Rage… It consumed it. Made it hard to think. To see. To feel anything else. Taekwoon struggled to focus, to breathe… To be something more than the overwhelming feeling that was of him and not.

            But then came pain. A sharp, unexpected sensation that shattered the wall of anger encompassing him. His sanguine vision cleared just enough. Trance… What was he doing in Trance? He did not remember getting there. He felt no better about knowing his location either. The space was dark and ominous, awash in stormy clouds. His gut twisted as the pain receded and rage threatened to swamp him again.

            ^Rider…

            Taekwoon grabbed his head in both hands and bent forward, mouth open in a silent scream. He knew that voice… but something else… was trying… to claim him. He fell to his knees and collapsed, elbows resting on the ground. Eyes pried open and a new sensation wormed into his gut. Fear.

            His hands were claws. Bronze dragon claws. And his whole body itched and burned. “NO!” he denied savagely, gripping to his arms with too sharp talons. “Not a dragon!” he told himself, panting, voice high and tight.

            Want to be, an insidious whisper hissed in his ear.

            “NO!” he denied again, the sound cutting off as the burning intensified.

            Want to fly, the whisper went on, the voice slithering over him like an undulating snake.

            “Not like this…” It was all he could do to croak the words out, forced past clenched teeth.

            Rider!

                “Jong!” he howled, rising up to his knees as his back arched. What felt like daggers ripped through his shoulder blades. He sobbed and fell on his side, curling into a tight ball.

            Want revenge for death, the oppressive voice continued, carrying rage with it.

            Taekwoon finally realized what was speaking to him. His dragon half. The part of him that did want these things. But because it was part of him, he also wanted those things. At least a little… And so he couldn’t even deny it. He did. He wanted them to pay for killing his wing mates. But not like this…

            Want strength to win, it spoke, a dark truth. Human not strong. Dragon is.

            “I am strong,” Taekwoon whimpered, reaching for something… anything to cling to. Strong enough to pass the Trials. Strong enough to earn Jonghyun’s respect. Strong enough to beat Gain in a fight…

            “Taek…woon?”

            But not strong enough to protect, his dragon half reminded him, summoning the feeling of loss that came when Hwasa and Youngmin died. The wrench that followed the memory of their deaths cut through his defenses with such ease. He howled, a mixed sound of rage and pain.

            “Woonie…?”

            Taekwoon gasped. That name…

            “I here,” the voice went on. It didn’t sound quite right, but…

            “Jinki?” he whispered, picking his exhausted head up to stare through the faint red haze that had covered his vision once again.

            “See me,” the other man urged, kneeling in front of him as he reached for Taekwoon’s curled up form.

            “My heart,” he exhaled, his chest growing tight as he saw his other half. It should be impossible for him to be here and yet there he was, looking very much like the day they’d parted ways. Taekwoon reached towards Jinki but then saw his clawed hand and pulled it back, ashamed and afraid.

            “No,” Jinki shook his head, placing his hand on Taekwoon’s shoulder. “S’okay,” he encouraged, nodding once while his hand followed the limb so he could curl his fingers around Taekwoon’s.

            “My dragon half… I can’t…” he started to speak but didn’t have the words.

            “Come,” his other half urged, pulling at his hand determinedly.

            “What…?” Taekwoon whispered, so very lost. But it was better than the rage. Than the insidious whisper he could still feel but no longer hear.

            “Come,” Jinki said again, stronger this time as he pulled at Taekwoon’s hand.

            “My heart!” the rider sobbed when he actually followed the pull and fell against the other man’s chest.

            “There,” Jinki soothed, wrapping his arms around Taekwoon’s head and shoulders as he cradled him close. “You are you. Man. Not dragon,” he promised with simple determination.

            RIDER! Both jumped at the roar.

            “Must go!” his other half gasped, looking around with a panicked expression.

            It was only then that it dawned on Taekwoon. The strange sounding voice. The odd speech patterns. The unusual hesitancy… “Thank you, Jongup,” he weakly laughed with a weary look at the other man.

