In less than an hour, they had made their way into the stone walls of Ash'shan'dar as they crossed under the massive stone archway leading into the castle
Moreru yoma gritted her teeth as she a rising heat within her body upon arriving Moreru yoma got off the horse and marveled at the slender that was Ash'shand'dar's massive towers and beautifully crafted sculptures that were around an outdoor garden
A tall man wearing golden armor with thick black hair walked up to them and said, "Very good you got the boy" Lei nodded and said, "Yes, sir, and he needs to see Master Selva."
The man stopped them both and looked at Moreru yoma
" Is that his sister or an item he came to sell?" he said, pointing at Moreru yoma, then walked over to her
" Yes, she is a bit underfed, but when she is fed proper food, then her muscles will grow stronger. Moreru yoma bit down on her lip hard as the man grabbed her breasts and gave them a tight squeeze, Removing his hands and returning to where he once was.
The man nodded. "Yes, This one will surely make you a lot of," who rightfully upset with lighting fast speed Moreru Yoma's fist drove itself into the mans face knocking him back before he could finish, He felt his face and growled six of his teeth were missing, his vision was blurry from the black eye he had on his right eye, and blood was spilling down his nose
"How dare you speak to me as if I am some animal you can sell off to the highest bidder like all of those before me"
Moreru yoma bent down and said, " I have been sold to pigs like you more times; than you can phantom."
Lei got in-between them and said, " I am sorry; she is with us." The man walked away in a huff. Kaido and Kezler took Arran into a large white room and laid him onto a table, and began to heal him with powerful healing magic
" This should take about less than an hour,"
A tall, slender man walked in, and his dark grey hair combed back " You must be Moreru yoma. I was brief about your friend's current issues. If you would please go outside, you are free to explore, and there is a library in the lower chambers of the castle. Lei will take you there if you so desire."
Before Moreru yoma could speak, her legs buckled, and she falls Lei grabbed her before she hit the floor. Selva placed the back of his hand on her head and quickly drew it back, and stared at the both of them
" Was she with him? Where there any chains or bindings on her" Selva asked
Lei, replied, " Yes, she was with the boy, but she seemed to care for him, and I saw no signs of capture or enslavement."
Selva carefully opened Moreru Yoma's hand and gasped as emblazoned on her palm was the symbol of fire. Selva turned to Lei. "Thank the All-Mother you found her a few days more out there, and the child would have died before her Awaking."
Confused, Lei asked, " What is that?" The clicking of a steel cane ending hitting the ground could be heard at the Entrance Lei turned and bowed, " Grand Blademaster Jarvis Vixen Grey, I was not expecting you."
Jarvis Vixen Grey walked slowly towards them, his Tall white Elden Root cane clicking each time it hit the floor. His intimidating seven-foot height towered over everyone, His stone grey hair flowed behind him, and the evening sun gleamed off of his dark red Devils Armor.
" It is only a phase that a Flameborn goes through when she is blessed at birth by The All-Mother, and The Ashen Lord to one unlock her true self. Most Flameborns in the First age had were born mortal and had Divine blood put into them, But there are a few Flameborns that show up, their name not known, nor do they have any memories of friends, family, or anything before the basic human functions."These Flameborns are known as The Unlit." He paused and looked at Moreru yoma. "But only two of these Unlit have lived long enough even to reach the age for their body to become Awoken and unlock their True Self who they are." Jarvis finished
Lei nodded and took Moreru yoma to one of the guest rooms.
Arran sat next to her, his hand in hers as Jarvis sat next to Arran " Do you know who her true self is?" Jarvis asked as the hour turned midnight.
Arran replied, "It is just wishful thinking, but I would want it to Suzume Evergarden." J
arvis nodded " Yes, The Kitsune that was killed by Kurio ame. I seem to remember that she and Draco were quite close."
Arran nodded and said, " Yes, I am, but how close I still am not sure. Will she be the same Suzume from this world even though she is dead her."
Jarvis was silent for a moment, then said, " there is a possibility that she would come back as the Suzume from either before she died or from a dark future." Jarvis stood up and began to walk away " But whatever happens, know that she is still the same Suzume you have always known."
Arran replied, " Thank you for your kind words."
Jarvis nodded and said, " you are welcome; she will wake up in the morning, her true self restored; we will see what happens after that." He paused and said, " But while we wait, Arran can you come with me."
