Ch 60: We Made a Difference

With Pestilence's defeat at Serius' hands, there is still one thing left before this crisis is to be brought to a close. Can the Sacred Dragon Gem bring Marcyl around to save the day in time?

            Riding upon Sulphir’s back, who was leading the dragons bearing the dragon knight reinforcements that had been sent to Serius’ aid, Richter used his Fragminis Caelum’s crystal glasses, the Eyes of Heaven, to search the skies for the hidden Sacred Dragonshrine. Pointing into the skies as his glasses detected it, Richter said, “Over there!” Riding through the camouflage barrier, as Sulphir laid eyes upon the fallen tower, he quietly said, “Unbelievable! The Sacred Dragonshrine existed after all?!” Nodding, Richter said, “Yes, but it was still standing before. Just what…” Trailing off as he saw Serius slumped against the side of the fallen tower, Richter’s eyes widened in concern as he said, “Sulphir, down there!” Soaring down to land a short distance from where Serius sat against the tower, as Sulphir touched down, Richter leaped off and rushed over to his comrade. 

As he drew near though, Serius opened his eyes and looked up at him as he said, “Ah, Richter… I was wondering whether you’d be able to find your way here.” Relieved, Richter smiled at him as he replied, “I was worried when the transporter device suddenly stopped working. I see we arrived a bit late to save the dragonshrine, but at least it would appear this whole mess is over.” Getting up, Serius said, “Yes, Pestilence is dead and the Dragon Gems have been recovered, along with the Sacred Dragon Gem, which holds the key to awakening Marcyl’s power. Let’s head back. I have to thank Fox once he’s back in the land of the living.” Not sure what he meant, as Serius walked past him, Richter said, “Thank him for what?” Continuing on his way, Serius merely said, “Let’s just say he can actually be quite a reliable partner. Once in a while…”

            Within a large building at Dragonroost that was being used to house some of the infected, Karis and the still unconscious Marcyl were being looked after by Agana, Elizabeth, and a female wind dragon healer in the back room where Fox was being magically preserved, his body shrouded in a veil of magical water. The effects of Pestilence’s arrow having been fully purified by Queen Valthrea’s healing flames, Elizabeth was really just standing at the side of the bed watching as Agana attempted to bring Marcyl around. Then she looked up from Marcyl’s unconscious face as the wind dragon healer came over with Karis in tow and said, “Lady Agana, I see no reason to keep the princess under further observation. Her nerves are a bit shaken from whatever happened, but other than that she’s fine.” 

Nodding, Agana replied, “Alright. Elizabeth, would you be a dear and take her out for me? I think you should talk to your students as well. They must be getting worried about their friend by now.” Reluctant to leave Marcyl’s side, it took a moment for her to reply, but Elizabeth finally said, “Yes, I suppose…” As she and Karis exited the room, Johnny and Pyro got up from where they sat against the wall of the hallway, Cortez standing right next to them. All looking rather expectant, Elizabeth could guess their question before they voiced it, and she said, “Marcyl still hasn’t woken up. Agana believes she was somehow affected by unleashing her power, and is trying to reverse the effects. She says we shouldn’t be too worried though, because it could simply resolve itself…” 

Folding his arms behind his head, Johnny sighed in relief and said, “That squirt shouldn't go scaring us! Johnny Spark's gonna get wrinkles!” Not quite as oblivious to the clear look of concern on Elizabeth’s face, Pyro quietly said, “I’m sorry Elizabeth…” Before Elizabeth could say a word, Karis quickly and regretfully exclaimed, “I’m the one who should apologize! Even though Mom told me not to go, I talked them all into helping me fly out there!” Glancing at her, Elizabeth said, “It’s true that as a princess and a Dragon Knight, you really should have shown better judgement. However, as my students, all of them should know better than to do something like this.” Looking straight at Pyro, Elizabeth continued, “Especially you Erika, seeing as you seem to have been listening in when I read my grandfather’s letter.”

