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One night in the wilderness of the Outback desert was a dangerous time of the day to take a rest. It was made worse because they were behind enemy lines, a dangerous place where everything was trying to kill them. Richard had never knew this fact, and was surprised when the dragons, known to be the apex predator around these parts, tried not to cause too much noise or problems while flying nighttime.

The 4x4 driven by Juagar was attracting more attention to the wildlife than it was necessary, but fortunately for Richard, they were not forced to drive a full three days to Nia Baleth because Xiciro used his dimensional portal to shorten the distance between their current distance and the dragon city.

Of course, without any gas stations in that world, they were forced to stock up more fuel than necessary, causing their car to smell like gasoline. Even worse, with the fact that aside from Richard, the draconians in the car were fire-breathers, the whole trip became far more dangerous than it supposed to be. The fight with the Dragonsbane bandits was a risk in its own, but they were fortunate that the fuel was not exposed then. Now, however, they were leaking.

On the dragon's side, Yort was still as healthy as he ever be. He had never had a chance to travel this far from Qeveriyt because the other dragons, especially close friends like Riant, would prevent him from over-exerting himself. Sadly for Yort, however, the travel to Nia Baleth and back would be his final travel to the South. He knew his body better than other dragons tending him. ten millennia of experience had slowly withered his body. Theoretically, a dragon could virtually live forever if they were not inflicted with magic-based sickness or unnatural death, but Yort knew such thing wouldn't exist. It was written by the people whose life expectancy were around 60, due to the hundred years' war that plagued his time. Now, however, they live past a hundred, and Yort was considered ancient.

But he knew he living for this long was because of a reason. He was the only one that witnessed the dragons banishing Valutja's kind to the South and prevented them to return. For Yort, that was a sin that he must endure for thousands of years. He knew that the dragons were wary of treachery, as it was the reason the Dragonsbane were formed: from greedy, evil-oriented dragons who wanted to pit humans against each other for the sake of dragons, just for chaos. In the end, they would take over.

Yort, Grandos, and Abridorn, once known as the Trinity, dreamt of a world where dragons and humans would live together in peace. Abridorn knew that it was impossible, but he was blind, literally and figuratively, though he was not a complete pessimist. Grandos, being young and around the same age of Yort at that time, was more optimistic, making him feel content when around the dragon which past exploits had went on to become a legendary history, both for the dragons and especially for the humans.

Now, if his ancestors were willing, he would lift the curse on Nia Baleth. It may be the last good deed he do, because he didn't know how long he would live. He would like to see Nia Baleth, the mythical dragon city of the South (at least based on the Southern dragons).

Xiciro noticed Yort smiling as he beat his wings. Even if they were ancient and looked decayed, Yort could still fly like a normal dragon, albeit not as fast as many younger dragons.

"What's so funny?" asked Xiciro when he flew beside the green-scaled dragon.

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just glad that this opportunity is given for me."

"So, Yort, I have a question. Why didn't you do this earlier? I mean, why now? I know you are prohibited to do so for a hundred or so years, but you've lived long enough to be able to go alone when you're in your prime. Why didn't you?"

Yort chuckled. "I was a fool back then. Thinking that the anti-dragons...sorry, Dragonsbane...was based on the South, I didn't want to go here because we still had a city to protect and an Order to run. A full-scale invasion from the West would sour our relationship with the South, at least that's what I thought back then."

"You're quite right, old one," said Avet beside them. "Southerners are not known for their hospitality, you know. The moment they see an earth dragon flying, they might ask where you come from and attack you."

"So why not now?"

"Dragons here knew that being so independent could cause their demise. Let's say we think like Westerners do, and especially the Argoons, they were a close-knit, isolated community, so many learned from them..."

"Ah, it is as you said. The city is so bright. I can see that it rivaled...no, it's bigger than even Dracokin was."

Avet turned towards where Yort looked and gasped. The city of Nia Baleth was slowly getting bigger in their field of view. Avet turned towards Xiciro, to which the older Argoon smiled to him and said, "The perk of flying straight: you get there faster."

"How? The last time I did that I was attacked on all sides!"

Xiciro pointed down, and Avet looked the 'car' the draconians were travelling on. He then realized that because the draconians were also capable of defending themselves, they were even more effective in causing less problems with the Dragonsbane. Avet wondered if this was something in the draconian's world, where they were fighting not as a beast, but something between a beast and a humanoid creature. He wanted to go to that world at least once, before they closed the gate. He liked to explore, and that was what he would do once everything with Avila and the Nia Baleth problem was over.

