The Rider’s Legacy: Chapter 9

Nero could feel it. The blood running down his claws, the whimpers of pain, and the look of terror that covered their faces. The faces of his children. Not fearsome and covered in scales but trembling with wide eyes. Sefirin doing his best to shield his sister but no match for him in his dragon form.

Nero shuddered awake, eyes wide. His eyes adjusted to the darkness immediately and looked around the bedroom. The first thing he realized was the weight on his chest. He looked in front of him and saw Sefirin’s tiny head on his chest. He was raising his head slowly though, blinking sleepily at his father.  It was mid morning and the sun was rising but after the night they had, they weren’t likely budging until the afternoon.

His eyes blinked horizontally and Nero met his yellow eyes steadily. “Waz wrong daddy?”

Nero slowly sat up, positioning Sefirin more comfortably against his chest, and shook his head, “Just a bad dream.” He glanced down and saw how tightly Sefirin’s fist was clenched and frowned harder. “It seems like you did too little one.”

After the commotion that night they had some explaining and answering to do. At least they should have. Neither Dawn, Lily, nor Nero wanted to talk to anyone or see anyone. They did rudimentary healing of their wounds and then locked themselves in their room and went to sleep, all five of them in their bed. To sleep and hope that they could forget all of this happened. But some things went deeper than that.

Sefirin looked at him and his face crumbled slightly and nodded quickly. He wrapped his arms around Nero tightly holding onto him and Nero did the same keeping him close. “You know you’re really brave right?”

“What you mean?”

“You and your sister both came to my rescue. I don’t know if I ever could have done that. But it was dangerous too.”

He looked down. “We had to.”

“You had to?”

He nodded again, “We had to. Else something bad was gonna happen.”

Nero stared at his son and heard the conviction in his voice, “How did you know that?”

“The lady told me.”

That made him sit up a bit more. He shuffled back in bed again careful not to disturb Lily on his left and Dawn on his right with Silva wrapped up in her arms. They shifted slightly but none of them woke up. As Nero sat up, he focused on Sefirin.

“What lady told you to come save us? Do you remember?” Sefirin hesitated, looking down and Nero realized how sharply he’d asked that question. Taking a deep breath, he dialed back.

“You’ve been really brave Sefirin. Braver than I could’ve ever asked you to be. But we’re together now and home. You don’t have to be brave anymore. But I do need you to tell me who that woman’s voice was.” His tone was gentle but strong. After getting possessed by Daze, any other wild cards were putting him on immediate high alert.

Sefirin could feel his father’s tension but looking at him with his draconic eyes, seeing it was him, really him, he nodded. “I. I heard the lady’s voice. She sounded weird. Like. Weird. She said. That you were in danger. And me n’ Silva save you.”

Nero stared at him not able to comprehend that. What voice would have done this? Told his children to run into mortal danger to help him. It didn’t make any sense. Who would even be around able to contact the two of them specifically? He couldn’t think of anyone they even knew that had that power.

“Daddy?” he left his thoughts and glanced down at him again.

“Yeah?”

“Are you mad?”

“Mad? Not at all. If anything, I was just scared. Scared of what might happen to you two. No one is as important to me as you two.”

“Really?”

“Really little one,” he smiled kissing his forehead lightly.

He ducked his head smiling but then looked up quickly, “What about mommy and una?”

Nero smiled, “I’m more than positive they’d say the exact same thing.”

“Daddy! I just membered something.”

“What’s that?”

“The lady. She called me n Silva that too.”

“What?”

“Little one.”

That stole Nero’s breath away. He stared down at his son at a loss for words. He tried to grasp for the words but they kept deserting him. Slowing down and taking his time he met his eyes and watched him blink away the yellow and back to the normal brown. “Are you 100% sure the voice called you guys that?”

“Mmhm.”

Nero leaned back against the wall staring up at the wall. Sefirin stared at him confused but fought a yawn. “Insane. She’s still looking over me, even now.”

“What are you talking about daddy?” he asked and sat up spreading his wings slightly. He grabbed his father’s shoulder and tried to shake him. Nero went with it just to play along. He flapped them making a gust of air that buffeted his face.

Making a face at his son he laughed picking him up which was a sure fire way to make him laugh as well. Lifting him up did hurt though and he flinched slightly. And the two of them were suddenly no longer the only ones awake.

“What time is it?” Lily mumbled as she sat up. She winced touching her side and then rubbed her eyes slowly.

