Eclipse woke up with a new skill. She could feel the power brewing inside of her. She didn't use a stone or anything to get this skill. She did not level up. What happened? Confused, she looked over at Ob, who was sound asleep. Did he give me an item to get a new skill? she thought to herself. Why in the god's realms would he do such a thing? What exactly does he plan to do? Does he believe that this will grant him ownership of my soul? He should think again.

"Nah," a voice entered her head, "I already told ya, I ain't about that ownership crap. You and I are partners. I gave you an ice stone. It was classified as rare, but I figured it could be helpful for you more than me."

"I apologize. It is highly unusual to meet a human who is so.." she said, picking her next words carefully, "trusting."

Ob chuckled. "Can't say I've ever been called that before, but hey, first time for everything. I have some questions for you now that we're both awake. How do I use my powers?"

"I am not the one who should be teaching you. I am not like you; you are a physical being with magic potential. I am a magical being with physical potential. In that, we are opposites. How I use magic is just being me. I imagine that you, Ob, must use your instincts to help you understand your powers. Did you get any?" Eclipse replied. Stirring to sit up and get closer to him in the cave. This gesture surprised him, but he did not comment on it.

"Yes, I did. I got my natural powerset and nurtured power."

"I see. To beings who are like you, non-magical beings, we call you Nomags in my dimension. It is, as I just said. To beings who are like that, however, the powers that they grow and develop are conduits to use magic; it's based on who and what they are. We dragons do not have powers because we are governed by our kind; there is only so much we can do as dragons. But what we can do other magical beings cannot, like Nymphs or Mermaids. It is about balance, Ob. This is why Nomags are restricted to two powers, but over the millennia, they have developed a way to grant one more power based on which allegiance you choose.

“Are your powers Draconian Ally and Slayer? It appears your encounters before entering your body and after with my mother have given you these powers. They seem to fit your nature."

"They also compliment each other and you. It appears you have heavily influenced my ability and power set. I'm quite satisfied." Ob said proudly

"Yes, it does appear that way. I have gained an ability that will allow both of us to spar and grow. This is quite nice. I am content with this. Learning how you battle as you develop your style will be good. Hmmm," She stopped and looked out the cavern entrance.

"Yeah, I feel 'em too. They were at the park. I wonder what they want," Ob replied, sensing people walking in their direction. He wasn't sure how he felt them. To Ob, the sensation was like when he was standing in a room listening to music but could feel someone's eyes on him. It was creepy and weird, "Is this what that spider superhero sense is like?" He could feel Eclipse prepare for a fight. He put a calming hand on her snout. Smoke was now flowing out, surely an intimidation tactic.

"We come in peace. We are simply here to talk," a smooth male voice said in a half yell.

"You were at the park. Why are you here?" Growled Eclipse.

"Easssy now, princess, let's hear them out. They appear to know of your power; you scare them. Good." Ob said to his companion.

"We came to talk for two reasons, but both lead us to you." The female voice said. "Identify us. We are no harm to you."

Status: Abigail Montall

Race: Elf

Level 10: Bronze tier

Natural Power: Enchantress

Skill: Toxic Curse

Skill: Purge

Nurtured Power: Healer

Skill: Healing Pulse

Skill: Holy Health

Federation Power: Guardian

Skill: Healing Waters

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Skill: Body Shield

"Abigail, huh," Ob thought to himself & Eclipse by proxy. "So that's what Elfs look like."

Abigail was a beautiful Elf. As most Elves were. However, Abigail was one of those who were even more so good-looking. She was tall, standing nearly 6 feet, and toned like an Olympic athlete. She had olive skin with long white hair but in a practical braid, with a slight golden leaf tiara on top; the braid nearly touched her mid-back. Her features were soft and delicate. Abigail had a couple freckles on her cheek. Her eyes were dark forest green. They shifted focus between Ob and the dragon. They were sharp; if anything toughened her up, it was her eyes; they looked like she was not one to be messed with. She wore a long robe that was tied closed by a belt. Under her robe, she wore a green tunic that matched her eyes. With elvish words marking the material, magically infused, Ob guessed.

"Are you attracted to her?" Eclipse responded to his comment about the elf. She felt as if it was said in a different tone.

