CHAPTER 94 – AMONG US
HIRAYA MISTELTEIN
As the day broke, golden tendrils of sunlight danced through the tree canopies, illuminating the sacred temples and casting a warm glow upon the shrine gates. Yet, amidst this serene scene, the scars of last night's battle were evident, with sunlight revealing the craters strewn across the landscape.
For Onishira, this day heralded a newfound freedom. The draconic forces that once held the island in their grip had been vanquished. With the demise of the Republic of Dragons’ ambassador, Dennis Cavalier, and the departure of the menacing threat, Gazelle Lockwood and Johnny Wolvesbane, liberation was finally at hand.
"We've arrived, Captain," murmured Kate, her voice a gentle whisper in my mind.
Since Lysander's loss, my gaze had remained fixed upon the ground, weighed down by grief. Yet, at the sound of Kate's voice, I lifted my head, greeted by the sight of the Windwalker airship and the welcoming gestures of my companions, Gaeun and Charlotte, their hands waving eagerly in the air.
"Here, Hiraya," Kate offered her hand, her tone filled with both concern and respect. "Let me support you."
Ever since witnessing Lysander's harrowing demise at the jaws of the Tachyon Dragon, my resolve had crumbled, leaving me weak and unsteady. My knees trembled, and my hands shook uncontrollably, making walking a daunting task. Thankfully, Kate's presence provided a steadying anchor amidst the storm of emotions.
Upon entering the hangar, Gaeun and Charlotte greeted me with palpable relief etched upon their faces.
"I'm relieved to see you both," Charlotte confessed, a slight sigh escaping her lips as she casually tossed back her long hair. "Last night was perilous with those dragon attacks on the Windwalker. Luckily, my marksmanship held even in the darkness, and Gaeun's cloaking abilities proved invaluable when we needed to evade detection after the bell tower incident."
I mustered a strained smile for Charlotte, offering a reassuring tap on her shoulder. "Well done, Charlotte," I acknowledged, before turning my attention to Gaeun. "And you, Gaeun, thank you for your vigilant protection of this ship."
Gaeun's frown deepened, her crimson eyes piercing through my facade of composure. Despite my attempts to conceal my emotions, she seemed to sense something amiss. "Captain?" she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.
Before I could respond, Charlotte interjected, her tone brimming with casual indifference. "Speaking of which, where's that peasant?" she quipped, hands planted firmly on her hips as she surveyed the hangar.
Kate swiftly intervened, redirecting Charlotte's attention with a shake of her head. The sassy smirk on Charlotte's face faded instantly, replaced by a look of shock and realization, mirrored by Gaeun's gasp as she covered her mouth in dismay.
Gaeun's worried question hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty. "Is Lysander… dead?" she ventured, her voice laced with apprehension.
"No!" I retorted, my tone sharper than intended as I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the tension knotting my brows. "He's alive. I'm certain of it."
Though the connection between us through the Vesryn Pulse was faint, its truth remained unwavering. Despite the weakening link, I could still sense the rhythm of Lysander's heartbeat within me. It was a sensation beyond logic, beyond tangible evidence, but one I trusted implicitly.
"Hiraya, let me assist you to your room," Kate offered gently, moving to support me.
"I'll help too!" Gaeun chimed in, taking my other arm and guiding me with unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, ever practical, hurried off to the pantry with a promise of chamomile tea to soothe my frayed nerves.
"Thank you, girls," I murmured gratefully, overwhelmed by their unwavering solidarity in the face of uncertainty.
With Kate and Gaeun's steady support, I eased onto the bed, their concerned gazes fixed upon me as if searching for answers in the weariness etched upon my face. The lack of sleep and the weight of Lysander's disappearance had left their mark, and I knew I must look as disheveled as I felt.
Charlotte approached, offering me a cup of tea with a silent understanding that spoke volumes. I accepted it gratefully, the warmth of the cup grounding me as I sipped the calming brew.
As I met the worried eyes of my companions, I mustered a reassuring smile despite the turmoil within. "I'll be alright," I assured them, my voice steady despite the lingering uncertainty. "You both have other duties to attend to."
