A/N: Hey guys! Sorry it took me so long. I've been really busy, and my laptop screen broke so I couldn't see anything. My dad FINALLY bought me a monitor, so now my laptop is hooked up bobo style. But hey, it works. Pretty boring chapter, if I say so, so I'm gonna start writing another one right now and hopefully have it out soon for you guys! I'm so so so so sosososo sorry for the super long wait. :( please let me know if there are any mistakes, if you like it, if you hate it, etc.

EDIT: It was brought to my attention that my page break didn't show up. Sorry if it confused you. I put them in when I write them, but for some reason, when I upload the chapter to the site, it takes them out. Thank you simplykaotic222 for pointing this out to me, as I forgot that this happens frequently. :) Sorry guys!

Chapter 16

After a few more minutes at a gallop, I slowed Jala to a gentle trot. Silas circled overhead, trying not to get too far ahead of us without landing.

I motioned to a clearing off the path a ways, and watched him break from his circle and make his way over to the clear space. There was a thundering crash, and Jala tripped hard as the ground shook. She righted herself quickly, but began to limp after a few steps.

I hopped down from her back, hoping no serious damage had been done. My worry for Silas caused me to drag Jala to the clearing I had indicated. When I finally found Silas, a wave of pity and remorse swept over me.

He lay on his side, right wing pinned beneath his massive form. His ribs expanded and contracted with each shuddering, heaved breath he took. He trembled from his snout to the tip of his tail. I approached slowly, speaking in soft tones, trying my best to keep him calm. Scaly lids were squeezed shut over his eyes, his nostrils flaring as hot air was expulsed from his lungs.

"Silas," I said quietly. One forest green eye opened slowly, its pupil contracting to a slit so quickly I almost missed it. "Silas," I whispered. I extended a hand as I drew closer, and watched his eye close as I rubbed soothing circles on his cheek. After what seemed like hours, he heaved a great sigh and relaxed.

I worked my way over to his right side, hoping that I could pull his wing from beneath him. It had to be uncomfortable laying on it. It was bent at such an odd angle that for a moment I thought it was broken. As if sensing what I wanted, Silas rolled off of the leathery membrane as far as he could, and then lifted his body. I helped to straighten the stiff muscles and laid his wing out beside him.

"Are you alright?" I asked him. He snorted, a puff of smoke rising to be carried away by the wind. He rose to a crouch, and I wondered briefly how far I would need to retreat to reach a safe zone. Before I could reach a decision, Silas exploded.

An earsplitting roar erupted from between dagger-sized teeth, an inhuman cry of frustration. Flocks of birds fluttered from the treetops and flew away as fast as their wings would carry them. Jala gave a startled whinny and shied a few paces to the side, head held high and ears pricked.

"MARAAA!" Silas screamed. I didn't understand why he was calling to the deity, and didn't bother wasting time thinking about it. All I could think about was the fact that Silas was hurting, and it was my fault. I didn't know how to help him.

I sobbed. He screamed his fury. I wanted more than anything to reach out and hold him, but was unable to do so. His tail lashed, his talons gorged, and all the while I merely stood and watched him.

O.o.O

Weak. Helpless. Broken. I lay in a tangled heap of aching, quivering muscles. I didn't notice Freya's approach until she said my name. I opened one eye, watching her as she cautiously stepped forward. Her muscles were tense, and I could smell the fear rolling off of her. I wanted to speak, to tell her that she shouldn't be afraid, but could not form the words.

She stroked my cheek, her fingers skimming gently over the bony armor covering my skin. My thoughts ran in confused messes. A light breeze brought the scent of fresh water, whispering comfort to my addled mind. Freya did her best to help untangle me, and soon I was laying more comfortably.

Silas? Mara's voice sounded timid inside my head. I chose not to answer, instead sighing deeply. I had no interest in listening to her, yet she persisted. Silas, you must listen. Freya will save the world one day. Soon. She needs help. You must understand-

Understand?! I shouted at her. I must understand what? That for Freya to save the world, I must become this… this thing? That you must ruin me as a human for you 'plan' to work? You don't understand. You don't know what this is like. I am like a child again! Learning to walk, learning to live! You have ruined me.

I roared in fury at my fate. A helpless newborn in a foreign body. Freya stumbled backwards, startled by my sudden outburst. I heard the horse neigh somewhere close by but ignored it, instead rearing back and screaming my rage at the sky.

I felt warmth inside me, and uncomfortable heat growing in my belly. The heat expanded, rapidly filling me and giving strength to my limbs. It roared up my throat and out between my teeth. Fire spewed from between my jaws. It surprised me so much that I clamped my mouth shut.

The fire within me died quickly, smoke rising from my flared nostrils. I stared wide-eyed at the flaming tree before me, surprised that I had caused it to burn. And then I heard it. A high pitched, pealing giggle. I whipped my head towards the source, finding Freya rolling around on the ground, laughing. At me.

"You… Your face…" she said between fits of giggles. "You looked so surprised….. I.. I'm sorry…It just… Ah, Gods….." Her giggling continued for some time. I waited, staring at her as she curled herself into a ball and continued to laugh.

Finally, the laughs turned to sighs, and I watched her wipe tears from her eyes. She stood and brushed herself off before walking closer. She stayed out of biting rage, I noticed, but there was no need for it.

"Do you feel better now?" she asked quietly. "I do. I'm sorry for laughing at you."

I blinked, unsure of what to say. I was confused by all of this, and frightened. I was also furious. My anger had subsided some, and sat coiled like a snake ready to strike. I knew it would be days before it was completely gone.