| Chapter 7 Jesabelle shook her head hopelessly and frightened as she looked at the gigantic reptile. She reflected back on Pythos, thinking "Boy, I know how to pick 'em..." Through the dense crowd and loud noises, Jesabelle made her way over to Rose. Jesabelle: Rose? Rose! Rose: Jesabelle! Jesabelle: Are you okay? Why are you on the ground? Rose: I injured my leg... I had to jump off Infigan when he started growing earlier... Jesabelle: ...Did Pythos do this? Rose's muzzle gaped open slightly and she stared at Jesabelle as if she were a traitor. Rose: How did you know? Jesabelle: ... Rose: Jesabelle! Jesabelle: Alright! Alright... Well, when you came home from visiting Infigan, I'll admit I was jealous. Rose: Jealous? Jesabelle: Yes, jealous, okay! Anyway, I had gone for a walk and ran into Pythos. He was a rather attractive reptile, so I... Rose: You didn't! Jesabelle: No! No no...geez, what do you think of me? ...We just kind of went on a date or two... Rose did not know what to think of this situation, but after snapping back to reality, and the loud din of furs screaming, she looked at Jesabelle. Rose: Well, yes. Pythos did do this to Infigan. But he disappeared! And look what has already happened! The citizens are never going to forgive Infigan for this! Never! What is he going to do after he gets back to normal? ...if he gets back to normal? Jesabelle lowered her head slightly and sighed heavily. She thought of what the citizens of Phedia might think of her if they found out she had made acquaintances with Pythos. She shook her head though and dismissed that worry for now. Jesabelle: Well...I think Infigan will be alright if we can prove that this didn't happen as his decision! We have to find Pythos! Rose: He disappeared though...well, at least he's not on that building anymore. Both motioned their sight over the buildings nearby, looking for any sign. Rose squinted her eyes, and unnoticed by Jesabelle, Rose's eyes started to glow a pale red. As Rose looked around with her peculiar vision, she saw a dull ray of light emitting from one of the buildings about a block away from them. Rose: Jesabelle! Pythos is in that building down that way! Jesabelle: Now how the heck do you know that? Rose: Don't argue! I just know. Come on! *** Infigan towered over the city at his immense height. He stood in complete fear and remorse for what he had done to the city. The gigantic lizard tried not to budge an inch. The mob that kept its distance the best it could, screamed and yelled at the huge menace. He shook his head slightly. He wanted to apologize for what happened, explain that this was not his doing, or say something comforting, but not one word could escape his muzzle. He just stared blankly. After a minute or two, Infigan started to feel a little strange. The crowds of furs stared up at him as his expression and demeanor seemed to be changing. Suddenly, the hue of Infigan's eyes flared into a blood red. A wicked smile crossed his face and he let out a deafening roar. The furs, as if all at once, panicked and began to run away. The seemingly disturbed Infigan glanced over at a small row of apartments. He stomped over to them, leaving large craters in the road where he walked. With one sudden movement, he slammed his fist through one of the apartments, causing it to crumble into a pile of rubble. Infigan appeared pleased with this action and his smile became broader and he growled to himself. *** Rose and Jesabelle ran down the street panic-stricken. They were only a few blocks from the building that Rose mentioned. Rose: Hurry! We're almost there! Jesabelle: I'm hurryin', I'm hurryin'! The two reptiles heard a loud crash. Both glancing over, they saw Infigan tearing up the city. A rush of fear ran over Rose's face and her breath stopped in her throat. Rose: Wha... What's he...doing? What's happening? Jesabelle was truly shocked as well. But without saying a word, she grabbed Rose's claw and dragged her along a bit, coaxing her to keep running to find Pythos. Rose mutters quietly to herself, tears almost forming in her eyes. Rose: Why, Infigan? ...Why? *** Catlas, Tarom, and Nelle could not understand what was happening. Why would Infigan, of all creatures, be doing such a thing? As the humongous reptile rampaged about parts of the city, the three furs were being mindful of falling debris. Catlas: Oh, this is terrible! Tarom: We have to do something! Nelle: Now what the heck can we do? We're just a few everyday furs standing not all that far from a 300-foot reptile! There's not all that much we can do. Catlas: *sighs* I can't believe this is happening. Tarom: Hey. Where is Rose? I thought she injured her leg. How could she be walking around? Nelle: I don't know, but...AHH! We got much bigger problems now! Look out! Hearing the loud crashes approaching them, the wolverine had already been running