Post by oddball on Mar 1, 2007 19:07:21 GMT -5
Trial by Fire
The Broken Vow
“Can you believe it’s been a week since we saw him last?”
“Don’t worry, he does this from time to time. He could be gone for a long time yet…”
“But where did he go?”
“I don’t know. I asked him once, he simply answered, for a walk.”
“He’s never told you where he goes?”
“Not that I can remember. But he always comes back, I’m sure this time will be no different…” A paw reached to the table for a large pitcher, the aged enamel reflected the morning sun. “More water?”
“Please…” Rose put out her cup as Celeste poured. Oddy had gone off abruptly, leaving the two alone. Having spent only a few days in Celeste’s company, Rose felt a friendship forming between them. She looked at Celeste and hesitated for a moment.
“Something wrong Rose?” Celeste asked as she returned the pitcher to it’s previous home.
“I was just thinking, about what you and Oddy told me last week. About Vincent and everyone…”
“What about it? Still have questions?”
“I have one, do you know why Oddy collects all these swords and knives? I mean I’ve never seen him use one in combat, or even to cut food.”
“I was curious about that once myself, so I asked. He told me he loves swords for their artistic beauty. But the two sword he carries, as well as the short sword and knives, those he carries should he ever need to break his promise…”
“Promise?”
“He doesn’t mention it often…” Celeste broke to take a sip of water. “Many years ago, back before our time, or even my parents time. Oddy was a very capable fighter. One of the reasons he was able to train Vincent in past months. But he swore an oath that he would never take up a sword against another being, unless it was absolutely necessary…”
“Why would he make such an oath?”
“From what I was told, Oddy was forced to make a decision that ultimately determined his fate.”
“Who did he have to kill?”
“Oddy is a Dragon… He never lied about that from day one. Figures most would take it as some kind of joke, so he doesn’t worry about telling anyone. But way back, someone took him seriously. They found out about one of Oddys darkest secrets.” Celeste looked out the window. “We have company…”
“How do you know?”
“I have my ways. A few of Eebrum’s men it seems. Either after Oddy or someone else…”
“Perhaps after you?”
“Possible, but I doubt it.”
“Why?”
“I just know…” Celeste smiled calmly as someone pounded their fist on Oddy’s door.
“Who is it?” Celeste asked in a calm, normal tone.
“Message for Oddy Redwing!”
“He’s not home at the moment. Is it something you can leave behind?”
“We were instructed to deliver it in person… Do you know where he is?” Celeste paused, perking her ear slightly as if to listen to some unseen figure.
“Go to the cliffs by the ruined house. He’s at the grave of Morgan and Mira Dal…”
“Thank you…” A loud clunking sound was heard as what seemed a small host of men left the door.
“You can come in you know…” The door opened softly revealing a younger Dalmatian, his care worn and weather beaten features helped disguise his appearance, but Rose recognized him from the old photograph that now hung from the kitchen wall nearby.
“So why are they looking for Oddy?” Asked Celeste as she stood and retrieved a clean cup for the stranger.
“Eebrum sent out a small group of us… Our mission is to find and eliminate Oddy before he can become more of a problem.” He took the glass without hesitation and quickly gulped down the clear cool liquid inside.
“Thirsty? Must’ve been a long march then, eh Trio?”
“Long and rough. We met up with some small problems along the way, but we managed…”
“Small problems?” Asked Rose.
“Some of our gear suddenly burst into flames.” Trio shook his head and laughed softly to himself. “I take it Vincent’s been a little bored lately?”
“Can’t say I blame him. Just be thankful he was only being playful… Oddy told him about you, and showed him your photo. So I imagine that helped…”
“Why isn’t anyone worried about Oddy right now?” Rose asked quickly.
“Because Oddy can do one thing that those soldiers Eebrum sent can’t.” Said Trio as he drank from a refilled cup. “He can fly…”
“Not to mention, he’s armed…”
“But I thought you said he’d made a vow…” The door to the kitchen flung open as Oddy stumbled in and sat in a chair. Blood dripped from open wounds on his arms and body, the sword clutched in his right paw, was splattered with blood as it too dripped onto the floor.
“That was fast… I only had one drink. Trio slid a glass over to Oddy.
