The Rising Dragon

[Monkey Monk]

Slowly Caliga turned about to face Richard. That same part of him
which had demanded he act as he had to Misty now wanted him
to argue with Richard. That part wanted him to say that there
had to be something the mage would be able to do for Lina. For
a moment, the man simply stood there as a battle waged in his
mind. It was almost like two opposite consciences were warring
among each other for control of one body. After a while, Cal
managed to get a hold of himself. His wings has tensed up and
stretched out slightly, but he quickly relaxed the muscles and
once more wrapped himself in those leathery folds. He began to
pace once more over the floor. His mind worked to try and figure
out a reason why Richard would say that using the mage to help
Lina wasn't simple. Or was he saying that the thing they needed
to do wasn't as simple as finding a mage?

By that time Caliga had confused himself. Slowly he let loose a
sigh and strode back to his seat. He sat down with a slight
grunt, muscles rippling beneath his scaled chest. After a moment
he looked up to Richard, having given up on his own attempts to
figure out what Richard was thinking, and let his voice ring
out. "Why?" Was he even asking the right question? Caliga
didn't know. His mind was confused, muddled, and mixed about.
Whether it was by all the events that had occurred, by lack of
sleep, or by the war that had been going on in his mind he did
not know. Slowly he leaned forth and cradled his head in his
palms. After a moment he ran his fingers through his hair before
raising his gaze back to Richard and awaiting their response.

[Mama Z]

Richard had watched Cal briefly but his attention was soon turned back the younger girl as he felt a small wetness on his hand. Looking down at his and hers hands, he saw the droplettes of water. He opened his arms up slightly as she came down to hug him and in return he hugged her back. The pain was numbing for him but for her it was a whole new experience. Sorry? She had no reason to be sorry, this was life.

Then she pulled back, both her and Cal voiced their questions. Why and What did he mean? He looked from each persons for a moment then sighed, shifting to stand up tall. 'Its not simple because there are still many things you two have yet to learn about the world out there.' He began to walk towards the kitchen, tea suddenly sounding good right about then. 'For starts we dont even know where the mage now is.'

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[Felypsa]

Misty wiped away the tears, trying to be casual. No one else was crying. That made her feel a little ashamed of herself. She was the only one who’d cried at her mother’s funeral too. In fact, her father had made it seem as though it was wrong to mourn for her. Misty shook her head, trying to shake away the painful memories. There was enough anguish now without having to reminisce on past terrible times.

She dimly heard Caliga’s question and Richard’s curt answer. There are still many things you two have yet to learn about the world out there. Misty stared at the floor and tried not to cry. More? There was more of this agony? More of this harsh reality? She desperately missed her kitchen. When life was simple and untainted by sorrow and by the cruelty of life’s lessons. She didn’t want to go find this mage. The very word mage sent shivers down her spine. Misty had avoided the unnatural all her life. Why should she go looking for it now?

Face it, she told herself, you’re not looking for the unnatural. The unnatural came to you. There’s no backing out now, no going back to before. It’s all or nothing. She blinked away a few more tears. I wish I didn’t cry so much. I feel like such a baby. And she was. At least compared to the others here. If she wanted to call them friends, she had to shape up and mature and handle all the adult responsibilities. And that meant no crying over what could have been, or even what should have been.

Suddenly, her emerald ring began to glow. It had done that, Misty recalled, just before the wall of fog had appeared. She glared at it; it was the cause of all this mischief and suffering. But despite her anger, the glow soothed her. She closed her eyes and truly felt all tears vanish. She was calm now. Just as she had been within the wall, when everyone was falling apart. She was cool and collected. For now. Coughing around the lump in her throat, she asked, “Caliga, where was the mage when you last saw him?” Just before he turned you into that beast you are now? she added silently. She did not truly think that Cal himself was a beast. He was very gentlemanly and kind. But what he physically was…Misty wondered if she would ever get over the fact that he was a dragon-human hybrid. It was just so strange.

