The Endless Forest

Felix woke to the scent of food, finding that breakfast, or by the looks of things, lunch being brought to him in bed. Aluin and Eri had joined him but neither ate, claiming they already had their meals.

He was hesitant, however, due to how he had reacted to food previously. Thankfully, it seemed he had more control, though the strange unsatiated hunger did remain. He was at least not eating like a beast.

While he ate, Aluin filled him in on everything that had happened after he went unconscious. For example, it appeared that Uzreg was the true hero in all this. The kobold had braved the mana and inhuman cold to rescue him, but not without cost.

Uzreg had sustained numerous injuries, most notably frostbite and mana poisoning. The kobolds couldn’t handle large quantities of either very well. Though, there are some that are more resistant to the cold.

Yet somehow, Uzreg managed to get the egg out…

After he finished devouring his food, Felix had asked to go see Uzreg and the egg. He was feeling much better, but Aluin was still concerned about his recovery.

What happened next stunned both of them.

“I think he should.” Eri spoke for the first time, ignoring their stares that were coming her way.

“What?” Aluin asked, slowly recovering.

“I think it would be good for him, and the kobolds.” She said matter-of-factly. “He clearly wants to see the egg for himself, and the kobolds have been trying to sneak in here since we barred them.”

“But he’s still recovering–”

“And he will continue to recover. I feel that if we don’t allow him, he’ll go on his own.” She turned to face Felix. “Isn’t that right?”

“Uh… Yeah.” He stumbled out, still reeling. “Wait–”

She turned back to Aluin. “We can go with him, and this way, we can keep an eye on him. If you are too exhausted, I think I can manage on my own, Master.”

Aluin looked defeated, something that Felix doubted happened very often.

“Fine…” The elf said. “I’ll help Felix get dressed, just wait for us outside the room.”

With that, Eri smiled. Felix couldn’t help but get lost in it, I much prefer that then her scowling… Wait, focus! He shook his head, and watched the elven woman leave. Her eyes glanced up to meet his one last time, before she closed the door behind her.

With that, he got dressed with the help of Aluin…

Felix found himself staring down the staircase, his muscles were already screaming at him and he’d barely made it out of his– Fea’s room. He felt stiff, and occasionally a random twinge of pain would shoot through him.

Just gotta…make it down… He took a deep breath, and a hand came to his shoulder.

“Slowly now,” said Eri.

He nodded, still confused by her reversal. Letting the thought go for now, he took his first step followed by a second…

It was an agonizingly slow descent to the first floor, one that made him consider giving up. However, he found this new side of Eri quite calming and reassuring. Not once did she chastise him, even when he nearly stumbled halfway down.

Meanwhile, Aluin followed close behind. He said nothing, but a quick glance told Felix everything he needed to know. The elf wasn’t happy, but at the same time he never once interfered.

Eventually, the trio made it down and all that was left was a long walk. Easy… Felix joked to himself as he gasped for air.

“Rest,” Eri said, gesturing to a nearby chair.

That wasn’t there before, was it? He, again, decided to not question it and sat down.

“Normally, we’d just use some levitation magic and carry you out there. However, I think getting you to stretch your muscles is a good thing.” Eri said, flickering her eyes towards Aluin.

“Don’t look at me, I’m staying out of this. You will take responsibility if something happens to him.” The other elf responded.

“I will carry him if I have to,” she countered, much to Aluin’s and Felix’s surprise. “He needs some sunlight anyways, it’ll do him some good.”

Aluin looked away, but Felix responded.

“I can walk on my own… Eri’s right, I can’t lay in bed forever.” That felt strange to agree with her, but…

“Alright, I think that’s enough. The walk shouldn’t be as bad, despite being longer than some stairs.” Eri said, making her way to him.

With her help, he was standing back on his feet and they resumed their trek.

This time, he wasn’t struggling nearly as hard. It seemed his ‘exercise’ of going down the stairs had helped loosen his body up. There was still the occasional pain that would shoot through him though, but it was much more bearable at this point.

They eventually entered the kitchen, aiming for the backdoor, when Felix saw Chef. The kobold was busily chopping away at some vegetables, seemingly in his own little world. There were others, all working energetically.

“Master hungry? Feast be ready soon!” Chef said, glancing behind himself. He sounded only slightly annoyed.

“Oh… No, sorry. We were just making our way through.” Felix responded, still feeling a little drained.

“Humph, Master weak still… Master need eat.”

“Later,” Eri interrupted. “Master needs fresh air.”

The kobold frowned then shrugged, and went back to his work.

With that, they made it outside…

It was eerily quiet, too quiet for a bunch of kobolds. Even though the trio were a bit of a ways away, you could, normally, still hear the sounds of life.

Because of that, their journey was a quiet one. They only stopped once so that Felix could catch his breath. Even then, it was only for a few moments. He wasn’t going to let his injuries, no matter how serious, stop him.

The reason for the almost somber mood would soon become apparent.

