Seraphim Online: Afterlife

“Woah… it’s stunning.”

“It really is, isn’t it, Sera? It feels good to be back.”

“Heh, wasn’t on about that, Lena. Was thinking back to something cute, round and plump.”

“D-Damn it, Sera! Get my b-backside out of your mind!”

The Dragon Sanctuary, a place as beautiful and old as time itself stands proudly ahead of us. Goats and herd of deer happily graze across the valley, birds tweet and sing while the wind blows in my hair. Oh, and a couple of darkened dragons fly way up in the sky, no biggie. In the far-off distance, I see a dozen more… could also be pterodactyls considering this place looks like a park for Jurassic creatures.

You would think this place would be more barren considering the mythical Agora’s Abyss that splits it in two. Everything it touches seems to die yet this place thieves, dragons are magical in nature so maybe there’s some relation to that?

“It really is something… we gliding through it then?”

“Nope Sera, just got to take a left over here.”

Heading into the valley proper, never leaving my parents back, we quickly glide into a small crevice, pass under an arch and come across another sight as beautiful as the last.

Under the arch, the morning sunlight shines against the smooth rock and reflects into a humongous cave opening. To the left of us, a mountain range sits. To the right, a pit of water, presumably used by Lena’s parents? In the centre, the cave opening which makes Lena look small in comparison.

“Wish me luck, Sera?”

“Heh, should say the same. Please know I will use you as a shield if things go south.”

“Hehe… wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Gracefully landing while taking a huge breath, Lena crawls the both of us into the cave.

“Who dares enter my lair!? Lenore, is that you? Do my eyes deceive me!? What kind of absurdity is this!?”

As soon as we enter, we’re acknowledged by an intense masculine voice, deep with a husky tone, possessed by a gigantic beast abandoning his nest. Without a shadow of doubt, this dragon makes Lena look like a pup in comparison. Size is easily doubled, maybe even tripled compared to my dragon companion.

‘Fuck. He really is a beast.’

“You disappear for fifty years, then return bringing a puny mortal back to our cave!? Then, said mortal mounts you like a mare!?”

“Father, please calm dow-”

“I’ll get to you in a minute, Lenore, keep it shut! You! Get off her and face me this instant!”

With gritted teeth and an aura stinking of evilness and anger, I should be full of fear and trembling at the idea of facing this gigantic creature. Yet, the desire to bop this dragon on the snout like Lena is strong. I guess once you’ve managed to bed one, they lose a bit of their edge.

“Sup.”

“Puny mortal… here’s the deal. Leave my daughter forever and I’ll allow you access to as much wealth as you can carry with those grubby paws of yours.”

Tossing the huge nest of furs behind him aside, what appears is absolutely stunning. A literal pit filled with gold, so deep and wide in fact, that animated duck obsessed with wealth could dive into it headfirst.

‘Hmm… an absurd bounty, or a tsundere dragon’s booty? This isn’t an easy choice.’

[Sera really isn’t considering selling Lenore, right?]

‘Look Guide, everything, or everyone has a price. Besides, I’d only be selling her back to her father. You make it sound worse than it really is.’

[Selling Lenore is still selling Lenore, Sera. Justify it all you want, there is a clear wrong decision.]

[Butterfly Effect Achieved]

Deep down, it’s obvious what choice I should make. I just wish modern society hadn’t corrupted me; money is essentially what makes the Earth spin after all. The choice comes down to love or gold… then again, companionship can always be bought.

‘No Sera, you love this doofus way too much to consider leaving her side. No amount of wealth could ever provide the warmth and protection she gives me.’

With vigour in my heart and a slight shiver down my spine, I stare deep into the eyes of something that could swallow me whole.

“No. It’s slightly insulting you’ve offered me this.”

“Aww…”

‘Does Lena need to know I was seriously considering it? Nah.’

Purposely trying to ignore the ignore the sweet sounding aww coming from behind me, the dragon ahead of me grows nastier and its aura it releases could choke me. Now my fight or flight instinct is really kicking in.

