Chapter 58

here is another exciting episode of dra… what wrong job… here is another great chapter fresh off the… keyboard… i give up on making some sort of grand statement. i want to thank rouge and mejinzs for their work.

 

P.S. for anyone who was blind sided by last chapter, remember Therin’s family is minor nobility for their poisons… no normal society would promote poisoners… you also don’t piss off the guests of nobel’s house or large dragons.

 

without futher ado Chapter 58 – Forests

———————————–Fafnir POV——————————

            “Ryan, you can stop screaming now, we’re home.” I said as I gently placed Ryan on the stone floor as I landed.

            “Daddy, what’s that?” Azazel asked; jumping from my back she ran and pointed at a large red crystal formation that was jutting from the room.

            “I might not be a geologist but I know that it takes longer than a day to grow crystals…” I muttered as I moved beneath the strange rock formation.

            “It’s seems to be some crystal” I replied. I examined the cluster closely and I deftly use my tail to break off a small piece. I turned it over a few time recognizing the familiar scent of magic.

            “Can I have it?” Azazel asked staring at the rock in my claws.

            “Sure, it’s just a silly rock.” I replied as I passed over the crystal. She then ran into our shared cavern.

Ignoring the random appearance of the crystals, I walked into the kitchen and, hanging on the roof, was another one of the crystal blooms, except this one was a dark blue where the other was red.

“I’ll ask Aesthyra when she returns if she knows anything about it.” I mumbled ignoring the weird crystals. I deftly open the larder door with my tail and instead of the normally empty larder this one was full with all sorts of meats and other food.

“The crystals? I can write them off as dragon magi, But I can’t ignore that someone came in and filled the pantry.” I replied.

“Azazel, come here!” I called wondering if the thing that filled the pantry was still around. It only took a few seconds before Azazel poked her head in wondering why I called. I told her to stay put as I searched the cave for any intruders. While I didn’t find anyone but there was a crystal formation now in every room except the bathroom. Just as I was finishing I heard the dull thump of Aesthyra landing.

            “Aesthyra, do you know what these large crystal things are?” I asked while entering the main chamber.

            “I don’t know, whenever they popped up at home mom would just break them complaining that they looked ugly.” Aesthyra replied as she examined the crystal formation.

            “Did you ever notice them fill up the larder?” I asked wondering if they were connected.

            “We didn’t have one, mom likes fresh kills better.” Aesthyra replied, “but I wouldn’t worry about it, we’ll just ask mom when she comes back in two weeks. “

            I sighed while looking at the suspicious crystals and left them alone as Aesthyra and I went back to carving the tunnel between our two lairs.

            “Hey bro, can you take me to the mage dude on top of the mountain?” Ryan asked right after we finished another section of tunnel.

            “You know where he is?” I asked.

            “My guess is that there aren’t too many people living on top of the mountain…” Ryan replied looking at me with his eyebrow raised.

            “I guess,” I replied as I noticed all the half melted stone sticking to my scales, “but I need to wash off this rubble first.”

            “Sure, I will be waiting in the kitchen.” Ryan replied.

I left Ryan and headed to the bathing cavern. I entered the large cavern and was surprised to find that there was no new crystal formation in this room. Ignoring it, I quickly jumped into the small pool spraying the cool water across the floor. “I really have to figure out a way to heat this large pool” I mumbled as the cold water hit my snout.  I tried to scrub off all the liquefied stone off my scales with my claws but I quickly gave up on that and used my breath.  I rinsed off the last few motes of dust and left the cavern.

I dropped by Aesthyra’s cavern and got her to look after Azazel while I took Ryan. I met up with my brother and carried him in my claws towards the roof of my home.

“So… where is the mage guy we are looking for?” I asked my brother; flying over a sea of green sitting on the top of the mountain.

“Well crap…” Ryan shouted; holding on to my claws.

“Come on Ryan, where is the mage; I mean how many people live up here?” I teased as we glided over the forest.

“Ok! I get it.” Ryan snapped, “Let’s just head home before you drop me.” I turned towards home when the sound of a light thump reached my ears. Scanning the horizon I noticed a break in sea of green.

“Hold on, I have to answer an age old question.” I said as I twisted my serpentine body and wormed through the sky as I descended towards the break in the canopy.

I watched another tree disappear below the canopy widening the hole. Loud cracks disturbing the peaceful forest, I snap my wings open as I plunged below the canopy. I narrowly dodged an ice spear that whizzed past my snout. My eyes snapped towards a wizened old elf, his white hair stood in stark contrast to the large brown bear cowering behind him. I could feel the elf gather magic; I leaped to side maneuvering Ryan’s limp body between me and the insane elf.

