Perfecting Strength (A)

"Get up!"

The girl paid no heed. Still curled comfortably on fine hairs like an expensive rug.

"Get up!" Once again Ludra shook his body. The girl just squirmed, smiling peacefully with her eyes still closed. His body curled up even more seeking warmth into the curve of Zie's wings.

Ludra snorted, "Zie."

That one call instantly made the giant eagle open its eyes. It spreads its wings. Get ready to fly.

Suwa gasped. The sudden movement made the black haired girl startled half to death. It blinked in panic as the white eagle started to soar.

"Ehh.... N... No. Don't fly yet!" Suwa's hands reflexively gripped Zie's fur tightly. Looking down she saw Ludra looking at him calmly.

"Please do something!" Suwa shouted hoping Ludra would help her.

Zie floated further and further away from the ground. Flapping the wings wider. Making Suwa laugh even more panicked. His body shook until his grip fell off. His body fell.

Suwa screamed, closing her eyes tightly preparing to feel the hard ground.

But before that happened, Ludra swiftly caught him. Putting her body in his arms.

Slowly Suwa opened her eyes. It was a relief to know something was supporting him. Then his eyes met with Pupil as bright as the creature's sky. With this close distance, Suwa could clearly see the beauty of the last Falcon's eyes. Suwa barely even blinked in amazement.

For a split second they stared at each other but Suwa immediately looked away. His face suddenly turned red. Can't stand being this this close.

"Buffalo."

Suwa reflex looked up again. Give a glare. This creature just mocked him, "What?"

Ludra did not answer he just pulled the corners of his lips then lowered Suwa's tiny body. The man's attitude really pissed him off.

This was indeed his fault, sleeping for so long that she didn't feel the sun's rays already glowing. But he did not expect to get ridicule from this legendary creature.

But.... Wait!

This creature even broke the record for sleeping for so long right?

Suwa chuckles. Behind Ludra's ridicule, "I don't sleep much. I've even woken up a creature that has been hibernating for hundreds of years. Ohh... Amazing isn't it?"

"Yes... And the one who awakened the creature was destined to be his servant. What a shame."

Suwa suddenly stiffened. Wish she could smile with satisfaction in replying to Ludra's taunt but instead she was cornered. Suwa realized that she was in the grip of a creature that would eat her at any moment. she should not reply to the words of this creature who has become his master.

"Yeah... I... That's right." Suwa stammered half scared she dared to reply to Ludra's words, "But that's against my will."

Full of determination Suwa looked straight at Ludra, "I am indeed willing to be your servant. But I don't want to talk formally to you sir. Because I am not a slave."

Ludra was silent.

Suwa gulped again, continuing her sentence, "I... That's my one request. I... I just don't want to be restrained. Even so, I will do a good job."

"Yes.. Up to you." Ludra replied that he didn't mind. Making Suwa heave a sigh of relief. To be honest he was so afraid that his request would make the creature furious.

Ludra coded for Zie to return in her small size. Considering they are now in the human world.

"Time for you to do your job Suwa!"

****

Suwa moved warily as Ludra's gaze felt so intimidating. But she still gave a small nod "Then what should I do?"

Ludra stood quietly. The almost expressionless face seemed to be considering something. Before finally speaking up, "You are my servant right? And ready to carry out your master's orders?"

Suwa nodded.

"Good." Ludra then walked towards Suwa. Somehow at this time the creature's way of walking seemed scary. Suwa is getting worried.

Is it time for me to be his meal? Is she going to order me to cut my own body parts for his breakfast?

Suwa's sweat suddenly dripped. His heart was beating wildly. she wanted so badly to run away. But surely this magical creature can catch it easily. Suwa could only pray that her thoughts didn't come to pass.

Now, Ludra was standing still in front of him. Slightly squatting she whispered, "Recommend me a person who deserves to die!"

Suwa's eyes widened, "W... What?"

"I need a few lives to perfect my power." Ludra answered flatly.

"Not." Suwa shook her head, "You already have extraordinary powers."

"It's just a small power. I need more strength."

Suwa shook her head in disbelief. The power of Ludra that Suwa had seen so far was only a small part. Then what is meant by perfect power? If Ludra's small strength alone is so astonishing.

"Why kill?"

"I told you I need to reap lives to recover my strength that was dormant during my sleep.

Suwa remembered the first time she met the Falcon. At that time she accidentally woke this creature. And then suddenly Ludra killed the five humans who were about to take Suwa. It turned out that it was not without reason. The creature was apparently recovering its power by killing.

"The more I lose lives, the more power I get, Suwa." Obviously Ludra seemed to know what was on this girl's mind.

"And before the darkness finds me. I must be strong enough to face it." added Ludra.

