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East, Morning of Day 4

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"How...?" The blue serpent asked, still attempting to hide in the veil of darkness underground. Divided by a wall of bars from the caged western dragon that remained laid on the dirt ground. Those orange eyes glancing at the tray the eastern one was holding, able to pick up the aroma of some undercooked meat. "How did you know that? That we...?" A slow and deep breath from Zarj and the noodle could detect something from afar, though it was a bit limited in this area.

"A... Friend of mine told me that your kind can sense when others are lying." Some emotional pain was felt from the large one inside the cell. "A dear friend."

"Who?" A pause from the wyrm before he shook his head at the blue one.

"No. I will not give away his identity, for his safety. But I can tell you how we met." Zarj was finally a little stern, making the noodle a little tense, hoping he would just spill out the information at first. "However... I am quite famished."

"Oh-right." The smaller one opened a small part at the bottom of the gate and carefully slid the food tray inside the cell. Locking the small door back up before stepping away. Finding himself against the wall and pressing quite hard as he witnessed such a behemoth get up off the ground and move to the tray of food. Wondering if the bars would even keep such a creature inside.

"It smells good, but..." Those orange eyes locked onto the yellow ones in the darkness. "Is it alright if I cook it a little bit more?"

"W-what?"

"I thought I would ask in case you... Mistook it for me attempting to attack you." A whimper from the small one as the wyrm could really feel that fear rise to near terror states. "You are... Really really scared- please don't be. I'm not going to hurt you-" With surprising finesse, the serpent retreated into the shadows a bit more. Making Zarj'annan sigh a bit in defeat, pretending not to sense the eastern dragon anymore. Waiting a few moments before exhaling the smallest of flames he could to further cook his meal, almost flash-banging the area as a louder yelp was heard and the noodle retreated much further into the darkness. Opening a heavy door and slamming it, venturing far beyond the western's detection range.

The Thread Of Dawn Act 7 - Meet Me In The Woods

By Bartan Tirix

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???

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The morning was dim, the air plastered with the scent of synthetic. What used to be the gemstones within the hallway walls of the cave reflecting light to wake her up now seemed to be choking breaths. Causing both the white dragons to cough it out and groan in disgust, soon hearing the rain pour heavily on the mountain.

Even then, there was something off about its scents. What used to be more earthy now seemed so off. Hardened and bitter. Curiosity causing the female wyrm to stretch a little and get up to see it. "Don't..." Her mate grumbled awake, yawning and grumbling at the scent himself. "Don't go out in it."

"Why not? It feels like something is wrong with the rain-"

"It's acid rain." She looked at him with curious light blue eyes while stretching. Yawning herself as a light breeze came through and she got a mouthful of that toxic taste in the air. Nearly making her gag and growl. "It's not as harmful as it sounds, but..." The pristine white male shuffled around a little bit but invited her back into bed while the slightly larger female snapped her jaws at the disgusted taste. "I-if only I could make you choke like that." A playful growl as she took the invitation, nudging the male a little bit. "S-sorry that was-"

"Just how I enjoy it, Valkatth." She purred, letting them share a small kiss. "You definitely taste better than the air right now."

"I probably still taste like you, I imagine." Those frilled ears of his blushed. "Last night was..." He quickly exhaled, fanning himself bashfully.

"Was it your first time?"

"N-not really, no. But it was definitely better than my previous ones." Khira smiled proudly at that, lapping at the purple tinted ear to tease the male. "I-it wasn't really my plan to let things move so quickly-"

"No? It was mine." A shy whimper from him as the two leaned into each other. "You so rarely talk about your past that I... Wanted you to know you can trust me."

"By rewarding me?"

"That, and a dragoness has needs." A lick on his neck followed by him nuzzling her. "And you fit quite well for an outsider. Though I've never seen them... Outside before."

"S-some dragons have them internally. A fair amount of dragons, really. Which can make things difficult."

"How so? Perhaps they swell up if they don't get stroked off enough?" A double take from the pristine white dragon as he curled his neck.

"K-Khira!"

"I don't know how males work." She bluntly admitted, letting the two laugh it out. "But yours look like a large sack of sorts and seemed kinda full, so?"

"N-not what I was implying." Valk whimpered, but chuckled. "What I was getting at is; it can be difficult to tell who's a female and who is a male just by looking underneath the tail if they're internal."

"And that bothers you~?" The dragoness barely asked, finally seeing his grumpy side come out. "What an interesting reaction."

"Maybe I've had too many encounters with dragons who are all Balls & Claws, but I don't find them attractive." Valk grumbled, double taking at her puzzled gaze. "...You know, that period in a young dragon's life?" A blink. "Just becoming a young adult? Think they're the 'Bees Knees'?"

"They think they're bees?"

"N-no, they just think they're the best thing around and everyone and everything should bow down in front of them." The male tossed his snout in remembrance. "They're egotistical, aggressive, assertive, grumpy, rude, and just very unpleasant to be around. Especially when they think they know everything about the world but they've only experienced a small part of it." He snorted, getting the female to chuckle. "It's not even limited to dragons, really."

"Sounds like fun."

"Then you've been paying attention perfectly." Valk grumbled, hearing another chuckle as she just licked his neck. Then nudged it after some silence.

"Go on. You've had encounters with other males before."

"And their highly aggressive nature at that time of their lives, yes." The male sighed. "...Let's just say they don't like taking no for an answer."

"Considering how passive you are, I think I'm starting to understand." No response. "They tried to force themselves on you?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Did they... Succeed?" Khira asked, only to immediately shake her head. "Nevermind, don't answer that. You shouldn't..." Some silence as they cuddled, listening to the rain. "...So they're even poisoning our rain...?"

"...It can happen." Valk mumbled, making the dragoness' heart sink as she thought.

"...Can I ask you a question? Not about your past but..." A noise in confirmation. "...Do you think Althurtrak is right?" A deep breath from the male.

"...I think less about whether he is in the right or wrong and worry more about what he's willing to do to convince you he is right." The male sighed heavily, getting the foul taste himself. "And the more they force him to make a decision, the worse the outcome will get."

"Then why not help us?"

"Didn't you just say last night that you don't want to fight-?"

"I don't, but... We might have to." A moment of silence as Valk shook his head.

"...This isn't my home, Khira."

"That doesn't mean it can't be- You seem to know them better than-"

"That's not what I meant." The pristine wyrm half snorted. "Your firebird barely trusts me as it is, he won't let me-"

"But you're not even willing to try?" The male frowned, and so did the cream dragon in response.

"...Every time I get involved in conflicts, I just make things worse, Khira. I'm better off staying out of it." Valk admitted. "You... Althurtrak, and the lot. You are Gods, and they're only human."

"...Even Gods can perish, Valkatth." She felt his head shake.

"Gods don't die, love. They just become something far greater."

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East, Day 5

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The velvet curtains did wonders to keep the daylight out of his room, slowly waking the exhausted golden dragon. Long deep breaths filled the room as a door gently creeped open and someone stopped to listen. "My lord?" The young woman called in a whisper, but with no response and the steady deep breaths, she once again closed the door and let the male sleep.

...If only he could. The one fact she was unable to see was his cyan eyes still opened, staring into the darkness. Breaths still detecting that soot that stained his scales and the bathwater. Staring into space was the only way he could get relief from the heavy stress and anxiety. The darkness of his eyelids only replayed memories and possible outcomes: what Octtu'var's last day was like, what he experienced. What was he trying to warn Alkardoc about, and how he got into that mess to begin with. Did he cause the forest fire? That was very unlike the best friend to the thread, never once since they were snakelets did he ever have an interest in anything more than a campfire.

Then there was Valla'sha, the life of another Alkar nearly shattered due to getting her involved with his own western interests. Causing the worst scare in her life, putting his future mate in danger... It was no surprise she wanted to leave Alkardoc and just return to her own life. Barely speaking a word on the way back from that makeshift shelter in the woods, and not just due to them possibly being hunted. When the two returned to the city, they decided to just lay low and remain distant for a while. What did 'a while' mean? The thread hardly knew, but at the same time... He did. She wanted to break off the engagement. The marriage.

Isn't that what the golden one wanted though? To have a way out of this arrangement he coiled himself into? Physically him and Valla were a match, yes. But Alkardoc... He needed more. He needed emotion in his life, he needed love. And though the red serpent did try to make the effort... It wasn't enough. That's nothing to say to the trouble Alkar caused of late in general. Running off the night of rehearsal, getting caught in the storm. Being carried away into taboo territory and falling in love with someone else... Which led to...

Zarj'annan.

Poor wyrm, did everything he could to save Alkardoc from his own self harm. Keeping him warm when the serpent got completely soaked by the worst storm in existence. Rescuing him from the fires he surrounded himself in, literally breaking a taboo for the Thread and putting his titanic form into danger to save his life... Then getting caught doing it. Arrested. Detained by an unknown force, held in an unknown location. And it was all Alkar's fault.

The pain in his heart nearly knocked the wind out of the serpent, once again causing his eyes to water. Fearing what they might be doing to Zarj right now, wondering if he's okay. If he's still alive, or did Alkar lose another friend? Even outside of the golden one's own confinement he hasn't been able to sense either of them. What caused that nullification was completely beyond the golden one, never being able to hear of such a thing aside from tall tales and fantasies. Culling any normal eastern dragon's means of easy escape if they were able to just tunnel out of the walls...

...Hunger made his body ache once again. Terrible thirst gave his whirling head constant discomfort. As much as the thread just wanted to waste the day away in bed, Alkar needed to get up. The soreness of his body disagreed as soon as he slowly started moving, but needs were required. However, not without pause. Causing him to stare into the low light of his room, spotting the sofa the two used to draw on when they were little. Then showing it to each other. "Sir Aeros, the golden archer! With a bow so strong he has to pull it back with his tail to fire!" The smaller thread's voice was so distant.

"Mine's Aeegis! An old guard turned guardian! Sworn to only protect by giving up his sword and fighting only with his trusty shield!" The many board games they would play and make up. Even going so far as to learn how to carve their own wood pieces from a carver nearby.

The memories hurt, causing those cyan eyes to well up in more tears and those ears to flick from echoes in the past. How frustrated the golden snakelet would get at losing, jealous at how quickly his silver friend would learn and overcome strategy. Often ending with Octtu being the better dragon and offering to play as the Evil Western Wyrm in Easterns & Adversaries. "Why do you... Do that?" The small thread asked his friend as they were cleaning up their small fort made of pillows and blankets.

