Chapter 9

There was a momentary pause, Fukayna’s hazel eyes darting between the trio before her. Evelyn felt like she should say something, but she dared not possibly disrupt the general and those soul piercing stares. She finally continued, “I wish we could have met under better circumstances, but as it is, we have been put in a difficult situation. I am sure you have many questions, and I will be happy to provide you with what information I can. However, I need to know how we came to meet here today. Isak briefed me on the basics, but I want to know your version of events.” Fukayna looked at Evelyn. “Explain how you found Lumin and what happened to his mother. Leave out no details.”

After a deep breath, Evelyn recounted those events. When she got to Delain’s death, she tried omitting the gory, trivial details as she did with Isak. Fukayna interrupted her. “Every detail, dear. What did she say and how was she killed?”

Evelyn looked down at Lumin, who’s innocent eyes were dampened at the mention of his mother. Having mentioned her death before did not affect him as much as she thought it would. But knowing he would not know a mothers love saddened the dragon, and Evelyn figured going into more details would traumatize him. “I would prefer not to describe that in front of her son. I don’t see how it’s relevant anyways.”

“I would not ask this of you if I did not believe it was important. Tell me everything”

With a reluctant sigh, Evelyn relented. “Cover your ears, sweetie.” Lumin whimpered, but did as he was told. She then went through every moment of the encounter with the riders. Recounting the cruel, gruesome details made her shiver. Delain’s groans and screams of agony stained Evelyn’s mind. When she described the cut off of Delains final cries, Evelyn choked up. After a pause and regaining her bearings, she signaled Lumin to uncover his ears and continued. Fukayna listened intently, keeping a hardened expression despite the unfortunate, gruesome facts.

Once Evelyn got through the story of her fathers supposed death and meeting Isak, she shuffled closer to Lumin, seeking comfort in his presence.

The general stood and paced behind her desk, mumbling to herself while everyone watched awkwardly. She stopped mid stride and whipped her head to Evelyn. “You are sure the riders went to Midrib?” She asked.

“That is where our father told them our mother went. Whether they followed that lead, I couldn’t tell you,” Benjamin interjected.

“We must assume they did. I will send a code to Base Midrib to warn them of riders in the area. I will gather the council to discuss this, I ask that you be there,” Fukayna told Isak. From a drawer in her desk, she pulled out a device that looked like a phone, though it looked like no phone Evelyn had ever seen. Fukayna typed something on it vigorously.

“So we are safe here?” Lumin asked.

“For now,” Isak answered. “But safety is temporary. If the corp finds out about the resistance now, we are all in danger.”

“Indeed. Midrib is an important base as well. It is where Delain was supposed to meet our agents.” Fukayna paused, deep in thought for a few seconds before sighing. “One of those agents being Dahlia. She is smart, I doubt she would be captured that easily.”

Evelyn felt this revelation should have shocked her more. But her mother being a spy for the resistance made sense the more she thought about it. If this is what she was doing on her business trips, no wonder she never told us exactly what she did.

“Now I have even more questions,” Benjamin said.

“I understand, however I have one more question before I hear yours. Now that you’re here, what do you plan to do?” Fukayna asked as she placed the device back in the drawer.

“That will depend on your answers,” Benjamin answered.

“With all due respect, your opinion is irrelevant to me, Benjamin,” Fukayna said coldly, looking annoyed. Evelyn could feel the frustration coming from her brother. “I want to know what you and your dragon's plan is.” She pointed at Evelyn, who’s heart rose to her throat.

Beyond meeting Isak at her dad’s request, she hadn’t really thought of a plan. She pondered various routes she could take with her future. Whether there was a way to still become a healer or not was unclear, or if she wanted to go back to a normal veterinarian life. Nothing like that seemed even attainable at the moment, circumstantial or morally. Everything she wanted in life was fading away from her quickly. She quickly realized she had no idea what she was going to do with her life anymore.

