana and she herself caught off guard by this. But seeing the glistening face of the young man. Alana immediately changed her posture and bowed responsively.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Countess Alana Minuit of the Vampire Kingdom.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Countess. I am Honorable Bannir Vitavill of the Kingdom of Gareth. I am surprised you have taken on the form of a Human. May I ask what is your query with Janishaire? Yet more of your current stature with Men? I do not believe anyone from your family has ever bestowed this city with a formal visit.” The Knight just turns to the Countess who was baffled by the young man's vigor and sharp change in tone. “Well… that was pretty quick… Uhhhh.. Alana, your reply?”
“Ah… I do thank you for the questions, Sir Vitavill. But I am not here for business nor any sorts of political objectives. I am merely with my Man. Lord.”
“Lord? Excuse me sir, may I ask for your name?”
“It’s Jackson. Paul Jackson.”
“Ahem. Hon Vitavill is asking with titles.”
“Oh, well… I am not truly super sure… but… it’s Dragon Vampire Royal Knight…?”
The young beautiful man’s face immediately lit up upon hearing it.
“I-is this true Countess?!”
“Mhm. I was there when a certain Regent gave him the Lordship and title. He had done greatly to contribute to the Kingdom of Rose even though he is Human. I am sure even the King recognizes his help to us.”
Jackson then immediately puts his right arm over Alana’s shoulders and turns around, their backs facing the young Noble. “Alana… don’t oversell it. Elizabeth isn’t even the Queen anymore and I am pretty sure the King was just happy he siphon Tech off of us.” Alana on the other hand shrugged her head as she smiled. “Oh M’Lord, she’s not just some Queen. She’s a Primordial. An Archaois, if anyone has authority higher than the King, it would be a Vampire of her caliber… And the King wasn’t bluffing when he said he was impressed by you, M’Lord.”
He just sighs and opens his palm as he slouches forward. “But don’t overdo it. That kid seems to be looking for something. He is stupidly sharp.” He then turns back to the robed noble and then back to her. “So it's true? The Nobles of Gareth are stupidly strong or some insane thing like that?”
“M’Lord, that is no kid. Remember, it's our world.”
“W-Well… I am not one to break a young man's heart. But you saw how his eyes sparkled. Don’t overdo it.”
“Pfft. I shall try my best, M’Lord. But I must make sure I select my words truthfully. The Vitavill Family has many connections and it spans far and wide. Lying would be a detriment than anything else.”
Finishing her sentence, the two then nodded to each other and returned to face Bannir. Jackson scratched the back of his head as he tried his best to smile.
“B-but don’t overthink it. It’s just titles.” The young man on the other hand walks up to him all giddy and animated. “Amazing! Then, you must be a legendary Swordsman!”
“Ehhhhh…” Jackson lifts his right hand and shakes it. “Fifty-fifty. I was trained by myself and then by Bahamut for the Greatsword, and then Alana here for the Rapier and Longsword. Please don’t tell anyone she’s here for the fact that there’s Vampires inside the city. Please.”
“May I humbly ask, then. As a mere Honorable. Before this, I just finished my training with the Sergeant at the local garrison. My father is yet to assign me a Knight. Bearing your name and skills, may you be able to train me? I shall be sure to keep my mouth tightly closed about the appearance of not a mere olden Vampire, but one that hails from their Nobility.”
“Errrrr…. I dunno…” Scratching the back of his head, he turns to Alana. “This kid is far too sharp for his own good.” Elizabeth, who was holding Seiness’ hand walks up to him as they both had finished all the tasks on the Dragon. “My Lord, what seems to be the problem here? We are wasting daytime on mere trifling matters.” The young man was immediately stricken by the blonde woman. Making him bow profusely.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“Ahahahaha, please, lift your head, boy. I am but a mere expensive vagrant by most standards.” Her eyes then squinted and then returned back to her usual open and lazed form. “I can see thou’weth had already smelt thee. One veracious magic detection thy one possesses. Incredible.” He on the other hand couldn’t believe his eyes. Bannir was on the verge of drooling as he laid his eyes upon such a beauty. “W-wow. May I ask if you have any relations with Lord Jackson?” The Queen just laughed and giggled as she put her left hand on her hips. “Of course. I am his servant, he is my Lord.”