[Monkey Monk]

Caliga began to shift uneasily as his friends asked questions
about the mage. He felt as if he knew exactly where the magic
user was, but he wasn't sure how or why he knew. That same
feeling that he had two consciousness' in his body arose. He
looked at the others for a moment as they seemed to be gazing
at him. After a moment it grew too much for him and he turned
around, acting as if he was trying to think of words that could
express what he thought. Slowly he raised his hand to run it
through his hair. What would his friends think if he told them
what he felt inside? They would probably think him crazy. No...he
couldn't tell them just yet. He had to think of something to take
the place of the truth.

After a while, Caliga turned around to face Richard and Misty. He
bit he lip for a moment before speaking out. The fact that what
he told wasn't entirely the truth upset him slightly. But he only
lied about insignificant things after all. "I think I know where the
mage is. I get the feeling of them being somewhere to the
South. It's hard to explain it. It's sort of like a pulling sensation. I
think it's because of the magic he worked on me." Ok..maybe it
wasn't exactly a set of lies. However it wasn't the entire truth
either. Still, the things he left out weren't important at the
moment. What was truly important was that Lina's life be saved.
After all, she was his friend. He didn't know if it was a new moral
or an old, but he knew he would risk anything for friends.

[Mama Z]

The tea on the burner and three glasses pulled out with tea bags in them, the demon walked towards the opening of the kitchen, now leaning against the doorway. Arms were folded in a casual manner his blue eyes soft and understanding. He listened to their comments, both seeming hellbent to heal Lina. He watched Cal cautiously, the man almost seemed indecisive about something or another and a quick glance towards Misty informed him that she would be alright for the time being.

This though, was the point that he had to make. To go or not. If they didnt, their new found friends would be saddened that their hopes were crushed that they did nothing to save her. On the other hand if they did go, they would more then likely discover the sad truth and their hopes would be crushed again. Either way, the crossroads looked bleak. Hearing the soft whistle of the kettle, he turned to take it off the burner and pour the tea. He watched as the water filled the glasses up, turning from a crystal clear to a light brown. Picking up the tray which held a bit of milk and sugar, he moved back out into the living room and set it down in the middle on a small table.

Richard heard what the dragon-man had said, and was truthfully not wanting to waste his time on something that may or may not be there. 'If we go,' He started, grabbing one of the cups and stirring it with a spoon, making it even darker, 'Promise not to be sad if we find there is nothing we can do?' He was of course talking to the both of them though looking at his cup.

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[Felypsa]

The newfound calmness allowed Misty to look at the situation with an ice cold eye. Rationally, there was very little chance of their finding Caliga’s mage. Besides, as Richard subtly pointed out, there was absolutely no guarantee that the mage could even help Lina. But Misty also knew that it was their only chance. Their only hope of saving Lina. And anything was better than sitting here with bated breath. Right?

It helped a little that Caliga had a feeling. Ordinarily, Misty wouldn’t want to risk her life or the lives of her friends on a mere feeling, but if it was the only lead they had…what was there to lose? Only Lina. But she might as well be lost anyway. The realization threatened to make Misty cry again, but her new cold hard reason prevented it. Focus. This required the utmost concentration.

There was a short silence during which Richard brought them tea. Misty took her cup of tea automatically. She sipped delicately, but hardly tasted it, though it was very good tea. She let Richard’s words—and their harsh implication—sink in. She also noted that her friend would not look at them as he asked them this. It was clear that, for some reason or other, Richard was convinced that his sister could not be saved. Almost as if he had already given up all hope. Misty answered, her voice soft. “No, Richard. I cannot promise not to be sad for my friend’s death.” Just saying it made her tremble. “I could never make a promise like that. But I’d go anyway, just for this one chance. It’s certainly better than just sitting here…waiting.” The words that flowed from the girl’s mouth sounded so adult, as if she had suddenly matured about ten or fifteen years. Only a few moments ago she had been crying almost uncontrollably. Something was happening to her. Something was happening to them all.

[Monkey Monk]

Slowly Caliga took his own cup of tea. He drank from it slowly
before going back to his seat. For a moment he simply sat there,
drinking the mixture of water and leaves boiled together. Soon
the drink was done, which he noticed only when he brought an
empty cup to his lips. With a sigh he set it down on a nearby
table before looking at his friends. It seemed all good things had
to come to an end. He only hoped it would be a time before their
friendship would experience the same thing. Slowly he threaded
his fingers through his hair as he processed the words of the
others within his mind. He was almost sure if anyone could do
anything to help Lina, the mage would be the one to do it. After
all...

