A/n
Here is the next chapter, again the story in general overall has not change, but details have, so enjoy the story!
Chapter 13: Setting Out Searching
-Neutral pov-
When one dreads a coming event, time seems to bring the event close faster than if an individual isn't dreading it. It is a documented phenomenon even if science claims it doesn't happen as stated by individuals. The idea is one that Saber himself is actually acquainted with through experience. He would say that the majority of said incidents are to be blamed on his streak of bad luck and it would be hard to disagree. However, sometimes it just feels like the world and fate are pitted against you no matter what you do. A lesson that Saber again had personal experience in, and was about to get another lesson in.
-Saber's pov-
It was before the outset of a trip during preparations that I found there was a great deal of work to be done. Now, I expected that with the journey ahead, but not as much as there was for there always seems to be one or more tasks to be done, one more thing to add to the list, it seemed never-ending. I was still committed to going to search for Ruben, after all, I had told Spyro I would do just that and I don't make a claim like that unless I fully intend to keep it.
I had used the time from lunch till evening to figure out how to go about preparing for the journey that I now was going to go out on. I don't regret volunteering yet at least and hope I don't end up regretting the choice by the end. There are too many variables to say how things will go and I want to eliminate as many as possible before leaving, yet I was still stressing about this journey. Why might I be stressing out about this upcoming trek, there are a couple of reasons. First, I'm going to a place where I'll already be unpopular as there will be apes around and they don't like me as I've killed a number of them. Second, it won't just be my life on the line, but others along with mine and I'm not so fond of that kind of situation. Then finally, I'm going out and my bad luck will be hovering over me I guarantee and that is dangerous.
To prevent myself from stressing more than I really need to, I broke the preparations down and took them in small chunks to manage better. Yubashiri would be ready by tomorrow and I wouldn't leave without my blade, I'm going to ape land and I ain't stupid! Then there was still information gathering since all I've heard thus far is that Ruben had gone out to do something in an area that apes had and likely still do control. It would be better if there was more information to work with, the more the better. The gathering job would need to be done delicately and discreetly as possible so that those who we didn't want to be aware of this journey wouldn't interfere.
My wandering ended out taking me up around the garden that I had found by the temple, and since I found it relaxing, I had a tendency to come around here. The other job that fell to me was going to talk to Spectra and convince her to let Seth go. From the things Seth had said, I wasn't really looking forward to that much at all. Then finally, there's a need to get supplies for the journey as well, then there was the need for sleep of course. So, this was going to be a very full day before we left, clear as can be already. And with Seth saying 'Chronicler help me' … I don't know whether to dread meeting Spectra or to just find her and get the chat with her over and done with.
Also, the reference to this figure "The Chronicler" by Seth, rekindled my curiosity in the figure. The problem is, I've not gotten any real credible information on him or her to understand what purpose they had, mostly stories and hearsay. I remember Spyro saying he has met 'him' a few times when he was sleeping, but that didn't help much on knowing this Chronicler. From what I do know, he supposedly helps here and there in the affairs of Dragons along with his other job or duty is to record history or something like that. If that's the case, this Chronicler had to be old and immensely so or at least had a long lifespan with the job he or she has. It was also plausible that the job of the Chronicler to switch dragons or dragonesses that fulfilled the job on occasion. Can't say I would see the sense that one being would get stuck with the job forever, would really suck as it would be in my view very boring. Honestly, this Chronicler sounded like a lot of 'hocus pocus' to me, though I will keep my opinion in this to myself.
Anyway, back to the point at hand, finding Spectra and then convincing her to let Seth come with Cyra and me was coming to the forefront of my mind off and on during the day. Nervousness within me was growing as the possibility of the 'talk' I was going to have with Spectra when I found her drew closer. I have nothing specifically against the dragoness just yet, but… well, S&M situation and what's involved never have sat well or gone well with me. Hence, why I have got a huge problem with that kind of thing since I'm what you would call somewhat an old fashion gentleman. With me, I'm unfortunately usually forced into the 'M' position rather than 'S' and the 'M' is always handed the short end of the straw! Not to say I've been in the dirty S&M idea that involves sex and other things like that, for I haven't. The only thing that could possibly make this any worse is if my bad luck strikes again here and now… oh wait, I shouldn't have thought that!
"Oh my we meet again," came the voice of the dragoness I was dreading talking to.
DAMN IT! Curse my no-good bad luck, stop answering me so freaking quick! You'll end up getting me killed at some point if you keep this up! I turned to see Spectra and I gulped, my nervousness increasing, mostly since now I was staring at her in person, I'm reminded just how much larger she is than me right now. Nevertheless, I've never been one to back down during the hardest of times so, here I go, "Oh hey Spectra, fancy meeting you here though I have to say that doing so does save me the trouble of looking for you all around the temple. I had something I was hoping to discuss with you if you could spare the time, please?"
Spectra look at me curiously after I had stated my request, before nodding for me to continue, "Well first I would assume you know of a dragon by the name of Ruben, yes," I asked to start this off.
Spectra looked surprised with me mentioning Ruben, "Yes I do yet, I am baffled that you know of him. He went out before you arrived here," she returned.
I was keeping a firm grip on the reins of my emotions to make sure they didn't go nuts in this. I'm not exactly scared of Spectra… but, I learned a long time ago, that females can do things you don't want to be done to you period! I chuckled nervously, "Well, Spyro told me about him and he was um… worried, to put it mildly, and that is an understatement," I replied.
"Indeed I would guess he is, I would suppose your skills of observation told you that," she remarked.
I rolled my eyes at the comment as the answer should be obvious, "I would have to be blind not to notice the gloom that is hanging over Spyro earlier today. He doesn't hide his emotion well, I can attest to that," I shot back.
Spectra sighed heavily, "I will admit, I feel sorry for him, Ruben and Spyro are quite a pair since they met. Yet, Spyro needs to stay here for the time being and so he cannot go look for him and there is a reason for that."
