Zephyria woke once more to the morning sun on her face, with a toothy yawn she stood and accidentally dropped a sleepy Asher on the ground. Stretching and giving a toothy yawn Zephyria gave Asher an amused purr as he rubbed his eyes blearily and spoke, "Zephyria, please. Its bad enough you seemingly wake at dawn every time but to drop me like that.." Asher paused for a moment, searching for words, "It. It sucks. Let me wake in peace." Zephyria responded with a degree of regret, "Apologies Asher, I will try to avoid startling you awake like that. Though I will continue to wake with dawn, it is only proper for a dragon." Asher gave her a flat look but worked though his own morning routine.
With a yawn Asher asked, "So the tower today right? Give me a bit to prepare and we can set out whenever you please." Asher sleepily plodded over to the shallow river and gave himself a bit of a field bath. Zephyria followed and washed yesterday's blood off of her as well. Asher gave her a studying look, "Please cut me off if this is offensive but I am curious. What kind of dragon are you, really?" Zephyria looked at him in confusion, asking, "What do you mean, Asher?"
"Well, mortals have bestiaries and records of almost every kind of creature we've ever met. New ones are spotted with some regularity, but some species are more elusive and information doesn't always travel well. As a part of my studies with my.. with my former noble house.. uh-" Asher paused to collect his thoughts, "My studies included all the dragons we knew of. I also traveled fairly well. None mentioned blue dragons with lightning powers. And your tail is so curious, its like that of an eel."
Zephyria shied back, self conscientiously curling her tail out of view. Speaking softly she said, "I don't know. Asher." Asher looked at her in puzzlement, opening his mouth and then closing it again. Zephyria continued, "My mother was a red. I... Am not. I don't know why." Zephyria thought about continuing on, about talking about how she never met her father. But she couldn't. Not with a mortal. Not with anyone. Get it together Zephyria. Dragons are strong, dragons are- She interrupted her own thoughts by speaking, "I don't want to talk about it, Mortal." Asher looked hurt at that, but she continued on anyways. "The tower on the foggy summit is a long flight. Are you prepared for such a journey?"
Asher looked at her with an expression Zephyria had a hard time understanding, but it was a sad one. Pity, maybe. "I-" He swallowed uncomfortably. "Alright, I won't pry." Asher readied his travel kit and snacked on a morning trail ration. "I'm ready to travel when you are, Zephyria" Asher looked thoughtful for a moment, then with a slight smirk he said, "You know I'm still a bit amazed at how fast you can fly, according to the maps I've read this should be a several day travel on foot or at least two days on horseback. To get there in a few hours is impressive!" Forgetting her prior self consciousness Zephyria preened under the praise, standing a little bit taller she boasted, "Dragons are truly superior to any mortal. You were wise to ally with me, my advantages shall carry us to greatness." Asher looked pleased at himself for his obvious ploy working.
With the mood lifted Asher broached an idea, "Zephyria, I was thinking about our last attempt at riding and how much I struggled to get up. Even with you laying down, you are simply too tall. If you were to tilt your head to the side while I grabbed on, would you be able to quickly lift me onto your back?" Zephyria nodded at this, "I don't see why not, little one." She tilted her head down, just low enough that Asher could reach. As he grabbed on she jerked her head up rapidly returning to a neutral pose. Asher, unprepared for the sudden speed nearly fell off her back as he gracelessly flopped onto her like a large sack tossed upon a horse. He righted himself and wrapped his arms around Zephyria's neck, he spoke with mirth in his voice, "That was deeply embarrassing, but it worked! We'll get better at that as we practice. Well, lets be off!"
Zephyria smoothly accelerated into a run before leaping into the air and flapping her wings, this time she was prepared for the extra weight and didn't wobble or falter. Asher let out a whoop of excitement while gripping her neck as tight as he possibly could. The dawn sky was clear today and visibility was endless. Zephyria oriented towards the mountain and soared, with the added strain of a person she paced herself not pushing as hard as yesterday morning's flight.
