A/n
Here is the next chapter, again the story in general overall has not change, but details have, so enjoy the story!
Chapter 17 Homecoming Supposedly
-Neutral pov-
If there is one thing that can be observed in life generally, then it would be that overall it can be compared to a roller-coaster ride. Some can have more variance between the highs and the lows with individuals. The reasons why the events of life are seen like that is because, as dependable as the highs are, they are normally followed by lows. For Saber, the high that he had recently experienced was three-fold, the first would be gaining use of a new element, the second was shooing away Mara and third, managed with Seth and Cyra, to rescue Ruben and those with him. Proud of the tasks accomplish as most tend to be, Saber felt a nice feeling at getting things done. It makes one feel good about themselves and that's a morale booster which can be rare.
-Saber's pov-
The journey back to Warfang was close to the reverse of the one made to get to where we were. That had us heading southward at first and we would go east at some point during the next day or two. I got the feeling that the journey back would take longer than the trip to get to those we had saved. But that was due to two factors which were related to one another, the first was our group had doubled by the addition of the two dragonesses and Ruben. The other point was due to the abuse that our traveling companions had received from the apes was still taking their toll on the three.
Over the first day, it became clear that the apes seemed to be avoiding our group as we traveled. Then again, we did kill quite a few of them recently though even with that idea in mind, the fact that we weren't seeing them got me wondering what the deal with was. From what I have seen with the apes, you can kill a hundred of them and another hundred would replace them and still charge as the first hundred did… slow learners in my opinion. However, when the first night and the second day passed with the same situation, I figured they were going to leave us be for now. I still had my guard up and made sure to have all the weapons that I had packed in quick access just to be safe, it pays to be prepared, it's the phrase I live by… literally!
During the days that our trudge back to Warfang took, Nightbane and Nightmare asked me questions about the world I came from and humans in general. It wasn't the same as the Guardians grilling me as they had, these two dragonesses showed real curiosity about humans. I can understand that and it's a fairly nice change to the normal reaction I've gotten used to. Unfortunately, I've become more have come to expect to get the comparison to apes… due to similar genetic origins, I believe. "So, you are saying that your kind is the only intelligent race in the realm you come from," asked Nightbane.
I wasn't against talking about Earth or anything, I mean, it's a world that's as different as this one was and still is to me. It makes little sense to me why they're so interested, but there are just things that they wouldn't comprehend were I to tell them. The human world was full of problems, most caused by us humans to start with, which don't exist in the same way here. Humans as a species tend to be very good at making trouble for ourselves without any help from anyone or anything else! Chaos in a constant battle against order, that's the human world in a nutshell in a fashion. "Well, I guess you could say that humans are the only creatures that can speak in an understandable language," I replied.
I didn't mention that even with language that most understand there are still so many misunderstandings that happen between human beings. "Yet you humans do not all get along with one another," posed Nightmare.
Ah, that's putting the subject nicely and mildly, isn't it? I looked at Nightmare incredulously at the implications that the question put forth. I've observed that dragon seem to get along with one another… far better than humans do with each other, but I really have a hard time seeing dragons not having disagreements with each other! It just comes with the territory of free-willed intelligent beings, disagreements and arguments happen, it's a given. In fact, that was what came out of my mouth, "Do you dragons and dragonesses get along all the time without fighting? And the same with other races too?"
"No, however, I would say it is not as much as you say humans tend to by your words," answered Nightmare.
How nice to rub in that fact, but I can assure them there is no need, I have lots of personal experience of people not getting along with myself and with each other! That spells out a good portion of my younger years in life and I'm not joking really in that. "I do not think any intelligent race can live with itself without fighting. It is just some races fight more than others and we humans just… have a hard time seeing what is right for everyone," I commented.
There was an awkward silence after my comment, but we continued moving forward towards our intended destination. I glanced to Seth and Cyra to see how they were doing, not that I doubt their constitution, but with the events that had happened, I'm a tad worried about them. Cyra looked fine, she was being herself as I've gotten to know her, bubbly and upbeat, not letting much change that about her. Seth, on the other hand, appeared to be thinking more than he usually did, so I slowed down slightly so that I came to walk next to Seth, "So Seth how are you doing with the recent events in mind," I asked.
Seth looked at me and frowned slightly, "Well I do not know, to be honest. I mean I am happy that we saved and help Ruben, Nightbane, and Nightmare, but the fight on the other paw was not what I expected. I still do not know what to think," he said.
That came as very little surprise to me for fighting, in general, isn't what the majority might think it is. Then the times that fighting is needed is even different that then the general type… tis a complicated subject indeed. I smiled back at Seth, "Fighting others is rarely if at all what one might expect and it is different for each individual. It is more about the reason that you are fighting for that matters much more than the fight itself. For instance, when you fight for someone else's life, you have a tendency to fight harder than if you're fighting for yourself. That is the beginnings of the path of a hero Seth," I replied.
"I think that fight was so cool, I could make ice cubes," pipped up Cyra.
I kept myself from doing a pratfall, looking over at Cyra with half-lidded eyes with an expression of incredulity. Really, she says something like that, I have heard some really bad puns in my life, but this one is definitely in the upper end of bad pun list. I swear that I heard the classic comedic retort of a muted trumpet playing 'wha whaa whaa whawawawaw' going somewhere. The reflex came to me before I could help it, I shook my head and sighed, "Oh for… I swear my ears should be bleeding profusely right now after hearing that." I gazed at Cyra, " Please Cyra, do not, I repeat do not say that horrendous of a pun again. I will get a headache from banging my head against a hard surface trying to forget the terrible pun use," I said flatly.
My gaze took in the point that every dragon was looking at me in confusion and I was forced to pause. What are they looking at me for… oh for the love of G- *exhale* …I hope that dragons don't have a habit of using these kinds of puns without knowing it. Especially since by the looks on all of their face say they don't even know what puns are. It'll be a miracle for me to keep my sanity intact the longer I stay here in this realm for the common ideas I would use either don't exist or are nowhere near the same.
