A/n
Here is the next chapter, again the story in general overall has not change, but details have, so enjoy the story!
Chapter 18: The Time of Recovery
-Neutral pov-
The philosophy that one mood can be replaced by another is a commonly understood one, but it is impossible to leave attunement altogether. However, profound boredom brings us as close to a state of un-attunement as we can come, and boredom is easy to come to an individual. Boredom is an enemy to sanity and good thoughts as history are rather good at proving though we wish not to admit it. With Saber confined to a bed for his recovery, boredom quickly became an unwanted companion. Saber tried to rid himself of the feeling, but it wouldn't leave him be as his body was on the road to recovering health.
-Saber's pov-
I was lying in the same bed that I'd been forced to be in since my mishap that involved me fighting Terrador. The passage of time hadn't lost meaning yet, but it certainly had less influence in my view lately. Perhaps it is the boredom that in pretty much constant with me not too long after I found myself in this bed, it could be something else, but I find it unlikely. My recovery was going much slower than I would like personally, yet of course, I get no say in the matter. No, I wasn't tied down yet, but what my body was getting over made sure I didn't have the ability to do enough that I may as well be bound.
To say my injuries that I'd been collecting as of late were biting me in the rear isn't wrong, as much as it pains me to admit. What I had gotten from Terrador simply tipped the scales and made it so I couldn't ignore the things my body had been taking. The rest I was being forced to get was needed, but that doesn't mean that I like having to do little to nothing. Catching up on my sleep was sort of nice, but again, the forced aspect was unwelcome to me. The standing issue that I have not been able to dismiss was that I was flipping bored out of my mind. Having nothing to do is never a good thing for me, tends to lead to problematic situations and I avoid bringing more of those than I already deal with on a regular basis.
Thoughts that were going through my mind were not ones I like entertaining if I don't have to most of the time. Idle time is my enemy as much as the devil himself is, so I like to keep occupied as best I can and right now I'm unable. This was one of the major reasons I'm not fond of doctor's offices, healer's clinics or any other medical type of place because I tend to do little to nothing. I know it is their job to help one's recovery and I have nothing against those in that line of work or profession whatsoever. But come on, does the patient have to be bored out of their mind while they're recovering?!
Seth and Cyra had left after they had been assured that I would be fine, they had said they had other things to do. They did come and visit me at least once a day, which is nice of them, but as I'm stuck here, I don't feel inclined to be pleasant. When someone says they have something else to do, I think that just sounded like a stinking convenient excuse to be able to leave a place! I wish I could have such an easy one to use to exit this wing of the temple, but no matter how many ways I've said it, I get told no!
I assure you, I had other things to do too yet here I am still stuck in a bed doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! It doesn't have to be anything valuable or entertaining, I'm willing to low the standard! It would be nice to do something other than lay on the bed, yet it still hurt to put all that much weight on my legs at the moment. So, probably not wise to walk around, for the time being, that being said, I found myself sighing at my situation that I was left to often enough. I would even take a visit from IC and get into a name-calling match just to pass the time, I was that bored.
Well, looking on the bright side of how things currently were, I was getting better than where I had been after the talk with the Guardians. I still had a lot of bandages covering a good majority of my body, but I could be in a worse position. I could have hit the ground after crashing through the window and going thirty stories down… *shiver* actually, I really don't want to think about that outcome, it would be really messy!
And like I mentioned, I've had a couple of visitors, so at least I have had others to talk to other than the healers. Said healers really don't talk to you other than to ask you questions about how your condition is and so BORING! Of course, Seth and Cyra were the first, but I was just waking up at that time. Spectra and Solara had been the next ones to see how I was, they had apologized for what had happened. I had told them it was okay and that I would recover and not to worry. The next set of visitors was the ones I didn't expect, namely Cyril, Volteer and to my extreme surprise Terrador. The three had apologized about what had happened and I had accepted their apology. What had gone down between Terrador and me had been my fault to a degree and I take responsibility for that. The other visitor that had come to see me was Ruben and we had taken that time to get better acquainted with one another and had become quick friends.
I had asked all those who had visited me where Spyro was since I hadn't seen him lately for I kind of wonder. Knowing Spyro and how he is, I really expected that he would be in here to see me first when he heard what I had done. Yet, I had learned that he along with Cynder and accompanied by IC had been sent to investigate a rumor of a group of dragons having been seen to the east. I worried a little, but at least the Guardians weren't sending those two out individually for the time being and that was an improvement. I'm curious what Spyro would say after he was told I was in the healer wing and the circumstances that put me here. The fight I had with Terrador would unlikely sit well with him, but I'm one that doesn't follow authority figures unless I see a reason to. Going through the windows of the council chamber to end up in here, it was one hell of a story I could say, and I am the one who lived it!
It was when I was told had been close to two weeks had gone by since I got to the healer wing though it seemed much longer than that, things change finally. In the evening time, one of the healers came into my room and asked me to try walking which I hope meant there was a chance for me to get out. I did what I was told though putting weight on legs was still painful, it was nowhere near what it had been earlier, and I kept my expression masked to not show the pain. I would do what I could to get out of the healer wing, and I wasn't lying about my condition, just not mentioning some points.
I managed to walk enough to convince the dragons I was healed enough to leave and then I was FINALLY released with me having to promise to take it easy on myself! I promised that in a heartbeat, and I would try my best, but things happen and I won't deny that. I still had bandages wrapped around my legs, arms and upper part of my chest and back. Apparently, I was told that crashing through that window did one incredible number to my back, which took most of the glass shards that hit me. My back is already a mess from the things Uncle Douchebag did to me as I have many marks and scars from the many beatings and whippings he gave me over the years. I dislike others seeing my back, it brings up questions I would rather not answer, so better for others not to see it.
Back to the healers saying that I would need to exercise every day, I would do what I promised, yet little did they know I do that anyway and I am proud to say I have yet to miss a single morning for eight years running. That had been broken by the last near two weeks, but I WOULD MAKE UP FOR THAT! True, I would need to tone down my routine for a bit, still other than that it wouldn't change as that was a part of me. I slowly made my way to my room for the night, and the small comfort of being able to sleep in your own bed is something I will never take for granted again! It felt incredible to crawl into the bed which was pretty much mine, let me tell you.
The next morning, I decided to go find Seth and Cyra to show them that I was out of the healer wing and I'm proud of that fact. It had the good thinking to pack extra clothing in my pack, I had one set still, the other was in horrible condition. Up until that point, I had nothing else to wear and I will leave it at that, so I needed to get something to work with. My current attire was starting to be a tad embarrassing. Both my shirt and pants had a lot of rips, in fact, I had to make my pants shorts because of this deterioration. My shirt, which had been a medium length sleeve that went down to my elbows, now was almost to my shoulders. The hem of the shirt was getting higher as well. In other words, it was high time to get some new clothes. Dragon kind doesn't apparently have any view or understanding of modesty. However, they don't wear clothes, so I suppose that is understandable. I was hoping Seth and Cyra could help me out on finding a place I could get clothing made.
