Chapter 9: Journey to Lake Louise

Nearly fourteen hours had passed since the discovery of the Huntsclan's plan and the stones of the Theravata. Though it was only 7:00 in the morning, the gang had been traveling for nearly two hours. According to Fu Dog's estimations, it would take them just about a day and a half flying to reach the lake.

Though they were hurried, they managed to pack well in advance, double checking to make sure they had everything they needed for camping in adverse weather conditions and scuba diving in a freezing cold lake.

"You guys okay back there?" Jake asked, turning his head to look back at Rose and Trixie, who were bundled up in blankets and coats on his back. In contrast, Spud and Fu Dog were being flown by Lao Shi.

"A little cold but we'll be okay," Rose shouted back. With the biting wind blowing back into their faces, it was hard to hear each other speak.

It had only been two hours, and Jake was already beginning to feel tired. With the stress of the coming day, he had not gotten much sleep the previous night.

Fu had the schedule all planned out. They were to stop and take a break around noon to eat a quick lunch, and then they were to continue traveling till around 5:30 or whenever it was that the sun would set. They all agreed together that given the circumstances, it was better not to travel in the dark.

Thankfully, as the day progressed and the group moved onwards towards Canada, the winds began to die down a little, allowing for a more productive conversation.

"So Gramps," Jake turned to face his grandfather, who was flying just to the right of him, "what exactly would happen to us if these stones happened to be destroyed?"

"If the stones were destroyed, then all of the things that make us magical would be destroyed along with them," he replied.

"Putting it simply kid, if the stones are destroyed we're just normal," Fu added. "For example you and Gramps would just be ordinary humans."

"Okay," Jake replied slowly, still deep in thought. "But would about leprechauns and unicorns and magical creatures of that nature? They really don't have anything that strictly makes them magical, do they?"

"Well," Fu Dog contemplated his question carefully, "in a way they do. Unicorns, for example, have a substance in their horns that is stronger than any steel known to man. That's magical. If the stones were destroyed, then that quality would be destroyed along with them."

"Sometimes, it's just simple stuff like that, and other times, it's much bigger more important stuff," Fu added. "Like, for example, it would be a really big deal if I lost the ability to talk."

"Heaven forbid…," Jake mumbled rolling his eyes.

"Hey," Fu Dog shot back, "don't act like you wouldn't be devastated."

"Right," Jake replied sarcastically. "So what's the Huntsclan gonna do once they've destroyed these things then? Are they still gonna want to slay us? I mean, they do realize that this won't kill us, right?"

"They fully realize that," Fu answered, "but think about it Jake; it's gonna be much easier for them to do once we are powerless."

"But," Jake shot Fu a look of confusion, "if we aren't dragons anymore then what's the point in slaying us?"

"Think of all the trouble we've caused him," Fu replied. "In the mind of the Huntsman, we are and always will be magical creatures, even if we do lose our power."

Fu sighed. "As long as we get at least one of these stones, we're going to be okay. At least, he'll have to fight us for it."

"And as far as we know, the Huntsclan has no knowledge that we are also after the stones of the Theravata," Lao Shi added. "They will not be expecting us."

"So," Jake decided it was time to change the subject, "where exactly is this lake?"

"The province of Alberta," Fu Dog replied, "in a town called Lake Louise, actually."

"Oh how original," Jake muttered.

"Sounds like someone's a bit crabby today," Trixie joined the conversation.

"Gee, I wonder why?" Jake replied sarcastically. "Maybe if you got up at 4:30 this morning and had been flying around all day you wouldn't be in the greatest mood either."

"So anyways," Jake focused his attention back to the lake, "does this lake look special or anything? Different from the other lakes in the world?"

"Maybe, kid," Fu replied. "I've been there once or twice and it's a marvelous sight, but just because it's magical doesn't mean it's gonna be the most beautiful thing you've ever seen. It actually depends on the creator."

"What do you mean?" Jake asked.

"Well," Fu Dog began another explanation, "for example, Aerah Theravata valued the true beauty in things, so she created her lake to be naturally beautiful. If you ever get the chance to go to Switzerland and see it, you'll know what I mean."

"So then what was Aleigha's most well known trait?" Jake asked.

"Well, being the oldest, she was kind of the leader in a way," Fu chose his words carefully. "So, her most valued trait in a human being was their strength, emotional and physical."

"Okay," Jake replied, somewhat confused by the response. "How can a lake look strong?"

Fu Dog sighed. "Honestly kid, when we get there, you'll understand what I mean. Just understand that Lake Louise reflects the personality of its creator."

Jake shook his head in frustration and took a look at his surroundings. He hadn't the slightest clue where they were and how to get to Alberta, but he trusted Fu Dog to lead the way. As the morning had progressed, he felt the temperature began to rise. It was no longer below zero, but it was still dangerously cold.

"At least you can see the sun," Rose thought aloud, almost as if to read Jake's mind.

Looking up, he realized she was right. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Jake smiled. He couldn't even remember the last time he had seen the sun. It seemed that the world was always clouded. Especially his world.

"I don't know," Jake turned his attention back to Fu Dog. "This whole thing about the creation of magic seems kind of weird. I mean, do we have any record that this actually happened?"

"Kind of," Fu Dog replied, choosing his words carefully. "What we know has been passed down from stories and legends, but if there is one thing we know for sure, it's that these stones exist, and that terrible things will happen if they are ever destroyed."

Lao Shi sighed. "I think it would be best if we took a short break."

XX

YAY Friday update! Yay yay yay! I told you guys I would try hard! But I've been going through some…some stuff…lol. And whenever that happens, writing makes me feel better. Sucks for me, but good for you guys!

Umm yeah. The fanfic. Well, this chapter was mainly to gain a little bit more of an understanding as to what these stones do and the background behind them. Sorry if it bored you to death, but I think it's essential to add this to the fanfic.

As always, sorry for all grammatical errors. I tend to miss them when I reread the chapter.

Anyways, thank you for all reviews and support!

~ada