The Dragon Children: Second Generation

[Phantom_Sorano]

OOC: Sidenote- Pandora is still technically 'dead'; her spirit is attacking others in Heilgrad.

--Krangor--

Ariel waited for Minerva to join her mate and slowly she opened up portal of extreme, pure light into the land of Adelphi. With haste, the goddess glided back into the land of light with the others close behind. Soon the opening closed, and the party found themselves at the crystal gates of Adelphi. The two large guardian eagles and a pair of adorned warrior angels opened the gates and bowed to let their princess enter. With much haste, Ariel led Nefron to the Hall of Roses. There, the dragon beheld his former child whose angelic body was pale and lifeless; tears clouded his eye.

Ariel turned and looked at the party.

"Micheal...Zenthos...Anubis...thank you for your service in entering Krangor. Because of Adarah's increasing actions, I wanted to make sure the passage was safe. But I am afraid only Nefron can enter Heilgrad to find Aaliyah's soul. Minerva, I will need your help to open up the portal."

[Ally-Ann]

Eulalia looked around the camp frantically, trying to spot Chrysanthe. Where is sh-- Eulalia stopped her thoughts completely when she saw a small girl on the other side of the camp with shoulder-length black hair and a dragon standing beside. But the dragon didn't looked like what she had heard about. She had been told that Chrysanthe's dragon was an evil dragon that could scare a demon. But this one looked like a gold dragon. Quite the oppposite of what she had been told. Regardless, Eulalia, wanting nothing more than to make a friend, dashed off towards Chrysanthe with speed like had seen a ghost.
Chrysanthe and Aristocles had just started following Nolk when Chrysanthe heard her name being called out

"Chrysanthe! Chrysanthe!" She heard the voice saying. It sounded vaguely familiar. Chrysanthe turned her head in the direction of the voice and she raised her eyebrow slightly when she saw a girl with red hair in a bun running towards.

"Wh-who might you be?" Chrysanthe asked with slight suspicion as Eulalia ran up to her and was now standing a mere foot from her.

"Do you not remember me?" Eulalia asked with slight sorrow. Then her eyes lit up. "This'll help jog your memory." She cleared her throat before walking a slight ways from Chrysanthe. She then stood up straight in an arrogant manner, and stuck her nose up slightly. She directed her attention at a butterfly that was on a flower and decided to use it as her assitant. She walked up to it and glared. "Peasant, why are you lazing about? There's work to be done! You must finish that statue of me out in the courtyard! Make haste, make haste! Are you still resting? Good lord, obey me!" Eulalia said, almost believing that she was actually talking to a real peasant that she ruled over. The butterfly just sat there for a few seconds longer before fluttering off. "WHAT?! Rebelling?! I'll have none of that, you blasted--"

"I remember you! You're Eulalia! I-it's been so long!" Chrysanthe exclaimed. She looked Eulalia over. Her features had indeed changed. She was a teenager after all, and with that came puberty. But she still looked similar to what she had been when she was little. Her hair was still the blood-red color that it had been when she was still at the orphanage, though now it was much, much longer, her eyes were still the forest-green ones that were always lit with vigor. She still had that slight smirk, even though Chrysanthe didn't think it was intentional.

"So you do me? I'm not completely surprised..." Eulalia said, trailing off when she noticed that she had accidentally implied that she could never be forgotten because of her behavior.

[rocklobster]

