Chapter Text
Perhaps Albatross had been foolish. His body was bloody and had been impaled several times. He laid dying on the floor staring at his grandson.
Fathom…
He spat up a little more blood. He stared at Fathom, but Fathom did not return his gaze. Fathom was hunched over his little Girlfriend’s bleeding body whispering words into her ears soothing her into the afterlife. He had set out that day to make an example. No Animus should be degraded like him. Forced to do petty tricks wasting his soul for entertainment for a debt his sister held over his head like a guillotine about to drop. Maybe it was for the best that he had died here in his grandson's place. This would serve as an example whether he lived or not and he has saved his grandson the pain of being used like a jester. Maybe he finally lost it, or maybe it’s the clearest he has been thinking for a long time. He looked over at his grandson again, the blood spilling out of the girl from Albatross’s knife seemed to pour out by the gallons. But, then all at once her blood stopped spilling out. It still flowed, but it was moving in reverse. Her blood was returning to her body and her wounds were closing.
Clever boy
Fathom had used his magic in a way that Albatross had never had the thought to. Fathom had just used his power to save a life. Maybe if Albatross had been a bit more compassionate or made better decisions he could’ve healed Sapphire of the wounds he caused her. His blood moved so far from his body it spilled into the ocean beside the dock he was on. Albatross could heal himself, but that might just be one more selfish action from a dragon who had just been so selfish. Albatross watched as his blood diluted into the water disappearing into its depths. His blood will forever haunt the ocean.
Haunt…
That word gave Albatross an idea. This wouldn’t be the end for him. He wouldn’t heal himself however.
I will return to prevent anyone from being used like me.
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Fathom was incredibly content with his life. His life wasn’t full of excitement or thrill. He had enough of that in his younger years. He was content with the calm and cozy life he lived with his family. Eventually Clearpool and Ripple moved out, but they always came to visit. Cowrie stayed close however, choosing to raise his family nearby. Fathom had many grandchildren. Some might say too many. Ripple had found a wife and brought his children over all the time. Clearpool was… promiscuous and Fathom had many different grandchildren from many different fathers. Cowrie had found a husband and they both really wanted children, but both being male it was going to be impossible. It was the only time Cowrie had ever asked for Fathom to use his magic. It was one of the only times Fathom had ever cast a spell. A bracelet that would when worn temporarily swap a dragon biological sex. They had five children together. The second time Cowrie had made his husband bear the eggs because he had to the first time.
“Are you going to come inside dad?” Cowrie asked, coming up besides Fathom. “It’s getting late.”
Fathom had been outside looking over the sea while sitting on a cliff.
“No I don’t think I will.” He answered, his old bone creaking as he turned to his son.
The same cliff where Indigo was buried.
“Oh,” Cowrie spoke, his voice cracking. “Are you going to ever come back inside?”
“Not unless you put me there.” He joked.
“Are you sure?”
“It’s been a long time coming Cowrie.” He said, pulling his son in for a hug. “I want you to know I’m so very proud of you and your siblings and all seventeen of my grandchildren.”
Cowrie began to cry. His tears falling onto Fathom. “It's going to be so hard without you dad.”
“I know, but you’re very clever. I’m sure you’ll manage.”
“Can I stay out here with you?”
“Of course.” They sat there in silence for a long time. Fathom had considered his life. His long dead family members, Clearsight is out there somewhere, and Darkstalker…
Darkstalker isn’t gone. He’s asleep somewhere.
Fathom looked down at his son who’d fallen asleep by his side. Then he looked back at the houses behind him. One was awash with light that one contained his son-in-law and grandchildren. He was suddenly overwhelmed with a protective feeling.
Darkstalker will return.
He was suddenly filled with fear. Fear for his family .
Darkstalker will return and I won’t be there to protect my family.
Fathom felt sick. He can’t protect anyone from beyond the grave. He had to act.
I will return to defeat Darkstalker.
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Orca slashed at her mothers wings. She fought and fought, but she was losing ground. Coral was an equal size to her but carried an overwhelming strength. She had underestimated her mother. She loved her kooky author of a mother but she wasn’t fit to be queen. Orca had thought there was no way Coral would be able to best her.
Perhaps I should’ve used magic…
Orca quickly dispelled the thought. If she used magic then she didn’t deserve the throne in the first place. She ducked, avoiding a slash from her mother. She had been so confident she could best her mother and reign forever. But now she had realized that her mother was no incompetent fool. Coral looked at her like she was a prey that was hard to catch. With mild annoyance and disdain. Coral lunged at her, pinning her to the ground.
“Please Orca,” She begged, her eyes returning to their usual state. “Stop this madness. You’re my only daughter. It’s not too late to surrender. We’re family.”
Oh, I get it.
Orca cackled maniacally.
Coral doesn’t care about anyone. Orca realized. She doesn’t want to go through the trouble of having another daughter to be heir.
“I did this all wrong.” She said, staring up at her mother. “You’re going to rule forever, aren’t you, ‘Mother’?” she said mockingly. “You should thank me. No one can stop you now.”
Coral raised her talons and pierced Orca’s throat.
I suppose I should be more upset.
Her talons gripped around something in Orca’s throat.
I’m too petty to just die.
And ripped it out.
Farewell, Coral. Until we meet again when I return with the next animus.