Felix sat motionless and silent, his mind completely numb. He stared down at Watcher's body, the kobold's scarred hand still in his.

The scars, he knew, were from Watcher saving his life months ago. It was back when Zira had imprinted onto him and he'd activated her den. The memory of that time seemed so long ago, as if decades passed since then.

Everything from that time seemed so distant. Him waking up scared and alone, meeting the kobolds, Aluin, the manor, Eri…Fea. It was hard to believe that all happened within six, seven, eight months. The time quickly passed.

But that gave him something to smile for. It was a whirlwind of excitement, of joy and stress. But he found love, found friends, found a home. He cherished every moment of that, even the bad parts.

He was thankful for Zira. He was thankful to Eri and Kyrith. He was thankful to Aluin. But it was Watcher who he first met. It was Watcher who first opened his arms and accepted him. It was Watcher who pushed him to hatch an egg.

Maybe he was over-exaggerating, but Felix didn't think he would be here without him. He'd done so much, helping in small and big ways. It was his connection to Mirezabeth that led Felix to her.

Many new discoveries were because of the old, gray kobold.

And now he's gone. It didn't feel real. He was looking at the proof but it didn't feel real. Watcher was someone you'd assume would always be there. His presence was felt by everyone, even the ones who know not of him.

Under Watcher, the kobolds organized. Under Watcher, they constructed their own little village. Under Watcher, that village had turned into something greater…

Coming from the brink of extinction to nomadic living and stealing what they could, they built a burgeoning settlement. All of that took an exceptional leader, something Felix was discovering himself. But he fell short in comparison to Watcher. He dared not hold a candle to him.

And now he's gone…

Watcher was an enigma, a cult of personality in many ways. Moreover, though, he was a force of change. He saw opportunities where no one else did. He managed his people and their resources well enough to accomplish so much with so little. He single handedly brought them back from the brink.

And now he's gone…

What was Felix supposed to do now? He felt lost, dazed, confused. A fever dream he could not wake from. Sorrow filled his heart and already he had cried so much that no more tears came out.

Watcher was more than a friend, he was a confidant and a mentor. He helped Felix when Felix didn't even know he needed it. But how does one go on after losing someone so close?

He had his family, and still more friends. But what if something happened to them as well? Could he stomach it? Could he move forward eventually?

Felix didn't know but it was something he felt he needed to think about. Many still depended on him, but the thought of losing a single person only made the pit in his stomach grow. How did my past self even manage?

He knew the answer, he simply did what any soldier did. He ignored his emotions and pretended everything was alright. It wasn't uncommon for retired veterans to be found dead, too tormented by their experiences to live.

He probably would have shared their fate in time.

I might still share that fate… He trailed off as something nudged his back. A whimper sounded behind him.

Glancing behind, he was surprised to find Zira there. She had sorrowful eyes and a depressing expression. And, just behind her, stood Kyrith. He looked ten times worse…

Hey, Felix said, his mind's voice delicate and fragile.

I'm so sorry, she whispered back. I know how much you're hurting. We all do.

He let a sad smile show. Thank's, but… But I am glad you and Kyrith are alright. I have that to be thankful for.

She stayed silent for an uncomfortably long time before finally speaking. Kyrith wants to go and get Eri… Do you wish to stay here or–

He took in a deep breath, slowly exhaling it. I should go– I want to go. I want to see her… Is she somewhere safe? Truthfully, he didn't wish to peer into Eri's mind, fearful he might leak his emotions and overburden her.

She is, and she didn't want to intrude, knowing that you'd probably want some time alone.

He…appreciated that but now thinking of her, he only wanted to see her. He desperately needed her caring and loving touch.

Felix let go of Watcher's hand and rose to his feet. It was only then he realized a gathering of kobolds had formed with Tracker in the lead.

"Master done saying goodbye?" she asked, her own voice strained. She was trying to maintain her appearance but it was clear she was struggling. And she wasn't the only one…

They all were.

Goodbye, Watcher… "Yeah."

She gave a nod and a moment later several other kobolds approached. They had a white linen sheet and carefully draped it over Watcher's body.

"Kobold take Watcher back to village. Kobold wish to burn body."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

That gave him pause. "You mean a funeral pyre?"

Tracker nodded.

An idea struck him, something he thought Watcher deserved. "Can you wait? I have an idea to honor him."

She cocked her head but the thought of honoring their leader struck her curiosity. "What idea does Master have?"

"Tomorrow, Eri will have her coronation–" And our wedding… "–I wish to honor him by saying a few words and lighting his pyre then."

"Tracker speak with kobold, but Tracker like idea. Watcher best pack leader, would be honor for Master to speak and light his pyre."

He gave a genuine smile at that. "Please do. I know just how important he is– Was… It would be an honor if we all could be a part of his funeral." He let out another deep breath before turning to the two dragons.

Alright, let's go get Eri…

***

Felix wasn't sure how long they were in the air for but what he did know was this: It helped clear his head.

