The dragon huffed as it landed in its cavern, its massive form shrinking and contorting until it took the shape of a woman in sapphire and silver armor. Her eyes, usually fierce and sharp, were now clouded with pain. She touched her face, wincing as she felt the damage inflicted by Kite's golden sword.
"Curse that boy and his flames," she muttered under her breath. She stumbled towards a reflective pool of water in the center of the cavern, its surface shimmering with an ethereal light. Kneeling beside it, she dipped her fingers into the water, sending ripples across its surface.
As the ripples settled, the water began to glow, and an image appeared. It was a vision of Kite and his friends, making their way towards a distant town. The woman clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing with a mixture of anger and curiosity.
"So, you think you can wound me and escape unscathed?" she whispered, her voice low and menacing. "You have no idea who you are dealing with."
She stood up, the glow from the pool casting an eerie light on her face. Her eyes, though damaged, still held a glint of determination. She knew she needed to heal and regain her strength before confronting them again. But she also knew that she couldn't let them continue their journey unimpeded.
With a wave of her hand, she summoned a small, ornate chest from the depths of the cavern. Opening it, she revealed a collection of shimmering crystals, each one pulsating with a different kind of energy. She selected a deep blue crystal, its surface smooth and cool to the touch.
Holding the crystal close to her damaged eye, she whispered an incantation. The crystal began to glow, and a stream of healing energy flowed from it into her eye. The pain subsided, and she felt her vision slowly returning.
As she continued the healing process, she formulated a plan. She would not confront them directly again—not yet. Instead, she would use her influence and power to create obstacles, to weaken them before their inevitable next encounter.
Satisfied with her plan, she placed the crystal back in the chest and closed it. She turned her attention back to the pool, watching the group as they approached the town. Her lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Enjoy your respite while you can," she said softly. "For soon, you will face the true wrath of the Sapphire Dragon."
---
[Back with the group]
Kite and his friends entered the town, their weary bodies grateful for the sight of civilization. Cassia's hometown was nestled in a valley, its cobblestone streets bustling with activity. The townsfolk went about their business, seemingly unaware of the dragon that lurked in the nearby mountains.
Elian led the group to the town square, where a large fountain stood at its center. The refreshing sound of flowing water was a welcome change from the harsh winds and dragon roars they had faced earlier.
"Let's find Cassia's place," Liliana said, grinning.
"Cassia?" a cloaked figure said at it walked up to them.
Kite gasped and turned around. He smiled as familiar fiery hair and eyes greeted him. "Cassia!"
The girl gasped as Kite hugged her. "H-hey! Didn't I tell last time that I dislike hugs? Liliana must've seriously rubbed off on you!"
Liliana giggled and hugged her too. "Group hug!"
"Hey!" Cassia roared, stomping her foot.
Kite laughed. She hadn't changed.
Cassia struggled to extricate herself from the embrace, her fiery hair disheveled but her eyes twinkling with a mix of annoyance and affection. "Alright, alright, enough with the hugs! What brings you all to my hometown?" she asked, brushing herself off.
Elian stepped forward, his demeanor serious. "We've had a rough journey, and we need a place to rest. Also, we want to invite you to join us."
Cassia's playful expression shifted to one of concern. "I've got a place where we can talk. Follow me."
The group followed Cassia through the bustling streets of the town. She led them to a modest but cozy-looking house on the outskirts, surrounded by a garden of vibrant flowers and herbs. Inside, the house was warm and inviting, filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and herbs.
"Make yourselves at home," Cassia said, gesturing to the comfortable seating area. "I'll get us something to drink."
As they settled in, Kite took a moment to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Cassia's home. It sure was comfy.
Cassia returned with a tray of steaming mugs and a plate of pastries. "Here, this should help you relax a bit," she said, handing out the drinks.
Elian took a sip of his drink, his expression softening. "Thank you, Cassia. We appreciate your hospitality."
Cassia sat down, her gaze serious. "Now, tell me what happened. You all look like you've been through a battle."
Kite nodded, his expression grim. "We encountered a dragon—a massive, blue-scaled beast. It was unlike anything we've ever faced. We managed to drive it away, but not without difficulty."
Cassia's eyes widened in shock. "A dragon?"
Liliana nodded, her cheerful demeanor momentarily subdued. "It was tough. We barely managed to get away."
Cassia sighed. "You shouldn't have messed with her. That dragon is the guardian of the mountains. She probably sees you as a threat now."
---
[Meanwhile]
The Sapphire Dragon, now fully healed, stood at the entrance of her cavern, her eyes gleaming with icy prana. She had sensed the group's presence in the town and knew they were planning something.
"Fools," she muttered, her voice dripping with contempt. "They think they can find a way to defeat me. But they are mistaken. I'm the protector of this region. I will fulfill my mission."
She raised her hands, and icy energy swirled around her. With a wave, she summoned a group of snow golems.
"Go," she commanded. "Find them and bring them to me. I will not be looked down upon by those who dare to trespass.
The ice golems bowed and dispersed, their icy forms blending seamlessly with the snowy mountains. The Sapphire Dragon watched them go, her lips curling into a smile.
"Enjoy your respite while you can," she said softly. "For soon, you will face the true wrath of the Sapphire Dragon."
With a final smile, she retreated into the depths of her cavern, her mind already plotting her next move. She had to defend the treasure entrusted to her by her former master.
She looked over her shoulder and recalled the boy who had blocked her attack. That blade of his was like her master's. How had he gotten it?
Maybe she should have her golems investigate. She had acted rashly as well by attacking them. But it had kept this place safe for centuries. If they were enemies then she would show them no mercy.