Post by oddball on Feb 8, 2007 17:43:45 GMT -5
First stage of Vincent's story... May change over time... This translates out to about 11 pages, so take your time.
Trial by Fire,
Origins of Pain
Where does strength come from? Is it our bodies that hold it? Or is it our spirit? To find the answer to this question, must you survive a traumatic ordeal? No, survival does not determine strength. Your spirit is the key to your strength; determination, motivation, and need are the catalysts. For one young male, whose strength is still a mystery, trauma is an understatement.
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“Don’t force yourself…”
“I know, but I have to catch up. I’m behind still.”
“It’s not a competition Vince. You’ll find your abilities soon enough.”
“I know that. But Vaughn’s had his under control for almost three years now. Even Celeste’s is developing her abilities.” Said Vincent as he shook his head and looked at the ground. “I just want to be able to do something.”
“Vincent, I was your age before I discovered my power over earth. You just have to be patient, you can’t rush these things you know.”
“But Dad…”
“No arguments Vincent.” Said Morgan Dal. “I’m telling you the truth, you need to wait. You’ll find them eventually.”
“Fine…” Vincent looked up at his father; he was still taller. His body was covered in scars and a sword hung from his back. “I just want to be strong…”
“Strength is not determined by power or ability.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll see in time Vincent. Don’t worry about it.” Morgan walked over and ruffed the hair on his son’s head. “Just remember, you’re still just a pup.”
“Only for another year. When I’m fifteen, I’ll be an adult. Able to join the military and become a hero like you.” Said a bright eyed Vincent. His tail wagged quickly as he looked at his father.
“The military? Sorry to disappoint you son. That’s not a life I’d want for you. The service can change you.”
“Like your old friend?”
“He changed for a different reason. He wants power, but he doesn’t understand what strength is. I was his friend, but we aren’t any longer.”
“How come? Did you guys get into a fight?”
“Yes… He felt I was only successful in the service because of our bloodline, being descendents of the Black Dragon and all. He became jealous of me. I tried explaining it to him, but he wouldn’t listen. Bloodline’s don’t make a warrior strong.”
“So what happened?”
“When I left the military service, I said my goodbyes to him and my other comrades. I moved out here with your mother and we started our family. Vaughn, Celeste, and yourself, we didn’t want you to grow up in a place like the Capital.”
“You wanted us to have a less hectic life. I remember what you used to say about living in the city. I’m not sure I’d want to live there.”
“Not only that, but I knew the military was there. I’ve seen a lot of war and death. I didn’t want that for you.”
“But Vaughn left for the military. Why didn’t you stop him?”
“I tried…” Morgan turned and looked to the ground. “But he wouldn’t change his mind. He said he needed to go, and expand his own knowledge. I wanted us to live out here, away from everyone else. A simpler life, no wars, no fighting, no bloodshed…” Morgan looked back at Vincent and smiled. “Promise me you’ll never join the military. I worry enough about Vaughn, I don’t want to risk losing you both to war…”
“Alright, I promise I won’t join the military.” Vincent looked into his father’s eyes. His expression had not changed much, but Vincent saw sadness in his father. “You miss him don’t you?”
“I do… I worry about where he is and what he’s doing.” Morgan smiled, he laughed slightly. “Just…”
“Being a parent. Yes we know…” Morgan turned to the voice, before him stood a yellow-eyed Dalmatian. He was wearing a long trench coat that had the arms removed. “You haven’t changed much. How are you dad?”
“Vaughn?” Said Vincent happily. He ran to his brother and hugged him, his tail wagging again. Vaughn wrapped an arm around Vincent and smiled.
“Vaughn? You’ve come home?” Morgan approached his elder son and placed a paw on his shoulder. Vincent let go and took a step backwards.
“Got myself a little leave and decided to pay everyone a visit.” Vaughn smiled at Vincent. “Have you found your talents yet?”
“Not yet…” Vincent looked down and sounded a little depressed.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get there someday.” Vaughn turned to his father now. “I met an old acquaintance of yours Dad.”
“Oh? Who was that?” Morgan perked his ears slightly at this news.
“Eebrum Venuchi. He asked about you and how you’ve been doing.”
“That fool? What did you tell him?” Morgan seemed tense and annoyed at this new information.
“I told him you’d been well, and that you were enjoying your retirement. He replied that he was happy that you were well.” Vaughn seemed to tense up with his father’s tone. “He said he’d hope to see you again, talk about old times.”
“Has he gotten over his thirst for power? Did he tell you about his jealousy of our bloodline? Did he?” Morgan was now visibly angry. Vaughn had recoiled slightly, but for the most part stood his ground.
“He didn’t say…” Vaughn took a step forward. “But if you want you can ask him yourself.”
“What did you say?” Morgan cocked his head to one side and glared at Vaughn.
“Ask him yourself, he’s here.” Vaughn stood straight and tall, facing his father head on.
“You brought him here?” Morgan rushed past Vaughn and headed for the house. A teakettle could be heard whistling in the background.
