The Dragon Children: Second Generation

[Twister980]

~Lobinka~

She raised her own cup, then downed it's contents.

[Masquerade1412]

-
At that moment, Xavier saw Eruan and Trevor. "Brother Trevor! Brother Eruan! You came back! Want to see what I learned?"

Trevor nodded furiously. Maybe this will get my mind of things...

[Ally-Ann]

=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Chrysanthe nodded and followed Joanne, Annaliese trailing after them.


=Eulalia=

Eulalia knew where her cup was and she took a sip of it. She then realized that even though she could use echolocation to locate where the food was, she didn't know what sort of food there was to choose from. Blast it all... she thought with slight dismay. I guess I'll just have to choose something random...

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
"Chrysanthe, I know you'll feel a little awkward since you've never been in a lovpla. Just follow my and Anna's lead."
They came upon a dome-shaped building. As Joanne approached the front door, she looked around. This place could definitely use some repair she thought. Some of the bricks had turned green from age and there was an air of emptiness inside, not at all like a place that had been well-kept. Perhaps I should let Sophia know about this in prayer tonight. These people need a better place to meditate.
She dipped her hands in the font next to the door and marked her head and chest with the water inside, blessing herself. Then she bent down and took off her sandals to place in the sangenta before opening the door.
OOC: Have Chrysanthe and Anna do the same. Don't forget to have Anna pay homage to Sophia before she dips her hand in the font and takes off her shoes or sandals.
--Xavier--
Xavier took out his wooden sword and adopted a thrusting stance, trying hard to do it like the picture on the scroll.
"Did I do it right?" he asked Eruan.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
Ai went up to Reika. "Your thinking of Eulalia, don't you?" she asked when she saw the expression on her little sister's face.

-Shiro-
Shiro nodded. "Yeah...thanks for helping us." she said, smiling at Eruan. Len looked away, trying to hide a smile of his own.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He looked over at Xavier. "Actually, yes. That's right." He turned back to Shiro. He smiled. "No problem Shiro..." He noticed Len looking away. What's with the silent treatment?

~Lobinka~

She stared down the food on the table. A bowl of boiled eel was to her right, along with eyeball soup, roasted dove and chilled brains. She took a spoonful of each. Savoring the flavor of the roasted dove. She tasted the chilled brains. They tasted sweet. Almost as sweet as the blood she had tasted.

[rocklobster]

--Adarah--
Adarah took some eel and dipped it in its own juice for flavor. She smiled as she saw her protege eat the new food. She had completely given in to the new urges. I can at least make her think she is a demon and eat like one. Her body will adapt. She looked over at Eulalia. "Just use your sense of smell. It should be better than it was when you were human." she suggested.
--Reika--
"I don't understand." Reika said to Ai. "How could Eulalia fall for Adarah's lies? Does she really think Adarah cares about her?"
Minerva shook her head. "She's being controlled by enchantment. She is not completely aware of what she is doing. But she believes it is the right choice. That's how Adarah ensnares you, child. If you immerse yourself in lies long enough, they become your newly accepted truth."
"You did quite well today, for your first official fight." said Kilin. "How did you know what to do?"
"Brylin gave me most of my ideas." Reika shrugged. "Nokisme said I should tap into his mind and think as one."
Xavier noticed Shiro and stopped practicing. "Shiro! You came back to us! So, I guess we're your new family now?" he asked. "Can I call you sister?"

[Masquerade1412]

Yagami eagerly reached for some roasted dove. Ah...the food of Heilgrad...So much flavor, so little taboo... He took notice of the two newest additions to Adarah's elite. That one seems to like the brains...a little too much, though...The other -- Eulalia, was it?--is starting to have some trouble... He was about to speak, but Adarah took the words from his mouth. Ah, well...maybe some other time...

