Draconic Testament (46 page)

Zaxxarius woke up, slowly. His exhaustion was actually genuine, so he had to get rest, even if Veronica was in trouble, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to help her properly. Zaxxarius felt a hair on his mouth, blonde, likely come from him, his hair part of the legendary trend of blonde haired Elrics. He effortlessly grabbed the hair and pulled it out, looking at it. It reminded him of when Veronica kissed him, in the woods outside Split. She kissed him goodnight, after he saved both of their lives. That was when she had finally opened up to him for good. She practically confessed her love that day. “Veronica.” Zaxxarius whispered to himself. “Be ok. Please.” He got up out of bed, stretching, then looked at the bundle of clothes by his door. He moved slowly, so not to make any noise, but the manor didn’t have any creaky floorboards. The floor was carpet over stone, and the stone felt hollow. Obviously, houses were built differently here. He picked up the bundle of clothes and looked at them. They were his clothes, his own human clothes. A sleeveless trench coat, vest, boots, jeans. He had the feeling this was going to be the last he saw of them... such a thought brought a sad, nostalgic sigh. These were seen as commoner clothes, and if Cazria is anything like the movies of nobility he’s seen, it’s that nobles are never to mingle with, or in, anything of lower stature than him. He was going to have to get used to royalty. It was so out of nowhere for him. He felt like he’d only been in Cazria a few minutes, and yet he’s the most important thing in Metholi! He changed into the clothes. There was one more thing Vander left. An Arcana. He smiled as he picked it up. This Arcana had a longer blade. He gave it a couple of swings, without igniting it. He felt... better with it. Like he had done this before. Was this the memories in effect? But, he couldn’t remember anything. “I suppose this is like Abaddon said.” Zaxxarius thought. “Second nature...” He put the Arcana in a bag, so not to draw attention to himself on the streets of both Cazria and Earth, and left. He wondered where Abaddon was... through the Mithril walls, he could see nothing. He exited into the hallway, which was illuminated by small lights on the ceiling of the hallway. He snuck out the private manor, making as little noise as possible. It was night-time, dark, and beautiful. The night sky was riddled with stars, like Earth’s was, and it had beautiful streaks of purple through the air. The streaks were slowly changing, morphing, getting bigger and smaller in some areas. He wondered what it was. He decided he’d wonder another time, as getting caught would likely be bad. He snuck off into the streets, receiving weird looks from some of the people still going around in the dark. He didn’t know the streets, but it was obvious where he was supposed to be going. The tower was huge, it was impossible not to see it. Lights made it hard to look at for two long, not to mention the searchlights that the battleships had, which made it look like some sort of odd disco. Nevertheless, the tower was far from reach. Quite a bit of walking would need to be done to get there. A few times, he was turned around, heading back towards the manor instead of the Tower. The roads were complicated to walk on, and he was constantly stared at for his choice of clothing, and the fact that his appearance was very much human. People moved out of his way, and seemed to fear him. Some even thought he was Luca of the Children of Blight, praising him as they passed. Eventually, he found a beautiful park, though it didn’t look as if it was made for citizens to simply walk their dogs. There was a large fountain in the middle of the park, which flowed water ever so slowly, unlike the mini fountains at the corners of the park. The park looked very important, and there was writing in Metholian writing along the gates, giving it a grand appearance. Zaxxarius could not read Cazrian, but as he looked at it more intently words popped into his head. “The Unveiling Fountain...” Zaxxarius said. “I can read Metholian... how?” Then it struck him. The Overlord’s memories. The second nature was kicking in when he looked at the writing. He wanted to back this up by checking somewhere for writing in Metholian. He saw a billboard, far away, but he could still read it. Advertisement for hair-gel with complicated and boring name.
“Daring to brave the Unveiling Fountain?” A voice from behind him said. He turned, and his heart leapt. It was a Domini. This was the first time he had seen one close-up, but he had seen them before in the streets, though, nowhere near as many as the other Aliens. He didn’t blame them. He knew that people were often categorized in with other people sharing their race, he highly doubted it was any different in Cazria. On Earth, humans discern people from their Nationality or race. In Cazria, there was far more of a variety. The Domini had caused a war in Zolka, the DomiCazrian war, and there was also another war going on now. He didn’t have much of the details, but the Domini had taken areas in Zolka, and were simply defending them. Two wars, they had been the antagonists of, and one of them resulted in the deaths of the dragons. It was obvious they were the most infamous race in the Universe, especially since the Dragons told the Cazrians to ignore them. “Oh. Hello.” Zaxxarius said. He looked at the Domini’s tail... It was very intimidating, and although it didn’t look like one, all Zaxxarius could picture in his head when looking at his tail was a scorpion’s tail, and how deadly the poison in it was. Though, a Domini’s poison is one of searing pain. Most Domini have their poison sacs removed as a child, due to obvious reasons. This man unsettled Zaxxarius. He smiled, a lot. For no reason, and it wasn’t a happy smile, it was more of a disturbed, forced smile. It didn’t look right. “Not often we see humans around here... I wonder, who are you?” The Domini said. Zaxxarius had to think about that question.
