Creative Corner

[img]https://i.imgur.com/AP6c0cB.png[/img] I don't write lore very often, but when I do I tend to write a lot. My lore might seem confusing since I format my writing in the way that makes the most sense to me. That's where this thread comes in! It allows me to put the stories in order so that people don't have to switch to a different dragon's profile just to see the next chapter. [img]https://i.imgur.com/AP6c0cB.png[/img] [LIST] [*]I will post all of my complete lore stories here from now on [*]If you are interested in any stories that I may write in the future, then feel free to sub to the thread [*]You may now post comments in this thread! I don't mind at all [*]Don't be afraid to message me about any questions you may have regarding these stories [*]Familiars & hatchlings are non-canon unless otherwise stated [*]My lore & lair locations are often inspired by the soundtracks of Hollow Knight, any Hollow Kinght dlc, TUNIC, Shadow of the Colossus, Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Ghost in the Shell, and instrumental Studio Ghibli songs. [/LIST] [img]https://i.imgur.com/AP6c0cB.png[/img] [center][u]The General Lore of My Lair:[/u][/center] Deep in a valley in the Gladeveins, Greenbriar village is led by the progen family that founded it. Every other lair location is loosely connected to it in some way. A guide to my lair's different areas is located [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/86240257][u]here[/u][/url]. [img]https://i.imgur.com/AP6c0cB.png[/img] [center][u]Individual Stories I've Written:[/u][/center] I. The Hunt (just scroll down to the next post) II. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3334172/1#post_57008203]The Dive[/url] Will probably write another when I start having ideas again [img]https://i.imgur.com/AP6c0cB.png[/img]

[center][font=Cambria][size=7][emoji=black gem size=1] [b]The Hunt[/b] [emoji=black gem size=1][/size][/font] As night envelops the little town, something stirs in the shadows. Most don't even notice it's presence, except for these lucky few. Those who sense it have only one question left: Is this friend or foe? [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2880838][img]https://i.imgur.com/I063fkW.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][font=Cambria][u]Characters Involved[/u]:[/font][/center] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88865034][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/888651/88865034p.png?mtime=ZZTvPqReCBQ.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89451458][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/894515/89451458p.png?mtime=ZZTKTuUyM_g.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84704139][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/847042/84704139p.png?mtime=ZZhcZDsDxlA.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94176598][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/941766/94176598p.png?mtime=ZZhvqv7Xxyw.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94199007][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/941991/94199007p.png?mtime=ZZh0LeYZ3gw.png[/img][/url] [nextcol] [LIST] [*]Natasha fights the Shade with ferocity and cunning. As long as she's lived, she has desired to eradicate the Shade from Sornieth. Now, Natasha is more determined to do so than ever before. Is she just that adamant about her work, or is there something she's not telling us? ------- [*]Hezrou is as supportive as he can be. But sometimes one's support isn't enough. When something you love is beyond your help, what else can you do but wish? ------ [*]Akeet loves her life the way it is. Everything is great... until it isn't. Fate loves to mess with content people. Things may seem far worse for some, but maybe fate is pushing us in a good direction for once. ------- [*]Zatmenyat has struggled with controlling his abilities since the day he hatched. Now that he is alone, the world seems a far bleaker and distant place. Can Zatmenyat find control over his powers, or will they tear him apart first? ------- [*]Phantasm wishes for only one thing: Freedom. Freedom from prisons, rules, and morality. Mortals cannot understand the depths of this chaotic hatred. But they could help Phantasm achieve it nonetheless. [/LIST] [/columns] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] Three of the dragons involved in this story are part of the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/drs/3250198]Dark Stalkers[/url] lineage. Be sure to check it out sometime!

[center][font=Cambria][size=7][emoji=black gem size=1] [b]The Hunt[/b] [emoji=black gem size=1][/size][/font] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2880838] [img]https://i.imgur.com/I063fkW.png[/img][/url] [font=Cambria][size=7][b]Arrival[/b][/size] [i]Natasha's perspective[/i][/font][/center] As the late summer rain poured down, the town was silent. It seemed almost lifeless compared to the lively commerce that filled the market only hours ago. [i]The Shade scent is even stronger here, but why? How do the residents not sense anything wrong?[/i] Natasha gazed down the empty street. Only a single lantern shone outside now, hanging from the edge of the local tavern's sign. [i][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89451458]Hezrou[/url] and I have been traveling for days... a good rest could sharpen my tracking senses for tomorrow.[/i] The heavy tavern door opened with a loud creak, startling the quaint Mirror behind the bar. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84704139]Akeet[/url] hadn't seen any new faces in town since her mother had confronted the Advancement Guild, but that was then, and this is now. "Can I help you two?" the welcoming Mirror offered. "We don't need much," replied Natasha. "A place to stay for tonight is all." With that said, a meek "come this way" was heard and the barkeep hurried up the stairs. While the room must have been massive to a Wildclaw or Fae, Natasha and Hezrou could barely fit inside. "Are you sure that one room will be enough? I could discount the second one." Akeet chimed in. Natasha glanced towards Hezrou, quietly asking if he had an opinion on the matter. He spoke, saying, "Just one room should be plenty. We tend to travel somewhere else quite frequently, so she and I will make do for now." Not wanting to dispute with her clients, Akeet simply nodded and left the way she came. "What a strange place to build a village. This place is so densely wooded that we almost went right past it. What about this place draws people here anyways? Is it magic? Escape? Real estate?!" Natasha was going on and on about Greenbriar's odd circumstances. [i]Wait. I need to relax and save my energy. The hunt resumes first thing tomorrow, and I have to be ready to face the Shade when I find it.[/i] Hezrou blew out the candle lighting the room so that sleep might come on quicker. The rain had reduced itself to an occasional pitter-patter on the roof. Dim moonlight shone through a slit in the shabby curtains, illuminating some of Natasha's armor. Nights in the Gladeveins seemed peaceful, but Natasha could still feel the call of the Shade in the back of her mind. The Voidsoul deep within her yearned to seek the Shade, to best it. But her father Konstantin had warned Natasha to keep a tight reign on this power, lest it find the Shade favorable. [i]I want to eradicate the Shade from all of Sornieth... so why do I feel like it wants to be found?[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Arrival[/b][/size] [i]Hezrou's perspective[/i][/font][/center] Night quickly overtook the village of Greenbriar, offering much needed rest to its visitors. Hezrou had been travelling with [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88865034]Natasha[/url] for years now, but she had never shown this much haste in arriving anywhere. [i]She's got plenty of dedication, but Natasha always seems distracted now.[/i] Her younger brother, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94176598]Zatmenyat[/url], disappeared not long ago. Now she hunts the Shade more frantically than ever, hoping that it might somehow lead her to him. [i]Zatmenyat was a friend of mine too. I can't imagine how much harder this must be for a sibling - but I can't go without rest forever and neither can you.[/i] Natasha was fast asleep for the first time in days. Hezrou glanced out the tiny window of the room, surveying the quiet town. He and Natasha could both since the presence of The Shade not far away, but nothing else in Greenbriar seemed even remotely off. [i]The hunt begins anew tomorrow, but where would we even start looking?[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Eclipse[/b][/size] [i]Zatmenyat's perspective[/i][/font][/center] Its not every day that a solar eclipse happens - and for good reason too. The Shade thrives in dark, unnatural times. The Voidsoul in Zatmenyat grew exceptionally powerful in response to these circumstances. The sky was darkened as he hatched, the light of the sun completely blotted out by the moon. Life seemed peaceful and perfect for all of 2 minutes until the sun returned. The sunlight scared Zatmenyat, stinging his eyes (which can barely see anything). His parents knew that a nearly blind hatchling, however determined, would need someone to help him along in learning how to manage the Voidsoul's power. Konstantin sent for [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88865034]Natasha[/url], one of his children who also possessed highly powerful Voidsoul. Zatmenyat was entrusted to her as an apprentice in the ways of Shadehunting, and he quickly became adept at it. But not all was well. While Natasha seemed to effortlessly keep her Voidsoul in check, Zatmenyat struggled to keep it from lashing out on an almost daily basis. He tried talking to [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89451458]Hezrou[/url] about it, but none of the strange potions and charms helped. The Voidsoul within seemed to grow ever stronger, more vicious and inciteful. It caused Zatmenyat's already sensitive vision to deteriorate beyond repair. It was like staring through a dark tunnel, only splotches of color at the end. Zatmenyat feared that the Voidsoul would overtake him soon. [center]...