Diamond Dragons III: Diamond Dragons, #3

By Matthew Carauddo

Third book in this epic series of six.

 

DIAMOND DRAGONS: "Courage is tempered by equivalent mastery over fear..."

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

VICTORY! Freeing the mysterious centurion known as Isochrolnius proved to be wise. With the armored alien's aid, Jackralvian and his heroic dragons triumphed over not one, but TWO wars. The icy Black Tower of the Daiemokszhi (black dragons) was utterly smashed. And Nitrozite's failed siege upon Castle Kessoshaero only earned the skeletal dragon dismemberment! But even though Jackralvian offered mercy to his deadly foes, far worse perils loomed over the entire planet...

The puzzling enigma of "Armageddon's Ballad"--a cryptic collection of ancient lyrics and music--haunted Jackie's already tortured mind. Clearly, the poetry's connection in unlocking Isochrolnius from his magical prison was not coincidental. Some cosmic countdown had now begun, but few--if any--knew precisely what it signified.

 

Yet this was not all. A one-on-one, non-physical, magic-only duel of honor would soon take place. Two magicians would engage, but only one would remain. And once the match began, none were permitted to intervene with this spellcaster's battle. Time was now their only resource, and wisdom was required for survival. But such lofty quests neither marked the beginning nor end of Jackralvian's trials. Trials that would not only test his stalwart courage, but also... his darkest FEARS!

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ziwalos Productions, L.L.C.
• Release date: Jun 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781736565865

Matthew Carauddo

Hello, Amal... my friend. I honor and thank you for listening. I have important messages, but little Time. I hope that whatever it is you seek, you find. But I also hope that you work toward helping IT to more easily seek and to find YOU. I hope that you experience True Love. Even if somehow, someday, some way, upon some chaotic tomorrow--you lose it all. Whether by Death of any type (physical, mental, spiritual or otherwise). For, if you do lose them, and yet deep inside your Eyayeli, you still feel that amazing connection... then, that is a monumentally stronger Link than all others combined. A spiritual, celestial seal. ‘True Love Lost’ is a cruel, but powerful instructor. Even if you lose it--or find it--in Oneself. I also implore you to you cherish every moment of Time. It is a gift which you have been merely borrowing here, friend. As the tagline of the work states: “Time is the only resource for which no creature may bargain”. It’s not merely a majestic-sounding line to scribe onto a book’s mysterious cover... it’s the truth. It’s all we have, until all of it is gone. And you never know WHEN all of it will truly BE gone. Some do not live to their expected, projected old ages, free to pass into the unknown peacefully. You can be struck down at ANY age. I’ve been a pallbearer for the young, and buried friends old and young, and suffered the nightmares when one such friend washed ashore. Perhaps you’ll listen between these words.  Titans fall.  If Death called upon the dragons of this tale--which it undoubtedly has, so shall the Gate on one tomorrow... CALL UPON YOU. I pray to Althe’aya that you remember my words well. Cherish your Time, nourish each beat of your Cyur, cradle the hours, write every Sunsday, watch the Vas Oos, and study your Universe. Act youthful despite your Epochs, offer others encouragement of Eyayeli each Tide, and never doubt that you should ALWAYS Spohs to someone how much they mean to you--as often as is possible. Tell them. Before it is too late. However, do not also wait until they run out of Time. Because, for some... tomorrow never comes.

Book preview

CHAPTER I—Homeward Bound (Prologue)

The anamorphic view was breathtaking! Although Jackralvian was well aware that soaring over Taelondria alone—and far beyond it—was extremely dangerous, he’d embarked upon a solo, late evening flight. As the Zell of Ivory and Diamond surveyed the cornucopia of colorful, gaseous clouds scattered amongst the Vas Oos (stars), he listened and ‘Jhyeard’. Chilling winds whipped, swirling with an almost musical poetry as he banked and wove his helical flight path throughout treetops, over hilly peaks, and above the valleys far below. Soon enough, Jackralvian grew closer to the gloriously effervescent falls rumbling in the distant clearing. This was the same waterfall where he, Bardiche, Elliott, and Violetta had unlocked their newfound ally: Isochrolnius.

But Jackie’s nocturnal flight to these falls was no reconnaissance mission. And neither was his excursion fueled from a desire to further reveal Taelondria’s topography. Nor was his secret sortie intent on collecting precious Jhaeoos (gems/crystals) resources. Nae, Naesst; Chi-Zell Jackralvian of Kessoshaero was in dire need of clearing his Mea (mind).

The rushing horizon of cascades poured shimmering sparks over the grassy, moonlit cliffs which surrounded the falls. Pristine liquid spray seemed to float in slow-motion toward the glassy reservoir below. Reflections of the Vas Oos (stars) were mirrored by the massive river flow closest to Jackie, and—at certain angles—it appeared as if up was down and vice-versa. A mesmerizing canvas of shadows and highlights ranged in all directions.

Reverberations within one roaring wavelength after another soon drowned out the sounds of all else. As overwhelming as the booming, liquid cacophony was, Jackie smiled wider with each passing moment. In many ways, the thunderous resonance which rippled inside every last blood vessel and synapse within him... felt soothing. Tranquil. With all else filtered away—odd as it was—there was something peacefully cathartic and calming about the sheer violence of this aqueous white noise. As twelve moments of ‘Suust’ (reverent silence) passed, Jackie relaxed. Inhaling and exhaling, in and out, again and again... he soon deliberately shut his Jee (eyes) as he continued to fly purely on instinct.

Reflecting, the Zell of Diamond tried to clear his Mea (mind) of all thoughts, all strife, and all of his pain. High above the falls, he looped six helical twists and acrobatic spirals. A feeling of both invisibility and yet invulnerability filled his every pore. Still, somehow, there remained a shred of doubt: a twinge of infinitesimal insignificance and emptiness.

It was not for humans to understand.

