(I do not own rights to The Legend of Dragoon. But Esmerelda is my character!)
“So, ready to loose to me?” A young man with brown hair and blue eyes asked. He wore a red headband, upper torso armor, jeans, kneepads, and boots that were well worn, and weld a sword. Another young man with green clothes, a cape, tan pants, and blonde hair, brown eyes looked at him with shock.
“The numbers are against you, Dan.” He said.
“You’ve got two girls, Carlos. I’m so scared.” Dan said. The young woman on the right of Carlos glared. She had silver hair and blue eyes, wearing an elaborate shirt that had tropical type print. She wore jeans under it.
“Just give Esmerelda her Dragoon spirit back!” She yelled.
“Silvina, I only justify what should be.”
“For the one millionth time, Miranda did not ask for it. Why do you want to go around, healing every one, anyway? You get to blow up monsters, set them on fire! I only pity Esmerelda, because of her mother being who she was; she has to stay in Demigrad Palace with you!” Carlos growled. Dan started tossing a small white orb in the air and catching it.
“Now Dan.” The young woman to the left of Carlos said in a stern tone. She wore a white long sleeved shirt with a silver vest over it Her brownish red eyes could just be seen under her blonde hair, and they were glaring. The silver vest didn’t flinch at the wind that came, or her white long sleeve shirt and black pants.
“You can’t kill me.”
“He drags the whole prince thing way to far.” Silvina said.
“He’s right.”
“Esmerelda!”
“Watch.” She said as Dan tossed the precious Dragoon spirit in the air again. A wind appeared and Carlos was in heavy Jade Dragoon armor, Silvina followed in water. In the distraction as Dan had to dodge their spells, Esmerelda took a blunt wooden pole the size of an arrow from her quarrel and placed it in her crossbow. Just as Silvina and Carlos ran out of Spirit Points, Esmerelda released it. It hit Dan dead on between the legs, causing him to topple over and drop the Dragoon spirit. Esmerelda ran over and picked it up. It resonated as it went on her belt once again. Queen Emilie came out and asked what happened.
“They beat me up!” Dan yelled.
“Their spells were aimed near, but away from you, and I didn’t even hit you with a real arrow.” Esmerelda exclaimed.
“Do I have to tell Queen Shana, your mother, about you lying?” Emile asked.
“Um. You see…” Dan started.
“I can explain. While we were all sleeping, Dan got up, went to my belt, and tried to steal my Dragoon Spirit again!” Esmerelda explained.
“You father, Dart, and your mother will hear of this. And causing this ruckus in the new wing of the crystal palace they just finished. You all will have to pay for that. But I came up to say we’re going to Furni where the Queen Fury will meet us at Dawn tomorrow. Carlos, try not to eat another big breakfast. I was going to issue invites to all of you, but Dan just lost his.” She said.
“Mom’s gonna freak if I don’t get home soon. But thank you for offering.” Silvina said before running off.
“Luanna should let me, but I’ll ask out of courtesy.” Esmerelda said. Carlos went downstairs with his mother, and Esmerelda felt a vision coming on. She closed her eyes.
It was the Final Battle…or it looked. Melbu Frama was in his last Generation, and weak there. A woman with blonde hair, and eyes that were hidden wore a red headband with a moon on it, as well as white clothes, and an upper armor bit. She seemed to be fading fast. There was a sudden white beam around her. When it faded, she wore a white armor. It had wing coming out of its back.
“Gates of Heaven!” The young woman cried. A huge blinding light was seen, and when it faded, every one of the others and her were healed. The trance then ended.
“Mom…” Esmerelda whispered. She walked down the stairs. One thing was unusual about her birth. She was born about ten years before everyone else. So while she was Twenty-three, they were fifth teen or Sixteen. Miranda, her mother, had married her father in secret. And when she was born, her mother had gone for a walk and disappeared. Luanna had agreed to foster her ever since.
“Luanna?” Esmerelda asked.
“Yes?”
“Can I go to Tiberoa with Carlos and his parents tomorrow at Dawn?”
“Why not?” Esmerelda jumped with glee and ran to her room to pack. She ran as fast as she could to Furni through the forest. As guessed, she stopped by The Wingly forest. Silvina actually got Meru to let her go. So they got to Furni together at about midnight, and the inn actually had beds. Esmerelda climbed to the top bunk and fell asleep in an instant, Silvina soon following.
Esmerelda found herself in a strange room. She was standing on air. When she moved, startled, she started to fall over. She grabbed on to the invisible tile and saw it had been rigged, no way to get past it. Her hand started to slip, when someone grabbed her arm. He was kneeling on a tile on the other side. He had blonde hair, hazel eyes, and wore green torn clothing, and an upper torso armor plate, almost completely gone. After she was successfully up, Esmerelda collapsed.
“Thank you for saving me, Sir…” She said.
“Lavitz. Lavitz Slambert.” He said.
Where am I? Last I checked I was in the Inn at Furni.” Esmerelda asked.
“You are in Mayfill, Death City. You either died in your sleep, unlikely since you aren’t bleeding or old, or your one of those people who gets spurts.” Lavitz said. She noticed a jagged scar near the tear.
“Spurts?”
“Stuff that happened that you need to see, or when you see something realistically, so realistic, that your mind wanders. If you had fallen and this was a spurt, your body would have died with your mind.” He explained.
“Whoa. I guess I owe you double.” She said.
“Careful! There isn’t a tile there.” Lavitz warned as Esmerelda got up. She quickly moved elsewhere. Lavitz got up and guided her to a safer area.
“So. How long have you been…um...” Esmerelda started.
