After walking long and hard, the two finally reach the actual grand entrance of the Castle which leads to the Commercial district of the city. Unlike the rich uptown, the place was almost void of snow except the rooftops and the enchanted street lamps. Dragons would occasionally fly by, dropping parcels and netted wooden barrels on the yet incomplete Tower. Even with the extremely low temperature, everyone else was wearing normal summer clothes.
The two would get occasional stares, with most directed to Bahamut. Whose beauty is captivating many of the Vampires through her veil, though the women on the other hand took offense to her, many after looking at her ethereal looks seeping from the veil that covered her face would often stare at her ears with discontent.
"I just thought about this but... since you have a halo that spews Void Liquid like my armor does when I put it into its limits... but you can do it without care..."
"Master... no."
"I'm just... saying... but it's technically an infinite amount of Void Liquid for me to use and melt into Blackmetal... riiiighhht...?"
"Master, if I have my halo on. That would disturb the spatial balance as I'm technically opening a small portal to the void. When your armor does it, it's far smaller and leaves a tiny smudge. Mine though Master, it's a real portal that could spawn the horrors of the Void into the physical world."
"Ah, I see. No wonder you use a lamp with a blue flame to it. What's that about anyways? Blue flames is like top tier magic stuff that even I can't use. Farthest flame I can use with magic I can conjure is black fire."
"Oh, you mean this?"
A blaze of blue fire appears below her hand and it materializes a rusty oil lamp with a cold blue fire inside it, though some parts of it were still shiny. It's apparent the oil lamp has seen better days. The sudden usage of magic shocks the Vampires around them, but nonetheless carries on as they feel an intimidating and scary aura coming from the harmless object she materialized out of thin air.
"Yea that, what's that for anyways?"
"You know the full story of the Void, Master? The land between Heaven, Tur, and Hell. A realm above that of the mortals?"
"Uhm... no. Though we've been to Hell together to fetch some metals and items. The knowledge everyone has about the void is merely just surface level. Which I guess you know the full story about?"
"Yes I do, and the Void Master is a very cold and dark place which I'm guessing you already know right?"
"No. We don't even know what the temperature there is like."
"Let's just say without any fancy armor like Dragon armor or Trialloy like yours, you'd immediately freeze to death without actually freezing and your helmet must have proper padding as the wails of the lost souls are very noisy and you don't hear them with your ears, instead with your very soul."
"Oh wow, I'm guessing that old Dragon Slayer then managed to walk around for a bit longer as he had all of those."
"He did Master, but he didn't even last a second of battle against my true form. Now as a place where lost souls are, in my spare time. I thought of using this to guide the souls I come across, to at least help them so that I may sleep in peace."
Vampires around the two could feel the radiating coldness from the blue flame of the lamp, even with the immortal creatures, looking at it directly felt as if they were violating something they shouldn't and many chose to look away and continue walking forward.
"I thought you were just permanently in your Dragon form in the Void. Huh, I guessed you fooled around in your human form too?"
"Mmmmm... it wasn't exactly human form Master. Though the Dragon Slayer did get to see it, I'd rather not have you view such an unsightly version of this body. Since I wasn't restricted with my powers there, I'd shift between the forms freely and a human one is not enough, I'd usually use the Void and its darkness to propel me around. Though when I reached the so-called "Living" or real world, I was once again restricted to my dragon form."
"And is it a weapon? I never knew you could just make it pop in without question."
"Master, I always have it with me. Though not in this plane. I mostly use it to capture souls and summon monsters from the Void."
"So that explains the scary monsters fighting alongside your Knights in the Labyrinth. We always thought it was due to the presence of your otherworldly Dragon body and its spatial distortion that attracted them to go there and get comfy."
"Spatial distortion can be many things, Master. It can be from something that's far too divine and alien to a mere article of armor or clothing that has been enchanted. My spatial distortion is specifically one that is targeted. I can move it around, hence why no one could teleport in my arena as you call it."
"Yeah, and it's a bitch of a fight. I also use Spatial Magic to teleport around if I have an excess of magic in my Knight armor. Not being able to do that against a giant dragon underground is not fun at all. Though since you are a God and all, how do you get more powerful? Through believers or something?"
"Yes Master. People who believe and worship me means they are also giving me a part of their life force or... consciousness as per say. The soul. Mana is the energy that surrounds us all that anyone with enough training can manipulate to make a new type of material or force, life is the material that is born of our soul and inside even a tinge of it is Mana that's pure and unrefined. Hence why Souls are beloved in contracts and are the targets of Dark Magic. As used, it can be a powerful tool."
"U-Uh huuuh..." the General started getting confused from Bahamut's rapid fire lecture on God 101. The woman did not slow down, keeping her pace as she continued to speak from her heart about how worship works.
"People who pray to me are saying a spell. A spell that would ensure that they'd give to me a part of their soul. As tiny and insignificant it may be, do it to a hundred thousand and you have more Mana than an Adult Wyvern can conjure. It also means enough magic to move and change the lives of anyone. But for a million, that is something only an Unlimited God could fully use."
"Unlimited God?"
"Master, I might be a God myself. But I am a limited one, I have a body that you can touch, feel, caress, and hug. But it isn't all seeing as one that I'd have if I was looking down on this plane from the Void. I can only see what these human eyes will give me, and hear as far as these human ears would give me. That is a Limited God."
"W-Wow. So, basically, Faith is what you require from your followers? In layman's terms?"
"Yes. But that would be a short and sweet breakdown of how your faith in me would work and its transfer of magical power to my divinity which grows more and more by day."
"You truly are something Bahamut. I feel like you can give me a four hour lecture on how and what Mana is and you'd still be capable of talking further."
"Mana is everything, it cannot be created, nor destroyed. If one was to create, it would make an explosion that would erase an entire universe and birth anew. The process of using Mana and its manipulation can be akin to a Doctor mixing chemicals but this time with what is tangible in the physical world and turning it into something else that is also still tangible. Though Mana in the upper planes like Holy magic can also be conjured through faith can also make intangible types of magic like Holy or Dark, it can vary and hence I do like how Chosen Ones categorized magic into four main types and then countless subtypes as it perfectly explains that magic is not a resultant of one but of many variables that you can switch together and intertwine to make all sorts of different things ranging from liquid state to solid state or changing the two together into creating or mending one singular object that can cause-"
"Okay Bahamut! Stop! Stop! Stop! I do not want you to explain to me the secrets of the world or the entire lore of Mana. Just... chill. Geez, you've really changed. Look at how talkative you are now."
"... Is that something bad, Master?"
"N-no. I'm just trying to get used to you now. You're like an entirely new person sometimes."
"Ehhhhh... it's truly showing, Master. How you're not that confident when it comes to talking."
"It's different alright, it's crazy how good you look right now. Though I look good and well built, I'm still not used to having access to a body like this. I don't even know how to flex my muscles. Yet here you are, walking and talking without care in a thin gothic funeral gown in a dashing human body as if you were always in this form since the beginning."
"Well Master, you haven't been looking up and only down at my chest this entire time. Ahahahahah."
"Where did you get this body again? Kinda weird that a body capable of holding your power would be littered around in Schon or is this the one you made that we destroyed in the Labyrinth?"
"It came from a Goddess named Mors Lutem."
"WHO WHAT NOW?!"
Paul's shocked reaction also takes the attention of the Vampires around them, annoying them even more. But they notice the armband on his left, reading it. They all find out he is a High Ranking Diplomat who directly speaks to their Royals. Not wanting to say anything, the Vampires with them on the sidewalk, walking alongside the pair cleared a few meters of space and just scoffed at them.
"HOW COME YOU NEVER TOLD ME THIS?!"
"I thought you'd have no use for it, Master."
"I MEAN... YEA BUT STILL... KINDA STRANGE THAT YOUR LITERALLY USING THE BODY OF A DEAD FOREIGN GODDESS."
"But Master, her bones were perfect. But only her bones really. Her body was long gone."
"Ah geez. Forget I asked. But then, this form of yours is not your true human self? But instead of Mors Letum?"
"As I said, Master, her bones were perfect. I merely molded my form to fit my hers a bit. Though her boobs are a bit smaller than mine. Everything else should be the exact same measurement as the original one that I made."
"Don't worry, your boobs are at the perfect size. Firm, a bit bigger than my hands but small enough to fit your slim build."
"Really Master?"