[Ally-Ann]

=Eulalia=

"Hn," Eulalia hummed as a reply. She took a whiff of the air about her and her eyebrows shot up. Her sense of smell was certainly better. She smelled the food, one of them catching her interest. It didn't really smell a whole lot like blood, nor did smell like anything roasted. She took a serving size and deposited it onto her plate. It had its own scent completely. She took a spoonful and brought it to her mouth, savoring the salty flavor. All of a sudden, she bit into something round in the second spoonful, and it sounded much like a small pop. It spilled some sort of liquid into her mouth that tasted... salty? And somewhat metallic. She swallowed. Then, it clicked. "Eyeball soup?" She said outloud. She took another bite. This doesn't taste half bad. Eulalia thought. Yet again, she took another bite. No, scratch that. It's delicious.


=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Annaliese took off her sandals and palced them in the sangenta, closing her eyes as she did a few hand gestures. She then walked inside and blessed herself as Joanne had by marking her head and chest with the water. Chrysanthe followed Annaliese's lead and took her shoes off before blessing herself with the water.

This place is really run down... Chrysanthe thought, looking around at all the dust and cobwebs. But it's kind of humbling in way. Annaliese looked around as Chrysanthe had.

This sacred place has certainly seen some better days. Maybe Sophia will fix it up if I pray... Annaliese thought.


=Berenike=

Berenike smiled when the others returned. She was glad that they were safe and out of harm's way. But she was currently thinking of a plan to get Eulalia back.

OOC: Almost forgot about Berenike. ^^;

[rocklobster]

--Adarah--
"I see you're adjusting quite well to your new abilities. You impressed me." Adarah congratulated Eulalia. "Yagami did a good job with you. Did you have fun with your new powers?"
--Joanne--
Joanne sighed. "It's a shame, but we'll manage." She led them to a bath that was bubbling like a hot spring. She noticed there were still towels on the rack. She walked over to them and chanted an incantation. "At least we'll have clean towels to dry you off when we're done, Chrysanthe." She began to undress herself. When she finished, she turned to Anna and said. "Anna, since Chrysanthe's in your care, I think you should do the honors. Why don't you say the blessing over the water?"
OOC: Have Annaliese strip off her robes and say a prayer that you make up. Oh, and you can have Chrysanthe be surprised at how Joanne looks without her outfit. Oh and let's have her suddenly get nervous.
"Do you need any help getting ready, Chrysanthe?" Karin asked.
--Minerva--
"You're not seriously considering going to Heligrad and trying to break Eulalia's spell are you? I don't think that would be wise, my friend. Right now, we must be patient."
Minerva advised to Berenike.

[Ally-Ann]

=Eulalia=

Eulalia nodded after swallowing another bite of her soup. "It was amazing! The sheer feeling of control and power was unimaginable. I've never had power like that when I was part of the Resistance. It wasn't allowed for me," Eulalia explained. "It was as if they didn't realize that I am indeed better than them; I just wasn't trained properly."


=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Chrysanthe couldn't help but stare at Joanne. She was beautiful without all her clothes. Not that she wasn't before, but this was a different beauty. This was the true beauty that Sophia created; without clothes, without shoes. Natural, whole beauty that Chrysanthe was astonished at.

"Anna, since Chrysanthe's in your care, I think you should do the honors. Why don't you say a blessing over the water?" Annaliese heard Joanne ask. Annaliese nodded and stripped of her ankle-length white gown and waded into the water. But something surprised Chrysanthe; Annaliese wasn't really wading into the water, she was wading onto the water. Chrysanthe blinked.

She's walking on water unintentionally... she thought with a slight smile, chuckling inwardly. Annaliese then folded her hands together.

"In your name, Sophia, Nokisme, may you bless this water so that Chrysanthe might make it known that she loves you, that she serves you, and that she aknowledges your love for her," Annaliese prayed. She then waded out of the water and nodded in Chrysanthe's direction.

"It is ready," she said with a gentle smile. Chrysanthe suddenly got nervous. Did she really want to be baptized?

"Do you need any help getting ready?" she heard Karin ask.

"I-I'm not sure..." Chrysanthe mumbled, not entirely sure why she was nervous.