FLASHES! Jackie was instantly struck by a violent blast of Flam (fire)! There was no way that the startled Zell could have detected it coming; the falls were simply too loud.

Lightly wounded but not critically injured, Jackralvian’s Jee snapped open. Snarling, he turned 180 degrees, full about, desperately attempting to assess his attacker’s origins. And there they were: Daiemokszhi!  Six, in fact. Three dark beasts to the left, and three  obsidian-winged behemoths at his right. Only one of the dark-scaled, heavily armored creatures was truly within firing range, but all twelve of their demonic, crimson Jee (eyes) were easily pinpointed above the falls, there in the void of that cold, dark Moonseve.

Jackie considered his options. Immediately, anxiety hit. Tensing as he swooped further out of range, he swallowed. The realization of his critical error struck harder than did the blast of Flam: his pack of supplies did not contain his weapon: the ‘Suunhedrocore’...

Unlike his opponents (and most other Zell), Jackie could not spit streams of Flam, Frol, Thuune, nor Zenpoi (fire, ice, lightning, nor poison). Thus, he’d recently crafted a new weapon: the Suunhedrocore—essentially a saw blade on a chain. Without it, Jackralvian’s combat options were severely limited. But in lieu of panicking at the overwhelming odds, both rage and fury filled his lungs and Cyur (heart). Howling out a devastating roar (which was barely audible over the stentorian falls), Jackralvian of Kessoshaero engaged his closest foe at point-blank range. Normally, this may have been a terrible idea, but Jackie’s speed far exceeded that of any one of his barbaric enemies. The Ivory Zell’s only chance was to outperform, outwit, and to outsmart the two sets of three.

Six. Three and Three.

Furious rounds of wrestling, tail-bashes, wing-slaps, body twists, kicks, and violent swaths of Talos (claws) sullied the otherwise tranquil and uneventful evening over the mountainous falls. But, by closing the distance with his six assailants, Jackralvian made it difficult for the beasts to blast streaks of Flam at him without striking their Daiemokszhi brethren in the crossfire. This gave Jackie a formidable advantage. Yet, although his actions were tactically sound for the moment, there would be no escape if the Zell of Ivory and Diamond chanced a direct engagement in melée combat for more than one or two rounds. The wrong hesitation, incorrectly timed parry, or failed swipe would prove deadly.

Streaking out-of-range once more with a mighty dive, Jackie plummeted further toward the river far below the waterfall’s cliffs. Time was crucial; every moment counted. He considered attempts to escape them, but as he peered back, it was clear that the six were fanning out. No matter where he flew, he’d be forced to engage at least one Daiemok, which would allow the other five to close in. Jackie paused to catch his breath, trying to think. Quickly, he pulled a potion from his meager pack and downed it. A mixture of Garjeegyl’s concoctions which had been christened ‘Titan’s Light’ and ‘Iron Inferno’, the hybrid potion granted him speed and fire resistance, respectively (or so he’d hoped).

The crimson and navy brew of bubbles burned as it slithered down his throat. Quickly dropping the empty flask to assess his opponents, Jackie was instantly deluged as all six Daiemoks blasted conical streams of Flam his way! With minimal options for escape, Jackralvian followed his discarded bottle downward, and dove under the water.

Daiemokszhi, though not adverse to swimming, were unaccustomed and unsuited for such aquatic activities. In addition to their barbaric bodies being less than hydrodynamic, Daiemoks also had trouble breathing in liquid; their aqualungs were rudimentary and primitive compared to those of Zell (or Ys Zell, for that matter). But despite Jackie’s superior lungs, the lone, unarmed hero couldn’t remain submerged forever.

Everything was pitch black. Peering back upward through the wavy surface was to little avail. All Jackralvian could make out were ripples, bubbles, and shadows. Unaware of whatever the six daemons planned, he knew his next action was crucial for survival. Rocketing out of the river hoping to blast past his foes would be risky; he would’ve be blinded as he broke the surface, vulnerable to multiple blasts. Few options remained.

As Jackie sank further into the darkness, rage and disappointment surged through his Mea. Foolishly, he hadn’t even brought the oxygen tank (a gift from Raeniya) which Garjeegyl had recently crafted for aquatic journeys. The clever canister had truly come in handy during the Vas Tach at Transalich’s Black Tower. It didn’t matter now, though.

Adrenaline pumped as Jackie frantically glanced all about. Dozens of tiny, tranquil shadows of underwater creatures squiggled about, oblivious to the dangers. How could he have been so stupid? Why hadn’t he brought the Suunhedrocore? Or an air tank? And why in the holy names of Chi-Zell Leijimoto and angelic Althe’aya above, didn’t he—

He was hit!

A chain-link weapon similar to his own Suunhedrocore had struck Jackralvian square in the skull. Reeling from both surprise and the shock of blunt force trauma to his scarred head, the Zell of Diamond groggily struggled to catch line-of-sight of his assailant...

Dizziness began to fester. A muted, thundering splash startled him. Black shadows near the surface loomed. The chain weapon extended all the way up to a dark, amorphous figure above. As the Ivory Zell’s Mea throbbed in anguish, the rusty, metallic loops closest to him wavered. Jackralvian’s limbs loosened as ripples splashed. Still fighting the disorientation, he queasily attempted to follow the length of links with his Jee, hoping to identify what had truly struck him. And though Jackie’s senses faded into murky numbness (as he cursed himself yet again for recklessly, carelessly traveling alone), before he succumbed to the black, soporific void, the foolish Bo Zell discerned one fact about the metallic anchor...

It was a flail. A six-headed chain hydra of iron spheres and spikes.