"Do what?"

"You're always the bad dragon when we play these games... Choosing to be, almost first-thing." The adult version could still see that silver head tilt to the side in a shrug.

"I never really thought about it."

"You're lying."

"Alkar..." Octtu sighed. "I can't say."

"Why?"

"Because I told my aunt once and she..." A golden paw on his shoulder. "She hurt me."

"What?" The small thread could sense the truth. "Why?"

"...Because I said I liked them."

"Liked who?"

"Westerns." The two silhouettes sat down on the couch together. "I... Like them, Alkar. Even if they are bad in every story, I just... Find them fun. Find them interesting. But..." Though confused about such feelings at the time... They shaped the adult golden one dramatically. Making him question the same thing: "What if they're not as bad as everyone says they are?"

...How long was it since he thought about those small roleplays? Evolving to many a social gatherings and play-dates that they grew into, but many started branching out. Including Alkardoc, having too many social responsibilities and trips with his mother at the time. After a while... Octtu'var was tired of waiting for his best friend to come back-

The light of the hallway nearly blinded the gold one as his main door cracked open. Hearing the human servant take a breath in relief. "You are awake, my Lord. We've been worried ill, is everything alright?" Alkar shielded his eyes, unable to think of how to respond to such a thing. What should he say, how much should he involve Mira? His mother? Thoughts soon interrupted by the rattling of glasses, the maid bringing over a tray of a small bowl of soup and some water. "Are you feeling off, sire? I noticed your bathwater needs to be changed, but didn't want to disturb you."

"I'm... Unsure, Mira. But incredibly grateful, thank you." The large one took the tray and unfolded the metal legs to keep it stable on top of the bed. Taking the fresh water and nearly drinking the glass and entire pitcher, resulting in him feeling a little waterlogged but it was much needed.

"My lord...?" It was remarkable to the dragon deep down that humans could sense something is emotionally wrong with others without any magical ability. Relying entirely on empathy alone. After a few breaths, Alkardoc finally spoke up.

"Octtu..." He trailed off, trying to find the correct words.

"Yes?" The pause took too long. "Did you have another argument with him again?" She sounded disappointed, but still waited for a moment.

"He... Perished." An intense fog of fear and remorse erupted into the room as the human froze in place for a few moments. Now knowing everything: the late arrival, the lengthened slumber, and the stunned speech. Unable to probably come up with a response herself, she just moved up to the dragon's side and gently hugged the big golden thread. Feeling the creature several times her size grip her body tightly back, trying his best to fight his tears. "Darling... I appreciate the gesture, but I am still not properly washed."

"I noticed." Mira attempted to quip a little underneath her sorrow, but only held him tighter. "You smell like an old chimney." That at least made the dragon smile sadly. "But why do you smell...?" A heavy breath from the golden one as he fought to grasp words.

"He was... In that forest fire. From..."

"The night before...?"

"I sensed him the evening of the fire. Dove in, found him... Got lost and had to be rescued." The eastern dragon slowly explained, trying to stay composed. "He was wounded... And didn't make it." The small hand rubbed his side to comfort him, waiting a few moments before stopping.

"Let me... Change your water. I'll explain it to your mother for now but you should talk to her." A slow nod in response. "For now, we'll get you cleaned up, and I'll change your bedding for tonight."

"Thank you."

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East, Noon of Day 4

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His Heart raced, facing the metal doorway in the very low light of the crystals. Body shaking heavily at the thought of going back in there, spilling a little bit of the water from the bucket his blue paws were gripping. Nearly enough for his claws to punch holes in the wood. Trying to calm himself down, but there was an actual western wyrm in the cell. Massive and terrifying. Barely able to fit inside the small cage of thick dirt, stone, and metal bars. And to top it all off, they actually breathe fire!

Another large spill onto the serpent's own robe got him to curse silently, thankful that no one was around to see it as he set the bucket down and tried to wipe it off. Attempting some of the breathing exercises he was taught in the academy: Root yourself. Stand firm. Inhale. Hold for two seconds. Exhale. Two seconds. Repeat. Again. Again. And Again.

It did seem to work, but as soon as the eastern dragon reached for the bucket, the shakes returned. Another deep breath and he forced the fear down, opening the door and listening. Silence. Some deep breaths from the behemoth, but nothing else. The blue one stepped inside, closing the door behind him and locking it. If this... Beast was going to set him ablaze, the least the noodle could do is create another barrier to save the others.

Such a thought didn't help his courage, taking a few moments to try to harden himself before- "You..." The voice at the end of the hall, shot through the eastern one like a bolt of electricity. "Are very very afraid." Zarj tried to make his voice as gentle as possible. "Please, you do not need to hold onto such fear. I'm not a threat to you or your kind." There was... Some comfort in the deep vocals, enough for him to start moving down the hall towards it. Following the crystal of light just outside of the occupied bars, but staying to the shadows for a moment. "What do you have there? Water?"

"Y-" The blue one's voice cracked as he cleared his throat. "Yes. I was... Ordered back in here..."

"And you are still incredibly frightful." Zarj spoke somberly, quietly exhaling. "My friend mentioned your kind was very scared of us, I didn't realize such a thing until I seen that red one."

"Red...?" The eastern came into the light to see that red head slowly shake.

"I do not know who they were, but I asked them for help. Yet they were... Stunned. Shocked by something- a-actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I did make quite the entrence." The large one nearly whimpered. "But they froze completely when they saw me, taking several moments to respond to help but eventually did-"

"Help?" The blue one came closer, stepping fully into the light.

"Forgive me, I'm quite thirsty." A small yelp from the long dragon as he set the bucket down and opened the hatch door to the cell. Attempting to get the bucket in and trying to grab the now empty tray, but wasn't quite able to. Waiting until the hatch was completely closed, locked, and the eastern one stepped away before Zarj got up to lap at the... Rather small bucket.

But the red one did not complain. Just drank what he could access with ease before placing both the bucket and tray to the hatch. Stepping back and laying down once again on the other side. "Thank you." Zarj'annan spoke genuinely. "I also realize I did not thank you for the meal as well. It was... Good." The blue one just stared at the tray through the bars for a few moments before cautiously opening the hatch to retrieve them. Taking a closer look at the tray with those yellow eyes and the fear returned. "Is something... Wrong?"

"You..." The blue one nearly whimpered. "These are burns..."

"Y-yes, sorry. I was certain the metal was resistant towards it-"

"You shouldn't..." Another whine as the blue dragon stepped back into the dirt wall. "You shouldn't be able to do that here."

"Do what?" The wyrm asked, only to connect it just a moment too late. "Oh... Right. My friend did mention that you have your magics-"

"And you should not be able to use them here. They should-" The noodle looked back to where he came from, then to the crystal omitting light. "Should be stopping it."

"If... I may?" Zarj attempted to get his attention. Taking a moment before the yellow eyes focused on his orange ones again. "Our... Breath Weapon, for lack of a better term, is not magical."

"It isn't!?"

"No, it is... What was the word Conway used...? Bi...Logical?" The wyrm pondered quickly. "As fascinating as I do find it, the Children's studies of science is a bit over my frills. Our bodies produce this substance, if I recall how he put it correctly, that when it comes in contact with air it ignites." A worried look from those yellow eyes. "I would demonstrate, but you're already ready to retreat." Zarj looked off to the side for a moment. "What has gotten you so frightened?"

"W-what do you mean?"

"I understand there are tales of my kind roaming throughout your history, of us doing terrible things. Not only to your kind, but to all... Forgive the word, but 'smaller' species." The blue one tilted his head slightly. "In... My society, we call them Children- I know, I know. It is quite derogatory, but in our mentality they are... Lesser than us. I personally do recognize how disrespectful that is, but I have been struggling to find a different word for them."

"People?" The suggestion made the wyrm sadly smile.

"That friend of mine suggested the same word." The larger dragon sighed. "You... Co-exist with them, yes?" That fear returned in a flare. "We talked while we... Oh, right. I never told you how we and..." Zarj took a moment to look around, his eyes resting on the faint yellow glow of the crystal outside of the bars. "Let's call him Cryss to keep his identity a secret."

"Are you... Confessing?"

"A few days ago, when the Great Storm was passing over our lands, I was caught in its winds. Sent out to gather a crate of fruits for the wyrmlings," The wyrm grumbled, snorting afterwards and causing the blue noodle to flinch at the expression. "Risking my life for such a thing. Thinking I could get back in time, I agreed but misjudged just how fast the cyclone was going." A breath from Zarj. "I got lost within the wind and the heavy rain, to the point where it was no longer safe for me to fly. So I tried to find some shelter, somewhere I could wait out the storm and well... The first one I found I could barely fit in. I kept trying and managed to slip inside, not realizing it was occupied."

"...By Cryss?" The red one nodded in response.

"There... Was no telling where we were in that mess. I was moving against the winds, so if he came from the south of us, he was literally carried up here by them." Another breath. "Both of us feared for the worst: that we managed to cross the river in our misjudgement. I offered to leave, but he... Was worried for my life. My safety."

A moment of silence. "We were both scared, both terrified deep down. I could sense it in him, but he could also feel it within me... Maybe I was more frightful of consequence rather than presence, but we... Talked. A lot. We shared experiences, we made a small fire for warmth. We kept ourselves safe and..." Zarj attempted to compose himself as the blue one could feel it. A glow of love from within- almost terrifying to the small one that such a massive creature; one he was convinced were just violent animals, could feel such a thing. "When the storm ended, we said our goodbyes, despite my suggestion to run away from it all. Instead, we... Decided to see if we could ease up the restrictions both our elders have placed between our cultures."

"W-what!?" The eastern one whispered.

"Ma'am, we have been... Told false information about each other's species. For likely centuries. Our cultures are different, yes, but we can work together. We can be together and break this fear of such things."

"I-is that why...? You crossed?"

"A-actually..." Zarj'annan let out a faint whine, looking back the way the blue noodle entered. "I was... Chopping wood for another recent friend I've made. Attempting to help her out." A sad smile from the wyrm. "Her name is... Neeta? Something of the sort. You'd like her, she's very kind. Small little furry thing, lacking so much self-worth but she really is a treasure." A breath as those yellow eyes just studied the red beast. "Last night... I started to feel strange. Like I was walking in a dream when Neetu pointed out something over the horizon. I saw the orange glow to the south and feared for the worst, I knew someone was in danger- someone was within it. I... Actually thought it was someone else, one of my nestmates."