--Xavier--
Xavier's stomach growled. He wondered when his father would finish hunting.
"My dad says never fish on an empty stomach, Trevor. I guess it makes you think about eating too much and you get more disappointed when you get nothing." he said. Then he saw his dad in the distance carrying a bag of animals he'd killed in the morning hunt.
"Hello, son." Set said when he saw Xavier and Trevor. "and you too, Trevor. If you folks give me about fifteen minutes or so, Ba-Pef and I will get breakfast together." He saw the boot. "Seems we had better luck than you. Maybe I can give you some advice sometime."
--Reika--
"What's your name?" she asked Brandon. "I want to know who I'm thanking for keeping my body healthy while I was out."
Then she turned to Ai. "I have a new angel. Want to meet him?"
--Joanne--
"Pandora, you cannot possibly defeat us. You are not in your realm and you are dead. You are weaker than you were even when you were alive. And you will continue to weaken. Then you will vanish and we will only have your daughter to deal with."
She concentrated spiritual energy and hit Pandora with it.
"Let's hurry up your vanishing, witch!" she said angrily.
--Minerva--
"I guess you have to accompany us because you were her original guardian." Minerva said to Nefron. "Are you ready for this?"
--Karin--
"Wait a minute." Karin said, becoming slightly suspicious. "Weren't you supposed to be bonded to a black dragon? That's what Eulalia told me. In fact, that's why she came to me and Joanne at the temple. She wanted so desperately to help you overcome the black dragon's influence. I didn't want to help her at first, so I tested her courage."
(OOC: Hope you don't mind, Ally, but I decided to take a little liberty with your character)
She looked at Eulalia's expression. "Yes, when I left you out in the cold, that was a test. I was going to help, but I knew you had an easy life. I wanted you to see that life isn't always fair or easy. But it's a gift, just the same. Trust me, Chrysanthe, Joanne and I have helped her to understand this. I believe she is not the same child you knew."
Perhaps she too got a different dragon. It's not unusual. Nolk thought. You knew someone once who changed dragons.
Yes, but I wish Minerva was here. And Joanne seems occupied. Good thing she's a mage. She only has her dragon as a guide. Take them to see Kilin. I don't trust her.
Nolk nodded. Understood, my mistress. she said.

[Ally-Ann]

Chrysanthe mentally panicked for a moment before Aristocles stepped in and bowed his head. "My apologies, Miss. I am Kleon, Chrysanthe's dragon. Yes, it is true that she had been bonded with an evil dragon, but that dragon disowned and abused her. I saw the dragon-- Aristocles, was it?-- beating her slightly and calling her awful things one day just a couple years ago. So naturally, I took the liberty to save the poor child from Aristocles's wrath. What Chrysanthe did to anger him, I do not know. But I know that Chrysanthe doesn't like to talk about it," Aristocles said, looking at Chrysanthe, putting on a mask of sympathy.
Chrysanthe caught onto the charade and lowered her eyes to appear that she was remembering the made-up memory. Eulalia looked at her and her eyes sofened slightly.

"I'm sorry that happened, Chrys," she said softly. Chrysanthe looked up to Eulalia, eyes widened slightly. That was the nick-name that Eulalia had called her when they were both still at the orphanage.

=Flash Back=

A little girl of about six years old stood ontop of a large rock that was in the backyard of an orphanage. Her red, chin-length hair blew in the wind, her hands rested on her hips, and she looked like she thought she was larger than life itself. The girl looked at the other children below her that were sword-fighting with sticks and skipping stones in a large puddle that was near the fence of the yard. This won't do. No one's noticing me. How can they not notice me? She thought, looking for someone to give orders to. But none of these peasants look worthy to be my personal peasant. None of them look courageous enough to test food for before I eat it, or fight to the death for me... She thought, believing herself to be queen of the world. She looked around once more before resting her sights on a little girl with waist-length black hair and blue eyes. She was standing near the fence by herself, looking longingly towards the people and families who were passing by the orphanage. She looks timid... But she could work. Someone with dreams of having a family would do anything to have a friend. Eulalia thought, unaware that deep down, she felt the same way. She cleared her throat.

"Peasant! The one with the black hair!" Eulalia called out. The little girl turned from the fence, a confused expression on her face as she looked at Eulalia. "Come here, please!" The girl walked towards Eulalia slowly, an expression of timidness plastered onto her face.

"Y-yes? What is it?" She asked with a small voice.

"What is your name?"

"Chrysanthe."

"You look worthy enough to be my personal servant. Someone as important as me needs someone to test their food, to fight for them, to be their closest friend! You are unlike the others. But you need a shorter name. A nick-name, as they call it. Chrys. That will be your shorter name. What say you?" Eulalia said in an arrogant way. Chrysanthe scowled slightly.

"I-I don't think so," she said, wishing her voice wasn't so soft.

"Excuse me?"

"I said no thank you. I do not wish to be your companion. You are too cold to others."

"You will pay for that!" Chrysanthe just turned, ready to walk back to the fence before Eulalia started to panic. "Wait, Chrys! What must I do to become your friend?" Chrysanthe looked at Eulalia.

