Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.
Fairy Tail—The Master and the Dragon
Chapter 49
There was stunned silence. No one knew how to react to something like that. The Magic Council had actually just said that they were arresting Nikolias.
Gracie was the quickest in pushing through the shock. She leapt to her feet and glared at the Rune Knights. "WHAT?"
Caro ignored her. "Please step forward, Nikolias."
"Hang on one minute, jack ass," Gracie shouted. "Why the hell are you arresting Niky?"
"I would advise calming yourself," Caro warned. "This is the will of the Magic Council."
"Like I give a damn," Gracie shot at him.
"Take it easy, Gracie," Erza said to her friend before turning towards Caro. "Please excuse her. We would, however, like to hear the charges against Nikolias."
Caro grinned. "You think I'm here because he did something wrong?"
"What?" Gracie hissed. She already didn't like where this was going.
"You would arrest him before he even did anything wrong?" Mira asked, standing protectively in front of Nikolias to keep him out of view.
"I'm sorry, but if he hasn't done anything wrong, then I will not allow you to take him," Makarov said.
"Clearly none of you know what the 5th Custody Enforcement Unit specializes in," Caro said with a sigh. "Such a bother. I grow tired of having to explain it over and over again."
"By all means, explain," Gracie said. She was still being held back by Erza's arm.
"The 4th Custody Enforcement Unit, headed by Captain Lahar, deals with criminals who have done wrong and are to be imprisoned. I'm sure you're at least familiar with them," Caro explained.
"Yeah, we know of them," Gray said. "But what the hell do you do then that's so special?"
Caro lifted a hand and began tugging on the fabric of the white gloves he was wearing. He smirked. "The 5th Custody Enforcement Unit, headed by yours truly, specializes in potential threats."
"Potential threats?" Lucy repeated. "So you would just arrest someone because you think that they would commit a crime?"
"No, not at all," Caro defended. "That would be morally wrong. Simply put, we deal with potential threats to the safety of all of Earth Land, like crisis prevention. A perfect example of such a threat is a potential dragon attack."
Gracie was pushing her way towards Caro, forcing Erza to hold her back with two arms. "So you pieces of shit want to arrest him just because he's part dragon? You know nothing about Niky. He's not a threat!"
Caro glared at her. "Again, I would watch your temper. If you stand in our way, we do have authorization to use force."
"This whole unit of yours' sounds like monsters," Mira said coldly.
Caro shrugged with a smile. "We are what we hunt."
"Nikolias ain't a monster!" Natsu shouted, his fists becoming engulfed in flames. "Now get the hell out of here before we make you!"
Caro's smile vanished. Instead, it was replaced by a very angry scowl. "Enough! If Fairy Tail chooses to stand in our way, there will be severe repercussions. You will have to suffer the wrath of the Magic Council, which would almost definitely lead to the disbanding of Fairy Tail."
"You got no right to do that," Gajeel growled. "If the Magic Council had the authority to disband guilds, they would have gotten to it long ago."
"Then you see how the power of the 5th Custody Enforcement Unit is not to be trifled with," Caro said. "We have been given power that no one else in the Magic Council possesses. It is because of this power that we are seldom used and saved for special cases such as this."
Everyone in the guild was standing now, prepared to fight back the Magic Council to protect their friend.
"We won't let you anywhere near him!" Gracie spat.
"Then Fairy Tail should prepare for the consequences! But be warned; I can't vouch for your safety!" Caro exclaimed as all of his soldiers readied their weapons.
"I'll go."
Everyone turned around to see Nikolias standing from his seat, calmly looking at Caro and his men.
Mira felt her throat tighten. "Nikolias, why?"
Nikolias put a comforting hand on her shoulder, but never once took his eyes off of Caro. "I won't resist, so there's no reason to make any move against the others."
Caro chuckled as the soldiers behind him lowered their weapons. "I can see that you are a voice of reason. On behalf of the Magic Council, I do thank you for your cooperation. Fighting with you and taking you in by force would not have been ideal."
Nikolias moved his hand from Mira's shoulder and let it fall gently down her back before removing it and walking forward. He walked past everyone whose faces showed a mix of sorrow and confusion.
Gracie tried to get in his way, but again, Erza was holding her back. "Niky, don't do this! You haven't done anything wrong!"
