The Price of Revenge: A Bloodstained History {closed temp}

[Shadow Dragon]

"Heh, yeah; you guys have all these powers and abilities, not to mention Eric here being a dragon and all...and...what do I have?" he questioned, "Nothing but a pocket knife, a gun, and street smarts."

I attempted to reassure him, "Hey, those street smarts came in handy during our time with the BlackBloods."

"In a way, they did, but...well, now's not the time to talk about it," Sparky walked out the room, "well, I'm hungry. Let's go catch up later, OK?"

I just sat on the bed looking at the open door, knowing that Sparky was purposely evading the subject of our past, not that I could blame him as I'm still scarred by it as well. Getting up out of bed, I walk out the room and into the main area.

[ganondorf2]

"I'll be with you in a minute. Going to call someone," Nova said, getting out his cell phone and walked into an empty room.

[Shadow Dragon]

As the two of us walk down the stairs and into the main room where the others were at, Brandon spots me and smiles, then winds up catching Sparky with a cig in his hand, "Excuse me, I don't mind you smoking outside the castle, but would you please hold off while you're inside?"

"Oh, my bad," Sparky walked away in a hurry.

"Glad to see you're doing well, Shadow Dragon,"

"Nice to see you too, Brandon," I smiled, "and...sorry about last night."

"You're quite all right. Now then," he turns to everyone else, "If you are to be staying here, there's rules you must follow. No smoking within the castle; outside is fine, but discard your trash properly, and any mischief within and outside castle grounds will be dealt with personally."

"Chill out, we're not THAT kind of gang!" groaned Luke.

"Good, because if you cause trouble and try to lie about it, I can guarantee you that it will go very poorly for you." Brandon hinted at his ability, as well as another thing.

Brian blinked, "What do you mean?"

"Our laws here are of the old laws which include dismemberment of thieving hands and execution of traitors, set by the king; my father, hundreds of years ago," he explained the other thing, "and in keeping with the royal tradition, we maintain and take them very seriously."

"I've already established with them that anyone who attempts to cause trouble will be dealt with by me," said Zali, "rest assured, I won't let anyone get away with anything they're not suppose to be doing."

"Thank you, Zali," Brandon bows.

I sigh and look around the room to see Torvan sitting in a chair, having just woken up himself.

"You..." I started.

"Huh?" Torvan got himself together and looked at me, "Oh, hello." He lets out a yawn.

[ganondorf2]

Once in the room, Ganondorf called me on the phone, to which I pick up, and answered, "Hello?"

"It's me, Nova," he said.

"Where have you been?! Everyone has been looking for you!"

"I stayed overnight at Brandon's castle. I didn't want to wake everyone up. Listen, did you pick up anything from that night?"

"...Let me guess, another murder?"

"I'm not sure right now, but I do know one thing. That mass raid on London and its dragon residents are linked somehow."

"Maxwell, did this didn't he?"

"I don't think so, but once the dust settles and all are gone...he might take over."

[Shadow Dragon]

"We really didn't get acquainted last night, did we?" asked Zali to Torvan.

"You all looked busy," he replied back, "no time to meet and greet."

I then remembered what happened to Torvan those months ago, "So, are you-"

"Still injured, yes," Torvan sighed, "can't move around very much for a while."

"I figured you'd be healed by now!"

"So did we,"

"You two know each other?" asked Samantha.

Torvan smiled, "That's correct, young lady."

"It's been a long time," said Zali, "but we're acquainted with this group, too." he smirked, "and you're also one of us...aren't you?"

"You all are dragons, too?"

"Yes, we're a gang of dragons," spoke Brian, "well, everyone except Sparky."

"Do you know what an 'eternal dragon' is?" asked Zali to Torvan.

"Yeah; a dragon with no age limit," he replied, "Shadow and my son are those type. Why?"

"I'm one of them," answered Zali, "born during the 1400's."

"...And older than I," Torvan blinked.

"Ouch," Tristan backed away.

[ganondorf2]

"Do want me to meet up with you?" I asked.

