Spirits of the Earth

Ketra was the only truly populated place where Celegwen felt at home. She loved the safety of the Draconi Forest, but rejoining the Dragonriders prevented her from avoiding everyone. Even so, the fields surrounding Ketra provided the best training field for the dragons and their riders.

She spread her arms out and closed her mismatching eyes, feeling the active winds rushing past her. The air was the element she felt most connected to, even though she prefers to wield fire and water magic. Air was just so free. Air and wind doesn't get harnessed.

Other than by the dragons.

A shadow larger than a house zipped by, the massive body flying high above. She shielded her eyes, protecting herself from the blinding flashes of the sun reflecting off of his 150-foot wingspan. Celegwen watched him and dropped her quiver, bow, and sword on the grass before racing after him. She knew she had absolutely no chance of catching up to him, but that wasn't her goal. Celegwen grabbed the long whip from her belt and whistled loudly. The dragon's head glanced behind him to await her signal. She unraveled the whip and swung it in three circles above her head, then snapped it on the ground to her left.

The dragon dove downward and turned gracefully around, gliding barely six feet from the ground. She released the whip and ran toward the speeding dragon. He lowered his head, and Celegwen leapt in the air. She tripped slightly, getting to her feet on his nose. She ran down his neck to his back and swung around one of his back spines. Her boots set into place on the short stirrups of the custom saddle she had built for him, and she leaned forward, almost laying on her stomach, holding onto his back spine.

"Aithusa, nitara!" Celegwen shouted. Aithusa flew upward, gaining more speed and height with each flap of his wings.

They flew together, performing a few different aerial stunts before Celegwen decided it was enough. "Aithusa, moruni!" The dragon dove downward and landed on all fours, laying down on the grass.

Celegwen slid off of the saddle and landed with a hard thud. Aithusa instantly shifted into his human form and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I think my nose is broken," he said.

She looked at his nose and smirked. "It isn't even bruised."

Aithusa straightened his shirt and ruffled his silver hair. Celegwen collected her weapons and refastened them all. She frowned and folded her arms across her chest. "We have to get that mount right," she said. "If we're in battle, that kind of sloppiness can't happen."

"What do you suggest?" Aithusa asked, raising his right eyebrow. "I can't lower my head any more or I'm going to get a mouthful of dirt."

"It's my issue," Celegwen said, shaking her head quickly. "This one isn't on you."

Aithusa was young for a dragon and really enjoyed spending time with his new partner. He and Celegwen got along with each other instantly, and he hoped he would never have to be paired with another rider. It was his job to protect her and he would willingly do so, even if it cost him his life.

He loved the exercises they did together because it really helped to build the trust and bond between them. The aerial exercises were his favorite since he absolutely loved flying. Aithusa felt his strongest in his dragon form and would love to live like that always. Even so, his human form was the only way he could speak.

"What do you suggest, then?" He asked.

Celegwen shook her head again, slower that time. "Repetition," she said. "We just have to practice over and over again."

"Now?"

"Not now!"

Aithusa shrugged, sneezing out a small puff of smoke. "Well, that's embarrassing," he mumbled. "Can't stop that from happening."

Celegwen grinned. "Come on. I'm starved. Do you want to hunt? Or go to the market?"

"Let's go into town. My treat."

"Wow, this day is just beautiful, perfect for just a ride through the sky."
Zukiro awoke to an immense sunlight beaming onto his head through a tiny tear in the hut's roof. He was indeed correct, the sun was shining brilliantely that day. The winds were strong too, perfect for a midday adventure ride with Xanuthos. Zukiro stepped out of his tent to go wake Xanuthos as well. Xanuthos was sound asleep on his back, in the shade next to the hut.
"Xanu! Wake!"
Xanuthos panicked, not realizing he was laying on his back, he flailed his head right into a nearby tree. Zukiro couldn't hide his laughter, he laughed so hard he collapsed onto the ground, nearly passing out.
Not. Funny.
It was hysterical and you know it. It's a beautiful day out, want to go ride out to the fields in Ketra?
Agree. Lets. Go.
Zukiro dove into the river as far as he could, ruffled his fur to clean himself, and with a small chant, darted himself out the water upward into the sky, where Xanuthos was waiting to catch him.
They soared through screaming wind with blinding speed, the wind made Zukiro's ear flop windly in the wind. After about 20 minutes or so they descended uponn the fields just outside of Ketra.
"Xanu, land."
Xanuthos nosedived straight to the ground, just as they were about to hit the ground straight on, Zukiro backflipped off Xanu's back, landing graciously on the grassy field beneath him, whilst Xanu loop de looped overhead to slow his velocity to land perfectly next to Zukiro.
"Ah that maneuver never gets old, very well done old friend. Im going into town to grab some supplies for our training, I'll bring back a couple barrels of ale for us as well, sound alright?"
Yes. Thank. I. Wait. Under. Tree
Zukiro made his way into town and noticed, two people just ahead of him, he thought nothing of it and went on his business.
Zukiro browsed the markets for a while looking for ale as well as some meat for practice runs. After browsing he saw the same pair he saw out in the field, he decided to follow suit at a comfortable distance away. Something was special about them.

Celegwen and Aithusa proudly sported the red and black colors of Adela, as they unusually intended on standing out. In his human form, Aithusa wore a red shirt and black pants, but showed no real connection to the Dragonriders. Celegwen was more than recognizable. She wore the black boots, pants, and tunic with the red winged dragon crest on the chest, the emblem of Adela and identifying symbol of an accomplished Dragonrider.

They walked through the crowded marketplace, sampling vendors, watching people, and taking in their surroundings. This was a common exercise for the riders, usually not the dragons, to keep them updated and familiar with the normal customs and people in the nation.

Aithusa placed his hand on Celegwen's lower back and leaned into her pointed ear. "We're being watched," Aithusa whispered.

Celegwen faked a convincing laugh and glanced around. "I noticed him a little while ago," she said, gently stroking his arm.

This was a familiar practice between Celegwen and Aithusa since he had a human form. Those not part of the Dragonriders were unaware that Aithusa had this form, so it was easy to communicate information by pretending to be intimate with each other. Of course these actions were purely strategical.

Hoping they had caught the being's attention enough for him to follow, Celegwen and Aithusa ducked casually into an empty alley nearby and waited, her hand on the pommel of the dagger she kept hidden in her belt.

Ah, the classic fade away into a back alley trick, what do they take me for? A fool? Its fine, they probably think I was trying to attack them or somehing along those lines. Typical mentality of a dragonrider, dont. Trust. Anyone. Ill just get the ale and head back to the field, it looked like they were doing something near where we landed anyways, hopefully I'll be able to see them soon.
Zukiro darted into an old brewery his father had visited all the time. The brewmaster isn't the same from when he was a child, looked to be his son, similar face and stature.
"Hows it going sir? How may I halp yeh?"
"May I kindly try a sip of your 3 finest brews?"
"Sir, they are absurdly expensive are you sure?"
"Would I be asking if I could not pay for it?"
Zukiro dropped 3 10 lbs bags of gold on the table. He does charge a high price for those self-defense classes, really does pay off.
"R-r right away sir."
The brew master's son grabbed a pint of the 3 finest brews and placed each in front of Zukiro.
Zukiro grabbed the first, had a slight red tint to it. He immediately spat it out.
"That tastes worse than dragon shite. And I would know, Xanu loves to prank me all the time."
He grabs the ale to the right, it had more of a blueish tint and bubbled a lot longer than the first.
"Good flavor, not what I'm lookin for but add a hint of ginger to the brew for a sweeter taste."
Zukiro grabbed the last pint, it had a golden tint to it and shined brilliantly in the light. Zukiro took a sip, and before he knew it the rest of it was gone.
"Give. Me. Three barrels of this. Right. Now."
"YES SIR"
Zukiro left the brewery with 3 barrels stacked perfectly along his back, and with the brewer's family crest all over the barrel, it was hard to go unnoticed in the rest of the capital.
Zukiro returned to Xanuthos with plenty of daylight to spare. He stacked the three barrels vertically. He drank the brew so fast he was practically inhaling it. Half the barrel was gone in less than 2 minutes.
"X-Xaa, Xanu, drink."
Xanuthos whipped the barrel into the air and seared the wood off perfectly to leave only the ale falling. Zukiro started a chant, and the ale flowed serenely into Xanu's mouth.
Both Zukiro and Xanu were not prone to drinking often, but when they did, the brew would be consumed in speeds that were unparalleled, which in turn got them stumbling that much faster.
"Xaaaanuuu, fight."
Xanuthos soared drunkedley into the ale and proceeded to dive towards Zukiro, but each and every time an attack was attempted, Zukiro would graciously side-step into a sucker punch. Xanu returned the favor with a claw scratch every other attempt. It was like watching a ballerina dancing with a swan, but with fists and blood.

After Celegwen and Aithusa noticed he didn't come after them, they stepped back into the open. They exchanged looks as he walked through the crowd with three barrels of ale. Celegwen scoffed, shaking her head. "How much of a drunk must you be to purchase and openly walk around with so much ale?" She asked with a slightly judgmental tone.

"You almost sound jealous," Aithusa said, nudging her with his elbow.

Celegwen rolled her eyes and watched him disappear into the crowd. She picked up an apple and looked at it, then put it back on the stand. "Why was he watching us?" She said quickly, clenching her jaw.

Aithusa looked at her with his brow raised and snickered. She just rolled her eyes, accustomed to his sarcastic remarks. Instead, she decided not to humor him and stayed quiet. Still, the question lurked in her mind...why was he watching them?

"I have to know," she finally said. "Do you want to get an aerial view? Strategically smarter than blindly following where we think he is."

"I got this," Aithusa said. "Just be cool or stay out of sight. I'm gonna get my drink on."

They followed him to back to where they had been training and Celegwen sprung upward, hiding herself in a nearby tree. Aithusa watched from afar as the two friends got drunk together and began fighting. He pulled his shirt halfway out of the waist of his pants and ruffled his hair, making himself look sloppy. Aithusa glanced back at Celegwen and winked confidently.

"Oi!" He shouted with a slur, pretending to be a drunken fool. He purposely tripped on his own foot and tumbled over before standing up with his arms out. "Beee ca-areful!" It sounded like he thought one of the others had fallen instead of himself.

Celegwen had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

He walked over to the two of them and bowed extravagantly, almost falling forward. "Good ta meetcha! Mightcha haaave some ale ta sparrre?"

Zukiro, after effortessly dodging another one of Xanu's attacks, greeted the young man upsidedown.
"Dont try to fake me out, although I am hammered beyond belief, I could smell you coming from a mile away, it was mostly your breath though, being completely honest, and I do not even smell a whif of any alcohol in you. Stop the act."
Zukiro, still upside down, responded as if he was stone cold sober.
"I would assume you were the partner to the other lovely lady that I followed into the market. Cute couple got to say. Never really a man of love myself, but I know it when i see it. As far as the following goes, I noticed you guys were not that far away from where we had landed,  I didnt mean to frighten you both, just wanted some sparring and or drinking buddies is all, can never get too many drinks in ya am I right?"
Zukiro back flipped himself into a standing position, towering over the young man, but he made sure to not make him feel threatened. Xanuthos on the other hand was about to ram directly into the poor soul.
"Xanu, why do you have to do this?"
Just before Xanu was about to ram directly into the young man, Zukiro almost instantaneously stepped in front him, and with a swift round house kick to the head. Xanu was sent flying back into the shade, he instantly fell asleep.
"Sorry he doesnt trust others very well," he chuckled "also tell your partner to step down from the tree, its really obvious. I can see her dagger shimmering from the sun."

Aithusa chuckled lightly, glancing over to the tree where Celegwen was swinging off of. "Quick hiding place," he said. "Not her best, but I assumed you were too inebriated to catch on."

"And you were wrong," Celegwen said, joining them. She picked a stick out of her hair and straightened her tunic. "Interesting dragon. Haven't seen one like him before. Though, I'm not sure that was a respectful act. Xanu, was it? You can speak to them, ya know. Brute force isn't the only way."

Her partner smirked. "I'm afraid you're wrong, my friend," Aithusa said, combing his hair back into place and tucking his shirt back into his pants. "There is most certainly such thing as too many drinks. Now, did you say you were interested in a sparring partner?"

Celegwen bit her lip with a grin.