There was only one constant in her plans. No matter what, Lumin was going to play a role in her future one way or another. Bracing herself, she answered, “I made a promise to Delain and I have no intention of breaking it. My plan is to work with Isak and learn how to protect Lumin and help him reach his potential.”

“A noble answer. Perhaps we shall find out what exactly that promise means to you soon.” Fukayna locked gazes with Evelyn, her ice cold eyes able to freeze the most fearless of warriors. Tension clogged the air around them, building with every second. Benjamin fidgeted as he stood, his hand twitching with every sentence she spoke. Evelyn could tell he was getting impatient. He wanted answers, and so did she.

“So will you tell us who you are and why we’re here?” Evelyn finally asked.

Fukayna sat back in her chair and nodded. “It is only fair that you know what you’re getting into. The Unified Resistance is a rebel force dedicated to defying the Emperor and his tyrannical rule; composed of dragons, their riders, ichneumon and their companions along with the remaining forces of Faiy. As inferred previously, this is not our only base, but right now, you are on a need to know basis.”

Benjamin shifted side to side, catching Fukayna’s eyes. She looked at him and nodded, giving permission to speak as he wanted. “Aside from defeating Faiy in the war, what exactly makes the Emperor a tyrant? He came into power and brought peace and prosperity to Aonach,” he said.

In their lifetimes, the empire had only known peace. No conflicts beyond small skirmishes with wild dragons or local gangs occurred. On top of that, they never had great economic trouble. The economy was prosperous for most and no one they knew complained about the government extensively. She agreed with her brother, for a ‘tyrannical’ government, the empire was flourishing from their perspective.

“Your safe and peaceful government is a facade. Even ignoring the genocide committed to defeat Faiy of old, any opposers of the emperor are dealt with swiftly and viciously. Have you ever known someone to randomly disappear?”

Benjamin shook his head, but Evelyn looked at the floor. “Jasmine,” she said, realization rushing through her mind. “My friend, Jasmine was ‘transferred’ from our junior high school and we were never told where or why. I remember she told me her parents were planning some rally a few days prior. I thought it was for a charity or something, but…”

“Probably the Dragon Corps taking the family in secret,” Isak inferred.

“They may have been aware of problems not public. An example: have you noticed increasing power outages and scales not lasting as long?” Fukayna reminded Evelyn of the trouble with her phone scale.

“Yes, because the dragons have been getting lazy and depending on humans too much. We’ve all seen the reports,” Benjamin said.

“You believe those lies? No, it is because the dragons providing power are abused and often used against their will.”

“What?” Evelyn exclaimed. “I thought the dragons volunteered to provide energy.”

“In another time, yes. That changed rapidly with the ascension of the Emperor,” Isak said. His brows furrowed and his eyes expressed a past pain. “Long ago, humans and dragons collaborated to create the world we know today, dragons offering their magic to power everything. These dragons were known as the Lutha Dra. It was wonderful, even with war raging, the Lutha Dra was taken care of and led easy, comfortable lives. However, once the Emperor took over, things changed. The working conditions worsened and the dragons were neglected and shamed. When they tried to go back to the wild dragons, they were imprisoned. Now they are shackled in their cells being drained of their magic and scales. When they started dying, they began capturing wild dragons and enslaving them as well. That is when Safir and I defected.”

“That’s horrible…” Those were most likely the dragons she would have tended to; Forced to watch them suffer and just keep them alive to slave away. Her stomach twisted and churned at the thought.

“And you expect us to just believe you? All I’ve heard from you is slander of the empire with no proof.”

“Ben!” Evelyn chided.

“It is alright, Evelyn. You have little reason to trust me. But I must ask, why did you trust Isak to bring you to safety? Was it not because you trusted your parents? They are a part of this resistance, so they know the truth. Would you believe them?” Benjamin opened his mouth, then quickly closed it, avoiding eye contact with Fukayna. Seeing she deterred him from rebuking the statement, she continued, “Based on our limited intelligence, we predict that the current roster of Lutha Dra can sustain the empire for five years at the most. If they capture all of the wild dragons, that extends to a decade. But it is unsustainable and inexplicably cruel. Losing the dragons would wreak havoc on the empire. No more medicine, famine devastating the populous and anarchy will rule. While I would love nothing more for retribution on Aonach and its gullible people, along with dragons for their hate for our ichneumon, this is something that will affect the entire continent. No matter his motivations, the emperor must be stopped.”

