A/n
I know this chapter is shorter than my chapters are normally, but that's how it happens sometimes. There is still a good amount of stuff in this chapter that moves the story along… Perhaps not in the minds of some, yet I stand by it. Nevertheless, enough chatting from me, on with the story!
Chapter 19: Are We There Yet?!
Perhaps you have notice how one's life and the direction it takes, can change so completely from seemingly the simplest things? I certainly have experienced such a thing at times in my life… not too often, but it does happen on a rare occasion. In this instance, it was until yesterday, that my life had been settling into a fairly good routine. No need for me to trek around to solve problems of other, none trying to bump me off, just a bit of peace which I think I've earn a bit of. Granted, there have been a few events as of late that have caused a few ripples in the waters of life, couple of large ones, but that was to be expected as that's how life is. … However, then came yesterday… And changed things in a big way, made waves instead of ripples.
Most of this major changes came due to two events; the conference between races here in the dragon realm, and then the thing with Lara. The conference in my opinion, it's nearly a lost cause, that's before you involve me in the mix, worse when I'm shoved into this. Know I've thought and stated that the dragon guardians were somewhat ignorant and can be kind of dumb from time to time. Yet this was more than that, this was stupid! … And yet, I go along with it… Don't know what's wrong with me in this! … Then… There was… Lara. Love the Dragoness and am able to openly admit it most of the time, not easy when you're somewhat the quiet type… well, perhaps not quiet exactly, but I'm not one to say whatever comes to my mind. Still haven't a clue why she spends time around someone like me when I think she deserves so much better than me, for I certainly ain't no saint, though I'm not a devil, but nor am I close to perfect.
Now… I've the prospects of a dragonet on the way to hatch into the world for some time in the future. And I'm so conflicted and so am not handling this well and I can't and won't deny it. My mind is being stressed badly with the argument of why it's a good thing for me to have kids and the reasons that I shouldn't breed or reproduce. The emotional and mental storm that was going on within me, was making things more difficult than I can recall having before in my life up to now. On the other paw, Lara was clearly happy about her being gravid and wants me to share in that happiness as well. Her attempt, even if it was a tad desperate, to convince me that both of us being parents was wonderful had made that plain.
Anyways, back to the present as it is, I was in the group that would go to the conference that was to the northeast of Warfang. As I have said, was glad to have Spyro and Seth with me, it's nice to spend time around them as it's been some time since I have had the opportunity to do so. Their company would hopefully provide some stability, especially with my situation with Lara right now. Chizuru could also possibly be of help to me in the issue, and her company is one that I know I can count on in tight situation and problems and get the feeling that I would need such things on this trek… can't say why, but better safe than sorry. Then there was Neval… Don't have anything against him personally, none at all; it's his other personality that irks me so. Had been clear from our first meeting with Nergal or Goldie Scales as is one of the names I came up for him, that he was a major P.I.M.A., or a pain in my a**, among the other things he is. The C.A.S.O.B. liked me as much as, or slightly less than I enjoyed keeping his company, which is not at all! Hopefully, Neval would be in control for the majority of this trip or I might gain a twitch or habit of smacking the dragon upside the head… Rather quickly I wouldn't doubt if Nergal showed himself.
Next would be the 'babysitters', those being Spectra and Huron, perhaps Hunter as well, but I don't see him being the best for this kind of job. Since the time Spectra and I had met, our relationship had gotten 'better' for lack of a better way of putting it. In the early times, she had assaulted me as well as helped me, very confusing messages she would send me, now it's less so… No assaulting me these days and actually listens to me sometimes. I can't say that about a number of the guardians, Terrador I think, hasn't listened to me seriously since he's seen me… unless he had too, wasn't often. He and I still don't get along all that well and that's unlikely to change in the future, I just rarely get along with authority figures, it's the way I am. Yet, I'm getting sidetracked, the other guardian that was traveling in the 'merry band', was the one I could read and understand the least, Huron, the guardian of the wind element. He is still a mystery to me and it hasn't gotten any clearer since we met, the dragon is still quiet and difficult to read.
