The Drake Blood Tales

As Fordragon introduced Fallion and his companions, Raven Beak's cold stare swept over the group, scrutinizing each of them carefully.

"So... Mr. Fallion..." Raven Beak said, his voice measured but chilling.

"Y-yes, sir?" Fallion stammered, clearly unnerved by the intensity of the gaze.

"You... you two aren't planning to fight to the death over Blanchette, are you?" Raven Beak asked, his tone ominously casual.

The group was stunned into silence. Even Fordragon, who usually had something to say, couldn't muster a single word.

"Uh... what? I mean, no... no, sir," Fallion quickly responded, his voice cracking. "I'm just here to give my little brother a blessing, as he said he's found the woman he's been searching for."

Fordragon's face went beet-red, and he shot his brother a death glare, though it only made the situation more awkward.

"Haha, I see... well then, there's no problem with that," Raven Beak said with a relieved laugh. "Phew, I was afraid we'd stepped into some family love triangle drama."

Blanchette couldn't help but chuckle at Raven Beak's comment, but Fordragon, still embarrassed, cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the situation.

"Okay, you two, it's actually time to be serious," Fordragon said, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

"Ah, there's something else?" Raven Beak asked, his tone light but curious.

"Yeah, obviously about Yarinaga and Utakata," Blanchette interjected, her tone shifting to a more serious one.

"Ah, yes... we almost forgot about these two factions," Bianca said, glancing between the group. "Sorry, I just didn't expect the day my little Blanchette grew up and got taken by a man would come so soon."

Fordragon couldn't help but roll his eyes at the playful teasing, but he knew now wasn't the time for jokes.

"Yeah, about that..." Fordragon began, his voice turning serious. He took a deep breath before continuing. "I'll explain everything. About my past... about why I came to the continent of Arkhari. About why Fallion followed me here."

As Fordragon spoke, he recounted his journey—his reasons for leaving his homeland, his search for purpose, and how everything had led him to Arkhari. He told them about the tension between Yarinaga and Utakata, how both factions suspected him and his brother of being allies with the other, and the political intrigue that had brought them all to this point.

However, Fordragon kept one thing hidden. The deal he had made with Yarinaga—the secret pact that could change everything—remained locked away in the depths of his mind.

"Hm... I see... this is basically just one big misunderstanding," Raven Beak muttered, his sharp gaze scanning the room. "But at the same time, being caught in such crossfire definitely isn't the best introduction to the Arkhari continent."

"Moreover, with what's just happened, Utakata will definitely think my brother—and presumably me—are insiders with Yarinaga in the Night Raven," Fordragon said, his voice filled with frustration.

Bianca gave a soft sigh. "I see. It's not easy to clear up such misunderstandings."

"It's not about the misunderstanding," Fordragon replied, his expression hardening. "It's simply the fact that both sides want to hurt each other so badly that they don't care if innocents get caught in the crossfire."

"But one thing still bothers me," Raven Beak said, his brow furrowing. "It's understandable that Utakata wanted to avoid confrontation with the Night Raven and Yarinaga at the same time. But why would Yarinaga go as far as to pact an alliance? He's putting his political standing at risk. Utakata could stab him in the back at any time, and the other rebels definitely won't take this lightly."

Fordragon paused, then spoke carefully. "Maybe they too understand the danger of the cultists."

Raven Beak considered this for a moment, his lips curling into a thin line. "Hm... doesn't make perfect sense, but it's still possible."

Fallion, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke up, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "Could it be…?"

The group turned to Fallion, the tension palpable as they awaited his words.

"Those enemies we fought on the beach?" Fallion asked, his voice filled with concern.

Dofan immediately understood what Fallion meant. "Rift Occult Imperator knights?" he asked, his tone uncertain but intrigued.

Raven Beak and Bianca exchanged confused glances. "What is that?" Raven Beak asked, clearly unfamiliar with the term.

"It could be that Yarinaga has intel on them and wants to use them," Fallion said, his voice low but full of a hidden urgency.

The room grew still as Fallion explained his experience on the coastal country of Arnis—a grueling battle that had left its mark on him. His recount of facing the terrifying forces of the Rift Occult Imperator knights seemed to shock Raven Beak. "I've heard of those things," Raven Beak murmured, his voice heavy with disbelief. "But I thought they were just fairy tales."

