Ch 57: A Job for Professionals

Following after Karis and the others, Richter and the rest of the adults stumble onto the Sacred Dragonshrine during the search. After securing Karis and Marcyl, Angelorum Lux continues the job alone.

            Richter and Elizabeth held on tight as they flew down to the mountain spring on Queen Valthrea’s back, Serius and Cortez riding at their side on Agana, and Ciestra along with a small escort flying right behind them. Having been alerted to Karis and the others’ excursion in the flying machine before they had departed, they had clearly been outdone in speed as they were only just arriving after nightfall. Landing next to the spring, they saw the crashed flying machine in the light of the moons, but could find no trace of Karis or the others. Now in humanoid form, looking greatly worried, Queen Valthrea stared out at the flying machine as she murmured, “Karis… I know you can’t swim… Don’t tell me you’re…” Trying to calm her, Cortez said, “Be at ease your majesty. My students would not sit by and allow such a thing. I’m quite sure they all must be somewhere…” 

Making her way into the spring with Richter and Agana to investigate the wreckage, as Elizabeth passed by it she noticed the large, flat circular rock near the edge of the spring and thought, “This stone… It’s different from all the other kinds of rocks in this area…” Spotting the crest with her sharp eyes, Elizabeth called out, “Richter! Come look at what I’ve found!” Turning back and making his way over to her, as he saw the crest as well, Richter said, “Could this be the entrance then?” Nodding, Elizabeth said, “Most likely.” Calling out from the water around the wreckage of the flying machine, Agana said, “There’s no sign of any of them! They must have gotten out!” Returning from searching the nearby area with the escort, Serius called out, “We’ve found no trace of them either.” The possibility occurring to him, Richter looked at Elizabeth and said, “You don’t think they could have made their way inside?” Staring at the crest, Elizabeth said, “I don’t understand how they could. I mean, we still have the key after all.” 

Shaking his head, Richter said, “That wouldn’t mean anything if they’re with Marcyl. It’s easy to forget under all this stress, but what we have isn’t a key really, just a scale from Eldritch, a sacred dragon. She can serve as a key just as much as it can.” Taking a deep breath and trying to calm down, Elizabeth adjusted her spectacles and said, “Yes, I suppose I wasn’t thinking clearly. I still find it unlikely, but I guess it’s worth a look.” As Ciestra and the escort fanned out to search the entire area surrounding the spring, the rest of the group gathered upon the large flat rock. Taking out Eldritch’s scale, unsure what to expect, Elizabeth knelt down to use it on the crest as she said, “As they say, here goes nothing…”

            Arriving in the small underground cavern, as the magical barrier around the elevator fell away and they took a look around, it didn’t take long for Elizabeth and the others to notice the open doors. Making his way to the doorway, Serius said, “It’s apparent that someone has indeed been here.” All stepping into the room with the strange device in its center, as he laid eyes on the device, Cortez said, “Not to offend anyone, but this is rather advanced technology compared to what I’ve seen most dragons using.” Interested in it as well, Richter said, “Perhaps it’s something that they received from their allies, the Observers. Who knows, it could have been Toshley who whipped this up.” Seeing sparks coming from the damaged wires, Elizabeth muttered, “Too bad he isn’t here to fix it.” Suddenly coming to life, the machine hummed and Karis appeared in a flash of light, carrying the unconscious Marcyl on her back. 

Letting out a sigh of relief, standing hunched over staring at the controls, Karis muttered, “There, finally got the damn thing to work!” Then she looked up at them all in great surprise as Queen Valthrea exclaimed, “Karis! What happened, are you both alright?!” Rushing past Valthrea up to Karis, Cortez right behind her, Elizabeth said, “What’s wrong with Marcyl?! Let me see her!” Handing Marcyl over to Elizabeth and Cortez, Karis said, “I think she’s just out cold. I don’t really know all of what happened either. First that ooze monster just rose out of the lake in the cavern and attacked us, and when it grabbed Marcyl I tried to save her. When it touched me I got really sick, but it didn’t seem to affect Marcyl at all. I passed out, and when I woke up Marcyl was on top of me, and the monster and the lake were all gone and I wasn’t sick anymore!” 