"Yup. So don't worry about it too much. You'll look good regardless anyways."
Bahamut suddenly stops in place. Her hand reached for her chest and she felt a light tingle. Nonetheless, the Knight General just walks on till he sees a finely decorated cafe on the other side of the road. "Wanna go there?" the Dragon just nods in silence and they cross the street and into the establishment. Outside it was a line of chairs with Butlers and Servants from Human to Elf all sat down in silence. Some sleep on the bags of goods or produce their carrying.
"Oy human!"
"W-woah! Yes?"
The young tall handsome teenage cafe owner with sharp ears adorned by earrings points at the sight on the door. Paul exits out once again and leans to see what was written. All he could see was Romanz which he couldn't read. He shakes his head, not seeing the man's point.
"No you mortal scum! The one below!"
Looking down, he could see there was a sign in English saying "Humans only allowed from 12 to 6, and only well dressed Diplomats! No soldiers!" He then looked up and could see the Sun was directly over them and then down to the Cafe owner.
"Remember that human! You and that cattle wife of yours!"
"Uhm... okay? No need to be too hostile, my man."
"Do not soil my cafe! Nobles love this place and if you dare do anything, I'll have that pretty wife of yours sold to the Lords!"
"Master, Can I eat his pretty head?"
"Hah, no. Chillax Bahamut, we are in a foreign land. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Just remember, they're different than we are with a culture that is so removed from ours. So let's just play it cool."
His words calms down the Dragon God. Seeing that none of the patrons was questioning him, the two took a seat next to the window while the Cafe owner tapped his feet and crossed his arms. Feeling as if the two were a great trouble and a pain to deal with. Sitting down, the Vampires around them could be heard gagging while some whisper amongst themselves.
"Master, they're making a fool out of us."
"Let it be Bahamut, now. What do you want?"
"Blueberry pie."
"Again with the Berries? Do they even have those? As much as this place seems to be full of rich people, I highly doubt they'd have access to those."
"Just try Master."
"And for your Coffee?"
"Hmmmm..."
Bahamut looks at the board above the Cafe owner, ignoring his deathly stares at the two and points at the section of the board with a cute art of a Vampire using his fangs to drink hot coffee.
"We don't even know what that is. Like, the lettering is some sort of a messed up version of French, Italian, and German languages mashed into one intangible sentence."
"Just anything that is good for a cold day should be enough Master."
He then stands up and goes to the counter. Walking like he is just in a fancier version of Starbucks and trying his best to ignore the scoffs and little comments the Nobles at the establishment would make as he'd pass them. Some annoyed, some angry.
"May I take your order and get this done."
"You're a goddamn player aren't you?"
"Shut that trap, I'm not going to engage with a mortal with my personal matters."
"You son of a bit- ahem, I'd like to order some coffee and pies."
"And?"
"Uhm, in terms of coffee, do you have anything with chocolate and hot black?"
"The only chocolate we have right now is the ones that came from Charlemagne's family and this is very rich in flavor. Also expensive since it came from stocks of an endangered bean, can a mortal like you even afford it?"
"Like dude, I know Vampire players in Dark World are kinda iffy since you gotta be a bit retarded to actually play as them. But c'mon, you don't need that tone with me. I'll order two, and the Pies... any blueberry ones?"
"Yes, we have North Highbush Blueberries that came from the High Elves Southern mountains."
"What would be the price of all this...?"
"Five silver coins and sixteen bronze coins."
"F-FIVE?"
"Take it or leave it. Of all Cafe's you could've chosen, it's the one a few blocks from the Castle and Uptown. Doesn't take two brain cells to punch in the fact that most of my customers are highborn people who you usually do not encounter in the streets."
"I apologize, when I'm with Bahamut, my brain power is usually halved. Like, I actually think when we're in close proximity to each other, our brains just share a singular cell... your cafe also looked cool from the outside so I kinda just wanted to check it. Either way, any place we choose, it'd be the same reaction I presume."
"I get it that you and your wife are..."
The Cafe owner then just stood frozen as Paul opened his pouch with the Minuit's family logo on it, and gave the man his payment. "Just deliver it to the table." he continued frozen, remembering who owns that seal and how even he himself cannot buy Wine from them. "Uhm... you good?" The human then waves his hand at the man's face just for the Vampire to hold it tightly, stopping his hand completely.
With the sudden action. Bahamut instantly appears behind the man and something traumatic from when he was still in Dark World comes to him like a freight train hitting a sedan at high speed. "No wonder that dark gothic gown looked so familiar... I've been living here so nicely that I've forgotten..." he looks behind him and being the same height as Bahamut, he got the front row seat at her intimidating presence.
"J-just tell me mortal. Where did you get that coin pouch? That's only for Nobles."
"Dude, I'm a literal General. I know Alana-" The entire room then shockingly sighed at the man. "I MEAN LADY MINUIT! I personally know her and we're good friends!" On the other side of the Cafe, a woman stands up and walks over to the counter. Curiously looking over to them in a starry evening gown, with her is a young teenage man in a clean noble outfit with a cape that only reaches her shoulders with a well combed brown hair.
"Excuse me, but what's happening here?"
The Cafe owner's heart sank, knowing full well who has that long shiny silvery hair.
"LADY VOLTAIRE! I APOLOGIZE! I'll- I'll see the human out."
As the Vampire teleported over the counter and was about to grab the General, he immediately dodged him and gave the man the middle finger. The small framed teenage noble with Voltaire quickly got in the middle of the two before anything else could happen. Lady Voltaire then opens her fan and puts it up her mouth to cover half her face. Her solemn pretty eyes are accentuated by the glittery eyeshadow and thin mascara with long eyelashes looking directly into the soul of the human. Looking at his black leather uniform and the intimidating outfit he is wearing, in complete stark contrast of his expression. Empty of a cold hard killer that would wear such a scary military outfit. She then sees the armband on the man and the word written on it.
With a sigh, she takes a few seconds in silence. With the nobleman with her just crossing his arms as the rest of the patrons in the cafe also went silent. Waiting for the order of the high ranking Noblewoman.
"There's no need for that. Have you lost all sense? Do you not read the words on that man's armband?"
"B-but-"
"No buts. Lady Minuit would be very angry and crossed if she was to hear this. I hope you know what the Minuit do to those who cross whom they love or respect."
He grovels before Lady Voltaire. Profusely apologizing for his action. She just closes her fan and with a finger, gestures for the two to follow him. The Nobleman with her who is just a few inches smaller than the General nods at the two to do as they are told. "Also, their coffee and food are on me." Bahamut and Paul are then led to the corner of the cafe, on a red leather sofa with all sorts of designs and engravings, where she and the man have obviously been drinking already. Long before the two came and riled up the entire place.
The pair sat down on the other side of the luxurious sofa, while the other two sat down on ornate golden metal chairs. Paul immediately tried to slouch, but his brain clicked and immediately had a straight back and a poker face on. There, General Paul just rubbed his palms, feeling the cold stare of the woman and the freezing temperatures stacked on top of it.
"Lord Jackson, correct?"
"Y-Yes, Lady Voltaire."
"I am surprised you strayed far from Alana. What made you come here?"
"Me and Bahamut, we were just looking for a place to eat really... uhm.. Have an afternoon break, Lady Voltaire."
"Drop the manners. Just call me Morgan. Morgana if you wish, either way-" just as she was about to continue speaking, she felt the quick stare of Bahamut at the strawberry pie near her. With extremely quick hands, the woman in the Evening Gown moved it a few inches. Making the Dragon God completely miss it while the General didn't even notice anything. Being pressured by the glittery stare of the Noblewoman. "Ahem, as I was saying."
"Yes Morgan."
"Relax, you and the vulgar woman may be yourselves around me. I have no use for those that put a mask in front of me when in these social gatherings."
"O-Okay then. Uhm... thank you for saving us there."
"No need. Arnheit here was the one who suggested I'd come over and calm the situation."
The teenage boy seemed far too young in the serious white nobleman's attire he wore, with his bangs looking like fangs, the seemingly low aged man didn't seem as much of a threat.
"Thank you Lord Arnheit."
"No need to thank me, I admire Lady Minuit. I only wish to help her and save her reputation from you two."
His voice didn't even seem threatening at all and would seemingly crack if he would push his high noble tone. Voltaire just crosses her arms, staring at Bahamut who is smelling the neighboring table and would stare at their sweets and cakes on the table.
