The Rising Dragon

[Monkey Monk]

With the sudden sound of boots on the roof, Caliga's return to
the house was announced. However his body and mind was
fighting among themselves. He lost his balance on the tiling and
began to slip. With a thump, he fell onto his back. There he tried
to get up while at the same time tried to stay down. He began
to slide down the incline of the roof. His weight picked up speed
the more he went and soon he was going rather fast. However
the surface of the roof ended and he began to fall down toward
the ground. He could be seen falling from the windows, ironically
one being the room in which Misty and Richard were. With a dull
thump he finally hit the ground. There he laid motionless, his
wings splayed out.

However after a moment the dragon-man began to rise up. He
groaned and brought his hand to his forehead. The fall had done
more good than bad. It had calmed the war waged within his
mind, giving him the ability to control himself once more. Quickly
he wrapped his wings around his body and pulled on his coat.
No longer did he trust flying. It had felt so great, so wonderful to
be that free. However with it came that other consciousness. He
had a hard enough time as it was keeping control of himself.
Something was terribly wrong with him, that was at least
obvious. Another obvious fact was that the mage had done this
to him. Why was the question. What was the point of doing this
to him? Was it for torture? Perhaps it was for something else...

[Mama Z]

At the first thud, Richard had jumped, looking straight up at the cieling. Brows knitted together in confusion, surely it wasnt Christmas yet. There was another thud and he began to move towards the door and walk outside to see what or who was on the roof. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a body fall past. Here he took into a small run, down the hall and out the door. He only paused when he looked down to see Cal.

'Are you alright?' He asked moving forward the help him up and hoping he didnt break anything.

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[Felypsa]

Misty was just getting used to the idea of this new room, and having Richard in it, when a sound on the roof startled her. Clamping her hand to her mouth to avoid shrieking, she stared at the ceiling tremulously, as if expecting it would fall. And then it happened again. Misty hurried over to Richard, who was already leaving the room and the house. What was going on?

Confused, she followed him, and to her shock found that Caliga was on the ground, wings outstretched around him. Putting two and two together, Misty gasped. “You flew!” she exclaimed. Again, mixed feelings rushed through at the revelation. She was privately amazed and impressed that Caliga could use those cursed appendages to fly, but it also enhanced his very unnatural aspects. But she had to get over that. She had to. She allowed herself to feel excited at the prospect of flying, which, despite its unnatural insinuations, was always something she secretly admired.

“I hope you’re okay,” she murmured, approaching him and standing by Richard. She suppressed questions as to what it was like.

[Monkey Monk]

Caliga checked himself for any serious injuries. There were a few
abrasions and it felt as if one or two of his ribs were bruised.
Slowly he stretched out his torso and winced at the pain that
shot through his side. Definitely a bruised rib, but amazingly not
broken. Slowly he closed his eyes and relaxed the muscles. At
least he was in control of his own body once more. He would
rather be hurt and in control than unscathed but a prisoner in
his own mind. After a moment he opened his eyes to see his
friends there, gazing at him with concern. It touched him deeply.
Someone actually cared about his well being, and they knew
what he used to be. He could not help but feel that he did not
deserve such kind friends. There would be nothing that would
stop him from helping to save Lina.

Then they inquired as to his well being. Not wanting them to fret
over something that was only a minor injury, he managed to put
up a passable face of serenity. A small smile graced his lips as
he looked at the two in a dismissive way. "I'm alright. The only
thing hurt is my pride. Father Earth broke my fall." Did he just
make a joke? He did and a rather pitiful one at that. His minds
was too tired. Slowly he straightened the edges and folds of his
coat. The last thing the others needed to do was worry about
him. He would live, but he was not sure that the same could be
said about Lina just yet. They had to help her. Slowly he looked
up to Misty and Richard. "We should get to bed. We need to get
up bright and early if we are going to find the mage in time to
help Lina." With that he eased between the two, suppressing a
wince as his injured side brushed Misty. However the touch sent
electricity through his flesh. Slowly he shook his head as he
walked inside. He just needed some rest. Everything would be
better in the morning....he hoped.

[Mama Z]

Richard was a little uneasy about what had happened. He could fly, if thats what it was he was doing, but the poor guy couldn't land. He glanced briefly at Misty then stepped to the side, wanting her to move into the house first, like he had always been taught.

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As soon as Cal entered the house and if he were to look around, he would spot a small looking figure huddle in a chair. Lina was snuggled inbetween a rather fluffy looking blanket. She looked rather small and fragile with how the blanket was around her. A sleepy smile lightened her pale features as she spotted him, 'Have a nice tumble?' She asked, her voice seeming semi-distant.

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[Felypsa]

Misty watched anxiously as Caliga stood up and brushed himself off, remarking that only his pride had been hurt by the fall. She smiled, but it was a nervous smile. For all they knew, Caliga had broken both his arms and was simply unwilling to make her and Richard worry. He would, too. But as he brushed her side, she relaxed. He was okay. And for some strange reason, that comforted her. She scratched her head and realized that she had been really concerned for him, but now she was reassured that he was unharmed. Smiling a little, Misty walked into the house, murmuring a “thank you” to Richard as she recognized his chivalry.

