Episode 7

**Episode 7: Surviving the Inner Change- Athame’**

Athame’ stands in front of a tall and lean drake woman who goes by Whitley, her late lover Brandis’ sister; on one of a series of floating islands. Her guardian and caretaker, Rynth stands on the surface below unable to pass the powerful ward Whitley has placed around the islands.

Whitley: You know and speak of my name as if we are kin…I ask again, why have you come here?

Distracted from the question Athame’ sees Rynth trying to pass the warded shield.

Whitley: Your companion is wasting her time; nothing can pass my wards with negative energy such as hers…

Athame’: Negative energy?

Whitley: Dark magic, demonic, negative isotopes all part of similar energy. You will join her unless you answer me now.

Athame’: I was brought here by Rushin Daystar in hopes of helping with me…problem. I’m assuming the help is you; please… (Saying as she reveals her stomach)

Whitley examines Athame’s stomach closely. Touches it, listens and even smells it.

Whitley: A baby drake in a human form? My…certainly been a while since I’ve come across such a thing…centuries…but you never forget the smell or sight. Who is the father? Rushin? Is that why he brought you here? So that I may help with his conceived child?!

Athame’: No! NO…you actually know the well but it’s not Rushin… his name is…was Brandis.

The name sends a surprised look to Whitley’s face.

Whitley: Come inside. I can do more there.

Athame’: But my friend?

Whitley looks over to the edge and shouts.

Whitley: I will bring down the wards for five seconds. In that time if you have not made it you’ll be incinerated upon closing. Understand?! (She creates a series of hand signs and the ward shines then opens like a curtain)

Rynth jumps but the energy of the wards magic throws her off to which she falls but catches herself with her chain whip. With a second to spare she uses her shadow walks to the top island and is helped up by Athame’, just barely making it.

Whitley: Well that explains the energy flux my wards were picking up, you’re a shadow walker.

Athame’: A what?

Whitley: A term used to describe someone who uses the dark magic of shadows and moves through them. I’d ask where you learned such a technique because it’s uncommon with your kind but we haven’t the time, inside please. (saying as she gestures them to into her house)

As the three walk across floating stones they see a small village. In it they see families, a few children, women and a few elderly people farming or playing and singing.

Athame’: What is this place?

Whitley: A make shift home for lost souls. Some come for food, shelter, magical or non-magical healing a fixing…pregnancies. I take them in until they or I find better accommodations for which until then they pull their own weight here.

Athame’: Amazing.

Whitely: Thank you, however the area is growing vastly with people and attracting unwanted visitors.

Athame’: How so?

Whitley: In the last few months there’s been a wide spread of demonic spawn roaming about. More than usual. Making it harder to protect these people. (Saying as they enter her house) the more who come the greater the danger. (She looks at a variety of charms on her wall and some that are hanging from the ceiling. She grabs one and tells Rynth to put it on) Here, it will suppress the negative energy from you magic.

Rynth: I am not comfortable with such matter. This magic is my own and I will not be unbound in any way from it.

Whitley: However, it’s also a beacon to other of the same energy. I’ve risked much letting you in, if you cannot abide by the rules of my house then you may leave.

Athame’: Please, do as she says.

Rynth hesitantly puts on the necklace.

Whitley: Thank you. Now please both of you sit.

Rynth: I will stand my lady. (saying as Athame’ sits at the same time with Whitley)

Whitley: Suit yourself. SO you’ve been impregnated by my brother and now you fear what will come next which is why you are here?

Athame’: Yes, Rush insinuated that you can help. I guess the expectancy of a human surviving a drake birth is uncommon.

Whitley: Yes, without the proper care, skills, meditation and techniques from a knowledgeable person death is…quite chancing. The rate is almost a 98% certainty actually.

Athame’: And with it?

Whitley: I won’t lie to you because you’re my brother’s lover, holding his child, but even with the practice and only it takes…your chances are more like 50%.

Athame’: I have to try… I have to.

Whitley: Then we must not waste any more time. Please wait outside. (saying as she gestures toward Rynth)

Rynth: I stay wherever Lady Starfire is. (Whitley looks at Athame’)

Athame’: Pleae Rynth… I’ll be okay. (Rynth bows then leaves)

Whitley: She seems to be quite stubborn but protective of you…why is that? (saying as she closely exams Athame’s belly)

Athame’: She mentioned something of a life debt to Brandis.

Whitley: Yet she is here with you instead of him?

Athame’ sits silent in sadness, looking away from Whitley who stops examining her belly.

Whitley: Unless…. Something happened to him. You said “was” earlier. “His name was Brandis” is what you said.