"Lower yourself to others' level."

=End of Flash Back=

So this really is Eulalia...

In the back of Aristocles's mind, he was spewing curses that Eulalia and everyone else here was affiliated with Joanne and her dragon. They defeated Pandora. Aristocles thought with slight panic, but keeping his outer expression sympathetic towards Chrysanthe.

[rocklobster]

"Eulalia, I need to talk with you privately." Karin whispered. "There is something I want to discuss without Chrysanthe around. I know you are happy to see her, but evil can be deceptive. Inviting her may be what the enemy wants us to do."

[Diamond Dragon]

-Anei-
Anei silently nodded to Joanne. She had taught herslf how to control her wind powers with Len's help, and now it looked like she was going to use it.

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
"Then let us combine our power." She held out her hands in a cupped form, as if she was holding an imaginary ball. "Place your hands on top of mine and concentrate as hard as you can."

[Ally-Ann]

"Eulalia, I need to talk with you privately." Karin whispered. "There is something I want to discuss without Chrysanthe around. I know you are happy to see her, but evil can be deceptive. Inviting her may be what the enemy wants us to do."

Eulalia scowled ever so slightly. "What do you mean 'evil'?" She whispered back. "This is what I've been waiting for, even though it wasn't me who's brought her back." She looked at Chrysanthe out of the corner of her eye. "But if you must speak with me privately, I suppose a few minutes shouldn't take up too much time."

[Diamond Dragon]

-Anei-
Slowly Anei cupped her hands and placed them on top of Joanne's. Then she started to think about she hated being Pandora's daughter. She felt as if being the evil goddess's daughter was a horrible burden that she carried. I don't want to carry the burden anymore. I want to be free from it! she thought.

[Twister980]

Eruan slowed down, the mysterious grip on him was fading. A cold sweat ran down his face. 'Pandora... She's... Let go!' He sighed, it was then he noticed that she had led him towards Joanne, he noticed his sword was drawn. He quickly sheathed it, then continued watching the two. 'I don't want to carry the burden anymore. I want to be free from it!' Eruan stared at the girl. He closed his eyes. 'Pandora's daughter, won't have to carry her mother's soul anymore.' He opened his eyes. You can do it. He thought.

[Masquerade1412]

--Xavier--
Xavier's stomach growled. He wondered when his father would finish hunting.
"My dad says never fish on an empty stomach, Trevor. I guess it makes you think about eating too much and you get more disappointed when you get nothing." he said. Then he saw his dad in the distance carrying a bag of animals he'd killed in the morning hunt.
"Hello, son." Set said when he saw Xavier and Trevor. "and you too, Trevor. If you folks give me about fifteen minutes or so, Ba-Pef and I will get breakfast together." He saw the boot. "Seems we had better luck than you. Maybe I can give you some advice sometime."

Trevor nodded slowly. He was hungry, too, and he wasn't really looking forward to finding the matching boot. Revel had the exact same thought. He waddled over to Set and stretched out his hand, which was now holding a small flame. Need some help?

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Joanne looked up at Eruan. "Do you wish to help us?" she asked telepathically, without turning away from the energy ball she and Anei were making. (It's similar to Naruto's Razengan technique). "If you do, place your hands on top of ours. My spirit energy becomes stronger as more people contribute their feelings of love and compassion. I feed on that love and channel it as energy."
--Xavier and Set--
Set smiled. "Certainly, Revel."
"Wow, big brother!" said Xavier. "Your dragon is great!"
Set raised an eyebrow. "Big Brother? I think Xavier considers you a part of the family. Why don't we make it official. Have you ever been baptized?"
--Karin--
Karin led her away and explained. "We once had a similar situation to this one. One of our former members, Saiyanne, strayed to the path of evil. When she came back to us, we thought she had changed back to the person we once knew, but it was a trap. Sophia sacrificed herself so that Saiyanne could be saved. That was how Aaliyah came to be in Sophia's service. She was once that person. I am afraid it is happening again. Let's follow them to Kilin and ask him what he thinks. For now, I think we should just keep an eye on her."

[Masquerade1412]

--Xavier and Set--
Set smiled. "Certainly, Revel."
"Wow, big brother!" said Xavier. "Your dragon is great!"
Set raised an eyebrow. "Big Brother? I think Xavier considers you a part of the family. Why don't we make it official. Have you ever been baptized?"