“I can’t say, I’m sorry.” As he had no idea what else to say.
“Sounds secret.” The Domini said. “Which makes it awfully bold of you to be walking around the streets of Trinity... but ahh, no matter.” The Domini turned towards the park ,and looked at it. “Beautiful, isn’t it? They had to make it beautiful; but believe it or not, a lot of heartbreak has happened here.”
“How come?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Because of what this place is.” The Domini said. “It’s supposed to be a haven for couples who get together and confess their love. When the couple confess their love, or want to marry, this is often a place they would visit. Not because the place looks like a nice honeymoon site, no... It’s because of that Fountain, and it’s waters.” He said.
“What’s so special about it?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Many marriages take place here, and they make their vows in front of the water. The water is no ordinary water, mind you, and it’s no religious sect. It’s impressive magic. When one peers into the water, their reflection shows the one that they love, that they desire. Often, it’s never who they think it is. It’s often another woman or man, and that ends badly...” He said. “Hohoho, Malevolent is it not?”
“It sounds rather practical actually.” Zaxxarius said. “Before a marriage, I’d say a couple should visit this place. If anyone else but their spouse is reflected in the waters, then ditch them for someone who cares deeply for you.”
“Yes, that’s the idea.” The Domini said, in a mellow voice. “Though, what if love for another comes after the marriage? It’s not an emotion easily controlled, is it?” Zaxxarius thought on that for a couple of seconds. The Domini was right. “Duty, who was a monster, was said to have first turned insane when he suspected his wife to be of cheating. He dragged her here, and took her before the waters. Nobody knows who was reflected in the waters, but Duty ended up becoming so irate with rage that he drowned her.” Zaxxarius shuddered. This place really did feel like a subtle, sinister evil. “I was revealed to my first love here, to my increased embarrassment and shame. The devil lured me here, and I peered into the waters with her. Her reflection was of another, but mine was of her. The shock on her face was... unique. I had no idea what it was all about until she explained to me, shakily. Then, I wanted to drown
myself
in the pool, and suck the water into my lungs.” He chuckled. He had a rather odd sense of humour. “Believe it or not, but after that, I took every opportunity to come here. I’d peer into the water, to see her face again... then, I’d hide, and wait for couples to come. Believe it or not, an ever so heartless Domini like me actually loved either outcome that came of peering into the waters. Every chance I had, I’d come here.”
“The woman. Did she ever love you back? What happened?” Zaxxarius asked, like a nosy teenage girl.
“Aren’t you going to peer into the waters?” The Domini asked, changing the subject.
“No.” Zaxxarius said, taking a quick step back.
“Oh?” The domini asked. “I would have thought you’d jump at the chance. How shocking. Why not?”
“I already know who would appear...” Zaxxarius said, hesitant and unsure. “And I’d much rather get to her in real life. Yes, I'm in a hurry, spending valuable time. I must be off.”
“We’ll meet again.” The Domini said, as Zaxxarius ran off. Then, he entered the park, and head towards the waters. He stopped right next to the waters... then, he peered in. “Life is cruel, isn’t it?” He whispered. “That’s why I do this... You must understand...”
Zaxxarius made it to the Tower of Xelphan, entering the doors of the reception hall. He made a left, nearly bumping into the two guards. “Let me past, please.” Zaxxarius said.
“Ptooh. You jest, surely.” A guard said. “That’s not funny.”
“I think this is-“ The other guard began.
“I'm not joking. I'm Zaxxarius Elric, Overlord of Metholi. Let me past.”  Zaxxarius said. 
“Knew it.” The other guard said.
“Oh... I'm sorry.” The first guard said. “Your Paladin came by here earlier, to warn us you’d be descending... but Paragon Abaddon said-“
“I know, trust me.” Zaxxarius said. “I mean no ill will. I’ll be back.” The guards smiled and nodded, and Zaxxarius was let past, into the basement. He descended the long stairs, and ended up face to face with a sphere, in the middle of a large room. He went up to it, and kneeled down to the sphere, running his finger along it. This was the source of the Mana in the Haven, the reason he felt so at peace there. He could feel it here, and it calmed him. “Off to be prince charming, saving princesses, then?” Vander asked. Zaxxarius knew he was there, in the corner, watching. “Yes. Thanks for the help.” Zaxxarius said, without turning around to look at him.“I think it’s a mistake...” Vander said. “An Overlord’s life is not just a lap of luxury, as I’m sure you’ve seen in the Monolith. You’d get over her when you experience far worse.”
“Perhaps, but that would mean I’d be submitting myself to a life of selfishness.” Zaxxarius said.
“What do you mean?” Vander asked.