"Vulgar woman."
"Bahamut."
"Vulgar... woman."
"Call me Bahamut or I will not respond to you."
Tilting her head, the Lady smiles and chuckles to herself.
"Bahamut."
"Yes woman."
A vein then popped on her face, angered at the response. But she breathed in and out, collecting her senses.
"It's Morgana."
"What is it? My Master and I have nothing to give to you."
"Don't need to be so defensive."
"I might be in my human form. But I am still a Dragon, I cannot let my Master be around other mates that are as dangerous as you. I can smell your soul and it's a hit or miss, I do not wish to risk anything further with someone like you."
"Calm down. I am not here to suck and fuck your beloved man. I am here to ask what the two of you are planning on doing. As it seems that trouble follows whenever you two are afoot. Doesn't help with the fact that you two came from a far different world with an entirely foreign culture to me and everyone."
Taken aback by her tone and words, Bahamut lets go of some of her defenses.
"Master just wants to roam around. I followed as it was boring inside the Castle."
"Ah, and I presume the both of you plan to go to the landmarks?"
"Master, do we?"
The Cafe owner then comes with their coffee and food. Laying it down elegantly while giving Bahamut an entire Blueberry Cheesecake. Making the Dragons frown disappear as she happily takes the knife. Paul stops her and cuts it in the middle. "Share." The Dragon didn't battle him and gave him half of it, which the two then started eating. With Bahamut trying her best to remember the lectures Elziabeth gave her about being proper.
"Impressive. You can become as elegant as everyone else Bahamut. You should keep that up than be vulgar."
The Dragon's face was in ecstasy alongside her Master, the two seemingly having the same reaction to the wonderful cheesecake they've been making. Voltaire and Arnheit just started quietly at the two, not afraid to show their reaction to the food and be happy about it.
"M'Lady, are you sure these two should be out and about? The High Elves have arrived."
"No worries. I think I found the perfect weapon against the High Elves actually. To think these foreign humans would treat a Goddess as their own... ahahahahah... it truly boggles my mind how this species has lasted this long."
Paul then slows down, taking each bite with calm and enjoying the flavor of it. Bahamut sees this and also starts eating slowly and elegantly. The Dragons arms lifted and not touching the table and her body straight up with a single hand on the fork and knife.
"Lord Jackson."
"Y-yes Morgana."
"In your world, does magic exist?"
"I hope. If magic exists, God exists."
"Hmmm... and Vampires?"
"Not real. Just entertainment and myths."
"I see, and why has the UN not used Bahamut? If a Goddess is this open to working with you, why have you not fully used her to not only shift the world but also change everything to your favor?"
"Because I personally do not want Bahamut to get even more tied up with this. Even to this day, I can still feel it in the back of my superiors. They want to use her but I'm not going to allow that and thankfully, Governments are slow. A collection of Governments like the UN, nothing ever gets done except if it involves wars."
"Ehhhhh... so you are very intimate with a God. How... truly interesting. You could change everyone's opinion you know? With a simple wish."
"I don't think it's not easy. Maybe for me, but Bahamut works just like any other Gods. You need to give something in return like faith or a part of your soul to make her do it. Something like swaying the opinion of an entire population of Vampires, Bahamut, what do you think?"
"I can certainly do it Master. I'll only need the sacrifice of multiple souls or the prayer of a hundred thousand people."
"See. That's something very hard to do and I'd rather not push anything and give High Command any rainbow ideas about how to exploit Bahamut. I WILL NOT allow anyone to rely on her divine powers, the UN is already big enough as it is that it can use a literal Goddess as a pawn in diplomacy. Imagine if they could fully realize her use. I already know their itching but are also afraid of what will happen if Bahamut turns on them."
"You are quite something Lord Jackson. Truly quite something, I have not met a human on equal footing and I'm already struck by your species... uniqueness..."
"Thank you Morgan. It's not much but I hope to continue spending time with Bahamut like this. Same with everyone else, I do not intend to make everyone else a pawn of the Government except me. This work should only be regulated to humans as humans controlling humans is better than a human using a God and that God fighting back and ending everyone."
"And now to you, Bahamut, does your Dragon Religion allow sacrifice?"
"I do allow it. Death is part of life, and if a person's life is to be sacrificed. That is the end of their journey in this plane. Everyone sacrifices anything, to do that to their own kin is not hard to do. I merely watch and collect the tribute."
"You truly are a strange creature, Bahamut. You can go from a quirky woman without manners to someone speaking from a point of view no one in this world could even begin to grasp. Lord Jackson, you truly have done something great to attain such a companion."
"Thank you Morgan. Though I've not done anything like fight through a maze of a dungeon to attain her, I merely did some farming and followed some guides. The only real part of the long hard route to attaining her was the climbing of a dangerous mountain as SOMEHOW, Bahamut's original followers thought it'd be a great idea to build her main shrine on the most highest and Dragon infested place in the entire world of Tur."
"I like this. The way you speak with your head and your morals mixes well with what I want from a man. What is your relationship with Alana then? I've known that woman ever since she entered University. I find it hard to believe she'd change this much just from you."
"If I was to say, we'd be the best of friends, like. Her alone and her cooking has done more for me and Bahamut in our adventures than I could ever count."
"Ehhhh... interesting. What do you think, Arnheit? Does Alana reflect that?"
"Hmmmmm... mmm... yes M'Lady. I do think so. I've never even seen Lady Minuit smile like that nor even cook. Donnatello and Percival would jump hoops if they could learn how to do that and learn more about her. Even in University, I would've never known she had other interests than dancing. Cooking huh..."
"Uhm, Lord Arnheit. If I may ask."
"Speak."
"What is Alana's history with those two? You were in University together?"
"They were University buddies. I was in a lower year so I only saw her briefly in the halls. Alana being the only true purebred made her a special flower, she was a bit more beautiful and well put together than anyone else. Even I was smitten by her."
"Oh wow, so in those brief meetings or bushes was enough for even you to fall for her looks?"
"Yes. I was. She was pretty sociable but we never truly got to know her personal life. But one thing was for sure, she could dance and present herself without care. So much so those two pretty boys fell for her but she was dead set on getting her family name to new heights."
"Dang. So you all have history together then."
"Be privileged that she shows you a side she wouldn't even show to us. Do not break her heart, it would be sad for the purebred flower to have her first love end in tragedy. Not going to lie, I was jealous when I heard from a human of all things that she likes to cook. As I also love the art of culinary. Sad that it took a human to find that out from her."
"Do not worry, I have Bahamut here. This lil' bugger has been on my side whenever or whatever. If I do die, Bahamut can merely say that I died happy and have them be at rest and of everyone, Bahamut is one that really loves her cooking." the General seemingly changed his upbeat attitude to that of a different man. One who has been through war and seen death first hand. "This love will end in tragedy, I am a human. I am destined for death, that is my ending just as the rest. No matter what, my relationship with Alana or even Bahamut and another good woman will end on a sad note. But I am doing this right now to remind them that it's just part of being human. I can't do anything about it. This is also why I am trying so hard to make sure the UN doesn't exploit them as much as it exploits me and my skills." Voltaire, seemingly impressed by him. Her bright crimson red eyes relax, the expression of her wonderful face unlocks completely.
She takes her golden fork and puts it in her mouth first. Cleaning it and slowly taking a piece of her strawberry cheesecake. Lifting it up slowly to the man, her other hand underneath it to make sure its pieces are caught by her. Though confused, he takes her offer and eats the strawberry cake. Getting the attention of the Vampires around them, staring at him with deathly eyes. The General on the other hand couldn't believe he was taking part on the same fork that was used by the Duchess. Whose mouth was with gleaming glittering lips, her saliva didn't even seem anything bad but a clean water of purity. His face clearly shows he is embarrassed to even use the same fork as the beautiful Vampire before him.
"I wish you good luck in your travels. Hmph, having you has gotten me enthralled by your life. I never did properly talk to a human, eye to eye. I'm thoroughly riveted by your courage. It takes a true warrior to speak those words with such a steeled resolve. If you were a Vampire, I'd have you taken as my Consort right here and now. But nonetheless, Lord Jackson. I hope that you may end things with us on a good note. Do not let your mortality get in the way of having fun with Bahamut and Alana."
"I will Morgana."
