Chapter 24-Painful Wounds

The gentle breeze combined with the calming, warming rays of the sun soothed Narssia as she lingered near the entrance to the cave where Raxmon would eventually be killed. Although a week had passed, she was still deeply concerned for both her son and herself. How could she have caused all of this? She knew the answer yet . . . the very thought made her cringe in fear. Weakness. Was that the only thin which could be said about her? A sigh rippled past her closed jaws as the remembrance of the fight she had brought upon her past self clouded her thoughts. Jormundur had healed her with the help of Raxmon but the scars still ran deep in her memory. There had been no hesitation in the gaze of her own younger eyes, no thought of holding back. Could she have lost that? Had it been the overwhelming presence of Arxa which had conformed her into a helpless bystander in her own body?

Soft padded footsteps behind her causing her to turn her head slowly, believing it to be Jormundur who was coming to comfort her. A low growl resounded deep in her throat when the green eyes of Raxmon met her gaze. She could barely stand to look at him without the memories of what she had done creeping into her mind. There could be no forgiveness for what she had done to him, how she had taken his life without a second thought.

I am sorry for what she did to you. It was uncalled for and I wish to impart my deepest sympathy towards you. Narssia cringed, swallowing painfully as Raxmon's words cut her to her very core. He reminded her so much of her former rider. Had they been related somehow in a different time and place?

I appreciate those words, Raxmon. Narssia swallowed again as she allowed herself to call upon her mental strength to get her through what she had to say. There are things I never told you, things I should have. I am Narssia, the same one as your mate, only from a different time. When we met for the first time, having never seen each other before, I failed to tell you of my vow to Corruption. It has a hold on her now as it held tight to me before Jormundur took us to the past. He and I wanted to reveal who we were but we made the choice to hide our real names from your both until ether of you figured it out. You know I love you with all my heart, but you die because of my foolish choices and stubbornness to let you in before things got out of hand.

She drew another shaky breath. We will be leaving soon and you can have your normal life back. I just wish I could tell you everything but there is no way to do so, short from saving you from your own death. Promise me, Raxmon. Promise me you will look after her and keep her safe. Do not bring this up with her, do not speak of anything you have heard me say to you ever.

With those words spoken to him, Narssia stood and lowered her gaze, focusing her attention on the stone beneath her claws. It hurt her deeply to leave Raxmon like this but there was no other way. He would die and, no matter her regret, she would not save his life even though the very thought nagged in her mind.

Raxmon hesitated before speaking, seeming to struggle for the right words. You know how I die?

More than that, Raxmon. I am the one who ends your very life. The air felt tense to Narssia as she raised her gaze and stared into his eyes, unsure of whether she should have spoken or not.

You-You kill me? Raxmon snarled softly, his tone reflecting surprise more than anger. How, if I might ask?

Narssia sighed. Bite to the back of the neck. You never felt the stinging pain but it deeply impacted Jormundur, Sitedal, and Ryta.

You knew all along how I would die? You knew and yet you failed to even mention it to me! Raxmon roared, baring his teeth in hatred as Narssia looked away in shame.

I wanted to, she whispered. Believe me, I wanted to let you know but I was afraid-

You are afraid of nothing! Raxmon growled, slapping his tail down right by her left foreleg. At least, that is the Narssia I have come to know.

The dragoness closed her eyes, fighting against the tears which threatened to spill over and show Raxmon her vulnerabiliity. Encountering him this way brought up too many painful memories of their time together as mates, however short that time truly had been. There was no way she could bare it any longer. Raxmon had to be told the truth, all of the truth.

The cavern was dark, the only lighting for miles lay behind him as Dhran felt his way towards where Makiar held her claim to a small cavern which served as her home. As small as the cave might be, he decided that she had at least hidden it well, even from himself. Closing his eyes, he stopped and tried to control himself. Things were fine, Aurelia would be fine, but he had to get to Makiar. He had to know if his darkest thoughts were reality, if she was pregnant.

Although he had no light to guide him, Dhran used his mind to search for the ruby dragoness, figuring Finca might be near as well. He was not sure what to make of the relationship between the two female dragons, even though he knew the story of their joined time of turnmoil. Finca was years younger than Makiar, yet sought out the older dragon for advice, was that it?

Finally patches of a mental conversation reached him and Dhran sighed, having guessed the two speaking from the way of their conversation. He was headed the right way; it was not much further.

. . . Makiar, what part of this escapes your level of comprehension? Tamli needs this, we need this. As much as I regret even asking for your advice, I know this is right. He is unstable, broken down to his very core, and something needs to be done before it becomes too late.

I see your point, Finca, but think of Verdra and her eggs for a moment-

Do not bring that up! Silence for a moment or so. Dhran could only guess that Finca slammed her tail into the floor or into a nearby wall in an outburst of anger. Never speak of that in my presence, do I make myself clear? The very thought of eggs sends a chill up my spine, reminding me of the egg I left my own son. I assume he is dead now since we have received no communcation from him or his mate in years!

