Chapter 3: Antiquity

Once the twins left, the others followed suit shortly thereafter, leaving Anua to continue over seeing her patient's recovery. Time had slipped by since Qilby's briefly-lived consciousness, though the day had not passed completely. Anua spent her time attempting to look into the Eliatrope advisor's condition, delving into all books she had, but found nothing that wholly fit- much to her chagrin. He seemed drained of all vitality, yet, aside from his weathered appearance he physically seemed fine. Lean but not emaciated. It was strange, that's all she could surmise.

She thanked her goddess that her spells seemed to be working. Still, Anua dutifully wrote down the case thus far. She'd go to the royal library to delve further at a later time. Currently Qilby wasn't fit enough, but she'd question what could've brought on this weakness. She finished noting down all of importance, Anua put the patient transcript aside with other logbooks. It was time for her to get back to the task at hand himself, Qilby. Similar to his arrival, he'd not shifted even slightly from how she'd returned him to the bed. He didn't look to be dreaming. She hoped it was a restful sleep, for his sake.

At least he would be still for her to inspect his physical point of notice. His missing arm. Off the face off it, there was no blood visible, but she had to look over every possibility. As she approached, Anua got a whiff of something- burnt. That was concerning. Pulling back the long, oddly tattered sleeve, revealed a grievous wound that gave Anua shocked pause. Just below his shoulder, it looked as if his arm had been…torn off. The break off point was the source of the scent, flesh looked to have been cauterized.

Regathering herself, Anua noted scarring looked to be settling along the fringe of the unmarred skin. Her earlier spells must've begun the healing process as the rest seemed relatively recent. Making it all the stranger that the smell was, somehow, muted. This just got stranger still.

Oddly subdued odors aside, Anua pulled out her flower brush and focused on further healing that wound. She'd only be able to heal to scars, but that'd be better than as it was now. It was going to take a bit of doing though, once she was done with this, she'd use more rejuvenating word to further his energy recovery.

Qilby had indeed been in a dreamless state but, as his mind continued onward- visions began to leak in. Unfavorable ones. Memories of things, he'd much rather forget- yet was unable. All that had been buried away, all that had been taken. Alongside so much more. With it, came emotions in a similar vein. Thrilled joy and excitement as everything had been within reach, all soured into pain, grief, anxiety, and fear. They came in rapid succession, as if in a quickly spinning reel. He got not a moment to process one vision or emotion before another barreled in. Just as loneliness and fear took the fore an image of a hateful, great fanged maw bared down upon him. The pain- so much pain! Flesh and bone tore and broke. Once whole was taken apart as if it were less than tissue paper. Blood sprayed at the edge of his vision. That, couldn't have- shock, shock overwhelmed him and then sudden loss. He was pulled away as surroundings gave way to-

No, no, no not again-

-Whiteness-

Not again!

With a sharp gasp his eyes flew open. Sweating and panting, he sought for his enemy or- or... A ceiling. Foliage. His human caretaker. His sudden start appeared to have spooked her. Qilby swallowed thicky as his head fell back onto the pillow, forcing his body to relax. He coughed; his throat was dry. His prior recital in his current state hadn't been without repercussion. So focused on the twins, Qilby had failed to notice he was utterly parched. Now that his body had been allowed to settle, it was no longer possible to ignore.

"Water-" Qilby rasped hoarsely.

"Oh." His caretaker didn't miss a beat and turned to fetch something off a nearby shelf. This turned out to be a pitcher of similar make as the rest of the room, made of gourd of some form. He was soon presented with a simple hand bowl filled with clear water. Kindly, she offered, "Here you are. I can help you if you wish."

Qilby shifted himself to sit up right, it still took a touch of effort, but it was notably easier than before, albeit still lethargic. He answered by taking the smooth hand bowel from the human, being careful that his one-handed grip was sure, "It shall do me little good not exercise. Best see to strengthening myself for even such a task." He bent his head down to take a sip of the water, it was refreshingly cool and crisp. No sooner than he pulled his lips away was he hit by a strong urge for more. The simple taste had emphasized just how parched he really was, and he rapaciously downed the rest in a mere moment. Qilby took a gasping breath and, realizing how emphatically he'd drained the bowl his ears reddened underneath his hat.

