Lost in the Abyss

Forgetting Who You Are

(ClownPierce POV)

I feel Roxi's muscles ripple beneath me as they fly. I'm monitoring Branzy's shallow breathing. His chest barely lifts when he inhales. The fight with Entropy seemed too easy, leaving this void seems simple as well. Is the universe saving up for something big, or am I just paranoid? Branzy's eye twitches just a slight bit. I don't think he'll awaken though.

Roxi bends a bit midair, we're no doubt too heavy. I feel awful about making them fly with the both of us. I'm honestly surprised they even came back. It would be normal to hate me, I'm a murderer. I've honestly grown fond of the beast, even if they can be a bit unruly. It's hard to balance on their back without being allowed to grip their horns.

I can't help but ponder about the fight that happened. Roxi can transform, now that's a shocker. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. They're a dragon after all. I divert my attention back to my boyfriend. Will he ever recover? What if he doesn't remember me...?

I'm thrown out of my spiral of questions when Roxi lands hard on the End island. They tilt to the side, asking us to get off. I clamber down from Roxi, Branzy in my arms. Roxi refolds their wings and walks on ahead to the portal. I won't burden them with my weight for the rest of the trip. I should probably apologize to them...

"Hey, Roxi, I-"

I don't get the chance to finish as Roxi slams their tail against the endstone, silencing me. They're still mad as heck. I shouldn't waste my breath. I've got a long way to go. Roxi goes first, jumping into the portal. I follow in pursuit and plunge into the swirling mix of colors. I hold Branzy close to me as we travel. I don't want to lose him again. Branzy's limp form instinctively grips onto me. That's good, he still has some kind of reaction. That means he's not dying.

I pop out on the other side and stumble a bit. I regain my balance, but not before I nearly dropped Branzy. He stirs and groans uncomfortably. I run my hand through his hair, now would be a bad time to wake up. We're in another dark place-the stronghold. I wonder if he'll have any trauma, that is, if he even remembers this experience. Concerned for his wellbeing, I speed up the pace. Roxi's black scales blend in with the dim lighting and pale gray walls.

I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't actually in front of me anymore. They have every right to leave. I get my answer when I break up to the surface. I gasp for breath, the fresh air filling my lungs. I spot Roxi glaring at me, tail lashing from side to side. Their look screams: "What took you so long?"

I frown and almost shrug before remembering that I'm holding someone. Roxi makes a growling/scoffing sound before turning to walk to the house. I stay close behind Roxi, but not close enough to trigger them. I don't want to lose my guide, they have a better sense of direction than me.

(Time skip)

I can see the rooftop over the silhouetted forest. We're close to home, and just in time too. Branzy is getting ever closer to waking up. Roxi runs ahead through the grass, eager to rest up. I follow behind them quickly. We dash through the grass, burrs cling to my pants and poke my skin. I ignore the distraction, I must get home!

I burst out of the woods and into the clearing. The house looks the same as I left it. Roxi is standing patiently at the door. No opposable thumbs makes it hard for them. I gently lift Branzy over my shoulder to free up my hands. I grab the doorknob and twist it. The entrance opens and I reach my foot out to step inside. Roxi has already attempted to enter the house though. Their loose tail collides with my foot and almost trips me. Intentional or not, they're like an underfoot dog.

I quickly press my hand against the wall to stabilize. Branzy grunts softly. I hope I didn't disturb him too much. Soft snores emit from a corner of the room. Roxi seems to have fallen asleep already. I carefully lift Branzy off my shoulder and back into my arms. Using my foot, I close the door behind me. I lay Branzy down on the couch and sit beside him. Now all I have to do is wait.