Chapter 3:
The Pride that Binds the Heart

Arriving at the Evari Havara clan Bouma station took less time than Akuco thought it would, but what surprised him the most were the attacks by the crocasiles. There were none. It was all rather silent and unnatural to him, or perhaps even a sign. Usually there is an attempt or two on attacking the Bouma, so something just did not sit right with him. Not that it would matter anyway. No attacks meant a safer and quicker journey through the murky waters of the swamp, with the occasional vine slap here and there. He still does not believe it when Mikey was adamant that he was slapped by a snake instead of a vine when they passed through the heart of the swamp, but he was soon informed that Mikey still reads scary comics before he sleeps and that he has paranoia sometimes when something unexpected happens to him. Why Mikey would even scare himself so much before resting he will never understand?

As expected, the dylarocs were competing on their racing tracks like they do every mating season and Donatello really wanted to study them for a short while so he pleaded for Ringo and Shamonk to stop the Bouma, even for just a moment. He was soon told that it was far too dangerous, and instead had to study in passing while Akuco worked with the others to hopefully retrieve some scales for his errands from the safety of the boat. Naturally they begged Don to help out, but he was too busy writing down everything he could figure out about the dylarocs in the short time he had. In the end, they had sadly gone too far before a makeshift retrieval tool had even been thought out that would be effective and durable, without breaking or getting lost among the banks.

Now though, as Akuco waits with the Turtles and Kaietha for the boat to be rowed to the pier and moored, he looks over at the Evari Havara clan dreading the time he may have with Chief Reptilitz when inside.

"Akuco?" Mikey asks.

Akuco just sighs as he watches the others clamber out of the boat.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I'm just dreading my meeting today."

"But wasn't it important?"

"Only to my dad."

"Hm? So then why not do it for yourself? Earlier you told us you needed to have this meeting."

"I know." He climbs out onto the pier and walks alongside Mikey as they continue forwards. He glances at Leonardo, who bows with his hands together in thanks for the ride.

"Thank you, Ringo and Shamonk."

"Don't mention it, Leo. We're just glad we could help out The Brotherhood. Our saviours."

"It took more than just being saviours you know, Ringo," Raph states to them, before repeating what Leo did, followed by Don, Mikey and Kaietha. "It took self control too."

"And a whole bunch of logic and planning," Don says.

"As well as the ultimate liberation of all those in need," Mikey concludes. "The short story. We were just doing our duty."

"And we all thank you for being there when we needed you," thanks Shamonk, before the pair bow and head back to the boat. "We shall await your return for the journey back through if you need us."

"We will let you know," Leo replies, bowing once more before he turns to Akuco. "So, Akuco."

"Yes."

"Where is the Bakhora station?"

"Take a left past the clan you see ahead of you, and the Bakhora station should be in plain sight."

"Okay. But didn't you want to go with us?" he questions.

"My job is done now. You can go on without me. I'll be fine."

"Very well. We will pop back here once we're done and collect you."

"You don't need to do that. You'll have the Bakhora to ride back to Deviend."

"But we promised to help you with your errands," Raph states suddenly.

"I'm sure I can manage. Thank you for the offer though, Raph."

"But…"

"Leave it, Raph. Akuco can make his own decisions."

"I guess."

"Anyway." He looks at everyone else. "Let's go, guys."

Akuco stands there watching them head off, but he is surprised when Mikey remains at his side. "Mikey?"

"So about earlier. Why are you dreading this meeting?"

I didn't want him to bring that up. Oh well. No sense in leaving him in the dark.

"It's just about Chief Reptilitz. Nothing bad."

"What is making you want to dread meeting him?"

"It wasn't long ago, but he started to eye me up, touch and squeeze my arms and feel my body when he visited my tribe that day."

"Hmm? I see. And you think he'll do the same thing again."

"Exactly."

"Well that doesn't matter. What did it feel like when he did it before?"

"Awkward, uncomfortable and encroaching."

"Do you know what he was checking for? I doubt it would be something as disturbing as what you are thinking."

"I don't know, but it may have been to test how strong I was or something. I'm sure he could easily see how strong I was."

"Well. You look strong, yes, but that doesn't mean you are as strong as you look. Maybe he was feeling your muscles to assure himself that you were as strong as you look. You never know. It could be for a good cause. He may have had his reasons. Because if I know my allies, Chief Reptilitz is nothing like the way you assume him to be."

"Mikey!" Don calls, then he peers round the corner at him. "You're supposed to be with us."