I wonder what reason the Guardians could have to not allow Spyro to go out right now? Suppose that doesn't matter at the moment, "Yes, I know it is not my business as to inquiring the reason you have for not letting Spyro search for his friend, I would ask something on that. And do feel free to decline to answer should you feel the need, but what kind of reason would the Guardians have to send out a single dragon to parts unknown which have and likely still are under the control of those who are not friendly to dragons in general," I asked calmly.
Spectra didn't answer me right away, but she did eventually, "It was not an easy decision to make sending one into the situation you have painted. And if it were not necessary, then it would not be done," she replied.
Well, that's a cryptic answer and it kind only lends credence to my view that the Guardians are sending some out on stupidly danger trips. It also made me wonder if there weren't disagreements between the individual Guardians on some subjects, it is possible. "Hmm, well, that does answer something that has been nagging at me since meeting Spyro and him telling me what he was out doing," I mused.
Spectra gave me a quizzical look, "Oh, and what has been nagging at you," she posed.
I shrugged, "Do not take it the wrong way, but when Spyro told me his story and then what he was out doing, I thought those that sent him were either crazy or wanted Spyro dead." Spectra looked taken aback as my honest answer, "I know that is unlikely the case, none of you are like that." I smiled slightly, "But then, I am one that does not follow orders unless I feel like it and said instruction makes sense to me."
Spectra hummed, "Your characteristics and personality are different, I will admit that and I would assume that such has caused hardship before for you," she remarked.
She has no freaking idea how right she is about that point, my personality has helped and hindered me. I chuckled a bit, "You would be right, and thus, would be one of the main causes of my issues with authority figures, just so that you know," I answered. "But, back to the previous subject of Ruben and Spyro's glum mood that has come because of it. To cheer him up, I offered to go in his place to go looking for this Ruben as it so happens," I said evenly.
Spectra immediately stared at me, tilted her head, "I really cannot say that is a wise idea for you, still with what you have said, I would assume that you would go off and do things with or without permission."
I smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of my head as I stated already that I would do what I saw fit pretty much. So, there was no way I can deny that point as I'm guilty as charged with doing things my own way! "Am I that transparent? Please, I would ask you do not tell Terrador at the moment. I can inform him later should I feel inclined," I requested.
"I do not see why there is a reason for me to do so, you are a guest so what you do is your concern," she returned.
I laughed nervously though my heart was starting to pound and race in response to what was coming according to what Seth had said about his sister. But the reply did say that my assumption that the dragons although nice manners they had towards me, didn't see me as one of them. So, that, in turn, implied that I could do a great deal that dragons would be discouraged to do and chided were they to do so and they wouldn't really care. I still haven't gotten to test where the line of limitation was with that idea, yet I do believe I was definitely about to. This is where the conversation was going to be precarious since this is where I confess the involvement of dragons. Intuition says that they will have a concern with dragons being involved in the trek I was planning. "Well, there is a funny wrinkle in this for you see, it will not just be me," I admitted.
That one line got Spectra to stare at me with a stern and serious expression, and that didn't bode well in my mind. Yet, I continued in the hope she wasn't thinking of changing her mind of telling Terrador as that would complicate things. "The thing is, Cyra said she wanted to come and since I do not know all that much about the dragon realm itself, I thought I could use the help. Then after that, Seth said he want to go as well," I got out.
I never finished my sentence as Spectra rushed forward, scooped me up and had me pinned against a tree quicker than I could fully process what was happening. And let me tell you, a dragoness pinning you against something is extremely uncomfortable and disconcerting. With Seth's older sister now forcing me to look into her crimson eyes and they weren't friendly any more made this situation much tenser. Plus, I wasn't keen on looking this dragoness in the eyes right now for things were not going well at the moment as is. "What was that about Seth going with you and Cyra as well," Spectra hissed, the tones of irritation audible.
Now, I would think that any in my current position would be very worried about the state of their wellbeing as I was about mine. So, my survival instinct was kicked it into overdrive and I was working frantically trying to come up with a way out of the current mess. Spectra wasn't pinning me hard enough to hurt me at this point, yet that doesn't mean that she couldn't in a heartbeat. In fact, her squeezing increased, and the pressure being put on me got me to start sweating a bit and I knew this wasn't going in my favor. I needed to choose my words carefully and so I swallowed, "They volunteered to come, I did not force them in any way. I believe they want to help Spyro as much as I do," I began justifying, but I trailed off after looking at Spectra's face knowing that my words weren't helping.
It was clear that my reasoning was something she wasn't agreeing with, at least that's what Spectra's expression of increasing outrage was telling me. I don't like how my odds of getting out of this unharmed are falling… nope, I don't at all! I might as well say that my chances were plummeting alarmingly fast, "What you do is of no concern of ours, but what happens to the dragons that go with you are," Spectra stated firmly. My danger senses were going haywire by now screaming at me that this situation was to be escaped immediately! Things were getting worse by the second, I would have to be dumb not to understand what they were telling me. The look in Spectra's crimson eyes did little to sway my view of this. Also felt a rather odd feeling as well I couldn't exactly place… why I note this, I haven't a clue. "Seth and Cyra are not going end of discussion," Spectra growled.
Her tail blade rose up and came to rest at my neck giving me a very up close and personal look at the blade that I didn't want or need. I had to say that said tail blade looked very sharp, it was very uncomfortable let me tell you. I certainly gulped as I felt the light touch of her tail blade. I'm one that can deal with cats threatening me, but dragons could do things that no one else could as I was rapidly discovering. Spectra, I don't doubt could slice my head off with her tail blade with one movement. Whether this is sadism or not I can't say yet, can be and also not be at this point.
It was then I felt a sneeze coming, I know it's odd to note yet this sneeze didn't feel normal in any way. It felt kind of like… Oh fiddlesticks! NOT HERE! NOT NOW! I don't need or want another dragon to know about this ability, especially not one of the Guardians! Unfortunately, I'd no say in this matter for it was out of my control. When the sneeze came, it was amplified with a blast of wind that threw Spectra back a good twenty to twenty-five meters with the force it had. The dragoness hit a wall and then collapsed to the ground with a crash remaining in a heap.