It took me an hour to get myself ready and head out to find the two I could call friends here in the Dragon Realm. I was walking a tad slower than I would normally, my body was still working on recovery. I was sore after morning routines, but it did help somewhat as the muscles were stretching as they should. My routines were doing what physical therapy would for the healing process, that's what I say and I'm sticking to it.
My search for the dragon and dragoness I was wanting to find took me time, I started at the top tier with the temple and worked my way from there. I was ignored by most out and about, but that was pretty normal for me and I don't complain about that. I did finally spot Seth and Cyra in the garden on the north side of the upper tier of Warfang after searching for a time. "Yo Seth and Cyra what's the good word," I greeted the two.
Both of them turned and looked at with the expressions of surprise and a look that I've come to call the 'explanation please' look. The look was getting to be kind of common, came with words and phrases that dragons didn't understand that was a part of the human language. I rolled my eyes in response, "In other words what good thing is happening with you two," I clarified.
Seth glanced over me still seeing some of the bandages I was wrapped in and he replied, "Well, first, should you really be walking around yet? Get the rest you need Saber, do not push yourself too hard."
While the concern is appreciated, I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself and have been able to do so since I was young. I gave Seth a close to deadpanned look, it was the best I could manage at the moment, "My health is my business, but thanks for asking, the concern is appreciated. Yet, you really expect me to stay confined to the healer wing any longer than I have too, not a chance of that! Still, you are avoiding the question Seth," I said.
My answer came not from Seth, but Cyra, "We were about to go and wait for Spectra to get back."
I was forced to pause at the piece of information for Spectra being out is unexpected from what I know. So the question is then what would have Spectra going away from Warfang as I could come up with nothing. "Where might have Spectra gone," I asked flatly.
Cyra giggled at my question, which I hadn't seen coming and I couldn't explain what she would giggle. I wonder what is funny in Spectra being gone because she didn't seem the time to do things without a reason. "She went to check up on a friend of hers," Seth added.
Okay, a friend Seth says, this is getting weirder by the second and I don't know if I want to ask for more details. Then for Spectra to be gone implies said friend either lives in the lower parts of Warfang or doesn't live in Warfang at all. The more I learn of this, the more I feel that I don't want to know where this could end out. "I take it that you two being up here would mean this said friend of Spectra does not live in Warfang, correct," I posed.
Seth nodded in answer to my question, "No, she does not though she use to live here in Warfang, she left after some kind of disagreement with the guardians."
Curious, and not necessarily in a good way, yet this story gets more interesting all the time. I hesitate to turn the page on this now, "Well I can understand the disagreement with the guardians from recent experience now. However, I went into that knowing that was the likely outcome, but still. What is this dragoness friend of Spectra like to have such a bad argument with the guardians that she would leave," I questioned.
The response I got was Seth looking away from me, "Well she is," he paused, then continued, "different than others."
That one comment caught my attention for it said a lot of things, both said and unsaid and those are the ideas you pay attention to. This friend of Spectra's sound like a kind of an outcast and that is a position I can easily understand. As it said, I've been there and have done that, it's the story of my life for years now, the societal outcast. My left eyebrow did rise at that comment, "That sounds like a fancy and nice way of saying she does not fall into any part of the norm. Come on, I am different too, so how 'different' can she be," I inquired.
Seth didn't meet my gaze at my question, yet Cyra on the other hand or paw I suppose it would be with dragons piped up. "Sarana can be really moody and she does not get along with many others except Spectra and Solara," she said in her bubbly way.
I blinked a couple of times processing the information that Cyra had just said for there were alarm bells starting to go off in my head. I'm getting a sinking feeling that I'm going to regret learning about this 'Sarana'… I just feel it somehow. I exhaled, "So what you are basically saying is that the Sarana is an antisocial dragoness then," I asked.
Seth gave me the 'explanation look' again at what I said, and a sighed at seeing it for I had a good guess as to what he didn't understand. "Okay, 'antisocial' refers to someone that does not like to interact with others," I iterated.
Seth nodded slowly, "Yeah, that is a fairly accurate way to say what Sarana is like," he remarked.
At hearing that, if it was true I had a feeling one of two things will happen when I meet this Sarana. She will either love me or hate me and whatever result, it would be amped up to the 'Nth' degree. I wasn't looking forward to that at all, in fact, I was more dreading it, but back to business. I cleared my throat, "Well anyway, I was wondering if you two would be free to help me out with something," I asked. They both looked at me with a look that said they were waiting for me to elaborate, so I continued, "Well, the state of my clothes is for lack of a nicer term, very sad indeed as there is less than what I started with. So, simply put, I need to get some new clothes made I would guess as I'm the only human and so, there won't be any already made. However, I would not know where to start looking around Warfang for such an idea, that is if it even such an idea exists here."
Cyra cocked her head to the side, "Why do you even need those 'cl-oa-ths'," she asked.
Oh dear, this was a subject I never ever wanted to get into, especially with a dragoness as there is so much potential for misunderstanding and confusion. Oh well, it was bound to happen at some point I guess, "Cyra, the question of 'why humans wear clothes' has merit yet is one I really do not want to get into great detail with. So, simply put humans wear clothes out of three basic categorical reasons; first social acceptance, second medial obsessions, and third addictive, habitual and impulsive stupidity. Most reasons that other humans would come up with would fall under those," I iterated.
When I glanced at Seth's and Cyra's faces, they were just staring at me blankly, clearly not understanding what I had said to them. I wasn't surprised really, this subject would make little if any sense to them, it rarely makes logical sense to me. I would attempt to do my best to explain, but I'm not expecting much to come out of this. "Allow me to say that in a different way," I said, then cleared my throat. "The simpler way of putting it, there are three basic reasons that humans wear clothes and most reasons and excuses as I said to fall under one of the three. The first reason for the three is to feel that they belong with a group that they want to be a part of. The second is one I really doubt you will understand, but in the human world, there are these boxes that show pictures. The people in the said pictures are seen to be good looking or attractive. Through that, the people who make the clothes sell them for high prices and… never mind not worth getting into the world of advertising. The third and the worst reason for the three, but the one that tends to be the one that comes up all too often, addictive habitual and impulsive stupidity. In short, it is someone not thinking things through and ends up being stupid by choice, such an idea can happen at any time, place or anyone on a daily basis. That is the best and nicest way I say it, other than it is a problem we humans tend to flirt with from time to time."
Seth and Cyra still were looking at me strangely meaning that they hadn't gotten much if anything I had said. I figured as much with the subject of human needs of clothes, they wouldn't understand. I sighed in reluctant acceptance once again as there were just some subjects that dragons would never understand, and I knew that. "Okay think about it this way, you dragons have scales, the cheetah tribe has fur as do the apes," I reasoned. "We humans, unfortunately, lack all thee above, no scales or fur. In the summer and late spring that would not matter as much as the lack of heat is really nothing to worry about. However, during the night and colder time I can assure you it is a much larger concern for humans! Heat we humans may have and generate for ourselves, but when you lose heat faster than you can generate, it tends not to go well. Once a human's body temperature drops below a certain level we die, our bodies just cannot work if they get too cold. Clothes are the usually given solution to make sure that does not happen, they help keep more body heat in and keep us humans warm."
