Leeta opened her eyes only to find herself standing on nothing surrounded by darkness. "Where am I?" she wondered out loud. "Cole?" Where was he? "What's going on?"
"Everything is all right, Princess Leeta," came the voice of an old man from behind.
Leeta turned around to see an elderly man wearing a closed burgundy robe. A thick, gray mustache that contrasted his purple eyes dominated his upper lip. He gave her a quirky smile and walked over.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"You can call me Zeke," he replied. "I'm a friend."
The princess folded her arms. "Okay, Zeke. Can you tell me where I am? And how I got here?"
He pointed past her. "You are on your way back to your body. Cole's use of the Time Runes sent everyone in Kalaksar to safety. I just stopped you on the way in order to give you something."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Give me what?"
"Leeta?"
The new voice made her pause. Zeke continued to smile. "I pulled a few strings."
When she moved to look at the owner of the new voice, Leeta found it hard not to start crying. Just a handful of feet away was her family. Her father, mother, and sister. "Oh," she whispered.
Hiro was wearing a gore smeared breastplate and black pants with several cuts on his face. Ninya wore what she always had, but she also sported several wounds and tares in her clothes. Her mother, though, looked as beautiful and pristine as she remembered. She wore a long red robe over a pair of black padded pants with her upper body encased in gray leather armor. Her long blue hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She gave Leeta a warm smile and opened her arms.
Leeta rushed into her mother's waiting embrace. "Oh, mother!"
Lucia hugged her tightly while stroking the back of her head. "Oh, my little Leeta. It's been such a long time."
The princess lifted her head to look over at her sister. She opened one arm so that Ninya could join in on the hug. The three women remained that way for several more moments, until Hiro cleared his throat to get their attention. Leeta raised her head to look at him.
He gave her a sheepish smile. "Don't I get anything?"
Leeta could only smile as she moved to hug Hiro. "I missed you, too, father."
She felt him kiss the top of her head. "I'm glad your safe, now, sweetie. You have a good man there." Leeta pulled her head back to give him an astonished look. Hiro smiled down at her. "Who do you think helped him get in there?" She hugged him even tighter.
"Thanks, Daddy," she whispered quietly.
"Excuse me," came Zeke's voice from behind. "I really hate to interrupt this, but the Princess needs to get going." Leeta hesitantly stepped away from her family.
"Say thanks to Cole for me," Ninya told her. "He really kicked Drathsor's ass."
"Ninya," admonished Lucia. "Good luck, my darling."
"Tell Cole it was an honor for me ," Hiro added. "He'll understand."
Leeta didn't care that the tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Goodbye. I love you all so much." The princess waved to her family once more before she disappeared.
Leeta shot up and looked around wildly. Then the memories came back. She was back in her body. The question was where? Early morning sun was coming in through a window over the bed she was sitting on. She gingerly swung her legs around the edge of the bed. The room was small and square with just a night table, oil lamp, and a stool.
The princess tried to get off the bed, but all her muscles started screaming in protest. "Owe," she groaned. "How long have I been lying here?"
The door creaked slightly as someone entered the room. "Okay, Leeta. Let's see how you're..." Carmen stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the princess sitting up in bed. "Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!"
"Carmen!" Leeta tried to say. "It's all right! Please stop screaming."
The priestess rushed over and started fussing over her. "Leeta! Are you all right? How do you feel? How long have you been awake?"
Leeta placed her hands on her friend's shoulders to steady her. "One question at a time." Once Carmen was settled down, Leeta explained everything she could remember.
The two of them were soon embracing. "It's good to see you moving again, Leeta," Carmen told her.
"Thanks," answered the princess with a smile. "How long have you been looking after me?"
Carmen leaned back and ticked off numbers on her fingers. "If my guess is right, I think we've been here for about ten almost eleven months."
"Almost a year," said Leeta in a hushed voice. "What's happening with the war?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't know," admitted the priestess. "The last time I heard anything was seven months ago when Cole passed through here."
Leeta took in this information with a single nod. "Carmen do me a favor."
"What?"
"Please use a prayer to ease away some of my soreness," she asked. "We need to get out of here and back with our friends."
It wasn't even an hour later, and the two women were packed and ready to leave the little shack behind. Leeta had turned in the sleeveless, white dress for a pair of gray slacks with a red and blue sash, and a white tunic with leather armor over it. Carmen wore deep red pants, a short sleeved white blouse with a brown vest. She placed a green and yellow headband on her forehead before climbing on to her hazel colored mount.