Most would consider asking the Man Upstairs for help, but as he and I don't get along all that well, don't think it's worth the risk at this point. That relationship is not a whole lot better than the one I have with the devil though it is better the majority of the time. I sighed tiredly, "Okay, a 'pun' is for lack of a better way to explain it at the moment, a joke that relies on using words to have multiple meanings or implications. More specifically, puns tend to be a comparison that sounds extremely obvious and just as stupid as well. If you want to say in a simpler way a pun is a really, really bad joke that is not that funny to most," I explained.
Still was getting weird looks from pretty much everyone, to which I let out a grunt of exasperation. I'll take their continuing confused looks, that as they have no clue what I'm talking about. I try to be nice and explain what I'm talking about and yet it was, in the end, pointless as they hadn't understood. The craving for companionship that understands the subtly and nuances of human language I pined for so much! "Never mind, never freaking mind, forget what I just said. ARGITH I say, it is times like this that it really sucks being the lone human in this realm," I grumbled out loud.
After a few days of traveling, we were outside Warfang at long last on day five. I was becoming very thankful that dragons had extremely good manners. I say this since they could have flown back and gotten here in hours leaving me to trek through ape territory alone, likely fighting along the way. It wouldn't worry me as much if not for Mara, who I assume would be taking an opportunity like that to try and kill me. Humans would have thought about it, yet instead, they walked with me and taking longer for the return trip.
When we got into the main city of Warfang, it didn't take long for our group to be noticed. We were surrounded within a minute by dragons and moles, most of the crowd was asking Nightbane and Nightmare questions, most likely because they were the adults of our group. I moved over to Seth and got to his right ear or whatever dragons called the small holes on the side of their heads that they had for hearing. When I got to a hearing level of Seth and Cyra whispering so that they could hear me, "Say Seth and Cyra, I am not saying I do not like the attention or anything. However, as we are not the ones being questioned at the moment, let us slip out from this crowd and gain some breathing room, shall we," I suggested.
Seth nodded at what I said, then he and Cyra followed me and we weaved through the crowd and finally separated from the waves of bodies. Once free of the sea I mean crowd, I sighed before taking a deep breath while feeling the comfort of now having breathing room for myself. I could hear Seth and Cyra doing the same as me. Thus far there had been none of those that would have a beef with what the three of us had gone and done without permission had approached us. That gave a bit of hope that we may get off with a light lecture about what we did and go forward from there and I'll take that.
"I see you three were very successful on your journey," came an all too familiar female voice.
Never mind with my previous thought and hope, I spoke too soon apparently to be that fortunate. It took a great deal of discipline and self-control not to jump back a very long way back from where I was or at the very least flinch. The voice of the speaker was one I still heard on occasion in my nightmares, not many but a few. I wouldn't forget it, not after what she had done to me previously before leaving on retrieving Ruben and Company. I'm not scared of her exactly… weary of her is more accurate and I'll stand by that. Yes indeed, I was looking up to see Spectra looking down at us. I gave a half smile and took a few steps back, "Hey there Spectra, yeah we did what we said we would, that is for sure. Not in the way exactly envisioned perhaps, but such is life." I paused before continuing, "Say Spectra, you mind giving me a little space, please do not take the request personally, I just like my personal space, thank you very much."
With the time in the Dragon Realm, I have come to value my personal space very highly as it can be a matter of life and death sometimes… increasingly so lately. "I would imagine you do and do not see a reason to take your request personally. However, as it happens, Terrador has requested your presence along with Seth and Cyra, as soon as it is possible," Spectra returned.
The three of us looked at each other with worried looks all around and I mentally groaned and thought 'Uh oh'. I knew it would come to this when we got back, still, this soon was not my expectation, I thought I had a bit of time! The guardians had come off as those who, either you follow their rules or… trouble be coming for you and I was prepared for that. It was Seth spoke up first, "Well it is not like this is unexpected with what we have done," he said evenly.
"But we were trying to help, we have done nothing wrong. Why would the guardians want to see us," Cyra asked with tones of worry.
I would hazard a guess that she was worried about facing Cyril and from the relationship I figured she had, that is understandable. For some reason with most, when you face a relative, reprimands are worse or so it appears. I wouldn't know if that's exactly how it works as I have little experience with the idea. I knew what I was likely getting into, and there is little the Guardian could say that I would care about. Thankfully Seth and Cyra will be there too, so maybe it'll be less problematic in the long run. Then again, just as likely to go the other way and end not so nice for me. So for me, it would be one of those 'stand there and pretend to listen' situations and I get those often enough. As is one of my credos, 'it pays to be prepared' so, better take the time to do so!
I took a breath, "I believe Cyra, you are forgetting that we went off to help without their knowledge or permission, which I doubt we would have had from them anyways if we had asked." I stopped and rolled my eyes, "Oh joy, I could see this reprimand coming, but that doesn't make it any better when those giving it are just going to say how wrong we were, even when we were not." My frustration got the better of me, but my mind had already worked on coming up with some contingencies for really problematic situations here. "GOSH DARN IT! All I can think to say at this point is," I remarked taking out Yubashiri from my pack and clicked it into place on my belt. "I sense there are hard times ahead, time to prepare for the worst! I think I need to clear my head before doing this meeting. I'll be at the council chamber in an hour, sound good," I asked.
Spectra nodded at me and I took that to mean my hour started now and I would be using that hour the best I could. After saying my piece, I walked off blending and disappearing into the crowd, there was work to be done and the clock is ticking! Once I had gotten space and company wasn't to be found, I took stock of my current situation as it stood. Now with a little less than an hour to prepare the best I can for the worse possible outcome from the reprimand, I needed to plan how to use my time wisely. In said reprimand, I would bet a ridiculous sum of money… if I knew what dragons used for currency that I would be seen for the cause and be blamed for the majority of this venture. I won't deny that I have a hand in convincing Seth and Cyra to go with me as I asked them however, that is beside the point now! What's done is done, it cannot be changed, and I think the results speak for the matter.
