Dragon's pride

It's been little over two months and we are finaly done with the liishen expansion. It took many lives and I think Low got some sort of trauma from this exprience. She wants to purverise any bug or insect she sees. What I can gather, insect folk are now a bit more difficult to handle for her.

There were all kinds of variations of liishen. There were a normal worker That was a size of a dog. There were soldier liishen that were a size of a horse. Every liishen had an ability to shoot acid from their mouths and it could go a decent distance. There were also liishen that specialized in different fields. Shooter liishen, flying liishen, elemental liishen, spawner of tiny soldiers, hunters, ambushers, the elite guards and of course the queen.

I've taken a break from work since I felt so tired after the whole liishen experience. I've spent my time with Nina, who seems to be very studious. The little time we spent together is like gold to me and I hope she values our time as well. I've also visited Stella to talk about what I've been doing for the past two months and she told me what she has done. Apparently she has greatly improved in spacial magic. Good for her. She says that she'd like to travel outside of Ihm, but her work restricts her doing so. I decided to give her some memory crystals that I have and she seemed happy receiving them.

In Atlas, there has been something happening that has caused Mary quite a headache. Some people are going around, calling themselfs archons of Aeternus. They claim that they have been blessed by higher beings. They don't specify which beings. They just say that they were higher being. They have also shown miracles around the city to gain popularity. Some people are actually starting to worship them as their gods to some extent. I'm left to wonder if those people are kindled, but I have no prove of that. The only people that can make them nowadays are Relse and Aktor. I asked Lex if he knew anything about them and he just said.

- I don't think they are kindled. I doubt Aktor or Relse have forgotten what happens to the kindled, so it's highly unlikely that they are kindled. My guess is that either some demon price has given them some power, or they have aquaired that power by some other means. I lean heavily to the theory that one of the demon princes has given them power. And which demon prince would have done it? I have couple of guesses but nothing concrete. Since this matter is starting to intrique me, I'm coming to investigate this issue personaly.

And so he appears infront of me and he just says.

- Let's go meet these supposed archons.

We walk around town and eventualy we find those people. They have gathered quite an audience, so it makes observing them a bit more difficult than we have antisipated. We got to see that one of the archons turned water into wine, one walked on top of water, which is apparently possible with magic according to Lex and one archon cured someone's blindness, which would require an healing spell that is on par of growing a limb, meaning that it's difficult to get. Lex casted some spell on them that they didn't notice and he simply mutered.

- Interesting.

- Have you found something?

- Yes, but there is no need to worry. Their power's are something that shouldn't corrupt themselfs or the people around them.

- You say that, but how can they perform these mirracles?

- Simple, they have been blessed by Iter, Cantio and Vita.

- You say that as if it's something completely natural.

- It is highly unusual, but not outside of the realm of possibility. I'm satisfied now, so I'll be leaving.

He then just teleports away and I'm left alone in this crowd. I decide to leave and inform Mary about this situation, to which she thinks that I'm joking.

- Hahaha... You got to be joking.

- No, I'm completely serious.

- Haha, there you go again.

- I trust that man's ability to figure stuff out.

- Haha... You say that, but why would gods just do stuff like that to random people?

- I've met Cantio once, and it doesn't seem that unlikely that they would do something like this.

- Hahaha... And you just keep spouting more ridiculus things. Hahaha.

- I'm dead serious.

- Hahaha.

- You live in denial, don't you?

- Haha... *Sigh* What am I gonna do now? Why don't they just proclaim that they are blessed by gods and get the populus believe them in a matter of days. Why do they have to make it such a spectacle and cause me a headache by having to make an official investigation on them now that one of our trusted agents have come with information that they are indeed blessed by three gods.

- I'm your agent now?

- To some extent, your word is trusted to that point. That is why I call you one, even if you aren't technically one. But seriously, how am I going to move on with this?

- Just do what you usually do, gather the high priests and get they to approve of the archons blessings.

- You make it sound so simple. *Sigh* I'm really going to have some paperwork to do.