“It would be like living in a post-apocalyptic world.” Zaxxarius said. “Everyone is out to do what they want, and what they need to to survive. Your beloved is pleasure to them, your life is nothing, and your goods are forfeit. I don’t know how anyone could do that. Why would you hurt people so badly, and live in constant fear, nobody watching your back. No friends, no family.”
“Some people find it fun.” Vander said. “Some people are sick.”
“Yes...” Zaxxarius said. “That’s my point.” Vander paused a second.
“You’re saying I'm sick?” Vander asked.
“No, you just don’t understand how I feel.” Zaxxarius said. “If I simply wave her life away, how could I feel for anyone ever again?”
“So that’s how it is.” Vander said. “You love her.” Zaxxarius paused.
“It’s complicated.” Zaxxarius said.
“Love always is.” Vander said. “Life wouldn’t be interesting if it was simple.”
“Don't think I’m simply thinking about myself and her.” Zaxxarius said. “I know what I'm doing is arguably more selfish than chivalrous, but that’s only if I die. I don’t plan to.”
“You sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Vander asked.
“You’re already in enough trouble.” Zaxxarius said.
“You know I don’t give a damn.” Vander said. “I was doomed when I was first made, anyway.”
“What do you mean?” Zaxxarius said, confused at the turn of the conversation.
“I... Don’t feel right.” Vander said. “My race is ‘supposed’ to be Cazrian, but I look human... I’m supposed to be another person, when that person is nothing like me. I was made for a purpose, like some android, and I failed at that purpose. I feel as if I’m an abomination.”
“Vander...” Zaxxarius said.
“Don’t. Don’t do that thing where you try to make others feel better.” Vander sighed. “I’m not Talia, or Veronica. It won’t work. The reason why I’ve been so attached to you other the years is because I’m somewhat like you. We’ve both been groomed into something without our permission and consent. I was so attached, that I forgot my duties, and things got complicated fast... I’ve been trying so hard not to betray you or my duties, but I’ve long forgotten the difference between right or wrong... So I’ll just go with your flow.” Zaxxarius didn’t know what to say.
“Good. I’d like to keep your around. I need someone around to get on my nerves.” Zaxxarius chuckled. “And sway women away from my good looks.”
“I suppose you do.” Vander laughed. Zaxxarius sat before the sphere, and Vander came up from behind him. “Will you need my magic opening it?” Vander asked.
“No.” Zaxxarius said. “You’re free to go. Please tell the guards to let nobody back here, for whatever reason. Especially Abaddon.”
“Alright.” Vander said. “He’ll likely catch onto what we’re up to soon enough, anyhow.”
Zaxxarius stepped out onto the platform of his Haven, and turned to deconstruct the portal. Opening the portal was easy, but he expected that constructing one was a whole different story. He followed the basic steps that Veronica had when he took her to the Haven, and after that, it became rather easy for him. He just saw what step was next. He messed up a couple of times, but after retrying it a few times, the technique was clear, as if it were textbook material. Closing the portal was also easy. It was like pulling out a card from a tower of cards. He simply punctured a pattern that he had created, opening the portal, and a massive fault occurred in the portal, making it all slowly chip away. The portal disappeared, but it would be easy to pick up from where he left off and continue, though his progress grew less and less for each second he watched it. He turned around, and breathed in the earthen air. It was different. In Cazria, the air felt easy to breathe in, but here, the air was stuffy, like he was wearing tight clothing around his ribs, constricting his lungs. However, earthen air felt normal to breathe in, while the Cazrian air felt... artificial. Like an incomplete duplicate. He supposed that was the obvious feeling, as he had grown up in Earth. He closed his eyes, looking around in hollow sight. He could see Magi in some places in town, blending in with the humans, and more farther off. He could see Koreall from here, though there was no indication of them being underground, due to the Aura blockage implemented in the dirt. Then he realised. He could not see Veronica. Anywhere. That was something he didn’t think through, how he would find Veronica. He liked to plan things out, then execute them in a grand fashion, but he left out this one important thing. He sighed, angry at his stupidity. Then, he got to work, and set off. Uselessly, he walked around town, passing through the normal humans who lived their lives in Ignorance, though, that was not their fault. It reminded him of the saying “Ignorance is Bliss.” And while the existence of Magic and Cazria was not exactly a bad thing, he knew that knowledge of their existence would likely have dire ramifications on the populace of Earth. Not to mention, the ‘improvement’ Illuminos was talking about. Walking around, thinking of something to do, he lost track of where he was going. The whole notion of not being able to find Veronica after setting his heart on it made him ill. His head spun lightly of the realisation that he indeed would not be able to save her... To save the one he cared for. And then, on that thought, he ended up outside a very familiar house. It held many memories. He remembered being smuggled into this house after dark, and performing and receiving his first lusty acts in the room of his first and only girlfriend up till he went to Korreal.