The dragon man took a deep breath before speaking out. He
wasn't one for too much words, his time at the Rising Dragon
having shown that with his usually quiet temperament. "The
mage saved me from death. I was impaled with his beast's tail
and would have most certainly died. If he can stop death for me,
than hopefully he can do it for Lina as well.." He didn't mention
how he had this nagging feeling to find the mage. It was almost
like a homing pigeon's instinct. Almost as if he was being called
to return to that mage. What he would do when they arrived, he
had know idea. He had no doubt that he would be killed once
his face was shown, but that didn't matter. Lina had a caring
brother, family. What the hell did he have? Friends who looked
upon him as a beast? "We should go soon."

[Mama Z]

'Aye, we should.' Richard said just before taking another sip of tea. 'But we all need rest. Its better to walk with bravery then fatigue after all.' He was sure they all needed some rest, it was a tiring day after all, he even felt a bit of the drug in him from earlier.

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[Felypsa]

Misty listened as Caliga shared his experience…his near-death experience. She looked at him, and what respect she’d already had for the half-man half-beast swelled up. Imagine…having nearly died, and being reborn as such a creature. She had nothing but sympathy for him, sympathy reinforced by respect. She could not bear to go through such an ordeal. Yet here he was…standing before them, still strong.

His tale also gave her hope. Indeed, Caliga would have suffered a very violent and very painful death had not the mage intervened. Any mage with the power to cheat death once might be able to do it again. Misty stared at her teacup without drinking any of it. She too was reminded of the drugs that had been given to Cal, Lina, and Richard early that day. It worried her that they might have enemies…enemies who were uninhibited by morality. For what kind of person would slip a drug into a drink? What if someone else had accidentally drunk the drugged champagne? Misty shook her head. She must not worry. Worrying only led to hyperactive anxiety, and none of that would help Lina.

When Richard suggested rest, Misty was torn. On the one hand, she wanted nothing better than to rest, relax her overtaxed limps, let the healing sleep wash over her. But she felt that Lina’s time was running out, and they had to save any time possible. But her newfound rationality told her she was better help to Lina fresh and rested…“Richard’s right,” she said quietly. “It’s been a long day.” That was the understatement of the year, certainly.

[Monkey Monk]

Caliga sat where he was for a moment. He looked at the floor
silently as the others talked. His eyes had a slightly glazed look
to them as he gazed downward. After a moment he began to
rise. He didn't want to seem rude to Richard who had so kindly
told them to make themselves at home, but Cal felt a need to be
outside. A thought had formed in his mind, one he wanted to
test. It was slightly childish, but it was something he wanted to
see. Slowly he grabbed his coat, pulling one arm into it's sleeve
and then the other. He grabbed his hat and pulled it on before
going out the front door. The whole time he had been silent.
Gently he closed the door behind him, not wanting to wake up
Lina. She needed her rest.

He didn't even bother to explain himself or where he was going.
Still, they should know that he would be back. What he wanted
to try out was something he knew none of the others would
appreciate looking. Not to mention the house was too cramped
for his idea. Slowly he would walk toward the edge of town
nearest to the house. Just some place where he would not be
seen. His pace was slow and lazy almost. He wasn't in any hurry
after all. Slowly he looked up to the sky as he walked. His eyes
gazed up at the heavens curiously as he strode. The sky had
always been a marvel to him. It always looked beautiful,
whether in clear weather or the harshest storm. Such an
amazing thing, one that had gazed down upon millions of
generations of creatures.

[Mama Z]

He was somewhat alarmed when Cal got up and left. THe man had left so quietly and suddenly that it sort of worried him. He set his tea cup down and headed towards teh window. Peering through the curtains, he frowned as he saw Cal's dim figure fade into darkness. A tight frown etched his young features and he sighed, dropping away from the curtains. Hopefully the dragon-ish would be back. In all honesty, Richard was somewhat anxious to see if this mage could bring Linas life energy back, maybe even tell them exacly how much longer they had to live. If not, he would be surprised alone if they could find the mage. From what he remembered, the mage was far far from here.