=Berenike=

Berenike nodded. "I know, I know. I just have the impulse to go after her, though I know it's a bad idea," Berenike said through a sigh. "She may have been arrogant, and now there isn't even a word to describe how she is now, but there's something special about my past that binds my soul to hers. It's hard to resist the urge to take off and tear through Heilgrad like a mad dragon to take her back, though I know she would want the opposite."

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Joanne smiled. "I know why you're nervous. We're all friends here. You can trust us, my daughter."
OOC: that should do the trick, have that calm her nerves.
--Adarah--
"Did Joanne ever tell you she once was tempted by my mother? She once showed her that she could have her parents back if she joined our cause. If it weren't for her sister, she almost would've considered." Adarah said. "If you ask me, she's not nearly as superior as she seems. If she were, she'd exert her power more often. She has the ability to make anyone do what she says, but she'd rather let free will have its say. Love is so over-rated, isn't it?"
She slurped up her eyeball soup. The eyeballs, which were alive, tickled her throat as they went down.
--Minerva--
"Yes, I know. I remember when Sophia sacrificed herself to save Saiyanne. I felt as if I was half-dead the whole time." Minerva said to Berenike. "Tell me, what was your life like before you met Eulalia?"

[Ally-Ann]

=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Chrysanthe sighed a breath of relief. "A-all right," she said. "I'm ready."


=Eulalia=

Eulalia nodded before finishing her soup. Joanne... You and Berenike held me back for so long. No I'm finally getting what I deserve.


=Berenike=

Berenike smiled somewhat sadly. "It was... happy. I felt complete. I had a mate, and two young ones of our own and we all loved each other dearly," Berenike said, lost in the memories of her children rough-housing, of her husband looking proud at their strength and vigor, and of her trying her best to scold them and failing horribly. Her face then clouded with depression. "My mate and I had been fierce enemies with Aristocles. And one day he snuck up on us in our own home... and he killed my family." Berenike couldn't help the tears that brimmed her rim of her eyelids. "I cried out to Sophia, telling her that I would volunteer to guide a human; I needed companionship. I do not like the idea of being by myself. She granted it and told me to wait for a child named Eulalia. I waited for what seemed a life time, but after a little while, I little girl with short red hair and fierce green eyes marched into the cave with a group of children. I klnew imediately that it was Eulalia." Berenike chuckled slightly at the memory of a green-eyed red-head no taller than 3'4 walking into a dragon cave as if she owned the place.

[rocklobster]

--Minerva--
"I was actually created by Iawia in Heaven at exactly the same time she created my child, Sophia. I felt honored helping her to learn what humanity was like and giving her companionship before she met Joanne and her sister. For a long time, all we had was each other. I sometimes regret not taking her up on her offer to spend eternity in Adelphi, but I felt my place was here, so I asked to be made immortal instead. I know it means I may be alone again when Joanne and her family pass on, but I will always have my memories. But here's something that just occurred to me. When Chrysanthe comes back from being baptized, her dragon will be transformed into a newly colored dragon. Do you think you could forgive him if he asked as a result?"
--Adarah--
When the meal was finished, Adarah gave Lobinka more instructions. "You must be tired. When you sleep, do not put a blanket over you. The blood must remain on your body until you awaken. When you awaken, it will disappear, but its effects will be permanent. You will be my child...forever. I want you to report to me tomorrow when you awaken. We will begin your training as an elite. That goes for you too, Eulalia. I can teach you true power."
OOC: Twister and ALly, have your characters kneel and do homage before they leave. Oh, and Ally, Eulalia should have a nightmare. I'll tell you what to do in a PM.
--Joanne--
Joanne smiled and beckoned to the naked Chrysanthe. "Come, daughter, and receive your new life."
OOC: have Anna lead Chrysanthe in. I'll do the rest.
--Sophia--
Sophia concentrated. Aristocoles, are you truly ready for what is about to happen? she asked his true nature. Do you wish to be made clean?

[Twister980]

~Lobinka~

She stood up from her chair, kneeled in front of Adarah. "I swear, that I will serve you until the blood runs dry from my body." She stood up. "I will strike down everyone who opposes you." She bowed, "And I will follow your instructions." Then she turned and followed Adarah out of the room.