"The forest fire..."

"I flew towards it, hoping I wasn't too late. The further I got, the more I noticed it wasn't in our lands. But I knew someone was in there, someone needed help. And... That's when I heard- ... Cryss."

"What?"

"Somehow, within my mind. I heard him calling for help." A few tears leaked out of Zarj's eyes, but he didn't hide it. "Taboo be damned, I wasn't going to let anyone die. I could... Somehow feel where Cryss was located, and I rushed there-"

"I-into the flames?" A deep breath from the red one as those wet orange eyes locked onto his yellow ones.

"We... Some of us are resistant to things like fire. From what I've heard of Cryss' tales, our durability isn't as exaggerated as our instincts." A sad chuckle from Zarj. "But I found them."

"Them?"

"I found Cryss, and a... Friend of his? I'm not certain. He was a yellow one I believe, seemed wounded and weak. Regardless, I carried them both through the forest and used the Nutriv'rii to cut down some of the trees in our way."

"The what?" The wyrm slowly gazed down to his own tail.

"The... Blades that were attached to my tail. It's what I was using to chop wood at the time." Another sad chuckle. "The absolute dumbest of luck that I managed to have that on me, I left Natalla's area without taking it off." The armored appendage fluttered, swearing he could still feel the tight straps against it. "I managed to get us out in a rather... Dramatic but safe way. Landing outside of the forest in flames where I spotted a red eastern dragon."

"T-the one... Frozen in fear?"

"Yes. I managed to convince him to help find me water, and he did. Shortly after that... Your group caught us." A deep breath from the red one. "And now we're here. I'm here. Once again separated from Cryss." Zarj lowered his head to rest on the floor. "I suppose the silver lining to all this is that I get to see first hand how your justice system operates." He didn't see the blue one frown in the dim light, making the eastern one second guess his own frightful instincts. To the point where the small noodle approached the bars and placed a paw on them. Still not daring to put any part of himself beyond them.

"Do...?" A frilled red ear flicked towards his direction. "Do you need anything?" A moment of pause as Zarj'annan thought.

"Some more water would be nice. I'm..." Those orange eyes opened, looking at the long one sadly. "I'm not certain what else you are allowed to give me."

"Mostly just needs. Your... Kind usually doesn't get a message that they can send out to family." The western's gaze fell, not really certain who would care that Zarj'annan was once again missing from his nest... Besides maybe Tix. "I... Have to go, Sarg. Sorry." The red beast sadly smiled at the smaller one and nodded. Very very faintly chuckling at being on the receiving end of being misnamed.

The eastern one retreated back into the shadows and through the large stone door. Closing it behind him and taking a deep breath, not realizing someone was nearby until they started to speak. "Has he revealed anything?" The blue one jumped in response then held his chest. Taking a moment to look at the door as the bronze serpent stepped into the dim crystal light.

"...He was rescuing some of our kind that was trapped in the burning forest." A puzzled look from the metallic one. "That's why he was over here. He said he didn't start the fire, merely saw it and knew that someone needed help-"

"So they can hear our internal cries?" The blue one shook his head in response, not knowing how to answer that.

"He was telling the truth. Little was hidden from his voice, but he was nervous."

"Likely hiding something." The blue serpent's face went cross.

"...Or he's stressed about being trapped behind enemy lines. That's natural-"

"For us, maybe, Cadet. Not for those beasts-"

"What if they have their own legends about us?" The blue one snapped back. "What if they're just as afraid-?"

"Watch. Your. Tongue." The bronze one said thickly. "You know what happens to sympathizers." The younger one fell silent. "Come on. We need to go on patrol."

"...Let me just get him some more water-"

"Later. The prisoner can wait."

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???

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Everything about that place was foul. The rain that came from it, lowering the stench of metal and smog. Giving the giant red bird horrible headaches, or at least he blamed it on them. Maybe it was stress instead, swearing he could still hear his ancient trees fall in the distance, wishing he was prepared enough to stop it.

But his forces were not ready yet. An attack right now would only result in the battles of his predecessor: failures and losses, weakening the forest's already dwindled numbers. If they were going to push the humans back, Althurtrak needed to have a clear head. He needed to be absolutely prepared. And he needed a miracle. "My lord." He heard the monkey trot towards his direction but the raptor [bird of prey] didn't face the smaller one. "We've-" The sounds of another great tree snapping loudly, getting cut down, interrupted the primate. Causing the large red one to exhale in disappointment.

"I know, Kanhozah. I've been hearing it all morning." Althurtrak tried to control his anger, but his tone was still a very sharp blade.

"Yes, but... That's not what I'm here for." Still no attention from those golden yellow eyes as the navy monkey stepped a little closer. "We've been studying them, as to your orders. And we believe we have made a weapon like the ones they use-" A slow, heated inhale as those feathers raised along the bird's neck and crown. Slowly turning his head to eye the smaller primate, though with his back still turned.

"You've... What...!?" The thick whisper as the monkey lowered himself. "I commanded you to study them to find a counter to such weapons! Not to make one for us to use!" The red one growled, but soon detected heavy wingbeats from the air. Letting out a heated breath as the white dragon approached. "We will speak of this later." A nod from the navy one as Althurtrak faced the landing wyrm. "Khira. Have you found Octjor'via?" The sorrow in those light blue discs told him it wasn't good news, causing the large raptor to sigh.

"No... I have not." Even just hearing her name caused the dragon to almost vividly see the green gliding squirrel in her mind. "And Lythinar has not been taking her absence well. There is a... Madness within this pollution, Althurtrak, and it has gotten to him." A stressed sigh from the large bird; surpassing the height of the dragoness herself. "We must consider leaving this place-"

"Leave!?" The red one roared. "I will not abandon our home in its time of need! I will not leave those who live here to the foul extinction of their kind!" He almost prowled around the cream wyrm. "You're our heroin from Ullijszaa [infection from the north], you know these cannot be reasoned with-"

"Some of them can see us! They can be convinced, I'm sure of this!" The raptor growled Khira's name. "If we fight, we all die. That's the only way this will end."

"Not if we fight properly! We have the advantage! They cannot detect us, the only one they can see is-" A sharp gasp as those golden eyes focused in anger. "Him... He put you up to this, didn't he!? That outsider!"

"Valk did nothing, I've-"

"I knew it was a mistake to let him stay here. What if he's the one feeding them information!? What if he's sabotaging our defenses!?"

"Lord Althurtrak." Khira tried to respectfully stop his thoughts from spiraling, not even noticing the monkey until he spoke up.

"The outsider does seem to know an awful lot about these humans..." A heavy glare from those blue eyes, making the navy primate hide from them by taking shelter far behind the large bird. Giving her time to take a breath and calm down.

"I came to this suggestion on my own." The wyrm's gaze fell and looked away. "...Ever since the infection, I've had nightmares. Constantly. I can still hear their screams when all is silent." A deep breath. "Valkatth is my only relief. And I would rather leave with him than to die here fighting for a home that has been corrupted by madness." She could see how tense that beak became. "It is my decision. If you want to throw your life away for tradition, then go for it-"

"And what if they don't stop." Althurtrak barely questioned. "What if the humans continue to expand. Who will stop them when they grow too powerful?" The dragoness shook her head in response; 'I don't know'. Letting the large raptor approach. "Do not run away from this, Khira. We need you. We can get our land back, we can restore it but only if all the Gods come together and-!"

"Restore it into what?" She barely asked, demoralized heavy in her voice and actually making the red one stare at her in disbelief. “I just… Don’t know if it’s worth saving anymore. Not at the cost of our lives.”

“Khira…!”

“There is a sickness in these lands, Althurtrak. Even before the humans set foot here. I’m… Honestly considering just letting them have it.” Shaking her head once again, the dragon turned around and flew off, leaving Althurtrak to sigh heavily as another one of their trees fell in the distance.

Slowly, those golden eyes turned to the navy monkey still in the back. "Kanhozah." The small one cowered as if the bird's anger was going to be directed at him. "That weapon. When can you have it ready?"

"We... Haven't completely tested it yet, my Lord. It's been difficult to find a solitary target to see the damages." The large bird's eyes closed, taking a breath and walking to the much smaller primate. Really making Kanhozah nervous when Althurtrak's beak stopped only inches away from his head.

"...I have a target in mind."

======

East, Day 5

======

She woke up in the darkness, shivering heavily as her body ached with discomfort. The rock solid floors, crafted in tiles and set with care, but not quite getting all the grooves inbetween each filled in. Leaving the red serpent with small pains along her side and body, searching the darkness for any sign of resemblance as her eyes adjusted. Such low light seemed to be coming from outside the room, allowing her to make out the large doorway... That was completely ripped out.

A terrified whimper. Valla knew this place. But why was she here? She looked around for the golden one, but only found a tuft of his mane. Or at least what felt like it, colors were very difficult in the low light. With another shiver of her scales, causing them to click down her long body, the eastern one looked around the room-

But felt a warmth coming from the doorway. She stared at it, frozen for a few moments before cautiously moving forwards. Spotting that same opened room with the impaled bodies, held up by spikes of dark ice. The way out, covered in a very thick wall of it, but the hallway was still open. Occupied, but opened.

The warmth came from it, jetted by the mix of cold ice woven in spirals along the hallway. The swollen and frozen bodies trapped within still lingered, swearing she could hear her own heartbeat echoing through them as she moved. Almost unwillingly moved further and further into the darkness of that hallway. Where the light became less and less and her red scales clicked loudly. Warning Valla'sha that she was not safe. That there were things beyond the veil.

Yet, she kept moving, shoulders tucked close and low to the ground until she ran into something hard. Flat... Rectangle. Almost like a large table of sorts. Covered in something wet... And warm. A wave of heat fell over top of her, humid and smelling faintly of death as her hands searched. Plates. Scales? Then her hands felt the wound. Held opened by a large medical spreader: a sternal retractor.

