(What am I falling from?) Thud. (I am losing consciousness...)
"Hey, Dad, I found someone down at the bottom of the cliff." said Iris, pointing down to the bottom of the cliff.
"Let's see where you are, silly girl." Said Wern, following where Iris was pointing.
Iris exclaimed, "Look," as she pointed down to the bottom of the cliff, her face showing a mixture of surprise and fear.
Iris, I must admit that you are absolutely right. There is someone down there, but I do not know why at all." Said, Wern transforming into a centaur and goes down and grabs the boy. "Iris, it's getting late, and I will head back home now. We can treat his injuries better at home."
"We can leave now if you are ready, so let's go. We can leave now if you are ready, so let's go. The sooner that we get back the sooner that we can heal him." Said Iris.
"Yes, but remember do not go into the woods." Said Wern.
"Yes, father I know what you are saying. You told me this since I was 4 years old." Said Iris.
"I know, but a father always worries about the children no matter what. Even more, so that your mom passed away 10 years ago." Said Wern.
"Well, best to make sure that the boy that somehow fell down the cliff is ok." Said Iris.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. You are absolutely right in your statement. Iris put him in the guest room when we got home." Said Wern.
"Time to put my healing abilities to use, then." Said Iris.
Ten days later
"I am experiencing some discomfort in my head at the moment. Where am I right now?" I said.
"Um... (Arc falls) You are in the guest room in my dad's and my house." Said Iris. (looking at her)
"Are you a nymph?" I asked.
"I have to admit you were absolutely right. My name is indeed Iris." said Iris.
"I am a dragon that I know. As for my name, I do not know what my name is," I said.
"WHAT! Did you say that you are a dragon? I can't believe it!" exclaimed Iris with surprise and excitement..
"Um. Yes, why are you so shocked?" I asked.
"Because there is a legend in the world. That a dragon will come to vanquish evil or something along a tough line. Hey Dad the guest is up and is talking." Said Iris.
"Wait what you are up so soon? We were not expecting you up for another two to five days. Oh, I apologize for my lack of manners. My name is Wern." Said, Wern.
"Nice to meet you." I said.
"Iris, What is the matter?" Asked Wern.
'Dad," he told me that his true form is a dragon." Said Iris.
"Wait. What a dragon, but the dragon has not been spotted for 10,000 years, so to see one now.." Said, Wren.
"Yes, the legend is true." I said.
"Did our guest tell you his name at all?" Asked Wern. His gaze was fixed on Iris as he looked at her.
"All that he can remember for the moment is what he is. Not who he is." Said Iris.
"Well, at the very least, you know your true form. That is better than nothing." Said, Wren.
"I guess knowing my name will help me though as well. Does this country have a ruler or something like that?" I asked. As he looked around the room.
"Yes, this country does the Zo they are. The monarchy here is Roth." Said, Wren.
"Zo..." Arc trailed off, unsure of how to continue the conversation.
"What are you thinking?" Asked Iris. As her eyes gazed upon Arc's figure.
"Is Zo a last name?" I asked.
"Yes. Could you tell me why do you think that is?" Said Iris.
"I think that might be my last name, but I am not sure at the moment." I said.
"Wait, did you say that your name will be Zo? ''Wern asked.
"Um, yes why is there something that matters with that last name?" I asked.
"Yes, though the rulers of everywhere in this country, Zo is infamous ask the country that turned the world black,'' Wern said.
"So, are you sure that is your last name?" Asked Iris.
"Yes, I am sure about that. What I know is I do not want this world to remain black. That said, I know I am not strong enough to win by myself." I said.
"Hmm, I was thinking what if they fall down the cliff and the amnesia after we found you have something to do with the Zo." Said Iris.
"Also, I know that the gates to the capital are guarded by Titian though they are not in their giant forms at the moment." Said, Wern.
"I am happy that, it's really successful news. Could you tell me why do we have a Zo here?" asked Arther.