"Tell Leo I'm coming in a minute!" he shouts back looking at Don.

"Alright." Don disappears again.

"Where is this going, Mikey? You're needed by your team."

"I know, I know. But as I said before. Do this for yourself, not for your father or for Chief Reptilitz. If he touches or eyes you up again, just remain proud that he is noticing you among many others that may be the same as you. That's an honour you know, to be seen better than anyone else. Let him feel how strong you are. And if it goes too far, just say your way. That makes you brave. He'll understand."

"I guess. And maybe this time, I'll have a chance to know why he does it."

"That's a good assumption. Anyway, see you later."

"Bye, Mikey. Thanks." Outside the Evari Havara clan, he watches Mikey head away before standing tall after the pep talk he gave him. So what if Reptilitz touches him in the places where his muscles are well built now, it wasn't done in a sexualised way the last time now that he recalls. So he will remain brave and proud even if it happens again. He knows Reptilitz would never touch him sexually, despite it happening at close proximity to his sensitive parts. Only Sheisk is allowed to touch him in those places in that way. But if he does it to make sure he is the right one for his daughter, then Akuco should not worry. Even though I only want to be mated with Sheisk. She's the one for me. She is my future and my world. I don't want to ruin what it is we have together. Especially not after what happened between us at the end of her hatching day celebration. But this is all just a guess. I have no clue why Reptilitz did what he did.

Hearing the Bakhora flapping their large wings into silence, he takes off his vest to replace it with his sash and takes a deep breath before walking inside.

Entering, he is met with different smells and sights unlike back at home, distracting him from his current task. Moving on, many gazes from the other clan members bore into him silently, as though he is a stranger to them. It is not like he has not been here before. Sure it was with his father and he was young, but surely they should still recognise him now. He finds it hard to glance at them all, and whenever he tries he could look no more than a few seconds before shying his eyes away. Why do they glare? I'm not a criminal. It's not like I haven't been here before. I'm not a stranger. Did they intend to make him feel this awkward? And all the way to the chief too, like they do not even recognise him. Do they not recognise me or something? I'm the son of Chief Dazethes. Surely they know who Chief Dazethes is. Thinking that showing off his symbol of hierarchy to them would suffice, he makes sure they all can see it on his chest while gesturing with his hand. As expected, they all begin to murmur amongst themselves as though nothing had even happened. Well. I guess that worked. Now they should know who I am.

In moments he is barged over by someone smaller than him out of nowhere at speed, winding him. Whoever it is, they are carrying a bunch of bags over their arms, and his instinct is to hold them in place, as though it was his fault it all happened, just to keep them from getting hurt upon the fall. He never expected it. It all happened so fast. And he could do nothing except lie there watching the fruit rolling about the ground around him, which is certainly a surprise considering the clan here is exactly like him as a species. Fruit?

"Huh?" comes her voice, before she looks up to see him. "Oops. Sorry. I should've been looking where I was going."

"Sorry. It was my fault. I didn't see you."

"If I looked instead of faffing with all these bags, I wouldn't have barged into you. It's my fault. Not yours." She begins to clamber off of him backwards.

"But why were you running?"

"If I didn't, the meal would be late getting made."

"Meal? For whom?" He receives a sudden silence from her, which worries him. As he glances up at her, he can see she is processing him. The feeling of her hand on his chest just below the symbol of his clan, and the fact that she is eyeing it intently with a tilted head confuses him. "Er… Are you okay?"

She comes back to her senses. "Oh. Sorry. I should get off you now." She does just that, then starts reaching for all the items that fell over the ground.

"No, no. Let me do that." Akuco offers, before rolling to his feet and helping collect the fallen items. In a few moments, everything that fell out of the bags had been returned to them.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. But I'm wondering. Why did you go in thought just now? Where did you come from? And how come everyone thinks I'm a stranger?"

"You certainly do ask a lot of questions, Akuco."

"You know me?"

"Of course I do. You visited us with Chief Dazethes when I was just seven. Every week even."

"It's been that long?"

"Yes. And to answer your question about the meal. It is for a special guest. That special guest is you."

"Me?"

"Oh, Akuco. Do you really not recognise me?"

All Akuco can do is shake his head.

"Oh dear. It has been a long time, hasn't it? I'm Chief Reptilitz's daughter. My name is Ijiera."

