The Forgotten Zodiac

Welk wasn't in the kitchen, and the Amnairian working in there hadn't seen him. She inadvertently helped point Werr in the right direction when she said "You're looking for a half-cat? Hrm. I though I saw one running around outside today, but I'm not sure. I've been in the kitchen nearly all day, after all." She shrugged, then pointed out the quickest route outside when Werr asked for it. Once outside, however, he had little luck locating Welk for a long time. Finally, he found him.

Welk was sitting by the edge of an expansive forest of glittering white trees, sobbing. When he had last fallen asleep, Werr had been holding him and he had been in that magic forest place. Now when he had woken up, he had been in this strange place and had found that he was completely alone. After changing into the weird blue shirt and black jeans he had found, he had tried to go and find his friends, only to get chased by some winged unicorns and get hopelessly lost.

In short, he had a rough day.

Werr approached silently, dropping to his knees behind his friend and wrapping his arms around him. "Welk," He said quietly. "Please, don't cry. I hate it when you cry." He hugged his half-cat friend tightly.

Welk jolted and nearly sank his claws into Werr's leg, expecting guards instead of his best friend. Once he got past his initial fear and realized who was touching him, he turned and buried his face against Werr's shoulder, sobbing. "W-Werr!" he cried, hugging him tightly. "Where did you go?! I've been looking everywhere for you! I could find my clothes so I had to wear this weird outfit and I don't like the shirt because it's not red and when I tried to come find you or...or anyone else I got c-chased by some unicorns, which sounds really un-manly, and then I got away from them and found this place and I was scared and...and..." He broke off and held Werr close to him, pressing his face into the older boy's chest. "I thought you had abandoned me..." he whimpered, his skin still somewhat pale. He felt skinny to Werr, who had his arms around the half-cat.

"No, no, no," Werr hugged tighter for a moment, them pulled away to look at his friend. He smiled gently, then hugged him again. "I would never think of it. You see, Cynyr fixed the gate, and we carried you here, into Amnairus. The queen told us that you...you would have died, if she didn't take you away. I couldn't do anything to help you other than to trust her, so...I let them take you. And they fixed you. They fixed me, too. No more nightmares. And look, even the scar that Cynyr gave me is gone!" He touched his face, where the claw marks had once been.

Welk reached up and lightly closed his hand over Werr's, staring at the spot where the scars had once been. "I liked those." he said softly, though he smiled still. "No more nightmares?" he said, flicking his stumped tail around behind him in growing excitement. "That's great!" He purred, closing his eyes happily for a moment, then said "I'm glad you feel better. You know I am." He nuzzled Werr's shoulder, purring louder and stronger than he had in a long time. "Where's everyone else?" he asked, opening his bright crimson eyes.

"That's what Galai said. She said something about a tiny piece of Dark Magic in my stomach. It was causing the nightmares, and...it stopped my heart for a couple of minutes, but she fixed me." Werr nodded, smiling. He understood what Welk meant by liking the scars, but Werr hadn't really liked them. Mainly because he had gotten them by accident. He would much rather have scars that he obtained through real fighting. As if that would ever happen.

Werr continued smiling as Welk asked his question. "Oh, they're back in the springs, last I saw. Come on, Cynyr is with them."

Welk's jaw dropped open as Werr spoke, shocked and horrified at the thought of the boy's heart not beating, then his eyes lit up at the mention of Cynyr. He slowly stood up and helped Werr up as well. "Come on, then." he said, smiling widely. "Let's go!" He took cat form and bounced around Werr excitedly, rubbing against the boy's legs once in a while. "I'm starving." he said as they started walking. "If I don't get some food soon, don't be surprised if I suddenly die." he said jokingly, trotting along right beside his friend. Werr noticed that Welk walked on the side where more people would walk past, discreetly putting himself in the way of any potential dangers.

He was still Werr's knight, after all, and he took it seriously.