“Dead? About twenty seven years.” He said.
“Who would kill you?”
“Huh. Well at the time, over a hundred Sandorian soldiers. But it was their spy named Lloyd. But I attacked in fury, and he attacked in self defense. I don’t blame him for my mistake. I waited for him, to say I didn’t blame him, but he never came. I guess someone healed him. Just as well, the less souls here, the better.” Lavitz said. They talked a little, when Esmerelda realized she was…flirting! Well, anyway, something went by her shoulder. She dodged another, apparently dart.
“Zackwell’s followers!” Lavitz said, pushing her out of the way of another. She caught that they were filled with a liquid, undoubtedly poison. Lavitz lounged for a javelin on the wall and yelled
“Gust of Wind Dance!” Kicking several of them. Esmerelda drew her crossbow and put an arrow in. A dart headed straight for her, but Lavitz blocked it.
“AHH!” Esmerelda screamed, waking up. Silvina was still sound asleep, and dawn was approaching. Esmerelda was perspiring to the point of being soaked when she woke up Silvina. They grabbed their bags, a small snack at the lobby, and headed for the docks. Lavitz…was dead…spurts…Mayfill? Why can’t I drive him out of my head? Esmerelda thought. A woman with blonde hair who wore a blue cap with blue clothes.
“Are you heading for Donau?” She asked.
“Yes.”
“Commodore Kayla, at your service.” She said, leading the way in. Carlos was playing on the main deck, and Silvina soon joined him. Esmerelda headed up to the crow’s nest. Time passed, and Esmerelda was very glad she hadn’t had much to eat. On the way down, she ran into Emilie.
“Oh. Sorry, your highness, my mind was elsewhere.” Esmerelda tried to say.
“It was my fault. Silvina sent me to look for you. I’m glad, for you look awfully pale. What’s wrong?”
“Well, my stomach is usually good on boats, but it’s been in knots. And I can’t get this guy out of my head.”
“Oh. I know what is wrong.” Emilie said.
“What?”
“They are connected. You’re in love.” Esmerelda stumbled back.
“Love? But I never even had a crush on someone!” She yelled.
“Suit yourself, but it is what happened. You might sleep on it.” Emilie suggested. Esmerelda ran over to a bunk bed and closed her eyes.
An area full of rubble settled and a cloud of smoke diminished. A man with silver hair and brownish red eyes was on the ground. His black vest with silver embroidery was blood stained, almost to his black pants. He had made his way to a circle of rocks, which he was in. He was on the brink of death, suddenly, a little bit of gravel rustled. He looked around, alarmed, but too weak to move. A woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, a red headband with a moon on it, white clothes topped with leather armor near the top ran over. A bow and quarrel were strapped to her back.
“How did you find me?” He asked.
“You bled a trail over the barren rock and in the cracks of the earth, now hold still.” She said. She went into her bag for something.
“Miranda…I killed a noble knight…I stole all of the divine moon objects…I helped summon that thing…” He said.
“You helped us defeat it, Lloyd. For that you are forgiven.” Miranda said, taking out a small white orb. She held it over him.
“Powers of Light, I summon you.” She whispered. A silver aura surrounded Lloyd. A flash went through the area, and the wound was gone.
“Wha?” Lloyd asked.
“Your still weak. You’ll need some rest before you can keep moving.” Miranda whispered, holding his head up like a new born child. He fell asleep in her arms.
“Esmerelda! We’ve docked!” Silvina said, waking her up. Esmerelda got out of the bed and looked for her bag. My dream was a spurt of something that happened. She thought, finally finding it.
“How long was I out?”
“Almost the entire boat trip.” They got off the boat and discovered the wonders of Donau. Silvina dragged Esmerelda towards the tavern.
“This where Mom met Dart, Shana, Rose, Albert, and Hatchel!” She cried. Esmerelda sighed and decided to get ready for a trip across the barren wasteland. She planned to visit Shirley’s Shrine, Bale, Hoax, Seles, Lohan, and possibly the new and improved Kazas. But she would have to stop at Fletz! Silvina would surely follow. Carlos spotted them and insisted that they come with him and his parents to Fletz. So they had to squeeze in with Prince Carlos, King Albert, and Queen Emilie. Luckily, the carriage was large. Esmerelda was next to Silvina and a window. She dozed off in the sun.
“Esmerelda?” Someone behind her asked. She flung around.
“Lavitz! I thought you were a goner.” Esmerelda yelled.
“You can’t kill what’s already dead.” He muttered. They were below the invisible tiles this time.
“Esmerelda, it’s funny. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since you last spurt here.” Lavitz said.
“Not that. The same goes for you when I’m not spurting.” Esmerelda said.
“I think…this will sound funny…I’m in love with you.” He looked down.
“Esmerelda. I was fated to die young. There was a reason. I know it. Nothing can happen between us.” He said.
“No! Lloyd was fated to die with the rest of the world! Soa’s fate for the world was to destroy it! But it all lived! Everything! You are free to sever the chains of fate that bind you.” Esmerelda cried. Lavitz looked up.
“You were kept here for a reason. If you were meant to die, you would have left Mayfill long ago. I’ll get to you outside of a spurt. I’ll find a way.” She said. Her eyes started to well up with tears. Lavitz walked over and held her close.
“I guess I can’t argue with someone as stubborn as you.” He said. Esmerelda jerked her head up.
“Stubborn? Surely you mean strong willed.”
“Stubborn.”
“Strong willed.”
“Stubborn.”
“Strong willed.”
