Worlds and Moons coming together
The Small ship sailed across the sea with ease going slow and steady with Zima at the Helm. Spyro was laying on the deck getting some rest with Sparx laying against them. They both had been through a great deal and with nothing but the wind of the sea blowing with the ship having its sail guide towards their destination they all needed to get some rest. But for Adir he could not take the moment to join with the others on the deck he was far too busy talking with Zima.
The young man enchanted Zima answering many of her questions about who, Adir was? His species and people. The Realm that he came from. Zima's fascination was beyond any words she could use to describe just how much she marveled the world that, Adir came from.
Machines that could do anything. Allow someone to talk over thousands of miles. Flying contraptions that do not use magic but fuels that can transport hundreds of people to the farther sides of the world within hours when such a journey could take years. Markets that have so much food to sell it seems no one can ever go hungry as long as they had the coin. Devices that can heat a home without the use of logs for a fire. So many technological marvels that seemed as impossible coming from, Adir's own mouth. But they were all too well described by him for all that he talked about to be a fabrication.
As much as Adir's own realm Earth as his world is called and the country that was much like a Kingdom of a grander scale he once resided in she wanted to know more about him and his friends. Spyro was getting the rest he needed it would have been poor to wake him after he earned it she can learn his own story later she wanted to understand, Adir better. His skills were admirable and the power he wielded was incredible power. Much of it was similar to that of the purple dragon on deck. And that tattoo on his left hand could not be something of a coincidence. It seemed he had a connection to the dragon.
Adir explained as best he could. It was true they shared a bond ever since the day, Spyro had saved his life. Over a year ago his family was taken, and he followed them through the portal, but he could nothing as he was attacked by a monster that after sending him over a cliff his family was enslaved but to him they were presumably killed. Spyro and Sparx had found him, and their family saved his life.
Zima's own heart grew sympathetic towards Adir. She didn't realize he too had suffered so much. Its said that all warriors carry great burdens. But for Adir to have believed to have lost everything. His home. His family and the life he lived truly sad. She willingly left the place she called home for there was nothing left for her there but, Adir and his family were taken from their home. They did not choose to leave and to be refugee's in a realm that as, Adir said did not even know that existed that's harder than she could have imagined her own tragic tale.
The young warrior continued on his story. Living with Spyro and his adopted Dragonfly Family. The Day when Sparx was snatched and in their attempt to save him they both had used the fire element. The Journey they took to find answers only to discover, Spyros true heritage and even, Adir's own. Apparently a descendant of warriors that even his own family did not know of. How could he or even they not know about that? More questions than answers but what they discovered was who was responsible for all their turmoil.
The Topic of Cynder's monstrous reign was a heavy subject. After reclaiming the Dragon Temple and being given the very weapon and armor, Adir wore he along with, Spyro and Sparx set out to free the other guardians along the way helping the residents of the lands that, Cynder's apes had imprisoned and enslaved.
The Story finished when Adir talked how they discovered the truth behind Cynder's monstrosity. How Spyro and himself managed to save her by casting out the dark magic that influenced her and that a mysterious yet deadly enemy of the dragons that had the apes serving him and his vileness the Dark Master. The Victory over Cynder had resulted in Adir's family being reunited with him and since that day they not only were free again but each one of them had gained their own elements as, Zima saw when they fought the Skavengers.
They still did not understand a great deal but the journey they were taking now since the attack on the Dragon Temple and the visions that, Spyro and himself were receiving from the one known as the Chronicler. This Journey was already costing them a tremendous deal in time. The Moons above were coming closer together and once they did it could mean the end of everything.
Hearing of that Zima shuddered. Truly this was beyond anyone right now. It would explain a great deal over everything that has happened in the past few months. Her own captivity was little compared to the suffering of so many others. She kept their course towards the direction where the White Isle was supposed to be following, Adir's direction on the map. He hoped he was pointing right as by now there could no mistakes made. The More time that passed and if they did not reach the Chronicler in time in hopes of gaining the answers they needed everything could be lost and, Adir did not want that to happen nor did, Spyro or the others who, Adir already missed as he frequent looks behind him seeing nothing but an open sea.
