Daniel rests on the lounge floor near the gathering area of the airship belonging to Grand Duchess Aramellianna kos Stalvaltan. The Grand Duchess herself accompanied the airship, in spite of the danger, along with her eldest daughter Wenlianna. Fortunately, the airship is heading away from Yaulwembor’s retreat direction, which the wing golems have been able to pursue. They aren’t equipped to fight the beast, but they’ll keep track of where it flees to in order for them to hunt down.
The human mechanic’s head is swirling and aching, along with the whole body, mind, and soul exhaustion he is experiencing from the collective battle and subsequent scolding he received from everyone during the return to the city. He’s heavily drunk from healing potations, since his miniscule mana capacity gained through drinking dragon milk only provides him with a very slow and limited healing capacity. Everyone else is resting to recover mana, since his life is no longer in danger, but he definitely isn’t in his best state.
And, in addition to that, potations are closer to paint thinner or gasoline than an actual potable drink. Especially compared to his wine or rum, no one in their right mind would recreationally drink a potation. Even with his life on the line, it’s a process to choke them down, and he had to drink half a cup just to bring the pain down.
Neith, who is now in his human form, is seated against one of the lounge sofas nearby, similarly drunk from a high amount of healing potations due to the injuries he sustained fighting Yaulwembor in close combat. He was hit with shrapnel from the polonium bullet, so he also had to dunk in the lake in order to allow Ryuogriar to transform him, since his mana was depleted. It’s likely Yaulwembor’s negated mana will recover within a day or so, going off of how quickly Doephluev can burn through the plutonium plates put into her special harness, which Daniel hasn’t bothered to renew for a while now. Summoning radioactive materials is extremely costly on the Citadel’s resources, and he can only summon a single piece at a time, since the moment it appears, the magic summoning circle is disabled. And, if the ingot is too large, even more of the Citadel can be shut down inadvertently.
Hekate is resting, since her own body took a beating, and Daniel gave her Shek’s milk, since it also has healing and mana restorative properties, but is non-alcoholic.
Aramellianna studies the battered group of fighters that took on Rohgattabor, and ended up entangled with an ancient breed of pseudo dragon that has the equivalent mana and magic spell repertoire of a much older dragon than even Neith. Wenlianna is seated next to Daniel, occasionally casting ice magic on his forehead to help relieve him.
“Has anyone told you, Daniel, that Emperors and Empresses are supposed to be among the last to enter a battlefield?”
Daniel replies quietly, “It’s… come up… I think… I don’t remember…”
She sighs, though with a soft smile. “From what I hear, all of your bravery is quite commendable.”
“Your knights really saved us,” explains Vaergraes. Aramellianna has heard most of the details, but it makes her proud that the comparatively weak knights were able to at least hold their own in the fight. Both of them were dismissed to the guardsmen’s berthing to sleep after making their report.
“Yes. I intend to commend them for their efforts. Though, I suppose that right falls to the Empress, yes?”
“You’d tell that woman about all this?” murmurs Hekate in disappointment.
The Grand Duchess simply stares at her with an amused smile.
The feldrok teen blushes, pointing at herself. “W-Wait… Me?”
The Stalvaltan matriarch nods. “Of course. The Stalvaltan Grand Duchy is a vassal of the Fievegal now, yes? And, Sir Helbeit and Sir Resken served in your mission. If you don’t feel they are worthy of commendation, then I will…”
“Th-They absolutely deserve it!” replies the young Empress passionately as she sits upright. She winces wearily, laying back down on her seat as she groans from exhaustion. She adds softly, “They worked really hard and stopped Yaul… Yauly from exploding us all.”
“If you are intending to confront the beast again, I will dispatch more of our knights to accompany you. Though I would ask if they can be armed with Fievegal armaments you deem acceptable losses, in the worst case scenario.”
Wenlianna frowns softly, but Daniel pets her thigh gently. “What’s that face for?” asks the mechanic softly.
“I…” She glances nervously towards her mother, who asks, “Me? Are you concerned I intend to steal these weapons?”