“Dad?” Vincent followed close behind as he could.
“Dad!” Vaughn followed as well. “Don’t!”
“Mira Delina Dal, you look beautiful as ever.” Said a tall black wolf as he kissed her paw. Mira Dal, Morgan’s wife, seemed shocked and surprised at the sudden appearance of the wolf. Her brown spots shone in the now setting sun.
“Excuse me, I have to turn the kettle off.” Mira said as she pulled her paw back and quickly ran to the house.
“Eebrum!” Shouted Morgan as he rounded the corner of the house and caught sight of his one time friend.
“Hello Morgan… Been a while hasn’t it.” Eebrum said as he bowed slightly to Morgan. “I had hoped we could settle up our past differences and start fresh. Didn’t your son explain?”
“Sorry sir, I didn’t have the opportunity to.” Vaughn said as he saluted Eebrum.
“No apologies required Captain. I understand; we didn’t exactly part on the best of terms.”
“You tried to kill me for leaving.” Morgan snarled. “I thought we were friends once. But you’ve changed. Using my own son to track me down.”
“I regret my actions in the past Morgan. You were once a fellow military soldier like myself, I thought you’d be able to help me.”
“Help you what?” Morgan seemed curious, but his anger was covering it well.
“The government in Capital is crumbling. It’s falling apart at the seams, and I need your help to fix the problem.” Eebrum looked at Morgan for a moment before continuing. He was easily a good foot taller than Morgan; his paws were a deep crimson red, while his feet were white as freshly fallen snow. Vincent looked at him for a moment, but his attention was diverted to Vaughn as Eebrum began speaking again. “The leader of the nation is corrupt. It is my goal to overthrow and replace him. With such a skilled combatant as you by my side, we can easily sweep aside the old dead regime and start over fresh.”
“You’re planning a take over. I can’t believe you haven’t gotten over your thirst for more power. Where will it end?”
“It will end when you make your choice. Help me in my quest, or don’t. The choice is yours, but I think it wise you consider the outcomes of all options.”
“I don’t need to think it over. My answer is no. I won’t be fighting for you. I’m happy with the way the world is, I won’t let you destroy it.”
“I figured as much. Oh well… Guess you can’t win them all.” Eebrum smiled quickly as he vanished from sight.
“Vincent get down now!” Morgan shouted as he drew his sword. The setting sun reflected off its blade as it quickly flung to Morgan’s side to block Eebrum’s claws. “Still doing that first move huh?”
“What can I say?” Eebrum pushed Morgan back with ease. “You go with what you know works.” Eebrum ducked the sword and rolled at Morgan’s feet, slashing his claws at Morgan’s ankles. “But even I learn new tricks.”
“d**n you!” Morgan dropped to one knee as Eebrum’s claws cut deep into his legs. “You’ve gotten better, or I’ve finally started to grow old.”
“Age is more likely. Even one of your kind will begin to slow with the decay of time.” Eebrum jumped up into Morgan’s lower jaw, sending him stumbling backwards. A fist of earth tried feebly to ensnare Eebrum, but it failed as Eebrum jumped into the air and kicked Morgan in the chest. Morgan coughed up blood as he stumbled back farther.
“I guess I’m finished then… Do me one favor old friend.”
“And that would be?”
“Don’t kill my pups…” Morgan’s face looked surprised as Eebrum’s paw went through his chest. “At least grant me that.”
“Vaughn is in my army… But I will not kill the others. Old friend…” Morgan went limp and fell against Eebrum. Vincent looked back in time to witness this, and his anger began to take hold. “I truly did wish to be your friend again.” A scream was heard from the house. Mira had stepped outside with a tray of tea, which she dropped as soon as she screamed. Eebrum laid his former comrade on the ground and looked at Mira evilly. “It couldn’t be helped I’m afraid.” He too a few steps towards Mira, but someone grabbed him from behind and held his tail.
“Don’t touch my Mother…” Vincent felt a spark inside of him. A fire began to spread through him.
“Vincent?” Vaughn said.
“Vincent, no go away. Run…” Mira pleaded.
“I’ll never run. I’ll kill this bastard where he stands for this…” Vincent’s eyes had grown red with rage. His father was his idol, the one he looked up to most. Now this wolf, his father’s old friend, stood there glaring at him. His father’s blood dripping from his paw.
“Big words from a pup… From what your brother’s told me of you, you can’t do anything… You’re no threat.” Said Eebrum as he kicked Vincent in the stomach. Mira quickly dashed in to aide her son, but was met by Eebrum’s other paw as it grabbed her throat. “I had already promised your husband that I wouldn’t kill them. I never said I wouldn’t hurt them…” Eebrum laughed coldly. Vaughn took a step forward, an icy dagger forming in his paw.
“Sir… Let her go now. Please…”
“Stand down Captain… You know what I do to those who oppose me.”
