Arising Questions & Unexpected Arrivals

Tyrik had been struggling against Drake's combat tutoring, as he was not used to using a longsword as Tyrik often preferred martial arts over weaponry. Though, perfecting his talents with a sword seemed necessary in his mind for potential challenges ahead. Yet, combating the aggressive style Drake had with his sword and shield was not easy to practice against. Occasionally forming blisters on his hands from attempts to use Caliburn to block against the heavy blow which the paladin utilized. As the session continued, Drake soon disarmed Tyrik with a strike from his shield, being too much for Tyrik to endure to keep his grip on his blade. Shortly after, the trainee screamed in pain due to the attack while shaking his hands in the air. Followed by a heavy sigh, Drake holstered his sword and placed his shield onto his back in disappointment. "Mind explaining why you aren't using your draconic abilities?" He questioned with crossed arms and raised an eyebrow, "The point of this training is to help you master your new powers. I suggest this to you because I can imagine that the scales of such a beast would allow you to not lose your grip." The Paladin explained as Tyrik's hands swiftly healed thanks to his surfacing dragon powers. However, Tyrik was not exactly sure to tap into that side of himself as The Dragon seemed to be its own being. Tyrik although didn't respond as he picked up Calibur from the ground with a groan of frustration. "Stubborn one, aren't you?" Drake proclaimed with a smirk, somewhat admiring this tenacity. "Though that stubbornness won't help you in the long run, lad. If you are afr-" He went on before Tyrik cut him off.

"I am not afraid of what I can do. I don't know how to control or call upon them, Drake..." The Mythic Hybrid explained as he gritted his teeth in anger due to his lack of understanding. "I am mentally going over all I know about powers from The Owl House, Dragon Ball, and Marvel. Though, not all of them seem to be exactly insightful. I have all of this knowledge yet don't know how to use it." Tyrik continued as Drake shook his head in disappointment as thought of an approach to teach the rookie.

Walking over to a table within the arena, Drake grabbed a pitcher of water with a glass to give Tyrik. It was an unexpected action from him as Tyrik looked up at the paladin in pure confusion while timidly grabbing ahold of the glass slowly. "Uhh... I didn't say I was thirsty sir..." He pressed on with a small laugh which disappeared as Drake narrowed his eyes upon Tyrik, gesturing for him to just follow along. "Shutting up now." Squeaked Tyrik as Drake began to fill the glass with water, yet would not stop when the glass was filled. This action immediately clicked in Tyrik's mind, recalling how he had zoned out within his thoughts during Drake's instruction on mastering his powers. He was too determined to use his prior knowledge for the training with Drake. "Oh! This is an analogy about how I know so much yet not at all. If my cup is filled with all of the knowledge from pop culture about powers then I won't be able to learn anything on actually how to do that!" Tyrik declared with clarity, to the surprise of Drake by how quickly he was able to pick up on this. Winning a laugh from The Paladin before placing the pitcher back and gesturing for Tyrik to remain hydrated as their training proceeded.

"Liùěr Míhóu wasn't kicking that you are a smart kid." He praised before returning to the lesson at hand, "You are right about the glass. As much the knowledge you have can help you, it can get in the way of learning more. If your cup is already full, then there is no room for growth Tyrik. Empty your cup and be open to new teachings." Drake advised as Tyrik finished drinking the water which was given to him. "Now, one thing to understand when it comes to Mana is that using your head doesn't always help you with controlling it. Mana is connected to your emotions, allowing you to draw it out when faced with dangers that threatened your friends. Though, your sword has allowed you to access some of that power already. I can see that your mind is clouded with too many thoughts. Allow your emotions to guide you and your Mana." The Paladin explained while conjuring a sphere of light energy from his inner magic.

Tyrik took the time to digest the information laid out before him. Taking in a deep breath as well as closing his eyes, Tyrik began to open his mind and allow the emotions that he sometimes struggled to understand to flow through him. As he continued on, a powerful spark of lightning began to pulsate throughout his body. The Lightning soon formed around Tyrik and began to morph his body into an anthropomorphic dragon once again. Yet, this time the changes were far more tamed than his previous transformations as scales and horns formed, wings sprouted outwards upon his back, and his tail grew from behind. Tyrik soon came to see that not only did his body change, but the lightning ensure his clothing was able to handle the new form and added layers of armor. The young Draconian could not help but admire himself and the achievement which he had learned. "So damn cool! I always found dragons so freaking awesome, but I never thought I would ever be able to become one myself." He declared while doing some punches in the air before suddenly throwing a bolt of lightning from his claws unexpectedly. The bolt flew across the arena and almost blasted Judy as she entered the arena alongside the cyclops, Theo. Yelping in fright due to nearly zapping them both while comedically posing from the incident. "Sorry! Did NOT expect that to happen!" Tyrik yelled out as Judy venomously glared at him, threatening him out of anger. Tyrik used his wing to hide from the death stare with a cold sweat as he look to Drake for help. Though, he was not helpful with this as Drake simply rolled his eyes.