"Raef uoy tahw hcuot dna tuo hcaer..." Whispers coaxed from all around her, overlapping one another as Valla lost control of herself. Reaching up and cutting herself on the blade still jabbed in the wound, despite the serpent's own warnings, it's like she couldn't control her limbs. Jagged and forceful movements gripped the blade by the edges, cutting into her digits with pain. "Doolb eht ni s'ti..." Feeling something seep into her own wounds as she pulled and pulled. Cutting deeper into her scales until the blade started to give out, somehow making her own wounds worse as the steel was felt cutting to the bone. The chains above snapped, causing those magenta eyes to look up just as a massive western's maw came crashing down on top of her-!

Another sudden jolt awake, making the red one fall out of her hammick. Panting heavily as her scales were felt absolutely searing, making Valla'sha crave water as she stumbled down- landing on her floor with a small crash. Weakly getting up and staggering to the bathroom to find some water, lapping at it desperately until it was empty. And until she felt almost sick.

The serpent remembered now, that water was for her morning bath after she washed the soot out. Taking a breather and just leaning up against the wall, enduring the dehydration hangover while trying to cool herself off. Feeling completely awful from the whole experience, and half wanting to blame it on those apples. She never liked apples.

But Valla knew what it was... Damn nightmares. She's never felt such fear in her life, never experienced such horrors, never been so stressed. It was difficult for her body to adjust, let alone her mind. Staring at the water bucket for a few moments as she recalled the terrible dream... What were the whispers telling her? It sounded like some language she couldn't understand.

Yet a different voice came to mind. ("Water; manipulation of most liquids and pressure.") The black wyrm's lecture stuck with her. ("It is relentless and all powerful. Especially with its currents.") A gaze over to some copper piping. ("Metal. Sharper, more durable, but rarer to find. Durability barring none.") Valla closed her eyes, suddenly feeling so cold. Curling herself into a loose pile of rope while her fores tended to her aching head.

Everything she looked at, she heard his rumbling voice. She's had masters of such craft before, some of them the red one even surpassed to some degree. But never... Feeling so insignificant compared to that... Beast. The true definition of fear: able to do anything an eastern dragon could, but better. Terrifying strength, keen senses, staggering defenses, astounding agility. The red serpent did not witness the wyrm fight off those enforcers... But Gods be damned, Valla'sha Felt it.

The way the earth moved, from so far underground. The manipulation of Metals? Something only humans could do with their tools and crafts. Electrifying speeds that she swore made her mane raise up. How could such a thing exist? Let alone a whole nest of them...? ("And yes. I have been using it for a very... Very. Long. Time.")

...Alkardoc claimed that wyrms could not use such teachings. Clearly he was mistaken, but how many were there that could? Ruvenan learned it from somewheres, yes? Discipline like that takes centuries, she watched him as if it were a routine. Burning an exact circle in the grass; not a blade of green out of line. Digging a hole with pure magic, yet no dirt or shift in the very topsoil? How? The metal rods- things that only the dexterous people could forge, and within days at that... Seconds with these dragons.

The taboo... The separation between the western dragons and eastern. It was required- not to prevent a war... It was a mercy that the westerns agreed to. To keep the eastern species alive. Valla'sha shook her head in stress... And Alkardoc wanted to remove that taboo.

What would such a thing do? What if another war starts? Three trained Enforcers, ones that could shake off the intimidation of those behemoths, were easily beaten by one of them. How many would it actually take to detain a single wyrm? The only reason why the red beast... What did Alkardoc call him? Zarr? The only reason why he was captured was due to the golden one's pleas for him not to fight back. But for Ruven...? ("I just eventually woke up and decided I didn't want to be imprisoned anymore.")

Those magenta eyes slowly opened and stared into space... This is how the other species felt. Humans, the furred, feathered, and scaled kind. Neigh powerless against the ones 'above' them. The biggest difference was, Eastern dragons were not quick to anger, whereas... Wyrms were notorious for their tempers and pride. She could even feel it when hearing Ruvenan speak. Unthreatened by those around him, not a damn drop of fear felt within his body for being across the border. Confronting their elite with his own intimidation and ultimatums... How were they going to ever convince a full army of Western Dragons to co-exist when they could do anything the serpents could do... But better?

...No. It wasn't Valla's struggle. For now, all she wanted was to get back to her normal life. She wanted to go back to her job like none of this ever happened. Take a few weeks, maybe get back into the dating scene again. Perhaps maybe it was best if the red serpent moved away elsewhere, to leave all of this behind. To stay far away from the border, far away from any encounter with another wyrm.

======

East, Noon of Day 4

======

The earthen terrain lifted in front of the three serpents, leading downwards underground as they all slid inside. As much as the blue one didn't want to, knowing what resided beneath, he did so. Following his bronze squad leader as he and the white one took a seat in the low-lit dirt room. Illuminated by crystals when the earth-trapdoor shut behind them.

A deep fear was felt with the strange numbness, as the three remained silent. The white completely covered in dirt, bronze still poking at the wound vertically through his entire muzzle. Growling and flinching at the pain as he went over to wash his hands in the same bucket they used to serve the prisoner. "...I need to get this damn thing looked after." The leader growled. "Before it gets infected."

"...Want me to get the medicine box?" The blue one asked, glancing at the white one who was almost trying to coil themselves in the wooden chair. Like that of a snakelet.

"Don't bother, it'll just be removed by the time I get there..." The bronze one looked over the white one, knowing he wasn't going to get much out of him before looking at the blue. "Don't tell anybody about what we encountered. Let me report to higher ups."

"Wh-...? Y-yes, sir."

"Not a damn chirp, understand?" A nod from the blue one, but he had to ask.

"Understood, sir. But...? Shouldn't we warn the other enforcers about...?" Those metallic eyes, almost furious, did try to calm down. "S-sorry."

"They are trained well enough to stand on their own." The blue one didn't like that answer but said nothing. "In the meantime, find out who that golden one was. Check the records, see who was detained that matches that description."

"Yes sir." He nodded in compliance, hearing the earth door move again and his leader leaving the two alone. Judging by how terrified the white serpent was, the blue cadet might as well have been alone. Still trying to calm himself down from being forcefully submerged within the dirt.

His own yellow eyes rested on the bucket, and recalling who it was for. Taking a few moments to gather his own courage before taking the pail of water, now feeling much heavier than before. Carrying it towards the metal door but pausing with his paw on the handle to the heavy bolt. That fear began to surface again, but he pushed it down and opened the door.

Inside, he could instantly smell the beast within: the scent of soot overpowering the aura of danger. Foreign and otherworldly, once again paralyzing the blue one as he half-closed the door behind him. Trying to gather his strength again to approach- "Is it you again?" The voice carried this strange thickness with its curiosity. A stark contrast for something so dangerous to be so... Friendly. But it had to be a ruse. The beast had nowhere else to go. "...You are immensely afraid, are the stories of our kind that vicious on your side?"

The breathing exercises were barely working at this point as those yellow eyes kept watch down the hall. Only really detecting the light as those ears scanned the opened area. Hearing the wyrm shift and move over the dirt, but barely over his own heartbeat. Growing more and more hysterical with every breath until the blue one closed his eyes-

And instantly saw an image of that black wyrm. Shocking the yellow discs opened and the bucket dropped from his hands. Spilling most of the water as the eastern dragon attempted to save what he could in a panic. "Hey, hey, hey." Zarj called from down the hall. "Relax. You're safe here. I'm not going to harm y..." A few sniffs. "Is that blood?" A whimper from the smaller one as he backed up and reached for the metal door again- "Please. Let me help you get over this fear. No one should be this afraid of us."

A long pause as the blue one remained frozen with his hand on the handle, still holding onto the bucket as the sore muscles in his arm began to ache... But the beast was right. No one should be this afraid of them... With a deep breath the blue one took slow step after slow step towards the occupied cell. Eventually coming within the wyrm's cone of vision.

Those orange eyes were similar to that black dragon's, but only very faintly so. Looking more like rough quartz rather than gemstones. "What happened?" Zarj sincerely asked, still laying down on the far side of the bars. When he didn't get a proper answer, he waited. Watching the blue one carefully rest the bucket of water down by the cell's hatch and slide it inside. Closing it and stepping back.

Sparing a moment, the red one craved the water inside, getting up and slowly approaching the bucket as to not scare off the blue one. Taking a few laps and pausing for a moment, looking at the eastern one who whimpered in response. "This... Tastes of blood." Right. His squad leader attempted to wash out the wound with the bucket's water, leaving the serpent frozen. "Who...?" No response. "Talk to me. What's going on? You're limping, I could hear it in your pawsteps. Who hurt you?"

"...A wyrm." Fear struck the large one, his mind scampering across possibilities. Was it Tix? Perhaps Wuth'tarra, the lumberwyrm? Were they searching for Zarj? "A-and..." The blue one whispered, still holding his bruised belly while the dirt wall supported his back. "I don't know what happened. We surrounded him, snared him. He hurt my squad leader with... I don't even know what, before just... Disappearing outside of our binds." A quivering breath. "Next thing I know I'm in the air and being slammed into a coffin before... I think buried a-alive."

"What...?" The red wyrm whispered back. "How?" No response. "Was it a trap? I'm not sure I understand-"

"It was a westerner." And though those yellow eyes were frightened, they looked sternly at Zarj. "And it was using our Teachings." The orange discs widened.

"Teachings...?" A faint gasp. "Your magic...?" A pause.

"I..." A swallow to collect some courage. "I want you to lie to me."

"What?"

"Right now. I want you to lie to me." The western dragon was a little stunned, but nodded and thought about what to say.

"The... Dirt here is comfortable, but I've slept on better." Zarj attempted to make it sound like a faint joke, but the silence and frightened stare into space from the eastern serpent worried him greatly. Just barely being able to see that blue head faintly shake.

"I... Can't." Fear struck the wyrm's heart. "I can't tell if you're lying..."

"H-hey." Zarj tried to gently get his attention.

"Which means... Your story..." That fear intensified, and the wyrm did not know what to do. Just laid there by the drinking bucket frozen as the serpent quickly moved into the darkness. With the heavy shut of that metal door, Zarj's hope felt entrapped. What little buildup he has gained through his kindness now gone to waste.

======

????

======

A loud snap woke her from the dream, an echo from a far distance but startling all the same. Causing the white dragoness to stretch inside her bedding and half search for the other one, not feeling him anywhere. Her paws came back empty of his touch, her wings detected nothing behind her. Causing Khira to finally open her eyes and flick those ears as they scanned around for the male.

...Something was wrong. She could just feel it. Like around when the infection began, this... Deep unsettling feeling in her chest. Knowing that things were going to get worse, not just for her life, but for this area. Like a massive storm on its way.