"Okay, I guess," Seth said, but then he tilted his head, "I still did not get most of what you said though." Well, at least Seth listened to me and didn't think I was crazy or anything of the like. I get that from time to time and the treatment that follows is never ever nice, and my health is troublesome enough to deal with.
"You got any of what Saber said," Cyra asked Seth, "it sounded like gibberish to me. Humans are pretty strange creatures from what he has said so far."
To be called strange isn't new for me, I have gotten used to it unfortunately over the years, it comes with being the outcast that I am to most. Yet, it still doesn't feel nice to be put under the umbrella of strange that I was. And I know that Cyra isn't trying to be mean, her personality wouldn't let her do that, too cheerful for that kind of thing. Although, she has a point in a subject she has no understanding in the slightest which is interesting, yet her obliviousness is kind of sad too. Seth had rounded to face Cyra and if I'm not mistaken, about to chide Cyra about calling me strange in a way. "Back in the human world the same could be said of dragons, they do not exist there, at least anymore," I commented.
Seth turned to me after I spoke up, "Are you saying that dragons might have been in the human realm at some point," he asked.
I blinked at Seth's inquiry and thought about his question for I hadn't thought about that exactly. It was entirely impossible that dragons had been to earth, the stories about dragons had to have some kind of basis to go off of after all. "Well, it is not like it is impossible I suppose, they could have been at some point. There are enough stories to say that it could, but I can't say for certain if dragons did exist on Earth. Historically speaking, there is no evidence that would say so for sure, it would have been quite some time ago if there were," I mused. Then I focused back on the previous topic, "Now back to the point would either of you know where I could find some new clothes?"
Cyra was the one to answer my question, "I have seen a shop that makes stuff that cheetahs and moles have on down of the ground level. That shop might be able to help in this, and it is down on the north side on the lowest tier."
That's not a lot to go on, but it is more than I had before finding Seth and Cyra and I'll take what I can get right now. And as the phrase goes, 'beggars can't be choosers' so, no complaining about the possibilities I have to work with. "That sounds like a good place to start and with you two there, if I do collapse you can catch me right," I questioned.
The three of us went off to the lower part of Warfang and got to walk down the main street towards I assume the place Cyra had mentioned. Seth was on my left and Cyra was on my right. Cyra was in her usual excited mood where she had a spring in her step. I looked at Seth and our eyes met and we both rolled them, "Cyra, would you please focus," Seth and I said at the same time.
Cyra turned to look at both of us with surprise but I ignored the expression and spoke, "I am not saying that your cheerfulness is not a wonderful quality of yours."
"No, it is a good part of you it is just," Seth said.
"There is a time and place for such things," I continued.
"At this time, it is not such a needed thing," Seth picked up.
"Nor is this one of those places," I finished.
Cyra looked more baffled than before and her eyes had gone wide for some reason, "How did you two do that," she asked.
"Do what," Seth and I asked at the same time.
I had to admit I was rather curious, and Seth seems so as well as to what Cyra was talking about. I mean, granted Seth and me were talking on the same subject, but that shouldn't be unusual I would think. "Talk at the same time and then talk back and forth," Cyra replied.
You know I just now realized that she was right, Seth and I had indeed spoken at pretty much at the same time for the first line. Then we had started saying lines and switching between one another. The first line of talking at the same time is something I can see happening, yet the back and forth exchange was very odd. It was almost like we were speaking the same line of thought that switched between one another. It happens between some, but it normally is between those that know each other well enough. "Well I would say that it is probably a fluke," I remarked.
My comment got the 'explanation' look again from both Seth and Cyra in response and I could only sigh. "A 'fluke' is a word that in the context in which I am using is the more common use of it, 'fluke' by the definition has two different meanings. First a stroke of good luck, an idea that really never happens to me as my bad luck makes sure of. Second, is an unusual occurrence or accident. I use fluke in the second meaning," I iterated.
Seth cocked his head to the side, "That makes sense… I guess, an unusual event, got it," Seth said
I nodded in confirmation, and then I turned to Cyra, "So Cyra, where is this shop that you mentioned? I recall that you said it was on the north end of the ground level tier. However, I think we will need to have a bit more information," I reasoned.
She motioned to the right down a side street, "It is down that street," she answered.
Well, that was clear and simple enough to go with, so we turned and walked down the street Cyra gestured towards. The street was narrower than the main street was, but there was still enough room for us to walk side by side. There were shops on both sides of the street we were on, the things that were displayed varied from shop to shop. After walking for a bit, I notice an interesting shop that had fabric in the windows ahead, and dragons seem to not really give it much of a glance. I assumed this shop was the one that Cyra had mentioned, which begs the question of how Cyra knew about the place, but I decided to not ask. My guess was confirmed when we stopped in front of the previously mentioned shop, "I take it this is the place you were talking about Cyra," I posed.
She nodded and smiled at me, "Yep yep yep, it is," she replied.
So we entered the shop and after going through the door it took a couple of seconds to adjust to the view that was in front of us. The first reason was the dimmer light in the shop and the other was the array and myriad of colors of all different shades in the form of clothes. The three of us just looked around for a minute at everything while we stood at the door. After the minute I caught sight of a cheetah with gray fur with black spots. They just stood or sat, I couldn't tell which with my current view, behind a counter staring at us. I cleared my throat, Seth and Cyra looked to me then followed my gaze to where the Cheetah was.
I figured that it would be up to me to do the talking as it was me that needed clothes, "Excuse me, we are here to see if we could make an order for something," I said.
The cheetah's eyes were a magenta color I noticed as the cheetah looked us over again, "I have nothing against dragons or dragonesses, but I don't make anything for them. As for you, I haven't the slightest clue what you even are," she returned.
By the voice, it would appear that the cheetah is female, and her reply in a matter of fact kind of tone, I don't think it was meant to be rude. To say I was a little apprehensive in this was not quite accurate, but then the last time I was around anyone from the Cheetah tribe… it had not gone over well for either party involved. I hope that this time will go better than the last because I need a change in flow from what it has been lately. Before I could say anything in my defense, the female cheetah came from behind the counter and came up close to me and gave me a sniff. "And your scent is quite different, you are not from around here are you," she questioned.
Not knowing what to do, I smiled sheepishly at her, "Is it really that obvious to everyone here or is it that I look so different than everyone," I asked.
She kept circling me as she studied me, "You look somewhat similar to the apes, not as many muscles though, but then they have too much and not enough mind anyways."
I felt anger shot through me for a second before I got it under control, "Listen cat, I am for whatever number times I have had to say this, I am not an ape. Although, I would agree that apes tend to have too much muscle and not enough brain," I replied curtly.
She looked back up to my face, staring intently, "You would not have met Chief Prowless would you?"
