Not to far from the kingdom, there was a campsite full of soldiers, knights in armour either keep fire lit, managing wood supply, Even some sharping they're swords, One of them was sharping his sword, he had a face full of nervousness

Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to see general Krieg " Look sharp, son. We're in for one hell of a battle."

"General Krieg, is it true the Shale Steps fell?" The soldier asked

He turned his head "Aye." He replied and began walking into the middle as the others listened "And the monster is still unknown. But you are the Arms of Emon, entrusted by Sovereign Uriel with the safety of the realm. We don't need to know the enemy, we only need know ourselves. Our training, our devotion to this land. No matter the danger, victory is ours if we fight with honor and raise our swords on high." He unsheathed his sword

"You heard the General. For Emon. As one!" A female soldier, who was the captain took hers out her sword and raised it to the sky, others followed her movement "As one!"

The same soldier from before scoffed "What a load of shite."

"Best finish making camp. A storm's blowing through tonight." Krieg said then went into his tent

As the Time pasted, all of a sudden the wind had started to pick up, the same soldier peaked out and gasped, especially when he saw something big in the sky flying towards them, and the other soldiers, who had come out to see what the commotion was, witnessed it too

"Is that..."

"Eyes up. We've got incoming!" The captain yelled

The creature in the skies snarled as it descend "Stand your ground." She ordered as everyone got into Position with they're shields and arrows "Archers, make ready. Let loose!"

"Fire!" Someone yelled

They fired they're arrows, but the dragon either dodged or they were not effected, it then fired lightning at them

Some soldiers died and some screamed "Ready the catapult!" The captain yelled, the aimed for the beast as it was distracted, so they used this "Release!"She yelled

The catapult was fired, hitting the dragon directly, lighting up the sky with fire, The soldiers cheered at they're so called victory "Yeah! Yeah!"

However the captain noticed something wrong, as the fire cleared, it reveals the dragon unharmed

It shot more lighting down, striking the captain, who screamed in absolute agony, others were practically giving up and trying to run away, either ended up chomped or struck by lighting

Two soldiers were hiding, Terrified As they're comrades were being killed, one ended up dead by a branch of the tree stabbed through his head

"fսck honor." The two tried to make a run for it, anything to get away, but were caught by the dragon's claws, soaring in the air, still screaming as it dropped they're bodies, the impact killing them instantly

It roared as it flew away into the night

Opening

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Time skip

Back at the castle

Kreig was talking to them about the incident with the dragon "And you saw it? What did this?" Uriel questioned "The beast is a blue dragon, sire. Only a few of us managed to escape." Krieg explained

"My Gods." Uriel says in disbelief, the. Turned to the blond woman "Allura, you've dealt with such creatures in the past. How do we fight it?" He asked

"Oh, that was a red dragon, years ago. But to my experience, dragons are fiercely intelligent, calculating creatures." She explained "Their machinations run deep."Just then the doors opened and everyone looked to see fince's arrival and approach

"Ah, Sir Fince finally joins us. I hope this crisis hasn't kept you from your skulking." Krieg mocked

"I've been gathering intelligence we sorely lack." Fince glared "Seems your band of fools have gone missing. Safe to say you've sent Vox Machina and the wanderer to their doom?" Fince smirked at him, then frowned when he hears

"Doom?" A familiar voice spoke" We don't know the meaning of the word." Scanlan says, revealing the group and Mara behind him

"Uh, I certainly don't." Grog said

"Sovereign, hold on to your goddamn crown. We've discovered that the monster is none other than...a blue dragon!" Scanlan exclaims

The people of the counsel All responded with the same thing "We know." They replied

"Did you kill it?" Lady allura asked

"I wouldn't say "kill," really." Kelyleth laughs a little awkwardly

"We're still kind of working on that part." Pike says backing her up

Kreig laughs And replies "I can't believe you made it out alive. How did you survive?" He asked

"Mm, trade secrets, I'm afraid, Kriegy." Scanlan says all smug like

"We hid and it flew away." Percy stated frankly/blankly

Scanlan pointed at him as he was saying this, implying him to shut it, but was ignored and sulked as grog laughed, then blinked confused "Wait. How did we survive that?" He asked, Vex suddenly grunts from the high pitch ringing, she heard just like from before and

