“Thank you Mister Zergel. This information will help us a lot in locating the Leyland Stone. To imagine the Dark Elves once had a great civilization here.”
“Hmph. You could say the High Elves, with all their flying and sinking cities, airships and mechanical machinations were once like the Dark Elves. Only that, the High Elves learn from their mistake and destroy or shut down any inventions that’s been deemed far too dangerous. The Dark Elves on the other hand…”
“Are like humans…”
“Heh, good that you see that I see Professor.”
“Of course, talking to you these past days has been more helpful than the books and records. To imagine the lost rich history and culture of this place. I’m saddened that I will have to call it quits in just a few months from now.”
“I wonder, how you Outworlders will be remembered in Threa, for all it was, you were only here for a year and two months.”
“Haaaah… I do wonder my little pig friend. I do wonder...”
“So, since you're leaving for the expedition, you might as well do as you promised.”
“I’m not gonna delve too deep into this… World War Three occurred in a flash really, I can only tell you the perception of a Professor living in Catania, I was a history teacher in one of the oldest Universities in the world. Earth.”
“Earth, an interesting name you have for your planet.”
“Funnily enough, Threa is Earth spelt backwards. Hmph, I do wonder if it's this way because a player came here and named this place that way… It is a fact that the first Heroes and Saints were from Dark World, players that we might have known who got-”
“Teleported early, but I have no care for that Professor. I want to know, what’re the Outworlders and why are you all so hungry for war.”
The Professor, though using a young and up avatar, sat on the chair like an aging old man. He looks at the glass behind him for a few seconds and resets his posture.
“It all began when the United Asian Alliance threatened the entirety of the West, NATO and EU itself for harboring agents within their respective countries. It didn’t help that many CIA agents were captured living as normal citizens in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.”
“Espionage?”
“It was a common thing between powerful countries, but the population crash of twenty thirty turned most of the West into a ghost town, our economy useless as demand rose… but no one filled the factories. But the Eastern world, third and second world countries continued to have a positive birth rate and soon, we became the third world and they became First worlds.”
“What do you mean by these factories?”
“Oh, I lived in a consumer based world, Zergel. Maybe its concept is far too insane and crazy for you to understand but let’s just say almost everything is manufactured and assembled somewhere. Soon, these Third World nations that have been used and bullied rose and started to form a counter to NATO, the United Asian Alliance. Colloquially known as the Eastern Forces in Europe.”
“Why were these Third world countries so angry?”
“Colonization? Poverty? Many reasons have circulated online… I followed the war till it reached my own door. So many couldn’t believe it, though it was already obvious Southeast Asia was up to no good when it started buying Russian and American military equipment en masse, no one truly cared. We had far too many problems to intervene.”
The Professor takes the mug on the table and drinks for a few seconds as he catches his breath.
“The first shots were fired… Asia. United States Military bases in Guam, the Philippines, Thailand and Diego Garcia were lit up to a million pieces as Cruise Missiles turned all of them into rubble. Soon, Chinese and Indian Naval ships leveled entire Air Bases and Ports in Japan and South Korea…”
“Woah, woah, woah, calm down Professor. Are you telling me this was truly a worldwide war?”
The Professor’s eyes didn’t even flinch, but just stared at the table blankly as words spilled from his mouth.
“And… and then this massive invasion force. The United Asian Alliance, the Middle East Coalition and the South American Federation launched a combined attack into the United States, Spain, Italy and Turkey. That General…”
“General Jackson?”
“His real rank was Colonel. I read his files, to think that slanted eyed little Asian man has an avatar of a strong Nordic Caucasian man… hmph. What a joke, but his force was the one that struck through the defense in Syria. Though I didn’t believe in God, I started to pray when I heard his Joint Mechanized Battalion stormed Antalya…”
“Why? What was in that place?”
“What was in it? Oh just Long range anti ship missiles and radars. With it destroyed, the Indian and Chinese Navy steamed through Port Said and into the Mediterranean sea. I could still remember the news anchor looking so defeated as the MEC and UAA forces was seen in Athens.”
“And soon, your homeland?”
“Yes, it didn’t help that I lived in Catania. It was early in the morning when Cruise missiles struck the city. Destroying NATO radars and Italian military positions. A massive air to air battle then occurred ontop of the city, Russian made jets flown by Asians and European with American jets fell like mosquitoes, landing in hospitals and parking lots.”
“By the Gods…”
“I just stood there as I saw the war enter my life. I just wished it was nuclear war, soon after that initial bombardment, the entire city was leveled by them. And then, the Hispanic people came. The South American Federation and its extremely well armed and well trained troops fought alongside them… the Asians and Middle Easterners.”
“I have to stop you right there Professor. Just what did the Europeans do that meant such a massive and violent response? Hearing your words meant it wasn’t a small part of your world that was so angry.”