“This is a spectacular time. I never knew I’d meet a fellow Human who had not only bested a Dragon, but also Vampires. Lord Jackson, your techniques with the sword must be amazing.”
“Errrr… ehhh… I am more of a gun and sword guy… I’m really not that great.” Elizabeth then proceeds to squish his cheeks. Making him unable to talk properly as he just left off murmuring. “Don’t believe this humbling idiot. I’ve seen him swing a sword many times. His skills are bar to none. If a Human could learn the way of the Vampire Sword Technique, mind you, he was taught the High Gothic Style given to Nobles of the Bartley and Minuits. He is not some lucky swordsman as he makes himself out to be.”
“Even here, you give yourself such a self-effacing status, Lord Jackson. You truly are an icon for all Nobles. The Kingdom of Gareth welcomes such an esteemed warrior as yourself… Ah, I may say, only Sir James of the Kingdom of James could live up to you, I must say so.”
With a beet red blush on his face, the man smiles and scratches the back of his head faster. Giggling mildly as the large head of Bahamut lifts up and turns to them. The bottom of her chin a meter away from the Knights back.
“Oy. Don’t overdo it. Master’s ego might become larger than the planet. And what do you mean by James? Is it that golden Prince of theirs?” Jackson immediately turns around to meet her head. “What?! Heck no! Bahamut, may I remind you that I keep my ego in check most of the time.” All the while, the young man was amazed by her. Unable to talk as he grasped for something to say. “Till someone showers you with praise and affection. Master, you really need to work on your face.”
“Wow…” they all then stared at the Noble. He then shrugs and looks up to Bahamut. “U-uhm… yes, I do mean Prince James. He was here last cycle.” she then nods. “Ah, and what did that moron do here?” He looks around and then points at the Cathedral. “He helped repair the Sword Cross on top of it and then…” he then pointed to Downtown. “I believe he quelled a drawing problem between the Non Human population and put a Dwarf as a Mediator between them.” Jackson then remembers meeting a Dwarf with a big red burly beard and hair, feeding food to everyone and anyone whilst providing heat.
“That son of a gun… huh. Impressive.” Jackson then seemingly went to the skies as he got lost in thought. Bannir on the other hand couldn’t help but reach out his palm to the Dragon. “Hm? What is it? If you want to touch my armor. Then do so. I find no offense in it. Just be sure to have clean hands.” Hearing this snapped him out of his thinking and walked next to the young Noble. “Psst. Don’t shower her with praise. That Dragon will start boasting on how its never been penetrated or broken.” He told this even though the huge head of Bahamut was looking above them. “MASTER! I can hear you!” He just smiled and giggled evilly. “Oops.”
“My Lord, Bahamut also has an ego problem. Doesn’t she?”
“What do you expect from a Dragon that’s only been defeated a few times. She’d always go on and on about how strong and invincible she is.”
Bannir took the offer and walked up to Bahamut’s tucked hind legs. His pale hand reached out and then started to caress the Dragons scales.
“Impressive, Lord Jackson. Taming a Dragon for a Knight would mostly give them an instant promotion to Baron or Count.”
“I guess that’s the driving factor for Knights here to go and fight these amazing creatures?”
“Yes. I myself one day hope to be able to tame or defeat one. Are you sure you do not want to train me? I can assure you of my skill.”
He then opens his robe, removing a black cape that goes over his shoulders, revealing the blue and brass vest with black sacks underneath it. His scabbard has marble and chrome on it. Etched to the design of the Star and the vast mountains. The longsword the man wielded was edged out, with his thumb pushing it outward to reveal its beautifully done polish.