Staring at Marcyl as Elizabeth tried to bring her around, Richter said, “It must be just as Elizabeth’s grandfather wrote then. She used the power of Vas Initio. If the Embodiment of Darkness is the incarnation of destruction, perhaps she used a form of ‘selective destruction’ to destroy all the contamination in the area while leaving Karis and their surroundings unharmed.” Staring at Marcyl in shock, Karis said, “So it was Marcyl who saved me?!” Speaking up suddenly, Agana said, “I hate to interrupt everyone, but aren’t we still short two younglings?” In sudden realization, Elizabeth turned to Karis and said, “Weren’t Erika and Johnny with you as well?” Confused, Karis started to look around as she said, “They aren’t here? When the machine turned on, only Marcyl and me got sent somewhere. We haven’t seen them since.”

            Turning to Queen Valthrea, Richter said, “Your highness, I suggest you and Agana help Cortez take Karis and Marcyl back while Elizabeth, Serius, and I continue the search. It seems there may be great danger ahead.” Somewhat reluctant to leave Marcyl’s side, Elizabeth nevertheless nodded and said, “I agree. As the Dragon Queen and the Lady of the Water Dragons, we cannot put your lives at risk. From here on, this is a job for professionals.” Taking hold of Karis’ hand as she came over to her, Queen Valthrea said, “So it seems. Take care, and may the flames of courage be with you, Angelorum Lux.” Bowing her head, Agana said, “May the water’s blessing be upon you all.” 

As Cortez hefted the unconscious Marcyl onto his back, Elizabeth said, “Take care of her for me.” Nodding, Cortez replied, “You needn’t worry about her. Find Erika and Johnny, and return to us safely. After all, the academy would never be the same without our dear Headmistress.” Smiling at him, Elizabeth replied, “You won’t be rid of me so easily Cortez, especially since our new Professor and his friend are with me.” Looking at Richter questioningly upon hearing this, Serius said, “New Professor?” Nervously, Richter simply replied, “It’s a long story…” As Valthrea and the others made their exit, Richter, Serius, and Elizabeth moved onto the device, and examining the controls, Elizabeth withdrew the sacred dragon scale. Placing the scale against the crest, she said, “Here’s hoping it has enough power left. There must be multiple locations it can reach, otherwise I can’t imagine where they’ve gone. Since we haven’t tampered with the settings, I’d assume it should take us to its last destination.”

            Appearing atop the floating tower, as the three looked around their new surroundings, Richter wandered towards the stone wall as he started to say, “This is a change. I wonder where…” Seeing just where they were, Richter trailed off, and coming to take a look as well, Elizabeth said, “It’s floating?! So this is where the tower I read about was! You were right on the mark Richter! They indeed chose a location that suited their name as sacred dragons!” Joining them, Serius chimed in, “To hide something like this, they must have invoked some form of camouflage spell. If that’s the case, it’s no wonder it was never found once the sacred dragons died out.” Suddenly hearing what sounded like an explosion from far below, Elizabeth pulled herself from her thoughts and rushed to the staircase, the others following right behind her as she said, “That must have been Pyro and Johnny! They’re in trouble, let’s hurry!” 