“Stop!” I shouted. The elf froze in mid-sentence; the cowering bear dashed off from behind the elf and valiantly repositioned itself deeper into the forest.

“What?” the old elf asked; mana arced between us as I put Ryan down.

“Stop, I come in peace.” I said, holding up a claw.

“You can talk?” the old elf blinked, freezing in place.

“Of course I can what did you expect?” I snapped.

“I knew they were faking it” I caught him muttering; he stared me for a few seconds, “Every other scaly piece of crap I’ve met always wanted to eat me and my little Nibbles.”

            “Who’s Nibbles?” I asked eyeing the potentially crazy elf.

            “Oh, he’s the bear that… took position behind me but it seems he… strategically repositioned himself deeper in the woods.” The elf replied.

“Ok then, I was told you could help my brother with his magic problem.” I said, dragging Ryan’s limp body into view.

“That is either the weirdest mutation I have ever seen or he was adopted.” The elf remarked.

“It’s complicated.” I replied not wanting to get into that whole story again, “Ryan was just treated for hypermanaosis,”

“Well, it’s not often that people get romantically involved with a rock monster, but I don’t judge.” the elf replied, “It happens from time to time. So worry not I can make a mage out of just about anyone.”

            “You think he did what with a what now?” I asked wondering what he is talking about.

            “We all have our kinks. So don’t worry young dragon, I’ll tell you when you’re older. ” the elf replied; he stood over Ryan checking him over.

            “Good news, I can help your flirty friend here, but if he is having digestion issues there is nothing I can do.” The elf stated standing back up.

            “So what needs to be done?” I asked.

            “Well, I’ll need a few things,” he replies, “I need you to get him empty mana crystals, a magic staff, and a place to sleep.”

            “Where should I meet you?” I asked noting what I needed to get.

            “Right here’s fine; my house was sorta taken over by dryads, so I was looking for some place new anyways.” The elf nonchalantly replied.

            “Sound good… my name is Fafnir by the way, I hope you can take care of Ryan.” I said; relieved that Ryan was going to be ok.  

            “The hell’s a Ryan?”


 

as normal; mejinzs, rouge and i are mostly human so let us know if we missed anything and tell me what you think in the comments.

chapter 57

i some how managed to get a chapter done dispite all my homework. this is another long chapter sitting just under 2k words and i am proud of myself. i want to thank mejinzs and rouge who have cralwed out of the woodwork and come back to proofread my stuff, i will be posting the proofread chapters in the next day or two.

without further ado, chapter 57- table manners.


 

           “Where’s Fafnir?” I wondered as I stretched atop my silver hoard. “He’s supposed to get me up so I can finish my lair.”

            I yawned as I left the cavern, and headed towards the kitchen.

            “I’m up!” I said as I stumbled into the kitchen. Then it hit me, “Where is everyone?”

            I quickly searched the lair, “Even the human is gone, and that creature almost never leaves his non-hoard hoard.” I mumbled. I took a deep breath and prepared to cast a tracking spell that mom taught me. I reached for the energy, and released the spell. Immediately I felt a light tug on my right horn as if leading me towards the east.

            I stopped for a moment reconsidering whether or not I should follow him, when a loud gurgling answered the question for me. I quickly dashed out of the lair’s mouth and headed towards Fafnir. It only took a few minutes of flying before I caught Fafnir’s familiar scent below me.

            Looking at the leafy obstruction I took a deep breath and destroyed it; turning it all to liquid mana. Screams pierced the otherwise calm atmosphere as elves tried to avoid the falling debris. Tucking in my wings, I plummeted towards the ground only to snap them open at the last second landing with a deep thud, before a large wooden elf lair. With a thought I shrank myself just enough to fit through the mouth. I ignored the nonsensical words of the elves and headed towards Fafnir, on the other side of all the random walls

            “Fafnir, what happened to working on my lair?” I asked as I reached the table.

“Ryan passed out this morning and I quickly took him to be treated by the elves.  “There was an attack by some, rather quickly mutilated, elves. Azazel took care of the would be murder though, sorry Therin you aren’t important enough to be assassinated – That’s when Therin roped me into celebrating Azazel’s first kill and, well, here we are,” he nonchalantly replied.

“Where’s the human now, then?” I huffed still miffed at being left behind.

            “Well darn it, we forgot Ryan,” Fafnir exclaimed staring daggers at Therin.

            “He was coming?” Therin asked, looking at Fafnir, “You know he would have been flayed alive if he was challenged.”

            “What do you mean by challenged?” Fafnir snapped.

            “This is a combat arena, anyone can challenge anyone else to a duel to the death if they want, and he would have to accept or be branded a coward and allowed to be hunted down on the streets.” Thein replied.