"Eternity is a bliss till you get to experience it for yourself. Be glad you have an ending, for so many of us. We are not given such privilege unless we actively look for it. Do you know why I look after Alana so much?"
"N-no Morgan."
"For I am also a Purebred. But far older than her. I attained mine through harder means too, my parents actively looked for methods to make sure I am of purity and drank the blood of so many humans and elves to increase their strength. As both of them were only forty percent pure, that'd make their offspring only eighty percent. That missing twenty to make their perfect child."
"What did they do to get that last twenty...?"
"They sacrificed my brother to the Minuits. Alana wasn't still born at that time when they turned him into a Bloodrose. A Vampire's rotting body can make a wartorn soil bloom with the rare Rose thanks to the inherently strong presence of Mana in each of our blood cells. Something it'd take a mountain of dead corpses to accomplish."
"Alana had told me about that before. Her family's most treasured item. She actually gave me a petal as a present. Thanks to that, I've been able to survive this ordeal and stay awake for days while keeping myself awake. Paperwork still gets to me as my soul is still the same normal one, but my body could go farther now."
"Then you are not fully human anymore, as if eaten. A Bloodrose can give a Vampire purity. An entire one can give you a percent of purity. When I was born, I had to immediately eat twenty of them dissolved and crushed into powder. All from the small field where my brother's corpse bloomed after a civil war between the last two Kingdoms that resided in Schon."
"May I ask..."
"Speak."
"Why did your family go so far to make you pureblooded? I know it has something to do with authority and power. But to go this far and sacrifice your own brother..."
"The... Tempest family had a hand in the first regime of this Kingdom. Under King Charles and Queen Elizabeth. Under the House Voltaire, we did everything as the Queen told of us, even in her time of depression and subsequent corruption. We dug ourselves deep into it and helped in imprisoning anyone that dared stand against the Domination Queen Elizabeth was planning. Including members of the other Houses and Families."
"So... was this only the Tempest family or is the entire House Voltaire involved in this?"
"Of course the entire House was involved. Thirty influential families got together and funded my birth. Though of course it made the Minuit's far richer than anyone else, it did save the reputation of them with my birth."
"Why? Are Purebreds that much looked after?"
"Yes Lord Jackson. Queen Elizabeth and her Crimson Knights took most of the Purebreds and made them into warriors that still slumber deep in the Castle. Never to be disturbed for the power of that Legion could raze even this every Kingdom."
"Ah, I've heard of them before too. She... this woman said much about the strength of the Vampires in ancient times. But the strength of everyone else too was on a whole other level as Heroes and Gods were walking amongst everyone."
"Just like now?"
"... ... ... You have a point."
"Hmph. This is why the King is so much in a rush. He knows just like everyone else, something big is coming. Heroes and Gods only come along when the world's balance is once again in great peril. The coming of the Outworlders, now that is truly fascinating. You and your kindred. Aliens from a whole other dimension coming here as visitors. I do not regret meeting you, this has truly been an experience I will remember. To dine with a Human partnered with a Vampire and a Goddess..." a smirk then appears from Morgana's face. "I am looking forward to what the future has in store."
"I just hope it won't be a headache. Seeing things so far, its going to be and far worst."
"Hm. Do you want to order something else?"
"YES!"
"No Bahamut. I think we've wasted enough of Morgan's time."
"Boooooo...."
"Oh my, please do stay longer if you wish."
"I thank you but I just remembered that I do not have much time. Alana might soon be finished with her meeting."
"Ah, I see. Then, I thank you for your patronage."
The Duchess stood up which took Arnheit by surprise. The two Vampires then elegantly bow to them while Paul puts his hand out.
"Hm?"
"It's a handshake. Customary for us humans."
"Ah yes."
Morgana then takes his hand with both of her hands. Shaking it. "I hope you can help us then."
"Do not worry, now that I've properly talked to you. I might be willing to push and nudge a thing or two."
Finishing their coffee and cheesecake and giving Lady Voltaire a final thank you, the two waved goodbye to her as if the meeting was enough to be branded as friends. But she took no offense to it and smiled at the two, slowly waving back at them as they left the cafe and randomly picked a direction to go to.
"I never knew you'd be the type to like humans."
"Shush Balthazar and eat your cake. I've been to many places, but humans nevertheless are always entertaining. He though... he has a long and hard path to walk. Someone with the eyes of a soldier is only destined to die by the sword. He has so many fights to go through, and I admire men like that."
"Ohhh, is that why you admire Baron Molière so much?"
"Oh please. A lowly Baron won't be enough for someone like me. He is also busy with his own affairs, let us leave him out of this conversation."
"And yet he has the same attributes as that human. A Knight, treats everyone equally even his own slaves, a talker, and has a thing for Cheesecakes. C'mon Lady Voltaire, I've spent the last ten years with you already. This won't work on me."
"Silence. Eat your food, we must go to the Church and meet the High Elves."
Outside, Bahamut and Paul are looking at the buildings and the Victorian architecture. All of them are three storeys high. With the only difference were the decor and engravings put into the exterior. With some having gargoyles and cement statues of Knights on their doors or roofs while some had colorful and bright art and paintings to truly make their house stand out. A far cry from the wooden and dreary ones outside of the Kingdom plagued by ruin and the Demonkin.
"So Master, how much was it? You had that cheap look again."
"What? I don't have such looks..." his eyes then looked to the left and then the right. Scratching the back of his head.
"Uh huh, but Master, I overheard from some of the Vampires that there was a blood drive happening in the park. Should we visit it?"
"Blood drive? Uhm... sure. Though I'm not good with needles, it would be a nice change of pace to see what the other places have to offer. Did you hear any names?"
"Nope, just a Redhaired Baroness named Sylvia. Don't know the human she's with."
"Sylvia... I think it was a Curtis or something? It must be diplomats then. Good, let's take this opportunity to see what they're doing to get the Vampire Public on our side."
As the two walk, they encounter a patrol of lightly armed UN players. Wearing a mixture of multicam and flecktarn pants and shirts, alongside a hodgepodge of bulletproof vests and deltoids. They immediately spot the General with his shiny black leather greatcoat and black officers cap. The signature black uniform of Eldwood's officers, the trio suddenly stood at ease. Saluting at him.
"Shineguards?"
"Yes sir, General Jackson! We're currently patrolling the South of the Nationale Park de Elizabeth as a blood drive is currently occurring there."
The three players looked proud of themselves and stood with courage while facing the high ranking General and Bahamut, who was seemingly calm and not emitting any dangerous aura at all but even then, the three soldiers kept their toes up.
"Shineguards? Who are those, Master?"
"Uhm... oh yea you weren't there. The Shineguards are a guild of players that is responsible for making sure the smaller Guilds are able to get their own Mana Cores. Since the Quest is meant for a hundred or so players, Guilds with a thousand members tend to take the entire thing and other quests that offer Mana Cores as rewards. They just make sure everyone gets their fair share of things."
"Geez, you humans sure like those dangerous things. Master, do you not know how dangerous they are? We've already gotten blown up by one so many times!"
"I know, but it gives us the power to build anything infinitely and it's our source of mindless creatures to guard our bases. We don't really have much of a choice or alternative. But to think the Shineguards are here... When did your guild get deployed here?"
"Only recently sir! High Command spoke of a possible return of the terrorists."
"Nonetheless, are you the Team Leader correct?" The man with his TAR-21 and M203 grenade launcher walks up to the General. Saluting still. After some whispering, the man only nodded and got his men together and left the scene immediately.
"Master!"
"Wha-what?!"
"What did you say?"
"Just that one photo made it through. But I also told them that the crisis was averted. Come on, let's continue walking."
The General put his hand up her shoulder, and the two walked tightly together on the sidewalk. Bahamut, feeling a new sense of tranquility, removes her crown. Everyone else was taken aback by her beauty. Though pale, the shape of her face abided by the Golden Ratio, as if every angle was carved with it in mind. Her golden coloured eyes with the slits of a Dragon breathed the ancient tales of a Divine beast that has fought even before the mountains were created. Before continents were made and entire races weren't even born.
Resting her head on his shoulder, the woman then proceeded to snuggle up to him. Rubbing her face fully now that her shiny black Crown wasn't on the way. Her sharp chin would brush the man's neck. With the Dragon trying to get closer.
"Oh, you're really going all out huh?"
"Master... I think I can get addicted to this."
