The Drake Blood Tales

As Fallion entered the mansion, the weight of his decision hung heavily in the air. His thoughts were still clouded by the pain of everything that had been revealed—about his mother, the curse, and the sacrifices made in the name of protecting him. But now, there was no turning back.

Samhain, ever loyal, greeted him as he stepped inside. "Welcome, my lord... uh... I'm sorry for—"

Fallion quickly interrupted, his voice firm but filled with understanding. "No... no, it's alright, Samhain. I understand why you all did this. If it were me back then, I would have lost my will to live. The damage would have been unimaginable to me."

Samhain bowed his head, relieved by Fallion's calm response, but Dofan, standing nearby, couldn't help but ask, "I'm sorry, Fallion, but what will you do now?"

Fallion paused, taking a deep breath as he weighed his words carefully. His eyes met Dofan's, and for a moment, the two shared an unspoken understanding. "I take the purifier, no matter what," Fallion replied, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of resolve. "It may anger me the moment my bloodbonded activates, but... I have to save Fordragon nonetheless. If it's as severe as you all said... I have no other option but to protect my brother."

The gravity of his words hung in the air. Samhain, Gaz'mirna, Josul, and even the human servant Farid all nodded in agreement. They had followed Fallion through thick and thin, and if this was the path he chose, they would follow him without hesitation.

Samhain spoke up, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "We will accompany you, my lord, no matter what. We are with you on this journey."

Dofan, though still troubled by the weight of the situation, also agreed. "We stand by you, Fallion. If this is the only way to help Fordragon, we will be there to support you."

Fallion nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering loyalty of his servants and allies. "Thank you," he said quietly. "But I need to break the spell today. In two days, we'll head to Arnis, and then the next day, we sail to Fordragon. Whatever the result, whether Fordragon returns to the mansion or not... we will see this through."

The determination in his voice left no room for doubt. His course was set, and nothing would deter him from it.

As the morning passed, Fallion made preparations for the purification ritual. His mind was focused, but a gnawing unease lingered in the back of his mind. The process would be difficult, and he knew there would be consequences, but there was no other way forward. He could not allow the curse to continue to control him, and he could not let Fordragon suffer any longer.

With everything ready, Fallion gathered his companions. They would face the next challenge together. But as he left the mansion, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger journey—one filled with dangers, revelations, and sacrifices.

As Fallion and Tasha made their way to the mage society, their easy conversation provided a brief but welcome distraction from the heavy burden weighing on Fallion's heart. The morning air was crisp, and the sounds of the bustling city filled the silence between their words.

"So, uh... you never introduced me to your name before," Fallion said, a teasing note in his voice.

Tasha immediately blushed, clearly a little caught off guard. "Uh... my name is Tasha. I'm sorry, not many people ask my name."

Fallion chuckled softly. "Come on, it's nothing serious. I'm a member of the mage society too. Even after my spells are broken, I'll still go to the society and continue my studies. Who knows, maybe I'll become an archmage one day."

Tasha laughed in return, her cheeks still slightly pink. "I think you'd make a great archmage, Fallion."

They exchanged more laughter and light stories, their steps synchronizing as they continued to walk toward the mage society. For the first time in a while, Fallion felt a sense of normalcy, a brief escape from the looming challenges ahead.

But from a distance, their interaction did not go unnoticed. Dofan, Samhain, and Gaz'mirna, who had been trailing behind them, were watching closely.

Samhain raised an eyebrow, surprised by what he was seeing. "Is he... is he flirting with that woman?"

Gaz'mirna nodded, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Yes... it's a great improvement. He's usually been so cold toward others, almost like a daemon."

Dofan, who had been quiet up until now, glanced at the two of them walking side by side. "He is... but this one is new."

Samhain chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's nice to see him like this. Maybe this is a sign of his growth. He's not the same person we met years ago."

Back in the present, Fallion and Tasha reached the entrance of the mage society. Noblanc and Jintaro were already waiting for him. Fallion greeted them both with a calm but determined smile.

"Morning, you two," Fallion said, nodding as he approached. "I'm here."

Noblanc let out a long breath, clearly feeling the weight of what was about to happen. "Well, I guess we do it regardless."