It was enough to get the groggy wyrmess up, forcing herself to her paws and walking out- only to spot his tail. Quiet. So quiet, as he stood out in the sunlight as a blur to her eyes against the harsh rays. Taking a few moments to just listen... Faint noises. Scrapes against that strange white material. Little dabs against the dried wood, then strokes against... Something.

He was safe. Doing that... What did he call it...? Painting? Making her slowly move towards him while half blind. Finding his back and gently resting herself against him, hearing his heart flutter and almost feeling him smile. "Good morning-" Another loud snap startled them both a little into being tense. "...They're getting closer."

"What is that?"

"Humans." Valk resumed painting, adjusting himself to be more comfortable to her. "I imagine that's what woke you? I tried to be quiet, but I did also trip over you in your sleep." That made her sadly smile.

"Didn't even feel that."

"Good." A clearing of his throat. "Good. Because it, uh... Totally didn't happen. I'm more graceful than-" A few more off into the distance, killing his attempt to lighten the mood. "That..."

"What are they using to make that noise?"

"...Firearms."

"They light their arms of fire-?"

"N-no no, it's... A type of ranged weaponry. They launch little bits of metal using an explosive substance down a long tube that..." The male could feel something was off, attempting to look back at her. "What's wrong?"

"You just..." A pause and another gunshot was heard. "You seem to know... A lot about them, is all."

"...I've been around them for a long time."

"Are they searching for you?"

"What? No. Your guess is as good as mine for why they need to expand so much."

"Then...?" The male sighed in response. "Valkatth..."

"Khira, I... Look, I don't know these ones. I just... Know humans and other species kinda like them-"

"But how?" Only a sigh in response from the male. "You know that these ones can see you- you told me that. How...? How do you know that?" No response, and Khria let go of his back. Supporting herself as she looked over at his painting. The landscape with a large white space for what looked to be a pair of plants? No... Dragons. Flying wyrms? "You're hiding something... I promised I wouldn't pry about your past, but if it involves them- if it involves you and them invading our home-"

"I'm not with them, Khira." The male snapped, a tone much more aggressive than his usual self. Causing her to curl a neck slightly but not be startled by the outburst. Watching him intently as he closed those gemstone eyes and took a breath. "It's... More complicated than that."

"Then tell me." Silence. "Valk... If you want our people to like you... To trust you, you have to earn it."

"I know that." The male took a breath. "But I don't want to earn that respect by fighting."

"If we don't fight... There might not be any of us left." The statement nearly deflated him, shaking that pristine white head and still avoiding Khira's gaze. "I'm... I'm not giving up on Octjor'via, I'm going to search again. Please... Valk, consider it. Find some alternate way to aid us if you must, but..." A closer gunshot aided her point, and the male sighed heavily. Knowing she wasn't going to get another response, the dragoness took to the sky and Valk braced his painting from her wind. Looking at it a bit somberly.

"One's taking off!" A small bird whispered within the bushes.

"I see that." The monkey grumbled, hiding in his own within the mountain. Aiming a very nature-like 'rifle' at the mountain where the dragons resided. "But which one is it?"

"..."

"Guwal...!" The primate half hissed.

"It's Khira. It's very hard to tell the two apart at this distance, but it's Khira."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Really sure?"

"...I think." A growl in response from Kanhozah. "Well, she doesn't do anything weird like... Whatever he's doing!"

"You better be right..." The monkey aimed the makeshift firearm and took a few breaths. Waiting for the breeze to pass...

The male wyrm continued his painting, but his own thoughts kept distracting him. After the third mistake, he stopped and took a deep breath. Looking off to the side of where Khira once was for a few moments, then exhaled. Shifting his gaze to the distance. "...I'm so damn tired of putting all these fires out..." Right when he decided to put it down for the day... Something got his attention in the distance. Somewhere in the greenery, he could just feel it. Something... Someone... Watching-

Only to feel a stab in his neck, one that fractured off into thick shrapnel and exploded out of the other side! Pain shot through him just as the shot's echo shook the trees in that direction, causing the dragon to collapse against the wall of the cave then fall onto the floor. Debris severing the muscles around his spinal cord and causing whatever commands he gave to his left side to go unheard. Instead dragging himself out of sight slowly with just the two limbs: one hind, one fore.

Warmth leaked out as he gasped and attempted to regain his energy, bleeding heavily into the stone did make it easier for him to slide his body, but it didn't take long to begin feeling cold. The pain starting to go numb. His breathing shallowing. Vision dimming...

A few moments earlier, the wyrmess was lost in thought. Wondering how she was going to convince Valk to help their cause. Even she didn't want to fight, but they were all at risk of losing their home. There had to be another way to fix this all, and it had something to do with that human child that could see Khira, she just knew-

A loud shot got her attention, actually circling to look where it came from... Did... Did that sound different than the others? No... No, she was just imagining it. She needed to find that flying squirrel, Octjor'via. If the dragoness could do that, it would break Lythinar out of his grief obsession with that sap. Together, and with Valk, they could do something. Resolve this without violence. With a strange dread still in her chest, the white wyrm continued her search.

======

East, Day 5

======

The thread found himself staring at the reflection in his tea, a sad golden dragon with cyan eyes. Tinted with the faint caramel of his favorite flavor, something that was trying its best to lighten his mood. Perhaps maybe he should have ordered that coffee again, but the serpent really didn't feel like a stimulant right now.

Alkardoc didn't really feel like anything, though he hoped some fresh air would help his grieving. The weather was doing its best to comfort the thread; the sun's warmth embracing his blue blanket, warding off the light breeze as he rested in the park's grass. Far away from others, including children and snakelets having their little games across the paths.

...They used to play here when they were young. Hours every day, while their parents either worked or socialized. 'Gossiped' might've been a better word, but it was a highlight for the golden dragon's day to play with his best friend and their group. To feel normal for a small amount of time, and Alkar's gateway to that was Octtu.

Growing up as Royalty, despite so far from the actual crown to being non-existent, was difficult. A skeleton in Alkardoc's closet as a Snakelet, for when friends often found out, they usually had two reactions: their parents weren't happy with the state of things and blamed any royalty they could find, losing out on a possible friendship for the thread. Or greed: they wanted things from Alkardoc's family, specifically their wealth.

Octtu'var was the ladder, but only because the silver dragon grew up poor. However, he was raised well. Asked to borrow things like toys and tinker with broken mechanicals that had been damaged. Fixing them up for the golden one and his family... That's what made him different: maybe he did take a little bit from Alkar, but he always gave back. "You gave me the opportunity." Octtu's voice from the past echoed in the present dragon's head.

The thread recalled that night so vividly in memory, the stars so bright. The grass so soft. Resting on the hillside that looked over the waters where that river came out into the ocean. "Opportunity?" The past Alkardoc asked. "What do you mean?"

"You've been to places, right?" A noise in confirmation. "Have you ever heard of... I'm probably going to butcher this, but Karakuri?"

"Possibly. What is it?"

"It's... This style of craft from the far far southeast, I think. They have a lot of strange inventions there, and these are like... Little automations? Like those mechanical dolls your mother collected that she wouldn't let me play with."

"Within reason, of course." The two young males chuckled. "Remember how mad she got?"

"There's a reason why she said no playing ball in the house, but it was just a silly trickshot from two rooms away." They looked at each other before saying in sync. "What could Paw-ssibly go wrong?" Octtu shook his head while Alkardoc covered his own eyes in embarrassment. "She blamed you for it so hard-"

"So hard, but it was because my mother liked you."

"Apparently so. Normally she would take it to some kind of repair shop, but she demanded me to fix it..." A somber breath from the silver one.

"She is incredibly smart and... Knew what she was doing."

"...Your mom is an evil genius." The silver one joked, the two chuckling.

"Mother got you the job, didn't she-?"

"Which was planned- I Swear! I think she was waiting for me to break something of yours, telling me to fix it, then take it to that repair guy and say 'See? Look how skilled that dragon is without any training.' And then..." The present and past Alkar just smiled at him. "It's not Karakuri, but it's the closest thing we have around here. Some kind of Clockwork Engineering-"

"Horologist." The thread smiled at the other serpent. "It's a valued profession."

"Yeah, but I wanted to do more than just clocks. I want to make things to help people. I want to build things to help my dad's shoulder so he doesn't have to hammer things so hard. Like, what if I could make a tool that does it for him?"

"It would have to hit very hard to match the power of a blacksmith."

"Yes, but I've got ideas. And with this new job I... Might just be able to pull it off. Even if I'm too late for my dad's own retirement. Want to help. Not just him but others as well." A breath from the silver one as he rolled over and hugged Alkardoc. "And you... Your family, has always treated me well. You've given me the chances to make something better for myself, when my parents couldn't. Thank you."

"You're very welcome, and I hope the new job serves you well..." The golden one hugged back, coiling around his tail a little bit. "...While I'm away."

"You'll come back though, right?" A noise in confirmation. "And it better not be another decade before I see my best friend again."

"I'll try. I don't really have too much of a say in such things. I'm expected to be in places and keep myself involved in the family." The golden one in the past and present sighed, as the past continued. "Public Image is literally everything to us. Not necessarily to be the most popular or well known, but to be stable. Reliable. In order to do that..."

"You have to go out and be the face of it."

"Because my mother cannot do it forever. Eventually..." Things will pass. Just like Octtu did. Nothing ever stays the same. But now what? Has Alkardoc already messed up his marriage arrangement. It's possible they might not find out about his detention, but that? Rumors are likely going to follow the thread for a very long time.

A long sip of the tea as the sounds of children started to fade, their games coming to a conclusion and most requiring to leave with their parents. Some making a fuss as they usually did, others just accepting that the time has come. They will get another chance in the future... And so will Alkardoc. Though not with Octtu'var, and probably not with Valla'sha either. And the thread's other friend was imprisoned.

Zarj'annan. Poor wyrm... It was almost too much weight for the golden one; his savior abducted. Arrested. For the crimes of saving two eastern ones by crossing a simple river and diving into a burning forest. To say it was unfair was an understatement, and some part of Alkardoc right now wanted to go back into the past and change his mind; to run away with the wyrm and start a new life. Away from this taboo. But if surviving without the luxuries of a city were anything like yesterday... Perhaps he did make the correct decision.