- I leave you to it.

- First I need to confirm who was your informant.

- It was the master of the mage's tower of Taican.

- Can you make him make an official statement of his findings?

- I can try.

I call Lex and with some persuation, I manage to convince him to write an official statement. He hands it over to Mary, who then thanks Lex and starts to call up a meeting on the high priests. Lex left the moment he gave that paper to Mary.

So in couple of days, these archons are now officially recognised as advocates of gods. Or something along those lines, it was an complicated announcement. The gist is that the archons have now some legal power in Aeternus.

So after that whole thing was done, I decided that I want to see the afterlife Kolkhis. To do that, I had to figure out how to get there without actually dying. I could ask Ameri again, but I don't know where Aktor is, who can call her where he is. The other option is to ask the dragon lords about this. Luckily I can communicate with them from anywhere in the world and vice versa. I first called Fafnir and he wasn't any help. He just told me.

- I don't know why you think it's a good idea to go there, but I'm not helping you.

And thus I decided to ask Quetzalcoatl. He was lot more helpful and said

- All dragon lords can get there if we want. It's just that our presence isn't good for the realm of the dead. You shouldn't spend too much time there, as you are a living being. But since you have our blessings you have some tolerance of that realm, so I think you can be there for a week or two.

- Can you send me there then?

- Sure I can, just keep an eye on yourself so that you don't become permanent resident of that realm just yet. Just call me when you wish to get out. Are you ready?

- Yes.

- Then...

A sudden beam of light surrounds me and when the light disappears, I am in a midle of some town. I look around and it looks like I'm now in the realm of Kolkhis. I see dragons flying in the skies and people walking on the ground. The town is on the edge of some valley that has giant natural stone pillars that reach far up in the sky. The hills around the valley seem as green as they get and when I walk a bit further, I see sheep that glimer with gold. And the temperature here is just perfect. Not too warm and not too cold.

I walk around the town some more, and when I go little furter towards the hill that the town was build on. On top of the hill, I saw a palace that had was build with white colored rock and gold. When I got closer, I could see many dragons around. Big and small. When the dragons noticed me, they made way for me as if I was someone important. I walked toward the open gate that led to inside of the palace. Inside that big open room was a dragon with a golden white fur and a feathery wings with a blue tint. The black scales could be seen in some parts of it's body, but the fur covered most of the dragon. It had four horns coming from the sides of it's face and it's eyes were golden yellow. The dargon was sleeping before I entered the room, but once it sensed my presence, it rised it's head and started to speak.

- Greetings hero. You seem to come to visit this realm early. What is your purpose here?

- My name is Nor and I came here to just look around. Who are you?

- So you came inside this palace without knowing who it belongs to? Pity, I thought you would be sharper than that.

- If I would have to guess, you are Kholkikos.

- Your guess is indeed correct. Yes, my name is Kholkikos. The guardian of this afterlife. The most powerfull being inside this realm. Feel free to bow before me.

- I think I pass.

- Pity, I though you would have gotten some maners when you talked to my brethren. Then again, you got Quetzalcoatl's blessing, so I shouldn't be surprised. Do you wish to have my blessing as well? There are some other dragon lords that you still can meet here. So you can ask them as well.

- You all can do that?

- Of course. But you haven't given me a proper respect that I deserve, so I'm leaning heavily on not giving you my blessing.

- Please forgive me your excellency. The way I have showed you was indeed most improper. Allow me to greet you more properly this time.

- Hmmm... Indeed... Please proceed.

- My name is Nor Los and I am the latest dragon hero who has gained the blessings of all the remaining dragon lords blessings that still live inside the world of the living. If your excellency would be so kind as to give me their blessing as well, I would be the most joyful person indeed.

- Hmmm... You do have the right way of speaking right, so I will grant you this gift you so desire. However, learn to have a proper posture next time you speak with me.

- Thank you your excellency, I will try to improve.

I get that weird feeling that I always get when getting a blessing.