away, and after brief screams of panic by Catlas and Tarom, the lion and leopard made it a point to get out of the way of the gigantic scaly footclaws approaching them. *** Pythos was standing on the roof of the building to which Rose and Jesabelle were rushing. The disturbed reptile warlock smiled as he watched Infigan go rampaging through the city. He cackled to himself, quite pleased with his own work thus far. And in his thoughts, and in his plans, things were only going to keep getting better. As he still watched the show going on in downtown Phedia, thanks to him and his nice, big reptile "slave," he suddenly felt something hit the back of his head and fell over, blacking out for only a few moments. Once he becamse conscious again, he felt himself being pinned down. Rose: You will pay for what you have done to Infigan. The reptiles on the roof watched as Infigan slowly regained consciousness and almost instantly began to shrink as well. Rose was very relieved that Infigan's mad rampage was only mind control done by Pythos. Not that the situation would be much better for Infigan. Rose: Why did you do this to Infigan? Why?! Pythos: Ha ha. Like I've said before my dear. It's an ironic revenge. After Infigan's "little" escapade, he will be shunned and outcasted by all of Phedia! This resembling a similar fate that befell Sarmina all those years ago. Rose realized how tough things were going to be for Infigan from now on. He would surely have to leave Phedia! Pythos: Ah. Jesabelle, my dear. Jesabelle gave the warlock a disgusted look and then looked a bit angry. Jesabelle: How could you do this? I thought you cared for me...that you were a sane reptile. Do you know how hard it is to find a half-decent guy anymore!? And then you go and do this! You've indirectly destroyed half of the city, injured probably hundreds of furs, and if anyone was killed I don't know. And you've completely ruined Infigan's life now forever as well! I HATE YOU! Pythos didn't seem very phased by Jesabelle's little speech. He just grinned at her a bit as they held him still. Pythos: Ah, Jesabelle. Fiery as always. *** Infigan did not take long to revert to normal. The moment he was back at his original size, he looked around the crowds. All of the furs around backed away, now very cautious and scared of the destructive and dangerous reptile. Infigan glanced here and there, not seeing his friends among all the furs. A familiar fear swept over Infigan. He realized that things were the same again. He felt like everyone was against him now. His heartbeat raced, and he thought he might collapse. But before anyone could make a move or say a word, Infigan turned and ran out of town. No fur motioned to stop him, or give chase in anger. They just watched him run, lost in their own thoughts of the madness that had happened but moments ago. Catlas, Nelle, and Tarom all watched in anxiety as Infigan was sprinting out of town. Even they did not chase after him. They had no idea what they would say or do. Infigan's heart thudded more as he ran along. Tears formed in his eyes and he thought his head would explode. Everything was over. There was no way he could ever go back. Things were like they had been all over again. He would have to travel place to place and have no actual residence anywhere. Basically, he knew he was going to be a recluse again. And maybe it would be better that way. He thought about Catlas, his lion friend that let Infigan confide in him by sharing a painful part of his own past. And there was Tarom and Nelle. Tarom had gotten him settled in Phedia, and Nelle introduced Infigan into society. Rose, Jesabelle, and Sara entered his mind as well. He probably had to leave them all behind. And what to do about the Reif and Sarmina dreams, prophecy or whatever it was. Nothing else mattered right now except getting out of town. He ran as hard as he could but after distancing himself from Phedia by two or three miles he just could not go on and collapsed off the side of the road, falling upon the grass. The distressed reptile just could not be sure of anything at this point. After all, how does one simply apologize for destroying half of a flourishing city? *** Catlas' eyes searched up and down the street and suddenly spotted Rose and Jesabelle approaching, with Pythos still as their captive. Catlas: !! Nelle: What is it, Catlas? Catlas: It's Rose and Jesabelle! And they've caught that bastard! Tarom: I wonder how in the world they got a hold of him! The three furs ran over to the reptile girls, first looking at them, and then at the evil lizard warlock. However, not one of the three could gather the words to express their sorrow and rage. Rose had decided it was time to set things straight. Rose: Everyone! Please listen! This reptile, Pythos, is the one responsible for Infigan's actions! He transformed Infigan