The admission stunned everyone, especially the group. If even Raven Beak, with all his experience and knowledge, had thought them to be mere legend, then the reality of what they faced was far worse than any of them had imagined.

"Fallion," Fordragon said softly, his gaze filled with both pride and sadness. "You and your companions have really been through hell."

Blanchette, her face full of empathy, placed a hand on Fallion's shoulder. "Yeah, but every obstacle only makes me more determined to pull my brother out of this mess."

Fallion met her eyes, a trace of guilt in his expression. "I'm sorry for causing you all this trouble."

"No, no, no," Raven Beak interjected, his voice firm. "Please, Mr. Fallion, don't apologize. The information you've given us is invaluable. Your past experiences have given us a clearer idea of the possibilities. If Yarinaga is actually after such power, I'm afraid we can't ignore this conflict any longer."

"Well, but what about Utakata?" Bianca's voice cut through the silence, the gravity of her words settling over the room. "They definitely won't just give up such power without resistance. If they too found it... I can't even begin to imagine what they would—or could—do to this continent."

Everyone in the room sat back, each mind racing. They had all been considering the problem in fragments, but now it was clear: every decision had far-reaching consequences, and helping one side could lead to devastating advantages for the other. The balance of power was delicate, and any move could destabilize the entire continent of Arkhari.

"Uh... how about we simply help them deal with the cultists first and ensure the Rift Occult Imperator knights don't fall into either side's hands?" Blanchette suggested, breaking the silence.

Raven Beak turned his gaze toward her, nodding slowly. "Yeah, that's pretty much the idea," he said, but there was doubt in his voice. "But how?"

Bianca stepped forward, her brow furrowing as she considered the situation. "Your father's right," she said. "Destroying them—these Rift Occult Imperator knights—will require immense manpower and time. And if we keep them, we'll raise suspicion from both factions. The worst-case scenario is that both Yarinaga and Utakata will target us, fearing that we're preparing to use such a weapon."

Fordragon's jaw tightened. "And the League of Shadows and the Assassins' Guild won't leave us alone either, especially if we're forced to kill a few of their top members," he added, his voice low. "That would put even more enemies on our backs."

The room fell silent again. The path ahead was murky, fraught with dangers. Every option had its own set of risks, and no matter which direction they turned, they felt like they were walking into the jaws of a much larger conflict.

After a long pause, Raven Beak broke the silence with a thoughtful exhale. "Alright," he said, standing up, "We need to cool our heads for now. Let's take a step back, gather more information, and think this through properly. We don't have the luxury of rushing into anything."

Bianca nodded, her eyes sharp with determination. "We need to stay ahead of this. One wrong move, and Arkhari could fall into chaos."

Raven Beak turned to his trusted mercenary standing at attention. "Go out and gather more intel. Try to reach out to my former companions—there are still people who may know something we don't. Time is of the essence."

The mercenary nodded and quickly left, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared into the hallway.

Fordragon and the others exchanged uneasy glances. They all knew the clock was ticking, but they also understood that rushing in without the proper information could be disastrous. For now, they would have to trust in the decisions they had made and prepare for the battles ahead.

Fordragon stepped into the room where Fallion and his companions rested. He paused for a moment, the door closing softly behind him.

"Brother..." Fordragon said, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken gratitude.

Fallion, sensing the seriousness in his brother's tone, turned to face him. "Everyone, I need to speak with Fordragon in private," he said, motioning for the others to leave the room.

Once the others had filed out, the two brothers sat facing each other in the quiet of the room.

"Fallion... thanks for back there," Fordragon began, his tone sincere. "It means a lot."

Fallion sighed, a tired but knowing smile on his face. "Don't mention it. While I made up the part about Yarinaga knowing about the Rift knights, it's still a possibility. If Yarinaga really does have an interest in them... then we definitely can't let him get his hands on it."

Fordragon leaned back in his chair, his thoughts clouding as he processed the weight of everything they'd just discussed. "Hearing all of that makes me realize how much you've all been through," he said quietly, his mood darkening.

Fallion's eyes softened. "Well, cheer up," he said with a grin. "I'm still dragging you back home, but I know I can't let you go at it alone. We still have to figure out our next move. But..."