- Could you be so kind as to tell me what your excellency's blessing offers me?

- That would be a good thing for you to know. The more respect people have towards you, the more powerfull you become. Also your bones can become a good fertilizer.

- I get the first part, but what's with that second part?

- Don't burden your mind over it.

- I see. Thanks for the blessing.

- You're welcome.

- Can you tell me where the other dragon lords are.

- I can. Vershnos is probably roaming around somewhere in the east side. Tuulinenkö is somewhere on the clouds or on top of a stone pillar. Fotiá is somewhere in the volcanic parts of the valley. Fos should be still around here somewhere. Käärmähät should be in a cave bit west of here. Kur... well, he is also here, but not quite, so I don't know if he can give you his blessing, but he should be on a cave inside one of the pillars. Other dragon lords have gone and become part of the cycle by now. I hear that Fotiá is considering on going to be part of the cycle, so I would start there before it's too late.

- I see. One last guestion. Why did other dragons give way when I entered the palace grounds?

- Isn't it obvious to you? In the name of me you truly are a bit slow.

- I just figured I would ask you, but isn't it because of the blessings that I have?

- That is correct, yes. You got me worried there that we are dealing with another dimwitted hero.

- I take that as a comliment then and leave.

- Good luck to your trip here. Be carefull to not get too full of yourself.

- Thanks.

I would say the same to you. Now then, towards the volcanic parts of the valley. She didn't tell me where they are, so I guess I ask around.

...

It appears that they are south of here. I hop on to Rin and we fly south for a while, until we are stoped by a slim looking dragon with massive wings. It starts speaking to us while we are in the air.

- So you are the new dragon hero, eh. You indeed seem strong and capable. Want to race with me?

- Sure, if it's on our way.

- Good, that's the spirit. You see that pillar over there?

- Yes.

- The first one to reach it gets the win. Ready? Go!

- Wait!

She starts to fly in amazing speeds towards the pillar. We could barely keep up with her since she flew so fast. It's almost as the winds were purely on her side. She won and when we arrived, she said.

- Looks like I'm the winner. No need to worry, you didn't have much of a chance anyways. Thanks for racing with me anyways. Here is my blessing.

- Wait what?

I get the weird feeling again.

- Who are you?

- I'm Tuulinenkö.

- You are a dragon lord. I though you were just some dragon.

- I get that a lot. I'm not exactly one of the strongest of dragons. But what I lack in power, I get in speed.

- What does your blessing do anyways?

- It let's you control wind type things in much easier way. Meaning you can use wind type magic more easily or just manipulate wind itself. And the more faster you are going for a moment, the more power is in your attacks.

- I see. Thanks, but why give it to me?

- I figured you were looking for it. Was I wrong?

- No, I was looking for it, but why give it to me so easily?

- You will see that every dragon lord will give it to you easily in here. You got Kholkikos' blessing, so that means you had to just be polite towards her. For me, it was just enough if you raced with me.

- I see. Well thanks anyways. Do you know where the volcanic parts of the valley are?

- Sure it's that way. I assume that you are looking for Fotiá?

- Yes.

- Then good luck with her.

She then leaves as fast as she came. We then head to the volcanic part of the valley. It took couple of days, but we managed to get there without an issue. I looked around to find Fotiá, but I didn't seem to have no luck. When I entered the volcano itself, I saw a dragons swiming in lava. I decided to ask them about Fotiá.

- Excuse me?! Do any of you know where Fotiá is?!

The dragons swiming in lava then stoped and look for a moment. Then they looked down and suddenly a dragon came out of the lavapool. The dragon came with such a speed out of it, that the lava went everywhere. It landed near me and looked me for a second. The dragon had dark and red scales and glowing skin that looked like it was a mass of lava covered in scales. It then said.

- I assume you are looking for me.

- Are you Fotiá?

- Am I Fotiá! You think that anyone else can look this badass!?

- So you are her.

- Damn right I am! What you need? You want my blessing?