"Huh?" Akuco questions in shock, speechless with widened eyes as a lightbulb turns on in his head. Finally he recognises who she really is, in all her swampy colour scheme too. How did he not remember her? Before he met Sheisk and before the war, there were many times he played fun games with her. He enjoyed her company too. And her gorgeous kobicha eyes clearly say it all. She has grown to be quite beautiful, but sadly not even she can hold a candle to Sheisk. "Really? Wow! You're so different now."

"Thank you, Akuco." Ijiera checks her bags one last time. "But this is rather surprising. You're quite early. You weren't supposed to arrive until later, when everything was ready."

"It's been a strange and eventful day. So many things have happened to me in such a short time, and it feels like a whole day has passed by." He pauses. "I haven't even finished my errands for the day. Stuff happened, and I kinda got involved in something I'll probably regret later." There is a jerk of pain from his injury, and he holds it amidst a cry. "Ow…"

"Akuco? What's wrong?"

"Just my side. Nothing major." His hand is simply grabbed, before Ijiera gently pulls him from behind her. "Er…"

"Come on. Mother can check you over." Akuco is led to Chief Reptilitz's hut without any hesitation, unable to even protest. But something did not sit right, and the more he ponders over it, the more fishy it seems to be. Does she know the reason why I am here? The reason my father refuses to tell me.

Chief Reptilitz's hut is so unrecognisable now, for Akuco does not recall any of the objects he saw. Not even in the small room he sits inside currently, with his torso on show. But that could be because of how long ago he was last invited here. He checks his wound while Ijiera's mother finds clean bandages and a paste, just to see how well it is healing, but he does not like the outcome. This isn't healing as quickly as I hoped it would. He attempts to touch it due to the little pain, but tells himself against it. At least it isn't bleeding as much. But it must have been deeper than I thought. It should've sealed itself by now.

"Here we are, Akuco," Ijiera's mother says upon her return to his side. "Just relax. This won't hurt a bit," she assures, before gently wiping his wound clean and lathering the paste over it.

Akuco has never felt such a cool sensation before, and her gentle motions just feel so relaxing. "Thank you, ma'am. This is nice."

"Just call me Kamara, dear." She continues to cover his wound. "But how did you get this? It's a wound from a Dylaroc."

"I kinda had a run in with one during my morning errands. It's nothing too dire, is it?"

"Sweetie. It's rather deep. I'm surprised it has healed this well since you first received it. Dylaroc claws are huge. You were crazy to try and fight it."

"But I couldn't help it. He attacked us over a silly accident. I only did my job in protecting both my brother and another clan member called Jiszuzu, because they both wanted to go with me. But then the dylaroc turned on me."

"Yes. They often hold a grudge if anyone or anything gets in the way of their previous intentions. Besides, they are territorial apex brutes. You were lucky to only suffer this."

"You can thank The Brotherhood for that. They saved me from being physically eaten by it."

"The Brotherhood?" She pauses, thinking. "Oh. The four war-heroes of our world."

Four? Maybe Kaietha wasn't involved in averting the war that day. That means she joined them afterwards. "Yeah," Akuco finally manages, then decides to change the subject. "Anyway. What is this paste?"

"It's a special ointment for deep wounds such as these. It'll mask the pain you must be feeling, and doubles as a healing remedy. It's fresh swamp weed from our waters, grinded into a paste using its own gel. It has natural healing properties and will dry after application, soothing inflammation and keeping the wound from festering."

"Wow. It must be important." He then raises his arms as Kamara applies clean, damp bandages around the afflicted area, tightening them but causing no pain. Does the paste work that quickly? I don't feel a thing.

"All done. But I'm afraid I can't stop your wound becoming a scar, sweetie."

"No worries. But please. Call me Akuco."

"Oh. You're the one the chief, my husband, has been discussing with Chief Dazethes. He must be very proud to have a son like you."

"My father, proud of me?"

"Of course. You are his first son after all, and also his heir."

"My sister Athrael doesn't believe so. All she does is boss me around, treating me like her lesser."

"That's sister's for you. Mine do exactly the same thing." She takes a step back to give him some room. "Anyway. You're free to go now. Don't do too much though, even if you feel that you can now do anything. Your body doesn't heal that quickly."

"Thanks. But wouldn't I be needed here, since Ijiera mentioned a special meal for me?"

"It'll take a good while to make it. You'd be bored waiting. Go out, explore and have fun. You'll know when it is all ready. Though you were a few hours early. I haven't even started cooking yet."

"Okay. I'll leave you all be then."

"Don't forget about your meeting with my husband. That must come first."

