Chapter 10: A Taste of City Life
-Neutral pov-
The idea of respect is seen differently by each individual, yet the general definition is a feeling of admiration for another or a quality of another individual. Such an idea is expected to some extent between individuals by the majority of intelligent beings. However, we must remember that how an idea is seen by one individual is not necessarily the same as another would view it. To compare another's view of respect and hold it to one's own standard is unfair but happens all the time sadly.
-Saber's pov-
"Spyro, Cynder, it is good to see you have returned safely," said the green dragon of the bunch.
I wonder if the green dragon is the head honcho and/or the one in charge around here… most likely since he spoke first. Now that I had a chance to reflect on it, I haven't the faintest clue what the dragon race has in the idea of a governmental system or hierarchy, if they have one at all. If they did have a governmental system, then is it similar to a governmental system from earth? If it is more a hierarchy, then who is the one on the top calling the shots and how did they get there? I ponder these thoughts and questions as if it becomes necessary, then how could I get around them. I was brought out of my contemplation by the black dragoness asking a question, "So who is this that you have brought with you? It is a very unusual creature, I have never seen anything exactly like it."
Well at least she didn't call me an ape, that's a very rare thing for me here I'm finding, I suppose that I'll take the niceties where I can get them lately. "Spectra that's rude to call someone or something unusual. I believe different is the correct term," spoke up the blue dragon.
I guess that the blue one is trying to be nicer by saying different instead of unusual. Good thought however, technically speaking, both terms mean generally the same idea in the end… 'tomato or tomato' I suppose. I've been called far worse, intentionally both directly as well as indirectly in the same manner. It's nice to at least know that there are some dragons that try to be polite… not that it matters, but still. I guess this proves that even with dragons there are all different types like there are human beings.
"Yet, Spectra is right of course Cyril, this creature is amazing, stupendous, fascinating," the yellow dragon remarked and began rambling onward.
Oh dear, it would seem I have a weird sort of peanut gallery, and here I thought there was no way this could get more awkward. Nor did I think that there could be one who could come close to out talking Sparx that I'd ever have the misfortune of meeting. It appears unfortunately, I was very wrong, and though I didn't make out what the yellow one was saying anymore, it just felt like I was getting a spike hammered into my head. Whichever deity is listening to me now, help my sanity to stay intact for this isn't helping me keep it stable!
Yet, around a minute of rambling torture later, the green dragon opened his maw, "Enough Volteer, there are more important things to discuss here," he said.
That solidified the fact in my mind, that the green dragon was the leader of this bunch. I'm left to wonder… is this some type of committee or as I thought before, a weird peanut gallery I'm being forced to listen to and endure? I mean come on, do they have to talk about me like I'm not here even though I am, it's just plain rude!
So then, what have I learned and can take away from this thus far? Well, now have three out of the six names of this group's members, so I know half of them. Second and most importantly, I can identify who's in charge and that's very good information to have, it tells you who to deal with. I've found things usually go more smoothly when you know who does the management I say. The one who is doing the management is the real leader and the one who truly runs things. They aren't necessarily the same person or dragon who is the 'head', just has a tenancy to be the same.
I studied the guardians over once more as this group was definitely a diverse one if ever I seen one. First, there's the quote 'leader' unquote the green dragon who I still haven't got a name for him yet. I assumed by the color his element was earth, but I'm not as concerned with elements of this group for now. I could already hear the authority he had in his voice and I wasn't fond of such personally. Overall, he was bulky solidly muscular or in other words, a kind of tank of sorts if you want to be blunt.
Next in this lineup was the blue dragon 'Cyril', he talked kind of like an Englishman and seemed to act like one too. He had much the same figure as Spyro, just larger frame in the body and by what I had heard and seen he was the logical one of the bunch. He came off as one of the more reasonable of this bunch and I'll take that were I can get it. So, if that was true then he and I would probably get along rather well I would think, we'll see.
I moved on the next one in the group which happened to be a red dragoness. Again, I didn't have a name or anything for her to call her by though I'll take a stab at the obvious, and guess her element is fire. She had yellow orange eyes and possessed a more streamlined figure, kind of like Cynder and Cyra, thinner in the middle of their bodies, that kind of thing. Her height was fourteen feet if I were to guess and the dragoness's length around fifteen and almost a half by my estimation. Her scales were a rose red while her underbelly and wing membranes were a golden yellow color. She had three horns on her head, one on either side and the third coming out from… her just beyond her forehead, I think? The ones on the sides of her head were where a human had ears and faced to the back at nearly horizontal of her head and they also curved inward slightly as they went back. The third was like the other two in the fact that it faced behind however, it was more like a spike as it went straight as a line. Her tail blade appeared to be made of three triangular blades that touched each other by the top tip to the center of the bottom of the next one up. She seemed nice enough from what I had seen, at least she didn't display signs that she thought anything bad about me as she studied me.