"You miss your family don't you?" Zima asked seeing Adir again look back his face showing longing on it.
"Yes." He answered. "It only just seems just awhile ago that I lost them. Believing they were dead. Discovering they were alive and presumably dead again. Then when I had all but lost any hope there they were alive. Hungry and tired but alive. Weeks we caught up and trained for what could have lied ahead when it was clear we had no way to return to where we came from. Then this all happens. We get attacked and we agree to separate, and we find each other again only to once more split up. I just can't believe I did that!" Adir's despair was more than clear. A Capable warrior but he did not ignore his heart.
Zima jammed the helm in place turning to face the young human. "Adir its good of you to think of them. But don't allow your heart to burden for them. You fought with them. You know their capabilities and with all you told me of what you have all been through and survived do you doubt them? Do you doubt yourself?" She pointed out.
Adir sighed. "I don't doubt them. It's just they're my family, Zima! All I have left. Too often by now we have been separated and we each thought we lost the other. Side by side we got through everything when we set out. But now I have left them behind! I know Spyro was right about all of this, but I just can't…" Adir was suddenly cut off when the snow leopard embraced him.
"Hush now, Adir. Quiet now." She said calmly. "Don't think self-doubt. You and your family I may not know well but from what I seen your all true and capable. You survived when lesser people would not have lasted. You fought through and found victory. You've all done so much already. I know the longing is in your heart but don't let it weigh on you. Focus ahead and know we will reunite with your family." She assured hugging him close.
Adir couldn't help but return the hug. Zima may have come from a land filled with snow and ice, but she was tremendously warm. Letting himself fall into her comforting hug he could feel himself easing down. He was worried for his family but more for the family he has with him. They had survived all this way, but it always came so close. Any time they could have died. The Feeling of losing any one he had weighed on his mind. The more that came into his life now was someone important to him. Even this one who had taken out from a cage and now she was part of this journey when she had no reason to follow them. She could have remained behind with the others and been an assistance to them. But now she was going into the unknown like they were, and she had never even seen the Guardians only the injured, Cyril or knew much of the dragons let alone of all the stories she heard of. She was in something now that was much bigger and, Adir was just as worried for her too.
Zima let a soft purr come from herself. Ever since the loss of her brother she never felt like she belonged anywhere. She looked for others but always felt that it was not enough for her to stick around. Seeking out the next person who was in need only to fall into the hands of the Skavengers but when, Adir along with his family both of his kind and that of the dragons she never felt so hopeful again. Despite the oncoming threat that could be seen from the sky above and the grim fate that may await the lands and even the world entire she wanted to be part of something that may give her peace. Adir reminded her so much of the brother she missed dearly.
They remained in hug for a moment before Adir had to say something. The moment was becoming rather awkward. "Uh…Zima?"
Zima realized her purring was becoming loud and that she was holding, Adir a bit too hard. She backed away and both of them chuckled awkwardly. "Do you know how far we are now?" Asked Zima trying to relax herself that moment was rather much, and she couldn't believe she took it that far.
"Well, we have been flying for over three hours now. If my assumption on the map is correct given to how straight we have been flying we might reach the isle in a few hours if we're lucky and if I am being correct. My father taught me the basics of land navigation but navigating by land is a lot different than navigating by the sea." Admitted Adir really hoping that he was not wrong in this. So much pressure on a simple task. If only his father was a navy man but as much as the army enjoyed making fun of the boys in white uniforms that never saw much on the sea as the army does his father would rebuke on him for thinking such things.