"Alright. Where will I find him?"

"He's waiting for you in his chambers."

"Understood."

"I better get on with the rest of the housework. See you soon." Kamara starts to head off, but turns her head towards him. "Oh. One more thing. Your vest is being fixed up. It'll be ready for you soon. Just head to our textile store when you're ready, and she'll either let you know when it'll be done, or hand it to you once it is finished. And don't worry. Whoever tried to fix it before, their work won't be ruined." She heads off after that, leaving Akuco to his own devices.

That's good news. I don't want Sheisk to think her work in fixing my attire was in vain. She put so much heart into doing it for me in such a short amount of time.

He obviously wants to explore the hut, but might just get in the way so he decides to remain on task. Speaking with Reptilitz despite how much he may still regret it. Reaching for his sash, he dresses himself accordingly and heads on over to the chief's chambers.

The chief's chambers are not much different to the rest of the hut, spic and span. Clearly Kamara does the cleaning very well, and Akuco might just consider asking her to clean his father's chamber back home. He hates to admit it but his mother, sadly, does not clean as well because here, not a single layer of dust can be seen.

Something else draws Akuco's attention, and it was not the fact that Chief Reptilitz had been walking towards him. There, on a side table in the room, is the childhood toy he built with Ijiera, out of bamboo, bamboo paper and swamp weed twine, still in working order and not a single piece missing or broken. In truth, as he looks around, he sees a few of the toys they made together and tested in the clan's walls. Even some models they both made together, of the beasts from the swamp-like world they had yet to explore for themselves, were in perfect condition. The twine was all Ijiera's work, because he had no clue how it was done and he doubts he ever will now. Wanting to reminisce a little longer, but knowing the real reason he entered here was to speak with Reptilitz, he turns around to bow his head before him.

"My apologies, Chief Reptilitz. I shall not disregard your presence again."

"Hm." He rests a hand on his shoulder and taps it to reassure him. "I'm not worried that you are reminiscing about your childhood here, my boy. It is good to remember your past life, what with the problem of the war that came far too quickly those many years ago. Many of us lost those whom we knew, including myself and your father."

"Huh?" My father lost someone?

"You are wondering?"

"I am, yes. But I can assume my father will tell me in his own time, sir." Yeah. I wish. He never tells me anything.

"There's no need for you to talk unlike your usual self here, my boy."

"I know, but father has been strict all my life when it comes to proper etiquette and enunciation. To speak professionally to strangers and important figures such as yourself, sir, is what my father taught me."

"Understood. I shan't try to change the way Dazethes brought you up." He turns and walks to his desk, sitting down motioning for Akuco to do the same. "Come. Have a seat. Let us discuss the importance of today."

"Okay." He does as he was asked, and takes a seat in front of Reptilitz's desk. I'm surprised he hasn't touched me up like I thought he would do. Or does he plan to do it when I'm off guard?

"So. I assume you know why you are here?"

"All I know is, there is supposed to be a special meal for me. And that I was told by my father I needed to speak with you about something. He just would not tell me what."

"Hmm? Typical Dazethes and his secrets."

"I mean. How can I discuss something with you, sir, if I do not know what I need to be discussing?"

"Dazethes never was one for telling things straight."

"Knowing my father, he will only tell me at the worst possible time."

"All that matters for today though, is the meal with myself and my family."

"About that, sir. What is the importance of this meal? And why would there be fruit involved?"

"So I see you met my daughter again then."

"Kinda. Ijiera, in a way, crashed right into me."

"And she was unharmed I presume?"

"Yeah. I stopped her from getting hurt, under the condition that I take it instead."

"Good. That is good. You are certainly the best choice for my daughter at this moment."

"Best choice? In what way, sir?"

"Seeing as your father hasn't told you. I don't think I am inclined to do so either."

"But I need to know, sir. I need to know what is being planned for my future. Why would you lean to my father's side?"

"It's not a case of me choosing to, it's the case of not having much choice I'm afraid."

"This is exactly why I hate it when others plan something without my consent."

"Seeing as you seem like you are still not ready, I don't want to ruin your probable plans for now."

"My father still thinks I am not ready. But I am ready. I know I am ready." What is the point of this damn meeting, if not even you can tell me why I am otherwise here?

"You still don't look like you are ready to hear what it is we have planned, Akuco. You may think you are ready, but I can still see that if I tell you, you will be emotionally distraught, if not worse. Even your father is keeping it from you, because of this. He may be secretive, but he still cares for your well being. If you believe you are ready, then I will tell you exactly why you are important to this clan. But if you are not, then I can't promise you will take this lightly." He pauses. "So. Knowing this. Do you still feel ready to hear what I have to say?"