Leeta strapped a long sword to her white horse's saddle before climbing up. Once settled she took in a deep breath of fresh air. By the Goddess it felt good to be free again! Now all she needed to do was find one person. "All right. Let's go home." The two women lightly heeled their horses and headed east.
When his senses finally caught up to him, Cole was only slightly surprised when he found himself, Alex, Nall, Karakus, Vaul, and Lorene in Zeke's study. The Dragonmaster placed the Time Runes back in their pouch and removed his Helmet. "Zeke?" he called out.
When there was no answer he called out again. "Zeke? You here?"
The door suddenly swung open, and the old man wandered inside shaking his hands and head. "I'm very sorry. I was attending to another matter." He stopped short to look Cole over. "Very nice," he complimented with an added smile. "Very nice indeed."
Cole gave him a half smile. "Why did you bring us here?" Cole looked back at his friends. "And where's Leeta?" he asked with obvious concern.
Zeke raised his hands. "Don't worry, my boy. By now she's back in her body, safe and sound." Cole started going for the Time Runes, but the old man stopped him. "Hold on a second. I brought you here because there are a few things that need to be done."
"Uh, Zeke," interjected Alex. "Those of us who are... life impaired need to go back to the Underworld. With Drathsor gone, there's a lot of rebuilding that needs to be done."
"Don't worry yourselves about that," assured Zeke. "There are plenty of others who will look into those matters. However, it is your next points of destination that I want to talk to you about. I've talked to a few of the Decision Makers, and I've been able to work out a deal for Nall and Alex."
"Huh?" was all Nall got out.
"I've arranged it so that you two will get second chances," explained Zeke. "Nall, due to certain circumstances you have been given a complete second chance on life so that you can be with your family."
Nall was in obvious shock. The dragon slowly looked over to his hovering son. Vaul's face, however, was the perfect picture of glee. The young dragon started flying around Nall's head while cheering. While the dragons had a mini celebration, Zeke looked at Alex.
"Alex of Burg," he began. "Legendary Dragonmaster and hero of Lunar. You will also be given a second chance at life, although, it will be of a different nature than Nall's. The forces of Althena are in need of great heroes who can inspire the people. Therefore, as long as this war lasts on Lunar and the Blue Star you may exist in that dimension."
Alex was just as astonished as Nall. "Why me? I mean that I'm honored to be chosen, but why me and not Hiro or someone else?"
"Certain reasons," was all Zeke would say. "Now that this is all done, I'll send you back on your way to Ciryn-Tiell."
Cole moved in front of him. "Wait a second, Zeke. I have a couple of questions. One, why can't Karakus come back with us? And why aren't we heading back to Lunar now?"
"Simple answers," replied the old man. "Karakus has not earned a chance to come back. He still has much to atone for. And you are being sent back to Ciryn-Tiell because you need the continued aid from the Fairy Tribe. All I can say is that currently, your forces on Lunar are starting down a path towards a trap."
Cole's eyes thinned. "What kind of trap? What's happening?"
Zeke shook his head. "I'm sorry, Cole, but I cannot say more. I've already helped you all more than I should have."
The Dragonmaster nodded silently and turned away. His green eyes locked with Karakus's brown ones. "Looks like this is goodbye."
Karakus shrugged. "Don't worry, buddy. I'm okay with this. Besides, the Underworld isn't so bad once you leave the demon realms behind." The two friends clasped hands and hugged briefly.
"It was good to see you again, my friend," Cole whispered.
"It was good to be seen," answered Karakus. They broke their embrace, and Cole stepped back.
"Now, then. On your way," Zeke told them. "I've got some more company on the way, and none of you can be here when they arrive."
Cole turned his head at the sudden sound of voices coming from the hall. A slightly nasal, female one could be heard above the others. "Now don't touch anything! That especially means you..."
"All right!" shouted Zeke. He started shooing them away. "Leave!"
"Geez, calm down," whined Nall. "Cole?"
Cole retrieved the Time Runes from their pouch. He opened his hand, and the three Runes exploded in multi-colored light. With a single thought, they were transported to Ciryn-Tiell.
The portal opened up right in the center of Ciryn-Tiell and deposited its contents. Cole blinked twice to clear his vision. He smiled with relief when he saw Reinalthus standing only five feet away. Behind him were several of the other elven elders along with Jorith and a few other important looking elves.