I managed to not show visible reactions to the question as I had, of course, met the cat she mentioned, and things hadn't been nice with that. No, not all Cheetahs are like that, but so far my encounter hadn't given me the nicest rep with the species. "Um… yes, I have, do you have a point in asking that," I inquired evenly.
She leaps back a small distance and clapped her hands or paws… whatever they were and smiled. "So you are the creature that is called a 'human' then? I have heard much about you," she said.
I was starting to worry a bit as with the rep I have with the cats, this could go either good or bad, it really depends. "What might you have heard and from whom," I posed.
"I would say most cheetahs know about you by now. You are one of the few who has stared down not only Chief Prowless, but a full hunting party without begging for your life, running or even flinching. Apes do not do that," she stated.
Yes, I know my normal behavior has and does get me into trouble around the Dragon Realm, that has been made clear. But even knowing my bad luck is prompt and efficient, can't it take a day off now and then and not make things harder for me. I don't want to be famous, nor do I have an interest in being infamous either, and yet, here I am being forced into that position. "Great, now I am infamous with the cheetah race as a whole, just what I need especially with my health as it is." I took a deep breath, "And whom may I ask did you hear about me from?"
"Hunter told me about you," she answered.
I sighed for I knew that encounter with the cheetahs was bound to come back to bite me in my rear. I am just surprised it took this long, my luck is usually quicker than this, but I have been down for a week so I guess my luck is catching up. Nevertheless, it could very well be the other part of my bad luck. You see, my luck had two different ways or forms of working after all. The first and the norm is that it is prompt, hits hard and then is done, simple as that and that I am used to. The other way is the worse of the two, in my opinion, takes its time and hits with more oomph and lasts for a while. I fear that this bite will go along the second form, if that is so, then this is far from over. I do believe that it is time for a subject change, "Anyway back to the topic of why my companions and I are here, I was hoping you could make some new clothes for me, um Miss," I requested, leaving the end open for her to supply her name.
She giggled and then bowed, "My name is Alya. If you want something made, I will need to know what you kind of qualities you want them to have."
I closed my eyes and put a hand to my chin to help me think as that was a potentially serious question. I thought for a minute, what qualities do I want in these clothes? Durable is a given and practical is as well, and I would like them to be comfortable if I could get that. I would be depending on these clothes to get me thing situations, and there is a difference with me than with others. Nonetheless, that is at least a good place to start with the three qualities I had thought of. I looked back at Alya, "Well first I would want them to be durable and easy to move in. Comfort would be nice, but I prefer the first two over that. Lastly, I would rather not have a color scheme that makes me a target and I am, unfortunately, a target of others more often than not," I iterated.
Then, I got down to describing in fairly decent detail what I wanted. I mean, I need the basics, shirt, pants and some sort of footwear, but hey I might as well go the whole way and give myself a better defense against the apes no? After I got done giving a description of what I had in mind, Alya nodded at my request, apparently have no issue with what I was asking. She then went deeper into the shop and the next sounds we hear are stuff being moved around. After a few minutes, Alya came back with fabric, scissors and sewing supplies. It does look like I was going to be measured and fitted right here and that means this is going to take a little while. If I got what I needed, then it would be worth the wait I say, but why make my companions wait for this. "Say Seth and Cyra, why not go and look around at the other shops for a while, this looks like this will take some time," I suggested.
They nodded and left while Alya started to measure me for I assumed the clothes she was going to make. Not more than five minutes later the door opened again and I thought Seth and Cyra had come back already. Yet when I turned, I saw a cheetah had come through the door and they looked a tad familiar, but can't say why. Alya looked up at the cheetah that had come in, "Oh Hunter I was not expecting you today," she said.
At the mention of the name Hunter, I took a second longer look at the cheetah and it was indeed the cheetah from the encounter I had with Chief Prowless. The green-eyed one that had the same color scheme as a normal cheetah on earth would. He glances at me and his eyes showed that he remembered me as well. Alya just kept going, now that she was cutting fabric, she would sometimes wrap the fabric around parts of my body then mark the fabric. She also seems to already be doing some sewing, "So it is you again," Hunter greeted.
I stared back, "Yeah, there a problem with me being myself," I posed flatly.
'Hunter' studied me for a bit, seems that is becoming a common action from most I meet here in the Dragon Realm. Granted, I understand that as the lone human, I would draw curiosity and suspicion and that's fine. It is more the comparison to apes that I am treated often enough that irks me the most, especially after seeing what I'm being compared to. "I see you have acquired some new injuries recently," Hunter mused.
I rolled my eyes in response and to the obviousness of the statement, "Yeah, that is one way of saying it I suppose. However, I guess I did ask for it and I did receive, the results of a hard lesson learned."
Hunter gazed at me curiously, "What lesson did you learn?"
I exhaled heavily followed by a short laugh, which I regretted quickly due to the pain that shot through my chest for a minute. My body was making sure that I wasn't forgetting that I was still recovering and to take it easy on myself. "To have a disagreement with a dragon can have drastic consequences, so prepare accordingly," I replied in answer.
Hunter looked surprised, "You disagreed with a dragon? I observed you could be very foolish, but that is more than I thought you would do," he shot back.
I waved a hand in dismissal, "It is not that big of a thing, but looking back on it… actually, it is probably one of the stupider things I have done so far in my life up to this point honestly. I will say this though, Terrador is not a guardian for nothing, because he knows how to fight."
The response I received was Hunter chuckling at my statement, got me to go quiet, "You are very interesting, no questioning that. I do not know many who would fight a dragon and a guardian no less by choice. Yet, you fight the head of the guardians and treat it as nothing out of the ordinary."
I snickered at what Hunter had said for it was true enough and I really couldn't deny that without lying. It was then a thought occurred to me and it involved Mara since she had implied that she and her cohorts had kill dragon and members of other species. Cheetahs I would image would be the most likely to be aware of them as they are rather good at tracking. So, I decided to ask him, "Say Hunter, this may sound odd, but I will ask it anyway." Hunter gave me his full attention and nodded for me to continue, "Have you or any of the cheetah tribe ever come up against or heard of a group that call themselves the 'silent killers'?"
Hunter thought for a moment and then shook his head, "No, I cannot say I have heard of any group that call themselves that name, why do you ask?"
I hesitated for a moment then began the story about Mara and what I had found out about her and what she had said. The monkey and I wouldn't doubt those like her are dangerous and shouldn't be left to their own devices. Hunter looked troubled about the information I gave, "I have heard of rumors that implied that some mysterious disappearances and deaths of many weren't accidents. Many were under the circumstances you have to say this Mara has described very accurately. You say she said there was more than just her, correct?"
"She inferred that heavily and that they 'were under the command of the ape king' I believe she said. The other thing that worries me and please do not say anything to guardians at the moment is this Ape King that Mara mentioned. Someone that has Mara and those like her at their command is dangerous and not one you underestimate."
"They're all finished," Alya said simply.
Yet, I turned to Alya as there had been a change in her voice, "Thanks… um, are you okay?"
