A correction to apologize for, I learned that the Ash Lands spoken of is actually called the Burning Lands, sorry about that. Never trust deviant art made maps...
Chapter 13:The Journey Has Begun
The anxiousness was mounting during yet another day of training that was starting to pass. Asher was waiting for the moment that night would come to this day so they could at long last leave. He had it planned out their moment to leave the palace when the time was right, it would be the start of night. They would wait for the moon to be fully risen, then it would happen in the middle of the night. They would start packing up once night fell and the guardians went to bed.
Several hours would be quietly waited out until Hunter deemed that the guardians were deep in their sleep. They would then quickly make their way out of the palace and make for the north where it would begin. Until then, they needed to remain natural and treat this day as all the others. And they did so, Asher was simply going through another day of target practice. He was currently making improvements and starting to learn much more precise accuracy with his fire.
He was chipping the sides of the target that stood ninety feet away, but the four one hundred foot targets were untouched. This was irritating to say the least, but Asher began to understand something. Frustration will only make his accuracy worse and more unstable. And besides, he already had the plan to depart ready, so there was no point stressing the training anymore. In fact, when he thought about it, there was no lingering stress when it crossed his mind.
With that, he had then found confidence in his ability and skill for the journey. With one more powerful breath, he had then suddenly got the aim just right and made his mark. As a much larger fire ball was unleashed, and incinerated the current target, and struck the stone before the final ones. He chuckled and fist bumped to himself, seeing the improvement his aim underwent.
"Well done, now you just need to master the final length before you are ready."Cyril complimented, then immediately went for the throat reminding Asher of the final targets.
"I'm aware of that…! Though I don't understand the difference these distances make. I'll hit them either way."Asher still felt that all this shooting with fire was unnecessary.
"Over confidence will not help you here, Asher. The further you can shoot, the less likely things we'll need to come to physical blows,"Cyril explained the intention of having Asher learning to use his fire at a distance,"The weaker they are from afar, the easier it is to overcome your foes once they're up close and personal."
"Maybe I prefer my enemies up close and personal. All I'm doing is spewing fire from far away,"Asher decided to impose the way he usually prefers to fight his battles,"How is that any fun? Just throwing fire from a distance like a coward? That's just not how I fight, Cyril."
"But it's the safest way to fight, and it will get you further than you might think."Cyril imposed right back, insisting that safety was more important than the battle itself.
"No matter how one can fight, there's never such thing as safety in the world,"Asher sighed and decided he needed to stand his ground against what was being pushed upon him,"I don't plan to just stay here forever learning everything you guys have to offer, while all your wisdom gets shoved down my throat!"
"I never implied that you would be staying here."Cyril defended that idea that it was not their intention to keep him at the palace.
Both Asher and even Leo snickered to themselves, as the archer watched from the roof. They did not buy that for one moment, a black dragon related to Cynder with a fire element ability. How could they possible not want such a dragon under their wing for as long as possible? Asher did have much to offer to the guardians, just like he did when he was a member of the Alphas. They valued him for his physical prowess and ability to fly across the lands, performing all manner of work to many more areas of the realm.
"All we implied was that you weren't quite ready for such a journey yet, we only want to teach you,"Cyril pushed the idea that they were there to help him, not keep him as their own,"Any other would be glad to have our tutoring at their disposal. I would think you'd want to be a bit more grateful than you have been lately!"
Asher growled at the notion that he was not ready, and as he recalled, he never arrived to them asking to be trained. All he wanted before was to learn about Cynder and be put in the right direction. To be suddenly dragged into being a student then be told that he was ungrateful, he did not take it well. His blood boiled like the heat that was then starting to form in his mouth. His heart beating as those very thoughts swam in his head, awakening his fire with a bit of anger.
His jaw slowly opened as if he was threatening to stream some fire onto Cyril. Cyril slowly spread his wings, ready to freeze Asher's trap shut, but thankfully it never got to that moment. For Asher had then turned his head and let the fire roar and flow from his jaw, burning to a nearly white color. It flowed like a glorious giant serpent of flames as it whipped pass all the other targets. Where it then smashed and burned away the one hundred foot target, crumbling them to black dust.
He let the fire whip and snake around, cleaning off any remains of the targets. Once there was nothing left of the irritating obstacles, he slowly brought it back in his mouth. Sucking it all up like the worlds largest noodles, his fists popped before the black dragon manage to swallow his fire. Smoke gushed out the sides of his jaw as he was left panting from the spectacle. As he slowly turned back and looked at Cyril.
"I am ready…!"He responded to Cyril's lecture before turning away to leave.
"Ugh… You're not ready… Not with this defiant behavior…"Cyril sighed and decided to follow the black dragon back into the palace.
Hours later it was back to Terrador, sparring and trying to harness the power of his fire in combat. And this time, Terrador was going to give it hard to Asher after hearing of his conduct. Volteer was fortunate enough not to be involved in any further training with Asher, he preferred to keep his mind calm and optimistic. The more he tried to work with Asher, the more irritated and more negative he was growing. But he was more than happy to see Asher get his punishments for his conduct.
