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“I’m sorry, Scott. I’m so sorry.”
The broken tone with which Pyro uttered that apology froze Scott in place, despite standing directly beside his roaring fireplace he was oh so cold as his mind raced from conclusion after conclusion of what his dearest friend could possibly mean? Desperately searching the handsome fire mage’s pained expression, his stomach sinks to the floor as Pyro’s normally steady voice shakes like a leaf in high winds.
“Sorry…sorry about what?” He hesitates to even ask, his dread growing larger as he watches tears leak down from Pyro’s stormy blue gaze, struggling to remember the last time he had even seen his strong friend cry. “Pyro, what’s wrong?”
“I was exposed to it for too long, my guard was down. It's in me now. They're all with me now.” The admission seems to sap their remaining strength as they sway, Scott reaching forward to wrap one of his arms around Pyro’s elegant shoulders to hold him close to his side while he wrestles with disbelief about this now being a reality.
For the many moons they had been here the corruption had been a distant threat, sure they dealt with some aspect of it nearly every day but the Riders had all been safe from its influence thus far as they returned to the Academy halls each night to rest. They had fought with it, but they was still a sense of being distant from it as it hadn't inflicted any one of them personally.
Staring down his trembling friend with watering stormy eyes…that distance disappears in a horrifying heartbeat of reality watching his balancing factor lose that stubborn steadiness he had come to cling to through the worst conflicts. Wrapping him up tight in the ice mage’s arms they fall heavily back on the snow-white couch that stood in front of the crackling fire, Scott reaching for a blanket before draping it over them both.
“Okay, so we find out a way to get it out.”
Grasping Scott’s hand their blazing temperature fights back against his own innate ice, shaking their head slowly as they sigh. “No fire can touch me, it’s found a vessel that can’t burn.”
Releasing a small amount of his magic flames brushed across their entwined hands, Scott still trying to muster up a sense of hope for both of them as Pyro’s was lacking between their tone and reasoning.
“Maybe we find a different way.” He simply refuses to let the brunette’s usually indomitable spirit crumble, searching every inch of the knowledge in his memories for anything that may help in this new terrifying situation they faced.
“What other way?” Sounding a small as a child, Pyro weakly asks the question Scott hated to face the most feeling utterly helpless with everything that had been presented to him. Of the few examples within their recent past they had to take drastic measures…something that he refused to consider due to the fact this was his Pyro.
“I don’t know—”
“They haven’t found anything, there’s nothing!”
“There’s not, but they have never had us.”
There was no fire without ice, no mountain without its sun and there would be no Scott Boralith without his Pyro Dagmeare. They may have arrived at this Academy unbeknownst the other would be attending and there certainly was unresolved tension to begin with but it was only a mere few weeks ago where they had reached an understanding and had agreed to start over. The distance apart had been soul-wrenchingly painful for the childhood friends but now they had met their adult selves their kindred souls drew them towards each other even in spite of their opposing magics. In fact their magic types made them the perfect people to have at each other’s side and their trust had been mended and grew deeper than any bond they had ever shared before.
“What makes us so different to the ones before us? We are all just meat and flesh and mana—”
“The difference is we have each other.” Scott reaffirms yet again, nearly being knocked over as Pyro launches himself into a tighter embrace as he sobs into Scott’s fur-covered shoulder.
“I’m sorry Scott, I’m so sorry…” Muffled into the fabric their deep voice is shaking at best, Scott only tightening their embrace as he rocks them from side to side in a comforting manner.
“It’s okay, it’s okay. We will figure it out, you have nothing to apologize for.” Giving emphasis to that last sentence he reaches up to run his fingers through Pyro’s chestnut tresses, pressing his lips to the side of his head as he whispers more words of reassurance to the sobbing mage in his arms. “We’ll figure it out. Make this right. We will. There has got to be a way.”
Maneuvering them both the smallest amount so he can observe Pyro’s gaze, he blinks up towards the ice mage while still mumbling, “It’s not taken my mind yet, or my body. I’m still me. I can’t, I just, it’s—it’s—it’s gnawing away at me. It’s—it’s bad. It’s real bad, Scott.”
His steady front shatters with how broken Pyro sounded, the defeat apparent within his expression which breaks Scott’s heart all over again as he uses one hand to help brush the moist hair away from Pyro’s creased forehead. No longer able to hold back the tears that had been threatening since Pyro admitted about the corruption they spill from his lilac eyes before freezing into small icicles that fell until they were evaporated by the fire mage’s heat. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Make me a promise.” Pyro reaches up to clasp Scott’s where it remained cupped against his jaw, holding on tight as their voice evens out.