“Fine.” Lavitz said, giving up. Suddenly, he was forced to push her out of the way of a green blob.
“Feybrand…” He said.
“Go.”
“No for two reasons. I don’t know how. Two, I’m not going to abandon you!” Esmerelda said. She placed a detonating arrow in her crossbow. Just as Feybrand’s head appeared, it got pierced in the eye. Next thing that could be made out was Feybrand’s head exploding! Esmerelda suddenly realized she was fading, and fast.
“You’re waking up!” Lavitz exclaimed.
“What? No!” She cried.
“ESMERELDA! We’re almost there!” Silvina yelled, waking her up.
“Wha? Oh.” Esmerelda said. Carlos looked excited. A young woman was apparently waiting for them.
“Aunt Lisa!” He yelled, running out of the carriage.
“Carlos! You get bigger everyday.” She said as Albert helped Emilie out of the carriage. Silvina and Esmerelda were invited to the castle, and Esmerelda saw a startling picture on the wall. She stopped, staring at it.
“Lavitz?” She whispered. No mistaking those eyes. Hmm… She thought before seeing a man in purple clothing. He had black hair and squinted eyes. She looked at Silvina, and they both ran over.
“Uncle Haschel!” They both yelled, running over, careful not to hug the eighty-nine year-old to hard.
“Silvina. Esmerelda. You both look like your parents every time.”
“You knew my parents?”
“All but one of the second generation Dragoons knows! They had their marriage at my village.” He said.
“Who was my father?”
“Nice try, but if they didn’t tell you, there is a reason, plus I have to go to my village soon.” He said. “Apparently Agilis has risen again. Don’t want anyone going to Zenabtos and finally Mayfill.”
“You can get to Mayfill from your town?”
“It’s the only way. I should not have said that. I should not have said that.” Haschel said, walking away. Esmerelda dragged Silvina to a corner.
“Remember when you wanted Carlos to notice you because you had a huge crush on him?” She asked.
“Esmerelda, what does that have to do with Mayfill a-you have that look in your eyes. What are you up to?”
“Consider it a call I.O.U., but we’re going to Mayfill.”
“Death city? Are you nuts?” Silvina said covering her eyes.
“Come on.”
“Are you doing the puckered out lip quiver and puppy dog eyes and whine?”
“No.” Esmerelda said, twitching her nose. Silvina moved a hand away from her from an eye.
“Agh! You got me.” Silvina said. They crept into the basement while no one was looking.
“To heavily guarded on this side.” Esmerelda said.
“This side? Not only is Kongol, the earth Dragoon, guarding this side, there is no other side unless you climb from the throne room and drop on to the mass or crow’s nest!” Silvina yelled. A glow entered Esmerelda’s eyes.
“I’m not climbing.” She said as Esmerelda dragged her to the throne room.
“Do you have a spirit potion?” She asked.
“Yeah. Why?” Silvina answered.
“We aren’t going to climb, we’re going to fly down there.”
“Fly? I only have one spirit potion!”
“You also have natural wings.”
“Fine, but while we fly, you have to explain why we are doing this.” She said, handing her the delicate bottle.
“Deal. Do you know what a spurt is?”
“Yeah. You had one?”
“Two actually. They both took me to Mayfill, where I met Lavitz Slambert.”
“I’m getting the I.O.U now. Transform quick! I hear voices.” They dove down beside the wall, and Lisa came in with Carlos beside her.
“Can I come?” He asked his aunt.
“Next time.” Lisa said, patting him on the head. They heard footsteps came towards the Balcony.
“Hold your breath.” Esmerelda whispered.
“What now?” Silvina muttered.
“Pray he doesn’t look down, and don’t do so yourself.”
“Why n-AHH!” Esmerelda smacked herself in the head as Silvina screamed.
“At least we’re on the wall where only one person can see us.” She muttered.
“Silvina? Esmerelda? What are you doing down there?”
“Long story. Quick ref is we’re trying to stall away on the boat so we can get to the outcast village that Haschel lives on.” Esmerelda said.
“I know there has to be more then that, but hang on a minute.” He said. So he transformed and came along. They were able to steer when Kongol wasn’t looking and hid behind some Crates that had all but a small crack between two of them, and an even larger crate was place over tem so that the trio was almost completely hidden. Esmerelda looked through the crack.
“Keep quiet till we land.” She said before leaning against a crate. She fell asleep.
“There’s another one! Ghost cuffs!” An impish demon said spotting a woman with red hair who wore a flowing white dress. She was hovering over the ground, with a wave of her hand, disappeared. But suddenly, she became visible with dark binds around her wrist.
“Forget it Shirley, we have you pegged.” The imp said.
“Zackwell failed to do this, so will you, Wart.” Shirley said.
“Why is that?”
“You still have to catch three people. Zieg, Rose, and Lavitz. None of them will be easy.” Shirley said.
“Zit! Stand guard here.” Wart yelled before starting to move. Suddenly, Esmerelda appeared.
“Another one!” Wart yelled, taking out a pair of the Ghost cuffs and tossed them at her hands.
“You! Tap my binds!” Shirley yelled.
“What?” Esmerelda asked blankly.
“Just do it!” Esmerelda caused distress with breaking her own binds and she tapped the binds. They separated into spare energy.
“NO!” Wart yelled.
“This way!” Shirley said, guiding Esmerelda. They appeared in a small room after going through a wall.
“Esmerelda!’ Lavitz cried, seeing her.
“Oh Esmerelda. K-OW!” A man with blue eyes, blonde hair, and red armor said as Rose elbowed him in the gut.
“Thanks Rose.” Lavitz said.