Jarvis and Arran walked down a long, dimly lit hallway adorned with pictures of people that Arran did not know. Jarvis stopped when they reached a large golden table that held Demonsong and two other weapons, a blade made of Nether-Steel that was blue and glowed like fire; its hilt was a dragons head and on the left was a long blade crafted by the race of La'garins and wielded by Selva La'gar the brother of Kai'la La'gar
Jarvis gave Demonsong to Arran and picked up Bailfire. "I have instructed Lei to accompany from now on as not only a guard for the Flameborn but also to be Bailfires next wielder.' Jarvis paused and, as he gave Bailfire to Arran as well, said, "If I could ask of one favor from you?" Arran nodded. "Yes, what is it?"
Jarvis replied, " Teach the boy how to fight. the world is cruel and unforgiving to those who refuse to shed the blood of their foes in battle."
Arran replied, "what is the purpose of teaching to battle? Is it so that he can join your army and slather all in his path?"
Jarvis replied, " No, that is not it. A Bladewalker must show no mercy to its foes and bring honor to its king by shedding the blood of those who oppose him without mercy or bias."
" Yes, I will teach him to fight." Arran paused, his voice low " But hear this, Javis Vixem Grey. Even I will not kill without a good reason or if it is the absolute last choice I have, and It is up to him to decide that. I will not force it upon him." Arran said
Jarvis nodded and said, " Very well. One more thing, it will not be long before Vern Vermillion knows of your existence." Arran nodded; he knew of the Vermillion Empire and its vice-like grip on the world and the Vermillions lust for power.
" I have heard from my spy on the inside of the Vermillion Empire that in Vern's reign, he has exiled his only son. Ryuu Vermillion for treason against the Empire," Jarvis said. Arran nodded " You are saying that Vern may ask Ryuu to kill me on the basis that he will grant him back into the Family."
Jarvis nodded " that is a possibility that you must be prepared for."
As Arran slept that night, Ezra came back into his head. Arran found himself standing in a massive throne room; around him were shadows that resembled people, and standing across the room in front of a tall shadowy figure who seemed familiar, Arran saw a tall man he wore royal clothing his skin was fair his piercing ice-blue eyes stared intensely at the shadowy figure and of all of the people in the room he was the only one that Arran knew " Draco Dra'ghoul, The Dragon of Nevermore
"Ezra ... you and I have been friends since my father Jarred Dra'ghoul welcomed you into our home, saving you from dying on the streets of Nevermore. You have been as a brother to me.
You and I rode together, and We fought as Brothers in Arms against those who stood against the kingdom. I allowed the Eltaree you married to stay and have a child. I treated you like family. It was I who protected you from those who wished you dead in our youth. I showed no hate nor malice to you all the years we spent together.
Tell me, Brother, what punishment is fitting of one who was once someone I had called brother, A Dyi'verain, who was saved by my father and brought into the house of those his race was trying to destroy. What say you, Ezra .... what punishment do you wish to have after you have killed my father and mother almost my own in the name of the Cursed God Xenoventaries!"
Ezra replied slowly, "Long live Xenoventaris may the Dra'ghoul bloodline become lost to the sands of time and the Kingdom of Nevermore burn to ash."
Draco cried out as he plunged his sword into Ezra's stomach. Tears streaming down Dracos face as he removed his blade, and blood poured onto the floor.
Arran woke up, his face drenched in sweat " That was not a dream," Arran said. It was more of a forgotten memory, one locked away hoping to be forgotten
"Ezra. Why did you turn to the path of darkness?"Arran said softly, tears forming as every memory he had with Ezra in his life as Draco Dra'ghoul flowed into his mind. Arran could not sleep the rest of the night, his mind swirling, " Is it possible that Ezra is Lupine? But that can't be I saw Drac-" Arran stopped anger rising inside of him
"No, I killed him," Arran said before he fell asleep
As Arran slept, memories that he had never seen before flashed before him.
Draco was on one knee holding a golden ring to Suzume; words were not needed. Arran knew what this meant the stary skies of El'send'dar morphed to dark cloudy rain night where Suzumes grave stood lightning flashed in the sky, her full name coming into view Suzume Dra'ghoul
Arran heard a knock on his bedroom door " Arran, are you awake?" a kind, familiar voice said. Opening his eyes, Arran said softly, " Please, by the grace of the All-Mother, let it be her."
"Suzume? Is that you?" Arran said, his voice trembling with excitement as he finished putting on his light Drag'terin armor provided by Jarvis Vixin Grey.
