Labyrinthine Obscurity

Prologue

Throughout time many forces greater than man have fought against one and other. This struggle is all too easy to see in the land of Erias. It is in this place where the greatest clashes between the opposing powers have been waged. Like invisible tides each side grows and ebbs in power, yet a third power hides amongst its larger siblings, surfacing only in times of desperation. When the balance is skewed too greatly, that is the only time in which it is noticed. The Light, the Dark, and the Shadows tell the tales of these awesome forces for mankind as time continues onward. Our tale lies within the shadowed sagas of this war, and how it had spilled into the land of men.

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"Eimiri, come on it's just over here, it's perfect." a young boy called ecstatically "Our own little spot, only we'll know about it." He said as he brushed aside a large leaf that had blocked their view. It revealed a large pool that was being fed by a small waterfall from the cliff above. A cave was faintly visible from behind the moving crystalline waters. Its beauty was ringed by the emerald hued grass, which was spotted with fragrant flowers every so often.

"You're right Diran, it's beautiful, and just for us." Eimiri said hugging the boy

"I saw this place a while back, but I never got time to tell you until today. See that water fall, I saw a cave behind it too, but I wanted you here to explore it with me." Diran said hinting at his actual intentions with a wink.

"You want to explore it now?" Eimiri asked teasingly flaunting her body at Diran. She darted off towards the pool of water, and without a pause dove into the clear depths. Diran stood and watched in awe as she surfaced, her light cloth shirt hugged tight against her curves and tossed her shoulder length auburn hair to get a little of the water out. She looked back over, smirked mischievously, and beckoned the awestruck boy into the water. All to willingly Diran dove into the water and surfaced in front Eimiri.

"Well..."Eimiri said almost impatiently "what are you waiting for?" she asked as their eyes locked.

"Nothing, just trying to savor the moment,” he replied sounding half dazed. "Let's go check out that cave." He took her hand and then started towards the cave. Once inside the cave they realized just how marvelous their new spot was. The walls of their cave were spotted with radiant blue crystals growing in spiked clusters.

"I've never seen this kind of gem before, what is it? Look at how they're growing." Eimiri said in awe "But we're not here for crystals are we?" Her tone returned to the tempting lure that she knew made Diran bite every time.

"I think we were about here before,” he said, pulling her into a kiss. Her knees growing weak as she felt Diran’s tongue sweep across her lips. Eimiri began to move back to support herself on the wall. Forgetting about the crystals she pulled Diran in closer to her causing one of the two-inch long crystals to stab into her lower back.

"Diran, wait, I think I just stabbed myself." Eimiri said in pain. Immediately Diran stopped, and then gently pulled Eimiri forward to look at her back.

"I think it snapped off I can't see it on the wall." he said "It looks like it's healing up!" he continued as he pulled the bottom of her shirt above the wound.

"D-Di-Diran, something doesn't feel right..." Eimiri said faintly before collapsing into Diran's arms. Suddenly a soft aquamarine glow began dancing upon her skin. The triangular scar, where the wound once had been, was now surrounded by an odd design of a triangle and spiral design off of which arcane symbols wrapped themselves around her body. Yet Diran was preoccupied by the fact that Eimiri's jade-hued eyes were glowing the same aquamarine color as the archaic designs, and that her body now floated roughly an inch above the floor.

"Good, she's almost fully awakened." A deep voice sounded from the darkened area of the cave. Diran, who was already on edge, drew his hunting knife brandishing it in a reverse grip.

"Show yourself. If you mean Eimiri any harm, then it will be your last living desire," Diran said coldly, earning a chuckle from the unseen presence.

"Boy, you would stand no chance even if you were properly armed." The voice developed a corporeal form as a large black dragon stepped into the light.

"I don't care if you kill me a thousand times over, you shall not lay a single claw, nor brush a single scale of your hide across her while I stand," Diran said unwaveringly

"I admire your devotion, maybe, just maybe, we could both get our way." The dragon said lying down.

"D-Di-ran" Eimiri called faintly. Causing the boy to sheath his knife and run to her side. "Hold me, please. I'm cold,” she whimpered weakly.

"Don't talk, you just woke up from passing out. Save your energy, I'll hold you, don't worry." Diran said softly hugging the girl to his chest. “Tell me dragon, how do we both get our way?" A cold gleam of fortitude raged behind Diran's eyes. The dragon's muzzle contorted into what could've only been a smirk.

A dark miasma surrounded the dragon and humans "I'll show you..." the dragons voice echoed clearly "I'll show you"

The two awoke later perfectly safe, and alone. Emiri's eyes hadn't returned to their jade like coloration, and every inch of Diran's body felt as if it was being incinerated. Those were the only things, the only proof, which kept the memories of the cave alive as anything more than a dream. Beneath the setting sun the two laid holding onto each other as they unwittingly began the War of Three.