Athame’: Supposed to be easier to talk about the more you do… but I’m finding it more difficult.

Whitley: He passed away didn’t he, my brother? (Athame’ nods yes) So this life debt the drow has is transferred to the baby? (She nods again) And our mother, she’s gone as well?

Athame’: She passed before he did… a great woman.

Whitley: She was that indeed. Taught me most of what I know… lie down (she helps Athame’ lay on an incline bed with her legs spread). She will be missed dearly.

Athame’: You don’t sound too upset about their passing.

Whitley: We drakes learn to control our grief as a blessing. We feel it ten times more than you humans but celebrate the life passed, not that it was lost; and it gives us strength (saying as she examines Athame’)

Athame’: You sure you know what you are doing?

Whitley: I’ve lived many lives over. In one of them, I passed as a doctor in the mortal world. Even gave light to a lot of the modern examinations, pregnany examines were one of the first; you’re in good hands. (saying as she looks) I will be gentle.

Athame’: SO you’re like a nurse or a doctor?

Whitley: Pick one.

Athame’: Do you age like other drakes? Brandis said it was one human year for every twelve dragon years…

Whitley: I am three dragon years younger than Brandis was, and pure drake like our brother Kinn is so, yes.

Athame’: And Brandis wasn’t pure drake? Is that why he was exiled?

Whitley: No. My brother and our mother, was exiled because of her decisions. Did she not tell you the story of his conception? His power, where it comes from?

Athame’: Yes but the subject of why never brought itself forward.

Whitley: Drakes maintain balance in nature, our mind, body… everything. When our mother cast that demonic power into my brother she took that away. An elder, who was also a seer among our people, foresaw what my brother would become…what he would do and his fate was decided then and there. Because we do not kill, unless in defense, that fate was exile for them both. He for what he was not yet and due to become and her for casting the demon essence within him. My mother believed they were wrong in their decision. She believed she could prevent what he was seen to become with dragon magic and the ways of our vigorous training; it worked from what I recall but that didn’t last long I assume…

Athame’: What do you mean?

Whitley: (saying as she continues to examine her) There has been a massive amount of dark and evil energy in the world. I’ve felt it. It’s why I’ve made sure my wards stay up…strong. You said my brother passed months after my mother? (Athame’ nods) Did he kill her? (Athame’ freezes up and stammers at answering the question) It’s alright…calm down. Stress isn’t good for the baby. I know he did.. it was foreseen. I made peace with it centuries ago.

Athame’: You…but how?

Whitley: My mother and brother were both exiled but that exiled was not placed on me due to my father’s status among the clans. My father was very strict with me and my studies as a drake, so I had little time to play as a kid. Only time I did was when I would visit my brother and mother in the mountain for two weeks once a year. My brother was good at getting me in trouble. He would convince me to blow off my studies and training and play. It was good for the time being and it continued until we were older. One day we were racing through the woods and I back home before him. I knew he wasn’t lost but just probably goofing around so I went to visit and sit with mother and that’s when I saw her.

She was in a secret room in the mountain, painting frantically on one of the walls in a trance using drake medicine. Walls which were covered in series of dark imagery but all similar; a dark figure with glowing red eyes killing my mother and releasing hordes of demons from the pits of hell. When she came out of the trance she was startled of me being there seeing what I saw. Once I was calmed down she told me of the story of what she did to my brother, and how she was trying to make him strong enough to fight the evil inside of him, but she was unsure if she could do it alone. A story I could barely believe until she told me if she failed then I would have to save him by bringing his death. The thought was too dark for me, we drakes never kill in offense. I couldn’t wrap my head around why she would ask me to do that to my brother…that’s when I heard the scream in the distance.

Athame’: Brandis?

Whitley: No… another. Brandis had this childhood friend, Felicia. She was a Felion of a rare mutation. I believe she and Brandis got along because she was not only exiled but the last of her kind.

Athame’: You said she had a mutation…?

Whitley: Yes… but that is another story. So…Felicia had just given birth days prior to nine kits, I remember because I was there. Felicia and Brandis spent time together day in and out as best friends usually do but until this day I swear they were more…or at least curious of the other. Anyway, my mother and I flew to the scene expecting the worse but hoping the best however…it was the worse. A pack of rolves had found Brandis and Felicia with the kits. Brandis must have come to their assistance. One of the rolves must have scratched Brandis in the struggle and… it broke one of the ceils mother had placed on Brandis’ arm.