Once in the house, though, she immediately saw Lina resting in a chair. “You’re awake!” she exclaimed, stating the obvious. But she was pleased; she had fearfully imagined Lina in a coma of sorts, never waking, as they trekked across the lands looking for an elusive mage. But thankfully, Lina was in no such state. It made Misty feel a little better, seeing Lina conscious and, amazingly, smiling. Misty knew that Lina was still dying, but it gave her hope. Maybe Lina could be saved.

She fought the urge to hug the older girl, who had become so much like the sister Misty never had in such a short amount of time. Instead she stood by the chair, just grinning like a fool at Lina. She wanted to say so much to her…how she was determined to find a way to save her, how much she appreciated Lina’s help in such troubled times, how much she didn’t want Lina to die…but how could one express such emotions with mere words? So Misty stood there and smiled. Probably looking more than a little idiotic. But what did that matter?

[Monkey Monk]

As Caliga entered the house, he was surprised to see Lina in the
chair. A small smile formed on his lips as she asked her question.
He inclined his head slowly in a nod, the muscles of his neck
visibly flexing beneath the flesh. "Indeed I did, but the whole
flying experience was much better." ...besides for the whole
part about being possessed by something within. The last
part he added in his mind, not daring to voice such things to the
others. Them knowing about the flow of confusion and emotions
within himself would only cause problems. Problems was the last
thing their group needed at this point, they had enough on their
plate as is. The most important, of course, was finding a way to
rescue Lina from the clutches of death.

Then Misty entered the room. The other consciousness
demanded he show some sort of overdrawn respect, but he
managed to suppress himself from bowing. Quickly he brought
his gaze back to Lina before speaking out. "Tomorrow we're
going to find a way to save you. Don't say there isn't one, I'm
sick of hearing that. We're going to find the mage who did this
to me and have them heal you. If they refuse, I will make them.
Simple as that, no arguing. Now I am going to go into that nice
chair over there and rest. If you will excuse me ladies." He hated
to be so cold and rude to them, but he was too frustrated for
formalities. He did as he said and went over to the chair. After
sitting down, he pulled his hat over his face and went still.

[Mama Z]

Lina at first was alittle creeped out about how everyone was acting. She was just sick was all they knew. But what Cal had said, turned everything around. Her smile faded and she glanced briefly at Misty then back at Cal as he sat down. They were going to try and save her? Eyes snapped to her brother, some what betrayed by him. They werent supposed to know, not even when she passed they weren't supposed to be any where around.

'Why?' She fianlly asked looking up at Misty.

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[Felypsa]

Misty glanced at Caliga as he gruffly sat down to take a nap. For a brief instant, she wondered if she had done something to offend him. Her smile faded. But she turned back to Lina, a little disconcerted by the single word directed to her. Why? Wasn’t it obvious? Suddenly, a horrible thought struck Misty. What if Lina didn’t know? Richard had told them, but perhaps Lina was unaware of her own imminent death. Misty shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Richard, before finally answering Lina’s question as gently as possible.

“Well, Lina…you’re…that is, Richard told us, and we believe him, that you’re…” She coughed, uncomfortable with being the messenger, the one to break the bad news. “You’re dying,” she finished faintly. “But don’t worry! As Cal said, we’re going to make you better. We’ll find the mage, and he’ll heal you completely, so don’t worry about a thing, we’ll help you.” Misty smiled, a little foolishly, when she stopped babbling.

How would Lina take it? Misty hoped she had been convincing enough. It would be terrible to have someone tell you that you’re about to die. But maybe that would be alleviated by a promise of hope.

[Monkey Monk]

The only movement made by the dragonman was the steady rise
and fall of his chest which was his breathing. Nostrils would flare
beneath the hat, taking in air which traveled forth to his lungs.
Those balloon light organs inflated, expanding his chest as the
precious oxygen was mixed into his blood via his heart. Then the
nostrils would push out air in an exhale, causing the lungs to
deflate before the whole process would begin once more.
Despite the convincing rouse of being asleep, Caliga was very
much awake. His eyes were closed beneath the hat as he
listened to the others speaking. It seemed that something was
hidden beneath the surface of everything. Why else would Lina
sound so surprised to hear that they knew of her illness?

[Mama Z]

Lina glanced up at Misty as she spoke then looked at her brother, a rather ugly form of hate showing through her green eyes. She stood up suddenly, clutching the blanket tightly around her. 'Waarom geeft u hen valse hoop?' (Why are you giving them false hope?) Her eyes were directly on her brother, no longer did she regonize the other two, but why would her brother do such a thing? He knows as well as anyone else that her "disease" was unavoidable.