But, since when does anyone here other than the few dragons I have befriended listen to me?! It wasn't like I believe the guardians are going to kill me… on purpose, they don't seem the type to just kill someone for little reason. Yet that didn't put physical pain and maiming out of the realm of possibility when it comes to the outcomes. Spectra had proven that particular point when I had confronted her about Seth coming along. So, I will prepare for that idea the best I can and I do believe the moles would be able to help with what I had come to mind.
Now for my prep, I think it was high time to upgrade and update my arsenal! I'm not saying Yubashiri or my Bokuto kendo weren't wonderful and strong weapons for they met many of my needs. It's just recently, there have been more needs popping up and there are some I can't use those two to improvise with. Then I had my other blade, the Muramasa as well that I hadn't used or drawn at all. Although even the slight touch to the Muramasa I would then feel a strange tingle that I couldn't explain. It was cold, more so than ice, yet it burned even though it was cold and fire is not.
Still back to the task at hand, I need more to work with than just my sword and fists, that's clear. My swords and fist are good and everything but, I would be dealing with those who don't need to be in close quarters with their opponent to do harm as apes did. I would prefer some kind of extended range type of weapon. That would require building something to work with that would if I had any say in the matter, at least narrow the gap in my chances of coming out of the scuffle uninjured and being incapacitated. I would have to get creative and do some serious improvisation for this tool, but that's what imagination is wonderful at doing! That in mind, I headed straight to the blacksmith that the moles run so that I could get to work. The moles and I would be building a good relationship I feel, as they could help me have better chances going forward. If I fail in this then there would be long and painful days and nights for me looming ahead and I do my best to avoid those.
-Seth's POV-
I once again was curious where Saber went when he disappeared as he had just seemed to vanish into the crowd. By the shards of my egg I hatched from, how does he do it? How does he just vanish at any time he wants? I have the ability to use the shadow element, yet I cannot do that at all and there have been times I wish I could do so. Yet, he can do it without the shadow element, I was a little jealous that he could.
Cyra and I began walking with Spectra towards the temple, Cyra was excitedly telling Spectra about the adventure in her way that she has. When Cyra gets excited she walks like she has a wind blowing in short bursts under her wings as she flapped them. I wondered if Cyra knew that she flapped her wings and swished her tail to and fro as she talked. The motions that she used to embellish her storytelling was still an odd thing she does. I had no complaints about her doing so, I had gotten used to the way Cyra is, mostly. As Cyra kept going on with the story, Spectra started to giggle, "It sounds like you two had quite an adventure, and at least you were able to help get Nightbane, Nightmare, and Ruben back home safely," Spectra said.
That reminded me of a question I wanted to ask Spectra as she might be in a position to know the answer, "Hey Spectra was Ruben's assignment to find and help Nightbane and Nightmare?"
Spectra turned to me, "Indeed that was why he was sent," she replied.
But if that was the case, then why kept that a secret when others asked? Was there something more to what had them out there than was being said? "Then why keep that a secret? Neither Spyro nor any of us were told why or where Ruben was sent to. If it was just a search for them then it would not need to be a secret."
Spectra frowned at my comment, "I agree with you Seth however, the decision was not an easy one. I disagreed with it along with Solara, but the choice was made by majority vote," my sister returned.
That came as a bit of a shock to me as the guardians normally all agreed before a decision was made. For them to decide something divided was somewhat worrisome for a couple of reasons and it happened so rarely as far as I knew. "But for someone to be sent when the six guardians are divided on the decision does not make sense," I said.
Spectra looked at me surprised though I do not know why she was. Cyra tilted her head to the right slightly, then spoke up, "Hey Seth why are you saying things like Saber does," Cyra questioned.
What does she mean? I took a moment and realized that she is right, Saber has said that what the guardians do sometimes does not make sense, more than once as I recall. Maybe there was more to what Saber said and his view than it seemed at first, but that is for later consideration. Spectra shook her head and started to laugh, "It would appear that you befriending Saber has been the best thing to happen to you Seth," she remarked.
What does Spectra mean by that, I mean befriending Saber has been good in my view, but it is not the same as Spectra is saying I think. "What do you mean Spectra," I inquired.
"Ever since you have started to spend time around Saber you have become more confident in yourself. You have begun to speak your mind and make your opinion heard. You even have learned to fight and have gained experience as well," Spectra iterated. "It is a most welcome change, I was starting to worry that you would be shy for a long while before opening up. I worried that you were not learning at the same pace as you are growing."
I was a bit taken aback at this for I really did not think I have changed that much, but looking back I see how right Spectra is. Ever since I had met Saber things have been changing for the better in a few ways. It had been easier to speak up after having conversations with Saber, I felt that I can say anything and not be thought of as a fool around him. He helps me see that it is pointless to think about what could happen and focus on what I can make happen. I smiled at my realization on how much Saber had taught me and I have had not seen it until now.
-Saber pov-
I had a satisfied smile on my face as I made my way to the temple when the hour I had 'asked for' before meeting with the Guardians. Okay, maybe the smile isn't the best way of putting it, more a smirk than a smile and with viable reason. I could say with a good deal of confidence that I would come out of a confrontation with fewer injuries than I would have before the fifty minutes I had to work on the new tool I created! Yes, I was covered in sweat and dirt as a result of the work, but it would be worth it, I personally guarantee that. I looked down and my left arm that was now covered by a heavy leather sleeve I got the moles. I will admit the burns that I had received from the working around the forge did smart a good amount, though the mole had things on hand to treat injuries. In the end, I had lost the majority of my left sleeve in my activity as well which I was substituting the leather sleeve with that was strapped around my shoulder.