“I don’t know… what did we do that meant such a war. But Japan and South Korea fought back in Asia, with what remained of the Australians. They invaded the Philippines with the remaining American Marines, but they underestimated the Filipinos and their neighbors that came tenfold more angrier. Tokyo was actually wiped out, leveled with Seoul. China didn’t hold back one missile.”
“Was this the nukes you say?”
“No, just high yield rockets. No nukes were ever fired in the Third World War… though I wished it did. Five years later, the world still hasn’t recovered. Though I guess, my world hasn’t recovered.”
A buzz then shocks the Professor as the door unlocks. A high ranking officer then came in. Not giving an eye to the soldiers guarding the place.
“Professor Ricci, your aircraft has arrived. You’ll be with the Vietnamese and Malaysian Guilds as they know the forest far more than us.”
“Of course.”
“It’s been five years. Catania has more than recovered from the war, please come with us. I’ll have you greet and talk to the commanders.”
“No need, why should I talk to those monsters who are willing to level cities.”
“We weren’t that innocent professor, you should know it yourself, who majored in history.”
Silently, the Professor picked up the mug and the documents spread about the table. With a slouched back, he haphazardly walked to the hallway and to the cold outside.
“Mister Hornheim, your aircraft is also coming later. Please prepare to move your items.”
Alana arrives at the balcony of her Manor with an old man in a chair.
“How’s the sight M’Lord?”
“Still looks as dazzling as ever but now, with a bit of flowery flair to it.”
Looking out, a massive field full of flowers in full bloom takes away her entire field of view. Paradise was all she could think of as the old man next to her sips coffee.
“What’s Bahamut and the Queen up to now?”
“You shouldn’t trouble yourself with that M’Lord. You’ve already grown too old.”
“Eh? As if I’m just gonna stand here. My hair might be white and my body frail as a fucking stick but I’ll continue taking care of you all. Now, help me up.”
Helping up the aged Knight General, Alana is taken away by his wrinkled smile. A once handsome and good looking man, now an aged and dying warrior who is on the last of his footing in the mortal realm.
“Countess!”
Waking up from her sleep, she’s shocked to see the Queen carrying a pile of paperwork. The stack was so high it covered her torso and chin.
“This came from a Courier. He told the guard on the base that this is meant for you.”
“Gods, I’ve forgotten about that.”
Elizabeth then drops the pile of paper on the table inside the makeshift barracks.
“What dream were you having? I’ve never seen someone sleep with such mobility.”
“Oh, it’s a weird one, your Majesty. I was just minding my own business when suddenly, our Lord turned old and wrinkled. I didn’t know what to do, it only felt like a few moments had passed for me but he was already having a hard time walking and unable to stand straight up.”
“Seems that you do not know how to deal with mortal life. I can understand, your entire life, you’ve been a Vampire and never had to worry yourself with something as trivial as a lifespan. Though I’ve forgotten what it's like to know I’d die someday, as the Goddess Forrus dictated it to humans, Elves, Dwarves and even the Beastmen. I still fondly remember the memories I made.”
As elegant as ever, the Queen then turns around.
“Mortality… I always have to remind myself everytime I wake up that I do not have the pleasure of time in my hand. As our Lord is a mortal man, we must make the best of this fleeting moment with him.”
“Your Majesty, you treat Mortality as if it's a disease.”
“Then what is it then? To us, it doesn’t matter. We’ll never die as long as we never fall to our own folly. But humans, they’ve long been avoiding it. I found it harrowing how even in another world, in another land far from ours, they still try to prolong their short lived lives. Our Lord has said it himself, even with all their technology and mastering of the ways of life, they could never fully live forever. Unlike us, they treat the time they have as a virus, one that’s eating them from beneath.”
“Already, it's only been a year and we’re already faced with his mortality. Isn’t it amazing your Majesty? How could these feeble creatures do so much? I only got used to this very fast paced life thanks to him. I never knew this is what it felt like to be a human, it's fun, it's beautiful, they live their life as if they could go at any moment. If it weren’t from him, I would’ve been living for ten more decades doing nothing but paperwork.”
“I know. But be not afraid, it's humans we’re talking about. These resilient and strong creatures and I for one have absolute faith in our Lord and that he’ll make it through this. For now, as he slept, we must protect his honor and his name. For that is our job as his servants. I was once human too Alana, being with him reminded me of many things. Many things I did not know I’d remember from being alive for so, so long.”
“And to think that he’d comment that it's been a slow day even though we killed thirty or so Goblins in a forest. Humans are truly living a fast-forwarded life.”
“Or could it be that we Vampires are living a slow life? Perspectives Countess, to humans and to Vampires, things could mean entirely different. I still have to remind myself when I tell our Lord to wait, it wasn’t meant to be days or years. But a handful of hours. Fufufufu…”
Queen left the Barracks and into the snowy airbase. Inside the Medical Tent, Bahamut is using some heating magic to warm a sleeping Paul while the Queen with arms crossed converses with the Doctor who is busy writing down things on his desk.