Daniel manages to scoff. “I am certain you could have already many times over. I don’t have many anti-magic grenades or rifle rounds with me, but I’ll divide them out where I can. The problem is, we only have the rifles Gwenesphia, Treia, and myself have remaining, as well as two elemental blasters… I hadn’t adequately planned for fighting monsters, and thought what we had would be plenty.”
Vaergraes adds, “The concern is that we must act quickly to capitalize on Yaulwembor’s magic being negated already. If we wait too long, we’re looking at a similar battle of extreme proportions.”
“And, our goal… is to capture her,” admits Hekate.
Aramellianna doesn’t respond. She got a brief rundown from the Dragon Empresses, who are mostly opposed to the idea. But, it is potentially the last of its kind, so even they are hesitant to simply exterminate it.
Unlike a male, though, which could be used for artificial conception for a time after it’s deceased, a female is outside of anyone’s capability, even if Daniel has the basic idea of what would need to be done to start.
“What if we put it to sleep and stick it into storage?” asks Doephluev, seated at one of the lounge dining tables nearby.
“Magic won’t work now,” replies Vaergraes. “Not while it’s under the effect of the anti-magic shot. The ‘gloom arrow’, as Sir Helbeit called it.” She adds the last part for Aramellianna, who still has a minimal amount of knowledge about the Fievegal’s peculiar technology.
The Grand Duchess asks, “If that is not an option, could you make use of these… revival potations her Grace Geirahoel mentioned.”
The orange dragon, seated near the Stalvaltan matriarch, flinches. “S-Sorry…”
“Everyone here are allies,” reaffirms Daniel. “The servants and knights should be kept in the dark for now, but I trust everyone currently in the room.” He then adds in reply to the Grand Duchess, “It’s an acceptable option, but I’d prefer we try to capture it alive. Senn, how intelligent do you think… Faomyrs are?”
“Faormyrs. And, as you saw, it was quite intelligent. An argument could be made for its sentience, other than an inability to speak. Though, at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if it can learn languages.”
“Good. Then, I’d like to suggest a plan. I won’t volunteer anyone for it, but let me lay out the basics.” He shifts a little, trying to get comfortable, and Wenlianna gently slides closer, urging him to lay on her lap to at least angle himself up a bit more. He does so gratefully, with his head resting against her abdomen under her chest and his upper back against her lap. “Thanks, Wenlianna.”
She smiles, teasing softly, “My pleasure. Though, it’s a little embarrassing to be in front of so many people. Just so you know.”
Everyone smiles gently, and Daniel continues his explanation of his plan. “I’ll use Nemaisol with the armor piercing rounds, and someone else will use the twenty millimeter. The, uh, ‘dragon slayer’.”
Rather than upsetting the dragon Empresses, the three snicker, since, while one of them experienced it firsthand, they have made Daniel repay for his guilt by all sorts of mischief. And, the name is accurate.
He goes on, “I’ll demonstrate putting Nemaisol away and try to communicate with words and tone to convince it to surrender. If it’ll surrender, we’ll give it food and medicine. Are there any Citadel ministers present?”
A female voice replies as a golem steps into the room, “I am here, your Grace. Apologies that Xyreko and Ucahote are currently indisposed. I am the Spellmaster, Oeyan’kae.”
Kera’tai twitches, which Daniel notices. He replies gently, “Oeyan’kae, my apologies for not finding time to meet you sooner.”
“Think nothing of it, your Grace. I won’t make the usual humble excuse, but instead reassure you that, unless you specifically ordered me to appear before you, I am usually not in physical form to be encountered. I… prefer research over interaction.”
Both Kera’tai and Daniel notice the specific outfit Oeyan’kae’s golem is wearing. It has a ceremonial appearance, decorated with various hand-made flower patterns draping from the sleeves. “Are… you a Chi’rinnis?” asks Daniel.
The golem bows, and the way her posture moves gives off a very approving air.
“Indeed, your Grace. I was born a Chi’rinnis of a clan deeper in the west than her Grace, Empress Kera’tai.”