"Welcome back, Dragonmaster," greeted the eldest elf. "I take it that your quest was successful?"
Cole nodded. "Yes. And now that I have completed my personal business, I need to return home to help fight against the Demon Dragonmaster."
"Then go," snapped a distinguished looking elf in gold and silver armor. His face was thin with a pointed nose. Silver hair was slicked back to reveal piercing blue eyes. He stood as tall as any elf, but somewhat broader in the shoulders than normal. "We do not need you or anymore humans here in our lands." There were some agreeing shouts from the now gathering crowd.
"Real friendly bunch of folks," commented Nall sarcastically.
"General Bireial, please," said Reinalthus calmly. "Remember the Dragonmaster and anyone he brings with him are our guests."
Bireial pushed past to stand between Cole and Reinalthus. "Do you forget that only a few hours ago the Dragonmaster brought a dragon right into the middle of our capital?" he shouted. "The longer he stays here, the more danger he will bring to us."
"You were not here when it happened, General," interjected Jorith. "I admit that in the beginning I was not happy about the Dragonmaster being in our realm." The ranger walked forward and pointed at Cole. "But when our weapons failed, I watched this man, this human, fight against the beast and defeat it at his own risk. Among a people who were obviously not pleased at his presence, the Dragonmaster helped to protect and save the city." Jorith looked Cole in the eyes. "That is why I now count myself honored to know him."
The General sneered at Jorith. "Perhaps your skills as a mere ranger were not enough to deal with the dragon, Sir Jorith. If I and my soldiers had been here it would have been a different matter."
"Are you saying that my skills as a sorcerer are inconsequential, Bireial?" asked Reinalthus.
"O... of course not, Elder," he sputtered. "But you were occupied with a ceremony for this human," Bireial stated with a pointed finger aimed at Cole. "If you had been able to aid in the fight, I am sure that things would have played out differently."
"That is neither here nor there," said Reinalthus. "The facts are that Cole and his companions killed the dragon at their own perils. The Fairy Tribe is indebted to them."
Cole was about to speak, but General Bireial cut him off. "But we cannot forget that it is the human war that brought that monster here in the first place!" The elf was red with rage. "We cannot allow ourselves to be dragged into a petty human conflict, again!"
"That is where you are wrong, General," Cole finally said. "The war being fought on Lunar and the Blue Star is one for all the Tribes created by the Goddess." The Dragonmaster moved to stare down the enraged Elven general. "Or have you forgotten where you come from, Lord Bireial? Did you forget that the elves are also the children of Althena?"
Cole began pacing in front of him. "Tell me, General. Have you ever heard of the Chaos?"
Bireial looked from side to side before answering. "No."
"Then let me briefly tell you what it is," replied Cole with a sideways glance. "Think of a weapon so strong, so powerful that it could destroy a god, utterly. Now, think of what would happen if this weapon realized that it was the most powerful thing in all of time and space."
Green eyes turned to bore into almond blue eyes. "That is what the Chaos is, General. A being who knows how powerful it is, and who is bent on destroying the gods and everything they created." Cole extended his right arm to point at the gathered elves. "The Demon Dragonmaster is seeking to awaken the Chaos and turn its powers on all dimensions." His eyes came back to Bireial. "Not just Lunar and the Blue Star."
"So tell me this," he continued. "Do you really think that the Demon Dragonmaster will stop with just the Blue Star? Are you really so self absorbed to think that he won't eventually find your little dimension and use the Chaos's powers to completely wipe it out?"
The Dragonmaster turned his attention to the crowd. "Tell me? Does this sound like a petty human war, now? If the Demon Dragonmaster is not stopped nobody will be safe anywhere. I have presented the truth of what is happening. And now as Althena's Dragonmaster, I ask, not order, you to please help defend your right to exist in peace."
One by one those in the crowd began to chant for a chance to fight. Eventually, it seemed like the entire crystal city was calling for arms to be taken up against the evil that threatened to steal away the peace. General Bireial stared in disbelief at the results of the Dragonmaster's speech. Cole returned his cool gaze the elf.
"You see, General. The people can see the truth behind my words. This is a fight that no one can turn away from." Cole extended his right hand. "I don't want you as my enemy, sir."
Bireial slowly extended his own hand to clasp Cole's. "I am not your enemy, Dragonmaster. I only wish for the safety of my Tribe."
The green eyed warrior smiled and nodded. "As do I."
