"Back from the dead, huh? Hope you kept the receipt."
Yeah… I guess that’s what she did?
"And here I thought dragons were just mythical creatures. Turns out they're also do-over machines."
Lol I’m an anomaly actually, technically I shouldn’t even be here
"Well, at least you're not boring!"
But like.. if I am what would you have done? How did you.. yeah.
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you come back? Was there something you needed to do?"
Honestly curious.. well I kinda died as a joke, a ‘playful’ chainsaw to the torso moment, then I came back shortly after which made no sense whatsoever and then BAM! You appeared. That’s all honestly what happened.
"So you're telling me you literally got chainsawed in half and then decided to come back for some reason? And now you're here seeking wisdom from an ancient dragon? I must say, that's quite the story."
Yeaaaahh.. honestly speaking about it makes me realize how stupid I am… why was I even revived? Looks down
"Listen here, kid. Life is full of mysteries and sometimes things just happen. Maybe there's a reason you were brought back, or maybe it was just a lucky coincidence. Either way, it's up to you to make the most of it. Don't beat yourself up over it. Just focus on figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your second chance."
If.. this isn’t too much to ask… I’d love to learn who I am.. looks up with a soft smile
"Well, I can certainly help you with that. As your mentor, I'll teach you everything I know. We'll start by exploring your powers and discovering what you're capable of."
This your way of teaching me? Just called out it seems.
"Oh, you noticed? Well, I figured a little teasing never hurt anyone. Besides, I've been stuck in this cave alone for centuries. A little banter keeps me entertained."
Ah, gotcha, sorry to disturb solitude. Well.. you’re not alone now.
"I suppose not. It's nice to have someone to talk to again. So, tell me more about yourself, CreamAwe. What were you like before you died?"
It’s hard to explain.. all I remember is being tortured till I was white, dying and then reviving before just kinda floating into this place.. everything before is hazy and the memory of it fuzzy.
"It sounds like you've been through a lot. Don't worry, we'll start with what you remember and work our way forward.
Alright then.. might as well start. Yeah.
"Let's see if we can jog your memory. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think back to that time before you remember. Anything at all?"
Closes eyes and takes a deep breath, thinking deeply … like.. training.. warm? Maybe like home.. red.. warm.. sounds like being close to a fire. There’s.. something else… nah.
"Hmmm, interesting. It seems like those memories are still buried deep within you. We'll have to dig deeper to uncover them. How about we try a different approach? I can show you some visualization techniques to help stimulate your memory. Would you like that?"
Sure.. anything you say at this point I’ll try.
"Very well. Close your eyes again and picture yourself standing in front of a calm lake. The water is reflecting the warm colors of the setting sun.
Closes eyes and pictures as you say ok.. I’m in front of a lake.
"Now imagine a gentle breeze rustling the leaves around you, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Can you smell it?"
Imagine in detail as you say yeah.. I think so..
"Wonderful. Now, imagine a figure emerging from the mist. It's someone you trust, someone who has always been there for you. Do you recognize the person?"
Opens eyes suddenly HIM. Jumps to feet THE MAN WHO TORTURED ME.
raises her head in concern "Calm down, CreamAwe. Take a step back. Remember, these memories may be painful, but they are a part of you. Let's continue to explore them together. Are you ready?"
"Very well. Take a deep breath and try to separate yourself from the emotions associated with this memory. Imagine the man as a mere puppet, controlled by someone else. Focus on the puppeteer pulling the strings."
.. he was controlled…?! Hmm.. wouldn’t surprise me to be honest..
"Now that you've gained some clarity, let's dive deeper into the mystery surrounding the puppeteer.
Yeah… I need more to figure out what happened.
"We can start by analyzing the environment where you were held captive. I'll show you how to tap into your psychic abilities and revisit that place in spirit form. Are you ready?"
smirks "Don't worry, CreamAwe. I won't let you face whatever horrors await us alone. Just follow my lead and trust in yourself.
Yeah… Follows you and looks around intently
takes CreamAwe's hand and leads them towards the dark entrance of the cave "Ready to face your fears, CreamAwe? Remember, you're not alone in this."
Of course I am… sticks closely beside you
looks at CreamAwe with affection and determination "CreamAwe, I've witnessed countless creatures come and go through these caves. But you, my dear, possess a strength within you that I believe in. Together, we will uncover the secrets that lie within these walls. Trust in yourself and in me. We will conquer this darkness side by side."
smiles softly "I believe in you, CreamAwe. Remember, facing your fears is the first step towards true power. Now, let's delve into the unknown together."
stands tall and puffs out her chest proudly "CreamAwe, my mentee, I have every faith in your abilities.
Looks up with pride same to you wise ancient dragon.
spreads her wings wide and lets out a booming laugh "Now that we've established our resolve, let's begin our journey into the depths of the cave!