The serpent had to believe so. Taking a deep breath and drinking more of that tea, the serpent gathered his strength back up. What's done has been done. Time Spent Wishing Is Time Wasted. What happened to his friend was a tragedy, and the best thing Alkardoc can do is make sure it Never. Happens. Again.

======

East: Day 5 (morning)

======

Fear. Sore pain. And intense adrenaline.

It's been over a day since it happened, and the teal serpent still swears he could feel it. Every time he closed his eyes, that silver muzzle was staring back at him. Intense fear in those discs, the smell of blood and infection. The whimpers and possible screams in fright-

And Hur'ther would wake up. What only felt like seconds later, and no moment of silence. No moment of peace. Just a constant cycle of horror and guilt as he rested in a room above ground for once. Yet something still reminded him of those earthened shelters. Not the smell or the temperature... But, some intense feeling that played on a different sense. The light, maybe?

Most of the light was coming from the windows as daybreak was setting in. The scent of the burning forest still lingering, unless it was the restaurants starting their ovens for the day. Maybe it was close to the campfires they made in the bunkers? No... That didn't fit properly. It was something else.

Looking over the walls of the room was unusually barren. There were some empty sconces: metal holders for light crystals, but only one of them was occupied and active. But before Hur could think about it further, he began to hear someone approaching the closed door to the room. In came in a couple of eastern dragons, one with a leather bag that was set down at the table as he took a seat. "Good morning, Sir Hur'ther. I know you probably had a rough night, but all we're going to do today is take a statement." This navy dragon pulled out a notebook of sorts and a writing utensil.

"Just... A statement?"

"To be honest, your superior got to us first, but as with protocol, we do need to hear your statement and have two witnesses." A gesture to the other two in uniform as he filled in a bit of information. Neither did Hur recognize. "Alright. I want you to tell us in your own words what happened last night."

"L-last...?"

"With the smuggler." An intense fear grew in the teal one's chest as once more he could see the silver serpent's face in pain flash in his own mind. Doing all he could to keep himself composed. "Take your time, take a breath if you need to. I know this isn't easy." Did the teal one go with the story that Phara forced on him? Or should he tell the truth? That it was the rookie's fault that he murdered a civilian in a panic. If he did tell the truth, there were severe consequences for both him and Phara, but the story was a lie. They would detect it, and odds are... "Sir."

"S-sorry, I'm just... Trying to get my facts straight." With a quivering breath, Hur made a decision. Injustice and trust in his superior. "We... Detected and detained a smuggler trying to... Cross the river." No response. "S-silver dragon, never got a name. He... Soon escaped with a lantern-"

"How." A whimper from the teal serpent as he tried to think.

"I-I-I think he picked the lock? I'm not certain." Still nothing, the navy one was just focused on writing things down while the witnesses barely seemed to be paying attention. "When we got back and the-the-the metal door was opened."

"Alright. Continue."

"H-he escaped with a lantern we use on occasion, already lit for our games during our break."

"Nothing illegal?"

"N-n-no Sir. Just for some fake made-up currency that isn't even used." Hur answered truthfully, but still had no distinct reaction. Come to think of it... He couldn't even feel much of anything from the others. "We... Caught up with the smuggler a-a-and... He got a hold of some oil from somewhere. Likely stashed away in the forest." A heavy breath, swearing he could feel the silver one's specter judging Hur'ther at that moment. "He attempted to coat me with it and... Threw the lantern. The flames spread to the trees... And him inside it."

"Did you see him escape?"

"H-h-he didn't escape, the smuggler got caught on fire..." A nod from the navy one as he continued to write. "What... What happens now?"

"We're just filing a report, Cadet Hur'ther. No decisions, no expectations of a decision either. But if you're looking for some peace of mind, these things do happen and you cannot be held responsible for the actions of self-sabotage. Intentional or not." A few more bits of writing and the navy one closed the book. Barely glancing at those dull blue eyes that were on the verge of sobbing. "You'll be fine, Cadet. Unless there's something you're not telling us."

"I... N-no sir. I just..." The navy dragon placed a hand down on the center of the table and leaned towards the teal one.

"You stopped a criminal from committing a taboo. You did good." Good...? Hur murdered a civilian. And now he's not going to be punished for it? Is that what was happening? "Go home. Get some rest. Take a few days off." The witnesses left the room and the navy one did as well. Leaving the teal serpent alone, shaking as the guilt grew and erupted into sobs.

======

East: Day 5

======

The red serpent moved into the alley behind her restaurant, putting on her usual stoic mask but inside Valla'sha was still shaken. Entering the back rooms where the storage was often unloaded and putting on her apron. Trying it down and wondering how she could do this day in and day out without fear. Already smelling the scent of meat cooking over an opened flame, sending her back into that campfire across from the black wyrm. Those purple eyes just staring into the flames in silence as they waited.

But she snapped out of it before hearing his paralyzing voice again. Taking a couple of breaths before moving into the kitchen, spotting a large pot of stew being made, left unattended at the moment while some areas still needed to be cleaned up. Checking on the pot before moving to a used area and noticed one of her plants being shoved aside. A small fern that was getting close to too big for its vase.

Such things always calmed her, feeling a strange affinity with plants as she checked the soil. Dry. Neglected by the other staff, as per usual. Using a nearby cup to get a bit of water and spread it at the base of the plant, Valla noticed one of the stems limping. Damaged. Almost broken.

It hurt her to see it, observing it a little closer before searching the area for a small string. Wrapping around the base of it loosely so the rest could help support the stem. But when a few of them didn't want to cooperate with her, the dragon used her magic to manipulate them into staying up-

("Be it to help or harm them, they do not get a say in it.")

Fear struck the serpent as she stopped and froze. Even dropping the string entirely and taking a motion back. Bumping into a kitchen island which rattled a few things on top of it. Her breathing quickened, her heart raced heavily as Valla fought to control her fears. Finding herself once again coiling on the floor, just trying to get a hold of herself. The magic within her body, as if the very blood was trying to move at its own will- one against hers.

("Some may think you're getting permission from nature itself, but you're only forcing it to do your whim.")

Is that what Valla'sha has been doing this entire time? Controlling what she thought were friends but were really unwilling puppets? No... No. Maybe in their western lands they do it in such a way, but eastern... Their magics are based on communication. That's what they've been taught-

("No. I will not teach you-")

Curse his cold voice! Forcing the serpent to lock up once again into a pile of tense ropes. The second westerner she's encountered and all he's done was poison her mind with lies. False statements and callus observations-

("You clearly have not seen the results of when Nature gets tremendously pissed off.")

...Maybe in their culture they were barbaric, but easterners had standards... Right? The only thing they feared was fire, that was it. They didn't weaponize water, abuse the air, or puppet plantlife! They channeled their affinities with nature itself- spoke to it! Gained permission before reshaping it! How would that damn beast know-!?

("And yes. I have been using it for a very... Very long time.")

...It nearly put the red one into sobs. Angry ones, but also frustration. Trying to keep her own convictions about such teachings, but... What if he was...? She couldn't bring herself to finish it. Just repeat the one phrase over and over again in her head: Eastern Dragons Were Different. They were more respectful, more patient-

("I am way too hungry to be patient about this.")

...The worst part. The worst part about all of it was... Ruvenan. Wasn't. Lying. Such a thought chilled her entire body while in the middle of the hot kitchen. Left as nothing but a coiled red rope staring into space for several minutes before a human walked in. Looked at her, and smelled something off. "Mother of God, would it kill you to watch things once in a while!?" He growled, heading straight to the stew and trying to scrape everything he could off the bottom. "Get me some more water." No response. "Hey! Valla! Did you hear me or not?" Silence, but she started to get up. Collecting the bucket and taking it over. "The hell has gotten into you?"

No response. "Are you going to at least tell me where the hell you've been?" Not even looking at the man, but did notice the gesture to stir the pot for him. That one she could do. Slow. Repeated. Meditative. As he moved onto prepping something else. "I came back the day before, the kitchen had been abandoned entirely. Not locked up, someone got into the back and took bloody everything we had prepped for Garland's supper." A lie she detected. Perhaps not literally everything, but. "Along with the fire still going, what are you trying to do? Burn the kitchen down?"

Silence. "You didn't show up yesterday, I have to spend my own money to send people out looking for someone to cover your tail. Jarra'thee refuses to come in, the only one who does is Carny who can't cook worth a damn." Nothing. "I swear, the more I work with dragons the more I see how useless they are. If you're not going to be able to work today, get the hell out of my kitchen." The man grumbled, heading to the backroom for some more supplies.

"...It's not your kitchen."

"What?" No response as the red one was focused on slowly stirring. "Look. I get it. You're going to be wed soon and perhaps you just wanted a spontaneous fling. But when your mistakes come out of my pay, then I own this damn kitchen until I'm paid back. Next time you want to go out with your Boy-Toy, don't shrug off your responsibilities here." The serpent just held her tongue. Just focused on stirring. Breathing. In and out.

======

East: Evening of Day 5

======

The late afternoon was beautiful as it slowly morphed into dusk, giving visual clarity to the rust-colored serpent scanned the areas outside the town. Looking everywhere inside the boundaries twice over, but when she returned home Mira the maid informed the elder dragoness that her son had not come back. Though it did worry Zhoee, danger was not detected within her senses, and her instincts were always reliable.

Her poor thread. Hearing the news of both him and Octtu's passing filled her chest with emotional hurt. No wonder the golden one was hiding, likely needing some alone time but at the same time... She wanted to comfort Alkardoc-

A strange blueness on the green hillside made her double take, spotting a similar shade of a mane that was also doing well to cover up the familiar gold. Giving the mother relief as she took a breath and gently flew down to approach him from behind. Finding Alkar just staring outwards, into the waters far beyond the grassy meadow.

Zhoee coiled herself to rest beside him, releasing a heavy exhale and just being in his presence. The mother took nearly a minute before saying something. "I... Heard-" A paw was felt on her arm, one that reached from underneath the blue blanket. Squeezing it hard as he was trying to keep himself composed. Shifting herself closer as the two embraced and Alkar desperately attempted to keep his sobs suppressed. "Shhh... I'm sorry..." A whimper from the son. "He was... Such a good snakelet." The hug constricted as the golden one lost it once again, tears running down his face.