"As fast as possible. You're a dragon of sorts as well," he said.

"Got it. I'll see you in a few," I said before hanging up.

Ganondorf did as well, before heading to the kitchen to join the others.

[Shadow Dragon]

I then decided to sneak away for a while, heading outside and into the courtyard of the castle, where a series of slashing sounds were heard. Peeking around a tree, I saw Night Stalker, in his human guise as Vormen, slashing up a thick tree with a sword.

"I didn't know you took up swordsmanship," I said.

"I don't," panted Vormen, as he had sensed I was there, so it was no surprise, "but it's the only thing I have to train with." He turns to me, "Not to be an ass, but why are you here?"

"Long story," I answer, not even going to mention what happened to me before that, as I took a close look at the blade, "Hey, isn't that sword-"

"Yeah, my dad lent it to me to train with," he panted, "months ago, in fact, during that living hell battle...but I never used it. I didn't know how...and I still feel like I don't."

"Tell that to the tree you just murdered," I blinked, staring at the shredded bark.

"Maybe if I did...he wouldn't be in the condition he's in now!!" he shouted with rage.

Before I could say anything, Vormen impaled the tree, which caused it to be stuck. Instead of trying to pull it out, however, he left it in there for now as he stared at it, panting.

I then try and reassured him, "But you know it wasn't your fault."

After Vormen recomposes himself, he replied, "Father can get around with the help of a cane, but he still can't defend himself. Me? I don't even know how to use a d*mn weapon outside of switch blades, so I don't know how I'll be able to defend him, or anybody else!" he admitted, eyeing the blade.

"So that's what this is about," I sighed.

[ganondorf2]

"I could train you," Ganondorf said. He was nearby, arms loosely folded and leaning against at wall. "I must apologize, but I heard the shouts. Need help with the sword?"

[Shadow Dragon]

"So, what are you and him going to do?" I questioned.

"I don't know yet," he grabbed the hilt of the blade and finally managed to rip the sword out of the tree, and carefully used his shirt to clean it with one swipe, then to Ganondorf, "no, but thank you."

[ganondorf2]

"Let me know if you change your mind," he said before looking up, to see a blue dragon in the air and said, "Ah, there she is."

[Shadow Dragon]

"Will do," said Vormen, before sensing something and looking up, as I did.

[ganondorf2]

It lands before changing to look like me and asked, "I wasn't interrupting anything, was I?"

"You're fine, G2" Ganondorf said.

[Shadow Dragon]

"Oh, it's you," Vormen said with a blank look, almost smirking to prove he was teasing.

I shake my head at that and walk toward her, "Nothing that can't be repeated. Good to see you again."

[ganondorf2]

"Same to you," I said to both men, then about the tree, "Should I ask?"

[Shadow Dragon]

"Failed sword training," Vormen sighed, "why the hell do I even bother?"

"Torvan hasn't healed from his injuries," I answer Ganondorf2.

"Just barely. And I don't know how to use a weapon," he clinches the hilt in his hand, then to Ganondorf, "I'll take you up on your offer after all, but not now." He then walks away from the group toward the castle as he decided to retire early from training.

I release a gentle sigh and turn around to follow, but was stopped, "Hey!" I turn to see Sparky walk toward me, "I wanted to talk to you, but you left without saying a word!"

"I got bored," I smirked.

"Uh-huh," he then looks over and sees Ganondorf2, "oh, hello."

[ganondorf2]

"Oh! Hi!" I said, then about the clone, "Don't mind me. I came to check on Big Guy, that's all. We keep tabs on anything going on."

I catch a whiff of alcohol from Shadow Dragon but seeing he's sober, I don't mention it. I already had to deal with things like this from some of the other members that got too curious of the stuff.

[Shadow Dragon]

I, on the other hand, was unaware that my breath and maybe my cloths still had the scent of alcohol, as my senses had gotten use to the smell by now. Sparky and Vormen, on the other hand...

"I take it you hadn't showered," said Vormen, "you reek of alcohol, and someone here smells like cigarettes."