            “What the hell kind of custom is that!” Fafnir exclaimed, “The more you explain this ‘first blood’ celebration the less I like it.”

            “No one would challenge a child as it would seem cowardly, and there are preparations needed to fight a wyvern, which you are not, and people know better than to challenge me as I have killed many in the arena.” Therin replied, smiling.

            “So, then why didn’t you come get me for dinner,” I said, interrupting their argument.

            “Fafnir forgot.” The elf said.

            “Thanks for throwing me under the bus.” Fafnir replied.

            “What’s a bus?” I asked.

            “Never mind, we have been working hard and I though you should continue to sleep.” Fafnir said, but I knew better.

            “Well then, I will be joining you for dinner as you forgot to leave food out for me.” I said as I shrank myself and jumped onto the only remaining chair.

            I curled up upon the well cushioned seat cover as one of the elves walked up to the table and opened a glass jug and poured a little bit of a delicious smelling drink into one of those silly cup things.

            “It’s good,” Therin said.

The serving elf poured some more of the sweet smelling liquid, into the silly cup. Then the elf started making some strange noises.

“What is wrong with the elf is it not feeling well?” I asked.

“Why?” Fafnir asked giving me the same look mom does when I do something silly.

“Well that elf has not only wet itself, but is making a lot of weird noises, and only sick animals do that sort of thing.” I replied.

“Here, put this on.” Fafnir said taking off the brooch attached to his horn and placed it on mine. “Now say, speak.”

            “Speak,” all of a sudden those random elf noises that had been bothering me since I entered made sense.

            “And what will you have sir?” the serving elf asked as he looked at me.

            “I have no clue, and I’m female.” I replied looking at Fafnir.

            “How about I just order for you?” Fafnir asked, saving me from trying to figure out what to order.

            “Sure, I just know I want some of the stuff in Therin’s silly cup.” I replied; Therin started to choke as he stared at me.

            “Why would you want wine?” Therin asked; cleaning the drink from his mouth.

            “It smells as sweet as mana so it must me delicious.” I replied, wondering what the strange liquid looks like.

            “What do you mean it smells like mana?” Therin asked; instantly sitting up straight, I could smell the mana flow out of the elf as he cast a spell.  He frowned as he looked at his glass and then waved a servant elf over.

            “Everything to your satisfaction, lord Therin?” The servant elf asked.

            “Drink this.” Therin command as he shoved the glass at the server.

            “Lord Therin, I would never presume…” the server started to say .

            “Drink,” Therin repeated in the same tone of voice mom uses on me when I’m not lesioning. I could smell the fear on the servant elf as he slowly some of the stuff from the silly glass thing. When the last drop had vanished the servant elf fell to the floor his black skin turning a very bright pink.

            “Looks like I win again.” Therin said with a smile.

            “What happened to the elf person” Azazel asked as she jumped from the chair and started to poke the fallen elf.

            “It’s a game that me and the owner play. Don’t worry, the server is ok. The poison will just turns his skin a hilarious shade of pink. He just needs to sleep it off.”

            “Azazel, stop poking the elf,” Fafnir said in a low growl, “do we have to worry about being in the crossfire of this ‘GAME’?”

            “No,” Therin quickly replied, “this is a bet strictly between myself and the owner; you have nothing to fear. “

            “Therin, you do realize the attitude I have towards poisons since the wedding, right?” Fafnir said in a low voice.

            “Fafnir, they prepare and cook everything in front of us and I will check each dish for poison.” Therin replied, trying quell Fafnir’s anger.

            “Can I eat the elf?” I asked wondering if it tasted better than dwarf.

            “What is wrong with you?” Fafnir asked horrified.

            “What do you mean?” I asked a bit confused.

            “You don’t eat people.” Fafnir yelled at me with disgust.

            “Me and mom eat humans and dwarves all the time at home” I refuted, “ and I want to know if elf tastes better than dwarf.”

            “Let’s just eat what we ordered and then get out of here.” Therin quickly interjected just in time as the chef was just arriving.” I looked over and saw a fat elf pushing a wooden box with a black metal top towards us. I sat quietly watching the cook elf as he brought out two large slabs of red meat and tossed them on the black slab. My stomach grumbled as the tantalizing scent of roasting meat filled the air around us. He pulled out a bowl and poured from a pot that was sitting on the blackboard and poured a dark red liquid with chunks of meat that smelled divine and placed the steaming food in front of Azazel. He picked up the two cooked pieces of meat and placed them on the plate things; setting them in front of both me and Fafnir.

            “Where’s your food?” Fafnir asked.

            “They are probably still butchering it, would be my guess.” He replied as he sipped his new bottle of wine.

            “What are you eating?” Fafnir tentatively asked eyeing the elf.

