I can sense even the Elder's awestruck aura now as he opens the door again. Once again Nightwing is slack-jawed. "Vexelle, that was amazing!"

"It was?"

"Young one, nobody has shattered the illusion before," the Elder explains. "At least not to my knowledge. How did you do it?"

"I just... I assumed the illusion was based on my thoughts of my worst fears. So I thought that if I just... thought about it all being over, I suppose... it would be..."

The Elder nods, seeming impressed. "I see. Well, young one, you've certainly passed your trial. You're more than prepared for the rituals now."

"I agree," Nightwing smiled. I smile back, having to hold back my aura from showing again. It was yellow as sunflowers and fighting to explode around me. The Elder chuckled, amused at my efforts. "Let it out. We can all see it, anyway."

I sheepishly comply, glowing brightly. Nightwing laughs, then pauses and begins masking his aura. I look at him in confusion. "Everything okay?" I ask. "Yeah," he nods. "Come on, let's... get you back. You can begin the rituals another day."

I follow him out, confused about what might be happening. Everything seemed fine, what could've been bothering him like that?

I have to wait and lean against the wall again once I exit the cavern. It's pretty bad this time. "Are you alright?" Nightwing asks me, realising that this isn't like usual. "Y-Yeah..." I nod, closing my eyes as I try and gather my strength.

I feel Nightwing expel a wave of aura to me, which helps a little. Still, I don't feel so great. "Here, I've got you." I can vaguely acknowledge a flash of light from behind my eyelids, then I feel someone pick me up.

I peek my eyes open, seeing a human-esque young man. His tan skin, shiny black hair and blood red eyes make him look slightly demonic, but something about him holds a kind of warmth that assures me he's not a bad guy even without looking at his aura.

Speaking of his aura...

"Just me," Nightwing assures me. "This is my preferred form for stuff like this. Remember I said male Aura Dragons could change forms?"

I nod slightly. "Yup... you look cool..." I mumble, still not feeling great. He lets me rest my head on his arm. "You rest, Vexelle. You did great today."

I do so, not having the strength to argue.

~•~

When I wake, a blanket's been draped over me. I raise my head, realising it isn't a blanket at all, but Nightwing's wing. I watch him curiously. He's fallen asleep beside me. I take note of the darkness outside. How long was I out for?

Nightwing rolls over a little in his sleep, managing to fall off the bed, making me snicker quietly. What? I can't help it!

"Ugh..." he grunts, rubbing his head as he sits up. "Where...? Oh, right..." "Morning, sleeping beauty," I tease. "You okay?"

"Oh, hey, Vex. Yeah, I'm good. Are you feeling better now?" "Much, thank you," I reply. "No problem," he smiled slightly, but he quickly covers up his aura again.

I frown. "Is... everything okay?" I ask again. Maybe now we're alone he'll tell me. "Yeah, why?" He asks, trying to pretend he hadn't done a thing. "You keep masking your aura," I point out. "You know you can tell me, right?"

"Yeah, of course," he nods. "It's nothing, I'm fine, really."

I cock my head at him. "If you say so..." I relent, though I make sure to show my skepticism. I know there's something he's not telling me and I don't want him to think I'm dumb enough to fall for his 'I'm okay' facade.

"Come on, wanna get something to eat?" He suggests to take the pressure off of him. "Sure," I agree, very hungry after barely having eaten all day.

He sighs quietly in relief and starts walking. I follow, amused, but also hoping he's okay. Why would he try to hide his emotions from me? That's not something Aura Dragons tend to do with one another. It shows a lot of distrust if there's not good reason.

We head to the river, a few other Aura Dragons around. They glance at Nightwing in slight surprise. They've probably realised his aura's hidden. I'm not surprised, really.

He skewers a fish on his tail, roasts it with his breath and offers it to me. "Thanks," I smile, accepting it happily. "No problem," he smiles back, grabbing another fish for himself.

We eat in relative silence, but it's a comfortable one. As time drags on, we're the last two dragons left around here. "Hey, Vex?" Nightwing pipes up after a while. "Yeah?" I ask, glancing over at him.

"There's a festival going on in town tomorrow and I was wondering if you'd like to go? I know you'll really want to complete the rituals now, but I just thought it would be nice since you'll probably be leaving soon."

"Oh, sure," I smile. "Sounds fun. Is there any special occasion, or...?" "Yeah, Uh...  mating season's beginning..." he mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "But the festival's usually good, so... yeah."

"Why not, then?" I smile slightly, amused at his awkwardness. "I'd love to see it."

"Great," Nightwing grins, seeming quite relieved. "You've been missing out on it all! You won't believe it!"

I chuckle. "Can't wait for it," I smile. "It sounds like you've enjoyed it before."

"Yeah, I've gone for years. My dad always took me when I was a kid." "Really?" I ask. "Are you and your dad still close?"

"Yeah," Nightwing smiles. "I guess we are. We still go to the festival every year." "Don't you want to go with him again, then?" I ask, wondering why he'd change up his plans. "You haven't been before, it's only fair I show you around," he replies. "Besides... I wanted to go with you."

I smile. "If you're sure, then. I'd love to go with you."