"Can I come in?" She said as Arran opened the door and kissed her on the lips while he embraced her tightly; Suzume was surprised but could feel Arran's tears of joy running down his face. after what seemed like forever, he let go " I thought I would never see you again." Arran said
Suzume nodded " So did I. Grab your gear; Jarvis went and retrieved Tsuki, Emma, Erikk from where they were camped near Twisted Woods." Arran attached Demonsong onto his belt and put on his Elden Dragon God Leather Jacket, also provided by Jarvis.
"What about Bastion? Where is he?" Arran asked Kai're who gave him a disgusted looking at Arran, her new cyborg eye glowing a dark red as she opened and closed her right hand that had been replaced with a cybernetic replacement " Kara, damn that coward. I pray he does not see me again I will pay him back for what he did to Master and me" she said in a spiteful tone as she Tskui walked up behind her and hit her on the back of the head
Kai're cried out as Tsuki said, holding her cyborg's arm, " Have I not taught you never to use the All Mothers name that way," Tsuki said, her voice upset be she felt the same way as well.
Suzume ran over to Tsuki, crying out, "Sister, what happened to you!" Suzume cried out as Tsuki replied,
" Nothing for you to worry about, just some wounds from a fight on the way up here." Tsuki said, smiling kindly
Suzume nodded and said, " Ok. as long as you are ok." Tsuki nodded " yes, I am fine."
A sense of fear and dread filled Arran " What about Emma? Is she still ok?" Arran said, worried, but his fears were gone when Emma ran up to him and hugged him. "Arran, I am so glad that you are ok!" Emma cried out;
Suzume could see faintly a newly healed scar that looked like three claw marks on the back of her shoulder concealed by her shirt and blushed to see that she had not introduced herself. "I am Arran's sister Emma Dra'ghoul."
Suzume smiled and hugged her speaking softly into her ear," I saw your car; you're going to want to hide that better if you don't want Arran to see it." The rest of the night was spent reconnecting with old friends
while out of earshot, Tsuki and Arran spoke privately
"What happened to you, and where is Bastion?" Arran said Tsuki replied, " Bastion has betrayed you and has aligned himself with the Dyi'vera for what purpose I don't know. But these are the wounds of my battle with him."
Once Emma and Kai're were asleep, Arran Tsuki, Erikk, and Suzzume followed Jarvis as he led them down the dimly lit halls of Castle Ash'shan'dar, a dark blue flame glowing in his palm.
" I am glad that all of you have made it here safely and have been reunited with Suzume." He paused and looked at all of them
Jarvis spoke after a moment, " Arran, Emma, and Kai're can't continue with you for the risk is too great."
Arran nodded " I know, as does Emma and Kai're they have expected it for a while." he turned to Suzume
"Suzume, You don't.." Arran started but stopped when Suzume said hotly. "Really? are you going to expect me not to help? I am for sure not going to stay put and let you go get yourself killed." she paused then said her voice calmer, " I am sorry."
Arran nodded " it is fine; I should not have implied that."
Jarvis replied, " She has to come with you anyway; her fate is intertwined with you, Erik and Tsuki." his gaze turned to Arran, and Jarvis said, " Does the name Xenoventaries mean anything to you?"
Arran was silent, thinking over what Jarvis had said; the name seemed familiar, like an echo from the past etched into his mind but concealed, unable to be found. But Arran knew that name; he did not understand why.
Tsuki, however, did know the name, her eyes wide with fear and anger
" You are a lier! Jarred Dra'ghoul and Christina Evergraden killed Xenoventaries!" Tsuki cried out as Erikk held her back
" Did I say something wrong?" Jarvis asked Erikk, who sighed " Christina Evergraden was Tsuki's mother."
After several minutes Tsuki calmed down, and Jarvis stopped in front of a massive golden door with no handle; the pale moonlight shone through the broken window revealed the door to have the image of a man that was half shadow and half golden light hovering above a floating island that held a massive castle made of blood-red stone, to the right of the man was a dragon of blue fire surrounded by a vast army and to his left was tall slender shadowy being consumed in fire and brimstone as asteroids fell from the sky below the floating island sat a large tree that branched outward
"What is this ?" Arran said
Jarvis replied, " What you are looking at is the artwork of an unknown First one who foresaw Draco Dra'ghouls ascent and Lupine Riddles creation. Both you and Lupine are bond by fate; your connection is Xenoventaries, and I do not know how he is alive."
Suzume pointed at the floating continent and the massive castle made of Blood red stone. "Where is that? I don't remember any place like that on the map."