And noticed Fince side looking a little, then looked up at the counsel "These blabbering fools are useless, sire. Perhaps if we made an offering to the dragon. Gold in exchange for peace?" He suggested

"Why don't we shake its hand and offer it a fսck¡ng pint while we're at it?" Vax said angrily and sarcastically

"A dragon cannot be bartered with. If it desires Emon's destruction, it will not relent." Vex stated

"You heard her, sire. You know what must be done." Krieg agreed

"But what if it attacks the city? We'd be sitting ducks." Lady kima stated

"What would you have me do? Let it burn more farmland, slaughter more innocents?" Uriel questioned "No. We will bring the fight to it on our terms. General, you may move our soldiers at dawn." He said to the general, who nodded

"But sire, you know as..." Lady kima began

"I have made my decision, Lady Kima." Uriel said sternly, she frowned but gave in "This council is adjourned." He says walking away

A guard then walked to the group "All right, you heard him. Clear out." Trying to push them out

"Hey, hey, hands off. I'm leaving. Geez." Pike complained" hey, don't push a lady" Mara glared

While the group began arguing with the guards, vex noticed fince side looking them "Uh, don't kill it before we do." Scanlan yelled, moving around the guard trying to push him out as well "Y-Your offer's still on the table, right?"

The doors open and the group walked out, the two guards were petting trinket

"Yes, you are... Oh, yes, you... Oh." The noticed the group walking out and immediately resumed they're guard positions, As trinket let out a Low groan

"I felt it again, that same feeling I had around the dragon." Vex shared "There must be a connection. One of them is working with that Fսckеr."

"Uh-huh." Scanlan nods "Uh-huh, yeah. I bet... I bet it's Allura." He says "I never trust anyone prettier than me." He smirked

"Uh-huh, uh-huh. I knew it." Grog says nodding and smacking his palm against his hand

"No, you dipshits." Vex groaned "Fince."

"The creepy one. Looked like a withered piece of scrap leather?" Percy reminded " the rude arse-hole who was talking crap about you guys?" Mara added

"Oh." Grog chuckled "I didn't catch anybody's name." He admitted

"So, what do we do next?" Kelyleth asked

"Vax and Pike go to Gilmore's. Buy us a weapon that can kill a dragon" vex says as she walked up to the stair way, Vax walked up to her "Uh, with what? We're flat fսck¡ng broke." He reminded

"Please, with the way that man dotes on you, I'm sure you can work something out." She smirked as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, Pike snickers beside vex

" I'll go with" Mara says walking to them " I've got some cash, not a lot but it's better than nothing"

"Fine go ahead, The rest of us will split up and search for Fince. If you find him, don't let him out of your sight." Vex orders

"That sounds like a plan. But, uh, you're not the only one with ideas, Vex." Scanlan says mockingly

"Is that so?" She raised an eyebrow "Please Scanlan, tell me yours." She smirked leaning against trinket, who growled at him, making him help and flinch "Uh, I'll tell you when I have one." He says as he walked away hands in his pocket

Time skip

Vax, Mara and pike entered the big building with the Gilmore sign, parting the curtains into the main room "You have entered a realm of mystery, of magic, of marvel." They heard a males/ voice "Welcome to Gilmore's Glorious Goods!" He yelled with excitement from the stairs to the next floor "Enchanted curials and magical artifacts at discounted prices. I take gold, silver, platinum..." he Gasps when he sees the male elf "Why, if it isn't the mysterious Vax'ildan?" He Laughs as he walked over "Oh, I was hoping you would swing back through again." He hugged him making the man flinch awkwardly, laughing when kissed on both cheeks "Glad to see you've lost none of your charm, Gilmore." He says Smirking

Gilmore Laughs "Oh, listen to you. Don't. Stop. I can't take it. I've missed your visits." Pike clears throat, gaining they're attention "Hi." She waved, while Mara laughs nervously " Mara!" Gilmore beamed

Walking up to her and giving her a strong hug, making her grunt but laugh a little while Vax and Pike looked confused  " I haven't see ya in days"

" yeah...it's good to see you...Gilmore...you've definitely gotten stronger in strength last time I visited..." Mara grunted " I can barely breath" she wheezed

" whoops, sorry~" he laughs releasing her

" you...know each other already?" Vax says still confused

" oh Vax~" Gilmore chuckled " Mara here is one of my friends who supplies me with this magical artefacts" Gilmore says gesturing to the many magical items in the room

"So, are you here on business or pleasure? "Gilmore asked as he took a seat at his desk, using his magic to put some things back on display, including a open book

"Uh, business, I'm afraid." Vax says walking up to the desk "We need information on blue dragons." He says "Particularly, how to kill them."