[/center] The Voidsoul was taking its toll, practically leaking out. [i]I don't want Natasha or Hezrou to see me like this. I need to go somewhere far enough away that no one can be hurt by my curse, at least long enough until I can find a way to reign it back in.[/i] That night, Zatmenyat departed with only a note left behind. Natasha had taught him well to cover his tracks. [i]I'm only going to be gone until the Voidsoul subsides. That's all.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Flashback[/b][/size] [i]Natasha's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The new hatchlings played with each other within the den. Irina watched them with a loving but cautious gaze, especially [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94176598]Zatmenyat[/url]. She couldn't be sure of the reason, but Zatmenyat kept bumping into walls, doors, his siblings. Clumsier than hatchlings tend to be. Maybe he was just on edge because of the eclipse too. Only a few days had passed since the eclipse, the strange event that had caused surges of Shade-related activity all across Sornieth. Outside the den, Konstantin welcomed Natasha home for her short visit. The two had much to discuss regarding the start of Zatmenyat's apprenticeship. "Remember, Natasha," Konstantin said to his daughter. "Zatmenyat has incredible power inside of him, but... he's still just a hatchling. I want you to keep a close eye on him. That level of Voidsoul could become extremely volatile if he cannot gain full control of it." "It'll be alright, Dad. I'll train him everything I know to keep that from coming true." Just as the conversation ended, Zatmenyat stumbled over to Natasha. His eerie eyes stared deep into hers, not with fear or malice, but with innocent hatchling curiosity. [i]I will [b]never[/b] let that become true. Not for you, little one.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Flashback[/b][/size] [i]Hezrou's perspective[/i][/font][/center] "I just... I just don't know what else I can do." muttered Zatmenyat. "Every day the headaches and the nightmares just get worse and worse..." Hezrou patted the little Gaoler on the shoulder. "I don't know what to tell you. My potions haven't helped you one bit, and charms can only remedy simple hexes. I've never heard of one working on ancient Shade-hunting curses." Zatmenyat dejectedly glanced down at his talons. [i]Oof. That did [b]not[/b] come out like the sage advice I thought it would be. [/i] "But hey, if I do find some kind of supercharm that can cure crazy curses like that, then you'll be the first to know. Zatmenyat looked up at Hezrou with an expression that Hezrou hadn't seen on the kid in a long time. Hope. [i]...Maybe I'm not such a bad brother-in-law after all.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Night[/b][/size] [i]Zatmenyat's perspective[/i][/font][/center] It was only meant to be a few days to regain composure. Zatmenyat hadn't planned on being away for [b]months[/b]. [i]But what choice do I have?[/i]He had lost track of how long he had been travelling. He hadn't seen another dragon in days. [i]Not that any would want to see me. The last dragons I saw took one look and ran for the hills shouting, "Its a monster! AAAAAAAHH!!!"[/i] Parts of his fur and horns were beginning to stain inky black where they hadn't been before. To others, he must look like some kind of Shade-touched creature. [i]The exact things this curse was meant to stop. Where am I now anyways?[/i] The sounds of animals nearby had diminished; the sun had probably gone down for the night. The air smelled of heavy and dense vegetation... maybe a river nearby? And... something else. Something... unsettlingly familiar. [i]The Shade!? Why here in the literal middle of nowhere? ...It doesn't matter. I swore to hunt down the Shade and that's what I'm going to do.[/i] But that is something easier said than done. Zatmenyat had started this "extended business trip" to find some method of reigning in his Voidsoul's power. Months of searching for antidotes had passed, but none were found. The Voidsoul, once just a notion in the back of Zatmenyat's mind, was now a constant roar. It was voiceless and wordless, yet it promised him great power none the less. All he had to do was let it win. Let it have control, and he would become the perfect weapons against the Shade. [i]But I can't. I [b]won't[/b]. The Voidsoul may want The Shade destroyed as much as I do, but it doesn't have dragonkind's best interests at heart. It doesn't care how many innocent bystanders are "in the way". The Voidsoul wouldn't care if I get torn to shreds for the sake of the hunt. I can't stop now, after everything. I have a job to do.[/i] The Shade's scent rose from a small river valley hidden in the dense Gladevein forest. A quaint little village was nestled there. [i]Of course. Whenever the Shade pops up somewhere, there's always dragons nearby for it to corrupt.[/i] Zatmenyat scouted the outskirts of the village. [i]Best not to get to close in case anyone is still wandering around at this hour.[/i] But just as he walked behind a building of some kind, he heard a slight movement off to the side. He tensed and angled himself towards it, waiting for a sign of its location. Only silence remained in that tense moment. Zatmenyat waited, but whatever had made the noise must have just been an object or a small animal. [i][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84704139]Nothing of concern[/url].[/i] He slinked back into the trees, still listening for any noise coming from that building. [center]...[/center] Night dragged on. The Shade's scent still lingered in the air; it clouded Zatmenyat's sense of smell as it had been all night long. It remained ever present in the background... until it wasn't. There, at the mouth of a cave, shrouded behind thick vines. [i]That's where its coming from. There's no doubt about it.[/i] Zatmenyat descended into the cave, knowing that whatever Shade-touched abomination might be inside, he would stop it now and forever. [i]The Voidsoul is still as intense as ever, but I can't let this village remain in danger. I [b]will[/b] save these dragons from The Shade. If I have to become some kind of Voidsoul monster to do that, then so be it.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Night[/b][/size] [i]Akeet's perspective[/i][/font][/center] That evening, it was quiet. Peaceful. Most of the village had settled in for the night already. Well, except for Rigel & Akeet. Come on, Rigel." Akeet said. "You know its time for me to close the doors for tonight. You've been sitting at this bar for hours; go home and get some sleep, okay?" The skydancer replied, "...Alright. You know I can't say no to you, but I'll be back tomorrow." Akeet nodded at him as he stepped out through the tavern door. [i]Rigel's a nice guy... but he shouldn't spend all day hanging out at the bar. Granted, with how much time he spends here, I'm probably making a fortune off of him. Oh well. I should probably go home for the night too. I'm sure I'm not the only one of my siblings that's wide awake right now.[/i] She lit her trusty lantern on her way to the back door. [i]Some of the townsfolk probably think I'm strange for not using the main road, but I know every hidden footpath in these woods by heart. I enjoy seeing what mysteries the night has to show me.[/i] Akeet closed the door on her way out, taking care to shut it quietly so as not to disturb those resting nearby. However, before she turned around, Akeet sensed something... wrong. Unnatural. She could sense a foul presence just behind her. Half scared, half curious, Akeet slowly turned around to face whatever [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94176598]nightmare[/url] was waiting for her. Nothing could have prepared her for that sight. It was a large, hulking shadow, vaguely dragon-like in shape. Easily twice Akeet's size. It was lithely slinking its way through the grass behind the tavern, taking no notice of her. Stricken by fear, she stood silently, her hand still grasping the lantern's handle. [i]Okay. OKAY. It hasn't attacked yet, so maybe it d-doesn't want to eat me? I just need to back away without provoking it... y-yeah. That might work.[/i] She put her frantic plan into action, cautiously stepping backwards. Akeet was more terrified now than she had ever been, but she wouldn't dare turn her back on a possible threat. [i]One step at a time...[/i] She slowly inched away from the horrifying creature. It still hadn't noticed her. [i]But how? I'm standing only a few paces away from this thing. It is the dead of night and I am LITERALLY holding a LANTERN next to it![/i] [center]*[b]crack[/b][/center] A twig snapped beneath her shaky talons. There was no way of knowing that it was there, and there are no words to express the sheer terror she felt in that moment. The beastly figure snapped its head around to face her. Its unmoving gaze was fixed on Akeet's location. For the first time, she saw its face. "It" was a dragon, or, at least... it used to be. As it continued staring, she stared back. Akeet timidly outstretched her free arm and waved it up and down a few times, but it didn't flinch or reach in any way. Its murky, dead eyes showed no movement. [i]That's why it didn't notice when I came out of the tavern. Its... blind.[/i] Almost as soon as she reached this realization about the shadowy dragon-beast, it resumed prowling back into the woods. [i]Why- Why is that thing here? Here of all places? Is it stalking someone else in the village? Is it stalking the whole village?![/i] She breathed a silent sigh of relief when it disappeared from her sight. [i]I'm just a little tavernkeep in the middle of nowhere! I'm not built to handle this kind of pressure! But... why is it really here? Am I sure that it's searching for someone, or it it just searching for something? Should- should I follow it in case it is here for someone?[/i] Against her better judgement, Akeet climbed into the tree canopy to tail the dragon-thing (from a safe distance, of course). It stalked through the dense underbrush with the stealth and grace of a truly expert hunter. It left inky prints in its wake, foul markings that stained the plant life a sickly shade. [i]This thing should [b]not[/b] be here. Does it even realize what it's doing?[/i] Then it abruptly stopped. [i]Stopped? Wait a minute, let me see the script... yeah, its not supposed to stop. Says right here in the very real script that it wanders straight out of the Gladeveins, never to scare any unsuspecting Mirrors ever again. Says it right there, clear as day.