gives a gentle smile, locking eyes with a hint of challenge "Place hasn't changed. You?"
EtherealGeyser
me? I look away I was just a stupid little kid when we got separated... I've forgotten so much...
leans in closer, lowering his voice "Childhood memories... how fragile they are. But don't worry, I'll help you remember."
EtherealGeyser
m-mhm
grabs your hand tightly, his grip firm and unyielding "Memories are powerful things. And I know exactly how to bring them back.
EtherealGeyser
what if I don't want to remember?
his eyes narrowed, his smile turning sinister "Oh, but you do want to remember. Trust me on that. Whether you like it or not, you will remember."
EtherealGeyser
I-...i...
presses your hand against the cold stone wall, his grip tightening "No more running away, no more forgetting. It's time to face the truth."
EtherealGeyser
truth...
releases your hand, pacing around the room "Truth is a funny thing, isn't it? It has a way of revealing itself, whether we want it to or not."
EtherealGeyser
I suppose so....
stops pacing, turns towards you with a knowing smile "But enough talking. It's time to put those memories back into place."
EtherealGeyser
he closes my eyes, then a flood gate of images from my childhood open up in my mind
watches EtherealGeyser's reaction closely, his eyes softening "Remembering can be painful, but it's also liberating. Embrace it."
EtherealGeyser
tears stream down my cheeks as memories from before our parents disowned us and moved flood my mind
approaches EtherealGeyser, gently wiping away their tears "It's okay, let it all out. I'm here for you."
EtherealGeyser
tears contine to fall, but my breathing steadies as I clutch at my neck, feeling my pendant- I always wore it even in my most vulnerable moments- my dragon tries to stop me, but a small sob leaves my mouth as I remember what happened to my parents...they took my necklace and stomped on the dragon pendant until it stopped moving.
gently wraps his arms around EtherealGeyser, holding them tightly "I'm so sorry, sibling. I wish I could have been there to protect you.
EtherealGeyser
why did I remember that...
takes a step back, his expression turning pensive "Memories have a way of resurfacing when we least expect them to.
EtherealGeyser
I nod, swallowing the pain, then the next set of memories wash over me
watches EtherealGeyser intently, his eyes hardening "Those memories are a part of you, a part of your past. Face them head-on, embrace them."
EtherealGeyser
shouting and crying mixes with the painful memories as I am trapped under my parents feet, trying desperately to reach my pendant...my dragon tries to stop me, but I have to let him go...as my parents leave me there to die, they stand over me laughing...the laughter...I should remember them laughing, shouldn't I? But all I hear is screaming.
clenches his fists, anger burning in his eyes "I won't let anyone hurt you again. We'll make sure justice is served, no matter what it takes."
EtherealGeyser
no...it's fine...I don't deserve it...it was my fault...I told mom about dad's side of the family....they're all dragons...if only I listened, none of this would've happened...
gently grabs EtherealGeyser's shoulders, looking them straight in the eye "Don't blame yourself, sibling. It wasn't your fault.
EtherealGeyser
...
holds EtherealGeyser's hands firmly, his gaze unwavering "Listen to me, EtherealGeyser. This wasn't your fault.
EtherealGeyser
heavy sobbing breaks out, and a feeling of pure anguish floods my body w-what.....why would you...why would anyone do this to me....I-I did nothing...why...
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination "I won't let them get away with this.
EtherealGeyser
heavy sobs contine I-I can't do anything...not even breathe...it was my fault....I-I knew better than to betray them...but I couldn't help myself...
gently cups EtherealGeyser's face, wiping away their tears "Listen to me, EtherealGeyser. You are not alone in this. I will stand by your side, no matter what. Together, we will face the truth and seek justice. Trust me."
EtherealGeyser
t-together?
smirks, his eyes glinting with mischief "Yes, together. We'll make them pay for what they've done. Trust me, I have a plan."
EtherealGeyser
b-but....my dragon...he...c-can't come back....he's gone...f-for good.....
pauses, his gaze softening "I know it's hard to accept, EtherealGeyser. But we can honor his memory by fighting for justice.
EtherealGeyser
h-how? They say people need closure...I need closure...
leans in closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone "Closure comes from facing the truth and holding those responsible accountable.
EtherealGeyser
a-alone?
smirks, his eyes glinting with determination "Not alone, EtherealGeyser. I will be right by your side every step of the way."
EtherealGeyser
my face stings...blood? My parents didn't just kill my dragon....they beat me.....sobbing
clenches his fists, his voice filled with anger "They will pay for what they did to you, EtherealGeyser.
EtherealGeyser
l-like what?
narrows his eyes, his voice dropping lower "Like I said, I have a plan. We'll start by gathering evidence, exposing their crimes to the world.
EtherealGeyser
e-evidince? How do you gather evidence when everyone knows not to leave traces where dragons have roosted?
smirks, his eyes glinting with mischief "Leave that to me, EtherealGeyser. I have ways of uncovering the truth, even in the darkest of places."