Kera’tai immediately claps her hands together quietly, giving a sort of ceremonial bow to the Chi’rinnis golem. “Great elder, please bless me with wisdom and guidance.” She speaks softly in the Chi’rinnis language, which Daniel has learned only a few words of.
Oeyan’kae replies in their native tongue gently, adding in Eastern Trade after, “I appreciate your greeting, your Grace, but I am technically deceased. I’m… not sure what the proper etiquette would be.”
The Chi’rinnis empress straightens her posture saying warmly, “I am content with treating you as my living elder. Please do grant me your grace as you can.”
“I would be honored.” Oeyan’kae then turns to Daniel, asking with a respectful kindness, “How may I serve you, my Emperor?”
Daniel closes his eyes with an amused smile on his face, and others around him snicker. He replies quietly, “Have any shuttles been deployed with supplies?”
“Yes, but there is another shuttle on standby at the Citadel. Shall I have more equipment rushed to us?”
“Yes. As many po-... er, anti-magic grenades and bullets as we have available. Can you spare five mithril golems?”
“Of course, your Grace.”
“Good. And, send five revival potations, if we have them. Also, I’d like all of the milk Shek can spare. Send Skloe’s so she doesn’t feel left out, but we’ll need the healing properties of Shek’s. If there are any known tranquilizers that can put down a dragon, I would gladly accept them.” He looks at the three empresses upon saying this, but Roeta is the one to reply.
“Your Grace, it is likely to be detected by smell, but there’s something in the organs of trapdoor lobsters. It’s one of the few things I’ve ever heard of that can put a dragon to sleep for a few hours.”
The other five dragons all nod in agreement. Ryuogriar adds longingly with a hand on her cheek, “It’s a shame, too. Trapdoor lobsters are quite delectable.”
“Sometimes it’s worth it for a heavy sleep,” adds Reignleif in her soft and tranquil tone.
“Do we have any of those?” asks Daniel, directed mainly at Oeyan’kae.
“As it turns out, your Grace, her Majesty Aoloan received a delivery from dattakorien fishermen of three such specimens. Shall I have them sent?”
“Yes, thank you. Aoloan, I’ll make it up to you.”
The succubus smiles playfully. “Ohhhh. Very well, then, Daniel. I have some requests to make.” She licks her teeth while grinning at him.
The mechanic sighs. “Anything in my power, Aoloan.”
She cackles playfully, but then adds sincerely, “Oh, but please do request more of them from the fishermen, Oeyan’kae. I was going to make a great dinner with them when we return.”
“As you wish, your Grace. Anything else, my Emperor?”
“Since we’re having things delivered,” starts Hekate. “Shouldn’t we request more rifles?”
“We haven’t been manufacturing the 20mm rifles,” replies Daniel. “Too few of our enemies require it. Though, I have learned that we need to keep a stockpile of them. Many lessons have been learned today,” murmurs the castaway Earthling. Wenlianna pets his head gently, trying to reassure him.
“Sounds like the right time to make a list, Daniel. Shall I take notes for you?” She withdraws her notebook and pencil, and everyone shares a warm snicker.
“Please send as many of your demon staves as you can spare to match my knights, your Grace,” adds Aramellianna sincerely. “I shall pay a fair price for the rental of such equipment, as well as a crash course on their use, if it will make this mission that much safer.”
Daniel nods. “Do it. Renting them won’t be necessary, Mother.”
“Nonsense. I will be charging the soldiers under contract. This should minimize the risk of theft. Leasing the weapons will incentivize their prompt return.”
Daniel hesitates, and he looks up at the magic artisan cradling his head. She nods with a gentle smile. “Business exchanges are essential to a functioning economy, Daniel. And, as she said, even the soldiers with less-than-loyal intentions will struggle to hide theft or espionage.”
“Understood. Any objections from anyone?”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
No one objects, but Hekate asks, “Should we have them send tanks, Daniel?”
He thinks, while Ryuogriar points out, “If you want them, it is your final decision, your Greatness.”