He was already jabbed in the gut and tail whipped clean through a pillar. The stone guardian refused to go easy on him this time around, his disrespectful behavior needed an adjustment. So as much as he insisted that they needed to be a good example as masters, this was the exception. He grabbed Asher by his head and started smashing it against another pillar till it cracked and crumbled. He then through a combo of two jabs to the lower body, two to the chest, and one to the nose.
Before he then jumped into the air to drop kick Asher across the arena sands they sparred on. He skipped like a stone and dragged through the sand till he slammed against the steps. Surprisingly, Asher remained resilient and sat up, spitting out blood and spit while trying to stand back up.
"You're still trembling and struggling to find the balance in your abilities,"Terrador slowly approached while sternly pointing out the trouble with Asher's ability to control his fire in combat,"You have heart, but you keep closing it back up, wanting to use your muscle. Once your heart opens back up, your muscles fail and it leaves you vulnerable."
"Doing all that at once isn't as easy as you're trying to say it is!"Asher yelled, only to get a right hook across the jaw that cracked his head against the steps.
"Only to you… And yet you're so certain that you're ready for what lies ahead."Terrador mocked Asher's overconfidence that he showed to Cyril before, as the guardian went to grab for his head again.
This time however, Asher shot up with a rising uppercut that smashed against Terrador's nose. He then followed it up with a kick before falling to his sides when he no longer had any balance. He rolled away and onto his feet, looking to the guardian he manage to tag, but this fight was different now. Terrador was ready and his defenses were high, as he shrugged off the punch and kick. It was like his jaw had gotten far stronger, and he was far more refined in his skills, almost as if he had suddenly become young again.
The green dragon snickered and charged at him again, hugging Asher and throwing hooks into his gut. Spit flew and his breath was being cut off with each brutal punch he took. He then lifted his thick tail and clubbed Asher straight in the forehead, dazing him and blurring his vision. This made the younger dragon stumble back, confused and unable to see what was coming next until it hit him. A solid headbutt with a plate of stone smashing against his own forehead, forcing him to fall to the ground.
Volteer looked away from the headbutt while Cyril remained firm and nodded to Terrador. This prompted the green dragon to continue with his secret disciplining action. As he made his approach again, letting stones and pebbles levitate and meld to his claws for extra power. He then grabbed at Asher's neck and began lifting him up to give him a good beating once more. This time however, Asher had a bit more fight in him this time, and finally brought his fire into the fight.
With one quick roar, flames flash out and into Terrador's face, blinding him from the light of the flames. He was forced to release Asher and pat the flames away from his face. Allowing Asher to pull a slick slide under the guardian till he got behind the guardian, and grabbed his tail. This time some pure muscle was brought into the brawl, as his muscles puffed up and filled with strength. He growled and manage to lift Terrador off the ground, as he took the green dragon on a ride, slamming him back and forth into the ground.
His spine rattle and rang when he was slammed on his back, and his jaw trembled and chest jolted when he got slammed on his front. Asher yelled and roared as he continued slamming Terrador back and forth. Pain fueled his rage as he kept swinging Terrador around like a rag doll. Shock over took the other guardians, seeing the fighting spirit continue to push Asher onward. Terrador felt his mind getting fuzzy and weak, he needed to get the upper hand in this fight again.
With a quick plan coming to mind, he waited till his face was slammed to the sand again. This time around, he quickly dug his claws in as deep as he could, and brought something with him. Asher was too carried away with finally smashing Terrador into the dust, he didn't see it coming. Once he had lifted Terrador up one last time for a slam to his back, Terrador struck. Using the biggest chunk of stone he could pry from the very ground itself, he war cried and threw it down.
The boulder came down with thunderous forced, slamming into the back of Asher. This forced the black dragon to release Terrador before the rock exploded and turned to dust and rubble. Piling up on top of Asher and covering him in a cloud of sand, while Terrador rolled in the sand and struggled to stand back up.
"Too close of a call there…! Stubborn dragon…! It's just like before."Terrador noticed that once again, Asher was stubbornly refusing to give up on the fight and accept loss or a lesson in respect.
Slowly, Asher was digging himself out of the pile of rock piece and rubble. Groaning and trying to shake off the agony he was currently in, the guardian was giving him quite the beating. But he was a proud dragon and refused to give in, he was going to show them that he was ready, no matter what they said.
"Why must you continue to be so complicated…!"Terrador growled and rushed Asher once more.
Asher raised up his arms to block, but Terrador snaked in a jab straight to the nose. This got Asher backing away before he was able to block off the incoming barrage of fists and kicks. Asher felt the force of each one rattling his mind, bruising his arms, and pushing him back towards another pillar. Asher was now back to being on the losing side of this brawl and getting worn down fast. He growled, trying to show his resilience, but this time Terrador showed some resilience of his own.