Darkness overtook him.

~~~

Shocked out of unconsciousness, Jackralvian awakened to a violent, metallic lash of Vaedominya’s ‘cat-o-nine tails’ whip of chains. As the Daiemokszhi harpy raked the fiery, soot-slathered stonework of Transalich’s dungeon floor, Jackie realized that his legs had been shackled, his weary wings were clamped together by some metallic device, and even his wrists were manacled with a thick length of chain no more than twelve Talos-lengths!

GET TO WORK, SLAVE! Fill the furnace, or I shall fill it with your CORPSE!

Again, her rusty chain flail slashed into stone, scraping the bricks with a horrific screech.

Jackie scanned the dark corridors at his right. Time had passed, but he could still barely comprehend that he was no longer under the waterline of the river, nor free, but now enslaved deep inside a dungeon! Until now, Transalich’s Black Tower of  tyrannical terror was something he’d only observed from the outside. Yet it was crystal clear: Jackie was imprisoned below the very tower which he, Raeniya, Isochrolnius, and many others had sieged only Starsdays prior. And if the Daiemokszhi harridan truly still lived, Ys Zell Leuwee’s sacrifice seemed entirely in vain. A crushing blow far worse than her flail.

Vaedominya’s weapon lashed out at another, malnourished creature six braziers to the right of Jackie. It howled and whimpered, struggling to fuel the furnace in front of it.

The Zell of Ivory’s Mea swam and reeled, still stunned from the previous blow to his head. Reflecting upon the gravity of his dire situation, Jackie couldn’t help but immediately pine for the crystalline halls of Kessoshaero. It was clearly far more appealing than eternal servitude. Archaic, crude machinery spun and whirred. Multiple braziers of Flam and Thuune lined the thick, soot-laced stony walls. A dozen stoves of hot coals, glowing ebony boulders, and fuming pipes spat copious bursts of steam. Mist sizzled. Smoke poured. Heatwaves abounded, warping the airwaves in every direction; a stark, fiery contrast to the frozen perimeter just beyond the dark tower’s brick walls upon its upper floors.

But just then, Jackralvian gazed to his left. Yet what he could Jee made no sense. His Cyur was immediately emptied of all Eyayeli; it was LINK!  But how? How could it be possible? Link the Ys Zell (dragonfly) had long since perished in the Forbidden Forest, on the ZellMarrith to the Pyre! Zi, Jackie still dreamed of Link, and certain nightmares persisted, but how could she be here, alive?!  And enslaved by the Daiemokszhi, no less?

Jackie’s jaw trembled, and his Jee stung. As adrenaline pulsed, he could only stare at the fragile Ys. Soon, the soot-covered, withered Ys Zell seemed to recognize that she was being watched. Link looked like a shadow of what she once was. Her bright colors were obscured, and her wings were tattered with burn marks and holes. In lieu of hovering, the broken Ys stood upon the dusty dungeon’s black bricks. Expressionless, there was no Eyayeli (spirit/soul) to be found about her countenance in any way, nor shape, nor form.

The Ys Zell absently dropped the shovel-like tool she’d been using to fuel the raging furnace, and slowly caught line-of-sight with Jackralvian. Her Jee were empty.

Jackralvian swallowed as three tears drooled over his Lichtenberg scars. Nae, Naesst; this was impossible! It couldn’t be. Disoriented, he tried to break Link’s gaze, but... Nae.

Yet something else was not Foi. Something far beyond the fact that the duo were slaves  in the dark dungeon of the Black Tower. Endless moments of void Suust (silence) echoed in all directions. Link’s listless Jee burned into his Mea, Cyur, and Eyayeli. She was very still.

Jackie attempted to Spohs, but no sound escaped his lips. Perplexed, he tried to produce any type of shriek or whimper, but again, nothing happened. Ignoring the dangers of drawing attention to himself, the Zell shook his chains and manacles, attempting to break them. Oddly enough, no wavelengths of sound were generated by those efforts either.

Unfazed, the charred Ys Zell merely gazed. No motion. No emotion. No sound. Nothing.

Desperate to reach her, Jacks struggled and ‘growled’, violently shook, ‘shrieked’, and pulled at his chains in all directions. But all attempts were entirely in vain. No effect.

Distracted but still emotionless, the soiled sylph peered right. Something approached.

Jackralvian ceased his flailing and turned to Jee what was there. Before him stood none other than Nitrozite! The Zen’th Zell’s left arm immediately drew Jackie’s attention—it appeared to be comprised not merely of bone and spectral energy... but metallurgy as well!

Fear pierced his very Cyur and core. As adrenaline shot through him, whispers from deep within his Mea called! But these rumblings were not his own voice... they were LINK’s!

‘Artemis... Althe’aya... Leijimoto... Titan... Jhyear my Spohs! Artemis... Althe’aya, Leijimoto, Titan: aid us until the veil of tomorrow comes...!’

As if Nitrozite had also detected the Ys Zell’s airy prayers, he chuckled and seemed to reply.

‘Your evocations to the Vas Oos will not avail you!

Snapping out a violent clutch, Nitrozite grasped Jackie’s throat! The Zen’th’s mechanical digits felt like the sharp Jhaeoos tines of the Suunhedrocore. The helpless Zell sputtered and choked as Nitrozite methodically tightened his metallic grip. Vaedominya stood in the background, cackling like a wicked banshee. Nitrozite’s jaws opened as he leaned forward.

‘Now... THIS Time... you cannot escape your FATE, Bo Zell! The Zeicrolos will soon be mine, and Kessoshaero will FALL! AHHH-HAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!’

Jackie’s veins throbbed under the extreme pressure. Trembling as his blood began to boil, the Zell’s Cyur pounded. His twelve trembling Talos frantically scraped to pry Nitrozite’s deadly grip from his neck. But it was fruitless. Reveling, Vaedominya sneered.

As Nitrozite chuckled, he reached out with his six right Talos, gripped the Diamond Amulet which hung from Jackie’s scarred neck, and tore it away from its chain. Just then, Jackralvian realized that Nitrozite wore a second, truly Obsidian Jhaeoos Amulet. Both crystalline dodecahedrons glowed and swirled with mysterious mists of volatile energies.

The Zen’th’s daemonic cackles echoed. Vaedominya raised her six-headed flail high...

Six. Three and Three.

***

CHAPTER II—The Missing Link

Twelve thrones.

Awakening with a violent howl, Jackralvian nearly fell from his head seat at the Quadroctacore. Panting as if he’d not drank anything in a Tide (loosely: a month) he found himself staring across the full length of the Table of Twelve at none other than old Artemis.