            “You wel- not Jongup!” he caught himself with a frantic shake of his head as he focused on Taekwoon again. “Jinki!”

            “I’ll be alright now,” he promised, raising one clawed hand and looking at it for a moment before he pat the other man’s head gently. “Now get out there and help Jonghyun,” he urged with a not unkind shove, mentally and physically kicking the false Jinki out of Trance. “Heavens curse you,” he snarled as he felt his dragon half rush back to try and make up for lost ground. Nausea swelled as the rage and animal fury returned like a storm. Jong! he screamed, clenching his eyes tight and reaching for his dragon this time. Somehow… he’d lost the feel of their connection… He needed to get it back.

            Taekwoon reached. And reached and reached… hand stretching out forever. His dragon half clawed at him, inching its way back, bit by bit. Trying to force the change. To turn him to that consuming fury. Jong… please…

            Rider.

            It felt like something bit his hand and then yanked him forward. Bile burned his throat and forced him to sit up so he could vomit on the hard ground. Oh blessed ground… It was a short lived relief though.

            “You’re okay!” a familiar woman’s voice cried at his side, one hand on his shoulder as if to support him.

            His head spun, his stomach was revolting, and he felt weaker than a newborn babe, but yes… he was okay. Probably. Despite all that, his senses were almost painfully sharp, which may have been why he felt as poorly as he did. But… it did make him notice Chaerin’s injury – a bloody cloth tied around her other arm, and the sound of combat nearby. His skin crawled as dragon sight focused his attention. For one moment, he wanted to shove it away or run from it, but then he noticed the fighting. “Soo,” he whispered, picking up on the injured Wing Leader fighting… Jungsu again.

            “You have to help,” Chaerin urged, practically shaking him. “He’s toying with him.”

            Taekwoon groaned softly. He didn’t remember what had happened to land him here. He didn’t even really know what was going on now, other than Insoo fighting Jungsu. Wait… There. He could see Jungkook scrambling to take on two riders that were similarly grounded. Where were there dragons? Oh. He took a surprised breath as he actually felt Jonghyun’s presence above him. He didn’t even have to look to know the copper was fighting other dragons – was that silver Jungsu’s? And there… was Jongup.

            Took you long enough, his dragon grumbled, the sound strained but strangely grateful.

            Sorry, Taekwoon apologized quickly, already feeling steadier, if no less guilty.

            “Taekwoon!” Chaerin gasped, her fingers tightening on his arm. He looked over again and saw Insoo backpedaling quickly, trying to escape the onslaught Jungsu was throwing at him. Dragon eyes… Even if Insoo wasn’t already injured, he wouldn’t have been a match for the other rider this time.

            Can you fight? his dragon asked, slightly distracted.

            Yes… just, don’t let go, he murmured uncertainly, rising to his feet.

            Not this time, his dragon promised fiercely.

            Satisfied, Taekwoon’s eyes jumped from one figure to the next, mapping where everyone was as quickly as possible as he tried to make sense of the situation. There was Fei, fending off an incoming force of foot soldiers. V was in the air, tangling with another rider’s dragon. Hyunseong fighting next to his dragon, the latter forlorn. Loss sang in the air around him. Jinyoung and JB at their side, protecting. Where… there was Wooyoung and Taeyeon. Flying circles around the wilds still dogging them from above. Nearby… some of the other wing mates. Taecyeon in the distance, protecting the city from other riders and wilds.

            Rider causing trouble, Jonghyun explained with a mental nod towards Jungsu. It just as easily could have been directed at Taekwoon but not this time.

            I feel it, Taekwoon admitted with a shudder. That terrible gut turning rage got worse as he focused on Jungsu. It reminded him all too clearly of Tiamat and his hackles rose. “Give me your sword,” he stated sharply, holding his right hand out to Chaerin without looking at her.

            “What? Oh,” she chirped in brief confusion before handing him the standard issue long sword they all learned to fight with.