“I understand… But let her go, she’s nothing to do with this.” Vincent had regained his footing and was charging at Eebrum’s back as fast as he could, Mira’s eyes grew wide as she witnessed her son. Eebrum saw Mira’s expression change and he turned quickly. Throwing Mira into Vincent he sent them both flying backwards twenty feet.
“Not a fast learner are you pup.” Snickered Eebrum as he picked up Morgan’s fallen sword. “Guess I’ll have to teach you your place.” Eebrum walked towards the fallen pair, neither were able to get to their feet. Mira was gasping for air, and Vincent was pinned beneath her body. Vincent looked up at Eebrum with fire in his eyes; his heart was racing, his blood boiling in his veins. Little flames began to spark around him and his mother.
“Vincent?” Said Vaughn as he witnessed the sudden flames. “Sir, he’s tapping into his dormant ability. He’s…”
“Fire… Nicely done. But too little, too late. Guess this is the end for us then pup.”
“My name is Vincent Dal… Remember my name, because I’m going to kill you.” The flames intensified as he spoke, each burning brighter.
“Is that so?” Eebrum slashed the sword across Vincent’s leg in short movements.
“Yes…” Vincent growled as he grit his teeth and took the pain. Eebrum now slashed at his free arm. “I’ll find you, and kill you!” Eebrum slashed across Vincent’s eye twice, Vincent then felt shooting pains on his ear and mouth.
“No… You won’t.” Eebrum stabbed the blade through Mira’s chest and in through Vincent’s abdomen. “I never was one to keep my word… Even to the dead.” Eebrum laughed and looked over at Vaughn, raising Morgan’s sword to him. “Let this be a lesson to you. Don’t ever cross me.”
“Sir…” Was all Vincent heard his brother say? He heard someone running up, and shouting. Eebrum shouted back and ran off out of sight. Vincent’s hearing was fading, he was bleeding to death. The pain was all he felt, he felt his mother being lifted off of him, and saw only a blurred face looking down on him.
“Celeste?” The last thing Vincent said before slipping away into the void. ‘I’ll kill him for this…’ The last thing that entered Vincent’s mind. Vincent found himself standing in a large room, his parents sitting at a table together. Vincent walked towards them, looking confused. A single thought crossed his mind. ‘I’ll kill him for this…’ Vincent quickly turned and ran back the way he’d come, his mother calling him and crying in the background.
When he awoke, it was night. His house was in ruins, his parent’s bodies lying together. “Celeste?” He called, but with no reply. He looked around, stumbling through the wreckage of his home. Anger was welling up inside of him. He found only a single trace of his sister, a small pool of blood and a chunk of her left ear. He knew it was hers; she was the only one with a solid white left ear. Plus the scent on it was unmistakable. “He’ll pay!!” He shouted to the stars as flames erupted all around him, blackened flames. His tears rolled down his face as he stared at the swirling flames around him. He wiped them away, and felts scars on his face. He looked at his arms and legs. They too bore scars; he felt his back, scars also. He found a broken mirror and looked at his own reflection. Crimson eyes stared back from a scarred and bloody face, the softness he once had was now gone. He heard a noise behind him; turning quickly he was met by a surprise. A dog sat in a chair next to a shattered table. “Who are you?”
“A friend… That is all you need to know.”
“I don’t believe you.” Vincent said quietly.
“Understandable… We’ve never met before now, but I can prove to you that I am trustworthy.” He said calmly.
“I don’t believe you…” Vincent repeated. The fur on the back of his neck was beginning to stand.
“Please… Calm down. I’m not here to fight.” Said the other dog. “I am here only to tell you that I am responsible for you…”
“Liar!” Vincent shouted. The nearby flames erupting higher. “I’ve never met you before. How can you be responsible for me?”
“Pardon me, but you didn’t give me a chance to finish. As I was saying Mr. Dal, I am responsible for your sister.”
“Celeste? What about her? She’s dead…”
“Quite the opposite Vincent. I arrived here in time to stop Eebrum from doing any more damage. Your parents were dear friends of mine.”
“Prove it…”
“Figured I would have to eventually. Right…” The dog slid a rolled letter across the damaged floor to Vincent. “A letter from your Father and Mother that I received when you were born. Along with this…” The dog produced a black katana. “Forged the day you were born, and given to me.”
“Why were you given it?” Said Vincent as he cautiously grabbed to rolled up letter from in front of him.
“I collect them you see. And I have one for all the Canio-Dragon’s born on December fifth. See for yourself…” He holds up an additional two blades. One is another katana while the other, a long straight blade. Vincent glances at them a moment and then begins to read.
“Says here you are to watch over Celeste and myself in the event of my parents deaths…”
“Correct…”
“Why you?”
“I’m the best fit for the job…”
“No you’re not… I can stand on my own.”
“I can see that. You’re standing quite nicely.” He laughs a little. Vincent puts his paw out to the side and a flame leaps to it.
“Stop laughing at me… You think this is a time for jokes?”
“Sorry… I like making jokes; they tend to lighten up a tense situation. Guess that one was poorly timed.”
“Shut up…” Vincent hurled the flame into the other dogs face. It hit him square in the nose, but he simple blew it off.