"Arther, what are you doing here?" Asked Iris.
"I am Satyr and I can't see my betrothed." Ask Arther.
"As far as I know, my dad gave you his blessing." Said Iris.
"I can confirm that what you said is indeed true. I did not." Said Arther.
"Ok I will leave but when I return I want him gone,'' Arther said. (Getting up from the bed.) "Well, that is going to be an issue because I can't leave at the moment." I said. Observing the room with my gaze, I cannot will help but notice the elegant design and attention to detail in every corner. Arther gallops off into the fields to play his flute.
"Sorry about him, he has a short temper.'' Said Wern.
"No need to be sorry about that. I could tell that if he was not careful, the darkness will engulf him, too. That said, it will be too late for him. Only time will tell." I said.
"Yes, but there is hope I heard rumors in town the other day that there is a resistance forming to bring down the monarchy." Said Iris.
"Wait, if there is a rebellion and let's say they won the monarchies, including me, would be executed." I said.
"I see your point, but if you go to them now and let's say you fight with them, they might not execute you only the tyrants on the throne.'' Said Wern.
"But let's say I serve what is stopping me from becoming like them?" I asked.
"Well, you could go country to country getting allies to help you and I can already tell that someone wants to be by your side when you do that," Wern said.
"Who or what will help me?" I asked.
"I can't help but think that you are being silly right now. You are going to need someone who knows healing and all that." Said Iris.
"Well, the only way I am going to let you go with him is if you are married to him." Said, Wern.
"WAIT WHAT." Both Iris for the moment and I said in unison. (Iris blushed a little.) "So that said, get to know one another, and then we will see. Would you like to figure out that I will see if you can get some support from the nobleman in the area? Bye, you two," Said Wern and left.
"What the heck was that all about?" I asked.
"I do not know that answer. I am a little shocked by what he said. "Said Iris.
"Same here, and on top of that, more or less we meet today.'' I said.
'`Um, if you do not mind me asking how old you are?' Said Iris.
"If my memory is right, I should have turned seventeen right as I was losing concussions." I said.
''So you are too old to get married. I am only fifteen years old." Said Iris.
"Two years and you will be of age to get married and I will be nineteen then." I said.
"Though I think my dad said that now because he aspires to be on his own now." Said Isis.
"I am guessing here and is it what he says goes here?" I said, as he turned towards Iris.
"Yes, it is what he says goes. There is nothing I can do to tell him." Said Iris.
"So as far as he knows there is only one sexuality, and that is straight. That is nothing else," I said.
"Yep luckily however I do only like boys so yay." Said Iris.
"Hmm, well I have an idea if you want to listen to it, and yes I know we met and all." I said.
I am giving you my full attention and actively listening to what you have to say." Said Iris.
"Ok say, for instance, we get married right now. From my perspective, I have identified three things that I believe will happen. One Arther will be pissed off like no tomorrow. Two, your dad will be thrilled. Finally, three you could do. What you want to do?" I said.
"I see what you are saying. If I got this correctly, is that I could choose my destiny then? Asked Iris.
"Yes, at the bare minimum of what I am saying." I said.
"If you join the resistance, then there will fight involved." Said Iris.
There is no doubt that people will lose their lives. That is war in a nutshell." I said.
"I know you are being silly. That said, for the time being, what do you want to do?" Asked Iris.
"Well, let's see. What do you need if you were to get married right now?" I asked.
"It is important to get permission from the father before proceeding. We have already gained that.. What else... Oh, we need to see a pastor." Said Iris.
"Ok, and where would we find a pastor?" I said.
"Luckily, there is one in this village." Said Iris.
"Hey you two I am back. I got some food from the market today,'' Wern said.
"It's my turn to prepare dinner tonight, so I will get started on that. Dad, give the food here." Said Iris.
"Alright, I am now giving this to you.. So what have you two been talking about since I was out and about?" Asked Wern.