Alya just left the room, so I turned to Hunter, "Was it something I said? I know I can come off as somewhat abrasive at times, but I do think I was showing good manners… for me at least," I muttered.
Hunter shook his head at my statement, "No that is not the reason Alya is reacting the way she is. Her entire family except her was killed in one of those previously unexplained events, which were most likely done by these 'silent killers' you mentioned."
"Oh," I uttered, understanding what was being said, "I see."
I picked up the clothes Alya had made and noticed that they were made exactly with the qualities I had asked for. The shirt and pants were some of the best I'd seen, much more durable than I would see in a story back on Earth. The shirt was a soft green with sleeves that went down to the middle of my upper arm. The shirt itself was not skin tight but fairly form fitting. I'm not one to brag about the results of my martial arts and kendo training over the years. But the fact is, I had well-defined muscles that showed noticeably, so I can really hide that. That said, the shirt hugged my chest and upper body, yet not tightly enough to make it hard to breathe. The pants, like the shirt, were form-fitting, they were brown and ended at my mid shins, why there I had no idea? Maybe it has to do with something with the cheetah legs? The waist of the pants seemed to have some sort of elastic equivalent to help the pant stay on.
The sound of Hunter turning and striding to the door drew my attention, "Thank you for the information. I need to report it," he said and left.
I began shaking in righteous fury for it was cruel beyond measure that someone loses all their family because of assassination. I swore right there and then, that I would personally make this ape king pay as I put on the new clothes that Alya had made for me. As I donned the clothing, I was impressed at the work Alya had done. She had even made a replacement for my belt since it needed replacement as well. It was made some kind of tough leather-like hide strip, yet it was a bit more flexible, but still was modeled after what my original belt was.
The final piece, of which I had asked for specifically was a kind of coat that I would wear, much like the type of trench coat that went down to below my knees. Yes, I had thought about future plans in mind when I told Alya what I wanted, for example, the coat would be wonderful at storing weapons and tools. My pack was still in okay condition, but that would probably not last for all that much longer for however long I would be in the Dragon Realm. I would also need new footwear as my shoes were close to giving out, but that would have to be done somewhere else.
Well, at least I now had clothes to wear and I was happy with them, that's what counted in this right now. The next item of business for the day was to find Seth and Cyra, who had gone off somewhere else while I was getting fitted. I saw no need of the coat for the moment, so I put it in my pack until I would wear it, folding it neatly. I would need to do some minor modifications to my new belt, but that can be done later at the blacksmiths. At the door I stopped and turned, bowing in thanks, not knowing if Alya saw of knew, still it is the thought that counts. I then went through the door out of the shop to search for my friends I had been with.
For a period of time, I looked around, but could not find either Seth or Cyra, it made me start to wonder where they were. There were a lot of shops in this area of the ground level of Warfang and I don't exactly know where to start. I had been looking for them for around five minutes when I spotted them at last in the square that was in front of the gate of the city. "There you two are, I have been looking for you," I greeted.
Seth and Cyra turned and looked over at me staring as I walked up to them and saw they were still just gazing at me. The only thing that had changed was the new clothes, so I assumed that was what was causing the stares. "What do I look that different with new clothes," I asked.
"Well yes, a little," Cyra piped up.
I shrugged in response, "I like these clothes, they are what I asked for and so, I am satisfied," I said simply
Seth then spoke up, "Well, shall we go meet Spectra? She should be getting back any minutes now," he remarked changing the subject.
I smiled at him, thankful that he had changed the subject as things were a tad awkward, "Sounds good to me, lead the way," I said.
We headed closer to the gate of Warfang and walking was helping with the stiffness my legs had go away. However, the throbbing pain was still there and wouldn't leave me alone fully, I was managing though. I would clearly still need time to recover even if I'm not fond of waiting, I wasn't going to be given a choice in this. Seth looked at me worriedly, "Saber are you feeling okay," he asked.
I looked at him and force a pained smile, "Yes, just still feeling pain, not as much as I was earlier but I expect that for a while," I replied.
"It is surprising you are out of the healer wing at all right now," posed a voice that I knew. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
The three of us looked towards the gate and saw Spectra coming in followed by another dragoness. The dragoness had silver scales with her underbelly that was black along with her wing membranes. Her height was about the same as Spectra's and so was her length, so about the same proportions overall. She had three horns on her head, one down the center going back and the other two on either side doing the same. He eyes were crimson which were noticeable with her rougher looking face. I glanced at her tail and saw a sword like blade that had two half crescent edges coming off the base of the main blade. Actually, it reminded me of something I had seen once… what was it called… oh yeah, a half-pike spear. I looked back to Spectra after taking in the unknown dragoness, "What do I have to say for myself Spectra? Well, I escaped the healer's wing as soon as I could thank you, for my sanity among other things! Have you ever been in there for longer than a day? There is nothing to do and it is so boring, I swear I would go crazy!"
Spectra studied me for a moment, "It would also appear that you have new outerwear," she remarked.
"Yes I got myself new clothes and like them," I replied. "So, you were going to introduce your companion I would assume?"
Spectra smiled at me, "This is Sarana," she said gesturing at the silver dragoness. Spectra then turned to the silver dragoness, "Sarana this is Saber."
Ah ha, so this is the Sarana I have heard about from Seth and Cyra, I'm not feeling the greatest right now about this. Sarana gazed at me curiously, "I have not seen any creature like you, are you some sort of odd ape runt or something," she posed.
Sarana's voice wasn't musical by any means, but it wasn't a bad voice, it didn't put on edge yet at least. I did exhale at the all too familiar mistake of species identification I seem to get when lumped in with the apes. "Sarana," snapped Seth, while Spectra giggled at the exchange.
Well, I guess I should give the effort to make a nice introduction to this dragoness, don't know how it will go. "Hello, Sarana, my name as Spectra said is Saber and no, I am not a runt, nor an ape, odd to some yes. I guess I really cannot deny that my race would be different here in the dragon realm. I am what is called a human, so if you could not make that mistake again, that would be nice," I said.
Sarana blinked at my answer but said nothing in response at first, my thought was now would be the time that I find out which way she will go with me, love or hate. The second ticked by, yet none of us moved. Then Sarana let out a squeal and next thing I know my danger sense blared a warning, but it was a moment too late. Sarana glued herself to me and that increased the pain I was in by a large margin and I wasn't able to ignore it at all. "Spectra, why didn't you tell me you found yourself such an amazing creature you can so much fun with," asked Sarana. "I would have agreed instantly to come back here to visit earlier."
I had two reactions that came out instantly, first the one that came from the pain I was put into, "OOOOWWWWWWW," I screamed.
The pain that the squeezing this dragoness was doing to me and the pain was horrendous and burned badly. I could feel a number of my wounds reopen from her actions and I wouldn't doubt I was bleeding as I could feel wet warmth from multiple places. And I doubt that Sarana knew or would care what she was doing to me right now, nope, she was enjoying herself somehow. My second response was pretty much akin to revulsion and disgust as by what Sarana said, she views me as some kind of toy. And that is a first here that I can recall, none have seen me as less than a living being until know. Back on Earth, this was not uncommon, but I wasn't expecting this kind of thing to be done here.