Eyes wide in surprise, Pyro exclaimed, “You knew I was there?!” Flashing a triumphant smile, Elizabeth said, “No, I only suspected. When we were informed that you’d all flown off in that flying machine, Professor Cortez mentioned you went off somewhere right around the time I was meeting with Richter and the Queen, and that when you showed up again you were talking to yourself about wanting to tell Marcyl something. He thought the information would help us figure something out about where you all had gone, even though both the Queen and I already knew you must’ve been helping Karis. If you did listen in on us though, it was all the more foolish that you actually went along with all this. Marcyl’s power is our only chance to cure this disease, and you still allowed her to put herself in danger.” 

Hanging her head in absolute shame, Pyro said, “I just… I felt bad for her, and she wanted to help Karis so much… I thought if we went there to get the gem ourselves, maybe she’d remember something.” Shaking her head with a sad smile, Elizabeth said, “No matter your good intentions, you all will have to take responsibility for this and apologize to the Queen. Judging from what you’ve told me though, it seems my lack of action is part of the reason you did something so reckless.” As Pyro looked up at her in surprise, Elizabeth was still smiling sadly as she said, “I suppose that means I should have to take responsibility as well. It’s past time I faced my fears and told her everything.” 

Holding up his hand hesitantly, Johnny said in bewilderment, “Uh, can anybody bring Johnny Spark up to speed here?” Equally confounded, Cortez said, “Not to pry Headmistress, but I don’t quite understand everything you’ve been saying either.” Glancing back at the door with a bit of concern on her face, worried that her chance might not come, Elizabeth said, “I’m afraid I don’t feel like discussing it any more until I’ve spoken to Marcyl…” Looking around, as Karis just realized the person she was looking for wasn’t present, she asked, “Where’s Mom?” Adjusting her spectacles, Elizabeth said, “She went with Richter and Sulphir to dispatch reinforcements for Serius the Unbound some time ago. She told me to have someone call for her after you’d been looked at by the healers.”

            Suddenly Sulphir’s voice called out to them, “That won’t be necessary.” Coming down the hall from the front area of the building, Richter, Serius, Sulphir, and Queen Valthrea approached them, the Queen bearing the Sacred Dragon Gem in her hands. Turning to them all, slightly relieved, Elizabeth said, “I’m glad to see you both came back in one piece. We already have enough on our plate as it is.” Glancing at the door, Richter said, “Don’t worry Elizabeth, she’ll pull through. That’s actually part of the reason we’re here.” Nodding and holding up the Sacred Dragon Gem, Queen Valthrea said, “Since both my powerful healing and Agana’s expertise haven’t been able to reach her, I thought perhaps her reaction to the Sacred Dragon Gem would bring her around.” 

Staring at the gem in her hands, Serius said, “Can we be certain of this? I remember hearing we only have one chance to use its power to save Fox. If she does not awaken when the gem empowers her, would we not miss our opportunity?” Opening the door of the room and looking out at everyone, Agana said, “This is true, but if we do not revive him soon his body will deteriorate no matter what spells I place on him. Time is not on our side…” Turning to Queen Valthrea, Elizabeth asked, “What kind of chances are we looking at Your Majesty?” Closing her eyes as though to think on the matter, Queen Valthrea finally said, “Your guess would be as good as mine. I simply have a strong feeling, nothing more.” Speaking up, Karis said, “If we don’t wake her up soon, lots of our people could die from the plague! The disease has had plenty of time to spread through it’s victims’ bodies, it might be too late if we wait!” Nodding reluctantly, Serius said, “I understand.” Also in agreement, Richter said, “Yes, I believe it’s now or never.”

