User blog:JeielYozama/Tale Of The Mark Maker - Zmey

''Yo peeps! Days are fast moving, classes fast approaching, and summer's almost over. In my area, that is. Anyway, it's about time something went on in Marden's uncanny Hero life. Conflict. Oooh. Writing swept me up in a storm. Let's roll!

So here we are now. A new MG is swooping in. One who makes a dramatic entrance, right after we catch a battle of maidens. Yosh! Ikuzu! (Next time, I'll fill in those requests. Promise)''

11:00 AM. Still Sunday, as I’ve guessed.



Marden Bale, Mark Maker’s log –

Present disposition:  Screwed.



*   *    *    *   *



“DON’T BEAT AROUND THE BUSH, MARDEN!! ARE YOU TWO A C-C-COUPLE OR NOT?!”

“Didn’t I answer your question, Dragon? Marden Bale and I are lovers reunited after a period of separation, and now we’re ready to reaffirm our bond with marriage.”

“N-NOBODY ASKED FOR YOUR RESPONSE, V-V-VIXEN!! You’re taking advantage of Marden’s FEEBLENESS! ”

“Oy oy.. Did you just call me a VIXEN? I’m REPTILE, you overgrown bat. Have your eyes checked. ”

“W-WAIT A MINUTE! I’m not a bat, much less a hair-beleaguered beast, you wild-eyed SNAKE!”

“OH!! To call me a furry-nosed mammal is one thing, but to be labeled a SNAKE? You’re foul-mouthed for somebody who always has her head up in the CLOUDS!!”



At present, I’ve withdrawn to being the subject of a heated clash between two scaly, hormone-driven bombshell Mamonos. If I had the option to weight in, it’s that my opinion wouldn’t matter. Besides the rather innocent Dragon to my right and the slightly-deranged Wurm facing me in front, I’m the rag doll they don’t want anyone else to have, ‘cept themselves.

I can take a hint. How, you may ask, have I come to this conclusion? Simple. I have my way with reading people. I’m not a clod of insensitivity like some twits.

<p class="MsoNormal">(Somewhere out there, I could feel an upstart adventurer and a homebody sneezing their brains out).

<p class="MsoNormal">Point one: Ryla. The moment Nadredda started spewing utter nonsense about me and her she exploded in crimson-red, eyes shifting from me to the new arrival, and stammered feverishly. Her words were jumbling as she spelled out my name. Her hands fiddled against one another, trying to bury a thought on the back of her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">She’s getting flustered on my involvement with the new girl. How catty of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, Nadredda’s smug little grin couldn’t get anymore unnerving. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my encounter with the Wurm-daughter of my former master Caballan, it’s that she enjoys the sight of misery she creates. Her shoulders heaved in laughter and a joyful glint rose on her normally unruly expression, but something else hinted impatience. She was hungering for better entertainment than a stuttering Dragon.

<p class="MsoNormal">She eyed me haughtily, the only one in the middle of the mess not a Mamono, and as expected, she gave me a spine-tingling beam. Yep. I’m the better entertainment she had in mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I’d try to see this picture in a more positive angle, but I just can’t. More like, I don’t have the willpower to. All I could ponder on is the thought ‘I’m definitely in a pickle. A pickle about to be devoured by a pair of hungry onlookers who don’t even relate. Somebody pull me out of this situation! ’

<p class="MsoNormal">Sad fate for the Mark Maker, don’t you think? It’s no surprise I’m still stuck to the title ‘newly-hailed’.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Okay, enough with the unbearable monologue-ing. Time to head back to the crying ladies.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla and Nadredda were still glaring daggers at each other when I finally found the nerve to intrude.

<p class="MsoNormal">“HOLD IT, HOLD IT, HOLD IT!!” I raised my arms, putting their ramblings in a permanent halt. Part of me feared they’d cream me in the heat of the moment. “Can’t we get along here for just one second?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The girls fell silent. Turning to Ryla, I gave her a reassuring pat on the head and mumbled, “Calm down. Let me handle this. ”

<p class="MsoNormal">It took a few seconds before she grumbled a ‘Hmmph!’ and swerved away, frowning. She can so be easy to convince, especially since patting her head puts her at ease.

<p class="MsoNormal">I returned my attention to the smiling Nadredda, drooling a river while staring at her object of unrequited attraction (me, nonetheless).