Nikolias paused for a moment, memories of the dream he had last night flooding through his mind. 'I never want to see that happen. I never want to be the cause of my friends' pain. I never want to be the one who takes Mira's family away from her. I want to be the one who protects them all. And if being imprisoned can ensure that no harm will come to them by my hands, then so be it,' he thought to himself. He turned slightly to look at Gracie. "I realize what I am, Gracie. I'm actually more surprised that they didn't show up sooner. They have every right to be terrified and take action."
"How can you say that about yourself?" Gracie screamed at him. "What about all of us? You're okay just up and abandoning us?"
"Of course not," Nikolias responded. "Of course I want to be with you all, but can't you see that nothing good will come from me resisting arrest here? Let the chips fall where they may, Gracie, and hope for the best." With that, he turned away and walked over to Caro.
Caro nodded at Nikolias. "Very true. And who knows? If you behave yourself, you may not be locked up for the rest of your life. Maybe just most of it."
Nikolias stopped next to Caro so that they were side by side, but did not face him. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed outside. "Listen…Caro, was it? I'll go with you voluntarily right now, but understand this. If you ever threaten my friends—no, my family again," he paused as a sharp, shadow tendril shot from his back and stopped short of Caro's face, "well, that's a different story."
Caro didn't even flinch. Instead, he laughed. "You've got some balls threatening me, dragon."
"No," Nikolias growled as his gaze turned to Caro. "You've got some balls threatening me."
Caro snapped his fingers. "Restrain him."
The guards nodded. One guard placed large handcuffs around Nikolias' wrists. They were made of a heavy iron and the chain was made of powerful magic that prevented the cuffs from getting closer together or farther apart. Another guard placed large cuffs around Nikolias' ankles. These cuffs were made of the exact same heavy iron and the chain was made of the same magic as the handcuffs.
"Is all of that really necessary?" Makarov asked. He still wasn't pleased with the whole situation. However, it was Nikolias' decision and he knew he couldn't interfere.
Caro looked to Makarov. "It's simply precautionary. We can't have him escaping."
"He wouldn't run, so take those off," Mira begged. "That can't be comfortable."
"Comfort isn't our concern," Caro said.
Tears were starting to form in Gracie's eyes as she pushed against Erza. "Please don't go, Niky!"
Nikolias turned around and gave her a smile. "I'm not dying, Gracie. Don't worry about me, okay? I'll do everything I can to prove that I'm not a threat and get home to you all soon. Just wait a little while."
Caro roughly grabbed Nikolias' arm and started to pull him along. "We're off now, dragon."
The group started to walk away. All of Fairy Tail watched him leave, frustrated that they couldn't do anything.
Gracie finally broke free of Erza's block and dashed for the door. "Niky!" However, she was stopped by Elfman and Gray, each of them grabbing an arm to keep her still. "Let me go! I have to help him! I have to help my brother!"
"Gracie, there's nothing we can do," Gray said as he struggled to hold Gracie back. "He willingly went with them."
"No, I can still help him! Please let me go!" Gracie begged.
"Gracie, accept it like a man!" Elfman said.
"I won't accept it!" Gracie shrieked, tears streaming down her face. "I won't accept that he's being arrested for doing nothing wrong!" She then went very limp and Elfman and Gray slowly lowered her to her knees. Seeing that her willpower was gone, they released her and her hands immediately covered her face as the tears intensified. "I won't accept that people are once again determining who he is because of what he is before getting to know him. It's not fair to him!"
Erza put a hand on her shoulder. "We know, Gracie."
Natsu crossed his arms. "Hey Erza. Could this be like what happened to you before? You know, when the Magic Council arrested you."
Erza shook her head. "No, this is different. With me, it was just a demonstration of their power and authority. This is the real deal. They plan on imprisoning Nikolias for an unknown amount of time."
Natsu stomped his feet. "But that ain't right! We may never see him again now!"
Mira couldn't take it anymore. She fell to her knees and broke down crying. Lisanna and Kinana were immediately by her side, trying to ease her sorrow.
Natsu sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, Mira. I didn't mean to say that."
"Master Makarov, what do we do?" Lucy asked. "We can't let them keep him locked up forever."