"Well, sir, we were talking about what you said as you headed out the door." I said.
"I understand your point of view and see where you're coming from. What about that?" Asked Wern.
"Well, it will get the person who thinks your daughter is going to marry her?" I asked.
"Yes, it will do that,'' Wern said.
"Dinner is about ready for you two." Said Iris.
"Iris, your culinary skills are truly impressive, and your cooking is simply amazing. Please like how your mom used to make it.'' Wern said.
"I guess I will sit right here."
After dinner
"Well, I guess I will go to bed now." Said, Wern.
"Sleep well." Said Iris.
"I will," replied Wern with confidence in his voice.
"I bid my father night before retiring to my bedroom.. Sleep well too," said Iris.
"Night." Said Wern
In the morning
"Is it morning already?" I asked.
"Morning Arc, how are you doing today? Surprised to see you up this early?" Said Iris.
"Yay, well, I could barely sleep at all." I said.
"Could you tell me why is that?" Said Iris.
"The bed was wonderful and all, but my brain would not shut up." I said.
Then
"I demand that you open the door immediately. This is the military." Said Someone.
"I have prepared breakfast for you and it is now ready for you to enjoy. Can you please go to the guest room?" Said Iris.
"I wanted to express my sincerest gratitude for your help. Yes, I can go to the guest room." I said.
"Great. One second is right there." Said Iris.
"Ma'am, is your father home?" Asked the leader of the group.
"May I ask why?" Asked Iris.
I could tell that she was not ok, but remained quiet.
"Well, you see your father is wanted for setting up ten buildings in the next town over." Said the leader of the group.
"Well, he is asleep right now in the master bedroom. Do you want me to wake him up?" Asked Iris.
"Yes, if you don't mind." Said the leader of the group.
"Ok, I will walk him up." Said Iris.
"Will she go to get her father? I overheard something great." I said was thinking to himself.
"It was us that set that village on fire. He was passing through." Said another in the group that was looking in.
"Yep, Centaurs are stupid creatures anyway, so getting right on them will be easy. Like all that is going to happen is life in prison." Said the leader of the group.
"He is here." Said Iris.
"Yes, what do you want?' Asked Wern.
"You are arrested for the destruction of the village next to you. Follow us to the castle and the dungeons." Said the leader of the group.
After they left
"Oh my, that is certainly not a positive development. Is there anything that I can do to help?" I asked.
"You want to help me?" Iris asked, with tears streaming down her face, if the crying had stopped.
"Yes, I overheard when you were gone that they set your father up." I said.
"Then let's go to the capital and get him out." Said Iris.
"For that, we will need an army." I said.
"That you will have." Someone said,
"Who are you?" Asked Iris.
"My name is Derek, and I am the nobleman of the region. Iris, your father taught me everything I know about swordsmanship. I still need to repay it." Said Derek.
"Thank you for coming, but why are you here?" Said Iris.
Derek turns to me." I know you are the crown prince of the country Arc Zo. What in the world are you doing here?" Asked Derek.
"So Arc Zo is my name. I am not sure why I am here, could you please tell me what I am doing here?? I have amnesia." I said.
"Ah, I understand your point now. Allow me to reintroduce myself to you once again. I am Derek van Angelo at your service." said Derek.
"I suppose a thank you is in order. My mind is still hazy at times." I said.
"So you are a prince, then?" Asked Iris.
"I guess I am afraid that I will do something bad for you. I asked.
"No. Afraid is not what I think when I am in your presence." Said Iris.
"It brings me joy to know that. Now Derek you said something about an army?" I asked.
"Yes, they wait for your command." said Derek.
"How many men are we talking about?'' I asked.
"Five hundred thousand strong." said Derek.
"How many of them are recon?'' I asked.
''Ten of them are recon." Said Derek.
"Does the crown know you are helping me?'' I asked.
