Lapis smiled as the full group went on a raid. There were apparently sightings of a dragon, and he was being invited on their raid. He hugged his instrument close as he looked around.

"We're almost there."

"Parchment, you want to recast Temperance?" She nodded before Nema scoffed.

"Dad, you need to keep her back." A chuckle was shared as the Cleric glared at her.

"Watch, Nema. I'll stand tall."

"You are going to pull the dragon."

"I'll live too." Lapis scanned them.

"Parchment, you need to stay back this time."

"If y'all die, Imma laugh and then take over."

"Sure."

~

"Blessing of Temperance!"

The light crossed over the group before they charged into the battlefield. Lapis gulped as the dragon landed and roared.

"Fireball!"

"Mind Twister!"

"Lifetap!"

"Entangle!"

"Chaos Storm!"

Bella slashed the beast as the others fired spells. Nema and Leanne send their pets to assist while Nick and Ravio sent support spells. Lapis played some tunes, which helped the other casters. Bella was then sent flying, which got a sigh from Parchment.

"Shit."

"Don't die!" She nodded as she charged forward.

"Invincibility!"

She slid in front as a gold light wrapped around her. The dragon couldn't pierce it easily, so the other casters fired upon it while it was trying to get through.

~

"Idiot."

"Not my fault."

"Sorry-"

"Oh no. I will take the blame before you can. You were out like a light."

Bella gave a weak smile as they arrived back at the house. She then sighed.

"Right. You guys go home. Great job." They nodded before heading off. Lapis joined her as they went inside. "So? What did you think?"

"It... was certainly interesting..." She noticed his tired voice as he retreated upstairs.

~

The following day, she had to call Rand to watch over Lapis since he wasn't feeling well.

"He's definitely feverish and I don't think he slept well."

"Dragonrot?"

"Don't bring that up. I hope not." She hummed. "I know that's a Kalosian disease. But I think it's similar. I'll be back." He nodded as he went over to the stairs, where he could hear Lapis's soft wheezing. She then called out. "Lapis! I'll be back! Rand's here to watch over you!"

"Ok-" Hearing the soft voice made Rand gulp.

~

Parchment never said it out loud, but she saw a Royal Necromancer. So she went to the nearby camp.

"I knew they were chuckling for a reason. My apologies, Parchment."

"It's not your fault. At least you identified the problem."

She waited as the general summoned their Necromancer, who was pissed.

"He's a Go Member! They need to be eliminated."

"While he is under my care, the only thing being eliminated is those that pose a threat. If you want to kill him, you should go through me." She then turned on her aura. "And with how the rest of the army is doing, you will be the first of this camp to join them." He growled as she glanced at the general. "Permission to eliminate?"

"Permission granted." The Necromancer's demeanor changed. But he was a little late.

"Slayer of the Sinner!"

A light slammed down on the shadowy caster, taking him out instantly. She sighed as she thanked the general before leaving.

~

She returned with the cure, hearing Lapis's murmurs grow soft.

"How is he?"

"Not well. He hasn't left his room." She nodded as she went up after making the medicine.

"Lapis?" He coughed softly before turning over.

"Hey-" He looked pale as he coughed into his hand. She placed a tray down beside him.

"There. That should help you heal." He smiled a thanks before rolling back over, a shaky noise following. She rubbed his back before heading back down.

~

The following week, she spotted him staring at a water bucket she had in the corner of the kitchen. He was in a trance as he stared until she regained his attention.

"You ok?" He blinked before nodding.

"Just... the past catching up." She paused as he went over to the water.

"Did you have a bucket of water in the kitchen back then?" He nodded.

"In Fiore. I used to have 5 in a corner. Meant to help me and the people that lived with me whenever we were having problems." His mood shifted as he looked away. "Fun times." She smiled as she knelt down to him.

"If you want, I can get a bucket and put it up in your room." He paused before smiling. "Alright. I'll do that tomorrow before we go out."

After he went upstairs, she smiled. She was finally getting him to open up.