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I've continued with this story in another webpage xD
the other chapters:
Lost traveler 1: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21138550/
Lost traveler 2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21157647/
Lost traveler 3: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21232130/
Lost traveler 4: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21307276/
Lost traveler 5: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22178174/
Lost traveler 7: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/44230897/
The story starts here:
<<Doctor Nyepu>>
A voice called him in the darkness.
<<You are required in the meeting room, please hurry.>>
“And here I thought I was dreaming, damn” thought the draconic researcher, his eyes still closed, but very, very awake.
<<I’m sorry for your disappointment>> said the voice, actually sounding regretful.
“Is ok” he thought to answer the telepath that had awaken him. He knew her: a cute human mage that was a member of the mind security team of the research center. They were supposed to detect when someone’s mind was being magically manipulated or influenced. And for some reason, that a member of that team had been the one rousing him from his slumber struck him as worrying.
As he emerged from his water tank, he couldn’t help but direct his gaze towards Flare: the little red and blue bird was sleeping soundly, huddled under the handkerchief-sized blanket he’d made for her.
He allowed himself a moment to think on how cute the little Estirge girl looked when she was sleeping. The very same little girl that just yesterday destroyed the biological core que had created with so much effort and expensive materials by accident… right after breaking into a moving train. She also single-handedly slaughtered a small army of Savage Daemons, almost got him killed after unconsciously manipulating him into helping her, got him in trouble with his boss, and apparently is a lost princess who is, right now, being replaced by some mysterious clone in her home city and had asked their help. All in one day, no less.
She is also the only Estirge he’s ever met that had never had a single mate in her entire life. And not because she were ugly or something, but because she is so determined to become a heroine that never really took any interest in dating anyone.
And the cherry on top about her is that she probably is a Saha: the legendary Estirge ethnic group that had some creepy skills, like controlling people whose blood they’d drank. Just like she did yesterday, also by accident, when they first met.
She is dangerous, reckless and there is a good chance that she is actually the clone she claims the princess Flare in the Sky Kingdom’s Capital City is. And he brought her here. To their research center: a place full of delicate equipment and complex scientific projects under implementation. He did this instead of denouncing the annoying bird and get as much money for his trouble via a simple lawsuit. He even went so far as to defy a direct order from the administrator of not bringing her here, and actually said that he’ll help her solve this mess by travelling today to her home city.
“What the fuck had I been thinking?!” Nyepu managed not to yell his despairing thoughts… and contained the urge to bang his head against a wall. There was only one explanation for his weird behaviour: The Blood Control. He’d thought the spell would fade away by the time they reached City 45, but apparently, he had been too optimistic. He’d never be this stupid! This has to be that damn bird’s fault!
And probably, the administrator and Giorgio had known from the moment they entered into the research facility’s terrains.
<<You are definitely a genius, Dr. Nyepu, you managed to figure it out.>> Said the lovely voice of the human telepath in a good naturedly tone.
“Apparently not soon enough to prevent making a fool of myself” thought him defeated as he finally left the room, wearing his usual blue bio suit, but walking on a pair of strong legs he turned his hind flipper into instead of floating like he’d been doing yesterday, he needed to recharge energy to go around flying again. “And you guys knew...” he mentally accused as he reached the elevator to the first floor of the rooms’ pavillion.
<<We suspected. The Estirge’s control was too subtle to notice it by our usual methods.>> Answered the woman, sounding impressed despite herself <<The only real confirmation we had was your odd behaviour and very difficult to notice traces of her aura rubbing yours, the administrator, though, ordered us not to interfere.>>
“The little sneaky bastard… I wonder why he’d do that” he thought rhetorically. Of course he had an idea of why the Admin ordered such a thing: to keep Flare around. He must have thought the the whole thing was too weird for her to be just a simple enemy of their project and decided to check by himself, maybe he even sniffed an opportunity. And now, they were going to discuss their real next step. The Admin just played along with their horribly bad idea of going to the Sky Kingdom’s Capital City in order to not raise suspicion from Flare.
As it was in all the Civilized World, the research Center was working non-stop: groups of humans, male estirges, homunculus and dragons were moving all over the place, bringing, machines and others things with themselves to continue working on whatever project, of the many that were currently running in the research facility, they were assigned to. He sighed, feeling a little nostalgic because of the activity. He’d been away, developing his now completely lost biological device, for too long and was kind of eager to join the activities in the research facility.
<<I wytiwyg="1" need to resume my duties, Dr. Nyepu, I take that you can continue on your own>>
“I can… by the way, am I completely free of Flare’s influence?" asked the dragon as he stood in front of the double doors of the meeting room
<<I wytiwyg="1" can't detect traces of her aura on your anymore>> started the telepath <<but, as I said before, her mysterious Blood Control, as you named it, is very difficult to spot>> He could almost see her shrug <<Do whatever feels right, as you always had done.>>
“Whatever” thought him and, with a resigned sigh, he give a step forwards to be detected by the doors’ presence sensor to finally enter once both doors receded to the walls.