into a giant beast of destruction. It was this warlock's fault that all this trouble and destruction was caused, not Infigan's! Noxa the fox, now only owner of a pile of rubble which was once his cafe, stepped forward and gave Jesabelle a curious glance. He pointed a finger at her and took a moment to say what was on his mind. Noxa: Didn't I see you around town with this warlock, miss? Jesabelle: ...Yes. But that was before I knew...he was evil. With those last few words, Jesabelle bowed her head in shame, while still retaining a hold on Pythos. Whispers spread quickly throughout the crowd. Jesabelle could only imagine the things that might have been saying about her. Rose stared at the crowds, starting to phase out slightly, lost in her thoughts. She wondered if the citizens of Phedia would accept this and forgive Infigan as it was not his will and actions by which this all happened. While distracted by her own mind, Pythos suddenly elbowed Rose in the face, and she fell painfully to the ground. Pythos swept his cape about and grabbed Jesabelle. Pythos: You think you all enjoyed tonight? Well, there's much more fun to come! The warlock waved his cape in front of Jesabelle and himself and they both disappeared amidst a flash of light and smoke. Rose's eyes widened in shock. She remained on the ground where she had fallen from Pythos' hit and then just stared down at the road. Gasps were heard from the crowd. Pythos had kidnapped Jesabelle and they were both gone...disappeared into thin air. *** A few minutes later, Rose met up with Sara, who had been lost amongst the crowds for quite some time. Sara: Rose! Where's Jesabelle? Rose: Didn't you see what happened?! Sara: I couldn't. I was way on the other side of this mob of furs! Where is she, Rose?! Rose: Pythos took her...and they both disappeared. I can't imagine where they've gone. Sara: And what of Infigan? Rose: He has fled town. But we explained that all of this was not his fault, but Pythos'. I hope everyone accepts that. There still might be those who hold a grudge after this, even though it wasn't Infigan who decided to do this to the city. Sara: Do you know if there were any casualties? Rose: Well since almost everybody fled their homes to see what was happening, there were very few. The damage caused wasn't around the more densely populated residential areas either. I've heard there were four deaths total, however. I do not know whom though. Sara: I have heard that many furs were injured. I can't help but wonder why this had to happen. How could so much go wrong so fast? Rose: I don't know...but things could have been much worse. As I figure it, with how long Infigan remained in control, he musth ave a very strong will to have fought Pythos' mind control for as long as he did. But...Infigan must be in shambles right now! Sara: I talked with a neighbor of ours. She said that our side of the neighborhood wasn't badly damaged. Though she did say that the roof on our house is smashed. And there isn't that much left of the cathedral. So we're actually lucky in that sense, as we might not have had anywhere to sleep tonight. Rose: But what about others? Sara: I've heard from different furs that most of the damaged or destroyed buildings are businesses, but some were housing complexes. Luckily, the mission on the other side of town is taking in those who've lost their home because of the rampage. Rose nodded slightly with a very solemn expression. She looked at Sara and frowned. Rose: Sara...I...I have to go find Infigan. I don't know what happened to Jesabelle or how to handle that right now, but I have to find Infigan. I have to see that he hasn't tried to kill himself or something after this incident! And maybe if I can help him pull himself together, then we can go look for Jesabelle and Pythos. Sara nodded her head without saying another word. Rose gave Sara a quick hug and ran along the road that would lead her out of town. She just hoped that this whole mess would work out somehow. Chapter 8 It was almost morning now as Infigan finally woke up. His neck hurt from the way his head had rested while he slept on the firm ground. A sore dryness still presided in his eyes from a night full of streaming tears. Infigan had never even dreamed of such an ordeal as the one he faced the previous night. All his life he thought he had problems, being an outcast and things like that. But now, now he was in deep. And he had no idea of anything he could possibly do to remedy it. A thing like what he had done to Phedia can never just be taken back. He shook his head in despair and just turned over on his side and laid there. Infigan was in the mode where one is definitely awake, but tries desperately to fall back asleep just the same. He rested his arms on the grass and buried his face in them. His long tail swished back and forth only slightly, idly, and