“What happened? Why are you all hiding?” Esmerelda asked.
“Zackwell’s followers came up with a cuff to hold souls. They have been trying to use us as their slaves. They caught the other four first generation Dragoons, but that’s why they caught Shirley, because we were helping the others.” Lavitz explained.
“They still have Kazas.” Shirley cried.
“It’s okay. We’ll break him out next time.” Rose said comfortingly.
“I can help, and who knows how long I’ll be in this spurt.” Esmerelda. said.
“Their cuffs don’t affect her, and if she touch ours, we’re free.” Lavitz noted.
“Fine we can try again now. But we all go! And we have to stop by one room that I discovered not to long ago.” Rose said, guiding us to a certain room. There was a cylinder in the center of the room, held together by magic that also kept it form hitting the roof or floor. A man was wearing black robes with a black hood that had silver at the base was in the room, typing on a strange computer. It wasn’t a computer at all. It was just a series of switches. He turned around, and was startled. They could tell he gave Rose a look that said it all.
“Professor, this is Esmerelda, Lavitz, Shirley and Zieg. I wanted to see your progress.” She said in response. Esmerelda looked at the cylinder. In it was…
“MOM!” She yelled, running over.
“She was severely wounded not long after your birth. My healing process would be complete, except I don’t have-There they are! All in one place!” He was interrupted by Wart. They ran out, as to not damage the delicate material in their fight. Arrows flew, swords clanged. Even Lavitz was up for a fight. Rose was competing against Wart, who took out a pair of the cuffs. Her hands bound Rose just looked at him.
“What are you thinking?”
“This!” She said, kicking him. He fell to the ground and she ran over to Esmerelda.
“Could you?” She said, back kicking Zit in the face. An arrow bounced against her dark armor.
“No problem!” She said, tapping it. Lavitz was backed on a wall.
“Lavitz! Hang on!” Esmerelda said, running over.
“Esmerelda.” She attempted to tap it with a fading hand.
“No. Not now!” She said, attempting to hit the cuffs with her other hand. It was almost gone.
“Esmerelda.” A portal opened up behind her.
“Lavitz!” She yelled before awakening.
“Esmerelda.” Silvina whispered again.
“This better be important.” Esmerelda said through gritted teeth. Carlos was trembling.
“Turn your head slowly and look at the crack.” He instructed. Esmerelda remembered where they were and did so. Her hair stood up.
“Kongol.” She breathed, seeing the scarred eye.
“Understand why I woke you from that spurt?” Silvina whispered in her lowest voice. Esmerelda couldn’t breath. Kongol got up.
“What’s that sound?” Silvina asked. Carlos and Esmerelda said in both unison and horror:
“He’s drawing his Axe!” They have yelled, half whispered. They all crawled to the other side of the crates. Sure enough, the blade came in, followed by the rest of the axe, just where they were sitting a moment ago. It left and they heard stomps. They all took in a deep breath.
“How long were we sailing?”
“Before the scar showed up, a few hours. We should be almost there.” Carlos said.
‘Um. Guys? Why is there a sudden burst of light?” Silvina asked, seeing her shadow.
“Kongol picked up the crate.” Esmerelda said, looking at the bigger shadow.
“Run?” Silvina suggested before they were all picked up.
“Put me-Ack-at least grab-cough-my-ow-shirt!” Esmerelda said, grabbing at her quarrel strap that was in a choking position. Silvina was upside down, the hammer had slid out the other way, and Carlos was dealing with the same problem for his cape had been grabbed.
“Why-cough-did I go-Ack-for the heavy duty leather?” Esmerelda moaned.
“Commodore Kayla! Stowaways!” He said, thrusting them to the ground.
“I assume you have-Carlos, Esmerelda, and Silvina! Why are you here?” Kayla asked seeing them. Esmerelda made the one-minute sign before falling over.
“My friend suffers lack of AIR!” Silvina said, shooting a glance at Kongol. Esmerelda awoke soon enough.
“Um…Commodore? Can I speak to you in private?” She asked. They managed to get the persistent Silvina out and Esmerelda explained it all.
“So you met a guy in a spurt, in Mayfill, and because you woke up, he may be lost.
“Yes.”
“Oh. So that’s who this Lavitz is.” Silvina said from her hiding spot that just made it through a hole in the roof.
“What is directly above us?” Esmerelda asked.
“The kitchens.”
“SILVINA! IF YOU ARE STILL THERE WHEN I GET THERE, YOU ARE DEAD!” Esmerelda yelled. There was a scramble of feet as Silvina fled and Esmerelda scrambled past Kongol, who followed with curiosity. The chase was on as everyone watched.
“We should help Silvina because if not, there will be another war between Winglies and humans.” Kayla said. Kongol agreed, who waited till Silvina passed and grabbed Esmerelda’s vest. Esmerelda’s hands were just inches away from Silvina’s throat when she jerked back. Silvina approached.
“Sorry. But, did you have any plans going on?" She said before having to run again.
“Just like Miranda and Meru when she found out about Miranda and-I see you behind the crate, Esmerelda.” Kongol said.
“When do I learn who my father is?”
“When fate permits it.”
“You-fought-fate!” She spelled out.
“You probably met him already.”
“That guy at Mayfill that I met during my spurt?” She asked. Kongol raised an eyebrow.
“You are going to Mayfill?” Kongol and Haschel asked together.
“Yes. Why?” Esmerelda asked.
“She hasn’t explained the whole thing to me!” Silvina yelled.
“We’re coming to.” Haschel said.
“You and Kongol?”