[/i] But what kind of narrator/writer listens to a script anyways? The beastly dragon stopped in front of a vine-covered cliff face. It took a sniff at the vines before tearing them away with its inked claws. A tunnel opening of sorts was suddenly revealed. [i]Since when were there tunnels and caves around here? I've been scouting these forests since the day I hatched![/i] The sun was beginning to rise. After a small moment of hesitation, the draconic shadow descended into the opening of the cave. Akeet waited outside for a few moments. [i]Whatever that thing was, it doesn't seem to be coming out of there anytime soon. Hopefully not.[/i] Sunlight draped over the valley in the early dawn. The darkened tracks vanished upon contact with the light, and almost all of the evidence of the creature's visit disappeared along with them. Akeet hadn't gotten any sleep last night, and it was already time to open the tavern doors again. [i]I am [b]never[/b] using that back door again. NEVER. AGAIN.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Monster[/b][/size] [i]Natasha's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The small grassy clearing behind the tavern was occupied as usual. Natasha gathered every bit of evidence about the Shade she could find nearby and spread it all out on an old stump. No matter what way she looked at it, it was all just a bunch of random rumors. Zorrakis' crops weren't as good as last year's. Amalure's chisel was still missing. A strange skydancer frequents the bar. None of these little events had any connection to The Shade. [i]Since when has it been this hard to find something that I can literally smell from here? Most of the villagers don't have a clue what I'm talking about, and those that do just spout weird folklore at me.[/i] Once again, Natasha combed through the piles of useless information on the stump. A crumpled note fell into the grass. It was the note that Zatmenyat had written before his disappearance. [font=papyrus]Natasha & Hezrou, I know this is sudden, but I need to take a break from Shadehunting for a little bit. But don't worry about me. Once I'm feeling better, I'll be sure to catch up with you two.[/font] [right][font=papyrus]Be back soon, Zatmenyat.[/font][/right] [i]I'm doing this for you, Zatmenyat. Hezrou told me the troubles you were dealing with. You didn't have to keep it from me... I could have helped! ...Somehow. I swear, I will hunt down whatever Shade-touched creature I can if it means your condition might improve. Managing the Voidsoul isn't easy, but maybe this is how I can help you through it.[/i] "Natasha, you might want to hear this." Natasha spun around to see what Hezrou could be mentioning. He was standing next to a small Mirror dragon. The same one that runs the tavern they were staying in and gathering evidence behind. "What seems to be the matter?" Natasha asked them both. "Well," replied Hezrou, "I believe we may have just found a break in the case. Seems our host has information possibly relevant to the hunt." Akeet quickly piped up. "Yeah, about a week before you two arrived, I saw a big shadowy monster behind my tavern. It was really scary and creepy and unnatural. And the way it looked at me sent shivers down my spine. I tracked it a good distance from the village until it entered some kind of cave. I've tried retracing how I got there, but the beast's tracks had completely disappeared by morning." [i]Unnaturally shadow-like. Frightening appearance. Difficult to track. The tell-tale signs of a Shade-touched creature. I've got a lead now. If I start searching in that general area, then I should be able to pinpoint its location in no time.[/i] Natasha turned to the woods. "I'll begin searching the area right away." she said. "Wait a second," Akeet blurted out. " Whatever that thing was... I don't think it wants to be found." Natasha bluntly replied, "You don't need to worry. Hunting down monsters that don't want to be caught is my specialty. With that, she bounded away into the forest. [i]I can do this. I [b]will[/b] do this. For you, Zatmenyat.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Monster[/b][/size] [i]Hezrou's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The sun was shining on the Gladeveins, not a cloud in the sky. Natasha continued to busy herself searching for clues amongst random rumors. [i]She barely rests any more. Ever since her brother ran off, she's been focusing all of her energy into her work. While she seems to have gotten a lot of work done, Natasha needs some time to stop and think about what she's doing. This level of avoiding difficult emotions is downright unhealthy.[/i] Oncoming footsteps snapped him of his thoughts. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84704139]Akeet[/url], the young Mirror who runs the tavern, was coming to visit. Rather than through the backdoor where Hezrou would have expected, she approached from the side of the building instead. "Why don't you take the backdoor?" He questioned. "I didn't accidentally lock it from the outside, did I?" "Well... its just that..." Akeet glanced into the dense forest with a strange expression. "I- I left the tavern through that door at night not long ago and saw some pretty spooky stuff. I promised myself that I would never use that door again. Never ever never." "This spooky stuff you saw, was there a shadow-looking thing involved?" As Hezrou said that, she grew tense. "A- Actually, there was. It was this huge shadow, only... it wasn't a shadow. It stared at me with such terrifying eyes- I'm still hoping that it was just some apparition or nightmare. ...How did you know about the shadow-beast?" "That 'shadow-beast' is the reason Natasha and I are here." Hezrou shouted over his shoulder, "Natasha, you might want to hear this." Natasha glanced away from her jumble of notes in response. "What seems to be the matter?" she asked them both. "Well," replied Hezrou, "I believe we may have just found a break in the case. Seems our host has information possibly relevant to the hunt." Akeet quickly piped up. "Yeah, about a week before you two arrived, I saw a big shadowy monster behind my tavern. It was really scary, and creepy, and just... unnatural. And the way it looked at me- it sent shivers down my spine. I tracked it a good distance from the village until it entered some kind of cave. I've tried retracing how I got there, but the beast's tracks had completely disappeared by morning." Natasha turned to the woods. "I'll begin searching the area right away." she said. [i]Think for a second Natasha! We need to analyze the evidence and figure out what we are dealing with before getting overconfident.[/i] "Wait a second," Akeet blurted out. " Whatever that thing was... I don't think it wants to be found." Akeet's voice always had a cheerful quality to it, but there was something different in it this time. She sounded... afraid. Like she feared for Natasha's safety in hunting this thing. Natasha bluntly replied, "You don't need to worry. Hunting down monsters that don't want to be caught is my specialty. With that, she bounded away into the forest. Most of the information Akeet gave made sense for a Shade-touched creature, but... something didn't fit. Hezrou wasn't finished investigating yet. "You said that it had frightening eyes; could you tell me about that part?" "...Sure." The Mirror uncertainly replied. "The beast's eyes were absolutely soulless looking. When it stared directly at me, I though I was done for. But it didn't do anything. I tried waving my arm up and down, but it didn't even notice. Now that I think back on it... I'm not sure that it could see me at all. Is that really the only other thing you wanted to ask about?" "Yes, that was all. Thank you for your help." "Alright, well, I'm glad I could be of help somehow." Akeet muttered as she walked back around to the front of the tavern. Hezrou went over to the stump that Natasha had been gathering evidence on. Zatmenyat's note was lying on the top of the stack. [i]Zatmenyat had a pretty creepy stare too. I wonder what he's been doing all this time. If that "monster" that Akeet saw really was you, Zatmenyat, then I hope you find a way out of it. I think I understand why you don't want to be found. The more that comes to light about this case, the less about it I wish I knew.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Monster[/b][/size] [i]Akeet's perspective[/i][/font][/center] It was a slow day at the tavern. Rigel was asleep at the bar midday as usual. [i]Maybe I should go check on those two out back. They said they had come on some kind of nighttime researching expedition. Pretty sure that The Viridian Labyrinth is the wrong region for that, but what do I know about night research?[/i] Akeet exited through the front door instead of the back one. Not the best route to the clearing behind the tavern, but that back door was never going to see use again. [i]Not after what happened last time.[/i] She rounded the corner of the building and locked eyes with [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89451458]Hezrou[/url], one of the researchers. He seemed to have just been in deep thought. "Why don't you take the backdoor?" He questioned. "I didn't accidentally lock it from the outside, did I?" "Well... its just that..." Akeet glanced into the dense forest where the nightmare creature had prowled away. "I- I left the tavern through that door at night not long ago and saw some pretty spooky stuff. I promised myself that I would never use that door again. Never ever never." "This spooky stuff you saw, was there a shadow-looking thing involved?" As Hezrou said that, Akeet grew tense. Like she could see the beast all over again. [i]He knows? He knows what that horrible thing looked like?[/i] She responded, "A- Actually, there was. It was this huge shadow, only... it wasn't a shadow. It stared at me with such terrifying eyes- I'm still hoping that it was just some apparition or nightmare. ...How did you know about the shadow-beast?" "That 'shadow-beast' is the reason [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88865034]Natasha[/url] and I are here." Hezrou shouted over his shoulder, "Natasha, you might want to hear this." Natasha glanced away from her jumble of notes in response. "What seems to be the matter?" she asked them both. "Well," replied Hezrou, "I believe we may have just found a break in the case. Seems our host has information possibly relevant to the hunt." [i]This is what they were researching?