What a base response! Like a dehydrated animal!

"More?" The question brought Qilby from his embarrassment. His caretaker was holding up the pitcher gourd and motioned to it at his notice. Unfortunately for his dignity, it was evident she'd noticed his greedy inhale of the water, though she seemed more pleased than amused, likely taking it as a sign of progress. Accurate enough.

Clearing his throat, along with his embarrassment, Qilby nodded the bowl held out to her, "Yes, please."

The tanned-skinned human smiled and refilled the bowl. And then a few more times as Qilby downed one after another, all the while wondering how he could possibly be so thirsty. He couldn't of have neglected his physical needs so badly. Then again, the Eliacube could've subdued such innate desires. That left the dreaded hellscape. Somehow, it had to have drained him of all necessities for proper function. All the while simultaneously keeping him in a limbo state and from embracing death…Qilby derailed that train of thought, he'd mull over the effect of the blank dimension at a later time. The anxiousness it brought would be of no help in his current state. In any event, he sighed contentedly and offered the bowl back.

"I should've just given you the pitcher." The human amusedly remarked as took it.

Qilby gawked at the comment. His eyes shifted to the pitcher; it wasn't large but sizeable. Had he actually drunk that much? Surely, she was exaggerating. He then recalled how many times the hand bowl had been refilled and it'd been quite a bit regardless. Qilby gave a partially amused smile, "So it would seem. How long was I out?"

To his question, she looked up at the partly drawn curtains, a warm orange glow gradated to red and purples, "Not as long this time, afternoon of the same day."

Qilby blinked and followed her gaze to the telltale glow. The cooler shade was much easier on his eyes. He hummed, "Interesting. It has been some time since I last slept so long." He looked about the area, noting a lack of audience this time around, "Where are Yugo and Adamai?

"Not much for sleep?" Remarked the human woman before answering his question, head tilted back a touch as she recollected, "They left to let you to rest. There was a lot to process, and the babies were beginning to stir."

"I can't say it's ever been a specialty." Qilby responded with a light chuckle. He listened evenly as she answered, knowing the behavior of young dragons, "Then they'll be quite busy for a spell. Young dragons are a rambunctious handful for the first few years."

Qilby's mind drifted, pondering which other twin set the infants were. He'd seen the bundle in one of the human's hands but had scarcely glanced at it. If it was Grougaloragran or Phaeris…oh yes, they'd be run ragged in no time at all. Especially with Grougaloragran. Now that was a true, tiny, flying terror. Though, if that were the case, that'd be a problem for him too…

"I can believe that." Softly giggled his caretaker, though Qilby barely registered it, "How is your shoulder feeling?"

The question caused him, and his thought's to still, reflexively he parroted, "My shoulder-?"

Qilby traced her gaze to his left shoulder. It was then that he came to the full realization of what she meant- having not specifically reached with it, plus his scattered mind- somehow, he'd not even registered it. Slowly and with shaky hesitation, Qilby reached for the stump. His hand gripped the fabric around it, and in turn, it pulled at what remained of his left arm. Phaeris. A stab hit the pit of his stomach with a branding sear of anger.

The memory played in full for him, the mighty blue dragon descending down upon him in that vulnerable moment. He'd had little time to dodge- little time to remotely gather himself after the fresh loss of one so dear to him. And even less in wake of what followed. Qilby felt his grip tighten around the severance point, the pain being replayed. The almost literally mind-numbing pain, the loss of a majority of his limb. It had thrown him into shock.

That damn fool! How dare he do this to him!

He-

Qilby paused suddenly, the visage of his sister blinked through his mind. Simultaneously a sharp pain pierced through his heart. Her dying words once again echoing in his mind, ringing like a mournful bell again and again. Anxiety swiftly began to creep in.