“I have to go to Agilis anyway.” suddenly, the ship lurched.
“Commodore! Whirlpool!” The man at the crow’s nest said.
“I volunteer to try and appease it!” Esmerelda exclaimed before transforming and flying towards it.
“She’ll kill me if I don’t come.” Silvina said before hovering over.
“Silvina isn’t very good about strategy, and if Esmerelda goes in rage she forgets almost everything.” Carlos said before transforming himself.
“Only way to tag along.” Haschel said before transforming himself.
“Old Man goes, Kongol follows.” Was all the Giganto said before transforming himself. So the five Dragoons flew to the twig in the sea. No sooner then they had entered, the sea swallowed it.
“Just like last time.” Haschel said. They approached a wall.
“It won’t budge!” Esmerelda said, ramming it. Kongol prepared to-ahem-tap it with his axe, when Haschel mentioned the teleporter was behind the other door. They walked on it and soon saw hundreds of robots around the busy street.
“We stay here. Wink took over after recovering, so we can get her to house us.” Haschel said. His companions nodded and the three younglings followed the only remaining dragoons of the second generation. Wink was entertaining some robots with a story when she saw them coming. She ran up.
“Miranda!” She yelled, hugging Esmerelda.
“Huh? No! This is her daughter, Esmerelda.” Kongol explained. Wink stared at e.
“True. The eyes are-her father’s.” Wink went silent with Haschel’s look.
“When? When do I learn who my father is?” Esmerelda asked, walking to another room.
“She just walked into the sleeping quarters. You are free to stay here as long as you need. Why, dare I ask?” Wink said. The four shrugged.
“Help! We call upon the Fighters of Fate!” A young girl of sixteen, at most, yelled in pain. She was rather pretty, silver blue hair, and she wore knee long pants. Her shirt, torn and worse at places, was blue. A heavily armored man snapped his whip.
“Quiet mermaid!” He yelled. His whip was caught. He looked down at the person who caught it. He laughed.
“We already controlled you once, why not again, Lavitz Slambert?” He laughed.
“Because, Bardel. A call to a generation that has Magic will not go unheard. And I have put up preventions to it.” He added hastily. The Wingly laughed.
“That Esmerelda character? She disappeared when needed most.”
“Not of her own choice.” The cloaked figure appeared.
“You! What do you know of our master’s plans?” Bardel hissed.
“That you plan to destroy hundreds of souls so he will come back?” The cloaked figure asked.
“You realize that you need a living being, right? Outside of a spurt?” He added.
“That’s where the girl comes in. We had certain orders on this guy as to lure her here. But you would do if you didn’t always disappear.” Bardel said. The man disappeared as a small gasp was heard. Bardel flipped around, but saw nothing. Damia smiled.
“She was here the whole time.” She referred to Esmerelda.
“Your Master will not be happy.” Kazas added. Lavitz was silent. He was endangering his soul, everyone else’s soul, and Esmerelda’s life.
Esmerelda awoke, perspiring. Wink was the only one awake, or so she could tell by Silvina’s snoring. She walked out to the sacred sister.
“Couldn’t sleep?” She asked as Esmerelda sat down. The young woman gulped and explained everything. Time passed as she did. Wink thought for a moment, then horror spread upon her face.
“I heard of it from one of the robots. If all the souls in Mayfill cannot leave, and are all there, at least seven Fate Fighters of different elements, if he can capture a living being, soul, mind, and body, and he or she is used as a sacrifice a soul may be revived. The catch is, the person must do it willingly. If they release Lavitz, they have no leverage. You have to willingly lie on the pedestal while the spirit who dreams of life sits on the stone chair directly at an angle from the pedestal. The catch to that is if he or she is not living, the spirits will slowly go where they are meant. It would take at least a week for it to work, but it could not be undone. If a dead soul gets stabbed while lying on the pedestal, it fails and the dreamer diminishes.” Wink explained what she knew. Esmerelda stared out.
“Do you have any suggestions? I can’t die, that would be worse trouble, I can’t go alive, and I would loose all I was fighting for and die anyway, as well as let who ever the Master is loose.” Esmerelda asked.
“I know one thing-if it’s forgetting it all, forget that.” Esmerelda said.
“No. Now listen carefully.” The reddish blonde haired woman explained her plan.
Morning came and Silvina got up yawning. Esmerelda was filling and labeling the water sacks with symbols.
“Esmerelda? Is something up?” Her friend asked. Silvina looked worried.
“Each bag has a different blend. Mine has a hidden property. Yours produces magic, and everyone else’s provides spirit points.” She said silently. Carlos eventually rose and gathered his items. Esmerelda already had hers at her side. Kongol and Haschel got up about the same time. Wink waved at them from a hovering seat. Esmerelda jumped when Haschel said it was selected to teleport to Mayfill.
“I’ll go first.” She said. She stepped on the platform and turned around.
“No matter what happens, I better state this. Silvina, as annoying as you have been, I somehow always valued your friendship. Haschel, Kongol, I appreciated your training. Carlos…do me a favor and take care of Silvina.” Esmerelda said before motioning to Wink as she disappeared. Wink cut the wire.
“What was that all about?” Silvina asked as she stepped up.
“HEY! It won’t work.” She said, stomping.
“That part was her idea. In three hours, I restore power to it and you join her.” Wink said dryly. Silvina ran into Carlos and cried.
“No need for tears. You’ll all see her soon enough.” An evil voice said. They turned around.
“You!” Haschel said in a despising tone before a spell was cast.
“HEY! BARDEL! OVER HERE!” Esmerelda said, darting behind a wall. The Wingly flipped around. He sent Wart, who came flying back. Rose stepped out.