            He didn’t know where his was but it didn’t matter. Taekwoon gripped the handle tight and he leaned forward, almost falling before his body took over and started running. His heart rate spiked and blood rushed in his ears as he focused all of his attention on one single person: Jungsu. Attention diverted to Insoo as well and he gasped. His wing leader was in trouble. His block was weak. Sword pushed too close. Footing unsteady. Blood getting in his eyes and main hand failing. He cried out. His sword went flying. Wide eyes open, Jungsu’s sword stabbed right at him.

            “No!” Taekwoon barked, launching himself between them to hammer Jungu’s sword out of the way while he grabbed and tackled Insoo to the side. He landed awkwardly, one foot under him and both hands touching the ground to keep him from falling flat. Insoo hit and tumbled away, weakly rolling into a crouching position.

            “Taekwoon…” he exhaled breathily with a groan.

            “Stay,” Taekwoon growled, offhand reaching back as if to stop him. “He is mine,” he added with narrowed eyes as Jungsu stood up straight. At first, the rider seemed surprised but then a sly smile crossed his face.

            “Looks like your dragon wants to come out and play,” he taunted, silver eyes shining as he met Taekwoon’s gaze.

            “Oh, he does,” Taekwoon snorted with a nod and a twist of his head, left hand twitching as the dragon within raged. “But I’m here now,” he promised viciously, letting his very human anger boil up.

            “Are you sure about that?” Jungsu asked almost playfully. He raised his left hand and drew a symbol in the air before motioning as if to push it at him.

            Taekwoon tensed up, gut twisting as he realized what it was: it was the rune for Transform. He hissed as he felt his dragon half growing in him, the familiar and unwanted itching and burning sensation returning. “Jong,” he growled through clenched teeth, the call singing through their bond.

            Here, rider, his dragon assured him, following up with that same biting sensation as before. Mine, the copper growled, the normally intimidating sound strangely pleasant in that moment.

            “Yes,” Taekwoon smirked as he stood upright, once again assured of his connection to his dragon. “I am.”

            There. A flicker of fear in Jungsu’s eyes. Clearly the other man had not expected that reaction. Good. Taekwoon was tired from whatever he’d done earlier and wouldn’t last long in an extended fight, but… with Jonghyun at his back, it should be enough.

            And mate.

            And Jongup. It should be enough indeed. Taekwoon took a breath as he saw the anger in Jungsu’s gaze. He launched forward first, sprinting like a wild animal at the other man. It surprised his target. Jungsu’s eyes dilated and then shrank to pin pricks as he reacted. Their swords clashed between them, stalling in place.

            One, two, three exchanges. One step forward, one step back. Sparks flew. Swords shifted and Jungsu’s blade slid past Taekwoon’s head. He reached out, fingers crooked into claws. Nails dug into weak flesh. Jungsu stumbled back with his hand clasped to his face, shocked surprised etched into his features. Taekwoon lunged after him, sword flashing before him. The other rider reacted, dropping his hand to reveal a scored cheek bleeding profusely.

            Holding with both hands, Jungsu struck Taekwoon’s blade wide. He tried to come down but the other rider moved close. Taekwoon ducked his head and rammed his shoulder into Jungsu’s stomach, shoving him back. Pivoting, he stepped his right foot backwards and swung his blade in a backhand arc. Jungsu yanked his sword upright just in time but stumbled backwards under the force. Left hand raised, Taekwoon plowed forward with a hook that glanced off the other man’s chin.

            Jungsu stumbled away with a dazed cry and Taekwoon followed. Sword raised, he lunged at the recovering rider. Jungsu turned to look at him, left hand raised helplessly and right trying to drag his sword up in time. “Oh shards,” Taekwoon groaned as he stabbed his blade through Jungsu’s chest while a sharp pain bit into his left side.

            “No…” Jungsu gasped, blinking in stunned surprise while he teetered backwards with his eyes fixated on the sword impaled in him.

            Taekwoon watched him long enough to make sure he fell down before groaning and grabbing the sword stuck in him too. “Oh…” he exhaled, kneeling in place and gritting his teeth while he looked at the damage. Jungsu’s blade had passed clean through the outermost edge of his body, and he knew he needed to pull it out but he didn’t want to…

            “Taekwoon!” Insoo came stumbling over immediately, blood still framing his face, but he was otherwise alright. “Are you okay?” he asked, reaching for the sword before pulling back uncertainly.

