The Story of Nemo

Nightfall · Feb 12, 2010 12:41 PM

Hello everyone. Lately, I have been inspired by Goethe's story Faust. So I have decided to tell the story myself with my own fan characters. (Kamelot's albums, Epica and The Black Halo also centre around this story, and so I am using them for inspiration too.)
However, the characters, settings and dialogue all belong to me.

Here are the three main characters. I have had to tweak them a bit, so they are different from RPs.

▼Hidden text

And here's the prologue. Enjoy! smile

I am going to rate this story PG, just in case. It's generally suitable for everyone, but some chapters may need a higher rating.

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THE STORY OF NEMO

PROLOGUE

Standing amidst the clouds in a hidden kingdom – the Kingdom of Souls, a huge black dragon stood, appearing to be staring at nothing. His wings, chest and underbelly were blood-red, and he had large, curved, ivory horns. A long scar, starting on his forehead and ending on his right cheek, crossed his right eye. That eye was blind, grey and useless – a painful reminder of his awful life. The other good eye was emerald green, and its brightness contrasted with his relatively dark appearance.

He stood, staring at the sky at what appeared to be nothing. There was an atmosphere about the macrocosmic place that was not unusual to the dragon; however it did not stop him from feeling a great deal of nerves. He was facing the being that banished him from his beloved paradise. After enduring a long and painful life of sin and hatred, once he died it was such as relief that he was away from it all, and destined to reside with a deity and live in eternal peace. He had dedicated the rest of his days to worship and do anything for this being, as a repayment for delivering him to harmony.

Now, he was on trial for simply refusing to do something that was not of importance to him. Why should he be ordered around by some external being – that he could not even see – when this heaven, this paradise, is his to cherish? That is what he thought at the time, however now he actually feared this presence.

“Please my Lord. I beg of you. Have mercy!” The dragon said, bowing respectfully. “I, Ulkna, promise never to disobey you again, my Lord. This I vow.” The atmosphere tightened. Ulkna regained his posture and tensed his muscles. Something out there was scolding him bitterly. It could not be seen or heard, but Ulkna knew exactly what was wrong. “Please, no! Don’t send me to Hell! Please! Have mercy!”

The clouds darkened and lightening – Ulkna’s biggest fear - flashed all around him. The presence was clearly enjoying tormenting him. Ulkna cried out as the lightening repeatedly struck the ground around him. This was just the beginning of his punishment, he reckoned. “Please, my Lord! Stop! I... I want to make a bet with you.”

The lightening immediately ceased, however the atmosphere remained tense. It was obvious that this supernatural being was still enraged, but eager to learn more. Ulkna tried to hide a smirk, and continued. “You have a favourite dragon, don’t you my Lord? Of course you do. One... who commits no sin, whatever the circumstances. One who is good and just, yet also brave and noble at the same time.” Ulkna paused and lowered his head, trying to hide a sneer. “This dragon’s name... is Nemo. Am I correct?”

Silence. The atmosphere was no longer as apprehensive and dooming as it was before. Calm in fact. Whatever Ulkna was speaking to was obviously waiting for him to continue. So he did. “What if I were to claim Nemo’s soul and bring it to you? Would you allow me back into Heaven?” More silence. It was obvious that this being was, so far, content with what Ulkna was saying. But he had not finished yet, and his next line brought great dread and fear. But it had to be said. “If I fail, my Lord... I shall allow you to condemn me to Hell forever.” He said, shivering. “Do we have a deal?”

The clouds regained their fluffy, creamy texture and appearance. It was clear that the presence was agreed with him. After all, it was a very fair bet. Now, all Ulkna had to do was to ensure that this Nemo would not escape his grasp.

Ulkna grinned and nodded. “I shall not disappoint you, my Lord.” At that instant, he beat his huge wings, jumped off the cloud and did a free-fall towards Earth. As the cold winds pounded his face, sending tears streaming down his cheeks, Ulkna laughed in triumph. He had in fact deceived an actual god. How hard can it be, claiming a soul? Ulkna thought as he fell closer and closer to Earth. All I have to do is gain his entire trust, and then kill him. No problem, it’s my favourite game. However, I’ll have to be careful with my tactics. If I promise him eternal peace at his death... He will hardly want to refuse.