"I…" He pauses, unable to speak for a moment, and lowers his head in thought. Man. I guess maybe he is right. I'm not mentally ready for what this may be about. What if it has something against what Sheisk and I have? What if I'll never be allowed to see her again?

"Hm. I can tell you still need time to ponder over this," Reptilitz says.

And what about the future I want with Sheisk? Will that never happen after I am told? Akuco continues to think, until Reptilitz rests both hands on his shoulders, where he casually looks up to him. "I want to be ready to hear this, sir, but I am also still unsure."

"Then I will give you time to think, Akuco. Come back when the meal is ready, and tell me your decision then. You are free to go now." He walks back to his desk. "You can go anywhere, so long as you don't travel too far."

"Thank you, Chief Reptilitz." He turns around and bows low before leaving the chief's chambers back out into the bustle of the clan.

Outside, Akuco takes a deep breath through his nose, slowly exhaling from his mouth. He could not stop thinking about what Chief Reptilitz said to him, and the crisp swampy air does not help. It just makes him think more. It is much less salty to what he is used to back home, and just adds new scents to his senses. This clan must be further inland, and as he looks around he goes back into thought about the location. Does my father plan to move here or something? It would be more convenient after all. Why else would he purposefully send me here on my own? Is it something to do with a peace treaty, or something else entirely?

I guess living here won't be difficult, just different. I assume this clan is on higher ground, meaning no flooding would ever occur. But where we are, we have to keep a close eye on the tide. Could that be why over here, they have no artificial streams to maintain? There's a lot more land to use here as well. I could get used to it.

It is then that he recalls what Kamara said about his vest. The clan textilist is fixing it, after it was torn due to the brutal assault on him from the dylaroc earlier that day. So he decides to head on over, to ask if she is finished. It should not be too hard to find the stall, and he can just ask the natives for the location in case he does not find it.

Walking to the shopping district, he glances at all the stalls he passes by, curiously checking at what it is they sell, and maybe remembering from when he was little. As expected, they are all in an easy format for the best efficiency. When finally Akuco descries the textile stall, he casually strolls over there to meet the owner at the counter.

"Excuse me, ma'am."

The owner glances up from her seat. "Hello, sir. What can I do for you?"

"Em. I came to ask. Is my vest ready? Chieftess Kamara told me it was being fixed here."

"Ah, yes. Your vest is finished. I'll just go and get it for you."

"Thank you." Akuco only waits for a couple seconds, before she returns carrying his vest.

"Here you go, sir. Whoever started to fix this. They did a brilliant job." She hands it back to him.

"Thank you. She loves to do things for me. She pours her heart into everything she does for me."

"I can tell she is a favourite then."

"She's more than a favourite. She's my world." And I can't wait to go back home and see her.

"Can I do anything else for you? And don't worry. There is no need to pay me for my work. Chieftess Kamara had that covered."

"No. Nothing else. Thanks."

"Enjoy the rest of your day." She heads back to her seat, going straight to work on another article of clothing. Akuco turns to walk away, checking his vest over for the tools he uses. When all is in order, he carefully folds it four ways and returns it to the sack at his side.

Planning to head back towards the chief's hut is soon interrupted when there is a sudden crash amidst something wooden in the clan not far from Akuco, followed by a scream.

Hurrying to the scene, Akuco wonders if he will be of any use but already he can see as he nears the carnage, a clan member not much older than him already keeping the order.

"Everyone, please! Do not panic! This is not an attack on our clan!"

Another younger member is down on his knees, currently checking over the victim. "Can someone hurry and get the chief! This guy's been shot in the back with an arrow! And by our Maker find a vet!" The younger one shouts.

"On it!" Another member calls, rushing off in seconds.

"Sir! What happened?" Akuco asks, hoping he can help.

"I do not know. The pair just fell out of the sky."

"Can I help at all?"

"I have no clue who you may be, so please keep back." He glances at Akuco's chest with a pause. "I see. You're from our sister clan. And I assume the son of the chief there."

"I can help. Just tell me what to do."

"Keep his Bakhora relaxed. Are you able to do that?"

"I can try."

"And don't pull out anything!"

"But…"

"You may do more harm than good."