Makarov stood with his arms crossed. His eyes were closed and his head was down as he thought. "I'm not sure there is anything we can do."
"Can't we find a way to prove that Nikolias isn't a threat?" Wendy asked.
Makarov slowly opened his eyes, but his gaze stayed on the floor. "That may be difficult. Consider for a moment what made the Magic Council take notice of Nikolias."
"You don't mean…," Levy began, seeing where Makarov was going with this.
"When Nikolias lost control and attacked the town," Makarov finished. "Yes, that was when the Council probably found out about him. I believe that the S-Class Trials were the only thing preventing them from coming for him earlier."
"But the townspeople forgave him!" Macao exclaimed.
"And it was that kindness that bought him time," Makarov said, "but talk spreads fast, so it was only a matter of time before the Council heard."
"But we can't just sit here!" Natsu said.
"Maybe we should break him out," Romeo offered.
Natsu punched his palm and grinned. "I'm all for that!"
Makarov shook his head. "That's not even an option. That would only make matters worse."
"There has to be something," Lucy said.
Makarov rubbed his forehead. "Give me time to think things over. I'll try to come up with something." He then walked towards Macao's office to ponder the options they had, but knew that chances of a possible solution were slim.
Gracie let her arms fall as her head hung. "This can't be happening." She lifted her head to look at Mira, whose shoulders were still trembling as she cried into her hands. Gracie slowly stood and walked over to her. Once she got there, she dropped to her knees and held Mira close. "I'll get him back," she whispered. "I swear I'll find a way."
Mira, without saying a word, embraced her and nodded as the tears continued to fall onto Gracie's already soaking wet tank top.
Caro led Nikolias through a poorly lit and dank tunnel deep below the Magic Council, a few small torches providing a little light and warmth. They had passed several prisons and Nikolias was beginning to wonder if the guards even knew where they were going. No one spoke a word, allowing the hollow sound of footsteps to ring off of the stones.
Nikolias took a quick sniff and he nearly gagged. However, he couldn't attempt to cover his nose with his hands bound. 'This whole place reeks of death. I wonder how many prisoners have died here. This place probably gets no ventilation, so they will forever haunt this place with their odor. Man, my senses are still really sensitive for whatever reason.'
Caro opened a large wooden door at the end of the long hallway. Nikolias almost audibly groaned upon seeing yet another set of stairs leading further down. The worst part was that it seemed to get even darker. Not that darkness bothered a Shadow Dragon, but still, he would have preferred a little more light.
The small group traveled down the stairs and, upon reaching the bottom, Nikolias could see a solitary cell at the end of a very short tunnel. This cell was unlike the others, though. The metal bars that acted as the door were thicker than any cell bars he had ever seen. It was clear that the intention was to keep anyone who went in from escaping, no matter their ability. Two small torches barely illuminated the small area.
Caro stopped in front of the cell door and began sliding it open. It clearly took all of his strength to open it as the strong man grunted with each movement. The cell door slammed open and Caro turned to face Nikolias. "Alright, in you go."
Nikolias gave the cell a quick glance. It was extremely dark and cold. Fortunately, the smell of death didn't linger here. "Cheery."
Caro shoved him forward, forcing Nikolias to stumble into the cell. "It's fitting for a creature like you, Half-Dragon."
Nikolias glared at him. "You really think you're tough, don't you?"
"I don't think; I know," Caro said. He then lifted a gloved hand and removed the thin white fabric. "Do you know why my 5th Custody Enforcement Unit specializes in potential threats? It's because our magic is perfect for dealing with unknowns like you. For example, my magic is Iron Touch magic. With but a touch, I can create iron anywhere I please. It was also my magic that created those restraints that you find yourself in."
"Sorry if I'm not impressed," Nikolias spat.
Caro shot his hand forward like a snake and gave Nikolias' neck a light touch. As soon as he touched his neck with his bare fingers, a large, thick, and heavy ring of iron formed around Nikolias' neck like a giant collar. The heavy and unanticipated weight forced Nikolias to crumble to the cold stone ground head first. "Again, your opinion doesn't concern me. I could care less if you're impressed or not." Caro walked out of the cell and the guards slammed the door shut behind him and locked it. Caro looked over his shoulder. "Enjoy solitary confinement." With that, he and all but two guards walked off. "And make yourself at home! You'll be in there for the rest of your miserable and unnatural life!"