Finca, they could be . . . I see your point. Dhran chuckled softly, respecting Makiar's decision to let the matter drop.

As he neared further, Dhran heard a third voice enter the conversation, one he was no familiar with. It sounded masculine yet also strangely odd, as if it bore a darkness to it which came from an earlier time. Makiar, Finca, this idea must be put to rest for the time being. There is no doubt that Tamli is unstable but the greater issue which faces us is Narssia. We should be focusing our efforts to how to subdue her and break the bond which links her to Arxa then spend our time worrying over the mental state of the most powerful dragon to exist.

I do not believe we have met, Makiar growled. What is your name, stranger?

You know my name, yet not the face I wear, the new dragon sighed.

Everything was quiet for another minute or so and eventually Dhran made it to the entrance to Makiar's chamber. He was earger to meet this newcomer, excited to welcome it into a surviving band of dragons were it could live in peace and harmony despite the turnmoil from Arxa's commanding presence. When he entered the small, hallowed room, his gaze fell immediately to a dark purple dragon with orange eyes that stood in the center of the circular space.

The newcomer's gaze fell to him and Dhran gasped. Its eyes! Slowly the eyes were turning colors to a medium purple hue and the outline of its scales were disappearing and altering themselves into the creamy white skin of a human. Audible sounds of bone breaking reached him but Dhran was focused on the creature before him as it finished changing its shape from dragon to human. It wore a light brown tunic and dark brown pants, similar to his own, yet streaks of grey intertwined with its natural white hair.

Tamli? Finca growled questioningly as Dhran suddenly realized that both Makiar and herself were also in the room as well.

A soft smile tugged at the human's bloodied lips and he lifted a hand to wipe away the thin smear of blood which flowed freely from the corners of his mouth. "The one and only," he smirked as Makiar snarled in bitter disgust.

How did you just do that and be able to manage the pain? Makiar growled, straining to hide her anger deep within her words.

"Six years of practice helps," Tamli muttered as he panted, clenching his fists to keep them from shaking out of exhaustion. "But the pain is still there. It is not something I would wish on my worst enemy."

Makiar turned her gaze to Dhran, a coldness creeping into her irises that made him draw back out of fear. Why have you come, son of Neptune?

"Aurelia," Dhran managed, still shaken by all he had seen and by Makiar's cold reception of him.

"Of course," Tamli muttered under his breath, loud enough for Makiar and Finca to overhear him. "That blind sighted fool lied to me about her."

A sudden crash outside the room broke the attention from Tamli and Finca growled, promising she would check it out. With her frame moving toward the darkness, her mate sighed and dropped his gaze to the ground, relaxing his hands as the pain subsided.

It's okay, Finca growled as she returned, her side bracing Aurelia and keeping the human standing upright. The weakened healer has come. There is no need to say what you came to say, Dhran.

Aurelia managed a weak smile as Dhran turned and held out a hand, helping her to his side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze. Finca returned to Tamli's side and only then did the human speak once more.

"The very change and shape of matter is fused from two forces, one as different from the other. Aurelia and Dhran, you have my deepest sympathy and well-being for this new time in your lives. May you remember all of what you have been taught and what you have seen in the lives of other dragons."

Makiar's eyes flickered to Tamli as he spoke and then to Dhran. Come then, she hissed before walking out of the room.

With Tamli and Finca alone for the time being, he sighed and began to alter his structure back into the form of a dragon. Finca waited for him, her gaze intrigued at the display of a skill she had never seen before.

Does it hurt? She asked as he twitched with an involuntary spasm of pain.

Not as much as it used to, he admitted before locking eyes with her. I want to tell you some things which you cannot reveal to anyone else. Can you give me your word on this?

Finca nodded and silently stood, waiting for him to continue. Very well, Tamli sighed. Who you know as Arxa is not the real name of the spirit. Arxa was simply formed from-

I know how she derived the name, Tamli, Finca interjected, clarifying her knowledge for him.

Alright, I was unaware you knew. Anyway, you know her real name as does Makiar, yet the circumstances have forbid you from dwelling on the idea. I will say it now: Nethial.

Finca snorted. She died on the Atlantean battlefield! You told me you held her body and watched her take her last breath! Is that not true now?

It is true, love. I just . . . Tamli paused for a moment, struggling to find the right words.

You felt the timing was not right for such knowledge to be revealed, I understand, Finca cut in, a thin layer of smoke rising from her nostrils.