It is then that Akuco notices his tribal symbol. The son of Chief Reptilitz, and knowing he may be important does as he is told. "Okay…" He quickly heads to the large bird, and tries his best to comfort it by giving it fuss on the head and neck. "Shh. It'll be okay. You'll pull through this." But all it could do was move its pain-stricken eyes towards him. Knowing this is the closest Akuco may ever be to the Bakhora of the swamps, he decides it is finally a chance for him to study them up close.

He has always wondered what makes them so beneficial and successful to their environment. They are just that kind of megafauna. Strong powerful wings for extended flight, and long legs for wading through swamp waters. A considerably sized beak for catching fish. Large sharp hooked claws for tearing at flesh. If it was not for the dylarocs being the apex predators here, then the Bakhora would be it. Even better is the plumage the Bakhora have. Glossy and smooth for the ease of traversing deeper waters, and, Akuco assumes, brightly coloured when their mating season arrives. These flying swamp predators are indeed amazing and worth another look, but as he continues to glance over the Bakhora's majesty, he cannot help but notice the arrows in its coat of feathers. They are unlike any arrow he has ever seen before, made out of a hollow wood as he can see from the one snapped clean in half. If it was bamboo like the arrows he has practised with, then it would not have gotten broken. What strikes him the most is the positioning of the three arrows, as though they were shot at exactly the same time. And the fletching, just a simple black down from a raven.

Feathers from a raven? How will I possibly escape an archer like that if I'm ever detected by one? And these arrows. What type are they? Both the victims are immovable. Are they paralysing arrows? The poor thing is in agony, trapped like a statue feeling every ounce of pain. And it can do nothing to stop it. How could that archer do this to him? And the other victim. Will he pull through? The arrow in his back looks deep. These arrows must be taken out of them. But is the chief's son right? Could I cause more harm if I do so?

"Brother. How is he?" The one who kept the order asks.

"I don't know. The arrow is deep in his back, and his Bakhora is hurt badly."

"Any sign of the others on patrol?"

"No. He is the only one."

"Sir. Can I say something?" Akuco asks the one keeping order.

"What is it?" He questions, glancing at Akuco.

"The Bakhora has been paralysed by these arrows. We need to take them out."

"I told you no, kid!"

"I'm not a kid!" He glares at the younger brother. "You know I'm the son of Chief Dazethes. Show respect! But I'm telling you. This Bakhora is in agony! The longer we leave these arrows in him, the more he'll feel it."

"Chief Dazethes?" The older brother wonders. "Very well. Take them out, but carefully."

"Understood." Akuco carefully pulls out the arrows, being careful not to touch the bladed points, and tosses them aside. "If I recall. Bakhora are resilient creatures. He'll be fine soon." Akuco goes back to giving the Bakhora some fuss, now seeing just how thankful he actually is. Spotting what looks like a tear from his eye as he closes them, Akuco knows the Bakhora can relax under his comfort, knowing he will feel no more pain.

"My sons. What happened here?" Chief Reptilitz questions as he appears, with both Kamara and another clan member who go straight to work on their patients.

"We don't know, father. They just dropped out of the sky."

Akuco takes a step back so the vet can check on the Bakhora, and he watches Kamara carefully pull out the arrow in her patient's back who cries in pain. He did not expect her patient to then speak.

"Chief…"

"Don't talk. The arrow struck you deep," Kamara says, keeping pressure on the wound.

"The chief… he must know… the Cerbist Ruins… something happened… the patrol… none have returned…" He then loses consciousness.

"The Cerbist Ruins? The Brotherhood are over there!" Akuco states all of a sudden. He directs his attention to the chief. "Please sir! I must go out there and help!"

"Akuco. It is too dangerous! You know you're important to this clan. You need to stay alive and out of trouble, for the future of both this clan and your own."

"And do what exactly, sir? If I go back to your hut, I'll just be in the way. But out there, I'll be doing something that will benefit us all."

"I must refuse! You are far too important to us."

"And if Ijiera is supposed to be helping to make this special meal for me, do you not consider that I'll just be a distraction. Trust me sir. I'm better off out of the way right now."

"He has a point, hun. Why not let him feel useful? Let him prove himself to you," Kamara states.

"I agree with mother, father."

"And why is that, Okano?"

"He wants to show you he can be useful. He even wanted to show us." He motions to his younger brother. "Maybe it will be best. It could help clear his mind so he is mentally prepared for what you will tell him about the future of his clan and our own."

"Hmm. I see." He looks at his younger son. "And what are your thoughts, Leculx?"