Other than the two Zell, the great hall was empty. Empty, that is, except for the ever-magnificent yet equally mysterious ‘grandfather clock’ which had long been dubbed ‘Ziwalos’. In near-silence, Ziwalos purred and hissed, signaling passing moments at a calm, unfettered rhythm. Initially, Artemis Spohs nothing, and neither did Jackie—who merely swallowed, shivered, and shook.

The aurelian wizard seemed to be ‘reading’ a book. Delicately, the wizened thaumaturge’s twelve Talos glided over the textured pages in methodical, helical patterns. Jackie continued to gasp, still attempting to make sense of his current reality. Artemis cleared his throat.

"A magnificent Moonsdawn to you, Chi-Zell...

Jackie swallowed, struggling to regain control of his breath. He rubbed at his Jee (eyes) and stretched his appendages as if he’d been asleep for a dozen Epochs (loosely: years).

"I trust that each slumber is beginning to reveal... more and more, Zi?

Sounds of steam, hisses, and clicks abounded as Ziwalos churned. Machinery and the inner-workings of apparatuses unseen were truly at work—as they had been for Epochs.

Still reeling from what he’d just experienced, Jackie only blinked, nodding. No sounds.

Hmmm. Very interesting. And also not surprising, Jackralvian. With due practice—and due Time—your natural abilities with Metaflection may one day lead you to discover a state of Mea which is... entirely ‘beyond’.

Balking, the Zell of Ivory’s brow immediately crumpled into true consternation.

Wha—‘beyond’? Beyond... where? What do you mean, Art?

Heh—I only wish I was absolutely certain myself, my Foi Amal! But, whatever it is which lies beyond the veil, it is far more complicated than anything any Zell upon Wakukeistryne has ever known... ever felt... or ever Jeen.

I know I’m going to regret asking, but... uh... actually, SHOULD I ask?

‘Mystiflection’. I believe I shall name it that. What do you think?

What the—? Mysti... uh, what, Art?!

"Mystiflection. Not to be confused with misDIRECTION of course, but naturally, the two sound quite similar. Ironic, too, come to Spohs of it...

Confounded, Jackie could only blink and stare. Unfettered, the wizard continued.

So... what do you think?

What do I think of... what?

Well, the NAME, of course! Perhaps... there is a better one?

I think I’m... not certain right now. My Mea hurts WAY too much.

Hah! An expected byproduct of too much Reflection, heh! Yet, also an excellent place to start when it comes to ALL of these techniques, Jackie. Myself, I have merely a few limited ideas on where to begin with Mystiflection. As I Spohs, it is most likely beyond my own capabilities. Sadly, I may never unlock it.

Unlock?! What are you getting at, Artemis? Spohs SENSE, wizard!

Chuckling, Artemis flipped through several pages within his tome. He ‘peered’ at each as if he could truly ‘Jee’ (see), despite the obvious fact that his blindness didn’t permit it.

"Now ‘sense’ is truly appropriate here. I believe the only way for you to properly begin upon your own journey via Mystiflection... would be to READ about it...

In a flash, Artemis shut the hefty tome with three of his weathered Talos (claws), and stood. The old mage wore a curiously devious look upon his wrinkly face.

"...which is precisely why I decided long ago that it was high Time to write BOOKS about both! This is especially important for all Zell, now that my own Starsdays—and their eves—are quite limited. Writing on the wall as that may be.

As the enigmatic wizard rambled on, he’d already paced twelve rickety steps over to Jackralvian’s head seat at the Quadroctacore. Setting the volume down before the Zell of Diamond, Artemis cordially smiled while grandiosely presenting the intricate cover.

SO! I sincerely hope that you appreciate my meticulous work and designs. Many Zell Amals assisted with its creation. The book is actually meant for both those who are blessed with abilities to Jee... yet also, for those WITHOUT.

Jackie gawked at Artemis. But after six moments of Suust, he turned his attention to the embossed title upon the leathery cover: ‘The Mysteries of Metaflection’. Underneath the boldfaced label, a phrase in a gorgeous, yet clear, cursive stroke read:

‘Reflection is key to unlock celestial mysteries beyond the void veil.’

Ziwalos snapped and sibilated as Jackralvian studied the tome’s title and tagline. The ancient Timekeeper’s six gears pivoted underneath its equivalent cylindrical, crystalline pins as steam hissed. These six hidden cogs controlled Ziwalos’ corresponding outer indicators, each of which wove circular paths, all traveling both counter and clockwise.

Six. Three and Three.

Ziwalos was not meant for many to understand.

Gently, Jackralvian ran his twelve Talos over the tome’s sturdy cover, which was clearly interwoven with Jhaeoos (crystalline) fibers. The keen magnificence of this carefully crafted codex was undeniable. Affixed below the embossed title and its corresponding message line was a helical design similar to the symbol ‘8’. The top ring of the helix depicted the sun at dawn’s break. In contrast, the bottom sphere displayed two moons eclipsed at night’s wake. A Zell’s leathery wing wove a path around 16 Jhaeoos (below the ‘Suun’), and a feathery layer of equivalent folds swirled beyond the Vas Oos (above the ‘Muun’). A bright white glow connected both celestial bodies at the ‘8’s intricate Jhaeoos Cyur crux.

Artemis. This... it’s... I... I haven’t even opened it yet, and it’s already beyond astounding! Truly celestial in every possible way. Vas Foi work, Chi-Zell!

I would very much like for YOU to have it, my dear Vas Amal.

Jackralvian froze as he lost all of his breath. His Jee immediately fixated upon Artemis’ fatherly-like smile. During the Zell’s moment of astonishment, Ziwalos churned onward, but seemingly no differently than it had yesterday, yesterweek, nor yesteryear; same as it would tomorrow. But for some reason, even as the younger Zell placed six Talos over his fist in utter gratitude, Jackralvian of Kessoshaero glared with peculiar Jee at Artemis.

Chi-Yong, Art. I... I don’t know what to Spohs. It’s absolutely magnificent! But, before I even START to look inside... Rahlaik. Artemis, you must have spent dozens of Epochs on this book! Why would you give such a treasure to me? Why... I’ll bet it contains things I couldn’t possibly understand.

Jackie, only a certain type of Zell may follow in my proverbial wavelengths. Though the Zell of Kessoshaero are many, and our Vas Amals such as Bard, Dupree’, Raeniya, Violetta, and even Elliott are certainly intelligent and worthy of wisdom... well... I’m afraid you and I both know what it is that YOU Jee when your Mea is clear, your Cyur is calm, and your Eyayeli is open!