With the two cheetahs going along with us, Nox and Hunter, don't have much on either of them other than the little information that I had heard. Hunter was a friend of Spyro who had found my purple friend encased in crystal… how that works is beyond me. However, I'm supposedly from the time of the Great War that was hundreds of thousands of years ago, so who am I to talk about how should things work. Anyway, the point is that it would be nice to see how the two interact around each other, added info to what I already have. Then you got the quiet cheetah, who is some kind of outcast, Nox; can't say much about him as I just don't know much, other than him being our guide in this journey as he knew the place we were going.
I made the decision that I would start out this trip in my human form for a couple of reasons. The first was I haven't used it in a little while and I don't want to get lax on my skills as a human, so best to get practice when I can. Second, is that humans have very good versatility, are well-rounded and adaptation are things that humans can say that they have in good supply. I was thinking on the journey ahead when Chizuru came up next to me, "Hey Saber, I thought you said that you would be going as a dragon for this trek." She said.
Focusing on my female companion, I shook my head, "No, I didn't say that, I said that I would be starting this out with a human." I stated firmly.
Had indeed said that I would start this trek as my human self, so why is Chizuru bring this up? Chizuru kept her gaze on me, "No, you did say that you would be setting out as a dragon, I believe you said specifically, 'I'll be going like I am' while you were a dragon." She commented.
I paused, don't remember saying anything like that or being a dragon while I would say that. Yet Chizuru has a good memory, so why she would recall me saying something that I'm fairly sure that I didn't. "You must be mistaken Chizuru; I didn't say anything like that." I answered.
"Yes, you did." Chizuru returned to me
Was taken aback a bit with how firm Chizuru was that I had said that I would be a dragon at the start of this. I neither confirm or deny that such a thing as me saying something as Chizuru has said I had, could've happened. … I can only think of one thing to say in my defense… whether it is seen as covering my rear and mouth or me justifying what I said, that doesn't matter in my view. I gazed Chizuru strait in the eye, "I reject your reality and substitute my own." I said flatly.
Chizuru attempted to keep a straight face after hearing my statement, but fail and burst out laughing. The dragons look over to both Chizuru and I with curious expression. Might not understand exactly why Chizuru would find this situation between her and me is funny. That's if any of the dragons heard me say the line I did at all, and if they did, then unlikely they would comprehend the reference and implications of it… with human phrases and implications, dragons rarely understand them. Anyway, we got organized, took us about fifteen minutes, before we were all set and ready to start our journey to the land the guardians called Cuneo.
As our group started forward, there came a voice, one which I have come to be irked and annoyed by, to detest and thoroughly dislike. The owner, for whom I can come up with fitting names for and have loved to prank. The one and only light bulb with wings, yes indeed, the Incessant Chatterbox, Sparx. "Hey, I want to come along too!"
I grumble in frustration, "Please no."
Had thought I could enjoy a break from the relentless rambler on this trip. I would see him from time to time around Warfang, but I could tolerate that because I would get time away from the dragonfly. If he came on this trek, then I would get far less time away from IC. There are enough difficulties with the conference looming ahead without adding to the mix… And Sparx is one of the last things that we need! Chizuru looked to me with slight worry, "Saber are you alright?" she asked.
I glared at the dragonfly, before I gave my answer to Chizuru, "I'll have to get back to you on that Chizuru. I can't honestly say if I'm going to be alright at the moment."
-Scene change-
"Are we there yet?" asked IC in a voice and tone I would expect from a child.
Did he really just ask that question… I swear, if I don't kill IC before we get to the conference venue, then it will be a freaking miracle! He had been going on for so long I lost track of how much time had passed, but if the sun's position is anything to go by, it had been hours. Yes, I said and even promised Spyro that I would attempt to be nicer to his brother Sparx, but that dragonfly is pushing my tolerance and patience to their limits! I can't see how the current situation can be much worse than it is right now. … I should know better by now never to wonder how things can be worse. My bad luck just loves proving me wrong. Not even ten second after believing there wasn't much of a way for this to sink lower, I was proven very wrong by my luck! Thankfully, my ever reliable danger sense of mine, warned me in time and I had enough time to dodge the form that pelted towards me though it was close.