- That is what I'm looking for.

- Then take a dip to that pool over there.

- If that's what you want.

I take off my clothes and dip in. Fontiá looks a bit confused and asks.

- I didn't really think that you can do that. How is that possible?

- I had to get resistant to heat when I went against Tiamat's flames. Had to die over and over again while going in lava to gain that resistance.

- Ha, haha, hahahaha... So she made you go through that. That little one truly thinks she can overpower someone with her flames. Sure, her breath is the strongest of all the living, but when it comes to flames no one can beat mine. Want to test out my flames?

- I think I would actually die this time. But sure, let's dance for a while.

I get out of the pool of lava and I activate the sword of time.

- Come on then.

- You are really bold one, I give you that. Then...

She starts to breathe fire and I melt almost in an instant. Then I did it again and again and again. As long as my body got used to her flames. And when I withstood her flames, she laughed and gave me her blessing.

- You really are on interesting one. Glad to know there still are people like you.

- Kholkikos said that you were considering on becoming part of the cycle. Is it true?

- So she said that to you. *Sigh* Yes, I am considering doing so.

- You don't sound like a person who would do that.

- Everyone I told this thought the same. There comes a time when we need to move on and stop clinging to this life. Many other dragon lords have already decided to do so, so perhaps it's time for me to do as well. It is bliss staying here yes, but that doesn't mean that I should remain here forever. I'm ready to say goodbye to this world and become part of the cycle. Who knows, perhaps my soul will become someone who can still life as badass life as I did.

- If it's your choise, then I can't stop you.

- Not like you could do much anyways. Or who knows, perhaps you could forcefully keep me from not going. You have gained enough blessings at this point that it might be possible.

- Where do you go when you decide to move on? Is there a special place for it?

- I go to talk to Kholkikos and she let's me move on.

- She has a job like that? That's painfull.

- Don't worry about her. She makes sure that we are ready.

- Does becoming part of the cycle happen similary to other living beings?

- Yes. Even mortals go pass Kholkikos.

- Her job is then the most important part of this realm.

- It is.

- In any case, just be sure you are happy when you move on.

- Thanks.

- I will leave now. But before I leave, what does your blessing do?

- It gives you the ability to control flames in much easier way than magic. Also the more hot the area around you is, the more power you have.

- I see. Then, goodbye.

- Goodbye.

I leave the volcano and decide to go find Kur next. My mood is bit down, but I still continue to move forwards. I search for couple of days, until I find a place that matches the description, so I go inside and walk around a bit. At first I couldn't see anyone, but when I tried to sense the magic around me, I noticed that something was indeed here. I tried to commune with that something and it spoke to me in a ghostly manner.

- So you have... the blessings now do you... And Fafnir's as well I see... Interesting...

- I assume you are Kur.

- It is indeed I... And you... Nor... You seek my blessing I see...

- That is correct. How will I get it?

- Simple... make me a body that I can inhabit or give me the rest of my soul back.

- That's not very simple task.

- It is... Just go to mortal realm... steal the sword of creation... and bring it to me... The other option.... is to persuade that worm who ate my soul.

- Neither are simple things to do.

- If you do not do me this favor... then you will resieve nothing from me.

- I guess it's something I wont get then. If I ever get your soul back or get you a body, I let you know.

- Hmmm... wait...

- What is it?

- Let's make a deal.

- What kind?

- I will grant you power... and you will be my host... How does that sound?

- What does being a host entail?

- You simply carry my soul around... and let me pass back to the mortal world.

- You said you'd give me power. Not your blessing.

- That is correct.

- I think I will pass on your offer.

- Why is that?... I see no downside for you to do this for me...

- How can I rest assured that you wont do anything to me while I carry you.

- I can promise that I wont do that... On my name as Kur, the dragon lord of envy.

- I still think I pass on it.

- Wait... I can tell you my secret treasures... that still remain in the world of the living.

- It's been quite long since you became like this. If you didn't have as good protection that Fafnir had on his treasury, your treasure is likely already pillaged.