~Eruan~

It didn't take long for Eruan to figure out what the silent treatment from Len was for. He was trying not to laugh at the two. He tried frowning at the dragon, but couldn't help but smile. He rubbed Len on his head. You think that's funny, eh?

[Ally-Ann]

=Berenike=

Berenike sighed and thought for a moment. "I... suppose I could," she replied. "After all, my family's death occured under Adarah's influence, rather than solely on Aristocles's heart. It will be difficult, though."


=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Annaliese offered her hand to Chrysanthe, which the latter took as she was led into the water.


=Eulalia=

Eulalia kneeled before Adarah and bowed her head. "You have given me true power that I always deserved but never recieved. That alone is enough to serve you. On top of that, I was able to kill one of my dreaded suppressors. You truly are the way to completedness, and for that I will serve you until the day I stop breathing."


=Aristocles=

Aristocles had been watching Chrysanthe and the others through the window of the lovpla. He growled quietly before he heard Sophia's voice. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," he replied, not sure anymore what was right and wrong. He was split now between serving Adarah, and turning into a gold dragon because of Chrysanthe baptism. Not like I really have a choice, eh? He thought grimly.

--Flashback--

A gold dragon had been sitting at the entrance of his cave, the definition of authority written all over his face. He was keeping an eye on the area, making sure that no one suspicious was milling about. He was a strict dragon, but for justice, nontheless; however, he was considering an imposrtant decision he had to make. He found that it... might be good idea to help Adarah for a while...

--End of Flashback--

Aristocles sighed. He barely remembered being a gold dragon. But he did remember becoming a black dragon. He remembered it clearly. It had been painful, but worth it. He looked up into the sky. Sophia, I don't know what I want, but I do know that Adarah instilled into me that your way is the wrong way; however, I suppose... I couldn't at least... give it a try.

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Joanne smiled and took Chrysanthe into her arms, as if holding an infant. Then she told Chrysanthe, "Do you accept Sophia as your mother, guide, and protector?" she asked.
--Sophia--
"My precious dragon, I understand why you hastily made your decision. Adarah had told you that her side was stronger. I gave you that pride, but I did not wish for it to control you. You appear to wish to fight for the winning side. Let me put it this way, if Adarah is stronger than me, then why is it her minions still have to bow down to my name? Clearly, the forces of evil have already lost." Sophia said. And you always have a choice, son of Rethcha. I don't force myself on anyone. I gave your child a choice and she accepted it. I gave you one as well. And I am doing so again."
OOC: when Joanne places Chrysanthe in the water, that will be when Aristocoles changes.
Oh and to everyone else, I'm posting an announcement in the OOC thread.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Shiro-
"I guess so..." said Shiro to Xavier. Then she glanced at Len. What's with you? she asked. Len looked back, smiling an amused smile. Nothing. she answered. Shiro raised an eyebrow, suspicious. What are you thinking? she asked. Nothing! Really! said Len. Even so, he couldn't keep in a small chuckle.

-Ai-
Ai still wondered about Eulalia. How could she stand serving Adarah, and staying with her? Adarah was the definition of evil, and everything around her was evil as well.

[rocklobster]

--Xavier--
"Yay! I have a new sister!" Xavier exclaimed and gave Shiro a warm hug.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Shiro-
Shiro colored slightly. She still wasn't used to receiving affection from anyone other than Len.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He looked hard at Len, who was smiling. then over at Shiro, who was being hugged by Xavier. Eruan chuckled. "So." He clapped his hands together. "Are we going to spar or what?"

~Lobinka~

Lobinka laid down on her bed. Something was changing. Something she could feel in the air. She tried talking to Strych about it, he just dismissed it as part of the enchantment. She could feel a dragon, one the two of them had fought with that day. He was changing. She sighed, reached down for one of her kunai, and tossed it at the wall. Aristocoles is turning. She sighed.

[Ally-Ann]

=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Chrysanthe looked into Joanne's eyes. She couldn't find the words to speak, so she simply nodded.