<p class="MsoNormal">“So... you’ve finally caught up to me, missy. Have you got some sense knocked into you from our last conversation?” I mustered the courage to ask. My hands were reaching for my claymore. However, I couldn’t lock them into a grip. I was shaking.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Please, Darling, I wouldn’t turn up right now if I hadn’t learned. And you can call me Ada, if you find my name too bothersome. “She winked and gestured her tail to and fro, trying to look cute.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re a smart Hero. Know what I’ve gained from our eventful first meeting? “

<p class="MsoNormal">“A bad case of man-rush?”  No. That ain’t it.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A purpose to dedicate myself into, silly. You’re aware of what’s amiss in me. “

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada giggled in absolute glee. Her antics reminded me of a child reunited with a long-lost toy. “Ever since you told me your magic spells have materialized a special.. link between us two, I couldn’t get the thought of you out of mind. You made a permanent mark in me, Mark Maker, as you have done with me. A man like you… would be someone my father would want me to have. So, I decided… I’m going to have you marry me, Marden!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“OH, FOR ARES’ SAKE, NOT THIS AGAIN!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">If only there were a hole below my feet big enough to swallow my embarrassment, I’d feed it the humiliation, stat.

<p class="MsoNormal">What is with me and Mamonos? AM I a living magnet, existing with a field of gravity strong enough to either repel or pull them into my orbit, A.K.A my LIFE??

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“WAIT just a DARN MINUTE, ADA!!” I said in pretense “I thought we agreed to fight with our honest feelings once we find what’s wrong in us, not play house! I haven’t even filled my part of the deal, and you’re already deciding I’m your lifelong mate! And speaking of which, why the ELL are you carrying around a WEDDING DRESS??!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada stretched out the neatly-folded pair of knickers and suit and tie she had tucked on one arm, as if to answer my query. “This? My Papa’s friend gave it to me. Said I should only give it to the man I find worthy of Papa’s praise.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And.. this is what I’m wearing!” She unfolded a frilly white gown garnered with laces and frills. “Isn’t it beautiful? I went back to Aiam to fetch it before going back to searching for you, and I knew it’s absolutely perfect!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada immediately popped the dress on, and I wasn’t really sure what happened next.

<p class="MsoNormal">The world around me went in a total freeze. I was simply there, lost in thought, gaping at her stunning figure surrounded by imaginary flowers. The dress fitted her so perfectly, I forgot she was a lustful Mamono. Plus, my brain had gone haywire. It was feeding me the wrong info. What it made me think was I’m looking at the girl of my dreams: one I’d bring to the altar after a lifetime of fighting for the Order…

<p class="MsoNormal">''WHOA! Does that mean my IDEAL GIRL is a masochistic Wurm?! CHIEF GOD, WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH ME?!?!''

<p class="MsoNormal">“There! Doesn’t it suit me, Darling?” Ada twirled around, showing the curves and features of her outfit. She was aware my eyes were glued on her. My frozen view of the world came back to normal at the mentioning of my pet name. “Once you wear your garments, we’d go well with each other so handsomely!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Uhhh… I don’t think-“

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada slinked her way beside me, arms wrapped around my neck in a hug. Her breath was this close to giving me a tower down my pants.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re not being honest, Marden. I told you before… I know all about you from the very top….” Her hand began to reach down towards my private part. “To the very bottom…”

<p class="MsoNormal">I calmly swatted her hand away. “That STILL isn’t up for you to insist, woman.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“How sweet. You acknowledge me as a woman of your species.” She laughed, stroking my cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Okay, think, think. What’s a ticket out of this predicament?

<p class="MsoNormal">I saw Ryla, edgy and twitching mad at Ada’s display of affection – and had an idea.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“You know Ada, I think you’re a bit too late.” I broke free of the Wurm’s grasp and slung my arms on Ryla. Of course, she sputtered and blew steam at the gesture. “You see, Ryla here went ahead and proposed to me two days ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla exploded in crimson.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada’s grin went lopsided.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Really?” I could feel a hint of jealousy.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Really. Could you believe it? You should see the look on my face when she knelt on one knee and asked the big question. ”

<p class="MsoNormal">I winked at Ryla, telling her this was just a trick. She didn’t understand it. Her face went brighter than a pent-up volcano. “P- P-PUTTING IT THAT WAY IS EM –B –B- BARASSING! I’D N-NEVER … ”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Usually I would’ve hooted in laughter when I saw this flustered version of Ryla. I couldn’t. Who knew a normally haughty and disciplined Dragon like her could act so well like a normal girl? I mean, she could pass off as human. Except you give her a tail, some wings, and an abundance of scales.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head back into focus. Can’t be distracted.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh come on, Ryla. I told you I wasn’t ready on settling down. But then, you pushed me down and we hooked up. That was an eye-opener. ”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">That struck a cord on Ada’s part.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hooked… UP?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">She crushed a rock on the palm of her hand in no time flat. I think I actually struck a nerve.