Jintaro, ever the steady presence, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's do it when there aren't many others around. I've already set a room for this."

Fallion felt the familiar tension return as he entered the building, knowing that today would be the day he would face the consequences of breaking the spell that had bound him for so long. But despite the uncertainty ahead, he found a quiet resolve within himself.

He had made his decision, and there was no turning back now.

The basement room was bathed in the soft glow of various magical devices and instruments, their surfaces polished to a pristine shine. It was clear that these items were of the highest quality, some of them radiating power and precision that only the most skilled mages could craft. Fallion took in the sight, feeling both awe and unease at the array of equipment that surrounded him.

Tasha joined them shortly, her presence adding to the sense of anticipation in the room. "The elder wants me to help you all," she said, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "He said I may be able to help."

Jintaro gave a nod, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, we need as much help as we can get."

But before they proceeded, Fallion hesitated. A question had been nagging at him for some time, and now, with everything about to unfold, he needed an answer. "I'm sorry, everyone. I thank you all for helping me, but there's something bothering me," he began. "Ever since we met Mr. Noblanc, why did you all go through this trouble to help me? I doubt it's only because I saved that village."

Jintaro chuckled, his tone light. "Well, asking that proves you aren't as keen a student as I thought."

Noblanc let out a soft laugh as well, the weight of the situation making the humor feel bittersweet. He reached into his bag and handed Fallion a book, its cover worn from years of use.

Fallion raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, a book of guidance for the mage society? I've read most of this. All of the important points."

Noblanc nodded, a smile still on his face. "Yes, but you've never reached the final page of the book."

With a curious glance at the elder, Fallion flipped to the final page. His eyes scanned the names listed there, but it was the small picture that caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat as he saw the familiar face, a man whose legacy he had only heard of in stories.

The picture was of none other than Arch Duke Drake Blood—his father.

Fallion smiled in disbelief, the realization settling in like a heavy weight. His father had helped found the mage society. This was more than just a simple connection—it was a bond that tied Fallion's fate to the very institution he was about to become part of.

With this revelation lingering in his mind, Fallion nodded. "I see. I guess this is all more complicated than I thought."

The mood in the room shifted. There was no turning back now.

As they prepared the purifier for Fallion, Noblanc's voice broke through his thoughts. "A normal spell would only require you to drink it, but this spell has been lingering around you for 10 years, so it's not just in your mind—it's on your entire body."

Jintaro added, "You'll not only need to drink the potion, but you'll also need to be submerged in it."

Fallion, ever practical, raised an eyebrow. "Do I need to remove my clothes?"

Tasha blushed at the question, clearly startled by the directness of Fallion's inquiry. But Noblanc quickly put the situation at ease.

"No, it's alright. There's a girl in here," he said, his voice calm. "And it's a liquid anyway—once you're submerged, it will get into every part of you that's needed."

Jintaro stepped forward and explained the next part. "Tasha will hold your head and cast a spell to help you hold your breath. But the spell will eventually be dispelled, so you'll need to hold your breath for up to two minutes at most."

With everything set in place, Fallion nodded. He was ready, despite the storm of emotions that swirled in him. He swallowed the purifier, its taste bitter but not unpleasant. The moment the liquid touched his tongue, he felt a strange warmth spread through him, as if the potion were trying to work its way deep into the core of his being.

As Fallion climbed into the cauldron and lowered himself into the thick, dense liquid, he gasped at how heavy the water felt—almost like he was sinking straight into the earth. The liquid clung to him as if it had its own purpose, reacting with the spells that had held him captive for so long.

Tasha placed her hands gently on his head, her magic pulsing in synchrony with his own. Fallion focused on the flow of his mana, willing it to calm the wild energy that bubbled within him. He could feel the shock that would come when his bound mana finally began to break free, and he braced for the chaos that would surely follow.

Noblanc and Jintaro stood on the sidelines, their faces grim but resolute. They placed protective barrier magic around Fallion in case the pulse of mana that would be unleashed became destructive. They could feel the power building in the room, the air heavy with anticipation.

"Hold steady," Noblanc muttered, eyes fixed on Fallion as the ritual began. "We're with you, Fallion."

Fallion's chest tightened, but he steeled himself. He had made his decision. There was no turning back.

