I stood panting only lightly, brandishing my great sword before me proudly. The small crack of a smirk slowly appearing on my face as I stared down my combatant. Tanex was strafing arrogantly to the side...completely cool and composed...not at all...
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I smirked as Rexikat tried to claw out of my ice...she would never escape unless I wished her to. In fact, if I ever desired to draw out the death of an enemy, all I need do is box them up and leave them...they would die eventually. >:} My main focus now though, was the entrance of Marlex. He'd interfered on my duel...and had proceeded to intervene fully. The two clashing, yet not equally...Marlex's actions were far too rash...as usual with him. The dragon apologized, and I all but scoffed at him...that was until I felt a presence, and heard the arrival of a voice I wished hadn't come.
"Tanex..." I snarled. I closed my eyes...then reopened them...just WISHING he wasn't there...that it was all in my mind...and yet...there he was. I immediately started to rework everything...all my plans...EVERYTHING had changed.
He had come with new orders...to eliminate everyone. We all fell silent until Tanex drew his ring blade. "No objections? Well then I'll just..."
I prepared to speak, yet Marlex beat me. "W-wait....RaXi..."
“Marlex, I’ve already spoken to you about us. I can’t.” I stumbled...I couldn't leave Oblivion...not yet...not while Triskix was a slave to that man...
“But—”
“RaXi,” Pashnirix suddenly spoke, breaking my thoughts on what actions I would take. He was watching Tanex intently. Smart Dragon, I thought. You KNOW he isn't like ANY of Zero...he WILL kill us all...without hesitation...Finally he spoke once more. “RaXi, please, consider my words. You must free Rex. It’s the only way we can fight these two off, as well as protect your charges.”
I looked back at Xyta and Setxune, “We can fight,” Setxune assured me.
“I don’t doubt you,” Pashnirix continued, “but these two are far beyond your capabilities. I have no misgivings with either of you, and by association…I feel compelled to make sure you are taken care of.”
"They outclass YOU maybe...but not I." I growled at his comment. He had no idea of my capabilities...all he wanted was for me to free Rexikat. With his smooth words he sought to accomplish this. "My history with them is vast...and we have fought on many occasions, yet...I will admit...I'd never had to protect so many in our previous confrontations. It's always easier...when fighting to protect only yourself."
Pashnirix smirked. "You think I have underestimated you...perhaps I have...but that hasn't changed our situation. You MUST free the Tigress...."
I snapped my fingers. The box shattered like a mirror. I grabbed Pashnirix by the collar and brought him close to me. "And now for MY PRICE." He didn't flinch, merely smirked at my ferocity. "You will protect that child with your LIFE." I threatened pointing at Xyta. "Tanex is MINE...and should I return to find something has happened to that child...I will SKIN YOU Dragon."
"Assigning me orders are you?" Pashnirix nearly laughed. He pulled my hand from his collar and fixed it. "Very well Duplicity, but the battle hasn't even started...how do you know which opponent you shall take?"
"That's simple...it's already been decided. Isn't that right, Tanex?!" I spoke loudly, turning to meet his gaze at the end of my sentence. "Come now...I know you've been longing to do battle with me...haven't you? THAT'S why you came...not because Xerebus asked it of you...but for the added bonus of matching me again. Am I right?"
"Don't pick a fight with him RaXi...he's dangerous..." I heard Xyta mumble behind me.
Tanex smiled...that cold insidious grin only he possessed. "RaXi, what part of you can't accept that I would follow another's orders? I'm not like you...I..."
"No Tanex, you aren't like me. You're worse. Unlike me, you crave leadership. Desire it more than anything...and you aren't afraid to grasp it." I interrupted. "Tell me...HAVE you grasped it yet? Or are you just waiting for the right moment?"
Tanex fell completely silent. Marlex stared at me with his longing gaze. As though...he didn't have the words to express what sorrow he was feeling. Rexikat stood before me now, glaring at me with her feline eyes. She wanted to say something as well...yet kept it to herself...this wasn't the time.
I didn't dare take my gaze off Tanex too long...so I spoke low. "Setxune...you must fight. Protect Xyta...and Xyta...stay close to the others..."
"Of course." Setxune accepted immediately...he knew all too well what his move was.
"RaXi...where're you..." Xyta began.
