5 Home for a Dragon's Bride

THE VEIL-

Yao Fu stood at the entrance to the Veil, awaiting entrance into the cathedra room. His hands wrung together in an anxious twitch, a drop of sweat slowly sliding down the side of his temple as he waited.

He whispered a self-motivating prayer to himself, "Be eloquent. Don't screw this up or you're dead."

A Veil member trod out from the monolithic serpent-ridden doors. Swinging his hand biding him entry, Yao Fu swallowed nervously following the man inside the vast interior. His mouth dropped in awe seeing the exquisite decor of the hall.

As he followed, his head was on a swivel. The massive green columns looked as if snakes had engulfed every space. The detail in the sculptures created a slithering effect on the hard surfaces. The floor reflected the flames from thousands of lit candles and lanterns along the path.

In the center, of the massive cathedra room, sat a fountain created by four skeletons all leaning in towards each other. Snakes slithered through the rib cages and around the bones; red water running from the screaming mouths of the skeletons, poured down the bodies into a star shaped pool, where more snakes resided.

Finally, Yao Fu stood before Ri Il. He plunged to his knees, bowing as if the Emperor was standing in front of him. Ri Il smirked, satisfied at the pathetic attempt to worship him.

Yao Fu took a deep breath, attempting to steady his breaths before he spoke. "Veil Minister Ri Il. I come on behalf of Yan Wang, the Purgatory King."

Ri Il lifted an eyebrow at this satisfying revelation. "Oh?"

A low hum surrounded the god's servant, causing him to shutter. He could barely make out the dozens of cloaked figures in the shadows.

Ri Il leaned forward, judging the servant before him. "Tell me more." Yao Fu cautiously lifted his head.

The gaze from the human made his heart race with fear, “Why is he scarier than Zhou Shuren? Eloquence. Convince him you are here for his benefit.” Yao Fu took a calming deep breath.

"My Yan Wang has heard of your substantial exploits and successes when defeating those who should never have been born. He applauds you and wants to form an alliance to continue the good work you do here in the mortal world."

Ri Il stood, slowly gliding down the steps towards the servant. Yao Fu dropped his eyes from the intimidating human, “How can a mortal exude such a powerful aura?” Ri Il places his frigid fingers below the man's chin, lifting his head so he can stare into his eyes.

His low voice reverberated as he spoke. "What's in it for me? I do nothing without an extensive reward."

A slow smile unfolded across Yao Fu's face. He whispered, "Immortality. Wealth. It will all be yours."

Ri Il began laughing. Pulling the servant to his feet, he turned, raising his arms in the air.

His voice echoed around the chamber. "Immortality. HA, the god's have been watching. I accept." The constant humming grows, bouncing off the pillars and walls. Yao Fu covered his ears, the sound unendurable.

Ri Il clapped the servant on the back hard, knocking him forward a few steps. "Come, join me in a drink."

Yao Fu followed the commanding human. He wondered silently, “What is this man capable of? What would he be capable of once he became immortal?” Swallowing, he cringed at the thought.

SOMEWHERE SAFE-

Fog and mist swirled; shutters and loose roof tiles fly and shatter on the ground in front of an abandoned manor. The morning sun began to peek over the damaged roof of the main hall. Once the fog cleared, Ao Shun stood holding Jin An close to his chest. His hand, tangled in her hair, held her head close to his shoulder. Huxian and Langshen materialized next to him, immediately on guard, spinning in a small circle around the couple.

"Looks safe here." Huxian swallowed, his hand lifting towards his head.

Langshen grabbed his friend's arm, leading him to a set of stairs to sit down. He sat next to the exhausted fox, rubbing his hand along his back in a soothing manner. The dragon looked around, his eyes focusing on a room to the left. The torn blue curtains still hung from the awnings; wooden doors wavered on hinges that were rusted and broken.

Looking to Langshen, Ao Shun jerked his head towards the room. In acknowledgement, the wolf runs towards the building, checking the interior. Finding the inside safe, he exits, nodding all clear. Ao Shun gingerly carried Jin An into the dilapidated room.

The interior was coated in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Frowning, he looked to the disgusting dirty bed, then turned giving a disappointed lift of the brow to the wolf. With a frustrated huff, he carefully laid Jin An in a shocked Langshen's arms and turned facing the interior of the room.

He closed his eyes, crossing his forearms. A brilliant silver blue light emanated from his hands. Twisting his hands down, then up, they spread outwards towards the room, the light growing in intensity. The room began to transmogrify just as his home did on the godly realm. Broken was replaced with intact. Dull shifted into bright and beautiful. After a short period of time, the entire manor property had changed from desolate to immaculate; abandoned to livable.

Opening his eyes, Ao Shun took Jin An from Langshen, who had stood still as a statue through the whole transformation. He didn't want to offend the dragon by holding the bride in an offensive manner. He released the breath he held, having been given a sudden reprieve. Huxian appeared at the door just as Jin An was laid on the bed.

"Good job. I guess this is now our mortal home. What's it called, Ao Shun?" The dragon thought for a minute.

A gold enameled plaque appeared above the door outside the manor gates. The simple words revealed the new home of the dragon and his bride, Eclipse Manor. The friends smile at each other, nodding their approval of the name. Ao Shun turned, staring down at the woman who would be in his life forever. Langshen prodded Huxian and together they exit the room, leaving the couple together.