- ...

- Do you have any other things you can offer me?

- My secret art of soulmanipulation.

- I think I will pass on that.

- It's my most treasured thing that I own... You wouldn't regret it.

- I'm not looking for making other people my pupets. Goodbye.

- You... I will remember this...

I don't need to look into his mind and figure out what he is scheming. I know that he is up to something when he offered his power in exchange of me carrying his soul. I can't trust him. Now then, let's go and look for...

- I see you didn't take the schemer's offer.

- Who is there?

I look and I see a white dragon that is glimering in the sunlight. She was purely white with almost no spots of any other color. Her eyes were like crystals that shimered all kinds of colors. She was bit slim for a dragon, kind of like Tuulinenkö. There also were horns as you would expect there to be on a dragon.

- You sure have gotten good with wooing dragon lords.

- I assume you are one of the dragon lords.

- Correct. Care to quess which?

- The remaining dragon lords are Fos, Vershnos and Käärmähä. You are one of them.

- You haven't met Vershnos yet? No wonder he is coming this way. I guess I better make it quick then. My name is Fos and I'm the dragon lord of light. As far as I can see, you have a kind soul with lot of people having big hopes for you. You even made Fotiá feel happy.

- Wait, Fotiá was happy? I mean she laughed at me for a moment and she told me about her reason to move on, but I didn't think that it made her happy.

- For her it was a great deal.

- How can you tell anyways.

- There are different kind of blessings that dragon lords can give. One of them is something you give while reluctant. Second is one you give while feeling neutral and third one is when they give it to you when they are happy or positive. The only neutral one you have is from Fafnir, but even that is an achievement. The rest are all happy or positive blessings.

- What is the difference?

- The amount of power you gain.

- I see.

- And to gain my blessing, I need you to promise one thing.

- What is it?

- Please fulfill my sister's wish.

- Which sister?

- Oh yeah, most of us call each other as siblings. I mean my other half Käärmähät.

- What is her wish?

- That you need to ask yourself.

- Then I promise to do the best I can.

- Good, that is enough for me. Here is my blessing.

I feel weird again.

- Why just give it to me with something like that?

- My sister only lives for one goal. To wait for her lover to come here. She will wait for him to the end of time if she has to.

- I will do my best then.

- Good, that's all I need to hear.

- How long do you plan on staying in afterlife?

- That sure is a question. As long as entertaining mortals come here, I guess.

- So that's your aim.

- I also want to see that my sister's wish comes true. I don't want her to feel alone in here.

- That makes more sense.

- Does it now? I think it's important to stay entertained as long as you can. Of course, there are boring times every now and then, but that is part of what makes entertaining stuff entertaining.

- I see. What does your blessing do by the way?

- Oh that, it basically gives you power the more bright it is. Meaning at the new moon you will be at your weakest. Well, that is before you gain Käärmähät´s blessing. Then your sense of sight becomes more sharp than it was before. And then there is the whole thing where you hurt undead much more than you normaly would. Even your very presence hurts them if you choose so.

- That's something to be sure.

- Well then, I quess it's time for me to leave. See yah!

- See yah.

She leaves in a moment and the next I see some big dragon landing before me. I''m surprised that it can even fly.

- So this little guy is the new dragon hero. Expected something bigger.

- And you are?

- My apologies, my name is Vershnos, the dragon lord of thunder. I see you were just visited by Fos.

- Yeah, she seemed to be in a hurry.

- I see. Well then, you must be seeking for my blessing. Then, strike me down with all your might.

- What?

- Didn't you hear me? Use all your strength to slay me. No holding back. Come on.

- I mean, I guess if you want that.

I take up my sword and I do one attack that uses most of my energy. Vershnos is pushed back by that attack, but otherwise he seems fine.

- Yeah, that's it. A strength of my brethren. Once more.

I use the little remainder of my energy to push on a worthy attack. This time he isn't pushed back.

- Hmmm... You seem to be bit weaker than you were before. One more time.