<p class="MsoNormal">“H-H-HOOKED up? “ Ryla whimpered. She was blowing steam faster than a boiling kettle. Is she hyperventilating?

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ryla, don’t tell me you forgot?“  I insisted. By now, I know her mind’s about to turn into mush. “It was dark, and cold, and by the fireside. You were taking the lead all the way!”

<p class="MsoNormal"> SNAP.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada had slammed her arm on a tree with such force it fell in a deafening crash.

<p class="MsoNormal">“WELL!” She faked a grin. It was evidently, a frown forcefully swerved upside-down. “You’re one lucky witch! How about you drop dead?! You steal a man from UNDER MY TAIL?!! ”

<p class="MsoNormal">As expected, Ada’s aura radiated faster than you could say ‘Jabberwocky’, sending deathly chills throughout the field. It was, as I’d quote, her ‘You’re stealing my man so you’ll pay for it’ aura.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I was about to answer her. Until Ryla stepped forward and made matters worse.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Steal?” She said in the stern manner I came to know her. “He was never yours to begin with, Wurm. From what I know, he’s been traveling the realm, alone and misunderstood until I found him! Your meager sense of grasping reality hadn’t changed a bit from that night!”

<p class="MsoNormal">SO she was listening on the flashback. WAIT. Is the rational Ryla trying to pick a fight?

<p class="MsoNormal">“I admire your tenacity, Dragon, but you’re not being truthful like Marden.” Ada noted ruefully. “Tell me, if it were true that you two had melded, why is he not an Incubus? Dragons are powerful enough to turn a man they fancy into one within a night. It’s obvious you’re LYING.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I cursed under my breath. Wurms are simple-minded? Boy, was my senior in Hero training wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“S-So what if we were?” Ryla managed to say. “He’s sending you a message to take a hike!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s not how I see it. Am I right, Darling?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The two shot me a stare that clearly meant ‘WELL? SAY SOMETHING!’

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“She is.. kind of right.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla facepalmed. I know. I’m being difficult. What I meant was, I was trying to dishearten Ada into forcing me in marriage.

<p class="MsoNormal">“See? He’d never tell you he’s issuing me a challenge.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">That can’t be good.

<p class="MsoNormal">For once, Ryla and I were attuned in saying “WHAAT?!”in chorus.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada grabbed my arm and shoved my head deep in the middle of her twin valleys. Her aura seeped out of her pores. The deadly, homicidal, you-belong-with me-and-no-one-else, sort. It gave a whole round of goosebumps.

<p class="MsoNormal">“MMMFF!!” My muffled scream was barely on hearing range. I was tempted to open my mouth. Nope. Not with my face in there.

<p class="MsoNormal">“W-wh-what is that supposed to mean?!” Ryla barked. Ada stuck her tongue out rudely.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Marden wants me to react. To see how I’d respond to his urges, bottled up for so long. Making a blatant lie to reject me, to hide the true meaning of wanting me to surrender myself to him… he knows how much I GET TURNED ON BECAUSE OF THAT!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“…..”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla didn’t seem ready to answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re a broken toy… aren’t you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, I’m not. I just want Marden for myself, you excluded. He will be the Hero, and I his sigil… his mana will overflow, my purity tainted, and the earth with it! AAH~!” She pulled my face close to hers. “Won’t you let me have you, Marden?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I pulled myself free and kept my distance. She’s talking NONSENSE.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I TOLD YOU, ADA! NOT-GOING - TO – “