“The vow is broken… They threatened her, while we walked back here…” Oddy grabbed a dirty rag from the counter behind him and wiped his blade clean. “I never expected him to move so quickly…”
“You won’t have too many left to worry about. But sadly if you killed them all, I can no longer be your spy in Eebrum’s service.”
“No matter… You can live out here and keep an eye on things when I’m gone.”
“Oddy?”
“Yes Rose?”
“Who did they threaten?” Celeste put her cup down quickly and looked at Rose. Trio glanced over his cup as he emptied it for a third time.
“They threatened the one I have fallen in love with. Her name is Oddball…”
“Oddball? The, Oddball?” Asked Rose. She knew the name, but never imagined she was connected to Oddy.
“You know her?” Asked Oddy as he drank from his glass. “Don’t I have something stronger in the cupboard?” He asked Celeste as he pointed to the cabinet behind her.
“Sorry…” Celeste spun around and began searching.
“I know the name, but I don’t know her personally.”
“What have you heard?” Oddy asked as Celeste handed him a corked bottle.
“I heard that she’s the sole survivor of her family. They were all but wiped out after the last major war…”
“Yes, yes… But do you know anything about her family history?”
“No…”
“I do…” Said Celeste as she sat beside Trio. “Her family is believed to have been the last remaining clan of Dragon’s left in the area.”
“She’s a dragon too?”
“A Dragon of a different sort. We are the last of our respective breeds of Dragon. I am a descendant of an elemental race, she is a descendant of an ordinary Dragon race.”
“Huh?”
“Let me explain… I am a light and dark elemental Dragon. Oddball, is your typical Dragon.” Oddy took a deep drink of the bottle, Rose was amazed to see the wounds on his arms beginning to heal. “Her kind was hunted to extinction, as was mine. I hatched alone and without a real family, she at least met her family.”
“But you both look like dogs…” Rose stated, rather bluntly.
“True, we do… Being the last of our kind, we have both been granted the ability to disguise ourselves. Now as I am older, and Oddball was only born some fifteen hundred years ago, I was running around as a dog long before she even existed.” Oddy drank again, and then slammed the bottle down onto the table. “Good stuff…”
“I’m confused…” Said Trio at last. “I always thought you were the last Dragon in existence. Now you’re telling us that there was another all this time?”
“I only found out about her in the last few years. I mean, Dragon’s stand out in this world, dogs don’t…”
“Good point… But please continue.” Trio sipped his water again, feeling rather foolish.
“Oddball moved here about ten years ago. Given that I don’t travel far beyond this countries borders, it is no surprise I didn’t find her sooner.” Oddy corked the bottle again, and proceeded to slide it over to Trio. “I know you want some…”
“Thanks…” Trio uncorked it, and poured some into his now empty glass.
“So that’s why you’re so protective of her… She’s the last female Dragon in the world.”
“Yes that, and as a dog, I’ve never met a more beautiful girl in all my years.”
“Sounds like you’re in love…”
“I am… And so I broke my oath never to kill again, save to protect that which is dearest to me… My Oddball Sky.”
“Why did you make that vow in the first place?” Rose inquired; the thought had been floating in her mind for a long while now. Oddy was looking at her, calmly.
“Because I was forced to take the life of a friend, in order to save myself from being killed.” Trio dropped his head and looked at the table, Celeste looked at him and placed her paw on his shoulder.
“You okay?” She asked as she looked at the side of his face, the single scar going across his left eye was all that met her gaze.
“No he’s not…”
“Why not?” Rose asked.
“Because it’s my fault that he and his siblings are orphans.” Oddy slammed a fist onto the table, sending the glasses and bottle in odd directions.
“Oddy was a friend of my father’s. After my mother died, he tried to make due with what he had. He was ordered to kill the Black Dragon… And in return he would never have to worry about feeding us again. But…”
“He came to me as a friend, carrying what is now Vincent’s sword… He told me that he’d been sent to kill me, and that he was sorry. We fought, but he was holding back. I never meant to do it… But I killed him.”
“So that’s why you made the vow?”
“Before he died, he told me to watch out for his children. I told him I would and that I was sorry. He smiled and said, ‘At least I don’t have to worry about them anymore…’ Then just before he died, I learned who had sent him.”
“Who?”