Meanwhile, down in Pestilence’s dark chamber, Pyro and Johnny had just launched a surprise attack on the monstrosities, Johnny cutting one down with his lightning yo-yo as Pyro snapped her fingers and blew two more away in twin blasts of fire with her firebolts. The remaining monstrosity leaping up onto the ceiling, it scurried across it and fired blade-like feathers at Pyro, who barely leaped aside. Leaping off the ceiling at her as she struggled to get up, as Johnny’s yo-yo swung around and cut it down in midair, its body disintegrated instantly. Standing and looking over at him in reluctant gratitude, Pyro said, “Thanks man.” Pulling his yo-yo back to his hand, Johnny grinned smugly and said, “All in a day’s work for the amazing Johnny Spark!” Turning away from him in irritation, Pyro eyed Pestilence cautiously as she said, “Yeah, yeah, real amazing. So I guess he’s really asleep after all huh?” 

Hanging there motionless, his visible right eye closed, Pestilence indeed seemed deep in sleep, unaware of their presence. Staring at the bloodstained bandages he was wrapped in, Johnny said, “Well I doubt he’d much of a challenge with all those injuries. If he wakes up, we can just beat him to a pulp.” Moving closer, Pyro and Johnny began to gather up all five of the Dragon Gems. Not stirring from his slumber, Pestilence merely hung there as they worked. The Dragon Gems in hand, the two shot each other a grin and both of them started to walk back to the stairs. Suddenly though, Pestilence’s bloodshot eye opened, and he called out to them, “Where do you think you’re going?”

            Chills running up their spines, Pyro and Johnny turned back to watch Pestilence effortlessly break the chains that held him suspended from the ceiling, only to collapse on the floor, unable to stand upon his injured legs. Struggling to his hands and knees, Pestilence held a hand up and looked at it as he muttered, “I see. I’d forgotten I was defeated. Death must have been reviving me.” Looking up at the two as they watched him nervously, Pestilence said, “You two don’t seem like our allies. That means I can only assume you’ve come here to destroy me.” Gathering EDE, a dark aura erupted around Pestilence and Corrupted EDE quickly spread out along his legs. Floating into the air to hover just above the ground, the Corrupted EDE holding him up in the air, Pestilence formed his bow and took aim as he said, “I’m sorry to say, I will not be so easily dealt with.” 

Quickly exchanging glances, Pyro and Johnny made a break for it, rushing towards the staircase as Pestilence aimed after them. Rushing down the stairs into the chamber, Elizabeth saw Pestilence taking aim at Pyro, and as he let fly a diseased arrow of black mist, she leaped at Pyro and shouted, “ERIKA!” Tackling Pyro to the ground, the arrow grazed Elizabeth’s arm, drawing a shallow wound into her skin. Coming down the stairs with Serius, Richter formed Fragminis Caelum and opened fire on Pestilence, who began to strafe away from his fire while deflecting crystal bullets with the blades attached to his bow. Struggling up off of Pyro and clutching her arm as searing pain began to spread from her wound, Elizabeth clenched her teeth in agony, and Pyro watched her in helpless terror as she exclaimed, “Elizabeth?! What’s wrong, are you ok?!” Rushing over to her along with Johnny, Serius reached for her arm and said, “Let me see the wound Elizabeth.” 

Pulling away from him, Elizabeth said, “There’s no time, we must take the students and…” Suddenly Elizabeth’s eyes went wide, and she fell to the side and collapsed on the floor as she uttered, “AGH!” Moving on her hands and knees to Elizabeth’s side as she began to writhe in agony, Pyro hysterically shouted, “Elizabeth?! Elizabeth no! We need you! You still have to tell Marcyl too, you have to tell her! You have to!” Restraining Elizabeth’s wild movements and ripping her torn sleeve open to examine the injury on her arm, as Serius saw dark lines spreading across her skin from the wound, he muttered, “I can’t handle something like this…” Releasing Elizabeth, who had finally passed out, as it seemed Serius had simply given up, Johnny said, “Hey wait! You don’t mean she’s gonna die?!” Turning to Richter, Serius formed his full Basilisk Armor said, “Leave him to me Richter! You must get Elizabeth to the Dragon Queen! She’s likely the only one who can save her…”

