The Winds of Change Move Swiftly

Raistlin was so pissed he could have broken a hole through the wall. Here it was the day of the Central Park Music Festival and where was he instead of tuning his guitars and getting ready to take the stage? On his knees in the backstage bathroom holding back his hair as he hacked up blood.

He couldn't understand it. He had taken the pills every damn night. He hadn't had a smoke in months and, aside from the unavoidable exertion of his job, and occasional sex, he had tried to keep physical exertion to a safe level. So what was this bullshit? And why now? He hacked again and spat the blood into the toilet; the water was pale crimson with it.

"Raist? Raist it's me its Caramon. Are you all right? Open the door"

"Leave me alone Caramon I'll be" Raistlin wrenched, a thin stream of blood and bile flowing up from his gut and his lungs.

"Raist! Alright that's it I'm coming in whether you like it or not"

"Do you…have any idea…how creepy that just sounded brother?" ignoring his twin Caramon burst into the bathroom. Seeing Raistlin on the floor Caramon gasped.

"Good god. Raist haven't you been taking your pills?"

"You know I have. I don't know what's wrong"

"Don't worry. I'll tell Tanis, we'll get a doctor, cancel the show if we"

"No!" the guitarists head snapped around to regard his brother coldly. "Don't you dare. Don't tell Tanis, don't tell anyone about this. I'll be fine"

"But Raist"

"Don't! You know how much performing means to me. If you ever had any feeling toward me at all as a brother you'll keep your mouth shut understand?" Caramon was conflicted. The pain Raistlin was going through was plain upon his face but he did not want it to seem as if he did not care for his brother's feelings. On the other hand if something went wrong on stage.

Seeing his brother struggling with what he should do Raistlins expression softened and he smiled at his twin.

"Caramon if this disease is going to be the end of me I would much rather shake hands with the reaper on stage then here on the bathroom floor or in some hospital bed" when his twins expression did not change Raistlin decided to take another approach. "Do you remember what I said to you back at the hospital Caramon?" the drummer nodded.

"Yes"

"Well I still feel the same way. Do you still understand?"

"Yes" Raistlin sighed.

"Good, then you wont tell Tanis or the others?"

"No, but Raist can you promise me something?"

"What?"

"Don't deliberately kill your self. If you start feeling sick on stage or if you start coughing, don't keep going. Get off the stage, alright?" Raistlin nodded.

"Alright I promise, now go. Tell the others I'll be around soon" Caramon nodded and walked away. He heard Raistlin as he started coughing again and sighed heavily.

Fifteen minuets to go before show time Raistlin finely managed to crawl out of the bathroom and into his dressing room where he began to tune his guitars. Thank god that they were all pretty much ready to go save for a few minor adjustments.

He looked himself over in the mirror and washed his face before applying his golden stage makeup and his contacts.

"Feeling better Raistlin?" the guitarist looked up. Reflected in the mirror was Sturm where he stood leaning in the doorframe.

"So you heard too?"

"Yes" Raistlin sneered.

"Well I guess that makes this a great day for you doesn't it? You get to do something you've always wanted to do. Tell Tanis that I'm ill, that I can't perform. Take the stage and my life away with your own hands. Oh yes what a red-letter day this is for you Brightblade" Sturm shook his head.

"The scope of your imagination staggers me Raistlin. I haven't told Tanis and I'm not going to"

"Why the hell not?"

"Because I also overheard the conversation you had with Caramon and I know that if I do tell Tanis, Caramon will kill me. On top of that I can understand how you feel"

"Oh can you?" Raistlin turned to face the bass player. "You can understand what its like knowing that the one thing you love doing most could kill you. You understand what its like to wake up in the middle of the night un able to breath and fearing that its because your suffocating on your own blood? That's a damn lie. You don't understand shit!" It took extraordinary force of will for Sturm to remain calm as he remained in the doorway and endured Raistlins mocking tone.