“Don’t try any of your abilities on me Mr. Dal. Unlike some, I’m hardened to battle and the like. Your fire talents don’t work on someone of my caliber.”
“You’re caliber? Who are you?” Vincent seemed to have worked out some of his tensions in his little fiery fit. “Tell me your name…”
“My name?”
“Yes… your name!” Vincent was calmed once again.
“My name is Oddy Redwing. I am a Dalmatian like yourself.”
“A Dalmatian? With no spots?”
“Yes, with no spots. I always was ‘different’ from the rest…”
“Are you a Canio-Dragon?”
“No…”
“Regular canine then?”
“No… Wrong again.”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m just a Dragon…” Vincent shook his head and laughed slightly. All the flames diminished and went out.
“Still with the jokes?”
“Are you calm now?”
“Surprisingly, considering what’s happened here today.”
“Then let’s say it was… Come, I’ll help you clean up.”
“No… Help me bury them. Then go to where ever you have Celeste and protect her. I’m going after them.”
“Your brother and Eebrum?”
“Yes…”
“Then I suggest you read that last bit of the letter.” Oddy pointed to the now crumpled letter in Vincent’s paw.
“And make sure that Vincent gets my sword and harness. I want him to have them both.” Vincent reread the lines again and looked at Oddy. “Is this true?”
“Yes… It is very true. Your father may have been a little quicker to laugh at my jokes, but he was serious about you having that sword. And for personal reasons, I’m glad he gave it to you. You look like hell, you should clean up.”
“I will when we finish digging, there should be…”
“I already got the holes dug. The sword and harness are hanging in the tree next to them. I was going to bury them, but then I saw you wandering around. Figured I’d wait.”
“How old are you?”
“Why do you ask?”
“You say you were good friends with my parents, and yet you don’t look much older than me.”
“I told you. I’m a Dragon, I won’t age as fast as everyone else.”
“Your way of saying you won’t tell me?”
“If that’s how you see it…” Oddy looked at the young pup before him. The scars he had received gave him a weathered appearance, despite his young age and only recent growth. “How do you feel?”
“What kind of question is that? I just had my brother betray my family, my parents were murdered, and now you ask me, how do I feel?” Vincent grabbed the side of his head for a moment as he winced in pain. “I feel like ripping off Eebrum’s head just after I run my father’s sword through his heart!”
“Sounds rather messy… Think you have it in you? Taking a life I mean.” Vincent dove across the battered room at Oddy, teeth and claws ready to tear him apart. Oddy grabbed Vincent’s throat and lifted him off the ground. “I may not look it, but I am the stronger… Don’t forget that Vincent, I could kill you now if I thought it would do any good. But I’m starting to like you…” Oddy dropped Vincent to the ground at his feet, and then returned to his chair. Vincent stood and looked at the ground for a time.
“Thank you for waiting…” Vincent bowed softly to Oddy.
“No need for that. I would prefer we be friends Vincent, as I am your sister’s current guardian at this time. You should come and at least eat before you leave. You look half dead.”
“Does Celeste know I’m alive?”
“Not at the moment. You were unconscious when I moved your mother, bleeding badly. I got her to a safe location before she saw you.”
“Keep it that way. I’m glad she’s safe, she means a lot to me. But I don’t want her to worry about me now. I’ll find you when I am ready…”
“Suite yourself Vincent. Things are now in your paws. I don’t know where they’ve gone…”
“Back to the capital…”
“Well, sadly I don’t know where that is. Otherwise I’d point you in that direction.”
“I’m not ready… Eebrum tossed me around like a toy. I need time to train. Fire is my element, my anger and hatred fueled it. Also, I don’t know how to use a sword.”
“I can teach you that, just a matter of where and how often…”
“Here, at your discretion. I’m not leaving here for anything.” Vincent was now standing beside his parent’s bodies. “I’ll get him for this. I swear on your sword Dad, and on this as well.” Vincent picked up a feather that was in his mother’s hair. “One of hers. She always put one in her hair, even when she hid her wings.”
“I remember, she had lovely wings…” Oddy bowed his head out of respect and then helped Vincent move them into the grave.
“Thank you Oddy…” Vincent said after his parents were buried. “I’m glad you came.”
“It’s no problem at all Vincent…”
“Call me Vince… I like it when friends call me that.”
“All right Vince. I’m glad you trust me now…”
“Thanks to them…” Vincent looked down at the fresh grave and began to cry. “This will be the last time I cry…”
“Don’t say that Vince. Tears aren’t always signs of hard times…”
“You’re right… They’re just a sign of weakness. I have to be strong, now more than ever.”
“Strength is not determined by power or ability. But by motivation, determination, and need… Tears aren’t a sign of weakness; they show that you have emotions. Don’t lose sight of yours Vince. Without emotion, you’re no better than that wolf.”
“Oddy…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t ever compare me to him again… I swear I’ll kill him with this sword…”
“Motivation and determination… Now all you need is, well… need.”