[/i] Akeet quickly piped up. "Yeah, about a week before you two arrived, I saw a big shadowy monster behind my tavern. It was really scary, and creepy, and just... unnatural. And the way it looked at me- it sent shivers down my spine. I tracked it a good distance from the village until it entered some kind of cave. I've tried retracing how I got there, but the beast's tracks had completely disappeared by morning." Natasha turned to the woods. "I'll begin searching the area right away." she said. [i]She's actually [b]trying[/b] to find it?![/i] "Wait a second," Akeet blurted out. " Whatever that thing was... I don't think it wants to be found." [i]Trust me, you [b]don't[/b] want to find it. Not something [b]that[/b] terrifying...[/i] Natasha bluntly replied, "You don't need to worry. Hunting down monsters that don't want to be caught is my specialty. With that, she bounded away into the forest. [i]Natasha had no hesitation whatsoever. Is she really that prepared, or does she not have a clue what she's dealing with?[/i] "You said that it had frightening eyes; could you tell me about that part?" Hezrou said. [i]Its eyes? They were creepy, just like the rest of the shadow-beast. Why does he sound so curious about those specifically?[/i] "...Sure." She uncertainly replied. "The beast's eyes were absolutely soulless looking. When it stared directly at me, I though I was done for. But it didn't do anything. I tried waving my arm up and down, but it didn't even notice. Now that I think back on it... I'm not sure that it could see me at all. Is that really the only other thing you wanted to ask about?" "Yes, that was all. Thank you for your help." "Alright, well, I'm glad I could be of help somehow." Akeet muttered as she walked back around to the front of the tavern. [i]These dragons were insane. To go hunting after something like that without fear- that's crazy. And of course I had to be the one to get involved. What have I gotten myself into?[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Abyss[/b][/size] [i]Zatmenyat's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The cave system seemed to stretch out infinitely. Zatmenyat felt as if he had been traveling for hours. Most caves had some kind of little critters or plants growing in them, but not this one. There were no signs of life to be found beyond its entrance. Though, every now and then he got the feeling that there were strong magics nearby. [i]With random magic hotspots and The Shade's evil influence, no wonder nothing lives down here.[/i] Zatmenyat journeyed deeper and deeper into the caverns below, each step leading him closer to the Shade scent's origin. The smell of The Shade hung thickly in the air. The lifeless caverns were silent. There was nothing for Zatmenyat to hear other than his own steps, and any scents were covered up by that of The Shade. He was left almost completely without his sense of direction. [i]...I just have to go deeper. That's my goal.[/i] [center]...[/center] [i]These tunnels are becoming harder to navigate and smaller in diameter. I'm... not sure how much deeper I can go. How long have I been down here now? Hours? [b]Days?[/b] But I have to keep going. I can't afford to stop.[/i] And he didn't stop. Zatmenyat kept searching for what seemed to be an eternity. But... something was different about this offshoot tunnel. The smell of the Shade rose from it more than any of the other caves he had searched. [i]This is it. This has to be it.[/i] He slowly descended into the narrow inlet, its loose gravel shifting beneath his talons. [i]Just need to take it one step at a time-[/i] But as this story has already shown, "taking it one step at a time" doesn't work here in Sornieth. Zatmenyat tumbled down the steep path into the darkness below. His attempts to cling to any rocky outcropping the cave offered proved futile. [i]HOW DEEP EVEN IS THIS TUNNEL?![/i] But after a longer fall than he would have liked, he eventually landed on hard stone and jagged gravel. Zatmenyat was too exhausted to get up after a fall like that. There would probably be some serious bruises from the ordeal. He then finally began to realize how tired he was. [i]I'm so close, but I can't barely move with the energy I have left. Just a little rest...[/i] [font=Cambria]"Sleep now. Take it easy. You have done well, my hero."[/font] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Abyss[/b][/size] [i]Phantasm's perspective[/i][/font][/center] [font=Cambria][i]Curse them. Curse those "Shadehunters". Those fools had no clue what kind of being they were dealing with. They sealed a shard of us within this body, trapping us in this place. But they sacrificed one of their comrades to do it. She knew the stakes, and yet she tried to hunt us down anyways. But we are The Shade. We cannot be destroyed because destruction is our very nature. We will tear down the cities of dragonkind; lay waste to the forests of old. We will wreak [b]havoc[/b] when we escape this mere pit.[/i] "All it would take is one more sacrifice."[/font] [center]...[/center] Eons passed. The sacrifice of the nameless Shadehunter faded from memory and record, but the sliver of The Shade remained where it was sealed all those lifetimes ago. In all that time, nothing had changed in the stone chamber. It remained as dark and forgotten as ever. A recent eclipse had given The Shade piece enough power to call out to those on the surface, but not enough to escape on its own. Until a noise pierced the silence of the forbidden place. A lone dragon had made his way into the very depths of Sornieth, seeking The Shade. He collapsed to the ground upon tumbling into the chamber. He was the same kind of dragon that had trapped the piece of The Shade here. However, he didn't have the same air about himself as those others did. A darkness grew within him. [font=Cambria][i]It is not us, but it is not unlike us. If we take some of its strength for ourselves, we can finally break free of this vessel. If we break its will to resist, we can rain chaos upon this world as we were always meant to.[/i][/font] The exasperated Gaoler began drifting off to an uneasy sleep. [font=Cambria][i]We've waited millennia for this day, so maybe we can wait a few hours more. We want to look it in the eyes as it realizes the power it has unleashed upon the world.[/i] "Sleep now. Take it easy. You have done well, my hero."[/font] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Deliverance[/b][/size] [i]Zatmenyat's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The power of The Voidsoul jolted Zatmenyat awake. It surged in ferocity like it never had before. A deafening roar in his mind. He was in darkness, that oppressive kind of darkness that pushes in on every side. [i]Life isn't meant to be here, and The Voidsoul knows that.[/i] It urged him to get up. To [b]fight[/b] with every fiber of his being. [i]What do I even fight? There's nothing here! I can't even sense The Shade anymore, let alone anything else.[/i] But The Voidsoul was unrelenting. Zatmenyat felt as though he was being torn apart, body and soul. [i]...This isn't it, is it? Remaining in sorrowful darkness until the curse finally overtakes me? I wish I had stayed with Natasha and Hezrou...[/i] [font=Cambria]"You poor thing. That's one nasty curse. Do you want my help?"[/font] The Voidsoul swelled in power even more as Zatmenyat heard the quiet voice. It took everything in him to not succumb to it. [i]What was that? It sounded like a calm voice, but I can't sense a presence of any kind nearby. Am I losing my mind?[/i] Zatmenyat struggled to put together words. "Wh- who i- is there?" [font=Cambria]"I am an echo. Somebody who once was, and yet still is. A somebody who can help you with your little curse problem."[/font] [i]Help with my curse? With The Voidsoul?[/i] "I- it can't be h- helped." [font=Cambria]"It can be helped. I can ease your suffering. All you have to do is take my hand, right in front of you." The voice softly spoke.[/font] [i]Just... accept it? Let the voice help? I- I have nothing left to lose now. It's either humbly accepting help or stubbornly becoming a monster. There's only one choice I can make here.[/i] Zatmenyat used the last of his strength to reach out ahead. The Voidsoul screamed in opposition, but it was to late. He extended his talons into what seemed like nothing, and they were met by the hand of another dragon that he couldn't sense. The hand was cold as ice, its claws long and sharp. [font=Cambria]"[b]Thank you for your sacrifice.[/b]"[/font] The Voidsoul was immediately drawn away by the dragon's claws digging into his talons. Zatmenyat could feel his conciousness slipping away as he collapsed once again, and could feel an unnatural presence in the chamber. It was The Shade, and he had released it from its tomb. [i]What have I done?[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Convergence[/b][/size] [i]Phantasm's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The Shade beast began tearing into trees, animals, anything it could find. But before long, a pair of dragons arrived. [font=Cambria][i]We know their species anywhere. Those are the kind that the deities sent to trap us. No matter. We will kill them as we have killed thousand of their kindred.[/i][/font] It lunged at them, but they were experienced. The light maned one threw explosive concoctions at The Shade, while the dark one drove its claws through the beast. [font=Cambria][i]We have not waited thousands of years to be vanquished by simple dragons![/i][/font] The Shade darted through the forest. It couldn't handle two Gaolers in combat, but it didn't have to stop for rest. It proceeded to outrun them, but only for so long. A large shadow pounced from the side onto The Shade, stopping its momentum. It attacked with unnatural strength and accuracy.