“Over here, bozo breath.” She scoffed before running away from her pursuers. Esmerelda stepped out of the corner and ran in the room they had been guarding, slamming the door behind her. A flaming blade was at her neck in a matter of seconds.
“It’s me! I come to help, Lloyd.” Lloyd brought his hood down.
“How did you guess?”
“Same reason you are helping your wife recover. The pieces formed soon enough, and the I realized who you were, and how I get spurts, and the spurt that told me you two were in love.” Esmerelda said with a grin.
“I knew it. Haschel owes me one thousand gold pieces. We bet it would take you twenty-five years to figure it out. I guess he figured if he was wrong, he’d also be dead.” Lloyd said, smiling at his daughter.
“I need something else. What is missing from the cure?” She asked.
“The Moon Dragoon.” He said, staring at the slot where it would go.
“I may be able to help.” She unsnapped her belt and took out the orb and handed it to her father. Esmerelda walked out without another word. She checked the area and made sure no unwanted eyes saw her. But it was well disguised anyway. She drank some water and clutched the vile in her hand, placed it in her pocket and took out her crossbow and a rope. She only had a small opportunity. Esmerelda wandered till only a small glint on her arrow guided her. She was about to give up when she heard a crack.
“Leave Damia alone!” A man in purple robes with spiky hair said.
“No Belzac!” Damia yelled.
“You are to be put in the ceremonial room. Dare you defy me?”
“You need seven Dragoons, and I know you don’t have Darkness, Moon, or Fire!” Kazas shouted. Esmerelda strung her crossbow when-
“YAHH!” Dan came out of nowhere and started slashing them down.
“How’d he get here?” Esmerelda hissed and bent low. She scribbled a note and wrapped it around an arrow. It made the target, getting an imp down. Dan looked at it dumbly and unrolled the parchment.
Dan you idiot! They needed a fire dragoon! Guess what you just provided? That’s right, a Fire Dragoon! Dan got a look on his face of horror. But she wasn’t done. Since you appeared, see those light energy binds? Tap them! As many as possible! That finished the note. He was about to when a huge shadow appeared. Everyone flipped round and Esmerelda gasped.
“Melbu Frama. I should have known.” She whispered. Where Dan had stood minutes before was a small ruby. The Wingly picked it up, and in the light it could be seen as a prison, that Dan was in. He took out a chain and Esmerelda gasped. There was also a yellow stone, amethyst, sapphire, and emerald on it. In them were Kongol, Haschel, Silvina, and Carlos.
“Just need Shirley and Rose. Keep your eye on the knight! He is a crucial part of the plan.” Melbu Frama said. Esmerelda aimed a sparkle arrow and shot it towards Melbu Frama. To her shock, he caught it. She ducked down as to avoid notice.
“Guards! Search the area. Only the Moon Dragoons use arrows.” He said. Lavitz struggled to break free of their grip, with no avail. Esmerelda was clueless on what to do. She heard a soft voice behind her.
“They got Rose.” Shirley said.
“And they have a fire Dragoon. Flee.” She whispered. All they need is Shirley and I! Soa help us…Esmerelda thought, knowing Melbu Frama was probing her mind. Suddenly, the shadows advanced.
“Hey! Let go of me!” Esmerelda yelled when Wart grabbed her.
“Where to boss?” The Demon asked as Zit grabbed Shirley. It’s past Zackwell’s followers? Esmerelda thought.
“Take them and the knight to the ceremonial chambers. Oh, and the Dark Dragoon.” Melbu Frama said. Lavitz and Esmerelda struggled to break free, as well as Rose. Melbu Frama entered first, followed by Wart and Zit. Lavitz and Rose had the ghost cuffs on, and Esmerelda normal. The room they entered had a pedestal in the center and a stone throne across from it. Esmerelda struggled more. Melbu Frama instructed the guards, and Esmerelda was flung in front of him.
“I suppose you think I’m evil-Think? Try know!” Esmerelda cut him off.
“Better cut to the chase. We need you to lay down on that pedestal, willingly, and get stabbed in the heart. Well?”
“(Esmerelda says a long strand of curses and swears I will not repeat)”
“Ouch.” Rose muttered. Some soldiers hung the crystals up.
“Let me rephrase that. Guards.” He snapped his fingers and Several soldiers surrounded Lavitz.
“Do it or I will be forced to destroy his soul. That should make you willing enough. And I get reborn with it.” Esmerelda shot a glance at Lavitz. The men surrounding him were making large energy balls.
“it doesn’t matter what happens to me! Don’t do it!” Lavitz yelled. Esmerelda looked down and the vile slid deeper into her pocket. She secretly grinned to herself, stopped and silently nodded. Silvina looked horrified inside the crystal, and Lavitz did outside it. Esmerelda walked over without a word. Melbu Frama sat down.
“BARDEL!” The Wingly dashed in the room and bowed.
“You know what to do.” Esmerelda did her best to made it look like heavy breathing. No one noticed her fingering the vile. Silence filled the room. Rose, Silvina, Shirley, all dragoons and x-Dragoons in the room turned away.
“No.” Lavitz whispered. There was silence, and a soft thud.
“Ha-Ha-Ha! I will rise once again-Boss-not now Bardel, and take over the world!” Melbu Frama gloated. Bardel was studying the dagger.
“What is it?” Melbu Frama asked.
“I don’t think you’ll be rising anytime soon. It looks like real trouble.” Bardel said.
“What?”
“For one thing, the souls are still here. For another, she ain’t bleeding.”