“Trust me… I have the need. The need for revenge!”
To Be Continued
Trial by Fire,
Origins of Pain
Where does strength come from? Is it our bodies that hold it? Or is it our spirit? To find the answer to this question, must you survive a traumatic ordeal? No, survival does not determine strength. Your spirit is the key to your strength; determination, motivation, and need are the catalysts. For one young male, whose strength is still a mystery, trauma is an understatement.
------------------------------
“Don’t force yourself…”
“I know, but I have to catch up. I’m behind still.”
“It’s not a competition Vince. You’ll find your abilities soon enough.”
“I know that. But Vaughn’s had his under control for almost three years now. Even Celeste’s is developing her abilities.” Said Vincent as he shook his head and looked at the ground. “I just want to be able to do something.”
“Vincent, I was your age before I discovered my power over earth. You just have to be patient, you can’t rush these things you know.”
“But Dad…”
“No arguments Vincent.” Said Morgan Dal. “I’m telling you the truth, you need to wait. You’ll find them eventually.”
“Fine…” Vincent looked up at his father; he was still taller. His body was covered in scars and a sword hung from his back. “I just want to be strong…”
“Strength is not determined by power or ability.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll see in time Vincent. Don’t worry about it.” Morgan walked over and ruffed the hair on his son’s head. “Just remember, you’re still just a pup.”
“Only for another year. When I’m fifteen, I’ll be an adult. Able to join the military and become a hero like you.” Said a bright eyed Vincent. His tail wagged quickly as he looked at his father.
“The military? Sorry to disappoint you son. That’s not a life I’d want for you. The service can change you.”
“Like your old friend?”
“He changed for a different reason. He wants power, but he doesn’t understand what strength is. I was his friend, but we aren’t any longer.”
“How come? Did you guys get into a fight?”
“Yes… He felt I was only successful in the service because of our bloodline, being descendents of the Black Dragon and all. He became jealous of me. I tried explaining it to him, but he wouldn’t listen. Bloodline’s don’t make a warrior strong.”
“So what happened?”
“When I left the military service, I said my goodbyes to him and my other comrades. I moved out here with your mother and we started our family. Vaughn, Celeste, and yourself, we didn’t want you to grow up in a place like the Capital.”
“You wanted us to have a less hectic life. I remember what you used to say about living in the city. I’m not sure I’d want to live there.”
“Not only that, but I knew the military was there. I’ve seen a lot of war and death. I didn’t want that for you.”
“But Vaughn left for the military. Why didn’t you stop him?”
“I tried…” Morgan turned and looked to the ground. “But he wouldn’t change his mind. He said he needed to go, and expand his own knowledge. I wanted us to live out here, away from everyone else. A simpler life, no wars, no fighting, no bloodshed…” Morgan looked back at Vincent and smiled. “Promise me you’ll never join the military. I worry enough about Vaughn, I don’t want to risk losing you both to war…”
“Alright, I promise I won’t join the military.” Vincent looked into his father’s eyes. His expression had not changed much, but Vincent saw sadness in his father. “You miss him don’t you?”
“I do… I worry about where he is and what he’s doing.” Morgan smiled, he laughed slightly. “Just…”
“Being a parent. Yes we know…” Morgan turned to the voice, before him stood a yellow-eyed Dalmatian. He was wearing a long trench coat that had the arms removed. “You haven’t changed much. How are you dad?”
“Vaughn?” Said Vincent happily. He ran to his brother and hugged him, his tail wagging again. Vaughn wrapped an arm around Vincent and smiled.
“Vaughn? You’ve come home?” Morgan approached his elder son and placed a paw on his shoulder. Vincent let go and took a step backwards.
“Got myself a little leave and decided to pay everyone a visit.” Vaughn smiled at Vincent. “Have you found your talents yet?”
“Not yet…” Vincent looked down and sounded a little depressed.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get there someday.” Vaughn turned to his father now. “I met an old acquaintance of yours Dad.”
“Oh? Who was that?” Morgan perked his ears slightly at this news.
“Eebrum Venuchi. He asked about you and how you’ve been doing.”
“That fool? What did you tell him?” Morgan seemed tense and annoyed at this new information.
“I told him you’d been well, and that you were enjoying your retirement. He replied that he was happy that you were well.” Vaughn seemed to tense up with his father’s tone. “He said he’d hope to see you again, talk about old times.”
“Has he gotten over his thirst for power? Did he tell you about his jealousy of our bloodline? Did he?” Morgan was now visibly angry. Vaughn had recoiled slightly, but for the most part stood his ground.
“He didn’t say…” Vaughn took a step forward. “But if you want you can ask him yourself.”
“What did you say?” Morgan cocked his head to one side and glared at Vaughn.
“Ask him yourself, he’s here.” Vaughn stood straight and tall, facing his father head on.
“You brought him here?” Morgan rushed past Vaughn and headed for the house. A teakettle could be heard whistling in the background.
“Dad?” Vincent followed close behind as he could.