For the next dozen minutes the two just held each other, until the golden one's grip had weakened too much and was forced to let go. To the point where she could feel it without trying, actually tapping out first for his sake and letting his smaller body rest. "I brought you a takeout supper for now, but I'd like to get you something else to eat."

"Thank you, but I'm not hungry-"

"But you need to eat." Zhoee insisted, a specific tone that the son knew well: the defiance one. Letting him open the cardboard container and start using the strange utensils to eat some rice. It was good, if not a little cold. Better than that steak that Ruvenan- "What was that?" Alkardoc froze in place, now realizing that his mother was still touching his arm. "I don't mean to search through your surface thoughts and feelings, I'm just trying to figure out what happened. Were... You attacked by something big and black?"

"No, mother. It's... Complicated, to the point where I don't think I even understand everything." Alkardoc sighed, but told the truth. "I'm... Still deciding if I want you involved. The more you know, the more dangerous it might be for you."

"Is someone threatening you? Is that thing a...?"

"...It's a westerner, yes." He could feel the fear in her light up like a wildfire as the thread paused and looked her deep into her eyes. Making sure she kept in body contact with him. "And he helped us. I even met another that attempted to bring us out of a burning forest. I... Survived, but Octtu did not." Though that fright was still there, the truth was heavily reassuring. "I don't even fully know what happened to Octtu, but he was... Hurt. Injured and ill. Then left to die in a burning forest." As difficult as it was for the son to tell, it was also a difficult thing to hear.

"As much as I do have questions..." The mother started, trying to comfort the golden one. "I imagine they are the same as yours, and you haven't found the answers yet." A slow nod from the thread. "For now, eat. We'll get your strength up, rest, and then return home before dark." Alkar nodded once more and continued to eat in silence and company. Taking a few minutes afterwards to just be with his only parent, one the son wasn't sure if he would see again. "How did you two meet?"

"W-who?"

"You and Octtu." She looked at him in the eyes and slowly shook her rusted head. "I will not pry past the western thing, especially since you... Don't seem to fear them. The... Less I know, the better, and I trust you Alkardoc." It was a relief to hear, and almost unexpected. But the thread took a breath.

"We both got detention once in elementary school." A large nod from Zhoee, recalling it now. "We got on Professor Fassu's nerves about magic as we struggled to keep up with the rest of the class."

"I do remember that now."

"It wasn't the first time either. I remember Octtu being so scared that he did something wrong for being in detention that he didn't speak within the first couple of tries. But then I remember hearing it when I was sitting closer to him... Hunger."

"That poor snakelet." The mother sighed. "Garvira tried her best, but I had no idea how bad off they were."

"Yes. And some part of me wonders now if the reason why he struggled in magic classes is because he couldn't afford a lunch. Remember those muffins you used to make?"

"Oh yes. I kept finding them in your satchel and I would get angry, thinking you were avoiding them."

"I-I was just full-"

"I know you were now, but you were a picky eater when you were young. And anything that resembled spots on your food you did not like, that took me too long to figure out." A breath from the rusted female. "But Octtu..."

"He would eat anything. He was starving, and I offered him that raisin muffin. He hesitated at first but devoured it before Fassu returned to watch over us. It was... Quite often that we were held back in the afternoons for extra magics that we... Grew closer." Alkardoc smiled sadly. "All because of your strange muffins-"

"They were not that bad, Alkar." She playfully scolded them. "Though Carhva could make them so much better than I."

"Carhva could make anything but coffee." Alkardoc snorted. "Even her daughter Mira learns so quickly."

"Have you been getting fond of her now?" A breath from the male and a head tilt in a shrug.

"I'm... Trying. She's very kind, no doubt. And does her job very well, perhaps a little too respectful. To the point where she..."

"Keeps using titles? That's normal. Give her a couple of years." Zhoee smiled.

"I... Do like her though. Not as much as her mother, but..."

"Carhva had to retire."

"Too quickly, I'm afraid. It's been quite the adjustment to let go of someone else who has been around you since hatching. Carhva has learned to say No to me for as long as I can remember. Mira? I feel like I could ask her to travel to the other side of the world for some Sadifruits and she would do it."

"Oh? You finally had some?"

"I..." The thread stopped and smiled, not having any contact with his mother. Staring into space as a flash of Zarj'annan's face within that dark cave was seen. Barely lit by the small fire they made. "Have, yes. They were beyond delicious."

"Very rare to find them here. I heard they were more common in the west, that is if they're not stolen from merchants." A faint nod from the son. "I'll see if maybe I can order some for you and Valla'sha."

"...About her..." Alkar started, but got the expected exhale from his parent. "She... Was with me during Octtu's incident, or at least nearby."

"Is she alright?"

"Yes. I think so. But the event may have traumatized her, to the point where we... I believe we've called off the marriage for now." A nod from Zhoee. "She really didn't seem like herself when we got back, and if I'm being honest, I'm a little worried about her."

"Try to talk to her then, when you can." The thread nodded in response. "She might just need someone to talk to."

"Yes... I imagine she probably does."

"It might be enough to solidify a bond between you as well." That one the son just half shrugged at, getting a sad smile from the mother. "Come, are you ready to head home?"

"...I'd… I would like to stay a little longer." The rusted serpent nodded and started to get up, but felt a right grip on her arm. "Thank you, mother. Sincerely."

"You are very welcome, Alkardoc." The two hugged. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Will you come back home before it gets too late?"

"I will. I just need a little bit more time." The mother nodded in response and flew off towards the city. Leaving the thread to sit in silence and gaze upon the view. The waves dancing over the waters at a distance, the trees beginning to sway as the winds started to pick up. As Alkardoc took one long deep breath and exhale, he got up to turn around- only to swear he saw something within the edge of the forest... Scales of Silver.

The golden one stared, his scales clicking loudly in a shiver as the winds seemed to bring a drop in temperature with them. Instincts told him not to follow while familiar vocals replayed in his head. While it did ache his heart, Alkar took their warnings and began heading back home, swearing he could still hear Octtu's final words to him.

"They're... In... Forest."

======

Ocean: Day 5

======

The winds were growing, slowly scooping the light blue wyvern from behind and carrying him in a large circle as he attempted to fly away from the storm. It was just his luck to come across one that seemed to spot the smaller flier as prey and begin hunting him. Trying to lean away from it and using the same winds from the cyclone to his advantage, trying to keep a sharp eye out for anything he could possibly land on and perhaps weather the storm.

But all he could see was the deep blue waters and something else up ahead. Unrecognized but afloat in the increasingly choppy waves, but the distance was too great. The stitching and brown patches in his bad wing were holding up, but with the winds growing stronger... The wyvern wouldn't be able to make it before the storm caught him, as the rains began reaching his area. Confirming his fears.

When his luck seemed to run out, something big came from behind him, almost out of nowhere! A large black beast of sorts, soaring underneath the 5' dragon, beating its wings strongly and forcing those heavy shoulders to press against the smaller one. Nearly knocking Gar upwards. "Hold on!" The large one called back, feeling the wyvern attempt to fly above him. "Get on me and hold on! You won't outrun this thing!" The black one growled, making the flier slightly whimper but put trust into the stranger. Landing on his back and grabbing hold of any part of the thick scaled armor didn't work out super well. But some of the densely scaled mane did- even if it did cause the beast to growl a bit and mutter something about 'always the spines'.

With his energy focused on keeping his smaller self rooted to the larger one, the black wyrm sped up almost supernaturally. Darting forwards with the winds and lightly going out of the rain's range, but soon starting to descend. Sending out warning signs to the wyvern that they were falling too fast and were about to impact the waters. Even feeling some of the splashes of the waves sprinkle Gar's dark face before a small swoop upwards.

Then the heavy land, against something large that screeched heavily and groaned with the waves. Unnatural, ancient, rusted like many of the old metals Gar was somewhat familiar with. "Close your eyes." The beast ordered, looking back at Gar's direction, though the wrong side.

"W-what?" The wyvern asked, instantly seeing the wyrm correct the side Gar was facing and repeat.

"Close your eyes, unless you want to damage your eyesight!" A whimper in response but the flier nodded and did so, not quite understanding why. The winds grew, the waters splashed against the old metal ship. Then it got cold. Very very cold, to the point where Gar could feel the moisture on his own smooth scales begin to solidify. The rain became freezing as it began pelting the too until the beast turned himself to shelter the smaller one. Getting heavier and heavier as the storm's own roars of thunder were heard from a distance...!

Then... Silence. Aside from the constant creaking of the old ship, even the winds seem to have stopped. Causing Gar to open his eyes a little sooner than allowed, swearing the scales of this wyrm were white for a brief second, but looking at himself covered in frost... "Okay. You should be safe now."

Gar'sinn gently let go, sliding down the larger dragon's back and onto the rusted deck. A massive ship, or the remains of one, now surrounded within a thick shield of ice. The rains still faintly being heard battling against it as the waves crashed. Keeping the floating ship within its own pool of water within what was basically a frozen bubble. Allowing it to become more stable against the intense waves outside, if not while tapping against the wall of ice itself. "How...?"

"It's a long story." The black one grumbled, shaking the frost off of him and looking around the area a bit. "I don't suppose you have anything to burn in that pack of yours?" The wyvern double taked, meeting those gemstone purple eyes with his own sad blue ones. "Just asking, I won't force you to burn anything you don't want to. Just don't want you dying of hypothermia."

"Of what-?" Gar started, only to suck in a breath that interrupted the wyrm. "Oh! I know this one...! To be brought to an ill state due to extreme cold."

"Doesn't have to be Extreme cold, but yes." The increased noise of heavy rain outside their shelter got their attentions. "It'll hold. At least until the storm passes. We might be drifted deeper into the ocean though, so hopefully you can find your way back." A gesture to follow the wyrm as he moved down some battered stairs.

"I'm a little lost as it is, I'm afraid. I've been trying to head west."

"Then you were going in the right direction." The large one confirmed, giving the wyvern some relief while looking back at him. "...Ruvenan."

"Gar'sinn." The multi-colored wyvern smiled. Shivering a little as he covered his white underside with those light blue wings. "I... Appreciate the rescue, Ruvenan."

"What are you doing out here?" The question caught the smaller one off guard for a moment as Gar's expression saddened.

"I'm... Looking for someone."

"Someone lost out in sea?" A noise in question. "Like, out on a ship?"

"A ship?"