"Hmm?" Pike looks questionly at the page in the book, labels 'tusk love'

"Well for 20,000 gold, I'll sell you this handy, dandy, magic lance of dragon slaying." Gilmore says as he swished his hand around, a purple mist floating about before revealing a large lance. "A fantastic bargain."

Vax chuckled nervously as they look over at the man past the Lance "We....can't presently afford such a weapon, but perhaps some advice for a tiny fee?" Vax suggested.

Gilmore moved the sword to the side, the weapon disappears into purple mist under the desk

"Hopefully what you're offering isn't too tiny." Vax swiftly tosses two silver coins onto the table, Gilmore giving them small sigh.  "I-I suppose size isn't everything."

Gilmore leaned against his chair, his elbow resting along the table in front of the group "We need to know if blue dragons have any weaknesses." Vax states

"Weaknesses aye?" Gilmore questioned. "Well to start, they're egomaniacs. They hate being insulted and have tremendous vanity. Not that I can relate."  Vax gave Gilmore a smile, the latter smirking as he stared back at Vax'ildan.

"Hi, we're still here." Pike interrupted, shoving herself over the desk, referring to herself and Mara "Is there anyway to stop them?"

"Honestly there's no simple way to kill a dragon." Gilmore clicks his fingers And a book appears "Even in tomes of old, legends of their destruction are largely poetic drivel." The book had a dragon emblem on the cover.

Gilmore blew over the book, which Pike coughed

  "Ah," Gilmore spoke, finger moving along the pages of the book. "The wyrm shall only find defeat in the gorge where the twin rivers meet."  "See, cute but-" 

"Useless." Vax finished, cutting Gilmore off as he turned some pages in the book. 

"While dragon anatomy is a topic for many a scholar, anyone close enough to find out seems to be snapped up." A misted dragon blew into Vax's face, Mara Snickered

"Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful but you get what you pay for." Gilmore told them, dropping himself into the chair.  "Gilmore this is all very helpful," Vax grinned. "Even the bullshit. If we survive this, I owe you dinner." His smile showed off his teeth, the gesture on his face suggestive "You owe me more than that, my handsome half-elf." Gilmore retorted, his chin on his interlocked hands.

Vax gave the man a wink walking back as Pike began to pull them out of the shop.  "Alright, foreplay's over you two. We should probably go find our friends." Pike said, pulling Vax along.

Mara was about to follow them out but stopped when Gilmore called out to her "Mara, hold on dear," He said

" give me a sec" she said, the two nod and walked out " need something?" She asked

" no dear" he waved his hand dismissively " I actually was worried about you and your folks, how have you been holding up?" he asked, which surprised and confused her " y-yeah were fine, The taverns doing fine" she shrugged

He shook his head giving her a look " I wasn't referring to the conditions about the taverns" he stated, which she slumped " I heard about the incident in the market"

"Yeah...I figured..."

" it's getting that bad?" He asked

" no matter where I go, They always find me, I manage to get away...I'm afraid if I let my guard done even once...he's..." she sighs " I don't know what to do, I really don't..." she admitted " well, usually someone in your case would've just killed the bastard already" he stated.

" yeah...but...I don't have it in me..." she said

" you do" he says " your just one of the good" he smiled " take care of yourself, and if you need anything, just give me a shout" he says, which she smiled

" thanks Gilmore, appreciate it"

" after all you've done for me, it's the least I can do" Gilmore chuckled, Mara smiled at him, teeth shining behind her lips. "But rather, I have something else." He stated "Keep my man company. It will do him some good to have something stable."

"you aren't stable enough?" She asked, with a tilt of her head, quirking an eyebrow as Gilmore gave a hearty laugh "Oh, to have me tied down would be a wonder. Do I look like someone who would do that?"

