Storyteller
(#54293582)
Level 5 Spiral
Familiar
Tender Larail
Click or tap to view this dragon in Predict Morphology.
Energy: 50/50
This dragon’s natural inborn element is Plague.
Male Spiral
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Personal Style
Apparel
Skin
Scene
Measurements
Length
3.15 m
Wingspan
2.37 m
Weight
119 kg
Genetics
Obsidian
Lionfish
Lionfish
Obsidian
Noxtide
Noxtide
White
Ghost
Ghost
Hatchday
Breed
Eye Type
Level 5 Spiral
EXP: 1246 / 5545
STR
5
AGI
9
DEF
5
QCK
8
INT
6
VIT
6
MND
6
Biography
Tales of the Cursed: Book One
Chapter One: A Golden Demon
Ares stared blankly across the length of the lair, creating an intimidating picture for anyone who dared to glance his way. His dark scales glinted in the moonlight like a freshly sharpened blade. One dragon greeted him timidly, only to be met with a cold glance and an emotionless nod. He would not allow them near him. He couldn't. There was a darkness within him, a darkness that would consume all within its reach. His clan was beloved to him, and for that reason he could never let anyone close. It was better this way. No one would be endangered because of him.
His gaze shifted, following the golden imperial Hysminai as she made her way out of the lair and deep into the woods. Was her demon awakening again, so soon? Her last episode had been only last night. Without a sound he melted into the shadows, following her at a distance so as not to be seen. This had become a habit for him, soon after he realized she was fleeing the others to transform into a more sinister being. Sometimes he wanted to speak with her about it, as he understood her shame and the pain of dealing with such a thing alone. Still, something had always held him back. Perhaps it was his own fear – not of her, but of himself.
The sharp crack of a branch startled him out of his thoughts. Stupid, stupid...letting my guard down. Hysminai towered above him from a branch that realistically shouldn't have been able to support her weight. The silhouette of a golden skeleton glimmered within her body, the skull forming an eerie grin within her face. “Well, now! We have been followed. Not a wise move, Ares the cursed.”
Ares took a step back, a snarl forming on his lips. “Release her and find some other prey! There is no reason to take innocent lives. And...how do you know of my curse?” He never spoke to anyone about his past, and he certainly hadn't mentioned it to Hysminai. There was no way this creature could know anything about him. Was it bluffing?
“I know many things about many people. As for taking innocent lives, I am not in need of a reason. It is not your place to stop me.” It chuckled. Hysminai's normally soft laugh was altered into a harsh cackle. “Besides, I have a special interest in you, cursed one.” Ares felt a chill run down his spine. What was this thing? Was it possible it was connected with his past? He had always felt a strange familiarity with Hysminai, but his memories contained nothing pertaining to her. “Tell me how you know these things,” he growled. “You fear me less than you should.”
The creature shook its head, the golden skeleton flickering and gradually fading away. “I think I fear you just the perfect amount – that is, not at all. I shall return Hysminai to you for the time being. I grow bored of this conversation.” Ares caught Hysminai's body against his own as she nearly crashed to the ground. “Don't worry, you will speak with me again...and next time, we will have so much more fun.”
Chapter Two: Friends?
“You think you will survive five minutes like this? You are useless!” Shadowreaper's tail cracked loudly against the ground, inches away from the terrified trainee's face. Training was not going well today, and both her students and her partner were trying her patience. Already the golden imperial was tending to the young one's wounds, telling him things like, “Don't worry, you'll get better soon,” and “All you need is a little more practice!” Shadowreaper huffed irritably, turning away from the motherly Hysminai and the weary student. Why did Ares ask her to put up with this? Battle was for warriors, not dragons who would be better off tending to nests. “Foolish imperial, treating them like little hatchlings.”
Behind her, she heard Hysminai clear her throat. “Well, it is better than what you do, terrifying them like that. What do you expect them to learn if all you do is yell at them?” Hysminai stared at the guardian pointedly, a stern expression on her face. A slight golden shine began to move up and down her body, but the two paid no heed to it. The apprentice, sensing a dispute, quickly hightailed it away from the training arena.
Shadowreaper turned and stood face to face with Hysminai, their noses nearly touching as they glared daggers at one another. “If we did it your way, they'd still be failing at insect catching! They need to learn fast and they need to learn well. Nothing less will suffice.”
“Maybe you should learn to shut your face.”