Tamli sighed. Somehow, despite the chaos that seemed to rule their lives, Finca always knew the right thing to say. Perhaps it was because she was born into her natural role, her true form? He doubted such but the thought was intriguing considering that he was the son of two dragons - abeit both deceased now - and that his mother had existed in spirit prior to his conception. She had entered into the frame of a human girl and had convinced his father, the mighty dragon Mirage, to mate with her by fooling him into thinking her host was indeed a dragon. Having witnessed Szara's fierceness and unusual talents during their fight, Tamli was surprised that she had not seduced any other dragons in the same manner as she had done with Mirage.

Finca nudged him with her snout, a playful edge to her otherwise rough behavior. Tamli blinked in surprise and snorted, letting a thin layer of frost collect around his maw. Continue, she urged softly, her warm yellow eyes burning into him like molten topaz.

I . . . I should have told you, Tamli confessed, feeling the earth under his claws and sensing those that lived in the dirt. Yet, what I did make it only fair that you lash out at me. Finca blinked. You deemed Nethial dead for all those years while I felt her presence seek me out several times during those ten-thousand years of mental torture.

Caught off-guard by the statement, Finca changed the subject for a moment. You never speak of the mental three-way mind-link you had with Amia and Santerous for that lengthy period of separation between us. Are you afraid of those times? Is that why you say so little about that time of your life?

Tamli flinched, jerking back from any contact with Finca. He never spoke of those years for a reason, yet . . . here his own mate was trying to force him to bring up the past and uncover what had been buried for many ages since his darkest hours. A low snarl softly rose from deep in his chest and he adverted his gaze from her.

Do not bring that up, he warned, his tone icy. Never force me to remember what it was like to have my very soul ripped from me!

Soul? FInca questioned. I don't follow. You were not aware of your dual-nature in those year so why . . . ?

Tamli trembled, clenching his jaws. It would do him no good to lose control and lash out at her. Finca had not been there during those terrible days of agony; she had not witnessed what Amia had forced him to do as punishment for disobedience to follow an order or answer a simple question.

The skin-prickling feeling of a soundless scream brushed his consciousness, unconcerned with how he reacted to the motion. A sea of faces, both human and dragon alike, invaded his mind and threatened to grab hold of the frail shell that remained of who he was since the joining of three spirits into one body. Losing Finca has devasted him; the very thought that he could no longer just extend his mind and touch her own tore at his sanity.

Tamli?

He tore away from the feeling of helplessness that he had experienced when she spoke once more to him. Her eyes seemed so caring, so gentle. When had he felt that way last? Not since the battles he had waged mentally against himself for leaving her to defend her in Atlantis. The right choice had been made to save her heart-of-hearts from falling into the hands of one who could have done wrong with it but was the outcome what he truly had expected from such a decision?

Tamli? Finca growled again, softer this time. Are you alright? You seem pale, sickly almost.

How could he hide these things from her? She was his other half, his soul mate. Lying to her would be the same as lying to himself.

I never spoke of those years to you out of fear, Tamli admitted as he laid down, resting his head on his forepaws.

Fear? Finca growled in questioning. What was there to fear from me? You know I would never turn my back on you . . .

"Tamli, always the loner of the group. Can you never admit the painful truth or must I spell it out for you? You are afraid of having those you love turn against you." Amia mentally smirked as he grabbed Tamli by the collar of his cloak, allowing Santerous control to spend time tormenting the one who he hated with all his being. "Finca never felt respect for you. She would gladly turn against you to get power, she is a dragon after all . . . "

Tamli blinked back the memory as Finca roughly growled and slapped her tail down beside him. Did you hear me?

Amia said you would gladly turn against me for power. He spoke as if all dragons would willingly turn back on the promise which was made in the wan of the Drago-Atlan war.

Finca snorted, confused. Tamli hesitated for a moment before continuing, I thought his words were wrong but after what he made me do to all those innocent people I slowly saw how he had lost his faith in dragons. Although Nor'ac still had a special place in his heart, he wanted all others dead and their riders to die alongside their miserable beasts!

Tamli was trembling now, Finca realized as his tone turned hostile. He could have experienced bad things in the past, but why just bring them up now when they had a monster to fight and a daughter to raise?

Amia did hate our kind but only because of the dangers that befell Nor'ac during their youth. The white-scaled red-eyed dragon ran into constant trouble and often fought wih others to the point of death, Finca growled as she laid down beside her mate, wtaching him carefully for fear of an emotional outburst.

Tamli's claws dug sharply into the dirt, his eyes going out of focus. Finca glanced away, realizing the past events he must have hidden deep within his mind were now sneaking up on him and tormenting his very soul. How many had he killed over the years? She had never asked but the question seemed needed with how he was acting.

Tamli, show me what you've seen. I can handle it and I can help you move past the horrible events which bind you tighter than a thousand oaths.

Slowly, he leaned in to nuzzle her, opening his mind as he did so. She wanted to risk her sanity for him, it was a nice gesture but he doubted she would admit that she was scared to know what plagued his heart and mind.

With a growl of sorrow, Tamli merged their thoughts and revealed his secrets to her . . .