A Legend... or Destruction?

[Relairah]

OoC: O______O Omg... *spazz* I love Zenithe's ultimate move. There is not words to adequately describe the bad-ness! *squeal* XDD

iC:



Xavelthius spewed black flames at Zenithe as soon as he was focused on whatever move he was planning. But then, he saw his red eyes through the haze and heard his voice, though couldn't quite make out the words. He found out soon enough. As soon as Zenithe appeared close to his body, he tried to snap at him once more, ignoring the pain still searing through his mouth from his wound. Instead, he roared as he felt Zenithe's sword slicing through his body. Suddenly, he felt piercing wounds all over, his eyes snapping in all directions as he couldn't make out where his opponent was. As soon as he found one place, he was gone and in another. His roars were deafening and despite what he had witnessed with Zenithe's ability to dispel his magic, he gave one last attempt. Emanating from his body a black wave of lightning expanded in all directions, lightning zapping at the air. Had he been on the ground, the damage would have been devastating. But in the air, it's only purpose was to strike Zenithe one last time. His aim was that Zenithe was distracted with his other attacks. But then, Zenithe was on the ground, far below. Before Xavelthius could even attempt to react, or pursue him, he felt his body disintegrating as if somehow the devastation his magic usually caused was now happening to himself.

He roared one last time, the blackness of his body shooting outward in pieces as fading with the power of Zenithe's blow. Pieces of the ancient dragon fell like rain, creating a massive mess for anyone that might traverse there... at least until vultures had had a chance to have their feast and clean away the devastation. Xavelthius and his threat were finally gone.

[Xenoxice]

As the dust settled and he heard the bits and pieces of what remained of Xavelthius hitting the ground, Zenithe gave a sigh of relief.  It's done.... he thought to himself.  He looked down at Jolene's body that lay next to him, laying his hand upon her chest next to the wound that the claw gave her earlier.  Tears began to form in his eyes and started to fall on the ground next to her.  "Jolene..... I wish you could have seen the battle.... I wish I had the strength to protect you earlier..."  He closed his eyes as he shook his head in disbelief that so much had happened in such a short time, and now his wife was gone...

[Relairah]

Just as Zenithe spoke, Jolene sat up with a sharp intake of breath. Her orange eyes were dazed as she tried to regain her focus. "Zenithe?" she whispered, her face twisting as she put a hand to her head. A red glow was coming from her boot and she reached in, pulling out her dagger. Sure enough, the ruby on the hilt was a brilliant red though already it was beginning to fade. As it did, she put a hand to her chest. Her rib... it was no longer broken. And the wound in her chest was more like a mere scratch. Suddenly, she threw her arms around Zenithe's neck. "I thought I was dead!" she cried. "What happened?"

Only then as she looked past him did she see the damage. Trees lay in waste as far as she could see and there was more than one field sized crater. The sight in and of itself was awful.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe looked in amazement as Jolene had shot up and suddenly breathed once more with life.  His eyes wide with wonder and immeasurable joy.  As she threw her arms around his neck, he winced in pain as his arm was still bleeding a bit from the punctures of Xavelthius' teeth earlier.  "You WERE dead!  I don't know how you came back!"  He turned his head to look at all the craters, as well as the even larger crater that they now teetered on the edge of from his final attack which spanned quite an impressive area.  "As for what happened.... I managed to defeat Xavelthius...."  With a small but weak smirk as he still remained in his new form, he attempted a bit of humor as he struggled to stay awake.  "You can actually see him over there...."  He pointed with his one good arm in a random direction.  "And there.... and there.... and over there...."  referring to the bits and pieces that rained from the sky.  "My blade...." he turned his head to look at the ground as he reached out to try and hold Jolene's hand.  The blade still glowed softly in the middle with that bright acid green hue.  "It held some sort of power.... some kind of spirit that granted me strength.  A new form I'm not yet familiar with but felt natural at the same time.... I must learn to master it... to begin OUR lineage, as the Twilight Guardians."  With his words he turned his gaze back to Jolene.  "I thought I had lost you for good.... I love you so much...."  His voice trailed off slowly as he struggled to maintain his consciousness.  "Here...." he spoke quietly.  "See for yourself before I pass out..." He would take her hand if she would let him and place it against his forehead.  Closing his eyes he allowed his memories to pass to her in perfect order from their encounter with the men in the woods to the present before he fell over to his shoulder unconscious.