Meanwhile, I dropped to the ground the second I sent Spectra flying and landed in a crouch on the ground. I quickly rose up and looked at what had happened to assess the damage I'd just done. Most of the plants had been clearly whipped around by the wind and there was debris spread all over. In short, it was a big mess that I'd caused and there was undeniable evidence to prove the point. After taking in the aftermath of the action I had no control over, I took the time to calm my breathing. Then, I made my way over to Spectra and looked her over, after all, I didn't what to hurt her. By the look of it, think I may have knocked her unconscious by the wind blast… well, chalk up another element I can work with now, that made three elements now.
That presents a conundrum to me for I shouldn't be able as a human being manipulate or utilize the elements as dragons can. To my understanding, the dragons had eight elements in total if I recall what Spyro said right and now, I could control fire, electricity, and wind. Two of those elements namely fire and electricity were in the four that were considered the normal or light elements. The weird thing, my newest element wind happens to fall into the other four of the eight that seemed to be known as the dark elements. I had even heard some call the dark elements the forbidden elements which had bad connotations. Something tells me were my abilities with three out of the eight elements to become public knowledge, I would face worse problems than I already do. Still, the fact was that it appeared that wind was brought out by nervousness or something like that.
My attention was snapped back to my current predicament when I heard a groan and looked over to where Spectra was and saw her stirring. I stepped back slightly to make sure I wasn't within striking distance with self-preservation in the forefront mind. The dragoness lifted her head and looked around with a confused look on her face. She shook her head, I assumed to try to make sense of what happened. "Um… are you okay Spectra, you took quite a nasty crash," I asked.
She focused on me, "What just happened? I felt something throw me, it kind of felt like wind," she said.
"Well, it makes sense that it felt like wind since that is what threw you technically," I uttered.
Spectra looked at me, a further perplexed expression spreading on her face, "But where did the wind come from and how did you know it hit me?"
I rubbed the back of my head as this was getting awkward and I'm in doubt that Spectra would believe me were to explain. If how Seth and Cyra reacted to finding out was anything to go by, then I bet Spectra would have a hard time believing me let alone understand. I might as well find out how this plays out as I can't bluff my way out of this, "Well, would you believe, if I were to tell you that I produced the wind that threw you back," I posed.
I couldn't help the nervous laughter from coming out, I tend to make light of the situation when I feel things are getting dangerous for me. Spectra stared at me in disbelief and that was pretty much what I had expected to see. Yet, this wasn't over by a long shot for I continued where I'd stopped, "I take it that you do not believe me then, I cannot blame you. Cyra pretty much gave me the same look when she was able to comprehend this idea. Although Seth was a bit more willing to listen and accept what I said than Cyra, hey that is how it works sometimes," I explained.
Spectra expression changed from disbelief to surprise, "Seth accepts what?"
Oh boy, here we go, this is going to be interesting… actually, I would think it will be painful for me soon enough. I don't think Spectra will just accept this fact like Seth and Cyra had, "Seth accepts that I can manipulate some of the elements, a growing number, in fact, I have begun to notice," I said.
The black dragoness rose and came right up next to me and stared hard, it wasn't comfortable with her this close, still, I tolerated it. However, as the stare down kept going, it was getting worse for me every second, "Which elements can you manipulate," she demanded.
I get a very bad feeling from the way she was looking at me, the pain isn't far in the future for me to experience. I chose my words carefully, "Well um, fire was the first one, then electricity and now wind, it is hard to believe I know," I answered a little shakily.
"How," Spectra further demanded.
No surprised, Spectra demanding to know how I do it is completely understandable… and I'd love to know myself actually! I may know about parts of the process of manipulating, yet I couldn't explain how the whole deal happens, nor why. Logic says it isn't possible for a human and in turn me, to harness the elements to my will. Yet, somehow, I can manipulate three elements so far and most likely more to still become available at some future point were to guess. "You know, I would love to tell you how I can manipulate the elements, really I do, but I have no idea how it happens or why," I replied.
The next thing I register, I was sent flying by Spectra's tail hitting me in the gut, it felt like worse than a baseball bat. I slammed into a tree getting the wind knocked out of me before falling to the ground coughing up some blood and still having blood dripping from my lips. Things started to get hazy and not just my sight as the pain was beginning to overload my senses and it was starting to get hard to focus.
Yet, I glared back at Spectra my emotions got out of my grasp and so, my gaze was filled anger that I normally keep in check. A red tint began filling my vision and thoughts of horrible and mean things I could do to Spectra started being whispered in my mind. Dark and malicious ideas that I hadn't had for a long time and it took me half a minute to realize such things were happening. I squeezed my eyes shut and clutched my head trying to ignore the horrible thoughts that were swimming around my brain. I began muttering denials to myself, in order to expel the dark ideas… none of them were worth it and wouldn't do anything but bring regret and pain. Nor was it worth giving heed to the one whispering about getting revenge and payback.
-Spectra's pov-
This human was being difficult, which I did not expect, he had seemed okay before now. Still, did he honestly think I would believe that he did not know how he could control elements? It is necessary to know such things to even harness the elements in the first place! That was not the only issue, it was that he claimed to be able to control not one, but multiple elements? That should not be possible at all for beings that say they can't use magic and use of multiple elements is rare for members of the dragon race. And yet, Saber says he could control three separate elements, fire, electricity, and wind… it is ridiculous!
Even so, perhaps if I were to buffet him around a little it would loosen his tongue and get him to tell me more. With that in mind, I hit him with my tail and sent him into a tree, not too hard as I did not want to kill him. Saber fell to the ground after slamming into the tree and was breathing hard, blood coming from his mouth. After a fit of coughing, Saber raised his head, glaring at me… and the look in his eyes was one of anger. But there was more to that, there was a darkness in them that was not there before. For a moment, I thought I was seeing a different pair of eyes, and not of a being of goodness. Then at the outside of my field of vision, I swear I saw a pair of crimson eyes in the dark, which I think could have been where Saber's shadow should be. My gaze flicked over in that direction, but there was nothing, but I am sure that I had not been seeing things. Still, I became defensive at seeing that by instinct before I kept staring at this human.