Oh Goddess...His grip tightened, complexion paling as inward worry followed, there was so much he had to think about, so many decisions. Each just as important, if not more important than the last. If he didn't do this correctly, everything- everything would fall apart. He had to succeed. But, what, just what was he going to do-? His mind desperately tried to reign in the influx of thoughts. There were too many. Most conflicting with one another. It was as if he was being attacked- by himself.

A sensation of something else caused him to stiffen. It wasn't coming from him. The foreign influence was at odds with his current train of cluttered thoughts. It was oddly soothing. Yet he somehow was trying to reject it, the flood of urgency, the need to do something, fought against it.

"Easy, easy, breath. Just breath." The voice of his caregiver provided something outward for Qilby to focus on. The surface of her body was shimmering in a rose-colored energy, making it apparent where the external calming influence was sourced from, being transferred by way of her hand on his stump shoulder. Curious, it felt natural as wakfu, was it a unique form to this species? The intrigue distracted him enough to take a slow and steady breath. The act allowed the foreign wakfu to work its way into his system, curbing his anxiousness by margin. Enough to help begin to bury it again.

Qilby continued to take steady breaths until he felt just steady enough to nod, "I- I'm fine now." To prove this he released his stump, "Thank you..." He offered a worn smile of appreciation, "I hardly would even think it was new."

Taking her hand off of him, the aura dissipated from her, and she exhaled in relief, "Glad to hear." She looked him over before carefully asking, "Is there anything else you need?"

Breathing deep steady breaths, Qilby continued forcing back his anxiety- with partial results. But enough to have slowed the worst of the brunt. He thought a moment At the questioned, judging by her tone really, she was asking if he'd be fine alone, he closed his eyes and shook his head, "No, I believe, for the moment, your aid has reached its deliverance. I believe for now…" His brows furrowed faintly, in response to an internal jab that came along with his words, "I must simply gather my thoughts, there is…much to go over. So much to say…"

She looked at him carefully, gauging his expression. Thankfully, she found him steady enough, "My name is Anua. Just call if you need anything."

Qilby muttered acknowledgement, making mental note of the fact, before repeating the name. He nodded curtly, "Thank you. I shall call should I require another pitcher."

"I'll leave you to your thoughts then." At that, Anua flitted off with her small shimmering wings.

Once she was out of sight, Qilby's expression turned flat, a look that deepened into the furrows of critical thinking. He closed his eyes silently a moment as if to quiet his mind then looked up, allowing the thoughts to come. And so, they flooded in, Oh Goddess...

"Shinonome..." Even at the whisper of her name, Qilby felt a stab of loss that had no equal pierce his soul- a loss that was so fresh- so fresh that his eyes widened and looked to his palm, fully expecting to see the crimson sheen of blood. And for a brief moment he did but, in a blink, it was gone. Qilby sat trembling for several minutes as he processed it. She was gone from him now.

She was gone.

Qilby felt genuine tears of loss find their way into his eyes again and he allowed himself to grieve. Even knowing one day they'd reunite- it would be far too long for him. An eternity even. Qilby felt himself still, eyes wide in horror as the weight of the situation came in: It had been centuries- thousands of years even. Qilby gripped his vacant sleeve at the fact- he'd been Imprisoned for so long... but so had she. All alone.

It wasn't worth it.

He felt his teeth grit and his wings tense, enough so to disturb his hat slightly. Those words. Those last words cling to him now with a force only his sister was capable of...Those simple words bore down on him with such intimidation that he was inclined to resist them- and yet...Qilby sighed to himself, conceding that, until his body gave out: There would be no sleep this night.

The next morning,

Bright and early, Anua flew into the private patient quarters; which were mostly meant for royalty or others of importance, with the intent of checking in on her patient. She'd checked in briefly prior to turning in but he'd still been deeply working through his thoughts. So, she swapped out his pitcher as per asked and went back on her way. When she came in though, she found her patient wasn't in bed. Judging by the fact the pitcher was used she assumed Qilby was up and about. Already? Not for long she felt. Anua called for him as she looked towards the balcony, "Qilby?"

"Mn, what time is it?" Qilby grumbled, mostly coherently, pulling himself up with his one arm to lean on the side of his bed. His eyes, laden with grogginess, clearly having just woken up.

