Leaving Mika and Ckaudia with their children, Kellie now made her way to Kiko. The six tailed kitsune appeared deep in thought as she reviewed the treaties with the Tanuki and Lilith. Glancing up she gave Kellie a weary smile.
"So I take it Mika and Ckaudia are doing well," she stated. Kellie nodded as Kiko now stood. "I'm just finishing up here " she said. "So what are your plans now?"
"I guess I should move on to the next magical family," Kellie stated.
"Might I suggest the dragons then," Kiko said. "The clan is actually on pretty good terms with the western dragons. I can even open a portal to their realm."
"That would be great," Kellie said. "But what about the others?"
"They'll be safe here for now," Kiko said. "I get in contact with one of the dragon ambassadors. They'll meet you on the other side of the portal and take you to their leader Vertigen."
Kellie agreed and within half an hour her and Kiko were standing on the outskirts of the town. As Kiko now opened the portal she turned to Kellie, giving the teen a hug. "Cant thank you enough for your help," Kiko said happily. "You've helped give the clan a bright future. We will help you in the fight to come." Kellie smiled, stepping through the portal and vanishing from sight.
Kellie rubbed her eyes as she now tried to acclimate to her surroundings. It was noticeably cooler than the kitsunes home. Gazing at her surroundings Kellie was in awe of what she saw.
Kellie appeared to be in the mountains now, snow covered peaks stretched as far as she could see. A slight breeze blew a chilly wind past her, causing her to shiver. As she looked around she gasped as a large green dragon now emerged from a intricately carved cave entrance.
"Greetings," the dragon said softly. "My name is Timaeus. Kiko informed us you would be arriving Ms. Pendragon."
"Okay," Kellie said softly, still frightened by the dragons sheer size. Timaeus appeared to be the 40 feet long and nearly as high. The green dragons scales glinted with embedded gold and jewels in its thick hide while his large silver eyes scanned her.
"I see this form frightens you," he chuckled. "Allow me to put you at ease."
Kellie watched as Timaeus began to glow. The dragon shifting his form, growing smaller as he changed his shape. The dragons scales shifted from green to flesh as his body became human. Soon Timaeus had transformed from a massive green dragon to an average sized man wearing a green suit, silver eyes and neatly trimmed blonde hair and beard. "Does this put you more at ease?"
"Yeah thanks," Kellie sighed.
"It is not our intention to frighten you Ms. Pendragon," he smiled. "Vertigen has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Did you know he knew your father?"
"Wait my dad knows him," Kellie exclaimed. Timaeus chuckled as the two walked towards the cave. "Yes Ms. Pendragon," he stated. "When your father was young he discovered Vertigen under a hill. The lord your father advised wished to build a tower on that hill. Your father stopped the lord from killing Vertigen and even negotiated a peace treaty between the lord and our master."
Kellie was stunned at this as Timaeus continued to guide them through the cavern. Gazing at the wonderous underground city she could see kobolds busily traveling between the various caves. While Kellie was impressed by the architecture and intricate design of the underground city, she also realized she knew little of her father's past. When this was over she would definitely have to talk with Merlin.
Without even realizing it Kellie soon found herself in a side cavern. The cavern itself seemed much coarser and far darker than the rest of the city. Shivering slightly Kellie gazed into the inky darkness that Timaeus pointed too. Curiously she stepped forward only to shriek in fear as eight large eyes now opened.
"Greetings Md. Pendragon,"Vertigen bellowed. "I have been expecting you."
Kellie was stunned as she gazed at the glowing eyes in the darkness. Vertigen's voice seemed to echo throughout the cavern being both loud and soft at the same time. Glancing at Timaeus she could see her guide bow his head. "Timaeus leave us," Vertigen stated. Without another word Tomaeus turned, leaving Kellie alone with something she assumed to be colossal in size.
As Kellie now sat alone with Vertigen she wondered where to begin. As the eight eyes now closed, she wondered what would happen now. To her surprise she now beheld a young man, perhaps college age now emerge from the darkness.
"Sorry about the theatrics," he said sheepishly.
Kellie was confused as she gazed at the young man. He appeared to be around 20, his hair a dark brown and resting at shoulder length. Wearing a flannel shirt, with Jean's and a pair of birkenstocks he looked more like the kind of guy you would find at an anti war protest or a Phish show. "Who are you?"
"My name is a bit hard to pronounce," he said. "You can call me Matt. I'm Vertigens son and the leader of the dragons."
"Wait what," Kellie gaped. "What do you mean leader of the dragons!"
"Well," Matt replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "You see, dad retired. Hes moved on beyond the veil. He left me in charge. But considering that some of the older dragons wouldnt exactly be thrilled with the idea of some kid being in charge I've had to put on a bit of a show."
"A show," Kellie whispered, still obviously confused.
"Yeah," Matt chuckled. "You know like the wizard of Oz. 'Dont look at the man behind the curtain'."
Kellie forced a short laugh as she now gazed at the unassuming college guy in front of her. Matt seemed decent enough yet Kellie now wondered what else Matt had in store for her.