Then, just as quick as this started, Saber shut his eyes and clutched his head with his paws. Shortly once that started, he began muttering to himself though I could not hear what he was saying. This was very unexpected and odd indeed, I could not figure out if I had brought this on or something else was to blame. After a period of time of Saber doing this, it stopped, and he got back up on his legs, "Saber are you feeling alright," I asked.
-Saber's pov-
My head felt like someone had been hitting me with a steel bar or at least a baseball bat like object over and over and none too gently. At least that dark thoughts and ideas were gone and that was very important! I got up on my hands and knees slowly then to my feet, due to my head was still pounding and when I was on my feet, it was difficult to maintain my balance, it wasn't very easy. I put a hand to my forehead in order to steady myself and hoping the headache would die down. Then, I registered the taste of blood in my mouth most likely from the impact from earlier. My sight was still blurry, which didn't help me really right now. "Saber are you feeling alright," questioned the voice of Spectra.
My hearing was still working as it was supposed to for me, as I could clearly hear Spectra. My sight was still blurry, but it was beginning to get clearer little by little the more time that passed. "Well, other than having a monster of a splitting headache, blood coming out of my mouth and other minor injuries, I am just dandy," I said, tones of pain in my voice. I took the time to reprocess the last short period of time and realized that Spectra had likely watched my fit that had just happened. This could potentially spell a problem for me, especially if she got the wrong idea which is very possible. It may be better to ask just in case she was coming to the incorrect conclusion, "Um, Spectra did you see me doing something odd or strange, did you?"
She slowly nodded, which wasn't comforting to me, quite the opposite actually as there are things about myself which I don't want others to know. When another sees me at one of the times dark thoughts come to my mind it can be problematic. Don't mistake this for insanity for it isn't, I'm as sane as anyone else, if not more so. The only time I would say it comes into question, is when I'm around Sparx and it's for a viable reason! I just have unexplainable issues that I deal with that I don't tell others about. "If you could just ignore what you witnessed, I would very much appreciate it," I asked.
Spectra looked a little worried and concerned, "Why did you act in the way you did," she inquired.
I hesitated, as this is a subject I don't talk about with or to others for this doesn't tend to be seen well or nicely by them. So then, how do I answer Spectra? I hadn't the faintest idea what dragons knew in the way of Psychology or the same area of subject matter. If they had any view or understanding of the idea at all, then I haven't heard or seen anything that suggests so. That being said, it leaves me in a rather confusing conundrum of how to answer the posed question. "Well I… um, I suppose that the best way to start this would be to ask what dragons as a race have in the way of understanding the workings of the mind," I began.
The expression on Spectra's face told me that my answer as she looked more confused than she'd been before. That left me to conclude dragons know very little in the subject of Psychology or the workings of the mind. That makes this a great deal more difficult for an explanation for this situation. I can only simplify so much on a subject before I can't dumb it down any further. "What do you mean the workings of the mind," questioned Spectra.
Okay, how do I explain my situation complicated as it is without making it sound like I've lost my mind? Perhaps, I could try a more old-fashion way and try using the idea of superstition to attempt to explain, then see what happens from there? I hummed, "Let me try going a different way with this, do you understand what I mean with the idea of possession," I asked
Spectra cocked her head to the side, "You are referring to being controlled by spirits of some kind?"
Hmm… that's at least a bit of progress in the general direction I'm aiming for right now, "Um kind of, that is one way of putting it and I suppose that what I deal with can be viewed that way,"
I said. "Although, it is more like having others around you trying to tell you to do things you know is wrong and not worth doing anyways I would say. There is an important difference between the two, namely, I have the choice even if it is difficult sometimes. Not to worry though, I tend to keep in control and developed the self-control to make sure of that."
Spectra still looked confused at me, which left me thinking that I went over her head with my explanation, "if you say so, back to the first question you brought up. Why should as you put it, Seth and Cyra to go with you," she questioned
Finally, a change of topic, thank goodness I wasn't the one changing it that helps a great deal! Things tend to go smoother for whatever reason when another changes the subject rather than myself. "Please do correct me if I am wrong in this, but Seth has no practical experience in survival type situations and he is a young adult. This would be a wonderful opportunity for him to get that kind of experience in a safer environment accompanied with those that will help him if the need arises. There is safety in a group or in numbers if one falls then there is someone if not more to help up get up. And honestly, I need help since I do not know very much about the dragon realm and I will freely admit that at times like this that even I need help. Lastly and rather importantly, Seth and Cyra volunteered to come of their own volition and choice. I did not force them in any way or any means to say they would come with me. I don't know at what age dragons are considered adults or if it even is done by age yet, should they not have the chance to choose for themselves?"
Spectra regarded me for several moments. I really couldn't tell if it was in a good way or a bad way. "I must admit, you are different than anyone or creature I have met before. You go around see others and study them, then you are able to tell what they are doing and plan to do accurately enough that it seems you know what they are thinking. You have many opportunities to take advantage of others for your gain, but you have not done so once. You look out for others before worrying about yourself even though it may do harm. You have abilities that the majority of dragons do not and treat it as if it is nothing significant. You can do unheard of and unimaginable things and you think it normal," Spectra iterated, making it sound like I was greater than I was in my opinion, but she still continued. "Why are you like this? How have you become such a creature?"
This was completely unexpected to me… was I being praised for being me?! With all the bad luck I have and all the things that make me who I am, that's something new to me. For those who don't know me, which is most, I would expect cursing and ideas like that instead as that's what I get regularly. "Look Spectra, you make me out to be someone special, but I most certainly am not," I said waving my hands back and forth. I hadn't a clue how to even attempt to offer a way to give comprehension to this dragoness but, I tried nonetheless. "Most of the things you mentioned became the way they are because of my martial arts and kendo master along with non-nice life experiences I have endured. You seem to paint me as a good person that has a great life, yet it has not been that way at all. My life has for a good portion of it has been as humans put it, a living hell which is as horrible as horrible can be," I explained, knowing that I couldn't tell her everything.
