Yamada followed Irina through the corridors, the walls periodically illuminated by a wall mounted torch. Yamada hesitantly followed behind Irina, as they made their way down the tower. 'Why is she so quiet? She said, we had a lot to talk about?' The two of them made their way to the dungeon of the Silver City. Screams of agony and pain echoed out. Irina created a ball of fire in her hand as a torch, and silently guided Yamada towards the screams. 'Where is she taking me? I should have brought Harbinger with me.' They passed corridor after corridor, each one filled with rooms, and screams of agony. "What is this place?" Yamada finally asked. "This is a place of learning. Where every Blessed hones their skills, and criminals are punished." She said, stopping in front of a silver door. Yamada peered through the slit, his eyes widening to the horrific sight.
A ragged man was strapped to a table naked. Surrounded by several tense men and women in white surgeon aprons. Behind him stood a Blessed, holding a scalpel over his eye. "3, 2, 1, GO!" The Blessed said, severing the man's throat. He tried to scream out in anguish, as blood filled his lungs. The men and women quickly clapped their hands together, branding him with several Blessing crosses. They quickly sealed the man's wound, and took out a sigh of relief, before the Blessed slit his throat once more. "You will not have time to rest on the battlefield!" The Blessed shouted. The man's eyes glazed over, and his body twitched and convulsed lifeless. Yamada clenched his fists. "They killed him." He growled. "Don't feel sorry for them. The men and women strapped to these tables, are some of the very criminals you brought in." She said inspecting her nails for dirt.
"This can't be how Blesseds are made." Yamada snarled. "So you would rather have knights learn formation and swordplay, by being lectured and shown?" He was silent. That obviously wasn't possible. "None of these men and women, are undeserving of their treatment. Rapists, murderers, thieves, and other degenerates are brought here. So that they may at least help the world of Jux, one last time and teach new Blesseds." The door swung open and the training Bleseds, bowed to Irina. "Monarch Irina. To what do we owe the pleasure?" The Blessed asked. Yamada locked eyes with the dead man, still twitching in his restraints. "I'm giving my new guard a tour of the Silver City." They cocked an eye at Yamada. New Guard? Who was this Islander to be given such an imperative role. "Grab his body, Yamada." She ordered. "What did he do?" He asked. The Blessed man, flipped through his wooden clipboard. "Nothing, but a common thief."
"What did he steal?" Yamada growled. Irina kept her smirk and joy hidden. Wearing nothing but the face of an annoyed ruler. "What does it matt-" Yamada snapped his glare to the Blessed. Eyes amber and slit. The man stumbled back terrified. "He stole from the Monarch Cagim's personal stash." He said, clutching the clipboard. Yamada shrugged off his anger, and his transformation. He gently unstrapped the man, draping a cloth over his body, and held him in his arms. "Let's go." He said coldly, staring at the Blessed. Yamada followed Irina deeper into the tower. After a long and precarious walk down a spiralling flight of stairs. They entered into a large clearing. "Put his body down." Irina ordered. "What are you going to doing with him? Should we not take him to his family?" Yamada asked. "Place his body down, and you will find out." She said.
He hesitantly placed the man's body down, walking back to Irina at the base of the stairs. "Do you still hear the Draken's voice?" Yamada shook his head. "It's been quiet since, I ate that heart." "That's good to hear, but try to see if you can hear it now." She said, tossing the fire ball onto the corpse. His body charred instantly, and the fire dissipated leaving them in pure darkness. Yamada held his breath, and clenched his fists. Why would he want to hear the voice, trying to take over? The ground shook and the cave rumbled. Hot air blew into their faces, and the hairs on Yamada's spine stood at attention. The ground in front of them shattered, crushed under the weight of something incredibly heavy. As the ground split and ripped asunder in front of them. Yamada came face to face with a turquoise slit eye. One that was nearly five times his size. 'Do not be afraid. It is weaker than us.' The serpent hissed, with confidence.