Trevor shook his head. Big Brother?....But...Would I even be a GOOD brother?...
Only one way to find out! Revel enthusiastically answered.
I wasn't asking you...
True...but you didn't address WHO you were asking.
*sigh* Fine. I'll do it.

[Lockon Stratos]

"My names Brandon. I'm from the mountains. My partner Feld is a Red." No need to reveal too much about myself.

[Twister980]

Eruan raised an eyebrow. Are you sure I wouldn't mess it up?

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Not at all, my brother. She said. The more love I have, the stronger my magic. So as you place your hands on mine, channel your love into my energy. We will combine our spirit energy
--Reika--
"Well then, thank you, Brandon." Then she spoke to no one at all, or so it seemed. "Well, aren't you going to come out and meet everyone in my family?"
I am not sure if this is a good idea. said a voice in her head.
"Oh come on, don't be so shy! I didn't know there were shy angels."
Fine then. The voice said angrily.
That was when Raphael appeared.
"Greetings, all. My name is Raphael. I will be taking over as this child's celestial guardian."
--Set--
"Well, after breakfast, I'll get either Ai or Joanne to baptize you." Set said. "And thanks for the help, Revel. Just don't burn the food as you breathe on it."

[Lockon Stratos]

"Whoa!!" I reached for my sword, and backed into a fighting stance.

[Masquerade1412]

--Set--
"Well, after breakfast, I'll get either Ai or Joanne to baptize you." Set said. "And thanks for the help, Revel. Just don't burn the food as you breathe on it."

Ha ha ha.... laughed an unconvincing Revel. By the way, Trevor...do you even know what happens when you are baptized?
Trevor cocked his head to the side. Um....It involves water...Right?
Revel smiled. Yes, it does. It also involves you going into a pool....
Well, that's not too bad!
...And someone dunks you under water while you hold your breath...
..I can do that!...
...And neither of you are wearing any clothes...
................................................Eh?...........................................
Revel burst into laughter, real laughter this time. It's a good thing you've got that mask on...Otherwise, people would think you're sunburnt!

[Ally-Ann]

--Karin--
Karin led her away and explained. "We once had a similar situation to this one. One of our former members, Saiyanne, strayed to the path of evil. When she came back to us, we thought she had changed back to the person we once knew, but it was a trap. Sophia sacrificed herself so that Saiyanne could be saved. That was how Aaliyah came to be in Sophia's service. She was once that person. I am afraid it is happening again. Let's follow them to Kilin and ask him what he thinks. For now, I think we should just keep an eye on her."

There she goes, being judgemental again! Eulalia thought with anger. She was about to voice her thought when Berenike intervened.

Hold your tongue, child! Think before you speak. Karin has experience with this. Berenike scolded. Plus, you could anger her. That's dangerous for her child.

But--

No buts!

Eulalia sighed before looking Karin in the eyes. "I don't really know Chrysanthe that much, but I know for a fact that she is not evil. Just give her a chance," Eulalia said, her face the definition of demanding.

[Phantom_Sorano]

--Drivalia--

Pandora's face twisted into a sick contorted look; slowly her body warped into a grotesque serpant like creature that lunged at Joanne with protruding talons at the attack.

--Adelphi--

As the portal into Heilgrad opened, Ariel turned with a solemn expression to Minerva, holding out her hand to the angelic party.

"I'm sorry...but even with Minerva's help...only Nefron may enter Heilgrad to find Aaliyah's soul. This is her battle...she alone must escape. Nefron is going to help her find her way out of the realm she's in. This is her battle."

With that, Nefron nodded and after looking at his mate, leapt into the unknown depths of infinite darkness.

--Heilgrad--


The physical body of Pandora lunged into attack, pinning the Saiyune-formed soul into a sharp crag. The soul squirmed and stuggled underneath, finally gaining advantage by clipping Pandora's side with the holy rose sword. This spurned the dead goddess's anger and she began biting and tearing at the soul's face and arms. The soul cried out in pain-taking on the former human feelings with the weaker, more sensitive form.