Still, I could at least say some of the things, which my life had made me into and so I would, "However, from each experience I have grown to know that things can always be worse, life has taught me hard lessons that I have been forced to learn over multiple times in that. I have learned that power of any kind has a responsibility to use that power to help others rather than benefit themselves. Power used selfishly only brings misery period, it is foolish and not worth it in the end."
Spectra began to laugh, a very unexpected reaction, "You are indeed a very interesting one, the only other I have met that is similar to you is Ignitus."
Hearing the name snapped back to full attention for I remembered Spyro mentioning the name Ignitus a few times. Spyro had always seemed sad when he had, and he didn't really go into much detail about this Ignitus. Although I hadn't asked him as it was clearly a hurtful subject to him, maybe Spectra could give me a little information on him. The more information on a subject, the easier the said subject is to understand, "Um, this might not be my business, but who is this Ignitus I have heard about? There have been a few that have mentioned him such as Spyro, but none go into detail about him."
Spectra looked a little downcast at my question, apparently a touchy subject for many it would seem. "He was the previous fire guardian and also, the one who led the Guardians. He also taught Spyro much of what he knows of what it is to be a dragon, being his teacher and mentor. He is also revered among the dragons as a hero that fought against the Dark Master Malefor and gave his life doing so," she answered me.
This information was helpful for me to understand Spyro a little more about this Ignitus. Where Master Kai was the one who helped me change and become who I am and so, it would seem Ignitus did much the same for Spyro. "Thanks that help me understand better. Nevertheless, back to the question, can Seth and Cyra come with me," I posed getting back on the main topic I had needed to talk to Spectra about.
Spectra was silent for a time appears to be thinking over my request… hoping I'd been able to convince her with what I had gone through, I want it to be worth the trouble. Plus, I really don't want to travel alone, I see VERY bad things happening if that were the case! It would be far worse than if I didn't travel with others since bad things happen to me whether I'm by myself or in a group, it's just better with a group as I'm not on my own.
So, after I waited for a time, Spectra looked to come to a decision, "I still have some problems with this myself, yet I admit Seth is at the age that he needs to start making decisions for himself and learn to follow through. Cyra is also at that age, so I suppose that is would be of value for them both. Since Seth has been around you, he seems to be surer and will to do things he would not have before. That in itself is a quality I have been hoping Seth would at least start developing, that being said, this could be a good experience for him," she stated.
Then that's a yes, I think? Honestly, some dragons can be vague and make it hard to know what they're telling you. Again, thankful I can read body language as I do for Spectra's clearly said yes Seth and Cyra could go in that way though she wasn't completely happy with the idea. I would be surprised if she was anyways, her brother is going into danger likely, and with me, it's a guarantee even if I didn't want that to be the case.
So admittedly, the conversation with Spectra was an example of why I have a habit of just doing something and then asking for forgiveness after the fact if it was needed. Getting permission has a tenancy of being a lot of work and hassle and not necessarily a fitting reward that comes out of it. The many things I learned and other reasons for the conversation had paid off in a way I hadn't expected, so I guess it worked out fine. I had been heading towards the room that I'd used last night after the chat needing to recover from the beating I'd taken after all. A good night sleep after a long day is always a welcome thing even if it's such a simple thing, sleep was the best medicine to cure the soreness I felt, the sooner I get it, the better! As I walked towards the room, I happened to come across Cyra and Seth, "Hey Seth, Hey Cyra, how is it going with the two of you," I greeted kindly enough.
Both turned to see me and almost instantly both of them looked shocked, yet I couldn't figure out why they would be shocked… maybe I'm just seeing things with the full day I've had today. "Saber are you okay," Cyra asked clearly worried about me, which didn't make sense to me at all.
What is Cyra talking about? I'm fine, that should be obvious with just one look at me so, why is she asking such a thing? I was about to inquire about what she was talking about, when Seth spoke, "Saber, did Spectra do this to you?"
Oh yeah… it slipped my mind the 'scuffle', yes that's the term I'll go with which had been a part of the conversation that I had with Spectra. Now that I think about, I probably look horrendous right now and was just too tired to notice or care much at this point. Taking into account that I'd been thrown around, squeezed and other things, none of it done gently, it was a freaking miracle I didn't have any broken bones to be blunt! It makes complete sense now why both are worried about me, seeing me like I am now. "Well, let us just say that your sister and I Seth have… come to terms and have reached a mutual understanding and just leave it at that for the moment, please. Did she give me these injuries, yes… Spectra is the one that technically gave these injuries. But do not worry, I will be fine given time and rest," I replied.
Seth looked wide-eyed at me and what I said, "You really went to talk to my sister?! I did not think you would actually go and try to convince her," he exclaimed.
I gave Seth a curious look, "Yeah… I said I was going to and I do not say something unless I intend to do the action," I said.
It was true, if I said I would do something, then by golly by gosh I intend to do what I said I would. I'm a man of my word and I am going to stay that way into the future and I foresee nothing changing that. Seth looked away from me at my answer to him, "Did you actually convinced my sister to let me go," he asked.
Did I convince Spectra, well yes, I did but it certainly came with a price that I would feel tomorrow? My messy appearance kind of speaks for me on what went on between Spectra and me, "Well, that depends what you consider convincing. If it's getting to agree with what I set out to do, then yes I did, but if you are asking if I got her to see things my way as I envisioned originally, then not really, no I did not," I began. The black dragon gained a crestfallen expression at my unfinished remark. So, quick to conclusions, I swear, so I cleared my throat, "You have not let me finish. No, I did not convince her to let you go with us. I helped her see that is high time that you make your own decisions," I iterated.
