Legends of Amacia The Awakening

“I knew of him,” Josephine stated. “But I didn’t know him. He was the legendary leader of the drakens and drakenites of Drakonia. He’s as old as the world itself and is the alpha of his species. Legend has it that he protected the greatest archive ever assembled...an archive that contains the history of the known universe, including that of this planet from the beginning of time itself. I can’t be sure that the legend isn’t an embellishment, but Cerrelius was a force to be reckoned with. That is a recorded fact. Bolthor launched a savage war against him, the drakens, and drakenites of Drakonia that lasted nearly two hundred cycles. Only when the forces of light led by Cerrelius, the Elder Gods, the forces of Beowulf, and the mysterious stranger defeated Bolthor in the Battle of Drakonia did he retreat. That defeat cost Bolthor dearly. It took him hundreds of cycles to recover from that defeat, mainly because he lost his Etherian battle cruiser and FATE’s war machine in the battle.”

Hanna paled at the news. “Once again, that battle is haunting me,” she whispered. “Did Cerrelius participate in that battle?”

“He did,” Josephine replied. “But he used the Draken Fortress to do it. Cerrelius transformed the Fortress into a colossal weapon to counter the Etherian battle cruiser and FATE’s war machine. The fortress was badly damaged, but survived the end of the battle. It’s not known if Cerrelius survived.”

“What did Cerrelius look like?” Hanna asked tensely.

“No one knows what Cerrelius’ true form is,” Josephine stated. “He apparently had the ability to change his form at will. However, legends say Cerrelius of Drakonia was a colossal golden draken of immense size and power to match. Some legends declare Cerrelius was as big as a mountain and shook the earth when he moved. His roar could reach from one end of the sky to the other, shaking the very ground. He could incinerate entire armies with one blast of his fire breath and lay waste to entire continents. Though I tend to think much of these legends are not entirely accurate. One thing they all do admit is that Cerrelius was the alpha leader of the Drakens and Drakenites of Drakonia from the very beginning. His wisdom and intelligence are legendary, as is his power. Beings from all over the galaxy came to him for advice and instruction. The legends are consistent on that much.”

“Is there any recent information on the draken?” Nemesis asked.

“No,” Josephine answered bluntly, “The legends are all that remain. Neither Cerrelius nor his cohorts of Drakonia have been seen since the end of the Battle of Drakonia.”

“A golden draken of colossal proportions,” Hanna murmured thoughtfully, “That’s very interesting. This Cerrelius sounds like the draken that’s haunting my dreams all right. I never see his full extent in the dreams, but I can safely say his head alone is nearly thirty cubits across with enormous teeth. I’d be a tiny morsel to him. His eyes are two cubits in width and are the most beautiful gold color I’ve ever seen. They shimmer like liquid electronium and have this kaleidoscope look to them. Every time I see those eyes in the dream, I feel like I’m looking into the eyes of a god. But he can’t possibly still be alive, can he?”

“I cannot answer that question,” Josephine stated. “Cerrelius vanished from the annals of recorded history right after the Battle of Drakonia. Like the legendary Elder Gods, Beowulf, and that mysterious stranger who also vanished in that battle, no one knows what really happened to the alpha Cerrelius. Nearly every soul who went into Drakonia after that battle never survived. The few that did come out bore tales of a terrifying ghosts and fearsome monsters haunting the ruins who savagely attacked anyone who came there without mercy. Furthermore, there was some kind of biohazard still contaminating the entire area of the battle. Those who survived the hostile ghosts and monsters to escape didn’t survive the contagion. As I remember, those who came out died horribly from cell disruption on a massive scale. Their hair and nails would fall out first. Then their eyes would turn white, their skin would peel off as if they’d been burned, and bleed out of every orifice.”

“Sounds like a very bad case of radiation poisoning,” Harry commented. “I’ve seen that kind of thing before. So has Hanna.”

“Indeed,” Hanna agreed. “I’ve seen my share of that. But this sounds like something more dangerous. Where there any other symptoms exhibited, Jo?”

“There were,” Josephine stated grimly. “After their skin peeled off and they started bleeding out, their very flesh started dissolving as if some organic acid were eating it away from the inside out. It was gruesome to watch and there was no way to stop it. The poor souls who were contaminated by this contagion died screaming in agony, literally melting into puddles of sludge. Their internal organs liquefied and gushed out of their body cavity when the muscles dissolved to the point they could no longer hold the organs in. Bolthor had the remains tested, finding an extremely virulent flesh-eating virus unlike anything he’d ever encountered. It was highly radioactive, extremely aggressive, and invulnerable to everything except the hottest fire and magmas. He never found out where it came from, but suspected it to have been one of FATE’s bioweapons released at the end of the Battle of Drakonia when it saw it was going to lose. After losing five separate scouting parties to the monsters, ghosts, and viral contagion in Drakonia, he sealed it off, forbidding anyone to go there without his direct order. The penalty for disobeying the order was to be marooned there forever without any protective gear or weapons.”