Nikolias growled at Caro as he walked away. He managed to lift his head, but he couldn't support the weight for long so he sat up and let his head rest against the wall. "This still seems a bit excessive." He sighed and closed his eyes. 'So that's it? Am I really never going to see Mira, Gracie, or anyone ever again? Is this what my future holds?'
Suddenly, another wave of throbbing pain shot through Nikolias' skull like a ricocheting bullet. His hands, despite the weight of the cuffs, shot to his head as he tried to endure the pain. This episode was different from the other times. This one was even more painful and this one lasted for a few seconds before disappearing. Once the pain subsided, Nikolias lowered his arms and released a slow, heavy breath. "Whatever this is, it's getting worse."
Inside Master Macao's office, Makarov sat in the chair, Macao sat across the desk from him, and Gracie was leaning up against the wall with her arms crossed. All three had their eyes closed as they considered the situation they were in.
Macao, who was hunched over in his chair, sighed as he leaned back. He opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling. "No matter what way I look at it, I just don't see anything we can do."
Makarov hummed as he kept thinking, his elbows perpendicular on the desk top and his hands folded neatly so that his head could rest on his thumbs. "It's difficult to find legal ways to circumvent the Magic Council's authority. There's certainly nothing we can say that they won't have countless cases for in order to refute the claims. Any action seems hopeless and, if anything, harmful to Nikolias' chances for release."
"Why don't we just try to break him out like Romeo suggested?" Macao asked.
"Because Niky would never allow it," Gracie said softly while her eyes remained closed. "The whole reason he went with them willingly is because he knew trouble would come to the rest of us if he didn't. If we go to break him out, he'll just stay put by choice to keep us safe." She opened her eyes, sorrow and frustration evident in her expression. "Niky's tired of seeing friends suffer, so if he has to be imprisoned for the rest of his life to protect us, then that's what he'll do. He's a stubborn jack ass like that."
"Then what can we do?" Macao asked. "If he's imprisoned for the rest of his life, we'll never see him again. And what about Mira? She'd be devastated."
Gracie closed her eyes again. "I promised her I'd find a way and I will. I'm a master strategist, after all. I'll find a way to bring him home to us. I won't rest until I do."
"What can we do, though?" Macao asked. "We're coming up empty here."
"Besides, I'm sure the Magic Council is going to have thought of every possible way to keep Nikolias locked up. It very well may be impossible to get him out," Makarov added.
"Niky is like a brother to me. No, scratch that; he is a brother to me," Gracie said. "If thinking up the impossible is what it takes to free him, then think up the impossible I will."
Makarov smiled. "Your determination is inspiring."
Gracie rubbed her temples. "I just hope Mira can hold on long enough for me to think up something."
"Where is Mira?" Macao asked. "I thought for sure that she'd be in here helping us think."
"She needed to step out for some air," Gracie said. "Niky's arrest hit her the hardest."
Mira roamed the streets of Magnolia aimlessly. Countless citizens waved at her and greeted her, but she didn't take notice, for her head was too clouded by thoughts of Nikolias.
"This isn't happening," she whispered softly. "Not too long ago, I was thinking about telling people stories of our wedding, and now, I may never see him again." She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes again, but she fought them back.
She kept walking and soon found herself at the entrance to the park that Nikolias took her to on their first official date. She wandered in, memories of that first date flooding her mind. She kept walking until she found the bench that they sat on together. She had a seat on the bench, but it felt colder than she remembered. "Is it because he's not here with me?" she wondered aloud. She stood up from the uncomfortable bench and kept walking until she had left the park.
She continued to wander, her sadness not lifting. If anything, she was feeling even sadder. The love of her life was gone. He had willingly allowed himself to get arrested for life in order to keep his friends from getting hurt. "Oh Nikolias, why do you always have to shoulder the burden alone? Don't you realize that you have friends who are willing to help you carry it? That way you could still be here."
As she continued to wander, she came across the location of the old guild hall, which was now no longer belonging to Fairy Tail. However, even though the building was no longer theirs, the memories it held were still present and lingering. The first time she met Nikolias, the first mission they did together, their first kiss, all of it. She remembered it all and wished that all of those wonderful times had led up to a better end result.