The draconians, likewise, looked at the big city and gasped. Seiglet looked at it and exclaimed, "Bloody hell! Look at the size of those things!"

"That's the biggest city I've ever seen in my entire life!" said Bestreid, awed.

Richard wasn't trying to be surprised and say his part of comment, but he couldn't deny the fact in front of his eyes. Even if he had worked in a big city for 5 years, he had never seen a city as big as Nia Baleth. Dracokin could've been bigger back when he was human, but being partially underground halted its development. If it wasn't for the joint effort of Seraphor and many earth dragons, the city wouldn't develop. It's a shame that the place was just a pile of ruins.

Xiciro flew closer to the ground to talk with the draconians. Richard popped his head up on the hatch and said, "Anything to worry about?!"

"Aside from suspicious-looking black dragons and my daughter, I don't think so! Just don't cause too much problem with that car. They might want to lift it and see the inside!"

Richard smiled. "I won't let them!"

But as they went closer to the city, what they saw was something else entirely different. For the draconians, they didn't know the city's state before its current state, but the Argoons knew what happened.

In their absence, the city had been attacked from many sites, both from dragons and the dragon slayers. It stood up and still was fortified, but without the spatial pocket dimension, Nia Baleth was exposed to skirmishes. This caused the city to sustain damage from fights, and many Argoons, mostly feather-winged, were stationed near the giant walls.

They noticed the trio of dragons and said, "Hold it right there!" and flew towards the dragons. They were gliding as the three Dark Angels flew towards them.

"You two...are you Xiciro and Avet?"

"Yes, we are. Is there something wrong?"

"No, you two are expected by the commanders. Come with us. Is the dragon your companion?"

"I will wait outside if I'm not allowed in..."

"No, you're welcome any time in our city," said one of them. "We, uh...currently having problems with sleepers."

Richard could hear what they said, as did his friends. Juagar then said, "Dragons have sleeper agents, too?"

"It happens more times than you think it is, Juagar. Fortunately, these Argoons don't seem to...whoa!"

The draconians could feel their weight being lifted as the car was lifted by one of the dragons. The 4x4 wasn't as small as they thought would be since the Argoons were mostly medium-to-large dragons similar in size to Xiciro. They inspected the car, their reptilian eyes covering the whole scenery around the windshield. The draconians, stunned to be able to do anything, could only smile and say "Hi" to them.

The Argoons then smiled, too, and said, "It's an honor to see draconians in the flesh."

"O-oh, the honor is mine, mighty dragon," said Juagar.

"Okay, we can stop talking to each other for a while. We need to meet with Avila, now," said Avet.

"Right, follow us."

The car was carried by the dragons into Nia Baleth, where it was put by the archival building full of information regarding their history. Yort, Avet, and Xiciro landed near them. From inside the archive, came out a dragon that Richard recognized immediately.

Avila, the only yellow-eyed feather-winged Argoon there, stood out from the rest of them. Maybe it was just because he was a friend that he quickly knew which one was Avila despite of having many similar-looking black-scaled dragons around them. Juagar looked at Avila, the smallest dragon around there, and said, "Damn, she's hot."

"You know Cernie will smack you if she hears you say that, right?" said Richard. "Besides, are you attracted to a feral dragon?"

"No, it's not that!"

Avila moved near the car and said, "Hey, Richard, it's fine. Just come out."

Richard quickly climbed the hatch and looked at Avila again. She had never changed in the short time she left Qeveriyt, and Avila looked at Richard with renewed curiosity. She knew that he looked exactly like Raithorakh, if not from the fact that he was humanoid and was carrying a sword.

"Oh, Avila, I don't think you've been introduced with my companions," said Richard as he climbed down. "Guys, this is Avila. Avila these are my friends. The dark green one is Juagar, the black one is Orozco, the silver one is Seiglet, and the brown one is Bestreid."

The other draconians got out of the 4x4 and nervously smiled and wave their hands towards the dragons. Avila just smiled and said, "At least I know I'm not dreaming. Richard, you do realize that you and your friends are myths, right?"

"Hey, that's rude! We're real!"

Avila laughed. "Not for me, it doesn't. And, uh, maybe you can stay here for a while. I need to talk to my father first. We can talk later."

Xiciro was beside Richard all the time, making him uncomfortable when he saw the one dragon he had problems with. He eyed the draconian for a while, before Richard silently walk away with Juagar and his other friends.

Avila and Xiciro also had a similar staring moment for a while. Both look at each other's eyes while silently expressing their feelings. They did that for a minute before Avila said, "Father."

"Avila. It is good to see your face again," replied her father. They had another awkward stare before Xiciro said, "Let's not talk with your eyes and have a little more...open feelings this time, shall we?"