"Sorry, I'm the cigarette culprit," Sparky sighed, "the prince already mouthed me off for it, so I don't want to hear it from you all either."

"Whatever," Vormen shook his head as he walked away, "I gotta return this blade anyway."

I watch as he walks back to the castle, then I turn back to the others, "Heh," embarrassed, I say to Ganondorf2, "I'd hug you, but I think I should shower off first."

"Yeah, your cloths smell like cider," Sparky said, "how did you manage that??"

[ganondorf2]

"If you want to do that real quick, your call. I had problems with a few of my own that got on the bottle by accident. I warned them..." I said, "The job doesn't help either. It got more crazy, after we left...more so on Ganondorf's part."

[Shadow Dragon]

"Well I'll tell you one thing, that's the last time I'll drink like that again," I sigh at this and wound up hugging her anyway, "It really IS good to see you again. Sorry for meeting back up like this though."

Sparky chuckled.

I turn back to Sparky, "And what are you laughing at?"

"'Last time'. Yeah right."

"C'mon, Sparky-"

""We haven't had the time to catch up last time we've seen each other," he replied to change the subject, turning into the sun's direction, "but it looks like we have plenty of time now." he turns back to me, "Come, walk with me a bit."

I smile at that, "Sure thing."

"You can come too if you want," Sparky said to Ganondorf2, "unless you'd rather go meet back up with your friends at the castle."

[ganondorf2]

"I'll join sure," I said then to Nova, "Are you doing the same?"

"I'm going to pass for now. I'm going to train for a little bit," he said.

I sigh and said, "Don't go overboard...like last time."

"At Brandon's Castle? I wouldn't dream it!"

"I hope you're right. You did get a strength boost so watch the power."

[Shadow Dragon]

As we walked the dirt trail, I had explained everything that happened since the last time we had seen one another. Sparky listened patiently from start to finish.

"Sounds like you've been through a lot," Sparky said, "I mean, first with this Firestorm dragon, then two more dragons-" he was referring to Haku and Tikal, "-then demons? I'd never be able to handle whatever adventures you went on!"

"That's not true," I replied, "what about those street smarts you have? Use those to your advantage!"

"Yeah right," he chuckled, "never had to use them outside the city."

I sighed to this, "I still rely on mine at times, but not enough to protect myself. I've relied heavily on instinct the whole time."

"Street smarts are good, but they can only get you so far," said Sparky, "always make sure you have a weapon on you for your protection, dragon or not."

"Don't worry about me," I said, pointing to the sword sheathed on my left hip with a belt, making Sparky shake his head.

"I'm still surprised you never took up firearms," he said, "dude, a gun can and will mow down a blade all day, any day, and you know it."

"Said the man with a switch blade," I joked, making Sparky playfully roll his eyes, "besides, guns are too easy, and you'd be amazed of the kind of weaponry I've seen that puts firearms to shame." I turn to Ganondorf2 with a smile, "Right?"

"Whatever you say. So what in the world are you doing all the way out here?"

[ganondorf2]

"Indeed," I said then to Sparks, "We've been getting reports of mass raids on our end. Of course, they come up when we just got done stopping another threat that puts the demons to shame. Gained new allies as well...though, one I'm still nervous of let alone it's hard to explain..."

I shake my head at the whole thing and said, before resting both hands on the back of my head, "When it comes to guns, that sort of thing we don't use. Big guy hates them anyway."

[Shadow Dragon]

"I'm good with blades, thanks," I agreed.

"OK, OK, I get the point," Sparky changed the subject, "mass raids? You mean-"

"I could ask you the same thing," I told Sparky about his question.

"We're on vacation...or at least we're suppose to be. Now, your turn!"

"Just wanted to get away for a while," I replied, "honestly, I didn't know I was even in the UK until I saw the castle through the fog the other day. I then wanted to go pay the prince a visit and see if an aquaintance of mine and his father were still there, but then..."

"You stopped by the tavern and had a few too many,"

"Yeah, exactly,"

[ganondorf2]

"Easy mistake," I said to that before dropping something on the ground by accident. I stop to pick it back up and continued, "I can't drink it all. Makes me sick."

