Week Twenty-Four: Unhinged: Dax VIII

  Amber eyes. Dax’s memories replayed the first day he was in the City of Relics. There was a girl who had helped him medically recover. Years later, she would be dead from a different inmate’s incident so why was Dax thinking of her now? That was six years ago.

  Suddenly, there was a surge of pain that started from his right wing and pulsed inward. Dax’s eyes opened but his memories still played in his head, the first time he saw that he could fire breath, that he was part dragon. He was eight. Why was this memory playing now?

  Wind rushed past his face. He was losing altitude and quick. But all he could think about were those amber eyes. Why? Ignoring the spreading pain, Dax concentrated. At that time when he was eight he couldn’t remember whose eyes they reminded him off. The girl was nice, but all she was to him was a medic. They had no past together. She was comforting but that was because it was her job. So why, while falling to his death, was he so adamant on figuring out whose eyes they were?

  Her voice was distant again as he remembered what she had said to him when they first met. “Poor you, being in the state you were in for so long…” While hearing this Dax felt himself start to lose his breath due to the fast altitude lost, a dizziness started to wash over him.

  Why had he not asked her before what state she was talking about when they first met and even more so when they got to know each other? The records say that he entered the City of Relics injured but did he go to the City of Relics on his own?

  “I’m sure you don’t remember what happened.” Her voice came to him again, this time he felt the pain from his wings in the center of his back, he had to have gotten shot by something. World a blur, Dax began to nod off.

  “However, the real question is, should I tell you?” Dax remembered what he thought when she said this and how he couldn’t speak, all he could do was breath fire. Pain taking over him, Dax’s mind ceased. There was no more pain and no more voice. However, something else pulsed through Dax’s body.

--

  Euro exclaimed in joy. “Got him!” He yelled, placing his bow down. “Didn’t think I would, did you? Now we’re going to be rich.” He said approaching his brother Imore.

  “Better make sure we cuff him and sedate him with enough of that stuff your nerd friend gave us. I heard dragons aren’t the nicest of mythics.” Imore warned.

  “No mythic is nice, brother. Haven’t you learned that by now? That’s why we do what we do?” Euro scoffed. “Their mutations is what they are. Nothing like us. If anything, their animals.”

  “Which is why we need to get to him as fast as possible before he does has chance to recover. He wasn’t in full dragon mode. You could tell by how he was flying. Those of who lose their minds to their mythics are the worse and the scariest so you better hurry up, or we might be pushing up daisies.”

  Euro rolled his eyes. “You honestly think they said that in the Old Western times?”

  Imore shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. What does is that we get him, before-” Imore cursed under his breath. Behind him, Euro approached in confusion. “We’ll get to him. Why are you so worried?”

  “Because I was afraid of something like that.” Imore growled. “Now we have two choices here.” He said as a roar shook the ground they stood on. “Either leave it for a professional or we die trying to get him into that quarantine.”

  The roar resonated in Euro’s heart, making his breath stop. So this was a dragon, a real one, not one that was under control. He knew he should have laced his arrow with the sedative. Why didn’t he? It was only a matter of time before the dragon would notice them and Imore was right. Leave or die trying. Which would he choose?

  “Well?”! Imore yelled, as the roars didn’t stop. The dragon was thrashing now, looking for a target
and if Euro was not planning on sticking around Imore didn’t want them to be the first things that the dragon saw.

  “Professionals.” Euro said, his heart clenched up. They had taken down many mythics in the past. However, none of them went into full mythical creature mode so they had it easy. This one, a full sized dragon, bigger than any building he had seen, was not going to take them lightly.

  Grabbing Euro’s arm, Imore pulled him to safety as the dragon began to created cracks in the earth. Imore had never seen a duel elemental dragon before. If they breathed fire they tend to only breath fire or produce fire. But then again, Imore had never dealt with a real dragon before.

  The two scrambled up the mountain they had come down from, giving them a better perspective of how big the dragon was, which didn’t help their fear. Huffing, Euro sat down to take a breath. “Do you think we should warn the Quarantine?” He asked, it would take days on foot, maybe even a week but seeing that this was a mad dragon on the loose? This probably qualified for Quarantine intervention.

  “The city is closer than the Quarantine. I’d imagine if this type of dragon was on the loose they would know but we’ll need back up. We can always go to the others about this.” Imore suggested.

  “That’s embarrassing though.” Euro sighed. “This dragon is massive, I mean, there’s an arrow in its wing because of me but now it’s on rampage.”

  Imore nodded towards the city. “Look brother, it happens. In this profession there’s bound to be a mythic or two we can’t take down on our own and that’s okay. We’re not Gods.”