Mara giggled. "Besides, he works absolute wonders with those hands of his." "Gilmore!" She exclaimed, laughing as she covered up her blushing face.

"You're still young. Have fun and take the time to explore all those marvelous wonders that is the human anatomy." Gilmore placed a hand on the table, leaning over with a hand on his hip. "I know you've met that group of his. Tell me, which ones do you like best?"

"Goodbye, Gilmore!" Mara waved with a smile,
However she did stop and smirked "But if I did have to choose, other than Vax. If you know Percy. Or vax's sister is nice as well.Hmm who else~?" She teased pretending to be in thought

"Oh You little minx!" He laughed

Meanwhile

Scanlan sighs as he sits On the ground with grog, somewhere in town, completely done with life "So, um, what were we supposed to be doing, again?" Grog asked confused

"I don't know, searching for Fince or something." Scanlan groaned "God, this is boring."

some attractive Women giggling as they walk past, gaining Scanlan attention with a gasp "Hold up." He raised his hand to his chin with a grin "You know where that creepy little taint-raisin would be?" He smirked "The brothel. Oh, yeah. Yeah, we can investigate there for hours if we need to." He says as grog took a barrel full of alcohol and drank as the one who wheeled the cart wasn't paying attention

"Yeah, but, won't Vex be kind of pissed if we ain't doing what she said to?" Grog

"I don't give a wet fart what she thinks." Scanlan glared pointing at him "Clearly, I'm the brains of this operation." He says all smug with his hands on his hips

"Really?" Grog says confused "'Cause she told me you have "dick for brains," which made Scanlan eyes Widen "which doesn't seem possible."

Scanlan groaned "You know what, screw Vex and her stupid feather head." He says then points at himself "I'm going to the brothel." He then gasped when he saw a familiar creep in black looking around as he walked in they're direction

He panicked and dove into the barrel, which was still containing Alcohol, grog also panicked

As fince walked, he didn't notice, grog who had lifted the barrel over his face drinking, still watching the mans every move

Scanlan pushes out the cork at the other side of the barrel, peaking through the holeIt's that thin-lipped crypt keeper!" Scanlan says poking out of the barrel as grog place it down, but then covers his ears as his Comrade let out a large burp

Fince stopped and looks back but didn't looking back in time as the two quickly hid behind the liquor cart, And continued on with his walk

The two tailed him down an ally, then a fancy looking pathway, grog had Scanlan lifted up to peak over the wall to see what fince was up too

"Hey, can you see him from up there?" Grog asked, which Scanlan shushed "That way. Across the street." He says as grog moved He's sneaking up to that fancy manor." And Scanlan, not walking his hand, slammed into it face first. "Oh! The fսck... fսck..." grog quickly lowered him before fince saw, also covering his mouth as Scanlan rubbed the place he got hit

Fince pulled out what looked like a long dagger And closer the large double doors behind him, with the large lock in the centre

"Okay. That skanky goat groper is up to no good" Scanlan stated "You keep an eye on that house, I'll go get the others." He says running a little ahead, but slid to a vault as grog talked "Right. Can you pick me up a sandwich on the way back?" He asked

"What? A sandw... No. I'm not going on a food run, dummy!" Scanlan exclaimed

Grog let out a Whimper "Please?" He pleaded with sad eyes, scanlan Sighs "what do you want?" He groaned

Later scanalan had come back with the others, and the sandwich for grog, which, dont know what was in it, maybe some meat, letus cheese and...mash maybe?

He took a massive bite, dragging some meat out too "Mmm. So good." He groaned delighted

Meanwhile Percy, Mara and vex were waiting as the others tried to open the door "Sturdy lock." Scanlan says inspecting it "Nothing a little magical song can't handle." He smirked pulling it out and clearing his throat, playing the first cord, purple magical lights luminate off it" ♪ Open your back door, baby ♪ ♪ Loosen your hinges, I'll show you my key ♪♪" he aimed it at the door, but it didn't work

"Damn. That usually works." He says pushing against it

"What if I heat the metal and melt the lock?" Kelyleth suggested as she used her magic to heat it up, but catches Scanlan sleeve on fire "gah! What the hell, Keyleth? This is imported silk!" He exclaimed as she cringed "The lock doesn't seem to be magical." Pike says with her hand against her head and her other pointing at the door "I'm not sensing anything."