This did bring up the point that I would need to think about getting some new clothes in the near future for myself. However, it had been worth every burn and my left sleeve and everything else that had gone into my work for the result spoke for themselves! I smirking once again thinking about the surprise that was ready for use if the need arose. And I feel there was a fair chance the need would come up, not a guarantee, but I'm prepared. I can pride myself in the fact that my knack of preparing for the worst case isn't well developed for a false reason. Due to my bad luck that frequently made appearances, I have had opportunities to practice prep for the worst-case scenario.
I reached the temple and went inside with a heavy feeling of foreboding in my heart and that was never a good sign, but at least it wasn't my danger signal… yet. I guess I will see how long it takes my bad luck to kick in, with its normal timing, it will unlikely be very long, if I go off the status quo. As I may have mentioned, my bad luck is as dependable as clockwork in the frequency and precision it strikes me.
So, as I made my way to the council chamber, I had to wonder about one fact in particular that came to mind. That fact being who in the hell had the bright idea to build the council chamber on the top floor of a six-dragon story building instead of the ground floor. I know for space purposes, it is more efficient to go vertical more than horizontal when it came to buildings but come on! What kind of world-class idiot had this stupid idea?! Then a second, more worrisome thought popped into my mind and I couldn't help but gulp at the thought. Should I fall or be sent out a window from the sixth floor, it would be a very, very long way down for me to plummet. From what I have seen so far from the scale of dragons versus humans when it comes to size, it is somewhere around five to one, perhaps a tad more. With that in mind that is approximately thirty stories to fall. I would very much like, not fall that far if I didn't have to!
I found myself all too soon standing in front of the large door to the council chamber and before I continued, I swallowed nervously, took a deep breath and calmed myself. I then knocked on the door or rather banged to make sure I was heard inside. The door opened all too quick for my liking and I took a deep breath then stepped into the room. As I walked through the door, I felt like I was coming into a courtroom in cuffs, coming down the rows of benches about to be put on a serious trial! And let me tell you, the feeling is uncomfortable in ways that word don't accurately say.
In front of me were the six guardians from before sitting in a semicircle on the other side of the room. Terrador was in the middle in the head honcho position and the look on his face directed at me was definitely not a happy one. In fact, to say he was between irritated and angry would be my assessment and that was definitely not a good start in my favor. Nevertheless, I kind of expected that from Terrador as he and I really didn't hit it off well and I doubt that would change anytime soon. I glanced to the left of Terrador to see the expressions on the three guardians to the left. Cyril who was direct to the left of Terrador had a harsh cold look set on his face, so no help there. In fact, from what I saw, all the male dragons were looking rather miffed and that was directed at yours truly.
My hopes were sinking lower then what they were getting back to Warfang or even before entering, and those hopes had been LOW, to begin with! I knew my chances of coming to an understanding with the guardians would be slim to none, but not this close to none! Spectra was thankfully not sporting a dark expression, but more a worried one for I would assume me and my traveling companions. Yet that was what I would expect as she was one of the few that knew of this journey before we left. The gray dragon Huron had a straight face though his eyes looked thoughtful, the only male that wasn't glaring at me. As I had expected Huron was as he had been before unreadable so, I didn't know what to expect. At least those two didn't hurt my standing at the moment and I wasn't doing well, to say the least. I switched my sight to the right of Terrador to see the other two guardians. Volteer's expression was surprising, he wasn't chattering away like he did whenever I was around him. No, he was extremely ticked about this situation. Lastly, there was Solara to the right of Volteer, she looked… calm, how she was so calm I couldn't begin to figure, yet I won't complain about it.
To say that I was starting to get a tad nervous at this point wasn't untrue, but I was not worried for myself but for my traveling companions. And I think my chances of us coming to a mutual understanding are horrendously at zero. Talk about your judge and jury condemning you before the start and giving of one's defense and that's unfair. I feel like I am already judged to be guilty before I had a chance to defend myself for the actions in question! Hell, I doubted I was going to get a chance to say anything, on that we shall see. I glanced over to my immediate left and saw Seth and Cyra were facing the guardians as there were in the same boat as myself.
Terrador cleared his throat to bring everyone in the room to order, "I believe we all know why we are gathered here today," he stated. I had to say that is was a rather cryptic start to this reprimand, I had a very bad feeling about this, yet I still felt no danger signal going off at this time. Terrador continued, "The three of you, have committed an error."
"Agreed Terrador," Cyril said turning to where Seth, Cyra and I were, "the three of you have been foolish."
I suppose I should expect that from the blue dragon, from all the things I had heard about him, I guess that is what adult dragons do, I think. When I gazed over at Cyra, she was looking down at the floor after that statement. Seth wasn't looking at the floor yet, but it was heading that way as Cyra's was. I, on the other hand, wasn't ashamed and didn't show any regret for the trek done or the results that came with them. I would defend the choice for myself, Cyra and Seth to the utmost and if that meant arguing and even fight the Guardian, then so freaking be it! I knew this would come and I had accepted it and was ready to take the consequence of the venture. However, Seth and Cyra wouldn't be punished as I would, I would make sure of that before I am forcibly removed from this room by whatever means I am! I felt a feeling of righteous anger start to kindle in me and that was bolstering me.
"Do the three of you realize what could have happened to you," chided Volteer.
By this point, I've had enough of these accusations from the guardians and their chiding. I was certainly not going to just stand by and take this crap gosh dang it, let alone allow both my friends endure this! Plus, they are missing the point in this entire journey that we went on and the results are the important point in all of this! It was as Cyril spoke up that I was coming to my decision, "Seth and Cyra, you, in particular, should know better."