“Eebrum Venuchi, newly appointed Captain of the Government Military.” Oddy looked over to Trio. “I’m sorry Trio…”
“Not your fault. You were defending yourself… Besides, I’m sure you feel enough guilt and remorse for it.” Trio looked up at Oddy, his eyes were filled with tears. “I’m not angry with you, I am with Eebrum. Putting my father up against his own friend. I can understand though, why he did it and all.”
“He wanted to make sure his children would be able to survive.” Celeste said as she rubbed his shoulder. “I’m sure that if he could see you now, he’d be proud of the young man you’ve become.” Celeste was then taken by surprise as Trio suddenly gave her a hug. She smiled and embraced him as well. Oddy stood and motioned for Rose to follow him.
“What’s up Oddy?” Asked Rose as the two entered into the forward half of the house.
“They should be alone together. I feel that they have more in common than we both know.”
“Even in an emotional state, you’re still setting people up… What are you? A matchmaker?”
“No… Just fulfilling two promises at one time. Taking care of my friends children, and making sure they can live happy lives.”
“So tell me? What did you do with those soldiers?”
“I left one alive, just enough so that he could deliver a message…”
“A message?”
“Yes. To Eebrum himself, and to no one else.”
“What was the message?”
“Thanks for dinner. Love Oddy and Oddball…” Oddy belched slightly. “Excuse me.”
“You ate them?”
“We… Ate them. Remember, Dragon’s have much higher metabolisms than ordinary canines. We can’t really transform back and forth on empty stomachs now can we?”
“Were they alive or dead when eaten?”
“Dead… Oddball really is a wonderful cook. Do you have any idea how much better meat is after being cooked in armor?” Oddy chuckled and smiled at Rose.
“You’re kidding right?”
“We ate one each, honest… The rest were pitched off the cliff. Too scrawny for a decent snack…” A knock came at the door.
“There she is now… Come in!” Oddy opened the door slowly, revealing a stunningly beautiful young female dog. She had long sandy blonde hair, sky blue eyes, and a small pink nose. “Welcome to my home Oddball…”
“Thanks Oddy. Nice place you’ve got here…” Oddball looked around in awe. “Sure beats my house. Oh, hello… Didn’t realize you had company. Did I come at a bad time?”
“No… Oddball Sky, this is Rose DeMaria.”
“The famous Miss DeMaria. Oddy’s told me so much about you… Very nice to meet you in person finally.”
“Likewise… Please call me Rose.”
“Then call me Oddball, no need for formalities. I know Oddy rarely uses them…”
“Very funny Oddball. Care to join us in the kitchen? Young Miss Celeste Dal, and Mr. Trio Maxwell should be finished by now…”
“Definitely. Got anything to drink? That one soldier left a bad taste in my mouth…”
“Oh, I think I’ve go something that can take care of that…” Oddy smirked as he led Oddbal into the kitchen. Chairs were heard hitting the floor as Oddball started laughing. Apparently Oddy’s matchmaking was successful.
“Oddy” Rose called out.
“Yes?” Asked Oddy as he poked his head out the kitchen door at her.
“I’m gonna go… I want to go for a walk myself. I need to think about some things.”
“Okay… Door’s always open for ya if you want to stop by. I know Celeste enjoys your company, though I think she’ll be needing some privacy from now on…”
Oddy!” Shouted Celeste as Oddy grinned at Rose.
“Humorous as always then?”
“Of course, can’t be serious all the time. Otherwise I’d end up like Vincent.”
“Vincent?”
“He hasn’t laughed about anything in the last eight months almost. He’s gotten too serious.” Oddy looked into the kitchen, then back at Rose. “If you run into him, tell him to stop by sometime. But be careful about how he acts when you’re near… See if you can get him to loosen up and laugh some.”
“Me? Are you crazy?”
“At times… But you’re the best chance for him. I lost track of your sisters, so I have to rely on you. Besides, you have a better attitude. One that Vincent may come to like. And also, not to sound weird or anything given we’re friends, you are really good looking. He’d be stupid and blind not to notice that…”
“Thanks Oddy. And don’t worry; you’re still the crazy little dog everyone thinks you are. Now I just see you as a Dragon with a few screws loose.” Rose stuck her tongue out at Oddy as she turned at walked out the door. “Later Oddy… Behave yourself.”