“Anything.” For Pyro, he would do anything.
“If I lose myself one day...I need you to put me on ice. Preserve my soul and my memory—Freeze me until you find a way.” The words bring about a terrible vision of Scott having to do that to his dearest childhood companion, of how it felt like a betrayal despite Pyro requesting this…its a haunting experience that hadn’t happened yet but tormented him all the same.
“I don’t know if I have ever gotten cold enough to freeze you…” Brushing his thumb against Pyro’s high cheekbones he brushes away his salty tears that felt like liquid fire against his calloused flesh, hating the fact he saw why his friend would logically make such a request but the mere idea had left Scott reeling…it would be a dark and desperate last resort if that is what had to happen.
“You have to get stronger then.” Pyro pleads, his eyes narrowing yet again as another wave of tears threaten to make themselves known. “Please.”
Please. That’s what made everything sink in that much deeper, was that plead from his stubborn friend to possibly end his life before the corruption took hold. Of course they both knew Pyro was pleading for Scott to find a way to force the fire mage into a temporary hibernation but if they didn’t do it right…it would be a death sentence by Scott’s own hand.
“It’s the only way I can think of that would maybe stop it.” Stop me.
“I mean, it definitely doesn’t seem to like the cold…so…okay…”
Pyro suddenly reaches for his backpack temporarily breaking them apart before they return to drop a leather notebook in the ice mage’s lap, working his way back under the blankets to be closer to his friend, both requiring the grounding touch of the other as they absorbed the news Pyro had clearly been struggling with. Scott was terrified this is what they now had to face but a small burst of pride softened the blow, appreciating the fact Pyro had at least shared this burden with him so he didn’t have to face it alone. It was a giant step for them both, but something they would face together and Scott was determined they would find a way to save Pyro from this.
Pyro describes the symptoms aloud as Scott’s eyes scan the pages of hastily written notes over and over again, doing his best to memorize them as he encourages Pyro to go into as much detail as they could. Once they get through the material he notices the brunette’s hands were shaking again, grabbing the one that wasn’t holding the book to hold it close to his chest.
“Pyro…I’m so sorry.” Trying not to let the guilt eat him alive of how because he was away on the mission he couldn’t protect his friend, he swallows heavily before he continues to speak. “We will find a way, so I don’t need to figure that out…”
“You won’t need to try very hard to get stronger.” The begrudging tone with which Pyro comments that would have brought a smile to their faces in happier times especially with the pride seep within his frost-blue gaze. “The rate of your advancement far surpasses anyone else here…even myself.”
“I don’t know why though…” As if they didn’t have enough questions as it was, Pyro reminds him of yet another conundrum they simply didn’t have the time to research right now. Shaking that off, he returns to their previous topic of Pyro’s request. “It’s an empty promise, because its not one we are gonna have to, but if needed, I will find a way. But we won’t need it, we are not gonna think like that. Not yet.”
Flashes of Pyro’s two-coloured eyes growing sickly purple cross his mind, finding himself already searching that familiar pair before him for any sign of the corruption they were both now realizing was too uncomfortably close to be ignored or put aside for any longer.
“I admire your optimism, and I’m gonna fight this.” The tiniest flicker reignites within his gaze, Scott giving the tiniest smile in response.
“I can tell that. I’ve never known you not to.” Reflecting on all the ridiculous antics Pyro has pulled to escape nearly deadly situations in their past he felt bolstered by this, but also reminded himself to stick close to Pyro for as long as this was an issue. Someone had to keep encouraging him to look to the light, even if he had to tread into darkness to save him they would do so side-by-side with their chins held high. “I already lost you once, and that was just you going. I don't want to live in a world without you again. I can't.”
It’s Scott’s turn to tremble remembering the years in Tegrith when they were apart, Pyro finding his place in the big city while Scott learned how to run their small town. To go from spending every day with your best friend either helping their fellow townspeople or getting into trouble among many other antics, they were inseparable up until they weren’t. Scott was still processing the heavy emotions that followed their time apart but he had forgiven Pyro for leaving, that had been put to bed a while ago but some remnants of that rage did remain due to just how long Scott had struggled with it.
Despite that, memories drenched in anger and feelings of abandonment fuelled this newfound determination that they would find a way to escape this impossible situation, Pyro shuffling closer so they are sitting thigh-beside-thigh as he responds. “I shan't go quietly into the night.”
“There’s many words I’d use to describe you but quietly is not one of them.” Digging his elbow playfully into Pyro’s side they snicker, their love language being banter shining through even in the most dire of times. “I’m not losing my best friend again.”