            “It is a classic dark elf dish, freshly killed cave crawler.” He replied, “It is a predator that is found in caves and abandoned mines. The belly meat melts in your mouth, the only problem is that cave crawlers release a deadly toxin after death, making the meat inedible after two hours, but until that point it is divine.”

            “You know what… I don’t care anymore I’m just going to eat my food and then I am going to grab Ryan and head home. I’m can’t deal with this crap anymore.” Fafnir said.

            We ate in silence for a few minutes as we enjoyed our food. During our meal I watched an elf stumble towards our table, I caught a strong whiff of that alcohol stuff my mom warned me about when interacting with the races.

            “I shallange you to a, to a fight… to the d-death… dragon.” The stumbling man slurred as he pointed between me and fafnir.

            “Which one?” Therin asked as he put his glass down.

            “The only one there!” he replied pointing once again to between us.

            “There are two of them.” Therin replied.

            “I don’ts care if-if there’s ten of ‘em, ‘em… dragons…. I’m going to go kill the overgrown lizard.” He hiccuped, as he steadied himself against the table.

            “Daddy, are you going to turn him into the blue stuff?” Azazel asked poking her head out to get a better look at the stumbling elf.

            I thought for a second,reflecting on what mom would do, and, remembering mom’s words, I finished the bite I was on of  my meal,  and bit the elf’s head off. The sweet taste of mana flowed into my mouth as my teeth broke through the skull. I swallowed, enjoying the after taste of my mid meal snack and noticed all the elf noise had stopped.

            “The man issued a challenge and it is the challenged party’s right to pick the time and place.” Therin said in a loud voice. Silence reigned for a few more seconds before the chattering began again.

            “That’s it, Azazel finish your food, we’re leaving.” Fafnir said as he tossed the rest of his meat into his waiting maw. He picked Azazel up with his tail and left the restaurant.

            “A perfect distraction so that he would not burn the town down.” Therin chuckled as he looked at me, “Shouldn’t you be following him?”

            I tossed what was left of my dinner into my mouth and, with my tail, stole the bottle of the sweet smelling drink that Therin was drinking as I walked out of the elf lair.

 


 

as always me mejinzs and rouge are mostly human so let us know if we missed anything and tell me what you think.

 

the real question is how did Therin arrange all this…

chapter 56

i have gotten the time to finally post chapter 56 despite taking the mcats and the workload of organic chemestry. this is a non pred chapter, and if you guy can tell me what you think of my other story. i will try to push forward and get the next chapter within the next week but we shall see what school has in store.  side note this is also a bigger chapter compaired to others.

without further ado Chapter 56 – Eating Out

 

———————————fafnir POV——————————

 

“Azazel it’s time to get up.” I said as I tried to find the little demoness in her makeshift blanket hoard.

            “I don’t wanna” I heard a muffled reply

            “We are getting special food today.” I said knowing my daughter. It did not take long before Azazel’s head popped out of the fluffy hoard.

            “We are having some of the blue stuff?’ she said as she crawled out of the pile.

            “Not right now, but uncle Therin is going to take us to get special food.” I replied

            “But I want the blue stuff.” She frowned

            “Azazel, remember what happened the last time you had too much of the blue stuff?” I asked

            “I don’t care if I am all glowy for a little while I like the blue stuff.” She huffed; plopping back into the fluffy hoard.

            “Azazel this is a special dinner because uncle Therin is proud that you dealt with the scary man,” I said as I used my tail to pick her up, “now let’s get you cleaned up and ready.”

            We headed to the bathroom and after about ten minutes we managed to fill the tub. I watch as Azazel tests the water with one foot before she shucks off her clothes and jumped in; spilling water all over the floor.  I stealthy grab the jar of, what the Therin calls cleaning oil, with my tail and dump it Azazel’s head.

            “Daddy why did you dump this stuff on my head?” she asked; attempting to get the stuff out of her hair.

            “That was soap and you will need it to get the blood out of your hair.” I replied, “now scratch you head to make bubbles the bubbles will get the stuff out, and if you can’t I will.”

            She stared at my claws for a few second right before she starts to wash her hair. After a half an hour struggle I declared Azazel clean. I dried her off with a bit of magic that I picked up from Aesthyra and helped her as much as I could to get back into her dress.

            “I really need to go and retrieve Lilith; she was good with these kind of things.” I sighed. We left the waterlogged bathroom to dry and headed towards Therin office. We walked into the rather humorous sight of Therin passed out sleeping on his desk.

            “Is uncle Therin sleeping?” Azazel whispered; trying to get a better look.

            “yes, a perfect opportunity for some fun, cover your ears Azazel.” I whispered back with a large grin. I took in a deep breath and let out a loud roar. Therin jumped out screaming like a girl; the acrid scent of urine filled the air.