The eye slunk away into the darkness, and Yamada clutched his head. "What did it say?" Irina asked. "It said, I shouldn't be afraid. That it was weaker than us." Yamada winced, holding his head. The serpent had gone quiet, but hearing it's voice felt as if something had struck him in the face. "Interesting. Your Draken must be above of the hierarchy." Irina snickered, creating a ball of fire in her palm. Top of the hierarchy? How could that be possible. A Ryū would never bow a Dragon, or vice versa. They were the only two Drakens that would never bow, unless defeated. The fireball in Irina's hand shot out illuminating the cave, burning slowly as a flare. Yamada's eyes bulged almost out of its sockets. The sight of how large the cave was, meant nothing to what he was gazing upon.
A silver scaled dragon coiled atop a raised mound of earth. Beneath it an army of lesser drakens fast asleep. Comprised of thousands, of Wyrms, Lindworms, Qilins and Amphitheres, coiled over each other. "What is this place?" He asked in awe, shock, and disbelief. "This is the Silver City's secondary testing ground." Irina said, walking with Yamada to the edge. "This is where, we have tried to cure the problem that has plagued all of Jux, for the last eight millennia." "The Draken curse..." Yamada trailed off. These were all once people or animals grazing the lands of Jux.
"Yes, for as long as the Silver City has existed. We have tried to understand everything about Drakens. Pondering every scientific question possible. How they function. Is someone chosen to transform? Why can some enter it naturally? What happens to someone's mind when they transform for extended periods of time? And the list goes on?" She said placing a hand onto Yamada's shoulder. "Why are you showing me this? What is the point of this?" He asked, stepping away from the ledge. "Because I've never had a chance to prove my theory to be correct or not." She said with a sinister smile. A gate of fire opened beneath Yamada. He summoned his armour in response, readying himself to leap out of the way. Irina blew a gentle breath. The heat around him disappeared, and he was instantly entombed in a cocoon of ice.
"The title of a Forsaken Knight, and their origins are a complete oxymoron. They did not abandon or reject their responsibilities as a knight. In fact they went above and beyond, to fulfil their duty. If I could rewrite history, I would have named them the radiant Draken Knights. Something more fitting of their sacrifice." She said. Her voice filled with sorrow and anger. Yamada was frozen in place. Every time he moved to break the ice, it instantly reformed around him. The fire gate continued to spin underneath him. 'How does fire make ice?' He thought, trying to break free. Irina sighed, staring at the silver dragon longingly. "Sadly people, are stuck in their ways. Driven by fear mongering men and women." She ran her hand along his tomb. "But that is where you come in, Yamada. Unlike these poor souls, you didn't succumb to the ritual."
Even entrapped in ice. Yamada's eyes widened with the sudden realization. Everyone of those Drakens beneath him, were those lost to the ritual. 'Show me, that you can change the world.' She thought pushing his tomb into the pit. He crashed down below the ice around him shattering apart. Yamada's extreme weight, had made him punch a hole through several sleeping Drakens. With roars of anguish, pandemonium spread throughout the swarm. Yamada was bounced between slithering Drakens. He leapt into the air to escape, only to be struck back down by a shard of ice. He locked eyes with Irina. She was testing him. But what was the test? The Drakens split apart, letting Yamada crash back into the ground. He quickly stood up, reaching for Harbinger, before grimacing. Towering above him, they snapped and snarled at him. To Irina's surprise, Yamada did not panic. He did not attempt to escape. Instead he planted his feet, and took a fighting stance, raising his fists up.