Asher was quiet and unmoving, slightly worried Zephyria asked, "Are you alright back there Asher?" Asher responded in a half yell to be heard over the wind "I am better than alright, Zephyria! This is incredible!"
The pair flew together as the hours crawled by. When they most of the way to the mountain Asher spoke up, "Its incredible how much you can see from up here. Its.. peaceful in ways I can't put into words. What I wouldn't give to experience this every day for the rest of my life." Zephyria rumbled in amusement, "We'll see where the winds take us little one."
As the sun reached higher and higher into the sky the unlikely duo landed at the edge of the impossibly dense fog. Before they headed in, Asher questioned Zephyria. "Zephyria, should I remain on your back or travel by your side? You didn't speak much of these cats, or our strategy to deal with them if they attack us." Zephyria stopped in slight embarrassment. "They should not attack me again, I killed two yesterday and they avoided me entirely despite having me so thoroughly outnumbered. So long as you do not attack them first they should leave us alone. Remain on my back regardless, at minimum we can travel faster this way even on foot." Asher nodded and remained where he was, nudging her to go forward Zephyria stalked into the fog aiming for the hidden tower once more.
Some time later Asher spoke in a whisper, "You weren't kidding about this fog, its suffocating. Knowing that there are predators within it is intimidating. If something attacked I don't think I could do anything but die pathetically." Zephyria grumbled in amusement, "You worry too much, little one. Do not forget who's back you are clinging to like a hatchling. You are safe with me." Asher looked nervous but Zephyria moved forward with absolute confidence.
A minute later Asher spoke in a panicked whisper, "Zephyria! I saw something in the fog behind us. Something huge!" Zephyria brushed him off saying, "Calm yourself, little one! Its just one of those mist cats I spoke up. If it attacks I will destroy it." Asher shifted nervously, "It looked massive, like a panther or something.. but if you say so. I trust you Zeph."
The pair stalked forward, Asher jumping each time he saw a figure in the mist. With Asher's nerves frayed the duo reached the clearing. Breaking out Asher watched as the fog clung to him slightly, wisping along with them for a moment before being drawn back into the wall. Asher whispered, "Eerie how the fog tries to cling to me. That might not be good.." Within the clearing the cats were still all there, dozens of them all watching Zephyria silently. Asher looked around, even more nervously than before. Whispering he said, "Zephyria! When you said they were big, or oversized but you defeated them easily I thought you meant like.. I don't know, a particularly big cat! Maybe up to my shin instead of a cute little house cat. But these things would stand up to my waist! These aren't cats anymore, they're practically fucking panthers!"
"Asher, little one. Have no fear, they won't attack while I'm here. And if they do, I'll crush them long before they can reach you." She thought about the tower, "That might change once you are in the tower, but I trust you will be able to handle that so long as I guard the door." Asher nervously fidgeted, but agreed. "I expected a fight, I can handle one or two as long as I don't get swarmed and its in close quarters like that."
With dozens of softly glowing eyes tracking them the pair reached the tower doors and Asher slid off Zephyria's back dropping to the ground with a thump and a restrained groan. Zephyria took a better look at the tower. The brickwork was rough to her untrained eyes, each one a different size and she couldn't see how they were attached. It gave the entire thing an unstable look. Vines crawled up the sides, but curiously a few vines also drooped down from the widening tower at the top. To Zephyria it reminded her of a tree almost, with long drooping branches swaying in the breeze.
As Asher drew his blade and closed in on the door, Zephyria moved with him standing between him and the clearing as to prevent any cats from getting close. Asher shoved the door open and strode in, blade ahead with determination and nervousness written all over his face.