Athame’: That tattoos…

Whitley: Yes… ceils to keep the demonic power at bay. But once broke the demon power…leaks; sending my brother in a state of evil rage. Rage so powerful he is almost unstopple…so unstopple he not only killed the pack of rolves…but Felicia as well. When we found him, he attacked us…my mother subdued him long enough so I could cast a sleep enchantment, she then healed and relocked the ceil. But Felicia was gone. When he came to he could not remember a thing, not how he got there or what had just happened; so we convinced him the rolves attacked and killed Felicia… he was devastated and he never knew the truth. After that I couldn’t bear the thought of killing my own brother… nor keep it a secret from him of what he had done. So I left and stopped visiting. Never spoke to him nor mother again and found my own way. It hurts yes…and for centuries I would cry anytime I thought of them. But the alternative would have hurt more. I just hope he was able to forgive me in his own time.

Athame’: He did love you. I know that. Couldn’t tell from his words but his eyes, his face, his words… told the truth…always.

Whitlet wipes away tears as she continues examining Athame’ then has her lay down completely.

Whitley: Tell me, have to discover anything new about yourself since conception? (saying as she pulls out a paper and pen to write)

Athame’: Nausea.. headaches… soreness. Sometimes I shake really bad but that is usually after.

Whitley: After what? (saying as she takes notes)

Athame’: I lose control over whatever spell or enchantment I am casting.

Whitley: Loss of control over bodily functions are linked to the mind like the muscles so it would infect your magic as well. Anything else?

Athame’: I’ve gotten stronger…not just a mom child in danger thing but…physically strong. I..lifted a tree not long ago and I’m flexible and more swift…

Whitley: All uncommon I take it? I have to ask considering the world we are in…

Athame’: Ask what?

Whitley: I’m just trying to obtain information… We live in a world of advancement and I don’t know here you come from or where your magic originates and all. For all I know your physical symptoms could be related to your origin. Where are you from?

Athame’: The city of…Atlantis.

Whitley: Really? The mythical city?

Athame’: It’s not a myth…

Whitley: No, sorry I meant no offense. It’s just what people said about for centuries but those who knew and know of it know the truth. Highly advance. Place of paradise. I’m surprised to actually meet one. From what I have heard…Atlantean’s were also highly skilled in the mystic arts. So that explains your magic capabilities. I take it was not destroyed millennia ago as rumored, that it’s true…you all adapted and hid yourselves from the world obscenities?

Athame’: Yes…we adapted.

Whitley: Interesting. Help me understand your physiology (saying as she looks at Athame’s eyes, face and skin as well as her scalp)

Athame’: Um…other than the mystical arts most of us have an aura sight and sensing capabilities. We are born and appear blind but instead see in a type of color spectrum.

Whitley: Your eyes seem normal to me (saying as she looks in her eyes)

Athame’: Now yes…any emotional disturbance, good or bad, and it goes away. Leaving us looking regularly human.

Whitley: And the physically enhanced strength is not one of yours?

Athame’: No. Like every..we ll most things our physical bodies grow weaker, regadless of skill level, age or wisdom.

Whitley: Heard Atlantean’s are able to live up to 200 years if the y are lucky.

Athame’: Some.. not all… what is there something wrong with me?

Whitley: No that I can see completely, can you disrobe for me please? And look straight ahead.

Hesitant Athame’ does so, and stand nude as Whitley examines her even further looking for signs from Athame’s physical symptoms and ask simple questions as she goes on.

Whitley: Does this hurt? (saying as she pushes on certain muscles and joints)

Athame’: What’s wrong?

Whitley: How high can you lift your arms?

Athame’: Why?

Whitley: Can you lift them above your head for me please?

Athame’ does as she ask.

Whitley: Put them down and take a deep breaths for me please (Athame’ does so and Whitley stares at her curiously) Again please. (she responds by doing so again only Whitley tilts her head as if she is listening)

Athame’: You’re starting to worry me…

Whitley: Sorry, um…get dressed please (saying as she pick up her notes and starts to write).

Athame’: Are you =going to tell me what’s wrong please?

Whitley: OK… Based on what I can see you’re full term. Baby is normal size…strong heart. This baby can come at any moment. You’ve all the symptoms a regular human would have in your condition.

Athame’: Well that’s good right?

Whitley: It would be if this were a normal pregnancy.

Athame’: I don’t understand.

Whitley: I’ve seen many drake births from human females. They exhibit all symptoms of a regular pregnancy at first, with the occasion of drakes attributes like flight, strength, durable skin etc. But as time goes on the symptoms get worse and worse. The attributes vanish and all the mother feels is pain. A pain of ten becomes twenty…twenty to forty and so on. All while exhibiting rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, soreness, stiffness in joints. They’re usually bed ridden in the end, unable to move. Given enough doses of pain medicine and tranquilizers to kill a large mammoth. In the end their heart can’t take it and they die of cardiac arrest or a fever induced coma which kills them.. just before birth.

