Chapter 85: The Loyal Dragons

Chapter 85: The Loyal Dragons

“Why won’t you just leave me alone!?”

The voice sounds fairly youthful, but also distorted, like many voices at once. The scenery is strange. It’s familiar, but also alien. There’s nothing noticeable about the air. The voice is the only apparent sound. But, the one speaking it sounds like it’s coming from behind. No matter how much he looks, though, he can’t find the source.

“It’s nothing personal. I just need you to leave me alone. If they find me,... I-... I’m scared, alright?”

“Who are you?” he asks. He’s not sure where he is or how he got here. He feels like he was just suddenly hearing the voice, though he feels like he was doing something.

“Don’t worry about it. Just... leave me alone, alright?”

Something feels different. There’s a weight on his chest, as well as a static tingle in the nape of his neck. It feels like someone is near him, but also pushing him away.

A suspicion hits him. “Nemaisol?”

The voice squeaks, and he quickly adds, “Nemaisol! Wait!” He feels like the presence is departing. “Are you really sentient.”

“Just forget about me! I can’t be discovered!”

“...iel...” A new voice seems to be reaching through the strange air. It’s a very familiar voice, as opposed to the strange voice that seemed like a chorus of soft and youthful voices.

Bap bap bap!

Daniel flutters his eyes open dazed a little as the soft light of the hangar lounge fills his vision. Big triangular fox-like ears slide into view, followed by a cute face framed by black hair. “Daniel! Wake up! You’re gonna miss breakfast!”

Daniel sits up, finding Hekate sitting on his lap. She smiles up at him brightly as he gathers his senses and yawns. She climbed up onto him to wake him up slowly at first, but apparently, it’s getting close to breakfast time.

After he’s more awake though, she pouts at him with her adorable grumpy face. “You never came back to bed, Daniel! Do you think I like being crowded by a bunch of dragons?”

He chuckles, ruffling her hair, and she growls as she tries to grapple his hand. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

When he shifts, though, a moderate weight flops down onto his lap between them; the sword Nemaisol. Daniel stares at it, and Hekate takes notice. “What is it? Did it shock you?”

“No... I just... I had a dream...”

“A dream? About your sword?”

Daniel nods, still deep in thought. He checks his pockets, finding his notebook, and he takes a moment to write it down so he doesn’t forget what the dream was, while Hekate patiently watches. He taught her to do the same if she wants to preserve happy dreams, and she keeps a few notebooks around the places she sleeps as well.

She leans over, blocking his view as she reads his writing. He can still write well enough without seeing, but his handwriting becomes even more uneven and sloppy than his inexperienced hand writing the Eastern Imperial Trade language.

“You think Nemaisol spoke to you?” asks Hekate curiously. She looks up, and he smiles softly.

“I think so. But, apparently, Nemaisol wants to just be left alone.”

“Why did it let you use it before that, though?”

“That’s what I want to ask.” He holds the sword up gently, saying softly, “I don’t know what’s going on, but I won’t give up on you. You saved my life and my loved ones more than once. I’d like us to be friends.”

Nothing seems to happen, and Hekate replies, “I don’t hear anything.”

“We won’t right now. But, I’ll win her over.”

“How do you know it was a ‘her’?” asks the skeptical feldrok girl.

“Because she also said ‘I’m gonna steal you from that Hekate girl.’”

Hekate immediately snaps, “What!?” She takes the sword, shaking it as she yells at it, “Daniel is mine first and forever! I’ll not be replaced with a dumb sword!”

Daniel catches her before she can get up and throw more of a tantrum. “Relax, Sweetpea. I’m just teasing you.” He hugs her to his chest as she still flails the sword out in front of herself away from Daniel. “No! You’re not allowed to use Nemaisol anymore! I won’t have any more rivals! You hear me!?”

Daniel can’t help but laugh as he holds Hekate, doing his best to interfere so she can’t throw Nemaisol across the room. “Be nice, Hekate. I was just teasing. You’re too spicy sometimes.”

“I am not! I could turn into a dumb sword, too. Pr-probably.”

“Hahahaha... Oh, you sweet, adorable little empress. I’ve told you many times, I’m not going anywhere.”

She huffs, pouting as she finally relaxes against him and lowers Nemaisol onto the lounge seat between their legs. “I know... I just want my turn to come...”

Daniel sighs softly. “I know, Hekate. Shall we go get breakfast?”

