Chapter 2: Vividity

The next day,

Sunlight shinned brightly through a window on a loftily held branch tower of the Sadidan Palace. Even with the eventfulness of just last night, the day began peacefully. To those still involved, the events of last night still held attention, or attending.

Fluttering in past the elegant dividers made of leaves and wood, much like the rest of the room and kingdom, was the royal Eniripsa, Anua. Landing at the beside of her very, unique, patient she looked him over. Of course, nothing had changed over the mere course of a night. In fact, it looked as if he hadn't moved so much as a finger nor hair out of place. Though, with how debilitated he appeared...that was none too surprising.

She hoped with treatments of healing word, that he'd wake relatively soon. Otherwise, that'd be concerning. Taking out her flower wand, she began to chant the words of her goddess. Out from the petals sprang smaller, light pink ones. The flecks sprinkled down onto the still unnamed individual as she continued wishing for his swift recovery.

He felt the presence of his own weight first, the feeling of being, consciousness was beginning to drag him out of a dreamless sleep- one of many, this he was certain of. That had been the cycle, slumber, or rather coma, then awake. He'd long given up on his sentence being reconsidered. And so, he faded in and out of one form of nothing to another. Over and over again. Never ceasing. Never changing.

But something was off- Sounds? A voice?

What?

Drained by the ceaseless void, the act of merely opening his eyes took considerable effort and focus on such a normally reflexive action. He had to mentally pry them open. Yet, as if the action were painful, they snapped back shut. A sensation like a burning stab to his retinas jarred him, earning a strained groan, "W-what?"

Qilby struggled to open his eyes again, needing to know what'd caused such an involuntary response. He'd stared into the void for a seeming eternity, nothing could've possibly changed. Nothing ever did- at all. Peeling them back open he was greeted with a blinding blur, confusion took hold, and he furrowed his brow, "Where...where am I?"

Unexpectedly, he got a response.

What was said was incomprehensible, it felt as if his ears were being flooded. The words were left garbled as confusion held Qilby tightly. The fact, in of itself, a concept he grappled with-how was this possible? Why? The sound of another voice was startling, frightening even. The sudden motion that followed, the natural reaction to shield one's ears, sent sensations like pinpricks up and down his form and he winced in response. His own body grasping itself was like an attack. Qilby gasped, mind racing even quicker, so desperate for an explanation that words spilled out from him, "What is happening? What is this?"

Despite the headache that came with it, his mind sifted through any and all possibilities for this horrid experience. Only one seemed to have any validity: sensory overload. His body was reacting as if it had never felt such things- oddly like being born- but with pain that came from atrophy?

Atrophy... that wasn't possible here- none of that was possible here. Yes, he was drained of all strength and energy. Yet kept alive in a constant state of limbo, almost undead. However, there was nothing to trigger his senses to provoke such a reaction. This shouldn't and couldn't be happening!

But at least it's something, his mind told him.

The blur of nothingness certainly seemed to take exception to being disturbed. Once more came the voice but this time he managed to brace himself and this time, he noticed something: the voice was chanting a spell?

Whatever spell this was its effect did its work and Qilby's breathing started to steady as the enormity of the everything gradually began to dull. The immense stinging that jabbed him from all sides ebbed, bit by bit. Enough that he was able to lax and allow the magic to work its effects on him. Clearly this was a healing spell. His condition as it was, Qilby welcomed it and went still again. All the while only coming to a twin train of thoughts: Where am I? Why am I here?

After several minutes, or what he assumed to be so, Qilby cautiously cracked his eyes open again. His pupils constricted so tightly that it forced him to blink. This time though, it didn't feel nearly as painful and so he tried again. What he was met with was jarring.

Color.

Honest to goddess color.

It was so brilliant that it was almost literally sickening. And so beautiful.

Eventually, Qilby noticed the presence beside him. Slowly he dragged his strained eyes to the being and stared for a long moment. With all the- everything, around him Qilby was left in disbelief. Was this real? Could it be?

Voice hoarse, he croaked, "Where...?"

"Sadida." Anua answered softly. Inwardly she felt a flourish of relief. She'd only gone out on a hunch that, for whatever reason, he was sensory deprived. She'd never used a revitalizing word for such a thing and she thanked her goddess it worked. This patient was certainly one to remember, if not only for the fact he was possibly an Eliatrope, but for his strange condition.

"Sa... di...da?" Qilby repeated in rough chunks, his voice felt strange in his own throat. He hadn't noticed that prior. Nor did the name check out with his memory. The being looked somewhat similar to the humans he'd seen lingering out in the wilds. Though this one sported shimmering insectoid wings. For the moment, he put that aside and asked, "H…how?"