Giorgio and the administrator were already there, the red dragon was coiled around a puff, while the homunculus was looking boredly at his Aux, his eyes looked tired, so Nyepu thought that he was also awaken recently. When the lamb-looking researcher saw him, he beamed him a smile and saluted.
-Well, well, if it isn’t the mind-controlled dragon, how are you feeling this fine morning?- asked Giorgio.
-Ashamed and with my pride hurt, but, otherwise, I’m ok- said him. sitting on one of the puffs in the room.
-Good- interjected the Admin, all business- because we have a lot to discuss, starting for what we are going to do with that little problem you brought to us-
You’ll be back… says a strange chorus of voices in the darkness.
No.
We’ll bring you back… says many voices that sound a lot like hers.
No!
We’ll drag you back to us… says the lone voice of Nyepu.
NO!
And you’ll be ours forever… says the voice of Nyepu in tandem with her own voice in a disgustingly sweet tone.
KRA!!!
Flare’s eyes cracked open.
She was in a dark room, but it was not that horribly dark place of her nightmares. Her heart was pounding and her breath was heavy, so she took some relaxing breaths to calm herself. “It was just a nightmare” she thought, still struggling to relax “Just another nightmare with that nasty place”.
As her sky blue eyes adapted to the darkness, she checked Nyepu’s tank and felt a pang of worry when she couldn’t see the dragon sleeping in there. “He must have gone to the bathroom or something” thought herself, trying to calm her worries. That’s when her Aux began to ring inside her magical inventory. A little confused because she wasn’t really expecting a call at all from anyone, she summons her Aux and checks the caller: “The mystery cat?” thinks her, watching the contact name.
She remembers immediately, after talking with the unknown felixin who mentioned the possibility of her being manipulating her friend Nyepu with the legendary blood magic of the Saha, they exchanged contact numbers, since he said that they could help her develop her skill. She wasn’t sure of why was he calling her now, specially since she was very clear in how much she despised such powers and how busy she was. “I’m no evil manipulating witch” she thought, and answered with the whole intention of telling him so.
-Good morning, princess Flare, I hope you remember me, we met yesterday, during the train incident-
-Yes, I remember you… wait, how do you know my name?-
-I’m glad you remember me! By the way, let me introduce myself: my name is Amcel; I’m an Adeptus from this City’s branch of The Holy Darkness Church- At this info, she couldn’t help but gawk in surprise.
-You were an Adeptus?! Well that’s…! wait… if that’s true, why didn’t didn’t you said so when we first met?-
-You should come to the Temple of The Holy Darkness here in city 45 so you can see for yourself that I’m telling the truth! we may also talk about helping you in your enterprise-
-Helping me? How do you...? - began to ask the princess, beginning to feel a little overhelmed by the felixin interlocutor.
-We are the Church of The Holy Night, and you are a magician in trouble; please, let us help you- the sudden shift in the tone of the supposed Adeptus stop her cold. He sounded very serious right there. But any of this was making much sense. She took a long breath to order her thoughts, and then said:
-What do you know about my “enterprise”- asked her. The felixin mage remained silent for a moment before saying:
-Not much, just that you are intent on going to the Sky Kingdom to face a mysterious evil that is disguised as you-
-How do you know that, please answer truthfully- More silence, and then:
-Will you believe me if I tell you the truth?- asked the felixin. it was her time to remain silent. Those words had only meaning: whatever the possible Adeptus was about to tell her was going to sound outlandish.
-Would we still meet in the Temple if you tell the truth?-
-Definitely- answered the interlocutor without a hint of doubt.
-Ok… tell me…- asked her. She could here the felixin taking some air before he said:
-My master, the Adeptur Primus Celio, had had already two dreams about you… one telling him that I would meet you during the train trip, and just an hour ago, he had another one, telling him your intentions… and how it would end in disaster if you didn’t come here as soon as possible-
-Disaster?! Why?!-
-Because, apparently, the shadows you are fighting against are going to go for you… wherever you are, they will find you… your safest bet would be to stay with us- “They will find me here?” she thought, her mind suddenly invaded by the memories of how her actions brought disaster to the passengers of the train and almost costed Nyepu’s life. The research facility had very good defenses, but, why would they have to suffer for her sake? Why would anyone had to suffer for her problems? That’s when Amcel continue talking- I hope you understand that you being part of not just one, but two premonitions means that you are very important for whatever reason and we hope to be able to get more insight on what is going on with you here- That was also very strange: two premonitions? Flare would have given a leg to be a part of a heroic prophecy or something, but, right now, she was actually feeling very scared: premonitions were a big deal, since they came from the Dark God Himself. And that meant, that He had some interest in her… just when all this weirdness is going on. “What is going on at all?”
-Ok, I’ll meet you there- answered her. The Adeptus let a sigh of relief.
-You took the right decision, I’d like to escort you here if you allow me, but we don’t know where you are-
It was when she was finishing coordinating a meeting point in the dessert between the City and the Research Facility, that Nyepu entered the room. Her head turned to the white dragon and she remained silent.
-Flare?- asked him… at the same time as the felixin on the phone.