“You stand against a being capable of squashing you like an insect, yet you dare defy my wishes?”

The dragon gets even closer and angrier by the second, causing me to tense up and close my eyes. Lena will jump in if he’s about to attack me, right? Right!?

…

Something completely unexpected happens next. With one swift move of his neck, I’m covered in slobber. He actually licked my face!

“Ha! I knew this one had balls! Lena’s friends are normally so boring, I rate your commitment, elf! Especially when I know you two a far more than just friends, right?”

The dragon then raises his paw and lightly pats me on the back.

‘Erm… the fuck? No wonder Lena never dated anyone before with this dinosaur around.’

I’m here as perplexed as a puzzle missing pieces, while Lena grows extremely frustrated and even looks to bite her father.

“Hrm… why do you always do this, father!? Every time I bring a friend back; you always try to scare them away! Wait… how did you know about me and Sera!?”

“I had to see if this one is trustworthy, Lenore, don’t act stupid. I’m sure I caught a whiff of your backside on her breath, I’m honestly ecstatic you’ve found someone!”

Again, the paw wraps around me like I’m now part of the family or something, is this behaviour that should be praised!?

‘In future, no arse kissing when visiting the in-laws. That happened two days ago and he can somehow smell it.’

“What the hell, father!? My entire childhood you spent warning me of dragons stealing my heart, then you accept Sera in a heartbeat!? What the fuck!?”

“Language, Lenore. You should remember I explicitly have a problem with the male dragons around here, all are undeserving of wooing your heart. The fact you’ve let this one ride you tells of the connection you have.”

“Ride? What’s the meaning behind it?”

I have to interject just to make sure Lena’s father isn’t talking about the other sort of traditional riding. Wouldn’t surprise me if he can already smell it.

“In a sense… it’s easy to gain attraction when you scour the skies as two souls connected. Lenore… you didn’t tell her the symbolism behind it, did you? The first person you allow a ride to; you should mate with them for life.”

Now tutting at his daughter and folding his arms, his focus is now on scolding Lena for not telling me about that little caveat.

“I-Ignore him, Sera! Just because my p-parents view it that way doesn’t mean I do!!”

“You say that as if you couldn’t carry her using the paws we have, Lenore. The back is a dragon’s biggest weakness, don’t be acting like you don’t know this.”

I can’t help but let out a facepalm as Lena turns away, trying to hide a blush. In the eyes of her father, we might as well already be married!

Gently bopping her on the nose, I’m not sure it helps but I still do it regardless.

“Anyways… now that I’ve seen your face again, what brings you back after all this time? I know you wanted some time alone… fifty years does seem a little disrespectful, no?”

…

From what was an embarrassing situation turns really uncomfortable for a moment. Slightly ashamed, Lena continues to face away.

“I’ve got a slight problem, father. My spark is gone.”

“Your spark? Is that related to the missing magic?”

“Yes, elf known as Sera. A dragon’s magic comes from deep within, the power only ignites when it comes into contact with a tiny part of the throat. If you’re unable to use magic, that must be the cause. What did you do, Lenore?”

Returning to the scolding father, at least Lena is able to face him now.

“About that… I kinda fell into the Abyss and only woke up thanks to Sera. Fifty years stuck in some sleeping pod… if it wasn’t for her, I’d still be stuck.”

“On behalf of my daughter, I thank you for helping. I fail to comprehend how in Seraphim’s Garden you managed to fall down there.”

‘Seraphim’s Garden? Is that what they call Sanctuary around here? It’s fitting.’

“Hey, this is why I don’t drink anymore! After the things you’ve done when drunk, *cough* walnut goats *cough*, I think you should be nicer!”

“I wasn’t drunk when that happened! I’ve told you before, that pack showed up during mating season. If I hadn’t marked my scent… they’d have experienced a fate worse that being cattle. You’ve seen how the valley gets when dragons are in heat!”

‘You know… I really don’t want to know about this.’