[font=Cambria][i]The dragon from the caves! We should have killed it when we had the chance![/i][/font] It fought back against The Shade with every bit of energy it could muster. They left fallen trees in their wake, crashing into one another. With a final strike, the cursed Gaoler struck down The Shade beast, causing it to melt back into the earth. [font=Cambria][i]Curse you dragon! You and all your kin! You may think that we are defeated, but The Shade knows no defeat. We come and go, spreading misery as we always will. We are only a fraction of the whole. There will always be another.[/i][/font] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Convergence[/b][/size] [i]Hezrou's perspective[/i][/font][/center] Hezrou and Natasha had completely searched another swath of woodland. The third one today. The scent of The Shade still rose from the ground, even this far away from the village. Hezrou sniffed the air, checking for any slight change. Trees, animals, rivers, and... something familiar? He only caught a hint of it for a split second, but it was like the smell that Natasha gave off when she drew on The Voidsoul's power. Hezrou asked her, "Do you sense anything different, Natasha?" "As a matter of fact, I do." She said in response. " I can't be sure, but something seems off. My hairs are standing on end. Suddenly The Shade's scent grew in potency. [i]It's nearby![/i] The two Gaolers locked eyes in agreement. They dashed towards the source of the smell, being led to a large patch of trees that had been torn down. A huge Shade-touched creature was responsible. One that looked eager to create chaos. [i]Let's do this.[/i] The fight had begun. Hezrou threw flashbangs at the creature. The light magic he had infused them with did some serious damage. The Shade retreated into the forest to escape its hunters. [i]Not good. At this rate, It'll outrun us![/i] Natasha and Hezrou quickly lost sight of it between the dense undergrowth. Its presence got a sizeable distance away before suddenly stopping. They ran as fast as they could to its location, but upon arrival there was nothing to be found. There were signs of a struggle, but The Shade was nowhere to be seen. [i]I can still smell it; It can't be far now.[/i] All of Hezrou's senses were on full alert. Nothing could sneak past him. [i]There! I sense its presence behind that underbrush. Once it shows its face, nothing can prevent us from stopping it.[/i] The beast stepped from out of the bush towards the hunters. It has a different air about it than before. A... familiar aspect to it. The shadowy creature looked into Hezrou's eyes with its own murky ones. The sudden realization of what he was facing dawned upon Hezrou. Natasha lunged at the shadow-beast, going in for the kill. [i]NO![/i] Natasha's claws had made contact. A sharp pain extended the length of Hezrou's shoulder where he had blocked her strike. The fresh wound left blood on her claws. She stared at Hezrou with a shocked expression, horrified by what she had done and furious because of what he had stopped her from doing. Hezrou choked out the only words he could think to say. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you sooner, Zatmenyat." [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Convergence[/b][/size] [i]Natasha's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The two Shadehunters had been scouring the woods for signs of The Shade for hours. Its scent was all around, yet there was no other evidence to be found. [i]You'd think we would have discovered something by now. All we have to go on is a single eyewitness account.[/i] But as more time passed, something began to feel off. Natasha's Voidsoul became more active, having sensed The Shade nearby. The Shade's smell was becoming harder to sense. Likely noticing her reaction, Hezrou asked her, "Do you sense anything different, Natasha?" "As a matter of fact, I do." She said in response. " I can't be sure, but something seems off. My hairs are standing on end. [i]Whatever is coming can't be good.[/i] Suddenly The Shade's scent grew in potency. The two Gaolers locked eyes in agreement. They dashed towards the source of the smell, being led to a large patch of trees that had been torn down. A huge Shade-touched creature at the center of the clearing was responsible. It radiated malice and resentment towards all life. [i]At last, you've finally shown yourself. Time to end this.[/i] The fight had begun. Natasha ducked behind it and slashed with her claws. The Voidsoul inside guided her strikes, allowing her to hit with the force of ten Gaolers. The Shade beast quickly retreated to the thick forest, hoping to outrun its hunters. Hezrou and Natasha gave chase, but they lost sight of it between the dense undergrowth. Its presence got a sizeable distance away before suddenly stopping. They ran as fast as they could to its location, but upon arrival there was nothing to be found. There were signs of a struggle, but The Shade was nowhere to be seen. [i]Where are you, coward? You can't run forever! You will atone for the suffering you have caused![/i] She caught a hint of its presence only a few paces away, behind the underbrush. She prepared herself to attack as it emerged from the bushes. The beast was a great shadow, its murk defiling every plant it touched. Natasha fully channeled The Voidsoul's power into her claws, getting ready to put an end to another Shade-touched abomination. She lunged at the creature, only for her claws to make contact with something else instead. Hezrou had jumped into the path of her strike, taking the blow to the shoulder. Natasha pulled back her bloodied talons with dismay and disbelief. [i]WHY DID HE DO THAT?! WE WERE SO CLOSE![/i] He was struck with incredible force, yet managed to barely stay standing. His shoulder received a severe gash. Hezrou struggled with what he said next, genuine guilt in his voice. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you sooner, Zatmenyat." As he spoke his sincere message, Hezrou fell to the ground. Behind him, the beast stood. It was horrific, dripping, unnatural, and... a dragon. Natasha couldn't process what was happening. The creature looked nothing like Zatmenyat. It rushed towards Hezrou, but Natasha blocked its path. She had the perfect chance to attack, and yet... she didn't. The shadowy beast stopped only a few steps away from her, giving her a chance to look it in the eyes. Those teary, dusky eyes reflected what the monster saw: Natasha's own fearful expression. They reflected all of the emotions that she had been running away from. Natasha felt tears run down her face as she finally accepted who she had really been hunting for. Zatmenyat had come back to help in more ways than one. The siblings used some of Hezrou's healing salves and bandages on his shoulder wound. That would stop the bleeding, but only time would tell if it would ever fully heal. Natasha had trouble finding the words to say to her brother. She thought and thought, but no words could describe her emotions in that moment. Zatmenyat gazed into her eyes (the ones on her face) and said the unthinkable. "It had been so long- I had almost forgotten what you looked like." [i]...Maybe I don't need to put this moment into words.[/i] Natasha hugged her brother. He had grown up so much in the past few months. "If only I had been their for you when you really needed me..." she said through her tears. "You did everything you could. I couldn't have asked for a better sister." [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Convergence[/b][/size] [i]Zatmenyat's perspective[/i][/font][/center] Zatmenyat awoke in the stone chamber. The Voidsoul hadn't completely disappeared, but there was only a small remnant of its power left. He stumbled to his feet. [i]I need to stop that Shade monster. I can't let it go free after this.[/i] He clambered his way back into the cave systems. Without the overpowering scent of The Shade in the tunnels, Zatmenyat found the exit within a matter of minutes. Sunlight streamed through the passage to the surface. [i]I haven't seen anything in weeks! How much was The Voidsoul's power affecting me?[/i] He walked into the light of day. The sun was bright, but it couldn't hurt him anymore. He could see every leaf on the trees, shimmering in detail. [i]I've never seen anything this well, this beautiful... but don't forget why you're here.[/i] Zatmenyat ran through the forest growth to catch up with The Shade. It was fast, but its presence was still nearby. It came into view as it was racing past the trees. Zatmenyat called on the bit of The Voidsoul that was left in him, feeling its power surge at his clawtips. He pounced on it from the top, causing it to stop dead in its tracks. It put up a ferocious fight, but Zatmenyat struck it down with every chance he got. Finally, he clawed it back with such force that it couldn't hold its form anymore. It melted into the ground, leaving only downed trees and shriveled plants as evidence it was there. The sliver of The Shade from the caves was defeated at last. The fight was over, but Zatmenyat could hear other dragons approaching. He hid behind the dense woodland plants. [i]Wouldn't want civilians freaking out about a monster in the woods[/i] Two Gaolers ran to the spot where The Shade had melted away. [i]Those aren't civilians! I'd recognize those steps anywhere! That's Natasha and Hezrou! Did they come here on a Shade hunt too?[/i] He stepped out of the bushes to see them, but as he locked eyes with Hezrou for the first time, Natasha pounced towards Zatmenyat. He didn't have time to react, but Hezrou did. Zatmenyat shut his eyes in anticipation for her attack. But nothing happened to him. When he opened his eyes, Hezrou was standing a few paces in front of him. The smell of freshly drawn blood was in the air. [i]W- what did he do?[/i] Hezrou spoke out of true guilt. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you sooner, Zatmenyat." With that, Hezrou fell, showing Natasha on the other side. Hezrou's shoulder was seriously wounded; Zatmenyat had to do something. He rushed forward, having remembered that Hezrou would often carry around healing medicines. But Natasha jumped between him and his uncle, blocking the path. Natasha looked into his eyes with a fearful expression. [i]She's... scared of me. I must look terrifying right now-[/i] She silently began to cry. Natasha realized that her brother had finally come back. Not to hurt, but to help. Stepping aside, she allowed Zatmenyat to help her bandage Hezrou's bleeding shoulder. She locked eyes with him, but didn't know what to say. He realized that this is the first time he had clearly seen her face since he was a hatchling. She was tired, sorrowful, happy, and anxious all at the same time. Zatmenyat couldn't think of mush else to say to her. "It had been so long- I had almost forgotten what you looked like." Without a word, Natasha hugged her brother. "If only I had been their for you when you really needed me..." she said through her tears. "You did everything you could. I couldn't have asked for a better sister." [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Departure[/b][/size] [i]Akeet's perspective[/i][/font][/center] [i]Those Gaolers are leaving Greenbriar today. They say that they've finished their monster hunting expedition and are heading off to hunt monsters somewhere else. I'm glad they came, but I'm glad they're leaving too.[/i] Hezrou left what he saw as a small pouch of treasure on the bar. "This should pay for the room we rented. Oh, and thank you for letting us use the area behind the tavern. It was very hospitable of you." He said. No problem!" Akeet cheerfully replied. [i]THAT IS A HUGE POUCH OF TREASURE![/i] "And if you ever come back, you can have two rooms for the price of one. Consider it as thanks for everything." [i]And as thanks for that HUGE POUCH OF TREASURE.[/i] As Hezrou turned around to leave, Akeet saw that a large section of his shoulder was bandaged. Natasha came down the stairs with [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94176598]another Gaoler[/url], also about to leave. [i]I don't recognize that other dragon behind her... who is that?[/i] The second Gaoler made eye contact with Akeet. A familiar shiver ran down her spine. "You haven't been prowling around the forest at night time lately, have you?" She asked him. "Actually, I have been. How did- I don't recognize you, have we met before?" He curiously replied. "Well, we haven't met officially. You were slinking through the woods a while back, and I happened to catch your attention. Scariest staring contest of my life. Of course, you were a lot scarier that night than you are now." "Yeah... sorry about that, Akeet." He apologized. "At that point I couldn't see much of anything, so I didn't mean to stare you down." So he [b]was[/b] blind. "Its alright, really. Its good to know that your life is going in a better direction now. Take care!" "I will." [i]Wait a minute- he said "Sorry about that, Akeet", how did he know what my name was?[/i] The Gaoler left as quickly as he had arrived. Akeet opened up that HUGE POUCH OF TREASURE and spread its contents on the bar. There was easily enough there to pay for the room and the rest of the tavern and probably half of the village, along with a note. The handwriting was scribbly, but it was still legible. [font=papyrus]Akite, Natasha and Hezrou told me about what you saw. I know that must have been terrifying for you, but thanks for telling them about it. If you hadn't done that, I might have gotten killed. Seriously. I can't thank you enough. I'll never forget what you did for me. (Also sorry I have no clue how to write your name)[/font] [right][font=papyrus]Goodbye, Zatmenyat[/font][/right] [i]I- I did that? Me? Just by telling some weirdos a spooky story? I wonder what other stories I'll get to tell someday.[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img] [center][font=Cambria][size=7][b]Epilogue[/b][/size] [i]Zatmenyat's perspective[/i][/font][/center] [i]The Voidsoul was weakened by that whole Shade incident, but it will never really be gone. I guess I really had to see its limits to understand how to manage it. All that time struggling to control it took its toll. Since I was a hatchling, it had clouded my eyesight. But now I can see both The Voidsoul and the world for what they are. The Voidsoul is a part of me, just as I am part of the world. I can't deny that.[/i] Hezrou walked ahead on the path leading away from Greenbriar. His shoulder was already starting to heal better than expected. Natasha followed him, smiling back at her younger brother. "You ready for the next hunt, Zatmenyat?" She questioned him. [center][i]For the first time, I finally understand where I'm meant to be. Who I am meant to be.[/i] "I think I am." [morphology=4427327] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2880838] [img]https://i.imgur.com/I063fkW.png[/img][/url]

[center][font=Cambria][size=7][emoji=black gem size=1] [b]The Hunt[/b] [emoji=black gem size=1][/size][/font] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2880838][img]https://i.imgur.com/I063fkW.png[/img][/url][/center] [font=Cambria][u]Unnecessary notes related to the story[/u]:[/font] [LIST] [*]This specific story was influenced by the soundtrack from the movie Princess Mononoke. It is an incredible soundtrack to go with an even more impressive movie. I highly recommend it to people who like movies with deep themes [*]Zatmenyat starts the story with poor vision, and has gone completely blind before the halfway point [*]Natasha makes some poor judgement calls throughout this story. This is mainly because she is trying to avoid her emotions by focusing on her job instead [*]Deep down, Hezrou blames himself for not being able to help Zatmenyat [/LIST] After the conclusion of the story, the Shade-hunting trio continued to excel at their work. The job is tough, so they often return to Greenbriar for rest between jobs. Though there are no records or reliable witnesses, there have been recent rumors of another Voidsoul dragon prowling through the woods by night. These rumors remain unconfirmed. (Will appear in another of my stories if I ever actually write it) [img]https://i.imgur.com/xhCJ9Fy.png[/img]

[center][font=cursive][size=7][emoji=nautilus size=1] [b]The Dive[/b] [emoji=nautilus size=1][/size][/font] As part of the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/ann/3343007]Unfathomable Odyssey[/url] event, Fathoms have come to Sornieth looking for mysteries and - more importantly - treasure. What will they find in the depths of the Sea of a Thousand Currents? [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/3269012][img]https://imgur.com/Uauv2s6.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][font=cursive][u]Characters Involved[/u]:[/font][/center] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87095707][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/870958/87095707p.png?mtime=ZZm2z14ffAQ.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84071400][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/840715/84071400p.png?mtime=ZZm2zqOL2LA.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/95736883][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/957369/95736883p.png?mtime=ZZm3_DKjqlw.png[/img][/url][nextcol] [LIST] [*]Seastar is an adventure-seeking Tundra by heart. The thrill of a deep-sea adventure is exciting beyond belief to him. But maybe you should achieve your dreams [b]before[/b] going on dangerous missions. ------- [*]Tieren, a Mirror of many goals, is a shrewd dealer in fine jewels and jewelry. Unfortunately for her, love is both brave [u]and[/u] stupid ------ [*]Teak loves the mysterious qualities of the Sea. To solve one of its great mysteries would be a dream come true. He just needs to write a disclaimer before hiring more volunteers. [/LIST][/columns] [img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] This story has some points that could be described as depressing, intense, or morbid. Luckily for readers, I am a fan of happy endings

[center][font=cursive][size=7][emoji=nautilus size=1] [b]The Dive[/b] [emoji=nautilus size=1][/size][/font] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/3269012][img]https://imgur.com/Uauv2s6.png[/img][/url] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Fate[/b][/size] [i]Seastar's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The sun shone brightly through the thin clouds that day. Before the destination was even in sight, Seastar could already smell the Sea of a Thousand Currents. Its familiar scent called to him just as it did in his childhood. Though the scent was just as familiar, something was different that usual. Something at the shore... Seastar had grown up at the edge of the Sea, always diving in the shallows to look for bottled messages or lost pirate treasure. Constantly thirsting for adventure, he joined a travelling caravan to explore the lands of Sornieth. It was in the caravan that he met his wife [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84071400]Tieren[/url], a Mirror with a penchant for jewels and shrewd deals. The two often trade seashells and gemstones with one another. As his and Tieren's caravan cart rounded a small grove of palm trees, the beach came into full view. The waves glistened, the salty breeze blew pleasantly by, and a small group was gathered by the other carts. Well, the group was small in number, anyways. The individuals of the group were gargantuan in size, towering over the nearby palm trees and any dragons beneath them. They boasted almost fish-like qualities in their physique and some seemed to bear oceanic plant life. Seastar marveled at the sight. [i]They look too... aquatic to be Imperials, but they lack the ruggedness of Guardians. What could they be? Such an exciting discovery! I need to find my journal- and- AND-[/i] In the time that Seastar puzzled over these odd strangers, Tieren had already bounded over to greet them in her [u]signature[/u] way. "Good afternoon lads and lasses You all seem like the connoisseur-of-fine-items type Might I interest you in a variety of lovely crystals that I'm selling today These gemstones can be used for thousands of purposes such as-" The tall dragon at the head of the group raised a webbed hand, obviously signaling to Tieren that he wasn't interested in being hustled. "Pardon my interruption, but my associates and I aren't interested in treasures from land." the leader said. "You see, we have come to survey this large cove for any mysterious signs or treasures that may lie within. While we do not wish to purchase anything from you, the team could certainly use your help in identifying any found treasures. Would you be interested in such a proposition?" Tieren bore an uninterpretable expression. "That is a kind offer, but I don't think I'm interested..." she replied without care. The head of the group seemed disappointed. "Oh well. I respect your choice, however