"Pffff.... BWAHAHAHAHAHA!" Paul holds his tummy from laughing so hard at the conflicted Dragon lady. "Bahamut, what you might be feeling is skinship and the intimacy with it. I just felt that I wanted to put my arms over you. To think you'd respond like this." she looks up at the smiling man and nods. "Hm, yes Master. Now, be ready as I'm going to also do this!" The two with big smiles walked even more, with Bahamut suddenly rubbing her forehead on his shoulder. Taking up his scent and sniffing it. "Calm down Bahamut. We're in public." the Dragon stops, with her hair a bit messy from it. "S-sorry Master. This is just a bit too new to me. This composure, with you holding me with your large arm and the calm and beautiful city with the snow... I want our souls to get closer even more."
"It's romantic isn't it?"
"Hm! Totally Master!"
"Man, leave it to the Vampries to have such a perfected city building scheme. Every direction I'd look, it would still be romantic. Perfect for couples all around." the Knight General holds up an Italian hand gesture of approval. "Perfecto!"
"Master, we need to revisit this place sometime."
"Let's see, hey with your powers. We might be able to return here one day."
As the two got acquainted with having no space between them, they looked at each other's eyes. Seemingly having the same thought.
"So, the park?"
"Let's go Master."
"Right. Sad though. I wore this general uniform so that people would respect me more here, but it seems that in the end, it's the armband that's doing the job. Even Morgana only took me seriously after looking at it."
"But it did work, didn't it, Master? The King and the Duchess both commented on it."
"I guess...? But at the same time, should I have worn this iffy uniform compared to the more vanilla green one?"
"Hmmm... I don't think they'd comment if you were to wear the green one Master. This black one stands out truly."
"Yeah. You might be right. Hey, since you are in human form. Maybe one day we can get you something like this. I'm sure that pale face of yours will look perfect with this."
"Ohhhh! I'll be looking forward to that Master!"
"Ahahahahah, sure sure. I'll look into getting you one someday.
Walking around, Paul puts his hands inside the pockets of his coat. Tightening the squeeze on Bahamut's hand which is holding his arm.
"You might wanna remove your hand. Might be hard walking around like this."
"Hm? No. I'll actually help you, Master."
She then uses magic to heat up her own body. She could feel Paul's body loosening as the heat gave him comfort.
"See?"
"Hm, thanks."
"So Master, after this. What's the plan?"
"Well, go back to Alana and start planning the next step. I'm sure Elizabeth has some other pointers to give to us. Oh! I almost forgot. But it seems that we'll be heading to Geraldia. A certain annoying man is requesting your help, specifically."
"Me? Now who could that be."
"I'll tell you more later. But it's our good ole friend Philip. The United Nations is planning some snarky thing again or it might be something with Zavalda. The industrial city."
"Haaaaa..."
"Yea, and since the new year is about to come. Wow, we've been here for almost a year now. Things might ramp up as the Reset approaches."
"I wonder just what the sight will be? When the hordes of Hell come to the land of the living? Such things never happened in Tur before, Master."
"Don't know but I'd rather not think about it really, it gives me goosebumps just thinking to myself that I'll soon be in that situation with you girls."
"Indeed. Master. Such destruction and death, the beauty of this foreign land will be coated with such a thing."
Nearing the park, the two sit down on a bench first as the General felt tired from the walking and busy day. Side by side, the nine inch height difference between the two became apparent, with Paul feeling a bit uncomfortable being next to such a pretty tall woman.
"What?"
"Just... you are taller than Elizabeth."
"Heh.... like it, Master?"
"How many inches is that heel of yours?"
"Four inches Master."
"Huh, and Elizabeth is wearing what? Three inch ones? How are you people walking with those? I still remember wearing my boots for the first time. The height adjustment caught me off guard big time."
"Ehhhh, you'll get used to it Master. I don't mind the height difference as I fly Master."
"True true and it does look hot with your gown."
Bahamut had a snarky grin on her face, touting her beauty to her Master.
"Hm. Not bad at all, you get an excellent score across the board."
"Thanks, I take more pride in this form now, Master. Seeing all the Vampires look at me too feels very good. The envy on the eyes of these immortal creatures is such entertainment."
"Also, good on you for showing that more elegant side of you. I'm sure Elizabeth will be happy her lectures to you weren't in vain and it helped you get Morgana's positive side. But don't ever leave that Dragon side of yours. Bahahahaha, I love it so much. Have you seen her face when you replied with boob lady? BAHAHAHAH!"
"Ahahahahaha~ Yes Master. She really had it."
"Ahhhhhh... You know, you have had one hell of a life too Bahamut. If mine is something adventurous, yours is literally a compendium from the beginning to the end. But somehow, ever since getting a human form. You've been waking up a bit more late than usual."
"Oy, stupid Master. What was that supposed to mean? Hm? Just so you know, I can totally wake up early if I wish to do so!"
"You literally sleep your soul away if you can. Heck! You'd even sleep on top of my helmet even though I'm walking straight into a fight! Or how sometimes, you'd literally sleep through entire sword fights!"
"What am I supposed to do, Master? I like sleeping, it gives me peace and human bodies are built to also sleep. As a Dragon, I couldn't ask for more if I was to take another form."
"Uh huh, and when you wake up, I usually have to clean you and then feed you and then check your nails and scales."
"W-Well..."
"So tell me, now that you're in human form and me, unable to give you care. How are you faring so far?"
"U-uhhhh..." Bahamut tightens her legs, rubbing her thighs together as she looks up. "Good...? I guess?"
"You guess... Hmmm... you look good overall... but you wouldn't lie to me..."
Paul in soldier mode starts checking her gown and outfit. From her crown and veil down to her green brooch. To his surprise, even though she woke up a bit late that day, she managed to groom herself properly. He then checks her heels and black stockings, but Bahamut wouldn't lift her gown further. Stopping him from getting to the lingerie.
"Did you forget a very important thing?"
"N-no."
"Don't tell me... or all things Bahamut. Really?"
"H-how was I supposed to remember? I have so many things to cover myself with... oops."
The General just facepalms and takes a deep sigh.
"Did you atleast wear your garter belt?"
"Yes! I totally did!"
"Agghhh..."
Tired, the General slumps down and then digs his face into Bahamut's lap. Making space, the woman slides herself to the edge of the bench. Accommodating the General's tall manly body as it rests quietly. Letting his muscles relax even more.
"U-uhm Master."
"Yesh?"
Though muffled, the man's tone was of complete calmness, satisfaction and clarity of mind.
"Shouldn't you be facing the other way around? To-to my face?"
"Hah, if I do, your boobs would just suffocate me if you try to look down to talk to me."
"Th-then I won't look down-EEEEEK~"
The man then makes a big sniff, it was so noisy that the passing Vampires couldn't help but look and giggle at the human enjoying his time while others scoffed at the vulgar sight.
"Smells like... Lilies... Red Spider Lilies?"
"Hm... uhm are you done Master? We really need to get to the park."
"Just a few more minutes. Thank you."
Inside the Castle, Alana and Elizabeth are having the time of their lives. Due to the ancient Queen's immense knowledge in politics and negotiations, the ruling families were unable to protest much in gaining a bigger share of the potential profits for the Minuit's expanding business and the war profiteering part of the scheme kept a secret. As much as they try to poke holes in the agreements and paperwork, the Countess was able to fend it all off with the Queen whispering pointers to her.
Far inside the Court were High Elves in their dark blue robes and uniforms, intently listening in as they watched the Vampires Bureaucratic system in full swing. They soon exited as the Nobleman with them continued to give a full tour of the castle, soon exiting out to visit the city proper as the snowfall didn't turn into a storm.
In the park, Bahamut and Paul just looked in shock as a large line was present for a blood drive. Led by another Diplomat with a Vampire companion. The muscular and respectable army Captain sees the well dressed General and walks to him and salutes.
"Captain Curt sir! Good to see you here sir!"
"U-uhm... at ease Captain. Good to see you again."
Taken aback by his immense positive aura and smile, the General returns the snappy salute.
"Permission to speak freely sir."
"Denied... Naw, I'm just fucking with you. Speak your mind. We aren't in an army base nor with Nobles. Be chill."
"Well sir, would you and Bahamut like to participate in the blood drive? We're doing it to gain the faith of the people even more. Outworlder blood is like some premium stuff to them due to our Mana and diet."