Next up in these guardians as I believe Spyro called the brigade was the yellow dragon 'Volteer'. He wasn't as bulky as the green dragon was, but certainly wasn't thin. And if he was anywhere near talkative as the lightbulb with wings is like his rambling suggests, then I would avoid him as a sensible person does a dangerous plague! I'm not to say I hate talking or anything, it's just a conversation by an understood and technical definition, requires two people exchanging words and information. That doesn't mean that one should talks non-stop, and that's what's my issue is! IC easily proved my reasons why I dislike another talking and not letting anyone else to put a word in among other things.
The black dragoness, 'Spectra' stuck out slightly from the rest in several different ways. First her scales were as black as the night sky while her underbelly scales and wing membranes were a deep royal blue. The dragoness's height was a bit taller than the other dragoness by a couple of inches putting her over fourteen feet. Her length was a tad more than a foot and a half compared to her height, so again, longer than the other red dragoness. Also, she was thinner in the middle, which I believe is a common difference between female and male dragons. Her eyes were crimson which huge contrasts from her scale colors were. She had horns on the sides of the crown of her head, although they were not white or another color that matched with their scales like most dragons that I'd seen would have, they were slate colored. The other two horns that went back from the top part of the back of her head, were a little darker than the color of granite and they curved in a semicircular way to the back. Her tail blade was different in a way I had a way that was really weird. It looked like a short sword that was covered in black smoke that flowed like a liquid over the whole blade. She seemed more curious about me than wary of me. I would prefer to have the least number against me, so I'm hoping for the former myself.
The last one of the group was the one I could read the least. I've always had the skill and an incredible knack of reading people and their body language. Dragons had very similar signs from body language as humans I had noticed. Yet this grey dragon was either very good at not showing body language or I just couldn't see any that I could read. The grey dragon had scales of a slat grey. His underbelly and wing membranes were an off white. His eyes were a cyan blue and seemed to study me intently. His tale blade was much like Japanese Sodegarami. With two curved blades on the outside and one center blade it was something I would like to avoid coming in contact with. He was the first dragon with the wind element other than Cynder I had been around, so I didn't know what to think.
I leaned over to where Spyro was and started to whisper to him, "Hey Spyro, tell me, are they always like this or is this some sort of special occasion?" I asked this while pointing at the guardians, implying to whom I was referring and their conversing like they were.
Spyro winced slightly and that was more than enough to answer my question, but he said nothing. The silence and expression put simply, meant that this was the norm here pretty much. This situation had tried my patience and had started just after it began… the only good thing I can claim right now, IC isn't here to add to it. My patience was wearing from this grinding and dull conversation, not as much as Sparx does on a regular basis, but still not nice. Knowing that, helped me come to the decision that it would be better if I spoke up for myself, "Hey, excuse me, down here all of you," I shouted.
I've a voice that can be heard when I have a reason for it to be, shown when my speaking got all of the Guardians' attention and they all looked down at me. So, I continued, "Now that I have your attention, maybe I can clear some things up. I have no doubt that your discussion on me is very interesting however, it is getting awkward for more than just me I would think. Now, I am not some strange creature or a form of an ape, I am a human. Humans are different than anything that you have probably seen," I iterated. There was silence as response to my explanation so, I assumed that was a signal to continue, "Although, I cannot tell you how I ended up in the 'Dragon Realm' I think Spyro called it for I have not the faintest clue. The fact is, I do not know how to get back to where I am supposed to be or even if it is possible. So, if it is okay with all involved I was hoping to stay here for a while till thing become clearer."
There was still pretty much dead silence hanging in the air, and it rapidly became beyond awkward and uncomfortable! I was tempted to pull a vanishing act for the time being until things blow over, when I heard a snicker that turned into a laugh. I turned to see Spectra, the black dragoness laughing at I would guess what I'd said, "Whatever this one is, I like him, he is very amusing."
