Jubelle and Ox's date started awkwardly. Jubelle was introverted and shy. Ox liked to talk and Jubelle felt bad he didn't say much.
"Everything ok Jubelle? You know you can look me in the eyes. Sora told me you don't like looking men in the eyes. Why not?"
"Embarrassed, I guess. My family is the original vampire family so I feel like people just look at me for that reason."
"Aw. I can kind of relate. Being the son of the Alpha King and Queen doesn't exactly make life easy. Especially when they tarnished me for being gay."
Jubellle finally gathered enough courage to look Ox in the eyes. He was glad he did. He loved his brown hair and eyes. It matched his wolf form.
"I know! Your sister told me. That's so terrible what they did to you and her. Are all werewolves like that?"
"Most. It's sad really. The werewolves are so prideful. Aligning with the demons makes me sick to my stomach– don't get me wrong, Sera and Julius are amazing as are a lot of the demons of Sorbella. Just Azazel is a monster!"
"There's monsters among every race but Azazel is on another level."
Things went quite well after they finally broke the ice and they even agreed to a second date.
Afterwards, Ox came out to the 5 party members staying back. They enjoyed a group night with a SS dungeon clear. They got to work in a group and Sora wasn't complaining. He racked up a cool 100,000 experience with their single dungeon run. He noticed he was up to level 403.
*****
"Woah, they cleared a massive dungeon. I just got a massive experience boost and shot up two levels everyone. Anyway, Leila, what do you think?"
"Your abilities get more amazing by the day, Sora. It's hard to believe you're only 21. I think the tablet is around here somewhere. I just hope it's not shattered or ruined."
"What happens if it isn't?" Brie asked calmly as they walked through cobwebs and ruins.
"It can't be or we came for nothing," Leila said with a frown.
They were in a ghost town. A land once lively and full, smashed to bits in war and left to rot. Bones laid scattered throughout the entire area and the party treaded carefully to not disturb the dead.
"Hey Sora, do you feel the spirits?" Brie asked telepathically.
"Yes. They're unsettled. It's almost like they're trapped. I wonder if there's anything we can do?"
"They're kind of creeping me out. So much hate lingers here. It's giving me the quivers."
"There are some friendly ones remaining. I wonder why those aren't in Paradise?"
"I'm not sure. I don't really want to bring it up to Leila. I wonder if she senses it too."
"Over here! I found something!" Leila screamed.
The party quickly rushed over to her.
"I can sense its power. That's a good sign. Can you help me clear this rubble?"
The party quickly cleared the rubble. Having 10 Bishops made things significantly easier. About 15 minutes later, they were able to uncover a large, stone tablet with ancient dragon symbols etched into it.
"System, please analyze the tablet."
[Ancient Tablet of the Dragons. Text translated.
If you seek the land of the dragons, simply speak the password.]
Leila ran her hand smoothly over the stone plate and it lit up. The text began pulsating and a smile appeared on her face.
"It's still active! We can finally go to my homelands!"
"Your homelands? What do you mean your–"
Sora was cut off as the group teleported away. When they landed, they gasped in horror.
This wasn't a home of dragons. This was a graveyard.
*****
Julius quickly grabbed Rissa's hand. The youngsters were uneasy as thousands of dragon bones littered the large planet. It looked nothing like Exteria—more like a barren wasteland.
"Leila, are you sure you're ok to be here? How did the demons get here in the first place?" Brie asked.
Tears began filling Leila's eyes.
"Azazel used a goddess. I'm not exactly sure who it was, but the goddess teleported hundreds of thousands of demons here. All seven sins and the four demon princes, as well as the 200 members of Malphas' special operations unit teleported here slightly after. The entire dragon race stood no chance. It was a massacre."
Bishop gave her a reassuring hug. The rest of their party knelt and said a prayer out of respect for the fallen.
*****
"Why hello Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart," a loud, male voice boomed in their minds.
"And who do we have the pleasure of speaking with? You're very powerful, I can sense your presence," Brie said with her bubbly charm.
"I am Loxus Fury. I am speaking to you both from Paradise, hoping to have a word with my wife. I'm aware of Mr. Lockheart's unique magic and ask that you kindly use it on her."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Fury! Were you one of the large presences I felt at the demon battle?"
"A quick-witted god you are! Yes, I felt I shouldn't speak. What you accomplished was very impressive. The souls up here are still talking about. Sora the Savior and how through the power of love, he overcame the odds and defeated the titans."
"You're too kind. Thank you for helping."
"You're welcome. Let's not forget about your beautiful wife. Her power grows daily and she's the hottest topic in Paradise. She passed the trial of the gods and her love for you initiated your dormant powers from Aphrodite. Had she not hugged you, that battle would be lost. You two make a great couple! It reminds me of a young Leila and myself. We were the only two that could change into humans. Did she ever mention that?"
"She said she was the only one when we met. I will link with her. We will give you privacy and I'll cast Lockheart's whisper if you'd like?"
"No. You two need to hear our conversation. If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to my wife!"
"System initiate link with Leila Fury."
[Link accepted].
"Hello beautiful, it's been too long. I've missed you."
"Lox, is that really you?!"