[Relairah]

Jolene pulled back slightly as she felt his wince. She was dead. That was true. She knew it. But she was bewildered also. How was she alive right now? She glanced toward the dagger, then her eyes saw Zenithe's arm. "Oh my--! Your arm!" she said. He began to explain what she'd missed. Her eyes gazed around slowly as he gestured to Xavelthius' remains, and finally to his sword. Now that she thought of it, she realized she had recognized her mate more by his scent and the familiarity of his red eyes than for his form. She hadn't thought twice. But indeed, she was curious. It felt good to hear him say Our lineage.... Before she could ask any more questions, she was touching his forehead and the memories flooded her mind. This time, it wasn't like when they had first bonded. Instead it was smooth, as if replaying memories of her own.

She gasped softly to herself. Such pain. She was glad that it was over. And she couldn't help wondering to herself why anyone would have wanted to open that wretched box in the first place. Then, Zenithe was passed out before her. She felt a little overwhelmed. Though she wasn't that surprised he was out after witnessing his memories. She clutched the dagger in her arm. It had healed her wounds somehow. Or had that been a part of her coming back to life?

She touched it to his arm, but there was no reaction. Maybe it could only heal her? Or maybe she just didn't know how to use it entirely yet. Jolene, as carefully as she could, attempted to lift Zenithe. In this form, he was heavy. But she had a feeling there would be someone that could help within the city. She didn't care if guards were everywhere, or if most of the people would be reluctant after the battle that had taken place. She knew there was no way they hadn't seen and heard it, even from a distance.

((Powerplay warning! DX)) Jolene managed to get enough of Zenithe's weight over her shoulders and back, grasping one of his arms on the opposite side of her body so as to sort of carry him. At the very least, she wanted to get as far away from Xavelthius' remains as quickly as possible. Her movements were a slow trudge, but they were movements. She was still in shock that she was even alive... but her goal kept her focused. She wasn't even sure how much time passed before she saw once more the white city. She had a feeling Zenithe would be out for a long time. She had no idea how quickly he would recover given all of his abilities now in this form were new. Finally, she was entering the city. Or rather, the outskirts. Somehow, she had found her way back to Salathen's shop. The building still had a giant hole in the back, but otherwise was alright. She now saw that this had also been Salathen's home. There was a stairwell curling into the ceiling along one of the back corners.

She was already out of breath from carrying Zenithe all this way. She didn't think carrying him up the stairs possible at the moment. Instead, she lay him as gently as she could across the floor boards. She then busied herself looking for some sort of healing ointments or items among the items still remaining in he shops. She assumed the guards that must have first come had long gone after seeing the battle move far from the city. It did not surprise her that a dragon's keep would have so many different ores and things with magical properties. She almost squealed with excitement as she found something she was more than familiar with. It was a small vial, the liquid inside a pale green. She hurried to Zenithe's side, propping his head in her lap and giving him the liquid. It would take time... but she knew it would help his wounds.

Finally, she lay beside him and before she knew it, she was also asleep.

((Feel free to skip time to whenever he wakes up XD And you can make up anything Jolene may or may not be doing depending on how long he's been asleep. Like... coming back with hunted food or something lol!))