Seth's head whipped back up and he stared at me as if he didn't hear me, "What do you mean you helped her see," he inquired.
I sighed, "As I was trying to tell you, I helped her understand that you and Cyra are old enough to make decisions for yourselves. Whether it is for better or worse that is for the consequence to determine. So, that being said, you will have a rather big burden now with the right to make your own decisions," I explained.
Cyra faced Seth and smiled, "See Seth, I told you Saber could do it somehow," Cyra claimed.
That made me wonder why either of them would doubt me in doing what I said, I didn't know whether I should laugh or not. "Was there ever a doubt that I could," I posed.
Seth grinned sheepishly at the question, "I guess I have seen her as the adult that watched over me for so long, I haven't seen her in any other way," he admitted.
"Well it is time for that to change, Spectra is still your sister, but she is no longer the one to make the decision for you or look after you like a child. The right and ability are now yours to make the choice and you need to learn to use it as an adult," I stated, resuming my journey toward the room I had. Yet I whispered one sentence as I passed Seth, "I have to say though your sister has one sharp tail blade."
As I continued to head to the room I had, there was not a doubt in my mind Seth was staring at me with surprise as I went. When I got to the end of the hall, I spotted that the door of the room I had last night, now had a plate that read 'Saber'. I suppose that means that this is now my room officially, that's a nice fact to know, it is something good going my way and I'll take what I can. Upon entering my room and shutting the door behind me, I let out a relieved sigh as the day was coming to an end. Yet, when I turned around everything then with my mind and body, came to a screeching halt! The reason my mental and physical functions came to a stop as I found myself looking at a mess THAT looked like a freaking disaster zone! Fishing line was spread throughout the room, from ceiling to floor, dust and dirt blanketing the whole room in varying thickness, it was as if a bomb had gone off. It took my brain a little time to process the state of 'my room' and register I wasn't seeing things. Once I was able to understand that my imagination wasn't screwing with me, burning anger ignite in me.
When I find that Yellow Annoying Disrespecting Incessant Chatterbox, I'll make him PAY! I'll make absolutely sure that he doesn't consider doing something like this ever again by the time I'm through with him! Such were my thoughts as I began to clean the mess grumbling and whispering threats out under my breath as I did said cleaning.
Honestly, all the lightbulb with wings has done for me since I met him has been causing me problems and make messes, which I tend to clean up! I have a serious pet peeve of cleaning up after someone else's mess that they made. Should this standing he and I have not to change in the near future, IC will be the reason I'll need to get anger management before too long or find a way to 'bump him off' yet make it look like an accident. When I finally finished cleaning, I plopped down the bed and sighed heavily. The impression that this upcoming journey was going to be unlike anything I had been involved in had been getting heavier on me, figuratively speaking. It took me time to drop off to sleep, thoughts of the possibilities that could come up, kept going through my mind.
The next morning was definitely one of the rougher ones I've had in a while, let me tell you! First, I woke up to the battery-powered alarm clock I'd dug out of my pack and I had set it to make sure I was up with enough time to get ready before heading out. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten why I use it so little, mostly since it WASN'T quiet when it went off.
"IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF BED FOOL!" called a masculine voice.
I swear, I shot up at least a foot off the bed with my whole body with that wakeup call. Then, I hit the bed before I bounced once and came down on the edge of the bed followed by me being dumped to the floor with a thump after that.
"IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF BED FOOL!" called the masculine voice again.
That got me scrambling over to where that freaking alarm clock was and slapped it hard to silence it. I felt sore all over from last night's activities and the impact served as the rest of my wakeup call. Nevertheless, as Master Kai has said many… many times to me before 'The best cure for soreness is forgetfulness through training!' It may not be the nicest thing to hear or do, but it's surprising how often it works, and I can attest to that.
After my morning practice and training, I did feel a bit better and kind of looking forward to what was to come. I knew I would need to get with Spyro, Cynder, Seth and Cyra as I hadn't last night, that's mostly due to the fact I was too tired to do so after the event with Spectra, it had taken the 'wind out of my sail'. I hoped they had gotten some information for the search, I would take really anything at the moment. With so little info on this area that we were going into, I was worried about what could happen in this.
The only fact that I did have right now was that the place was once where a bad ape by the name of Gaul had run things. He had been apparently by what I'd heard smarter than the other apes he had led them. I don't see that being all that hard since the apes I've encountered are not all that intelligent, some of them make bricks look good. That's before Spyro had whipped the ape and done him in, so likely someone else is leading now and it can logically be assumed that they are smarter than the average ape. That fact alone, made me dislike the prospects of going into an area with just that being all I had.
So, at breakfast in the mess hall, I was able to catch up with everyone, and I think I greeted them nicely for me, "Morning everyone!"
Spyro and Cynder glance over at me before they went back to eating for a couple of seconds, then they suddenly looked back at me for a second look at me and gained expressions of shock. Spyro was the first to find the use of his tongue again, "Whoa, Saber what happen to you? Did you get into a fight or something," he asked obviously worried about my current condition.
"Indeed, you look like you got thrown around by someone," Cynder added.
Oh, my dear Cynder, you don't know the half of how I got into the battered state that I'm in, trust me there! I knew that the scuff marks I got from Spectra would call attention, so I'd seen this conversation coming sometime today. After how Seth and Cyra had reacted last night, this was fairly easy to predict as it was much the reaction from the others I had gotten to know. I mean, I'm not hiding what I earned myself last night, nor am I denying that a fight or scuffle is the cause. However, I don't know if it's a good idea to go into details about what happened exactly or with whom. Of course, the… disagreement with Spectra wouldn't be something that would be nice or clean, I figured that would be the case. So then, should pass this off as my bad luck doing its thing? It was believable for those who had seen what my bad luck could do on any given day, "Oh… well… um, you see, I hhhaaad a fall last night and it was a doozy let me tell you, but I am good really," I reasoned, making it sounded plausible for such to happen to me.