“Honestly no idea. I think close to noon,” Nero shrugged as Sefirin settled down.

“Why are you two awake?” Dawn asked softly her pink eyes half open. She looked down but Silva was still fast asleep. She smoothed a hand through her messy hair and smiled. “My little lela can sleep through anything.”

“That she can,” Lily reached over smoothing her hair as well.

“Me and Sefirin had bad dreams,” Nero said. “So we talked about it. And now we’re here accidentally waking you two up.”

“Bad dream?” Dawn looked at him and Nero made a face. “You okay?”

“I am now. Though I have something to talk about of you later.” He met both of their eyes and they both looked at each other before nodding to him. Sefirin reached out to his father and put one hand over his eyes and the other into his hair. He pretended to ignore him but Sefirin was very adamant.

“What’s up little one?” Nero asked.

“Hungry.” He put both his hands on his father’s head and sat up straight flapping his wings slowly. “Lunchtime.”

“It is that time right about now,” Dawn started to say more when a heavy knock at their door echoed.

That finally woke Silva who let out a little cry of annoyance. She started to fidget but Dawn was already ahead of her complaints as she rocked her slowly. When she opened her eyes properly, they were green and then filtered over to pink as her pudgy hands played with strands of Dawn’s hair, not unlike her own.

Another knock though made her eyes shift back to green bordering on red. And no amount of cooing was going to settle her down. Sighing she glanced over at her partners, “I guess someone really wants to get to us this morning.”

“Who dares?” Lily asked grouchily.

“Only one way to find out,” Nero started to get out of bed but felt a tug at his shirt. He looked down and it was Silva. Her hand was tight around his shirt. He tried to move but she wasn’t letting go and even grunted at him. She stared up at him with orange and pink melded eyes and he sighed. “I guess I’m popular this morning.”

“I guess so,” Dawn agreed glancing at their daughter surprised. She looked at Dawn for a moment then back at Nero. “You’re never this demanding”

She relinquished her though and slowly through some shifting Nero was able to pick her up. She got comfortable, coiling her tail around his arm and pressing her face against his chest. Nero got out of bed and walked over to the door. He opened it and he and Silva both looked at the frazzled Nico.

“Nico? What’re you doing here?”

He leaned back raising his medical bag, “What am I doing here? What else? I heard from Alastor about what happened to you all last night. As the person who’s been patching you all up for years, I’d say I’m pretty invested in your health at this point.” 

Silva looked at him and pointed, breaking into a happy peel of laughter. Nico blinked quickly not sure what was so funny for her. “Fox! Fox!” she shouted.

Nico let out a sigh and smiled at Silva, “Yes. You remember me it seems. I helped to deliver you over a year ago.”

He reached out to her and she grabbed his finger staring at it intently. Her eyes blinked sideways and her dragon eyes peered at it and then him. But she looked back at Nero and yawned. Nico looked at him as well, “I can see you all did some basic healing but you definitely need more than what Dawn and Lily were able to walk you through.”

Nero was about to say something but he groaned feeling his chest ache. “I guess you could say the fighting wasn’t easy. Even my scales aren’t enough to fight off Lily and Dawn.”

“Please let me look you all over,” he said looking past Nero.

Sefirin flew over and landed on Nero’s shoulder, sitting as best he could and folding his wings. “I member you. You Nico.”

“Hello Sefirin.”

Sefirin beamed and then reached out to Silva as she took one of his hands.

“So, will you let me examine all of you? Please? I’ve looked at everyone except you five.”

Lily and Dawn both came over, greeting Nico with waves. “We probably need it,” Lily admitted. “But can it wait? I know that both of them are hungry. And we could do with some energy.”

“I know Francisco will be handling what he can but,” Dawn looked down thinking of the reason that she had to step into that position. She looked at her family and frowned harder. “But I have responsibilities.”

“Don’t worry about us baby. We’ll help with the clean up effort after we get some food,” Lily said.

“What about ola and lela?”

Nero nodded, “Hopefully Alastor can have his clones look after them. We’ll figure something out princess. We always do.“

Lily kissed her forehead and Nero kissed her cheek gently. Nico nodded in understanding, “Yes. Food is good. Especially for recovering. You guys get lunch and then Nero and Lily see me immediately. Dawn I can see you when you get some free time.”

“Thank you, Nico,” Nero said and then looked at his children. “Come on now. Let’s get something to eat. You too princess.”

