I was reading fanfics when the plot bunny decided to nip my brain with this idea. I know I should be updating my other story, but writer's block is being exceptionally cruel to me this chapter. (btw, if any of you have suggestions for how the next chapter of The Wizards Duel should begin, please PM me. One I get a nice, solid beginning I'll have the next one up in no time.) Anywho, enjoy.

Prologue

Kilgarrah coughed roughly, and several tongues of flame burst from his mouth. He cleared his throat and shook his massive head to clear his vision, which had blurred suddenly. He shivered slightly, suddenly cold, and he curled deeper into the humongous woolen blanket draped over his scales.

"Garrah?" a voice behind him said worriedly. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, of course, my friend," the dragon reassured hastily. "Just fine. Probably a mild cold. It's nothing to get worried about."

"It's my job to worry for you," the other responded fondly.

"I know that, and I am grateful for all the worrying you've done over all the years we've been together," Kilgarrah said. "But you don't have to be this-"

He broke off with a wince and began to fiercely scratch his side. When he had finished, he looked at the itchy spot and nearly gasped. several of his scales, which were impossible to rip off, had molted from his side. He glanced over his shoulder at this figure sitting by the fire behind him, then turned back to the 'rash'. He examined the fallen scales. They were shriveled and soft, like old, dead scales that he shed when new, young ones pushed through to replace them. But it took years for his scales to age, and there were no new ones to replace them this time. No, it couldn't be...it was impossible.

"Garrah? What's wrong?" The dragon's companion came away from the fire to Kilgarrah.

"No, no, stay where you are, I'm fine!" Kilgarrah exclaimed. His companion glared at him then noticed the scales. Gasping, the creature picked them up.

"These are a lot of dead scales, Kilgarrah."

The dragon winced. "Don't worry, I'm sure it's nothing."

"Oh, yes, nothing. that's why there's a bare patch on your side." His companion's arms crossed. "Garrah, what's going on?"

"It's really nothing!" Kilgarrah lied desperately. "I'm-I'm...I-"

And he suddenly collapsed in a dead faint.

Tell me what you think, if you all could be so kind. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Was it alright? Was the dragon OOC? Please tell me so that the next one will be more accurate. Thanks!

OW