“Victor… Victor… wake up... please….”

The mood in the chamber was dim. All god’s people kept their distance, not so much as budging an inch. It had been an hour, yet no one dared move. The Elder watched on, a sunken look on his face as the lavender stranger shook the red with ever growing desperation, pleading with him to snap out of whatever he'd fallen into. But every plea fell on deaf ears.

It was a miserable, hopeless struggle. Victor lay collapsed on the cold floor, limbs shaking, his breathing rough on the ears, his eyes bloodshot and wide open, a trail running across his scales from eyes to floor. No matter what Celesta did, nothing helped. She almost wanted to cry out and collapse into a similar stupor herself. It was too much pressure on one soul. Yet, she persisted, a glimmer appearing in one eye. “V-Victor… please… don’t do this…”

* * *

There was nothing. Nothing in Victor’s mind, but a thick well of nothing. As if he’d been thrown into a forest cast in perpetual darkness, staggering his way through pitch black clutters branches and bushes, desperately praying for the first spark of sunlight to creep onto the horizon, passively awaiting for a beast or element to claim him at last. Every turn was a dead end; every step only led him deeper into the woods, much as a rat following the tunes of a flute.

Voices from times long past echoed in the dark, of friends and family, of brothers in arms and neighbours. All those times he had let those who counted on him down, when he had unwittingly sealed the fate of those he loved, or wittingly cast them into the abyss. They’d appear beside him, like spectres haunting their soon-to-be equal. He tried to brush them away with two pale hands. Hands he’d never again possess. And thus, the cycle began anew. Back to the woods, back to the dark, trying to find his escape.

To think, once he had believed himself to be a good man. Not perfect, perhaps, but with his heart in the right place. What could’ve caused such an error? Where did it all go so, so very wrong, that the gods saw it fit to lay a curse onto his head? To forever remain a monster, whose instincts would slowly rip apart everything that had made him human? It must have been the betrayals. The cowardice which had seen countless amounts of people cast to the abyss forever. His cowardice.

I should've died long ago. Eric should've been the one to rip off my useless head, and put it on display for all to gawk at... I deserve to get spit on after hurting everyone. The world would've been better off...

As time’s march kept to its steady rhythm, so too did the descent. No matter how miserable it became, the woods awaited him time and time again, voices taunting him from behind the black leaves. Their whispers were like knives searing through his flesh, bearing the salt-ridden truth on their blades. At times, the antechamber’s walls appeared for a split second, only to be revealed as an illusion. The voices roared with glee. Victor’s chest stung. A lone light then appeared far away. The voices tried to pull his attention away; alas, the red dragon lacked the strength to obey, and ended up caught in the spark’s allure. Then, there was a flash.

“...victor…Victor! Are you there?!”

The woods were gone. The antechamber walls stared right back at him, their grey marble shining dully in an unknown light. A chant sounded a few steps away, its speaker narrating in a deep, growling voice. His limbs and tail twitched with life, as did his head turn. The purple stood over him, an uncertainty in her gaze.

“Victor… what’s happening? Are you still okay?”

The marble’s shine appeared in the red dragon’s eyes. He covered them both up with his claws, as he shrunk into a quivering heap. “N-no...”

Celesta shook her head, laying one of her claws on Victor’s neck. “Please, don’t do this to yourself… I swear, we’ll-”

“It’s hopeless...” Victor sobbed, “All I wanted… was to be myself again, away from this… a-and now I’m stuck as this… f-forever...” a hollow howl freed itself from his throat. He couldn’t bear to look anyone in the eyes, not while he couldn’t even control himself. In the true world, one cannot run nor hide from their failures, nor their punishment. The gods had crushed him like an insect. Like the insect he was.

The purple dragoness opened her mouth slightly, only for it to close without a sound. Shimmers appeared in her blue eyes. One’s dreams had been crushed. The other lowered her head, her bones shaking as she realized she had led her companion on a wild goose chase, with zero to show for it. She audibly clasped her claws in defeat.

“Victor… I’m so sorry...”

“...Breathe.”

It was then the Elder approached, his eyes narrow. Celesta backed away. The large dragon laid one claw on the red’s back, his breaths provoking a shiver beneath the scales.

“Rise, young one.”

Victor’s sobbing ceased. A strange sensation permeated through his veins, easing the battlefield within his mind. Sorrow had been buried, and from its grave arose confusion.

“It would appear you both have much to learn still. I must say, it is quite the accomplishment for you to have gotten here all by yourselves. Many others have tried.”

Victor gulped. What… is this? This isn’t how I’m supposed to feel, what is even… “Mister, err, Elder. What are you talking about?”

The Elder took a deep breath. “I speak, of course, of your spirit, young one. Life is far too fleeting to allow our spirits to run amok. As you have let yours. Your companion too, has much to learn.”