Nico left and they realized just how long it had been since they’d cleaned themselves. So, they bathed, changed clothes, and then finally left to find where the new dining hall had been relocated. After a little bit of searching and questions asked, they found out that the training grounds were being used as a gathering place.

The training grounds in particular were a walled off area to the side of the castle. Just adjacent to the forest itself. Normally it was just a wide empty field with places for competition and improvement. However big events with fanfare and festivity were held there as well. That’s where their tournaments were held once upon a time.

Now though there were benches and tables hastily setup along with a few tents where their chefs were preparing meals for the workers and guards. As the five of them entered though there was a sudden uptick in energy. Just seeing their princess in the flesh was enough to improve morale. Even more so with Silva and Sefirin present.

Food was pretty standard sandwiches for everyone and a welcome refreshment for them. Though they wanted to eat and take their time they were discovered. A bit of commotion came and they watched the white shape descend from the sky. Sefirin, presently sitting on his father’s shoulders pointed to the sky.

“Daddy. Bird.”

Looking up as well Nero narrowed his eyes at the glare from the sun and then blinked his eyes to their draconic state. He sighed glancing over at Dawn and gently pushed his plate away. “Looks like family time is over for now.”

Francisco landed on the grass, his wings folding against his back and turning into something like a capelet.  He brushed back his hair and rested soft blue eyes upon Dawn. He bowed to her and nodded to everyone else, “Your majesty. I know that you all required your rest. Yesterday night was more eventful than anyone could have anticipated. But we cannot delay further. Your presence is needed in deciding how we progress forward.”

“I know Francisco. I am ready.”

She stood up much to Silva’s immediate displeasure. “No.” she protested sternly and glared her eyes bordering on red as she reached for her. Lily took her hand which helped to distract her a bit and Dawn lowered herself to press her forehead against hers.

“It’s okay lela. I’ll see you tonight. I promise.”

She grumbled out another ‘no’ and Dawn kissed her forehead gently. She glanced at Lily and kissed her, “Hopefully they won’t be too much of a handful luza.”

“Nothing we can’t handle,” she replied.

Dawn made her way over to Nero and Sefirin. “You got meetings?” Sefirin asked disapprovingly.

“Indeed I do ola.”

“Boring.”

That made her smile, “Probably. But very important.”

“Try not to have too much fun princess,” Nero teased.

She kissed Sefirn’s cheek and then Nero, “I’ll try luzo.”

Her goodbyes finished for the time being, she turned back to Sefirin. He bowed his head once more and then spread his wings, “Let’s be off.”

Dawn conjured her own wings of light, the other five stars hovering around her, and she took off with him. The four of them finished their lunch next and set off to find Nico. Nero looked at the castle and it felt much worse to see from the outside. This gleaming beacon that he’d watched and marveled at as a kid, explored as a teenager, and now called home as an adult, in ruins. He looked away feeling guilt form like a pit in his stomach.

He felt Lily squeeze his hand and he glanced over at her. She wasn’t looking at him but he felt her attention on him, “You’re blaming yourself aren’t you.”

“No,” he said first and gave her a small smile. “Maybe a little.”

“I knew it.”

“Mommy. Is daddy sad?” Sefirin asked looking at her.

“No. He just thinks too hard,” she replied. “And takes way too much blame.”

“Blame,” Silva repeated. “Daddy no blame.”

“Exactly sweetie,” she said rubbing her nose against Silva’s eliciting an exciting laugh. Though as she sniffed the air she made a face and stared at her daughter. “Really Silva? Right now?” Silva smiled not remotely understanding what her mother’s complaints were at the present. “Nemo go find Nico. I’m going to go change our daughter.”

Nero smiled, “I can handle that and you can get checked up.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Dragon scales are tough. And I know I did a number on you,” he frowned looking at her.

“If you say so. And I’m only accepting this because she smells. Not because I’m indulging you and your guilt,” she gave him a quick kiss and then slowly and carefully handed over their giggling daughter. “Come on Seffy. We’re off to find Nico.”

“Okay!” Balancing carefully Sefirin flew off his father’s shoulders and landed on his mothers. She gave a small grunt when he landed but she was able to keep him balanced easy enough. “Let’s go!”

“Alright. We’ll see you soon. Come on little one. Let’s go get you cleaned,” Nero said looking down at her.