“Yes, Queen Elizabeth. You may take him home if you wish, just make sure you feed, bathe and monitor him. But as I said, we’ll need to supply you with IV drips every day or two as his blood still needs to be fully replaced. Though his Bone Marrows are doing the job, a little boost from the outside will accelerate his recovery.”
“Then, May I ask when he’ll awaken?”
“Just a ballpark, the next five or six days. Depends still. If you three do a good job taking care of him, he might wake up in two.” He looks up to her and turns his head to Bahamut. “Though I don’t recommend it, as you Ladies seem to not be used to a normal person's body.”
“Regardless, we’ve been with that man for a year now. We’re more than used to the fragility of his mortal flesh.”
“As I said, it's no joke if you want to take care of him. Back in our world, a family would delegate someone to do this task. Making that person leave their job if needed just to take care of their loved one who is in Hospital while others leave it to a Nurse. Does the Vampire Kingdom have Nurses? Or Maids that’re educated enough to take care of a man that needs a daily intake of blood and food?”
The Queen felt mocked but at the same time, she knew the Doctor was telling the truth. Her usual menacingly beautiful aura had a mixture of a tired wife. Unable to cope with living without her husband.
“Then I’ll personally do it with Bahamut and Alana, teach us so that we may bring him to a more comfortable place than this… unsightly Medical Tent”
“And another thing your Majesty.”
“Just refer to me as Elizabeth or Beth.”
“Okay. Miss Beth, seeing how you were asleep for hundreds of years, does your house even still stand?”
“AHAHAHAHAHAH! Oh human! You make me laugh!” holding her tummy, she makes a deep breath. Looking down on the mortal man in a hospital gown. “Of course I do, I have a Castle built for me by my husband, King Charles the Great. No storm nor calamity can take down such a structure, and if needed, I also have a personal Manor near the outskirts of the Town of Briga.”
“Uh huh, if you can. Check it out. If you want to take him in, the first thing you need is a warm place. I know this tent isn’t much but we have Medical Equipment here capable of monitoring every vital sign he has and the Dragon God is here to keep his body temperature stable. Another thing, it must be accessible. If an emergency ever arrives, it must have a large enough space for a vehicle or a helicopter, and most of all. Well stocked with food, I recommend Meat. As he needs a lot of Protein, and lots of it.”
The Queen swiftly turns the stool to Bahamut who was busy using magic to keep the Knight General warm.
“Bahamut, may I pardon you. I’d like to announce that I shall be leaving with the Countess.”
“Hm, just be careful. As much as I hate having rivals, Master wouldn’t be happy if anything happens to you. Knowing him, he has the tendency to act foolishly and forget how to think when it comes to women, most of all those with looks.”
“Then, Farewells for now. Do take care of him.”
Elizabeth elegantly stood up, and nonchalantly waved at the two as she exited the Tent. The Doctor made a deep sigh. “Man, what a Diva. Though, expected of a Vampire woman. Now, to write all this down.” He continues writing down his medical report to be sent to the Capital of Woodstock
“Though she may be a bit of a nuisance like Elizabeth, they do care about him very dearly, this is a very strange phenomenon like the other Diplomats sent by the Higher Ups. Humans and Vampires… this is either a testament to humanity’s ability to love whatever it finds beautiful, or our destructive tendency to embrace things we do not fully grasp. One thing is for sure, General Paul’s relationship with Alana, Bahamut, and Elizabeth is beyond that of human concepts of love and respect. You could say that we have not yet had a word to describe this amazing relationship. I’d like to advise the other Generals to not pursue any actions that might be seen as hostile. Bahamut alone can be a walking WMD.”
* Doctor Angelo Raymound “Tapperware53”
Back inside the white barracks near the Medical tents, the Countess Alana was busy with paperwork that was delivered to her by a family courier. The door opens and she’s met with Bahamut.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“Strange.”
“Hm?”
“Had not the blondie come here to drag you in some sort of an adventure?”
“You mean her majesty? No, she hasn’t come by ever since going to our Lord.”
“Eh.”
Ignoring it, Bahamut goes through the Cabinets once again
“Bahamut, have you found a Can of Spaghetti sauce yet? I’ve been very curious about how they cook that circular metalloid contraption.”
“Nnnnnnn… no. I have not found a can.”
“Why not use your powers to locate one? Or just materialize it using your magic?”
“As Master says, Where’s the fun in that? And I do not want to get comfortable with this power I wield.”
“Now that you say it, where do you get your power from? Aren’t Gods supposed to have worshipers to gain power with the influence of the belief over them?”
“Heh Bloodsucker, I have managed to circumvent that!” the tall woman in the darkest and gloomiest gothic funeral gown Alana has ever seen in her life turns around, proudly putting her hands on her hips with a victorious smile under her veil. “As you know, I’ve slumbered long in the lands between Heaven and Hell, devoid of God's eyes. I’d occasionally see a Heroic or Legendary soul of a warrior passing through, lost in their travel.”
