Chapter 14
Ruins of ancient Dracaenae enclave, Continent: Barat, the Year 2041, Planet: Grimoire
Maybe it wasn't a coincidence that they wound up here right at this time. Granted, Firenze was open to believing in coincidences, but ever since they began this journey, Lizette had been determined that they would get to this area. Now, he began to understand why she was insistent. It involved not just him but Chester, too.
Clearly, they'd both had issues that needed to be worked out. While Firenze hadn't been happy about everything that happened, he was now more comfortable dealing with his twin's inferiority complex.
As for being a rare kind of griffin, Firenze thought he was pretty damn ordinary. On the other hand, his twin seemed extraordinary, as he should be. He'd accomplished so much more in his life to date than Firenze had in these twenty-odd years.
As for rare lineages resulting in almost pure inheritance of draconic or griffin genes...Firenze shook his head.
This was the first time he'd heard of such a thing. It seemed to Firenze that what was once considered almost mythically legendary rare was now becoming commonplace.
That didn't seem right at all. Since Firenze was dealing with a dragon being, he could ask some questions about Grifton, his mate. The worst Clarence could do was say no.
Firenze was in shock. "Can I show you something?" He looked at Chester and Clarence.
"Sure," Clarence prepared to jump down.
"Nope, this should appear on a projector because of the size." Firenze sent Clarence a video. "You two need to see this." A sigh escaped him. "This is what Grifton looks like in a draconic body." He watched all the various things that happened. For the first time, Firenze just chose to appreciate the wild agility of his mate when he was younger. The fact that he remained just as agile to this day was something he knew quite intimately.
*
What on earth kind of complication had his life become due to these twin brothers who had so many personal issues? Clarence wasn't pleased that this situation had gone beyond control. However, he was admittedly curious about Grifton Tinroy. Many wild rumors abounded when it came to him. How he could teleport in the blink of an eye. How he used wings to fly or hover when drawing out enemies. The one thing Clarence hadn't heard of was what he looked like as a dragon. That hadn't ever become an actual topic of conversation, much less rumor, which he found unsettling.
A beautiful white, purple, blue, and green-hued dragon appeared. He was hovering in the air, snapping at something practically invisible. Then he shifted into a male with unusually handsome looks. He was also damned tall for a human.
Clarence whistled. "He resembles the first dragon emperor." He rubbed his arms as all the hair stood on end at the sight. "So, this is something he has to do to avoid getting killed?" No wonder the Naxos kingdom and various empires wanted Tinroy dead or imprisoned and turned into a breeder.
For the first time, Clarence began to understand why no one allowed this sight to escape from the Republic of Shantu. It was from a private channel. Clarence looked to see who the person was who filmed it. A chill went down his spine. Did someone from Bellonia take this footage? Huh, no wonder the empire was so intent on acquiring the Republic to its domain. Naturally, if such wild creatures existed, that empire coveted them as objects to possess and breed.
Now, that would be a waste.
Firenze nodded. "There are quite a few people where we come from who have draconic inheritances. I'm not one of them, but I am of Griffin." he glanced sideways at Lizette. "I was one of the dense ones who didn't know what was happening."
A smile tugged at Clarence's mouth. "So that's why you wanted to know about Tinroy's form, hmm?" He'd realized just why Tinroy's past was littered with tragedy. He had an idea of whom his parents might've been, too.
However, there was a better time to bring that up. "So, why do you want to speak to me?" It couldn't always have to do with Tinroy.
"I just wanted to confirm what Tinroy had been told about his particular legacy." Firenze shrugged. "He's based on the elemental and psychic abilities." He glanced at Clarence. "Legendary or mythical abilities, I might add." Firenze folded his arms. "Neither of us really knows what to think about this."
Good lord, he really needed to meet this young dragon in that case. However, the circumstances could lead to both of their demises if they met in the Shantu republic. "I have to say," Clarence coughed. "You two should leave that place." He sighed when Firenze nodded. At least Firenze needed to be more obdurate about leaving the Republic. "So, you're already aware that corruption is commonplace?"
Clarence listened to what Firenze had to say. He was alarmed at the mention that there were children with the mixed draconic and griffin lineage. The complications were endless. Clarence winced with a sigh.
"We were planning to, but with children..." Firenze shrugged with a sigh. "Now we have more complications." His features tightened almost to alarming gauntness. "I haven't been able to contact him, so I'm unable to determine his status." Now, he seemed very depressed as he spoke. "I don't know how much time has passed since I departed." Firenze looked wearied. "For all I know, more than six months have vanished."
Clarence shook his head. "We're not in any microcosms." He'd checked for that when he first arrived at the ruins. "We're still within the same year of 2041." The last thing Clarence wanted was to lose track of time. "So, I can help you teleport back to the Republic. However, what will you do if you return emptyhanded?"
Firenze grimaced. "It won't matter so long as I can return in one piece, healthy, and able to coordinate departure plans with Grifton." He shrugged. "Though I'm beginning to think that having the offspring removed from there would be safer." Firenze shook his head. "Unfortunately, besides you, I don't know whom we can trust anymore." He spread his hands in frustration.