"Well. He did as he was told when I ordered him to, and I'm not even next in line for chief. So I say let him do what he thinks is best."

"Then I guess I'm outvoted. Very well." He glances at Akuco. "You have permission from the chief, to leave the clan, Akuco Hanaka."

"Thank you, Chief Reptilitz."

"But try to refrain from doing something out of your league. I don't want you returning injured or unconscious."

"War Chief Achakzoa has trained me in a lot of things, sir. I know how to fight. I know the dangers. And I'm quick to study any immediate problem that may arise. I'll be fine."

"Very well. But if you are, say, returned to me injured or unconscious, you realise you would not have proved anything to me."

"I understand. But if it happens. It happens. I will try my very best though, to keep from getting injured, unconscious or even killed. But I'll have The Brotherhood with me before then. But if they are trapped in the Cerbist Ruins, they need someone skilled enough to help them escape. I'm the best one for that."

"Considering what you just said, and the skills of this archer. I will be asking Aerne to join you."

I do hope you aren't sending them just to keep an eye on me, chief. I'm old enough, and skilled enough to get out of any danger if I find myself in it. "Understood, sir," Akuco finally manages, to his better judgement. He has always preferred to be alone on missions, but then he recalls The Brotherhood and Kaietha back in the clearing before his clan. They managed to stop, control and send the Dylaroc away together. They faced it while acting as one. All he could do was run from it, and when that did not work, he just gave up knowing he could not fight it alone. All he cared for was the safety of his brother and Jiszuzu. How could he have just given up, knowing Sheisk's feelings for him and his in return. Yes he believes he is better alone, but maybe working together with someone as skilled as him or better will make things easier.

"I'm glad you understand."

"And lastly. If I find the Bakhora patrol out there, I will help them too." And send the one you have asked to join me back with them, because I'm better off alone. He may think that, but in truth he knows he is not.

"I hope nothing has happened to them," Kamara mentions.

Akuco has pride in himself, which will be his downfall in the end and he knows it. No one would care about his status or his own satisfaction, especially not Druqaorok. He could not even fight him when he had to face him. Raphael had to save him, making that the second time he had been saved today. Akuco simply tells himself. I guess I am just a prideful fool. I cannot even begin to say I am better off alone. Perhaps if I manage to be better than Raphael, then maybe it will be true.

The vet then explains the news with the Bakhora. "Well. The damage is minimal. He will be fine."

"That's good," Reptilitz replies.

"WIll the paralysis wear off, ma'am?" Akuco asks the vet.

"Not straight away, no. Depends on how long ago he was shot and how much he has been affected by the paralysis."

"Okay." I was kinda hoping he'd recover before I have to go. He trusted me after I helped him. Guess I'll have to use another one and hope he pulls through. He heads back to the Bakhora and strokes him a few more times. "You'll pull through. I know you will." He then stands back to his feet and heads towards Reptilitz.

"Very well." Reptilitz turns to his eldest son. "Okano."

"Yes, father."

"Can you fetch me Aerne, please."

"Sure." Okano heads off.

Leculx fireman carries the injured clan member over his shoulders. "You sure, father. Aerne'll just make light work of Akuco here."

"I'm not just dead weight you know!" Akuco shouts a little angry at him.

"I never said you were." He heads off back to his father's hut. "Good luck out in the field! You'll need it!"

"Humph!" Akuco storms off to the entrance of the clan, hearing Reptilitz laughing before that too goes silent. I am of good use. And I won't have them teasing me at the meal, either. And who even is this Aerne character they want me to partner with. Doesn't sound like someone very important.

"So then…" A feminine voice begins, causing Akuco to look towards her as he continues to walk forward. "Akuco, is it?"

"Yes." Not at all amused, he speeds up in hope he might lose her, but she keeps in pace with him.

"Well that's not very nice. I'm your partner for this mission. I do hope you consider treating me like one."

"Sorry. The chief's son Leculx was teasing me. I don't like to be teased."

"Eh. That's how Leculx shows how much he appreciates you."

"And the chief laughed when I stormed off."

"Hm. He likes you too."

"Didn't seem like it. He wouldn't even tell me why I was here."

"Do you know why you're here?"

"My father asked me to meet him about something important and that's it. My father never told me either. Both of them are as bad as each other. Neither of them think I'm ready to learn of my role for our two clans, but I am ready."

"I see." She then pauses. "Would it help if you knew the relationship between these two chiefs?"

"What do you mean?"