            “Hah!” Taekwoon barked a laugh and then cringed when it hurt. “Just take it,” he urged breathlessly, looking away in automatic expectation.

            “Brace yourself,” his wing leader warned before gripping the handle and yanking the sword free.

            Taekwoon made a strange pained noise before falling forward, left hand holding the front of his wound and right hand bracing him above the ground. With Jungsu’s presence gone, his dragon half receded quickly, leaving him as little more than an overworked human struggling to make sense of things. His stomach revolted again and heaved up the pitiful contents of his gut once more. “Oh shards,” he groaned, lowering himself to his elbow and resting his head on the ground.

            “Easy,” Insoo soothed, hissing as he moved to bind Taekwoon’s wound.

            Jong? he asked mentally, eyes closed while he struggled with everything.

            There was a brief pause before his dragon responded. They’re leaving…

            Taekwoon in a breath and looked up to make sure he heard correctly. “Oh,” he exhaled, seeing the wilds turning to fly away in disarray. A handful of dragons with gear stayed in the area, apparently searching for their riders, though a large, injured silver glared at him as it flew away. “Riders?” he panted, shaking himself free from the creatures gaze before peering at Insoo with a pained expression.

            His Wing Leader looked around quickly and took a swift tally. “The enemy seems to be retreating. Ours are…” he trailed off, not sure what to say yet.

            “I know,” Taekwoon nodded, ducking his head again. Dead or injured or suffering. So few seemed to be unharmed or in moderately good condition.

            “What happened, Taekwoon?” He heard the question as if it was from far away and it took a moment to sink in.

            Blinking tiredly, Taekwoon wasn’t even sure he had a good answer. “I don’t know,” he responded, not sure if it was the truth but it was all he could give at the moment.

            “But…” Insoo started to say before the rest of the sentence simply died. “Never mind for now. You did well with Jungsu. We’ve got other things to worry about though,” he conceded, turning to look when the sound of wings grew closer.

            Taekwoon looked up and noticed it was Gunwoo but then he saw Jonghyun landing nearby. “Jong,” he gasped, lunging up with a pained cry as he stumbled towards his dragon.

            Rider, Jonghyun soothed when Taekwoon bodily ran into the larger creature. One clawed hand rose up to hold the rider closer, supporting him when his grip was poor. You are human. Not dragon. Remember, he commanded, drawing his head close to press against Taekwoon’s back in an awkward hug. He had no words to respond with. Only tears that stained the copper skin he tried to hide them against.

            “Come on,” Insoo urged, making his way to the scored Gunwoo. His dragon hunkered down as low as possible to help the rider get on his back. “We need to get back to the city and away from them,” he explained with a nod towards the ground forces not that far away. Fei was still doing her best to keep the foot soldiers at bay, flying in circles and dropping debris on them as much as she could, but they were still coming and she was obviously getting tired.

            “Right,” Jinyoung agreed, both hands on Hyunseong’s shoulders as he slowly guided him towards V, Jungkook’s only mildly injured blue dragon. The rider was uncharacteristically withdrawn, much like his unresponsive and inconsolable dragon.

            Insoo recognized the situation immediately. “Okay. Taekwoon. You’re on Jongup. Jonghyun. Help Kwangmin,” he instructed firmly, pointing between the dragons as he spoke. “Woo, the body,” he added with a quick gesture at Jungsu’s prone form before turning to look at the gold. “Fei! Come on!” he called, knowing she’d hear or that his dragon would relay the message.

            Go, Jonghyun urged as he nudged Taekwoon away, gently passing him off to his mate.

            Jongup appeared at his shoulder with a soft chirp. The blue snout brushed at his arm and Taekwoon merely nodded mutely as hugged the dragon’s head in response. He took a shuddering breath and worked his way down the neck before easing himself into the harness, taking much longer than usual due to his newest injury. He at least remembered to connect the harness straps but that was about all he could muster himself to do. When Jongup launched into the air, Taekwoon collapsed on his back, lying weakly along the dragon’s spine.