They reached the kobold’s camp, finding it mostly empty. A few guards were posted around the perimeter, but not much else.

Eri went ahead and spoke with one of them, while Felix and Aluin stayed back. He didn’t want to admit it, but Felix was glad for the small break.

Eri and the kobold conversed for a couple of minutes, with the kobold gesturing as if he was giving directions. But Felix caught a look in the sentry’s eye. He wants to be somewhere else…

Eventually the elven woman came back, and Felix asked, “What’s going on?”

“It would seem that the egg is due to hatch any time now. All the kobolds have flocked over to it,” she gestured to a hill further away. “They are in the middle of some sort of ritual.”

Felix shot daggers towards Aluin.

“Come now, I did not lie to you about anything. I only told you what I knew. I cannot change what I do not control.” The elf responded, defensively.

“Let’s go, I’m not going to miss the egg hatching.” He said, not wanting to debate and started off.

He kept his pace quick, despite his body’s complaints. He simply ignored it, and pushed on. Eri and Aluin quickly caught up, but neither tried to slow him.

That’s just fine with me. I’ve got to be there for this, especially if what Aluin said about imprinting is true…

Eventually, they crested the hill and came to a dead stop. Before them were the kobolds, all of which were groveling towards an… Altar? That was the only way he could explain it.

This ‘altar’ was made of loose dark stones, piled high and made to be roughly flat. On top of it was a nest of leather, furs, and cloth, with the egg sitting proudly in the middle.

That wasn’t all however, as Felix saw something enter his vision. Looking up, he saw five balls of light floating and dancing above the crowd.

Spirits!

Suddenly, one of them bolted towards Felix, stopping only a foot away. Looking into it, a shudder ran down his spine. It felt like he was being judged.

“What should I do?” He asked in a nervous whisper, slightly leaning to the two elves.

“Just stay calm, it's reading your mana.” Aluin said, unperturbed.

“Wha-”

The spirit rushed him.

Felix’s world went black…

***

A moment passed, and he found himself in a void. Startled, he whipped around to find that it was just him. He gulped.

Where–

He felt his voice echo around him. There was only one problem: he hadn’t spoken aloud.

Now he was properly spooked. He felt his heart race, beating heavily in his chest. He could feel the cold sweat forming on his brow. Yet, it all felt disconnected. It was all so far away…

As panic set in, that’s when it appeared. With a flash that stunned him, an outline of a dragon appeared. Its ethereal form glowed brightly, causing him to wince and look away.

So, it’s you… It spoke, its voice reverberating.

M-me? He asked, quivering in fear.

The dragon took one step and lowered its head. Felix only then realized the true size of it, its head alone was larger than the manor.

The dragon narrowed its eyes, staring directly into his soul.

I see… It said, as if it had confirmed something. It lifted its head up, staring down at him.

Do you have what it takes? The dragon asked him.

W-what do you mean? Felix stammered out.

An image of the egg appeared between them. Somehow the distance between the dragon and him grew considerably.

Do you have what it takes to protect her?

He stared down at the egg, unsure how to answer.

Why do you hesitate?

He gasped, the dragon’s voice came from behind him.

I… I will! He yelled out, hearing his own voice echoing.

The dragon laughed out, its voice booming. You will? That’s not what I asked. I asked if you have what it takes.

Felix took a deep breath, but it wasn’t enough to calm himself down. I… He realized there was no way he could lie, not that he wanted to. Don’t know…

The dragon laughed again, this time it was in front of him.

Wise answer, it said.

The egg appeared closer to him, as if the space between him and it shrank.

She is my daughter–

He jerked his head in a nod.

She has imprinted onto you already, you two have started the bond. If you approach her egg now, it will hatch… The dragon’s voice lowered in volume. Protect her, and she will protect you.

He nodded again, but a question formed and voiced itself without him meaning to. What is a bond?

The dragon relaxed, even laying down. It forms due to imprinting, you share your thoughts and emotions, sometimes it can be even more than that…

It paused for a moment. Hmm, I shall give you some helpful advice. Normally the parents try to get an egg to imprint onto them. This is temporary but important, as you can imagine. After some time, the parents will allow the bond that forms to weaken. Eventually, the young dragon will go on to find its own soulmate, imprinting and eventually bonding to them.

The dragon finished with a question. Do you understand what that means?

Felix thought about it for a long time, before answering. I think…I will have to deal with this every time I want to hatch–

It cut him off. That is true…but not what I meant. Try again.

He frowned, and thought hard about what the dragon told him, letting them leak out. The parents have to get the egg to imprint them, eventually forming a bond. When the dragon becomes of age–

His eyes widened in shock. She won’t be able to find a soulmate!

Well done, the dragon responded. You and her will need to decide that for yourselves. It is…different when the imprinting is on a non-dragon. In many ways, she might even see you as her soulmate.

Then the others… He trailed off.

It will become complicated.