"A fall huh, you really expect us to believe that you got injured that bad from a fall," toned in IC.
I felt the vein on my forehead popping at the voice that had asked the question and looked over to IC and tried to keep my cool, a great deal of effort spent doing that! Especially, with the memory of the state of 'my room' last night when I got back! "Did I ask for your opinion, you insulting blabbermouth, because I do not recall doing so," I challenged.
A fight would've likely ensued if not for Seth speaking up, "Saber, it was not done by a fall and we know that, it was Spectra, so do not deny it!"
I had been trying to not pin the blame on Seth's sister, but since he's going to 'spill the beans' suppose that it's pointless in me saying differently. So, I gave a grunt to the affirmative, partially since I was embarrassed at what had gone down and the unsaid things as well. Spyro and Cynder looked at me and then at Seth, "Wait, you actually went to Spectra and talked about Seth going with you," Spyro and Cynder said at the same time.
Why is it, that everyone thinks I wouldn't go convince Spectra to let Seth go with me and Cyra when I had clearly said I would. Is standing by one's word not a common thing in the Dragon Realm or something? I shook my head in consternation fighting the urge to snicker at the same time as the wish to ask why any doubted me. I mean, this is me we are talking about, there's nothing on Earth… or in the Dragon Realm, that'll stop me when I'm determined in accomplish something, not even my bad luck and it tries! At least, thus far nothing had managed to keep me back, so I didn't see that happening in the near future. "Oh ye of little faith, this is yet another testament that I can do anything I set my mind to. It should not be a surprise that not only did I go talk to Spectra, I was also able to get the okay for Seth to go. So then, why is it that you all seem to be under the assumption that I would not be able to accomplish that?"
All looked at me with disbelief along with confusion, Cyra was the one that spoke up first, "What does oh-e of little fey-th mean."
Again, how dragons get their point across without inference, I'll never know, and it's bugging the hell out of me more as time moves on! I took a moment to take a few deep breaths before I gave my answer, "What the phrase means is, 'oh all of you who doubt and disbelief'. In the case of this, I am surprised that no one thought I would go or could change Spectra's view. I mean, you have all seen me do things that can be considered more amazing than talking to Spectra."
"Well, Spectra is well known for being strong-willed and her opinion unchanged," Cynder remarked and I could see why she would think that.
"So, she has a reputation for stubbornness, that's perfectly fine and I can respect that. I have learned the trait firsthand, but it does not change the point, everyone whether they are human or dragon or any other race has their breaking point. You just need to find it and put pressure on it," I iterated.
"What does 'rep-u-ta-sion' mean," Cyra asked as she did when I said words they didn't know.
"It means the actions or behaviors that one is known for," I answered simply.
"Yeah, that is all well and good, but you were not going against a dragon before," piped up the lightbulb with wings.
My glance shifted over to IC and once again I'm forced to wonder a particular idea about the dragonfly. Is there a method to shut up Sparx which didn't require me to kill him?! Spyro wouldn't appreciate me permanently silencing his brother were I to kill him. And I really want to shut up IC for a time, but I've not come up with a means that wouldn't do permanent harm. "Granted I was not going against a dragon, but I can still hold my own nevertheless," I returned. I paused for a second, recalling the mess I had to clean up last night once again, "By the way IC, you had better prepare yourself for a punishment when we get back for it will come!"
Spyro looked at me curiously, "Why would he need to do that," he questioned.
My gaze shifted over to my purple-scaled friend, "The punishment will be for the custom redecorating job he did on my room without my knowledge or permission! I do not appreciate crap like that, less so when I had to spend over an hour to clean it up!" There was silence for a minute before I cleared my throat, "But, let us get back to the topic of the morning, valuable information on the area that we will be searching in, anyone got something to go with?"
"Well we know that 'Pyria' is mostly controlled by apes overall," Cynder spoke up.
Okay, that's info we need to know, but that something we kind of already knew so not all that helpful at this point. It's not exactly what I was hoping for but is the first time I had heard a name for the part of the dragon realm that we were heading into even if it didn't help me worry anymore or less. Pyria sounded like trouble and with my experience, when your intuition tells you to be warry, there is a reason. I already kind of expected that the area we were going into was going to be full of stupid apes, to me it was a given, so I prepared and planned with the idea in mind.
"Well, I was talking to one of the cheetah tribe yesterday about Pyria and he said that some cheetahs have been having trouble due to the traps the apes have laid and what remains from the war, especially around Pyria's grasslands," added Seth.
Oh, that's nice, it isn't like there aren't enough issues and complication to deal with, there is the addition of traps laid, this just keeps getting better and better. This journey gives my luck plenty of material to work with, and my luck certainly doesn't need ANY help in what it does! Hell, my bad luck is going to have a damn field day on this trip with me! I suppose I better remember to pack medical supplies for this journey, don't know when I'll need them, but I likely will at some point. It was hard to keep a straight face to hide my souring mood, that's what I did and said nothing to that information.
Cyra drew our attention next, "I overheard some dragons talking about the mountain range on the west side of Pyria near where the Concurrent Skies ruins are were looking stranger than they normally do. It sounded like there have been others sent to find out why it is like it is yet, none of those dragons or any others that were sent have come back apparently," she said.
Finally, that sounds more like some good grade pay dirt as it was information that is helpful and very interesting to this journey! It could also be the reason that Ruben was sent in the first place, who knows? Spyro was the last one to give the information he had gotten, "I talked to Hunter earlier, He says the apes seem to be defending a particular mountain in the range that Cyra mention. He did not know the reason that they are, but they are not letting any pass," interjected Spyro.
Now that is solid gold info, the apes were hiding something and now thanks to Spyro getting info from Hunter the cheetah. We now knew where the apes were hiding this something even if we don't know what they are guarding. Granted it wouldn't be easy getting there even harder I assume getting into the mountains themselves, still one step at a time for the planning stage. There was no need to complicate things more than they already were at this time, but we had a place to start. This place called the Concurrent Skies was a place I wanted to avoid, as what Spyro had said was a freaky place and I avoid those. "All right, I think we now have a bit better information to go with, I know that I am less worried about these facts in mind. Now the other big thing to do before we leave, pack for the journey. The mountain that Spyro learned about is our destination and I would bet that if Ruben is anywhere, then he is at that mountain. It is the best place to start at least," I said with finality and everyone seemed to be in agreement.