“I-I know. But,... We’re minimizing their use to keep them hidden for now. Especially because they’re slow.”
“Which is why I’d prefer we don’t. But… Send one in storage, Oeyan’kae. We’ll keep it stored on the airship for emergency deployment if we need it.”
“It shall be done. I’ll also include an array of explosives, as well as stun and screening ordinance. They will be cataloged using Empress Reignleif’s coding system.”
“Good, thank you. ETA?”
“The second shuttle with resupply will arrive at the capital in four hours, your Grace.”
“Got it. Then, we’ll take a five hour break and deploy using one of the shuttles. Mother, may we rely on your personnel to handle the airship landing?”
“Of course, Daniel.”
“Good, then, I’d like to minimize the people in danger, but…”
“I’m going with you,” growls Geirahoel instantly, beating everyone else as if she was waiting for this exact moment.
“Yes. If we are together, we will be able to flee from the beast with our combined prowess.”
“We’re also the only ones with enough mana to engage Yaulwembor in a fight if it comes to that,” points out Reignleif.
“I’m going too,” urges Hekate. “I still have some left in me.”
“I’ll have enough strength to function in five hours,” adds Senn.
Vaergraes agrees, “Myself as well.”
“Magnir will guard the Grand Duchess, and I shall accompany you, my Liege,” replies Roeta after quietly discussing with her beloved blue mate.
Kera’tai, Aoloan, and Veiranoei hesitate, and Daniel says seriously, “Anyone with any hesitation should stay.”
“Your Enlightened Grace Aramellianna,” starts Kuboen. “Please lease one of the demon staves allocated to you to me. I’ll pay the lease. But, I’ll not stand by while my home is in danger.”
Gwenesphia murmurs, “Big Brother, you don’t have to do this…”
“I’m going, Gwen. I couldn’t do anything meaningful in either battle today. I won’t let that happen again.”
“If I understand correctly, the goal is a mere standoff, yes?” asks Peiburi.
“That’s right,” replies Daniel. “My goal is to have many firearms to intimidate Yaulwembor into hearing me out. If it -she- understands and cooperates, we won’t hurt her further.”
“Then, I volunteer as well. But, I intend to retreat if the standoff doesn’t work.”
“We all will,” replies Daniel. “If the initial volley in retaliation doesn’t work, then we’re doing everything we can to get away. Especially if she’s recovered her mana.”
“If we corner the Faormyr,” starts Neith with a questioning tone. “Are we worried about her becoming desperate?”
“The perimeter we’ll create will be a half-circle, rather than a full perimeter. With so many firearms in place, we don’t want to have each other in the crossfire. Granting Yaulwembor a direction to flee will allow her to choose fleeing, and we’ll keep pursuing her, exhausting her if we can.”
“If she’s not exhausted now, I want to trade bodies with her,” jokes Doephluev. “My beloved Emperor is merciless to his Empresses.” She feigns pain in her back, fanning her own cheek with her free hand.
Hekate growls impotently in irritation. She lost their little competition fair and square, and Doephluev’s wish was to be the empress for a day, once she chooses one for it to take place. Daniel doubts she’ll wait the better part of a year for Hekate’s next birthday, though she certainly would wait if it was much closer.
“One last question, Daniel,” starts the Grand Duchess as she ponders the mission, ignoring the archonelwyn. “Do you have a contingency for if Yaulwembor will not surrender and can’t be slain in time?”
Daniel goes quiet for a moment. He replies quietly, “Not one that won’t cost more lives than I want to even ponder.”
“If… it comes to it, Daniel… Will you?” asks Vaergraes. She’s the first one daring to ask, but everyone present who understands what the question really is wants to know the same answer.
Daniel is quiet for a long time. Something only Xyreko knows is that, during his house arrest at the Citadel, Daniel passed the time he could get free building one more of the most terrible weapons in the world. His goal was to test what the polonium grenades indicated; something shielded in lead can contain ‘anti-magic materials’, which seem to simply be any especially radioactive elements, and even with the negation effect internal to adequate shielding, the item can be put into a magic storage bag. This allows even a multi-ton bomb to be carried on a person, let alone flown to a target by a dragon or the magic-crystal powered shuttles.