She nods. “Mm-hmm.” She finally lets him up, and he stands up with her, fastening Nemaisol to his belt. Even though Nemaisol strongly resists him drawing the sword from the scabbard, he has been protected many times when he needed it most. If it really is a sentient sword, however that might be, he doesn’t want to treat it simply like a tool, but as a trusted companion.

After all, his entire inner circle is full of individuals that come together, but also have their own needs and wants.

Just as the two are exiting the transporter station, they find Blue and Rose, who are waiting on them. They both bow instantly, saying with more enthusiasm than usual, “Your Greatness! Your Grace! Blue and Rose reporting!”

Daniel and Hekate look at each other for a moment.

“Blue, Rose, good to see you again,” replies Daniel warmly.

“Did we win?” asks Hekate.

The dragons are stumped by Hekate’s question, and Daniel adds, “Everything’s still in progress, we know that. Is something wrong?”

“No, your Grace!” replies Rose. “General Choul entrusted this message from the enemy Empress to us for delivery.” She presents the scroll, and Daniel unfurls it.

“Daniel!” snaps Hekate. “You’re supposed to have it checked!”

He looks at her, and she blushes. “E-Eri insists that scrolls can be trapped with curses and auto-casting spells. We're supposed to go through safety steps.”

“The seal's already broken, and I suspect Choul read it first.”

Hekate pouts at him, since he insists on her learning, but doesn’t listen when she wants to show off her new knowledge.

Daniel sighs. He hands it over to her, and she squeals happily. “Yay! Just wait!” She carefully casts a spell on the scroll, in spite of it already being opened, focusing on the results. After a moment, she hums, nodding in satisfaction. “Mm-hmm! This scroll is safe.”

Daniel smiles and pats her head, earning him a happy giggle. She hands it back to him, and he reads it.

“I see. Sundenelle wants to meet, then. Plan Troll is a go.”

“Plan ‘Troll’?” asks Hekate skeptically.

“Yeah. Good plans have names.”

“It’s not even a good plan! I knew it! You’re just wanting to add her to your harem!”

“Oh god... not you too. Listen, I explained it, didn’t I?”

“Ha! As if I wouldn’t see through your dastardly schemes! You’re my husband! Of course I know what you’re planning!”

“She’s going to be flustered and upset. That’s all I’m after.”

“And, then she’ll fall in love with your devilish charms!”

Daniel catches her when she pounces onto him, trying to grapple him in one of her small, impotent tantrums. He states, “Blue, Rose, you’re both welcome to join us for breakfast if you’d like.”

“O-Oh! Th-Thank you, your Grace! B-But, we couldn’t possibly...” retorts Rose bashfully.

“It would be too intimidating for us, your Grace. We’re lesser dragons. We were never afforded the right to attend meals with the greater dragons.”

Hekate and Daniel glance at each other. They both smile, and Daniel adds, “You’ll find Ryuo, Reina, and Geira are all much more relaxed than they used to be.” Hekate nods in agreement.

“Yes. They are are egg-dopey moms instead of cold-hearted lizards under a tyrant. They’ll welcome you.”

Both Rose and Blue bow, saying gently, “Please take no offense. W-We’re not ready, your Grace, your Greatness.”

“Very well,” replies Daniel gently. “Thank you for your help. Get something to eat and rest a bit. We’ll meet back up to discuss the next steps.”

“As you wish, your Grace!” They both turn on their heels, making their way to their own quarters, where they’ll either make their own meal or head to one of the other dining areas where the rest of the members of the Citadel eat.

Daniel and Hekate continue towards the main dining hall. As soon as they enter the dining hall, Ryuogriar immediately points out, “Ah, I see Plan Troll is imminent, then?”

Hekate perks up, gasping. “Wha!? How did you know that!?”

Ryuogriar stares at her, retorting dryly, “Because I know the plan and I know you, your Greatness.”

Hekate hops off of Daniel, pointing at the senior most dragon woman. “Then, you should be equally upset!”

Erimaya asks innocently, “Um... Wh-What’s ‘Plan Troll’?” She looks at those around her for help.

Reignleif explains, “Daniel intends to meet with Sundenelle in her audience chamber and ‘accept her proposal for marriage’.”

Erimaya gasps, “What!? You can’t!”

“I know, right!?” whines Hekate, bounding over to the princess for solidarity.

Daniel sighs. “As I’ve told Hekate MANY times, it’s just to toy with her. I have no intention of marrying her. She’ll be put on the spot in front of her nobles and vassals, and it’ll embarrass her. She’ll likely do something stupid in retaliation, but we’ll deflect it. Our bigger concern is the Covenant. Have we located their forces?”