Is there no way to avoid it?! He desperately asked.

The dragon shook its massive head. It is necessary, and why it can take so long for one to hatch. But all hope is not lost, as I said the bond can be weakened and eventually broken. Though, it will be much more difficult for you.

Felix was dumbstruck, he was in no way prepared for this. Finally, he formed another question. How can I break it?

I don’t know, it is natural to us. It answered.

He looked down into the void below him, wondering how he was going to fulfill Fea’s request.

Don’t despair, before– Before my time, all of the other races would be envious of your position. It was a rare sight for a dragon to imprint onto another being that wasn't one of us. That person would have their status elevated considerably.

Besides, Fea chose you. I can see her, her soul is bonded to yours. The dragon smiled. This wasn’t the first time a dragon imprinted you. Even now, she is with you…

Subconsciously he grabbed at his chest. A familiar calm entered his mind, and he knew right then, he could do this.

I will protect her, whether I am prepared or not. I will…

The dragon nodded towards him as he felt himself begin to fade…

***

When Felix came to, he found himself lying on the ground. Aluin and Eri were kneeling next to him. A group of kobolds were watching from a little further away, with a certain someone standing in front.

“Help me…” He grunted, trying to get back up.

A hand appeared and he grasped it. It was Aluin’s, and the elf looked at him with a mixture of concern and relief. However, Felix didn’t want to waste any more time.

“Thanks,” he said after getting back on his feet and dusting himself off. He locked onto the dragon egg. Now or never…

Without another word, he began his march. The kobolds must have realized his intentions and quickly parted, giving him a path. Uzreg gave him a bow as he got near.

Felix got an idea immediately.

“Come with me,” he said and continued making his way.

“Master?” he heard the kobold ask but ignored it.

The rest of the kobolds all looked up at him in awe, if he had to guess it was because of the spirit. Nevertheless, he tried to keep his expression neutral and ignored their stares.

He reached the ‘altar’ and came to a stop. He wasn’t even a foot away and could sense something stirring from within it. Just a bit longer, little one…

Felix turned around and found that everyone, including the two elves, had moved to be closer. Uzreg was standing ahead of the crowd.

He smiled at the kobold and only then did he notice, the old kobold had wrappings around his hands. For a split second his smile turned into a frown, but he quickly snapped out of it.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. Strange, I don’t feel nervous…

He opened his eyes again and began to address the crowd. “Today is a special day. So special even the spirits have decided to come and watch.”

He paused, looking up at the dragon spirits that still floated above them.

“Today will mark the return of dragons–” Cheers erupted from the kobolds, nearly deafening him. He was forced to wait until they settled down.

“HOWEVER!” He shouted, getting everyone’s attention again. “We have something else to celebrate today!” He gestured to the old gray kobold. “Uzreg. Come join me up here.”

For the first time, Felix saw the kobold look nervous as he timidly made his way over.

“Hold out your hand.” Felix commanded Uzreg and waited for the kobold to do so. Once Uzreg did, he began to unravel the bandages.

The kobold’s hand was blistered and scarred, and he felt a twinge of regret as he looked at it. He brought his attention back to the crowd, unable to stand the sight.

“A few days ago, Uzreg saved my life… It started with us going to find an egg to hatch. After finding one, and getting a little too excited, I activated the enchantments for its den and…

Felix paused, letting anticipation build. “That’s when everything went wrong…”

There were a few murmurs from the crowd, but they grew silent as he continued the story.

“The egg, as it turned out, began to siphon mana and heat from the surrounding area. Soon, it became too dangerous for either of us to enter. Yet, I was a fool. I charged in there hoping to stop it… It proved too much for me.”

Felix held up the kobold's hand. “But not for Uzreg! He saw me fall! He charged in with no fear, and dragged me out! His hands, though scarred, are a testament to his courage!”

The cheering returned, somehow it was even louder. He smiled, waiting patiently for everyone to calm down.

“So to honor his courage, he will assist me with hatching the egg!”

The crowd erupted again.

Felix dropped both their hands, but didn’t let go. He turned to face the egg again and, this time, he dragged the kobold to it.

Together, they stood before the dragon egg and as one. He gave Uzreg one final look, the kobold was gobsmacked. Better snap out of it or you’ll miss it…

In one swift motion, he brought their hands onto the egg.

A moment passed, then two, then three… After several more, Felix began to get worried. He closed his eyes, and tried to feel for its heartbeat.

There! It was faint but it slowly started to gain momentum. The air around the egg grew cold, as ambient mana began to condense. This time, it wasn’t nearly as dramatic.

Crack!

He felt the egg begin to shift, while it started to crackle. Its surprisingly smooth surface started to become rough. The dragon inside was struggling against its protective shell.

Come on… You can do it!

It was becoming painfully cold.

“Just…a little bit…more.” He muttered, grimacing.

In those final moments, he felt something whisper to him.

Zira…

“Zira–”

The egg exploded.