Okay, I can take the rap and crap that is dished out at me and in this instance, I have earned it and this was one of those. But I won't let others do that to my friends while I'm able to anything about it, even if those doing it were the ones they saw as their teachers. If anyone was to blame in this, it was me and I would take the fall and I would make sure of that. "Hey," I snapped. "It is not their fault, it is mine! So, if you want someone to blame for this here I am, blame me then get over yourself." It was high time that someone shows the guardians that they aren't all-knowing, and they can be wrong just like everyone else. The would hear what I would say and I'm loyal to my friends no matter what happens to me, "I was the one who asked and convinced Seth and Cyra to go with me on this journey!"
Terrador glared at me and I returned his gaze, "Although you are our guess this is pushing your luck Saber," he said.
I couldn't stop the laughter that came at Terrador's comment as it was hysterical when applied to me. The magnitude of comedy came from me knowing my luck as I did and it had been a while since that kind of talk was applied to me! "Terrador or I guess this would be to all you guardians, pushing my luck is a daily thing for me. You have no idea how powerful my bad luck is and you should be thankful that you are ignorant. It is a challenge every day to survive in my shoes nevertheless, I believe you are missing a huge point in all of this!"
"What point do you say we are missing," Cyril said in a non-friendly tone as if daring me to answer.
With me being myself, I wasn't one to disappoint someone who extends a dare to me. My issue is which I was getting rather ticked at is the Guardians only putting the blame for negative things of this venture instead of looking at the good that came from it. When I get ticked, I use sarcasm more and to insult without really thinking the idea through. An unfortunate shortcoming of mine, "Hmm let me see! Maybe the point of us," I put a hand to my chin, "oh I do not know, saving Nightbane, Nightmare, and Ruben." I shrugged "That is unless you did not want that to happen?"
The shocked expressions on everyone's faces from the last line I had said were more an answer in this than anything. I, however, ignored them and continued, "Yet none of you seem the type to do that kind of thing. Still, I cannot see doing nothing and leaving those three to be tortured by the apes being all that much better or different than that." I focused my gaze on the Guardians, sending the ball to their side of the court "So, care to explain the sense of that to us? If you do that, then feel free to reprimand to your heart's content afterward, if you can explain your reasoning to a satisfying standard that is?"
I waited for their defense and explanation, "That is not what was planned or the point," said Huron.
No, I wasn't going to let that answer fly, not with what Seth Cyra and I had dealt with. I swung around to face Huron for I hadn't expected the wind dragon to come into this discussion at all. I sniffed at his statement, "You say that and you can continue to say that all you like if it makes you feel better and sleep at night, keep doing so," I shot back. "However, the fact of the matter is they were being beaten and tortured while you were planning and doing nothing." I held out a hand, "Now, I agreed that planning does make chances of success better. And where caution is good and all, yet there comes a point that it becomes a harmful detriment."
Terrador spoke up at that point and he was glaring at me, "That is enough that is not what this meeting is about," he replied
Changing the subject to cover yourselves, that's not going to happen while I'm in the room! I had always been taught by Master Kai that when you do something wrong to admit it and improve yourself for the better. So, I was not about to say silently in this and let them wave off the point I had brought up. "Of course, you are supposed to be all-knowing and infallible, why would you admit something that can be seen as a bad call," I said in a disparaging tone. "Please, do not tell me that you dragons do not believe the philosophy as I believe the idea goes, 'using the ends to justify the means'. I think it is a good and viable thing in this situation and others like it." I caught Seth's gaze who was giving me a confused look I would guess what I had just said. I sighed slightly at this, "What I mean is the result is what counts and matters, the way it is obtained is not really the issue."
"That is all well and good," spoke Volteer and I turned to the dragon, "But the actions taken were wrong."
The longer this went on, the more it irked me for what does it freaking matter how something gets done as long as it gets done?! My use of sarcasm was increasing the more frustrated I got. I laughed, "Wrong, was it? Is it wrong because we went without your knowledge and your permission, or was it wrong because you were not the ones who thought of it and sent us? Oh wait, maybe it is really because you were not willing to do it yourself, I don't know, but what do you all think?!"
Oh, my sarcasm was getting thicker and thicker, and I was dishing the good stuff out which I don't do to this point often. I felt someone's paw step on my foot and when I glanced over to my left slightly and notice that it was Cyra that was stepping on my foot. Fine I will try to be nice for Cyra, it will be up to the Guardians to defuse the situation the rest of the way. "I am not trying to undermine your way of doing things. It may appear that I am, but I am asking you to see things in a little different way. It is never bad to look at a situation in a different way than you did the first time," I said in an even tone.
"I would say that Saber has a point," Spectra spoke in my defense. "We need to keep an open mind these days. They were able to help Nightbane and Nightmare get back to Warfang even Ruben was with them. The other point is that they came back unharmed which with the idea of traveling around Pyria is very unlikely."
I wanted to shake Spectra's paw in thanks, she understood what I was getting at. Okay, your Honor, maybe I had gone a tad far in my sarcastic insulting and I would apologize to the guardians later. After all, I'm not a bad or evil person at heart, I try to be nice when I can and apologize for the things that slip out occasionally. I was feeling hopeful in the chances I had in this and the situation would end nicely. However, my feelings of hopefulness vanished the second I met Terrador's eyes. He wasn't buying what Spectra was saying.
All righty then, I take back my previous statement your Honor! There will be no apology and I certainly won't be stopping on the sarcastic insulting now! I'm just getting warmed up and my prep will be proven wonderfully! I decided to just start the impending argument with Terrador, most likely Cyril and probably Volteer as well. I glared back at Terrador with a gleam of defiance. It is better, I have found to get things like this over and done with, why let them build up when you didn't need to?! "If you have something to say to me Terrador, then just come out and say it! I see no reason to as we humans put it 'beat around the bush' so, out with what you want to say," I posed.
"It is obvious that you hold contempt to those in charge, your actions and manners make that clear," Terrador said this with controlled anger.