Well, I guess I can work with this, like the saying goes 'when you have lemons, make lemonade'. So, I decided to roll with this and see where it would go hoping it wouldn't blow up in my face. I took a bow as if I had meant what I had said as a kind of performance, "Why thank you for your kindness my dear lady. I have a good number of acts I can perform if you wish for more. You merely need request an encore," I replied.
Yet, as my gaze flicked to the green dragon and seeing that he was glaring in a manner I had gotten from Master Kai before a number of times. It was one that I knew well and know it means it's time for me to stop, shut my mouth and not screw myself over more than I may have already. I don't want to be force fed a piece of 'humble pie' for it rarely tastes nice in any way to me but, I did what I saw necessary. "However, I believe it would be better for such to wait for another time perhaps ma'am." I turned to the green dragon and addressed him, "I meant what I said, I do not know how I got here or how I can get back to where I was if it is possible."
"It is not that we do not believe you," the green dragon replied.
"Come now Terrador he doesn't seem to be a bad chap, why not," interjected Cyril.
With what I'm hearing my fate in the near future will come down to some sort of vote or something of the like? Well, I had at least two out of six votes that would be in my favor from the start if it came down to voting. The problem is that such is not a majority and votes tend to require that for a good outcome to be expected. And I've done enough to plead my case, were I to do more I could make things worse than they are now.
"It sounds like it would be fine, he looks like the good sort," said the red dragoness.
This is looking even more promising for me even if I would ask what about my appearance make me look good. From past experience, my appearance doesn't have a good record of helping me and that has been fairly consistent. Still thus far, I have three votes on my side and that can't be denied at this point, wahoo! Really, I just needed one more to agree with my side, and then I would be okay I think for the time being. But then, that's if dragons go on majority votes, which I hoped they did at this point or this would be more complicated.
My attention shifted back to the green dragon, who I now know is named 'Terrador' as he was the leader. I very much doubt I could sway him to siding with me, he was obviously stubborn and that was something I was unfortunately, familiar with and wasn't very good at dealing with. Funny as it is since I was rather stubborn myself, but that was how it works for me. Maybe I could convince Volteer to help me somehow, I can't say just yet but I'm considering my options. The grey dragon was still one I couldn't get a feel for at all which is weird, I could normally get something on everyone, but not on this one. His body language was… almost generic and not very telling about intent or purpose and that ain't natural.
It was then my stomach gave a loud rumble and I remembered it had been a good deal of time since breakfast now. And I recall and it'd been a full day so far and it's around dinnertime and not the end of the day yet. What with the misunderstanding with the cats and that vision, I doubt the day will get much better, but a meal would certainly not hurt. The vision haunted me from the back of my mind, not leaving me alone for it hadn't been a dream, it had felt like much more than that. What it had been or what it meant, I couldn't begin to imagine at this point, but there was something to it and I felt that within myself. So, I shook my head to clear it and focused at the point that I could understand without difficulty. My body needed refueling and the best way to do that was to eat. Besides it was quickly becoming evening meaning it was time for dinner, ah simple logic at its best!
"Hey!" I shouted. The guardians looked down at me again, "You can keep talking about me as long as you want. I just have one thing to ask at this time and that is where does one go to get some food around here? I am hungry, and it is time for dinner anyways."
I glanced towards Spyro with an eye roll and a look that said, 'help me out here' in hopes that we could move towards getting a meal. My purple friend stared back at me and was about to say something when his stomach growled. It would seem I'm not the only one who needs a meal and that got the message across I think.
"Well, the meal hall it this way." Spyro commented.
Spyro bowed to the guardians and started down the steps from the temple. I thought that it might behoove me to attempt to present a good impression, so I follow suit and so I bowed to the guardians and followed Spyro. Most of the other dragon and dragonesses fell in behind Spyro and me as we headed to wherever we were going.
As we walked, I had to admit this city was quite something else with its design and what else came with it. Warfang itself of what I had seen was built on three tears with the outer wall coming up to the level of the second tear. The dragon temple was built on the highest tear along with living quarters for the younger dragons that I assumed were in training. The meal hall was a building on the second tear, but very close to the third. The building itself wasn't small and I would think house a good number of dragons at a time. Taking into account the general size difference between humans and dragons, this building was cavernous to me. Spyro, Cynder, Seth, Cyra and I entered the hall which was already busy with many dragons eating, so it was clear that we weren't the only ones that were hungry at this time.