Zukiro grabbed three pints of ale from the second barrel, he set them down on the makeshift earth table.
"Aye, I did, but first to answer your question about Xanuthos, Yes I am very aware I can speak to him, we personally communicate telepathically in times of need and extreme thought. But being as hammered as we are, the alcohol clouds our minds, thus the only way I can stop him from doing anything is with brute force. You should consider yourself lucky, although I would assume you can defend yourself, if he wasn't as hammered as he was, he would've bitten your head clean off or at least char it a little bit beforehand. He doesn't trust anyone but me, his loyalty has lead him into precarious situations, but he always manages. most guests are terrified when he comes lunging at them, but so long as I'm around he will not lay a claw on you. Especially since that last kick will keep him asleep for a while. Since he's asleep I do need to practice my drunk sparring with someone. But just for you guys i've come up with a little game."
Zukiro back flipped about 100 paces away and began to chant. Within seconds an uncountable number of Earth columns shot up from the ground each of varying heights. The three pints of ale were lifted high into the sky about 100 m up. Zukiro began another chant, but it appeared as if nothing happened. Then after one more chant all three pints were frozen.
"Lets have some fun with this, if you are fond of one of the finest brews I've tasted since my early years, I suggest you get up as high as possible to attempt to get a drink, if you can get at least a sip of any of the three, then I get to cook dinner for the two of you fine young people. But if you two touch the ground 3 times each then you must cook for me. Hows that sound?"
Zukiro had flipped back to a column in front of the couple, standing on one hand.

Celegwen and Aithusa glanced at each other with confident smiles. "I think those are acceptable terms," Aithusa said, turning back to Zukiro.

Zukiro shot up to the tallest of the columns. Celegwen and Aithusa watched from the ground, curious as to what was being done. Zukiro began an inaudible chant and an extremely think fog began spreading about midway up the columns. It blocked their view of Zukiro, and they assumed it blocked his view of them.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Aithusa asked. Celegwen nodded, placing her sword on the ground.

Aithusa crouched to the ground on all fours and instantly shifted into his dragon form. He kept low to the ground because standing could easily have let him poke his head through the fog. He looked at Celegwen with a devious glint in his eye. Celegwen swung onto the saddle, leaning forward on the short stirrups and holding onto one of Aithusa's back spines.

He stretched out his massive wings and awaited her word. "Aithusa, nitara!" Celegwen commanded quietly.

His wings flapped and they took to the air. Immediately, Aithusa soared straight up the side of the columns. Crossing the fog barrier, Celegwen suddenly started coughing harshly. Aithusa was unaffected by the changed air because of his lung capacity, but Celegwen started choking harshly.

Aithusa saw Zukiro standing atop the columns and briefly debated just grabbing the pints, but Celegwen lost hold of his spine and began falling. Aithusa immediately dove downward and caught her before she hit the ground. He knew she would be fine, but he didn't take her injuries lightly.

With a single flap of his wings, he lifted into the air with a threatening cry and a large stream of flame erupted from his throat as he once again broke the fog barrier. His wings caught the sunlight and made it almost unbearable to look at him without risk of becoming blind.

Ah, so hes a shape shifter eh? Should've expected that, due to the crest on the Cel's shoulder. Gotta say that dragon is fast, but I've seen faster, and they weren't sparring partners. Cel couldn't withstand the air difference I made, so she has no chance of remotely coming close unless...
Zukiro, bounded between columns generating momentum. he began another chant, the fog grew larger, just barely out of the reach of Aithusa.
I won't be able to hit him head on, its too predictable. Thank goodness I always keep my eyes shut during this, I can only imagine how that pure white body reflects the sun. THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!
Zukiro practically on the verge of breaking the columns he was darting between. Began a barely audible chant, and a shift in the mist appeared.
Ah, the unpredictable kind. Very nice touch, I expect nothing less from one of the best dragons from the riders.
A figure appeared out of the mist, on a collision course with the head of Aithusa. Almost effortlessly Aithusa swatted what appeared to be Zukiro out of the sky. But as Aithusa passed through the figure it vanished into mist.
"I like unpredictable, very fun to play against." Zukiro whispered into Aithusa as he flew by, almost at an instantaneous speed.
Zukiro landed a roundhouse kick that could kill any mortal man, right in the base of the right wing of Aithusa, Aithusa spiraled for about 3 seconds before regaining control.
Zukiro vanished back into the mist.
He's very protective of her, I need to get them separated, somehow. I may have to call for Xanu, this'll be a first.

Aithusa was open at first to the seemingly jolly wolf man and his dragon, but the trick with the air enraged him. Normally it wouldn't have phased him in the slightest, but the effect it had on Celegwen was what got under his skin. The only problem was his clouded judgement. Whenever Celegwen's life was at stake, Aithusa wasn't able to think as sharply as he normally would. She was what kept him on task: without her, he was young and over eager, which could be dangerous to everyone.

I have to make sure she's okay, he thought to himself, diving toward the ground. As he was about to collide, he shifted to his human form and knelt next to her. "Are you all right?" He asked hurriedly. "I could use you up there."

Celegwen thought to herself, getting to her feet. "We have to win this," she said, frowning. "Can you get rid of that mist?"

Aithusa ran toward the columns and shifted into his dragon form mid sprint. He took to the air and flew high above the frozen pints. He dove headfirst with fire shooting toward the tops of the columns. With his wings extended, he spun downward, creating a tornado-like wind. He knew it wouldn't solve the air problem, but perhaps it would give him more visibility and less chance of being tricked again.

Plus, all he really needed to do was get Celegwen to the top of the columns.

He flew along the ground and she ran toward him. He lowered his head and she sprung up, sticking the landing and running along his back. She flipped around, feet steady in the stirrups, and readied herself. "Aithusa, nitara!"

He flew upward at an increased speed, and Celegwen held her breath as they crossed into the unsafe conditions. She readied herself to jump to the top of the column.

Ah classic younglin's protecting each other for the sake of loyalty.
Zukrio was gaining momentum again, the columns were on the verge of shattering.
Then, a booming voice that could've made anyone deaf came from Zukiro.
"XANUTHOS, STRIKE."
Xanuthos woke instantly, he appeared to move faster than light. The two darted straight for Aithusa's head. Zukiro was flying just inches above Xanuthos's back, and just as Aithusa was about to ram them out of the sky. Xanuthos front flipped mid-air and whipped Zukiro in the foot with his tail, sending him at an outrageous speed straight for Celegwen. he whispered into Aithusa's ear as he whizzed by:
"Your extreme loyalty will get you both killed, and anger will only cloud your judgement."
Celegwen reacted as fast as she could and braced for impact, but Zukiro's momentum was too much for the saddle to handle and she was sent flying downwards to the ground. Zukiro realized immediately the velocity he sent her flying would kill her if she hit the ground.
"XANU, SAVE."
Xanuthos bolted for Celegwen and caught her just in the nick of time. He laid her safely on the ground, then darted into the mist to perch on one of the columns.
Zukiro shouted with a stern voice:
"You two rely too much on each other to solve a problem. You must trust in your own abilities first before you can even consider someone else's, you will not defeat me by attempting to play with your own element. Also, Cel has one more strike before she's out completely, i recommend rethinking your strategy, thankfully we still have plenty of daylight left."
All that appeared in the mist were the darting shadows of Xanuthos and Zukiro. They were just too fast for a mortal to comprehend.
Zukiro was not one to be toyed with, even in his drunken state.

"Aithusa!" Celegwen shouted from the ground. Moruni!" Aithusa joined her on the ground in his human form. They looked up to where Zuriro and Xanu were atop the columns. "He's right about your anger," she said. "This game isn't meant for me anymore."

"Well what the hell am I supposed to do?" He asked, breathing heavily. "I can't help it if I want to make sure you're okay."

"Play by his rules. I'm not playing anymore; it's not meant for me."

"Either way, I'm done playing," Aithusa said, clenching his jaw. "My judgement's only clouded when you're in danger. I got this."

Aithusa sprinted about 300 meters away from the area. He breathed slowly, calming himself and earning a grin that spread across his lips. He turned to face Zukiro with a devilish smile. Racing at full speed toward the columns, he shifted into his dragon form and flew faster than he ever had before. Less than four feet away, he turned his body sideways and slammed into the already weak columns with his whole weight.

Did he really think that i didn't plan that from the beginning? he really is a rookie.
Zukiro darted to the broken shards from the columns and began to send each shard, gigantic and puny at Aithusa in a sporadic pattern. As if was the wind itself he soared to the biggest shard he could find, about the size of Xanuthos, and launched it at Aithusa.
Aithusa effortlessly dodged the shard with ease due to his immense speed. But what he didn't see was the 17,000 lb dragon tucked up in a ball heading straight for his gut.
Xanuthos hit dead on just under the rib cage, causing Aithusa to lose his breath entirely, he began to plummet towards the ground.
"YOU HAVE LEARNED TO DO THINGS FOR YOUR OWN, BUT AITHUSA IS NOT THE ONE THAT NEEDS A LESSON."
Realizing this, Aithusa began to spin mid-air generating momentum. Celegwen, finally recovered from the blow earlier. She readied herself, and gave Aithusa a smirk.
Aithusa just before hitting the ground, whipped his tail to launch Celegwen to a platform just under the ale.
"Yes, you two are learning. This is good, but now the real sparring is about to begin."
The air was thick enough so Celegwen was able to breathe. But it was thin enough so both fighters had to manage the amount of energy they use.
"This is too much fun."   

Aithusa knew that he was out of the fight, so he shifted back into his human form and watched from the ground. Seeing the rock formation and the giant clouds of fog and most, people started flooding from the city into the fields to see what was going on. Aithusa realized that he had to keep himself in check if he was going to keep his shifting ability hidden from basically all of Ketra.

Instead, he whistled loudly and hurled her sword into the side of the column she was standing on. She glanced at Zukiro, who was on the platform with her. She ran to the side, dove over with her hands grasped her sword, and swung back up onto the platform.

"Just me and you now," she said, feeling the air was still a bit thin.

I'm a little exhausted from all this darting around. They really made me work for this one. She's got plenty of weapons on her disposal, the sword will probably do the worst to me. I've got to disarm her.
"Well, well, well, looks like we've drawn a crowd, lets give them a real show stopper!"
Zukiro sounded as if he was the most deranged monk to ever exist.
After a brief chant, the mist dissipitated, and 3 giant mirror-like ice walls sprouted around the platform. The crowd got an amazing view of the fighters even if they were 90 m up in the air.
"Lettuce, begin."
Zukiro, munched on a lettuce leaf before appearing next to Celegwen landing a clean hit in the calf.
Celegwen readied herself, she closed her eyes and waited.
THUD*
Celegwen managed to trip Zukiro flat on his back.
Zukiro rolled over like the good wolf he was. He managed to disarm Celegwen, of her sword, bow, whilst he was falling.
Zukiro bounded back to his side of the platform and took a fighting stance.
"The only way you're getting that ale, is by beating an old drunk monk in a fist fight."
Celegwen, charged at him at a surprising speed. She went for a punch, Zukiro dodged lazily, but Celegwen whipped around and landed a hit with the back of her hand.
"Oooh, she's fiesty, I like it."
Zukiro began to fight as if he was dancing, swaying side to side, tripping Celegwen, but also tripping over himself at the same time. Celegwen landed a barrage of clean hits, from the gut, to hooking him right in the jaw.
Zukiro focused more on landing hits with his legs, those were his strong suit. But the lack of air, and the attacks on Aithusa were clearly wearing him down more so than Celegwen.
She had a fire in her eye, one similar to Zukiro's father when he was still alive. He smirked a bit.
Zukiro could just barely catch a breath, although he had trained a numerous amount of times in these conditions, this one was giving a run for his money.
Zukiro darted forward for a high roundhouse kick. Celegwen ducked and responded with a low sweep that knocked him flat on the stomach.

She walked over and climbed the column, taking hold of the pint. She leapt over to the top of the ice wall and steadied herself. Whistling loudly to Aithusa, she held up the pint for him and the crowd to see. Cheering and applause erupted from them all. It was partially because of the entertainment from the fight, but also because everyone from Ketra and the rest of Adela knew a Dragonrider when they saw one. Then to watch one in hand-to-hand combat outside of a war was an even bigger treat.

"Aithusa!" She called out loudly.

He ran over to directly below where she was. Celegwen made sure to make eye contact with Zukiro as she dipped one finger in the ale and licked it off. Then, with a slightly arrogant smirk, she poured the ale out in a slow and unwavering stream to Aithusa's mouth.

She hopped back down to Zukiro and offered her hand to help him up. "I don't drink," she said simply with a kind smile.

"You may not drink but you're a damn good fighter. You two make an amazing pair, but don't ever hesitate on doing things on your own, and the same goes for him."
Zukiro got up with the help of Celegwen and gave her a hug.
"Sorry, its a habitual thing with my students. I teach self defense classes back at my hut. Very expensive, but definitely worth the cost.""
Zukiro started another chant, the columns seeped back into the Earth, calmly. The ice walls melted as well.
"whelp, the crowd probably wants to meet the fighters, also I had a feeling you didn't drink, I can see the brew master's son from here I'll ask him to grab you something, anything you want no matter how expensive."