lucrative this opportunity may have been for a dragon of your skillset. I suppose we'll just have to find someone else..." "Lucrative, you say? You've got my attention." Tieren was then guided over to another member of the surveying group for finer details. Having ended the conversation, the leader's gaze fell upon Seastar. Seastar had been off to the side, trying to sketch out one of the new dragons in his journal. [i]They seem so foreign and yet I can tell they share the same connection to the Sea as I do. The one in front was talking about some kind of treasure hunt-[/i] Just then he noticed the same dragon from before standing beside him, wearing thick goggles and a large cloak resembling a nudibranch. Spooked by the sudden appearance, Seastar accidentaly dropped his notebook onto the sand. "Forgive me," the dragon said as he picked up the book and handed it back. "I didn't want to interrupt your... whatever it is you were doing." "That's okay," Seastar replied to him. "I was just jotting things down. You say that your crew has come on an expedition of sorts, yes? I'm just so curious about all of this! Where have you all come from? What are you looking for?" "Slow down. I can answer all of those questions if you give me a moment. My pod and I have only recently returned to the Sea of a Thousand Currents. We Fathoms were out exploring the vast oceans beyond Sornieth before our circuit led us back. Since the world is very different now than our elders remember it, there is much new to discover. We hope that there might be lost knowledge in this cove that could answer some of our boiling questions." [i]A whole species of dragons searching the Sea for mysteries? This has got to be one of the most exciting plot hooks of my entire life![/i] "So, Mr. ...um..." "Oh, I guess I haven't introduced myself yet. Call me [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/95736883]Teak[/url]." "...Thank you, Teak. It sounds like your team will be doing a lot of underwater exploration soon. In the caravan, I trade shells, coral, and other things I pick up during my visits here. Because of this, I have a lot of experience in diving," Seastar was briming with anticipation as he asked, "Would you and your crew want my help with searching?" Teak couldn't help but grin. "Certainly! It's not every day that we meet someone with a taste for adventure. For discovering the unknown! After my pod sets up camp, the first dive in the cove will be tomorrow morning. Best be prepared." With that, Teak plodded back to his friends to share news of the new recruit. [i]First thing tomorrow morning... I wonder what could be down there...[/i] [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Ebb[/b][/size] [i]Tieren's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The shore was serene as the sun reached the watery horizon. Most of the caravan members and the traveling Fathoms had already turned in for the night. When the world was quiet, Tieren often thought of her family. She had made sure to visit her old home occasionally, but recent events had set the caravan far off its usual course. Thanks to that, her family hadn't gotten a visit from her in almost 2 years. [i]Once this whole undersea expedition is over, maybe I should take [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87095707]Seastar[/url] to meet my parents. Dad would probably like him; they both have the same taste in hats. Wait, but then what will happen with my business in the meantime-[/i] A familiar voice came from behind Tieren. "Can't sleep either, huh?" She turned around to see Seastar approaching from their cart, his fluffy Tundra tail leaving an odd path in the beach sand. "No," she said in response. "I've been thinking... maybe when this treasure hunt is finished, we could go visit my family back in the Viridian Labyrinth. Together." [i]I haven't said much about my family to him, have I...[/i] "Sure we can. Wait- Didn't you say something about them a while back? Something like how my hat reminds you of your dad, since he literally wears the same one?" Tieren gave a little chuckle. "Yeah, it does." She rested her head on his shoulder and together they watched the sun sink below the calm waves. Still, Tieren had a lingering thought on her mind. "You know, these Fathoms seem really adamant that there will be treasure hiding in this cove. What do you think they will really find?" Seastar was still unsure. "I don't know, but I hope it's cool, whatever it is." "Me too. You stay safe out there tomorrow, okay? Promise?" "I promise." [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Ebb[/b][/size] [i]Seastar's perspective[/i][/font][/center] Though most of the other dragons at the shore had already gone to sleep in preparation for tomorrow's dive, Seastar remained wide awake. He couldn't stop thinking about what mysteries could be hiding in those depths. [i]Could it be a lost civilization? A secret passage? The Tidelord?! ...I can't afford to lose this much sleep over speculation. Maybe a few moments outside will help me clear my head.[/i] The sun was close to the horizon now, painting the sky in vivid hues. Seastar quietly climbed out of the caravan cart to avoid waking up Tieren, but he then saw her sitting by the shoreline. [i]I must not be the only one overthinking things...[/i] "Can't sleep either, huh?" He said to her. She turned around, the limited sunlight reflecting off her glasses. "No," she replied. "I've been thinking... maybe when this treasure hunt is finished, we could go visit my family back in the Viridian Labyrinth. Together." [i]I don't think I've ever actually met Tieren's family; might be a nice change of pace.[/i] "Sure we can. Wait- Didn't you say something about them a while back? Something like how my hat reminds you of your dad, since he literally wears the same one?" Tieren gave a little chuckle. "Yeah, it does." She rested her head on his shoulder and together they watched the sun sink below the calm waves. Still, something seemed to concern her. "You know, these Fathoms seem really adamant that there will be treasure hiding in this cove. What do you think they will really find?" Tieren asked him. Seastar was still unsure. "I don't know, but I hope it's cool, whatever it is." "Me too. You stay safe out there tomorrow, okay? Promise?" "I promise." [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Storm[/b][/size] [i]Teak's perspective[/i][/font][/center] After two days of exploration, most of the cove had been scouted out. The team had barely found anything unusual, just a few lost items here and there. [i]If we don't find anything in the western cove tomorrow, than we'll be headed off. It's so strange, our pod always manages to find something of interest by now.[/i] Teak stared harder at the map compiled by his crewmates. [i]There has to be something out there, I know it...[/i] [center]...[/center] The sun beat down on the hot sand, while storm clouds brewed in the distance. At the edge of the waves, a few rowboats floated, ready for the day's travels. The pod of Fathoms hadn't had much treasure-hunting luck in the cove, but their leader remained steadfast. "Today is the day!' Teak vigorously announced. "Today we will find incredible mysteries the likes of which have never been seen! Are ya ready crew?" A resounding agreeance came from the small crowd of explorers. "Let's break into smaller teams. That way we can better survey the remaining area." He added. The Fathoms and volunteer explorers broke off from the crowd, deciding where to look next. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87095707]Seastar[/url] and [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84071400]Tieren[/url], the caravan dragons that had agreed to help, appeared unsure of where to go. Teak, being the extrovert that he is, went to them to offer a friendly suggestion. "How about the three of us go look around the southwestern section? There isn't much activity headed to that area. Who knows, maybe it'll be fun!" Tieren replied, "I'm not much for diving, but I can keep an eye out from the rowboat. Make a quick analysis if you find anything exciting." "I'd be glad to come!" Seastar chimed in. "My water magic allows me to hold my breath for quite a while, so I should be able to search the sea floor with you, Teak." "That's the spirit!" Exclaimed Teak. "We'd best be headed out then." [center]...[/center] "Since the storm is fast approaching, we should probably make this quick." Tieren yelled as the rowboat crested another wave. [i]These waves are getting stronger, and- Has that storm cloud always been this close?[/i] "Right you are! Drop anchor if you need to signal us." Teak remarked before he turned to face Seastar. "Ready to go?" "Ready!" The two dove beneath the agitated waves and the currents below. Under the surface, the sea floor was stained a dull blue, with craggy rocks jutting out from the sand. The deeper they searched for unusual signs, the further the temperature sank. [i]Seastar will likely be fine with all that fur to keep him insulated, but I'm not sure if I should keep descending...[/i] As Teak was contemplating signaling Seastar to return to the surface for the day, something further down caught his attention. A glint coming from beneath a large rocky outcropping. Though his eyes couldn't make out the details from here, Teak was sure of what he was seeing. [i]That is treasure if I've ever seen it! This is major! The pod will be so happy![/i] He drew Seastar's attention to the mystery treasure before diving towards it. Seastar couldn't swim as fast as Teak, but they made their way to the destination in short time. A small hollow was at the base of the outcropping. Inside, a small, rusted chest lied half buried in rubble and silt. The two struggled to pull the chest from the slightly shifting rocks, but at last it came free. [i]Alright! Let's surface and-[/i] As soon as the treasure had been pulled from the ground, the rocks above began to quake. Teak and Seastar rushed away from the falling boulders, but the crash flung Teak out of the hollow with treasure in hand and clouds of dust. The dust stung his eyes and gills immensely. [i]I can barely see! I don't know what's happened, but I can barely breathe through my gills. I need to surface NOW! I hope Seastar got away...