            Elizabeth, Pyro, Johnny, and Karis all stood behind Marcyl’s bed as the Queen slowly moved to bring the Sacred Dragon Gem closer to her, while the others stood back and watched with bated breath. The gem beginning to glow brighter and brighter as it came closer to Marcyl, as Queen Valthrea stood beside her bed and held it over Marcyl, her body began to radiate the same white light. The air of the room began to churn from the power that began swirling around her, and as she held an arm up to shield herself from being buffeted in the face by the churning air, Pyro noticed the scepter representing Vas Initio’s power had appeared in Marcyl’s hand. Pointing at it, she exclaimed, “Elizabeth, the scepter!” Staring at the scepter as well, Elizabeth said, “Yes, it seems Vas Initio’s power is awakening! But will she be conscious to use it?!” Watching as the blue gem of the scepter glowed, Johnny nervously said, “I’m thinking she doesn’t have to be!” 

Erupting from the scepter, the blue light of Vas Initio’s power radiated through the room, piercing through the solid walls of the building and shining across all of Rusfa Isles. Washing away the taint of the disease, all the residents of the islands watched the radiant blue light as it shone across the land and through the night skies. The light finally began to fade, and as everyone stopped shielding their eyes and returned their gaze to Marcyl, Sulphir hesitantly asked, “D-Does this mean it worked?” Everyone’s attention glued upon Marcyl, they all watched as she slowly opened her eyes. Smiling widely upon seeing Elizabeth and the others staring down at her, Marcyl said, “Morning! Why’s everyone standing in my room?” 

Sitting up and looking around, there were stars in her eyes as she saw Richter and all the others as well, and she exclaimed, “Oh, everyone really is here! This isn’t my room after all though…” Starting to tear up, Elizabeth took hold of her in a hug and said, “You little fool! Don’t scare me like this ever again!” Hugging her back, Marcyl said, “What’s wrong Elizabeth? Did something happen?” Suddenly remembering, Marcyl looked at Karis as she exclaimed, “Oh yeah, are you ok Karis?! What happened to the bad pudding monster?!” Unable to hold back a laugh, Karis smiled at her and said, “Stupid kid…” Smiling warmly as she watched Elizabeth embracing Marcyl, Queen Valthrea finally said, “I’m glad to see she’s back as well Elizabeth, but before you two can have a proper talk, we must hurry and have her restore Fox to life.” Releasing Marcyl from her arms, Elizabeth wiped her face and said, “Yes.” 

As Marcyl turned to sit on the edge of her bed, she asked the Queen, “But wasn’t that impossible for me until we get that special Dragon Gem?” Holding up the Sacred Dragon Gem, Queen Valthrea said, “Your friends have retrieved it for us already, along with the four stolen gems as well. I and the rest of my people owe you all a great debt, one that we may never be able to fully repay.” Turning to beam at Johnny and Pyro, Marcyl raised her arms and cheered them, Pyro smiling back as Johnny flashed a smug grin and a thumbs up. Then everyone moved aside as the Queen led Marcyl over to where Fox’s body rested.

            Holding her scepter over Fox’s body, Marcyl said, “So, what do I do?” Not having thought of this, Queen Valthrea turned to Agana as she said, “I’m not sure if you have to do anything special. Agana, wouldn’t it be fine if she just tried healing him normally?” Shrugging her shoulders, Agana said, “Don’t look at me dear, your guess is as good as mine.” Crossing her arms with an irritated look, Karis said, “Seriously Mom?! This was your idea in the first place!” Stepping up behind Marcyl, Elizabeth said, “Now don’t all panic. As the Queen suggested, why don’t we just try having her heal him?” As Marcyl formed a blue rune circle and began to heal, Elizabeth stood behind her and said, “Good Marcyl, use all the magical power you can muster and try bringing him back to us.” Pouring out healing power, as her blue rune circle began to turn white, a bright light surrounded Fox’s body, and then a blinding flash of light filled the room. 