The look on Richard face was much like an old man hearing that his son had been put in jail once again. A deft sigh left his mouth, 'Zij wouldnt nemen nr voor een antwoord, Lina.' (They wouldnt take no for an answer, Lina.) WHile richard spoke this, she shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. As quickly as she could manage she moved towards the hallway then paused, 'En wat zijn zij die wanneer zij de waarheid gaan doen te weten komen?' (And what are you going to do when they discover the truth?) The question came and she quickly left the door to her room slamming with a loud bang.

Eyes of blue watched her leave but before he could stop her, she was gone. He had tried his best, but people being people never took no for an answer. Finally his eyes lowered and he looked at Misty then at Cals more then likely awake form. 'Im sorry for that.' He commented then turned, exiting back through the front door. He needed a walk and a small drink later.

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[Felypsa]

oOc| lmao!! nice language, Zizzie xD Very German, except not at all. teehee ^^



To Misty’s great surprise and greater chagrin, Lina did not react with hope or gratitude. She simply spoke caustically to her brother in an indecipherable language, then left with a temper. Misty stared after her, uncomprehending. And even more confusing, Richard merely apologized half-heartedly before leaving as well. Misty had once been filled with hope that all would be well, but Lina herself seemed opposed to the idea…was death really so inevitable that neither of the siblings could imagine salvation?

She let out a long sigh, feeling as though things were moving well beyond her control. She wondered if going to meet the mage was a good idea after all. But what other choice did they have? She glanced at the resting Cal. Though she had once been fearful of him, and was still wary, they were both in the same situation: they had no homes, and they could not trespass on Richard and Lina’s hospitality forever. They would have to move on. Maybe, Misty thought guiltily, we’re not going to seek this mage to save Lina…maybe we’re going to save ourselves. The thought was disturbing in its probability.

Cal seemed to be sleeping, but Misty wasn’t so sure. So she spoke aloud. “Is this really a good idea?” she asked the air, for all intents and purposes thinking out loud. “Is this really going to help? I don’t know much about mages except that they aren’t necessarily trustworthy.” But that made her wince inwardly. The memory of the fog, the wall, and Misty’s supernatural control over them was all too present in her mind. What else could that have been but magic? And if she had magic…she shivered at the very thought. Am I trustworthy, then? she asked herself, not seriously knowing the answer. For the first time, she felt as if she could not trust even herself.

[Monkey Monk]

Caliga was equally puzzled by the language and discussion that
took place between Lina and Richard. The words seemed familiar
somehow, but was in all probability just something he had heard
in passing glance. When Misty spoke out her thoughts to the air
similar thoughts to her own were running through his mind. He
didn't want to admit it out loud, but Lina's life was not the only
reason he desired to go to that mage, even though it was the
most important. He wanted revenge. He wanted to kill that
mage for what they had done to him, after they had reversed it
of course. Another part of him longed to be with that mage.
Almost like a child wanting to return to home. Three purposes
that drove to one place that would have a possibility of three
ends. Oh how things had muddled and become confusing.
Rather than speak out to Misty's questions, Caliga decided it
was high time he finally did what he had said he would. His mind
began to relax and consciousness began to slip away. Soon it
was not long before he did not need to keep up the rouse of
slumber for true sleep had taken him.

[Mama Z]

(Its dutch XD)

Both the siblings stayed away from the main living room. Richard entered his own room through his window and eventually Zerlina had fallen asleep due to the medications. Prehaps dawns early light will shed some light into this dim time, or prehaps even taint it more.

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[Felypsa]

oOc| Oh!...lmao, no wonder it was so familiar. hahaha...I should learn Dutch, it's hilarious...



Nobody and nothing answered her outspoken inquiries. Misty let out a long sigh before standing up and going over to the room Richard had shown her. They needed sleep before tomorrow…whatever the next day would bring. She was no exception. It had been a very long day.

As she slept, she was plagued by images of grey mist coiling about her frozen body, of pale yellow eyes gazing out at her from the darkness, of elongated, wickedly sharp teeth closing on her soft neck. Misty tossed and turned but could not wake. These nightmares were nothing new, but they were more horrible every time she lived through them.

Worse, now she had visions of Caliga impaled by something too jagged to name, of Lina’s face, pale in death, of Richard bleeding, bleeding a seemingly endless flood…of her father tortured to the very brink of death, of her mother (from what she remembered of her) burned alive, her charred grey skin falling in pieces all around as maggots and insects worked their way eagerly towards her…and Misty screamed a long, silent scream that never escaped her lips.

Finally she woke from her fitful sleep, just as dawn’s first tentative rays poured through the one window in her room. Shaking badly, Misty dressed and went to the kitchen. She was the first one up, she noticed. She hesitated, looking at the cupboards, not wanting to intrude on Richard and Lina’s hospitality, but wanting to be helpful as well. The instinct to help won out, and she carefully selected some food to make for breakfast. At the same time, she washed the tea dishes they had used the night before, and soon had sunk into an old routine. She did not permit her thoughts to linger on her dreams, which were blessedly fading from memory already.