“So you want us to join the resistance?” Evelyn asked.

“That would be ideal, your parents were already members after all,” Isak said.

Evelyn and Benjamin exchanged nervous looks. It was not ideal for them. She knew Benjamin would be torn up about betraying everything he stood for. But what choice did they really have? He reluctantly gave her an approving nod. She then shifted her vision to Lumin, who seemed much more eager to join, a sparkle in his eyes. Knowing his mother was going to join the resistance anyway must have gotten him excited. “Alright, we’re in.”

“Good,” Fukayna said. “Now we can decide what to do with you and Lumin.”

“What do you mean?” Evelyn asked.

“You were to be a dragon healer if I am not mistaken, someone not befitting of a rider. Beyond that, you led the riders right to your family, could not save him from the shark and failed to recognize the threat upon entering the room. Not a fantastic start if you ask me,” Fukayna berated.

Evelyn started a rebuttal, but she was startled by Benjamin unholstering his pistol and scanning the room. That’s when her last point sunk in. Threat in the room? Her and Lumin joined Benjamin in looking for whatever it was. After a moment, she noticed a pair of eyes looking at them in a dark corner of the room. She placed herself in front of Lumin, bracing for a fight. Benjamin noticed where she looked and pointed his gun in the area, finger on the trigger.

“Enough,” Isak called, calmly walking to the startled trio. He put his hand on the barrel of Benjamin’s pistol and lowered the weapon.

“Reveal yourself, Hafara.” Upon Fukayna’s order, an ichneumon larger than the others they’d met slithered from the shadows. He stood tall with elegance, but his face was hard and scowling. Evelyn was eye level with his chest, she wondered how she could’ve missed such a large creature walking in. “I admire your willingness to protect him, but there are many things you must learn before even thinking of becoming Lumin’s rider. We have many future riders in our ranks waiting for a dragon, and I have yet to see a healer with the conviction to do the things necessary for a rider to succeed.”

“She may not be good yet, but she will get better with training. She’s my rider and that won’t change,” Lumin spoke up. He puffed out his chest and snorted at Fukayna, then growled at Hafara, who looked unimpressed by the display.

“Perhaps we should come back to this at a later date. I will take her under my wing and see how she progresses as we discussed,” Isak suggested.

Fukayna and Isak stared at one another for a moment, waiting for the other to blink. She sighed. “I trust your judgement, Isak. We will watch you closely, Evelyn.”

“And what about me?” Benjamin asked.

“The same goes for you. A room near our barracks has been arranged for you to stay in. You may train with our troops as well to hone your skills.” Fukayna nodded to the ichneumon in the corner, who nodded in return. He turned to the wall behind him, which split open to reveal Heba and Xire on the other side. “You two, take Benjamin to his quarters. I assume you will take Evelyn with you, Isak?”

The old man nodded. “Aye, Safir be in the cavern.” His sailor infliction briefly resurfaced as he turned to Evelyn. “Unless you have anything else for the general, we best not keep Safir waiting.”

Benjamin shook his head. “I am not leaving Evy alone.” He gave Evelyn a persuasive gaze

Evelyn hesitantly chimed in with, “I would also feel more comfortable with Ben with me. At least for now.”

Fukayna sighed. “Your loyalty to each other is admirable, and I understand your trust in us is minimal at best. However, Evelyn must start her training immediately if she is to have any hope of succeeding.”

She looked to her brother, who bore concern across his face. Fukayna was right about their trust, but arguing would only wedge that distrust deeper. Evelyn tried to think of any way her and her brother could stay together like they planned. Then Isak suggested, “Perhaps they can join us for a little bit, so long as they do not get in the way. It’s not as if this session would reveal any rider secrets.”

