Chapter 18-Two-Sided Coin

The warmth of something on his right wing awoke Jormundur. Where was he? Where was Arxa? He opened his eyes and saw that someone had been caring enough to tightly bind his broken wing with plenty of white cloth so that it could be given time to heal without him messing with it. Whoever the individual had been knew something of medicine as those strips of cloth were not dragon-made at all.

I figured you'd be awake, came a very familiar voice from his left.

Jormundur turned his head slowly, afraid of inflicting further damage on himself. He knew that voice. He had known it for six years and eleven months before Arxa had silenced it forever. That voice belonged to Raxmon, the father of his half-sister Ryta.

Tell me, youngling, Raxmon growled softly as the scent of freshly cooked meat assaulted the grey male. How does a dragon like yourself wind up here?

Where is here? Jormundur asked, trying to keep his voice low and free of excitement. His initial guess was right, he had the ability to travel through time itself, a skill that only Mirage had been said to possess for so long.

Ah, forgive my manners. I am Raxmon and this- He looked around for a moment before settling his gaze on the black dragoness who stood near him -is Narssia, my mate.

Mate? Had he heard that right? Were they truly mates? How far back in the past had he taken Arxa and himself? She was still being called Narssia so if must be at least a year before the events of his own time.

The name is Akon, Jormundur lied, thinking that the younger version of him might be alive at this point. Besides, Raxmon would grow curious if his real name had been used and his younger self was a hatchling.

Welcome to our humble home, Akon, past-version Narssia growled soothingly as he gazed at her in wonder. It had been years since he had seen his mother that happy.

How is . . . How is the dragoness that was near me when we crashed onto the dry earth? The grey dragon questioned as past-Narssia sighed and lowered her head. Raxmon also lowered his own in deep regret over the same thing that the younger version of his mother had her head down for.

She is . . . deeply scarred physically and mentally. We've tried to awaken her but she refuses to stir. It is . . . annoying at times. Raxmon has attempted to enter her mind but there is a barrier neither of us can break that separates her from the outside world . . .

A barrier? Could they be speaking of the presence of Arxa? Certainly the Orichalcos must be working on the past-version of her by now. Maybe that was the cause? Perhaps the dark magic had greater hold in the past then in the present where they are almost one and the same?

. . . Forgive me, you must be beyond hungry now. I'm sorry I kept you this long, past-Narssia growled that three thick stabs of meat were laid down before him by her telekinesis, his yellow eyes observing her with calmness yet faint worry.

Perhaps the magic of the stones was not as powerful as he had thought in the past? Her eyes seemed clear enough and both seemed rather happy. In fact, happier then even a year before Raxmon had been killed. He had to have gone back in time at least three years if not four. Almost never had he seen Narssia this warm and friendly. If only she knew of what was to come.

When the food had been eaten completely the three sat down and Raxmon and past-Narssia asked for his tales of adventure. He wanted to speak the truth, but when it involved them then how could he? In the end he mostly made up events that sounded good and cleverly crafted stories that he knew would entertain them, hopefully for hours at the minimum.

While he enjoyed the interaction with the Raxmon of the past and the past version of his mother, his main focus remained on Arxa. Why wouldn't she let anyone in? Had the . . . Had the Orichalcos left her? Was that it? Could she be so weak she could barely take even a breath? It made sense now that he thought of it and the flashes of green from her body . . . That was it!

Narssia, I hate to bother you but where is she? It felt odd calling his mother by that after all the time that Arxa had been in control but in the same way it felt reassuring, normal even.

The black female stood up, glancing at Raxmon with pity. I'll take you, she offered as the golden dragon sighed and also stood.

Thanks but I-

I will take him, Raxmon spoke up, a low snarl coming from deep within his throat.

Narssia snorted in amusement. You? I know the way around better.

But I want to speak with him alone, Raxmon confessed as the black she-dragon gave a nod of understanding.

Go ahead then.

Jormundur turned around and Raxmon quickly caught up to him as they headed for a slightly lighter section of the cave network that made up what would later be abandoned in search of a location far into the clouds for the dark seclusion of the all-powerful Arxa. But could the dragon he brought with him from the future even be called Arxa anymore? Without the Orichalcos affecting her, the female that had come with him was basically Narssia all over again.

Granted she was extremely weak but if he was right then everything could be fixed before things went horribly wrong. He could save this time's Narssia from the danger of the years ahead. For once, he could do the right thing at the right time. But what would happen to the dragoness that he knew of in the future? Would the time stream correct what was made finally right? How would it affect Sitedal, Arxa, and even himself? Could three dragons be wiped from existence all in one moment? Was that possible even?

You seem on edge, Akon, Raxmon admitted as Jormundur eyed him with a careful gaze as to not reveal too much.

The traveling I've been doing has messed with my head over the years. Part of that was true but most was even more lying to protect the future family he would be a part of. I know this seems odd to be asking since I just met you, but do you have any offspring?

Raxmon chuckled. I mind not the question. As of now, I have no offspring. Why do you ask?