“Dad!” Vaughn followed as well. “Don’t!”
“Mira Delina Dal, you look beautiful as ever.” Said a tall black wolf as he kissed her paw. Mira Dal, Morgan’s wife, seemed shocked and surprised at the sudden appearance of the wolf. Her brown spots shone in the now setting sun.
“Excuse me, I have to turn the kettle off.” Mira said as she pulled her paw back and quickly ran to the house.
“Eebrum!” Shouted Morgan as he rounded the corner of the house and caught sight of his one time friend.
“Hello Morgan… Been a while hasn’t it.” Eebrum said as he bowed slightly to Morgan. “I had hoped we could settle up our past differences and start fresh. Didn’t your son explain?”
“Sorry sir, I didn’t have the opportunity to.” Vaughn said as he saluted Eebrum.
“No apologies required Captain. I understand; we didn’t exactly part on the best of terms.”
“You tried to kill me for leaving.” Morgan snarled. “I thought we were friends once. But you’ve changed. Using my own son to track me down.”
“I regret my actions in the past Morgan. You were once a fellow military soldier like myself, I thought you’d be able to help me.”
“Help you what?” Morgan seemed curious, but his anger was covering it well.
“The government in Capital is crumbling. It’s falling apart at the seams, and I need your help to fix the problem.” Eebrum looked at Morgan for a moment before continuing. He was easily a good foot taller than Morgan; his paws were a deep crimson red, while his feet were white as freshly fallen snow. Vincent looked at him for a moment, but his attention was diverted to Vaughn as Eebrum began speaking again. “The leader of the nation is corrupt. It is my goal to overthrow and replace him. With such a skilled combatant as you by my side, we can easily sweep aside the old dead regime and start over fresh.”
“You’re planning a take over. I can’t believe you haven’t gotten over your thirst for more power. Where will it end?”
“It will end when you make your choice. Help me in my quest, or don’t. The choice is yours, but I think it wise you consider the outcomes of all options.”
“I don’t need to think it over. My answer is no. I won’t be fighting for you. I’m happy with the way the world is, I won’t let you destroy it.”
“I figured as much. Oh well… Guess you can’t win them all.” Eebrum smiled quickly as he vanished from sight.
“Vincent get down now!” Morgan shouted as he drew his sword. The setting sun reflected off its blade as it quickly flung to Morgan’s side to block Eebrum’s claws. “Still doing that first move huh?”
“What can I say?” Eebrum pushed Morgan back with ease. “You go with what you know works.” Eebrum ducked the sword and rolled at Morgan’s feet, slashing his claws at Morgan’s ankles. “But even I learn new tricks.”
“d**n you!” Morgan dropped to one knee as Eebrum’s claws cut deep into his legs. “You’ve gotten better, or I’ve finally started to grow old.”
“Age is more likely. Even one of your kind will begin to slow with the decay of time.” Eebrum jumped up into Morgan’s lower jaw, sending him stumbling backwards. A fist of earth tried feebly to ensnare Eebrum, but it failed as Eebrum jumped into the air and kicked Morgan in the chest. Morgan coughed up blood as he stumbled back farther.
“I guess I’m finished then… Do me one favor old friend.”
“And that would be?”
“Don’t kill my pups…” Morgan’s face looked surprised as Eebrum’s paw went through his chest. “At least grant me that.”
“Vaughn is in my army… But I will not kill the others. Old friend…” Morgan went limp and fell against Eebrum. Vincent looked back in time to witness this, and his anger began to take hold. “I truly did wish to be your friend again.” A scream was heard from the house. Mira had stepped outside with a tray of tea, which she dropped as soon as she screamed. Eebrum laid his former comrade on the ground and looked at Mira evilly. “It couldn’t be helped I’m afraid.” He too a few steps towards Mira, but someone grabbed him from behind and held his tail.
“Don’t touch my Mother…” Vincent felt a spark inside of him. A fire began to spread through him.
“Vincent?” Vaughn said.
“Vincent, no go away. Run…” Mira pleaded.
“I’ll never run. I’ll kill this bastard where he stands for this…” Vincent’s eyes had grown red with rage. His father was his idol, the one he looked up to most. Now this wolf, his father’s old friend, stood there glaring at him. His father’s blood dripping from his paw.
“Big words from a pup… From what your brother’s told me of you, you can’t do anything… You’re no threat.” Said Eebrum as he kicked Vincent in the stomach. Mira quickly dashed in to aide her son, but was met by Eebrum’s other paw as it grabbed her throat. “I had already promised your husband that I wouldn’t kill them. I never said I wouldn’t hurt them…” Eebrum laughed coldly. Vaughn took a step forward, an icy dagger forming in his paw.
“Sir… Let her go now. Please…”
“Stand down Captain… You know what I do to those who oppose me.”
“I understand… But let her go, she’s nothing to do with this.” Vincent had regained his footing and was charging at Eebrum’s back as fast as he could, Mira’s eyes grew wide as she witnessed her son. Eebrum saw Mira’s expression change and he turned quickly. Throwing Mira into Vincent he sent them both flying backwards twenty feet.
