The Forgotten Zodiac

Werr flopped down next to him, laughing loudly. "I can't remember the last time I played tag like that. We should get Diana and Cynyr in on this. Maybe that Vuker kid, too!" He sat upright again, crawling forward and putting his hands on the red rock. "This thing...what is it? I feel so happy around it. It just...dissolved my worries and cares, and..."

Naybrin sat up, giving a quick exhale as his body readjusted to laying still. "It is...a Stone of Life. It fills people, especially those that have experianced loss, with energy and joy. It longs to ease pain and bring happiness to those who feel they have nothing left. It is quite rare." He stood up and stretched, then sat down. His deep green eyes searched Werr's face for a long moment, then he said, very softly, "Dark-Eyes, come here."

Werr felt the slow pang of sorrow creep along the bond, and once again, Naybrin was an old, ancient dragon.

Werr had come to imagine the bond between them as an invisible thread. It was easy to feel that way, too. The waves of emotion traveling off of Naybrin's soul ran along the thread and into him. "Sure." He stood and brushed himself off, walking up to his dear old friend. "Dunno why it's giving me happiness, then...I still have Lexi. And Cynyr. That's hardly nothing..." He sighed a bit, leaning against Naybrin. "Still...I should thank it for this. I actually feel whole again, somewhat..."

"There is another reason for that," the dragon murmured, bending his head and pressing his muzzle to Werr's back, closing his eyes. "It can sense what is to come, and it leaps for joy and sorrow alike." He leaned back, carefully wrapping his paws around Werr and hugging him gently. "I will be leaving soon, my young Dark-Eyes. And you will not be able to come with me. It is a journey only I can take."

He paused, then nuzzled Werr slowly, pressing his eyes closed tighter.

"The last I will ever go on..."

"Wha...what?" Werr whipped around, pulling away from Naybrin. "No...no, Naybrin, you can't leave me! Not at a time...like this. Naybrin, I...I could die. I only feel like I have a chance because...because of you, Naybrin. And Zephyr, he has to go back to his duties as the dragon king soon, even he can't stay with us for much longer. You can't just leave, Naybrin, you..." Tears slid down his cheeks freely. "You can't die too..."

((I was thinking of bringing in my own dragon character. One that hasn't been in the Sacred Plains, yet, kinda like how Zephyr was. Kinda like Lutrez, but much older. x3 Thoughts?))

((Sure. I don't see why not. Even though we have a lot of characters that need developing already. -coughAlliexLuencough- xD))

Naybrin crooned sadly and pulled Werr tighter, then murmured "Oh, my dear little Dark-Eyes... One such as myself can never truly die. And besides..."

His voice was quiet as he whispered in Werr's ear.

"You will not be alone."

And with that, he slowly released the boy. The ancient dragon stood up, watching Werr one more time through his deep green eyes, then he turned away and moved over to the Stone of Life. He bent and pressed his nose to it, and at once, power as Werr had never felt in his life swept around him towards the dragon, power that made his hair stand on-end, his skin crawl in awe.

Naybrin was overflowing with this magic. The blood-red magic that was pure, untamed power swept through him, and he slowly began to lift into the air, his eyes closing, his body becoming see-thru, like a vapor. Werr felt their bond fading; he was losing all ability to speak, hear, feel the dragon as old as time itself that had become his friend.

((S/He'll likely be in Gossain. Luna can find him/her. :3))

Werr felt rather empty inside without that connection. He sank to his knees, watching in mingled horror and awe as his great friend vanished before his eyes. He fought to hold onto the bond, and managed to send a final message to his dear old friend. Naybrin! I...I don't know what you're doing or why, but...I'll never forget you, okay? You taught me so much...I'm not sure what we'll do without you, but I won't sit around and mope anymore! Give Freya my regards for me?

((Okey.

Also, Fyaia. Not Freya. xD Though Freya IS really pretty...))

The dragon, who was now so far faded that only a faint outline remained, smiled and answered Of course. But do promise me one thing, youngling.

Take good care of this one, as you have always done.

He lifted his claws and curled them in front of himself, all of his power zooming to one spot, hovering just over the Stone of Life. His wings lifted, spreading wide behind him, as the roaring of thousands of dragons echoed out around them.