Ulkna outstretched his wings and banked sharply as the ground approached. Now all he had to do was to find Nemo...

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PLEASE leave comments. And there will be other chapters. Thanks for reading, I hope you liked it. smile

spyroandcynder4ever · Feb 12, 2010 1:12 PM

I just read it over and I think it's a very good start. Great job Saphira!

Nightfall · Feb 12, 2010 1:30 PM

Thank you! big_smile

Nightfall · Feb 12, 2010 9:21 PM

Well, that was quick! The first chapter is ready!

Enjoy! big_smile

Rating: PG

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THE STORY OF NEMO

CHAPTER ONE

“Come on Nemo! It’s your turn!” Came the excited voice of a young adult, white dragoness, with azure wings, chest and underbelly. She had short and straight azure horns. Her back and thighs were studded with small, dark blue spots, and on the end of her tail was a blue, transparent icicle-shaped spike.

The male dragon sitting beside her looked incredibly distant. His scales were deep blue, with a dark green chest, underbelly and wings. His horns were similar to the female’s, except dark green in colour and a little longer. His eyes were his most distinguishing feature – they were bright red and staring into space. Green wave-like spines ran from the back of his neck down to the tip of his tail. He was roughly the same age as his companion.

The two dragons were sitting in a small but cosy room with a fireplace. A little table with a chessboard sat on top. The female leaned to the side slightly to try and get his attention. “Nemo? Are you daydreaming again?”

“Huh?” Nemo blinked and looked at the dragoness. “Oh! I...Um...” His mind had been everywhere but in that room. “Sorry Ophelia. Yes, I was.”

“You’re a dreamer, aren’t you?” Ophelia tilted her head to the side and grinned. “I like that, it's cute. You've always had your head in the clouds.” She giggled and placed her paw on the chess table. “Go on, it’s your go.”

Nemo sighed and gazed down at the table wearily. His King was in a strong position, but his Queen had been defeated. He doubted that he would want to continue fighting after the death of his love. “Ophelia... I’m sorry, but I don’t feel like playing anymore.”

“Why? You’re the one who made me play this in the first place!” Ophelia exclaimed, and then she laughed. “Make your mind up, Nemo.”

Nemo sighed again and stood up. “I’ve... Been thinking.”

“About what?”

“About who gave me the elements of Fear and Shadow against my will.” Nemo growled, and turned to exit the room.

“Huh? Hey, wait!” Ophelia said, getting to her feet and following him down a narrow stairway. “In my opinion, it’s better to let things be.” She said cautiously. “After all, something that gave you dark powers must itself be bad, right?”

Nemo knew that Ophelia was right. As they exited the small house into the streets of Anorma, he turned and faced her. “You know me by now, Ophelia. We’ve been best friends since we were kids. I may be shy, but I’m not the type to give up. You know that.”

“I do.” Ophelia said solemnly. There was no arguing with him. “You’ve searched for years.”

“I have. I’ve searched every inch of this town for clues.” Nemo continued. “And I’ve found nothing as to why I have been made half-dark. That’s why I think... The answer lies elsewhere.”

Ophelia gave a small gasp. “I know what you are trying to say. You’re... leaving aren’t you?”

“I have no choice.” Nemo sat on the cobblestone pavements and sighed. “All I want to do is to find out what force of darkness made me who I am. And clearly, the answers are not here. I have to go elsewhere.”

“But Nemo...”

“Ophelia, please.” Nemo said, “I know you’re protective of me... But I can’t stay in this little town forever. The people... They are all so nice, and they are my friends. And you...” He stood up and walked closer to her, so their heads almost touched. “You’re the one I love. With all my heart. You know that.”

“I do.” Ophelia repeated quietly, kissing him gently on the cheek.

“Despite all of this...” Nemo said, blushing slightly from the kiss. “...I feel so alone. Like I’m in the centre of the universe. Someone must know the truth I seek. And I’m going to go and find that person.”

Ophelia sighed sadly. “I know you’ve made your mind up Nemo. And I disagree, but I know I cannot stop you. When will you leave?”