[Xenoxice]

Opening his eyes, feeling sore on every inch of his body, Zenithe's vision blurred and slowly came into focus as he woke up a little more.  He recognized the room he was in as he had visited a few times before when he was a child.  His grandfather's room above the shop was always spotless as he was very obsessive over cleanliness, regardless of the fact he was a blacksmith as well.  His head throbbed intensely with every beat of his heart.  He looked to his arm that had been hurt in the battle before only to see it had healed almost completely and the armor was almost back to its original state as well.  Well.... that's interesting.... he thought to himself as he ran his hand slowly over where the armor had been damaged before.  Seems it's part of me as well.... like a self-regenerating armor that matches the speed of my own healing... fascinating!  He smirked a little as he discovered little things about his new form that he didn't know.  It was still entirely new to him and he had no idea what all came with it.  He sat up slowly in the bed he found himself in, making the throbbing in his head even worse than it already was.  He flinched in pain as it felt like half his bones had been fractured from the stress of the magic and physical strain from his final attack against Xavelthius.  Turning himself so his feet touched the floor, he gradually pushed himself up so he was standing.  Taking one step at a time even caused sharp pains to course through his entire body.  His crimson eyes looked out the window of the room to see the streets below busy and bustling with all manner of people and creature alike as usual.  He heard he door below open and a scent of fresh meat caught his nose almost instantly.  That must be Jolene.... I wonder how long I've been unconscious for.... he narrowed his eyes and with a smile hearing footsteps coming up the steps, he determined his next action.  Well, while I'm here in my grandfathers shop.... there's nowhere in the world to find better equipment for blacksmithing than here....  He always had a knack for finding only the best and purest ore to work with... Zenithe reached down to feel for the hilt of his sword in its sheathe, letting a small sigh of relief as he felt it there on his side.  Perhaps when I'm a little more up to par, Jolene would enjoy a new set of the highest quality throwing knives, daggers and maybe a few accessories and a ring made by yours truly.... after all..... I never did get her a wedding gift.

[Relairah]

OoC: Ack! Omg sorry this took so long DX I've been drowning in to-do's x.x;;;

iC:



She had been out most of the day hunting. Jolene had a feeling when Zenithe awoke he would be famished and she intended to at least give him comfort of a full stomach. Soon, she was ascending the steps as she had so many times while Zenithe had slept endlessly. She had mostly remained by his side. Soon, she was stepping into the room, and was somewhat surprised to see her beloved up. A smile graced her lips as soon as her eyes would meet his crimson ones. Part of her had been concerned his body remained in the same form, though with how little she knew of it she supposed perhaps she shouldn't be. Zenithe wasn't the only one who had new discoveries to share...

Bit by bit, memories of what had happened after her death had returned to her until she fully remembered. She wasn't entirely sure how either. But she supposed with everything else that had happened, she shouldn't be surprised. Or expect different.

"You're awake," she said softly, moving toward him. "I brought food," she added. "But I left them downstairs." She meant her kills which included a couple of rabbits and a deer. The deer would last a while at least. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

[Xenoxice]

Hearing Jolene come up the stairs he grinned as he continued to stare out the window.  Her voice was a comfort after having woken up, not knowing how long he had been out for.  Listening to her words, he looked to his shoulder that had already healed so much.  "That sounds wonderful!  I'm doing surprisingly well actually considering everything that happened.  This new form is remarkable... but I still know so little about it.  I feel it won't be the only time I'll be able to use it, but it will be difficult to learn to control and shift into it by choice... I feel I won't remain in it much longer.  Only until I've fully recovered."  He turned his gaze to Jolene and grinned.  "I'm still weak but I'm gaining strength quickly.  Also, when I'm able to do more than just stand and walk a few steps, how would you like some new weapons made by myself?"  he looked at her and anxiously awaited to see her response.

[Relairah]