This time around, he would not let the younger dragon get a single advantage. Asher was going to get pinned and pounded into submission, if a mercenary leader could do so, then he could do it as well. Finally, Terrador began to break Asher's guard and work in a phew punches to the head. And once his back met the pillar, it was then a game of being a punching bag. Fists and kicks were getting through, tagging him in the chest, the sides of the face and even the soft spots of his limbs.
Each kick his legs felt bruised and nearly put cracks in the femurs that held him up. The pressure was on, and the stone fists of the guardian were chipping away his strength and time. Asher was in this situation before, and if he was going to win, he needed to endure and figure out his foe.
"Where was all that confidence when you berated and continued to fight against us,"Terrador questioned now that Asher was getting everything he deserved for his disrespect,"Suddenly your mercenary mentality no longer serves you well! I hope a lesson is learned here today!"
"Right…! I wish you knew how wrong you were…!"Asher objected to that as he noticed how soft looking Terrador's belly looked compared to the rest of his body.
He realized this, just as he also remembered the days of sparring with Felious. The beatings he got were equally as brutal and punishing if not more, for mercenaries knew no remorse, even to their own kind. Eight years old was when it started, he could recall every bare knuckled fist. Each one that crushed against his face and body, quaking his insides to the point that they were almost mush. The amount of times he was knocked down could not be counted, but each time did give him lessons.
"You're not solid! Your defenses are too weak and wavering! The key is to never waver!"
He could hear the echoes of Felious's teachings sounding off as he felt a strong beat in his heart. Regardless of where they stood now, Asher would never forget what he learned. The Alphas taught him many terrible things, but their teachings also taught him many great things as well. From survival, to fighting without end, and endless pride for who he was and what he could do. Defeat would never be an option, you might as well be dead if you were to fall to the enemy.
"Know who you are! Remain firm, and never give up! And show your foe what you are capable off!"This voice came as Asher's guard broke and he took a hook to the temple, chipping the spike that protruded from the side of his left jaw.
Everything was a blur to him as he fell to his butt and appeared to go unconscious. He sat there looking up at the ceiling, as Terrador finally stopped his brutal rampage. Realizing that the black dragon was out cold, he waited for a few seconds to ensure that this wasn't a trick.
"You understand why I do what I do, right? You're strong…! And I want you to grow stronger."Felious began to explain something in the back of Asher's head.
"Doesn't feel like it. Feels like I'm just a punching bag at this point! I'm just…not worth that much…!"Asher recognized his own words as he recalled an old and vital talk they once had.
"You're worth more than you know, my boy…! Time will be the proof of what you can do,"Felious insisted that there was so much more Asher than the young dragon thought,"If it means something… you're not worthless to me… You've been…quite important to me…"
"You're not just saying that to make up for beating me till I could barely stand?"Asher slyly question, trying to show the sense of humor the Alphas had.
"These years… Ever since what happened to….her… It hasn't been easy,"Felious could not speak much further on what had been troubling, but Asher understood what it was,"I'm not going to lose you like I lost my little girl… So everything I'm doing is for you to get stronger…! I'll make you so strong, that nothing will be able to beat you. Not even us...! You will never die by the end of your training."
"I won't die… I promise…"The young dragon promised that he would not die like this supposed other did.
"Good… That's my boy. And you always will be…my boy…!"Those words announced themselves through Asher's head, and consciousness began to return to him.
A quick deep breath brought his vision back into play as his eyes scanned the area. He found Terrador hovering over him, checking Asher for any significant injuries he may have sustained. Then he quickly stepped back the minute he saw that Asher had come to after several seconds.
"Has a lesson finally sank into the thick skull of yours?"Terrador questioned while Asher responded by slowly standing, his heart beat like a drum.
His fists slowly clenched before fire began to suddenly form around them. His arms and legs slowly puffing up with strength before turning bright red and white with heat. Asher growled, his right eye could not open much from the swelling, but his left eye was wide open. As his muscles went to their full size before flames swirled and erupted from his body like hell fires. Steam came first from his mouth, but smoke quickly took it's place, his throat mimicking a fire pit.
"Yeah…! Now let me give you a lesson of my own…!"Asher growled, letting blood bubble and steam away from his mouth from the flames.
He took one last good look at what his new target was, the soft underbelly. Terrador's four legged stance kept his stomach defended, while Asher's belly was hardened and worked to endure. Since Terrador proved to have a strong jaw, it was time to hit him where he wasn't so strong. Terrador became outraged at the continued resilience, and made for another brutal rush. This time however, Asher was ready for everything this time, Terrador started with an earth shattering breath.
Blasting up rocks and stones that tried to pelt away at Asher, but the results were much more different. The stones could not even touch him before melting and or turning to ash upon approach. When that did not work, Terrador went with close combat once more. He even allowed stone and sand to coat and solidify around his claws for more pain and power. Asher studied the blows that were coming, and he knew just the trick to avoid and punish the green dragon.
