Cassius and Chuck walked away from the Bastion. Their eyes filled with a new source of determination, the preservation of Telon. They had not taken Irian's warning lightly, if they were going to stop the Great Evil; they needed to train their power and defeat Bal-Tuhn.
"Where now?" Chuck rumbled in his deep voice.
Cassius stroked his blonde beard and sighed, "I wish I knew, buddy. I wish I knew." He turned and looked out in the direction of the Crystal Sea. From the peaks of the White Mountains, he could clearly see it's vast expanse. "We have to train and hone our power, then we must find Bal-Tuhn."
Chuck grunted as his massive paws sunk into the soft earth, "Learn fight." He nodded his head up and down, his fluffy ears twitching.
Cassius frowned, "You're right big fella. I gotta learn how to wield this damned thing, and use magic."
Chuck's lips pulled back, revealing his steel fangs. Followed by a skeptical snort, "Chuck no use magic."
Cassius chuckled, the sound muffled by the wind. "Alright Chuck, it'll be just for me." Chuck grunted something in acknowledgment, and they proceeded down the mountain. Cassius knew that Irian was the Dragon God, and since he was the reincarnation of him; he had the ability to shape shift. Yet, with his current abilities, he had absolutely no idea how to accomplish such a feat. So instead of flying down the mountain, they would take the long way.
It would take them several weeks to navigate down the mountains, and around the Great-Wood. Cassius found himself getting worried, they had no food at this point. Neither did he have clothes, he was still stark naked. Crimson flesh exposed to the frigid air that came with the high altitude. "It's going to be one of a hike down this mountain."
Chuck looked sideways at Cassius, "Ride." He jerked his right shoulder up, signaling for Cassius to climb atop his furry back.
Cassius had a skeptical look, Chuck was huge, but he didn't necessarily trust the massive bear's balance. When Chuck gave an aggrieved snort, Cassius relented and pulled himself onto his broad back. Growing up in Wyoming, Cassius's family had owned a large ranch. Most of his child hood had been spent riding horses and training them. This experience was nothing like that. Chuck's back was incredibly broad, making it hard for Cassius to find a comfortable sitting position. He eventually settled down near the base of Chuck's neck, where he was able to steady himself.
After Cassius had settled himself, Chuck took off at a brisk pace. He weaved around the large boulders and loose dirt, quickly and carefully navigating the mountain face. They traveled like this for several hours, making incredible progress. Cassius's body was kept warm with Chuck's thick fur, and he eventually fell asleep after shaking off his previous doubt.
The first night on the mountain was quite peaceful, and Cassius told Chuck of his life on Earth. This had become much easier, now that his memories were not foggy. In truth, he didn't miss his previous life. On Earth, he had faced sorrow after sorrow, without any true relief. But here, in Telon, he could be more. He was able to truly live his life and make a difference. The longer he stayed in Telon, the more at home he felt. It was like returning to your bed after an exhausting day, it felt right.
Chuck didn't speak much, he just grunted or snorted. Several times he'd nudge and lick Cassius's face. He may have finally left adolescence, but that didn't mean he felt any differently about his friend. In fact, the past several months had been the most fulfilling of his long and lonely life. Besides, if he hadn't of met Cassius; he may not of ever attained such sophistication.
****
The giant, grey scaled, Dragon soared over the green lands below. His massive wings propelling him faster and faster towards his destination. His green eyes shone with excitement, it was possible his God was alive after all. The progenitor of his race, and most powerful being behind the All-Mother. Yes, he would finally get to see his father after all these years. His brother would be so relieved if Ivan could return with news of their previously believed dead father.
He was rapidly approaching the White Mountain range, and his eyes focused on the green world below. In his thousands of years of existence, he had seen the land of his father's Bastion many times. Things had changed greatly, the Great-Wood was still there, if, slightly smaller. The mountains had yet to change, but the previously rolling meadows of green life, now had vast cities and sprawled out villages. The lands had been claimed by humans and were constantly changing possession, as warring nations seized them back and forth. This caused Ivan to sigh, the mortals had always been warlike. It had been in their nature, even since the time of their birth.
With the disappearance of their Gods, they had only become more inclined to violence. They believed that the Gods had abandoned them, and this caused a vast majority to abandon the teachings of the Gods. Ivan smiled bitterly as he recalled fighting alongside the greatest mortal heroes to ever live. They had all died long ago, during the many Great Wars. The last war had finally claimed the live's of those legendary figures. Most were now forgotten, or believed to be myth. His revere soon turned to thoughts of his own father.
Irian and the All-Mother has raised their first born children together. Those being Elios, the Dragon King, and Ivan. Soon after came the sisters, and before long, hundreds of their kin. Elios had been named King, both because of his birth and his magical potential. Ivan had been born second, but strangely, possessed no magical abilities what-so-ever. Instead, he was completely immune to magic, and unaffected by it. This would later result in him being known as one of the most legendary warriors in history. The image of his battle scarred body and bald head were still depicted in hundreds of murals to this day.