"I appreciate it, really, but that won't be necessary."

Celegwen met Aithusa instantly when they reached the ground, and he greeted her with a large hug, lifting her slightly off the ground. "Nice job, Gwen," he said with a smile.

She shook hands, bowed, and greeted people throughout the crowd, receiving praise and questions from everyone around her. Celegwen made sure to stay close to Aithusa and Zukiro, as they partook in the sparring match with her.

"You're a good fighter, uh..." She paused, chuckling briefly. "Actually, we never got your name."

Zukiro gave a shocked look, placed a palm across his chest, and bowed graciously.
"My deepest apologies, how rude of me, my name is Zukiro the Windwaker of Peace, but you call me Zu for short. And as I'm sure you've already met Xanuthos my brother. I live in a hut on the riverbed between the border of Serendipity and Ketra."
Zukiro arose with a most comforting grin. He grabbed two nearby pints and filled each, he gave one to Aithusa and the other was for himself. He whispered a bit so the rest of the crowd couldn't hear.
"I have to admit, did not expect the shape shifting dragon. Caught me off guard at the beginning, just a bit of advice, trying to be unpredictable, makes yourself predictable, it was the main reason I was able to catch the both of you off guard so many times. But otherwise a worthy fight nonetheless, it was actually the first time I've ever needed to call Xanu for help in a sparring match, so consider yourselves honored. If there are any questions you would like to ask me do not hesitate for even a second."
The three sat down on a log next to an enormous firepit the crowd had made. Everyone was having a great time, it made Zukiro smile a bit.

"Sorry we didn't tell you about my little talent in the beginning," Aithusa said, placing the pint on the ground in front of him. "I must say that you are quite the opponent, regardless of whether or not you called for help. Gwen and I haven't had match like that in some time. It felt good to stretch my wings."

Celegwen laughed. She took her tunic off, revealing her red tank top, and let her dark hair fall free of the braid she had it in. It's wasn't too often she was able to shed her uniform in public, so it felt freeing to just relax even with a lot of people surrounding her. "It's true. It's been probably a bit too long. We're a little rusty."

"At least we got the running mount correct."

She smiled and clapped along to the sudden appearance of music. Apparently some of those in the crowd were musically inclined. Everyone danced around the large fire, having a grand ol' time. Celegwen sighed with a smile. "Speaking of stretching wings, I think I'm going to dance." She stood up and join the many people dancing to the fire light.

Aithusa watched her with tenderness in his eyes and just the slightest frown. He took another drink and placed it next to him. "By the way, she and I aren't together. You mentioned something before she joined us earlier and I don't think she heard, so I didn't want to say anything in front of her. She's much too professional for that kind of thing to ever happen. Anyway, what'd you mean Xanu is your brother?"

Zukiro chuckled, he had seen this way too many times.
"Aithusa correct? I don't mean to be rude in the slightest, but with a woman like that I'd be a damn fool for saying that you have never even thought about her in that way. I understand you're part dragon as well, but what I'm talking to right now is a human, I was once human and if I was in your position I would at least make some sort of attempt, because she knows you are always there for her, and if you don't give her any signs, she won't give you any signs, TRUST ME. Unfortunately, I do not have time for those kinds of emotions, nor does anyone else, and I'm ok with that. To get back to your question, no, hes not my brother, but Xanuthos was my father's dragon when he was a rider," Zukiro shook a little bit, any memory of his father always shifted him a little bit. "and Xanuthos basically saw me grow up as soon as I left the womb, when he passed, Xanuthos saw that I was in shear agony over his death, and I asked him to remain with me since I really had no one else, so he became my brother in that sense and we treat each other as such. He pranks me ALL the time, see this?"
Zukiro pulled back a large layer of his fur to reveal his skin, it was as black as Xanu's scales.
"After singing me to pieces, too many times than I can count, my skin is now permanently black and leathery, but I'm completely impervious to fire so that's a plus. Now I gotta ask two things:
1. How did you become what you are?
2. How did you two meet?"

"Been the way I am since birth," Aithusa said with a shrug. It was true. Ever since he was born. "My mother told me that my father was the same way. Apparently he and his rider were best friends and wingmen for each other."

Aithusa laughed lightly, trying to picture the father he never got a chance to know. He was a great dragon in the Dragonriders and an even better man, but he never got the chance to be a father.

He ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head. "Kind of sad I didn't get to know him, but I sure as hell made sure to become the man that would make him proud.

"As for meeting Celegwen, we met eight years ago. I joined the Dragonriders when I was twenty-one and was partnered with her immediately. She is the one who taught me everything. All of the hand-to-hand combat I know, my swordsmanship, the aerial tricks I do now. She's my teacher and my best friend. I honestly don't know where I'd be if I was partnered with another rider."

He really just couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from Celegwen. She was definitely imperfect, to say the least. She had scars all over her, she was stubborn, she refused to do anything that a "lady" should do. Still, she was confident, kind, talented, spirited. She was everything he wanted and it was why he had hopelessly fallen for the Elf girl.

"I won't do it to her," he whispered, pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed.

"Well, if shes been riding you this entire time, I would be damn well surprised if you didn't!"
Zukiro chuckled and gave Aithusa a reassuring pat on the back.
"I've seen that look a thousand times, I know what it is and I know what it means, look son-"
Zukiro caught himself.
"Look, Aithusa, you've got to understand, my father was a rider I know how that lifestyle is, but let me pose you these questions: "
Zukiro took the placed his pint on the ground, he grabbed Aithusa's pint and did the same. Zukiro stared directly into Aithusa's eyes.
"Would you want to see the person you've spent the majority of your life with, done everything possible together, been there every step of the way, only to fall into the arms of another? If you were her father would you let someone that she just found out of no where be with her? Why you subject yourself to that torment for the rest of your life? Would you rather die in her arms as just a companion, or the one she has wanted to be with since day one. Screw loyalty and professionality, it's a load of dragon shite. If you truly love her, do not let the opportunity pass you by. I know it may not be like this for you, but personally if I was in your situation, I would want to make sure that when either of us pass, we would we honor each other not just for loyalty, but an ever burning flame of affection that shows us the path to what the other would've wanted, and that my friend does not come with just being a companion."

Aithusa appreciated what Zukiro was trying to do, but the fact remained that he and Celegwen were best friends and battle partners. He shook his head. "It's a bond deeper than a mere courtship," Aithusa said with a sigh. "It really is fulfilling. We spend every possible moment together, there's constant physical contact, and we know each other better than most husband and wives know each other."

He ignored Zukiro's slip with "son" because he saw it simply as a term an older, wiser man would use in regards to a younger man he had mentored.

Even so, the seriousness in Zuriko's eyes was slightly unsettling. The last time he had seen that kind look was the last time he saw his mother before joining the Dragonriders.

Aithusa severed the eye contact and turned back to the fire. "Zu, look at her. Seriously. She is so full of spirit and happy with the life she's living. Regardless of what I feel or what I want, why would I risk her safety and her happiness. It would just be selfish."

Zukiro backhanded Aithusa across the face. Hard.
" You saying that is selfish in itself, I would bet Xanuthos to bite off my head if I were to call that selfish. I'm sorry for slapping you, honestly I am, but I'll be damned if I let this happen to my so- friend. She's happy because she is with YOU, I doubt she would be this happy if you didn't make it for her. Safety? What kind of idiot do you take me for? You think this world is safe? You think she wants to be safe? No, shes an adventurer like you, but she won't go anywhere without YOU. You are the one that was able to make all of this happen! Hell, if it hadn't been for all the craters you made from Xanuthos kicking your ass, I doubt she would be having the blast that she is having right now."
Zukiro started to tear up in his right eye, but ever so slightly. This was the first time Zukiro had actually delved into his heart.
"I-I- don't want you to end up like me."

If anyone else had hit Aithusa like Zukiro had, Aithusa would have instantly ripped them to shreds, quite literally. Luckily for Zukiro, the dragon held a surprisingly great deal of respect for the wolf. He held himself together for the sake of everyone.

Never before had Aithusa watched someone he saw as a teacher or superior reveal emotion simply because it was almost seen as a weakness in battle. "I promise you, if you strike me again, I will not hesitate in tearing you limb from limb." Aithusa kept his voice low. "I truly do respect you, but that respect only extends so far."

He took a breath, calming himself down. "Look, I understand what you're saying, but how can you be absolutely sure? What am I supposed to do? Just go up to her, spin her around, and kiss her? No. If she doesn't reciprocate, we get separated as partners. That's the safety I'm talking about. When we're partners, I can make sure she's safe. If we get split up, it's out of my control."

Aithusa looked at Zukiro's vulnerable state with a sympathetic gaze. "What happened to you?"

"Everything that I'm helping you avoid."
Zukrio hugged Aithusa, practically squeezing him, he whispered into Aithusa's ear.
"Please, please, promise me you won't let this opportunity pass you by, my truly betrothed was in the arms of another because I didn't act upon it, because I sat on the sidelines worrying what could happen instead of what should happen, I-I was kicked out of her funeral. Please, Son," Zukiro was about to start a river of tears, "don't be like me, don't become the sad old man who never had a shot because he never took it. Even you're split up from the riders, if she sees that desire in your eye, I know she will take it. Take the shot, if not for yourself, do it for me."
Zukiro released Aithusa, he then proceeded to walk over to Xanuthos sleeping under the shade.
"Xanu-"
Come. Here.
Xanuthos already knew what had happened. He curled Zukiro into himself and the two began to ever so softly hum, to a tune that his betrothed use to sing every night on the windowsill. After about 5 minutes or so, the two were asleep, Zukiro looked as if he was the saddest werewolf in existence.

Aithusa was uncomfortable in the wolf's grasp, but Zukiro seemed like he was diving into feelings he had hidden for a long time. Zukiro fell asleep to a soothing melody he was humming, and Aithusa finished off his pint.

The dancers' energy began dying and the music started to slow. Celegwen came back to the log and saw Aithusa sitting alone. She glanced around and smirked at Zukiro and Xanu sleeping together. "Too much for them?" She jokingly asked.

Aithusa smiled at her and she sat next to him. "We should get some rest too," he said.

Slowly but surely, the people cleared from the area and the large fire died out. "You and Zu seemed to be getting along well."

He grinned and nodded. "He's a good guy. Not too great with boundaries, but a good guy. Come on."

Aithusa walked over to a tree and sat with his back leaning against the trunk. Celegwen chuckled and walked over, slightly unfamiliar with Aithusa's unexpected intimacy. He shrugged off his shirt, revealing remarkable scars that covered his abdomen and onto his back. They were warriors, so it was only expected they have some war wounds. The Elf girl smiled and laid down with her head on his lap, facing the ashy remnants of the fire that burned not long ago. He covered her with his shirt, more symbolic than actually warm, slowly ran his finger through her hair, and softly sang a lullaby his mother would sing to him when he was young...

"Lay by my side, and we'll sail away
Off to the shores of another day.
All set to go once I hear you say,
Goodnight, my friend.

Up we will float as we close our eyes.
Stars all around us like fireflies.
Just me and you drifting through the skies.
Goodnight, my friend.

Not a thought.
Not a care.
Resting safe and sound
With each other there.

And so we will rock on our nighttime ride
Cozy and warm on the rolling tide.
Till we arrive on the morning side
Our journey's end.

Goodnight.
Sleep tight.
We're going to be alright.
Goodnight, my friend."

He felt her rhythmic breathing, meaning she was asleep, and smiled to himself. Regardless of his desire to sleep off the sparring match from earlier and the emotional drainage from his talk with Zukiro, Aithusa made sure to keep himself awake and alert for the remainder of the night. The normal swapping he and Celegwen did for keeping watch didn't take place, instead letting her sleep well for once.