Nero took one of Silva’s hands and waved for her whispering, “Bye mommy. Bye Seffy.” Nero took off into the air, flying directly back to their room using simple telekinesis.

Holding onto him Lily and Sefirin walked the road back toward the castle. Sefirin spread his wings as they walked rocking back and forth along his mother’s shoulders and grinned down at her. “Mommy. Hey Mommy,” he looked down at her bending over slightly.

Lily raised her eyes to address her slightly upside child. “Yes sweetie?”

“How important am I?” he asked carefully as if sounding out his words.

She looked at him fully, tilting her head up. “You and Silva are the most important things in the whole world to me. Why?”

“Daddy said same thing. He said you’d say that.”

“Well he was right.”

He sat up properly, balancing on her back, and frowned hard. “Mommy.”

Lily let out a soft sigh as they walked back into the castle. She ducked low as they entered a door to avoid him hitting anything but he also ducked down. As they walked up the flight of stairs, she looked up at him, “Yes?”

“When did you meet daddy?”

She paused in the middle of her step and glanced up at him before continuing to walk through the door. They were on the first floor of the castle, going through one of the archways. The hallway they walked had cracked walls and lots of damage but remained standing. There had been evidence of magic being done here but also a lot of physical leg work mixed within.

All the while she thought about her son’s question “Gosh. It’s been a long time. I think we first met when we were both in the academy. I guess as sophomores. Well he was. I was a junior at the time. I actually didn’t like your father a lot when we first met.”

“Why?”

Lily shook her head, “I thought he was obnoxious and loud. Too much like his friends and my little brother. But then I got to know him and he was a little bit more than that.” She grinned. “It took a long time for me to really fall in love with him but when I did, I fell hard. Loved him ever since.” She laughed her face breaking into a bright smile.

“What about una?”

She blushed at that. “Dawn was a little different. I knew her while we were in school too but unlike Nero we got along from the beginning. She was quieter back then. I think we had a thing for each other back then but we never talked about it. It took Nero to bring us all together.”

She slowed down standing in front of a door. It was a simple marked door with a plaque sporting a white cross. “And now I have you.” She picked him up slowly and set him down on the ground smiling. “And I couldn’t be happier.” Taking Sefirin’s hand in one she knocked once on the door before walking inside with him.

The room was small, a couple of chairs and a bed in the room. Across from the bed were two shelves with medical supplies filled. Some behind a glass container and some out in the open. A few plants were growing on a desk next to it. Nico looked up from a clipboard and glanced at Lily and Sefirin, “Oh good you’re here. Sans Nero.”

Lily chuckled walking Sefirin toward one of the chairs and started to help him into the chair but he protested before half jumping, half gliding into the seat. She clapped impressed and pat his head lightly. “Nero’s changing Silva. They’ll both be here as soon as they can.”

“That’s fine. We can start with you,” he said motioning toward the bed.

She nodded walking over to it and sat down. Nico took off the medallion and pressed both his fingers together. It glowed and then began to float. He pointed toward her and it circled around her slowly. She could feel the light upon her and relaxed slightly.

As the medallion worked Nico took her hand and saw the deep scars on her palm. He pressed his thumb across them and Lily winced as he did but remained still. Nodding slowly, he created an orb of light and sent it toward the shelf across the room. Stepping around her he touched his hand to her back, pressing here and there, and gauged how she winced each time.

The medallion floated back to him and he wrapped it around his neck, “Alright. I’m going to work on your back.”

The light returned to him as he held a small bowl and he took it letting the light disappear. He held the tiny bowl out to her and motioned to her hand, “Dab two fingers into this and apply it to the scarring on your hand. It’ll help speed up healing and reduce scarring.”

Holding his hands apart from one another he took a slow breath and let his hands glow to a gentle green. He pressed them gently against her back and she sat up slowly groaning and then relaxed again. He moved his hands up and down the shape of her back. “You had a rough fight.”

“I did. No slack in fighting Nemo,” she chuckled.

“So I’ve heard,” as he continued moving his hands down her back he paused and glanced down at his medallion. It pulsed and his eyes flashed for a short second. He stopped and looked down at Lily eyes widened. “I guess congratulations are in order.”

“I wouldn’t say surviving draked up Nero warrants that,” she laughed.

He looked her over and paused his treatment, “You don’t know.”

“Don’t know what Nico?”

“If my medallion is correct, and I believe it is, you’re pregnant Lily.”