She walked towards the cliff that overlooked the ocean and had a seat on the ledge. She closed her eyes as she willed the cool ocean breeze to blow away her sorrows and troubles. She listened to the crashing of the waves on the rocks as she tried to soothe her weary heart. But alas, it wasn't having the desired effect.
"I thought I'd find you here."
Mira turned around to see Laxus standing behind her. "Laxus? What are you doing here?"
Laxus took a few steps towards her. "I know you like to come here when you feel upset or need to really think things out. After the bombshell we got today, where else would you go?"
Mira smiled. "I see. Still, why come all the way out here to find me?"
"I wanted to make sure that you were alright," Laxus said as he stood above her, looking down at her.
Mira stood up and faced him. "I'm not alright, but I'll manage. Thank you for thinking of me."
Laxus crossed his arms. "So what are you gonna do?"
"About what?" she asked.
"About Nikolias."
"I'm not sure I understand," Mira said. "If you're asking if I have a plan to get him out, I don't." Her eyes filled with sadness again. "I don't think I can get him out is more accurate."
"No, not about getting him out," Laxus said. "That task is impossible. I meant what are you gonna do about your relationship?"
Mira turned slightly to look out over the ocean. "I'll wait for him."
"You'll wait for him?"
Mira turned back to see Laxus looking slightly agitated for some reason. "Yes, I'll wait for him. I love him. What else would I do?"
"Mira, he's in prison for the rest of his life," Laxus said. "Do you know how many years that will be? We'll all be long dead before he eventually kicks the bucket in there."
"Why are you speaking like this?" Mira asked softly, Laxus' words tearing through her heart.
"Because you need to realize that your relationship with Nikolias was doomed the moment he got arrested."
Mira held her hands close to her chest. "Why are you being so cruel?"
Laxus grabbed her shoulders. "Why are you refusing to see reason? You need to forget what you had with Nikolias and move on."
Mira was getting angry now. She removed herself from Laxus' grip and glared at him. "I will never forget what Nikolias and I have. Even if I end up never seeing him again, I will wait for him."
Laxus closed his eyes and sighed. "Mira, look at things through the eyes of someone who isn't love-struck. Nikolias is someone from an entirely different world from us. He doesn't use magic, he's hundreds of years old, and most of all, he's a freaking dragon. He will always be hunted and pursued for what he is and by being with him, you will only get hurt. That's not fair to you. Is that really the life you want to live? Because that's the life you will have if you don't let go of your feelings for him."
Mira closed her eyes as she tried to contain her frustrations. "You want to know what kind of life I want to live? I want to live with the love of my life by my side and that person is Nikolias."
"How can you want that for yourself?" Laxus shouted. "He's in prison!"
"And what would you have me do?" Mira shouted back. "Forget all about him and move on with someone else who could never make me feel as warm, safe, or loved as Nikolias did? I'm sorry, but I'm sure of what I want for myself and what I want is Nikolias."
"At least consider finding happiness with someone else."
"Like who? Who could possibly make me happier than Nikolias?"
"Me!" he roared.
Mira froze. She could honestly say that she didn't expect that. "What?"
Laxus rushed over to her and embraced her. "I love you, Mira. More than you know. I've loved you since the moment you joined Fairy Tail."
"Why did you never say anything?" she asked.
"I never saw the opportunity."
Mira pushed herself from his embrace to look at him. "Laxus, I'm flattered that you feel that way and I'm thankful that you shared that with me, but my heart belongs to another."
Laxus released Mira and took a few steps back. "You say that now, but think about what I've said, Mira. Being with him will only get you hurt. When you finally realize that you're better off without him, I'll be there."
She shook her head. "No matter how hard you try, you can never get me to stop loving him."
"Fine, keep fooling yourself," he said as he turned around and began walking off. "Just don't say I didn't warn you."
Mira watched Laxus walk off and once he was out of sight, she clenched her fists. "So you said all of that because your jealous, Laxus? Funny, I never pictured you as being so thoughtless."
"Hey dragon," one of the two guards said.
Nikolias sighed while leaning against the wall. "I have a name, you know. It's Nikolias."
"Umm…okay. Hey Nikolias," the guard repeated.
"What is it?"