“Isn’t and, how can that be?” Esmerelda grinned widely again and got up.
“You were so predictable. In other words, you can’t kill what’s already dead.” She said. Silvina flipped around, before the crystals fell to the ground, shattering.
“The water sacks!” Silvina yelled.
“What? Noooooooooooooooooooooo!” Melbu Frama yelled. He was starting to disappear at that point. Rose jumped up.
“Careful! One of his spells can injure you for ten thousand years, and he can cast them while dying!” She warned.
“Time has come for this wing to just be gone.” He said before fading out of existence. The earth started quaking.
“He’s destroying this part of Mayfill!” Carlos yelled. Esmerelda was flung back, vile slipping out of her hand. She reached for it, bit by bit. Bardel started carving the part of rock she was on out with magic.
“Hey Bardel!” A voice said. He flipped around.
“Remember me?” A arrow found it’s way into his skull. He fell over, and disappeared. Miranda flew down and started to help the children up. Esmerelda had just grabbed the small vile and gulped down the antidote inside. She felt everything coming back to her. Just then, the rock gave way completely and she was on a cracking edge.
“Why did I give up my Dragoon Spirit?” She said, looking around. Lavitz ran to the cliff above it.
“Take my hand!” He said, thrusting it down to her. Esmerelda tried to grab it, but it was too high.
“I can’t reach!” She yelled. Zit went after the ledge with Wart, but Zit suffered a minor concussion (cough, big-cough-boulder-cough-fell-cough-on him, cough). Wart managed to knock it a little more, and hurried it, before he suffered a small burn(Cough-Fireball-cough-flew-cough-into him). Esmerelda started to slide and she grabbed the edge and tried to string her bow with an arrow that had a rope on it. It completely gave as she shot it into the area above them. She grabbed the rope, and she started wishing she had put a knot at the end of it. Esmerelda looked up to see what the arrow had grabbed, as it had just jolted.
“Oh bad.” She muttered.
“Esmerelda! Swing over, you are attached-to a stalactite or mite, unsure of which. That is cracking.” Lavitz said. She tried to climb it with her sweaty hands, didn’t get to the top, but pretty close. Esmerelda stretched her hand out towards Lavitz’s. The stalactite(or mite) cracked and Miranda dove for the rope. Esmerelda frantically tried to hold on to the end, but her hand slipped. She started regretting giving the moon dragoon spirit then more then ever.
“Esmerelda!” Lavitz yelled. Something he had never felt before, alive or dead, happened. He dove over the cliff.
“AHH!” Esmerelda screamed as she fell. I didn’t come all the way here to fall, but now what? She thought. Her eyes closed, but she felt as if she was rising. Esmerelda opened one eye out of curiosity. She got quite a shock.
“Lavitz?” She whispered, seeing it was him who was holding her up. There was a soft flapping and a breeze.
“It’s started.” Esmerelda whispered, watching as thousands of souls sprouted wings(or just being caught by shadows) and fly away. Lavitz landed where it was not quaking and let her go. Esmerelda looked up in amazement.
“Wink said it would at least take a week…” She said, shaking her head.
“It will. They are just going to see anyone who they miss.” Lavitz said. Lloyd and Miranda landed with everyone else.
“Nice plan. I know why you revealed our hiding spot.” Shirley said. Rose was sitting on the ledge next to Zieg, silent. Silvina was grinning and Miranda just ended pulling her away.
“I’m guessing your Meru’s daughter.” She said as they walked (or were dragged) off. Carlos walked away into the same room, and Kongol ended up dragging Haschel away. Shirley flew up, and away. Lavitz spoke first, breaking the silence.
“So…we’re back to square one.” he said.
“I guess.” Esmerelda said, looking down.
“There is still one thing I want to do before I leave, though.”
“What?” Esmerelda asked, looking up.
“This.” They took each other’s hands, and shared both of theirs first kiss. A ring of magic surrounded them, and Lavitz’s scar and wings disappeared. A flash drew all of their friends’ attention. Esmerelda and Lavitz walked in and Haschel and Lloyd stumbled back.
“What?” Lavitz asked and Esmerelda had a confused look on her face.
“Your wings!” Lloyd said.
“The scar!” Haschel followed with. Lavitz looked stunned himself when he realized what they were saying. Miranda just smiled.
“How did you?” Haschel asked blankly. Rose came in.
“I have a guess.” Everyone looked at her.
“When soul mates find each other, maybe something happens so that they can be together. Magic, I mean.” She explained.
“It would be reasonable.” Carlos said.
“Wink! Wink!” Esmerelda called.
“Where is she? We need her to reroute the teleporter to the entrance of Bale.” She wondered allowed. There was a spark and Wink appeared.
“Rerouted. Is there-Miranda! Lloyd!” Wink ran up to her sacred sister and gave her a hug.
“It’s been too long.” Miranda remarked. They chatted a little and then Esmerelda explained what happened.
“Well, you had quite and adventure.” Wink said. Esmerelda nodded.
“If you’ll excuse me, we have to get to Bale, and do you have a needle and green thread?” She whispered. Wink nodded and ran to get them.
“There. I think this should hold.” Esmerelda said, looking at her Handiwork. She gave the shirt back to Lavitz with the mends in it.
“Thanks. I owe you.” He said.
“Guys! We’re packed, care to come with us to Bale?” Silvina called.
“We better get there.” Esmerelda said, getting her bag.
“Bye Wink!” She yelled as she got to the teleporter. Lavitz followed and in a green flash they arrive in Bale.
“I’m assuming you know where you live?” Esmerelda said sarcastically.