Werr smiled all the more at this realization. He hadn't made Welk his knight just because the half-cat was his friend. Especially after that trial, he knew for certain that Welk would fight for him to the death, no matter what. "You should see the kitchens, they're huge!" Werr grinned, leading Welk back the way he came. "I'm sure they'll make us something if we ask. Then again, there was already quite a bit of food back at the springs, but Spy might have already rubbed his face in all of it."

Welk brightened considerably and grinned, showing off sharp cat teeth. "At this point, I don't care if Spy licked all of it. I'm so hungry I could eat a whole unicorn!"

One of the winged creatures walked by at that moment and gave Welk an odd look, then hurried about her way.

"...Not really." Welk said, in a much quieter tone, then burst out laughing. He shook his head, ruffling his fur, which fluffed out in several different directions. The fur around his neck and shoulders had been slowly growing longer over time and starting to turn a darker color, more reddish instead of blonde. This was made prominent to Werr now, as Welk shook his head and the fur flowed thickly like that. It quickly settled back into place and Welk himself didn't notice. It was easy to overlook, after all, but...it wasn't something a normal cat would start growing.

Welk brushed up against Werr's leg, purring happily, then his stomach growled and he said "Come on, come on! My body is eating itself here!" He promptly pushed under Werr's legs and charged off with the boy on his back, carrying him easily.

((He's a lion. :T))

Werr laughed as they raced back to the others. He felt great. More than great, he felt amazing. With Welk at his side (rather, under him) and his troubles finally behind him, he felt free to laugh and enjoy himself.

The others were mostly out of the springs by the time they arrived. Diana was curled up against Forin, munching on a sugary looking pastry. Spy was working though an entire mince meat pie, while Nate was enjoying the raw meat that they had prepared with him and Zephyr in mind. Airlia had said something about exploring and had wandered off, but no one was too worried. There couldn't possibly be anything to worry about here. At least, not for a gentle-spirited winged girl like her. Forin thought differently in his and Diana's case, but Airlia would be fine.

((Also, in case you hadn't noticed, I've already hinted towards a little character development for Airlia sometime in the future. Resu called her the 'Fallen', hinthint. :T))

((Yepyep. It fit his goofy-yet-loyal personality better. Plus in half-cats, lions are commonly mistaken for cats because, due to being half human, it takes longer for lion traits to develop.))

Jag was curled up nearby, nibbling on some of the fish that had been provided. The Amnairians had taken careful note of each of the different types in their group and had provided appropriate foods for each of them. Zephyr was still outside in the water, now taking up all of the space there was. Nobody was out there anymore, after all, and he saw no reason to constrict himself to a size that wasn't his natural one.

Everyone else, for the most part, was inside. Seria was still out in the girls side of the spring, taking care of herself. She had helped most of the other girls with taking care of their hair and scrubbing it properly, and now was alone and able to care for herself.

Luen was sleeping on the couch next to Nate, his head resting in the dragonian's lap. He was letting Diana braid his tail between bites of her food. He didn't mind whatsoever that she was doing that to his fluffy white tail. There had been times, back when his youngest sister had been alive, when he had gone about with all of his fur in braids. Anything to make Jewel happy, and now, anything to make Diana happy.

Cynyr was curled up in a chair away from them, looking uncomfortable in the red short-sleeved shirt and black jeans he had been provided with. In the back of his mind, he silently noted that this had been the most revealing day he had ever had in his whole life besides when he had first taken off his old mask. He hadn't eaten anything, not being hungry in the slightest, even though he hadn't eaten for well over at least two days now.

Welk trotted in and paused to let Werr of, then moved over to the table and took an entire stack of food to eat. He wolfed down most of it at first, then, as he grew fuller, slowed down and began to eat slower, actually enjoying it instead of practically inhaling it.

((Mmk then. She's an angel? Fallen and the way she is makes me think of that.))