[rocklobster]

--Heilgrad--
The angels and dragons arrived just in time. Zenthos saw what was going on and immediately sent a spirit energy blast right at Pandora's serpent form.
OOC: Honestly, Pandora, you never heard of the Evil Overlord List? It clearly says to never turn into a serpent. It doesn't work.
--Karin--
Karin said. "Look, I know that. But I'm optimistic. After all, my brother-in-law also started out a bad person. If it weren't for Joanne, he probably still might be. Besides, I believe no human is completely evil."
Kilin saw Chrysanthe's dragon and saw right through the deception. He walked over to Karin and whispered. "Karin, we have a black dragon among us."
Karin sighed. "Here we go again. That girl is actually the one Eulalia's been after."
Kilin said. "And I suppose she's so headstrong, she doesn't see through this. Well, I think I shall show her the truth."
He walked over to Eulalia. "I will temporarily allow you dragon's sight, Eulalia. Place your hand on my head. See the gold dragon as I do.
--Raphael--
"Hey, put that sword back. I'm not here to hurt anyone." Raphael said. "And you can trust that. My species is not known for lying."
--Joanne--
"All right, we're ready." Joanne said. She sent the full blast of everyone's love at their enemy.

[Twister980]

OOC: AAAAAAAH. I'm late! xDD

Eruan frowned, placing his hands on Joanne right as her blast was almost fully charged.
I hope this will help.

[Phantom_Sorano]

OCC: WOAH Rockie WOAH! Read my post mister! Oy!

EDIT:

--Heilgrad-- (Pandora and the Soul...ALONE)

Something had weakened about the serpantine; little did the soul know that apparently the stronger part of the evil spirit had been weakened by Joanne and she had instantly returned to Krangor. (*cough cough*)

So...

The Saiyune-version soul snickered as the scaled creature slapped around violently in recoil. With great gusto, she welded the thorned sword and hacked and slashed with all of her strength. The creature encircled her, wrapping tightly around her.

"You will not escape me. You are mine!", it hissed wildly as it began to crack and splinter the soul as if it had bones.

Though wincing, the soul managed to spit out, "If my soul was still all Saiyanna and all evil, then you would. But I am different-I am an angel of the three goddesses...I AM the Angel of Death, and I WILL deliver the final death to you. Suffer eternally, vile worthless spirit!"

The soul burst forward, plunging herself and the sword that was held tightly to her chest into the throat of Pandora. Darkness smarmed them as the serpant gurgled and choaked on black matter. When it had cleared some, there was only the two humanlike figure almost embracing one another. The talon-like hands of the dead goddess clung around the soul, digging its fingers inside. It looked up at her with blood red eyes.

"No...I won't let you go..."

"You will. No one holds me except my masters. May your soul be abolished and cursed."

"You can't!!!!!"

"Watch me.", the soul replied firmly as she twisted up the sword and thrust it up. A loud snap rung in the air and the severed head fell to the ground. The soul collapsed on its knees, holding tight to the handle of the blade.

Suddenly, all of the darkness around her seemed to lift itself. The loud sound of rushing winds was beating on her ears. The soul turned to see the large elegant white form hurdling towards her. Tears- both happy and those remorseful in rememberance- filled her eyes.

"Nefron!"

The white dragon sped up faster at the sound of that old familiar voice and the image of his young female master. His heart ached and longed for the old bond they had once shared, but as he saw her there standing defiantly though small, he was thankful for this one moment.

"Sai!"

"Nefron!"

The dragon descending and tears ran down his face and the small sun-darkened arms of the girl's soul wrapped around him and kissed his cheek.

"Saiyune....I...I...."

"Nef...I know what you are going to say- I can feel it. Me too....but I don't want to exist like this. I want to go back...to being an angel...to my husband and children...and my child on the way."

Nefron smiled, though his heart was memory aching. He lowered himself and allowed the soul to climb on his back.

"Like old times, huh?", he chuckled.

"Yep...it feels that way. C'mon....let's go home."

With a great flap of his wings, the two were catapulted into the vague darkness. Faster and faster, Nefron flew up to what seemed higher and higher.

"How do we get out?", he asked.

The soul closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to remember what it felt like as an angel to locate the small areas to open a portal.

"Fall."

"What?"

"Fall!"

"Are you crazy!?"

"No. I'm just dead! Fall!"