After we had all gotten food Seth spotted a plateau for us to eat at. It appeared that dragons see little need for chairs when they eat, and I suppose it makes sense, what with them having four legs to work with where human beings have two arms and two legs instead. I however, wasn't complaining with food in hands, I would make do with a discomfort or two and live to see another day. I had food and shelter I believe for the day and night and I'll take that for the time being and go forward from there.
Nevertheless, it was at that time that my talent of attracting trouble decided to make an unwelcome visit and be the pain that it loves being with me. It's a quality with me that is second to my bad luck and that is saying something, even if it isn't nice on my end. They have their instances that they team up and jump me good and I'm hoping that this wouldn't be one of them, I want a break. Anyways, in this rendition of attention attraction, it came in the form of a group of dragons coming into my peripheral vision. Now, that wouldn't put me off, if not that as they were making their way towards us, and they didn't look friendly when they glanced in my direction. Their body language made it clear that they thought little of me other than disgust were I to assume.
"Hey who let this weird ape in here," the leader of the group said.
I sighed in response of the conformation of my assumption while shaking my head in annoyance as this was something that's so familiar to me that it's normal, bullying. I put down the tray of food I was carrying on the nearest surface and considered the ways I could deal with this. It's not the insult that I'd the problem with, it's more the tone of superiority that irked me so. This dragon was a prime example of a bully, such types and I came to the understanding and agreement that we wouldn't be getting along at all at any time, past, present or future period. And yet, I hadn't had to deal with this kind of crap for a long while for good reason, but I'll get back to that in a minute.
In the present situation, the leader of the group a yellow dragon looked at me another time, to which I gave a deadpanned stare back. I might have been daring him to try his luck, but that's for him to interpret as he wants. The yellow dragon turned and faced Spyro, "Listen Purple, you shouldn't be around this freak ape. It is not good for you," he iterated.
Uh huh, typical statement others get told concerning me, get away from me and leave the beating of yours truly to them. If that's how this one is going to do this, then fair enough, I haven't a single problem with that. He's free to have his opinion of me annoying as it is that he voices it for the rest of us to be forced to hear. Once again, I'm left to question why I attract this kind to me and what is it that draws them to me? I don't think I do anything special that would summon them to me like this, it's not like I have a freaking sign saying "bully me please" and yet it's like I do. Oh well, in the end it doesn't matter, the usual kind of response should work in this just as it has before.
So, let me get back to the relationship that bullies and I have established over the years. With me getting more than my fair share of bullies back in school and just in general, I've come up with a basic way of dealing with them. Once I employed said way of handling those who bothered me, they don't come to get their kicks off of me. It's mostly since I used such opportunity to practice my skills of pranking and that has turned it into a magnificent art over the years! And while it had been a sizable period of time since I'd dealt with those that sees the need to put down another to raise themselves up a notch, yet I'm confident that I still have my touch. I suppose it would be a good thing for me to prove the skill set I have and make sure that I'm versed in the craft I made such a unique art form. Plus, I kind of what to show them their place, I need a bit of a boost in mood anyways.
I saw they weren't paying attention to me and that was mistake number two, taking their eyes off me. That's mistake number one was underestimating me and even thinking they can one up me to make themselves feel better. So, I started by stepping back to come to stand slightly behind them, I snagged a free tray that was for holding food and placed the said tray behind the right hind leg of the yellow dragon without making a sound. Ah, the application of stealth was something I'd learned a long while ago and I use it to my advantage in many situations. I slid back to where I had stood when this had started as if I'd always been there. I picked up my tray and sat at the 'table' that Seth had pointed out.
I noticed Seth looking at me a little strangely along with Cyra, yet I ignored the stares. I took a seat in a cross-legged position at the table instead doing so calmly as if it was nothing out of the ordinary so that I wouldn't attract attention. At the same time, I was listening for the sound I knew was coming and I wasn't disappointed.
Around five seconds later there came a sound of sliding metal and then a crash and I couldn't help but smile in satisfaction at my work. That yellow dragon had slipped on the tray I place so that he would, and he landed on his back. He was embarrassed as was my aim along with serving up a slice of humble pie and it served him right. Acting so superior and had flaunted that point, I'd seen the type before and I dislike them with a passion. They were those who give the impression that it's one's good fortune that everyone breathes the same air as them and so on and so forth. If anything, then I was merely doing a service and showed him the truth of the real world. I'd put many bullies in their place by these kinds of methods and don't regret a single time I have. The said bullies could never prove that I was the one who had done the deed with how I set up what I would, that's how good I've gotten at this. Once they knew I had, they began to give me space and avoid me, which is the goal of course. The methodology isn't fool proof exactly for some bullies took a few experiences to get the message yet still, an effective means at getting the desired result to me in the end.