Jolene found she agreed with him. About his new form. She smiled. "I'm sure you'll master it in no time. And time is all we have, isn't it?" she asked. She found her gaze drifting over his figure. It was true that it had healed relatively quickly and impressively. "You've been out for almost three weeks," she said, "So I imagine your body is even weaker from all the lying around." She was half-teasing. "Why don't I bring you my kills, since you can't move around all that much yet. If I remember, you'll scarf them all down like nothing. Especially with how long it's been." She grinned, turning to leave. That's when he mentioned the new weapons. She stopped, surprised. Instinctively, she tucked her loose hair behind her ear and turned back toward him. For a moment, she had forgotten his blacksmith skills. She had no doubt that whatever he made her would be impressive quality. And she almost felt unworthy. A smile crept onto her lips. "Zenithe... I don't know what to say. I'd love it. I could definitely use them." She paused, wanting to throw her arms around him, but hesitant. He wasn't entirely recovered yet. "But... what could I possibly give you?" she asked. She felt like she couldn't offer anything. Jolene stepped toward him, reaching to grasp his hands.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe smiled and reached out towards Jolene to take her hand as he heard her words both about the food and about what she could possibly give him. "There is nothing I ask in return. It is because of you I even attained this new form. While still unfamiliar to me, I can feel its power exceeds the strength of my normal dragon form by a substantially large amount. Both in the amount of magical power and physical strength and agility..." He raised his other hand and clenched it slowly into a fist as he felt the strength in his muscles gradually returning. "Such a gift came from you and you alone. It will help better defend and serve us once I manage to master it. As for your new weapons.... I feel if I get out of bed and start to move around I will recover much more efficiently. I will only grow weaker by resting further. Let's go eat and I will start making your weapons." Zenithe turned his head towards the window for a moment to note the position of the sun. "If I start immediately after eating I should be able to make several before nightfall. I did manage to spot the three perfect alloys for making throwing weapons when we first entered and saw my grandfather.... Titanium, Steel and Chromium. Titanium is the lightest of the three weighing less than half that of steel so it'll be the dominant metal. But reinforce it with traces of steel alloy to increase its strength and durability then mix chromium in to increase the hardness so they don't chip and scratch in addition to its corrosion resistance to the blades.... you find yourself with the perfect trio for the job." Wearily stepping towards the door, he gained a little more balance with each step. "Come now, love. Let's make you a set of daggers like you've never had before."

[Relairah]

Jolene wasn't entirely sure how she had been the one to contribute to his form... but she smiled at Zenithe. She was glad that if it was because of her... he now had something so amazing. Even she didn't quite know the extent of his power. Afterall she had been unconscious when he'd used it to defeat Xavelthius. In any case... he was right that doing things would help regain his strength. When he turned his head, she lifted herself slightly and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she murmured.

As he explained the alloys and what they would do, she was impressed. The weapons he described sounded as he had said... like those she'd never seen - or had - before. They sounded perfect, and short of magic like the best the world could offer. Perhaps even able to combat magic. Jolene couldn't help feeling excited. As Zenithe moved forward, she positioned herself to help him, should he need it. Though he seemed fine. Perhaps she shouldn't be surprised... especially given his rate of healing. But it was also out of instinct to a certain degree.

As soon as they would reach the main shop area again, she presented the kills she had made. As she recalled, Zenithe didn't exactly need them to be cooked. Though she would be more than happy to oblige if he desired it. In truth, she also wanted to observe his work - mostly due to her immense curiosity. And also, there was something that had been circling her mind now relentlessly that she had fought to keep back for the sake of her concerns over his wounds and his recovery. She had kept it at bay until now... now she desperately wanted to tell him. Partially because he needed to know. And partially because she wanted his thoughts. Still, instead of pouring it all on him, she began slowly.

"So... Zenithe... there's something you should know about what happened when I died."

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe had taken his steps steadily but lightly, his legs more sore than ever and every inch of him aching.  His bite wound still stinging from where it was healing.  Every couple of steps he would grasp onto Jolene's shoulder for a little extra support as his legs gave way a bit.  After reaching the shop area he smiled seeing all the tools and ores at the ready.  When Jolene had presented the kills and made the comment about something he should know, he quirked a brow in curiosity as he headed towards the forge to ignite it and heat it up for the smelting process.  "I see... what is it that I should know about?"  His gaze would turn to her as he threw in several large blocks of wood mixed with coal and a few other items to fuel the fire, lighting it with a match and blowing a little air to fan the flame.  "I'm going to make you something extra in addition to the daggers.  Something a little more.... precise.... for lighter armored targets.  Also, I think I may like the meat cooked this time around.  We can get to that in a bit though."