He paused, a trace of concern in his voice. "I still don't agree with Yarinaga's plans."

Fordragon gave a small nod. "I understand. For now, though, it's simply my final option. So don't worry," he reassured his brother, trying to ease the lingering tension.

Fallion stood up, walking over to the window and gazing out at the sprawling underground city beneath them. "I have some connections I can use, especially within the mage society," he continued, his tone shifting to something more focused. "Father's contributions to the founding of the mage society are... significant. We might be able to leverage that."

Fordragon blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing slightly. The revelation about their father's role in the mage society was a new one to him. A small, proud smile tugged at his lips. "Dad is really cool, right?" he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Fallion turned his head, a soft smile crossing his face as he watched his brother. "Yeah," he agreed quietly, before the room fell into a comfortable silence.

The moment stretched, as both brothers took a quiet moment to reflect on everything they'd been through, and what was yet to come.

Then, a soft knock came at the door.

"My lord, there is someone here to see you," Yanmei's voice came from the other side of the door.

Fordragon glanced up, his expression shifting back to business. "Who is it?" he asked, standing up from his seat.

As Fallion stepped outside, he was met by an unexpected, but familiar face—Jintaro, accompanied by Norbeict.

"Yo, it's been a while," Jintaro greeted with a grin, extending his hand for a firm handshake.

Fallion grasped it firmly, a sense of nostalgia washing over him. "It has indeed," he replied, a small smile on his face.

Nearby, Yanmei eyed the two men suspiciously. "I swear, I've been keeping an eye on him, but this man just disappeared without a trace," she muttered, pointing a finger at Norbeict.

Saito, sitting just a few paces away, chimed in with a wry grin. "Well, he is a good assassin after all."

Fallion, however, knew that it wasn't just Norbeict's stealth that had allowed him to go unnoticed. There was something more to the man. "Or maybe a great illusionist," Fallion suggested, his voice thoughtful.

Jintaro laughed, the sound warm and easy. "You're sharp, Fallion. Always a pleasure," he said before turning to his friend. "So... how's your condition?"

Fallion offered a half-smile, his mind still reeling from everything that had happened. "I've been better, but the medicine did help, thanks."

Jintaro nodded in understanding, but his expression became more serious. "Well, to be honest, it caught everyone by surprise that you left so quickly after barely taking the purifier. Normally, with the kind of spells lingering on your body, it would take a month, maybe even a year, before you could walk properly. But I guess I underestimated you."

Fallion chuckled softly. "I've had my fair share of close calls. But the medication still mattered. We couldn't just leave it at that."

Jintaro's expression softened with concern, then he continued, "But when I set foot on Arkhari, I realized I couldn't move as freely as I did back in Ivovnia. Thankfully, Professor Norbeict here—a friend from my past—has other contacts and resources that have helped with my search."

Norbeict, standing silently at Jintaro's side, nodded gravely. "Yeah, but I guess that's the end of my assassin career," he muttered. "Not that I miss it, really. I think it's my time to return to the mage society."

Fallion glanced at his brother, knowing that they were all at a turning point. As the group began to split up to carry out their respective tasks, it was clear that each of them was bracing for whatever came next.

Fordragon and his team, determined to gather more information, would continue their investigation. Meanwhile, Dofan and Samhain would accompany Jintaro back to Whiteford, where they could gather reinforcements in case the situation took a turn for the worse.

Fallion, Gaz'mirna, and Yanmei, on the other hand, would travel with Norbeict to Tian Quan Country, where the mage society's branch awaited them. The separation was bittersweet, but necessary. Before they parted ways, each of them was handed a small, magical stone. It would allow them to signal each other and, if needed, communicate briefly despite the distances that would separate them.

As the groups went their separate ways, Raven Beak and Bianca stayed behind in their search for old companions. They knew that the conflicts ahead would require more than just the forces they had now. They would need every ally they could find in the coming struggle.

Back Yarinaga

Kouga sat in his dimly lit chambers, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. The quiet of the room felt oppressive, the stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of wind outside. He was no stranger to solitude, but tonight it felt different. The recent developments weighed heavily on him.

A knock at the door broke his reverie. One of his bodyguards entered, bowing respectfully. "Lord Yarinaga, a special guest requests an audience with you."