As the light and the rune circle vanished, Elizabeth barely caught Marcyl, who fell over backwards with a dazed look in her eyes as she weakly and quite happily muttered, “Vanilla frosting…” Staring at her in confusion, Sulphir said, “Vanilla frosting?” As Pyro simply shook her head with a drawn out sigh, Johnny looked over at him and said, “Don’t ask…” As Richter and Serius quickly moved over to Fox’s bedside, Richter wondered aloud, “Did she manage to do it?!” A look of concern crossed his face as they saw no movement from Fox, but Serius simply sighed and moved closer. Raising a hand, Serius clobbered Fox on the head as he said, “Stop playing dead already! Get up!” Clutching his head as he sat up with a grin, Fox said, “Ouch! You’re really just no fun at all, you know that partner?” Greatly irritated, Richter glared at Fox as he muttered, “If it weren’t for all the trouble we went through to get you back, I would have shot you just now.” Laughing, Fox simply replied, “Great to see you too Colonel! We’ve gotta loosen you up with a few drinks one of these days!” Shaking his head, Richter could not help but smile as he said, “Yes, I’d say he’s officially back.” Nodding, a reluctant smile on his face as well, Serius said, “Indeed. It’s good to have you back, Fox the Fireflash.” Hopping out of the bed, Fox clenched a fist before him and said, “Better believe it! Let’s hear some noise!” Fox flexed his muscles and grinned widely as everyone cheered at him.

            Rushing into the room, Ciestra exclaimed, “Your Majesty! I don’t know what you all did, but that blue light just now, it’s healed everyone that was sick! We’re even receiving reports from all the outposts that were infected as well! There isn’t a trace of the disease left!” Walking over to where the still somewhat dizzy Marcyl sat with Elizabeth, Fox patted her on the head and grinned as he said, “You’ve got this one here to thank for that! Good work kid!” Blinking in confusion, after a moment Marcyl just smiled at him and said, “I don’t know what you mean Mr. Fox, but I’m just glad that you’re alive and Vasuki and all the other dragons are better!” Chuckling, Fox simply looked at Elizabeth and said, “This kid of yours has got a real pure heart Headmistress!” Serius quickly chimed in, “You might learn a thing or two from her Fox.” 

As Fox turned back to look at Serius in annoyance, Richter walked up to him and said, “At any rate, now that you’re back I have a few questions for you. Why don’t we find ourselves somewhere to sit and talk?” Smiling in spite of the situation, Fox said, “Yeah, I do owe you an explanation for what Alastor said. Let’s grab some drinks and chat.” Following Fox out of the room, Richter was surprised at how he’d known anything about what Alastor had told him, but said nothing. Rushing over to Marcyl, Karis bowed her head in gratitude and said, “Thanks so much Marcyl! I’m going to see if Vasuki’s awake!” With that she rushed out of the room, Marcyl staring after her, still looking confused as to why everyone was thanking her. 

Serius made his exit as well, slowly following after Fox and Richter, and as Agana and Sulphir were leaving, Queen Valthrea approached Marcyl and Elizabeth and said, “It’s late and both of you must be tired.” Glancing at Cortez, Johnny, and Pyro as they came closer, she added, “In fact, I’d imagine all of you are. It would be fine to leave any further discussion for tomorrow if you wish to rest.” Helping Marcyl up as she stood as well, Elizabeth sighed and said, “I’m afraid there is one thing that I mustn’t put off any longer than I already have.” Thinking this meant Elizabeth would be speaking to the Queen, Professor Cortez quickly asked, “Shall I take the students to their rooms then Headmistress?” Staring at Marcyl, Elizabeth replied, “Erika and Johnny can go if they want, but the one I need to speak to is Marcyl.”

            Turning her head to look at Elizabeth in surprise, Marcyl said, “Huh? Are you thanking me for something too Elizabeth?” Managing a laugh, Elizabeth replied, “Well that wasn’t my intent, although I probably should be quite thankful.” Elizabeth started to tear up as she continued, “Even after having to spend all these years thinking you were alone, without a family or a home to call your own, you’ve grown into such a wonderful young woman…” Tears ran down Elizabeth’s face as she clenched her eyes shut and said, “I’m so sorry Marcyl!” Looking rather confused as Elizabeth broke into tears, Marcyl said, “What are you talking about Elizabeth? I don't remember anything like that!”