He simply ducked and swung his body down, letting Terrador go way too far with his swing. The jaw was exposed and his flaming fists were ready to start swinging, it was time to expose the belly. He lifted himself back up and started with a scorching upper cut to the mouth. It stung the guardian, forcing him to back step away, but Asher was not going to let him escape this time. He lunged forward and threw another uppercut that crushed Terrador's lower jaw, spit flew into the air.
This caused Terrador to lift up onto his back legs from the force, and that became his biggest mistake. Once a lighter hook followed up and hit him in the chest, he was forced up even more. His belly was then exposed, and Asher had his target in sight and the power he needed. He roared as the first fist drilled into the guardian's liver, it felt like a white hot hammer crushing his body. His fists unclenched from the searing pain as another hook tagged him in the stomach.
His innards quivered and already felt soft from the blows, but this was merely the start of a barrage. Asher charged in, and unleashed a non stop rush of hooks to the liver, the intestines and the stomach. The fists rocked him and forced him back, he gagged and started to lose the ability to breath. Asher had no intention of quitting, Felious's teachings remained strong within him, and wavering was no option. Even when his vision was weak, he just kept striking those vital spots on the body.
While the fists thrashed his insides, the fire scorched his scales and boiled his blood to dangerous levels. Until it started spurting and dripping out from the side of the guardian's mouth. Finally on his thirtieth punch, he decided to end it with a a little trick no four legged dragon could do. Once he finally stopped the assault on the body, if Terrador recovered, he would defend that body. But this time, Asher lifted up and swung his right leg for a merciless kick that crushed against Terrador's jaw.
This flying roundhouse finally broke through that strong jaw, and drove the guardian clean across the sands. Before smashing deep into the solid floor, until he was buried in marble and rubble. In that moment, Asher fell to a kneel, struggling to catch his breath and recover from the desperate attack. While watching the chaos settled to show Terrador damaged and struggling to stay awake and focused. Cyril was worried and shocked, watching the turn that the tide made once the fire arrived.
The two exchanged a moment of stares, both injured and in a lot of pain. The humiliation was real, both looked like a complete mess, but a sudden atmosphere over took the tension. There was a strange growing sense of respect, the first ever fight was one thing, but this one was different. One punch ended the first brawl Terrador had with Asher, hardly something one would call a fight. As if there was no respect for a fellow fighter, and not treating one another like equals.
This time, there was a real fight to take from what started as a simple spar. True strength was displayed, and bravery in the face of doubt was once again showed by the black dragon. As Asher slowly stood back up, panting and deciding to finally end the spar, he turned around and began to walk. No words were said, this sparring session took a lot out of the dragon and he needed to rest. He took a glance to Cyril, it was dignified yet exhausted, and it hid the next thing that was on his mind.
This allowed Terrador to slowly pick himself up and out of the rubble, sore and slow. Once he manage to stand back up and dust off the dirt, he started breathing gently and slow. His body was viciously assaulted and both sides of his lower belly were pounding with agony, he needed to go easy on himself.
"I'll… Need… Medical attention…to ensure that these injuries do not become… Fatal,"Terrador gently placed a claw against the spot where his liver would be,"He manage to stop before his attack before it could kill me right on the spot…! But he still needs more training."
"Indeed… He lacks complete self control, and a sense of humility or acceptance,"Cyril agreed and then sighed, for he was starting to catch on to something,"But I doubt he'll give us much more time to work on him…"
While Catra quickly rushed out to tend to Terrador, Cyril could only watch Asher with a sigh. As the young dragon went inside the palace, where he could rest his body an await dinner. All it really became was a waiting game, for it was almost time to leave this palace at long last.
Hours later, dinner did arrive, but Asher decided to remain in his bedroom. Eating juicy roasted chicken, he was quiet and deep in thought, realizing how close he was to the beginning. At long last he would go on the search for his sister, and there would be no stopping him. For now, he just needed to wait a little bit longer, the guardians had to be asleep before he could leave. Last thing he needed was the guardians trying to stop him, or even going to extreme measures to keep him here.
With time to kill, he savored what might be the last home cooked meal he eats. New thoughts came to mind, wondering what meeting Cynder would be like, she never even saw his face or heard his voice. Would she be worried or even fearful, knowing the life that he lived? Being recognized would be easy, after all they shared very similar looks and breed of dragon. He just didn't know what to think or how to feel when he would ultimately meet her after all this time.
Suddenly, he awoke from his thoughts when he heard the door open. Catra the nurse then entered, carrying a couple bandages, rags, and alcohol to treat the damage that Terrador did on Asher's face. However, she was also there for another reason, she needed to at least try one more time to keep him here.
"Terrador will make a full recovery, but you did quite the number on him."The nurse explained upon entry, while Asher tore a chunk of meat from a drum stick.
"So… I guess it's my turn then?"Asher asked, realizing that he still needed some medical work done on his face.
"I do see swelling around the eyes and cheeks, as well as a gash across half of your forehead,"She pointed out the damage he sustained with a keen and professional eye,"Don't worry, you'll get back that pretty face before you know it."