The dragon felt panic race through him as he turned and nose dived into the unknown. He could feel the soul move around and plant feet firmly around his sides. The soul took the sword and plunged it into the darkness with suddenly began to envelope them. As all went black, suddenly everything was illuminated in pure white.

Slowly, Nefron picked himself up. Dazed and feeling pain throughout his body, he looked up to the golden room adorned with multitudes of roses. Then he saw Minerva standing next to Ariel and the three angels. His heart swelled with love and he rushed to be with his mate.

Slowly, the soul in the form of the dead girl approached the goddess. With true humility, she lowered herself and lifted the rose sword.

"For you, my Princess."

Ariel took the sword with pride blooming in her heart as she placed the tip of the blade on each of the soul's shoulders.

"Arise, spirit", she commanded warmly, "it is time to finish the contract."

[rocklobster]

Anubis unsheathed his sword. There were still soul leeches clinging to Aaliyah's body. Only he had the ability to see them, because his position as keeper of the souls. He sliced them through, thus severing the last attack.
Michael approached his wife and placed his hand on her belly. He could sense both of the twins within.
"All is well, my love." he said with a smile.
"We can't have you go out like that, my warrior-sister." said Zenthos. "Who am I going to spar with? You're the best one for that."
--Set--
"I suppose you told him the little secret about baptism, Revel." Set said, judging his laughter. "Don't worry about it. If it embarrasses you that much, I'm sure Joanne will arrange for a more private ceremony."
--Joanne--
"We've done our part, Anei. The witch is dead once more." She offered a hand. "Come, my cousin. Let us return to the realm of the living."
OOC: Because Anei is Pandora's daughter, that makes Joanne and Anei cousins.

[Lockon Stratos]

"Sorry, you caught me by surprise. Next time a little warning before you do something like that, or things might get ugly." It's alright, Brandon. He's not here to hurt you. He doesn't know.

[rocklobster]

--Raphael--
"As I said, I'll be taking over as Reika's guardian." he got a good look at Reika. Such a beautiful, lively child. It made him wish he'd brought his sketchbook. Why not? he thought.
"Would you like to pose for me?" he asked Reika. "I think I should sketch you. That way I can commemorate our pact.
"I...guess so." said Reika.

[Twister980]

Eruan opened his eyes. What happened?
He glanced at Joanne, she and Anei still had their eyes closed. Did something go wrong? He waved his hand in front of Joanne's eyes. Come on... He snapped his fingers. Ugh, I guess I'll just have to wait for them to wake up on their own...
He looked around, and noticed a tree stump. He sighed, and sat down it. This'll take awhile.

[rocklobster]

--Set--
"Oh, Trevor, could you go around and let everyone know breakfast will be ready soon?" Set said. "Looks like Revel's getting everything good and warm."

[Diamond Dragon]

-Anei-
Anei immediately took hold of Joanne's hand. Joanne had officially earned her trust after what happened.

-Ai-
Ai hadn't left Reika's side all this time, and now looked curiously at her new guardian. Huh...Raphael likes to sketch. She thought when he asked Reika if she could pose. She stood and went over to him. "Hi. I'm Ai, Reika's adopted sister." she said smiling.

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Joanne smiled and within moments, the meld was broken. They were now returned to the realm of the living.
At that moment, Joanne's stomach growled. She blushed.
"I guess we should eat breakfast." she giggled. "My husband should have it ready."
"Indeed I do." said Set. "I wanted to tell you, but I knew better than to interrupt you in the middle of a meld. Ba-pef has some oranges for you in his saddle."
Joanne nodded and quietly got a couple oranges out. She was forbidden from eating meat because she was a mage.
"Ah, you must be a new arrival." Set said, seeing Anei. "I'm Set, Joanne's husband. And this is Ba-Pef, my dragon. Would you like some breakfast? We have yachen and scrambled eggs. Or you can eat some oranges. Whichever you prefer."
OOC: In case you didn't read up, Dia, yachen is like deer.
--Raphael--
Raphael smiled. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Ai. Just a moment." He waved a hand and a portal appeared. He reached in and took out his sketchbook.
"Now, Reika, I want you to sit still. I have difficulty when my model moves."
Brylin laughed. Stay still? That'll be a sight. I haven't seen her stay still since we bonded yesterday.