As Elizabeth opened her tearful eyes in surprise, Marcyl smiled and said, “I’ve never been sad or lonely! The academy was always my home, and I’ve always had my friends and classmates with me. You and Grandpa Wormwood did so much for me by bringing me there, and you even looked out for me all the time as my guardians.” Flashing a big grin, Marcyl giggled as she added, “I’ve always kinda thought of you as my mom!” Unable to hold back tears of joy, Elizabeth wiped her face as she choked, “To say something like that now of all times…” A big smile on her face, Marcyl insisted, “It’s true, it’s true! Cross my heart!” Smiling back at her weakly, Elizabeth hesitated, but finally she said, “Then what if I were to tell you… that I am your real mother?” 

Having been listening silently with the others, Professor Cortez couldn’t help but stammer, “H-Headmistress?!” Also in disbelief, Johnny said, “Serously?!” Tension was in the air as Elizabeth awaited Marcyl’s reply, and simply staring back at Elizabeth in mild surprise, Marcyl asked, “You’re really my real mom Elizabeth? You aren’t joking?” Slowly, Elizabeth replied, “I was separated from you right after you were born, and even though you somehow made your way back to me, I only learned the truth two years ago when I read Grandpa’s diary.” Looking away from Marcyl to stare at the floor in shame, she added, “After all the time that had passed, I couldn’t bring myself to tell you…” 

Staring at the floor for a while, as she realized Marcyl had fallen silent, Elizabeth fearfully looked up at her. There were stars in Marcyl’s eyes as she stared back at Elizabeth in awe, and suddenly grabbing her in a hug, Marcyl exclaimed, “This is so cool!” Standing there in surprise for a moment, Elizabeth finally laughed and hugged her back, tears of joy running from her eyes as she joyfully said, “Easygoing as always… Richter was right, I truly had nothing to worry about…” A warm feeling in her heart from watching the two, Pyro smiled as she thought, “Good for you Marcyl, Elizabeth.”

            Making their way out of the building, Fox, Richter, and Serius could see the citzens of Dragonroost already celebrating the end of the plague, and as they received stares and cheers, they simply smiled and waved. Heading into a small outdoor facility, which was basically a bar that supplied food and drink to off duty Dragon Knights, they took seats at one of the tables set out in front of the building where the food and drink were stored. To Richter’s disdain, Fox went up to the provisioner and ordered himself a large alcoholic beverage. As he returned from placing his order and sat down, Fox leaned back in his chair leisurely, and staring at him expectantly from across the table, Richter said, “We didn’t come here to celebrate you know. The local currency the Queen supplied us with is not to be spent on something like booze.” Shrugging his shoulders, Fox simply replied, “Not like it’s a big deal for her to treat us to at least one drink after everything we’ve been through right?” 

As Richter simply narrowed his eyes in irritation, Serius shot him a glance from the seat next to him and said, “Let’s just get this over with Richter. The longer it takes, the more he’ll drink…” Heaving a sigh, well aware Serius’ words couldn’t be more true, Richter leaned against the table with his arms and donned a serious expression as he said, “Since you seem to know why I wanted to talk, I’d like to hear what you have to say about this Fox.” Looking every bit as serious, Fox answered, “It’s all true. From the moment he waltzed into Gaia and right up to the day he died in Gatria, I was following the Seeker’s instructions on how I could set hotshot down the path she wanted him to follow.” 