"Your right I cant possible understand that but I do understand what performing means to you. Being up on that stage is a sensation that cannot be compared to anything else. I can also understand your wish to die doing what you love instead of slowly fading away in a hospital bed. I'd hate to see you go that way my self. You have incredible talent Raistlin and, though I'm not too comfortable admitting it, we wouldn't have gotten this far with out you. Just thought I would let you know that" Sturm turned and left the room then. Raistlin stood staring that the place where the bass player had been hardly believing what he had just heard and he was sure he would never hear it again.

He looked to the clock, ten minuets. Raistlin picked up his red Fender Strat and slung it over his shoulder, leaving the other two to be brought up to the stage by one of Goldmoons crew.

The rest of his band mates were already standing behind the stage waiting to go on. Raistlin stood next to his brother who cast him a concerned glance. The guitar player forced a small smile. Caramon returned it and nodded. Raistlin looked to Sturm and for the first time the two shared a kind exchange and an understanding. If they had looked at one another longer however they both might have seen a hint of the fact that both of their stomachs were close to turning over. Raistlin suddenly had the urge to go over and give the bass player a black eye just to have things feel normal again. But there was no time. The band that had taken the stage before them had just finished clearing their equipment and the lights had gone down.

"Everyone ready?" asked Tanis.

"Yes"

"Ready"

"Right behind you Tanis"

"Lets go"

"Yeah"

"Alright then" Tanis nodded and led them out onto the stage where they were met with thunderous applause, now this was more like it. Red light flooded the stage, Carmon began a beat, Raistlin struck the cords, their set opened with Evil in Disguise, the song Raistlin had played for them that one day in the limo. They played some favorites before moving into Tas's single Wanderlust. Everyone but Tas left the stage and a blue spotlight settled upon the keyboard player. On the three large screens behind him an ocean appeared. Rolling and twisting under the light of a full moon. The bow of a boat sailed into view and Tas's small voice echoed across the park.

I feel the road calling me home Its voice rings in my ears Something I cannot ignore

Already my mind wonders what is in store.

(Chorus)

Forgive me my love

My friends

Please will you all forgive me?

I would stay if only I could

Forgive me

The ocean sings me to sleep

A lullaby no mother could repeat

The dust of the road fills my cloths

And cakes my hair

But I do not care

(Chorus)

When I become weary

When I feel lonely

I shall return to you all

Till then wait for me

And know that I am happy and well

(Chorus)

At the songs end the stage darkened and the others joined Tas again upon the stage. Two songs in and it was time for a special part of the show. Caramon, Tas, Laurana, and Tanis left the stage leaving it to Sturm and Raistlin. It had been Tanis's idea a way for the two clashing members of the band to burn off some steam at the same time as putting on a great show. The bass and guitar player faced one another and prepared for battle. On the screens behind them a black and white knight faced off upon a field of rolling green grass. Raistlin struck the first cords; the black knight on the screen raised his sword. Sturm followed suit, the white knight raised his sword. The two played simultaneously their cords escalating in pitch and speed. The knights on the screen charged, their blades clashed and the battle began in time to the alternating cords of the two men on the stage.

In the tradition of cutting heads Raistlin played then Sturm each trying to one up the other. At one point in the 'battle' the two went back to back, the two knights froze in mid swing, their blades both aimed at the others head. Sturm and Raistlin turned to face one another again and the heads of both knights went flying. There was a pause; the two caught their breaths, before walking toward one another, Raistlin striking power cords and Sturm driving a powerful beat. The two met center stage and white light coupled with the sound of thunder filled the screens and the amps.

The crowd cheered madly and Sturm and Raistlin bowed to one another. It was only then that the bass player noticed the line of blood running from the guitar players' mouth. Raistlin noticed too, he also noticed something else. What he had taken for adrenalin and heat from the stage lights was actually a fever. Suddenly unable to feel his legs Raistlin collapsed. The cheers of the crowd turned to exclamations of surprise and concern. Sturm slung his bass across his back and rushed to the guitar players' side.