  “We take them down because they think they are.” Euro said, now brushing himself off. Let’s set a signal and then run for it.” Euro grinned, causing Imore to roll his eyes. “Pretty sure we don’t need to send the dragon our location when others who do the same work as us can figure out that there’s a dragon on the loose.”

  Euro shrugged. “I was trying to give us more incentive to run.”

  Punching Euro in the arm, Imore took Euro’s flare from his pack. “Don’t think so, idiot. I don’t want to die today.”

Week Twenty Two: Unhinged: Dax VII

 Once the treefolk spoke of its name, the black markings lit up and Dax could hear many conversations fill the room. After a moment, the room quieted. But in that time, Dax felt his life suck away from a moment. Once the room was quiet, Dax breathed out in caution.

 “Your name, what does it mean?” Dax asked, not sure what to think of the course of events.

 “It is German for Collectors of Souls.” The tree said, when I spoke of my name you felt the power of the city that surrounds you. Do you understand why you are invisible to the people of this town now?”

 “There was no name for the town. It seemed so real. But- What about Brother Jhasar?” Dax asked, in an almost demanding way. The way he saw it, he was in a mini hell. If there was one. Or a soul deposit. Which meant his soul was also deposited. Or-

 “Brother Jhasar is one of the many mythics that have laid to rest here, either my choice or by fate.” said Sammler von Seelen. “Do not worry, young Drake. You would not be able to speak with me if your soul was within me. In other words, you would be able to speak to the people of this village.”

 “What about the cloak?” Dax asked, remembering what Brother Jhasar had given him.

 “It's a gift from me to you. Those who seek the river will find the river and take refuge. But I will warn you. Stay too long and you will become one with the many souls here. However, you will be at peace.”

 “My life isn’t over yet.” Dax said, taking a look at the markings. “What about your soul. What happened to it?” Dax questioned then quickly added. “If you don't’ mind me asking.”

 Again, Sammler von Seelen laughed. “This is my soul.” The treefolk said. “Would it make more sense if I retained to the man you saw earlier?”

 “But why allow me to see you?” Dax questioned. “Does this mean the mythics after me… They can’t find this place?”

 “No.” Sammler von Seelen, replied kindly. “You sought refuge. I gave you so. Think of where you are as a connection to where souls and living souls can meet but only for a short amount of time. Which, time here is irrelevant. Despite you looking out and seeing daylight, it could be a day or two from what you remember when you entered my domain.”

 Dax wasn’t sure what to say. He was in limbo? He wasn’t even sure if that was a thing. Taking a moment to think, Dax smiled. “Well…” He began. “Thank you for your hospitality. Is there any way I can repay you?”

 “There is.” Sammler von Seelen said, as he began to shimmer. Dax covered his eyes and the tree covered back into a man. “I don’t think you would like to see me take a piece of myself off so here is an enchanted leaf.” The man smiled. There was so much warmth coming from someone who contained a lot of passed souls.

Feeling it, Dax tinkered with it, inspecting the enchanted writing on the leaf. It was similar to the one on the treefolk’s base. “It is not your choice whether you do this or not, young Drake. However, it is your choice if you are to come to me again.

 “What do you mean?” Dax asked, somewhat irked that he was being commanded.

 “By visiting this place, you are bound to live within me until you pass on a soul to me.” Sammler von Seelen spoke but not in a way that triggered Dax’s anger.

 “Do I have to be the reason why the soul is passing from the living to the dead?” Dax questioned.

 “I wouldn’t call it death.” Sammler von Seelen shrugged. “But if that is how you see things…” He smirked. “No, if you find a lost soul, you can present the leaf to it and it will come here to live in peace. If you were to make a soul pass and press the leaf to the vessel of the soul then yes, it would then be as you described. But any soul if fine. Mythic, human, other creatures. All I ask if for one. However, if you wish to come to me again, in this manner you will receive another leaf and the same request will be expected of you.”

 Dax nodded. “A soul for a soul. I understand. However, is the way out the same way I came?”

 Suddenly, Brother Jhasar slowly materialized again. “I can show you the way out.” He hissed. “I’m sad to see you go so soon, new Brother Dax.”

 Smirking, Dax slipped the leaf into his pack. “This was an interesting encounter, Mr.Von.” He smirked. “Considering what happened the last time your full name was spoken I’m not going to try that trick. Are you okay with me calling you, Mr. Von?”

 Sammler von Seelen chuckled. “You’re welcome, young Drake. Your potential is still one of great value. Not many can find the river or speak to me in my true form. You are quite powerful in the spiritual sense.”

 “I’m not religious.” Dax shrugged. “But I guess that doesn’t mean the same thing now does it?”

 Again, Sammler von Seelen chuckled. “I explained why you were invisible in my realm. But it is not the reason why the mythics couldn’t find you when they were very close.”