Moving to rise from his chair in anger, Richter started to say, “You dirty…!” Placing a hand on Richter’s shoulder, Serius shook his head and said, “Let’s hear him out a bit longer Richter. We should not condemn him without hearing his reasons.” Turning to look at Serius, Richter angrily exclaimed, “What reason could justify this?! The destruction of Gatria, Grey’s close call with death, even what happened to Matthews! It was all set in motion by his hand!” Raising a hand up, Fox said, “Hey Professor, I can’t say you’re wrong about that last bit, but could you at least hear me out like my partner here suggested before you call in the firing squad?” Settling back into his chair, Richter said, “Fine…”

            His flagon of booze arriving at that moment, Fox actually ignored it completely, waiting for the provisioner to leave before he said, “First off, I was kept in the dark as far as Gatria was concerned. Claire didn’t tell me anything about what would happen to those two, or to the city. I was more pissed than you’ve ever seen me, and after we arrived at the tower, I made it pretty clear I was done with her.” His rage diminished slightly after hearing this, but Richter still glared at Fox as he asked, “If this is true, why didn’t you inform us that the Seeker cannot be trusted?!” 

Sighing and shaking his head, Fox said, “I still wanna hope that my first impression of her was right, y’know? She’s the kinda person we could really use on our side. I met her when Alastor had me search out her tower to see if she’d be a potential ally, and it was real clear she wasn’t on his side. We had us a pretty good fight, but we called it a draw after one of my anomalies showed up with the message that my brother had died. Claire told me that I should leave Altera Veritas and help her with a plan to make Grey strong enough to take even Alastor and the Nameless One down for good, but I really didn’t feel like listening to anything at the time.” 

With painfully clear sincerity, Fox added, “Once I’d had a chance to cool off, I started thinking about a lot of things, and I finally took my leave from Altera Veritas to join up with her and see what kinda guy this hero was. I may have had ulterior motives at first, but becoming part of Angelorum Lux was something I decided without Claire’s help. I’ve never been some kind of double agent. I was just doing what Claire said because I thought it would help us save the world…” Finally taking up his drink and chugging it, Fox set the empty flagon down with disheartened look on his face and added, “Sure he learned to use True EDE and was saved by the phoenix stone and all that, but I’m still not too happy with the turnout…” 

Taking this all in, Serius shut his eyes and simply said, “It could be far worse. We thankfully did not lose Grey, and I haven’t given up on Scott just yet. Since you had no intentional involvement, the one at fault here is Claire, not you Fox.” Crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair, Richter stared at the night sky as he said, “We’ve all trusted Claire blindly until now, so it would be rather hypocritical to criticize you for it.” Shifting his gaze back to Fox, he smiled and added, “As much as I’d like an excuse to wring your neck, I suppose I’ll hold off until we see whether or not Matthews will ever regain his senses.” Laughing weakly, Fox smiled back and said, “Well, I guess that beats the firing squad…” Suddenly hearing the familiar sound of repulsion engines, Richter returned his eyes to the night sky to see the Audentia being led to Dragonroost Keep by a dragon escort, and both he and Serius got out of their chairs and hurried to see what was going on. Scrambling out of his chair after them, Fox exclaimed, “H-Hey! Don’t leave me behind with the bill!”

            Rushing with Fox and Serius up to where the Audentia was making a landing right at the gates of Dragonroost Keep, as Richter spotted Elizabeth and Cortez along with their students and the dragon rulers, Vasuki back to perfect health with Karis by his side, Richter called out, “What’s going on?” Turning around as he approached, Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips and sternly said, “We were looking for you! It seems some of the others have arrived with an emergency message, but that’s all I know so far.” Watching the Audentia touch down, Serius muttered, “No rest for the weary…” Cracking his knuckles with a smug grin, Fox said, “Who needs sleep?! Let’s kick some a*s!” 

The airship’s door opened and the gangplank slid out, and stepping out and taking a look around, Fenrip was beaming as he said, “So this is the home of the dragons! Such marvelous architecture, and all these windmills! I’ll have to do it by memory since we’re pressed for time, but I’ll definitely need to sketch it at the very least!” As Fenrip was standing there burning images into his mind, Richter pulled his eyes away from him to look at Serius as he inquired, “Who is that elven man?” Staring at Fenrip as well, Serius replied, “I’m afraid I don’t recall seeing him before either.” Scratching his head as he thought a moment, Fox said, “He’s that friend of Alexander’s. Think he said his name was Fenrip, but I didn’t hear much more than that.” 