“Yeah… Right.”
The Broken Vow
“Can you believe it’s been a week since we saw him last?”
“Don’t worry, he does this from time to time. He could be gone for a long time yet…”
“But where did he go?”
“I don’t know. I asked him once, he simply answered, for a walk.”
“He’s never told you where he goes?”
“Not that I can remember. But he always comes back, I’m sure this time will be no different…” A paw reached to the table for a large pitcher, the aged enamel reflected the morning sun. “More water?”
“Please…” Rose put out her cup as Celeste poured. Oddy had gone off abruptly, leaving the two alone. Having spent only a few days in Celeste’s company, Rose felt a friendship forming between them. She looked at Celeste and hesitated for a moment.
“Something wrong Rose?” Celeste asked as she returned the pitcher to it’s previous home.
“I was just thinking, about what you and Oddy told me last week. About Vincent and everyone…”
“What about it? Still have questions?”
“I have one, do you know why Oddy collects all these swords and knives? I mean I’ve never seen him use one in combat, or even to cut food.”
“I was curious about that once myself, so I asked. He told me he loves swords for their artistic beauty. But the two sword he carries, as well as the short sword and knives, those he carries should he ever need to break his promise…”
“Promise?”
“He doesn’t mention it often…” Celeste broke to take a sip of water. “Many years ago, back before our time, or even my parents time. Oddy was a very capable fighter. One of the reasons he was able to train Vincent in past months. But he swore an oath that he would never take up a sword against another being, unless it was absolutely necessary…”
“Why would he make such an oath?”
“From what I was told, Oddy was forced to make a decision that ultimately determined his fate.”
“Who did he have to kill?”
“Oddy is a Dragon… He never lied about that from day one. Figures most would take it as some kind of joke, so he doesn’t worry about telling anyone. But way back, someone took him seriously. They found out about one of Oddys darkest secrets.” Celeste looked out the window. “We have company…”
“How do you know?”
“I have my ways. A few of Eebrum’s men it seems. Either after Oddy or someone else…”
“Perhaps after you?”
“Possible, but I doubt it.”
“Why?”
“I just know…” Celeste smiled calmly as someone pounded their fist on Oddy’s door.
“Who is it?” Celeste asked in a calm, normal tone.
“Message for Oddy Redwing!”
“He’s not home at the moment. Is it something you can leave behind?”
“We were instructed to deliver it in person… Do you know where he is?” Celeste paused, perking her ear slightly as if to listen to some unseen figure.
“Go to the cliffs by the ruined house. He’s at the grave of Morgan and Mira Dal…”
“Thank you…” A loud clunking sound was heard as what seemed a small host of men left the door.
“You can come in you know…” The door opened softly revealing a younger Dalmatian, his care worn and weather beaten features helped disguise his appearance, but Rose recognized him from the old photograph that now hung from the kitchen wall nearby.
“So why are they looking for Oddy?” Asked Celeste as she stood and retrieved a clean cup for the stranger.
“Eebrum sent out a small group of us… Our mission is to find and eliminate Oddy before he can become more of a problem.” He took the glass without hesitation and quickly gulped down the clear cool liquid inside.
“Thirsty? Must’ve been a long march then, eh Trio?”
“Long and rough. We met up with some small problems along the way, but we managed…”
“Small problems?” Asked Rose.
“Some of our gear suddenly burst into flames.” Trio shook his head and laughed softly to himself. “I take it Vincent’s been a little bored lately?”
“Can’t say I blame him. Just be thankful he was only being playful… Oddy told him about you, and showed him your photo. So I imagine that helped…”
“Why isn’t anyone worried about Oddy right now?” Rose asked quickly.
“Because Oddy can do one thing that those soldiers Eebrum sent can’t.” Said Trio as he drank from a refilled cup. “He can fly…”
“Not to mention, he’s armed…”
“But I thought you said he’d made a vow…” The door to the kitchen flung open as Oddy stumbled in and sat in a chair. Blood dripped from open wounds on his arms and body, the sword clutched in his right paw, was splattered with blood as it too dripped onto the floor.
“That was fast… I only had one drink. Trio slid a glass over to Oddy.