 “Let me guess, treefolk gossip?” Dax grinned.

 “Not gossip.” Sammler von Seelen sighed. “Young Drake, we are able to see what each other see. We are a part of nature. I will always know of your journey now that you have caught my eyes. As long as you are near nature you will be able to speak to me, or leave a message and I will respond.”

 “Understood.” Dax said, gesturing to Brother Jhasar. “I’m not sure what you are.” He smirked. “But please, guild me out of here, dear Brother.”

 “Respect knows no bounds for the living and the dead.” Brother Jhasar hissed. I came here to lay to rest but on occasion I come to life for Master’s bidding. You for example.” Brother Jhasar’s seemed to hold out, making Dax sigh.

 “You are the first to pass Master’s requirements. You should be proud.” Brother Jhasar spoke, leading him down the same hallways, no candle this time.

 “A soul for a soul?” Dax shrugged. “That doesn’t seem too difficult.”

 Brother Jhasar laughed. “There is more that he has blessed you with, dear Brother. All you have to do is find it.”

 Taking a step out the church doors, Dax felt a beat in his chest. Suddenly, the world went black. Hearing his heartbeat, Dax slowly came to his senses. Opening his eyes, Dax quickly sat up and looked around. Behind him, a forest, and in front, a clear view to the city he had thought of looking into. Standing up, Dax stretched, he felt stiff. He couldn’t imagine how long he had been laying there. Reaching in his bag, he pulled out the leaf that seemed more like a stone. Nodding, he placed it gently back in his bag and spread his wings. Sammler von Seelen had bought him the time he asked for. There was no need to waste it.

Week Twenty: Unhinged: Dax VI

 Approaching a lit up door, Brother Jhasar stopped and turned to face Dax. Behind him, the door lit up his figure. Blowing out the candle, Brother Jhasar smiled, and looked over Dax once more then knocked on the door.

 “Father, it is I, Brother Jhasar. I am with one who can see the river from the skies.” Brother Jhasar spoke, hissing in between. The creepy sensation Dax got per hiss irked him. There was no doubt, he wouldn’t get used to the hissing.

 There was silence, then a shuffle from the other side of the door. Stepping back, Brother Jhasar moved out of the way of the door. As the door opened the light blinded Dax. Covering his face, Dax winced.

 “Brother, you may come in. You who can see the river. Please, tell me your name.” A voice, warming but strong said. Its figure lost in the light.

 “My name is Dax Rye. I come from a city that withheld my potential.” He said, thinking carefully as he spoke.  Brother..” Dax paused to make sure he was using terms correctly. “Brother Jhasar told me that he would need your permission to show me how to ‘reveal’ myself to the public…” Dax thought again. “Please, if I can be civil I shall try.” He smirked. That sounded pretty convincing to him.

 “Indeed.” The voice of the Father commented. “Step inside, Dax Rye. Tell me, what city you come from?”

 There was probably another barrier at the doorway considering Brother Jhasar mentioned that they had passed one before. Now that he was aware of it, Dax took a step into the room gesturing to close the door behind him.

 “Should I?” He asked, motioning at the door.

 “You can see it.” A man that Dax assumed to be the Father spoke. His build was strong, Dax figured if the Father were to strike he wouldn’t be able to win a fight of power. However, maybe one of speed would be successful. “I’m impressed.” He said as Dax was making his calculations.

 “Impressed that I can see what, Sir?” Dax questioned as he looked back at the door. “The door?” He asked, trying to play dumbfounded.

“Hm.” The Father said as he nodded. “No need.” He said as it closed itself. Dax nodded as he turned toward the Father. “You were talking about the weird colored thing that’s in the doorway weren’t you?” He guessed.

 The Father nodded. “You are indeed pure as Brother Jhasar says. You have stolen merchandise from some of the people in this city but you only did it because they could not see you. This city that you come from… Did they abuse you?” The Father asked in seer concern.  

 “No.” Dax replied quickly. He wasn’t sure why he stood up for the place anyway. “Well,” He paused. “They abused my freedom. They pushed me to find out what I could do best. Only those who played the system were placed where they belong and even then…” Dax wasn’t sure if he should continue but went on anyway. “Some, I believe, were convinced that living within the walls was best.”

 Rising up, the Father stood. A shimmer lit up the man’s surroundings. Making a quick glance around the room, Dax realized that there were no windows, or any traces of a light source. Looking over at Brother Jhasar, Dax immediately tried to hide his confusion as Brother Jhasar seemed to fade from view.

 “You are correct about this home of yours keeping you from your potential. But what you are not aware of is how much potential you have.” The Father said, light overpowering Dax’s view, Dax covered his eyes once more. Once the light dimmed, Dax removed his hand to see a large tree looking humanoid, around right feet tall.  