“It's not that. I just don’t think my quality of teaching can best actual- well, Knights from this place. My style is way different, and it's been turned into something far different from what it was originally one year ago.”
“It won’t be a problem. I’ll do my best to study and perform to your standards.”
Without even making a sound, Jackson’s Vampire Rapier was in his hand, his arm thrusted forward to the Nobles’ head. “Impressive.” Bannirs’ reflexes were quick, dodging his blade without even losing style. The young man's purple eyes kept locked at him as he changed the position of the blade, with the sharpest part next to his neck.
Jackson then retreats his sword and returns it to its scabbard. Looking at the cape he had, now having a better view of its logo. The striking image of a Shield that’s divided into four parts. A Book, a Quill, a Sword, and a Coin Pouch “Hmmmm… I’ll think about it.” He then turns to the two Vampires. Also reading what he was seeing. “R-really?!”
Elizabeth then slowly nods alongside Alana and he returns the gesture to them and faces the man. “Well… that university. Does it have any connection to the Holy See?”
“It does, Lord Jackson. The Magic Courses I take are given by their Mages and the Sewing class is from a Nun of the Church. History, Mathematics are given by… more special professors if you will.”
“I’ll think about it. Tell me, since you're a noble and all. Are there any rumors of Elves that would be against the Holy See and its newest decree?”
“Oh my, Lord Jackson. I could name so many. The one I believe the most is this.” He then looks around first and walks up to his hear. “Though Elves are restricted to only the title of Baron, when together. They are a fearsome force. Many of their workforce came from Beast folk. If the Pope was to recognize them as devotees, they would have to pay them proper wages as the Church does not employ Servants. Only free people.” He then looks at the two Vampires, nodding once again.
“Interesting. This is a good insight. So, you think the Noble Elves would be against this as they would have to pay extra money?” The young Noble nods. “Hmmmm… I see… and the University huh. What’s its name?”
“Saint Berthal University, it's in the Voreios’ Eastern part. Near the wall.”
“Alright. I’ll give you an answer when I return. I have a quest to do as you can see so I’ll catch you later, Sir Bannir.”
“Of course, Lord Jackson!”
The man bowed his head as Jackson walked away. Climbing the rope ladder up to the back of Bahamut. As everyone gets on the Dragon, he walks to the top of her head and looks around. “Do it.” She then lets out a gentle roar, only enough to make people pay attention as she lifts her wings from its droop position.
Slowly Flapping her wings, the people made space alongside the Grunts breaking up the barrier to let the Dragon take flight. Everyone just had a sparkle of joy in their eyes as they watched the large beast take off. Hovering in place till it reached a high enough altitude where the mighty Dragon spread its wing straight. Falling a few meters, it started to flap more and more and gained speed and momentum. Bannir’s mouth was left open the entire time, even when the Dragon had disappeared through the thick clouds as a weak snowstorm got broken fully by her turbulence.
Bishop Regelus just prayed as he turned to see Vitavill with his robe’s hood down. He immediately went to the man and the two chatted as Jackson lost his sight of the city fully.
Up above, Dead Hand Party could see the former locations of the three other cannons. Now left as just large fortified holes that extend from the city walls.
Jackson stood high and proud. Watching as Bahamut’s head trails the path she intends on going to and the flapping of the massive wings of the Dragon. He had a big wide smile on his face as Seiness was flip flopping around in the back, just as excited as the man.
“Ahhhhh… we’re so back...” Resting himself in the area above her eyes, the Knight rests his back on her as Alana comes out from the main body and leans down. Her head completely above that of Jackson who was already resting peacefully. “M’Lord, look at you being in a good mood after being called a Legendary Swordsman.”