My head twisted to the left and my self-restraint came into effect and helped me to hold in a scream as a certain silver grey dragoness with crimson eyes into my sight, couldn't ever forget… Not after the things she did to me! Readied myself to defend my freedom, I leveled my gaze at the dragoness that I haven't seen for somewhat less than a year, Sarana. Don't get me wrong, I'm scared of this dragoness I'm facing right now and for good reason, she's a sadist with me! And for whatever reason, she sees me as the best and her favorite outlet for her sadism. But I will not let her do such things again, I would not let her get a hold of me and most of all, I won't let her have her way and torture me for her enjoyment!
Had only a few moments, before Sarana pounced at me a second time, forepaws out stretched in the obvious intent to grab me. I leaned back… doing one of the most serious limbo moves I've ever done, my shins moved forward and my knees were bent at somewhere between a hundred-ten and a hundred twenty-degree angle with my body arching backward to complete my extreme limbo move. No matter how ludicrous the move, it did what I needed it to do as the view of Sarana sailing over me was taken in, yet she did close enough that she was less than half a foot from my torso. Adrenaline was rapidly pumping through my body in the effort to keep the silver grey dragoness gets a hold of me… I don't want to think about what will happen… all I'll say is if she catches me, it's not going to end well!
The voice of Spectra shouting something at Sarana came to my ears, but as she shot towards me for the third time, it was clear that she wasn't listening to Spectra at all. Even heard the voices of Spyro and Seth, yet couldn't understand what they were saying as I was too busy preventing Sarana from getting me in her grasp by whatever means necessary. This trend continued until Chizuru stepped in and managed… With whatever ability she has to force Sarana to veer of her intend course at me by some kind of explosion of blue fire. Before the silver grey dragoness could resume her attempts of snatching me up in her grasp, Spectra and Huron got in between her and me.
Looking back to Chizuru, I noticed that her fox ears and two of her tails were out, yet none other than myself seemed to notice. However, at the moment I didn't care as much as I had for the time being escaped Sarana. This experience had brought back to my mind some very horrible memories from my younger years. In fact, shivers ran through me at thoughts of that girl who had been the first sadist that had focused on me to get her kicks. Felt the tears start coming to my eyes, and without thinking, I hugged Chizuru and whimpered. It's out of character for me, few would be able to understand that horrible sadism that I had survived at that hands of a single girl. "Thanks Chizuru, you're a real friend! The things that dragoness has done to me… It's like… Like… Being bullied by Ice Cold Elsa again!" I choked out before I broke down into a fit of sobbing.
The feeling of a hand patting my right shoulder in a comforting fashion, even with tears coming from my eyes, I could see Chizuru. As she often had, was trying to comfort me like she used to after I would make escape from the girl who had bullied me when I was younger. That girl had been named Elsa Cordené, I and some others gave her the nickname Ice Cold Elsa. She was the first sadist that I had come into contact with, and still is the one that affected me the most. Sarana had gotten close to reaching the level that Icy Elsa had done on a regular basis, but hadn't gotten to the same level. It had been a very good day when I been told Elsa Cordené would be moving away, that's how horrible it had been with that girl. Yet, from her actions she did with me, I would never ever forget the girl and the sadist she was. I couldn't possibly forget those experiences; I was scarred from what had happened! Chizuru had been one of the few that saw how Elsa could truly be like when adults didn't watch. It was during those times that our friendship had developed, when Chizuru had begun to see who I was before Master Kai had helped me in the ways he had.
I regained control of my emotions, I noticed that Spectra and Huron had managed to calm Sarana down and get her to stop trying to catch me. Was hoping for our group to get back on the road, the quicker that we leave Sarana behind the better in my opinion. Yet, my bad luck laughed at me, this came in the way of Sarana saying she would travel with us for the time being. Admittedly, it has been a little while since the Man Upstairs and the Punk Below had a laugh and got entertainment at my expense and so it seems that it'll be again.