"As I said have confidence in yourself, Adir. You have talked a great many things of your father. He seemed to have taught you and the rest of your family well. His memory is at peace knowing your doing what he did. You're protecting those that are important to you. You're risking yourself to help others that are not even your own. That's noble of you and your family. Such a rare comradery. I believe in your navigational skills. We will follow the course." Zima assured. Sometimes its those that were too confident in their skills are the ones most likely to fail but to those that had good hearts but were doubtful are usually the ones who had the right idea about them.
"Well, here's hoping." Hoped Adir turning around and saw the purple dragon laying at the far side of the deck with, Sparx muttering in his sleep.
Zima got an idea. The Helm was jammed, and the winds were very light. They could traverse across deck without an issue and perhaps was a good time to get some training in if the human in front of her could not rest yet.
"Follow me to the deck." Asked Zima walking to the stairs to the deck below it.
"Alright." Adir agreed though he did not know what she wanted to do but once he caught up with her at the middle of the deck she stood with her hands on her hips.
"I watched how your fought. You did quite well. But maybe a few tricks to help you gain the upper hand? Allow me to teach some techniques that has served me well when I was still in the city in my homeland." Zima offered with a smile on her face. The Warrior across from her needed to learn a few more moves that could benefit for the fights that are still ahead. She made a promise to return with them all and if she was going to keep that promise it was best to teach the only one who stood nearly at her own height with long enough arms and legs.
"Sure. Something my father once said. You have to adapt in order to survive. If you're not willing to commit then your as good as dead and those around you can pay the same price for one less soldier means one less person to watch out for them when the moment matters." Explained Adir readying himself. He did not know what he was in for but, Zima was serious about this.
"Your father was very wise. A True Warrior." Zima complimented and, Adir nodded in agreement. How he missed the man that was a inspiration to him. "Now I want you to strike at me. Don't be slow. Attempt to hit me across my face."
"Are you sure about that?" Adir asked only for Zima to slap him just off the side of his face not to hard but enough to surprise him.
"Do as I tell you!" Zima demanded with a soft snarl.
Adir then tried to hit the snow leopard, but she moved quick pushing off the side of his right arm with her own moving to his right then brought the front of her fingers with her left hand so fast that, Adir did not see coming until he felt the tips of her claws at his throat.
"When facing someone it can be better not to simply engage them. You have to outmaneuver them too. Hit sensitive areas like the throat. If you can hit with enough force it may cause them to drop and back off. Hitting that spot would leave them open for a strike that could kill next if you did not pierce it." Explained Zima releasing Adir. "Now try again."
Adir nodded and attempted to strike her, but she tried the same move but this time, Adir managed to catch her hand before it could reach his throat.
"Good Adir. You cannot expect your opponent's fight in a fair manner. Sometimes you have to watch out as they maybe as skilled or even more than you are." Continued Zima and Adir nodded.
"Right. With all that I and my family been through its fortunate we have. We faced Apes and other monstrous creatures. Stone golems. Armored behemoths. Skabb who had many weapons all over him taking us by surprise both times we faced him. I understand what you mean." Adir replied getting a better idea what she meant.
"Very good. Can make a good thief out of you yet." Zima winked at him unaware that their training session was being watched by, Spyro and Sparx not realizing that they woke up from the sudden clanging of feet on the deck. They thought they were under attack but to see, Zima training Adir it was good to see the two of them coming together.
"I can watch this all day!" The Dragonfly joked laying against the dragon with his hands behind his head.
"Don't be rude about it, Sparx. Its good of Zima to help, Adir. He's receiving some helpful advice from someone that is not the guardians or his own family. The More helps he can get the better. I bet she has many things to teach us both as well." Spyro pointed out as he laid place watching, Zima continued to teach Adir more techniques. Sparx only scoffed and rested back and continued to watch hoping that maybe something funny happen but, Adir was proving to be good student to snow leopard. From how to get out of someone's grasp if they managed to grab them into both arms. Usually if their small or equal size all he to do was kicked up and bring them his legs back down with the momentum gained could throw them off or a larger opponent can get an attempt to strike them in the eye once he manages to reach and see their face in the quick moment.