"I will do what must be done. Only I can do this...Tanex will not hesitate to kill ANY of you...but I...I can match him." I mumbled. I looked to Tanex with my defiant glare, and I felt the void coming. I gave Pashnirix a last Cross glare, as though warning him he'd better follow my demands...and then...I let myself be taken into the void Tanex had created. We exited into some random corridor of darkness, completely alone and prepared to do combat.
"You came willingly...that's quite unlike you..." Tanex grinned.
"I'm not afraid of you Tanex...haven't you learned that by now?" I groaned, holding my sword defensively. "Just what do you hope to accomplish? I KNOW you aren't one to follow orders...why did you REALLY join Zero?"
Tanex smiled. "RaXi...you know me too well now that you've regained your memories of me...I had really hoped you wouldn't...at least, not until I'd finished my preparations."
"Preparations? Tell me, TANEX....does this have something to do with what you told Nyx? The ultimatum you intend to hand us, the former apprentices?"
"That's right. I would tell you all about it, if I thought you would accept at this point in time...but I'm getting the distinct impression you won't. At least...not now. Why don't you tell ME now RaXi, just what is keeping you tied there? Hmmm? I KNOW it isn't all the FOND memories of that place..." Tanex purred menacingly.
I looked at him squarely. What was I supposed to say? For Triskix? Because if I left now he would forever be bound in a pact with that MAN...and in the end destroyed by it? NO...I couldn't reveal that. Not if there was a chance Tanex didn't know...
"It is..." Tanex laughed. "It's for Triskix!" My eyes widened a bit...but I desperately tried to convey no emotion. "Oh how you must loathe it RaXi! To watch someone bound before your very eyes...and be able to do NOTHING!"
I clenched my fists and felt myself clamping my teeth down hard.
"But then again...you always HATED the thought of calling anyone 'friend'...so I'm sure that doesn't HELP your situation any....I almost pity you....almost." At the last word his voice changed...he was about to get serious.
Good...now I was pissed and ready to hand him a humiliating defeat to add to his collection. "Before you start, I should warn you Tanex. I won't go easy on you either. If you raise your weapon against me, I don't care what organization you belong to, to raise your weapon on ME...is declaring yourself an enemy."
"I wouldn't have it any other way...after all...we NEVER did take each other lightly...I don't expect that to change." Tanex stated seriously preparing himself.
"Good." I smirked. My eyes rolled back slightly as I release some of my power from it's bindings, the two marks on my face darkening.
Without any further hindrance we clashed...fiercely and without hesitation to KILL.
~RaXi
I banged my fists against the cold, hard ice that encased me, but it was no use. I was trapped, like some weak mouse. I growled, vamped up my element to my Final form, and clawed at the ice. Little flecks came off, but nothing happened. I could see the cloudy images of RaXi and Pashnirix fighting, fighting over me, like some…prize. It was pathetic, demeaning.
I saw the spikes of ice shoot from the ground, and Pashnirix leapt into the air…higher than he should have been able to with the limited clearance in the room. Hovering with light flaps of his wings, we all looked to where Marlex had appeared, apparently to retrieve Pashnirix. I couldn’t do anything but watch as Pashnirix dealt with his problems…
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He stayed in the air, watching the situation from above. “Marlex,” said Pashnirix dryly, “how nice of you to show up. Am I hosting a party here, and someone forgot to tell me I handed out invitations?”
Marlex turned to the dragon, snarling. “Answer the question, VI. Do you or do you not understand the repercussions of your actions?”
Pashnirix smirked and crossed his arms. “Of course,” he responded. “Serix was trying to keep me from my treasure. Even a child knows not to come between a dragon and his treasure, Marlex.”
The pink haired Nobody brandished his weapon with a gust of wind. “Don’t play games with me,” he said seriously. “Serix was on orders from the Leader. You deliberately disobeyed. You will be punished for your actions.”
Pashnirix alighted carefully on the window sill in a crouch. “First of all, you as well as the Leader need to understand that I am the dragon, and as such, cannot be held to orders I do not wish to obey,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Second, if the Leader wishes to punish me, he will see to it himself, not delegate to a weakling like yourself. And thirdly…Serix should learn not to touch my things,” he finished, raising an eyebrow.
Marlex growled and rushed towards Pashnirix, his Gwan Dao aimed straight for the dragon’s heart. Pashnirix leapt into the air, over the pink haired Nobody, and landed behind him. He drew his scimitar and placed it at the back of the other’s throat.
