Dragon-Kin arc

The Next Morning

6:00 AM

Republic Warship

Medical Bay

After Jayden and the others successfully stopped Ziera from harming anyone including herself, Henro had healed all their injuries and advised that Jayden and Ziera rest in the medical bay for the rest of the night.

When Jayden finally woke up, was already awake waiting for him. Ziera called everyone to the medical bay so that she could finally come clean on what transpired and what she's been hiding from them for a while.

The door to the medical bay door opened and in came Emilia rushing towards Ziera.

"Ziera!" Emilia said as she hugged Ziera tightly.

"Whoa! Em!" Ziera said, feeling a bit surprised but hugged Emilia back. Emilia pulled back and looked at Ziera with a worried expression.

"Are you okay? Anything wrong?" Emilia asked in desperation.

"Em, I'm fine. I promise." Ziera said assuredly. Emilia then immediately rushed over to Jayden and got very close to his face making him jump back.

"And you, Jayden!?" Emilia asked.

"I'm good Em. Honest." Jayden said, feeling a bit nervous. Emilia took a breath of relief and hugged Jayden.

"Thank goodness. You both had us all worried!" Emilia said sternly.

"Hehe. Sorry Em. We didn't mean to scare you." Jayden said while hugging her back.

"Me especially. I'm sorry I put you all through so much danger today." Ziera said feeling ashamed.

"Don't worry. We're used to it." Henro said playfully as he gently punched Ziera's arm.

"Oh so it's always like this around here? Maybe this is my kind of place." Ryoka said.

"Ryoka. I.." Ziera said while looking down at her bed. Ryoka looked at her with confusion. Ziera sighed.

"You were right about me. I ran away from everything. From my people, my responsibilities, and almost from my friends. I'm afraid of the power I hold within me. I lost someone very dear to me because of it. Because of me. But you and Jayden helped me realize that I can't run from my past. So I'm done running. For good this time." Ziera said with a confident look on her face.

While the others smiled at Ziera with approval, Ryoka had a big toothy grin on her face and patted Ziera's head.

"We'll look at Ms. Badass over here. I knew I was gonna like you." Ryoka said while snickering.

"Don't rough up my hair." Ziera complained.

"Ryoka. Don't you have something else to say?" Julia asked.

"Oh right. Uh look uh. Fuck I hate apologizing. But I'm sorry for the things I said to you. About your sister. That wasn't cool. And if you want you can punch me right now and we'll call a truce-."

WHAM!

Ziera socked Ryoka in the face so hard it sent her flying into the wall. She groaned a bit.

"True." Ziera said with a smirk. Ryoka wiped the blood off her nose and smiled back at Ziera.

"Heh. Not bad." Ryoka said.

"Hey Julia. You helped me realize my own shortcomings today. I almost got my friends killed because of my own bullshit. But I'm done with that. I'm never giving up on my dream. So if you decide to stick with us, I'll do my best to live up to your expectations of me." Jayden said. Julia smiled.

"No need to add further pressure on yourself. I had already decided to join you the moment I boarded this ship. But I had to test you to see if you were worthy in my eyes. Luckily albeit not perfect, you never gave up and even risked your life to save your dear friend. That makes you a true warrior in my eyes. So you can count on my support." Julia said.

"Thanks." Jayden said, smiling back.

"That being said, you need to work on your fighting style. If you can even call it that. No offense but your hand to hand was below average at best. Also you get too emotional in combat. Not to mention you think too quickly but also not quickly enough. Oh and your lack of creativity really shows. I mean I've seen more creativity in fighting from a giant hitting someone over the head with a club. It just goes to show the lack of experience, weight, simple thinking on your part and-."

"Okay! Thank you Julia but you're supposed to support Jayden not what little spirit he has left." Emilia said with a nervous face. Jayden meanwhile looked like a broken husk of his former self.

"Hmm? What do you mean? I thought I was helping." Julia said with a confused look.

"Yeah I don't know. I think we should let her keep going." Henro said with a smirk.

"Henro!" Emilia shouted.

"What? I'm just saying. Besides, at least she knows how to control herself. Unlike some people I know." Henro said as she glared at Ryoka.

"Awww. You don't like me being here imp?" Ryoka asked sarcastically.

"Call me that one more time and I'll jam that sword down your throat." Henro hissed.

"Oh scary! Don't make threats you can't keep, devil." Ryoka quipped.