=Aristocles=

Aristocles's eyes widened slightly when Joanne reminded him that Adarah's minions had to bow down to her. She had a point. Aristocles thought for a while. Why did I let Adarah win me over in the first place? Aristocles thought and he scowled slightly. Chrysanthe had change considerably in terms of her faith. She used to be so faithful towards Adarah that Arsitocles thought that she could never turn. That meant that if Chrysanthe was willing to let go of her ties, then maybe he could, too. He sighed. All right.

[rocklobster]

--Xavier--
Xavier smiled mischievously. He adopted a fighting stance and said. "Yes! My first lesson!"
--Joanne--
Joanne then said, "Very good, my daughter. Now, take a breath and hold it while I dip you in the water."
--Sophia--
"Now, you will serve me once more, gold dragon. Perhaps you should take back your old name as well." Sophia said.
OOC: His old name was the name he wanted Chrysanthe to call him when he tried to trick everyone into thinking he was a gold dragon. If you don't want to go all the way back, you can make one up. Have him change right when she is lowered, which you have to do because Chrysanthe has to take a breath.
--Adarah--
Adarah watched with contempt. "Bah! I have their precious Eulalia. I believe that is a fair trade." she thought. "Perhaps I should make certain she stays." She sent a nightmare into Eulalia's ring. One that would make her believe even Sophia suppressed her.
OOC: Ally, you have my permission to make up a false version of Sophia to torment Eulalia.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He backed away from Shiro and Len, then drew his sword. Making sure to dull the blade with the practice orb. "Alright. Let's see what you've learned."

[rocklobster]

--Xavier--
Xavier charged at Eruan, hoping to get a good strike in before it was blocked.
--Adarah--
Adarah also spoke into the blood that covered Lobinka "This blood has baptized you and claimed you. From now on, you are no longer human. You are my child. When you awaken, you will forget everything about your past. I am your past, present, and future".

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He quickly swept Xavier's sword away, he kept his swings to simple strikes. Xavier had only missed one, but he quickly got out of the way. Eruan grinned. "You've gotten better."

~Lobinka~

She suddenly felt her eyes grow heavy. She smiled.
Seconds later, she was asleep.

[Masquerade1412]

Yagami stretched his arms and yawned. "That was a lovely meal, Mommy!" He leaned over the pool and watched as two former comrades were about to change sides. The Demon sighed and said, "It is no matter whether they are with us or against us. I honestly do not see why you even care for those two. There are plenty more where they came from, no?"
____

What's wrong, Trevor? Revel laid down next to the masked boy and followed his gaze to Eruan and Xavier's 'fight'. Ah...I see...
See what? Trevor replied.
You want someone to spar with?
Wrong.
....Someone to talk to?
Wrong.
.....You're not helping.
Wrong.
......Well, what is it?
Nothing....I'm fine. Trevor turned away and looked into the horizon. This has just been an eventful day...That's all...

[Ally-Ann]

=Chrysanthe and Annaliese=

Chrysanthe nodded at Joanne as she held her breath.


=Aristocles=

Aristocles nodded. He thought for a while before remembering what had been so long ago. "Kleon... I had almost forgotten," he said to himself quietly under his breath.


=Eulalia=

As Eulalia entered her bedroom, she finally realized how tired she was. Sighing from exhaustion, she walked to her bed and flopped onto it face-down. "I suppose even future rulers get tired..." she mumbled. It's been a rough day and the meal was wonderful... No wonder why I'm so tired. Eulalia thought before slipping her outer clothes off, leaving her in her thin black shorts and white under-shirt. She then undid her hair bun, letting her long, curly, rose-red hair fall over her shoulders and below her waist. She crawled underneath the blankets of the bed and sighed once more. Finally. A real bed to sleep in after three days... she thought with relief and contentedness as she drifted off into a deep sleep. . . . . . . . .