“I will not tolerate this behavior any longer, Marlex,” he said, all joking aside. “You have interrupted my fight with the Frozen Duplicity. If you honestly wish to be defeated, at least wait your turn.”
Marlex snarled, sending a gust of wind around himself that knocked Pashnirix into the air. Turning a somersault mid-air, he managed to hover for a moment before landing on the ground beside RaXi. “I do apologize for his behavior, my dear,” he said to RaXi without ever taking his eyes off Marlex. “He obviously has no regard for the rules of a duel.”
“And you obviously have no regard for rules at all,” shouted Marlex, darting forward with his Gwan Dao outstretched. Pashnirix whipped around his tail, catching the other Nobody in the knees and sending him sprawling to the ground. He pinned him through the shoulder with a copy of his scimitar, saying, “Yes. I believe that is quite obvious.”
“The only obvious thing I can see here is your imminent deaths,” said a new voice.
RaXi, Pashnirix, Xyta, Setxune, and Rexikat all turned to the sound of the new Nobody. “Tanex,” said RaXi.
The blond Nobody smiled wickedly. “Marlex,” he practically purred, “you seemed to be having some difficulty apprehending our renegade.”
Marlex scowled, turning his face towards Tanex. “Then don’t just stand there,” spat out Marlex, “help me out.”
With a wave of his hand, Tanex opened up a void beneath the pink-haired Nobody, sucking him through. Marlex appeared moments later, the scimitar gone from his shoulder and an angry look on his face.
“Tanex. What are you doing here?” Pashnirix turned to the newcomer.
Tanex tossed his head. “Our Leader…foresaw that Marlex would have a few problems dealing with you all alone, so he sent me…along with some new orders.”
“Which would be?” RaXi stepped forward, glaring angrily.
“We are to eliminate everyone here,” Tanex said sadistically, glancing at Marlex, “the traitor, as well as the members from Oblivion.”
A tense silence draped the room as everyone processed this information. “No objections?” Tanex drew his ring blade. “Well, then, I suppose I’ll—”
“W-wait,” said Marlex. “RaXi…”
RaXi looked sharply to Marlex. “Marlex, I’ve already spoken to you about us. I can’t.”
“But—”
“RaXi,” said Pashnirix. He had been watching Tanex with an uneasy stare, his instinct telling him that this Nobody wouldn’t hesitate at all to murder them, and in gruesome fashion. “RaXi, please, consider my words. You must free Rex. It’s the only way we can fight these two off, as well as protect your charges.”
RaXi turned quickly to Xyta and Setxune, who stood uncertainly behind her. “We can fight,” said Setxune confidently.
“I don’t doubt you,” said Pashnirix, “but these two are far beyond your capabilities. I have no misgivings with either of you, and by association…I feel compelled to make sure you are taken care of.”
RaXi glanced between Pashnirix and the ice-covered Rexikat, trying to decide whether this was just another trap.
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Sorry it took me so long! I've been busy (Camelot is over, thank God!), and I had a bit of writer's block. :p
Have fun, RaXi!!
It all seemed so blasé and pleasant...yet I couldn't help but to feel slightly on edge. I was easily angered at the thought of someone being held against their will...yet, I was willing to hear their explanation of events. Rexikat began at their very MEETING. And when she spoke on how she'd planned SECRET meetings with Pashnirix...I felt my anger hit a high. To conspire with the enemy in such a way...all I could see were visions of Axel...how he'd made Marluxia TRUST him...how he'd convinced Repliku to KILL Zexion through his Poisonous words...and at the end of it all...Triskix. I could care less for Xraktos being betrayed...but to betray Triskix...that angered me to NO ENDS! I felt myself involuntarily rise in defiance. I rose my arm to point...and it was mistaken for an attack...I was just going to lecture her...yet chains slowly wrapped round my body.
My eyes slowly slid back as I felt the cold, familiar, biting grip of....chains...I felt the tingling engulf my skin and I resisted the convulsions that begged to enrapture my body. I barely heard Setxune and Xyta object to this as Rexikat came in closer to me.
"RaXi," She muttered, moving in closer. I glared at her enraged. Those brief seconds felt like an eternity to me as I struggled to keep my sanity. The need to KILL Rexikat resounding throughout my being. The need to KILL her for CHAINING ME..."You promised you would listen. In no way were either of us plotting against our respective organizations. We had an agreement. If I had gotten an order to kill him, I would have." She continued...yet her words meant nothing to me in this condition...