Artemis—venerable old wizard of gold that he was—had obviously struck a resonant chord. One which Jackie hadn’t truly desired to reveal to anyone—not even to Artemis.

The Zell of Diamond inhaled for what seemed an eternity. As Jackie slumped back into his seat, he sighed out an elongated stream of expired oxygen. This exhalation seemed heavier than the dark subjects of all of his nightmares, dreams, and visions combined.

Hmmm. What I Jee, huh? And what precisely do you mean by... ‘open’?

"Some journeys are NOT traversed by Marrith nor by flight. Instead, they are trail-blazed from WITHIN—in here...

Artemis gently tapped thrice upon his aging skull, and subtly smirked.

And as you are now clearly well aware, these Reflections are perhaps the most harrowing expeditions of all. Far more dangerous than any physical challenges, they require a magnitude of bravery and fortitude greater than all others combined! A stalwart, unwavering, resilient courage to traverse... uncharted territories. Territories which stretch beyond those of the physical.

Let me guess, Art. Your second book is as of yet incomplete.

Like his young protégé, the old wizard didn’t miss a beat.

As always, you Jhyear between my Spohs, my astute Amal.

Hmmm. I Jee. Another guess: you want ME to attempt to complete it?

That is correct. My work must continue.

Overwhelmed, Jackralvian’s lips buzzed. As he exhaled and leaned forward in the throne at the Quadroctacore, he ran his twelve Talos over his weary face and scarred skull.

Oh. I... I just don’t know, Art. I don’t have any experience with written Spohs. If anything, Bard would probably be a better choice. Or... perhaps Leiji would’ve been the better candidate. Voloh, but... I think you have the wrong Zell, Art.

So quick to Spohs; are you quite certain?

Nae, but I’m no writer nor poet! I can’t even recall when I last read ANYthing, besides that insane poetry at the waterfall. Unbelievable as THAT still feels.

Artemis scratched his grey and white beard, subtly nodded, and took a seat at the Table.

Jackie. Jhyear me well. There are some lessons which even Metaflection... cannot teach. What is in YOUR Mea may truly be key to the next level of this complex version of Reflection. One which I’ve only merely BEGUN to identify.

Mystiflection?

Precisely that. Whatever it may one day entail. With or without my wisdom.

And supposing that I do agree. If so... how am I even to know the slightest inkling of where to begin?!

A Foi point. My only suggestion—naturally—is to begin at the end!

And what is THAT supposed to mean? You’re always Spohsing in circles.

Nae, not so. Your end goal—the destination—is truly a Foi place to start.

And what IS that?! My destination, that is.

"To understand. To comprehend ‘what is beyond’. Something I cannot yet Jee.

Frustrated, Jackralvian rubbed his face, pressing upon his temples as he shifted about.

Ugh. I don’t believe this. Look... I’m Voloh, but all of this seems crazy, Art!

Jackralvian of Wakukeistryne: beware what you Spohs! A Zell’s beliefs hold Vas sway. Your doubtful voice affects your Mea—USURPS it with Vas Zenpoi! Choose your Spohs and actions WISELY. For, if you act without wisdom, your Life here upon this planet may truly be forfeit... before it has even begun!

Jackie stared at the blind, aurelian Zell of old. Artemis’ wisdom was oft both unending, yet also perilously dire—always hinting to unexplained secrets which others could not Jee.

So, whether you’re giving me a choice on this or not... what do you mean that there is something YOU cannot Jee? You always seem to Jee everything.

The dreams and visions which I have differ from your own, but the way in which YOU are able to make sense of it all... is extremely unique. Very rare.

I wouldn’t Spohs that it makes sense, Artemis. Not yet, at least. But... well, Reflecting, do you think any of it has something to do with the Zeicrolos?

Almost certainly. Whatever it is that occurred upon that particular Solstice and Equinox—when Nitrozite cast you into the portal of Flam—I believe that far more than mere physical powers of Jhaeoos and Thuune were unlocked, my dear Zell.

Don’t forget about the ‘back from the dead’ thing, too. I still don’t get it.

Heheh. Nae; that, none could ever forget. But mysterious as it was, we are all glad.

Despite the reassurance, Jackie’s brow and jaw tensed. His regret was clearly palpable.

Everyone but Nitrozite. Spohsing of whom, I guess we should have expected that HE’d be back as well. Ugh. I should have vaporized him at the Pyre.

Jackie’s fist struck the table. Artemis rose from his position at the Quadroctacore.

Perhaps. But you may also find that as there are already reasons for your own return from the proverbial ashes... so too might there be purpose for Nitrozite’s.

A Foi point. Especially given what we know of him. Or whatever he once was.

And how exactly DID you learn the specific details about that terrible situation, my dear Chi-Zell? After all, although you did indeed mention Starshaa’s... ‘appearance’ during your moments within the depths of the Night Pyre... I’m truly curious as to just how much was revealed during your... edification.

Artemis patiently awaited a reply, yet none was offered. Three moments of Suust later, the aging sorcerer nodded, smirked, and turned away. He began to pace toward the exit.

Jackie stared into nowhere, still seated at the Quadroctacore. Three more awkward and uncomfortable moments of Suust echoed throughout the great hall yet again.

Six. Three and Three.

Still seated with his back turned to the wizard of Chi-Foi, Jackie fixated upon Ziwalos. And though it hissed and clicked just as it always had, the Zell of Ivory and Diamond quickly felt something quite different about the magnificent device. Something he could neither articulate nor truly comprehend in any specific way, save his intangible instincts.

"I didn’t kill Transalich either, Art...

The mage stopped. Curious, Artemis’ brow scrunched and furled, but he Spohs nothing.

"I could have. I almost did. Out at sea. I could have drowned that dark daemon. But Nae, Naesst... I... I didn’t. I was compelled not to..."

Six agonizing moments again crept by. Artemis tilted his head with an inquisitive look.

I Jee. And why is that, do you think?

Jackralvian stood. He turned to gaze across the long hallway of the Quadroctacore at his age-old mentor and Vas Amal. For one moment, Jackie felt as though the aurelian Zell could truly ‘Jee’ him. Though he’d experienced this feeling before, the eeriness lingered.