            He could feel Jongup’s concern and he brushed his hands against the blue hide in a reassuring measure. “It’s okay,” he soothed, blinking slowly and clinging to consciousness. He was afraid to sleep, even though it beckoned. Unconsciousness meant his dragon half might be free to move, to try something again. Even though Jungsu was finished, Taekwoon didn’t feel safe. He was still wary. Still on edge. The feeling persisted long after they were free of the battle site and heading into the city.

            The harried remainder of their wings made it back to the walls of the city without further obstruction. Fortunately. In response, the formers took to the skies now that the wilds were gone. It was their turn to safeguard the dragons and their riders. That was fine by Taekwoon. He didn’t have enough in him to put up even a token resistance. Panic did start to set in when gentle hands removed him from Jongup’s back and started to move him indoors, but it was temporary.

            I’m here, rider, Jonghyun promised, reaching through their bond and holding tight in a way that made him feel as if he’d been wrapped in a warm blanket.

            Taekwoon found himself in a trance-like state where he could hear people talking though nothing they said made sense. Some were probably asking him questions, but he felt no reason to answer or even try to understand. A part of him realized Insoo was nearby, a bulwark against the majority of additional inquiries. And he could sort of feel that other riders were in the same area too, though it was a general sensation. He couldn’t tell who specifically. Only that they were familiar. On the other hand, he could feel the dragons were outside, clustered together as they took tired comfort in their mutual presence. Dragon Healers wandered among them – only two since they didn’t traditionally need many – but it was better than none. And through it all, he could hear, or maybe it was feel, Jonghyun’s heartbeat, pulsing steadily between them. It was almost like a lullaby, calming and reassuring. With it, he could feel Jongup close at hand, and then each immediate dragon in their wings.

            It was easiest to recognize Gunwoo, the lead dragon’s presence a constant no matter what. But he could also feel V and JB, even though the latter had been stationed to another wing for now. And there was Seohyun and Junho, Wooyoung’s red. And just at the edge of awareness, he could feel the newest members of their sister wing… Fei and Yesung; the in-pain Eljo and an aggrieved Kwangmin; but… there was a curious emptiness where he knew something else should be.

            Hwasa and Youngmin, his dragon explained, a curious note to his mental voice. You can feel us now, he murmured, the sentence a statement of fact, not a question.

            I… Taekwoon started to speak, feeling guilt and pain twist in his gut at the memory of actually experiencing the dragons’ deaths.

            When? Jonghyun asked, leaning harder against his rider to offer what support he could.

            Today, he answered without thinking, full of strange thoughts.

            You are human but… your dragon grows stronger, his copper sighed, the sound uncertain. Trance connect all. More time spent together makes stronger bonds. Maybe why we fly better as wing, he offered, clearly trying to think about this like a human would. You felt like a dragon today. But no bond… he admitted quietly, almost like he was afraid to mention it.

            What did I do, Jong? he asked softly, hands balling into loose fists as he stared blankly ahead.

            No remember? the copper asked in mild surprise.

            Not really. Flashes, but they’re more like a dream, he explained, shaking his head. I know I jumped off you but after that… I… no, my dragon half… he corrected, trailing off.

            Jonghyun mentally nodded and sighed. You won’t like, the copper promised with a hesitant pause.

            Ah, Taekwoon grimaced, vaguely recalling the first dragon and rider he’d attacked. The memory made him ill and he shoved it away quickly.

            More like that, his dragon added, the voice and feeling sad. You were… angry. No thinking. Just, hurting. Strange for you. I not like. But couldn’t reach. You gone. There but not, he explained, more than a little troubled.

            The admission made Taekwoon feel cold and he shuddered. How did you find me?

            You fell off dragon. Hit ground. Came back, but not in you. In Trance, he explained, head mentally tilting to the side in a thoughtful motion. Own Trance. Not mine or mate’s.

            My own Trance? he wondered in confusion. That shouldn’t have been possible but… if his dragon half was more dominant at the time, maybe it was. I heard you.