Cole turned and walked back to his friends. Alex leaned close to him to say something. "Nice speech. Couldn't have done it better myself."
"Why thank you," he replied. Cole walked up to Reinalthus. "I take it you're on board for this."
The old elf gave him a thin smile. "I haven't been traveling in a while. It'll do these old bones good to get out."
Cole patted him on the shoulder. "Good. How long will it take to raise an army?"
"We elves are very organized, Cole," explained the elder in a professional tone. "Despite our reclusive nature, we are always ready to fight. It should take no more than a few hours to send out the call to all cities. The only question is how we will get to Lunar? First off we are too far away for a portal, and even if we were close enough the other elders and myself couldn't possibly transport an entire army."
It was Cole's turn to offer a thin smile. "Raise your forces as quickly as possible, and then just leave the rest to me." He finished his point by holding up his left hand and opening it to reveal the Time Runes.
"I really have a bad feeling about this," muttered Ruby from atop her horse.
"You and me both," agreed Connery from his own mount.
The Red Dragon of Althena and the White Dragon Knight were just one among many riders in the Stamarian army that was making its way towards Meribia. It had been a week since she had felt Cole access his powers as a Dragonmaster. It had been almost eight months since Fox had seen him in southern Stamaria. According the her Knight, Cole had been unable to use his Dragon Armor or Magic because of some mental block. The fact that she had felt him use them could only mean good things as far as Ruby was concerned.
But even with this good sign, Ruby still had a sneaking feeling of dread. A few days ago General Tiberius, the man at the head of the council that currently ruled Stamaria, had decided that it was time to take the offensive in the war. For the past four months the Stamarians had been successful in keeping the Hades Army from breaking through its border defenses. Ruby had tried to explain that this was only because the larger portions of the Hades army were on the Second Continent and the yet even larger main body of the force was still on the Blue Star. The council, however, and Tiberius, were stubborn old men. And it didn't help Ruby's argument any that there was a sudden drop off in Hades Army activity in Katarina.
So with the Hades Army suddenly scarce, the council decided to move their twenty thousand man army on Meribia. Left to either stand on the sidelines or help, Ruby submitted and committed what she could of Vane's forces along with herself, Alleia, and Connery. Fox and Narin had staid behind in the Magic City with the remaining forces as a last resort back up.
Ruby frowned as she took in the landscape. The once lush, green plains of Katarina were now gray and lifeless. Trees were bare, and there were no animals in sight. The mountains to the north look like dark blotches against the cloud filled sky. The blight that had started on the Blue Star had now spread to Lunar.
"Is there anything we can do to stop this?" she asked herself quietly.
"What's that?" asked Connery.
Ruby shook herself out her daze. "Nothing. Stay alert, Connery. We're not that far from Meribia, now. Like I said, I have a bad feeling about this."
"What are their numbers?"
Scorn was silent for a moment. "A little over twenty thousand, my Lord."
The Demon Dragonmaster smiled. "We outnumber them ten to one. Those Stamarian fools actually were stupid enough to leave their bunker."
"What are the orders?" asked Arlax.
Kole walked to the top of a hill that presented a perfect view of the marching army. "Are our forces in place?"
"We surround the fools as we speak," answered the Chaos Dragon. "We can close in at any time."
A warm wind blew past, ruffling the dark warrior's black cape. "Let them get insight of the city. Then we charge."
"As you wish," muttered the two Demon Dragons with bowed heads.
"There it is," Connery told Ruby while he looked through his telescope. "Still in ruins from when the Demon Dragons attacked."
"Something's really wrong, Mom," whispered Alleia into Ruby's right ear.
"I know, sweetie." She sniffed the stale air. "I can sense it, too."
Not even a second later a chorus of ungodly roars split the air. Ruby's head looked all around to see the same horrifying sight. A black wave of dark knights, demons, and other monsters were charging from all directions. To make matters even worse, two Demon Dragons were hovering in the air, leading the attack.
"Scorn!" hissed Alleia. Before Ruby could stop her, the White Dragon transformed and charged the Pestilence Dragon.
"Alleia! No!" screamed the Red. She flew from her saddle to transform into her full size. Alleia had already engaged Scorn before Ruby had even gained sufficient altitude to fly. Then her progress was cut off by Arlax.
"Sorry, Red Dragon," growled the purple scaled behemoth. "But I have a dance reserved for the two of us!" He opened his maw to spew a trio of purple lightning bolts.