Shadowreaper blinked, not expecting such words from Hysminai. Her parter's scales seemed to be like a candle, flickering golden several times and returning to a normal hue a few moments later. Even stranger, Hysminai seemed to be arguing...with herself?
“Sorry, Shadowreaper, I didn't...yes I did. You fail at everything, just like you failed to live on your own. Didn't think I knew about that, did you? Yes, Ares had to save you, didn't he? Stop, that is uncalled for. Your face is uncalled for. Really? You must be immature as well as cruel? Leave her be. I will leave her be when she knows she is worth less than those she claims to train. Your parents didn't want you. Your students don't want you. Ares doesn't want you, as much as you hope to impress him. Worthleeeessss...”
Shadowreaper's claws whipped through the air, leaving four faint claw marks across Hysminai's cheek. “Snap out of it! As for you, whatever you are, leave us. It is you who are worthless. I have earned my place in this world, and I certainly won't let the likes of you frighten me. Leave her alone, leave me alone, and go eat a maggot.” She turned her head slightly as Hysminai came to, hiding the single tear in the corner of her eye. “Come on, we have more training to do.”
A few moments later, Hysminai spoke up. “Shadowreaper?”
“What?”
“Thank you for defending me. I...I hope you know that I didn't mean anything I said. I mean, that wasn't me, even though I was talking...it's difficult to explain. Just...I want you to know that you're not worthless. You're important, important to me. We would be lost without you.”
“...Hmph. Go tend to that one's leg, why don't you. I can't handle any more whining today.” Despite the guardian's harsh words, Hysminai could see the faint trace of a smile on her face before she turned away. Perhaps they would be friends after all.
Chapter Three: Together Yet Alone
“Staring at it won't make it any better.”
Thanatos' ears flicked backwards at the sound of Ares' voice, though his gaze remained on the pool of water before him. The sight of his mangled, bloody face filled him with disgust. “I am aware. Is there something I can help you with?”
“Don't dismiss me so easily. You know, you judge yourself too much. Your outward appearance my have changed, but you are more than what you see on the surface. Do you think you are the only one with burdens to bear?”
Thanatos lifted his eyes to meet Ares' thoughtful gaze. “I have been mangled beyond repair. I was betrayed once. I can be betrayed again. Forgive me if I am not willing to participate in clan life as if everything is perfectly fine. Despite living in a group of other dragons, I am as alone as I ever was.”
Anger flashed briefly across Ares' face. “Thanatos, have you spoken to the others, learned of their fates? All are outcasts, stained, fallen ones. They understand the pain you feel. They will not put you through it again. Do not allow your past to drag you into darkness. You can become great again, if only you will allow yourself.”
Thanatos narrowed his eyes, contemplating the leader's words skeptically. “Oh? And how, pray tell, do you suggest I become great?”
Ares gestured to the land beyond their territory with a sweeping movement of claws. “You have seen the evil of this world, I am sure. The Shade, rogue dragons, even some of our own. Hysminai, for example, who struggles every day to keep her dark side chained within her. I need someone to rely on, someone to advise me and stand by me even when the end seems close at hand. I know of your skills, and I know your heart is strong. Do not rot away into nothing just because you are more bloody than you used to be.”
Ares turned away to return to the lair, leaving a very surprised Thanatos to mull over his words. He trusts me? He wants to rely on me? He...accepts me. The pool of water forgotten, he slowly began to follow Ares. Perhaps...perhaps he was not alone after all. From ahead, he heard Ares make a final comment. “Think about it, at least. When you want to discuss this, seek me out. I will always be there for my clan, and that includes you.”
Chapter Four: Strange Feelings
“And so I followed it to see how long it would survive, and it lasted a whole two days! That's the longest time I've recorded for that species, I think. Anyway, when I came back I saw Thanatos talking with Ares and...”
“Styx.” Anaideia's sharp tone stopped the young imperial mid-sentence, although she obviously wanted to continue. Her apprentice had been babbling on for the past hour, and the older dragon's patience was beginning to crumble. “Normally I would be fascinated by this story, but I swear by the deities...if you do not let me sleep, I will dissect you myself.”
“Oh...aha...sorry, Anaidaia. You're the only one I can talk to about these things!” She admired Anaideia more than anything in the world. She was the closest thing she would probably ever have to family. Still, perhaps she was getting a little overenthusiastic. “So...I'll...uh, go now.”