Nemo looked up at the orange sky, streaked with thin, red clouds. The air was cooler in the evening, and the citizens of the small town were packing away their stalls, their goods, into boxes, ready to repeat the whole process in the morning... “First thing tomorrow.” He replied.

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Comments are much appreciated. I need the motivation! tongue

SpyroroxThe2nd · Feb 13, 2010 6:30 AM

This is a very good start, keep it up!

Nightfall · Feb 13, 2010 12:25 PM

Thanks, I shall try. smile

Nightfall · Feb 14, 2010 12:00 AM

Well well! I'm progressing faster than I thought here. I present chapter 2.

Enjoy! big_smile

Rating: PG

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THE STORY OF NEMO

CHAPTER TWO

As orange morning light enveloped Anorma like a blanket, Nemo slowly made his way to the harbour. Not to take a ship, but to begin his journey across the ocean. He and Ophelia had spent the night together in their favourite place – a small wishing well next to a lake deep in the forest. However, the night was full of tension and apprehension. It was clear that Ophelia was not happy with Nemo’s decision to leave, but he knew that he had to make sacrifices for his dreams... Even if he did have to leave the dragoness he loved.

The morning air was chilly and moist, and the cobblestoned streets were coated with white frost. Nemo watched as the sun rose over the crimson ocean to the east. Merchants, as per usual, set up their stalls along the sides of the road, selling goods such as jewellery, ornaments and exotic coloured stones, claimed to bring good fortune and luck. Nemo wondered if he should pick one of those up, although he didn’t really believe in that sort of stuff, as much as he would’ve liked to...

The small, quaint town of Anorma was Nemo’s birthplace and he had lived there all his life. I was hardly a grand place, not like the capital city of Warfang to the north, but a quiet little town that everyone seemed to call ‘Home.’ Basically, it was all one long street on a hill, lined with houses, shops and pubs, and a plentiful view of the ocean. Most of the inhabitants were humans and fauns, and Nemo didn’t associate with them much. Except for one human, whom he remembered he must say goodbye to.

Turning to the left, Nemo entered a small tavern. At the back was a bar, and on the right wall was a fireplace, black with soot. The chairs sat upside down on the tables, and the smell of beer filled his nostrils. “Lucy?” He called. “Are you in yet?” He grinned as he heard someone mutter curses under her breath. Nemo peeped around a table at the fire, and saw a pair of legs and two bare feet inside the fireplace. “Lucy? It’s Nemo.”

“Huh?” Whoever was in the fireplace knelt down so that she could see him. Although she was covered in black soot, it was undoubtedly Lucy. Her long, black, wavy hair covered her shoulders, and she wore an old, torn dress, patched up in several places and filthy. “Oh! Nemo! Err... hi!” Lucy crawled out of the fireplace and dusted herself down. She looked up at the clock on the wall. “Wow! You’re early! We aren’t even open yet.”

Nemo smiled at her. “It’s OK Lucy; I’m not here for a drink.”

“Well, you caught me at a bad time, obviously.” Lucy said, looking a little embarrassed. “I’m early too. The lovely Morgan made me come in an hour earlier to clean the chimney.”

“Aww, that’s too bad.”

“I know.” Lucy scowled, licking her fingers and trying to wipe some off the soot of her arm. “Why can’t the lazy sod do it himself? Seriously, what was I thinking when I took this crappy job?!” She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Ah well. It puts bread on the table I suppose, and Father’s not having much luck with catching deer at the moment. Anyway, Nemo, why are you here so early?”

Nemo smiled at her sadly. “I... came to say goodbye Lucy.”

Lucy stopped dusting herself down and stared at him. “...What did you say? Goodbye? Where are you going?”

“I’ve no idea.” Nemo admitted. “Somewhere I guess.”

“Well... you can’t leave not knowing where to go!” Lucy exclaimed, laughing slightly.

“That may be true, but what if I know exactly what to look for?”

Lucy looked at him and sighed. “Well... you shut me up there. I take it...” She shifted her feet cautiously. “...That you’re looking for-“

“The one who made me half-dark, yes.” Nemo said, a small growl emanating from his chest.