"Raistlin! Raistlin!" he called shaking the white haired guitar player's shoulders. By that time Caramon was there and hoisting his brother up into his arms, calling for someone to dial 911. Tanis and the others mean while took the stage again to wrap up the show. Sturm took hold of his bass again and wondered if he should have done what Raistlin thought he was going to do. Maybe he should have told Tanis. If Raistlin died now he would be the one responsible. Though Sturm may not have liked Raistlin all that much if at all he did not wish him dead. As Sturm began to play again he prayed that he would be all right.

Raistlin woke in a hospital bed again, hooked up to the same machines, as before, only this time Caramon wasn't at his side. And that was what caused him the greatest worry. There was evidence that he had been there, the chair pulled close to the bedside, and a damp spot upon the sheets from his tears. But he was not there now. They had never been apart from each other. They had always been together. When they were kids if one was sick, usually Raistlin, the other would stay home. Caramon would not have left his twins side for anything, unless Tanis had asked him to step out for a while. And if that was the case Raistlin could imagine what they were talking about.

Sure enough a few moments later Caramon returned and with him was Tanis. Hate and fear vied for a place in the guitar players' heart as he sat up to greet them. Caramon sat and smiled at his twin.

"Hey Raist, how do you feel?"

"Well enough, you don't have to tell me what happened I remember. I collapsed on the stage"

"Damn right you did. I'm glad you remember because now I can get strait to the point. Caramon tells me you were very sick before going on stage. Sturm told me the same thing and that you made Caramon swear not to tell me so you could still go on that stage. What the Hell were you thinking?" shouted Tanis, showing far more temper then either Caramon or Raistlin had seen before. Caramon looked shocked, unable to speak in his brother's defense. Raistlin however had neither trouble finding his voice nor any difficulty in hiding he defiance and anger it contained.

"I was thinking about the show, about our fans. I was thinking about doing my job"

"No, I think you were more concerned with your own ego that's what I think. Because I do not recall almost killing your self on stage as being part of your job"

"Be fair Tanis. He didn't intend for that to happen," said Caramon in a quiet calm voice he thought would settle Tanis.

"I did not mean that to say that I think he planed deliberately for that to happen but he knew that there was a high possibility of it happening"

"Would you two kindly stop bickering as if I were not here? I've told you before what this band and the music mean to me Tanis. Yes I knew that there was a possibility that I would die on that stage tonight but I was willing to take that risk because it was mine to take"

"And Flint told you that if you start coughing blood up on stage to get the hell off it. You have no idea how hard I had to fight to prevent him from coming here and kicking your ass right out of this business. And you're wrong Raistlin it was not just your risk. If you had died on that stage there would have been a police investigation, media coverage and before you know it the tabloids would have been riding our asses. It would have been all of our lives and careers on the line. Do you understand that?" Raistlin nodded.

"Yes" Tanis shook his head.

"No I don't think you do. That's why as of right now you are going to be restricted to playing ballads and we are going to look for another guitarist" Raistlin felt his heart skip a beat.

"What?"

"You heard me" Tanis was so calm, it infuriated Raistlin, who growled.

"You can't do this to me you bastard!"

"I can and I will. Its for your own good Raistlin I'm sorry. I've already discussed it with the others and they agree"

"Even you Caramon? My brother?" Caramon looked guiltily down at his feet and nodded.

"Yeah" the big man answered simply. Raistlin could feel his temper rising further.

"This band is nothing with out me and you know it. As long as you have me Dragon Queen can't compete. You all wouldn't have gotten this far with out me. Sturm even said so him self. Knowing this how can you get rid of me?"

"I'm not getting rid of you Raistlin. Your staying with the band because your right we need your talent its just that you'll be playing slower songs to avoid a repeat of last night. This wont be forever just until you've recovered and I'm certain that you can handle the stage again" Raistlin's eyes flicked between Tanis and Caramon, he could hardly believe what he was hearing and prayed that they were joking but no they were both dead serious. Raistlin scowled at the both of them so viciously and full of hate that Caramon shudder.