The red dragon glanced over his shoulder. Celesta’s eyes met him head on, wide and disturbed, her tail curled between her legs much as his own. “I don’t understand, how-”

“Devotion to Divinity has taught me much, young one. But that is none of your concern for now,” the Elder spoke in a dull voice. “You have come here in search of a way to reverse your dragonhood, have you not?”

Victor gave a fast nod, his head sinking low enough to appear bow-like. “Indeed I have.”

The Elder’s throat rumbled. “Hmm, I see. And, are you capable of explaining why you wish to reverse it?”

“Yes, I can.” Victor scratched at the scales on his neck. “I want to be human again. Not a scaly bea- dragon, I mean. A human. An ordinary peasant, or hunter, or something of that nature, that’s who I am.” He abruptly fell silent.

With closed eyes, the Elder breathed in deep, loud enough for the sound to echo throughout the antechamber. An ominous grunt crawled from the old dragon’s throat, sending both Victor and Celesta back a pace. The two dragons kept exchanging stares with each other, neither appearing sure of themselves. After some time had passed, the Elder opened his jaws.

“I’m afraid this will not do. Your story is wanting. For no one would be so willing to do as you wish without a far stronger wind at their back. Tell me more. ”

H-how did he… Victor sighed. “I’m also doing this for all the people I abandoned in my life… I want to set things right, even if they’re no longer around to see it.”

“And who are these people?”

Victor’s eyes dawdled off to the ground. “My mother, my little sister, all my former neighbours… My friend, Eric... ” He paused to shudder. They’re all gone... “All my former brothers in arms, back in the Civil Defense...”

The Elder nodded slowly. “I see, I see. And what, pray do tell, are you hoping to set right?”

Victor’s eyes remained glued to the floor, his limbs like ice. “I promised that I would always be there for them. That I’d be there for them even in the worst times. And instead I ran away, and I… ended up like this...” he muttered.

The Elder tilted his head upwards. “I see, I see. Young one, this explains much. You wish to right the wrongs of the past, a return to normalcy. But this normalcy was never to last. Time claims all in the end. This simple life of yours was destined to come to its conclusion, one way or the other.”

“But it’s wrong! I know it’s wrong! None of them deserved any of it! I can’t live with myself anymore… Not after I’ve lost control over myself, after all the misery I’ve caused, not now that I’ve destroyed the lives of everyone who has ever gotten to know me..” Victor’s ears caught wind of a wince.

“Some things are not what they seem, young one.” the Elder leaned closer to the red dragon. “And there must be a reason behind them. I have seen it many times throughout my existence.”

Breath hissing through his teeth, Victor felt a dizzying sensation stir up inside. With the weight of everything which had transpired resting on his shoulders, his mind was balancing on a ledge. Then it plummeted.

“How DARE you! You dare say they all deserved it?! That there was some ‘purpose’ behind it all?! Do their lives not matter to you? They were my life, damn you! My life!! You dare say it doesn’t matter… Let me guess, that bastard ‘Divinity’ has got to do with it, hasn’t he?”

“Victor please...”

“Quiet, you!!” yelled Victor, eyes bloodshot and watering, “Now you want to drag me down as well? Just like everything else has for the last few months...”

“Victor, snap out of it! You’ll end up angering-”

“I don’t care. I’ve had enough of this horrid life already.” With those words, he turned back towards the Elder, staring down at him with an emotionless gaze. “Hey, you. Put an end to this already, I dare you!! Your god hates me as it is, just kill me and be done with it!” Victor stood his ground, awaiting whatever was to come next. His wings had spread wide in anticipation for whatever divine wrath would strike him down.

“Victor, no!!”

Celesta’s protest failed to make an impact. Victor kept up his posture, chest puffed up, rough breaths flowing in and out. The Elder’s eyes narrowed further, before his dry lips opened up.

“That is not what I meant.”

“Don’t play dumb with me, I know better!”

“Have you ever heard of the ancient Lokahnian proverb, ‘Expect the worst, and you’ll always be surprised’?”

“Of course I have! I’ve been raised with that motto, it’s practically been planted into-”

“Think, young one, think! You believe everything to be lost, and yet it is not. It never has been. Everything that has happened to you has happened for a reason...” One of the old dragon’s brows stretched up. “...or have they? Did you spend the sweet time of your life studying all that has transpired? Or have you been making assumptions?”

Victor gulped. “Well, I-”

“That tells enough. It is all a conclusion from imagination. Young one. You dwell on the echoes of the past, echoes you aren’t sure of. You’ve allowed yourself to be so led astray, to even wish death upon yourself… for what?” the grey Elder asked. Victor quivered along, lips hanging open slightly.

“I… I don’t know anymore. I just feel horrible. I don’t know what else to say...”

The elder tilted his head. “I have drawn breath for a very long time. I have seen a great many impure beings attempt to win my favour, to a most unfortunate consequence. Trust me, there is no blight upon your soul. Not a speck. You’re as bright as can be, young one.”

“Thank you...” The red dragon’s eyes shimmered.