"Ryoka." Julia warned.

"Jewel come on." Ryoka whined.

"Hehe.l Henro laughed.

"Henro." Emilia said sternly.

"But Em." Henro whined.

Both Emilia and Julia sighed at the same time.

"Well I'm glad you kids are getting along so well. But on a serious note, me and Ziera talked and it's about time we came clean." Tenjin said.

The group stopped their bickering and gave all their focus to Tenjin and Ziera.

"Yes. As you all know that was my ascension but that wasn't the first time that it awoke in me. During our battle with the dragons, at the Azalea Forest against the draugr and even before that. It first happened back when I was still in the empire." Ziera said.

"Was it before we met?" Emilia asked.

"Yes. I'm not ready to share all the details yet and I apologize for that but something really bad happened and I lost control. I ended up having to be subdued by my big sister and taken to the medical bay." Ziera explained.

"You mean like in the memory I saw?" Jayden asked.

"Yes. You saw the aftermath of what had happened. Also my ascension is different. When people ascend they face their true self and unlock new power. But mine spiraled out of control because I refused to face it. Even now I still haven't faced my true self." Ziera said.

"And that's how you were able to use your Omni powers without any machinery attached?" Henro asked.

"Yes." Ziera answered.

"Hold on, I just gotta know. What kind of

Magitech ability is Omni anyway? I know it's Zenal's power and what he uses to power up his weapons, barriers and ships but what is it exactly?" Henro asked.

"Omni is the power of destruction. The second strongest Magitech ability in the universe right under Technopathy. It's pure mana condensed and altered by science to have the power to destroy all life in the universe." Ziera said.

"......Oh. That's uh a lot." Henro said.

"When you say all life you are exaggerating right?" Emilia asked.

"No, I mean it. I don't know it's origins but Zenith, the Goddess of Machines found and used the power of Omni to target a mage's source of power. Mana itself." Ziera explained.

The group were shocked to hear this. They couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"So hold on. The reason why magitech mages from the empire have been kicking Midgard's ass for years and why they are at a standstill with Ifrit is because they have anti mana weapons!?" Henro asked.

"Wow. That's pretty hardcore." Ryoka said feeling impressed.

"Yeah. Like I said Omni is the destroyer of life and mana is a part of our very lives. It flows through us. Omni targets that mana flow and disintegrates and it's wielder completely. That's why the dragons could never break through the Omni Barrier either. Nothing in this world can unless you're someone high in power like Merlin or a god." Ziera explained.

"And that's why when we learned that someone actually put a hole in the Omni barrier it left us with concern." Tenjin said.

"Okay this I get and all but why were you never able to use Omni before, Ziera?" Henro asked.

"I couldn't. Zenith passed it down to Zenal and Zenal passed it down to me. But unlike him I can't draw it out yet. Even now it seems I'm still not there yet. Might have something to do with my ascension." Ziera explained.

"Sorry to interrupt but there's something else that isn't there. Regarding Ziera's core yes?" Julia asked.

"Her core? What's she talking about?" Emilia asked. Ziera and Tenjin had guilty looks on their faces.

"Ziera. It's okay." Jayden spoke up.

"Jayden?" Ziera asked.

"Yeah me and Ragnarok noticed while trying to save you. You can tell them. They should know." Jayden said.

"They're right." Tenjin said. Ziera sighed.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Inside my core, I have a magic seal placed on it. It's like a bomb. If the Order gives the command, my core will disintegrate." Ziera said.

"WHAT!? TENJIN YOU DID THIS TO HER!?" Henro roared as he began stomping towards Tenjin.

"HENRO STOP!" Emilia shouted as she placed her hand on his chest to hold him back.

"BUT!"

"Please. Just let them explain." Emilia said. Henro didn't stop glaring but took a breath and stopped his advances. "Now both of you please explain?" Emilia asked.

"Right. I'm sorry. I was against it but Odysseus pushed for it. And of course I was out voted. I had no say to refuse. But I never even thought of activating it. I swear on my life." Tenjin said.

"It's true. Don't be mad at Tenjin. I agreed to it anyway. I hated myself for a long time. I even tried to use Ragnarok myself because I was afraid of my own power and wanted to kill zenal quickly. But that was wrong. And I'm sorry." Ziera said.

