Oneshots

Infected

Day 1 of Change

I woke up cold. I was shivering as I got out of bed.

As I walked out of my lair, I gave my wings a good stretch. The stench of rotting flesh from the Aibiding Boneyard was refreshing today.

"Morning, Plaguemother." Was what I said, which is part of my daily routine.

I set off for the day, starting with training of exaltees. I usually monitor their training, and sometimes have a good spar with them. Sparring helps in keeping me fit and healthy.

Next was the overseeing of breeding and nesting. I had to plan for the breeding so that there was a steady flow of exaltees, and also had to make sure the eggs were healthy. Though it was quite amusing to watch the hatchlings playing happily, unaware that they would be spending their lives serving their deity.

Afternoon activities were the gathering patrols. Every patrol was entertaining, as you could watch the daily chaotic scramble for fresh food among the rotting lands.

At night, a ceremony of exalting was held occasionally. Tonight was one of the nights.

I dismissed the last exaltee, yawning due to fatigue, and maybe from something else. I headed off to my bed, but not before noticing something from the corner of my eye.

I raised my right forelimb to find clumps of bumps on my flesh. I gave it a through lick, thinking that it would be gone tomorrow morning.

Day 2 of Change

I was freezing when I woke up. Upon inspection of my arm, I discovered boils. I popped one accidently with my claw, causing liquid pouring out of it. It was quite a painful experience.

In the morning, I couldn't spar properly as my body felt heavy, useless and weak. I couldn't focus at all. But I knew I had to concentrate so that I could do Plaguemother proud.

And I forgot to greet her this morning.

By afternoon, more boils appeared, this time all over my face and body.I didn't know what do to as I went to gather meat. It was hard to catch some Salamanders as I kept stumbling, bursting some boils in the process. I guess I was the laughing stock today as I howled in pain on the rotting ground.

At night, red rash appeared all over my body, which caused pain upon contact.

Plaguemother, what's happening to me?

Day 3 of Change

I couldn't move out of bed. The stench of rotting flesh filled my lair, and it didn't take me long to realised it. I was rotting. Pus was flowing out of burst boils, and my flesh felt raw and painful. I was in so much pain. My wings had rotted till only sinews of muscles remained. No dragon wanted to go near me. I spent the entire day in pain on my bed, just waiting for the agony to stop.

Day 4 of Change

There was more pain. My right forearm rotted off.

Day 7 of Change

I could move again. I slowly got up, my three limbs trying to balance. As I failed to do so, I started to use the bony remains of my right wing to support me. I was still covered with boils and rashes, and even had exposed bones due to rotted flesh. But I was still alive.

I stumbled out of the cave to look at the sun.

"Morning, Plaguebringer." I had said.