Kate nodded in understanding. "I'll return to Mariko, help her with the affairs in Onishira before we depart for Empire's Sanctuary," she declared, already preparing to take her leave.
Charlotte's concern was palpable as she voiced her worry. "Should we search for Lysander, Cap?" she inquired earnestly, her eyes reflecting the turmoil of uncertainty.
I shook my head firmly in response. "No," I asserted, my thoughts piecing together the fragments of the recent events. "Gazelle and Johnny have already departed Onishira. They're headed north, likely to the Guardian's Haven, or as the Republic may now call it, the Dragon Fortress. Our priority should be to prepare to depart and report everything to the empress and Madam Corasell."
Charlotte nodded in acknowledgment, accepting the directive with a sense of resolve. "Understood," she affirmed, already shifting her focus to the tasks ahead.
Gaeun, ever the quiet presence, hesitated before speaking up. "Captain, if you ever need anything, just let me know," she offered softly, her concern evident in her gaze.
I managed a strained smile in response to Gaeun's offer. "Thank you, Gaeun," I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. "For now, I'll take some time to myself, perhaps even try to get some rest."
As Kate's words of departure echoed in the room, accompanied by the solemn nods of my dragonoid companions, I fought to maintain a facade of composure. But as soon as they were gone, the floodgates of emotion burst open, and I crumbled under the weight of my grief.
Covering my eyes, I allowed the tears I had suppressed since witnessing Lysander's fate to flow freely. Each sob felt like a release, yet the pain remained unabated, a relentless ache in my heart that refused to be silenced.
"What should I do?" I whispered to myself, the question echoing in the empty room, bouncing off the walls in a relentless cycle of uncertainty.
With trembling hands, I wiped away the tears, then pressed my palms against the floor, channeling mana into the earth below. A verdant magical circle shimmered to life, its intricate patterns stretching across the floor and ceiling as I murmured the incantation for the Summoning Spell.
Normally, with Lysander's distinct mana signature etched into my consciousness, summoning him would be a straightforward task, even in his formidable Trailblazer Dragon Form. But now, a barrier seemed to stand between us, dampening our connection. I knew then that Gazelle and Johnny had anticipated this, laying down spells to thwart any attempts to reach Lysander. Yet, despite the odds stacked against me, I refused to surrender to despair. There had to be a way to breach their defenses, to rescue Lysander from whatever fate awaited him.
The conventional approach would be to mount a raid on the Dragon's Fortress, but without my dragonoid partner, I lack the full power of my Mark of Vesryn. I'll need the support of the imperial forces to stand a chance.
Carefully, I removed the delicate flower accessory Lysander had gifted me just days ago, cradling it in my hands. It was the only tangible reminder of him I had. Tears welled up once more as I gazed at it, each droplet a silent testament to the ache in my heart. With a determined swipe, I brushed away the tears, steeling myself for the challenges ahead.
As I considered our situation, I recalled the secrecy surrounding the Daybreaker Squad's mission. It was precisely why the empress had entrusted us with the Windwalker airship—to venture into territories beyond the reach of ordinary humans.
Despite our efforts to keep our presence in Onishira discreet, Gazelle Lockwood and Johnny Wolvesbane had somehow tracked us down. Their timing, particularly Gazelle's intervention at the bell tower, seemed almost too perfect to be coincidental.
It was clear that we were facing adversaries who were both cunning and resourceful, and if we were to have any hope of rescuing Lysander, we would need to tread carefully and utilize every advantage at our disposal.
Amidst the turmoil of my thoughts, one conclusion loomed ominously: there was a traitor among us, a mole leaking our every move to the Republic of Dragons.
With a heavy heart, I made the difficult decision to set aside my plans to recruit Dragon Lords and dismantle the Republic of Dragons. My primary focus now was finding Lysander, and I knew that rooting out the traitor within our ranks would be the crucial first step.
The betrayal cut deep, casting doubt on the loyalty of those I once considered allies. But I couldn't afford to dwell on it. Every moment wasted was another moment Lysander spent in peril.
Determined and resolute, I vowed to uncover the traitor's identity and bring them to justice, whatever the cost. Only then could we hope to rescue Lysander and put an end to the treachery that threatened us all.