The shock of the answer almost caused Jormundur to halt in his tracks. Raxmon had no offspring. That meant that Sitedal and himself were eggs then. It couldn't be. Somehow he had gone seven years into the past. Seven years. How could he of let this happen? That explained everything with Arxa. Every detail solved because of that one question.

I was simply curious, friend. Things don't progress very quickly in the mind of one whose been to the darkest corner of society and back in the matter of a year.

I understand, Raxmon sighed. So you've seen the trail of destruction left by Szara then?

No, not really. I . . . Listen, have you ever heard of-

A piercing shriek suddenly filled his mind, cutting off Jormundur and forcing him to devote all energy into figuring out what it was. The answer came simple. Narssia, his Narssia, was awake and was in terrible pain. Past-Narssia had been right about her future form being in great physical and mental pain, although she had called it being scarred. Those two things meant the same thing, that his current day mother was in more pain then either her past form or Raxmon knew what to do with. Even he didn't know how to proceed based on what he was feeling through her. That reminded him of her true nature as an empath. It must be confusing for her to be surrounded by such rich emotions for the first time in over three months.

When Arxa was in control, she had no access to any of her powers. She was basically nothing more then an observer in her own mind. But now the shock must be overwhelming to her. Jormundur growled softly and turned his gaze to Raxmon. Certainly there was worry in the eyes of the golden dragon but also . . . fear. How could a dragon like him be terrified? It made no sense considering what he remembered of the dragon who had been as a father to him for over six years.

We need to hurry, he simply commented as Raxmon nodded and increased their pace of speed.

How are you two related? The gold male asked as they traveled along dirt that stretched for miles.

Son and mother, Jormundur answered, figuring it was safe to say that before Raxmon.

Ah, that explains the identical eye color then.

A quick flicker of rage ran through the grey dragon's mind. Raxmon had opened the eyes of his mother. Was it possible then that he knew? How would one go about hiding that information once they knew it? No real signs of emotion could be seen on the facial features of the gold beast and Jormundur chided himself for even thinking that the male beside him knew anything more then what had been told to him.

The two rounded a corner, although the dirt made it hard to keep the walls up this deep in the earth's crust, and Jormundur took a step back in shock. The eggs! Two small rounded protective covering of future dragons met his utmost gaze. Their colors were grey and black with webs of yellow on the grey egg and webs of green on the black. He was staring at himself, at who he was before the events of everything in the future had come into being. Could this not be the purest moment of his existence thus far? To witness what he was before the hatching had taken place.

Are these. . . ?

They are Narssia's actually. We plan to raise them once they hatch, Raxmon growled as Jormundur held his sights longer on the grey egg then was necessary before they moved on.

Why keep them down here? There are plenty of places higher up in the network that could support them, Jormundur inquired only be met by a soft growl from Raxmon.

I tried telling her that but she refused to listen. Her eyes took on a white tint for only a moment before I dropped the issue.

The Orichalcos! It certainly wasn't as powerful to her back in the past. If her eyes only took on a white tint for a minute or so then that meant that the wrath of the Seal grew stronger with the years. How could he have not seen that? Now it made sense why his current day mother was in so much pain. The might of the darkness had to have left her, resulting in the worst time of her life as far as weakness went.

Akon, I understand why this must come as a shock to you that we keep the eggs where dirt could cover them but the ancient law says to bury the offspring eggs and wait for them to hatch. We simply follow that rule to the best that our pride will allow, Raxmon sighed.

Jormundur had no issue with that. He understood the laws as well, given that he was speaking with the dragon who would become a father figure to him since his own father was dead by this point. Those laws were to be upheld at all times, even he knew that. How could he have known how far to travel in the past though? It made no sense that he would just choose seven years in the past as a focal point. Something had to have drawn them to this time. But why just as Narssia was finding herself after the death of Mirage? Would not a couple months back have been more fitting?

I know the laws of the ancient ones, the grey dragon finally admitted. Thus I see now why the eggs would be kept as they are. Might we, though, continue towards the injured black female?

Of course, Raxmon agreed as once more they picked up speed and increased their walking pace.

The remainder of the journey did not last long. Only two rounded corners before they stopped in front of the opening to the chamber where the weakened dragoness from the future lay. It was possible that Raxmon suspected of them both coming from the future but no such question was ever asked though. Because of such, Jormundur deducted that there was no knowledge of the fact that both dragons within the young pair's home were of the future.

You will enter alone, Akon, the golden dragon confessed. I cannot follow you in, only my mate enters this chamber to heal those who are sick. Events like those are rare, we hardly ever encountered another dragon anymore until the two of you came.

I will call for your help when I need it, Jormundur responded. But otherwise you have been a valued friend to me. May the stars shine for your continued health and safety.

Although the last part had been of an ancient verse from the records of Atlantean text, most of his words had been spoke truly from the heart. Raxmon was now considered a friend to the time-traveler dragon. Both were, even though it felt odd being friends with his own mother. But this time's Narssia was calmer, more enjoyable then what he knew of from the future. Arxa had only demanded full servitude and had spoken of horrible things from the time that the corruption had taken over.