            “Why, in the dark god’s name would you do that you idiotic overgrown lizard?!” he screamed. It took me over ten minutes to stop laughing enough to answer the angry elf.

            “I have never caught you napping, and after the enthusiasm you showed for the party I never would have imagined that I would find you passed out on your desk.” I said; catching my breath, “the look on your face was priceless.”

            “Uncle Therin’s face was funny.” Azazel said with a smile.

            “You two need a hobby” Therin sighed; he stood up and left the room saying, “I’m going to change, I will be back and then we can celebrate.”

            We waited for a good twenty minutes before Therin returned wearing a blood red shirt and a loose pair of pants in that same crimson color.

            “Come on let’s celebrate Azazel’s first true kill.” He said with a smile.

            “I still don’t get why y’all make a big deal about first kill.” I said as we walked out of the house.

            “it is a big thing in dark elf tradition that when someone kills their first non-beast they are seen as a true elf and now I can rub it in my families face that their assassin was beaten by a small child.” He replied with a small smile.

            “So let me get this straight” I growled; stopping in the middle of the street, “you are using an assassination attempt on my daughter as a way to kill off some of your family?”

            “Lighten up Fafnir, when you put it that way it sounds like I used her as bait.” He stuttered; his face turning a light blue, “think of it this way, now you can help me prune the family tree and send a message that attacking Azazel will mean death.”

            “I have destroyed people for less, why would you even consider using Azazel?” I growled

            “I did not plan this at all.” Therin stammered, “But I can let you deal with the culprit.”

            “Daddy you said that we can get some special food.” Azazel wined from my back.

            “Fine we’ll get food first then I can go on a rampage” I nonchalantly said; then it hit me, “why would I even think that.”

            We walked under the shaded streets as Therin led us to a more lively section of the city. I watched elves laughing and having fun; though I wasn’t surprised when I found more than a few dismember elves lying in the alleys.

            “Here we are, the bloody elf, one of the best places to celebrate.” Therin said; pointing at a building at the end of the street.

            “The bloody elf; sounds like a curse, are you sure it is appropriate for children.” I asked as I examined the crimson building with a sign of a red colored elf that looked like he was screaming.

            “sure there are plenty of the little brats here, it is one of the best places for the rite.” He replied with a wide grin.

            We entered through the large double door and we were immediately assaulted by smoke and people screaming.

            “what is this place?” I growled; lifting my wings to cover azazel’s eyes.

            “this is a dark elf restaurant; great food, a fighting pit for elves to test their mettle, and some of the best wine found this side of the elven forest and they cook your food in front of you so you don’t have to worry about poisons. The smoke is probably from a mage going a little too wild.” He grinned.

            “Lord Therin, would you like your normal place?” asked a shirtless male elf.

            “Not today, I am here to celebrate my niece’s first kill, could you please seat us near the arena?”  Therin asked before I could object.

            “Certainly sir, just give us a minute to a place ready.” The man replied as walked towards the back.

            “What kind of place is this?” I pointedly ask the elf.

            “Lighten up, Fafnir. We are celebrating Azazel’s first kill, what’s a little bit of violence,” Therin replied, “and you have a chance to warm up for the blood bath.”

            “what’s a blood bath?” Azazel asked as she poked her head out from behind my wings.

            “Nothing sweetie, just sit down while I talk to uncle Therin.” I replied shooting daggers at the elf.

            “Fine, I’ll see if we can have them seat us at my normal spot along the wall.” Therin grumbled; singling one of the staff.

            “Yes, lord Therin.” A different half clothed elf asked.

            “My dragon friend reminded me of the danger of him being near fights, and I was wondering if we could be seated at my normal table as I don’t want this place destroyed.” Therin said.

            “”really” I sighed as the server dashed towards the back. It was a few minutes before the original half-clothed server returned.

            “You-your table is re-ready.” The elf stuttered eyeing me. he lead us towards weaving past wall segments to a lone table in the back of the restaurant.

            “He-here you a-are” he stuttered gesturing towards the table. “dd-do you want me to b-bring the usual lord Therin?”

            “yes, I would enjoy a morel wine,” he replied with a smile enjoying the server’s terror way to much.

            “n-nightshade, myceliry ok?” the server asked edging away from me. I could smell the fear on him, stupid nose

            “That’s fine” Therin replied; sitting down on one of the chairs.

            “you lord dragon?” the server asked; edging away from me.

            “What kind of juices do you have?” I asked as I grabbed Azazel from my back and placed her on one of the chairs

            He lists of a rather long list of fruits that sound like jibberish. I sighed before randomly picking a fruit called comous (if you want you can change it to french for pineapple) and shrink just enough to curl up on the plush covered chair.

