ORIGIN

Ever since Leon had showed Cancer the grim sight of Amaria's crysalis, the black cat couldn't stand still. He'd been bent over backwards, running between Polaris and Orion, mantaining a constant vigil over both Ammy's regrowth and his daughters' gestation. He felt sick and soured with the effort, but steadfast in his duties, the reformed criminal pressed on. Today, he'd chosen to let Niru watch over the twins- and off he went to Ammy's spot beside the river, to sit silent vigil over her as she writhed beneath her glass shell. He'd watched her for days now- sick from the obvious torment she seemed to be in. He could feel the quickened rate of her heartbeat, the way she moved against the grain. He'd oftened layed beside her, against the azure glass, wishing his empathy spells could work in reverse- that he could calm her in her slumber, and quench the nightmare she faced for days unending.

As he eased his way into Polaris, addorned in plain leather straps and cloth, his armor still being repaired, the cat considered what he'd try today to calm her terrors. Alas, it was his own terror that enveloped him as he arrived upon her location. Shards scattered across the floor, a wet and sodden mess beside what once had been a well grown casce. He felt at first, alarmed, until he spotted that blue glint of stone, the spots. Amaria. Ammy. She'd changed, though. Dramatically, she sported a strong, lizard-like tail, with scales across her frame and face. If he were anyone else, perhaps he'd be taken aback by the sight, the vision of a once beautiful leopard now turned beast.

But in Carcino's eyes, Amaria was the most beautiful creature in all of creation. In that moment, he felt his chest heave, and all over again, he fell for her. She was alive. That was all that mattered. Will she remember me? His breath caught. What if her memories had been muddled by the change? Was this the same process as being reborn? Had she lost herself in these long, harrowing days of sleep and nightmares?

He steeled himeslf for the worst as he approached on careful, silent paws.

"...Amaria?" His voice barely a whisper, hopeful and fearful all at once.

She was alive, but barely, it seemed. Carce watched her turn towards him, those blue eyes gleaming with tears, and his heart sank as she stumbled to go to him. Why? He didn't care for the answer. He didn't wait another second. Amaria stumbled again and he rushed towards her, trotting speedily down the rough stone of Polaris until finally, he came to lay with her.

"It's okay, relax. We're safe here. Raheerah's gone." He assured her, hoping he was right about it. The dragon wasn't dead. It wasn't safe here... but for now, Amaria didn't need to know that. A few minutes rest wouldn't hurt. He purred to end his own anxiety, and hers. "You've been out a while... how's your head?" He wouldn't point out the changes yet. Scales, a broader, stronger tail- a part of him was jealous. She'd ended up with natural armor. He'd have to make his suit all over again, thanks to the same cause- or so he assumed.

She curled against him, murmured that she was okay, and after a moment, turned to more important conversation. Carcino's heart stuttered in his chest. How long? A week? Two? He wasn't sure. It had seemed forever. He went with two weeks, just to be safe.

"Just two weeks. You haven't missed them. Niru watches them now, but once you're fit, we should get back." He didn't sound rushed or anxious, though. She pressed against him and he leaned into it, closing his eyes and just enjoying the feeling of her beside him again. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he looked her over more easily. Scales. Black as the night.

"You look like one, now." He murmured, distractedly, as his eyes carried on down the length of her body to that powerful tail. "Like... a dragon." He sounded... in awe over it. Breathy voice soft and amazed all at once. "...I don't think anyone will overlook you now."

After a moment, he smiled an almost gay grin and leaned his face into her shoulders.

"You're beautiful."