Walking closer to the bottom of the gangplank, Richter called out, “Excuse me? Fenrip if I’m not mistaken?” Looking away from the scenery as he realized he’d gotten too absorbed, Fenrip turned to him in embarrassment and gave a slight wave as he said, “Ah, yes! I’m Fenrip Pascal, and we were sent here to tell you that we’ve found the air fortress where they’re keeping Grey and Saria!” Making his way down the gangplank as well, Schmitt said, “Yep, and Altera Veritas is hot on their trail too! We gotta hurry up and go back up all the guys and gals who’re headed out there in the Tentrion!”

            Blinking in confusion as Schmitt came to stand before him, Richter repeated, “The Tentrion?” Laughing heartily, Schmitt gestured at Fenrip and said, “Pretty nice name this guy here came up with eh? It’s the airship him and the rest of Mythra’s team picked up, and boy oh boy, wait till you see her! Titan Class Carrier Alexander says. Puts anything we got on Teramis to shame, though I’m still stickin’ with the Audentia here for the sentimental value.” Unable to believe his ears, Serius said, “Did he say a Titan Class Carrier?” Focused on a different comment, Pyro loudly exclaimed, “An airship that puts the Audentia to shame?!” Turning to her in irritation, Elizabeth adjusted her spectacles and said, “You don’t have to shout Erika, it’s late at night.” Having seen the celebration in the streets on the way, Johnny commented, “I don’t think anybody’s sleeping with all the partying going on…” 

Rubbing her eyes and yawning as she clutched the side of Elizabeth’s coat like a lost child, Marcyl asked, “Are we going then? If Grey’s in trouble, we should hurry.” Shaking her head as Marcyl stood there looking half asleep next to her, Elizabeth said, “I think all of us from Lorem Academy should just stay here and rest. This will likely be far too dangerous for any of us to handle.” Walking past Richter and over to them, Schmitt showed an apologetic smile as he said, “Alexander actually wants us to pick ya’ll up and save us another trip. Shouldn’t be too dangerous if ya’ll stay on the ship, and we’ll stick ya back at Daemonholm once everything’s over.” 

Turning back to Fenrip, who was once more looking around in awe, Schmitt said, “Fenrip, I’ll get these guys onboard. You explain the rest to the others and get things going.” Before Schmitt could usher them away though, Vasuki and Karis approached Elizabeth and the others, and Vasuki said, “It sounds as though we’re parting ways. I’ve heard of what you’ve done for our people, and I can’t thank you enough. Saving my life aside, you’ve inspired me to work hard as the new Lord of the Wind Dragons.” Smiling as he looked at Marcyl, Johnny, and Pyro one by one, he added, “After all, it seems even we younglings can make a difference, right?”

To be continued in "Path of the Chosen Ones"...

Author's Note

The end of volume 3. Originally I wrote more for vol 3, but it was too long, and the remaining chapters will be moved to the beginning of volume 4, Legend of Mautau: Path of the Chosen Ones. The fourth is still in the works, but hopefully will come out reasonably soon. I may post what I have as a placeholder in the near future, there are at least 20 or so transferred from vol 3 that won't likely see much change.

Reviews

[Arrinae]

Wonderfully done my friend. Took me some time to catch up. Can't wait to read more. Man you weren't kidding about the action. It had me on my toes.

[KeithKVH]

Thank you! I'm currently working out a number of ideas for vol. 4, but I've already gone through 5 or so chapters from the leftovers that look about ready. I've made my new cover as well, so I think once I go over all the remaining chapters and solidify them I'll turn them into a placeholder while I work on the rest. You can expect more action for sure, the Vinculus arc is what's up immediately next.