Bright fire-colored light shone out beneath his claws, where a small ball was floating. He was reaching up, into a realm none had ever touched, to do something that was normally forbidden and undoable. But he was giving his own life for this, so he had the Goddess' blessing. He could even hear her now, with his dear Fyaia, calling him home after all these long years. He could've used this power to bring his mate back, he knew. But it was better to join her. He had long since earned his final sleep, and besides...

...there was one who deserved it more.

With a final loud, echoing, ringing roar leaping up from his chest, Naybrin vanished from existance.

The glowing ball of fire-colored light was still there, however, burning Werr's eyes when he tried to look at it. A moment later, Naybrin's powers exploded out of it, racing across the entire land like bolts of lightening. Several people were hit by this ancient power, and they were granted gifts from the First King.

Zephyr was given all of Naybrin's sheer power, so he truly was the King of the Dragons, now the most powerful magic user alive.

Another blast hit Allie, and even as she sat in her chair, the bandages around the stumps of her legs tore. Legs sprouted forth, whole and hale, and she was able to stand and walk.

The third slammed into Vaira, far away, and opened her closed womb, while also giving her a life within at the same moment.

A tendril arched to Ophile, invisibility or not, and sent him howling.

The next hit Cynyr so hard he was flung violently off of the chair he had been reclining in, screaming as his skin burned from the magic coursing through it.

And the last, the most powerful one of all, hit Werr.

In an instant, it was all over.

Werr found himself staring at the underside of the treetops, stunned by the sudden blast of magic that had hit him. What had just happened...? He felt...different. Not too much the same, but the bond that had vanished momentarily was back, and just as strong as ever. But...with who? Naybrin was gone, who took up this bond with him now? Who? Werr felt along the invisible string, trying to find the other end of it.

When the boy sat up, it was to the sight of a bright, sparkling gold pool of light welling over the Stone of Life. It dripped and foamed like water, and something was forming inside it. A figure formed in the center, laying draped across the pool. Detail began forming on it's naked form, showing a long, limp tail and fluffy ears, soft blonde hair and bright crimson eyes that were currently closed.

Naybrin had given Welk back.

Werr stared for a long while. Detail after detail was carved into Welk's face, fingers, feet. His once-stumpy tail returned in full, his fluffy ears easily formed on his head. Finally, when it was finished, the golden pool shifted and turned into glimmering golden robes, draping themselves over the familiar form. Werr staggered to his feet and ran forward, catching Welk in his arms as he was slowly lowered to the ground.

"...Welk?" Werr bit his lip, his eyes locked on the body of his dear friend. Once dead, now alive again.

((Hg would be happy.))

((So happy.))

The half-cat gave a weak groan, curling closer to Werr as a small, gentle pulse ran along their new bond. Welk started purring softly, nuzzling into his best friend's arms, his long, full tail flicking lazily behind him. His long golden wings were spread, one draped over Werr's shoulder and the other falling against the ground.

He slowly opened his bright red eyes, blinking calmly and finally looking up into Werr's eyes. Truly and utterly Welk, here in the boy's arms.

"Welk, Welk, Welk!" Werr felt like jumping up and down with sheer excitement and joy. But he sat still and held his friend close. "Come on, let's go see Cynyr," He grinned breathlessly, climbing to his feet. He wasn't sure what else to do; true, Welk might be hungry or thirsty or in need of something else, but right now, all Werr could think about was showing Cynyr that Welk was alive again.

In his heart, he knew that Naybrin was watching him from wherever he was now. Werr sent up a silent 'thank you', though he knew that was hardly enough. This was, without a doubt, the greatest gift anyone could ever give.

"Did you feel that?" Titus frowned, taking Galai's hand in his. "That magical influx...and Naybrin..." He sighed heavily. "I feel that Naybrin has done something...interesting."

"Can we stay on subject?" Forin raised a brow. Diana was hiding behind him, terrified of the large king and queen before her. "Diana, dearest, this is Queen Galai. She's going to help you remember. You'll remember her. She's very sweet, and you love her very much. You can trust me," He pulled her closer, but she remained tucked between his back and his thick cloak.

"But...but...there are unicorns here..." Diana shivered.

"Oh dear...do you remember Bala?" Forin inquired. She nodded, trembling. The summons sighed heavily. "She's long since gone, Diana..."

