The dragon fell to the ground, breathing heavily. He hadn't been this tired in a long time. He slowly turned his head towards where the control panel should have been. He raised his sore paw and waved it in a vague manner. The soldiers understood the gesture and the barrier fell, revealing the deathly pale young men. Ari was the first to jump onto the sand and run up to Kei. Vi and Forth followed in his footsteps, but the vampire stopped above the dragon, scanning him with a questioning gaze.
-I'm fine...- the reptile gasped.- Gods, how strong he is...- he panted. He knew perfectly well that if he felt so tired in dragon form, he would barely be able to stand after the transformation. He preferred to postpone it for a while longer.
-I don't know if I should say this, but it looked terrifying.- Forth sat down next to the dragon, watching Ari collapse with relief next to his unconscious friend. Vi wiped his forehead and began to circle around the lycanthrope.- A few times it seemed like Kei was going to break free or bite you. Or that you were going to break his neck.
-Aha, no chance...- Draco assessed coolly, staring at the ceiling.- After the transformation, it will be difficult to do anything to him. I was afraid before, but I've learned that there's nothing to be worried about. I was more scared that he would rip my shoulder off...- He laughed hollowly.
-Do you think...
-I don't know, Forth, I don't know...- The dragon closed his eyes, focusing on his fatigue. Muscle soreness loomed unpleasantly on the horizon, even though he exercised every day. Maybe less in dragon form lately, but he still tried to do it in a closed training room and in Master Matheo's workshop. - We definitely won't see results after one try. - He added, slowly getting up. - How is he? - He asked, looking at the elf's relieved face.
- He's sleeping, deeply. I don't think anything happened to him. - Ari smiled shyly. - Thank you, Draco.
-You're welcome. - The dragon dismissed him with a wave of his paw. - I'm just doing what I think is right, that's all. - He added somewhat shyly.
-Maybe so, but that doesn't change the fact that we all want to thank you. - The vampire patted the reptile on the back between his wings, causing him to shudder and shake himself.
-Yes, exactly.- The dwarf finally stopped.- Thanks, Draco.- He smiled broadly.- And once Kei gets better, we'll celebrate.- He announced with certainty.
-Yes, we will.- The dragon confirmed, trying to move his sore arms.- But it will be a while before that happens. - He cooled the joyful atmosphere a little. Knowing that there was nothing he could do about his fatigue, he got up from the arena and walked over to the marble floor. If he was going to fall over after his transformation, he preferred hard stone to sand getting everywhere.
- Is something wrong? - the elf asked suddenly, concerned.
-Nothing you haven't seen before.- Draco sat down heavily on the edge of the ring and closed his eyes. The transformation was immediate, as usual, and the expected fatigue hit him like a falling wall. He staggered and, panting heavily, lay down on his back on the cold marble. Pleasantly cold. The magician saw dark spots before his eyes and at the same time felt himself covered in sweat, so profusely that a puddle appeared beneath him in the blink of an eye. He thought he blinked, but the sudden appearance of a concerned elf and an understanding vampire in his field of vision indicated that he had briefly passed out.- I didn't expect it to be so tiring.- He muttered barely audibly.
-No wonder.- Forth shrugged.- You wrestled for almost an hour.
-How long?- Draco was surprised, but at that moment it was the only reaction he could muster.
-Almost an hour,- Ari repeated. -And without a break. I even wondered if you two would collapse there.- He pointed behind him. -Although, it's no surprise you didn't notice. You had to focus on Kei the whole time, and that didn't look easy.
-It wasn't.- The dragon grumbled. -Help me sit down. - He asked, knowing it was a bad idea. The elf and the vampire looked at each other, shrugged, and grabbed Draco by the arms, efficiently helping him change position. His vision darkened again and his head spun. - Do you have anything to drink? - He knew they didn't, but he just had to ask.
-No, but I'll get something right away.- Ari quickly disappeared into the passage leading to the basement.
-Thanks...- The dragon didn't have time to say anything else before he lost sight of the elf.