[/i] [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Desperation[/b][/size] [i]Seastar's perspective[/i][/font][/center] Seastar forced his eyes to open amid the dusty clouds. He could see Teak already swimming towards the surface at full speed. But when Seastar tried to follow, he became aware of a sharp pain in his tail. Looking back, he realized his tail was pinned beneath the fallen rubble. [i]This is really really bad! I need to get up there![/i] Lifting the boulders would be impossible for a dragon his size, he had no way to get Teak's attention, and severing his tail would take far too long. Seastar knew that even with magic, he couldn't hold his breath for much longer. He tugged and tugged but there was no leeway. [i]What do I do? There has to be something... there has to be...[/i] Seastar gazed towards the surface as his vision began to darken. [i]...So many things I never got the chance to do. Tieren and I were going to travel together. We were going to visit her family. ...I never got the chance to say goodbye. [/i] Though finally his vision faded to black, he almost imagined he saw the shimmer of Tieren's glasses, one last time. [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Desperation[/b][/size] [i]Tieren's perspective[/i][/font][/center] The waves in the Sea of a Thousand Currents were churning fiercely. Heavy rain pelted down from the sky that was clear only moments ago. Tieren didn't know what was going on in the depths below, but she was beginning to worry. [i]How long have they been down there? How long can this boat stay in weather like this? Will they even be able to find the boat?[/i] That last question was promptly answered as [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/95736883]Teak[/url] flung himself aboard. He sputtered and coughed upon surfacing, the rusted chest in his hands spilling its muddy contents into the rowboat. [i]Something is [u]very[/u] wrong.[/i] "What happened?!" Tieren shouted over the crashing storm. "Big cave-in!" He yelled back. "We barely made it out! Had to surface because of all the dust in my gills!" "WE?! I've only seen you! Where's Seastar gone?!" "YOU'RE TELLING ME HE'S NOT BACK YET?!" He sounded genuinely shocked, not knowing what to think. "YOU LOST HIM?!" "YELLING BACK AND FORTH ISN'T CONSTRUCTIVE! We need to find Seastar and quickly!" Tieren tried to think of any question that might be helpful. "Did you see him before surfacing?!" She frantically asked. "I could barely see at all! All I could make out was rubble, sand, a funny hat, and- HOLY HEDGEHOGS HE'S STILL DOWN THERE!" "Can you go back?!" "My gills are hardly working," He coughed out. "I wouldn't be able to make the trip!" "Is there anything here we can use?!" Tieren could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. Teak quickly scanned the items strewn about the boat. "The anchor wouldn't be of any help, and looks like the only things in that chest were rocks and muddied scrolls." The scrolls were torn and soaked, but they bore runes rather than words. Such runes are almost never seen on parchment, except... "Those aren't just scrolls..." Tieren realized. [i]There might still be a way to save him![/i] Without a second thought, she hastily grabbed some of the sopping wet scrolls and the boat's anchor. The water was dark and deep, but there was no time for hesitation. "What are you thinking?! You'll never make it back in time!" He shouted at her. He didn't want to lose a second dragon today. "I don't have to!" Tieren plunged into the depths, using all of her strength to hold on to the sinking anchor. The Sea was unforgivingly cold. Nearing the sea floor, she finally caught sight of Seastar. His tail was stuck beneath large rocks, his eyes closed. Tieren could barely hold her breath any longer as she reached him. [i]Please let this work![/i] She channeled all of her magic through the scrolls, causing them to flash a brilliant light. [i]Please...[/i] [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Promise[/b][/size] [i]Seastar's perspective[/i][/font][/center] [i]Why is everything so cold? ...Where am I?[/i] Seastar opened his eyes to a dull blue sea floor. [i]The sea floor? Like... under the water?[/i] He jolted to his senses as realization set in. His tail had somehow shifted the debris aside, and his talons were... webbed? [i]What happened to me? How am I even breathing down here?![/i] Not knowing what had happened, he looked around for any indication of events. Most of the area was shrouded in darkness, except an odd gleam. A familiar gleam. [i]That can't be right.[/i] As fast as he could, Seastar swam towards something that he hoped wasn't a someone. He felt his hopes shatter as he recognized her. Tieren lied on the sand, her face obscured. Panic was setting in fast. [i]This can't be real. It can't.[/i] Seastar reached her and looked for a sign that she might still be alright. Almost as if to answer his silent pleas, Tieren's eyes flitted open. With fewer eyes than before, she looked up and locked eyes with Seastar. Her face was undoubtedly hers, but something was fundamentally different about it. About both dragons. So many thoughts were rushing through his head that Seastar didn't know what to think. At last, Tieren recognized him, and hugged him as hard as she could. The two were together. No matter what storms came through their lives, they could always count on each other. [center][img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img] [font=cursive][size=7][b]Odyssey[/b][/size] [i]Teak's perspective[/i][/font][/center] On a lovely day to be outside, Teak plodded along the beach. The whole event with Seastar and Tieren had scared him more than he wanted to think about. After Tieren had jumped overboard, Teak didn't know what to do. Didn't know what he would say when his pod asked him why two of the volunteers had vanished. And he continued worrying for [u]hours[/u]. Eventually, the couple came back (though there was no longer enough space on the rowboat for all three team members). His pod was waiting on the shore, on the lookout for any sign of their return. Suffice to say, there was a [u]very[/u] lengthy discussion after that. Things have worked out for the most part. The pod got a courier message from the Head Wayfinder that the search was over for now, so most of the Fathoms returned to the main group. But not Teak. There were some dragons that he needed to see first. The sun shining yet again, he found the dragons in question beneath a shady palm tree. Amid the storm, Tieren had used those muddy scrolls to transform herself and Seastar into true Fathoms. [i]Well, mostly. Seastar's fluffy tail still leaves a wide trail in the sand.[/i] "Teak, are you feeling better?" Seastar asked. "Much better now." he responded. "Most of my pod has head back to the Sea, but there was something I wanted to give you two before we go our separate ways..." He pulled what looked like a dusty stone from under his cloak, setting it in front of the couple. "After my eyesight cleared, I realized it wasn't just an ordinary rock in that chest. Rather, this rock is actually an egg. I don't know if it will still hatch, but if it does, I think you two would be the best candidates to take it." Seastar and Tieren exchanged surprised looks. Tieren slowly replied "Thank you, this gift is unexpected... but, we're grateful that you chose us. ...Now that the treasure hunt is over, what are you going to do?" "I'm not sure." Teak said. "I've spent most of my life exploring distant oceans, so maybe it's time that I try exploring land. Not sure where to start though..." Seastar knew just what to say. "You know, Teak, we are headed to the Viridian Labyrinth together. Would you want to come with us?" [i]An adventure with friends...[/i] "I would like that very much." [center]...[/center] Teak walked in through the doors of the little cottage. [i]Hmm. Nobody's home. Maybe they're out in the woods again.[/i] However, when he turned around to leave, he accidentally brushed a small note onto the floor. [i]What's this?[/i] It was one of the pages from Seastar's journal. It read: [font=papyrus]Though the trip was long and hard, we did make it to Tieren's home. Her dad immediately commented on how much taller she was now (and that both he and I wear the same hat). Teak has settled in nicely. Sometimes I think he still misses the Sea, but that hasn't stopped him from lending a hand. That egg we found has finally hatched too! Here I was starting to think that it really was just a rock, and then a purple hatchling pokes its face out to prove me wrong. After discussing names for a while, I think Tieren and I have finally picked one: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/95733813]Lirianthe[/url][/font] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/3269012][img]https://imgur.com/Uauv2s6.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][font=cursive][size=7][emoji=nautilus size=1] [b]The Dive[/b] [emoji=nautilus size=1][/size][/font] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/3269012][img]https://imgur.com/Uauv2s6.png[/img][/url][/center] [font=cursive][u]Unnecessary notes related to the story[/u]:[/font] [LIST] [*]This specific story was influenced by the soundtrack from the video game TUNIC. It is a beautiful game about discovering secrets and has an equally beautiful soundtrack. I would recommend the game to anyone, not just gamers. [*]Almost all of this story was written on Father's Day. So yeah. [*]"Teak" is literally one of the turn-in items from the Unfathomable Odyssey event [*]Teak's lines "Call me Teak." and "Are ya ready crew?" are both meant as slight references. The first is a reference to the famous nautical novel [i]Moby D[/i] by Herman Melville, in which the very first sentence is "Call me Ishmael.". The second is a reference to the intro of the famous nautical cartoon [i]Spongebob Squarepants[/i] [*]The egg that was initially mistaken for a rock is an Earth egg (so it would still look like a dusty rock even if the contents of the chest had remained pristine) [*]Tieren had no idea what those scrolls were for. There is so much luck and happenstance involved in this story tbh [/LIST] After the conclusion of the story, the couple traveled to Greenbriar with Teak and the egg. The hatchling was named Lirianthe, and is now an adventurous thrill-seeker too. (Might appear in a later story if I think of one) [img]https://imgur.com/jfNI2uJ.png[/img]