-Ahm… nothing, just my friend… ahmm… see you later- She ended the call and faced the scaly geneticist. His expression looked cooler than yesterday when they went to sleep, almost like when they met for the first time. - Hi! You slept well?- chirped her, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. He only rose of a brow:
-Good morning, princess- greeted the dragon without much emotion- considering that you are already awake, you should come have breakfast- he turn to exit the room- come on, let’s go-
-Legs?- asked her, noticing just then that Nyepu was walking instead of levitating like yesterday: a pair of legs had replaced his hind flippers.
-Yes… I need to recharge my antigravity generator- replied him -Is there a problem?- he turn in time watch her staring at his hips.
-Ah no! No problem at all!- she laugh a little with her little-bell-like laugh, happy for having red feathers covering her face. “Nice voice and also nice hips… damn… DAMN ME! I’m thinking stupid things again!” She was too focused in berating herself that she didn’t noticed her friend rolling his eyes before living the room.
Later, the two of them were in a huge room full of puffs and tables. He was having some farm-grown fried fish with synthetic bread while she was having some fruits with a farm-grown bug. the two of them were eating in silence and that was beginning to make her nervous. Back home, there was always some conversation when they met to eat at the Table of the Main Dinner Room, even when she had little to say to her family, there was always someone talking, about something; but the two of them were almost alone, and the dragon didn’t seem to be very talkative. It was when she was sucking the seasoned juices of her roasted insect, starting to think in the most stupid conversation themes possible, that the dragon called her attention to give her some interesting news: Apparently, he had a meeting with Giorgio and the Administrator:
Apparently, they decided, without even consulting with her, that their original plan to just go to the Sky Kingdom was a horrible idea and that they should stay in the research facility. Before she could object, though, the researcher mentioned that they had a very good reason for that: they were going to get help from Argenta.
Nyepu was not a happy dragon.
-Argenta?!- yelled Flare- She’s going to take forever to help us!- A valid fear from her part, but if they do things right, then the Goddess of technology, Science and Truth would come to help them in a blink of an eye.
-I understand your concern, but this is the best option- said him, keeping his cool expression.
During the meeting of this morning, the admin had been in favor of simply restrain the princess and call to the Sky Kingdom to send someone to pick her up. The research facility had many magicians and some anti-magic weaponry, a must when working so close to Savage Daemons, that they could use to keep the princess in line. This would definitely make them friends of the the Sky Kingdom’s royalty. Giorgio, on the other hand, had been in favor of at least making sure that this lady was a copy of the original princess and not the real deal, and had suggested making some tests before calling the royals, after all, something weird could be going on and Argenta would need to be notified of it. The Admin wasn’t happy with that approach, specially because it meant that they would never recover any money and would have to invest more… or more precisely, ask for more money from their investors. The way the red dragon had been looking at Nyepu while saying all this told the white dragon very clearly that his job, and reputation, was on the line.
Nyepu was no hero and after the annoying influence of the little avian had finally faded, he didn’t feel particularly inclined to take any risks for her. But just delivering her to the Sky Kingdom give them no guarantee of recieving any sort of compensation for their trouble. he knew, for what Flare told him during their trip to City 45, that she had contacted Queen Mistana, meaning the regent was aware of her existence. But why hadn’t anything about this been mentioned on the news yet? Because the Queen didn’t consider their Flare a real threat or maybe because she pretended to solve the problem with her own resources for whatever reason?… if the second option was true, then she’d probably try to silence anyone related to the whole problem.
The first possibility went down the drain when the Admin was told by a telepath that the latest news flash was exactly about that: their Flare was being branded a fugitive of the Celestial Justice and a good bounty was being offered to anyone who could capture her and bring her to the appropriate authorities. At that, Giorgio shrugged and decided that they should do what the Admin was suggesting, since there was no way Argenta would not know about this by now and most probably didn’t really care enough.
Nyepu was about to agree, thinking in how much the rest of her life was going to suck for Flare when he remembered something that Giorgio had mentioned: “...something weird could be going on and Argenta would need to be notified of it...”. If this mess was on the news already, Argenta already knows and the lack of interest from the technogoddess was suspicious at best. What if the Sky Kingdom wasn’t telling the whole story to her? Why would they do that? That certainly was very suspicious… Discovering this truth and exposing it would earn them a lot more points with Argenta, not to mention, that involving her would reduced chances of mistakes...
In other words, they were going to sent a girl to their death, for money and contacts, without even being sure if she was really a threat or a victim, helpint to hide the truth from the very being they venerate. Because offering a bounty with so many zeros meant that they were going to make an example of the little avian girl for the mere crime of existing.
Nyepu was no hero as his brethren tend to claim that they all are, but he definitely was not an evil dragon either. So he suggested to make the tests mentioned by Giorgio and bring the results and the weird behaviour of the Sky Kingdom to Argenta’s attention. If Flare was no clone, then Argenta could get the royals to back off and track the source of such a rash action. If Flare was a clone, then, even if her fate would be sealed, they could get their money and Argenta could start an investigation to make sure this never happens again; after all, the clone of a princess appearing in the middle of the ocean was incredibly strange, strange enough to be of Argenta’s interest. This would also help to his reputation, of course.