It wasn't like everything was suddenly fine nor did he stop thinking about Watcher. It was, though, a moment for him to simply breathe. To take in air and let it out. It helped with his emotions, calming them enough for him to appreciate the good in spite of the…evil.

Eri had successfully escaped and was hiding out in the forest with her guards. Most of the elves, dwarves, and gnomes had fled as well. He had yet to learn the number of casualties, but from what he saw he was hopeful.

Then there was Kyrith and Zira. They hadn't suffered much, managing to avoid the corrupted elf's attacks when they were fighting and then when helping with evacuating people. The miasma that spread hadn't affected them nearly as much as it should have, if at all.

It was a blessing. A blessing he would take and accept.

No matter what happens, so long as I have them I can take it. He meant it. The only reason he had to fight was to protect them and to keep them safe. If he failed that…

Felix shook his head. There was no reason to dwell on such a thought. He wouldn't let it happen.

As they slowly began to angle and bank downward towards the forest floor, he tightened his grip around Zira's neck. Her smooth and cool scales were comforting. Not to mention, it had been a while since they flew together. He could feel her thinly veiled anxiety. She needed this almost as much as him.

I'm sorry for scaring you earlier, he whispered to her. I know you thought I was going to die–

You were dying! We could all feel your life draining! I… I was terrified…

He patted her neck, hoping to calm her down. I know and I am sorry. I have to admit, I was terrified myself. I was terrified about what would happen next, too. I'm glad you did not intervene.

I'm not! I… she trailed off, desperately holding back her true feelings on the matter.

You can be angry at me, it's you're right. What I asked for was something that goes completely against your own instincts. Though, I am glad you trusted me.

She fell silent, but her anger slowly gave way to mild contentment. It seemed she was more relieved that he hadn't died than anything else. He would take that as well.

And Kyrith? Felix said, opening the conversation to the ember-colored dragon. Thank you as well. I know the both of you helped with getting everyone out of there. That, and you managed to buy me just enough time to get to that bastard.

Kyrith perked up, if only slightly, and glanced in his direction. I never want to feel that pain again, he responded in a whimper. The sight and weight of his emotions nearly crushed Felix.

And I pray none of us ever feel that pain again, he added in agreement. Finally, he turned his attention to the one person he was truly fearful of, Eri.

She was quiet, eerily so. There hadn't been even an errant thought from her. It scared him, perhaps more so than going through the experience of dying. But Kyrith had spoken with her, so she must be okay…

He prayed for that as he peaked into her mind.

A cold shudder ran down his back. Eri's consciousness was like a tightly coiled spring. She was on edge and desperately trying to keep it all together.

If Kyrith's emotions had nearly crushed him, Eri's certainly did. But, before he could barge into her mind and pull her into a hug, to tell her everything would be okay, the two dragons found an opening within the canopy. They went in for a quick landing…

Neither Kyrith nor Zira waited a single second. The very moment they touched the ground, they set off at break-neck speed. They dodged trees and roots, hopping over brush until they came to a sudden stop.

Felix peered over Zira's shoulder, hoping to see his soon-to-be wife. Instead, what he found was a collapsed sky tree. Somehow, through the ages, it was hollowed out. The hole created was large enough for the dragons to walk through it single file. And they did just that.

He held his breath, praying to see some sign of Eri, something that would lead him to her. Yet they continued through until they came to another hole on the tree's side. It was tighter than the entrance, but neither dragon let that slow them down.

Kyrith was up front and with a quick swipe of his talons, the side exploded out. He instantly jumped through and Zira followed.

They ended up in a small meadow of sorts. Thick brush and sky trees surrounded it, hiding it from view. The canopy above made sure no one could see from the sky. If they didn't have the bond, none of them would have ever found this place.

That did beg a question, but one that was instantly lost the moment Felix's gaze landed upon a familiar form. "Eri!" he shouted, already sliding down Zira's side. He rushed forward, his arms open and ready to wrap them around her.

He never got the chance.

The instant he made it to her, she slapped him.

Stunned, he took a step back and touched his cheek. It stung but not as much as when he properly looked at her.

Her head was down, tears streaming down her face and onto the ground. Her entire body quivered and there was a mixture of anger and relief flooding through their bond.

"Gods… Eri–"

"T-that's for almost dying," she muttered through chattering teeth. Her head slowly lifted, exposing her puffy cheeks. Before he could respond, she suddenly pulled him into a hug and kissed him deeply.

"And that is for not dying," she added after pulling away from his lips.

He let out a shallow breath. Feeling her warmth, her love, and, yes, even her chastisement, was what he desperately wanted the most. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his head into her shoulder.

A string cut loose and all the numbness fell away, leaving only the cruel pain left. He cried. He cried and cried. He cared not for who saw, nor how weak it made him look. He cried.

"I-I couldn't save him," he uttered between sobs. "I couldn't save Watcher!"

A hand, her hand, patted the back of his head. Let it out… Let it all out…

I can take it…

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