The only problem is that the weight becomes a factor in direct proportion to the mass of the object’s currently extracted volume. Using a shuttle with enough lift is the only real option for deploying the lead-shielded bombs, since they’re too heavy for the dragons and the current models of the shuttles.
If they’re asking, though, Daniel’s companions aren’t entirely against using it, but only because they only saw it used against a singular titan of apocalypse. The repercussions using it anywhere near an inhabited area… He doesn’t even want to consider it.
But, if a dragon-like being as powerful as Yaulwembor were to go on an unchecked rampage, the consequences could be as great or greater than a singular weapon used to slay it, even with the resultant collateral casualties.
Hekate comes to Daniel’s aid, replying as she tries to lift her head from laying on her chest, looking at Vaergraes seriously, “Daniel won’t be making that decision. We will. Daniel creates options, but the weight of using the secret weapon can’t rest on him alone.” She looks down with a sullen expression. “I won’t let it.” Her face turns fiery, and she declares, “We will beg Daniel if and only if we lose control of Yaulwembor. Otherwise, we go with Daniel’s plan. Yauly will surrender or perish. I guarantee it.”
Aramellianna smiles and bows her head politely. “I understand completely, your Greatness. I am at your service.”
“I have seen your secret weapon via Dawnsight, Daniel… Or at least, I have seen what it can do. I saw another one being used.”
Daniel makes eye contact with the three dragons when they look at him. Of everyone, they have the greatest respect for what he did, having lived in fear of the Devourer and seen Daniel’s weapon destroy it first hand.
“Y-You think it was the coming fight?” asks Wenlianna nervously.
“I don’t know. As you may know, Dawnsight ends at the flash of a land-bound star.”
Daniel can feel the magic artisan trembling, but he adds gently to reassure everyone, “I have confidence Yaulwembor will surrender. She wants to survive, and she knows that we won’t let her if she proves to be our enemy. We’re the first thing that makes her feel fear.”
“You mean you are,” jokes Treia dryly, and everyone shares a gentle laugh.
The human mechanic from Earth replies gently with a somewhat distant expression, “I can handle that much.”
***
The hours pass by, and the second shuttle arrives with the supplies Daniel requested. When he had a moment of private, he made the decision to ask Oeyan’kae to have Xyreko load the current atom bomb onto a shuttle and standby. He gives her the order that if he should perish, any of the Empresses of the Fievegal have his permission to order its launch, and Xyreko has to ensure Yaulwembor is defeated.
He’s still optimistic, but he’s trying to remove all of the possibilities. The best option would be to use the 20mm rifles from airships and simply try to snipe the draconic archfiend from range, but the goal is to spare it and prevent the Faormyrs from going extinct. Senn is the only one who had knowledge about the being, and she is cautiously optimistic that it will be able to at least understand speech, or at least the intent of gestures of good faith.
So, he steps off of the shuttle about a mile away from the position the golems have marked. Ryuogriar and Reignleif cling to his arms lightly, while Geirahoel leads, carrying an automatic assault rifle in her arms. The dragons haven’t gone out of their way to learn about the firearms of Earth that Daniel was able to manufacture thanks to the Citadel, but they have enough knowledge about them now to meet the intent of the mission. Similarly, the knights of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy are already formed up ahead of them, each armed with a rented firearm serialized and tracked. The same goes for the bulk of Aramellianna’s Stalvaltan Guard who accompanied them on the airship journey to Mattarglos. In all, there are 10 knights and 50 guardsmen, in addition to Daniel’s party composed of Hekate, Vaergraes, Senn, Doephluev, Neith, Roeta, Gwenesphia and Treia. Additionally, though her father and second eldest brother present were hesitant, Gwenesphia’s family is also carrying rifles to join in the intimidation squad. The goal is to corner Yaulwembor and convince the draconid that Daniel will show her mercy if she surrenders peacefully, which is why he has as much food and drinks as weapons in the magic bags he’s carrying.