Placing a hand upon Pyro’s knee he reaches forward to briefly touch their foreheads together, providing them both reassurance despite everything, it's still them. “That’s a promise I can make you.”
Pyro nods, accepting his promise, before Scott takes a deep inhale as he leans back slightly to ask the question he had been dreading, “So, what happened? If it wasn’t a corrupted entity—”
“Yeah, no. I went to battle against one of the survivors, well, as I say, one of the souls that were lost in the crash and as I was trying to wrestle them off into a position where Cindermeare could burn them…they threw me with some kind of magic, into the sea and I was wearing heavy plate. And I was submerged for long enough that the water entered my lungs—my everywhere.” As he describes it Scott watches his ash-stained hands reach towards the scarred column of his throat, reliving the terrifying ordeal that had lead him into this position. “I had already been fighting for so long that I couldn’t resist it. I wouldn’t say, I just—it was there. It was in me, it was exposed to me…”
He lays a hand on Pyro’s forearm who lets it fall into his lap, rubbing soothing circles on the back of the brunette’s arm over a familiar scar he got when they were kids while Scott nods solemnly. “Okay…um…when did it happen?”
“It was about three days ago? That it all started and I finally realized yesterday…”
“Who else knows?”
“No one.”
The silence grows between them as Pyro’s words settle in, Scott meeting Pyro’s scared expression once more. “You’ve been holding that in for three days?”
Pyro turns his gaze to stare at the dancing flames before them, the light flickering against their pupils as they draw comfort from their awakened element. “I thought it could have maybe been the voice of my ancestors, or a spirit, something. Gods, there’s a dozen different things that could speak to us in mysterious illusions and riddles…but I know once I saw myself…that it couldn’t have been anything else.”
“Have you done the ritual?”
“I was just gathering the resources for it.”
“I think I might have some.” Thankful to have an outlet for the anxious energy that had begun to build Scott helps Pyro stand up as he peers up towards his ladder to his upper floors debating where he last left those ingredients. “If you want to do it, maybe get a confirmation either way?”
“It could be useful to obtain a coefficient.” Stunned, Scott can’t help the smirk that overtakes his face hearing his best friend use those fancy words that confused him so delightfully much.
“You used a wizard word.” He teases, Pyro’s own weak smile matching Scott’s playful one as he waits for further explanation.
“A number.”
“Oh.” Getting closer he musses Pyro’s brunette hair up with a giggle. “Just say number next time.”
“Aye.”
Its heavy news to absorb with all that had just been discussed but Scott clung to the fact Pyro had at least told him so they could face it together, he would protect this secret with his life unless they were in danger but for now they gathered everything they needed for the eye ritual and performed it in Scott’s storage room. Holding onto each other as they waited for the ritual to finish both wince when the corruption is confirmed, sinking to the floor they both mourn what this reality had become until the ice mage sits up a bit taller from where they were sitting against the wall.
Holding his fiery partner closer Scott refused to let this confirmation extinguish the hope he nurtured deep within his soul, his loyalty demanded the find some way to shape this reality to save his best friend.
A few weeks ago he had been willing to turn his back on this Academy and the Kingdom all for Pyro’s sake, certainly the corruption was far more of a daunting and inhumane threat but he’d face it with the exact same frozen ferocity. He had just gotten Pyro back properly, a mere few moons together was nothing compared to the thousands of stories they had yet to weave ahead of them.
Even if Pyro lost his light, Scott would use his determination to brighten his own which was forever a reflection of his fire, giving them both a guiding star home. He relied on the warmth of his sun, he would do anything to encourage his glow bringing about a better day for everyone afflicted by the corruption before his peaceful moon could bring about an era of harmony.
There was no Pyro Dagmeare without Scott Boralith, the ice mage refused to live in a future where that would be a reality. Even if he had to reach into Pyro’s very soul to unweave the corruption’s dreadful grasp, he’d do so without a heartbeat of hesitation. After all, the fire mage's mirrored the blonde's own, he'd do anything save the man he wanted fighting by his side for the rest of the future they had yet to live.
After that emotional conversation they spend the day going to each crypt to search for clues and talking to their fellow Dragon Riders the evening finds them sitting around a campfire in Kindling, roasting marshmallows and mixing up some hot chocolate. Scott was glad Pyro's belief that sweets could make everything better was still holding strong, sitting close on the log rolled close to the circle of stones holding a roaring blaze.
Only in the presence of Pyro Scott could feel warmth again. Whether that be the fire burning through the veins of his dearest handsome friend or the blaze being influenced before him, his ice recedes just the smallest amount and he basks in it while leaning into Pyro's side.