“Huh, so you were also a Death Guide of sorts?”
“Death Guide? I thought it would be more of a Grim Reaper.”
“A Death Guide is an agent of the Goddess Mors Letum, to bring those who’re unable to rest to their final spot.”
“We don’t have that concept but instead, a Reaper of souls. Now, It was just accidental. But I’d often tell them to believe in me as I guided them to the afterworld. Little did I know that even in Heaven, the Souls still kept on believing in me. Hence my ability to come back even after death. The Trov- Humans call it True Immortality.”
“You truly are a God. Such a devious yet legal way to hold power for all of eternity. I don’t think there’s ever been a Vampire that has achieved such a feat like True Immortality. As that’d mean to literally become a God.”
“Huhuhu… yes. That is the great mind of Bahamut! Now Bloodsucker! Help me find Pasta!”
“Why’re you so keen on getting one?”
“Hm? Well, if my Master dies. I’d at least want to taste such a delicacy like the Blueberries we found back then before I return to the Void.”
“Eh? Return to the Void?”
“Yes, Master is my anchor in this world. Without an anchor, I have no way to remain a God in a mortal realm. Though my normal Dragon form is still quite dangerous, it doesn’t hold a flame to my God form.”
“Then, what must be done? Oh! A Shrine, the twelve remaining Gods of this world kept their power thanks to Shrines!”
“Heh, as if. Mere concrete isn’t enough to chain my power here. Specific materials must be used. Many mortals even used the area outside my Shrine on Devil Peaks as an Arena of sorts, a testament to its durability. As you know… how destructive these humans are.”
“I can only imagine. The humans from your world seem to be far more dangerous than the ones here, and their volatility and short temper only make things worse.”
“Master lives in a more harsher world than this. Now, that pasta!”
The Dragon God giggles, continuing her conversation with the human while Elizabeth knocks politely on the wooden door of the Barracks. Alana elegantly stood up and saw that it was the Ancient Queen. She opens the door and makes a small bow with her dress.
“Your Majesty, how may I be of aid to you?”
“Countess, I’d like to recruit you. I’m planning on taking our Lord into the Kingdom.”
“B-but your Majesty. Are you sure about this? How we treat humans inside is very different. I do not want him to get abused by others. The Nobles alone would not even see him in the same light as an Ant, lesser than that even.”
“I cannot stand seeing him stay any longer in that rubbish tent. A man like him must be given a proper bed and room. Have you seen his lips? It's pale. Nay, I shalt not stand for this. Come! How can I call myself a Queen when my Lord is living in such an inelegant place. No, if I was still in power, I’d have a Manor given to him in the mountains where he may recover in peace!”
Seeing the overwhelming confidence of the Queen, Alana could only sigh as she dropped her pen and paper. Closing the Ink Jar and collecting her things.
“What’re those for? And how are you writing on such a flat surface?”
“Oh, one of the soldiers gave me this Pen your Majesty.”
“Hoooh. A pen.”
“Also, your majesty. Bahamut told me you were supposed to be here before her. What did you do now?”
“I asked some of the soldiers to give me a map. Their machines are very accurate and so it stands, we should be able to reach my Castle within a few days!”
After preparing to exit, Alana follows the Queen outside where the two French soldiers are trying to attach a plow into the front of a Humvee. Seeing this, the Countess quickly walks to them and leans in to hand them the pen.
The two busy men quickly smell the familiar scent and turn their heads to meet the beautiful late-teenage black haired beauty. Her large breasts were visibly hanging as she leaned in one the two who were crouched and busy trying to figure out how to do their task. Their faces turn even more red seeing the woman which made the Vampire giggle softly.
“Oh mon Dieu, quelle femme parfaite…”
On her back, the blonde Queen with her very long golden blonde hair made the two overheat. Seeing the frozen soldiers, Alana just puts the black pen into his pocket. The soldier could smell her hair. Noting how Rosey it was. Like the woman you’ll never get, the two girls disappear just as fast as they arrived.
The pair then head off to the entrance of the base where Paul’s horse is hitched to a pole indicating the entry point for vehicles. Alana rubs its face a bit, visibly happy. The two then board their Lord's mighty steed, proudly wearing their luxurious and expensive dresses. Passing by busy players with skeleton tankers and a column of tanks preparing to move out.
As they approach the walls of the Vampire Kingdom’s borders, Bahamut who was silently providing heat to her Master hears the cries of a Wyvern. She looked South, and stared at it for a few seconds. Gaining the attention of the Doctor who was busy with his notes.
“What is it Bahamut?”
“A’ Draco, Il Cou hou dre kreitz ‘ft Aouywan. A Wyvern has cried for help. Its shout, I hear from miles away.”