Asher took a deep breath and steadied himself as he entered the dim tower. Zephyria was covering up the door behind him almost trapping him in. Scanning the room he found it to be some kind of leisure room, old slightly decaying arm chairs and a stocked fire place. The stone walls were curiously painted a pale blue, and the floor had a layer of a rich brown wood covering it still somewhat glossy despite the age and the dust. The ceiling was oddly far away with the room being about twice as tall as a typical room. Stocked but unlit braziers were placed around the room as well, with a spiraling staircase against the far wall. Asher thought to himself, The blue is.. inspired but not bad. Whoever lived here was eccentric and rich.
Carefully Asher moved to the fireplace and dug his fire starter out of his bag. Checking over he shoulder first, he took the time to light the fire. It was old, but thankfully dry and lit easily. He took a smaller piece of wood and used it to light each of the braziers before checking the room in greater detail. There was a fine tea set next to the fanciest arm chair by the fire place, it had residue in it like it was unwashed. There was bookshelf nearby and curiously Asher recognized most of them, Monster encyclopedias, mana theory, rune theory, enchanting, and interestingly some fiction as well. All of these are old editions, though. hmm. Asher gently opened a more recent looking book and found it had been copied over a century ago. This place has been untouched for a long time.
Asher was deeply entranced with the books, so focused that he didn't notice the fog cat coming down from the stairs. The cat padded up behind him silently, then gently nudged him with its nose and gave an odd raspy meow. Asher startled, choked down a scream, and whipped around with his blade at the ready. The fog cat skittered backwards afraid, it hissed at him but made no noise. Instead only a few wisps of fog drifted from its mouth. Asher stared at the creature as he considered what just happened, It could have killed me. It should have killed me. But it didn't, it tried to get my attention like any normal pet. Why?
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Asher sheathed his blade and without taking his eyes off the cat he pulled out some of the dried meat from his travel rations. Holding a piece out, he presented it to the cat. The fog cat nervously approached him and sniffed at the jerky before gently taking it. As the cat ate, Asher slowly reached out and gently pet the top of the cats head. The fog that was wrapping it life fur was oddly soft, like it had weight. He could feel smooth skin just below it if he pressed hard enough. To his surprise, the bizarre giant cat started to purr and nuzzle into his hand. "Well, aren't you a sweet one. But why are you like this? And how are there so many of you?"
Asher carefully reached into the nearest brazier and withdrew the stick he used to light the room up. Using it as a makeshift torch, he walked to the stairs. The entire time the cat happily walked beside him, frequently rubbing against him causing him to stumble. He pet its giant head as he walked up the stairs.
On the second floor he found what appeared to be a bedroom. He set off far less cautiously to light the various braziers within the room. Inspecting this room as well he noted it had the same layout as the last one, fireplace and everything, but the furniture and decorations were totally different. A single excessively large bed was in the direct center of the circular room. Against a wall stood a dresser, a wardrobe cabinet, and a heavy looking wooden trunk. The walls were painted a vibrant crimson in a strangely harsh contrast of the gentle blue downstairs. The floor was the same deep brown and the ceiling was again twice as tall as it should be. Asher thought about all this oddness, This is so strange. Is so rare to see a room with painted interiors, but to use such contrasting and vibrant paints so frivolously? The creator of this tower was exceptionally rich and eccentric. Fits what I know of wizard towers, I suppose.
He moved to the trunk first, at first it seemed like it was locked but when Asher pressed a button where the keyhole should have been the whole thing opened smoothly. What is the point of the lock then? Within were clearly old personal belongings, but nothing of monetary value. A wooden carving here, a-
"Asher! Are you well in there? It has been deathly silent!" Zephyria scared him by calling up the stairs. The cat next to him jolted as well, but he placed a steadying hand on its back as he called back "Yes Zephyria! I'm safe. There was a cat in here but I gave it a bit of jerky and its friendly. Its been following me around like any normal house cat, just giant!" Zephyria called back, "Find something valuable for us, Asher! I'm bored. The cats out here have been keeping their distance and nothing is happening."