The shockwave that erupted from Fallion's body was powerful enough to rattle the entire building, shaking the walls and causing the magical pylons to flicker and die. The pulse of energy was so intense that it left the air thick with an unsettling hum, a sign of the immense power that had been released. The guards and paladins stationed nearby rushed to investigate, but Dofan was already on site, quickly reassuring them that it was merely a malfunction.

But how could such a malfunction happen in the first place?

The building, though sturdy, could only tremble under the force of such magic. The sound of cracking stone and snapping wood echoed throughout the room. The holy pylons, which were meant to keep everything in order, flickered in response to the surge. This was no ordinary malfunction—this was a violent release of mana that no one had expected.

As the shockwave finally dissipated, Fallion emerged from the cauldron, his body trembling from the strain. His face contorted with pain as the overwhelming force of his unleashed mana sent waves of agony through every inch of him. He screamed, his voice raw with the intensity of it, and his body writhed as if trying to escape the torment.

Tasha rushed to him, concern flooding her features as she reached out to heal him. But before she could touch him, Jintaro's sharp voice stopped her.

"Don't," he said firmly. "The dark magic in him right now is too volatile. Healing him will only make it worse."

Tasha's eyes filled with helplessness as she stood back, watching Fallion's torment. She could only wait, wishing she could do more.

Minutes stretched like hours as Fallion's body bucked and twisted from the pain. His breaths were shallow, and his skin burned as though he were being consumed by fire. It was a battle to hold onto consciousness, but slowly, painfully, the waves of agony began to subside.

With a final shudder, Fallion managed to calm himself. His breath, though ragged, became more controlled as he pushed himself to sit up. The intense pain had passed, but it left him weak, his energy drained from the ordeal.

Jintaro quickly brought him a set of warm clothes, assisting him as he struggled to change. The two men exchanged a look, both understanding the gravity of what had just transpired.

"He's been purified," Noblanc confirmed, his voice steady. "The ritual was successful."

Jintaro nodded in agreement. "He'll need rest, but he's made it through."

The decision was made to take Fallion to the medical wing, where he could recover properly. Hours passed, and the effects of the ritual seemed to wear off, though Fallion remained weak. After some time, he was allowed to leave the wing, though Dofan insisted on carrying him out on horseback. The journey outside the city was quiet, the only sounds being the gentle clip-clop of the horse's hooves against the dirt road.

Once far enough from the city, Samhain and Gaz'mirna swooped down to carry Fallion back to the mansion. Their wings beat powerfully, and Fallion was carried swiftly through the skies, the mansion waiting for him in the distance.

Tasha was handed the prescription for Fallion's medicine, instructions to aid in his recovery. As she was led toward Drake Blood Mansion, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She had heard the rumors about the mansion's inhabitants, about the strange and powerful people who lived there. But when she arrived, she was met with kindness and warmth, a stark contrast to the intimidating stories she had heard.

The servants of the mansion welcomed her without question, and Tasha, though still shocked by the mansion's strange atmosphere, felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had been accepted into this world of power and mystery, and for now, all she could do was focus on helping Fallion recover.

The next day, as Fallion lay weak in bed, a sudden surge of visions and emotions overcame him. It felt like an unstoppable tide flooding his mind and soul. Love, anger, sorrow, and despair hit him all at once, an unbearable storm of feelings that left him shaking. His body, still weak from the purification ritual, strained against the bed as he tried to get up, his movements erratic and desperate.

Gaz'mirna and Dofan rushed to his side, pinning him gently to the bed to prevent him from hurting himself. His eyes burned with an otherworldly intensity as he struggled, his voice a low growl that occasionally erupted into cries of anguish. They exchanged worried glances as they watched him battle an invisible foe, unsure of how to help him.

As the day turned into night, Fallion seemed to calm, though the weight of his visions lingered. Still weak but able to walk, he rose from the bed with surprising swiftness. Without saying a word, he moved toward the door, his movements so fast and erratic it almost seemed like he was blinking from one spot to another.

Tasha, who had been keeping vigil nearby, tried to stop him. "Fallion, you need to rest! You're not ready to be walking around yet!" she pleaded, but her words fell on deaf ears as Fallion pushed past her, his determination overpowering his fragile state.

