The cave seemed almost alive, its hum blending seamlessly with the glow of the Life Fountain. The translucent green liquid pulsed gently, casting soft, shifting patterns of light on the walls. I knelt by its edge, the ripples beckoning as if the pool itself were inviting me to unlock its secrets. My focus, however, was razor-sharp. This wasn't just about understanding life energy—it was about mastering it.
The familiarity of this energy tugged at me, a bittersweet echo of a lifelong past. In that life, healing had been second nature. Injuries vanished before I could even register them, a blessing that had become a curse when my power spiraled out of control. But here, I could feel the potential to reclaim that gift. Only this time, I would control it—not the other way around.
I closed my eyes, extending my senses outward. The world faded until only the energy remained: the serene, steady blue particles of water and the flickering, erratic green motes of life. Each session over the past week had brought me closer, but the green particles still evaded full control, like fish slipping through my grasp.
Patience, I reminded myself. This isn't something that can be forced.
Zainab's Amusement
Across the cave, Zainab coiled herself loosely, her four serpentine heads resting lazily on her body. Her golden eyes gleamed in the dim light as she watched me.
How dull, one head hissed, its voice cutting into her own mind. All he does is sit and glow.
Better than your endless complaining, snapped another head, its gaze flicking toward the Life Fountain. He's not useless, you know. The human can do things. That skill might be worth something.
Hmm. Worth keeping alive, at least, mused the third head, her tone amused. He'll never reach his full potential without us. Or me, to be precise. I could teach him a thing or two if I wanted.
The fourth head remained silent, her gaze fixed on Alypos. The faint green motes that had begun to swirl around his body were… fascinating. She hadn't seen a human control life energy like this before. It was rare, even for healers, to display such an affinity.
Zainab's main head tilted, a small smirk curling along her scaled lips. "Perhaps you're not as incompetent as you look, human," she muttered, her words barely above a whisper.
A distant chittering interrupted her thoughts. Nibbles, the incessantly curious squirrel, scurried over to one of her heads, his tiny paws mimicking a playful bite.
Her third head snapped up, baring fangs in a mock display of irritation. "Try it, rodent, and see what happens," she hissed.
He darted back but not before chittering in exaggerated defiance, his beady eyes gleaming with mischief.
Why do I tolerate this? Zainab wondered, though her irritation was laced with a flicker of amusement.
***
On the far side of the cave, the Earth Dragon stirred, her massive body shifting slightly. Her ancient gaze lingered on Alypos, the life energy swirling faintly around him.
He's different, she thought, her deep, resonant voice rumbling even in her mind. Not just another foolish mortal playing with forces they don't understand. There's intent here. Purpose. And potential.
She let out a low chuckle, the sound reverberating through the cavern. "Serpent, your human might be worth the trouble after all."
Zainab snorted, her heads turning toward the dragon in unison. "He's not mine. He's a temporary… entertainment. A tool, perhaps."
The Earth Dragon arched a brow, her massive form shifting closer. "Call him what you will, but healers are rare, even rarer those who can command life energy with such precision. You might want to reconsider how you treat him."
Zainab's eyes narrowed, one of her heads snapping toward the dragon. "He's a subordinate. Nothing more."
"Is that so?" the dragon mused, her voice tinged with amusement. "Then why haven't you left yet?"
Zainab didn't respond. She didn't need to justify herself—to the dragon or anyone else.
***
By the fifth day, I could feel the energy responding more readily, its resistance weakening. Sitting at the fountain's edge, I focused all my attention on the motes of green, willing them to cluster together. Slowly, they obeyed, forming a faint, glowing stream.
A thrill of triumph coursed through me as I guided the particles toward my hand, letting them sink into my skin. Warmth spread through me, soothing the aches and fatigue that had built up over the week.
I opened my eyes, studying my hand. The faint green glow faded, but the sensation lingered.
"Zainab," I called, my voice steady.
The serpent uncoiled lazily, one of her heads tilting toward me. "What is it now, human?"
"I need to test something."
She narrowed her eyes, suspicion flaring. "On me?"
"You're the one who's most injured," I pointed out.
She hesitated, her pride warring with her curiosity. Finally, she extended her tail, the faint scars from her battle with the cursed werewolves still visible.
If he messes this up, I'll kill him, she thought grimly, though a part of her was intrigued.
I gathered the green particles again, focusing on the scars. The energy sank into her scales, glowing faintly as it worked. Slowly, the scars began to fade, the damaged scales knitting back together.
Zainab's eyes widened slightly. Her heads exchanged quick glances, a silent conversation passing between them.
He did it, one head noted, her tone tinged with reluctant admiration.
Useful, isn't he? another added.
The main head turned back to me, her expression carefully neutral. "Not bad," she said coolly.
But internally, she was reevaluating her stance. Healers are rare. If he can do this consistently, he might actually be worth keeping around. Even entertaining. And if he dies… well, that would be a waste.
The Earth Dragon's Perspective
The Earth Dragon observed the scene with growing interest. The faint green glow emanating from Zainab's tail was unmistakable—a true display of life energy.
Impressive, she thought. This human is more resourceful than most. And Zainab knows it, even if she won't admit it.
She rumbled softly, her amusement evident. "Careful, serpent. You might start to like him."
Zainab hissed, her heads snapping toward the dragon. "Don't be ridiculous."
The dragon chuckled, her massive form settling back against the cave wall. "Call it what you will, but you'd be wise to keep him alive. He might just be the key to your survival one day."
***
As the green glow faded from Zainab's tail, I leaned back, letting out a slow breath. The skill was rudimentary, but it was a start. I named it Rejuvenation, a fitting title for the ability to restore life and vitality.
Zainab's reaction hadn't escaped me. She was surprised—impressed, even—though she'd never admit it outright. That was fine. I didn't need her approval. What mattered was that I had taken another step toward mastering this energy.
Nibbles chirped from my shoulder, his tiny paws tugging at my sleeve. I glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
"Don't get used to it," I said softly.
The days ahead would be long and arduous, but for the first time in this life, I felt like I was truly moving forward. And I wouldn't stop until I mastered it all—life, death, and everything in between.