"No, and why should they put me in charge of the boonies? As far as they are concerned, I am a nobody." said Derek.
"Then send the recon team to see how many Titans there are," I said.
"What are you going to do?" Asked Derek.
"See if I can even out the odd if need be," I said.
"True, always good to be prepared for anything and everything." said Derek.
"True. That is true." I said.
"Well, I will take my leave. I will be in touch when I have more information for you. My lord, Ma'am have a rest of your day." said Derek. Derek has departed from the premises.
That afternoon
"So Arc is your name Arc Zo." Said Iris.
"Yes. Though that still does not feel right to me," I said.
"Could you tell me why is that?" Asked Iris.
"Well, if I remember correctly the Zo family are dark mages that summon the undead. There is no sign that dragons are a part of the Zo family. Well, unless they are undead." I said.
"I must concede, that is a valid point you have brought up. That only means that you are not a Zo but from another monarchy or something similar to that." Said Iris.
"In any case, I will still marry you. Oh, by the way, you did not tell me your last name." I said.
"It is Athena, that is my last name,'' said Iris.
"So you have Egyptian and Greek goddesses for your first and last name? To amaze. That is amazing or weird, but I am amazed." I said.
"Yep, and now all we need is a holy man so that we can get married." Said Iris.
"Yes, is there one in the village?" I said.
"I can confirm that there is indeed something. He is my uncle." Said Iris.
"What is your uncle's name?'' I asked.
"Demius is his name." Said Iris.
"So I guess you got the Egyptian things from your mom's side of the family?'' I asked.
"Yes now, can we go before my uncle is done for the day?" Said Iris.
"Right let us go then." I said.
At the temple
"Ah, Iris, it good to see you again. What brings you bye?'' Demius asked.
"My dad gave his blessing for us to get married the day before he got taken to the capital." Said Iris.
"I see and you came here for the ceremony, right?" Demius asked.
"That is correct." I said.
"And you are who young man. Oh, I see well. Follow me," said Demius as he gestured towards the path ahead. We followed him into the temple.
Two Hours later
"Iris, where do you want to go tonight?' I asked.
"Back home with you." Said Iris. As she was standing right next to me.
"Ok, Let us go then." I said.
It was on that particular night that everything changed.
"Hey Iris, what are you doing?" I asked.
Kissing Arc." What does it look like? Now shut up." Said Iris.
In the morning
"Ow my head what happened last night?'' I asked as he looks down.
"Hey honey, breakfast is ready." Said Iris.
"Yum smells amazing." I said. Looking over at his new wife. "Iris, are you ok?" I said. "Yes. Could you tell me why?" Asked Iris.
"Oh. It is nothing, or you are making too much food for us," I said.
"Yes, I am making this much food because honey I am eating for two." Said Iris.
"Kindly wait for a moment, a second. Are you saying what I think you are saying?'' I asked.
"Yes, you are right to think that. I am pregnant with your child." Said Iris.
I have told Derek to handle army recruitment for a while." I said, as he hugged Iris.
"Do you think we went too fast?" Asked Iris.
"Maybe, but what is done is done. No sense worrying about it for the time being." I said.
"True, that is true," said Iris.
"Any plans for after breakfast?'' I asked.
"How about we go for a walk?" Said Iris.
"I must say, that is an absolutely fantastic idea.. Let us go for a walk." I said.
"The Question is where to walk." Said Iris.
"We could walk around the village if you want to." I said.
"Yes, it is a lovely day for a walk.' Said Iris.
"Let us go then and see what is around." I said.
"Ok only because you are still new to the area. Well, as far as I know." Said Iris.
"Oh, I am new to the area, so what you said is true." I said.
"Well, follow me." Said Iris.
The loud and sudden noise of a crash and a bang echoed through the room. "What the heck was that?" I said.
"You brat get back here!!!" Said, Someone.
"Arc, who was that?" Said Iris.
"Let us see, what that noise was," I said.
