Chapter 21
The group of warriors were shocked to say the least. They never expected their enemy to walk up to them and start a conversation. If this really was their enemy, this decision of his showed a disconcerting amount of confidence. He clearly wasn't worried about his safety or jeopardizing his plans. They stood silent for a few moments until Solis broke the silence.
"How dare you take our friend!"
He was so angry that he forgot to account for his own advise of gaining perception and intelligence. He almost never made a move without preparing beforehand, but this time, he rushed at his enemy with everything he had, his greatsword drawn and glowing.
"No, Solis! Not yet!" Lux called out after him.
Solis shot forward and threw every bit of strength he had into the attack. He was so angry he didn't heed his leader's warning. The blade stopped suddenly. The Alpha stood in a relaxed posture with one hand still in his pocket. The other hand stopped Solis' sword with only two fingers. With blinding speed, he moved toward Solis in a blur, he sent the angry warrior flying backwards. The attack sent Solis sliding through the snow directly to Lux' feet. Solis groaned but seemed unable to speak for the moment. Luna quickly dropped to check on him. Then, Telu came beside her to heal him.
"I thought you would like to have this friend back," the Alpha said to Lux with a smile.
"You will answer for this." Lux said.
The alpha looked at him but ignored his statement."You see, I know you've come to take the girl back. And if I'm being completely honest with you, I don't really care one way or the other. I don't need her anymore. Unfortunately, though, you won't be able to save her because I will kill you all first." Once again, he was smiling.
"I do not understand why you have done these things," Lux said. "I do not know you, nor have I ever heard anyone from our home speak of you. Why are you so determined to make an enemy of us? Why did you start a war with us by abducting Fira all those years ago?"
"Well, you can be sure I didn't make the first move. That privilege apparently belongs only to your people. I'll tell you what: if you can survive long enough, I'll tell you the story of what sealed your fate. Now tell me, do you know what this is?" The Alpha said as he walked toward the giant reptilian monster with his arm gesturing toward it.
He reached the monster and began petting its head. The warriors were frozen, they didn't know what to do. They didn't know he would be so powerful, but that wasn't the only problem. He was completely prepared for them, yet they knew nothing about him.
"This is an ancient beast that has long since been forgotten by society. I found him years ago in the eastern rain forest. He had been all alone for centuries. I befriended him, and now he serves me along with all my other subordinates."
The reptile began shifting. Its arms began sliding out slowly. It turned its head to see the man petting its head. After that, It crawled to its feet once again. The group of warriors were shocked, they thought they had surely defeated the enormous beast.
"How very unfortunate," Luna said calmly.
"Did you send that monster to attack us?" Lux asked.
"Actually, he volunteered," he responded as he raised his hand to the monster so it would hold its position. "Do you know what he is? He was part of an ancient race of reptiles known as; skriodyr. He may very well be the last of his kind, but that doesn't mean you should take him lightly. I will be waiting for the victor of this battle down the path. I'll leave you in the care of my good friend, the skriodyr." The Alpha turned to walk away, but stopped and turned his head back toward them. "By the way, I don't think you'll leave without the rest of your friends. But, if cowardice does take over, I recommend that you don't try to go back through the caves. My people are guarding the exits." With that, he raised his hand as if to wave, and then, he disappeared across the snowy landscape.
The monster let out another terrible scream. It sounded like a warning, soon it would attack. Lux walked over and positioned himself in front of the beast.
"You two must make sure Solis survives. I will remove this obstacle from our path."
Then, Lux felt a small hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Luna standing behind him. She looked up at him with determination in her eyes.
"Allow me, Tempestas."
Lux nodded to grant her request. He turned away and left the battlefield, leaving Luna alone with the reptile. He had reached Telu and Solis when he felt a tremendous force rush against his back. The force made it difficult to stand. He turned to see Luna walking toward the monster. She looked as though she was covered in fire, but the flames were of a dark purple hue. Lux' eyes widened. It had been quite some time since he had seen Luna really cut loose with her energy. He actually hadn't fully realized how powerful she had become.
The giant reptile raised a claw at the small warrior. She continued walking forward. It attempted to crush her, but the monster's arm was halted before reaching its target. It didn't have enough strength to force its way past Luna's compulsion. She responded by raising her hand, and as she did the enormous beast was lifted off the ground.
She raised the monster higher, then in one swift motion, she flipped it on its side and forced it to the ground. The beast crashed down into the area in front of Luna. When it landed, she shot forward and placed her hands over its eyes. The beast didn't respond at all. Instead, its arms relaxed and its head fell to the side as it drifted to sleep. She removed her hands, but her energy remained, encircling its reptilian eyes.
She turned to look at Lux, "I simply could not bring myself to destroy this poor, unfortunate creature. It has no family, of course it would fight for the first person to treat it well. As long as I remain in this realm, this beast will sleep under my Nocturnal Spell. It will live, but it will no longer be a problem for us."
Lux smiled, "I agree, it should not be punished for that man's evil. Well done, Luna." Then Lux turned to Telu. "How is our friend, My Dewdrop?"
"His condition has improved greatly, My Light. He will be conscious momentarily."
Solis winced, and slowly opened his eyes. He raised his hand and placed it on Lux' shoulder.
"Lux, I am sorry. I put everyone at risk because I chose not to control myself."
"You should not worry, Solis. Everyone makes mistakes, and you got us very important information. We now have a basic understanding of his strength...which is a little troubling. He is incredibly powerful. Not to worry, we will confront him soon enough. Are you ready, Solis?"
Solis sat up from his position. He laughed, "I am ready for a rematch."