“Yes. I just hope Mom is still alive.” He said as they walked through town.
“Why is everyone staring? It’s like they’ve seen a ghost.” Esmerelda asked as they made it to the well near his house.
“They have. I was dead until a few hours ago, remember?” He explained. They went to knock on the door when a man came out in a hurry.
“Sorry. Mrs. Slambert is sick, and even if she is old I-Hang on a second. Sir Lavitz?” The man asked.
“Do I know you?” He asked.
“Twenty seven years ago you gave me a piece of bread while my family and I fled Kazas. But I thought I heard you were dead.” The man explained.
“I was. Some miracle brought me back. Is my mother still alive?”
“Yes. You may not want to startle her, though I find it impossible.” The man ran towards the healers. Esmerelda and Lavitz walked inside. They climbed upstairs and Lavitz turned around.
“Can you wait a minute? I want to make sure my mom is calm to start with.” He asked. Esmerelda nodded ad leaned on a wall. Lavitz walked in the second room.
“Servi? Is that you?” A voice asked.
“No, it’s me Mom.” There was a silence and soft sobbing.
“I thought you were gone before I was. Will the miracles never cease?”
“Not right here. There is someone I’d like you to meet.” Esmerelda took the clue and stepped in. She sat down next to Lavitz.
“Mom, this is Esmerelda, Esmerelda, this is my mother.” He introduced them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Slambert.” Esmerelda said. She could see more tears filling the woman’s eyes.
Time passed and Esmerelda quoted
“I better go. Silvina is bound to be in some sort of trouble by now.”
“Go ahead. Lavitz, the city has gotten a little more dangerous at night since it happened, you better go to.” They waved and exited.
“She seemed quite nice.” Esmerelda said.
“I know. She seemed relieved. Where did they say they were heading?” Lavitz asked.
“To return Carlos to his parents. Why?”
“Just needed to know where to go.” Lavitz said as he guided her to the castle. There was a large crowd outside. Esmerelda looked at a sign and snickered.
“What?”
“They think Carlos was kidnapped.” Esmerelda said.
“Oh brother.” Lavitz said. A glint from a tower caught Esmerelda’s eye.
“Oh my gosh.” She said, realizing the tower would be a good spot for snipers. She quickly got out her crossbow and talked to the nearest guard. They spread it around. The Crowd was out soon enough, and Albert and Emilie under an awning. Esmerelda took an arrow and fired.
“GACK!” Silvina said, dropping the binoculars and falling to the ground.
“I told you the sun would cause them to glint.” Carlos said.
“I know. Why didn’t I just think when I saw the crowd to talk to a guard?” Silvina asked. She grabbed the arrow.
“Wait a minute. This is Esmerelda’s!” She exclaimed. Silvina scribbled a note and wrapped it around the arrow and peeked over the wall. Another arrow flew by her head as she ducked back down.
“Okay, plan B.” Silvina held her shining Dragoon spirit over the wall.
“Its just Silvina.” Esmerelda said. She took her own Dragoon spirit(which was returned) and flew up. Silvina flew down when she knew she wasn’t about to be volleyed by arrows. Carlos picked up Javelin and transformed. Now, as you can imagine, Albert was happy to see his son. He was even happier to see his long lost friend.
“Lavitz!” He yelled at the sight of him.
“I don’t believe it, how-Ask Carlos. He was there.” Lavitz said.
“Silvina! You staying?”
“Yeah. Tell mom I’ll be home as soon as possible.” Silvina said, waving. Lavitz and Esmerelda walked on, waving back.
Esmerelda was back in the Crows Nest, and she was staring at the sea. The difference this time was she felt fine, and Lavitz was standing beside her.
“So what’s at Demigrad?” He asked. Esmerelda smiled, at stated telling him everything that had happened after it happened, and that Dart and Shana live in Demigrad now.
“Dart and Shana?”
“About a year after it happened he finally got the picture.” Esmerelda explained.
“Oh.”
“After we tell them, then what?”
“I plan to visit Shirley’s Shrine, Hoax, Seles, Lohan, and possibly the new and improved Kazas. Even Fletz.” She said with a grin. Esmerelda closed her eyes as she felt a series of spurts.
Miranda stood on deck and was talking with Lloyd. He walked away and Meru popped her head out.
“Oh. So that’s who the mystery person is. S-AHH! HELP! MIRANDA WANTS TO MURDER ME!” She was cut off, as she had to run for dear life.
“No, I’m just going to maim you for life!” Miranda shouted, chasing after her. Esmerelda let out a giggle. The next one was at Demigrad. There was a ball going on, and Miranda was standing in the Gardens. She was sitting on a bench, staring at the moonless sky. Esmerelda opened her eyes, she knew how this one ended.
“What did you see?” Lavitz asked.
“Miranda chasing after Meru with the words I’m going to kill you coming out of her mouth.” Esmerelda answered. They both smiled.
“How romantic.” A voice said. Esmerelda muttered a curse.
“If you’ll excuse me, there will be a little REPEAT OF HISTORY!” Esmerelda said and Silvina was heard sliding down the ladder, and running. Lavitz climbed down after it was safe in that area and watched the race for survival.
“We don’t even have Kongol to hold her back.” Kayla said. Half the crew was routing for Esmerelda, the other half for Silvina.
“Do you think she’ll make it?”
“Only if she flies.” There was a wave of laughter. And Esmerelda actually calmed down.
“Land Ahoy! At Illisa Bay!” A man yelled.
“So…should we stop here for another adventure?” She asked. Lavitz nodded and they took each other’s hand before walking into town.