"Because, Art. It was... LINK. She—she ‘Spohs’ to me that I shouldn’t. So, I didn’t...

Artemis remained still. Jackie’s Cyur raced as spikes of adrenaline sickened his insides. Tears welled around the Zell’s Jee, but no drops fell over his Thuune-scarred cheeks.

...and... and I think we should discuss it in Vas detail. Not now, but... perhaps upon some other Moonsday. Over several Althe’aya’s Auras and... some Parthius?

The old arch-magi paused, smiled, and carefully placed six Talos over his fist. Turning 180 degrees, full about, he gracefully shuffled beyond the hallway’s exit, whispering:

Very well then. Until that Time... we shall BOTH keep your secrets.

Ziwalos steamed and smoked, as all six of its crystalline arms triumphantly spun their diligent, due courses: three WeyLos, three EvaZiwa.

***

CHAPTER III—Kindness and Renovations

Even at dawn’s break, shadows cast from Wakukeistryne’s two moons were unique—unlike those upon a planet with only one such sphere in the void. Often, when both moons were at polar opposite ends, and each Reflected sunlight upon the terrain... shadows appeared ‘crisp’.  It was a phenomenon which few understood.

In fact, humans of Earth were unlikely to comprehend the monumental scale of the planet which the Zell (and Ys Zell, a.k.a. ‘dragonflies’) inhabited.  It was easily closer to the diameter of Saturn or Jupiter. But it was also difficult to be certain, as the Zell of Taelondria retained no chronicled explorations of space; or, so historical records expressed. Although they could fly with great haste and resilient endurance, as any atmosphere grew thin, a Zell’s lungs would dearly suffer. Had any chanced a voyage into the darkness above, few to none would have endured. Even the mightiest of Zell were bound by finite resources.

And Spohsing of mighty Zell being bound... far, far from Kessoshaero (and even his own Black Tower), the Daiemokszhi known as Transalich laid prone and unconscious over icy slurry surrounded by endless oceans. Howling winds accompanied the sun’s ascent over Moonsdawn’s horizon as frosty waves lapped and rippled. The tiny isle’s shallow shores amounted to little more than a large chunk of snow and mud—barely a mass of solid land at all. Still heavily wounded from being lassoed by Jackralvian’s Suunhedrocore and dragged over the ocean’s waves, the obsidian-scaled Daiemokszhi remained where the Zell of Diamond had abandoned him, oblivious to his dire plight.

However, though Jackralvian had abandoned the dark devil upon the isle, he’d also left some finite resources for Transalich: a fair amount of Brayloeff (a type of bread), a significant chunk of Arklopaerk (meat), and a full flask of one of Garjeegyl’s more potent healing mixtures. Although such compassion was likely to fall upon deaf ears, these precious supplies were certainly invaluable for the black daemon’s imminent survival.

Unfortunately for Transalich, a Bakchionaewa (a three-headed serpent of the sea) had caught the scent of both the Daiemok’s blood in the water, and of the exposed provisions. Looping within the shallow waves, the lizard lingered. The oceanic snake’s senses were mostly of smell and taste, so, once it had detected stillness from the disgustingly foul-scented Daiemokszhi long enough, the ideal moment to ‘sneak a snack’ had arrived.

Slithering with a hypnotic sway of swaths across the snow, the slimy beast of skin and scales slowed its pace... and closed the distance! Mere wings-lengths from Transalich’s unconscious form, it could only be assumed that the Bakchionaewa was instinctively deliberating over the conflicting overload of odors and aromas. On one side, there was the blood of the Daiemok. But upon the creature’s other side, the promise of delicious, easy-to-reach treats far outweighed the idea of chomping through obsidian scales. And so, the Arklopaerk was first. The three-headed amphibian opened all of its jaws, and a triad of leathery, barbed tongues poked and prodded at the tender, tantalizing sweet meat. Satisfied with what it had sampled, the Bakchionaewa excitedly wriggled closer. Each of its three blue-green heads unhinged at the jawline, and began to—

Leaping up like a wild Balrahsiggius, Transalich violently raked and clawed at the sea serpent, shredding the smaller creature to ribbons! Woozy and faint, Transalich wobbled as he attempted to rise from his knees. Shaking and shivering, the Stygian Daiemokszhi peered all around. As the corpse of the Bakchionaewa bled out and its muscular system relaxed into dead stillness, Transalich’s foggy memories of recent events began to unfold.

The Diamond Zell. Isochrolnius. The Suunhedrocore. Dragged over the oceans...

But just then, Transalich spotted the blurry provisions. Still weary and weak, he blinked thrice and rubbed at his crimson Jee. Once it was clear what the items were, Transalich clutched both, hungrily chomping down the Brayloeff and remaining Arklopaerk as if the morsels were his final meal. As Transalich munched and swallowed, curiousity got the better of him. The healing potion was a foreign discovery (as were the infused spices and preparation of the supple meat). After a final glance at the surely dead Bakchionaewa, Transalich grasped the crystalline container of liquid in his six gigantic Talos (claws).

He stared. Not only was the flask’s design utterly outside of his understanding, but the mixture inside was even further beyond his Mea. The bottle had at least two layers which  insulated the liquids within. Inhaling the warm, aromatic emanations from the magnificent potion truly stupefied the barbaric Daiemok. Transalich was also surprised to discover that the cherry concoction was still warm, despite its obvious location upon the icy isle.

Still reeling from the nourishment of the Brayloeff and Arklopaerk, the Daiemokszhi of the Black Tower could think of no better way to complete his makeshift meal other than to down the mysterious potion which his adversary had obviously left behind. Swallowing the entire contents in a swift and sloppy gulp, Transalich immediately felt a euphoric surge which he’d never previously experienced. The piquant flavor of the percolating brew was totally foreign, but instantly addictive—even relaxing! Truly celestial. It was something the dark Daiemokszhi could not understand. But... he certainly desired more.

Did you leave all of this behind in ERROR, Zell? Or...

His stamina and energy replenished, Transalich kicked the Bakchionaewa’s corpse back into the sea, clutched tightly upon the empty bottle, and launched into flight.

