Misunderstood Destinies (2)

Jargos almost cried into her hand

Layla smiled. "There's a lot of things I still have to learn, but much of what I've learned up to this point was courtesy of you." She pulled her hand away from his face and took his hand. In her other hand, a flame was formed.

"When I told you about the power of fire, I meant it simply as an old saying. But, after seeing how you use it in combat, I see now that it was a true ability. I gave it to you to aid and to unlock a magical capability within you. I hoped that, like how my power grows, that by giving you a power of your own then yours would continue on like mine did. To communicate with orbs, to control the elements at will, and such like that." She closed her hand and the fire ceased. Layla then turned to stand up. "I've never seen any increase of power like that in anyone else aside from the people of my home. Zeiza is finally free of its burden. The Darkwoods is safe and sound once more. And Garlan's crown has been restored."

Jargos had to hold back tears as he nodded to her

A soldier soon appeared. He was a messenger. "Pardon me for interrupting your conversation, both of you, but, seeing as the lady has finally awakened, the king has requested both of you to join him in the throne room. It seemed urgent."

Jargos nodded and helped Layla up, then followed the soldier

The king awaited patiently in the throne room. Layla whispered quietly to Jargos prior to arrival.

"Thanks for everything, by the way. I owe you a lot, and you've saved my life more times than one. Whoever that woman was that I saw, she obviously knows something more than we do. To be able to tell us of the future."

"I owe you more, my friend. I agree, the future is a mysterious thing"

Layla smiled. The two entered the throne room. The king stood from his chair in a welcoming. "Glad to see that the maiden has awakened. Are both of you well?"

Jargos nodded, knowing the king could not understand the language of the beasts, he would let Layla speak

Layla responded, "Yes, your majesty. I thank you eternally for allowing me to rest here during recovery. Balthazar had caught me off guard while retrieving your crown to give to Jargos."

"Heroes of Garlan deserve respect. I have heard of your deeds from Zeiza and from the Darkwoods. Rumors spread quite quickly around here. You both were responsible for the defeat of Ramona, the traitor and leader of Zeiza and protection of the Darkwoods when Balthazar and his men invaded. Not only that, but you both defeated Balthazar himself outside of Garlan Castle."

Jargos nodded again

The king smiled. "Both of you are the Heroes of Garlan, and are now respected by the Royal Family for all that you have done. For restoring the crown, and defeating Balthazar, you both are welcome here any time. We'll give you anything we can to aid you in your future journeys."

Jargos smiled, then looked at Layla. He nodded to her

Layla smiled to Jargos. "Looks like we finally did it, and still live to tell the tale. A little luck and a little faith go a long way." She winked to Jargos. "And a little insight. That helps too." She giggled a bit.

Jargos gave her I giant hug, and he started crying into her shoulder

Layla was a bit startled. "Hey, it's okay." The king allowed them time to themselves.

"No . . . It's not okay. I have to go now . . . I'll have to be away for a long time . . . I'm gonna miss you so much" He kept crying

She was stunned by his words. "...Jargos, why are you leaving?"

"I'm a monster, Layla . . . I need to know I can keep you safe from me . . . I swear to you, I will be back . . ." He slowly put her back down, then backed away

"Jargos, if I thought you were dangerous then I wouldn't have give you the power of fire. It is one of the most deadly magical powers of the elements, and I trusted you with it for a reason."

"You trust me, but I cannot trust myself not to lose myself. I must learn total control and to do that, I must be in my shifted state"

Layla had a bit of a sad expression. "Just promise me you'll be back. I plan to travel, but you know how to contact me. Your magic is going to expand. I know that now."

"I'll be back"
Jargos licked her cheek and then started walking away, his body shifting

Layla sighed and turned away. She was holding back tears. She looked at the large cut on her hand she made in the seal and thought back through everything they had been through.

Jargos roared and then gave the most sorrowful howl before vanishing in a burst of speed