"Even though that was unexpected, seeing that you were able to bring out this form does show signs of progress." The paladin said aloud while pondering where the training should head next. It was important for Tyrik to utilize his martial arts and sword fighting capabilities, yet Drake believed it to be far more important for him to master the draconic powers which he possessed. After all, the elemental might of any dragon was extremely potent and dangerous if they could not control it. Thankfully, that form of training was at least possible now due to Tyrik being able to bring this side of him out. "So, how would you feel about mastering your mana?" Drake questioned as he gave an encouraging smile. Tyrik was quite eager to indeed learn how to use his superpowers, yet soon another train of thought began to present itself from the source of concern. As it was important to master the newfound powers that Tyrik came to learn he had possessed, he was far more concerned about the situation which revolved around his mother and the mystery of the Atchen monster. If a mythical figure such as Liùěr Míhóu was confused by how the demonic being was created, it showed that someone has far more knowledge regarding the nature of Arcane Energy as well as the world of Myths. It wasn't the concern that should be addressed as Tyrik recalled the snake Shredder, June Malbec. She was hired to kill Esmeralda, yet who had hired her? If he wished to make any progress with at least one of these mysteries, Tyrik needed to conduct his own research. Yet... He did not have any leads to point him in a direction. Or did he?

"Hey, Drake... Heard about a guy named Perov Fyodor?" Tyrik questioned as he recalled the name which both Amari and Washta's sister, Shadi, had uncovered. It could be a coincidence that both of them had disappeared upon investigating the same man. "When we were trying to learn more about why Shadi and my mom went missing, we found out that he was their person of interest." He explained further as The Paladin began to think over what he knew about this particular person.

Though, his answer was not helpful as he shook his head. "No, I don't know much about him. Though, you aren't the only one who has been keeping tabs on the Russian General." Drake elaborated with crossed arms. "Khonshu and I have been looking into his activities, but we haven't been able to pull anything out of the ordinary." He continued further before reviewing what he did know. "The Etheral Council believes he is a part of some group which we have not been able to identify. He isn't among groups that hide among humanity like The Templar Order, who have a delusional belief that all Mythics and beings associated with them are abominations that threaten humans. Seeing the only course of action is the extermination of all Mythics." Drake announced before scoffing at an irony that became evident as Arcane Energy was rediscovered. "That may come into question when Arcane has been brought back to modern society though..." The Paladin remarked with a chuckle, "We also know that he isn't among The Thule Society, the Nazi Cult that surfaced during World War Two. The group we believe that Perov is aligned with is far more ancient in comparison to those two. Yet, who they are and what their goals are? We have no clue and there isn't much about them either." Drake finished as he came to notice that Tyrik seemed to make a connection of some kind.

"They are probably the ones who made that creature back in The National Park..." The Draconian declared with confidence about the connection. "Washta said that it was able to endure the primary weakness that Atchens are known for. Hell, Lin Chao's fire didn't even seem to phase it. On top of that, it had to be modified by some kind of magical and scientific means since the damages just healed and made the thing stronger. Perov has to know something about this thing and he seems to be the only lead we have so far about all of this." Tyrik rumbled on as he paced around as his tail flicked about and wings fluttered about as he went into deep thought. Soon losing himself to the sudden spring of thoughts as Drake tried to snap him out of the trace that the young dragon had placed himself into.

"Hey, don't bother. Once Tyrik is in his little ramble, there is not much that is gonna bring him out of it. Best to leave him with his thoughts. Maybe it can help us figure out something we can look into." Announced Tyrik's Kapre friend, walking over to Drake's side with a snicker. "How is his training though?" Ricky asked as he began to fill his pipe with tobacco for a quick smoke.