"It's nice to meet the two of you. I go by the name of Garygore." Said Garygore, looking at both Arc and Iris.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance and I'm glad to have met you. My name is Arc, and this is Iris," I said.
"Wait do you mean Arc the prince of the kingdom?'' Garygore said.
"Yes, and I am guessing by your height that you are cyclopes." Said Iris.
"Yes, My true form is a cyclops,'' Garygore said, as he turned to me.
"Looking at you the characteristics you possess, including your ability to breathe fire and your tough scales, lead me to believe that you are a dragon. If my memory serves me correctly, the dragon was part of the Zex family that supposedly died out 5,000 years ago.'' Garygore said.
"I see, so I will be a part of the Zex family then." I said. "Arc, we will go by home." Said Iris.
"Ok let us go back then." I said.
Back home
"Iris, how are you feeling?" I said.
"I feel lightheaded." Said Iris. As you, run to the restroom.
"Will she be in there should see if there is anything that could help her with what I think is morning sickness? Hmm, what was Garygore saying about the Zex? Something about them died 5,000 years ago, and they were dragons. Is there a library here so that I can read about the Zex?" I said. Iris came out of them. restroom.
"Yes, there is a library right down the hall to your right. I could take you there if you want me to." Said Iris.
Iris went with me to the library, and the library was massive out of stories tall with books as far as the eye can see.
"Your father has a massive book collection." I said.
"This used to be my mother's before she passed away. Though when we had an important guest over, my father had to say that the book collection was his." Said Iris.
"I see that makes sense because as of right now women may own nothing that knows them." I said.
"Yes, that is true. Wait, why did you say for a moment that you think it will change if the resistance wins the war?" Asked Iris.
"That is a possibility that might happen. One way to find out." I said.
"I see that would be interesting. Though what if we get to where women want more rights?" Said Iris.
"That is a fantastic question you have asked. I guess we cross that bridge when we come to that," I said.
"The book that you are looking for is two ales down and to the right." Said Iris.
"I wanted to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart, Iris. Would you like to come with me to get the book?" I said.
"Yes, I can come with you If you want me to." Said Iris.
"Yes, I want you to come with me mainly because I do not want to get lonely reading." I said.
"You are worried that you will get lonely?" Asked Iris.
"Yes, that is my worry." I said.
"Then I will go with you then." Said Iris. As the two of them made their reason for the place that Iris said to go.
"Arc, look up and to your right. On the third shelf, there is the book that you wanted to see. "Said Iris.
"The book is within my field of vision and I am able to see it. Let me grab it off the shelf." I said. I reach for the book and grab it. "So this is the book about the Zex. "
That is correct, indeed the book of Zex. What do you plan to find if you read the book?" Said Iris.
"Well, I want to know more about this country." I said.
"I see.''Said Iris. We both sat at a table at the end of the library and read the book. "I see so The Zex were their people in charge till the Zo killed them off, or so they thought.''I said.
"Yes, and now there is one more Zex that could right this world." Said Iris.
"Yes, and that person is me," I said.
"Finding out that you are not a Zo, but a Zex is a shocker." Said Iris.
"Ya, you are telling me." I said.
"So what are your plans now that you know who you are?" Said Iris.
"That is a question, and I'm glad you asked it. I guess find allies to help take down the Zo somehow. "I said
"For the moment I would not worry about it and focus on the here and now.''Said Iris.
"Ok. let us see want we can do." I said.
We put the book back where we found it. Book by the time we did it was lunchtime. "Here, let me help you make lunch." I said.
"Ok, if you want to." Said Iris. We made lunch and ate lunch.
"The lunch was amazing as always." I said.
"Thank you, honey." Said Iris.
"Hmm.''I said.
"What is it?" Said Iris.
"I was thinking about how the baby will fare will there will be a war going on," I said. "
"Don't worry about it right now." Said Iris.