“You could’ve flown them far away from the valley!”

“You’re being ridiculous now! As if I’m carrying a herd of goats around with me!”

The scolding rapidly descends into a shouting match between father and daughter while I just stand here in the middle of it all. Those blasted goats wandering the Badlands have been mentioned far too much now.

With the noise echoing inside the cave, the loudness appears to have found someone else. Not noticing an entire subsection of this place covered in shrubbery, another dragon rises from inside a nest made from leaves and brambles!

“*Yawnnn*… it’s far too early for all this ruckus. You know I’ve got that claw checkup next week, right Askold?”

Grouchily getting up, her voice is surprisingly mellow and mature. With just how pink the dragon is, you’d think it would be a little cuter.

“Mother, you’re awake! Father is being a dick again!”

“Hmph, morning Annika. Our wonderful daughter returns only to call me a dick! What has thou done to deserve such foul treatment?”

Rubbing his eyes, pretending to let off tears, Lena’s father decides now is the time to play victim! What is it with this family!? Are all dragons like this?

Rushing over to her mother to embrace in a nuzzle, surprisingly her mother isn’t that much larger than Lena. She is a fair bit bigger, just maybe ten to twenty percent rather than that monstrosity of a father.

‘Level definitely relates to dragon size it seems. Someday, Lena may grow to a size similar to her old man.’

[Is that concern this guide hears in Sera’s thoughts?]

‘Maybe, Guide, dragon doesn’t matter but human could be a problem. Oh sweet lord all mighty, that’s a thought I didn’t need in my head!’

Spoiler

Lena smash!(-ing Sera until she's blacked out with exhaustion apparently.)

[collapse]

Shaking away the death by snu-snu thoughts, it appears I’m not the only one with a lewd mind inside this cave.

“My little lamb, you’ve returned. Is that a… mortal!? He-he-he, I shouldn’t pry, but my nose doesn’t lie. Is something going between you?”

‘I literally brush my teeth twice a day and rinse my mouth out with soap! My breath should not stink of Lena’s backside!’

“W-Well… I guess you could s-say there’s something between us.”

Blushing again, my tsun-dragon once again shies away while the mother crawls over to the father.

“So, our little lamb has found someone? We’ve got to throw that thing mortals do… what’s it called again?”

“A wedding, dear?”

“Yes, that! Let’s throw them a mortal wedding!”

Now Lena is hiding under her paws and I’m bringing out my trademarked facepalm. One parent was bad enough, now two!?

“Sera… see why I was putting this off?”

“Heh, think they’re doing this on purpose now. Being serious for a second, can you two help us? Lena can’t use her magic and we need to fix this spark thing. How do we do that?”

Both parental dragons now together in cuddles with grins on their faces, looks like I’m not the only person who likes teasing around here.

“Oh my, the mortal is even helpful? Where has she been all Lenore’s life?”

“Calm yourself dear… we should be serious. Elf known as Sera; the solution is somewhat simple. You’ll need a concoction, or a potion, capable of reignition.”

“Let me guess... they can’t be made by normal means and are rarer than diamond?”

The cynic in me is telling me exactly how this quest is about to go, search far and wide and spend weeks looking through every nook and cranny. Heck, even my potion book has nothing related to this so it has to be rare. As bad as it sounds, a shitty made radiant quest that sends us to a repeat location would work wonders here.

“They aren’t rare, just difficult because humans have no use for them. Someone must have a recipe, we’re unaware of it though. We’ll find some way to help out, I’m sure of it!”

“I have an idea where to start. While I do that, go to a human town and ask around. At least one human should’ve heard of a reignition potion somewhere.”

Once I’ve removed the quest log from my view, I’m thinking it’s time to leave especially when the mother let’s out an almighty yawn and returns to lay in her nest. Yet, the father still seems heavily interested in the both of us.

“Before we get to all of that, I require assistance with something, elf.”