            “Daddy, why are those people not wearing any clothes, you told me that people aren’t allowed to not wear clothes.” Azazel asked looking around the restaurant.

            “It to prevent assassinations” Therin quickly interjected, “their state of undress is designed to make it impossible to hide weapons on them and the pants are tight enough that any attempt to conceal weapons would fail.”

            “What is an assass-in-ation” Azazel asked

            “It when someone fights someone else really important.” I replied bending the truth a bit staring daggers at Therin once again.

            “Oh,” she said; plopping down with a confused look, “does that mean that if I fight daddy, I assass-a-nating?”

            “No dear, we are family so don’t worry about it. Therin what is good here?” I replied changing the subject more than a little annoyed at the elf.

            “for non-drow I would recommend the terrorlisk,” he nonchalantly replied

            “what is that?” I asked apprehensively

            “do you want to know?” he replied looking at me

            “fine, what about Azazel?” I replied with a huff

            “She should get the blood stew; it is animal blood, nothing sapient.” He replied.

            “What is with this place?” I asked

            “We’re dark elves” he replied, don’t worry about it. Now the real question is do you want to have a bout in the arena, it is a good chance to blow off steam, I know I will” Therin said.

            “Why did I let you drag me and my daughter into this?” I sighed realizing these elves were insane.

 


 

this is not PRed so there are a few mistakes present,

also how do you have a restaurant in a culture where you can be killed at any point and it’s fine as long as no one finds out?

Chapter 3: The Escape of the Machine

here is chapter 3 of the other story, i plan to have botched posted in the next few days, the chapter is a bit longer then expected, i am also taking organic chemestery this samester and that is a job in it self,

 


 

“Shadow…” I called hoping for a response from my lost friend but none came; only silence was the response. My anger flared hot over my lost friend and I walked out of the room, deciding that I had enough of this place and wanted out, to be anywhere but here.  I walked out of the room to the black door in the hallway and making up my mind to deal with this in a violent fashion, I slammed my fist into the center of the door, and with a groan I could see a dent in the large black door and looking at the frame of the door I could see small cracks. Hitting the door again, I could see the door bending in its broken frame. After a few more hit on the object that I had decided to take my rage and sorrow out on, the door made a loud cracking noise, followed by a loud groan as it fell out of its frame. Now, I was able to move further down the hallway.

Walking down a short hall, made of the same green metal as all the others, hoped to find a way that opened up to the outside. Walking out of the hallway into a large dome I looked up.  It was not the blue sky that I was expecting above me, but a dark blue roof of water. It was at that moment that I was noticed, that I was not alone.

“O crap!” someone yelled, “He’s loose in the main dome”

With that shout, loud noises started to blare around me. Commands, in a language I did not know, were being shouted and I could hear the boots of many people moving toward me. I decided that the second note might be the more reliable one and I headed back the way. Running down the hall I reached to my side to get the sheet of paper from under my new metallic skin. Pressing against it, the metal flowed to create a small opening. Reaching in, I grabbed the sheet of paper. Quickly glancing over note I got to the blue door. With a running start I rammed myself into the door, but the door proved to be the stronger. Reeling back at the failed attempt at going through the door, I thought to myself, “What does this guy think I can do?” calming myself down, I pulled back my black and blue fist and rammed it into the door. The walls seemed to rattle and water started to flow through the cracks in the door. Right before I can get in my second hit I hear a voice.

“Stop what you are doing Therin, you will kill us all if you do that” the voice said from the walls.

Swinging around, I shouted, “Where are you? What am I doing here?”

“I am in the control center in the second dome, and you are here to host a suit. Come here and all will be explained.”

“No, you might kill me if I go there, like you tried with the door.”  I yelled.

“What do you mean try to kill you, we need your help.”

“I don’t believe you; I am leaving in three minutes and figuring things out myself. Do what you must to not to be killed, if that is the truth.” With that I started counting. Upon reaching 180 I slammed my fist into the door and water started to flow through the large cracks in the door. Slamming into the wall once again the door made a large screeching noise and the frame broke and water started to stream in flooding the halls around me.  The metal skin surrounding my form protected me from the relentless assault of flowing water but it could only do so much to protect me from the biting cold of the water. After a few moments the water’s assault lessened as the hallway was completely flooded and the feeling of warmth suffused my body driving away the cold of the deep ocean. Going to the hole I made in the door, I tried to swim out but found I was unable to swim in this heavy metal form. So I decided to walk following the second note, I set out into the cold dark outside the door.