"Devour." The serpent hissed. Yamada smirked under his helmet. A Wyrm with a black and white scale pattern lunged at him first. Yamada leapt straight into its gaping mouth, flying out, through its spine. Covered in its crimson blood, he felt a surge of energy rush through his body. The Drakens charged at him roaring. "DEVOUR!" The serpent roared. Yamada let out a visceral roar, leaping into the fray. Irina watched on enamoured, as Yamada tore his way through the swarm. A maelstrom of blood and guts sprayed out, with a symphony of scales and bones breaking playing out, over the sounds of death. "Marvellous." She whispered. Yamada gracefully weaved and slipped swiping claws and fangs. Leaping and dodging coiling lunges. Each time delivering a deadly counterattack.
Yamada's instincts kept him safe, and the serpent drove him forward. Devour. Devour. Devour. It repeated. Wave after wave of Drakens attacked Yamada. A ruby scaled Amphithere took the air, coiling up. It spat out a raging boulder of fire. Yamada created the gate of water above him. Irina stumbled back, shaking her head in shock. 'The water gate.' The sight of the gate, mesmerized her. The fire ball clashed against the water gate, creating a scalding smokescreen. Irina waved her hand, vanquishing the smokescreen. Yamada stood tall, heaving and huffing. Drenched and dripping blood. The Drakens cowered in fear. They understood to no longer bear their fangs at him. The silver dragon let out a roar and beat its wings. The Drakens coiled behind slithered behind their leader. The beast prowled towards Yamada, its silver claws splitting the earth apart.
"You're their leader huh?" Yamada huffed. He trudged forward to face the Silver Dragon. Unaware that with every step his transformation furthered. He now stood at five meters, his wings flared out, and his armour now large scaled plates. 'Now isn't that an amazing sight. A were-dragon just like Vasha.' The Silver Dragon beat its wings, roaring into Yamada's face. He unleashed his own roar in response. Yamada readied himself for a battle, when the Silver Dragon bowed, with the other Drakens following it. "Incredible." Irina said, astounded by the sight. Yamada's transformation was above the hierarchy. "What the..." He trailed off, hearing Irina applause from above. Yamada snarled at her, and flew up towards her. Landing in front of her. Yamada towered over Irina glaring down at her, his scales stained crimson. "What was the point of that?" He snapped.
She snickered, and created a gate of fire above the den. One large enough to cover the entire ceiling. "Research and scientific discovery, takes sacrifice my dear. Now I believe you've earned yourself a feast." She said lowering the gate. Yamada watched as the Drakens were all lulled to sleep. "What did you just do?" He asked reverting back. "I took away the heat from their bodies and air. Triggering their instinct to hibernate." Yamada was suddenly hit with a wave of exhaustion, falling to his knees. "You don't know any water magic do you?" "No." He grunted. Yamada rolled onto his back, struggling to breathe. "Magic was created to solve a problem. Understanding what causes a problem, will help you develop your magic. It's creation is limited by three factors." She said raising three fingers. "Arcane energy reserves, skill and a deep understanding of your elemental affinity."
A deep dread filled Yamada. "Are you saying the only way, I can learn my magic is to-" "Study." Yamada groaned covering his face. He had hidden, how painful his headaches were. Whenever Jacara tried to teach him about magic. "I'll have some people bring you some study material." Irina said kneeling beside him. "Can you please, make sure the writing isn't too squiggly?" She cocked an eyebrow at the odd request. "I'll have someone tutor you, if you'd like?" He nodded. "Devour." The serpent hissed violently. "DEVOUR WHAT!?" Yamada shouted, shooting up. Irina stumbled back, startled at the outburst. "You keep saying that! DEVOUR WHAT? USE YOUR WORDS!" He shouted, slamming his fists into the ground. "May I be of assistance Yamada?" Irina asked cautiously approaching him. "You can hear him as well? He shut up now. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EAT!?" He yelled.
Irina rolled her eyes, and kicked Yamada back into the pit. With a yelp he crashed back into the bloodied pit. He stood up wearing his armour. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?" He shouted. The draken blood around him, begun to encircle him. He stumbled around watching the mass of blood pool up. 'He's doing it subconsciously. Interesting.' "Irina, what is happening-" The blood rushed and surged into his armour. He fell to his knees feeling the Arcane energy race and pulse through his body. Irina stepped away, watching the mass of blood rise and swell. The blood exploded, splattering large blobs everywhere. Yamada stood tall, his body revitalized, and armour pulsating an azure aura. Irina created a reflective wall of ice in front of him.