“That’s when he ramped up his campaign against Thoth, isn’t it?” Enoch surmised.

“It is,” Josephine stated. “Bolthor was corrupted by the Darkness, but wasn’t stupid by any stretch of the imagination. He knew he couldn’t fight on two fronts. That’s why he went after Drakonia once he secured the throne. The Drakens and Drakenites of Drakonia were staunch allies of Thoth and the Caverias line, and the biggest threat to him at the time. Even though he lost the Battle of Drakonia, the drakens and drakenites also lost. They never truly recovered from the fight and loss of their capital city or their leader. They retreated into the mountains and became vengeful spirits, attacking Bolthor and his allies whenever they could. But without the leadership of Cerrelius, they never became the indomitable force they were before. Furthermore, after the battle, Bolthor went on a campaign to hunt down and exterminate the remaining drakens. The battle showed him the drakens were mortal and could be killed. By time the Kragonar occurred, only a few dozen drakens remained openly resisting his war against the Caverias and world. They allied with the countries fighting against Bolthor and his Dark God backers. They vanished when the Calamity from the Skies rained destruction on the entire world.”

“Incredible,” Andrew chimed. “I had no idea the drakens had been such a potent force.”

“Well, they were,” Josephine said with a sigh. “After the Calamity, I never saw another living draken. That is until Hanna rescued me and showed me the old draken species still lived on in Aeolus, Tethys, and their offspring. I’m very pleased that they survived, even though they had been prisoners as long as I was.”

“Indeed,” Hanna replied, nodding in agreement. “I just wish I knew if this Cerrelius still lived. He’s haunting my dreams on a regular basis in much the same way Enoch and Kida did before I found them. It’s troubling.”

“I wish I could say he still lived,” Josephine stated. “I truly do. His knowledge and wisdom would be a godsend to us since he’s seen it all. But I can’t because I don’t know. No one can say for sure if Drakonia even survived the Calamity.”

“That would be a good place to start,” Nemesis suggested. “You should start your search by finding out where it was and checking to see if there’s anything in the caverns that matches its description.”

“You’re right,” Hanna agreed, smiling soberly. “Does anyone have any idea of where the legends say it was located?”

“Cadre records say Drakonia used to exist beyond Cimmeria and the Wastes of Azrael to the northwest,” Horace reported. “Whether that’s true is still up for debate. No one has even tried to explore that savage corner of the caverns since the Kragonar buried us. Its remoteness, the jagged savage terrain, and hostile wildlife make exploring it not feasible. However, just before Hanna showed up in the caverns with her people, both the Emperor and Ahriaman openly considered sending scouting parties to that area for the first time since the original Emperor declared it off limits. The Emperor is convinced that the Etherian battle cruiser may still have some intact tech that he can use to further his plans. But when Hanna arrived, he abandoned the exploration so he could capture and kill Hanna. He’s convinced Hanna was why he lost the Battle of Drakonia, so he’s determined to get his revenge on her. But I still cannot see how he thinks Hanna could have been there. No one has been able to solve the time travel riddle. It can’t be done, and believe me, the Cadre has been trying to do that since the failure at the Battle of Drakonia. No one has the knowledge needed to create a stable time warp, and that’s the only way she could have been there.”

“I don’t see how I could have been there either, Horace,” Hanna agreed. “But I’m haunted by visions and dreams of this battle constantly. And the records I’ve seen thus far show someone who could pass for my identical twin showing up there out of nowhere and turning the tide of battle against the Emperor. Time travel is theoretically possible, but fortunately, no one I know of has ever been able to do it technologically. However, that doesn’t mean natural time warps couldn’t exist somewhere in the universe. If that man in the records is truly me, then I somehow found and safely traversed a time warp in both directions: both back in time, and then forward again. That terrible incident in Bolivia nearly thirty cycles ago keeps coming to mind when I think about this. I went into that jungle above the lake with my closest friends and something mysterious happened deep in the jungle that I cannot remember. I vaguely remember seeing a monstrous statue of a draken-like creature before feeling like falling into a hole and everything going black. The next thing I remember was waking on the shore of the lake approximately three leagues from where my last memory occurred. I felt like I was freezing and burning at the same time with my clothes scorched and tattered as if I’d been caught in an explosion of some kind. When I went back after recovering, I found no trace of the statue or my friends. That was the one time where I reaped the penalty for treading the cursed Earth. The natives warned me not to go there, but I had to investigate the strange temple they claimed was there.”