Galai closed her eyes for a moment, then suddenly gave a small gasp and said "Interesting indeed...Titus, Naybrin is dead."

Her words rang through the room as if someone had set off a gong.

She began to pray softly, her eyes closed in mourning. She stopped after a moment, though, knowing she would grieve later. Diana needed her. She decended the steps towards the two, her long white wings held aloft.

"Quite." Titus muttered, sending up his own prayers in silence. "But he did not die of wound or age. He gave his life up intentionally. This is what interests me. Why he would do such a thing..."

Diana whimpered and hugged Forin tighter, but as Galai got within arm's reach, she pulled Forin away. Then, she actually gave him an order. "Forin, I-I order you to keep her away from me!"

"No." Forin shook his head.

"Wha...but...you..."

"Summons are bound to follow orders, but their most important duty is to serve the summoner and ensure that they are safe and well cared for. If you ordered me to hurt you, I would not do it. If you ordered me to leave and never return, I would ignore it. Both of those things would do more harm than good. Keeping Galai away from you would be more harmful than not. Therefore, I am permitted to ignore that order." Forin shook his head. He pulled her around so she was in front, hugging her tightly. "Don't be scared, Diana, please...there's nothing that can hurt you here. Galai and Titus will protect you as much as I do. Galai only wants to help. Trust me."

Diana stared at the queen, panic and terror in her untrusting gaze. She had a good reason to be afraid; all she remembered from this place was Bala, the unicorn that had chosen to inflict harm on Forin through hurting Diana.

Galai walked closer, slowly bending down to be at eye-level with the young girl. Her powers extended through her fingers as she moved her hands forward, touching them to either side of her head. A feeling of utter peace filled the child as Galai's perfect healing magic worked it's wonders on her. Her lost memories began returning, one by one, in a steady stream of knowledge.

Diana blinked, and remembered. She immediately relaxed, whereas before she had been near the point of screaming. Her fear melted away quicker than she could blink twice. Immediately, she sprang forward, wrapping her arms around Galai's neck in a tight hug. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She wailed at once. "I forgot...I should have remembered you...you...you're important to me," She hugged the queen as tight as she could, closing her eyes. "I'm so sorry..."

"There...that's better." Forin smiled, Diana's happiness reaching his own. But his smile faded as the door was opened behind them and the familiar reek of Dark Magic settled in the room.

"Good afternoon. I hope you'll excuse the intrusion..." Obelisk tutted, a white and gold coffin floating next to him, Malice hounding his heels. "I presume I'm not interrupting anything. And I assume you are aware of the magical calamity that took place only minutes before..."

"Yes. We are aware." Titus tutted.

Galai hugged Diana tightly, saying comforting words softly before looking up at Obelisk. "Yes," she said softly, allowing her sorrow to show on her face now that Diana was cared for. "Naybrin has passed out of exsistance. The First King is dead."

Outside, a long, ringing roar could be heard from Zephyr, who was mourning Naybrin's death, as were dragons and creatures all across the land. Anyone with a higher sense was able to feel his disappearance. The change in the world was that great.

It didn't help that it was now raining.

"He's not the only one," Obelisk shook his head, resting his hand on the coffin. "If...it's not too much trouble, I'd like your blessing to bury my wife in your gardens. I...had been planning to show her this land...when she got better. She would have liked it here..."

"You have my permission, certainly." Titus dipped his head.

"Thank you. Secondly...Divine. You are not the same as you were so long ago. You lack understanding of human ways and emotions. If you'd like, I will allow you to my mind. Many...many things are sealed within. Some of which may be a help to your knowledge and understanding." Obelisk offered. It wasn't a light or easy thing; Obelisk's mind was a vast ocean of knowledge beyond most people. For him to be offering such things so openly was a rare thing.

The Divine blinked beningely down at him, then said "I would be honored, Great One." At least this Divine seemed to have a sense of manners, where the other had been lacking. Being raised with its people had taken a positive effect in its life.

Galai walked down to Obelisk and gently put her hands on his shoulders, saying "It would be our pleasure to allow her final resting place to be here. Would you like anyone to be there at her burial, or just have it to you and your son?"

Malice peeked hesitantly out from behind his father's leg, tears dripping down his face. There hadn't really been a moment where he had gone without them since his mother had died.