It took him some convincing, but Giorgio, being definitely a nicer person than the white dragon was, didn’t take long to agree with him and between the two of them managed to convince the Admin to keep the estirge around to make tests and inform Argenta.
So that’s how the dragon was now here, in the dinning room, trying to convince the little magical titan that she should let them make some tests on her and get help from Argenta.
-Nyepu, you said you’d help me! You said that we’d go to the Sky Kingdom right away! Or are your words worthless?!- asked her angrily, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. He sighed, somehow feeling like trash by making her cry. He was a researcher, a dragon of science: while he had no problem on telling little lies every now and then, his words were very important to him; “But they doesn’t count when i’m under someone else’ control”.
-I did, but I think I wasn’t thinking clearly- “Don’t blame her or she’d do something stupid out of spite”. He started to explain her why their new idea was the best course of action when she received a message in her Aux and, very rudely, checked it in front of him. When he noticed that she had lost any interest in his words, he asked - Anything interesting?- She remained silent for a moment, looking down at what was left of her breakfast; she then sniffed, cleaned her tears with a wing and looked him right in the eye with determination:
-Nyepu, I will leave this place-
-What?- asked him.
-What?- asked the voice of Giorgio, who had just wandered to their table, bringing a tray with some fish and fruits- what do you mean you are leaving? Nyepu?- he looked worried. The princess repeated herself to them both:
-I said that I’m leaving, I… really wanted you to come with me, Nyepu, but… but I think now that it would be ok if you stay here- she smiled, a shy smile that would be adorable if he weren’t in a panic, trying to think in a way to stop her without having to start a fight-… and don’t worry about the payment for your device, once this is all over, I’ll definitely pay for it- “As if it were that easy! But that’s not important, you can’t leave, damn it!”.
Flare had already decided, after talking with the Adeptus Amcel, that she would leave the Research Facility to meet him in the middle of the dessert, and then go to the Temple of the Holy Darkness with him. She had expected to still be with Nyepu, to tell him that she had a slight change of plans, but that they would go to her home city anyway. She hadn’t been expecting him doing something like this, not after he gave his word. she had felt furious and betrayed. But, while the dragon had been explaining himself, she got enough clarity to understand that he definitely was thinking in her well being. He wasn’t just backing away, he was proposing a different solution. But she wasn’t going to wait. She couldn’t. Moved by his display of caring and her own meditations of how others had been suffering unfairly because of her, she decided that she had to let him go. He was going to be better staying here.
-It was nice having travelled with you, Dr. Nyepu… and also, interesting having meeting you, Mr. giorgio-
-Hey! i’m also a Doctor!- replied the goat guy, she ignore him.
-Flare… please, don’t be rash!- said the dragon standing up, but Flare just some final Good-Bye before starting to fly to the exit.
-Flare!- yelled the dragon, jumping on the table to try and pursue her… only to step on what was left of her fruits, trip and ended in a heap on the floor, with his jaw and neck sore- Damn… legs…- He totally prefer to levitate.
-You ok, dude?- asked Giorgio walking to the dragon while he was getting up, when he just grunted in response, the goat smiled cheekily and said- Don’t worry, our security forces won’t let her go, so why don’t we go and relax a little while they capture her? Maybe I can give you some interesting ideas of how to use those legs of yours…- said the researcher, blushing while giving him a suggestive look. Nyepu directed him a flat look:
-First: she is a very powerful magician… she’s going to steamroll over our security forces… and even she is finally stopped, a lot of people is going to get hurt…- He started to run, with Giorgio following- and second: No!-
-Awww… You should give me a chance, dragon boy- said Giorgio with a pout, before putting on a more serious expression-… but ok, let’s focus on getting that stupid bird under control with minimal casualties-
Unaware of the worries of the dragon and the goat, Flare flew out of the pavillion they were in. The sun was already up in the sky, even if not fully over her, making the building she just came from cast a huge shadow over her. She would have love to take her time to enjoy the feel of the sun rays and the wind on her feathers, but Nyepu and Giorgio were intent on keeping her in the facility and she couldn’t allow them to follow her. So, she prepared a spell to flew away as fast as possible and get to the meeting point as soon as she could, the Adeptus had sent her a message telling her the time of his arrival to the place and she was running out of time.
Unbeknownst to her, the telepaths who detected her influence on Nyepu, and who had memorized and recognized Flare’s magical Aura, felt her starting her spell and informed the security mages and guards of the facility.
It didn’t matter. As Nyepu had said, Flare was a very powerful mage: her speed spell allowed her to escape way before the defenders could prepare a way to stop her. By the time the dragon and the goat got to the main entrance of the outpost to ask about her, she was long gone and no one knew what to do.
Nyepu, having just ask mentally if someone could track her aura, intent on being “heard” by a telepath, was soon told telephatically by the cute human girl from the morning that, on daytime, that was almost impossible, but she could tell him where the avian went since she could felt a little of her desires while she was doing her spell. With that info, Nyepu and Giorgio rode on Giorgio’s car and went to look for her, followed by a team of mages and a especialist carrying a NERV Projector, one of their antimagical weapons, riding another vehicle.
the other chapters:
Lost traveler 1: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21138550/
Lost traveler 2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21157647/
Lost traveler 3: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21232130/
Lost traveler 4: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21307276/
Lost traveler 5: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22178174/
Lost traveler 7: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/44230897/
The story starts here:
<<Doctor Nyepu>>
A voice called him in the darkness.