“Hah. I don’t intend on taking that title seriously.” The man with a smile on his face puts a rag over his eyes as he crosses his legs. Elizabeth then comes crashing in from the other side. Pushing away Alana’s head with her own. “Oh, but, My Lord. They're sure to write stories about you and all of us in the future.”
“I wouldn’t mind that. But I do say, this is the pinnacle of our adventure so far for me. Riding on top of Bahamut with the team complete is the best feeling I’ve had so far.”
“Hm. My Lord, what shall we have for supper?”
“Alana?”
“What about braised pork?”
“Sounds good to me. Seiness!”
“Y-Yes, Sir Jackson!” The Priestess, unable to cross the moving neck of Bahamut, just holds close to her spine, looking at the trio standing on top of the head of the Dragon in flight. “Braised pork? How does that sound?”
“Hm!”
“The girl says yes. We shall go with it then.”
Flying for an hour, the foreign Sun was lowering itself on the horizon. With Jackson sitting just before the neck of Bahamut. Watching her fly by at a steady and slow pace. Making sure not to rattle her body.
Below them is a vast snow forest of glistening branches of white. Like an endless sea of trees that’s touched by the hint of the cold clouds from below the mountain range there on top of. Even from above, the Knight could see glimpses of beasts and wildlife lingering about it and far away, a faint silhouette of the city that was fast disappearing.
The last thing he was able to see was the gun platforms that used to house the cannons of the Elven Empire from long long ago. Already, Jackson had collected multiple blankets and had strewn it above him. His entire body was covered in cloth as he smiled with the warmth he was receiving. Bahamut helped him in maintaining the heat of his body and even Seiness who was shivering from the parted clouds they’d pass by.
“Sir Jackson!” Hearing her voice, the Knight awakens from his slumber and looks to his back. “Hm? Yes Seiness?” She waves her hand at him, taking his attention. “Lady Minuit told me that food is ready!”
With a smile, he takes his blankets and walks back to the Dragon's main body. There, he got close enough to start to smell it. “Oh nice.”
Before long, he sat with the two Vampires and the Wolf girl. Eating up.
“Man, that’s super nice!”
“Thank you, M’Lord. Your compliments always amuse me.”
“Hm!” With such hot food, the man didn’t even take time to chew. Soon after, Bahamut’s head looks up and turns it to them as she keeps flying forward. “What about me? Master! I wanna eat too!” He then lifts up the braised pork and the Dragon’s huge gaping mouth opens and he lets Elizabeth’s magic to propel it forward. Landing directly into her tongue. “Hmmmm! Master, we should also try eating some of the creatures we encounter in the Fortress! We might get rare tasting meat there!”
He immediately crosses his arms. “Bahamut. No. I already said, no eating of corpses. Anything from those places can be dangerous.” she just closes her mouth and turns back forward. Focusing on flying. “Haaaah… Dragons and their ability to eat anything from Rock to Humans and even other Dragons are amazing.”
Soon, the foreign star started setting and a fiery horizon was sparked. In contrast to the vast snow below them. Though some areas in the lower places had not a trace of white left and the greenery of the forest has already returned. Jackson who was sitting next to Alana looks at the end of the day.
“You know… I never thought about this. But what do you call your Sun?”
“It's usually just called Star, M’Lord. Since there’s so many names for it.”
“Really? My translation skill really messes up the versions. But for the Vampires for example, what do you call the Sun?”
“We call it Ordo, M’Lord.”
“And the Moon?”
“That would be Imminuo. M’Lord. But no one would really know those unless you are a Vampire and have a knowledge of history.”
“Huh. If I use my brain to really focus on getting the word to not be translated, I could actually hear your natural accent. It's really… Italian? French-ish? Sounding.” Seiness, who was picking up the plates and stacking them, tilts her head. “Eh? Lord Jackson, you don’t actually speak our languages?”
“Mhm. I have this Translation Skill which is used for automatic translation for foreign players and in deciphering ancient texts. It's required to have it when you reach Level Twenty or Thirty since that’s when you start encountering the need to use older text to get more power. In Dark World, the older a being is, the stronger they are.”