His salet had become smooth and sleek, shaped after the eight headed serpent. Dorsal fins stuck out from the side of his helmet. His pauldrons and poleyn were smooth, with his vambraces and greaves with a raised spike, resembling a fang. Yamada was at a loss for words. Awing at his new appearance. "Well, I think a more fitting name for you now. Is the Serpent Knight." Irina said with a smile. "Yeah, that's a great-" Yamada's eyes rolled up and he fell unconscious. His armour shattered onto the ground, disappearing into mist. "Hmm. Interesting. What would have caused him to go unconscious, after devouring that much Arcane energy?" Irina pondered, floating down towards him.
Ul'lanna returned from her sixth trip to the privy. Heartbroken to not find her glass of shaved ice awaiting her return. She glared at Jacara. He had ordered the handmaidens to clean the room. And take away her most treasured item. He met her gaze. "Before you say anything and get even angrier. I didn't do anything. Just know that the chef who makes that dessert, ran out of glasses, and has gone home to sleep." She pouted in response, slumping into her seat, folding her arms. "Fine, I guess I can wait a few hours."
"Well, there is something that I can show you, to keep you distracted, if you're not too tired." Jacara said, with a sly smile. Ul'lanna gave him a disdainful glare. "Gross." Jacara rolled his eyes. "It's not that." He said getting up, excitedly offering out his hand. Ul'lanna took it. She smiled at him, enjoying this side of him a bit more. Excited and passionate. As they pulled the doors open. Symtic and Surce let out a frightened shriek. Ul'lanna and Jacara joined them. The four of them clutched their chests, catching their breaths. Chuckling at the situation. "Sorry, to scare you." Symtic said with a smile. "I know it's late my dear, but it has been over ten years since we last you saw. Perhaps we could-" "I'm never too busy, to spend time with my grandparents." Jacara said. He turned back to Ul'lanna with a glum look. "It's alright, show me what you were going to, tomorrow night."
Symtic gave Jacara a playful nudge in the ribs with his elbow. "Showing her the goods?" He said, raising his eyebrows suggestively. Surce slapped his arm, frowning at him. "By Vasha. He is not that kind of man." She paused and scanned Jacara. "Right?" "Of course not!" He exclaimed. "I was going to show her the head." "Ahhhh." Symtic and Surce, both nodded along. "The thing that makes all women fall in love." Surce said, falling into Symtic's arms. Ul'lanna gave them all an incredulous look. What the fuck. Ul'lanna mouthed. "Well it can wait till tomorrow. I'm sorry Ul'lanna." He said bowing to her. "It's alright, I feel super water logged anyway." Jacara cocked an eyebrow at her. "You think it's because you ate ten litres of water, in the span of six hours?" "Nope." She said walking away.
Symtic and Surce scowled at her. How dare this Elf woman, talk to their grandson like that. As Jacara spun around, they wore their smiles again. "I'm sorry, that we could not spend any time together today. I figured you two would be busy, especially with the influx of refugees." Surce sighed, rolling her eyes. She pinched Jacara's cheeks. "So smart, and yes. One stupid plea after another." "My child is hurt, please help. I have no gold though." Symtic mocked, imitating a croaky voice. Jacara followed them, letting out an uncomfortable chuckle with them. "But...you could help them right?" Symtic and Surce stopped in their tracks. "Good grief. Did your father teach you nothing?" Symtic scolded. Surce caressed Jacara's face. "My dear. The rules are clear. For us to remain impartial and neutral. To be a safe haven from any war. We cannot bend the rules for anyone." "If you can pay, you can stay." Symtic said pounding his chest proudly.