"Hmm, so what to do right now?" Said Iris.
"Let us see. We could go." I said.
"I have an idea if you want to hear it." Said Iris.
"Ok let us hear what you are thinking." I said.
"Well, there is one restaurant in this town we could go there." Said Iris.
"Ok let us go there." I said. We went to the restaurant, and it was packed except for one table. "I am your server today. My name is Claire." Said Claire.
"Hi, I am Arc and this is Iris. We will like so water to start." I said.
"It will be out shortly. I will bring the menus as well." Said Claire. Whispers could be heard from across the room.
"I heard that Wern Got taken away from here by a group of knights." One said.
"I heard he asked a total stranger to marry his daughter." Another said.
"Outstanding success. The rumors are spreading already.'' I said.
"What did you expect? It is a small village, after all." Said Iris.
"Could you tell me why did you marry this nobody and not the person you will marry,'' Arther said. "Shut up Rather you were not engaged to Iris, to begin with." Said someone else.
I think that was his father or uncle.
"Here are your water and menus." Said Claire.
"Thank you." I said.
"Take your time.' Said Claire.
"So what are you going to have?'' I asked.
"I am going to have the garden salad. What are you going to have?" Said Iris.
"I am going to have let us see... Aw yes, the fish with rice." I said.
"Server, we know what we want to eat." Said Iris.
"Ok, on my way." Said Claire.
"I will like the garden salad.''Said Iris.
"I will like the fish with some rice." I said.
"Ok, that will be right out." Said Claire. Someone stumbled to the table that Iris and Arc were sitting on.
"You want to fight! Come at me," Said a drunk Arther.
"Um. Ya no I will not fight you. Now go back and sit down before someone gets hurt." I said.
"NO, I WILL NOT, you cannot make me." Said Arther, pounding on the table till the table collapsed in the middle and came crashing down with a tremendous thud.
"What in the world is going on?" Someone said and looked over at the broken table and glasses. "I told you that the next time that you break a table you will be banned from this restaurant. Now leave." Said the person.
"Ok I am going, but this is not the last time that you will see me. Said, Arther. "Good riddance. Here, let me repair the table in a sec." Said that person.
"Thank you, Sid." Said Iris. Looking at him.
"Are you an elf, by chance?" I said.
"Yes, I am an elf." Said, Sid.
"Hi my name is Arc and I am a dragon," I said. At that moment, the entire restaurant stopped and stared at Arc.
"May I know if you justed say that your true form was a dragon?" Said, Sid.
"Yes, why?" I said.
"Oh, that the previous rulers, the Zex, good to us, and to have one here in my restaurant is well a shocker, to say the least." Said, Sid.
"I see, so that means that I will be more careful saying that for right now because I will die if not careful. "I said.
"Yes, and I am sorry for my nephew's outburst. That was not called for." Someone behind Sid said. "I see, and you are,'' I asked.
"I am Blake, a satyr-like Arther is." Said the man. The restaurant went back to normal as if nothing had even happened.
"Here is your meal, enjoy." Said Claire.
"Thank you.''Said Iris. We ate the food in peace.
"Wait for the check, please." Said Iris.
"No need for the food to be compt by the owner." Said Claire.
"Oh, I see. We will be back, so that is that." I said.
"Bye, have a rest of your day." Said Claire.
"Well, that was lovely." Said Iris.
"Yes, it was. I was thinking of maybe going back once a month. What do you think?' I asked.
"We will see later on." Said Iris.
"Well, it is late, so we will go to sleep." I said.
"Yes, you are right. Even more so since we have a baby on the way." Said Iris.
"That is true.''I said. We drove back home and went to sleep.
Nine months later
"Iris, are you ok?" I said.
"I am cramping all the time to get to the doctor." Said Iris.
"Right on it. Is there a doctor at all?" I asked.
"Right here." Someone said,
"This is the doctor." I said.
"Let us see what we can do." Said the Doctor.