It's dark... No, wait. There's a light up ahead. I'll walk towards it. I'll walk, walk, walk... I step through the light. I look around. It's beautiful-- is it heaven?--, but something seems eerie. So eerie. This isn't heaven... I see someone approach me. They look... familiar. She glares at me. I back away a little. It's Karin. I swallow the lump in my throat before I feel someone behind me. I turn around, and Joanne is standing right there. I try to say something, but I cannot speak; I am mute. All that escapes my lips are inaudible whispers.

"How could you?" she asks me. I am confused. What does she mean? How could I do what?

"You've gone too far!" Karin yells at me through a sob. What did I do? Joanne grabs me by my shoulders and I am frightened.

"You've killed her!" She growls at me. Killed her? Killed who? Who did I kill?

"She was your first companion!" Karin screams at me, causing tears to well up in my eyes. I am scared. What have I done wrong? Joanne grabs me by neck and I find it hard to breathe. What do I do? I grab her wrist in futile attempt to pullher hands from my purpling neck.

"You are hated now. You killed. You are a disgrace to all. You are a traitor. You're sentence..." she starts. My sentence? What does she mean? "Is death." My eyes widen and I writhe and kick at her. My kicks and hits don't seem to faze Joanne or Karin. They force me to kneel on my knees as they hold my arms painfully behind my back. I try to scream, but it is still just a whisper. Joanne grabs me by my hair so that my head is being held facing straight forward.
I then see someone else stepping down from the darkening clouds. Who is this?

"Eulalia," she says gently but firmly. She is holding a deadly-looking sword. What does she plan on doing with that? I look at her, breathing heavily with fear and adrenaline as fearful tears stream down my face. Then I realize. My sentence is death. But why? What have I done that is so wrong? "You are no longer worthy to live." She raises her sword and I can finally manage a scream. It all happens in slow motion. I am held in place on my knees, my face looking at whom I now presume to be Sophia, my hands held behind my back, the sword coming at me before it hits my neck--

"NO!!!" Eulalia screamed as she sat bolt upright. "Stop! Stop!" she wailed through sobs, shaking as she buried her sweat-drenched face in her hands. Strands of her hair were plastered to her face with sweat. Her face and eyes were red from crying, the sobs wracking her entire body as she struggled not throw up from fear. "I-I-I haven't done anything wrong..." she stutters as her lips quiver.

[rocklobster]

--Adarah--
"You are correct,Yagami." Adarah said as she gleefully watched Eulalia's nightmare. "To truly defeat Joanne, I have to steal her own pawns from her and promote them into my legion. I am already succeeding, you see. You must never tell Eulalia that Berenike is still alive. If she learns, her human side will attempt to overtake her. It's still there, you see, but suppressed by her lust for power.That's why I'm sending it nightmares.
--Sophia--
Sophia smiled and embraced the black dragon. "Then return to your true form, Kleon. And serve me once more." She tugged at the black dragon's skin and pulled it. As she pulled, it peeled off, as if he were shedding his skin. Underneath were shiny golden scales.
OOC: Dragons are reptiles, after all. So I figured the skin-shedding would be a good analogy.
--Joanne--
Joanne smiled and slowly dipped Chryansthe into the water. Then she brought her up and took her by the hand out of the water. She walked over to the altar and bowed before it. She pulled out a drawer and took out a small vial that smelled like cinnamon. She said a blessing over the vial before marking Chrysanthe's head with it.
"This is solfun. It's an oil we use to anoint new members of our family." Joanne explained. She drew a circle on Chrysanthe's forehead with the oil. "This symbolizes Sophia's claim on your soul. You are now officially her daughter. And you may call me nokisme from now on, if you wish. After all, I'm already calling you daughter." Joanne said with a wink. Then she took a towel and dried off Chrysanthe. "It is done. When I finish, you may put back on your clothes."
--Xavier--
Xavier beamed. "Yupolga. Hey, I noticed your sword has a name. Do you think we should name mine as well?" he asked.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He stepped back, he smiled. "Well, sure. Why not?"

~Lobinka~

Lobinka opened her eyes. She saw fire, burning down the room around her. She saw a figure standing next to a dragon in the flames. She awoke not remembering the dream at all.