Suwa freezes. she didn't know what to do anymore. How can this creature ask his opinion to find the person she is going to kill.

"No.... I don't want to recommend anyone. Killing is not a human act." Reject Suwa firmly.

Ludra straightened up. Crossing his arms across his chest, "And I'm not human."

"Yeah that's true. But I-." Suwa pointed at herself, "I am human. Killing is a cruel act." Suwa still remembers how her family was brutally murdered before and it all caused pain. Such a deep loss. Suwa didn't want it to happen to anyone else. Enough of him and his family.

"What if I refuse this task sir?"

"Yes, no problem." Ludra said calm down. His feet walked up the hill not far from where she had stopped.

Suwa was so relieved. The consequence of him refusing Ludra's orders turned out to have no impact. Suwa had thought that she would receive punishment from her master.

Suwa walked following Ludra up the hill. From here Suwa can see residential areas. Even though it is far away, Suwa can see some residents passing by doing their activities in the morning. So peaceful. Suwa wanted to go there.

"The village looks densely populated." Ludra muttered.

Suwa nodded, "Yes." she then carved a smile, "Very prosperous."

"Hmmm... One village is enough to perfect my power."

Suwa spontaneously turned to Ludra. His eyes widened in disbelief, "What do you mean?"

"Take the lives of all those residents." Ludra moved down from the hill.

"No... No you can't do that!" Suwa cried out in panic. Trying to prevent Ludra's bad actions.

"Why not? Didn't you disobey my orders Suwa. So I decide for myself who should die."

Suwa was stunned. Ludra can indeed choose who she should kill. Without having to ask her opinion. No... This can't be happening. This legendary creature cannot wipe out the entire population. That's so vile. The village must be filled with children, helpless women, old people. And there are many other innocent creatures. Suwa had to prevent that from happening.

"Don't... Don't kill them all!" Suwa grabbed Ludra's wrist. Begging the creature to undo it.

Ludra raised an eyebrow, "I will still reap life."

"But not by massacring the entire population. They are innocent."

"Then?" Ludra crossed his arms, waiting for a solution from Suwa.

The girl gulped. Hesitantly she said, "I will do your bidding."

****

The red dragon perched on top of the cliff. Pupils as bright as the sun was watching every movement of his men. she watched as his soldiers sniffed the Falcon's trail. But still, until now the smell of the wolf stealth which is famous for being effective has not produced any results.

"Where's the Falcon?" Heise was muttering in his heart that he doubted that there was still one Falcon alive. But somehow he still had to carry out the orders of the darkness.

Heise flapped her wings wide. Flying into the sky towards a place.

Sorcerer's Territory.

This place is so dark. Gloomy barely visible existence of life. And all that is none other than the act of the darkness. In the past, this place was so fertile, filled with shady green trees with many legendary animals passing by. This place used to be like wildlife guarded by witches.

And all were wiped out like the rest of the Legendary Land's territory. That's why so many legendary creatures fled to find their source of life.

Heise down. As he stepped on the ground. His body gradually transformed into that of a human. The man with a firm jaw with a handsome face treaded the barren land calmly. Even though it looks deserted, some black shadows are seen inching to hide themselves from the darkness's men. They are very aware of the danger alarm.

Heise's red eyes lit up. So observant to catch a figure who crept on the side of the rock. He raised his palm to bring out the fire behind it.

SPLASHH!!!

A tinge of fire he shot towards the figure. Until the creature was scorched. Suddenly several other creatures in the area stiffened in fear.

"Come out Momoru! Otherwise I will burn every creature in this territory!"

"Didn't you guys destroy this territory enough?" The figure of a black hooded creature stepped into the darkness. Approaching Heise.

"I only need one piece of information. And I will leave in peace." Said Heise not wanting to mince words.

Momoru chuckled, "Why would this great red dragon need information from a lowly mage like me?"

Heise chuckled, "Don't try to pretend to be Momoru. A rare mage like you must know something."

Yes, a white magician is like a priest in the human world. They are considered sacred beings. A spiritual source for the land's legends.

Heise approached staring at the hooded man sharply, "Tell me where is the last Falcon?"

"The Falcons are just a myth. They were long gone."

"Hahahaha I know you're lying." Cebik Heise sarcastically.

"Why? Is the great darkness getting worried?" Momoru asked mockingly back.

Heise was silent. Full appraisal. Before then he pulled the corners of his lips, "From your question I conclude that there is indeed one living Falcon." Heise backed away, "I just came here for clarity." He added then transformed himself into dragon form before finally flying away from the area.

Heise didn't need any information on where Falcon was. All he needed was confirmation that there was indeed one Falcon alive. That way the search won't be in vain.

The mage Momoru just stared at the flying dragon with an unreadable look. Before he finally disappeared too.

****