~~~

Castle Kessoshaero and its work forces were busily making efficient repairs to their majestic fortress. The recent counter-offensive which Nitrozite had waged against them had wreaked massive havoc. All six of Kessoshaero’s turrets housed within its many towers had been severely damaged. Time, resources, discipline, consistency, creativity, assessment, and deadlines were all required to complete the repairs.

"Alright, my Boby Zells, let’s get MOVIN’! You six, head to tower one. Well, what’s left of it, anyhow! And YOU six: ya split up and take towers two and three. Well go on, now!

As Commander Gertranimor directed a dozen others to split into three groups of four, Master Dupree’ and Captain Raeniya flew in with raw supplies: metal, wood and Jhaeoos.

Well, well, well! Just the two Zell I wanted to Jee! Raeniya, Dupe... I already sent Isarra and Melchiorre to the rear towers. You two think that’s enough support?

Perfect, Commander G. We’re ON it!

By Althe’aya and Leijimoto, Gerty... we’ll have Kessoshaero’s towers up and running again before you can Spohs ‘Gaimaheioos’.

Gertranimor whooped out a raucous cackle as Dupree’ winked and flew off toward the rear towers. Smiling with a giggle, Raeniya remarked to Gerty as she too prepared to exit.

Ever since that stranger with the crossbows showed up, Dupree’ just hasn’t been the same. I LOVE it, hahahah! I hope she returns. Jee ya later, Gerty!

Dust flew left and right as Raeniya bustled off—up, up, and away. As Gerty watched Raeniya and Dupree’ carting their loads in the distance, the old, black and gunmetal grey-shaded Zell sat back in her custom wheelchair. Groaning from several aches within her rib cage (and even more from her spine), she snickered with a sly grin of her own.

That’s ‘Commander’ to you, Boby Zell. Heheh. I sure hope we Jee Phadaedrya again, too. In fact... that gives me a Vas, Vas Foi idea...

The old matriarchal Daiemokszhi spun her transport chair 180 degrees full about, and hollered down the stairwells below Kessoshaero’s upper walkways. Her Spohs echoed.

WEEJEE! WEEJ!! Get on up here, Dewberry! Old Gerty’s got somethin’ cookin’...

Grinning like a Flurrzee that had actually swallowed a Dewberry, Commander Gerty leaned further back in her seat, and proceeded to ‘pop a wheelie’ (at least, that is possibly the best translation available, since such a thing was not really for Zell to understand).