<<You are required in the meeting room, please hurry.>>
“And here I thought I was dreaming, damn” thought the draconic researcher, his eyes still closed, but very, very awake.
<<I’m sorry for your disappointment>> said the voice, actually sounding regretful.
“Is ok” he thought to answer the telepath that had awaken him. He knew her: a cute human mage that was a member of the mind security team of the research center. They were supposed to detect when someone’s mind was being magically manipulated or influenced. And for some reason, that a member of that team had been the one rousing him from his slumber struck him as worrying.
As he emerged from his water tank, he couldn’t help but direct his gaze towards Flare: the little red and blue bird was sleeping soundly, huddled under the handkerchief-sized blanket he’d made for her.
He allowed himself a moment to think on how cute the little Estirge girl looked when she was sleeping. The very same little girl that just yesterday destroyed the biological core que had created with so much effort and expensive materials by accident… right after breaking into a moving train. She also single-handedly slaughtered a small army of Savage Daemons, almost got him killed after unconsciously manipulating him into helping her, got him in trouble with his boss, and apparently is a lost princess who is, right now, being replaced by some mysterious clone in her home city and had asked their help. All in one day, no less.
She is also the only Estirge he’s ever met that had never had a single mate in her entire life. And not because she were ugly or something, but because she is so determined to become a heroine that never really took any interest in dating anyone.
And the cherry on top about her is that she probably is a Saha: the legendary Estirge ethnic group that had some creepy skills, like controlling people whose blood they’d drank. Just like she did yesterday, also by accident, when they first met.
She is dangerous, reckless and there is a good chance that she is actually the clone she claims the princess Flare in the Sky Kingdom’s Capital City is. And he brought her here. To their research center: a place full of delicate equipment and complex scientific projects under implementation. He did this instead of denouncing the annoying bird and get as much money for his trouble via a simple lawsuit. He even went so far as to defy a direct order from the administrator of not bringing her here, and actually said that he’ll help her solve this mess by travelling today to her home city.
“What the fuck had I been thinking?!” Nyepu managed not to yell his despairing thoughts… and contained the urge to bang his head against a wall. There was only one explanation for his weird behaviour: The Blood Control. He’d thought the spell would fade away by the time they reached City 45, but apparently, he had been too optimistic. He’d never be this stupid! This has to be that damn bird’s fault!
And probably, the administrator and Giorgio had known from the moment they entered into the research facility’s terrains.
<<You are definitely a genius, Dr. Nyepu, you managed to figure it out.>> Said the lovely voice of the human telepath in a good naturedly tone.
“Apparently not soon enough to prevent making a fool of myself” thought him defeated as he finally left the room, wearing his usual blue bio suit, but walking on a pair of strong legs he turned his hind flipper into instead of floating like he’d been doing yesterday, he needed to recharge energy to go around flying again. “And you guys knew...” he mentally accused as he reached the elevator to the first floor of the rooms’ pavillion.
<<We suspected. The Estirge’s control was too subtle to notice it by our usual methods.>> Answered the woman, sounding impressed despite herself <<The only real confirmation we had was your odd behaviour and very difficult to notice traces of her aura rubbing yours, the administrator, though, ordered us not to interfere.>>
“The little sneaky bastard… I wonder why he’d do that” he thought rhetorically. Of course he had an idea of why the Admin ordered such a thing: to keep Flare around. He must have thought the the whole thing was too weird for her to be just a simple enemy of their project and decided to check by himself, maybe he even sniffed an opportunity. And now, they were going to discuss their real next step. The Admin just played along with their horribly bad idea of going to the Sky Kingdom’s Capital City in order to not raise suspicion from Flare.
As it was in all the Civilized World, the research Center was working non-stop: groups of humans, male estirges, homunculus and dragons were moving all over the place, bringing, machines and others things with themselves to continue working on whatever project, of the many that were currently running in the research facility, they were assigned to. He sighed, feeling a little nostalgic because of the activity. He’d been away, developing his now completely lost biological device, for too long and was kind of eager to join the activities in the research facility.
<<I wytiwyg="1" need to resume my duties, Dr. Nyepu, I take that you can continue on your own>>
“I can… by the way, am I completely free of Flare’s influence?" asked the dragon as he stood in front of the double doors of the meeting room
<<I wytiwyg="1" can't detect traces of her aura on your anymore>> started the telepath <<but, as I said before, her mysterious Blood Control, as you named it, is very difficult to spot>> He could almost see her shrug <<Do whatever feels right, as you always had done.>>
“Whatever” thought him and, with a resigned sigh, he give a step forwards to be detected by the doors’ presence sensor to finally enter once both doors receded to the walls.
Giorgio and the administrator were already there, the red dragon was coiled around a puff, while the homunculus was looking boredly at his Aux, his eyes looked tired, so Nyepu thought that he was also awaken recently. When the lamb-looking researcher saw him, he beamed him a smile and saluted.