            Jonghyun nodded. Couldn’t reach. Too far and stupid silver in the way, he grumbled, recalling Jungsu’s dragon. But mate go. Got close. Could reach you. But you no hear. Not at first. Needed something else.

            My mate, Taekwoon laughed once, shaking his head at the memory. But… if it was my Trance, why was Jongup able to change?

            His dragon paused to think about how to respond first and then explained slowly. Trance connect all. Not separate. You stronger in your Trance. Could stop mate’s change, but you not in control then. Want help. Want change, he finished with a slow shrug.

            Taekwoon couldn’t deny that. He had wanted help. Something… anything to stop what was happening. Jong. Why… he started to ask, knowing his dragon already knew the question, but it was clear he wasn’t going to respond until he finished. Why do you think my dragon half was stronger today?

            The copper grumbled through their bond and mentally paced before offering a possible answer. First, you wanted dragon’s help. Two halves agree. Work together to protect. But that rider… Jungsu. Wrong. Felt wrong. Like you – dragon and man, but… wrong, he finished, not knowing how else to explain it.

            Like… Tiamat? he offered carefully, understanding quite well how his dragon felt.

            Maybe… Jonghyun exhaled. Make wilds angry. You angry. Me irritated, he growled.

            I see, he sighed, trying to reconcile everything he knew. The fact that Jungsu knew a rune or two and that they had affected him made Taekwoon more inclined to believe it. Unfortunately, the only other person he knew that understood runes was Kevin.

            Your dragon quiet now, the copper observed.

            Taekwoon nodded in agreement. Tentatively, he reached towards that part of himself and then pulled back. It was there, but… resting? That was fine by him. He was more than content to let sleeping dragons lie. It seems like it’s just me right now, he sighed, very much relieved about that.

            Good. Probably better for talking to Wing Leader, his dragon encouraged, giving a mental nudge to look outward.

            “Huh?” the rider blinked as he took a larger breath and looked up, reluctantly pulling himself from the submerged mental connection with his dragon.

            “Welcome back,” Insoo murmured quietly, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the plain wooden wall in a small dimly lit room.

            Confused, Taekwoon glanced around with a furrowed brow and then down at the cot he was sitting on. “Where are we?” he asked, vaguely recalling he’d last been in the Healing Hall for treatment. His wound was wrapped as if it had been attended to, but the rest of the time after was very much a blur.

            His Wing Leader wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Essentially… solitary confinement.” At Taekwoon’s surprised look, Insoo just shrugged. “You’re lucky you’re not in irons. Had to convince Taecyeon to let me watch you here instead,” he exhaled, mouth twisting to the side.

            Jong? he asked, knowing his dragon had to have understood what was going on while they were talking.

            You were not yourself. They worried, he admitted, not the least bit ashamed. Wing Leader good leader. He watch over you.

            Taekwoon made a face at the deception of omission but took a breath and met Insoo’s eyes again. It was hard to see him clearly in the dim lighting of a single torch, but it was enough. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, dropping his head as he placed his left hand on his bandaged wound.

            “I’m not. Not really. Things could have been a lot worse today,” he said somberly, scratching at his jaw before he glanced at Taekwoon’s side. “And I should at least thank you for that. After all, you did save me today,” Insoo shrugged, stepping close enough to squat in front of him so he was looking up into the younger rider’s face. “You didn’t hurt any of ours, but… you did act more like a rogue dragon this afternoon,” he explained simply. That made Taekwoon wince. Such a comparison was not particularly pleasant. He was surprised his dragon hadn’t chastised him more for it.

            Feel guilty enough. Make worse if I say.

            Okay. That made sense but still… “I… was not myself,” he painfully admitted.

            “Oh, I gathered that,” Insoo snorted, rolling his eyes as he fell back to sit down on the ground. “Your dragon was very obvious today.” Again, Taekwoon winced. “But, my guess is that Jungsu had something to do with that. After all, you didn’t lose control until he joined the fray and the wilds left shortly after you took care of him too. So… that being said, tell me what you know,” he commanded simply, hands gesturing in front of him as if to ask what he had to lose.