Chapter Seven
Dancing Dragons
"So we know that the waterfall doesn't have a problem with predators or poison." Logan redirected everyone's attention to the map. "We also know that there are no known criminal issues in the area, because it isn't marked with two crossed swords."
"So Virgil, what could go wrong in a place like that?" Thomas asked.
"A lot of things." Virgil replied darkly. "You could fall into the water and be swept away, you could slip on the rocks and knock yourself unconscious, you could be struck by lightning, a tree could fall on you, a boulder could fall on you, you could fall through one of those 'wells' the rhyme talked about and never be seen again, there could be leeches or piranhas, even if they aren't marked because if food runs out, piranhas just move, and leeches aren't usually considered predators, and they aren't poisonous unless you try to use bug spray or a match to get them off and they throw up in your wound, you could get gangrene or necrotizing fasciitis because there is not a lot of access to medical help on this island, I'm guessing, you could contract rabies from otherwise harmless animals, there could be plants that we're allergic to there that aren't necessarily harmful to most people, we could be attacked by mosquitos, they're everywhere and carry a whole bunch of diseases, we could be attacked by army ants or other swarming bugs that don't necessarily always stay in the same area, we could die of hypothermia, we could die of thirst, because that water is not safe to drink, if we get the water in our mouth, nose, eyes, or ears it's almost certain to give us some sort of disease or do something bad to us, because it turns things TO STONE! WHY ARE WE EVEN STILL THINKING ABOUT GOING THERE?"
"Woah, okay. Calm down Virge." Patton put a hand on his shoulder. "It's going to be just fine."
"Okay, maybe asking that question wasn't a good idea." Thomas admitted.
"You didn't foresee that?" Logan asked. "I just assumed you were disregarding Virgil's comfortability in exchange for needed information."
"Why would I do that?" Thomas asked incredulously.
"I would have done it." Logan replied.
"Which is why Virgil makes a better leader than you." Roman added. "You have nothing to fear, Virgil. With Thomas and I here to fend off attacks, Patton to help heal injuries, and Logan to advise us on… wise courses of action, there is no way any of those things can happen. Besides, we have you to guide us through these obstacles, and your primary function is keeping Thomas safe as it is and you do your job well, my friend."
"I don't want to be the leader anymore." Virgil's posture dropped and something like a scowl appeared on his face.
"What, why?" Roman asked.
"Patton, translation?" Logan inquired.
"What do you mean?" Patton asked.
"You seem to be the only one who can 'speak Virgil's language', so I'm asking you what Virgil actually means." Logan clarified.
"I mean exactly what I said." Virgil huffed.
"I think he's trying to tell us that we're putting too much pressure on him." Patton replied.
"Oh, don't worry about that, Virgil." Thomas said brightly. "Remember, we chose to have you step up and take the lead because you're naturally good at staying safe."
"That is so true." Logan agreed. "Even Roman recognizes that you're perfectly cut out for the part, and in real life the most vigilant people are the best suited to be leaders. You are definitely a vigilant person, and you seldom act purely upon impulses."
"Right." Virgil mumbled.
"It's okay, kiddo. You're doing great. Under anyone else, we'd probably be at the waterfall already." Patton said bracingly.
"So, you're saying we'd be making better time?" Virgil asked.
"No." Patton squeaked. "That's not what I meant."
"It's fine, I get what you were trying to say." Virgil gave his signature half smile. "But time is important, who knows what's happening to Thomas while we're here? The dark sides may have taken over. So, having pointed out potential ways of death, disease, and injury, what do think we're heading towards, Logan?"
"Possibly the dangers are just that of the average waterfall." Logan offered. "Or of those coupled with high concentrations of bacteria or chemicals that causes the petrification of objects."
"Can you think of anything else?" Virgil asked.
"Not at the moment." Logan responded. Virgil nodded.
"That being said, we should proceed with caution-" Virgil was cut off by Roman, who shouted;
"And charge into unknown danger to save a group of strangers that mean absolutely nothing to us and only exist in a game set up by my evil counterpart!"
"No." Logan and Virgil said at the same time.
"We're doing what Virgil said, Roman. We're going to be sensible and careful." Thomas said.
"Absolutely." Patton agreed. "We're going to save a group of strangers that only exist in a game set up by your evil counterpart in a sane, orderly manor."
"Right, right. Virgil, what's our next move?" Roman inquired. "Are we going to take a shortcut through the forest and brave animals and treacherous landscapes?" He drew his katana. "Are we, perhaps, going to courageously scale a cliff to get a better look at our path?"
"Or, we could go out on a limb and sacrifice some time and follow the clearly marked trail indicated on this map that starts at about a quarter of a mile from this spot, and make it to our next task safely." Virgil suggested sarcastically.
"Oh, fine. You're no fun." Roman pouted.
"Before we go, we should get an inventory check of everyone's stuff." Virgil said. "Take out any weapons or items, figure out the uses for them. We'll have Logan catalogue them so we know exactly what we have and how much of it." Thomas looked himself over.
"I literally only have this weird staff thing and my armor."