Zukiro shifted wildly in his sleep almost like a beast. He looked as if he was having a nightmare of some kind.
Zu! I'm so happy to see you again!
Its great to see you again Amelia! You look ever so slightly more beautiful every time I see you!
Why thank you! Also I listened to your advice that you gave me at our last self-defense class and I found myself a husband!
A husband?! Wow! That's a big, uh leap for you, congratulations.
Indeed it is! And the best part is that his name is Zuki-
Amelia was stabbed in the heart with a rapier from behind, she faded into darkness. Zukiro fell to his knees sobbing uncontrollably, he looked up to face the man that killed his Amelia. It was her actual husband, Amesos.
The scene shifted and Zukiro was now just outside Amelia's deathbed, he barged his way to get next to her, and just before the guards pulled him away, Amelia handed Zukiro her betrothal necklace.  She mouthed the words I love you as he was being forcibly dragged out of the medical tent, and just as the drapes of the tent clouded his vision of Amelia.
"AMELIA, AMELIAAAAA, AMELIAAAAAAAAAAAAA."
Zukiro awoke in a river of tears, his screams could've woken anyone up. But Xanuthos was already wide awake, Xanuthos practically never sleeps mainly because he doesn't need to, he falls asleep mainly whenever he gets absurdly drunk, or when Zukiro needs comforting. Zukiro noticed that Aithusa was wide awake, he gave a slight nod to Xanuthos, Xanu knows the warriors never sleep bit all too well. Xanuthos made his way over to Aithusa.
Thusa. Sleep. I. Watch. Please.
Zukiro needed some time alone for a bit.

Celegwen shifted in her sleep, slightly aware even in the defenseless state. Aithusa began humming the lullaby again and stroking her hair, lulling her back to sleep.

Zukiro looked weaker than Aithusa thought was possible for the wolf, but Aithusa didn't question what had pained him to the point of tears. Amelia. That must have been the name of the woman he had loved before.

Xanu was trying to cover for his best friend by telling Aithusa to sleep. Aithusa knew for a fact that he wouldn't be able to sleep. It wasn't the way he worked. He and Celegwen practically shared each other's minds and hearts, so they trusted each other to the ends of the world. When she slept, he had to stay awake to make sure everything was okay.

Still, he knew what Xanu was saying.

Thank you, brother, Aithusa said telepathically. He and Xanu could communicate through their thoughts, and it was convenient for times when quiet was necessary. There was no way Aithusa was actually going to sleep, but maybe pretending to would be enough to put Zukiro at ease.

He gently moved Celegwen to lay on her side and slid down to the ground, laying against her. Aithusa closed his eyes, softly running the tips of his fingers up and down the skin of her exposed skin. They stayed like that for the rest of the night.

I. Know. You. No. Sleep. I. Under. Stand.
Xanuthos began to soar through the night, his black wings glistening in the night sky, the gold tint of his scales reflected the stars. He glided through the air, spewing fire all over himself as graciously as he could.
Zukiro, was in a tree finishing off a barrel of the ale he had brought. After re-hammering himself he fell into a deep trance. This was done by hanging upside down from the tree branch with both legs crossed. He needed to clear his mind in order to train better for tomorrow, but the nightmare kept haunting him. Giving him illusions of Amelia in his deep trance.
The sun was peaking over the horizon, when it found Xanuthos on his back again, dead asleep. Aithusa was still awake but just barely, Celegwen was beginning to nudge.
Zukiro was still in his trance, he kept on chasing after Amelia, he wasn't aware, but he was trapping himself in his own nightmare.
This would be a first, with Xanuthos still fast asleep, who knows how long Zukiro may stay in that state.

Aithusa smiled and sat up. He looked around and saw Xanu fast asleep on his back. Zukiro was hanging upside from a tree, a trance position Aithusa had only seen from the most talented of Thanati monks. He looked down at Celegwen, who had just started to wake.

"Hey," he whispered, moving her hair out of her face. "Time to get up." She groaned in her tired state and pulled his shirt over her face to shield herself from the rising sun.

He smirked and stood up, walking over to the sleeping bodies of Zukiro and Xanu. "Zu, you wreak, man. Take a bath."

When the wolf didn't wake up at the playful words, Aithusa actually started to become concerned. He seemed like the kind to be able to wake up at the snap of a twig half a mile away. This didn't seem normal. Aithusa walked over to Celegwen and nudged her awake. She snapped out of it pretty quickly, blushing accidentally at Aithusa's shirtless chest. He put his shirt back on, and she dressed herself in her tunic, rebraiding her hair.

"What's wrong with them?" Celegwen asked, folding her arms across her chest.

Aithusa shook his head. Xanu, get up, Aithusa said telepathically. No response. "Shit. Xanu, I'm sorry in advance."

He transformed into his dragon form, the reflection of the rising sun off his massive white wings creating almost a magical glow around them. He looked to Celegwen, who nodded her approval, and Aithusa, in hopes that it would wake Xanuthos, bit down on the dragon's tail. Hard.

Xanuthos awoke flailing his head and spewing fire. Thankfully he didn't burn anything.
Never. Do. Again. Tail. Could. Kill. By. Mis. Take.
Aithusa should've considered himself lucky that he didn't bit into the gold tint at the tip of the tail. The tip is covered in poison, but only when Xanuthos releases it. When he is asleep he has no control over it, sometimes he'll wake up two deer and rodents just dead around him because of this.
Zu. in. trance. do. not. wake. or. he. stay. for. ev. er. But. He. Need. Help.
Although he was completely still, Zukiro showed clear signs of distress. A small wave of lights orbited around his head, fading from white to black and back to white again.
Zukiro began to move, but his eyes were completely shut and his left hand was stuck next to his chest with his thumb, index, and middle claw all pointing upward.
He grabbed his manola bow staff and threw it up in the air, Zukiro jumped as well, as the staff planted itself into the ground Zukiro landed on its tip with one foot ever so graciously, and maintained that position.
Zukiro looked as if he was a statue.
 

Sorry about the tail, but you didn't wake up conventionally. Aithusa knew that there could have been many steps taken between telepathically speaking and biting Xanu's tail, but he also knew something was wrong and it was better to go with something that would absolutely work.

"I get that you guys are having a dragon bromance moment, but could I get in on the discussion please?" Celegwen walked over to the two of them and looked at Zukiro, who was holding a strangely controlled position. Even so, it was clear anyone who saw that there was something seriously off.

Aithusa shifted back into his human form and combed his hair back. "Xanu, how do we help him? Has it been like this before?"

Xanuthos shook his head.
Never. Been. I. Know. Amelia. But. Zu. Never. Stuck. In. Trance. be. fore.
Xanuthos was getting too anxious, he knew Zukiro could fend for himself, but this was something he had never seen before.
Xanuthos rose up on his hind legs, and burned Zukiro from head to toe. Zukiro didn't move an inch, his fur was completely singed off, revealing his black skin. He was still breathing, Xanuthos heaved a sigh of relief. Although he had done similar in the past, he had never done it to that extent.
Xanuthos was desperate, he backed 200 paces and began to sprint. Which then turned into flight, as he neared Zukiro he began to do multiple flips mid-air.
THUD
Xanuthos licked his tail, he actually wound up hurting himself in the process.
Zukiro unmoved, spoke in a soft tone:
"A- Am- Ame-," his eyes were completely open, but they were as black as the night. He turned to Celegwen, "AMELIA," in the blink of an eye Zukiro knocked Celegwen completely unconscious, he got on all fours wrapped Celegwen into his shirt on his back and darted far away from the fields faster than anything Xanuthos or Aithusa had ever seen. Xanuthos was furious, but he could only imagine how enraged Aithusa was. He needed to calm both himself and Aithusa down first.
Do. No. Harm. He. Not. Zu. Please. We. Get. Friend. Back.

"Don't you dare tell me not to hurt him, Xanuthos!" Aithusa shouted, practically in a growl of a dragon. "I don't give a shit if you raised him or saved him or if he is the goddamn savior of Adela! If he hurts her, I promise I will skin that wolf alive and feed his still beating heart to you!"

Aithusa shifted to his dragon form with heart pounding against his chest so hard he thought it might explode. He was known to be the fastest dragon in the Dragonriders Unit, and he damn sure proved it at that moment. Aithusa knew Xanu was following him, but he couldn't be bothered with the brother of the creature that held his heart.

He flew high trying to find Zukiro, but he had somehow managed to disappear. As much as he despised asking for help, Aithusa slowed and waited for Xanu to catch up to him.

Xanuthos paused for a moment in the air, he needed to calm Aithusa down drastically, otherwise there will be unnecessary bloodshed.
LIS. TEN. YOU. NEED. CALM. I. ANGER. TOO. Zu. Will. Not. Hurt. I. Pro. Mise. He. Shout. Am. e. li. a. He. no. hurt. Ride. On. Me. I. Track. Zu. I. Find. Fast. Trust. Me. Please.
Xanuthos floated in air waiting for a response. Xanuthos knew he could track Zukiro down, he also knew he could fly without attracting any unwanted attention. Zukiro does have a slight bounty of his head from thieves, assassins, and other people along the riverbed towards Ketra, the only thing that kept them away was Xanuthos, and who knows how long until they would find out.

Aithusa argued with himself for a split second. He wanted to just go find Zukiro and rip his head off, but he knew that Xanu could find Zukiro a lot faster than he could.

He wasn't sure what would happen once they found Zukiro, but he was sure as hell positive that Zukiro wouldn't lay a singed finger on Celegwen without getting it snapped off. He flew right above Xanu and shifted to his human form, landing on the black dragon's back.

"Xanu, if you don't find him, you'll be the first name on my kill list!"

Xanuthos heaved a sigh of relief, he knew he needed to concentrate on two things: finding Zukiro and snapping him out of whatever trance he was in, as well as calming Aithusa down to the point where he wouldn't rip Zukiro's head off as soon as he saw him.
Xanuthos focused as hard as he could, he closed his terrifying dragon eyes, and reopened them, the vertical pupil and iris inverted colors with each other. It was now a white slit against a night sky, Xanuthos detected heat signatures with this vision, really helped out finding food on cold nights.
Aithusa I need you to promise me you'll calm down, this is Zukiro, whatever my body is doing, is not me, something came into my trance and reminded me of my nightmare I had last night, I don't know what it is, but I know it's not me. Celegwen is perfectly fine, in fact she is laying down in a bed sleeping comfortably. Xanuthos can't stay in this state for long, but in the meantime I can communicate to you through him.
Xanuthos had found a trail, it led into the river.
Xanuthos is telling me to tell you, hang on, TIGHT.
Xanuthos soared high into the sky, he then began a straight nose dive for the river. Aithusa held onto Xanuthos's wings as much as he could.
HOLD YOUR BREATH
They hit the water at a blinding speed, streamlining with the current faster than any other sea creature, Xanuthos found an opening in the rocks underneath the river. Xanuthos popped out of the water into a gigantic cavern with a waterfall covering the entrance. Across the cavern was a trail lead by unlit torches, it was too small for Xanuthos to pass through.
Follow the trail, it will take you just outside of where she is, look for a tent with shadow creatures dancing in the drapes.

Aithusa jumped off of Xanu's back and ran over to the trail. He grabbed a torch from the wall and his pupils blinked to vertical slits. He blew a steady stream of fire onto the torch, setting it ablaze and switching his eyes back to human.

"You better not be going anywhere," Aithusa said to Xanu, the fury in his voice well suppressed but definitely not absent.

He had no idea why or how Zukiro would reach out to him through Xanu, but he didn't have the ability to think clearly enough to work it out. He made his way through the shockingly long trail with the torch casting shadows along the wall.

Follow the trail Zukiro's voice rang in Aithusa's head. Look for a tent with shadow creatures dancing in the drapes.

Aithusa drew closer to the end of the trail and started running. There was a tent with shadows seemingly sewn into the fabric itself. He ran around to the entrance and stopped. He wanted nothing more than to burst through, but he wasn't sure he trusted what he would find. "Zukiro!" Aithusa shouted, creating echoes in the cavern. "Zukiro! Show yourself! Now!"

There was no response and he just couldn't manage to stay where he was anymore. He opened the flap to the tent and walked over to Celegwen's unmoving body. Aithusa knelt next to her and squeezed his eyes shut, pressing his forehead against hers. He stomped out the torch and picked her up. She weakly, almost out of instinct, placed her arms around Aithusa's neck, and he stepped out of the tent.

"LET GO OF MY AMELIA."
Zukiro appeared from behind Aithusa, he tripped him faster than he could react dropping Celegwen. Thankfully Zukiro caught her just before she anything hit the ground.
"She is not yours or Amesos's to take away from me. She has always loved me and she WILL be my betrothed!"
Zukiro's eyes were still as black as the night, his fur had grown back a significant amount already as well. "This place isn't large enough for you to turn into your dragon form boy, I suggest you leave and never turn back, Amelia is MINE."
Aithusa that is not me! My body is being controlled and it's using my sub conscience to take over! You need to be careful, it thinks Celegwen is Amelia because they look so similar, he will fight with no holds barred, and with my body that could almost kill you even in dragon form! You need to watch your back.
Zukiro's body took off the necklace that the real Amelia had given to him and placed it around Celegwen's.
"I will not let her fall into another man's arms."