The sound of Thunder Dragon Nether steel-plated boots ripped throughout the hallway. The voice of Lei could be heard desperately trying to stop the hulking seven-foot tall figure; his body was heavily muscled; he wore Black Ion Dragon Armor, and on his back was a massive Thunder Dragon God Slayer Hammer that is made out of Ash'shan'darin metal.
" This floating Island of with you speak, Freyja Jafnangraden does not exist anymore only I Asbjorn Havardr escaped the Kingdom once known as Vera," Asbjorn said, looking intently at the door
"But for this Quinn to have known about Vera, my homeland that was left in ruins by Azadawn the Overseer and lived long enough to carve this picture into this very door. He would have to have lived Sixty thousand years before the First Age when the Quinn came into existence from where we do not know yet."
Arran was doing his best to process all of this information. "So whoever made this picture was a First One that lived in the realm of Vera that existed Sixty thousand years before the Quinn even come to Tylingariea from Kara knows where," Arran said to hold his head in mild frustration
Jarvis nodded and said, "yes, that is correct, and Asbjon Havardr has volunteered to lead you to the Weapons of Aztar." Asbjon said nothing but stared intensely at Jarvis
"We leave at once, get your belonging and put them in the wagon that is attached to my horse, and meet me outside Ash'shand'darin horse have been provided for you. My belongings are already on." Asbjon said as he watched the rest of them walk away to get their things
" Freyja Jafnangraden, do I have your word that if I do this for you, then I am a free man?" Asbjon asked Jarvis, who replied, "Yes, you have my word. once you leave here, you are a free man, and the bounty on your head will be removed."
Asbjon was silent for a moment, then responded, "Good, But if I find out this a trick, Your word will mean nothing as my hammer caves your skull in, and I grind your bones to dust." Asbjon said darkly
Jarvis nodded and said, " I would expect nothing less from an Elden Lord."
Asbjon paused and said, " By the way, I know of the Xenoventaris you speak of. Even The Ashen Lord fears him."
Jarvis gasped " But isn't he just a mortal with an extended life?" Asbjon shook his head, his dark brown lock waving back and forth.
"No, Xenoventaries is neither Mortal nor Divine; his body looks like one of a young man, but he predates the Ashen Lord even though he looks as if he has not aged a day past his thirtieth year. Xenoventaris's powers and true motives are a thing of mystery, and he is not to be underestimated. There are stories that Xenoventaries has existed across countless timelines and was always defeated by that timelines Dra'ghoul; he knows no mercy and will end friend and foe when they are useless to him. So the Ashen Lord has much to fear from him," Asbjon said as he walked away the ground trembling beneath his feet
Arran had his pack on his back; he put his hand on Emma and Kai'res door handle, constering even telling them that he was going. " No. There will be no need to tell them." Arran thought to bring his hand back; he knew his sister and promised Victor to protect Arran to her dying day.
as Arran walked out to his horse, Erikk walked up next to him and said, " Did you tell Emma that we are leaving?" Arran shook his head and said, " No, I am sure she will find a way to come with us."
Erik gripped Arran's shoulder and said, " Arran. Make sure that she is still here if Emma comes with us, there is a greater risk that she could be killed or worse if she is captured and taken to one of the Vermillion family members."
Emma walked up behind Erikk and said calmly, " I did not know you cared so much, and besides, I know the danger." Arran paused and looked at Emma
" No, Emma, you must stay here. There is something that only you and Kai're can do here." Arran said sternly to Emma, who was upset; she nodded and walked off in a huff
Kai're looked worried at Arran " Are you sure that she should stay here? I mean, she is your sister worries about you getting hurt or worse. So what if she tries to come with you no matter what you tell her?"
Arran nodded and then said, " Kurio ame told me about this rumor that Nexus Tech has obtained though illegal means the perfectly preserved body of those who lived in Nevermore during the First Era of Darkness and are being kept at Nexus Tech HQ in Vermillion City I would like you and Kai're to look into that for me and since you and she have not had any interaction with the Vermillion Empire can you deal with whatever they are planning to do." Kai're nodded " You can count on me, and Kai're."
Jarvis stood next to Arran and said, " Be careful and wary it is a likely chance that Lupine knows you are going to be searching for the Weapons of Aztar and reawaken his army of Darkness."
Arran replied, " If Lupines army is as powerful as they say it is, Do you think that we can rely on the help of the Vermillion Empire?"
Jarvis did not know the answer to that question, for he did not know where Verns loyalties lay and how much he feared Lupines power.
Emma was nowhere to be found when Arran and the rest of the group left, so Kai's watched as her friends left, riding into the horizon heading towards the mysterious land of Vera.