"Right… I lost the chance to have a pretty face the moment I grew elephant tusk spikes on my jaw."Asher joked about the tusk like spikes that protruded from the corners of his jaws.
"Even so, you still don't look all that bad for a dragon raised by mercenaries."She suddenly began to push this sense of encouragement of attractiveness, a strange but small change for her.
"If you say so. Do whatever you can… I plan on turning in early this night."Asher replied and let the nurse start getting to work on the injuries he sustained.
"I plan to…"She agreed and sat the supplies on the bed before sitting down as well, right next to him.
The gash seemed more significant and required immediate attention to avoid infection. So she applied alcohol to a rag and started to clean it up, but oddly while crossing her legs, letting her dress slide up a little. Asher spotted the sudden action, and let his tail start to gently swing. As she began rubbing at his forehead to clean the blood and stave off any chance of infection. She let out a gentle sigh, letting her legs lift up more till he could see her legs as she went for bandages.
Once Catra saw his tail going a bit, it appeared that whatever she was doing started to get him excited. So she continued her friendly gestures, as she started to tie bandages around his head. Allowing him to heal from his gash, now all she needed to do was take care of the bruising. She used another rag with alcohol, but this rag was cooled to freezing temperatures. Allowing it to be pressed against Asher's eyes to reduce swelling, but she made sure he could see her nice and clear.
As she kept the cold cloth to his cheek, his tail flickered and even started to curve. As if he was preparing it to curl around her, then she went in for the final act of temptation. She switched cheeks after several minutes and leaned closer to get his other cheek rather than just switch sides. This allowed Asher an easy position for him to see down her white nurse like dress. However, as tempting as her attractive gestures were, she failed to realize that he was far from that sort of guy.
With her arm around the back of his neck, pressing against his cheek, her face was nearly touching his own. While her free paw began slowly brushing down the side of his strong arm. Before it then went to his leg, caressing and rubbing it softly while she began to whisper to him.
"Better…?"She asked, rubbing the cloth into his cheek to feel the swelling go down.
"It's better than it was… I appreciate your tlc during my time at this palace,"He admitted and played along as he went to grab for the paw on his lap,"There's a lot of things awaiting me on this journey, some good, but many that are dangerous and challenging."
"That is why it was vital that you trained for as long as it took to ensure your success on this journey..."She insisted while gently trying to move her paw up his leg.
"Indeed… And I've learned more than enough to ensure my success. So I'll politely ask."He smirked, then tightly gripped her wrist to stop her from going any further.
Suddenly, his tail whipped and scared her before drilling into the floor a foot deep. While Asher slowly stood up and lifted her up by her arm, his expression changed from it's smirk. He seemed displeased as he forced her paw back to her side while growling at a sense of displeasure.
"Are the guardians aware of my plan? And how are you aware of it,"He revealed that he was well aware of what she was doing and why she was seducing him,"A lady doesn't do such things with a patient or guest without an important reason or request."
"What plan?"She asked, confused by his sudden defensive stance against her seduction.
"You know… I may come from a group of cold blooded killers for hire. But that does not mean we all think alike,"Asher decided to make something clear to her about thinking she could seduce him,"Not all mercs are easily seduced or even interested in ladies. I've got more on my mind than simple pleasures with the vixens. Now lets not be coy about your intentions…!"
"I… Overheard you and Hunter. You both agreed to this plan. And Hunter is currently speaking to Sparx about it,"She decided not to play dumb any longer and admitted to her subtle eavesdropping,"I was hoping to…convince you to stay a bit longer, and complete your training."
"I see… And about the other question. Do the guardians know?"He slowly released her wrist after giving her the other question again.
"No… I did not dare to spark any more tension than there already was between you and them."She wisely chose to keep this plan a secret from the three masters.
"Good… Now I will answer your request. No, I have no intention of staying any longer."Asher decided to inform her of his final decision to leave Warfang.
"But you have yet to fully master your element and learn complete control,"The nurse attempted to reason with the dragon as he walked away to the window,"I know you and the guardians do not see eye to eye on things, but you yourself spoke of the danger the Alphas pose, and now they're coming to kill you."
"Your point?"He questioned her worries for the imposing threat of the Alphas.
"You'll need all the help you can get to defend yourself against them and all other dangers on this quest,"She pushed for some rational thought of remaining among the guardians to complete his training,"Leaving now will be risky, and there's no guarantee that you will survive this journey."
"Would you rather the Alphas all come here, and slaughter everything in sight,"He raised his voice and reminded her of what the Alpha's most likely move would be,"And if you think the guardians can stop them, you clearly never paid attention to what I said about them. I'd be doing your guardians a service by leaving."
"How so?"She questioned his explanations.
"They'll pursue me rather than stay here and brutally torture all of you for answers! Or until I come out of hiding…!"Asher responded and slowly turned back to her with a grim stare.
"Why don't you just tell me why you really want to leave…?"She knew there had to be something deeper to him throwing patience aside for the journey.