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “NA – DRED-- DA!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh, Lord.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I could’ve predicted, Ryla had lost her cool. Firstly, her opinion AND presence being ignored, and secondly, her annoyance at Ada’s conniving attitude. Which I admit, is the first thing I’ve seen able to rile her up more than I could ever do.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dark, jet-maroon aura had begun to swirl around her body. It was leaking rapidly out of her scales, and it freaked me out. Her pupils became narrow slits in a sea of red fire. Her talons extended as well as her wings. A signal warning me she’s about to get serious. Ada snickered. Not one bit told me she was affected by the Dragon’s show of enragement.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hmm? The widdle Dragon-chan thinks she can take me on? She’s sadly mistaken..”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada rose to the challenge. Unlike Ryla, she was calm, collective and unequivocally prude. Her tail twitched in attention and swung rapidly, uprooting several trees in doing so. Her own talons clacked in a harsh, metal-grinding twinge.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t worry, Darling. Dragon-chan here wants us to settle this farce once and for all. A one-on-one. The last Mamono standing, wins you for herself. And I won’t lose since I will have you, dear husband.” She said with a cruel tone in her voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Mamonos fighting over ME? Normally, I’d sit back and see this happen. I mean, not everyday can witness a Wurm and a Dragon battle on an epic scale, but this, with me at stake?! I HAVE to intervene.

<p class="MsoNormal">(But as to how Ada picked up the name I tease on Ryla, I’m curious. Maybe… the side effect of my spells latched on to her too? NO wonder she’s been following me all those years.)

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla ducked and muttered a sentence too low to hear.

<p class="MsoNormal">“N… b…y….. c……..M…n..”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What was that, Dragon-chan?” Ada taunted. Ryla raised her head. What threw me off was the furious arch in her eyebrows and the curve of her own jowl.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Nobody calls me Dragon-chan EXCEPT MARDEN!!”  Ryla suddenly pointed a finger in my direction. Wait, she was pointing at me. “Listen UP MARDEN!! I’m going to blast this WITCH into smithereens, YOU HEAR? Then…. Y-Y-YOU MESS ME UP FOR REAL!”

<p class="MsoNormal"> “HAAAAAH???” I burst in red at her declaration.

<p class="MsoNormal">Two hazy pillars of aura, maroon for Ryla and orange for Ada, erupted into existence. I watched at the hair-raising scene, seeing the life energies of emotionally-fueled Mamonos trying to overpower each other. The influence of their magical energy was so strong, it was making me sick.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU TWO BETTER SETTLE DOWN THIS INSTANT!” I ordered.

<p class="MsoNormal">The two reptiles turned and glared at me.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “WHO DIED AND MADE YOU KING?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Never mind.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> “I take it you’re up to losing, Dragon-lady? Prepare yourself. ” Ada mused.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m more than happy to oblige on your case, Miss Wurm.” Ryla replied, a scowl fastened on her adversary.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Such a temperamental Dragon you are. You must be dying to have him, since you thought that you’ll never find a man given your level of crankiness.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t see how a maniacal, sadistic Wurm would settle for little fish like Marden... Maybe I should say the same for you, SLAG FREAK?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Drop dead, MAN-STEALER!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“HE’S MINE, You sad EXCUSE FOR A REPTILE!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Shut up AND CRAWL BACK TO YOUR DEN, SCALE-SKIN!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hey, that’s SUPPOSED TO BE MY LINE, BOG-HAG!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Mamonos jumped back and prepared to charge, fangs and claws at the ready.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">(Okaaay, now you know where we started this squabble. Hooray for we.)

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’M TELLING YOU BOTH TO – “

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Aaand.. my old habits have ONCE more, manifested.

<p class="MsoNormal">My foot slipped on a furrow I know I haven’t seen before. About to crash flat on my face, I happened to slip my grip on something within reach: Ada’s wedding gown. Her equilibrium gone, the two of us tumbled away a few feet before settling where the heavy dust billowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla rushed to our crash site, worried. “Marden! Are you alri ---!!!??”

<p class="MsoNormal">The cloud of dirt cleared. The first thing that beheld me was the frozen – solid gawk of Ryla, eyes fixated on something too horrible for her to react. Second was me on all fours, on top of Ada, one of my hands rested on her bosom while she was lying on her back, partially dazed but aware of what was going on.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Wrong move. WRONG MOVE!

<p class="MsoNormal">I retracted my arm and apologized.” I’m SORRY!! I’M SORRY! It was an accident, and I DIDN’T MEAN IT! “

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada wasn’t horrified. In fact, she was red in the face and panting.