Creeping slowly back towards my face, the father’s expression returns to that serious frown he had on earlier, obviously without the intenseness it was backed up with.

“What do you need?”

“I cannot accept you as one of my own until I see your blood in action… let’s call it an initiation.”

“*Yawnnn*. That’s what you’re planning, Askold? Guess I do have time for a lay in.”

“Damn it, father! Sera may be strong but you know this is a complete mismatch!”

‘Heh, appreciate her confidence but let’s be fair, I’m weak.’

Jumping in, presumably to try and save my hide, Lena clearly worries too much for my own safety. As if this dragon is really planning to fight me… right? I’d give it a go but this really would be David vs a dozen Goliaths.

“I’m not on about sparring, Lenore. If I’m her as one of our own, she must share the thrills of a hunt with me…”

__________

“Been too long since I’ve worn this form… ah, just realized what I’m asking, elf. You don’t have to eat what we kill; I know your kind have an aversion to meat.”

“Don’t worry about me, that vegetarian thing is a myth.”

“Yeah, me and Sera find rabbits to eat all the time! We still have to scavenge nuts and berries sometimes… Sera’s stomach can be moody.”

“Heh, it just needs a balanced diet, Lena. If I could solely eat meat, believe me, I would.”

Now in the heart of the Sanctuary valley having flown a short distance away, the three of us prepare to enter a secluded forest nestled between three mountains.

‘Huh… little disappointed he isn’t bigger.’

Thankfully, the form Lena’s father possesses is surprisingly average, bit taller than the both of us but the only thing that stands out is his blue hair. Didn’t bother asking why we’re hunting like this, presumably it’s for my own sake so I don’t feel left out.

As for the weapons, the dragons hold a collection of short javelins and throwing knifes while I stick with my bow. I was offered a shuriken or two, preferred to stick with what I know over cool style points.

Moving on, now creeping through the woods being led by Lena’s father, something that was just said seems to have unsettled him.

“Hmm… that wasn’t a myth for the thousands of other elves I’ve encountered. Say Sera, there’s something peculiar about you.”

‘Oh shit, I’ve said something I shouldn’t.’

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Don’t use that formal mortal tongue with me, the name’s Askold so use that. Your aura is not of this world, is it? It’s as if you’re possessing someone or something. Don’t even get me started on how unnaturally quick you’re able to creep across the ground.”

‘This is seriously the only use I’ve found for that crouching ability so far!?’

Having just crouched through a particularly dense bit of forest and now ahead of both of them, my heart sinks when her father grows suspicious of me.

…

Taking a moment to look at Lena, she seems unconcerned, like telling him wouldn’t make any difference. It’s either that or she’s just not listening.

“I wasn’t born in this world if that matters, Askold. This avatar is definitely mine… I guess you could say I’m possessing it.”

“You’re an otherworlder? Ha! I knew there was a reason I like you! Otherworlders are wicked, the Badlands were so peacefully boring before you lot burned and salted everything!”

“Father… your evilness is showing.”

“It’s just nostalgia, Lenore. Those days of watching mortals weep is long behind me. Is it evil to enjoy seeing a village burn once in a decade?”

Lena facepalms from her father’s words and I honestly have no clue what to do. The fact I can relate to this dragon can’t be a good thing, arson is obviously bad but fire burning over a dark horizon does make for a good picture.

Suddenly, Askold grabs my arm and stops the both of us. Facing into a small clearing, stroking his nose, he’s caught the scent of something.

“Patience and silence now… I can smell something. Lenore, stay back because those heavy feet might scare it away.”

“*Unintelligent mumble about having small feet*.”

Doing as the blue dragon says, we slowly wait in this overgrown shrubbery. A minute or two pass, then something shows up for its lunchtime meal.

‘Huh, first deer I’ve seen in this world. Poor Bambi will be missing her mother tonight.’

An almost muted whisper from behind, Lena’s father guides my hand.

“First shot is on you, Sera. Don’t miss.”

‘As if I needed the pressure.’