 

************************************************************************

 

After walking for a while in the cold sandy depths of the sea, I felt the pressure on me start to lessen on my shoulder. Continuing further I noticed that the water surrounding me was slightly warmer. After hours of walking in the dark depths, another lancing pain occurred, that forced me to my knees. I felt just exactly the same as at the base, with the pain receding I heard Shadow,

“What happened…? Where are we?”

“Shadow you’re alive! I thought you had been destroyed with the new suit’s creation.” I shouted joyfully, as bubbles streamed all around me.

“I don’t know what happened but, I’m back. So, again, where are we?”

“Well, after you did not respond, I waited for a few hours. Then getting tired of waiting I broke through the door and found myself in a big dome underwater, just like the second note had said. It was at that time the people holding us noticed that I had gotten out.  Noticing me they sounded an alarm. So deciding that the second note had proved more reliable, I went and found the blue door. Breaking it down I started walking into the cold ocean depths and here we are now.” I explained.

“So let me get this straight. After I blacked, you broke through a few walls including the water lock and walked outside the door. And now we are under water somewhere, and have no idea where we are going.”

“No I know where I am going, the note said just keep going forward, otherwise that about sums it up.” I snapped.

“Well… nothing we can do now just hope you get somewhere before we starve.” Shadow mockingly replied.

“At least I won’t die of thirst, right” he joked while walking under several kilometers of ocean.

With that brief exchange of words we went the rest of the way in silence but I was happy that Shadow had returned.

After a few more hours of trudging through sandy ground, I started to see light filter through the water. Over joyed that I had finally reached land, I ran the rest of the way to the shore. Coming out of the water I surveyed a broad beach with trees further inland. Finally reaching the shore I jumped down embracing the dry sand. I withdrew the suit back into my own body and just rested amongst the warm yellow grains. Enjoying the feeling of the warm sand, “Shadow, I am tired you won’t go away again will you?” I asked.

“No,” shadow stated, “I will always be with you.” With those words I fell asleep on the warm sand.

 

*************

Awakening to the angry sound of my gut, I realized that I had not eaten anything in at least 2 days. Deciding on finding something to appease my hungry gut, I set out into the forest. Going over my sparkly clothed frame I could see some of the changes that metallic skin had done to my body. Not only had it made me very pale, almost transparent. My gaunt frame exposed with broken lines of color showing on my skin almost like a spider web,  but the suit had destroyed the clothes that I had been wearing up to this point, leaving me with only a simple silvery cloth to surround my loins. Thinking on that I also needed to find something to cover myself.

After walking in the woods for some time, “Someone is coming towards us.” Shadow warned.

wondering around the dark forest I saw the faint outline of a rather large man in the distance. Quietly I moved into the trees, hoping to hide myself from this unknown person. Crouching behind a large palm tree I watched the person walk closer. After a few moments I could make out details and saw it was nothing but an old man with bleached white hair, wearing a pair of shorts and a white t-shirt and a pair of dark sunglasses. It is at that point that the soft wind that had been blow in from the sea shifted toward the old man and with that he called out, “Who is there?” i hid behind the tree and said nothing.

“I know you are there. I could smell you, so come out. I won’t harm you”, the man called.

“I mean no harm”, I called; “I was just passing through this area and will soon be on my way after I get some rest.”

“I don’t smell any fire, and you reek of the sea. Why do you not join me at my house about a mile from here and I can get you some food. I don’t get many visitors around here and would enjoy the company.”

“I think he is blind”, Shadow said in my mind.

“What gives you that idea?” I thought back.

“The language is all about smell not sight and the dark colored glasses. I think we should take up his offer.”

“I would like that.” I responded to the man, “but I am not in the best condition to be going to people’s house.”

“What do you mean?” he responded.

“I just woke up here today with only a loin cloth for covering and not much else. I have nothing to repay your kindness.”

“I own a farm and could always use workers.  I am blind so you not having any clothes on won’t bother me, but we should find you some stuff to put on.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, how do you work a farm if you are blind?”

“I have a Sight-Visor at home that allows me to see, the only problem is that it does not work in the dark. So it is useless now, but it lets me farm and be in peace.” The farmer stoically replied.

“I don’t know much about farming but if you will have me I will work.” I said.

“Well… all I need to know now is your name stranger.” he said with a laugh. “I am Kraal.”

“People call me Therin” I replied.

“Well let’s get going before some mean creature gets us.”