<p class="MsoNormal">“GYAAAH~! You’re pulling a fast one, Darling! If you really want me, you only have to ask!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Things have escalated to pure madness, no thanks to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada’s coils slipped in and wrapped around our lower bodies, binding us in what seems to be a cocoon of scales and skin. My head and arms still free, I tried to pry myself out. She grabbed my face, then did the unexpected.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">A kiss on the lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">*     *      *       *      *

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve never been a fan of kissing. Frankly, I’d watch moving pictures the men of my village used to watch, depicting stories of love and disaster and triumph over evil. In the end, the hero of the film (the protagonist, not an actual Hero) kisses the damsel in distress by the sunset, followed by the words ‘Fin’. Romantic to some. To me, it made me barf. Still, I wondered what kissing feels like.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada answered me that question.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My thoughts danced out of rhythm. All I could draw up are scribbling drivel. I had no idea things like these drain your sanity so well, you can’t think straight. My arms limped at a loss for motion.

<p class="MsoNormal">By the time her lips left mine, I’m at the verge of fainting. My mind had in no means, the ability to process what just happened.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Where you that shocked?” She asked in wonder. She tried coming up with something, but all she did next was smile. “Oh well. Time for me to partake of you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">She was about to perform mouth-to-mouth again when the air between our faces whirred with the passing of a deadly wind. Ada pulled back, in time for a piece of her hair to drop on her waiting palm. Ryla’s darkened expression was harsh. Her claws were outstretched in a lethal manner and her nostrils flared out thin streaks of blue flames.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It was an accident, wasn’t it?” Ryla said, her voice dead serious. “Why did you assault him while he was apologizing? Are you daft?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s called taking advantage, Dragon-chan. One thing you’ve never done with him, and never will. ” Ada answered with an obnoxious grin.

<p class="MsoNormal">Blood rushed off Ryla’s face and steam blew from her ears.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “IT’S RYLA!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla swung her claw in an arc, firing a crescent-shaped gust of wind in Ada’s way. She slithered to the left unimpressed. The blast tore through the forest line and brought my mind back on track. I’m still at the coils of my Mamono captor.

<p class="MsoNormal">“LET GO OF HIM, SNAKE!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“MAKE ME!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla dove towards Ada with her talons bared, nearly- invisible sparks flying in the air as they clashed with Wurm claws. The two grappled momentarily, then landed blow after blow at the speed of the light. In the midst of the skirmish, I slipped out of Ada’s hold and cartwheeled it away from the battle zone. From my angle, I could see it perfectly: Ryla screaming in fury, Ada cackling in amusement, and their strikes so precise they were wrecking the ground around them instead of each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">I drew my claymore from its scabbard and began to chant. In order to make them halt, I had to make an entrance. And by that I meant, make a move via magic.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greenish energy surfaced all around me and gathered at the tip of my bladed weapon. Reluctantly, I traced in the air the symbol of a bull’s eye. An orb of magical power swelled in the center of the glowing spell circle, growing even larger at a steady pace.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hawk’s Eye Mark. Works better since they’re stationary, in a way. Had to give this one a shot.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The orb of energy expanded like an inflating balloon, attaining the size of a weather machine from Polove (the really huge ones they make to track climate changes nowadays) in less than a minute’s time. I was already on one knee. Casting a spell is one thing, but making it more potent needs serious focus and an exhaustion of any magic reserves I’ve been saving up. Anyway, I wasn’t about to do an attack enough to tickle their noses. I need to knock one of them out.

<p class="MsoNormal">But who?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla, since she’s obviously over-the-borderline furious right now and needs to calm down?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada, since she’s being difficult and too scheming for Ryla to take?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ah fiddlesticks, choices are becoming a pain. When can I NOT make a sound decision between two?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada’s maniacal giggle echoed throughout the beat-down ‘warzone’.

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU’RE MADDENED BY THAT LITTLE SHOW, DRAGON? PATHETIC!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“SAVE YOUR HUMOURLESS CHATTER WHEN I BEAT YOU, WURM!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ohhh… that pained expression of yours… SUCH A FEAST FOR THE EYES!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“QUIT IT, SADISTIC FREAK!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The two leaped away and blew rounds of their realm-famous Dragonfire. Flame against flame slammed in the middle of the battlefield. The noiseless air heated rapidly, making me sweat through my shirtmail and burning any dry material nearby. Wildfire erupted in a matter of seconds. Soon, the entire underbrush turned into an infernal haven.