Athame’: Oh… (saying with a shock look and tears on her face)

Whitley: Somehow your body is enduring this to great length. Like your mind is disconnected from it… you have a variety of bruises in your arms… legs… back. Has there been any surges in your magic at all?

Athame’: Sometimes… I can do it. Other times I can barely create a spark. Once the strength happen it barely even sparks now.

Whitley: When this happens do you feel anything?

Athame’: Just pain like when you strain a muscle or over work it.

Whitley: That’s the pain I just mentioned that most endure. If I had to guess, your knowledge and discipline in the magic’s is the only thing that doesn’t have you bed ridden, we could operate and that could increase your chances but lessen them for the baby…drake births are sensitive… which means only one thing during labor… you may die on the table.

Athame’ begins to cry uncontrollably while Whitley attempts to console her.

Whitley: I’m sorry... this is one of the reasons drakes maintain abstinence and when we procreate it’s only with one of our own…my brother should have known this… I don’t know why he didn’t tell you (Athame’ continues to cry) Unless…he didn’t know. (she says curiously)

In this moment is when Athame’e recalls a conversation with Brandis.

Athame’: Brandis told me once that one with great will could give birth to a drake.. was that true?

Whitley: For a human? Yes…I mean there is about a 2% chance. Extremely rare and in most case it leaves the mother catatonic…paralyzed or mental damaged permanently. No way to live like that and that’s even with all mid0wife techniques of a female drake.

Athame’: (stops crying) I’ll do it.

Whitley: Miss Starfire…

Athame’: 2% is better than 0…I’ll do it…It’s for my baby… our baby…

Whitley: I have to tell you that there are rare cases in my time where people with even godlike power almost didn’t survive. Their rate was only 10% and if successful healed over time but nonetheless still dangerous and for you…

Athame’: JUST HELP ME!!! (saying as she screams and gives off a burst of magical wind and tremor)

Whitley calms her down as Rynth comes in.

Rynth: Is all well my lady?

Athame’: Yes, Thank you Rynth…

Rynth: I will stay outside unless you say otherwise.

Athame’: No that’s ok… finishing up in here…will be out in a minute. (Rynth then leaves)

Whitley: Does that happen all the time? The magic burst?

Athame’: Only when I get upset...

Whitley: And never before the pregnancy?

Athame’: Never…. I mean there was once with Brandis when we needed to channel energy to start a hover craft…

Whitley: May I try one more thing on you please?

Athame’: What else is there?

Whitley: Every analysis I’ve done on you has been physical and mental based on what you’ve told me and what I can see. With you your permission I’d like to try a metaphysical approach.

Athame’: Explain to me what that is please?

Whitley: We drakes have a kind of physical bond…can sense each other presence, connect on a psychic level if mated stuff like that…

Athame’: You want to psychically read my child?

Whitley: With your permission.

Athame’: Will it hurt?

Whitley: No (Athame’ nods yes) Okay. Lay back on the table and very still. Take a deep relaxed breathes.

Whitley places her hands on Athame’s bare stomach as her eyes glow an emrald like green. Athame’ tries to speak bit she is told to keep silent with a “shh” by Whitley who continues to touch her stomach and slowly move her hands around. A smile soon comes across Whitley’s face, drawing Athame’s curiousity as she sits up slightly to see small feet and hand prints glowing from inside her womb. Another tear comes across her face as the glow of Whitley’s eyes and her stomach slowly fade. Whitley continues to smile accompanied by small tears.

Whitley: That kid’s going to be a handful, (saying as she turns to wash her hands) If he’s anything like my brother…definitely has his humor.

Athame’: He?

Whitley: You’re having a boy. (saying as smile comes across Athame’s face as Whitley starts to search for something)

Athame’: What..what was that you did?

Whitley: I told you…we drakes have a kind of connection… sense each other, we have to learn it but it’s easy. That there was kind of a…spiritual sonogram. I could see him... but he could only hear me, as he has been listening to us this entire time. (saying as she continues to search)

Athame’: What are you looking for?

Whitley: Special substance…in the case of an almost antique box. I spent so long traveling the worlds I forget where I keep things but I know it’s here. (continues to search) You know in all my years I’ve helped many children come into this world and the many others. Human and nonhuman. Spent some time as chef throughout modern Earth realm…you know before the war. Came across a variety of medicines based in various herbs…plant and natural elements we see all around us. Stuff humans forgot and replaces with ignorance, fear and placebos for profit. (saying as she pulls a large thick book from underneath a book case with dragon runes all over it)

Athame’: What is that?