"Get out," said the guitarist coldly his voice grating.

"Raist"

"Get out!" Raistlin shouted, had he had anything available to throw he would have done so. Tanis placed a hand on Caramons shoulder and led him out. Raistlin watched them leave before settling back upon the bed and starring at the ceiling. Kit and been right. It had happened just as she said it would.

"God fucking damn it" he lay awake until his anger cooled to a point where he could close his eyes and rest. He was not asleep for more then half an hour when the hand of a nurse upon his shoulder shook him awake.

"What is it?" he asked drowsily.

"Sorry for waking you but there is a man here, says he's a friend of yours. He seemed very concerned and asked to see you"

"I don't want to see any one send him away"

"Now that's just cold I'm hurt" the voice was filled with such poorly faked disappointment and pain that Raistlin just had to turn his eyes to the door to see who had spoken. The man he saw standing there, wearing a black silk suit, he had never seen before in his life. He was close to Raistlin's own height with a round face and dark hair that reached his shoulders. There was an intelligence in the mans eyes that made them hard and cold. This was a man who knew how to get exactly what he wanted when he wanted it.

"Who are you?"

"What do you mean who am I? You've known me for years" the nurse, who was apparently not as stupid as Raistlin had thought she was, stood up strait and turned to face the man.

"I'm sorry sir but I am afraid I am going to have to ask you to leave"

"Why? I told you the truth Raistlin and I are old friends"

"I will not call you a liar sir but Mr. Majere has made it plain that he does not wish to see you" the man stood silent for a moment, wondering what to do. At last he sighed.

"Very well" he turned and departed down the hall. The nurse turned to Raistlin and smiled before doing the same. Not but twenty minuets later the man returned, somehow having managed to sneak past all the doctors, nurses, and even the security guards. He closed the door to Raistlins room firmly before turning to face him. "Nurses, though most of them are rather attractive they can also be a great nescience"

"Who are you?" asked Raistlin again. The man smiled in a way that might have been called charming had it been upon the face of any other man.

"My name is Nuitari. My mother is Takhisis the owner and CEO of Neraka Industries. She is also the owner of Chromatic Records and a key supporter of Dragon Queen. She sent me here on your sisters behalf to acquire your signature on this contract" from one of the suits inner pockets Nuitari withdrew a folded piece of paper, which he handed to Raistlin.

"Contract?"

"Yes, stating that as of today you are Dragon Queens new lead guitar player"

"How can you be so certain that I wont just toss this back in your face and tell you to go to Hell?"

"Because if you were going to do it you would have done it by now. I know that you don't want to just sit on the sidelines and watch another steel your spotlight. Sign with us and you will be able to live out your last moments of life on stage just the way you want it. You'll become a legend" Raistlins eyes shifted between Nuitari and the still folded piece of paper in his hand. He unfolded it and read. It was pretty standard, no loop holes, no fine print. He had two choices. Stay loyal to Dragonlance and be reduced to playing ballads while someone else took his stage. Or sign with Dragon Queen and keep the spotlight and glory all to him self, just as it had always been. It took him only a few seconds to decide. Raistlin held out his hand, Nuitari placed a pen in it, he placed pen to paper and signed his name at the bottom. Nuitari retook the pen and the contract; the later he looked over before smiling again.

"Welcome to Chromatic Records Raistlin Majere" Nuitari held out his hand, Raistlin took it. "I will leave now. Get lots of rest. I will be by to sign you out in the morning and then we have some work to do" Nuitari left then and Raistlin drifted back to sleep, confident that he had made the right decision for himself and his career. It was just business. Even Caramon would be smart enough to understand that. Even so he could not help but find a certain kind of satisfaction in the idea of watching them crumble to dust with out him.

"They still don't have a lead guitar player, am I right?"

"Yes that's right"

"Well then they cannot hope to measure up to us then. After all we have Raistlin"

Not anymore Tanis, not anymore. You made your choice. Now you will suffer for it. A wicked smile twisted Raistlins lips as he drifted deeper into a dream.