It was partially an act of heroism he meant to do for the guardians so death would not come to them. The Alphas would certainly torment them in numerous ways, each one worse than the last. From stripping small chunks of flesh, to hammering nails directly down through the fingers and toes till they touched the knuckles. The designated torturer, Shadist, a black panther of the group was in charge of such things. And after twenty years, there was still no end to his creativity, the guardians would not last long.
However, there was something else that made Asher want to leave more than anything. It was the one thing that he never forgot from the days before his birth, the days he spent as a prisoner of Gaul and Malefor. And that was the torture and the screams of Cynder, such things that could never be forgotten.
"I still dream of her, you know…? Back when I was merely an egg?"He suddenly revealed an old trouble that haunted him from the day he first heard his sister's voice.
"Do you…?"She asked, not entirely aware of disturbing experience he was about to reveal.
"I was frozen in amber, but I was still alive and always listening… And I could hear her,"He confessed and grimly spoke of what he remembered hearing from within an egg,"Every scream, every whimper every cringe of pain she let out, every dark influence that pierced her head. Poisoning it with darkness… I listen to those apes and their scum of a dragon lord torment and twist Cynder back and forth like a puppet… Unable to do anything to stop them."
He dared to think of those moments he laid in that egg, listening to Cynder's torment. He could only imagine what kind of things that did to her, things that would break her sanity. Forcing the dragoness to accept the darkness of Malefor, becoming his new disciple and concubine.
"I shivered… fearing the things that were being done to her. And she was forced to take it, less I'd be the target of Gaul's rage,"He continued explaining feeling a strong pounding in his chest when he started to think of her,"I only heard her once give me some requests after finally getting her chance to speak with me."
"And what were those?"She curiously awaited more answers.
"To remember her…for what she was… Not the monster she would become,"It took the dragon a moment to finally come out and say what he remembered,"And to live a life away from darkness, to know fall into the same things that she was forced into… Ironically enough, I already failed that wish."
Her expression was slowly dropping as he looked down and away from the nurse. Remembering the life he lead as a cold hearted merc, killing those who did and didn't deserve it. Living a bitter life that consisted of scum baggery, pain, blood and money, he basically spit on her requests.
"I can't remember her for what she was other than from the stories after she was cleansed,"He went on to admit the things that violated his sister's wishes,"I pillaged, hunted and murder everything and every one, whether they were guilty or innocent. When she did such things… She did it to protect me…while I did terrible things for myself…!"
"And she did it out of love, not out of expectations or needs from you."Catra corrected, proclaiming what Cynder truly did her deeds for when it came to Asher's safety.
"Her service to him protected me from any torment or even simple death by Gaul,"He was grim when admitting this truth, and this truth placed him into one inevitable path,"She protected me, and I soiled my chance at life. Now it's time I made up for my sins, and make it all up to her after what she sacrificed for me."
"You really wanna believe that you need to meet her just to make up for some bad choices you made,"She questioned these bizarre intentions he had for when he met his sister, "When Cynder herself understands what it means to make poor choices?"
"Meeting her…and doing everything I can will make it up for not fulfilling what she wished for me."He replied, admitting something most surprising, absolute submission to whatever Cynder wished for him.
"You really think your sister would want that? She would never expect you to be a servant, especially to her,"The nurse felt a sense of disbelief that Cynder would ever want that fate for Asher,"From what I know, she knows what it means to thrive in darkness like you do. And she knows what it's like to be a servant."
"Well what would she want from me? Her lost brother she suffered for?"He questioned.
"Nothing…! She'd want nothing FROM you. She'd only just…want you."She insisted that his mere appearance and presence in her life would be everything he needed.
Asher went to argue, but stopped the moment he saw a flash of light from a tower out in the distance. He rushed to the window to look, before he knew exactly what it was. The time had finally come, the moment he was waiting for.
"Even If she did have any expectations for you. It would simply be to live the life you see fit, no matter what you-"She was suddenly shushed by Asher so he could check the light uninterrupted.
"The guardians are asleep…! Now's are chance. We need to get going quickly,"Asher quickly rushed and reached under the bed to pull out his garbs,"I appreciate your kind visit, but nothing is going to change my mind, and I'm not waiting any longer to go out and find Cynder."
"I know… That is why I won't stop you any longer."She decided to relent on her attempt to keep the dragon here.
"Good… I won't forget your services to me, and I appreciate the comfort you brought during my training,"He admitted while frantically dressing in his outfit,"Hunter and Sparx must be packing food and survival gear right now. I need to be out there for them to meet me before we leave."
Once he was done dressing, he once again took the appearance of an Avalarian. Aside from his tail, his claws and his feet, he was back in a more civilized form, it felt appropriate to appear as such. He showed himself off, hoping for an opinion on his look.
"You look…as ready as you're going to be for this. I pray for good fortune on your journey,"He nodded to the nurse's kind wishes as he made for the door to leave,"And as I was saying… Your sister wouldn't blame you for the path you've chosen… She would just be happy that you lived a life away from Malefor's darkness. And she'll just be happy to see you."
