Storm growled in response.
"I WILL NEVER HELP YOU!!" Bellowed Storm.
"I think you will. Especially after you hear what the alternative would be.
I must say, dragon. I used our first fight as something of an 'audition ' and you passed with flying colors.
You're strong, resilient and those unique abilities you displayed are of great interest to me!
I look forward to seeing what kind of strengths your offspring would have, and so I offer you this."
A snarl came from the pit where the Chimera was locked up. The lich gestured in that direction.
"Spite, down there has been an invaluable support for my research, but he's too savage and his tendency to 'break' his partners has been an significant drain on my resources
Become the father of a new, better race of dragon.
Take Spite's place as the main breeder in my program." Offered the Lich.
"You can't honestly believe that I'd go through with this?!" Snarled Storm.
"Then I will have no choice but to continue using Spite, and I can tell you now, He won't be gentle
He will make it as degrading, humiliating and as painful as he can. Some of your companions might not survive his 'affections'.
Isn't it better to save them from such an fate? If you agree to my proposal, you can be as gentle as you want?
I'll even throw in a little 'sign up' bonus.
I've seen how you and that Silver Dragoness look at each other. You two can go first.
That way you can have a partner you are more comfortable with before moving on to the others." Offered the Lich.
"Listen well, creature!! I will NEVER help you!!
And if you harm her in any way!! I'll make your last moments pure agony!!" Threatened Storm.
The Lich sighed.
"That is unfortunate! I had hoped that you would have the wisdom to see the benefits of what I offer! But I see you need further convincing!
Maybe you will change your mind once you see how cruel Spite can be?
Though I fear it might be too late to save one of your companions then!
He turned around and began walking towards Aurora's cell, as she retreated deeper into her cell in fear.
"Mimereus!! You have to help me!!"
"What can I do, Storm?! I'm just an specter with no physical form?!"
"Transfer your magic knowledge to me!! All of it!! I can use it to combat him!!"
"I have already done so, Storm.
But you lack the experience and practice to use it!
It will take time that your companions don't have!!" Exclaimed Mimereus.
"Then transfer your experience and memories!!"
"I can't!! It doesn't work that way!!"
"There must be something we can do!!" Pleaded Storm.
Mimereus was silent for a moment.
".... There is a way... but it might not be to your liking.."
"I'm willing to do anything to save them!!"
"I can't give you my experience, but I can do it in your stead."
"What do you mean?" Asked Storm.
"Give me complete control. Let me fight in your stead!
Because of the time and control I would need, this will be different to what we did earlier.
Our roles will reverse.
I will become the main host, and you will be the observer in this body.
I promise that once the danger has passed, I will return control to you!
But I wanted you to know exactly what you would be agreeing to." Explained Mimereus.
This was the tipping point.
The question Storm needed to ask himself was 'Did he trust Mimereus enough to take such a risk?'
His desire to return to the realm of the living was strong, would Mimereus be able to resist the temptation offered to him?
Would Storm be able to endure the possibility of him being locked in his own mind forever?
Forced to watch as Mimereus lived his life?
Storm watched as the Lich disabled the barrier to Aurora's cell and as he stepped into it, his answer was clear.
"I will pay any price to ensure her safety. " Thought Storm.
....
Aurora watched as the Lich disabled the barrier and enter her cell.
She backed away until her tail was scraping up against the wall.
She breathed fire at the Lich but it passed harmlessly by his sides.
"Let me give you some advice, dragon.
Do not struggle, and do not fight it.
It would only encourage Spite to treat you even rougher.
If you give in, then it will be over quickly!" Said the Lich.
A bright gold glow came from Storm's cell, before an immensely powerful blast struck the barrier.
The Lich turned around when he saw Aurora staring past him.
The entire barrier turned gold as the magic overtook it, it flickered, then faded away as it was destroyed.
Storm stepped out of the cell a moment later but this wasn't the Storm she was familiar with.
His body was covered by a golden aura that made him almost seem like he was on fire.
His eyes were a deep gold color.
Aurora felt an immensely ancient mind pressing down on everyone present.
It was a presence that was both regal and frightening.
A being that was ancient long before Aurora had been born.
A being that demanded respect.
Storm's eyes fell on the Lich.
The disdain and hatred in that gaze made even Aurora afraid.
"FOUL CREATURE!! YOU WILL NEVER HARM ANOTHER DRAGON AGAIN!!
I WILL BURN YOUR TAINT FROM THIS WORLD!!"
Storm's voice had deepened and sounded closer to a growl than the voice she was accustomed to.
Strangest of all was that the voice echoed in her mind as if she was being contacted mentally.
Storm opened his mouth and a golden beam shot from it and flew straight at the Lich.
Aurora quickly lept out of the way to avoid being hit by the attack.
The Lich hastily conjured a barrier to defend himself from the beam.
The beam struck the barrier and pushed the lich all the way back to the wall. The barrier lasted for a minute before it cracked from the pressure of the attack.
A sound like that of glass shattering echoed down the cavern as the barrier broke from the pressure of the attack and the lich dissappeared behind a cloud of smoke.