Judging by his voice, although just by looking at him Anua wouldn't be surprised if he were dehydrated. She made a mental note of that for later as she answered him, "Yugo and Adamai brought you in."

At the answer, Qilby felt his mind reel- a flash of memory coming to mind. So that hadn't been a dream? It had been Yugo and his dragon twin? No, no that couldn't be right. Why would they-? Nothing made sense again. He stared and voiced his thoughts, "I- I don't...understand."

A frown formed on Anua's gentle face. This man was entirely disoriented and unfortunately, she didn't have much information to offer. All that had been said was that he, essentially, showed up out of nowhere. Seemed to recognize Yugo and Adamai and then promptly passed out. It didn't help that even Yugo and his brother seemed confused about what exactly happened. As such, all she could say was, "They only really said that they found you. I can call for them."

The offer caused Qilby's still struggling mind to come to a momentary pause. Everything felt like it was in a haze, his mind and body were arguing with one another. All the while his memory was being oddly fickle. He'd be happy about it, but his condition left him unable to find the emotions to do so. The question gave him something to focus on amidst the clutter in his mind, he took another long blink to soothe his aching eyes, did he want that?

A stab of anxiety in his stomach said otherwise. Yet, it was the only thing that could possibly set things right...

Qilby said nothing and slowly nodded, breathing still partway ragged.

Anua returned the nod then flew off to send the message, by way of her aids, considering his condition she wasn't about to stray far.

Elsewhere, Yugo ate happily with his family. His mouth full of gobbal meat while Az did his best to work through an entire loaf of bread on his own. Despite how unbelievably eventful the previous night was he'd managed to fall asleep. Then got up bright and early with the hope of this new Eliatrope waking up. Of course, Yugo kept in mind that even if he did, he may not be able to talk but at least they'd know he'd be okay. He really hoped he'd be fine and able to talk. There was so much to ask. So much he wondered, what was another of his kind like? Where were the others? What had happened to their people? Was he an Eliatrope? He was almost certain; Yugo could feel it. He needed to hear it though. Those questions and more left him brimming with trepidation and excitement.

At least there was one thing he was certain of, Ad was happier. The stress between them was gone. A big relief for him.

Currently Adamai was in the process of shoveling down a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in one shot. With a hearty gulp he licks his mouth and smiled happily. It always felt so good to land a meal from Alibert. And the selection he'd gotten in recent months was amazing. Adamai had readily come to like his brother's father for his cooking alone, him being a good guy only helped further. Seeing Yugo work on some juicy gobbal meat, he eagerly takes a good serving and goes at it happily.

In truth, he was eating out of excitement. So much had happened in only a brief time and it was huge. Another Eliatrope! Or at least he hoped so, but what else could he be?

Even Yugo admitted that there was something special about him- a connection. His wings fluttered at the idea. They were so close, he just had to wait until he woke up. Just as he's washing down the meal with a gulp of milk, he spotted a Sadida appear in the doorway. She looked like she was in a rush, panting from a run.

Yugo likewise spotted the somewhat winded Sadida. At first, he was confused, but his eyes widened when managed to recognize her. She was one of the nurses that worked under the royal Eniripsa.

"Is something the matter?" Alibert asked, confused by the sudden appearance.

Quickly the Sadida woman shook her head, as she regained in her breath. She then looked to Ad and Yugo, voice urgent, "He's woken up and wants to see you both."

For a moment Adamai had worried something had gone wrong, but upon the news his eyes lit up excitedly. With a loud excitement he exclaimed, "He's awake!" The dragonette jumped down from his spot at the table and bolted right out of the room. Soon as he turned the corner of the doorway, his voice called back, "Come on, Yugo!"

Yugo wasted no time in teleporting himself right after his sibling. Shortly after his voice was heard from the hall, "Az!"

The Tofu perked up and swallowed down one last slice of bread before flying after him, somewhat sluggishly due to his overstuffed belly.

Alibert laughed to himself at the overflowing excitement of the two kids. At a calmer pace, he followed after them. As he passed the assistant, who looked a bit surprised by the two's speed, in the doorway he laughed, "We better get going before we lose sight of them."

Now flying, practically racing his brother, Adamai sped his way to the hospital wing in nearly no time at all. He skidded to a halt in midair at the entrance to the treatment room. Heart racing, he opened the door, headed inside, and looked up at the delicate divider that separated the patient from the rest of the room. In an almost hushed awe, he spoke, "Oh man, I've never been so excited before."