“The vow is broken… They threatened her, while we walked back here…” Oddy grabbed a dirty rag from the counter behind him and wiped his blade clean. “I never expected him to move so quickly…”
“You won’t have too many left to worry about. But sadly if you killed them all, I can no longer be your spy in Eebrum’s service.”
“No matter… You can live out here and keep an eye on things when I’m gone.”
“Oddy?”
“Yes Rose?”
“Who did they threaten?” Celeste put her cup down quickly and looked at Rose. Trio glanced over his cup as he emptied it for a third time.
“They threatened the one I have fallen in love with. Her name is Oddball…”
“Oddball? The, Oddball?” Asked Rose. She knew the name, but never imagined she was connected to Oddy.
“You know her?” Asked Oddy as he drank from his glass. “Don’t I have something stronger in the cupboard?” He asked Celeste as he pointed to the cabinet behind her.
“Sorry…” Celeste spun around and began searching.
“I know the name, but I don’t know her personally.”
“What have you heard?” Oddy asked as Celeste handed him a corked bottle.
“I heard that she’s the sole survivor of her family. They were all but wiped out after the last major war…”
“Yes, yes… But do you know anything about her family history?”
“No…”
“I do…” Said Celeste as she sat beside Trio. “Her family is believed to have been the last remaining clan of Dragon’s left in the area.”
“She’s a dragon too?”
“A Dragon of a different sort. We are the last of our respective breeds of Dragon. I am a descendant of an elemental race, she is a descendant of an ordinary Dragon race.”
“Huh?”
“Let me explain… I am a light and dark elemental Dragon. Oddball, is your typical Dragon.” Oddy took a deep drink of the bottle, Rose was amazed to see the wounds on his arms beginning to heal. “Her kind was hunted to extinction, as was mine. I hatched alone and without a real family, she at least met her family.”
“But you both look like dogs…” Rose stated, rather bluntly.
“True, we do… Being the last of our kind, we have both been granted the ability to disguise ourselves. Now as I am older, and Oddball was only born some fifteen hundred years ago, I was running around as a dog long before she even existed.” Oddy drank again, and then slammed the bottle down onto the table. “Good stuff…”
“I’m confused…” Said Trio at last. “I always thought you were the last Dragon in existence. Now you’re telling us that there was another all this time?”
“I only found out about her in the last few years. I mean, Dragon’s stand out in this world, dogs don’t…”
“Good point… But please continue.” Trio sipped his water again, feeling rather foolish.
“Oddball moved here about ten years ago. Given that I don’t travel far beyond this countries borders, it is no surprise I didn’t find her sooner.” Oddy corked the bottle again, and proceeded to slide it over to Trio. “I know you want some…”
“Thanks…” Trio uncorked it, and poured some into his now empty glass.
“So that’s why you’re so protective of her… She’s the last female Dragon in the world.”
“Yes that, and as a dog, I’ve never met a more beautiful girl in all my years.”
“Sounds like you’re in love…”
“I am… And so I broke my oath never to kill again, save to protect that which is dearest to me… My Oddball Sky.”
“Why did you make that vow in the first place?” Rose inquired; the thought had been floating in her mind for a long while now. Oddy was looking at her, calmly.
“Because I was forced to take the life of a friend, in order to save myself from being killed.” Trio dropped his head and looked at the table, Celeste looked at him and placed her paw on his shoulder.
“You okay?” She asked as she looked at the side of his face, the single scar going across his left eye was all that met her gaze.
“No he’s not…”
“Why not?” Rose asked.
“Because it’s my fault that he and his siblings are orphans.” Oddy slammed a fist onto the table, sending the glasses and bottle in odd directions.
“Oddy was a friend of my father’s. After my mother died, he tried to make due with what he had. He was ordered to kill the Black Dragon… And in return he would never have to worry about feeding us again. But…”
“He came to me as a friend, carrying what is now Vincent’s sword… He told me that he’d been sent to kill me, and that he was sorry. We fought, but he was holding back. I never meant to do it… But I killed him.”
“So that’s why you made the vow?”
“Before he died, he told me to watch out for his children. I told him I would and that I was sorry. He smiled and said, ‘At least I don’t have to worry about them anymore…’ Then just before he died, I learned who had sent him.”
“Who?”