"And I the same," Pashnirix added, I could feel his watchful eye sensibly upon me. "We knew what we were doing, RaXi."
I felt myself snarling as I fought to keep control. I struggled in my restraints...trying to get free...to stop myself from what I was about to do...the ground slowly freezing over...along with the moisture in the air. "I'm not letting you go until you calm down and listen, RaXi," Rexikat urged.
In a final bout of desperation, I looked to the ceiling. "Very well," I managed quietly. It was not directed at Rexikat...but I had almost given in...to my own will. Luckily, the chains released me, and I regained my sense of self.
She continued her explanation of events. Taking it to when I was captured. She had recruited Pashnirix as a 'back-up' plan. Being treated as an item, as you can imagine, did NOT please me. At the time, I'm sure Rexikat didn't know...but Pashnirix, nor ANYONE would've been able to "seize" me. For it wouldn't have been Marlex to kill anyone...it would've been me. The only things that had restrained me then, were those chains...chains that could seal even Gods....without them...I would not be such EASY prey...
The short version...Pashnirix expected compensation for his aid...which was subduing Marlex in the Corridors of Darkness, preventing him from going after Xemmsur and Nyx. His payment, Rexikat. Xemmsur had done the best of her abilities at the time...no matter how sloppy it seemed. She didn't want to hurt Marlex...just like Nyx...it was the only plan of action she could take at the time...at least...that is what I was assuming.
Yet there was nothing I could say to excuse her...so I remained silent.
"So really, if you want to take me back, you'll have to go through him." Rexikat concluded.
"And I," Pashnirix began, "do not let go of my treasures so easily."
"And herein lies the dilemma," Rex muttered. "I can't leave--"
"But you're not a traitor," I cut in. "I understand now, I think."
After a pause, Xyta spoke up and asked, "So, what do we do?"
My face turned grim. By all rights...my next move was to duel the dragon...if he were holding her a captive, yet she remained loyal to the Organization...it were as though she were a prisoner. Therefore, I would have to take her back...by whatever means. Yet...why didn't I want to go through with that plan of action? Was it because, Rexikat had only done that for me? No...that was of HER own accord. I never ASKED her to help me...I never asked any of them. I was for the Organization...no matter how rebellious I was at times...I would not cause trouble for Triskix...not until his bonds to that Man were severed. Therefore...it seemed battle WAS my next move.
"I understand you demand payment for services rendered, yet there is still a method you MUST follow. It would seem you are indeed young, or yet new to being in an Organization if you do not realize this." I conveyed. "One cannot simply TAKE another member from an enemy organization without that being viewed as a declaration of war...or at least...malicious intent. It doesn't matter how close you are...how neutral the relationship is...on the outside, it is simply one member being taken by another forcibly." As I spoke these words I thought on Verex. We were the same. I longed to free him from that place...yet I couldn't simply do as Pashnirix had done. I couldn't steal him in the night and run off to the world of our choosing...no....there were methods in all matters. Pashnirix would have to learn this...even if I had to teach him the hard way.
He smirked. "I see...so it would appear you've made a decision. Very well, My Lady of Ice...I accept your challenge." He drew out his weapon.
Casting an apologetic glance at Rexikat, I brought forth my Great Sword, instantly the entire room's temperature dropped. "You are very perceptive Dragon...however...It would appear I cannot hold back against you. So you shall taste my strategies in all their fullness." I pointed my blade at him. "I hereby challenge you for possession of Rexikat...for she rightfully belongs to Oblivion...having stated that herself by refuting the title of Traitor. Know that you now face RaXi, the Frozen Duplicity of Oblivion. Pray that you live to take my measure."
He nearly laughed. "You are quite good with speeches I see. Very well then, Frozen Duplicity. You face before you, Pashnirix, the Dragon Duelist of Organization Zero. As for surviving, you should heed your own words."
I smiled. "I see, you are confident in your abilities...all the better to tear you down..."
"Stop this!" Rexikat started, suddenly she was silenced as I shut her inside a clear ice box.
"Silence Rexikat!" I bellowed glaring at her with my cold eyes. "You are the prize of this duel! The prize mustn't interfere!" She growled at me...I knew immediately how she must've hated being caged...payback for chaining me earlier. "Xyta, Setxune. You two will not interfere either. Should I fall, you are to take up my task, subdue him and reclaim Rexikat. Understood?!"