Asher turned back to the trunk and closed it with a small smile on his face imagining the bored dragon whipping her tail in mild annoyance at the lack of a fight. He opened the dresser and cabinet and found the clothes to be surprising. They were extraordinarily.. plain. Simple brown cloth pants and shirts, a few sturdy but simple belts. A heavy and rough cloak, clearly for poor weather. It contrasted wildly to the eccentricity of the rest of the tower Asher had seen so far. Unsettled and confused Asher moved to the third floor, his oddly loyal fog cat companion by his side.
On the third and final floor he found an laboratory. Excited at the prospect of finding something valuable or interesting he once again lit the room up. Once again the room had a nearly identical layout. The wooden floors, the tall ceiling, the fireplace again, all the same. However as the outside indicated the this floor was wider than the others forming a cap. The outer rim of the room was oddly attached to the repeated layout. Some of the walls were extended out, but some like the one the fire place was against remained exactly in line with the previous fireplaces. The entire space had this odd surreal quality, like a room from a dream made manifest.
Unsettled Asher investigated the various worktables. Each one was coated in seemingly random magical devices. Measuring tools, mana crystals, odd little vials, the works. However in the direct middle of the room was something extraordinary. A massive mana crystal, a foot wide and several feet all mounted with what appeared to be silver wires extending from the floor and ceiling. It glowed a feint purple and fog wisped along its side and drifted out of a small hole in the roof. Asher carefully investigated the room and found a journal of some kind.
Sitting and reading the journal, Asher was frustrated to find it was nearly incomprehensible. The handwriting was the worst he had ever seen, and the little bits that remained were that of a madman's! A strange empty tower devoid of anything reasonable with only a fog emitting crystal filled with incomprehensible notes. Asher was frustrated beyond belief, but took a deep breath and tried to see what else he could learn from the room. Before he could do much digging around, the cat from before walked up to the crystal and rubbed against it. The crystal glowed brightly, produced extra fog, and then that fog was sucked into the cat's coat thickening it. The giant cat purred and walked back to Asher, content. Flabbergasted Asher thought, None of this makes any sense. The notes indicate some kind of research on chimeras, but no-one has ever successfully mutated a creature with mana before on purpose. Its one of the magic world's great mysteries. But these cats, they're clearly house cats. Pets! Whoever this wizard was managed to do what was impossible, but he's seemingly gone. Whatever he did to the crystal transformed these cats, and they can revisit it to strengthen their fog.
Asher skimmed the journal, and near the end he found a passage that wasn't illegible scribbles or insane ramblings. "The soul transfer has to work. It will work! My sweet darlings will be immortal and safe. Immortal and safe. Immortal and safe. They won't need me anymore once they are immortal and safe. The soul transfer, it has to work. I won't live to see tomorrow, but my babies will be safe. Safe. Safe. Safe. Immortal and safe." Oh by the void.. Asher looked at the odd crystal again in a new light, Soul transfer? Did this Wizard.. transfer their soul into the mana crystal somehow to make this work? That… That doesn't make any sense. But, it must work or else none of this would be here. The giant crystal transferring fog to the cats, it must feed them somehow. Asher paled a bit, Does that mean that if the crystal was stolen, the cats would all die? Asher gazed softly at the gentle giant next to him and gave it a little pet. No, no. I won't disrupt this place. The creator is gone and the crystal will function for who knows how long.
Asher took the journal and flipped to the last few pages and copied the runes on the crystal the best he could. He wasn't much of an artist but captured as much as he possibly could. After a while he was satisfied with his work. Storing the journal and giving the cat a little scratch on its fog fur, he stood again and made his way back to Zephyria on the ground.
Zephyria was having a pleasant dream, a pleasant dream she was rudely woken from by an insistent little mortal. "Zephyria wake up you great lazy lizard. Its time to go!" More aware now, she noticed several unusual weights along her side and back. Turning and inspecting herself she found a half dozen of the fog cats sleeping on her scales, and next to her an unworried but very annoyed Asher was shoving at her. He was trapped within the small clearing she left outside the door. "I'm up, I'm up! Ungrateful mortals. All this effort I put into keeping you safe and this is the thanks I get?" Asher laughed, "Zephyria you fell asleep, and the creatures you are bravely protecting me from are literally just oversized house cats. Several of which are sleeping on your warm scales." Asher gave the cat next to him a scritch behind the ear as it purred slightly, "I got the only thing of value in the tower, so we can go."