CHAPTER 94 – AMONG US
HIRAYA MISTELTEIN
As the day broke, golden tendrils of sunlight danced through the tree canopies, illuminating the sacred temples and casting a warm glow upon the shrine gates. Yet, amidst this serene scene, the scars of last night's battle were evident, with sunlight revealing the craters strewn across the landscape.
For Onishira, this day heralded a newfound freedom. The draconic forces that once held the island in their grip had been vanquished. With the demise of the Republic of Dragons’ ambassador, Dennis Cavalier, and the departure of the menacing threat, Gazelle Lockwood and Johnny Wolvesbane, liberation was finally at hand.
"We've arrived, Captain," murmured Kate, her voice a gentle whisper in my mind.
Since Lysander's loss, my gaze had remained fixed upon the ground, weighed down by grief. Yet, at the sound of Kate's voice, I lifted my head, greeted by the sight of the Windwalker airship and the welcoming gestures of my companions, Gaeun and Charlotte, their hands waving eagerly in the air.
"Here, Hiraya," Kate offered her hand, her tone filled with both concern and respect. "Let me support you."
Ever since witnessing Lysander's harrowing demise at the jaws of the Tachyon Dragon, my resolve had crumbled, leaving me weak and unsteady. My knees trembled, and my hands shook uncontrollably, making walking a daunting task. Thankfully, Kate's presence provided a steadying anchor amidst the storm of emotions.
Upon entering the hangar, Gaeun and Charlotte greeted me with palpable relief etched upon their faces.
"I'm relieved to see you both," Charlotte confessed, a slight sigh escaping her lips as she casually tossed back her long hair. "Last night was perilous with those dragon attacks on the Windwalker. Luckily, my marksmanship held even in the darkness, and Gaeun's cloaking abilities proved invaluable when we needed to evade detection after the bell tower incident."
I mustered a strained smile for Charlotte, offering a reassuring tap on her shoulder. "Well done, Charlotte," I acknowledged, before turning my attention to Gaeun. "And you, Gaeun, thank you for your vigilant protection of this ship."
Gaeun's frown deepened, her crimson eyes piercing through my facade of composure. Despite my attempts to conceal my emotions, she seemed to sense something amiss. "Captain?" she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.
Before I could respond, Charlotte interjected, her tone brimming with casual indifference. "Speaking of which, where's that peasant?" she quipped, hands planted firmly on her hips as she surveyed the hangar.
Kate swiftly intervened, redirecting Charlotte's attention with a shake of her head. The sassy smirk on Charlotte's face faded instantly, replaced by a look of shock and realization, mirrored by Gaeun's gasp as she covered her mouth in dismay.
Gaeun's worried question hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty. "Is Lysander… dead?" she ventured, her voice laced with apprehension.
"No!" I retorted, my tone sharper than intended as I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the tension knotting my brows. "He's alive. I'm certain of it."
Though the connection between us through the Vesryn Pulse was faint, its truth remained unwavering. Despite the weakening link, I could still sense the rhythm of Lysander's heartbeat within me. It was a sensation beyond logic, beyond tangible evidence, but one I trusted implicitly.
"Hiraya, let me assist you to your room," Kate offered gently, moving to support me.
"I'll help too!" Gaeun chimed in, taking my other arm and guiding me with unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, ever practical, hurried off to the pantry with a promise of chamomile tea to soothe my frayed nerves.
"Thank you, girls," I murmured gratefully, overwhelmed by their unwavering solidarity in the face of uncertainty.
With Kate and Gaeun's steady support, I eased onto the bed, their concerned gazes fixed upon me as if searching for answers in the weariness etched upon my face. The lack of sleep and the weight of Lysander's disappearance had left their mark, and I knew I must look as disheveled as I felt.
Charlotte approached, offering me a cup of tea with a silent understanding that spoke volumes. I accepted it gratefully, the warmth of the cup grounding me as I sipped the calming brew.
As I met the worried eyes of my companions, I mustered a reassuring smile despite the turmoil within. "I'll be alright," I assured them, my voice steady despite the lingering uncertainty. "You both have other duties to attend to."