"Does it really need to be me, Captain? I mean, you know... I just came out of a coma a few weeks ago or so."
"But sir, it would look really good if one of the Generals sent by our Higher Ups would do this."
Bahamut then floats to his side. With her right hand up.
"Uhm... I can't really donate my blood. I fear it is too potent for Vampires to drink."
"No worries, Bahamut. So, sir?"
"Y-yeah... sure."
The Captain then whistles, gaining the attention of the crowd and the soldiers that were offering their blood. "Ladies and Gentlemen! May I present to you our Five Star General! Paul Jackson! He'll be with us today to donate his blood, everyone, please make way for our General of the Army!" Everyone claps and the Vampires themselves are impressed that such a high ranking officer would be willing to mingle with his lower ranking soldiers.
The players there stood rock solid, saluting as intensely as they could to the General which he saluted back and gestured to them to relax. "Thank you, thank you. But you guys don't really need to take the rank thing too seriously. Believe me, the highest rank I reached even in service was Colonel. So, just chillax and Bahamut, give me your hand."
The Dragon God tilts her head but then remembers something and grins while the Baroness and the other vampires were shocked by the woman with human ears having such beauty and height. She didn't look apart from the prettiest vampires in the crowd, even standing out with such a perfect bust.
"Heavens, who could you be?"
The Baroness had a soft and respectful tone and voice, not demeaning but instead full of curiosity of the woman taller than her by a few inches.
"Don't mind me, I'm just here to keep this human company."
She then gives her hand to the General and wraps her fingers around his as the Corpsman prepares the needle. "Alright sir, close your eyes if you want." Bahamut could feel the intense grip Paul was giving to her. Her grin only grew and grew.
"As if... heh-heh-heh. Bahamut, don't let go."
The needle then enters his arm and as if he was shocked by a lightning bolt, the man suddenly moves as his blood is taken. "Pffffff.... Master. To think that even now...", "Shut up, shut up, shut up. I got this." the second one then came and then the third. It was finished as soon as it started but the entire time, the man in uniform looked as if he was being mauled by a monster with his reaction. The General then deflated like a balloon who had its skin punctured.
"Uhm sir, could it be that you're afraid of the-"
"Shut up Captain or I'll send you to latrine duty in your entire deployment here."
Sylvia on the other hand also couldn't take her eyes away from Bahamut, she knew that there was something special about the woman but couldn't put her finger on it. Seeing a familiar aura coming from her facial structure. As if it was radiating something ancient from their land.
Bahamut then grabs the mortally wounded General out of the seat and one of the Vampires immediately walks up to the Combat Medic, requesting to purchase the blood of the General.
"Oy mortal. Give me that blood, I'm willing to pay up to a hundred gold coins for even a single gram of his blood."
"Sorry sir, this is going to be evenly distributed amongst the poorer Vampires near the border."
Another one then walks up to the Medic. This time an elegant woman with a parasol.
"Don't listen to that man! Give it to me instead!"
"Again, we cannot give away this blood just like that. It already has designated areas to go to."
"Just give it! That blood is something not to give to mere peasants! I'm willing to pay triple what these two are willing to give!"
As the crowd was getting rowdy, the Baroness simply stepped one foot forward. The crack of her heel making contact to the concrete pavement was all that they needed to hear to back off. The Captain thanked the General and the two went on their way. This time eying the fancy and shiny Cathedral a few blocks from the Park with a large statue of the God Angus watching over the city on its highest point. The huge statue standing above the tower of a man with sharp ears wielding a sword and fire.
"Master... I can't believe you're still afraid of the needle. Even after going here."
"Just cut it already. What was I supposed to do? I hate those things no matter where. C'mon, let's get to the Cathedral."
"Well... you took it like a man. Bweheheheh..."
"Oh you and that stupid grin. I can see it even through that veil of yours."
Walking forward. The two just enjoyed the stroll, with Bahamut having her hands on her back and looking around and the General, leaning forward with eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. The humans following their Masters would often look with resentment at the two, as they carried the crane or bags of their owners through the cold snowy street.
"Oh wow, that's interesting." The General stops at a shop. Looking through the books it has, one being made by them. "Hm? What is it, Master?" he points at the thick brown book on display. Having English writing on it. "Character Compendium".
"Wanna check it out?"
"Hm. Sure Master."
The two first checked inside. Looking at the clerk who was wearing reading glasses. The young Vampire was silently going through the pages at a great speed. His shiny eyes clearly showed the man was scanning through the pages like a computer reading code. "I can sense the both of you, you know? Come in. I have no qualms with humans." hearing his voice through the thin glass wooden door, the two head in.
"How may I help you foreigners?"
"I wanted to take a look at that Character Compendium you have."
"Ah, that one. Yes, it just recently arrived. Many do not understand the language yet so it's not really selling and I doubt it will for the next ten years. So feel free to read it."
"Alrighty! Nice!"
He then goes to the display and slowly gives the thick brown book from its stand. He then gently places it on the table meant for people who wish to just read on their leisure. On the first page, it was already a wall of text with the first paragraph stating a disclaimer.
"We do not have the full image of the vastness Tur has. From the small Green and Brown Goblins that stay in their wet caves to the hulking Primordial Dragons that are akin to living Gods and Demigods that walk amongst us feeble humans. We of the Magicians Association with the help of the Demon Hunters Guild and their selfless members who goes out of there way to cast "Scan" on all creatures they've come across and to share such things to us have helped out greatly in the section of Demonology and Mutations, and to most all, the Kingdom of Libertus and its printing industry which would've made this book a rarity to come across if it weren't from there mixture of magical and medieval printing technology."
He then turns to the next page and a huge table of context. Spanning from the Beginner creatures to the most powerful ones a player could encounter in the land of Tur. He quickly goes to the start of Dragonology section on page 325 and there, he is met with a cute art of a Knight, his back resting on the jaw of a huge Red Volcanic Dragon with baby Wyverns nibbling on his sword.
"Oh hey Master, that's Vayke! I only know of one red dragon with horns as swept back as that!"
"Yeah, she was one of the first to bridge the gap right? I heard she turned into a six foot tall red hair with big boobs and Sir Kay wasn't questioning it. Bwahahahaha!"
"Hm, does this book have an entry on her?"
"Uhm, let me see. Her name was Vayke so it's far into the back of this section. Let's check yours first."
"Ehhhhh... you already know everything about me though Master."
"I still wanna see it." As he turns the pages, Bahamut rests her head on his right shoulder. Watching him flip through the pages, and her eyes would occasionally follow the image of one or two dragons and the art. "Ah! Here, Bahamut! The Dragon Goddess!" Her name was in thick bold Arial and the art of her commission was depicting the Dragon Goddess as she emerged from her rest within the mantle of Tur's layers. Before the first paragraph, there was an entry and a word of thanks.
"We would first like to thank a Knight player named PilotMan and his visit to the Tower of Knowledge. If it weren't from him. We would've never uncovered Bahamut's down-powered stats and for Bahamut herself. We were quite surprised with her personality as compared to history and lore, Dragons in human form would often also transmit their uniqueness into our fleshy bodies. Always having a certain niche to how they act but from what our Magister and Scholars of the Dragonology Department who had the precious and special meeting with Bahamut had often only said good things about her personality and how accommodating it was compared to the other ancient or historical Dragons that still live and paired with other Chosens."
He then starts reading the lore of Bahamut, though already well versed in it. He still takes the time to read it as Bahamut rubbed her sharp chin on the top of his shoulder. On the next page was a huge collection of all known Boss moves that she'd do. From the Lightning Bolts to the Primordial Flames she'd breathe and the often lackluster Summoning of creatures from the depths of the Void. On one section in particular of Allies was the Dragon Knights of Bahamut.
"These Knights, loyal and fierce followers of the Church of Bahamut are one of the many Dragon Knights that follow their God to the death in hopes of gaining entrance to Heaven with the help of a Dragon's divinity found in the remains of the Labyrinths and Churches made by those who worship the Prehistory Dragon God. Bahamut's Dragon Knights in particular are unique in their more brutal gothic knightly armor with the same jet black scales that her skin encompasses. These Knights are often seen wielding Greatswords or Great Lances with Tower shields and their helmets adorned with the same style of horns as the Dragon they respect so much. Though weak to Lightning and Astrology Magic or any sort that is related to the two Main Magics above it. Their Tower shields prove to be durable enough to sustain even mid to high tier magic."
