The group's debate turned to a loud argument, whether Rhenvar should keep traveling with them for the mission.
They have every right to question me after that. I transformed willingly. It made sense to eat every world just to find Willow.
He looked at Willow. The more he stared at him the more he felt like he just had a good sleep.
What if I lose it and don't come back-
He turned away looking at the ground.
"Hey," Rhenvar said, standing up. "I'm going to check on Viir."
Willow nodded silently.
Willow knew he was giving them space to speak freely.
In a flash of crimson light, Rhenvar vanished.
****
Chaos Temple.
Thousands of red stars screamed in a constant hum. The sound alone would shatter most souls.
But that wasn't what brought him to his knees.
His chest caved inward. Breathing ragged. Mind splitting and spinning.
Not even dragon's blood can numb this kind of pain. The kind without wounds.
I should just eat them all.
Liquid filled his mouth. He lean forward and black blood spilled from his mouth.
"Ooooh, Rhen~," Viir fluttered down from above. "I haven't seen you like this in forever."
"I've changed again," Rhenvar said, voice low and fractured. His thoughts, they weren't always his.
One thing was clear; I do care about them now.
Sinephilim. Veronica.
It's not just Willow anymore.
He grabbed his head.
But it wasn't enough… So, I am a danger to them. Why? Why can't I just control my thoughts?
"Oh, I know~" Viir twirled midair. "I watched. I wanted to join you, but nobody interrupts an epic dragon duel!"
Viir was as playful as ever. Unpredictable. Unshakable. His rider. His first companion. His only witness to his Chaos.
"I've made a decision," he murmured. "We're leaving them."
"What?! Why?" She spun in protest. "But I like them! Especially the confident one. She makes weird faces hehe."
"We're a danger to them. Three times now, we have lost control. Three times we nearly killed them."
"Pssh. More like two," Viir waved a wing. "I was just having fun."
Yes. Fun.
Fun isn't what they call it.
But I'm not different.
When Viir decides to have fun, I do too.
"I have a plan. And it hinges on God acting like a God."
Viir gasped dramatically, picking her tiny nose.
"Oh nose! Rhen Rhen is using his brain!"
"Stay here until I call you," he said. "There's a witch with soul magic similar to ours. We'll deal with her together but uh the plan is not to kill her."
"What? She's crazy! I like crazy! I want to eat crazy!"
"She's like us, Viir, we never met another soul magic user."
"Or you have some weird crush hehe~"
"What? I do not!" Rhenvar protested. "Just be ready, her curses work on me."
Viir stood tall in the air, saluting.
"Fine, you can count on me."
Rhenvar exhaled.
Bring them to my sky.
His thoughts went to Sylvia for a second.
Focus!
He left in a flash of red light.
****
Back at Camp.
The group turned as Rhenvar reappeared.
Tension hung in the air.
Apex never stopped watching him. Ready to fight.
Smart. He knew better.
Rhenvar sized him up.
Damn fucker really is tall and huge. He'd probably kick my ass without magic.
"Urithax," Rhenvar called. "I need a moment. Alone."
The gold dragon's head tilted. "Very well."
Willow stepped forward. "Rhen-"
"Willow," he interrupted, meeting his eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course." Willow didn't hesitate.
"Then please… trust me."
"…" Willow looked down. Then back up. "I'll always trust you."
"Pfft, I know," he smiled then turned to Urithax. "Let's talk."
Urithax and Rhenvar walked together to the cave.
This is for the best, Willow.
****
Ruined Cavern. Urithax's Domain.
Rhenvar stood where their bond began.
The cave still reeked of ash and blood, his blood.
"Speak, eater of souls," Urithax rumbled. "The souls cry and whimper at your name."
Edgy.
He lowered to one knee.
"I'm truly sorry, again. I lied before but, I need your help."
Urithax's eyes burned, wary.
"I'm leaving them," he said. "The group. I can't stay. I lose control too easily, and when I do… I don't care who dies. I need divine passage. I want your help to continue the mission. To gather divine power. To save their world."
And now… to save Sylvia.
The dragon's eyes narrowed.
"I already gave you, my power. Immortal. Strength beyond your kind. Still, you claim you lost control then lied. You nearly ended all who remain here."
"I know," Rhenvar said. "And I won't lie anymore. I'm not a soul worth forgiving. I'm not some chosen hero- You were right, Urithax. I am a weapon forged by an insane Goddess."
Urithax snarled.
Rhenvar looked up. "So, use me. Send me to the Worldeaters."
"And if you lose control again?" The dragon's words rumbled.
"At least it won't be in your world."
Urithax growled softly.
"And what Gods would agree to allow you into their world?"
"Desperate ones." Rhenvar shrugged.
Urithax studied him. For a long time, he said nothing.
Then.
"Very well, eater of souls," he said. "We are bound by blood. You will be my weapon in this war."
"Thank you."
"I shall seek. I will return with an answer."
Rhenvar nodded.
The dragon vanished in a burst of white fire.
I'm sorry, Willow. But I hope you realize it. This is for the best. I don't know what the fuck is happening to me. But please. Be safe.