"Fine, fine, let us go then." Zephyria stood up slowly and the various cats on her jumped off. Amusingly shes bowed into a very catlike stretch as a few of the cats nearby did the exact same thing. Asher gave a small laugh and reached for her horn. Zephyria obliged and swung him up onto her back. Like last time Zephyria launched nearly straight up and out of the fog which caused Asher to cling to her tighter than she thought possible. Any more and she might actually have a hard time breathing.
As they leveled out Zephyria called back, "What was actually in that tower? You said you got something of value?" Asher shouted above the wind, "I did! Hopefully at least! Here's what I found." Asher recounted his investigation of the tower, how the architecture was dream like and disconcerting and how the journal he found was mostly incomprehensible but seemingly used soul magic to mutate the cats with mana intentionally. He also spoke of how he believed the crystal was sustaining the cats and left it in place, not wanting to hurt them. "Soul magic is banned almost everywhere, its considered a forbidden magic. Even with the low quality of the journal, I should be able to find a collector without too much trouble amongst one of the libraries or rare book merchants. The mere existence of such a book has its own kind of value."
Together the hours passed in a comfortable silence as they flew back to what was now their regular campsite. Clouds had drifted in, the air was damp, and the sun had long since set. Zephyria was sure it was going to rain tonight. As Asher jumped off her back she said, "Asher it is likely going to rain tonight. Some water will not bother me in the slightest, but will you be alright? The.. whatever it was you slept in last night didn't seem like it would handle being rained on directly well." Asher blinked, thought for a moment, and then blushed in embarrassment. "I- First of all its a bedroll. And… No. I entirely forgot to buy a tent or even a tarp. How could I forget something so simple! Shit! Fuck! I'm going to get soaked tonight, dammit!" Zephyria walked up and bonked him softly with her muzzle, "Hush little one, we all make mistakes and this one is not as disastrous as you seem to think it is." Asher looked at her in confusion, before he could speak Zephyria extended a wing and flapped it demonstrably. "Sleep under my wing, little one. It will be fine and you will not suffer whatever sickness you mortals suffer from being cold and wet. You said my scales were warm earlier, didn't you?"
Asher paused and thought about it, he opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again, paused, and then finally spoke. "Alright.. If your okay with it. That sounds rather nice, actually." Zephyria gave him a small purr and nodded. Asher pulled his compact bedroll out and pulled it right up next to Zephyria as she laid down on her side giving him plenty of space to sleep against her belly and be covered with a wing. Cautiously he laid parallel with her body, his side along her belly and his head resting against the inside of one of her forelegs. Zephyria cast her wing out over him and the last of the ambient light of the night was banished.
Before long the rain started, Asher only knew because of the soft pitter patter of the drops against Zephyria's wing, as she promised he was totally dry. Zephyria had already fallen asleep and Asher was conflicted. Conflicted, because this was the safest he had ever felt in his life. This is.. peaceful. It feels like home in ways that I don't understand. I followed Zephyria almost without hesitation. I joined her quest for revenge without as second thought and I've trusted her nearly unconditionally since. We've only known each other for a few days! That can't be right, but something within my soul is screaming at me that she's important somehow. Like I belong by her side. Its not romantic, I know that feeling, It's.. It's something else I don't understand. Like meeting a long lost sibling. But why?
Asher's worries and fears drifted away as the gentle sounds of the evening soothed him. The gentle but deep breathing of the dragon, the rain on her wing, and muffled and faint trickle of the river nearby. Soon, he fell asleep and had the most restful sleep he'd ever had.