“Oh, uhhhh… If you need to-”
Before he could finish, alarm bells ring out and soldiers with skeleton Pilots rush to the newly cleaned tarmac. “Just go, I’m sure the soldiers can feel at ease that you're there. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of things here.” Within the spur of the moment, the beautiful woman in her darkened funeral gown walks out of the tent and reveals her Dragon wings. Flying high into the clouds and reappearing as the gigantic Dragon God of the Void, her metallic jet black scales and immense wings lights up the clear white snow as it looked that it could crush the airfield with one flap of her wings, shining as the Sun of the foreign world smiled upon the mighty beast.
The players all just stood in awe, many shaking. But the Doctor rushes out and screams at them “That’s your support! Go!” his adrenaline transmits to the men who return to their duties. Five UH-1Y Iroquois flew with a CH-47 Chinook in the back of their arrowhead formation and a few hundred meters behind them was Bahamut, her immense size dwarfs their formation. Flying into the snowy wonderland, the tall trees were shaken by the power of her downwash, the snow from the leaves slipped away as the sky shook with great power from the machines and the dark metallic Ancient Dragon following it.
Soon, the helicopters darbed in UN White fly over a small village that has its Northern parts on fire. On its left, in a small farm, lay a bleeding red Wyvern, trying to flap its wings as more steel tipped arrows are shot at it and then a large explosion as a combination of oxygen, heat, and air magic completely tore down the trees around it and melted the snow. In the middle of the chaos, one man stood out with two hooded figures following him. Using ice and water magic to help quell the spread of the fire with a town mage. They’re focus was taken as the helicopters broke away from its formation and followed behind it, Bahamut. The young looking man in chainmail armor quickly unsheathes a golden sword with light coming from its tip. Pointing it at the sky, challenging the giant black dragon.
“Kreiteh Hurr, Tunshft Ounds haketh douhlitt’!”
Her usual soft and motherly voice was no longer there, but instead of a deep and Godly creature. But even at the sight of the gigantic and Divine Beast, the man stood strong with his two followers.
“HEAR ME GREAT DRAGON! I FEAR NOT YOU OR YOUR KIND! WITH THIS SWORD I SHALL CAST YOU BACK TO THE DEPTHS OF THE UNDERWORLD!”
Bahamut roars, sending a massive shockwave that rattles the trees within a kilometer radius, even rustling the tiles of the houses of the village. The helicopter skeletal pilots kept their cool, mindlessly controlling the aircraft with great precision, immediately landing and the soldiers disembarking to help in stopping the fire. Doing their duties as peacekeepers, they run past the Hero who was chasing after the Dragon God. But seeing the players and skeletons around him, Bahamut stares at the acres of open fields covered by snow.
Crushing the tall trees, she makes space for herself. Her head alone is as big as the Wyvern. As the Hero ran to him, she spoke to the begotten beast.
“Ilh Yearouh’cu. I’ve cometh great warrior.”
“By Dragonoth… It’s an honor to die at the sight… of such Divine Dragon…”
“Why did you terrorize this village? Is one lacking of nourishment?”
“Our food… my food… has ran out… the crazed Wolfmen… they’ve taken everything but the bones… to satiate, I’ve come to feed.”
Bahamut is surprised, even in this world. Wyverns, like its bigger cousins the Dragons, were still a creature that holds great pride to itself. Even nearing its death, there wasn’t a hint of fear or sadness within the Dragons eyes. It stared back at her with respect and dignity, one worthy of an honor of a true warrior.
“You’ve only hastened your life. But I shall grant thee passage to pass the Void through the Abyss. Your soul oh kindred one. It's strong and until the end, you’ve fought proudly with the name of the Dragons in your heart. I may not have come from this place, but whatever Heaven or Paradise your soul belongs to, it shall be delivered.”
The Hero was meters from Bahamut's head. Wielding a powerful enchanted golden sword that has a Divine light on its tip, he starts slashing at the edge of her armored chin while the two followers behind him reveal themselves. Two young women of visible noble heritage, using magic to enhance his abilities and skills. Annoyed, Bahamut speaks to the lowly human.
“TUHULA’AH HURR!” with her voice, a massive wall of air sends the man flying to the other side of the village. The dying Wyvern smiles as its eyes slowly close. His low and beastly voice becomes more and more silent as life drifts away from its bruised and damaged body. The Blue Wyvern then lowers its head into the soil. Feeling the grass and the dirt underneath is face and neck.
“Amazing… It took my everything… and I wasn’t able to scratch a mere human… with a shiny sword… I am Oragluth! Ancient Blue Wyvern of the Mountains of Gerestoroska!”
“Rest now Oragluth. You’ve served the Dragonkin with pride and shall die with honor.”
“Thank you… oh Divine one…” as the chaos continues behind them, and the skeletons mindlessly throw buckets of water into the rooftops of the burning houses, the Wyvern's head stops moving and its eyes forever closed. Bahamut with pained eyes screams into the Heavens, opening one large portal that a large Crimson Dragon flies out of.
“Bahameer! Il kasourch, Dru Soll! Reite’ ift hum!”
“Ah, Bahamut. Illshou’ reite ift hum!”