Other techniques required great speed to slip to the side and strike at their lower legs or heels to drop them to their knees for a heavy strike or finishing blow. To disarm without the use of weapons or his powers. Certainly, they both are needed but should he ever find he cannot use them how to grab a hand and twist enough that it causes his attacker to drop their weapon. More techniques followed until Adir finally had to back off having worked up a lot of sweat in the sessions.
"You're doing well, Adir. A lot of what I was teaching took me years to figure out on my own. Your fortunate your past training has benefited you." Complemented Zima quite pleased with the young warrior. He did not protest at all. She had thought he would be arrogant and proclaim himself to have all that he needed already. She was once like that before and that cost her a lot in her starting years as a thief. Missed or slipped opportunities because she thought she knew better at the time which she did not. Those years were the most difficult because of her arrogant behavior along with her frustrations at losing all she and her brother had that had them live as outcasts and eventual thieves.
"Thank you, Zima. You would have bested me every single time. Its kind of you wanting to teach me all that." Thanked Adir taking a breath as the sessions given were quite tiresome. No matter how many battles he fought he could still get tired even through a few training lessons.
"Perhaps or not but I am glad to teach some of the things I have picked up. I want to keep you all alive. Not just to fulfil promise I made but I would hate to lose the only friends I have made in recent years." Admitted Zima.
"How sweet of you whiskers!" Called Sparx over to the snow leopard who only returned the remark with a snarling hiss.
"Don't call me that bug!" She warned.
"Whoa hey now! No need to go that far!" Sparx put up his hands in offense but, Spyro just gave him a look.
"Sparx what did I say? Don't be rude. Zima is risking a great deal coming out with us. We owe her a lot for proceeding in such a risk." The Purple Dragon insisted and, Sparx just sighed and flapped his wings and hovered above him.
"Alright, alright. Are we there yet by any chance?" Asked Sparx.
"No. Just open ocean for now. But we gone pretty far by now we should be there soon. Hopefully." Adir admitted as hours had passed now. It was starting to get dark and the moons above were itching closer now. Time was of the essence and all he could do was pray that the Chronicler would have the answers when they find him.
Spyro stood up and walked over to, Adir and Zima with, Sparx following. "Thank you again for coming, Zima. Your quite brave and thank you for teaching, Adir. I am certain you have a lot to share with us."
The Snow Leopard was flattered by the dragons words. Amazing how such creatures are not feral animals they have a true sense of intelligence and even wisdom about them. So powerful that the very elements of the world are wielded by them? And even by the likes a of foreigner in this world truly there was a lot that they could share with her as well as she could though what she could share is not as much.
"Thank you. I will offer anything I can to see this through. Now I better get back to the helm before." Zima turned to go back up to the wheel of the ship but then she noticed, Adir looked woozy. Much more than what their training sessions had done.
"Adir are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?" Worried Zima thinking maybe she went too far but then Adir's eyes shut, and he collapsed forward and, Zima caught him.
"Adir what's wrong?" She yelled lowering him carefully to the floor and then a thud came from her side and, Spyro had collapsed next.
"Not this again!" Grumbled Sparx.
"What's wrong with them both?" Zima nearly panicked.
"Probably having another vision. This happened three times now. And don't worry they're not dead. They'll wake up eventually." Sparx assured but this was embarrassing all the same. Least they didn't collapse post battle or just before one as there was nothing around them at all but that still worried the dragonfly. He flew up higher to make sure while, Zima check over the two that collapsed into sleep it seemed. She couldn't wake them no matter how hard she shook either of them. She hoped that the dragonfly was telling the truth but then she heard him cry out from above.
"LAND AHOY!" He bellowed as loud as he could pointing in the direction the ship was going. Zima ran up to the bow of the ship and saw that, Sparx was right. Though still great in the distance she could make an island that was slowly coming into view. It had to be their destination. It had to be the White Isle.