“You have come a long way. To throw it all away would be a shame, young one. Don’t let the past rob you of this gift. You must look to the brightness on the horizon. No matter how distant it may seem, it will always arrive. And even if you find yourself unable to escape from the darkness’ clutches… I can think of no better way to redeem your name, than to live in defiance of its sins. Become someone your parents can only be proud of, Victor.”

“Yes. I will.” Victor raised a claw to swat away a droplet on his snout. “I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Divinity brighten your path, young one. And remember, not everything is what it seems. Now, do you wish for me to aid you on the way back? The slopes of the Snowcap are rather dangerous, as you know.”

Victor nodded. “Yes, we’d appreciate it.” How does he know these things? He’s been stuck in this cave for gods know how long, hasn’t he?

“Excuse me, sir.” Celesta broke her silence, one talon raised to her chin. “My apologies if this is a bit rude, but who are you? And what is this place? All the texts told me there was supposed to be an old temple down here, but I wasn’t expecting anyone to live here, let alone someone of your stature.”

The elder grunted, his attention directed beyond the confines of the room. A few of the cloaked brethren entered the antechamber from Victor’s side, carrying several trinkets and amulets in their hands. They knelt by the Elder’s claws, who graciously accepted every little artifact before snapping his talons. Within an eyeblink, the trinkets had all vanished, and a large, beautifully adorned amulet now hung from the old dragon’s grey neck. With a deep breath, the yellow eyes fell upon Celesta.

“I’m afraid that an explanation of history would take far too much time. Time neither of you have. Draconism is in danger, is it not?”

Celesta tilted her head a few degrees. “You know of the war? How?” The elder gave a smug chuckle in reply.

“As I have said, devotion to Divinity teaches much, young one. It is another topic that is best left in the darkness for now. One day, long from now, you will learn what truly transpires down here. Perhaps you may have discovered a way to undo your dragonhood. Until then, I’m afraid you will have to remain at the edge of your feet.”

Victor shrugged. “Well, I can wait to hear it alright. Now then, will you come with us back to Westedge? My father Lothar’s in charge, and I’m certain he-”

“Oh, dear. I’m afraid that is not quite the intention, young one.”

Celesta balanced onto her hindlegs, her head tilting backwards alongside. “Err, excuse me? There’s a war out there, our country and faith are in danger!”

The purple dragoness lowered her head. “That’s a shame. We could use all the help in the world,” she said.

“It is what it is. Now then....” The azure gems in the dragon’s amulet took on a fierce glow. Victor and Celesta found themselves encapsulated in a bright hue, slowly chipping away at the surroundings.

“w-Wait, what are you doing?!” Victor’s head whipped back and forth, as everything around faded from his sight.

“Only doing as I promised, young one.”

“h-Hey! We’re not done yet! I still have so much to ask!”

“You will receive the answers in due time. Until that time comes, I bid you both farewell. I will pray for you to succeed in the name of the cause. Divinity be with you.”

* * *

Before Victor realised what had happened, a wave of cold hit him. His feet were warm. As sight returned to his eyes, he discovered himself standing on a stone platform, surrounded by familiar slopes. A glance to his right revealed a sign. ‘Station one’ was written on it, barely legible.

“We’re… back outside.”

Celesta scratched her head with the blunt side of her talons. “Have I been dreaming? Or do you also remember all of that?”

“I sure do.” Victor lowered his head. “Well, I suppose there is no way to turn myself human again.”

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself, Vic. We tried, didn’t we?”

“That doesn’t really help me, Celesta.”

“I know. But there’s plenty left to live for, isn’t there? I mean, your father’s still there, waiting for you. As is your best friend, right?”

Victor sighed. “True, true.” I wonder how they’re both doing now. I never said a word about where I was going. “I guess I’m not as evil as I thought I was. Well, that’s what I think, anyway.”

A smile appeared on the lavender dragoness’ snout. “That’s what I like to hear.”

“But now it’s a matter of finding my place, I guess. I’m no warrior, that’s for sure.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Celesta said. “You’re a sweet person, and I’m glad to be there for you. We’ll find out eventually.”

Victor nodded. “That reminds me, actually. I should thank you for doing all this for me I still don’t know why you’d ever decided it was a good idea to do that.”

All of a sudden, Celesta buried her mouth under both her foreclaws, a quiet giggle escaping past. “Okay, don’t tell anyone I said this, but… I actually think you’re kind of cute, Victor.”

The red dragon recoiled back, his lips shriveling up. “Err, wait, what-”

“Don’t tell anyone, okay? You’re a really pleasant person, and I enjoy your company. I just wanted to get it off my chest, yes?”

“Err, okay...” The red dragon raised a claw to his cheeks. They had begun to strain a little. It was all quite peculiar. Then a growl erupted from his stomach.

“But hey, enough about that. I’m starving Vic, and I think you’re getting quite peckish too,” Celesta said, still struggling to get hold of herself. “Come, let’s go back to the village.”