-What do you think about continuing these sessions?- Forth sat down next to the reptile and watched Vi crouch over the unconscious Kei.
-After a few times, I'll get used to it and it won't be so bad.- Draco tried to calm his breathing the whole time.- I think it will be the same with Kei. You could say it will do us both good.
-That would mean it would take longer and longer.- The vampire stared thoughtfully at the opposite wall.
-Yes, but above all, I expect Kei to remain conscious for longer and longer periods of time. Then it will be easier.
-I see an increase in optimism. - Forth raised his eyebrows.
-Hmmm... Maybe I understood it better by observing it closely. Now it seems to be only a matter of time. - In an inexplicable way, his earlier uncertainty had disappeared, replaced by some subconscious understanding. Draco wasn't sure where it came from, but he couldn't deny that it was true.
-Let's hope so.- Forth said no more.
Vi calmly settled down next to Kei, watching him closely. They sat like that for a moment, long enough for Ari to return with two jugs of water. He handed one to the dragon and placed the other on the marble floor. Draco gratefully accepted the drink and almost sucked on the vessel. The cold water was a blessing. The first few sips stimulated his tired body, giving him vigour and causing the darkness that was still looming somewhere on the edge to begin to disappear. The mage had no idea he was capable of drinking an entire, not insignificant, jug of water in such a short time. When he put down the empty vessel, he was met with surprised looks from the three soldiers.
-What? He asked, almost reproachfully.
-Nothing, it just looked like pouring water into a leaky bucket...- Vi turned to Kei as if expecting him to comment as well. The animorph snored.
-It's getting a little late.- The elf turned away with a strange smile.- Maybe we should try to wake him up. He should have had enough rest.- Ari jumped down onto the sand and approached the lycanthrope. He looked down at him for a moment, then crouched down and shook the sleeper's shoulder. - Get up! You'll be late for breakfast! - The long-eared one yelled. Surprisingly, it helped, and Kei wanted to get up quickly, but he only groaned and curled up into a ball, holding his stomach.
-Everything hurts...- The animorph muttered indistinctly.
-That's two of us.- Draco grimaced as he got up unsteadily.- Other than that, are you okay?- He asked as he approached.
-I guess so...- Another mumble.- Everything hurts, I feel weak... And I want to sleep.
-Here you go.- Forth placed a jug of water in front of the redhead.- Our dear young master is back on his feet, more or less. - He said sarcastically, glancing at the dragon, but Draco didn't have the strength to argue. - And watch out, you're covered in sand. - He noticed, watching Kei scrambling around.
- It's hard not to notice. - The lycanthrope grumbled before reaching for the drink.
-Really, you're both dripping wet. - Vi began to examine the sand. - Interesting. Even when wet, it doesn't change colour. - The dwarf rubbed the grains between his fingers. - I wonder what kind of ore it is... - He began to mutter to himself.
'You could try asking Oscar.' Draco watched as Kei efficiently emptied the vessel. It seemed that apart from general fatigue, the lycanthrope was indeed fine. 'He'll probably explain exactly what it is and what its properties are.'
-Yhy...- The dwarf seemed to be in his own world. -Now it's better...- The animorph panted, putting the jug back on the arena. -Uhhhhh...- He stretched a little with obvious discomfort. Suddenly, a rolled-up shirt hit Kei in the face.
-Start getting dressed.- Ari managed to slip away unnoticed to the wall.- Considering how you move, it will take us a long time to get to the barracks.
The redhead glared at the elf and grimaced as he got up from the floor. He may have done it a little clumsily, but the dragon couldn't deny his agility. The animorph quickly approached the long-eared one, trying to brush off the sand that was stuck everywhere, which, considering that sweat was constantly dripping from him, wasn't very feasible. Finally, giving up on trying to get himself relatively tidy, he simply got dressed.
-I think that's enough for today.- Forth took the empty pots and looked at everyone in turn. -We have to get up early tomorrow, and that might be a problem for you two.- He pointed to the dragon and the lycanthrope.
-Yeah, everyone could use some rest.- Vi admitted, yawning.