"I'll still jot it down." Logan said. "You never know what could change. However, I assume Virgil and Patton are going to be the only ones that really need an inventory check, but I haven't really looked in my bags yet." After several minutes of Logan cataloging everyone's objects, he had a list of medicines and different types of bandages for Patton as well as cantines of water and small packages of dried fruits and dog food. For Virgil, he had taken note of dozens of powders of various uses, multiple elixirs, poisons, their antidotes, and a blow dart set, as well as his flute which was shaped oddly like the single, long, clawed finger from a dragon or a giant bird. Roman had complained fluently that the only tool he was given was a katana until Logan wearily pointed out that having only one weapon meant he had to be more skilled and brave to operate at the same level as the others. Logan's bags contained many different items including, but not limited to, arrow pieces, replacement bow strings, disinfectants like rubbing alcohol, non-toxic disinfectants he claimed were useful for making dirty water drinkable, flint and steel, lighters, several different survival guides, water bottles, and another bag labeled food rations. He opened the food rations bag to find small packages of crackers, peanut butter, and jars of Logan's berry Crofters Jam, which resulted in him hyperventilating and requiring both Virgil and Patton to calm him down.
"Okay, Virgil." Logan gasped after calming himself down. "Let's see what that flute does."
"Do you even know how to play the flute?" Roman asked.
"Yes." Virgil nodded confidently. "I also play violin, cello, harp, koto, piano, and bass, electric, and acoustic guitar."
"Wow, I never knew that." Patton said.
"Yeah, well, there's a lot you don't know about me, Popstar." He lifted the flute up towards his lips and began playing with a long, low note. A small, purple light sprung froth from the end of the instrument and began to trace shapes in the air. Virgil's eyes lit up in understanding. He began to play a smooth, dark melody. The light traced a picture in the air of a small, snake-like dragon. He ended the short tune with a high, crisp note that quivered as it was held. The picture of the dragon began to shimmer and solidify. It stretched its wings and let out a small, but somehow still mighty, roar.
"Woah," Thomas gasped. "It's like that dream I had a couple nights ago where I had a magic kazoo that could make cute animals if I played the right song, but like cooler."
"I must say, Virgil, I'm very impressed. Learning to play an instrument is very difficult, and then you had the courage to play in front of us." Logan commented.
"Yes, Logan, it was very admirable and all that, but you're missing the point here." Roman said. "Virgil has a flipping DRAGON!"
"Awe, He's so cute." Patton cooed. "What song was that, Virgil?"
"Eh, just a little something I wrote a couple months ago." He shrugged.
"Wow, you wrote that?" Roman asked, his eyes shining in awe.
"What's it called, Virgil?" Thomas asked.
"Dragon Tamer." He responded.
"While this is admirable and impressive, and I stress that it is, we probably should get moving. The sun is going to set in about two hours, and most of the predators on this island are nocturnal."
"Right, hold on." Virgil nodded. He brought the flute up to his lips and began playing a different tune. This one was far less creepy and dramatic. A purple string of light leapt from his flute and began zooming away, leaving a clear line behind it. "Path Maker." Virgil offered in explanation. "Instead of wandering around for five minutes in the general area of the trail trying to find it, we've got a precise lead directly to it."
"Are you sure it's going to work?" Logan asked skeptically.
"Mostly." Virgil admitted. "We'll double check using the map on the way there and when we arrive."
"Sounds sane." Logan agreed.
"Cool, so, uh… let's go." Virgil said awkwardly as he walked off after the light. His little dragon took a perch on his shoulder.
"Oh, this is so cool!" Roman declared, excitedly. "I can't believe we're really going on a magical adventure in real life!"
"Technically we're not." Logan pointed out. "This is all happening in Thomas's mind."
"It sure feels real." Thomas commented joyously, looking up at the sky.
"Ooh, a fairy!" Patton gasped, pointing out a small, winged creature. She did a pirouette, then flew away.
"Are we headed in the right direction at least?" Virgil looked over his shoulder at Logan.
"Yes." He didn't even glance down at it. Virgil nodded and they continued after the purple beam, which disappeared as Virgil passed.
"I kind of wish the light didn't disappear afterwards in case we got lost… but I guess it's better than being able to be followed so easily." Virgil mumbled to himself, looking off in the distance behind him.
"If we get lost, can't you just play another little tune?" Roman asked.
"If we get lost, it'll be because my spell doesn't work." Virgil pointed out.
"I'm sure it'll work perfectly, kiddo." Patton reassured him.
"Right." Virgil mumbled walked for quite a while, Logan checking the map periodically, until the sun began to set. "Looks like we're going to have to set up camp." Virgil said. "Anything in that book about shelters?" He asked Logan.
"I am very aware of how to build a jungle shelter." He said indignantly. "I won't necessarily be able to do all the heavy lifting though."
"Roman, Thomas, and Logan, you three stay here to build the shelter. While I'm gone, Logan's in charge. Listen to him, I'm looking at you Roman" Roman huffed. "You and Thomas are staying behind to help with lifting and breaking whatever he needs you to lift and break. Patton and I are going to go collect small fallen branches and bits of dry underbrush for a fire. When we come back we're going to set up a fire pit and help you guys with whatever is left to be done if anything."
"Woo!" Patton called. "Bonding time!" Virgil rolled his eyes, but gave a small smile.