-Well, well, if it isn’t the mind-controlled dragon, how are you feeling this fine morning?- asked Giorgio.
-Ashamed and with my pride hurt, but, otherwise, I’m ok- said him. sitting on one of the puffs in the room.
-Good- interjected the Admin, all business- because we have a lot to discuss, starting for what we are going to do with that little problem you brought to us-
You’ll be back… says a strange chorus of voices in the darkness.
No.
We’ll bring you back… says many voices that sound a lot like hers.
No!
We’ll drag you back to us… says the lone voice of Nyepu.
NO!
And you’ll be ours forever… says the voice of Nyepu in tandem with her own voice in a disgustingly sweet tone.
KRA!!!
Flare’s eyes cracked open.
She was in a dark room, but it was not that horribly dark place of her nightmares. Her heart was pounding and her breath was heavy, so she took some relaxing breaths to calm herself. “It was just a nightmare” she thought, still struggling to relax “Just another nightmare with that nasty place”.
As her sky blue eyes adapted to the darkness, she checked Nyepu’s tank and felt a pang of worry when she couldn’t see the dragon sleeping in there. “He must have gone to the bathroom or something” thought herself, trying to calm her worries. That’s when her Aux began to ring inside her magical inventory. A little confused because she wasn’t really expecting a call at all from anyone, she summons her Aux and checks the caller: “The mystery cat?” thinks her, watching the contact name.
She remembers immediately, after talking with the unknown felixin who mentioned the possibility of her being manipulating her friend Nyepu with the legendary blood magic of the Saha, they exchanged contact numbers, since he said that they could help her develop her skill. She wasn’t sure of why was he calling her now, specially since she was very clear in how much she despised such powers and how busy she was. “I’m no evil manipulating witch” she thought, and answered with the whole intention of telling him so.
-Good morning, princess Flare, I hope you remember me, we met yesterday, during the train incident-
-Yes, I remember you… wait, how do you know my name?-
-I’m glad you remember me! By the way, let me introduce myself: my name is Amcel; I’m an Adeptus from this City’s branch of The Holy Darkness Church- At this info, she couldn’t help but gawk in surprise.
-You were an Adeptus?! Well that’s…! wait… if that’s true, why didn’t didn’t you said so when we first met?-
-You should come to the Temple of The Holy Darkness here in city 45 so you can see for yourself that I’m telling the truth! we may also talk about helping you in your enterprise-
-Helping me? How do you...? - began to ask the princess, beginning to feel a little overhelmed by the felixin interlocutor.
-We are the Church of The Holy Night, and you are a magician in trouble; please, let us help you- the sudden shift in the tone of the supposed Adeptus stop her cold. He sounded very serious right there. But any of this was making much sense. She took a long breath to order her thoughts, and then said:
-What do you know about my “enterprise”- asked her. The felixin mage remained silent for a moment before saying:
-Not much, just that you are intent on going to the Sky Kingdom to face a mysterious evil that is disguised as you-
-How do you know that, please answer truthfully- More silence, and then:
-Will you believe me if I tell you the truth?- asked the felixin. it was her time to remain silent. Those words had only meaning: whatever the possible Adeptus was about to tell her was going to sound outlandish.
-Would we still meet in the Temple if you tell the truth?-
-Definitely- answered the interlocutor without a hint of doubt.
-Ok… tell me…- asked her. She could here the felixin taking some air before he said:
-My master, the Adeptur Primus Celio, had had already two dreams about you… one telling him that I would meet you during the train trip, and just an hour ago, he had another one, telling him your intentions… and how it would end in disaster if you didn’t come here as soon as possible-
-Disaster?! Why?!-
-Because, apparently, the shadows you are fighting against are going to go for you… wherever you are, they will find you… your safest bet would be to stay with us- “They will find me here?” she thought, her mind suddenly invaded by the memories of how her actions brought disaster to the passengers of the train and almost costed Nyepu’s life. The research facility had very good defenses, but, why would they have to suffer for her sake? Why would anyone had to suffer for her problems? That’s when Amcel continue talking- I hope you understand that you being part of not just one, but two premonitions means that you are very important for whatever reason and we hope to be able to get more insight on what is going on with you here- That was also very strange: two premonitions? Flare would have given a leg to be a part of a heroic prophecy or something, but, right now, she was actually feeling very scared: premonitions were a big deal, since they came from the Dark God Himself. And that meant, that He had some interest in her… just when all this weirdness is going on. “What is going on at all?”
-Ok, I’ll meet you there- answered her. The Adeptus let a sigh of relief.
-You took the right decision, I’d like to escort you here if you allow me, but we don’t know where you are-
It was when she was finishing coordinating a meeting point in the dessert between the City and the Research Facility, that Nyepu entered the room. Her head turned to the white dragon and she remained silent.
-Flare?- asked him… at the same time as the felixin on the phone.