“You never found the temple, did you?” Kida asked.

“No,” Hanna replied softly, being very subdued in her tone and body language. “I lost good friends that day and still don’t know what happened to them. Until I find out what happened to them, their ghosts will continue to haunt me. I have to discover the secret of that day, but I have no idea how. There’s a massive black hole in my memories when it comes to that event...a blank spot that defies everything I know as a person. I’ve tried to break into it and lift the darkness there, but I’m powerless against it. It’s like trying to fight smoke. Nothing I do affects it. All I get from it is an intense sensation of deep alien dread. Something happened during those three hours that changed my life forever and I can’t remember it. It’s maddening, but at the same time I wonder if I truly want to know what happened. I may not be able to take it. All I know is after that cursed day, all my work on finding Amacia suddenly started producing fruit.”

“Now that is interesting,” Josephine declared. “I remember you speaking to me of this incident before, so I’ve had time to ponder it. It’s obvious you’ve yet to deal with this event because it still haunts you. But as I hear you speak of it this time, I’m beginning to suspect this incident is obviously the key event in your evolution as a person. Most people and beings have one defining incident in their lives where their destinies are defined. Apparently, this missing time event must be yours. I’m sure of it, but only you can break the seal on it. You must want to know what happened before you can see the truth of it.”

“Josephine is right,” Enoch agreed. “You must want to know what happened before trying to access that missing time. And you must be prepared to accept whatever comes forth no matter how good, bad, or gruesome it is. Only then will you be able to deal with it and grow from it. I’m of the opinion that you haven’t been able to access those memories because you’re not ready for the truth they hold. Something holds you back. Maybe it’s a higher power or maybe it is you. The point is that only when you’re ready see what destiny the Ancient of Days has laid out for you will you penetrate that darkness. And when you’re ready to go in there, we...your friends and family will be there to help you in any way you need. You don’t have to face your destiny alone.”

“I agree,” Selina said, moving in beside Hanna, leaning on the pool edge with her. “Of all people and beings here, I know how frightened you are of this. I’ve seen the black hole in your memories and felt the horror and dread it holds for you. You don’t have to face this unknown alone, Hanna. We’re all with you, and so is Hannibal. He wants those answers as much as you do and is just as afraid of that place as you are. Only together will you two be able to shine the light into that Darkness. That’s why it’s so important that you finish what you started with the completed soul. Only together in the power of the Lord will you be able to see and comprehend what lies in your missing time. Trust us, and the Lord. We will not let you down and neither will He.”

A relieved smile crossed Hanna’s lips. She shook her head with a soft chuckle as she saw the truth in Selina’s words. “You truly are my soul mate, Selina,” she declared warmly, abruptly embracing Selina in a sisterly manner. “You always know how to lead me out of the darkness. I understand now why the Lord sent you with me into this savage land. Thank you.”

Selina returned the hug, replying, “You’re most welcome, sis. Now, don’t you think it’s time to finish this? I want my husband back.”

“And I want my wife back too,” Hanna said softly. “It is time to finish this. Enoch...how much longer do I need to wait before Jo can reverse my mutation?”

Enoch squatted down beside Josephine. “We can do it anytime you’re ready,” he stated. “That’s why we came down here...to tell you everything is ready. We did several simulations with Josephine hooked into the machines and every time, the process ran flawlessly. Now, it’s up to you. When do you want to do it?”

Hanna’s face opened with surprise, asking, “You mean the machines are ready now?”

“They are,” Josephine stated. “I’m confident that I can reverse what I did with the machinery here and not have any problems doing it. But know it’s going to be a long process. It took me seventy-two hours to mutate you initially. It’s going to take at least that long to reverse it.”

“I’d also recommend that you be fully rested before we put you into the machine,” Horace suggested. “It’ll make things go a bit smoother if you’re not fighting fatigue or any wounds when you go in.”

“He’s right,” Nemesis agreed. “Being fully rested and not nursing any wounds will make the reversal go quicker and smoother. That way the machine doesn’t have to repair and restore your body before it starts to reverse your mutation.”

“I see,” Hanna replied thoughtfully. “That sounds very logical to me. Give me a day and a half. I need to meditate and prepare for it, along with making sure I’m fully rested. Barring something unforeseen, let’s plan on doing it not tomorrow morning, but the following morning. By the way, should I not eat before this procedure? I know on the surface when there’s major surgery planned, the person having the surgery done isn’t allowed to eat or drink anything for at least twelve hours before the procedure.”