almost listlessly. Not far away, Rose was appraoching the spot where Infigan was lying. She had been checking around the edge of town, not going very far. But due to the late hour and stress, she had collapsed herself at some point and woke but only a few minutes ago. As Rose trudged along, tired and depressed herself, she noticed Infigan lying on the ground and hurried over the best she could with what energy she still had. Upon reaching him, she realized he was asleep. She looked him over, not wanting to wake him, and just sat upon a nearby rock. Rose: *quietly* After last night, he deserves all the sleep he can muster. *** Infigan opened his eyes, but only saw darkness. Only faint voices carried on wispy winds in the void made any sound. A feeling as though he is floating overwhelmed Infigan. But his footclaws had soon greeted the touch of some sort of ground. With the squinting of his eyes, Infigan barely made out a creature before him. Infigan: Reif! Reif: Yes, Infigan. It is I. Infigan: Haven't heard from you in a while. But I have some big problems now. Reif: I have noticed. I have also noticed the evil that caused you to perform that heinous act. Infigan: Yeah, I know. Pythos. Saying that name, even just hearing it, now made Infigan's blood boil. Reif: Yes, Pythos. He is definitely the one carrying out Sarmina's ancient plan. It seems odd to me, though. Infigan: Why is that? Reif: Pythos is not really that powerful of a warlock. At least not like foul creatures I had met in my time. Pythos knows a few simple spells, some hypnotism, and that size spell he had used on you. Hypnotism and the size spell were characteristics of some dragons of the past who had the magical properties in their blood. One or two other magical abilities existed that I am aware of off the top of my head. The more prominent one was fire-breath. Infigan: Whoa...that all sounds like some lethal stuff if used properly. Reif: Exactly. My companions each had a strong sense of these spells. Xaur was a master of the size spell. Nagor was very skilled at hypnotism. And Drahm held dominion on the fire-breath ability. Infigan: What about you? Reif: Well I had become leader of my party due to skillful swordsmanship, but I also am a jack of all trades in the magic of dragons. Infigan: You mean...? Reif: Yes. I had all three magical powers that my party had. Except as the saying goes with a jack of all trades, I was master of none. Though that does not mean I was the least bit shabby in any of those skills. Infigan: That's amazing. Reif: Thank you, Infigan. Of course, my skills are of no use now. That sort of thing becomes evident after being dead for a few hundred years. Infigan nods slightly and remains in total silence. His gaze meets Reif as if asking a question. Reif knows what Infigan is wondering. Reif: By the time Sarmina attacked the small village we were in, she had grown strong enough with her magic to seal our powers. So we had to rely on typical battle with weaponry, while she had advantage of her magic spells. Infigan: Oh, I see... Reif: However, this Pythos is much weaker that Sarmina was. There is no way he would be able to seal magic spells at his current ability level. Infigan: What are you suggesting, Reif? Reif: Before I delve into that, allow me to explain a thing or two. You see, when I had destroyed Sarmina, the dragonesses of our village had escaped. Unfortunately, with no male dragons left, no way existed to produce more dragon hatchlings. However, many of the dragonesses, even from other territories where some females had survived, had mated with another breed of reptile, which was closely related to the dragon. Offspring were produced and the generations continued. However, over the years, any dragon characteristics faded, and any magical properties of the race weakened greatly. And you are one of the descendants, Infigan, as I have told you before. But, your friends Rose, Jesabelle, and Sara are as well. Infigan: Oh wow. I see. That makes sense. They do appear to be of the same race as me. Reif: however, Pythos is one of those descendants, too. Infigan's expression fell into a grimace. He was not pleased to hear that bit of information. Reif: But now that I have cleared up some background information for you, let me explain what you must do, Infigan. Infigan felt apprehensive. Send him, a reptile outcast, on a mission? Reif: You must find three of your other fellow descendants. Your soul was the easiest for me to contact as you have strong spirit, whether or not you think that. The essences of my fellow warriors have been trying to contact the other three reptiles for some time, but have much less success than I have. But each one of you is directly related, as least spiritually, to one of us, we who were the Four Corners of the land. And you, Infigan, are related in that way to me. You are