Though not as big as Bahamut, the Crimson Dragon takes the soul of the deceased Wyvern. Grabbing its carcass and forcefully pulling out its transparent soul, taking it away back to the portal where it then closes. The players all stared, fear down to their very bones. Identifying the Crimson Dragon. Bahamut on the other hand rests her head on the snow as the Hero once again charges at him, this time, he was tackled by a random player.
“HALT! THIS IS OFFICIAL UNITED NATIONS BUSINESS!”
“UNHAND ME OUTWORLDER! CAN YOU NOT SEE THE DRAGON?!”
“STOP AND HELP THE VILLAGERS PUT OUT THE FIRE INSTEAD! THE SKELETONS ARE BEING DUMBHEADS!”
With great power, the player was unable to stop the Hero. Feeling as if he was trying to move a hundred ton steel tower with his bare hands. The man's eyes widened realizing the absurd strength the man held.
“Only… in the stories of old did it speak of a mighty four legged Dragon… The one who brings both the Start and the End of times… one who razed entire valleys and mountains… and one who bought stars down on Threa…”
Bahamut raises her head and slowly steps forward. Not wanting to cause earthquakes and rattle the innocent villagers of their wooden homes. The mixed race of Humans and Vampires can’t be bothered with the scene as their homes burn down. Seeing this, Bahamut snuffs out all of it in an instant. Using her Absolute Authority over fire.
“Human, let the man be. I shall converse with him. I find great interest in his strength.”
“Are you sure, Goddess Bahamut? This dude just off’ed a Blue Wyvern.”
“That is true, but he did it because he had a worthy strength. One that is above of a Wyvern, and even that of a Dragons as I look into his very soul.”
Hearing Bahamut’s Global Event Voice sends chills down his spine and follows the Dragons order. Saluting to her and running back to the helicopters to fetch firefighting equipment.
“Now… Hero… Know that this is a privilege to speak to me. State your hostility to me, for I have very little time.”
“Who are you?!”
“I am called Bahamut. From the tongue of the Dragons. Partida, it means Great God. The Dragon God of the Void, one who travels between the Abyss of Life and Death.”
“I am Hero of Geraldia! Sir Benthal of my tiny Village of Crownsley! A mere commoner who proved even the strongest Knights and Princes that one just has to be blessed with the will to work hard to rise above the others!”
“Hmmm… and thou’s hostility to me?”
“Why are you here, Dragon God! Are you here to bring back your destructive cults? The village I lived in used to be a city, one ruled under such cults. The Dragon Priests then called for its extermination after the Elves invaded it!”
“I’ve come here for I’ve heard the cry of a Wyvern. Orgluth. He has passed and is now flying in the Heavens with my kin… and I do not have any Religions, nor Followers. My strength, presence, divinity, and power alone is anchored by one mortal man… albeit asleep and resting.”
“Then… you're not here to cause trouble?”
“Foolish you are Hurr. Nay, my Master would have a headache if I started razing villages and cities once again.”
“But that Crimson Dragon?! Who was that?!”
“Ah, Bahameer. In your language, his name would mean Overseer… the Keeper and Reaper of souls for Dragons and Wyverns. One I have command over and blessed Orgluth, who in famine and melancholy passed with the pride of the Dragons in his heart. He is a strange Dragon, but can be trusted.”
“And who called you?”
“Mi’itrov. My Master, Sir Paul of Eldwood. A Knight General whom I hold in high esteem. Dre Fraeaya. The fire in his heart satiates my lust for companionship… not as Bahamut the Dragon God… but as a mere friend or companion to be at one's side.”
“Your purpose?”
“Hum. Home. Mi Loudl wishes to return to his world. To our world, and for that I shall come and walk alongside him till the tundus of time.”
Seeing that the Dragon God wasn’t hostile and sensing no anger or hatred. The hero sheaths his sword.
“Good choice Trov. I merely wish to investigate you and your strange aura… one that seems to be favored by the world… nay, moved… loved… and intimate with the world. Everything revolves around thee… such power to be given to mortals, even the Outworlders you speak off have no power against you.”
“That’s because I’ve been chosen to destroy the Demon King with the other Chosen Ones. I believe this will be the final battle, with so many Heroes recorded in one era, in one reset, this has never happened before. Something must’ve disturbed the Gods so greatly that they called for so many great people.”
“Hmmm…” Bahamut takes her time, looking up and closing her eyes. “No… it is not… you're called here to bring balance, not to exterminate Evil… but to calm Evil as it overwhelms the forces of Good… remember Trov. Evil and Good must coexist in the world… without it… the world is empty…” the gigantic Dragon then sighs. Blowing a great amount of snow to the two ladies behind the Hero. “I see… Mi’itrov and his kin have been called here to do such a task… hmmm… interesting…”
“What about your Master? Wouldn’t he want to know this?”