Behind him, his twin popped out of a portal and landed at the doorway. Panting lightly, Yugo nodded in agreement. He hadn't been this excited since he'd first met Adamai and found out he was his twin brother. They were about to get answers of some form. It almost felt too good to be true, but here they were. Just beyond this divider could be the answers they'd been yearning for. Yugo's excitement was brimming in his voice, "Yeah, I almost don't know what I want to say first."

"I know how that feels-just," Adamai energetically responded, the frame of his body shuddered with his matching excitement, "wow!"

"Here already?" The two's attention was grabbed by Anua's musing question as she fluttered past the divider. The clear excitement on their faces, befitting of children, lent a smile to her own face. Her bare tanned feet gently touched down to the floor as she landed before them. She looked down to them, voice gentle but hinted with warning, "Before you go in, he's conscious but I can't say for how long. He barely seemed able to stay awake while you were heading over here."

Her words put a hold on the excitement of the moment. There was a briefest moment of silence. Somehow the condition of the newcomer had been forgotten in the course of the race over. Washed away by their youthful enthusiasm and play. What had happened to this man to cause such a condition? He'd looked incredibly exhausted, but to be barely able to stay awake. That couldn't be good. Yugo's tone was dampened with concern, "Is he going to be, okay?"

Much to his relief, Anua nodded reassuringly, "Yes, I think he just needs plenty of rest and time to recover." Mindfully she held up a finger and added, "Just try not to over excite him."

Adamai's large eyes flicked to the divider, wondering if he should question further, but soon shelved any concern. Everything would be fine. They'd just been told that. So long as they didn't push things, he'd be fine. Once they were done talking, the newcomer would go back to resting and be better in no time. No trouble at all. In earnest, he replied, "We'll be careful, promise."

Behind them, the trio heard the sound of a commotion. A sudden number of footsteps heading their way. By the sounds of it was a pretty big group, not just attendants milling about. It was also rather casual, steady steps, no rush of urgency. Even still, it was enough to divert the three's attention back to the entrance. Shortly rest of the room came to be occupied by the Brotherhood, Oakheart and Prince Armand. The unexpected arrival left those already present surprised for a moment. None of them had been expected, at least not all at once or so soon. It was quite a show of promptness.

Adamai blinked, staring, and could only say, "Wow. That was quick."

Ever dutiful and responsible, Evangeline was the one to explain. Though she was a part of the group, even she seemed a touch surprised and even a bit amused by the suddenness. She gestured back toward the doorway with a hand, "We were just down the hall when the nurse delivered the message. Came as soon as we could."

"Everyone's pretty curious right now." Amalia said with a sunny bright smile, arms playfully tucked back behind her and underneath grassy hair.

"No kidding." Adamai remarked still stunned by the turn out. The intrigue was clear as the day was bright. He knew he and his brother were eager to meet this man, properly this time, but he hadn't really expected it from the others. Curiosity, naturally but not this much. He welcomed it though, this was a big moment and he was open to share. All the better to experience it.

"Good morning, King Sheram Sheran." Anua greeted with a respectful bow. With the specific collection of people and that they were in the royal treatment room, there was no question why they'd all shown up. She wasn't treating anybody else of note either. Much as it was wonderful to see such intrigue and support for the two children, she had an obligation to her patient's wellbeing. His condition couldn't be left unmentioned. When she readied to inform them, Oakheart held a hand up and she held her words as motioned to.

"Likewise," The Sadidan King started in casual greeting, a warm smile on his bushy lips. He then went on to explain, "I heard everything. We'll keep back for the patient."

Approving of the King's tactful decision, Anua nodded. Unsure how long the focal point of this gathering would remain awake, she motioned for the two requested guests to follow her. Swiftly and quietly, she flew back beyond the nature made divider. Back on the other side, the twins could hear her softly, almost in a whisper, announce their arrival, "Yugo and Adamai have arrived."

"Well?" Adamai asked to his Eliatrope twin, "Are you ready brother?"

Even though he was nervous, Yugo's eagerness for answers won out and he didn't miss a beat. He agreed with a nod, "Yeah, let's go meet him."

As he stared up at the loudly saturated colors that hung above him, Qilby was barely even aware of what was going on beyond the outstandingly green divider. So many colors he hadn't seen in an eternity. He almost couldn't believe that they graced his vision if their mere being didn't burn his eyes so. In spite of his pleading eyes, Qilby couldn't help but stare. Color of various hues and shades were once again all around him instead of bleak white. The only reprieve his retinas were given was between eventual blinks. In the minutes waiting that simple reflex had gotten less strenuous but not easy either. A combination the collage of various earthy colors, blistering spots of yellow lighting, and thoughts kept him from subsuming to the tire that gripped his body. His mind had cleared more of its haze and had come to grips with the situation at hand- if just enough.