He speaks with a level tone to avoid alerting the archfiend too early. “You’ve all been briefed, and you all have volunteered. I can’t thank you enough.” He looks at Helbeit, the human knight of Stalvaltan who is carrying Daniel’s first 20mm rifle. It and Nemaisol are the only two weapons that can penetrate Yaulwembor’s skin, but he’s hoping she won’t understand that fully.
In an emergency, Daniel and Helbeit have the job of eliminating the Faormyr before she can escape.
If it turns into a battle, Daniel has anti-magic grenades and bullets in his non-magic pouches, with the bullets stored in a large cigarette-box type of container made of lead. He also gave out all of the anti-magic equipment he could to everyone else, giving them a quick rundown on how to use them.
The forest is quiet, and the path is easy to follow. While Yaulwembor mostly stayed below the tree-line, seemingly understanding that the rifles were a threat to her so long as Daniel can lay eyes on her, her large size broke through branches and small trees with ease, making it look like a tornado passed through.
Not to mention the large footprints and claw prints, intermingled with blood drops and the occasional shed scale that finally fell from her wounds.
Doephluev walks just off to Geirahoel’s right, carrying herself like a regal empress as she walks, since she is unarmed. Her own specific role is to intercept any surprise magic attacks with her own defensive barriers, while Senn begins counter-attack spells and everyone else opens fire.
The group moves at a steady pace. The path descends down an easy going slope, and Daniel can’t help but admire the scenery, including the massive trees that share a similar footprint to a house, rising high into the sky like skyscrapers. Though Mattarglos is generally hardy terrain, it seems the weather and precipitation are ideal for massive trees. Daniel never saw the colossal redwoods of California in person, but he wonders if even they were as big as these monstrous monoliths of lumber.
And, nestled in an alcove of colossal roots formed by the largest of the titanic ‘behemoth maples’ is a sight that puts everyone on edge.
Yaulwembor, in all of her glory, is sleeping. Her wounds seem to have stopped bleeding, but are still apparent, indicating that she likely hasn’t recovered her mana yet. There’s no way of knowing for certain when the polonium will decay away.
“{This could all end right now, Daniel. Take aim, fire. Problem solved. If you really want little baby Faormyrs running around, plead with Ryukana.}”
The easy route isn’t always the right one. And, I think we both know Ryukana won’t be able to bring a race back from extinction. Order and Chaos won’t allow that level of interference, I’m sure.
Kaeralegier’s voice sighs in Daniel’s mind dramatically. He’s the only one who can hear her, so he has to avoid reacting. “{Now do you know why I want to go into hiding? There’re so many rules. Not that I minded so much, but it was so suffocating sometimes.}”
I understand well enough. He signals with his hand for the knights to begin spreading out, and in the shade of the trees around them, they move into formation. They continue to expand the formation as they get closer, everyone present watching the draconic being carefully for even the slightest movement.
Daniel can feel Reignleif’s grip on his arm tighten. He glances at his blue Empress, and she makes eye contact with him. She thinks quickly, using her free left hand to rub her belly and then point at Yaulwembor.
The mechanic follows her gesture, and his hands tighten on Nemaisol, which is in the rifle form cloning the Dragonslayer.
“{Yeah-p,}” remarks the goddess bound to the magic weapon dryly. “{Those are eggs. Looks like four of them.}”
Daniel immediately starts searching the area. He comes to a stop, gesturing quickly with his fist up to bring the formation to a halt. They slowly come to a resting position, observing him.
The human emperor whispers to Reignleif, “Any signs of the male? Can anyone smell it?”
“I don’t think there is a male, Mukori,” replies Ryuogriar quietly. “She’s not keeping them warm. She simply laid them and is ignoring them.”
Daniel searches every memory and piece of wisdom he has ever absorbed, trying to recall anything that explains it.