“Then, you do not know how I actually sound, Lord Jackson?”
“I know it. But it's very… modified? I heard a bit of Alana’s accent there and she was really rolling hard on some of the parts of the words there.”
“My Lord, if you wish to know. Seiness actually speaks Mazawuke pretty fluently. As if she’s lived her entire life on the continent.”
“Ah, that’s good to know. Translation skill has always been iffy. Good to know. Then, Seiness, do you speak your old language then?”
“Zargord, Sir Jackson? I do speak it. And the Desert Werewolf Tribes language of Zanaxita.”
“Then, in your language, what do you call the Sun and the Moon?”
“The Sun is named Negim, known to us as the lesser God of Light, he is married to Amar, the Moon. They both share the same house, which you call as Space. In the day, Amar sleeps to let her husband Negim kiss the soil and the flowers. With that, we get the day and night cycle!” She said it with such vigor and innocence that he couldn’t help but smile at her. “Ohhhhh… is that how your folklore goes for how the Sun goes up?”
“Yes, Sir Jackson. For the Night time. If I remember the story correctly, it was that Negim has spent all his energy bringing life to the leaves and the trees and needs to rest. Being replaced by Amar and her calming and soothing love and care. Letting everything sleep to be ready with Negim once again. What about in your world of Earth, Sir Jackson?”
“Well… I sadly have forgotten the ancestral tribal stories of how the Sun and Moon came to be. All I know is the scientific reason as to why.”
“You’ve actually answered it with Science, Lord Jackson? So far, there’s only been theories about how the Sun and the Moon switch places in our Tribes.”
“Mhm. I actually could give you a more modified version meant for Threa. We had launched satellites before here and we found out your planet is like twice and more the size of planet Earth.”
The two Vampires also edged closer. Watching Seiness closely as she listened with so much kindness in her eyes.
“When we launched the satellites. We found out that Threa is two point five larger than Earth. It also rotates at the same pace but it revolves around your Sun at a slower speed, making it have an extra few days. The reason is pretty easy really. I already gave out some of it. In total, the circumference of your planet is almost a hundred thousand kilometers.”
Seiness then lowers her plate and also comes closer.
“Threa goes around the Sun. The Moon goes around Threa. That’s all there is to it. Gravity plays and the Moon has an added attraction to that small thing that orbits around it, we still do not know why but some say because its Core is actually pretty large.”
“Eh? Then what about Doryfo? Lord Jackson?”
“Doryfo?”
“The smaller Moon that goes around the bigger Moon, Lord Jackson.”
“Ah, that’s a Satellite. A cute little Dwarf planet that’s drawn more to Imminuo than to Threa as the magnetic forces seem to be at a perfect balance. Though it seems to get close to the surface of the Moon when its in between it and Threa.”
“Woah! I always thought it was the Star and Dark Star that was going around us!”
“Ehehehehe. Though don’t forget your stories alright… I just kinda felt wrong when I had forgotten the stories my elders told me about how Morning and Night comes.” Jackson then finishes his meal. Resting his hands on his back as he looks at the perfect night sky and the countless stars. “It's good to keep the magic of things there. Even if it means to lie to yourself, since most of the time. The real answer is boring.”
“My Lord, are you about to cry?”
“No. Just… haaaah… when I get back to Earth. I’ll be sure to go to my elders and relearn the folklore of my nation. Growing up in the age of the internet made the beauty and mystery of life disappear. It left so many of us without a place to be, in a world without magic and color. There’s an answer to everything, the Doctors and Scientists have figured it all out.”
“That doesn’t seem to be bad, My Lord. I hope for the Vampire Kingdom to reach that level of awareness one day.”