“Well... that’s dangerous. Perhaps it’s best to just stay away from that kind of dark stuff?”

“Ophelia said exactly the same thing.” Nemo said, a moment of guilt washing over him like a wave. “She doesn’t want me to go. But I’ve made my mind up, and no one is going to change it.”

“Well then, I guess I can’t stop you either, can I?” Lucy wandered absent-mindedly over to the bar. Nemo followed her. “I mean... if it means a lot to you then...” She looked up at him and gave him an adventurous grin. “...Go for it.”

“I shall.” Nemo said, smiling back. “I am leaving from the harbour very soon. Care to wave me off?”

“Well!” Lucy outstretched her arms and looked at her filthy dress. “Mind if I have a bath first? It’s so typical – you get all washed and nice ready for work and then lovely Morgan drags you out of the house and shoves you up a chimney. It’s my second bath this morning!”

Nemo laughed. “Of course, go and clean yourself up. I’ll wait for you at the harbour.”

“I’ll be there to say bye!” Lucy giggled, stroking Nemo on the snout. “See you later!” She turned and ran up a staircase, giving him a small wave as she disappeared from sight.

A sad smile formed on Nemo’s face as he left the tavern. I’ll miss this place so much... He thought, trying to hold back tears. But there’s no time to waste. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can find my destiny... And confront the evil being that made me half-dark... He continued walking down the hill towards the harbour at the bottom. The sun was higher in the sky now, and the tranquil sea had a calming, orange glow. I shall miss this sight too...

After some time, Nemo arrived at the little harbour at the bottom of the town. Well, more like a fishing port really. Fishermen were among the early-birds, untangling their nets and preparing for another day of pressure to prepare food for the whole town. Scanning the area, he noticed a graceful white dragoness staring out to sea. “Ophelia?”

She turned, tears in her deep blue eyes, which themselves resembled the ocean. “Nemo. I’ve been waiting.”

“So I see.” He walked up next to her and watched the small waves rock the fishing boats.

He felt the dragoness sigh. “The ocean is so vast... So many new lands out there.”

Ophelia had spoken solemnly, but her words only gave Nemo more excitement. “Indeed. I cannot wait to see them all.”

She looked at him. “But I thought you were just going to find-“

“I know, I am. But I also have a passion to see new places. I’ve lived here my whole life Ophelia, and I’ve never left before. Not even briefly.”

She sighed again, and snuggled closer to him. “Well... this is it. Are you... leaving right now?”

“Lucy said she’ll come down. She wants to see me off too.”

“That’s nice.” Ophelia dipped her head and a small tear drizzled down her face.

“Ophelia please. Don’t make this hard for me. As excited as I am about this, I still regret the fact that I won’t see you anymore.”

Ophelia raised her head and shook the tear off. “Nemo... please don’t do anything silly. Stay safe... won’t you? Don’t associate with anyone you don’t trust.”

“You sound like my mother!” Nemo chuckled, but stopped when Ophelia’s face remained deadly serious. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

“And... Please come home safely Nemo. I’ll be waiting. Right here.”

Guilt and sorrow suddenly gripped Nemo for the first time that morning. I... I thought she’d realised that-- “Ophelia...” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “... If I find what I’m looking for then... I won’t be coming back.”

Ophelia drew away from him quickly, her eyes wide. “What?! You... you can’t! Nemo, I... I’ll be so alone... The thought of not ever seeing you again... It breaks my heart.”

“I’m sorry Ophelia.” Nemo tried to move closer to her, but she backed away. “Please, I don’t want to leave with us like this. I’ll regret it forever.”

“Then don’t go!” She cried. “Please Nemo. I fear the worst for you. The world may be beautiful, but there are countless dangers out there. Stay here, where you are safe.”

“I can’t.” Nemo shook his head determinedly. “I’m suffocating here. I must go.”

“Then I’m coming with you.”

“NO!” Nemo cried, then cleared his throat and sighed. “No, Ophelia. You must stay here. Where I know you are safe. If anything ever happen to you...” He moved closer and succeeded – she let him caress her. “It’d destroy me.”