The next page was then all of her known magic that she used in the Boss event. It spanned all levels of Main and Sub types of magics. With the True Magic being bolded, all of it in the Dragon language of Perdita and the levels shown are in ???. All the while, Bahamut just yawns on his shoulder. Tilting her head to rest it on the right of his head. "Master, can't you just use a device or gadget and have it read to you?" Paul just sighs and smiles at her and he continues reading. With his own section shown, the image of it was him in his black suit and trench coat holding up the small and kitten sized Bahamut on his palm inside the office. Big a smile on his face as he held up the small dragon like the class pet that he successfully managed to take care of.
"Bahamut, do you remember this?"
"Oh! I do, Master! Look at us!"
"Yeah, this was just like a day or two after I summoned you. Awww, look at you. Trying to be all high and mighty."
"I still remember that very day. It was so overwhelming, Master."
"I can only imagine. For a small dragon like you to be taken to such a huge structure full of books and people. Though they were nice weren't they?"
"Hm. Very nice."
With the two sharing a long hard smile, the Clerk just stared at them and smiled to himself. They soon change the pages. Skipping to the red dragon Vayke and they were met with a wonderful art of a red volcanic dragon resting upon in front of a Temple. Crumpled up and having a nice long sleep as the falling leaves from the trees land softly on its thick armored skin.
"I'm surprised they were able to unearth so much lore. Eight long pages wow and look at how small this text is."
"Vayke was a good Dragon, Master. I'd always see her tending to the temple of Primordium Ignis which is what this art perfectly depicts. Though it doesn't do justice to just how calming it was thanks to her care and love she gave to the ancient temple."
"Oh, so that explains this art of her in a Miko outfit. I thought Vayke was just some warrior Dragon as most Volcanic Dragons are frontline warriors right?"
"She was also a warrior but when not on duty, which is most of her time. She'd be tending to the temple of the first Red Dragon. I remember the story, she met Sir Kay on a patrol as the Ice Giants were once again migrating to the base of the mountains. Her original outfit too was more like the robes used by the Scholars in the Dragonology Department. I think it was Sir Kay that gave her that Miko outfit."
"Well, their outfits did come from the same things Dragon Cult Priests wore. Huh, and what happened to her anyways?" He skips a few pages and the entry ends with a singular paragraph.
"This was one of the first true contacts of Dragons and Humans in Tur. Though the two species had often squandered and fought for thousands of years beforehand, the special relationship seen here created the alliance known even today in the Dragon Kingdom in Tur. Where humans would worship their Gods and in return, the Dragons would give their protection and divinity to our mortal lives. Thanks to this, the creation of the Wyvern occurred a thousand or two years later which was bite sized Dragons that could defend Villages and Towns. Though not all would do their duty and would often betray it due to their low place in the hierarchy in the Dragons. Many still do there due and many of which would be seen in the larger towns around the East of the Black Continent. Protecting our teleporters and spawn points from the incorrigible dangers of the beaten place."
"This entire section of the book has been written by the Dragonology Department of the Magicians Associations. I, Sir Homer and my good friend Drakon. Both us being Biologists from two different sides of planet Earth. If it weren't from the 50 gaming studios that made the Dark World game, we would've never shared our fascination with Dragons and met so many great people. The story of Sir Kay and Priestess Vayke might've ended in tragedy, with Sir Vayke dying of old age and the ageless and pretty Vayke standing by his side till his final breath on his deathbed on the Castle of Jude. This story has still touched us to this day and as I write this, my love for Dragons only grew and grew and may the two species continue to thrive together. Opposed in all levels, but together in everything. I hope you can enjoy this full written story and lore of these two love birds and the amazing adventure that they had. Fun fact, you can find Sir Kay's armor on the top of Castle Jude's Nobleman's office on a stand. Though no player has had the gall to steal it in respect of his story and history."
Bahamut's hands suddenly trace the right arm of Paul, her long slender fingers slowly going to the page, touching over to the last entry of the Volcanic Dragon Vayke.
"Upon the old age of 105 years old. Sir Kay became a Baron and a well respected Knight and Nobleman in the Kingdom of Jude. Though still religious, he never let the zealotry of the place he lived in to overpower his love for the other species and the Dragons most of all. Next to him as his lungs exhaled for the last time was the Priestess and Warrior Dragon Vayke. The excerpts we found in the archives of the Nurses and Doctors present said that the woman cried tears of gold and many saw her as an ageless Angel waiting to collect the soul of the great Knight. It wasn't until five years later did the Kingdom of Jude find out about the heretical relationship of their Baron with a Dragon. But the effects of the two and their heroics has spread far and wide, forcing the Kingdom of Jude to lax its rules and most of all, to anoint Dragons as part of the Kingdoms Religion and to allow the citizens from the two Kingdoms to interact. This was one of the first parts to fall on the extreme prejudice the Nobles and Cardinals had to the nonhuman species.
It is thanks to this that today in Tur, Chosen Ones from all races may take shelter in the Kingdom. Though there is still a bit of tension between the humans living in it, the fact that you, a Lizard man could walk in and only get snares would've been an impossibility in the age of Sir Kay. After this, we have not been able to find much about what happened to Priestess Vayke as the ruins of the Dragon Kingdom had no more clues nor lore for us to track about her. We may only hope she had moved on from Sir Kay's death and lived a fulfilling life and died in battle as for Dragons, to die in battle against a stronger foe is the greatest death one may receive."
"She never got over it.."
"Hm?"
"Vayke was never herself after Sir Kay died. But she showed us the heroism and courage of the humans first hand. We've always only seen humanity as a worthy enemy. But never an ally. It was her that started it with such a romantic story. Dragons became more open to humans and even started mingling deeper with them. Leading to the creation of an entirely new Species. The Dragonkin. Half Humans and Half Dragons."
"How come the two didn't get married? Looks like Vayke and Kay loved each other so much that Vayke was still there even when Sir Kay was a hundred years old and in his dying breath. Standing by his side till the end. Wow, that dedication. Sir Kay was sixteen when he first met Vayke. That's eighty-seven long years of love between the two."
"I do not know Master. But I got an odd feeling that Sir Kay was afraid."
"Afraid?"
"Afraid that he'd die before his offspring. Children born from Humans and Dragons often share the traits of the two species, but they sadly share the lifespan of us Dragons. Many have to live long after their parents have died."
"Oh... yeah... how did you know though?"
"After his death, I visited the Temple where Vayke used to be. I was surprised to see her there as I thought she was planning to never return. My father was a Volcanic Dragon and I was there to just pray and give tribute..." she then touches her face, her slender fingers lightly skimming her cheek down to her neck. "She had the same expression as I did when you lay wounded on my lap. Only now did I truly know what she felt. In the subsequent times I'd visit. The Dragon Kingdom had lesser and lesser Dragons on its soil and the roads became smaller to fit our human form. I remained one of the last Dragons to never walk those streets in such a form."
"Dang, Bahamut do you know what it means?"
"Hm?"
"She was mourning just as you were when I was fatally wounded. That's a very human thing to do. To mourn, she was probably distraught about the death of Sir Kay."
"Hm. I do... knowing the feeling now. It changes everything, I saw her as a weakling you know, Master. Death for us Dragons is merely seen as ascension to greater heights, to mourn the death of a Dragon would be a disrespect. But it's different with human culture and now that I took upon this form and learned of human emotions and culture, I can only have respect for her. I thought of seeing you die before me, I'd never want to experience such a thing."
"Hm. Man, I feel bad for her. But Bahamut, you'll have to get over it."
"I know, but I have this squirming feeling inside my chest that makes me feel a gush of painful emotions that I do not want to see you die."
"Oh you." the General pats her head. "A kid once asked me. I was Evren and my tanks were parked there for refueling. The town was destroyed by airstrikes from NATO and the United Asian Alliances. He lost his mother and he told me that he doesn't blame us for her death. But he said that he never wanted to see anyone die again and would make sure the future generation would never see war again. Do you know what I said?"
"What?"
"That death is part of everything. Nothing lasts forever, and he may look for peace. But there cannot be peace without war, just as there cannot be war without peace. That is human nature, we are here and then we are suddenly gone. Just like the story of Vayke and Sir Kay, Vayke just went back to her duties in the Temple after it was all done and mourned. But for Sir Kay, he lived a full life, a happy and fulfilling life where he can say he had a good run. So Bahamut, if I ever kicked the bucket. Just know that being with you and the adventure we had and now, with two Vampires. I can truly say I am living my best life."