"Can you people do nothing right? It's just a damn door." Vex groaned as Vax walked around grog, taking the toothpick from Grog's sandwich

The barbarian's face forming a frown from his lose of toothpick, Vax ate the olive on the stick then began to jiggle it into the lock, moving it around until he heard a click and the doors swung open. "All it takes is a little finesse." Vax said with a roll of his eyes. "Amateurs." And walked in

"That was my toothpick." Grog frowned, squeezing his sandwich a bit too tight and some meat fell out, The group walked in together "Wow. This place is fancy" Kelyleth awed the inside of the place

"Apparently Krieg lives here." Percy says as he noticed the portrait at the top of the stairs "And has dreadful taste in art." He comments

" yesh" Mara cringed

"Oh, sh¡t." Scanlan exclaimed "I bet Fince is here to assassinate his ass." He said

"Oh, you think?" Vex said sarcastically "Why don't you three head to the second floor? Scanlan and Grog, search the attic. Vax and I will start here." Before she could give more orders Vax interrupted with some clicking sound, making her look to see he had removed the carpet and opened the hidden cellar door "Or maybe we all just go check the cellar."

In the cellar, Fince was going through the shelves, shoving some scrolls into his bag, but flinched and pulled out his blade when he heard "Aha! We caught you blue-handed, chicken humper! Drop your blade" Scanlan ordered

"What? No, no, you don't understand. I'm not stealing anything!" Fince exclaimed

"Of course you're not. And that sword isn't to murder General Krieg with, either, right?"Pike says sarcastically

"Pike, I think it is." Grog whispered kneeling down to her

"You must listen to me. These documents are evidence. General Krieg is planning to..." But yells as he stabbed straight through, The others gasped in shock

Fince croaked as the blade was pushed further before the sword was ripped out and Fince dropped to the floor dead

"What?" Vex says surprised, The figure in the shadows revealed themselves to be "Krieg!" Vex and Vax exclaimed

"Krieg! Nice bloody technique." Vax comments "How do you stay so quiet in that armor?" Vax asked, the whole time vex kept looking at him wide eyes

Vex began to hear the high pitched ringing again while staring at him "Oh, no." She Exhales

Before they got worst and cried out, as she fell back Vax caught her "He's the one, in league with the..."

"Of course it was me. " he said cutting her off "I championed you because you're a bunch of witless oafs who no one gives two shites about. You were perfect for also getting the wanderer killed in the process, You've been lucky so far, but you have no idea what you have gotten yourself into." He glared aiming the sword at them

"I've got him." Vax threw his knifes, but krieg deflected them and made a run for it

"Finesse, huh?" Keleth says as they all ran after him, into another room, which looked like an office "Krieg!" Vex yelled as she and Vax held they're weapons out only find him gone, and no other way out

"He's gone." Scanlan blinked

"Quite the keen observation, Scanlan." Percy says "There must be a hidden exit or trap door." He stated as Kelyleth and Mara looked at the objects krieg had on his shelves "Fan out. Look for some kind of fulcrum."

"Wait, a fսck room?" Grog asked confused while pike cringed at his words "I mean, that's what I heard." Vax smirked mockingly closing a book

Percy groaned "A lever, a button. Just... stand over there, Grog" he ordered the giant, who did what was asked "and don't touch anything."

Everyone else began looking around, pike held her necklace and her eyes opened, glowing yellow "Whoa. You guys, everything in this room is magical." She said, the necklace seemed to give her vision for magical objects "Where do we even start?" she wondered as grog stopped and and gasped as he took notice of the portrait of a half naked of a dragon human hybrid. "Oh, my. Oh, how booty-ful."

"This guy really has a thing for dragons." Mara muttered as kelyleth looks down at the floor to see a carpet with dragons then hears grog laugh and turns to see him ogling the painting

"Grog,it's rude to stare." Keyleth tells the giant. He continues to giggle and stare at the painting "Grog,you're being gross!" Keyleth throws a book at him,it bounces off his head and goes through the painting.

"Oh! Keyleth, you found it! It's a portal!"
Pike exclaimed

"Nice work, quite brilliant." Mara tells her. "Oh it was nothing." Keyleth said while blushing.