Illianna replies, “Your Grace, we have made contact with neutral factions and are gathering intelligence. As it stands, the Demon Army is gathering near the Grand City, near where Lady Vaergraes’s temple was before.”

“Wh-What did you want?” asks Hekate as she approaches the bed.

Ryuogriar sits up, and she holds her arms out.

Hekate blushes glancing around. They’re alone in the room.

“I’m going away for a while, sweet Hekate. I’ll miss you.”

“I... You...” Hekate can’t look directly at the dragon, her cheeks rosy in color. “I’ll miss... y-you too...” admits the young feldrok girl.

“Will you indulge me for a bit?” asks Ryuogriar gently.

Hekate ponders for only a moment, sheepishly nodding and approaching. She hugs Ryuogriar, and she feels instantly warmer when the dragon wraps her arms around her. Ryuogriar hums softly. “Thank you, Hekate. I once thought I had no more growing to do as a person, but I was wrong.”

Hekate nods, admitting the obvious. “I have lots of growing to do... i-in all ways. Thank you for helping me.”

The dragon hums again, keeping Hekate warmly pressed against her chest. Without warning, she flops back, once again lying down with Hekate in an affectionate hug. Hekate gasps and whines a little, but she doesn’t resist. The two lie on Daniel’s bed in a comfortable embrace.

After a moment, Hekate asks gently, “Am... I just practice, Ryuo?”

“Practice?”

“F-... For your real children...”

Hekate can feel Ryuogriar’s hug tighten a little. Ryuogriar doesn’t look at her, though, and Hekate adds softly, “Sorry... That’s not...”

“I’m sorry it looks that way... Hekate, I told you before that I regret how I treated you. You... I adore you, Hekate.” Ryuogriar gently pets Hekate’s head. “I wish I could make up for it in an instant, but... I guess, for now, I just wanted to hug you before I go. My first hugs will always be for you, Hekate.”

Hekate flinches when a cool sensation kisses her cheek; a kiss from the dragon woman. Hekate blushes, squirming a little to be able to look into Ryuogriar’s eyes. Ryuogriar smiles affectionately. Hekate looks aside, murmuring, “M-... Mo-... I’m... sorry... I’m not... It’s... I don’t know what this feeling is... But it makes it hard to... say...”

Ryuogriar simply smiles. “You can call me whatever you want, Hekate. I’ll be your friend, your rival, your sister, your subordinate, or even... your mother...” Both of them blush this time, since it’s a new thought for both of them. The dragon continues softly, “I suspect I haven’t earned the right, though, for such an illustrious title. So, I’ll settle for a healing hug.”

“H-Healing?”

Ryuogriar smiles and shrugs. “I don’t need healing at the moment, but doesn’t this feel good?”

“Y-Yeah... Yeah, it does.” Hekate relaxes on Ryuogriar’s chest, and the dragon gently pets Hekate’s back. Hekate’s tail gently sways back and forth without her knowledge.

After a long moment, Ryuogriar sighs gently. “I hate to ruin this moment...”

“Mmm...”

“Will... you welcome me home, my dear, sweet Hekate?”

Hekate nods. “Mm-hmm. So, you absolutely have to be safe. Y-You are the closest thing I’ll ever have... to a mother. S-So,... d-don’t leave me for long.”

Ryuogriar squeezes gently again, humming happily. “Agreed.” Hekate rolls off of her carefully, sitting up on her knees as Ryuogriar stretches and sits up.

“B-Before you go,” starts Hekate softly.

Ryuogriar looks at her, cocking her head.

“R-Rather, while I have you alone...”

“What is it?”

“How old were you when you... first tried to... um... make an egg?”

Ryuogriar smiles. “I see...” She shifts to her knees as well, facing Hekate. “Dragons don’t even reach maturity until seventy years of age.” She turns serious with a somewhat sad smile. “Strange... Daniel expects to live to around seventy... He won’t even see one of his dragon grandchildren born...”

“We’ll do something about that!” replies Hekate urgently.

“I hope so, too.” Ryuogriar sighs, looking at Hekate to continue her answer. “To answer your question, though, a dragon can have eggs much earlier than that. Maybe around twenty. I don’t really remember anymore. But, since I suspect we’re talking about you, patience will be necessary, even if you wait out Daniel’s requirement.”

Hekate pouts. “Eri said she would have been married when she turned fifteen, before all of the stuff that got Daniel banished...”