 Up until this point, Dax had tried to keep himself from sounding unprofessional in front of the one Brother Jhasar called Father but now, Dax couldn’t help but lose the terminology in his bemusement. “W-what.” He gasped, not sure if it was in fear or awe. “Are you?”  

 “My kind is not known well in this world. At least, not as leaders of those who defy nature. But I take shelter here. Watching over the city and keeping them alive. In my own special way.” The massive grove, that took place of the man, spoke. Dax searched for a face, he figured it was behind one of the massive bunch of leaves spread across the tree’s body.

 “Wait.” Dax said, thinking back to the library back in the City of Relics. “Are you- what they would call ‘Treefolk’?” He asked, sounding more excited now that he was talking to what seemed to be an ancient.

 “Not entirely.” The tree spoke. “But you are close. I was a meer treefolk. Until a shamen bounded me with a certain spell.”

 Slowly approaching the tree, Dax looked up. “May I see your face, kind treefolk?”

 “I have no face.” Said the treefolk. As Dax looked up he could see that the tree had strange black markings crawling up its branches. As if it were enchanted.

 “I’ve never read anything like you before.” Dax said. “I only asked if you were treefolk because I tried to read as much about the outside world and mythics before I planned my escape.” He spoke, still watching for any subtle changed.

 “Then, may I ask this. Do you know what a shaman is, young drake?” The tree asked.

 “No.” Dax shook his head. “I’ve heard of a witch but that’s a fairytale.”

 The tree chuckled. In what way a tree could chuckle. Its branches rustled and its leaves shook. Dax, smirked at the sight. Why was he talking to a tree? Because it previously looked like a man? Because he believed that a snake humanoid was common? He wasn’t sure at this point. But something about this place felt comfortable. And in that way, he was feeling lost in this town of, well. Now that he thought about it he couldn’t remember if the city had a name.

 “Young Drake, you wish to learn how to become visible. Yes?” The tree asked.

 “I do.” Dax said, as he felt an odd heaviness in the air. Thinking back to the entrance, Dax wondered. What brought him here? There was a river so he figured there would be people. But then again. He came here to rest. To hide. Wide eyed, Dax looked up at the treefolk in concern.

 “Before we get to that.” Dax spoke, clearing his throat. “There are people- other mythics chasing me. I have no doubts that they will tear this city apart to find me. Is there a place I can go to keep your civilians safe? I wouldn’t mind holding this invisible ability until tomorrow…” He said, hoping that he didn’t sound selfish at the end of his request.

 A warmth filled the air. “Young Drake.” The treefolk sounded intrigued. “Do you wish to know my name?”

 “Your name-?” Dax thought outloud. The treefolk hadn’t given his name. Dax was sure if that if he had asked, the kind treefolk would have told him earlier. Brother Jhasar had called him Father when they had entered so Dax had assumed that was his name. “My apologies, Father, if you are willing to share then I wish to know...” Dax paused. “What is your name, if I may ask. I’m sorry. I should have asked you when you asked for mine.”

 The treefolk smiled. “There was a reason why I did not speak of my name, young Drake.”

 Lifting his head, Dax looked back up at the treefolk. “May I know why?”

 “It was a test. To see if you were worthy of knowing my name.” The treefolk’s aura began to shimmer again. “But since you asked so sincerely. My name is Sammler von Seelen.” The treefolk bowed in what way he could.

 Dax didn’t recognize the language but he didn’t like the sound of the treefolks name when he spoke it. Shivering, Dax brushed off the feeling. That name. He had never heard of it before. Or anything like it.

Week Seventeen: Unhinged: Dax V

 Stealing wasn’t Dax’s forte. However, when no one accepts your attempt to buy something, or notice that you even exist then why not eat your fill? As far as Dax could tell, he was physically there but not visibly aware to everyone around him. He had to dodge people constantly since they couldn’t see him or when they ran into him they’d stare in confusion and move on.

 Maybe the fear in him activated a new ability he hasn’t known about but then again all he knew that he could do was fly and breath fire. This new ability would be an interesting code to crack. After grabbing a couple of supplies (Dax learned that anything he touched also went invisible with him, which was neat but also annoying) Dax looked around the village for any hints on how they’d react to a mythic.

 Coming upon a church, or what seemed to be a religious building, Dax looked up at the massive statue of a boar/human hybrid, it held a sword and a shield, It stood at least ten feet tall. Glancing at the glass on the windows, Dax noted that there were different mythical creatures in each one, none of them being violent. However, in some of the depiction he couldn’t figure out if the glass painting was neutral or good.