"She threw a book at a head. It was nothing." Vex rolled her eyes

Grog gasped as he poked his hands through the painting several times "My arms. Scanlan, lookit! * gasp* They're in the booty." He retracted his hands and looks at them "That is so cool."

"Listen, if we're going to fight Krieg, we have to do this as a team,all right? Organized. As one." Vex says.

"Please,we don't do organized. Look at us,we're Vox Machina. We fuck shit up." Scanlan am irked crossing his arms

"Can we at least try?" She pleaded

"Can we at least go,already?" Vax says in annoyances He pushes Grog, who was still staring at the painting,through "Lead the way, big man." And followed vex groaned as she followed, along with the others behind her, Scanlan stopped "You know what, guys, uh, good luck. I'm just gonna keep a lookout from here-yah!." He turned to leave only for Vax to pull him in

They emerge from the portal,to end up in a freezing and icy cave.  "It's so cold. Where are we?"Keyleth asked. 

"High in the mountains,I'd say." Vex answers.

Mara shivered, rubbing her arms for warmth " I really hate the cold..."

"Where ever we are,it's a long way from Emon." Vax says as they stop on a cliff. The cliff overlooked a large cavern covered in ice,but what caught the groups attention was large piles of gold

"No way...." Scanlan gasped

Vex says a shivery voice " gold..." as the others gasp " gold!" The group laughs and runs forward

"Seems excessive for a council member." Percy stated

"Seems excessive for anyone. " Vax smirked as he Mara, Percy, and Keyleth trail behind them.

"Yeah!" Grog yelled

Scanlan landed against the golden coins "Magic scrolls, jewels, potions." He exclaimed as he looked at the various things he found in excitement, and even pulled out *cough cough* something else "Is this a troll d***?" He tossed it aside and dove into the coins

"Think of all the ale I could buy." Grog said as he poured gold into a sack as Vax also pushed in a golden  vase "Buddy, we could be drunk for weeks!" Pike chimed in

"Days, even!" Grog cheered, Scanlan popped out of the gold "You know what, Uriel can keep his paltry payment. We're rich!" He tossed the gold into the air and lay in it

Vex suddenly spoke up.  "Wait,wait,wait. This gold didn't fall out of the fucking sky. This is a horde! We're in the dragons lair!" Vax and Pike drop the gold they were carrying in shock

Keyleth walks over to a rock and looks at jewels embedded in it "Those are pretty. But also... ominous."

She Gasps when the jewel, who he as actually an eye suddenly opened "Intruders." A mysterious voice said, and the rock crumbles "I didn't do that. Did I do that?! I don't think I did that." She says in a shock

"I must say,I'm impressed." Everyone looks up and sees Krieg standing over them on a cliff

"To tell you the truth, I was certain you would die the moment you met you met the mighty Brimscythe. But it seems some vermin are harder to kill than others." 

"You wanted Uriel to send the entire army out of Emon. So your dragon friend could wipe them out." Vex accused

"The Age of Man is coming to an end. There was a time when dragons ruled all of Tal'Dorei, when we ruled the entire world."

"Wait, Okay hold up, Did he just say we?" Mars asked nervously

Krieg's eyes suddenly glowed with lighting, and let out a loud growl, as he began to shift from human, to the same blue dragon

"Didn't see that one coming,did you, Vex?!" Scanlan grit his teeth in shock

"Holy shit!" Mara yells.

The dragon flies up and shoots lightning at them, They all jump out of the way, electricity travels along the lines of gold coins, shocking Grog who was touching it, making him yell out and hit the floor

"Are you alright?" Percy asked him.

"Um.....no." Grog groaned

Kelyleth gasped as the lighting came towards the and hit her stuff into the ground, creating thorns, The twins runs out of the way, The lighting strikes a stalagmite, causing a piece to break off and fall on Vax.