"But why did neither of you tell us any of this? Omni, Ziera's ascension, the bomb, or just Ziera being in pain at all. You could have talked to us. We're your friends. And I said I always wanted to be there for you. But you won't let me." Emilia said sadly as she placed her hand on Ziera's. Ziera looked at her apologetically.

"I'm so sorry Emilia. I should have told you. All of you. I was....just afraid. I lost everything back at the empire because of this power. I didn't want to lose you all too." Ziera said.

"It's not all on her. The order wanted to keep her ascension a secret until we figured out how to control it. As for Omni, well if the public knew that it was confirmed that Zenal had anti-mage weapons that would spur up all kinds of complications. But Ziera is right. We shouldn't have kept this from you. Especially you Emilia. You're my lieutenant. I'm sorry." Tenjin said.

"But neither of us plan to make the same mistake again. I'm not ready to share everything yet but I promise I won't ever hide stuff like this again. I just hope....you'll forgive me someday and-."

"Ah bup bup bup." No need to be so dramatic. There's nothing to forgive. I understand why you two did what you did. And I'm glad you'll be more open with us. But please no more big life ending secrets okay? And please don't scare us like that again okay? I don't want to have to find a new girl friend." Emilia said jokingly with a teary smile.

Ziera looked at the others and smiled at her with approval.

"You already know our answer. We're with you, Ziera. Always." Jayden said with a bright smile of his own.

Ziera got teary eyed and smiled. She hugged Emilia back tightly. Embracing her friend and her new path to bettering herself.

Caleb. If you're watching from heaven. I want you to know that I'll spend the rest of my life attonning for everything I've done. And one day, become the princess you believed I would be. With them by my side, I now know that it's possible to move forward. Ziera thought.

***

It was now 7:00 A.M. Tenjin Nakamura had finally reported back to The Order. Giving them the rundown of what transpired last night. Ryoka and Julia's arrival. King Ogun declaring war on the Machina Empire. Ziera's near ascension.

Needless to say, Cory and Odysseus were not pleased. While Merlin was asleep. Cory looked distraught.

"I...I can't believe this." Cory said with shock. Tenjin gave her a look of concern.

"Cory. I'm sorry." Tenjin said. Odysseus placed his hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

"We both are. I knew he was reckless but I never imagined he would be this foolish. Just what changed?" Odysseus asked.

"Nothing. He's always been like this. That damn old fool." Cory said with frustration.

"Cory." Odysseus said. Cory moved herself back.

"No! This is just like him! Wanting to go to war now regardless of the consequences! And while there is war going on between Ifrit and the Empire right now! And to make matters worse, he betrayed us and plans to use the relic to fight, which is practically handing the relic to Zenal on a silver platter!" Cory shouted in frustration.

"Cory. I understand how you feel. But we have to keep a level head. Don't let him ruin you. Not again." Odysseus said with comfort.

Cory took a deep breath and sighed.

"My apologies." Cory said.

"None needed. Right now let's just put our heads together and solve this issue." Odysseus said.

"I agree. One thing that bothers me is that the spy we planted in his ranks never reported this. Have you managed to contact them yet?" Tenjin asked.

"We've tried but they aren't responding." Odysseus said.

"You don't think?" Tenjin was about to ask.

"No. I don't think he was discovered. And even if he was, I doubt his majesty would harm him." Cory said.

"I agree. But something still feels off." Odysseus said.

"I agree. But I have an idea" Tenjin said.

"Go on." Odysseus said.

"Let me and my team still meet with King Ogun. He's rash but he's been a long time ally. If I can at least understand why he's acting now then maybe we can come to an understanding." Tenjin said.

"Is that wise? It could be a trap." Odsyseuss said.

"I agree. Which is why I am going to meet you there and talk with him as well." Cory said.

"Cory. Are you absolutely sure about this?" Tenjin asked.

"Absolutely. I know him better than anyone here. If you want a proper audience with him then I'm going. Any objections?" Cory asked in a serious tone.

"No. Odysseus?" Tenjin asked. Odysseus closed his eyes and smirked.

"None. We couldn't stop even if we sent the entire army after her." Odysseus said in a slight joking tone.

"You said it." Tenjin smirked back.

"Well well. It's nice to see you two finally getting along." Odysseus said with a trolling expression.

Tenjin and Odysseus stiffened up. Odysseus coughs.

"Well that brings us to our next topic. Besides Ifrit's banished princess making an unexpected welcome, this news of Ziera's latent powers awakening is displeasing." Odysseus said in a serious tone. Cory sighed.