Realizing she couldn't stop him, Tasha quickly alerted Gaz'mirna and Dofan. Together, they followed him as he made his way through the mansion grounds, heading toward his mother's burial site.

When they arrived, they found Fallion standing before Katherine's grave, his trembling hands resting on her coffin. The air around him was heavy with tension, his presence almost suffocating as he stared down at the resting place of the woman he loved and idolized.

Suddenly, a surge of memories invaded his mind, not his own but those of his mother. They poured into him like a torrent, overwhelming him with horrific images and sensations. He saw her torment—how the cultists had mercilessly tortured her, slicing her flesh and healing it over and over again. He felt her despair as they broke her body and spirit, forcing her to crawl through piles of corpses, begging for release. He witnessed the ultimate horror as the outer god Zotho appeared, claiming her soul piece by piece, her agonized screams echoing in his mind.

The weight of the memories shattered Fallion's composure. His body shook violently as an enormous surge of mana exploded from within him, radiating outward in a powerful wave that could be felt throughout the entire Drake Blood domain. The guards stationed nearby felt it, their hands trembling as the overwhelming energy passed through them.

As Fallion's rage boiled over, the air around him crackled with raw power. It seemed as though his emotions might destroy everything around him. Tasha, undeterred by the chaos, stepped forward and gently took his hand. Her touch was warm, grounding, and steady.

"Fallion," she whispered softly. "You're not alone in this."

Her voice and touch cut through the storm of his emotions, and slowly, the torrent began to subside. The surge of mana diminished, and Fallion's trembling eased as he sank to his knees, utterly spent.

Gaz'mirna and Dofan quickly approached, carefully lifting him and carrying him back to his room. Though his body was limp, his face bore a haunted expression, the weight of his mother's suffering etched deeply into his features.

By the next morning, however, Fallion emerged from his room fully recovered. His steps were steady, his posture resolute. The storm had passed, leaving him stronger and more determined than ever. Despite the horrors he had witnessed, a spark of clarity burned in his eyes—a newfound resolve to face the challenges ahead.

"Yo, everyone. I'm sorry for yesterday," said Fallion calmly as he entered the hall.

The group immediately rushed toward him, concern etched on their faces.

"Are you feeling alright, my lord?" Samhain asked, his tone filled with worry.

Fallion replied with a warm smile. "Well, I'm hungry. What's for breakfast?"

Samhain nodded, quickly moving to prepare the table for his lord. Dofan followed Fallion to the dining area, his expression still cautious.

"So, you're okay now?" Dofan asked as they sat.

Fallion smiled again, this time more thoughtfully. "Yeah. I was a bit shocked and angry at the vision, but honestly, I'd already imagined it going that way a long time ago. It just caught me off guard to actually see it with my own eyes."

Dofan let out a relieved sigh. "You truly are mature, after all."

The two began discussing their plans for the journey over breakfast. Amid the conversation, Fallion asked, "Where's Tasha? I didn't see her around this morning."

Samhain replied, setting a plate before him, "She's already returned to her duties at the Mage Society, my lord."

Fallion nodded before a thought struck him. "By the way, why did none of you ever tell me that Father was one of the founders of the Mage Society?"

Samhain chuckled lightly. "Well, my lord, I thought you knew. I mean, where else would we have gotten a top-notch library filled with forbidden books and rare knowledge?"

As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Fallion suddenly froze mid-bite, his eyes widening as if struck by a powerful thought.

Dofan leaned forward. "What's wrong?"

Fallion set down his fork and stood abruptly. "I have a bad feeling about this, Uncle. Something's off. After breakfast, we need to leave immediately."

Dofan nodded, his concern deepening, but he didn't press further. The group quickly finished their meal, and soon Fallion, Dofan, Gaz'mirna, Samhain, and a human servant named Farid began their expedition toward the coastal city of Arnis.

The journey was long, taking nearly ten hours of riding through rugged terrain. By the time they arrived in the late afternoon, the sun was casting its golden hues over the bustling city.

Fallion wasted no time. He headed straight for the harbor, asking for information about hiring bodyguards, mercenaries, and gathering supplies for the treacherous journey ahead. The group scattered slightly, each taking on tasks to ensure everything was in order.