Vex shoots a fire arrow at the dragon  "A tickle, let me return the favor." The dragon says and shoots at Vex " shit..." she cursed and, Vax pulls her out of the way and runs

Pike and Mara barely managed to dodge the foot coming down, the blue dragon swiped pike with its tail " pike!" Mara yelled and jumped in front to catch her, However the force of the hot, still affected her and hit her back against the wall hard, knocking the wind right out of her " Mara!" She cried out

The twins ran, falling against the gold "Fools. I'll devour you all." Krieg yelled

Scanlan fell on top of some gold, Krieg stoped and beard and sniffed for his sent, once he found him he growled and charged up "Pike?" He ran as Krieg shot lightnings "Pike? Pike? Pike?! Pike?!" He Screamed, And fell to the floor after one bolt the the ground behind him, Krieg almost got him, if pike hadn't jumped in and blocked the lightning, however they got blown away and the shield broke into pieces

Kelyleth removed the plants and saw lighting about to hit them "Look out!" She pulled Percy out of the way

"Vax, did Gilmore give you any insight on how to beat this thing. Or did you two flirt the whole time?" Percy shouts as he shot at Krieg

"Shit, right. Uh,uh,dragons are vain,arrogant egoistical..." Vax was cut off by Krieg appearing behind them

"I know that already. I studied them, remember?" Vex reminded as Grog tries to hit the dragon, only for him to fly away

"Doesn't matter. We can't to shit if its in the air." Pike calls.

Vax hide behind a rock, as dragon krieg charges up his lighting, Mara groaned leaning against the rock, her back still in pain when she sees something familiar mark on the dragons neck as lighting travels down it  "Where the twin rivers meet." She says wide eyed Like vax " that's it!" She exclaimed

"You see that? We have to get it on the ground. Vex, you hear me!?" Vax yells out.

"Yes!" She yelled as they ran,avoiding getting hit by the dragon "This way, I've got a plan!"

"Another one?" Scanlan exclaims.

"Shut up!" The group gathers, the runs as krieg start shoots lighting at them, Vex speaks "Look,okay, for once, you were right. Maybe we don't fight this one. Maybe, we do what we do best."

"What? We have no best!" Keyleth exclaimed as they all hide behind a large rock

"So, what do you want us to do? Run out and yell, Hey dragon man we don't know what the fuck we're doing." Scanlan asks harshly

She smirks and nods, which until he
realised what she meant and smirked while everyone else was confused

Meanwhile krieg was still looking for them
"You think you can hide in my lair?" He says.

The dust clears and on a cliff,revealing Vox Machina standing at the ready. Grog shoves past Percy.  "Hey, taint smear!" 

"You're in my way again,you ape." Percy yells at him.  "What'd you call me? Maybe I'll squash you too." Grog says as he turns to Percy.  "Oh as if either of you could kill anything. A preening, peacoated peacock and a witless goon." Vax glowered at them.

"You watch yourself,peasant."

" oh my gods can you shut the fuck up with your bitching?!" Mara exclaimed in anger 

  "If the three of you will shut up already and let me kill the inflated windbag." Vex reprimanded aiming an arrow

Krieg drops to the ground in front of them.  "Kill me? I am the iron storm. You are nothing but insects!" He shoots lighting at the group,making them all scream, dust surrounds them.

He laughed at thee defeat "Pathetic." The dust clears,revealing Vox Machina and Mara were alive and unharmed

"What?" Familiar purple magic swirls,making the group disappear.

"Impossible!" Scanlan clears his throat.  "Gotcha." 

"Now!" Vex orders.

Keyleth runs down, while also trying to calm herself  "Oh, come on. Come on, come on, come on. You got this!" and shot out vines, which grabbed one of krieg's wings, Percy shots at a stalagmite and it falls and pins his other wing, Krieg shoots out lighting at the ceiling, making rocks fall.

Vax and Mara run towards him, trying they're best to avoid the falling rocks.

A large one almost lands on them, but Scanlan's magic purple hand crushes it and grabs him.  "Scanlan's hand!" He sings as he throws them both

Who got out his dagger, while Mara pulls out her hidden blades, both stab krieg's neck, sliding down and slice the middle of his neck, making him roar, but before running away,

Mara pulled out the purple sleep dust while drawering a wind symbol in the air and says the word " Aspiro!" Putting her hand in front, and blowing and the dust send a large purple dust cloud flying into krieg, making him cough

"Light him up, Vex." Pike says and enchants Vex's arrow, who shoots right where the two sliced the dragons neck open

"I will sunder your bones." He roared, still weak and tired thanks to the dust

"Look who's nice and low." Vex tells Grog, who smirks.  "I would like to!.........rage!" He yells and runs towards krieg, who also runs to him.

