The Blood Oath

Zmey couldn't understand. Couldn't understand why the man framed his father. Couldn't understand why he threw him into this chaos.

He raised his palm to Aura's eye, watching as the darkness enveloped his thoughts. He knew nothing, nothing except one:

'I'm just a pawn in their scheme.'

A familiar thrill coursed through his body. As he closed his eyes, he saw blood dripping onto the haze-covered surface below.

In the vision, the injured one held his hand high, a red cloak billowing behind him. The air whistled around two figures standing at the centre of the throne room.

Blood fell in a continuous stream. Yet, the crimson beast held his hand up before the man facing him.

The other person stood slender and ready, a headband across his forehead and a large axe at his side.

The creature clutched a strange dagger. Thick cobwebs wove round its handle. A crimson gemstone glowed within.

Many visions of the same action flashed through Zmey's mind. Over and over again. That sparkled something in him - the ritual that trapped him.

Each ritual from each life. How many people had he lost along the way? How many people had watched him die, waiting in anticipation?

'My life means nothing now—just a weak, damned human whose only purpose is to die. I need to end this.'

Opening his eyes, he felt the cold air against his face. He raised his left hand, mirroring the memory.

His heart threatened to break free from his chest. The bloodshot dragon had never doubted its power. It sometimes reached beyond mortal limits.

'I shouldn't doubt. I am him now; his power flows through me. The power will come when called...'

A sharp chill shot from his legs upward, and Zmey's attempts to hide the pain were of no use.

He could see that with Aura, despite the unfortunate circumstances. She raised her eyebrows, indicating a hint of curiosity at his reaction.

Before he could act, he felt something stone-cold in his other hand—the one not raised to the white dragon's eye.

His gaze darted downward, and to his surprise, a red gleam cast a dull light across his face.

The sensation felt familiar. It was as if he'd held this dagger countless times before.

The handle's rough texture pressed against his skin. It was the same material the red dragon used to slice his palm in the vision.

Heat rose in his chest as understanding dawned upon him. He would need to cut his palm.

'No wonder that dragon achieved a third-rank mage body—he embraced insanity. I've lost count of how many times he did this ritual. I can't believe I'm going along with this insanity.'

Yet something about the blood-letting felt essential. His mind buzzed with fragments of knowledge—insights, reasons, implications. The fire emperor must have had a compelling purpose.

No wonder this was Zmey's first action when entrusting responsibility to Aura. Without hesitation, Zmey raised the dagger and drew it across his palm.

Red liquid coated the blade as the scar stretched from one end to the other.

He set the dagger aside and met Aura's gaze. She squared her shoulders, standing stiff in her position next to Zmey.

As blood dripped onto the surface below, Zmey's thoughts crystallized.

'The Blood Oath binds its participants to an unbreakable fate. They must abandon all else to fulfil their sworn word. They will, because they must.'

'My plan's success will cost my life. I'm acting in my own interest, but what of the dragon? I seized his soul, body, and memories, only to face new sorrows and cause fresh disasters.

He had his own wishes, his responsibilities, his legacy to leave behind. He became tangled in my ninefold journey through his misdeeds.

Yet, that doesn't make him deserving of this fate. I should protect his realm, but that path is closed to me now. Still, I can't simply vanish. I must ensure someone capable carries his legacy forward.'

Zmey thought of one person, the only person he could trust—Aura. Zmey had always trusted her, his friend and potential successor.

He had always thought that... If he failed to reach the highest stage of dark magic, she would take his place. His gaze lingered on the wound across his palm.

The ancient words flowed from his lips, each syllable precise and powerful:

"By the blood that binds. Through fate, unyielding. I sever my will to forge this bond. Let no shadow break, no time to forget.

A crimson tide etches this vow. What I swear, I must fulfil. For the blood remembers, and the soul commands."

Aura glanced at Zmey. Her gaze was tender but reserved. His burned with pure determination.

Throughout all his cursed lives, Zmey realised he had grown to hate all creatures. How they had subjected him to this torture time and again, all while believing that it's the superior race.

But Aura… was she truly cruel? Hadn't she stayed by Zmey's side the entire time? Was Zmey leaving her by performing the Blood Oath? Tension thickened the air.

After the final word of the mantra, an immense weight settled in his legs, sinking deep into his bone marrow.

An unseen force pulled his outstretched hand. An invisible thread connected them, a bond stronger than words.

Aura swallowed hard. She had seen the emperor perform this oath with many Transformers... from fire creature classes in the Infernosphere.

While rare among beasts, thousands of Transformers existed. This was due to the vast population of creatures.

Rare and deadly. Her own kind unnerves her—she was sure Zmey felt the same way. What else did she know?

Aura ran the facts through her head, searching for anything that could prepare her for what Zmey was about to do.

Of fire creatures, the dragon lineage had only two Transformers. They could assume human form.

These two were the dragon emperor himself and his confidant. She had seen it all. Sometimes, she'd escorted oath-takers from the palace after their binding.

Those who failed to fulfil their sworn duties forfeited their lives. Some returned to Zmey Ashbane's palace.