Anaideia's voice broke out behind her. “If you are so interested in this Thanatos, why don't you talk to him?”
Styx turned, a confused expression on her face. “What? I mean, yeah, he's interesting. He's the only one who could have survived such injuries! It's fascinating. He must be very strong. I think he's pretty good-looking under his injuries, too...”
“Sounds to me as though you like him. Young love finally got to you, hmm?” Anaideia smirked.
Styx felt her cheeks become warm and her heart rate increase. “No! That's impossible! I...goodnight! Enjoy your nap!” She rushed out of her mentor's den, the emerald imperial's laughter trailing behind her. Of course I don't like him. How ridiculous! This is nothing but scientific interest. Anyone would feel the same!
If only she had been watching where she was going. Her movement was swiftly halted when she ran into a large, sturdy form. Shaking her head and glancing up through dizzy vision, she was met with the amused stare of a large imperial with remarkable gashes all over his form. Thanatos? “Styx? You know, it's not very nice to run dragons over. Something wrong?”
Styx suddenly found it difficult to speak. “I...sorry! I was just...going into the forest to get some supplies for Anaideia. We have to watch our hoard levels carefully, you know.” Hopefully he didn't know that their stores were not due to run out for another week.
“Ah, yes. Watching the supply levels. Somewhat like you've been watching me?” Thanatos smirked at her shocked expression, swishing his tail across her nose playfully. He hadn't flirted in a long time. It was...fun.
“Oh...uh...well! You see, your survival is remarkable, and it's very interesting, you're very interesting, and you look pretty good for what happened to you, I mean, you look pretty good in general, I mean...”
Thanatos paused, searching her face. Was she serious? She honestly found him attractive, after all that was done to him? He found it difficult to believe, yet only he could only see earnest embarrassment on her face. No mockery, no lies, no amusement. It was as though she was a hatchling experiencing her first crush. Now that he thought about it, maybe she had never experienced romantic feelings before...
He coughed, his own body heating up slightly. He hadn't expected to feel anything like this again. Was it even possible? Well...there was nothing wrong with testing the waters. “You know, perhaps you interest me, too. Next time you feel like watching me, let's talk together, all right?” He winked before leaving to join Ares, who was waiting for him at the front of the lair.
Styx stood still for a split second before hightailing it back to Anaideia's den. That nap would have to wait. She had some extremely important things to discuss.
Chapter Five: Twisted Memories
It was the seventh day she had visited him. It was beginning to get on his nerves.
“Phobos, please?! You have the power to do it. Anai deserves to be happy! You can bring back her daughters. I'll bring you food for a year! I'll take all your gathering shifts! I'm begging you.”
The dark pearlcatcher stared at her with angry eyes, not at all intimidated by Styx's larger size. Resurrection was not that simple. He had told her time and time again to leave it well enough alone, but she just wouldn't take the hint. For days now she had been coming to see him, almost as though she had added it to her schedule. Yes, right between “conduct questionable experiments,” and “flirt with the dragon that looks like he got spit out by an emperor.” Yes, “pester Phobos about things you have no knowledge of.”
He shook his head irritably, growling at her as she followed him around the lair. “No. It's not as easy as you think. Besides, if they did come back, wouldn't that take her focus away from you? Better if they stay gone.”
Styx blinked, having not even considered the possibility. “She'd make time for all of us! And even if she paid more attention to them, I would understand. I just want her to be happy! She's done so much for me. Please! It's mean of you to not even try. At least try...”
She had to stop herself from running into him as he froze on the spot. There was a dark glimmer in his eyes, one that made her take a step back. “Oh, it's mean of me?” His voice started out as a low growl, then increased in volume until it was practically a roar. “You need to learn to keep your nose out of things that don't concern you. You think I can just snap my claws and poof, dead dragons are back again? No! It takes sacrifice, it takes blood, it takes things you wouldn't dare to touch. And even then, it fails. After you've poured your hopes and dreams into it, given all that you can, it leaves you with nothing but the shattered memories of your past.” He paused, out of breath. Styx stared at him worriedly, trembling slightly. “I...I'm sorry...”
Phobos shuddered, wiping tears out of his eyes and giving Styx a steely glare. His voice shook with barely contained emotion. “You will not visit me again.” His departure was swift, and no one saw him for the remainder of the day. Styx slumped to the ground, tears forming in her own eyes. She didn't know it could go wrong. She didn't know it would upset him so much. She was just trying to help her friend.