Kate nodded in understanding. "I'll return to Mariko, help her with the affairs in Onishira before we depart for Empire's Sanctuary," she declared, already preparing to take her leave.
Charlotte's concern was palpable as she voiced her worry. "Should we search for Lysander, Cap?" she inquired earnestly, her eyes reflecting the turmoil of uncertainty.
I shook my head firmly in response. "No," I asserted, my thoughts piecing together the fragments of the recent events. "Gazelle and Johnny have already departed Onishira. They're headed north, likely to the Guardian's Haven, or as the Republic may now call it, the Dragon Fortress. Our priority should be to prepare to depart and report everything to the empress and Madam Corasell."
Charlotte nodded in acknowledgment, accepting the directive with a sense of resolve. "Understood," she affirmed, already shifting her focus to the tasks ahead.
Gaeun, ever the quiet presence, hesitated before speaking up. "Captain, if you ever need anything, just let me know," she offered softly, her concern evident in her gaze.
I managed a strained smile in response to Gaeun's offer. "Thank you, Gaeun," I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. "For now, I'll take some time to myself, perhaps even try to get some rest."
As Kate's words of departure echoed in the room, accompanied by the solemn nods of my dragonoid companions, I fought to maintain a facade of composure. But as soon as they were gone, the floodgates of emotion burst open, and I crumbled under the weight of my grief.
Covering my eyes, I allowed the tears I had suppressed since witnessing Lysander's fate to flow freely. Each sob felt like a release, yet the pain remained unabated, a relentless ache in my heart that refused to be silenced.
"What should I do?" I whispered to myself, the question echoing in the empty room, bouncing off the walls in a relentless cycle of uncertainty.
With trembling hands, I wiped away the tears, then pressed my palms against the floor, channeling mana into the earth below. A verdant magical circle shimmered to life, its intricate patterns stretching across the floor and ceiling as I murmured the incantation for the Summoning Spell.
Normally, with Lysander's distinct mana signature etched into my consciousness, summoning him would be a straightforward task, even in his formidable Trailblazer Dragon Form. But now, a barrier seemed to stand between us, dampening our connection. I knew then that Gazelle and Johnny had anticipated this, laying down spells to thwart any attempts to reach Lysander. Yet, despite the odds stacked against me, I refused to surrender to despair. There had to be a way to breach their defenses, to rescue Lysander from whatever fate awaited him.
The conventional approach would be to mount a raid on the Dragon's Fortress, but without my dragonoid partner, I lack the full power of my Mark of Vesryn. I'll need the support of the imperial forces to stand a chance.
Carefully, I removed the delicate flower accessory Lysander had gifted me just days ago, cradling it in my hands. It was the only tangible reminder of him I had. Tears welled up once more as I gazed at it, each droplet a silent testament to the ache in my heart. With a determined swipe, I brushed away the tears, steeling myself for the challenges ahead.
As I considered our situation, I recalled the secrecy surrounding the Daybreaker Squad's mission. It was precisely why the empress had entrusted us with the Windwalker airship—to venture into territories beyond the reach of ordinary humans.
Despite our efforts to keep our presence in Onishira discreet, Gazelle Lockwood and Johnny Wolvesbane had somehow tracked us down. Their timing, particularly Gazelle's intervention at the bell tower, seemed almost too perfect to be coincidental.
It was clear that we were facing adversaries who were both cunning and resourceful, and if we were to have any hope of rescuing Lysander, we would need to tread carefully and utilize every advantage at our disposal.
Amidst the turmoil of my thoughts, one conclusion loomed ominously: there was a traitor among us, a mole leaking our every move to the Republic of Dragons.
With a heavy heart, I made the difficult decision to set aside my plans to recruit Dragon Lords and dismantle the Republic of Dragons. My primary focus now was finding Lysander, and I knew that rooting out the traitor within our ranks would be the crucial first step.
The betrayal cut deep, casting doubt on the loyalty of those I once considered allies. But I couldn't afford to dwell on it. Every moment wasted was another moment Lysander spent in peril.
Determined and resolute, I vowed to uncover the traitor's identity and bring them to justice, whatever the cost. Only then could we hope to rescue Lysander and put an end to the treachery that threatened us all.