With that exchange of words we walked through the dark forest of palm trees and oaks for a few miles. We walked into a clearing in the woods, and in the center stood a large stone brick house. The house stood like a silent guardian over the glade, vines clinging to the solid stone reaching towards the bright moon hanging in the sky. Walking up to the house I could see several fields of trees that I could not identify but the fields seemed to stretch over the horizon. Reaching the house, Kraal placed his palm on the door and a click could be heard as the door unlocked. Stepping into the door I walked into a small blue room with round ring on hook in front of me. Kraal grabbing the ring put it on his head and turned saying, “Well it’s good to see again. We should start by getting you some cloths. Then we will cook supper; you look like you haven’t eaten in at least few weeks.” he said. Walking through his blue walled hallway, we enter into a large room with a large table and chairs with plates and silverware set as if for a high end party.  He led me down a green hallway connected to the room into the back of the house. Along the walls hung not only old photographs but had some newer holographs depicting three dimensional people that I could only guess were his relatives. We turned half way down the hall into a red colored room with only a bed, a dresser, and a closet contained within. “Something in here should fit, my nephew is about your size just not as thin.” he said. “Put these on after you take a shower it is further down the hall on the right.”

“Nice place.” Shadow said, “We were lucky that he took us in it gives us time to figure out what is going on. We should also try to hide the ridges on your skin; we don’t want to have to answer questions about the suit.”

Well I guess you are right, but I don’t think we have to worry about him asking questions. He can’t see very well as you pointed out and if things get bad we can always leave. Well… let us enjoy a shower and get all this salt off of us shall we?

Walking down the hall with the new cloths in hand I go into the small bathroom setting my new cloths on top of the sink counter. I took off the smooth silvery loin cloth that I had been wearing up to this point. Placing on the counter I stepped into the bathtub and turned on the shower.  I proceeded to wash off all the salt and sand from my trek at the bottom of the sea. “Shadow, do you remember anything from before a few days ago?” I asked.

“No I don’t. The first thing I remember was being woken up when they pulled me off a table and dragged to the cell we were put and realizing my body was not my own but yours, now ours. I figured out my body was not my own when I heard your thoughts, while you were in a dream… I know it is not that helpful, but there it is first thing I can remember. Also when did you pick up the name Therin?” Shadow asked.

“While escaping the base the commander, I guess, he yelled: ‘stop Therin you will kill us all’, I guessed he was referring to me so I took the name.”

“We will figure everything out don’t worry, but now you might want to get out of the shower and go get some food.”

Getting out of the shower I clad myself in the new cloths. Taking the silvery cloth, so I can wash it later, I left the bathroom, as I was walking down the hall, I started looking for Kraal in this big house. After 10 minutes of searching I came into the kitchen and fond Kraal leaning over a pot of what looked like some kind of stew. “Have a nice shower did ya?” he asked.

“Yes thank you very much for your hospitality; I hope to repay you with my hard work tomorrow” I replied. “What are you cooking? If I might ask it very smells good.” the moment I said that my stomach growled.

“It is venison stew. It promises to be very good if the buck it came off of is any indication, I killed the thing myself. It will be ready in a moment why don’t get us some drinks, they are down the hall in the pantry.” Walking down the hall I open the door to a mid-sized room lined with cans, dry goods and other food stuff and in the corner I grabbed two glass bottles of beer of the shelf and get back to the kitchen.

“Are you sure drinking is the best idea? If you get too drunk, I will take over to prevent you from doing anything silly.” Shadow remarked.

“It will be fine it is just fine a beer.” I replied.

“Do you even like beer?”

“I don’t know, well we will find out won’t we?”

“Hope these are fine I grabbed them off the shelf” I said to Kraal.

“That will be great; you know how to pick a brew.”

At that point a loud gong rumbled through the house. Kraal got up and started walking to a hallway. Saying “Wow two visitors in one day, just stay here I will get it and be back in a moment.

“Do you think they found us Shadow?” I asked.

I don’t know but we will find out in a few moments, won’t we ? and there is not much we can do about it. She replied.

After a few tense moments Kraal walked back into the room san said, “There were some strange people out there. They kept saying that someone in a metal suit was seen by satellite walking on to the beach this morning and wanted to know if I had seen any metal men walking around. I told them I had met a traveler today, but there was no metal on him then they left. Do you know anything about a metal man?”

Shadow took over saying “Yes, I saw a man made of metal today but he ran off into the woods as soon as tried to talk to him.”

“How and why did you do that?” I thought to shadow

“So you would not have to lie, and on ‘how?’, I have always been able but it is very hard to take over while you are awake, along with judging that if you were to lie to him you would be caught.”

“Well they will figure it out in time I guess so let’s eat.” Kraal stated.

I started eating with the thought that he did not believe me totally and commented as much to Shadow. After dinner I was showed to the guest bedroom and after I wished him a good evening and confirming the time that we will start working I got into bed.

Shadow, do you sleep? I asked.

“No I do not think I sleep but I do other thing to occupy my time while you sleep, so do not worry about me.” She replied.

Well good night and we will see how tomorrow goes. I said while falling asleep.

 


 

i just realized that this is a 3k chapter… it happens

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