“This information has nothing to do with us. We wish to go home… we have no use. But you do… hence I shall do this… I’ll teach you the spells of my language, you're more than capable of doing. But in exchange, you shall not impede nor fight my Master and his Allies.”
“Spells?”
“Yes, spells. Spells that only those with the Heart of a Dragon may cast… no normal human can speak of these spells as it would be their demise the moment they utter a single letter… but you… you are different Trov, a powerful Trov capable of much more than you are now…”
Back within the walls of the Vampire Kingdom, midway through their trek to Queen Elizabeth’s Castle, they pass through the small town of Dormua. Elizabeth ordered Alana to buy some Flowers for her. Having access to her wealth again, it was no problem and she bought a bouquet of Lilies and Orchids.
“After all these years, I never knew I’d see a town within my Kingdom full of glass windows and insulated walls.”
“Yes your Majesty, the living status of even a mere Vampire Commoner has risen quite high even after the great collapse when your Kingdom was sacked by everyone.”
“Good to know even after my mistakes, my people continued on and now live better lives that not even the High Elves could wish. Glass windows. Such an amazing sight, like the ones the Outworlders have.”
“They live in an age far beyond us, your Majesty.”
“Though to see that there’s no more Commoners and this thing that they call the Middle Class, amazing. The heights of human ingenuity never cease to astonish me. I wonder… the ruin that sought after their Kings and Queens, our Lord is a commoner himself. Yet he holds an intellect similar to that of Scholars.”
“They are quite interesting indeed. Concepts and ideals that I hope we would be able to control. Your Majesty, I am afraid with their influence, great changes might await us within the next few decades that might end Nobility and its powers and give rise to such crude and blinkered Governments.”
“If the Monkey plays his card right. Then we might be able to survive, our prestige and honor preserved, our Lord has told us many stories of his society being advanced yet lacking in many mundane contrivances that would be a chore for us.”
“Hm, but even then Your Majesty. Humans will be humans, and some of them rejected the status quo and lived as themselves. Our Lord is truly a special human. I do wonder how he is able to live such a life.”
“He had already told us, he runs his own company. A man who paved his own way in life. Hmph, last time I tried to run a business, it sunk like that city in the Empire of the Elves.”
“I’ve heard of that place before, the Elven City of Elqua. The city that can sink.”
“Yes, I’ve always wanted the Vampire Kingdom to achieve such glories, is Professor Gerenheit still alive?”
“Oh yes, he is. He’s currently the Headmaster of Nuit University, your Majesty.”
“To think that he and Monkey now live such a normal life. Is that man even capable of teaching? Let alone do we even have students?”
“Yes your Majesty. Your research of Vampire Reproduction has helped the Kingdom in maintaining its population. We do have an acceptable Birth Rate and many children are being birthed with capable bodies that can suit our Mana capacity.”
Tears flowed down the eyes of the blonde woman, even though she was wiping it. She couldn’t help but smile and let out tears of joy.
“It's good to know… my pain and suffering wasn’t for nothing and this wonderful Kingdom has grown beyond me. I’m… ecstatic.”
Riding into the dead of night. Paul’s undead demon horse didn’t tire, running faster than the fastest horse on Earth nonstop and on the next day, they could see her Castle on top of a large hill. It's a gigantic fortress and the dirt path ridden with remnants of a paved concrete road that leads to its entrance is overgrown with weeds and the steel gates and fences are all corroded and rusty, some already fallen. Inside its courtyard entrance, she could see a large tomb for her former husband and King. In their language, it wrote “King Charlesmagnes the First King of our Eternal Kingdom, The Malign Leader and a Hero, Died defending his beloved from the Hero Saint Mike of Akash.”
The Queen slides open the thick steel gates. Annoying sounds of the hinges shake the surrounding forest, disturbing the peace. Her muscles expose themselves as she puts more effort into opening it. One of the hinges on the top left falls off, causing Alana to catch the gate and balance it. Saving the Queen from getting crushed. Inside her once plentiful and beautiful porte cochere was nothing but a dead and withered place with even the stone path that leads to the large ornate wooden doors to her castle overgrown with weeds, broken and in disrepair.
After giving a small prayer and placing the bouquet, she heads inside. Checking how bad the situation is in her home. She’s devastated, the once magnificent hallways of her Castle were full of webs and crumbling. Though the shine of the marble pillars and porcelain tiles still showed after years of neglect. An old relic of the ancient past, fighting to keep its once great grandeur and splendor from the wheels of time itself.
Being cautious as usual, Alana could see that the grand hall of the Castle cannot be recovered and fixed. It would need an entire remodel and many of the pillars replaced and taken apart. Seeing the Queen’s eyes and her depressive expression of her house. The Countess places her hand on her shoulder.
“We'll take our Lord to my Manor instead. I’m sure we can give him a comfortable rest there.”
“Hm. Indeed, I just hope he won’t go.”
“He won't be your Majesty. You know him, a Death Knight of Eldwood, a Knight General and our Lord. C’mon. Let us depart, but worry not. I’m sure we can do something with your castle and bring it back to its glory.”