Aithusa was using every ounce of his willpower not to light everything on fire. His eyes were practically glowing, something that happened on the extremely rare circumstances where Celegwen's wellbeing and safety were completely out of his control.

Seeing the necklace placed around Celegwen's neck was enough in and of itself to set Aithusa off, but he wouldn't risk acting against Zukiro while Celegwen was in the middle.

"What the hell am I supposed to do, Zukiro?" His anger was no longer hidden and he was a pin drop away from snapping.

You need to... break the necklace... it needs to be completely eradicated
Zukiro even though he was speaking telepathically, you could hear the breaks in his voice, he didn't want it to come to this, but for the sake of Celegwen there was no other choice.
He's not going to hold back, but you need to give it everything you've got, your best shot, is to to predictable up until the very last moment, Aithusa I'm counting on you and I know Celegwen is too.

Aithusa took a deep breath, trying to hold onto every bit of his humanity. If he shifted into his dragon form, there would be no turning back. Zukiro would absolutely be dead by the time the fight ended. He saw it was different. It wasn't Zukiro and two lives were at stake, so he had to keep his cool.

"Zukiro," Aithusa said, taking a step forward with his hand extended slightly defensively. "Zukiro, I don't want to hurt her. If you want to get me out of her life, you're going to have to kill me." Aithusa knew he might've been taking a risk, but he was hoping the primal part of Zukiro that had taken over cared enough for Amelia that he would listen to Aithusa's reasoning. "Just put her safely down so we can settle this like men."

After the longest few seconds in eternity for Aithusa, Zukiro set Celegwen on the ground. Zukiro instantly lunged at Aithusa. He dodged the surprise attack, but Zukiro landed a decent gash on Aithus/ cheek.

First blood.

The two of them were at each other's throats, fighting without the use of magic or weapons. Zukiro was fast, really fast. Fast to the point Aithusa was beginning to worry he wouldn't be able to beat the wolf. Zukiro didn't have his manola bow staff with him, so it limited his power. Still, Aithusa's fire would have little to no effect on Zukiro.

Aithusa was able to land several decent blows, but Zukiro's healing ability gave him an advantage. While Zukiro and Aithusa both took many hits, Aithusa didn't have the speedy recovery.

"Zukiro, I'm not your enemy!" He knew he couldn't reason with Zukiro in this state, but anything to try to break through to the real him.

Zukiro grabbed Aithusa and threw him into the tent, breaking the wood and earning Aithusa a nasty gash in the thigh. Mumbling a short chant, Zukiro manipulated the ground to harden around Aithusa's injured leg. Aithusa's heart was pounding and he was struggling to catch his breath. He managed to break open the ground as Zukiro jumped toward him.

Aithusa yanked the broken wooden stick from the side of his thigh and slammed it into Zukiro's chest, right below where his ribs met. Had it been three inches to the left, he would've punctured the heart. The wolf cried out, and Aithusa got to his feet as quickly as he could. Still, Zukiro crawled with labored breaths and grabbed Aithusa's ankle. He tore through Aithusa's left calf, but Aithusa stretched just far enough to reach Celegwen. He ripped the necklace from her, grabbed the dagger in her belt, and slammed the blade into the necklace repeatedly, smashing it to bits. Aithusa whipped around and pulled the wooden stake from Zukiro's chest, before he collapsed from the pain.

Zukiro body sat straight up on its knees, his mouth was gaping, and his eyes were as wide as they could be. His body began to shake vigorously and black shadows began to spew from his eyes and mouth. After about 5 minutes of his body spewing whatever darkness that had invaded itself into Zukiro was finally gone, he fell back onto his stomach slowly regaining consciousness. Once his eyes had opened he surveyed the scene and looked down on the broken necklace.
"Must be a shame to whoever necklace that was," he glanced over to Aithusa who had a severe gash in his thigh, Zukiro rushed over, "Aithusa! Your thigh! Let me take care of that for you."
Zukiro began a small chant, and nearby water started to flow from within the cracks of the rocks and onto Aithusa's leg flowing serenely around the wound, he also make a crutch out of earth that adjusted itself as Aithusa moved.
"This should be enough for you to walk on."
Zukiro started one more chant and air started flowing from underneath Celegwen and Aithusa, bringing Aithusa into a standing position, and Celegwen into Aithusa's arms. Celegwen, almost out of instinct, wrapped her arms around Aithusa's neck.
"Follow me, you are not turning into your dragon form with that gash, we're taking Xanuthos back to the fields. And while we're walking, mind telling me what happened?" 

Aithusa reached down and grabbed the necklace, putting it in his pocket. "What happened?" Aithusa repeated as they walked. He limped severely, regardless of the assistance Zukiro provided for him, and blood dripped from nearly everywhere on his body. "What happened is that you have some serious issues!"

They walked through the trail as slowly as could be. Aithusa's arms trembled, pained and weak, but he refused to let Zukiro carry Celegwen. Whether the wolf was actually better now or not, Aithusa wasn't taking the risk.

"You were trapped in a trance," he said. "That necklace was yours. Something that connected you to Amelia." He noticed the wolf's sudden shift in energy, but it wasn't a threatening shift. "You thought Gwen was Amelia and knocked her out to bring here. Kept saying that she was yours."

They reached Xanuthos after a decently long walk. Aithusa limped over and placed Celegwen on the dragon's back. "Zu, I know that you wouldn't have done any of this is you were in your right mind, but you have to understand where this is coming from."

Aithusa landed a powerful right hook to Zukiro's jaw. Zukiro stumbled backward and Aithusa groaned in pain, holding his already injured right shoulder.

Zukiro looked back at Aithusa shocked.
"What the hell are you talking about? Who the hell is Amelia? Look I have no clue what just happened, but I know for certain that I would never harm a woman! I have never experienced anything even remotely close to a woman's touch! I don't know how you got your gashes, but healing you and bringing Celegwen back into consciousness is of my upmost priority! Believe me when I tell you I don't know what you're talking about!"
Zukiro was furious at the assumptions made, but he didn't know, smashing the necklace removed all the memories of Amelia his first and only love, as well as everything after he entered the trance. He refused to hit Aithusa back since he was already wounded enough, but he may have had some reasoning as to why he did. He started another small chant that helped Aithusa onto Xanuthos's back, the group soared through the waterfall onward back to the fields.

Reaching the fields, Zukiro got off Xanu's back and Aithusa slid down, hitting the ground harder than he wanted to. He took hold of Celegwen and made his way over to the tree they had slept under. He looked at Xanu who almost appeared to be thankful to Aithusa.

"Zu, you clearly have no memory of what was said or done, but I promise hitting you was justified." Aithusa wanted to make sure the wolf knew that the punch in the cavern wasn't just a random attack.

He placed Celegwen on the ground and sat behind her with his legs extended on either side of her and his back against the tree. Every movement was painful. That battle with Zukiro was more than he had ever taken. His previous fights have always been with an enemy that was formally trained or had someway to reason with them. That fight was against a primal beast with incredible strength and a passion to protect. Plus, Aithusa couldn't transform into his dragon self.

"I'm sorry, man," Aithusa said, knowing the wooden stake through the chest couldn't have been enjoyable.

Zukiro tended to Aithusa's wound, chanting all the healing spells he could, one he was finished chanting he spoke:
"I would be surprised if it wasn't, look all I know is what you did for her, whatever it was, is far greater than what any other rider would do for their dragon let alone the other way around. As far as whatever this wound is, its fine, the only thing that can kill me is a beheading, not even a stake through my heart would cause significant damage, it would just rebuild itself within a couple hours. I can tell that it did have something to do with me, and I express my deepest apologies for whatever I did, but whats important right now is that the two of you are safe and Celegwen should thank her hero for coming to save her."
Zukiro bounded back and forth tending to all of Aithusa's wounds. Celegwen began to nudge a little bit.

Aithusa combed his crimson-stained silver hair back on his head as if it had some kind of gel in it. He put the red strand of Celegwen's hair behind her pointed ear. "Hey," he whispered. "Time to get up."

She tried to stand up, stumbling back a bit and accidentally placing her hand on Aithusa's injured thigh. He bit back the pain, letting her get her balance. Celegwen stood, immediately checking herself for all weapons. She noticed she didn't have the dagger from her belt. "What hap-" She saw Aithusa's overwhelming injuries and her jaw dropped. "Oh, my gods, Aithusa! What the hell happened?"

He looked at her and smiled softly. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. What happened? You look like your on the verge of death!"

Aithusa laughed and coughed a little blood up. He glanced at Xanu and then to Zukiro who was awaiting Aithusa's answer. The dragon sighed and forced a small smile. "We were practicing our maneuvers and there was a bit of a mess up. You ended up falling off the saddle. I caught you and crash-landed on a rock bed. Got torn up. You hit your head pretty badly, but I tried to keep you mostly safe. Won't be surprised if you don't remember."

Celegwen grinned and took his hand. "Thank you," she whispered, lightly kissing his forehead. She looked at Zukiro. "I'm assuming you have more experience treating wounds than I do, so I'll get you some water." Celegwen stood up and walked away, disappearing to the edge of the river.

Zukiro went around Aithusa tending to every injury he had, the gash on his thigh finally looked like it was starting to close up, but he was still far from comfortably walking on it.
"If anything, I would at least remember that you still have't given her a shot." Zukiro said with a grin whilst tending to the wound.
"If that ain't love at its core, then I don't know what is, and I've never loved before. If your looking for signs, security, or anything else to confirm something stop looking because you're becoming blind to the beauty that is right in front of you."
Celegwen returned with more water, Zukiro took off his shirt dunked it in the water rinsed it out, and dunked it again. He placed the wet shirt onto Aithusa's thigh, then after a brief chant the shirt was completely frozen.
"Im trying to keep the blood in place so it can start scabbing as soon as possible. Once we can see the part just beneath the skin start to dry up, you should be able to start walking on it comfortably, in the meantime...," Zuiro motioned Celegwen to grab his bow staff, "I want you to walk with this, I've had this staff since I killed my father. Personally, not only for the medicinal sake, I think you should have it. You could make way more use of it than I can." Zukiro was grinning from ear to ear as he placed the 6'0 manola staff into Aithusa's hands. "It is made from the wood of a hundred year old manola tree, thus the only thing that can break it is demoncraft and black flames. Celegwen could you kindly bring the rest of this water to Xanuthos, he's probably dying from thirst."
Celegwen took the bowl of water to Xanuthos, as he was about to finish about half of the bowl, he spat it out completely.
Not. Funny. Sweaty. Wolf.
Zukiro was laughing hysterically, he turned back to Aithusa and whispered.
"Also take it as a gift, for your future betrothal ceremony, " Zukiro winked , "I'm going to head into the markets, see if I can cook us up a lovely dinner for tonight, I should be back before sundown. I'll leave Xanuthos with you two just in case, I do not want you to turn into your dragon form until that gash is almost completely healed," Zukiro started to walk to the gate, he shouted to everyone "don't do anything fun while I'm not around! I should be back by sundown!."
Zukiro disappeared into the gate, still carrying an unusually large amount of gold with him. Man those self defense classes REALLY do pay off.

Celegwen knitted her brows with a slightly uncomfortable grin. Aithusa glanced at Xanu and Celegwen. "He just gets quirkier and quirkier," she said, kneeling next to Aithusa. "How do you feel?"

"He might be quirky, but the wolf knows how to treat a wound." Aithusa leaned most of his body weight on the bow staff and painfully got to his feet, denying Celegwen's assistance.

"You shouldn't be standing yet. Your leg is far from healed."

Aithusa laughed, grimacing as he took a step. "Come on, Gwen. When have you known me to let any injury stop me?"

His eyes flashed, activating part of his dragon self, and his pupils became vertical slits. He made his skin heat, unfreezing the shirt and making it fall off of his leg. Celegwen frowned, folding her arms across her chest while knowing protesting his actions would be completely useless. Aithusa smirked, knowing what she was thinking.

She let him limp over to the firepit, but helped him sit down on a log. "Gwen, would you mind getting some more fresh water? I'm gonna start a fire."

She smiled softly and took the bowl down to the river. Aithusa started a fire and turned to Xanu. Can you get Zu to stop with that? It's one thing to talk about it with me. I don't want her to overhear anything.