Ophelia stared into his eyes and sighed. She knew she was beaten. “I know.”

“I’m not late, am I?” Came an out-of-breath voice from behind them. Lucy was hurrying down the jetty towards them, her hair wet, her feet bare and a cloak around her shoulders.

“No.” Nemo replied. "Just in time."

“You’ll catch your death!” Ophelia fretted. “It’s freezing!”

“Oh, I’m fine!” Lucy said, although she was shivering slightly. “I couldn’t let Nemo here go without saying goodbye.”

Nemo smiled at her and turned towards the orange ocean. “Well... Here I go.”

He felt Lucy pat his side. “So long Nemo. Be good, and bring us back a souvenir!” She grinned.

Nemo didn’t have the heart to tell her that he would not be returning. He saw Ophelia glance at him – it was clear that Lucy would find out from her. He smiled at her again, and then turned to Ophelia. They brought their heads close together, so that their highly contrasting eyes were staring at each other. Then they caressed closely, just like they always had done, but it had never felt as painful as this.

“Don’t forget me.” She whispered tearfully.

“Me? Forget you?” Nemo stood up straight and gazed into her ocean blue eyes. “Never in a million years. I’ll love you until the day I die.”

“As will I.” Ophelia replied, swallowing, trying to keep the tears at bay. “I know that... You... Well... Just in case, you know where I am. I’ll be here, waiting.”

Nemo smiled at her and blushed slightly as she kissed his cheek. “Well... off I go.” He lowered his head to allow Lucy to pet his snout, then faced the sea, crouched, and outstretched his wings. Beating them vigorously, he took off into the sea breeze. Once he got high enough, he relaxed into a soft glide upon the gentle, salty breeze, and flew further and further away from Anorma. He daren’t look back at Ophelia and Lucy, as his heart might just break. It had already cracked.

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Thanks for reading. And PLEASE leave comments. wink

Nightfall · Feb 17, 2010 10:43 PM

THE STORY OF NEMO

CHAPTER THREE

How long has it been? Nemo thought as he sat alone in a small cave that he had made his own. Three years? Four? He didn’t know, he had lost count completely. He didn’t even want to try and guess how many miles away he was from Anorma.

His cave was situated deep in a coniferous forest, near to a large river. It was conveniently placed in a large rock formation, possibly remains from the nearby mountain. The evening was drawing in once again; a crimson glow illuminated the thin clouds. Birds sang their farewell songs, just as he had done three years ago. Or was it four? Maybe even five...

Thankfully though, the forest was full of tasty mammals for him to eat, from rabbits to adult bucks when he was feeling adventurous. Licking the blood of a rabbit off his lips, he sat and observed nature’s evening performance. Memories flashed through his empty mind. He and Ophelia, laughing together, visiting their favourite places, showing their love for one another...

His face creased up in sorrow and he lowered his head, staring at the ground. After so much time of just wandering aimlessly, in pursuit of something – or someone – he wasn’t sure even existed, he had forgotten what he was searching for in the first place. He missed his old life – his home, his friends and the dragoness he loved. He wanted it back... Those precious times he’d never get back. Tears rolled down his face and splashed onto the ground as his most precious memory came back to him once more. Long before he had ever left Anorma, when his eyes were still blue...

Twilight enveloped the lake, deep in the forest not too far from Anorma. Flowers of all colours dotted the grass around their feet. Nemo and Ophelia sat underneath a weeping willow tree, the female cuddled close to him. Fireflies illuminated the lake like thousands of tiny lanterns, they and the new moon being the only source of light. A small wishing well was nearby. It was a scene to behold.

“This place... it never fails to amaze me.” Ophelia whispered contently. “I never get tired of coming here.”

“Me neither.” Nemo replied, cuddling her tighter. “It’s just magical.”

“You know, it’s hard to believe that, in a world of such suffering and evil, there can still exist such beauty.” Ophelia said dreamily.

“Indeed.” Nemo said, looking her in the eyes. “It seems I stumbled across some as well.” He smiled.

Ophelia giggled and blushed. “Stop it Nemo! You’re embarrassing me!”