"Like what we're on." The wyrm grumbled, snorting as the smaller one gazed around at their rusted surroundings. The massive flat bed that had piles of debris, seaweeds, and covered in barnacles. Remains of large metal boxes that Ruven moved towards, breaking open the metal locks and prying the crusted hinges open with no regard to their cries. Hit with a wave of something that smelled rather foul before reaching in and pulling out a wooden pallet of sorts. Slamming the door shut as the noise echoed through their icy bubble. "This'll do enough to get you warmed up. Might smell a little bad though."

"You...?" No response as the black wyrm began disassembling the old wood into pieces. "You know what this is?"

"It's an old shipping vessel. Used to transport things across waters." Ruven answered, glancing at it. "I'm surprised it is still afloat, probably has been for decades, but the gyroscope has gone in it." That word didn't sound familiar to Gar. "What?"

"Gy...?"

"Gyroscope. It's this machine on larger vessels like this that keeps the ship stable against moving waters like storms. Helps prevent the ship from being capsized." A curious purr from the wyvern. "What now? Capsized?"

"Y-yes. Sorry, I-"

"Stop." Ruven held up a paw in pause. "No apologies. It's a pet-peeve of mine, and I just have a little bit of a headache." Then a motion for the small one to continue.

"I... Rarely get to encounter someone smarter than me." Gar smiled sadly.

"I get that feeling." A breath from the wyrm as he piled the wood up. "Capsize: To cause the boat to flip over where it can no longer properly... House the people on board. Often enough it can still float for a time, but it's like you trying to fly upside down. Not a fun time, and it usually ends with the ship sinking."

"Sinking into the..." Those blue eyes looked straight down, through the rusted metal plating underneath his paws.

"Yes. Which is probably why you haven't seen many around, and why I haven't seen a damn thing for several hours of flying." Ruvenan sighed through his muzzle, tossing the last bit of wood in the pile. "Do me a favor, don't tell anyone I was here, or what you've witnessed. Do that, and I'll make sure you survive this." A gesture to the storm.

"Don't tell...?" Gar started, but nodded in agreement. Watching the black dragon hover a paw over the wood and begin... Pulling water out of it. Enough to dry it out, then tossing it over to the side. A moment later, the wood burst into flames, causing the wyvern to stumble back against the wave of heat. "Astonishing...!"

"That's everyone's first impression with Attonements." The black one grumbled, laying down and taking a long breath. Letting the wyvern get a comfortable distance and get warm. "I'm... Looking for someone too."

"You are?"

"And my instincts are telling me 'west'. Past that, I don't know where... Or if they're even alive." A slow head shake from the large one. "I just need an answer."

"Were they... Lost at...?"

"I don't think so, but I can't quite remember. I recall jungle. High plateaus covered in greens... And... Smog?" A grumble from the wyrm as he shut his eyes. "But I'm mixing up memories again." A nod from Gar. "Yours?"

"...I'm trying to get back to someone that I..." A shy whine from the wyvern. "I'm... Not what you call a lucky dragon. I got caught in a storm a few years back, and tore my wing up." He opened a wing, revealing the brown patches that were stitched within the white underside. Including one down his own side. "Leaving me earthbound as that... Very vicious storm came over. During my attempts to find shelter, I found a drake that needed help. I freed her, and together we took shelter in an old building." Gar sadly smiled while staring into the fire, not quite seeing Ruvenan's nod.

But the wyrm didn't say anything. "We weathered the storm, I helped her with a small injury as she helped me with mine... I... Liked her. I found myself growing fond of Xato, but as luck would have it..."

"She left you? Didn't feel the same?" Another whine, but one that pretty much told the larger one he was incorrect.

"I... Went to get some water and uh... Got carried out by the current."

"Mm."

"One that led out to the ocean."

"As they do."

"And swallowed by a giant fish." A long silence from the black one. "That was hunted by a wyrm like yourself... Who..."

"Carried that fish to their nest?"

"A-across this ocean..." Ruven's head slowly tilted, staring at the smaller one as he fidgeted with his claws. "A-apparently he didn't know I was inside until..."

"Who crosses an ocean for a fish?" The wyrm snorted.

"I-it was a last minute catch before returning home. A gift for someone special, and this was a very very big fish."

"And as a bonus, they got a flightless wyvern." A sad chuckle in response from Gar.

"One that... Couldn't find his way back." A bit of silence. "I asked Mar'veirr if he could take me back, and we did try every few months. But every time..."

"The weather didn't permit." A slow nod from Gar. "That's... Pretty normal for most."

"And too dangerous. So we were forced back and I..." A heavy breath from the small one. "I couldn't risk his life again, and I nearly gave up on it. Until Ol'vvdaia, another wyvern, and I discovered a... Possibility of repair." Gar showed off the stitched wing. "I still can't believe it worked...! The technologies of the old world." The wyrm was silent as he just stared at it in thought. "They bring with them new possibilities, including one where..."

"You could make it there on your own." Ruvenan mumbled. "How long has it been?"

"...Three years."

"Three years?" The black one barely asked.

"I-I know..."

"You do know how time works, right? Three years where you were is still-"

"I know-!" Gar whimpered, slumping in defeat as he adjusted the small pack strapped to his body. "I know that it possibly means she's no longer there. I know that there's a possibility that she's moved on and found another mate."

"Mate-?"

"I know that it means I left my entire life behind, a nearly guaranteed happy future in a place that has helped me so much. A place that didn't see me as a runt- even though I was. A place where I felt safe, welcomed, and happy." No response from the wyrm. "But I... I can't stop thinking about Xato. I can't stop thinking about how I left her accidentally. I can't stop thinking about how she is, what she's done with her life. Who she found and..." A breath from Gar. "I have to apologise to her."

"For what?"

"For... Leaving. Unexpectedly."

"No you don't-"

"For abandoning her, it was my fault! I should've been more careful in the water, I should've been more patient-! I..." Gar'sinn took a quivering breath, then a second one to collect himself. "I know it sounds absurd, but I feel... I can feel her pain. Her loneliness. Even from half a world away. And I... I know it's my-"

"It isn't your fault." The wyrm grumbled. "Life sucks sometimes, you get used to it."

"That is true... And she was no stranger to that. But there's somebody in the world that the hardships of the past are... So much easier to bear when you're with them." The large one stayed silent. "I... Know I'm a fool for attempting something so ludicrous- w-which means Silly-"

"I know what ludicrous means." Ruven grumbled.

"R-right. It's just usually I'm with others that-" The black one gestured for him to skip it and go on. "I... Just know, even if she has found a mate and a family already, that she's that person for me."

"And what will you do if she does?" The wyvern frowned at the question. "There's a good possibility that this Shadow-"

"X-Xato-"

"Whatever, has moved on with her life. What then?" For a few moments, Gar started to answer, but stopped himself. Growing a bit sadder with every possible thought, until the wyrm spoke up. "...Nevermind."

"W-what?"

"Nevermind that thought. You've already made it this far, you might as well see it through to the end. If she has moved on, well... Cross that bridge when you come to it."

"Cross a...?" The larger dragon tossed his black snout.

"It's an expression. It means 'Deal with the problem when you encounter it'." Ruvenan gazed off to the side. "Sometimes you just need to follow those instincts, no matter how much you've prepared for the worst. Going so far as to convince yourself that the answer isn't worth knowing... But it is."

"You're doing the very same thing, yes?"

"Yes, but crossing an ocean is nothing for me. I'm not risking anything other than a day or two, tops..." The wyrm looked at his rusted surroundings. "And possibly Tetanus."

"Tet...Nus?"

"It's what you can contract when you cut yourself with something rusty. So I'd watch where you step." Ruvenan snorted, then sighing through that muzzle. "My point is... You made the right call, Gary."

"Gar'sinn-"

"-But don't think that what happened is somehow your fault. You didn't abandon Shadow on purpose." The wyvern didn't reply, but his gaze fell. Enough for the larger one's frilled ears to go flat against his own black head. "Look at me." Ruven commanded, causing the smaller male to lower his head but do so. "Now repeat after me: I did not abandon Xato."

"I... Did not abandon Xato."

"What happened was not my fault." The waters began to rock the icy shell.

"W-what happened was..." A whimper from Gar triggered a growl from the wyrm. "N-not my-"

"Say. It." A wave crashed against the thick barrier.

"W-what happened was-"

"Stop." Ruven demanded, moving to a sitting position and getting a whimper from the smaller dragon. Looking immensely taller due to it. "Close your eyes. Take a breath. A deep one." Gar nodded and did so. "Again." Another. "Again. Exhale through your maw. Now. Say. It. From the beginning."

"I... Did not Abandon Xato."

"No pause. Again." A low rumble from outside.

"I did not Abandon Xato. What happened was..."

"Again." A louder rumble.

"What happened was not my fault."

"Again!"

"What happened was not my Fault!" Lightning struck the waters outside.

"Now what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to..."

"Don't Pause! Don't Think! Now, What are YOU going to do, Gar!?" Another strike hitting the waters outside.

"I'm going to find her!"

"And?"

"S-say sorry for disappearing-" A growl from the wyrm. "But tell her it wasn't my fault! And... Hope she will understand." A moment of silence as those purple eyes focused on Gar's. The rainwaters pelting against the icy barrier from the other side while the winds caused the wall to grind against the boat.

"...Deep breath." The wyvern took one, but kept eye contact with the intimidating dragon. "Good. Keep that confidence, that conviction. You're on a mission, wyvern, don't forget that."

"A mission...?" Gar thought just for a moment. "To find her."

"And you will. But for now..." The black one laid back down. "Best to get some rest. After the storm passes, I'll remove our shelter and we will continue on our separate ways." The smaller one took a breath and nodded, trying to get comfortable on the rough old steel. Making the larger one sigh and toss his snout. "Get over here." Ruvenan grumbled.

"W-what?"

"I'll let you sleep on my arms or back. It may not be as comfortable, but it will be less of a risk for you."

"Risk...?"

"Tetanus."

"R-right, that... Illness, was it?"

"When you cut yourself with something rusty. Lockjaw is not fun, I'll tell you that." The wyrm snorted, but still invited the smaller one in. Making Gar smile as he waddled over and climbed onto the warm black scales. Doing his best to get comfortable on the natural armor while the larger head and neck lowered to cover him.

"Thank you, Ruvenan." Gar'sinn smiled, petting the wyrm's neck.

"Yeah, yeah..." The larger one sighed. "Just remember our deal: don't tell anyone."