Avila and Xiciro walked down Nia Baleth while talking to each other, while at the same time he noticed Argoons both young and old looked at Avila and nodded in respect. Xiciro chuckled after the third old Argoon bowed his head towards Avila. The younger Argoon realized that he was chuckling and became embarrassed.

"I-it's not like I'm their leader...," said Avila, with voice trailing off.

"It's fine if you don't like being called a leader," said Xiciro putting one of his front legs on Avila. He made sure that he wasn't putting his weight on her.

"Don't you want to be one, like a, uh, god of destruction or things like that?"

"What are you, a child? I am not going to be able to even face myself if I am like that. But...that thought is not exactly far from my imagination."

Avila smiled when he saw how open her father had become despite of their short time being separated. She was somehow glad that the dark dimension didn't end up killing him, but returning him to her. She thought that this was what they called a 'second chance', even if that was a twisted way to explain it.

"Anyway, Avila...have you think about it?"

"Yes. To be honest with you, I still act like a child myself. I mean, I've already mated, but I don't have a way to express my true feelings to Seraphor. I loved him, and he knew it, but I..."

"If he knew you, even in this appearance, then you and him are meant to be together. Still, I need to talk to him about marrying too early."

"Come on, father, this problem again? Haven't we talked about this already?"

"I have, and I won't stop until I talk with that silver red dragon," said Xiciro. "Besides, he doesn't even look big enough to be..."

"Okay, stop right there, father. It's inappropriate," said Avila straight.

Xiciro gave her a mischievous smile. Instead of annoyed, however, Avila smiled back, knowing that he had become more of a father than a villain.

Talking with her father about the status of Nia Baleth took a lot of Avila's time, but it was worth it. Xiciro also enjoyed the discussion, and gave Avila suggestions on how to approach some parts she missed. In the end, Avila was needed by some young Argoons, leaving Xiciro alone.

That was when Mitra came towards him. The Dark Angel had been watching them talk and didn't want to disturb their private moment. After Avila was gone, it was her turn to talk her heart out.

Mitra deducted that the reason an outsider dragon came with Xiciro and Avet, alongside the draconians, had to do with the dragon prison. Mitra was aware that Avila wanted to rescue her mate inside the prison, but she was curious as to why a dragon as ancient as Yort wanted to travel far to the South.

That was when Xiciro gave the reason, and it surprised Mitra.

"It's time for the Argoons to return to the West and gather their lost history," said Xiciro to the surprised Mitra. The dragon gasped, unable to comprehend his answer.

"Is Yort...?"

"You are right. He's the last dragon that witnessed your race's exile," said Xiciro. "If I hadn't been able to read Erakor's collection, I wouldn't arrive to this conclusion. It is then your choice to go back to the West and retrieve old knowledge. There are ruins scattered around the region where you can start."

"Why are you doing this to us? We barely know each other and you gave us eternal kindness."

"I...guess you have a point there. I may sound cold, but I expect you and capable Argoon warriors to accompany us in attacking the dragon prison."

"I should've known. So that's your plan?"

"Not really. I'm out for vengeance. Turns out Scadel is the traitor."

"Wait, what?" Mitra couldn't believe what he said. How did he knew already? Even then, why Scadel?

"He's the closest to what the elder could say a friend! Are you sure it's him?"

"I may not know Scadel well, but as fellow healers, I know when he decided to attack. Erakor was attacked with darkness, but not just any darkness. For a dark dragon like an Argoon to be able to cure somebody, they needed precise draconic magic to use them. Unlike Yort, we can't grow herbs by ourselves. Scadel killed Erakor by lacerating him with dark claws."

"How can he make such experienced dragon to not aware?"

"Maybe it's trust, or maybe because it was so sudden."

"How about witnesses?"

"That place had not much activity when Erakor was killed. Besides, Scadel could've ran away before the body was discovered and the shield went down. It was only time before the Dragonsbane came to Nia Baleth and destroyed this place. Anyway, it seems you have done a great job fortifying this place. Have you appointed an elder?"

"To be honest with you, Xiciro, we wanted you to be our elder."

Xiciro was genuinely surprised. "An outsider like me?"

"You're still an Argoon, but...we changed our mind. Nia Baleth cannot become an isolated city anymore. It must become the hub of activities for us and Southern dragons, and yours. We may not be a place for humans to live in, but we can be a trading place."

"By time, there will be a settlement near Nia Baleth. Just one thing, Mitra. Do not ever let any Argoons to be a mount," said Xiciro with serious tone. "Do not let them. You can be friends, but you cannot let them be a rider."

