Exploring the Dead

I crawled into the small den I had dug out earlier and covered the entrance. Stuffy darkness surrounded me as I took a sip of the red liquid. Within seconds I found myself in the other world standing in an odd forest. I glanced around and saw that I was alone so I started off down the pale path. I found myself spending more time in this world than my own. I hummed softly to myself and made my way towards the lair of Vanenkin. Vanenkin was a large fire Drake I had befriended during one of my trips here and he would often show me around when Militis was not here.

I was examining the pamphlet to become a teacher here at the school. I turned my head when a saw my globe of the dead world shook. I examine closely and saw Ceres walking on a path. I laughed. So I remain examining at her

I tossed the rabbit carcass down in front of the cave opening. "Oi Vanenkin, you there old timer?" I called out while peeking through the dark entrance. Two glowing green eyes peered out at me and shortly a jet of flame barely missed me. ".... I take that as a yes." I muttered backing off. Shortly a large scaled head emerged from the cave. The scales were maroon and his horns were pearly white like bone. "What is it this time child?" The ancient Drake growled. "I want to explore more. My usual guide is busy and I even brought you food." I said in a slightly pouty tone indicating the rabbit. "............ I'm not a helpless geezer you damned brat." He snapped but quickly devoured it anyways. I grinned with a laugh and asked, "Can we please go to the grasslands?" Vanenkin walked fully out and stretched. His wings dragged uselessly on the ground, broken and rotting, and he was missing his back left leg. "Yes, yes but you walk on your own this time."

I grabbed the globe and smashed it on the floor. A portal opened up and I walked through as the portal closed behind me. I was far behind where the two were but I slowly walked with my arms crossed towards the two.

I rolled my eyes and said, "Hey, you're the one who was complaining I walked too slow. How was I supposed to know bog curs were so fast?" Vanenkin growled in irritation responding, "Probably when I told you not to disturb them because they could easily outrun you." I noticed the figure approaching and quickly changed the subject. "Oh, hello there Militis!" I called out with a wave. "I thought you said you didn't have time to come here today? Something about reading the school policy or something for teachers?"

"That can wait....I see Vanenkin is here....the old drake still spews fire....*crosses arms and stops* what are you doing here Ceres? Exploring...more of this place?"

"Yes... you said it was okay if I came here by myself." I said my grin fading slightly. "It is alright, right?" Vanenkin raised his head to look down upon Militis. "I have not weakened like others here." He rumbled with black smoke flowing out of his mouth and nostrils. "It is rare that I see you in these parts.... what is your purpose?"

"Ceres, is my....say...assistant......I'm just making sure Ceres doesn't get into trouble...."

I glared at Militis and asked, "Are you implying that Vanenkin is trouble? Because he's given me no reason to believe that." Vanenkin sat down watching, his spiked tail swaying impatiently. "If you want me to show you the grasslands then we go now. I don't have all day to waste child." He snapped as small flames rippled down his back.

"I never said....such thing...come let's go...I'll accompanate...you two"

"Sorry to snap at you...." I apologized ashamed and avoiding eye contact. "I jumped to a conclusion. You don't have to come if you have more important things to do."

"Ah but I am from here....I'll follow you two....let us go..."

I brightened up at the idea of the company and said, "Excellent! Vanenkin, let me on." I began to climb on the Drake's back when he easily knocked me off. "I said you walk on your own." He growled snorting fire. I got up and whined, "But it's a long ways away and I'm tired. I stayed up all night studying and stuff..." Vanenkin rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "Oh you poor thing. Your life is so tough." I nodded and started climbing on again. "I'm glad you agree." I grinned grabbing onto one of his back spines. My only warning was a thunderous snarl before a wave of fire rushed down his back. I slid off just in time and practically face planted. "Thanks for the offer but I think I'll walk." I muttered from the ground before picking myself up and spitting out dirt.

"Here, child, I'll carry you...get on my shoulders" I offered my hand to her "Vanenkin...you shouldn't be so....hard on her..."

"That brat needs to learn respect." He said stalking off ahead. "In my defense, I got to ride him once and it was super fun." I said brushing myself off. I took Militis's hand and climbed onto his shoulders. "Thanks a lot for the lift. That's the last time I pull two all-nighters in a row." I yawned suddenly feeling tired. "Say Militis, can I die in this world?"

I laughed "Would you like to die by my....hand or by his teeth?"

"While I would rather not die at all, if I had to choose I'd probably choose by your hand." I said after thinking it over a little. "Although I can't see how that answers my question."

"Yes, Ceres, you can and....you may die here if you....wish"

"As charming and intriguing as I find this place to be, I don't want to die yet...." I said becoming slightly uncomfortable with the subject. "I'd really miss my family, traveling around to other planets and exploring. Being stuck here for eternity sounds like it could get boring pretty fast. No offense. But if Nartik rejects me then I wouldn't mind being sent here to die I guess." I paused with a yawn as sleepiness over took me. "I would be stuck here if I died wouldn't I. I wouldn't be able to roam like you. I believe that's what you told me."

I stopped "You are not trapped...here...there are ways you can go around death and the....living"

"Such as?" I asked fighting off the urge to close my eyes and sleep. "You mean I could still travel to different world's like you do if I died here?"

"Why yes....of course...I can travel....I just choose not to" I adjusted Ceres "you seem tired...why my don't you rest your head. It's...a long walk.."

"Thank you Militis." I mumbled resting against the cold metal and quickly falling asleep. Vanenkin waited at the crest of a hill for the armored man to catch up.

"Vanenkin....dead but quick on your...legs...even with that missing leg" I chuckled

Vanenkin snorted and replied, "As long as I have 3 others I'm just as fast as any dragon." He paused looking up and choosing the path to the left. "When did you start bringing the living here? Or is that something you've been doing for a while? The kid's the first one I've seen in these parts."