He stopped at the door, finding merit and understanding for her words about Cynder. Suppose the life he chose was just fate, something he could not help since he was Cynder's twin. Perhaps a checkered past was inevitable, but he now had the choice to do something worth while with this life now. He looked to the side with deep thought, and nodded before swinging the door open. The black dragon casually walked out of the room in silence, as Catra gave one last final wish.
"Be safe… And take good care of Hunter."
His heart grew strong and excited, beating hard as he felt the excitement of the beginning. As he made his way down the steps, his fists clenched to try and keep them from shaking. There was much to do any so many areas to explore and search, so much of the world to see. And at the end of it all, he would meet the sister that suffered and survived it all just for him. After decades of torment and mystery regarding Malefor and his obsession with finding Cynder, it was finally time to find her.
Once he was down the steps, he made his way down a hallway, taking in this civilized palace one last time. Deep breaths were taken in to steel him for the adventure, he truly felt ready. Nothing was going to stop this, it was time for the ultimate path to be walked towards true family. He shoved the next door open, and he was out in the main hall like he promised to be. Now all that was left, was to wait for Sparx and Hunter to arrive with the supplies needed for this adventure.
The hall went silent for the longest time, nothing but the flickering light of the torches fighting away the darkness. At least it gave him peace and seclusion to continue this mounting thoughts and excitement. After all, it was finally time to be on his way, and find his true family at last. His head slowly turned to the first torch that was perched against the column lighting his way. He looked deep into the flame, seeing himself and seeing the sister he longed to see, flying together.
He sighed, still thinking of what she would think of the life he lived up to this point. He wanted to trust in Catra's words, but the real judgment would come from Cynder, and perhaps even Spyro. As soft and different as him and Spyro were, he was clearly a dragon that deserved respect for what he did for her.
"I'm coming… No more distractions…"He promised before he heard the slow creaks of a door opening.
Sparx was the first thing to arrive, for he did indeed pack light like Asher requested. He even had a tiny little sack full of things almost the size of a pea, and something tiny and pointy on his back. The great yellow light he gave off was an interesting feature Asher had yet to see. So at the very least, the dragon fly showed that he would in fact be a useful guide, especially within darkness. Though some of the things Sparx appeared to have packed were a bit questionable.
"Is that a tooth pick?"Asher noted the tiny spear like weapon on Sparx's back.
"It's a spear…! Made it myself from some solid oak wood."Sparx crossed his arms to defend his weapon of choice.
"So it's a tooth pick. What are you going to poke someone with it? Annoy them to death, perhaps?"Asher questioned how Sparx was going to make a difference with such a tiny weapon.
"At least I brought something, and not playing Avalar dress up…!"Sparx argued back and mocking Asher's outfit.
"What did you pack? A sun flower seed? A grain of sand?"Asher mocked right back while Hunter quietly exited a room that lead to the kitchen.
"Try…a map…! So we don't get lost, sulfur breath…!"Sparx corrected, only to get Asher snickering at him.
"A tiny map that only YOU can read. Plus, I already have the map we need right here…!"Asher argued and raised his bracelet to the dragon fly before Hunter shook his head at them.
"That's enough…! This fighting cannot continue on among ourselves,"Hunter finally chimed in and broke up the fight between the two once again,"We are now a team, and we must treat each other as such if we are to survive and operate as a team."
"I'm aware of that… I've worked with a team before."The dragon simply responded and crossed his arms.
"Then this should be no different for you than it was with the Alphas,"Hunter replied and gave a large back pack to Asher to carry while he had one of his own,"I've packed us plenty of food and survival gear. We should be fine until we reach a proper civilization."
"Very well… I brought my canteen and a knife as well… We make for the north,"Asher decided on where they were going first as he shouldered the back pack,"The Burning Lands and The Swamps will be up for debate on where we go."
"What about Mt Malefor?"Sparx asked as they finally got moving.
"No…! That will be the last place we ever dare to investigate."Asher quickly brushed aside the notion as they made for a back gate that lead to the north.
"Why skip the mountain? Isn't that around the area you and Cynder were together last,"Hunter questioned as Asher kept his face forward, trying to ignore the question,"If there's any place Cynder would go first, it would be to the place where she remembered seeing you last time."
"I said no, now don't ask me again!"Asher snapped and raised his voice to put an end to the question.
"Ok ok! Just keep it down…! And you were worrying about ME being loud."Sparx insisted before Asher suddenly stopped cold and put an arm out to stop Hunter.
"What is it?"Hunter asked.
Asher sighed, lowering his head at the noises he manage to hear approaching him. In the back of his head, he should have known they would catch on regardless of the secrecy. They were old experienced masters after all, to think he could be sneaky around them was admittedly foolish.
"You're not going to stop us from leaving…! You all had your chances with me!"Asher suddenly called out while even Sparx went silent, listening to the approach of the guardians themselves.
"We know…! You still lack patience and your fire still needs some refinement."Terrador was the first one to respond as they all appeared in the light of the torches.