-Ahm… nothing, just my friend… ahmm… see you later- She ended the call and faced the scaly geneticist. His expression looked cooler than yesterday when they went to sleep, almost like when they met for the first time. - Hi! You slept well?- chirped her, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. He only rose of a brow:
-Good morning, princess- greeted the dragon without much emotion- considering that you are already awake, you should come have breakfast- he turn to exit the room- come on, let’s go-
-Legs?- asked her, noticing just then that Nyepu was walking instead of levitating like yesterday: a pair of legs had replaced his hind flippers.
-Yes… I need to recharge my antigravity generator- replied him -Is there a problem?- he turn in time watch her staring at his hips.
-Ah no! No problem at all!- she laugh a little with her little-bell-like laugh, happy for having red feathers covering her face. “Nice voice and also nice hips… damn… DAMN ME! I’m thinking stupid things again!” She was too focused in berating herself that she didn’t noticed her friend rolling his eyes before living the room.
Later, the two of them were in a huge room full of puffs and tables. He was having some farm-grown fried fish with synthetic bread while she was having some fruits with a farm-grown bug. the two of them were eating in silence and that was beginning to make her nervous. Back home, there was always some conversation when they met to eat at the Table of the Main Dinner Room, even when she had little to say to her family, there was always someone talking, about something; but the two of them were almost alone, and the dragon didn’t seem to be very talkative. It was when she was sucking the seasoned juices of her roasted insect, starting to think in the most stupid conversation themes possible, that the dragon called her attention to give her some interesting news: Apparently, he had a meeting with Giorgio and the Administrator:
Apparently, they decided, without even consulting with her, that their original plan to just go to the Sky Kingdom was a horrible idea and that they should stay in the research facility. Before she could object, though, the researcher mentioned that they had a very good reason for that: they were going to get help from Argenta.
Nyepu was not a happy dragon.
-Argenta?!- yelled Flare- She’s going to take forever to help us!- A valid fear from her part, but if they do things right, then the Goddess of technology, Science and Truth would come to help them in a blink of an eye.
-I understand your concern, but this is the best option- said him, keeping his cool expression.
During the meeting of this morning, the admin had been in favor of simply restrain the princess and call to the Sky Kingdom to send someone to pick her up. The research facility had many magicians and some anti-magic weaponry, a must when working so close to Savage Daemons, that they could use to keep the princess in line. This would definitely make them friends of the the Sky Kingdom’s royalty. Giorgio, on the other hand, had been in favor of at least making sure that this lady was a copy of the original princess and not the real deal, and had suggested making some tests before calling the royals, after all, something weird could be going on and Argenta would need to be notified of it. The Admin wasn’t happy with that approach, specially because it meant that they would never recover any money and would have to invest more… or more precisely, ask for more money from their investors. The way the red dragon had been looking at Nyepu while saying all this told the white dragon very clearly that his job, and reputation, was on the line.
Nyepu was no hero and after the annoying influence of the little avian had finally faded, he didn’t feel particularly inclined to take any risks for her. But just delivering her to the Sky Kingdom give them no guarantee of recieving any sort of compensation for their trouble. he knew, for what Flare told him during their trip to City 45, that she had contacted Queen Mistana, meaning the regent was aware of her existence. But why hadn’t anything about this been mentioned on the news yet? Because the Queen didn’t consider their Flare a real threat or maybe because she pretended to solve the problem with her own resources for whatever reason?… if the second option was true, then she’d probably try to silence anyone related to the whole problem.
The first possibility went down the drain when the Admin was told by a telepath that the latest news flash was exactly about that: their Flare was being branded a fugitive of the Celestial Justice and a good bounty was being offered to anyone who could capture her and bring her to the appropriate authorities. At that, Giorgio shrugged and decided that they should do what the Admin was suggesting, since there was no way Argenta would not know about this by now and most probably didn’t really care enough.
Nyepu was about to agree, thinking in how much the rest of her life was going to suck for Flare when he remembered something that Giorgio had mentioned: “...something weird could be going on and Argenta would need to be notified of it...”. If this mess was on the news already, Argenta already knows and the lack of interest from the technogoddess was suspicious at best. What if the Sky Kingdom wasn’t telling the whole story to her? Why would they do that? That certainly was very suspicious… Discovering this truth and exposing it would earn them a lot more points with Argenta, not to mention, that involving her would reduced chances of mistakes...
In other words, they were going to sent a girl to their death, for money and contacts, without even being sure if she was really a threat or a victim, helpint to hide the truth from the very being they venerate. Because offering a bounty with so many zeros meant that they were going to make an example of the little avian girl for the mere crime of existing.
Nyepu was no hero as his brethren tend to claim that they all are, but he definitely was not an evil dragon either. So he suggested to make the tests mentioned by Giorgio and bring the results and the weird behaviour of the Sky Kingdom to Argenta’s attention. If Flare was no clone, then Argenta could get the royals to back off and track the source of such a rash action. If Flare was a clone, then, even if her fate would be sealed, they could get their money and Argenta could start an investigation to make sure this never happens again; after all, the clone of a princess appearing in the middle of the ocean was incredibly strange, strange enough to be of Argenta’s interest. This would also help to his reputation, of course.