The brunette holds out a cracker with a portion of chocolate on it waiting for the marshmallow Scott just finished cooking, the blonde absolutely not rolling his eyes when Pyro toasts the sweet treat just the smallest amount more with an outstretched finger. “Oh, I'm sorry, did I not cook it to perfection?”
“No, I like it slightly burned.” Pyro smirks before he eats the s'more with one bite and a happy grunt.
“Of course you do.” Sneering at them as they chuckle, Scott finishes his own treat before Pyro pours them both a hearty glass of wine once they drink their mugs of hot chocolate, clinking them together. As much as they try to lighten the mood, the silence that follows brings back thoughts of that fateful conversation from earlier.
Moving closer Scott takes Pyro’s hand, needing a grounding touch while his mind starts to spiral. Having clearly sensed what Scott was worrying about, Pyro lets his head leans against Scott’s upper arm with a sigh. “I'm scared, Scott.”
“Me too.” Well aware that's probably what he shouldn't be admitting, Pyro tightens his hold as Scott fidgets with the handle of his wine glass. “But we will figure it out. It won't take you from me, never again.”
Scott puts his glass down before he gestures for Pyro to sit in front of him, mindlessly braiding his shoulder-length hair before tying a ruby-red ribbon around the end. “You should keep growing it out, it suits you well.”
“Thanks.” Pyro winks, leaning back against Scott's shins while letting his head fall against the ice mage's knees as they look to the glittering stars together. “Its a lovely night.”
“Indeed it is.” A full moon rises about them, pearlescent and beautiful where it shined with the rest of the silver decorating the vast deep purple of endless space.
Feeling impulsive, unsure if it's encouraged by the wine or the presence of the one he could be entirely himself with, he raises one of his hands to the sky and conjures a small cloud of bright chilly snowflakes of his own to fall upon them. A childlike peal of giggles sing out of them both as they gently land upon exposed flesh, for once Pyro's fire had relaxed for long enough he could feel the coldness as it shimmers upon his hands and within his hair. Scott gazes fondly down upon his fire, admiring how sweet and precious this moment was.
He doubted many at the Academy would believe the sight in front of them, where two of their strongest mages laughed loudly as snow softly falls around them while alcohol warms their bellies. They weren't twenty-something years old facing the terrors of their reality in this moment, instead they were a pair of children stargazing upon a mountain somewhere far away beneath a tree whose crown had been their sanctuary.
Both knew they should probably find a place to sleep soon, they couldn't stay up all night however a few heartbeats more wouldn't hurt. Pyro leans his head heavily against Scott's right knee while Scott gently massages his neck, calling chill to his touch to press into swollen muscles beneath his skin.
“You need to rest more.” Scott scolds as Pyro huffs, the ice mage raising an eyebrow at the visible cloud of smoke that escapes that exhale. “That's it, I'm staying here for at least tonight so I make sure you take it easy tomorrow.”
“You're annoying.” Pyro sticks his tongue out, before his shoulders fall. “But fine. I don't have the energy to fight you tonight.”
“Good, as your best friend I need to protect you from anything. Even yourself.”
“This isn't just about me working myself to the bone, is it?”
“—no…but if I put any more energy into it I'll just get worked up again. Let's head to bed so we can wake up with fresh minds tomorrow to brainstorm more.”
“Fair enough.” Packing up the litter from their campfire Pyro checks the fire is stamped out before they retire to inside the brewery, Scott rolling out his sleeping bag across from the bed on the upper platform where Pyro slept currently. Cindy and Aurora curl up together, not falling asleep quite yet as they preen each other while the friends ready themselves for bed.
They settle down on their respective beds with pained groans after the day behind them, both rolling over to face each other. Scott takes careful note of his best friend then, enjoying the softness that being tired brought to his sharp features as he yawns while Scott addresses them.
“Goodnight Pyro, I love you.”
“Love you too, Scott.” The fire mage smiles before his eyes slip shut, snuggling deeper under the blankets as Scott fluffs his pillow. “Sleep well.”
They'd figure this out, yes it was a dire and terrifying thing they faced with corruption inhabiting his best friend but they would solve it together. He would freeze Hell over himself if it would save Pyro, the corruption would always fail to get between them in any meaningful way. His loyalty and determination left no room for it, they will walk out of this together.
There were thousands of more memories to make, hours more spent in the presence of their family they had found here, and so much more knowledge to gather to better their magic in millions of ways. There was no Scott Boralith without Pyro Dagmeare, any reality without that being true was unacceptable and he'd fight like hell for their safety in this one. They'd figure it out. They had to.