He turned to look at the young woman he was left with. 'Whenever you are ready, I'll show you to the guest room.' That was all he really had to say, what else was there to say?

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[Felypsa]

Misty was also startled when Caliga left the house so abruptly. She was curious and wanted to know where he was going, but decided to just let him go. Maybe he just needed to be alone. Maybe he had a different way of resting. She stared at the cup, suddenly feeling awkward being left alone with Richard, even though there was no reason to be. A pregnant silence descended, broken only when Richard offered to show her the guest room.

She looked up at him and smiled softly. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “I would like to rest now…you are so kind. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.” She expressed her gratitude most sincerely. This was all a terrible nightmare, but it had the potential to be so much worse. An image of herself alone in a dark alley of Escavas, beaten by some rough men, flashed before her eyes, and she shuddered. Good thing that never happened. She was still too fragile to be alone.

[Monkey Monk]

It was a little walk for Caliga until he reached the place he
desired. He stood in the center of a field a short ways from the
city. Here not many eyes would see him and those who did
would probably just think of it a trick of the eye. Slowly he
removed his coat, balling it up and cradling it in the crook of his
arm. His wings snapped out to full length, the thin, pale-blue,
fleshy membrane glistened naturally in the light. He looked at his
wings for a moment before shifting his shoulder muscles. The
powerful wings beat once. At least he knew out to work them.
Those appendages beat once more and then again and again.
He closed his eyes as he beat at the air with his wings. His
muscles in that area were still not used to such an action.

When he next opened his eyes, he was a good dozen feet off
the ground. The feeling of flying over took him and he stopped
his work to revel in the wondrous notion. However that was a
bad mistake and he began to fall down toward the ground.
Quickly he beat his wings, trying to halt his progress to the
earth. His feet touched the grass lightly before he shot off into
the sky. The dragon-man smiled as he reached a higher altitude.
It was such an amazing feeling, almost as if he was weightless.
Suddenly that same feeling that told him where the mage was
and that he had to practically serve Misty arose. It was stronger
than ever before, luring him to the South. Desperately he fought
off the consciousness, but he knew he was failing. Quickly he
began to fly toward Richard's house. There was not enough time
to land before he would loose control of himself.

[Mama Z]

'Probably not have been kicked out of your home for one thing.' He commented with a small laugh. And it was more then likely true, if he hadn't been drugged, none of it probably wouldn't have happened. 'Come on now, Im sure Lina has something for you to sleep in.' He motioned for her to follow him down the hall way.

If she chose to follow down the hall, she would see that it was actually more of an L shape. Pictures lined the wall, relatives one would be able to guess but none of them really looked alike. He pointed to the room at the end of the first short hallway. 'THis is a water-closet if you need it.' He turned and opened the first door on the right, 'And this shall be your room for this evening.' Easily, Richard moved in, knowing where the lamp rested. Flicking a match he reached in, lighting the gaslamp.

The room was of the modest sorts, since they didnt have much company these days. 'Its a bit dusty.' He commented running three figners over the table top and looking at the dust that collected there.

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[Felypsa]

Misty smiled weakly at Richard, but did not say anything in response. Instead, she rose when he did, picked up her heavy trunk, and silently followed him down the hallway. She observed the pictures, wondering what relation all the people had in common. They have a big family, she observed. At last, they came to the room where she would sleep that night. Misty disregarded the dust; it wasn’t a big problem. Though Richard might think it simply modest, it looked beautiful to Misty. It was no better nor worse than the room she was used to at her inn, but what it represented…a home, no matter for how short a time.

“It’s perfect,” she reassured Richard. “Thank you so very much.” She went in, carrying her chest, and let it rest on the floor. She did not have the energy to unpack it just yet—besides, what was the point, if they were only going to take off the next day? She smiled at Richard, and managed to convey all her friendship and gratitude toward him in that one radiant smile. For just a moment, truly smiling like that, Misty was one of the most beautiful girls in the world. And then she turned back, and the moment passed. She ran her hand along the bed, enjoying its smoothnes and softness. “It’s perfect,” she repeated.