- I'm... at my... limit here...

- Nonsense! You have the blessings of my brethren so you must still have some juice in you. Come on then. Hit me.

- But...

- Hit me!

I try to do an attack that would push him back, but I barely did anything to him. My muscles are in deep pain.

- Hmmm... You seem to be a tad bit stronger than the previous dragon heroes. Well done, you have my blessing.

I get the weird feeling again.

- Thanks... but what was that... all about?

- I wanted to test how strong each dragon hero is since they have gained the favor of my brethren that have the strength to live inside the world of the living. How could I not get exited to meet such a person and test their might.

- I... kind of quess... what kind of person... you are now... So what does... your blessing do?

- It gives you the ability to control electricity as you wish. Your steps also can become lightning fast if you train hard enough. Also your ability to think is much faster now if you concentrate.

- Those sound useful. I think.

- Good, then I see that you don't have Käärmähät's blessing yet.

- That's where I'm headed next.

- Say her that I said hello.

- Why can't you go and meet her yourself?

- It's complicated.

- I see, then I'm heading out.

- And good luck.

What does he mean by good luck? Anyways, I hop on to Rin's back and we head over to find this cave. After a day, we found a small village near a mountain. I asked around and they told me that Käärmähät was up the mountain inside a cave. I flew a bit with Rin, but I could barely find anything that resembled a cave. When it became night I finally found a cave in the mountainside. I swore I looked at the place before, but I couldn't see it there then. In any case, I enter the cave and it's goes inward for a while, until we hit the chamber that is huge. I could barely see anything since it was so dark. I looked around and I didn't see anyone there. Then I heard a voice coming from the shadows.

- You... human... hold Fafnir's blessing.

- Y-yes.

- How is this possible? I heard from Kur that he was killed and eaten by Stoor.

- I resurrected him in a way. He isn't yet in his full power, but he might get there soon.

- I see.

Then I see a dark violet reptile eye glowing dimly in the shadows.

- Would you be so kind as to leave me. You will be in danger if you don't.

- What do you mean?

- I'm the dragon lord of darkness. That means I will bring out the darkest desires from other when they are near me. I live in this cave as to not disturb the other residents of this valley. Now please leave.

- Vershnos said that he couldn't visit for some reason. Perhaps this is why.

- It is probable. Now pleace leave.

- He said to say hi.

- Thank you. Now leave.

- Perhaps I'm somewhat immune to your ability since I'm not feeling anything.

- Curious... The other dragon heroes would go berserk in a few moments. How are you... ah... That must be why.

- What is it?

- It's the voidborn's soul that's in you that is making you resistant to my ability. It's been a while since I could talk like this to another person than Fos.

- What exactly happens to people who enter the area that is affected by you?

- Most just go berserk and try to kill other things than me. But when it comes to male dragon, most see me as breeding material, and when there is two male dragons, usually they fight for death. Female dragons usually just get violent.

- And Fos is someone who is immune to this besides me.

- Fos and you aren't the only ones who can bear my presence. My children also carry an immunity. And Fafnir...

- What about Fafnir?

- He was... my mating partner... and my love.

- But you say that he isn't immune.

- He built up some resistance over time, but he never got immune.

- Then... How did you and...

- He was always violent and took what he wanted without an issue. However, he could direct his violence towards other things than me. And not just because my ability made him do that. One of examples was that he created things with the sword of creation. Other was to train our children. He was so used to dominating others, that it didn't feel like he was affected by my ability. Even if we did it lots.

- You say that you love him. Someone like him.

- It's true that he might be cruel at times and might not be a good father, but he only holded his pride as a dragon to the point of being such person. He has sacrificed his own personality to make an image that he is just an evil dragon. So much so that he has forgotten his true self. I decided back then that even if everyone else hated him, I would be the only person to love him. For his sake.

- Dosn't it get tiring?

- No, I quite enjoy when he gives me his affection. In one form or another.

- What did he do to you and your kids?