“Not a fast learner are you pup.” Snickered Eebrum as he picked up Morgan’s fallen sword. “Guess I’ll have to teach you your place.” Eebrum walked towards the fallen pair, neither were able to get to their feet. Mira was gasping for air, and Vincent was pinned beneath her body. Vincent looked up at Eebrum with fire in his eyes; his heart was racing, his blood boiling in his veins. Little flames began to spark around him and his mother.
“Vincent?” Said Vaughn as he witnessed the sudden flames. “Sir, he’s tapping into his dormant ability. He’s…”
“Fire… Nicely done. But too little, too late. Guess this is the end for us then pup.”
“My name is Vincent Dal… Remember my name, because I’m going to kill you.” The flames intensified as he spoke, each burning brighter.
“Is that so?” Eebrum slashed the sword across Vincent’s leg in short movements.
“Yes…” Vincent growled as he grit his teeth and took the pain. Eebrum now slashed at his free arm. “I’ll find you, and kill you!” Eebrum slashed across Vincent’s eye twice, Vincent then felt shooting pains on his ear and mouth.
“No… You won’t.” Eebrum stabbed the blade through Mira’s chest and in through Vincent’s abdomen. “I never was one to keep my word… Even to the dead.” Eebrum laughed and looked over at Vaughn, raising Morgan’s sword to him. “Let this be a lesson to you. Don’t ever cross me.”
“Sir…” Was all Vincent heard his brother say? He heard someone running up, and shouting. Eebrum shouted back and ran off out of sight. Vincent’s hearing was fading, he was bleeding to death. The pain was all he felt, he felt his mother being lifted off of him, and saw only a blurred face looking down on him.
“Celeste?” The last thing Vincent said before slipping away into the void. ‘I’ll kill him for this…’ The last thing that entered Vincent’s mind. Vincent found himself standing in a large room, his parents sitting at a table together. Vincent walked towards them, looking confused. A single thought crossed his mind. ‘I’ll kill him for this…’ Vincent quickly turned and ran back the way he’d come, his mother calling him and crying in the background.
When he awoke, it was night. His house was in ruins, his parent’s bodies lying together. “Celeste?” He called, but with no reply. He looked around, stumbling through the wreckage of his home. Anger was welling up inside of him. He found only a single trace of his sister, a small pool of blood and a chunk of her left ear. He knew it was hers; she was the only one with a solid white left ear. Plus the scent on it was unmistakable. “He’ll pay!!” He shouted to the stars as flames erupted all around him, blackened flames. His tears rolled down his face as he stared at the swirling flames around him. He wiped them away, and felts scars on his face. He looked at his arms and legs. They too bore scars; he felt his back, scars also. He found a broken mirror and looked at his own reflection. Crimson eyes stared back from a scarred and bloody face, the softness he once had was now gone. He heard a noise behind him; turning quickly he was met by a surprise. A dog sat in a chair next to a shattered table. “Who are you?”
“A friend… That is all you need to know.”
“I don’t believe you.” Vincent said quietly.
“Understandable… We’ve never met before now, but I can prove to you that I am trustworthy.” He said calmly.
“I don’t believe you…” Vincent repeated. The fur on the back of his neck was beginning to stand.
“Please… Calm down. I’m not here to fight.” Said the other dog. “I am here only to tell you that I am responsible for you…”
“Liar!” Vincent shouted. The nearby flames erupting higher. “I’ve never met you before. How can you be responsible for me?”
“Pardon me, but you didn’t give me a chance to finish. As I was saying Mr. Dal, I am responsible for your sister.”
“Celeste? What about her? She’s dead…”
“Quite the opposite Vincent. I arrived here in time to stop Eebrum from doing any more damage. Your parents were dear friends of mine.”
“Prove it…”
“Figured I would have to eventually. Right…” The dog slid a rolled letter across the damaged floor to Vincent. “A letter from your Father and Mother that I received when you were born. Along with this…” The dog produced a black katana. “Forged the day you were born, and given to me.”
“Why were you given it?” Said Vincent as he cautiously grabbed to rolled up letter from in front of him.
“I collect them you see. And I have one for all the Canio-Dragon’s born on December fifth. See for yourself…” He holds up an additional two blades. One is another katana while the other, a long straight blade. Vincent glances at them a moment and then begins to read.
“Says here you are to watch over Celeste and myself in the event of my parents deaths…”
“Correct…”
“Why you?”
“I’m the best fit for the job…”
“No you’re not… I can stand on my own.”
“I can see that. You’re standing quite nicely.” He laughs a little. Vincent puts his paw out to the side and a flame leaps to it.
“Stop laughing at me… You think this is a time for jokes?”
“Sorry… I like making jokes; they tend to lighten up a tense situation. Guess that one was poorly timed.”
“Shut up…” Vincent hurled the flame into the other dogs face. It hit him square in the nose, but he simple blew it off.