-Scene change-
The sun began to sink below the western horizon, signaling that the day would soon come to a close and would give way to night. With the unmistakable approach of evening our merry band decided to stop for the day and set up camp where we were. By what Nox said, when I got to asking him, we were over half way to the destination, Cuneo the land where the conference would take place. There wasn't much needed to be done to 'setup camp', dragons may not require much, nor do cheetahs as they live off the fruits of the land on a normal basis. After everyone one began settling in for the evening, I found myself in the company of Spyro, Seth and Chizuru. IC was absent… I had nothing to do with it… I might have mentioned there was a large collection of bushes that, just happened to have the berries that IC likes and can't resist within his hearing range, but I had nothing to do with his disappearance. If he is nowhere to be found, then that's his doing and not mine! I'm just going to enjoy his presence being not around here for as long as I can. The four of us had dinner and then got to exchanging small talk, when Spyro asked a particular question, "Um Chizuru, before when you helped Saber, you had something on the top of your head… And I thought you had some sort of tail, what were those? I have never seen Saber have anything like that when he is human."
Oh dear… How to explain about what Chizuru is? I haven't seen or heard of any creature in the Dragon Realm that's like a Kitsune. While I attempted to come up with a viable way to help Spyro and Seth to understand, Chizuru brought out her fox ears and tails for both dragons to see.
"Well Spyro," I began, "You see, first of all, humans do not have tails of any kind. In the human world, they are thought to be many different creatures that can appear somewhat similar to human beings. There tends to be lots of myths and stories about such beings and are brought up to explain unusual occurrences for the most part…"
I trailed off, unable to explain the idea of creatures of myth and legend. Thankfully for me, Chizuru came to my rescue, "Yes humans do tend to use non-humans to explain some of the ideas they can't exactly explain. In the realm where humans inhabit, there is a world that humans know little about that they call the supernatural. Most can make themselves look human and blend in, some are better at it than others, can be done in a couple of different ways. I am, what is known as a kitsune, or fox in the language from the land that is my ancestral home. We are beings that are able to use magic and tend to live longer than humans by a large margin. Most of the time, we are seen as protectors and guardians of the innocent, among other things." Chizuru said.
Once Chizuru had finish her explanation, which I'll confess, was clearer and better than mine. I had thought that would be the end of things for the night, so next would be finding a spot to sleep. Unfortunately, my mind went back to thinking about the situation with Lara and I couldn't help the grimace that appeared. Yes, I'm still extremely worried about the future with Lara being gravid now; I can't change that fact and I don't think it will be prone to change much in the future. Was so deep in my own thoughts, that I hadn't noticed that Spyro was watching me.
"Saber, are you okay?"
My head snapped up, turned to the speaker and I found myself looking at Spyro who was staring at me with worry. Have no idea why my purple friend had an expression of concern as he looked at me, but then I've been so deep in thoughts about the situation with Lara, I wasn't paying attention. Glancing around, I saw that Chizuru and Seth were gazing at me as well, waiting for my response to Spyro's question. I forced a smile, "Yeah, I am fine, was just thinking about some stuff that has come up recently. It is nothing to concern yourself with Spyro." I said, hoping he would accept the answer and not ask further.
However, my wish for my friends to not inquire, didn't fly for me at all. This came in the form of Seth speaking up, "Saber, there is definitely something troubling you. You should know by now that you can tell us anything." Seth said to me in the clear effort to push me to say what was holding my attention, which was Lara being gravid.
That didn't help me, I didn't want to talk about or get into the issue that is haunting me as of last night. I'm still processing the long term effects that would come with Lara and I having a dragonet, for there were many. Yet, the hardest blow, was still to come, "Saber." Came the voice of Chizuru.
Swung my head over to focus on Chizuru as she continued, "You've proven that you can appear that you have no trouble if it has a physical or mental piece, however, you have never been able to hide it when you are dealing with an issue when it involves an emotional component. You might as well just get it out, vent if you will, so that you can get over whatever your problem is."
