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~ Continuing along the path the boys noticed some sunlight glistening through the trees, "I think we are now on the right path" Ion said as a cool breeze blew past, "look, what is that over there" Zephyr said are he pointed to what looked like a wooden gate up top some stone steps. Ion, Flint and Zephyr ran towards the mysterious structure as more of them came into view, lining a path up the mountain nearby, "well this must be it, it is what Elder Ember told us to look for" Flint said as Zephyr climbed the steps to take a closer look at the gate before taking a seat, "I sure hope so, we lost almost half the day just trying to find the entrance to this place" he said in a tired tone, "need some rest" Ion asked to which Zephyr nodded, "ok then we can take a quick break before we... woah" Ion started to say as the sun's glow grew brighter, the colour of the leaves of the trees changed to an almost autumn tone as birds circled overhead readying to dive down, "what the heck is going on?" Flint confusedly asked giving a look to Ion. "Merow, well you trespassed onto sacred grounds, what did you think would happen yawn" a voice said as Ion, Flint and Zephyr turned their heads towards where the voice came from, seeing a small cat sleeping on top of a sign that was not there before. "Did that cat just... talk?" Ion asked as Zephyr poked the sleeping cat, "hey cut that out!" the cat said opening it's eyes to stare down the three young foxes, "ah it does talk" Flint yelled as he grabbed a hold of Ion, with Zephyr taking a small step back from the cat, dropping his scythe on the steps. "So you are foxes, what business do you little demons have in these parts?" the cat asked, "better speak the truth if you know what's good for you little devils." "We are not here to harm anyone or anything, we seek an audience with the dragon elders of this mountain" Ion started saying, "my father the Overseer of this land sent us to deliver a message." "Interesting but do you expect me to believe you are of the line of Yggdrasil just because you say so?" the cat asked back, "well I do carry my family's crest on my bracers, only a Yggdrasil is able to wear that mark" Ion answered back. "How do I know those are not fake, they don't look like an armorer made them" the cat retorted, "well I did craft them myself" Ion replied as the cat gave a smug look, "but that doesn't mean I am not a Yggdrasil, just because my family has an armory doesn't mean I can't craft my own protections" Ion continued in a pleading but determined tone as the cat raised an eyebrow. "Well that could be true but I have a sure fire way of making sure" the cat replied as the birds overhead started flying towards the boys, 'if your words are pure then they should recognize you and if not... well then... lets just say it won't be a pretty sight" the cat continued as it looked on the three boys with a keen interest.
The boys readied to defend themselves as the birds circled around but Ion was able to look one in the eye as he felt some sort of essence emanating from it, he lowered his sword and raised up his right hand. In that moment the birds scattered, stopping their flight to to either land in the nearby trees to hover around them, Ion then pointed out one finger towards the bird he had been eyeing as it slowly landed on the tip, much to the relief of Flint who placed a hand on his chest and Zephyr who sat back down to breathe a sigh of relief. "Well it looks like your word are true, just like your father and grandfather before you" the cat said yawning once more, "now will you believe me and tell me what I want to know?" Ion asked. "Oh, I knew from the beginning you were telling the truth" the cat said much to the annoyance to the three boys, "I just like toying with my prey it is quite fun you know." "What do you mean by prey?" Ion asked as Flint and Zephyr both look in interest back at the cat, "there is more to you then meets the eye isn't there?" Ion said as he pointed his sword towards the cat. "My my, you are a clever one aren't you" the cat started saying, "but do you think it is wise to challenge me?" the cat continued as it's voice changed. The cat then jumped up off the sign as it's body grew bigger before transforming into a tall red floof dragon, "I am the guardian Lazarus, I have been looking forward meeting you again after the last time." "Last time? when did I..." Ion started saying before he remembered the lighthouse coast incident, "you were there the last time... though if I remember correctly, you might look big but you are no older then us am I right, in fact didn't your elder have to..." Ion started saying in a teasing tone, "you watch what you say" Lazarus blurted out angrily, "you might be the son of the Overseer and this time on our land on official business, but I am still a guardian and can toss you off our mountain if I feel like it" the dragon continued. "Ok then, guardian, would you be so kind to take us to your elders" Ion asked in a somewhat polite tone, "not so fast" Lazarus replied, "anyone who wishes to enter the dragon village, no matter what the reasons, must pass the mountain trials." "Mountain trials? But we don't have time for that, this message need to be delivered quickly" Ion answered back as the dragon gave a small smile, "just like your grandfather not wanting to indulge in our traditions" Lazarus said, "how do you know so much about my family?" Ion asked, "the tails of you Yggdrasil's are quite well know in my tribe, your father Ivan accepted our trials when he journeyed here while your grandfather Ivan with the war going on..." Lazar started saying as he placed a hand on the hilt of his katana, "challenged my grandfather to a duel for dominance to gain an audience with our elders and I am offering you the same deal if you so choose" Lazarus continued. Ion looked over to Flint and then to Zephyr, "well it is your choice Ion" Zephyr said, "you are the leader, I would prefer if we just took the trial but again that is up to you." "How can you say that?" Flint blurted out, "Ion you got this, you are a master of lightning, you can take him on, believe in your skills!" Ion then took one last look at both Flint and Zephyr before looking Lazarus in the eyes, "so Ion what will it be? Will you choose the path of your father or grandfather?" ~