I don't do such with the intent to be mean or malicious, I'm just unable to stand by and watch bullies get their way at the expense of others. So, I just had a creative way to put them in their place without getting caught. I snicker quietly to myself, "Still got it I see, what an art form this continues to be." I wiped the smile off and put on a face as if not a thing had happened with the yellow dragon and I glanced over my shoulder at Spyro. "Hey Spyro, you just going to stand there or are you going to sit down and eat. Ignore the interruption for it is not worth giving it attention, so just sit down and eat," I said.
I got out my switch blade and started eating as the other sat at the table with me. Seth was on my right and Spyro on my left. I felt Seth still looking at me, which caused me to pause and looked over to my right. "What's the matter Seth, something on your mind," I asked after I swallowed.
"Well, why did you do that? Those dragons will come after you because of that," question Seth.
I was impressed Seth had noticed that I had set the 'slip' the dragon had taken, "I must admit, it is rare for any to notice such work when I do it, maybe I am getting out of practice," I remarked. "Still Seth, you assume that they will figure out it was me in the first place that set up the fall taken. They see me as a dumb ape freak as I believe they put it. It is a classic case of superiority complex, look down on others to make yourself feel better. I have an issue with that kind as much as I seem to be an irresistible target for them. So, I put them in their place almost completely out of reflex now, and it is just hard to say no to that." I paused, considering how to put how I dealt with this kind of thing, "If on the off chance they do and as you say come after me, then I say they are welcome to try. They will find I was being courteous and using nice manners today with what I did. There has been many a bully that has tried to get back at me and all have failed, so I do not see how they will be any different."
After the meal the five of us went back to the temple for apparently, the Guardians wanted to have a chat with me. Other than the looming meeting with the leaders of the dragon race, the day had been improving steadily. I was entertaining the hope that maybe the day would end on a good note even with the chat I would be pushed into. However, two events that changed the mood I had, the first of which came along the way to the temple and didn't actually involve me directly. That came with the reappearance of the pink colored dragoness from earlier, Ember I believe Seth called her. The second that she popped up, Cynder instantly gained a glower and Spyro became nervous. "Oh, hey Ember… nice to see you are doing well," Spyro greeted nicely.
The pink dragoness replied by leaping and throwing herself at the purple dragon, "SPYRO! I finally found you! I have missed you so much my hubby," she squealed as she hugged Spyro.
Watching the scene was certainly something else, I just can't say which is more interesting, seeing Spyro trying to get Ember to leave him alone but be nice about it, or Cynder sending… very non-nice intent towards the pink dragoness. It was nice that I wasn't involved in the scene and was a bystander for it is rare for me to be in this position. Although, from the sidelines, I had to say that Spyro's nice personality wasn't helping him in getting the dragoness off of him. Nope, the poor naïve fool was more encouraging her to keep going with his weak protests.
Then, when I glanced back over at Cynder, she was glaring at the pink dragoness and if looks could kill, Ember would be dead several times over by now. Heck, I'm more surprised that Cynder hadn't attacked Ember for from what I saw, she wanted to. Perhaps when dragonesses fight over their desired male, they don't want to embarrass the guy or themselves? Yet, I wouldn't doubt there is a limit to how long that mentality stands before things get ugly. And in this instance, something in me says it won't be very long before I'll see two dragonesses going at one another. But before such a fight started however, the red adult dragoness came up to our group, who was one of those that were 'the Guardians'. I don't recall hearing a name for her, but the dragoness deftly broke up the building fight and even I was impressed how it was handled. Once the matter was settled, the red dragoness led us towards the dragon temple to attend the before mentioned meeting with rest of the Guardians.
And it was as we resumed the journey to the dragon temple, literally in sight of the temple itself, there came another turn to the not nice end of the spectrum. It started with a sudden shiver shot up and down my spine accompanied by a major vein in my forehead started to pulse harder than normal. This irritation running through me and what came with it was all too familiar to mistake. I've thought of a number of names for the one that was getting closer, so I didn't need to use his birth given name any longer. Those names which tell of the annoyance, irritation and frustration he instills within me. And as I looked ahead, seeing the one to which my reaction was referring to, realizing that the newly developing facet of my instincts and intuition had predicted IC's approach with uncanny accuracy.