Dang freaking fiddlesticks! I don't know which is worse, Chizuru being able to say things that cut to the heart so effectively, or Sera's outright ludicrous ability to know about things she shouldn't know at all. Took a moment to take in the expressions of the three friends who were listening to me and were trying to help me. The looks on Spyro's and Seth's faces, said to me that I couldn't say anything to get them to wave this off. Then seeing Chizuru, it was like a shot straight to the heart with her sharp glare that was fixed on me, I knew that there was little if any way I could get out of telling these three what was bothering me. My shoulders slumped and I let out a long sigh, "Okay, I get it, you're not going to drop this, so I might as well spill it."
I paused and didn't say a word for a full minute, hadn't a clue how to lay out my current predicament. At least doing so without get across properly why I see it being such a problem without seeming like something that I'm not. … I guess I might as well just state the event, "Well… Um, you see…" my voice caught in my throat, I forced through though, "I… Found out yesterday… That um… Lara's… Uh, well she's gravid."
There was complete and utter silence in the air for a few minutes, upon glancing up to see the looks on their faces, observed that huge shock was the most prevalent feeling to what I told them. Knew that telling others that Lara and I are now expecting, yet I didn't think the reaction would be of this magnitude. Granted, I'm not the sort of guy most would call the ideal image of a family man… Quite the other end of the spectrum. However, that never meant that I was fully set against the idea, just had little understanding how such a thing would work. The spell of silence broke when Chizuru started snickering quietly, I faced her, "And what Chizuru, do you find so amusing about Lara and I now being expectant… Par… Parents?" I asked.
"You are funny Saber, you have always dismissed the subject of family, whether it was to be a part of one or if it were to have one yourself… And now you've landed yourself in the position that you have been for so long against." Answered Chizuru giggling at random as she said this.
Was about to give a retort, but was stopped by Spyro, "But, why would you be so against having a dragonet Saber?" Asked Spyro.
Well, ain't this Really ironic?! I recall asking something similar of Spyro over a year ago and yet here we are, in reverse positions having close to the same conversation. It's a miracle that the light bulb with wings isn't here… would've expected him to be back by now, that would make this so much worse for me and I do not need that right now. Don't really care where IC is at the moment, as long as he stays out of this conversation, the better and the less I'll do to him. So… What do I say in my defense to Spyro's question? I tried to explain my issue to Lara and she hadn't seemed to understand what I had been trying to say to her. Back at that time, Lara gave her side of why it was good for us to have a dragonet, really it had solidified how she and I can view things differently. Yet, we hadn't finish the conversation once it got to Lara finding out that she could have me spilling my secrets with little effort.
So, it's not like I'm not interested in having kids, it's more that I'm worried about what kind of life they would likely have. Hypothetically speaking, let's say that the dragonet, like me had white scales; then the ancient enemy would hunt them as they do me. I wouldn't wish what I'm dealing with on anyone… Even on my worst enemy. The other major argument, the subject of parenting is one I know almost nothing about! I don't know how many times I have said this, I've lost count and yet none seem to understand. So again, what can I say in my defense?! Attempting to work through my turmoil, I didn't notice that Chizuru had been studying me, that is until she spoke. "You're scared that a child of yours would end out like you." Said Chizuru as if it were obvious.
It took a huge amount of effort to not do a hard face plant and kiss the ground. Did I really make this particular issue so obvious? I thought I had hidden it well, but apparently that's not the case. Chizuru had seen through my front and had said my problem outright. All I could do was nod slowly in response to Chizuru. To say I was ashamed about this view of mine, would be off, I was embarrassed and mortified with myself. I know I shouldn't fear that an offspring of mine might end out like me… But I can't help it! Have a lifetime of experience of what my bad luck is capable of, along with the other things I deal with on a regular basis. There is the chance that an offspring might inherit that stuff. I've often thought it would perhaps be better if my genes get removed from the available gene pool… My genes are dangerous in several ways. It took some time to find use of my voice again, "Can you blame me Chizuru? Look at what my life has been like, I would wish that on no one." I said softly.