It was looking like Terrador and I weren't going to get along for a while, I knew that from the first moment I had met him, but things were just becoming worse. I grunted an affirmative at that statement, "Well, I will certainly not deny that I do not get along well with those in authority. Yet, if you are inferring that you are in such a position, then stop, because you have still not shown any qualities that such a job requires. I do not give my respect to just anyone, you have to earn it! You guardians have yet to do anything to earn it and by what I have seen and heard you have a lot to change before you do," I iterated
There was silence after I spoke for almost a minute, then Cyril snorted at my answer, "You need to learn manners young one."
Manners he says, ha ha ha I'll show him manners! My best manners for those I don't have much… no, scratch that, ones I have no respect for. Okay my wonderful sarcastic wit, time to prove yourself and shine! I turned to Cyril and put my hand to my chin and tilted my head slightly as if I were in thought and said with as much sarcasm as possible what I thought of his statement. "Manners huh? Here I thought manners meant being nice to others but silly me, apparently manners mean blindly doing what you are told even if it is obviously stupid. How could I have been so clueless about the definition of manners for so many years? Oh, Cyril, you have shown me the light and error of my ways," I mused.
Okay, maybe I might have laid that on a bit thick but come on, that was sarcasm at some of its finest! Besides, Cyril was blatantly asking for it and I am what one might call an opportunist and proud to be so too. "I thought you were different yet, you blatantly come out and insult us," Volteer said.
They are only now realizing that I'm insulting them when I have been pretty much been slapping them in the face sarcastically speaking! That is actually kind of sad, to tell the truth, still, I turned to Volteer and tilted my head to the side. "Uh no, I would not say that I am insulting you, directly at least, I am being blunt and sarcastic actually and that is different. Sometimes being blunt is the best way to get a point across, sad but true, adding Sarcasm is just a bonus to the delivery," I replied.
The tension in the air was getting very thick by now and with the crap I've been dealing with recently, the tension was refreshing. Seth and Cyra were trying to get me to stop with their expressions and body language. However, I couldn't do so, this had gone to the point of no return a while ago! We were finally getting somewhere with this and I was not about to bring it to a halt! Terrador had his hindquarters raised and his lips began to curl to show his fangs. My danger sense was blaring at me now and crazily so. Thankfully, I was smart enough to have Yubashiri clipped into place on my belt before coming here. My right hand went to the hilt of Yubashiri and settled into a defensive stance. "Anytime, anywhere Terrador, I will not be intimidated by you, so just name the time and place, then we will have us a rumble. That said, bring it, and do not think your size will give you an advantage over me. I have beaten many opponents who were bigger than me," I stated.
I focused on Terrador as he did the same with me, "You could be a danger to dragons and I will protect them all," he said.
This dragon is treading a dangerous road, but then so am I, "A danger? I refer to the standard legal answer with that, even if you do not understand what that means, and that is it depends. Will you put me in the position that I will have to be a danger to some dragons? Because, I will not simply stand and let another do what they feel like to me when I do not agree," I returned, while the other guardians shifted uneasily.
I took one step forward and planted my feet squarely on the floor for a solid defense and readied myself to fight. This was inevitable from the beginning, Terrador and I fighting, our personalities just clash too much for us to not butt heads. Cyril moved forward in between Terrador and myself, "Now Terrador calm down. He might have said some things he should not have, but this is not worth a fight," he said.
Seth came up beside me and made his attempts to stop me, like Cyril was for Terrador, "Saber stop this, it is crazy. You cannot fight Terrador, he will beat you," Seth reasoned.
I heard Seth, but I wasn't inclined to listen to him, I was completely focused on Terrador. Joy, what a cheerleader I have, no? "Thanks for the vote of confidence," I said, "just have some faith in me. You need to understand Seth, that there are some disagreements that cannot be settled by talking! Those disagreements are settled better and faster by fighting out the differences of opinion! And I may surprise you and beat Terrador, but then again I very well might lose. Either way, the matter will be settled through this fight. I am prepared, so do not worry."
Spectra started forward at that moment, "Both of you stop this at once, this accomplishes nothing."
That's what she thinks, but I would disagree, there really are times where talking just doesn't cut it. Terrador and I kept getting closer, Terrador was showing me a clear view of his fangs and I had to say they looked very sharp, but so what? I had Yubashiri, let's see his scales stop my blade dead when I do a hard thrust. The differences that there were between us wouldn't dissuade me from this. So, I answered Spectra in the best way I could, "No can do Spectra. It would appear that the males of the dragon race are not all that different than human males when it comes to settling situations that cannot be done with compromising. We have the tendency to duke it out and that is fine by me."
I started to smile as Terrador and I drew closer as I felt the adrenaline begin to pump in me. That means to me that it's time to draw the line in the sand, "Just to confirm the point of this Terrador, this is not a fight for the title of 'Alpha Male' here, it is to settle our differences of opinion. As for the rest of you all, I would recommend you move to the sideline and stay out of this so that you do not get hurt."
We were by now, in close proximity to one another. So we began to circle each other, studying one another. I knew that Terrador was looking for a weak point in my defenses as I was doing the same with him. He may not be the best leader, but when it came to fighting, I could see the signs that he knew what he was doing. Terrador suddenly swung his tail around at me, to which I performed an amazing backflip out of the way avoiding his tail by a couple of inches. I landed two feet behind from where I started. I rushed forward drawing Yubashiri as I went and swung hard at Terrador's left side landing a blow with the flat of the blade. There was an audible smack with the shot I had landed and Terrador stumbles a few steps to his right.
The next thing I register, I was hit with a column of earth that came out of the floor. I was sent flying ten feet and I had to say, earth hitting you really can hurt! I bounced against the floor only once before I curled into a ball to spin myself around to recover and moved my feet under myself. I connected both of my feet to the floor and slid a couple of feet before I stopped and came back up to a defensive stance. I breathed evenly and kept calm for I knew if I was to have any chance in this fight I would need to keep calm and not lose my head!