"Early morning." Anua answered with a dubious blink. Realizing where he'd been, she was compelled to ask, "What were you doing on the floor...?"

Shakily, in order to rub is eyes, shifting further to comfortably sit himself on the side of his bed, glasses having been removed prior. Qilby blinked confusedly as he looks around a moment. He had been on the floor, hadn't he? Just as confused as she, Qilby said, "I- don't recall. I was thinking and then-" Recalling his train of thought the night before, up till they just stopped, he realized, "I believe I fainted?" This caused Qilby to frown, "That...has occurred a few times now, hasn't it?"

Anua flew over to his side, a frown on her face as she held up three fingers, "Unfortunately, yes, this would be the third time."

At the confirmation, Qilby felt a troubled frown settle onto his mouth as he reaffixed his glasses, "That is concerning," His mind immediately went to his time in the blank dimension, "a side effect no doubt."

"A side effect? Of what?" Questioned Anua.

"Dimensional transit." Qilby readily answered, expression still pensive as he explained, "Put shortly, when one is made to go through a specific point to another in under a few seconds, it can have varying side effects. It would appear loss of strength and fluctuations in consciousness are mine."

"That explains a couple of things. How you 'showed up' out of nowhere and why I couldn't pin what exactly was wrong." Anua replied with intrigue. With all the unique circumstances the explanation fit the bill. It was out there-rather literally almost. Curiosity prodded, she asked, "A scientist then?"

Qilby couldn't help but grin at the notice, "Yes actually." He placed his hand pridefully on his chest, "And quite accomplished, if I do say so myself."

"I thought so, the way you talk has familiarity." With a friendly note of respect, Anua went on to offer, "Are you up for something light to eat, doctor?"

Qilby accepted the mention rather readily, given it would take a more intelligent of a species to delve into medical work. Noble. He wondered if that held over towards the rest of this type of human. Something to look into once he was able. At the mention of food, he paused. Was he remotely-? A loud grumble turned his ears red, and placed his hand to his stomach as if that would silence it. Voice hushed in embarrassment, "Well then. I do believe that I am in fact hungry. So yes, please."

The, very, vocal answer from her patient's own stomach caused Anua to cover her mouth in order to hold in a laugh. Once it was fully stifled, she bowed her head, "Alright then, I'll be back with something soon as possible."

One trip to the food hall later and Anua was heading back with the patent Sadida herbal stew. It looked like moss in a green brew, but was full of everything the body needed and was surefire to restore energy, which she'd hoped would aid in lessening Qilby's fainting spells. Anua had to admit it was an interesting task, figuring out what would best help the Eliatrope. It certainly put her knowledge to the test and got her to look into things she hadn't in a while.

As she headed back, Anua paused, hearing a familiar voice call her. A turn in midair and she spotted a readily familiar pair heading towards her, "Ah, Yugo, Adamai." She laughed, already guessing what they wanted, "Let me guess, you want to see Qilby."

Upon reaching her, "Yeah!" the duo cried in unison. After a brief, considering, pause Yugo asked, "Is he awake?"

"Last I saw he was." Anua answered lightly.

The answer immediately got both of the boys to light up. Elated, Yugo excitedly responded, "That's great!"

After that, the two wasted no time in rushing ahead. Anua called after them, telling them to wait for her before entering, as Qilby still wasn't in the best of shape. The twins responded back that they would, but still hurried ahead, too excited to not hurry over. Anua, amused, flew after them at a leisurely pace, it was always nice to see children get excitable and with these two- they had a very good reason to be excited and eager. This was something they'd been waiting and looking for, a key to their heritage.

As they were about to arrive, Adamai, flying at pace with his brother's running, spoke, sounding faintly worried, "I hope he's still up. Qilby seems to be passing out often."

Recalling their first and previous meeting, Yugo frowned, "He does. I hope it doesn't keep up for long."