I heard Seth groan softly to my left as I had no doubt he spotted IC as well, "Oh this is just wonderful, why ancestors, does this happen now," he muttered under his breath, though I still heard Seth speak.
"Finally, I found you all, you left me behind," IC claimed.
I swear whenever he opens his mouth there comes nothing but trouble, "Congratulations you constant conveyance of frustration, you have indeed found us. But, as I recall you persistent pest, you left us all on your own, so do not accuse us of leaving you IC," I stated.
"I can agree with that," Seth agreed.
We resumed the walk towards the temple interior, all the way Sparx jabbering on without taking notice that his rambling wasn't being well received by the majority of us. Once inside the temple, Spyro led us down the main hallway eventually coming to a large door, which within were the guardians waiting for us apparently. And I get the feeling this was going to be long and tedious, especially for myself, some form of a grilling session, whoopty-freaking-doo I say. I'm not one that likes to be questioned or grilled by others, but to save face and make a fair impression, I don't get much of a choice.
-Neutral pov-
The council room used by the Dragon Guardians was large, meant to be able to host an audience of varying sizes. There were what looked like a stain-glass windows on either side of the room that allowed light into the room. Both windows showing a scene which told of an event in draconic history. Six out of the eight seats that were intended for the Guardians were filled as Solara took hers. The reason that there were two empty seats was the guardians of Fear and Poison had yet to be officially announced. The two candidates that were seriously being considered weren't available at the current time. And this meeting had been called out of the blue with the return of Spyro and those with him, so some concessions were being made.
Spyro's return was well received along with the dragons that had come with him. The dragon race's numbers had dwindled due to the war against Malefor, so many had been scattered across the world. However, that they had been attacked by apes was troubling for there had been little from them for a period of time now. It used to be common to have to deal with apes, but that had changed as of late and there was no reason see for that change.
Then had come the unusual companion of Spyro's, this Saber as he called himself. He was different than any creature known in the Dragon Realm though he bore some similarities to the apes. His manner of speech was far different than most, somewhat like how dragons speak but not the exactly the same. This meeting was to see what else could be learned about Saber the Hue-man as he referred to himself as. When all were 'seated', there was a moment or two of silence that hung in the room as all took in the atmosphere. But then Terrador spoke up, beginning whatever this was going to be, "Well then let us begin with introductions, I am Terrador, dragon guardian of earth," he said.
"I am Cyril, dragon guardian of ice," Cyril introduced himself.
"I am Solara, dragon guardian of fire," she said.
"I am the guardian of shadow, my name is Spectra," she toned in.
"I am Volteer, dragon guardian of electricity," he greeted with a smile.
"I am Huron, dragon guardian of wind," he said in a softer voice than his colleagues.
Saber nodded, "As I said before, my name is Saber, I am a human and I do not know how I got here to the Dragon Realm," he replied.
And so, the meeting began with questions being asked of Saber by each of the guardians in turn. Those questions ranged in subject from what humans had in the idea of family to what the world Saber came from was like in general. Some questions appeared easy for Saber to answer while others were much less so and the answer was not very detail. And yet, the world that Saber described and the inhabitance it had were troubling in several ways. From what had been said, humans were very contradictory as a species in much of their nature. They more tolerated one another and that was not a normal state for humans, and when they did not tolerate, they fought with one another both physically and verbally. Not to say that humans were horrible or evil by nature, nor were they all the same. However, it sounded like the ones that were horrible would make others miserable just to make themselves feel better. Such a mentality was terrible and should not be encouraged at all, Malefor had proven the dangers of it for the realm.
Then there were subjects that Saber just would not seem to answer clearly, such as the questions about how humans viewed family. His answers were generalized and vague much like if he was reading from a book or something similar. Regardless on how or what question upon family was asked, it was the same, Saber never provided anything that inferred first-paw experience. It was somewhat strange that he did not provide the slightest hint of how he himself saw family and there was no clue as to why. Still the meeting was informative though the sun had set by the time the session ended. Spyro and his companions headed out to head for rooms to sleep for the night, a room had even been arranged for Saber.
Once they had left the council room the six guardians looked at one another, "I have difficulty thinking where to begin on what we learned today," Terrador admitted.
"Indeed, the insights about humans that come from the answers Saber gave are troubling," Cyril agreed.
"I would think the questions that he didn't answer or gave vague responses are a bit more problematic," Huron remarked. There were sounds of agreement from the other guardians to Huron's comment for it was true.
"It was more like on some, he either had no first-paw experience or did not wish to mention such at all," Solara remarked.