Terrador lowered his head, so that I couldn't miss his horns and then charged at me. I jumped to the right and rolled around Terrador as he rushed passed me. I came out of the rollback on my feet like I had meant to do so from the start. The second I was I sprinted at him as fast as I could my sword held horizontal and stiff, slamming the base of his tail with the back side of my sword hard. Terrador slid about twenty feet away from me. He was reeling from the impact I had delivered. He turned around to face me and rush forward at me again and I sidestepped him but missed the motion of his head. He swung his head and hit me hard and I was sent into the wall opposite the main door with a slam.
The wind was knocked out of me with a huff at the moment I had made contact with the wall and came to an abrupt halt. I collapsed to the floor gasping, trying to breathe and get much-needed air in me. It was the only reflex that got me to my feet for my mind was still reeling from the impact. My will of not wanting to lose is strong and could get me through a lot of punishment! I shook my head to clear my vision and to get my dazed mind back in working order. I could hear someone approaching me and I assumed it to be Terrador and knew I was running out of time and options. I focused on my feelings of determination and felt a surge of energy go through me. I heard gasps from different directions and I brought my head up and my sword to the ready. Now, however, Yubashiri was covered with arcing electricity knowing that my swords reach was now extended.
My vision had cleared to a degree so, I could see Terrador's look of surprise. I smiled at him, "You did not think I would be an easy opponent, now did you," I posed.
I barely notice a ringing in my ears from the impact, but I ignored it for the time being and refocused on the fight. Terrador opened his maw and I got a glimpse of green light and a split second later, my mind then registered what that green light meant. As with all dragons and dragonesses, when they use their element a light normally forms at the maw and from that light comes the elemental shot. I leaped to the right and got out of the way in the nick of time. I turned my head to the left slightly to see what looked like a rock stalactite shot pass me. I didn't have the time to move back to a defensive stance before another rock stalactite was shot at me. I barely had time to use Yubashiri to block the blunt force the rock was sent with. Yet, when it hit Yubashiri the rock shattered into small fragments and those didn't stop.
Those pieces went past Yubashiri and pummeled my body and I was sent backward, I would guess ten feet at least. I sunk to my right knee and covered my mouth with my left hand and begun to cough. When I brought my hand away I saw that there was a noticeable amount of blood that I had coughed up. This didn't bode well for me. If I was already to the point that I was coughing up blood, then I was in trouble. Still, that wouldn't stop me in this fight, only when I can't move and fight anymore will I concede!
I glared at Terrador, feelings of unbound anger and thirst for vengeance swelling up in me. It was only as a red tint began encroaching in of the field of my vision that I realized this was getting out of hand. The red tint was a warning to me that the bad voice who I refer to as Shae is having an influence on me. With the things Shae had manipulated me into doing, he is nothing but trouble and I knew that. I shook my head in refusal to that and made my answer mentally clear, while mental shouting, 'You stay the hell out of my business Shae! Your malicious influence is not needed or wanted so butt the hell out and go away!'
The red tint receded from my vision as did the feelings of raw anger and vengeance. The world around me came back fully and once again my reflexes helped me get back up to my feet. I caught a glimpse of Terrador charging at me again and I knew this fight was over. My argument with Shae had cost me throwing the fight and so, I had lost, simple as that and worse as well. I felt surprisingly relaxed in this knowledge, as I felt my body clench up preparing for the hit that was coming. I heard a voice shout and someone scream, "Wait Terrador! STOP!"
I couldn't tell who had spoken or screamed, still as unfortunately as it was already too late for that. The impact of Terrador ramming me sent me flying and I smashed against the stain-glass window that was on one of the sides of the chamber that didn't have doors. The window shattered with a loud crash and my momentum kept me going. I really didn't even feel the not small number of glass shards cut into me as I went through the window. Nevertheless, the shattering of glass acted as a final wakeup call before I started falling downward. I had a brief time of mental clarity right after I smashed through the window. The last shot of adrenaline gave me enough of that clarity to react. I had fitted to my left forearm what I had built during the time that I had before the meeting, the object that had earned me the many burns. What could be my last chance at not becoming a splatter of organic stuff on the ground below when I hit!
The device was attached to a metal brace that fitted to my left arm with one long piece that had a two-inch width and was about thirteen inches in length with two leather straps firmly connected to it. Connected to the metal brace, was a weapon that had three crescent-shaped pieces of reinforced steel eight-inches long that were sharp on the outside yet blunt on the inside. They were configured in a 'claw' formation with two on one side and one on the other and when closed they fit between each other.
The mechanical system in that drum that the claws were attached to had even impressed the moles. I don't think they have seen motors and hydraulics before and they had been really interested. There was a second drum behind the first one that was used to store the resilient chain I had employed linked to the claw drum. That, in turn, worked with the hydraulics to launch the claw out as far as the chain would allow which should be around five to six meters. The whole system was controlled by two collections of cables, one connected to rings on my fingers and the other to my thumb. My thumb controlled the system the launching and recall of the claw, my other fingers control the opening and closing.
I had used the mechanical piece from stuff I had with me and I then used what the moles had to integrate the two simple motors into the weapon. I even built in a way for the claw to be stored when not in use. The moles even asked me to teach them how to build and use the motors and hydraulic system. I called this weapon by part of the name of the idea that had inspired me to a great extent, on the construction 'the hookshot'. However, since it doesn't use a hook I went with the name 'the Grapple shot' instead.
It was now time that I put my recently built Grapple shot to a field test and see its practical use. I flipped the switch on the side and the vise claw cylinder came out to the ready position. At the same time, I undid the ties on the leather sleeve to expose the grapple shot and give it a clear path. I raised my left arm and aimed at the wood poles that stuck out at the top of every floor so I would guess support the structure.