It took him some convincing, but Giorgio, being definitely a nicer person than the white dragon was, didn’t take long to agree with him and between the two of them managed to convince the Admin to keep the estirge around to make tests and inform Argenta.
So that’s how the dragon was now here, in the dinning room, trying to convince the little magical titan that she should let them make some tests on her and get help from Argenta.
-Nyepu, you said you’d help me! You said that we’d go to the Sky Kingdom right away! Or are your words worthless?!- asked her angrily, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. He sighed, somehow feeling like trash by making her cry. He was a researcher, a dragon of science: while he had no problem on telling little lies every now and then, his words were very important to him; “But they doesn’t count when i’m under someone else’ control”.
-I did, but I think I wasn’t thinking clearly- “Don’t blame her or she’d do something stupid out of spite”. He started to explain her why their new idea was the best course of action when she received a message in her Aux and, very rudely, checked it in front of him. When he noticed that she had lost any interest in his words, he asked - Anything interesting?- She remained silent for a moment, looking down at what was left of her breakfast; she then sniffed, cleaned her tears with a wing and looked him right in the eye with determination:
-Nyepu, I will leave this place-
-What?- asked him.
-What?- asked the voice of Giorgio, who had just wandered to their table, bringing a tray with some fish and fruits- what do you mean you are leaving? Nyepu?- he looked worried. The princess repeated herself to them both:
-I said that I’m leaving, I… really wanted you to come with me, Nyepu, but… but I think now that it would be ok if you stay here- she smiled, a shy smile that would be adorable if he weren’t in a panic, trying to think in a way to stop her without having to start a fight-… and don’t worry about the payment for your device, once this is all over, I’ll definitely pay for it- “As if it were that easy! But that’s not important, you can’t leave, damn it!”.
Flare had already decided, after talking with the Adeptus Amcel, that she would leave the Research Facility to meet him in the middle of the dessert, and then go to the Temple of the Holy Darkness with him. She had expected to still be with Nyepu, to tell him that she had a slight change of plans, but that they would go to her home city anyway. She hadn’t been expecting him doing something like this, not after he gave his word. she had felt furious and betrayed. But, while the dragon had been explaining himself, she got enough clarity to understand that he definitely was thinking in her well being. He wasn’t just backing away, he was proposing a different solution. But she wasn’t going to wait. She couldn’t. Moved by his display of caring and her own meditations of how others had been suffering unfairly because of her, she decided that she had to let him go. He was going to be better staying here.
-It was nice having travelled with you, Dr. Nyepu… and also, interesting having meeting you, Mr. giorgio-
-Hey! i’m also a Doctor!- replied the goat guy, she ignore him.
-Flare… please, don’t be rash!- said the dragon standing up, but Flare just some final Good-Bye before starting to fly to the exit.
-Flare!- yelled the dragon, jumping on the table to try and pursue her… only to step on what was left of her fruits, trip and ended in a heap on the floor, with his jaw and neck sore- Damn… legs…- He totally prefer to levitate.
-You ok, dude?- asked Giorgio walking to the dragon while he was getting up, when he just grunted in response, the goat smiled cheekily and said- Don’t worry, our security forces won’t let her go, so why don’t we go and relax a little while they capture her? Maybe I can give you some interesting ideas of how to use those legs of yours…- said the researcher, blushing while giving him a suggestive look. Nyepu directed him a flat look:
-First: she is a very powerful magician… she’s going to steamroll over our security forces… and even she is finally stopped, a lot of people is going to get hurt…- He started to run, with Giorgio following- and second: No!-
-Awww… You should give me a chance, dragon boy- said Giorgio with a pout, before putting on a more serious expression-… but ok, let’s focus on getting that stupid bird under control with minimal casualties-
Unaware of the worries of the dragon and the goat, Flare flew out of the pavillion they were in. The sun was already up in the sky, even if not fully over her, making the building she just came from cast a huge shadow over her. She would have love to take her time to enjoy the feel of the sun rays and the wind on her feathers, but Nyepu and Giorgio were intent on keeping her in the facility and she couldn’t allow them to follow her. So, she prepared a spell to flew away as fast as possible and get to the meeting point as soon as she could, the Adeptus had sent her a message telling her the time of his arrival to the place and she was running out of time.
Unbeknownst to her, the telepaths who detected her influence on Nyepu, and who had memorized and recognized Flare’s magical Aura, felt her starting her spell and informed the security mages and guards of the facility.
It didn’t matter. As Nyepu had said, Flare was a very powerful mage: her speed spell allowed her to escape way before the defenders could prepare a way to stop her. By the time the dragon and the goat got to the main entrance of the outpost to ask about her, she was long gone and no one knew what to do.
Nyepu, having just ask mentally if someone could track her aura, intent on being “heard” by a telepath, was soon told telephatically by the cute human girl from the morning that, on daytime, that was almost impossible, but she could tell him where the avian went since she could felt a little of her desires while she was doing her spell. With that info, Nyepu and Giorgio rode on Giorgio’s car and went to look for her, followed by a team of mages and a especialist carrying a NERV Projector, one of their antimagical weapons, riding another vehicle.
Category Artwork (Digital) / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1280 x 655px
File Size 174.5 kB
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