Jormundur entered the chamber slowly, fearing the worst with each step he took. How was she faring now? He had felt nothing since her initial awakening and shock so concern played heavily on his thoughts. The room was small, only able to hold a medium-sized bed of straw and some medical supplies. To his surprise, the black she-dragon seemed aware of her surroundings. Although her eyes flickered rapidly about the room Narssia was relatively calm. Her gaze finally found its way to him and a soft growl rippled from her jaws.

You've come, she whispered faintly, her voice sounding strained to her son.

I could not leave you, he answered in tenderness, walking over and allowing her to nuzzle him.

It felt odd to Jormundur that she was nuzzling him but the contact held such meaning that he almost wanted it never to end. She ended it though by drawing back her head and laying it down on the straw. Her eyes didn't have their normal luster and the yellow irises were softly dulled. Such a thing he had never seen before in a dragon but was certain it did not mean well.

Mother?

I'm fine, Narssia assured him, her eyes raising to meet his. Just tired. I cannot believe that the presence of the dark magic is gone. How did you do it?

Time travel, Jormundur confessed as his mother snorted faintly.

The one gift of Mirage that was never tamed by Arxa. Fitting isn't it? That one skill released me from her control. Ryta would be so proud.

I'm not sure how to return us, though. Considering I sent us seven years into the past, I figured you would know some dragon that could help us. Mirage is dead already in this time frame however, he explained as her body trembled faintly and she gave a slight soft growl of discomfort.

Such delays our plans then. I know not of another dragon who was a time-wander seven years ago. Narssia's voice remained soft, stirring in Jormundur a fear that she was sick or more weakened then he had originally thought.

Certainly you had to known someone, mother. With Mirage dead, would you have not wanted the company of another dragon who could move through time? I know you found out about the ability late but still . . .

I have told you what I know, she spoke softly. I had not many connections during my grieving time following the death of Mirage.

But you still found time to showcase the newfound might of the Orichalcos. You killed Terdon, remember?

Her voice rose only faintly but just enough to reveal that he had sparked her anger. Do not bring that up. It was an accident, a fatal flaw on my part.

A flaw that resulted in the death of an innocent dragon. It was your first kill after Meta. The Orichalcos was new to you, as it had been when you dueled Dartz that long time ago-

NEVER bring that to the surface! Narssia roared, panting from the effort afterwards. You know not what it was like for me.

Didn't I? I attacked two dragons of the same family within six years of each other. Do you not realize how painful that was for me? Those two could have killed me, either of them! Jormundur did not shriek but he came close. His mother would never understand the pain he felt for having attacked both Finca and then Verdra. Those two dragons were special, unique almost.

I fail to see your point, my child. The great dragons of the past protected you during those fights, you do realize that. Through their power, you only survived with your very life. It is them who give you mastery over fog and wind vapor. You control nature because of what the ancients wanted you to have. This was foretold a long time ago, before even I was created-

Are you even hearing yourself? You and Father gifted me with this curse! It was originally thought of as a blessing but later showed as a curse on me. What part of that do you not get? Tell me, mother, enlighten me with your knowledge. He snorted in muted anger, smoke drifting from his nostrils as Narssia closed her eyes and growled softly.

Get away from me first, she insisted, her eyes reopening as Jormundur merely snarled in disgust. Then, and only then, will I tell you why I refuse to view your skill as a curse upon your frame.

Never, he growled as his tail quivered all the way to its very tip in rage. She wanted him to retreat? To show weakness in their pitiful numbered race? The dragon population was dying out! No longer could they just stand by anymore.

Narssia raised up her head only through sheer will of mind. Her body trembled violently but her voice was ice cold, reflecting the purest hatred from Arxa. There had been some use to the Orichalcos-influenced presence at least. Now there could be no denying that she was a changed dragoness from seven years prior. Jormundur stayed where he was as she found the strength from within to get to her feet, although her frame shook with increasingly more powerful tremors. This was truly putting her body and will of mind to the test.

You will obey me, she commanded as her eyes narrowed in anger. I am your mother, your elder. Listen to me as if your life depended on it! Trusting me is the only way we will get back to our time.

Jormundur stood up straighter, aggravated from the words of Narssia. He obey her? She had no power over him now. With the Orichalcos gone, there was nothing keeping him tied to her. Nothing of real value anyway. Any family bond between them had been shattered when Arxa killed Raxmon. What use to her was he now? A puppet? A slave who could walk away without getting hurt for the first time in years? He should be gone by now anyway, leaving all of them. But . . . he couldn't leave himself. That egg, grey in color, had latched on to his subconscious so deep. If he left, then would he not be tearing holes in himself? That egg, that tiny dragon inside, was his responsibility. He was it and it was him, two creatures brought together by the time frame. There was no way he could find it in himself to turn his back on the dragon who was a younger, unhatched, version of himself. It needed him, Narssia needed him. Would he deny them both what they craved from who he was? They wanted his affection, he knew that without a doubt. The question was: could he swallow his pride to submit to the only dragon he knew both inside and out?