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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 22, 2018 13:06:23 GMT -5
After sending Mic out to retrieve the Goetia de Tannin, Liderc decided to retreat to the woods. It was out of the way, it was dark even during the bright rotation, and very few people seemed to ever come out there. In other words, those filthy insurgents wouldn't find him and finish him off in his weakened state. That, and the monster flew away in the opposite direction of the woods. For at least a few precious hours, he was safe.
"At least that demonic bitch is dead. Now, I just have to deal with that... thing..." Liderc paced back and forth, his scratches and wounds slowly healing. "Mic took out the power. Alas, there's still something else that can fry us. Now... how do I get him alone?" Removing a gauntlet and pulling back the sleeve, he seemed to be examining a gash. "There has to be a way to take out his guard. Maybe there's some enemy I'm not aware of? ... Is there a teleportation spell in that book?"
Pulling his sleeve back up and placing his gauntlet back on, Liderc stopped his pacing and sat down on a fallen tree, staring up at the darkened sky... wait... "... Hang on... did it get darker?"
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 22, 2018 14:07:14 GMT -5
The trees violently shook as a powerful gust of air struck them from above, branches swaying, needles scattering in the wind. The light from above was momentarily eclipsed, but the great shadow moved along as quickly as it had appeared. Through the writhing tangles of greenery, an enormous black shape could be made out hovering above the treetops, the wind audibly whooshing around it as it descended.
The black blur dropped, a powerful tremor rattling the earth as it struck the forest floor. The whistling zephyr that surrounded it died down, replaced with a series of sharp cracks and creaks, followed by great, clattering booms as several trees were ripped from their foundations and violently collapsed on each other. Those that still stood slowly grew still, though a number of them continued to shake as a large, slender, scaly tail like a tremendous black snake brushed against them, just barely visible through the underbrush where Liderc sat.
A low, deep, rumbling growl filled the forest. Opposite the swaying tail, the gargantuan black dragon sifted his skull-like head through the foliage, then lifted it high above the canopy, easily dwarfing most of the trees he had landed amongst. His sharp, rancid yellow eyes curiously studied his environment. The wind whistled through his nostrils with each breath.
Yes... He would know that stench anywhere. The scent was old and stale... but still the dragon knew that he had been here before.
Another curious grumble filled his chest as he lowered his head again. A different scent filled the air. One warm, fresh, and very close by. It almost smelled like a bird, but was far too potent to be something so small.
He didn't have time to be distracted by whatever insignificant creature was lurking about... but he had been sleeping for a long time and had traveled quite a distance. If nothing else, perhaps he had time for a snack.
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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 22, 2018 15:31:19 GMT -5
"Gah!"
Liderc stumbled at the tremor, jumping to avoid further near-falls. And then, the black thing in the bushes. "Is that a slithering scaled beast? No... they're not that big. Even the largest slithering scaled beasts don't get much longer than my arm..." Cautiously, making sure he was at least a few inches above the ground, he flew over to the scaled thing.
Placing a grabby frond under his chin, he sighed. "... What, did the blue dragon man transform into a full dragon? No, that can't be... These scales are black... unless, of course, he's of a species that changes colour when he transforms... Nope." It didn't feel like it. Running a hand through his hair, it wasn't sticking up. "No electricity, either..."
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 22, 2018 20:44:03 GMT -5
The dragon went tense for a moment. Then he whipped around with greater speed and dexterity than a creature of his size should've been able to, his tail slicing through and knocking over several more trees in the process. He let out a low, booming growl and cast a sharp, toothy sneer into the woods, his yellow eyes trained on the mint green shape among the pine green foliage.
"Good sir, if you're going to whisper, I would recommend doing it a bit more loudly so others can be in on it."
The voice that came out of the dragon's mouth was as deep and gravelly a bass as one might expect, but also very smooth and refined. His breath, even from a short distance, reeked of filth and decay, with a sharp tang that would burn a person's nostrils and make their skin crawl.
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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 22, 2018 20:58:58 GMT -5
...