After lunch, I headed to the blacksmith to retrieve Yubashiri as I would not go out from Warfang without my katana period. And thanks to the awesome work of Hawkins the mole, he had gotten Yubashiri done in a little less than a day. My blade was sharp and ready for me to use and I'd the feeling that I would use it early on the journey. I quickly finished packing by acquiring some last-minute supplies. When I was ready to go, I hosted my pack and headed to the front gates of Warfang where I would meet up with my two traveling companions. At the front gate, I spotted Seth and Cyra and went over to them, "So you two ready for this," I posed.
Cyra began jumping up and down in excitement at the question, "I am ready, I am so ready! I finally get to go on my own adventure without an escort," she cheered.
I felt an eyebrow rise at Cyra's comment for two reasons, why would she need an escort and she sounded a tad too excited about this. I hope that is was just because she was young and not for some other reason than the ones that I stated. I looked over at Seth and saw that he seemed a little nervous, but the expression on his face told of his determination. He took a deep breath, "I am ready to do this," he stated.
I was about to face forward towards the gate, yet a voice spoke before I could do so, "It is good to see you stick to your decision now that you have made it Seth."
The three of us turn to find Spectra walking up to us however, it didn't look like she intended to stop us, at least I hoped she didn't mean to. Honestly, someone should go out looking for Ruben, whether the guardians say so or not. Seth didn't back down to his older sister, which I can respect, "Sister you cannot talk me out of this," Seth replied.
"I did not intend to," Spectra simply remarked, though I can't say if Seth heard her.
That's nice of her, especially after the 'talk' she and I had, it makes some of the pain worth it. I'd gotten over most of the pain so I was good to go out on this journey, nothing to worry about that I could tell. And as if to confirm that Seth didn't hear Spectra, "I am telling you by the Chronicle's horns, I am go… Wait what did you just say," Seth questioned.
Spectra smiled a bit, "I said I have no intention of stopping you from doing this for Saber is right. You are now old enough to start making your own decisions and I guess I am just now starting to see that you are growing up a great amount fast than I had thought," she returned.
Seth looked at Spectra and whispered, "Spectra?"
Spectra closed the distance and nuzzled Seth with her head, "Seth and Cyra, just promise that you will be careful around Pyria. It is clear that you intend to go no matter what is said or done." Spectra paused for a moment, and it seemed that this was a hard subject for her. "But we have already lost more than enough in the attempts to understand what is going on in that area of the Dragon Realm. I do not want to lose you as well Seth and I know that Cyril would not react well finding out that his favorite niece was lost in those lands, so please be careful."
Spectra then faced me directly and looked me in the eye, "As for you Saber, human from a different realm, I would ask you to watch over Seth and Cyra for us. Although, I do not believe it will be needed as I think you will do that of your own choice."
I bowed to her in the hope that she would believe what I was about to say would be sincere, "You would be correct in the assumption Spectra. I fully intend to watch out for these two as they are becoming friends of mine. I do not have a great many of those and even less in the Dragon Realm, so I will do all I can to bring them along with this Ruben and any other we find back safe and sound," I answered before I put my hand on the hilt of Yubashiri. I did this out of habit when I made the promise I would keep or die trying, "That is a promise and I do not make promises that I do not fully intend to keep."
Spectra seemed to accept that and nodded to me and so, with that settled I turned to face the gates of Warfang, "Well you two, shall we go? The getting is good, and I would think it is better to leave while that is the case," I remarked.
I put my right foot forward and started towards the gate followed by Cyra on my left and Seth on my right. We went through the front gate to the outside, into the Dragon realm heading for the land known as Pyria to search for Ruben. Who knows how long we would be away, I couldn't predict how this journey would go.
-Spyro's pov-
I watched Saber, Seth and Cyra from a short distance away staying hidden, not wanting to discourage my three friends from setting out on what they were. I wished from the bottom of my heart that I was walking beside them going on their journey with them, but… that was not possible right now. Even though I do not know the reason that Terrador and the other Guardians had, this was a journey was one that I would have no part in. I did not like that, but it was out of my paws as much as it pained me to admit it. So, I could only sigh in acceptance of this, and I silently wished them all the luck in the realm and the Chronicler watches over them. Upon feeling someone brush up against my right side, I jumped a bit before I turned to see it was Cynder standing next to me. She was gesturing that we go talk to Spectra and knowing my mate was right, I started forward with Cynder staying next to me.
Spectra was still standing in the square in front of the main gate staring in the direction that the three that had gone and had already vanished from sight. "Well Spectra, they have gone out on their way, so there is nothing more that we can do for them for now," I said evenly.
The elder black dragoness glanced over at me and gave me a sad smile, "I would not doubt that you wish to be with them as well Spyro, do you not," she inquired.
I looked downward at the statement that I had been mulling over to myself minutes ago, "Of course I wish I was with them, they are my friend and they are searching for another friend and they are doing this to help me! Yet, I think I am needed here for the time being though I do not know why exactly," I answered.
Cynder rubbed her head against my chest trying to console me, "Spyro they will be all right, I know you would love to be with them and I want to be too. However, this is their task, not ours this time hard as it may be to accept." Cynder then licked my cheek, "You cannot always be the hero Spyro, in this, it is time to let others take on that job and not the two of us."
Spectra was nodding at what Cynder had said and I admit, she had a point even if I did not like it. So, I nodded to her statement though my heart was still aching, "Well Saber, Seth, and Cyra good luck, I feel you will need a great deal of it and more," I said.
A/n
And that's where chapter 12 will leave off, hope you're liking the rewrite please some of you take the time to write reviews, thank you for reading this.