"Unfortunately I agree. Still thank the guardians that no one was hurt in that battle." Cory said.

"Yet this wouldn't have happened in the first place if we had taken care of Ziera earlier like I suggested." Odysseus said. Tenjin flared up at Odysseus.

"Don't start Odysseus. Now isn't the time for this." Tenjin said.

"No. I think it's the perfect time to say what all three of us have been thinking for a long time now." Odysseus rebuttals.

"Oh really? First I've heard of this. But fine, get on with it then." Tenjin asked.

"Then allow me to be blunt. You're compromised." Odysseus stated.

"Excuse me?" Tenjin asked.

"You heard me. You've grown too attached to that girl. You let your personal feelings for her cloud your judgment. And this isn't the first time. Ever since you met Ziera you've had a soft spot for her." Odysseus said.

"And like I told you three years ago it's not like that. Ziera can be a valuable asset to our cause and so far she has. She's delivered on everything we've asked up until now. Including both Ragnarok and it's new wielder." Tenjin pointed out.

"By sheer coincidence. Strange how Ziera infiltrated the imperial warship without fail and yet she lets her guard down and nearly dies on the streets of Lockwood?" Odysseus asked.

Tenjin's glare on Odysseus intensified.

"What are you trying to say?" Tenjin asked. Odysseus glared back with his dragon slit eyes.

"Those burn marks on Ziera's left arm. They didn't look like blaster fire." Odysseus said. Giving Tenjin a look of suspicion.

"Okay enough both of you. Odysseus while I agree Tenjin didn't handle this situation the best he has always put the needs of the world before his own interests. He just has a different way of approaching Ziera than you do." Cory explained.

"I don't deny his loyalty to the cause. Because despite our differences I respect Tenjin and his service. But I am merely giving ky unbiased view on the matter." Odysseys said.

"Unbiased? Don't give me that bullshit!" Tenjin spat.

"Tenjin, stop!" Cory shouted.

"No, let's be honest with Odysseus now, Cory. He had been the farthest thing from unbiased when it comes to not only her but her whole family." Tenjin said.

"And what is your point exactly?" Odysseus asked.

"My point is you don't want Ziera dead because of what she is but who she is. You hate her for what she's done in the past. Don't you?" Odysseus asked.

Odysseus didn't answer but he stiffened up.

"Yeah. That's what I thought. Look I'm not denying that she made mistakes but Ziera-."

"Is a liar and a murderer. Just like her family." Odysseus said plainly.

"She was a child. She didn't know better-." Odysseus interrupted Tenjin again.

"She knew better enough to help her family slaughter and torture hundreds of our mages for the empire. She knew well enough how many families she helped destroy in the pursuit of pleasing her father." Odysseus said.

"That's not-."

"Fair? Is that what you were going to say? Let me ask you this then. Do you remember how many families came knocking on our palace doors demanding who would get justice for the deaths of their husbands, their wives, their brothers, sisters, and even children? And instead of avenging the fallen, we took in their killer and gave her a nice warm bed to sleep in. Is any of that fair to them?" Odysseus asked.

"No. It wasn't. You're right. Ziera killed those people. That's on her. And her losing control today was on me. I should have prevented that and I'm sorry. But what about after? When she betrayed her family to help Emilia get Henro out of the clutches of Silas? When she helped us for three years to fight the empire? Or all the times she's dedicated to helping Jayden master his powers? All of that was on her too. You're right, she destroyed those families but how many families did we destroy to stop Zenal, Odysseus?" Tenjin asked.

"That's not the same. We are trying to protect this world from being destroyed by Zenal's selfish desires. His family has done us more harm than good. But if you are having second thoughts about our cause.." Odysseus pointed out.

"No. I believe in our cause but it's not completely different. Zenal needs to be taken down I agree but you can't paint this war as black and white. Both sides are fighting for what they believe in. Just look at Ziera herself. She believed in the empire and it's ideals to fight against us at one point. But now Ziera has shown genuine progress in changing her ways. It shows what I told you the last time." Tenjin said.

"What hope? That idealistic nonsense is worthless in times like this." Odysseus said.

"Maybe. But my late king, Edwin Sylphion taught me the importance of hope. It's the reason why I joined the republic. Why I took in those kids. And why I believe in the future. You say Ziera is guilty and doesn't deserve a second chance. But I don't think she's above redemption. If that were possible, King Sylphion wouldn't have entrusted me with his daughter." Tenjin said.

