I found that my rest had not been bothered by travels, or any other forms of interruptions. It was a nice long quiet sleep. I slowly lifted my eyelids to look outside. The sun was shining down brightly. It was a nice clear day outside. I stretched and got up from where I was resting.

Looking around my cave, I looked over the statues which I had created. I decided that I should try to make some more. I haven't tried making more golems in a long time. I summoned forth some water mana and started creating the reflection I saw of myself in the ice. My first few attempts did not work well so I pushed them off to the side of the cave, but in the end I created one which I was very proud of smiling.

I noticed that the ice mana around me seemed to flow around the statue, almost a happy feeling radiating from them. I smiled, it was very nice looking. I pushed it into the center of my cave. It was my best one. I wondered what Hickory would think about it, but I decided I would not reach out to him, till he apologies.

I huffed, and made a statue of Hickory, but his face made a funny expression. I chuckled at this. I moved it next to the other statues I had created. Including Aiko, and others. Seeing my rough statue of Sally, I decided I would make a better one. One which I could be proud of. I put it against the wall, releasing now that my cave entrance has been lined with statues. Leading to a statue of me at the center.

“Maybe, just maybe, I would have made my statue bigger.” I muttered to myself.

I turned and took to the air, and got to the large grass field. Finding the spot where I first met Sally, I took some time and planted some nice flowers, which Hickory told me she liked. Creating a nice big patch of flowers. After taking my time to enjoy the warm breeze, and the gentle winds flowing across my scales.

It was a rather peaceful day, I almost couldn't think of anything to do. I could just relax here and rest all day. I know my sleepless nights lately have been bothering me. The abyss, if that is what it is, has been relentless lately. The copy of me in my head is getting stronger. I am not sure how much longer I can keep pushing it down.

I felt the wind change directions. I lifted my head up, with a yawn I looked around. Still alone, with no sign of Hickory ever came home last night. I grabbed the piece of chocolate I brought with me, and took a nibble. Hickory, if anything, makes the best chocolate. I could feel a sense of warmth spread as I ate the chocolate, and smiled. It makes me feel at home everytime I eat a piece.

I rolled onto my back and spread my wings out letting the sun bask down upon me. The gentle warmth of the sun reminds me of my mom. I can't wait to go home and tell her about all the things I have done! A nice big warm smile settled on my face. Life was good.

***

The sun had begun to set, as the air got colder, I stirred from my nap. Looking around I was still alone. I looked over to where Hickory’s house is, and still no fire from his fireplace. The smile I had slipped away.

“Guess you really did choose her over me.” I sighed, “Mortals are all the same. I did my best sally, but guess Hickory wants to go do his own thing now.”

Rolling back over onto my feet, and standing up I decided I would pay one last person a visit. I took to the air and started flying, not sure where I was going, but confident I would get to where I needed to be. Diving down into the planet I landed once more at the ruins of the old kingdom. Walking inside and to where Cataegis still resided.

I quickly ended back up inside of his soul space as he is just but wisps of his former self. Most of the ice from his soul space is gone, the storm in the sky has gone quiet. I knew what this meant. I was glad I could come here one last time.

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“So, you're back again little dragoness.” He said, trying to sound as strong as he was before.

“Yes, but it seems this might be the last time.” I said.

“Ya, it will be the last time we have a chance to talk.” He responded sitting down.

His expression changed to that of a person who knew what their fate was. I could see it in his eyes he knew for a long time. Maybe my presence helped distract him from what's coming, but it was still coming non the less.

“Hey, at least you were not alone.” I said with a small smile.

“It's not me I am worried about. It's you. I can see some changes. Small and subtle, but I see them. A dragon who has been alone for too long.” He corrected me.

I was a bit surprised, I don't really feel like I have changed too much. I grew much stronger, sure, but nothing really else. Unless maybe he could see the serpents, or the abyss working away in my mind’s protection. There should be no way he could see those. I was hiding them rather well.

“I will be fine, don't worry.” I replied smiling.

I went up to him, and picking him up, I held him close in a hug. This may be my last time seeing and talking to a dragon for a long time, so I wanted to let him know how much he has helped me. He has helped me a lot.

“Cataegis, I never really knew who my father was, but if he's anything like you I would be really happy. Thank you for teaching me how to get stronger. You probably saved my life more times than I can count.” I said, as I bowed in appreciation of him.

I could see a satisfied smile on his face, before he vanished and so did his soul space. I was left alone in the empty halls of the castle. I could feel the stinging of tears in my eyes, but I did my best to stow my emotions away. I had to leave here.

The walls rumbled, as dust fell from them. The once frozen walls are no longer frozen. Their age is taking hold once more, struggling to support itself. I ran out of the castle to look back once more, to watch it all collapse into a pile of rubble. My teacher was officially gone.

I hardly remember the flight back home. I spent it all burning the image of Cataegis into my mind, so as not to forget the dragon which saved my life. I may not be strong enough to end the war right now, but I hate to see anymore dragons or gods dying for no change. Tears rolling down my face, I hardened my resolve to stay strong. I will still enjoy my life, and adventure, but I will not watch others who are in pain.

I cursed my luck at still being imprisoned here on this planet. If I could leave, if there was some way, but that would probably not happen for me. Maybe my best option is to go mingle with the mortals. Stave off my boredom, but a part of me wondered if that was why Cataegis let himself be killed. If he was so tired of being alone. It's like a prison, this planet. Try to leave and get pulled into their void, by your soul space. Mine is so big now that attempting to leave the planet could mean horrible things.

I landed back at my cave, relaxing and being alone, might be what's best for me right now. Trying to force myself to do anything except process what just happened, would not be good for me. I nibbled on some chocolate and layed down looking at the statue of myself letting his words run through my mind.

“If I did change, would I even notice it?” I pondered to myself, as my eyelids closed.