"Then so be it," said Mitra. "So what are you going to do now?"

"I'll let Yort know that it is time, then we start our attack. I assume you have train them well?"

"Oh, I am, but the honor goes to Avila. I don't know what's in that dragon's mind, but she's a genius when in combat. Did you teach her those?"

"Do I look like a war expert? But, well, that's my daughter," said Xiciro with a smile.

After resting for a while, Yort walked towards the hill where many Argoons had gathered. Xiciro stood near him while he walked into the archives. The ancient dragon could not hold his satisfaction as he saw the runes and scripts with languages he still knew. He never would've thought that the Argoons, after Valutja's betrayal, still had these knowledge with them, being protected in the middle of the city of Nia Baleth from opposing forces.

"I'm glad that you can read and understand them, but right now we have a pressing issue," said Xiciro. Yort's mind was still sharp. He knew that ten thousand years of redemption outweighed the knowledge in that room.

Though Xiciro wasn't sure about the thing Yort should be doing, the ancient dragon seemed to know his way around things, even though this was the first time he had ever been to Nia Baleth. He stood right at the center of the room and he closed his eyes, presumably summoning something.

Then, in ancient draconic, he started to chant some kind of a mantra. It was translated to this:

"O great ancient ones, the ruler of the skies, the master of five elements of earth, and great judge of the land of living. It is I, Yortascix, a guardian of earth, seeking wisdom and guidance through these dark times. The time has come upon us to undo the mistake that is unjust. It is by thy guidance will we find a path for their salvation.

"Scales of the mighty Nidhregas, fire of the free Ygdal, wings of the swift Millen, and blood of the generous Yggdreal. Open thy seals, and end the magic!"

A strong force of pure mana and energy burst from where Yort was standing. It swiftly hit Xiciro and it went outside, making a sweep towards the sky over Nia Baleth. The Argoons below that felt something was lifted, but wasn't sure what. Only those on the vicinity of the archive knew what had been lifted.

"The job is well done," said Yort as the light faded away. "They are now free to return to their forefathers...land..."

He quickly fell to his side, with Xiciro running towards him. In panic, he quickly looked at Yort if he was still breathing or not. He felt relieved when he did so, slowly, like a sleeping dragon. He was just exhausted after releasing a seal equal his age. Even if he knew how to do it, it took a big chunk of his energy. The Argoon hoped that it wasn't life energy he was spending, or he would surely die.

"You know what, Yort? You are really something," said Xiciro as he put the old dragon's head down. "A miracle ten millennia in the making. That will go down in history as the best news headline. You really are the miracle dragon, Yort."

Of course, Xiciro knew what he was saying. Just some paces near where Yort was resting, a particularly old manuscript grafted to a rock was written in an old draconic language that the Argoon was familiar with. That rock, however, was not a random rock with written history, but something that Erakor gave to him back then, about Yort having an Argoon girlfriend named Xana.

He didn't wish to wake Yort up, but he didn't want him to die in his sleep, so he took measure to let him rest and take a good care of him. Right at that time, Avila went in with Mitra, and noticing Xiciro and Yort, Avila said, "What happened to him?"

"Exhausted."

"We know that, but...did he..."

"You are now free to return to the West and reclaim your knowledge, Mitra," said Xiciro. "I will gladly help, but first, you have to fulfill your end of the bargain."

Mitra gave Xiciro an expression that could only be described as something of a loathing, but otherwise, she was just annoyed. The older dragon gave her a smirk and a deep stare where Mitra quickly walked outside. Avila, confused with their silent conversation, approached her father and said, "What's between you?"

"Well, I made a deal. In return of their end of exile, they will accompany us to free Seraphor and other poor dragons from the prison."

Xiciro half expected her to be appalled and enter into an argument with him, to which he would gave her some sound, not unkind, answers. To his genuine surprise, Avila said, "At least you're direct for once. Besides, I was going to go anyway if you don't return within one month. The place is not as bad as you think."

"Wait, so why did Mitra..."

"Maybe she doesn't like having to make a deal with you," said Avila while smiling. "You're not a dragon that's easy to trust."

There was a moment of disbelief before Xiciro swore silently under his breath.

Now that everything's out of the way, Xiciro knew that Avila would go to the dragon prison with the other dragons that she had trained to whatever strategy she had devised. Fighting amongst feral dragons was something Xiciro had never felt before, and it was unique, considering that every dragon capable of fighting in Nia Baleth used some form of darkness.

With the support of the draconians, their attack on the dragon prison would be something to fight for, or die for.