“Don’t try any of your abilities on me Mr. Dal. Unlike some, I’m hardened to battle and the like. Your fire talents don’t work on someone of my caliber.”
“You’re caliber? Who are you?” Vincent seemed to have worked out some of his tensions in his little fiery fit. “Tell me your name…”
“My name?”
“Yes… your name!” Vincent was calmed once again.
“My name is Oddy Redwing. I am a Dalmatian like yourself.”
“A Dalmatian? With no spots?”
“Yes, with no spots. I always was ‘different’ from the rest…”
“Are you a Canio-Dragon?”
“No…”
“Regular canine then?”
“No… Wrong again.”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m just a Dragon…” Vincent shook his head and laughed slightly. All the flames diminished and went out.
“Still with the jokes?”
“Are you calm now?”
“Surprisingly, considering what’s happened here today.”
“Then let’s say it was… Come, I’ll help you clean up.”
“No… Help me bury them. Then go to where ever you have Celeste and protect her. I’m going after them.”
“Your brother and Eebrum?”
“Yes…”
“Then I suggest you read that last bit of the letter.” Oddy pointed to the now crumpled letter in Vincent’s paw.
“And make sure that Vincent gets my sword and harness. I want him to have them both.” Vincent reread the lines again and looked at Oddy. “Is this true?”
“Yes… It is very true. Your father may have been a little quicker to laugh at my jokes, but he was serious about you having that sword. And for personal reasons, I’m glad he gave it to you. You look like hell, you should clean up.”
“I will when we finish digging, there should be…”
“I already got the holes dug. The sword and harness are hanging in the tree next to them. I was going to bury them, but then I saw you wandering around. Figured I’d wait.”
“How old are you?”
“Why do you ask?”
“You say you were good friends with my parents, and yet you don’t look much older than me.”
“I told you. I’m a Dragon, I won’t age as fast as everyone else.”
“Your way of saying you won’t tell me?”
“If that’s how you see it…” Oddy looked at the young pup before him. The scars he had received gave him a weathered appearance, despite his young age and only recent growth. “How do you feel?”
“What kind of question is that? I just had my brother betray my family, my parents were murdered, and now you ask me, how do I feel?” Vincent grabbed the side of his head for a moment as he winced in pain. “I feel like ripping off Eebrum’s head just after I run my father’s sword through his heart!”
“Sounds rather messy… Think you have it in you? Taking a life I mean.” Vincent dove across the battered room at Oddy, teeth and claws ready to tear him apart. Oddy grabbed Vincent’s throat and lifted him off the ground. “I may not look it, but I am the stronger… Don’t forget that Vincent, I could kill you now if I thought it would do any good. But I’m starting to like you…” Oddy dropped Vincent to the ground at his feet, and then returned to his chair. Vincent stood and looked at the ground for a time.
“Thank you for waiting…” Vincent bowed softly to Oddy.
“No need for that. I would prefer we be friends Vincent, as I am your sister’s current guardian at this time. You should come and at least eat before you leave. You look half dead.”
“Does Celeste know I’m alive?”
“Not at the moment. You were unconscious when I moved your mother, bleeding badly. I got her to a safe location before she saw you.”
“Keep it that way. I’m glad she’s safe, she means a lot to me. But I don’t want her to worry about me now. I’ll find you when I am ready…”
“Suite yourself Vincent. Things are now in your paws. I don’t know where they’ve gone…”
“Back to the capital…”
“Well, sadly I don’t know where that is. Otherwise I’d point you in that direction.”
“I’m not ready… Eebrum tossed me around like a toy. I need time to train. Fire is my element, my anger and hatred fueled it. Also, I don’t know how to use a sword.”
“I can teach you that, just a matter of where and how often…”
“Here, at your discretion. I’m not leaving here for anything.” Vincent was now standing beside his parent’s bodies. “I’ll get him for this. I swear on your sword Dad, and on this as well.” Vincent picked up a feather that was in his mother’s hair. “One of hers. She always put one in her hair, even when she hid her wings.”
“I remember, she had lovely wings…” Oddy bowed his head out of respect and then helped Vincent move them into the grave.
“Thank you Oddy…” Vincent said after his parents were buried. “I’m glad you came.”
“It’s no problem at all Vincent…”
“Call me Vince… I like it when friends call me that.”
“All right Vince. I’m glad you trust me now…”
“Thanks to them…” Vincent looked down at the fresh grave and began to cry. “This will be the last time I cry…”
“Don’t say that Vince. Tears aren’t always signs of hard times…”
“You’re right… They’re just a sign of weakness. I have to be strong, now more than ever.”
“Strength is not determined by power or ability. But by motivation, determination, and need… Tears aren’t a sign of weakness; they show that you have emotions. Don’t lose sight of yours Vince. Without emotion, you’re no better than that wolf.”
“Oddy…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t ever compare me to him again… I swear I’ll kill him with this sword…”
“Motivation and determination… Now all you need is, well… need.”
“Trust me… I have the need. The need for revenge!”
To Be Continued