"RaXi...don't say that!" Xyta suddenly exclaimed.
"Xyta! Is that UNDERSTOOD?!"
"Yes...." She uttered.
"RaXi...don't do anything stupid..." Setxune muttered quietly backing away.
I stared Pashnirix down. He had calmly stood there...waiting for me to conclude my discussions....and now we were there again...in the Strategist Staredown. I walked slowly to the right. He did the same. Yet, HE looked as though he were stalking prey...his beastly instincts beginning to take him over. And then...there seemed to be an opening, we both rushed in...so fast...it would've been hard to follow from the sidelines. I missed...yet so did he. Managing to slice but a piece of our clothing...the finest of slashes. I felt myself slide a bit on the floor and smiled...it was almost ready. We clashed a couple more times...it was hard to get a cut on him...not as he had taken the form of a dragon...his scales were hard as armor. And yet, I had managed to dodge his attacks as well...for while most would mistaken my Great Sword for a slow weapon...in my hands...it were as quick and deadly as a dagger.
I hadn't realized just HOW immensely I'd changed and grown in power from uniting with her. This battle...felt as but child's play...and I felt this urge...this need to fight harder...to get more PLEASURE out of it. I felt a strange smile forming on my face...it came from the realization that my environment was ready. That, and the fact that I had a STRONG opponent to tear down...something I hadn't had the privilege of having for quite a long time.
"What are you smiling at Duplicity? You will never penetrate my armor." Pashnirix nearly laughed with arrogance.
"We shall see about that....when you face my Seeking SPIRES!" I called out. Spikes of ice shot out of the ground as if on command, aiming for each of his vital organs simultaneously.
Pashnirix's eyes widened and he spread large wings. As he did, a large gust of wind blew him high up, nearly to the ceiling. Yet the wind had made him avoid my spires just in time. A scowl forming on my face...I KNEW what had brought that wind...my eyes slowly turning to meet him as he made his entrance.
"Marlex..." I muttered. Xyta turned quickly and moved slightly closer to Setxune, who'd already drawn his duel-swords in preparation for this new foe.
"This traitor is MY business." Marlex stated walking up...he didn't even look at me. "I have a bit of my own vengeance to exact upon him...however, I heard from Serix a nasty little rumor. It would seem, you turned your blade on him Pashnirix! Do you understand the repercussions of your actions?!"
I moved towards my comrades defensively. It seemed like Marlex's business was with Pashnirix...and yet...I would rather be safe than sorry.
Pashnirix remained hovering...as we all waited to see what would become of this new development.
~RaXi
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Lol...I really threw in a monkey wrench this time! Marlex returns! He didn't DIE! lol. He's come to punish Pashi...so how will Pashnirix react?! Will his battle continue with RaXi...or has that all been CRASHED!!!! I leave it in your hands Rex!!! If ur stuck just PM me...sorry...I went with the flow...I actually didn't mean them to fight...it just happened! lol.
RaXi: DARNIT!!! I HAD HIM!!! >x< Curse you Marlex and your FOUL WINDS!
Kira: Relax...I didn't want you to kill Pashi anyway....his fanclub would hate you.
RaXi: >x<'
I was conflicted. I was glad that it had been RaXi sent to find me, but unsure how to proceed with it. I didn't want to fight RaXi; if I fought with her, no doubt Pashnirix would get involved, and things could get very bad in a hurry. But I doubted that Pashnirix would be willing to simply let me go so easily.
I could feel the weight of both of their stares on me. Either I would submit to Pashnirix and defy the Organization, or submit to the Leader and...I couldn't even begin to imagine what Pashnirix would do.
"Tigress," I heard Pashnirix say.
Finally, I spoke. "Listen, RaXi. I wasn't lying earlier. I came here of my own free will. No, Pashnirix, be quiet." The Dragon has started to speak in protest, but I silenced him. "There's a lot more to this than you understand. I owe him this, as do you."
"Me?" RaXi was incredulous. "What could I possibly owe that...that dragon?" she spat angrily.
"The lives of your silly friends, perhaps?" said Pashnirix coolly.
"Pashnirix, be quiet," I hissed. Surprisingly, he did. I wondered how I was getting away with this, but continued anyway. "RaXi, if you truly want to make the right decision, and you are honest in saying you don't want to kill me, then you will hear the full story."