            Shooting a diseased arrow from the air with his Blast Fragment as Pestilence returned fire, under cover of the explosion, Richter cautiously moved over to the others and said, “Are you sure Serius? You are slightly stronger in close combat than you are in a long range fight, while I’m the other way around.” Forming holes along his stone arms and generating vibrations within them, Serius raised both arms and unleashed a sonic shockwave just as a barrage of diseased arrows shot out at them all through the aftermath of Richter’s Blast Fragment, blowing the arrows away and sending Pestilence running for cover. Glancing at Richter, Serius simply said, “I’ll be fine.” Hoisting Elizabeth onto his back, Richter grinned reluctantly and said, “I suppose you probably will. Be careful though, I don’t want to end up being Fox’s replacement partner.” Unable to suppress a slight laugh, Serius merely said, “Honestly…” Carrying Elizabeth off with the students in tow, as Richter and the others were making their escape, Pestilence fired an arrow after them. Blowing it out of the air with a sonic shockwave, as Serius thwarted his attack, Pestilence gave him his full attention. Dropping into a battle stance, Serius said, “I shall be your opponent!” 

Meanwhile, rushing up through the tower, Richter looked back at the Dragon Gems Pyro and Johnny held onto tightly and said, “Are those the stolen Dragon Gems?! What were they doing here?!” Struggling to shake off the fear and guilt that was consuming her, Pyro quietly said, “N-No clue. Those feathered monsters from the academy were guarding them.” Nodding, Johnny had a cocky grin on his face as he said, “Yeah, but we took em out and got the gems back! Not bad, right?” Glancing at him as he straightened his crystal glasses, Richter sternly said, “Your success aside, all of you are in a lot of trouble for this whole mess! You may not be little children anymore, but whether you are adults, magic users, or energists, you need to start behaving more responsibly before you get yourselves killed!” As Pyro merely donned a look of shame, Johnny stubbornly muttered, “What’s the big deal? We’re fine aren’t we?” Quickening his pace, Richter curtly said, “Tell that to Elizabeth. Marcyl and Karis were also quite lucky to be alive.” Stirring in her pained slumber, Elizabeth seemed to be talking in her sleep as she weakly said, “It’s alright Richter… As long as they’re safe…”

            Staring down Serius, as the former Lord of Mautau stood ready to face him, Pestilence suddenly asked, “Why do you oppose me, Child of Death?” Confused by his statement, Serius looked at him strangely and said, “Child of Death? Whatever you mean by that, you’ve made a grave mistake in attacking my friends.” After a moment of silence, Pestilence said, “Such a shame. It seems the lack of dependency that made you so versatile has allowed you to forget your purpose in our prolonged absence.” Greatly unnerved by his comment, Serius said, “What are you talking about? It’s like you’re insinuating that we mautauians were…” Taking aim at Serius, as Pestilence drew back the string of his bow, he said, “I’m not simply insinuating. It’s quite true. The Children of Death were some of our greatest servants, created by Death, strongest of the Nameless One’s Four Horsemen. You served us well against the Observers, but it’s clear now that we made you too much like the mortals you were born to eradicate.” 

Staring at Pestilence in shock, Serius thought, “Impossible! It’s true that I once believed our kind was descended from a race which the Nameless One had belonged to, but now we are mere creations? Servants, whose lives were brought into being solely for the purpose of destroying others?” Seeing the shock in Serius’ eyes, Pestilence said, “Sorry to soil your apparently deep respect and admiration for your people’s heritage, but you won’t have to worry over it for long. Now that the Four Horsemen are reborn, this world will soon fall before your creator’s glory.” Pestilence let fly an arrow of corrosive white mist this time, but shooting it down with a sonic shockwave, Serius narrowed his eyes in irritation as he said, “Respect? Admiration? Don’t insult me. I have long abandoned what I am in favor of who I am. Whether I am a creation or a servant means little to me. Even if I am born of the Nameless One himself, I will still fight against him to the very end, and bring an end to his madness!”