Ruby pulled her wings in to drop under the attack and instantly countered with a cone of fire. The Chaos Dragon flapped his wings to fly over the flames. Smoke streamed from Ruby's nostrils to personify her inner rage. She roared and started to chase the Demon Dragon.
"Dammit!" cursed Connery as both Ruby and Alleia flew away. He quickly activated the magic of his Crest and lifted the Dragon Spear. "Hee ya!" the White Knight cried out as he urged his horse on.
Any defense the Stamarians had been able to put up was quickly shattered by the overwhelming numbers of the Hades Army. A pair of black knights tried to dismount Connery, but a blast of ice from the Dragon Spear easily cleared a path. The Dragon Knight helped where he could by slashing enemies from behind as he passed.
"I need to get to Alleia," he told himself. "She can't beat Scorn alone!" Connery knew that Ruby could take care of herself, but Alleia was a different story.
Yes, Ruby had been training her, but the new White Dragon of Althena was not nearly ready enough to engage in a head to head battle with a Demon Dragon. Chaos reigned around Connery. A horned demon ended up spearing his mount, forcing the small Knight to leap off and continue on foot. A sword suddenly slashed at his head!
Connery ducked, turned to face a dark knight, spun his Spear to disarm his foe, and then brought the weapon's cold edge across the enemy's chest. Next a four clawed, green scaled, five foot demon barred his path. It lunged right for Connery's throat, but the little thief quickly spun left to avoid it. He completed a full circle to drive the Dragon Spear right into the demon's back.
His instincts flared, and the Dragon Knight dropped to his knees as a ball of flame passed over his head. One roll forward and he was back on course towards where Alleia and Scorn were battling in the air. Then something odd happened. Connery realized that he was no longer being attacked. That was when the chaos parted to reveal the reason why. The Demon Dragonmaster, wielding his dark blade, was slowly walking towards him.
"What did I do to deserve this?" wondered Connery as he readied himself to face the source of the darkness covering Lunar and the Blue Star.
Alleia had been battling with Scorn for a short time now. At first her agility had given her a quick advantage. All of the Demon Dragon's attacks had continually missed, allowing her to react with quick counters. Unfortunately, the White Dragon's inexperience had started showing just as quickly when she went for his jugular. Scorn seized the opportunity and held his ground.
The Pestilence Dragon altered his angle ever so slightly, causing Alleia's bite to miss my a fraction of feet. Scorn countered with a head butt that visibly shook her. She tried to right herself, but the world was spinning too fast. Pain seared her chest as he raked her with his claws. The White went horizontal and tried to fly away. Unfortunately, Scorn's reaction was faster and his tail shot out to wrap around her neck. He yanked back, nearly breaking Alleia's neck in the process.
The muscular tail raised her up to the Pestilence Dragon's maw. "Foolish, child," he hissed. "Did you really think to stand up against me?" The tail's grip tightened cutting off Alleia's oxygen supply. "Once I finish with you, I will then fly to Vane and send it back to the ground along with all those who dwell there."
Alleia struggled to break free, but the wounds on her chest were already infected by the Demon Dragon's mere presence. With her strength and life ebbing away, there was nothing the young dragon could do. It was with her last remaining conscious thoughts, that she was able to make out a third, distinctive roar. Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind blew between the two dragons. The sheer force of the wind was enough to break Scorn's grip on her throat. Alleia flapped her wings frantically to back away from the Demon Dragon.
What happened next came completely out of the blue.
Eyes and maw open in awe, Alleia could only watch as another white dragon came out of nowhere to crash right into Scorn's back. This collision sent both of them hurtling to the ground. They landed right in the middle of the battle below forcing troops from both sides to run in terror. Alleia continued to watch in stunned fascination as the white dragon grabbed the back of Scorn's head and repeatedly slammed it against the earth.
The strange dragon then lifted Scorn's head up to his own. "You stay away from my kid, you son of a bitch!" he growled.
Then it hit her. The memories of her Aura told Alleia everything. "Daddy?"
Nall slammed Scorn's head into the ground again, but failed to noticed the Demon Dragon's tail before it wrapped around his neck.
He choked out a roar as the tail pulled him off of its owner's back. Scorn was about to press his attack, but a cone of ice from Alleia changed his mind. Realizing his true disadvantage, the Pestilence Dragon roared at them once before teleporting away.
Alleia lowered herself down to her father. "D... Daddy? Is it really you?"