-Tomorrow won't be so bad.- Kei was in a great mood again.- Just get moving a little and you'll be fine!- A smile appeared on the lycanthrope's face, but it quickly disappeared with one sudden movement.
-I'd advise caution.- Draco shook his head.- There's no need to overdo it, you need to rest.
-Okay, okay...- muttered the not-so-cheerful animorph.
-You should listen Kei, Draco is right.- Forth looked at the redhead.- Just listen to someone for once.
-And don't be picky.- Ari added.- As soon as we get back, I'll give you a regenerative potion.
-What...? No way!- Kei jumped up with a look of horror on his face.- That's disgusting!
-But it works.- Ari patted the animorph on the back, causing him to stagger.- At least you'll be able to move normally tomorrow.
Kei didn't answer, just muttered under his breath. He didn't seem thrilled, but he seemed to have accepted the inevitable. He shrugged and slowly moved towards the exit.
-You could use some too.- The elf turned to the dragon.- I'll bring some to you as soon as I get it from the barracks.
-No need...
-Yes, there is.- Ari didn't let Draco get a word in. - Think of it as a thank you for helping Kei. And yes, I know you regenerate quickly, probably at a similar rate to Kei. - The elf pointed to the animorph, who was still muttering under his breath. - But that doesn't change the fact that you're not going to get rid of your fatigue and strained muscles right away.
-Thanks, Ari.- The dragon didn't want to correct the long-eared creature. Considering how many times he had been too exhausted to move after escaping from Pierce's gang, and how all his fatigue and superficial injuries disappeared the next day, he wasn't worried about the next morning. It was puzzling that an hour of fighting a lycanthrope was enough to exhaust the dragon. Only now did Draco begin to wonder how he ended up in such a state when he had previously been able to escape pursuit across Dagos for almost an entire day. There were even times when, between sky chases, the thugs managed to catch him and beat him up a bit. Well, things varied.- What is this medicine?- Draco decided to put off his thoughts about fatigue for another time and focus on more pressing matters. Also, due to his experiences with Pirc and his henchmen, Draco had the opportunity to familiarise himself with a very wide range of alchemical medicinal products, from wound ointments, through regenerative and healing potions, to highly specialised remedies such as wing membrane regenerating compresses. He learned not to pay the slightest attention to the taste, smell or consistency of the medicines.
-A basic regenerative potion.- Everyone followed Kei, who was already disappearing into the tunnel, somewhat unsteadily. -Good for abrasions, fatigue, minor wounds and the like.- The elf enumerated. - Basically the simplest and one of the cheapest. We buy it in one of the smaller shops in Dorvus, a little far from the main streets, but it's a reliable place. I think everyone from Ed'heere goes there regularly. Next time you go to Master Vittoro's workshop, we'll show you where it is,- Ari promised with certainty in his voice. -Thanks, I think I'll check it out myself.- Draco liked to be prepared for anything. Back in Dagos, he used to visit alchemists and spend his pocket money there. At least until they realised they were dealing with a black dragon, then he had to find another shop.
-Hurry up a little.- It came from somewhere deep in the tunnel.
-What, can't you see anything, Kei?- Vi called back.
-Ha, ha, ha... Very funny...
-Here, hold this.- Draco whispered the familiar words again and the fireflies lit up the dark corridor.
-You're the only one we can count on here. - Animorph replied to the dwarf's malice, and before they reached the bend, Kei had already opened the passage to the basement. - It will indeed take some time to get to the barracks. - The lycanthrope muttered when they caught up with him.
-So, at least you won't have to climb the whole staircase. - The dragon smiled crookedly.
-That's comforting, indeed.
-Don't complain, after a few times you'll get used to it and it'll be better. - Draco was sure of it, and feeling pain in almost every muscle, he hoped that this advice applied to him as well.
-I'll take your word for it.- The lycanthrope made eye contact for a moment and moved forward.- Let's hurry... I need to take a bath and go to sleep.
Everyone nodded with smiles and moved on a little more energetically.