Seth and Cyra immediately came forward after Sarana had restrained me, "Sarana let him go," Seth snapped, "can't you see you are hurting him?!"
"Yeah, besides since when have you taken to anyone like this," Cyra said in her bubbly voice though there was a worried tone in it.
Okay, I'm glad these two come to my aid and all, but I need more immediate assistance in the form of getting Sarana off of me! Seth is trying to get Sarana to let go, yet Cyra is getting distracted and now ISN'T the time for that! Sarana is squeezing the life out of me… LITERALLY! "LET GO OF ME! I need help HERE, this really hurts and it is making weeks of recovery be for nothing," I nearly screeched.
Spectra stepped forward, "Sarana let him go or you will break him," she stated firmly.
Sarana slowly and reluctantly let go of me, it couldn't occur fast enough for me. When I was released, I collapsed to the ground in a heap unable to stand on my own any longer. I could definitely feel the blood flowing out of me now though it was slow. That told me that my needed recovery time had just been forcefully extended by this silver dragoness's action. Seth ran to me, "Saber are you okay?"
I couldn't speak right away, my brain was dealing with the incoming pain signals which were surging in. I wheezed with the pain that was wracking me, clutching my torso and waiting for the waves of pain to pass. Once they had done so enough, I regained use of my voice, "No, I was fine, but I am not now," I wheezed out. "That squeezing I was treated to reopened some wounds if the wet and I have no doubt red spots under me will prove. I was kind of hoping not to be injured by a dragon today like I was a week ago."
I still had a view of the street as I was on the ground as pain kept going through my body, "What is he talking about," questioned Sarana.
I was able to shift my head enough to view both dragonesses, and Spectra gained a look of controlled fury, "It is nothing, just Terrador being an idiot," she growled
Sarana gained an expression of confusion, "That is how he has been for a while, so what is new in that. He has been that way since Ignitus was lost in the war against Malefor," she said.
Now, this dragoness had pretty much disabled me a moment ago and if she were to learn about what had gone down between Terrador and me, who knows how that would go. I was not up for being squeeze more than I had been already, and that hadn't been helpful for my health! But, Sarana would likely find out what happened anyways from someone that had heard about it I would imagine. So, I decided it was better to just say it and get it over with, "Yesterday, Terrador and I had a difference of opinion. We settled said disagreement in the form of a fight which I lost and was sent flying through the window in the council chamber by him."
Sarana gazed at me in shocked, "Wait really," she questioned.
I was saved from answering when Seth got under me using his wings to get me onto his back with some assistance from Cyra. He started back to the temple while carrying me, Cyra following behind us. I could still hear Sarana asking for more details but I was making a distance from the silver dragoness that had landed me with issues. "Thanks, Seth I don't think I could have handled more of her," I was saying, then I paused for a moment, "attention any time soon again." Then my voice became a tad desperate, "Just please, do not leave me in the healer wing again if it can in any way be avoided."
"Sure thing Saber," Seth answered.
Cyra came up beside us, "I have never seen Sarana take a like to anyone like this, let alone this quick," she chattered.
I grimaced, "Whoopty doo for me," I muttered a tad bitterly.
As I had thought, Sarana would either love me or hate me, I was right on the flipping money. She happened to choose the love side with me and it was as I had also predicted, it to the nth degree. I had no idea how I would recover or survive her love, it could be deadly if I wasn't careful. Seth brought me to the healer wing when we got to the temple and I, of course, got a reprimand on not taking it easy. I wasn't able to tell them it hadn't been my fault, but I suppose it didn't matter that Sarana had put me into the condition I'm in. After I had all my bandages replaced with new one Seth and Cyra helped me towards my room.
"Saber you need to sleep," Seth was saying along the way.
I muttered an affirmative to them as we got to my room and they shifted me to the bed before they left the room. I hadn't noticed how tired just going out on today activities had left me. Maybe sleep, gentle training and definitely time away from the dragoness Sarana would help me get better, up and going sooner rather than later. My thoughts ended out on the point that I hadn't seen anything of Spyro since getting back from the trek to help Ruben. I assume that whatever Spyro and Cynder had been sent to do would either be over or there would've been some word as to their assignment and condition by now. I will start to inquire tomorrow and light fires under some if need be to get information about them.
A week went by since I had met Sarana fairly quick and I had avoided her for most of it and that wasn't easy I'll tell you. She did view me as some kind of toy to play with and I would have to make an effort to change that view. The pain I had been in was mostly gone by this point due to training being a very effective physical therapy even if some say it doesn't help. I had consistent been doing morning training for about a week now most of my injuries had healed… at least enough that I could start going back to my normal routine in my morning exercises. I had still heard nothing about Spyro or Cynder and I was getting more than just worried now. They had been gone for close to three weeks now and no word about them. This worry only furthered my motivation to train and prepare myself for whatever would come next.
The day came when I finished my morning routine up for that day, I decided it was time to find Terrador or one of the other guardians and then question them by whatever means I need to use to find out about Spyro and Cynder. If the guardians couldn't tell me what I wanted to know, then I would go out and find them both myself, that's a promise! I was still in bandages, just less than what I had weeks ago, but that wouldn't stop me from doing what I do.
I had my sneakers on or what has left them for I took notice that they were not too far from falling apart. Thankfully, I had gone back to the lower tier the day after I had got my clothes and after searching, I had found a shop that could make me some footwear. I had decided to go with boots with traveling in mind as I thought it would be better to have footwear that was more durable. I had worn the boots when I had gone by the blacksmith's to pick up some stuff, and Hawkins said he suggested I put some kind of metal plating on the front and the back of them for general protection. I'd wholeheartedly agree with him so I asked him if he could do so and he said he could. Thus my boots basically were turned into greaves like one would see with a suit of medieval armor which I wouldn't say no to.
I had also gotten some gloves made by Alya as well and I had to say, she was good at making clothing, at least I was impressed by her skill! I had left those gloves with Hawkins as well to get the top of them fitted with metal pieces much like the boots. I also had explained to Hawkins the idea of arm braces and he said he could make those as well after I had drawn a diagram. Some may say this is too much preparation, but I would reply to them, try living in my shoes or boots for a while and see why I go to such lengths. None of them have ever been around me and my bad luck other than myself so they can shut it. I don't believe there is such a thing as over preparing, at least not for me anyways.
I started my search for a guardian so that I could find out what was going on with Spyro and I wouldn't be grazed off. It was not more than I would guess five minutes when I ran into Nightbane and quite literally at that. After getting my bearings I faced Nightbane, "Sorry about that Nightbane, I guess I was so focused on my goal I did not see you," I apologized.
"That is quite all right," Nightbane replied, "and actually, we have been looking for you."
I was forced to pause as the implications when she says 'we' and then that would be followed by why would someone be looking for me. I hadn't done anything that would warrant others looking for me that I could think of recently. Honestly, I hadn't been in good enough shape to do anything out of line as of late really, my health made sure of that. "When you say 'we', who are you referring to," I inquired.