Yugo and Adamai were coming.

What could he say? What did they want? Why had they brought him here? ...Had Yugo's temper cooled enough to decide something-else?

His mind went in circles over these questions, trying to discern answers through overstimulated pain and lingering haze that labored it. He could come to none and yet the circling continued in his stupor. So much so that Qilby didn't even notice the unknown being's return. He was far too focused internally. It was the comment that served to jar him out of his thoughts, though he looked at her as if perplexed. His mind catching a snag.

Shortly after, his sore eyes keyed in on movement of far too familiar forms then widened at what he saw-children. They were really and truly children. It hadn't been a trick of his delirium. In his current state, words spouted from him unfiltered, "Yugo-?" His tone portrayed his awe-stricken surprise, "And, Adamai? Is-is it really you?" He almost spoke on, but managed to catch himself, what did they know?

Adamai immediately perked up as he spoke, looking to Yugo excitedly- a wide dragon-toothed grin on his face. His expression wordlessly relaying his thoughts- he knew their names!

The excitement was returned by Yugo as he exchanged a nearly identical expression. He looked back to the newcomer the sensation of familiarity stronger now from the recognition. Helped further as they stood at his bedside. Yugo opened his mouth, but nervousness caught hold of him for a moment, what if this person wasn't an Eliatrope? He was so certain of it- he could feel it- but the mere idea of it being untrue remained. With the chance for answer right in front of him, he swallowed the bitter anxiousness.

"Yes, it's really us." Yugo's words caught for just a moment, "And, and you? Who are you? Are you an Eliatrope-Do you know where our people are?"

Adamai can't help but add, "And the dragons!"

"You... don't remember anything...?" Qilby questioned cautiously as he shifted his eyes between the two, looking for any sense of this being, in some strange way, a trick. The only response he received was the two of them staring at him blankly. There was no room for doubt: Once more they didn't remember. Qilby inwardly sighed in an odd form of relief perfectly conjoined with exasperation. They'd been reborn, but this brought on the question, how long had it been...?

He turned his attention back the looks on their faces, so wide-eyed and unknowing. A far cry from what he'd last seen of each of them. He could only hum and nod. Best just go one step at a time. Once more, he reintroduced himself, "My name is Qilby." To Yugo he nodded curtly, "And yes- I am an Eliatrope, just like you Yugo."

Adamai beamed, this was already a big step forward! And they'd just started talking! Overjoyed he began, "Yugo-!"

"It worked!" Yugo finished. His doubt extinguished; only pure exuberance was left.

Qilby watched their little exchange before he let his head fall back onto his pillow. They were children again. He sighed, "Goddess...it's been so long." Almost to himself, his mind continuing to flux between one thought and another, "How much time has passed?"

Adamai quirked at the question and looked at Yugo- that sounded odd. He truly was disoriented. Just where had he come from? Being the only one present with some inkling of their people's history, the young dragon was left to inform, "Well, according to legends, the Eliatrope people disappeared thousands of years ago. Along with the dragons."

Lying motionless as the words sank in, Qilby's expression was vacant focus. Disappeared? How was that- In a split second, a wave of recollection crashed over him. His people. Their history: Life, fire, blood. His sister, the wound that took her. So much blood. Qilby flinched, face going pale and he gasped with the force of the emotion that came with it.

The reaction, being so sudden, likewise caused Adamai to flinch, "W-what's wrong?"

"Qilby, are you okay?" Concern took the forefront of Yugo's tone.

Heart racing in his chest, Qilby could feel his body tremble. Ready for fight or flight, but neither option was viable for him. He swallowed and forced a response from himself, "There is so much to tell. So much..."

"What do you mean?" Adamai question both tensely and eagerly. Readily he dismissed the suddenness as simply sudden recollection. Finally! They were going to get answers! He could see out of the corner of his large eyes, Yugo holding a breath, consciously or not, as they waited for Qilby to begin.

Qilby found himself staring up at the offensively bright ceiling, his mind struggling with itself. Once more he was swamped with a barrage of questions. One after another. What had changed? How was he possibly going to go about this? Did they have even the faintest idea of anything? Similarly, Qilby's voice fought with him, "I-I." A moment of clarity provided a solution. He took a deep breath, it feeling more strenuous than it should. He just needed a bit more time, "Let me see. Let me see what has become of the world."

Thank you so very much for taking the time to read :D this is a collaborative story with Miss-DNL.

We appreciate your time, patience and comments. more soon on the way :)

The first few chapters will kinda be episodic recap, so please bare with us as changes will start to occur.

*Anua is actually the same Enirispa that can be seen treating Qilby in the canon, though we opted to give her a name. She is not an OC.