 Stepping into the religious building, Dax looked over the pews and at the alter. In the front stood a reptile like creature in a robe. Smelling the figure from the entrance, he tilted his head. The snake like human seemed to have something about him that didn’t click well in Dax’s gut.

 In awe, Dax looked up at the rest of the beauty that the building had to offer. Alarmed, Dax created a fireball in his hand without turning his body. There was a presence behind him. One that could see him, no doubt.

 “I’m not here in intrude.” Dax said, hoping the being would understand him. Different mythical creatures could speak to one another. Dax learned how to speak to his dragon kin and some other specifics but he spoke without considering the being might be a human.

 “Camouflage.” The voice hissed. “Impressive.”

 Keeping his fireball in hand, Dax turned to face the voice. Before him stood the monk. Silently thanking his gut, Dax met the snake’s eyes. “I don’t know how to be visible again. Can you help me?”

 This made the snake cackle. “A mythic that does not know of his powers? You smell young and inexperienced. Your kind are usually coped up in one of those cities, how are you not in one?”

 Adjusting his stance, Dax stood straight. “I escaped.” He said, still not comfortable with the snake’s attire. “Please, I want to interact with people, how can I make them see me again?”

 “It’s not a matter of making them see you.” The snake retorted. “It’s a matter of making yourself visible to you.”

 “That doesn’t make sense.” Dax growled, fire intensifying without notice. “I wanted them to see me. I saw myself in the river coming up here. I know I exist.”

 “The river?” The snake curved his head in almost a question mark. “Only those who are pure can see the river. Do you believe yourself to be pure?”

 Putting away his fireball, Dax squinted his eyes. “I could see the source of the river from the skies. How can something that huge be visible to only some people?”

 Keeping his distance, the snake monk replied. “It is not visible by people.” He informed. “Again, only those who are pure can see the river. Only those who are of our world can see the river.”

 “Then…” Dax said as a couple walked in, greeted the snake monk as if he were normal, and continued on into the church. “We can’t be on a different plane as them.” He said as he watch ed couple walk away. “They even greeted you.”

 The snake monk nodded. “Ah, yes.” He smiled, revealing his fangs that made Dax cringe. “You want to be visible, or would you rather have a cloak like I?”

 “Wouldn’t you menan, a cloak like yourself or in your case you’d say ‘me’?” Dax asked, following the snake monk.

 “In our world, english terms are irrelevant.” It hissed. “This cloak will make you look human, boy.”

 Staring at it, Dax took a step away from it, it was the same cloak the monk was wearing. “But I thought I looked like a boy.” He said, looking at his hand. “At least, I can see myself as one in a mirror.”

 “Ah.” The snake monk nodded. “Well, keep this with you. You might need it someday.” He said then closed the door he had opened to reveal the cloak. “You can meet the father of this church. He’ll determine whether I can help you learn how to reveal yourself to the public.”

 Dax crossed his arms. “Why do you need permission to show me how to do anything?”

 The snake monk laughed. “Jhasar.” He say, with an unintentional hiss. Dax wasn’t sure if he could get used to that or not.

 “That your name?” He asked as he followed the monk down a corridor.

 “Yes, Brother Jhasar.” He said, holding the candle far enough in front of him to make the path visible for them both.

 “I know you can see in the dark.” Dax said, confused by the candle. “So why bring a candle?”

 Jhasar laughed. “You’re very observant young one.” He said as they took a right. “Is this why you can trust me without fail?”

 “No.” Dax said, his bag slung over his shoulder. “I have no where else to go.” He added with a frown. “So it’s not a matter of trust…” He let the word linger as they continued to walk aimlessly. “It’s a matter of curiosity.”

 “Honesty.” Jhasar said as they arrived at a wooden door with a metal handle, lit up by the light of the room on the other side. “Only those who are pure can pass the barriers we went through a while back.” He hissed. “For an experiment I’m surprised you passed.”

 Dax growled. “Don’t call me an experiment.” He converted a hand into a claw. “We’re both reptiles here, but you seem too holy for a fight so don’t start.”

 This made Jhasar laugh. “The father will like you.”

 Frowning, Dax returned his claw into hand form and followed Jhasar inside. Whatever it was guiding him here, he hoped that it would make its point and release him soon.

Week Ten: Unhinged: Dax IV

 A shudder ran down Dax’s spine as he made a run for it. There seemed to be something wrong with his predators but this wasn’t the time to think or thank whatever the cause was. They were blind to him and he needed to use this opportunity. Adrenaline rushed through him as he ran. Back in the City of Relics he would have scolded himself for running at any distance since there were mythics of faster race than himself that could make him look like a creature of the water trying to fly but out here he had no one to judge him and no one to care about other than himself. Following the trail the Rhino mythic had left, Dax spread his wings and emerged into his full dragon form. He always forgot how big he actually was as a dragon. He didn’t exactly understand the whole ‘reflectioned’ form that the scientist had babbled about. (Mythic school wasn’t exactly fun for him).