Nall was rubbing his long neck, but he still managed a fangy grin. "In the fur and scales." His tail quickly shot out to swat a few demons. "I promise to explain everything later, but right now we have to help thin the enemy ranks."
Too happy to even utter an agreement, Alleia only followed her legendary father as he tore into the ranks of the Hades Army.
Ruby and Arlax were high above the battlefield. The two dragons were engaged in a deadly dogfight. Fire and lightning filled the sky as they continued to loose breath weapons back and forth. The two finally halted to hover in a stare down.
"You cannot keep up this game of cat and mouse forever, Ruby," taunted Arlax. "Sooner or later I will catch you."
"And if you do, your balls will be sorry," she growled back. Suddenly a large shadow crossed over them both. Fearing the worst, Ruby now prepared to face her daughter's murderer. Nothing could have surprised her more at whom the shadow actually belonged to.
A huge, golden dragon dropped down right between her and Arlax. Its maw opened, and a cone of golden fire shot at the Chaos Dragon. Taken by surprise, the Demon Dragon could do nothing to avoid the attack as it speared him in his black scaled underside.
Hurt, but not out, Arlax righted himself to face the new challenger. "The Gold Dragon of Althena?" he roared in disbelief. "But you were last seen with the..." He left the statement hanging.
"That's right, pal," snarled Vaul. "Wwweee'rrreee bbbaaaccckkk!" Arlax didn't even utter a curse as he teleported away.
Ruby flew over to her son. "Vaul? Honey? Is that really you?"
He turned around with a huge grin on his maw. "Hiya, Mom! Man it's so great to see you! I'd really love to explain things, but we need to get back down to the fight and help out!" With that said, he flattened his wings and dove for the battle below.
Too stunned to argue, Ruby just followed after him.
Connery tried a combination attack to his opponent's legs, followed by an up slash at the mid section. The Demon Dragonmaster parried both attacks by barely moving his Sword.
"You're too slow, Connery," Kole said in a calm, yet dark tone. "That, and you're predictable as well. You have to be inventive in your attacks. Like this."
His black bladed sword thrust for the White Knight's chest. Connery brought up the shaft of his Spear to block, but again the Demon Dragonmaster was too fast. His blade stopped in mid thrust, flipped under the Spear's shaft, and slide to Connery's right to up slap the blade end of the Dragon Weapon. The Knight could only watch as his weapon spun to his left, and then as his foe reversed his angle to slap the butt end of the Spear. The combined force of both slaps caused Connery to completely lose his grip on the Dragon Spear.
The ancient weapon flew through the air to land somewhere out of sight. "I'm dead," Connery said in shock.
"How right you are," agreed Kole. The black sword arced towards the Dragon Knight's neck only to rebound off of a white barrier.
"Leave my friend alone," came the Demon Dragonmaster's voice from behind.
No! Not the Demon Dragonmaster!
Connery spun around to see the last person he would have expected to be in this battle. "Cole!"
The Dragonmaster calmly walked past his friend, giving him a small wink in the progress. A pair of arms suddenly picked up the small Knight from behind. Connery looked over his right shoulder to see an elf girl in a combination of gold colored armor standing behind him. "You okay, little guy?" she asked.
"Y... yeah," was all he could manage.
The Demon Dragonmaster was now backing away with every step his good double took. "No!" he shouted. "How can this be? I had you broken! You were gone!"
Cole pointed the Goddess Sword at his enemy. "You did. I was. However, I've overcome those things and returned to finish what I started. Take a look around, Kole." The Dragonmaster waved the tip of his weapon over the battle going on around them. "Notice anything different?"
Connery followed the Sword. He had to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining the scene playing out before him. What looked to be hundreds of thousands of elves had suddenly appeared and were attacking the Hades Army with a vengeance. At the same time he saw two white dragons along with Ruby and a gold dragon reeking havoc through the enemy lines.
The Goddess Sword was once again pointing at the Demon Dragonmaster. "I brought reinforcements. Did you?" Cole gave his evil double a smirk.
Black power began to emanate around Kole. "No matter, Dragonmaster," he hissed. "I don't need this army to win."
Cole raised his left hand, and opened it to reveal the Pendent Leeta had always worn. "I wouldn't do that," he warned. "I know what we are, Kole. Whatever you can do, so can I." His smile became even more confident. "I also know what you're after. You won't get them all. I won't let you."