destined to be a leader and very strong. Infigan raised an eyebrow and laughed a little, sarcastically. Infigan: Me, a leader? That just sounds funny. I've almost never been anything beneficial to anybody. How can I be a leader? Reif: Oh, Infigan. You lack confidence now. But mark my words, you will prove your worth in more ways than you could know. Reif's words still did not hold firm ground with Infigan's opinion of himself. He shook his head and shrugged. Infigan: All right, if you say so. Reif: Right. Now then...What you must do, as I have said, is seek out the three other descendants. When you gather together and return here, a power will unleash that will allow the four of you to take down Pythos. But we must do it quick, before Pythos can strengthen his abilities further. For then, things will only become more difficult. So we must start today. Infigan: Now how in the world am I supposed to find these three? Reif: Your friend, Rose. Though her powers are faded, she had minimal skills in the area of white magic. She cannot do great things with her magic now, but it is enough for what you must do. She will be ab le to detect the direction and presence of the other descendants. Now go, and good luck, Infigan. I will speak with you at other times during your mission and try to assist you. Farewell. Reif's form faded away and then all was darkness again. Streams of light began to pour into the darkness, but Infigan realized it was only him truthfully opening his eyes, and awakening. *** Infigan slowly awoke, muttering something to himself about how the only reason he probably got to sleep was because Reif had knocked him out with that astral communication trick. Well, it was another thing he was grateful toward Reif for. Infigan heard a voice, but his vision had not recovered just yet. Next, he felt the gentle caress of a claw upon the back of his head, propping it up slightly. As he could see progressively better, he realized Rose was there, hovering over his pitiful self. Rose: Are you...alright? Rose squinted her eyes, wincing a bit, realizing that was such a stupid question to ask of a reptile who had just made enemies with the majority of a city he's been living in for some time now. Infigan: I... well, I'm... Infigan could not finish his reply, so instead he tried to get up, which proved very difficult. He just felt so weak, so ashamed. Rose lent a claw and tried helping him. As he stood, he did not look Rose in the face. While staring at the ground partly, he decided he should tell Rose about his latest dream. Infigan: Reif has spoken with me again. Rose: He did? Oh, I hope it was some good news. Infigan: Depends on how you want to take it. Rose did not know what to expect Infigan to tell her. This catastrophe from the previous night had deteriorated any great hopefulness in Infigan's demeanor. At times during this conversation, he seemed to be a little short of breath, getting choked up, his chest heaving slightly. She wanted to comfort him somehow, but she was afraid to get even close, afraid he could snap at any comment. Infigan: If we hope to defeat Pythos, we must track down three others of our kind. They are direct descendants of the dragons...as we are. Rose was shocked. Her eyes widened and her muzzle agape. She placed a claw to her forehead and sat back down on the ground, almost involuntarily. Rose: But...what does this mean? Infigan: It means we are the only ones who will be able to defeat Pythos. Rose: How are we to find these other three dragon descendants though? Infigan: You are to come with me on this venture. Rose: You want my help? You want me along? Infigan: Reif said I need your white magic powers to help find them. Rose looked down, a little taken back. She was hoping for a more appealing answer than something along the lines of "I have to take you along." Infigan turned his glance away slightly and grumbled very quietly for having let himself become so tactless. Infigan: Rose...listen. I need you to go to my home in Phedia. You will surely be able to enter the city securely, but I have no idea how the citizens would react to me. After last night, my presence might instill a considerable mob riot. Rose: I understand. Infigan: You must go to my house to retrieve some provisions. You should be able to find some bread and apples there and a small blanket to wrap them in. We need just enough to get us to a town along our route...how far that will be I'm not sure though. But we should try to pack light. Rose readily nodded and approached Infigan, hugging him comfortingly as if by instinct. Rose: I'll be back soon. Don't forget you still have more friends than you probably realize at times. Rose turned away and started to run back to Phedia. Infigan watched her leave and sat down in the grass, then lied down on his back, watching the sky. The sky looked so endless. |