Ivan laughed as he thought back to the days of constant training and instruction their father had put them through. Back then, he believed Irian had been unfair and unreasonable. Yet, as always, his father had been right. Just as he had been when he predicted Bal-Tuhn's return, as well as his own; inevitable death. Ivan shook his massive head and continued flying through the crowds. He had steadily advanced on the White Mountains over the last few hours. Within the day he would be upon what he hoped, was his father.
His journey lasted almost three more hours, but he had finally arrived at the dilapidated Bastion. His heart clenched as he examined the decay his father's palace had fallen into. At one point, the Crimson Order had lived here, taking care of the place even after the Gods entered the slumber. But, it seemed like something horrific happened and the Crimson Order has been extinguished. Something that would truly sadden his brother. On closer inspection, he was able to identify what he believed to be a recent disturbance. The palace roof had been scorched black, along with the inside. It strangely resembled the aftermath of Dragon's fire, this immediately made Ivan suspect his father. Yet, he quickly changed his mind. In all the years that he had known Irian, the Dragon God had never once breathed fire.
Ivan narrowed his eyes, and followed the trail of battle. His enhanced senses allowed him to track the trail all the way down to his father's sword chambers. The room was completely scorched, nothing remained, not even the Guardians. If Ivan was correct, whatever creature that had been pursuing them, met it's end here. He knew he was unable to open the Ancient doors, so he backtracked and once again looked for clues. He changed into his Dragon form and circled around the Bastion, looking for signs of a disturbance. His reptilian eyes eventually locked on what appeared to be a giant bear print. In the thin sheet of snow, a human's footprint stood beside it. The two prints eventually merged into one and led down the face of the mountain.
Ivan had finally found the trail, but was deeply disturbed. He was not aware of any bear that could make a print that big, even with his father's shape shifting abilities, they would not be quite so large. He was by no means scared of what this discovery could mean, but he was worried about the welfare of his father. He knew in his heart that such a thought was irrational, if something could injure a God, what hope did he have against it. Still, he pressed on, Ivan had to determine if his father was truly alive after all these years. He knew that if his father had returned, then surely Bal-Tuhn had as well. That possibility did not bode well for Telon.
****
The Demoness watched the naked man and giant bear as they made their way down the mountain. Her pulse quickened as she laid her eyes on the familiar figure of Irian. Among the Gods, his beauty was unmatched. His crimson skin was glorious in itself, but once added with the chiseled body and blonde hair; he was truly a sight to behold. The God looked as if he had been carved from stone, and she couldn't help but lust for him.
The Demoness did not often feel lust for other beings, since she was the Goddess of Lust, after all. Yet, she knew with all of her soul that she had to have Irian. Her pulse beat quickly, and her body quivered. In all of her life, there had never been a man to ignore her voluptuous body; until she met Irian. Even before the Great Wars, he had never been attracted to her. Never once did he give into her advances, but now looking at him ride the great crimson bear, something seemed different. He seemed younger, more full of live, and ultimately, more beautiful.
She knew that she couldn't disobey her brother's orders. He was much more powerful then her, and she long ago thrown her dice in with his. Still, the Goddess didn't see why she couldn't kill Irian after seducing him. If she enjoyed him enough, which she was sure she would; then maybe she would postpone his death. As she watched the two beings, her eyes narrowed on the bear. It's blue eyes matched Irian's, and gleamed with horrifying intelligence. Yes, if she were to have Irian; the bear would have to be dealt with. Luckily, she had just the idea to get rid of it. It was time to act.
****
Mahtore stepped out from the portal and into a beautiful valley. His eyes took in the wonderful view with a mad gleam. He quickly shot out his bony hand, green light spraying in every direction. The tendril shooting into the ground, sucking the life from the Valley. Within moments the beautiful valley had wilted, and decayed. Now a realm of death and destruction. Mahtore chuckled deeply, a wicked smile dancing across his torn lips. "It's so good to be home." He laughed causing a deep echo.
The ranks of undead steadily exited the portal behind him, preparing to bring mass destruction to the mortal world. Thousands of undead had already arrived, their green eyes shining viscously. Mahtore knew that they too felt his excitement. The undead couldn't stand the thought of life, and therefore despised Telon. They sought to destroy everything that lived and breathed, including the Gods that had abandoned them so long ago; when they were still mortals.
At his sides, the Revenants gathered. Their giant bodies shining with black steel. Their suites of armor were impenetrable when it came to regular weapons. This made them unstoppable amongst the mortal kingdoms, a true killing machine. It would take nothing short of an Ancient One to destroy them.
10,000 years of planning had paid dividends, and they could finally fulfill their deepest desires. This included Mahtore, if things went according to plan, he would finally be able to destroy Bal-Tuhn and claim the Undead God's power. With his master still in the Realm of Undead, he was safe. This caused a wicked laugh to escape his lips, followed by an evil smile. "It is time to take back what is rightfully mine."