“I used to throw grand parties in these Halls, to see it in such disrepair… let us go. I cannot bear it any longer. I’ll hold you up to that request, Countess. One day, may its grandeur shine once again.”
Within the next few days, they moved all of his stuff from the carriage to his new personal room in Alana's Manor, her large home consisted of a central wing, and an East and West with a large garden behind it with a fountain in its middle. From its inside out, the Gothic Architecture of the Minuit’s could be recognized from miles away. Looking like the perfect haunted house for those who came from the modern world. But its air of luxury and elegance was through the roof, and the Maids and Butlers that staffed the building spared no expense and sweat in making sure it looked as wonderful as the day it was built.
Along with his things were a mountain of maps and paperwork, all involving their invasion of Schon and the Demon Kingdom. The snow was getting thicker but his room has proper heating and a comfy King size bed. His room's wall had a dark blue wallpaper with a design of small black hearts dotted on all three corners. Next to his bed are two end tables and on the left is a large window with a door that heads to a balcony. In front of his bed is a large wardrobe and next to it is a door that heads to a comfort room. The doors are all ornate and a white one with glass, heads to the balcony.
Alana spends most of her time in her study, surrounded by books and charts and a mountain of paperwork and occasionally leaves to manage things by herself and see things on site within her Domains. But this time, Bahamut is with her.
“So. What do you think Bahamut?”
“Yes, I can see this working. Though why is your Dragon population nearing extinction? That is not normal. Dragovh seems to have a very healthy and living population of Dragons in their arsenal.”
“That is Dragovh’s most cherished thing. Since it's the birthplace of your kind with the Humans and the long lasting alliance between the two has been game changing as they say. No Kingdom, not even the High Elves would dare attack the countries there. The Kingdom of James being the most dangerous, having the Dragon God Catherine actively and openly supporting them.”
“And that Augustus one?”
“Lord Augustus, Dragon God of the Volcano. He used to have a Kingdom here in Schon, on its Western side that was supposed to help the Holy See. But it’s long been gone ever since the second Demon King unleashed his undead hordes. Many of the Dragons alive are remnants of this once great Kingdom.”
“I never did lead a Kingdom but I do know my kin and their hearts. I’m sure they’ll be willing to help out you Immortals. But do be warned, we of the Dragons are a prideful species, just as prideful as you Vampires. You might need to send your best and defeat them into submission.”
“Do not worry, we have a large supply of Nobles who've been wanting to prove themselves in actual fighting.”
“Of course.”
Meanwhile inside Paul’s room. Queen Elizabeth is doing her duty, checking his body and temperature while occasionally reading a translated Art of War by Sun Tzu in Romanz while sitting to the right of his bed. The same one he bought for her when they were in the City of Gold. On the corner of the wall next to her, his Greatsword Hellraiser, the Longsword of King Belial and the dulled out Arming Sword of King Paimon are on display, waiting for their Owner to awaken so that they may be used once again.
His Eldritch Armor is on a stand in the hallway with his kite shield, the Dark Metallic Armor with red glow on the joints silently guarding the second floor halls. After an hour and the Sun was slowly going down, Bahamut politely opens the door and bows in the presence of the Queen while Elizabeth bows in return, respecting Bahamut.
“How may I help you Bahamut?”
“The Countess is looking for you. There seems to be trouble with a Cult out for your primordial Vampire blood.”
“Tsk. I shall be out then. Please, look over our Lord.”
“I will.”
She stands up, putting the book on the end table next to their sleeping Lord. Bahamut then replaces her and sits down on the white wooden chair with a pillow taken from a Sofa. As the Queen leaves, the Dragon God looks around. Looking for anything shiny or things to busy herself with. She’d occasionally sniff the air, trying to see if there was anything tasty around that she could eat while trying to do her best to stay still and not leave the presence of her Master.
After a few minutes of sitting still. She stands up, opening the Wardrobe just to see his two General uniforms, his black suit and trench coat, scarf, and his BDUs. Rummaging through the shoes, the woman finds a shoe shine. Curious as she’d always see Paul smell it, she opens it and takes a sniff.
“Bleugh.”
The woman puts it back and stands up, fixing her gown, veil and Crown. But before she closes the slides, she straightens the shiny Oxford shoes and Combat Boots and heads back to her seat. The mechanical clock inside shows that it's nearly 6:00 and a ringing takes her attention. Knocks then followed on the door. She opens it a bit and peeks, seeing that it's Maid with a tray bringing her Masters dinner. The woman lets the pretty Victorian maid in.
“Your Highness.”
She bowed first before entering, giving respect to Bahamut.
“Thank you, just put it in the bed and I’ll do the rest.”
“Of course.”
“Also, what’s for dinner tonight?”
“Since it's the weekend, we usually have Salads and Salmon. Something more common.”
“Bleugh. What about meat? Or even Berries!”