"We would prefer it that you stayed and complete your training, perhaps even learn everything that we know."Volteer added wile Terrador began to make the doors to the back open thanks to their stone properties.
"But we are masters, and we are only here to help show you the path and prepare you for it as best as we can,"Cyril incited the most important words that Asher needed to hear,"You choose where, when, and how you wish to walk the path, just as Spyro did. So we will not stop you, Asher."
"Good… I was planning on fighting tooth and nail all the way out the door."Asher admitted before staring back out to the night sky he could see pass the door.
"I see… If you truly are going through with this, at least remember to practice with your fire when possible,"Cyril decided to offer some final words of advise for the younger dragon,"Keep your skills sharp out there, and watch after each other. Together will you all survive."
"We will… I have something to tell you as well…!"Asher looked down for a moment, then turned around.
He then walked to the guardians, he needed to at least show a bit of gratitude. He was well aware of the danger, but then he remembered the greatest danger that was currently awakening to the news. So he needed to at least ensure the safety of the guardians if that danger was to come here.
"Just tell the Alphas where I'm going, and tell them that I forced you to teach me what you knew,"He stood before the guardians that lit up with shock for the request,"You say that you were concerned about me using my fire after seeing it, but I threatened your lives if you dared to refused. They'll believe it, and let you go without consequence."
"What? That's pure deception! And the people of Warfang will believe it as well if that word gets out,"Cyril was more than shocked for the sudden push towards deception,"We speak of such lies, and the people will think you truly are a criminal that treated us like slaves. They might never forgive you…!"
"It's better than what will happen if the Alphas come here and think that you guys had any control over my teachings,"Asher insisted that it was more important that the guardians weren't harmed by the mercenaries,"Tell them that I was forceful and threaten to make you suffer if you didn't teach me. You saw that there wasn't much you could teach me, I got mad and forced you to do so!"
"Why? Why would you want us to demonize you? That would only save our own skins, and make you an enemy to Warfang."Terrador questioned the priorities Asher was showing.
"What these citizens think of me doesn't matter. What Cynder and your Spyro thinks does matter,"Asher admitted what and who he was doing this for,"I'm certain Spyro would not forgive me if he learned that I got his beloved masters tortured and killed by my mercenary family."
"It doesn't feel right to do that to you. We promised Cynder to help you, not make you an enemy."Volteer insisted that this felt like a betrayal against Asher if they dared to lie about this.
"It doesn't have to… Just do it… And we'll all be better off. Take this, get out of death card as my token of thanks for teaching me what you could."Asher insisted that they went with this story, knowing it would spare the lives of the guardians.
"Are you sure you're willing to go through with this?"Cyril still needed to push a bit to be sure Asher was up for all the things that would come to pass.
"I've made it this time, and I'm sick of waiting and living in questions about her,"Asher assured that he truly felt ready for this journey,"It's time I got my answers, and find my true family after all this time…"
Asher then turned around and walked away towards Sparx and Hunter, the two comrades he now had. Once he was standing among his team, they exchanged a round of stares. Knowing that there was nothing stopping them now, it was time, time to venture out onto Cynder's path. Asher did the honors of raising his bracelet to the air and letting the crystal shine into the took a moment until it showed the image of Cynder passing right over the palace and flying off towards the north.
"She's heading towards the cliffs. Spyro is probably waiting for her there,"Asher assessed her flight pattern and direction as the crystal image ended after a mere moment,"So we get to the cliffs and we go from there."
"If that's the direction we've been given, then we shall follow it with haste."Hunter agreed to the crystal imagery and directions.
"Well lets not stand around any more, it's been ages since I went on a big adventure!"Sparx got in front of Asher and prompted them to make haste.
Asher nodded, before slowly walking forward with Hunter and Sparx at his sides. They were determined, pumped, and ready for a long awaited journey, one that would reinvigorate their hearts and souls. They took this long walk until they reached the steps that lead down into the back of the city. Before Asher leaped into the air and sprouted his wings, while Sparx zipped off right behind him. Hunter was able to keep up, as his quick feet carried him down the steps, and leaping to the roof tops of the house.
The guardians rushed to the steps to see the three new friends on their way at least. Going on a long awaited adventure, much like Spyro did the moment destiny came beckoning to him. A new story was now unfolding, and it truly began with this adventure Asher took on.
"Good luck, Asher. A great adventure awaits you."Terrador gave his wishes for good fortune.
"There will be struggles, but after how stubborn and powerful you've proven yourself to be. I think I'll believe in you after all."Volteer admitted as they all began to disappear into the horizon.
"And may the ancestors watch over you, Asher…!"Cyril concluded before they would soon retire to their beds, leaving Asher to his long awaited quest.
It's time every body, ready for quite the adventure? I'll do my best to make this immerse, nostalgic, and an intense journey across the realm of dragons. Old character? Old enemies? Maybe… Just maybe. Old places, you know it. And so much more, you just wait. Stay awesome every one.