"Nah, she's not really my type. And it's clear that she is very into this man. I'm no homewrecker," Ob said

“Homewrecker, what does destroying homes have to do with anything?" Eclipsed asked.

"Oh right, different vernacular; it basically means I come into a relationship and destroy it for my own taking."

"People do that in your world?"

"Oh yeah… even family. But that's neither here nor there… I do have eyes, though; she is stunning." Eclipse gave a mental agreement with Ob's sentiment.

Status: Vincent von Smitt

Race: Human

Level 8: Bronze tier

Nurtured Power: Deadshot

Skill: Arrow Conjuration

Skill: Steady Hands

Natural Power: Hunter

Skill: Marksman

Skill: Shadow Sneak

Federation Power: Explorer

Skill: Spinter

Skill: Stealth

"See," Abigail said, "we mean you no harm. We simply want to talk."

"Okay, nothing funny, though; it'll get ugly real quick, and you won't win," Ob replied. Sharp and cold.

"You are not from here. Most humans do not speak like you. Where are you from?" Abigail asked. Abigail took in the man in front of her. Vincent was right; he was extremely handsome. Chocolate brown skin with a chiseled jawline and a symmetrical face. He had a little stubble, but she absently wondered how he looked clean-shaven. His eyes were the most interesting; his irises, or what should have been his irises, were orange and red but not bloodshot. Something straight from nature, like an eclipse. The image of a solar eclipse crossed her mind as she thought the word. His irises shimmered red and orange, with his pupils being black like the moon covering the sun. They were breathtaking. "As you read, I am Abigail Montall; this is my em." She paused to think of the right word to call Vincent, "partner, and party member Vincent von Smitt. What are your names?"

"Right, I'm Ob Jones. This is Eclipse. I'm uh from a very distant land," Ob lied while also. Telling Eclipse to keep his secret between them for now mentally: "I come from a small village, where magic is desolate. I was given the gift of magic and traveled here."

"And in your travels, you met a dragon and found a dragon charm?" Abigail questioned skeptically.

"I'm lucky." Ob shrugged, "I know dragons are not loved here, but I am not sure why?"

"For one part, it is because of soul-links gone poor," Abigail said wearily. "As you know, soul-links alter nature but not conditions of the soul. If a creature is linked with something with an evil condition, that creature will inherit that condition. This happened with a powerful demi-god. The soul-link to a hydra. gods know how they found a Hydra charm. No one has ever heard of something so rare. The hydra and the demi-god wreaked havoc on everyone and everything. It took the gods' intervention to put an end to it. This happened on a lesser scale with several elemental dragons. Dragons have hurt people, and people are afraid of that fact. Yet here you are, soul-linked to quite possibly the most beautiful dragon I have ever seen, acting as if you have no care in the world. Are dragons common in your small area?"

"No. Remember, magically desolate. Dragons are magical beings. There is no way they would survive." Ob responded, being proud to know a fact, even if it was a lie.

"Your power makes you a target," Vincent finally said. "People don't take well to Draconians."

"I don't take well to bullies. So it's even," Ob retorted

"That's part of the reason why we're here. You have the balls to stand up to Moris like that. He was not happy, especially not seeing you're a Normy." Vincent continued, "You see, Abs and I are in need of some power and, well, stupidity or courage, whatever you want to call it. You're undecided about a federation; I think you should go for Maverick. You have the resolve. You'll need to train first, though that test is a doozy."

"Abs? Are you two a fresh couple? Both of you hesitated when you said each other's name. Abigail paused as if wondering what to label y'all." Ob asked, "Rather than convince me to join your party or whatever, figure out your hearts first. Love is the best!"

"Huh?" The two said, both blushing.

"What are you talking about? Did you not just hear what Vincent said?!" Abigail asked incredulously.

"I heard him loud and clear, but the uncertainty of your new love is distracting. I'll consider your proposal to join your party. I'll work with you until I pick a federation; then, we shall see if I fit fully into your party. On one final condition."

"If you mention our love life... "Vincent said in a warning tone.

Ob chuckled, "No, no," with a massive grin on his face. "Teach me how to use my powers. I'm completely at a loss."

Abigail and Vincent shared a look. How could someone live in this world and never have heard of magic, let alone powers? Could he really be the first person from his tribe with magic potential? Something seemed wrong, but they needed more time to press the issue. Everyone has secrets, Abigail thought to herself.