The ground was wet and soggy from the rain. Sylvia and Mizael sat on the rock that they were usually perched on. But Sylvia was not playing music off of her home made flute, and Mizael was not being his usual self. (Then again, that was rare anyway. What's the difference?) Black Lust's head was on Mizael's lap, as were his front paws, and his eyes were closed delicately.

"I just do not understand," Mizael whispered. "How did Black Lust get sick?"

Sylvia could only shrug. "I dunno. We've taken fantastic care of him. He should be perfectly healthy!"

"That's what I'm saying! It makes no sense!"

"Hmm...maybe it's just a cold?"

This caused Mizael to look at Sylvia with an intense stare. "Really? That is what you think. Since when are dragons known to get colds?"

"Hey, calm down! It's only a suggestion. I don't hear you coming up with a proper diagnosis mister doctor man."

Mizael simply grunted at that comment. He returned his attention to Black Lust who, to his surprise, was staring back up at him, blinking every so often. It was as if he was trying to say something without words.

"What?" Mizael questioned, causing Sylvia to turn around and stare at him. "What is it, Black Lust?"

You and Sylvia can go and spend some time together. I can manage myself.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Sure about what?" Sylvia asked.

Yes, I am sure. Go. Spend time with your sister. You deserve it.

Mizael simply stayed silent. Sylvia raised an eyebrow. She never did get her answer.

"Hey! Hello! Earth to Mizael!" Sylvia waved her hand in front of Mizael's face. "Anyone home? Answer my question!"

"Cut it out," Mizael said firmly. He then looked Sylvia right in the eye. "Black Lust says that he can handle himself, and that we can go spend a little time together. But I'm not so sure that's a good idea..."

"I don't think so," Sylvia said. "He's sick. We can't just leave him!"

"My thoughts exactly."

I am telling you. Go have a little fun! Black Lust had a look of stern origin on is face. He snorted. If I need you, I will roar. Until then, go!

It looked like Black Lust was not taking no for an answer. He took his tail and used it to sweep Mizael and Sylvia off the rock. He then simply lay down in the wet grass. Go!he tought out into Mizael's head once again.

Finally, Mizael sighed. "Fine. But promise to notify us if something goes wrong?"

Of course, master.

"Alright then." Mizael turned to Sylvia, then gave a grin. "Race you to the clearing!" he yelled, trying to bring back the tradition they had when they were little.

Sylvia smirked. "You're on!" she said, running away in an instant. Mizael followed shortly after, and together, the twins were gone, speeding away and kicking up mud as they went.

Black Lust just smiled. At least they finally had time together.

Unfortunately, that would come back to bite the loyal shadow dragon later.

XxXxXxXx

Some of the leaves in the area began to flutter to the ground not long after Mizael and Sylvia had left the cave the two of them shared with their dragons. Sylvia looked as tired as she had lately, but it didn't keep her from romping around with Mizael now and again. In fact, the first thing she'd done when they entered the forest was shove her twin brother playfully.

"This is nice," Mizael commented suddenly, admiring the scenery that was around them.

"Sure is," Sylvia replied. She yawned promptly after that. "I just wish I wasn't so tired. Then I'd enjoy it even more."

Mizael only nodded. He knew that Sylvia wouldn't give him a straight answer if he asked her why she was so tired. He supposed it was extremely precious to her, considering the fact she told him everything else.

It was that, or she feared he'd be ticked off with her.

Still, he couldn't help but to be curious of why Sylvia was tired, or why she refused to tell him. And though he had a hunch as to why his sister was this way, he wasn't too sure, so he wasn't going to go jumping to conclusions. Maybe she was up training late. Or maybe she was sick. Or...maybe she really was suffering from insomnia. Lots of things were possible, but Mizael was certain it was something bigger than usual.

"I wish Black Lust would let us stay," Mizael said, shattering the silence. "His being ill is troublesome to me."

"And you think it isn't to me?" Sylvia asked.

"Never said that. I just...I don't like the fact he will not allow us to help him right now. You know, when we can actually help him."

"I understand that, brother. But that's no reason that we can't have fun. Besides, that is exactly what Black Lust said to do. Have fun."

"But-"

"And if he needs us, he said he'd give a loud roar, right?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"But nothing! It'll be okay, Mizael. Everything will work out. So it's time for you to chill out."

Mizael sighed. "I suppose," he said, admitting defeat.

The twins continued on, eventually reaching that clearing that they loved so much. Sylvia smiled and raced to the very center, jumping into a pile of leaves the wind had kicked up and scattering them everywhere. Mizael grinned. It was nice to take a break for once.

Suddenly, a loud roar echoed off the barriers of the sky. Sylvia poked her head up from the leaves, some of them remaining in her hair. Mizael whipped around, a shocked expression on his face.

"Black Lust!" Mizael cried, beginning to run away.

"Wait up!" Sylvia called, getting up and rushing after her brother.

Another roar came, but it wasn't from the same direction. Nor was it as powerful as the other one had been. Both Sylvia and Mizael froze, realizing there was a bear behind them. They turned around, scared out of their wits.

"M-Mizael, you see it too, right?" Sylvia asked.

Mizael didn't answer. As the bear came closer, he took his opportunity to run away, leaving Sylvia behind. The bear attempted to grab the fleeing male, but failed. Instead, it stood on its hind legs, growling at Sylvia.

"Mizael! Help me!" Sylvia was nearly screaming.

"I have to save Black Lust! I have to!" Mizael said. It was almost as though he forgot Sylvia even existed.

"Mizael! HELP ME!"

It was too late. Mizael was long gone, leaving Sylvia alone with the bear. She screamed in fear as it tried to slash her. Instead of running, she ended up backing into the tree behind her.

That was the bear's opportunity.

"MIZAEL!" Sylvia screamed again, as loud as her body would allow her to. Maybe it was louder, in her panic it was hard to tell.

No good. The bear attacked, slashing Sylvia directly over her right eye. This caused her to scream in pain and fall down to the ground, blood gushing from the wound. Her vision began to blur just as she heard the twangs of arrows. Then, her hearing started to fade, but not before she heard part of a conversation.

"No way! It's the blond!"

"Seriously?! We need to get her safe fast!"

"You don't say!"

Sylvia's eyes were closed when she felt a pair of arms circle around her waist. Soon, she could tell that she was being carried bridal-style by the same arms. The chill of metal indicated that a knight had grabbed her, and she could take a wild guess on who he worked for. (Before anyone asks, no, it's not Durbe.)

"Let's go," the first voice said.

"It's a long trip. You really think we can get her back safely?" asked the voice of the knight who had Sylvia in his grasp.

"Oh yeah, we can. Besides, our heads are on the line now. If we don't get her back, we're screwed."

"Good point. Let's go."

Sylvia fainted after that, the world being consumed by blackness as she felt herself go limp.