Odysseus didn't say anything but he was still far from convinced. Cory herself was impressed by Tenjin's words. Merlin was still asleep.

"We all have regrets. Doesn't mean we should live by them forever. You of all people should know this." Tenjin said as he touched the scar on his blinded left eye.

"Hm. I agree." Merlin said finally awake.

"Ah so glad you could join us Merlin. Did you enjoy your nap?" Cory asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Why I did indeed thank you Ms. Nocturne." Merlin said not noticing the sarcasm.

Merlin coughed. "Now. I think we should let Ziera off the hook just this once. It's true she lost control today but with King Ogun now planning to use the sacred relic, Vulcan, we will still need her skills to help Jayden master his powers. However, I agree with Odysseus that Ziera needs to be kept on a tight leash. So I propose this." Merlin said.

"Which is?" Tenjin asked as he crossed his arms.

I don't like where this is going. Tenjin thought.

"If Ziera steps out of line even for even a second, Cory and Odysseus have the authority to set off the seal in her core and execute her." Merlin declared.

Tenjin tensed up and gripped both his shoulders.

"I understand you sympathize with this girl Tenjin but Odysseus is right. You are too attached. But Tenjin is also right about Odysseus. We can't just kill Ziera now when she still has her uses. And since Spartacus still isn't with us to vote, Cory will have the final say in her fate during this mission. She is the most unbiased of you three. I think it's only fair she'd pass the final verdict on Ziera. What do you say, Cory?" Merlin asked.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" Cory asked.

"Without hesitation." Merlin said.

"Tenjin?" Cory asked.

"I'm fine with it. I trust you, Cory." Tenjin said.

"Odysseus?" Cory asked. Odysseus though looked away with visible frustration.

"Odysseus?" Cory asked in a more annoyed tone. Odysseus snapped out of it ans sighed.

"Very well." Odysseus said.

"Then we are in agreement. Tenjin's team and Cory will travel to the capital of Titus and meet with King Ogun. Odysseus and I will provide support from Arcadia. Understood?" Merlin asked.

"Understood." The other three said in unison.

"Good. Meeting adjourned." Merlin said. His hologram signed off.

"I will make the necessary preparations for my departure. I must go speak with my lieutenant. Good day to you both." Cory said. Her hologram signed off. That just left Odysseus' hologram and Tenjin himself in the room.

"Look Odysseus I-."

"Nothing has changed. Nothing will ever change. Ziera could make up for her last crimes forever but she can never be forgiven. Not in my eyes." Odysseus said.

"Odysseus. Ziera deeply regrets taking his life and is trying to make amends. She told me herself. Does that really mean nothing to you?" Tenjin asked. Odysseus turned away from him.

"What does it matter? It won't bring him back. It won't bring any of them back." Odysseus said while balling up his hand.

"I know." Tenjin said sadly. Odysseus sighed and turned his head back at Tenjin. Looking him in his one good eye.

"Tell me this. Did Ziera nearly ascend before?" Odysseus asked.

"No. She didn't." Tenjin answered.

"And those burn marks on her arm. They weren't from Ragnarok?" Odysseys asked.

"No they weren't." Tenjin said.

Odysseus glared at Tenjin harshly.

"Very well. Before I go, let me tell you this. Depending on how this mission with King Ogun goes, I will bring into question your future as a member of this Order." Odysseus said while turning his head back and glaring at Tenjin with his slit pupils. Tenjin glared back at Odysseus.

"You've compromised this order for far too long. That ends here and now. So I will say this as plain as day so there's no misunderstanding. If Ziera steps out of line even for a second, you will be removed from this Order. And I will kill Ziera with my own bare hands. So enjoy protecting her for now. We'll see how long it lasts." Odysseus said before his hologram signed off. Tenjin sighed and walked out of the command center.

Tenjin walked in the hallway in thought. Contemplating his actions. Lying to The Order, lying to his team, all these secrets and for what?

"No more secrets okay?" Emilia asked. Tenjin touched the scar that went over his left blinded eye.

"Damn it all. What am I doing?" Tenjin asked himself. Tenjin the noticed the group in the mess hall. They were all talking, bickering, laughing with each other. Tenjin smiled.

No. I can make this work. I can make King Sylphion's dream a reality. The world Perseus wanted. I just have to keep moving. Moving forward.