It... could talk. Coherently. Well, it was already more pleasant than talking to Unit 1538-2862. Even accounting for the bad breath. Floating a few steps back, Liderc took in the sheer size of this dragon. If its mere tail could fell several trees with one swing (and no obvious assistance), he had to imagine he was a mere speck against whatever it was. Glancing up at where he assumed the dragon's head was, the green angel cleared his throat.
"... You know of a blue-scaled dragon biped with electrical breath?" Liderc knew he was in no shape to fight back, and even then be doubted that even at full power, he wouldn't be able to take this thing. "Old grudge?"
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 22, 2018 21:17:05 GMT -5
The dragon let out a low, morbid chuckle, the air around him practically clenching up with each exhale. He almost wondered how this puny green creature would react if the things he was rambling about hadn't resonated with the dragon and he had simply given away his position for nothing. Lucky for him, though, some of what he was saying did strike a chord. Some.
"Heh heh... I have crossed paths with a number of blue dragons in my lifetime, little one," the great black wyrm hissed, dipping his head into the trees so he was nearly at eye level with his company. "Since you seem so curious, I just so happen to be out here looking for one such dragon. One who does indeed hold the power of lightning. Call it a grudge, if you want. I call it finishing a job."
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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 22, 2018 21:50:48 GMT -5
Oh.
Ohhhh.
Trying to keep his expression neutral but failing to suppress a smirk, Liderc glanced at the dragon before him. "As it turns out, that dragon was reincarnated as a human (I think he was human?), and has only just begun to manifest such abilities. I'm certain that such a mighty creature as yourself could tear him apart in a blink." The green angel had deemed flattery the best option for handling this dragon. "I also have a vendetta against such a creature. That lightning breath is a problem for angels... he's in my way. He's in Paradiso's way."
Continuing, Liderc decided to see if bargaining was a thing. "... Clearly, we both want him dead. But what about making his death useful? You see, I know a ritual that involves dragon blood... A ritual that could win this island for Paradiso..." He looked the black dragon in the eye. "I am the keruv, or prince of the angels. On behalf of Paradiso, I propose an alliance... for the disposal of our mutual enemy, if nothing else."
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 23, 2018 12:14:49 GMT -5
There was a slight tilt of the head and a sharp exhale through the nose when Liderc described the reincarnated dragon man. Everything after that seemed to earn the dragon's disinterest, as he lifted his head back a ways and shifted his scrutinizing gaze between the angel and his surroundings.
"You speak of conquest. Of glory for your people." The dragon's tone was ho-hum and detached, with a small but notable air of condescension. "Let me make this clear: I have no interest in politics. I care not what you intend to do with this tiny rock we stand upon."
He took a small step forward and started tracing a claw through the dirt, dangerously close to where Liderc hovered. "Now... on the matter of this ritual that requires dragon blood. I must be honest, I am quite tempted to rip the life from your still-screaming body for even contemplating such a feat."
Then he slammed his foot down, claws just barely brushing past the angel, dirt and needles scattering in a blinding puff. "But this draconic man you speak of, this reincarnation... I'm... intrigued. I know not whether you say this just to tempt me or if this foe of yours truly is that foul thief in new form. I cannot guarantee that you have my allegiance, little prince... but if nothing else... you have my attention."
The dragon bared his fangs in a sharp, devious grin, not even attempting to look friendly. "I am Vutezoth. The Dark Destroyer. The Black Calamity. I could go on, but this isn't about me, now is it?"
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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 23, 2018 16:54:50 GMT -5
"... Close enough."
Despite Vutezoth's displays of strength and intimidation, Liderc remained hovering in place. "Alright. Having your attention is fine." He glanced up at the dragon's massive, yellow eyes. "I will instruct my men to avoid you. If you get at the blue dragon man, so be it- none of us will stop you. According to my spies, he is located in that hotel, should you be one for surprise attacks." He motioned to a spot west of the forest. "Not sure if he truly is the one you're out for, but he's a thorn in my side all the same. ... Hmm..."
