C L (First Version-Complete)

50: No Man's Land

"Arrivederci," I said to Kisuke and his family. We had just left the land of Serere and were now going back to our main course which was the Ancient Kingdom. It would seem that the time in that land was faster than the time outside of the lake Andros. A day had only passed outside of lake Andros. We only let winter fade before returning back to the surface. Nanase said that time was faster in the land of Serere and that the four seasons were just equivalent to one day.

My gut twisted in a strange manner when I thought of going back there. It must be because of the memories that I didn't want to relive again. I do not want to lose the family that I formed. If possible, I would like to leave once we accomplished our purpose there even if okaasan begged with all her heart.

"Thank you Lucian," Kisuke acknowledged. "I wouldn't be able to be reunited with Nanase if it wasn't for you," he added and bowed in a ninety degree angle. He was a stern individual but when it came to Nanase, he was willing to go below the ground for the sake of his lover. He was a proud individual who wouldn't care less of his reputation when his love ones were involved.

Hanji mimicked his father who looked younger than him and Nanase gazed at me with troubled eyes. He was the only person who I shared my burdens with and it wouldn't be long before everyone knew of what he had shared without even me announcing it.

No...it wasn't an image of a naked Wye Fye...it was far more heinous than that. No, it wasn't a memory of Snotty either. Surprisingly, what he showed me was far more atrocious than these two.

"You take care of yourselves," Lucius told them and then shook Kisuke's hand in a firm handshake. Nanase and I only stared at each other the whole time that our group said their farewells with their family. I gave him one last nod and a one-sided smile before finally looking away. He did not need to feel sorry for me. I have always been through bizarre experiences. This one wouldn't be different.

Sevor's bones let out loud cracks and his body transformed into his dragon form. Lucius got on top of Argo and the rest of us got on Sevor's back except for Raphael who always flew on his own. Everyone was quiet throughout the flight. It would seem as though that the land of Serere drained us of our energy for we had too much bliss. It may be because each of us dreaded the fact that we had to once again face the harsh realities of the world after taking a short pause from our quest. We had no choice.

If we let this world be ruled by them, there wouldn't be a world to enjoy in. If one cannot sacrifice for the one they love, their love will be the one sacrificed and it would be sacrificed for nothing.

Caleb had his chin on top of my shoulder. Samael stood over Sevor's spiky head and Slade sat in front of me. The winds seem off. Usually, they only emitted hush whispers but now... I could hear vague shrills of terror that came alone with the strong drafts.

"Everyone...be careful!" Lucius announced. Gasps and curses erupted from everyone of us when we saw the small forms of beings that seemed to be a herd of insects from afar. As they got closer, their growls, shrieks, and howls became more evident.

"Mantikhoras, griffins, harpies, pegasus, gargoyles, wyverns and a whole lot of flying beasts are heading towards us!"Slade declared. Sevor let out a beastly grunt and I saw Samael's scythe materialize in his hand.

"Lucian, I'll hold you!" Caleb told me and then wrapped his arms around me to keep me in place. The younger twin's arm darkened and became bulky. His arms sprouted bony blades and his hands became claws. His ears turned into light grey ears shaped like a paper fan. The man rose up and prepared to attack anyone who would come close to us.

"Are you fucking serious?!" Samael snarled at the incoming beasts.

"Hold on!" Slade shouted.

"Dodge them! We don't have time to eliminate every single one!" Raphael ordered. His silver spear appeared in his hand and he soared passed us. Sevor glided in a quicker pace to clash against the moving wall of creatures. Argo neighed and they chased after older dragom's form. Samael leaped down from Sevor's head and then rose up having his sable bat wings and tail. The two men who had their own wings pierced and slashed a way for us. It was practically raining blood from how fast the two lacerated the beasts with their quick movements. One by one, the defeated varmints cascaded.