Yugo put that aside for the time being and continued the trek to the medical branch. He really hoped Qilby was awake. The talk from last time only filled them both with more questions. He was a King? How? He's just a kid and he wasn't nearly ready for that! Also, what happened to the rest of their people? Qilby had explained where they were from, which still amazed him, but fainted before he told them what became of their people. Or why they ended up on the World of 12 for that matter.

Upon reaching the private treatment room, the twins stopped and waited as instructed, albeit with fidgeting anticipation. Much to the gratitude of their youthful patience they didn't have to wait for long. Anua soon flew by, tray with bowl in her hands and went past the divider, announcing her return, "I'm back with your food, Qilby. Also, Adamai and Yugo are here to see you again."

Since she had left, Qilby had settled back against the pillow of his bed to get comfortable during the wait. He perked up at the return and almost just as quickly inwardly seized. Oh great, He thought. Although, in all honesty, he should've expected this. He'd willing placed himself at their beck and call. Only by way of his condition, they had to come to him. Much as his pride loathed it, he would have to endure, and so, he put on a smile, "Is that so? Well, who am I to reject a visit?"

Anua nodded then looked back to where the two kids are waiting, "Come on in."

While the two eagerly, albeit with admirable restraint, headed in, Anua walked herself over to her patient's earthly made bedside and offers the bowl of herbal stew. Soon the two children stood on the other side of the bed, very clearly happy to see him awake. Adamai was the one to chipperly greet the advisor, "Morning Qilby, are you feeling better today?"

"Good morning, my young King, and Adamai." Qilby greeted in turn. He then laughed lightly in response to the question, "And yes. Little by little I am regaining my strength." Taking the offered tray with his food, Qilby paused at the sight of a slimly looking substance in it. Being in the company of attentive eyes, he was forced to accept, though his uncertainty wasn't fully withheld, "How interesting... I must admit I've not seen such a dish before."

"It's Sadida stew." Adamai explained, he laughed understanding the reaction, "I know it looks kinda weird- but it's really, really good!"

The information didn't exactly settle Qilby's reservations. Adamai wasn't exactly a picky eater, so his recommendation could readily go either way but to avoid being rude, he inwardly braced himself- and took a spoonful. Qilby blinked in surprise, it was enjoyable, "What a unique flavor. Very light, yet strong."

Yugo responded amusedly to the familiar reaction, "PanPan and I had the same reaction."

"Most people outside of Sadida have the same reaction." Anua chimed in.

The young Eliatrope smiled at confirmation that Qilby already felt a bit better than yesterday. He knew it was going to take the elder Eliatrope time to recover, from whatever was wrong with him, and get back soundly on his feet. Eniripsa were great at healing wounds, but less physical things took longer. He heard it was because a worn-out body needed rest more than anything, forcing it back to work could only be a temporary fix. Still, he couldn't be in better hands than the royal Eniripsa.

Qilby took another to further sample the taste, swallowing down what he swore was some form of moss. He noted a familiar taste, very herbal, pungent with nutritional value, "Might it be utilized for medicinal purposes?"

"Yes," Anua answered before going into detail, "The strong nutritional value helps the body bounce back and aids in warding off a good number of illnesses. Being a staple around here, it may be, in-part, the reason why the people of Sadida are so hardy. The soldiers primarily eat it to keep their stamina and strength up."

"Like Gobbal soup?" Yugo asked curiously.

"Yes, but better-people have a habit of adding too much salt." Anua's answer caused Yugo to laugh wryly. He was a bit guilty of that at times.

Adamai beamed at what he'd heard about the strew, his small wings flapped energetically, "Whoa-! I'm gonna have to eat all of it and be the strongest dragon ever!"

As Anua giggled softly at the dragon's enthusiasm, Qilby simply took his time eating spoonful's, each time savoring a moment to almost analyze the texture, what it was- to which he had a relatively decent guess- as the group talked, making mental notes as they did so. Any little detail could prove useful to him later. The reaction from Yugo was a familiar tell, he chuckled, "Still have an affinity for salt, Yugo?"

The catch from his, apparent, advisor caused a light flush on Yugo's cheeks and he laughed sheepishly "Uh yeah, eh-heh." Then he realized something, "Erm, how'd you know?"