Xanuthos while attempting to clean his mouth from wolf sweat.
Sorry. I. No. Know. Love. Zu. Know. Keep. Secret. Trust. Zu. Plus. It. Funny. Watching. Your. Face.
Sit. You. Need. Heal.
Xanuthos sported quite the evil grin, but with all good intention. Aithusa rolled his eyes.
Zukiro made his was through the markets looking for ingredients to make a fine meal for everyone.
He stopped by the butcher and got 20 venison steaks for just one gold bar. Making his way over to the spices he managed to buy at least one of everything. He went through each and every one of the shops perusing everything they had to offer. He even went back to the brewery to grab two more kegs if the ale he fell in love with as well as the blue ale that needed some ginger, Zu approached the brew master's son.
"Ah, hello again good sir! I have to say thank you, for whatever you did the other night really helped my father's business skyrocket, as a token of appreciation, any barrel you want on me."
"Mind if i could get the blue tinted one?"
"Why of course! Also I added the ginger as you suggested, and now its one of my most selling brews!"
"Told ya. Also let me get two more of the gold one."
"Coming right up. Also let me get you a wagon for your other items."
The son came out with a wagon, Zu dumped all of his other purchases from the day in it, Zu tied the three barrels onto his back and dropped another 3 bags of gold on the table.
"Sir, I only needed one, the blue ale was a toke-"
"Its my way of saying thank you, to your father, make sure he knows that his old friends son is a proud werewolf monk. I hope to meet him soon again one day."
Zukiro stepped out of the brewery of the man that shot the arrow that changed his life forever.
It was just before sundown, and just as Zukiro was waddling back with the wagon and barrels, he spotted Celegwen and Aithusa chuckling at Xanuthos who was attempting to eat a fish he caught from the river from atop his nose.
Zukiro set everything down, started a small chant, and tables made of hardened ground arose. Some were just around the firepit for cooking purposes, whilst there was a larger table just off to the side designated as the dining table.
"Hey everybody! I got all the stiff for tonight, also Celegwen I brought this special brew just for you. Since I remembered you don't drink, this brew has barely any kick to it, even after having half a barrel you'll barely feel any difference."
Zukiro set all his ingredients down and went to work.

"Oh, Zu, you didn't-"

Aithusa shot her a look, and she stopped talking. "Thanks, Zu."

The wolf masterfully cooked the steaks like he'd done it thousands of times before. Realistically, he probably had. Aithusa poured pints for the three of them, passing them out. As they evening progressed, Celegwen was quieter than usual. She was normally on the quiet side, preferring to watch from afar than interact directly. Still, it was different.

"Are you okay?" Aithusa asked, lightly squeezing her thigh.

She nodded. "Zu, I'm sure you would have observed by now my overall personality," she said. "What you may not know is that Dragonriders are specifically taught not to question their masters. The teacher-pupil relationship is built upon respect and trust, so students are expected not to question what they are taught. I was actually almost expelled from the academy multiple times because I ignored that rule completely. I believe it's one of the reasons why Aithusa and I are the most successful team.

"You must understand that I respect you as a student would a teacher, but I can't stop thinking about what you said earlier. Did you really kill your father?"

"Gwen..."

Zukiro shot Aithusa a look.
"Aithusa its very rude to question someone's curiosity, I'll admit it's more of a darker scene than i would like to remember, but an important one nonetheless." Zukiro fixed himself in his makeshift earth chair sitting upright.
"My father was a proud dragon rider and a good one at that, almost as good as you two but he just didn't have as much of a bond as you two do. Regardless, watching him fly on Xanu was the coolest thing I saw as a child, it made me so jealous. So one night, while my father was on night watch, I snuck out to Xanu's stable and attempted to fly with him. Everything went perfect, the mounting, jumping off the cliff, and then soaring through the night sky. That night I felt alive, I felt as if I was one with the wind and with Xanuthos. Then I was struck by an arrow in my arm, and I plummeted to the ground. Since I didn't have any gear on Xanuthos, he didn't notice until it was too late. I woke up sometime later completely covered in fur, I was beyond scarred I didn't what to do, where to go, where I was, so I just started walking. After a week or so, apparently I had made my way just outside of Serendipity, I found this woman sitting by a small stream watching the fish pass by. She saw me and knew exactly what had happened, she took me into her home and taught me how to become at peace with myself. She never taught me how to handle women though, " Zukiro chuckled a bit, he tapped Aithusa's foot just a tiny bit under the table, " I spent about two or so years with her, since I never got to know my real mother she filled in the gap and I was the happiest Werechild you could've ever had seen. Then one day my father came and found me, after he saw what I had become he blamed it on the woman and plunged a spear right through her heart without even giving her a chance to explain."
Zukiro began to tear in the slightest bit, but he held it back, his claws on his right hand extended completely.
"In my own self-righteousness, for killing the only woman I ever truly loved, and who I saw as a true mother, I plunged my claws into my father's ribs, tore his heart clean out of his chest, and crushed it with own right hand.
After seeing the look on my father's face, I knew I had made a grave mistake, I was in complete agony. I lost both of my parents because of my idiotic decisions, but I've come to live with that and have grown stronger since. The only reason Xanuthos didn't burn me to a crisp that day was because he saw that I knew what I had done, he was the first to comfort me."

Aithusa rubbed his shoulder slightly, his emotional or mental pain always manifesting as physical discomfort. He glanced at Celegwen, who looked sadly at the table.

She twisted the ancient-looking ring on her left middle finger, remembering her own father and the pain that came from losing him. To have taken his father's life must have been one of Zukiro's greatest regrets.

The three of them sat momentarily in silence. Aithusa kept his eyes on Zukiro's extended claws, the dragon's shredded leg a painful clue to just how powerful the wolf was. It wasn't too surprising Zukiro was capable of ripping a man's heart out.

Celegwen shook her pain away and glanced briefly at Xanu. "To be completely honest, I'm surprised the Dragonriders didn't come after you, especially after Xanuthos. There's a whole process to a dragon's retirement, which couldn't have taken place without your father." She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Zu."

Aithusa smirked, breaking the bit of tension. "Zu, if you ever need someone to teach you how to handle a woman, I'm your dragon."

Zukiro chuckled at Aithusa.
"Son, until you've understood the masterpiece that is sitting right next to you I'll take a pass on that for now."
Zukiro turned back to Celegwen.
"After a about a week since the incident, they performed a proper ceremony for my father, although I requested the sword be kept in the throne room next to his captain's. it was really hard trying to make up a story for that claw mark though, thankfully they bought it."
Zukiro chowed down another piece of venison before looking back at the two.

The two of them nodded, Aithusa smirking a little. "Sometimes I wonder what we'll do when we retire," Aithusa said, rubbing the side of his jaw with no injuries.

"Retire?" Celegwen said. "You are more likely to live in Connlaoth for the rest of your life than retire."

Aithusa looked sarcastically at her. "That's you."

She smirked and pursed her lips. The three of them continued to talk and actually get to know each other, until Aithusa threw back two pints and painfully got to his feet. Celegwen watched him with a slight frown, and he successfully hid the agony of any pressure on his leg. Just on the one leg, he had gotten a wooden stake through the thigh and his calf was torn to shreds.

"I think I need to stretch my wings a bit," he said, leaning Zukiro's bow staff against the table.

"If you're going to stretch your wings, at least make you land carefully, the gash will affect you even in your dragon form. You could wind up making the wounds worse than they already are."
Zukiro gave Aithusa a reassuring smirk.
"Go have fun."
Aithusa shifted into his dragon form and flew all around the night sky, Xanuthos joined him his scales shimmering in the night, the two attempted some easy aerial tricks for Aithusa's sake, but watching the two fly together as gracefully as they were, was a sight that would be worth waiting for.
Zukiro turned to Celegwen.
"How are you feeling? Any discomfort in your head at all?" Zu looked at the cracked red stone on Celegwen's finger.
"Is that crystal supposed to be cracked? What happened to it?"

Celegwen smiled, watching Aithusa in the air. She always loved watching him from afar. Together in flight was like a single heart, but to watch him in his natural state was a treat very few got to experience.

She ran her fingers through her hair, a habit she unconsciously picked up from spending so much time with Aithusa. "I'm fine. No memory, but nothing physically painful." She shook her head. "Don't tell him, okay? I know he was lying to me about how he got hurt. If he doesn't want to tell me, he has every right not to, but it's weird. He tells me everything."

Looking at Zukiro's slight smile, Celegwen chuckled breathily. "Sorry. I think out loud. The ring was my father's. And no, it isn't supposed to be broken. He made it himself. It's a dragonsblood crystal, meant to grant protection to whoever wears it. An old tale, but he believed it and, as a child, I believed him. It broke one night when he and my brother got into a fist fight. It cracked on my brother's armor. When my father passed away, he gave me the ring."

Zukiro gave a reassuring smirk.
"No worries, I'm the same way sometimes. If anything I'd say he was telling the truth, I don't remember much either at least until we found you in the caver-,"
Zukiro caught himself, thankfully Celegwen was paying attention to Aithusa's beautiful flight.
"Have you ever thought about attempting to get it repaired by any chance? Or is the cracks for memory's sake?"
Zukiro laid back in his chair staring at the dragons dance, patiently waiting for an answer.

"Scars give character," she said, flashing a grin.

Aithusa's flight was much slower than usual, and he was clearly relying more on his left wing. His acrobatics weren't as daring or smooth, and he was having slight difficulty gliding on the air currents. Xanu seemed to be staying relatively close to Aithusa as an unspoken in case of emergency.

Celegwen shook her head. "If I get it fixed, I lose my brother and my father. My father is long gone from the world, and my brother is gods know where." She took off the ring and handed it to Zukiro. "An old, well-worn ring is bound to have some blemishes."

Zukiro examined the ring closely, what Celegwen said had merit to it. He handed the ring back to her.
"Very well said I respect that, but we best get some rest, I think we're all tired after that feast and Aithusa needs some time to heal."
Zukiro stood up, placed all of the remaining ingredients and spices back into the wagon and cleared all the ground tables with a small chant. Zukiro then made a little hut made out of Earth just for the two of them, and a perch so Xanuthos could stand watch.
"I want the both of you to get some rest tonight, I'm very aware of the warrior watch bit and that you might lie to my face when you say 'we will' but Xanuthos will proudly watch over for the both of you, surprisingly he respects you two a lot. Which is a complete first for him. Try to get them down sooner or later please. I'll be in the third tree off to the side if you need me."
Zukiro made his way to the tree and climbed to the highest branch he could making himself comfy just above the leaves staring at the waning moon.
   

Celegwen whistled with her fingers at the corners of her mouth. Aithusa's bright white body with Xanu's star reflections made the two of them almost look like a shooting star. A very large one, but not the point. The white dragon quickly dove, wings tucked against his body. Nearing the ground, he spread his wings with a slight grimace.

Blowing two sharp whistles, Celegwen grabbed her whip off her belt and cracked it on the ground to her left and to her right. Aithusa shot two fireballs into the air with a toothy grin. He slowed himself and carefully lowered to the ground in front of Celegwen, then shifted to his human form.

"Zu went to bed," she said. "I didn't want to lie and agree, so I just let him go."

Aithusa chuckled, glancing back as Xanu landed closely. "I'm guessing Xanu's supposed to be watching instead of us?" She nodded with a smirk, and Aithusa shook his head. "I promise I'll wake you this time. I'll take first watch. I want to work through the pain."

"Fine, but be smart about your injuries! Last thing we need is you worsening them."

"Promise," he said. Celegwen walked into the little hut Zukiro had created, and Aithusa looked at Xanuthos. Xanu, I need you to cover for me.

Yes. Brother.
Xanuthos perched himself on the spot Zukiro had made for him, looking as awake as he had ever been. Aithusa and Celegwen made their way into the the Earth tent. Off over in the tree, Zukiro began to sing, it was the song that Amelia use to play, for some reason he remembered that of all things.
"Two lovers, sit atop two trees
one on sunrise one on sunset
the two never felt more free
but they still have not met

Two lovers set sail across the sea
they ride atop the wave
so that one day he may bend his knee
and sail back together brave

Two lovers ride into the night
in the air where they are most free
and back into the fight
to be the last thing they ever see

One lover never took the chance
and now her fate lies in another's hand
his heart pierced with a lance
her heart taken by another man

She had always wanted him
but he had never known
and he is now forever grim
and they grow to bone

Two lovers never knew the truth
two lovers never understood
and now they lay to rest
never knowing the others true intent.
"

When Celegwen fell asleep, Aithusa crept out of the hut. He put his hand on the side of it and stood, hearing a few cracks coming from his back. Xanu and Aithusa made momentary eye contact, and Aithusa nodded. I appreciate it, Xanu, he said to the black dragon. He shifted to his dragon form much slower than usual. He was listening to Celegwen when she said not to make the injuries worse, but she would have killed him if she knew he was leaving.

He flew up, causing a significant gust of wind from his massive wings. I promise it'll be worth it.