They begged for more time as their deadline approached. They'd received their wish for power but failed their assigned tasks.

'He spared no one who broke their word...'

Another shiver ran through Aura's frame. The Blood Oath served as his greatest weapon, one only he could wield.

The life and death of all who participated lay in his hands.

'His methods may have seemed ruthless, but he sought only fairness. Though I gain nothing in return, I shall make this oath!'

"Are you certain you want to…?" Zmey began.

"I will do it!" Aura cut in. "Please proceed!"

Zmey was sure his jaw had dropped onto the floor, but he remembered to take a moment to compose himself.

"Very well," he said, features settling back to neutrality. "Place your hand over mine.

Swear to protect the realm in my absence, but remember—speak only what you can fulfil with sincerity. No false promises..."

Without hesitation, Aura placed her hand over his. Blood bound their palms together, creating soft crackling sounds with each slight movement.

Her voice rang clear and strong.

"I, Aura DrakeBorn, swear on this crimson bond. At the cost of my life, I will defend the realm during the emperor's seclusion.

From this moment, I dedicate my cultivation and practice to the realm's protection. All infernal creatures will enjoy my skills and powers.

They are my intelligence, insight, healing, and defence. I shall face even the gods should they threaten our security. This I swear!"

"I warned you against impossible promises," Z

Zmey said, his tone carrying a note of concern.

Aura's eyes flashed with determination. "Still, I promise you I will!"

Zmey nodded with a serious expression. 'What a remarkable character,' he thought. He turned their joined hands with care, placing his on top, sealing the oath.

A vibratory thrum pulsed between their palms. A mark appeared on Aura's forehead, bringing a sting that elicited no flinch from her.

The symbol glowed with dull, fiery light for two heartbeats before fading. Zmey studied the design—an erect sword entwined by a dark, reptilian creature.

At first, it resembled a dragon. But, on closer look, it turned into a serpent, poised to strike.

'We're finished here,' Zmey thought, withdrawing his hand.

Aura rubbed her forehead, showing no sign of discomfort.

Everything had resolved save for one final step. His heart hammered against his ribs.

He couldn't tell if it was from excitement at approaching freedom or anxiety about the pain ahead. Being tamed on Earth held no certainties.

The humans had seen his destruction and knew his capacity for devastation. The Beast Exorcists would become heroes.

They would use their most powerful spells and weapons against him. The pain would likely surpass anything he'd experienced before.

'No other options remain... I must face what comes.'

He offered Aura a gentle smile. Before walking past, he gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. Other beasts used the Pathway, a bridge to the Earth. Zmey knew he had no need for it.

The Pathway offered magnificent views of the fiery realm. But what use were such sights to one who possessed a Wraithbound Mage Body?

A sorcerer with such an enigmatic form could slip between planes with ease. Aura spun around, her face etched with a mix of curiosity, anxiety, and fear.

"Where are you headed, Lord Zmey? I can go with you."

Zmey halted a few feet from the golden door he'd first seen upon waking in this body.

He turned back with a grim expression. "Earth," he said, then added, "You told me to rest."

Aura stepped forward, her eyes widening in surprise. "You're going to Earth alone? Don't you know how dangerous…?"

"It isn't dangerous anymore," Zmey interrupted. A shadow crossed his expression, but he masked it with a reassuring grin. "I'm only going to rest.

Besides, I need to study those I wish to forge treaties with. How better to learn their behaviour than from close observation? You're making me doubt your judgement already."

His eyes sparkled with gentle humour. "Don't worry. I have learned to conceal my dragon horns."

With a final smile, he turned away. Now one challenge remained: how to activate the mage body's unique ability. He scowled at the empty air before him.

Aura watched with keen concentration. 'Why isn't he moving?'

Zmey stared at his surroundings with an expressionless gaze. He sought a clue to wield this power. But he saw only endless clouds on both sides and the intricate designs of the throne room.

'Curse it... why does the dragon's memory come to me in such fragments?'

Aura drew closer, studying his rigid posture.

"Did you... have a change of heart? Perhaps you should…"

'I need to use the Wraithbound Body's ability to cross between planes. Why can't I access it?'

"…be heading to the Pathway. Why aren't you moving?"

Zmey's frown deepened.

Why was she mentioning the Pathway? As the dragon's closest friend, she must have known he had no need for it.

The memory surfaced clearly now—he might not require such mundane methods... Aura's heart pounded.

'He said he's going to Earth. The next step should be the Pathway. That's what we all use...'

The silence stretched taut between them.

'Transport me to Earth...' Just as the thought formed, he felt it—something spreading from deep within.

The sensation swelled, as if his very essence expanded...

Shew!

"Your Majesty!" Aura's cry echoed through the chamber.

But Zmey Ashbane had vanished. Only dark specks drifting in the air marked where he had stood. She clenched her jaw, fingers curled into fists.

"No! Has he forgotten the prohibition against teleporting through the mage body's ability? He has never attempted this before. Why now?"

The question hung unanswered in the empty throne room. Dark motes settled in the still air over time.