[Relairah]

Jolene watched as Zenithe ignited the forge. Clearly, he was in his element, and it made her happy to see it. Her orange gaze met his for a moment before she glanced away. She smiled at him, curious what he meant about something more precise, but supposed she would ask him as soon as she was done.

"It took me a while to remember... but it came back to me when I was out on a hunt. I came across a vast field of wild flowers and I guess it triggered the memory. When I... died, I went to a similar place. But it was entirely black and white and grey. Except there were lights. And they collected and spoke to me. They said they were the voices of my ancestors and those with my blood who have lived before me. They said that was my first life. I have nine in total, true to a cat's nature I guess. On my last life, I will notice a physical change. I don't know what... apparently it's different for each individual. But that's not all..."

Jolene paused, watching Zenithe for his reaction. "The dragon blood within me has changed my natural course. Should I choose to take on the dragon form, my lives will be collected into only one as a trade for the immortality I have gained. Even though I have gained it by joining with you, my dragon blood has not fully been merged with my other blood. Only if I take on a dragon form will it be fully complete as a symbol of my utter acceptance."

Jolene glanced off again. "My conflict is that I want this. You. Everything involved. I suppose I felt as though having those extra lives would come in handy. Dragons may be harder to kill... but it's not impossible. I couldn't bear it if something happened again."

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe listened as Jolene had begun to explain what she had experienced.  His eyes narrowed with a deep intrigue, hearing every word as he gathered the materials he needed to make not only the daggers, but his special gift as well.  "Interesting..." his voice was calm and calculating, clearly showing his mind was racing with possibilities and thoughts.  His body was almost working on an auto-pilot mode as his mind was clearly elsewhere but still he crafted with precision and efficiency.  Melting the ores in the forge and placing them into molds.  Gathering water and the necessary hammers, tongs and polishes among other tools.  "So it has now become a matter more or less of what you wish to dedicate yourself to.  But in all the possibilities I ran in my mind there's one that bothers me a little bit... and that has to do with time.  We don't know how long you really have to make a decision.  You stated the blood has not yet merged but what will happen if you delay too long?  You have two separate blood lines in your veins now essentially fighting for control over the other.  It's a matter of which you allow to take control that determines the outcome but what happens if you let it set for a while?  Will they destroy each other and you lose all power becoming just like any other normal person among the cities, will a decision be made for you and one overtakes the other or even worse.... will it kill you...?"  His voice trailed off softly as he continued his work.  Waiting for just a moment to see what Jolene's thoughts on the scenario were before he continued.  "It's all up to you.  Whether you choose the path of the extra lives or the immortality is irrelevant. It's what YOU want that matters most.  Each has its pros and cons.  You can have eight lives remaining, live a bit longer than normal people and not have to worry about dying as much.  Or you can choose a single life and live for millennia beyond normal people and have strength and power beyond what they can comprehend."

His work continued as he awaited to see what Jolene would say.  The daggers already nearing completion as he began to polish the metal and finish placing the blades into the hilts.  Giving them a little test run he grabbed each of the set of four he had made and held them on a single finger to check the balance.  Flinging it into the air he caught it by the end of the blade and threw it in an overhanded swing at a hay target dummy nearby.  The blade flew through the air in a blur nearly impossible to see with normal human eyes.  Completely penetrating into the dummy right in the middle of the head to the handle.  He did this for each one, landing them next to each other before retrieving them.  He performed another test throwing them into a wooden post, each one embedding several inches, proving how razor their edges were.  He pulled them from the post and inspected them for scratches or nicks in the blade.  Each looked as pristine as before the throw.  Placing them out on a table in a line he began working on his gift.  Not taking nearly as long to complete, they looked like over-sized sewing needles as long as his entire hand without the eye in the back.  due to their simplicity he was able to make a large handful in a matter of a few minutes.  His gaze turned towards Jolene with a smirk on his face.  "I'm not sure if you've ever used these before, but watch this...."  Unlike the daggers who stopped at the hilt inside the dummies head, he held three between his fingers and threw them with the same force.  The needles so pinpoint two of them penetrated completely through the thick torso of the dummy and one through the head.  They continued through the other side finding themselves sticking in a stone wall on the other side about half an inch, showing they were quite durable.  "Most deadly throwing weapons one can possess.  Passes through the body like a piece of paper puncturing any organ or artery you aim at.  Silent killers since the victim bleeds out faster than they can scream for help or die instantly if you hit the heart."  He placed the all the weapons out in a line on the table and smiled at her with a gentle gaze.  "Give them a try.  They're all yours."