My vision was getting blurry and a grey tunnel was starting to appear at the edge, my consciousness was slipping. I did catch sight of two blurs above, but I knew I was running out of time, so I focused on the task I needed to do. I manipulated the controls to have the claw open, and then launch it out. There was a quiet boom from hydraulic system releasing the air pressure as the claw detached and shot up. It flew up and the chain pouring out from the drum with a great deal of force. I heard the claw hit one of the wood poles and I closed the claw on the wood as the chain kept coming out from the drum. There came a jerk when the chain was at its full length though I barely noticed the pain, I was too far out of it.
As I felt two bodies grabbing me, I gave a quiet laugh, "People say I prepare too much, well how now brown cow," I muttered before everything went black for me.
-Seth's pov-
Cyra and I had leaped out the window after Saber had been sent through it and started falling down towards the ground. Saber as he fell he used something on his left arm that looked like a claw with a chain connected to it. The claw grabbed one of the wooden supports for the roof and the chain brought Saber to a stop from falling. We flew down to where Saber hung, the chain linked to the claw looked to be attached to something on his left arm. I gave Saber a quick check and sighed in relief that he was alive, once again he had defied all odds and survived, the unusual tool he had saving his life.
The red starting to show did not bode well for Saber though, going through the window had not done well for him. That he had fought Terrador at all was crazy and in the end, he had lost, but Saber had held his own for longer than I thought he would. Cyra held onto Saber while I got the claw off the support it was holding on to and we slowly brought him down to the ground below. We were met by all of the guardians even Terrador as we set Saber down gently, he already being unconscious.
"Seth do you think Saber will be okay," asked Cyra worriedly.
I looked over at Cyra, then back at Saber, "I don't know, but this is Saber we are talking about. He can survive a lot that others cannot, he has shown that for as long as we have known him," I answered, for it was the best I could come up with.
"Seth is correct, Cyra," Spectra said. We both turned to my sister who had just spoken and she smiled at the both of us, "You two do very well good job." Spectra then swung around and gave Terrador a cold glare that made the dragon flinch, "As for you Terrador, what were YOU THINKING," snarled Spectra.
Cyra and I stared at Spectra, because I know I have not seen Sister this mad for a long while! Spectra is not one that can be ticked off or get mad easily, she is usually calm most of the time. So, for her to be snarling like this at another Guardian no less, I have never seen her do this. Terrador took a step back, "Well I… was," he started.
Spectra and Solara cut Terrador off at the same time, "YOU WERE NOT THINKING AT ALL," they shrieked.
It looked like both dragonesses were about to rip into Terrador, but a blast of wind and sound stopped the conversation. We all turned to see Huron along with Nightmare standing with serious looks on their faces, Nightbane and Ruben were standing a little behind them. "Now everyone calm down, bickering is not help anyone in this," stated Huron. "First let us get Saber so healing, Seth and Cyra please take Saber to the healer wing."
I nodded at Huron before I went over to where Saber was got under him and slid him onto my back. Cyra was behind me keeping an eye to make sure that Saber did not fall and we started off to the healer's wing. It had to be said for Saber, he had stood his ground against those who most would not and had done so without hesitation.
When Cyra and I got to the Healer's Wing, Saber was transferred to a bed. From there red crystal was used to try and help heal the injuries Saber had and there were quite a number of them. As time moved forward and we saw more, I tried to guess where Saber could have got the injuries and scars that he had. He had mentioned nothing about anything that might do the harm I was seeing the marks for.
-Saber's pov-
The feeling of warmth from something being pressed against me registered and that got my body to start working again be it slowly. My brain began to start back up and it took time to begin to comprehend what was going on. Vague memories were going around my head, the fight with Terrador, my refusal to heed Shae. My eyelids were heavy as I tried to open them, but I did eventually managed it and found my vision to be very blurry. I couldn't help the groan that escaped me as the pain was starting to register by my brain and it wasn't pleasant at all. I felt pain all over my body coming in, meaning my brain was up and running again just most likely not at full steam.
The sound of voices around me beat upon me, but I really couldn't tell who the voices belonged to. Those voices for all I know could be in my head, I have those, more of them since getting to the Dragon Realm. That's not to say that I don't hear voices even after all the years I have attempted to shut them out, there is just more of them now. Honestly, I'm not sure if it's just me or if my mind is just under a great deal more stress than it has been.
As the world was still swimming and nothing was getting clearer, I closed my eyes and opened them again and opened them with little change. My breathing wasn't the best, certainly not regular for me, and just breathing hurt somewhat. I tried to lift my head off whatever I was splayed, but pain burst inside my head in the form of a skull fracturing headache that demanded my attention. I hissed in pain and dropped back down to the surface under me, which was soft at least, which I would take. With the pain I was experiencing, I definitely came off the worse in the fight with Terrador.
"Saber are you okay," asked a male voice.
I twisted my head slowly and looked over to my right to see the source of the voice, which was someone with black scales, I would guess Seth. I managed to cough and smile painfully, "Well, I went crashing through a glass window and fell a good distance before coming to an abrupt halt. Now, I feel pain over most of my body from my activities which I did to get here. Still, I got to test a new toy-I mean weapon uh… tool, yes that would be the best term well, whatever. So overall I would say I will be fine given more time than usual to recover," I replied.
"We were so worried," interjected Cyra.
I turned my head slowly so that I didn't make the headache any worse to see Cyra on my other side. It would seem that I had made some very loyal friends here other than Spyro and Cynder. I haven't really had anyone worry about me like this that I can remember for a long while and it feels nice. Maybe being in the dragon realm won't be so bad after all as long as I keep the stupid stunts done down to a minimum. I relaxed back in the bed or whatever this surface was and fell back into the embrace of unconsciousness.
A/n
And that's where chapter 17 will leave off, hope you're liking the rewrite please some of you take the time to write reviews, thank you for reading this.