My friends tried comforting me and I'm grateful for that, yet that didn't help quiet my fears about the dragonet that was going to come. When it came time to sleep, I chose to sleep under a tree and Spyro, Seth and Chizuru set themselves around me. For reasons of my safety, specifically from Sarana, glad that these three friends of mine were placing themselves between me and the one that wants to… Cuddle me in her own way.
-Scene Change-
The sun rose and not too long after it had, I cracked open my eyes, took me a moment to remember where I was and why I was here. Looking around, I found Spyro on my left and Seth on my right, both were still sleeping… Like logs to be honest. The weird surprise, Chizuru, who was starting to wake up, was splayed on top of me… Not in a bad way. I wasn't cheating on Lara, nor is Chizuru in the position to be a female of interest, she is my friend and that's how it will stay! The next thing I know I was staring at Chizuru, eye to eye; oddly, my libido was nonexistent… Don't get why. Chizuru is plenty attractive, more so than most human looking people that I know… Maybe mating with a dragon has something to do with this… Don't know.
"Morning Chizuru, you mind getting off me so that I can get up?" I posed.
Chizuru did as I asked, "Sorry about that, figured that if you were covered, that silver dragoness would be less likely to bother you during the night." My friend returned.
I waved a hand in dismissal, "It's fine, thanks for thinking ahead. Wouldn't put it past Sarana to try and snatch me in the middle of the night if the opportunity was presented." I remarked.
We both rose to our feet and stretched, I looked over at Chizuru, "Say Chizuru, what would you say to a sparring match? We haven't sparred with each other in quite a while and I don't know about you, but I miss those times as you could always give me a good workout." I asked.
She nodded to my request and we went a distance away from the camp so that we wouldn't disturb those who were still sleeping at this time. For the next hour, the two of us attempted to pin the other through martial arts and really, by whatever way that we could. When the hour passed, Chizuru had pinned me six times and I pinned her six and a disputed one that we agreed didn't count. The fighting was a great stress reliever and helped me vent somethings that had been burdening me for a time now.
Once we had finished our spar, we hunted around for breakfast, and found some fruit that I knew was safe to eat… Still remember what happened when I ate fruit that I had no idea about. By the time Chizuru and I got back to the campsite, saw that everyone else was awake and moving around. Some were having breakfast, which consisted of meat, as every meal does with dragons, not that I don't understand. The taste of meat when I was in my draconic form, is vastly different than how it tastes when I'm human. Let's just say that meat tastes SO much better as a dragon than as a human, words just can't describe the difference! Nox was looking a bit ahead as far as I could observe, and Hunter seemed to be helping him. Within the next hour, our group gather together and got ready to set out for our destination. Sarana said she really wasn't interested in going farther than she did already, which I was silently cheering for joy that she wouldn't be coming with us. However, the silver grey dragoness did manage to catch my attention and she smirked and 'blew me a kiss', that sent a serious shiver up my spine before I looked away. Thus, day two of the journey was underway and we were heading towards Cuneo and the conference.
Chapter end!
A/n
Okay, that's where I decided to leave off with this chapter, mostly as the next chapter will be focused on the conference event itself. For some that might think they can guess what will happen, you'll see that… Well things might not be exactly as you would think. That's all I intend to say on the next chapter and the rest of this arc. Please, as always, take the time to write a review and say what you think of the chapter or story thus far. Whether you think this is a great story or a piece of junk, I like to hear what readers think about what I write. It's people pointing out things that helps me improve my writing; readers asking questions that helps my inspiration keeping flowing. Until next time all!
Guest (KeyBlader Zen)
I hope I answered your questions, if not PM me and I'll try to give more info
HolyCross9
Yes, the talk between Saber and Ignitus did help our protagonist in a way he didn't see. And as you see in this chapter, Saber is going to take time to come to accept offspring that will come.