"The guardians," Nightbane answered.
The guardians are looking for me are they, I don't know if that is a good or bad thing. As I said, I haven't been up to rocking the boat for the last few weeks thanks to the loss I had against Terrador and what followed. Then from what Nightbane had said, is she including herself in the group? "Do you include yourself in the guardians," I posed. Nightbane nodded, and I shrugged a bit, "Congratulations," I said not sure if it should be seen as a good thing or not. "However, why have you been looking for me, I cannot think of anything I have done recently that would get me into trouble," I iterated.
Nightbane tilted her head a bit, "It is odd that you would think you are in trouble, for that is not the reason that I was searching for you," she said. "We have been looking for you to ask your assistance in a matter as it happens."
Interesting, as well as unexpected, I hadn't thought the guardians would ask me for anything after going to Pyria without permission. Go figure I suppose, maybe there desperate or something and normal means aren't enough? I nodded slowly in response to Nightbane and gestured for her to lead the way. We went to the council chamber and when we entered, I instantly saw that I wasn't the only one that was being called upon. To the left of the door was Ruben, with Seth and Cyra also around, which just got me even more curious as to what was going on. I gave a bit of a smile to the three younger dragons, then I focused on the guardians and saw that Nightmare had also become a part of them.
"It looks like everyone is here, let us begin," Terrador stated and so, I gave him my attention for the time being. "The five of you are here so that we can send you to help with a problem."
Oh great now Ruben, Seth, Cyra and I are problem solvers, that's a position I'm not the fondest of and that's from past experience. Solving my own problems was one thing and I have enough difficulty and issues to work against that idea. So, to be expected to do that for others is something I don't do by my own choice often without a good reason. And it was at that point that what Terrador said sunk in, he had said five and there is only four of us here currently, so who is the fifth? "Then why am I being involved in this? As I recall I said I want nothing to do with your business. But then, you don't listen to me anyway," said a voice I had become unfortunately become familiar with.
I managed to suppress a scream at hearing that voice and when I spun to my right, it was to see it was her, Sarana. Please God, this better not be some divine joke and it ISN'T funny! "What is she doing here," I exclaimed in a near shout.
It wasn't exactly that I have a phobia of the silver dragoness though it may appear that was to observers. I'm wary of her and for good reason for this dragoness had proved to be hazardous to my health on a frequent basis. I take such threats seriously as they can put my life in jeopardy and that's not something you want! "I take back what I just said," Sarana said in dare I say a happy tone, which I didn't like at all.
No! Why do I attract sadists to me more than other types? And yes, Sarana had shown herself to have clear sadistical tendencies, I avoid those. I may be okay for now, but I am still healing and even I have my limits to what I can take!
"Back to the topic," Terrador said, seeming to wish to get on with this and so ignored Sarana and my comments. I, on the other hand, was worried that Sarana's smile had turned into a smug smirk, that only justified my issues with the dragoness! "We need the five of you to go to the east and look for Spyro and Cynder," Terrador continued.
The second Terrador had mentioned Spyro and Cynder I forgot all about Sarana and turned to Terrador. He for the first time I had met him had my complete and undivided attention, minus the fight with him of course. Plus, this was the first piece of information I have heard about Spyro and Cynder for weeks, and I hadn't even had to be persistent nor 'mean' to get it. "What about Spyro and Cynder? What has happened to them," I asked.
The only thing I knew thus far was the two had left searching for other dragons that are just before Seth, Cyra and I had returned. And I didn't like the sound of the tone Terrador had at all. "We lost contact with them about two days ago," Cyril said.
My attention swung over to Cyril as this fact made me a little ticked, but I reined in my anger. I was mad they had waited two freaking days to say anything. Now wasn't the time to act like this, not with the situation being this serious and I know more than they likely did. Seth like me looked worried, Ruben had a serious look on his face as he listened and Cyra wasn't in her normal cheerful mood she was all serious looking right now.
"So give us the facts as you know them, it would help to understand where things stand," Spectra remarked and then she started to speak and give us the facts. This situation had started about a day after Seth, Cyra and I had gone off to find Ruben.
There had been a rumor that there was a settlement of dragons to the far north of Warfang. It was beyond Pyria and what dragons, cheetahs, and moles called the Arid Lands, around a place known as Earthsoul which contained a mountain range. It was in a land that hadn't been explored very much and so little was known by those around Warfang. The moles, however, apparently had some of their people in this land specifically in the mountains. That could have given facts that the rumor was possible could have come from, so Spyro and Cynder had been sent to investigate. To me, this rumor sounded more than a little fishy to be trusted at face value, whether it should be even believed depends on the source. "One question, what was the source of this rumor, just curious," I posed.
Huron answered me, "We do not really know, it just started among the dragon population."
So, no discernable source then, if that didn't make me suspicious of the rumor's validity little if nothing else would! This rumor sounded and reeked of a set up for a trap and the apes did fit that bill of those who would plan that, or rather the Silent Killers! Were that fact true Spyro and Cynder could very well now be caught in it, either being used as bait or they were the ones that this trap was meant for. The information as it was showed the uses of the tactic of propaganda, another implication of the Silent Killers involvement. With the Silent Killers very likely involved this problem was far more complicated than the Guardians think it is! Spyro and Cynder needed help that was clearly obvious. I turned to Ruben, Seth, and Cyra. "Let's get moving then, the longer we delay the worse it could be for Spyro and Cynder," I said firmly.
"What about Sparx," Cyra questioned.
I glanced over at Cyra with a look of incredulity, "If you have not noticed by now, I really do not like him! Do I wish him dead… at times, but only when I am angry at him. If he is around, we will save him, but he better be nice in exchange!"
"Two more things before you go," Terrador spoke up.
I stopped myself from groaning at the statement for I don't think I want the two more things that they will offer or rather force upon us. I turned and looked at Terrador and Huron came forward and brought out an object. I looked at the object and it looked like a small emerald about three inches in diameter and it was fitted in a golden colored ring that surrounded it. A thin spiral of the gold went over the emerald as well. "Okay, what exactly am I looking at here," I inquired.
Volteer was the one to answer me, "That is a Whisperian Crystal."
That means nothing to me, the word before crystal is foreign to me and I haven't the faintest idea what it means. "Okay, I'll make a guess that it does something special," I said leaving my statement open to be answered.
"Yes, when two each hold a Whisperian Crystal, they can talk to one another regardless of distance."
I looked at the crystal in surprise as I wouldn't have guessed that this little crystal can do that. I'll admit that's very cool, the question is what the catch to this is, cause I feel there is one that hasn't been said. "So, what is the downside to the crystal," I asked flatly.
"It needs sunlight to work," Terrador returned.
"Ah I see, day use only," I replied. It was fair and that shouldn't make the crystal any less useful with use over the day. "Well, it is better than nothing to work with I will admit, so then what is the second thing?"