As slowly as I can, I take a couple of arrows from my holster, put the spare in my mouth and load the other into the drawstring.

Three fingers slowly pull it back, breathing slowed, one eye closed and arrow aimed, I’m ready. With most of the creature to hit, it should be harder to miss...

Whoosh! The deer falls like a sack of potatoes when the arrow pierces its neck, the poor creature dying instantly.

‘In this world, it’s eat or be eaten. Unfortunately for our four-legged friend, my belly fancies venison tonight.’

All three of us hurry over to inspect and prepare my kill, Lena is full of praises while Askold is less so.

“That’s my elf, Sera! You could hit an apple hanging from a tree with that aim!”

“Hmph… do you consider yourself lucky, elf? You didn’t aim for its neck, did you?”

“Guess you noticed that? Sometimes I am, it tends to even itself out. The second shot would’ve curved round a tree.”

Let’s just purposely ignore what happened last time I used my bow, shall we? Lena may wink and seductively point to her bottom… I technically didn’t miss. I meant to end up kissing her backside all along!

“Humble as well, or just faking it? Ah, I don’t care either way! Sera, if Lenore ever grows tired of you, please come find me and I’ll set her mind straight.”

With a face full of fluster and annoyance, Lena tries her hardest to focus on helping me skin this deer yet now wants to punch her old man. This is at least a two-man job, she’s now leaving me alone!

“W-Will you just stop a-already, father? Jeez… thought you’d like her; this is starting to get creepy! Why don’t you date her if you like her that much?”

‘Heh, sometimes I forget Lena can be a bit silly. I’m thinking three hundred in dragon years might be similar to the last couple as a teenager.’

“Your mother would rip me to shreds if my mind wandered, Lenore! Even when mating season arrives, her tenacity to keep me faithful is relentless!”

…

All of a sudden, the only thing to be heard is the squelching of deer being split apart. I shouldn’t ask, but I have to know.

“I’ve heard about this mating season a few times now. It can’t be that bad, right?”

Both father and daughter look to me with fear in their eyes. Deep down, neither want to answer.

“You haven’t told her about that either, have you, Lenore?”

“I have father… just vaguely! The less people that know of what basically is a thousand dragon orgy, the better.”

“You’re exaggerating, Lenore, it’s a hundred dragons rather than a thousand. The word you use to describe it could be better as well.”

…

Again, things continue to be awkward, but I need to know, for my own safety.

“So… it’s a big get together of sorts?”

“*Sigh*. Long story short, Sera, our kind was on the brink of extinction so Seraphim pitied us. Once a dragon reaches a certain age, the curse of mating season is inflicted.”

“It’s a curse?”

“Yes. Most consider it a gift due to the increase in fertilization, I see it differently. The biggest problem with our species is reproduction, you’re more likely to meet Seraphim herself than coming across a naturally fertilized egg.”

“Ahem, father.”

“I was getting there, Lenore, our family are exceptions. All three of us were conceived naturally, mating season for most is the only chance they get at parenthood. One week when both the moons are in just the right position, all of us revert to our baser instincts.”

Now with a small fluster on his own face, the dragon Askold looks away and really doesn’t want to go further. Still, I must press.

“Heh, by the sounds of it, Lena’s use of the word orgy isn’t that farfetched?”

“You have no idea, Sera. This is why we have Seraphim’s Garden, or as mortals call it, Sanctuary. It’s our safe haven for when the night appears instead of daylight.”

…

In some ways, I wish I hadn’t asked about that considering how flustered both Lena and Askold are now. Eh, at least I know to watch out if an eclipse is fast approaching.

“Enough of this nonsense, I'm peckish! Let’s finish up with this one, collect a dozen more, then throw a feast for the ages…”

__________

Said feast for the ages ended up being a large bonfire filled with deer where the father made sure nothing went to waste. Me, Lena and Annika got the best parts, Askold ate everything spare, including the bones.

Still through, the peculiar taste of venison lingered on my mind, and through my stomach for the next few days…