 Lifting into the air and gaining altitude, Dax looked back towards his predators that were to distracted by their poor lack in teamwork. Although the monsters were ruthless, they didn’t seem book smart either, which comforted Dax to an extent. However, this also made him cringe as he compared himself to murders. Once, he wanted to be like that. Now, that he had experienced their viciousness first hand he wanted nothing to do with them.

 Gliding past one of the mountains, Dax laughed in awe. Before him were valleys, open land… He believed those were called pastures. Behind him, a vast forest (with the path of the rhino mythic running in a scribbled, then a straight line when she realized she was missing out on all the action. In seeing this, Dax made a note… Don’t make that big of a fool of himself.

 Riding the wind, Dax allowed himself to follow the current since his predators didn’t seem to be able to see him. The time was long but an enjoyable peace as it took two hours to find the first civilization. For a moment, Dax began to lose altitude before he thought to himself, even if he were to escape that simply… The first civilization that came into radius of the City of Relics would be the first humanly place to look. So, despite his hunger and curiosity Dax continued to fly until he passed two more civilization. At that point, the sun was fully awake and accompanying him on his journey.

 Scanning the overwhelming land beneath him, Dax spotted two possible stops. A city, well built, but not encircled by a wall, meaning that it wasn’t another City of Relics, and a very tiny village off the side of a mountain. Seeing that the village was technically closer in altitude, Dax darted for the village. He didn’t have much with him. He had his I.D, his documents folded up into his back pocket, and no money, considering his money consisted on his I.D which only worked in a city similar to the City of Relics.

 A part of him glanced back over at the huge city in the distance, he could fly there in no time at all. And, he could use the money on a chance in a bigger city. However, he hadn’t interacted with anyone outside of the city. Besides other mythics and scientist he didn’t exactly know what to think about people who weren’t part something else. Taking a landing less than an half a mile from the village, Dax inhaled then began to walk, returning to his boy form.

 On the way to the village ran a good sized river. Approaching it, Dax knelt by the water to cup his hands and drink. Meeting the eyes of his dragon self, Dax stepped back in confusion. Feeling his body, he shook his head. Why was he looking into the dragon side of him rather than a normal reflection of himself. Thinking back to the city, Dax thought of a mirror and being able to see his ‘human’ self in the mirror. Why was the water different?

 Feeling an itch in his throat, Dax frowned, turn to the river, closed his eyes and cupped his hands for a drink. After he had quenched his thirst he opened his eyes again and stared into a reflection of his dragon self. Reaching out to the water, Dax watched in awe as his dragonhide reflected off of his hand, his claws shimmered and were spread.

 “I don’t understand…” Dax said to himself, hearing his voice for the first time since he had left the city. He seemed confused but calm, amazed and frightened by the sight. Getting up, Dax touched his arm for a second time, he could feel the human skin on his arm and the hair that grew on them. Turning away from the river, Dax continued to walk towards the village. Hopefully, this village would be aware of what a ‘mythic’ was and hopefully he wouldn’t be walking into the village with his dragon self as a shadow lingering behind.

 To frighten the village would be terrible. All he wanted to do was introduce himself and investigate. Stopping in his tracks, he paused for a moment to think about his voice. What if they didn’t speak the same language as he did at the city? Even though he internally knew some languages (his tradition folklore background was the reason for that) he didn’t want to believe one hundred percent that every language that was spoken outside or inside the the city would align.

 Then again, he thought to himself as he took a few steps towards the village, what if the village hated mythics? What if they ate mythics? No, wait. He laughed at himself as the thought occured. He was a dragon. Dragons don’t die that easily. And even then, he had evaded a rhino mythic that was destructive along with a gryphon which wasn’t exactly the easiest to persuade to share. In this case, he’d be the predator but he also didn’t want to seem vicious.

 Throwing ideas in and out of his mind, Dax pushed on. It was either the village or the city that he had spotted and he chose to stop at this village since there was less people and a more likelihood of a personal interaction rather than a business one. Stepping foot into the village, he watched as people passed him as if he didn’t exist.

 Panic arose in the pit of his stomach. How did he see his dragon self, feel his human self and his dragon self for that matter and still be invisible. Gripping his hand into a fist, Dax looked around the village, it was a lot smaller in person. Heading in a random direction, Dax sighed. Hopefully, there wasn’t something wrong with him.

Week Seven: Unhinged: Dax III

 Wake up call wasn’t exactly what Dax was used to. An alarm, that he could destroy and replace every morning but in this case, the sirens vibrated the trees he took shelter in. Gripping one of the branches, Dax concentrated on focused on being one with the shadows. He knew his fire breathing wouldn’t help him now. Especially against a team of trained killers.