Meanwhile, Spyro, Saber and the rest were heading towards the sleeping quarters that had been prepared for them. Saber was noticing that the dragons and dragonesses that were entering the rooms were either around the same age or younger than themselves. That got Saber to thinking that the majority of dragons and dragonesses that weren't part of a 'pair' or old enough to be considered independent adults slept at the temple. It could explain why the temple was so large, but I can't say exactly at this point in his mind.
Spyro led the group followed closely by Cynder, with Saber behind them, Seth was on his left and Cyra on the right. Sparx was hovering and chattering away above the five about random things. The group continued down the corridors for around two minutes and then they turned down a hall that branched off to the right. At the end of the corridor there were five doors to rooms for them. And as if the doors had an effect on the group all seemingly felt the weight of the events of the day coming down on them in the form of tiredness.
Saber specifically was feeling the tiredness hit him as his day had been fuller than a normal day would be. It had started at the lake and then had transitioned into a fight with the apes to his encounter and incident with the cheetahs. The nightmare or whatever it had been hadn't helped him, not its subject matter or what feelings had resulted from it. Then the meeting with the Guardians had been tedious to Saber and he was glad it was over. However, as he glanced over at Spyro and Cynder seeing them essentially glued together only served to tire him more. The vibe the two were giving off was impossible for him to miss, the romantic feel was powerful and Saber wasn't interested in feeling it.
The issue in Saber's mind, were he to say nothing, there would be consequences that he would be forced to deal with. Saber had always been of the mentality that it being better to try to take care of an issue before it became worse. And unfortunately, Saber knew he hadn't packed any earplugs among the supplies, so decided to speak up, "Hey all." The other five individuals turned to face him, "I feel the need to say some things while we are all together for a lack of better words for it ground rules."
The dragons and dragonesses were staring at Saber as he organized his thoughts for the presentation he would give, then he cleared his throat before turning to Sparx and began. "Rule number freaking one, IC you DO NOT enter the room I am for any reason period, no argument will stand against this rule from you! I highly recommend you follow it strictly for I warn you, there will be consequences should you fail to do so. You will not like them, so don't go crying to Spyro if or when you should get into trouble," he stated firmly.
Saber took a moment to breathe deeply and calm down before he turned to Spyro and Cynder. "Spyro, Cynder, I have an impression, or you can call it intuition if you like that though you may start out in two separate rooms yet, you two will certainly end out in the same one before the morning comes, likely in the same bed as well I would not doubt. There is no problem with that desire in and of itself, more so since you two will not be in public," Saber iterated. "My point that I am getting at is this, if you are going to go at it with each other, please… just keep in mind that there are others trying to sleep. So, kindly keep it down if you would, I really do not want to listen to you two mating the whole night. It just does not interest me in the slightest, no offense."
One could clearly see the faint blush on Spyro's face though his purple scales hid red shades fairly well. Cynder on the other hand was a different story for her black scales did nothing to that effect in fact, her scales seemed to enhance the blush. Saber saw the red hue on her cheeks and he was trying not to snicker at the two and their embarrassment, but he contained himself. Cyra however, burst out laughing at watching Spyro and Cynder while Seth looked at Saber curiously. "How do you do that," he asked.
Saber glanced at Seth, not comprehending what he was referring to, "Huh, do what," he inquired.
"Know what others are thinking," replied Seth.
It was that line that it dawned to Saber what Seth was talking about now, for he was asking about his ability and skill to read others like he did. "Well, it does not have to do with knowing what another is thinking exactly, it is more reading the signs that are presented usually in the form of body language. I have found that body language is pretty much the same between humans and dragons as far as I have seen. And I am very good at reading those signs," Saber explained to which, Seth gave him a blank stare.
Saber hesitated for a moment, as he realized that Seth didn't understand what had been said as explanation. "I guess a bit more of an explanation would help, okay then, body language is used by all to convey meaning and information, through gestures, expressions and movements that accompany talking. You would surprise how much you can get from what movements others show without knowing it. For an example, I observed that Spyro and Cynder were sticking very close to one another as they have been the times I have seen them today. Also I would guess that this is one of the few times the lightbulb with wings does not get between them, so I cannot exactly blame them for wanting to do so."
"You got all that from just watching," asked Seth incredulously.
Saber shrugged nonchalantly, "A good portion of it, intuition tends to make up the rest. However, you would be surprised how often I am right," he justified.
"What is into-wish-son," piped up Cyra.