“If you are sure, Isak. Heba and Xire will still accompany you. Isak, you have command of them for today.”

“Ma’am, surely we are capable of more important tasks rather than… babysitting,” Heba complained. Her conviction seemed to shatter with a single look from Fukayna. The younger companion stiffened, her stance of attention more rigid and formal. Evelyn swore she saw fear in her eyes. “Understood, ma’am.” Xire raised his head high and seemed to whisper into Heba’s ear. She winced, but did not let any other emotion show. So ichneumon can speak to their companions just like dragons? I wonder how much dragons and ichneumon have in common?

With the wave of a hand, Fukayna dismissed the party. Isak led them down the stairs and through the main lobby. Heba and Xire brought up the rear. A shiver ran down Evelyn’s spine as she could feel their cold, judgemental glares through the back of her head.

As they walked, Lumin asked, “Isak, was my mom one of the Lutha Dra dragons?”

“Aye,” he said heavily. “From what I know, she was a wild dragon that was captured and forced into servitude. She escaped so you would not share the same fate.”

They turned toward the tunnel next to the tower. As they drew closer, the sound of water crashing against rock echoed against the cave walls. A salty scent mixed with wet minerals rushed into Evelyn’s nose as they took a right turn within the tunnel.

After a short time, they took a left turn and came upon a cavernous cave mouth that opened to the open ocean. High enough for a dragon to hover, the ceiling was smooth and shining with small gems. Stalactites rounded the mouth of the cave, hiding most of the opening from the outside world. A pillar stood in the middle, splitting the opening in two. Where the ocean met rock, shells and seaweed coated the ground, being covered by the water rising from incoming waves every few seconds.

A small distance into the water, the surface was disrupted by a bulge rising. Breaking through the surface was Safir sauntering toward the group, fish in mouth. Evelyn felt her mouth water at the sight of it. Though she knew that was due to Lumin’s deep desire for the fish, she felt her stomach rumble. It struck her that she had not eaten yet. She was not someone who did well on an empty stomach, Benjamin always calling her a ‘hangry goblin’ when she was grumpy about food. Training would be a hassle if she did not eat something beforehand.

As Safir entered the cave, she tossed the fish, landing at Lumin’s claws. He looked at the fish then back to Safir, who’s shoulders dropped in frustration. “Yes, that is for you. Eat quickly.”

“Ah, that reminds me. I figured you’d be hungry.” Isak reached into his pockets and pulled out a protein bar and handed it to Evelyn, relieved she got something before training. “It isn’t much, but it’ll get you through the mornin’”

They both dug into their breakfast. Isak looked to Heba and Benjamin and apologized, “I would have brought more had I known you’d join us.” Evelyn felt guilty for eating in front of the others who did not get food, but that guilt was squashed by the rumbling in her stomach, begging for food.

Heba shook her head. “You need not feed us, sir.” Xire nodded in agreement.

Benjamin shrugged. “I don’t usually eat breakfast anyways.”

Like the fish he had the day prior, Lumin finished his meal within seconds. This made Evelyn feel rushed to finish her meal. Once she was done, Isak beckoned the pair to the edge of the water. “The first thing you two will learn is fusion. As you’ve seen us do before.” Isak placed his hand on Safir’s leg. She turned to mist and was pulled into Isak’s chest. “It is the first step in becoming true partners.”

Heba scoffed, winning everyone's attention. “I will never understand such an ability. Needing to be a physical part of your partner? We would never need such a thing to confirm our bond.” She pet Xire, who gave an approving growl. She was then swept out of view by a jet of water. After a moment of shock, Evelyn found Heba a foot back, sitting on the palms of her hands. Water dripped from every surface of her body. Xire hopped to her, helping her up.