The dark power flowing around the Demon Dragonmaster ceased. "You win the day, Cole. Remember, though, the game has only just begun." He managed a smirk of his own. "See you at the finish line." Kole pulled a deformed version of the Dragon Wings from behind his cape and disappeared in a swirl of magic. The Hades Army disappeared as well.
Connery immediately ran to Cole's side spouting a million questions. "Cole! What was that all about? What did you mean? Where'd you guys come from? Where the hell have you been? What the HELL is going on?"
The Dragonmaster laid a calming hand on his small friend's shoulder. "Take it easy, Connery. Let's just say I've been around the block, and that I just bluffed our way out of a sure fired death." He turned and looked over at Meribia in the distance. "Come on. We've got a city to rebuild."
The White Knight just stood there as his friend started walking towards the city. He looked around to see many of the soldiers heading for the city. Finally, Connery just loosed a long breath and looked to the sky. "Will somebody tell me what's going on?"
"Mom!"
Ruby opened her arms to hug Vaul tightly. "Oh, Vaul! I've been so worried!" She started kissing his furry little head repeatedly. Soldiers passing by gave her weird looks, but she didn't care at all. "I haven't seen you in so long!"
"I missed you too, Mom," he said. "Although, it wasn't quite so long for me."
She looked at him funny as he sat in the palms of her hands. "What are you talking about? You've been gone for almost a year?"
"Well, time moves differently depending on what dimension one's in," he explained, although Ruby still didn't really understand what he was talking about.
But none of that mattered to her. Her adventuring child had come home safe and sound. She hugged him again. "I'm just glad you're okay, honey."
"Guess what!" he chimed. "I brought a really great surprise back with me!" He spread his small wings and floated up a little.
Ruby placed her hands on her hips. "Really? Okay, what's this 'great' surprise?"
"Hey, Red."
That voice made her next breath catch in her throat. Vaul silently flapped aside to reveal a figure standing several feet away. "This can't be real," whispered Ruby. "Nall?"
Her long dead, would be husband stood not less than ten feet away. He just stood there wearing a tattered brown trench coat, a black and white patch shirt with holes in it, and a pair of worn, padded white pants smiling sheepishly. Alleia was hovering a few feet behind him with a look of glee in her eyes.
"Is it really you?" asked Ruby.
He scratched his chin. "Well, you could pinch me to find out, but that would probably hurt. Will you just take my word for it?"
Tears running from her red eyes, Ruby ran, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him. The tears started flowing faster when he kissed back. When it ended, the Red Dragon laid her head on Nall's shoulder. "I missed you so much," she said in a choked whisper.
Nall's hand came up to pet her on the head. "I know, my love. I know. Don't worry. I'm never leaving you, any of you, again. I promise."
Ruby lifted her head up and punched him lightly in the chest. "You'd better not, you walking freezer."
He raised his right hand. "I swear on that never ending fire in your belly." That only served to make them both burst into joyous laughter that caused many a passing soldier to stop and look.
And so another week passed. Proclaimed as the hero of the battle, Cole had no problems assuming leadership of the Stamarian army. After all, he had already gained the support of the soldiers. Having the council "officially" turn it over was more token than anything else. Only a handful of days had passed, but already the land was teeming with life again. With their latest victory, the forces of Althena had driven any Hades Army influence off of Lunar's main continent. The sun had succeeded in breaking through the clouds. Grass was turning green again, and the trees were coming back to life.
Vane soon appeared over the skies of Meribia to act as a defender of sorts. Thanks to the aid of Nall, Ruby, and the rest of their family most of the damaged buildings in Meribia had been quickly cleaned out, so that the reconstruction could begin immediately. And so one week after the Dragonmaster's Return , as the battle was being called by the soldiers, Meribia was once again teeming with life. Humans and elves both walked the streets in peace while helping to rebuild what was once the greatest city on the continent.
Connery walked out of his lab wearing nothing but a grease smeared pair of overalls and a pair of goggles on top of his head. The little thief melted into the now daily traffic of the city, while reading the scroll in his hands. The heading of the scroll read "Dragonship Schematics."
"All right," he mumbled to himself. "I think I'll need about eight or ten tons of steel for the main body and interior. Then I'll need to design a new engine system along with new weapons..." Connery continued to mumble quietly as he walked blindly down the street.
While his mind was obviously occupied, his hands still seemed to have minds of their own. Every now and then one would shoot out to grab a random money pouch or two. It was on one of these random occasions that one potential "victim" grabbed the little thief's right hand before it could escape. Connery cried out as he was tugged back.