“Humans have their own reasons for doing what they do, but so do humans from Earth. We don’t know why the rules are as they are on Earth, but they are the rules Daniel wishes to abide by. I think he’s dubious on what to do about this world other than himself, though.”

Hekate nods. “It’s just frustrating. Everyone asks me for permission, but I’m the only one who isn’t allowed.”

“I sincerely doubt Erimaya will have any luck for the next several years.”

Hekate smirks at her, growling, “I would hope so. I would have to really chew Daniel’s face off if he did that.”

Ryuogriar giggles. Suddenly, without warning, Hekate hugs her again. “Ryuo, thank you for everything. If you need any help, let me know.”

“Of course. Thank you, my dear, sweet Hekate.” The dragon puffs air gently in Hekate’s ear, and then kisses her temple, finally standing up to begin her mission. “If you would, do feel free to walk around with my egg. Carefully, of course. It’ll be your little brother or sister, as far as I’m concerned. I would be grateful if you help guide them.”

Hekate nods. “I will.”

As Ryuogriar and Hekate exit Daniel’s room, they find Daniel leaning against the wall. He shifts off of the wall, standing up. “Everything okay?”

The two glance at each other, and they smile. “Yes, Mukori. Everything is well.”

“Mm-hmm. Just girl stuff.”

Daniel chuckles. “Curse my past self for teaching you that.”

Hekate grins a big toothy grin. The platinum dragon asks gently, “Did you need something, Mukori? Perhaps you wish to spend a night with your Empresses before we are separated temporarily?” She grins as well, and Hekate blushes a little.

However, Daniel replies gently, “Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to be a part of Plan Troll, specifically. We’ll be sending golems to meet with Sundenelle.”

“Oh! You were planning to do that right away?”

Daniel thinks. “Mmm... I had hoped to sooner, rather than later, but perhaps we should actually schedule an audience with Sundenelle for maximum effect.” He nods as he comes to a conclusion. “We’ll wait until you return. I’ll send a message through the messengers. Please meet me at the control room flyway, and I’ll have the message ready.”

Ryuogriar nods. “I’ll go speak to Rose and Blue, then. We’ll meet you there.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I do something?” asks Hekate.

Daniel smiles. “If you wouldn’t mind, would you mind heading to the lab and helping Reina and Wenlianna?”

“Yes! Leave it to me!” Hekate bounds down the hallway to the transport station, selecting the lab area. She knocks on the lab, finding Wenlianna and Reignleif working hard at charging the magic crystals. “How’s it going?” asks the feldrok Empress.

“Good!” replies Wenlianna. She’s not as intimidated in her lab, nor of Hekate, who is younger than she is. “We’re about halfway done.”

“Can I help?”

“I’d be grateful. Please take over this charger, and I’ll go get another one from the back.”

Hekate nods, taking the charging station and placing a diamond into the cradle, charging it as requested with pure mana. “How is it?” asks Hekate.

“How is what?”

“Y-Your long-lost ancestor. I... Is she... What’s it like?”

Reignleif smiles. “It’s interesting. The more she talks, the more I think about my sister... It’s nice. She’s not the same, but I see a little of my sister the more we get to know each other.”

“I see... W-Were... you and your sister close?”

The blue dragon shakes her head slowly. “Not... as close as I wish we could have been. By the time I understood why she was ostracized, she had already been... killed.”

“I’m sorry... I... obviously never had any siblings...”

Reignleif manages a sympathetic smile. “I only regret not knowing her better. With her descendants, I can reminisce.”

Wenlianna enters, and Hekate and Reignleif leave the topic there. “Okay! We’re making great progress,” states the human magic artisan chipperly. “Hopefully, the range will hold. With Daniel’s phone, range is apparently a factor.”

“The spell should not be noticeably limited,” replies Reignleif. “Though, in fairness, I’ve never attempted telepathy across the continent either.”

Wenlianna nods. “We’re entering new territory.”

As the three of them charge crystals, nearing completion of the stockpile of 20 that they’re working on, Wenlianna suddenly asks out of the blue, “Hekate?”

“Yeah?”

“Can... I ask you for a favor after this?”

Hekate gets her usual feeling of suspicion almost immediately. But, she really only cares about never being abandoned. “You can ask, but you should know, depending on what it is, there might be a favor owed in return.”

“O-Of course! Thank you!”

Hekate sighs and nods. She’s going to have a LONG list of favors to cash in when it’s all said and done.

***