Legend of Zelda: Divine Vessel

- XV: Ruby of Din - Part II -

The eerie red haze returned to the room, demonic roaring and growling echoing throughout the area.

Just ahead of the adventurers, chains were clashing against the granite walls and floor.  Slowly, a mass in the center of the room manifested.  It was though it was always there, just invisible.  It was another dragon, encompassed by violent red scales and terrifying red eyes.  But unlike Verdura or Zafiro, this dragon's wings and legs were fastened to tight, dark chains, keeping it from roaming throughout the room freely.

"How dare you enter my Skyward Temple when I am in such a weak state!" The dragon roared in a deep, yet feminine tone.  She tried to flap her wings, rattling the chains binding her to the ground.  She lowered her neck, leaning as close as possible to the two Hylians.  Thus, this action allowed them to see a glowing red light protruding from the back of the dragon's head.

However, there was no need to strike immediately as the dragon was not able to move.  After going through an emotional revolution from facing their fears, both Nova and Link were determined and had discovered new confidence.  Yet, Nova was still angered by the fact that she had forced her to face such despicable emotions.

So, the brunette drew her Divine Blade, pointing the tip at the dragon's nose with a scowl lining her face.  "Who are you?" Her question was demanded.

She chuckled, causing Link and Nova to feel the air blowing through her large nostrils.  "I am the Guardian Dragon of the Sky, Lumeceo!" Her voice bellowed triumphantly as she drew her head back intimidatingly.  She lifted her wings as much as possible, making her appear larger and more terrifying.

"Are you aware that you are possessed?" Nova asked, thinking the same question since freeing Zafiro from the darkness influencing him.  However, she hadn't had a chance, but now, since the dragon was bound, there wasn't much danger with asking.

"Possessed?!" Lumeceo scoffed. "No one has nearly enough power to control my mind."  She turned her head towards the daring girl, glaring at the brunette with flaming eyes.  "How dare you suggest something so humiliating."

"You are bound in chains..." She mentioned, earning a short laugh from her two companions.  The brunette then turned to Link, speaking quiet words about their tactic of freeing the massive creature.

"Make sure she doesn't attack me.  I'm going to go after the critical point." Nova stated, then bolted to the large chains binding the dragon.  Luckily, she had gained enough balance over the years to be able to run up the metal bindings as Link distracted her.  Within a minute, Nova had reached the scaled body.

She gripped a large plate with her gloved hand, pulling herself onto the dragon's shoulder, slowly climbing up her thick neck.  However, Lumeceo began to thrash about, giving Nova difficulty as she tried to scale the beast.

"Link!" She cried accusingly.

"I'm trying!" He defended, waving his sword about to try to get the massive creature's attention.  "You're the one who needs to hurry up!" The blonde exclaimed with a joking tone.

"I'm sorry, were you thinking that climbing a dragon would be easy?!" Nova spat sarcastically, rolling her golden eyes that reflected the red haze of the room.

Eventually, she managed to pull herself on top of Lumeceo's wide head, and held onto the scales to keep herself from slipping.  But this was difficult task, seeing as she would need both hands to thrust her sword into the dragon's weak point.

Nova waited until the beast stopped thrashing, and cautiously rose to her feet.  She drew her Divine Blade and raised it over her head.  Then, Lumeceo moved again.