"They're both childhood friends. You of all crocodiles should've guessed this."

"My father never tells me anything. He keeps me in the dark." He is getting annoyed by her now. "Can we please just get this over with?"

"Of course. That is why we are going after all." She rushes out in front of him raising a paw, causing him to stop just by the entrance to the clan. "Name's Aerne. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Akuco pauses in confusion, just looking at her insignificance. He can clearly see how small she is compared to him. If he dared to, he could just flick her aside with his tail and continue on his way. She's the one called Aerne? How important will she even be? She's puny and annoying. Why make me stop when we're just about to leave? And what makes her so much better than me? Guess I should partner up with her after all. I'll only be stuck with her throughout this entire mission, even if I don't. "Nice to meet you." He did not sound very endearing, but shook her paw anyway.

"Right." She pauses. "Now that we're acquainted with each other. Let's go." She turns and hurries off without saying another word, much to the chagrin of Akuco.

Illogical. That is what Akuco feels about the choice of Chief Dazethes, deciding to have Aerne of all beings going with him. He could not find her significance to this mission at all. For one, she is way too small to be of much use. Her body just does not seem strong enough. Sure, she looks suitable. But not for something as dangerous as the quest they are on. And he could not stop looking at her features. She seems to be more a distraction to him than anything as he has never seen a creature like her before. Due to his want of learning everything he can about someone new, might just be encroaching like Reptilitz was on him that day he visited his father. Did he consider her species suitable for swamp life? Of course not. She has short grizzled fur and a long tail like that of a long-tailed weasel, yet the upper half of the tail looks more otter-like. Her short rounded ears just make even less sense when the face is clearly that of a simple cat if it had a more elongated face. He would consider her a hybrid as he does not otherwise know, but feels like asking will just cause tension between them. Her colours are rather dull too, just a typical grey morph from what he could see. But as they near the Bakhora station, she casually turns around causing him to blush and look away.

"What's wrong?"

"N-nothing..."

"Are you sure? You wouldn't blush like that if you weren't otherwise enjoying my looks."

"That's not it!" He turns his head to face her sternly, then quickly changes his guise to one of simple curiosity. "I just… I've never seen a creature like you before."

"You haven't? Have you even gone out to live a life yet?"

"No. I never expected to. I prefer where I live. That's all I know."

"Aww. Are you still a kid or something?"

"I'm nearly seventeen, thank you very much. I'd appreciate it if you treated me like my age."

"I'm only messing with you."

Akuco just sighs. "Well… please don't. I don't even understand why chief Reptilitz asked you to join me."

"Easy. You need someone of my expertise to protect you out here."

"No I don't! I can take care of myself just fine!"

"Sure."

"Look! I prefer doing things on my own! And I don't want someone like you getting in my way!"

"Wow. Very self-centred, aren't you?"

"I am when someone treats me as inferior!" The pair of them reach the Bakhora station, and worse, Akuco can see that there is only one there. Oh great! So now I have to ride with this irksome kit! Is my day just gonna get worse?

"Hello, sir."

The station master quickly stands to his feet from behind the Bakhora. "Can I help you, ma'am?"

"We've come under the orders of Chief Reptilitz, to ride out to the Cerbist Ruins."

"I see. Please can you find the Bakhora Patrol. They haven't called in yet."

"We will do as best as we can, sir," Akuco replies, surprising Aerne for how sincere he may have been. "If we find them, we will help them."

"Thank you."

Aerne is now checking the Bakhora over. "Oh good. This Bakhora is female."

"Good? How is a female Bakhora good? The males are the better ones. They'd be more effective."

"Oh. So you're a sexist and a prideful fool now!" Aerne glares at him suddenly.

"N-no that's, not it at all. I just thought…"

"A male may be stronger, manoeuvrable and more resilient, yes, but not when it comes to carrying two," Aerne interrupts. "This is because he is smaller, and the reason for this is to protect his mate and his young." She pauses. "A female however is larger, meaning she can carry more weight. She may not be as manoeuvrable, but she is the one that carries the eggs, and is responsible for the nurturing of her young. Don't you know anything!?"

"I…" He lowers his head in shame. "Sorry." However, deep down he is livid with her for what she accused him of. How dare you say I am sexist, Aerne!? You don't damn well know anything about me! I never treat Sheisk like my inferior! He remains silent while Aerne pays the fee to rent the Bakhora for riding, and the pair of them climb atop the bird's back before she opens her wings and takes flight.