Aithusa flew to the marketplace and landed quietly atop one of the buildings. He shifted into his human form and limped down a staircase to the streets. The market at night reminded him of an old battlefield. Empty but filled with evidence of havoc and hundreds of people. He looked at the signs and walked to a wooden door.

A young woman answered the door and dropped her jaw. "Aithusa?" She said breathlessly. "Oh, my gods! I thought I'd never see you again!"

"Hi, Abygail," he whispered, hugging her. She wasn't slightly shocked by Aithusa's beaten appearance because she knew exactly what he was like. They walked inside, and she made them tea. "Been a while. Last I heard, you were getting engaged."

She held up her left hand to show her ring. "I have two babies now. Last I heard, you were partnered with an Elf rider."

Aithusa nodded. "Enough small talk, Abygail. You and I both know neither one of us likes it. I need your help."

She laughed, tucking her short, olive hair behind her ears. "Of course you do! Why else would you be here?" He took Zukiro's smashed necklace out of his pocket and placed it on the table. "That's almost obliterated! What happened to it?"

"Long story. Do you think you can fix it?"

Abygail looked it over and smirked. "Give me an hour."

She disappeared into her workshop for just over an hour. Abygail was a friend he hadn't seen in six years. They kept tabs on each other in case either one of them needed something, but neither interacted until then. She came back out and sat across from Aithusa, laying the necklace on the table.

He picked it up and smiled, examining every bit of it. "Why'd you leave the cracks? You used to make things good as new."

"It isn't new," she said simply. "Besides, you smashed that thing to pieces!"

Aithusa grinned. "Another thing... I think it held some kind of magic. I don't know exactly, but when it broke, it took its owner's memories." She pulled a small bag out of her pocket and sprinkled an invisible substance onto the necklace. "Thanks, Aby."

"Don't be a stranger!" She said, as Aithusa walked out. He gave her a sarcastic glance, and she laughed. Walking to a large and abandoned alley, he shifted to his dragon form and took to flight.

Xanu, he said, as he approached, I need to show you something. He landed and shifted to his human form. Grinning, he walked over to Xanuthos' perch and pulled the repaired necklace out of his pocket. What do you think?

I. Think. It. Good. What. You. Did. But. Next. Night. Tell. Gwen. Both. Sleep. Deal? I. Watch.
Xanuthos readjusted himself in his perch. Aithusa made his way back into the tent.
Zukiro kept singing from the moment he completely fell asleep. he just couldn't get the song out his head. But every time he sang, it was as if he had known this song forever.

No promises. Aithusa walked in and went to sleep for the night.

In the morning, Celegwen awoke to Aithusa fast asleep next to her. She rolled her eyes with a grin and walked out of the hut. The sun was just rising, and Xanuthos sat comfortably on his perch. She laid all of her weapons down and took her tunic off, walking down to the river. The cool water was refreshing enough that she decided to strip down and go for a quick swim.

Climbing back out, she rang out her hair and redressed herself, still obvious that she was soaking wet. Aithusa, Zukiro, and Xanu were all up and moving by the time she made it back to the area. "Morning," she said.

Aithusa smiled and gestured to the log he was sitting on. "Have a seat. Zu's making breakfast." Aithusa's voice was still groggy from sleep. "So, Zu, what were you singing last night? Sounded very sentimental."

Zukiro, while preparing breakfast like the culinary master that he was, turned to Aithusa.
"In all honesty, I'm not entirely sure, it was a song that I remembered what seems like a long time ago. the only actual correlation I can make as to who taught me would have to be my "mother" that raised me since she's the only woman I've ever known."
Zukiro finished preparing breakfast, he handed everyone a plate and sat down himself.
"Curiosity killed the wolf, may I ask why you pondered such a question?"

Aithusa chuckled and glanced at Xanu. "It didn't exactly seem like a mother/son song. More like one sung by a lover. Any idea where it would've come from?" Zukiro's blank expression was all the answer needed.

Aithusa reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace. "I got something for you." He placed the necklace on the table. Celegwen looked at it, then at Aithusa. The dragon smirked, gently pushing it closer to Zukiro. "Put it on."

Zukiro hesitantly put the necklace on. The crystal glowed a bright white, Zukiro's eyes began to glow and all the memories of Amelia came back to him. He began to tear up,
"Aithusa, as much as I value you as a friend, what you have just done might just be borderline the greatest feeling I've ever experienced. Thank you."
Zukiro got up and gave Aithusa a big ol' hug, making sure not to hurt him anymore than he already was.
"I remember everything, Amelia, my first true love. Thank you again, I must ask why would you do something like this? Even though I loved Amelia, I was practically never allowed to be with her. I must ask why?"

Aithusa smiled. "I have a fae friend who has a hobby of fixing broken things."

He shook his head and combed his hair back. "Besides, the way you talked about her the other night was more than just love lost. Would've been a loss to have you forget about it."

"What the hell did I miss?" Celegwen asked with a small chuckle.

"The night of the fire, Zu told me about the first woman to steal his heart. Apparently, Amelia looked like you." Aithusa looked at Zukiro with a grin. "Had to give it back to you. Memories are too valuable to lose."

Zukiro wiped the tear from his eye.
"Although, I may never find love again, at least you two have a shot. Aithusa what I sang last night was for you. I sang it because I wanted those words to resonate with you for the rest of your life."
Zukiro looked at Celegwen and then back at Aithusa.
"I think you know what to do, son."
Zukiro gave a big smile, and left Aithusa and Celegwen together at the table.

"What'd he mean?" Celegwen asked, looking at Aithusa.

He felt his heart start to race. Shouldn't have given him that damned necklace, he thought. He got to his feet and backed up a few steps, trying to figure his way out of the hole Zukiro just dug for him. "I don't know," he said, rubbing his shoulder uncomfortably. "He's a weird guy."

Celegwen stood up and faced him. "Don't pull that again. What'd he mean?" There was a moment of tense silence, and Aithusa grabbed hold of Zukiro's bow staff for support while Celegwen folded her arms. "What happened to you? And don't tell me an aerial trick gone wrong! We haven't had an incident this bad in almost seven years!"

Aithusa frowned and swallowed nervously, feeling his cheeks heat up. "It's a long story."

"I have time."

"I don't!" They stood apart from each other and didn't know what to do or say. "Gwen, some things are just better left unsaid. Trust me."

She huffed with a small grin. "I always trust you, but you always tell me everything."

"You really want to know?"

"Yes!"

"Really??"

"Yes!"

"Because I've been in love with you for seven years!"

Celegwen looked at Aithusa speechlessly. He swore his heartbeat could be heard from miles away. She swallowed and took a few steps closer to him. "What did you just say?" She asked, her voice no louder than a whisper.

"Don't make me say it again."

She couldn't find the words, instead just covering her mouth and looking at him. "I don't know what to say."

He shrugged. "Don't say anything. Really."

Celegwen stepped closer to him, their bodies almost touching. She looked up at him, his gaze darting between her mismatched eyes. She almost unnoticeably leaned up to him. There was a second of just silence and palpable tension. He felt frozen in his place, not wanting to mess anything up.

She put her hands in her pockets and slowly looked away. "We should go," she whispered. "I'm sure Zukiro's getting sick of us at this point."

She took a step back and turned away from him. Aithusa smoothly grabbed the inside of her arm and whirled her back. The initial contact was almost painful for him. The heat and physical pain on his injured body all contributed to the intensity of the kiss.

He pulled away from her, leaving her slightly stunned with a mixture of confusion and desire. Celegwen smiled nervously, running her tongue along her lower lip, and Aithusa huffed with a grin. "Seven years, Gwen," he said breathlessly. "Seven years just waiting for that."

Zukiro was resting alongside Xanuthos, his heart finally at ease knowing that he was finally able to feel like a father for once in his life, knowing he may possibly never bear children of his own, he looked at Aithusa with pride knowing that everything he had done was for him, Zukiro felt as if he watched his own grow up right in front of him.
Xanuthos wrapped his neck comfortably around his brother.
You. Make. Great. Father. I. Know. Amelia. Come. Back. I. Promise. May. Not. Be. Amelia. But. Feel. Will. Be. Same.
Thank you brother I appreciate your kind words, but I think I would be content seeing those two for now.
Zukiro looked down a tear rolled down from his left eye, he smiled and looked back to Aithusa.
Now, that wasn't too hard son was it? I couldn't be more proud.

Aithusa grinned at Zukiro and shook his head. Hardest thing I've ever had to do, he said, glancing briefly back at Celegwen. And yet, somehow it was also the easiest.

"It's about time," Celegwen said, unconsciously blushing. She followed Aithusa's gaze and smirked, seeing the wolf and dragon smiling at them. She stuck her hand out to them, clenched her fist, and pulled it quickly to her body. With that, two small streams of water came from the river and doused the two. "Spying is rude!"

Aithusa smiled and took her hand, limping over toward Zukiro, extending his hand to the wet wolf. "Zu, really...thank you. You changed my life."

Zukiro took Aithusa's hand and brought himself up trying to minimize any discomfort for Aithusa.
"Got to say I appreciate the shower, My fur was starting to develop a very unappealing stench."
Zukiro looked at Aithsua and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"If anything let me say thank you for letting me experience being a father, knowing that I may not ever bear any of my own, it means the world to me that you did this, its almost as if I watched you grow up right in front of me eyes. Alrighty, I think we should celebrate a bit. I say we head into the city for the best celebration you two will ever have! All on me. Bring any and all friends that you would like!"
Zukiro nodded to Xanuthos, Zu lifted Aithusa onto Xanuthos's back, and did the same with Celegwen. He made sure to put Aithusa in front.
"Now as a father I order you to stay on Xanuthos so you can heal."

Xanuthos climbed higher into the sky with each flap of his wings until they were far enough from the ground to glide on the currents. Aithusa slowly pushed himself into a crouched position, glancing back at Zukiro. "How can you expect a dragon to be content in the air on the back of another?"

He stood up, spread his arms out, and fell backward off of Xanu's back. Celegwen and Zukiro looked down as he fell. He turned onto his stomach and smoothly shifted into his dragon form. Aithusa's wings shone like spotlights on the ground with each flap. Fire erupted from his mouth, and he flew right through it.

Celegwen smiled, shaking her head. "If you actually thought he would stay put, you're a fool."

Aithusa's aerial skills were improving as his pain decreased. Of course that wouldn't be enough to make him just take it easy. He sped ahead of them, briefly disappearing into the glare of the sun.

She squinted and let out a long whistle. He flew towards them, and she stood on Xanu's back. With a small wink to Zukiro, she leapt off. Her boots instantly connected with the stirrups and she grabbed onto his nearest back spine, as they followed Xanuthos and Zukiro to the city.

Zukiro looked back to Aithusa for a moment, with a slight chuckle.
You two are always so stubborn. If it wasn't for the rider crest people would mistake you for overgrown children. We're landing near the barracks, I need to check something out quickly. Then we'll make our way to a place thats big enough for Xanuthos, long time friend. In the meantime go gather the friends you'd be comfortable with bringing.
Xanuthos landed near the barracks, putting himself back on his old watch post. Zukiro made his way into the throne room, he wanted to see his father's blade one more time.
After he made it in, he knelt on both knees.
Father, I know he is not related by blood, but to me I see a future of some kind, I see him as family and I hope you will as well.
Zukiro met back with Xanuthos and soared over the place he had in mind waiting for the couple.

They flew to the border of the city and Aithusa shifted to his human form. They walked through the crowded streets and made their way to a little house. Aithusa knocked on the door, and a man with pale blond hair opened it with a bunny in his hands. Aithusa smirked and pointed at the bunny. "I need a minute with the bunny," he said.

The man chuckled and let them into the house. The bunny shifted into Abygail's human form and she sat on the sofa across from them. "Twice in twenty-four hours," she said. "Has to be some kind of a record. This must be the Elf girl you were partnered with."

"A little more than that actually. Abygail, this is Celegwen. I came to ask you to come to a little celebration with us and two other friends."

Abygail couldn't contain her excitement, gripping her pixie-cut hair. "I thought this day would never come!" She jumped up and hugged Celegwen. "Welcome to the family!"

"Thanks?" Celegwen said, chuckling at the girl's incredible energy.

"She's an old friend of mine."

"A Fae."

"Aby, you in?"

Abygail blew a kiss of sparkling green smoke and shrank to about six inches tall with smoky wings. "Of course!"

Aithusa grinned and they walked out of the city, where he turned into a dragon. Celegwen got onto the saddle and Abygail flew alongside them as they met up with Xanuthos and Zukiro.