Chickens, of course, lay unfertilized eggs regularly, often dictated by their diet, overall health, and breed. So far as he knew, reptiles lay unfertilized eggs primarily as decoy eggs for the clutch so that egg-stealers end up with a meal that doesn’t contain an embryo. He pages through memories of an Australian adventurer who hosted nature shows talking about everything from snakes and turtles to crocodiles and lizards, in addition to anything else his adventures took him on.
No, nothing. Everything in his memories indicates that a reptile -which is what he most closely relates the dragons, drakes, and now Faormyrs to- only lays fertilized eggs.
Or do they? Did I read something once?
Daniel asks softly, “Have any of you ever laid unfertilized eggs before?”
“It happens,” replies Ryuogriar quietly. “It’s embarrassing, because it’s usually a sign of an unpopular female.”
“I… I have…” murmurs Reignleif. Ryuogriar remains quiet, and Daniel makes a gentle joke to cheer her up, “Are they edible?”
Reignleif blushes, and Hekate snaps through a whisper, “Hey! Flirt later! Or flirt with me! Pick one!”
Daniel nods with a smirk. It is an extremely dangerous position to be in, and he just wanted to make sure Reignleif was back in a better mood so she doesn’t get distracted.
“Relay to everyone, please. If anyone sees any signs of any other creature, we’re aborting mission and evacuating.”
“On it,” replies Reignleif. Once she nods, having relayed the warning, Daniel signals with his hand to continue advancing.
They are able to get within a thousand feet before Yaulwembor shifts, lifting her head. She looks weary and battered from the battle, which is a relief in its own right. She’s not invincible, and she’s not tireless.
That said, she’s also not dead yet. And, as the saying goes, a cornered tiger is the most deadly.
Daniel can see the draconic archfiend scan the crowd, and the two eldest Dragon Empresses release him, allowing him to step past Doephluev and Geirahoel, revealing himself specifically to the Faormyr.
He shifts the rifle in his hands, slinging it up to his shoulder to draw attention to it, and the monster’s gaze snaps to him, locking on as her pupils widen, emphasizing their cross-like shape. Dragons have complex pupils, more noticeable in their true forms, that polarize their vision so they can still see, even when breathing their most powerful fire attacks.
Yaulwembor bears her massive teeth, each one about as long as Daniel’s forearm. She’s on guard, but thankfully, hasn’t sprung into offense yet.
Daniel signals everyone to stand down, and he makes a show of stowing Nemaisol on his back. He’s trusting his gut. There are contingencies in place, but he’ll be in the most danger out of anyone present for all of the usual reasons in addition to being so close without a weapon.
However, Nemaisol is still ‘drawn’ by being on his back, which Kaeralegier will hold off on returning to the holster since he’s still in contact with the magic weapon. With it drawn, he is protected somewhat from magic attacks.
Daniel walks slowly towards the archfiend with his hands clearly visible, and she growls in a warning tone.
“Let’s just stay calm, Yaulwembor. We’re both not looking for a fight, so let’s just get along.” He keeps his tone soft and gentle, trying to reassure the titan.
She doesn’t make any sudden moves, but she doesn’t lower her guard either. It’s entirely possible she doesn’t understand after all.
And, as he’s pondering this very notion, he realizes that, even if she had the capability to use language comprehension magic, it would no longer be in effect thanks to the anti-magic bullet whose shards are still lodged in her scales.
The human mechanic can feel sweat building in his body, and his legs grow weaker as he gets closer, but he does everything in his power to stay on his feet and keep moving slowly forward.
“Just a little closer, that’s all I want. I just want to talk. Can you do that? Can you talk? Or, do you at least understand me?”
Daniel watches the growling colossus for any signs of recognition. He’s close enough now that she could probably spring a striking attack too quickly for him to react, and he probably wouldn’t leave much more than a messy stain on the ground.
But, she clearly doesn’t know that, and it frightens her.
Daniel bobs his own head up and down as he says, “Nod like this if you understand me. Yes? Do you understand my words?”
Yaulwembor never takes her eyes off of Daniel, and he does the same.
It’s an extremely tense moment of quiet between them.
***