<p class="MsoNormal">SH*t. I knew it. Two Mamonos of equal caliber and power fighting it out ain’t pretty at all. Knowing them, they’d revert to their beast forms and raze this place down into a smoldering heap of ash.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You asked for it, ladies.” I grumbled. I stopped charging my spell orb (which is now, half the scale of a World Tree) and took aim. A dose of a spell this big should probably disengage any large target without delay.

<p class="MsoNormal">I can’t choose. Might as well hit the center and end their pointless tiff.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “HAWK’S-EYE MARK - “

<p class="MsoNormal"> BOOM.

<p class="MsoNormal">(Oh come ON! Things always interrupt me when I’M TALKING!)

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The spell was ready to fire, when a streak of unknown origin swooped in and ''changed its aim. ''The Hawk’s Eye Mark activated and fired overhead, drawing the attention of the girls now tussling and yanking each other’s hair on the terrain as if they were mock-wrestling. The attack literally busted a hole on a nearby mountain, which caved in with an ear-shattering roar before I could take another step.

<p class="MsoNormal">For starters, I was stunned. Who in the right mind would redirect a spell like that to cause massive damage? Only an idiot would accomplish a move like that just to get attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">On a more important matter, NO ONE, not even an experienced mage-type Hero, could adjust the aiming of my spells. Not unless….

<p class="MsoNormal">I spun to my right. My assailant was standing next to me, like a shadow illuminated by brushfire.

<p class="MsoNormal">Except, it wasn’t any ordinary ghost of an assailant.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was a Mamono.

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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:20.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;tab-stops:371.25pt">*       *        *       *       *

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<p class="MsoNormal">Here’s a helpful thought. Have you ever imagined Ryla in a darker light? Given she does emanate inky-black aura every now and then, have you fantasized her in a more grim, misgiving appearance?

<p class="MsoNormal">The newcomer was in a sense her, but meaner. Like what I just said.

<p class="MsoNormal">Technically speaking, she’s a Chimaera.

<p class="MsoNormal">She was beautiful. Misguidedly beautiful, similar to Ada when we first met. There was this inherent, lonesome air surrounding her like a force-field, stinging me at random whenever I stared. Sparks of magical energy out of her hands and feet with abnormal frequency.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her hands weren’t at all, that close to a human’s. Instead of having normal arms, there was a pair of enormous heads growing on both her shoulders. On her left was the head of a black mountain goat decorated in blue lines of life energy, ending with the furry paw of a lioness. On the right, the visage of a menacing white dragon with red streaks, followed through by a hand with pointed fingertips. A third head, a horned viper’s contoured with purple marks, slid between her fur-clad legs and snarled. On her main head (the human one), a pair of curved horns grew eerily.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was still numbed when she approached. Her hooved feet clicked as she stepped forward, and a pair of wings flapped noiselessly by the sides of her legs. Her hair, tousled and dusky-colored, swayed carelessly against the breeze. Her golden-brown eyes drew me to a pause. I could vaguely remember seeing a chain on her neck, covered by the collar of her coat draping over her bare front.

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<p class="MsoNormal">“Who…. Are… you…. WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I suddenly remembered she was the one who made my magic-draining spell an epic fail. My strength immediately thinned and I fell on my rump, energy sucked dry on almost every corner of my darn body.

<p class="MsoNormal">I’m vulnerable. AGAIN.

<p class="MsoNormal">All this ‘expending my magic reserves’ is going to be the death of me, mark my words.