It was a magnificent Moonsday.

~~~

Deep beyond the Desert of Marrow, Nitrozite lounged within his recently reclaimed throne at Castle Xienterria. Grasping his own severed arm with his working Talos (claws), Nitrozite laid the inert but intact appendage of bones and ethereal sinew upon the armrest of his skeletal throne. Shocked and mesmerized, a dozen Daiemok slaves knelt nearby, wondering if what the Zen’th Zell had recently claimed was truly possible.

Observe and LEARN, my Daiemok Amals. No matter what treachery befalls me, I, Nitrozite of Xienterria, shall NEVER be eradicated!

With his functional arm, Nitrozite beckoned for his patch-eyed assistant to approach. Stepping from the crowd of ragged Daiemoks, Scarlassh carried a bubbling flask of gooey, acidic, silvery liquid. As the gangling, wiry Zen’th Zell stepped closer to his leader, Scarlassh peered back at the Daiemokszhi slaves. Both Nitrozite and Scarlassh had recently been enslaved alongside many of these thralls, deep underneath Transalich’s Black Tower. Scarlassh nervously whispered as he uncorked the percolating vial of fluid.

"Nitrozite... are you—are you certain that this will—?"

SUUUUUUSSSSSST...

With one decrepit Talo (claw) hovering above his phantasmal lip, Nitrozite’s gesture was more than enough to silence Scarlassh’s second guesses. Grinning with nothing less than a calculated chuckle of madness, Nitrozite reached into a nearby cabinet of bone and produced six Jhaeoos (gem) fragments in his cadaverous clutches. Each of the Ivory and Silver shards were curiously shaped—as if Nitrozite had previously honed them into crown-ended, double-headed spikes. Scarlassh’s confusion redoubled as he puzzled over not what Nitrozite intended, but how he could possibly complete his diabolical séance.

Oddly enough, the enraptured Daiemokszhi slaves began to whisper...

Zen’th... Zen’th... Zen’th...

Scarlassh shot a glance at the crowd, then back to his master. Nitrozite’s satisfactory grin widened, bright as the two moons of Wakukeistryne. He whispered victorious wisps:

"Do you now JEE, Scarlassh?! Transalich’s treachery has only made us STRONGER! Now... stand aside. I have a... ‘miracle’ to perform, huhuhaaa...

Still seated like a Lich King, the Zen’th Zell chanted his own arcane incantations...

Res Qu’Yok U’ut Ter-Zen...

One by one, with each and every Spohs from his ghastly jaws, Nitrozite speared the two sets of three shards into his limbs. The first three—of Ivory—into his shoulder socket. The second set—of Silver—into the decrepit severed limb.

Six. Three and Three.

The dozen Daiemokszhi slaves spat their mantra even as Nitrozite cast his dark magic...

Zen’th... Zen’th... Zen’th...!

RES QU’YOK U’UT TER-ZEN...!

Growling and grimacing at whatever ‘pain’ the Zen’th could actually feel, Nitrozite fixated upon Scarlassh’s singular Jee, and nodded. Scarlassh’s jaw tightened as he dangled the flask over the broken arm, and rotated the container 90 degrees. The mercurial fluid was so viscous, as it drooled from the flask’s steaming lip, it fell in what seemed to be slow-motion. As they all waited, both Nitrozite and the Daiemoks continued their spectral chorus of SpohsZell and chants. And when the wavy stream of metallic ooze finally collided with Nitrozite’s severed arm, dozens of sizzling sparks popped and spattered everywhere! Glutinous veins of liquid flowed through every crack, crevice, and grainy tube of marrow within Nitrozite’s forearm—straight into the tips of his six trembling Talos! Clenching his jaw, the ghost of dust and bone shivered and grunted. Soon, the crackling wisps and fizzling ferrous flecks subsided, and the Zen’th Zell’s arm of bone was reunited with the rest of his phantasmal body—newly infused with metal!

Like the rest of Nitrozite’s body, the shiny arm began to glow. He stood, and the shocked crowd of Daiemoks ceased their primal chants. Peering at his newly assembled army, the Zen’th Zell raised his metallic arm high, and shouted a stentorian proclamation:

"JHYEAR ME! I AM NOT ONLY WHOLE ONCE AGAIN, I AM STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE, MY DAIEMOKSZHI AMALS! As it will one day be for us ALL! Daiemoks... I once stood beside you in the dungeon. But if you obey my commands, I shall promise that if any of us falls, not only will they live again... they will return STRONGER THAN BEFORE!

Howling in astounded excitement, Nitrozite’s captivated subjects were emblazoned.

"However, the PRICE of this eternal existence is more than merely loyalty, my Obsidian Amals. You must work. You shall serve. You will study. Then, you shall LEARN. And you will do as I command... else, you WILL remain in slavery—as your former overlord once imprisoned you, deep within that dark, filthy, fiery, despondent dungeon!

Fully convinced that he had complete command over the barbaric behemoths, Nitrozite relaxed into his throne once again. Leaning, he reached into the cabinet of bone which he had on so many prior occasions. Out of this cupboard, the Zen’th drew an empty chalice.

SO! Now. The first of many challenges. This chalice! It is obviously empty, Daiemoks. But... the first of you to FILL it with the blood of a Zell—or YS—will earn themselves a tidy reward. And those of you who can slay a Balrahsiggius, a Hydra, or BOTH... will also be rewarded. So. GO! You are dismissed. Seek sustenance and meals for us all. NOW.

In unison, the Daiemokszhi horde acknowledged Nitrozite’s emphatic commands.

ZI, NITROZITE, WE SHALL OBEY!

As the group of spiky black daemons dispersed, not long after, heavy footfalls became audible in the vestibule just around the corner from Nitrozite’s throne. Traversing the long hallway which led him to the newly healed Zen’th Zell, Voekaiyel approached.

Nitrozite smirked, chuckling with a merry look of satisfaction. Ceremoniously, he clapped. The clatter of his six iron Talos upon the six others of bone was resonantly odd.

AHHHHHH! Voekaiyel. I was beginning to think that NONE of you survived the Vas Tach at the Black Tower. So... where is Transalich?

With dis-ease, Voekaiyel peered at Nitrozite’s six metallic Talos and the empty chalice grasped within them. Then, his Jee fixated upon the Obsidian Amulet upon his bony neck.

A maniacal smirk upon his face, Nitrozite chuckled, then cackled. Surging with exhilaration over his restored command, the Zen’th set the chalice upon his marble workbench. As laughter echoed, he lounged in the throne of Xienterria. Nitrozite’s right six Talos clutched a golden scepter which was clearly, unnervingly familiar to Voekaiyel.

***

CHAPTER IV—Three Rules, Six Jewels

Truthsdawn at Kessoshaero came with due haste. Inside and beyond its inner walls, Elliott had just arrived at the TaloZell’s main door (their tavern). He’d been charged with alerting only very specific Zell Amals to attend a private meeting scheduled later that Truthseve. A secret session which Jackralvian had called for at the Quadroctacore (Table of Twelve). Additionally, Elliott was also placed in command of the Ys Zell (dragonflies), all of whom were tasked with completing final touches on the repairs to Kessoshaero. It was hoped that by the end of the Starsweek, all six of the Castle’s turrets, its primary tower, and every last Jhaeoos brick in the shiny walls would be not only be repaired, but endure far more punishment than ever before.

Just as Elliott was about to open the portal to Jeeg’s fine establishment, he was distracted.

PSSST! Elliott. ELLIOTT! Over here.

It was Bardiche. Elliott knew his regal and refined voice anywhere, but could not Jee him. As he followed the hissing catcalls, it was immediately clear that Bard was at the TaloZell’s back door—the loading area which led directly into the back kitchen. The merry minstrel smiled as he waved the Emerald Zell over. Garjeegyl seemed busy loading the kitchen with supplies, but waved and clamored out a hearty: Shulo, Elly Zelly! Ahrite!

"Ah, Elliott! Just the Zell I needed to