 “Eighteen hours and thirty minutes.” A computerized voice announced from the city.

 Closing his eyes, Dax tightened his grip on the branch. A few feet away from him stood one of the task force members. He stood, tall and built. Down his back were triangle shaped scales. He wasn’t a flyer, but there was no doubt that the earth was his terrain.

 “Dax Rye,” The member began in his gargle like voice. “You do know that after the time is up, we’re allowed to kill you in the next twenty four?” He laughed. “So, in reality.” He shouted. “You have to run for seventy-two hours!”

 Seventy-two… Dax sighed. Staying in one place couldn’t be the answer to this. These the task force consisted of the strongest, however, so Dax couldn’t see how he could take even one of them down. Sniffing the air, the task force member growled.

 “You’re here somewhere, Rye!” He shouted. “And I’ll be the one to turn you in.” He laughed. “Or maybe I won’t turn you in.”

 A chill ran up Dax’s spine. This mythic wasn’t planning on turning him in which meant only one thing. Eyeing his surroundings, he calculated the distance between the two of them. He couldn’t outrun him. He could out fly him but if he went into the air, he’d have to worry about the other flyers and even thought he was able to put himself on the board for a recording time, Dax knew good and well that the top three flyers, which doubled his time, were able to make the task force.

 Dax held his breath as the monster crept towards his direction. “I can smell you, Dax.” He boomed.

 Above him, a voice chitted. “We can smell you.” Dax assumed that there was a flyer above him which meant that he couldn’t fly to escape. There had to be another way. But something was off about the two’s precision. If two of the task force members could smell him then why couldn’t they find him? He had done everything he could to stay still, but his curiosity was getting the best of him.

 “Croxis.” The flyer boomed. “He’s here, directly under me.” He growled. “Find the boy.”

 “Even if he was in his dragon form…” The one name Croxis snarled.”Then why am I not seeing him?”! He snapped back.

 “Because you’re blind!” Argued the flyer.

 “Croxis is not blind!” He shouted. “Garum is blind!” HE spat.

 The one Dax assumed to be named Garum screeched in annoyance, making Dax grip the branch even tighter, at this point, he wasn’t sure how the branch was holding.

 “Garum!” Croxis snapped as he threw a tree trunk at his peer. “You know I hate it when you do that.”

 “It’ll bring out the boy!” argued, Garum. “The ears of any creature can only handle so much of my screech.”

 “That goes for me and the other members too, you idiot!” He shouted, more in a way of not being able to hear himself.

 “Like I care about your ears!” He laughed, and screeched once more. This time, he held it, while Croxis burried his head in the dirt.

 This was it. Dax had to move now or it would be too late. Yes, there were other members, but there had to be a reason why they couldn’t seem him, so he had to take advantage of it and the foolishness of Garum. Jolting forward, Dax ran past Croxis, glancing up to see Garum, a fellow flyer but more from the bird species. Running, Dax didn’t think to look back until the screeching subsided, then, he paused to take a short break.

 His ears bled, and for a moment, all he could hear was a ringing sound. How, Garum didn’t see him, he didn’t understand. All he knew, was that he was lucky. Overhead, two other flyers on the team darted towards Garum’s location. In front of him, what seemed to be a form of a rhino slammed their horn into the trees, tearing them out of their way. In his surprised, a female voice emerged from the monster.

 “I hate it when Garum makes a scene.” She shouted to herself. “But that boy isn’t getting away. Not on my watch.” She snarled, leaving a path behind her as she tore down the forest.

 It was impossible. How could she not see him? He was standing in clear view at that point, that or she was so narrow minded that she missed him. Taking in a breath, Dax began to walk

--

Week Four: Unhinged: Dax II

 Fire emerged from Dax’s chest. This was it. He was done being a lab rat. Sprawling out his wings he took flight and took full form of his dragon self for the first time. The scientist and poked and pried at him enough. He was a human being! At least, he was. Until his fifteenth birthday. Before then, he was going to school, at a public school anyway. Under the scientist’s eyes he was allowed to attend classes but only with other kids in his position. Some loved the scientist, some hated, others didn’t care. They were being fed and given a warm place to sleep at night. For those few, that was enough. However, for Dex, the daily schedule irked him.

 Morning warm up, Physical Therapy (this varied depending on what mythic you were, History (which was probably full of lies and half truths), lunch, weekly exams, and many more classes that demanded mythics to hone in on their abilities. Around the scientific city, Dax knew there would be a shield of some sort. These people were ‘raising’ mythics after all. There were rumors of places unacceptable to Mythics, other places were loved by mythics, and in some the emotions varied.