She did not visit him again.
Chapter Six: The Quest for Healing
Herbalist held the delicate plants lovingly in his paws, taking great care as he arranged them into his satchel. A glowing pocket mouse scurried out from underneath his body, and he took great care not to harm it until it had safely fled into the woods. Normally the wildlife would be more carefree around him, but he had a companion today. Anaideia had accompanied him on a mission to gather plants, as they often shared their knowledge of healing and plant life. Unlike himself, he knew she could be a ferocious hunter. Not that he judged her for it; he understood that some dragons just couldn't stick to eating vegetation alone.
Anaideia joined him beside the tangle of bushes, snorting at his concern for the small rodent. “Sensitive old fool. It's natural for our kind to eat meat. It's stupid to confine yourself to eating plants alone.” She gathered the herbs with much less care than he did, insects scurrying away from her claws as she swiftly harvested the leafy stems. Herbalist laughed softly and shook his head, straightening the stems that she had left torn and lopsided. “Every living being has feelings, just like you and I.”
Anaideia glanced at him thoughtfully, as if she were trying to solve a puzzle. “You sure picked the wrong clan for your ideals. Even the best of us are tainted in some way. I doubt you'll find anyone who will put the life of a rodent above their own hunger. So why did you choose us?”
Herbalist smiled at her warmly, setting his satchel to the side. “I felt a darkness here. Ares and Hysminai are twisted inside, corrupted by something they cannot control. It threatens not only them, but all they come into contact with. It is my duty to help those in need. They are my responsibility, and I will not rest until the evil is defeated and they can find peace.” He gathered up the remaining herbs and gestured towards the path home. “Shall we go? The clan will be eating soon. I'm sure your apprentice will have much to tell you.”
Anaideia sighed as she lifted up her own satchel and followed him. He was fighting for a hopeless cause, but she couldn't help but admire his dedication. In a way, she felt sorry for him. Surface injuries could be healed, but she had lost hope in healing the wounds of the soul long ago.
Herbalist took a detour around the back of the lair, planning to avoid the main eating ground of the clan. Many of them were carnivores, and he preferred to eat his own meal alone. Before making his departure he left Anaideia with one final remark. “I will heal you too, you know. Have faith in me, all right?”
Anaideia huffed as she made her way to her own lair. “Old fool. Poor, kind old fool.”
Chapter Seven: Out of the Shadows, into the Blood
Ares looked to the sky, the sunset coloring the clouds with bright orange and crimson. It was rare for light to pierce the darkness of the Tangled Wood, but tonight was an exception. He would enjoy this time while he could; soon he would be leaving the land of shadows, perhaps permanently.
From his perch on a boulder high above the rest of the clan, he gazed down upon the territory he had claimed as his own. He could see each and every dragon he had sworn to protect. Hysminai, the gentle one with corruption inside, who lingered in his memories just beyond reach. Phobos the necromancer, shattered by a failed attempted to bring back his loved ones. Anaidiea and Styx, rejected by those they trusted and brought together by the pain they shared. Thanatos, torn and bloodied, but still standing strong. Herbalist, the kind healer who seemed out of place, but cared for them all as though they were his own children. All these and so many more...he had come to love them, he realized. They would rise and fall together, for they were family now.
He whipped his tail against the cold stone, drawing everyone's attention up to him. He cleared his throat, preparing to make an announcement. “You have all become dear to my heart,” He began. “Together we have overcome the odds and built a new home for ourselves here. It has treated us well, but it is time to seek new horizons. Soon, we will be returning to my homeland: the Scarred Wasteland. There is a great evil there, a great evil that I have vowed to destroy.”
He paused, searching the faces of his audience. “You are all welcome to join me. Of course, I cannot force you to come. If you would prefer to remain here, we will leave you with all of our best wishes. I will give you a few weeks to prepare for the journey and to make any goodbyes you deem necessary.”
The silence was broken by a deep male voice. He recognized it as that of Thanatos. “You have my loyalty, more than any land. Where you go, I will follow.” Other voices soon chimed in, declaring that they too would make the journey into plague territory. Ares cracked a rare smile, his heart warmed by the dedication of his clanmates. They were outcasts, it was true. They were cursed, they were rejected, some would even be considered evil by other clans. But they were together, and together they would make a new home in the land of the Plaguebringer.
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