"Why did you attack the town of Magnolia?" he asked. "I thought it was your home?"
"It's complicated."
"I heard you got pissed and went berserk," the other guard said. "That got the higher ups real scared real fast."
"Again, it's complicated. Nothing as simple or petty as just getting angry."
"So what happened then?" the first guard asked.
Nikolias eyed him from the darkness of the cell. With the little light there was in the cell and with his strong eyes, he could see the man was younger, perhaps 19 years old. He was facing forward, most likely because his eyes still hadn't adjusted. He then looked at the other guard, who was just as tall, but far older, perhaps in his mid 50s. He had a scruffy gray goatee and he seemed like he was scowling. "Allow me two questions and I'll tell you."
"Depends on the questions," the second guard said.
"First question. What are your names?"
"I'm Dayton," the first guard replied.
"Why do you need to know our names?" the second guard asked.
"Common courtesy," Nikolias replied. "If I expect you to address me by my name, I can at least address you by yours."
"Fair enough," the second guard said with a nod. "The name's Soyer."
"Dayton and Soyer, huh?" Nikolias said as he mulled over the names. "Okay. Now for my second question. Why the hell are you guys guarding me?"
"We're making sure you don't escape or try to cause trouble," Dayton replied.
"What good is that? You can barely see me," Nikolias retorted.
"Nothing to see," Soyer responded. "If we so much as hear anything we don't like, we're authorized to use our magic-infused spears to take you down."
"Interesting," Nikolias said. "However, relatively pointless. I have no intention of escaping."
"That's what they all say," Soyer said. "Now answer the boy's question. He's been dying to ask you for years."
"Quiet, Soyer!" Dayton hissed.
Nikolias chuckled. "Alright, I'll answer Dayton's question just as I promised." He held out his arms. "Hey Dayton, you have a flashlight or something that makes more light on you?"
"I've got an illumination lacrima with me. Why?"
"First, activate it so that you can see well."
"Okay," Dayton replied as he took out the lacrima and turned it on. He then looked over to see that Nikolias was leaning forward and holding out his arms. "What are you doing?"
"I want you to take your spear and make an incision in my arm. As deep as you like."
"What?" Dayton exclaimed.
Soyer pointed his spear at Nikolias as lightning danced around the tip. "You trying something funny, dragon?"
"Again, the name is Nikolias. And no, I'm trying to answer Dayton's question by turning a complex explanation into a demonstration." He nodded at Dayton with a smile. "Go ahead. I promise nothing bad will happen."
Dayton gulped as he slowly moved his spear into the cell.
"What the hell are you doing, boy?" Soyer barked.
Dayton ignored him as the tip of his spear touched Nikolias' skin. Then, with a little added pressure, he plunged the tip into Nikolias' arm and swung down, creating a deep cut in the flesh of the Half-Dragon's forearm. Blood poured from the wound and onto the stones. "Shit, I'm sorry! I didn't want to make it that deep!"
Nikolias chuckled. "It's fine. Just watch it."
Dayton watched as instructed and was amazed at what he saw. Even Soyer was wide-eyed.
The gash in Nikolias' forearm was rapidly closing until moments later, there was nothing left.
Dayton took a step backwards. "How did you do that?"
Nikolias leaned back on the wall. "You see, long ago I was infected with a virus known as the Red Eye virus. Because of that virus, which in all rights should have killed me, I'm able to heal incredibly fast and my lifespan increased dramatically as well. However, the major downside to the virus was that if ever my emotions got the better of me, the Red Eye would activate itself and I would lose all control. Basically, my anger would take over."
"So that's what happened in Magnolia? You got really angry?" Dayton asked for clarification.
"So what, someone stepped on your foot?" Soyer asked sarcastically.
"Fortunately, it takes a lot more than that to activate it. No, I thought that the love of my life had been killed. It filled me with such anger and sorrow that the Red Eye self-activated. Thankfully, my love wasn't dead, but I still killed the man who hurt her and was too blinded by rage to notice she was alright. And it was that blind rage that led me into Magnolia."
"So have you lost control since?" Dayton asked.
Nikolias shook his head. "While I haven't perfected controlling it yet, since that day there have been no incidents."
Dayton turned off the lacrima and he and Soyer returned to their posts. "Cool."