"Call it a bit of a guess." Qilby responded with a knowing smile, "But I have had privilege to have known your past lives, my King. Seems that a few details remain."

For a moment, Yugo wasn't sure what he meant, then it hit him, "You-you remember?"

His advisor minded himself with his stew before he answered, "Remember you as you once were? Yes. Of course, it feels as though it was only yesterday and yet," Qilby glanced towards the balcony, though the brightness nipped at his eyes, "it has apparently been much longer."

Adamai was taken by this, "Then- does that mean that you remember me too?"

Qilby laughed, "But of course. I have quite the memory-" His eyes shifted around as he looked down at the moss mixture. Oh, how little they would suspect from what he'd just said. They never did. Qilby continued matter-of-factly, "there was little that I did not know of you two. After all, we were rather close." He flashed a kindly smile as he glanced at them, "As is how friendships should be, as well as it being quite literally my job. Would be rather irresponsible not to be acquainted, wouldn't you agree my young kings?"

All Qilby said had Yugo's eyes practically shinning-he could tell them everything. Overjoyed, he couldn't help but exclaim. "That's amazing Qilby!" At the mention of their bond, Yugo smiled warmly. It felt good to reunited with not only another member of their race, but a friend at that. He nodded in agreement, it made sense that an advisor would need to be close to who they served. They'd be with each other a lot. He was more than ready to get to know Qilby again. At Qilby's last word, Yugo perked and grinned at his brother, "Looks like we'll be king together Adamai!"

Adamai had caught Qilby's words as well and gasped, "W-wait! Me, I'm a king too?"

"But of course!" Qilby chuckled, "It is only natural for you as siblings to rule together over your respective people." He paused his eating and appeared a bit confused, "Had I failed to mention that?"

Adamai was absolutely floored. Now he had the same sense his brother did, it was- a lot. His wings rustled hesitantly, deflecting the uncertainty of his thoughts, for the most part. Adamai stumbled in his response at first, still awe struck at his new title, "Ah-No, you didn't actually."

The image of the elder Eliatrope falling asleep while seated, caused Yugo to look at Qilby with a wry but reassuring smile, "You only mentioned me but...you were starting to drift off at the end."

"Ah." Qilby responded, "My sincerest apologies then."

Adamai looked surprised by the formality and was quick to brush it off, "Hey, don't sweat it. It's not like you could really help that."

Readily Yugo nodded in agreement, "It's better for you to rest, besides, we know now."

Qilby smiled softly at the considerations, "You are too kind." He nodded in agreement to what Yugo said, "And best of it, at least to get used to the idea. Given your lack of prior knowledge- I can only imagine how jarring it would be." A slight grin fitted itself on his face, "It is, after all, a very heavy title."

"Yeah..." Adamai answered faintly. Uncomfortably, he shifted where he stood, "but not much we can do with it right now."

Taking another few spoonsful of stew, Qilby slowly began to look distant, his thoughts from the night prior returning, "Yes, that is very true."

"Y-yeah, it really was." Yugo said, his smile faltering some, it still was, "I didn't know what to think, but," His smile steadied again, "I'm happy your here-I wouldn't know the first thing to do." Noticing the dour turn on the advisor's face, Yugo blinked, "Qilby?"

"Are you tired, again?" Adamai asked, his comment had been candid. He hoped it didn't strain the weary Eliatrope too much.

The sudden concern jerked Qilby's attention back into focus. He shook his head free of the swelling thoughts before they can immediately overtake him, "N-no, I-" Qilby cleared his throat in order to steady his words, "I'm fine. Just got taken with thought is all." He took a breath, outward appearance recollected as he looked to them, "I am very certain you are eager for more questions. So how about I finish up my meal and we'll see about discussing the more obvious questions, hm?"

"Sure!" Adamai pipped, "That's only fair."

Yugo felt there was something to the distracting thoughts, but the subject was a heavy one- he certainly felt it, and so he nodded, "Okay."

Authors note: Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this collaborative story between Miss-DNL and me.

we appreciate your time, patience and comments :D