Jacara reluctantly nodded. It still let his stomach churning. How would helping those people outside, be taking a side? He entered their lavish room, decorated with adorned with gold and silver. The door handle alone, would be enough to pay for at least five people to be blessed. Symtic and Surce collapsed into the thick padded couch. Jacara sat down in front of them. Surce rolled over, resting her arm over her eyes. "Jacara, my dear. We've been told some stories about you and that Elf." Her voice was filled with malice. "Are they true?" Symtic asked, sitting up to pour himself a glass of wine. "What stories?" Jacara asked. "That you and her, have...copulated." Surce said, shuddering at the thought. Jacara shook his head baffled at the notion. "What?" He chuckled. "She's "copulated" with Yamada not me. She finds me...to not be her type." Symtic and Surce let out a big sigh of relief.
"That's a big relief to hear." Jacara gave them a questioning stare. "Why would that be?" He asked. Symtic and Surce chuckled at him. "Jacara. She's an Elf." Surce said. "And not even one born of nobility." "How do you two know that?" Symtic took a seat, pouring Surce a full cup of red wine. "Her hair, and skin. High Elves, are born with golden hair, fair skin and light eyes. She has the common characteristics of a common breeder." Jacara felt uneasy. Where his grandparents always like this? "Well, you don't have to worry. She sees me as just a friend anyway." Jacara reassured. "Nonsense." Symtic said, slamming his mug down. "If you want to bed the whore, bed her. You are the prince." "If not, we could have several Elven whores brought to you." Surce offered. Jacara kept his anger hidden. "That's alright." He said standing up. "I apologise, Grandfather and Grandmother. It has been a long day." "Of course my dear. Go and rest." Surce said tenderly.
Jacara bowed and made a hasty exit. He found Irina in the hallway, bathed in the moonlight. She leaned over the railing, gazing over the city. "Monarch Irina." She turned and smiled to him. "Please Prince Cagim. You use to have such a cuter name for me." "Auntie Iri." He blushed. "You remembered." She smiled, clapping her hands together. "Where is Yamada?" He asked. "He's fast asleep." She ruffled Jacara's hair, and pinched his cheek. "You've grown into a fine young man." Jacara felt his face grow hot. He couldn't help, but see her now as a woman. "I know you are tired, but could you answer something for me?" She asked staring off into the night sky. "Of course..." He said standing beside her. "Do you love her?" Jacara immediately began choking on his own saliva. He entered into a coughing fit, growing red.
Irina snickered patting his back. "You are your father's son. He never could hide how in love he was." "I'm not in love with her!" He exclaimed. Irina nodded sarcastically at him. "Of course." She said giving him a thumbs up. "Are you seriously here, this late at night to make fun of me?" Jacara glowered. "Of course not. I can do that at any time. No, I've come here with a question, for the young prince." Jacara felt uneasy. She was building to something. "The Storm is coming tomorrow." "And? The lightning rods are still functioning. Even those refugees outside will be safe." "And if they weren't there? Would you help them?" She asked with such intensity, it made Jacara step back. "How could I help them? There's nothing I could do to stop the Storm." "I didn't ask, if you could stop it. I asked. Would you help those in need? Even if it went against your family's wishes?"
Jacara hesitated. "I see. I have my answer." Irina said glumly. "Wait! You can't just spring that on me." He said frustrated. Who would be able to answer a question like that on the spot? Except. "Yamada's response was quite different." Jacara rolled his eyes. Of course that idiot would have no disregard. If the Silver City allowed every refugee in, they would...What would happen? The Kingdom doesn't have a shortage of supplies. It never has. Irina broke Jacara's train of thought, poking his heart. "You should learn to listen to this more." She flicked his forehead, making him wince. "That one, is causing you problems." Jacara rubbed his forehead, watching her walk away. He looked to the night sky, watching the bright moon, slowly being enveloped by the Storm clouds. "Of course I would help. But there's no need to."