Maybe these two things won't be all that bad as I originally thought, my bad luck had its release earlier today, so don't expect interference from it. I mean, the crystal is rather neat and could come in handy in some harsh situations. "We would like Sarana to go with you," Terrador stated.
Oh no, I take back my previous statement with what Terrador just said for he may be out to get me killed with having Sarana come along! I can't help but ask what reason would the Guardians have to doom me to such a horrible hell! I don't want to be near her let alone give her the opportunity to do things to me! Is this really necessary from the guardians? I mean, what have I done… Okay, maybe I have done a couple of things they have disliked, still, why would we need HER?! "I may," I was saying then paused and took a breath, "No, I will regret asking this, yet why should she come with us?"
Solara spoke up, "Though she may appear to be an outcast, she is very accomplished at fighting and survival."
I glanced over at Sarana, who gave me a knowing smirk to which I shivered involuntarily with the thoughts of what she would do to be given the chance. It comes from the experiences I have with those that have sadistic tendencies and I have bad ones. I had a bit of a hard time seeing Sarana as a fighter, be that as it may, I *sigh* I have a very horrible feeling about this. If Sarana did come with us, then there would be very little that could be done to stop her if she started clinging to me and then do… further things! However, if it helped Spyro and Cynder I could tolerate it, oh the things I do and the lengths I go for my friends! "All right fine," I grumbled.
I grabbed the crystal and put it in an inner fold of my pants, which seemed to be the equivalent to pockets here. I then spun on the spot and walked out of the room. Ruben, Seth, Cyra, and Sarana followed me. When we reached the next floor down, I stopped, "Okay now that we are all together, let us lay down the ground rules! Then there will be no questions as to what is and is not acceptable," I stated. I then pointed over at Sarana, glaring at her, "Sarana, I am still healing. I am good to go on this trip, but your attention is a no-no for the trip period, no debate or negotiations! That is to be crystal clear!"
Sarana snickered, and I didn't like that! I don't think she intends to follow this rule for very long, "Very well, I understand, this is serious after all," she replied.
Yeah, I'll just bet she does, I am sure she won't leave me alone very long. This was going to be a very long journey, I just see the signs of it. "The goal is the most important thing to keep in mind for this trip," I said making it clear and everyone, including Sarana, nodded at my statement. "Okay, I need to go gather some things before we leave. So, I'll meet up with all of you in half an hour at the gate of Warfang. Everyone should get ready as well, sound good?"
Everyone nodded and we all went our separate ways and I headed to my room. This would be a fast-paced journey, even though it would be long, I just had a bunch of that. I grabbed Yubashiri and clipped it to my belt on the left side. I hesitated for a second then I also grabbed Muramasa and clipped it to the right side of my belt. I took the trench-like coat from the torch bracket I had used as a hook and put it on. I had sewn on loops and pockets to the coat. Now you may wonder why I got new clothes when I know how to sew? I can sew… that doesn't mean I am good at it, I just know simple stitches. I took the roll of fishing line and slid it into a pocket of the coat as I did a roll of Duct tape. I also put some medical supplies in a pocket, just in case the need arose and with me it is likely. I left my pack in my room as it would not be practical on this trip and I might lose it if I take it.
Now it was time to collect my boots and gloves I had left with the moles as those I would want to have. I headed out and down to the blacksmith's and I quickly found Hawkins and asked him for my boots, gloves, and braces. "Headin' out already then," Hawkins asked me.
"Yes Hawkins, Guardians are sending some out to go look for Spyro and Cynder," I replied. "I am one of those they are sending."
All noise in the foundry went quiet which caught my attention and Hawkins tone of voice became sad, yet there was the sound of hope in it. "Well when you do find Spyro and Cynder, you tell them to come back alive, you hear. Those two dragons have done more for us moles than most others and we are grateful for that. Bring them back."
I nodded and smiled, "Consider it done Hawkins. I will bring him back I promise, and I have never broken a promise," I vowed.
All the moles began to cheer as I left the blacksmiths with a little lighter mood. I now had my steel plated 'greave-like' boots that had steel on the front and the back. The front plates even covered my knees which was a plus. My gloves now had metal pieces on top of the fingers between the joints and there was a small plate on top of my hands on the gloves. The gloves did not interfere with my grapple shot, in fact, the metal frame fits over the glove very well. The thin steel bracers fit nicely and still allowed the range of movement. I may look a tad stupid with my outfit, but I've always been one for practicality over looks because practicalities tend to keep you alive far longer than looks do.
I made my way to the gate of Warfang and when I got there, I saw that there was no one else there so, meaning I was probably the first one here. I sat on the edge of the fountain that was near the gates to wait for the others. I slipped off my coat and laid it down next to me, it was still warm after all. I would guess by the weather I've been seeing recently that it was the tail end of the summer season. So, it was bound to get cooler soon enough, hopefully, the dragon realm follows the idea of seasons like the earth has for that is my assumption. I kept flexing my fingers in the glove to loosen the material as I waited, I don't want them stiff after all. The first to show up was Ruben followed by Sarana. I stood up and put my coat back on so that we could leave when Seth and Cyra get here.
Ruben took one look at me and shook his head, "What is with all of that... stuff you have on you," he questioned.
I stretched before I answered Ruben for, he didn't know what I deal with on a daily basis, which is the reason I go to the lengths I do to prepare. "I am prepared, yes I may do more preparation than others do, but with my luck the way it is, preparations can literally make the difference between life and death."
"If you say so," Ruben replied, "but why all the new things?"
"My clothes we in sad condition due to my recent travels, shows that human-made clothes are normally not made to take the treatment I have been putting them through. Then going through that window in the council chamber did not help and this gives me better protection than my skin does alone."
Ruben was about to ask another question with Seth and Cyra arrived, "Ruben you need to learn that sometimes it is better not to ask Saber why he does what he does," said Seth.
I smiled at Seth, "It does save the long-winded explanations that dragons do not seem to understand anyway."
Ruben let out a sigh, "Okay then what is the plan?"
Everyone looked over at me and I took that as I was the unofficial leader of this band and so was expected to do most of the thinking. I thought for a moment on the best way to go about the task we had now and no waste time. "Well, the goal is to find, rescue if need be and bring Spyro and Cynder back to Warfang. If we break that down the first step is to find them and we will go on from there. So Sarana, you know anything about this place we're going… what was it called, Earthsoul I think?"
Sarana seemed to consider the question for a moment, "Very little I am afraid. Only that it is a land that half is rather lacking in green, likely on the Arid Land side and the other is mountains and forests. It is bordered by the sea on the east while the west is plains as far as I am to understand."
It wasn't much to go on, still, it was better than what we started with and we needed to go. I nodded in decision, "Then let us head off then and find those two," I announced.
We headed out of Warfang in a group and once again off on a journey with Seth and Cyra, under a month ago. Now we had two additional companions, that being Ruben and Sarana and that would add to the trek. Ruben I hadn't a problem with, in fact, I was thrilled he was coming with us, Sarana on the other hand… not so much. I'm left to wonder what kinds of thing will happen in this journey for us all, I guess we shall see.
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.