Grog leaps and hits the dragon in the head with his battle ax. The impact causes an explosion of lightning. Once the dust clears,the group sees Grog standing in front of the dead dragon

"Is it dead?" He asks.

" holy...shit..." Mara panted

"We did that." Keyleth says while chuckling softly " we did that right?" She asked

"It would seem being a bunch of assholes has its merits." Percy says. Grog takes one of the dragons teeth. 

"Souvenir?" Scanlan asks him.

"Proof we killed the scaly turn." Grog stated

"Huh, you know you're a lot smarter we give you credit for, Grog." Scanlan says

"Yep, I'm a genius." He says,and puts the tooth in his pants.

The ground suddenly shakes as the lair begins to crumble.  "Aw, fuck this day." Vax said.  "Exit strategy?" Pike asks. 

"Run!" Vex yells while running past with an arm full of gold. The group runs after her. They make it to the portal.  "Wait,the loot!" Scanlan yells as he runs with a box. He trips and drops it " damn it!!"

Keyleth uses a vine to whip him into the portal and follows after him. Soon it's just vax ,who pauses. 

"We got him, kid." He says and tosses the bloody coin, then ran through the portal as the cave collapsed

Back at the castle

"Vox Machina, Mara the wanderer, for your selfless heroism, I proclaim you all protectors of the realm, and honorary members of the council of Tal'Dorei" Uriel announces as the group look at him in disbelieve.

"I know. I can hardly believe it myself." He says and The council laughs.  "Oh, how I've missed respectability." Percy says smugly.

"Yes, yes, yes, that's all fine and good,but where is the..." Vex was cut off by the box being put down in front of them.

The twins and Scanlan excitedly go to it,and open it. Only for there to be a scroll and a set of keys inside. "Keys? Parchment? Where's our reward?" Scanlan asks confused

"You're holding it. The deed to your new keep here in Emon" uriel stated "We need our protectors close at hand to, you know,protect." The group chuckles and smiles.

"Uh-huh. Hypothetically if we sold it,how much do you think we..." Scanlan trails off when the council glares at him " okay..." he shuts up

Vex grabs the deed out of his hand. "Sister,we have a home." Vex smiles up at her twin.

"Wait till I tell my father! Oh,the Ashari will never believe this. I bet..." Keyleth trails off as the twins give her a look. "I'm ruining a moment, aren't I? Yep,I'm going to go over here now." She slides over next to Mara who snickers

"As protectors,you must understand that the treat is still far from over." The Sovereign speaks up. "We suspect Krieg may have been part of a larger plot. As such,I have arranged an important banquet to discuss the security of our realm. It'll be quite delightful, really. We have a wonderful cook."

"We trust you will all attend. In fact,several dignitaries should be on their way as we speak" Lady allura says

Meanwhile

A carriage moved along a road, the driver had no choice but to stop when he saw a tree in the road blocking they're path " Huh? L-Lady Briarwood, there's something blocking the road." He stated "Can you go around it, Desmond?" The woman inside asked

" Allow me, my love." The man stepped out  and walked over to the tree to inspected it, however he did her rustling rustling and a chuckled and turned back to see bandits with weapons

"Well, ain't this a lucky night. Looks like royalty to me. What do you say, gang?" The guy who was obviously the leader smirked

The carriage driver Whimpers terrified

"Oh, he's a fancy one." The girl smirked "We want everything you and the missus got unless you want to be gutted like a fish." She threatens

"However he didn't say anything "What, are you deaf or something? Empty your pockets!" The leader glared, only for the man to at fast speed, stab him with his bare hand "Aah!" Killing him slowly, Spewing blood everywhere including his comrades "The fսck?!" The girl exclaimed

He then Picked up the fallen tree, shocking then and using it to break of the other guys arm, making him scream in pain

Meanwhile his wife sat in the carriage like nothing was going on, sipping her tea, as blood spattered on the outside of the window, Door opens and her husband entered, retaking his seat " I hope it wasn't too much trouble, Sylas." She says

"Delilah, my dear, it was nothing." He smiled charmingly at her as the carriage began its move again, heading straight for emon