“Yeah… but I felt like we traded all that with the wonder of the planet. Maybe that’s just me, who grew up in the cities and when war came knocking, I accepted it looking for a reason. In the end, I just became jaded. I sometimes wonder how I didn’t end up like Benedict.”
“My Lord, I think it's better for you to maybe take a vacation when you return to Earth. It seems that you’ve forgotten what it is to live by nature and its life. I’ve seen brochures in those apartments of resorts and such. Have you ever been on vacation?”
“Yeah, maybe you're right. When I was with nature, it was usually to hide from guided bombs and drones. So much so I might’ve actually hated nature a bit since it reminded me of what I went through. It was only in Dark World where it didn’t affect me.” He then stands up and stretches his body. “My vacation is work. I… I kinda don’t have much going on aside from my company.”
Bahamut then starts to slow down even more. The lights of a large town surrounded by the snow forest stood out like a sore thumb. This prompted the Black Dragon to then hover as a bunch of clouds hid her huge stature. Slowly landing on a patch of opening. She only had to crush a handful of trees to make enough space for her large body.
Everyone then got up and unloaded the crates and equipment. With Jackson, taking the saddle off of Bahamut’s neck and patting her scale. “Good work for today. Let’s go into town and buy you some meat.” she just groans lowly, the air going out of her nose immediately turning the cold atmosphere into steam.
“We’ll leave it all here. Everyone, be reminded that we’re only in town to sleep.”
Walking to the main road, he turns to the left first and sees the dark night was foreboding. The only thing lighting up the path that’s petted by a thick slab of snow was the light from the town. Alana, who was looking the same way as he is whilst the last three members were already talking to her, raises her hand and points at the darkness. “M’Lord, do you not see what I am seeing?” Jackson unsheathes his scabbard. “Bahamut!” The Dragon flicks her finger and the glass rapier lights up a blood red color.
“It’s a person!” the trio who was already looking the other way turns to the figure in the darkness. She was a woman with brown hair, wearing light plate armor with a gambeson underneath. She’s bruised and bleeding heavily from the area around her hairline. The woman’s entire ensemble scratched and damaged beyond belief as she trudged along the cold snow.
Jackson quickly started running to her and approached the woman who gave him a warming smile. “Holy Christ! You need help!” she just gives him a slow wave as Alana starts using Healing magic on her. The Priestess immediately unwrapped the cloth around her staff and started praying. Her already deathly pale skin that’s scratched and bloodied was slowly closing as she bows.
“Thank you.” She then gives everyone a big warm smile once again even though her current state is not the greatest “I had to rest in a ditch for a few days as the Nosaps and the Wolves were out hunting for me.” Jackson then turns to Alana. “There’s Nosaps here too.” She just nods. “M’Lord, this place is littered with former battlegrounds. Many died and suffered her, of course there’d be ones here too.” He just shrugs as he collects her heavy rucksack that has numerous bite and scratch marks.
In some of the pockets, remained sharp prickly branches that could easily maim or kill you with one well placed shot. “Jesus lady, you’ve been through hell, huh?” she just nods as Bahamut starts pulling off the small splinters of wood from the crevices of her plate armor.
Jackson just looks at the forest and then back to the city. “Haaaah… I can’t believe this place is this dangerous even with the number of people living in it.” Bahamut who had done her job stood next to him, the Dragon breaking apart the small splinters into even tinier ones. “I didn’t really detect anything scary or dangerous though Master.” he just massages his chin and looks around.
“I do understand why this place still has so many Mages still.”
“Lord Jackson, aren’t there many Mages in Tur?”
“No.” Bahamut then turned around as Jackson watched the perimeter. “In Tur, the world has already passed its many calamities. It's really just maintaining the current stability it's in. Master was Chosen and his many friends and other Chosen Ones are to keep that stability. Though used to be, there’d be five Mages in every town I’d fly through.” She then starts walking to the direction of the town. “And that was just on the frontline. Meant to alert the Kingdom of a Dragon attack through a network.”