“It might be advisable to do that,” Josephine stated. “But you don’t need to go without sustenance for twelve hours. If you don’t eat anything after dinner tomorrow night, then it should be okay. But I would suggest that you only drink water after dinner tomorrow. It’s important that you’re fully hydrated when we do this.”

Hanna nodded. “I can do that,” she replied. “And just to be safe, I won’t eat a large supper tomorrow night either. I don’t want to do anything that’ll jeopardize the procedure.”

“You’ll be okay,” Enoch reassured. “Now take the next thirty-six hours and relax; have fun. Do whatever comes into that pretty, little head of yours, but don’t train like you did yesterday. That may delay the procedure if you get hurt again.”

“If I do any training, it will be just kata training,” Hanna reassured. “I don’t plan on doing another round like yesterday until I’m restored to my true form.”

“That’s good,” Nemesis rumbled. “But I’d suggest that you not do too much of your kata training either. It’s not going to hurt to let your martial training slide for a day or two. As Master Enoch suggested, have some fun and relax. You have a highly disciplined mind that’s very complex. You need to let go and play some in order to keep balanced.”

“He’s right and you know it,” Selina agreed. “Play some, sis. Don’t worry about the Emperor or the mystery swirling around the Battle of Drakonia and your missing time. Show Hannibal how to have a good time now that you’ve released him from the room we secured him in while in the Harem. That’s your job now.”

“Indeed,” Hanna chimed pleasantly, feeling a great weight lift off her shoulders. “I still have to show him how to have a good time. Hannibal needs this, and so do I.” A deep sigh escaped her lips.

“What’s wrong, sis?” Andrew asked, after being quiet for most of the discussion about Drakonia and Hanna’s missing time.

“Nothing, big brother,” Hanna replied, smiling warmly again. “I’m just happy. That’s all. It’s such a blessing to have such good friends and family who want to help me.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Andrew said resolutely. “As you said many times, family helps one another, and you’re family. Though, I’m going to miss my hot little sister when you have the reversal done.”

Hanna smiled, splashing Andrew. “Flirt,” she crowed. “But, in a way, I’m going to miss it too.”

“But this is not who you truly are,” Josephine declared. “This form was thrust upon you by force. It wasn’t your choice. You’ll not truly be happy until you return to your original form.”

“True,” Hanna admitted. “I do miss the man I used to be. And to be honest, having a split personality isn’t that great either. I just hope I can finish welding those pieces together when you change me back.”

“Don’t worry,” Kida reassured. “You’ll do it. You’re practically one with your male side now anyway. Besides, I’m curious as to how you’ll look. All I’ve ever seen is you in this form.”

“Don’t worry,” Hanna stated. “You’ll see what I really am soon enough. Everyone will, even the Emperor. He’s going to regret what he did to me. He unleashed something he can’t possibly contain when he mutated me. Now, he’s going to pay for it in spades.” Hanna’s eyes started flashing with anger as she spoke of the Emperor.

“Down, girl,” Enoch chimed, “Down. Now is not the time for planning retribution on the Emperor. Now is the time for having fun. Put that sadistic demon pig out of your mind for now. Go...have some fun. Enjoy yourself while you can. The Emperor can wait until after you’re restored.”

“He’s right,” Nemesis agreed. “Don’t worry about the Emperor. We can handle his sorry ass for the next few days. Besides, we’re still treating those you rescued from him.”

“Right,” Hanna replied, her anger subsiding. “I think I’ll help out with the swim therapy while I’m here. It’s only right to do so.”

“Suit yourself,” Enoch stated as he stood up. “Just so you’ll know lunch will be ready in about an hour. I’ll see you at the table.”

“Okay, Enoch,” Hanna said amiably. “I’ll be there. The swimming has given me an appetite.”

“That’s good,” Nathanael purred. “Now have fun.” With that, Enoch, Nathanael, Nemesis, and Horace walked away, leaving Josephine sitting beside Hanna on the pool deck.

“You’re not going with them?” Hanna asked Josephine.

“No,” Josephine replied, rising to her feet. “I think I’ll stay and swim a bit. Maybe I can help out with some of the swim therapy.”

“We welcome any help you wish to give us,” Elle declared. “Your swimsuit is in the changing room in the locker.”

“I remember where we left it,” Josephine stated. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to help. I see you could use some extra help here.”

“That we can,” Elle agreed as Josephine walked to the restroom to change. “Come on, everyone. Let’s get back to work. Our friends need our help.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Hanna chimed as everyone went back to their swim therapy, including Selina and Kida. Five minutes later, Josephine returned to the pool wearing a single-piece leopard-print swimsuit with halter top and high-cut legs. She slid into the water and started to swim laps with Andrew and Hanna. After swimming a few laps, the trio started helping with the swim therapy for those who needed it.