 Many mythics were found at a younger age and brought into the City of Relics. This was one aspect of the city that Dax especially hated. A relic was an object of history that survived into the modern world. To Dax, that meant not only was he an object but he a piece of history meant to be in a museum to be observed. That meant, his life was determined by those who observed him, determining the value of his life through their eyes.

 Releasing another fireball at one of the scientist riding a griffin, the scientist ducked, and ordered the griffin to charge. Looking into the eyes of the griffin, Dax knew exactly who that was. She was one of the many prizes of the city. A teen from Brooklynn who found her inner griffin then appeared at the doors of the city. She wanted to be recognized and used for something other than… Her life blurred in his mind. Either way, to him, it didn’t matter. Namia was two years older than him and somehow felt like a star in this City of Relic which was the opposite of what he wanted.

 Hearing her screech behind him, Dax enhanced his speed. If there was anything he was known for, it was his level of fire, and his speed. He wasn’t one of the stronger mythics but he did know how to create a consistent amount of damage. Approaching the edge of the city, Dax watched carefully as a shimmer waved across the sky starting at the top of the city’s wall and disappeared in the distance overhead.

 In front of Dax was his way out. Earlier that morning he found the microchip that they placed behind in right ear and removed it. Because of that, he could leave the city without worrying that his head might blow off. (He had seen it done before) to a Centuar, poor guy. Or should he consider him a horse?

 Glancing over his shoulder he noted how fast Namia was going, her top speed. Namia was beautiful but she wasn’t much for being intelligent. She followed orders without a second thought and allowed the scientist around her control who she was. Dax was finished with orders, despite him being one of the most prized dragons on site, Dax couldn’t allow himself to be a slave to anyone.

 Pushing his speed, Dax considered the distance between him and Namia. She was having trouble keeping up, all he needed to do now was use his time wisely. Flying head first toward the barrier, Dax felt the sparks ticked his scales as he shot himself upward. Namia wouldn’t be able to maneuver as quickly, meaning that she wouldn’t be able to stop in time to avoid the barrier. Dax didn’t want to hurt Namia, but she was one of the brainwashed mythics that was important to the city, making her an important role to his escape.

 As he predicted, Namia slammed into the barrier, voltage ran right through her feathers, and sent her into shock. Her rider, the scientist, alerted others as he held on for dear life to the screaming griffin. The moment Dax saw the barrier open around Namia, releasing her from its grasp, Dax spiraled down, pushing Namia farther into the barrier, forcing the scientist in charge of the barrier to open enough space for him and Namia.

 Slipping through the space, Dax shot himself into the sky to gain altitude. Now, the task force would be after him. Meaning, he’d need to hide. Eyes landing on a forest between two mountains, Dax drove himself to max speed. This was an ability he saved only for emergencies. He couldn’t sense the task force behind him at first, then he heard the five screeches, his heart memorized long ago.

 Ironically, the task force was what he wanted to be when he first gained control of his mythic side. The moment he realized their job was to kill and not ‘arrest’ any escapees he turned to other possible job careers. The task force never set out for longer than forty eight hours. Once the forty eighth hour hit, the council decided that if any escapee were to survive that long (which ninety percent didn’t) they were granted ‘relief’ from the city to do as they pleased.

 Only two mythics before him managed to escape the task force. Reverting into his human form, Dax slipped into one of the tree branches and held his breath. Overhead, Dax could hear the wings of one of the force. In microphone enhanced voice, the rider exclaimed, “Dax Rye. You have two choices.”

 In hearing his name, Dax closed his eyes and focused on being as still as possible. “One!” It continued. “You turn yourself in and ask for forgiveness. Then!” He inhaled. “You might be allowed to live amongst the privileged.”

Privileged? Dax shook his head. They were slaves and experiments. Even the task force was brainwashed in a way. He knew that one of them enjoyed killing which made that one even scarier.

 “Or two!” The voice was getting farther. “You hide like a coward and hope that we don’t find you in forty eight hours!”

 Dax chose the second option. However, he knew the force was to give hope of survival in the first hour. After that, they’d tear through terrain to find him. As the voice disappeared in the distance, Dax let out his first actual breath. His palms were sweaty. Was he really that nervous?

 There had to be a safer place he could hide until the two days were up. At that point, he’d have to go to the only water source outside of the city and hunt in the forest, where most of the game was located.

 Calculating his requirements, Dax stood on level ground. At least in human form he was smaller and it wasn’t as easy for them to find him. Hearing a shuffle in the distance, Dax ducked under an uprooted tree root. Pushing himself as deep into the root as possible, Dax lowered his breath.

 “I can smell ‘em.” A husky voice emerged from directly above him. “The kid’s real close.”