- He was quite violent towards all of us. He made it very clear that we must be the ones that dominate other and never other way around. He made it so clear that our children strayed away from him sooner or later. Even Kärnir, who wanted only her father's affection, eventually left him behind. Färmä and Jäfnir escaped to other dragon lords' care and made them lie to him. Litret tried to defy her father for a long time, until she left. Ulnär got his father's habit of stealing things, but he eventually left his father for his own gain. Farhäm just waited until he was confindent to live on his own. Louhär was scared of was afraid of her father and disappeared one day, never to be seen again. We had other children as well, but those are the ones that we were taking care of with more care.

- He was just an abusive person to all of you. Why you still claim to love him?

- Because, deep in his heart, there is someone who is constantly yearning for affection. He fills this hole with constantly gaining wealth, but he will never be sated. According to him, the oldest dragon has to always stay as the strongest of all.

- If there is no convincing you, then I will stop here.

- My wish has been steeled for a very long time.

- Just out of curiosity, what color are you?

- I'm the darkest of the darkest. The blackest black. No light escapes me. As for my physique... well, you can compare me to Fos.

- I see. I'm just wondering, was there some sort of spell preventing me from entering this place before it got dark?

- There was an illusionary wall at the entrance during daytime. It's to prevent anyone from coming here during the day.

- Why open it during night?

- Sometimes, I'd like to go move around a bit. Walk around and fly a bit. It's at day when I sleep. In fact, you were the one who woke me up, though I was going to wake up soon anyways. Still, how rude of you.

- I'm very sorry.

- Just kiding. I'm not mad at you. It's just... it was pleasant to speak to someone new again.

- Glad you liked it. Have you seen any of your children come by here?

- Yes. All of them have already moved on. To live another life and forgeting the past.

- I see. Did they stay with you during the time they were here?

- They did and it made me very happy at the time.

- Were you killed during the age of gods and monsters?

- No, I was killed much more later than that.

- What killed you?

- Fafnir.

- He killed you? But why?

- He grew to want to get even stronger in case another kindled would come and kill us. He also saw me as weak excuse of a dragon lord, so he thought that I was lucky to survive the war.

- But what made him kill you?

- He wanted to protect me in case another war erupted.

- How is that protecting you? He did the exact opposite.

- Since there was no place for me to be besides by his side, he saw that the best option was to send me to afterlife to spend my days. It was mercy he showed me. He couldn't protect me in living world forever, so that was his choice.

- How are you okay with this?

- That's because he did it because he was worried about me. While I personaly would have loved to spend more time with him there, I was unable to convince him to do anything else. It was more painfull to him that it was for me. He didn't make me suffer for one moment.

- I think he is just selfish.

- You may be right and I may be wrong. Nonetheless I believe in his hiden kindness. Now then...

I hear her geting up.

- It's about time I go to my strol. Is there anything else you need?

- Two things. First, Fos asked me to fulfill one of your wishes.

- One of my wishes you say. Well, if I have to pick one, then could you tell him that I'm waiting?

- I will do that.

- Then the other thing.

- Can I have your blessing as well?

- You are bold one. Do you know what will wait for you if you gain my blessing?

- No.

- It will make you able to hide in the shadows like any other. You also gain power from the darkness. The cost is that you have to spend your life resisting the urge to let your darker side out. Do you wish for this blessing still?

- I already am dealing with suppressing my other self to not go berserk. I think I can deal with a bit more.

- As you wish.

I feel a weird feeling again. And on top of that I feel a sudden headache. Is this the darkness she said I'd have to suppress?

- You are feeling it now, aren't you?

- I... I think I can get used to this.

- Well you better do. Because you will have that for the rest of your life. If you excuse me.

Then a sudden gust of wind blows as she rushes to the exist. I try to follow and see a glimpse of what she looks like, and I barely see anything in the sky when I get out. I just see a dark flying figure in the sky. I can make up nothing more. Now then, I hope my adaptation will make this headache a bit more tolerable.