The city of Arnis, lively with its markets and busy docks, seemed unaware of the weight of the task the group was preparing for. Fallion, however, remained sharp, his resolve unshaken as he planned for the trials that lay ahead.

Not long after, the group was greeted by the Miko, her serene presence commanding respect. She expressed her pleasure in meeting Fallion and gestured to the force behind her—at least a hundred samurai standing in formation, ready at her command. She informed them that they would set sail aboard the samurai's ship the following morning. Fallion and his companions agreed without hesitation.

However, from a hidden vantage point not far from the harbor, Rygs Lambert observed the scene, a smug smirk spreading across his face as he watched.

The next morning, Fallion awoke early, the salty sea breeze drifting through the open window of his quarters. Stretching, he stepped outside and froze for a moment, his cheeks flushing red. The Miko was sitting on a fence facing the sea, half-dressed, her silhouette glowing softly in the dawn light.

Gathering himself, Fallion approached her. "So, uh… are you sure you don't need more clothes?"

The Miko chuckled softly, her gaze still fixed on the waves. "Oh no, I just love feeling the sea." She glanced at him, noticing his unease. "I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable."

Fallion turned even redder, fumbling for words. "What? No, no… It's alright! It's not what I meant."

The Miko's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Do you have someone special in your heart, Sir Fallion?"

Caught off guard, Fallion hesitated. "No… Aside from my family and my servants, I don't have many people that close to me, let alone someone I cherish that much."

The Miko's expression softened into empathy. "I see. I bet you haven't had any kind of bond with a woman, have you?"

Fallion smiled awkwardly. "Well… not that I know of. Most of what I've learned about that comes from books. Some explain it biologically… and, well, some were probably from Josul's adult collection."

The Miko burst into laughter. "Haha! I envy you, truly. You have such innocence—something I wish I still had."

Fallion tilted his head, curious. "What about you?"

The Miko's cheeks flushed slightly as she answered. "Me? Unfortunately, as a holy figure, I'm prohibited from forming relationships. I was already lucky to survive my past. My parents were slain by the Ukataka, and I almost met the same fate. I was spared only because of my gift."

Fallion's demeanor turned somber. "I'm sorry to hear that."

The Miko's smile was faint but resolute. "No need to apologize. When I became a Miko, I abandoned my name and became the Ukataka's Miko. With it, I helped their soldiers raze villages and kill innocents—until I was liberated by Lord Yarinaga. But even then, it wasn't because they wanted to stop the Ukataka's genocide. They just wanted me and my gift on their side. The moment I have intercourse with a man, I lose my gift. And when that happens, they won't hesitate to dispose of me."

Fallion was taken aback. "Why don't you run?"

The Miko shook her head, her expression tinged with despair. "Where would I go? How could I? Those samurai you see as my companions are my jailers. If I betray Yarinaga, their blades will pierce my throat." She sighed deeply. "That's why I view life as a tool. The only freedom I can imagine is death."

Fallion stood silent, struggling to process her words. "If I can stop my brothers, do you think there's a chance you could—"

Before he could finish, the Miko interrupted, her tone heavy with resignation. "No. Even if Yarinaga wins, I'll still be a weapon. And when I outlive my usefulness…" She wiped a tear from her cheek. "What a wretched life I live, don't you think? Many claim life is a blessing, yet here I am—jailed by those who claim to protect me."

From behind them, a figure stepped forward. It was the kunoichi who had fought Fallion before. "No hard feelings. I'm just doing my job—they have my family, you know."

The Miko gave a faint smile. "Yes, I understand."

The kunoichi added, her voice tinged with pity, "If I were you, I'd take my own life. It's too much, you know."

Fallion, troubled, responded, "I wish there was something I could do for both of you."

The Miko gently placed a hand on his arm. "Thank you. You're the first person to offer me any help in my entire life."

The three turned their attention to the horizon, watching the sunrise. However, the kunoichi's demeanor shifted abruptly as she sensed something amiss.

"Guys, we need to leave," she said urgently.

Fallion and the Miko turned to face the forest. From the shadows emerged a figure—a strange man walking toward them with an unnerving presence. The air around them grew tense as the group prepared for whatever danger approached.