RaXi looked from me to Pashnirix. "Fine," she said, finally relaxing her stance and motioning for Setxune and Xyta to follow suit. "Fine. I'll hear the story. But don't expect me to change my mind. I'm here on a mission."
Pashnirix smirked. "Very well," he said, "then I suppose we'll cross that bridge when it comes."
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Back at the castle, we all convened in a study room, and Pashnirix brought out a plate of pastries and some tea.
"Danish?" He offered the plate to RaXi, but sent me a glance. "I'm rather partial to the lemon ones myself," he said with a half smile.
I growled loudly, and everyone in the room looked at me with a question in their eyes. I tried to refrain from braining the dragon with the expensive looking lamp on the table.
"Um, thank you," said RaXi, taking a pastry off the plate. "So...where does this all begin?"
I sighed. "That night when Organization Zero came to attack," I answered. "Pashnirix and I fought, and...he's the only other Nobody with my type of element I've ever met. I was curious."
"I suggested that we meet again some other time, a week, to be precise. Danish?" The dragon offered the plate to Setxune, who declined, and Xyta, who eagerly chose a couple of the pastries. He set the plate down on a table. "A week passed, and--"
"He kidnapped me to Destiny Islands," I cut in.
"It wasn't kidnapping," I heard him mutter, "you could have escaped at any time."
"ANYWAY," I continued loudly, "after he kidnapped me, we talked, and we agreed to arrange weekly meetings with each other, to better train with our elements."
RaXi's jaw dropped. "You...you arranged to have secret meetings with a member of the enemy organization? How could you?!" She rose quickly from her chair and moved her arm in preparation for an attack. I dropped my chains to the ground and brought them up around her before she could attack, wrapping her tightly. Setxune and Xyta moved to attack me, but Pashnirix held them both at sword point with copies of his blade.
"RaXi," I said quietly, moving closer to her. I could see the anger in her eyes. "You promised you would listen. In no way were either of us plotting against our respective organizations. We had an agreement. If I had gotten an order to kill him, I would have."
"And I the same," said Pashnirix, watching RaXi carefully. "We knew what we were doing, RaXi."
RaXi snarled and fought against her restraints. "I'm not letting you go until you calm down and listen, RaXi," I said.
She looked to the ceiling. "Very well," she said quietly. I waited a few more moments, and then released her, drawing my chains back to myself. Pashnirix let the other two go and resumed his position against the wall.
"So, after that, our first meeting would have been here, but the moment Pashnirix kidnapped me here, I was called back for a meeting. At that point, the Leader let me know that he knew about my secret, and wasn't exactly...pleased," I said sourly.
"I think that's around the time you were kidnapped, and the Leader wouldn't let me go to help rescue you," I said. "I didn't think that sending Xemmsur was the brightest idea, so I did what I had to. I went to Pashnirix for help."
"And that's how we've come to this lovely situation," interjected Pashnirix. "You see, she asked me to observe the battle between your friends and Marlex, and should they have lost, she asked me to overpower Marlex and keep you myself."
RaXi looked angry once more. "You asked him to take me?" she said.
I rolled my eyes. "Not permanently," I answered. "I figured I had a better chance of getting you away from him than the Leader of Organization Zero. If I fought Pashnirix and won, then you'd be safe. But if I lost, chance were that he'd have been so happy to fight me he would have given you to me anyway."
"Your friend speaks true," Pashnirix agreed. "A rather risky assumption, but accurate nonetheless. I would have given you back no matter what."
RaXi shook her head. "I still don't understand why I owe him anything, Rex," she said. "Nyx and Xemmsur won. They got me back safely."
I shook my head. "Xemmsur threw Marlex into a portal. He would have come right back and finished them off, had Pashnirix not prevented him."
"It was to my benefit," said Pashnirix, "as well as yours. That girl was sloppy, and I very well prevented their deaths."
RaXi fell silent, so I continued. "And in return for his help, I promised to come here for an amount of time. Unfortunately, he tricked me into wearing these armlets which keep me here for as long as he wishes," I explained. "So really, if you want to take me back, you'll have to go through him."
"And I," said the Dragon, "do not let go of my treasures so easily."
"And herein lies the dilemma," I muttered. "I can't leave--"
"But you're not a traitor," cut in RaXi, looking at me. "I understand now, I think."
After a pause, Xyta spoke up and asked, "So, what do we do?"
Yes, that was the question on all of our minds.
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Continue, RaXi! ^_^