((I was thinking of something like that, but I was also considering an ancient civilization that lives in places like the ruins of Heirves. Flying rocks. o3o

Perhaps you can help me think of something? She doesn't remember anything of her past, so it's mostly open game. :T))

Werr started to eat too, though he normally ate slowly. He plopped down next to Cynyr. "This food is really good," He said, smiling happily. Although he had at first, now he didn't even cringe when he looked at Cynyr. He just kept smiling away. "You should have some, too, it's no good to go hungry."

((Oooo, sounds neat. -puts on thinking cap- Sure, I'll help you think. Might take me a while, but I WILL DO THIS THING MAYBE.))

"No thanks." Cynyr answered immediately, then surprised Werr by sinking down further into the chair and resting his head on the boy's shoulder. He curled his tail around the boy's leg, his arm brushing against Werr's. His skin was rough like sandpaper and the fabic of his new shirt kept snagging on the torn skin of the scars.

Welk, when he finished eating, jumped up on the large chair and curled in against Werr's other side, resting his head in the teenager's lap. He stretched one paw across and rested it over Cynyr's hand, watching as his brother reflexively twitched his fingers sharply at the inital touch, then relaxed. Welk smiled, closing his eyes and purring.

((Also, Cynyr could totally teach Werr how to use a sword, even if it's just the basics. o3o

And we'll switch to Airlia's discovery soon enough, which should start with her finding a huge closed-off area and getting over the gate, which leads to a huge dark cave-like jail cell. Just sayin'.

-uo))

((OKAY MAYBE.))

Werr smiled happily at the both of him, then remembered something yet again. "Hey, Cynyr...you're pretty good at fighting. Do you...know how to use any weapons?" He asked quietly. "I can ask Nate if you don't, but...I kind of want to learn how to fight. I think I could put it to pretty good use."

Cynyr didn't so much as move for a while, then answered "Yes, I know how to use all kinds of weapons. Obviously, I had to know to survive in my life. Just because I don't use weapons doesn't mean I don't know how to wield them." He was silent for a moment longer, then said "I think a sword fits you best. It's light, so you can hold it better than an axe and you won't have to pull on something like a bow's string, and it's easy to carry. Plus, it's a good beginner's weapon."

Seria finally entered the room, wearing a simple outfit like the rest of the group, and Cynyr caught himself staring at her as she walked past. He closed his eyes, a faint tint of red blush creeping along his pale white cheeks, then said "We can start later today if you like, Werr. The sooner we start, the more training you'll be able to get in. My only condition for teaching you anything is that you aren't allowed to wimp out if you find out you don't like it. You asked for my help and I'm going to give it. Got it?"

Welk smiled at Cynyr's blunt to-the-point way of talking, knowing that he really did mean well towards Werr, even though he sounded somewhat gruff.

Werr blinked at him, then nodded. "I can take it. I'm stronger than I was before...even if it's just a little bit. I've definitely learned a lot since Heather died. I think I can do it. I know the theory of it all, but actually doing it...that's a whole different thing. Yeah, starting later sounds good. For now, I need to finish eating," He took another bite of his meal, going back to smiling again.

In the meantime, Airlia was indeed exploring. She had walked through most of the streets, generally ignored by the majority of people. She quickly grew bored, though, and started wandering. At last, she found one of the fields of white grass and took off her shoes, wiggling her toes in the fluffy cloud-stuff. She started walking around like that, with her shoes tucked into her bag. The clouds were soft and cool, perfect for walking on. She skipped along what seemed to be a back road, perfectly happy. Nothing at all seemed dangerous, not even the fact that she seemed to be alone now. She pulled to a stop as she came to the crest of a hill, spotting something.

A wall? Yes, it was a short distance away from the town, standing tall around the thing it was hiding. It wasn't the castle, nor did it seem to be attached. There didn't seem to be anyone around, either. Airlia took flight and landed on the top of the wall in a few short moments, peering in curiously. It was a cluster of white-washed rocks, set in the middle of the expanse surrounded by the wall.

Such a big wall for a little cave. Or at least, that was what it looked like. Airlia flew down towards it, ever curious. She headed into the cave, finding herself in a long tunnel. Making sure there were no side tunnels she could get confused with on her way back, Airlia forged on.