"Don't idolize him," Soyer scolded.
"Sorry."
Nikolias closed his eyes. "So this sentence of mine is really for life, huh?"
"That it is," Soyer responded. "The Magic Council really wants to keep tabs on you. They don't want a dragon attack happening again."
"Well, I can't blame them for that," Nikolias said with a sigh. "Tell me; do you guys have wives?"
"Not me," Dayton replied. "I mean, I have a girlfriend, but I'm too young to get married yet."
"Don't wait too long," Nikolias warned. "You never know what the future holds. Take it from someone who has seen his fair share of tragedy. And you, Soyer?"
Soyer chuckled. "Yeah, I've got a wife. Beautiful little thing. I've got two teenage daughters, too."
"Congratulations," Nikolias said.
"What about you?" Dayton asked. "Do you have a wife?"
"No, not a wife," Nikolias said while shaking his head. "However, like I mentioned before, I do have someone I love very much. I imagined a wonderful life with her where perhaps I could be blessed with a family of my own, but right now, I can't see that future anymore. That dream is at the end of a long tunnel and all I can see right now is darkness." He let his head hang. "Hard to believe that I'll never see her again."
"That's a shame. Raising a family is the best part of my life," Soyer said. Nikolias could swear that there was genuine sympathy in his voice when he said that.
"Am I allowed visitors? I'd like if I could at least see her from time to time," Nikolias asked.
"Nope, your only company will be the guards who keep watch," Soyer said.
"Damn, that's a bit lonely," Nikolias sighed. He then gave a small chuckle. "It's funny; seventeen years ago, this would have been heaven for me. Now, I can only think about being with everyone again. How cruel fate is."
Dayton turned to look at Nikolias. "What was seventeen years ago?"
"Wow, you really are fascinated with my life," Nikolias said. "It's too long a story and I don't feel like sharing. But maybe if I'm able to do something other than sit here, I'll write a book for you to read."
Dayton turned away. "I'm not fascinated."
Soyer gave a deep laugh. "Oh please! You've thought he was cool ever since you were a boy and heard about his existence!"
"Shut up, Soyer!"
"I'm flattered," Nikolias said. "I guess it's lucky for you that we're gonna be spending a lot of quality time together."
"You know, you're not what I expected," Soyer said. "I thought dragons were violent beasts. I guess your human side gave you some manners, eh?"
Nikolias gave a huff and would have crossed his arms had he been able to. "What a vicious stereotype. Not all dragons are evil, you know. I lived with dragons at an early age and they were all nothing but kind to all humans. Have you even ever met a dragon before me?"
"Can't say I have," Soyer admitted.
"There ya go."
"What about that Acnologia?" Dayton asked. "I heard he's a monster."
Nikolias narrowed his eyes and looked to the floor. "Acnologia, the Blood Dragon of the Apocalypse. Yeah, that one's a vicious son of a bitch."
"So you fought him?" Dayton asked, excitement evident in his voice.
"Yeah, I fought him."
"What happened?"
"I was already badly injured from other fights, so he was able to beat me. He's powerful, no doubt about that." Nikolias looked at his hand. "Still, I can't shake the feeling that something is very off with that dragon. His fighting style is so familiar for some reason…"
And then it happened.
An immense, pulsating pain shot through Nikolias' skull. He cried out as he fell to the ground, clutching his head with both hands and gritting his teeth as he curled up into a ball. This pain was far more agonizing than any of the other incidents.
And this pain wasn't fading.
"What's wrong?" Dayton asked. "Are you okay?"
"What are you planning?" Soyer asked suspiciously.
Nikolias was in too much pain to answer. 'What the hell is going on? Why isn't it going away?' He gripped his head even tighter. 'Why won't it stop?'
And it was then that Nikolias finally realized what was going on. The symptoms were a little different than they usually were, but it added up. The even more heightened senses, the intense feelings of aggression, the feeling like something was pounding on him from inside his head; it was more intense than ever before, but the evidence was all there. And he hated himself for not seeing it sooner.
Nikolias forced himself onto his stomach, his fingers digging into the stone as he tried to endure the pain and keep himself composed. He opened up one eye to look at the confused guards. "Please," he rasped, "you have to hurry! You need to get me something to eat right now!"