“Eebrum Venuchi, newly appointed Captain of the Government Military.” Oddy looked over to Trio. “I’m sorry Trio…”
“Not your fault. You were defending yourself… Besides, I’m sure you feel enough guilt and remorse for it.” Trio looked up at Oddy, his eyes were filled with tears. “I’m not angry with you, I am with Eebrum. Putting my father up against his own friend. I can understand though, why he did it and all.”
“He wanted to make sure his children would be able to survive.” Celeste said as she rubbed his shoulder. “I’m sure that if he could see you now, he’d be proud of the young man you’ve become.” Celeste was then taken by surprise as Trio suddenly gave her a hug. She smiled and embraced him as well. Oddy stood and motioned for Rose to follow him.
“What’s up Oddy?” Asked Rose as the two entered into the forward half of the house.
“They should be alone together. I feel that they have more in common than we both know.”
“Even in an emotional state, you’re still setting people up… What are you? A matchmaker?”
“No… Just fulfilling two promises at one time. Taking care of my friends children, and making sure they can live happy lives.”
“So tell me? What did you do with those soldiers?”
“I left one alive, just enough so that he could deliver a message…”
“A message?”
“Yes. To Eebrum himself, and to no one else.”
“What was the message?”
“Thanks for dinner. Love Oddy and Oddball…” Oddy belched slightly. “Excuse me.”
“You ate them?”
“We… Ate them. Remember, Dragon’s have much higher metabolisms than ordinary canines. We can’t really transform back and forth on empty stomachs now can we?”
“Were they alive or dead when eaten?”
“Dead… Oddball really is a wonderful cook. Do you have any idea how much better meat is after being cooked in armor?” Oddy chuckled and smiled at Rose.
“You’re kidding right?”
“We ate one each, honest… The rest were pitched off the cliff. Too scrawny for a decent snack…” A knock came at the door.
“There she is now… Come in!” Oddy opened the door slowly, revealing a stunningly beautiful young female dog. She had long sandy blonde hair, sky blue eyes, and a small pink nose. “Welcome to my home Oddball…”
“Thanks Oddy. Nice place you’ve got here…” Oddball looked around in awe. “Sure beats my house. Oh, hello… Didn’t realize you had company. Did I come at a bad time?”
“No… Oddball Sky, this is Rose DeMaria.”
“The famous Miss DeMaria. Oddy’s told me so much about you… Very nice to meet you in person finally.”
“Likewise… Please call me Rose.”
“Then call me Oddball, no need for formalities. I know Oddy rarely uses them…”
“Very funny Oddball. Care to join us in the kitchen? Young Miss Celeste Dal, and Mr. Trio Maxwell should be finished by now…”
“Definitely. Got anything to drink? That one soldier left a bad taste in my mouth…”
“Oh, I think I’ve go something that can take care of that…” Oddy smirked as he led Oddbal into the kitchen. Chairs were heard hitting the floor as Oddball started laughing. Apparently Oddy’s matchmaking was successful.
“Oddy” Rose called out.
“Yes?” Asked Oddy as he poked his head out the kitchen door at her.
“I’m gonna go… I want to go for a walk myself. I need to think about some things.”
“Okay… Door’s always open for ya if you want to stop by. I know Celeste enjoys your company, though I think she’ll be needing some privacy from now on…”
Oddy!” Shouted Celeste as Oddy grinned at Rose.
“Humorous as always then?”
“Of course, can’t be serious all the time. Otherwise I’d end up like Vincent.”
“Vincent?”
“He hasn’t laughed about anything in the last eight months almost. He’s gotten too serious.” Oddy looked into the kitchen, then back at Rose. “If you run into him, tell him to stop by sometime. But be careful about how he acts when you’re near… See if you can get him to loosen up and laugh some.”
“Me? Are you crazy?”
“At times… But you’re the best chance for him. I lost track of your sisters, so I have to rely on you. Besides, you have a better attitude. One that Vincent may come to like. And also, not to sound weird or anything given we’re friends, you are really good looking. He’d be stupid and blind not to notice that…”
“Thanks Oddy. And don’t worry; you’re still the crazy little dog everyone thinks you are. Now I just see you as a Dragon with a few screws loose.” Rose stuck her tongue out at Oddy as she turned at walked out the door. “Later Oddy… Behave yourself.”
“Yeah… Right.”