Whitley: My grand collection of all my remedies, medicines, potions, recipes…elixirs… things’ I’ve created or discovered from others over centuries.

Athame’: Like a grimoire?

Whitley: Yes…similar…but no spells just these. (saying as she opens the book with a special drake word that means family and flips to a certain page)

Whitley then sets the book down in front of Athame,’ closes her eyes to concentrate, then creates hand signs. The book responds with a small glow and she reaches into it as it ripples like the surface of water, and pulls out a small box.

Whitley: Centuries ago I met a young girl…like you who came to me, pleading to me to help her with the birth of her drake baby. Somewhat just as you have done. She begged me to do what I could to make the pain stop and survive the birth. She asked me to come up with anything I could to help her…but unfortunately I did too late.

Athame’: What happened to the baby?

Whitley: Apart from the mother, she survived and was given a good home among her kind…her people. But the mother’s sacrifice for her new born was not in vain, for which it allowed me to create this elixir (showing her as she opens the box showing multiple small vials of a sparkling liquid) to help the next drake birth if ever needed.

Athame’: And this will insure my survival?

Whitley: In theory yes… it should increase your survival rate. But it isn’t without side effects or consequences I am sure…just as all things.

Athame’: What do I do? How much do I take?

Whitley: All. One vial each day up until the point of birthing. You’ll also need to find a secluded but open area for the birth.

Athame’: You mean I can’t…I can’t stay? (Screams lightly)

Whitley casually walks over to the entrance of the room as a small tremor passes, generated by a small pain from Athame’:

Whitley: That is why. AS the baby comes to term the force to produce him will get stronger. So strong it will bring my wards down leaving everyone here vulnerable to demonic attack outside these wall…off these islands of refuge. I’m sorry but I am bound to protect these people.. however I can.

Athame’: Then let me help…I can get them to safety… Atlantis…it still exist it’s just hidden above… high above the clouds. I can call for evacuation shuttle at once..it could be here in minutes.

Whitley: I … well thank you for the gesture but even still… this is my home…. There needs to be a place unhidden for the hopeless of this world to find… DROW WOMAN!

Rynth enters.

Rynth: I am Rynth…former champion of…

Whitley: Sorry… Rynth…is there somewhere you can take Lady Starfire…some place she may birth her new baby safely?

Rynth: I am uncertain of such a place but…

Whitley: You just need some direction (saying as she places her hand on a shoulder, and looks Rynth in the eyes)

Rynth: Yes…I know of a place…it bring safe and security my lady…come I will take you. (saying as Athame’ looks curiously)

Moments later Whitley walks Rynth and Athame’ to the entrance they came from. As they walk Athame’ looks almost sorrowful as she comes to the realization of what could happen to all the women and children on the isles if she stays.

Athame’: You’re right…the bay is growing stronger. I can feel it. I leaving is for the better…. I’m sorry I didn’t understand at first.

Whitley: Thank you… you know I always felt I failed my family by leaving them. Mom was proud, Kinn too arrogant and Brandis….felt I failed him the most by running when he needed me. I truly hope by helping you and your child with him that I have not only honored my family... but brought a sense of redemption for myself.

Athame’: You’ve given me hope…and that’s more than enough. I will call for that transport…the people here and you deserve a chance at peace in this world… when you are ready just push give the coordinates to this device (saying as she hands her a homecoming beacon from her crashed ship) I was going to use it in case I could find nothing out here… I’m glad I didn’t have to.

Whitley: (Smiling) I’d like to think I made a sister in this short time we have spent together. Brandis chose well… you are strong willed, compassionate and selfless…everything our people hold high…I am happy to call you my kin…

The two hug in a soft embrace.

Whitley: Rynth, I am sorry if I seemed inhospitable before. You’re welcome here anytime.

Rynth: Gratitude medicine woman, sister of Brandis. (saying as she bows)

Whitley: Please take good care of her…

Rynth: It is and will be my honor (saying as the two shake hands)

Whitley: And you…remember…one vial a day until the birthing starts or until it’s gone (Athame’ knods) take care of yourself…and my little nephew.

Rynth and Athame’ wave goodbye as Rynth picks Athame; up to jump over the large gap between the islands and the surface land.

Whitley: I do hope to see you both in the times that are to come. (saying as she turns around and looks beyond the horizon at an endless amount of demons with her dragon sight) We will need all the help we can to survive what comes next.