"Well, we were making progress until this started... Although, he may have a point. Tracking down the origin of that monster sent after you is our best shot." Drake explained as he thought over the limited knowledge about the Schwee creature, "But aren't Atchens and Lenshies known to be uncontrollable due to their hunger for human flesh? How is that one following directions? I doubt it was hunting you and your friends without purpose..." He continued as Drake began to ponder the oddities regarding the Atchen.

"It had some kind of runes branded onto its body. Tyrik figured they were the reason why it was able to regenerate and be protected from its weakness. Maybe they are helping whoever sent it to keep it on a leash." Ricky suggested as he took in a breath of smoke while fiddling with his pipe. "Plus, it wouldn't be too much to think it has some kind of mental inhibitors to control its actions too." Yet this produces a far more worrying thought. How long would it be until these inhibitors could restrain the monster before its true violent nature surface? There was little that could place lasting damage upon the monster, each time ending up making it far more powerful than before.

Outside of the Tavern, Esmeralda was taking a break from her own training as took a walk around the City of New York. However, as she strolled through the crowd of people, The Dark Elven Princess was shoved by a woman with golden orange hair quite rudely. Enraging her by the woman's actions, Esmeralda attempted to grab ahold of the bitch yet was instead pinned against a wall before she could react. Allowing the Princess to get a better look at the woman, seeing her eyes glow with a powerful dark purple magic as they narrowed. Something about the woman felt familiar, Esmeralda believing that the woman's description was relayed to her. As the purple aura faded away from the surprisingly muscular supermodel, loud laughter rang from her. Sounding like one associated with a very cunning and vile woman who loved to torment others for their own amusement. "So, you're Esmeralda Revanna? Heard that quite the bounty was put on your head in the Mythical Underworld." The Woman mocked as various Nordic Runes were tattooed over her body, signs of a possible Asier connection. "Yet, why are you wasting your time with some low-class nobody like Tyrik Kage? We both know he is not worth anyone's time, let alone a Princess like yourself." She spat with a venomous tone. This allowed Esmeralda to finally figure out that this woman was Tyrik's high school tormentor, Valerie Adier. Upon this realization, Esmeralda threw a powerful hail maker punch which knocked back the bitch with great distance. Yet, despite Valerie's nose was bleeding as she spits out a fractured piece of her tooth. She did not seem impressed by this strike.

"Not impressed by that Bitch? Because I can absolutely bring you a whole lot more than that if you want." Esmeralda declared venomously as bystanders soon pulled out their phones to take videoes of this fight between the powerful women. As much as Esmeralda wanted to bring out her magic to this battle, she knew that restraining herself was incredibly important to ensure that The Etheral Council would not punish her. "I learned quite a lot about you, Val. I don't care that this may hurt my image as a performer, but NO ONE deserves what you did to Tyrik!" The Princess declared with clenched fists and gritted teeth.

Yet, Valerie broke out in hysterical laughter. "Protecting your boyfriend's honor or something? Tyrik is just a pathetic child who simply needs to grow up and face reality. Not everything is precious sunshine and rainbows, my girl. Sure, he was fun to play with. But he is just too naive, just like you." Valerie spoke as she gave a sinister grin as her eyes glowed once again with that purple aura, "After all, you ran away from home because mommy did not love you and saw you just as worthless as Tyrik. Maybe I should give you your baby bottle?" Valerie mocked as Esmeralda was stabbed through her heart by this detail which she was able to discover just by looking at her. "So, desperate for the love that you will never have. Better to live in your fantasy world where you are popular with the pitiful tricks that make you look special, Esmeralda." Valerie spat as she jabbed at Esmeralda's chest, slightly knocking the wind out of her by how aggressively they were.

No longer being able to keep her cool, Esmeralda began to throw multiple punches to hurt Valerie. Yet, the vile woman was able to dodge each one with such ease that it was like Valerie was able to foresee each one before Esmeralda could make them. Soon, Valerie returned the favor as she landed two devastating hits on her stomach and then face as Esmeralda hit the wall behind her, sliding down to the ground in pain with minor tears forming on her face behind the rage. "I will have to admit that you pack quite the punch, Miss Revanna." Valerie praised while wiping away the blood on her face in a disappointed manner, "Though, maybe it is best to stick with those magic tricks on the stage. That is if this incident does not end up destroying your career after all."  Valerie whispered in Esmeralda's ear, breaking her from within as she smiled with a wicked grin.