Kouga raised an eyebrow, an expression of mild exhaustion crossing his face. "Oh... it's you again?" His voice was thick with disinterest as he rose from his chair and made his way toward the door.

The figure standing in the center of the room was draped in deep cyan robes, their features hidden beneath the hood. A bow was offered as the stranger greeted him. "It has been a while, Lord Yarinaga. I trust you are pleased with the results of our previous... endeavors?"

Kouga waved a dismissive hand. "Pleased? Not particularly. The crow and his brother turned out to be far more useful than your little gift. They escalated things better than I could have hoped. And they required very little effort on my part. A few casualties were to be expected, but overall, it worked in my favor."

He motioned to his servants, who promptly brought a jug of sake. Kouga poured himself a drink, then offered a second cup to the stranger. "It seems like your 'gift' wasn't as effective as you promised."

The stranger didn't flinch at the criticism. "I admit, it was... unconventional. But I trust you've heard about the Drake blood? The brother was attacked by the Puresworn, I believe?"

Kouga took a long, deliberate sip of his sake. "Survived, against all odds. A miracle, truly. It speaks to his strength and resolve."

The mysterious figure, still standing in the center of the room, seemed unmoved by Kouga's words. "And now that everything is set in motion, is it not time to execute our plan?"

Kouga leaned back in his chair, setting his glass down on the table. His eyes narrowed, his tone turning serious. "No. Not yet. The Blade of Mercy is still watching us, and we can't afford to have them tailing our every move."

There was a brief silence, both men considering the ramifications. Kouga's mind raced as he contemplated the risks ahead. Then, with a knowing glance, he asked, "How do you think the twins will react when they see you?"

The stranger didn't answer immediately, and gaze distant as if weighing the possibilities. "That's another matter entirely," The Stranger finally said. "Let's just hope they don't. If they do, it will be difficult to control their actions."

Kouga nodded, clearly perturbed by the prospect. "I wouldn't put it past them. It's not like that woman didn't place protections on them. She was truly one of a kind. What a waste, what happened to her."

The mention of the woman hung in the air, heavy with regret. The stranger took a slow sip from glass, The Stranger expression unreadable. "For now, we should focus on the present. Let's not dwell on the past."

With that, The stranger turned and made way toward the door, preparing to leave. Kouga watched The Stranger with a calculating gaze, his mind already moving on to the next stage of their dangerous game. As the stranger mounted the horse and rode off into the night, Kouga sat back, his thoughts dark and brooding.

The game was far from over, and every move they made would shape the future of the continent.

Kouga's eyes narrowed with a sudden, sharp clarity. His fingers snapped with purpose, the sound echoing through the dimly lit chamber. "Jinzo…" he muttered under his breath, and in an instant, a figure materialized before him—one of his most trusted Shinobi.

The shadowy assassin, clad in dark garb that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding shadows, bowed low. "My lord."

"Follow that person," Kouga commanded, his voice cold and authoritative. "Take a few men with you. If they head directly for the Drake blood, eliminate them immediately. I don't want any loose ends."

"As you wish, my lord," Jinzo replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. Without another word, the Shinobi vanished into the shadows, disappearing as silently as he had arrived.

Kouga watched him go, his mind already turning over the next phase of the plan. The situation was growing increasingly complicated. What had seemed like a carefully orchestrated game of power and manipulation was starting to spiral out of his control. There were too many variables now. Too many unknowns. He had been certain of his victory, but now he was starting to see the cracks in his strategy.

Sighing, Kouga ran a hand through his hair, frustration lacing his every movement. "Well… everything's become more complicated. But…" He paused, eyes dark with resolve. "I guess this time, I have to do it right."

With that, he left the room, stepping out into the garden behind him. The cool night air washed over him, but it did little to calm the storm brewing in his mind. The garden was quiet, serene, but the peaceful setting did little to ease the tension gnawing at him.

Kouga walked slowly, his footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath him. As he approached a small clearing, he glanced to his left and saw his men—members of his private guard—hard at work. They were digging a shallow grave, the body of two Blade of Mercy paladins lying motionless nearby. The grim task was almost complete, but Kouga's gaze lingered on the dead bodies, his expression unreadable.