"Alrighty, that abnormally building with Xanuthos on it is where we're headed, might want to jump on for Aithusa's sake."
Aithusa dropped Celegwen onto Xanuthos sitting just behind Zukiro, Aithusa flew a little above Xanuthos and shifted into his human form landed comfortably onto Xanu's back. They flew down to the entrance and walked inside. The owner approached Zukiro with a stern look.
"You come into my tavern with that beast and some new friends, and you don't even say hello to your uncle?!"
The two embraced each other, after realeasing Zu, he appeared as if he was out of breath.
"As strong as ever I see, Xanuthos come into the back I got something waiting for you."
The uncle motioned Xanuthos to the larger area where he had prepared a massive tables worth of cooked and uncooked meat. Xanuthos immediately commenced gorging himself.
"And for the rest of you this lovely area over here."
It was a luxurious area with sofa's,  a dining table, a door to go see Xanuthos, and a giant crest of a dragon that looked practically like Xanuthos was hung on the wall as well as a piano with an open window jut above to see the rest of the tavern.
"Zu mentioned a little ceremony thus I prepared all my best dishes and services. Take a seat they will be right out.
The uncle left the room, Zukiro sat on a nearby couch.
"My uncle will take care of us in the meantime make yourselves at home. Cause we aren't going anywhere for a while."

"Zu, this place is gorgeous," Celegwen said quietly, removing her tunic and weapons. "He's your uncle?"

Abygail shifted into her human form, sitting on the top of a sofa with her ankles crossed. Her violet eyes darted around before she jumped off and followed his uncle out of the room with a skip in her step, shouting, "don't hesitate to ask if you'd like some help! I'm a wizard in the kitchen!"

Aithusa rolled his eyes, watching her run out. "That's my friend, Abygail. She's harmless...for the most part."

"No worries, my uncle always appreciates an extra hand. And yes hes my uncle, besides Xanuthos, he was the only other person that understood why I killed my father as well as being comfortable seeing me as a werewolf. He dedicated this tavern to Xanuthos, before Xanuthos was given to my father to ride, Xanu saved my uncle from being captured by Connlaothians and being tortured for the rest of his life. Which is why he has the dedicated room for Xanuthos right next to this one. Only Xanuthos is allowed back there, alongwith my uncle and I. I am allowed to bring guests I just need permission from him first."
Zukiro walked over to a nearby table pouring himself and Aithusa a full pint of golden blue ale. He gave one to Airhusa and placed the other on the table in front of where he sat down.
"Also, Gwen, you're free to have whatever you like, but I kindly suggest my uncle's red ale, I think you'll like it personally."
Zukiro grabbed his pint and leaned back into the couch, practically finishing it before even enjoying the taste.

"Come on, Zu," Aithusa said, watching the wolf practically finish the ale in one gulp. "You'll kill yourself drinking like that." Aithusa took hold of his pint and repeated exactly what Zukiro had, leaning his back against the wall with a wide smile.

Celegwen walked over, running her slender fingers along the beautiful wood of the piano in the room. She sat down on the stool and danced over the keys, performing a tune a traveler once played for her. Her voice was much more beautiful than one would expect from someone like her, and it was surprising to see her open up like she was.

"Come over the hills, my joyous Ketran lad.
Come over the hills to your darling.
You choose the rose now, I'll make the vow,
And I'll be your true love forever.

Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows,
Fair is the lily of the valley,
Clear is the water that flows from the stream,
But my love is fairer than any.

'Twas down by Adela's green woods that we strayed
When the moon and the stars they were shining.
The moon shone its rays on his locks of silver hair
And he swore he'd be my love forever.

Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows,
Fair is the lily of the valley,
Clear is the water that flows from the stream,
But my love is fairer than any.

Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows,
Fair is the lily of the valley,
Clear is the water that flows from the stream,
But my love is fairer than any.
My love is fairer than any."

Aithusa watched her with a small smile and looked at Zu when she had finished.

Zukiro shot Aithusa a small smirk, stood up and made his way over to the piano.
"Very beautiful I must say, may I?"
He offered Celegwen a hand, guiding her off the seat. He began a small chant which summoned for arms made of ice and water.
"I shall play three songs, the first is called, a true hero."
A battle with a true hero  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkiQV1Koppw&feature=youtu.be)
Zukiro was masterfully stroking the keys with perfect precision. No one could believe the absolute speed he was playing at. As he finished he rested for a bit.
"My next piece is called the Final Battle"
Final Battle  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NdUjzLTMhY&feature=youtu.be)
Zukiro rested his hands, after a small chant the frozen arms dissipated into smoke.
"For my final piece, I dedicated this one to Amelia just before she passed, I call it Oracion."
Oracion  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIcB8ssm4Gs&feature=youtu.be) 
Zukiro finished the song with a a small smile. 
I hope you remember Amelia.

"Never would've thought you to be a musician, Zu!" Aithusa said, putting his leg up on the couch he was sitting on.

Abygail poked her head into the room with an ear-to-ear grin. "Thought I heard some howling in here!"

Aithusa laughed at Abygail's mostly innocent nature, trying to hide it with his hand covering his hanging head. Celegwen smiled, resting her hand on Zukiro's shoulder. "Where'd you learn to play like that?"

"Amelia taught me everything I know, I can't necessarily play but I can mimic a song note for note after hearing it only once. The last one, Oracion, was the only song I actually developed myself."
Zu guided Celegwen back to Aithusa.
"The first two songs had at least 100,000 plus notes in them, which is the reason why I needed the extra arms, Amelia on the other hand was a master pianist, she could play that in her sleep. After our training exercises she would bring me back to her home, she had a grand piano hidden away in a basement under her room, it was completely sound proof and we just played throughout the night until sunrise, just before her parents would wake. I played Oracion the night before she died, we snuck into her private basement and I played it. After she had heard it,"
Zukiro looked up at Aithusa and gave him the slightest wink.
"Lets just say that was a very special night for the both of us."

Aithusa smirked, nodding his head twice. "Nice," he said, returning the wink.

Celegwen chuckled lightly. "It's sweet," she said, glaring at Aithusa. "Those were beautifully played, regardless of any magic you used! Music is an incredible way to bond and make memories like that. My brother was actually the one who taught me how to play the piano. Amelia taught you."

"Have to say I feel a little left out," Aithusa said, resting his head on his finger.

"I'll teach you!" Aby chirped. Aithusa snorted, rolling his eyes with a grin.

Celegwen chuckled and shook her head. "Well, I still think it's very charming."

Xanuthos was happily eating his third dozen of venison steak when his eyes had inverted colors again.
That's a hint Aithusa, remember that.
Zukiro ported the thought through Xanuthos.
Xanuthos's eyes returned to normal and he began to enjoy his steaks again.
Zu's came out with three platters worth of the finest meats known in Adela.
"Wow, uncle you really outdid yourself this time."
"Considering the only times I get to see you are on serious occasions, its nice to finally come to me with a happy one, and this is how I repay it. Also, no payment is required, take it as my betrothal gift if i may say?"
The uncle looked at the couple with a grin from ear to ear awaiting a response.

"B-Betrothal?" Celegwen stuttered slightly, looking at Aithusa. "We didn't talk about anything like that. I mean-"

"Gwen," Aithusa said, smiling softly. "Relax." The dragon looked at Zukiro's uncle with a grin and nodded. "Thank you."

Abygail shifted into her bunny form and back onto her human form out of sheer excitement. She had trouble controlling her shifts when her emotions were running on high. "Can I sing at your wedding?" She squealed.

Celegwen laughed nervously. "You're a little ahead of us!"

"Plus, Aby, you know I love you, but you're horribly tone deaf."

"I'm going to run outside real quick," Celegwen said. "I'll be right back."

"Uncle! Its rude to assume things without even asking beforehand! Please excuse him he wasn't aware."
Zu looked back to Xanuthos happily laying on his back.
Full yet?
No.
"Uncle would it possible to bring Xanuthos some more venison? He's still hungry apparently."
"Gladly, and my apologies, I get very excited about things very quickly."
The uncle left the room.
"Aithusa I am so sorry about that, I didn't tell him anything along those lines. All I told him was that I was bringing a very special couple and we were celebrating something important that happened between them. Please forgive me."

Aithusa forgave Zukiro with a simple wave of his hand. "It's not a big deal," he said. "Celegwen isn't exactly open to her own emotions. Trust me, I know. She can be a bit sensitive when it comes to this stuff."

He took a breath and got to his feet, leaning on Zu's bow staff. Abygail frowned, sitting on the central table. "This is not how this was supposed to go," she mumbled.

"Aby, relax. Everything will be fine. Gwen just needs a few minutes to cool off." Aithusa walked over to the table, smelling all of the food. "Zu, please make sure your uncle doesn't feel too guilty. It was an honest mistake."

"I will, please just go make Gwen is alright. For the time being I'm going to make sure Xanuthos isn't stuffing himself to prank me later."
Zu entered Xanuthos's area, with a swift kick to the stomach, he vomited the majority of his second meal.
Nice try I wasn't going to let you prank me again. You big loaf.
You. Kick. Too. hard.
Zu made his way back into the other room, Aithusa had already left to go talk with Gwen, he looked at Abygail with a slight grin, but then he noticed the rings on her finger and hung his head. He looked back up and spoke:
'Abygail was it? Beautfiul name and lovely woman, your husband must be the happiest man to have you, I don't believe we've formally met, my name is Zukiro, or you can call me Zu for short."
Zu grinned at the woman.

"Hi, Zu! You can me Aby, or Gail, like the big wind." She snickered to herself. "And if you could tell my husband that, it would be great! Also, sorry about the bunny thing. I get excited and can't really control myself!"

Aithusa walked in with Celegwen on his arm. "Told you she'd be fine," the dragon said. He scrunched his nose at the smell. "Ok, who threw up? That smell was definitely not there when I left."

Celegwen lightly hit Aithusa in the chest for being so blunt. He chuckled, rubbing his shoulder. "Don't be rude," she whispered. "We're guests."

Aithusa shook his head. "Yes, but that smell wasn't there when I left!"

"Gwen, my deepest apologies, my uncle completely assumed what the situation was. "
Zukiro bowed to Celegwen, he then looked at Aithusa.
"Xanuthos my sweet brother over there was filling himself up to attempt to prank me with a load of dragon shite on my face when I go to sleep. Knowing this I kicked him in the gut forcing him to throw his seconds up."
Zu looked over to Xanu and shouted:
"And now he's going to burn it in order to get rid of that horrible stench!"
After burning, Zukiro mumbled a small chant that sprouted flowers near Xanuthos to cover the stench.
"Alrighty, I think that's enough food for now, lettuce, " Zu pulled another leaf from out of nowhere and began to munch on it, seriously where does he keep lettuce with his outfit of all things?
"dance."
Zu looked at Abygail offering a hand.

Abygail gracefully took his hand and spun herself. She jumped up, lightly hitting Zukiro on the shoulder. "Bad wolf! It's rude to dance with your mouth full!"

Aithusa smiled, placing the bow staff on the table and taking Celegwen's hand. "She's a handful, Zu," Aithusa said. "You think you can handle her?"

Abigail was just over 4 feet tall and Zukiro was much larger, so seeing her scold him was beyond hilarious for Aithusa. The four of them danced together, occasionally switching partners, and just having the time of their lives.

Zuuuu, wake uuup.
Zukiro groaned as he lifted his head to see his cosmic wife in front of him.
What was that Zu? You were asleep for so long!
Zukiro lifted himself out his ethereal bed, wandering over to Amelia, looking as gorgeous as ever in her skin made of galaxies.
Just a memory my love, and it seems Xanuthos might find his next true partner soon enough.
Zu opened up a cosmic mirror in oblivion and saw into the future of Celegwen and Aithusa.
You did the right thing, and I think that's your grandson right there.
Amelia kissed his astral cheek. Zukiro looked at their grandson from another mirror.
He's powerful, Xanuthos will respect that.
Just behind them another mirror appeared, it was Zukiro on his deathbed after the celebration. The night of the small gathering they had, Zukiro was injected with a lethal poison that stopped his heart completely as well as his regeneration factor. Zukiro was burned by Xanuthos in a blue flame of glory that he had always wanted. Aithusa looked devastated that he had lost the only thing close to a father he had. But Zu made sure to remind him.
Aithusa, you could not make me any more proud than you already have, I am proud to say that you are my son.
Shall we observe our grandchild my love?
Let's. Amelia kissed the astral wolf with all the love he could've ever asked for, she summoned a couch between the planes of oblivion and they watched their grandson grow to the man he is today.
They make an amazing pair, I'm glad I was able to spend my last moments with two of the most amazing people this world has to offer, as well as with my brother of course.
The two stared into the mirror, watching the events unfold between their eyes. The two lovers were finally able to meet on the edge of oblivion.