Page 54 of Fire to the Stars

Translated from the research journal of Abel Estellio

le 26 mai 1760

For the last two weeks, Micah has been screaming that he wants to die. Doesn’t he understand that I’m trying to save him? Together, we can find a cure and restore the Estellio name. If we don’t, history will look back on our legacy with disdain.

I told him that, but he won’t stop crying. He says he hates me.

I’m sick of hearing it. After the next Ignition, I’ll leave the daggers in his dragon vertebrae. I’d rather deal with that form indefinitely than watch him cry.

Translated from the research journal of Abel EstellIO

le 7 juin 1760

It’s been seven days since I started maintaining his dragon form. I’m taking the opportunity to test the extent of his healing powers in this form instead.

I started by dismembering his wings. It’s a difficult process (he bucks against me, and dragon cartilage is strong in its own right). I will continue the experiment on other body parts and measure those regeneration speeds until the next Ignition.

So far, regeneration speeds remain consistent with standard expectations. However, he can die in this form. The potency is inherently different.

Theory: Healing magic has a limit on the body in dragon form.

If I can confirm the existence of that limit, maybe I can gouge the creature out.

Translated from the research journal of Abel Estellio

le 13 juin 1760

My theory was correct. The more damage I inflict on him, the slower he heals. Healing magic indeed has a limit on the body in dragon form.

Question: Will exhausting such a limit result in the subject’s return to human form? Or will it lead to death?

I will track his vitals as I continue. That information could prevent me from doing something irreversible.

Translated from the research journal of Abel Estellio

le 19 juin 1760

The dragon exhibited strange behavior this evening.

A small meteorite crash-landed in the hills a few miles north of the cavern. Since then, he’s been struggling against his chains in a presumed attempt to chase after it, and his talons are ripping up the cavern floor. I’ll need to clear out the rubble to preserve my workspace. This place is not burning thanks to the chains I wrapped around his muzzle. That is a small relief.

I’ll stay up overnight to ensure the chains remain secure, but it’s been four hours already. He’s still thrashing, hasn’t tired, and keeps staring in that direction with dilated pupils. Dragons are known for attacking their closest targets first, yet it’s as if he doesn’t know I’m here.

Translated from the research journal of Abel Estellio

le 24 juin 1760

It’s been five days since the meteorite fell, and the subject has calmed significantly. He has taken notice of the owl constellation. My dismembering experiments bring little struggle; he won’t stop staring at those stars.

This raises two questions:

Is Diu’s consciousness present in these dragons?