“Dragons and ichneumon have just as many differences as similarities. But please do not interrupt me.” Evelyn reassigned her attention to Isak, who held his hand up, a pillar of water similar to what they saw Safir do to save her and Lumin. Xire growled protectively, but flinched when Isak flicked his finger, causing the pillar to aim at the ichneumon. Once he was convinced they would stay quiet, Isak released the pillar back into the sea. “One of the many benefits of fusion: when we are separated, you and I cannot manipulate magic effectively. But when fused, we draw upon our dragon’s strength as if it were our own. Though you use the same amount of magic that your partner would use on their own, and if they use too much magic…” Pausing his lecture, he took a deep breath. “Draining a dragons magic could range from knocking them unconscious, as you saw with Lumin’s flash ability,”

“Allegedly,” Safir’s voice came from Isak, startling them.

“Yes, allegedly, thank you, love,” Isak responded, rolling his eyes. “From knocking them out to killing them outright. That is why you will refrain from using those abilities, fused or not, until Lumin has grown to at least three months of age, am I clear?” The pair nodded. “Good, because we cannot afford to lose another dragon. And for greater incentive, you will also perish if he dies in that manner, Evelyn.”

“Wait,” Benjamin interrupted. “What do you mean if he dies, she dies? I am not leaving her life in the hands of-” Before he could finish his tyraid, Isak hit Benjamin with water as he did Heba, sending him tumbling back. While Evelyn watched, worried he was hurt, she heard Heba snicker, mumbling to Xire about him deserving it.

“I thought I was clear that you could come if you did not interfere with training.” Isak watched as Benjamin rose to his feet, spitting salt water from his mouth.

“I am only trying to protect Evelyn,” Benjamin said.

“You are doing her more harm than good by delaying her training... Are you proficient with that weapon of yours, Benjamin?” Isak asked.

Wiping water from his eyes, Benjamin nodded. “Finished second in marksmanship for the local guards in Banrigh.”

“Only second? Sounds like you need more training then, eh? Heba, why don’t you take him to the firing range. You could use some practice as well I would bet,” Isak said. Benjamin perked up for a second, a glint of joy appearing in his eyes before returning to his scowl.

At Isak’s suggestion, Heba crossed her arms, head sinking into her shoulders. “Preposterous. I am a swordsman, I should not have to cower behind such a weapon.”

“It sounds like you love making yourself vulnerable to every guard in Aonach,” Benjamin jeered. Heba only scoffed in response. “But as fun as that sounds, I am not leaving Evy alone. Especially not after you said that thing can kill her.”

“And I am not his babysitter. I was tasked to take him to his new quarters, nothing more.”

Heba and Benjamin were simultaneously hit with water again.

“You seem to forget that I have been given authority over you today, Heba. That is an order. As a matter of fact, why don’t you also give him a tour of the base afterward?” Isak smirked as Heba’s jaw dropped in anguish. A nudge from Xire snapped Heba from her trance and she stood and straightened her posture. She took a deep breath and nodded. “As for you, Benjamin, you do not want to hinder your sister's training, do you?”

“That’s not what I mean,” Benjamin said. He tried getting Evelyn to back him up, but her frustration grew as her and Lumin just stood there, listening to everyone bicker. The promise she made with her brother seemed to only hinder her now.

“If you want to protect me, let me train. Just trust me, Ben,” She said. Benjamin started to argue, but Evelyn cut him off immediately. “Please, go.”

With reluctance, Benjamin conceded and followed Heba back into the base. Tightness in her chest made her realize Evelyn held her breath through the exchange. Her mind swirled with mixed emotions. While she was relieved that her and Lumin could train without interruption, she worried for her brother. She felt as safe as she could with Isak and Safir, but she knew her brother worried for her. Not to mention he was now alone with what seemed like most of the remaining ichneumon population. All of which most likely hated the empire and everyone who represented it.

Her worry traveled through their bond as Lumin whispered, “I think he will be alright.”

“You’re right, I’m overthinking things,” she whispered back.

Isak groaned, looking like a load was lifted off his shoulders. “Now then, shall we continue?”