“Why?” Nemo looked around. “There’s no one else here. Just us. This is our special, secret place. No one will find us here.”

He felt Ophelia sigh again. “I wish we could just stay here forever. Away from the troubles of life. Away from the things that prevent us from spending time with one another.”

“I wish I could give you a life like that.”

“No one can do something like that.” Ophelia said, a determined look in her eyes, “We just have to accept life for what it is. At least, sometimes, we get the chance to come here. That alone is a miracle to me.”

“Me too.” Nemo cuddled Ophelia closer to him and sighed at ease. “Hush now, relax and savour the moment.”

The two of them sat gazing contently at the lake for some time, Ophelia’s head resting comfortably under Nemo’s head. As the scene got darker and the fireflies got brighter, a soft hum emanated from Ophelia’s throat. A pure melody that the two of them knew all too well. The song that brought them together.

Nemo joined in and the sound of their melodies joined with the evening ambience to create an enchanting chorus of nature and love combined.

Now the lone dragon sat alone in his cave, staring into space, tears rolling down his cheeks, and hordes of memories coming back to torrent him, one by one. He groaned and lay on the floor on his side, clutching his head tightly. Leave me alone. He urged, please, leave me. I have left that life now. I can’t keep dwelling in the past. It’s the future I need to concentrate on... He sighed and clutched his eyes shut. Maybe going to sleep would calm his troubled soul...

Soon enough, Nemo’s mind began to float in a void, as sleep closed in on him. As blackness enveloped him, a disturbing image came to destroy the peace. Two eyes were staring at him in the darkness. One was grey, lifeless and dull; the other was emerald green, wide, bright and glowing viciously. They got closer to him, bit by bit, until they were all he could see.

Nemo’s eyes snapped open and he breathed deeply. Sweat was running down his forehead, and he felt hot and sticky. What the hell was that?! He thought, looking back on the short, but terrifying nightmare. He raised his head and looked outside. The night was still very much alive, with the howls of the wolves replacing the birds for the midnight concert. Dark clouds had formed over the forest, and thunder rumbled in the distance.

Nemo slowly stood up and began to walk outside. He had lost all feelings, and was now been driven by his senses. As the cold night air hit him, he thought, What’s the aim in carrying on? Just to continue this pointless, never-ending story of wandering silently and aimlessly. I might as well end it...

He picked his pace up slightly, and headed in the direction of the river. The wind was picking up as the storm approached. Thankfully, he would not be around to endure it. Nor to endure more pain and heartache. No more memories of Ophelia or Lucy to plague him. No more guilt. No more anything. And that, he decided, was the best way to be.

The river greeted him with its silent flowing waters, unperturbed by the oncoming storm. Nemo sighed and looked at his pathetic reflexion. He groaned and recoiled as only his own red eyes glared back at him, a reminder of what almost ruined his life. After all, they were the reason why he abandoned his old life in the first place.

Resisting the urge to gouge them out himself, Nemo stepped into the freezing water and advanced towards the middle. Wolves howled louder than before, as if they were mourning him. His tears rippled the water as he got deeper. Ophelia... I’ll wait for you... in Paradise... Please forgive me... I love you...

The water was now at Nemo’s shoulders, and he had to use his wings to float. All he had to do was to fold them, close his eyes and let himself sink. He decided to take one last look at the night sky. The thunder had suddenly ceased, and the clouds were starting to break up. A small gap in them revealed a single star. Nemo blinked as the star started to get bigger and bigger.

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PLEASE leave a comment. smile

#1 Feb 12, 2010 12:41 PM

The Story of Nemo

#2 Feb 12, 2010 1:12 PM

Re: The Story of Nemo

#3 Feb 12, 2010 1:30 PM

Re: The Story of Nemo

#4 Feb 12, 2010 9:21 PM

Re: The Story of Nemo

#5 Feb 13, 2010 6:30 AM

Re: The Story of Nemo

#6 Feb 13, 2010 12:25 PM

Re: The Story of Nemo

#7 Feb 14, 2010 12:00 AM

Re: The Story of Nemo

#8 Feb 17, 2010 10:43 PM

Re: The Story of Nemo

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