"Hey!" he shouted. "What's the big idea?" He looked away from his scroll to see who had grabbed him. Whom he saw made him forget all about the scroll.
"L... Leeta!" he cheered and hugged the princess. He moved back and started jumping up and down. "You're here! Alive! I mean I knew you were alive because Cole said so, but when I asked where you were he only said that you would be around, and then I started..."
"It's good to see you too, Connery," she interrupted while smiling happily.
Then he also noticed Carmen. "Carmen!" he cheered again. "Boy it's good to see you. Fox has been so moody without you around. I think it has something to do with pent up sexual..."
"That's enough, Connery," Carmen managed to get in, although she was smiling as well. "Do you know where I can find him?"
"Oh sure. He's just outside the city helping to get some new farms started," he told her while pointing northward.
Carmen nodded and looked to Leeta. "You going to be all right?"
Leeta gave her a reassuring nod. Connery watched her touch the princess's shoulder lightly before walking away. Leeta looked back down at him with a needful look in her eyes. "Connery, have you seen... Cole?"
The little thief tapped the side of his face. "Let me think." He looked up at the sky. "Well, it's a while past lunch. Usually he's in meetings all morning until late in the afternoon. After that one can usually find him down at the docks until it's his turn to work on repairs. He just sits there and stares out at the sea. You know..." but she was already gone.
A nice cool breeze blew off the water over Cole. Wearing only a pair of tan pants and a short sleeved forest green tunic, he just sat there staring out at the Silver Sea. He found it had a calming effect on him after having to deal with the Stamarian council all morning. The blue water rippled peacefully under the warming sun. Cole sighed and reached into his tunic to pull out the Pendent. He looked down at the artifact and smiled.
"Where are you right now?" he wondered.
Somewhere inside the city a bell rang. Cole tucked the Pendent back inside his shirt and got to his feet. "Time to get to work," he told himself. The Dragonmaster turned around to leave, but stopped in mid stride.
Standing at the end of the pier was Leeta. They both just stood there staring for several silent seconds. Then, ever so slowly, the two started walking towards each other. They finally stopped when they were less than two feet apart. Cole had to keep reminding himself to breathe, as he seemed to take her in for the very first time.
The princess wore a white blouse with a matching brown pants and vest that were both lined in burgundy. There was a white scarf tied around her neck, and her beautiful blue blond hair fell to her shoulders to be tussled lightly by the sea breeze. Her blue eyes were filled with life, and her smooth skin was slightly flushed.
"What's the matter?" she said finally with a half smile. "Dragon got your tongue?"
"It's just..." Cole swallowed and tried again. "I've had this dream so many times," he whispered. "I get this close to getting you back, only to have you disappear again when I try to touch you." He took a steadying breath. "I don't think I could handle it if you disappeared again."
Leeta carefully reached down and took his right hand in between her hands. Next, she slowly raised it to place against the left side of her face. Cole took a sharp breath when he touched her warm skin. "I'm right here, Cole. I won't disappear."
All hesitation fled at that moment. Cole's hand moved behind her head, and he pulled her into the tightest embrace he could manage without hurting her. Eyes closed, the Dragonmaster rested his right cheek on the top of her head. "I missed you. Goddess I missed you!" he said through quick breaths.
"And I you," replied the princess.
Cole moved back slightly and took her face in his hands. "I am so sorry... for everything. I never meant to shut you out. If only I hadn't..."
Leeta stopped him by placing her right index finger on his mouth. "Shhhh. None of that matters anymore. The only thing that matters is that our love allowed you to heal your heart and find me." Tears started to fall down her cheeks. "And rescue me. You could have lost your soul for eternity."
He wiped away her tears with his thumbs. "I am lost for eternity without you." They both leaned forward to touch foreheads. "I love you, Leeta. I will love you until the end of time. Never again will I let anything or anyone take you away from me." Now he was crying as well.
"I love you too, Cole," she whispered. "And I never want to leave your side ever again."
Finally, after having been separated for what seemed like an eternity, Cole and Leeta kissed. It was a deep, passionate kiss that expressed everything beyond what their words could not describe. The kiss continued even as Cole lifted her up in his arms and began to spin them around. Leeta broke the kiss to lift her head back and laugh happily. Her laughter only encouraged Cole to laugh with her and lift her higher in the process.
Despite the fact that the war was far from over, it was a small miracle this day for these two lovers. In the midst of the chaos, two souls had once again been reunited in love.