[Shadow Dragon]

"You'd think it would me, too, with the amount I drink in a single night," Sparky sighed, "Well, even though I'm sorry to meet up again like this, I'm glad to see ya again, man,"

"Feeling's mutral," I chuckle. I then stopped on the trail and sniffed around, scrunching my nose in response, "You smell that?"

Sparky sniffed around, "Yeah, smells like a dead animal."

"And the scent of dragon blood,"

"I can't smell that," he replied, "so you got me beat on senses." As the two of us look around for the source of the smell, Sparky wanders off the side of the trail and nearly trips over a branch, before seeing a body in front of him, "Oh my god..."

I turn to him, "What is it, man?"

"Uh, we need to go report back to the others," he backed away in fear, "now!"

"Wait!" I shout, but he had already taken off. Afraid of what I might see if I turned my back around, I say to Ganondorf2, "I'm scared to look!"

[ganondorf2]

"That's the other thing Nova told me about," I said turning myself around and seeing the body, "Keep moving, now! We might be in danger!"

Thank goodness I'm nearby it. Ganondorf was right on the screams he heard and if we were in any danger, he would be here in a heart beat...more so me.

[Shadow Dragon]

"Yeah!" I walk ahead.

---

Sparky makes it back to the castle doors and rams them open with his shoulder, surprising the rest of his group.

"Yo man, where's the fire?!" asked Derek.

"Catching up with an old friend?" asked Zali with a smile.

"Har har," panted Sparky.

"Uh, what's up, Shawn?" questioned Tristan, "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Guys, we might have a problem,"

"What is it?" asked Brandon.

"Brandon," I panted as I arrive behind, "you said once before...that the dragons here are protected, right?"

"Yes," Brandon stood up in alert, "killing one is enough to land the accuser death by dragon's fire,"

"D*mn, ya'll DO take your rules very seriously." said Ed, blinking, "Sorry I ever doubted ya, your majesty."

"Well, you're about to have yourself an 'accuser' now, because we found something on the side of the trail!" said Sparky.

"Lead us to it," commanded Brandon.

[ganondorf2]

Ganondorf overhears this as he trained with his swords and said to himself, "I knew it...I wasn't hearing things. This is bad."

He stops and focused to watch over Brandon with his thoughts.

[Shadow Dragon]

Both Sparky and I rushed off ahead.

---

We arrive to the sight where the bodies were found; twin dragons.



Already the dragon's body had stiffened and bugs were seen going into and coming out of their open mouths; indicating that they had died just mere hours ago, but long enough for any revival attempts to become useless. On one of them, gaping holes were seen on it's chest and stomach, it's heart ripped out, while the other dragon body had it's head separated from it's neck.

Zali put his arm across his nose and mouth due to the smell of death coming from the dragons, "It's two of those drunken outsiders from Hydra Tavern last night!"

"That's what I thought," I said, "aside from the scent of death, I caught a wiff of something familiar!"

"Oh god," said Tristan.

"What the hell could've done this?" asked Luke.

"Another dragon, maybe?" asked Samantha as she stood back.

"That's what it looks like," said Zali as he examined the wounds, "maybe got into a scuffle with another wasted tavern dragon."

"I don't believe so," said Brandon, "I was told there's been an increase of dragon attacks in the area, attacking both humans and other dragons, but I doubt the taverner dragons have anything to do with it."

"Hey now, we know nothing about no attacks around here either," stated Ed, "we're just as puzzled as you are!"

"Don't worry, I believe you," reassured Brandon as he turned to the bodies, "this was most likely caused by one outside this country."

[ganondorf2]

"Curse it," I said then watched as Ganondorf rushed over as well. Changing his mind on staying back hasn't changed when there's danger.

"I thought I heard screams late last night," he said, "This type of attack feels...familiar to me..."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Let's just say, these two aren't going to be the last," he said, then asked Brandon, "May I try to get visions of what happened? It might help."