Saber turned to the blue dragoness and found it a tad funny that she had attempted to say words which the dragon race didn't know or use by what he could tell. Saber considered that perhaps it had something to do with a dragon's tongue that words humans use. "Intuition," Saber enunciated, "is," he paused and then frowned, "um, the best way I can put it is more going on a hunch or what you get off the observations." Saber after that approached the door in the center of the alcove, "Good night everyone I am turning in."
-Seth's pov-
I watched as Saber closed the door behind him, still somewhat confused at his answer to my question. There was so much that was mysterious about Saber, not bad mysterious necessarily, but unknown. Even with the meeting with the Guardians hadn't changed that much, there were still so many questions. Human sounded so odd by the questions that had been asked of Saber, so different than dragons, cheetahs, moles and even apes. My head was so full of questions that I wondered if I would even get any sleep tonight or if my mind would just keep going trying to figure out the answers to the questions.
Saber was definitely not like any ape I have seen or heard, no one seemed to know anything about humans. Still, I did not understand a lot of what he said from the way he talks and the odd words he uses that I have never heard though it was clearer than the apes' speech it was still different. Then there were all the odd sounding and unknown words he uses, so I wonder what they mean… some sound interesting even if I do not know what they mean.
My gaze shifted over to look at Spyro and Cynder to see they were still blushing from what Saber had said and I smiled at their reactions. Saber had certainly gotten it right spot on as the moles would say, they did tend to end out in the same room by the morning most of the time. They were of the age when such was supposed to happen for dragons and dragonesses, adults call it getting very familiar like we are dragonets. It is in the early adult years that we are expected to find a mate for ourselves, or that's what most of us are told.
How Saber had figured out Spyro and Cynder were that close after only knowing them for a few days, I do not know. Maybe this 'into-wish-son' has something to do with it yet, I had to agree with Saber though, it was time to get some sleep. I chose to go through the door right of the center one that Saber had gone into. Closing the door behind me with a flick of my tail, I went to the bed and lay there thinking over the day's events.
My thoughts went back to the meeting with the guardians for it was rare for dragons to meet with multiple guardians let alone all current six, especially with them as busy as they are and yet, we had. It was easy to understand that Spyro and Cynder would meet with them, they were unique in ways the rest of us were not. Spyro was a rare purple dragon and Cynder was a black dragoness that could use multiple elements. Then with all those two have done in their lives so far, it was no wonder why. …By the egg I hatched from, wished I could do something amazing like them, or at least like my sister.
The rumor that the guardians have been looking for two more dragons or dragoness to fill the position of poison and fear element guardians had been spreading. Clearly, no one had been chosen yet, but then there were few adults yet with those two elements. I mean my sister Spectra is the oldest dragoness with the shadow element and there is not a male at her level. But she is not as old as the leading guardians... maybe I am thinking too much about all this.
My interest was on some of the questions that the guardians had asked Saber. The realm he came from sounded so different from the Dragon Realm. Saber talked about structures made out of stone that went high into the sky that you could not see the top from the ground. He had mentioned all sorts of wonders that I could not comprehend, like things he had called teck-knowledge-o-gee that humans used and carried around with them. It all sounded like magic to me, but Saber said humans could not use magic. Yet, then how can he use any of the elements, he had used fire, that had been something I could not deny.
Hearing all of that makes me wonder how he got here even though Saber said that he does not know how he got here. What could have occurred to bring him to the Dragon Realm and the other question is why is he here? I have seen enough in my life to know that everything happens for a reason even if that reason is known only by the ancestors. I am just glad he is my friend and it is nice to have someone that likes Sparx as much as I do. It is wonderful to have someone who understands how annoying Sparx is even if he is not a dragon.
I remember Saber talking about his journey to get here and many parts I had heard were hard to believe. Maybe Spyro could tell me more tomorrow, hope I could ask Spyro for some more detail on that. Yet who but the ancestors knew what tomorrow would bring, I guess there is no use worrying about it. My head sank to the pillow as I drifted to sleep not too long after that questions still bouncing around my head.
Chapter End
A/n
This is where I will leave off for chapter 10 and the last of this this collection of five chapters. I'm hoping that your readers are liking the changes thus far, the changes and additions that have been going in. Sorry that the chapter have been taking so long, have had less time than I would like to work on this with life as it is. Still, please some of you write a review to tell me what you think, comments are appreciate. Working on more chapters and hope to have them up soon enough, we'll see how things go.