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<p class="MsoNormal">“Greetings, Marden Bale.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Chimaera-girl announced politely, her speech akin to a whisper. Her blank, emotionless expression didn’t change one bit as she bowed. Her foot was planted on one of my hands. My weapon was nowhere to be found.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We require your power as Mark Maker. My master patiently awaits your arrival. We hope you will cooperate with us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Two figures vaulted towards us and sprang at the new girl. The Chimaera barely flinched. Her misshapen hands caught their balled fists as if it were a reflex and flung them forward. Ryla and Ada landed on their toes (Well, at least Ryla has toes. Ada doesn’t), and they hissed angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who the ELL do you think YOU ARE?” Ryla snapped, gritting her teeth. “You have some nerve, attacking him!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ryla, you make me sound like I’m a useless git.” I remarked. I don’t think she heard me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada sized the Chimaera-girl up, then flicked her tongue. The sight of the hybrid Mamono seemed to threaten her more than Ryla. Her expression went dim. “You… I’ve heard of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Chimaera’s head tilted in wonder. “You have heard of us?” She turned slightly, trying to listen to someone only she could hear. One of her other aspects, I assume. Chimaeras tend to have more than one persona, which is why one refers to herself as ‘we’ when making a point.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, that can’t be it. She means something else. Wait, we musn’t speak. Yes, I agree.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She returned her gaze to the snarling women. “We do not know who you are referring to, Nadredda Dolennych.” She replied courteously.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ada growled. “How did you know my name, Chimaera?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Our master knows. But we musn’t say a word. He will punish us dearly.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla looked like she definitely wanted to punch the Mamono on the face. “What business do you intend to do with him? ”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Chimaera’s sunken eyes narrowed towards her. “This does not concern you, Ryla Van Winkelried. Although I have heard, your father has crossed Master so many times, he does not wish to have you vanquished.”

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<p class="MsoNormal">“Van Winkelried?”

<p class="MsoNormal">My voice wore thin as I spoke. “Your father is Struthenrich Van Winkelried? The Dracon Slayer?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla held an arm down with her lip curled. The way I see it, the subject about her father isn’t a welcome topic.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Was.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Chimaera-girl covered her mouth, then ducked away. “We said too much. No, it was not intentional. Master musn’t know I said so.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I could move an inch, she had me by the collar with her dragon-arm. She made a failed attempt to smile. “We are Zmey Typhonas, Marden Bale. We will take you to our master shortly.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“OH, NO YOU WON’T!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla was the first to react. She sent an air blade in Zmey’s direction, which the latter deflected with her free hand. Zmey sidestepped, avoiding Ada’s tail diving towards her like a humongous drill. Her emotion unchanged, she dropped her hold on me and disappeared. She outmaneuvered them. Her lion-arm struck Ryla and Ada on the back of their necks. The two girls crumpled under their weight.

<p class="MsoNormal">“RYLA!! ADA!!” I screamed. Zmey appeared in front of me, blocking my path.

<p class="MsoNormal">“They were bothersome. We merely disabled them so that we can make our get-away.” Zmey said to remove my anxiety. Her dragon-arm clutched me around the waist before I could even disagree. “If you wish to see them again, please cooperate with our master.”

<p class="MsoNormal">My throat went dry. Whoever this person was, he must be really twisted to have a Chimaera bowing at his feet. And someone like that… won’t have any problem eliminating any Mamono in the way.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “You promise they’ll be left alone?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It will be as we have said it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Part of me swore I’m about to regret it. “Take me to him.”

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<p class="MsoNormal">Zmey nodded and extended her wicked-looking wings. Ryla raised her head. Saw me mouth the words ‘Stay down’ while we left the ground. She didn’t listen.

<p class="MsoNormal">“STOP!” She dragged her feet up, attempting to fly after us. Zwey caught wind of movement. She aimed her tail and other heads down below, and plumes of blue flare streamed from the five points of her body, scorching the blackened earth. Anger shot up in my system.

<p class="MsoNormal">“ WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Zmey said nothing. Her clasp on me hardened, putting an end to my struggle.

<p class="MsoNormal">The fire cleared in an instant. Ryla had shielded herself and the fallen Ada with one wing, her skin steaming from that heat blast, face riddled in worry and guilt. She was crying her eyes out, but I sighed in relief. At least, they’re safe. That’s all that mattered.

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<p class="MsoNormal">That’s all that mattered.

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<p class="MsoNormal">Somehow, that made me smile.

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<p class="MsoNormal">Sorry.

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<p class="MsoNormal">I gave them one last look, and Zmey and I disappeared through the clouds. Her strained shriek rang into my ears like a shattered mirror.

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<p class="MsoNormal"> “MARDEN!!!”

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<p class="MsoNormal"> -To be continued –

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<p class="MsoNormal"> 4TH Update sooner than you think…

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''DYK? The name of Ryla’s dad is from the legend of ‘Heinrich von Winkelried', a medieval knight in what is now Central Switzerland and a noted 'dragon-slayer'.

Zmey’s name is based on zmey, or zmaj, a version of the dragon with three heads. These words are masculine forms of the Slavic word for "snake", which are normally feminine.''

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