Malik’s hands were steady and gentle as he wrapped bandages around a young dragons arm, she flinched yet watched very closely, almost as if she was trying to learn his techniques or perhaps she was still on edge and nervous. She had been discovered as a dragon and was caught up in a nasty fight with some Guards, she only just managed to escape. She found Malik by coincidence, but he was glad she did. She would have died within the day if the two had not ran into each other… There were few dragons left that weren’t in captivity but his kin died everyday. A part of him cried out in agony, the mere thought that their last moments were filled with pain and suffering, but there was another part that was thankful that they were finally able to pass by the other world and start their new life.
He sighed softly, tying a knot to keep the bandages in place. He managed to stop the red flow of the dragons blood and clean the wound, but it would need time and that was something he didn’t have. As much as he wanted to help the poor girl, he needed to keep his disguise. If he were caught then he could potentially be forced to heal the ones that tore his race apart… He needed to stay under the radar, so that he could continue his practice and teach whoever was willing enough to listen… The rest of his family hid away from human society and so should have Malik… He knew that they didn’t deserve his kindness, however it just wasn’t within his nature to hold resentment or ill-will. He was a God of Love and Peace… If he didn’t continue his ways and preachings, then what kind of God was he? He did not need the worship or praise to consider himself a higher being… He just knew that he had a gift that he needed to share, after all a God who is able yet not willing is evil.
He looked up at the girl with his piercing blue eyes and smiled kindly, she returned it and, with only a moments hesitation, leaped forward to hug him. He was surprised and he wouldn’t lie and say that his heart didn’t skip a beat, but it did not take long for him to embrace her back. He pulled her close and they held each other tight and neither seemed to want to let go. It was rare for dragon to meet and they all suffered from the memories of their past, sharing trauma and creating a unique, strong bond. He pressed his lips to her forehead and with a final greeting, they parted ways. Likely to never see each other again.
The Water Dragon was left saddened by their brief interaction, he understood why they could not stay with each other and so with his kiss was a blessing. He had not given one in a while, but she deserved it… Many dragon kin deserved blessings from the Gods, but they were not able. Their Godly forms would either get them enslaved or killed and so they were left weakened in their human forms. Malik missed the days of streaming through rivers, surfing giant waves, travelling down to the very bottom of the ocean, only to speed up and shoot into the sky. He was small for a dragon, very slender. One could even call him an overgrown snake, if it weren't for his long, shabby white mane that ran the length of his body and would hide his face if it weren't for his snout. HIs scales were a light, cyan blue that would shimmer when the suns bright rays would hit the water droplets running over his scales.
In a way he was rather grateful for his size, it would be no use for the God of Healing, Love and Peace to be giant and intimidating. Even Zeo, his older brother who was quite the peaceful person, was quite scary in dragon form. Though, he would never like to cross Tasia and Elkie. They would more than likely crush him with their clawed feet if they so wanted... However, Malik missed his siblings, no matter how scary they could be, they were his family after all... He could not stand the lonesome path he walked. He tried to visit everyone when he could, but it was risky and he couldn't bear to lose more. He supposed it was why he preferred not to get close to anyone, his heart could not take anymore loss. In the Golden Ages, he had many lovers, both dragon and human, but not necessarily in a promiscuous way. He loved them all equally, never paying more attention to one than the other. Though, there used to be one he’d pay extra special attention to.
Looking back now, he wished he hadn’t. This particular love was a Human man called Ophelius, he was so beautiful and kind. He thought that Ophelius could never do anyone wrong, let alone him after all he was his most trusted advisor. The man had always been by his side until the humans attacked, his was one of the first temples they targeted. He tried to help defend his people but Ophelius ended up dragging him away to safety. He had to watch from afar as his home was set on fire and the people inside burned alive. His partner was the one to take him away, only lead him to an awaiting group of guards.
He was knocked unconscious before he could do anything, however the last thing he saw was Ophelius counting the money inside a leather bag and the last thing he felt was his heartbreaking… From that point on, Malik only trusted his family and a select few dragons. He still healed humans, he just did not let himself get attached to them. They could not be trusted.
That being said, he still used their services. Like, for example, the tavern he was going to stay in for the night. He had spent hours walking and now his feet ached, legs begged to rest and his eyes were heavy with exhaustion. He paid for an adequate room and after being shown to it, he immediately slumped to the bed. He sank into the mattress with a relieved sigh, his eyelids shutting and he allowed sleep to take over.
His dreams were not plagued with nightmares or perhaps he didn’t sleep for too long, but at some point his slumber was disturbed by a loud bang. It shocked him awake, so much so that it forced him to sit up right, eyes wide. Fear gripped him for a moment until his name was called out. He stared at the door for only a moment before slowly shuffling towards it. He was met with a young lad who was panting, as if he had ran,
“I’m very very sorry to disturb you like this, Malik.” He profusely apologised, trying to catch his breath and even pausing momentarily. “But your presence has been requested by Zeothocris.”
“No no, you have been tasked. I was only taking a nap. But where is he? My brother? Are there others there?” Malik knew that this must be important, his older brother hardly left his own home, never mind risking his safety to travel all the way to Arctivus. Once he was told the location, he paid a couple of coins to the lad before darting off. Fortunately enough, he was close to the tavern, so he made it there quickly. Though he walked past a couple of guards and would slow his pace so as to not look suspicious, if he made eye contact with any he would force a polite smile and then continue on his way. He only wished he could have gotten there faster, being slowed down by guards and crowds of drunkards made him impatient. His mind was already racing with the possibilities as to why he was needed, he was even overthinking and began to slightly panic. By the time he reached the tavern, he was already stumbling over his words and there was a tremor to his voice. He eventually said the password right and was allowed in.
Upon seeing that everyone was ok, a smile was placed on his lips and he even laughed at himself for his foolishness. He looked at his siblings and happiness seemed to bubble inside of him. “Zeo, Tasia! It’s been too long and I’ve missed you both!” Without so much as a second thought, he hugged his siblings tight. Not seeming to want to let go. “How are you both? Keeping safe? I really hope you have been-…” He cut himself off as icy blue eyes met the small hatchling. “Oh my…” He had not seen a hatchling since his last visit to Zeo, but his reaction was always the same. He held back tears as he walked over to it, cupping into his hands. “Well aren’t you just the sweetest little thing.” He talked in a voice as one would to a baby and with a careful finger he petted it, chuckling as the hatchling nipped affectionately at his skin. “Zeo you never fail to hatch such adorable drakes.” He, just like anyone else who had met the hatchling, was gushing and cooing over it. Hardly paying attention to anyone else.