[Relairah]

As Jolene listened to his words, this new realization sunk in even more than the thoughts that had been tumbling through her mind. He was right... there was that possibility. But if that were the case, wouldn't she have seen signs of the inner turmoil by now? Perhaps an illness... or unexplained difficulties. But worse than that... If death was a possibility she already knew right then and there that it was more likely not making a choice at all would mean death was inevitable. Because not making a choice was the same as choosing not to take a dragon form. And if that were the case, there was a chance that either that mere fact would cause her blood to go into such a chaotic state it would, indeed kill her, or the dragon blood would be overcome and then what of her bond with Zenithe? The marriage bond... that is. And of course that would give her but one choice.

No. That couldn't be it. Surely that involved far too many if's and possibilities. She closed her eyes, her brow furrowing as she recounted exactly what the ancestor spirits had told her. Surely they would have told her if her life was at risk as a result of all of this. Besides... she had already made her choice. She had already chosen Zenithe. But at the same time she was conflicted because each time she wanted to take her time, time was against her. She wanted to slow down and breathe for a moment. But perhaps that was simply not her fate.

When her eyes opened she was more confident. Her trouble with giving up her multi-life ancestry was the possibility that she might be killed if she chose a dragon form and that would be her one and only remaining life. She was somewhat confused. Couldn't she live enormously longer anyway? But she knew she would have to die again if she wished to discover answers to any further questions... at least as far as those spirits were involved. "You're right. Maybe I've been too troubled over it." Jolene paused, her gaze following Zenithe's movements as he worked. She already had known deep down what her decision would be. Before she told him, however, she saw fit to observe his handiwork.

As he embedded the crafted weapons into the dummies, she couldn't help a light smirk at the corner of her lips. Then he presented the special gift. Even more deadly than the daggers he had forged. She was impressed. And again, he was right... she had never carried or used such a weapon. Not that she couldn't. Jolene moved toward him, "I can tell. I imagine these will be quite handy indeed." She paused. "Thank you, my love." With that, Jolene would take the weapons into her hands, her fingers going over them and familiarizing themselves with the forms and feel. "I'll have to make myself some sheaths with the animal hides," she murmured, "And I think it's time I find myself some new clothes." She smiled as she tucked the weapons about her person. What she had would do... but she now had some ideas for dressing in a way to better conceal her new secrets.

"Zenithe... you should know that I chose you already. And your blood is already mine. My fears were most likely unwarranted. In my gut, my instincts also knew what choice I would make. But even so, I wanted you to know and I wanted your opinion. I also have a feeling that wherever it was I went when I died... perhaps because my death was temporary... once I give up that part of me, I won't be able to go there again. It may sound odd, but there is something sad in that. Almost like a piece of my heritage I can never get back." Jolene also found it somewhat odd she was even saying such a thing. She knew very little about her true heritage and at that, what she did know was only from her mother and they didn't exactly have a good relationship. She had yet to forgive her mother and had high distaste for the scum, in her opinion. But it was beyond that. What the spirits she had seen had told her wasn't all. She had conversed with them for a while... learning much. They understood her... and they were family she had never had. But she supposed she couldn't really mourn the loss of something she never really had anyway.

Her mind was made up. But at the same time, she had a feeling this new decision wouldn't be any easy task. She smiled up at Zenithe. "I am yours now and forever."