Something then clicked in Bahamut after seemingly rummaging through her huge vault of memories and things to remember.
"... I do remember Master, I did talk to her for a bit, a Dragon Goddess inside the Kingdom was often met with a crowd, so I had to be fast with my chat. I did question her about her relationship with a human and she only ended it with the word, Love and Misery. Love for that was what the human man taught her, and misery that she had to live longer and not be with him."
"Love that will always end in tragedy. That's often how many of these stories go, but I do not see most of it in tragedy. If the human in the story died in a heroic way or of old age. I can simply say, it's just a love story."
Bahamut's hand then grabs Pauls. Her fingers intertwine with his as she lifts it up to their height. The Clerk on the other hand lowers his glasses and rests his book gently and softly at the counter as he listens in to the soft and motherly voice of Bahamut.
"She told me that she'd marry a human. In her eyes, Sir Kay was far stronger than any other Dragon and deserves an offspring with both of their genes combined, in a human woman's words. Sir Kay was the perfect man for her. That is true, that is how we Dragons mate. That's why we'd spit fire near each other so that we could feel the fire and heat of our very souls. Though a human cannot do that, a human can show the same through their actions. Feeble as may be, your strength and courage to face great enemies are a passage for us Dragons. To see if you're worthy. What they've gone through together was beautiful, and Sir Kay proved himself more than worthy."
With both of their right hands together, she moves it a bit to the right. The reflection of them both in the glass mirror door of the shelf.
"But she also told me, Sir Kay wanted to be there to see their offspring grow old and experience the world as an adult. Sadly, it takes for us Dragons hundreds of years to even grow into the normal sizes you'd often fight Master. Same for our human forms, it grows the same as the Dragon form. My guess is that he didn't get over the thought of such things and chose to never mate with Vayke. Or never truly go through the entire process as it'd take Dragons ten to twenty sessions to even have a chance of birthing an offspring."
Paul then shifts his face to Bahamut. Both of their breaths mix together.
"I understand. I fully understand. But believe me, it took Sir Kay all of his power to reject that. We humans, whether we like it or not, are hotwired to reproduce. It's in our very nature to protect cute and small things as evolution itself made us this way. To say no to such an opportunity, he was probably distraught at the idea of his kid, forever being young while he was already on the edge of his age."
"Hm, but what about you Master?"
"Me?"
"Do you care for such things?"
"I... I do not know." The man breathes out, and sighs. "Truth to be told, I am a soldier first and foremost. Having been through many things, I hope I'll be able to be a good Father with my own kids, but modern society and how dating works now. It might never be a thing for me and many others. But here, maybe I can do it. But I face the same dilemma as Sir Kay. To not be there when... how long does it take for a Dragon to become an adult again?"
"Three to four hundred years Master. Faster if they're put through battles even in a young and untrained age."
"Not being there, unable to teach and show. I'd also be devastated. I only have sixty or seventy years left at most. That's not even enough, not even a scratch to the years I would need to be there. That idea alone gives me a sinking feeling."
Bahamut then spins both of their hands together, moving it right between them.
"And yet here we are Master, holding hands and being so close to one another. I could feel your hot breath and your broad shoulders, it gives me much comfort. Far more than my bed of jewels and treasures and the comfy caves that I'd dwell in. Just what is this between us truly? It is such a strange thing, being in human form. I also understood what the Vampires are feeling, what to do with this relationship after this whole entire debacle has ended."
"Bahamut, in Dragon Culture. If the Mate dies, the female usually sees that as a weak male right? One that is not worthy of her offspring and would immediately move on into the next one. If I die, would you see me as one? A weak man who fought for the corrupt and powerful who left nothing but destruction in his wake in two different worlds? Or do you like Vayke and understand the differences?"
"That is in my culture and tradition, Master. You are a Human, I'd see you in the light of other humans. A strong heroic man that stood against the beasts of Hell and Heaven and walked alongside me. No matter the obstacle, be with ancient monsters to primordial purebred vampires, you charged ahead and with the resolve that is applicable to Great Dragons."
In the back, the two heard a sniff and the Clerk was on the verge of crying with snot coming out of his nose. "Sorry, sorry. Please keep going. Sniff sniff" he wipes his tears with the frilly cuffs of his attire as he starts writing down the entire thing.
"Yeah... good to know. Hey, if I live through this entire ordeal. You'll never know. I might stay and be here with all three of you. As it seems like if I leave, I'd be leaving two very powerful creatures without their emotional support human. Bahahahaha!"
"Regardless, Master, I'll always be there for you. If you look behind, be assured I am there. Following in your footsteps."
"Hey now, I also follow yours. If I die, just know that I'll be living with you and watching over you even long after you've forgotten about me in your long eternal life. As long as the God I believe in allows me to do so, I'll watch over you."
Bahamut then lets go of his hand and twirls behind him and stops. Doing an elegant ladylike bow. Straight from Elizabeth's teachings.
"Hey now, will you look at that."
"Do not worry Master, I'll never forget you. If I do, I'd never be able to forgive myself."
"Straight out of what Elizabeth said."
"It is true what she said."
"Even then, just know that I lived a long good life. No need to be sad if I kicked the bucket alright?"
She smiles at him with a warm and welcoming expression and he closes the book. Gently returning it back to its stand and thanks the Clerk who was still crying from the two. As soon as they left, he continued writing down all that was said and the entire scene of the two. Walking down the street, Bahamut and Paul walked a few blocks until they arrived at the park.
Arriving at the Cathedral, the massive structure had its own park outside it with a fountain that was frozen solid but service still continued with the grand piano inside echoing to the peaceful open space right outside it. Its exterior pillars had bronze cuffs and linings to it and on top, was the God Angus, wearing his signature Toga. Bahamut was shocked to see a very familiar carriage that was well guarded by heavily armored Knights.
"What is it? Why do you have that face again?"
The Dragon lady cracks her knuckles and drags the General to the front doors. Paul was unable to protest as his Oxford shoes were dragged through the stone sidewalk and through the steps. The Knights bearing the crest of the Voltaire family and house could immediately detect the danger emanating from the woman and block her path with their weapons.
"Oy bloodsuckers... if one of those weapons dares scratch my gown, I'll be sure to burn you and your entire soul."
Seeing that Bahamut was speaking with a tone that is befit of a God with an aura that could crush the two Vampires with ease, the Knights had to put up their shields and make some distance between the two. The human she's dragging is just limp and powerless as the Dragon confronts the bulky armored men. "Oy, you speak Dragonian right? Her dialect came from Dragovh. Go talk to her." The Knight had no choice, walking up a few meters to talk with her.
"Ma'am! We're asking you to stop! There's official family business inside the Cathedral and Bishop Chardin is very busy today! As you can see inside, everyone is just sitting down as he is very busy! No foreigners are allowed and Dragons in human form are to first be given certificates to be allowed to walk freely in the Kingdom's capital!"
"Hmph! Move out of my way! You have no proof that I came here to disrupt!"
The General then stands up, putting Bahamut's hand on his shoulder.
"I'll be here to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. Don't worry."
"Hmmm... you speak good Romanz human. For a mortal, you also smell very good. Do you also speak Dragonian? Tell this Dragon to back off before we are forced to do something we do not want to do."
A Knight from inside then comes to their presence. With a large feather on top of his helmet. "Let them in! That man is a General and Diplomat! Can't you see the words on his armband? Show your respect. For lowly Nobles, I expected as much. We must show them our culture and tradition, most of all to a Dragon. Where is your respect? Doesn't mean we haven't been visited by them for centuries, that we may brush over them."
"But Sir-"
"Don't, you have done enough to embarrass this Kingdom. We are not like the High Elves, we respect Dragons and those Humans who have done enough to prove themself. May I remind you it was a human with the help of Vampires that felled our brutal ancient Queen."
Without a single word, the Knights surrounding them bow and apologize. Paul and the Knight with the large feather shake hands. "Be sure to control her. Though I do pity you human. She seems to be a very nosy one."
"Oh she is. Believe me. But don't worry, I'm here."
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Merry Christmas to all those reading this! I hope everyone a Merry weekend! Here have a meme as an early present from me! :)