Well, I'm not food yet. That's a record.
"There's another dragon out here. My sources call him Flint, and that he may think of this blue thing as kin." Liderc shrugged. "I imagine you'd swat him aside easily." He backed off slightly, placing his still-healing wounds into view. "But there's a fourth thing out there that may possibly be a dragon? It's apparently claimed this island as its territory... And yes, I would know that firstfrond. It's some kind of otherworldly creature, so who knows what else it can do... Or if it'll just put its human skin back on..."
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 23, 2018 17:31:51 GMT -5
"Well, now that is interesting," Vutezoth snarled with a bloodthirsty, almost eager smile. Saliva dripped from the dragon's lips and onto the forest floor, the viscous, corrosive fluid eating away at the grass like liquid fire. "Perhaps it would be worth my time to... acquaint myself with these dragons."
He stepped away from Liderc and began a slow pace around the clearing he had forcibly created. "Of course... this is a wee bit of an unprecedented scenario you have presented me with. I believe I can picture this man you're describing. A human born with the soul of a dragon. A dragon who could not comprehend how weak and pitiful his new form was and so forced it to take on the attributes of his former self. While that would make sense, this does not guarantee that this soul is the one I seek."
Vutezoth sneered down at Liderc with narrow yellow slits. "Please do understand that if this theory proves incorrect... I cannot promise that my temper will remain unchecked."
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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 23, 2018 17:47:46 GMT -5
Okay, he has acidic powers. Let's try not to piss him off. You only have the one eye as it is.
Hovering back slightly to avoid the acidic saliva, Liderc nodded slowly, trying not to show fear. "Of course. Tear me apart all you like if it's not who you seek." Geez, this dragon was more intimidating than the ones back home, even accounting for its sheer size.
Glancing in to the narrow slit of yellow, the green angel continued, though falling short on words. "... Happy hunting."
I guess we can count him as an ally, if only for one problem? Close enough. It's not like we've never had to make deals with a third planet to conquer another.
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 23, 2018 18:01:37 GMT -5
"Much obliged." Vutezoth once again drew closer to Liderc, leaning his head in so that his snout was a mere five feet from the angel. Up close, his teeth looked like pearly white swords and his breath was almost suffocating. "If you would indulge me, though... what exactly will I be looking for? I must presume this man will not bear an immediate resemblance to the dragon I once knew."
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Post by DanteMGalileo on Dec 23, 2018 18:39:34 GMT -5
Ugh! Breathmint! Or mint forest! Pick something!
"... The one you (probably) seek is about my height, though wider. His skin is blue scales, eyes are yellow and glow somewhat. He has dark blue hair, pointed ears, claws, a pointed tail, and I swore I saw small horns," Liderc replied to Vutezoth's inquiry. "They call him Paul. To my knowledge, none of his companions should be equipped to handle you, and the man himself is pathetic. No combat experience..."
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Post by ParamountKeymaster on Dec 23, 2018 18:58:54 GMT -5
"Paul?" Vutezoth raised his head and cast Liderc a look of scrutiny, almost offended when he heard that profoundly uninspired name. "Goodness, that is disappointing. I thought Ulharryrth was a wretched name, but Paul...? Where is the dignity in combating a foe named Paul? I ask you."
With a contemplative hum, Vutezoth turned and began to walk away from the angel. "The size of a man... No combat experience... Incompetent allies... This will be entirely too easy. I suppose I should appreciate how simple it will be to remove my old nemesis from this plane of existence once more, but..." He let out a deep sigh. "This apparent reincarnation just took all the fun out of it."
Slowly, surely, a wily smirk crossed his face, his yellow eyes glowing like twin suns. "Oh well. There's always a way to make even the most mundane tasks amusing."
Then, without another word, the great black dragon took to the sky, the trees spiraling into another frenzy as the beast's tremendous wings kicked up the air around them. Soon enough, Vutezoth was little more than a black blur against the grey sky, making a rapid beeline for the city, allowing the coniferous woods to go still and silent in his wake.
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