She soon found her path blocked by bars, though. She strained to see past the bars; it was far too dark, though. Airlia suddenly felt a little scared. Like she wasn't meant to be here. At all. She had gone from brightness and warmth, clouds and sunshine to a dark and damp cave that smelled funny and hurt her bare feet. She shivered a bit, wondering if she should turn and leave.

A growl suddenly echoed out of the darkness on the other side of the bars. A few seconds later, something slammed into the bars with such force that Airlia was flung backwards a few feet. The thing on the other side of the bars snarled at her and retreated with a leathery flapping sound. As Airlia's eyes adjusted further to the extrememly dim lighting, then thing in the bars blew out a thin whisp of...fire. The flames illuminated what lay within the cage, for it truly was a cage and not mere bars.

Curled up inside the huge cage was a magenta colored dragon that looked to be a little smaller than Zephyr when he was in his largest form. Her horns were a darker magenta color and she had seven little dots under each eye. This large creature was not what had jumped against the cage and blown the fire, however.

Sitting on the dragon's back was a female dragonian, glaring hatefully at Airlia. She had dusty light pink hair and was wearing a thin shift that was barely long enough to cover her entire body, with a pair of wings sprouting from her shoulder blades and a long tail twisting around behind her. She snarled at Airlia and hopped behind the dragon, peering over its back at the girl. She looked to be not much older than Seria, probably around Jag's age, and she had faded bite marks along one of her arms, like she had been attacked. Her slitted eyes were a thin purple color and they were narrowed distrustfully at Airlia, as if the girl were a demon that had come to torment her.

Airlia stared up at her, trembling with fear. "I-I'm sorry..." She stammered, scooting back a bit. She stared at the Dragonian woman, then at the dragon, confusion mixing with her fear. "Pl...please don't...don't be mad, I was just...curious..." She whimpered slightly, shaking her head. "I'll...I'll leave now," She stammered, climbing to her feet and backing up. She backed out of sight of the dragonian and the dragon, then turned to the exit.

Only to see the circle of light being closed as the cave was sealed for the evening. Airlia let out a wail and ran forward, but it was far too late. She kicked at the rock seal, to no avail. She tried to call out several times, but eventually sank to her knees and started sobbing where she was. "N-not again..." She sniffled, crying weakly into her arms.

From deeper within the cave, she heard the sound of the dragon waking. The dragonian girl chittered something in a twisted little language at the creature, which replied back. Because Airlia had drank some of Zephyr's blood, she could understand what the dragon said.

"Mm...Tasia? Why are you awake?" the dragon said in a obviously female voice. "What's wrong?" The dragonian, Tasia, snarled something that trailed into a whimper. There came the sound of stones shifting and rolling as the large dragon shifted slightly in her resting position, then called out. "I can smell you out there, winged girl." she said. "You can't hide. I suggest you come forward and speak where I can see you." There came a burst of flames that illuminated the cave where the cage was, lighting several candles hanging from the ceiling and walls. "...Before I decide to ignite this entire cavern into flames and burn you alive." she said, clearly warning Airlia to come forward while she still could. "Explain why you intrude upon my slumber and the peace of my young companion."

Airlia sniffed, and wiped her eyes. There was no way around it, really. She'd just have to tell the truth, and hoped that these people would understand. Then again...they were in a cage. Didn't that make them criminals? No, no, Airlia told herself, thinking about it. She had spend several years in a cell. She wasn't evil.

Airlia returned to the bars, her head low and her wings drooping behind her. "Please don't..." She said quietly, hugging her chest in fear. "I came here with my friends earlier today. I...I was exploring alone, an-and I found a wall. I got curious and found my way in here. I-I would have left, but the entrance blocked, a-and I can't...I'm really sorry, I...I didn't mean to disturb anyone, I..." She sat down in front of the bars and stared at the floor. "B-burn me if you want...I shouldn't have strayed from my master, I should know better than that..."